Counting Measurements Research Articles

Gauge freedoms in unravelled quantum dynamics: When do different continuous measurements yield identical quantum trajectories?

Quantum trajectories of a Markovian open quantum system arise from the back-action of measurements performed in the environment with which the system interacts. In this work, we consider counting measurements of quantum jumps, corresponding to different representations of the same quantum master equation. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions under which these different measurements give rise to the same unravelled quantum master equation, which governs the dynamics of the probability distribution over pure conditional states of the system. Since that equation uniquely determines the stochastic dynamics of a conditional state, we also obtain necessary and sufficient conditions under which different measurements result in identical quantum trajectories. We then consider the joint stochastic dynamics for the conditional state and the measurement record. We formulate this in terms of labelled quantum trajectories, and derive necessary and sufficient conditions under which different representations lead to equivalent labelled quantum trajectories, up to permutations of labels. As those conditions are generally stricter, we finish by constructing coarse-grained measurement records, such that equivalence of the corresponding partially-labelled trajectories is guaranteed by equivalence of the trajectories alone. These general results are illustrated by two examples that demonstrate permutation of labels, and equivalence of different quantum trajectories.

Inferring absolute cell numbers from relative proportion in stochastic models with cell plasticity.

Inferring absolute cell numbers from relative proportion in stochastic models with cell plasticity.

Expression of NET markers in experimental apical periodontitis induced in mice.

Expression of NET markers in experimental apical periodontitis induced in mice.

A systematic review of axon count measurement and reporting for nerve transfers in the upper extremity.

A systematic review of axon count measurement and reporting for nerve transfers in the upper extremity.

A Comparison of Zero-Inflated Models for Modern Biomedical Data

There has been a growing number of datasets exhibiting an excess of zero values that cannot be adequately modeled using standard probability distributions. For example, microbiome data and single-cell RNA sequencing data consist of count measurements in which the proportion of zeros exceeds what can be captured by standard distributions such as the Poisson or negative binomial, while also requiring appropriate modeling of the nonzero counts. Several models have been proposed to address zero-inflated datasets including the zero-inflated negative binomial, hurdle negative binomial model, and the truncated latent Gaussian copula model. This study aims to compare various models and determine which one performs optimally under different conditions using both simulation studies and real data analyses. We are particularly interested in investigating how dependence among the variables, level of zeroinflation or deflation, and variance of the data affects model selection. KEYWORDS: Zero-InflatedModels; HurdleModels; Truncated Latent Gaussian CopulaModel; Microbiome Data; Gene-Sequencing Data; Zero-Inflation, Negative Binomial; Zero-Deflation

Endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) as a predictive biomarker for survival in patients with T-cell lymphoma

ABSTRACT Background The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) has emerged as a significant prognostic indicator in various hematological malignancies. However, its role as a predictive biomarker in T-Cell Lymphoma remains unestablished. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical relevance of EASIX in predicting Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) among T-cell lymphomas patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 117T-cell lymphomas patients diagnosed between January 2010 and September 2021 at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. The study included measurements of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatinine, and Platelet counts. The EASIX score was calculated using the formula: LDH [U/L] × Creatinine [mg/dL] / Platelets [109 cells/L]. Results The median age of the patient cohort was 52 years, with a range of 12 to 85 years. The optimal threshold for EASIX, determined by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis for OS, was identified as 1.66. Patients with a high EASIX score exhibited significantly reduced median OS and PFS compared to those with a low EASIX score (9.3 months versus not reached, P < 0.001; and 5.7 months versus 24.1 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a high EASIX score is an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS, with a hazard ratio of 3.033 (95% Confidence Interval, 1.442-6.379; P = 0.003). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the EASIX score may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor OS in T-cell lymphomas, warranting further investigation.

Photon counting measurements of UV solar-blind background radiation range 250-300 nm

Detecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the solar-blind UVC range (200–280 nm) is crucial for identifying artificial high-temperature sources like rocket launches or jet engine afterburners. This wavelength range is particularly useful because sunlight at these wavelengths is almost entirely blocked by the Earth's atmosphere, creating an ideal low-background environment for sensitive detection. To better understand how well detectors can operate under real-world conditions, a specialized measurement system was developed and calibrated, using a photon-counting photomultiplier tube (PMT), precision optics, and a prismatic monochromator. The system was calibrated with a deuterium lamp—known for its stable UV output—to establish how many incoming photons correspond to one recorded count. Using this calibration, the UV background from sunlight was measured at a rooftop location in Warsaw throughout the day. Although atmospheric models predict complete blocking of solar radiation in this range, experiment results showed measurable background radiation between 250 and 290 nm, with a clear detection threshold around 240–245 nm. Recorded power levels ranged from about 10 to 35 picowatts per square meter—small but significant enough to impact detector performance. These findings highlight the importance of considering real atmospheric conditions in the design of UV detection systems. Even low levels of residual background radiation in the UVC range can affect sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratios and overall system performance. For applications such as early warning or aerospace monitoring, accurate calibration and realistic environmental data are essential for reliable detection.

