bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure, antioxidant activity, and stability of fish gelatin/chitooligosaccharide nanoparticles loaded with apple polyphenols
Authors: Chen Huimin , Lin Sheng , Wu Jiulin , Xu Yizhou , Cai Xixi , Wang Shaoyun
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Apple polyphenols (APs) with multiple biological effects have attracted extensive attention due to their broad opportunities for application. However, the use of APs is hampered by their instability in the face of environmental changes. Designing efficient carriers to improve the bioavailability of APs is the key to solving these problems. In this study, gelatin‐chitooligosaccharide nanoparticles produced by the Maillard reaction (GCM) were fabricated to encapsulate AP, and the structure, antioxidant activity, and stability of the GMM‐AP nanoparticle system were evaluated.

RESULTS

The results of endogenous fluorescence spectrum, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and simultaneous thermal analysis confirmed structural changes and interactions between GCM and AP. Combination with GCM did not adversely affect the antioxidant properties of AP, and the GCM‐AP nanoparticles possessed superior temperature and storage stability. In comparison with fish gelatin‐apple polyphenol nanoparticles, the GCM‐AP nanoparticles were more stable at a wider pH range, and were more resistant to the electrostatic shielding effect of NaCl. After simulating gastric digestion, the particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of GCM‐AP nanoparticles were almost unchanged.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that GCM nanoparticles loaded with AP could be used as good carriers with good antioxidant activity and stability. This study therefore provides a theoretical foundation for the development and industrial application of food functional factors. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma using machine learning: A systematic review
Authors: Brar Amanpreet , Zhu Alice , Baciu Cristina , Sharma Divya , Xu Wei , Orchanian‐Cheff Ani , Wang Bo , Reimand Jüri , Grant Robert , Bhat Mamatha
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Machine learning (ML) tools have been developed in recent years to generate diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers for this high‐fatality cancer. To delineate the landscape of ML in HCC, we performed a systematic search of Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Ovid) and Cochrane CENTRAL (Ovid) to identify studies of HCC molecular biomarkers using ML strategies. In total, 75 studies met our inclusion criteria, 53 of which were pertinent to diagnosis of HCC and 22 of which were pertinent to prognostication of HCC. Genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic and metabolomic signatures were derived using various ML techniques (supervised, unsupervised and deep learning approaches) using serum, urine and tissue samples of HCC. The ML algorithms achieved a sensitivity of up to 95% for the diagnosis of HCC. Through pathway analysis of the signatures derived by ML tools, we identified regulators of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and the cancer pathway Ras/Raf/MAPK as being particularly prognostic of HCC outcome. The application of ML to molecular data in HCC has thus far resulted in the generation of highly sensitive diagnostic and prognostic signatures. In future, development of ML algorithms that incorporate clinical, laboratory, alongside molecular features will be needed to fulfil the promise of personalized HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Boosting Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Bher Anibal , Cho Yujung , Auras Rafael
Published: January 2023

Biodegradation of polymers in composting conditions is an alternative end‐of‐life (EoL) scenario for contaminated materials collected through the municipal solid waste management system, mainly when mechanical or chemical methods cannot be used to recycle them. Compostability certification requirements are time‐consuming and expensive. Therefore, approaches to accelerate the biodegradation of these polymers in simulated composting conditions can facilitate and speed up the evaluation and selection of potential compostable polymer alternatives and inform faster methods to biodegrade these polymers in real composting. This review highlights recent trends, challenges, and future strategies to accelerate biodegradation by modifying the polymer properties/structure and the compost environment. Both abiotic and biotic methods show potential for accelerating the biodegradation of biodegradable polymers. Abiotic methods, such as the incorporation of additives, reduction of molecular weight, reduction of size and reactive blending, are potentially the most straightforward, providing a level of technology that allows for easy adoption and adaptability. Novel methods, including the concept of self‐immolative and triggering the scission of polymer chains in specific conditions, are increasingly sought. In terms of biotic methods, dispersion/encapsulation of enzymes during the processing step, biostimulation of the environment, and bioaugmentation with specific microbial strains during the biodegradation process are promising to accelerate biodegradation.
Use of a neural network‐based prediction method to calculate the therapeutic dose in boron neutron capture therapy of patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Tian Feng , Zhao Sheng , Geng Changran , Guo Chang , Wu Renyao , Tang Xiaobin
Published: January 2023

Background

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary radiotherapy based on the10B(n, α)7Li capture reaction. Nonradioactive isotope10B atoms which selectively concentrated in tumor cells will react with low energy neutrons (mainly thermal neutrons) to produce secondary particles with high linear energy transfer, thus depositing dose in tumor cells. In clinical practice, an appropriate treatment plan needs to be set on the basis of the treatment planning system (TPS). Existing BNCT TPSs usually use the Monte Carlo method to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) therapeutic dose distribution, which often requires a lot of calculation time due to the complexity of simulating neutron transportation.

