Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Concern: 16S rRNA gene sequencing and healthy reference ranges for 28 clinically relevant microbial taxa from the human gut microbiome

Following publication of this article [1], concerns were raised about the origin of stool samples used to generate the microbiome dataset. Specifically, concerns were raised about the possible inclusion of samples from participants affected by health conditions or antibiotic usage, and non-humans. The PLOS ONE Editors followed up with the authors, and it was confirmed that fecal samples were collected by participants, and those included in the study reported being healthy by survey; the study design did not exclude participants based on age. The reported age range for participants is 19 days– 103 years. The first author has stated that an audit of customer service data held at uBiome in August 2019 identified information indicating that one of the samples submitted by a uBiome user, and labelled as a human gut sample, may have had a non-human origin (sample 757 as listed in S3 Table of [1]). This information was stored on a customer support system separate from the anonymized database used in the study and was unknown to the authors at the time of the study. The first author provided the following additional information: Evaluation of the data from the suspected non-human sample 757 indicates that this sample is not an outlier for the abundance for any microorganism. Recalculation of the values for the healthy ranges with sample 757 removed from the data set generates the same numerical values for the upper limit of the healthy range as those indicated by the red lines in Fig 3 of [1], previously corrected in [2]. Thus, because of the large sample size of this study, and the normal distribution of microorganism abundances in sample 757, inclusion or exclusion of sample 757 from the calculation of the healthy ranges does not alter the results and conclusions presented in the published article [1]. The corresponding author clarified that the uBiome user who submitted sample 757 had more than one sample in their account, which introduces the possibility that the non-human sample was not included in the study. They note that sample 757 clusters with the rest of the human samples in the study, which they say suggests a human origin for this sample. Participants responded to a survey of 192 questions including items covering prebiotic, probiotic, and antibiotic use. The aggregate data from the full participant survey have not been provided. The corresponding author has stated that the study used data from six questions regarding age, gender, health, diagnosed medical conditions, diagnosed gut conditions, and symptoms at the time of sampling. A copy of those six questions is provided as Supporting Information (S1 File). Aggregate participant data for these six questions are provided as Supporting Information (S2 File). PLOS ONE
Ultrasonography can replace chest X-rays in the postoperative care of thoracic surgical patients

Objectives Lung ultrasound accurately identifies pulmonary and pleural pathologies. Presently it has not been accepted as a routine examination in the postoperative follow-up of thoracic surgical patients. The present study aimed to compare thoracic ultrasonography with chest X-ray for detecting and clinical relevance of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and lung consolidation and determine whether ultrasonography could replace chest X-ray as the standard examination after surgery. Methods In this blinded, prospective, single-center study, lung ultrasound images were obtained within 2 hours of post-operative routine chest X-ray. A severity score was given to each examination in each technique. Lung ultrasound and chest X-ray results were compared by three methods: absolute comparison of normal to abnormal, the degree of pathology, and the clinical findings’ relevance. Results Eighty patients were enrolled from 2013 to 2017, and 215 ultrasonography images were obtained. For pneumothorax, the precise overlap was found in 129/180 (72%) images. In 24% of examinations, X-ray missed ultrasonography findings. There was an agreement between studies in 80/212 (38%) images for pleural effusion. 60% of pleural effusions were missed by chest X-ray and detected by ultrasonography, and only 2.4% were missed by ultrasound, all very small. Clinically relevant fluid accumulation found a precise match in 80%, and 20% were found only by lung ultrasound. For lung consolidation, a 100% overlap was found with both methods. Conclusions Our results suggest that lung ultrasound may replace chest X-ray as the standard examination in the postoperative care of patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures.
Large-scale fluctuations in the cosmic ionising background: the impact of beamed source emission

When modelling the ionisation of gas in the intergalactic medium after reionisation, it is standard practice to assume a uniform radiation background. This assumption is not always appropriate; models with radiative transfer show that large-scale ionisation rate fluctuations can have an observable impact on statistics of the Lyman-alpha forest. We extend such calculations to include beaming of sources, which has previously been neglected but which is expected to be important if quasars dominate the ionising photon budget. Beaming has two effects: first, the physical number density of ionising sources is enhanced relative to that directly observed; and second, the radiative transfer itself is altered. We calculate both effects in a hard-edged beaming model where each source has a random orientation, using an equilibrium Boltzmann hierarchy in terms of spherical harmonics. By studying the statistical properties of the resulting ionisation rate and HI density fields at redshift $z\sim 2.3$, we find that the two effects partially cancel each other; combined, they constitute a maximum $5\%$ correction to the power spectrum $P_{\mathrm{HI}}(k)$ at $k=0.04 \, h/\mathrm{Mpc}$. On very large scales ($k<0.01\, h/\mathrm{Mpc}$) the source density renormalisation dominates; it can reduce, by an order of magnitude, the contribution of ionising shot-noise to the intergalactic HI power spectrum. The effects of beaming should be considered when interpreting future observational datasets.
Readmission rates and risk factors for readmission after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with end-stage renal disease

