bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of training involving patterned sensory enhancement on improving upper-limb movements in patients with Parkinson’s disease: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fan Wei , Fong Kenneth N K , Wang Shu-Mei
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Bradykinesia (ie, slow movements) is one of the most prominent symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and has a negative impact on quality of life. Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), a widely used and promising treatment technique, has been shown to effectively improve gait speed in patients with PD. The upper-limb movements, which also suffer from bradykinesia, are essential for daily life and directly impact quality of life. The term, patterned sensory enhancement (PSE) instead of RAS, is used when movement training targets the human body except lower limbs. Up until now, scarce studies have explored effects of training involving PSE on upper-limb movements. The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of movement training involving PSE on upper-limb movement speed and function in patients with PD.

Methods and analysis

A total of 138 patients with PD will be randomly assigned into two groups: the PSE group and the no-PSE group. A 21-day upper-limb training involving PSE (for the PSE group) or without PSE (for the no-PSE group) will be provided to the patients. An assessor will administer the box and block test and the Jebsen hand function test before and after training to assess upper-limb movement speed and function. The one-way analysis of covariance will be performed. This randomised controlled trial will provide evidence supporting effectiveness of upper-limb movement training involving PSE on reducing severity of bradykinesia in patients with PD.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with the reference number HSEARS20221027005. Informed consent forms will be gathered from all patients before their participation. Study results will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed academic journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05637593.
Alirocumab effect on preventing periprocedural ischaemic events in coronary heart disease patients undergoing coronary stenting (APPEASE trial): study protocol of a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Huang Zhuoshan , Zhuang Xiaodong , Zhang Shaozhao , Huang Yiquan , Yuan Lianxiong , Lin Aiwen , Tang Leile , Xiong Zhenyu , Christopher Odong , Chen Yang , Wu Bingyuan , Ling Yesheng , Li Suhua , Jie Qiang , Xiong Longgen , Qian Xiaoxian , Liao Xinxue , Liu Jinlai
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related myocardial infarction (type 4a MI) and major periprocedural myocardial injury have been demonstrated leading to poor prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing elective PCI and still remain high occurrence even after the therapy of dual antiplatelet agents and statins. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab has been shown to be effectively in reducing the risk of acute MI (AMI). However, the effect of alirocumab on preventing PCI-related MI or major periprocedural myocardial injury in patients with CHD undergoing elective PCI remains uncertain.

Methods and analysis

Alirocumab effect on Preventing Periprocedural ischaemic Events in coronary heart diseAse patients undergoing coronary StEnting trial is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial aiming to determine whether alirocumab could reduce the incidence of type 4a MI or major periprocedural myocardial injury in patients with CHD undergoing elective PCI. In total, 422 non-AMI CHD patients planned to undergo elective PCI will be randomly assigned to receive standard pharmacotherapy of CHD (control group) or additional use of subcutaneous alirocumab 75 mg 1 day before procedure (alirocumab group). The primary outcome is type 4a MI or major periprocedural myocardial injury defined as high-sensitivity cardiac troponin elevating above 5×99 th percentile upper reference limit in 48 hours after PCI. Patients will continue receiving standard pharmacotherapy or additional biweekly subcutaneous alirocumab 75 mg for 3 months according to the initial randomisation group. We will follow up for 3 months and record all the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Incidence of PCI-related MI or major periprocedural myocardial injury, and MACE in 3 months after PCI will be compared between control group and alirocumab group.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University with approval number: (2022)02-140-01. The results of this study will be reported through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200063191.
Expanded nursing competencies to improve person-centred care for nursing home residents with complex health needs (Expand-Care): study protocol for an exploratory cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Silies Katharina Theodora , Vonthein Reinhard , Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Huckle Tilman Alexander , Sill Janna , Olbrich Denise , Inkrot Simone , Frielitz Fabian-Simon , Lühmann Dagmar , Scherer Martin , König Inke , Balzer Katrin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Older age is associated with multimorbidity, chronic diseases and acute deteriorations and leads to complex care needs. Nursing home residents are more often unnecessarily transferred to emergency departments or hospitals than community dwellers—largely due to a lack of qualified staff and diffusion of responsibility in the institutions. In Germany, only few academically trained nurses work in nursing homes, and their potential roles are unclear. Therefore, we aim to explore feasibility and potential effects of a newly defined role profile for nurses with bachelors’ degree or equivalent qualification in nursing homes.

Methods and analysis

A pilot study (Expand-Care) with a cluster-randomised controlled design will be conducted in 11 nursing homes (cluster) in Germany, with an allocation ratio of 5:6 to the intervention or control group, aiming to include 15 residents per cluster (165 participants in total). Nurses in the intervention group will receive training to perform role-related tasks such as case reviews and complex geriatric assessments. We will collect data at three time points (t0 baseline, t1 3 months and t2 6 months after randomisation). We will measure on residents’ level: hospital admissions, further health services use and quality of life; clinical outcomes (eg, symptom burden), physical functioning and delivery of care; mortality, adverse clinical incidents and changes in care level. On nurses’ level, we will measure perception of the new role profile, competencies and implementation of role-related tasks as part of the process evaluation (mixed methods). An economic evaluation will explore resource use on residents’ (healthcare utilisation) and on nurses’ level (costs and time expenditure).