Purpose

A neural network‐based BNCT dose prediction method is proposed to achieve the rapid and accurate acquisition of BNCT 3D therapeutic dose distribution for patients with glioblastoma to solve the time‐consuming problem of BNCT dose calculation in clinic.

Methods

The clinical data of 122 patients with glioblastoma are collected. Eighteen patients are used as a test set, and the rest are used as a training set. The 3D‐UNET is constructed through the design optimization of input and output data sets based on radiation field information and patient CT information to enable the prediction of 3D dose distribution of BNCT.

Results

The average mean absolute error of the predicted and simulated equivalent doses of each organ are all less than 1 Gy. For the dose to 95% of the GTV volume (D95), the relative deviation between predicted and simulated results are all less than 2%. The average 2 mm/2% gamma index is 89.67%, and the average 3 mm/3% gamma index is 96.78%. The calculation takes about 6 h to simulate the 3D therapeutic dose distribution of a patient with glioblastoma by Monte Carlo method using Intel Xeon E5‐2699 v4, whereas the time required by the method proposed in this study is almost less than 1 s using a Titan‐V graphics card.

Conclusions

This study proposes a 3D dose prediction method based on 3D‐UNET architecture in BNCT, and the feasibility of this method is demonstrated. Results indicate that the method can remarkably reduce the time required for calculation and ensure the accuracy of the predicted 3D therapeutic dose‐effect. This work is expected to promote the clinical development of BNCT in the future.
Applying graph theory to improve the quality of scientific evidence from textual information: Neural injuries after gynaecologic pelvic surgery for genital prolapse and urinary incontinence
Authors: Indraccolo Ugo , Losavio Ernesto , Carone Mauro
Published: January 2023

Aims

To provide the overall rate for all types of neurologic iatrogenic injuries during urogynaecologic surgery from textual data.

Methods

Systematic research focused on complications of gynaecologic surgery and neurologic injuries in abstracts. Keywords concerning complications (cluster A), unspecific; neurologic issues (cluster B); surgery (generic words) (cluster C); specific gynaecologic operations (cluster D); and specific gynaecologic operations for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence (cluster E) were extracted. Associations among clusters of keywords were assessed by using multiple runs of text‐mining software Semantic Brand Score (SBS, https://semanticbrandscore.com/#primary). Association scores were converted into probabilities. The rate of neurologic complications in urogynaecologic surgery was calculated (“a priori” probability) by applying Bayes' theorem. Textual estimates of neurological injuries in urogynaecologic surgery are 0.035554 (95% confidence intervals 0.019607−0.0515001; no quantitative data were found). To test if the probability calculated on textual information was the same as quantitative data reports (“a posteriori” probability), the rate of neurologic complication of all gynaecologic surgery was calculated using a meta‐analytics approach and was compared with the textual analysis value.

Results

The rate of neurologic complications in gynaecologic surgery after meta‐analytic data synthesis has been 0.016489 (95% confidence intervals 0.012163−0.022320), which is equal to the textual estimate (0.016889, 95% confidence intervals 0.019607−0.051501). Therefore, 0.035554 is a reliable likelihood to observe a neurologic complication in urogynaecologic surgery.

Conclusion

Iatrogenic nerve injuries in urogynaecologic surgery are higher than whole gynaecologic surgery. Text‐mining software SBS and probability conversion can provide reliable answers from overall scholars' opinions on unsolved clinical questions when better evidence is lacking.
Post‐therapy plasma concentrations of quetiapine in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Huang Cho‐Yin , Lin Yen‐Feng , Chen Chia‐Ru , Lin Shih‐Ku
Published: January 2023

Aims

Quetiapine is widely used to treat psychiatric disorders such as major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, dysthymic disorder, and insomnia other than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This study investigated the diagnostic distribution of quetiapine use in patients in a psychiatric hospital, the doses of quetiapine prescribed, and the plasma concentrations (Cps) of quetiapine and active metabolites.

Methods

We enrolled 107 patients who had been prescribed quetiapine for at least 4 weeks. Diagnoses, demographics, and concomitant medications were recorded. Blood sampling was performed in the morning, approximately 12 h after the before‐bed dose of quetiapine.

Results

Diagnoses comprised schizophrenia (n = 25), bipolar disorder (n = 51), major depression (n = 15), dysthymic disorder (n = 9), and others (n = 7). The daily dose (DD) of quetiapine ranged from 25 to 800 (175.9 ± 184.4) mg, with the mean Cp being 105.6 ± 215.3 ng/ml, with a mean Cps/DD ratio of 0.58 ± 0.55 ng/ml/mg. There was a moderate positive linear correlation between the dose and Cps of quetiapine (r = 0.60), and the interpatient variation in Cps/DD ratio was up to 26‐fold.

