The first hitting times of a stochastic process, i.e., the first time a process reaches a particular level, are of significant interest across various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and economics. We modify the standard setup by allowing the target to spontaneously switch between two states, either active or inactive, and investigate the distribution of first hitting times accrued while the target is active. For this setup, we provide closed formulas for the distribution of the first hitting time. Additionally, we can introduce stochastic resetting to the underlying process and, utilizing our results, derive the formulas for the first time the active target is hit by the process under stochastic resetting. Interestingly, we show that resetting in this setup still leaves some memory; the system is no longer Markovian, which prevents a straightforward application of standard techniques. The analytical results are accompanied by computer simulations of Langevin dynamics.
Analyses of recurrent hypoglycemia are critical for effective treatment management in diabetic patients. Typically, within-subject dependency in such analyses is captured through subject-level frailty. Recent research has modeled recurrent hypoglycemia using the first hitting times of a reflected Brownian motion. A close examination of this approach reveals that it does not adequately account for varying frailties among individuals, which indicate notable heterogeneity. To address this gap, we propose a finite mixture model of the first hitting time distribution of the reflected Brownian motion. This model allows for component-specific regression coefficients and frailty parameters, providing nuanced insights into how risk factors differently affect patient subgroups. We employ a Bayesian framework for inference, utilizing Markov chain Monte Carlo for estimation. Model selection is conducted using the Deviance Information Criterion and the Logarithm of the Pseudo-Marginal Likelihood. The effectiveness of these criteria is assessed through simulation studies. Application to recurrent hypoglycemia modeling revealed two subgroups with different risk profiles, as reflected in their volatilities. Bayesian model comparison criteria favor the model with component-specific regression coefficients for volatilities. The subgroup with lower volatility exhibits a larger variance and, hence, a greater level of heterogeneity.
Mean squared displacement has been widely used as the primary metric for comparing quantum and classical random walks, with quantum walks showing quadratic scaling versus linear scaling for classical walks. However, this comparison may not capture the full picture: while the mean squared displacement is well suited for Gaussian distributions, quantum walk distributions exhibit distinctly non-Gaussian features. We propose that the mean hitting time offers a complementary perspective with clear operational meaning for search algorithms. Through analytical calculations, we show that quantum and classical walks yield identical MHT for symmetric initial conditions with two detectors, suggesting that the apparent quantum advantage seen in MSD comparisons may be context dependent. Interestingly, introducing stochastic resetting reveals more dynamics. We demonstrate analytically that quantum walks can achieve reduced MHT under stochastic reset through quasimomentum redistribution, while classical walks see no benefit. This quantum advantage naturally degrades with noise, and the quantum walk converges to classical behavior. We suggest that MHT reduction under stochastic reset can serve as an additional signature of quantum behavior, particularly useful for characterizing quantum walk implementations on noisy quantum devices. Our results indicate that different metrics can reveal different aspects of quantum-classical comparisons in walk-based algorithms.
Hopkins, IE, Patterson, SD, and Callaghan, SJ. White ball power hitting: a comparison of the anthropometrics and physical determinants in county vs. noncounty youth cricketers for predicting batting performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The study investigated physical determinants and anthropometrics on bat velocity performance in youth cricketers. Previous research has found bat velocity performance to be an effective predictor of success in other sports: golf, baseball, softball, badminton, and tennis. Fifty-three cricketers (N = 53; age 15.6 ± 1.7; height 176.0 ± 9.9 cm; body mass 65.8 ± 13.4 kg; maturity offset 3.7 ± 1.8) were subdivided into 2 groups (County-Representative [N = 26]; Non-County-Representatives [N = 27]). Cricketers were assessed for isometric lower- and upper-body strength (isometric mid-thigh pull [IMTP]; isometric push up [IPU]), lower-body power (countermovement jump [CMJ]; squat jump [SJ]), rotational power (medicine ball throw [MBT]) and anthropometrics (height, body mass, and seated height), and bat velocity. Anthropometrics were measured to calculate age at peak height velocity. Analysis of variance was used to conclude significance of IMTP, IPU, CMJ, SJ, MBT, and anthropometrics on bat velocity. Linear regression and stepwise regression were used to conduct variance of each test of bat velocity. An alpha value of p < 0.05 was selected to signify statistical significance. County-representatives produced greater bat velocity than noncounty-representatives (p < 0.05). Lower- and upper-body relative strength and jump height were greater than noncounty-representatives (p < 0.05). When controlled for maturity, cricketers further advanced in maturation outperformed lesser advanced cricketers in all jump and lower-body power-related tests (p < 0.05). Linear regression demonstrated that maturity status explained a small amount of variation in bat velocity (3.4%). Stepwise regression displayed jump height during CMJ (63.9%) and relative IMTP (6.8%) explained 70.7% of the variation in bat velocity. Consequently, practitioners should develop relative upper-body strength and lower-body power to maximize bat velocity performance in youth cricketers.
