bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manual Evaluation of Record Linkage Algorithm Performance in Four Real-World Datasets
Authors: Gupta Agrayan K. , Xu Huiping , Li Xiaochun , Vest Joshua R. , Grannis Shaun J.
Published: March 2024

Objectives Patient data are fragmented across multiple repositories, yielding suboptimal and costly care. Record linkage algorithms are widely accepted solutions for improving completeness of patient records. However, studies often fail to fully describe their linkage techniques. Further, while many frameworks evaluate record linkage methods, few focus on producing gold standard datasets. This highlights a need to assess these frameworks and their real-world performance. We use real-world datasets and expand upon previous frameworks to evaluate a consistent approach to the manual review of gold standard datasets and measure its impact on algorithm performance.

Methods We applied the framework, which includes elements for data description, reviewer training and adjudication, and software and reviewer descriptions, to four datasets. Record pairs were formed and between 15,000 and 16,500 records were randomly sampled from these pairs. After training, two reviewers determined match status for each record pair. If reviewers disagreed, a third reviewer was used for final adjudication.

Results Between the four datasets, the percent discordant rate ranged from 1.8 to 13.6%. While reviewers' discordance rate typically ranged between 1 and 5%, one exhibited a 59% discordance rate, showing the importance of the third reviewer. The original analysis was compared with three sensitivity analyses. The original analysis most often exhibited the highest predictive values compared with the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion Reviewers vary in their assessment of a gold standard, which can lead to variances in estimates for matching performance. Our analysis demonstrates how a multireviewer process can be applied to create gold standards, identify reviewer discrepancies, and evaluate algorithm performance.
Need for Gastrostomy Tube in Periviable Infants
Authors: ElSeed Peterson Erica E. , Roeckner Jared T. , Deall Taylor W. , Karn Michele , Duncan Jose R. , Flores-Torres Jaime , Kumar Ambuj , Randis Tara M.
Published: March 2024

Objective We sought to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement in periviable infants.

Study Design We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of live-born infants between 22 and 25 weeks' gestation. Infants not actively resuscitated and those with congenital anomalies were excluded from analysis.

Results Of the 243 infants included, 158 survived until discharge. Of those that survived to discharge, 35 required g-tube prior to discharge. Maternal race/ethnicity (p = 0.006), intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.013), periventricular leukomalacia (p = 0.003), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; p ≤ 0.001), and singleton gestation (p = 0.009) were associated with need for gastrostomy. In a multivariable logistic regression, maternal Black race (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–7.47; p = 0.029), singleton gestation (OR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.28–12.4; p = 0.017) and BPD (zero g-tube placement in the no BPD arm; p ≤ 0.001) were associated with need for g-tube.

Conclusion A high percentage of periviable infants surviving until discharge require g-tube at our institution. In this single-center retrospective study, we noted that maternal Black race, singleton gestation, and BPD were associated with increased risk for g-tube placement in infants born between 22 and 25 weeks' gestation. The finding of increased risk with maternal Black race is consistent with previous reports of racial/ethnic disparities in preterm morbidities. Additional studies examining factors associated with successful achievement of oral feedings in preterm infants are necessary and will inform future efforts to advance equity in newborn health.

Key Points
Mother and Daughter Technique Using a Low-Profile Microcatheter for Navigating a Complete Radial Artery Loop
Authors: Bhatia Vikas , Meghashyam Kesha
Published: March 2024

Radial loops are infrequent; however, they are a major cause for failure of radial access for procedure. Interventionists should be familiar with bail-out techniques when a radial loop is encountered to avoid spasm/injury. We describe our experience with two cases with 360 degrees radial loop in which we used low-profile microcatheter system to successfully complete the procedure
Just a Game? Sport and Psychoanalytic Theory
Authors: Black Jack , Reynoso Joseph S.
Published: March 2024

Sport poses a number of important and no less significant questions, which, on the face of it, may not necessarily seem very important or significant to begin with – a peculiarity that we believe to be integral to sport itself. This article introduces, explores and outlines the psychoanalytic significance of this peculiarity. It explores how the emotions stirred by sport are intertwined with a realm of fiction and fantasy. Despite its lack of practical utility, sport carries an undeniable gravity, encapsulating the aspirations of communities, nations and continents. As a result, psychoanalysis can be used to critically reflect on the purpose and meaning of sport: that is, why do we need sport, and why, for large sections of the world’s population, do we rely on it? Ultimately, while psychoanalysis maintains a unique relation to a variety of unexpected fields of study – including art, culture and neuroscience – we seek to add to this expanding list of inquiry by including sport in this critical domain. By utilising sport as a platform to elucidate psychoanalytic concepts, it is recognised that sport can also prompt questions for psychoanalysis. In so doing, theoretical discussions on the social, cultural and political dimensions of sport through psychoanalytic theory are introduced and applied.
Investigating the mediating role of ethical issues and healthcare between the metaverse and mental health in Pakistan, China, and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Xiao Yineng , Ahmad Sayed Fayaz , Irshad Muhammad , Guo Han , Mahmoud Haitham A. , Awwad Emad Mahrous , Khan Yasser
Published: March 2024

