bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On semiparametric regression in functional data analysis
Authors: Ling Nengxiang , Vieu Philippe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to provide a selected advanced review on semiparametric regression which is an emergent promising field of researches in functional data analysis. As a deliberate strategy, we decided to focus our discussion on the single functional index regression (SFIR) model in order to fix the ideas about the stakes linked with infinite dimensional problems and about the methodological challenges that one has to solve when building statistical procedure: one of the most challenging issue being the question of dimensionality effects reduction. This will be the first (and the main) part of this discussion and a complete survey of the literature on SFIR model will be presented. In a second attempt, other semiparametric models (and more generally, other dimension reduction models) will be shortly discussed with the double goal of presenting the state of art and of defining challenging tracks for the future. At the end, we will discuss how additive modeling is an appealing idea for more complicated models involving multifunctional predictors and some tracks for the future will be pointed in this setting.This article is categorized under:
Statistical Models > Semiparametric Models
Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods
Exact SMEFT formulation and expansion to $$ \mathcal{O} $$(v4/Λ4)
Authors: Hays Chris , Helset Andreas , Martin Adam , Trott Michael 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) theoretical framework is increasingly used to interpret particle physics measurements and constrain physics beyond the Standard Model. We investigate the truncation of the effective-operator expansion using the geometric formulation of the SMEFT, which allows exact solutions, up to mass-dimension eight. Using this construction, we compare the exact solution to the expansion at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(v2/Λ2), partial $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(v4/Λ4) using a subset of terms with dimension-6 operators, and full $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(v4/Λ4), where v is the vacuum expectation value and Λ is the scale of new physics. This comparison is performed for general values of the coefficients, and for the specific model of a heavy U(1) gauge field kinetically mixed with the Standard Model. We additionally determine the input-parameter scheme dependence at all orders in v/Λ, and show that this dependence increases at higher orders in v/Λ.
Finite-N corrections to the M-brane indices
Authors: Arai Reona , Fujiwara Shota , Imamura Yosuke , Mori Tatsuya , Yokoyama Daisuke 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We investigate finite-N corrections to the superconformal indices of the theories realized on M2- and M5-branes. For three-dimensional theories realized on a stack of N M2-branes we calculate the finite-N corrections as the contribution of extended M5-branes in the dual geometry AdS4×S7. We take only M5-brane configurations with a single wrapping into account, and neglect multiple-wrapping configurations. We compare the results with the indices calculated from the ABJM theory, and find agreement up to expected errors due to the multiple wrapping. For six-dimensional theories on N M5-branes we calculate the indices by analyzing extended M2-branes in AdS7×S4. Again, we include only configurations with single wrapping. We first compare the result for N = 1 with the index of the free tensor multiplet to estimate the order of the error due to multiple wrapping. We calculate first few terms of the index of AN−1 theories explicitly, and confirm that they can be expanded by superconformal representations. We also discuss multiple-wrapping contributions to the six-dimensional Schur-like index.
Destructive per continuitatem spondylodiscitis after endovascular abdominal or thoracic aneurysm repair (EVAR/TEVAR): rare and untreatable?
Authors: Dreimann Marc , Ryang Yu-Mi , Schoof Benjamin , Thiessen Darius , Eicker Sven Oliver , Strube Patrick , Stangenberg Martin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Very few publications have previously described spondylodiscitis as a potential complication of endovascular aortic procedures (EVAR/TEVAR). We present to our knowledge the first case series of spondylodiscitis following EVAR/TEVAR based on our data base. Particular focus was laid on the complexity of disease treatment and grave outcome perspectives from a spine surgeon’s point of view in this seriously affected patient group.

Materials and methods
A retrospective analysis and chart review was performed for 11 out of 284 consecutive spondylodiscitis patients who underwent EVAR/TEVAR procedure and developed destructive per continuitatem spondylodiscitis.

Results
All 11 patients had single or more level destructive spondylodiscitis adjacent to the thoracic/lumbar stent graft. In mean, four surgeries were performed per patient to treat this rare complication. Six out of eleven patients (55%) died within 6 months of first identification of per continuitatem spondylodiscitis. In four patients due to persisting infection of the graft and recurrence of the abscess formation, a persisting fistula from anterior approach to the skin was applied.

