bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum algorithm for MUSIC-based DOA estimation in hybrid MIMO systems
Authors: Meng Fan-Xu , Li Ze-Tong , Xu-Tao Yu , Zhang Zai-Chen
Published: December 2021

The multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm is a well-established method to evaluate the direction of arrival (DOA) of signals. However, the construction and eigen-decomposition of the sample covariance matrix (SCM) are computationally costly for MUSIC in hybrid multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems, which limits the application and advancement of the algorithm. In this paper, we present a novel quantum method for MUSIC in hybrid MIMO systems. Our scheme makes the following three contributions. First, the quantum subroutine for constructing the approximate SCM is designed, along with the quantum circuit for the steering vector and a proposal for quantum singular vector transformation. Second, the variational density matrix eigensolver is proposed to determine the signal and noise subspaces utilizing the destructive swap test. As a proof of principle, we conduct two numerical experiments using a quantum simulator. Finally, the quantum labelling procedure is explored to determine the DOA. The proposed quantum method can potentially achieve exponential speedup on certain parameters and polynomial speedup on others under specific moderate circumstances, compared with their classical counterparts.
Charge transfer state characterization and voltage losses of organic solar cells
Authors: Jungbluth Anna , Kaienburg Pascal , Riede Moritz
Published: December 2021

A correct determination of voltage losses is crucial for the development of organic solar cells (OSCs) with improved performance. This requires an in-depth understanding of the properties of interfacial charge transfer (CT) states, which not only set the upper limit for the open-circuit voltage of a system, but also govern radiative and non-radiative recombination processes. Over the last decade, different approaches have emerged to classify voltage losses in OSCs that rely on a generic detailed balance approach or additionally include CT state parameters that are specific to OSCs. In the latter case, a correct determination of CT state properties is paramount. In this work, we summarize the different frameworks used today to calculate voltage losses and provide an in-depth discussion of the currently most important models used to characterize CT state properties from absorption and emission data of organic thin films and solar cells. We also address practical concerns during the data recording, analysis, and fitting process. Departing from the classical two-state Marcus theory approach, we discuss the importance of quantized molecular vibrations and energetic hybridization effects in organic donor-acceptor systems with the goal to providing the reader with a detailed understanding of when each model is most appropriate.
Mutual information scaling for tensor network machine learning
Authors: Convy Ian , Huggins William , Liao Haoran , Birgitta Whaley K
Published: December 2021

Tensor networks have emerged as promising tools for machine learning, inspired by their widespread use as variational ansatze in quantum many-body physics. It is well known that the success of a given tensor network ansatz depends in part on how well it can reproduce the underlying entanglement structure of the target state, with different network designs favoring different scaling patterns. We demonstrate here how a related correlation analysis can be applied to tensor network machine learning, and explore whether classical data possess correlation scaling patterns similar to those found in quantum states, which might indicate the best network to use for a given dataset. We utilize mutual information (MI) as measure of correlations in classical data, and show that it can serve as a lower-bound on the entanglement needed for a probabilistic tensor network classifier. We then develop a logistic regression algorithm to estimate the MI between bipartitions of data features, and verify its accuracy on a set of Gaussian distributions designed to mimic different correlation patterns. Using this algorithm, we characterize the scaling patterns in the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology and Tiny Images datasets, and find clear evidence of boundary-law scaling in the latter. This quantum-inspired classical analysis offers insight into the design of tensor networks that are best suited for specific learning tasks.
Explainable deep learning for the analysis of MHD spectrograms in nuclear fusion
Authors: Ferreira Diogo R , Martins Tiago A , Rodrigues Paulo
Published: December 2021

In the nuclear fusion community, there are many specialized techniques to analyze the data coming from a variety of diagnostics. One of such techniques is the use of spectrograms to analyze the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) behavior of fusion plasmas. Physicists look at the spectrogram to identify the oscillation modes of the plasma, and to study instabilities that may lead to plasma disruptions. One of the major causes of disruptions occurs when an oscillation mode interacts with the wall, stops rotating, and becomes a locked mode. In this work, we use deep learning to predict the occurrence of locked modes from MHD spectrograms. In particular, we use a convolutional neural network with class activation mapping to pinpoint the exact behavior that the model thinks is responsible for the locked mode. Surprisingly, we find that, in general, the model explanation agrees quite well with the physical interpretation of the behavior observed in the spectrogram.
Susac syndrome: challenges in the diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Marrodan Mariano , Fiol Marcela P. , Correale Jorge
Published: December 2021

