bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐dimensional multichannel bandpass filter bank with improved fractional bandwidth and selectivity
Authors: Aidoo Michael W. , Song Kaijun , Zhou Yedi , Fan Yong
Published: June 2023

This letter presents a six‐channel bandpass filter bank created on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) with improved bandwidth and frequency selectivity on the lower band. Through SIW square cavities and slant slots, a two‐dimensional multichannel bandpass filter bank with a transmission zero constructed with the SIW orthogonal resonant modes is produced. The substrate integrated square cavity approach is used to achieve the propagation of the two orthogonal‐oriented transverse electric modes, TE102 and TE201, which resonate on the same frequency and bandwidth, depending on the location of the feed ports. The bandwidth could be altered by the coupling matrix synthesis and coupling windows. Better transmission and bandpass responses are produced in each channel when the feed ports and coupling gaps are positioned and appropriately adjusted. However, a pair of slot lines are imprinted along each cavity's designated diagonal to guarantee better isolation while attaining an increased fractional bandwidth. A 3 × 3 array of six bandpass filters with a center frequency of 8.65 GHz has been built, simulated, and measured to establish the suggested technique. Low insertion loss, high return loss, high isolation, an improved fractional bandwidth, and a compact device were the proposal's advantages.
Inherited stress resiliency prevents the development of metabolic alterations in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Ben‐Shachar Michaella , Daniel Tehila , Wollman Ayala , Govindaraj Sharmila , Aviel‐Ronen Sarit , Pinhasov Albert , Rosenzweig Tovit
Published: June 2023

Objective

Chronic stress promotes obesity and metabolic comorbidities. The ability of individuals to cope with stress may serve as an important parameter in the development of obesity‐related metabolic outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify whether differences in stress response affect metabolic health under obesity.

Methods

The study was performed in a selectively bred mouse model of social dominance (Dom) and submissiveness (Sub), which exhibit stress resilience or vulnerability, respectively. Mice were given a high‐fat diet (HFD) or standard diet, followed by physiological, histological, and molecular analyses.

Results

The HFD caused hyperleptinemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, steatosis of the liver and pancreas, and brown adipose tissue whitening in Sub mice, whereas Dom mice were protected from these consequences of the HFD. The HFD increased circulating levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and induced the expression of proinflammatory genes in the liver and in epididymal white adipose tissue of Sub mice, with no changes in Dom mice. The Cox2 inhibitor celecoxib (15 mg/kg/d) reduced serum IL‐1β, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and prevented hepatic and brown adipose tissue whitening in HFD‐fed Sub mice.

Conclusions

The extent of stress resiliency is associated with inflammation and contributes to population heterogeneity in the development of healthy or unhealthy obesity.

image
Evaluation of structural and functional properties of citrus pectin film enriched with green tea extract
Authors: Wei Huan , Pascall Melvin A.
Published: June 2023

The effects of green tea extract (GTE) concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) on the thicknesses, mechanical strengths, storage/loss moduli, glass transition temperatures (Tg), chemical structures, morphologies, antioxidant activities, moisture contents, and gas permeabilities of low methoxyl pectin films were investigated in this study. A decrease in the percent elongation and moisture contents accompanied by an increase in the tensile strengths, Tg and elastic and storage moduli were observed with increasing, but low concentrations of GTE in the pectin films. This rate of change slowed at higher GTE concentrations. The thicknesses of the pectin films were not significantly affected by the concentrations of GTE. The FTIR results showed increasing ester and hydrogen bonding formations with increasing concentrations of GTE from 0% to 2% in the pectin. When the GTE concentration increased from 2% to 5%, there was an increase in ester, but a decrease in the H‐bonding. The x‐ray diffraction results showed that the crystallinity of the films increased as a result of increasing GTE contents. The results of the antioxidant activities and oxygen and water vapor barrier properties showed an enhancement due to the higher concentrations of GTE. Therefore, GTE can be incorporated into low methoxyl pectin in order to make films with desired mechanical strength, gas barrier, and antioxidant properties.
An energy‐based strategy to predict the thickness and content of randomly oriented nanolayers aggregates/agglomerates in thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites: Experimental and analytical approaches
Authors: Sharifzadeh Esmail , Azimi Neda , Zamanian‐Fard Alireza , Mohammadi Reza
Published: June 2023

