bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible neuromorphic transistors for neuromorphic computing and perception application
Authors: Ke Shuo , Zhu Yixin , Fu Chuanyu , Mao Huiwu , Shi Kailu , Qiao Lesheng , Wan Qing
Published: September 2024

Emulating brain functionality with neuromorphic devices is an emerging field of research. It is extensively considered as the first step to overcome the limitations of conventional von Neumann systems and build artificial intelligent systems. Currently, most neuromorphic transistors are manufactured on rigid substrates, which are difficult to bend and cannot closely fit soft human skin, limiting their appliction scope. The emergence and evolution of flexible electronic devices address a plethora of application and scenario demands. Particularly, the introduction of flexible neuromorphic transistors injects fresh vitality into neuromorphic computing and perception, symbolizing a significant step towards overcoming the limitations of conventional computational models and fostering the development of more intelligent wearable devices. Herein, the recent developments in felxible neuromorphic transistors are summarized and their applications in neuromorphic computing and artificial perception systems are highlighted. The future prospects and challenges of felxible neuromorphic transistors are also discussed. We believe developments in felxible neuromorphic transistors will shed light on future advances in wearable artificial intelligent systems, humanoid robotics and neural repair technology.
Metabolic engineering for single-cell protein production from renewable feedstocks and its applications
Authors: Zhuang Zhoukang , Wan Guangyu , Lu Xiaocong , Xie Linhai , Yu Tao , Tang Hongting
Published: September 2024

Proteins are indispensable for maintaining a healthy diet and performing crucial functions in a multitude of physiological processes. The growth of the global population and the emergence of environmental concerns have significantly increased the demand for protein-rich foods such as meat and dairy products, exerting considerable pressure on global food supplies. Single-cell proteins (SCP) have emerged as a promising alternative source, characterized by their high protein content and essential amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, inorganic salts, vitamins, and trace elements. SCP offers several advantages over the traditional animal and plant proteins. These include shorter production cycles, the use of diverse raw material sources, high energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. This review is primarily concerned with the microbial species employed in SCP production, utilization of non-food renewable materials as a source of feedstock, and application of rational and non-rational metabolic engineering strategies to increase SCP biomass and protein content. Moreover, the current applications, production shortages, and safety concerns associated with SCP are discussed.
Unstable Sliding of Plagioclase Gouge and Deformation Mechanisms Under Hydrothermal Conditions With Effective Normal Stresses of 100–300 MPa
Authors: He Changrong , Ma Xi , Yao Shengnan
Published: September 2024

Plagioclase feldspar is a major mineral in mafic crustal rocks. To better understand the deformation mechanism of plagioclase feldspar during frictional faulting, we conducted shearing experiments on simulated plagioclase gouge in a wide range of effective normal stress of 100–300 MPa, pore‐water pressure of 30–100 MPa, and temperatures ranging from 100°C to 600°C. The coefficient of friction is found to range from 0.65 to 0.74 across the entire temperature range, showing no significant thermal weakening process. Except for a case at 200°C with an effective normal stress of 300 MPa, the frictional sliding is velocity weakening over the whole temperature range, showing a steady‐state rate dependence (a−b) ranging from −0.5 × 10−3 to −8.6 × 10−3. This property facilitates nucleation of unstable slips in frictional faulting. Above 200°C, the direct rate effect parameter (a) and the evolution effect parameter (b) of friction increase with temperature up to a threshold of 400°C or 500°C, depending on the effective normal stress. This thermal enhancement suggests thermally activated creep at contact junctions governed by intergranular pressure solution, as evidenced by microstructural signatures indicating the prevalence of very fine precipitates formed at the surfaces of gouge particles as a result of pressure solution. In frictional sliding of plagioclase, a low effective normal stress of 100 MPa corresponds to a higher degree of velocity weakening and tends to facilitate seismic slip rather than slow slips, whereas the high effective normal stress of 300 MPa corresponds to a minor velocity weakening which may cause slow‐slip events in faults of limited size.
Carrier dynamic identification enables wavelength and intensity sensitivity in perovskite photodetectors
Authors: Min Liangliang , Zhou Yicheng , Sun Haoxuan , Guo Linqi , Wang Meng , Cao Fengren , Tian Wei , Li Liang
Published: September 2024

Deciphering the composite information within a light field through a single photodetector, without optical and mechanical structures, is challenging. The difficulty lies in extracting multi-dimensional optical information from a single dimension of photocurrent. Emerging photodetectors based on information reconstruction have potential, yet they only extract information contained in the photoresponse current amplitude (responsivity matrix), neglecting the hidden information in response edges driven by carrier dynamics. Herein, by adjusting the thickness of the absorption layer and the interface electric field strength in the perovskite photodiode, we extend the transport and relaxation time of carriers excited by photons of different wavelengths, maximizing the spectrum richness of the edge waveform in the light-dark transition process. For the first time, without the need for extra optical and electrical components, the reconstruction of two-dimensional information of light intensity and wavelength has been achieved. With the integration of machine learning algorithms into waveform data analysis, a wide operation spectrum range of 350–750 nm is available with a 100% accuracy rate. The restoration error has been lowered to less than 0.1% for light intensity. This work offers valuable insights for advancing perovskite applications in areas such as wavelength identification and spectrum imaging.
Multimodal analyses of immune cells during bone repair identify macrophages as a therapeutic target in musculoskeletal trauma
Authors: Hachemi Yasmine , Perrin Simon , Ethel Maria , Julien Anais , Vettese Julia , Geisler Blandine , Göritz Christian , Colnot Céline
Published: September 2024

