bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of a collagen‐targeted peptide amphiphile for cardiovascular applications
Authors: Kassam Hussein A. , Bahnson Edward M. , Cartaya Ana , Jiang Wulin , Avram Michael J. , Tsihlis Nick D. , Stupp Samuel I. , Kibbe Melina R.
Published: October 2020

Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of death and disability around the world and a major driver of health care spending. Nanomaterials have gained widespread attention due to their promising potential for clinical translation and use. We have developed a collagen‐targeted peptide amphiphile (PA)‐based nanofiber for the prevention of neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury. Our goal was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the collagen‐targeted PA to further its advancement into clinical trials. Collagen‐targeted PA was injected into the internal jugular vein of Sprague Dawley rats. PA concentrations in plasma collected at various times after injection (0 to 72 hours) were measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetics of the collagen‐targeted PA were characterized by a three‐compartment model, with an extremely rapid apparent elimination clearance resulting in a plasma concentration decrease of more than two orders of magnitude within the first hour after injection. This rapid initial decline in plasma concentration was not due to degradation by plasma components, as collagen‐targeted PA was stable in plasma ex vivo for up to 3 hours. Indeed, cellular blood components appear to be partly responsible, as only 15% of collagen‐targeted PA were recovered following incubation with whole blood. Nanofibers in whole blood also adhered to red blood cells (RBCs) and were engulfed by mononuclear cells. This work highlights the unique pharmacokinetics of our collagen‐targeted PA, which differ from pharmacokinetics of small molecules. Because of their targeted nature, these nanomaterials should not require sustained elevated plasma concentrations to achieve a therapeutic effect the way small molecules typically do.
Chemical components from the stems and leaves of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels and their potential herbicidal effects
Authors: Peng Wenwen , Fu Xiaoxiang , Xiong Zhonghua , Xiang Miaolian , Yang Yule , Wu Hongliang , Shi Xugen , Huo Guanghua , Cui Ruqiang , Li Baotong
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, belonging to the genus Clausena of the family Rutaceae, has a wide range of medical and agricultural activities. Previous studies on agricultural activities have shown that C. lansium extracts and some components have obvious herbicidal activities. In order to study systematically herbicidal activity of this plant, we studied the herbicidal effect of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract from the stems and leaves of this plant and further isolated the active compounds.

RESULTS

The EtOAc extract inhibited the growth of roots and shoots of Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv., and the inhibitory effect of the EtOAc extract on roots were stronger than those on shoots with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 420.45 and 585.05 mg L−1, respectively. Fifteen compounds were subsequently isolated and identified from the stems and leaves of C. lansium, including nine O‐monoterpenoid furanocoumarins and six cinnamamides. Our results showed that most compounds exhibited varying degrees of herbicidal activities to E. crus‐galli. Among them, compounds 3, 8, and 13–15 showed the best inhibitory activities on the growth of E. crus‐galli roots, with inhibition rate values ranging from 70% to 83% at a concentration of 300 mg L−1. Compounds 1 and 2 are two new compounds, and their structures were established as 5‐O‐monoterpenoid furanocoumarin and 8‐O‐monoterpenoid furanocoumarin, and named as claulansicoumarin‐A and ‐B, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The EtOAc extract and pure compounds showed noticeable herbicidal activities against E. crus‐galli and indicated a great potential for these natural compounds to be developed as a herbicide. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
An evaluation of the effects and safety of Zuogui pill for treating osteoporosis: Current evidence for an ancient Chinese herbal formula
Authors: Li Jinyu , Sun Kai , Qi Baoyu , Feng Guiyu , Wang Wei , Sun Qi , Zheng Chengying , Wei Xu , Jia Yusong
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate existing evidence of the Chinese herbal formula, Zuogui pill (ZGP), for the treatment of osteoporosis. A systematic literature search was performed in six electronic databases. The authors independently extracted data in pairs and evaluated the risk of bias. A total of 221 articles were identified initially, of which 12 relevant studies were enrolled. The primary outcome was fracture incidence and bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites. Bone metabolism markers, clinical symptoms, quality of life, and adverse events or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were secondary outcomes. The results showed that ZGP, combined with anti‐osteoporosis drugs, significantly increased BMD at the lumbar spine, Ward's area, and total hip. In terms of markers for improved bone metabolism, ZGP plus conventional drugs dramatically improved the levels of alkaline phosphatase, bone Gla protein, bone alkaline phosphatase, and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase. Gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and fatigue were found in the combined therapy group. Although the results indicate that ZGP is a potential candidate for osteoporosis, evidence remains insufficient. Further rigorously designed and high‐quality trials with a larger sample size are warranted to verify the current conclusions.
Distributional and inferential properties of some new multivariate process capability indices for symmetric specification region
Authors: Chakraborty Ashis Kumar , Chatterjee Moutushi
Published: October 2020

