bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum correlations and coherence in a mixed spin-
(12,1)
Heisenberg dimer under intrinsic decoherence
Authors: Oumennana Mansoura , Mansour Mostafa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This research delves into the dynamical behavior of quantum correlations and coherence within a mixed Heisenberg dimer system under the intrinsic decoherence. Our approach involves the application of logarithmic negativity, local quantum uncertainty, and the ℓ
1 norm-based coherence as quantifiers for entanglement, skew information correlations, and quantum coherence in this qubit-qutrit model. Our primary objective is to explore the impact of various factors on the dynamics of quantum correlations and quantum coherence. These factors encompass the initial density matrix and its mixing parameter, the intrinsic decoherence rate (γ), the external magnetic field, as well as intrinsic system parameters, notably the XXZ and uniaxial single-ion anisotropies. Our results demonstrate that the introduction of intrinsic decoherence (ID) significantly erodes quantum resources. Particularly, for high values of the ID rate (γ), excessive damping occurs, leading to the absence of oscillations or a rapid decay of quantum resources, ultimately stabilizing in steady states. Furthermore, the presence of an external homogeneous magnetic field further diminishes quantum resources within the system. However, despite the degradation induced by the combined influence of intrinsic decoherence and high external magnetic field intensities, the judicious selection of the initial density matrix and precise adjustment of the uniaxial single-ion anisotropy enable the preservation of quantum resources within the mixed spin-(1/2, 1) Heisenberg dimer.
Implementing quantum anonymous multi-party ranking: the influence and application of the law of large numbers
Authors: Wang Qingle , Liu Jiawei , Li Guodong , Luo Bin , Yu Fangyi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Secure multi-party ranking is not only a pivotal component within the domain of secure multi-party computation but also holds extensive real-world applicability, given its efficacy in safeguarding the integrity and privacy of data. In this paper, we propose a verifiable quantum anonymous multi-party ranking protocol, which leverages the power of multi-particle entangled states in conjunction with the law of large numbers. The protocol achieves the secure ranking of participants’ private data while verifying their identities through the assistance of a semi-honest third party. We prove that the protocol is resistant to different types of attacks from internal or external attackers. In addition, the proposed protocol employs qubits as the information carriers, which improves the feasibility of the protocol. We demonstrate the feasibility of the protocol by using the online analog quantum computer of IBM Corporation placed on the cloud. Our research represents an innovative initiative that merges the realms of quantum cryptography and statistical analysis to address pertinent practical challenges.
Probing quantum entanglement from quantum correction to newtonian potential energy
Authors: Belhaj A , Ennadifi S E , Jebli L 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Inspired by string theory ideas, we probe quantum entanglement from the gravitational potential energy. Concretely, we reconsider the study of quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential energy by treating a massive two-particle system m
1 and m
2 with size dimensions r
1 ad r
2 where the two particles separated by a distance d are under only their mutual classical gravitational interaction

V

r

r

1

,

r

2

. Exploring such a size-dependent gravitational behavior and taking the limit r
1, r
2 ≪ d, we investigate the associated quantum biparticle state and express its evolution after an interaction time τ. Among others, we show that the two masses cannot be separable due to the induced gravitational entanglement in terms of the accumulated quantum phase δ
ϕ = δ
V

