bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of many-body dynamics using Rydberg excitons
Authors: Taylor Jacob , Goswami Sumit , Walther Valentin , Spanner Michael , Simon Christoph , Heshami Khabat
Published: May 2022

The recent observation of high-lying Rydberg states of excitons in semiconductors with relatively high binding energy motivates exploring their applications in quantum nonlinear optics and quantum information processing. Here, we study Rydberg excitation dynamics of a mesoscopic array of excitons to demonstrate its application in simulation of quantum many-body dynamics. We show that the

Z

2

-ordered phase can be reached using physical parameters available for cuprous oxide (Cu2O) by optimizing driving laser parameters such as duration, intensity, and frequency. In an example, we study the application of our proposed system to solving the maximum independent set problem based on the Rydberg blockade effect.
Fast decay of classification error in variational quantum circuits
Authors: Zhang Bingzhi , Zhuang Quntao
Published: May 2022

Variational quantum circuits (VQCs) have shown great potential in near-term applications. However, the discriminative power of a VQC, in connection to its circuit architecture and depth, is not understood. To unleash the genuine discriminative power of a VQC, we propose a VQC system with the optimal classical post-processing—maximum-likelihood estimation on measuring all VQC output qubits. Via extensive numerical simulations, we find that the error of VQC quantum data classification typically decays exponentially with the circuit depth, when the VQC architecture is extensive—the number of gates does not shrink with the circuit depth. This fast error suppression ends at the saturation towards the ultimate Helstrom limit of quantum state discrimination. On the other hand, non-extensive VQCs such as quantum convolutional neural networks are sub-optimal and fail to achieve the Helstrom limit, demonstrating a trade-off between ansatz complexity and classification performance in general. To achieve the best performance for a given VQC, the optimal classical post-processing is crucial even for a binary classification problem. To simplify VQCs for near-term implementations, we find that utilizing the symmetry of the input properly can improve the performance, while oversimplification can lead to degradation.
Overlooked factors in predicting the transition to clean electricity
Authors: Martin Nick , Madrid-López Cristina , Villalba-Méndez Gara , Talens-Peiró Laura
Published: May 2022

The transition to clean energy will require significant increases in electricity sourced from renewable energy technologies. While wind and solar photovoltaic sources are generally expected to overtake hydropower to dominate the renewable electricity supply market, numerous other technologies vie for a share in this rapidly evolving arena. To date, predicting the emergence of different technologies has relied on large-scale energy models that employ simplified optimisations of economic and emissions reductions outcomes. This is problematic as many additional factors, largely underrepresented in current models, are likely to co-determine technological emergence storylines in the real world. Here, we present a summary of the best available information for five key factors as they apply to the seven most common renewable electricity technology categories. The findings suggest that wind and solar photovoltaic technologies remain the most likely to dominate the market going forward but could face considerable raw material supply risk issues. Other potentially more desirable alternatives exist but face their own geographic and environmental limitations. Ultimately, the study demonstrates the potential and importance of expanding the use of other relevant factors in the forecasting of energy transition pathways and in the field of energy modelling as a whole.
ℚ-Curves, Hecke characters and some Diophantine equations
Authors: Pacetti Ariel , Villagra Torcomian Lucas
Published: May 2022

In this article we study the equations

x
4

+
d

y
2

=

z
p

x^4+dy^2=z^p

and

x
2

+
d

y
6

=

z
p

x^2+dy^6=z^p

for positive square-free values of

d
d

. A Frey curve over

Q

(

−
d

)

\mathbb {Q}(\sqrt {-d})

is attached to each primitive solution, which happens to be a

Q

\mathbb {Q}

-curve. Our main result is the construction of a Hecke character

χ
\chi

satisfying that the Frey elliptic curve representation twisted by

χ
\chi

extends to

G
a

l

Q

Gal_\mathbb {Q}

, therefore (by Serre’s conjectures) corresponds to a newform in

S
2

(

Γ
0

(
n
)
,
ε
)

S_2(\Gamma _0(n),\varepsilon )

for explicit values of

n
n

and

ε
\varepsilon

. Following some well known results and elimination techniques (together with some improvements) our result provides a systematic procedure to study solutions of the above equations and allows us to prove non-existence of non-trivial primitive solutions for large values of

p
p

of both equations for new values of

d
d

.
Every finite abelian group is the group of rational points of an ordinary abelian variety over 𝔽₂, 𝔽₃ and 𝔽₅
Authors: Marseglia Stefano , Springer Caleb
Published: May 2022

We show that every finite abelian group occurs as the group of rational points of an ordinary abelian variety over

F

2

\mathbb {F}_2

,

F

3

\mathbb {F}_3

and

F

5

\mathbb {F}_5

. We produce partial results for abelian varieties over a general finite field 

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

. In particular, we show that certain abelian groups cannot occur as groups of rational points of abelian varieties over

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

when

q
q

is large. Finally, we show that every finite cyclic group arises as the group of rational points of infinitely many simple abelian varieties over 

F

2

\mathbb {F}_2

.
Normalized solutions of the autonomous Kirchhoff equation with Sobolev critical exponent: Sub- and super-critical cases
Authors: Li Quanqing , Rădulescu Vicenţiu , Zhang Jian , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2022

