bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum geodesics on quantum Minkowski spacetime
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Majid Shahn 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
We apply a recent formalism of quantum geodesics to the well-known quantum Minkowski spacetime [x

i
, t] = ıλ

p

x

i
with its flat quantum metric as a model of quantum gravity effects, with λ

p
the Planck scale. As examples, quantum geodesic flow of a plane wave gets an order λ

p
frequency dependent correction to the classical geodesic velocity. A quantum geodesic flow with classical velocity v of a Gaussian with width

2
β

initially centred at the origin changes its shape but its centre of mass moves with

⟨

x

⟩

⟨

t

⟩

=
v

(

1
+

3

λ

p

2

2
β

+
O

(

λ

p

3

)

)

, an order

λ

p

2

correction. This implies, at least within perturbation theory, that a ‘point particle’ cannot be modelled as an infinitely sharp Gaussian due to quantum gravity corrections. For contrast, we also look at quantum geodesics on the noncommutative torus with a 2D curved weak quantum Levi-Civita connection.
Parallel bandit architecture based on laser chaos for reinforcement learning
Authors: Urushibara Takashi , Chauvet Nicolas , Kochi Satoshi , Sunada Satoshi , Kanno Kazutaka , Uchida Atsushi , Horisaki Ryoichi , Naruse Makoto 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAccelerating artificial intelligence by photonics is an active field of study aiming to exploit the unique properties of photons. Reinforcement learning is an important branch of machine learning, and photonic decision-making principles have been demonstrated with respect to the multi-armed bandit problems. However, reinforcement learning could involve a massive number of states, unlike previously demonstrated bandit problems where the number of states is only one. Q-learning is a well-known approach in reinforcement learning that can deal with many states. The architecture of Q-learning, however, does not fit well photonic implementations due to its separation of update rule and the action selection. In this study, we organize a new architecture for multi-state reinforcement learning as a parallel array of bandit problems in order to benefit from photonic decision-makers, which we call parallel bandit architecture for reinforcement learning or PBRL in short. Taking a cart-pole balancing problem as an instance, we demonstrate that PBRL adapts to the environment in fewer time steps than Q-learning. Furthermore, PBRL yields faster adaptation when operated with a chaotic laser time series than the case with uniformly distributed pseudorandom numbers where the autocorrelation inherent in the laser chaos provides a positive effect. We also find that the variety of states that the system undergoes during the learning phase exhibits completely different properties between PBRL and Q-learning. The insights obtained through the present study are also beneficial for existing computing platforms, not just photonic realizations, in accelerating performances by the PBRL algorithms and correlated random sequences.
1D quasicrystals and topological markers
Authors: Sykes Joseph , Barnett Ryan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Local topological markers are effective tools for determining the topological properties of both homogeneous and inhomogeneous systems. The Chern marker is an established topological marker that has previously been shown to effectively reveal the topological properties of 2D systems. In an earlier work, the present authors have developed a marker that can be applied to 1D time-dependent systems which can be used to explore their topological properties, like charge pumping under the presence of disorder. In this paper, we show how to alter the 1D marker so that it can be applied to quasiperiodic and aperiodic systems. We then verify its effectiveness against different quasicrystal Hamiltonians, some which have been addressed in previous studies using existing methods, and others which possess topological structures that have been largely unexplored. We also demonstrate that the altered 1D marker can be productively applied to systems that are fully aperiodic.
Carbon dioxide adsorption/desorption performance of single- and blended-amines-impregnated MCM-41 mesoporous silica in post-combustion carbon capture
Authors: Muchan Pailin , Saiwan Chintana , Nithitanakul Manit 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
High-surface-area, hexagonal-structured mesoporous silica, MCM-41, was synthesized and wet impregnated with three different amines of 2-(ethylamino) ethanol (EAE), ethylenediamine (EDA), and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) for use as solid adsorbents in post-combustion CO2 capture application. The CO2 adsorption test was performed at 25°C and atmospheric pressure using 15/85 vol% of CO2/N2 at a 20-mL/minute flow rate. Desorption was carried out at 100°C under 20 mL/minute of N2 flow. The results show that the capacity and rate of CO2 adsorption obtained from all the amine-modified adsorbents were significantly increased with increasing amine loading due to carbamate formation. Desorption efficiency and heat duty for regeneration were also affected by the amount of amine loading. The more stable the carbamate produced, the higher the energy was required. They exhibited the highest adsorption–desorption performance at 60 wt% amines used for impregnation. Blended EAE/TEPA at different weight ratios at a total concentration at 60 wt% amines was impregnated on MCM-41 adsorbent. Sorbent impregnated with 50%/10% of EAE/TEPA showed the best performance of 4.25 mmolCO2/g at a high adsorption rate, a low heat duty of 12 kJ/mmolCO2 and with 9.4% reduction of regeneration efficiency after five repeated adsorption–desorption cycles.
Innovative design for a portable hybrid system of hydroponic and microalgae to produce food and biofuels
Authors: Alkhalidi Ammar , Jarah Hala , Khawaja Mohamad K 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This study investigates an innovative hybrid system that combines hydroponics and microalgae in a compact portable shipping container. This container is divided into two parts; one contains the microalgae system and the other contains the hydroponic system. This combined system works by dividing the 24 hours into 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark for each part. Both parts are connected using light-impermeable pipes that pass carbon dioxide from the dark side to the lit side and oxygen from the lit side to the dark side. In this paper, the authors developed a validated mathematical model for hydroponic and microalgae to evaluate the system’s performance. Results found by the model show the optimum parameters for the split photobioreactor and hydroponic system. The first investigated parameter is the sparger diameter for split the photobioreactor and the second is the number of plants that give the better and optimum result. The optimum modelling design for the combined hydroponic and microalgae system was using 100 plants for lettuce and three photobioreactors with a 0.009-m diameter for sparger to a photobioreactor system with an area of 15.6 m2.
Gut microbiome and autoimmune disorders
Authors: Shaheen Walaa Abdelaty , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Iqbal Tariq H 
Published: June 2022