In this study, the formation of clay nanolayer clusters inside the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix was evaluated using a specific strategy based on energy equilibrium in the melt mixing stage. Furthermore, the formed interphase region around nanoparticle domains was precisely evaluated considering the molecular structure of the matrix and linear variation of the physical/mechanical characteristics. The obtained results were used in a developed analytical model to predict the tensile modulus of the nanocomposite system containing randomly oriented nanoparticle domains. The domains consisted of exfoliated, intercalated, or aggregated/agglomerated nanolayers placed in different excluded volumes as the components of an equivalent box model. Different comparative studies were performed using the obtained data from different tests, applied to the prepared HDPE/clay nanocomposite samples, and other data from the literature. It was found that the confrontation between the exerted dispersion energy, by the mixer, and interparticle cohesion energy defined the thickness and physical/mechanical characteristics of the final aggregates/agglomerates in a nanocomposite. Though, the size and content of aggregates/agglomerates increased with the content of initially added nanoparticles. Consequently, the random orientation of each nanoparticle domain and formation of the polymer/particle interphase were proved to have determinative impacts on the mechanical properties of the system.
Meta‐analysis of the immunogenicity of standard and booster SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in patients with chronic liver disease and post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Wen‐Xin , Wang Jitao , Jia Rui , Martini Silvia , Liu Jiaye , Huang Yifei , Wang Fu‐Sheng , Qi Xiaolong , Fu Junliang
Published: June 2023

Aims

Patients with liver disease may exhibit higher infection rates and mortality rates from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) than healthy individuals, and vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is an effective prevention strategy. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and post‐liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched. A random‐effects model meta‐analysis was used to determine the seropositivity rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, odds ratio (OR) compared with healthy controls (HC), risk ratio (RR) between the booster and standard vaccination regimen, and the rate of adverse reactions (ADR).

Results

In the standard vaccination regimen analysis, 17 controlled articles were included for effectiveness analysis, and six articles for ADR analysis. The pooled seropositivity rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in patients with CLD and post‐LT were 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 89.0%–97.6%) and 69.1% (95% CI: 63.0%–75.3%), respectively. Both rates were lower than those in HC (p < 0.001). The differences remained significant after sorting by detection interval, vaccine type, antibody type, or CLD type. LT recipients showed much lower seropositivity rates of antibodies than patients with CLD (69.1% vs. 93.3%) or HC (OR: 0.055). The pooled total ADR rate of patients was 24.0% (95% CI: 16.2%–31.8%). In the booster vaccination regimen analysis, 11 prospective studies were enrolled, and the seropositivity rates of antibodies after the booster dose were increased by 27% compared with those of the standard vaccination regimen (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15–1.41, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with CLD and post‐LT can gain protection against COVID‐19 from standard vaccines, demonstrating a potentially weaker immunogenic response than HC. Booster vaccines can compensate for this deficiency. Therefore, patients with CLD and post‐LT should be prioritized for receiving the COVID‐19 booster vaccine.
The characteristic and seasonal variation of mesoscale convective systems' precipitation overNorth China
Authors: Wu Yufei , Li Puxi , Chen Haoming
Published: June 2023

Using an iterative rain‐cell tracking method to identify and track mesoscale convective system (MCS) precipitation during the warm seasons (May–October) of 2015–2020, we reveal the seasonal variation in the spatiotemporal distribution, rainfall characteristics, and the life cycle of MCS precipitation in different months over North China. Notable MCS precipitation centers are located around mountain slopes and downstream areas. The diurnal peak of MCS rainfall is manifested as a southeastern delay from afternoon in mountainous regions to midnight or morning over downstream plains. In May and June, MCS rainfall is distributed on the hillside of Taihang–Yan mountains and the Shandong Peninsula. MCS precipitation gets an early evening peak on mountain slopes and a nocturnal maximum over the North China Plain (NCP). In July and August, the MCS activities extend to NCP, and another MCS precipitation center exists over the Luliang Mountains in western North China, under the seasonal march of the monsoon flow. The local diurnal peaks to the east of 114°E are generally later than in May and June, and MCS precipitation gets a peak during midnight to early morning over the NCP. MCSs in July and August feature the strongest intensity. In September and October, the MCS precipitation shifts to high terrain of the Taihang Mountains and its west, with an early afternoon peak. MCSs have the largest size and the fastest propagation speed in September and October, but with the weakest intensity. Compared with short‐lived MCSs, long‐lived MCSs have stronger precipitation intensity, larger rainfall area, and faster propagation speed. In addition, the life cycle of long‐lived MCS precipitation represents asymmetric development and decay. Long‐lived MCSs occur with more pronounced upper troposphere warming and low‐level anomalous southwesterlies. Meanwhile, higher specific humidity in the low‐ and mid‐level troposphere provides a more favorable environment for the maintenance of MCS precipitation.
Turning waiting time into treatment time: Weight reduction by a lifestyle intervention programme for patients with obesity before fertility treatment
Authors: Jepsen Ida Engberg , Petersen Kathrine Birch , Wissing Marie Louise Muff , Hviid Thomas Vauvert F. , Macklon Nicholas S. , Englund Anne Lis Mikkelsen
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effects of offering a clinic‐driven lifestyle intervention programme in the waiting time before fertility treatment to women and men with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2).

Methods

This prospective intervention study was conducted at a public Danish fertility clinic. All consecutive patients, both women and men, referred to the clinic between May 2020 and March 2021 with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were offered a 6‐month lifestyle intervention programme consisting of monthly motivational dialogues and counselling with a certified nutritionist nurse. Weight loss maintenance was evaluated at a 1‐year follow‐up visit conducted 6‐months after completion of the programme. The primary outcomes were absolute weight loss (kg) and relative weight loss (percent compared with weight at inclusion) upon completing the 6‐month programme and at the 1‐year follow‐up. Secondary outcome measures were effects on biochemical metabolic markers.