Musculoskeletal traumatic injuries (MTI) involve soft tissue lesions adjacent to a bone fracture leading to fibrous nonunion. The impact of MTI on the inflammatory response to fracture and on the immunomodulation of skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) remains unknown. Here, we used single-nucleus transcriptomic analyses to describe the immune cell dynamics after bone fracture and identified distinct macrophage subsets with successive pro-inflammatory, pro-repair and anti-inflammatory profiles. Concurrently, SSPCs transition via a pro- and anti-inflammatory fibrogenic phase of differentiation prior to osteochondrogenic differentiation. In a preclinical MTI mouse model, the injury response of immune cells and SSPCs is disrupted leading to a prolonged pro-inflammatory phase and delayed resolution of inflammation. Macrophage depletion improves bone regeneration in MTI demonstrating macrophage involvement in fibrous nonunion. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of macrophages using the CSF1R inhibitor Pexidartinib ameliorates healing. These findings reveal the coordinated immune response of macrophages and skeletal stem/progenitor cells as a driver of bone healing and as a primary target for the treatment of trauma-associated fibrosis.
ACSL4-mediated lipid rafts prevent membrane rupture and inhibit immunogenic cell death in melanoma
Authors: Zhao Xi , Zhao Zenglu , Li Bingru , Huan Shuyu , Li Zixi , Xie Jianlan , Liu Guoquan
Published: September 2024

Chemotherapy including platinum-based drugs are a possible strategy to enhance the immune response in advanced melanoma patients who are resistant to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, the immune-boosting effects of these drugs are a subject of controversy, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment are poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that lipid peroxidation (LPO) promotes the formation of lipid rafts in the membrane, which mediated by Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4) impairs the sensitivity of melanoma cells to platinum-based drugs. This reduction primarily occurs through the inhibition of immunogenic ferroptosis and pyroptosis by reducing cell membrane pore formation. By disrupting ACSL4-mediaged lipid rafts via the removal of membrane cholesterol, we promoted immunogenic cell death, transformed the immunosuppressive environment, and improved the antitumor effectiveness of platinum-based drugs and immune response. This disruption also helped reverse the decrease in CD8+ T cells while maintaining their ability to secrete cytokines. Our results reveal that ACSL4-dependent LPO is a key regulator of lipid rafts formation and antitumor immunity, and that disrupting lipid rafts has the potential to enhance platinum-based drug-induced immunogenic ferroptosis and pyroptosis in melanoma. This novel strategy may augment the antitumor immunity of platinum-based therapy and further complement ICB therapy.
Robust bilayer solid electrolyte interphase for Zn electrode with high utilization and efficiency
Authors: Meng Yahan , Wang Mingming , Wang Jiazhi , Huang Xuehai , Zhou Xiang , Sajid Muhammad , Xie Zehui , Luo Ruihao , Zhu Zhengxin , Zhang Zuodong , Khan Nawab Ali , Wang Yu , Li Zhenyu , Chen Wei
Published: September 2024

Construction of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) of zinc (Zn) electrode is an effective strategy to stabilize Zn electrode/electrolyte interface. However, single-layer SEIs of Zn electrodes undergo rupture and consequent failure during repeated Zn plating/stripping. Here, we propose the construction of a robust bilayer SEI that simultaneously achieves homogeneous Zn2+ transport and durable mechanical stability for high Zn utilization rate (ZUR) and Coulombic efficiency (CE) of Zn electrode by adding 1,3-Dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone as a representative electrolyte additive. This bilayer SEI on Zn surface consists of a crystalline ZnCO3-rich outer layer and an amorphous ZnS-rich inner layer. The ordered outer layer improves the mechanical stability during cycling, and the amorphous inner layer homogenizes Zn2+ transport for homogeneous, dense Zn deposition. As a result, the bilayer SEI enables reversible Zn plating/stripping for 4800 cycles with an average CE of 99.95% (± 0.06%). Meanwhile, Zn | |Zn symmetric cells show durable lifetime for over 550 h with a high ZUR of 98% under an areal capacity of 28.4 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the Zn full cells based on the bilayer SEI functionalized Zn negative electrodes coupled with different positive electrodes all exhibit stable cycling performance under high ZUR.
Internet of things (IoT) based saffron cultivation system in greenhouse
Authors: Khan Rabia , Farooq Muhammad Shoaib , Khelifi Adel , Ahmad Umer , Ahmad Faizan , Riaz Shamyla
Published: September 2024

Saffron is the world's most expensive and legendary crop that is widely used in cuisine, drugs, and cosmetics. Therefore, the demand for saffron is increasing globally day by day. Despite its massive demand the cultivation of saffron has dramatically decreased and grown in only a few countries. Saffron is an environment-sensitive crop that is affected by various factors including rapid change in climate, light intensity, pH level, soil moisture, salinity level, and inappropriate cultivation techniques. It is not possible to control many of these environmental factors in traditional farming. Although, many innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) have been used to enhance the growth of saffron still, there is a dire need for a system that can overcome primary issues related to saffron growth. In this research, we have proposed an IoT-based system for the greenhouse to control the numerous agronomical variables such as corm size, temperature, humidity, pH level, soil moisture, salinity, and water availability. The proposed architecture monitors and controls environmental factors automatically and sends real-time data from the greenhouse to the microcontroller. The sensed values of various agronomical variables are compared with threshold values and saved at cloud for sending to the farm owner for efficient management. The experiment results reveal that the proposed system is capable to maximize saffron production in the greenhouse by controlling environmental factors as per crop needs.
Persistently high plasma procalcitonin levels despite successful treatment of tuberculous pleuritis and tuberculous lymphadenitis patients
Authors: un Nisa Zaib , Ambreen Atiqa , Mustafa Tehmina
Published: September 2024

In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated plasma PCT levels in 48 TB lymphadenitis (TBLN) and 41 TB pleuritis (TBPE) patients. Measurements of PCT were done in unstimulated plasma of microbiologically and clinically confirmed TBLN and TBPE patients registered for anti-TB treatment at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Plasma levels of PCT were found to be raised in 89% of the patients at baseline with a median of 1.5 ng/ml. Levels were higher (p = 0.001) in TBLN as compared to TBPE (2.69, 0.96 ng/ml). PCT levels were not related to the bacterial burden depicted by culture positivity in these patients. PCT showed a negative correlation with the severity of constitutional symptoms (rho = − 0.238, p = 0.034), and inflammatory biomarkers; ferritin (rho = − 0.43, p < 0.001), INF-γ (rho = − 0.314, p = 0.003), TNF-α (rho = − 0.220, p = 0.039), IL-6 (rho = − 0.224, p = 0.035), and several chemokines of CCL and CCXL group. Raised plasma levels of PCT did not decrease with anti-TB treatment, indicating it is not a good biomarker to monitor treatment response in TBLN and TBPE patients. More studies with a larger number of confirmed EPTB cases are needed to define the role of PCT and its interaction with other biomarkers in EPTB.
Impact of oil type on the development and oral bioavailability of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems containing simvastatin
Authors: Hamdy Aya , El-Badry Mahmoud , Fathy M. , El-Sayed Ahmed M.
Published: September 2024

The aim of this work is to develop and evaluate self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) containing simvastatin to increase its oral bioavailability. Formulation EO 5 (Ethyl oleate 9.3% w/w: Tween 80 49.4% w/w: Propylene glycol 39.3% w/w) and Formulation CL 14 (Clove oil 54.3% w/w: Tween 80 34.4% w/w: Transcutol-P 9.3% w/w) were thoroughly studied. They showed emulsification time less than 1 min, droplet size in the nanometric range, and almost a complete drug release after 2 h. The in-vitro dissolution profile of both formulations was found to be significant in comparison to the pure drug in pH 1.2 and 7.4 buffers (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, they demonstrated superior anti-hyperlipidemic activity in comparison to simvastatin suspension (10 mg/kg/day). In order to investigate the impact of oil type on oral bioavailability, the selected formulations have been examined in terms of the in-vivo pharmacokinetic study, and formulation EO 5 was found to have higher bioavailability. After oral administration of a single dose (40 mg/kg) of simvastatin-loaded SNEDDS (CL14 and EO 5), a 1.5-fold and 1.95-fold increase in bioavailability were observed, respectively, as compared to simvastatin suspension. Hence, the results indicated that the developed SNEDDS could enhance the therapeutic efficacy and oral bioavailability of simvastatin.
Field validation of effects of species and flock size on echoes in avian radar surveys
Authors: Kamata Taito , Sato Takahiro , Tateishi Koki , Koumura Kayo , Kawaguchi Yoichi , Sekijima Tsuneo
Published: September 2024

Radar is a powerful technology for surveys of avian movements. Validating the accuracy of radar detection is essential when establishing quantitative criteria for tracking bird trajectories and counting bird flocks. This study clarifies the positional and biological factors influencing the probability of detection (POD) and echo size on X-band marine radar. The bird trajectory for validation was obtained by ornithodolite at the same time as the radar scan. Distance was found to have a negative effect on POD and echo size, while elevation angle positively affected POD. Body mass and flock size positively affected POD and echo size. In predicting detection performance, the survey distance required to achieve 50% POD was 750 m or less for Grey-faced Buzzard, the lightest target species, but up to 1800 m for a pair of Bewick’s Swan. Our study provides survey and analysis procedures that allow for efficient validation using ornithodolites. Then, we identify the range settings that should be considered for target species and contribute to establishing criteria for quantitative radar bird surveys.
Trends and social determinants of the obesity epidemic among reproductive-age women in ten Asian countries
Authors: Thapa Subash , Ahmed Kedir Y. , Bizuayehu Habtamu Mellie , Huda M. Mamun , Chalise Binaya , Bore Meless G. , Belachew Sewunet Admasu , Hassen Tahir A. , Amsalu Erkihun , Shifti Desalegn Markos , Seid Abdulbasit , Mesfin Yonatan M. , Tegegne Teketo Kassaw , Dadi Abel F. , Odo Daniel Bogale , Kibret Getiye Dejenu , Ketema Daniel Bekele , Kassa Zemenu Yohannes , Anyasodor Anayochukwu E. , Mahmood Shakeel , Astawesegn Feleke Hailemichael , Ross Allen G.
Published: September 2024