In the present paper, we investigate the existence and multiplicity properties of the normalized solutions to the following Kirchhoff-type equation with Sobolev critical growth
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout 1st Row with Label left-parenthesis upper P right-parenthesis EndLabel StartLayout Enlarged left-brace 1st Row 1st Column minus left-parenthesis a plus b integral Underscript double-struck upper R cubed Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue nabla u EndAbsoluteValue squared d x right-parenthesis normal upper Delta u plus lamda u equals mu StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript p minus 2 Baseline u plus StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript 4 Baseline u comma 2nd Column a m p semicolon in double-struck upper R cubed comma 2nd Row 1st Column u greater-than 0 comma integral Underscript double-struck upper R cubed Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue squared d x equals c squared comma 2nd Column a m p semicolon in double-struck upper R cubed comma EndLayout EndLayout">

(

P

)

{

−

(
a
+
b

∫

R

3

|

∇
u

|

2

d
x
)

Δ
u
+
λ
u
=
μ

|

u

|

p
−
2

u
+

|

u

|

4

u
,

a
m
p
;
in 

R

3

,

u
>
0
,
 

∫

R

3

|

u

|

2

d
x
=

c
2

,

a
m
p
;
in 

R

3

,

\begin{equation*} \begin {cases} -\left (a+b\int _{\mathbb {R}^3}|\nabla u|^2dx\right )\Delta u+\lambda u=\mu |u|^{p-2}u+|u|^{4}u, \quad &\text {in } \mathbb {R}^3,\\ u>0, \ \int _{\mathbb {R}^3}|u|^2dx=c^2, \quad &\text {in }\mathbb {R}^3, \end{cases} \tag {$P$}\end{equation*}

where

a
,
 
b
,
 
c
,
 
μ
>
0

a, \ b, \ c, \ \mu >0

and

4
>
p
>
6

4>p>6

. We consider both the

L
2

L^2

-subcritical and the

L
2

L^2

-supercritical cases. Precisely, in the

L
2

L^2

-subcritical case, by combining the truncation method, the concentration-compactness principle and genus theory, we obtain the multiplicity of the normalized solutions for problem

(
P
)

(P)

. In the

L
2

L^2

-supercritical case, by using a fiber map and the concentration-compactness principle, we obtain a couple of normalized solutions for problem

(
P
)

(P)

, as well as their asymptotic behavior. These results extend and complement the existing results from Sobolev subcritical growth to the critical Sobolev setting.
On the structure of into isomorphisms between spaces of continuous functions
Authors: Galego Elói
Published: May 2022

Let

K
K

and

S
S

be locally compact Hausdorff spaces and let

T
T

be a real linear isomorphism of an extremely regular subspace

A
A

of

C

0

(
K
)

C_{0}(K)

into

C

0

(
S
)

C_{0}(S)

satisfying

‖
T
‖
 
‖

T

−
1

‖
>
2

\|T \| \ \|T^{-1}\|>2

. Put

L
=
T
 
‖

T

−
1

‖

L=T \ \|T^{-1}\|

and pick

0
≤
ε
>
1

0 \leq \varepsilon >1

such that

‖
T
‖
 
‖

T

−
1

‖
=
1
+
ε

\|T \| \ \|T^{-1}\|=1+\varepsilon

.

We prove that there exist a subset

S
0

S_0

of

S
S

, a proper map

φ
\varphi

of

S

0

S_{0}

onto

K
K

and a map

λ
:

S

0

→
{
−
1
,
1
}

\lambda :S_{0} \to \{-1, 1\}

such that
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartAbsoluteValue upper L f left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis minus lamda left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis f left-parenthesis phi left-parenthesis s right-parenthesis right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue less-than-or-equal-to epsilon double-vertical-bar f double-vertical-bar comma for-all s element-of upper S 0 and f element-of upper A period">

|

L
f
(
s
)
−
λ
(
s
)
f
(
φ
(
s
)
)

|

≤
ε
‖
f
‖
,
 
∀
s
∈

S

0

 
and
 
f
∈
A
.

\begin{equation*} |Lf(s)-\lambda (s) f(\varphi (s))| \leq \varepsilon \|f\|, \ \forall s \in S_{0} \ \text {and} \ f \in A. \end{equation*}

For

ε
>
1

/

2

\varepsilon > 1/2

the maps

φ
\varphi

and

λ
\lambda

are continuous, and this approximation of

L
L

by such a weighted composition operator improves the well-known Holsztyński theorem [Studia Math. 26 (1966), pp. 133–136], the case where

ε
=
0

\varepsilon =0

,

K
K

and

S
S

are compact and

A
=

C

0

(
K
)

A=C_{0}(K)

.

The approximation of

L
L

in the general case where

0
≤
ε
>
1

0 \leq \varepsilon >1

is an extension of a Benyamini’s result [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 83 (1981), pp. 479–485] which allowed us to strengthen a classical Jarosz’s theorem [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 90 (1984), pp. 373–377] by proving that

K
K

is a continuous image not just of a subset of

S
S

but of a locally compact subset of

S
S

. Moreover, when

K
K

is compact, it is a continuous image not just a closed subset of

S
S

but of a compact subset of

S
S

, namely the set

S
0

S_0

having the above properties.
A mixed invariant of nonorientable surfaces in equivariant Khovanov homology
Authors: Lipshitz Robert , Sarkar Sucharit
Published: May 2022

We construct a mixed invariant of nonorientable surfaces from the Lee and Bar-Natan deformations of Khovanov homology and use it to distinguish pairs of surfaces bounded by the same knot, including some exotic examples.
Universality of the homotopy interleaving distance
Authors: Blumberg Andrew , Lesnick Michael
Published: May 2022

As a step towards establishing homotopy-theoretic foundations for topological data analysis (TDA), we introduce and study homotopy interleavings between filtered topological spaces. These are homotopy-invariant analogues of interleavings, objects commonly used in TDA to articulate stability and inference theorems. Intuitively, whereas a strict interleaving between filtered spaces

X
X

and

Y
Y

certifies that

X
X

and

Y
Y

are approximately isomorphic, a homotopy interleaving between

X
X

and

Y
Y

certifies that

X
X

and

Y
Y

are approximately weakly equivalent.

