bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of an indirect ELISA using a multiepitope antigen for the diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis
Authors: Lopes Karine Ferreira , Freire Mariana Lourenço , Souza Lima Dayane Costa , Enk Martin Johannes , Oliveira Edward , Geiger Stefan Michael
Published: April 2023

The laboratory diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis, carried out by detecting parasite eggs in feces, has low sensitivity when applied to individuals with low parasitic load. Serological tests can be more sensitive for the diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop and evaluate an ELISA-based immunoenzymatic assay, using a Schistosoma mansoni multiepitope antigen (ELISA IgG anti-SmME). For this, the amino acid sequences of S. mansoni cathepsin B and asparaginyl endopeptidase were submitted to the prediction of B cell epitopes and, together with peptide sequences obtained from earlier works, were used in the construction of a minigene. The multiepitope protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and the performance of the ELISA IgG anti-SmME for schistosomiasis was evaluated using serum samples from 107 individuals either egg positive or negative. In addition, 11 samples from individuals with other helminth infections were included. The ELISA IgG anti-SmME showed a sensitivity of 81.1% and a specificity of 46.1%. Further analysis revealed a 77.2% sensitivity in diagnosis of individuals with egg counts of ≤12 epg (eggs per gram feces) and 87.5% for individuals with 13–99 epg. It is worth mentioning that, to our knowledge, this was the first study using a multiepitope recombinant antigen in an ELISA for diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis, which demonstrated promising results in the diagnosis of individuals with low parasitic loads.
Maternal rheumatoid arthritis and risk of autism in the offspring
Authors: Yin Weiyao , Norrbäck Mattias , Levine Stephen Z. , Rivera Natalia , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Zhu Hailin , Yip Benjamin , Reichenberg Abraham , Askling Johan , Sandin Sven
Published: April 2023

Background

Maternal Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is suggested to increase the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the offspring, mainly through inflammation/autoimmunity, but the association is unclear. A prospective population-based cohort study was implemented to examine the association between maternal RA and offspring ASD.

Methods

We included all children born alive in Sweden from 1995 to 2015, followed up through 2017. Diagnoses of ASD and RA were clinically ascertained from National Patient Register. We quantified the association by hazard ratios (HR) and two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CI), from Cox regression after detailed adjustment for potential confounders. We examined RA serostatus, etiological subgroups and the timing of exposure. To closer examine the underlying mechanism for the association, we included a negative control group for RA, arthralgia, with similar symptomology as RA but free from inflammation/autoimmunity.

Results

Of 3629 children born to mothers with RA, 70 (1.94%) were diagnosed with ASD, compared to 28 892 (1.92%) of 1 503 908 children born to mothers without RA. Maternal RA before delivery was associated with an increased risk of offspring ASD (HR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.11–1.84), especially for seronegative RA (HR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.12–2.30). No similar association was observed for paternal RA, maternal sisters with RA, or RA diagnosed after delivery. Maternal arthralgia displayed as high risks for offspring ASD as did maternal RA (HR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.24–1.60).

Conclusions

In Sweden, maternal RA before delivery was associated with an increased risk of offspring ASD. The comparable association between maternal arthralgia and ASD risk suggests other pathways of risk than autoimmunity/inflammation, acting jointly or independently of RA.
Public policy and elections in authoritarian regimes: evidence from the policy on native languages in Russia
Authors: White Allison C. , Saikkonen Inga A.-L.
Published: April 2023

How might public policy changes affect electoral support for authoritarian regimes? Missing from the existing scholarship, which focuses mostly on regimes generating political budget cycles and manipulating electoral rules, is an exploration of how non-fiscal and non-electoral policies may impact incumbent support. We examine this issue with electoral and census data from one of the world’s most prominent authoritarian regimes – Russia – to evaluate the regime’s 2017 change to the policy governing native language instruction, which curtailed minority students’ ability to learn their native languages and faced opposition in some ethnic regions. Examining panel data on presidential elections using fixed effects models, our results reveal that the regime’s support decreased in titular minority areas in 2018. The results also indicate that some of these patterns emerged in previous national legislative elections and thus cannot be solely attributed to the policy change.
Design and optimization of a decoupled serial constant force microgripper for force sensitive objects manipulation
Authors: Shan Ye , Ding Bingxiao , Zhong Jianhua , Li Yangmin
Published: April 2023

To address coupling motion issues and realize large constant force range of microgrippers, we present a serial two-degree-of-freedom compliant constant force microgripper (CCFMG) in this paper. To realize a large output displacement in a compact structure, Scott–Russell displacement amplification mechanisms, bridge-type displacement amplification mechanisms, and lever amplification mechanisms are combined to compensate stroke of piezoelectric actuators. In addition, constant force modules are utilized to achieve a constant force output. We investigated CCFMG’s performances by means of pseudo-rigid body models and finite element analysis. Simulation results show that the proposed CCFMG has a stroke of 781.34
${\unicode[Times]{x03BC}}\mathrm{m}$
in the X-direction and a stroke of 258.05
${\unicode[Times]{x03BC}}\mathrm{m}$
in the Y-direction, and the decoupling rates in two directions are 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively. The average output constant force of the clamp is 37.49 N. The amplification ratios of the bridge-type amplifier and the Scott–Russell amplifier are 7.02 and 3, respectively. Through finite element analysis-based optimization, the constant force stroke of CCFMG is increased from the initial 1.6 to 3 mm.
INTERCEPT ESTIMATION IN NONLINEAR SELECTION MODELS
Authors: Arulampalam Wiji , Corradi Valentina , Gutknecht Daniel
Published: April 2023

We propose various semiparametric estimators for nonlinear selection models, where slope and intercept can be separately identified. When the selection equation satisfies a monotonic index restriction, we suggest a local polynomial estimator, using only observations for which the marginal cumulative distribution function of the instrument index is close to one. Data-driven procedures such as cross-validation may be used to select the bandwidth for this estimator. We then consider the case in which the monotonic index restriction does not hold and/or the set of observations with a propensity score close to one is thin so that convergence occurs at a rate that is arbitrarily close to the cubic rate. We explore the finite sample behavior in a Monte Carlo study and illustrate the use of our estimator using a model for count data with multiplicative unobserved heterogeneity.
Positive solutions to the prey–predator equations with dormancy of predators
Authors: Novrianti  , Sawada Okihiro , Tsuge Naoki
Published: April 2023

The time-global unique classical positive solutions to the reaction–diffusion equations for prey–predator models with dormancy of predators are constructed. The feature appears on the nonlinear terms of Holling type
$\rm I\!I$
functional response. The crucial step is to establish time-local positive classical solutions by using a new approximation associated with time-evolution operators. Although the system does not equip usual comparison principle for solutions to partial differential equation, a priori bounds are derived by enclosing and renormalising arguments of solutions to the corresponding ordinary differential equations. Furthermore, time-global existence, invariant regions and asymptotic behaviours of solutions follow from such a priori bounds.
Problems and results on 1-cross-intersecting set pair systems
Authors: Füredi Zoltán , Gyárfás András , Király Zoltán
Published: April 2023

The notion of cross-intersecting set pair system of size

$m$

,

$ (\{A_i\}_{i=1}^m, \{B_i\}_{i=1}^m )$

with

$A_i\cap B_i=\emptyset$

and

$A_i\cap B_j\ne \emptyset$

, was introduced by Bollobás and it became an important tool of extremal combinatorics. His classical result states that

$m\le\binom{a+b}{a}$

if

$|A_i|\le a$

and

$|B_i|\le b$

for each

$i$

. Our central problem is to see how this bound changes with the additional condition

$|A_i\cap B_j|=1$

for

$i\ne j$

. Such a system is called

$1$

-cross-intersecting. We show that these systems are related to perfect graphs, clique partitions of graphs, and finite geometries. We prove that their maximum size is

at least

$5^{n/2}$

for

$n$

even,

$a=b=n$

,

equal to

$\bigl (\lfloor \frac{n}{2}\rfloor +1\bigr )\bigl (\lceil \frac{n}{2}\rceil +1\bigr )$

if

$a=2$

and

$b=n\ge 4$

,

at most

$|\cup _{i=1}^m A_i|$

,

asymptotically

$n^2$

if

$\{A_i\}$

is a linear hypergraph (

$|A_i\cap A_j|\le 1$

for

$i\ne j$

),

asymptotically

${1\over 2}n^2$

if

$\{A_i\}$

and

$\{B_i\}$

are both linear hypergraphs.
Expected number of faces in a random embedding of any graph is at most linear
Authors: Campion Loth Jesse , Mohar Bojan
Published: April 2023

A random two-cell embedding of a given graph

$G$

is obtained by choosing a random local rotation around every vertex. We analyse the expected number of faces of such an embedding, which is equivalent to studying its average genus. In 1991, Stahl [5] proved that the expected number of faces in a random embedding of an arbitrary graph of order

$n$

is at most

$n\log (n)$

. While there are many families of graphs whose expected number of faces is

$\Theta (n)$

, none are known where the expected number would be super-linear. This led the authors of [1] to conjecture that there is a linear upper bound. In this note we confirm their conjecture by proving that for any

$n$

-vertex multigraph, the expected number of faces in a random two-cell embedding is at most

$2n\log (2\mu )$

, where

$\mu$

is the maximum edge-multiplicity. This bound is best possible up to a constant factor.
Transient block during radiofrequency ablation well away from the His–Purkinje system: atrioventricular nodal artery trauma?
Authors: Grech Victor , Grech Elizabeth , DeGiovanni Joseph
Published: April 2023

Cardiac arrhythmias occur at all ages. Cardiac mapping and ablation are established methods for curing arrhythmia substrates; however, complications may occur. We report a patient with transient Wenckebach heart block during radiofrequency ablation in the setting of Wolff Parkinson White syndrome despite the ablation catheter being well away from the atrioventricular node, and we speculate on the potential mechanism.
Impact of combination methods on extreme precipitation projections
Authors: Jessup Sébastien , Mailhot Mélina , Pigeon Mathieu
Published: April 2023

