bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Encoding proteins as quantum states with approximate quantum state preparation by iterated sparse state preparation
Authors: Rofougaran Rod , Wang Ralph , Ajagekar Akshay , You Fengqi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Quantum computing holds transformative potential for various domains including cheminformatics through advancements in quantum algorithms. The key to realizing improvements with quantum algorithms in cheminformatics is encoding chemical data like proteins as quantum states with quantum state preparation. In this work, we propose a computational framework to encode proteins as quantum states for efficient downstream quantum processing. Protein data representations are encoded as multi-qubit quantum states with iterative quantum sparse state preparation guided by the classical heuristic search method for optimal gate sequence identification. The validity and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated with various computational experiments to encode uniform random states as well as proteins. Several performance comparisons against the baselines of exact and variational state preparation methods, the proposed approach is able to encode proteins with 25% fewer controlled-NOT gates while performing orders of magnitude faster than the variational method.
Numerical simulation of bonding performance between GFRP and lightweight aggregate concrete
Authors: Wang Yinmao , Wu Liwei , Guo Xueyuan , Chen Haibin , Ba Ying , Liu Zhang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigates the bonding performance between Glass Fiber-Reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC). We established 81 central pull-out numerical simulation scenarios to analyze the influence of four factors—lightweight aggregate concrete strength grade, GFRP bar diameters, GFRP bar rib height, and GFRP bar bonding length—on the bonding performance between LWAC and GFRP bars. The results indicated that considering the surface characteristics of GFRP and the intrinsic model of LWAC, the bonding damage pattern between GFRP and LWAC can be accurately reflected. The damage patterns observed in the simulations were generally consistent with experimental findings. The ultimate bond strength between GFRP and concrete increased with the increase in LWAC strength. However, beyond a concrete strength of 50 MPa, the enhancement in ultimate bond strength becomes marginal. Within a certain range, the ultimate bond strength decreases with increasing GFRP diameter and bond length, while it increases with increasing GFRP rib height. The predictions from our GFRP and LWAC bonding strength model closely matched the experimental values, with prediction errors within 15%. The numerical simulation method and the ultimate bond strength prediction model established in this paper provide scientific reference and theoretical support for the evaluation of the bonding performance between lightweight aggregate concrete and GFRP bars.
Future CH4 as modelled by a fully coupled Earth system model: prescribed GHG concentrations vs. interactive CH4 sources and sinks
Authors: Im Ulas , Tsigaridis Kostas , Bauer Susanne , Shindell Drew , Olivié Dirk , Wilson Simon , Sørensen Lise Lotte , Langen Peter , Eckhardt Sabine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We have used the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Earth system model GISS-E2.1 to study the future budgets and trends of global and regional CH4 under different emission scenarios, using both the prescribed GHG concentrations as well as the interactive CH4 sources and sinks setup of the model, to quantify the model performance and its sensitivity to CH4 sources and sinks. We have used the Current Legislation (CLE) and the maximum feasible reduction (MFR) emission scenarios from the ECLIPSE V6b emission database to simulate the future evolution of CH4 sources, sinks, and levels from 2015 to 2050. Results show that the prescribed GHG version underestimates the observed surface CH4 concentrations during the period between 1995 and 2023 by 1%, with the largest underestimations over the continental emission regions, while the interactive simulation underestimates the observations by 2%, with the biases largest over oceans and smaller over the continents. For the future, the MFR scenario simulates lower global surface CH4 concentrations and burdens compared to the CLE scenario, however in both cases, global surface CH4 and burden continue to increase through 2050 compared to present day. In addition, the interactive simulation calculates slightly larger O3 and OH mixing ratios, in particular over the northern hemisphere, leading to slightly decreased CH4 lifetime in the present day. The CH4 forcing is projected to increase in both scenarios, in particular in the CLE scenario, from 0.53 W m−2 in the present day to 0.73 W m−2 in 2050. In addition, the interactive simulations estimate slightly higher tropospheric O3 forcing compared to prescribed simulations, due to slightly higher O3 mixing ratios simulated by the interactive models. While in the CLE, tropospheric O3 forcing continues to increase, the MFR scenario leads to a decrease in tropospheric O3 forcing, leading to a climate benefit. Our results highlight that in the interactive models, the response of concentrations are not necessarily linear with the changes in emissions as the chemistry is non-linear, and dependent on the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. Therefore, it is important to have the CH4 sources and chemical sinks to be represented comprehensively in climate models.
Clinical utility of non-gated 4-min delayed dual-energy CT for myocardial extracellular volume quantification
Authors: Kojima Tsukasa , Yamasaki Yuzo , Nishigake Daisuke , Shirasaka Takashi , Kondo Masatoshi , Hioki Kazuhito , Kamitani Takeshi , Kato Toyoyuki , Ishigami Kousei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and validate the myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) obtained from non-electrocardiography (ECG)-gated delayed CT images acquired 4 min post-contrast infusion (4-min-non-ECG-ECV) compared with the ECV obtained from ECG-gated delayed CT images acquired 10 min post-contrast infusion (Conv-ECV).