Objectives We sought to examine readmission rates and predictors of hospital readmission following TAVR in patients with ESRD. Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with poor outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods We assessed index hospitalizations for TAVR from the National Readmissions Database from 2017 to 2018 and used propensity scores to match those with and without ESRD. We compared 90-day readmission for any cause or cardiovascular cause. Length of stay (LOS), mortality, and cost were assessed for index hospitalizations and 90-day readmissions. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of 90-day readmission. Results We identified 49,172 index hospitalizations for TAVR, including 1,219 patients with ESRD (2.5%). Patient with ESRD had higher rates of all-cause readmission (34.4% vs. 19.2%, HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.68–2.30, p<0.001) and cardiovascular readmission (13.2% vs. 7.7%, HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.44–2.38, p<0.001) at 90 days. During index hospitalization, patients with ESRD had longer length of stay (mean difference 1.9 days), increased hospital cost (mean difference $42,915), and increased in-hospital mortality (2.6% vs. 0.9%). Among those readmitted within 90 days, patients with ESRD had longer LOS and increased hospital charge, but similar in-hospital mortality. Diabetes (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.31–2.64) and chronic pulmonary disease (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04–2.18) were independently associated with higher odds of 90-day readmission in patients with ESRD. Conclusion Patients with ESRD undergoing TAVR have higher mortality and increased cost associated with their index hospitalization and are at increased risk of readmission within 90 days following TAVR.
Effects of propofol and inhaled anesthetics on postoperative complications for the patients undergoing one lung ventilation: A meta-analysis

Introduction With the widespread use of one-lung ventilation (OLV) in thoracic surgery, it is unclear whether maintenance anesthetics such as propofol and inhaled anesthetics are associated with postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and inhaled anesthetics on postoperative complications in OLV patients. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials until 09/2021. All randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of propofol versus inhaled anesthetics on postoperative complications in OLV patients were included. All randomized controlled trials comparing:(a) major complications (b) postoperative pulmonary complications (c) postoperative cognitive function (MMSE score) (d) length of hospital stay (e) 30-day mortality, were included. Results Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 2522 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, there was no significant difference in major postoperative complications between the inhaled anesthetic and propofol groups (OR 0.78, 95%CI 0.54 to 1.13, p = 0.19; I2 = 0%). However, more PPCs were detected in the propofol group compared to the inhalation anesthesia group (OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.44 to 0.87, p = 0.005; I2 = 37%). Both postoperative MMSE score (SMD -1.94, 95%CI -4.87 to 0.99, p = 0.19; I2 = 100%) and hospital stay (SMD 0.05, 95%CI -0.29 to 0.39, p = 0.76; I2 = 73%) were similar between the two groups. The 30-day mortality rate was also not significantly different between groups (OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.03 to 18, p = 0.88; I2 = 63%). Conclusions In patients undergoing OLV, general anesthesia with inhaled anesthetics reduced PPC compared to propofol, but did not provide clear benefits on other major complications, cognitive function, length of hospital stay, or mortality.
Direct mass measurements of neutron-rich 86Kr projectile fragments and the persistence of neutron magic number N=32 in Sc isotopes

In this paper, we present direct mass measurements of neutron-rich 86Kr projectile fragments conducted at the HIRFL-CSR facility in Lanzhou by employing the Isochronous Mass Spectrometry (IMS) method. The new mass excesses of 52–54Sc nuclides are determined to be −40492(82), −38928(114), −34654(540) keV, which show a significant increase of binding energy compared to the reported ones in the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2012 (AME12). In particular, 53Sc and 54Sc are more bound by 0.8 MeV and 1.0 MeV, respectively. The behavior of the two neutron separation energy with neutron numbers indicates a strong sub-shell closure at neutron number N=32 in Sc isotopes.
Playing remotely: The COVID-19 pandemic and mobile locative gaming in Northeast Brazil