Statistical quality control is used to improve performance of processes. Since most of the processes are multivariate in nature, multivariate process capability indices (MPCIs) have been developed by many researchers depending on the context. However, it is generally difficult to understand and calculate MPCIs, compared to their univariate counterparts like , , and so on. This paper discusses a relatively new development in MPCIs, namely, , which is a multivariate analogue of —the celebrated superstructure of univariate process capability indices . Some statistical properties of are studied, particularly of , a member MPCI of the superstructure, which measures potential capability of a multivariate process. A threshold value of is computed, and this can be considered as a logical cut‐off for other member indices of as well. The expression for the upper limit of the proportion of nonconformance is derived as a function of . Density plots of asymptotic distributions of four major member indices of , namely, , , , and , are made. Finally, a numerical example is discussed to supplement the theory developed in this paper.
Alternative clinical specimens for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2: A rapid review
Authors: Comber Laura , Walsh Kieran A. , Jordan Karen , O'Brien Kirsty K. , Clyne Barbara , Teljeur Conor , Drummond Linda , Carty Paul G. , De Gascun Cillian F. , Smith Susan M. , Harrington Patricia , Ryan Máirín , O'Neill Michelle
Published: October 2020

The collection of nasopharyngeal swabs to test for the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is an invasive technique with implications for patients and clinicians. Alternative clinical specimens from the upper respiratory tract may offer benefits in terms of collection, comfort and infection risk. The objective of this review was to synthesise the evidence for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) tested saliva or nasal specimens compared with RT‐PCR tested nasopharyngeal specimens. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Europe PMC and NHS evidence from December 2019 to 20 July 2020. Eighteen studies were identified; 12 for saliva, four for nasal and two included both specimen types. For saliva‐based studies, the proportion of saliva samples testing positive relative to all positive samples in each study ranged from 82.9% to 100%; detection in nasopharyngeal specimens ranged from 76.7% to 100%; positive agreement between specimens for overall detection ranged from 65.4% to 100%. For nasal‐based studies, the proportion of nasal swabs testing positive relative to all positive samples in each study ranged from 81.9% to 100%; detection in nasopharyngeal specimens ranged from 70% to 100%; positive agreement between specimens for overall detection ranged from 62.3% to 100%. The results indicate an inconsistency in the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in the specimen types included, often with neither the index nor the reference of interest detecting all known cases. Depending on the test environment, these clinical specimens may offer a viable alternative to standard. However, at present the evidence is limited, of variable quality, and relatively inconsistent.
Selection of variables for multivariable models: Opportunities and limitations in quantifying model stability by resampling
Authors: Wallisch Christine , Dunkler Daniela , Rauch Geraldine , de Bin Riccardo , Heinze Georg
Published: October 2020

Statistical models are often fitted to obtain a concise description of the association of an outcome variable with some covariates. Even if background knowledge is available to guide preselection of covariates, stepwise variable selection is commonly applied to remove irrelevant ones. This practice may introduce additional variability and selection is rarely certain. However, these issues are often ignored and model stability is not questioned.

Several resampling‐based measures were proposed to describe model stability, including variable inclusion frequencies (VIFs), model selection frequencies, relative conditional bias (RCB), and root mean squared difference ratio (RMSDR). The latter two were recently proposed to assess bias and variance inflation induced by variable selection. Here, we study the consistency and accuracy of resampling estimates of these measures and the optimal choice of the resampling technique. In particular, we compare subsampling and bootstrapping for assessing stability of linear, logistic, and Cox models obtained by backward elimination in a simulation study. Moreover, we exemplify the estimation and interpretation of all suggested measures in a study on cardiovascular risk. The VIF and the model selection frequency are only consistently estimated in the subsampling approach. By contrast, the bootstrap is advantageous in terms of bias and precision for estimating the RCB as well as the RMSDR. Though, unbiased estimation of the latter quantity requires independence of covariates, which is rarely encountered in practice. Our study stresses the importance of addressing model stability after variable selection and shows how to cope with it.
Artificial Metalloprotein Nanoanalogues: In Situ Catalytic Production of Oxygen to Enhance Photoimmunotherapeutic Inhibition of Primary and Abscopal Tumor Growth
Authors: Huang Rongtao , Ding Zhaoyang , Jiang Bang‐Ping , Luo Zilan , Chen Ting , Guo Zhengxi , Ji Shi‐Chen , Liang Hong , Shen Xing‐Can
Published: October 2020

Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) has shown enormous potential in not only eliminating primary tumors, but also inhibiting abscopal tumor growth. However, the efficacy of PIT is greatly limited by tumor hypoxia, which causes the attenuation of phototherapeutic efficacy and is a feature of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, one type of brand‐new artificial metalloprotein nanoanalogues is developed via reasonable integration of a “phototherapy‐enzymatic” RuO2 and a model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA) for enhanced PIT of cancers, namely, RuO2‐hybridized OVA nanoanalogues (RuO2@OVA NAs). The RuO2@OVA NAs exhibit remarkable photothermal/photodynamic capabilities under the near‐infrared light irradiation. More importantly, the photoacoustic imaging and immunofluorescence staining confirm that RuO2@OVA NAs can remarkably alleviate hypoxia via in situ catalysis of hydrogen peroxide overexpressed in the TME to produce oxygen (O2). This ushers a prospect of concurrently enhancing photodynamic therapy and reversing the immunosuppressive TME. Also, OVA, as a supplement to the immune stimulation induced by phototherapy, can activate immune responses. Finally, further combination with the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 checkpoint blockade is reported to effectively eliminate the primary tumor and inhibit distant tumor growth via the abscopal effect of antitumor immune responses, prolonging the survival.
Associations of equol‐producing status with white matter lesion and amyloid‐β deposition in cognitively normal elderly Japanese
Authors: Sekikawa Akira , Higashiyama Aya , Lopresti Brian J , Ihara Masafumi , Aizenstein Howard , Watanabe Makoto , Chang Yuefang , Kakuta Chikage , Yu Zheming , Mathis Chester , Kokubo Yoshihioro , Klunk William , Lopez Oscar L. , Kuller Lewis H. , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Cui Chendi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Equol, a metabolite of a soy isoflavone transformed by the gut microbiome, is anti‐oxidant and anti‐amyloidogenic. We assessed the associations of equol with white matter lesion normalized to total brain volume (WML%) and amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition.

Methods

From 2016 to 2018, 91 cognitively normal elderly Japanese aged 75 to 89 underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography using 11C‐Pittsburgh compound‐B. Serum equol was measured using stored samples from 2008 to 2012. Equol producers were defined as individuals with serum levels >0. Producers were further divided into high (> the median) and low (≤ the median) producers.

Results

The median (interquartile range) WML% was 1.10 (0.59 to 1.61); 24.2% were Aβ positive, and 51% were equol producers. Equol‐producing status (non‐producers, low and high) was significantly inversely associated with WML%: 1.19, 0.89, and 0.58, respectively (trend P < .01). Equol‐producing status was not associated with Aβ status.

Discussion

A randomized‐controlled trial of equol targeting WML volume is warranted.
Chitosan‐based self‐assembled nanomaterials: Their application in drug delivery
Authors: Liu Ya , Sun Mengjie , Wang Ting , Chen Xiguang , Wang Hao
Published: October 2020

Nanoparticles have long been one of the most popular delivery systems for enhancing the stability of therapeutic agents, providing targeted drug transportation, sustaining drug concentration at sites of action, and promoting therapeutic efficacy. Chitosan‐based nanoparticles have been widely explored as drug delivery systems due to the unique biological properties, such as easy to chemical modifications, biocompatibility, mucoadhesive feature, and absorption enhancement. In this review, we outline the biological properties and stimuli‐sensitive strategies of chitosan‐based self‐assembled nanoparticles as well as the recent developments in various applications in drug delivery, including cancer treatment, oral administration, skin regeneration, nasal/ocular mucosal administration, and pulmonary drug delivery. Chitosan‐based nanoparticles exhibit excellent features as drug delivery systems due to the outstanding biological properties. As the suitable vehicles for drug administration, chitosan‐based nanoparticles facilitate and improve drug bioavailability in all cases.
A retrospective study (2007–2015) on brucellosis seropositivity in livestock in South Africa
Authors: Kolo Francis B. , Adesiyun Abiodun A. , Fasina Folorunso O. , Potts Andrew , Dogonyaro Banenat B. , Katsande Charles T. , Van Heerden Henriette
Published: October 2020

In South Africa, brucellosis testing and record‐keeping are done by several laboratories, thus it is difficult to access any organized data to assess the status of the disease. This study evaluated the seropositivity for brucellosis using Rose Bengal test and complement fixation test in suspect cattle, sheep, goats and pigs sera submitted to Bacterial Serology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council‐Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC‐OVR) from nine provinces in the country during the period 2007–2015. This retrospective data analysis was conducted to estimate the occurrence of brucellosis in the country from the submitted samples, identify variables that affected seropositivity for brucellosis, investigate existing gaps in data recording and make recommendations on important variables to facilitate better data capture and inferences on brucellosis. Nine years of data were collated and analysed to detect association (seropositivity over time regarding animal species and location). Of the 764,276 animals tested, the distribution of samples was 90.50% (691,539/764,276), 5.19% (39,672/764,276), 3.92% (29,967/764,276) and 0.41% (3,098/764,276) for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, respectively. The seropositivity for brucellosis by animal species was 6.31% (43,666/691,539, 95% CI: 6.26–6.37), 2.09% (828/39,672, 95% CI: 1.95–2.23), 0.63% (189/29,967, 95% CI: 0.55–0.73) and 0.13% (4/3,098, 95% CI: 0.05–0.33) in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs respectively. The data available did not capture information on the age, sex, breed and other host risk factors that would have been related to seropositivity for brucellosis. The data provide an understanding of the disease occurrence and confirm that brucellosis is enzootic in South Africa. Improved and standardized data collection can be used to pro‐actively drive, monitor, change or formulate policies to mitigate the challenges brought about by brucellosis in the livestock sector in South Africa.
Macropore–matrix mass transfer of reactive solutes quantified by fluorescence imaging
Authors: Haas Christoph , Leue Martin , Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Gerke Horst H.
Published: October 2020

