Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
High-fidelity remote entanglement of trapped atoms mediated by time-bin photons
Abstract Photonic interconnects between quantum processing nodes are likely the only way to achieve large-scale quantum computers and networks. The bottleneck in such an architecture is the interface between well-isolated quantum memories and flying photons. We establish high-fidelity entanglement between remotely separated trapped atomic qubit memories, mediated by photonic qubits stored in the timing of their pulses. Such time-bin encoding removes sensitivity to polarization errors, enables long-distance quantum communication, and is extensible to quantum memories with more than two states. Using a measurement-based error detection process and suppressing a fundamental source of error due to atomic recoil, we achieve an entanglement fidelity of 97% and show that fundamental limits due to atomic recoil still allow fidelities in excess of 99.9%.
Deep learning prioritizes cancer mutations that alter protein nucleocytoplasmic shuttling to drive tumorigenesis
Chiral europium halides with high-performance magnetic field tunable red circularly polarized luminescence at room temperature
Solar-powered light-modulated microwave programmable metasurface for sustainable wireless communications
Groundwater quality evolution across China
Amplified multipartite entanglement witnessed in a quantum critical metal
Traffic signal active control method for short-distance intersections
Aiming at the existing problems about the overflow prevention goal and the overall traffic efficiency guarantee being difficult to optimize at the same time in the signal control process of short-distance intersections scenario, this paper proposes a traffic signal active control method based on key state prediction. In order to construct the key state evolution trend of short-distance intersection scenarios, this paper proposes the concept of overflow index for short-distance road sections and designs the prediction method of overflow index. In order to perform fast computation and solution for the active control scheme, this paper builds a solution algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning and optimizes the problem of reward sparsity in the algorithm, which improves the ability of active control in terms of state space and reward function. The experimental results show that this method can not only ensure the overall traffic efficiency of short-distance intersections and reduce the travel delay but also can actively sense the change of overflow state, improve the overflow prevention and control ability of the target scenario, and reduce the overflow risk.
Methods for the health technology assessment of complex interventions: A scoping review
Introduction Health Technology Assessment (HTA) methods have been developed to support evidence-informed policy-making by assessing the comparative value and costs of health interventions and programs. However, the complexity of many health interventions presents challenges to the use of conventional HTA methods. This scoping review collated and synthesised international approaches to the HTA of complex interventions including identifying assessment criteria, types of evidence and the domains of value that are most favoured. Materials and methods A systematic scoping review was conducted using JBI guidelines, Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework and recent advances in scoping review methodology. Seven electronic databases, grey literature sources, three leading HTA journals and backward citation searching were used to search complex intervention HTA records written in English from January 2000 to December 2023. Supplementary searches were also conducted to identify actual HTA reports produced by certain countries. The Population (or Participants), Concept and Context framework guided the literature selection process, with a two-phase screening process and subsequent narrative synthesis. The PRISMA-ScR checklist guided reporting. Independent screening by two reviewers ensured accuracy of study selection, and data extraction followed a customised form grounded in the HTA-core model. Results A total of 10684 references yielded 35 records from twelve countries. The review identified two clusters of research on HTA of complex interventions: methodological orientation and conceptual models (n = 19) and actual HTAs conducted on complex interventions (n = 16). Several evaluation criteria and domains were used or recommended for use that extended beyond the core HTA domains. Three distinct HTA approaches emerged: the integrative approach, highlighted in methodological guides and theoretical frameworks; and either sequential or concurrent approaches, emphasised in practical HTAs. In the theoretical literature, equal weight is given to various HTA domains for complex intervention assessment, but in practice, the scope and specificity of domains vary across reports, with countries exhibiting differing priorities. Cost-effectiveness, clinical effectiveness and organisational aspects predominated in complex intervention evaluation, albeit with gradually increasing emphasis on a technology’s description, intended use, safety and patient and social aspects over the past decade. There was less focus on ethical and legal considerations. This trend is consistent with the evaluation of non-complex interventions in HTA. HTAs undertaken on complex interventions introduced unique domains like politics, implementation, early stakeholder engagement, outcome uncertainty, adaptive methods and real-world data, with expert opinion recommended when data were insufficient. Conclusion A shift towards considering broader contextual and implementation factors in the HTA of complex interventions was evident in this scoping review, extending beyond traditional HTA domains. However, discrepancies persist between theoretical and methodological guidance suggesting one approach and practical HTAs often adopting another. The implications of the shift towards contextual and implementation factors require exploration in future research. This could help to establish consensus on metrics and evidentiary elements, optimising HTA for complex health interventions.