Susac syndrome is a disorder thought to be mediated by an autoimmune response towards endothelial cells, leading to a characteristic clinical triad of encephalopathy, visual disturbances due to branch arterial occlusions and sensorineural hearing impairment. Although it is a rare disease, three reasons make it important. First, given its variable presentation, Susac syndrome is underdiagnosed. Second, it is considered an important differential diagnosis in different neurological, psychiatric, ophthalmological and hearing disorders, and consequently is frequently misdiagnosed. Third, in many cases, Susac syndrome is diagnosed and treated late, with significant irreversible sequelae including dementia, blindness and hearing loss. Neuropathology findings derived from both Susac syndrome patient tissue and novel transgenic mouse models indicate cytotoxic CD8+ T cells adhere to microvessels, inducing endothelial cell swelling, vascular narrowing and occlusion, causing microinfarcts. Anti-endothelial cell antibodies are present in serum in 25% of Susac syndrome patients, but it is unclear whether they are aetiologically related to the disease, or an epiphenomenon. The clinical triad comprising encephalopathy, branch arterial occlusions, and sensorineural hearing impairment is considered pathognomonic, although great variability is found in presentation and natural course of disease. At first evaluation, only 13–30% of patients exhibit the full clinical triad, making diagnosis difficult. Retinal fluorescein angiography, optic coherence tomography, MRI and tonal audiometry are helpful methods for diagnosing and monitoring disease activity during treatment. By contrast, there are no reliable objective immune markers to monitor disease activity. Immunosuppression is the current treatment, with high-dose corticosteroid therapy as the mainstay, but additional therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulins, cyclophosphamide, rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil are often necessary, because the disease can be devastating, causing irreversible organ damage. Unfortunately, low rates of disease, variability in presentation and paucity of objective biomarkers make prospective controlled clinical trials for Susac syndrome treatment difficult. Current immunosuppressive treatments are therefore based on empirical evidence, mainly from retrospective case series and expert opinion.

In this review, we draw attention to the need to take consider Susac syndrome in the differential diagnosis of different neurological, psychiatric, ophthalmological and hearing disorders. Furthermore, we summarize our current knowledge of this syndrome, in reference to its pathophysiology, diagnosis and management, emphasizing the need for prospective and controlled studies that allow a better therapeutic approach.
Phenotyping of multiple sclerosis lesions according to innate immune cell activation using 18 kDa translocator protein-PET
Authors: Nylund Marjo , Sucksdorff Marcus , Matilainen Markus , Polvinen Eero , Tuisku Jouni , Airas Laura
Published: December 2021

Chronic active lesions are promotors of neurodegeneration and disease progression in multiple sclerosis. They harbour a dense rim of activated innate immune cells at the lesion edge, which promotes lesion growth and thereby induces damage. Conventional MRI is of limited help in identifying the chronic active lesions, so alternative imaging modalities are needed. Objectives were to develop a PET-based automated analysis method for phenotyping of chronic lesions based on lesion-associated innate immune cell activation and to comprehensively evaluate the prevalence of these lesions in the various clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis, and their association with disability. In this work, we use 18 kDa translocator protein-PET imaging for phenotyping chronic multiple sclerosis lesions at a large scale. For this, we identified 1510 white matter T1-hypointense lesions from 91 multiple sclerosis patients (67 relapsing–remitting patients and 24 secondary progressive patients). Innate immune cell activation at the lesion rim was measured using PET imaging and the 18 kDa translocator protein-binding radioligand 11C-PK11195. A T1-hypointense lesion was classified as rim-active if the distribution volume ratio of 11C-PK11195-binding was low in the plaque core and considerably higher at the plaque edge. If no significant ligand binding was observed, the lesion was classified as inactive. Plaques that had considerable ligand binding both in the core and at the rim were classified as overall-active. Conventional MRI and disability assessment using the Expanded Disability Status Scale were performed at the time of PET imaging. In the secondary progressive cohort, an average of 19% (median, interquartile range: 11–26) of T1 lesions were rim-active in each individual patient, compared to 10% (interquartile range: 0–20) among relapsing–remitting patients (P = 0.009). Secondary progressive patients had a median of 3 (range: 0–11) rim-active lesions, versus 1 (range: 0–18) among relapsing–remitting patients (P = 0.029). Among those patients who had rim-active lesions (n = 63), the average number of active voxels at the rim was higher among secondary progressive compared to relapsing–remitting patients (median 158 versus 74; P = 0.022). The number of active voxels at the rim correlated significantly with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (R = 0.43, P < 0.001), and the volume of the rim-active lesions similarly correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (R = 0.45, P < 0.001). Our study is the first to report in vivo phenotyping of chronic lesions at large scale, based on 18 kDa translocator protein-PET. Patients with higher disability displayed a higher proportion of rim-active lesions. The in vivo lesion phenotyping methodology offers a new tool for individual assessment of smouldering (rim-active) lesion burden.
Are digital citizen panels an innovative, deliberative approach to cardiovascular research?
Authors: Siira Elin , Wolf Axel
Published: December 2021

Online citizen panels are an innovative way to collect information about populations. They can help explain social determinants of health while involving citizens in research, allowing researchers to help the community, and advance cardiovascular research. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of collecting information via online citizen panels and assesses these panels’ potential in cardiovascular research. To exemplify such panels’ use, we discuss a case study that utilized the Swedish Citizen Panel.
Effects of Vitamin D on Physical Function: Results From the STURDY Trial
Authors: Guralnik Jack M , Sternberg Alice L , Mitchell Christine M , Blackford Amanda L , Schrack Jennifer , Wanigatunga Amal A , Michos Erin , Juraschek Stephen P , Szanton Sarah , Kalyani Rita , Cai Yurun , Appel Lawrence J ,   STURDY Collaborative Research Group
Published: December 2021

Background

Studies of the relationship between vitamin D and physical functioning have had inconsistent results.

