bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical covariance estimation for iterative CT reconstruction methods
Authors: Guo Xiaoyue , Zhang Li , Xing Yuxiang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Covariance of reconstruction images are useful to analyze the magnitude and correlation of noise in the evaluation of systems and reconstruction algorithms. The covariance estimation requires a big number of image samples that are hard to acquire in reality. A covariance propagation method from projection by a few noisy realizations is studied in this work. Based on the property of convergent points of cost funtions, the proposed method is composed of three steps, (1) construct a relationship between the covariance of projection and corresponding reconstruction from cost functions at its convergent point, (2) simplify the covariance relationship constructed in (1) by introducing an approximate gradient of penalties, and (3) obtain an analytical covariance estimation according to the simplified relationship in (2). Three approximation methods for step (2) are studied: the linear approximation of the gradient of penalties (LAM), the Taylor apprximation (TAM), and the mixture of LAM and TAM (MAM). TV and qGGMRF penalized weighted least square methods are experimented on. Results from statistical methods are used as reference. Under the condition of unstable 2nd derivative of penalties such as TV, the covariance image estimated by LAM accords to reference well but of smaller values, while the covarianc estimation by TAM is quite off. Under the conditon of relatively stable 2nd derivative of penalties such as qGGMRF, TAM performs well and LAM is again with a negative bias in magnitude. MAM gives a best performance under both conditions by combining LAM and TAM. Results also show that only one noise realization is enough to obtain reasonable covariance estimation analytically, which is important for practical usage. This work suggests the necessity and a new way to estimate the covariance for non-quadratically penalized reconstructions. Currently, the proposed method is computationally expensive for large size reconstructions.Computational efficiency is our future work to focus.
Study on electrostatic discharge (ESD) characteristics of ultra-thin dielectric film
Authors: WANG Ronggang , SUN Yurong , HE Liuliang , OUYANG Jiting 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) event usually destroys the electrical properties of dielectric films, resulting in product failure. In this work, the breakdown characteristic of machine mode (MM) ESD on three different nano size films of head gimble assemble are obtained experimentally. The breakdown voltage and thickness parameters show a positive proportional relationship, but they are generally very low and have large discrete characteristics (∼30%). The maximum and minimum breakdown voltages of the tested samples are 1.08 V and 0.46 V, which are far lower than the requirement of the current standard (25 V). In addition, the judgment criterion of product damage is given, and the relationship between discharge voltage polarity, initial resistance and breakdown voltage is studied. Finally, the theoretical analysis of the breakdown characteristic law has been given.
Cubic Action of a Rank one Group
Authors: Grüninger Matthias 
Published: February 2022

We consider a rank one group

G
=
⟨
A
,
B
⟩

G = \langle A,B \rangle

acting cubically on a module

V
V

, this means

[
V
,
A
,
A
,
A
]
=
0

[V,A,A,A] =0

but

[
V
,
G
,
G
,
G
]
≠
0

[V,G,G,G] \ne 0

. We have to distinguish whether the group

A
0

:=

C
A

(
[
V
,
A
]
)
∩

C
A

(
V

/

C
V

(
A
)
)

A_0 :=C_A([V,A]) \cap C_A(V/C_V(A))

is trivial or not. We show that if

A
0

A_0

is trivial,

G
G

is a rank one group associated to a quadratic Jordan division algebra. If

A
0

A_0

is not trivial (which is always the case if

A
A

is not abelian), then

A
0

A_0

defines a subgroup

G
0

G_0

of

G
G

acting quadratically on

V
V

. We will call

G
0

G_0

the quadratic kernel of

G
G

. By a result of Timmesfeld we have

G
0

≅

S
L

2

(
J
,
R
)

G_0 \cong \mathrm {SL}_2(J,R)

for a ring

R
R

and a special quadratic Jordan division algebra

J
⊆
R

J \subseteq R

. We show that

J
J

is either a Jordan algebra contained in a commutative field or a Hermitian Jordan algebra. In the second case

G
G

is the special unitary group of a pseudo-quadratic form

π
\pi

of Witt index

1
1

, in the first case

G
G

is the rank one group for a Freudenthal triple system. These results imply that if

