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Variational tensor network simulation of Gaussian boson sampling and beyond
No full textThe continuous variable quantum computing platform constitutes a promising candidate for realizing quantum advantage, as exemplified in Gaussian boson sampling. While noise in the experiments makes the computation attainable for classical simulations, it has been suggested that the addition of nonlinear elements to the experiment will help retain the quantum advantage. We propose a classical simulation tool for general continuous variable sampling problems, including Gaussian boson sampling and beyond. We reformulate the sampling problem as that of finding the ground state of a simple few-body Hamiltonian. This allows us to employ powerful variational methods based on tensor networks and to read off the simulation error directly from the expectation value of the Hamiltonian. We validate our method by simulating Gaussian boson sampling, where we achieve results comparable to the state of the art. We also consider a non-Gaussian sampling problem, for which we develop alternative local basis optimization techniques based on a nonlinear parametrization of the implicit basis, resulting in high effective cutoffs with diminished computational overhead
Ambroxol displaces α-synuclein from the membrane and inhibits the formation of early protein-lipid coaggregates
No full textParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by neuronal loss and the deposition of alpha-synuclein-lipid coaggregates in the brain of patients as well as disruptions in lipid metabolism. Mutations in the gene GBA, which encodes the lysosomal glycoprotein Glucocerebrosidase, are together the most important genetic risk factor for PD and have been associated with lysosomal dysfunction, accumulation of pathological alpha-synuclein as well as major changes in both the levels and properties of lipids. Ambroxol, a small molecule chaperone capable of binding and stabilizing Glucocerebrosidase, was found to revert changes in lipid levels and increase in alpha-synuclein levels due to GBA mutations potentially via restoring lysosomal function. Here, we show that Ambroxol also has a direct effect on alpha-synuclein-lipid coaggregation by inhibiting the primary nucleation step in the aggregation process. We find that Ambroxol not only displaces alpha-synuclein from negatively charged membranes but also prevents the formation of early alpha-synuclein-lipid coaggregates during primary nucleation. These results suggest that Ambroxol may have beneficial effects on other synucleinopathies, such as multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy Bodies, that are also characterised by the aggregation of alpha-synuclein into amyloid fibrils
Chapter 10 - Uses of the leaves, stems, and flowers of mashua (<i>Tropaeolum tuberosum</i> Ruíz & Pav.) for animal feed and human food
No full textTropaeolum tuberosum, commonly known as mashua, is a traditional Andean crop recognized for its nutritional, medicinal, and functional properties. While its tubers are the most consumed and valued component, other plant parts, such as leaves, stems, and flowers, also hold significant potential for culinary and biomedical applications. Rich in bioactive compounds like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, mashua has demonstrated properties that combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and provide antimicrobial benefits. Its versatility in cooking and nutrition makes it a valuable food source for humans and livestock, especially in high-altitude regions. Despite its potential, mashua remains underutilized in global markets due to limited scientific validation and awareness of its benefits. Recent interest in sustainable agriculture and functional foods has spurred renewed attention to mashua's economic and health-related opportunities, highlighting its relevance in food security, public health, and agricultural sustainability
Development and rigorous multistep validation of a psychometric tool to measure food noise
No full textThe <i>JAK2V617F</i> and <i>CALR</i> mutations and risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and all-cause mortality
No full textBackground: Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is associated with adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that CH (JAK2V617F and CALR) is associated with cancer, vascular disease, and all-cause mortality, even at a variant allele frequency (VAF) <1%. Methods: We screened 19,832 individuals from the Danish General Suburban Population Study for JAK2V617F and CALR mutations by digital-droplet PCR. We used Cox regression with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI), stratified by CH (JAK2V617F and CALR), VAF (<1% vs. ≥1%), mutation type (JAK2V617F or CALR), and JAK2V617F VAF. Results: The HR (95%CI) for any cancer was 1.71 (1.46–2.01) in CH, 1.28 (1.05–1.56) in VAF < 1%, 4.35 (3.34–5.66) in VAF ≥ 1%, and higher for JAK2V617F but not CALR. For hematological cancer, the HR (95%CI) was 8.41 (6.44–10.99) in CH, 3.53 (2.35–5.30) in VAF < 1%, and 40.01 (28.97–55.26) in VAF ≥ 1%, and also higher for JAK2V617F and CALR. For arterial diseases, the HR (95%CI) was 1.25 (1.03–1.52) in CH, 1.75 (1.18–2.59) in VAF ≥ 1%, and 1.28 (1.05–1.55) in JAK2V617F. The HR for venous disease was only higher in JAK2V617F VAF ≥ 1%. The HR (95%CI) for all-cause mortality was 1.45 (1.19–1.75) in CH, 1.36 (1.10–1.69) in VAF < 1%, 1.91 (1.26–2.88) in VAF ≥ 1%, and also higher for JAK2V617F and CALR. The population-attributable risk proportion (95%CI) for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) was 76.6% (66.8–86.4) in CH, 47.1% (29.6–64.6) in VAF < 1%, and 71.0% (59.4–82.6) in VAF ≥ 1%, with a nomogram generated. Conclusions: CH—defined by the JAK2V617F and CALR mutations—was associated with cancer, MPN, all-cause mortality—even with VAF < 1%—and vascular diseases at VAF ≥ 1%. These are novel findings, indicating that the JAK2V617F and CALR mutations confer an oncogenic potential with a VAF below the current CH of indeterminate potential definition.</p
