Browse Articles

Visualizing nexus of porous architecture and reactive transport in heterogeneous catalysis by deep learning computer vision and transfer learning

Personalized health monitoring using explainable AI: bridging trust in predictive healthcare

Comparison of sequential data analysis and functional data analysis for locomotor adaptation

Learning rates for skills such as walking may depend on circumstances or time, while incentivization with punishments or rewards may affect human skill learning. We consider a state space model for dynamically changed learning rates and figure out the effect of incentivization on the learning rates by utilizing a dynamically weighted particle filter. However, estimations of model parameters, including the learning rate, require a demanding computational burden, especially when the data are collected over a long period. To overcome computational difficulty, we utilize an efficient sequential Monte Carlo method, dynamically weighted particle filter, in the estimations of model parameters. Alternatively, we consider a functional data analysis for the learning rates and the effect of the incentivization. Two approaches have led to reasonable estimations of learning rates. We present the estimated learning rates and the effect of incentivization on the learning rates from two approaches, as well as the comparisons of their results.

Observation of triplet-assisted long-distance charge-transfer exciton transport in single organic cocrystal

Abstract Charge-transfer (CT) states with long transport distances are highly desired for promoting the performance of organic optoelectronic devices in photoconversion and electroluminescence. However, due to the limited lifetime and small diffusivity, only nanoscale CT transport has been observed so far. Herein, taking a binary CT cocrystal (trans−1,2-diphenylethylene-1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene, named as TS-TC) with efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) as a model material, we report the direct observation of long-distance CT exciton transport by using modified time-resolved and photoluminescence-scanned imaging microscopy, which reveals a triplet-assisted CT transport mechanism. We demonstrate that, enabled by the long-lived and high-yield triplet state and efficient TADF, the average transport distance of over 80% of CT excitons in TS-TC can be significantly enhanced from intrinsic nanoscale (≤58 nm) to ~11.2 μm. Our findings provide an effective strategy for greatly promoting short-lived CT exciton transport, which is of great significance for optoelectronic material design and device optimization.

Optimized hierarchical CLSTM model for sentiment classification of tweets using boosted killer whale predation strategy

Early multimodal vasopressor strategy in septic shock (TRICYCLE)—Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction The main mechanism of hypotension in septic shock is persistent vasodilation secondary to vascular hyporeactivity despite high endogenous catecholamine levels and despite endogenous activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The classic stepwise approach involves initiation of norepinephrine, up-titration of the dosage to achieve a specified mean arterial pressure and moving to a second-line vasopressor if the patient remains refractory to norepinephrine. This approach often leads to prolonged states of hypoperfusion and high dose catecholamine exposure and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Given the multifactorial basis of vasodilation in septic shock there is a strong physiological rationale for the early introduction of a multimodal vasopressor strategy that would provide a more physiologically guided approach. This study will compare the effects of a classic stepwise vs. an early balanced multimodal vasopressor strategy in septic shock. Methods This is a single blind randomized Phase II study. Patients with septic shock will be randomly assigned to control (classic stepwise vasopressor administration, n = 40) versus interventional (balanced multimodal vasopressor administration, n = 40) groups. The study employs a superiority trial design. Patients in the control group will be started on norepinephrine followed by vasopressin. Additional vasoactive drugs will be added as per the clinical team’s decision. In the interventional group, patients will simultaneously receive norepinephrine, angiotensin II and vasopressin at equipotent starting doses. We hypothesize that balanced multimodal vasopressor administration will result in a significant decrease in renin levels compared to the conventional stepwise strategy. Several secondary and exploratory outcome measures will be investigated. Univariate statistical tests with generalized linear modeling will be used to test for significant differences between the groups. Discussion The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test the clinical efficacy of an early multimodal vasopressor strategy in septic shock. It aims to provide new insights and contribute to improved management of vasodilatory states. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06155812.

Distinct Rabi splitting in confined systems of MoSe2 monolayers and (Ga,In)As quantum wells

Abstract Rabi splitting is a defining signature of strong light-matter interaction, emerging when a two-level system is resonantly driven by an optical field, resulting in a spectral doublet separated by the Rabi energy. In solid-state systems, Rabi splitting occurs at exciton resonances, where it is shaped by many-body interactions intrinsic to the material. Here, we investigate the Rabi splitting dynamics in two paradigmatic two-dimensional semiconductors: a hBN-encapsulated MoSe2 monolayer and a (Ga,In)As multiple quantum well structure. In MoSe2, strong Coulomb interactions dominate over light-matter coupling, while in the quantum wells, both interactions are of comparable strength. While both systems exhibit clear Rabi splitting under resonant excitation, their behavior diverges under increased excitation strength. MoSe2 displays sublinear Rabi splitting due to excitonic correlations, whereas (Ga,In)As quantum wells reveal additional spectral resonances and coherent optical gain, indicating a transition beyond the simple two-level regime. These contrasting behaviors are quantitatively captured by a unified microscopic many-body theory based on Heisenberg equations of motion and an exciton expansion. Our findings elucidate the impact of many-body interactions on coherent exciton dynamics and establish a framework for tailoring strong-field optical responses in two-dimensional materials.