(
V
,
G
)

(V,G)

is a quadratic pair such that no two distinct root groups commute and

c
h
a
r

V
≠
2
,
3

\mathrm {char} V\ne 2,3

, then

G
G

is a unitary group or an exceptional algebraic group.
Open-Angle Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy Is Related to Dips Rather Than Increases in the Mean Arterial Pressure Over 24-H
Authors: Melgarejo Jesus D , Eijgen Jan V , Maestre Gladys E , Al-Aswad Lama A , Thijs Lutgarde , Mena Luis J , Lee Joseph H , Terwilliger Joseph D , Petitto Michele , Chávez Carlos A , Brito Miguel , Calmon Gustavo , Silva Egle , Wei Dong-Mei , Cutsforth Ella , Keer Karel V , Gustavo De Moraes C , Vanassche Thomas , Janssens Stefan , Stalmans Ingeborg , Verhamme Peter , Staessen Jan A , Zhang Zhen-Yu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) drives ocular perfusion. Excessive 24-h MAP variability relates to glaucoma, however, whether this is due to dips or increases in the blood pressure (BP) is undocumented. We investigated the association of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in relation to the 5 largest MAP dips/increases over 24-h, henceforth called dips/blips.

METHODS
In the Maracaibo Aging Study (MAS), 93 participants aged ≥40 y (women, 87.1%; mean age, 61.9 y) underwent baseline ophthalmological and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring assessments. OAG was the presence of optic nerve damage and visual field defects. Statistical methods included logistic regression and the generalized R2 statistic. For replication, 48 OAG cases at the Leuven Glaucoma Clinic were matched with 48 controls recruited from Flemish population.

RESULTS
In the MAS, 26 participants had OAG. OAG compared to non-OAG participants experienced longer and deeper dips (116.5 vs. 102.7 minutes; to 60.3 vs. 66.6 mm Hg; −21.0 vs. −18.0 mm Hg absolute or 0.79 vs. 0.81 relative dip compared to the preceding reading). The adjusted odds ratios associated with dip measures ranged from 2.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–4.85; P = 0.009) to 3.39 (95% CI, 1.36–8.46; P = 0.008). On top of covariables and 24-MAP level/variability, the dip measures increased the model performance (P ≤ 0.025). Blips did not associate with OAG. The case–control study replicated the MAS observations.