Methods
We retrospectively analysed 29 patients (males: 21) after a comprehensive CT protocol of both 4-min-non-ECG-ECV and Conv-ECV on a dual-layer CT scanner. The mean volume of contrast medium administered was 90 ± 11.8 mL, and the average heart rate during the CT examinations was 74.2 ± 18.2 bpm. Two independent observers calculated the respective 4-min-non-ECG-ECV and Conv-ECV. We determined the correlation between the ECV obtained by the 2 methods and conducted a Bland-Altman analysis to identify systematic errors and determine the limits of agreement (LOA) between the 4-min-non-ECG-ECV and Conv-ECV values.

Results
The respective median ECV values for observer 1 were 27.3 for 4-min-non-ECG-ECV and 26.5 for Conv-ECV; for observer 2, they were 27.8 and 27.1. The correlation between the methods was 0.97 for both observers (P &lt; .01). The Bland-Altman plots for observers 1 and 2 demonstrated a minor bias (−0.2% and −0.5%, respectively), with the 95% LOA ranges at −4.4% to 4.0% and −5.0% to 4.0%, respectively.

Conclusion
The 4-min-non-ECG-ECV provided ECV values comparable to those obtained by Conv-ECV.

Advances in knowledge
Myocardial ECV quantification is feasible using a non-gated, 4-min delayed dual-energy CT scan with an already established CT acquisition method. This approach achieves ECV accuracy comparable to that of the conventional CT-ECV calculation method (gated 10-min delayed imaging) while enhancing clinical efficacy and diagnostic throughput.
Application of Whole-Exome Sequencing to Predict Inborn Errors of Immunity in Pediatric Severe Infections and Sepsis
Authors: Moundir Abderrahmane , Aissaoui Ouissal , Akhrichi Nassima , Allaoui Abire , Benhsaien Ibtihal , Jouanguy Emmanuelle , Casanova Jean-Laurent , El Bakkouri Jalila , Ailal Fatima , Bousfiha Ahmed Aziz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Increasing evidence supports the involvement of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) in severe infections, but little is known about the prevalence of these genetic defects in children with sepsis. Due to the limited understanding of the molecular and immunological mechanisms driving sepsis, genetic testing is rarely used in routine diagnostics to identify genetic susceptibility to the condition.

Methods
We performed a prospective observational study on previously healthy children hospitalized for severe infections, including sepsis. Patients underwent immunophenotyping and whole-exome sequencing (WES), followed by in silico analysis to identify potentially causal variants. We assembled a cohort of 194 previously healthy children, including 149 (77%) patients with severe infection and 45 (23%) with sepsis. Our cohort was marked by a high frequency of respiratory tract infections (35%), bloodstream infections (20%), and central nervous system infections (16%).

Results
The genetic investigation identified 28 potentially causal variants, 18 (64%) are classified as variants with uncertain significance, and 10 (36%) are likely pathogenic variants. Of 45 patients with sepsis, 6 (13%) had potentially causal genetic variants. Similarly, 22/149 (15%) patients with severe infection presented potentially causal genetic variants. WES predicted the impairment of various immune mechanistic pathways such as immune dysregulation defects, antibody deficiencies, and combined immunodeficiencies (18% each).

