bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteasome inhibition enhances the anti-leukemic efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing NK cells against acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sedloev David , Chen Qian , Unglaub Julia M. , Schanda Nicola , Hao Yao , Besiridou Eleni , Neuber Brigitte , Schmitt Anita , Raffel Simon , Liu Yi , Janssen Maike , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Schmitt Michael , Sauer Tim
Published: September 2024

Background

Relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a dismal prognosis. CAR T cells have shown limited efficacy in AML, partially due to dysfunctional autologous T cells and the extended time for generation of patient specific CAR T cells. Allogeneic NK cell therapy is a promising alternative, but strategies to enhance efficacy and persistence may be necessary. Proteasome inhibitors (PI) induce changes in the surface proteome which may render malignant cells more vulnerable to NK mediated cytotoxicity. Here, we investigated the potential benefit of combining PIs with CAR-expressing allogeneic NK cells against AML.

Methods

We established the IC50 concentrations for Bortezomib and Carfilzomib against several AML cell lines. Surface expression of class-I HLA molecules and stress-associated proteins upon treatment with proteasome inhibitors was determined by multiparameter flow cytometry. Using functional in vitro assays, we explored the therapeutic synergy between pre-treatment with PIs and the anti-leukemic efficacy of NK cells with or without expression of AML-specific CAR constructs against AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Also, we investigated the tolerability and efficacy of a single PI application strategy followed by (CAR-) NK cell infusion in two different murine xenograft models of AML.

Results

AML cell lines and primary AML patient samples were susceptible to Bortezomib and Carfilzomib mediated cytotoxicity. Conditioned resistance to Azacitidine/Venetoclax did not confer primary resistance to PIs. Treating AML cells with PIs reduced the surface expression of class-I HLA molecules on AML cells in a time-and-dose dependent manner. Stress-associated proteins were upregulated on the transcriptional level and on the cell surface. NK cell mediated killing of AML cells was enhanced in a synergistic manner. PI pre-treatment increased effector-target cell conjugate formation and Interferon-γ secretion, resulting in enhanced NK cell activity against AML cell lines and primary samples in vitro. Expression of CD33- and CD70-specific CARs further improved the antileukemic efficacy. In vivo, Bortezomib pre-treatment followed by CAR-NK cell infusion reduced AML growth, leading to prolonged overall survival.

Conclusions

PIs enhance the anti-leukemic efficacy of CAR-expressing allogeneic NK cells against AML in vitro and in vivo, warranting further exploration of this combinatorial treatment within early phase clinical trials.
Safety and efficacy of topical testosterone in breast cancer patients receiving ovarian suppression and aromatase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Taranto Patrícia , de Brito Sales Diogo , Maluf Fernando Cotait , Guendelmann Rafael Aliosha Kaliks , de Melo Pompei Luciano , Leal Alessandro , Buzaid Antonio Carlos , Schvartsman Gustavo
Published: September 2024

Background

Premenopausal, high-risk, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients are often treated with ovarian suppression in combination with aromatase inhibitors (AI). This combination has important adverse effects, particularly in sexual function, such as vaginal dryness and loss of libido. There is no effective therapy for reduced sexual function in this setting. Our study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety, particularly regarding sexual function, of a low-dose, topical testosterone gel administration.

Methods

This is a pilot, single-center study, designed to evaluate the efficacy of topical testosterone gel (3 mg/day) in improving sexual function in 29 premenopausal patients on ovarian suppression in combination with an AI. The primary safety endpoint was to assess serum estradiol elevation. The primary efficacy endpoint was sexual function improvement, assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire.

Results

We report the results on 29 patients. Twenty-two patients (75%) completed the 3-month treatment, and seven discontinued treatment before completion, mostly due to logistical difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients maintained the value of baseline mass spectrometry assay for estradiol of less than 2.7 pg/mL during the undertaken measurements. We observed a significant improvement in Female Sexual Function Index measures over the visits, with an increase from a mean of 11.7 at baseline to 19.1 in the third month (p < 0.001), with the greatest improvement observed between the second and third months.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that topical testosterone seems to be safe and may be effective in improving sexual function in patients on ovarian suppression and AI.

Trial registration

The project was submitted and approved through the hospital’s SGPP platform in 11/26/2019 (Project No. SGPP 393819) and CAAE (Research Ethics Committee) (CAAE No 25609719.5.0000.007).
Medial temporal lobe atrophy patterns in early-versus late-onset amnestic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wuestefeld Anika , Pichet Binette Alexa , van Westen Danielle , Strandberg Olof , Stomrud Erik , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Janelidze Shorena , Smith Ruben , Palmqvist Sebastian , Baumeister Hannah , Berron David , Yushkevich Paul A. , Hansson Oskar , Spotorno Nicola , Wisse Laura E.M.
Published: September 2024

Background

The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is hypothesized to be relatively spared in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD). Yet, detailed examination of MTL subfields and drivers of atrophy in amnestic EOAD is lacking.

Methods

BioFINDER-2 participants with memory impairment, abnormal amyloid-β and tau-PET were included. Forty-one amnestic EOAD individuals ≤65 years and, as comparison, late-onset AD (aLOAD, ≥70 years, n = 154) and amyloid-β-negative cognitively unimpaired controls were included. MTL subregions and biomarkers of (co-)pathologies were measured.

Results

AD groups showed smaller MTL subregions compared to controls. Atrophy patterns were similar across AD groups: aLOAD showed thinner entorhinal cortices than aEOAD; aEOAD showed thinner parietal regions than aLOAD. aEOAD showed lower white matter hyperintensities than aLOAD. No differences in MTL tau-PET or transactive response DNA binding protein 43-proxy positivity were found.

Conclusions

We found evidence for MTL atrophy in amnestic EOAD and overall similar levels to aLOAD of MTL tau pathology and co-pathologies.
Review on effect of fermentation on physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional factors and sensory properties of cereal-based fermented foods and beverages
Authors: Kitessa Daniel Asfaw
Published: September 2024

Fermentation is the oldest biotechnology in which a metabolic process carried out without the involvement of oxygen. It is one of the food processing methods that improve the nutrient contents and sensorial properties with potentially reducing or eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins. The aim of this review is to compare, contrast and summarize the scientific data on the effect of fermentation on physicochemical properties, anti-nutritional factors and sensory properties of cereal-based fermented foods and beverages. The results of this review showed that fermentation improves the nutritional value of some proximate composition such as crude protein and fat contents, while decreases the carbohydrate and crude fiber contents. It also improves the bioavailability, antioxidant activities and sensory properties of cereal-based foods and beverages. This review concluded that fermentation improves the nutritional quality of proximate composition, bioavailability of minerals and phytochemicals, and decrease the anti-nutritional factors of cereal-based fermented foods and beverages.
Application and insights of targeted next-generation sequencing in a large cohort of 46,XY disorders of sex development in Chinese
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Chen Guangjie , Li Fengxia , Huang Yong , Zhu Linfeng , Zhao Yijun , Jiang Ziyi , Yan Xiang , Yu Lan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

46,XY disorders of sex development (46,XY DSD) are characterized by incomplete masculinization of genitalia with reduced androgenization. Accurate clinical management remains challenging, especially based solely on physical examination. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) with known pathogenic genes provides a powerful tool for diagnosis efficiency. This study aims to identify the prevalent genetic variants by targeted NGS technology and investigate the diagnostic rate in a large cohort of 46,XY DSD patients, with most of them presenting atypical phenotypes.

Methods

Two different DSD panels were developed for sequencing purposes, targeting a cohort of 402 patients diagnosed with 46,XY DSD, who were recruited from the Department of Urology at Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China). The detailed clinical characteristics were evaluated, and peripheral blood was collected for targeted panels to find the patients’ variants. The clinical significance of these variants was annotated according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Results

A total of 108 variants across 42 genes were found in 107 patients, including 46 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, with 45.7%(21/46) being novel. Among these genes, SRD5A2, AR, FGFR1, LHCGR, NR5A1, CHD7 were the most frequently observed. Besides, we also detected some uncommon causative genes like SOS1, and GNAS. Oligogenic variants were also identified in 9 patients, including several combinations PROKR2/FGFR1/CYP11B1, PROKR2/ATRX, PROKR2/AR, FGFR1/LHCGR/POR, FGFR1/NR5A1, GATA4/NR5A1, WNT4/AR, MAP3K1/FOXL2, WNT4/AR, and SOS1/FOXL2.

Conclusion

The overall genetic diagnostic rate was 11.2%(45/402), with an additional 15.4% (62/402) having variants of uncertain significance. Additionally, trio/duo patients had a higher genetic diagnostic rate (13.4%) compared to singletons (8.6%), with a higher proportion of singletons (15.1%) presenting variants of uncertain significance. In conclusion, targeted gene panels identified pathogenic variants in a Chinese 46,XY DSD cohort, expanding the genetic understanding and providing evidence for known pathogenic genes’ involvement.
Fast 3D solvers for interactive computational mechanics
Authors: Gavranovic Stefan , Hassan Zain , Failer Lukas , Hartmann Dirk
Published: September 2024

While interactive simulations have been mostly limited to Computer Graphics applications, new generations of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) allow the realization of industrial-grade interactive 3D physics simulations. By combining an immersed boundary method with efficient GPU-based MINRES and CG solvers using a GPU-based geometric multigrid preconditioner, we demonstrate a fast industrial 3D computational mechanics solver. The various implementation aspects - specifically how they differ from similar concepts used in the Computer Graphics community - are discussed in detail. The proposed concept opens up new classes of industrial simulation applications allowing a democratization beyond today’s expert users, from designer centric simulation to operational and service decisions based on 3D simulations. To support this, we provide various benchmark cases including a real-world study of a simulation-based service decision for a damaged gear-box mount.
Artificial intelligence (AI) -integrated educational applications and college students’ creativity and academic emotions: students and teachers’ perceptions and attitudes
Authors: Lin Haozhuo , Chen Qiu
Published: September 2024

Background

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational applications is becoming increasingly prevalent, bringing opportunities and challenges to the learning environment. While AI applications have the potential to enhance structured learning, they may also significantly impact students’ creativity and academic emotions.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the effects of AI-integrated educational applications on college students’ creativity and academic emotions from the perspectives of both students and teachers. It also assessed undergraduate students’ and faculty’s attitudes to AI-integrated applications.

