bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Neutralizing Antibody Levels Against Measles and Rubella Viruses Among Adults With 3 Doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine
Authors: Alonge Oluwakemi D , Marin Mona , Hickman Carole J , Sowers Sun B , Chen Min-hsin , Hao Lijuan , Mercader Sara , El-Badry Elina , McClure David L , Icenogle Joseph P , Sugerman David E , Crooke Stephen N , Nguyen Huong Q
Published: January 2024

Background

A third dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) may be administered for various reasons, but data on long-term immunity are limited. We assessed neutralizing antibody levels against measles and rubella among adults up to 11 years after receipt of a third MMR dose.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, healthy adults who received a third MMR dose as young adults (ages 18–28 years) were recalled around 5 years and 9–11 years after the third dose. Measles and rubella antibody levels were assessed by plaque-reduction and immunocolorimetric neutralization assays, respectively. Antibody concentrations <120 mIU/mL and <10 U/mL were considered potentially susceptible to measles and rubella, respectively. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) over time were estimated from generalized estimating equation models.

Results

Approximately 5 and 9–11 years after receipt of the third dose, 405 and 304 adults were assessed, respectively. Measles GMC was 428 mIU/mL (95% CI, 392–468 mIU/mL) 5 years postvaccination, declining to 381 mIU/mL (95% CI, 339–428 mIU/mL) 11 years postvaccination. At the last follow-up visit (9–11 years postvaccination), 10% of participants were potentially susceptible to measles infection. Rubella GMCs were stable throughout the follow-up period (63 U/mL to 65 U/mL); none of the participants was susceptible to rubella at the last follow-up visit.

Conclusions

Eleven years after receiving a third MMR dose, measles and rubella neutralizing antibody levels remained high in adults. However, on the basis of waning antibody levels, some adults may become susceptible to measles infection over time despite receipt of 3 vaccine doses.
Artifactual Orthologs and the Need for Diligent Data Exploration in Complex Phylogenomic Datasets: A Museomic Case Study from the Andean Flora
Authors: Frost Laura A , Bedoya Ana M , Lagomarsino Laura P
Published: January 2024

The Andes mountains of western South America are a globally important biodiversity hotspot, yet there is a paucity of resolved phylogenies for plant clades from this region. Filling an important gap in our understanding of the World’s richest flora, we present the first phylogeny of Freziera (Pentaphylacaceae), an Andean-centered, cloud forest radiation. Our dataset was obtained via hybrid-enriched target sequence capture of Angiosperms353 universal loci for 50 of the ca. 75 spp., obtained almost entirely from herbarium specimens. We identify high phylogenomic complexity in Freziera, including the presence of data artifacts. Via by-eye observation of gene trees, detailed examination of warnings from recently improved assembly pipelines, and gene tree filtering, we identified that artifactual orthologs (i.e., the presence of only one copy of a multicopy gene due to differential assembly) were an important source of gene tree heterogeneity that had a negative impact on phylogenetic inference and support. These artifactual orthologs may be common in plant phylogenomic datasets, where multiple instances of genome duplication are common. After accounting for artifactual orthologs as source of gene tree error, we identified a significant, but nonspecific signal of introgression using Patterson’s D and f4 statistics. Despite phylogenomic complexity, we were able to resolve Freziera into 9 well-supported subclades whose evolution has been shaped by multiple evolutionary processes, including incomplete lineage sorting, historical gene flow, and gene duplication. Our results highlight the complexities of plant phylogenomics, which are heightened in Andean radiations, and show the impact of filtering data processing artifacts and standard filtering approaches on phylogenetic inference.
Double-Stranded RNA Targeting White Mold Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Argonaute 2 for Disease Control via Spray-Induced Gene Silencing
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Beligala Gayathri , Feng Chenchen , Marzano Shin-Yi
Published: January 2024

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white mold infection, is a cosmopolitan fungal pathogen that causes major yield losses in many economically important crops. Spray-induced gene silencing has recently been shown to be a promising alternative method for controlling plant diseases. Based on our prior research, we focused on developing a spray-induced gene silencing approach to control white mold by silencing S. sclerotiorum argonaute 2 (SsAgo2), a crucial part of the fungal small RNA pathway. We compared the lesion size as a result of targeting each ∼500-bp segment of SsAgo2 from the 5′ to the 3′ end and found that targeting the PIWI/RNaseH domain of SsAgo2 is most effective. External application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-suppressed white mold infection using either in vitro or in vivo transcripts was determined at the rate of 800 ng/0.2 cm2 area with a downregulation of SsAgo2 from infected leaf tissue confirmed by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, magnesium/iron-layered double hydroxide nanosheets loaded with in vitro- and in vivo-transcribed dsRNA segments significantly reduced the rate of S. sclerotiorum lesion expansion. In vivo-produced dsRNA targeting the PIWI/RNaseH domain of the SsAgo2 transcript showed increased efficacy in reducing the white mold symptoms of S. sclerotiorum when combined with layered double hydroxide nanosheets. This approach is promising to produce a large scale of dsRNA that can be deployed as an environmentally friendly fungicide to manage white mold infections in the field.
The evolving landscape of antibody-drug conjugates in ovarian cancer: new drugs for a new era
Authors: García-Illescas David , Mazzeo Roberta , García-Durán Carmen , Oaknin Ana
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

This review addresses the emerging role of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in the treatment of ovarian cancer, a field marked by a high need for more effective and targeted therapies. Given the recent advancements in ADC technology and the ongoing challenges in treating ovarian cancer, particularly in late-stage and recurrent cases, this review is both timely and relevant. It synthesizes current research findings and clinical trial data, highlighting the potential of ADCs to revolutionize ovarian cancer treatment.