g

τ/ℏ. By analogy with the classical gravity, we derive the expression of the resulting extremely weak entanglement force from the corresponding gravitational entanglement energy. Then, we provide certain entanglement diagnostics.
NSClean: An Algorithm for Removing Correlated Noise from JWST NIRSpec Images
Authors: Rauscher Bernard J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
NSClean is an algorithm and python package for removing faint vertical banding and “picture frame noise” from JWST Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) images. NSClean uses known dark areas to fit a background model to each exposure in Fourier space. When the model is subtracted, it removes nearly all correlated noise. Compared to simpler strategies like subtracting the rolling median, NSClean is more thorough and uniform. NSClean has been developed and tested for NIRSpec IFU mode data, although it can be used on other NIRSpec modes as well. NSClean is computationally undemanding, requiring only a few seconds to clean an image on a typical laptop. The NSClean package is freely available from the NASA JWST website.
Biomimetic short fiber reinforced 3-dimensional scaffold for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Sun Liangqiang , Liu Mingming , Li Yaqiang , Zhang Shuhua , Zhu Tonghe , Du Juan , Khan Atta Ur Rehman 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Bone defects caused by diseases and trauma are considered serious clinical challenges. Autologous and allogeneic transplantations are the most widely used methods to mitigate bone defects. However, transplantation poses risks such as secondary trauma, immune rejection, and disease transmission to patients. Preparing a biologically active bone tissue engineering scaffold as a bone substitute can overcome this problem. In the current study, a PLGA/gelatin (Gel) short fiber-reinforced composite three-dimensional (3D) scaffold was fabricated by electrospinning for bone tissue defect repair. A hybrid scaffold adding inorganic materials hydrotalcite (CaAl-LDH) and osteogenic factors deferoxamine (DFO) based on PLGA and Gel composite filaments was prepared. The structure, swelling, drug release, and compressive resilience performance of the 3D scaffolds in a wet state were characterized and the osteogenic effect of the crosslinked scaffold (C-DLPG) was also investigated. The scaffold has shown the optimum physicochemical attributes which still has 380 kPa stress after a 60% compression cycle and sustainedly released the drug for about twenty days. Moreover, a promising In vivo osteogenic performance was noted with better tissue organization. At 8 weeks after implantation, the C-DLPG scaffold could fill the bone defect site, and the new bone area reached 19 mm2. The 3D microfiber scaffold, in this study, is expected to be a promising candidate for the treatment of bone defects in the future.
The utilization and contribution of timber and non-timber forest products to livelihoods under a changing climate in the Limpopo River Basin
Authors: Mugari Ephias , Nethengwe Nthaduleni S , Gumbo Anesu Dion 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Forest products contribute immensely to rural livelihoods and household income. However, their contribution to climate change adaptation in semi-arid areas, and the limited ecosystem management capacities of rural communities are poorly examined. We examined the influence and challenges of cash income derived from forest products on livelihoods and climate change adaptation using data from 130 household surveys, 20 participatory mapping exercises, several in-depth interviews, and field observations in the Limpopo Basin of Botswana. Households derived livelihoods and/or income from Mopane caterpillars, firewood, timber, palm plants, wild fruits, thatch, medicinal plants, natural dyes, natural pastures, and game meat. Mopane caterpillars, firewood, and other forest products featured in the top ten sources of household income and contributed weighted monthly income of BWP 1,647.27 ± 1,519.04, BWP 1,110.02 ± 1,980.05, and BWP 780.56 ± 1,360.32, respectively (US$1 ≈ BWP13.4). A higher proportion of households (62.3%) were in the low-income category, earning income below BWP5,000/month. Income derived from Mopane caterpillars and firewood made a significant difference between low-income and high-income households (p = 0.006). Generally, higher proportions of high-income households adopted climate change adaptation measures than proportions in the low-income category, indicating the influence of cash income on household adaptations. However, significant differences were only observed in cropland expansion, purchasing of supplementary livestock feed, drilling boreholes/wells, and use of drip irrigation (p < 0.05). We discuss the potential threats, such as the unsustainable harvesting of forest products, caused by an increasing need for cash incomes and the interconnectedness with distant urban markets. Such threats add to the institutional and biophysical challenges, further limiting prospects for effective adaptation in the Limpopo Basin of Botswana. We call on the government to capacitate and strengthen traditional authorities—as custodians of local resources—in the regulation, management, and conservation of forest products to make them more sustainable adaptation options.
Health-system specialty pharmacist intervention types, acceptance, and associated actions for patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: El-Khouri Alexis C , Giavatto Carly , Hickman Amanda , Fitzpatrick Casey , Mourani Jessica , Tiger Kipp , Rees Megan , Lopez-Medina Ana I 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Health-system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) pharmacists play an integral role in the care of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) by facilitating medication access, providing counseling, improving adherence, and decreasing provider workload. However, current literature detailing pharmacist interventions and their acceptance rates in this population is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the types and acceptance rate of clinical interventions completed by pharmacists for PwMS.

