bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High school biology teachers’ integration of computational thinking into data practices to support student investigations
Authors: Peters‐Burton Erin , Rich Peter Jacob , Kitsantas Anastasia , Stehle Stephanie M. , Laclede Laura
Published: November 2022

In the United States, the Next Generation Science Standards advocate for the integration of computational thinking (CT) as a science and engineering practice. Additionally, there is agreement among some educational researchers that increasing opportunities for engaging in computational thinking can lend authenticity to classroom activities. This can be done through introducing CT principles, such as algorithms, abstractions, and automations, or through examining the tools used to conduct modern science, emphasizing CT in problem solving. This cross‐case analysis of nine high school biology teachers in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States documents how they integrated CT into their curricula following a year‐long professional development (PD). The focus of the PD emphasized data practices in the science teachers' lessons, using Weintrop et al.'s definition of data practices. These are: (a) creation (generating data), (b) collection (gathering data), (c) manipulation (cleaning and organizing data), (d) visualization (graphically representing data), and (e) analysis (interpreting data). Additionally, within each data practice, teachers were asked to integrate at least one of five CT practices: (a) decomposition (breaking a complex problem into smaller parts), (b) pattern‐recognition (identifying recurring similarities in data practices), (c) algorithms (the creation and use of formulas to predict an output given a specific input), (d) abstraction (eliminating detail in order to generalize or see the “big picture”), and (e) automation (using computational tools to carry out specific procedures). Although the biology teachers integrated all CT practices across their lessons, they found it easier to integrate decomposition and pattern recognition while finding it more difficult to integrate abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and automation. Implications for designing professional development experiences are discussed.
Standardized Tests and Within‐Group Segregation: The Not‐So‐Optimal ESL Classroom for Long‐Term English Learners
Authors: Uysal Huseyin
Published: November 2022

Reclassification is a critical threshold when English Learners (ELs) exit specialized language services and access all‐English mainstream classrooms. Despite the mandates of the Every Student Succeeds Act, reclassification rates and time remain a pressing problem. A product of this malfunctioning system has been long‐term ELs (LTELs). This article focuses on the social consequences of language assessment and attends to the stories of three LTELs at a rural high school in the southeastern United States. It examines the impact of ability‐grouping through standardized tests on the social fabric of an English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. Data come from semi‐structured personal interviews and observations in ESL and content‐area classes. The thematic narrative analysis points to a reclassification system that functions primarily based on test scores. State‐mandated tests silence LTELs by classifying them in the same category with newcomer ELs. This system targets the standardization of their identities by disregarding the diversity within the ELs in terms of instructional needs and social, linguistic, academic, and cultural resources. These tests pose an insuperable social conflict and tension between the LTELs and newcomer ELs. To this end, I claim that state‐mandated tests are hegemonic devices that might cause hierarchies in ESL classrooms and within‐group segregation of ELs. The social consequences of testing need to be investigated in‐depth to revamp the educational landscape for LTELs.
The traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet prevents blood‐testis barrier injury induced by CdCl2 through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor signaling pathway
Authors: Shen Yifeng , You Yaodong , Zhu Kun , Li Guangsen , Huang Xiaopeng , Chen Diang , Yang Fang , Dong Liang , Li Junjun , Yu Xujun
Published: November 2022

Objective

Environmental contaminants such as cadmium (Cd) may have a deleterious impact on sperm and reduce male fertility by compromising the blood‐testis barrier (BTB). Hence, the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet (QJP) on sperm quality and BTB alterations induced by Cd in mouse testes were examined.

Methods

Adult KM mice challenged with Cd chloride were examined, QJP was administered to mice as an oral drug by gavage, and the experiments lasted 2 weeks. Testicular and epididymal weights, sperm quality, anti‐sperm antibodies (AsAb), hormone levels, and histology were evaluated. Changes in the levels of N‐cadherin, occludin, ZO‐1, claudin‐11, F‐actin, and β‐tubulin and their mRNAs were evaluated. The effects of QJP on the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway were evaluated.

Results

CdCl2 decreased reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and testosterone (T) levels; increased AsAb, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; induced structural damage in testicles with BTB disruption; increased BTB permeability; and decreased N‐cadherin, occludin, ZO‐1, claudin‐11, F‐actin, and β‐tubulin expression. After treatment, QJP blocked the effects of Cd on reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and T; mitigated germinal epithelium compartment alterations; decreased AsAb, FSH, and LH levels; and preserved BTB ultrastructure and function. In addition, QJP induced increases in N‐cadherin, occludin, ZO‐1, claudin‐11, F‐actin, and β‐tubulin levels and the expression of their mRNAs through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway. After the application of JRAB2011, the levels of a specific mTORC2 suppressor, Rictor, and the BTB‐protective effect of QJP were greatly reduced.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the effect of QJP against Cd‐induced damage to the BTB, and the results indicate that QJP may play a significant role in opposing the effects of Cd through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway.
C‐cell differentiation in the wall of an aberrant ultimobranchial sinus in the thyroid gland of an old rat
Authors: Vázquez‐Román Victoria , Fernández‐Santos José M. , Martín‐Lacave Inés
Published: November 2022

