bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modular Hamiltonians for the massless Dirac field in the presence of a defect
Authors: Mintchev Mihail , Tonni Erik 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe study the massless Dirac field on the line in the presence of a point-like defect characterised by a unitary scattering matrix, that allows both reflection and transmission. Considering this system in its ground state, we derive the modular Hamiltonians of the subregion given by the union of two disjoint equal intervals at the same distance from the defect. The absence of energy dissipation at the defect implies the existence of two phases, where either the vector or the axial symmetry is preserved. Besides a local term, the densities of the modular Hamiltonians contain also a sum of scattering dependent bi-local terms, which involve two conjugate points generated by the reflection and the transmission. The modular flows of each component of the Dirac field mix the trajectory passing through a given initial point with the ones passing through its reflected and transmitted conjugate points. We derive the two-point correlation functions along the modular flows in both phases and show that they satisfy the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger condition. The entanglement entropies are also computed, finding that they do not depend on the scattering matrix.
Discrete stop-or-go games
Authors: Flesch János , Predtetchinski Arkadi , Sudderth William 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDubins and Savage (How to gamble if you must: inequalities for stochastic processes, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1965) found an optimal strategy for limsup gambling problems in which a player has at most two choices at every state x at most one of which could differ from the point mass $$\delta (x)$$

δ
(
x
)

. Their result is extended here to a family of two-person, zero-sum stochastic games in which each player is similarly restricted. For these games we show that player 1 always has a pure optimal stationary strategy and that player 2 has a pure $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-optimal stationary strategy for every $$\epsilon > 0$$