Recent findings

The review covers key themes including the mechanism of action of ADCs, their specificity in targeting ovarian cancer cells, recent clinical trial outcomes, advancements in ADC design for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity, and strategies to overcome drug resistance in ovarian cancer. It also addresses the heterogeneity of ovarian cancer and the implications for personalized ADC therapies.

The review underscores the potential of ADCs to significantly impact clinical practice, offering a more effective and personalized treatment approach for ovarian cancer patients. The review suggests a paradigm shift in the treatment of this malignancy, emphasizing the need for further research and development in this area.
A case report of a large Splenic epidermoid cyst treated with partial splenectomy
Authors: Chaouch Mohamed Ali , Hadj Taieb Ahmed , Ben Jabra Sadok , Noomen Mohamed , Zayeti Mohamed , Mili Emna , Gafsi Besma , Noomen Faouzi
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Splenic epidermoid cysts are rare primary congenital cysts composed of an epithelial lining that represent a small proportion of nonparasitic splenic cysts. Despite their infrequency, there is a lack of uniform diagnostic and treatment guidelines for these cysts, emphasizing the need for further research and standardized reporting.

Case presentation:

A 45-year-old female presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain, characterized by a pressing sensation. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in the upper left quadrant. Laboratory test results were normal. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT tomography confirmed a large splenic unilocular cyst consistent with an epidermoid cyst. Surgical intervention involved aspiration of the cystic fluid, partial splenectomy, and pathological examination. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Clinical discussion:

The origin of splenic epidermoid cysts remains unclear, with theories suggesting entrapment of mesothelial cells during embryonic development. The clinical presentation varies with cyst size, often causing abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Diagnostic modalities include ultrasonography and CT scans. Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic or suspicious cysts to prevent complications. The chosen approach depends on cyst characteristics and patient factors. This case highlights the challenges and considerations in managing splenic epidermoid the cysts and emphasizes the need for individualized treatment approaches.

Conclusion:

This case contributes to the understanding of splenic epidermoid cysts and demonstrates a successful subtotal splenectomy as a treatment approach. Further research and standardized guidelines are essential to improve the management of these rare lesions and to provide better insights into their etiology and optimal treatment strategies.
Bone tools, carnivore chewing and heavy percussion: assessing conflicting interpretations of Lower and Upper Palaeolithic bone assemblages
Authors: Parfitt Simon A. , Bello Silvia M.
Published: January 2024

The use of bone tools by early humans has provided valuable insights into their technology, behaviour and cognitive abilities. However, identifying minimally modified or unshaped Palaeolithic osseous tools can be challenging, particularly when they are mixed with bones altered by natural taphonomic processes. This has hampered the study of key technical innovations, such as the use of bones, antlers and teeth as hammers or pressure-flakers to work (knap) stone tools. Bones chewed by carnivores can resemble osseous knapping tools and have sometimes been mistaken for them. In this paper, we review recent advances in the study of osseous knapping tools with a focus on two Palaeolithic sites in the UK, the Acheulean Horse Butchery Site at Boxgrove and the Magdalenian site of Gough's Cave, where knapping tools were mis-attributed to carnivore chewing. These osseous knapping tools are investigated using microscopy, high-resolution imaging and comparisons with experimental knapping tools. This allows for new insights into human behaviour at these sites and opens fresh avenues for future research.
Water and foodborne bacterial pathogens isolated from hospitalized children are extensively resistance against commonly used Penicillin-type antibiotics in developing countries
Authors: Awuor Silas Onyango , Omwenga Eric O. , Mariita Richard M. , Musila Jonathan M. , Mbeke Alexander , Musyoka Thommas M.
Published: January 2024