Background

In mammals, the thyroid gland possesses two types of endocrine cells, follicular cells and C cells, which have different functions but share a similar endodermal origin (although from different regions of the primitive pharynx). Specifically, follicular cells derive from the ventral pharyngeal floor, while C cells derive from the fourth pair of pharyngeal pouches through the ultimobranchial bodies (UBBs). Disruptions to human midline thyroid morphogenesis are relatively frequent and known as thyroid dysgenesis, which is the leading cause of congenital hypothyroidism. In contrast, fourth branchial apparatus anomalies are very rare clinical entities.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological features and the immunohistochemical pattern of an aberrant ultimobranchial remnant, align with its persistent contribution to the formation of new C cells.

Methods

The thyroid gland of an old rat was serially sectioned and immunostained for the following markers: calcitonin, thyroglobulin, cytokeratins, PCNA, P63, E‐cadherin, beta‐tubulin and CD3.

Results

We detected a spontaneous congenital defect in the organogenesis of the UBB in an old rat, giving rise to an ‘ultimobranchial sinus’, which was accompanied by thymic tissue and an abscess. The epithelium contained basal/stem cells and contributed to the formation of abundant C cells and scarce follicular cells.

Conclusions

The ultimobranchial sinus is an exceptional finding for representing the first spontaneous abnormality in the development of UBB reported in rats, and the opportunity to observe sustained C‐cell differentiation from stem cells in an old rat. These findings are consistent with a common origin of both C cells and follicular cells from UBB.
Spectromicroscopic determinations of chemical environments of Ni in MoS2‐Ag‐Ni ternary systems
Authors: Talebi Parisa , Rani Ekta , Niu Yuran , Zakharov Alexei , Cao Wei
Published: November 2022

Using heterogeneous photocatalysts for harvesting sunlight and converting it for water remediation and splitting are promising to mitigate the possible crisis of environment and energy. Among various composites, the MoS2‐based heterostructures and Ni‐based systems exhibit unique electronic, optical properties and redox capabilities, enabling their roles as photocatalysts. Herein, the impacts of chemical environments on the Ni electronic structures within the MoS2‐Ag‐Ni ternary systems are studied via X‐ray photoemission electron spectroscopy (X‐PEEM). Ni nanoparticles with two different sizes of 70 and 200 nm were loaded to MoS2 flakes with silver buffers as bridges. Heterostructures with a nominal mol percentage of (MoS2)77Ag3.7Ni19.3 were synthesized through an ultrasound‐assisted wet method. The oxidation states and various interfacial interactions of Ni with MoS2 in MoS2‐Ag‐Ni ternary composite are spectromicroscopically determined, combining the X‐ray absorption spectroscopy near Ni L‐edges and the imaging capability of the X‐PEEM. Results showed that Ni mainly retrains its chemical states of metal and native oxidizations without observable electronic features subjected to bonding with the sulfur from the MoS2 flakes. The charge migration channel set up by the Ag buffer thus contributes to electron–hole migrations that facilitate the photocatalytic performance of the ternary system eventually.
Preparation of ferrocene‐based Schiff base derivatives for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Liu Jinyi , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Vatsadze Sergey Z. , Huang Zhikun , Li Xuefei , Ding Lei
Published: November 2022

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is a common oxidizer and accounts for over 60 wt% in composite solid propellants (CSPs). Ferrocene (Fc)‐based compounds have become one of the most widely used burning rate catalysts (BRCs) for AP decomposition due to their outstanding catalytic effect. To improve the anti‐migration ability of Fc‐based compounds during long‐time storage, seven Fc‐based Schiff base derivatives were synthesized. Their molecular structures were characterized by UV‐Vis, FT‐IR,1H NMR,19F NMR, ESI‐MS and EA. Meanwhile, their electrochemical behaviors and catalytic effects for AP decomposition were studied by CV and TG techniques. The results showed that these synthesized compounds had good catalytic effect, obviously reducing the thermal decomposition temperature of AP. Moreover, their anti‐migration properties were also investigated by the aging test of simulated propellant. The results showed that they had better anti‐migration ability than commercial BRCs (catocene,Cat). This study demonstrates that Fc‐based Schiff base compounds are possible BRCs for AP‐based propellant.
Numerical analysis of generalized Fourier's and Fick's laws for micropolar Carreaufluid over a vertical stretching Riga sheet
Authors: Abbas Nadeem , Nadeem Sohail , Sial Ambreen , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: November 2022

The present analysis is considered the Micropolar Carreaufluid model over a vertical Riga sheet. Cattaneo–Christov heat flux theory is utilized rather than classical Fourier's law to scrutinize the heat transfer specification. The scheme of developing partial differential equations is turned into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by employing specific transformations. The numerical scheme is implemented to solve the present model. This article includes the numerical and graphical description of numerous physical parameters on the velocity profile, microrotation, concentration profile, and temperature distribution. The values of skin friction were found to be bigger, but couple stress values were found to be lesser due to boosting values of (buoyancy ratio term). The velocity function gradually improved due to improvement in M (modified Hartmann number). The velocity function gradually improved due to improvement in K (micropolar parameter). The γ (Dimensionless parameter) slowly augmented as well as the velocity function declined. The temperature function curves and γ1 are found to be the same behavior of amassed increasingly.
Introduction
Authors: Kunißen Katharina
Published: November 2022

