bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hardware design of a trapped-ion quantum computer for Software-Tailored Architecture for Quantum co-design (STAQ) project
Authors: Kim Junki , Chen Tianyi , Whitlow Jacob , Phiri Samuel , Bondurant Brad , Kuzyk Mark , Crain Stephen , Brown Kenneth , Kim Jungsang
Published: December 2020

We present the hardware design of a trapped-ion quantum computer for 32 fully-connected 171Yb+ hyperfine qubits. The system is engineered for optomechanical stability to ensure high performance quantum gates utilizing a low vibration cryostat.
Efficient Photon Pair Generation in Thin-film Lithium Niobate Microring Resonators
Authors: Ma Zhaohui , Chen Jia-Yang , Sua Yong Meng , Li Zhan , Tang Chao , Huang Yu-Ping
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate a high purity photon pair source via parametric downcon-version in a chip-integrated lithium niobate racetrack microring resonator, observing high brightness of 6.4 MHz mW
−
1 GHz
−
1 at 2350 coincidence-to-accidental ratio.
Tools of Optimal Control for the Design of Robust Atom Interferometers
Authors: Goerz Michael H. , Kunz Paul D. , Kasevich Mark A. , Malinovsky Vladimir S.
Published: December 2020

We examine the robustness of analytic pulse schemes for atomic fountain interferometers with respect to pulse amplitude and initial velocity distribution and design new robust schemes using numerical optimal control theory.
Real-Time Charge Control of Diamond Quantum Sensors
Authors: Hopper David A. , Lauigan Joseph D. , Huang Tzu-Yung , Bassett Lee C.
Published: December 2020

We use real-time feedback to deterministically initialize a nitrogen-vacancy’s charge state at room temperature, and demonstrate improved spin readout efficiency resulting in a factor-of-20 speedup for a typical quantum sensing experiment.
Toward hybrid quantum entanglement between trapped ions and neutral atoms
Authors: Hannegan John , Siverns James , Quraishi Qudsia
Published: December 2020

Trapped ions are excellent quantum networking nodes, yet limited by photon transmission range. We report integration of single-photon conversion with trapped ions, allowing for extended communication range and hybrid networking with neutral-atom nodes.
Towards Quantum Entanglement Between a Solid-State Spin and a Trapped Ion
Authors: Lilieholm Jennifer F. , Branson Sara , Kato Alex , Linpeng Xiayu , Niaouris Vasileios , Viitaniemi Maria , Zhukas Liudmila , Fu Kai-Mei , Blinov Boris
Published: December 2020

We are constructing a system to remotely entangle a single trapped ytterbium ion with a donor qubit in zinc oxide through a photonic link as a step towards the construction of a hybrid quantum system.
Lindblad Exceptional Points in the Dynamics of A Dissipative Superconducting Qubit
Authors: Chen Weijian , Abbasi Maryam , Murch Kater W. , Joglekar Yogesh N.
Published: December 2020

The interaction of a quantum system with its environment leads to a steady state, with transients governed by non-Hermitian dynamics. Here, we study exceptional points in the dynamics of a dissipative superconducting circuit.
Quantum simulating electron transport in quantum cascade laser structures
Authors: Scazza Francesco , Trombettoni Andrea , Minardi Francesco , Roati Giacomo , Cappelli Francesco , Smerzi Augusto , De Natale Paolo
Published: December 2020

We propose to use ultracold-fermionic atoms in optical lattices to quantum-simulate electronic transport in quantum-cascade-laser structures. The parallelism between the two systems is discussed.
Producing smooth flow in atom circuits by stirring
Authors: Eller Ben , Clark Charles W. , Edwards Mark
Published: December 2020

We have studied the efficacy of stirring a Bose–Einstein condensate confined in a racetrack atom circuit to produce neutral–atom flow. We also investigated the mechanism by which flow is produced.
Density matrix analysis of Atom interferometer
Authors: Sankhari Bappaditya , Vudayagiri Ashok
Published: December 2020

The atomic interferometry by Kasevich and Chu (Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 181(1991)) has been the beginning of a range of very sensitive measurement techniques. We present a complete density matrix analysis of this technique. Although there has been several attempts to provide a theoretical analysis for this technique, the models used are incomplete. The density matrix method allows investigation of all the decoherence effects that are present in the real experimental system. This allows better understanding of how decoherences affect the resolution of the measurement of atom intereferometer, either as a gyroscope, magnetometer or a gravimeter.
Secret key distillation over realistic satellite-to-satellite free-space channel
Authors: Pan Ziwen , Gariano John , Clark William , Djordjevic Ivan B.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the satellite-to-satellite secret-key rate lower bounds are determined for two relevant scenarios in which the exclusion zone and Eve’s aperture size are varied.
An Architecture for Synchronizing Photonic Bell State Measurements Across Lossy, Time-Varying Channels
Authors: Boroson Don , Hardy Nicholas , Grein Matthew , Dixon P. Benjamin , Lee Catherine , Hamilton Scott , Spellmeyer Neal
Published: December 2020