Diarrheal diseases pose a significant risk to children under the age of five, ranking as the second leading cause of death within this demographic. This threat is exacerbated by the emergence of multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria, contributing to the ongoing global health crisis. This study aims to identify prevalent bacteria responsible for diarrhea and evaluate their susceptibility to antibiotics in children under five receiving medical attention at a model Kenyan hospital; Muhoroni County Hospital. Varied approaches comprising biochemical analyses, microbial monitoring and susceptibility testing were conducted using conventional antibiotics on carefully collected patients’ samples to assess respective trends. Enteric bacterial pathogens were identified in 43 out of 196 samples (21.9%), with Escherichia coli constituting 25 out of 43 (58.1%), Shigella spp. accounting for 11 out of 43 (25.6%), and Salmonella spp. making up 7 out of 43 (16.3%). All isolated E. coli, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. demonstrated susceptibility to Ceftriaxone. Notably, 14 out of 25 (56%), E. coli isolates and 13 out of 25 (52%) E. coli isolates, 11 out of 11 (100%) and 10 out of 11(91%)  Shigella spp. isolates, and finally 6 out of 7 (86%) and 5 out of 7(71%) Salmonella spp.  showed resistance to Amoxicillin and Ampicillin respectively, commonly prescribed drugs for children under five years. The findings underscore the prevalence of enteric bacterial pathogens contributing to diarrhea in children under five, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions. Furthermore, the observed resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics highlights the imperative for ongoing surveillance and development of alternative treatment strategies to address the evolving landscape of antimicrobial resistance in pediatric healthcare.
Investigative needle core biopsies for multi-omics in Glioblastoma
Authors: Yu Kenny K.H. , Basu Sreyashi , Baquer Gerard , Ahn Ryuhjin , Gantchev Jennifer , Jindal Sonali , Regan Michael S. , Abou-Mrad Zaki , Prabhu Michael C. , Williams Marc J. , D’Souza Alicia D. , Malinowski Seth W. , Hopland Kelsey , Elhanati Yuval , Stopka Sylwia A. , Stortchevoi Alexei , He Zhong , Sun Jingjing , Chen Yulong , Espejo Alexsandra B. , Chow Kin Hoe , Yerrum Smitha , Kao Pei-Lun , Kerrigan Brittany Parker , Norberg Lisa , Nielsen Douglas ,   The GBM TeamLab, Puduvalli Vinay K. , Huse Jason , Beroukhim Rameen , Kim Yon Son Betty , Goswami Sangeeta , Boire Adrienne , Frisken Sarah , Cima Michael J. , Holdhoff Matthias , Lucas Calixto-Hope G. , Bettegowda Chetan , Levine Stuart S. , Bale Tejus A. , Brennan Cameron , Reardon David A. , Lang Frederick F. , Antonio Chiocca E. , Ligon Keith L. , White Forest M. , Sharma Padmanee , Tabar Viviane , Agar Nathalie Y. R.
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary brain cancer with an abysmal prognosis and few effective therapies. The ability to investigate the tumor microenvironment before and during treatment would greatly enhance both understanding of disease response and progression, as well as the delivery and impact of therapeutics. Stereotactic biopsies are a routine surgical procedure performed primarily for diagnostic histopathologic purposes. The role of investigative biopsies – tissue sampling for the purpose of understanding tumor microenvironmental responses to treatment using integrated multi-modal molecular analyses (‘Multi-omics”) has yet to be defined. Secondly, it is unknown whether comparatively small tissue samples from brain biopsies can yield sufficient information with such methods. Here we adapt stereotactic needle core biopsy tissue in two separate patients. In the first patient with recurrent GBM we performed highly resolved multi-omics analysis methods including single cell RNA sequencing, spatial-transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, phosphoproteomics, T-cell clonotype analysis, and MHC Class I immunopeptidomics from biopsy tissue that was obtained from a single procedure. In a second patient we analyzed multi-regional core biopsies to decipher spatial and genomic variance. We also investigated the utility of stereotactic biopsies as a method for generating patient derived xenograft models in a separate patient cohort. Dataset integration across modalities showed good correspondence between spatial modalities, highlighted immune cell associated metabolic pathways and revealed poor correlation between RNA expression and the tumor MHC Class I immunopeptidome. In conclusion, stereotactic needle biopsy cores are of sufficient quality to generate multi-omics data, provide data rich insight into a patient’s disease process and tumor immune microenvironment and can be of value in evaluating treatment responses.

One sentence summary

Integrative multi-omics analysis of stereotactic needle core biopsies in glioblastoma
Impact of changes in Achilles tendon thickening on cardiovascular events in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Tada Hayato , Kojima Nobuko , Takeji Yasuaki , Nohara Atsushi , Kawashiri Masa-aki , Takamura Masayuki
Published: December 2023

Background

Achilles tendon thickening (ATT) can be ameliorated by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The Japan Atherosclerosis Society (JAS) defines ATT as ≥8.0 mm in males and ≥7.5 mm in females. We aimed to determine the clinical impact of changes in ATT on the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods

Patients with clinically diagnosed heterozygous FH (HeFH) (N = 1273; 614 males, 659 females) with ATT data from X-ray were assessed. Patients were divided into four groups: patients without ATT from baseline until follow-up (group 1), patients without ATT at baseline but developed ATT at follow-up (group 2), patients with ATT at baseline but regressed at follow-up (group 3), and patients with ATT from baseline until follow-up (group 4). Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the factors associated with MACE, including cardiovascular death and any coronary events.

Results

On follow-up (median: 10.9 years), 142 MACEs were observed, and the median ATT regressed from 7.8 to 7.6 mm. Changes in ATT were significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE in all groups, when compared to group 1 (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–4.13 [p < 0.001], HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.08–3.28, [p < 0.001], HR: 6.34, 95% CI: 3.10–9.58, [p < 0.001], in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively).