Assessment of full blood count and some iron parameters among pregnant women in Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the single most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. It is a major public health problem particularly among pregnant women in developing countries with adverse effects on the mother and the newborn. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pregnancy on the full blood count parameters and some iron parameters (serum iron and serum ferritin) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. This case-control study included 100 pregnant women (subjects) aged 31-36 years and mean age 27.44 ±4.16 years and 50 aged-matched non-pregnant women (controls). A structured questionnaire was administered to each of the participants and blood samples were collected and analyzed. Five milliliters (5ml) of blood sample was collected from each participant. Three milliliters (3ml) was collected in EDTA anticoagulated tube and used for full blood count estimation using the Mythic 22 C T Haematological analyzer (Orphee, Switzerland). Two milliliters (2ml) was collected in a plain tube, allowed to clot, centrifuged and the serum tested for ferritin using a human ferritin enzyme immunoassay kit-ACCU DiagTM ELISA Ferritin kit (Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostic Inc. California (U.S.A) while serum iron was determined using Chema Diagnostica (Italy) serum iron kit. The mean haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell count, mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) was significantly lower among the pregnant subjects compared to controls (p&lt;0.05). The mean serum iron and serum ferritin levels were significantly lower among the pregnant subjects compared to the non-pregnant controls (p= 0.004 and 0.001 respectively). The prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anaemia was 60% respectively. This present study indicates that the haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell count, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell volume, serum iron and ferritin, is significantly lower among pregnant subjects compared to non-pregnant controls. There is a high prevalence of anaemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia among our cohort of pregnant women. We advocate for the WHO recommendation that there be universal access to iron supplementation for pregnant women to potentially improve their iron status and reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia. Laboratory measures of full blood count and iron stores should be included in antenatal care protocol of pregnant women in the area to facilitate the diagnosis and the monitoring of pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia. There is need for public enlightenment of women in the area on the need to eat iron- rich balanced diet to boost their iron stores and reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia. We re-affirm WHO recommendation that anthelminthic therapy be provided for pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy to control hookworm infection particularly in areas in which the prevalence of infection is &gt;20-30% and anaemia is prevalent.

Yarn Count Estimation in Woven Fabrics Using FFT-Based Image Analysis

Yarn count is a primary parameter in fabric structure that greatly influences fabric quality, usage, and design. It is defined as the ratio between the length and weight of the yarn. The Ne unit belongs to the indirect count system (constant weight, variable length) and is commonly used for cotton or cotton-blended fabrics. Conventionally, yarn count is measured manually by determining the yarn diameter, but this method often results in inaccuracies. An automated analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) can extract directional and repetitive patterns from grayscale texture images, and is therefore applied for automatic yarn count estimation. In this study, the accuracy of yarn count measurement is improved by applying linear regression, resulting average error for plain weave fabrics (5.51% for warp and 14.22% for weft), followed by twill weave (9.72% warp, 24.00% weft), and satin weave (13.94% weft). However, a high error was observed in the warp yarn of satin weave (31.42%), which is attributed to visual distortion in the yarn appearance.

A Partner Hospital Intervention to Decrease Readmissions for Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia

Introduction:The 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline revision for newborn hyperbilirubinemia raised thresholds for phototherapy initiation. Our global aim was to align care across 2 partner hospitals with the revised clinical practice guideline. Our aim was to decrease readmissions for phototherapy by 20% in 12 months.Methods:Using the model for improvement, a stakeholder team conducted this quality improvement initiative at our state’s largest birthing hospital and partner pediatric hospital. We collected baseline data from January to August 2022 and implementation data from September 2022 to February 2024. We included newborns 14 days or younger readmitted to the pediatric hospital general ward for phototherapy. Interventions included provider education, local clinical guidelines, and electronic medical record updates. Outcome measures of count and rate of monthly readmissions were tracked on a C chart and U chart, respectively. The process measure of time between occurrence of subthreshold phototherapy initiation was tracked on a t-chart. The balancing measure of the length of stay was analyzed on an XbarS chart. We assessed special cause variation using established statistical process control chart rules.Results:A total of 10,620 deliveries occurred, with 104 readmissions for hyperbilirubinemia. The mean count of monthly readmissions decreased from 5.8 to 2.4 from the baseline to the implementation period; the rate of monthly readmissions decreased from 1.4% to 0.6%. Mean days between the occurrence of subthreshold phototherapy initiation increased from 15.5 to 62.5 days. The average length of stay remained at 21.5 hours.Conclusions:This partner hospital initiative significantly decreased newborn hyperbilirubinemia readmissions.

