bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symmetric tensor networks for generative modeling and constrained combinatorial optimization
Authors: Lopez-Piqueres Javier , Chen Jing , Perdomo-Ortiz Alejandro 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Constrained combinatorial optimization problems abound in industry, from portfolio optimization to logistics. One of the major roadblocks in solving these problems is the presence of non-trivial hard constraints which limit the valid search space. In some heuristic solvers, these are typically addressed by introducing certain Lagrange multipliers in the cost function, by relaxing them in some way, or worse yet, by generating many samples and only keeping valid ones, which leads to very expensive and inefficient searches. In this work, we encode arbitrary integer-valued equality constraints of the form

A

x
⃗

=

b
⃗

, directly into U(1) symmetric tensor networks (TNs) and leverage their applicability as quantum-inspired generative models to assist in the search of solutions to combinatorial optimization problems within the generator-enhanced optimization framework of Alcazar et al (2021 arXiv:2101.06250). This allows us to exploit the generalization capabilities of TN generative models while constraining them so that they only output valid samples. Our constrained TN generative model efficiently captures the constraints by reducing number of parameters and computational costs. We find that at tasks with constraints given by arbitrary equalities, symmetric matrix product states outperform their standard unconstrained counterparts at finding novel and better solutions to combinatorial optimization problems.
Carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration is associated with reduced male care in passerine birds
Authors: Rincón-Rubio Verónica A , Székely Tamás , Liker András , Gonzalez-Voyer Alejandro 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe immense diversity of plumage coloration exhibited by birds is the result of either pigments deposited in the feathers or microstructural arrangements of feather barbules. Some of the most common pigments are carotenoids, which produce bright yellow, orange, and red colors. Carotenoids differ from other pigments since birds cannot synthesize them de novo and must obtain them from the diet. Carotenoid pigments are usually associated with signaling and sexual selection, although they also have antioxidant properties and play a role in the immune response. Here, we hypothesize that carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration functions as a signal of a male’s tendency to invest in offspring care because they play an important role in self-maintenance and may provide key information about individual quality; allowing females to obtain information about a male’s tendency to invest in offspring care. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses across 349 passerine birds, we show that species that consume carotenoid-rich foods have more carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration than species with carotenoid-poor diets. In addition, carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration is associated with decreased male investment in offspring care. Our results suggest that investment in carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration trades off against male investment in offspring care and will likely have broad implications for our understanding of the ecological contexts that facilitate various evolutionary processes, such as sexual selection and signaling associated with plumage colors.
Melatonin modulates endometrial decidualization via NOTCH1–NRF2–FOXO1–GSH pathway
Authors: Jin Shan , Wang Ting-Ting , Huang Ji-Cheng , Wang Yu-Si , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan-Peng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Melatonin is important for oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, and embryo implantation, but less knowledge is available regarding its role in decidualization. The present study found that melatonin did not alter the proliferation of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), as well as cell cycle progress, but suppressed stromal differentiation after binding to the melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), which was visualized in decidualizing ESCs. Further analysis evidenced that application of melatonin resulted in the diminishment for NOTCH1 and RBPJ expression. Supplementation of recombinant NOTCH1 protein (rNOTCH1) counteracted the impairment of stromal differentiation conferred by melatonin, while the addition of the NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT aggravated the differentiation progress. Meanwhile, melatonin might restrain the expression and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), whose blockage accelerated the fault of stromal differentiation under the context of melatonin, but this restraint was subsequently ameliorated by rNOTCH1. Forkhead box O 1 (FOXO1) was identified as a downstream target of melatonin in decidualization. Repression of NRF2 antagonized the retrieval of rNOTCH1 due to aberrant FOXO1 expression elicited by melatonin. Moreover, melatonin brought about the occurrence of oxidative stress accompanied by an obvious accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and a significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) content, as well as enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, whereas supplementation of rNOTCH1 improved the above-mentioned effects. Nevertheless, this improvement was disrupted by the blockage of NRF2 and FOXO1. Furthermore, addition of GSH rescued the defect of stromal differentiation by melatonin. Collectively, melatonin might impair endometrial decidualization by restraining the differentiation of ESCs dependent on NOTCH1–NRF2–FOXO1–GSH pathway after binding to the MTNR1B receptor.
Total neoadjuvant therapy versus standard neoadjuvant treatment strategies for the management of locally advanced rectal cancer: network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Donnelly Mark , Ryan Odhrán K , Ryan Éanna J , Creavin Ben , O’Reilly Mary , McDermott Ray , Kennelly Rory , Hanly Ann , Martin Seán T , Winter Des C 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
This study compared the advantages and disadvantages of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, compared with the more traditional multimodal neoadjuvant management strategies of long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT).