Methods

Physical functioning measures were collected for up to 2 years during a 2-stage, Bayesian, response-adaptive, randomized trial of 4 doses of vitamin D3 supplementation (200 [control], 1 000, 2 000, and 4 000 IU/day) to prevent falls. Two community-based research units enrolled adults aged ≥70 years, with elevated fall risk and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 10–29 ng/mL. The Pooled Higher Doses (PHD) group (≥1 000 IU/day, n = 349) was compared to the control group (n = 339) on changes in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score and its component tests, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, 6-minute walk distance, and grip strength.

Results

The trial enrolled 688 participants. Mean age was 77.2 years, 56.4% were male, 79.7% White, and 18.2% Black. While the PHD and control groups both lost function over time on most outcomes, the 2 groups did not show differential change overall on any outcome. Incidence of transitioning to poor functioning on gait speed, SPPB score, or TUG test did not differ by dose group.

Conclusion

In older persons with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and elevated fall risk, high-dose vitamin D supplementation, ≥1 000 IU/day, did not improve measures of physical function compared to 200 IU/day.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02166333
Meta-Analysis of IBD Gut Samples Gene Expression Identifies Specific Markers of Ileal and Colonic Diseases
Authors: Perez Kevin , Ngollo Marjolaine , Rabinowitz Keren , Hammoudi Nassim , Seksik Philippe , Xavier Ramnik J , Daly Mark J , Dotan Iris , Le Bourhis Lionel , Allez Matthieu
Published: December 2021

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic inflammation and tissue damages in limited segments of the digestive tract. Pathogenesis in the tissue and mucosal inflammation probably differs according to disease location. Our aim was to further analyze transcriptomic profiles in different locations of IBD, differentiating ulcerative colitis (UC), colonic Crohn’s disease (CD), ileal CD, and pouchitis, with respect to normal colonic and ileal mucosa. We thus performed a meta-analysis focusing on specific transcriptomic signatures of ileal and colonic diseases.

Methods

We identified 5 cohorts with available transcriptomic data in ileal or colonic samples from active IBD and non-IBD control samples. The meta-analysis was performed on 1047 samples. In each cohort separately, we compared gene expression in CD ileitis and normal ileum; in CD colitis, UC, and normal colon; and finally in pouchitis and normal ileum.

Results

We identified specific markers of ileal (FOLH1, CA2) and colonic (REG3A) inflammation and showed that, with disease, some cells from the ileum start to express colonic markers. We confirmed by immunohistochemistry that these markers were specifically present in ileal or colonic diseases. We highlighted that, overall, colonic CD resembles UC and is distinct from ileal CD, which is in turn closer to pouchitis.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that ileal and colonic diseases exhibit specific signatures, independent of their initial clinical classification. This supports molecular, rather than clinical, disease stratification, and may be used to design drugs specifically targeting ileal or colonic diseases.
Nonlinearities and expenditure multipliers in the Eurozone
Authors: Boitani Andrea , Perdichizzi Salvatore , Punzo Chiara
Published: December 2021

We analyze the nonlinear effects of government spending in the Euro area, by using the local projection method and by testing whether the impact of the shock depends crucially on the depth of the recession, on some structural characteristics of the Eurozone (EZ) economies, and on the monetary policy stance. We provide four insights. First, expenditure multipliers in the Euro area are not significantly higher in recessions than in expansions. However they are always above unity. Second, state dependency emerges as soon as deep recession is distinguished from ordinary downturns. Third, structural characteristics, such as the presence of automatic stabilizers, the exchange rate regime, the degree of labor market flexibility, and initial conditions, such as the debt/gross domestic product ratio, do influence the size of expenditure multipliers in the EZ. Fourth, multipliers are much higher when the policy interest rate is at the zero lower bound.
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in mid-pregnancy and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Carlsen Ellen Ø , Harmon Quaker , Magnus Maria C , Meltzer Helle M , Erlund Iris , Stene Lars C , Håberg Siri E , Wilcox Allen J
Published: December 2021

Background

Maternal diabetes is a well-known risk factor for pregnancy complications. Possible links between long-term maternal blood sugar in the normal range and pregnancy complications are less well described.

Methods

We assayed glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood samples collected around the 18th week of pregnancy for 2937 singleton pregnancies in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (2000–09). Perinatal outcomes (gestational length, birthweight, birth length and head circumference, large-for-gestational age, small-for-gestational age, congenital malformations, preterm delivery and preeclampsia) were obtained from medical records. We tested associations using linear and log-binomial regression, adjusting for maternal age, body mass index (BMI) and smoking.

Results

Size at birth increased modestly but linearly with HbA1c. Birthweight rose 0.10 standard deviations [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03, 0.16], for each 5-mmol/mol unit increase in HbA1c, corresponding to about 40 g at 40 weeks of gestation. Large-for-gestational age rose 23% (95% CI: 1%, 50%) per five-unit increase. Other pregnancy complications increased in non-linear fashion, with strongest associations within the top quartile of HbA1c (>35 mmol/mol or >5.4%). Per unit HbA1c within the top quartile, preterm delivery increased by 14% (95% CI: 1%, 31%), preeclampsia increased by 20% (95% CI: 5%, 37%) and gestational duration decreased by 0.7 days (95% CI: −1.0, −0.3).

Conclusions

Among women with no recorded diabetes, higher HbA1c levels at 18 gestational weeks were associated with important perinatal outcomes independent of mother’s age, smoking or BMI.
Unique occurrence of the MioceneTrichopeltarion greggiDell, 1969 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Trichopeltariidae): potential documentation of maternal care
Authors: Feldmann Rodney M , Schweitzer Carrie E
Published: December 2021

A single concretion derived from the Miocene Greta Siltstone in North Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand, contains an adult and a juvenile individual of Trichopeltarion greggiDell, 1969. The association of an adult female and a juvenile brachyuran of the same species has not been documented previously in the fossil record. Condition of the chalky and thin endocuticle of the adult specimen suggests death and burial during the late premolt condition. Large egg size in extant Trichopeltarion spp. coupled with association of juveniles and adults in both extant and extinct species suggests that members of the genus may exhibit maternal care of juveniles.
Genetic Connections and Convergent Evolution of Tropical Indigenous Peoples in Asia
Authors: Deng Lian , Pan Yuwen , Wang Yinan , Chen Hao , Yuan Kai , Chen Sihan , Lu Dongsheng , Lu Yan , Mokhtar Siti Shuhada , Rahman Thuhairah Abdul , Hoh Boon-Peng , Xu Shuhua
Published: December 2021

Tropical indigenous peoples in Asia (TIA) attract much attention for their unique appearance, whereas their genetic history and adaptive evolution remain mysteries. We conducted a comprehensive study to characterize the genetic distinction and connection of broad geographical TIAs. Despite the diverse genetic makeup and large interarea genetic differentiation between the TIA groups, we identified a basal Asian ancestry (bASN) specifically shared by these populations. The bASN ancestry was relatively enriched in ancient Asian human genomes dated as early as ∼50,000 years before the present and diminished in more recent history. Notably, the bASN ancestry is unlikely to be derived from archaic hominins. Instead, we suggest it may be better modeled as a survived lineage of the initial peopling of Asia. Shared adaptations inherited from the ancient Asian ancestry were detected among the TIA groups (e.g., LIMS1 for hair morphology, and COL24A1 for bone formation), and they are enriched in neurological functions either at an identical locus (e.g., NKAIN3), or different loci in an identical gene (e.g., TENM4). The bASN ancestry could also have formed the substrate of the genetic architecture of the dark pigmentation observed in the TIA peoples. We hypothesize that phenotypic convergence of the dark pigmentation in TIAs could have resulted from parallel (e.g., DDB1/DAK) or genetic convergence driven by admixture (e.g., MTHFD1 and RAD18), new mutations (e.g., STK11), or notably purifying selection (e.g., MC1R). Our results provide new insights into the initial peopling of Asia and an advanced understanding of the phenotypic convergence of the TIA peoples.
Alkali metal cation incorporated Ag3BiI6 absorbers for efficient and stable rudorffite solar cells
Authors: Wu Ming-Chung , Kuo Ruei-Yu , Chang Yin-Hsuan , Chen Shih-Hsuan , Ho Ching-Mei , Su Wei-Fang
Published: December 2021

Toxic lead and poor stability are the main obstacles of perovskite solar cells. Lead-free silver bismuth iodide (SBI) was first attempted as solar cells photovoltaic materials in 2016. However, the short-circuit current of the SBI rudorffite materials is commonly <10 mA/cm2, limiting the overall photovoltaic performance. Here, we present a chemical composition engineering to enhance the photovoltaic performance. In this study, we incorporated a series of alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+) into Ag3BiI6 absorbers to investigate the effects on the photovoltaic performance of rudorffite solar cells. Cs+ doping improved VOC and Na+ doping showed an obvious enhancement in JSC. Therefore, we co-doped Na+ and Cs+ into SBI (Na/Cs-SBI) as the absorber and investigated the crystal structure, surface morphology and optical properties. The photo-assisted Kelvin probe force microscopy was used to measure surface potential and verified that Na/Cs doping could reduce the electron trapping at the grain boundary and facilitate electron transportation.

Na/Cs-SBI reduced the electron–holes pairs recombination and promoted the carrier transport of rudorffite solar cells. Finally, the Na/Cs-SBI rudorffite solar cell not only exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.50%, a 46% increase to the SBI device (PCE = 1.71%), but also was stable in ambient conditions for >6 months.
Coherence and Knowability
Authors: Rosa Luis
Published: December 2021

Why should we avoid incoherence? An influential view tells us that incoherent combinations of attitudes are such that it is impossible for all of those attitudes to be simultaneously vindicated by the evidence. But it is not clear whether this view explains what is wrong with certain akratic doxastic states. In this paper, I flesh out an alternative response to that question, one according to which the problem with incoherent combinations of attitudes is that it is impossible for all of those attitudes to be simultaneously knowledgeable. This alternative response explains what is wrong with akratic combinations of attitudes using commonly accepted epistemological theses. The paper still shows how this proposal is able to explain the badness of incoherent combinations involving the absence of attitudes, suspended judgment, and credence. Finally, it is suggested that this picture can be generalized to the realm of practical rationality as well.
LIFE SATISFACTION AND FACTORS AFFECTING SATISFACTION IN KAWAUCHI VILLAGE RESIDENTS AT 10 Y AFTER THE FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCIDENT
Authors: Matsunaga Hitomi , Orita Makiko , Liu Mengjie , Taira Yasuyuki , Takamura Noboru
Published: December 2021

We assessed the life satisfaction and related factors, including the mental health state, of residents of Kawauchi village, Fukushima Prefecture. Among the 374 residents who responded, 237 (63.4%) were satisfied with their current life. Of all respondents, 275 (73.5%) had a sense of belonging to the Kawauchi village community and 158 (42.2%) thought that Kawauchi had recovered after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) accident. Regression analysis revealed that post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-Specific score, sense of belonging to the Kawauchi village community, opinion that Kawauchi village had recovered, timing of return to Kawauchi <2 y and concern about consumption of mushrooms and wild plants from Kawauchi were independently associated with life satisfaction. Although 10 y have passed since the FDNPS accident, it is necessary to continue with risk communication, particularly for new residents of Kawauchi.
MONTE-CARLO SIMULATION USING PHITS OF SECONDARY NEUTRONS PRODUCED IN-PATIENT DURING 16O ION THERAPY
Authors: Boukhellout A , Ounoughi N , Kharfi F
Published: December 2021

In hadrontherapy, oxygen ions 16O can be currently considered as an alternative to carbon ions 12C designed specifically for the treatment of deep and radioresistant tumors. Secondary particles, particularly neutrons constitute a serious problem of undesirable additional irradiation to surrounding healthy tissue. The objective of this study is to evaluate, by Monte-Carlo simulation [code Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS)], the contribution in terms of dose of secondary neutrons produced during interaction 16O ion of 300 MeV u−1 in a soft tissue phantom. The dose of 16O ion, secondary particles and neutrons is evaluated, as well as the particle fluence and energy spectra of neutrons. The contribution to the total dose of secondary neutrons in a soft tissue phantom represents 0.1%. This dose, although apparently insignificant, is essential to conduct even more in-depth studies to understand the long-term effects of these secondary neutrons on the patient’s body especially in pediatric case.
Multiple dynamic models reveal the genetic architecture for growth in height ofCatalpa bungeiin the field
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Lu Nan , Jiang Libo , Liu Bingyang , Fei Yue , Ma Wenjun , Shi Chaozhong , Wang Junhui
Published: December 2021

Growth in height (GH) is a critical determinant for tree survival and development in forests and can be depicted using logistic growth curves. Our understanding of the genetic mechanism underlying dynamic GH, however, is limited, particularly under field conditions. We applied two mapping models (Funmap and FVTmap) to find quantitative trait loci responsible for dynamic GH and two epistatic models (2HiGWAS and 1HiGWAS) to detect epistasis in Catalpa bungei grown in the field. We identified 13 co-located quantitative trait loci influencing the growth curve by Funmap and three heterochronic parameters (the timing of the inflection point, maximum acceleration and maximum deceleration) by FVTmap. The combined use of FVTmap and Funmap reduced the number of candidate genes by >70%. We detected 76 significant epistatic interactions, amongst which a key gene, COMT14, co-located by three models (but not 1HiGWAS) interacted with three other genes, implying that a novel network of protein interaction centered on COMT14 may control the dynamic GH of C. bungei. These findings provide new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the dynamic growth in tree height in natural environments and emphasize the necessity of incorporating multiple dynamic models for screening more reliable candidate genes.
Classification of Individual Pain Response Trajectories Following Medically Indicated Heel Lances in Preterm Infants During Their NICU Admission
Authors: Hundert Amos , Woolcott Christy , Dorling Jon , Benoit Britney , Campbell-Yeo Marsha
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Infants born preterm are exposed to repeated painful procedures during neonatal intensive care unit admission. Particularly in preterm infants, trajectories of pain response are not well understood. The aim of this study was to classify pain response trajectories over 2 minute following medically indicated heel lances in preterm infants.

Materials and Methods:

This study used existing clinical trial data (NCT01561547) that evaluated the efficacy of kangaroo care and sucrose for infant pain control. Pain was measured using the Premature Infant Pain Profile at 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds following a heel lance. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to classify pain response in this 2 minute period.

Results:

A total of 236 infants with median gestational age of 33 weeks contributed 610 procedures. A model with 5 trajectory classes best fit the data. Three trajectories were stable over time at different levels of intensity from low-mild to low-moderate pain. One trajectory reflected a linear reduction from high-moderate to low-moderate pain. The final trajectory showed variable moderate-high pain. At all times points, 3 classes were at least 1-point different from the overall sample mean pain score. Only 21 (9%) infants maintained the same class for all 3 procedures.

