Erratum: Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 with Dual-Drug Resistant Mutations During a Long-Term Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient [Corrigendum]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S438915.].

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 with Dual-Drug Resistant Mutations During a Long-Term Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient

Introduction

Various therapeutic agents are being developed for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, it is crucial to accumulate information regarding the features of drug-resistant viruses to these antiviral drugs.

Methods

We investigated the emergence of dual-drug resistance in a kidney transplant recipient who received sotrovimab (from day 0) and remdesivir (RDV) (from day 8 to day 17). We sequenced the whole viral genomes from nasopharyngeal swabs taken on day 0 and seven points after starting treatment (on days 12, 19, 23, 37, 43, 48, and 58). The genetic traits of the wild-type (day 0) and descendant viruses (after day 12) were determined by comparing the genomes with those of a Wuhan strain and the day 0 wild-type strain, respectively. Three viral isolates (from samples collected on days 0, 23, and 37) were investigated for their escape ability and growth kinetics in vitro.

Results

The sotrovimab resistant mutation (S:E340K) and the RDV resistant mutation RdRp:V792I (nt: G15814A) emerged within 12 days (day 12) and 11 days (day 19) after the treatment, respectively. The day 23 isolate harboring S:E340K/RdRp:V791I was resistant to both sotrovimab and RDV, showing 364- and 2.73-fold higher resistance respectively, compared with the wild-type. Moreover, compared with the day 23 isolate, the day 37 isolate accumulated multiple additional mutations and had a higher level of resistance to both drugs.

Conclusion

Drug-resistant variants with double mutations (S:E340K/RdRp:V791I) became dominant within 23 days after starting treatment, suggesting that even a combination therapy involving sotrovimab and RDV, dual-drug resistant viruses may emerge rapidly in immunocompromised patients. The dual-resistant variants had lower virus yields than those of the wild-type virus in vitro, suggesting that they paid a fitness cost.

Data-driven cascade control system: Response estimation and controller design

In this study, we propose a data-driven design method for a cascade control system with inner and outer control loops. First, the input-output response of a controlled plant, which varies with the controller parameters of a fixed-structure inner-outer control law, is estimated directly from open-loop input-output data. Next, based on the estimated response, the controller parameters are optimized to minimize the difference between a reference model with a controlled closed-loop system. In the proposed method, the response of a fictitious reference input, which varies with the controller parameters, is estimated, and then the closed-loop response is estimated. Therefore, a closed-loop input-output data is not required, and the controller parameters are determined directly from an open-loop input-output data. Furthermore, the time constant of a reference model is also optimized so as to reduce the control error. The proposed method is compared with both conventional single-loop and cascade data-driven methods by means of numerical examples.

Effects of scan parameters on the accuracies of iodine quantification and hounsfield unit values in dual layer dual-energy head and neck computed tomography: A phantom study conducted in a hospital in Japan

INTRODUCTION

No study has investigated scan parameters in head and neck dual layer dual-energy computed tomography (DL-DECT). This study aimed to select the appropriate scan parameters in head and neck imaging by evaluating the scan parameter effects on the accuracies of CT numbers and conduct iodine quantification in DL-DECT.

METHODS

A multi-energy phantom was scanned using a dual layer CT (DLCT) scanner. Reference materials of iodine, blood, calcium, and adipose were used. A helical scan was performed by using reference and several protocols. Iodine density and virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) at the energy of 50, 70, and 100 keV were reconstructed. The iodine concentrations and CT numbers in each protocol were measured. Moreover, the absolute percentage errors (APEs) of iodine quantifications and CT numbers (reference vs. each protocol) were compared. Equivalence was observed when APEs between reference and each protocol was within 5%. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate software.