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. To properly assess the increased economical risk of these events, actuaries can gain in relying on expert models/opinions from multiple different sources, which requires the use of model combination techniques. From non-parametric to Bayesian approaches, different methods rely on varying assumptions potentially leading to very different results. In this paper, we apply multiple model combination methods to an ensemble of 24 experts in a pooling approach and use the differences in outputs from the different combinations to illustrate how one can gain additional insight from using multiple methods. The densities obtained from pooling in Montreal and Quebec City highlight the significant changes in higher quantiles obtained through different combination approaches. Areal reduction factor and quantile projected changes are used to show that consistency, or lack thereof, across approaches reflects the uncertainty of combination methods. This shows how an actuary using multiple expert models should consider more than one combination method to properly assess the impact of climate change on loss distributions, seeing as a single method can lead to overconfidence in projections.
OPD-2 im Psychotherapie-Antrag
Authors: Michael Stasch
Published: April 2023

In diesem Buch bündeln die Autoren ihre vielfältigen Erfahrungen als OPD-Trainer, Gutachter und nicht zuletzt als Antragsbegründer in der Richtlinien-Psychotherapie.Anhand von zahlreichen Beispielen wird der Prozess der OPD-gestützten Urteilsbildung und Befundformulierung illustriert - angefangen mit dem Patientenkontakt und der Strukturierung des klinischen Materials über die psychodynamischen Reflexionen bis hin zur konkreten Formulierung des Berichts zum Antrag. Schritt für Schritt, eng am OPD-Manual angelehnt und unmittelbar am klinischen Alltag orientiert, soll dieses Buch die praktische Umsetzung der Operationalisierten Psychodynamischen Diagnostik erleichtern. Als Novum wird die Heidelberger Umstrukturierungs-Skala (HUS) zur Beschreibung von Veränderungsprozessen während der Behandlung und der entsprechenden Formulierung in Fortsetzungs- oder Umwandlungsanträgen eingeführt.
Arctic Seasonal Variability and Extremes, and the Role of Weather Systems in a Changing Climate
Authors: Hartmuth Katharina , Papritz Lukas , Boettcher Maxi , Wernli Heini
Published: April 2023

The effects of global warming are strongly amplified in the Arctic, causing rapidly rising temperatures and ongoing dramatic loss of sea ice, which itself is subject to large interannual variability. We investigate changes in seasonal‐mean temperature and precipitation, its variability and extremes, using large‐ensemble climate model data with a representative concentration pathway 8.5 forcing scenario for historical (S2000) and end‐of‐century projections (S2100). Our results reveal regionally and seasonally dependent changes in Arctic interannual temperature and precipitation variability that are strongly linked to sea‐ice loss. We show a doubling in precipitation variability over the Arctic Ocean and a significant reduction in temperature variability in the Barents Sea. Extremely warm seasons in S2000 rank among the coldest seasons or become unrealistic in S2100. We further show the key role of large‐scale weather systems for shaping seasonal temperature and precipitation extremes in the Arctic which persists under climate warming.
Mixing and Overturning Across the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence
Authors: Orúe‐Echevarría Dorleta , Polzin Kurt L. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Forryan Alexander , Pelegrí Josep L.
Published: April 2023

The rates of isopycnal stirring and water mass transport by mesoscale eddies, and of diapycnal mixing by small‐scale turbulence, across the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence (BMC) are assessed from a set of microstructure and hydrographic measurements in the Argentine Basin. This assessment is founded on a theoretical framework that applies a triple decomposition to the temperature variance equation and assumes eddies to transfer potential vorticity downgradient. The BMC is found to host widespread intense isopycnal stirring at rates of O(103–104 m2 s−1), and generally weak diapycnal mixing at rates of O(10−6–10−5 m2 s−1). Despite such disparity, both diapycnal mixing and isopycnal stirring play roles of comparable importance in determining regional water mass properties within surface and mode waters. In deeper layers, isopycnal stirring prevails. Eddies are further diagnosed to effect an important cross‐BMC transport, at rates of O(1 m2 s−1). When scaled by the along‐stream extent of the BMC, these rates integrate to volume transports that may be as large as O(10 Sverdrups). This suggests that cross‐BMC transfers of waters are substantially effected by eddy‐induced flows.
Real‐Time Monitoring and Postprocessing of Thermal Infrared Video Images for Sampling and Mapping Groundwater Discharge
Authors: Iwasaki Kenta , Fukushima Keitaro , Nagasaka Yu , Ishiyama Nobuo , Sakai Masaru , Nagasaka Akiko
Published: April 2023

Groundwater discharge along channels can affect stream discharge, chemistry, and ecological communities. Although the spatial distribution of groundwater springs along wide rivers can be investigated by areal thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing, this technique is difficult to apply to mapping at a high spatial resolution and under riparian tree canopies. We present a real‐time monitoring and postprocessing method of ground‐based TIR video for determining groundwater discharge sampling points and mapping the surface water temperature. We applied this method to mapping two headwater streams in Hokkaido, Japan, in the summer. The first site was a 1.3‐km‐long reach underlain by Pleistocene andesite lava. Almost all of the springs were colder and had a different chemistry compared to that of the stream water, which supports the usefulness of TIR monitoring for determining groundwater discharge zones. Video postprocessing showed that cold groundwater springs were spaced every ∼100 m, and their distribution did not follow the topography. At the second site, cold and warm springs were underlain by Holocene volcanic ash. The cold springs mainly seeped from hyporheic and riparian zones downstream, while warm springs were at the footslope. Some cold springs had much higher solute concentrations than the stream and warm springs, which suggests that the water temperature is useful for inferring sources of groundwater discharge. At this site, the video postprocessing could map not only the locations of the cold springs but also the spatial heterogeneity of the stream temperature associated with groundwater inputs.
Effect of Plasma Temperature on Major Element Prediction Accuracy From Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Lepore K. H. , Dyar M. D. , Ytsma C. R.
Published: April 2023