Discussion:

In this sample of preterm infants receiving pain relief, most pain trajectories reflected mild to low-moderate pain that was stable over 2 minute after heel lance initiation. Trajectories were not consistent over multiple procedures within infants, and an overall mean pain score for the sample may misrepresent subgroups of pain response.
Hybrid Therapy Versus Total En Bloc Spondyectomy in the Treatment of Solitary Radioresistant Spinal Metastases
Authors: Zheng Jianping , Wu Longyun , Shi Jiandang , Niu Ningkui , Yang Zongqiang , Ding Huiqiang
Published: December 2021

Study Design:

This was a retrospective study.

Objective:

To compare the treatment efficacy of hybrid therapy (HT) with that of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) in patients with solitary radioresistant high-grade epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) spinal metastases.

Summary of Background Data:

Both HT and TES can yield good results for solitary radioresistant metastatic spinal tumors with high-grade ESCC. However, there is still a lack of comparative studies on the treatment efficacy of these 2 methods.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with the above-mentioned tumors between January 2012 and May 2019. A total of 157 patients underwent surgery, 64 of whom received HT and 93 were treated with TES. Propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) allowed the generation of best-matched pairs for the 2 categories. Local control rates and survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up. The longest follow-up period was 88 months. The survival rates and local progression-free survival rates after HT were comparable with those after TES at 1 year (84.6% vs. 83.1% and 90.2% vs. 90%, respectively), 2 years (60.8% vs. 64.3% and 64.1% vs. 62.1%, respectively), and 5 years (18.8% vs. 24.1% and 24.4% vs. 28.4%, respectively). There were no significant differences in pain control, improvement in neurological status, spine stabilization restoration, incidence of perioperative complications, and improvement in quality of life between the groups. However, HT showed more advantages than TES in that it had a shorter operative time and lower intraoperative blood loss.

Conclusions:

HT can obtain satisfactory results comparable to TES for solitary radioresistant metastatic spinal tumors with high-grade ESCC. In addition, HT has a shorter operative time and fewer perioperative complications than TES. HT may be a promising treatment for solitary radioresistant metastatic spinal tumors with high-grade ESCC.
Fingerstall-type Tissue Oximetry Reduced Anxiety of Nurses in Postoperative Nursing Monitoring of Free Flaps
Authors: Tsuge Itaru , Yamanaka Hiroki , Katsube Motoki , Sakamoto Michiharu , Saito Susumu , Morimoto Naoki
Published: December 2021

Background:

Postoperative free flap monitoring is essential for immediately detecting obstruction of anastomosed vessels with successive recovery surgery for salvaging flaps. We performed postoperative nursing monitoring using handheld Doppler sonography, but nurses reported feeling anxious with this approach and demanded a clear-cut evaluation method. Therefore, we implemented monitoring with the fingerstall-type tissue oximeter Toccare, a noninvasive device that enables easy flap checking by simply touching the flap with a probe.

Method:

Handheld Doppler was used for nursing monitoring from April to October 2020, with anxiety associated with its use reported. We collected information via an anonymous questionnaire to determine the reason for the anxiety. Toccare was subsequently applied for postoperative free flap monitoring by nurses. The protocol involved measuring tissue oxygen saturation by touching the flap with a Toccare probe every 4 hours from 24 to 100 hours postoperatively. Seven months later, a second anonymous questionnaire was conducted, and results were compared.

Result:

Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps and anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 5 each) were included. The average tissue oxygen saturation values in the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator and anterolateral thigh flaps were 52.0% and 52.4%, respectively. According to the second questionnaire about Toccare, 7% felt anxious, 62% felt slightly anxious, and 31% did not feel anxious. Toccare was preferred by 89% of nurses who had used both methods.

Conclusions:

Flap monitoring using Toccare reduced nurses’ anxiety. A numerical evaluation method with easy handling and clear doctor call criteria is essential for low-anxiety nursing monitoring.
Development and Validation of a Model for Prediction of End-Stage Liver Disease in People With HIV
Authors: Kim H. Nina , Nance Robin M. , Lo Re Vincent , Silverberg Michael J. , Franco Ricardo , Sterling Timothy R. , Cachay Edward R. , Horberg Michael A. , Althoff Keri N. , Justice Amy C. , Moore Richard D. , Klein Marina , Crane Heidi M. , Delaney Joseph A. , Kitahata Mari M.
Published: December 2021

Background:

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a leading cause of non–AIDS-related death among people with HIV (PWH). Factors that increase the progression of liver disease include comorbidities and HIV-specific factors, but we currently lack a tool to apply this evidence into clinical practice.

Methods:

We developed and validated a risk prediction model for ESLD among PWH who received care in 12 cohorts of the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design between 2000 and 2016 and had fibrosis-4 index > 1.45. The first occurrence of ascites, variceal bleed, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or hepatic encephalopathy was verified by standardized medical record review. The Bayesian model averaging was used to select predictors among biomarkers and diagnoses and the Harrell C statistic to assess model discrimination.