CONCLUSIONS
Dips rather than increases in the 24-h MAP level were associated with increased risk for OAG. An ophthalmological examination combined with 24-h BP monitoring might be precautious steps required in normotensive and hypertensive patients at risk of OAG.
The Torrens System in Singapore: 75 Years from Conception to Commencement
Authors: See Alvin W -L 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This article tells the story of how the Torrens system of land titles registration came to be adopted in Singapore. From conception to commencement, the entire process took over 75 years, far longer than any other law reform the country has experienced. Particular attention is paid to why the Australian model was preferred despite the significant influence of English law in colonial Singapore. Although as with anything, much of what happened could be attributed to chance, a great deal can be learned from this story, which details the socio-economic and political forces that have shaped the law into what it is, as well as the considerations that have influenced the choices regarding legal transplant.
Amnesty and the Limits of Transitional Justice in Brazil: The Case of Expelled Low-Ranking Soldiers, 1964–2014
Authors: Corrêa Marilia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This article shows the continuities of the military dictatorship and the limits of transitional justice in Brazil, arguing that the violations the military regime inflicted on certain groups persisted over three decades after democratization. Between 1964 and 1985 the military officers who took power strived to eliminate opposition to their rule from all sectors of society. Inside the armed forces, they expelled over 6,500 officers and soldiers from their ranks after accusing them of subversion. Between 1979 and 2014 the state created policies to start a democratic transition and address the civil and human rights violations perpetrated during military rule. It offered amnesty and reparations to individuals who had their political rights stripped from them after their names were published in Institutional Acts, legal instruments created by the military government to justify the political persecution of its opponents. Yet, transitional justice policies failed to address different mechanisms the dictatorship used to eliminate opposition, such as Air Force Decree 1,104, which determined that soldiers would be hired on four-year contracts. Masquerading it as a tool to regulate the organization of the Air Force, military officers used Decree 1,104 to expel soldiers whom the regime saw as politically subversives. This article shows how the transitional justice policies created in Brazil were insufficient to deal with the multiple ways the dictatorship punished its political opponents.
Risky business: males choose more receptive adults over safer subadults in a cannibalistic spider
Authors: Sentenská Lenka , Scott Catherine , Mouginot Pierick , Andrade Maydianne C B 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUnderstanding factors affecting male mate choice can be important for tracking the dynamics of sexual selection in nature. Male brown widow spiders (Latrodectus geometricus) mate with adult as well as immature (subadult) females. Mating with adults involves costly courtship with a repertoire of signaling behaviors, and typically ends with cannibalism (“self-sacrifice” initiated by male somersault). Mating with subadults involves brief courtship with behavioral repertoire reduced to one component (vibration) and no cannibalism. We examined male mate choice as a function of risks associated with different types of mates and the cues available to courting males. Previous studies showed male preference for adults based on air-borne pheromones, but it was unclear whether that preference is maintained after males reach female’s webs. We show that males prefer adults also based on silk-borne contact cues. To determine which types of cues trigger different courtship components, we swapped adults and subadults between webs. We showed that contact with adult females’ webs triggers two courtship behaviors from the repertoire, with adult female’s bodies triggering additional behaviors. However, vibrational signals occur regardless of the web origin or female developmental stage. We conclude that males recognize subadult females as potential mates, but are more likely to invest in costly courtship behaviors and mating attempts with adults. In our experiments, subadults were less likely to mate than adults. We conclude that mating with adults could be the preferred option for males because of the higher likelihood of copulation, even at the cost of a higher risk of cannibalism.
Made-up mouths with preen oil reveal genetic and phenotypic conditions of starling nestlings
Authors: Soler Juan José , Martínez-Renau Ester , Azcárate-García Manuel , Ruiz-Castellano Cristina , Martín José , Martín-Vivaldi Manuel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Animal coloration results from pigments, nanostructures, or the cosmetic use of natural products, and plays a central role in social communication. The role of cosmetic coloration has traditionally been focused in scenarios of sexual selection, but it could also take place in other contexts. Here, by using spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor) as a model system, we explore the possibility that nestlings cosmetically use their intensely yellow-colored uropygial secretion to signal their genetic and/or phenotypic quality. In agreement with the hypothetical cosmetic use of the uropygial secretion, (i) video recorded nestlings collected secretion with the bill at the age of feathering, (ii) cotton swabs turned to the color of secretion after rubbing with them nestlings’ gape, and (iii) gape and skin colorations correlated positively with that of secretion. Furthermore, we found that (iv) secretion coloration has a genetic component, and (v) associated positively with Vitamin E supplementation and (vi) with plasma carotenoid concentration, which highlights the informative value of nestling secretion. Finally, (vii) coloration of begging-related traits and of secretion of nestlings predicted parental feeding preferences. Consequently, all these results strongly suggest that the cosmetic use of colored uropygial secretion might also play a role in parent-offspring communication, complementing or amplifying information provided by the flamboyant colored gapes and skin of nestlings. The use of makeups by offspring for communication with relatives has been scarcely explored and we hope that these results will encourage further investigations in birds and other taxa with parental care.
BiTSC
2: Bayesian inference of tumor clonal tree by joint analysis of single-cell SNV and CNA data
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Gong Fuzhou , Wan Lin , Ma Liang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The rapid development of single-cell DNA sequencing (scDNA-seq) technology has greatly enhanced the resolution of tumor cell profiling, providing an unprecedented perspective in characterizing intra-tumoral heterogeneity and understanding tumor progression and metastasis. However, prominent algorithms for constructing tumor phylogeny based on scDNA-seq data usually only take single nucleotide variations (SNVs) as markers, failing to consider the effect caused by copy number alterations (CNAs). Here, we propose BiTSC$^2$, Bayesian inference of Tumor clonal Tree by joint analysis of Single-Cell SNV and CNA data. BiTSC$^2$ takes raw reads from scDNA-seq as input, accounts for the overlapping of CNA and SNV, models allelic dropout rate, sequencing errors and missing rate, as well as assigns single cells into subclones. By applying Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling, BiTSC$^2$ can simultaneously estimate the subclonal scCNA and scSNV genotype matrices, subclonal assignments and tumor subclonal evolutionary tree. In comparison with existing methods on synthetic and real tumor data, BiTSC$^2$ shows high accuracy in genotype recovery, subclonal assignment and tree reconstruction. BiTSC$^2$ also performs robustly in dealing with scDNA-seq data with low sequencing depth and variant missing rate. BiTSC$^2$ software is available at https://github.com/ucasdp/BiTSC2.
How Individualized Niches Arise: Defining Mechanisms of Niche Construction, Niche Choice, and Niche Conformance
Authors: Trappes Rose , Nematipour Behzad , Kaiser Marie I , Krohs Ulrich , van Benthem Koen J , Ernst Ulrich R , Gadau Jürgen , Korsten Peter , Kurtz Joachim , Schielzeth Holger , Schmoll Tim , Takola Elina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOrganisms interact with their environments in various ways. We present a conceptual framework that distinguishes three mechanisms of organism–environment interaction. We call these NC3 mechanisms: niche construction, in which individuals make changes to the environment; niche choice, in which individuals select an environment; and niche conformance, in which individuals adjust their phenotypes in response to the environment. Each of these individual-level mechanisms affects an individual's phenotype–environment match, its fitness, and its individualized niche, defined in terms of the environmental conditions under which the individual can survive and reproduce. Our framework identifies how individuals alter the selective regimes that they and other organisms experience. It also places clear emphasis on individual differences and construes niche construction and other processes as evolved mechanisms. The NC3 mechanism framework therefore helps to integrate population-level and individual-level research.
Species delimitation, hybridization and possible apomixis in a rapid radiation of Western AustralianLeptospermum(Myrtaceae)
Authors: Binks Rachel M , Byrne Margaret 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSpecies delimitation is challenging in rapid radiations because the typical markers of speciation are often obscured. Here, we use comprehensive sampling and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to assess species boundaries in a radiation of nine morphologically similar Leptospermum taxa that failed to be discriminated in previous phylogenomic analyses. Our data recovered clear separation of L. maxwellii, L. sericeum and L. inelegans as currently circumscribed. A phrase-named taxon, Leptospermum. sp. Peak Charles/Norseman, was not distinct from L. incanum, and we recommend their synonymization. Another pair, L. nitens and L. roei, were also indistinct and differ by a single morphological character that also varies in L. inelegans without taxonomic recognition. We recommend synonymization of L. nitens and L. roei and consistent treatment of this character as a non-diagnostic, variable trait. Difficulty arose in discriminating L. erubescens and L. oligandrum; we make three suggestions and recommend further morphological investigation to determine the most appropriate taxonomic outcome. As expected, hybridization was common across the complex, but, unexpectedly, many individual plants were genetically identical within, and sometimes between, populations of most species. We hypothesize that this is due to apomixis. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of population genomics in the integrative taxonomy toolbox for disentangling species in rapid radiations, while also offering insight to the evolution of this poorly known group of Australian Leptospermum.
Wasp stings and plasma exchange
Authors: Carriazo Sol , Ortiz Alberto 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
Invasive species related to climate change and/or globalization may be associated with novel forms of kidney disease. This is the case for wasps. Several species of Asian wasps are increasingly found in America (e.g. Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia) and Europe (e.g. yellow-legged Asian hornet, V. velutina; black shield hornet, V. bicolor; and Oriental hornet, V. orientalis). Some of these species have been associated with human deaths and acute kidney injury. The literature on wasps and acute kidney injury is scarce and mostly originates from Asia, so nephrologists outside Asia are not familiar with this health problem. In a recent issue of ckj, Liu et al. describe a simple, four-item Wasp Sting Severity Score (WSS) developed from 1131 wasp sting patients. Vespa mandarinia and V. velutina were among those causing hospitalization, although most cases were caused by the black-bellied hornet (V. basalis). Liu et al. propose that a WSS ≥3 should guide early (&lt;24 h after stings) plasma exchange, as plasma exchange was associated with lower mortality in severely affected patients but continuous venovenous haemofiltration and haemoperfusion were not. The WSS will require external validation. This manuscript should raise awareness about the potentially fatal consequences of stings by wasp species making their way into America and Europe.
Fundoplication in children with esophageal atresia: preoperative workup and outcome
Authors: van Lennep Marinde , Chung Eric , Jiwane Ashish , Saoji Rajendra , Gorter Ramon R , Benninga Marc A , Krishnan Usha , van Wijk Michiel P 
Published: February 2022