We propose a means for synchronizing picosecond-class photon generation at a Bell State Measurement device attempting to perform entanglement swapping with received photons that have been transmitted through the atmosphere from a moving platform.
Modal-entangled photons pairs in a ppLN ridge waveguide
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Ghosh Joyee
Published: December 2020

We studied the joint spectral intensity (JSI) of modal-entangled photons pairs generated through spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) using a spatial Hermite-Gaussian HG(1,0) pulsed pump beam in a periodically-poled lithium niobate (ppLN) ridge waveguide.
Wavefunction-based Methods For First-principle Calculations of Three-photon Bound State Correlation
Authors: Chen Zihao , Zhou Yao , Shen Jung-Tsung
Published: December 2020

We develop a wavefunction-based computational method from first principle to describe formations of three-photon bound state. Our method captures essential photon correlation signatures and quantitatively explains recent experimental results.
Entanglement-enhanced testing of multiple quantum hypotheses
Authors: Zhuang Quntao , Pirandola Stefano
Published: December 2020

We report entanglement-enhancement in multiple hypothesis testing beyond the binary case, with applications in spectroscopy, quantum reading and target finding. Practical receivers and entangled sources are given to realize the advantage.
Ultra-stable quantum imaging with undetected photons in video rate
Authors: Basset Marta Gilaberte , León Torres Josué R. , Gäbler Tobias. B. , Gräfe Markus
Published: December 2020

We report on a highly stable and portable system for quantum imaging with undetected photons in video rate. Our results will pave the way towards extreme light imaging devices for life science.
A micropillar single-photon source design numerically optimized for high efficiency and high indistinguishability
Authors: Wang Biying , Denning Emil Vosmar , Lu Chao-Yang , Gregersen Niels
Published: December 2020

We perform numerical optimization of micropillar single-photon source. We present calculations of achievable efficiency and indistinguishability with phonon-induced decoherence, and identify the design parameters providing the best performance.
Sequential Generation of Linear Cluster States from a Single Photon Emitter
Authors: Istrati D. , Pilnyak Y. , Loredo J. C. , Antón C. , Somaschi N. , Hilaire P. , Ollivier H. , Esmann M. , Cohen L. , Vidro L. , Millet C. , Lemaître A. , Sagnes I. , Harouri A. , Lanco L. , Senellart P. , Eisenberg H. S.
Published: December 2020

We present an all-fiber compact scheme to scalably generate arbitrary number polarization entangled photons. A single solid-state quantum dot was utilized as a high-brightness single photon source. We demonstrate entanglement of up to four photons.
Temporal Multiplexing of Heralded Single Photon Sources Using Optical Fiber Delays
Authors: Lee Eunjoo , Lee Sang Min , Park Hee Su
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate time-multiplexing of heralded single-photon sources using switchable optical fiber d elay l ines a ided b y p olarization-space m ultiplexing. Relative-multiplexing HOM interferometry tests the indistinguishability of output photons.
Large-Scale Spectral Bandwidth Modification of Quantum Light Pulses
Authors: Sośnicki F. , Mikołajczyk M. , Golestani A. , Widomski A. , Karpiński M.
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate and experimentally evaluate electro-optic strategies for
single-photon spectral bandwidth modification by more than 2 orders of
magnitude, into sub-GHz regime. The results will enable photonic
quantum network interfaces.
Bragg Interferometers with Interacting Bose-Einstein Condensates
Authors: Minardi Francesco , Burchianti Alessia , D’Errico Chiara , Marconi Lorenzo , Modugno Michele , Fort Chiara
Published: December 2020

In search of non-classical correlations between momentum components of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), we have investigated atom interferometers of trapped and free-falling BEC, obtaining a quantitative description of the spacing of interference fringes observed at output ports.
Compressive Sensing of Photonic Qudits through Positivity Constraints.
Authors: Rehacek J. , Hradil Z. , Koutny D. , Stoklasa B. , Bouchard F. , Hufnagel F. , Karimi E. , Teo Y. S. , S ánchez-Soto L. L. , Leuchs G.
Published: December 2020

We present a compressed-sensing inspired method to ascertain any rank-deficient qudit state, which we experimentally encode in photonic orbital angular momentum. Our technique provides an easy and accurate way to identify quantum sources and systems.
ARTIQ and Sinara: Open Software and Hardware Stacks for Quantum Physics
Authors: Kasprowicz Grzegorz , Kulik Paweł , Gaska Michal , Przywozki Tomasz , Pozniak Krzysztof , Jarosinski Jakub , Britton Joseph W. , Harty Thomas , Balance Chris , Zhang Weida , Nadlinger David , Slichter Daniel , Allcock David , Bourdeauducq Sébastien , Jördens Robert , Pozniak Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Sinara is a control system dedicated to quantum applications. It is based on industrial standards and consists of over 50 modules. The hardware is controlled by ARTIQ, which provides a high-level programming language.
Molecular Vibration Spectroscopy with Undetected Photons
Authors: Yoon Tai Hyun , Lee Sun Kyung , Cho Minhaeng
Published: December 2020

