bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Giant gravitons on the Schrödinger pp-wave geometry
Authors: Georgiou George , Zoakos Dimitrios 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We construct a new giant graviton solution on the recently constructed pp-wave geometry of the non-supersymmetric Schrödinger background. That solution exhibits an intriguing behavior as the deformation parameter of the spacetime varies. Firstly, the degeneracy between the giant and the point graviton is lifted for the benefit of the giant graviton as soon as the deformation is turned on. Secondly, when the deformation parameter exceeds a critical value the barrier separating the point from the giant graviton disappears. This suggests that the mere presence of a D3-brane leads to the spontaneous breaking of conformal invariance. We perform a detailed analysis of the full bosonic spectrum, which reveals that the deformation induces a coupling between the scalar and the gauge field fluctuations. It is exactly this coupling that keeps the giant graviton free of tachyonic instabilities. Furthermore, the giant graviton configuration completely breaks the supersymmetry of the pp-wave background, as the Kappa-symmetry analysis suggests.
Global aspects of conformal symmetry and the ANEC in dS and AdS
Authors: Rosso Felipe 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Starting from the averaged null energy condition (ANEC) in Minkowski we show that conformal symmetry implies the ANEC for a conformal field theory (CFT) in a de Sitter and anti-de Sitter background. A similar and novel bound is also obtained for a CFT in the Lorentzian cylinder. Using monotonicity of relative entropy, we rederive these results for dS and the cylinder. As a byproduct we obtain the vacuum modular Hamiltonian and entanglement entropy associated to null deformed regions of CFTs in (A)dS and the cylinder. A third derivation of the ANEC in dS is shown to follow from bulk causality in AdS/CFT. Finally, we use the Tomita-Takesaki theory to show that Rindler positivity of Minkowski correlators generalizes to conformal theories defined in dS and the cylinder.
Endemic species predation by the introduced smooth-billed ani in Galápagos
Authors: Cooke Sophia C. , Anchundia David , Caton Emma , Haskell Lucy E. , Jäger Heinke , Kalki Yatindra , Mollá Óscar , Rodríguez Jacqueline , Schramer Tristan D. , Walentowitz Anna , Fessl Birgit 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe introduced smooth-billed ani Crotophaga ani has become widespread across the Galápagos archipelago in the past half-century. It is known to predate upon a range of native and endemic species, and is a potential vector for the spread of invasive plants and parasites. Here we report previously undocumented examples of smooth-billed ani predation in Galápagos, including that of an endemic racer snake and a scorpion. We highlight the possibility of smooth-billed anis having a serious impact on the endemic Galápagos carpenter bee, a major pollinator, as well as native and endemic Lepidopterans and other invertebrates. In addition, we report smooth-billed ani predation of other introduced species and note the importance of further research on the wide-scale impacts of smooth-billed anis in Galápagos and their role within the archipelago’s ecological networks.
Preserving fertility in young women undergoing chemotherapy for early breast cancer; the Maastricht experience
Authors: Vriens Ingeborg J. H. , ter Welle-Butalid Elena M. , de Boer Maaike , de Die-Smulders Christine E. M. , Derhaag Josien G. , Geurts Sandra M. E. , van Hellemond Irene E. G. , Luiten Ernest J. T. , Dercksen M. Wouter , Lemaire Bea M. D. , van Haaren Els R. M. , Vriens Birgit E. P. J. , van de Wouw Agnes J. , van Riel Anne-marie M. G. H. , Janssen-Engelen Sandra L. E. , van de Poel Marlène H. W. , Schepers-van der Sterren Ester E. M. , van Golde Ron J. T. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
We assessed the uptake of fertility preservation (FP), recovery of ovarian function (OFR) after chemotherapy, live birth after breast cancer, and breast cancer outcomes in women with early-stage breast cancer.

Methods
Women aged below 41 years and referred to our center for FP counseling between 2008 and 2015 were included. Data on patient and tumor characteristics, ovarian function, cryopreservation (embryo/oocyte) and transfer, live birth, and disease-free survival were collected. Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed for time-to-event analyses including competing risk analyses, and patients with versus without FP were compared using the logrank test.

Results
Of 118 counseled women with a median age of 31 years (range 19–40), 34 (29%) chose FP. Women who chose FP had less often children, more often a male partner and more often favorable tumor characteristics. The 5-year OFR rate was 92% for the total group of counseled patients. In total, 26 women gave birth. The 5-year live birth rate was 27% for the total group of counseled patients. Only three women applied for transfer of their cryopreserved embryo(s), in two combined with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) because of BRCA1-mutation carrier ship. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 91% versus 88%, for patients with versus without FP (P = 0.42).

