bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gaudin models and multipoint conformal blocks: general theory
Authors: Burić Ilija , Lacroix Sylvain , Mann Jeremy A. , Quintavalle Lorenzo , Schomerus Volker 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The construction of conformal blocks for the analysis of multipoint correlation functions with N > 4 local field insertions is an important open problem in higher dimensional conformal field theory. This is the first in a series of papers in which we address this challenge, following and extending our short announcement in [1]. According to Dolan and Osborn, conformal blocks can be determined from the set of differential eigenvalue equations that they satisfy. We construct a complete set of commuting differential operators that characterize multipoint conformal blocks for any number N of points in any dimension and for any choice of OPE channel through the relation with Gaudin integrable models we uncovered in [1]. For 5-point conformal blocks, there exist five such operators which are worked out smoothly in the dimension d.
Generation flow in field theory and strings
Authors: Ramos-Sánchez Saúl , Ratz Michael , Shirman Yuri , Shukla Shreya , Waterbury Michael 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNontrivial strong dynamics often leads to the appearance of chiral composites. In phenomenological applications, these can either play the role of Standard Model particles or lift chiral exotics by partnering with them in mass terms. As a consequence, the RG flow may change the effective number of chiral generations, a phenomenon we call generation flow. We provide explicit constructions of globally consistent string models exhibiting generation flow. Since such constructions were misclassified in the traditional model searches, our results imply that more care than usually appreciated has to be taken when scanning string compactifications for realistic models.
On differential operators and unifying relations for 1-loop Feynman integrands
Authors: Zhou Kang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We generalize the unifying relations for tree amplitudes to the 1-loop Feynman integrands. By employing the 1-loop CHY formula, we construct differential operators which transmute the 1-loop gravitational Feynman integrand to Feynman integrands for a wide range of theories, including Einstein-Yang-Mills theory, Einstein-Maxwell theory, pure Yang-Mills theory, Yang-Mills-scalar theory, Born-Infeld theory, Dirac-Born-Infeld theory, bi-adjoint scalar theory, non-linear sigma model, as well as special Galileon theory. The unified web at 1-loop level is established. Under the well known unitarity cut, the 1-loop level operators will factorize into two tree level operators. Such factorization is also discussed.
Developmentally regulated GTPases: structure, function and roles in disease
Authors: Westrip Christian A. E. , Zhuang Qinqin , Hall Charlotte , Eaton Charlotte D. , Coleman Mathew L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGTPases are a large superfamily of evolutionarily conserved proteins involved in a variety of fundamental cellular processes. The developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein (DRG) subfamily of GTPases consists of two highly conserved paralogs,DRG1andDRG2, both of which have been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, translation and microtubules. Furthermore, DRG1 and 2 proteins both have a conserved binding partner, DRG family regulatory protein 1 and 2 (DFRP1 and DFRP2), respectively, that prevents them from being degraded. Similar to DRGs, the DFRP proteins have also been studied in the context of cell growth control and translation. Despite these proteins having been implicated in several fundamental cellular processes they remain relatively poorly characterized, however. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural biology and biochemistry of DRG GTPases and discuss current understanding of DRGs and DFRPs in normal physiology, as well as their emerging roles in diseases such as cancer.
Prehospital FAST reduces time to admission and operative treatment: a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial
Authors: Lucas Benjamin , Hempel Dorothea , Otto Ronny , Brenner Franziska , Stier Mario , Marzi Ingo , Breitkreutz Raoul , Walcher Felix 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) exam is an established trauma care diagnostic procedure. Ultrasound performed during prehospital care can improve early treatment and management of the patients. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we wanted to assess whether a pre-hospital FAST (p-FAST) influences pre-hospital strategy and the time to operative treatment.MethodsWe studied 296 trauma victims in a prehospital setting. Inclusion criteria were potential abdominal injuries identified either by clinical examination or suggested by the mechanism of injury. Physician-staffed helicopters and emergency ambulances were equipped with portable ultrasound devices. According to a scheme related to calendar weeks, a clinical exam only (CEX) or a clinical exam together with a p-FAST (CEX-p-FAST) was conducted. Outcome variables were prehospital diagnosis and strategy, the time to admission to the trauma room and to operation theater. The study was approved by the university ethical committee (REB#: 46/06).ResultsCEX-p-FAST showed a high sensitivity (94.7%) and specificity (97.6%) in detection of free fluid compared to CEX-only (80.0%, 84.4%). The median time to admission was reduced significantly by 13 min and to operative treatment by 15 min after CEX-p-FAST. We observed a cross-over rate of 30.8% of p-FAST (n = 36) to CEX-p-FAST during the CEX-only weeks.ConclusionAccording to the experience of the principal investigators, CEX-p-FAST was superior to CEX-only. Despite the time needed for p-FAST, the relevant admission time was significantly shorter. Thus, p-FAST is recommended in addition to CEX if possible for decision-making in prehospital trauma care.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register #DRKS00022117—Registered 10 July 2020—Retrospectively registered,https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00022117.
Strength of interference screw fixation of meniscus prosthesis matches native meniscus attachments
Authors: Bartolo M. K. , Provaggi E. , Athwal K. K. , Newman S. , Accardi M. A. , Dini D. , Williams A. , Amis A. A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Meniscal surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic surgical interventions. Total meniscus replacements have been proposed as a solution for patients with irreparable meniscal injuries. Reliable fixation is crucial for the success and functionality of such implants. The aim of this study was to characterise an interference screw fixation system developed for a novel fibre-matrix-reinforced synthetic total meniscus replacement in an ovine cadaveric model.