We present a novel technique of molecular vibration spectroscopy with undetected photons (MSUP) with dual stimulated parametric down-conversion crystals. In our MSUP, quantum coherence between independent signal photons is induced by the path indistinguishability of the conjugate idler single-photon-added coherent states and results in perfect visibility under the same pump and seed beam intensities. If the seed beam intensity is imbalanced by the sample absorption, the modulated interference fringe reveals the absorption spectrum as a function of seed beam frequency. As a proof-of-principle experiment, a rovibrational absorption spectrum of hydrogen cyanide (H13C14N) molecules in a gas cell at approximately 1550 nm is successfully measured by analyzing the single-photon interference fringe of the signal field at 807 nm.
Micro-Integrated Narrow and Ultra-Narrow Linewidth Diode Lasers for QIST Applications
Authors: Arar B. , Bawamia A. , Kürbis Ch. , Schiemangk M. , Smol R. , Pyka S. Amairi ep , Döringshoff K. , Kovalchuk E. V. , Peters A. , Wicht A.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a GaAs-diode laser-based hybrid integration approach for the realization of very complex, though compact and robust laser modules for QIST applications in the field and in space.
Harnessing entanglement in polarization state and frequency-bin for quantum communication and networking
Authors: Lingaraju Navin B. , O’Malley Nathan , Jones Daniel E. , Sandoval Oscar E. , Azzouz Hana N. , Leaird Daniel E. , Lukens Joseph M. , Brodsky Michael , Weiner Andrew M.
Published: December 2020

We highlight the potential of hyperentangled biphoton frequency combs for quantum communications and networking by implementing frequency-bin quantum operations without degrading entanglement in the polarization degree of freedom.
Thermometry of Solid-State Laser Refrigeration Using NV− Centers in Nanodiamonds
Authors: Dadras Siamak , Shayan Kamran , Luntz-Martin Danika R. , Felsted R. Greg , Pauzauskie Peter J. , Vamivakas A. Nick
Published: December 2020

Cooling of solid-state quantum emitters is crucial in quantum network applications. We present electron-spin-resonance-based thermometry of NV
−
center quantum emitters in nanodiamonds, cooled via laser refrigeration of their Yb3+:NaYF4 substrate.
Using Quantum Algorithms to Solve Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Huang Tsung-Wei , Chien Wei-Chen , Chang Ching-Ray
Published: December 2020

We use quantum algorithms to solve optimal control problems. Compared with the gradient method usually used in classical algorithms, the time complexity down from O(Ni) to O(Ni/2log(N)).
Experimental Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution with Uncharacterized Sources
Authors: Wang Qin
Published: December 2020

We carry out a proof-of-principle demonstration of three-state uncharacterized measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution over 170 km, achieving the longest transmission distance under the same security level on record.
Gauge-Independent Emission Spectra in the Ultrastrong Coupling Regime
Authors: Salmon Will , Settineri Alessio , Savasta Salvatore , Nori Franco , Hughes Stephen
Published: December 2020

Emission spectra in the ultrastrong coupling regime are traditionally computed in a gauge-dependent theory. We present gauge-invariant spectra which show significant disagreement with previous results obtained using the standard quantum Rabi model.
Thresholded Quantum LIDAR : Exploiting Photon-Number-Resolving Detection
Authors: Cohen L. , Matekole E. S. , sher Y. , Istrati D. , Eisenberg H. S. , Dowling J. P.
Published: December 2020

We filter low photon-number using photon-number-resolving detector, for improving the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of rangefinders and LIDARs. We investigate the technique properties and show where it surpasses the classical SNR.
Practical considerations for measuring the effective reproductive number, Rt
Authors: Gostic Katelyn M. , McGough Lauren , Baskerville Edward B. , Abbott Sam , Joshi Keya , Tedijanto Christine , Kahn Rebecca , Niehus Rene , Hay James A. , De Salazar Pablo M. , Hellewell Joel , Meakin Sophie , Munday James D. , Bosse Nikos I. , Sherrat Katharine , Thompson Robin N. , White Laura F. , Huisman Jana S. , Scire Jérémie , Bonhoeffer Sebastian , Stadler Tanja , Wallinga Jacco , Funk Sebastian , Lipsitch Marc , Cobey Sarah
Published: December 2020

Estimation of the effective reproductive numberRtis important for detecting changes in disease transmission over time. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, policy makers and public health officials are usingRtto assess the effectiveness of interventions and to inform policy. However, estimation ofRtfrom available data presents several challenges, with critical implications for the interpretation of the course of the pandemic. The purpose of this document is to summarize these challenges, illustrate them with examples from synthetic data, and, where possible, make recommendations. For near real-time estimation ofRt, we recommend the approach of Cori and colleagues, which uses data from before timetand empirical estimates of the distribution of time between infections. Methods that require data from after timet, such as Wallinga and Teunis, are conceptually and methodologically less suited for near real-time estimation, but may be appropriate for retrospective analyses of how individuals infected at different time points contributed to the spread. We advise caution when using methods derived from the approach of Bettencourt and Ribeiro, as the resultingRtestimates may be biased if the underlying structural assumptions are not met. Two key challenges common to all approaches are accurate specification of the generation interval and reconstruction of the time series of new infections from observations occurring long after the moment of transmission. Naive approaches for dealing with observation delays, such as subtracting delays sampled from a distribution, can introduce bias. We provide suggestions for how to mitigate this and other technical challenges and highlight open problems inRtestimation.
Comprehensive exploratory autoantibody profiling in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate or tocilizumab
Authors: Teitsma Xavier M. , Devenport Jenny , Jacobs Johannes W. G. , Pethö-Schramm Attila , Borm Michelle E. A. , Budde Petra , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G.
Published: December 2020

Background

We sought to identify immunoglobin G autoantibodies predictive of early treatment response to methotrexate, the recommended first-line therapy for patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, and to the interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor biologic tocilizumab, initiated as the first disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug.