The main results of this paper are that homotopy interleavings induce an extended pseudometric

d

H
I

d_{HI}

on filtered spaces, and that this is the universal pseudometric satisfying natural stability and homotopy invariance axioms. To motivate these axioms, we also observe that

d

H
I

d_{HI}

(or more generally, any pseudometric satisfying these two axioms and an additional “homology bounding” axiom) can be used to formulate lifts of several fundamental TDA theorems from the algebraic (homological) level to the level of filtered spaces.

Finally, we consider the problem of establishing a persistent Whitehead theorem in terms of homotopy interleavings. We provide a counterexample to a naive formulation of the result.
Finite energy Navier-Stokes flows with unbounded gradients induced by localized flux in the half-space
Authors: Kang Kyungkeun , Lai Baishun , Lai Chen-Chih , Tsai Tai-Peng
Published: May 2022

For the Stokes system in the half space, Kang [Math. Ann. 331 (2005), pp. 87-109] showed that a solution generated by a compactly supported, Hölder continuous boundary flux may have unbounded normal derivatives near the boundary. In this paper we first prove explicit global pointwise estimates of the above solution, showing in particular that it has finite global energy and its derivatives blow up everywhere on the boundary away from the flux. We then use the above solution as a profile to construct solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations which also have finite global energy and unbounded normal derivatives due to the flux. Our main tool is the pointwise estimates of the Green tensor of the Stokes system proved by us in an earlier paper. We also examine the Stokes flows generated by dipole bumps’ boundary flux, and identify the regions where the normal derivatives of the solutions tend to positive or negative infinity near the boundary.
Toeplitz algebras of semigroups
Authors: Laca Marcelo , Sehnem Camila
Published: May 2022

To each submonoid

P
P

of a group we associate a universal Toeplitz

C

∗

\mathrm {C}^*

-algebra

T

u

(
P
)

\mathcal {T}_u(P)

defined via generators and relations;

T

u

(
P
)

\mathcal {T}_u(P)

is a quotient of Li’s semigroup

C

∗

\mathrm {C}^*

-algebra

C

s
∗

(
P
)

\mathrm {C}^*_s(P)

and they are isomorphic iff

P
P

satisfies independence. We give a partial crossed product realization of

T

u

(
P
)

\mathcal {T}_u(P)

and show that several results known for

C

s
∗

(
P
)

\mathrm {C}^*_s(P)

when

P
P

satisfies independence are also valid for

T

u

(
P
)

\mathcal {T}_u(P)

when independence fails. At the level of the reduced semigroup

C

∗

\mathrm {C}^*

-algebra

T

λ

(
P
)

\mathcal {T}_\lambda (P)

, we show that nontrivial ideals have nontrivial intersection with the reduced crossed product of the diagonal subalgebra by the action of the group of units of 

P
P

, generalizing a result of Li for monoids with trivial unit group. We characterize when the action of the group of units is topologically free, in which case a representation of

T

λ

(
P
)

\mathcal {T}_\lambda (P)

is faithful iff it is jointly proper. This yields a uniqueness theorem that generalizes and unifies several classical results. We provide a concrete presentation for the covariance algebra of the product system over

P
P

with one-dimensional fibers in terms of a new notion of foundation sets of constructible ideals. We show that the covariance algebra is a universal analogue of the boundary quotient and give conditions on 

P
P

for the boundary quotient to be purely infinite simple. We discuss applications to a numerical semigroup and to the

a
x
+
b

ax+b

-monoid of an integral domain. This is particularly interesting in the case of nonmaximal orders in number fields, for which we show independence always fails.
Vulnerability to Hypertension Is a Major Determinant of Racial Disparities in Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Kolpakov Stanislav , Yashkin Arseniy P , Kravchenko Julia
Published: May 2022

Background

Higher incidence levels of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Black Americans are well documented. However, quantitative explanations of this disparity in terms of risk-factor diseases acting through well-defined pathways are lacking.

Methods

We applied a Blinder-Oaxaca-based algorithm modified for censored data to a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries age 65+ to explain Black/White disparities in AD risk in terms of differences in exposure and vulnerability to morbidity profiles based on 10 major AD-risk-related diseases.

Results

The primary contribution to racial disparities in AD risk comes from morbidity profiles that included hypertension with about 1/5th of their contribution due to differences in prevalence (exposure effect) and 4/5ths to differences in the effects of the morbidity profile on AD risk (vulnerability effect). In total, disease-related effects explained a higher proportion of AD incidence in Black Americans than in their White counterparts.