Summary
Up to 45% of esophageal atresia (EA) patients undergo fundoplication during childhood. Their esophageal dysmotility may predispose to worse fundoplication outcomes compared with patients without EA. We therefore compared fundoplication outcomes and symptoms pre- and post-fundoplication in EA patients with matched patients without EA. A retrospective review of patients with- and without EA who underwent a fundoplication was performed between 2006 and 2017. Therapeutic success was defined as complete sustained resolution of symptoms that were the reason to perform fundoplication. Fundoplication indications of 39 EA patients (49% male; median age 1.1 [0.1–17.0] yrs) and 39 non-EA patients (46% male; median age 1.3 [0.3–17.0] yrs) included respiratory symptoms, brief resolved unexplained events, typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, recurrent strictures and respiratory problems. Post-fundoplication, therapeutic success was achieved in 5 (13%) EA patients versus 29 (74%) non-EA patients (P&lt;0.001). Despite therapeutic success, all 5 (13%) EA patients developed postoperative sustained symptoms/complications versus 12 (31%) non-EA patients. Eleven (28%) EA patients versus 3 (8%) non-EA patients did not achieve any therapeutic success (P=0.036). Remaining patients achieved partial therapeutic success. EA patients suffered significantly more often from postoperative sustained dysphagia (41% vs. 13%; P=0.039), gagging (33% vs. 23%; P&lt;0.001) and bloating (40% vs. 17%; P=0.022). Fundoplication outcomes in EA patients are poor and EA patients are more susceptible to post-fundoplication sustained symptoms and complications compared with patients without EA. The decision to perform fundoplication in EA patients with proven gastroesophageal reflux disease needs to be made with caution after thorough multidisciplinary evaluation.
How to Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients When They Withdraw Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor [Anti-TNF] Due to Severe Anti-TNF-Induced Skin Lesions? A Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Cottron C , Treton X , Altwegg R , Reenaers C , Amiot A , Fumery M , Vuitton L , Peyrin-Biroulet L , Bouguen G , Dewit O , Nancey S , Caillo L , Roblin X , Beylot-Barry M , Rivière P , Laharie D 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
Optimal management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] after anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] discontinuation due to severe induced skin lesions is unclear. Our study aimed to describe dermatological and IBD evolution after anti-TNF discontinuation for this side effect.