This article examines the mediating role of ethical issues and healthcare on the relationship between the Metaverse and mental health. It also investigates the impact of the Metaverse on ethical issues and healthcare. It is based on quantitative methodology. Using a purposive sampling technique, a close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from 392 nurses and doctors across Pakistan, China, and Saudi Arabia. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique was used for the analysis. The findings show a significant mediating role of ethical issues between the Metaverse and mental health. The results do not support the mediating role of healthcare between the Metaverse and mental health. In addition, the findings also show a positive relationship between the Metaverse and ethical issues and between ethical issues and mental health. Similarly, the findings also support the relationship between the Metaverse and healthcare. The results do not support the relationship between healthcare and mental health. The study has many implications for technology developers, scientists, policymakers, and healthcare providers.
Defect and doping properties of sliding ferroelectric γ-InSe for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Lyu Zhiwei , Bai Ruirong , Qi Ruijuan , Yue Fangyu , Wu Yu-Ning
Published: March 2024

Layered van der Waals (vdw) materials have been proposed as light-absorbing materials for photovoltaic applications. InSe is a layered vdw semiconductor with ultra-high carrier mobility, strong charge transfer ability, super deformability, thermoelectricity, and optoelectronic properties. Its γ phase, or γ-InSe, was greatly stabilized by doping recently, which also exhibits sliding ferroelectricity. In this study, we propose that γ-phase InSe (γ-InSe), which was recently synthesized in a high-quality bulk phase, could be an excellent light-absorbing material candidate. Based on the first-principles simulations, bulk γ-InSe is found to possess suitable bandgap, decent absorption, and low effective mass. The investigation of defect properties reveals the major defect types, defect levels, and deep-level defects that could possibly harm the efficiency, and the deep-level defects can be significantly suppressed under Se-rich conditions. In addition, γ-InSe is intrinsically n-type, which can be tuned into weak p-type by Zn and Cd doping. We also identify the defect types of Y and Bi doping, which have been experimentally used to adjust the mechanical property of γ-InSe, and find that Y interstices could play an important role in improving the stiffness of γ-InSe. Our study provides theoretical insights for photovoltaic and other photoelectronic applications based on this interesting ferroelectric layered vdw material.
Study on laser processing of medical polyether ether ketone surface texture and its improvement on service performance
Authors: Sang Shunheng , Yuan Kezhen , Lv Shenjin , Wang Tianzhong , Zhao Guo , Liu Peng , Gao Dongfang , Li Xian , Qiao Yang
Published: March 2024

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has excellent chemical stability, x-ray transmittance, and elastic modulus close to human cortical bone, which can effectively reduce the stress shielding effect. Therefore, PEEK can be used as a commonly used medical bone implant material to repair damaged bones. However, due to its low surface free energy, PEEK has a certain degree of biological inertness. Surface modification methods are urgently needed to improve this problem. Laser surface texturing is expected to improve the biological inertia of PEEK materials. In this study, an ultraviolet laser with a wavelength of 355 nm was used to construct textures on the surface of PEEK materials. By biomimetic design on the surface of PEEK materials, textures similar in depth and width to the surface topography of natural bones were processed. We explore the specific improvement of corrugated texture, single line texture, and orthogonal texture on PEEK material performance, aiming at improving the service performance of PEEK material and creating conditions for better service of PEEK material in vivo. Through the evaluation of PEEK surface contact angle, friction and wear properties, and biocompatibility, the research results show that laser surface texture treatment can improve many service properties of PEEK materials.
Code changes could drastically reduce bitcoin’s enormous electricity requirements
Authors: Kramer David
Published: March 2024

As the value of bitcoin soars to record levels, the environmental impacts of cryptocurrency mining are attracting scrutiny from governments.
Will AI’s growth create an explosion of energy consumption?
Authors: Kramer David
Published: March 2024

Further improvements in hardware and software efficiencies may counteract an expected surge in demand for electricity needed to power the new large language models.
State anti-DEI laws sow uncertainty in public colleges and universities
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: March 2024

Inclusivity efforts are thwarted as faculty and institutions navigate new laws with unclear penalties.
Determining the generation length and level of morphological and genetic differentiation in the Data Deficient glossy grass skink (Pseudemoia rawlinsoni)
Authors: Wotherspoon Lucy , Haines Margaret L. , Farquhar Jules E. , Chapple David G.
Published: March 2024