Family caregivers’ contributions to self-care behaviors among heart failure patients in Oman
Background Family caregiver’s role can be involving patients with heart failure (HF) in each behavior of self-care such as treatment adherence, and healthy eating, which will \ultimately lead to disease control. This study aimed to investigate family caregivers’ contributions to self-care behaviors among patients with heart failure in Oman. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 136 family caregivers of patients with HF has completed the family caregivers’ demographics characteristics sheet and the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of HF Index2 (CC-SCHFI 2). Results Caregivers demonstrated low levels of contribution to patients’ self-care. The mean and (standard deviation) of caregivers’ contribution to maintenance tasks, patients’ ability to perceive symptoms, and to patients’ ability to manage self-care tasks scored 64.12 (SD = 15.70), 66.78 (SD = 14.72).and 52.26 (SD = 15.98) respectively. Education, exercise, and quality of social support were found to have a statistically significant association with caregivers’ contribution to self-care maintenance at a p–value of 0.004, 0.004, 0.004 respectively. While gender, education, marital status, exercise, and quality of social support had statistically significant association with caregivers’ contribution to self-care perception at a p-value of 0.003, 0.002, 0.006, < 0.01, and 0.004 respectively. Moreover, gender, education, marital status, exercise, and health compared to 1 year ago had significant association with caregivers’ contribution to self-care management at a p-value of 0.009, 0.006, 0.005, < 0.01, 0.007 respectively. Conclusion Giving attention and support to caregivers can indirectly impact the self-care behaviors of patients with HF and consequently enhance patients’ outcomes.
Unveiling the social and environmental benefits of digital transformation in corporations
In the context of the “dual-carbon” goal and the digital economy, exploring the impact of digital transformation on enterprises’ social and environmental responsibility is a key issue for achieving sustainable enterprise development and promoting high-quality economic development. This study empirically examines the impact of digital transformation on enterprises’ social and environmental responsibility and its mechanism. We achieved this through using instrumental variables and DID (Differences-in-Differences)models and selecting the data of Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2008 to 2021. The study concludes that an enterprise’s digital transformation positively contributes to the fulfilment of corporate social responsibility. However, the digital transformation of the enterprise has a dampening effect on the fulfilment of the enterprise’s environmental responsibility. Additionally, this effect holds after a series of robustness tests. Further investigation shows that financial constraints have a positive moderating effect on enterprise digital transformation and corporate social responsibility(CSR) and a negative moderating effect on enterprise environmental responsibility. In addition, we found that the impact of enterprise digital transformation on CSR and environmental responsibility varies by firm type. The above studies provide valuable practical experiences for enterprises to achieve green and low-carbon development, reduce environmental pollution, and realize high-quality economic development as well as insight for enterprises and policy implementers.
Genome-wide SNPs reveal novel genetic relationships among Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada (subdivision 3Ps), Northern cod stock complex, and Gulf of St Lawrence
The south coast of Newfoundland, Canada (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision 3Ps) is known to be a mixing zone for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Tagging and genetic studies have shown cod from the Northern and Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO Divisions 3Pn, 4RST), Southern Grand Banks (3NO), and the Northern cod stock complex (2J3KL) frequent the waters of 3Ps at various times throughout the year, but the extent of genetic mixing is unknown. However, 3Ps has not been the central focus of previous large-scale genomic analyses of population structure, a knowledge gap that we address using single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using 38,111 neutral markers from reduced representation next-generation sequencing data, we determined the provenance of 3Ps cod relative to the Northern stock complex, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bay of Fundy, and Gulf of Maine. We present evidence for genetic similarity between 3Ps and the Northern stock complex, particularly NAFO Division 3L. Additionally, genetic clustering analyses suggest 3Ps to be a mixed stock, containing individuals from the Northern stock complex and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Genetic clustering also suggests that there are two subtle subclusters of Northern stock complex and 3Ps cod, indicating there may be subtle population structure within the Northern stock complex and surrounding zones. This new information on population structure gives insight into connectivity and may be useful in future management for rebuilding cod populations.
Optimization design and experiment of key components of mountain pendulum-lever cam type hole seeders based on DEM-MBD coupling simulation
In response to issues such as high miss-seeding rates and uneven seed grain distribution during the operation of the pendulum-lever camshaft hole seeders under the compound planting mode of corn and soybeans in hilly mountainous areas, a method for optimizing the hole seeders by adjusting movable pendulum-lever angle and the number of cam roller groups is proposed. By analyzing the motion process and mechanism of hole formation of the hole-forming device, it was possible to elucidate the influence of the movable pendulum-lever angle and cam roller group number on the improvement of seeding quality. Based on the DEM-MBD coupled simulation, single-factor simulation experiments were conducted using the hole seeders shaft speed, movable pendulum- lever angle, and cam roller group number as test factors, with the seed grain qualification rate, reseeding rate, and miss-seeding rate as test indicators. A three-factor, three-level orthogonal rotation combination simulation experiment was designed to derive a mathematical model of the relationship between test factors and indicators. Data analysis was performed using Design-Expert 13 soft-ware to optimize the regression model for multiple objectives and obtain the optimal parameter combination. The simulation test results indicate that when the hole seeder shaft speeds were 47.43 r/min and 48.09 r/min, the movable pendulum- lever angles were 100.23° and 101.70°, and the number of rollers in the cam group were 2.81 and 2.95,the qualified rates of corn and soybean seeding were 95.19% and 96.07%. The reseeding rates were 3.58% and 2.35%, while the missed seeding rates were 1.23% and 1.58%. The field test results indicate that under the optimal parameter combination, the relative errors of the qualification rate, the reseeding rate, and the missed seeding rate between the simulation tests and the field tests were 0.4% and 0.13%, 1.17% and 0.36%, and 1.57% and 0.23%. This serves to validate the accuracy of the coupled simulation model, and the research findings can provide theoretical support and a point of reference for the design and performance optimization of pendulum- lever cam-type hole seeders in hilly and mountainous areas.