Conclusions

Disease-related causes may represent some of the most straightforward targets for targeted interventions aimed at the reduction of racial disparities in health among US older adults. Hypertension is a manageable and potentially preventable condition responsible for the majority of the Black/White differences in AD risk, making mitigation of the role of this disease in engendering higher AD incidence in Black Americans a prominent concern.
Functional expression and mutant analysis of thioredoxin-fused CEL-III, a hemolytic lectin from the marine invertebrate Cucumaria echinata
Authors: Shimizu Yoshiki , Yonekura Masami , Kouzuma Yoshiaki
Published: May 2022

CEL-III is a hemolytic lectin purified from the marine invertebrate Cucumaria echinata. New expression system of CEL-III was constructed, and the recombinant thioredoxin-fused CEL-III (Trx-CEL-III) showed strong hemlytic and carbohydrate binding activity as same as authentic CEL-III. Mutation analysis of Trx-CEL-III suggested carbohydrate binding to subdomain 1α and 2β of CEL-III might be important for the hemolytic activity.
Soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 is a strong predictor of all-cause, cardiovascular and infection-related mortality risk in haemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hammer Fabian , Genser Bernd , Dieplinger Benjamin , Egger Margot , Müller Thomas , Drechsler Christiane , März Winfried , Störk Stefan , Wanner Christoph , Krane Vera
Published: May 2022

Background

Soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) is a strong prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular (CV) disease. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are at high risk of CV events and infections. Herein we investigated the utility of sST2 to predict all-cause and cause-specific mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

sST2 concentrations were measured in plasma samples of 1196 participants of the German Diabetes and Dialysis (4D) study who had type 2 diabetes mellitus and received maintenance HD for ESKD. Hazard ratios (HRs) for prespecified, adjudicated endpoints were determined according to sST2 levels at baseline by multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

Participants (mean age 66 years, 54% male) had a median sST2 concentration of 25 ng/mL and were followed up for 4 years. After adjustment for possible confounders, participants with sST2 concentrations in the highest (>32.6 ng/mL) compared with the lowest (<20.1 ng/mL) quartile exhibited a 2-fold higher all-cause mortality risk {[HR 2.06 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61–2.61]; P < .001}. High sST concentrations (fourth versus first quartile) were strongly associated with the risk of cardiac death [HR 2.29 (95% CI 1.55–3.39); P < .001]. Analysis of individual components of cardiac causes of death showed an increased risk of sudden death [HR 2.24 (95% CI 1.33–3.77); P < .001], death due to myocardial infarction [HR 2.12 (95% CI 0.9–5.0); P = .087] and heart failure [HR 3.34 (95% CI 1.15–9.75); P = .027] in participants with sST2 levels in the highest compared with the lowest quartile. Likewise, participants with the highest sST2 levels had an increased risk of fatal stroke [HR 1.92 (95% CI 1.17–3.14); P = .009] and fatal infections [HR 2.01 (95% CI 1.2–3.37); P = .008]. In contrast to fatal CV events, sST2 was not associated with the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction [HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.41–1.12); P = .132] or non-fatal stroke [HR 1.28 (95% CI 0.64–2.53); P = .485].

Conclusions

In HD patients with diabetes mellitus, high concentrations of sST2 were strongly and independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, CV mortality and death due to infection but not non-fatal CV events.
Corporate zombies: anatomy and life cycle
Authors: Banerjee Ryan , Hofmann Boris
Published: May 2022

Using firm-level data on listed non-financial companies in 14 advanced economies, we document a rise in the share of zombie firms, defined as unprofitable firms with low stock market valuation, from 4% in the late 1980s to 15% in 2017. These zombie firms are smaller, less productive, more leveraged, invest less in physical and intangible capital and shrink their assets, debt and employment. Their performance deteriorates several years before zombification and remains significantly poorer than that of non-zombie firms in subsequent years. Over time, some 25% of zombie companies exited the market, while 60% exited from zombie status. However, recovered zombies underperform compared with firms that have never been zombies and they face a high probability of relapsing into zombie status.
Flavor profile variations of Huangjiu brewed in different traditional Chinese solar terms
Authors: Lu Lina , Zhang Jiaojiao , Wu Fenghua , Xie Guangfa , Shan Zhichu , Liu Xingquan
Published: May 2022

Background

Through long-term research on Huangjiu fermentation, it has been found that the quality of Huangjiu is closely associated with Chinese 24-solar term. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the characteristic and property index differences of Huangjiu, such as aroma and flavor profile, and physicochemical properties—brewed in different solar terms by choosing five representative fermentation times of Shaoxing Huangjiu.

Results

Huangjiu samples in the current study all met the national standards of traditional semi-dry Huangjiu. There are significant differences in physicochemical properties such as acidity and amino nitrogen among different solar-term groups. Forty three detected volatiles were applied by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis analyses to differentiate the main factors. Volatiles mainly loaded to four principal components, which accounted for 86.5%. Nineteen volatiles were discriminated to significantly differentiate solar-term groups. Odor activity values (OAV) analysis found 14 compounds with OAV>1, while correlation analysis between volatiles and the outcomes of sensory evaluation displayed the various properties of Huangjiu on aroma and flavor due to the various combinations of volatiles, reducing sugar, acidity and amino nitrogen. After a national wine inspector evaluated and scored Huangjiu fermented in different solar terms, Huangjiu brewed in Winter Solstice exhibited the highest performance, with a score of 91.0, and praised as a kind of gold medal product.

Conclusion

The methodology of this study can help to produce more types of appealing flavor and aroma of alcoholic beverages to consumers, build varietal Huangjiu or other alcoholic beverages through fermenting guidance by solar term, and even expand the applications of the traditional Chinese 24-solar term.
Older Workers With Unpredictable Schedules: Implications for Well-Being and Job Retention
Authors: Abrams Leah R , Harknett Kristen , Schneider Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

A substantial portion of the service sector workforce is middle-aged or older, but little is known about the scheduling conditions of these older workers. This study describes the quality of work schedules in the service sector by age and tests associations of unpredictable schedules with well-being and job retention among workers ages 50–80.

