bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast unconditional reset and leakage reduction in fixed-frequency transmon qubits
Authors: Chen Liangyu , Fors Simon , Yan Zixian , Ali Anaida , Abad Tahereh , Osman Amr , Moschandreou Eleftherios , Lienhard Benjamin , Kosen Sandoko , Li Hang-Xi , Shiri Daryoush , Liu Tong , Hill Stefan , Amin Abdullah-Al , Rehammar Robert , Dahiya Mamta , Nylander Andreas , Rommel Marcus , Roudsari Anita Fadavi , Caputo Marco , Grönberg Leif , Govenius Joonas , Dobsicek Miroslav , Giannelli Michele , Kockum Anton , Bylander Jonas , Tancredi Giovanna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The realization of fault-tolerant quantum computing requires the execution of quantum error-correction (QEC) schemes, to mitigate the fragile nature of qubits. In this context, to ensure the success of QEC, a protocol capable of implementing both qubit reset and leakage reduction is highly desirable. We demonstrate such a protocol in an architecture consisting of fixed-frequency transmon qubits pair-wise coupled via tunable couplers -- an architecture that is compatible with the surface code. We use tunable couplers to transfer any undesired qubit excitation to the readout resonator of the qubit, from which this excitation decays into the feedline. In total, the combination of qubit reset, leakage reduction, and coupler reset takes only 83ns to complete. Our reset scheme is fast, unconditional, and achieves fidelities well above 99%, thus enabling fixed-frequency qubit architectures as future implementations of fault-tolerant quantum computers. Our protocol also provides a means to both reduce QEC cycle runtime and improve algorithmic fidelity on quantum computers.
Sex differences in the functional network underpinnings of psychotic-like experiences in children
Authors: Dhamala Elvisha , Chopra Sidhant , Ooi Leon , Rubio Jose , Yeo Thomas , Malhotra Anil , Holmes Avram 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) include a range of sub-threshold symptoms of psychosis which may not necessarily indicate the presence of psychiatric illness. While not all youth who report PLEs develop psychosis, many will develop other psychiatric illnesses during adolescence and adulthood, suggesting PLEs may represent early markers of poor mental health. Here, we sought to determine the neurobiological correlates of PLEs and evaluate the extent to which they differ across the sexes using a sex-specific brain-based predictive modeling approach. The ABCD Study includes a large community-based sample of children and adolescents who were assessed on a comprehensive set of neuroimaging, behavioral, developmental, and psychiatric batteries. For these analyses, we considered a sample of 5,260 children (2,571 females; ages 9-10) from the baseline timepoint with complete imaging and behavioral data. Brain-based predictive models were used to quantify sex-specific associations between functional connectivity and PLE Total and PLE Distress scores. Assigned males reported more PLEs (2.55±3.54) and greater resulting distress (5.84±10.06) relative to females (2.31±3.43 Total and 5.74±10.40 Distress scores). Functional connectivity was significantly associated with PLE Total and Distress scores in both females (prediction accuracy, rTotal=0.09, pFDR<0.01 and rDistress=0.08, pFDR <0.01) and males (rTotal= 0.10, pFDR <0.01 and rDistress=0.11, pFDR <0.01). Functional connections associated with Total and Distress scores were highly similar within females (cosine distance, d=0.04) and males (d=0.04) and considerably different across the sexes (d total=0.54, d distress= 0.55). PLEs were associated with functional connections across dispersed cortical and non-cortical networks in females, whereas in males, they were primarily associated with connections within limbic, temporal parietal, somato/motor, and visual networks. These results suggest that early transdiagnostic markers of psychopathology may be distinct across the sexes, further emphasizing the need to consider sex in psychiatric research as well as clinical practice.
What is Known about Gestational Weight Gain in Chinese Twin Pregnancies? A Scoping Review
Authors: Hu Ye , Li Yao , Wang Xiaojie , Zhang Ye 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: The number of twin pregnancies has gradually increased over the last three decades. Twin pregnancies are more prone to pregnancy-related complications for both mother and baby. Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor in optimising adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is a gap in the range of gestational weight gain for twin pregnancies in China. Therefore, this scoping review aims to synthesise the existing evidence on the optimal range of gestational weight gain for twin pregnancies in China and the association between perinatal outcomes and gestational weight gain.