Conclusion
We found no clear association between genetic variants and the studied parameters: organ failure, microbe identification, immunoglobulin levels, and lymphocyte subset numbers. Although WES is a valuable tool for detecting IEI underlying sepsis and unexplained severe infections, it could be selectively recommended for patients with a strong clinical suspicion of genetic abnormalities, balancing its diagnostic value with its cost and complexity.
Could a focus on care process put care back into the US health system?
Authors: Shah Arnav , Williams Reginald (Reggie) D 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The US health care system continues to underperform compared with other high-income countries, despite excelling on measures of care delivery and quality, also referred to as indicators of “care process.” This commentary explores how the United States managed to perform well on measures of care process and how learning from this lone area of positive cross-country comparison can provide valuable lessons for improving overall health care system performance. By applying these lessons, the United States can create a more effective, efficient, and equitable health care system, ensuring better access, streamlined administration, and improved health outcomes for more Americans.
“We Are Always Each Other's Keeper”: Transformative Dimensions of Women's Local Peacebuilding in Africa
Authors: Mari Tripp Aili , Maiga Awa , Yahi Maina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Many women have continued to engage in local peacebuilding activities in the face of massive failures of formal peacekeeping missions in the Sahel region of Africa, where the world's fastest-growing and most deadly insurgent groups are found. Women are largely excluded from these missions. Instead, they are most active in grassroots peacebuilding initiatives, where their impact is significant, yet often overlooked. Women's localized peacebuilding activities can have transformative impacts on gender relations and roles and on society more broadly. We examine women's efforts specifically in the context of significant failures and setbacks of formal peace efforts. Using in-depth interviews with women engaged in grassroots peacebuilding in Mali and Nigeria, where ongoing regional jihadist insurgencies and political instability persist, we identify three important mechanisms through which women are responding to these massive setbacks: (1) Women build ties across religious, ethnic, pastoralist-nomad, and other divisions central to the conflict, addressing the very divides that formal peace processes have struggled to overcome; (2) Women engage in income-generating activities and community and peacebuilding initiatives that challenge traditional gender roles and increase women's empowerment; and (3) Women's daily peacebuilding activities have multiplier effects, improving not only their own welfare but that of their households and communities. This article contributes to our understanding of how women's peacebuilding activities can have transformative effects in the face of setbacks. It draws on in-depth interviews with women peacebuilders from Mali and Nigeria.
Classification and spatiotemporal correlation of dominant fluctuations in complex dynamical systems
Authors: Caruso Cristina , Crippa Martina , Cardellini Annalisa , Cioni Matteo , Perrone Mattia , Delle Piane Massimo , Pavan Giovanni M 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The behaviors of many complex systems, from nanostructured materials to animal colonies, are governed by local events/rearrangements that, while involving a restricted number of interacting units, may generate collective cascade phenomena. Tracking such local events and understanding their emergence and propagation in the system is often challenging. Common strategies consist, for example, in monitoring over time parameters (descriptors) that are designed ad hoc to analyze certain systems. However, such approaches typically require prior knowledge of the system’s physics and are poorly transferable. Here, we present a general, transferable, and agnostic analysis approach that can reveal precious information on the physics of a variety of complex dynamical systems starting solely from the trajectories of their constitutive units. Built on a bivariate combination of two abstract descriptors, Local Environments and Neighbors Shuffling and TimeSmooth Overlap of Atomic Position, such approach allows to (i) detect the emergence of local fluctuations in simulation or experimentally acquired trajectories of multibody dynamical systems, (ii) classify fluctuations into categories, and (iii) correlate them in space and time. We demonstrate how this method, based on the abstract concepts of local fluctuations and their spatiotemporal correlations, may reveal precious insights on the emergence and propagation of local and collective phenomena in a variety of complex systems ranging from the atomic- to the macroscopic-scale. This provides a general data-driven approach that we expect will be particularly helpful to study and understand the behavior of systems whose physics is unknown a priori, as well as to revisit a variety of physical phenomena under a new perspective.
Building Consensus on the Essential Quantitative Competencies, Skills, and Practices for Entry-Level Nurses
Authors: Ozimek Daniel , Bowers Heather , Good Lindsay , Kelch Beth , Valcourt Maryann 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

AIM
Nursing and mathematics educators sought to establish consensus on the essential quantitative competencies, skills, and practices for entry-level nurses.

BACKGROUND
National recommendations have called for the identification of quantitative skills and competencies necessary for safe nursing practice.

METHOD
A descriptive survey design was utilized to gather input from educators across the United States. Individuals were asked to classify 64 quantitative-related items as essential, not essential but nice to have, or not necessary for safe practice. Responses were analyzed using a three-item Likert scale. Fisher’s exact test was used to explore differences between associate and bachelor’s levels.

RESULTS
Individuals across 31 states (n = 76) completed the survey. Items within five content domains were identified as essential. Significant differences were identified within probability and statistics.

CONCLUSION
The findings offer a basis for further collaborative efforts to identify the most appropriate educational offerings and practices to support nursing students’ quantitative education.
Impact of Low Ligation on Bowel Perfusion and Anastomotic Leakage in Minimally Invasive Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kimura Kei , Watanabe Jun , Suwa Yusuke , Kotake Masanori , Noura Shingo , Suwa Hirokazu , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Takano Yoshinao , Munakata Koji , Matoba Shuichiro , Yamagishi Shigeru , Yasui Masayoshi , Kato Takeshi , Ozawa Mayumi , Shiozawa Manabu , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Yabuno Taichi , Nitta Toshikatsu , Saito Shuji , Nagata Naoki , Ichikawa Daisuke , Hasegawa Suguru , Katsuno Goutaro , Takahashi Hiroki , Kawai Kenji , Furuhata Tomohisa , Tonooka Toru , Kanazawa Akiyoshi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Kinjo Tatsuya , Otsuka Hideo , Uemura Mamoru , Watanabe Toshifumi , Ueda Kazuki , Ikeda Masataka , Takemasa Ichiro ,   EssentiAL Trial Group
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
Whether the level of the inferior mesenteric artery ligation affects the incidence of anastomotic leakage remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the impact of the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation on the blood flow to the anastomotic site and the incidence of anastomotic leakage using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging.