Conclusion

Quetiapine is used in various doses to treat many psychiatric disorders other than psychosis, and it is usually prescribed as a secondary antipsychotic for symptoms such as insomnia or agitation. A wide interpatient variation of the Cps/DD ratio was noticed. Patients of East Asian descent may exhibit a 50% to 100% increase in the Cps/DD ratio for quetiapine compared with patients of Western descent.
Registration of ‘Pembroke 2021’ soft red winter wheat
Authors: Van Sanford David A. , Clark Anthony J. , Bradley Carl , Brown‐Guedira Gina L. , Cowger Christina , Dong Yanhong , Baik Byung‐Kee
Published: January 2023

Kentucky's wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop is planted into a rotation in which corn (Zea mays L.) is followed by wheat, which is followed by double‐crop soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB), Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, overwinters in corn stubble; thus, the Kentucky wheat crop is always at risk for FHB. The preeminent goal of the University of Kentucky wheat breeding program is releasing FHB‐resistant winter wheat cultivars. ‘Pembroke 2021’ (Reg. no. CV‐1198, PI 701381) is an early‐maturing, semi‐dwarf, soft red winter wheat cultivar developed and released in 2020 by the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station for FHB resistance, high yield and test weight potential, and lodging resistance. Pembroke 2021, tested as KY 07C‐1145‐94‐12‐5, was developed from the cross ‘IL99‐15867’/B990081//KY97C‐0554‐04‐05. The pedigree of the KY parent is VA94‐54‐549/Roane//Kristy. Pembroke 2021 was named for the Pembroke silt loam soil series prevalent in the main wheat‐producing area of Kentucky. Pembroke 2021 was selected from F4:5 head rows using a modified bulk breeding method; selected rows carried the resistance allele at the following FHB resistance quantitative trait loci: 1B Jamestown, 1A Neuse, 4A Neuse, and 3B Massey. Pembroke 2021 was tested in Kentucky in multi‐location replicated yield trials, the Uniform Eastern Soft Red Winter Wheat Nursery, the Mason‐Dixon nursery, the Uniform Northern Winter Wheat Scab Nursery, and the Kentucky Wheat Variety Trial.
Design and fabrication of gradiently‐denitrated layer structure of seven‐hole gun propellant and its burning performance
Authors: Li Yu , Li Shiying , Ding Yajun , Xiao Zhongliang , Zhou Hongwei
Published: January 2023

Improving the progressive burning performance of gun propellant is an effective approach to increase the muzzle velocity of bullet. The seven‐hole gun propellant characterized by a perforated structure with progressive burning performance has a broad application in the field of medium and small caliber weapons. Therefore, researches aiming to improve its burning performance are indispensable. In this paper, a seven‐hole gun propellant with the gradiently‐denitrated layer structure (GDLS) that the energetic functional groups increased gradually from the surface to the inside was designed and fabricated. Theoretical calculation indicated that the nitrogen content of nitrocellulose in seven‐hole gun propellant has a positive relationship with the burning rate coefficient and impetus. The results of burning calculation showed that the progressive burning performance of seven‐hole gun propellant were improved with the thickness of GDLS increases or the burning rate coefficient of the surface decreases. Moreover, the seven‐hole gun propellant with GDLS was successfully prepared, named gradiently denitrated seven‐hole gun propellant (GDSGP), which was proved by the results of FT‐IR, Raman and SEM. The different denitration conditions enabled the GDSGP with a good progressive burning performance, as confirmed by closed bomb test. Furthermore, the progressive burning performance of GDSGP increased first and then decreased with extending the denitration time. On the basis of design and study of GDSGP, the control and optimization of the burning performance of GDSGP will be more accurate in practical applications.
Testing feature‐rich blockchains
Authors: Arts Thomas , Svensson Hans , Benac Earle Clara , Fredlund Lars‐Åke
Published: January 2023

Blockchain implementations have become more and more advanced, combining many different features in the same framework (e.g., oracles, names, and state channels). Since the cost of errors in reputation and represented value is high in the blockchain world, software quality is of the utmost importance. One of the main methods used to assure such high software quality is careful testing. However, the number of tests needed to achieve a high level of assurance grows quadratic with the pairs of features of the blockchain, and when testing triples features the growth is cubic. To manually craft the required large number of tests is an almost impossible undertaking in practice. In this article, we describe how property‐based testing (PBT) techniques have been used to automate testing of the core part of the Aeternity blockchain, ensuring the high software quality of the blockchain. Even though PBT is a powerful testing technique, applying it to the task of testing a complex system such as a blockchain, is far from trivial. The structure of the Aeternity property‐based test model follows the structure of the blockchain, that is, it cleanly separates different blockchain features (e.g., oracles, smart contracts) into different model parts, and moreover, reduces the amount of boilerplate test model code by focusing on the identification of valid blockchain transactions. The test model is evaluated through a careful instrumentation of test code which permits observations of which combinations of features have been tested during a test run, and with which frequency. This article documents the details of how these issues were addressed in the development of the Aeternity test model, providing insights into both the testing of other blockchains as well as the testing of other complex feature based systems.
Identifying key parameters impacting cost in large‐scale complex space programs using simulation‐based global sensitivity analysis
Authors: Sikkandar Basha Nazareen , Leifsson Leifur , Bloebaum Christina L.
Published: January 2023