Methods
To evaluate the acceptance rate of HSSP pharmacist interventions, we conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observational, descriptive study for the period from October 2019 to August 2022. Intervention types were categorized into reasons for intervention, recommendations from the pharmacists, and their acceptance rates.

Results
For 225 patients enrolled in HSSP services, 449 interventions were completed, with an average of 2.0 interventions per patient. Most interventions identified were associated with medication adherence (28.7%), medication regimen (27.6%), adverse drug reaction (ADR) (20.7%), and laboratory values (15.1%). The average adherence, defined by the proportion of days covered, was 94%. The most common recommendations were to continue therapy (14.9%), schedule laboratory tests (12.7%), and follow up with providers (11.8%). Recommendations had an acceptance rate of 85.3%, with 3.8% of recommendations declined and 10.9% requiring follow-up with providers.

Conclusion
Pharmacists impact patient outcomes through the completion of clinical interventions that improve adherence, identify medication regimen problems, manage ADRs, and coordinate proper laboratory testing. Pharmacist recommendations were most often accepted for interventions related to medication regimen and ADRs. Proper identification and management of medication regimen concerns, as well as tolerability of medications, can positively impact adherence and improve overall patient outcomes.
Targeting CD20-expressing malignant melanoma cells augments BRAF inhibitor killing
Authors: Mukhtar Abdullahi B , Morgan Huw J , Gibbs Alex , Davies Gemma E , Lovatt Charlotte , Patel Girish K 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Mutant BRAF targeted therapies remain a standard of care for the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM); however, high initial response rates are tempered by the persistence of residual MM cells that eventually lead to disease recurrence and mortality. As MM recurrence during targeted therapy can present with the simultaneous occurrence of multiple tumour nodules at the original body sites, we hypothesized the presence of an intrinsically resistant MM cell subpopulation.

Objectives
To identify an MM cell subpopulation that is intrinsically resistant to targeted therapy and possibly responsible for MM recurrence.

Methods
Using melanoma cell lines, we defined culture conditions for the reproducible three-dimensional growth of melanospheres to investigate putative cancer stem cell populations. We undertook RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to characterize cell populations between adherent and nonadherent culture, and cells expressing or not expressing CD20. Furthermore, we defined an in vitro assay to evaluate the killing of melanoma cancer stem cells as a therapeutic test using combination therapies targeting driver mutation and CD20.

Results
We described the culture conditions that promote MM cells to form melanospheres with a reproducible colony-forming efficiency rate of 0.3–1.3%. RNA sequencing of melanosphere vs. conventional MM cell cultures (n = 6), irrespective of the BRAF mutation status, showed that melanosphere formation was associated with growth and differentiation transcriptional signatures resembling MM tumours. Importantly, melanosphere formation also led to the emergence of a CD20+ MM cell subpopulation, similar to that observed in primary human MM tumours. CD20+ MM cells were resistant to BRAF inhibitor therapy and, consistent with this finding, demonstrated a Forkhead box protein M1 transcriptomic profile (n = 6). Combining BRAF inhibitor and anti-CD20 antibody treatment led to the additional killing of previously resistant CD20+ BRAF mutant MM cells.