Results

Forty‐five participants were enroled in the study, of which 38 completed the 6‐months lifestyle intervention programme and 33 participated in the 1‐year follow‐up. The participants' mean weight loss was 5.4 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3, 7.5) after the 6‐month programme (30 of 38 participants lost weight) and 4.4 kg (95% CI: 1.4, 7.3) at the 1‐year follow‐up compared with baseline. Previously undiagnosed metabolic conditions were revealed in 61% of the participants, including four cases (11%) of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2.

Conclusion

A clinic‐driven lifestyle intervention programme offered to patients with obesity in the waiting time for fertility treatment can successfully reduce weight in a high number of patients with stable results at 1‐year follow‐ups. Metabolic conditions, including diabetes mellitus type 2, are likely underdiagnosed in this group of patients, but further studies are needed.
Matchings on trees and the adjacency matrix: A determinantal viewpoint
Authors: Mészáros András
Published: June 2023

Let be a finite tree. For any matching of , let be the set of vertices uncovered by . Let be a uniform random maximum size matching of . In this paper, we analyze the structure of . We first show that is a determinantal process. We also show that for most vertices of , the process in a small neighborhood of that vertex can be well approximated based on a somewhat larger neighborhood of the same vertex. Then we show that the normalized Shannon entropy of can be also well approximated using the local structure of . In other words, in the realm of trees, the normalized Shannon entropy of —that is, the normalized logarithm of the number of maximum size matchings of —is a Benjamini‐Schramm continuous parameter.
Harnessing the Hybridization of a Metal‐Organic Framework and Superbase‐Derived Ionic Liquid for High‐Performance Direct Air Capture of CO2
Authors: Qiu Liqi , Peng Li , Moitra Debabrata , Liu Hongjun , Fu Yuqing , Dong Zhun , Hu Wenda , Lei Ming , Jiang De‐en , Lin Hongfei , Hu Jianzhi , McGarry Kathryn A. , Popovs Ilja , Li Meijia , Ivanov Alexander S. , Yang Zhenzhen , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2023

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 has emerged as the most promising “negative carbon emission” technologies. Despite being state‐of‐the‐art, sorbents deploying alkali hydroxides/amine solutions or amine‐modified materials still suffer from unsolved high energy consumption and stability issues. In this work, composite sorbents are crafted by hybridizing a robust metal‐organic framework (Ni‐MOF) with superbase‐derived ionic liquid (SIL), possessing well maintained crystallinity and chemical structures. The low‐pressure (0.4 mbar) volumetric CO2 capture assessment and a fixed‐bed breakthrough examination with 400 ppm CO2 gas flow reveal high‐performance DAC of CO2 (CO2 uptake capacity of up to 0.58 mmol g−1 at 298 K) and exceptional cycling stability. Operando spectroscopy analysis reveals the rapid (400 ppm) CO2 capture kinetics and energy‐efficient/fast CO2 releasing behaviors. The theoretical calculation and small‐angle X‐ray scattering demonstrate that the confinement effect of the MOF cavity enhances the interaction strength of reactive sites in SIL with CO2, indicating great efficacy of the hybridization. The achievements in this study showcase the exceptional capabilities of SIL‐derived sorbents in carbon capture from ambient air in terms of rapid carbon capture kinetics, facile CO2 releasing, and good cycling performance.
Multifunctional Crystalline InGaSnO Phototransistor Exhibiting Photosensing and Photosynaptic Behavior Using Oxygen Vacancy Engineering
Authors: Lim Taebin , Lee Jiseob , Woo Dong Yeon , Kwak Joon Young , Jang Jin
Published: June 2023

A multifunctional optoelectronic device implementing photodetector, photosynapse, and photomemory is of increasing attention for neuromorphic system. This enables multiple devices to be replaced with a single device, which simplifies the structure of complex, highly integrated electronics. Here, a multifunctional c‐axis‐aligned crystalline indium gallium tin oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT) optoelectronic device is demonstrated. The photodetecting and photosynaptic behaviors could be demonstrated by tuning of gate pulse. The device shows a high responsivity of 1.1 × 106 A W−1 to blue light (467 nm) and cutoff frequency (f−3dB) of 2400 Hz exhibiting high frequency switching using a gate reset pulse. It is possible to implement photosynaptic behavior using persistent photoconductivity effect by applying a gate bias to make the TFT depletion mode. When potentiation and depression of synaptic weight are implemented with light pulse and gate voltage pulse, respectively, 64‐state potentiation‐depression curves are demonstrated with excellent nonlinearity of 1.13 and 2.03, respectively. When an artificial neural network is constructed with this device for the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology training pattern recognition simulation, it shows a high pattern recognition accuracy of 90.4%.
Electrolyte and Additive Engineering for Zn Anode Interfacial Regulation in Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Xu Shenqiu , Huang Jiawen , Wang Guanyao , Dou Yuhai , Yuan Ding , Lin Liangxu , Qin Kaifeng , Wu Kuan , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Wu Chao
Published: June 2023