Conclusions
Remarkably, most women achieved OFR, probably related to the young age at diagnosis. Most pregnancies occurred spontaneously, two of three women applied for embryo transfer because of the opportunity to apply for PGD.
Excess deaths and Hurricane María
Authors: Spagat Michael , van Weezel Stijn 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe clarify the distinction between direct and indirect effects of disasters such as Hurricane María and use data from the Puerto Rico Vital Statistics System to estimate monthly excess deaths in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane which struck the island in September of 2017. We use a Bayesian linear regression model fitted to monthly data for 2010–2016 to predict monthly death tallies for all months in 2017, finding large deviations of actual numbers above predicted ones in September and October of 2017 but much weaker evidence of excess mortality in November and December of 2017. These deviations translate into 910 excess deaths with a 95% uncertainty interval of 440 to 1390. We also find little evidence of big pre-hurricane mortality spikes in 2017, suggesting that such large spikes do not just happen randomly and, therefore, the post-hurricane mortality spike can reasonably be attributed to the hurricane.
Assessing the threat of lone-actor terrorism: the reliability and validity of the TRAP-18
Authors: Guldimann Angela , Meloy J. Reid 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTerrorism, especially lone-actor terrorism, is considered a major national security threat in both North America and Europe. The threat of terrorism has many faces and violence can arise from all ideological extremes. The authors present the theoretical model and current empirical validation of the Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18), a structured professional judgment instrument for those engaged in risk assessment of persons of concern for acts of terrorist violence. It can be used independently of a particular ideology. The TRAP-18 consists of 8 proximal warning behaviors and 10 distal characteristics, and has been designed to help prioritize the imminency of risk in specific cases, and therefore determine the intensity of monitoring and active management a case requires. Research has demonstrated excellent interrater reliability, and promising content, criterion, discriminant, and predictive validity. More research is in progress. The TRAP-18 is currently used by counterterrorism experts in North America and Europe. It offers a useful approach for professionals who may be assessing and treating individuals of national security concern.
Comprehensive Broiler Supply Chain Model with Vertical and Horizontal Linkages: Impact of US–China Trade War and USMCA
Authors: Unveren Hakan , Luckstead Jeff 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper builds a comprehensive supply chain model of the US broiler industry that accounts for corn and soybean meal, feed mills, breeders, hatcheries, grow-out farms, broiler processing, value-added processing, and international trade. The model is calibrated and simulated to analyze the effects of (1) corn and soybeans tariffs imposed by China and (2) change in the Canadian tariff-rate quota proposed under US–Mexico–Canada–Agreement. The first scenario indicates that feed price falls while supply increases, which decreases the production costs of breeders and grow-out farms. The second scenario shows that exports to Canada rise at the expense of exports to Mexico.
BIOMETRICS, RACE MAKING, AND WHITE EXCEPTIONALISM: THE CONTROVERSY OVER UNIVERSAL FINGERPRINTING IN KENYA
Authors: WEITZBERG KEREN 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article excavates the imperial origins behind the recent turn towards digital biometrics in Kenya. It also tells the story of an important moment of race-making in the years after the Second World War. Though Kenya may be considered a frontier market for today's biometrics industry, fingerprinting was first introduced in the early twentieth century. By 1920, the Kenyan colonial government had dictated that African men who left their reserves be fingerprinted and issued an identity card (known colloquially as akipande). In the late 1940s, after decades of African protest, the colonial government replaced thekipandewith a universal system of registration via fingerprinting. This legislative move was accompanied by protests from members of the white settler community. Ironically, the effort to deracialize Kenya's identification regime only further normalized the use of biometrics, but also failed to fully undermine associations between white male exceptionalism and exemption from fingerprinting.
Between Bodies and Borders: The place of the natural in the thought of M. K. Gandhi and V. D. Savarkar
Authors: MENON PRIYANKA 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the relationship between ideas of nature and those of politics in the thought of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. In particular, it seeks to elucidate the connection between conceptions of nature and the use of violence as a means of revolutionary action in the philosophies of both thinkers, locating the point of their divergence on the question of violence in their respective understandings of the natural world. For Savarkar, such a relationship manifests itself in the ways in which he understands the notion of borders, both geographic and political. In contrast, Gandhi places his focuses on the individual's use of their body. Both understandings, this article holds, depend on a view of nature as politics.