Methods
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of exclusively RCTs was undertaken, comparing survival, recurrence, pathological, radiological, and oncological outcomes. The last date of the search was 14 December 2022.

Results
In total, 15 RCTs involving 4602 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, conducted between 2004 and 2022, were included. TNT improved overall survival compared with LCRT (HR 0.73, 95 per cent credible interval 0.60 to 0.92) and SCRT (HR 0.67, 0.47 to 0.95). TNT also improved rates of distant metastasis compared with LCRT (HR 0.81, 0.69 to 0.97). Reduced overall recurrence was observed for TNT compared with LCRT (HR 0.87, 0.76 to 0.99). TNT showed an improved pCR compared with both LCRT (risk ratio (RR) 1.60, 1.36 to 1.90) and SCRT (RR 11.32, 5.00 to 30.73). TNT also showed an improvement in cCR compared with LCRT (RR 1.68, 1.08 to 2.64). There was no difference between treatments in disease-free survival, local recurrence, R0 resection, treatment toxicity or treatment compliance.

Conclusion
This study provides further evidence that TNT has improved survival and recurrence benefits compared with current standards of care, and may increase the number of patients suitable for organ preservation, without negatively influencing treatment toxicity or compliance.
Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 neutralization of Omicron BA.1, BA.5 and BQ.1.1 after four vaccinations and the impact of breakthrough infections in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Platen Louise , Liao Bo-Hung , Tellenbach Myriam , Cheng Cho-Chin , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Christa Catharina , Dächert Christopher , Kappler Verena , Bester Romina , Werz Maia Lucia , Schönhals Emely , Platen Eva , Eggerer Peter , Tréguer Laëtitia , Küchle Claudius , Schmaderer Christoph , Heemann Uwe , Keppler Oliver T , Renders Lutz , Braunisch Matthias Christoph , Protzer Ulrike 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Individuals on haemodialysis (HD) are more vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than the general population due to end-stage kidney disease–induced immunosuppression.

Methods
A total of 26 HD patients experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection after a third vaccination were matched 1:1 with 26 of 92 SARS-CoV-2-naïve patients by age, sex, dialysis vintage and immunosuppressive drugs receiving a fourth vaccination with a messenger RNA–based vaccine. A competitive surrogate neutralization assay was used to monitor vaccination success. To determine infection neutralization titres, Vero-E6 cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs), Omicron sublineage BA.1, BA.5 and BQ.1.1. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50, serum dilution factor 1:x) was determined before, 4 weeks after and 6 months after the fourth vaccination.

Results
A total of 52 HD patients received four coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations and were followed up for a median of 6.3 months. Patient characteristics did not differ between the matched cohorts. Patients without a SARS-CoV-2 infection had a significant reduction of real virus neutralization capacity for all Omicron sublineages after 6 months (P &lt; .001 each). Those patients with a virus infection did not experience a reduction in real virus neutralization capacity after 6 months. Compared with the other Omicron VoC, the BQ.1.1 sublineage had the lowest virus neutralization capacity.

Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2-naïve HD patients had significantly decreased virus neutralization capacity 6 months after the fourth vaccination, whereas patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection had no change in neutralization capacity. This was independent of age, sex, dialysis vintage and immunosuppression. Therefore, in infection-naïve HD patients a fifth COVID-19 vaccination might be reasonable 6 months after the fourth vaccination.
Improved detection of echocardiographically occult left ventricular thrombi following ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Reindl Martin , Lechner Ivan , Holzknecht Magdalena , Tiller Christina , Fink Priscilla , Oberhollenzer Fritz , Mayr Agnes , Troger Felix , Pamminger Mathias , Henninger Benjamin , Theurl Markus , Klug Gert , Brenner Christoph , Bauer Axel , Metzler Bernhard , Reinstadler Sebastian J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-occult left ventricular (LV) thrombi (LVT) and to propose a clinical model for improved detection of TTE-occult LVT post–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with acute STEMI are at significant risk for developing LVT. However, this complication often (up to 65%) remains undetected by using TTE, referred to as TTE-occult LVT.

Methods and results
In total, 870 STEMI patients underwent TTE and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), the reference method for LVT detection, 3 days after infarction. Clinical (body mass index, peak cardiac troponin T) and echocardiographic [ejection fraction, apical wall motion scores (AWMSs)] predictors were analysed. Primary endpoint was the presence of TTE-occult LVT identified by CMR imaging. From the overall cohort, 37 patients (4%) showed an LVT by CMR. Of these thrombi, 25 (68%) were not identified by TTE. Transthoracic echocardiography-occult thrombi did not significantly differ in volume (1.4 vs. 2.74 cm3), diameter (19.0 vs. 23.3 mm), and number of fragments or shape compared with TTE-apparent LVT (all P &gt; 0.05). For predicting these TTE-occult LVT, the 16-segment AWMS (AWMS16Seg) showed highest validity {area under the curve: 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.93]; P &lt; 0.001}, with an association independent of ejection fraction and 17-segment AWMS (AWMS17Seg) [odds ratio: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.43–1.97); P &lt; 0.001] and clinical (body mass index, peak troponin) and angiographic (culprit lesion, post-interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow) associates of TTE-occult LVT (all P &lt; 0.05). Dichotomization at AWMS16Seg ≥ 8 (n = 260, 30%) allowed for a detection of all TTE-occult LVT (sensitivity: 100%), with a corresponding specificity of 77%.

Conclusion
After acute STEMI, AWMS16Seg served as a simple and very robust predictor of TTE-occult LVT. An AWMS16Seg-based algorithm to identify patients for additional CMR imaging offers great potential to optimize detection of TTE-occult LVT following STEMI.
The primary cardiomyopathy of systemic sclerosis on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chhikara Sanya , Kanda Adinan , Ogugua Fredrick M , Rouf Rejowana , Nouraee Cyrus , Bawaskar Parag , Molitor Jerry A , Shenoy Chetan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
Cardiac disease in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may be primary or secondary to other disease manifestations of SSc. The prevalence of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc is unknown. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can help accurately determine the presence and cause of cardiomyopathy. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, the CMR features, and the prognostic implications of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc.

Methods and results
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with SSc who had a clinical CMR for suspected cardiac involvement. We identified the prevalence, the CMR features of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc, and its association with the long-term incidence of death or major adverse cardiac events (MACEs): heart failure hospitalization, ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, and sustained ventricular tachycardia. Of 130 patients with SSc, 80% were women, and the median age was 58 years. On CMR, 22% had an abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction, and 40% had late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The prevalence of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc was 21%. A third of these patients had a distinct LGE phenotype. Over a median follow-up of 3.6 years after the CMR, patients with the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc had a greater incidence of death or MACE (adjusted hazard ratio 2.01; 95% confidence interval 1.03–3.92; P = 0.041).

Conclusion
The prevalence of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc was 21%, with a third demonstrating a distinct LGE phenotype. The primary cardiomyopathy of SSc was independently associated with a greater long-term incidence of death or MACE.
Bev Said “No”: Learning From Nursing Home Residents About Care Politics in Our Aging Society
Authors: Klostermann Janna 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
How do nursing home residents decide when, whether, or how to respond to their own and others’ care needs when the need to do is constant? What can we learn from them about care politics in our aging society? Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in three long-term residential care homes in Ontario Canada, this article weaves approaches from the arts, humanities, and interpretive sociology to respond to these questions. Contextualizing nursing home residents’ stories of care within broader sociocultural and political contexts, I consider how they develop critical and creative insights, not only about direct care or nursing home life but about moral, philosophical, and culturally significant questions relevant to care provision. As political actors engaged in a “politics of responsibility,” they put work into navigating, negotiating, and making sense of their own and others’ care needs in under-resourced contexts and in relation to circulating narratives about care, aging, and disability. Exposed to constant demands to care for others, residents’ stories highlight the importance of expanding cultural narratives to embrace embodied differences or care needs, to help people to talk about their own needs or limits, and to organize care as a shared, collective responsibility.
Extreme Heat Vulnerability Among Older Adults: A Multilevel Risk Index for Portland, Oregon
Authors: Kohon Jacklyn N , Tanaka Katsuya , Himes Dani , Toda Eiji , Carder Paula C , Carlson Bryant 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Extreme heat is an environmental health equity concern disproportionately affecting low-income older adults and people of color. Exposure factors, such as living in rental housing and lack of air conditioning, and sensitivity factors, such as chronic disease and social isolation, increase mortality risk among older adults. Older persons face multiple barriers to adaptive heat mitigation, particularly those living in historically temperate climates. This study measures two heat vulnerability indices to identify areas and individuals most vulnerable to extreme heat and discusses opportunities to mitigate vulnerability among older adults.

Research Design and Methods
We constructed two heat vulnerability indices for the Portland, OR, metropolitan area: one using area scale proxy measures extracted from existing regional data and another at the individual scale using survey data collected following the 2021 Pacific Northwest Heat Dome event. These indices were analyzed using principal component analysis and Geographic Information Systems.

Results
Results indicate that the spatial distribution of areas and individuals vulnerable to extreme heat are quite different. The only area found among the most vulnerable on both indices has the largest agglomeration of age- and income-restricted rental housing in the metropolitan area.

Discussion and Implications
Due to spatial variations in heat-related risk at the individual and area scales, measures addressing heat risk should not be spatially uniform. By focusing resources on older adult individuals and areas in particular need of assistance, heat risk management policies can be both highly efficient and cost effective.
Poleward spawning of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is facilitated by ocean warming but triggered by energetic constraints
Authors: dos Santos Schmidt T C , Slotte A , Olafsdottir A H , Nøttestad L , Jansen T , Jacobsen J A , Bjarnason S , Lusseau S M , Ono K , Hølleland S , Thorsen A , Sandø A B , Kjesbu O S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Northeast Atlantic mackerel is an income breeder with indeterminate fecundity, spawning in multiple batches at optimal temperatures around 11°C in the upper water column during February–July along the continental shelf from 36–62°N. Based on macroscopic staging of gonads (N ∼62000) collected in 2004–2021, we detected an on-going extension of spawning activities into the Norwegian Sea feeding area (62–75°N), reaching stable levels around 2012 onwards. This poleward expansion increased as more fish entered the area, whilst the maximum proportions of spawners concurrently dropped from about 75 to 15% from May to July. Detailed histological examinations in 2018 confirmed the macroscopic results but clarified that 38% of the spawning-capable females in July terminated their spawning by atresia. We suggest that increased access to suitable spawning areas (≥10°C), following ocean warming from 2002 onwards, functions as a proximate cause behind the noticed expansion, whereas the ultimate trigger was the historic drop in body growth and condition about 10 years later. Driven by these energetic constraints, mackerel likely spawn in the direction of high prey concentrations to rebuild body resources and secure the future rather than current reproduction success. The ambient temperature that far north is considered suboptimal for egg and larval survival.
Recent marine growth declines in wild and ranched Atlantic salmonSalmo salarfrom a western European catchment discovered using a 62-year time series
Authors: Long A P , Vaughan L , Tray E , Thomas K , Maoiléidigh N Ó , Poole R , Cotter D , Doogan A , Brophy D 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTo address population declines, many salmon populations are supplemented with hatchery-bred fish. Little is known about how growth performance of hatchery-bred and wild salmon compare during critical periods such as the first summer at sea. This study compares scale growth measurements between 1725 ranched and 1976 wild salmon from the Burrishoole catchment (western Ireland) over 62 years (1956–2017). Post-smolt growth (PSG) was greater in wild than ranched fish; this difference was consistent with compensatory growth rather than size-dependant growth. Temporal trends in marine growth of wild and ranched fish were similar, with a marked decline in PSG and return size after the early 2000s. The decline in PSG was significantly related to freshwater growth and autumn sea surface temperature in the Norwegian Sea. Temporal changes in the pattern of intercirculi spacings along the PSG growth trajectory were also identified; circuli deposited during the first summer at sea were narrower in the 2000s and 2010s compared to earlier decades, while circuli from the first winter were wider. The recent decline in growth affects both populations similarly, is associated with increasing temperature and is manifested as a change in growth pattern as well as overall growth.
To predict the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using Generalized Additive2 Models (GA2M)
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Nuti Lorenzo , Marconi Ettore , Medea Gerardo , Cricelli Iacopo , Papi Matteo , Gorini Marco , Fiorani Matteo , Piccinocchi Gaetano , Cricelli Claudio 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
To train and test a model predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) using the Generalized Additive2 Model (GA2M), and compare it with other models being obtained with traditional or machine learning approaches.

Materials
We adopted the Health Search Database (HSD) which is a representative longitudinal database containing electronic healthcare records of approximately 2 million adults.

Methods
We selected all patients aged 15 years or older being active in HSD between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 with no prior diagnosis of CKD. The following models were trained and tested using 20 candidate determinants for incident CKD: logistic regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs), GAM, and GA2M. Their prediction performances were compared by calculating Area Under Curve (AUC) and Average Precision (AP).

Results
Comparing the predictive performances of the 7 models, the AUC and AP for GBM and GA2M showed the highest values which were equal to 88.9%, 88.8% and 21.8%, 21.1%, respectively. These 2 models outperformed the others including logistic regression. In contrast to GBMs, GA2M kept the interpretability of variable combinations, including interactions and nonlinearities assessment.

Discussion
Although GA2M is slightly less performant than light GBM, it is not “black-box” algorithm, so being simply interpretable using shape and heatmap functions. This evidence supports the fact machine learning techniques should be adopted in case of complex algorithms such as those predicting the risk of CKD.

Conclusion
The GA2M was reliably performant in predicting CKD in primary care. A related decision support system might be therefore implemented.