Horizontal infiltration experiments with a fluorescent dye (e.g., Na‐fluorescein) potentially allow the quantification of the macropore–matrix mass transfer of reactive solutes through coated macropore surfaces. The objectives were (a) to determine the movement and map the spatial mass distributions of a reactive and fluorescent dye (i.e., Na‐fluorescein) at the millimeter scale during horizontal tracer application to the intact structural surface of a soil aggregate, and (b) to validate the method by comparing total masses as quantified with Fluorescence imaging with total applied dye masses. For the quantification of dissolved masses of dye, millimeter‐scaled distributed water contents obtained from horizontal flow simulation using Hydrus‐1D were multiplied with mapped dye solution concentrations. The spatial distribution of dye concentrations was visualized and quantified with a fluorescence imaging technique at a pixel resolution length of ∼100 μm. Submillimeter‐scaled distribution maps of adsorbed dye concentrations were derived using the calibrated Freundlich adsorption model. The sorption isotherm predicted that most of the dye was adsorbed to soil. In total, 1,366 μg of dye was transferred through the coated matrix block, of which 1,181 μg was adsorbed to soil. The applicability of the method was validated by comparing applied and recovered Na‐fluorescein masses, which corresponded relatively closely. Although the test of the approach presented here was limited by uncertainties regarding the local distributions of water contents and bulk density, the method could be applied to map two‐dimensional horizontal distributions of dye in an intact soil clod for quantifying macropore–matrix mass transfer of the reactive solute.
Replacing wakes with streaks in wind turbine arrays
Authors: Cossu Carlo
Published: October 2020

Wind turbine wakes negatively affect downwind turbines in wind farms reducing their global efficiency. The reduction of wake‐turbine interactions by actuating control on yaw angles and induction factors is an active area of research. In this study, the capability of spanwise‐periodic rows of wind turbines with tilted rotors to reduce negative wake‐turbine interactions is investigated through large‐eddy simulations. It is shown that, by means of rotor tilt, it is possible to replace turbine far wakes with high‐speed streaks where the streamwise velocity exceeds the freestream velocity at hub height. Considering three aligned rows of wind turbines, it is found that the global power extracted from the wind can be increased by tilting rotors of the upwind turbine rows, similarly to what is already known for the case of a single column of aligned turbines. It is further shown that global tilt‐induced power gains can be significantly increased by operating the tilted turbines at higher induction rates. Power gains are further increased for higher ratios of rotor diameters and turbine spacings to the boundary layer height. All these findings are consistent with those of previous studies where streamwise streaks were artificially forced by means of spanwise‐periodic rows of wall‐mounted roughness elements in order to control canonical boundary layers for drag‐reduction applications.
Achieving single‐stage partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) using a submerged dynamic membrane sequencing batch reactor (DM‐SBR)
Authors: Yang Xiaohuan , Jia Ziwen , Fu Jingwei , Li Qian , Chen Rong
Published: October 2020

Single‐stage partial nitration and anammox (PN/A) process was achieved in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) using a submerged dynamic membrane (DM) in this study. The reactor was stably operated for 200 days, and the nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) was sustained at 70.3 ± 7.2% at a nitrogen loading rate (NLR) ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 kgNm−3 day−1 with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 hr. When the NLR was 0.2 kgN m−3day−1, the NRE achieved was high as 80% with a low concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) of 0.13 mg/L. In addition, the specific activity of anammox bacteria and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) reached was 2.72 and 16.80 gN gVSS−1day−1, respectively. The DM intercepted the biomass due to the lamellar, intact, dense biofilm self‐generated on the surface of the supporting material, which had an effluent turbidity of 10 NTU. The enriched anammox functional bacteria were Candidatus Jettenia (11.06%) and the AOB‐like functional bacteria consisted primarily of Nitrosomonas, with a relative abundance of 2.76%, which ensured the PN/A process proceeding. This study provides a novel reactor configuration of the single‐stage PN/A process in the view of practical applications.

Practitioner points

Single‐stage partial nitration and anammox (PN/A) process was achieved using a submerged dynamic membrane (DM) in this study.

The reactor was stably operated for 200 days, and the nitrogen removal efficiency was sustained at 70.3 ± 7.2%.

The feasibility of the PN/A system with DM is evaluated.