DESIGN:
A post hoc analysis of EssentiAL trial.

SETTINGS:
This study was conducted at 41 tertiary referral centers in Japan.

PATIENTS:
839 rectal cancer patients (<12 cm from the anal verge).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The incidence of anastomotic leakage and perfusion status were compared between the high and low ligation groups.

RESULTS:
The median fluorescence time was similar at 25 seconds in both groups (p= 0.74). Although no statistical difference was noted, the high ligation group was more likely to have greater outliers in fluorescence time compared to the low ligation group. The high ligation group demonstrated higher poor perfusion rates than the low ligation group (2.8% vs 1.5%). In the high ligation group, anastomotic leakage occurred in one case of poor perfusion where additional resection was not performed by the surgeon’s intraoperative judgment. Additionally, the additional resection rate nearly doubled with the use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. After propensity score matching (129 patients per group), the overall anastomotic leakage rate was 13.2% in the high ligation group and 10.9% in the low ligation group (p = 0.57).

LIMITATIONS:
This study was a post hoc analysis, the sample size was small, and the anastomosis methods varied.

CONCLUSIONS:
The level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation did not affect blood flow at the anastomotic site or the incidence of anastomotic leakage statistically, but assessing bowel perfusion using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging can offer clinical benefits, optimizing patient outcomes. See Video Abstract.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:
The Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs-CRB3180007), the Japanese Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR000030240). See Video.
A Multi-institutional Study From the United States Resident Operative Experience Consortium Examining Factors Associated With Exposure and Pursuit of Colorectal Fellowship Following General Surgery Residency
Authors: Price Adam D. , Nasim Bilal W , Montgomery Kelsey B. , Layne Desmond , Cortez Alexander R. , Abelson Jonathan , Patel Jitesh A. ,   US Resident OPerative Experience (ROPE) Consortium
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
Colon and rectal surgery is a popular fellowship following general surgery residency. The impact of a resident’s colon and rectal surgery experience during residency may impact their career trajectory and pursuit of colon and rectal surgery.

OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to identify individual and program factors associated with matriculation into colon and rectal surgery fellowship compared to other career trajectories.

DESIGN:
An analysis of case logs and demographic data from graduates of 19 accredited general surgery residency programs from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education between 2010-2020 was completed utilizing the United States Resident Operative Experience Consortium. The demographics and operative experience of residents who pursued colon and rectal surgery fellowship were compared to those who did not.

SETTINGS:
This study is a retrospective review of resident specialty selection, demographic information, and operative case logs.

PARTICIPANTS:
Graduates of 19 accredited general surgery residency programs from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education between 2010-2020 participated in the study.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES:
Resident demographics, general and colon and rectal surgery-related program-specific characteristics, and resident operative case logs associated with entrance into colon and rectal surgery fellowship served as the primary outcome measures.

RESULTS:
Those in the colon and rectal surgery cohort were more likely to be female sex and have completed a dedicated research experience. No association was noted with co-location of a colon and rectal surgery fellowship and general surgery residency. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a higher likelihood of colon and rectal surgery fellowship matriculation for female sex residents and residents who completed a clinical fourth-year colon and rectal surgery rotation. Higher logged colon and rectal surgery-specific case volume was associated with those matriculating into colon and rectal surgery.

LIMITATIONS:
Self-reported case log data, differences in residency structures in offering colon and rectal surgery rotations to clinical fourth-year residents, academic bias of participating residency programs.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study identified individual and program-specific factors associated with matriculating into colon and rectal surgery fellowship, such factors include female sex, colon and rectal surgery-specific rotation in the fourth clinical year, and higher volume of colon and rectal surgery-specific cases. These data may optimize resident colon and rectal surgery experience and strengthen the colon and rectal surgery fellowship pipeline. See Video Abstract.
Neisseria weaveri: Atypical Infection in Breast Implant–Based Reconstruction
Authors: Maxey Julia , Harvey Donald 
Published: February 2025

Summary:
Surgical site infection (SSI) following breast implant surgery can have devastating complications. Infection is most commonly from coagulase-negative Staphylococcus bacteria. Neisseria weaveri is a gram-negative bacterium that is associated with animal bites. We present the first known case of N. weaveri causing SSI following breast implant reconstruction. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with invasive ductal carcinoma who underwent bilateral skin–sparing mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction. She presented on postoperative day 24 with malodorous drainage from her Jackson-Pratt drain. The patient explained that she has a shih tzu at home that frequently licked her. Cultures from the drain grew N. weaveri. The patient’s antibiotic regimen was transitioned, and she completed her course without complications. Practitioners should counsel their patients on adequate postsurgery hygiene and take into consideration rare causes of SSI and how this may affect patient care.