Ethics and dissemination

The ethics committees of the University of Lübeck (Nr. 22-162) and the University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf (Nr. 2022-200452-BO-bet) approved the Expand-Care study. Informed consent is a prerequisite for participation. Study results will be published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals and reported at conferences and in local healthcare providers’ networks.

Trial registration number

DRKS00028708.
Drunk driving: a secondary analysis of factors associated with driving under the influence of alcohol in Jamaica
Authors: Lalwani Kunal , Sewell Clayton , Frazier Gralyn , Abel Wendel
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of alcohol use patterns, sociodemographic factors and risk of alcohol dependence among vehicle drivers in Jamaica.

Design

A secondary data analysis.

Setting

This study was conducted using the Jamaica National Drug Prevalence Survey 2016 dataset.

Participants

This included 1060 vehicle drivers derived from the population sample of 4623. The participants from each household were randomly selected as the respondent for the survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Alcohol use and dependence were measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test questionnaire. Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) was assessed by questions regarding its use in the past 12 months. The analysis involved the use of Pearson’s χ2test and logistic regression.

Results

75% of Jamaicans reported lifetime alcohol use. Approximately 65% of drivers indicated that they currently drink alcohol. 18% of drivers who currently drink alcohol admitted to DUIA. Reportedly, 54.5% of these drivers were alcohol binge drinkers, with 41.5% also driving under the influence of cannabis. The bivariate analysis demonstrated that DUIA was higher among Christian participants and those who worked in non-machine operator jobs (p=0.002 and p=0.008, respectively). Vehicle drivers altogether and drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol had significant associations with hazardous drinking (p=0.011 and p<0.001, respectively). Logistic regressions highlighted drivers 34 years and under (p=0.012), male drivers (p=0.002) and the head of the household (p=0.050) were 1.82, 3.30 and 1.86 times more likely, respectively, to report driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year.

Conclusions

The prevalence of alcohol use among Jamaica’s population and vehicle drivers is high. That one in five drivers, who currently consume alcohol, also admits to driving under the influence suggests the urgent need for mitigation strategies and legislative action as part of a preventative effort to reduce drunk driving.
Impact of holistic review on diversity of interviewed and matriculating residents in graduate medical education: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Althans Alison R , Byrd Tamara , Suppok Rachel , Lee Kenneth K , Rosengart Matthew R , Myers Sara P
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Diversity in the physician workforce improves patient-centred outcomes. Patients are more likely to trust in and comply with care when seeing gender/racially concordant providers. A current emphasis on standardised metrics in academic achievement often serves as a barrier to the recruitment and retention of gender and racial minorities in medicine. Holistic review of residency applicants has been supported as a means of encouraging diversification but is not yet standardised. The current body of evidence examining the effects of holistic review on the recruitment of racial and gender minorities in surgical residencies is small. We therefore propose a systematic review to summarise the state of holistic review in graduate medical education in the USA and its impact on diversification.

Methods and analysis

Our systematic review protocol has been designed with plans to report our review findings in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. PubMed and Embase will be searched with the assistance of a health sciences librarian with expertise in systematic review. We will include studies of graduate medical education programmes that describe the implementation of holistic review, outline the components of their holistic review process and compare proportions of under-represented minorities (URM) and women interviewed and matriculating before and after holistic review implementation. We will first report a summary of the findings regarding the operationalisation of holistic review as described by studies included. We will then pool the percentages of URM and women for interviewee and matriculant populations from each study and report the collective odds ratios of each for holistic review compared with traditional review as our primary outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is a protocol for systematic review, and therefore does not involve any human subjects. Findings will be published in the form of a manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023401389.
Antithrombotic therapy after heart valve intervention: review of mechanisms, evidence and current guidance
Authors: Cheng Ann , Malkin Christopher , Briffa Norman Paul
Published: July 2023