Context Human activities are having a significant impact on biodiversity worldwide, to the extent that we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction event. Although a substantial proportion of species globally have an elevated risk of extinction, some species are poorly known and there is insufficient information available to adequately assess their risk of extinction. Aims and methods One such species is the glossy grass skink (Pseudemoia rawlinsoni), a widespread but enigmatic lizard species in south-eastern Australia. In order to improve our knowledge of its life history, and particularly its generation length, we examined museum specimens collected from across the range of the species, supplemented with measurements from field-caught individuals. Key results We estimated that the species reaches sexual maturity in 3 years, at approximately 40 mm snout–vent length. Its generation length was estimated as 5 years. Sexual dimorphism was evident, and female body size was positively related to litter size. Although there was no evidence for substantial variation in morphology across the range of the glossy grass skink, a phylogeographic analysis using mitochondrial DNA sequence data (ND4) revealed the presence of seven genetic sublineages (up to 5.1% genetic divergence) within the species. Conclusions The glossy grass skink appears to be a single, but widespread and genetically variable, species. Implications Our study demonstrates how a targeted, multifaceted study can be effective at rapidly gathering data that can be used to contribute vital information to the assessment of extinction risk in Data Deficient species.
Activation of ERβ hijacks the splicing machinery to trigger R-loop formation in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Dongfang , Tang Muya , Zhang Peidong , Yang Kailin , Huang Liang , Wu Mengrui , Shen Qiuhong , Yue Jing , Wang Wei , Gong Yanqiu , Warner Margaret , Dai Lunzhi , He Haihuai , Yang Zhengnan , Gustafsson Jan-Ake , Zhou Shengtao
Published: March 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Current therapeutic options available for TNBC patients are primarily chemotherapy. With our evolving understanding of this disease, novel targeted therapies, including poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, antibody–drug conjugates, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors, have been developed for clinical use. Previous reports have demonstrated the essential role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in TNBC, but the detailed molecular mechanisms downstream ERβ activation in TNBC are still far from elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that a specific ERβ agonist, LY500307, potently induces R-loop formation and DNA damage in TNBC cells. Subsequent interactome experiments indicated that the residues 151 to 165 of U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 1 (U2AF1) and the Trp439and Lys443of ERβ were critical for the binding between U2AF1 and ERβ. Combined RNA sequencing and ribosome sequencing analysis demonstrated that U2AF1-regulated downstream RNA splicing of 5-oxoprolinase (OPLAH) could affect its enzymatic activity and is essential for ERβ-induced R-loop formation and DNA damage. In clinical samples including 115 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 32 patients from an in-house cohort, we found a close correlation in the expression ofESR2andU2AF1in TNBC patients. Collectively, our study has unraveled the molecular mechanisms that explain the therapeutic effects of ERβ activation in TNBC, which provides rationale for ERβ activation–based single or combined therapy for patients with TNBC.
The focal adhesion protein talin is a mechanically gated A-kinase anchoring protein
Authors: Kang Mingu , Otani Yasumi , Guo Yanyu , Yan Jie , Goult Benjamin T. , Howe Alan K.
Published: March 2024

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a ubiquitous, promiscuous kinase whose activity is specified through subcellular localization mediated by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). PKA has complex roles as both an effector and a regulator of integrin-mediated cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM). Recent observations demonstrate that PKA is an active component of focal adhesions (FA), suggesting the existence of one or more FA AKAPs. Using a promiscuous biotin ligase fused to PKA type-IIα regulatory (RIIα) subunits and subcellular fractionation, we identify the archetypal FA protein talin1 as an AKAP. Talin is a large, mechanosensitive scaffold that directly links integrins to actin filaments and promotes FA assembly by recruiting additional components in a force-dependent manner. The rod region of talin1 consists of 62 α-helices bundled into 13 rod domains, R1 to R13. Direct binding assays and NMR spectroscopy identify helix41 in the R9 subdomain of talin as the PKA binding site. PKA binding to helix41 requires unfolding of the R9 domain, which requires the linker region between R9 and R10. Experiments with single molecules and in cells manipulated to alter actomyosin contractility demonstrate that the PKA–talin interaction is regulated by mechanical force across the talin molecule. Finally, talin mutations that disrupt PKA binding also decrease levels of total and phosphorylated PKA RII subunits as well as phosphorylation of VASP, a known PKA substrate, within FA. These observations identify a mechanically gated anchoring protein for PKA, a force-dependent binding partner for talin1, and a potential pathway for adhesion-associated mechanotransduction.
The disordered C-terminal tail of fungal LPMOs from phytopathogens mediates protein dimerization and impacts plant penetration
Authors: Tamburrini Ketty C. , Kodama Sayo , Grisel Sacha , Haon Mireille , Nishiuchi Takumi , Bissaro Bastien , Kubo Yasuyuki , Longhi Sonia , Berrin Jean-Guy
Published: March 2024