Methodology

A mixed-method research design was used. In the first phase, a qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing theoretical sampling to select informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with undergraduate students and university lecturers to gain comprehensive insights into their experiences and perceptions. A scale was developed, validated, and administered to 120 students and faculty in the quantitative phase. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study revealed that AI applications often impose rigid frameworks that constrain creative thinking and innovation, leading to emotional disengagement due to AI interactions’ repetitive and impersonal nature. Additionally, constant AI assessments heightened performance anxiety, and technical frustrations disrupted the learning process. Conversely, AI applications stimulated creativity by introducing new ideas and problem-solving techniques, enhanced engagement through interactive elements, provided personalized feedback, and supported emotional well-being with gamified elements and constant availability. Quantitative data also verified that teachers and students have positive attitudes toward the benefits and challenges of these applications.

Conclusions

AI integration in educational applications has a dual-edged impact on college students’ creativity and academic emotions. While there are notable benefits in stimulating creativity and enhancing engagement, significant challenges such as creativity constraints, emotional disengagement, and performance anxiety must be addressed. Balancing these factors requires thoughtful implementation and continuous evaluation to optimize the role of AI in education.
Radiomics predicts the prognosis of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma by reflecting the tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment
Authors: Wu Ji , Li Jian , Huang Bo , Dong Sunbin , Wu Luyang , Shen Xiping , Zheng Zhigang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

We aimed to develop and externally validate a CT-based deep learning radiomics model for predicting overall survival (OS) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients, and investigate the association of radiomics with tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.

Methods

The clinicopathological data and contrast-enhanced CT images of 512 ccRCC patients from three institutions were collected. A total of 3566 deep learning radiomics features were extracted from 3D regions of interest. We generated the deep learning radiomics score (DLRS), and validated this score using an external cohort from TCIA. Patients were divided into high and low-score groups by the DLRS. Sequencing data from the corresponding TCGA cohort were used to reveal the differences of tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment between different radiomics score groups. What’s more, univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to identify independent risk factors of poor OS after operation. A combined model was developed by incorporating the DLRS and clinicopathological features. The SHapley Additive exPlanation method was used for interpretation of predictive results.

Results

At multivariate Cox regression analysis, the DLRS was identified as an independent risk factor of poor OS. The genomic landscape of different radiomics score groups was investigated. The heterogeneity of tumor cell and tumor microenvironment significantly varied between both groups. In the test cohort, the combined model had a great predictive performance, with AUCs (95%CI) for 1, 3 and 5-year OS of 0.879(0.868–0.931), 0.854(0.819–0.899) and 0.831(0.813–0.868), respectively. There was a significant difference in survival time between different groups stratified by the combined model. This model showed great discrimination and calibration, outperforming the existing prognostic models (all p values < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combined model allowed for the prognostic prediction of ccRCC patients by incorporating the DLRS and significant clinicopathologic features. The radiomics features could reflect the tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment.
Tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase is an alternative synovial biomarker for diagnosis of septic arthritis in knee joint
Authors: Lee Byung Hoon , Na Young Gon , Ham Seong Hyup , Jin Mirim , Kim Yoon Tae , Kim Kyung-Ok , Sim Jae Ang
Published: September 2024

Background

To evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase (WRS) for the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the knee joint and to determine whether it is a reliable and sensitive synovial biomarker for discriminating septic arthritis from other types of arthritis.

Methods

Patients joint effusions for which septic arthritis was suspected were prospectively recruited between January 2019 and September 2020. A total of 9 patients had septic arthritis, 6 had acute gout attack, 1 had an acute flare of chronic rheumatic arthritis, and 46 had pseudogout or reactive arthropathy. Traditional inflammatory markers were measured, and their diagnostic abilities were compared. Neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, WRS, and human neutrophil α-defensin levels were assessed in the synovial fluids. Demographic parameters and biomarkers with a P < 0.05 in differentiating septic from nonseptic arthritis were included in a multivariable model. A multivariable logistic regression with a stepwise selection was performed to build the final combined model. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to establish optimal thresholds for the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the knee joint, and the area under the curve was calculated to determine the overall accuracy of these tests compared with patients with nonseptic inflammatory arthritis.

Results

Patients with septic arthritis were more likely to display higher serum WBC and CRP levels, synovial neutrophil counts, and levels of two synovial biomarkers, including WRS and α-defensin. WRS showed the highest specificity (87.5%) and sensitivity (83.3%) with α-defensin among the three synovial biomarkers.

Conclusions

Synovial fluid WRS is a relevant biomarker in discriminating septic arthritis from other inflammatory arthritis and should be tested in an independent cohort.

Level of evidence: prospective observational study, III.
Decreased Transfusions in Premenopausal Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Given Leuprolide According to an Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Algorithm
Authors: Nebgen Denise R. , Cheng Lee , Alousi Amin M. , Ferrajoli Alessandra
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) during allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) leads to an increased need for transfusions. We developed an algorithm for the management of AUB that incorporated leuprolide and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Our aim was to evaluate whether treatment according to this algorithm reduced the number of transfusions.