Methods
Textile straps were tested in tension to failure (n = 15) and in cyclic tension (70–220 N) for 1000 cycles (n = 5). The textile strap-interference screw fixation system was tested in 4.5 mm-diameter single anterior and double posterior tunnels in North of England Mule ovine tibias aged > 2 years using titanium alloy (Ti6Al4Va) and polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) screws (n ≥ 5). Straps were preconditioned, dynamically loaded for 1000 cycles in tension (70–220 N), the fixation slippage under cyclic loading was measured, and then pulled to failure.

Results
Strap stiffness was at least 12 times that recorded for human meniscal roots. Strap creep strain at the maximum load (220 N) was 0.005 following 1000 cycles. For all tunnels, pull-out failure resulted from textile strap slippage or bone fracture rather than strap rupture, which demonstrated that the textile strap was comparatively stronger than the interference screw fixation system. Pull-out load (anterior 544 ± 119 N; posterior 889 ± 157 N) was comparable to human meniscal root strength. Fixation slippage was within the acceptable range for anterior cruciate ligament graft reconstruction (anterior 1.9 ± 0.7 mm; posterior 1.9 ± 0.5 mm).

Conclusion
These findings show that the textile attachment-interference screw fixation system provides reliable fixation for a novel ovine meniscus implant, supporting progression to in vivo testing. This research provides a baseline for future development of novel human meniscus replacements, in relation to attachment design and fixation methods. The data suggest that surgical techniques familiar from ligament reconstruction may be used for the fixation of clinical meniscal prostheses.
Optimizing voting order on sequential juries: a median voter theorem and beyond
Authors: Alpern Steve , Chen Bo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe consider an odd-sized “jury”, which votes sequentially between two equiprobable states of Nature (say A and B, or Innocent and Guilty), with the majority opinion determining the verdict. Jurors have private information in the form of a signal in $$[-1,+1]$$

[
-
1
,
+
1
]