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are monocopper enzymes that oxidatively degrade various polysaccharides, such as cellulose. Despite extensive research on this class of enzymes, the role played by their C-terminal regions predicted to be intrinsically disordered (dCTR) has been overlooked. Here, we investigated the function of the dCTR of an LPMO, called
Co
AA9A, up-regulated during plant infection by
Colletotrichum orbiculare
, the causative agent of anthracnose. After recombinant production of the full-length protein, we found that the dCTR mediates
Co
AA9A dimerization in vitro, via a disulfide bridge, a hitherto-never-reported property that positively affects both binding and activity on cellulose. Using SAXS experiments, we show that the homodimer is in an extended conformation. In vivo, we demonstrate that gene deletion impairs formation of the infection-specialized cell called appressorium and delays penetration of the plant. Using immunochemistry, we show that the protein is a dimer not only in vitro but also in vivo when secreted by the appressorium. As these peculiar LPMOs are also found in other plant pathogens, our findings open up broad avenues for crop protection.
Mean-field study of magnetic properties and hysteresis behavior in a bilayer graphene Ising system
Authors: Salama M , Mouhrach T , Choubabi E B , Hachem N , El Bouziani M
Published: March 2024

Using the mean-field approximation based on the Gibbs-Bogoliubov inequality for the free energy, we conducted an investigation into the magnetic properties and hysteresis behavior of a graphene Ising bilayer, where the top and bottom layers are occupied by spins σ = 3/2 and S = 5/2, respectively. The effects of exchange interactions, crystal fields, external magnetic field and temperature on the total magnetization, partial magnetizations of each layer, total magnetic susceptibility, blocking temperature and hysteresis loops of the system were thoroughly analyzed. The variations of the blocking temperature as a function of various parameters in the system’s Hamiltonian were presented. Furthermore, we demonstrated the existence of multiple hysteresis loop behaviors under specific physical conditions.
Design and simulation of a new kesterite solar cell structure with and without a perovskite back surface field layer to exceed 32% efficiency
Authors: Et-Taya Lhoussayne , El Khalfi Abdelmajid , Ouhadou Malika , El Boukili Abderrahman , Rahman Md Ferdous , Benami Abdellah
Published: March 2024

Copper zinc tin sulfide-selenide (CZTSSe) is a promising thin-film material for photovoltaic solar cells due to its abundance, environmentally friendly constituents, direct bandgap, and high optical absorption in visible light. In this study, we used the SCAPS-1D software to investigate the heterojunction CZTSSe/CdS-based solar cell with and without a perovskite back surface field (BSF) layer added between the absorber layer and the Mo back contact. First, a simple structure CZTSSe/CdS-based solar cell without a BSF layer was considered and replicated. Then, by adding p-MAPbI3 as the BSF layer, a new kesterite solar cell structure has been proposed. Different layer parameters, such as the thickness, acceptor density, and the back contact’s work function, were used to compare the performance of both devices, with and without the BSF layer. A negative impact on cell performance was observed as a function of the series resistance. The analyses showed that the CZTSSe solar cell with the BSF achieved a higher efficiency of 32.27% compared to the cell without the BSF, which had an efficiency of 23.26%. The outcomes of this contribution may provide useful research directions for the thin-film photovoltaic field, enabling the production of highly efficient and low-cost CZTSSe-based solar cells.
Structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films as a function of pH value and its effect on photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Siahsahlan Mahnaz , Mohammadi Aref Sajedeh , Naghshara Hamid
Published: March 2024

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesised via sol–gel method, and then, deposited on a glass substrate using the spin-coating procedure to hand in ZnO thin films. In order to study the effect of alkaline sol on different properties of ZnO thin films, the pH value of sol was adjusted with ammonia. Then, the structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties of the prepared samples were analysed. According to XRD analyses, by increasing pH values, the size of ZnO particles increases and the films’ crystallinity improves. In addition, SEM micrographs affirm the uniformity of thin films. According to AFM findings, the morphology and roughness of the samples’ surface are affected by pH values in such a way that with increasing the pH, the roughness of the surface decreases, and the crystallinity improves. Also, both UV–vis peaks shift towards lower wavelengths with increasing pH value of ZnO sol. This means that the more the pH values of ZnO sol, the more the excitation energy of electrons. On the other hand, the numerical values of the energy bandgap decrease by increasing pH. According to PL results, the increase of pH causes the separated electrons and holes to have more energy and can move away from each other. So, the recombination process rate decreases; this result affirms by EIS findings. Increasing the optical absorption and reducing charge recombination are in favour of the photocatalytic reactions. Clearly, increasing the pH value causes the stable photocurrent to increase and the threshold voltage of (J-V) diagram to decrease. Also, the samples show recognisable sensitivity to light. As a final result, the best suggested amount of pH to fabricate ZnO photoanods for water splitting is 10.5.
High-efficiency and high-brightness broad area laser diodes with buried implantation current blocking
Authors: King Ben , Arslan Seval , Della Casa Pietro , Martin Dominik , Boni Anisuzzaman , Thies Andreas , Knigge Andrea , Crump Paul
Published: March 2024