Cost overruns averaging 45%–50% can occur during the acquisition process of large‐scale complex space programs. The factors that impact the cost overrun are frequently misunderstood and are not identified correctly. This paper investigates the impact of the parameters on the overall cost of a geosynchronous communication satellite program using model‐based global sensitivity analysis. A simulation model with the acquisition data was used to identify the key parameters within the system model that interact with the cost of the program. A system simulation model containing a physics‐based satellite model and a parametric cost model is utilized to conduct variance‐based sensitivity analysis. Data from selected acquisition reports are used to validate the system simulation model. Sobol' analysis is performed on the parameters associated with requirements of the satellite system, operations, and support to maintain the system, including the launch system and ground equipment. The results show that parameters related to the system‐based requirements significantly impact the program cost. These critical parameters, which influence the cost, lay the foundation to quantify the impact of system parameters and their uncertainty on the cost of the system using a simulation‐based model which will aid in the reduction of cost overruns during the design and development of future large‐scale complex engineered systems.
Plugging membranes after fetoscopy in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: early cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Janssen J. , van Drongelen J. , Daamen W. F. , Grutters J. P. C.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) improves neonatal survival of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, FETO also increases the risk of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm delivery (PTD), as fetal membrane defects after fetoscopy do not heal. To solve this issue, an advanced sealing plug for closing the membrane defect is being developed. Using early‐stage health economic modeling, we aimed to estimate the potential value of this innovative plug in terms of costs and effects, and to determine the properties required for it to become cost‐effective.

Methods

Early‐stage health economic modeling was applied to the case of performing FETO in women with a singleton pregnancy whose fetus is diagnosed prenatally with CDH. We simulated a cohort of patients using a state‐transition model over a 45‐year time horizon. In our best‐case‐scenario analysis, we compared the current‐care strategy with the perfect‐plug strategy, which reduces the risk of PPROM and PTD by 100%, to determine the maximum quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and costs saved. Using threshold analysis, we determined the minimum percentage reduction in the risk of PPROM and PTD required for the plug to be considered cost‐effective. The impact of model parameters on outcome was investigated using a sensitivity analysis.

Results

Our model indicated that a perfect‐plug strategy would yield on average an additional 1.94 QALYs at a cost decrease of €2554 per patient. These values were influenced strongly by the percentage of cases with early PTD (27–34 weeks). Threshold analysis showed that, for €500 per plug, the plug strategy needs a minimum percentage reduction of 1.83% in the risk of PPROM and PTD (i.e. reduction in the risk from 47.50% to 46.63% for PPROM and from 71.50% to 70.19% for PTD) to be cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Our model‐based approach showed clear potential of the plug strategy when applied in the context of FETO for CDH fetuses, as only a minor reduction in the risk of PPROM and PTD is needed for the plug to be cost‐effective. Its value is expected to be even higher when used in conditions associated with a higher rate of early PTD. Continued investment in research and development of the plug strategy appears to provide value for money. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dogs with cropped ears in the UK: A population‐based study using electronic health records
Authors: Norris Lucy J. , Pinchbeck Gina L. , Noble Peter‐John M. , Radford Alan D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Ear cropping for cosmetic purposes was made illegal in the UK in 2006. Despite this, a lack of import regulations and celebrity and media influences mean cropped dogs are increasingly reported.

Methods

The demographics, temporal trends and patient‐level associated factors for dogs with cropped ears were evaluated in a large sentinel population of dogs visiting UK veterinary practices.

Results

A total of 132 dogs with cropped ears were identified, with rates peaking in 2021. In 84 cases (63.6%), there was evidence of importation, most commonly from countries where cropping is also illegal, including Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Spain, Poland and Ireland. American Bulldogs, Dobermanns, Italian Mastiffs (Cane Corso), Bulldogs and Mastiffs were all significantly overrepresented. Affected dogs were more likely to be unneutered (odds ratio 11.04, 95% confidence interval 5.84–20.90).

Limitations

The study likely underestimates true levels of ear cropping. Identified cases are from a sentinel network of veterinary practices, and as such may not be representative of the wider UK population.

Conclusion

These data suggest a need to educate owners and veterinary surgeons about the welfare and legal implications of ear cropping. The data presented can inform future targeted policies in veterinary practices and at a governmental level.
Ultrasonographic sex determination of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus)
Authors: Masoudifard Majid , Vajhi Alireza , Mohammadshahali Shahrzad , Zehtabvar Omid , Moghim Mehdi , Mirhashemi Rostami Seyed Amin
Published: January 2023

Background

Determination of sex in fish without external sexual dimorphism is important. Sex determination of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in the culture system and spawn‐producing and fish reproduction system is very important. Currently, there are several methods to determine the sex of fish; however, they are time‐consuming, expensive and sometimes dangerous for the fish.

Objective

The purpose of this study was the sex determination of flathead grey mullet by ultrasonography as a safe and accurate method.