Comparative investigation of free radical scavenging and cyclic voltammetric analyses to evaluate the antioxidant potential of selective green vegetables extracts

Perceptions of barriers and facilitators to opioid reduction after total joint arthroplasty among orthopedic surgeons practicing in Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands: A qualitative description study

Opioid analgesics are commonly prescribed after total knee and hip arthroplasty to manage pain. Rates of opioid prescribing after arthroplasty differ by country, suggesting differences in policies or surgeons’ practices. We adopted a qualitative description design to explore and compare Canadian, Dutch, and Japanese orthopaedic surgeons’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to opioid reduction after total joint arthroplasty. We used a combination of convenience and purposive sampling, and snowball recruitment to facilitate 27 semi-structured interviews online or via a phone call. We concurrently collected and analyzed data using conventional (inductive) content analysis. In our sample, all Canadian surgeons and almost all Dutch surgeons prescribed opioids to all arthroplasty patients post-discharge. Surgeons in Japan showed much greater variability, with half of those interviewed prescribing opioids to only a minority or no patients post-discharge. Japanese surgeons indicated that a 10–30-day hospital stay was typical after surgery and believed that opioids were often unnecessary for managing postoperative pain. Dutch surgeons described using an institutional standard pain management protocol, while Canadian and Japanese surgeons noted high variability in the type and dose of opioids prescribed, even within the same institution. Orthopaedic surgeons in each country identified challenges and facilitators to reduced postoperative opioid use in six key areas: (1) opioid prescribing practices, (2) patient factors, (3) collaborative care, (4) opioid prescribing policies/guidelines, (5) surgeon education, and (6) personal perceptions/beliefs. Canadian, Dutch, and Japanese orthopedic surgeons in our study described a range of individual, patient, and system level contributors to variability in opioid prescribing after joint replacement surgery. These findings suggest that multifactorial and context-specific approaches may be required to address barriers and optimize postoperative use of opioids.

Modular multi-enzyme cascades enable green and sustainable synthesis of non-canonical amino acids from glycerol

MicroRNAs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers among chronic myeloid leukemia patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Facilitators and barriers to building research capacity among clinical nurses: A systematic review protocol

Background Clinical nurses’ research capacity is essential for building a research-active nursing workforce and advancing evidence-based practice. Despite increasing global attention, few systematic reviews have examined the current state of nurses’ research capacity or the factors influencing its development. Objective This protocol outlines a systematic review designed to evaluate clinical nurses’ research capacity and to identify the key barriers and facilitators to its improvement across diverse healthcare contexts. Methods The review will follow PRISMA guidelines. Eight databases—PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang—will be searched for relevant quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal will be performed independently by two reviewers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Findings will be integrated through thematic synthesis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Quantitative results will be transformed into narrative form and synthesized with qualitative data. Given the anticipated heterogeneity, a meta-analysis will not be conducted. Conclusion The findings are expected to provide insights into clinical nurses’ research capacity and its influencing factors to inform targeted strategies to support research engagement and integration into clinical practice.

A whole-brain male mouse atlas of long-range inputs to histaminergic neurons

Research on the cooperation stability and operation strategies of heterogeneous energy alliances based on multi-scale cost equilibrium

Comparison of the clinical outcomes between conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and PIEZO-ICSI in women undergoing the first cycle of in-vitro fertilization