As the population ages and treatment options for heart valve disease increase, the number of patients with intracardiac valve prostheses is growing rapidly. Although all devices have the potential to cause thrombus formation, the propensity depends on the type of prosthesis as well as risk of the individual patient. Mechanical valve prostheses carry the highest (and persistent) risk of thromboembolism, and these patients require anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (warfarin). Required international normalised ratio levels are dependent on the location of the valve (mitral>aortic), type of valve (ball and cage vs bilealfet vs On-X bilealfet) and rhythm. The risk of tissue (biological) prosthesis is highest soon after surgery and is dependent on individual patient risk including age, valve location (mitral>aortic), history of thromboembolic events and rhythm. In patients with no other indication for anticoagulation, there is uncertainty on the benefits of anticoagulation versus antiplatelet therapy in patients with tissue prostheses or repaired native valves. Patients with an a priori indication for anticoagulation with a direct oral anticoagulant can continue taking this class of drug. Patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation devices and no additional evidence-based indication for dual antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulation can be maintained on aspirin monotherapy. Patients undergoing transcatheter instrumentation in the mitral valve position should be anticoagulated, although there is currently no published evidence for antithrombotic management in this group of patients. Patients with thrombosed devices (commonly mitral mechanical) should preferably be treated surgically. Patients at high risk of thromboembolism (with mechanical prostheses) should undergo bridging therapy when undergoing surgery.
Impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on atherosclerosis progression in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Drobni Zsofia Dora , Gongora Carlos , Taron Jana , Suero-Abreu Giselle A , Karady Julia , Gilman Hannah K , Supraja Sama , Nikolaidou Sofia , Leeper Nicolas , Merkely Béla , Maurovich-Horvat Pal , Foldyna Borek , Neilan Tomas G
Published: July 2023

Background

Patients with lung cancer face a heightened risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events. Despite the strong scientific rationale, there is currently a lack of clinical evidence examining the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on the advancement of atherosclerosis in patients with lung cancer. The objective of our study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between ICIs and the accelerated progression of atherosclerosis among individuals with lung cancer.

Methods

In this case–control (2:1 matched by age and gender) study, total, non-calcified, and calcified plaque volumes were measured in the thoracic aorta using sequential contrast-enhanced chest CT scans. Univariate and multivariate rank-based estimation regression models were developed to estimate the effect of ICI therapy on plaque progression in 40 cases (ICI) and 20 controls (non-ICI).

Results

The patients had a median age of 66 years (IQR: 58–69), with 50% of them being women. At baseline, there were no significant differences in plaque volumes between the groups, and their cardiovascular risk profiles were similar. However, the annual progression rate for non-calcified plaque volume was 7 times higher in the ICI group compared with the controls (11.2% vs 1.6% per year, p=0.001). Conversely, the controls showed a greater progression in calcified plaque volume compared with the ICI group (25% vs 2% per year, p=0.017). In a multivariate model that considered cardiovascular risk factors, the use of an ICI was associated with a more substantial progression of non-calcified plaque volume. Additionally, individuals treated with combination ICI therapy exhibited greater plaque progression.

Conclusions

ICI therapy was associated with more non-calcified plaque progression. These findings underscore the importance of conducting studies aimed at identifying the underlying mechanisms responsible for plaque advancement in patients undergoing ICI treatment.

Trial registration number

NCT04430712.
Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the USA before and after time window expansion
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Gillani Syed A , Bains Navpreet K , Gomez Camilo R , Hanley Daniel F , Ford Daniel E , Hassan Ameer E , Nguyen Thanh N , Siddiq Farhan , Spiotta Alejandro M , Qureshi Adnan I
Published: July 2023

Background

In 2018, the time window for mechanical thrombectomy eligibility in patients with acute ischemic stroke increased from within 6 hours to within 24 hours of symptom onset. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of window expansion on procedural and hospital volumes and patient outcomes at a national level.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy using data from the National Inpatient Sample. We compared the numbers of mechanical thrombectomy procedures and performing hospitals between 2017 and 2019 in the USA, and the proportion of patients discharged home/self-care, those with in-hospital mortality and post-procedural intracranial hemorrhage (2019 vs 2017) after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

The number of patients with ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy increased from 16 960 in 2017 to 28 120 in 2019. There was an increase in the number of hospitals performing mechanical thrombectomy (501 in 2017, 585 in 2019) and those performing ≥50 procedures/year (97 in 2017, 199 in 2019; P<0.001). The odds of in-hospital mortality decreased (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.94, P=0.008) and the odds of intracranial hemorrhage increased (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.31, P=0.003) in 2019 compared with 2017, with no change in odds of discharge to home.

Conclusions

The window expansion for mechanical thrombectomy for patients with acute ischemic stroke was associated with an increase in the numbers of mechanical thrombectomy procedures and performing hospitals with a reduction of in-hospital mortality in the USA.
Transarterial embolization for anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Su Xin , Gao Zhenzhong , Ma Yongjie , Song Zihao , Zhang Hongqi , Zhang Peng , Ye Ming
Published: July 2023

Background

Clip ligation of anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is the traditionally accepted first-line treatment. Endovascular treatment for ACF DAVFs may achieve good outcomes as endovascular techniques advance. Here we report the clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with ACF DAVFs who underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) as first-line treatment.

Methods

Over a 20-year period, 87.0% (40/46) of patients received TAE as first-line treatment. The clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment strategy, and clinical and angiographic outcomes are described in this article.

Results

Forty patients underwent TAE as first-line treatment. There were 36 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 55.6 (55.6±7.4) years. A total of 64 embolization attempts were performed. The middle meningeal artery (66.7%, 12/18) and the ophthalmic artery (54.2%, 13/24) were the most frequently used arterial access routes for complete embolization. The second option was the sphenopalatine artery (46.7%, 7/15). Complications, that is, retinal ischemia, occurred in one patient (2.5%). The total immediate complete occlusion rate for TAE was 82.5% (33/40). Two patients needed surgery for incomplete embolization. When followed up (90%, 36/40), one patient (2.8%, 1/36) reported worsening symptoms due to retinal ischemia following TAE. Although fewer than 50% of the patients received digital subtraction angiography follow-up, there were no recurrences.

Conclusions

We show that TAE is safe and effective in the treatment of ACF DAVFs in this study of 40 patients, making it a viable alternative to surgical ligation and transvenous embolization. More research is needed to compare these various treatment modalities.
Morphophysiological indicators applied for the selection of different genotypes of Hevea spp. during germination and post-germination
Authors: de Carvalho Josiane C. , Gonçalves Katharine D. , Gonçalves Elmer V. , dos Santos Pedro Paulo , Miranda Manoel de Jesus de S. , Nina Junior Adamir da R. , Nunes-Nesi Adriano , Araújo Wagner L. , Gonçalves José Francisco de C.
Published: July 2023

We investigate and characterize the morphophysiological changes related to germination and the initial growth and development of seedlings of wild and cultivated genotypes of the genus Hevea spp. in finding to add value to new clones. Seeds from six genotypes ( H. brasiliensis (Willd. Ex A. Juss) Müll. Arg, H. guianensis Aubl., H. spruceana (Benth.) Müll. Arg., RRIM 600, Fx 3844, and IAN 873) were sterilized, and their imbibition curve, germination parameters, and initial seedling growth were characterized. In parallel, the morphology of the germination and post-germination stages was monitored from seeds germinated in washed sand. Morphological differences in the seeds/embryos, different strategies in the imbibition process, emergence, and initial seedling growth were observed. The species H. guianensis and H. spruceana showed the greatest differences in size, shape, and color of the seeds/embryos and initial seedling growth. The characteristics of the seed coat patterns, the seedling imbibition, growth, and development processes can serve as morphophysiological markers for genotype identification and selection. This is the first morphophysiological study of seeds and seedlings of wild and cultivated genotypes of species of the genus Hevea. We conclude that there is considerable phenotypic variability among species of the Hevea genus regarding seed and seedling morphophysiology, which can be explored in the rubber tree breeding programs.
The Barcelona Catania Paris Madrid energy density functional
Authors: Baldo M. , Robledo L. M. , Viñas X.
Published: July 2023

The foundation and applications of the Barcelona Catania Paris Madrid (BCPM) energy density functional are briefly reviewed. BCPM uses a paradigm more rooted on density functional theory and fits most of its parameters to sophisticated microscopic nuclear matter calculations. Finite nuclei are accounted for by introducing a direct finite range surface term, spin orbit potential, Coulomb interaction and pairing. Applications of this functional to the calculation of finite nuclei properties are presented as well as applications to the description of neutron star physics. The large number of applications discussed are possible because of the local character of the functional that simplifies enormously calculations in finite nuclei.
Diverse mechanisms in proton knockout reactions from the Borromean nucleus $$^{17}\text {Ne}$$
Authors: Wamers F. , Lehr C. , Marganiec-Gałązka J. , Aksouh F. , Aksyutina Yu. , Alvarez-Pol H. , Atar L. , Aumann T. , Beceiro-Novo S. , Bertulani C. A. , Boretzky K. , Borge M. J. G. , Caesar C. , Chartier M. , Chatillon A. , Chulkov L. V. , Cortina-Gil D. , Fernández P. Díaz , Emling H. , Ershova O. , Fraile L. M. , Fynbo H. O. U. , Galaviz D. , Geissel H. , Heil M. , Holl M. , Johansson H. T. , Jonson B. , Karagiannis C. , Kiselev O. A. , Kratz J. V. , Kulessa R. , Kurz N. , Langer C. , Lantz M. , Le Bleis T. , Lemmon R. , Litvinov Yu. A. , Mahata K. , Müntz C. , Nilsson T. , Nociforo C. , Ott W. , Panin V. , Paschalis S. , Perea A. , Plag R. , Reifarth R. , Richter A. , Riisager K. , Rodriguez-Tajes C. , Rossi D. , Savran D. , Scheit H. , Schrieder G. , Schrock P. , Simon H. , Stroth J. , Sümmerer K. , Tengblad O. , Weick H. , Wimmer C.
Published: July 2023

Nucleon knockout experiments using beryllium or carbon targets reveal a strong dependence of the quenching factors, i.e., the ratio ($$\hbox {R}_{\textrm{s}}$$

R
s

) of theoretical to the experimental spectroscopic factors ($$\hbox {C}^2{\textrm{S}}$$

C
2

S

), on the proton-neutron asymmetry in the nucleus under study. However, this dependence is greatly reduced when a hydrogen target is used. To understand this phenomenon, exclusive $$^{1}\text {H}(^{17}\text {Ne},$$

1

H
(

17

Ne
,

$$2\hbox {p}~^{16}\text {F})$$

2
p

16

F
)

and inclusive $$^{12}\text {C}(^{17}\text {Ne},2\hbox {p}~^{16}\text {F})\hbox {X}$$

12

C

(
17

Ne
,
2
p

16

F
)

X

, $$^{12}\text {C}(^{17}\text {Ne},$$

12

C
(

17

Ne
,

$$^{16}\text {F})\hbox {X}$$

16

F
)
X

as well as $$^{1}\text {H}(^{17}\text {Ne},^{16}\text {F})\hbox {X}$$

1

H

(
17

Ne

,
16

F
)

X

(X-denotes undetected reaction products) reactions with $$^{16}\text {F}$$

16

F

in the ground and excited states were analysed. The longitudinal momentum distribution of $$^{16}{\textrm{F}}$$

16

F

and the correlations between the detached protons were studied. In the case of the carbon target, there is a significant deviation from the predictions of the eikonal model. The eikonal approximation was used to extract spectroscopic factor values $$\hbox {C}^2{\textrm{S}}$$

C
2

S

. The experimental $$\hbox {C}^2\hbox {S}$$

C
2

S

value obtained with C target is markedly lower than that for H target. This is interpreted as rescattering due to simultaneous nucleon knockout from both reaction partners, $$^{17}\text {Ne}$$

17

Ne

and $$^{12}\text {C}$$

12

C

.
Effective metric of spinless binaries with radiation-reaction effect up to fourth post-Minkowskian order in effective-one-body theory
Authors: Jing Jiliang , Deng Weike , Long Sheng , Wang Jieci
Published: July 2023

By means of the scattering angles, we obtain an effective metric of spinless binaries with radiation-reaction effects up to fourth post-Minkowskian order, which is the foundation of the effective-one-body theory. We note that there are freedoms for the parameters of the effective metric because one equation corresponds to two parameters for each post-Minkowskian order. Accordingly, in order to construct a self-consistent effective-one-body theory in which the Hamiltonian, radiation-reaction forces and waveforms for the “plus” and “cross” modes of the gravitational wave should be based on the same physical model, we can fix these freedoms by requiring the null tetrad component of the gravitationally perturbed Weyl tensor $$\Psi _4^B$$

Ψ
4
B

to be decoupled in the effective spacetime.
Development of a gating grid driver of TPC for exotic beam experiments
Authors: Yuan Jiangyue , Li Yunzhen , Zhao Hongyun , Pu Tianlei , She Qianshun , Wang Changxin , Qian Yi , Su Hong , Lu Chengui , Zhang Ningtao , Kong Jie , Tang Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

The Multi-purpose Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for nuclear AsTrophysical and Exotic beam experiments (MATE) is being upgraded for the decay and active target experiments at the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). We have developed a gating grid driver to control the transitions between the closed and open states of the gating grid of the MATE-TPC to detect interesting rare decay events from a large amount of implanted ions. The gating grid driver is mainly composed of a digital control unit and a high-voltage switch unit. The digital control unit responds to the external trigger and generates control signals for the operation of the high-voltage control part based on the presetting instruction. The high-voltage switch unit is connected to two negative high voltages with different values and changes the voltages of neighboring wires of the gating grid based on the request for closing or opening the gate. A 500 ns switching time of the gating grid driver has been achieved from the closed to open state. The duration of the open state can be adjusted from 1 µs to 99 ms based on the experimental requirements. This gating grid driver can be used in a particle detector with a high voltage bias of up to ± 3000 V.
Weyl–Lorentz-U(1)-invariant symmetric teleparallel gravity in three dimensions
Authors: Adak Muzaffer , Ozdemir Nese , Pala Caglar
Published: July 2023

We consider a Weyl–Lorentz-U(1)-invariant gravity model written in terms of a scalar field, electromagnetic field and nonmetricity without torsion and curvature, the so-called symmetric teleparallel geometry, in three dimensions. Firstly, we obtain variational field equations from a Lagrangian. Then, we find some classes of circularly symmetric rotating solutions by making only a metric ansatz. The coincident gauge of symmetric teleparallel spacetime allows us for doing so.
Hawking effect can generate physically inaccessible genuine tripartite nonlocality
Authors: Zhang Tinggui , Wang Xin , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: July 2023

