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Strategies for entanglement distribution in optical fiber networks
No full textDistributing entanglement over long distances remains a challenge due to its fragility when exposed to environmental effects. In this work, we compare various entanglement distribution protocols in a realistic noisy fiber network. We focus specifically on two schemes that only require the sending of a nonentangled carrier photon to remote nodes of the network. These protocols rely on optical cnot/cphase gates, and we vary the probability with which they can be successfully performed. Encoding our entangled states in photon polarization, we analyze the effect of depolarizing noise on the photonic states as the carrier passes through the fibers. Building a robust model of photon loss and calculating the distillable entanglement of the noisy states, we find the entanglement distribution rate. We discover that methods involving a separable carrier can reach a higher rate than the standard entanglement distribution protocol, provided that the success probability of the optical cnot/cphase gates is sufficiently high.<br/
Meeting Abstract: 10. Prediction of mature body weight for beef cattle: a prerequisite for the prediction of feed intake
No full textPrognosis of breast cancer in European female adolescents and young adults (AYAs): EUROCARE-6 retrospective cohort results
No full textBackground: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in AYA (15–39 years) females and is more aggressive than in adult women (40–69 years). However, an updated overview on BC in AYAs and how it differs from BC in adult women is lacking. Methods: We used data from the EUROCARE-6 study to calculate incidence rates (IRs) of BC in AYA and adult women over the period 2001–2013 in Europe. We estimated 5-year and 10-year relative survival (RS) using period analysis. Stage at diagnosis distribution and conditional RS (CS) were used to investigate survival differences. We also reported cumulative incidence of multiple primary neoplasms (MPNs) in AYAs.Results: The IR of BC in Europe was ∼18 per 100,000 in AYA females and more than ten-fold higher in adult women. Most BC cases were diagnosed at Stages I-II (74 % in AYAs vs 77 % in adults). Overall, AYAs had lower 5-year RS than adult women (85.0 % vs 89.5 %, respectively); the survival gap slightly decreased in CS. AYAs had worse survival than adult women for early stage and Stage III but better RS for Stage IV (5-year RS 31.5 % vs. 26.3 %). Cumulative incidence of all MPNs in AYAs was ∼6 % at 14 years from BC diagnosis. Conclusions: Our findings support the more aggressive behavior of BC in AYAs. The high proportion of early stage at diagnosis is reassuring considering that organized BC screening is not available for AYAs in Europe. Conversely, the incidence of MPNs in AYAs is relevant and might deserve a revision of follow-up strategies.</p
Efficacy of Orlistat in type 2 diabetes - a systematic review and meta analysis
No full textBackground: Obesity is a common comorbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic condition affecting millions worldwide. Orlistat may be used to reduce weight as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle changes. Aim: To assess the evidence of orlistat on weight loss in adults with obesity and T2DM or a high risk of T2DM. Design & setting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in clinical settings. Method: Articles were searched in 10 databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo. RCTs of orlistat in adults with T2DM or at high risk and a body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2, with ≥12 weeks of follow-up and reported change in weight or BMI, were included. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to pool mean differences, I2statistics to assess heterogeneity, and a funnel plot to assess publication bias. Results: Thirty RCTs compared orlistat with a comparator, in conjunction with a weight-loss diet. All trials showed statistically significant (P<0.05) greater weight loss for the orlistat group than controls. A meta-analysis of 22 studies (n = 5921) showed that the overall weight loss for the orlistat group was a mean 2.40 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.08 to 2.72) greater than in controls. Weight difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) between subgroups at 3 months (2.74 kg, 95% CI = 1.20 to 4.27), 6 months (2.13 kg, 95% CI = 1.61 to 2.66), and 12 months (2.49 kg, 95% CI = 1.89 to 3.09). Conclusion: Orlistat resulted in statistically significant greater weight loss in overweight adults with T2DM or at high risk compared with controls. Orlistat can be considered an adjunct in T2DM or at high risk of T2DM for weight loss along with diet and lifestyle modifications.</p
Pinching-Antenna System (PASS)-enabled multicast communications
No full textPinching-antenna system (PASS) is a novel flexible-antenna technology, which employs long-spread waveguides to convey signals with negligible path loss and pinching antennas (PAs) with adjustable positions to radiate signals from the waveguide into the free space. Therefore, short-distance and strong line-of-sight transmission can be established. In this paper, a novel PASS-enabled multicast communication framework is proposed, where multiple PAs on a single waveguide radiate the broadcast signals to multiple users. The multicast performance maximization problem is formulated to optimize the positions of all PAs. To address this non-convex problem, a particle swarm optimization-based algorithm is developed. Numerical results show that PASS can significantly outperform the conventional multiple-antenna transmission.</p
Consequences of arginine and methionine supplementation on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune response in broiler chickens under concurrent heat stress and coccidia challenge