Buried-regrown-implant-structure (BRIS) technology combines two-step epitaxial regrowth with an intermediate ion implantation step in order to realise a buried current aperture close to the active region of a laser diode. In this paper we carry out a systematic performance comparison demonstrating the benefit of BRIS technology in single emitter broad-area lasers (BALs). We investigate stripe width W = 100 μ
m and resonator length L = 4 mm single emitter lasers emitting at wavelength λ = 915 nm, comparing the performance of BRIS devices with different implantation depths with reference devices with only contact layer implantation. We show that using BRIS technology we achieve a continuous wave output power of 20 W at 57% efficiency, with a peak efficiency of 68%, and maintain a lateral brightness of 3.4 mm · mrad up to 19 W, improved over the reference devices due to reduced lateral current spreading in the BRIS devices. Further, we show results of ongoing aging experiments, which has shown no device degradation up to 5000 hours from BRIS devices.
Hydrogen storage properties of magnesium based alloys Mg67Ni(32-x)Nb1Alx (x = 1, 3, and 5) by using response surface methodology
Authors: Nivedhitha K S , Umarfarooq M A , Banapurmath N R , Venkatesh R , Khan Tabrej , M L Shreeshail
Published: March 2024

Nano metals and hydrogen storage have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their numerous unique properties and wide range of applications. This study explores the synthesis of nanostructured Al and Nb-substituted Mg2Ni intermetallic compounds through high-energy ball milling and investigates their electrochemical performance for energy-related applications. The research emphasizes the critical influence of crystallinity and crystallite size on electrode material performance. Employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the study identifies key factors affecting discharge capacity. Notably, current density emerges as the most significant factor, contributing 73% to discharge capacity, as confirmed by perturbation plots. Interaction effects among the factors were found to be relatively insignificant concerning the chemical kinetics of the electrode material. Furthermore, a second-order polynomial equation was developed through RSM to quantitatively relate discharge capacity to composition, milling time, and current density, with a high R2 value of 98.3%. To optimize discharge capacity, a fuzzy parameter setting was generated based on the mathematical model, resulting in a predicted discharge capacity of 398.209 mAh g−1, closely aligned with actual experimental results (394.203 mAh g−1). This work showcases the significance of advanced statistical techniques in elucidating the intricate relationships governing electrochemical performance, particularly in the context of nanocrystalline materials.
Multi-pole solitons and breathers for a nonlocal Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation with non-zero boundary conditions
Authors: Qin Mingke , Du Zhong
Published: March 2024

Utilizing the Riemann-Hilbert approach, we study the inverse scattering transformation, as well as multi-pole solitons and breathers, for a nonlocal Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation with non-zero boundary conditions at infinity. Beginning with the Lax pair, we introduce the uniformization variable to simplify both the direct and inverse problems on the two-sheeted Riemann surface. In the direct scattering problem, we systematically demonstrate the analyticity, asymptotic behaviors and symmetries of the Jost functions and scattering matrix. By solving the corresponding matrix Riemann-Hilbert problem, we work out the multi-pole solutions expressed as determinants for the reflectionless potential. Based on the parameter modulation, the dynamical properties of the simple-, double- and triple-pole solutions are investigated. In the defocusing cases, we show abundant simple-pole solitons including dark solitons, anti-dark-dark solitons, double-hump solitons, as well as double- and triple-pole solitons. In addition, the asymptotic expressions for the double-pole soliton solutions are presented. In the focusing cases, we illustrate the propagations of simple-pole, double-pole, and triple-pole breathers. Furthermore, the multi-pole breather solutions can be reduced to the bright soliton solutions for the focusing nonlocal Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel equation.
Cosmological electromagnetic Hopfions
Authors: Hojman Sergio A , Asenjo Felipe A
Published: March 2024

It is shown that any mathematical solution for null electromagnetic field knots in flat spacetime is also a null field knotted solution for cosmological electromagnetic fields. This is obtained by replacing the time t → τ = ∫dt/a, where a = a(t) is the scale factor of the Universe described by the Friedman-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmology, and by adequately rewriting the (empty flat spacetimes) electromagnetic fields solutions in a medium defined by the FLRW metric. We found that the dispersion (evolution) of electromagnetic Hopfions is faster on cosmological scenarios. We discuss the implications of these results for different cosmological models.
Prompt neutron emission in 250No spontaneous fission associated with ground and isomeric state decays
Authors: Mukhin R.S. , Isaev A.V. , Andreev A.V. , Chelnokov M.L. , Chepigin V.I. , Devaraja H.M. , Izosimov I.N. , Kuznetsova A.A. , Malyshev O.N. , Popeko A.G. , Popov Yu.A. , Rahmatinejad A. , Sailaubekov B. , Shneidman T.M. , Sokol E.A. , Svirikhin A.I. , Tezekbayeva M.S. , Bychkov M.A. , Yeremin A.V. , Dorvaux O. , Gall B. , Kessaci K. , Hauschild K. , Lopez-Martens A.
Published: March 2024

The complete-fusion reaction 204Pb(48Ca,2n)250No was used to study two activities of 250No with distinct half-lives. A total of 1357 events were observed in the SFiNx neutron detection system. The average number of neutrons emitted per spontaneous fission of 250No was determined to be