METHODS

All premenopausal patients who underwent first HSCT from June 2016 to January 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of whether they received no medications, treatment according to the algorithm (leuprolide 11.25 mg intramuscular every three months with or without OCPs), or continuous OCPs. The primary outcome was the total number of units of RBCs and platelets transfused.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen patients with a mean age of 36.6 years were studied. Diagnoses were AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 136), ALL (n = 47), or other hematologic malignancies (n = 31). One hundred twenty-five patients (58.4%) experienced AUB. Patients who received leuprolide with or without OCP according to the algorithm had a significant reduction in the likelihood of RBC transfusions, odds ratio (OR), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.98), and platelet transfusions, OR, 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.91), compared with patients who received no medications or continuous OCP.

CONCLUSION

AUB is a common complication in premenopausal patients undergoing HSCT. Our algorithm of leuprolide with or without OCPs administered before HSCT led to reductions in the number of platelet and RBC transfusions.
Past and future of human developmental biology
Authors: Hopwood Nick
Published: September 2024

Research directly on human embryos has gone through cycles of interest and neglect. The recent revitalization, including the making of ‘human developmental biology’, depended on fresh supplies of material and demand for medically relevant work. Human studies relied on mice but rejected simple extrapolation from this model mammal. Now, it is time to take stock while scanning the horizon for further change. Will research on human development be facilitated or frustrated? Will comparative approaches bring a greater variety of animal models into the picture? Will human stem-cell-based embryo models secure ever larger roles as exemplars of vertebrate development?
Exercise and Heat Stress in Well-Healed Burn Survivors: Effects of Cooling Modalities on Thermal and Perceptual Responses
Authors: ATKINS WHITLEY C. , FOSTER JOSH , MCKENNA ZACHARY J. , JARRARD CAITLIN P. , WATSO JOSEPH C. , BELVAL LUKE N. , JAY OLLIE , CRANDALL CRAIG G.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Burn injuries that require grafting impair thermoregulation, which may dissuade individuals with such injuries from being physically active. We tested the hypothesis that cooling modalities attenuate core temperature elevations and perceptions of heat stress during physical activity in the heat among adults with well-healed burn injuries.

Methods

Adults with no burn injuries (non-burned), 20%–40% body surface area burn injuries (moderate burn), and >40% body surface area burn injuries (large burn) performed 1 h of moderate-intensity exercise (2.5 ± 0.2 mph and 2% grade) on four different occasions in two environmental conditions (30°C and 39°C, 40% relative humidity). Within each environmental condition, we applied one of the following cooling modalities, random assigned, for each visit: no cooling (control), fan at 4 m·s−1 (fan), water spray every 5 min (water spray; scaled to burn area size), or a combination of water spray + fan.

Results

In 30°C, perceptual strain index (PeSI) was reduced in the non-burned and moderate burn groups with water spray + fan, whereas PeSI was reduced with all cooling modalities in the large burn group. The cooling modalities did not affect core temperature responses. In the 39°C environment, water spray and water spray + fan attenuated the elevation in core temperature (P ≤ 0.007) only in the large burn group. In the moderate burn group, PeSI was decreased with water spray + fan (P = 0.017). In the large burn group, both water spray alone and water spray + fan (P ≤ 0.041) lowered PeSI.

Conclusions

For both environments across burn groups, the applied cooling modalities were generally more effective at reducing indices of perceptual strain relative to indices of thermal strain (e.g., core temperature).
Η Συμβολή της Φορητής Μάθησης και της Παιχνιδοποίησης στον Νανο-εγγραμματισμό Παιδιών Πρώιμης Ηλικίας
Authors: Δορούκα Πανδώρα , Καλογιαννάκης Μιχαήλ
Published: September 2024

Η εργασία επικεντρώνεται στη νανο-διδασκαλία που απευθύνθηκε σε μικρά παιδιά, βασίστηκε σε ψηφιακές συσκευές και αξιοποίησε μηχανισμούς παιχνιδοποίησης. Τα παιδιά κατανόησαν ποιοτικά το μέγεθος με αφορμή την υγειονομική κρίση. Σκοπός ήταν ο συνδυασμός της τεχνικής διδασκαλίας που αξιοποιεί ταμπλέτες και Η/Υ με την παιχνιδοποίηση, ώστε να προσελκύσει περισσότερο τα παιδιά προκειμένου να εισαχθούν στο νανο-εγγραμματισμό. Μέσω μιας οιονεί πειραματικής ερευνητικής μεθόδου, 150 μαθητές Β’ τάξης δημοτικών του Ηρακλείου χωρίστηκαν στην 1η πειραματική ομάδα με Η/Υ, την 2η πειραματική ομάδα με ταμπλέτες και την ομάδα ελέγχου για να διερευνηθεί η αποτελεσματικότητα μάθησης εννοιών νανοτεχνολογίας με ατομικές ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις.
Το Διερευνητικό Μοντέλο Διδασκαλίας στις Φυσικές Επιστήμες: Aπόψεις και Δυσκολίες στην Εφαρμογή του Μοντέλου από Προϋπηρεσιακούς Εκπαιδευτικούς
Authors: Μαρή Φωτεινή , Στεφανίδου Κωνσταντίνα
Published: September 2024