Research Design and Methods

The Shift Project collected survey data on detailed working conditions and health from 121,408 service sector workers, recruited in 2017–2020 using social media advertisements. Survey weights aligned sample demographics with the American Community Survey, and multiple imputation addressed missingness. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to examine associations between age and schedule stability, and ordinary least squares, ordinal logit, and logit regression models tested associations between schedule stability and well-being and job retention outcomes for older workers.

Results

Scheduling conditions were more stable and predictable for older compared to younger workers; however, more than 80% of workers ages 50–80 experienced one or more types of routine schedule instability. Among workers ages 50–80, unpredictable schedules were associated with psychological distress, poor-quality sleep, work–family conflict, economic insecurity, job dissatisfaction, and intentions to look for a new job. Canceled and back-to-back closing and opening (“clopening”) shifts were most strongly associated with negative outcomes.

Discussion and Implications

Policies aimed at improving scheduling conditions hold promise to benefit older service workers’ well-being. As the population ages, improving work schedules in the years approaching retirement may be important to longer working lives.
Low Fecal Calprotectin Predicts Histological Healing in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis with Endoscopic Remission and Leads to Prolonged Clinical Remission
Authors: Kawashima Kousaku , Oshima Naoki , Kishimoto Kenichi , Kataoka Masatoshi , Fukunaga Mai , Kotani Satoshi , Sonoyama Hiroki , Oka Akihiko , Mishima Yoshiyuki , Kazumori Hideaki , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Araki Asuka , Ishihara Shunji
Published: May 2022

Background

Consensus regarding the cutoff value of fecal calprotectin (FC) for predicting histological healing (HH) in ulcerative colitis (UC) is lacking. This study aimed to determine an optimal FC cutoff value for predicting HH in patients with UC with clinical and endoscopic remission. Furthermore, FC’s predictability for prolonged clinical remission (CR) was investigated.

Methods

Patients with UC in clinical and endoscopic remission, defined as a partial Mayo score (PMS) ≤ 2 points and a Mayo endoscopic subscore 0–1, were prospectively enrolled. Biopsy samples were evaluated by Geboes score (GS), with HH defined as a GS < 2.0. Patients were followed for 2 years or until relapse, defined as a PMS > 2 or medication escalation.

Results

Seventy-six patients with UC were included. The median FC value in patients with HH (n = 40) was 56.2 µg/g, significantly lower than that in those with histological activity (118.1 µg/g; P < .01). The area under the curve (AUC) in a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict HH for FC was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59–0.83), with an optimal cutoff value of 82.7 µg/g (73% sensitivity; 64% specificity; P < .01). Of 74 patients observed for 2 years, 54 (73%) had prolonged CR. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUC to predict prolonged CR for FC was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68–0.90), equivalent to that for HH (0.73; 95% CI, 0.59–0.87; P = .40). The optimal FC cutoff value to predict prolonged CR was 84.6 µg/g (72% sensitivity; 85% specificity; P < .01).

Conclusions

Fecal calprotectin < 82 µg/g predicts HH in patients with UC with clinical and endoscopic remission. Low FC leads to prolonged CR, equivalent to HH.
Reported County-Level Distribution of Seven Human Pathogens Detected in Host-Seeking Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Contiguous United States
Authors: Fleshman Amy C , Foster Erik , Maes Sarah E , Eisen Rebecca J
Published: May 2022

Tickborne disease cases account for over 75% of reported vector-borne disease cases in the United States each year. In addition to transmitting the agents of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu strict [Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae] and Borrelia mayonii [Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae]), the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus collectively transmit five additional human pathogens. By mapping the distributions of tickborne pathogens in host-seeking ticks, we can understand where humans are at risk of contracting tickborne diseases and devise targeted strategies to prevent them. Using publicly available tickborne pathogen surveillance databases, internal CDC pathogen testing databases, and SCOPUS search records published since 2000, we mapped the county-level distribution of Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae), Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae), and Powassan virus (Flaviviridae) reported in host-seeking I. scapularis or I. pacificus in the contiguous United States. We also updated recently published maps of the distributions of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia mayonii. All seven pathogen distributions were more limited than the distributions of vector ticks, with at least one of the seven pathogens detected in 30 states out of 41 total states (73.2% of states) where vector ticks are considered to be established. Prevention and diagnosis of tickborne diseases rely on an accurate understanding by the public and health care providers of where people are at risk for exposure to infected ticks. Our county-level pathogen distribution maps expand on previous efforts showing the distribution of Lyme disease spirochetes and highlight counties where further investigation may be warranted.
Minimally Invasive Detection of IDH1 Mutation With Cell-Free Circulating Tumor DNA and D-2-Hydroxyglutarate, D/L-2-Hydroxyglutarate Ratio in Gliomas
Authors: Tuna Gamze , Dal-Bekar Nazlı Ecem , Akay Ali , Rükşen Mete , İşlekel Sertaç , İşlekel Gül Hüray
Published: May 2022

Isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation is accepted as one of the earliest events in tumorigenesis in gliomas. This mutation causes preferential accumulation of D- relative to L-enantiomer of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Minimally invasive techniques to detect IDH1 mutation may prove useful for clinical practice. We adopted 2 different diagnostic approaches to detect IDH1 mutation status in glioma patients: Evaluation of D- and L-2-HG levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, and plasma, and identification of IDH1 mutation using cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in CSF and plasma. Forty-nine glioma patients in different stages were included. Levels of D- and L-2-HG were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; IDH1 R132H mutation was determined by digital-PCR. D-2-HG levels and D/L-2-HG ratio (rDL) in CSF and rDL in plasma were significantly higher in the mutant group than in the wild-type group (p = 0.029, 0.032, 0.001, respectively). The IDH1 mutation detection rates in CSF- and plasma-ctDNA were 63.2% and 25.0%, respectively. These data indicate that D-2-HG values in CSF and rDL in plasma and CSF can be considered as significant contributors to the identification of IDH1 mutation status. In addition, detection of IDH1 mutation in CSF-ctDNA from glioma patients provides a basis for future use of ctDNA for minimally invasive clinical assessment of gliomas.
Seasonal and interannual variations of ecosystem photosynthetic characteristics in a semi-arid grassland of Northern China
Authors: You Cuihai , Wang Yanbing , Tan Xingru , Zhang Bingwei , Ren Tingting , Chen Boyu , Xu Mengzhen , Chen Shiping
Published: May 2022

The ecosystem apparent quantum yield (α), maximum rate of gross CO2 assimilation (Pmax) and daytime ecosystem respiration rate (Rd), reflecting the physiological functioning of ecosystem, are vital photosynthetic parameters for the estimation of ecosystem carbon budget. Climatic drivers may affect photosynthetic parameters both directly and indirectly by altering the response of vegetation. However, the relative contribution and regulation pathway of environmental and physiological controls remain unclear, especially in semi-arid grasslands. We analyzed seasonal and interannual variations of photosynthetic parameters derived from eddy-covariance observation in a typical semi-arid grassland in Inner Mongolia, Northern China, over 12 years from 2006 to 2017. Regression analyses and a structural equation model (SEM) were adopted to separate the contributions of environmental and physiological effects. The photosynthetic parameters showed unimodal seasonal patterns and significantly interannual variations. Variations of air temperature (Ta) and soil water content (SWC) drove the seasonal patterns of photosynthetic parameters, while SWC predominated their interannual variations. Moreover, contrasting with the predominant roles of Ta on α and Rd, SWC explained more variance of Pmax than Ta. Results of SEM revealed that environmental factors impacted photosynthetic parameters both directly and indirectly through regulating physiological responses reflected by stomatal conductance at the canopy level. Moreover, leaf area index (LAI) directly affected α, Pmax and Rd and dominated the variation of Pmax. On the other hand, SWC influenced photosynthetic parameters indirectly through LAI and canopy surface conductance (gc). Our findings highlight the importance of physiological regulation on the photosynthetic parameters and carbon assimilation capacity, especially in water-limited grassland ecosystems.
The importance of black hole repositioning for galaxy formation simulations
Authors: Bahé Yannick M , Schaye Joop , Schaller Matthieu , Bower Richard G , Borrow Josh , Chaikin Evgenii , Kugel Roi , Nobels Folkert , Ploeckinger Sylvia
Published: May 2022

Active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback from accreting supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is an essential ingredient of galaxy formation simulations. The orbital evolution of SMBHs is affected by dynamical friction that cannot be predicted self-consistently by contemporary simulations of galaxy formation in representative volumes. Instead, such simulations typically use a simple ‘repositioning’ of SMBHs, but the effects of this approach on SMBH and galaxy properties have not yet been investigated systematically. Based on a suite of smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations with the swift code and a Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton sub-grid gas accretion model, we investigate the impact of repositioning on SMBH growth and on other baryonic components through AGN feedback. Across at least a factor ∼1000 in mass resolution, SMBH repositioning (or an equivalent approach) is a necessary prerequisite for AGN feedback; without it, black hole growth is negligible. Limiting the effective repositioning speed to ≲10 km s−1 delays the onset of AGN feedback and severely limits its impact on stellar mass growth in the centre of massive galaxies. Repositioning has three direct physical consequences. It promotes SMBH mergers and thus accelerates their initial growth. In addition, it raises the peak density of the ambient gas and reduces the SMBH velocity relative to it, giving a combined boost to the accretion rate that can reach many orders of magnitude. Our results suggest that a more sophisticated and/or better calibrated treatment of SMBH repositioning is a critical step towards more predictive galaxy formation simulations.
The influence of Hickson-like compact group environment on galaxy luminosities
Authors: Zandivarez A , Díaz-Giménez E , Taverna A
Published: May 2022

Compact groups of galaxies are devised as extreme environments where interactions may drive galaxy evolution. In this work, we analysed whether the luminosities of galaxies inhabiting compact groups differ from those of galaxies in loose galaxy groups. We computed the luminosity functions of galaxy populations inhabiting a new sample of 1412 Hickson-like compact groups of galaxies identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 16. We observed a characteristic absolute magnitude for galaxies in compact groups brighter than that observed in the field or loose galaxy systems. We also observed a deficiency of faint galaxies in compact groups in comparison with loose systems. Our analysis showed that the brightening is mainly due to galaxies inhabiting the more massive compact groups. In contrast to what is observed in loose systems, where only the luminosities of Red (and Early) galaxies show a dependency with group mass, luminosities of Red and Blue (also Early and Late) galaxies in compact groups are affected similarly as a function of group virial mass. When using Hubble types, we observed that elliptical galaxies in compact groups are the brightest galaxy population, and groups dominated by an elliptical galaxy also display the brightest luminosities in comparison with those dominated by spiral galaxies. Moreover, we show that the general luminosity trends can be reproduced using a mock catalogue obtained from a semi-analytical model of galaxy formation. These results suggest that the inner extreme environment in compact groups prompts a different evolutionary history for their galaxies.
Satellite galaxies in groups in the CIELO Project I. Gas removal from galaxies and its re-distribution in the intragroup medium
Authors: Rodríguez S , Garcia Lambas D , Padilla N D , Tissera P , Bignone L , Dominguez-Tenreiro R , Gonzalez R , Pedrosa S
Published: May 2022

