pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Violence, suffering, and mental health in Afghanistan: a school-based survey

SummaryBackgroundStudies in Afghanistan have shown substantial mental health problems in adults. We did a survey of young people (11–16 years old) in the country to assess mental health, traumatic experiences, and social functioning.MethodsIn 2006, we interviewed 1011 children, 1011 caregivers, and 358 teachers, who were randomly sampled in 25 government-operated schools within three purposively chosen areas (Kabul, Bamyan, and Mazar-e-Sharif municipalities). We assessed probable psychiatric disorder and social functioning in students with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire multi-informant (child, parent, teacher) ratings. We also used the Depression Self-Rating Scale and an Impact of Events Scale. We assessed caregiver mental health with both international and culturally-specific screening instruments (Self-Reported Questionnaire and Afghan Symptom Checklist). We implemented a checklist of traumatic events to examine the exposure to, and nature of, traumatic experiences. We analysed risk factors for mental health and reports of traumatic experiences.FindingsTrauma exposure and caregiver mental health were predictive across all child outcomes. Probable psychiatric ratings were associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2·47, 95% CI 1·65–3·68), five or more traumatic events (2·58, 1·36–4·90), caregiver mental health (1·11, 1·08–1·14), and residence areas (0·29, 0·17–0·51 for Bamyan and 0·37, 0·23–0·57 for Mazar-e-Sharif vs Kabul). The same variables predicted symptoms of depression. Two thirds of children reported traumatic experiences. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress were associated with five or more traumatic events (3·07, 1·78–5·30), caregiver mental health (1·06, 1·02–1·09), and child age (1·19, 1·04–1·36). Children's most distressing traumatic experiences included accidents, medical treatment, domestic and community violence, and war-related events.InterpretationYoung Afghans experience violence that is persistent and not confined to acts of war. Our study emphasises the value of school-based initiatives to address child mental health, and the importance of understanding trauma in the context of everyday forms of suffering, violence, and adversity.FundingWellcome Trust
Effects of suppressing gonadal hormones on response to novel objects in adolescent rats

AbstractHuman adolescents exhibit higher levels of novelty-seeking behaviour than younger or older individuals, and novelty-seeking is higher in males than females from adolescence onwards. Gonadal hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol, have been suggested to underlie age and sex difference in response to novelty; however, empirical evidence in support of this hypothesis is limited. Here, we investigated whether suppressing gonadal hormone levels during adolescence affects response to novelty in laboratory rats. Previously, we have shown that male adolescent Lister-hooded rats (postnatal day, pnd, 40) exhibit a stronger preference than same-aged females for a novel object compared to a familiar object. In the current study, 24 male and 24 female Lister-hooded rats were administered with Antide (a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist), or with a control vehicle solution, at pnd 28. Antide provided long-term suppression of gonadal hormone production, as confirmed by ELISA assays and measurement of internal organs. Response to novel objects was tested at pnd 40 in Antide-treated and control subjects using a ‘novel object recognition’ task with a short (2-minute) inter-trial interval. In support of previous findings, control males exhibited a stronger preference than control females for novelty when presented with a choice of objects. Antide-treated males exhibited a significantly lower preference for novel objects compared to control males, whilst Antide-treated females did not differ significantly from control females in their preference for novelty. Antide treatment did not affect total time spent interacting with objects. We discuss how gonadal hormones might influence sex differences in preference for novelty during adolescence
The variable hierarchy for the games μ-calculus

AbstractParity games are combinatorial representations of closed Boolean μ-terms. By adding to them draw positions, they have been organized by Arnold and Santocanale (2005, 2007) [3,27] into a μ-calculus (Arnold, 2001 [2]) whose standard interpretation is over the class of all complete lattices. As done by Berwanger et al. (2002, 2005) [8,9] for the propositional modal μ-calculus, it is possible to classify parity games into levels of a hierarchy according to the number of fixed-point variables. We ask whether this hierarchy collapses w.r.t. the standard interpretation. We answer this question negatively by providing, for each n≥1, a parity game Gn with these properties: it unravels to a μ-term built up with n fixed-point variables, it is not semantically equivalent to any game with strictly less than n−2 fixed-point variables
Limits on Treh for thermal leptogenesis with hierarchical neutrino masses