. The unusually symmetrical shape of the prompt neutron multiplicity distribution was restored and presented for the first time. Statistical tests were performed to compare the prompt neutron multiplicity distributions associated with the ground state and K-isomer state decays.
Event detection and classification from multimodal time series with application to neural data
Authors: Sadras Nitin , Pesaran Bijan , Shanechi Maryam M
Published: March 2024

The detection of events in time-series data is a common signal-processing problem. When the data can be modeled as a known template signal with an unknown delay in Gaussian noise, detection of the template signal can be done with a traditional matched filter. However, in many applications, the event of interest is represented in multimodal data consisting of both Gaussian and point-process time series. Neuroscience experiments, for example, can simultaneously record multimodal neural signals such as local field potentials (LFPs), which can be modeled as Gaussian, and neuronal spikes, which can be modeled as point processes. Currently, no method exists for event detection from such multimodal data, and as such our objective in this work is to develop a method to meet this need. Here we address this challenge by developing the multimodal event detector (MED) algorithm which simultaneously estimates event times and classes. To do this, we write a multimodal likelihood function for Gaussian and point-process observations and derive the associated maximum likelihood estimator of simultaneous event times and classes. We additionally introduce a cross-modal scaling parameter to account for model mismatch in real datasets. We validate this method in extensive simulations as well as in a neural spike-LFP dataset recorded during an eye-movement task, where the events of interest are eye movements with unknown times and directions. We show that the MED can successfully detect eye movement onset and classify eye movement direction. Further, the MED successfully combines information across data modalities, with multimodal performance exceeding unimodal performance. This method can facilitate applications such as the discovery of latent events in multimodal neural population activity and the development of brain-computer interfaces for naturalistic settings without constrained tasks or prior knowledge of event times.
A calibration-free c-VEP based BCI employing narrow-band random sequences
Authors: Zheng Li , Dong Yida , Tian Sen , Pei Weihua , Gao Xiaorong , Wang Yijun
Published: March 2024

Objective. Code-modulated visual evoked potential (c-VEP) based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) exhibit high encoding efficiency. Nevertheless, the majority of c-VEP based BCIs necessitate an initial training or calibration session, particularly when the number of targets expands, which impedes the practicality. To address this predicament, this study introduces a calibration-free c-VEP based BCI employing narrow-band random sequences. Approach. For the encoding method, a series of random sequences were generated within a specific frequency band. The c-VEP signals were subsequently elicited through the application of on-type grid flashes that were modulated by these sequences. For the calibration-free decoding algorithm, filter-bank canonical correlation analysis (FBCCA) was utilized with the reference templates generated from the original sequences. Thirty-five subjects participated into an online BCI experiment. The performances of c-VEP based BCIs utilizing narrow-band random sequences with frequency bands of 15–25 Hz (NBRS-15) and 8–16 Hz (NBRS-8) were compared with that of a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based BCI within a frequency range of 8–15.8 Hz. Main results. The offline analysis results demonstrated a substantial correlation between the c-VEPs and the original narrow-band random sequences. After parameter optimization, the calibration-free system employing the NBRS-15 frequency band achieved an average information transfer rate (ITR) of 78.56 ± 37.03 bits/min, which exhibited no significant difference compared to the performance of the SSVEP based system when utilizing FBCCA. The proposed system achieved an average ITR of 102.1 ± 57.59 bits/min in a simulation of a 1000-target BCI system. Significance. This study introduces a novel calibration-free c-VEP based BCI system employing narrow-band random sequences and shows great potential of the proposed system in achieving a large number of targets and high ITR.
Exploring machine vision measurements through innovative cyclic-lead-follower statistical technique: an experimental study
Authors: Zende Rohit V , Pawade Raju S
Published: March 2024

In metrology systems, machine vision systems are often utilized for non-contact inspection. The most important phase in ensuring measurement accuracy is camera calibration and estimation of pixel measurement errors, which establish the correspondence between image coordinates and object coordinates. Multiple calibration techniques improve the effectiveness of machine vision systems. However, a number of factors lead to variations in the camera calibration procedure, which must be optimized. This study explains a novel ‘Cyclic-Lead-Follower’ statistical methodology proposed for camera calibration and measurement to estimate the errors in pixel measurement, employing four slip gauges for measurement. Several multi-criteria decision-making techniques, including WSM, WPM, WASPAS, and TOPSIS, were used to optimize the results of the proposed Cyclic-Lead-Follower methods. The proposed Cyclic-Lead-Follower method improves the accuracy of the camera calibration and measurement system, which employs the exponential moving average statistical method when compared to the traditional calibration method. The proposed calibration method produces lower exponential moving average values than the traditional calibration method, with an average percentage error of approximately 46% in the exponential moving average. The use of an exponential moving average in a validation experiment of the Cyclic-Lead-Follower method decreased the measurement percentage errors, which were estimated to be 0.57%. The proposed method can be used in machine vision systems due to its robustness, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
Dreaming, Perception, and Knowledge in Plato’s Theaetetus and Vasubandhu’s Twenty Verses
Authors: Aufderheide Joachim
Published: March 2024