Laser‐induced breakdown spectra (LIBS) were collected on a diverse suite of ∼2,600 geological standards using four laser energies (2.4–7.2 mJ) to assess how variations in irradiance from stand‐off distance affect prediction accuracy. Mismatches in laser energies and plasma temperatures between training and prediction datasets introduce substantial uncertainty in major element predictions. For example, using 2.4 mJ spectra to predict 7.2 mJ data results in errors of ±8.9, ±1.4, ±3.8, ±3.2, ±1.6, ±1.0, ±0.6, and ±1.0 wt% for SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, Na2O, and K2O, respectively. When plasma temperatures of unknowns are represented in a multiple‐plasma‐temperature training set, prediction accuracies improve for the same oxides: ±3.0, ±0.3, ±1.3, ±1.4, ±1.0, ±0.7, ±0.5, and ±0.5 wt%. These results suggest that accuracies reported for Mars LIBS predictions based on single‐distance, single laser‐power calibration data may be overly optimistic except where Mars plasmas serendipitously match those acquired in the laboratory.
BCR-ABL triggers a glucose-dependent survival program during leukemogenesis through the suppression of TXNIP
Authors: Feng Lin , Ding Ruxin , Qu Xuan , Li Yuanchun , Shen Tong , Wang Lei , Li Ruikai , Zhang Juan , Ru Yi , Bu Xin , Wang Yang , Li Min , Song Wenqi , Shen Liangliang , Zhang Pengxia
Published: April 2023

Abstracts

Imatinib is highly effective in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), but the primary and acquired imatinib resistance remains the big hurdle. Molecular mechanisms for CML resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, beyond point mutations in BCR-ABL kinase domain, still need to be addressed. Here, we demonstrated that thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a novel BCR-ABL target gene. Suppression of TXNIP was responsible for BCR-ABL triggered glucose metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial homeostasis. Mechanistically, Miz-1/P300 complex transactivates TXNIP through the recognition of TXNIP core promoter region, responding to the c-Myc suppression by either imatinib or BCR-ABL knockdown. TXNIP restoration sensitizes CML cells to imatinib treatment and compromises imatinib resistant CML cell survival, predominantly through the blockage of both glycolysis and glucose oxidation which results in the mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP production. In particular, TXNIP suppresses expressions of the key glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase 2 (HK2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), potentially through Fbw7-dependent c-Myc degradation. In accordance, BCR-ABL suppression of TXNIP provided a novel survival pathway for the transformation of mouse bone marrow cells. Knockout of TXNIP accelerated BCR-ABL transformation, whereas TXNIP overexpression suppressed this transformation. Combination of drug inducing TXNIP expression with imatinib synergistically kills CML cells from patients and further extends the survival of CML mice. Thus, the activation of TXNIP represents an effective strategy for CML treatment to overcome resistance.
Longitudinal association of hypertension and dyslipidemia with cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: the SONIC study
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Kabayama Mai , Godai Kayo , Tseng Winston , Akasaka Hiroshi , Yamamoto Koichi , Takami Yoichi , Takeya Yasushi , Gondo Yasuyuki , Yasumoto Saori , Ogawa Madoka , Kasuga Ayaka , Masui Yukie , Ikebe Kazunori , Arai Yasumichi , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Rakugi Hiromi , Kamide Kei
Published: April 2023

The associations among cognitive function, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in older adults are controversial. Therefore, we investigated the associations among cognitive decline, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and their combination in community-dwelling older people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s in the long-term observational Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, Investigation with Centenarians (SONIC) study. We administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Japanese version (MoCA-J) by trained geriatricians and psychologists, and conducted blood testing and blood pressure (BP) measuring by medical staff involving 1186 participants. We performed multiple regression analysis to assess the relationships among hypertension, dyslipidemia, their combination, and lipid and BP levels with cognitive function at the 3-year follow-up after adjusting for covariate factors. At the baseline, the percentage of the combination of hypertension and dyslipidemia was 46.6% (n = 553), hypertension was 25.6% (n = 304), dyslipidemia was 15.0% (n = 178), and that without hypertension or dyslipidemia was 12.7% (n = 151). Conducting multiple regression analysis, no significant correlation was found between the combination of hypertension and dyslipidemia and MoCA-J score. In the group with the combination, high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels resulted in higher MoCA-J scores at the follow-up (β = 0.06; P < 0.05) and high diastolic BP (DBP) also resulted in higher MoCA-J scores (β = 0.08; P < 0.05). The results suggest that high HDL and DBP levels of individuals with HT & DL and high SBP levels of individuals with HT were associated with cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.
In silico cancer immunotherapy trials uncover the consequences of therapy-specific response patterns for clinical trial design and outcome
Authors: Creemers Jeroen H. A. , Ankan Ankur , Roes Kit C. B. , Schröder Gijs , Mehra Niven , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Textor Johannes
Published: April 2023

Late-stage cancer immunotherapy trials often lead to unusual survival curve shapes, like delayed curve separation or a plateauing curve in the treatment arm. It is critical for trial success to anticipate such effects in advance and adjust the design accordingly. Here, we use in silico cancer immunotherapy trials – simulated trials based on three different mathematical models – to assemble virtual patient cohorts undergoing late-stage immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or combination therapies. We find that all three simulation models predict the distinctive survival curve shapes commonly associated with immunotherapies. Considering four aspects of clinical trial design – sample size, endpoint, randomization rate, and interim analyses – we demonstrate how, by simulating various possible scenarios, the robustness of trial design choices can be scrutinized, and possible pitfalls can be identified in advance. We provide readily usable, web-based implementations of our three trial simulation models to facilitate their use by biomedical researchers, doctors, and trialists.
A small secreted protein NICOL regulates lumicrine-mediated sperm maturation and male fertility
Authors: Kiyozumi Daiji , Shimada Kentaro , Chalick Michael , Emori Chihiro , Kodani Mayo , Oura Seiya , Noda Taichi , Endo Tsutomu , Matzuk Martin M. , Wreschner Daniel H. , Ikawa Masahito
Published: April 2023

The mammalian spermatozoa produced in the testis require functional maturation in the epididymis for their full competence. Epididymal sperm maturation is regulated by lumicrine signalling pathways in which testis-derived secreted signals relocate to the epididymis lumen and promote functional differentiation. However, the detailed mechanisms of lumicrine regulation are unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that a small secreted protein, NELL2-interacting cofactor for lumicrine signalling (NICOL), plays a crucial role in lumicrine signalling in mice. NICOL is expressed in male reproductive organs, including the testis, and forms a complex with the testis-secreted protein NELL2, which is transported transluminally from the testis to the epididymis. Males lacking Nicol are sterile due to impaired NELL2-mediated lumicrine signalling, leading to defective epididymal differentiation and deficient sperm maturation but can be restored by NICOL expression in testicular germ cells. Our results demonstrate how lumicrine signalling regulates epididymal function for successful sperm maturation and male fertility.
Tradeoff between lag time and growth rate drives the plasmid acquisition cost
Authors: Ahmad Mehrose , Prensky Hannah , Balestrieri Jacqueline , ElNaggar Shahd , Gomez-Simmonds Angela , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Traxler Beth , Singh Abhyudai , Lopatkin Allison J.
Published: April 2023

Conjugative plasmids drive genetic diversity and evolution in microbial populations. Despite their prevalence, plasmids can impose long-term fitness costs on their hosts, altering population structure, growth dynamics, and evolutionary outcomes. In addition to long-term fitness costs, acquiring a new plasmid introduces an immediate, short-term perturbation to the cell. However, due to the transient nature of this plasmid acquisition cost, a quantitative understanding of its physiological manifestations, overall magnitudes, and population-level implications, remains unclear. To address this, here we track growth of single colonies immediately following plasmid acquisition. We find that plasmid acquisition costs are primarily driven by changes in lag time, rather than growth rate, for nearly 60 conditions covering diverse plasmids, selection environments, and clinical strains/species. Surprisingly, for a costly plasmid, clones exhibiting longer lag times also achieve faster recovery growth rates, suggesting an evolutionary tradeoff. Modeling and experiments demonstrate that this tradeoff leads to counterintuitive ecological dynamics, whereby intermediate-cost plasmids outcompete both their low and high-cost counterparts. These results suggest that, unlike fitness costs, plasmid acquisition dynamics are not uniformly driven by minimizing growth disadvantages. Moreover, a lag/growth tradeoff has clear implications in predicting the ecological outcomes and intervention strategies of bacteria undergoing conjugation.
Parity-encoding-based quantum computing with Bayesian error tracking
Authors: Lee Seok-Hyung , Omkar Srikrishna , Teo Yong Siah , Jeong Hyunseok
Published: April 2023

Measurement-based quantum computing (MBQC) in linear optical systems is promising for near-future quantum computing architecture. However, the nondeterministic nature of entangling operations and photon losses hinder the large-scale generation of graph states and introduce logical errors. In this work, we propose a linear optical topological MBQC protocol employing multiphoton qubits based on the parity encoding, which turns out to be highly photon-loss tolerant and resource-efficient even under the effects of nonideal entangling operations that unavoidably corrupt nearby qubits. For the realistic error analysis, we introduce a Bayesian methodology, in conjunction with the stabilizer formalism, to track errors caused by such detrimental effects. We additionally suggest a graph-theoretical optimization scheme for the process of constructing an arbitrary graph state, which greatly reduces its resource overhead. Notably, we show that our protocol is advantageous over several other existing approaches in terms of the fault-tolerance and resource overhead.
Adverse effects, perceptions and attitudes related to BNT162b2, mRNA-1273 or JNJ-78436735 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Population-based cohort
Authors: Bürzle Oliver , Menges Dominik , Maier Julian D. , Schams Daniel , Puhan Milo A. , Fehr Jan , Ballouz Tala , Frei Anja
Published: April 2023