The rapid epidemiological transition in Asian countries, resulting from the rising trend of urbanisation and lifestyle changes, is associated with an increasing risk of obesity in women of reproductive age. This is the first study to investigate the trends and population-attributable fraction (PAF) of obesity, and the interaction effects of education and wealth on obesity among reproductive-age women aged 15–49 years in ten Asian countries. This cross-sectional study examined the most recent (2000 to 2022) Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from ten Central and Southeast Asian countries. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were used to compute odds ratios (ORs). PAFs adjusted for communality were calculated using adjusted ORs and prevalence estimates for each risk factor. This study included a weighted sample of 743,494 reproductive-age women. All the countries showed an increasing trend for obesity and a decreasing trend for underweight, except for the Maldives. The highest PAFs of obesity were associated with women who were married (PAF = 22.2%; 95% CI 22.1, 22.4), aged 35–49 years (PAF = 16.4%; 95% CI 15.5, 17.1), resided in wealthy households (PAF = 14.5%; 95% CI 14.4, 14.5), watched television regularly (PAF = 12.5%; 95% CI 12.1, 12.8), and lived in urban areas (PAF = 7.8%; 95% CI 7.7, 8.0). The combined PAF showed that these five risk factors were associated with 73.3% (95% CI 71.8, 74.9) of obesity among reproductive-age women. Interaction analysis between women’s education and household wealth revealed that having a secondary or higher level of education and residing in a wealthier household was associated with a lower risk of obesity (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.66, 0.76). The findings of this study suggest that, in order to address the rising rate of obesity among women in Asian countries, education and lifestyle modifications in urban areas should be a priority. Pakistan and the Maldives need to be a priority given the rapidly increasing trends in obesity and underweight subpopulations in their respective countries.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between young maternal age and fetal abnormalities
Authors: Staniczek Jakub , Manasar-Dyrbuś Maisa , Rybak-Krzyszkowska Magda , Kondracka Adrianna , Orszulak Dominika , Niziński Kacper , Sadłocha Marcin , Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka , Stojko Rafał , Illa Miriam
Published: September 2024

Fetal anomalies among young women and adolescents pose major public health concerns. This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between young maternal age and the incidence of fetal abnormalities. According to the systematic review and meta-analysis PRISMA protocol, cohort, cross-sectional and case–control studies were scrutinized to include 80,393,450 participants across diverse regions. The meta-analysis utilized Odds Ratios (OR) as the effect measure, adopting a random-effects model. The screening process involved 157 selected and verified manuscripts, which ultimately resulted in the final inclusion of 20 studied in the meta-analysis. The criterion for young maternal age was the age of ≤ 20 years. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled OR of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.82–1.05, p = 0.252), indicating no statistically significant association between young maternal age (≤ 20 years) and fetal anomalies. However, considerable heterogeneity (I² = 96.21%) was noted, prompting the use of a random-effects model to derive the reported results. The meta-analysis did not find statistically significant differences in the occurrence of congenital anomalies in fetuses of younger women than in overall population. Although due to significant heterogeneity of the analyzed studies, and a risk of bias, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results, further investigation may be warranted to understand the relationship between maternal age and risk of fetal anomalies. Nevertheless, the study shows significant differences, which diminish in collective analysis, suggests that factors beyond age may be influential. Specifically, the limited access to or quality of healthcare in certain regions could be a more critical factor than maternal age itself.
An indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis of digital versus face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for headache
Authors: Huang Yan-Bing , Lin Li , Li Xin-Yu , Chen Bo-Zhu , Yuan Lu , Zheng Hui
Published: September 2024

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for headache disorders. However, it is unclear whether the emerging digital CBT is noninferior to face-to-face CBT. An indirect treatment comparison (ITC) meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relative effects between them using standard mean differences (SMDs). Effective sample size (ESS) and required sample size (RSS) were calculated to demonstrate the robustness of the results. Our study found that digital CBT had a similar effect on headache frequency reduction (SMD, 0.12; 95%CI, −2.45 to 2.63) compared with face-to-face CBT. The ESS had 84 participants, while the RSS had 466 participants to achieve the same power as a non-inferior head-to-head trial. Digital CBT is as effective as face-to-face CBT in preventing headache disorders. Due to the heterogeneity (I2 = 94.5%, τ2 = 1.83) and the fact that most of the included studies were on migraine prevention, further head-to-head trials are warranted.
A highly sensitive and reproducible fluorescence sensor for continuously measuring hydrogen peroxide at the sub-ppm level
Authors: Yang Yang , Jiang Rui , Yang En-lai , Liang Jiahao , Xu Ying , Wang Xu-dong
Published: September 2024