Mobile locative games consist of a subset of mobile games that encourage players to go outside, by promoting outdoor activities and physical meetings. Because of this, their gameplay breaks the core of social distancing strategies implemented since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, developers implemented changes in their locative games supported by the mobile game revenue model, which enabled a strategy called “playing remotely” that encourages the players to spend their money with microtransactions. This study analyses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in mobile locative gaming, by examining the preferences and behavior of players from the Northeast Brazil, a region with socioeconomic inequalities and urban violence, among other issues that shape mobility practices. Accordingly, we pose a research question: how do players living in Northeast Brazil manage the mobile game revenue model for playing remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic? With this in mind, we have conducted an online survey among communities of players located in Northeast Brazil, by sharing a questionnaire with 21 questions. Seventy-four players from the region responded to our survey. The sample's age was from 16 to 58 years old, and they lived in seven of the nine states that form Northeast Brazil. We have found that players’ preference is to invest their time in gathering resources by playing the game, instead of spending their money in microtransactions for playing remotely. Moreover, we have found that mobile communication plays a significant role in keeping players in touch during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing players to expand their networks to other cities and countries. We have concluded that playing remotely represents an important strategy to support the development of locative games and other location-based applications, which can help us to prepare for the next pandemic.
Breakup of H 2 + by photon impact

Total and partial cross sections for breakup of ground rovibronic state of H$_2^+$by photon impact are calculated using the exact nonadiabatic nonrelativistic Hamiltonian without approximation. The converged results span six orders of magnitude. The breakup cross section is divided into dissociative excitation and dissociative ionization. The dissociative excitation channels are divided into contributions from principal quantum numbers 1 through 4. For dissociative ionization the kinetic energy sharing is calculated using a formally exact expression. These results are compared with approximate expressions, and it is shown that the Born-Oppenheimer result is surprisingly accurate, whereas using Born-Oppenheimer final states to extract the cross sections from the full nonadiabatic wave function produces pathologies near threshold.
Rapid production ofR87bBose-Einstein condensates in a combined magnetic and optical potential

We describe an apparatus for quickly and simply producing $\Rb87$ Bose-Einstein condensates. It is based on a magnetic quadrupole trap and a red detuned optical dipole trap. We collect atoms in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) and then capture the atom in a magnetic quadrupole trap and force rf evaporation. We then transfer the resulting cold, dense cloud into a spatially mode-matched optical dipole trap by lowering the quadrupole field gradient to below gravity. This technique combines the efficient capture of atoms from a MOT into a magnetic trap with the rapid evaporation of optical dipole traps; the approach is insensitive to the peak quadrupole gradient and the precise trapping beam waist. Our system reliably produces a condensate with $N\approx2\times10^6$ atoms every $16\second$.
Early Universe Higgs dynamics in the presence of the Higgs-inflaton and non-minimal Higgs-gravity couplings

Apparent metastability of the electroweak vacuum poses a number of cosmological questions. These concern evolution of the Higgs field to the current vacuum, and its stability during and after inflation. Higgs-inflaton and non-minimal Higgs-gravity interactions can make a crucial impact on these considerations potentially solving the problems. In this work, we allow for these couplings to be present simultaneously and study their interplay. We find that different combinations of the Higgs-inflaton and non-minimal Higgs-gravity couplings induce effective Higgs mass during and after inflation. This crucially affects the Higgs stability considerations during preheating. In particular, a wide range of the couplings leading to stable solutions becomes allowed.
What Do Child Abuse and Neglect Medical Evaluation Consultation Notes Tell Researchers and Clinicians?

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) medical experts provide specialized multidisciplinary care to children when there is concern for maltreatment. Their clinical notes contain valuable information on child- and family-level factors, clinical concerns, and service placements that may inform the needed supports for the family. We created and implemented a coding system for data abstraction from these notes. Participants were 1,397 children ages 0–17 years referred for a consultation with a CAN medical provider at an urban teaching and research hospital between March 2013 and December 2017. Coding themes were developed using an interdisciplinary team-based approach to qualitative analysis, and descriptive results are presented using a developmental-contextual framework. This study demonstrates the potential value of developing a coding system to assess characteristics and patterns from CAN medical provider notes, which could be helpful in improving quality of care and prevention and detection of child abuse.
Differences in quality of care, mortality, suicidal behavior, and readmissions among migrants and Danish-born inpatients with major depressive disorder