Methods

In this regard, 30 flathead grey mullets (early in their maturation) from a farm in Gomishan‐Golestan province, Iran were examined using a portable ultrasound machine with a 6–12 MHz waterproof linear transducer. Scanning was performed on the ventral body surface in the sagittal and transverse planes, between ventral and anal fins.

Results

Differences in shape, qualitative size, echogenicity and the wall layers of the ovary and testis were evaluated for sex determination. Results of ultrasonography were confirmed immediately at necropsy. Ultrasonographic accuracy for sex determination was 100%. The speed of the procedure was around 30 s per fish.

Conclusions

Overall, the sex determination of flathead grey mullet by ultrasonography was high in accuracy and speed, non‐invasive and safe for fish and consumers, and may be considered a priority. Place of the organs in the M. cephalus coelomic cavity and the obtained experience showed that for rapid and easy sex identification, the best place to put the transducer is on the ventral surface of the fish in the caudal part of the coelomic cavity for taking transverse and sagittal ultrasonograms.
A new surgical approach for urethrorectal fistula in dog
Authors: Ishizaka Mio , Kubo Yoshiaki , Yasuda Akiko , Yayoshi Naoko , Miyagawa Yuichi
Published: January 2023

A urethrorectal fistula is a rare congenital or acquired condition in dogs. Its treatment has been reported through a perineal incision, but not through a rectal mucosal approach. A 10‐month‐old, entire, male French bulldog was presented with leakage of urine from the rectum and urethra during urination, which was diagnosed as urethrorectal fistula by computed tomography, and surgery was performed. In our case, a rectal mucosal approach was used instead of a perineal approach, which has been reported previously. Postoperatively, the fistula tract was completely blocked and treatment was successful. Most treatment of urethrorectal fistulas involves excision of the fistula tube or urinary diversion, but the surgical approach should be considered depending on the location of the fistula. Because the perineum contains more important nerves and muscles related to defecation than the rectal mucosa, the rectal mucosal approach minimizes damage to muscles and nerves and reduces complications.
Energy-Efficient Scheduling
Authors: Albers Susanne
Published: January 2023

We review algorithmic techniques for energy conservation in processing environments handling big data sets. Firstly, we address dynamic speed scaling, where processors can run at variable speed/frequency. The goal is to use the speed spectrum of the processors so as to minimize energy consumption while providing a desired service. Here we focus on multi-processor platforms with heterogeneous CPUs. Secondly, we examine power-down mechanisms where idle devices can be transitioned into low-power standby and sleep states. We consider power-down mechanisms in massively parallel systems, where the components have to coordinate their active and idle periods. In particular we focus on data centers with homogeneous as well as heterogeneous servers.
Recent Advances in Practical Data Reduction
Authors: Abu-Khzam Faisal N. , Lamm Sebastian , Mnich Matthias , Noe Alexander , Schulz Christian , Strash Darren
Published: January 2023

Over the last two decades, significant advances have been made in the design and analysis of fixed-parameter algorithms for a wide variety of graph-theoretic problems. This has resulted in an algorithmic toolbox that is by now well-established. However, these theoretical algorithmic ideas have received very little attention from the practical perspective. We survey recent trends in data reduction engineering results for selected problems. Moreover, we describe concrete techniques that may be useful for future implementations in the area and give open problems and research questions.
Skeleton-Based Clustering by Quasi-Threshold Editing
Authors: Brandes Ulrik , Hamann Michael , Häuser Luise , Wagner Dorothea
Published: January 2023

We consider the problem of transforming a given graph into a quasi-threshold graph using a minimum number of edge additions and deletions. Building on the previously proposed heuristic Quasi-Threshold Mover (QTM), we present improvements both in terms of running time and quality. We propose a novel, linear-time algorithm that solves the inclusion-minimal variant of this problem, i.e., a set of edge edits such that no subset of them also transforms the given graph into a quasi-threshold graph. In an extensive experimental evaluation, we apply these algorithms to a large set of graphs from different applications and find that they lead QTM to find solutions with fewer edits. Although the inclusion-minimal algorithm needs significantly more edits on its own, it outperforms the initialization heuristic previously proposed for QTM.
The smallest interacting universe
Authors: Zini Modjtaba Shokrian , Brown Adam R. , Freedman Michael
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We study a mechanism by which the most basic structures of quantum physics can emerge from the most meager of starting points, a Hilbert space, lacking any preassigned structure such as a tensor decomposition, and a loss function. In a simple toy model of the universe, we hypothesize a fundamental loss functional for the combined Hamiltonian and quantum state, and then minimize this loss functional by gradient descent. We find that this minimization gives rise to a co-emergence of locality, i.e. a tensor product structure simultaneously respected by both the Hamiltonian and the state, suggesting that locality can emerge by a process analogous to spontaneous symmetry breaking. We discuss the relevance of this program to the arrow of time problem.