Highly sensitive and reversible fluorescence H2O2 sensor with a limit of detection of 0.02 ppm had been developed. The sensor responded rather fast, had high stability, and can be massively produced with good batch-to-batch consistency.
What's the Use of Worrying? Its Function and Its Dysfunction
Authors: Gladstone Gemma , Parker Gordon
Published: September 2024

Objective: To provide an overview of theory and research regarding the phenomenology and function of worry.

Method: A systematic literature search focusing on conceptualizations of worry as a cognitive activity and worry research over the last 20 years was conducted.

Results: Worry can be both functional and dysfunctional. Disruption to daily functioning, perceived uncontrollability, pervasiveness and extensive coverage of worry themes (including ‘remote’ events and the presence of meta-worry), all have specificity to more severe and dysfunctional worry.

Conclusions: Research investigating both the relationship between worry and anxiety and the attributes of severe worriers, has brought attention to its role in fostering emotional disturbance and has clarified factors relevant to treatment.
A Community-Based Study of Headache Diagnosis and Prevalence in Singapore
Authors: Ho K-H , Ong BK-C
Published: September 2024

We present the results of a community survey based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) describing headache prevalence and symptomatology in the Singapore population. A questionnaire administered by trained personnel was completed by 2096 individuals from a randomized sample of 1400 households. The overall lifetime prevalence of headache was 82.7%. The migraine prevalence was 2.4% in males and 3.6% in females; for episodic tension-type headache and chronic tension-type headache the corresponding figures were 11.1%/11.8% and 0.9%/1.8%, respectively. Inclusion of borderline cases (IHS codes 1.7 and 2.3) resulted in prevalences of 9.3% for migraine, 39.9% for episodic tension headache and 2.4% for chronic tension headache. Headaches described by 31.2% of the respondents were unclassifiable. The different premonitory symptoms, precipitants and aggravating factors in migraine and tension-type headache in our study population suggest that they represent two distinct syndromes rather than opposite ends of a clinical spectrum.
Prevalence of Headache in Patients with BehÇet's Disease Without Overt Neurological Involvement
Authors: Monastero R , Mannino M , Lopez G , Camarda C , Cannizzaro C , Camarda LKC , Ciccia F , Triolo G , Camarda R
Published: September 2024

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of headache and the frequency of different headache syndromes in patients with Behçet's Disease (BD) without neurological involvement and to investigate the relationship with other clinical, and behavioural variables. Twenty-seven BD patients and 27 control subjects underwent a validated semistructured questionnaire based on the International Headache Society criteria. Levels of anxiety and depression, disease activity, and current medication were collected. Headache occurred in 88.9% of BD patients. There was no difference in the prevalence of the different headache syndromes between BD patients and controls. Only migraine without aura (MwA) was significantly more frequent in BD patients than controls (44.4% vs. 11.1%, respectively, P = 0.013). No relationship was found between MwA and clinical, and behavioural variables. Among headache syndromes, MwA showed the highest frequency in BD. A vascular or neuronal subclinical dysfunction could justify this association. A careful interview for migraine might be included in the diagnostic work-up of BD.
Power‐DETR: end‐to‐end power line defect components detection based on contrastive denoising and hybrid label assignment
Authors: Xie Zhiyuan , Dong Chao , Zhang Ke , Wang Jiacun , Xiao Yangjie , Guo Xiwang , Zhao Zhenbing , Shi Chaojun , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2024

Maintenance of power transmission lines is essential for the safe and reliable operation of the power grid. The use of deep learning‐based networks to improve the performance of power line defect detection faces significant challenges, such as small target sizes, shape similarities, and occlusion issues. In response to these challenges, a transformer‐based end‐to‐end power line detection network called Power‐DETR is introduced. Initially, building upon Deformable DETR, a large pre‐trained model (Swin‐large) is utilized to increase the number of multi‐scale features, and activation checkpoint technology is applied to ensure effective training within limited memory capacity. Subsequently, a contrastive denoising training strategy is integrated to combat ambiguity and instability of the Hungarian matching algorithm during training, aiming to expedite model convergence. Additionally, a hybrid label assignment strategy combining OHEM and cost‐based ATSS is proposed to provide the model with high‐quality queries, ensuring adequate training for the decoder and enhancing encoder supervision. Experimental results substantiate the efficacy of the proposed Power‐DETR model as a novel end‐to‐end detection paradigm, surpassing both one‐stage and two‐stage detection models. Furthermore, the model demonstrates a significant 15.7% enhancement in mAP0.5 compared to the baseline.
Bilateral fusion low‐light image enhancement with implicit information constraints
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Sang Shengbo , Jian Aoqun , Yang Le , Sang Luxiao , Ge Yang , Kang Rihui , Yang LiuWei , Tao Lei , Hao RunFang
Published: September 2024