This chapter examines the relevance of the philosophical use of dreaming for the examination of the thesis that knowledge is perception. It begins by studying the position attributed to Protagoras in Plato’s Theaetetus, according to which the perceptual experiences we have when dreaming count as knowledge. It argues that this position requires two different subjects in the two different contexts of cognition (dreaming and waking). It contends that Vasubandhu’s use of dreaming in the Twenty Verses—to show that perception without external objects is possible—can help make sense of Protagorean perception. It raises the problem that both positions struggle to align their metaphysics with the phenomenology of perception. With the help of dreaming, Vasubandhu can explain how transformation may yield perceptual knowledge (in the form of buddha-vision). No such transformation is possible for a Protagorean because the different subjects inhabiting different cognitive contexts are not causally related.
Causal Pluralism in Vasubandhu and Plato
Authors: Kamtekar Rachana
Published: March 2024

While causation is central to the philosophy of both Buddhism and Platonism, understanding Plato’s and Vasubandhu’s accounts of causation requires stepping back from the modern mainstream view that causes are conditions on which effects depend, whether these are necessary and/or sufficient conditions. Some philosophers and psychologists have recently argued that we have, in addition to this concept of cause as “dependence,” a concept of cause as “productive,” viz., as a power to produce an effect. These causal pluralists claim that both concepts are needed to account for the full range of our causal judgments. This chapter argues that Vasubandhu’s generic account of cause in the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya embraces the two concepts insofar as it counts both producers and absences as causes, and that his discussion of the Buddha’s two formulas for dependent origination distinguishes dependence from productive causes, while Plato elaborates in the Phaedo a productive concept of cause on the model of a craft, promoting craft-intelligence to the role of the cause and subordinating dependence conditions to the role of the craftsman’s necessary materials and tools.
Unity and Predication in Plato’s Parmenides and Nāgārjuna’s Root Verses
Authors: Livingston Paul M
Published: March 2024

This chapter considers in parallel some main argumentative strategies of Nāgārjuna’s Root Verses and the “dialectical exercise” of Plato’s Parmenides. It argues that both can be seen as critically targeting the unity that is attributed to entities as coherent and individual subjects of predication. In particular, both show that it is incoherent to suppose any such subject either has the relevant kind of unity or (lacking such a unity) does not exist at all. This suggests that we may reject familiar analyses of the contradictory or paradoxical conclusions of both arguments as pointing either toward a superior and consistent structure of logical categories or toward a transcendent insight into the ineffable. Instead, we may see both as pointing, rather, to a possible overcoming of the “habit” of reifying conceptualization that is deep-seated in ordinary language and practice, and thereby to the potential soteriological benefits of such an overcoming.
Paradox, Not Contradiction
Authors: Harter Pierre-Julien
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the strategies and models Plotinus and Bhāviveka use to give its due to the claim that reality, conceived as the intelligible and the ultimate respectively, is non-discursive, while at the same time attempting to say something about it. Although the two authors offer contrasting models, they agree in distinguishing, not always explicitly, between ineffability, a characterization that keeps what it qualifies utterly out of the reach of language, and non-discursivity, which leaves room for things resistant to language to be amenable to language nonetheless. By providing a model to talk about the non-discursive, the two authors safeguard the practice of philosophical inquiry. But by qualifying the intelligible and the ultimate as non-discursive, they also retain a sense of the deficiency of language, in both metaphysical and soteriological terms, pointing at the necessity of transformation the philosopher should commit to if she is to attain the intelligible or the ultimate.
The Philosopher Returns to Saṃsāra
Authors: Harris Stephen
Published: March 2024

The fifth-century bce Greek philosopher Plato and the eighth-century ce Mādhyamika Buddhist philosopher Śāntideva face a similar tension regarding their claims that developing other-regarding virtue benefits its possessor. For Plato, justice requires the philosopher to forgo her desire to focus on theoretical study and take her turn at ruling the city. For Śāntideva, the bodhisattva’s compassion leads him to remain in the realm of rebirth to save sentient beings. This chapter shows how both authors respond to this tension by psychologizing virtues which are ordinarily conceived of as primarily governing external behavior. This results in inviolable happiness for the bodhisattva. In partial contrast, the happiness of Plato’s philosopher is constituted by her just soul, but remains imperfect, given the incompatibility of the aims of reason, which desires both to bring unity to the city and to continue its focus on theoretical study.
Introduction: Contracting
Authors: Sullivan Ceri
Published: March 2024

This chapter first outlines a subsection of behavioural economics: prospect theory (colloquially known as nudge theory). Then, calling on theories of the extended mind, it asks what sorts of minor physical and social structures were put in place to scaffold decisions in the early modern devotional life. One such structure is the contract with the self, written or spoken, which keeps its maker acting consistently in daily life with a published self-image in the contract. Herbert’s poems (particularly ‘Judgement’ and ‘Obedience’) are examined against instances of such contracts, including those made by the Ferrar family at Little Gidding, and by the London turner, Nehemiah Wallington.
Borders: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Diener Alexander C. , Hagen Joshua
Published: March 2024