Conclusions

Assessing ATT has diagnostic value and allows for risk stratification among patients with HeFH.
Raptor-informed feathered drone reveals tail-twist functions in avian turning manoeuvres
Authors: Phan Hoang-Vu , Floreano Dario
Published: December 2023

Banked turn is a common flight manoeuvre observed in birds and aircraft. To initiate the turn, whereas traditional aircraft rely on the wing ailerons, most birds use a variety of asymmetric wing morphing control techniques, validated in engineered replicas, to roll their bodies and thus redirect the lift vector to the direction of the turn. Nevertheless, when searching for prey, soaring raptors execute steady banked turns without exhibiting observable wing movements apart from tail twisting around the body axis. Despite the role as a vertical stabilizer in traditional aircraft, the reasons why birds twist the tails in banked turn are still not well understood. Here, we use an avian-inspired feathered drone to find that the tail located in proximal arrangement behind the wings enters wing-induced asymmetric flow region during twisting and generates asymmetric lift that results in both roll and yaw moments sufficient to coordinate banked turns. Moreover, twisting the tail induces a nose-up pitch moment that increases the angle of attack of the wings, thereby generating more lift that compensates for losses caused by the banking motion. Flight experiments confirm the effectiveness of tail twist to control not only steady low-speed banked turns but also high-speed sharp turns by means of coordinated tail twist and pitch with asymmetric wing shape morphing. These findings contribute to the understanding of avian flight behaviours that are difficult to study in controlled laboratory settings, and provide effective control strategies for agile drones with morphing aerial surfaces.

One sentence summary

Raptor-informed feathered drone reveals that twisting the tail located at the trailing edges of the wings generates aerodynamic control forces caused by wing-induced asymmetric flow to let birds execute both steady banked turns and high-speed sharp turns.
The packaging signal ofXanthomonasintegrative filamentous phages
Authors: Yeh Ting-Yu , Feehley Patrick J. , Feehley Michael C. , Ooi Vivian Y. , Wu Pei-Chen , Hsieh Frederick , Chiu Serena S. , Su Yung-Ching , Lewis Maxwell S. , Contreras Gregory P.
Published: December 2023

Unlike Ff, the packaging signal (PS) and the mechanism of integrative filamentous phage assembly remain largely unknown. Here we revived twoInoviridaeprophage sequences, ϕLf2 and ϕLf-UK, as infectious virions lysogenize black rot pathogenXanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. ϕLf2 and ϕLf-UK genomes consist of 6,363 and 6,062 nucleotides and share 85.8% and 98.7% identity with ϕLf, respectively. To explore their assembly, we first identified 20-26– nucleotide long PS sequences of 10Xanthomonasphages. These PS consist of a DNA hairpin with the consensus GGX(A/-)CCG(C/T)G sequence in the stem and C/T nucleotides in the loop, both of which are conserved and essential for PS activity. In contrast to Ff, the 5’ to 3‘ orientation of PS sequence is not conserved or critical for their competence. This is the first report to offer insights into the structure and function of integrative phage PS, revealing the diversity of filamentous phage encapsidation.
A highly contiguous hexaploid wheat genome assembly facilitates analysis of 1RS translocation and mining of a new adult plant resistance locus to yellow rust disease
Authors: Li Guangwei , Ren Yan , Yang Yuxin , Chen Shulin , Zheng Jizhou , Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Mengen , Sun Xiaonan , Lv Chunlei , Li Xiaode , Li Yujia , Dong Chunhao , Tang Jianwei , Huang Zhenpu , Peng Yanyan , Gu Dengbin , Wang Zhiyong , Zheng Hongyuan , Shi Cuilan , Kang Guozhang , Zheng Tiancun , Chen Feng , Wang Daowen , Zhang Kunpu , Yin Guihong
Published: December 2023

High-quality genome information is essential for efficiently deciphering and improving crop traits. Here we report a highly contiguous hexaploid genome assembly for the key wheat breeding parent Zhou8425B, an elite 1BL/1RS translocation line with durable adult plant resistance (APR) against rust diseases. By using HiFi and Hi-C sequencing reads, a 14.75 Gb genome assembly, with contig N50 and scaffold N50 values reaching 70.94 and 735.11 Mb, respectively, was developed. Comparison with 16 previously sequenced common wheat cultivars revealed unique chromosomal structural features in Zhou8425B. Notably, the 1RS translocation in Zhou8425B was apparently longer and carried more genes encoding AP2/ERF-ERF and B3 transcription factors relative to its counterpart in several genome sequenced 1BL/1RS varieties and rye lines. Aided by Zhou8425B genome assembly, a new APR locus (i.e.,YrZH3B) against yellow rust (YR) disease was finely mapped to a 1 - 2 Mb interval on chromosome 3BS. Analysis with 212 Zhou8425B derivative varieties showed that pyramiding ofYrZH3Bwith two other APR loci (YrZH22andYrZH84) significantly decreased YR severity and enhanced grain yield, with triple combination (YrZH3B/YrZH22/YrZH84) having the highest effects. Our data demonstrate the high value of Zhou8425B assembly in studying wheat genome and agronomically important genes.
VaginalLactobacillusfatty acid response mechanisms reveal a novel strategy for bacterial vaginosis treatment
Authors: Zhu Meilin , Frank Matthew W. , Radka Christopher D. , Jeanfavre Sarah , Tse Megan W. , Pacheco Julian Avila , Pierce Kerry , Deik Amy , Xu Jiawu , Hussain Salina , Hussain Fatima Aysha , Xulu Nondumiso , Khan Nasreen , Pillay Vanessa , Dong Krista L. , Ndung’u Thumbi , Clish Clary B. , Rock Charles O. , Blainey Paul C. , Bloom Seth M. , Kwon Douglas S.
Published: December 2023