Conclusions
Destructive per continuitatem spondylodiscitis is a rare and severe complication post-EVAR/TEVAR. Clinical and imaging features of anterior paravertebral disease and anterior vertebral body involvement suggest direct continuous spread of the graft infection to the adjacent vertebral column. The mortality rate of these severe infections is extremely high and treatment with a permanent fistula may be one salvage procedure.
Effects of cataract surgery in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Nishiguchi Fumi , Ishikawa Hiroto , Amaki Junichi , Komuku Yuki , Kimura Akiko , Gomi Fumi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effects of cataract surgery in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods
The primary endpoint in this prospective, observational study was patient satisfaction at 6 months after cataract surgery in patients with nAMD. Secondary endpoints comprised changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), M-chart score, central retinal thickness (CRT), AMD status, and number of AMD treatments. All examinations were performed before surgery, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results
Fifty patients (52 eyes) were included in this study (32 men; mean age, 76.1 ± 7.1 years). Thirty-nine patients (75.0%) reported satisfaction with cataract surgery. BCVA significantly improved at all postoperative timepoints (all p < 0.0001), whereas differences in M-chart scores were not statistically significant. The number of eyes with BCVA ≤ 0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) increased from 21 to 38; however, CRT did not change. The number of AMD treatments did not change during follow-up. All questionnaire scores showed postoperative improvement. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that final BCVA ≤ 0.3 logMAR was significantly associated with patient satisfaction.

Conclusion
Cataract surgery significantly improved vision in Japanese patients with nAMD, without affecting AMD status. Patients were satisfied with cataract surgery, especially with respect to improvement of distance vision.
Impact of resistance training status on trunk muscle activation in a fatiguing set of heavy back squats
Authors: Clark David R. , Lambert Michael I. , Grigson Chris , Hunter Angus M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
In this study we measured neural activation (EMG) in four trunk stabilizer muscles and vastus lateralis (VL) in trained and novice participants during a set of squat repetitions to volitional fatigue at 85% 1RM.

Methods
Forty males were recruited into two groups, novice (NG: n = 21) and experienced (EG: n = 19), according to relative squat 1RM. Participants were tested twice to: (1) determine squat 1RM, and (2) complete a single set of repetitions to volitional fatigue at 85% 1RM. Relative squat 1RM; NG < 140% body mass, EG > 160% body mass. Neuromuscular activation was measured by EMG for the following: rectus abdominus (RA), external oblique (EO), lumbar sacral erector spinae (LSES), upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES) and VL in eccentric and concentric phase. Completed repetitions, RPE and EMG in repetition 1 and at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of completed repetitions were analysed.

Results
No group differences were found between number repetitions completed and RPE in repetitions to volitional fatigue at 85% 1RM. Neuromuscular activation increased significantly in all muscle groups in eccentric and concentric phase apart from RA in the eccentric phase. Trunk neuromuscular activation was higher in NG compared to EG and this was significant in EO, LSES and ULES in eccentric phase and LSES in the concentric phase. VL activation increased in both phases with no group differences.