RESULTS

The APEs between the high-tube-voltage and reference protocol were 23.7, 14.0, 8.8, and 8.1% for iodine reference materials with concentrations equal to 2, 5, 10, and 15 mg/ml, respectively. At 50 keV, APEs between the high-tube-voltage and reference protocols were greater than 5% except for calcium and adipose. At 100 keV, APEs between the high-tube-voltage and reference protocols were greater than 5% except for blood and calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

The high-tube-voltage protocol improved the accuracies of the measurement for iodine quantification and CT numbers. Additionally, the scanning parameters except for tube voltage had no effect on accuracies of iodine quantitation and CT numbers in the DLCT scanner.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The use of the high-tube-voltage protocol will be recommended for more accurate material decomposition in head and neck DL-DECT.

First Measurement of the B^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}π^{0} Branching Fraction and CP Asymmetry

We study B^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}π^{0} using 711  fb^{-1} of data collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We measure an inclusive branching fraction of (19.0±1.5±1.4)×10^{-6} and an inclusive CP asymmetry of (9.2±6.8±0.7)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic, and a B^{+}→ρ(770)^{+}π^{0} branching fraction of (11.2±1.1±0.9_{-1.6}^{+0.8})×10^{-6}, where the third uncertainty is due to possible interference with B^{+}→ρ(1450)^{+}π^{0}. We present the first observation of a structure around 1  GeV/c^{2} in the π^{0}π^{0} mass spectrum, with a significance of 6.4σ, and measure a branching fraction to be (6.9±0.9±0.6)×10^{-6}. We also report a measurement of local CP asymmetry in this structure.

Active Transport by Cytoplasmic Dynein Maintains the Localization of MAP2 in Developing Neurons

MAP2 has been widely used as a marker of neuronal dendrites because of its extensive restriction in the somatodendritic region of neurons. Despite that, how the precise localization of such a soluble protein is established and maintained against thermal forces and diffusion has been elusive and long remained a mystery in neuroscience. In this study, we aimed to uncover the mechanism behind how MAP2 is retained in the somatodendritic region. Using GFP-tagged MAP2 expressed in cultured hippocampal neurons, we discovered a crucial protein region responsible for the localization of MAP2, the serine/proline-rich (S/P) region. Our pulse-chase live-cell imaging revealed the slow but steady migration of MAP2 toward distal dendrites, which was not observed in a MAP2 mutant lacking the S/P region, indicating that S/P-dependent transport is vital for the proper localization of MAP2. Furthermore, our experiments using an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Dynein, ciliobrevin D, as well as Dynein knockdown, showed that cytoplasmic Dynein is involved in the transport of MAP2 in dendrites. We also found that Dynein complex binds to MAP2 through the S/P region in heterologous cells. Using mathematical modeling based on experimental data, we confirmed that an intermittent active transport mechanism is essential. Thus, we propose that the cytoplasmic Dynein recruits and transports free MAP2 toward distal dendrites, thereby maintaining the precise dendritic localization of MAP2 in neurons. Our findings shed light on the previously unknown mechanism behind MAP2 localization and provide a new direction for soluble protein trafficking research in the field of cell biology of neurons.

Data-driven control for multi-rate multi-input/single-output systems

For the next generation of manufacturing, represented by Industrie 4.0, a multi-input controller is designed directly from controlled data, without using the mathematical plant model, where the ratio between the D/A conversion of multiple inputs and the A/D conversion of a single output is non-uniquely. With the proposed method, the fixed-structured controller is optimally designed by solving a model reference problem using one-shot data. Furthermore, to eliminate inter-sample ripples emerged by input oscillation, the deviation of the control inputs is also evaluated using the proposed method. As a result, a non-ripple data-driven controller is achieved. Numerical examples show that the proposed multi-rate data-driven method is superior than the conventional single-rate method.