Research on low‐light image enhancement focuses on improving image quality in dim conditions. Recently, deep learning has driven significant advancements, with many studies using neural networks to enhance low‐light images. However, most focus on complex network designs to increase nonlinearity, often neglecting the implicit information from local image transformations. This paper introduces an improved U‐net‐based method for low‐light enhancement, retaining the original encoding network and adding branch links in the decoding network. The method uses attention feature fusion to handle image noise and gradients separately, adjusting brightness through a gradient‐adaptive transform. This approach optimizes performance using loss functions like peak signal‐to‐noise ratio and colour consistency. Unlike previous methods, the approach emphasizes extracting implicit information from image gradients, achieving enhancement that aligns with the original brightness distribution. The result is enhanced images with high detail similarity to the original, achieved through end‐to‐end inference in experiments.
Single-Port da Vinci Robot–Assisted Cervical Esophagectomy: How to Do It
Authors: Hadzijusufovic Edin , Lozanovski Vladimir J. , Griemert Eva-Verena , Bellaio Luca , Lang Hauke , Grimminger Peter P.
Published: September 2024

Minimally invasive esophagectomies, including robot-assisted procedures, have demonstrated superiority over traditional open surgery. Despite the prevalence of transhiatal and transthoracic approaches, cervical access is less common in minimally invasive esophageal surgery. Advancements in robotic systems, such as the da Vinci Single Port (SP), enable controlled transcervical extrapleural mediastinoscopic access, potentially reducing pulmonary complications and extending surgical options to patients with comorbidities. The da Vinci SP robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy (SP-RACE) employs an SP and laparoscopic approach, demonstrating feasibility with comparable lymphadenectomy and recurrent nerve palsy rates to transthoracic methods. This technique, performed for the first time in Europe at the University Hospital Mainz, involves a transcervical SP phase that allows for effective mediastinal dissection and esophageal mobilization. Despite technical challenges due to limited space, robotic systems enhance controlled access and eliminate arm collision. The da Vinci SP platform's advantages include improved triangulation, fewer interferences, and better control of instruments in confined spaces. This novel approach shows promise for patients with high esophageal tumors and those unsuitable for transthoracic surgery, warranting further investigation into its clinical utility and reproducibility.
Total Artificial Heart Implantation as a Bridge to Transplantation in Slovakia
Authors: Hulman Michal , Artemiou Panagiotis , Durdik Stefan , Lesny Peter , Olejarova Ingrid , Goncalvesova Eva , Gasparovic Ivo
Published: September 2024

Although left ventricular assist device implantation represents the majority of durable mechanical circulatory support implants for patients with advanced heart failure, as many as 20 to 30% will subsequently have right heart failure requiring extended inotropic support or short-term mechanical circulatory support, and the total artificial heart is an established tool in the bridge to transplant armamentarium. The aim of this short report is to present our center's experience with the use of SynCardia total artificial heart. Between November 2017 and April 2021, 10 SynCardia total artificial heart devices were implanted. Of the 10 patients who underwent total artificial heart implantation, 6 (60%) were successfully bridged to transplant with a median time of 6.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 6–8) months, and 4 patients died on device support during the index hospitalization. The 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival rates after heart transplantation were the same at 66.7% (4/6). Despite the uncertain future of total artificial hearts, it remains a viable option for patients who require biventricular bridge to transplant or for a select subset of patients with advance heart failure who may not otherwise survive.
Differential effects of salinity and drought on germination and early seedling growth of Parkinsonia praecox
Authors: Villarreal Valeria , Llanes Analía , Sosa Laura
Published: September 2024

Context Germination and seedling growth are critical stages in the establishment of a species under adverse environmental conditions. Parkinsonia praecox is a species that can establish in soils with high salt concentrations and water deficit conditions. Aims This study focused on the germination and early growth responses of P. praecox seeds exposed to different salinity and water deficit treatments, to understand its distribution and its potential to persist in stressful environments. Methods P. praecox seeds were exposed to solutions containing NaCl (for salinity) and polyethylene glycol (PEG; for water deficit) at a range of potentials −0.4, −0.8, −1.2, −1.5 and −1.9 MPa, and germination and early growth responses were evaluated. Controls were exposed to distilled water treatments (0 MPa). Key results The highest germination was obtained in the distilled water treatment, whereas drought imposed by PEG and salinity caused a decrease in the percentage and speed of germination. Seed germination significantly decreased at 1.2 MPa in the saline treatments but at −0.8 MPa in PEG solutions. However, at −1.2 MPa and higher, the germination rate was higher in PEG-treated seedlings compared to those exposed to NaCl. Considerable early seedling growth was observed in low potentials and high saline conditions. Conclusions The effects of salinity and drought on germination and early growth response of P. praecox contributes to the species’ restricted distribution in arid and saline regions. Implications These findings advance our knowledge of P. praecox responses under stressful conditions, highlighting this woody species’ potential as a candidate in the rehabilitation of degraded environments.
Factors informing funding of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children: perspectives of decision-makers
Authors: Chando Shingisai , Howell Martin , Dickson Michelle , Jaure Allison , Craig Jonathan C. , Eades Sandra J. , Howard Kirsten
Published: September 2024