Results:

Among 13,787 PWH in the training set, 82% were men and 54% were Black with a mean age of 48 years. Three hundred ninety ESLD events occurred over a mean 5.4 years. Among the ESLD cases, 52% had hepatitis C virus, 15% hepatitis B virus, and 31% alcohol use disorder. Twelve factors together predicted ESLD risk moderately well (C statistic 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 0.81): age, sex, race/ethnicity, chronic hepatitis B or C, and routinely collected laboratory values reflecting hepatic impairment (serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and platelets) and lipid metabolism (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol). Our model performed well in the test set (C statistic 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 0.86).

Conclusion:

This model of readily accessible clinical parameters predicted ESLD in a large diverse population of PWH.
Emergent gauge symmetries: making symmetry as well as breaking it
Authors: Bass Steven D.
Published: December 2021

Gauge symmetries play an essential role in determining the interactions of particle physics. Where do they come from? Might the gauge symmetries of the Standard Model unify in the ultraviolet or might they be emergent in the infrared, below some large scale close to the Planck scale? Emergent gauge symmetries are important in quantum many-body systems in quantum phases associated with long range entanglement and topological order, e.g. they arise in high temperature superconductors, with string-net condensation and in the A-phase of superfluid
3
He. String-nets and superfluid
3
He exhibit emergent properties similar to the building blocks of particle physics. Emergent gauge symmetries also play an important role in simulations of quantum field theories. This article discusses recent thinking on possible emergent gauge symmetries in particle physics, commenting also on Higgs phenomena and the vacuum energy or cosmological constant puzzle in emergent gauge systems.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum technologies in particle physics’.
Quantum pattern recognition algorithms for charged particle tracking
Authors: Gray H. M.
Published: December 2021

High-energy physics is facing a daunting computing challenge with the large datasets expected from the upcoming High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider in the next decade and even more so at future colliders. A key challenge in the reconstruction of events of simulated data and collision data is the pattern recognition algorithms used to determine the trajectories of charged particles. The field of quantum computing shows promise for transformative capabilities and is going through a cycle of rapid development and hence might provide a solution to this challenge. This article reviews current studies of quantum computers for charged particle pattern recognition in high-energy physics.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Quantum technologies in particle physics’.
Dynamics of the habitat use of three predatory freshwater fish in a lentic ecosystem
Authors: Říha Milan , Rabaneda-Bueno Ruben , Jarić Ivan , Souza Allan T. , Vejřík Lukáš , Draštík Vladislav , Blabolil Petr , Holubová Michaela , Jůza Tomas , Gjelland Karl Ø. , Rychtecký Pavel , Sajdlová Zuzana , Kočvara Luboš , Tušer Michal , Prchalová Marie , Seďa Jaromír , Peterka Jiří
Published: December 2021

To understand the conditions of coexistence in multiple-species predator community, we studied longitudinal and vertical movement of pike (Esox lucius), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) and catfish (Silurus glanis) in the Římov Reservoir, using an autonomous telemetry system for 11 months. We found significant differences among these three species in movement and depth that varied considerably in time, with the greatest differences between warm (late spring and early autumn) and cold season (late autumn to early spring). Preference for different sections of the reservoir was stable for pike, while pikeperch and catfish frequently visited tributary during the warm season, and moved closer to the dam during the cold season. Pike longitudinal activity was highest in the cold season, pikeperch in the warm season, and catfish activity peaked in both the warm and cold seasons. Overlap in the depth used among species was higher in the warm season, when all species used the upper layer of the water column, and lower in cold season, when pikeperch and catfish used deeper areas. These results demonstrated ability of predators to actively inspect a large portion of the reservoir in both longitudinal and vertical dimensions, although differing in the timing of their habitat use and activity.
Orbitofrontal cortex contributes to the comparison of values underlying economic choices
Authors: Ballesta Sébastien , Shi Weikang , Padoa-Schioppa Camillo
Published: December 2021

Economic choices between goods entail the computation and comparison of subjective values. Previous studies examined neuronal activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of monkeys choosing between different types of juices. Three groups of neurons were identified: offer value cells encoding the value of individual offers, chosen juice cells encoding the identity of the chosen juice, and chosen value cells encoding the value of the chosen offer. The encoded variables capture both the input (offer value) and the output (chosen juice, chosen value) of the decision process, suggesting that values are compared within OFC. Recent work demonstrates that choices are causally linked to the activity of offer value cells. Conversely, the hypothesis that OFC contributes to value comparison has not been confirmed. Here we show that weak electrical stimulation of OFC specifically disrupts value comparison without altering offer values. This result implies that neuronal populations in OFC participate in the decision process.