Aqueous Zn‐metal batteries (AZMBs) have gained great interest due to their low cost, eco‐friendliness, and inherent safety, which serve as a promising complement to the existing metal‐based batteries, e.g., lithium‐metal batteries and sodium‐metal batteries. Although the utilization of aqueous electrolytes and Zn metal anode in AZMBs ensures their improved safety over other metal batteries meanwhile guaranteeing their decent energy density at the cell level, plenty of challenges involved with metallic Zn anode still await to be addressed, including dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, and zinc corrosion and passivation. In the past years, several attempts have been adopted to address these problems, among which engineering the aqueous electrolytes and additives is regarded as a facile and promising approach. In this review, a comprehensive summary of aqueous electrolytes and electrolyte additives will be given based on the recent literature, aiming at providing a fundamental understanding of the challenges associated with the metallic Zn anode in aqueous electrolytes, meanwhile offering a guideline for the electrolytes and additives engineering strategies toward stable AZMBs in the future.
First of Their Kind: Solar Cells with a Dry‐Processed Perovskite Absorber Layer via Powder Aerosol Deposition and Hot‐Pressing
Authors: Biberger Simon , Leupold Nico , Witt Christina , Greve Christopher , Markus Paul , Ramming Philipp , Lukas Daniel , Schötz Konstantin , Kahle Frank-Julian , Zhu Chenhui , Papastavrou Georg , Köhler Anna , Herzig Eva M. , Moos Ralf , Panzer Fabian
Published: June 2023

Preparing halide perovskite films by solvent‐free, powder‐based processing approaches currently attracts more and more attention. However, working solar cells employing dry, powder‐based halide perovskite thin films, have not been demonstrated so far. Herein, perovskite solar cells are presented where the absorber layer is prepared by transferring readily synthesized perovskite powders into a compact thin film using a fully dry‐powder‐processing concept. Compact thin films are deposited via an optimized powder aerosol deposition (PAD) process. Pressing at 120 °C further improves the morphology and the optoelectronic film properties. Integrating the perovskite films in a solar cell configuration results in fully working devices, with champion power conversion efficiencies of >6%. While the (optoelectronic) properties of the PAD‐processed films are found to be comparable with their solution‐processed counterparts, investigations of the solar cell stack suggest deterioration of the electron‐transport layer properties due to the PAD process, and the presence of hydrates at the perovskite surface to be important factors that contribute to the limited solar cell efficiency. Herein, perspectives to overcome the identified limitations are outlined, emphasizing the high potential and realizability of efficient perovskite solar cells based on dry‐powder‐processing approaches in the future.
Synergetic Acceleration on the Degradation of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells under Light and Stress Cooperation
Authors: Qiao Feiyang , Du Daxue , Shen Whenzhong , Wang Wei , Chen Zhengdong , Gao Chao , He Li , Lü Zhiguo , Liu Hong
Published: June 2023

Metal‐halide perovskites represent highly efficient and lightweight photovoltaic technology with promising applications in various scenarios. However, their stability is often deteriorated by various external factors in realistic applications, which is particularly severe for flexible devices. Herein this work, the degradation of flexible perovskite devices is focused on under two substantial factors: light and mechanical stress, where the degradation is surprisingly accelerated with simultaneous existence of these factors. Full‐scale analysis demonstrates that the mismatch and charge accumulation at the interfaces are direct causes of this device failure. Theoretical simulations reveal that carrier‐localization behavior, which is strongly associated with lattice distortion, is the core microscopic factor that destabilizes the device. This finding poses significant challenges to the stability of flexible perovskite devices and other inner strain‐sensitive systems, which cannot be simply mitigated by conventional passivation or encapsulation. It is suggested in theoretical studies that this effect may be suppressed by certain physical modulations, such as external electric fields. In general, a better understanding of the degradation mechanisms of realistic flexible and rigid perovskite devices can be contributed in this study and the development of solutions is facilitated to address those challenges.
Methodological Considerations: Frameworks and Rubrics
Authors: Sterk Florentine Marnel , van Goch Merel M.
Published: June 2023

This chapter reviews the diverse ways in which popularization discourse is analyzed in the current academic literature. First, it discusses goals and formats of text analysis in general. We specifically focus on quantitative text analysis as a way to produce data matrices and qualitative text analysis to categorize data into themes. In the literature, popularization discourse is analyzed either through frameworks or rubrics. Frameworks give insight into textual components, or strategies, whereas rubrics contain assessment criteria. In this chapter, the main insight is that although current frameworks and rubrics do provide insight into popularization discourse as a genre, it is impossible to produce one overarching framework of strategies that make up popularization discourse purely from these frameworks/rubrics. This gap also points to bigger methodological issues in the current academic literature, which are also discussed in this chapter.
Framing Frameworks: Final Considerations about Framework Development
Authors: Sterk Florentine Marnel , van Goch Merel M.
Published: June 2023