Background The factors informing decisions to fund health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are unclear. This study’s objective aimed to describe decision-makers’ perspectives on factors informing decisions to fund health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 participants experienced in making funding decisions at organisational, state, territory and national levels. Decision-makers were from New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Transcripts were analysed thematically following the principles of grounded theory. Results We identified five themes, each with subthemes. First, prioritising engagement for authentic partnerships (opportunities to build relationships and mutual understanding, co-design and co-evaluation for implementation). Second, valuing participant experiences to secure receptiveness (cultivating culturally safe environments to facilitate acceptability, empowering for self-determination and sustainability, strengthening connectedness and collaboration for holistic care, restoring confidence and generational trust through long-term commitments). Third, comprehensive approaches to promote health and wellbeing (linking impacts to developmental milestones, maintaining access to health care, broadening conceptualisations of child health). Fourth, threats to optimal service delivery (fractured and outdated technology systems amplify data access difficulties, failure to ‘truly listen’ fuelling redundant policy, rigid funding models undermining innovation). Fifth, navigating political and ideological hurdles to advance community priorities (negotiating politicians’ willingness to support community-driven objectives, pressure to satisfy economic and policy considerations, countering entrenched hesitancy to community-controlled governance). Conclusion Decision-makers viewed participation, engagement, trust, empowerment and community acceptance as important indicators of service performance. This study highlights factors that influence decisions to fund health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Supporting primary care practitioners to promote dementia risk reduction in Australian general practice: outcomes of a cross-sectional, non-randomised implementation pilot study
Authors: Godbee Kali , Palmer Victoria J. , Gunn Jane M. , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Francis Jill J.
Published: September 2024

Background Primary care practitioners worldwide are urged to promote dementia risk reduction as part of preventive care. To facilitate this in Australian primary care, we developed the Umbrella intervention, comprising a waiting room survey and patient information cards for use in consultations. Educational and relational strategies were employed to mitigate implementation barriers. Methods In this cross-sectional, non-randomised implementation study within the South East Melbourne Primary Health Network, we employed mixed-methods outcome evaluation. Antecedent outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility) and actual outcomes (adoption, penetration, and fidelity) were assessed from the perspective of primary care practitioners and patients. Results Five practices piloted the intervention and implementation strategies, including 16 primary care practitioners engaging with 159 patients. The Umbrella intervention was deemed acceptable, appropriate, and feasible, but penetration was limited. Approximately half of eligible primary care practitioners used the intervention, with moderate fidelity. Engagement with implementation strategies was similarly limited. While most strategies were well-received, improvements in online peer discussions and staff readiness were desired. Conclusions The Umbrella intervention is a viable approach to promoting dementia risk reduction in Australian general practice, supported by educational and relational strategies. Stakeholder-informed refinements to enhance uptake are recommended before advancing to a definitive trial.
Book Review: Seeing Reason: Image and Language in Learning to Think
Authors: Ball Linden J.
Published: September 2024

There is no abstract associated with this Book Review
Circuit-theoretic phenomenological model of an electrostatic gate-controlled bi-SQUID
Authors: Kong Thomas X , Cruddas Jace , Marenkovic Jonathan , Tang Wesley , De Simoni Giorgio , Giazotto Francesco , Tettamanzi Giuseppe C
Published: September 2024

A numerical model based on a lumped circuit element approximation for a bi-superconducting quantum interference device (bi-SQUID) operating in the presence of an external magnetic field is presented in this paper. Included in the model is the novel ability to capture the resultant behaviour of the device when a strong electric field is applied to its Josephson junctions by utilising gate electrodes. The model is used to simulate an all-metallic SNS (Al-Cu-Al) bi-SQUID, where good agreement is observed between the simulated results and the experimental data. The results discussed in this work suggest that the primary consequences of the superconducting field effect induced by the gating of the Josephson junctions are accounted for in our minimal model; namely, the suppression of the junctions super-current. Although based on a simplified semi-empirical model, our results may guide the search for a microscopic origin of this effect by providing a means to model the voltage response of gated SQUIDs. Also, the possible applications of this effect regarding the operation of SQUIDs as ultra-high precision sensors, where the performance of such devices can be improved via careful tuning of the applied gate voltages, are discussed at the end of the paper.
The non-exponential decay characteristics of HTS NI-class coils in sudden discharge experiments
Authors: Wang Luzhong , Wang Lei , Hu Xinning , Wang Qiuliang
Published: September 2024