A Brief, Individualized Exercise Program at Intensities Below the Ventilatory Threshold Exerts Therapeutic Effects for Depression: A Pilot Study

Due to the fact that existing pharmacological treatments for depression are not ideal, effort has been devoted to the development of complementary, alternative therapies such as physical exercise. The antidepressant effect of exercise is well documented. However, current recommendations and prescriptions of exercise may be too demanding for depressed patients, as some complain about the design of exercise programs and depression is associated with reduced motivation and capacity to exercise. Therefore, appropriately designed, patient-friendly exercise programs may prove critical for the long-term maintenance and therapeutic effects of exercise. In this pilot study, we developed an exercise program based on patients’ individual level of ventilatory threshold (VT), a submaximal index of aerobic capacity measured by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPX). Compared to traditional measures, CPX provides more trustable indices of aerobic capacity and more homogenous exercise prescriptions. The main episode of the program consisted of 15–25 min of cycling twice a week at an intensity that approached but never went higher than subjects’ VT (considered low to moderate in intensity). We found that in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder (n = 8), the program resulted in a significant reduction in depressive symptoms at week 8, which was maintained at week 16. Meanwhile, patients’ social functioning, quality of life, and cognitive functions improved. Although we used a single arm, non-randomized design, our results suggest that even a brief, low to moderate intensity exercise program may exert therapeutic effects for depression and CPX may be a useful tool for exercise prescriptions.

Plasma fatty acid-binding protein 7 concentration correlates with depression/anxiety, cognition, and positive symptom in patients with schizophrenia

Because of the involvement of the brain in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, obtaining information on the biochemical features that directly contribute to symptoms is challenging. The present study aimed to assess fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) expressed specifically in the brain and detectable in the peripheral blood and to investigate the correlation between blood FABP7 concentration and symptoms. We recruited 30, 29, and 35 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression and evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21), respectively. Plasma FABP7 concentrations correlated with PANSS scores (R² = 0.3305, p < 0.001) but not with other scales. In the analysis of the relationship between five dimensions of schizophrenia symptoms derived from the PANSS 5-factor model and measured plasma FABP7 concentrations, severities of depression/anxiety, cognition, and positive symptom were significantly correlated with plasma FABP7 concentrations. Further molecular investigation of the functional and kinetic analyses of FABP7 is necessary to understand the relationship of this protein with schizophrenia pathology. Nevertheless, the present study suggests that FABP7 can be a biological indicator reflecting the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and has potential applications as a biomarker for diagnosis and symptom assessment.

Measurements of the Branching Fractions of the Semileptonic Decays Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} and the Asymmetry Parameter of Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}

Using data samples of 89.5 and 711  fb^{-1} recorded at energies of sqrt[s]=10.52 and 10.58 GeV, respectively, with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider, we report measurements of branching fractions of semileptonic decays Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} (ℓ=e or μ) and the CP-asymmetry parameter of Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} decay. The branching fractions are measured to be B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})=(1.31±0.04±0.07±0.38)% and B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ})=(1.27±0.06±0.10±0.37)%, and the decay parameter α_{Ξπ} is measured to be 0.63±0.03±0.01 with much improved precision compared with the current world average. The corresponding ratio B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}) is 1.03±0.05±0.07, which is consistent with the expectation of lepton flavor universality. The first measured asymmetry parameter A_{CP}=(α_{Ξ^{-}π^{+}}+α_{Ξ[over ¯]^{+}π^{-}})/(α_{Ξ^{-}π^{+}}-α_{Ξ[over ¯]^{+}π^{-}})=0.024±0.052±0.014 is found to be consistent with zero. The first and the second uncertainties above are statistical and systematic, respectively, while the third ones arise due to the uncertainty of the Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} branching fraction.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Test of Lepton-Flavor Universality in B→K^{*}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Decays at Belle

We present a measurement of R_{K^{*}}, the branching fraction ratio B(B→K^{*}μ^{+}μ^{-})/B(B→K^{*}e^{+}e^{-}), for both charged and neutral B mesons. The ratio for the charged case R_{K^{*+}} is the first measurement ever performed. In addition, we report absolute branching fractions for the individual modes in bins of the squared dilepton invariant mass q^{2}. The analysis is based on a data sample of 711  fb^{-1}, containing 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events, recorded at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The obtained results are consistent with standard model expectations.