In this concluding chapter, we look back on the contents of Re-presenting Research as a whole. We offer insight into the theoretical and applied insights that are generated through this book, which concern the framework itself, compliance with the aims that were set for the framework, the genre of popularization discourse as a whole, and applied insights. Options for further research are discussed, which include branching into other modes of popularization, focusing on the producer of popularization texts, the application of the framework in other settings, adding an evaluative component to the framework, and the construction of controversy in popularization discourse. Lastly, we offer some considerations for those readers wanting to develop their own analytical framework, whether it be to analyze popularization discourse or any other type of genre or text.
Relative perfect complexes
Authors: Alonso Tarrío Leovigildo , Jeremías López Ana , Sancho de Salas Fernando
Published: June 2023

Let $$f :X \rightarrow Y$$

f
:
X
→
Y

be a morphism of concentrated schemes. We characterize f-perfect complexes $${\mathscr {E}}$$
E
as those such that the functor $${\mathscr {E}}\otimes ^{\varvec{\textsf{L}}}_X \varvec{\textsf{L}}f^*-$$

E

⊗
X

L

L

f
∗

-

preserves bounded complexes. We prove, as a consequence, that a quasi-proper morphism takes relative perfect complexes into perfect ones. We obtain a generalized version of the semicontinuity theorem of dimension of cohomology and Grauert’s base change of the fibers. Finally, a bivariant theory of the Grothendieck group of perfect complexes is developed.
Zeta morphisms for rank two universal deformations
Authors: Nakamura Kentaro
Published: June 2023

In this article, we construct zeta morphisms for the universal deformations of odd absolutely irreducible two dimensional mod $p$
p
Galois representations satisfying some mild assumptions, and prove that our zeta morphisms interpolate Kato’s zeta morphisms for Galois representations associated to Hecke eigen cusp newforms. The existence of such morphisms was predicted by Kato’s generalized Iwasawa main conjecture. Based on Kato’s original construction, we construct our zeta morphisms using many deep results in the theory of $p$
p
-adic (local and global) Langlands correspondence for $\mathrm{GL}_{2/\mathbb{Q}}$

GL

2
/
Q

. As an application of our zeta morphisms and the recent article (Kim et al. in On the Iwasawa invariants of Kato’s zeta elements for modular forms, 2019, arXiv:1909.01764v2), we prove a theorem which roughly states that, under some $\mu =0$
μ
=
0
assumption, Iwasawa main conjecture without $p$
p
-adic $L$
L
-function for $f$
f
holds if this conjecture holds for one $g$
g
which is congruent to $f$
f
.
Fatigue in stroke survivors: a 5-year follow-up of the Fall study of Gothenburg
Authors: Schnitzer Lior , Hansson Per-Olof , Samuelsson Carina M. , Drummond Avril , Persson Carina U.
Published: June 2023

Longer term knowledge of post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is limited. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of, and to identify baseline predictors associated with, PSF 5 years after stroke. We undertook a follow-up of stroke survivors from the 504 consecutively recruited participants in the observational “The Fall Study of Gothenburg”, conducted between 2014 and 2016. The dependent variable, PSF, was assessed using the Swedish version of the Fatigue Assessment Scale (S-FAS) and defined as having a S-FAS score ≥ 24. The S-FAS questionnaire was mailed to potential participants in August 2020. The independent variables, previously obtained from medical records, included age; sex; comorbidities; stroke severity; hospital length of stay; body mass index (BMI); number of medications and lifestyle factors at index stroke. To identify predictors of PSF, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the 305 eligible participants, 119 (39%) responded with complete S-FAS. Mean age at index stroke was 71 (SD 10.4) years and 41% were female. After a mean of 4.9 years after stroke, the prevalence of PSF was 52%. Among those with PSF, almost two thirds were classified as having both physical and mental PSF. In the multivariable analysis, only high BMI predicted PSF with an odds ratio of 1.25 (95% CI 1.11–1.41, p < 0.01). In conclusion, half of the participants reported PSF 5 years after index stroke and higher body mass index was identified as a predictor. The findings from this study are important for healthcare professionals, for planning health-related efforts and rehabilitation of stroke survivors.

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT02264470.
Lower bounds on the state complexity of population protocols
Authors: Czerner Philipp , Esparza Javier , Leroux Jérôme
Published: June 2023

Population protocols are a model of computation in which an arbitrary number of indistinguishable finite-state agents interact in pairs. The goal of the agents is to decide by stable consensus whether their initial global configuration satisfies a given property, specified as a predicate on the set of configurations. The state complexity of a predicate is the number of states of a smallest protocol that computes it. Previous work by Blondin et al. has shown that the counting predicates $$x \ge \eta $$

x
≥
η

have state complexity $$\mathcal {O}(\log \eta )$$

O
(
log
η
)

for leaderless protocols and $$\mathcal {O}(\log \log \eta )$$

O
(
log
log
η
)

for protocols with leaders. We obtain the first non-trivial lower bounds: the state complexity of $$x \ge \eta $$

x
≥
η

is $$\Omega (\log \log \eta )$$

Ω
(
log
log
η
)

for leaderless protocols, and the inverse of a non-elementary function for protocols with leaders.
Deepfakes: evolution and trends
Authors: Gil Rosa , Virgili-Gomà Jordi , López-Gil Juan-Miguel , García Roberto
Published: June 2023

This study conducts research on deepfakes technology evolution and trends based on a bibliometric analysis of the articles published on this topic along with six research questions: What are the main research areas of the articles in deepfakes? What are the main current topics in deepfakes research and how are they related? Which are the trends in deepfakes research? How do topics in deepfakes research change over time? Who is researching deepfakes? Who is funding deepfakes research? We have found a total of 331 research articles about deepfakes in an analysis carried out on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. This data serves to provide a complete overview of deepfakes. Main insights include: different areas in which deepfakes research is being performed; which areas are the emerging ones, those that are considered basic, and those that currently have the most potential for development; most studied topics on deepfakes research, including the different artificial intelligence methods applied; emerging and niche topics; relationships among the most prominent researchers; the countries where deepfakes research is performed; main funding institutions. This paper identifies the current trends and opportunities in deepfakes research for practitioners and researchers who want to get into this topic.
Associations between maternal psychological distress and mother-infant bonding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: O’Dea Gypsy A. , Youssef George J. , Hagg Lauryn J. , Francis Lauren M. , Spry Elizabeth A. , Rossen Larissa , Smith Imogene , Teague Samantha J. , Mansour Kayla , Booth Anna , Davies Sasha , Hutchinson Delyse , Macdonald Jacqui A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Maternal psychological distress and mother-infant bonding problems each predict poorer offspring outcomes. They are also related to each other, yet the extensive literature reporting their association has not been meta-analysed.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest DTG, and OATD for English-language peer-reviewed and grey literature reporting an association between mother-infant bonding, and multiple indicators of maternal psychological distress.

Results

We included 133 studies representing 118 samples; 99 samples (110,968 mothers) were eligible for meta-analysis. Results showed concurrent associations across a range of timepoints during the first year postpartum, between bonding problems and depression (r= .27 [95% CI 0.20, 0.35] tor= .47 [95% CI 0.41, 0.53]), anxiety (r= .27 [95% CI 0.24, 0.31] tor= .39 [95% CI 0.15, 0.59]), and stress (r= .46 [95% CI 0.40, 0.52]). Associations between antenatal distress and subsequent postpartum bonding problems were mostly weaker and with wider confidence intervals: depression (r= .20 [95% CI 0.14, 0.50] tor= .25 [95% CI 0.64, 0.85]), anxiety (r= .16 [95% CI 0.10, 0.22]), and stress (r= .15 [95% CI − 0.67, 0.80]). Pre-conception depression and anxiety were associated with postpartum bonding problems (r= − 0.17 [95% CI − 0.22, − 0.11]).

Conclusion

Maternal psychological distress is associated with postpartum mother-infant bonding problems. Co-occurrence of psychological distress and bonding problems is common, but should not be assumed. There may be benefit in augmenting existing perinatal screening programs with well-validated mother-infant bonding measures.
Clinical observation of capecitabine monotherapy in elderly patients with advanced breast cancer ⁎
Authors: Zhang Miao , Liu Zhaozhe , Zheng Zhendong , Han Tao , Han Yaling , Song Min , Xie Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capecitabine mono-chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced breast cancer.

Methods

The data from 36 cases of capecitabine monotherapy in elderly patients with advanced breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Oral administration of capecitabine 2000 mg/m2 twice daily (D1-14) for 21 days constituted a cycle. The effect of the disease and main adverse reactions were evaluated every 2 cycles.

Results

The data from 36 elderly patients were studied. The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 4. The total effective rate was 30.6% (11/36) and the disease control rate was 72.2% (26/36). The number of patients with clinical complete remission was 2, clinical partial response was 9, stable disease was 15, and progressive disease was 10. Where treatment was effective, the median time to progression was 6 months and the median overall survival was 9.5 months. The main adverse events were gastrointestinal reactions, bone marrow suppression, and oral mucositis; most of the reactions were grade 1 to 2. Grade 3 to 4 adverse reactions included granulocytopenia in 2 patients (12.5%) and hand-foot syndrome in 1 patient (6.7%).

Conclusion

Capecitabine monotherapy was effective in controlling disease progression, and adverse reactions were tolerated by elderly patients with advanced breast cancer.
Factors influencing the presence of circulating differentiated thyroid cancer cells in the thyroidectomy perioperative period ⁎
Authors: Wei Wentao , Liu Qinjiang , Yao Wei
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to detect circulating differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) micrometastasis and to investigate the factors influencing their presence in the perioperative thyroidectomy period.