Materials and methods

In baseline sera of a subset of patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis in the U-Act-Early study, selected based on specific responder/non-responder criteria using the Disease Activity Score assessing 28 joints (DAS28) within the first 20 weeks, we measured immunoglobin G antibody reactivity against 463 protein antigens and performed supervised cluster analysis to identify predictive autoantibodies for treatment response. The analysis subset comprised 56 patients in the methotrexate arm (22 responders, 34 non-responders) and 50 patients in the tocilizumab arm (34 responders, 16 non-responders). For comparison, these analyses were also performed in 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Results

Increased reactivity in responders versus non-responders was found in the methotrexate arm against two antigens—DOT1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (p = 0.009) and tropomyosin (p = 0.003)—and in the tocilizumab arm against one antigen—neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (p = 0.039). Decreased reactivity was detected against two antigens in the methotrexate arm—G1 to S phase transition 2 (p = 0.023) and the zinc finger protein ZPR1 (p = 0.021). Reactivity against the identified antigens was not statistically significant in either treatment arm for patients with rheumatoid factor–positive versus–negative or anti-cyclic citrullinated test–positive versus test–negative rheumatoid arthritis (p ≥ 0.06).

Conclusions

Comprehensive profiling of baseline sera revealed several novel immunoglobin G autoantibodies associated with early treatment response to methotrexate and to tocilizumab in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug-naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These findings could eventually yield clinically relevant predictive markers, if corroborated in different patient cohorts, and may facilitate future benefit in personalised healthcare.
Nitrosophilus alvini gen. nov., sp. nov., a hydrogen-oxidizing chemolithoautotroph isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent in the East Pacific Rise, inferred by a genome-based taxonomy of the phylum “Campylobacterota”
Authors: Shiotani Taiki , Mino Sayaka , Sato Wakana , Nishikawa Sayo , Yonezawa Masanori , Sievert Stefan M. , Sawabe Tomoo
Published: December 2020

A novel bacterium, strain EPR55-1T, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent on the East Pacific Rise. The cells were motile rods. Growth was observed at temperatures between 50 and 60°C (optimum, 60°C), at pH values between 5.4 and 8.6 (optimum, pH 6.6) and in the presence of 2.4–3.2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.4%). The isolate used molecular hydrogen as its sole electron donor, carbon dioxide as its sole carbon source, ammonium as its sole nitrogen source, and thiosulfate, sulfite (0.01 to 0.001%, w/v) or elemental sulfur as its sole sulfur source. Nitrate, nitrous oxide (33%, v/v), thiosulfate, molecular oxygen (0.1%, v/v) or elemental sulfur could serve as the sole electron acceptor to support growth. Phylogenetic analyses based on both 16S rRNA gene sequences and whole genome sequences indicated that strain EPR55-1T belonged to the family Nitratiruptoraceae of the class “Campylobacteria”, but it had the distinct phylogenetic relationship with the genus Nitratiruptor. On the basis of the physiological and molecular characteristics of the isolate, the name Nitrosophilus alvini gen. nov. sp. nov. is proposed, with EPR55-1T as the type strain (= JCM 32893T = KCTC 15925T). In addition, it is shown that “Nitratiruptor labii” should be transferred to the genus Nitrtosophilus; the name Nitrosophilus labii comb. nov. (JCM 34002T = DSM 111345T) is proposed for this organism. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene-based and genome-based analyses showed that Cetia pacifica is phylogenetically associated with Caminibacter species. We therefore propose the reclassification of Cetia pacifica as Caminibacter pacificus comb. nov. (DSM 27783T = JCM 19563T). Additionally, AAI thresholds for genus classification and the reclassification of subordinate taxa within “Campylobacteria” are also evaluated, based on the analyses using publicly available genomes of all the campylobacterial species.
Early screening of autism spectrum disorder using cry features
Authors: Khozaei Aida , Moradi Hadi , Hosseini Reshad , Pouretemad Hamidreza , Eskandari Bahareh
Published: December 2020

The increase in the number of children with autism and the importance of early autism intervention has prompted researchers to perform automatic and early autism screening. Consequently, in the present paper, a cry-based screening approach for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is introduced which would provide both early and automatic screening. During the study, we realized that ASD specific features are not necessarily observable in all children with ASD and in all instances collected from each child. Therefore, we proposed a new classification approach to be able to determine such features and their corresponding instances. To test the proposed approach a set of data relating to children between 18 to 53 months which had been recorded using high-quality voice recording devices and typical smartphones at various locations such as homes and daycares was studied. Then, after preprocessing, the approach was used to train a classifier, using data for 10 boys with ASD and 10 Typically Developed (TD) boys. The trained classifier was tested on the data of 14 boys and 7 girls with ASD and 14 TD boys and 7 TD girls. The sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the proposed approach for boys were 85.71%, 100%, and 92.85%, respectively. These measures were 71.42%, 100%, and 85.71% for girls, respectively. It was shown that the proposed approach outperforms the common classification methods. Furthermore, it demonstrated better results than the studies which used voice features for screening ASD. To pilot the practicality of the proposed approach for early autism screening, the trained classifier was tested on 57 participants between 10 to 18 months. These 57 participants consisted of 28 boys and 29 girls and the results were very encouraging for the use of the approach in early ASD screening.
The association of maternal psychosocial stress with newborn telomere length
Authors: Izano Monika A. , Cushing Lara J. , Lin Jue , Eick Stephanie M. , Goin Dana E. , Epel Elissa , Woodruff Tracey J. , Morello-Frosch Rachel
Published: December 2020

Background

Telomere length in early life predicts later length, and shortened telomere length among adults and children has been linked to increased risk of chronic disease and mortality. Maternal stress during pregnancy may impact telomere length of the newborn.

Methods

In a diverse cohort of 355 pregnant women receiving prenatal and delivery care services at two hospitals in San Francisco, California, we investigated the relationship between self-reported maternal psychosocial stressors during the 2ndtrimester of pregnancy and telomere length (T/S ratio) in newborn umbilical cord blood leukocytes. We examined financial strain, food insecurity, high job strain, poor neighborhood quality, low standing in one’s community, experience of stressful/traumatic life events, caregiving for a dependent family member, perceived stress, and unplanned pregnancy. We used linear regression and Targeted Minimum Loss-Based Estimation (TMLE) to evaluate the change in the T/S ratio associated with exposure to each stressor controlling for maternal age, education, parity, race/ethnicity, and delivery hospital.

Results

In TMLE analyses, low community standing (-0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]-0.19 to 0.00) and perceived stress (-0.07; 95% CI -0.15 to 0.021 was marginally associated with shorter newborn telomere length, but the associations were not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. All linear regression estimates were not statistically significant. Our results also suggest that the association between some maternal stressors and newborn telomere length varies by race/ethnicity and infant sex.

Conclusions

This study is the first to examine the joint effect of multiple stressors during pregnancy on newborn TL using a flexible modeling approach.
Tailoring digital apps to support active ageing in a low income community
Authors: Castro Paula Costa , Romano Lua Bonadio , Frohlich David , Lorenzi Lorena Jorge , Campos Lucas Bueno , Paixão Andresa , Bet Patrícia , Deutekom Marije , Krose Ben , Dourado Victor Zuniga , Angélica de Oliveira Gomes Grace
Published: December 2020

Despite physical activity being one of the determinants of healthy aging, older people tend to become less active over the years. Maintaining physical activity levels during the life course is a motivational challenge. Digital tools have been used to change this pattern, such as smartphone applications to support physical activity; but there is a lack of in-depth research on the diversity of user’s experiences, especially considering older users or non-users of information and communication technologies. Objective: Our goal was to identify requirements for designing a mobile app to encourage physical activity in a low-income community population of older people in Brazil (i.e. over 40 years old). Method: We conducted a qualitative focus group study, involving by co-design of a physical activity application (Pacer)®. Seventeen volunteers were divided into 2 focus groups of physical active and insufficiently active, and 2 further 4 subgroups in each characterised by digital engagement. The following procedures were performed: (i) baseline assessments; (ii) a focus group with physically active older people and a focus group with insufficiently active older people (iii) design activities with both groups to re-design Pacer. Results: Developing physical activity apps for older people should consider the following features: free application, simple interface, motivational messages using audio and visual information, sharing information among users, multimedia input and sharing and user customisation. In particular, we recommend that exercise apps in low-income communities be tailored to our four categories of users differing in baseline physical activity and digital engagement, to match the social and behavioural preferences we discovered.
Assessing whether the best land is cultivated first: A quantile analysis
Authors: Brunelle Thierry , Makowski David
Published: December 2020

Classical land rent theories imply that the best land is cultivated first. This principle forms the basis of many land-use studies, but empirical evidence remains limited, especially on a global scale. In this paper, we estimate the effects of agricultural suitability and market accessibility on the spatial allocation of cultivated areas at a 30 arc-min resolution in 15 world regions. Our results show that both determinants often have a significant positive effect on the cropland fraction, but with large variations in strength across regions. Based on a quantile analysis, we find that agricultural suitability is the dominant driver of cropland allocation in North America, Middle East and North Africa and Eastern Europe, whereas market accessibility shows a stronger effect in other regions, such as Western Africa. In some regions, such as South and Central America, both determinants have a limited effect on cropland fraction. Comparison of high versus low quantile regression coefficients shows that, in most regions, densely cropped areas are more sensitive to agricultural suitability and market accessibility than sparsely cropped areas.
Retinoic acid improves baseline barrier function and attenuates TNF-α-induced barrier leak in human bronchial epithelial cell culture model, 16HBE 14o-
Authors: Callaghan Patrick J. , Rybakovsky Elizabeth , Ferrick Bryan , Thomas Sunil , Mullin James M.
Published: December 2020