Conclusions
In patients with MM that harbour a CD20+ subpopulation, combined therapy with BRAF inhibitor and anti-CD20 antibody could potentially kill residual MM cells and prevent disease recurrence.
Survival of patients with kidney failure awaiting transplantation stratified by age and ethnicity: population-based cohort analysis
Authors: Chaudhry Daoud , Evison Felicity , Sharif Adnan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for people living with kidney failure who are suitable for surgery, but survival benefits for older and/or ethnic minority candidates are unclear. To inform decision-making, the survival of patients on a waiting list for kidney transplantation was assessed.

Methods
A retrospective study was undertaken of registry data for patients with kidney failure listed for transplantation in the UK. From 1 January 2000 until 30 September 2019, all patients listed for a first kidney-alone transplant were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. After testing for violations of the proportional hazards assumption, an extended Cox regression model factoring in transplantation as a time-dependent variable according to the intention-to-treat principle was developed.

Results
The study cohort included 47 917 patients on a waiting list for kidney transplantation, of whom 34 558 (72.1%) subsequently received a transplant. Transplantation compared with remaining on dialysis was associated with an overall survival benefit (HR 0.17, 95% c.i. 0.16 to 0.18; P &lt; 0.001), occurring immediately within 30 days, and observed regardless of ethnicity. For White kidney transplant candidates aged at least 65 or at least 70 years, a significant survival benefit was observed within 6 months (HR 0.49, 0.29 to 0.82) and 1 year (HR 0.45, 0.25 to 0.79) after transplantation respectively, which contrasted with 3 years after kidney transplantation for candidates from ethnic minorities aged at least 65 years (HR 0.53, 0.36 to 0.78) or at least 70 years (HR 0.53, 0.36 to 0.78).