In our toy model, we interpret the emergence of a tensor factorization as the appearance of individual degrees of freedom within a previously undifferentiated (raw) Hilbert space. Earlier work [5, 6] looked at the emergence of locality in Hamiltonians only, and in that context found strong numerical confirmation of the hypothesis that raw Hilbert spaces of dim = n are unstable and prefer to settle on tensor factorization when n is not prime, expressing, for example, n = pq, and in [6] even primes were seen to “factor” after first shedding a small summand, e.g. 7 = 1 + 2 · 3. This was found in the context of a rather general potential functional F on the space of metrics {gij} on $$ \mathfrak{su} $$
su
(n), the Lie algebra of symmetries. This emergence of qunits through operator-level spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) may help us understand why the world seems to consist of myriad interacting degrees of freedom. But understanding why the universe has an initial Hamiltonian H0 with a many-body structure is of limited conceptual value unless the initial state, ∣ψ0〉, is also structured by this tensor decomposition. Here we adapt F to become a functional on {g, | ψ0〉} = (metrics) × (initial states), and find SSB now produces a conspiracy between g and ∣ψ0〉, where they simultaneously attain low entropy by jointly settling on the same qubit decomposition. Extreme scaling of the computational problem has confined us to studying ℂ4 breaking to ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2 and ℂ8 breaking to ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ4 or ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2.
Existence and Uniqueness of Exact WKB Solutions for Second-Order Singularly Perturbed Linear ODEs
Authors: Nikolaev Nikita
Published: January 2023

We prove an existence and uniqueness theorem for exact WKB solutions of general singularly perturbed linear second-order ODEs in the complex domain. These include the one-dimensional time-independent complex Schrödinger equation. Notably, our results are valid both in the case of generic WKB trajectories as well as closed WKB trajectories. We also explain in what sense exact and formal WKB solutions form a basis. As a corollary of the proof, we establish the Borel summability of formal WKB solutions for a large class of problems, and derive an explicit formula for the Borel transform.
Hidden Decomposers: the Role of Bacteria and Fungi in Recently Intermittent Alpine Streams Heterotrophic Pathways
Authors: Gruppuso L. , Receveur J. P. , Fenoglio S. , Bona F. , Benbow M. E.
Published: January 2023

The frequency of flow intermittency and drying events in Alpine rivers is expected to increase due to climate change. These events can have significant consequences for stream ecological communities, though the effects of reduced flow conditions on microbial communities of decomposing allochthonous leaf material require additional research. In this study, we investigated the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the decomposition of two common species of leaf litter, chestnut (Castanea sativa), and oak (Quercus robur). A sampling of experimentally placed leaf bags occurred over six collection dates (up to 126 days after placement) at seven stream sites in the Western Italian Alps with historically different flow conditions. Leaf-associated bacterial and fungal communities were identified using amplicon-based, high-throughput sequencing. Chestnut and oak leaf material harbored distinct bacterial and fungal communities, with a number of taxonomic groups differing in abundance, though bacterial community structure converged later in decomposition. Historical flow conditions (intermittent vs perennial rivers) and observed conditions (normal flow, low flow, ongoing drying event) had weaker effects on bacterial and fungal communities compared to leaf type and collection date (i.e., length of decomposition). Our findings highlight the importance of leaf characteristics (e.g., C:N ratios, recalcitrance) to the in-stream conditioning of leaf litter and a need for additional investigations of drying events in Alpine streams. This study provides new information on the microbial role in leaf litter decomposition with expected flow changes associated with a global change scenario.
Does the use of epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure after revision surgery on the spine reduce further wound revision surgery?
Authors: Gläsel Stefan , Jarvers Jan-Sven , Pieroh Philipp , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Spiegl Ulrich J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of epicutaneous vacuum therapy on the rate of unplanned spinal wound revisions compared with conventional wound dressing.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent unplanned revision spine surgery after primary aseptic spine surgery who were treated at a level I spine centre between December 2011 and December 2019. Patients with revision surgery who required a further unplanned revision surgery during the inpatient stay were considered a treatment failure. The epicutaneous vacuum-assisted closure (Epi-VAC) therapy was the standard treatment method beginning in 2017 (the epi-VAC group). Before, conventional wound dressing was used (the control group (CG)). In addition, a one-to-one matched-pair comparison analysis was performed between both groups.

Results

Of 218 patients, 48 were in the epi-VAC group. The mean age was 65.1 years (epi-VAC 68.2 to CG 64.3 years (P = 0.085)), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 kg/m2 (epi-VAC 29.4 to CG 27.9 kg/m2 (P = 0.16)). No significant differences in the treatment failure rate could be detected between the two groups (epi-VAC 25% to CG 22.4% (P = 0.7)). There was also no significant difference for the matched-pair analysis (epi-VAC 26.1% to CG 15.2% (P = 0.3)). An elevated CRP level (C-reactive protein) immediately before the first wound revision was a significant risk factor for further revision surgery (treatment failure: 135.2 ± 128.6; no treatment failure: 79.7 ± 86.1 mg/l (P < 0.05)).