Reserve asset or empty promise?:Revealing the role of new croplands for improving food production potential in China
No full textRapid urbanization in China is driving the establishment of new croplands in marginal frontiers. However, the inadequate evaluation in previous studies limited in-depth analysis of their utilization and production. Timeseries change detection was employed with land-cover products to understand new cropland utilization in China from 1986 to 2021. Results showed 64.65 million hectares of new croplands were established, with higher slopes and elevations overall. By 2015, only 60.53 % of those lands remained continuously cultivated, with an average annual abandonment rate of 20 %. Abandonment rates for new croplands established in different years followed a quadratic pattern-first rising, then declining, resulting in a 26.67 % loss in cumulative production potential and a 3.35 x 1014 kcal reduction, enough to support 227.57 million people. Recultivated lands yield less than continuously cultivated lands but more than abandoned lands. This study validates the "requisition-compensation balance of cropland" policy and offers valuable insights for policymakers managing cropland reserve resources
Diagnostic performance of upper airway sampling sites for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza testing
No full textUNLABELLED: Early diagnosis of upper respiratory infections is essential to control infectious disease transmission within the community and to initiate relevant antiviral treatments. Nonetheless, variable sensitivities of sampling sites are often overlooked. We conducted a clinical trial at a COVID-19 outpatient test center, where healthcare workers collected nasopharyngeal, throat, nasal swabs, and saliva specimens. Each specimen was tested by RT-PCR for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza virus A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Clinical information was collected at enrollment and again 13 months later using an online questionnaire. From 4 March to 31 March 2023, 253 individuals were enrolled. Data from 250 participants were included in the analysis. SARS-CoV-2 was the most frequent viral infection (48%), followed by influenza A or B (5%), and a combination of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza (9%). RSV was not detected in any specimen. Several participants carried two or three viruses simultaneously. Throat swabs were significantly more sensitive for detecting SARS- CoV-2 (79%) and influenza (64%) than samples from other sites. In contrast, saliva had the lowest sensitivity for SARS- CoV-2 (43 % ) and was unsuitable for detecting influenza. The sensitivity for SARS- CoV-2 (88 % ) and influenza (100 % ) improved when results from throat and nasal swabs were combined. Throat swabs were more sensitive than nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. A combined throat and nasal swab is highly recommended to increase test sensitivity in patients presenting with upper respiratory infection symptoms.IMPORTANCE: Upper respiratory infections are the most common condition in primary care. Therefore, their early diagnosis is essential to control infectious disease transmission within the community. Here, we show that throat swabs were more sensitive than nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Furthermore, throat and nasal swabs were more effective in detecting influenza compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.CLINICAL TRIALS: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05765838.</p
Clinical forensic medical examinations conducted by the Department of Forensic Medicine in Copenhagen in child abuse cases
No full textChild abuse, including physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect, is a global problem with serious and long-term consequences for children. Even though child abuse is prohibited in Denmark, the estimated number of physically and sexually abused children is relatively high, whereas the annual number of forensically examined children is low. We present the Danish practice and legal foundation for the clinical forensic medical examination (hereinafter referred to as "forensic examination") in suspected child abuse cases. Forensically documented findings may contribute to the police investigation and legal assessment of child abuse cases, safeguarding the rule of law for both children and suspected perpetrators. The forensic examinations are accredited according to international and European standards, and the Department of Forensic Medicine is regularly assessed for the fulfillment of accreditation. Accreditation, delimitations from medical treatment and police employment, and the fact that the department refers to the University of Copenhagen ensure impartiality from the police and the judicial system. A cross-sectoral intervention project has significantly increased the annual number of forensically examined children at the Danish Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Copenhagen, which supports children's legal rights and holds research potential due to systematic and continuous data collection.</p