We study the impact of the environment on galaxies as they fall in and orbit in the potential well of a Local Group (LG) analogue, following them with high cadence. The analysis is performed on eight disc satellite galaxies from the CIELO suite of hydrodynamical simulations. All galaxies have stellar masses within the range $[10^{8.1}\!-\!10^{9.56}] \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }\, {\rm h}^{-1}$. We measure tidal torques, ram pressure, and specific star formation rates (sSFRs) as a function of time, and correlate them with the amount of gas lost by satellites along their orbits. Stronger removal episodes occur when the disc plane is oriented perpendicular to the direction of motion. More than one peripassage is required to significantly modify the orientations of the discs with respect to the orbital plane. The gas removed during the interaction with the central galaxies may also be found opposite to the direction of motion, depending on the orbital configuration. Satellites are not totally quenched when the galaxies reach their first peripassage and continue forming about $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the final stellar mass after this event. The fraction of removed gas is found to be the product of the joint action of tidal torque and ram pressure, which can also trigger new star formation activity and subsequent supernova feedback.
Bloodstream Infections in Hematologic Malignancy Patients With Fever and Neutropenia: Are Empirical Antibiotic Therapies in the United States Still Effective?
Authors: Zimmer Andrea J , Stohs Erica , Meza Jane , Arnold Christopher , Baddley John W , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi , El Boghdadly Zeinab , Gomez Carlos A , Maziarz Eileen K , Montoya Jose G , Pergam Steven , Rolston Kenneth V , Satlin Michael J , Satyanarayana Gowri , Shoham Shmuel , Strasfeld Lynne , Taplitz Randy , Walsh Thomas J , Young Jo-Anne H , Zhang Yuning , Freifeld Alison G
Published: May 2022

Background

Rising antimicrobial resistance rates may impact the efficacy of empirical antibiotic treatment for febrile neutropenia in high-risk cancer patients. Lacking contemporary data about the epidemiology, antibiotic resistance patterns, and clinical outcomes from bloodstream infections (BSIs) in US cancer patients, it is unclear if current guidelines remain relevant.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 14 US cancer centers prospectively identified BSIs in high-risk febrile neutropenic (FN) patients, including those receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Results

Among 389 organisms causing BSI in 343 patients, there was an equal distribution of gram-negative (GN) and gram-positive (GP) bacteria, with variability across centers. Cefepime and piperacillin-tazobactam were the most commonly prescribed empirical antibiotics for FN, at 62% and 23%, respectively; a GP-directed agent was empirically included in nearly half of all FN episodes within the first 24 hours. Susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and carbapenems was 49%, 84%, 88%, and 96%, respectively, among GN isolates. Critical illness (CrI), defined as a new requirement for mechanical ventilation, vasopressor, or death within 30 days, occurred in 15% and did not correlate with fluoroquinolone prophylaxis, organism type, initial antibiotics, or adequacy of coverage. Only severity of illness at presentation, signified by a Pitt bacteremia score ≥2, predicted for critical illness within 30 days. Mortality was 4% by day 7 and 10% overall.

Conclusions

In accordance with US guidelines, cefepime or piperacillin-tazobactam remain effective agents or empirical treatment for high-risk cancer patients with FN who are stable at presentation, maintaining high GN pathogen susceptibility and yielding excellent outcomes.
Missed Plasmodium ovale Infections Among Symptomatic Persons in Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia
Authors: Leonard Colleen M , Hwang Jimee , Assefa Ashenafi , Zulliger Rose , Candrinho Baltazar , Dimbu Pedro Rafael , Saifodine Abuchahama , Plucinski Mateusz , Rogier Eric
Published: May 2022

The majority of symptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Infection with Plasmodium ovale is often not recorded and not considered clinically relevant. Here, we describe 8 cases of P ovale infection from 3 African countries—all of which were misdiagnosed at the presenting health facility.
Surveillance of Rice Blast Resistance Effectiveness and Emerging Virulent Isolates in Taiwan
Authors: Syauqi Jauhar , Chen Rong-Kuen , Cheng An-Hsiu , Wu Yea-Fang , Chung Chia-Lin , Lin Chun-Chi , Chou Hau-Ping , Wu Hsin-Yuh , Jian Jen-You , Liao Chung-Ta , Kuo Chien-Chih , Chu Sheng-Chi , Tsai Yi-Chen , Liao Dah-Jing , Wu Yong-Pei , Abadi Abdul Latief , Sulistyowati Liliek , Shen Wei-Chiang
Published: May 2022

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a dangerous threat to rice production and food security worldwide. Breeding and proper deployment of resistant varieties are effective and environmentally friendly strategies to manage this notorious disease. However, a highly dynamic and quickly evolved rice blast pathogen population in the field has made disease control with resistance germplasms more challenging. Therefore, continued monitoring of pathogen dynamics and application of effective resistance varieties are critical tasks to prolong or sustain field resistance. Here, we report a team project that involved evaluation of rice blast resistance genes and surveillance of M. oryzae field populations in Taiwan. A set of International Rice Research Institute-bred blast-resistant lines (IRBLs) carrying single blast resistance genes was utilized to monitor the field effectiveness of rice blast resistance. Resistance genes such as Ptr (formerly Pita2) and Pi9 exhibited the best and most durable resistance against the rice blast fungus population in Taiwan. Interestingly, line IRBLb-B harboring the Pib gene with good field protection has recently shown susceptible lesions in some locations. To dissect the genotypic features of virulent isolates against the Pib resistance gene, M. oryzae isolates were collected and analyzed. Screening of the AvrPib locus revealed that the majority of field isolates still maintained the wild-type AvrPib status but eight virulent genotypes were found. Pot3 insertion appeared to be a major way to disrupt the AvrPib avirulence function. Interestingly, a novel AvrPib double-allele genotype among virulent isolates was first identified. Pot2 repetitive element-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) fingerprinting analysis indicated that mutation events may occur independently among different lineages in different geographic locations of Taiwan. This study provides our surveillance experience of rice blast disease and serves as the foundation to sustain rice production.
A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo Controlled Trial of Clazakizumab for the Treatment of COVID-19 Pneumonia With Hyperinflammation*
Authors: Lonze Bonnie E. , Spiegler Peter , Wesson Russell N. , Alachkar Nada , Petkova Eva , Weldon Elaina P. , Dieter Rebecca A. , Li Yi , Quinn Max , Mattoo Aprajita , Soomro Irfana , Cohen Steven M. , Leung Sherry , Deterville Cecilia L. , Landrum B. Mark , Ali Muhammad Imran , Cohen David J. , Singer Andrew L. , Sen Ayan , Chong Edward , Hochman Judith S. , Troxel Andrea B. , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES:

We designed this study to test whether clazakizumab, a direct interleukin-6 inhibitor, benefits patients hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19 disease accompanied by hyperinflammation.

DESIGN:

Multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, seamless phase II/III trial.

SETTING:

Five U.S. medical centers.

PATIENTS:

Adults inpatients with severe COVID-19 disease and hyperinflammation.

INTERVENTIONS:

Eighty-one patients enrolled in phase II, randomized 1:1:1 to low-dose (12.5 mg) or high-dose (25 mg) clazakizumab or placebo. Ninety-seven patients enrolled in phase III, randomized 1:1 to high-dose clazakizumab or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The primary outcome was 28-day ventilator-free survival. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, frequency and duration of intubation, and frequency and duration of ICU admission. Per Data Safety and Monitoring Board recommendations, additional secondary outcomes describing clinical status and status changes, as measured by an ordinal scale, were added. Bayesian cumulative proportional odds, logistic, and Poisson regression models were used. The low-dose arm was dropped when the phase II study suggested superiority of the high-dose arm. We report on 152 patients, 74 randomized to placebo and 78 to high-dose clazakizumab. Patients receiving clazakizumab had greater odds of 28-day ventilator-free survival (odds ratio [OR] = 3.84; p [OR > 1] 99.9%), as well as overall survival at 28 and 60 days (OR = 1.75; p [OR > 1] 86.5% and OR = 2.53; p [OR > 1] 97.7%). Clazakizumab was associated with lower odds of intubation (OR = 0.2; p [OR] < 1; 99.9%) and ICU admission (OR = 0.26; p [OR < 1] 99.6%); shorter durations of ventilation and ICU stay (risk ratio [RR] < 0.75; p [RR < 1] > 99% for both); and greater odds of improved clinical status at 14, 28, and 60 days (OR = 2.32, p [OR > 1] 98.1%; OR = 3.36, p [OR > 1] 99.6%; and OR = 3.52, p [OR > 1] 99.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Clazakizumab significantly improved 28-day ventilator-free survival, 28- and 60-day overall survival, as well as clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and hyperinflammation.
Frontal–Temporal Triangle Area Hair for Eyebrow Restoration in Asians: A Comparative Study With Periauricular and Occipital Hair
Authors: Li Kaitao , Sun Pingping , Liu Fang , Hu Zhiqi , Miao Yong
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The frontal–temporal triangle area (FTTA) hair has a slow growth rate and thin caliber, which are similar to those of eyebrow hair. However, a comparison of cosmetic outcomes between FTTA and other scalp hair grafts in eyebrow transplantation has not been performed.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cosmetic outcomes of FTTA hair and periauricular and occipital area (POA) hair in eyebrow restoration.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 155 patients with FTTA or POA hair transplants was performed. Comparative variables included patient characteristics, hair density, diameter, percentage of one-hair follicular units (FUs), number of transplanted FUs, harvesting time, transection rate, hair survival rate, frequency of eyebrow trimming, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in hair density, diameter, percentage of one-hair FUs, and harvesting time between the FTTA and POA hair transplants. The FTTA hair grew significantly slower than the POA hair did. The patients in the FTTA group trimmed their postoperative eyebrows at a significantly longer interval than those in the POA group. The percentage of patients who were very satisfied with the surgery results was higher in the FTTA group.

CONCLUSION

The FTTA hair grafts can provide aesthetically pleasing cosmetic results in eyebrow restoration.