bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Altitude of Birth Influence the Performance of National- to Elite-Level Colombian Cyclists?
Authors: Garzon Mauricio , Leguizamo Jenaro , Saldarriaga Fernando , Galeano Edgar , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: November 2022

Objective: To determine whether the altitude of birth/childhood influences the values in peak power output (PPO) and estimated maximum oxygen uptake (estVO2max) in male Colombian road cyclists of different performance levels. This study also aimed to determine whether cyclists born at high altitudes tend to be more successful. Methods: Eighty riders aged between 17 and 22 years of 3 performance levels (U23 world-class level, WC, n = 8; U23 national level, N23, n = 41; junior national level, J, n = 31) and 3 altitude levels (<800 m, low; 800–2000 m, moderate; >2000 m, high) performed an ergocycle maximal incremental test to exhaustion at an altitude of 2570 m. Results: Altogether, while cyclists born at an altitude >2000 m represented ∼50% of the analyzed sample, there was a significantly higher proportion (84%) of these cyclists who had participated as professionals in a Grand Tour (χ2[1, N = 80] = 4.58, P < .05). Riders of the low group had lower values of PPO and estVO2max than cyclists of moderate and high altitudes, while no differences were noted between moderate- and high-altitude groups. In N23, PPO and estVO2max were lower in the low- than in the moderate-altitude group, while in the J cyclists, PPO and estVO2max were lower in the low-altitude compared with both moderate- and high-altitude groups. Discussion: Among the cyclists tested at altitude in junior and U23, there is an overrepresentation of individuals who reached an elite level and were born at a high altitude (>2000 m). As no clear differences were observed between moderate- and high-altitude cyclists, the higher prevalence of elite cyclists in the latter group may originate from various—still unclear—mechanisms.
Correlates of Outdoor Time in Schoolchildren From Families Speaking Nonofficial Languages at Home: A Multisite Canadian Study
Authors: Nayakarathna Ransimala , Patel Nimesh B. , Currie Cheryl , Faulkner Guy , Riazi Negin A. , Tremblay Mark S. , Trudeau François , Larouche Richard
Published: November 2022

Background: Previous research shows that children from ethnic minority groups spend less time outdoors. Using data collected in 3 regions of Canada, we investigated the correlates of outdoor time among schoolchildren who spoke a nonofficial language at home. Methods: A total of 1699 children were recruited from 37 schools stratified by area-level socioeconomic status and type of urbanization. Among these, 478 spoke a nonofficial language at home. Children’s outdoor time and data on potential correlates were collected via questionnaires. Gender-stratified linear multiple regression models examined the correlates of outdoor time while controlling for age and sampling variables. Results: In boys, higher independent mobility, higher outdoor air temperature, mobile phone ownership, having older parents, and parents who biked to work were associated with more outdoor time. Boys living in suburban (vs urban) areas spent less time outdoors. The association between independent mobility and outdoor time became weaker with increasing age for boys. In girls, lower parental education and greater parental concerns about neighborhood safety and social cohesion were associated with less outdoor time. Conclusions: Correlates of outdoor time differ by gender and span the social ecological model underscoring the need for gender-sensitized interventions targeted at individual, family, social, and physical environmental correlates to increase outdoor time.
Qualitative Analysis of a Kinesiology Student-Led Sustainable Exercise Program Targeting Underserved Communities
Authors: Chaudhari Lisa S. , Lang-Balde Rachel , Carlos Joshua , Loy Steven
Published: November 2022

Background: The 3 WINS Fitness is a free exercise program delivered by kinesiology students to underserved communities without external funding since 2011. The program’s wins focus on reducing health inequities, increasing community health, and student professional development. The objective of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of the program’s value for the participant, community, and student-instructors. Methods: We conducted 9 online focus groups (n = 51), categorized by participant role and timeline in 3 WINS: participants (4 groups), student-instructors (3 groups), and combined participants and student-instructors (2 groups). Data collection for this remote qualitative study of the 3 WINS program occurred May to June 2021. The data were analyzed to determine codes and emerging themes. Results: Three main themes are presented: asset, health, and social connection. The asset theme was subdivided into subthemes: (1) professional asset for the student-instructor, (2) program asset for the student-instructor, (3) program asset to the community, and (4) program asset for the participant. The health theme was subdivided into (1) community and (2) personal health subthemes. The social connection theme was defined in any combination, as camaraderie, friendship, connections, community, and family. Conclusion: The program improves the individual participant’s health and through role modeling for their family and friends, encourages others to follow their example thus providing a positive influence on overall community health. Concomitantly, student-instructors are developing into well-trained professionals. The 3 WINS as a student-led sustainable and replicable model can address the existing call from public health to reduce physical activity health-related diseases and inequities.
Associations Between Parent’s Perceived Neighborhood Environment and Objectively Measured Walkability With Their Children’s Physical Activity
Authors: Hunter Stephen , Spence John C. , Leatherdale Scott T. , Carson Valerie
Published: November 2022