Long-term control of SARS-CoV-2 requires effective vaccination strategies. This has been challenged by public mistrust and the spread of misinformation regarding vaccine safety. Better understanding and communication of the longer-term and comparative experiences of individuals in the general population following vaccination are required. In this population-based longitudinal study, we included 575 adults, randomly selected from all individuals presenting to a Swiss reference vaccination center, for receipt of BNT162b2, mRNA1273, or JNJ-78436735. We assessed the prevalence, onset, duration, and severity of self-reported adverse effects over 12 weeks following vaccination. We additionally evaluated participants’ perceptions of vaccines, trust in public health authorities and pharmaceutical companies, and compliance with public health measures. Most participants reported at least one adverse effect within 12 weeks following vaccination. Adverse effects were mostly mild or moderate, resolved within three days, and rarely resulted in anaphylaxis or hospitalizations. Female sex, younger age, higher education, and receipt of mRNA-1273 were associated with reporting adverse effects. Compared to JNJ-78436735 recipients, a higher proportion of mRNA vaccine recipients agreed that vaccination is important, and trusted public health authorities. Our findings provide real-world estimates of the prevalence of adverse effects following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and highlight the importance of transparent communication to ensure the success of current or future vaccination campaigns.
Three-Dimensional Motion Capture Data of a Movement Screen from 183 Athletes
Authors: Zhao Xiong , Ross Gwyneth , Dowling Brittany , Graham Ryan B.
Published: April 2023

Movement screens are widely used to identify aberrant movement patterns in hopes of decreasing risk of injury, identifying talent, and/or improving performance. Motion capture data can provide quantitative, objective feedback regarding movement patterns. The dataset contains three-dimensional (3D) motion capture data of 183 athletes performing mobility tests (ankle, back bend, crossover adduction, crossover rotation, elbows, head, hip turn, scorpion, shoulder abduction, shoulder azimuth, shoulder rotation, side bends, side lunges and trunk rotation) and stability tests (drop jump, hop down, L-cut, lunge, rotary stability, step down and T-balance) bilaterally (where applicable), the athletes’ injury history, and demographics. All data were collected at 120 Hz or 480 Hz using an 8-camera Raptor-E motion capture system with 45 passive reflective markers. A total of 5,493 trials were pre-processed and included in .c3d and .mat formats. This dataset will enable researchers and end users to explore movement patterns of athletes of varying demographics from different sports and competition levels; develop objective movement assessment tools; and gain new insights into the relationships between movement patterns and injury.
Short-term effect of intravitreal brolucizumab injections in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness
Authors: Jun Sung Yeon , Hwang Daniel Duck-Jin
Published: April 2023

This study reported the short-term effects of intravitreal brolucizumab (IVB) on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This retrospective observational case series included patients with nAMD treated with other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents and subsequently switched to IVB because of poor response to those other agents on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, funduscopy, and SD-OCT were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after injection. Twenty-two patients were included in the study. In the IVB group, BCVA significantly improved 3 months after injection compared with baseline (0.45 ± 0.25 vs. 0.38 ± 0.25, p = 0.012). During the 3-month follow-up, compared with baseline, RNFL thicknesses of the global, superior temporal, inferior temporal, inferior nasal, nasal, and superior nasal sectors did not change substantially in the IVB group. However, temporal RNFL thickness significantly decreased at 1 month (p = 0.045), and the significance was lost at 3 months (p = 0.378). The central macular thickness of treated eyes significantly decreased compared with the baseline at every follow-up visit. IVB in patients with nAMD had morphological and functional visual gain effects without RNFL thinning during the short-term follow-up.
Morphological analysis of ventricular septal defect by echocardiography for prediction of aortic regurgitation in pediatric population
Authors: El Louali Fedoua , Soler Floriane , Fouilloux Virginie , Evin Morgane , Ovaert Caroline
Published: April 2023

Ventricular septal defects (VSD) are the most common congenital heart diseases in children. Among them, perimembranous VSD (pm-VSD) have a higher risk of complications, including aortic valve prolapse and aortic regurgitation (AR). The aim of our study was to assess echocardiographic criteria associated with AR during follow-up of pm-VSD. Forty children with restrictive pm-VSD, followed-up in our unit and who underwent a workable echocardiographic evaluation between 2015 and 2019 were included and retrospectively analyzed. The propensity score was used to match 15 patients with AR to 15 patients without AR. Median age was 2.2 year [1.4–5.7]. Median weight was 14 kg [9.9–20.3]. Aortic annulus z-score, Valsalva sinus z-score, sinotubular junction z-score, valve prolapse and commissure commitment were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.047, p = 0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.007, p < 0.001 respectively). Aortic root dilatation, aortic valve prolapse and commissure commitment to a perimembranous VSD are associated to aortic regurgitation.
Performance analysis of DNA crossbar arrays for high-density memory storage applications
Authors: De Arpan , Mohammad Hashem , Wang Yiren , Kubendran Rajkumar , Das Arindam K. , Anantram M. P.
Published: April 2023