AbstractWe make a simple observation that if one of the right-chiral neutrinos is very heavy or its Yukawa couplings to the standard lepton doublets are negligible, so that it effectively decouples from the see-saw mechanism, the prediction for the baryon asymmetry of the universe resulting from leptogenesis depends only on the masses M1 and M2 of the remaining two right-chiral neutrinos and the element Ỹν22 of the neutrino Yukawa coupling. For M2≳5M1 the lower bound on M1 and also on Treh, resulting from the requirement of ‘successful leptogenesis’ is then significantly increased compared to the one computed recently by Buchmüller et al. in the most general case. Within the framework of thermal leptogenesis, the only way to lower this limit is then to allow for sufficiently small mass difference M2−M1
Probability of digits by dividing random numbers: A ψ and ζ functions approach

AbstractThis paper begins with the statistics of the decimal digits of n/d with (n,d)∈N2 randomly chosen. Starting with a statement by Cesàro on probabilistic number theory, see Cesàro (1885) [3,4], we evaluate, through the Euler ψ function, an integral appearing there. Furthermore the probabilistic statement itself is proved, using a different approach: in any case the probability of a given digit r to be the first decimal digit after dividing a couple of random integers is pr=120+12{ψ(r10+1110)−ψ(r10+1)}. The theorem is then generalized to real numbers (Theorem 1, holding a proof of both nd results) and to the αth power of the ratio of integers (Theorem 2), via an elementary approach involving the ψ function and the Hurwitz ζ function. The article provides historic remarks, numerical examples, and original theoretical contributions: also it complements the recent renewed interest in Benford’s law among number theorists
The Starr-Edwards valve

This report reviews the results obtained with the current models of the Silastic ball valve, classifying the experience with the mitral and aortic models into the periods Mitral ModelAortic Model612012601965 to1973 to1965 to1973 to1972198419721984Number of valves84234133470Follow-upTotal7835861,3181,512(patient-years)Maximum (years)19101910Complications(%/patient-years)Embolism6.02.94.61.8Thrombosis0.60.00.20.0All valve failures1.91.21.51.1before and after 1973.Valve failure is defined according to the Stanford method and includes any valve-related death or complication necessitating valve removal (there have been no mechanical failures). Comparison of the valve model used today with the same model used in the late 1960s shows that the results have improved dramatically, especially with regard to thromboembolism. The results obtained with valves implanted after 1973 compare favorably with those of other contemporary valves introduced in the early 1970s
Automated flow cytometric analysis across large numbers of samples and cell types

AbstractMulti-parametric flow cytometry is a key technology for characterization of immune cell phenotypes. However, robust high-dimensional post-analytic strategies for automated data analysis in large numbers of donors are still lacking. Here, we report a computational pipeline, called FlowGM, which minimizes operator input, is insensitive to compensation settings, and can be adapted to different analytic panels. A Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM)-based approach was utilized for initial clustering, with the number of clusters determined using Bayesian Information Criterion. Meta-clustering in a reference donor permitted automated identification of 24 cell types across four panels. Cluster labels were integrated into FCS files, thus permitting comparisons to manual gating. Cell numbers and coefficient of variation (CV) were similar between FlowGM and conventional gating for lymphocyte populations, but notably FlowGM provided improved discrimination of “hard-to-gate” monocyte and dendritic cell (DC) subsets. FlowGM thus provides rapid high-dimensional analysis of cell phenotypes and is amenable to cohort studies
Measurement of the centrality dependence of the charged particle pseudorapidity distribution in lead–lead collisions at sNN=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector

AbstractThe ATLAS experiment at the LHC has measured the centrality dependence of charged particle pseudorapidity distributions over |η|<2 in lead–lead collisions at a nucleon–nucleon centre-of-mass energy of sNN=2.76 TeV. In order to include particles with transverse momentum as low as 30 MeV, the data were recorded with the central solenoid magnet off. Charged particles were reconstructed with two algorithms (2-point “tracklets” and full tracks) using information from the pixel detector only. The lead–lead collision centrality was characterized by the total transverse energy in the forward calorimeter in the range 3.2<|η|<4.9. Measurements are presented of the per-event charged particle pseudorapidity distribution, dNch/dη, and the average charged particle multiplicity in the pseudorapidity interval |η|<0.5 in several intervals of collision centrality. The results are compared to previous mid-rapidity measurements at the LHC and RHIC. The variation of the mid-rapidity charged particle yield per colliding nucleon pair with the number of participants is consistent with lower sNN results. The shape of the dNch/dη distribution is found to be independent of centrality within the systematic uncertainties of the measurement
Disruption of the glucosylceramide biosynthetic pathway in Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus by inhibitors of UDP-Glc:ceramide glucosyltransferase strongly affects spore germination, cell cycle, and hyphal growth

AbstractThe opportunistic mycopathogen Aspergillus fumigatus expresses both glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide (GlcCer and GalCer), but their functional significance in Aspergillus species is unknown. We here identified and characterized a GlcCer from Aspergillus nidulans, a non-pathogenic model fungus. Involvement of GlcCer in fungal development was tested on both species using a family of compounds known to inhibit GlcCer synthase in mammals. Two analogs, D-threo-1-phenyl-2-palmitoyl-3-pyrrolidinopropanol (P4) and D-threo-3′,4′-ethylenedioxy-P4, strongly inhibited germination and hyphal growth. Neutral lipids from A. fumigatus cultured in the presence of these inhibitors displayed a significantly reduced GlcCer/GalCer ratio. These results suggest that synthesis of GlcCer is essential for normal development of A. fumigatus and A. nidulans
Supersymmetry does not imply mass degeneracy

AbstractIt is commonly believed that unbroken supersymmetry (SUSY) implies that all members of a supermultiplet have the same mass. We demonstrate that this is not true, by exhibiting a simple counterexample. We employ the formalism of homeotic fermions, in a simple model where CPT conjugate fermions have different masses. This model can be supersymmetrized to a hypermultiplet of fields which form a representation of the conventional N=2 SUSY algebra. Nevertheless, CPT conjugate states in this hypermultiplet have different masses. These surprising results do not violate either the CPT theorem or the Haag–Lopuszański–Sohnius theorem
Deuteron–deuteron scattering above four-nucleon breakup threshold

AbstractDeuteron–deuteron elastic scattering and transfer reactions in the energy regime above four-nucleon breakup threshold are described by solving exact four-particle equations for transition operators. Several realistic nuclear interaction models are used, including the one with effective many-nucleon forces generated by the explicit Δ-isobar excitation; the Coulomb force between protons is taken into account as well. Differential cross sections, deuteron analyzing powers, outgoing nucleon polarization, and deuteron-to-neutron polarization transfer coefficients are calculated at 10 MeV deuteron energy. Overall good agreement with the experimental data is found. The importance of breakup channels is demonstrated
On px2+q2n=yp and related Diophantine equations

AbstractThe title equation, where p>3 is a prime number ≢7(mod8), q is an odd prime number and x, y, n are positive integers with x, y relatively prime, is studied. When p≡3(mod8), we prove (Theorem 2.3) that there are no solutions. For p≢3(mod8) the treatment of the equation turns out to be a difficult task. We focus our attention to p=5, by reason of an article by F. Abu Muriefah, published in J. Number Theory 128 (2008) 1670–1675. Our main result concerning this special equation is Theorem 1.1, whose proof is based on results around the Diophantine equation 5x2−4=yn (integer solutions), interesting in themselves, which are exposed in Sections 3 and 4. These last results are obtained by using tools such as linear forms in two logarithms and hypergeometric series
Age-related patterns of vigorous-intensity physical activity in youth: The International Children's Accelerometry Database