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common syndrome characterized byLactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbiota, is associated with adverse health outcomes. BV often recurs after standard antibiotic therapy in part because antibiotics promote microbiota dominance byLactobacillus inersinstead ofLactobacillus crispatus, which has more beneficial health associations. Strategies to promoteL. crispatusand inhibitL. inersare thus needed. We show that oleic acid (OA) and similar long-chain fatty acids simultaneously inhibitL. inersand enhanceL. crispatusgrowth. These phenotypes require OA-inducible genes conserved inL. crispatusand related species, including an oleate hydratase (ohyA) and putative fatty acid efflux pump (farE). FarE mediates OA resistance, while OhyA is robustly active in the human vaginal microbiota and sequesters OA in a derivative form that onlyohyA-harboring organisms can exploit. Finally, OA promotesL. crispatusdominance more effectively than antibiotics in anin vitromodel of BV, suggesting a novel approach for treatment.
Trivalent mRNA vaccine-candidate against seasonal flu with cross-specific humoral immune response
Authors: Mazunina Elena P. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Sinyavin Andrey E. , Burtseva Elena I. , Shmarov Maksim M. , Mukasheva Evgenya A. , Bykonia Evgeniia N. , Kozlova Sofia R. , Evgrafova Elina A. , Zolotar Anastasia N. , Shidlovskaya Elena V , Kirillova Elena S. , Krepkaia Anastasiya S. , Usachev Evgeny V. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Ivanov Igor A. , Dmitriev Sergey E. , Ivanov Roman A. , Logunov Denis Y. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza remains a serious global health problem, leading to high mortality rates among the elderly and individuals with comorbidities. It also imposes a substantial economic burden through increased absenteeism during periods of active pathogen circulation. Vaccination is generally accepted as the most effective strategy for influenza prevention. As both influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics, vaccines need to include multiple antigens derived from different viral subtypes. While current influenza vaccines are effective, they still have limitations, including narrow specificity for certain serological variants, which may result in a mismatch between vaccine antigens and circulating strains. Additionally, the rapid variability of the virus poses challenges in providing extended protection beyond a single season. Therefore, mRNA technology is particularly promising for influenza prevention, as it enables the rapid development of multivalent vaccines and allows for quick updates of their antigenic composition. mRNA vaccines have already proven successful in preventing COVID-19 by eliciting rapid cellular and humoral immune responses. In this study, we present the development of a trivalent mRNA vaccine candidates, evaluate its immunogenicity using the hemagglutination inhibition assay, and assess its efficacy in animals. We demonstrate the higher immunogenicity of the mRNA vaccine candidates compared to the inactivated split influenza vaccine and its enhanced ability to generate a cross-specific humoral immune response. These findings highlight the potential mRNA technology in overcoming current limitations of influenza vaccines and hold promise for ensuring greater efficacy in preventing seasonal influenza outbreaks.
Tensor gradiometry with a diamond magnetometer
Authors: Newman A.J. , Graham S.M. , Edmonds A.M. , Twitchen D.J. , Markham M.L. , Morley G.W.
Published: January 2024

Vector magnetometry provides more information than scalar measurements for magnetic surveys utilized in space, defense, medical, geological, and industrial applications. These areas would benefit from a mobile vector magnetometer. Here we present a scanning fiber-coupled nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) center vector magnetometer. Feedback control of the microwave excitation frequency is used to improve dynamic range and maintain sensitivity during movement of the sensor head. Tracking of the excitation frequency shifts for all four orientations of the N-V center allows us to image the vector magnetic field of a damaged steel plate. We calculate the magnetic tensor gradiometry images in real time, and they allow us to detect smaller damage than is possible with vector or scalar imaging.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Absorption to fluctuating bunching states in nonunitary boson dynamics
Authors: Mochizuki Ken , Hamazaki Ryusuke
Published: January 2024

We show that noisy nonunitary dynamics of bosons drives arbitrary initial states into a novel , where all bosons occupy one time-dependent mode. We propose a concept of the noisy spectral gap, a generalization of the spectral gap in noiseless systems, and demonstrate that the exponentially fast absorption to the fluctuating bunching state takes place asymptotically. The fluctuating bunching state is unique to noisy nonunitary dynamics, with no counterpart in any unitary dynamics and nonunitary dynamics described by a time-independent generator. We also argue that the times of relaxation to the fluctuating bunching state obey a universal power law as functions of the noise parameter in generic noisy nonunitary dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Random projection using random quantum circuits
Authors: Kumaran Keerthi , Sajjan Manas , Oh Sangchul , Kais Sabre
Published: January 2024

