bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraining modes and rates of horizontal deformation along east Qinling fault system from rotated river basins
Authors: Li Wei , Xie Chao , Pang Wei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe planform rotation of river basins has been used as a marker of crustal strain and been used to assess the style and rates of on‐fault deformation. We use the geometry of river basins to evaluate horizontal deformation associated with the South China–North China relative block motion in the east Qinling mountains. The long‐time average slip rates of the Luonan fault and Shangdan fault are constrained as 0.31 mm/year and 0.3–0.6 mm/year, respectively. According to the latest GPS, we believe that a minor portion of the crustal strain of relative block motion between North China and South China was partitioned into the east Qinling strike‐slip fault system, leaving a major portion of deformation to be accommodated by southern North China (SNC). We conclude that the eastward extrusion of South China cannot explain the present deformation of the entire eastern China, and more attention should be paid into the SNC.
Natural ballistic gelatine ultrasound phantoms are suitable to be used for student education and can be produced cheaply and effectively
Authors: Phillips Henry , Franklin Chantelle , Brearley Jacqueline , Holmes Mark , Genain Marie‐Aude 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPractical experience in ultrasonography at medical and veterinary schools is difficult to achieve using live models due to ethical considerations. A solution to this problem has been the creation of synthetic ultrasound phantoms that allow simulation of both ultrasound scans and ultrasound‐guided procedures. Whilst commercially available phantoms are expensive in a resource‐limited environment, it would be desirable to create affordable, reusable, homemade phantoms which could be used to aid student learning. Recent studies have indicated that ballistic gelatine is an excellent material for this. A prospective, experimental study was performed with three ultrasound phantoms for student use. Vascular, bladder, and liver parenchymal models were produced with a natural ballistic gel, along with instructions for their construction and maintenance. Model efficacy was evaluated by assessing students’ performance in completing a set of tasks when performing ultrasound on a dog. Group one received training with the models, group two received prior training without the models and the group three received no training. Entry and exit questionnaires assessed students’ confidence in ultrasound scanning having used the models. Student questionnaires showed that students enjoyed using the models and found them more useful than existing teaching aids. It was also found that the models produced better practical skills in students that trained with them, in comparison to existing teaching. The models were easy to make, produced good images, and are reusable.
On the sharp constant in the Bianchi–Egnell stability inequality
Authors: König Tobias 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis note is concerned with the Bianchi–Egnell inequality, which quantifies the stability of the Sobolev inequality, and its generalization to fractional exponents . We prove that in dimension the best constant
is strictly smaller than the spectral gap constant associated to sequences that converge to the manifold of Sobolev optimizers. In particular, cannot be asymptotically attained by such sequences. Our proof relies on a precise expansion of the Bianchi–Egnell quotient along a well‐chosen sequence of test functions converging to .
A tight squeeze: how do we make sense of small changes in microvascular diameter?
Authors: Davis Harvey , Attwell David 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe brain is an energetically demanding tissue which, to function adequately, requires constant fine tuning of its supporting blood flow, and hence energy supply. Whilst blood flow was traditionally believed to be regulated only by vascular smooth muscle cells on arteries and arterioles supplying the brain, recent work has suggested a critical role for capillary pericytes, which are also contractile. This concept has evoked some controversy, especially over the relative contributions of arterioles and capillaries to the control of cerebral blood flow. Here we outline why pericytes are in a privileged position to control cerebral blood flow. First we discuss the evidence, and fundamental equations, which describe how the small starting diameter of capillaries, compared to upstream arterioles, confers a potentially greater control by capillary pericytes than by arterioles over total cerebral vascular resistance. Then we suggest that the faster time frame over which low branch order capillary pericytes dilate in response to local energy demands provides a niche role for pericytes to regulate blood flow compared to slower responding arterioles. Finally, we discuss the role of pericytes in capillary stalling, whereby pericyte contraction appears to facilitate a transient stall of circulating blood cells, exacerbating the effect of pericytes upon cerebral blood flow.
image
“It’s Easier to Play Alone”: A Survey Study of Gaming With Disabilities
Authors: Baltzar Pauliina , Hassan Lobna , Turunen Markku 
Published: April 2023