Methods

DTC micrometastases in the peripheral blood were detected with flow cytometry, and patient clinical and pathological factors were analyzed in 327 DTC patients.

Results

Circulating blood micrometastases were present in the peripheral circulation at a higher rate 1 week postoperatively than preoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.05). The preoperative presence of circulating micrometastasis was associated with the size of the tumor and the presence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), but was not related to the degree of tumor differentiation (P > 0.05). At 4 weeks postoperatively, the presence of circulating micrometastasis was not associated with tumor size or lymph node stage (P > 0.05), but was associated with poorly differentiated tumors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The presence of circulating DTC micrometastases correlates to tumor size, lymph node stage, and operative manipulation. The differentiation degree of the tumors were associated with the persistent presence of micrometastasis in the circulating blood.
Role of radiation therapy in the management of stage III non-small cell lung cancers: current status and controversies
Authors: Feng Wen , Fu Xiaolong
Published: June 2023

The treatment of stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) consisting of the heterogeneous stage subsets remains a challenge. Overall, it has been gradually recognized that radiation therapy (RT) plays a crucial role in the management of stage III NSCLC. One superior sulcus tumors are the subset for which the trimodality treatments are clearly preferred. One subset of stage III NSCLC has a minimal disease burden with microscopic pN2 disease or with discrete pN2 involvement identified preoperatively, thus technically could undergo a surgical resection. For the incidentally found pN2 disease after complete surgery (IIIA-1, IIIA-2), the value of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) has been recognized by a reassessment based on new data. However, doubt persists regarding how to define the clinical target volume for PORT. For the discrete pN2 involvement identified preoperatively (a selected part of IIIA-3), induction chemoradiation therapy (CRT) before surgery may yield a survival advantage, although the phase III randomized trials in this issue are not conclusive. The other major subset of stage III NSCLC is the infiltrative stage III NSCLC with N2 or N3 nodal disease (IIIA-3, IIIA-4, and IIIB), for which concurrent CRT is considered as the current standard of care. The potential role of radiation dose escalation/acceleration has been proposed; however, the optimal dose fractionation remains an important unresolved question. Additionally, the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation for stage III patients with high risk of brain metastasis is worth of further assessment. Moreover, how to integrate molecular targeted therapy with RT, as well as whether they had a role in stage III diseases, are other controversies actively under study in ongoing trials. This review specifically describes the updated role of RT in multimodal approach to treat stage III NSCLC and the controversies regarding these results in various situations.
In vitro incubation of cytokine-induced killer cells from patients with and without hepatitis B virus and a cell subset analysis
Authors: Ma Xuebin , Ma Cong , Qiu Wei , Yuan Hongxia , Yang Ping , Kang Jinbo
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore the difference between immune cell subsets during the incubation of cytokine-induced kill cells (CIKs) from patients with and without hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were extracted from 50 tumor patients, and were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of HBV. The proliferation rate and activity of CIK cells were examined based on counts on days 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 of culture. Additionally, the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD56+ T cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry on days 5, 7, 10, 13, and 15 of culture.

Results

Proliferation over a 15-day period was higher in the HBV-positive group than in the negative group (280-fold vs. 180-fold increase, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point. The frequencies of CD3+, CD8+ T, CD3+CD8+, and CD3+CD56+T cells increased over time, while those of CD4+ and CD3+CD4+ T cells decreased over time, and these changes were greater in the positive group than in the negative group. The differences in CD8+ T cells and CD3+CD4+ T cells between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The proliferative capacity of CIK cells was higher for patients in the HBV-positive group than those in the HBV-negative group, and immune cell subsets were more favorable in the HBV-positive group than the negative group.
Comparison of the dose to lung volume between supine and prone position during treatment planning ⁎
Authors: Li Yu , Xu Huijun , Zhang Sujing , Liu Xiaoliang
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the dose to lung volume in the supine and prone position while designing CyberKnife treatment plans to treat metastatic tumors in the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae, and offer a reference for reducing damage to normal tissues.

Methods

Nine cases of metastatic tumors in the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae were selected, and then we designed treatment plans based on the supine and prone positions and compared the results.

Results

In contrast with the treatment plan based on the prone position, the one for the supine position required 14862-36337 MU more; the lung D
5% was 5.20-7.90 Gy higher; and the lung D
20% was 2.61-5.73 Gy higher. The difference of dose to spine volume between the two plans was -2.21-2.67 Gy; to the skin volume was -3.93-7.85 Gy; and to the esophagus was 0.28-6.39 Gy.

Conclusion

The treatment plan based on the prone position of patients can better protect lung tissues than the one based on the supine position, and can also improve the availability of beams.
Clinical and pathological observations of retroperitoneal paraganglioma in 32 cases
Authors: Xiao Feiying
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical manifestations, pathologic features, differentiation, and diagnosis of retroperitoneal paraganglioma.