Evidence for X(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} Produced in Single-Tag Two-Photon Interactions

We report the first evidence for X(3872) production in two-photon interactions by tagging either the electron or the positron in the final state, exploring the highly virtual photon region. The search is performed in e^{+}e^{-}→e^{+}e^{-}J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}, using 825  fb^{-1} of data collected by the Belle detector operated at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. We observe three X(3872) candidates, where the expected background is 0.11±0.10 events, with a significance of 3.2σ. We obtain an estimated value for Γ[over ˜]_{γγ}B(X(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}) assuming the Q^{2} dependence predicted by a cc[over ¯] meson model, where -Q^{2} is the invariant mass squared of the virtual photon. No X(3915)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} candidates are found.

Lactulose ingestion causes an increase in the abundance of gut-resident bifidobacteria in Japanese women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial

The genus Bifidobacterium comprises various bacterial species, and the complement of species within the human intestinal tract differs from individual to individual. The balance of these bifidobacterial species remains poorly understood, although it is known that the abundance of bifidobacteria increases following the ingestion of prebiotics. We previously conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study of 2 g/day lactulose ingestion for 2 weeks in 60 Japanese women. To study the effect of lactulose ingestion on each bifidobacterial species, here, we measured the abundance of each of the principal bifidobacterial species. After lactulose ingestion, the log cell counts of the Bifidobacterium adolescentis group (8.97±0.08 vs 9.39±0.08, P=0.0019), Bifidobacterium catenulatum group (9.45±0.10 vs 9.65±0.10, P=0.0032) and Bifidobacterium longum group (9.01±0.07 vs 9.29±0.07, P=0.0012) were significantly higher than in the placebo ingestion control group. However, the log cell counts were similar for Bifidobacterium breve (8.12±0.12 vs 8.33±0.12, P=0.20), Bifidobacterium bifidum (9.08±0.12 vs 9.42±0.14, P=0.095) and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis (8.65±0.53 vs 8.46±0.46, P=0.77). Cluster analysis of the log cell count data at the bifidobacterial species level revealed three distinct clusters, but the combinations and ratios of the constituent bifidobacteria were not affected by lactulose ingestion. Furthermore, principal coordinate analysis of the intestinal microbiota in the lactulose and placebo ingestion groups using Illumina MiSeq showed no significant differences in the intestinal microbiota as a whole. These results suggest that 2 g/day lactulose ingestion for 2 weeks significantly increases the abundance of intestinal bifidobacteria, but does not affect the intestinal microbiota as a whole.

Search for Axionlike Particles Produced in e^{+}e^{-} Collisions at Belle II

We present a search for the direct production of a light pseudoscalar a decaying into two photons with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB collider. We search for the process e^{+}e^{-}→γa, a→γγ in the mass range 0.2<m_{a}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of (445±3)  pb^{-1}. Light pseudoscalars interacting predominantly with standard model gauge bosons (so-called axionlike particles or ALPs) are frequently postulated in extensions of the standard model. We find no evidence for ALPs and set 95% confidence level upper limits on the coupling strength g_{aγγ} of ALPs to photons at the level of 10^{-3}  GeV^{-1}. The limits are the most restrictive to date for 0.2<m_{a}<1  GeV/c^{2}.

Prediction of surgical difficulty in minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer by use of MRI pelvimetry

Background

Technical difficulties in rectal surgery are often related to dissection in a limited surgical field. This study investigated the clinical value of MRI pelvimetry in the prediction of surgical difficulty associated with minimally invasive rectal surgery.

Methods

Patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively and categorized according to surgical difficulty on the basis of duration of surgery, conversion to an open procedure, use of the transanal approach, postoperative hospital stay, blood loss and postoperative complications. Preoperative clinical and MRI‐related parameters were examined to develop a prediction model to estimate the extent of surgical difficulty, and to compare anastomotic leakage rates in the low‐ and high‐grade surgical difficulty groups. Prognosis was investigated by calculating overall and relapse‐free survival, and cumulative local and distant recurrence rates.