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has emerged as a promising building block for next-generation ultra-high density storage devices. Although DNA has high durability and extremely high density in nature, its potential as the basis of storage devices is currently hindered by limitations such as expensive and complex fabrication processes and time-consuming read–write operations. In this article, we propose the use of a DNA crossbar array architecture for an electrically readable read-only memory (DNA-ROM). While information can be ‘written’ error-free to a DNA-ROM array using appropriate sequence encodings its read accuracy can be affected by several factors such as array size, interconnect resistance, and Fermi energy deviations from HOMO levels of DNA strands employed in the crossbar. We study the impact of array size and interconnect resistance on the bit error rate of a DNA-ROM array through extensive Monte Carlo simulations. We have also analyzed the performance of our proposed DNA crossbar array for an image storage application, as a function of array size and interconnect resistance. While we expect that future advances in bioengineering and materials science will address some of the fabrication challenges associated with DNA crossbar arrays, we believe that the comprehensive body of results we present in this paper establishes the technical viability of DNA crossbar arrays as low power, high-density storage devices. Finally, our analysis of array performance vis-à-vis interconnect resistance should provide valuable insights into aspects of the fabrication process such as proper choice of interconnects necessary for ensuring high read accuracies.
The illusion of the mind–body divide is attenuated in males
Authors: Berent Iris
Published: April 2023

A large literature suggests that people are intuitive Dualists—they tend to perceive the mind as ethereal, distinct from the body. Here, we ask whether Dualism emanates from within the human psyche, guided, in part, by theory of mind (ToM). Past research has shown that males are poorer mind-readers than females. If ToM begets Dualism, then males should exhibit weaker Dualism, and instead, lean towards Physicalism (i.e., they should view bodies and minds alike). Experiments 1–2 show that males indeed perceive the psyche as more embodied—as more likely to emerge in a replica of one’s body, and less likely to persist in its absence (after life). Experiment 3 further shows that males are less inclined towards Empiricism—a putative byproduct of Dualism. A final analysis confirms that males’ ToM scores are lower, and ToM scores further correlate with embodiment intuitions (in Experiments 1–2). These observations (from Western participants) cannot establish universality, but the association of Dualism with ToM suggests its roots are psychological. Thus, the illusory mind–body divide may arise from the very workings of the human mind.
Evaluation of bone growth around bioactive glass S53P4 by scanning acoustic microscopy co-registered with optical interferometry and elemental analysis
Authors: Holmström Axi , Meriläinen Antti , Hyvönen Jere , Nolvi Anton , Ylitalo Tuomo , Steffen Kari , Björkenheim Robert , Strömberg Gustav , Nieminen Heikki J. , Kassamakov Ivan , Pajarinen Jukka , Hupa Leena , Salmi Ari , Hæggström Edward , Lindfors Nina C.
Published: April 2023

Bioactive glass (BAG) is a bone substitute that can be used in orthopaedic surgery. Following implantation, the BAG is expected to be replaced by bone via bone growth and gradual degradation of the BAG. However, the hydroxyapatite mineral forming on BAG resembles bone mineral, not providing sufficient contrast to distinguish the two in X-ray images. In this study, we co-registered coded-excitation scanning acoustic microscopy (CESAM), scanning white light interferometry (SWLI), and scanning electron microscopy with elemental analysis (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) (SEM–EDX) to investigate the bone growth and BAG reactions on a micron scale in a rabbit bone ex vivo. The acoustic impedance map recorded by the CESAM provides high elasticity-associated contrast to study materials and their combinations, while simultaneously producing a topography map of the sample. The acoustic impedance map correlated with the elemental analysis from SEM–EDX. SWLI also produces a topography map, but with higher resolution than CESAM. The two topography maps (CESAM and SWLI) were in good agreement. Furthermore, using information from both maps simultaneously produced by the CESAM (acoustic impedance and topography) allowed determining regions-of-interest related to bone formation around the BAG with greater ease than from either map alone. CESAM is therefore a promising tool for evaluating the degradation of bone substitutes and the bone healing process ex vivo.
Classification models for assessing coronary artery disease instances using clinical and biometric data: an explainable man-in-the-loop approach
Authors: Samaras Agorastos-Dimitrios , Moustakidis Serafeim , Apostolopoulos Ioannis D. , Papandrianos Nikolaos , Papageorgiou Elpiniki
Published: April 2023