SummaryAutoimmune diseases have long been known to share a common pathogenesis involving a dysregulated immune system with a failure to recognize self from non-self-antigens. This immune dysregulation is now increasingly understood to be induced by environmental triggers in genetically predisposed individuals. Although several external environmental triggers have been defined in different autoimmune diseases, much attention is being paid to the role of the internal micro-environment occupied by the microbiome, which was once termed “the forgotten organ.” In this regard, the gut microbiome, serving as an intermediary between some of those external environmental effectors and the immune system, helps programming of the immune system to be tolerant to innocent external and self-antigens. However, in the presence of perturbed gut microbiota (dysbiosis), the immune system could be erroneously directed in favor of pro-inflammatory pathways to instigate different autoimmune processes.An accumulating body of evidence, including both experimental and human studies (observational and interventional), points to the role of the gut microbiome in different autoimmune diseases. Such evidence could provide a rationale for gut microbiome manipulation with therapeutic and even preventative intent in patients with established or predisposed to autoimmune diseases, respectively.Perturbations of the gut microbiome have been delineated in some immune mediated diseases, IBD in particular. However, such patterns of disturbance (microbiome signatures) and related pathogenetic roles of the gut microbiome are context dependent and cannot be generalized in the same exact way to other autoimmune disorders, and the contribution of the gut microbiome to different disease phenotypes has to be precisely defined.In this review, we revise the evidence for a role of the gut microbiome in various autoimmune diseases and possible mechanisms mediating such a role.
First Case of Human Brucella canis Infection in the Netherlands
Authors: Kolwijck Eva , Lutgens Suzanne P M , Visser Vanessa X N , van Apeldoorn Marjan J , Graham Heather , Koets Ad P , Schrauwen Michelle M W P , Reubsaet Frans A G , Broens Els M , Kortbeek Laetitia M 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
A patient was diagnosed with Brucella canis following exposure to infected dogs in her breeding facility. Transboundary spread of B. canis through (illegal) import of infected dogs to non-endemic countries in Europe suggest that B. canis infection should be considered in European patients with occupational exposure to dogs.
Efficacy of Calcineurin Inhibitors for Induction of Remission in Intestinal Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Kawaguchi Takaaki , Fukata Masayuki , Omori Teppei , Kiyohara Hiroki , Sugimoto Shinya , Nanki Kosaku , Sujino Tomohisa , Mikami Yohei , Kanai Takanori 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
The efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) for induction of remission in intestinal Behçet’s disease (intestinal BD) has not been explored.