, with higher signals indicating A more likely. Each juror has an ability in [0, 1], which is proportional to the probability of A given a positive signal, an analog of Condorcet’s p for binary signals. We assume that jurors vote honestly for the alternative they view more likely, given their signal and prior voting, because they are experts who want to enhance their reputation (after their vote and actual state of Nature is revealed). For a fixed set of jury abilities, the reliability of the verdict depends on the voting order. For a jury of size three, the optimal ordering is always as follows: middle ability first, then highest ability, then lowest. For sufficiently heterogeneous juries, sequential voting is more reliable than simultaneous voting and is in fact optimal (allowing for non-honest voting). When average ability is fixed, verdict reliability is increasing in heterogeneity. For medium-sized juries, we find through simulation that the median ability juror should still vote first and the remaining ones should have increasing and then decreasing abilities.
Case report: fatal bleeding from a duodenal ulcer—Dieulafoy’s lesion?
Authors: Ulbricht Julia , Madea Burkhard , Doberentz Elke 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A 46-year-old man was admitted to the hospital by ambulance due to syncope. A standard blood screening showed a normal Hb value. The man had known hemorrhoids and a single fresh rectal bleeding earlier at home. On the following morning, the patient suddenly required resuscitation within a few minutes and subsequently died. Autopsy revealed a fatal hemorrhage with blood loss in the stomach and small and large intestines and a mucosal defect of the duodenum. After autopsy, the question arose whether the cause of death might have been a rare Dieulafoy’s lesion—aim of this case report was to clarify the diagnosis.
Opinion, knowledge, and clinical experience with functional neurological disorders among Italian neurologists: results from an online survey
Authors: Tinazzi Michele , Fiorio Mirta , Berardelli Alfredo , Bonetti Bruno , Bonifati Domenico Marco , Burlina Alessandro , Cagnin Annachiara , Calabria Francesca , Corbetta Maurizio , Cortelli Pietro , Giometto Bruno , Guidoni Silvia Vittoria , Lopiano Leonardo , Mancardi Gianluigi , Marchioretto Fabio , Pellegrini Maria , Teatini Francesco , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tesolin Lucia , Turinese Emanuele , Zappia Mario , Marotta Angela 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Functional neurological disorders (FND) are disabling medical conditions commonly seen in neurological practice. Neurologists play an essential role in managing FND, from establishing a diagnosis to coordination of multidisciplinary team-based treatment for patients. With this study, we investigated the knowledge and the clinical experience of Italian neurologists in managing patients with FND.

Methods
Members of the Italian Society of Neurology were invited via e-mail to participate in this ad hoc online survey; 492 questionnaires were returned completed.

Results
The term “Functional neurological disorders” in reference to FND was used more frequently than other psychological (e.g., psychogenic or conversion), or descriptive terms (e.g., non-organic or stress-related). When speaking with patients, the respondents stated that they preferred explaining symptoms based on abnormal functioning of the nervous system than discussing mental illness and that they would refer their patient to a psychologist rather than to a psychiatrist. Few considered that physiotherapy and psychiatric interventions are useful approaches to treating FND. Some believed that patients simulate their symptoms.

Conclusions
Overall, the responses suggest that knowledge about scientific advances in FND is somewhat sparse. A psychiatric-centered view of FND opens the way to an approach in which neurobiological and psychological aspects constitute essential factors of the condition. In this context, professional education could improve understanding of FND and optimize patient management.
Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) expert opinion/guidance on the use of clinically assisted nutrition in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Alderman Bryony , Allan Lindsey , Amano Koji , Bouleuc Carole , Davis Mellar , Lister-Flynn Stephanie , Mukhopadhyay Sandip , Davies Andrew 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The pro
vision of clinically assisted nutrition (CAN) in patients with advanced cancer is controversial, and there is a paucity of specific guidance, and so a diversity in clinical practice. Consequently, the Palliative Care Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) formed a Subgroup to develop evidence-based guidance on the use CAN in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods
This guidance was developed in accordance with the MASCC Guidelines Policy. A search strategy for Medline was developed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were explored for relevant reviews/trials respectively. The outcomes of the review were categorised by the level of evidence, and a “category of guideline” based on the level of evidence (i.e. “recommendation”, “suggestion”, or “no guideline possible”).

Results
The Subgroup produced 11 suggestions, and 1 recommendation (due to the paucity of evidence). These outcomes relate to assessment of patients, indications for CAN, contraindications for CAN, procedures for initiating CAN, and re-assessment of patients.