Methods: A scoping review of research on gestational weight gain in Chinese twins up to 2024 was undertaken. Studies for review were identified through systematic searches of three English electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed). Studies were included if they investigated weight gain during pregnancy in Chinese twin pregnant women. Data were extracted, tabulated, and analysed comprehensively. Literature selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers.
Results: Twelve studies proposed recommended ranges for Chinese twin pregnant women using the interquartile range method. Most of these gestational weight gain ranges were lower than the 2009 IOM guidelines. Eight studies validated the plausibility of gestational weight gain by comparing the risk of maternal and neonatal outcomes within and outside the recommended range. Seven of them found that their proposed gestational weight gain ranges were appropriate for Chinese women with twin pregnancies, as adverse perinatal outcomes were at increased risk when weight gain was outside the proposed range.
Conclusions: There is no consensus on the optimal range of weight gain for Chinese twin pregnant women. As a next step, researchers should reach a consensus on gestational weight gain by conducting a multicentre and large-sample study and then explore interventions to control inappropriate weight gain to help pregnant women avoid adverse perinatal outcomes.
Investigating the Use of Multiple Representations in University Courses on Quantum Technologies
Authors: Rexigel Eva , Bley Jonas , Arias Alda , Qerimi Linda , Küchemann Stefan , Kuhn Jochen , Widera Artur 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The field of Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) education presents unique challenges for both students and educators, such as the necessity of understanding abstract properties of quantum systems. To provide a more intuitive understanding of quantum systems, a multitude of qubit representations have been developed in recent years. Given the diversity of the field, a specific representation may be more suitable in one content area of than in another. Consequently, the choice of representation may vary considerably depending on the course orientation. However, no exhaustive analysis has been conducted into the differences between the representation of single- and multi-qubit systems in higher education QIST courses. Furthermore, the factors which influence the selection of a suitable representation remain open. To close this gap, we conducted an online survey with 25 educators at different German and Austrian universities on their use of representations in QIST-related courses. The results confirm the pivotal role of mathematical formalism in QIST education regardless of the specific course characteristics but also reveal an untapped potential for enhancing student learning through the intentional and comprehensive use of multiple external representations (MERs), especially in the case of multi-qubit systems. The findings are discussed within the context of the field of QIST and current insights into learning with MERs.
Effect of the composition of block copolypeptides on their biocompatibility and anti-bacterial activities
Authors: Cheng Ying-Jung , Jiang Yi-Sheng , Huang Cheng-Rung , Chen Chang-Shi , Jan Jeng-Shiung 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The improper use of antibiotics in patients around the world increased the risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection and become a serious global health threat. Although many natural anti-bacterial peptides have been discovered, the low bioavailability of natural anti-bacterial peptides limited their therapeutic effect. Hence, it is necessary to develop customized synthetic anti-bacterial polypeptides. Although poly(L-Lysine) (PLL) is well known to exhibit anti-bacterial properties, the positively charged PLL reduced viability of mammalian cells by disrupting cell membrane. The tethering of hydrophobic peptide segments onto PLL might be able to not only circumvent this problem but also improve their antibacterial activity. The experimental data showed that the hydrophobic peptide segments played an important role on the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of the block polypeptides. Among them, linear and 3-armed poly(L-Lysine)-block-poly(L-Alanine) block copolypeptides showed excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri). The in vivoexperiments confirmed that the polypeptides could protect Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) from bacterial infection, evidenced by the prolonged lifespan in the presence of polypeptides. Our results showed that these polypeptides could be potential candidates for treating bacterial infections.
Changes in chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in gastrointestinal cancer survivors using multidomain assessments: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Saita Kazuya , Tanabe Kazuaki , Hamai Yoichi , Yamauchi Masami , Kaneko Fumiko , Mikami Yukio , Okamoto Wataru , Okada Morihito , Ohdan Hideki , Okamura Hitoshi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Risk factors for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) are diverse; neuroimaging instruments are recommended to complement subjective and objective cognitive assessments. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a multidomain assessment protocol for CRCI in gastrointestinal cancer survivors.