Retinoic acid (RA) has been shown to improve epithelial and endothelial barrier function and development and even suppress damage inflicted by inflammation on these barriers through regulating immune cell activity. This paper thus sought to determine whether RA could improve baseline barrier function and attenuate TNF-α-induced barrier leak in the human bronchial epithelial cell culture model, 16HBE14o- (16HBE). We show for the first time that RA increases baseline barrier function of these cell layers indicated by an 89% increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and 22% decrease in14C-mannitol flux. A simultaneous, RA-induced 70% increase in claudin-4 attests to RA affecting the tight junctional (TJ) complex itself. RA was also effective in alleviating TNF-α-induced 16HBE barrier leak, attenuating 60% of the TNF-α-induced leak to14C-mannitol and 80% of the leak to14C-inulin. Interleukin-6-induced barrier leak was also reduced by RA. Treatment of 16HBE cell layers with TNF-α resulted in dramatic decrease in immunostaining for occludin and claudin-4, as well as a downward “band-shift” in occludin Western immunoblots. The presence of RA partially reversed TNF-α’s effects on these select TJ proteins. Lastly, RA completely abrogated the TNF-α-induced increase in ERK-1,2 phosphorylation without significantly decreasing the TNF-driven increase in total ERK-1,2. This study suggests RA could be effective as a prophylactic agent in minimizing airway barrier leak and as a therapeutic in preventing leak triggered by inflammatory cascades. Given the growing literature suggesting a “cytokine storm” may be related to COVID-19 morbidity, RA may be a useful adjuvant for use with anti-viral therapies.
The prevalence and incidence of glaucoma in Norway 2004–2018: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Slettedal Jon Klokk , Traustadóttir Valgerður Dóra , Sandvik Leiv , Ringvold Amund
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To describe prevalence, life-time prevalence and incidence of glaucoma in Norway over a 15-year period.

Materials and methods

Data from The Norwegian Prescription Database was used to identify all prescriptions for glaucoma medication during the period 2004 to 2018. Population figures and lifespan data were obtained from The National Bureau of Statistics.

Results

Of a population of 5.3 million, a total of 75733 patients using glaucoma eye drops were identified in 2018. The national prevalence was thus 1.4%, whilst in those over 70 years of age, 8.0%. When divided into counties, the prevalence varied between 1.1 and 1.9%. Overall, the prevalence was stable in the period 2004–2018. Life time prevalence was found to be 9.4% for men and 10.2% for women. National one-year incidence proportion per 10000 was 17.0 for the total population and a peak incidence of 93.8/10000 in the 80–89 year age group was identified.

Conclusions

Glaucoma prevalence remained stable during the period 2004–2018, while incidence decreased slightly in the elderly population.
Comprehensive nutrient analysis in agricultural organic amendments through non-destructive assays using machine learning
Authors: Towett Erick K. , Drake Lee B. , Acquah Gifty E. , Haefele Stephan M. , McGrath Steve P. , Shepherd Keith D.
Published: December 2020

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Diffuse Reflectance Fourier Transformed Mid-Infrared (DRIFT-MIR) spectroscopy are rapid and cost-effective analytical tools for material characterization. Here, we provide an assessment of these methods for the analysis of total Carbon, Nitrogen and total elemental composition of multiple elements in organic amendments. We developed machine learning methods to rapidly quantify the concentrations of macro- and micronutrient elements present in the samples and propose a novel system for the quality assessment of organic amendments. Two types of machine learning methods, forest regression and extreme gradient boosting, were used with data from both pXRF and DRIFT-MIR spectroscopy. Cross-validation trials were run to evaluate generalizability of models produced on each instrument. Both methods demonstrated similar broad capabilities in estimating nutrients using machine learning, with pXRF being suitable for nutrients and contaminants. The results make portable spectrometry in combination with machine learning a scalable solution to provide comprehensive nutrient analysis for organic amendments.
Integrating high resolution drone imagery and forest inventory to distinguish canopy and understory trees and quantify their contributions to forest structure and dynamics
Authors: Araujo Raquel Fernandes , Chambers Jeffrey Q. , Celes Carlos Henrique Souza , Muller-Landau Helene C. , Santos Ana Paula Ferreira dos , Emmert Fabiano , Ribeiro Gabriel H. P. M. , Gimenez Bruno Oliva , Lima Adriano J. N. , Campos Moacir A. A. , Higuchi Niro
Published: December 2020