Results

Of 121 patients analysed, 104 (86·0 per cent) were categorized into the low‐grade group and 17 (14·0 per cent) into the high‐grade group. Multivariable analysis indicated that high‐grade surgical difficulty was associated with a BMI above 25 kg/m² (odds ratio (OR) 4·45, P = 0·033), tumour size 45 mm or more (OR 5·42, P = 0·042), anorectal angle 123° or more (OR 5·98, P = 0·028) and pelvic outlet less than 82·7 mm (OR 6·62, P = 0·048). All of these features were used to devise a four‐variable scoring model to predict surgical difficulty. In patients categorized as high grade for surgical difficulty, the anastomotic leakage rate was 53 per cent (9 of 17 patients), compared with 9·6 per cent (10 of 104) in the low‐grade group (P < 0·001). The high‐grade group had a significantly higher local recurrence rate than the low‐grade group (P = 0·002).

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of clinical variables and MRI pelvimetry in the prediction of surgical difficulty in minimally invasive rectal surgery.

Measurement of R(D) and R(D^{*}) with a Semileptonic Tagging Method

The experimental results on the ratios of branching fractions R(D)=B(B[over ¯]→Dτ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→Dℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}) and R(D^{*})=B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}ℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}), where ℓ denotes an electron or a muon, show a long-standing discrepancy with the standard model predictions, and might hint at a violation of lepton flavor universality. We report a new simultaneous measurement of R(D) and R(D^{*}), based on a data sample containing 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. In this analysis the tag-side B meson is reconstructed in a semileptonic decay mode and the signal-side τ is reconstructed in a purely leptonic decay. The measured values are R(D)=0.307±0.037±0.016 and R(D^{*})=0.283±0.018±0.014, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are in agreement with the standard model predictions within 0.2, 1.1, and 0.8 standard deviations for R(D), R(D^{*}), and their combination, respectively. This work constitutes the most precise measurements of R(D) and R(D^{*}) performed to date as well as the first result for R(D) based on a semileptonic tagging method.

Search for an Invisibly Decaying Z^{'} Boson at Belle II in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}(e^{±}μ^{∓}) Plus Missing Energy Final States

Theories beyond the standard model often predict the existence of an additional neutral boson, the Z^{'}. Using data collected by the Belle II experiment during 2018 at the SuperKEKB collider, we perform the first searches for the invisible decay of a Z^{'} in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'} and of a lepton-flavor-violating Z^{'} in e^{+}e^{-}→e^{±}μ^{∓}Z^{'}. We do not find any excess of events and set 90% credibility level upper limits on the cross sections of these processes. We translate the former, in the framework of an L_{μ}-L_{τ} theory, into upper limits on the Z^{'} coupling constant at the level of 5×10^{-2}-1 for M_{Z^{'}}≤6  GeV/c^{2}.

Observation of the Radiative Decays of ϒ(1S) to χ_{c1}

We report the first observation of the radiative decay of the ϒ(1S) into a charmonium state. The significance of the observed signal of ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1} is 6.3 standard deviations including systematics. The branching fraction is calculated to be B[ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1}]=[4.7_{-1.8}^{+2.4}(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.4}(sys)×10^{-5}]. We also searched for ϒ(1S) radiative decays into χ_{c0,2} and η_{c}(1S,2S), and set upper limits on their branching fractions. These results are obtained from a 24.9  fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider at a center-of-mass energy equal to the ϒ(2S) mass using ϒ(1S) tagging by the ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-} transitions.