Methods
We conducted a multicentre retrospective study including consecutive IBD patients who discontinued anti-TNF due to severe induced skin lesions. Our objectives were to determine factors associated with dermatological remission [complete disappearance of skin lesions] and with IBD relapse in patients with inactive disease at inclusion, notably the impact of an early switch to another biological agent within 3 months of anti-TNF discontinuation.

Results
Among the 181 patients [134 women, 160 Crohn’s disease] included in the 13 participating centres, dermatological remission occurred in 110 [62%] patients with a median [interquartile range, IQR] interval of 8.0 [6.8–11.0] months. Scalp location was independently associated with less remission of skin lesions (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64 [95% CI 0.43–0.94], p = 0.02) while early switch was independently associated with a higher probability of remission of skin lesions (HR = 1.64 [95% CI 1.1–2.5], p = 0.02). Among the 148 patients with inactive IBD at inclusion, disease relapse occurred in 75 [51%] patients with a median [IQR] interval of 26.0 [23.0–39.1] months. Survival rates without IBD relapse at 1 year were 85.8% [95% CI 77.5–94.9] in the early switch group and 59.3% [95% CI 48.9–71.9] in the other group [p &lt; 0.01].

Conclusions
Early switch to a new biological is associated with a higher probability of healing of anti-TNF-induced skin lesions and significantly reduces the risk of IBD relapse.