Στην παρούσα εργασία, παρουσιάζεται έρευνα στις απόψεις τελειόφοιτων του Παιδαγωγικού Τμήματος  Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης (προϋπηρεσιακοί εκπαιδευτικοί) σχετικά με την αξία του Διερευνητικού Μοντέλου Διδασκαλίας καθώς και στην εξέλιξη των απόψεων αυτών μετά από την συμμετοχή τους σε ένα κατάλληλα δομημένο εργαστήριο Διδακτικής Φυσικών Επιστημών. Η έρευνα είναι σε εξέλιξη, ωστόσο υπάρχουν ισχυρές ενδείξεις ότι οι φοιτητές αντιμετωπίζουν δυσκολίες στην εφαρμογή του μοντέλου, και συγκεκριμένα στη διατύπωση διδακτικών στόχων και ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων, αλλά και στο σχεδιασμό δραστηριοτήτων που ακολουθούν το ΔΜΔ.
Εισαγωγή
Authors: Τενεκετζής Αλέξανδρος , Παληκίδης Άγγελος
Published: September 2024

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Εκθέσεις τέχνης στον Ψυχρό Πόλεμο
Authors: Αδαμοπούλου Αρετή
Published: September 2024

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«Κανείς δεν θα μας απαλλάξει απ’ αυτή την ντροπή»
Authors: Δρουμπούκη Άννα Μαρία
Published: September 2024

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Psychological interventions for early-phase schizophrenia: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Feber Lena , Salanti Georgia , Harrer Mathias , Salahuddin Nurul Husna , Hansen Wulf-Peter , Priller Josef , Bighelli Irene , Leucht Stefan
Published: September 2024

Introduction Treating the early phase of schizophrenia is crucial for preventing further episodes and improving quality of life, functioning, and social inclusion. Pharmacotherapies are first-line treatments, but have limitations. There is consensus on the need for non-pharmacological interventions for individuals in the early phase of schizophrenia. Several psychological interventions have shown promising effects; however, their comparative effectiveness remains largely unknown. To address this issue, a network meta-analysis will be performed. We aim to develop a hierarchy of existing psychological treatments concerning their efficacy and tolerability, which will inform treatment guidelines. Protocol Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating psychological interventions for first-episode psychosis, first-episode schizophrenia, or early phase schizophrenia will be included. The primary outcome will be overall schizophrenia symptoms (measured up to 6 and 12 months, and at the longest follow-up) and relapse as a co-primary outcome. Secondary outcomes are premature discontinuation; change in positive, negative, and depressive symptoms of schizophrenia; response; quality of life; overall functioning; satisfaction with care; adherence; adverse events; and mortality. The study selection and data extraction are performed by two independent reviewers. We will assess the risk of bias of each study using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2 and evaluate the confidence in the results using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore heterogeneity and assess the robustness of our findings. Discussion This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to compare multiple existing psychological interventions, establishing which are best for symptom reduction, relapse prevention, and other important outcomes in early phase schizophrenia. Our results may provide practical guidance concerning the most effective psychological intervention to reduce symptom severity and the societal burden associated with the disorder.
IMPROVING THE LEGISLATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE FIELD OF COMBATING CRIMES ARISING FROM MARRIAGE AND FAMILY RELATIONS
Authors: Akhmedov Mikael N. , Muravyova Alina E.
Published: September 2024

The article examines the features of crimes arising from marriage and family relations, and examines modern forms and methods of combating them. Based on the analysis of these forms and methods, problems of preventing and combating crimes arising from marriage and family relations are identified; it is concluded that the main problem is the presence of gaps in the current legislation regulating the area of ​​legal relations under consideration. The authors propose ways to solve the problems of combating crimes arising from marriage and family relations, one of which is the introduction of amendments to the current legislation of the Russian Federation. In conclusion, the authors conclude that crime in the sphere of marriage and family relations cannot be completely eliminated, however, the measures proposed by the authors to combat it can help reduce the rate of its spread in Russian society.
Purpose and methods. The purpose of the study is to identify problems of preventing and combating crimes arising from marriage and family relations, and to propose ways to solve them. To achieve this goal, the dialectical method of cognition was used within the framework of the study, providing a scientific approach to the study of phenomena.
Results. The main problems of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of combating crimes arising from marriage and family relations have been identified. To increase the effectiveness of the fight against crimes arising from marriage and family relations, ways to improve criminal and family legislation have been proposed.
Conclusions. 1) The need to consolidate at the legislative level the concept of “domestic violence” within the framework of the adoption of the federal law on the prevention of domestic violence; 2) consolidating at the legislative level the concept of actual marital relations with a view to possibly classifying their participants as subjects of crimes arising from marital relations; 3) expanding the content of the term “persons close to the victim”, found in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, by including in it all persons living in the same premises with the person who committed the crime and leading a joint household.
Online Estimation and Optimization of Utility-Based Shortfall Risk
Authors: Hegde Vishwajit , Menon Arvind Satish , Prashanth L.A. , Jagannathan Krishna
Published: September 2024