Pacemaker-associated infection caused by ST81/SCCmec IV methicillin-resistant, vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in Japan

A 76-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital for treatment of fever and skin lesion at the implantation site of his pacemaker. During his hospitalization, vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 4 μg/mL) with reduced susceptibility to daptomycin was isolated from venous blood. This isolate was identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus with SCCmec IV and was genotyped as sequence type 81, coa VIIa and spa type t7044, harbouring blaZ, aac(6′)-aph(2″) and enterotoxin(-like) genes sea, seb, sek, sel, selx and selw. The patient was successfully treated with daptomycin, minocycline and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. We describe the identification of sequence type 81/SCCmec IV vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus from pacemaker-associated septicaemia.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present our current best estimate of the plausible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next several years, with the intention of providing information to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals for the third (O3), fourth (O4) and fifth observing (O5) runs, including the planned upgrades of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. We study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source for gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary systems of compact objects, that is binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems. The ability to localize the sources is given as a sky-area probability, luminosity distance, and comoving volume. The median sky localization area (90% credible region) is expected to be a few hundreds of square degrees for all types of binary systems during O3 with the Advanced LIGO and Virgo (HLV) network. The median sky localization area will improve to a few tens of square degrees during O4 with the Advanced LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA (HLVK) network. During O3, the median localization volume (90% credible region) is expected to be on the order of 10 5 , 10 6 , 10 7 Mpc 3 for binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems, respectively. The localization volume in O4 is expected to be about a factor two smaller than in O3. We predict a detection count of 1 - 1 + 12 ( 10 - 10 + 52 ) for binary neutron star mergers, of 0 - 0 + 19 ( 1 - 1 + 91 ) for neutron star-black hole mergers, and 17 - 11 + 22 ( 79 - 44 + 89 ) for binary black hole mergers in a one-calendar-year observing run of the HLV network during O3 (HLVK network during O4). We evaluate sensitivity and localization expectations for unmodeled signal searches, including the search for intermediate mass black hole binary mergers.

Automatic detection of early gastric cancer in endoscopic images using a transferring convolutional neural network

Endoscopic image diagnosis assisted by machine learning is useful for reducing misdetection and interobserver variability. Although many results have been reported, few effective methods are available to automatically detect early gastric cancer. Early gastric cancer have poor morphological features, which implies that automatic detection methods can be extremely difficult to construct. In this study, we proposed a convolutional neural network-based automatic detection scheme to assist the diagnosis of early gastric cancer in endoscopic images. We performed transfer learning using two classes (cancer and normal) of image datasets that have detailed texture information on lesions derived from a small number of annotated images. The accuracy of our trained network was 87.6%, and the sensitivity and specificity were well balanced, which is important for future practical use. We also succeeded in presenting a candidate region of early gastric cancer as a heat map of unknown images. The detection accuracy was 82.8%. This means that our proposed scheme may offer substantial assistance to endoscopists in decision making.

Prebiotic effect of two grams of lactulose in healthy Japanese women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial

Sixty healthy Japanese women with a defaecation frequency of 2-4 times/week participated in this randomised, double-blind crossover trial. Participants received 2 g/day lactulose for 2 weeks and placebo in a random order, separated by a washout period of 3 weeks. Eight participants were excluded who did not satisfy the conditions, and therefore data from 52 were analysed. The primary outcome was defaecation frequency and the secondary outcomes were the number of defaecation days, faecal consistency, faecal volume, and the number and percentage of Bifidobacterium in faeces. The defaecation frequency (times/week) was significantly higher during lactulose (4.28±0.23) than placebo (3.83±0.23) treatment (delta (Δ) 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.80], P=0.013). The defaecation days (days/week) was significantly higher during lactulose (3.77±0.17) than placebo (3.47±0.17) treatment (Δ0.30 [95% CI 0.04-0.56], P=0.024). Faecal consistency using the Bristol Stool Scale (/defaecation) was significantly higher during lactulose (3.84±0.10) than placebo (3.68±0.10) treatment (Δ0.16 [95% CI 0.00-0.31], P=0.044). Faecal volume (/week) was significantly higher during lactulose (21.73±3.07) than placebo (17.65±3.07) treatment (Δ4.08 [95% CI 0.57-7.60], P=0.024). The number of Bifidobacterium in faeces (log colony forming units/g faeces) was significantly higher during lactulose (9.53±0.06) than placebo (9.16±0.06) treatment (Δ0.37 [95% CI 0.23-0.49], P<0.0001). The percentage of Bifidobacterium in faeces was also significantly higher during lactulose (25.3±1.4) than placebo (18.2±1.4) treatment (Δ7.1 [95% CI 2.9-11.4], P=0.0014). Finally, straining at defaecation (/defaecation) during lactulose (3.62±0.24) treatment was significantly lower than during placebo (3.97±0.24) treatment (Δ0.35 [95% CI -0.69 – -0.02], P=0.037). No significant difference was observed between lactulose and placebo with regard to flatulence. Severe adverse effects did not occur. Thus, oral ingestion of 2 g/day lactulose had a prebiotic effect, increasing the number and percentage of bifidobacteria in faeces, softening the faeces, and increasing defaecation frequency, but without increasing flatulence.