Within gamers, disabled people remain an understudied minority. While research indicates that they actively play single-player games, we lack an understanding of their experience with multiplayer games. This study aims to answer the following research questions: (a) What kind of games do disabled people play? and (b) Why do disabled people not play multiplayer games? The questions are answered using survey data focusing on playing digital games as a person with disabilities. In total, 92 answers were analyzed. The findings suggest that disabled people play both single-player and multiplayer games and they play games for the same commonly reported reasons as players without disabilities do, although demographics seem to be a key differentiating factor among them in their playing habits, rather than disability differences. However, disabled people reported that they play single-player games more often. We identified four themes from our data that explain why multiplayer games are played less, which are: playing company and insecurity about one’s own skills, lack of relaxation while playing, lack of game accessibility, and lack of interest. Our results indicate that much more work is needed to ensure, especially the social, as well as the technical accessibility of multiplayer games.
Exploring Work-Time Affective States Through Ecological Momentary Assessment in an Office-Based Intervention to Reduce Occupational Sitting
Authors: Faulkner Guy , Weatherson Katie A. , Duncan Markus J. , Wunderlich Kelly B. , Puterman Eli 
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to examine whether a low-cost standing desk intervention that reduced occupational sitting was associated with changes in work-time cognitive–affective states in real time using ecological momentary assessments at the start and end of the trial. Methods: Forty-one office employees (91.7% female, mean age = 39.8 [10.1] y) were randomized to receive a low-cost standing desk or a waitlist control. Participants received 5 surveys each day for 5 workdays via smartphone application prior to randomization and at trial’s end. Ecological momentary assessment assessed current work-time psychological states (valence and arousal, stress, fatigue, and perceived productivity). Multilevel models assessed whether changes in work-time outcomes over the course of the intervention were significantly different between treatment groups. Results: There were no significant differences in outcomes between the groups except for fatigue, with the control group reporting a significant decrease in daily fatigue following the intervention (P < .001). The intervention group reported no significant changes in any of the work-time outcomes across the study period (P > .05). Conclusions: A low-cost standing desk intervention to reduce occupational sedentary behavior did not negatively impact work-time outcomes such as productivity and fatigue in the short term.
Finnish emergency medical services managers’ and medical directors’ perceptions of collaborating with patients concerning patient safety issues: a qualitative study
Authors: Venesoja Anu , Tella Susanna , Castrén Maaret , Lindström Veronica 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe emergency medical services (EMS) managers’ and medical directors’ perceptions of collaborating with patients concerning patient safety issues in the EMS.DesignThe study used a descriptive qualitative approach. Five focus groups and two individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured guide with open-ended questions. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research was used to guide the reporting of this study.SettingEMS organisations from Finland’s five healthcare districts.ParticipantsEMS medical directors (n=5) and EMS managers (n=14). Purposive sampling was used.ResultsTwo main themes, ‘Patient safety considered an organisational responsibility’ and ‘EMS patients’ opportunities and obstacles to speaking up’, were generated from the data. Under the main theme, ‘Patient safety considered an organisational responsibility’, were three subthemes: patient safety considered part of the quality in EMS, system-level models for handling and observing patient safety in EMS, and management’s ability to find a balance when using patients’ feedback for patient safety development. Under the other main theme were four subthemes: ‘social and feedback skills of EMS personnel and management’, ‘managements’ assumptions of patients’ reasons for not speaking up’, ‘EMS organisations’ different but unsystematic ways of collecting feedback’ and ‘management’s openness to develop patient participation’.ConclusionsThe nature of the EMS organisations and EMS assignments could affect a patient’s participation in developing patient safety in EMS. However, EMS managers and medical directors are receptive to collaborating with patients concerning patient safety issues if they have sufficient resources and a coherent way to collect patient safety concerns. The management is open to collaborating with patients, but there is a need to develop a systematic method with enough resources to facilitate the management’s collaborating with patients.
Effectiveness of quality improvement collaboratives in UK surgical settings and barriers and facilitators influencing their implementation: a systematic review and evidence synthesis
Authors: Atkins Eleanor , Birmpili Panagiota , Glidewell Liz , Li Qiuju , Johal Amundeep S , Waton Sam , Boyle Jon R , Pherwani Arun D , Chetter Ian , Cromwell David A 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundHigh-quality surgical care is vital to deliver the excellent outcomes patients deserve following surgical treatment. Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) are based on a multicentre model for improving healthcare. They are increasingly used but their effectiveness in the context of surgical services is unclear. This review assessed effectiveness of QICs in National Health Service (NHS) surgical settings, and identified factors that influenced implementation.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE, as well as grey literature, was conducted in January 2022 to identify evaluations of QICs in NHS surgical settings. Data were extracted on the intervention, setting, study results and factors that were identified as facilitators or barriers. These were coded using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The quality of study reports was assessed using Quality Improvement Minimum Criteria Set.ResultsFifteen reports on 10 QICs met inclusion criteria. The evaluations used study designs of different strength, with one using a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial (RCT). Eight studies reported the QIC had been successful in achieving their principal aims, which covered a mix of patient outcomes and process indicators. The study based on the RCT found the QIC was not successful (no improvement in patient outcomes). Each article reported a range of facilitators and barriers to effectiveness of implementation of the QIC, which were spread across the CFIR domains (intervention, outer setting, inner setting, individuals and process). There were few barriers reported in the intervention domain that related to the QIC. There was no clear relationship between numbers of facilitators and barriers reported and effectiveness.ConclusionsStudies have reported QICs to be effective in increasingly complex contexts, but their results must be treated with caution. The evaluations often used weak study designs and the quality of reports was variable. Evaluation with strong study design should be integral to future QICs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022324970.
Qualitative stability analysis of cosmological parameters in f(T, B) gravity
Authors: Samaddar Amit , Singh S. Surendra 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe analyze the cosmological solutions of f(T, B) gravity using dynamical system analysis where T is the torsion scalar and B be the boundary term scalar. In our work, we assume three specific cosmological models. For first model, we consider $$ f(T,B)=f_{0}(B^{k}+T^{m})$$