The welfare state is an integral part of western industrialised democracies. While its most obvious function is to provide a safety net for individuals, who are threatened by social risks, it also has far-reaching effects on a multitude of social phenomena, such as the formation of attitudes and behaviours.  This introductory chapter illustrates why the welfare state serves as a popular independent variable and sets out the main problems associated with its operationalisation, leading to the research questions of this book.
Premises: Perspectives on the Welfare State
Authors: Kunißen Katharina
Published: November 2022

This chapter provides a brief overview of influential debates within welfare state research. It then discusses selected functions of the welfare state that contribute to an understanding of the various effects that social policies can have on individuals.
Literature Review: Mechanisms and Hypotheses
Authors: Kunißen Katharina
Published: November 2022

This chapter examines the causal links between welfare state policies and individual-level outcomes. To this end, common theoretical premises, mechanisms and hypotheses are summarised and systematised. This is done by linking specific functions of the welfare state to specific groups of dependent variables, leading to a proposal for deriving theoretically sound indicators.
Welfare Stateness as an Explanatory Concept
Authors: Kunißen Katharina
Published: November 2022

After the preceding systematisation of the main assumptions about the influence of the welfare state on individual-level outcomes, this chapter turns to the derivation of specific measurements of welfare stateness that capture the mechanisms underlying the explanations and the corresponding hypotheses.
Higher form symmetries TFT in 6d
Authors: Apruzzi Fabio
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Symmetries and anomalies of a d-dimensional quantum field theory are often encoded in a (d + 1)-dimensional topological action, called symmetry topological field theory (TFT). We derive the symmetry TFT for the 2-form and 1-form symmetries of 6d (1, 0) field theories, focusing on theories with a single tensor multiplet (rank 1). We implement this by coupling the low-energy tensor branch action to the background fields for the higher-form symmetries and by looking at the symmetry transformation rules on dynamical and background fields. These transformation rules also imply a mixing of the higher-form symmetries in a 3-group structure. For some specific and related higher rank cases, we also derive the symmetry TFT from the holographic dual IIA supergravity solutions. The symmetry TFT action contains a coupling between the 2-form symmetry and the 1-form symmetry backgrounds, which leads to a mixed anomaly between the 1-form symmetries of the 5d KK-theory obtained by circle compactification. We confirm this by a pure 5d analysis provided by the 5d effective low-energy Coulomb branch Lagrangian coupled to background fields. We also derive the symmetry TFT for 5d SU(p) supersymmetric gauge theories with Chern-Simons level q and for 5d theories without non-abelian gauge theory description at low-energy. Finally, we discuss the fate of the 2-form and 1-form symmetry of rank 1 6d field theories when coupled to gravity.
Three-loop master integrals for the Higgs boson self-energy with internal top-quarks and W-bosons
Authors: Chaubey Ekta , Hönemann Ina , Weinzierl Stefan
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We consider the full set of master integrals with internal top-and W-propagators contributing to the three-loop Higgs self-energy diagrams of order $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(α2αs). We split the master integrals into a system relevant to the Feynman diagrams proportional to the product of Yukawa couplings ybyt and the complement. For both systems we define master integrals of uniform weight, such that the associated differential equation is in ε-factorised form. The occurring square roots are rationalised and all master integrals are expressible in multiple polylogarithms.
Phenomenological implications of the new Littlest Higgs model with T-parity
Authors: Illana José Ignacio , Pérez-Poyatos José María
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We investigate the parameter space of the new Littlest Higgs model with T-parity (NLHT) recently introduced to cure some pathologies of the original LHT. The model requires extra fermion content and additional pseudo-Goldstone bosons. While the heavy top quark sector is similar, there are both T-odd and T-even heavy quarks and leptons with masses proportional to just two sets of Yukawa matrices in flavor space, one more than in the LHT. The new scalars are a singlet and real triplet, T-odd, with masses controlled by gauge and Yukawa couplings, independent of the spontaneous symmetry breaking scale f, and hence potentially light. Imposing that no mass exceeds the cutoff scale, applying current lower bounds on vector-like quarks and assuming a simplified model with mass degenerate heavy fermions compatible with the heavy photon as dark matter constituent, we find that f gets constrained within the interval between 2 and 3 TeV, the common Yukawa coupling of heavy leptons gets fixed and the Yukawa coupling of heavy quarks becomes greatly correlated to the top quark Yukawa couplings. The particle spectrum is then bounded from below and above, with the (lightest) heavy photon at about 0.5 TeV, not far from the heavy leptons, the new scalars below 1 TeV, the usual complex scalar triplet close to the heavy weak bosons at about 1.5 to 2.5 TeV, and the heavy quarks and top quark partners between 2 and 5 TeV. The new scalars decay predominantly to a standard and a T-odd lepton and have a width comparable to that of the Higgs.
Non-perturbative defects in tensor models from melonic trees
Authors: Popov Fedor K. , Wang Yifan
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The Klebanov-Tarnopolsky tensor model is a quantum field theory for rank-three tensor scalar fields with certain quartic potential. The theory possesses an unusual large N limit known as the melonic limit that is strongly coupled yet solvable, producing at large distance a rare example of non-perturbative non-supersymmetric conformal field theory that admits analytic solutions. We study the dynamics of defects in the tensor model defined by localized magnetic field couplings on a p-dimensional subspace in the d-dimensional spacetime. While we work with general p and d, the physically interesting cases include line defects in d = 2, 3 and surface defects in d = 3. By identifying a novel large N limit that generalizes the melonic limit in the presence of defects, we prove that the defect one-point function of the scalar field only receives contributions from a subset of the Feynman diagrams in the shape of melonic trees. These diagrams can be resummed using a closed Schwinger-Dyson equation which enables us to determine non-perturbatively this defect one-point function. At large distance, the solutions we find describe nontrivial conformal defects and we discuss their defect renormalization group (RG) flows. In particular, for line defects, we solve the exact RG flow between the trivial and the conformal lines in d = 4 − ϵ. We also compute the exact line defect entropy and verify the g-theorem. Furthermore we analyze the defect two-point function of the scalar field and its decomposition via the operator-product-expansion, providing explicit formulae for one-point functions of bilinear operators and the stress-energy tensor.
Precision early universe cosmology from stochastic gravitational waves
Authors: Brzeminski Dawid , Hook Anson , Marques-Tavares Gustavo
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The causal tail of stochastic gravitational waves can be used to probe the energy density in free streaming relativistic species as well as measure g*(T) and beta functions β(T) as a function of temperature. In the event of the discovery of loud stochastic gravitational waves, we demonstrate that LISA can measure the free streaming fraction of the universe down to the the 10−3 level, 100 times more sensitive than current constraints. Additionally, it would be sensitive to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) deviations of g* and the QCD β function from their Standard Model value at temperatures ~ 105 GeV. In this case, many motivated models such as split SUSY and other solutions to the Electroweak Hierarchy problem would be tested. Future detectors, such as DECIGO, would be 100 times more sensitive than LISA to these effects and be capable of testing other motivated scenarios such as WIMPs and axions. The amazing prospect of using precision gravitational wave measurements to test such well motivated theories provides a benchmark to aim for when developing a precise understanding of the gravitational wave spectrum both experimentally and theoretically.
Poisson gauge models and Seiberg-Witten map
Authors: Kupriyanov V. G. , Kurkov M. A. , Vitale P.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The semiclassical limit of full non-commutative gauge theory is known as Poisson gauge theory. In this work we revise the construction of Poisson gauge theory paying attention to the geometric meaning of the structures involved and advance in the direction of a further development of the proposed formalism, including the derivation of Noether identities and conservation of currents. For any linear non-commutativity, Θab(x) = $$ {f}_c^{ab} $$