Utility-based shortfall risk (UBSR) is a risk metric that is increasingly popular in financial applications, owing to certain desirable properties that it enjoys. We consider the problem of estimating UBSR in a recursive setting, in which samples from the underlying loss distribution are available one at a time. We cast the UBSR estimation problem as a root-finding problem and propose stochastic approximation-based estimation schemes. We derive nonasymptotic bounds on the estimation error in the number of samples. We also consider the problem of UBSR optimization within a parameterized class of random variables. We propose a stochastic gradient descent–based algorithm for UBSR optimization and derive nonasymptotic bounds on its convergence.
TEPEGÖZLERLE MÜCADELE EKSENİNDE MİMETİK ARZU: BASAT VE ODYSSEUS ÜZERİNDEN KARŞILAŞTIRMALI BİR İNCELEME
Authors: Çinko Kemal
Published: September 2024

Türk edebiyatının en köklü eserlerinden biri Dede Korkut destanî anlatmalarıdır. Bu anlatmalar, Oğuzların yaşayışlarının, hayatı anlamlandırmalarının, ülkülerinin, faziletlerinin ve meziyetlerinin; nazmın ve nesrin bir arada kullanılarak anlatıldığı kadim bir Oğuznâme niteliğindedir. Anlatılar, bu açıdan anlamsal bir derinliğe sahiptir. Bu derinlik, onları farklı şekilde yorumlama noktasında araştırmacılara çeşitli imkânlar tanımaktadır. Dede Korkut boyları içinde böyle bir derinliğe sahip olan yaygın anlatılardan biri, Basat’ın Tepegöz’ü öldürdüğü anlatıdır. Basat’ın Tepegöz’e karşı olan mücadelesi ile Yunan destanı Odysseia’da geçen Odysseus ile tek gözlü dev Polyphemus’un mücadelesi, anlatılardaki çeşitli ayrıntılar noktasında önemli benzerlikler taşımaktadır. Final sahneleri ise bu anlatıların ayrıştıkları en belirgin noktalardan biri olma özelliğindedir. Basat, anlatının sonunda Tepegöz’ü öldürmüştür. Odysseus ise Polyphemus’u sadece kör etmekle yetinmiştir. Çalışmada motifler, kişiler, kişilerin faaliyetleri, nesneler, mekânlar vb. çeşitli açılardan benzerlik taşıyan bu anlatıların, finaldeki öldürme-yaralama olayı noktasında neden farklılaştıkları incelenmiştir. İncelemede Basat ve Odysseus özelinde farklılaşan öldürme arzusu, René Girard’ın “mimetik arzu” yaklaşımı vasıtasıyla sorgulanmıştır. Girard, mimetik arzu kavramı ile arzunun taklitçi bir tabiata sahip olduğunu iddia etmektedir. Bu arzu oluşumunda üçlü bir yapı söz konusudur. Özne, nesne ve dolayımlayıcı bu yapının sacayaklarını oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada Basat’ın öldürme arzusu ortaya konmaya çalışılırken onunla birçok yönden benzeşen Odysseus’un mücadelesi karşılaştırılmış; Basat’ın devi öldürme noktasında kurduğu arzu üçgeni, yüzeyden derine inilerek belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Sonuç olarak Basat’ın, devi öldürme noktasında alplık sembolü kimlikleri kendine model aldığı fark edilmiştir. Yunan destanında ise Odysseus’un kendisini yönlendiren yani arzusunu şekillendiren dolayımlayıcılardan yoksun olduğu görülmüş; kahramanın, bu dolayımlayıcı yoksunluğundan dolayı devi öldürmeden bıraktığı yorumu yapılmıştır. Ayrıca Odysseus’un kendini kanıtlamış bir kahraman olduğu anlaşılmış ve onun devle olan mücadelesinin, kendi eposunun yalnızca küçük bir epizodunu oluşturduğu fark edilmiştir. Odysseus’un aksine üstün bir alplık seviyesine ulaşma arzusunda olan Basat ise bu temel arzusuna ulaşmak, kendini kanıtlamak ve özündeki alplığı ortaya çıkarmak için Tepegöz’ü tamamen ortadan kaldırmak durumunda kalmıştır.
High-precision 3D imaging using spectral encoding based on the mode-locked optical frequency comb
Authors: Xu Manxiang , Liu Qihua , Wang Jindong , Qu Xinghua , Zhang Fumin
Published: September 2024

A spectral encoding imaging scheme based on the optical frequency comb (OFC) is proposed to improve the axial capability. The surface topography information of the measured sample is encoded to the frequency and phase of the mode-locked OFC, then extracted from the interference spectrum through our well-designed data processing algorithm to obtain the relative position and depth of multiple pixels simultaneously. Finally, only one-dimensional (1D) scanning is required to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) shape of the measured object. With the comprehensive utilization of spatial dispersion and spectral interference technique, a 3D imaging system with axial resolution of 12.5 µm, axial measurement accuracy of 0.6 µm, and depth measurement range greater than 28 mm, is experimentally demonstrated.
Diagonal illumination scheme for Fourier ptychographic microscopy: resolution doubling and aliasing minimization
Authors: Shu Yefeng , Sun Jiasong , Fan Yao , Jin Yao , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: September 2024