The random sampling task performed by Google's Sycamore processor gave us a glimpse of the “quantum supremacy era.” This has definitely shed some light on the power of random quantum circuits in this abstract task of sampling outputs from the (pseudo)random circuits. In this paper, we explore a practical near-term use of local random quantum circuits in dimensional reduction of large low-rank data sets. We make use of the well-studied dimensionality reduction technique called the random projection method. This method has been extensively used in various applications such as image processing, logistic regression, entropy computation of low-rank matrices, etc. We prove that the matrix representations of local random quantum circuits with sufficiently shorter depths [∼O(n)] serve as good candidates for random projection. We demonstrate numerically that their projection abilities are not far off from the computationally expensive classical principal components analysis on MNIST and CIFAR-100 image datasets. We also benchmark the performance of quantum random projection against the commonly used classical random projection in the tasks of dimensionality reduction of image data sets and computing von Neumann entropies of large low-rank density matrices. And finally, using variational quantum singular value decomposition, we demonstrate a near-term implementation of extracting the singular vectors with dominant singular values after quantum random projecting a large low-rank matrix to lower dimensions. All such numerical experiments unequivocally demonstrate the ability of local random circuits to randomize a large Hilbert space at sufficiently shorter depths with robust retention of properties of large data sets in reduced dimensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Improved Single-Shot Qubit Readout Using Twin rf-SET Charge Correlations
Authors: Serrano Santiago , Feng MengKe , Lim Wee Han , Seedhouse Amanda E. , Tanttu Tuomo , Gilbert Will , Escott Christopher C. , Abrosimov Nikolay V. , Pohl Hans-Joachim , Thewalt Michael L.W. , Hudson Fay E. , Saraiva Andre , Dzurak Andrew S. , Laucht Arne
Published: January 2024

High-fidelity qubit readout is critical in order to obtain the thresholds needed to implement quantum error-correction protocols and achieve fault-tolerant quantum computing. Large-scale silicon qubit devices will have densely packed arrays of quantum dots with multiple charge sensors that are, on average, farther away from the quantum dots, entailing a reduction in readout fidelities. Here, we present a readout technique that enhances the readout fidelity in a linear SiMOS four-dot array by amplifying correlations between a pair of single-electron transistors, known as a twin SET. By recording and subsequently correlating the twin SET traces as we modulate the dot detuning across a charge transition, we demonstrate a reduction in the charge readout infidelity by over one order of magnitude compared to traditional readout methods. We also study the spin-to-charge conversion errors introduced by the modulation technique and conclude that faster modulation frequencies avoid relaxation-induced errors without introducing significant spin-flip errors, favoring the use of the technique at short integration times. This method not only allows for faster and higher-fidelity qubit measurements but it also enhances the signal corresponding to charge transitions that take place farther away from the sensors, enabling a way to circumvent the reduction in readout fidelities in large arrays of qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Do anti-takeover provisions restrain IPO underpricing? An analysis from the perspective of information asymmetry
Authors: Chen Kejing , Li Xiaolin , Wan Qingqing , Ye Jing , Yang Mo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Based on the textual-analyzed data covering 2148 IPO firms in China’s stock market during the 2007–2018 period, the authors’ purpose is to examine the influence of anti-takeover provision (ATP) adoption on initial public offerings (IPO) underpricing and identify the reducing effect of the former.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the sample consisting of Chinese A-share listed IPO firms between 2007 and 2018 from China Stock Market Accounting Research and Chinese Research Data Services, with ATP data collected from the IPO firm chapters. Specifically, the authors use text analysis to identify whether there are ATPs in the IPO firm chapters, as well as the number of ATPs. H1: IPO underpricing is less severe for firms adopting ATPs. H2: The effect of ATP adoption on IPO underpricing is more salient for firms in worse information environments.

Findings

The authors examine the influence of ATP adoption on IPO underpricing and identify the reducing effect of the former. This effect can be explained by the fact that adopting ATPs in IPO firm chapters can reduce information asymmetry to a large extent by helping external investors obtain more private information, which alleviates IPO underpricing. The authors also find that the reducing effect is more significant in the worsened information environment. Furthermore, the authors explore the influence of adopting ATPs on other IPO characteristics and find positive effects on IPO over-subscription, funds raised and trading activity and negative effects on listing fees.

Originality/value

This study mainly contributes to the literature from the following two aspects. First, the study enriches the literature about the influencing factors of IPO underpricing. Second, the study also enriches the literature about the economic consequences of ATP adoption. This study also has important policy implications. With the coming of the era of decentralized ownership in China’s capital market, ATP adoption has become more important and attracted more attention. Also, investors focus more on pricing efficiency. The findings in this paper provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between ATP adoption and IPO underpricing.
Feasibility in embedding charismatic leadership strategies into social work applications
Authors: Grinev Lana
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether charismatic leadership strategies can be successfully implemented within structures, systems and tasks for social workers to increase case management successes, particularly client well-being, given that the six key charismatic leadership traits align with presented professionally bound ethical expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

A short generic qualitative review was done over fifteen publications, emphasizing the effects of charismatic leadership in domestic and foreign occupational domains.