f
c
ab

xc, with $$ {f}_c^{ab} $$

f
c
ab

being structure constants of a Lie algebra, an explicit form of the gauge Lagrangian is proposed. In particular a universal solution for the matrix ρ defining the field strength and the covariant derivative is found. The previously known examples of κ-Minkowski, λ-Minkowski and rotationally invariant non-commutativity are recovered from the general formula. The arbitrariness in the construction of Poisson gauge models is addressed in terms of Seiberg-Witten maps, i.e., invertible field redefinitions mapping gauge orbits onto gauge orbits.
Anti-inflammatory effects of new human histamine H3 receptor ligands with flavonoid structure on BV-2 neuroinflammation
Authors: Honkisz-Orzechowska Ewelina , Popiołek-Barczyk Katarzyna , Linart Zuzanna , Filipek-Gorzała Jadwiga , Rudnicka Anna , Siwek Agata , Werner Tobias , Stark Holger , Chwastek Jakub , Starowicz Katarzyna , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Łażewska Dorota
Published: November 2022

Objective

Microglia play an important role in the neuroinflammation developed in response to various pathologies. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of the new human histamine H3 receptor (H3R) ligands with flavonoid structure in murine microglial BV-2 cells.

Material and methods

The affinity of flavonoids (E243 -flavone and IIIa–IIIc—chalcones) for human H3R was evaluated in the radioligand binding assay. The cytotoxicity on BV-2 cell viability was investigated with the MTS assay. Preliminary evaluation of anti-inflammatory properties was screened by the Griess assay in an in vitro neuroinflammation model of LPS-treated BV-2 cells. The expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by real-time qPCR and ELISA, respectively. The expression of microglial cell markers were determined by immunocytochemistry.