ϵ
>
0

. However, player 2 has no optimal strategy in general. A generalization to n-person games is formulated and $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-equilibria are constructed.
Development and validation of a method for the simultaneous analysis of fatty acid ethyl esters, ethyl sulfate and ethyl glucuronide in neonatal meconium: application in two cases of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
Authors: Woźniak Mateusz Kacper , Banaszkiewicz Laura , Aszyk Justyna , Wiergowski Marek , Jańczewska Iwona , Wierzba Jolanta , Kot-Wasik Agata , Biziuk Marek 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlcohol consumption during pregnancy constitutes one of the leading preventable causes of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in the exposed children. Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) have been studied as potential biomarkers of alcohol consumption. However, most analytical approaches proposed for their analysis in meconium samples consist of separated extraction procedures requiring the use of two meconium aliquots, which is costly in terms of both time and materials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for the simultaneous extraction of 9 FAEEs, EtG and EtS from one meconium aliquot. The sample was homogenized using methanol, and then FAEEs were extracted with hexane while EtG and EtS were isolated using acetonitrile. Then, extracts were applied to solid-phase extraction columns and analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (FAEEs) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (EtG and EtS). Calibration curves were linear with r values greater than 0.99. The LODs ranged from 0.8 to 7.5 ng/g for FAEEs and were 0.2 ng/g and 0.8 ng/g for EtS and EtG, respectively. LOQs ranged from 5 to 25 ng/g for FAEEs and were 1 ng/g and 2.5 ng/g for EtS and EtG, respectively. Accuracies and precisions were between 93.8 and 107% and between 3.5 and 9.7%, respectively. The recovery values ranged from 89.1 to 109%. The method proved to be sensitive, specific, simple and fast and allowed for the reduction of the amount of organic solvent used for extraction compared to other published data while higher recoveries were obtained. The method was used for analysis of meconium samples in two cases of mothers who were consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
High Fungal Diversity but Low Seasonal Dynamics and Ectomycorrhizal Abundance in a Mountain Beech Forest
Authors: Gorfer Markus , Mayer Mathias , Berger Harald , Rewald Boris , Tallian Claudia , Matthews Bradley , Sandén Hans , Katzensteiner Klaus , Godbold Douglas L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractForests on steep slopes constitute a significant proportion of European mountain areas and are important as production and protection forests. This study describes the soil fungal community structure in a European beech-dominated mountain forest stands in the Northern Calcareous Alps and investigates how it is determined by season and soil properties. Samples were collected at high spatial resolution in an area of ca. 100 m × 700 m in May (spring) and August (summer). Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2-region revealed distinct patterns for the soil fungal communities. In contrast to other studies from temperate European beech forest stands, Ascomycota dominated the highly diverse fungal community, while ectomycorrhizal fungi were of lower abundance. Russulaceae, which are often among the dominant ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with European beech, were absent from all samples. Potentially plant pathogenic fungi were more prevalent than previously reported. Only subtle seasonal differences were found between fungal communities in spring and summer. Especially, dominant saprotrophic taxa were largely unaffected by season, while slightly stronger effects were observed for ectomycorrhizal fungi. Soil characteristics like pH and organic carbon content, on the other hand, strongly shaped abundant taxa among the saprotrophic fungal community.
Suppression of personality variation in boldness during foraging in three-spined sticklebacks
Authors: MacGregor Hannah E. A. , Cottage Aislinn , Ioannou Christos C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Consistent inter-individual variation in behaviour within a population, widely referred to as personality variation, can be affected by environmental context. Feedbacks between an individual’s behaviour and state can strengthen (positive feedback) or weaken (negative feedback) individual differences when experiences such as predator encounters or winning contests are dependent on behavioural type. We examined the influence of foraging on individual-level consistency in refuge use (a measure of risk-taking, i.e. boldness) in three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, and particularly whether changes in refuge use depended on boldness measured under control conditions. In the control treatment trials with no food, individuals were repeatable in refuge use across repeated trials, and this behavioural consistency did not differ between the start and end of these trials. In contrast, when food was available, individuals showed a higher degree of consistency in refuge use at the start of the trials versus controls but this consistency significantly reduced by the end of the trials. The effect of the opportunity to forage was dependent on behavioural type, with bolder fish varying more in their refuge use between the start and the end of the feeding trials than shyer fish, and boldness positively predicted the likelihood of feeding at the start but not at the end of the trials. This suggests a state-behaviour feedback, but there was no overall trend in how bolder individuals changed their behaviour. Our study shows that personality variation can be suppressed in foraging contexts and a potential but unpredictable role of feedbacks between state and behaviour.

Significance statement
In this experimental study, we examined how foraging influences consistency in risk-taking in individual three-spined sticklebacks. We show that bolder individuals become less consistent in their risk-taking behaviour than shyer individuals during foraging. Some bolder individuals reinforce their risk-taking behaviour, suggesting a positive feedback between state and behaviour, while others converge on the behaviour of shyer individuals, suggesting a negative feedback. In support of a role of satiation in driving negative feedback effects, we found that bolder individuals were more likely to feed at the start but not at the end of the trials. Overall, our findings suggest that foraging can influence personality variation in risk-taking behaviour; however, the role of feedbacks may be unpredictable.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residents in Northern Italy
Authors: Cavalieri Sergio , Spinetta Marco , Zagaria Domenico , Franchi Marta , Lavazza Giulia , Nardelli Floriana , Serafini Alessandro , Leone Riccardo , Messina Antonio , Arpaia Francesco , Buccimazza Giorgio , Carriero Serena , D’Angelo Felice , Stellato Elvira , Giuri Giulio , Balbi Maurizio , Preziosa Giulia Chiara , Parolise Margherita , Pessina Carlotta , Romano Silvio , Curti Marco , Capra Davide 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
An online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiological workload, involvement in COVID-19-related activities, research, distance learning, COVID-19 contacts and infection, changes in training profile, and impact on psychological wellbeing. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were used.

