A fast iterative algorithm for near-diagonal eigenvalue problems

We introduce a novel iterative eigenvalue algorithm for near-diagonal matrices termed iterative perturbative theory (IPT). Built upon a "perturbative" partitioning of the matrix into diagonal and off-diagonal parts, IPT computes one or all eigenpairs with a complexity per iteration of one matrix-vector or one matrix-matrix multiplication respectively. Thanks to the high parallelism of these basic linear algebra operations, we obtain excellent performance on multi-core processors and GPUs, with large speed-ups over standard methods (up to $\sim50$x with respect to LAPACK and ARPACK). For matrices which are not close to being diagonal but have well-separated eigenvalues, IPT can be be used to refine low-precision eigenpairs obtained by other methods. We give sufficient conditions for linear convergence and demonstrate performance on dense and sparse test matrices. In a real-world application from quantum chemistry, we find that IPT performs similarly to the Davidson algorithm.Comment: Based on arXiv:2002.1287

X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) at the O K-Edge of Bulk Co₃O₄: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

We combine theoretical and experimental X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) to probe the local environment around cationic sites of bulk spinel cobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4). Specifically, we analyse the oxygen K-edge spectrum. We find an excellent agreement between our calculated spectra based on the density functional theory and the projector augmented wave method, previous calculations as well as with the experiment. The oxygen K-edge spectrum shows a strong pre-edge peak which can be ascribed to dipole transitions from O 1s to O 2p states hybridized with the unoccu- pied 3d states of cobalt atoms. Also, since Co3O4 contains two types of Co atoms, i.e., Co3+ and Co2+, we find that contribution of Co2+ ions to the pre-edge peak is solely due to single spin-polarized t2g orbitals (dxz, dyz, and dxy) while that of Co3+ ions is due to spin-up and spin-down polarized eg orbitals (dx2−y2 and dz2 ). Furthermore, we deduce the magnetic moments on the Co3+ and Co2+ to be zero and 3.00 μB respectively. This is consistent with an earlier experimental study which found that the magnetic structure of Co3O4 consists of antiferromagnetically ordered Co2+ spins, each of which is surrounded by four nearest neighbours of oppositely directed spins

Burden of respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute respiratory infections during pregnancy

Background: With the licensure of maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in Europe and the United States, data are needed to better characterize the burden of RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) in pregnancy. The current study aimed to determine among pregnant individuals the proportion of ARI testing positive for RSV and the RSV incidence rate, RSV-associated hospitalizations, deaths, and perinatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using 5 databases (Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus), and including additional unpublished data. Pregnant individuals with ARI who had respiratory samples tested for RSV were included. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to generate overall proportions and rate estimates across studies. Results: Eleven studies with pregnant individuals recruited between 2010 and 2022 were identified, most of which recruited pregnant individuals in community, inpatient and outpatient settings. Among 8126 pregnant individuals, the proportion with ARI that tested positive for RSV ranged from 0.9% to 10.7%, with a meta-estimate of 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9%–54%). The pooled incidence rate of RSV among pregnant individuals was 26.0 (95% CI, 15.8–36.2) per 1000 person-years. RSV hospitalization rates reported in 2 studies were 2.4 and 3.0 per 1000 person-years. In 5 studies that ascertained RSV-associated deaths among 4708 pregnant individuals, no deaths were reported. Three studies comparing RSV-positive and RSV-negative pregnant individuals found no difference in the odds of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age. RSV-positive pregnant individuals had higher odds of preterm delivery (odds ratio, 3.6 [95% CI, 1.3–10.3]). Conclusions: Data on RSV-associated hospitalization rates are limited, but available estimates are lower than those reported in older adults and young children. As countries debate whether to include RSV vaccines in maternal vaccination programs, which are primarily intended to protect infants, this information could be useful in shaping vaccine policy decisions

Effects of colored noise on Landau-Zener transitions: two- and three-level systems

We investigate the Landau-Zener transition in two- and three-level systems subject to a classical Gaussian noise. Two complementary limits of the noise being fast and slow compared to characteristic Landau-Zener tunnel times are discussed. The analytical solution of a density matrix (Bloch) equation is given for a long-time asymptotic of transition probability. It is demonstrated that the transition probability induced or assisted by the fast noise can be obtained through a procedure of Bloch's equation averaging with further reducing it to a master equation. In contrast to the case of fast noise, the transition probability for LZ transition induced, or assisted, by the slow classical noise can be obtained by averaging the solution of Bloch's equation over the noise realization. As a result, the transition probability is described by the activation Arrhenius law. The approximate solution of the Bloch's equation at finite times is written in terms of Fresnel's integrals and interpreted in terms of interference pattern. We discuss consequences of a local isomorphism between SU(2) and SO(3) groups and connections between Schrödinger and Bloch descriptions of spin dynamics. Based on this isomorphism, we establish the relations between S=1/2 and 1 transition probabilities influenced by the noise. A possibility to use the slow noise as a probe for tunnel time is discussed

Using distinct molecular signatures of human monocytes and dendritic cells to predict adjuvant activity and pyrogenicity of TLR agonists

We present a systematic study that defines molecular profiles of adjuvanticity and pyrogenicity induced by agonists of human Toll-like receptor molecules in vitro. Using P3CSK4, Lipid A and Poly I:C as model adjuvants we show that all three molecules enhance the expansion of IFNγ+/CD4+ T cells from their naïve precursors following priming with allogeneic DC in vitro. In contrast, co-culture of naive CD4+ T cells with allogeneic monocytes and TLR2/TLR4 agonists only resulted in enhanced T cell proliferation. Distinct APC molecular signatures in response to each TLR agonist underline the dual effect observed on T cell responses. Using protein and gene expression assays, we show that TNF-α and CXCL10 represent DC-restricted molecular signatures of TLR2/TLR4 and TLR3 activation, respectively, in sharp contrast to IL-6 produced by monocytes upon stimulation with P3CSK4 and Lipid A. Furthermore, although all TLR agonists are able to up-regulate proIL-1β specific gene in both cell types, only monocyte activation with Lipid A results in detectable IL-1β release. These molecular profiles, provide a simple screen to select new immune enhancers of human Th1 responses suitable for clinical application

Water adsorption on non polar ZnO surfaces: from single molecules to multilayers

The interface between water and ZnO plays an important role in many domains of technological relevance. Following the vital role of adsorbed water on substrate properties and the fascinating properties of interfacial water, there is a great interest in characterizing this interface. We use DFT to study the possible aggregation regimes that can form on the ZnO non-polar low-index (10-10) and (11-20) surfaces. We study the adsorption of water monomers, small water clusters like water dimers, water chains, ladder-like water structures, water thin films and water multilayers. Based on this, trends in binding energy as well as the binding mechanisms are analyzed to understand the driving forces and the nature of the fundamental interactions that stabilize the adsorbed layers

Water adsorption on non polar ZnO surfaces: from single molecules to multilayers

The interface between water and ZnO plays an important role in many domains of technological relevance. Following the vital role of adsorbed water on substrate properties and the fascinating properties of interfacial water, there is a great interest in characterizing this interface. We use DFT to study the possible aggregation regimes that can form on the ZnO non-polar low-index (10-10) and (11-20) surfaces. We study the adsorption of water monomers, small water clusters like water dimers, water chains, ladder-like water structures, water thin films and water multilayers. Based on this, trends in binding energy as well as the binding mechanisms are analyzed to understand the driving forces and the nature of the fundamental interactions that stabilize the adsorbed layers