Compelling and accessible, this Very Short Introduction challenges common perceptions of borders as merely lines on maps or physical barriers snaking across the landscape. Instead, borders are shown to be powerful forces integral to the economic, social, political, and environmental processes that shape our lives. By highlighting their prominent role in global history and across a gamut of contemporary international events, Alexander Diener and Joshua Hagen demonstrate the impact borders have on a range of issues spanning economic development and inequality, inter- and intra-state conflict, migration, nationalism, international law, human rights, environmental sustainability, climate change, public health, and natural resource management and thereby provide a powerful counterpoint to the idea of an emerging borderless world. Even as some scholars and activists argue for open borders, unfettered movement, or the elimination of the territorial nation-state, Diener and Hagen emphasize how and why borders have been, are currently, and will undoubtedly remain critical topics for the social sciences, domestic politics, and international affairs for the foreseeable future. This concise volume will appeal to a broad, interdisciplinary audience of scholars, practitioners, and students, including geographers, political scientists, anthropologists, sociologists, historians, experts in international relations and law, and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of current events. Whether taking the form of fenced national borders, gerrymandered electoral districts, bounded economic spaces, or private gated communities, demarcations of political and social spaces protect, structure, and shape our lives. This book offers readers an introduction to the diverse theoretical and philosophical perspectives on borders and their multifaceted roles shaping the twenty-first century.
A very bordered world
Authors: Diener Alexander C. , Hagen Joshua
Published: March 2024

Chapter 1 explores a variety of spatial divisions, demarcations, and strategies enacted through processes of bordering. In so doing, it demonstrates that borders are more than passive lines on maps but phenomena of great significance to daily life. The chapter asserts that while borders are so ubiquitous as to become naturalized, approaching borders as natural denies the complex human histories behind their creation, maintenance, and revision, as well as the capacity of people to alter them for the better. The chapter defines key terms including state sovereignty, domestic jurisdictions, and informal divisions of socioeconomic space. A brief review of the field of border research sets this work within an interdisciplinary scholarly context. The chapter concludes by posing a series of questions that guide the reader into the subsequent chapters and also points to the importance of understanding borders for the future.
Becoming someone else
Authors: Schechtman Marya
Published: March 2024

This chapter considers real-life circumstances in which we might say that a person has “become someone else” and how they are related to metaphysical questions of self-identity. The circumstances considered range from common occurrences such as a change of career or relationship, to more extreme and/or unusual cases like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, radical religious conversion, and dramatic medical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation. In the more usual cases, claims of someone becoming a different self or person are clearly metaphorical, but in the extreme cases, this is not so obvious. The features that underlie judgments of a loss of identity in these extreme cases are considered. In addition to the sheer magnitude of change, two additional features are identified: (1) These cases involve change with respect to especially significant, core psychological features, which are taken to define the deep or true self. (2) The change in these cases results in severe disruptions of the activities and relationships in a human life. The first of these reveals a need to better understand the concept of the true self, while the second connects these more metaphorical changes of identity to the discussion of metaphysical identity in Chapter 1, and suggests that non-psychological features, such as relationships and activities, might be part of what constitutes the self.
Increasing Precision When Targeting the Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle With Neuromodulators: An Ultrasound-Based Investigation
Authors: Alfertshofer Michael , Calomeni Mariana , Welch Scott , Metelitsa Andrei , Knoedler Samuel , Frank Konstantin , Green Jeremy B , Moellhoff Nicholas , Knoedler Leonard , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Background

Neuromodulator treatments of the perioral region are increasingly popular and aim to modulate the position of the modiolus. The predominantly targeted muscle is the depressor anguli oris (DAO) which allows for the modiolus to reposition cranially once temporarily relaxed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the precise anatomic position of the DAO in relation to the marionette line, thereby increasing precision and reducing adverse events during neuromodulator treatments.

Methods

A total of n = 80 DAO muscles were investigated in n = 40 healthy, toxin-naïve volunteers (11 males, 29 females) with a mean [standard deviation] age of 48.15 [15] years and a mean BMI of 24.07 [3.7] kg/m2. The location of the DAO in relation to the labiomandibular sulcus, and its depth, extent, and thickness were investigated with high-frequency ultrasound imaging.

Results

The skin surface projection of the labiomandibular sulcus separates the DAO into medial and lateral portions. The distance between skin surface and muscle surface was on average 4.4 mm, with males having a greater distance (P < .001) and higher BMI being an important influencing factor for a greater distance (P < .001). The thickness of the DAO was on average 3.5 mm, with a range of 2.8 to 4.8 mm and with females having thinner muscles compared with males (P < .001). The most favorable injection depth was calculated to be 6.1 mm for intramuscular product placement.

Conclusions

Understanding the perioral anatomy and the influence of age, sex, and BMI will potentially allow injectors to increase the efficacy and duration of neuromodulator treatments while expertly managing adverse events.

Level of Evidence: 4