bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulating non-physical actions via exponentiation of Hermitian-preserving maps
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Wei Fuchuan , Liu Zhenhuan , Liu Guoding , Han Zizhao , Deng Dong-Ling 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Legitimate quantum operations must adhere to principles of quantum mechanics, particularly the requirements of complete positivity and trace preservation. Yet, non-physical maps, especially Hermitian-preserving maps, play a crucial role in quantum information science. Here, we introduce the Hermitian-preserving map exponentiation algorithm, which can effectively simulate the action of an arbitrary Hermitian-preserving map by exponentiating its output, N(ρ), into a quantum process, e-iN(ρ)t. We analyze the sample complexity of this algorithm and prove its optimality in certain cases. Utilizing positive but not completely positive maps, this algorithm provides exponential speedups in entanglement detection and quantification compared to protocols based on single-copy operations. In addition, it facilitates the recovery of noiseless quantum states from multiple copies of noisy ones by simulating the inverse map of the corresponding noise channel, providing a new approach to handling quantum noises. This algorithm acts as a building block of large-scale quantum algorithms and presents a pathway for exploring potential quantum speedups across a wide range of information-processing tasks.
Surgeons' opinions and concerns regarding prophylactic mesh placement when conducting a permanent colostomy A survey among 172 surgeons in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
Authors: Paasch Christoph , Kalmykov Egan , Lorenz Ralph , Neveling Nele , Mantke Rene 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Prophylactic mesh placement when creating a permanent colostomy was recommended by the 2017 European Hernia Society guidelines on the prevention and treatment of parastomal hernias (GPTPH2017). The extent of this recommendation is under debate based on the long-term data from clinical trials. Our aim was to conduct a survey of surgeons revealing perspectives and concerns regarding GPTPH2017 and to discuss their concerns.
Methods
From January 2023 to September 2023 a survey among surgeons of Germany, Switzerland and Austria was conducted. The questionnaire addressed biometric data of the participants, information on work experience/location, number of elective permanent colo- and ileostomies, and opinions on the recommendation of GPTPH2017 for prophylactic mesh placement.
Results
A total of 172 surgeons from Germany, Austria and Switzerland answered the questionnaire. The majority of the 59 participants stated professional experience of 20–30 years. Most of the surgeons (n = 51, 31.29%) worked in a hospital of primary care. A total of 112 (68.29%) participants were familiar with the GPTPH2017. Sixty-five surgeons (39.99%) stated that they never conduct a prophylactic mesh placement when creating an elective permanent colostomy (rarely, n = 44 (26.67%). Seven participants always place a mesh (4.24%). Main concerns regarding prophylactic mesh placement were the risk of wound infection (n = 107, 67.72%) and lack of evidence (n = 65, 41.14%). For some participants the GPTPH2017 is seen to be industry-driven with low evidence, too old and leading to overtreatment.
Conclusions
Main reason for not placing a prophylactic mesh when conducting a permanent colostomy was the risk of wound infection.
Metabolomic profiling reveals the step-wise alteration of bile acid metabolism in patients with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Zhangsuo , Zhang Qing , Lu Liqian , Wang Jiao , Lu Manman , Liu Dongwei , Zhou Chunyu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major complication of diabetes concomitant with gut dysbiosis and glycometabolic disorder, which are strongly associated with bile acid (BA) metabolism. Yet studies investigating the BA metabolism involving in DKD pathogenesis are limited. This study aimed to explore the metabolomic profiling of BAs in DKD and analyze its association with DKD progression.
Methods
An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to quantify BAs in the plasma, fecal and urine samples of patients with DKD or T2DM and healthy individuals (n = 30 for each group). The key BAs associated with DKD were identified by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Polynomial regression and Pearson’s correlation analyses were performed to assess the correlation between the key BAs and the clinical indicators reflecting DKD progression.
Results
Metabolomic profiling of 50 kinds of BAs presented the markedly step-wise alterations of BAs in plasma and feces as well as the little in urine of DKD patients. Eight kinds of BAs in the plasma, eight kinds in the feces and three kinds in the urine were abnormally expressed, accompanying with the increased conjugated/unconjugated ratios of cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and hyocholic acid in the plasma, and of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid in the feces. Moreover, the increased plasma level of glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and the increased fecal levels of glycolithocholic acid, 7-ketodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid-3-β-D-glucuronide are strongly correlated with the clinical indicators reflecting DKD progression, including eGFR, 24-hours urinary protein and 24-hours urinary microalbumin.