Conclusions
This guidance provides a framework for the use of CAN in advanced cancer, although every patient needs individualised management.
Future directions for chatbot research: an interdisciplinary research agenda
Authors: Følstad Asbjørn , Araujo Theo , Law Effie Lai-Chong , Brandtzaeg Petter Bae , Papadopoulos Symeon , Reis Lea , Baez Marcos , Laban Guy , McAllister Patrick , Ischen Carolin , Wald Rebecca , Catania Fabio , Meyer von Wolff Raphael , Hobert Sebastian , Luger Ewa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChatbots are increasingly becoming important gateways to digital services and information—taken up within domains such as customer service, health, education, and work support. However, there is only limited knowledge concerning the impact of chatbots at the individual, group, and societal level. Furthermore, a number of challenges remain to be resolved before the potential of chatbots can be fully realized. In response, chatbots have emerged as a substantial research area in recent years. To help advance knowledge in this emerging research area, we propose a research agenda in the form of future directions and challenges to be addressed by chatbot research. This proposal consolidates years of discussions at the CONVERSATIONS workshop series on chatbot research. Following a deliberative research analysis process among the workshop participants, we explore future directions within six topics of interest: (a) users and implications, (b) user experience and design, (c) frameworks and platforms, (d) chatbots for collaboration, (e) democratizing chatbots, and (f) ethics and privacy. For each of these topics, we provide a brief overview of the state of the art, discuss key research challenges, and suggest promising directions for future research. The six topics are detailed with a 5-year perspective in mind and are to be considered items of an interdisciplinary research agenda produced collaboratively by avid researchers in the field.
Optimization of heterogeneous systems with AI planning heuristics and machine learning: a performance and energy aware approach
Authors: Memeti Suejb , Pllana Sabri 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHeterogeneous computing systems provide high performance and energy efficiency. However, to optimally utilize such systems, solutions that distribute the work across host CPUs and accelerating devices are needed. In this paper, we present a performance and energy aware approach that combines AI planning heuristics for parameter space exploration with a machine learning model for performance and energy evaluation to determine a near-optimal system configuration. For data-parallel applications our approach determines a near-optimal host-device distribution of work, number of processing units required and the corresponding scheduling strategy. We evaluate our approach for various heterogeneous systems accelerated with GPU or the Intel Xeon Phi. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach finds a near-optimal system configuration by evaluating only about 7% of reasonable configurations. Furthermore, the performance per Joule estimation of system configurations using our machine learning model is more than 1000 $$\times $$
×
faster compared to the system evaluation by program execution.
Integrating Decomposers, Methane-Cycling Microbes and Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes Along a Peatland Successional Gradient in a Land Uplift Region
Authors: Juottonen Heli , Kieman Mirkka , Fritze Hannu , Hamberg Leena , Laine Anna M. , Merilä Päivi , Peltoniemi Krista , Putkinen Anuliina , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPeatlands are carbon dioxide (CO2) sinks that, in parallel, release methane (CH4). The peatland carbon (C) balance depends on the interplay of decomposer and CH4-cycling microbes, vegetation, and environmental conditions. These interactions are susceptible to the changes that occur along a successional gradient from vascular plant-dominated systems toSphagnummoss-dominated systems. Changes similar to this succession are predicted to occur from climate change. Here, we investigated how microbial and plant communities are interlinked with each other and with ecosystem C cycling along a successional gradient on a boreal land uplift coast. The gradient ranged from shoreline to meadows and fens, and further to bogs. Potential microbial activity (aerobic CO2production; CH4production and oxidation) and biomass were greatest in the early successional meadows, although their communities of aerobic decomposers (fungi, actinobacteria), methanogens, and methanotrophs did not differ from the older fens. Instead, the functional microbial communities shifted at the fen–bog transition concurrent with a sudden decrease in C fluxes. The successional patterns of decomposer versus CH4-cycling communities diverged at the bog stage, indicating strong but distinct microbial responses toSphagnumdominance and acidity. We highlight young meadows as dynamic sites with the greatest microbial potential for C release. These hot spots of C turnover with dense sedge cover may represent a sensitive bottleneck in succession, which is necessary for eventual long-term peat accumulation. The distinctive microbes in bogs could serve as indicators of the C sink function in restoration measures that aim to stabilize the C in the peat.