We consider a bivariate first hitting-time model in which durations are the crossing times of dependent compound Poisson processes with fixed thresholds. The identifiability of the model is discussed, and likelihood estimators of the model parameters are proposed. We obtain the asymptotic properties of the estimators and underline their finite sample performance with a simulation study on synthetic data. The practical applicability of our approach is demonstrated by an application using data from patients suffering from mushroom poisoning.
Placement of stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes involves insertion of an obturator toward the target under image guidance without direct vision. Thus, tactile feedback during obturator manipulation is key to avoiding complications. Resistance encountered during advancement of the obturator that hinders planned electrode placement has prompted us to investigate the factors contributing to this resistance. We analyzed 168 trajectories in 24 consecutive patients who underwent SEEG electrode placement between May 2019 and March 2023: 135 were placed using a 1.5-mm obturator and 33 were placed using a 0.86-mm obturator. The depth at which resistance was encountered was documented intraoperatively and compared with the preplanned trajectory to determine the structure where resistance occurred. Factors that may contribute to resistance were analyzed. Resistance was encountered in a total of 22 trajectories: 19 from the 1.5-mm obturator group and 3 from the 0.86-mm obturator group. Sulcal bank penetration was observed in 15 trajectories (68%) with resistance and in 42/146 trajectories (29%) without resistance. Sulcal bank penetration contributed most to resistance, more than lesion presence or trajectory length. In the 1.5-mm obturator group, insertion angles differed between trajectories with and without resistance (37.1° ± 19.0 vs 58.8° ± 15.5, 95% CI = 11.8-31.6, P = .000055). The difference remained significant when considering all pia penetrations, including at the cortical surface (37.6° ± 18.5 vs 66.1° ± 13.3, 95% CI = 21.3-35.5, P = 2.19 × 10-13). Sulcal bank penetration is the main factor contributing to resistance; resistance risk increases as the insertion angle decreases. Our findings guide forecasting resistance during sulci-traversing in SEEG electrode implantation, which may be unavoidable for optimal gray matter coverage, although forceful advancement against resistance should be avoided to minimize hemorrhagic risks.
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Coronaviruses, both known and yet to emerge, pose persistent zoonotic and pandemic threats. While current parenteral COVID-19 mRNA vaccines effectively mitigate severe disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, they primarily elicit systemic immunity restricted to specific variants within clade 1b of the sarbecovirus subgenus and provide limited mucosal protection. Addressing these shortcomings, Cheang et al. developed a DC-targeting intranasal booster vaccine that induces robust and durable mucosal and systemic immunity across sarbecovirus clades 1a and 1b. This study highlights a promising strategy for pan-sarbecovirus vaccines by leveraging mucosal immune induction to prevent viral transmission and enhance pandemic preparedness.
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Designing a highly efficient serum exosome (sEV) phosphorylation proteomics platform with specific sEV targeting and phosphoprotein trapping for biomarker identification in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is challenging. Herein, we fabricated a Janus composite serving as one stone for two birds, enabling directed localization of sEVs and phosphoprotein enrichment, thus realizing the trapping of differential sEV phosphoproteins. Rhodamine B (RhB) and guanidine (Gua) endowed the composite, denoted as Janus@RhB@Gua, with magnetism-fluorescence dual functionality. The material possessed high sEV uptake efficiency (14000 μg/mL) and exhibited high sensitivity (with a detection limit of 0.1 fmol/μL) for phosphopeptide detection coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, we confirmed its effectiveness in the control experiment, wherein 4095 phosphopeptides (1802 N-phosphopeptides and 2293 O-phosphopeptides) corresponding to 986 phosphoproteins were enriched from RCC patient (n = 6) and normal control (n = 3) serum samples. Twelve differentially sEV phosphoproteins were identified and confirmed as playing a crucial role in the pathogenic pathway of RCC. Overall, these findings highlight the dual functionality of Janus@RhB@Gua, which enables effective sEV phosphoprotein trapping, thereby facilitating the identification of RCC biomarkers.
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The study aimed to explore and understand the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of parents of children with hydrocephalus. This study used a descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews with 10 parents of children with hydrocephalus between July 2022 and January 2023. Thematic analysis was performed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. In the analysis of the data, two main themes emerged as a result of the interviews obtained from the parents. The first main theme was Emotional and Psychological Struggles. Three sub-themes formed this theme. These were Emotional Reactions and Future Concerns, Torn Between Children and Access Barriers, and Psychological Impact. The other theme was Coping and Meaning-Making Process. This theme was divided into four sub-themes. These sub-themes were: Support Systems, Learning and Understanding the Diagnosis, Acceptance and Spiritual Meaning-Making, and Personal Growth and Maturity. The study focused on the emotional and psychological struggles, as well as the coping and meaning-making processes of parents of children with hydrocephalus. Exploring caregivers' experiences and the emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions of their journey can help inform more comprehensive and compassionate support mechanisms for families. The findings show the difficulties parents face and reveal their feelings in depth. The training and counselling that can be prepared according to these results will enable parents and children to receive care under better conditions. In addition, these results may also provide data for interventional studies to be planned in the future. Empowering parents to care for a child with hydrocephalus is a neglected issue. Understanding parents' feelings and thoughts in depth can help us better assist them in coping with their challenges. Getting support and information makes it easier for parents to cope. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used. No patient or public contribution.