Methods: Twenty-four patients with gastrointestinal cancer scheduled for chemotherapy and 24 healthy controls were recruited. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-cognitive function (FACT-Cog) was used to assess subjective cognitive functions. Objective cognitive function was assessed using the trail-making test, auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), and verbal fluency test. Cerebral hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex were measured using portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (P-NIRS). Assessments were conducted at baseline and six-month follow-up.
Results: Thirty-eight participants were included in the analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in AVLT-delayed recall (p=0.002) in the chemotherapy group compared with the healthy control group, but no significant difference in either group for other cognitive assessments. The chemotherapy group exhibited reduced activity in the left frontal pole at six months post-treatment compared to baseline (p=0.018).
Conclusions: Gastrointestinal cancer survivors who receive chemotherapy may exhibit poorer delayed recall of memory functions than healthy individuals. Monitoring prefrontal cortical hemodynamics using P-NIRS during cognitive tasks is feasible for clinical application and understanding CRCI symptoms.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: This multidomain assessments ars translatable to clinical practice and useful for other cancers. Furthermore, It can lead to a deeper understanding of the impact of depressive symptoms and declining motivation on the cognitive function of cancer survivors.
cfGWAS reveal genetic basis of cell-free DNA features
Authors: Zhu Huanhuan , Zhang Yan , Zeng Shuang , Li Linxuan , Ou Rijing , Zhang Xinyi , Li Xiameizi , Lin Ying , Wang Yu , Lin Yu , Xu Chuang , Wang Lin , Zeng Guodan , Zeng Jingyu , Li Lingguo , Jia Yongjian , Luo Fei , Yang Meng , Hu Yuxuan , Xiao Han , Xu Xun , Wang Jian , Zhou Aifen , Zhang Haiqiang , Jin Xin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

cfDNA consists of degraded DNA fragments released into body fluids. Its genetic and pathological information makes it useful for prenatal testing and early tumor detection. However, the mechanisms behind cfDNA biology are largely unknown. In this study, for the first time, we conducted a GWAS study to explore the genetic basis of cfDNA end motif frequencies, termed cfGWAS, in 28,016 pregnant women. We identified 23 study-wide significant loci, including well-known cfDNA-related genes DFFB and DNASE1L3, and numerous novel genes potentially involved in cfDNA biology, including PANX1 and DNASE1L1. The findings were further verified through three independent GWAS studies and experimental validation in knockout mice and cell lines. Subsequent analyses revealed strong causal relationships of leukocytes, especially neutrophils, on cfDNA features. In summary, we present the first cfGWAS, revealing the genetic basis of cfDNA biology from genome-wide scale. Novel knowledge uncovered by this study promises to revolutionize liquid biopsy technology and potential new drug targeted for certain disease. Given that millions cfDNA whole genome sequencing data have been generated from clinical testing, the potential of this paradigm is enormous.
Association between cardiometabolic index and hypertension: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020
Authors: Yan Zefeng , Zhao Jinxin , Chen Congzhe , Wang Yu , Zhang Ying 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a well promising indicator for predicting obesity-related diseases, but its predictive value for hypertension is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CMI and hypertension and to evaluate the predictive value of CMI for hypertension.Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 7897 U.S. adults with hypertension sourced from the NHANES 2017–2020. CMI was calculated by multiplying the ratio of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to systematically evaluate the relationship between CMI and hypertension. To determine whether there was a linear or nonlinear relationship between CMI and hypertension by restricted cubic spline regression.The subgroup analyses were conducted in order to scrutinize the reliability and robustness of the relationship between CMI and hypertension across different subgroups.Results The average age of the 7897 participants was 50.98 years, with males accounting for 48.4% and females 51.6%. Subjects with higher CMI exhibited a significantly increased risk of hypertension. The odds ratio (OR) for a 1-standard-deviation increase in CMI was 3.38(2.69–4.23) after adjusting for various confounding factors. Further subgroup analysis showed that there were significant additive interactions between CMI and hypertension risk in gender, waist circumference(WC), HDL-C, TG and glycohemoglobin ( p for interaction < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis identified one significant inflection points: the point at 0.4934. Individuals with a CMI level below 0.4934 had a low risk of developing hypertension. Conclusions: CMI was strongly and positively associated with the risk of hypertension and can be a reference predictor for hypertension. High CMI had excellent diagnostic performance for hypertension, which can enable important clinical value for early identification and screening of hypertension.