Arabidopsis ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2): roles in plant morphogenesis, cell division, and pathogenesis
Authors: Machida Yasunori , Suzuki Takanori , Sasabe Michiko , Iwakawa Hidekazu , Kojima Shoko , Machida Chiyoko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) gene in Arabidopsis thaliana is responsible for the development of flat, symmetric, and extended leaf laminae and their vein systems. AS2 protein is a member of the plant-specific AS2/LOB protein family, which includes 42 members comprising the conserved amino-terminal domain referred to as the AS2/LOB domain, and the variable carboxyl-terminal region. Among the members, AS2 has been most intensively investigated on both genetic and molecular levels. AS2 forms a complex with the myb protein AS1, and is involved in epigenetic repression of the abaxial genes ETTIN/AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ETT/ARF3), ARF4, and class 1 KNOX homeobox genes. The repressed expression of these genes by AS2 is markedly enhanced by the cooperative action of various modifier genes, some of which encode nucleolar proteins. Further downstream, progression of the cell division cycle in the developing organs is stimulated; meristematic states are suppressed in determinate leaf primordia; and the extension of leaf primordia is induced. AS2 binds the specific sequence in exon 1 of ETT/ARF3 and maintains methylated CpGs in several exons of ETT/ARF3. AS2 forms bodies (designated as AS2 bodies) at nucleolar peripheries. AS2 bodies partially overlap chromocenters, including inactive 45S ribosomal DNA repeats, suggesting the presence of molecular and functional links among AS2, the 45S rDNAs, and the nucleolus to exert the repressive regulation of ETT/ARF3. The AS2/LOB domain is characterized by three subdomains, the zinc finger (ZF) motif, the internally conserved-glycine containing (ICG) region, and the leucine-zipper-like (LZL) region. Each of these subdomains is essential for the formation of AS2 bodies. ICG to LZL are required for nuclear localization, but ZF is not. LZL intrinsically has the potential to be exported to the cytoplasm. In addition to its nuclear function, it has been reported that AS2 plays a positive role in geminivirus infection: its protein BV1 stimulates the expression of AS2 and recruits AS2 to the cytoplasm, which enhances virus infectivity by suppression of cytoplasmic post transcriptional gene silencing.
Deep learning for automatic segmentation of thigh and leg muscles
Authors: Agosti Abramo , Shaqiri Enea , Paoletti Matteo , Solazzo Francesca , Bergsland Niels , Colelli Giulia , Savini Giovanni , Muzic Shaun I. , Santini Francesco , Deligianni Xeni , Diamanti Luca , Monforte Mauro , Tasca Giorgio , Ricci Enzo , Bastianello Stefano , Pichiecchio Anna 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective
In this study we address the automatic segmentation of selected muscles of the thigh and leg through a supervised deep learning approach.

Material and methods
The application of quantitative imaging in neuromuscular diseases requires the availability of regions of interest (ROI) drawn on muscles to extract quantitative parameters. Up to now, manual drawing of ROIs has been considered the gold standard in clinical studies, with no clear and universally accepted standardized procedure for segmentation. Several automatic methods, based mainly on machine learning and deep learning algorithms, have recently been proposed to discriminate between skeletal muscle, bone, subcutaneous and intermuscular adipose tissue. We develop a supervised deep learning approach based on a unified framework for ROI segmentation.

Results
The proposed network generates segmentation maps with high accuracy, consisting in Dice Scores ranging from 0.89 to 0.95, with respect to “ground truth” manually segmented labelled images, also showing high average performance in both mild and severe cases of disease involvement (i.e. entity of fatty replacement).

Discussion
The presented results are promising and potentially translatable to different skeletal muscle groups and other MRI sequences with different contrast and resolution.