Results
Among 373 residents invited, 300 (80%) participated. Between March and April 2020, 44% (133/300) of respondents dedicated their full time to radiology; 41% (124/300) engaged in COVID-19-related activities, 73% (90/124) of whom working in COVID-19 wards; 40% (121/300) dedicated > 25% of time to distance learning; and 66% (199/300) were more involved in research activities than before the pandemic. Over half of residents (57%, 171/300) had contacts with COVID-19-positive subjects, 5% (14/300) were infected, and 8% (23/300) lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Only 1% (3/300) of residents stated that, given the implications of this pandemic scenario, they would not have chosen radiology as their specialty, whereas 7% (22/300) would change their subspecialty. The most common concerns were spreading the infection to their loved ones (30%, 91/300), and becoming sick (7%, 21/300). Positive changes were also noted, such as being more willing to cooperate with other colleagues (36%, 109/300).

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic changed radiology residents’ training programmes, with distance learning, engaging in COVID-19-related activities, and a greater involvement in research becoming part of their everyday practice.

Key Points
• Of 300 participants, 44% were fully dedicated to radiological activity and 41% devoted time to COVID-19-related activities, 73% of whom to COVID-19 wards.
• Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Over half of residents were exposed to COVID-19 contacts and less than one in twenty was infected.
Egg consumption and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in an Italian adult population
Authors: Ruggiero Emilia , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Costanzo Simona , Persichillo Mariarosaria , De Curtis Amalia , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia , Bonaccio Marialaura ,   the Moli-sani Study Investigators, Iacoviello Licia , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta , Bonaccio Marialaura , Bonanni Americo , Cerletti Chiara , Costanzo Simona , De Curtis Amalia , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Gianfagna Francesco , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Di Prospero Teresa , Vermylen Jos , Carrasco Ignacio De Paula , Spagnuolo Antonio , Assanelli Deodato , Centritto Vincenzo , Costanzo Simona , Olivieri Marco , Panzera Teresa , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Esposito Marialaura Bonaccio, Simona Costanz , Gialluisi Alessandro , Gianfagna Francesco , Ruggiero Emilia , De Curtis Amalia , Magnacca Sara , Izzi Benedetta , Marotta Annalisa , Noro Fabrizia , Parisi Roberta , Tirozzi Alfonsina , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Bracone Francesca , De Lucia Francesca , Mignogna Cristiana , Panzera Teresa , Rago Livia , Bonanni Americo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Dietary guidelines recommend to limit egg consumption to 4 servings per week but the relation between egg intake and health outcomes is still controversial. To evaluate the association of egg consumption and mortality risk in Italian adults and to investigate nutritional factors and serum lipids as potentially explaining such associations.

Methods
Longitudinal analysis on 20,562 men and women aged ≥ 35y, free from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer belonging to the Moli-sani Study cohort (enrolled 2005–2010) followed up for a median of 8.2 years.

Results
In multivariable-adjusted analysis as compared to low intake (> 0 ≤ 1 egg/week), eating > 4 eggs/week led to an increased risk of all-cause (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50; 95%CI 1.13–1.99), CVD (HR = 1.75; 1.07–2.87) and cancer mortality (HR = 1.52; 0.99–2.33). Similarly, an intake of 2–4 eggs/week was associated with higher all-cause (HR = 1.22; 1.01–1.46) and CVD mortality risk (HR = 1.43; 1.03–1.97). An increase of 1 egg per week was associated with higher mortality risk among high-risk individuals, such as those with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Dietary cholesterol explained about 43.0% and 39.3% (p values < 0.0001) of the association of eggs with all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively, while serum lipids (e.g., total cholesterol) accounted for a small proportion of egg-mortality relation.