Factors influencing ankle alignment changes following medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Preoperative knee and ankle deformities and extent of knee alignment correction
Introduction The impact of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (MUKA) on ankle alignment is not well-studied. This study aims to investigate the changes in ankle alignment following MUKA and identify the influencing factors. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis included 175 patients undergoing MUKA between 2018 and 2020. Patients were categorized into varus (n = 113) or valgus (n = 62) ankle groups based on preoperative ankle deformities. Preoperative and postoperative full-length standing radiographs were used for radiographic measurements. Results Following MUKA, significant differences in the change in tibial plafond-talus angle (PTA) were observed between the groups, with the varus ankle group showing a change of -0.71 ± 0.82° and the valgus ankle group showing a change of 0.08 ± 0.94° (p < 0.001). In the varus ankle group, the tibial plafond-ground angle (PGA) increased from -3.65 ± 4.22° preoperatively to -0.51 ± 4.52° postoperatively (p < 0.001), talus-ground angle (TGA) increased from -5.28 ± 4.32° to -1.32 ± 4.74° (p < 0.001), and PTA decreased from 1.52 ± 1.04° to 0.81 ± 1.12° (p < 0.001). In the valgus ankle group, PGA increased from -5.44 ± 4.39° to -1.43 ± 4.63° (p < 0.001) and TGA increased from -4.55 ± 4.24° to -0.59 ± 4.47° (p < 0.001), but PTA did not show a significant change. Ankle alignment change significantly correlated with preoperative joint line convergence angle (JLCA), preoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), preoperative PGA, preoperative TGA, preoperative PTA, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) changes, and bearing thickness. Conclusions MUKA significantly corrects the majority of ankle alignment towards a more neutral position. The extent of ankle alignment correction is influenced by preoperative knee and ankle joint deformities, as well as the degree of knee alignment correction.
“You do need each member of the team to bring that next piece of the puzzle”: Allied health professionals’ experience of interprofessional complex care in hospital settings
This study explores the experiences of allied health professionals who work in interprofessional hospital complex care teams. The aim of the study was to identify factors influential to meaningful clinician experiences in these contexts. Increase in interprofessional complex care in hospital settings reflects rising population health complexity. Furthermore, growth in these models coincides with a heightened focus on health system efficiency due to rising healthcare costs, resource constraints, and health workforce shortfalls. Combined, these issues constitute a ‘wicked problem’. However, research exploring the experiences of clinicians working under these conditions is limited, exposing the knowledge gap of interest to this study. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with allied health professionals engaged in hospital-based interprofessional complex care, and their narratives were analysed according to the conceptual framework of complex adaptive phenomenology. The study identified four interconnected themes: workplace culture and leadership, interprofessional practice, healthcare ethics, and the ambiguity of complex care. Furthermore, the notion of ‘empowerment of self and others’ was a continuous thread throughout, which appeared essential to effective interprofessional practice. The study showed how the clinician experience provides a window to the functioning of a healthcare system and the bearing of experience on healthcare efficiency and sustainability. Recommendations include developing a more balanced approach to ‘efficiency’ in policy settings, implementing structured leadership development programs within the allied health workforce, empowering under-graduate practitioners through education to work effectively with uncertainty, and increasing research into the clinician experience of interdisciplinary complex care practice.
RAC1 promotes the occurrence and development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma by regulating RAC1/PAK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway
Self-reported myopia and age-related cataract: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Experimental and theoretical investigation into the decomposition mechanism of 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenylpentazole
Intelligent prediction system for surface movement and deformation in the subsequent filling mining of inclined, thick, and large ore
Subjective probability is modulated by emotions
Abstract Information about risks and probabilities is ubiquitous in our environment, forming the basis for decisions in an uncertain world. Emotions are known to modulate subjective probability when probabilistic information is desired (as in gambles) or undesired (as in risks). Yet little is known about the role of emotions in shaping the subjective probability of affectively neutral events. We investigated this in one correlational study (Study 1, N = 162) and one experimental study (Study 2, N = 119). As predicted, we found that participants higher in emotional dominance were more conservative in their probability estimates, avoiding the extremes. Remarkably, this pattern also transferred to realistic risk assessments. Furthermore, respondents’ tendency to use the representativeness heuristic as a proxy for probability was increased in high dominance individuals. Our findings suggest that emotional dominance may be a unifying construct explaining previously reported effects of emotions on probabilistic cognition.