Conclusions
Our study for the first time disclosed the specific alterations of BA metabolism reflecting the step-wise progression of DKD, providing the basis for early identification and therapeutical strategies for DKD.
Prenatal Ultrasound Evaluation for Detection of Imperforate Anus with Fistula
Authors: Peng Xinhua , luo yingchun , Zhu Huijuan , kuang haiyan , jiang meiping , zhou cheng , peng danni , fu shengyu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective This study aims to observe the prenatal ultrasound image characteristics of imperforate anus with fistula and explore the application of prenatal ultrasound in diagnosing this condition.Methods A retrospective review was conducted on six cases diagnosed with imperforate anus with fistula using prenatal ultrasound. Fetal pelvis examination, through sagittal or coronal views, was performed to identify the location of the fistulas. The results were compared with induction of labor autopsy or physical examination of the newborn.Results Prenatal ultrasound successfully diagnosed six cases of imperforate anus with fistula, including four cases of low-type (two rectovestibular fistula and two rectoperineal fistula) and two cases of high-type (rectovaginal fistula). In the four cases of low-type, a distinctive "target ring sign" was observed in the transverse view of the perineum. The fistulas were superficially located, and their distal openings, or even the entire fistula, could be identified in either the sagittal or coronal plane. In the two cases of high-type, no "target ring sign" was observed, and the fistulas were deeper within the skin. However, a portion of the middle segment of the fistula was detectable in the sagittal or coronal plane.Conclusions Prenatal ultrasound imaging, under normal fetal position and amniotic fluid conditions, can visualize fistulas in fetuses with imperforate anus. The sagittal and coronal views obtained through the sacrococcygeal region provide optimal visualization of the fistulas. The diagnosis of low-type imperforate anus may be challenging due to the presence of the "target ring sign." Further scanning of the fistula in the sagittal or coronal plane can help reduce missed diagnoses of low-type imperforate anus. The identification of fistulas also offers new insights and directions for the prenatal diagnosis of low-type imperforate anus.
Elevated serum NLR and PLR are associated with a higher risk of atherosclerotic renal stenosis
Authors: Xu Ge , Wu Yuping , Tang Yaohan , Huang Xiafei , Wu Jinsui , Li Kerong , Xu Ge 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

There is still a lack of effective non-invasive diagnosis of atherosclerotic renal stenosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). Data of a total of 1062 patients (362 ARAS, 664 non-ARAS) were collected. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to analyze the collected patient data. NLR and PLR levels were significantly increased in ARAS group compared with non-ARAS group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that both NLR and PLR were positively correlated with ARAS (r = 0.199, r = 0.251, p < 0.05), and only NLR was positively correlated with the degree of stenosis of ARAS (r = 0.152, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that NLR (OR = 1.203, 95%CI = 1.023 ~ 1.046, P = 0.025) and PLR (OR = 1.011, 95%CI = 1.003 ~ 1.019, P = 0.004) were independent risk factors for ARAS. The ROC curve indicated that the diagnostic value of NLR and PLR were (AUC = 0.653, P < 0.001; AUC = 0.62, P < 0.001). In conclusion, elevated levels of NLR and PLR are associated with an increased risk of developing ARAS. NLR and PLR have the potential to be a means of diagnosing ARSA.
Delayed recovery of Atlantic meridional ocean circulation threatens Europe-wide gross primary productivity under positive and negative CO2 emissions
Authors: Yang Young-Min , Shin JongSoo , Park So-Won , An Soon , Kug Jong-Seong , Yeh Sang-Wook , Lee June-Yi , Wang Bin , Li Tim 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Climate change mitigation through negative CO2 emissions has been recognized as a crucial strategy to combat global warming. However, its potential effects on terrestrial carbon uptake and agricultural productivity, particularly in Europe, remain uncertain. In this study, we utilized large ensemble simulations with an Earth system model of full complexity to investigate the response of Gross Primary Production (GPP) in the region. Our findings reveal a significant asymmetry in the GPP response to CO2 ramp-up and symmetric ramp-down model experiments, indicating that GPP at lowering atmospheric CO2 levels is more efficiently reduced than those at raising CO2. Remarkably, during the CO2 removal period, the North Atlantic Sea surface temperature (NASST) experienced cooling due to a delayed recovery of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This cooling led to precipitation and soil moisture deficits, resulting in a rapid reduction in GPP. This asymmetry in GPP response holds consistent across multi-model simulations. These results underscore the potential implications of delayed recovery in ocean circulation, which could unexpectedly accelerate terrestrial GPP reduction. These insights are crucial for policymakers, aiding them in projecting agricultural activity and formulating targeted GPP control policies specific to the European region.