f

(
T
,
B
)

=

f
0

(

B
k

+

T
m

)

, where k and m are constants. For second model, we consider $$f(T,B)=f_{0}T B$$

f

(
T
,
B
)

=

f
0

T
B

, for third model, we consider $$f(T,B)=\alpha T^{2}$$

f

(
T
,
B
)

=
α

T
2

. We generate an autonomous system of differential equations for each models by introducing new dimensionless variables. To solve this system of equations, we use dynamical system analysis. We also investigate the critical points and their natures, stability conditions and their behaviors of Universe expansion. For first and second models, we get two stable critical points, while for third model we get one stable critical point. The phase plots of this system are analyzed in detail and study their geometrical interpretations also. For these three models, we evaluated density parameters such as $$\Omega _{r}$$

Ω
r

, $$\Omega _{m}$$

Ω
m

, $$\Omega _{\Lambda }$$

Ω
Λ

and $$\omega _{eff}$$

ω

eff

and deceleration parameter (q) and find their suitable range of the parameter $$\lambda $$
λ
for stability. For first model, we get $$\omega _{eff}=-0.833,-0.166$$

ω

eff

=
-
0.833
,
-
0.166

and for second model, we get $$\omega _{eff}=-\frac{1}{3}$$

ω

eff

=
-

1
3

. This shows that both the models are in quintessence phase. For third model we get accelerated expansion of the Universe. Further, we compare the values of EoS parameter and deceleration parameter with the observational values.
Chronic Remote Ischemic Conditioning on Mild Hypertension in the Absence of Antihypertensive Medication: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial
Authors: Guo Wenting , Zhao Wenbo , Li Dong , Jia Haiying , Ren Changhong , Li Sijie , Zhao Jing , Yu Bingxin , Dong Jian , Guo Rongfen , Zhu Kun , Cao Yu , Wang Yan , Wang Ying , Li Zunshan , Wang Zhen , Wang Dan , Hou Chengbei , Hausenloy Derek J , Chu Xi , Ji Xunming 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Exploratory studies have shown that remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has the potential to lower blood pressure (BP). We investigated whether chronic RIC reduces BP for hypertension.

Methods:
This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial. Patients with an office BP of 130/80 to 160/100 mm Hg and a 24-hour average BP ≥125/75 mm Hg not on antihypertensive medications were recruited. After a 1-week compliance screening phase, they were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive RIC or sham RIC twice daily for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in 24-hour average systolic BP from baseline to 4 weeks. Safety events were assessed over the study period.

Results:

Ninety-five participants were randomly allocated to the RIC (n=49) and sham RIC (n=46) groups. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the reduction in 24-hour average systolic BP was greater in the RIC group than the sham RIC group (−4.6±9.5 versus −0.9±6.8 mm Hg; baseline-adjusted between-group mean difference: −3.6 mm Hg [95% CI, −6.9 to −0.3 mm Hg]; adjusted
P
=0.035). The per-protocol analysis showed that 24-hour average systolic BP reduced −5.9±8.6 mm Hg in the RIC group and −0.7±6.7 mm Hg in the sham RIC group (baseline-adjusted between-group mean difference: −5.2 mm Hg [95% CI, −8.5 to −1.9 mm Hg]; adjusted
P
=0.002). No major adverse events were reported in both groups.