Results

Chalcone derivatives showed high affinity at human H3R with Ki values < 25 nM. At the highest nontoxic concentration (6.25 μM) compound IIIc was the most active in reducing the level of nitrite in Griess assay. Additionally, IIIc treatment attenuated inflammatory process in murine microglia cells by down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) at both the level of mRNA and protein level. Our immunocytochemistry studies revealed expression of microglial markers (Iba1, CD68, CD206) in BV-2 cell line.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the importance of further research to accurately identify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of chalcones.
Target2 imbalances and poverty in the eurozone
Authors: Canale Rosaria Rita , Liotti G.
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between external imbalances and poverty in the Eurozone. The former are registered through the Target2 (T2) settlement mechanism and can be assimilated into changes in official reserves to cover the balance of payments disequilibrium in a fixed exchange rate regime. The presence of T2 discrepancies has led to differences in interest rates and increased distances in general living conditions inside the Eurozone. An empirical investigation implemented in 11 Eurozone countries reveals that T2 is negatively correlated with poverty, therefore allowing for an interpretation that approximates balance of payment crisis models. Results that appear to be robust to several control variables suggest that the policy framework of the Eurozone—in the absence of a compensatory mechanism—should be revised towards centralised fiscal instruments and anti-speculative monetary interventions.
Isolation of human TRPA1 channel from transfected HEK293 cells and identification of alkylation sites after sulfur mustard exposure
Authors: Müller-Dott Katharina , Thiermann Horst , John Harald , Steinritz Dirk
Published: November 2022

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are important in the sensing of pain and other stimuli. They may be triggered by electrophilic agonists after covalent modification of certain cysteine residues. Sulfur mustard (SM) is a banned chemical warfare agent and its reactivity is also based on an electrophilic intermediate. The activation of human TRP ankyrin 1 (hTRPA1) channels by SM has already been documented, however, the mechanism of action is not known in detail. The aim of this work was to purify hTRPA1 channel from overexpressing HEK293 cells for identification of SM-induced alkylation sites. To confirm hTRPA1 isolation, Western blot analysis was performed showing a characteristic double band at 125 kDa. Immunomagnetic separation was carried out using either an anti-His-tag or an anti-hTRPA1 antibody to isolate hTRPA1 from lysates of transfected HEK293 cells. The identity of the channel was confirmed by micro liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry. Following SM exposure, hTRPA1 channel modifications were found at Cys462 and Cys665, as well as at Asp339 and Glu341 described herein for the first time. Since Cys665 is a well-known target of hTRPA1 agonists and is involved in hTRPA1 activation, SM-induced modifications of cysteine, as well as aspartic acid and glutamic acid residues may play a role in hTRPA1 activation. Considering hTRPA1 as a target of other SM-related chemical warfare agents, analogous adducts may be predicted and identified applying the analytical approach described herein.
Immunoaffinity extraction followed by enzymatic digestion for the isolation and identification of proteins employing automated μSPE reactors and mass spectrometry
Authors: Duong Karen , Maleknia Simin , Clases David , Minett Andrew , Padula Matthew P. , Doble Philip A. , Gonzalez de Vega Raquel
Published: November 2022

This work describes a novel automated and rapid method for bottom-up proteomics combining protein isolation with a micro-immobilised enzyme reactor (IMER). Crosslinking chemistry based on 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) coupling was exploited to immobilise trypsin and antibodies onto customisable silica particles coated with carboxymethylated dextran (CMD). This novel silica–CMD solid-phase extraction material was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conductometric titrations and enzymatic colorimetric assays. Micro-solid-phase extraction (μSPE) cartridges equipped with the modified CMD material were employed and integrated into an automated and repeatable workflow using a sample preparation workstation to achieve rapid and repeatable protein isolation and pre-concentration, followed by tryptic digestion producing peptide fragments that were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Graphical abstract
Efficient Unitary Designs with a System-Size Independent Number of Non-Clifford Gates
Authors: Haferkamp J. , Montealegre-Mora F. , Heinrich M. , Eisert J. , Gross D. , Roth I.
Published: November 2022

Many quantum information protocols require the implementation of random unitaries. Because it takes exponential resources to produce Haar-random unitaries drawn from the full n-qubit group, one often resorts to t-designs. Unitary t-designs mimic the Haar-measure up to t-th moments. It is known that Clifford operations can implement at most 3-designs. In this work, we quantify the non-Clifford resources required to break this barrier. We find that it suffices to inject $$O(t^{4}\log ^{2}(t)\log (1/\varepsilon ))$$

O
(

t
4

log
2

(
t
)

log

(
1
/
ε
)

)

many non-Clifford gates into a polynomial-depth random Clifford circuit to obtain an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-approximate t-design. Strikingly, the number of non-Clifford gates required is independent of the system size – asymptotically, the density of non-Clifford gates is allowed to tend to zero. We also derive novel bounds on the convergence time of random Clifford circuits to the t-th moment of the uniform distribution on the Clifford group. Our proofs exploit a recently developed variant of Schur-Weyl duality for the Clifford group, as well as bounds on restricted spectral gaps of averaging operators.
How prism adaptation reveals the distinct use of size and positions in grasping
Authors: Smeets Jeroen B. J. , Pennekamp Ian , van Amsterdam Bente , Schot Willemijn D.
Published: November 2022