The main objective is to provide a control strategy of the DM‐SBRs for practical applications.
Climate Change Adaptation: Opportunities for Increased Material Recycling Facilities in African Cities
Authors: Mutezo Gamuchirai , Mulopo Jean , Chirambo Dumisani
Published: October 2020

Africa’s urban morphology is expected to develop at a steady rate between 2020 and 2050. Population growth, rising urbanization rates, growing energy consumption, and industrialization are only a few of the reasons causing these changes. Likewise, waste production is projected to rise from 125 million tons in 2012 to 244 million tons annually by 2025. Around 60.0% and 80.0% of African waste is made up of organic material, which is a viable methane source. Fly tipping, free disposal, landfilling, and incineration have been used as a large-scale waste treatment system in most African cities. However, with the anticipated morphological changes, these solutions are no longer viable in the future due to lack of airspace, availability of urban land for new landfill sites, and concerns over carbon emissions. This chapter discusses the potential for improved adoption of material recycling facilities (MRF) in urban environments as an incentive to support waste diversion from landfills, decentralize waste separation activities, and increase the transformation of waste materials into valuable raw materials. A case study is discussed for Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa with the goal of explaining current processes, urban planning initiatives required for greater implementation, and how they can be interpreted as adaptation initiatives.
Recent Developments in Multivariate Public Key Cryptosystems
Authors: Hashimoto Yasufumi
Published: October 2020

The multivariate signature schemes UOV, Rainbow, and HFEv- have been considered to be secure and efficient enough under suitable parameter selections. In fact, several second round candidates of NIST’s standardization project of Post-Quantum Cryptography are based on these schemes. On the other hand, there are few multivariate encryption schemes expected to be practical and despite that, various new schemes have been proposed recently. In the present paper, we summarize multivariate schemes UOV, Rainbow, and (variants of) HFE generating the second round candidates and study the practicalities of several multivariate encryption schemes proposed recently.
What Kind of Insight Provide Analytical Solutions of Quantum Models?
Authors: Braak Daniel
Published: October 2020

There are several concepts of what constitutes the analytical solution of a quantum model, as opposed to the mere “numerically exact” one. This applies even if one considers only the determination of the discrete spectrum of the corresponding Hamiltonian, setting aside such important questions as the asymptotic dynamics for long times. In the simplest case, the spectrum can be given in closed form, the eigenvalues $$E_{j}, j=0,\ldots ,N\le \infty $$

E
j

,
j
=
0
,
…
,
N
≤
∞

read $$E_{j} =f(j,\{p_{k}\})$$

E
j

=
f

(
j
,

{

p
k

}

)

, where f is a known function of the label $$j\in \mathbb {N}_{0}$$

j
∈

N
0

and the $$\{p_k\}$$

{

p
k

}

are a set of numbers parameterizing the Hamilton operator. This kind of solution exists only in cases where the classical limit of the model is Liouville-integrable. Some quantum-mechanical many-body systems allow the determination of the spectrum in terms of auxiliary parameters $$[\{k_j\},\{n_l\}]$$

[

{

k
j

}

,

{

n
l

}

]

as $$E(\{n_l\}) = f(\{k_{j}(\{n_{l}\})\})$$

E

(

{

n
l

}

)

=
f

(

{

k
j

(

{

n
l

}

)

}

)

where the $$\{k_{j}(\{n_{l}\})\}$$

{

k
j

(

{

n
l

}

)

}

satisfy a coupled set of transcendental equations, following from a certain ansatz for the eigenfunctions. These systems (integrable in the sense of Yang-Baxter (Eckle 2019)) may have a Hilbert space dimension growing exponentially with the system size L, i.e., $$N\sim e^{L}$$

N
∼

e
L

. The simple enumeration of the energies with the label j is replaced by the multi-index $$\{n_{l}\}$$

{

n
l

}

. Although no priori knowledge about the spectrum is available, its statistical properties can be computed exactly (Berry and Tabor 1977). Other integrable and also non-integrable models exist where N depends polynomially on L and the energies $$E_j$$

E
j

are the zeroes of an analytically computable transcendental function, the so-called G-function $$G(E,\{p_k\})$$

G
(
E
,

{

p
k

}

)

(Braak 2013a, 2016), which is proportional to the spectral determinant. Although no closed formula for $$E_j$$

E
j

as function of the index j exists, detailed qualitative insight into the distribution of the eigenvalues can be obtained (Braak 2013b). Possible applications of these concepts to information compression and cryptography are outlined.
Verified Numerical Computations and Related Applications
Authors: Oishi Shin’ichi
Published: October 2020

The author has been engaged in the study of numerical computations with result verification starting from 1990.
Quantum Factoring Algorithm: Resource Estimation and Survey of Experiments
Authors: Kunihiro Noboru
Published: October 2020

It is known that Shor’s algorithm can break many cryptosystems such as RSA encryption, provided that large-scale quantum computers are realized. Thus far, several experiments for the factorization of the small composites such as 15 and 21 have been conducted using small-scale quantum computers. In this study, we investigate the details of quantum circuits used in several factoring experiments. We then indicate that some of the circuits have been constructed under the condition that the order of an element modulo a target composite is known in advance. Because the order must be unknown in the experiments, they are inappropriate for designing the quantum circuit of Shor’s factoring algorithm. We also indicate that the circuits used in the other experiments are constructed by relying considerably on the target composite number to be factorized.
From the Bloch Sphere to Phase-Space Representations with the Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill Encoding
Authors: García-Álvarez L. , Ferraro A. , Ferrini G.
Published: October 2020