Study of the reduction in the time of counting in spectrometric analysis using HPGe detector for samples of fresh organic foods.

Study of the reduction in the time of counting in spectrometric analysis using HPGe detector for samples of fresh organic foods.

Temporal Evolution of Functional Immune Reconstitution after Allogeneic HSCT.

Temporal Evolution of Functional Immune Reconstitution after Allogeneic HSCT.

Isolation of a novel microplastic-degrading bacterial strain: a promising agent for low-density polyethylene remediation.

This study investigates the biodegradation capabilities of two bacterial strains, Rhodococcus erythropolis and Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus, identifying P. nitroguajacolicus as a novel candidate for its ability to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a major contributor to plastic pollution. Both strains were isolated from plastic-contaminated environments and cultivated in laboratory conditions with LDPE as the sole carbon source. Viable cell count measurements revealed that P. nitroguajacolicus achieved a peak bacterial count of approximately 2×106CFU/mL, with intermittent increases observed over the 45-day incubation period. In comparison, R. erythropolis exhibited a more stable trend, with a peak count of 5×105CFU/mL. These findings highlight the superior growth potential of P. nitroguajacolicus on LDPE. ATP measurements indicated significant metabolic activity, with P. nitroguajacolicus showing higher vitality with an RLU value of 135 compared to R. erythropolis, which recorded an RLU of 96. This supports the assertion that Pn is metabolically more active in degrading LDPE. Additionally, structural and chemical changes in LDPE were confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. R. erythropolis demonstrated more pronounced surface degradation of LDPE, while P. nitroguajacolicus exhibited higher metabolic activity, emphasizing their complementary roles in biodegradation. This study highlights the potential of these bacteria in sustainable bioremediation strategies for mitigating plastic pollution, with P. nitroguajacolicus emerging as a novel and particularly promising candidate due to its degradative capacity for LDPE.

Incidence and clinical predictors of cranial nerve palsies (CNPs) post ciltacabtagene-autoleucel (cilta-cel) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

e19508 Background: Cilta-cel was FDA-approved for RRMM patients who have received 4 lines of therapy (LOT) including a PI, an IMID and a CD38 monoclonal antibody or 1 prior LOT, and are refractory to lenalidomide, based on the Cartitude 1 and 4 studies. (Martin et al., 2023, San Miguel et al., 2023) Neurotoxicity post cilta-cel is reported in up to 20% of patients, including CNPs. Factors associated with CNPs post cilta-cel have not been described. We aim to evaluate the incidence and clinical predictors of CNP after cilta-cel. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who received cilta-cel and developed CNPs (n=14) as well as a control cohort without CNP. In addition to reviewing demographics, known indicators of tumor burden and biology, we examined sequential absolute lymphocyte count measurements (ALC) from day of cilta-cel infusion to day +30 and compared to a control cohort (n=38), matched by age, gender, presence of extra-medullary or high-risk disease, high marrow burden (≥50%), and ferritin &gt;400 at time of lymphodepletion. Max ALC, days to max ALC, max ALC slope (change in ALC/time) and ALC D7 to max ALC slope (Max ALC - Day +7 ALC/ Day max ALC -7) were calculated for all patients with CNP and matched controls. Results: Between May 2022 to October 2024, 140 patients received cilta-cel at our institution and 14 (10%) developed CNPs, at a median time of 17.5 days (range, 14-32) from infusion day. Patients with CNP had a median age of 67.5, 71.4% were males, 21.4% had high risk disease, 28.6 % had extra-medullary disease, and had received a median of 3 prior LOT. None had high marrow burden. Six patients had &gt;1 CN involved, and CN 7 (n=11) was the most common. Patients were treated with steroids +/- IVIG. CNPs resolved in 71.4% of cases, within a median 61 days of its onset(range, 23-201). Patients who developed CNPs were older, had fewer prior LOT, higher max C-reactive protein value and more infections, when compared to control cohort ( p &lt; 0.05 for all). There were no differences in incidence of CRS or ICANs or day 30 response. The median time to max ALC was 12 days (range, 10-30) in both cohorts, but max ALC was higher in the CNP cohort when compared to matched control cohort (4.98 vs 2.36, p = 0.011). Similarly, the max ALC slope and ALCD7 to max ALC slope were higher in the CNP cohort vs the matched control cohort. (2.92 vs 1.36, p =0.009 and 1.09 vs 0.43, p =0.011, respectively). Conclusions: This study noted an incidence of CNP of 10%. Patients who developed CNP were less heavily pretreated and had higher max ALC count and rate of increase in ALC than controls. Validation of these findings in a prospective cohort and primary prevention with a short course of dexamethasone in patients with elevated or rapidly rising ALC could be a consideration to mitigate this complication.