The size of an object equals the distance between the positions of its opposite edges. However, human sensory processing for perceiving positions differs from that for perceiving size. Which of these two information sources is used to control grip aperture? In this paper, we answer this question by prism adaptation of single-digit movements of the index finger and thumb. We previously showed that it is possible to adapt the index finger and thumb in opposite directions and that this adaptation induces an aftereffect in grip aperture in grasping. This finding suggests that grasping is based on the perceived positions of the contact points. However, it might be compatible with grasping being controlled based on size provided that the opposing prism adaptation leads to changes in visually perceived size or proprioception of hand opening. In that case, one would predict a similar aftereffect in manually indicating the perceived size. In contrast, if grasping is controlled based on information about the positions of the edges, the aftereffect in grasping is due to altered position information, so one would predict no aftereffect in manually indicating the perceived size. Our present experiment shows that there was no aftereffect in manually indicating perceived size. We conclude that grip aperture during grasping is based on perceived positions rather than on perceived size.
18F-sodium fluoride PET-CT visualizes both axial and peripheral new bone formation in psoriatic arthritis patients
Authors: de Jongh Jerney , Hemke Robert , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. C. , Yaqub Maqsood , van der Horst-Bruinsma Irene E. , van de Sande Marleen G. H. , van Kuijk Arno W. R. , Voskuyl Alexandre E. , van der Laken Conny J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

As bone formation is associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), positron emission tomography (PET) using a 18F-Fluoride tracer may enable sensitive detection of disease activity. Our primary aim was to determine the feasibility of whole-body 18F-sodium fluoride PET-CT in clinically active PsA patients to depict new bone formation (as a reflection of disease activity) at peripheral joints and entheses. Our secondary aim was to describe 18F-sodium fluoride findings in the axial skeleton.

Methods

Sixteen patients (female 10/16, age 50.6 ± 8.9 years) with PsA fulfilling CASPAR criteria or with a clinical diagnosis of PsA according to the treating rheumatologist and with ≥ 1 clinically active enthesitis site were included. Of each patient, a whole-body 18F-sodium fluoride PET-CT scan was performed. All scans were scored for PET-positive lesions at peripheral joints, enthesis sites and the spine. Clinical disease activity was assessed by swollen/tender joint count 44, enthesitis according to MASES and SPARCC scores.

Results

Out of 1088 evaluated joints, 109 joints showed PET enhancement, mainly in the interphalangeal and metatarsal joints of the feet (14/109, 12.9%) and the distal interphalangeal joints of the hands (14/109, 12.9%). PET positivity was found at 44/464 enthesis sites, mainly at the patella tendon insertion (11/44, 25%) and quadriceps tendon insertion (10/44, 22.7%). Of the PET-positive joints and enthesis sites, respectively 18.2% and 29.5% were clinically positive; 81.8% and 70.5% of the PET-positive joints and entheses respectively were clinically asymptomatic. In 11 patients, ≥ 1 axial PET-positive lesion was observed, mainly in the cervical spine.

Conclusions

New molecular bone formation was observed on 18F-sodium fluoride PET-CT scans, in all domains in which PsA disease activity can be observed, with a substantial part showing no clinical symptoms.

Clinical trial registration

EudraCT: 2017-004,850-40, registered on 13 December 2017.
Automated detection of IVC filters on radiographs with deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Mongan John , Kohli Marc D. , Houshyar Roozbeh , Chang Peter D. , Glavis-Bloom Justin , Taylor Andrew G.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To create an algorithm able to accurately detect IVC filters on radiographs without human assistance, capable of being used to screen radiographs to identify patients needing IVC filter retrieval.

Methods

A primary dataset of 5225 images, 30% of which included IVC filters, was assembled and annotated. 85% of the data was used to train a Cascade R-CNN (Region Based Convolutional Neural Network) object detection network incorporating a pre-trained ResNet-50 backbone. The remaining 15% of the data, independently annotated by three radiologists, was used as a test set to assess performance. The algorithm was also assessed on an independently constructed 1424-image dataset, drawn from a different institution than the primary dataset.

Results

On the primary test set, the algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 96.2% (95% CI 92.7–98.1%) and a specificity of 98.9% (95% CI 97.4–99.5%). Results were similar on the external test set: sensitivity 97.9% (95% CI 96.2–98.9%), specificity 99.6 (95% CI 98.9–99.9%).

Conclusion

Fully automated detection of IVC filters on radiographs with high sensitivity and excellent specificity required for an automated screening system can be achieved using object detection neural networks. Further work will develop a system for identifying patients for IVC filter retrieval based on this algorithm.