Validity of a one-stop automatic algorithm for counting clusters and shifts in the Semantic Fluency Task
Authors: Carriedo Nuria , Canessa Enrique , Moreno Sebastián , Iglesias-Sarmiento Valentín , Chaigneau Sergio E. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We introduce a computational algorithm for the Semantic Fluency Task (SFT), which automatically counts clusters and shifts. We compared its output relative to human coders, and its performance in predicting executive functions (EF), intelligence, processing speed, and semantic retrieval, also against human coders. Correlations with EF subdomains and other cognitive factors closely resembled those of human coders, evidencing convergent validity. We also used Naïve Bayes and Decision Tree for age classification, with algorithm outputs successfully discriminating age groups, evidence of discriminant validity. Clusters and shifts were found to be more important than word counts. The algorithm's consistency extended across semantic categories (animals, clothing, foods), suggesting its robustness and generalizability. We believe that our algorithm is applicable beyond the specifics of the SFT, and to many tasks in which people list items from semantic memory (e.g., tasks like free associates, top-of-mind, feature listing). Practical implications of the algorithm’s ease of implementation and relevance for studying the relation of the SFT to EFs and other research problems are discussed.
AgriGAN: Unpaired image dehazing via A Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Network for the Agricultural Plant Phenotype
Authors: Ding Jin-Ting , Peng Yong-Yu , Huang Min , Zhou Sheng-Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Artificially extracted agricultural phenotype information has high subjectivity and low accuracy, and the use of image extraction information is easily disturbed by haze. Moreover, the agricultural image dehazing method used to extract such information is ineffective, as the images often contain unclear texture information and image colors. To address these shortcomings, we propose unpaired image dehazing via a cycle-consistent generative adversarial network for the agricultural plant phenotype (AgriGAN). The algorithm improves the dehazing performance of the network by adding the atmospheric scattering model, which improves the discriminator model, and uses the whole-detail consistent discrimination method to improve the efficiency of the discriminator so that the adversarial network can accelerate the convergence to the Nashi equilibrium state. Finally, the dehazed images are obtained by training with network adversarial loss + cycle consistent loss. Experiments and a comparative analysis were conducted to evaluate the algorithm, and the results show that it improved the dehazing accuracy of agricultural images, retained detailed texture information, and mitigated the problem of color deviation. In turn, useful information was obtained, such as crop height, chlorophyll and nitrogen content, and the presence and extent of disease. The algorithm's object identification and information extraction can be useful in crop growth monitoring and yield and quality estimation.
Characterization of the MIB-MIP system of different Mollicutes using an engineered Mycoplasma feriruminatoris
Authors: Torres-Puig Sergi , Crespo-Pomar Silvia , Akarsu Hatice , Yimthin Thatcha , Cippà Valentina , Démoulins Thomas , Posthaus Horst , Ruggli Nicolas , Kuhnert Peter , Labroussaa Fabien , Jores Jörg 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Mycoplasma Immunoglobulin Binding/Protease (MIB-MIP) system is a candidate virulence factor present in multiple pathogenic species of the Mollicutes, including the fast-growing species Mycoplasma feriruminatoris. The MIB-MIP system cleaves the heavy chain of host immunoglobulins, hence affecting antigen-antibody interactions and potentially facilitating immune evasion. In this work we analyzed the distribution and genetic relatedness between MIB-MIP systems of different Mollicutes species. Using -omics technologies, we show that the four copies of the M. feriruminatoris MIB-MIP system have different expression levels, are transcribed as operons controlled by four different promotors. Individual MIB-MIP gene pairs of M. feriruminatoris and other Mollicutes were introduced in an engineered M. feriruminatoris strain devoid of MIB-MIP genes and were tested for their functionality using oriC-based plasmids. The two proteins were functionally expressed at the surface of M. feriruminatoris, which confirms the possibility to display large functional heterologous surface proteins in M. ferirumintoris. Functional expression of heterologous MIB-MIP systems introduced in this engineered strain from phylogenetically distant porcine Mollicutes like Mesomycoplasma hyorhinis or Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae could not be achieved. Finally, since M. feriruminatoris is a candidate for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, we confirmed its safety in vivo in domestic goats, which are the closest livestock relatives to its native host the Alpine ibex.