Dietary intervention enhances fertility in obese male mice by regulating SLC2As.

Research has demonstrated that obesity can affect male fertility and reproductive potential, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) and dietary intervention on reproductive function, glucose metabolism, and related SLC2As in male mice. Forty 4-week-old male ICR mice were randomly divided into the normal diet (ND) group (group N, n = 15) and the HFD group (group F, n = 25). After 12weeks, the mice were further divided into the following groups: ND maintenance group (NN group, n = 10), HFD maintenance group (FF group, n = 10), and transition to ND group (FN group, n = 10) through dietary intervention for 8weeks. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed, and parameters including fasting blood glucose, body weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and testis and epididymis measurements were recorded. Testicular morphology was observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expression and localisation of SLC2As in the testis. Long-term HFD consumption resulted in increased body and testicular weights, decreased testicular and epididymal organ coefficients, reduced sperm motility rate, and increased area under the curve in the IPGTT test. After dietary intervention, compared to the NN group, the FF and FN groups exhibited increased testis weight, decreased testicular and epididymal organ coefficients, decreased sperm motility rate, reduced SLC2A3 and SLC2A8 protein expression levels in the FF group, and decreased SLC2A8 protein expression in the FN group. Obesity induced by HFD caused damage to the reproductive system of male mice and affected testicular glucose metabolism and the expression of sugar transporter SLC2As. Transitioning from HFD to ND can improve reproductive dysfunction caused by dietary obesity and its impact on sugar transporter protein expression to a certain extent.

Pre-procedural abnormal von Willebrand factor function predicts clinical outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: a prospective cohort study.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive intervention for aortic stenosis, which is associated with the potential for major vascular complications and arrhythmias. This study aims to identify primary predictors of these complications, emphasizing the roles of Decreased Platelet Count (DPC) and Acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS). We performed a prospective study with 80 patients planning to receive TAVI at the Heart Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. Pre-procedural evaluations include the measurement of baseline platelet counts and the functionality of the von Willebrand factor. The DPC was determined as the percentage decreased from baseline to the lowest count. AVWS was diagnosed through the assessment of von Willebrand factor activity and antigen concentrations. Our results demonstrate that both DPC and AVWS are crucial predictors of major vascular complications. Specifically, patients with a DPC exceeding 20% exhibited a coefficient (Coef) of 1.276 (p = 0.072; 95% CI: -0.116 to 2.668) for complications. While, patients with abnormal von Willebrand factor function presented an Coef of 1.841 (p = 0.022; 95% CI: 0.271-3.410) for complications compared to those without AVWS. ROC curve analysis indicated an AUC of 0.7417 for the DPC model and 0.8025 for the AVWS model in predicting major vascular complications. In the arrhythmia model, AVWS appeared as a significant predictor of arrhythmias, with an OR of 4.480 [95% CI: (1.21, 16.49), p = 0.024]. Assessing both DPC and von Willebrand factor function is crucial for predicting post-TAVI complications.

Orthogonal polynomials in the normal matrix model with two insertions

Abstract We consider orthogonal polynomials with respect to the weight | z 2 + a 2 | c N e − N | z | 2 in the whole complex plane. We obtain strong asymptotics and the limiting normalised zero counting measure (mother body) of the orthogonal polynomials of degree n in the scaling limit n , N → ∞ such that n N → t . We restrict ourselves to the case a 2 ⩾ 2 c , cN integer, and t &lt; t ∗ where t ∗ is a constant depending only on a , c . Due to this restriction, the mother body is supported on an interval. We also find the two dimensional equilibrium measure (droplet) associated with the eigenvalues in the corresponding normal matrix model. Our method relies on the recent result that the planar orthogonal polynomials are a part of a vector of type I multiple orthogonal polynomials, and this enables us to apply the steepest descent method to the associated Riemann–Hilbert problem.