Conclusions
Among Italian adults, high egg consumption leads to an increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, with the risk being evident even at the recommended intake of 2–4 eggs per week. A substantial part of this association was likely due to the egg contribution to dietary cholesterol. Our findings suggest limiting the consumption of eggs in the diet and these results should be considered in the development of dietary guidelines and updates.
Mediterranean diet consumption affects the endocannabinoid system in overweight and obese subjects: possible links with gut microbiome, insulin resistance and inflammation
Authors: Tagliamonte Silvia , Laiola Manolo , Ferracane Rosalia , Vitale Marilena , Gallo Maria A. , Meslier Victoria , Pons Nicolas , Ercolini Danilo , Vitaglione Paola 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate whether a Mediterranean diet (MD) affected the plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids (ECs), N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) and their specific ratios in subjects with lifestyle risk factors for metabolic diseases. To identify the relationship between circulating levels of these compounds and gut microbiome, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation.

Methods
A parallel 8-week randomised controlled trial was performed involving 82 overweight and obese subjects aged (mean ± SEM) 43 ± 1.4 years with a BMI of 31.1 ± 0.5 kg/m2, habitual Western diet (CT) and sedentary lifestyle. Subjects were randomised to consume an MD tailored to their habitual energy and macronutrient intake (n = 43) or to maintain their habitual diet (n = 39). Endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like molecules, metabolic and inflammatory markers and gut microbiome were monitored over the study period.

Results
The MD intervention lowered plasma arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA, p = 0.02), increased plasma oleoylethanolamide/palmitoylethanolamide (OEA/PEA, p = 0.009) and OEA/AEA (p = 0.006) and increased faecal Akkermansia muciniphila (p = 0.026) independent of body weight changes. OEA/PEA positively correlated with abundance of key microbial players in diet–gut–health interplay and MD adherence. Following an MD, individuals with low-plasma OEA/PEA at baseline decreased homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (p = 0.01), while individuals with high-plasma OEA/PEA decreased serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (p = 0.02).

Conclusions
We demonstrated that a switch from a CT to an isocaloric MD affects the endocannabinoid system and increases A. muciniphila abundance in the gut independently of body weight changes. Endocannabinoid tone and microbiome functionality at baseline drives an individualised response to an MD in ameliorating insulin sensitivity and inflammation.
Clinical Trial Registry number and website NCT03071718; www.clinicaltrials.gov
Adenosine and adenosine receptor-mediated action in coronary microcirculation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wernly Bernhard , Cao Xin , Mustafa S. Jamal , Tang Yong , Zhou Zhichao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdenosine is an ubiquitous extracellular signaling molecule and plays a fundamental role in the regulation of coronary microcirculation through activation of adenosine receptors (ARs). Adenosine is regulated by various enzymes and nucleoside transporters for its balance between intra- and extracellular compartments. Adenosine-mediated coronary microvascular tone and reactive hyperemia are through receptors mainly involving A2AR activation on both endothelial and smooth muscle cells, but also involving interaction among other ARs. Activation of ARs further stimulates downstream targets of H2O2, KATP, KV and KCa2+ channels leading to coronary vasodilation. An altered adenosine-ARs signaling in coronary microcirculation has been observed in several cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Adenosine as a metabolite and its receptors have been studied for its both therapeutic and diagnostic abilities. The present review summarizes important aspects of adenosine metabolism and AR-mediated actions in the coronary microcirculation.
Patterns of care, toxicity and outcome in the treatment of salivary gland carcinomas: long-term experience from a tertiary cancer center
Authors: von der Grün Jens , Winkelmann Ria , Rödel Franz , Balster Sven , Neumayer Thomas , Ghanaati Shahram , Brandts Christian , Burck Iris , Martin Daniel , Rödel Claus , Kesar Nikolina , Balermpas Panagiotis 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) cover a heterogeneous group of malignancies with a lack of data of high-level evidence.

Methods
Clinical data of 127 patients treated for SGC at a university cancer center between 2002 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The association of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, adverse events, and outcome was assessed.