Conclusion

Concerning repeat unplanned wound revision after spinal revision surgery, we cannot demonstrate an advantage of the epicutaneous vacuum therapy over conventional wound dressing.
Major Pelvic Ring Injuries: Fewer Transfusions Without Deaths from Bleeding During the Last Decade
Authors: Devaney Giles L. , Tarrant Seth M. , Weaver Natasha , King Kate L. , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Pelvic fracture‐associated bleeding can be difficult to control with historically high mortality rates. The impact of resuscitation advancements for trauma patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries is unknown. We hypothesized that the time elapsed since introduction of our protocol would be associated with decreased blood transfusion requirements.

Methods

A level 1 trauma center's prospective pelvic fracture database was reviewed from 01/01/2009–31/12/2018. All patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries initially presenting to our institution were included. Adjusted regression analysis was performed on the overall cohort and separately for patients in traumatic shock (TS). The primary outcome was 24 h packed red blood cell (PRBC) requirements. Secondary outcomes were 24 h plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelet and intravenous fluid (IVF) requirements, length of stay and mortality.

Results

Patients with mechanically unstable pelvic ring injuries (n = 144, median [Q1–Q3] age 44 [28–55] years, 74% male) received a median (Q1–Q3) of 0 (0–4) units PRBC within 24 h, with TS patients (n = 47, 42 [28–60] years, 74% male) receiving 6 (4–9) units PRBC. There was no decrease in 24 h PRBC requirements for the overall cohort (years; IRR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–1.01; p = 0.07). TS patients had decreases in 24 h PRBC (years; IRR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.84–0.96; p = 0.002), plasma (IRR = 0.92, 95%CI 0.85–0.99; p = 0.019), cryoprecipitate (IRR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.81–0.95; p = 0.001) and IVF (IRR = 0.94, 95%CI 0.90–0.98; p = 0.004). There were 5 deaths (5/144, 3.5%) with no deaths due to acute hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Over this 10‐year period, there was no hemorrhage‐related mortality among patients presenting with pelvic fractures. Crystalloid and transfusion requirements decreased for patients presenting with traumatic shock.
Insect biomass density: measurement of seasonal and daily variations using an entomological optical sensor
Authors: Genoud Adrien P. , Saha Topu , Williams Gregory M. , Thomas Benjamin P.
Published: January 2023

Insects are major actors in Earth’s ecosystems and their recent decline in abundance and diversity is alarming. The monitoring of insects is paramount to understand the cause of this decline and guide conservation policies. In this contribution, an infrared laser-based system is used to remotely monitor the biomass density of flying insects in the wild. By measuring the optical extinction caused by insects crossing the 36-m long laser beam, the Entomological Bistatic Optical Sensor System used in this study can evaluate the mass of each specimen. At the field location, between July and December 2021, the instrument made a total of 262,870 observations of insects for which the average dry mass was 17.1 mg and the median 3.4 mg. The daily average mass of flying insects per meter cube of air at the field location has been retrieved throughout the season and ranged between near 0 to 1.2 mg/m3. Thanks to its temporal resolution in the minute range, daily variations of biomass density have been observed as well. These measurements show daily activity patterns changing with the season, as large increases in biomass density were evident around sunset and sunrise during Summer but not during Fall.
Helmholtz and the geometry of color space: gestation and development of Helmholtz’s line element
Authors: Peruzzi Giulio , Roberti Valentina
Published: January 2023

Modern color science finds its birth in the middle of the nineteenth century. Among the chief architects of the new color theory, the name of the polymath Hermann von Helmholtz stands out. A keen experimenter and profound expert of the latest developments of the fields of physiological optics, psychophysics, and geometry, he exploited his transdisciplinary knowledge to define the first non-Euclidean line element in color space, i.e., a three-dimensional mathematical model used to describe color differences in terms of color distances. Considered as the first step toward a metrically significant model of color space, his work inaugurated researches on higher color metrics, which describes how distance in the color space translates into perceptual difference. This paper focuses on the development of Helmholtz’s mathematical derivation of the line element. Starting from the first experimental evidence which opened the door to his reflections about the geometry of color space, it will be highlighted the pivotal role played by the studies conducted by his assistants in Berlin, which provided precious material for the elaboration of the final model proposed by Helmholtz in three papers published between 1891 and 1892. Although fallen into oblivion for about three decades, Helmholtz’s masterful work was rediscovered by Schrödinger and, since the 1920s, it has provided the basis for all subsequent studies on the geometry of color spaces up to the present time.
Exercise-induced responses in matrix metalloproteinases and osteopontin are not moderated by exercise format in males with overweight or obesity
Authors: Raman Aaron , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Hoyne Gerard F. , Lawler Nathan G. , Currie Andrew , Fairchild Timothy J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -3 (MMP-3), and osteopontin (OPN) are associated with adipose-tissue expansion and development of metabolic disease. The purpose of the current study was to assess the circulating concentration of these markers, along with adiponectin and glucose concentrations, in response to acute exercise in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Methods

Fourteen sedentary males with overweight or obesity (29.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2) completed two separate, 3-day trials in randomised and counterbalanced order. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on each day of the trial. Day two of each trial consisted of a single 30 min workload-matched bout of either high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE; alternating 100% and 50% of peak pulmonary oxygen uptake,$$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$V.O2peak) or continuous moderate intensity (CME; 60%$$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$V.O2peak) cycling completed 1 h prior to the OGTT. Glucose and physical activity were continuously monitored, while MMP-2, MMP-3, OPN and adiponectin were measured pre-, 0 h post-, 1 h post- and 25 h post-exercise.