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a high-throughput computational imaging technology that enables wide-field and high-resolution imaging of samples with both amplitude and phase information. It holds great promise for quantitative phase imaging (QPI) on a large population of cells in parallel. However, detector undersampling leads to spectrum aliasing, which may significantly degenerate the resolution, efficiency, and quality of QPI, especially when an objective lens with a high space–bandwidth product is used. Here, we introduce a diagonal illumination scheme for FPM to minimize spectrum aliasing, enabling high-resolution QPI under a limited detector sampling rate. By orienting the LED illumination diagonally relative to the detector plane, the non-aliased sampling frequency of the raw image under oblique illumination can be maximized. This illumination scheme, when integrated with a color camera, facilitates single-shot, high-throughput QPI, effectively overcoming spectrum aliasing and achieving incoherent diffraction-limited resolution. Theoretical analysis, simulations, and experiments on resolution target and live cells validate the effectiveness and the proposed illumination scheme, offering a potential guideline for designing an FPM platform for high-speed QPI under the limited detector sampling rates.
Single snapshot spatial frequency domain imaging with synchronous 3D profile correction
Authors: Sheng Kun , Zhang Yang , Wu Chengzhi , Ni Jingshu , Huang Yao , Li Zhongsheng , Dong Meili , Wang Yikun , Liu Yong , Zhang Yuanzhi
Published: September 2024

We have proposed a novel single-snapshot spatial frequency domain imaging method with synchronous three-dimensional (3D) profile correction that addresses the confounding effects of involuntary jitter in tissue under examination and the 3D profile of the tissue on the measurements of optical parameters during in vivo examinations. I. In this scheme, orthogonal composite sinusoidal modulated light is projected onto the tissue to be measured. The single-snapshot multi-frequency demodulation theory, combined with the different sensitivity of different directional fringes to heights, simultaneously recovers the 3D profile and the modulated diffuse reflectance of the tissue to be measured. Finally, the modulated diffuse reflectance is corrected by establishing the correction function of height and angle versus modulated diffuse reflectance, and the optical parameters of the tissue are inverted by the diffusion model. The accuracy of the 3D profile measurement of the scheme was verified using models with different morphologies, and the mean value of the measurement error was found to be lower than 3%. The accuracy of modulation diffuse reflectance measurement was verified using a hemispherical homogeneous phantom made of PTFE. After correction with this method, the standard deviation of the measured diffuse reflectance is reduced by up to 72.2%. Finally, the measurement effect of optical parameters is verified by in vivo experiments and compared with the standard three-phase method. The results demonstrated that the 3D-SSMD method exhibits enhanced stability and efficiency. This introduces an innovative technology for achieving real-time spatial frequency domain imaging, applicable in clinical settings.
Reshaping compact waveguide bend for mode transmission and conversion
Authors: Zhou Mingxuan , Lan Mingying , Chen Lei , Ye Han , Liu Yumin
Published: September 2024

Compact waveguide bends with functionalities of mode manipulation, including certain mode transmission, multimode transmission, and mode conversion, are highly desirable in photonic integrated circuits. In this paper, an inverse design scheme for reshaped waveguide bend is presented, in which mode manipulation is achieved without additional nanoscale structures. We adopt quasi-3D models in finite element method to simulate the optical field, Bernstein polynomials to describe the deformation of two Si/air boundaries, and a gradient-based algorithm to efficiently determine the optimal design from a strict circular arc with a radius of 3.5 µm. 3D FDTD simulations with SOI configuration are implemented to measure the performance of the proposed designs. Three designs for certain mode transmission (individual TE0, TE1 and TE2) are first demonstrated as a validation of the method. For multimode transmission, the simultaneous TE0, TE1 and TE2 mode transmission in the bend requires a multi-target optimization and the design is achieved after 26 iterations. The output mode purities are 0.996, 0.971 and 0.989 at the center wavelength of 1550 nm, respectively. Furthermore, designs for TE0-to-TE1, TE0-to-TE2 and TE1-to-TE2 mode conversions in 90° bends are realized within 30 iterations. The output mode purities reach 0.985, 0.981 and 0.965, respectively. The performances of all designs remain acceptable within an operational bandwidth of 60 nm.
High-precision optical modeling method for galvanometer-driven dual-camera systems
Authors: Zhao Bowen , Shen Ning , Tang Yiyu , Liang Rui , Yang Jiangxin , Cao Yanpeng
Published: September 2024

To build a galvanometer-driven dual-camera sensing system, it is important to accurately correlate the wide-view image coordinates with the pan-tilt mirror angles for adjusting the incident light path of the zoom-in camera. Existing optical modeling methods assume sufficient target distance and simplify dual-camera optical centers as coincident. However, this simplification is not valid in many practical cases and might cause severe system malfunctions, such as complete loss tracking of important targets. To address this problem, we propose a novel approach, to the best of our knowledge, to facilitate high-precision optical modeling and calibration of galvanometer-driven dual-camera systems. The proposed method takes into consideration the dual-camera optical center misalignment issue and builds a model for accurate estimation and rectification of target localization errors under various optical configurations. Qualitative and quantitative experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our method, improving the performance of galvanometer-driven dual-camera systems for high-precision optical sensing applications.
Widely tunable reflection by a hybrid ion-doped positive–negative chiral nematic liquid crystal under an electric field
Authors: Li Xiaolan , Li Yang , Chen Yuzhou , Zhou Dong , Liu Yongjun
Published: September 2024