Abstract Background The increasing global migration has made migrants’ health a pertinent topic. This article aimed to examine whether migrants were less likely than Danish-born residents to receive guideline recommended care when hospitalized for major depressive disorder (MDD) and potential differences in clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality, suicidal behavior, and readmissions during 1-year follow-up after first-time admission. Methods A national cohort study was performed, including all adult MDD inpatients at mental care units in the period 2011–2017. Migrants and two migrant subgroups (non-Western and Western) were compared with Danish-born patients. Quality of care was examined using multivariable Poisson and linear regression models. Clinical outcomes were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results Migrant-status was associated with a non-significantly lower chance of receiving high-quality care (relative risk [RR] = 0.93, confidence interval [CI] 0.86:1.01) and lower readmission rates for depression (hazard rate ratio [HR] = 0.93, CI 0.86:1.01), and significantly higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.55, CI 1.19:2.01) and lower all-cause readmission rate (HR = 0.88, CI 0.83:0.94). No clear association was found regarding suicidal behavior. While associations were comparable for migrant subgroups regarding readmission, the associations with low quality of care and of all-cause mortality appeared strongest among Western migrants. Conclusions Among inpatients with MDD in a universal tax-financed healthcare system, being a migrant was associated with a potential lower quality of in-hospital care and worse clinical outcomes. These results warrant further investigation to clarify the underlying explanation for these inequalities and to develop and test interventions to ensure better quality of care and clinical outcomes for migrant patients.
String nature of confinement in (non-)abelian gauge theories

Abstract Recent progress achieved in the solution of the problem of confinement in various (non-)Abelian gauge theories by virtue of a derivation of their string representation is reviewed. The theories under study include QCD within the so-called Method of Field Correlators, QCD-inspired Abelian-projected theories, and compact QED in three and four space-time dimensions. Various nonperturbative properties of the vacua of the above mentioned theories are discussed. The relevance of the Method of Field Correlators to the study of confinement in Abelian models, allowing for an analytical description of this phenomenon, is illustrated by an evaluation of field correlators in these models.
Biohybrid robots: recent progress, challenges, and perspectives

The past ten years have seen the rapid expansion of the field of biohybrid robotics. By combining engineered, synthetic components with living biological materials, new robotics solutions have been developed that harness the adaptability of living muscles, the sensitivity of living sensory cells, and even the computational abilities of living neurons. Biohybrid robotics has taken the popular and scientific media by storm with advances in the field, moving biohybrid robotics out of science fiction and into real science and engineering. So how did we get here, and where should the field of biohybrid robotics go next? In this perspective, we first provide the historical context of crucial subareas of biohybrid robotics by reviewing the past 10+ years of advances in microorganism-bots and sperm-bots, cyborgs, and tissue-based robots. We then present critical challenges facing the field and provide our perspectives on the vital future steps toward creating autonomous living machines.
The Hofer conjecture on embedding symplectic ellipsoids

In this note we show that one open four dimensional ellipsoid embeds symplectically into another if and only the ECH capacities of the first are no larger than those of the second. This proves a conjecture due to Hofer. The argument uses the equivalence of the ellipsoidal embedding problem with a ball embedding problem that was recently established by McDuff. Its method is inspired by Hutchings' recent results on embedded contact homology (ECH) capacities but does not use them.
RADIO DISAPPEARANCE OF THE MAGNETAR XTE J1810–197 AND CONTINUED X-RAY TIMING

We report on timing, flux density, and polarimetric observations of the transient magnetar and 5.54 s radio pulsar XTE J1810−197 using the Green Bank, Nançay, and Parkes radio telescopes beginning in early 2006, until its sudden disappearance as a radio source in late 2008. Repeated observations through 2016 have not detected radio pulsations again. The torque on the neutron star, as inferred from its rotation frequency derivative &ngr; ˙ ? > , decreased in an unsteady manner by a factor of three in the first year of radio monitoring, until approximately mid-2007. By contrast, during its final year as a detectable radio source, the torque decreased steadily by only 9%. The period-averaged flux density, after decreasing by a factor of 20 during the first 10 months of radio monitoring, remained relatively steady in the next 22 months, at an average of 0.7 ± 0.3 mJy at 1.4 GHz, while still showing day-to-day fluctuations by factors of a few. There is evidence that during this last phase of radio activity the magnetar had a steep radio spectrum, in contrast to earlier flat-spectrum behavior. No secular decrease presaged its radio demise. During this time, the pulse profile continued to display large variations; polarimetry, including of a new profile component, indicates that the magnetic geometry remained consistent with that of earlier times. We supplement these results with X-ray timing of the pulsar from its outburst in 2003 up to 2014. For the first 4 years, XTE J1810−197 experienced non-monotonic excursions in frequency derivative by at least a factor of eight. But since 2007, its &ngr; ˙ ? > has remained relatively stable near its minimum observed value. The only apparent event in the X-ray record that is possibly contemporaneous with the radio shutdown is a decrease of ≈20% in the hot-spot flux in 2008–2009, to a stable, minimum value. However, the permanence of the high-amplitude, thermal X-ray pulse, even after the (unexplained) radio demise, implies continuing magnetar activity.