Integrating Formal Technology Assessment into an Integrated Healthcare Delivery System: Smart Innovation
Authors: Landaas Erik J. , Baird Geoffrey S. , Hansen Ryan N. , Flum David R. , Sullivan Sean D. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesWe designed, developed, and implemented a new hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) program called Smart Innovation. Smart Innovation is a decision framework that reviews and makes technology adoption decisions. Smart Innovation was meant to replace the fragmented and complex process of procurement and adoption decisions at our institution. Because use of new medical technologies accounts for approximately 50 percent of the growth in healthcare spending, hospitals and integrated delivery systems are working to develop better processes and methods to sharpen their approach to adoption and management of high cost medical innovations.MethodsThe program has streamlined the decision-making process and added a robust evidence review for new medical technologies, aiming to balance efficiency with rigorous evidence standards. To promote system-wide adoption, the program engaged a broad representation of leaders, physicians, and administrators to gain support.ResultsTo date, Smart Innovation has conducted eleven HB-HTAs and made clinician-led adoption decisions that have resulted in over $5 million dollars in cost avoidance. These are comprised of five laboratory tests, three software-assisted systems, two surgical devices, and one capital purchase.ConclusionsSmart Innovation has achieved cost savings, avoided uncertain or low-value technologies, and assisted in the implementation of new technologies that have strong evidence. The keys to its success have been the program's collaborative and efficient decision-making systems, partnerships with clinicians, executive support, and proactive role with vendors.
The role of lawyers, judges, country experts and officials in British asylum and immigration law
Authors: Campbell John R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the work of lawyers, judges and country experts involved in asylum and migration litigation. I begin by analysing their work in the wider semi-autonomous asylum field within which a number of powerful institutions operate to shape policy, define the roles of key actors and determine access to legal redress/justice by asylum applicants and migrants. To understand the work of these three legal actors, I analyse four very different types of legal cases involving asylum, foreign adoption and migration law. An analysis of these cases helps to identify the constraints on effective litigation on behalf of refugees and migrants against the British Home Office and it illustrates the fact that it is Home Office policy, and the decisions taken by Home Office officials, that created the injustice for the individuals concerned by blurring the ‘bright line’ differentiating between the rights of nationals and those of ‘foreigners’.
Integrative analysis of genomic amplification-dependent expression and loss-of-function screen identifies ASAP1 as a driver gene in triple-negative breast cancer progression
Authors: He Jichao , McLaughlin Ronan P. , van der Beek Lambert , Canisius Sander , Wessels Lodewyk , Smid Marcel , Martens John W. M. , Foekens John A. , Zhang Yinghui , van de Water Bob 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe genetically heterogeneous triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) continues to be an intractable disease, due to lack of effective targeted therapies. Gene amplification is a major event in tumorigenesis. Genes with amplification-dependent expression are being explored as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this study, we have applied Analytical Multi-scale Identification of Recurring Events analysis and transcript quantification in the TNBC genome across 222 TNBC tumors and identified 138 candidate genes with positive correlation in copy number gain (CNG) and gene expression. siRNA-based loss-of-function screen of the candidate genes has validated EGFR, MYC, ASAP1, IRF2BP2, and CCT5 genes as drivers promoting proliferation in different TNBC cells. MYC, ASAP1, IRF2BP2, and CCT5 display frequent CNG and concurrent expression over 2173 breast cancer tumors (cBioPortal dataset). More frequently are MYC and ASAP1 amplified in TNBC tumors (>30%, n = 320). In particular, high expression of ASAP1, the ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, is significantly related to poor metastatic relapse-free survival of TNBC patients (n = 257, bc-GenExMiner). Furthermore, we have revealed that silencing of ASAP1 modulates numerous cytokine and apoptosis signaling components, such as IL1B, TRAF1, AIFM2, and MAP3K11 that are clinically relevant to survival outcomes of TNBC patients. ASAP1 has been reported to promote invasion and metastasis in various cancer cells. Our findings that ASAP1 is an amplification-dependent TNBC driver gene promoting TNBC cell proliferation, functioning upstream apoptosis components, and correlating to clinical outcomes of TNBC patients, support ASAP1 as a potential actionable target for TNBC treatment.
C3G contributes to platelet activation and aggregation by regulating major signaling pathways
Authors: Gutiérrez-Herrero Sara , Fernández-Infante Cristina , Hernández-Cano Luis , Ortiz-Rivero Sara , Guijas Carlos , Martín-Granado Víctor , González-Porras José Ramón , Balsinde Jesús , Porras Almudena , Guerrero Carmen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractC3G is a GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) for Rap GTPases, among which the isoform Rap1b is an essential protein in platelet biology. Using transgenic mouse models with platelet-specific overexpression of C3G or mutant C3GΔCat, we have unveiled a new function of C3G in regulating the hemostatic function of platelets through its participation in the thrombin-PKC-Rap1b pathway. C3G also plays important roles in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis through its regulation of the platelet secretome. In addition, C3G contributes to megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Here, we used a platelet-specific C3G-KO mouse model to further support the role of C3G in hemostasis. C3G-KO platelets showed a significant delay in platelet activation and aggregation as a consequence of the defective activation of Rap1, which resulted in decreased thrombus formation in vivo. Additionally, we explored the contribution of C3G-Rap1b to platelet signaling pathways triggered by thrombin, PMA or ADP, in the referenced transgenic mouse model, through the use of a battery of specific inhibitors. We found that platelet C3G is phosphorylated at Tyr504 by a mechanism involving PKC-Src. This phosphorylation was shown to be positively regulated by ERKs through their inhibition of the tyrosine phosphatase Shp2. Moreover, C3G participates in the ADP-P2Y12-PI3K-Rap1b pathway and is a mediator of thrombin-TXA2 activities. However, it inhibits the synthesis of TXA2 through cPLA2 regulation. Taken together, our data reveal the critical role of C3G in the main pathways leading to platelet activation and aggregation through the regulation of Rap1b.