We explore the acceleration effect on the genuine tripartite nonlocality (GTN) for one or two accelerated detector(s) coupled to the vacuum field with initial mixed tripartite states. We show that the Hawking radiation degrades the physically accessible GTN, which suffers from “sudden death” at certain critical Hawking temperature. An novel phenomenon has been observed first time that the Hawking effect can generate the physically inaccessible GTN for fermion fields in curved spacetime, the “sudden birth” of the physically inaccessible GTN. This result shows that the GTN can pass through the event horizon of black hole for certain mixed initial states. We also derived analytically the tradeoff relations of genuine tripartite entanglement (GTE) and quantum coherence under the influence of Hawking effect.
Impacts of complexity factor on the transition of fluid configurations from isotropic to anisotropic environment and vice versa
Authors: Zubair M. , Jameel Hafsa , Azmat Hina
Published: July 2023

This article presents a study on the process of isotropization and properties of stellar models with different complexity factors, which was introduced by Herrera (Phys Rev D 97:044010, 2018). We consider gravitational decoupling via MGD (Minimal Geometric Deformation) approach for spherically symmetric systems with static background and explore the scenarios where the isotropization of an anisotropic solution of Einstein field equations is possible. Moreover, we work on generating the new analogues of Durgapal–Fuloria model under different conditions associated with complexity factor. The physical existence and stability of the new stellar models have been discussed in details with the help of different potent tools.
Research on Evaluation Model of Entrepreneurship Education Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Yu Jin , Chen Jiaping
Published: July 2023

The evaluation system of entrepreneurial practice and curriculum teaching mostly depends on the evaluation of people. Qualitative evaluation lacking specific performance and quantitative measurement is carried out through small groups. This evaluation method lacks specific quantitative and weight basis. Therefore, the evaluation results often depend on the emotional bias and cognitive bias of individuals, and the subjectivity in the evaluation process is too strong. To solve this problem, BP neural network (BP-net) is introduced into the evaluation system of entrepreneurial practice and course teaching. The model has higher adaptability and nonlinear processing ability, so the evaluation results with higher objectivity and lower deviation rate can be obtained in the evaluation. According to the evaluation characteristics of entrepreneurial practice and course teaching, a combined update design is carried out, and a new momentum term is introduced to enhance the overall operation effect of the model. Finally, the model is tested by means of performance comparison and empirical analysis. The results show that the performance score of the model reaches 4.93 points of the highest value, and the R value of the regression fitting process is stable at more than 0.90. It can conduct a comprehensive and objective analysis for different index dimensions, and split out the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurial practice and course teaching. This model can evaluate the quality of entrepreneurial practice and course teaching, promote the self-improvement of colleges, and create a better innovation and entrepreneurship environment for students.
Toward Verifying Cooperatively Scheduled Runtimes Using CSP
Authors: Pedersen Jan Bækgaard , Chalmers Kevin
Published: July 2023

In this article, we present the novel verification of synchronous channel communication and channel alternation (choice) by considering the environment within which our primitives are executing. Our work is in exploring development of a multi-threaded scheduler for a cooperatively scheduled process-oriented language, ProcessJ. We use communicating sequential processes to produce formal specifications for the implementation of the various parts of the language runtime (scheduler, runtime components, and generated code). We use established communicating sequential process specifications that model channel communication and choice as well as the formal verification tool FDR to formally prove that the implementations are correct and behave as expected, when executed by our scheduler (the execution environment). Our approach is novel and not seen in similar research, as we consider the behavior of the systems we examine under the restrictions imposed by an execution environment (a runtime system, a scheduler, an operating system, etc.) and show that even with such restrictions the channel communication and alternation work. More specifically, we show correctness when a system is executed by the ProcessJ cooperative scheduler. The main contributions of this work are in the models defined and method undertaken to verify cooperatively channel communication and choice.
SMaLL: Software for Rapidly Instantiating Machine Learning Libraries
Authors: Sridhar Upasana , Tukanov Nicholai , Binder Elliott , Low Tze Meng , McMillan Scott , Schatz Martin D.
Published: July 2023

Interest in deploying deep neural network (DNN) inference on edge devices has resulted in an explosion of the number and types of hardware platforms that machine learning (ML) libraries must support. High-level programming interfaces, such as TensorFlow, can be readily ported across different devices; however, maintaining performance when porting the low-level implementation is more nuanced. High-performance inference implementations require an effective mapping of the high-level interface to the target hardware platform. Commonly, this mapping may use optimizing compilers to generate code at compile time or high-performance vendor libraries that have been specialized to the target platform. Both approaches rely on expert knowledge across levels to produce an efficient mapping. This makes supporting new architectures difficult and time-consuming.

In this work, we present a DNN library framework, SMaLL, that is easily extensible to new architectures. The framework uses a unified loop structure and shared, cache-friendly data format across all intermediate layers, eliminating the time and memory overheads incurred by data transformation between layers. Each layer is implemented by specifying its dimensions and a
kernel
, the key computing operation of that layer. The unified loop structure and kernel abstraction allows the reuse of code across layers and computing platforms. New architectures only require a few hundred lines in the kernel to be redesigned. To show the benefits of our approach, we have developed software that supports a range of layer types and computing platforms; this software is easily extensible for rapidly instantiating high-performance DNN libraries.