In this work, we study the Wigner phase-space representation of qubit states encoded in continuous variables (CV) by using the Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill (GKP) mapping. We explore a possible connection between resources for universal quantum computation in discrete-variable (DV) systems, i.e. non-stabilizer states, and negativity of the Wigner function in CV architectures, which is a necessary requirement for quantum advantage. In particular, we show that the lowest Wigner logarithmic negativity corresponds to encoded stabilizer states, while the maximum negativity is associated with the most non-stabilizer states, H-type and T-type quantum states.
Cannabinoidhyperemesis als Differenzialdiagnose von Übelkeit und Erbrechen in der Notaufnahme
Authors: Korn F. , Hammerich S. , Gries A.
Published: October 2020

Das Cannabinoid-Hyperemesis-Syndrom (CHS) ist ein durch regelmäßigen Cannabiskonsum verursachtes Krankheitsbild, dass durch zyklische Episoden von starkem Erbrechen gekennzeichnet ist. Klassische Antiemetika bringen oft keine Linderung, teilweise wurden auch letale Verläufe beschrieben. In dem Fall eines jungen Mannes konnte nach 4 Vorstellungen die Diagnose gestellt werden. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt hatte der Patient bereits eine Abdomen-CT sowie eine Gastroskopie erhalten. Bei eingehaltener Cannabiskarenz zeigte sich 6 Monate nach Vorstellung ein kompletter Rückgang der Symptomatik.
Artificial intelligence in medicine and the disclosure of risks
Authors: Kiener Maximilian
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on the use of ‘black box’ AI in medicine and asks whether the physician needs to disclose to patients that even the best AI comes with the risks of cyberattacks, systematic bias, and a particular type of mismatch between AI’s implicit assumptions and an individual patient’s background situation.Pacecurrent clinical practice, I argue that, under certain circumstances, these risks do need to be disclosed. Otherwise, the physician either vitiates a patient’s informed consent or violates a more general obligation to warn him about potentially harmful consequences. To support this view, I argue, first, that the already widely accepted conditions in the evaluation of risks, i.e. the ‘nature’ and ‘likelihood’ of risks, speak in favour of disclosure and, second, that principled objections against the disclosure of these risks do not withstand scrutiny. Moreover, I also explain that these risks are exacerbated by pandemics like the COVID-19 crisis, which further emphasises their significance.
Supercritical percolation on nonamenable graphs: isoperimetry, analyticity, and exponential decay of the cluster size distribution
Authors: Hermon Jonathan , Hutchcroft Tom
Published: October 2020

Let G be a connected, locally finite, transitive graph, and consider Bernoulli bond percolation on G. We prove that if G is nonamenable and $$p > p_c(G)$$

p
>

p
c

(
G
)

then there exists a positive constant $$c_p$$

c
p

such that
$$\begin{aligned} \mathbf {P}_p(n \le |K| < \infty ) \le e^{-c_p n} \end{aligned}$$

P
p

(
n
≤
|
K
|
<
∞
)

≤

e

-

c
p

n

for every $$n\ge 1$$

n
≥
1

, where K is the cluster of the origin. We deduce the following two corollaries:

Every infinite cluster in supercritical percolation on a transitive nonamenable graph has anchored expansion almost surely. This answers positively a question of Benjamini et al. (in: Random walks and discrete potential theory (Cortona, 1997), symposium on mathematics, XXXIX, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 56–84, 1999).

For transitive nonamenable graphs, various observables including the percolation probability, the truncated susceptibility, and the truncated two-point function are analytic functions of p throughout the supercritical phase.
Radiological prognostic factors of chronic subdural hematoma recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Miah Ishita P. , Tank Yeliz , Rosendaal Frits R. , Peul Wilco C. , Dammers Ruben , Lingsma Hester F. , den Hertog Heleen M. , Jellema Korné , van der Gaag Niels A. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Chronic Subdural Hematoma Research Group
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is associated with high recurrence rates. Radiographic prognostic factors may identify patients who are prone for recurrence and who might benefit further optimization of therapy. In this meta-analysis, we systematically evaluated pre-operative radiological prognostic factors of recurrence after surgery.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched until September 2020 for relevant publications. Studies reporting on CSDH recurrence in symptomatic CSDH patients with only surgical treatment were included. Random or fixed effects meta-analysis was used depending on statistical heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-two studies were identified with a total of 5566 patients (mean age 69 years) with recurrence occurring in 801 patients (14.4%). Hyperdense components (hyperdense homogeneous and mixed density) were the strongest prognostic factor of recurrence (pooled RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.69–4.73). Laminar and separated architecture types also revealed higher recurrence rates (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04–1.80 and RR 1.76 95% CI 1.38–2.16, respectively). Hematoma thickness and midline shift above predefined cut-off values (10 mm and 20 mm) were associated with an increased recurrence rate (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.45–2.21 and RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.11–1.73, respectively). Bilateral CSDH was also associated with an increased recurrence risk (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.98–1.84).