Graphical abstract
Somatic ARID1A mutation stratifies patients with gastric cancer to PD-1 blockade and adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Gu Yun , Zhang Puran , Wang Jieti , Lin Chao , Liu Hao , Li He , He Hongyong , Li Ruochen , Zhang Heng , Zhang Weijuan
Published: November 2022

Background

AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) encodes a vital component of switch/sucrose non-fermentable chromatin-remodeling complex. Given its association with genomic instability, we conducted this study to determine whether ARID1A mutation status had an impact on therapeutic responsiveness in gastric cancer (GC), especially combinatory chemo-immunotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled a total of 1162 patients from five independent cohorts. ZSHS Cohort and TCGA Cohort were designed to inform chemotherapeutic relevance and immunobiology of ARID1A-mutant GC based on tissue samples and sequencing data, respectively. MSKCC Cohort, mGC Cohort, and Melanoma Cohort were utilized to interrogate the predictive efficacy of ARID1A mutation to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade.

Results

ARID1A mutation was enriched in EBV-positive, hypermutated-single nucleotide variant and microsatellite-unstable subtype GC, and was predictive of responsiveness to both fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and PD-1 blockade. Specifically, ARID1A mutation score was a highly sensitive indicator (91%) of response to pembrolizumab. Mechanistically, ARID1A mutation correlated with extensive DNA damage repair deficiency and immunogenic tumor microenvironment (TME) featured by elevated activated subsets of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells. Type 17T helper cells were typically abundant in ARID1A-mutant GC and might be a precondition for chemosensitivity conferred by ARID1A mutation. Furthermore, ARID1A mutation indicated elevated expression of VEGFA and CLDN18, as well as over-representation of ERBB2 and FGFR2 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

ARID1A-mutant GC displayed immunogenic TME and might be a candidate for both monotherapy and the combination of frontline chemotherapy and PD-1 blockade.
Deep learning algorithm performs similarly to radiologists in the assessment of prostate volume on MRI
Authors: Thimansson Erik , Bengtsson J. , Baubeta E. , Engman J. , Flondell-Sité D. , Bjartell A. , Zackrisson S.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Prostate volume (PV) in combination with prostate specific antigen (PSA) yields PSA density which is an increasingly important biomarker. Calculating PV from MRI is a time-consuming, radiologist-dependent task. The aim of this study was to assess whether a deep learning algorithm can replace PI-RADS 2.1 based ellipsoid formula (EF) for calculating PV.

Methods

Eight different measures of PV were retrospectively collected for each of 124 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and preoperative MRI of the prostate (multicenter and multi-scanner MRI’s 1.5 and 3 T). Agreement between volumes obtained from the deep learning algorithm (PVDL) and ellipsoid formula by two radiologists (PVEF1 and PVEF2) was evaluated against the reference standard PV obtained by manual planimetry by an expert radiologist (PVMPE). A sensitivity analysis was performed using a prostatectomy specimen as the reference standard. Inter-reader agreement was evaluated between the radiologists using the ellipsoid formula and between the expert and inexperienced radiologists performing manual planimetry.

Results

PVDL showed better agreement and precision than PVEF1 and PVEF2 using the reference standard PVMPE (mean difference [95% limits of agreement] PVDL: −0.33 [−10.80; 10.14], PVEF1: −3.83 [−19.55; 11.89], PVEF2: −3.05 [−18.55; 12.45]) or the PV determined based on specimen weight (PVDL: −4.22 [−22.52; 14.07], PVEF1: −7.89 [−30.50; 14.73], PVEF2: −6.97 [−30.13; 16.18]). Inter-reader agreement was excellent between the two experienced radiologists using the ellipsoid formula and was good between expert and inexperienced radiologists performing manual planimetry.

Conclusion

Deep learning algorithm performs similarly to radiologists in the assessment of prostate volume on MRI.

Key Points

• A commercially available deep learning algorithm performs similarly to radiologists in the assessment of prostate volume on MRI.

• The deep-learning algorithm was previously untrained on this heterogenous multicenter day-to-day practice MRI data set.
The effects of collagen peptides on exercise-induced gastrointestinal stress: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Taylor Guy , Leonard Amber , Tang Jonathan C. Y. , Dunn Rachel , Fraser William D. , Virgilio Nicolina , Prawitt Janne , Stevenson Emma , Clifford Tom
Published: November 2022

Purpose

We examined the effects of collagen peptides (CP) supplementation on exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) stress.

Methods

In a randomized, crossover design, 20 volunteers (16 males: $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max, 53.4 ± 5.9 ml·kg−1) completed 3 trials: a non-exercise rest trial, with no supplement (REST) and then an exercise trial with CP (10 g·day−1) or placebo control (CON) supplements, which were consumed for 7 days prior to, and 45 min before, a 70 min run at 70–90% of $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max. Outcome measures included urinary lactulose and rhamnose (L/R), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), anti-LPS antibody, monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL) 6 and 8, cortisol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (measured pre, 10 min post and 2 h post) and subjective GI symptoms.