The decay of the voltage and magnetic field of the high-temperature superconductivity no-insulation-class (NI-class) coil in the sudden discharge experiment is usually considered to be exponential. However, our experiment found that it is not accurate to describe the decay characteristics of the NI-class coil with a simple exponential function. Combined with equivalent circuit models of the NI-class coil, we use the theory of ordinary differential equations to explain the non-exponential decay characteristics and point out that it is closer to the matrix exponential characteristics. Based on this finding, we believe that the non-uniform turn-to-turn contact resistivity (TTCR) is an important cause of the non-exponential decay characteristics of the NI-class coil. Reverse thinking leads us to realize that the voltage decay curve of the NI-class coil in the sudden discharge experiment contains the distribution information of its TTCR. Therefore, we propose a method for measuring the TTCR of NI-class coils based on the matrix exponential model. The co-simulation combining the finite element model and the equivalent circuit model shows that the non-uniformly distributed TTCR has a great influence on the transient process of the NI-class coil, which makes the current and current density in the transient process vary greatly in different regions of the NI-class coil. Those findings mean that the simulation study of the NI-class coils and magnets with uniform TTCR usually used in the past may be far from the actual situation.
Masking quantum information in multipartite systems via Fourier and Hadamard matrices
∗
Authors: Bai Chen-Ming , Wang Meng-Ya , Zhang Su-Juan , Liu Lu
Published: September 2024

Quantum information masking (QIM) is a crucial technique for protecting quantum data from being accessed by local subsystems. In this paper, we introduce a novel method for achieving 1-uniform QIM in multipartite systems utilizing a Fourier matrix. We further extend this approach to construct an orthogonal array with the aid of a Hadamard matrix, which is a specific type of Fourier matrix. This allows us to explore the relationship between 2-uniform QIM and orthogonal arrays. Through this framework, we derive two distinct 2-uniform quantum states, enabling the 2-uniform masking of original information within multipartite systems. Furthermore, we prove that the maximum number of quantum bits required for achieving a 2-uniformly masked state is 2
n
− 1, and the minimum is 2
n−1 + 3. Moreover, our scheme effectively demonstrates the rich quantum correlations between multipartite systems and has potential application value in quantum secret sharing.
An optimization-based equilibrium measure describing fixed points of non-equilibrium dynamics: application to the edge of chaos
Authors: Qiu Junbin , Huang Haiping
Published: September 2024

Understanding neural dynamics is a central topic in machine learning, non-linear physics, and neuroscience. However, the dynamics are non-linear, stochastic and particularly non-gradient, i.e., the driving force cannot be written as the gradient of a potential. These features make analytic studies very challenging. The common tool is the path integral approach or dynamical mean-field theory. Still, the drawback is that one has to solve the integro-differential or dynamical mean-field equations, which is computationally expensive and has no closed-form solutions in general. From the associated Fokker–Planck equation, the steady-state solution is generally unknown. Here, we treat searching for the fixed points as an optimization problem, and construct an approximate potential related to the speed of the dynamics, and find that searching for the ground state of this potential is equivalent to running approximate stochastic gradient dynamics or Langevin dynamics. Only in the zero temperature limit, can the distribution of the original fixed points be achieved. The resultant stationary state of the dynamics exactly follows the canonical Boltzmann measure. Within this framework, the quenched disorder intrinsic in the neural networks can be averaged out by applying the replica method, which leads naturally to order parameters for the non-equilibrium steady states. Our theory reproduces the well-known result of edge-of-chaos. Furthermore, the order parameters characterizing the continuous transition are derived, and the order parameters are explained as fluctuations and responses of the steady states. Our method thus opens the door to analytically studying the fixed-point landscape of the deterministic or stochastic high dimensional dynamics.
Prospective changes in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults with unhealthy alcohol use
Authors: Palzes Vanessa A , Chi Felicia W , Satre Derek D , Kline-Simon Andrea H , Campbell Cynthia I , Weisner Constance , Sterling Stacy
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study examined differential changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults with unhealthy alcohol use.

Methods

Among 62 924 adults identified with unhealthy alcohol use in primary care prepandemic (1 January 2019 to 29 February 2020), changes in alcohol use during the pandemic (1 March 2020 to 30 June 2022) were examined using electronic health record data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Outcomes were changes in heavy drinking days in the past three months (HDDs) and overall consumption (drinks/week), including continuous and categorical measures. Differences in outcomes by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) were examined.

Results

On average, drinking was reduced by 3.0 HDDs (in the past three months) (SD = 18.4) and 4.1 drinks/week (SD = 12.2), but women, certain age groups, White patients, and patients without AUD had smaller decreases than their counterparts. Overall, 9.1% increased, 34.4% maintained, and 56.5% decreased HDDs, and 20.2% increased, 19.8% maintained, and 60.1% decreased drinks/week. Women, patients aged ≥35 years, White patients, and patients with AUD had higher odds of increasing versus decreasing HDDs, and maintaining versus decreasing, compared to their counterparts. Patients aged 18–20 years, White patients, and patients without AUD had higher odds than their counterparts of increasing versus decreasing drinks/week. Women, patients aged 18–20 years, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latino/Hispanic patients had higher odds of maintaining versus decreasing drinks/week.

Conclusions

While alcohol use decreased overall among this sample of primary care patients with unhealthy drinking prepandemic, certain subgroups were more likely to increase drinking, suggesting a greater risk of alcohol-related problems.