Results

Exercise transiently increased MMP-3 and decreased OPN (bothp < 0.01), but not MMP-2 or adiponectin. There were no differences in the response of inflammatory markers to the different exercise formats. Exercise increased mean daily glucose concentration and area under the glucose curve during the OGTT on Day 2 and Day 3 (main effect of time;p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Acute cycling exercise decreased OPN, which is consistent with longer term improvements in cardiometabolic health and increased MMP-3, which is consistent with its role in tissue remodelling. Interestingly, exercise performed prior to the morning OGTT augmented the glucose concentrations in males.

Trial registration

ACTRN12613001086752.
Structures of the xyloglucans in the monocotyledon family Araceae (aroids)
Authors: Hsiung Shih-Yi , Li Jing , Imre Balazs , Kao Mu-Rong , Liao Hsien-Chun , Wang Damao , Chen Chih-Hui , Liang Pi-Hui , Harris Philip J. , Hsieh Yves S. Y.
Published: January 2023

Main conclusion

The xyloglucans of all aquatic Araceae species examined had unusual structures compared with those of other non-commelinid monocotyledon families previously examined.

The aquatic Araceae species Lemna minor was earlier shown to have xyloglucans with a different structure from the fucogalactoxyloglucans of other non-commelinid monocotyledons. We investigated 26 Araceae species (including L. minor), from five of the seven subfamilies. All seven aquatic species examined had xyloglucans that were unusual in having one or two of three features: < 77% XXXG core motif [L. minor (Lemnoideae) and Orontium aquaticum (Orontioideae)]; no fucosylation [L. minor (Lemnoideae), Cryptocoryne aponogetonifolia, and Lagenandra ovata (Aroideae, Rheophytes clade)]; and > 14% oligosaccharide units with S or D side chains [Spirodela polyrhiza and Landoltia punctata (Lemnoideae) and Pistia stratiotes (Aroideae, Dracunculus clade)]. Orontioideae and Lemnoideae are the two most basal subfamilies, with all species being aquatic, and Aroideae is the most derived. Two terrestrial species [Dieffenbachia seguine and Spathicarpa hastifolia (Aroideae, Zantedeschia clade)] also had xyloglucans without fucose indicating this feature was not unique to aquatic species.
Analytical model for LLC resonant converters in operation below resonance
Authors: Neuner Daniel , Hartmann Michael
Published: January 2023

Electric cars are a great opportunity for reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by transportation. High-power chargers are required to charge electric vehicles in a reasonable amount of time and considerably increase the driving range. As these high-power chargers currently need to be isolated with respect to the grid, the LLC converter topology emerged as a very good solution for implementing the required isolated DC/DC converter stage. The analysis and optimal design of this resonant converter stage are a challenging task, as some models are oversimplified, resulting in major errors and a high amount of processing time. This paper presents a novel analytical model for the LLC converter operating below resonance, which allows accurate modeling of the converter with minimal effort. In most cases, no iterations are required, and a comparison to numerical results taken from time domain simulations shows that the relative deviation of the proposed model stays far below 1% for a wide range of operating conditions.
Electrical stimulation of the dorsal clitoral nerve in the treatment of idiopathic defecatory urgency. A pilot study
Authors: Qvist N. , Hansen U. D. , Christensen P. , Rijkhoff N. M. J. , Klarskov N. , Duelund-Jakobsen J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of dorsal clitoral nerve stimulation (DCNS) on bothersome urgency to defecate with or without fecal incontinence and the patient-reported discomfort or adverse effect with the method.

Methods

For dorsal clitoral nerve stimulation, a battery powered, handheld stimulator was used, set to a pulse width of 200 µs and a frequency of 20 Hz. One electrode was placed at the preputium of the clitoris and acted as cathode while an anode electrode was placed on the belly. Prior to stimulation the patients were asked to complete a bowel habit diary throughout 14 consecutive days before and during stimulation.

Results

Fourteen out of the 16 patients included completed the study. A decrease in the number of episodes (per day) with strong urgency declined in eight patients but increased in four cases during the stimulation period. An increase in episodes with moderate or mild urgency was observed in 11 and 6 cases, respectively, and a decrease in defecation without the feeling of urgency or passive incontinence decreased in two thirds of the patients. Two patients discontinued the study prematurely, on due to worsening in symptoms and one due to pelvic pain.

Conclusion

Although the results may be promising, much still must be learned about the method including mode and duration of stimulation, better electrodes and more patient friendly equipment together with the development of better questionnaires to assess the patient burden of urgency.