Results

There were no differences in heart rate, perceived exertion, thermal comfort, or core temperature during exercise in the CP and CON trials (all P > 0.05). I-FABP was higher in CP (2538 ± 1221 pg/ml) and CON (2541 ± 766 pg/ml) vs. REST 2 h post (1893 ± 1941 pg/ml) (both P < 0.05). LPS increased in CON vs. REST 2 h post (+ 71.8 pg/ml; P < 0.05). Anti-LPS antibody decreased in CON and CP vs. REST at post (both P < 0.05). There were no differences in MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 between the CP and CON trials (all P > 0.05), and no differences in L/R or GI symptoms between CON and CP (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Collagen peptides did not modify exercise-induced changes in inflammation, GI integrity or subjective GI symptoms but LPS was higher in CON 2 h post-exercise and thus future studies may be warranted.
Comparison of shear viscosity and normal stress measurements by rotational and on-line slit rheometers with tube model predictions
Authors: Teixeira Paulo F. , Hilliou Loic , Covas Jose A. , Narimissa Esmaeil , Poh Leslie , Wagner Manfred H.
Published: November 2022

In-extruder measurements of shear viscosity and normal stresses are important as these measurement techniques allow determining the rheological state of the polymer melt at processing conditions up to high shear rates. However, validation of viscosity and normal stress data obtained by in-line slit rheometers at high shear rates is difficult due to a lack of overlap of the in-line data and the off-line measurements by rotational rheometers limited to lower shear rates. Here, shear viscosity and normal stress data measured in-line at large shear rates during extrusion and off-line at low shear rates are compared to predictions of the Doi-Edwards model and the Hierarchical Multi-Mode Molecular Stress Function (HMMSF) model using linear-viscoelastic off-line small amplitude oscillating shear data of two polystyrenes and a low-density polyethylene as input parameters. For polystyrene, the results of this investigation do not only validate the experimental data obtained by rotational as well as slit-die rheometry, but also demonstrate the agreement between experiments and models up to very high shear rates, which were not experimentally accessible earlier. The low-density polyethylene shows a more complex behaviour, which follows the HMMSF model at low shear rates, but approaches the Doi-Edwards model at high shear rates.
Neuronal networks underlying ictal and subclinical discharges in childhood absence epilepsy
Authors: Kumar Ami , Lyzhko Ekaterina , Hamid Laith , Srivastav Anand , Stephani Ulrich , Japaridze Natia
Published: November 2022

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), involves 3 Hz generalized spikes and waves discharges (GSWDs) on the electroencephalogram (EEG), associated with ictal discharges (seizures) with clinical symptoms and impairment of consciousness and subclinical discharges without any objective clinical symptoms or impairment of consciousness. This study aims to comparatively characterize neuronal networks underlying absence seizures and subclinical discharges, using source localization and functional connectivity (FC), to better understand the pathophysiological mechanism of these discharges. Routine EEG data from 12 CAE patients, consisting of 45 ictal and 42 subclinical discharges were selected. Source localization was performed using the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) algorithm, followed by FC based on the imaginary part of coherency. FC based on the thalamus as the seed of interest showed significant differences between ictal and subclinical GSWDs (p < 0.05). For delta (1–3 Hz) and alpha bands (8–12 Hz), the thalamus displayed stronger connectivity towards other brain regions for ictal GSWDs as compared to subclinical GSWDs. For delta band, the thalamus was strongly connected to the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), precuneus, angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, parietal superior, and occipital mid-region for ictal GSWDs. The strong connections of the thalamus with other brain regions that are important for consciousness, and with components of the default mode network (DMN) suggest the severe impairment of consciousness in ictal GSWDs. However, for subclinical discharges, weaker connectivity between the thalamus and these brain regions may suggest the prevention of impairment of consciousness. This may benefit future therapeutic targets and improve the management of CAE patients.
Early-switch versus late-switch in patients with diabetic macular edema: a cost-effectiveness study
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno José M. , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge
Published: November 2022

Background

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early- versus late-switch to the intravitreal-dexamethasone implant (DEX-i) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who did not adequately respond to vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a multicenter Clinical Data Registry. The registry included DME eyes who received 3 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (early-switch) or > 3 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (late-switch) before switching to DEX-i injections. The primary outcome was to estimate the incremental cost needed to obtain a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement ≥ 0.1 or a central-retinal thickness CRT ≤ 250 μm.

Results

The analysis included 108 eyes, 32 (29.6%) and 76 (70.4%) in the early- and late-switch groups, respectively. Early-switch strategy was associated with a cost saving of €3,057.8; 95% CI: €2,406.4–3,928.4, p < 0.0001). Regarding incremental-cost-effectiveness ratio, late-switch group was associated with an incremental cost of €25,735.2 and €13,533.2 for achieving a BCVA improvement ≥ 0.1 at month 12 and at any of the time-point measured, respectively. At month 12, 38 (35.2%) eyes achieved a BCVA improvement ≥ 0.1. At month 12, 52 (48.1) eyes had achieved a CRT ≤ 250 micron. As compared to baseline, the mean (95% CI) CRT reduction was − 163.1 (− 212.5 to − 113.7) µm and − 161.6 (− 183.8 to − 139.3) µm in the early-switch and late-switch groups, respectively, p = 0.9463.

Conclusions

In DME eyes, who did not adequately respond to anti-VEGF, switching to DEX-i at early stages (after the first 3-monthly injections) was found to be more cost-effective than extending the treatment to 6-monthly injections of anti-VEGF.