Limitations

Limitations were no adjustments for confounders and variable data heterogeneity. Clinical factors could also be predictive of recurrence but are beyond the scope of this study.

Conclusions

Hyperdense hematoma components were the strongest prognostic factor of recurrence after surgery. Awareness of these findings allows for individual risk assessment and might prompt clinicians to tailor treatment measures.
Prognostic significance of prenatal ultrasound in fetal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Authors: Busack Brit , Ott Claus-Eric , Henrich Wolfgang , Verlohren Stefan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Fetal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) describes a heterogeneous disease entity characterized by multiple contractures affecting at least two different body areas. The aim of our study was to identify additional sonographic abnormalities in fetuses with AMC Type I–III associated with an unfavorable prognosis and to describe when those signs were first detected.

Methods

This retrospective study included 41 pregnancies of suspected AMC diagnosed 1999–2017 at our tertiary referral center. The affected pregnancies were divided into the 3 AMC subgroups; the time of detection and outcome were analyzed. Prenatal sonograms, pediatric charts, genetic tests, and autopsy reports were studied.

Results

Pregnancy outcome data were verifiable in 34 out of 41 cases; in 27 cases, AMC was confirmed. Hydrops was present in 50% of postnatally deceased fetuses, 53% of cases resulting in termination of pregnancy vs. 0% of the surviving 8 children. Absent stomach filling was found in 67% of the children with neonatal death. After subcategorization, the limb-involvement-only-group, 8% showed hydrops vs. 100% in system anomaly group vs. 70% in neuromuscular dysfunction cohort (p = 0.001). Scoliosis, nuchal edema, and absent stomach filling were significantly indicating for a neurological etiology.

Conclusion

In addition to disease-defining sonographic findings, those with prognostic significance were identified. Hydrops, nuchal edema, scoliosis and absent stomach filling were associated with unfavorable outcomes implicating a neuromuscular etiology. This knowledge can help to predict the further course of the disease and support patient counseling.
Hydro-jet propelled colonoscopy: proof of concept in a phantom colon
Authors: Coleman Stuart A. , Pakleppa Markus , Cuschieri Alfred
Published: October 2020

Background

Colonoscopy is a widely used and effective procedure, but it often causes patient discomfort and its execution requires considerable skill and training. We demonstrate an alternative approach to colonoscope propulsion with the potential to minimise patient discomfort by reducing the forces exerted on the colonic wall and mesentery, and to reduce the level of skill required for execution.

Methods

A prototype colonoscopic device is described, consisting of a tethered capsule that is propelled and manoeuvred through a water-filled colon (hydro-colonoscopy) by an array of water jets. As an initial proof of concept, experiments were performed to assess the ability of the device to navigate through a simplified PVA cryogel human colon phantom arranged in various anatomical configurations.

Results

The prototype was capable of successfully navigating through three out of four colon configurations: a simple layout, alpha loop and reverse alpha loop. It was unable to negotiate the fourth configuration involving an “N loop”, but this was attributed to problems with the colon phantom. In the successful test replicates, mean complete insertion (i.e. caecal intubation) time was 4.7 min. Measured pressures, temperatures and forces exerted on the colon appeared to be within a physiologically acceptable range. The results demonstrate the viability of propelling a colonoscope through a colon phantom using hydro-jets.

Conclusions

Results indicate that this approach has the potential to enable rapid and safe caecal intubation. This suggests that further development towards clinical translation is worthwhile.
Does a pretreatment with a dentine hypersensitivity mouth-rinse compensate the pain caused by professional mechanical plaque removal? A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Derman Sonja H. M. , Lantwin Eva-Maria , Barbe Anna Greta , Noack Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Pain is affecting acceptance of supportive periodontal therapy and primary periodontitis prevention. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a 1-week pre-treatment use of dentinal-hypersensitivity-reducing mouth-rinses (DHM) in periodontal maintenance (SPT) or dental prophylaxis patients.

Material and methods

One hundred fifty-five participants attending for professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) were randomly assigned to use a mouth-rinse twice daily for 1 week prior to their next PMPR. Rinses were containing either potassium oxalate (n = 52), arginine (n = 52), or herbal extracts (n = 51). At baseline and reassessment, procedural pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal rating scale (VRS). Self-reported efficacy was documented.

Results

No inter-group differences were estimated between both test groups and the control for baseline and reassessment means (VAS, VRS). In the SPT group, VAS reduction and self-reported efficacy were found (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The 1-week use of DHM failed to show a predictable effect on discomfort during PMPR overall. Around 20% of the patients showed a quantifiable benefit from both test mouth-rinses, whereas more than 50% reported a subjective pain reduction. Focusing patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy, quantifiable effects were found for both test groups. From a patient’s point of view, DHM might be a suitable adjunct to enhance procedural comfort, especially in patients with a history of periodontitis.