Methods and validity indicators for measuring adherence to statins in secondary cardiovascular prevention: a systematic review

BackgroundAdherence to statin therapy is crucial for reducing the recurrence of cardiovascular events. Numerous methods exist to measure medication adherence, including those based on prescription data, patient self-report, medication counting, and direct methods. It is important to determine which of these methods are appropriate for use in clinical practice. This systematic review aimed to identify the methods used to measure adherence and persistence to statins in patients undergoing cardiovascular secondary prevention and to evaluate the validity indicators of these methods.MethodsThis systematic review included studies reporting methods to measure adherence and/or persistence to statins in cardiovascular secondary prevention. Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to February 2025. Rayyan was used for the study selection and extraction data processes. Validity indicators of the adherence/persistence methods were collected; it was reported. Risk of bias of studies reporting the method validity was evaluated using the COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments) tool.ResultsA total of 77 studies were included. Regarding adherence measurement, the most frequently used method was prescription refill records (n = 55) and self-report methods (n = 20). Electronic monitoring methods (n = 2), self-perceived adherence by physician (n = 1), and pill counting (n = 1) were less frequently used methods. Direct methods, using HPLC–MS/MS, were used in combination with other indirect methods (n = 5). For measuring persistence, prescription refill records were the predominant method (n = 9), while self-report methods were used in three studies, and one study used a standardized questionnaire. Several of the indirect methods have validity indicators for measuring adherence in different study populations and to different medications. Only one study provides validity indicators for the MAT questionnaire specifically adapted for statins.ConclusionsThe methods for measuring adherence to statins in secondary cardiovascular prevention were predominantly indirect, relying on prescription and supply records and self-report methods. Pill counting, electronic monitoring, and direct measurement via LC–MS/MS were less commonly used. Persistence was primarily measured through prescription refill records. None of the indirect methods was validated; thus, their use for measuring adherence to statins is not recommended. There is a need for new validated tools, incorporating a gender perspective, to measure adherence to statins in this population.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023463981.

Validity of Fitbit Inspire 2 in step count and distance measurement during treadmill walking

Background As technology evolves, the market for wearable physical activity monitors has expanded exponentially. As the user base of activity trackers grows, ensuring their accuracy and validity becomes increasingly crucial. However, research in this field remains limited. Methods This study evaluated the validity and accuracy of Fitbit in measuring step count and distance during standardised treadmill walking (5.5 km/h) for 30 minutes. Comparisons were made with the gold standard of manual step counting. ActiGraph data was collected and analysed simultaneously as a comparator. Results Thirty college students (16 males, 14 females) participated. Fitbit demonstrated excellent agreement with manually counted steps (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.81–0.96, p &lt; 0.001). Overall Fitbit underestimated steps (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 3.6 ± 0.03%) and distance travelled (MAPE = 10.5 ± 0.07%). Fitbit accuracy was higher in females (MAPE = 9.4 ± 0.07%) than males (MAPE = 11.4 ± 0.06%). A Bland-Altman plot between Fitbit and manual count presented less than 1% limit of agreement range (286.6 to −83.7). In contrast, ActiGraph lacked agreement and accuracy in step measurement in a controlled setting. Notably, gender differences may impact the accuracy in distance travelled but not in step counts recorded by Fitbit. Conclusions Our findings underscore the high validity and moderate-to-high accuracy of the Fitbit Inspire 2 in measuring step count relative to manual counting within controlled settings among young, healthy adults. However, Fitbit displayed low accuracy in measuring distance travelled compared to actual distances.

Revisiting the gene loss of respiratory requirements for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in the chicken infection model.

Salmonella strains are able to use tetrathionate as a terminal respiratory electron acceptor. Here we report the role of ttrRSBCA operon in Salmonella-challenged broilers. Signature-tagged mutagenesis was used to construct defective strains of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis carrying deletions in the whole ttr operon (ΔttrRSBCA) followed by measurement of faecal shedding and cecal colonization counts. Regarding fecal excretion, S. Typhimurium mutant strain harbouring deletion in ttrRSBCA were excreted in similar numbers than the parental wild-type strain during the experimental period, while the SEΔttrRSBCA strain was excreted slightly less in comparison to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, our findings revealed partial attenuation of STMΔttrRSBCA at 2, 5, 7, and 28 days post-infection (dpi), whereas the SEΔttrRSBCA strain was recovered in lower numbers compared to the parental strain at 5, 14, and 28 dpi. These results indicate that such mutations must be accompanied by other genetic changes to obtain a complete attenuation.