Methods

The clinical manifestations, histopathologic morphology, immunohistologic features, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed in 32 cases of retroperitoneal paraganglioma, and the literature was reviewed. Results Low back pain was the main symptom of retroperitoneal paraganglioma, and patients often presented with increased blood pressure. Blood vessels were abundant in the neoplasm of retroperitoneal paraganglioma, and pathologic diagnosis showed that the cells of tumors were rich in cytoplasm, and some were basophilic. Immunohistochemical study showed that CgA, Syn, S-100, and Ki-67 (2%-30%) were expressed, while Melan-A and CK were not. The patients were treated with surgical resection. Thirteen cases were followed up, and no recurrence or metastases have been observed.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of retroperitoneal paraganglioma should be confirmed by morphologic features and immunophenotype. Patients should be followed-up due to the potential for malignancy.
Intestinal lymphangiectasia associated with chylothorax and multiple lower extremity arteriovenous malformation: A case report and literature review ⁎
Authors: Li Haojie , Hu Daoyu , Liang Lili , Hu Yao , Li Zhen
Published: June 2023

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is an uncommon protein losing enteropathy, characterized by small intestinal mucosa or serosa lymphangiectasia and intestine lymph loss. Currently, IL is a very rare disease in children or adults, with typical clinical symptoms including hypoalbuminemia, absolute lymphocyte reduction, ascites, edema, etc. We report a case of an adult with intestinal lymphatic ectasia accompanied by chylothorax and multiply arteriovenous malformations of the hip and lower extremity. CT and MRI revealed diffuse edema and thickening of the small intestine, accompanied by splenomegaly and pleural effusion. Extensive nodularity of lower ileum and the ileocecal region could be seen during intestinal endoscopy. Finally, small intestinal lamina propria lymphangiectasis was confirmed by pathological examination. To raise awareness of the disease, here we compare our case and those previously reported, and discuss the diagnosis and management of IL.
Preliminary clinical application of an adaptive iterative statistical reconstruction algorithm inhead and neck computed tomography angiography with low tube voltage and a low concentration of contrast medium
Authors: Hu Shan , Zhu Wenzhen , Hu Daoyu , Meng XiaoYan , Zhang Jinhua , Wan Weijia , Zhou Li
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of using a low concentration of contrast medium (Visipaque 270 mgI/mL), low tube voltage, and an advanced image reconstruction algorithm in head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

Forty patients (22 men and 18 women; average age 48.7 ± 14.25 years; average body mass index 23.9 ± 3.7 kg/m2) undergoing CTA for suspected vascular diseases were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A (n = 20) was administered 370 mgI/mL contrast medium, and group B (n = 20) was administered 270 mgI/mL contrast medium. Both groups were administered at a rate of 4.8 mL/s and an injection volume of 0.8 mL/kg. Images of group A were obtained with 120 kVp and filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction, whereas images of group B were obtained with 80 kVp and 80% adaptive iterative statistical reconstruction algorithm (ASiR). The CT values and standard deviations of intracranial arteries and image noise on the corona radiata were measured to calculate the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The beam-hardening artifacts (BHAs) around the skull base were calculated. Two readers evaluated the image quality with volume rendered images using scores from 1 to 5. The values between the two groups were statistically compared.

Results

The mean CT value of the intracranial arteries in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.001). The CNR and SNR values in group B were also statistically higher than those in group A (P < 0.001). Image noise and BHAs were not significantly different between the two groups. The image quality score of VR images of in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P = 0.001). However, the quality scores of axial enhancement images in group B became significantly smaller than those in group A (P< 0.001). The CT dose index volume and dose-length product were decreased by 63.8% and 64%, respectively, in group B (P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

Visipaque combined with 80 kVp and 80% ASiR provided similar image quality in intracranial CTA with 64% radiation dose reduction compared with the use of Iopamidol, 120 kVp, and FBP reconstruction.
Precision medicine for diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Rui , Fu Freddie H. , Wang Bing
Published: June 2023

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors, most commonly affecting children and adolescents. With a low 5-year survival rate, osteosarcoma is among the most dangerous threats to the health and life of young people. In many cases, lung micro-metastases are detected at the time of osteosarcoma diagnosis, which makes it very difficult to save patients’ lives even with very radical treatments such as surgical amputation to remove the primary lesion. Patients with osteosarcoma often die of lung metastatic disease. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma at an early stage is therefore very important for disease prognosis. Osteosarcoma shows a remarkable variation in its pathologic presentation between its different pathologic sub-types and from patient to patient. Prior to displaying any abnormalities in cellular morphology, molecular and biochemical metabolic changes may occur, leading to increases in abnormally functioning oncoproteins. New evidence from molecular biological and genomic studies provides critical information about the occurrence, development, metastasis, and prognosis of osteosarcoma. The precision medicine approach, which allows for individualized treatment, has improved the prognosis and treatment outcomes for osteosarcoma. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the recent key discoveries in osteosarcoma and to highlight optimal strategies for diagnosis and treatment.