Clinical relevance

The 1-week use of the dentinal-hypersensitivity-reducing mouth-rinses prior to professional-mechanical-plaque-removal showed to be a suitable adjunct to enhance procedural comfort during instrumentation, especially in patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy.

Registration number: DRKS00010811
Population trends of common breeding birds in Germany 1990–2018
Authors: Kamp Johannes , Frank Claudia , Trautmann Sven , Busch Malte , Dröschmeister Rainer , Flade Martin , Gerlach Bettina , Karthäuser Johanna , Kunz Friederike , Mitschke Alexander , Schwarz Johannes , Sudfeldt Christoph
Published: October 2020

Biodiversity monitoring is important as it allows to prioritize research into the causes of declines and assessing the efficacy of conservation measures. Regional assessments are valuable, because conservation policies and management are often implemented on national and sub-national level. We analyzed data from the German Common Bird Monitoring for 1990–2018. We derived indices of population size using standard log-linear models, based on point counts and route territory mapping at up to 1200 plots annually. We summarized species trends by ecological trait groups. Among the 93 common breeding birds, farmland birds declined strongly, birds of settlements declined. Forest birds initially declined, but recovered after ca. 2010. Wetland birds increased strongly, albeit the number of species with data was low. Consistent declines were found in ground-nesting birds, granivorous and invertebrate (other than insect)-feeding birds. Trends of insectivorous birds were stable on average, but farmland insectivores declined strongly since the year 2000. Long-distance migrants showed more negative trends compared to short-distance migrants and resident species. Species with narrow habitat niche declined disproportionally. Trends over the entire period were more negative in common species in the dataset (with a German breeding population of > 50 K and < 1 M pairs). On the opposite, short-term trends were more negative in less common species (< 50 K pairs). Cold-adapted species showed largely negative, warm-adapted largely positive trends. Multi-species indicators showed no directional change (i.e., a change from decline to increase or vice versa) conditional on the inclusion or omission of single species, but the magnitude of change was affected in groups with low sample size. This suggests that efforts should be made to develop robust monitoring schemes for rarer species that are not covered by the analyses here. We conclude that conservation policies in Germany should aim at halting the worrying declines in ground-nesting, often insectivorous, farmland birds. The recovery of forest and wetland birds is encouraging, but future trends need to be monitored. Ongoing climate change will affect species directly (via their thermal niche) and indirectly (e.g., through more forest disturbance). Conservation strategies will, therefore, need to consider species adaptation to environmental and climate change, e.g., in better protected area connectivity and management.
How a typical West African day in the future-climate compares with current-climate conditions in a convection-permitting and parameterised convection climate model
Authors: Fitzpatrick Rory G. J. , Parker Douglas J. , Marsham John H. , Rowell David P. , Jackson Lawrence S. , Finney Declan , Deva Chetan , Tucker Simon , Stratton Rachael
Published: October 2020

Current-climate precipitation and temperature extremes have been identified by decision makers in West Africa as among the more impactful weather events causing lasting socioeconomic damage. In this article, we use a plausible future-climate scenario (RCP8.5) for the end of the twenty-first century to explore the relative commonness of such extremes under global warming. The analysis presented considers what a typical day in the future climate will feel like relative to current extrema. Across much of West Africa, we see that the typical future-climate day has maximum and minimum temperatures greater than 99.5% of currently experienced values. This finding exists for most months but is particularly pronounced during the Boreal spring and summer. The typical future precipitation event has a daily rainfall rate greater than 95% of current storms. These findings exist in both a future scenario model run with and without parameterised convection, and for many of the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project version 5 ensemble members. Additionally, agronomic monsoon onset is projected to occur later and have greater inter-annual variability in the future. Our findings suggest far more extreme conditions in future climate over West Africa. The projected changes in temperature and precipitation could have serious socioeconomic implications, stressing the need for effective mitigation given the potential lack of adaptation pathways available to decision makers.
Simulation Possibilites of the Post-Mining Goafs Impact on the Deformations Induced by Next Underground Mining Operations with Use of the Cellular Automata Method
Authors: Paweł Sikora
Published: October 2020

Underground mining operations in the area of a rock mass affected by previous exploitation may cause additional deformations to appear on the surface. The size of these deformations can be significant, and their character is often non-linear. The nature of these deformations cannot be justified solely by the impact of current mining operations. At the same time, the predictive method of S. Knothe, widely used in Poland, does not explicitly include these types of phenomena. In the area of intensive and long-term mining exploitation, such as the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, the practical possibility of simulating this occurrence may be helpful in the planning of new mining exploitation under construction objects. Today we are usually limited to numerical modelling methods like finite difference method (FDM). This one base on the principle of mechanical similarity. The theoretical usefulness of method (and its similar) has already been proven many times. The main impediment to its practical application is the lack of recognition of the rock mass in terms of its mechanical properties. The presented method is a new approach to the possibility of modelling the subject phenomenon. The method has not been used in practical forecasting mining area deformation caused by underground deposits mining. It’s characterized by a huge potential for further development.