Background: Neighborhoods are one setting to promote children’s physical activity. This study examined associations between neighborhood features and children’s physical activity and whether season or socioeconomic status modified these associations. Methods: Parents (n = 641) of children aged 6–10 years completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale—Abbreviated. Walkability was objectively measured at 400, 800, and 1200 m around the centroid of participants’ postal codes. Children’s physical activity was measured via StepsCount pedometers and parental report. Regression analyses were performed with interaction terms for season and socioeconomic status. Multiple imputation was used primarily to triangulate the results for children with missing steps data (n = 192). Results: Higher perceived residential density and traffic hazards were significantly associated with lower squareroot transformed parental-reported physical activity and steps per day, respectively. Higher perceived aesthetics was associated with higher squareroot transformed parental-reported physical activity. Socioeconomic status modified 2 associations though they were not significant upon stratification. During winter months, better perceived infrastructure and safety for walking was associated with higher squareroot transformed parental-reported physical activity. No other significant associations emerged. Conclusion: Residential density, traffic hazards, and aesthetics are important for children’s physical activity. Few associations were modified by socioeconomic status or season. The need for objective and subjective measures of the neighborhood environment and children’s physical activity is apparent.
Changes in 24-Hour Movement Behaviors From Early to Late Pregnancy in Individuals With Prepregnancy Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Badon Sylvia E. , Ferrara Assiamira , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Avalos Lyndsay A. , Hedderson Monique M.
Published: November 2022

Background: Understanding how sleep, sedentary behavior (SED), and physical activity (PA) (24-h movement profile) changes across pregnancy in individuals with prepregnancy overweight or obesity and how parity (previous births) impacts these changes can help inform interventions. Methods: In 155 participants, movement was measured using wrist-worn accelerometers, and sleep was self-reported in early (8–15 wk) and late (29–38 wk) pregnancy. The 24-hour movement profiles were analyzed using compositional analyses. Results: Nulliparous participants (no previous births) spent 33.95%, 38.14%, 25.32%, and 2.58% of the 24-hour day in early pregnancy in sleep, SED, light-intensity PA, and moderate/vigorous-intensity PA, respectively. Multiparous participants (≥1 previous birth) spent 2.50 percentage points less in SED (mean log-ratio difference = −0.068; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.129 to −0.009) and 2.73 percentage points more in light-intensity PA (mean log-ratio difference = 0.102; 95% CI, 0.035 to 0.180). From early to late pregnancy, participants decreased the proportion of the 24-hour day spent asleep by 1.67 percentage points (mean log-ratio difference = −0.050; 95% CI, −0.092 to −0.011) and increased light-intensity PA by 1.56 percentage points (mean log-ratio difference = 0.057; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.108), with no change in other behaviors. Conclusions: Nulliparous and multiparous individuals with prepregnancy overweight or obesity both had high levels of SED, with no change across pregnancy, and may require interventions to reduce  SED.
Multiwell Potential in a Trench-Type Quantum Point Contact
Authors: Sarypov D. I. , Pokhabov D. A. , Pogosov A. G. , Zhdanov E. Yu. , Bakarov A. K.
Published: November 2022

A physical mechanism has been proposed to explain the appearance of the multichannel electron transport regime in trench quantum point contacts. It has been shown that the redistribution of electrons in a two-dimensional electron gas, which is due to the Coulomb interaction between them and with charged donors and X-valley electrons, results in the experimentally observed multichannel regime. The numerical simulation of the redistribution of electrons and its comparison with the measurements of the conductance of trench quantum point contacts based on a GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure demonstrate the formation of a multiwell confining potential.
Measurement of the Quantum Efficiency of Analog Detectors in the Parametric Down-Conversion Field
Authors: Novikova T. I. , Leontyev A. A. , Kitaeva G. Kh.
Published: November 2022

Approaches to the standard-free calibration of the quantum efficiency of a wide class of analog detectors based on the measurement of statistical characteristics of fields generated by parametric down-conversion are analyzed. General expressions are obtained for the noise reduction factor of the difference photocurrent and for the covariance of photocurrents in the signal and idler channels that take into account the possibility of strong fluctuations in the amplitudes of single-photon response functions of the detectors used. It is shown that the measurement of the noise reduction factor of the difference photocurrent using detectors that cannot operate in the photon counting mode is on its own insufficient to directly characterize the level of two-mode squeezing in the down-conversion field and to determine the quantum efficiency of photosensitive elements without additional calibration procedures. A method to determine the quantum efficiency of such detectors based on measuring the dependence of the normalized covariance of photocurrents on the parametric gain is proposed.
Processing and Interpretation of Analytical Data with a High Degree of Uncertainty
Authors: Zenkevich I. G. , Nikitina D. A. , Kushakova A. S.
Published: November 2022