Tree growth and survival differ strongly between canopy trees (those directly exposed to overhead light), and understory trees. However, the structural complexity of many tropical forests makes it difficult to determine canopy positions. The integration of remote sensing and ground-based data enables this determination and measurements of how canopy and understory trees differ in structure and dynamics. Here we analyzed 2 cm resolution RGB imagery collected by a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), also known as drone, together with two decades of bi-annual tree censuses for 2 ha of old growth forest in the Central Amazon. We delineated all crowns visible in the imagery and linked each crown to a tagged stem through field work. Canopy trees constituted 40% of the 1244 inventoried trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) > 10 cm, and accounted for ~70% of aboveground carbon stocks and wood productivity. The probability of being in the canopy increased logistically with tree diameter, passing through 50% at 23.5 cm DBH. Diameter growth was on average twice as large in canopy trees as in understory trees. Growth rates were unrelated to diameter in canopy trees and positively related to diameter in understory trees, consistent with the idea that light availability increases with diameter in the understory but not the canopy. The whole stand size distribution was best fit by a Weibull distribution, whereas the separate size distributions of understory trees or canopy trees > 25 cm DBH were equally well fit by exponential and Weibull distributions, consistent with mechanistic forest models. The identification and field mapping of crowns seen in a high resolution orthomosaic revealed new patterns in the structure and dynamics of trees of canopy vs. understory at this site, demonstrating the value of traditional tree censuses with drone remote sensing.
Long-term outcomes after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment in boys with central precocious puberty
Authors: Shim Young Suk , Lim Kyung In , Lee Hae Sang , Hwang Jin Soon
Published: December 2020

Objective

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment improves the potential for gaining height in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). However, most studies have focused on girls because CPP in boys is relatively rare. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of GnRHa treatment on auxological outcomes in boys with CPP.

Methods

Eighty-five boys with CPP were treated with leuprolide or triptorelin acetate 3.75 mg over 2 years. Anthropometry, bone age, sexual maturity rating, and predicted adult height (PAH) were assessed every 6 months. Furthermore, 20 boys were followed up after treatment discontinuation until achievement of the final adult height (FAH).

Results

The mean chronological age (CA) and bone age (BA) of the patients with CPP at treatment initiation were 9.5 ± 0.5 years and 11.7 ± 0.9 years, respectively. The mean duration of treatment was 2.87 ± 0.63 years. The PAH at treatment initiation was 172.1 cm (-0.23 ± 1.05 PAH standard deviation score). The PAH at treatment discontinuation (176.2 ± 6.6 cm) was significantly higher than the pretreatment PAH. In addition, the mean final adult height in the 20 boys who were followed up after discontinuation of treatment was 173.4 ± 5.8 cm, which was significantly higher than the initial PAH (170.1 ± 4.5 cm; p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, the height gain (the difference between the FAH and PAH at treatment initiation) significantly correlated with the target height.

Conclusion

Long-term GnRHa treatment significantly improved the growth potential and FAH in boys with CPP.
PET imaging and pharmacological therapy targeting carbonic anhydrase-IX high-expressing tumors using US2 platform based on bivalent ureidosulfonamide
Authors: Iikuni Shimpei , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Shimizu Yoichi , Nakamoto Yuji , Ono Masahiro
Published: December 2020

Carbonic anhydrase-IX (CA-IX) is attracting much attention as a target molecule for cancer treatment since high expression of CA-IX can lead to a poor prognosis of patients. We previously reported low-molecular-weight 111In/90Y complexes with a bivalent ureidosulfonamide scaffold ([111In/90Y]In/Y-US2) as cancer radiotheranostic agents for single photon emission computed tomography and radionuclide-based therapy targeting CA-IX. Here, we applied the US2 platform to positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and pharmacological therapy targeting CA-IX high-expressing tumors by introducing 68Ga and natIn, respectively. In an in vitro cell binding assay, [67Ga]Ga-US2, an alternative complex of [68Ga]Ga-US2 with a longer half-life, markedly bound to CA-IX high-expressing (HT-29) cells compared with low-expressing (MDA-MB-231) cells. In a biodistribution study with HT-29 and MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice, [67Ga]Ga-US2 showed accumulation in the HT-29 tumor (3.81% injected dose/g at 60 min postinjection) and clearance from the blood pool with time. PET with [68Ga]Ga-US2 clearly visualized the HT-29 tumor in model mice at 60 min postinjection. In addition, the administration of [natIn]In-US2 to HT-29 tumor-bearing mice led to tumor growth delay and prolonged mouse survival, while no critical toxicity was observed. These results indicate that [68Ga]Ga-US2 and [natIn]In-US2 may be useful imaging and therapeutic agents targeting CA-IX, respectively, and that US2 may serve as an effective cancer theranostic platform utilizing CA-IX.
Perlidae (Plecoptera) from the Paranapiacaba Mountains, Atlantic Forest, Brazil: Diversity and implications of the integrative approach and teneral specimens on taxonomy
Authors: Almeida Lucas Henrique de , Bispo Pitágoras da Conceição
Published: December 2020