Results
Patients received surgery (n = 65), surgery followed by (chemo-)radiotherapy (n = 56), or primary (chemo-)radiotherapy (n = 6). Injury to the cranial nerves or their branches was the most frequent surgical complication affecting 40 patients (33.1%). Ten year overall and progression-free survival rates were 73.2% and 65.4%, respectively. Parotid tumor site, advanced tumor, and positive nodal stage remained independent negative prognostic factors for overall survival, loco-regional and distant tumor control in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
Optimizing treatment strategies for SGC, depending on distinct clinicopathological factors, remains challenging due to the low incidence rates of the disease.
Neural patterns of word processing differ in children with dyslexia and isolated spelling deficit
Authors: Dębska Agnieszka , Banfi Chiara , Chyl Katarzyna , Dzięgiel-Fivet Gabriela , Kacprzak Agnieszka , Łuniewska Magdalena , Plewko Joanna , Grabowska Anna , Landerl Karin , Jednoróg Katarzyna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere is an ongoing debate concerning the extent to which deficits in reading and spelling share cognitive components and whether they rely, in a similar fashion, on sublexical and lexical pathways of word processing. The present study investigates whether the neural substrates of word processing differ in children with various patterns of reading and spelling deficits. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we compared written and auditory processing in three groups of 9–13-year olds (N = 104): (1) with age-adequate reading and spelling skills; (2) with reading and spelling deficits (i.e., dyslexia); (3) with isolated spelling deficits but without reading deficits. In visual word processing, both deficit groups showed hypoactivations in the posterior superior temporal cortex compared to typical readers and spellers. Only children with dyslexia exhibited hypoactivations in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex compared to the two groups of typical readers. This is the result of an atypical pattern of higher activity in the occipito-temporal cortex for non-linguistic visual stimuli than for words, indicating lower selectivity. The print–speech convergence was reduced in the two deficit groups. Impairments in lexico-orthographic regions in a reading-based task were associated primarily with reading deficits, whereas alterations in the sublexical word processing route could be considered common for both reading and spelling deficits. These findings highlight the partly distinct alterations of the language network related to reading and spelling deficits.
In search for biomarkers and potential drug targets for uterine serous endometrial cancer
Authors: Dinoi Giorgia , Mariani Andrea , Martinelli Enrica , Ciucci Alessandra , Zannoni Gian Franco , Weaver Amy L. , Keeney Gary L. , Vasmatzis George , Anastasiadis Panos Z. , Fanfani Francesco , Scambia Giovanni , Gallo Daniela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective
Serous endometrial cancer (USC) is a challenging malignancy associated with metastasis, recurrence and poor outcome. To identify clinically relevant prognostic biomarkers, we focused on a panel of proteins selected after a comprehensive literature review, for tumour profiling of a homogeneous cohort of USC patients.

Methods
Protein levels and localization were assessed by immunohistochemistry analysis in 36 hysterectomy samples. Tissue sections were stained with the following antibodies: Aurora A, phospho (T288) Aurora A, BRCA1, CHK1, CIP2A, Cyclin B1, Cyclin E, E2F-1, phospho (S364) E2F-1, FBXW7, FOXM1, phospho (S9) GSK3Beta, PLK1, phospho (T210) PLK1, PPP2R1B, p73, RAD51. Each marker was evaluated as a continuously-scaled variable for association with disease progression and death, using Cox proportional hazards models. The sample consisted of 36 patients with USC, half with stage III or IV disease.

Results
Results showed that higher CHK1 (Checkpoint kinase 1) expression was associated with a decreased risk of progression and death, after adjusting for stage. Interestingly, analysis of a TCGA data set of 109 USC patients corroborates our results showing a favourable prognostic role of CHEK1 after adjusting for stage. Higher FBXW7 (F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7) expression and higher cytoplasmic expression of PPP2R1B (Protein Phosphatase 2 A, Scaffold Subunit Abeta) were each associated with a decreased risk of progression, after adjusting for stage.

Conclusions
In conclusion, results from the present study identify new clinically relevant biomarkers and potential drug targets for uterine serous endometrial cancer.