Some analytical problems, which are often considered incorrect for objective reasons, are considered. The main of these reasons is an anomalously large scatter of the initial data. It can be due to either the low reproducibility of the characteristics of substances, their quantities, analytical signal intensities, process conditions, etc., or variability due to differences in the nature of the objects themselves. In the latter case, the nature of data interpretation is influenced by analytical hypotheses adopted for their consideration. The tasks considered include variations in the component composition of developers for black-and-white negative photographic materials, comparison of temperature parameters of the gas-chromatographic separation of various organic compounds, toxicity characterization (LD50) of homologues using C3–C12 1-alkanols as an example, and the possibility of predicting sample preparation operations in the determination of drugs in blood plasma based on their physicochemical characteristics. The main features of data interpretation characterized by a high degree of uncertainty are revealed. It is noted that important conclusions can be drawn based on the facts of low reproducibility (one-dimensional arrays) or poor correlation of variables (two-dimensional arrays).
Testing Born–Infeld f(T) teleparallel gravity through Sgr $$\hbox {A}^\star $$ observations
Authors: Jusufi Kimet , Capozziello Salvatore , Bahamonde Sebastian , Jamil Mubasher
Published: November 2022

We use observational data from the S2 star orbiting around the Galactic Center to constrain a black hole solution of extended teleparallel gravity models. Subsequently, we construct the shadow images of Sgr $$\hbox {A}^{\star }$$

A
⋆

black hole. In particular, we constrain the parameter $$\alpha =1/\lambda $$

α
=
1
/
λ

which appears in the Born–Infeld f(T) model. In the strong gravity regime we find that the shadow radius increases with the increase of the parameter $$\alpha $$
α
. Specifically, from the S2 star observations, we find within $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

that the parameter must lie between $$0 \le \alpha /M^2 \le 6 \times 10^{-4}$$

0
≤
α
/

M
2

≤
6
×

10

-
4

. Consequently, we used the best fit parameters to model the shadow images of Sgr $$\hbox {A}^{\star }$$

A
⋆

black hole and then using the Gauss-Bonnet theorem we analysed the deflection angle for leading order expansions of the parameter $$\alpha $$
α
. It is found that within the parameter range, these observables are very close to the Schwarzschild case. Furthermore, using the best fit parameters for the Born–Infeld f(T) model we show that the angular diameter is consistent with recent observations for the Sgr $$\hbox {A}^{\star }$$

A
⋆

with angular diameter $$(51.8 \pm 2.3) \mu $$

(
51.8
±
2.3
)
μ

arcsec and difficult to be distinguished from the GR. For the deflection angle of light, in leading order terms, we find that the deflection angle expressed in the ADM mass coincides with the GR, but the ADM mass in the Born–Infeld f(T) gravity increases with the increase of $$\alpha $$
α
and the overall deflection angle is expected to me greater in f(T) gravity. As a consequence of this fact, we have shown that the electromagnetic intensity observed in shadow images is smaller compared to GR.
Searching for $$ X_{0}(2900) $$ and $$ X_{1}(2900) $$ through the kaon induced reactions
Authors: Lin Qing-Yong , Wang Xiao-Yun
Published: November 2022

Within an effective Lagrangian approach, a theoretical study of the $$K^{+}p \rightarrow \Sigma _{c}^{++}X_{0}(2900)$$

K
+

p
→

Σ

c

+
+

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$K^{+}p \rightarrow \Sigma _{c}^{++}X_{1}(2900)$$

K
+

p
→

Σ

c

+
+

X
1

(
2900
)

reactions is carried out to search for the exotic states $$X_{0}(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$X_{1}(2900)$$

X
1

(
2900
)

. The production process is described by the $$t-$$

t
-

channel $$D^{-}$$

D
-

meson exchange. The numerical results show that the total cross sections may reach up to about 0.5 nb and 25 nb for the productions of $$ X_0(2900) $$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$ X_1(2900) $$

X
1

(
2900
)

, respectively. The predicted differential cross sections are sensitive to the scattering angles and have strong forward enhancements. The cross sections for the $$K^{+}n \rightarrow \Lambda _{c}^{+}X_{0,1}$$

K
+

n
→

Λ

c

+

X

0
,
1

are also calculated and found to be larger than that in $$K^{+}p$$

K
+

p

collisions by more than one order of magnitude. The results are helpful to the possible experimental measurements with kaon beam.
Results related to the transverse Yamabe problem
Authors: Ho Pak Tung
Published: November 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a Riemannian minimal foliation. The transverse Yamabe problem is to find a metric [Formula: see text] in the basic conformal class of [Formula: see text] such that the transverse scalar curvature of [Formula: see text] is constant. We first study the uniqueness of the solutions of the transverse Yamabe problem. As a generalization of the transverse Yamabe problem, we study the problem of prescribing transverse scalar curvature by using geometric flow. We then prove a version of conformal Schwarz lemma on [Formula: see text]. Finally, we consider the transverse Yamabe soliton, which is the self-similar solution of the transverse Yamabe flow.
Corrigendum: A reconstruction theorem for complex polynomials
Authors: Boc Thaler Luka
Published: November 2022

This is a corrigendum to the authors paper [A reconstruction theorem for complex polynomials, Int. J. Math. 26(9) (2015) 1550073]. Here we present a completely rewritten and self-contained Sec. 4 of the aforementioned paper and provide the reader with the corrected proof of the main result that briefly states: “Given a generic polynomial [Formula: see text] of degree at least [Formula: see text] there exist positive integers [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] implies [Formula: see text] ”.
Wolfe-Type Duality for Mathematical Programs with Switching Constraints
Authors: Li Gaoxi , Tang Liping , Liu Liying , Wan Zhongping
Published: November 2022