Conclusion
Although time-to-survival benefits are stratified by age and ethnicity, all kidney transplant candidates on the waiting list are better off with transplantation compared with remaining on dialysis. The absence of any early postoperative mortality suggests that some high-risk patients with kidney failure may not be receiving transplantation opportunities.
Prolonged myelin deficits contribute to neuron loss and functional impairments after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Cheng Yong-Jie , Wang Fei , Feng Jie , Yu Bin , Wang Bin , Gao Qing , Wang Teng-Yue , Hu Bo , Gao Xing , Chen Jing-Fei , Chen Yu-Jie , Lv Sheng-Qing , Feng Hua , Xiao Lan , Mei Feng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ischaemic stroke causes neuron loss and long-term functional deficits. Unfortunately, effective approaches to preserving neurons and promoting functional recovery remain unavailable. Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells in the CNS, are susceptible to oxygen and nutrition deprivation and undergo degeneration after ischaemic stroke. Technically, new oligodendrocytes and myelin can be generated by the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). However, myelin dynamics and their functional significance after ischaemic stroke remain poorly understood. Here, we report numerous denuded axons accompanied by decreased neuron density in sections from ischaemic stroke lesions in human brain, suggesting that neuron loss correlates with myelin deficits in these lesions.
To investigate the longitudinal changes in myelin dynamics after stroke, we labelled and traced pre-existing and newly-formed myelin, respectively, using cell-specific genetic approaches. Our results indicated massive oligodendrocyte death and myelin loss 2 weeks after stroke in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model. In contrast, myelin regeneration remained insufficient 4 and 8 weeks post-stroke. Notably, neuronal loss and functional impairments worsened in aged brains, and new myelin generation was diminished.
To analyse the causal relationship between remyelination and neuron survival, we manipulated myelinogenesis by conditional deletion of Olig2 (a positive regulator) or muscarinic receptor 1 (M1R, a negative regulator) in OPCs. Deleting Olig2 inhibited remyelination, reducing neuron survival and functional recovery after tMCAO. Conversely, enhancing remyelination by M1R conditional knockout or treatment with the pro-myelination drug clemastine after tMCAO preserved white matter integrity and neuronal survival, accelerating functional recovery. Together, our findings demonstrate that enhancing myelinogenesis is a promising strategy to preserve neurons and promote functional recovery after ischaemic stroke.
Characterization of cortico-meningeal translocator protein expression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Herranz Elena , Treaba Constantina A , Barletta Valeria T , Mehndiratta Ambica , Ouellette Russell , Sloane Jacob A , Ionete Carolina , Babu Suma , Mastantuono Marina , Magon Stefano , Loggia Marco L , Makary Meena M , Hooker Jacob M , Catana Ciprian , Kinkel Revere P , Nicholas Richard , Klawiter Eric C , Magliozzi Roberta , Mainero Caterina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Compartmentalized meningeal inflammation is thought to represent one of the key players in the pathogenesis of cortical demyelination in multiple sclerosis. PET targeting the 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) is a molecular-specific approach to quantifying immune cell-mediated density in the cortico-meningeal tissue compartment in vivo. This study aimed to characterize cortical and meningeal TSPO expression in a heterogeneous cohort of multiple sclerosis cases using in vivo simultaneous MR-PET with 11C-PBR28, a second-generation TSPO radioligand, and ex vivo immunohistochemistry.
Forty-nine multiple sclerosis patients (21 with secondary progressive and 28 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis) with mixed or high affinity binding for 11C-PBR28 underwent 90-min 11C-PBR28 simultaneous MR-PET. Tracer binding was measured using 60–90 min normalized standardized uptake value ratios sampled at mid-cortical depth and ∼3 mm above the pial surface. Data in multiple sclerosis patients were compared to 21 age-matched healthy controls. To characterize the nature of 11C-PBR28 PET uptake, the meningeal and cortical lesion cellular expression of TSPO was further described in post-mortem brain tissue from 20 cases with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and five age-matched healthy donors.
Relative to healthy controls, patients with multiple sclerosis exhibited abnormally increased TSPO signal in the cortex and meningeal tissue, diffusively in progressive disease and more localized in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In multiple sclerosis, increased meningeal TSPO levels were associated with increased Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (P = 0.007, by linear regression). Immunohistochemistry, validated using in situ sequencing analysis, revealed increased TSPO expression in the meninges and adjacent subpial cortical lesions of post-mortem secondary progressive multiple sclerosis cases relative to control tissue. In these cases, increased TSPO expression was related to meningeal inflammation. Translocator protein immunostaining was detected on meningeal MHC-class II+ macrophages and cortical-activated MHC-class II+ TMEM119+ microglia. In vivo arterial blood data and neuropathology showed that endothelial binding did not significantly account for increased TSPO cortico-meningeal expression in multiple sclerosis.
Our findings support the use of TSPO-PET in multiple sclerosis for imaging in vivo inflammation in the cortico-meningeal brain tissue compartment and provide in vivo evidence implicating meningeal inflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Synthesis of 10H-di(1-benzothiopheno)[2,3-b:3′,2′-d]pyrrole: re-investigation of the Cadogan cyclization route
Authors: Tanioka Yuma , Mori Shigeki , Takase Masayoshi , Uno Hidemitsu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The reaction of 2-nitro-3,3′-bi(1-benzothiophene) bearing ester groups at 7- and 7′-positions under the Cadogan cyclization conditions (PPh3, o-C6H4Cl2, refl.) afforded the targeted 10H-di(1-benzothiopheno)[2,3-b:3′,2′-d]pyrrole-1,8-dicarboxylate derivative in a low yield accompanied with a byproduct. On the other hand, the Cadogan reaction of 2-nitro-3,3′-bi(1-benzothiophene) without ester groups did not provide the corresponding pyrrole but gave a mixture of thiophene-ring-opening products, from which dibenzothiophenothiopyrans were isolated. The structures of these ring-opening products were fully characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray analyses and the generation mechanism giving the byproducts was deduced. Pristine 10H-di(1-benzothiopheno)[2,3-b:3′,2′-d]pyrrole could be prepared via another route, namely nitrosation followed by cyclization and reduction.