No full textWe investigated the effects of arginine and methionine supplementation in reduced protein diets on performance of broilers under concurrent heat stress (HS) and coccidia challenge. From d9 to 28, the experimental grower diets: positive control (PC) with 20.0% crude protein (CP); negative control (NC) with 17.5% CP; NC + 50% arginine or methionine (ARG/MET) were fed to the chickens. From d14, chickens in the thermoneutral (NT) groups were raised under recommended temperature, and chickens in HS group were exposed to cyclic HS at 35°C for 8h/day. All chickens were oral challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. on d 14. From d4 to 7-day post inoculation (DPI), the HS group had decreased BWG compared to the NT group, and the ARG group had higher BWG compared to the PC and MET group (P < 0.05). From d0 to 7 DPI, the PC group in HS had decreased BWG and FI compared to the PC group in NT (P < 0.05). On 7 DPI, the NC group in HS had higher AA digestibility compared to the PC group in NT (P < 0.05). On 7 and 14 DPI, HS increased the expression of AA transporters and tight junction protein genes (P < 0.05). The ARG group had the highest OCLN and ZO1 gene expression levels among the groups in 7 and 14 DPI (P < 0.05). On 14 DPI,the ARG group in HS increased the expression of protein metabolism genes in the breast muscle compared to the ARG group in NT (P < 0.05). On 7 DPI, the NC group in HS had higher CD8+ cell percentage and CD8+ :CD4+ ratio compared to the NC group in NT (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed the intricate interactions between HS and the dietary treatments in broilers challenged with Eimeria on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune responses, with overall performance improvement observed with arginine supplementation due to its positive effects on immune responses and intestinal health
Parental noncoding RNA expression dynamics across sperm, oocyte, and zygote
No full textFertilization ensures the flow of information from the parent to the progeny via fusion of male and female gametes orchestrated by a cascade of events guided by parental noncoding RNA (ncRNA) molecules. These parental ncRNAs play an essential role toward rewiring the germ cell profile to make them compatible for successful fertilization, thereby resulting in the formation of the zygote. They further modulate the zygotic profile to support the postfertilization events. In this work, an in-depth meta-analysis of small and long RNA-seq data corresponding to sperm, oocyte, and one-cell stage zygote of has been performed, followed by subsequent wet bench experiments. Our findings provide a comprehensive long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) profile contributed by the parental gametes. Further, a set of novel lncRNAs have been identified, which have a potential role toward modulating sperm and oocyte fertility in the pre-fertilization stage. Moreover, a fine-tuned miRNA expression dynamics has been observed between the germ cells and the zygote to increase the competency of the germ cells for fertilization in the pre-fertilization stage. Its subsequent effects have been observed on early embryonic development in the postfertilization stage
Subnational constitutional space and ethnic accommodation: a comparative analysis of Ethiopian regions
No full textSubnational constitutional space is increasingly recognised as a mechanism of managing diversity in multiethnic federations. Yet comparative analyses remain limited. This article examines Ethiopia’s regional constitutions to assess how they structure ethnic empowerment, self-rule, and representation. Findings reveal significant variation across regions. In regions where one nationality forms a supermajority, constitutions entrench dominant-group self-governance while marginalising others. In contrast, multiethnic regions cluster diverse groups into local governments, creating both opportunities for inclusion and new exclusions. By transforming some ethnic minorities into local political majorities, regional constitutions illuminate both the potential and the pitfalls of subnational constitutionalism in ethnically diverse federations.<br/
Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW): curse or blessing for AfD in the state elections?
No full textThe 2024 state elections in eastern Germany became a focal point of debate, not only because of the AfD's strong performances. These elections witnessed the debut of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in German state politics. Research suggests that the left-conservative and populist stance of this new party could affect the AfD's voter base, potentially attracting significant support, particularly in eastern Germany. This study investigates the impact of the BSW on the AfD in the 2024 state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. It aims to determine whether and how the Sahra Wagenknecht-led alliance affects the AfD's electorate. By leveraging GLES survey data, which includes oversampling for the eastern German state elections, the study examines the direct competition between AfD and BSW. We assess whether the factors that previously motivated AfD voters are now also driving support for BSW – or whether BSW is attracting these voters for different reasons. Furthermore, the study uses the popular German voting advice application Wahl-O-Mat to analyse the programmatic alignment between BSW, AfD, and other parties. This analysis aims to provide a thorough understanding of the dynamics introduced by new political players and their influence on AfD's prospects in the eastern German state elections.<br/
Efficacy of Orlistat in type 2 diabetes - a systematic review and meta analysis
No full textBackground: Obesity is a common comorbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic condition affecting millions worldwide. Orlistat may be used to reduce weight as an adjunct to diet and lifestyle changes. Aim: To assess the evidence of orlistat on weight loss in adults with obesity and T2DM or a high risk of T2DM. Design & setting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in clinical settings. Method: Articles were searched in 10 databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo. RCTs of orlistat in adults with T2DM or at high risk and a body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2, with ≥12 weeks of follow-up and reported change in weight or BMI, were included. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to pool mean differences, I2statistics to assess heterogeneity, and a funnel plot to assess publication bias. Results: Thirty RCTs compared orlistat with a comparator, in conjunction with a weight-loss diet. All trials showed statistically significant (P<0.05) greater weight loss for the orlistat group than controls. A meta-analysis of 22 studies (n = 5921) showed that the overall weight loss for the orlistat group was a mean 2.40 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.08 to 2.72) greater than in controls. Weight difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) between subgroups at 3 months (2.74 kg, 95% CI = 1.20 to 4.27), 6 months (2.13 kg, 95% CI = 1.61 to 2.66), and 12 months (2.49 kg, 95% CI = 1.89 to 3.09). Conclusion: Orlistat resulted in statistically significant greater weight loss in overweight adults with T2DM or at high risk compared with controls. Orlistat can be considered an adjunct in T2DM or at high risk of T2DM for weight loss along with diet and lifestyle modifications.</p