The mathematical program with switching constraints (MPSC), which has been introduced recently, is a difficult class of optimization problems. The reason for the difficulty is that the existence of the switching constraint makes the standard constraint qualifications invalid at local minimizers. This paper proposes the Wolfe-type dual (WD) model of this problem without switching constraints. Under the assumptions of convexity and strict convexity, we derive the weak, strong, converse, restricted converse, and strict converse duality results between MPSC and WD.
The general solution for the relativistic and nonrelativistic Schrödinger equation for the δ(n)-function potential in 1-dimension using cutoff regularization, and the fate of universality
Authors: Al-Hashimi M. H. , Salman M. , Shalaby A. M.
Published: November 2022

A general method has been developed to solve the Schrödinger equation for an arbitrary derivative of the [Formula: see text]-function potential in 1-d using cutoff regularization. The work treats both the relativistic and nonrelativistic cases. A distinction in the treatment has been made between the case when the derivative [Formula: see text] is an even number from the one when [Formula: see text] is an odd number. A general gap equation for each case has been derived. The case of [Formula: see text]-function potential has been used as an example. The results from the relativistic case show that the [Formula: see text]-function system behaves exactly like the [Formula: see text]-function and the [Formula: see text]-function potentials, which means it also shares the same features with quantum field theories, like being asymptotically free, in the massless limit, it undergoes dimensional transmutation and it possesses an infrared conformal fixed point. As a result, the evidence of universality of contact interactions has been extended further to include the [Formula: see text]-function potential.
Study of anisotropic universe in presence of DBI-essence, phantom and tachyonic fields
Authors: Debnath Ujjal , Chakraborty Shuvendu , Maity Sayani , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: November 2022

This work is devoted to study the roles of Dirac–Born–Infeld (DBI)-essence, scalar field, phantom field, normal tachyonic field and phantom tachyonic field models driving the present expansion of the universe with acceleration in anisotropic background. To understand the different phase of the Bianchi I universe, the statefinder parameters and deceleration parameter are investigated diagrammatically. The radiation era to [Formula: see text]CDM model has been generated. The anisotropic parameters are analyzed during the evolution of the universe. It has been shown that DBI-essence, scalar field, phantom field, normal tachyonic field and phantom tachyonic field play an active role of dark energy which causes the acceleration of the anisotropic universe.
Infinite-horizon risk-sensitive performance criteria for translation invariant networks of linear quantum stochastic systems
Authors: Vladimirov Igor G. , Petersen Ian R.
Published: November 2022

This paper is concerned with networks of identical linear quantum stochastic systems which interact with each other and external bosonic fields in a translation invariant fashion. The systems are associated with sites of a multidimensional lattice and are governed by coupled linear quantum stochastic differential equations (QSDEs). The block Toeplitz coefficients of these QSDEs are specified by the energy and coupling matrices which quantify the Hamiltonian and coupling operators for the component systems. We discuss the invariant Gaussian quantum state of the network when it satisfies a stability condition and is driven by statistically independent vacuum fields. A quadratic-exponential functional (QEF) is considered as a risk-sensitive performance criterion for a finite fragment of the network over a bounded time interval. This functional involves a quadratic function of dynamic variables of the component systems with a block Toeplitz weighting matrix. Assuming the invariant state, we study the spatio-temporal asymptotic rate of the QEF per unit time and per lattice site in the thermodynamic limit of unboundedly growing time horizons and fragments of the lattice. A spatio-temporal frequency-domain formula is obtained for the QEF rate in terms of two spectral functions associated with the real and imaginary parts of the invariant quantum covariance kernel of the network variables. A homotopy method and asymptotic expansions for evaluating the QEF rate are also discussed.
Some thoughts on Wilhelm von Waldenfels and on universal second order constructions
Authors: Speicher Roland
Published: November 2022

This paper contains some thoughts on Wilhelm von Waldenfels and on universal second order constructions. It is my contribution to the Special Commemorative Issue of IDAQP in Honour of Professor Robin Lyth Hudson and Professor Wilhelm von Waldenfels.
Lithium phosphosulfide electrolytes for solid-state batteries: Part II
Authors: Lu Xin , Tsai Chih-Long , Yu Shicheng , He Hongying , Camara Osmane , Tempel Hermann , Liu Zigeng , Windmüller Anna , Alekseev Evgeny V. , Köcher Simone , Basak Shibabrata , Lu Li , Eichel Rüdiger A. , Kungl Hans
Published: November 2022