Findings

Methodological, thematic and theoretical analyses show that charismatic leadership strategies are active in relevant social work domains with positive participant impacts.

Practical implications

The paper is intended to primarily investigate whether charismatic leadership is present in social work domains, and does not consider other leadership modalities.

Originality/value

High-quality reviews from the presented methodological investigations suggest that charismatic leadership is an effective leadership modality that should be considered into client-involved structures and systems.
Triadic multilevel psychic distance in firm internationalization
Authors: Safari Aswo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study focuses on the triadic multilevel psychic distance (MPD) between the firm, target market and bridge-maker and its consequences for firm internationalization. Specifically, it spotlights the triadic psychic distance between firms, the levels of psychic distance in the target market (country and business) and the bridge-maker. Therefore, this study examines the triadic MPD among these three entities and its impact on firm internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative and case study research approaches. It is based on 8 case companies and 24 internationalization cases. Secondary data were collected, and interviews with bridge-makers and industry experts were conducted.

Findings

The study found that MPD appeared in the triad. The MPD between firms and markets is related to country-specific differences and business difficulties. The MPD between the firm and the bridge-maker is based on the latter’s lack of knowledge vis-à-vis bridging the firm’s MPD. Finally, the MPD between bridge-makers and the market is based on the former’s lack of knowledge of the home country’s business difficulties.

Originality/value

This is the first study to develop and adopt a triadic multilevel psychic distance conceptualization that provides evidence for and sheds light on the triadic MPD and its effect on firm internationalization. This study identifies the reasons behind triadic MPD in connection to firm internationalization. Notably, firm internationalization is interdependent on the triadic MPD setting between the firm, bridge-maker and target market. It has theoretical value and contributes to the recent advancement in the understanding of MPD in international marketing literature.
Food, nutrition and the dining experience in aged care settings: Findings of a nationwide survey
Authors: Mellow Maddison L. , Luscombe‐Marsh Natalie , Taylor Pennie J. , Kenny Peter , Lushington Kurt
Published: December 2023

Objective

Previous research on food, nutrition and dining practices in Australian residential aged care (RAC) homes has been based on a limited sample of single‐home or multiple‐home providers, but a nationwide study has not been conducted. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary overview of current food, nutrition and dining practices across Australian RAC facilities using a nationwide survey.

Methods

A survey was distributed to Australian RAC homes in August–September 2020, as part of the National Congress on Food, Nutrition and the Dining Experience in Aged Care (February 2021). The survey, administered via an online portal, consisted of 38 semistructured questions including yes/no or multiple‐choice responses, free text, frequency scales and number entry. Six key topics were explored, including ‘food service system and environment’, ‘catering style’, ‘menu planning and evaluation’, ‘nutrition planning and requirements’, ‘nutrition‐related screening and assessment’ and ‘training and additional information’, which were informed by the Australian Government Department of Health and reflected the interests of the Congress.

Results

The final sample included 292 respondents (204 individual homes and 88 multiple‐home proprietors) representing 1152 homes and 125,393 residents, encompassing approximately 43% of RAC homes (of a possible 2671) and 57% of residents (of a possible 219,965) in Australia. Survey respondents representing RAC homes included service managers, catering managers, Chief Executive Officers, cooks, chefs, dietitians or staff from other roles within homes. A number of potential areas of need were identified, included increasing the autonomy of residents to select the foods they desire, increasing the variety and choice (including timing) of meals, enhancing the dining environments in homes to stimulate food intake and increasing staff training and the number of trained chefs in homes, so that meals are prepared which address diverse nutritional needs of residents.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the food service and mealtime practices of over a third of Australian RAC homes. The findings of this survey may help to identify key targets for intervention to improve the food, nutrition and quality of life of aged care residents.
Integrated indoor positioning methods to optimize computations and prediction accuracy enhancement
Authors: Kim Yongho , Kim Jiha , You Cheolwoo , Park Hyunhee
Published: January 2024

Indoor GPS location estimation encounters accuracy challenges from intricate building structures and diverse signal interferences. Trilateration methods utilising APs are typically employed to estimate indoor locations. Nevertheless, estimation errors from multipath effects and high power consumption of sensors employed in location estimation curtail battery life. To address this issue, research into location estimation methods utilising machine learning has been conducted. However, challenges involving the selection of the optimal access point locations and obtaining dense RSSI data have been noted. In this article presents a solution based on sparse radio maps for decreasing the expenses of collecting RSSI data while simultaneously enhancing indoor location accuracy through the integration of image data. The proposed approach integrates matrix‐based RSSI indoor positioning (M‐RIP) for initial location estimation and feature‐based image indoor positioning (F‐IIP) for position determination via image feature matching. Furthermore, extended area‐based post‐processing (EA‐PP) is employed to augment M‐RIP's precision and minimize image matching computation in F‐IIP, improving overall performance. This article utilizes actual building data to validate the precision of the position estimation and efficiency of computation reduction using the proposed method.
Passenger name record (PNR) data: How the EU is promoting (virtual) security by actually limiting Passengers' fundamental rights
Authors: De Capitani Emilio
Published: January 2024