Randomized Trial of Occlusive Wrap for Heat Loss Prevention in Preterm Infants: Neurodevelopmental Outcome
Authors: Vincer Michael J. , Reilly Maureen C. , Vohra Sunita , Rac Valeria E. , Bhaloo Zafira , Dunn Michael , Ferrelli Karla , Kiss Alex , Wimmer John , Zayack Denise , Soll Roger 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Heat loss in the delivery room in very preterm infants is associated with increased mortality, hypothermia and other adverse outcomes. The Heat Loss Preventions (HeLP) trial was designed to address these outcomes and resulted in a significant reduction of hypothermia but not a reduction in mortality. The HeLP follow-up trial was designed to determine whether application of occlusive wrap applied immediately after birth reduces adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-24 months corrected gestational age in very preterm infants.
STUDY DESIGN: The original HeLP trial was a randomized controlled trial of very preterm infants (< 28 weeks gestation) placed at birth in occlusive wrap (wrap group) or not placed in occlusive wrap (control group). The HeLP follow-up trial was the later assessment of these infants enrolled in the HeLP trial to determine the composite outcome of death or neurodevelopmental disability at 18-24 month corrected gestational age.
RESULTS: There were 356 infants eligible for follow-up from the randomized controlled HeLP trial with a loss to follow-up of 116/356 (32.6%). The primary outcome occurred in 82/113 in the wrap group and 80/127 in the control group (p=0.149, Fisher’s exact). Because of the large loss to follow-up rate, this unadjusted odds ratio was 1.55 (95% confidence interval=0.90-2.69) while the adjusted odds ratio (adjusted for major predictors of the outcome) was virtually unchanged at 1.52 (95% confidence interval=0.83-2.80). Secondary outcomes in the wrap versus control group were: cerebral palsy 9/70 versus 5/87 (p=0.204, Fisher’s exact), Mental Developmental Index (MDI) < 85 (Bayley Scales) 30/53 versus 33/67 (p=0.538, Fisher’s exact), blindness at 0/68 versus 1/86 (p>0.999, Fisher’s exact) and deafness 5/70 versus 6/87 (p>0.999, Fisher’s exact). No difference was noted in prescription glasses, 7/70 in the wrap group versus 2/87 in the control group (p=0.085, Fisher’s exact).
CONCLUSION:Use of polyethylene occlusive wrap after birth in very preterm infants was associated with similar death or long-term neurodevelopmental disability rate.
Clinical Trials Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00607464
Identification of IGFBP-2 gene polymorphism and its association with performance traits in Large White Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Solanki Rohit , Dhaka S. S. , RATWAN POONAM , Singh Mohit , Kumar Manoj 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Piggery promises distinct qualities like early maturity, high fecundity, produces up to 8–12 piglets in each farrowing, high feed conversion efficiency etc. that make it low-cost profitable enterprise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in Large White Yorkshire pigs based on variations in IGFBP-2 gene. A total of 100 blood samples were collected from the pigs and polymorphism was explored in IGFBP-2 gene using PCR-RFLP technique. A 245 bp fragment in intron 2 of IGFBP-2 gene was amplified using PCR. Amplified PCR products of IGFBP-2 gene was digested using MspI restriction enzymes. In this study, polymorphic patterns were revealed for the IGFBP-2 gene. Two types of genotypes i.e. CC (55 and 190 bp) and CT (55, 190 and 245 bp) were observed for the targeted loci of intron 2 of IGFBP-2 gene. CC genotype was found to be dominant with frequency as 0.88. Frequencies of ‘C’ and ‘T’ alleles were 0.94 and 0.06 in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Results of Chi-squares test showed that the targeted locus of IGFBP-2 gene was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.05) in screened pig population. The CT genotyped animals had significantly higher litter size at birth (8.83 ± 0.46) and litter weight at birth (9.98 ± 0.42 kg) as compared to homozygous CC genotyped pigs. A total of 13 samples of intron 2 region of IGFBP-2 gene were sequenced and on comparison of sequencing results with reference sequence of Duroc cross (BV727778), one SNP was found at g. 278T > C locus and there was change in nucleotide at one position i.e. g. 171 A > G (Transition). In conclusion, favored genotypes of the IGFBP-2 gene may be propagated further in Large White Yorkshire pigs through breeding programmes. There is need to explore the association of identified SNPs with production and reproduction traits in large sample size of Large White Yorkshire pigs.