Connectivity mediates the spatial ecological impacts of a glyphosate-based herbicide in experimental metaecosystems
Authors: Dastis Jorge Octavio Negrín , McGuinness Brendon , Tadiri Christina P. , Yargeau Viviane , Gonzalez Andrew 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Connectivity is important for the structure and functioning of metaecosystems. We experimentally replicated metaecosystems in the laboratory using gradostats - a modified chemostat with flasks linked by a controlled flow of medium - as a model system. Metaecosystems were represented in our experiment as chain of flasks connected by spatial flows of medium containing glyphosate based herbicide (RoundUp). With this experimental set-up, we tested the effects of structural and functional connectivity and herbicide on phytoplankton productivity, diversity and population stability. Gradostats were composed of interconnected equally-spaced habitat nodes where resources and producers flow directionally along a gradient of increasing distance from the source of the herbicide. We predicted that connectivity would mediate the effects of the herbicide spreading through the chain of connected ecosystems. We found that RoundUp impacted overall phytoplankton productivity and diversity by reducing algal biomass and species-level abundances of phytoplankton in the treated flasks compared to controls. This effect was mediated by structural connectivity, which in interaction with flow, had reduced phytoplankton community stability by the end of the experiment at the local level, especially in the first flask receiving herbicide. The effects did do not scale up to the entire metaecosystem. Together, these results point to the importance of structural connectivity as a mediator of the ecological effects of herbicide transferred by flows across a linear chain of ecosystems.
Interleukin 35 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by recruiting neutrophils
Authors: GAN WEI , Sun Guoqiang , Huang JinLong , Sun BaoYe , Wang ZhuTao , Yang ZhangFu , Zhou Cheng , Yi Yong , Qiu ShuangJian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
A growing number of therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have emerged. However, their efficacy remains limited. This study investigated the mechanism of interleukin-35 (IL-35) in the progression of HCC and its potential application in HCC treatment.
Methods
The expression of IL-35,Gp130 ,IL12-Rβ2, CCL3,etc. in HCC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression of IL-35 in HCC cell lines was detected by fluorescence assay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of IL-35 and its receptor in relation to overall survival(OS) and recurrence free survival(RFS) in patients with HCC. The mouse subcutaneous tumor models to study the effects of IL-35 on HCC growth and immune cells. Western blot were used to detect the expression IL-35, CCL3, FGF2, and flow cytometric plot were performed to explore the immune cells infiltration in the tumor tissue.
Results
High expression of IL-35 in patients with HCC was associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, IL-35 could facilitate tumor progression by affecting neutrophil infiltration, angiogenesis, and CD8 + T-cell infiltration. Additionally, CCL3 was a key factor mediating the recruitment of neutrophils by IL-35. FGF2 derived from neutrophils stimulated by IL-35 promoted intratumoral angiogenesis. IL-35 also facilitated the adhesion of tumors to endothelial cells, with neutrophils further enhancing this effect both. Anti-IL-35 antibody combined with anti-PD1 antibody significantly enhanced which therapeutic effect in HCC.
Conclusion
Our data show that the high expression of IL-35 in patients with HCC is an important tumor promoter. Combined treatment with anti-IL-35 and anti-PD1 antibodies have potential therapeutic effect against HCC.
Smart city construction and intelligent development of urban industries: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Feihu Yang , Xing Huang , Yating Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Smart cities, as a product of the deep integration of digital technology and urban development, are not only a vital part of achieving the vision of a strong network nation and digital China but also a key practical approach to driving the intelligent transformation of cities and empowering them with digital technology. This paper, based on panel data from 207 Chinese cities from 2008 to 2019, employs the difference-in-differences method to explore the impact of smart city construction on the level of industrial intelligence in cities. It further analyzes the heterogeneity and mechanisms of this impact. The main conclusions drawn from the study are as follows: First, compared to non-pilot cities, the construction of smart cities significantly enhances the level of industrial intelligence in pilot cities. This conclusion holds true even after a series of robustness tests. Second, the positive impact of smart city construction on the level of industrial intelligence is primarily concentrated in eastern cities, cities with a high level of digital economy development, and cities with strong innovation capabilities. The impact is less significant or negligible in central and western cities, cities with a lower level of digital economy development, and cities with weaker innovation capabilities. Third, the construction of smart cities promotes the development of industrial intelligence in cities by enhancing urban innovation capabilities and improving the development level of new infrastructure.