The study of complementary sources of biological variation (e.g. morphological, molecular) has allowed a better understanding of biodiversity through the construction of an integrative taxonomy. Using this approach, specimens from the Paranapiacaba Mountains, southeastern Brazil, were studied to update the knowledge on the stonefly family Perlidae from the region, characterize the species, and make associations between nymphs and adults using a fragment of themitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI) gene. The study also discusses the implications of integrative taxonomy and teneral specimens for the study of South American Perlidae. The molecular data were analyzed using Bayesian inference, Neighbor-joining, and delimiting species methods. Our results revealed that, in general, there was a morphological and molecular congruence between species. In the Paranapiacaba Mountains, three genera and 15 species were recorded:Anacroneuria boraceiensisFroehlich 2004,A.debilis(Pictet 1841) (new record),A.fiorentiniDe Ribeiro and Froehlich 2007 (new record),A.flintorumFroehlich 2002,A.iporangaBispo and Froehlich 2004,A.itajaimirimBispo and Froehlich 2004,A.polita(Burmeister 1913),A.subcostalisKlapálek 1921,A.tupiBispo and Froehlich 2004 (with a description of the nymph),Kempnyia aubertiFroehlich 1996,K.colossica(Navás 1934),K.flavaKlapálek 1916,K.neotropica(Jacobson and Bianchi 1905) (including its new junior synonymK.petersorumFroehlich 1996),Kempnyia sp., andMacrogynoplax venerandaFroehlich 1984. COI sequences were obtained for 11 species, five of which had nymphs associated with adults. Among the five associated nymphs, the nymph ofA.tupiis described here. The results of this study indicate that the color of adult teneral specimens differs from that of mature specimens. Given this, the synonym ofK.neotropicaandK.petersorumwas proposed since these species have high morphological and molecular similarities and differ only in color patterns. In addition, the previous record ofA.petersiFroehlich 2002 from the Paranapiacaba Mountains was invalidated since it was considered a teneral specimen ofA.flintorum. These results suggest that the development of an integrative taxonomy is essential to continue advancing the study of Perlidae diversity in South America.
An online survey of informal caregivers’ unmet needs and associated factors
Authors: Denham Alexandra M. J. , Wynne Olivia , Baker Amanda L. , Spratt Neil J. , Turner Alyna , Magin Parker , Palazzi Kerrin , Bonevski Billie
Published: December 2020

Purpose/objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of unmet needs of carers among a convenience sample of carers, and the participant factors associated with unmet needs, to inform the development of interventions that will support a range of caregivers. The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the most frequently reported moderate-high unmet needs of caregivers; and (2) examine the age, gender, condition of the care recipient, and country variables associated with types of unmet needs reported by informal caregivers.

Research method/design

An online cross-sectional survey among informal caregivers in English-speaking countries was conducted. Self-reported unmet needs were assessed using an unmet needs measure with the following five unmet needs domains: (1) Health information and support for care recipient; (2) Health service management; (3) Communication and relationship; (4) Self-care; and (5) Support services accessibility. Informal caregivers were asked “In the last month, what was your level of need for help with…”, and the ten highest ranked moderate-high unmet needs presented as ranked proportions. Logistic regression modelling examined the factors associated with types of unmet needs.

Results

Overall, 457 caregivers were included in the final analysis. Seven of the ten highest ranked unmet needs experienced by caregivers in the last month were in the Self-care domain, including “Reducing stress in your life” (74.1%). Significant associations were found between younger caregiver age (18–45 years) and reporting moderate-high unmet needs in Health Information and support for care recipient, Health service management, and Support services accessibility (all p’s = <0.05).

Conclusions/implications

Caregivers are not experiencing significant differences in unmet needs between countries and caree/care recipient conditions, suggesting that general interventions could be developed to support a range of caregivers across countries. Increased awareness of informal caregivers’ unmet needs, particularly for younger caregivers, among health care providers may improve support provision to caregivers.
Severe acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients is associated with in-hospital mortality
Authors: Paek Jin Hyuk , Kim Yaerim , Park Woo Yeong , Jin Kyubok , Hyun Miri , Lee Ji Yeon , Kim Hyun Ah , Kwon Yong Shik , Park Jae Seok , Han Seungyeup
Published: December 2020

Although the lungs are major targets for COVID-19 invasion, other organs—such as the kidneys—are also affected. However, the renal complications of COVID-19 are not yet well explored. This study aimed to identify the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with COVID-19 and to evaluate its impact on patient outcomes. This retrospective study included 704 patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at two hospitals in Daegu, Korea from February 19 to March 31, 2020. AKI was defined according to the serum creatinine criteria in the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. The final date of follow-up was May 1, 2020. Of the 704 patients, 28 (4.0%) developed AKI. Of the 28 patients with AKI, 15 (53.6%) were found to have AKI stage 1, 3 (10.7%) had AKI stage 2, and 10 (35.7%) had AKI stage 3. Among these patients, 12 (42.9%) recovered from AKI. In the patients with AKI, the rates of admission to intensive care unit (ICU), administration of mechanical ventilator (MV), and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher than in patients without AKI. Multivariable analysis revealed that old age (Hazard ratio [HR] = 4.668, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.250–17.430, p = 0.022), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 1.167, 95% CI = 1.078–1.264, p < 0.001), elevated creatinine kinase (HR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.001–1.004, p = 0.007), and severe AKI (HR = 12.199, 95% CI = 4.235–35.141, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the cumulative survival rate was lowest in the AKI stage 3 group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the incidence of AKI in patients with COVID-19 was 4.0%. Severe AKI was associated with in-hospital death.