Among the electrolytes designed for all solid-state batteries, the phosphosulfide electrolytes stand out with respect to their very high Li-ion conductivities. However, when in contact with metallic lithium anodes, there are remaining challenges to ensure long-term operation stability. Both issues, the Li-ion conductivity and the electrochemical stability vs. metallic lithium, are the subject of this review. After introducing the background for developing all solid-state Li-ion batteries with metallic lithium anode and providing a brief overview on four types of phosphosulfide electrolytes, in Part I of the review a compound treatment on the Li–P–S and the LiSICon type electrolytes had been given. Part II of the review will continue following the same schedule by discussing the chemistry, structure, processing and Li-ion conductivity of the LGPS and the Argyrodite-type phosphosulfides. Emphasis is put on the treatise of the chemistries supported by the consideration of specific phase diagrams and intra-type comparisons of the Li-ion conductivities at ambient temperature. In a summarizing section, inter-type comparisons among selected compositions of the Li–P–S type, the LiSICon-type, the LGPS-type and the Argyrodite-type phosphosulfides are addressed for the two main issues for electrolytes in all solid-state batteries, the Li-ion conductivities and the electrochemical stability vs. metallic lithium. The review is concluded with remarks on the status and the perspectives of the research on Li-ion conducting phosphosulfide electrolytes.
Development of La–graphene composite contrasting agents for photon-counting computed tomography
Authors: Suslova Evgeniya , Shashurin Denis , Kozlov Alexei , Maximov Sergey , Rozhkov Vladislav , Sotenskii Rostislav , Savilov Serguei , Medvedev Oleg , Chelkov Georgy
Published: November 2022

This work describes the synthesis, analysis, and testing of the novel type of La/graphene composites as potential contrasting agents (CAs) for photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). The impregnation of oxidized graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) with Lanthanum nitrate solution resulted in uniform distribution of La-containing particles on the flake surface with particle size of about 2–3 nm. La was confirmed to be a suitable contrasting element for PCCT that could be visualized in reference phantom media and in the presence of other CAs. Minimum concentration of La in the composites determined by PCCT was in the range of 2.5–5 mg⋅ml[Formula: see text].
Theoretical investigation of CO oxidation by single cobalt atom within two-dimensional porphyrin sheet
Authors: Hao Wei , Wang Jie , Xu Shengyuan , Ai Chunjin , Ma LongJun , Xie Kefeng
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the oxidation mechanism of carbon monoxide (CO) on two-dimensional porphyrin sheet within a single cobalt atom (Co-TDPs) was studied by density functional theory with dispersion (DFT-D). The stability of Co-TDPs at different temperatures was verified by first-principle molecular dynamics simulations. Absorption energies of reactant and product to anchor to the Co–N4 site showed CO and O2 adsorption to be stronger than the CO2 adsorption. In addition, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood, Eley–Rideal (ER), and ter-molecular Eley–Rideal (TER) mechanisms were used to investigate the reaction mechanisms of CO oxidation on Co-TDPs. The Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) and ER mechanisms were feasible reaction profiles of CO oxidation because of their smaller energy barrier. The results suggested that the Co-TDPS was acting as a catalyst for CO oxidation in the mild condition.
SpecTerminator: Blocking Speculative Side Channels Based on Instruction Classes on RISC-V
Authors: Jin Hai , He Zhuo , Qiang Weizhong
Published: November 2022

In modern processors, speculative execution has significantly improved the performance of processors, but it has also introduced speculative execution vulnerabilities. Recent defenses are based on the delayed execution to block various speculative side channels, but we show that several of the current state-of-the-art defenses fail to block some of the available speculative side channels, and the current most secure defense introduces a performance overhead of up to 24.5%.

We propose SpecTerminator, the first defense framework based on instruction classes that can comprehensively and precisely block all existing speculative side channels. In SpecTerminator, a novel speculative side channel classification scheme based on the features of secret transmission is proposed, and the sensitive instructions in the speculative window are classified and identified using optimized hardware taint tracking and instruction masking techniques to accurately determine the scope of leakage. Then, according to the execution characteristics of these instructions, dedicated delayed execution strategies, such as TLB request ignoring, selective issue, and extended delay-on-miss, are designed for each type of sensitive instruction to precisely control that these instructions are delayed only in pipeline stages that are at risk of leakage. In contrast to previous defenses based on the Gem5 simulator, we have innovatively implemented defenses against Spectre attacks based on the open-source instruction set RISC-V on an FPGA-accelerated simulation platform that is more similar to real hardware. To evaluate the security of SpecTerminator, we have replicated various existing x86-based Spectre variants on RISC-V. On SPEC 2006, SpecTerminator defends against Spectre attacks based on memory hierarchy side channels with a performance overhead of 2.6% and against all existing Spectre attacks with a performance overhead of 6.0%.
AQuA: A New Image Quality Metric for Optimizing Video Analytics Systems
Authors: Paul Sibendu , Drolia Utsav , Hu Y. Charlie , Chakradhar Srimat
Published: November 2022