Improvement in the Synthesis Conditions and Studying the Physicochemical Properties of the Zeolite Li-A(BW) Obtained from a Kaolinitic Rock
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo , Vecchio Alessandro Del 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCrystallization of zeolite Li-A(BW) from kaolinite (Standard Porcelain by the IMERYS Minerals Ltd) through a conventional hydrothermal treatment is here achieved for the first time with no additives as reported in the literature. Moreover lower kaolin calcination temperatures and lower synthesis temperatures are tested and verified in this work. The synthesis process is rather simple as the reaction of kaolinite with alkali occurs very readily after calcination of at 650 °C. Metakaolin is mixed with calculated amount of aluminum hydroxide and lithium hydroxide and the experiment is performed at ambient pressure and 180 ± 0.1 °C. Li-A(BW) is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, high temperature X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Calculation of cell parameters (through Rietveld Refinement) and density, specific surface and pore size are also achieved. The amount of amorphous phase in the synthesis powders is estimated with quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods. The results become notably attractive in view of a possible industrial transfer of the synthesis protocol.
Effect of non-thermal radiofrequency on body temperature in mice
Authors: Mai Thi Cuc , Delanaud Stéphane , Bach Véronique , Braun Anne , Pelletier Amandine , de Seze René 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCommunication technologies based on radiofrequency (RF) propagation bring great benefits to our daily life. However, their rapid expansion raises concerns about possible impacts on public health. At intensity levels below the threshold to produce thermal effects, RF exposure has also recently been reported to elicit biological effects, resembling reactions to cold. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of non-thermal RF on body temperature in mice and the related mechanisms. 3-months-old C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to a continuous RF signal at 900 MHz, 20 ± 5 V.m−1 for 7 consecutive days, twice per day during the light phase, for one hour each time. The SAR was 0.16 ± 0.10 W.kg−1. We showed that body temperature patterns in mice change synchronously with the RF exposure periods. Average body temperature in the light phase in the exposed group was higher than in the control group. The expression of the TRPM8 gene was not affected by RF in trigeminal ganglia. Furthermore, the injection of a TRPM8 antagonist did not induce a temperature decrease in exposed mice, as this was the case for sham-controls. These findings indicate that 900 MHz RF exposure at non-thermal level produce a physiological effect on body temperature in mice. However, the involvement of TRPM8 receptors in the mechanism by which RF induced changes in body temperature of mice which remains to be further explored. It must then be assessed if this effect is extrapolable to man, and if this could lead to consequences on health.
Expression of CD44 and the survival in glioma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Gang , Song Xinghui , Liu Jun , Li Shize , Gao Weiqin , Qiu Mingxing , Yang Changjin , Ma Yiming , Chen Yuhong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Higher tumor expression of CD44, a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs), is associated with poor overall survival (OS) in various cancers. However, the association between CD44 and poor OS remains inconsistent in glioma. We aimed to evaluate the potential predictive role of CD44 for prognosis of glioma patients in a meta-analysis.
Methods: Observational studies comparing OS of glioma patients according to the level of CD44 were identified through searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane’s Library databases. Meta-analyses were performed with a random- or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the influences of study characteristics.
Results: Eleven retrospective cohort studies were included. Results showed that increased CD44 expression in tumor predicted poor OS in glioma patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.97, P=0.04). Subgroup analyses showed that higher tumor CD44 expression significantly predicted poor OS in patients with World Health Organization (WHO) stages II–III glioma (HR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.53–5.89, P=0.002), but not in patients with glioblastoma (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.76–2.08, P=0.47; P for subgroup difference = 0.03). Results were not statistically different between subgroups according to patient ethnicity, sample size, CD44 detection method, CD44 cutoff, HR estimation, univariate or multivariate analysis, or median follow-up durations (P-values for subgroup difference all &gt;0.10).
Conclusion: Higher tumor expression of CD44 may predict poor survival in patients with glioma, particularly in those with WHO stage II–III glioma.