In this study, a new methodology, in which the cation and chiral agent are doped in positive and negative nematic liquid crystal mixture to form cation-doped positive–negative chiral nematic liquid crystals (PN-CNLCs), is proposed. These PN-CNLCs are capable of achieving a wide wavelength tuning range close to 90 nm under the action of a high-frequency electric field. The dielectric interaction between these two liquid crystals with different dielectric anisotropies in the electric field allows for the effective change of the pitch of the CLCs. We discovered the tilting of the pitch in the PN-CNLCs by a series of well-designed validation experiments. The experimental results prove the symmetrical helix is formed along the alignment direction in PN-CNLCs. Furthermore, the experiments demonstrated that an increase in voltage does not directly affect the pitch, but it increases the tilt angle of the helix axis with respect to the normal of the LC cell. This study offers, to our knowledge, a novel perspective on the tuning performance of CLCs under electric field conditions, by integrating the properties of positive and negative liquid crystals. This finding not only contributes to the understanding of the electric field response mechanism of CLCs but also provides new avenues for the application of CLCs in fields such as wavelength tuning.
Long organic persistent luminescence triggered by photo-induced charge-separation for water-resistant information encryption
Authors: Shi Wenying , Guan Liping , He Yuntao , Wang Xinrui , Liu Jing , Kong Xianggui
Published: September 2024

The long persistent luminescence (LPL) phenomenon in the water environment presents us with a broad blueprint to struggle for a new generation of optical materials. However, the realization of water-resistant LPL remains a formidable challenge due to severe quenching of triplet excitons inflowing media. Here, an electron donor–acceptor system is designed based on a B2O3 host and carbon dot (CD) guest, which exhibits deep-blue LPL with a lasting time of about 21 s to the naked eye. The average LPL lifetime is over 2 s, and the LPL quantum yield is 10.78%. This host–guest system possesses charge-separated states and charge-transferred states triggered by an optical source, which is the foundation for LPL. Importantly, in water environments (HCl, NaOH, electrolyte NaCl, and H2O), the LPL of as-obtained CDs@B2O3 can still remain due to high environmental stability of B2O3. Based on the excellent LPL with ultra-long lifetime and water-resistant feature, the CDs@B2O3 successfully applies in water-resistant information encryption.
Symmetric non-monochromatic light source can also be used as reference source in Fourier transform spectrometers
Authors: wen muqian
Published: September 2024

Fourier transform spectrometers typically use a presumed monochromatic reference source to track and correct errors in optical path difference changes. This paper will conduct a theoretical analysis to show that nonmonochromatic light sources with symmetric spectral profile can also be used as reference sources without adding errors. An experiment was carried out using a symmetric broadband SLED as reference light to measure the spectrum of some other SLED light sources to experimentally demonstrate this finding.
Efficient mode coupling/(de)multiplexing between a few-mode fiber and a silicon photonic chip
Authors: Yi Xiaolin , Zhao Weike , Zhang Long , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: September 2024

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) has attracted much attention due to its ability to further increase the transmission capacity of optical interconnects. While further developments of MDM optical interconnects are hindered by the coupling of few-mode fibers (FMFs) and silicon photonic chips, a high-efficiency, broadband, and scalable multimode FMF-chip interface is still eagerly desired. To address this challenge, a novel scheme for efficient multimode coupling is proposed by introducing a silica planar lightwave circuit as an intermediate. The core idea is to couple and demultiplex higher-order modes by leveraging the superiorities of silica optical waveguides for manipulating LP modes, facilitated through tailoring the mode conversion related to different mode symmetric properties. The demultiplexed modes are consequently butt-coupled to the silicon photonic chip in single-mode manner, thus being available for fulfilling further data transmitting/receiving/routing directly. As a proof of concept, a six-channel FMF-chip coupler working with the LP01-x/y, LP11a-x/y, and LP11b-x/y modes is designed with low coupling losses of 0.77–1.39 dB and low intermode crosstalk of <−27.2  dB in a broad bandwidth (>150  nm). Minimum coupling losses of 1.36–2.48 dB are experimentally demonstrated. It is the first demonstration for the integrated multimode FMF-chip coupler enabling the simultaneous coupling of six mode-channels, to the best of our knowledge. We believe that this work has the great potential for developing energy-efficient and low-cost chip-to-chip MDM interconnections in the future.
Experimental study on the various varieties of photovoltaic panels (PVs) cooling systems to increase their electrical efficiency
Authors: Basem Ali , Mukhtar Azfarizal , Salem Elbarbary Zakaria Mohamed , Atamurotov Farruh , Benti Natei Ermias
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the impact of cooling methods on the electrical efficiency of photovoltaic panels (PVs). The efficiency of four cooling techniques is experimentally analyzed. The most effective approach is identified as water-spray cooling on the front surface of PVs, which increases efficiency by 3.9% compared to the case without cooling. The results show that water-spray cooling raises the PV’s temperature to 41°C, while improving its average daytime efficiency to 22%. Air-cooling, water-cooling in the tubes behind the PV, and aluminum oxide-water nanofluid cooling in the tubes behind the PV improve efficiency by 1.1%, 1.9%, and 2.7%, respectively. The findings highlight the potential of water-spray cooling as a cost-effective and efficient method to enhance PV efficiency and contribute to the global effort towards renewable energy.