Methods
A multicenter retrospective case series study of patients with active intestinal BD treated with CNIs (cyclosporin and tacrolimus) was conducted.

Results
Of 16 patients, 12 (75%) showed a clinical response and 5 (31.3%) achieved clinical remission after 2 weeks of CNI treatment. Similar efficacy of CNIs was observed even in 7 patients refractory to antitumor necrosis factor-alpha therapies. Endoscopic improvement was observed in 11 of 12 patients.

Conclusions
CNIs may be promising treatment options for refractory intestinal BD.
Molecular genetics in 4408 cardiomyopathy probands and 3008 relatives in Norway: 17 years of genetic testing in a national laboratory
Authors: Stava Tonje Talsnes , Leren Trond P , Bogsrud Martin Prøven 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Aims
To describe results from genetic testing for cardiomyopathies in a national laboratory for genetic testing in Norway since 2003.

Methods and results
Retrospective data collection from the laboratory information management system at Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Oslo University hospital. Data from 4408 probands and 3008 relatives were available. Three probands had two variants, nine had incidental findings of variants not related to their cardiomyopathy diagnosis. Of the remaining 4396 probands, 65.1% were males, age at genetic testing was 50.9 (±18.1) years and 6.1% were under the age of 18. A likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant (216 different variants including 67 novel) was detected in 574 probands, corresponding to a hit-rate of genetic testing of 13.1% in total, 11.9% in hypertrophic, 14.1% in dilated, and 14.9% in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Of the 3008 relatives, 47.6 % were males, age at genetic testing was 39.3 (±20.5) years, 17.9% were under the age of 18, and 43.2% were positive for the variant found in their family. Probands and relatives combined, 1/2809 persons in Norway were found to be heterozygous for a cardiomyopathy variant. Next Generation Sequencing provided more findings in dilated cardiomyopathy, especially in TTN accounting for 44.2% of all variants. Otherwise, the majority of variants were found in the classical sarcomeric and desmosomal genes.

Conclusion
Genetic testing provided a genetic basis of the cardiomyopathy in 13.1% of probands, and subsequent family testing identified almost three times as many variant-positive relatives which could be offered preventive follow-up.
Robinia pseudoacacia decline and fine root dynamics in a plantation chronosequence in the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Guo Longmei , Pang Yuanxiang , Cao Banghua , Fan Zhaofei , Mao Peili , Li Zexiu , Liu Wei , Li Pengfei 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Fine roots (&lt;2 mm in diameter) play a significant role in tree growth and stand productivity. However, knowledge of fine root dynamics in saline alkali soil remains limited. Using sequential soil core and ingrowth core methods, we assessed the dynamics of aboveground biomass (AGB) and production (AGP), fine root biomass (FRB), production (FRP) and turnover (FRT), and soil properties (water content [SWC], salt content [SSC], pH and nutrients) in 2-, 18-, 32- and 42-year-old black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands in the Yellow River Delta, China. Corresponding to the unimodal growth pattern in AGP, the AGB of black locust rapidly increased until age 32 and then slowed down. In contrast, across all depths, FRB and FRP took a unimodal pattern with a decrease in growth around age 32, and FRT continually decreased with stand age. SWC and soil nutrients increased with stand age, whereas SSC and pH decreased with stand age until age 32 and then increased. Based on the correlation analysis, we may presume that in addition to the age effect, the decline of black locust in AGP is most likely caused by SWC, SSC, and pH stresses through the dysfunction in nutrient absorption by fine roots.
Modifying mosquitoes to suppress disease transmission: Is the long wait over?
Authors: Powell Jeffrey R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
For more than 50 years it has been a dream of medical entomologists and public health workers to control diseases like malaria and dengue fever by modifying, through genetics and other methods, the arthropods that transmit them to humans. A brief synopsis of the history of these efforts as applied to mosquitoes is presented; none proved to be effective in reducing disease prevalence. Only in the last few years have novel approaches been developed or proposed that indicate the long wait may be over. Three recent developments are particularly promising: CRISPR-Cas9 driven genetic modification, shifting naturally occurring allele frequencies, and microbe-based modifications. The last is the furthest along in implementation. Dengue fever incidence has been reduced between 40% and 96% in 4 different regions of the world where Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti have been established in the field. It is not yet clear how sustainable such control programs will prove to be, but there is good reason for optimism. In light of this, the time is ripe for reinvigorated research on vectors, especially genetics. Vector-borne diseases primarily affect under-developed countries and thus have not received the attention they deserve from wealthier countries with well-developed and funded biomedical research establishments.
Gene expression profiles in sporadic ALS fibroblasts define disease subtypes and the metabolic effects of the investigational drug EH301
Authors: Fels Jasmine A , Casalena Gabriella , Konrad Csaba , Holmes Holly E , Dellinger Ryan W , Manfredi Giovanni 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Metabolic alterations shared between the nervous system and skin fibroblasts have emerged in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, we found that a subgroup of sporadic ALS (sALS) fibroblasts (sALS1) is characterized by metabolic profiles distinct from other sALS cases (sALS2) and controls, suggesting that metabolic therapies could be effective in sALS. The metabolic modulators nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene (EH301) are under clinical development for the treatment of ALS. Here, we studied the transcriptome and metabolome of sALS cells to understand the molecular bases of sALS metabotypes and the impact of EH301. Metabolomics and transcriptomics were investigated at baseline and after EH301 treatment. Moreover, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to investigate the association of the metabolic and clinical features. We found that the sALS1 transcriptome is distinct from sALS2 and that EH301 modifies gene expression differently in sALS1, sALS2 and the controls. Furthermore, EH301 had strong protective effects against metabolic stress, an effect linked to the antiinflammatory and antioxidant pathways. WGCNA revealed that the ALS functional rating scale and metabotypes are associated with gene modules enriched for the cell cycle, immunity, autophagy and metabolic genes, which are modified by EH301. The meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data from induced motor neurons by Answer ALS confirmed the functional associations of genes correlated with disease traits. A subset of genes differentially expressed in sALS fibroblasts was used in a machine learning model to predict disease progression. In conclusion, multiomic analyses highlighted the differential metabolic and transcriptomic profiles in patient-derived fibroblast sALS, which translate into differential responses to the investigational drug EH301.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in carinal resection for recurrent chondrosarcoma after previous distal tracheal resection
Authors: Voltolini Luca , Salvicchi Alberto , Cianchi Giovanni , Bongiolatti Stefano 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Carinal re-resection for tumour recurrence is rarely performed due to increased difficulty in airway reconstruction. We reported a successful case of carinal resection and reconstruction for recurrent chondrosarcoma after previous distal tracheal resection. Due to the technical complexity of the reconstruction and the poor respiratory reserve of the patient, the veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was used.
Timelapse viability assay to detect division and death of primary multiple myeloma cells in response to drug treatments with single cell resolution
Authors: Mark Christina , Callander Natalie S , Chng Kenny , Miyamoto Shigeki , Warrick Jay 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Heterogeneity among cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is thought to be a significant contributor to the heterogeneity of clinical therapy response observed between patients and can evolve over time. A primary example of this is multiple myeloma (MM), a generally incurable cancer where such heterogeneity contributes to the persistent evolution of drug resistance. However, there is a paucity of functional assays for studying this heterogeneity in patient samples or for assessing the influence of the patient TME on therapy response. Indeed, the population-averaged data provided by traditional drug response assays and the large number of cells required for screening remain significant hurdles to advancement. To address these hurdles, we developed a suite of accessible technologies for quantifying functional drug response to a panel of therapies in ex vivo three-dimensional culture using small quantities of a patient’s own cancer and TME components. This suite includes tools for label-free single-cell identification and quantification of both cell division and death events with a standard brightfield microscope, an open-source software package for objective image analysis and feasible data management of multi-day timelapse experiments, and a new approach to fluorescent detection of cell death that is compatible with long-term imaging of primary cells. These new tools and capabilities are used to enable sensitive, objective, functional characterization of primary MM cell therapy response in the presence of TME components, laying the foundation for future studies and efforts to enable predictive assessment drug efficacy for individual patients.
Continuous surveillance of drug-resistant TB burden in Rwanda: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Habimana-Mucyo Yves , Dushime Augustin , Migambi Patrick , Habiyambere Innocent , Semuto Ngabonziza Jean Claude , Decroo Tom 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Since the roll-out of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, continuous surveillance can provide an estimate of rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) prevalence, provided high drug susceptibility testing (DST) coverage is achieved. We use national data from Rwanda to describe rifampicin DST coverage, estimate the prevalence of RR-TB and assess its predictors.

Methods
Routinely collected DST data were entered into an electronic TB case-based surveillance system. DST coverage was calculated among all bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients notified from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 in Rwanda. The prevalence of RR-TB was estimated among those with DST results. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to explore predictors for RR TB.

Results
Among 4066 patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB, rifampicin DST coverage was 95.6% (4066/4251). RR-TB was diagnosed in 73 patients. The prevalence of RR-TB was 1.4% (53/3659; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.89%) and 4.9% (20/406; 95% CI 3.03 to 7.51%) in new and previously treated TB cases, respectively. Predictors of RR-TB were: (1) living in Kigali City (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.65, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.65); (2) previous TB treatment (aOR 3.64, 95% CI 2.14 to 6.19); and (3) close contact with a known RR-TB patient (aOR 11.37, 95% CI 4.19 to 30.82).

Conclusions
High rifampicin DST coverage for routine reporting allowed Rwanda to estimate the RR-TB prevalence among new and previously treated patients.
Cytokine response as a biomarker for early diagnosis and outcome prediction of stem cell transplant recipients and acute leukemia patients with invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Ruiz-Camps Isabel , Gudiol Carlota , Salavert Miquel , Barba Pere , Morandeira Francisco , Jarque Isidro , Cuervo Guillermo , Ayats Josefina , Carratalà Jordi , Garcia-Vidal Carolina 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We aimed to determine the role of serum cytokine expression in invasive aspergillosis (IA) diagnosis and outcome prediction in hematologic patients. In this multicenter study, serum cytokines (IL6, IL10, INF-gamma, IL12, IL4, TNF-alpha, IL17, and IL23) were prospectively recruited from all consecutive patients with hematologic malignances at IA diagnosis and compared to control patients matched by center, age, baseline disease, and therapeutic regimen. We included 36 patients with IA and 36 controls. Serum levels of IL6 and IL10 cytokines on day 0 were significantly increased in patients with IA when compared to controls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.025, respectively), even in those who were neutropenic. No differences were observed for the other cytokines. IL6 and IL10 predicted IA with an area under the ROC curve of 0.74 (95% CI 0.62–0.86) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.51–0.77), respectively. The best cutoff point in predicting IA was 20.85 pg/ml for IL6 (sensitivity 72.2%; specificity 77.8%; PPV 76.5% and NPV 73.7%), and 0.045 pg/ml for IL10 (sensitivity 62.9%; specificity 63.9%; PPV 62.9% and NPV 63.9%). IL6 levels were associated with increased mortality, with the best cutoff value being 65.59 pg/ml in mortality prediction. In conclusion, in addition to current tests in place, IL6 and IL10 levels—as measured in plasma—may help clinicians diagnose IA. High levels of IL6 at IA diagnosis are related with worse outcomes.

Lay summary
We evaluated the role of serum cytokine expression in invasive aspergillosis (IA) diagnosis and outcome. Serum levels of IL6 and IL10 are increased in patients with IA compared to controls, and IL6 levels are associated with mortality.