The use for security purposes of airline passenger data (PNR) has gradually come to the fore especially in EU‐US relations because of the tension between those who considered the use of PNR an effective tool in the fight against terrorism and those who considered the interference in citizens' privacy disproportionate. The Court of Justice intervened decisively on the issue in June 2022 with the “Ligue des Droits Humains” Judgment C‐817/19. This ruling should have been followed by a review of the national legislations that transposed the Directive. On the contrary, the Member States are still going in the opposite direction to that indicated by the Court.
Pediculicide regulations and usage trends in Türkiye in 2015–2022
Authors: Sensoz Sabiha , Bilgener Emrah , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Taylan‐Ozkan Aysegul
Published: January 2024

Background

Over the years, the increasing prevalence of head lice infestation has led to an increase in treatment‐related costs and the development of resistance to pediculicides. This study aimed to evaluate pediculicide sales over an 8‐year period (2015–2022), including the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Data on products registered in the Turkish Pharmaceutical Index Dataview, Intercontinental Medical Statistics (IMS) database, sold on prescription and approved by the Ministry of Health in Türkiye were formally requested from the research organization IQVIA for pharmacologically active pediculicides (PAP) such as permethrin, pyrethrin, and sumithrin. Data for physically active products containing dimethicone (DMT) were obtained from the relevant pharmaceutical companies. Sale revenues were determined based on sale prices in the aforementioned year.

Results

Total sales of pediculicides decreased from 2,452,846 units in 2015 to 2,028,840 units in 2022. While PAP consumption decreased over the years, from 1,832,006 to 518,460 units, DMT consumption increased from 620,840 to 1,510,380 units, from 2015 to 2022. The total price of pediculicides for the consumer increased more than threefold in Turkish currency. In terms of USD, an almost similar amount of money was spent over the years, with the exception of 2022 when the expenditure almost halved mainly due to the high inflation rate in the country.

Conclusion

The decrease in PAP and the increase in DMT indicate that local lice have developed resistance to the former. Further studies are needed to determine the possible development of resistance in the country.
When I say … sustainability
Authors: Figueiredo Alexandre Medeiros
Published: January 2024

Highlighting one of the themes from 2024's State of the Science issue, Figueiredo offers insight into the term "Sustainability," describing the concept and pointing out dilemmas and challenges for sustainable development.
Lens power, cornea power and association with refractive error in children with moderate to high hyperopia
Authors: Wang Zhirong , Luo Ruiyu , Zhuo Yehong , Deng Daming
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to profile ocular biometry parameters and predictors of spherical equivalent refraction (SER) among children with moderate to high hyperopia.

Methods

Individuals <18 years of age with moderate to high hyperopia were enrolled from November 2015 to November 2021. Participants underwent a series of comprehensive ocular examinations, and were classified as having low hyperopia, that is, SER +0.5 to < +2.0 D or moderate to high hyperopia, that is, SER ≥ +2.0 D.

Results

A total of 459 and 230 eyes with moderate to high hyperopia and low hyperopia, respectively, were included. Moderate to high hyperopic eyes had a shorter axial length, stronger lens power (24.78 ± 5.47 D vs. 18.74 ± 1.63 D, p < 0.001) and weaker corneal power (42.82 ± 1.75 D vs. 43.31 ± 1.55 D, p < 0.001) than low hyperopic eyes. When comparing values before and after 5 years of age, both lens power and axial length differed significantly in the moderate to high hyperopia group, whereas in the low hyperopia group, they only differed significantly after 9 years of age. Lens power was negatively associated with AL in eyes with axial lengths between 20 and 22 mm. A multiple linear regression model which included axial length (standardised β = −0.80, p < 0.001), corneal power (standardised β = −0.47, p < 0.001) and lens power (standardised β = 0.23, p < 0.001) explained 81.2% of the variance in SER.

Conclusions

Differences in lens power and axial length in moderate to high hyperopic eyes became significantly smaller after 5 years of age, at least 4 years earlier than for the low hyperopia. Lens power could offset the axial elongation in participants with axial lengths between 20 and 22 mm, suggesting that children with moderate to high hyperopia might have different ocular growth patterns. Axial length, corneal power and lens power were the main predictors of SER in moderate to high hyperopia.
A gentle introduction to principal component analysis using tea‐pots, dinosaurs, and pizza
Authors: Saccenti Edoardo
Published: January 2024

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a powerful statistical technique for reducing the complexity of data and making patterns and relationships within the data more easily understandable. By using PCA, students can learn to identify the most important features of a data set, visualize relationships between variables, and make informed decisions based on the data. As such, PCA can be an effective tool to increase students data literacy by providing a visual and intuitive way to understand and work with data. This article outlines a teaching strategy to introduce and explain PCA using basic mathematics and statistics together with visual demonstrations.