First Measurements of Absolute Branching Fractions of the Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryon at Belle

We present the first measurements of absolute branching fractions of Ξ_{c}^{0} decays into Ξ^{-}π^{+}, ΛK^{-}π^{+}, and pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+} final states. The measurements are made using a dataset comprising (772±11)×10^{6} BB[over ¯] pairs collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. We first measure the absolute branching fraction for B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0} using a missing-mass technique; the result is B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})=(9.51±2.10±0.88)×10^{-4}. We subsequently measure the product branching fractions B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}), B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→ΛK^{-}π^{+}), and B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+}) with improved precision. Dividing these product branching fractions by the result for B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0} yields the following branching fractions: B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=(1.80±0.50±0.14)%, B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→ΛK^{-}π^{+})=(1.17±0.37±0.09)%, and B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+})=(0.58±0.23±0.05)%. For the above branching fractions, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. Our result for B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) can be combined with Ξ_{c}^{0} branching fractions measured relative to Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} to yield other absolute Ξ_{c}^{0} branching fractions.

Observation of Transverse Λ/Λ[over ¯] Hyperon Polarization in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Belle

We report the first observation of the spontaneous polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons transverse to the production plane in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation, which is attributed to the effect arising from a polarizing fragmentation function. For inclusive Λ/Λ[over ¯] production, we also report results with subtracted feed-down contributions from Σ^{0} and charm. This measurement uses a dataset of 800.4  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle experiment at or near a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. We observe a significant polarization that rises with the fractional energy carried by the Λ/Λ[over ¯] hyperon.

An inverse free electron laser acceleration-driven Compton scattering X-ray source

The generation of X-rays and γ-rays based on synchrotron radiation from free electrons, emitted in magnet arrays such as undulators, forms the basis of much of modern X-ray science. This approach has the drawback of requiring very high energy, up to the multi-GeV-scale, electron beams, to obtain the required photon energy. Due to the limit in accelerating gradients in conventional particle accelerators, reaching high energy typically demands use of instruments exceeding 100’s of meters in length. Compact, less costly, monochromatic X-ray sources based on very high field acceleration and very short period undulators, however, may enable diverse, paradigm-changing X-ray applications ranging from novel X-ray therapy techniques to active interrogation of sensitive materials, by making them accessible in energy reach, cost and size. Such compactness and enhanced energy reach may be obtained by an all-optical approach, which employs a laser-driven high gradient accelerator based on inverse free electron laser (IFEL), followed by a collision point for inverse Compton scattering (ICS), a scheme where a laser is used to provide undulator fields. We present an experimental proof-of-principle of this approach, where a TW-class CO₂ laser pulse is split in two, with half used to accelerate a high quality electron beam up to 84 MeV through the IFEL interaction, and the other half acts as an electromagnetic undulator to generate up to 13 keV X-rays via ICS. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this scheme, which can be joined with other techniques such as laser recirculation to yield very compact photon sources, with both high peak and average brilliance, and with energies extending from the keV to MeV scale. Further, use of the IFEL acceleration with the ICS interaction produces a train of high intensity X-ray pulses, thus enabling a unique tool synchronized with a laser pulse for ultra-fast strobe, pump-probe experimental scenarios.