AbstractPhysical activity declines during youth but most evidence reports on combined moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity. We investigated how vigorous-intensity activity varies with age.Cross-sectional data from 24,025 participants (5.0–18.0y; from 20 studies in 10 countries obtained 2008–2010) providing ≥1day accelerometer data (International Children's Accelerometry Database (ICAD)). Linear regression was used to investigate age-related patterns in vigorous-intensity activity; models included age (exposure), adjustments for monitor wear-time and study. Moderate-intensity activity was examined for comparison. Interactions were used to investigate whether the age/vigorous-activity association differed by sex, weight status, ethnicity, maternal education and region.A 6.9% (95% CI 6.2, 7.5) relative reduction in mean vigorous-intensity activity with every year of age was observed; for moderate activity the relative reduction was 6.0% (5.6%, 6.4%). The age-related decrease in vigorous-intensity activity remained after adjustment for moderate activity. A larger age-related decrease in vigorous activity was observed for girls (−10.7%) versus boys (−2.9%), non-white (−12.9% to −9.4%) versus white individuals (−6.1%), lowest maternal education (high school (−2.0%)) versus college/university (ns) and for overweight/obese (−6.1%) versus healthy-weight participants (−8.1%). In addition to larger annual decreases in vigorous-intensity activity, overweight/obese individuals, girls and North Americans had comparatively lower average vigorous-intensity activity at 5.0–5.9y.Age-related declines in vigorous-intensity activity during youth appear relatively greater than those of moderate activity. However, due to a higher baseline, absolute moderate-intensity activity decreases more than vigorous. Overweight/obese individuals, girls, and North Americans appear especially in need of vigorous-intensity activity promotion due to low levels at 5.0–5.9y and larger negative annual differences
Dynamically generated 0+ heavy mesons in a heavy chiral unitary approach

AbstractIn terms of the heavy chiral Lagrangian and the unitarized coupled-channel scattering amplitude, interaction between the heavy meson and the light pseudoscalar meson is studied. By looking for the pole of scattering matrix on an appropriate Riemann sheet, a DK bound state Ds0∗ with the mass of 2.312±0.041 GeV is found. This state can be associated as the narrow DsJ∗(2317) state found recently. In the same way, a BK¯ bound state Bs0∗ is found, and its mass of 5.725±0.039 GeV is predicted. The spectra of D0∗ and B0∗ with I=1/2 are further investigated. One broad and one narrow states are predicted in both charm and bottom sectors. The coupling constants and decay widths of the predicted states are also calculated
Evolutionary Trade-Off between Vocal Tract and Testes Dimensions in Howler Monkeys

SummaryMales often face a trade-off between investments in precopulatory and postcopulatory traits [1], particularly when male-male contest competition determines access to mates [2]. To date, studies of precopulatory strategies have largely focused on visual ornaments (e.g., coloration) or weapon morphology (e.g., antlers, horns, and canines). However, vocalizations can also play an important role in both male competition and female choice [3–5]. We investigated variation in vocal tract dimensions among male howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.), which produce loud roars using a highly specialized and greatly enlarged hyoid bone and larynx [6]. We examined the relative male investment in hyoids and testes among howler monkey species in relation to the level of male-male competition and analyzed the acoustic consequences of variation in hyoid morphology. Species characterized by single-male groups have large hyoids and small testes, suggesting high levels of vocally mediated competition. Larger hyoids lower formant frequencies, probably increasing the acoustic impression of male body size and playing a role analogous to investment in large body size or weaponry. Across species, as the number of males per group increases, testes volume also increases, indicating higher levels of postcopulatory sperm competition, while hyoid volume decreases. These results provide the first evidence of an evolutionary trade-off between investment in precopulatory vocal characteristics and postcopulatory sperm production
NLO matching for tt¯bb¯ production with massive b-quarks