Millions of cameras at the edge are being deployed to power a variety of different deep learning applications. However, the frames captured by these cameras are not always pristine—they can be distorted due to lighting issues, sensor noise, compression etc. Such distortions not only deteriorate visual quality, they impact the accuracy of deep learning applications that process such video streams. In this work, we introduce AQuA, to protect application accuracy against such distorted frames by scoring the level of distortion in the frames. It takes into account the analytical quality of frames, not the visual quality, by learning a novel metric,
classifier opinion score
, and uses a lightweight, CNN-based, object-independent feature extractor. AQuA accurately scores distortion levels of frames and generalizes to multiple different deep learning applications. When used for filtering poor-quality frames at edge, it reduces high-confidence errors for analytics applications by 17%. Through filtering, and due to its low overhead (14 ms), AQuA can also reduce computation time and average bandwidth usage by 25%. Finally, we discuss numerous new avenues of optimizations of video analytics pipelines enabled by AQuA.
Immunohistochemical Differentiation between Western and East Asian Types of CagA-Positive Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Biopsy Samples
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Uchida Keisuke , Furukawa Asuka , Ito Takashi , Maruta Luis Masuo , Seidler Heinrich Bender Kohnert , Felipe-Silva Aloisio , Sekine Masaki , Ando Noboru , Toyama Yuka , Chino Yusuke , Miura Keiko , Yamamoto Kurara , Akashi Takumi , Eishi Yoshinobu , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: November 2022

Background. Cag A-positive Helicobacter pylori isolated from human gastric mucosa is categorized as a Western or East Asian allele-type based on whether the cagA gene encodes an EPIYA-C or EPIYA-D motif. We aimed to differentiate between the 2 types of H. pylori by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) gastric biopsy samples. Materials and Methods. We developed 2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that detect either the EPIYA-C or EPIYA-D motif of the H. pylori CagA protein by IHC using FFPE tissues. FFPE tissue sections from 30 Japanese and 39 Brazilian gastric biopsy samples with H. pylori infection confirmed by Giemsa staining (moderate/severe in the Sydney classification system) were examined by IHC with the novel mAbs followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for EPIYA-C or EPIYA-D using DNA extracted from adjacent tissue sections. Results. Differentiation among Western and East Asian types and CagA-negative H. pylori was successful in most (97%) samples by IHC with the novel mAbs and commercially available mAbs that react with a species-specific lipopolysaccharide or a common CagA motif of H. pylori. The detection status of EPIYA-C/D motifs by IHC with the novel mAbs was consistent with the PCR results in 61 (88%) of 69 samples: EPIYA-C(+)/D(−) in zero Japanese and 26 Brazilian samples, EPIYA-C(−)/D(+) in 26 Japanese and 1 Brazilian sample, and EPIYA-C(−)/D(−) in 1 Japanese and 7 Brazilian samples. The detection sensitivity and specificity of IHC with each novel mAb compared with the PCR results were, respectively, 84% and 97% for EPIYA-C, and 97% and 95% for EPIYA-D. Conclusions. The novel mAbs specific to each EPIYA-C or EPIYA-D motif differentiated between Western and East Asian types of CagA-positive H. pylori by IHC using FFPE tissues. Applying these novel mAbs to large numbers of archived pathology samples will contribute to elucidating the association of these allele types with gastric cancer.
Multi-CrackNet: A Fast Segmentation and Quantification Combined Method for Rock Discontinuity Traces by Capturing an Image
Authors: Qiao Lan , Deng Nai-Fu , Li Qing-Wen , Zhang Qing-Long , Hao Jia-Wang
Published: November 2022

Discontinuity investigation and characterization onsite is a labor-dependent work because current techniques cannot precisely handle multiple discontinuity identifications automatically under different work conditions. This paper proposes the multi-CrackNet which enables us to identify and segment linear discontinuities (joints and cracks) for random types of rock surface. A modified feature extraction network called the multiscale feature fusion pyramid network (MFFPN) has been developed based on FPN to capture and fuse more sensitive texture features of cracks across different types of background. With the help of a new training scheme by setting up 3 stages of training to simulate the human-based learning process, the established model can learn more features steadily and robustly from well-labelled databases. Additionally, a hybrid pixel-level quantification method is proposed to automatically compute the length, width, and inclination of cracks. Results show that the proposed method can achieve a detection accuracy of 87.1% for 1 to 9 sets of cracks on the rock surface across different types of rock. Case studies in Anshan West are provided to verify the reliability and accuracy of our method in macrolinear discontinuity identification and quantification, which sees great potentials in site investigation by saving a large amount of labor force.
Model of Liver Fibrosis Induction by Thioacetamide in Rats for Regenerative Therapy Studies
Authors: Enciso Nathaly , Amiel José , Fabián-Domínguez Fredy , Pando Jhon , Rojas Nancy , Cisneros-Huamaní Carlos , Nava Ernesto , Enciso Javier
Published: November 2022

Hepatic fibrosis is caused by chronic injury due to toxic, infectious, or metabolic causes, and it may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no antifibrotic therapy authorized for human use; however, there are promising studies using cell therapies. There are also no animal models that exactly reproduce human liver fibrosis that can be used to better understand the mechanisms of its regression and identify new targets for treatment and therapeutic approaches. On the other hand, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have experimentally demonstrated fibrosis regression effects, but it is necessary to have an animal model of advanced liver fibrosis to evaluate the effect of these cells. The aim of this work was to establish a protocol for the induction of advanced liver fibrosis in rats using thioacetamide (TAA), which will allow us to perform trials using MSC as a possible therapy for fibrosis regression. For this purpose, we selected 24 female rats and grouped them into three experimental groups: the control group (G-I) without treatment and groups II (G-II) and III (G-III) that received TAA by intraperitoneal injection for 24 weeks. Then,