Search for a Light CP-odd Higgs Boson and Low-Mass Dark Matter at the Belle Experiment

We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, A^{0}, that decays into low mass dark matter, χ, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-}, followed by the on-shell process ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} with A^{0}→χχ, or by the off-shell process ϒ(1S)→γχχ. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3×10^{6} ϒ(2S) decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges M_{A^{0}}<8.97  GeV/c^{2} and M_{χ}<4.44  GeV/c^{2}. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5  GeV/c^{2}.

Effects of postoperative dietary intake on functional recovery of patients undergoing cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Among elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery, malnutrition is very common and related to muscle wasting known as sarcopenia. Cardiac surgery causes a further decline of nutritional status due to reduced dietary intake (DI); however, the impact of postoperative DI on functional recovery is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 250 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Daily DI was measured between postoperative days 3 and 7. Patients were categorized as having sufficient or insufficient DI based on whether their DI met or was less than estimated total energy requirements. Functional capacity was measured using the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) preoperatively and at discharge. Mean postoperative DI was 22.4 ± 3.0 kcal/kg/day, and postoperative DI was insufficient in 92 patients (36.8%). The prevalence of sarcopenia was not different by postoperative DI. Although there was no significant difference in preoperative 6MWD results (P = 0.65), the sufficient DI group had longer 6MWD at discharge than the insufficient DI group (P = 0.04). In multivariate regression analysis, preoperative poor nutritional status (β = -0.29), duration of surgery (β = -0.18), and postoperative DI (β = 0.40) remained statistically significant predictors for improvement of 6MWD (P < 0.0001, adjusted R² = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative DI was independently associated with functional recovery, but preoperative sarcopenia was not. Regardless of preoperative nutritional status or the presence of sarcopenia, aggressive nutritional intervention in the early stage after surgery helps support functional recovery.

First Evidence for cos2β>0 and Resolution of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa Quark-Mixing Unitarity Triangle Ambiguity

We present first evidence that the cosine of the CP-violating weak phase 2β is positive, and hence exclude trigonometric multifold solutions of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) Unitarity Triangle using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} with D→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays, where h^{0}∈{π^{0},η,ω} denotes a light unflavored and neutral hadron. The measurement is performed combining the final data sets of the BABAR and Belle experiments collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance at the asymmetric-energy B factories PEP-II at SLAC and KEKB at KEK, respectively. The data samples contain (471±3)×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the BABAR detector and (772±11)×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the Belle detector. The results of the measurement are sin2β=0.80±0.14(stat)±0.06(syst)±0.03(model) and cos2β=0.91±0.22(stat)±0.09(syst)±0.07(model). The result for the direct measurement of the angle β of the CKM Unitarity Triangle is β=[22.5±4.4(stat)±1.2(syst)±0.6(model)]°. The measurement assumes no direct CP violation in B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} decays. The quoted model uncertainties are due to the composition of the D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decay amplitude model, which is newly established by performing a Dalitz plot amplitude analysis using a high-statistics e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data sample. CP violation is observed in B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} decays at the level of 5.1 standard deviations. The significance for cos2β>0 is 3.7 standard deviations. The trigonometric multifold solution π/2-β=(68.1±0.7)° is excluded at the level of 7.3 standard deviations. The measurement resolves an ambiguity in the determination of the apex of the CKM Unitarity Triangle.

Observation of ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S) Decay

We report the observation of ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S) decay based on an analysis of the inclusive photon spectrum of 24.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collisions at the ϒ(2S) center-of-mass energy collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We measure a branching fraction of B[ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S)]=(6.1_{-0.7-0.6}^{+0.6+0.9})×10^{-4} and derive an η_{b}(1S) mass of 9394.8_{-3.1-2.7}^{+2.7+4.5}  MeV/c^{2}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The significance of our measurement is greater than 7 standard deviations, constituting the first observation of this decay mode.