AbstractTheoretical uncertainties in the simulation of tt¯bb¯ production represent one of the main obstacles that still hamper the observation of Higgs-boson production in association with top-quark pairs in the H→bb¯ channel. In this Letter we present a next-to-leading order (NLO) simulation of tt¯bb¯ production with massive b-quarks matched to the Sherpa parton shower. This allows one to extend NLO predictions to arbitrary tt¯bb¯ kinematics, including the case where one or both b-jets arise from collinear g→bb¯ splittings. We find that this splitting mechanism plays an important role for the tt¯H(bb¯) analysis
Regional specificity of MRI contrast parameter changes in normal ageing revealed by voxel-based quantification (VBQ)

AbstractNormal ageing is associated with characteristic changes in brain microstructure. Although in vivo neuroimaging captures spatial and temporal patterns of age-related changes of anatomy at the macroscopic scale, our knowledge of the underlying (patho)physiological processes at cellular and molecular levels is still limited. The aim of this study is to explore brain tissue properties in normal ageing using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside conventional morphological assessment. Using a whole-brain approach in a cohort of 26 adults, aged 18–85years, we performed voxel-based morphometric (VBM) analysis and voxel-based quantification (VBQ) of diffusion tensor, magnetization transfer (MT), R1, and R2* relaxation parameters. We found age-related reductions in cortical and subcortical grey matter volume paralleled by changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), MT and R2*. The latter were regionally specific depending on their differential sensitivity to microscopic tissue properties. VBQ of white matter revealed distinct anatomical patterns of age-related change in microstructure. Widespread and profound reduction in MT contrasted with local FA decreases paralleled by MD increases. R1 reductions and R2* increases were observed to a smaller extent in overlapping occipito-parietal white matter regions. We interpret our findings, based on current biophysical models, as a fingerprint of age-dependent brain atrophy and underlying microstructural changes in myelin, iron deposits and water. The VBQ approach we present allows for systematic unbiased exploration of the interaction between imaging parameters and extends current methods for detection of neurodegenerative processes in the brain. The demonstrated parameter-specific distribution patterns offer insights into age-related brain structure changes in vivo and provide essential baseline data for studying disease against a background of healthy ageing
A ‘Design for Energy Minimization’ approach to reduce energy consumption during the manufacturing phase

AbstractThe combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation has contributed considerably to the effects of climate change. In order to reduce fossil fuel consumption, designers are increasingly seeking to reduce the energy consumption of products over their life cycle. To achieve a significant reduction in energy consumption, it is essential that energy considerations are incorporated within the design phase of a product, since the majority a product's environmental impact is determined during this phase. This work proposes a new ‘Design for Energy Minimization’ (DfEM) approach, which is intended to provide increased transparency with respect to the energy consumed during manufacture in order to help inform design decisions. An energy simulation model based on this approach is then presented to aid designers during the design phase. The application of this novel design tool is demonstrated in two cases: That of a simple product (designed by a single Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) through a centralized approach); and a complex product (designed by a number of designers within a supply chain using a distributed approach). The subsequent benefits to energy minimization are then discussed and conclusions drawn
Full field measurements and identification in Solid Mechanics Depth-resolved Phase Imaging

AbstractTraditional full-field interferometric techniques (speckle, moiré, holography etc) encode the surface deformation state of the object under test in the form of 2-D phase images. Over the past 10 years, a family of related techniques (Wavelength Scanning Interferometry, Phase Contrast Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Tilt Scanning Interferometry and Hyperspectral Interferometry) has emerged that allows one to measure the volume deformation state within weakly-scattering objects. The techniques can be thought of as combining the phase-sensing capabilities of Phase Shifting Interferometry and the depth-sensing capabilities of OCT. This paper provides an overview of the techniques, and describes a theoretical framework based on the Ewald sphere construction that allows key parameters such as depth resolution and displacement sensitivity to be calculated straightforwardly for any given optical geometry and wavelength scan range. Finally, the related issue of robust phase unwrapping of noisy 3-D wrapped phase volumes is also described