1
×
106
/
kg

adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) were infused intravenously. Groups G-I and G-II were sacrificed 7 days after the last dose of ASC, and G-III was sacrificed 8 weeks after the last ASC infusion, all with xylazine/ketamine (40 mg/kg). The protocol used in this work established a model of advanced hepatic fibrosis as corroborated by METAVIR tests of the histological lesions; by the high levels of the markers α-SMA, CD68, and collagen type I; by functional alterations due to elevated markers of the hepatic lesions; and by alterations of the leukocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. Finally, transplanted cells in the fibrous liver were detected. We conclude that TAA applied using the protocol introduced in this study induces a good model of advanced liver fibrosis in rats.
A Case Report and Literature Review of Babesiosis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Yune Philip S. , Islam Iffath , Dicpinigaitis Peter V. , Daily Johanna P. , Weiss Louis M. , Park Sun O.
Published: November 2022

Babesiosis, a tick-borne protozoan disease, has been increasing in frequency in recent years. Familiarity with presentations of babesiosis is important for clinicians. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rarely seen complication of severe babesiosis. In most cases, the patients with babesiosis developed ARDS several days after initiation of antibabesia therapy. We present a unique case of babesiosis without any respiratory symptoms on presentation who developed ARDS within 24 hours of babesiosis treatment initiation. Furthermore, we reviewed published cases of ARDS in babesiosis.
Glycoprotein M6A Suppresses Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression via Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhang Qian , Deng Shuangshuang , Li Qinchuan , Wang Guangxue , Guo Zhongliang , Zhu Dongyi
Published: November 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of lung cancer and has high morbidity and mortality. Glycoprotein M6A (GPM6A) is a neuronal membrane glycoprotein reported to be related with cancer. However, studies on GPM6A in lung adenocarcinoma are rare. This study aimed to investigate the role of GPM6A in lung adenocarcinoma and its potential mechanism. GPM6A mRNA expression was analysed in 33 types of cancers using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. It was compared among normal lung tissues, lung adenocarcinoma tissues, and adjacent tissues using the Oncomine database. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect GPM6A expression in human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549 and H1299) and normal pulmonary epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). When GPM6A was inhibited, cell proliferative capacity was detected by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), EdU, and colony formation assays. Cell migration ability was detected by wound healing and transwell assays. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was detected by Western blotting (WB) and RT-qPCR. When GPM6A was overexpressed, cell proliferation and migration were detected again. Ten nude mice were subcutaneously injected with cells overexpressing GPM6A or empty vector, and the tumor size was recorded on day 14 and then measured every 3 days thereafter. The final tumor weight was measured on day 36. Furthermore, the expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, and phosphorylated AKT were detected by WB. Results showed that GPM6A mRNA expression decreased in 15 types of tumors in TCGA dataset. GPM6A expression was lower in lung adenocarcinoma than in normal lung tissues or adjacent tissues in the Oncomine dataset. Similar results were found in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The function study showed that GPM6A downregulation enhanced the proliferation, migration, and EMT of lung adenocarcinoma cells, while GPM6A upregulation inhibited their development. The xenograft results suggested that GPM6A upregulation delayed tumor growth and reduced tumor weight. Moreover, WB showed that GPM6A knockdown activated the PI3K/AKT pathway, while GPM6A upregulation inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, GPM6A suppresses lung adenocarcinoma progression via inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Thus, GPM6A could be a possible treatment target for lung cancer therapy.
Mixed Methods Research in Employability Discourse: A Systematic Literature Review Using PRISMA
Authors: Sharma Amrita , Bhattarai Prakash C.
Published: November 2022

Studies on employability using a mixed methods (MM) design have been published in relevant journals in recent years, paving the way for a meaningful engagement with these published articles so that researchers can create milestone documents dedicated to exploring employability. This study explored the trend of utilizing mixed methods research (MMR) in the literature and the resultant methodological insights in 34 MMR articles on employability, which were selected from the 744 articles published during 2010–2019 in five major journals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique was followed for systematic review, and analysis was conducted. The analysis reveals an increasing trend by using an MMR approach in employability studies. The robust analysis of a body of qualitative and quantitative data with personal reflection from deeper understanding supported the outcomes of most of these studies. However, informed engagement of both qualitative and quantitative strands and additional efforts in integration and data merging can contribute meaningfully to the examination of the employability notion. In conclusion, MMR adds rigor to the discourse of employability, serving as a guide to ensure the connection between education and employment. It also offers insights into reforming higher education.
Influence of Cu‐Doping Concentration on the Structural and Optical Properties of SnO2 Nanoparticles by Coprecipitation Route
Authors: Habte Abebe G. , Hone Fekadu Gashaw , Dejene F. B.
Published: November 2022

Tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles doped with varying concentrations of copper were synthesized and characterized using various techniques. The X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that all doped and undoped SnO2 samples had a rutile‐type tetragonal structure. The average crystalline size of the doped samples estimated using Scherrer’s formula and the Williamson–Hall plot decreased as dopant concentration increased. Images from scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical grains in the samples. The transmission electron microscope was used to examine the particle nature, and nearly spherical particles were discovered. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles were nearly stoichiometrically composed of the expected elements copper, oxygen, and tin. The bandgap energy of doped and undoped SnO2 nanoparticles was determined using UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra, and it was found to decrease as Cu2+ ion concentration increased. The photoluminescence study at the excitation wavelength of 300 nm revealed defect‐oriented emissions between 350 and 500 nm. All the obtained results showed that the physical properties of SnO2 can be easily engineered through Cu doping for various optoelectronic applications using a low‐cost coprecipitation method.
Application of an Interpretable Machine Learning Model to Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Feng Menglong , Zhang Juhong , Zhou Xiaoqing , Mo Hailan , Jia Lifeng , Zhang Chanyuan , Hu Yaqin , Yuan Wei
Published: November 2022

Objectives. A more accurate preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) plays a decisive role in the selection of treatment in patients with laryngeal carcinoma (LC). This study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) prediction model for predicting LNM in patients with LC. Methods. We collected and retrospectively analysed 4887 LC patients with detailed demographical characteristics including age at diagnosis, race, sex, primary site, histology, number of tumours, T-stage, grade, and tumour size in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2005 to 2015. A correlation analysis of all variables was evaluated by the Pearson correlation. Independent risk factors for LC patients with LNM were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Afterward, patients were randomly divided into training and test sets in a ratio of 8 to 2. On this basis, we established logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) algorithm models based on ML. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value, accuracy, precision, recall rate, F1-score, specificity, and Brier score was adopted to evaluate and compare the prediction performance of the models. Finally, the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method was used to interpret the association between each feature variable and target variables based on the best model. Results. Of the 4887 total LC patients, 3409 were without LNM (69.76%), and 1478 had LNM (30.24%). The result of the Pearson correlation showed that variables were weakly correlated with each other. The independent risk factors for LC patients with LNM were age at diagnosis, race, primary site, number of tumours, tumour size, grade, and T-stage. Among six models, XGBoost displayed a better performance for predicting LNM, with five performance metrics outperforming other models in the training set (AUC: 0.791 (95% CI: 0.776–0.806), accuracy: 0.739, recall rate: 0.638, F1-score: 0.663, and Brier score: 0.165), and similar results were observed in the test set. Moreover, the SHAP value of XGBoost was calculated, and the result showed that the three features, T-stage, primary site, and grade, had the greatest impact on predicting the outcomes. Conclusions. The XGBoost model performed better and can be applied to forecast the LNM of LC, offering a valuable and significant reference for clinicians in advanced decision-making.
A Pilot Study of Compensatory Strategies for Reach-to-Grasp-Pen in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Xie Qiurong , Sheng Bo , Huang Jia , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yanxin
Published: November 2022

Coordinated reaching and grasping movements may be impaired in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. Patients frequently adopt compensatory strategies, which require investigation. This pilot study used kinematic parameters to examine compensatory strategies by assessing the reach-to-grasp-pen movements in patients with stroke and unaffected participants. Twelve patients with stroke with mild impairment (45.16 ± 12.62 years, 2.41 ± 1.97 months), twelve with moderate impairment (50.41 ± 12.92 years, 3.83 ± 3.58 months), and ten healthy individuals (20.6 ± 0.69 years) performed a reach-to-grasp-pen task. Kinematics parameters of upper limb and fingers, such as movement time, number of movement units, index of curvature, spectral arc length, trunk forward transition, trunk lateral transition, elbow extension, shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, trunk rotation, arm-plane angle, the joint angles of interphalangeal joints of the thumb, index, middle, ring, and little fingers were examined in the study. These parameters were evaluated with two Microsoft Azure Kinect and Leap Motion, which belong to markerless motion capture systems. Patients with stroke showed longer reaching movement time, less smooth movement trajectories, and more trunk rotation (

P
<
0.05

). In patients with stroke, the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of the thumb were flexed in the starting position; the MCP and PIP joints of the index finger in the stroke group were more extended during pen grasp; the range of motion of the MCP of the middle finger and the PIP joints of the middle, ring, and little fingers became greater, suggesting a larger peak aperture (

P
<
0.05

). The more significant extension was observed in the index finger at the end of the grasp, suggesting inadequate flexion (

P
<
0.05

). In clinical practice, the reach-to-grasp-pen task using markless sensing technology can effectively distinguish patients with stroke from healthy individuals and evaluate the recovery and compensation strategies of upper limb and hand functions. It can potentially become an evaluation tool in hospital and community scenes. Accurate identification of abnormal trunk, arm, and finger strategies is crucial for therapists to develop targeted upper limb treatment methods and evaluate treatment effects.