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Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and highly visible adverse effect of chemotherapy with substantial psychosocial and quality-of-life burdens. In this issue, Gherardini and colleagues described a targeted strategy to prevent CIA using ALRN-6924, a stapled peptide that transiently activates p53 and induces cell cycle arrest in proliferating TP53 wild-type tissues, such as the hair follicle. In ex vivo human scalp hair follicle culture, ALRN-6924 protected matrix keratinocytes and bulge stem cells from paclitaxel- and cyclophosphamide-induced injury, reducing apoptosis, DNA damage, and other pathologic features. These findings nominate precision chemoprotection as a promising supportive care approach for mitigating CIA.
Fines are a common tool to enforce smoke-free policies, but they offer no direct support for quitting, a crucial step in reducing tobacco smoke at its source and improving health. In June 2020, South Korea introduced a policy offering fine waivers to individuals who violated smoke-free regulations if they enrolled in cessation programmes. We examined the characteristics and quit success rates of these participants. We analysed cohort data from 159 920 individuals enrolled in smoking cessation clinics at public health centres between June 2020 and July 2021. Participants were categorised into fine-exemption (n=984) and voluntary enrolment (n=158 936) groups. Their characteristics and quit success at 6 months were compared descriptively, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with 6-month cessation success. The fine-exemption group was younger (aged <30: 17.9% in the voluntary group, 41.9% in the exemption group, p<0.001), less likely to be covered by the national health insurance system (71.4% in the voluntary group and 59.7% in the exemption group, p<0.001), and had a higher proportion of non-response on education items (31.5% in the voluntary group and 38.2% in the fine-exemption group, p<0.001). Despite having lower smoking amounts, shorter smoking duration, and lower nicotine dependence, the exemption group showed lower success rates than the voluntary group (32.9% vs 26.3%; OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.78, p<0.001). The fine-waiver policy reached individuals who differed from typical cessation clinic users, suggesting potential to expand access. However, additional strategies are needed to enhance motivation and improve success rates among individuals enrolling for fine waivers.
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Patients who undergo cardiothoracic surgery and sternotomy can experience cardiovascular complications from manipulation of the great vessels or artificial pump bypass of the heart, raising the fear of stroke in the setting of focal neurological deficit. However, this study reveals a less common but often as focal and debilitating complication of these surgeries from direct injury of the peripheral nerves under prolonged physical tension. This case details the presentation of a 72-year-old woman who developed acute left upper extremity weakness following elective open-heart surgery. Imaging ruled out ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and instead revealed a brachial plexus injury, with the most severe injury being on the T1 nerve root. This injury, leading to left upper extremity weakness, was diagnosed after advanced imaging and physical examination. The patient's symptoms gradually improved with supportive management and physical therapy. This case underscores the importance of considering nerve injuries in the differential diagnosis of postoperative weakness and highlights the role of advanced imaging and electromyography in confirming brachial plexus injuries. Early recognition and appropriate management are essential for optimizing recovery in patients with iatrogenic brachial plexopathy.
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This study proposes a novel analytical framework for categorizing Japanese professional baseball players based on comprehensive hitting performance data. Our primary goal is to identify player groupings that may inform decision-making related to substitution and trade strategies within teams. The dataset used in this analysis was provided by DELTA Corporation, a Japanese firm specializing in advanced baseball analytics. It includes 115 distinct hitting-related performance indices for 327 fielders who participated in official Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) games during the 2020 season. To make the analysis more structured, we first organized these 115 indices into eight meaningful categories, following the classification methodology defined by DELTA. These categories represent various aspects of hitting performance, such as plate discipline, power, contact ability, and situational hitting, among others. To focus on players with a significant level of contribution, we filtered the original sample and selected 72 players who recorded a "Wins Above Replacement" (WAR) value of 1.0 or higher during the season.
This study examined the effects of a mixed reality (MR)-based auxiliary training system on visual-motor skill acquisition, with a focus on hitting accuracy and oculomotor performance in novice badminton players. Forty-seven college students without prior badminton experience were randomly assigned to either a Mixed Reality Training (MRT) group or a coach-led Traditional Teaching (TT) group. Both groups received instruction in the forehand long shot over an eight-week intervention period. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluated hitting accuracy (successful shots and shots failing to cross the net) and oculomotor parameters, including pupil diameter, saccade velocity, fixation duration, fixation count, and visual attention toward areas of interest. After the intervention, the MRT group exhibited a significant increase in successful shots, whereas the TT group showed no notable improvement in hitting accuracy. Furthermore, the MRT group demonstrated enhanced fixation count and saccade velocity, reflecting greater visual efficiency and attentional control. In contrast, the TT group showed reductions in fixation-related metrics and slower saccades, accompanied by an increase in pupil diameter. These findings indicate that mixed reality (MR) based instructional strategies can effectively enhance attentional engagement and visual-motor coordination in novices, thereby serving as an innovative pedagogical approach for early-stage motor skill acquisition and sports training. Moreover, the immersive virtual coaching system may contribute to more equal opportunities for learning and help reduce educational gaps.