An evaluation of the portability of our framework is shown by instantiating end-to-end networks from the MLPerf:tiny benchmark suite on five ARM platforms and one x86 platform (an AMD Zen 2). We also show that the end-to-end performance is comparable to or better than ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, TVM, and LibTorch.
Boosting Few-shot Object Detection with Discriminative Representation and Class Margin
Authors: Shi Yanyan , Yang Shaowu , Yang Wenjing , Shi Dianxi , Li Xuehui
Published: July 2023

Classifying and accurately locating a visual category with few annotated training samples in computer vision has motivated the few-shot object detection technique, which exploits transfering the source-domain detection model to the target domain. Under this paradigm, however, such transferred source-domain detection model usually encounters difficulty in the classification of the target domain because of the low data diversity of novel training samples. To combat this, we present a simple yet effective few-shot detector, Transferable RCNN. To transfer general knowledge learned from data-abundant base classes to data-scarce novel classes, we propose a weight transfer strategy to promote model transferability and an attention-based feature enhancement mechanism to learn more robust object proposal feature representations. Further, we ensure strong discrimination by optimizing the contrastive objectives of feature maps via a supervised spatial contrastive loss. Meanwhile, we introduce an angle-guided additive margin classifier to augment instance-level inter-class difference and intra-class compactness, which is beneficial for improving the discriminative power of the few-shot classification head under a few supervisions. Our proposed framework outperforms the current works in various settings of PASCAL VOC and MSCOCO datasets; this demonstrates the effectiveness and generalization ability.
Chinese Speech Enhancement and Adaptive Recognition Technology for Complex Language Environments
Authors: Gao Ziqi
Published: July 2023

The development of intelligent technology has also made rapid progress in relevant speech fields. In order to increase the application scenarios of speech recognition systems, the research has improved the traditional Speech enhancement algorithm, namely the Ideal Binary Mask (IBM) algorithm, and combined it with the unimproved IBM algorithm to propose an adaptive IBM algorithm. Based on this algorithm, the research has built a new speech recognition system, The system uses an FIR filter to realize pre-emphasis processing and uses Berouti spectral subtraction to preprocess speech. The Speech enhancement model is built using a deep learning network model. The results showed that the IBM algorithm had the highest score in the Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) at 3.5596, followed by the Ideal Ratio Mask (IRM) algorithm at 3.3429. The improvement of the IBM algorithm was feasible when the noise intensity coefficient was greater than 0.008. When the noise intensity coefficient was greater than 0.08, the average score of the improved IBM algorithm was 2.1079, and the average score of the unimproved IBM algorithm was 1.9418. The proposed adaptive IBM algorithm has higher performance in complex speech environments compared to the original system.
The Mexican Tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, as a Model System in Cell and Developmental Biology
Authors: Ponnimbaduge Perera Pavani , Perez Guerra David , Riddle Misty R.
Published: July 2023

Our understanding of cell and developmental biology has been greatly aided by a focus on a small number of model organisms. However, we are now in an era where techniques to investigate gene function can be applied across phyla, allowing scientists to explore the diversity and flexibility of developmental mechanisms and gain a deeper understanding of life. Researchers comparing the eyeless cave-adapted Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, with its river-dwelling counterpart are revealing how the development of the eyes, pigment, brain, cranium, blood, and digestive system evolves as animals adapt to new environments. Breakthroughs in our understanding of the genetic and developmental basis of regressive and constructive trait evolution have come from A. mexicanus research. They include understanding the types of mutations that alter traits, which cellular and developmental processes they affect, and how they lead to pleiotropy. We review recent progress in the field and highlight areas for future investigations that include evolution of sex differentiation, neural crest development, and metabolic regulation of embryogenesis.
The Representation of Third-Party Helping Interactions in Infancy
Authors: Schlingloff-Nemecz Laura , Tatone Denis , Csibra Gergely
Published: July 2023

Despite numerous findings on the sophisticated inferences that human infants draw from observing third-party helping interactions, currently there is no theoretical account of how infants come to understand such events in the first place. After reviewing the available evidence in infants, we describe an account of how human adults understand helping actions. According to this mature concept, helping is a second-order, goal-directed action aiming to increase the utility of another agent (the Helpee) via reducing the cost, or increasing the reward, of the Helpee's own goal-directed action. We then identify the cognitive prerequisites for conceiving helping in this way and ask whether these are available to infants in the interpretation of helping interactions. In contrast to the mature concept, we offer two simpler alternatives that may underlie the early understanding of helping actions: ( a) helping as enabling, which requires second-order goal attribution but no utility calculus, and ( b) helping as joint action, which requires efficiency (i.e., utility) evaluation without demanding second-order goal attribution. We evaluate the evidence supporting these accounts, derive unique predictions from them, and describe what developmental pathway toward the mature concept they envisage. We conclude the article by outlining further open questions that the developmental literature on the interpretation of helping interactions has not yet addressed.
Past, Present, and Future of Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factors: Distribution and Regulatory Diversity of the Third Pillar of Bacterial Signal Transduction
Authors: Mascher Thorsten
Published: July 2023