Conclusion
Trunk neuromuscular activation increases in a fatiguing set of heavy squats regardless of training status. Increased back squat strength through training results in lower neuromuscular activation despite greater absolute external squat loads.
Markov decision processes with quasi-hyperbolic discounting
Authors: Jaśkiewicz Anna , Nowak Andrzej S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe study Markov decision processes with Borel state spaces under quasi-hyperbolic discounting. This type of discounting nicely models human behaviour, which is time-inconsistent in the long run. The decision maker has preferences changing in time. Therefore, the standard approach based on the Bellman optimality principle fails. Within a dynamic game-theoretic framework, we prove the existence of randomised stationary Markov perfect equilibria for a large class of Markov decision processes with transitions having a density function. We also show that randomisation can be restricted to two actions in every state of the process. Moreover, we prove that under some conditions, this equilibrium can be replaced by a deterministic one. For models with countable state spaces, we establish the existence of deterministic Markov perfect equilibria. Many examples are given to illustrate our results, including a portfolio selection model with quasi-hyperbolic discounting.
Application of microimaging to diffusion studies in nanoporous materials
Authors: Chmelik Christian , Gläser Roger , Haase Jürgen , Hwang Seungtaik , Kärger Jörg 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMicroimaging on the basis of, respectively, interference microscopy and IR microscopy permit the observation of the distribution of guest molecules in nanoporous solids and their variation with time. Thus attainable knowledge of both concentration gradients and diffusion fluxes provides direct access to the underlying diffusion phenomena. This includes, in particular, the measurement of transport diffusion under transient, i. e. under non-equilibrium conditions, and of self- or tracer diffusion on considering the rate of tracer exchange. Correlating the difference in guest concentration close to the external surface to its equilibrium value with the influx into the nanoporous solid, microimaging does as well allow the direct determination of surface resistances. Examples illustrating the variety of information thus attainable include the comparison of mass transfer under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions, single- and multicomponent diffusion and chemical reactions. They, finally, introduce into the potentials of microimaging for an in-depth study of mass transfer in mixed-matrix membranes. This tutorial review may serve as first introduction into the topic. Further references are linked for the interested reader.
Cell-biological effects of zinc oxide spheres and rods from the nano- to the microscale at sub-toxic levels
Authors: Olejnik M. , Kersting M. , Rosenkranz N. , Loza K. , Breisch M. , Rostek A. , Prymak O. , Schürmeyer L. , Westphal G. , Köller M. , Bünger J. , Epple M. , Sengstock C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractZinc oxide particles were synthesized in various sizes and shapes, i.e., spheres of 40-nm, 200-nm, and 500-nm diameter and rods of 40∙100 nm2 and 100∙400 nm2 (all PVP-stabilized and well dispersed in water and cell culture medium). Crystallographically, the particles consisted of the hexagonal wurtzite phase with a primary crystallite size of 20 to 100 nm. The particles showed a slow dissolution in water and cell culture medium (both neutral; about 10% after 5 days) but dissolved within about 1 h in two different simulated lysosomal media (pH 4.5 to 4.8). Cells relevant for respiratory exposure (NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages) were exposed to these particles in vitro. Viability, apoptosis, and cell activation (generation of reactive oxygen species, ROS, release of cytokines) were investigated in an in vitro lung cell model with respect to the migration of inflammatory cells. All particle types were rapidly taken up by the cells, leading to an increased intracellular zinc ion concentration. The nanoparticles were more cytotoxic than the microparticles and comparable with dissolved zinc acetate. All particles induced cell apoptosis, unlike dissolved zinc acetate, indicating a particle-related mechanism. Microparticles induced a stronger formation of reactive oxygen species than smaller particles probably due to higher sedimentation (cell-to-particle contact) of microparticles in contrast to nanoparticles. The effect of particle types on the cytokine release was weak and mainly resulted in a decrease as shown by a protein microarray. In the particle-induced cell migration assay (PICMA), all particles had a lower effect than dissolved zinc acetate. In conclusion, the biological effects of zinc oxide particles in the sub-toxic range are caused by zinc ions after intracellular dissolution, by cell-to-particle contacts, and by the uptake of zinc oxide particles into cells.
Effects of model calibration on hydrological and water resources management simulations under climate change in a semi-arid watershed
Authors: Koch Hagen , Silva Ana Lígia Chaves , Liersch Stefan , de Azevedo José Roberto Gonçalves , Hattermann Fred Fokko 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSemi-arid regions are known for erratic precipitation patterns with significant effects on the hydrological cycle and water resources availability. High temporal and spatial variation in precipitation causes large variability in runoff over short durations. Due to low soil water storage capacity, base flow is often missing and rivers fall dry for long periods. Because of its climatic characteristics, the semi-arid north-eastern region of Brazil is prone to droughts. To counter these, reservoirs were built to ensure water supply during dry months. This paper describes problems and solutions when calibrating and validating the eco-hydrological model SWIM for semi-arid regions on the example of the Pajeú watershed in north-eastern Brazil. The model was calibrated to river discharge data before the year 1983, with no or little effects of water management, applying a simple and an enhanced approach. Uncertainties result mainly from the meteorological data and observed river discharges. After model calibration water management was included in the simulations. Observed and simulated reservoir volumes and river discharges are compared. The calibrated and validated models were used to simulate the impacts of climate change on hydrological processes and water resources management using data of two representative concentration pathways (RCP) and five earth system models (ESM). The differences in changes in natural and managed mean discharges are negligible (< 5%) under RCP8.5 but notable (> 5%) under RCP2.6 for the ESM ensemble mean. In semi-arid catchments, the enhanced approach should be preferred, because in addition to discharge, a second variable, here evapotranspiration, is considered for model validation.
Conservation genetics of yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata): a matter of geographical scale and isolation
Authors: Hantzschmann Alena Marcella , Sinsch Ulrich , Göttlicher Christa , Pröhl Heike 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAmphibian populations world-wide are threatened by declines and extinctions mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation threatens the yellow-bellied toadBombina variegatain the northern and western regions of its distribution where it is strictly protected. We studied the genetic structure and diversity of populations at three geographical scales using microsatellite loci to detect potential threats for population persistence. At the local scale, we sampled four neighbouring localities at 1–2.6 km distance to detect effects of short-term (decades) fragmentation on connectivity. At the regional scale, five additional localities in the mountains of the Westerwald (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) were studied at up to 50.1 km distance to analyse genetic diversity and population structure. At the continental scale, we included data from regions in the northern distribution with fragmented populations (Hesse and Lower Saxony, Germany) and more continuous populations in the South (Alsace, France; Geneva, Switzerland; Trentino, Italy) to evaluate variation of genetic diversity. At the local scale, short-term fragmentation caused significant genetic differentiation between breeding assemblages only 1.4 km apart from each other. At the regional scale, we found notable genetic distance among localities. At the continental scale, we identified Alsace, Trentino and Geneva in the South as regions with low genetic structuring and high allelic richness, and the northern remaining regions in Germany as deeply structured with reduced allelic richness. We suggest that reduced genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation in northern regions makes these populations particularly vulnerable to decline. In conclusion, informed conservation management ofB. variegatashould focus on measures maintaining or improving connectivity among neighbouring populations.
Zero-Tolerance in Catalonia: Policing the Other in Public Space
Authors: Lundsteen Martin , Fernández González Miquel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecent studies have argued for more nuanced understandings of zero tolerance (ZT) policing, rendering it essential to analyze the significance and actual workings of the policies in practice, including the context in which they are introduced. This article aims to accomplish this through a comparison of two case studies in Catalonia: one in the neighborhood of Raval in Barcelona and one in Salt—a municipality in thecomarca(or county) of Girona. We identify a transformation in the use of ZT policies in Catalonia and a contradiction between their social effects and proclaimed objectives. This article attempts to address how specific sociocultural groups gain power and privilege from these policies. The main argument is that a set of commonsensical ideas have become hegemonic, which allows and naturalizes certain sociocultural practices in urban space, while persecuting others, fundamentally pitting two categories against each other: the desired civil citizen and the undesirable and uncivil stranger.
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy Versus Antibiotic Prophylaxis as Treatment for Incomplete Primary Antibody Deficiency
Authors: Smits Bas M. , Kleine Budde Ilona , de Vries Esther , ten Berge Ineke J. M. , Bredius Robbert G. M. , van Deuren Marcel , van Dissel Jaap T. , Ellerbroek Pauline M. , van der Flier Michiel , van Hagen P. Martin , Nieuwhof Chris , Rutgers Bram , Sanders Lieke E. A. M. , Simon Anna , Kuijpers Taco W. , van Montfrans Joris M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with an IgG subclass deficiency (IgSD) ± specific polysaccharide antibody deficiency (SPAD) often present with recurrent infections. Previous retrospective studies have shown that prophylactic antibiotics (PA) and immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) can both be effective in preventing these infections; however, this has not been confirmed in a prospective study.