Significance

Economic choices encompass two mental stages: values are assigned to the available offers, and a decision is made by comparing values. Previous work showed that choices are causally related to offer values encoded in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Conversely, the neural underpinnings of value comparison remain poorly understood. Here we show that weak electrical stimulation of OFC selectively disrupts the decision process without affecting offer values. Hence, neurons in OFC contribute to value comparison.
Skin resident memory cells generated by the L. major centrin gene deleted parasites mediate protective immune response analogous to leishmanization
Authors: Ismail Nevien , Karmakar Subir , Bhattacharya Parna , Sepahpour Telly , Takeda Kazuyo , Hamano Shinjiro , Matlashewski Greg , Satoskar Abhay R. , Gannavaram Sreenivas , Dey Ranadhir , Nakhasi Hira L.
Published: December 2021

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of a sand fly with no available vaccine for humans. Recently, we have developed a live attenuated Leishmania major centrin gene deleted parasite strain (LmCen-/-) that induced protection against a homologous and heterologous challenges. The protection is mediated by IFNγ secreting CD4+ T effector cells and multifunctional T cells, which is analogous to leishmanization. Previously, skin tissue resident memory T cells (TRM cells) were shown to be crucial for host protection in a leishmanization model. In this study, we evaluated generation and function of skin TRM cells following immunization with LmCen-/- parasites and compared those with leishmanization. In the absence of recoverable LmCen-/- parasites, the skin of immunized mice showed functional TRM cells comparable to leishmanized mice. The generation of the skin TRM cells was supported by the induction of cytokines and chemokines essential for their production and survival. Following challenge infection with wild type L. major, TRM cells specific to L. major were rapidly recruited and proliferated at the site of infection in the immunized mice which was similar to leishmanization. Further, upon challenge, CD4+ TRM cells induced higher levels of IFNγ and Granzyme B in the immunized and leishmanized mice than non-immunized mice. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that a genetically modified live attenuated Leishmania vaccine generates functional CD4+ TRM cells that mediate protection and can be a safer alternative to leishmanization.
Emergent Diversity and Persistent Turnover in Evolving Microbial Cross-Feeding Networks
Authors: Lücken Leonhard , Lennartz Sinikka T. , Froehlich Jule , Blasius Bernd
Published: December 2021

A distinguishing feature of many ecological networks in the microbial realm is the diversity of substrates that could potentially serve as energy sources for microbial consumers. The microorganisms are themselves the agents of compound diversification via metabolite excretion or overflow metabolism. It has been suggested that the emerging richness of different substrates is an important condition for the immense biological diversity in microbial ecosystems. In this work, we study how complex cross-feeding networks (CFN) of microbial species may develop from a simple initial community given some elemental evolutionary mechanisms of resource-dependent speciation and extinctions using a network flow model. We report results of several numerical experiments and report an in-depth analysis of the evolutionary dynamics. We find that even in stable environments, the system is subject to persisting turnover, indicating an ongoing co-evolution. Further, we compare the impact of different parameters, such as the ratio of mineralization, as well as the metabolic versatility and variability on the evolving community structure. The results imply that high microbial and molecular diversity is an emergent property of evolution in cross-feeding networks, which affects transformation and accumulation of substrates in natural systems, such as soils and oceans, with potential relevance to biotechnological applications.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 synonymous codon usage evolution throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mogro Ezequiel G. , Bottero Daniela , Lozano Mauricio J.
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2, the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans, can cause severe life-threatening respiratory pathologies. To better understand SARS-CoV-2 evolution, genome-wide analyses have been made, including the general characterization of its codons usage profile. Here we present a bioinformatic analysis of the evo-lution of SARS-CoV-2 codon usage over time using complete genomes collected since December 2019. Our results show that SARS-CoV-2 codon usage pattern is antagonistic to, and it is getting farther away from that of the human host. Further, a selection of deoptimized codons over time, which was accompanied by a decrease in both the codon adaptation index and the effective number of codons, was observed. All together, these findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 could be evolving, at least from the perspective of the synonymous codon usage, to become less pathogenic.

Graphical Abstract
Caste- and sex-specific DNA methylation in a bumblebee is associated with codon degeneracy
Authors: Marshall H. , Nicholas M.T. , van Zweden J.S. , Wäckers F. , Ross L. , Wenseleers T. , Mallon E.B.
Published: December 2021

Social insects display extreme phenotypic differences between sexes and castes even though the underlying genome can be almost identical. Epigenetic processes have been proposed as a possible mechanism for mediating these phenotypic differences. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing of queens, males and reproductive female workers we have characterised the sex- and caste-specific methylome of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We have identified a potential role for DNA methylation in histone modification processes which may influence sex and caste phenotypic differences. We also find differentially methylated genes generally show low levels of DNA methylation which may suggest a separate function for lowly methylated genes in mediating transcriptional plasticity. Unlike highly methylated genes which are usually involved in housekeeping functions. We also examined the relationship between the underlying genome and the methylome using whole genome re-sequencing of the same queens and males. We find DNA methylation is enriched at zero-fold degenerate sites. We suggest DNA methylation may be acting as a mutagen at these sites thereby providing substrate for selection via changes in gene transcription mediated by the underlying genotype. However, we did not see any relationship between DNA methylation and rates of positive selection in our samples. In order to fully assess a possible role for DNA methylation in adaptive processes a specifically designed study using natural population data is needed.