Responding to environmental cues is a prerequisite for survival in the microbial world. Extracytoplasmic function σ factors (ECFs) represent the third most abundant and by far the most diverse type of bacterial signal transduction. While archetypal ECFs are controlled by cognate anti-σ factors, comprehensive comparative genomics efforts have revealed a much higher abundance and regulatory diversity of ECF regulation than previously appreciated. They have also uncovered a diverse range of anti-σ factor–independent modes of controlling ECF activity, including fused regulatory domains and phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms. While our understanding of ECF diversity is comprehensive for well-represented and heavily studied bacterial phyla—such as Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria (phylum Actinomycetota)—our current knowledge about ECF-dependent signaling in the vast majority of underrepresented phyla is still far from complete. In particular, the dramatic extension of bacterial diversity in the course of metagenomic studies represents both a new challenge and an opportunity in expanding the world of ECF-dependent signal transduction.
Mobile Genetic Element Flexibility as an Underlying Principle to Bacterial Evolution
Authors: Weisberg Alexandra J. , Chang Jeff H.
Published: July 2023

Mobile genetic elements are key to the evolution of bacteria and traits that affect host and ecosystem health. Here, we use a framework of a hierarchical and modular system that scales from genes to populations to synthesize recent findings on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of bacteria. Doing so highlights the role that emergent properties of flexibility, robustness, and genetic capacitance of MGEs have on the evolution of bacteria. Some of their traits can be stored, shared, and diversified across different MGEs, taxa of bacteria, and time. Collectively, these properties contribute to maintaining functionality against perturbations while allowing changes to accumulate in order to diversify and give rise to new traits. These properties of MGEs have long challenged our abilities to study them. Implementation of new technologies and strategies allows for MGEs to be analyzed in new and powerful ways.
Review—Recent Advances in Bismuth Tellurite Glasses for Photonic and Radiation Shielding Applications
Authors: Blessy Kamalam E. , Manikandan N.
Published: July 2023

The inherent properties of Heavy metal oxide glasses have led to their widespread applications in various domains including lasers, optical fibers, optoelectronics, radiation shielding materials etc. Tellurium oxide and bismuth oxides are conditional glass forming heavy metal oxides, which when combined suitably yield significant improvement in the whole system. Lower phonon energy of tellurite helps in aiding broader transmission and lasing properties, while the ability of bismuth ions to reside in various valence states aids in incorporation of optically active rare earth ions in these glasses. Near Infrared emission characteristic of bismuth ions could be improved by co-doping with rare earth ions to improve the emission and consequently their applications as photonic devices. Higher density of these oxides helps in increasing the radiation shielding ability, thereby making them suitable replacement materials for lead based toxic compounds. This article is an attempt to review the recent reports within the last decade on glasses based on bismuth tellurites for lasing and radiation shielding applications.
Quantifying insulin-mediated and noninsulin-mediated changes in glucose dynamics during resistance exercise in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Young Gavin M. , Jacobs Peter G. , Tyler Nichole S. , Nguyen Thanh-Tin P. , Castle Jessica R. , Wilson Leah M. , Branigan Deborah , Gabo Virginia , Guillot Florian H. , Riddell Michael C. , El Youssef Joseph
Published: July 2023

Aerobic exercise is known to cause decreases in blood glucose secondary to increased glucose utilization in people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, less is known about how resistance-type exercise impacts glucose dynamics. Twenty-five participants with T1D performed in-clinic weight-bearing exercises under a glucose clamp. Mathematical modeling of infused glucose tracer allowed for quantification of the rate of hepatic glucose production as well as rates of insulin-mediated and noninsulin-mediated glucose uptake experienced during resistance exercise.
Electroacupuncture in the treatment of IBS in rats: investigation of the mechanisms of CRH+ neurons in the paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Gao Fang , Yuan Wei-Hua , Wu Sheng-Bing , Wang Zi-Bei , Zhu Guo-Qi , Zhou Mei-Qi
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research was to determine the central regulatory mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our results showed that combined with the serum changes in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (CORT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the improvement of IBS by EA was related to them. Furthermore, EA could regulate intestinal functional activity through the central CRH+ nervous system.
Corticospinal excitability across lower limb muscles in humans
Authors: Eisner-Janowicz Ines , Chen Bing , Sangari Sina , Perez Monica A.
Published: July 2023

We provide evidence on how corticospinal output differs across muscles in the leg in intact humans. We found that corticospinal responses were larger in a distal intrinsic foot muscle and were smaller in the biceps femoris compared to all other muscles in the leg. Increases in corticospinal excitability to an intrinsic foot muscle could have a spinal origin.