Objective
To compare the efficacy of PA and IRT in a randomized crossover trial.

Methods
A total of 64 patients (55 adults and 9 children) were randomized (2:2) between two treatment arms. Treatment arm A began with 12 months of PA, and treatment arm B began with 12 months of IRT. After a 3-month bridging period with cotrimoxazole, the treatment was switched to 12 months of IRT and PA, respectively. The efficacy (measured by the incidence of infections) and proportion of related adverse events in the two arms were compared.

Results
The overall efficacy of the two regimens did not differ (p = 0.58, two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test). A smaller proportion of patients suffered a related adverse event while using PA (26.8% vs. 60.3%, p < 0.0003, chi-squared test). Patients with persistent infections while using PA suffered fewer infections per year after switching to IRT (2.63 vs. 0.64, p < 0.01).

Conclusion
We found comparable efficacy of IRT and PA in patients with IgSD ± SPAD. Patients with persistent infections during treatment with PA had less infections after switching to IRT.

Clinical Implication
Given the costs and associated side-effects of IRT, it should be reserved for patients with persistent infections despite treatment with PA.
Managing climate change risk: the case of the Italian Churches
Authors: Porrini Donatella , De Masi Francesco 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn a world of increasing and worse and worse climate events, there is an urgent need to find how to manage the climate change risk and make cultural heritage more resilient. Given the relevant threat represented by climate-related events, this paper aims to analyze the role of insurance in safeguarding cultural heritage from natural disasters. The focus is on Italian Churches seen as a particular case of study. Taking into consideration the characteristics of the managing risk strategy, we use a value-belief-norm approach and a decision tree analysis to evaluate the efficiency of the governance scheme adopted. In the case examined of the Italian Churches, the strategy is mainly based on a private insurance contract characterized by a double track, local and national, to reach the important goal of the full coverage of all churches. We conclude that cultural heritage can drive climate action and the originality of the Italian Churches strategy can represent a benchmark in this field.