The effectiveness of PIEZO-ICSI (P-ICSI) compared to conventional ICSI (C-ICSI) is still controversial. The only confirmed effectiveness of P-ICSI compared to C-ICSI is that it can reduce the number of degenerated oocytes after ICSI. This study included 100 patients undergoing their first IVF cycle. The patients were randomly assigned to C-ICSI group and P-ICSI group, 50 patients per each group. A total of 2,434 oocytes were retrieved from 100 patients. Among them, 1,527 oocytes with visible meiotic spindle were inseminated by C-ICSI or P-ICSI (778 by C-ICSI, 749 by P-ICSI). Fertilization, degeneration after ICSI and blastocyst development were compared between the C-ICSI group and P-ICSI group. Among the embryos developed to blastocysts, good quality blastocysts were vitrified. The frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles were carried out in 42 patients of C-ICSI group and in 45 patients of P-ICSI group. Clinical pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. The differences between C-ICSI group and P-ICSI group were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or chi-Square test. Patient age was not different between C-ICSI group and P-ICSI group (33.5 ± 2.7 vs. 32.9 ± 2.4, P = 0.12114). Normal fertilization rate of P-ICSI group (584/749, 78.0%) was significantly higher than that of C-ICSI group (565/778, 72.6%, P = 0.0176). The oocyte degeneration rate after ICSI was significantly higher in C-ICSI group (49/778, 6.3%) than in P-ICSI group (24/749, 3.2%, P = 0.0055). Among the fertilized oocytes, 21 did not cleave; 14 were from C-ICSI group (2.48%) and 7 from P-ICSI group (1.20%, P = 0.1250). Blastocyst formation rate (65.5% vs. 67.8%, P = 0.4485) and the rates of blastocyst that were available for vitrification (59.3% vs. 62.6%, P = 0.2724) were not different between C-ICSI group and P-ICSI group. Blastocyst formation rate on day 5 was significantly higher in P-ICSI group (50.3%) than in C-ICSI group (43.9%, P = 0.0367). In FET cycles, average age of patients was 33.6 ± 2.6 years old in C-ICSI group and that was 32.9 ± 2.3 years old in P-ICSI group. The average number of transferred embryos was 1.5 ± 0.5 in C-ICSI group and 1.2 ± 0.4 in P-ICSI group. The clinical pregnancy rate and the abortion rate of C-ICSI group were 64.3% and 18.5%, respectively. Those of P-ICSI group were 66.7% and 23.3%, respectively. This study showed that normal fertilization rate, the survival of oocytes after ICSI and blastocyst formation rate on day 5 were significantly higher in P-ICSI group than in C-ICSI group. Developmental arrest of zygotes was lower in P-ICSI group than in C-ICSI group. The number of embryos available for vitrification can be increased by implementing P-ICSI. P-ICSI has the potential to improve the development of zygotes into blastocysts.

Oxy-reductive C-N bond formation via pulsed electrolysis

Abstract Co-electrolysis of CO 2 with simple N-species is an appealing route to sustainable fabrication of C-N bond containing products. A prominent challenge in this direction is to promote the C-N coupling step in place of the established CO 2 reduction pathways. This can be particularly difficult when relying on solution-based species (e.g., NH 3 ) to intercept intermediates that are continually being reduced on heterogeneous catalyst surfaces. In light of this, we introduce oxy-reductive pulsed electrocatalysis as a tool for C-N bond formation. The reaction routes opened through this method involve both partial reduction and partial oxidation of separate reactants on the same catalyst surface in parallel to co-adsorb their activated intermediates proximal to one another. Using CO 2 and NH 3 as model reactants, the end result is an enhancement of selectivity and formation rates for C-N bond containing products (urea, formamide, acetamide, methylamine) by factors of 3-20 as compared to static electrolysis in otherwise identical conditions. An array of operando measurements is carried out to pinpoint the key factors behind this performance enhancement. Finally, the oxy-reductive coupling strategy is extended to additional carbon and nitrogen reactants and is further applied to C-S coupling.

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of foamed concrete reinforced with scrap aluminum engine residue

FDA-DETR: A frequency-aware DETR with dynamic query and adaptive multi-task optimization for oriented small object detection

Oriented small object detection remains a challenging problem in computer vision, largely due to the weak feature representation and high computational cost of existing detection Transformer (DETR)-based detectors. To address these issues, this work presents Frequency Domain Awareness Detection Transformer (FDA-DETR), an end-to-end framework that enhances both accuracy and efficiency for oriented small object detection. The core of FDA-DETR lies in its multi-scale frequency domain enhancement, which amplifies high-frequency details crucial for small object discrimination. And by introducing a density-aware dynamic query mechanism, the model further adapts computational resource allocation to object density and orientation, improving detection in complex scenes. To balance global context and local detail, a multi-granularity attention fusion module is incorporated, while an adaptive multi-task loss based on Bayesian uncertainty enables dynamic optimization across multiple objectives. Experiments on public datasets show that FDA-DETR achieves higher detection accuracy and faster inference speed compared to existing DETR-based methods, particularly for small and densely distributed objects. These results, supported by theoretical analysis and ablation studies, highlight the effectiveness and synergy of the proposed modules. FDA-DETR thus provides a robust solution for oriented small object detection and offers new perspectives for future research on feature learning and attention mechanisms.

Neural representation of nouns and verbs in congenitally blind and sighted individuals

Abstract In blind individuals, language processing activates not only classic language networks, but also the “visual” cortex. What is represented in visual areas when blind individuals process language? Here, we show that area V5/MT in blind individuals, but not other visual areas, responds differently to spoken nouns and verbs. We further show that this effect is present for concrete nouns and verbs, but not abstract or pseudo nouns and verbs. This suggests that area V5/MT in blind individuals represents physical properties of noun and verb referents, salient in the concrete word category, but not conceptual or grammatical distinctions, present across categories. We propose that this motion-sensitive area captures systematically different motion connotations of objects (nouns) and actions (verbs). Overall, our findings suggest that responses to language in the blind visual cortex can be deconstructed to representing physical properties of words’ referents, which are projected onto typical functional organization of this region.

Parallel sub class modified teaching learning based optimization