The main goal driving this work is to develop computer-aided classification models relying on clinical data to identify coronary artery disease (CAD) instances with high accuracy while incorporating the expert’s opinion as input, making it a "man-in-the-loop" approach. CAD is traditionally diagnosed in a definite manner by Invasive Coronary Angiography (ICA). A dataset was created using biometric and clinical data from 571 patients (21 total features, 43% ICA-confirmed CAD instances) along with the expert’s diagnostic yield. Five machine learning classification algorithms were applied to the dataset. For the selection of the best feature set for each algorithm, three different parameter selection algorithms were used. Each ML model’s performance was evaluated using common metrics, and the best resulting feature set for each is presented. A stratified ten-fold validation was used for the performance evaluation. This procedure was run both using the assessments of experts/doctors as input and without them. The significance of this paper lies in its innovative approach of incorporating the expert's opinion as input in the classification process, making it a "man-in-the-loop" approach. This approach not only increases the accuracy of the models but also provides an added layer of explainability and transparency, allowing for greater trust and confidence in the results. Maximum achievable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 83.02%, 90.32%, and 85.49% when using the expert's diagnosis as input, compared to 78.29%, 76.61%, and 86.07% without the expert's diagnosis. The results of this study demonstrate the potential for this approach to improve the diagnosis of CAD and highlight the importance of considering the role of human expertise in the development of computer-aided classification models.
An apicomplexan parasite drives the collapse of the bay scallop population in New York
Authors: Pales Espinosa Emmanuelle , Bouallegui Younes , Grouzdev Denis , Brianik Christopher , Czaja Raymond , Geraci-Yee Sabrina , Kristmundsson Arni , Muehl Madison , Schwaner Caroline , Tettelbach Stephen T. , Tobi Harrison , Allam Bassem
Published: April 2023

The bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, represents a commercially, culturally and ecologically important species found along the United States’ Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Since 2019, scallop populations in New York have been suffering large-scale summer mortalities resulting in 90–99% reduction in biomass of adult scallops. Preliminary investigations of these mortality events showed 100% prevalence of an apicomplexan parasite infecting kidney tissues. This study was designed to provide histological, ultrastructural and molecular characteristics of a non-described parasite, member of the newly established Marosporida clade (Apicomplexa) and provisionally named BSM (Bay Scallop Marosporida). Molecular diagnostics tools (quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization) were developed and used to monitor disease development. Results showed that BSM disrupts multiple scallop tissues including kidney, adductor muscle, gill, and gonad. Microscopy observations allowed the identification of both intracellular and extracellular stages of the parasite. Field surveys demonstrated a strong seasonal signature in disease prevalence and intensity, as severe cases and mortality increase as summer progresses. These results strongly suggest that BSM infection plays a major role in the collapse of bay scallop populations in New York. In this framework, BSM may synergistically interact with stressful environmental conditions to impair the host and lead to mortality.
The burden of incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospitalized patients across pandemic waves in Canada
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Hau Jeffrey P. , Atzema Clare , McRae Andrew D. , Morrison Laurie J. , Grant Lars , Cheng Ivy , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Hohl Corinne M. ,   The Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) Investigators, Wiemer Hana , Fok Patrick , Campbell Samuel , Arsenault Kory , Dahn Tara , DeMone Corinne , Chandra Kavish , Fraser Jacqueline , Archambault Patrick , Turner Joel , Mercier Éric , Clark Greg , Mercier Éric , Robert Sébastien , Robert Sébastien , Audet Martyne , Nadeau Alexandra , Nolet Audrey , Xue Xiaoqing , Iannuzzi David , Lanthier Chantal , Morrison Laurie , Cheng Ivy , Brooks Steven , Taylor Connie , Perry Jeffrey , Welsford Michelle , Ohle Rob , Yan Justin , Mohindra Rohit , Landes Megan , Nirmalanathan Konika , Latiu Vlad , Yeung Joanna , Clayton Natasha , Chen Tom , Nichols Jenna , Jelic Tomislav , Mackenzie Kate , Davis Phil , Goss Aimee , McRae Andrew , Rowe Brian , Lin Katie , VandenBerg Stephanie , Hayward Jake , Khangura Jaspreet , Lobos Stacey , Ruddell Stacy , Runham Natalie , Su Karlin , Hohl Corinne , Scheuermeyer Frank , Ting Daniel , Stachura Maja , Braar Balijeet , Taylor John , Martin Ian , Wormsbecker Sean , Graham Lee , Kanu Josie , Bootsma Taylor , Huynh Bernice , Swirhun Amanda , Taylor Tracy , Hayashi Mai , Cheyne Mackenzie , Williams Neenah , Lam Katherine , Compagna Kelsey , Hau Jeffrey , Ho Vi , Small Serena , Cragg Amber , Xu Vicky
Published: April 2023

Many health authorities differentiate hospitalizations in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 as being “for COVID-19” (due to direct manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection) versus being an “incidental” finding in someone admitted for an unrelated condition. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all SARS-CoV-2 infected patients hospitalized via 47 Canadian emergency departments, March 2020-July 2022 to determine whether hospitalizations with “incidental” SARS-CoV-2 infection are less of a burden to patients and the healthcare system. Using a priori standardized definitions applied to hospital discharge diagnoses in 14,290 patients, we characterized COVID-19 as (i) the “Direct” cause for the hospitalization (70%), (ii) a potential “Contributing” factor for the hospitalization (4%), or (iii) an “Incidental” finding that did not influence the need for admission (26%). The proportion of incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections rose from 10% in Wave 1 to 41% during the Omicron wave. Patients with COVID-19 as the direct cause of hospitalization exhibited significantly longer LOS (mean 13.8 versus 12.1 days), were more likely to require critical care (22% versus 11%), receive COVID-19-specific therapies (55% versus 19%), and die (17% versus 9%) compared to patients with Incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, patients hospitalized with incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection still exhibited substantial morbidity/mortality and hospital resource use.