Conclusions:
RIC is safe in patients with mild hypertension and may lower BP in the absence of antihypertensive medications. However, the effects of RIC on clinical outcomes in these patients require further investigation.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04915313.
Scalable Variational Inference for Low-Rank Spatiotemporal Receptive Fields
Authors: Duncker Lea , Ruda Kiersten M. , Field Greg D. , Pillow Jonathan W. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAn important problem in systems neuroscience is to characterize how a neuron integrates sensory inputs across space and time. The linear receptive field provides a mathematical characterization of this weighting function and is commonly used to quantify neural response properties and classify cell types. However, estimating receptive fields is difficult in settings with limited data and correlated or high-dimensional stimuli. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a hierarchical model designed to flexibly parameterize low-rank receptive fields. The model includes gaussian process priors over spatial and temporal components of the receptive field, encouraging smoothness in space and time. We also propose a new temporal prior, temporal relevance determination, which imposes a variable degree of smoothness as a function of time lag. We derive a scalable algorithm for variational Bayesian inference for both spatial and temporal receptive field components and hyperparameters. The resulting estimator scales to high-dimensional settings in which full-rank maximum likelihood or a posteriori estimates are intractable. We evaluate our approach on neural data from rat retina and primate cortex and show that it substantially outperforms a variety of existing estimators. Our modeling approach will have useful extensions to a variety of other high-dimensional inference problems with smooth or low-rank structure.
Fast Response of East Asian Precipitation in June 2020 to Local and Remote Aerosol Emission Reductions during COVID-19
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Liu Xiaohong , Wu Chenglai , Lin Guangxing , Wang Yong , Lu Zheng , Zhao Xi , Wei Linyi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this study, the fast response of East Asian summer precipitation to COVID-19–induced aerosol emission reductions is examined using the Community Earth System Model, version 2.2 (CESM2.2). The emission reductions decreased aerosol optical depth and cloud cover over northern China in June 2020. The troposphere became warmer, strengthening the land–sea thermal contrast and anomalous southerly winds. The subtropical westerly jet accelerated and shifted southward, favoring low-level convergence, upward air motions, and subsequent condensational heating over the Yangtze River basin (YRB). The feedback of condensational heating in return strengthened the convergence and ascent. The western North Pacific subtropical high was intensified, which further enhanced the moisture advection and convergence over the YRB. Both the enhanced moisture convergence and ascent increased precipitation over the YRB during June 2020. Furthermore, local and remote emission reductions show different impacts on convection and moisture transport over the YRB. The emission reductions over China caused stronger convective precipitation (1.15 vs 0.63 mm day−1) but weaker larger-scale precipitation (1.17 vs 2.24 mm day−1) than the emission reductions outside China. In addition to the emission reductions, the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in 2020 also play an important role in increasing precipitation over the YRB, contributing about 42.8%. The relative contribution of SST anomalies also increases under the COVID-19–induced emission scenario.
Topographically Generated Submesoscale Shear Instabilities Associated with Brazil Current Meanders
Authors: Luko Caique D. , Lazaneo Cauê Z. , Silveira Ilson C. A. da , Pereira Filipe , Tandon Amit 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The western boundary current system off southeastern Brazil is composed of the poleward-flowing Brazil Current (BC) in the upper 300 m and the equatorward flowing Intermediate Western Boundary Current (IWBC) underneath it, forming a first-baroclinic mode structure in the mean. Between 22° and 23°S, the BC-IWBC jet develops recurrent cyclonic meanders that grow quasi-stationarily via baroclinic instability, though their triggering mechanisms are not yet well understood. Our study, thus, aims to propose a mechanism that could initiate the formation of these mesoscale eddies by adding the submesoscale component to the hydrodynamic scenario. To address this, we perform a regional 1/50° (∼2 km) resolution numerical simulation using CROCO (Coastal and Regional Ocean Community model). Our results indicate that incoming anticyclones reach the slope upstream of separation regions and generate barotropic instability that can trigger the meanders’ formation. Subsequently, this process generates submesoscale cyclones that contribute, along with baroclinic instability, to the meanders’ growth, resulting in a submesoscale-to-mesoscale inverse cascade. Last, as the mesoscale cyclones grow, they interact with the slope, generating inertially and symmetrically unstable anticyclonic submesoscale vortices and filaments.

Significance Statement
Off southeastern Brazil, the Brazil Current develops recurrent cyclonic meanders. Such meanders enhance the open-ocean primary productivity and are of societal importance as they are located in a region rich in oil and gas where oil-spill accidents have already happened. This study aims to explore the processes responsible for triggering the formation of these mesoscale eddies. We find that incoming anticyclones reach the slope upstream of separation regions and generate barotropic instabilities that eject submesoscale filaments and vortices and can trigger the meanders’ formation. Such results show that topographically generated submesoscale instabilities can play an important role in the dynamics of mesoscale meanders off southeastern Brazil. Moreover, this may indicate that resolving the submesoscale dynamics in operational numerical models may contribute to an increase in the predictability of the regional eddies.