Tryptophan-induced transcriptomic changes in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) are highly dependent on neuroendocrine-immune conditions
Authors: Peixoto Diogo , Carvalho Inês , Robledo Diego , Machado Marina , Pereiro Patricia , Figueras Antonio , Azeredo Rita , Costas Benjamín 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), dietary tryptophan (TRP) surplus has a notable modulatory effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis under chronic stress and acute inflammation, affecting cortisol levels and neuroendocrine- and immune-related gene expression. A transcriptomic approach (RNA-seq) was applied to head-kidney samples of fish submitted to confinement stress and/or acute inflammation to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these effects. Undisturbed seabass fed dietary TRP supplementation showed an up-regulation of various innate immune functions, contrasting previous studies which indicated mainly a TRP regulatory role. Upon bacterial injection, TRP-fed fish showed a transcriptomic profile similar to their counterparts fed on control diet, indicating TRP’s inability to modulate immune mechanisms under bacterial challenge. Under confinement stress, TRP-fed fish exhibited a molecular profile similar to unstressed control fish, highlighting TRP’s role in mitigating stress. However, combining dietary TRP supplementation with confinement stress and immune stimulation by bacterial inoculation resulted in a unique molecular profile. Stressed fish fed TRP did not show the restorative effect of immune stimulation on carbohydrate metabolism and showed downregulated genes related to glycolysis and glycogenolysis. Additionally, transcription upregulation in these fish after bacterial injection included terms related to serine and steroid metabolism (carboxyl ester lipase 2), indicating tryptophan-induced changes in lipid mobilization in the head-kidney, potentially affecting cortisol synthesis and other hormones.
A Local De-insulation Method and Its Application in Neural Microneedle Array
Authors: Pei Weihua , Zhao Xin , Wei Chunrong , Zhu Deguang , Yang Xiaowei , Han Guowei , Ning Jin , Gui Qiang , Tang Rongyu , Wang Yijun , Zhou Jingfeng , Geng Zhaoxin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Silicon-based neural microneedle arrays, such as the Utah Array, have demonstrated excellent performance in chronic recordings from the cerebral cortex. Unlike planar thin-film electrodes with recording sites arranged on the surface of a silicon film, the recording sites of microneedle arrays are located at the tips of three-dimensional needles, which significantly complicates the fabrication process required for single-neuron recordings. To address this challenge, we develop a local de-insulation method for microneedle recording electrodes that eliminates the need for etching: the microneedle tips are encapsulated in a controllable-thickness protective layer, followed by deposition of a Parylene-C insulation layer. By optimizing the adhesion and shape of the insulation material on both the protective layer and the electrode shaft, we were able to precisely control the quality of the removed insulated layers, resulting in consistent tip exposure. Experimental results show that the non-uniformity of the exposed microneedle recording sites in the silicon-based neural microelectrode arrays (each has 10×10 array) fabricated using this method is 2.32 ± 0.57%, Furthermore, the arrays exhibited high stability and reliability in both mechanical performance and electrical characteristics. They are achieving a spike signal-to-noise ratio of up to 28 when tested in vivo. This fabrication technique provides a valuable method for the development of high-performance neural microelectrode array.