Matter-wave grating distinguishing conservative and dissipative interactions

We propose an optical grating for matter waves that separates molecules depending on whether their interaction with the light is conservative or dissipative. Potential applications include fundamental tests of quantum mechanics, measurement of molecular properties and the ability to selectively prepare matter waves with different internal temperatures

Prejudicial search and backprop

Journal ArticleThis paper introduces the combination of backward error propagation and prejudicial search. Prejudicial search is a method, which like simulated annealing, guarantees convergence to a global minimum as time approaches infinity. Unlike simulated annealing, its application is more flexible because it can be combined with other search methods. This method is applied to the exclusive-or problem. When prejudicial search is combined with backward error propagation, the resulting sum of mean squared error at each time step is between 10 and 70 percent (depending on t h e cooling schedule) of the normal backward error propagation error

Generality Vs. speed of convergence in the cart-pole balancer

technical reportThis paper compares the speed of convergence to an optimal solution of four controllers for the problem of balancing a pole on a cart. We demonstrate that controllers whose design is tailored specifically to the cart-pole problem (i.e. less general) converge more rapidly to an optimal solution. However, the architectures and learning algorithms for those networks may not perform well for more general tasks. The four controllers, ordered from the least general to the most general, are the Perceptron, the Associative Search Element [1], Jordan's approach [3], and Prejudicial Search applied to the ASE architecture. Two of the above neural networks, the Perceptron and Prejudicial Search [2] are new methods for solving this problem. The perceptron is a simple two input neuron (summing unit) with 2 weights and a step function output. The Prejudicial Search is a method for biasing the search of possible solutions. It guarantees convergence, but allows the search to be biased by heuristics or information about the problem. In this paper, it is combined with the ASE architecture. However, the Prejudicial Search technique can be combined with any architecture and learning algorithm, extending their ability to handle a more general class of problems

What Is the Optimal Bowel Preparation for Capsule Colonoscopy and Pan-intestinal Capsule Endoscopy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The rate of adequate cleansing (ACR) and complete examinations (CR) are key quality indicators in capsule colonoscopy (CC) and pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy (PCE). Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of bowel preparation protocols regarding ACR and CR. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, search terms regarding colon capsule preparation, publication date from 2006/01, and date of search 2021/12, in six bibliographic databases. Multiple steps of the cleansing protocol were assessed: diet, adjunctive laxatives, purgative solution, use of prokinetic agents, and "booster". The meta-analytical frequency of ACR and CR was estimated, and subgroup analyses performed. Strategies associated with higher ACR and CR were explored using meta-analytical univariable and multivariable regression models. Results: Twenty-six observational studies and five RCTs included (n = 4072 patients). The pooled rate of ACR was 72.5% (95% C.I. 67.8-77.5%; I2 = 92.4%), and the pooled rate of CR was 83.0% (95% C.I. 78.7-87.7%; I2 = 96.5%). The highest ACR were obtained using a low-fibre diet [78.5% (95% C.I. 72.0-85.6%); I2 = 57.0%], adjunctive laxatives [74.7% (95% C.I. 69.8-80.1%); I2 = 85.3%], and split dose < 4L polyethylene glycol (PEG) as purgative [77.5% (95% C.I. 68.4-87.8%); I2 = 47.3%]. The highest CR were observed using routine prokinetics prior to capsule ingestion [84.4% (95% C.I. 79.9-89.2%); I2 = 89.8%], and sodium phosphate (NaP) as "booster" [86.2% (95% C.I. 82.3-90.2%); I2 = 86.8%]. In univariable models, adjunctive laxatives were associated with higher ACR [OR 1.81 (95% C.I. 1.13; 2.90); p = 0.014]. CR was higher with routine prokinetics [OR 1.86 (95% C.I. 1.13; 3.05); p = 0.015] and split-dose PEG purgative [OR 2.03 (95% C.I. 1.01; 4.09), p = 0.048]. Conclusions: Main quality outcomes (ACR, CR) remain suboptimal for CC and PCE. Despite considerable heterogeneity, our results support low-fibre diet, use of adjunctive sennosides, split dose < 4L PEG, and routine prokinetics, while NaP remains the most consistent option as booster.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio