bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silent closure based pair verifier for fault pattern diagnosis of discrete event systems
Authors: Liang Ye , Lefebvre Dimitri , Li Zhiwu
Published: November 2023

This paper addresses fault pattern diagnosis of discrete event systems, involving fault pattern detection and diagnosability. A fault pattern is modelled as a finite automaton whose accepted language is the objective to be diagnosed, representing the occurrence of complex or composite faults. A verifier for fault pattern detection based on the synchronous product of a system and a fault pattern is proposed. By removing all silent events, a silent closure is calculated based on the synchronous product, which offers computational advantages for systems that have a large number of silent events. An NSC/FSC pair verifier is then computed by taking the product of a normal silent closure and an accepted silent closure. By studying indeterminate cycles of the NSC/FSC pair verifier, necessary and sufficient verification conditions are established, asserting that a system is diagnosable with respect to a fault pattern if and only if there is no indeterminate cycle in the NSC/FSC pair verifier. It is shown that the proposed method requires polynomial time at most. Finally, a case study to illustrate the results is provided.
Frequency‐structure‐aware modelling for unsupervised zero‐shot cross‐domain heterogeneous face translation
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Chen Jian , Liu Tingshuai , Zhang Yinghui
Published: November 2023

Unsupervised heterogeneous face translation requires obtaining heterogeneous images with the same identities at training time, limiting the use in unconstrained real‐world scenarios. Taking a step further towards unconstrained heterogeneous face translation, the authors explore unsupervised zero‐shot heterogeneous face translation for the first time, which is expected to synthesize images that resemble the style of target images and whose identities in the source domain have been preserved but never seen in the target domain during training. Essentially, asymmetry between heterogeneous faces under the zero‐shot setting further exacerbates the distortion and blurring of the translated images. The authors therefore propose a novel frequency‐structure‐guided regularization, which can jointly encourage to capture detailed textures and maintain identity consistency. Through extensive experimental validation and comparisons to several baseline methods on benchmark datasets, the authors verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Experimental investigation of the pulse duration on the efficiency and electrode wear of electrohydraulic forming process
Authors: Ledoux Yann
Published: November 2023

Electrohydraulic Forming (EHF) is a high velocity sheet metal forming technique using high-energy electrical discharges in a water chamber to shape complex parts. Despite its potential benefits, the EHF process is not well understood, and further research is needed to comprehend the underlying physical mechanisms and optimize the process parameters. One of the critical factors is the control of energy discharge within the forming chamber in terms of arc duration. The proposed study aimed to analyze its impact on the characteristics of electrohydraulic forming focusing on the efficiency of the operation and electrode wear. As a result, the height of the formed parts was compared and used to evaluate the efficiency of the operation. The electrode wear was estimated by a phenomenological model. By comprehending the relationships between these factors and operational efficiency, a tradeoff was established to enhance the EHF process, taking into account electrode wear, thereby expanding its industrial applications.
Outcomes of Extended Middle Fossa Approach for Petroclival Tumors in the Elderly
Authors: Kaul Vivian F. , Harris Micah K. , Kato Masanari , Finger Guilherme , Gao Thomas , Hardesty Douglas A. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Ren Yin , Adunka Oliver F.
Published: November 2023

Objective The aims of the study are (1) to evaluate the extended middle fossa approach (eMCF) for resection of tumors in the petroclivus and anterior cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and (2) to compare surgical outcomes between elderly (≥65 years) and nonelderly patients.

Design Retrospective cohort.

Setting Tertiary referral center.

Participants Adults with petroclival, anterior CPA, or posterior fossa lesions who underwent an eMCF approach from 2012 to 2021 were included in the study.

Main Outcome Measure Demographics, symptoms, cranial nerve (CN) function, and postoperative outcomes.

Results Twenty-nine patients (mean age of 55 years, 59% females) were identified. Eleven (38%) were ≥65 years (65–79 years). The most common pathology was meningioma (n = 13, 45%), followed by vestibular schwannoma (n = 4, 14%) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 3, 10%). Nineteen tumors (65.5%) were located in the petroclivus, 7 (24%) involved the cavernous sinus, and 10 (34%) were located in the posterior fossa. The mean tumor maximal diameter was 3.4 cm (range: 1.3–7.9 cm). Gross total tumor resection was accomplished in 15 (52%) patients. Most patients (n = 23, 79%) did not develop new CN deficits postoperatively. Of the 13 patients who had complete pre- and postoperative audiometric data, 69% (n = 9) maintained their hearing. Comparing the elderly versus nonelderly patients, there were no significant differences in the development of new CN palsies (p = 0.14), length of stay (p = 0.91), or incidence of postoperative complications (p = 0.30).

Conclusions The eMCF approach provides exposure to the petroclival region, anterior CPA cistern, and posterior fossa for a variety of pathologies. It has a favorable safety profile in the elderly (≥65 years) population with low morbidity.
Intracranial hemorrhages in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review of the literature, regarding six cases in an Amazonian population
Authors: Lima William de Sousa , Soares Marcelo Henrique Pereira , Paschoal Eric Homero Albuquerque , Paschoal Joelma Karin Sagica Fernandes , Paschoal Fernando Mendes , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson
Published: November 2023

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a public health emergency worldwide, predominantly affecting the respiratory tract. However, evidence supports the involvement of extrapulmonary sites, including reports of intracranial hemorrhages.

Objective To describe six original cases and review the literature on intracranial hemorrhages in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by molecular methods.

Methods A systematic literature review was performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, and NCBI electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Of the total 1,624 articles retrieved, only 53 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results The overall incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was 0.26%. In this patient group, the mean age was 60 years, and the majority were male (68%) with initial respiratory symptoms (73%) and some comorbidity. Before the diagnosis of hemorrhage, 43% of patients were using anticoagulants, 47.3% at therapeutic doses. The intraparenchymal (50%) was the most affected compartment, followed by the subarachnoid (34%), intraventricular (11%), and subdural (7%). There was a predominance of lobar over non-lobar topographies. Multifocal or multicompartmental hemorrhages were described in 25% of cases. Overall mortality in the cohort studies was 44%, while around 55% of patients were discharged from hospital.

Conclusion Despite the unusual association, the combination of these two diseases is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity, as well as more severe clinicoradiological presentations. Further studies are needed to provide robust evidence on the exact pathophysiology behind the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhages after COVID-19 infection.
Prognostic Value of Polypoid Changes of the Middle Turbinate in Relapsed Nasal Polypi after FESS: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Abdelsamie Alaa Mohamed , Abdelazeem Hossam Mohamed , Dawood Gena Kerollos , Abdelaal Taha Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Introduction Despite the high level of patient satisfaction with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and the clinical improvement, polyp recurrence is observed in 23% to 87% of patients and requires reoperation.

Objective To assess the prognostic value of polypoid changes of the middle turbinate (PCMT) in relapse of paranasal sinus polyps in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) after FESS and the effect of partial middle turbinectomy (PMT) on the outcome of surgery.

Methods We conducted a prospective clinical study on 60 patients with CRSwNP with and without PCMT. The patients were allocated into three groups: group I included twenty patients without PCMT; group II, twenty patients with PCMT; and group III included twenty patients with PCMT submitted to PMT. The patients were evaluated endoscopically according to the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scoring system, radiologically according to the Lund-Mackay scoring system, and symptomatically through the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22).

Results The total postoperative Lund-Kennedy score differed significantly among the 3 groups (p < 0.001), with a group II presenting a significantly higher total score compared to groups I and III. The Preoperative SNOT-22 score differed significantly among the three groups (p = 0.013), with group II presenting a significantly higher score compared to group I. There was a significant association involving the 3 groups and relapse at 12 months (p = 0.029); relapse was higher in group II (50.0%) than in groups I (20%) and III (15.0%).

Conclusion There was a significant association between PCMT and the relapse of nasal polyps. Also, nasal polyposis recurred at a lower rate in the group submitted to middle turbinate resection compared to the group in whom it was preserved.
Analysis of spatial patterns of technological innovation capability based on patent data in Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Ma Yuxuan , Wang Lei , Hu Di , Ge Yaoqing , Zuo Junzhu , Lan Tian
Published: November 2023

Innovation is the main driver of regional economic development. Exploring the spatial patterns of regional innovation can elucidate the regional differences in innovation development. Nearly all the researches on spatial patterns of innovation take the administrative divisions of provinces, cities and counties as spatial units, and portray the spatial patterns of regional innovation from the macroscopic overall, but lack the spatial patterns within the regions. This paper employed patents of Jiangsu province, China in 2019 as a sample, divided the spatial units based on geographic coordinates of patent data, calculated the technological innovation capability index of within the spatial units, overcoming the drawbacks of the research method that fails to reveal the internal pattern of cities by using provinces, cities and counties as the research scale, and analysed the spatial patterns of technological innovation capability in Jiangsu province by using spatial autocorrelation analysis and standard deviation ellipse. The results show that: (1) In terms of distribution, the spatial pattern of technological innovation capability in Jiangsu province is obviously “one core and one belt” in southern Jiangsu, with Nanjing as the core and Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou as a southeast-northwest belt of high innovation capacity, while multi-point scattered in northern Jiangsu. (2) From the perspective of aggregation mode, each city has the largest number of H-H agglomeration units, relatively presenting a zonal distribution in the Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou area and Nanjing, and less distribution in other places. (3) Industrially speaking, the development of technological innovation capability of the secondary industry in many cities is better and centralized, while secondary and tertiary industries move hand in hand around the city centre in Nanjing, and the tertiary industry dominates comparably in Suzhou and Wuxi.
Spontaneous muscle activity classification with delay-based reservoir computing
Authors: Pavlidou Antonia , Liang Xiangpeng , Arekhloo Negin Ghahremani , Li Haobo , Marquetand Justus , Heidari Hadi
Published: November 2023

Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) affect various parts of a motor unit, such as the motor neuron, neuromuscular junction, and muscle fibers. Abnormal spontaneous activity (SA) is detected with electromyography (EMG) as an essential hallmark in diagnosing NMD, which causes fatigue, pain, and muscle weakness. Monitoring the effects of NMD calls for new smart devices to collect and classify EMG. Delay-based Reservoir Computing (DRC) is a neuromorphic algorithm with high efficiency in classifying sequential data. This work proposes a new DRC-based algorithm that provides a reference for medical education and training and a second opinion to clinicians to verify NMD diagnoses by detecting SA in muscles. With a sampling frequency of Fs = 64 kHz, we have classified SA with EMG signals of 1 s of muscle recordings. Furthermore, the DRC model of size N = 600 nodes has successfully detected SA signals against normal muscle activity with an accuracy of up to 90.7%. The potential of using neuromorphic processing approaches in point-of-care diagnostics, alongside the supervision of a clinician, provides a more comprehensive and reliable clinical profile. Our developed model benefits from the potential to be implemented in physical hardware to provide near-sensor edge computing.
Photosynthesis, ionomics and metabolomics of the host–hemiparasite association Acacia gerrardii–Viscum schimperi
Authors: Barhoumi Zouhaier
Published: November 2023

Viscum schimperi is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant that can grow on stems and branches of several tree species. It penetrates the host tissues and forms a vascular bridge (haustorium) to withdraw the nutritive resources. Its relationships with hosts remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the physiological and biochemical attributes of the host–hemiparasite association Acacia gerrardii–Viscum schimperi. The hemiparasite exhibited 2.4- and 3.0-fold lower photosynthetic activity and water use efficiency, and 1.2- and 4.1-fold higher transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. Equally, it displayed 4.9- and 2.6-fold greater water potential and osmotic potential, and in least 3.0 times more accumulated 39K, 85Rb and 51V, compared to the host. Nevertheless, it had no detrimental effect on photosynthetic activity, water status and multi-element accumulations in the host. Based on metabolome profiling, V. schimperi could use xanthurenic acid and propylparaben to acquire potassium from the host, and N-1-naphthylacetamide and N-Boc-hydroxylamine to weaken or kill the distal part of the infected branch and to receive the total xylem contents. In contrast, A. gerrardii could used N-acetylserotonin, arecoline, acetophenone and 6-methoxymellein to defend against V. schimperi infection.
The use of metaphors to construct crisis discourses in describing COVID-19 vaccines in the Chinese and the American news media
Authors: Lu Gaoqiang , Yu Yating
Published: November 2023

There have been limited studies comparing Chinese and American news media in their descriptions of vaccines, especially their use of metaphors in the context of COVID-19. Hence, this paper employs a corpus-assisted critical approach to examine the metaphors used in constructing crisis discourses relating to vaccines in Chinese and American newspapers. The study reveals four conceptual metaphors: WEAPON, MACHINE, TRAVELLER, and CONTEST. The usage of these metaphors is intertwined with wider discursive contexts, which are shaped by the two countries’ distinct journalistic and geopolitical/sociocultural contexts. These have resulted in the adoption of different strategies for handling the COVID-19 crisis, reflecting the ideologies of collectivism in China and capitalism in America. The study highlights the significance of metaphors in shaping the ideologies of governments and/or the public towards vaccines through news media. Additionally, this paper provides a useful framework for comparing metaphor usage in two large corpora using Wmatrix.
(Un)Just transition in power generation: neoliberal reforms and climate crisis in Sudan
Authors: Salah Mohamed , Basheir Razaz
Published: November 2023

Given the undisputable reality of climate change, this article explores Sudan's power generation and its approach to the current climate crisis, focusing on the perspective of a just energy transition. It highlights how the power sector's plans remain centralised, favouring urban consumerism, cost-driven energy sources, and inadequate social and environmental evaluations with limited community involvement. Furthermore, the absence of timely adaptation measures has left off-grid populations and those displaced by hydroelectric dams disproportionately vulnerable to worsening climate conditions, loss of traditional livelihoods, and conflicts over dwindling natural resources. This exacerbates instability and regional development disparities. The article advocates for a just energy transition in Sudan that not only reduces CO2 emissions but also minimises adverse impacts on local ecosystems and livelihoods. It suggests a blend of distributed and utility-scale renewable energy sources alongside existing hydro-thermal capacity. It also calls for prioritising power supply to off-grid communities through socially driven financing mechanisms, countering the neoliberal push for privatisation and full-cost recovery.
Black Lives Matter and the new wave of anti-racist mobilizations in Europe
Authors: Beaman Jean , Doerr N. , Kocyba P. , Lavizzari A. , Zajak S.
Published: November 2023

This Special Issue investigates the European Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests that followed the protests in the USA against police brutality in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing in May 2020. It takes an interdisciplinary theoretical perspective, interested in cultural and political contexts and the mechanism of how street protests and social movements influence public debates. It shows in various dimensions how the BLM mobilisation transformed existing anti-racist struggles within and across countries, bringing forward new debates, narratives, actors, and forms of resistance and organising in the social and cultural landscape of European countries.
Impact of big bang nucleosynthesis on the H
0 tension
Authors: Takahashi Tomo , Toda Yo
Published: November 2023

We investigate the impact of big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) on the Hubble tension,
focusing on how the treatment of the reaction rate and observational data affect the evaluation of
the tension. We show that the significance of the tension is increased to 4.41σ from
3.61σ and to 5.22σ from 4.58σ in axionlike early dark energy model with n = 2
and n = ∞, respectively, depending on the treatment of the reaction rate and observational
data. This indicates that how we include the BBN data in the analysis can give a significant
impact on the Hubble tension, and we need to carefully consider the assumptions of the analysis to
evaluate the significance of the tension when the BBN data is used.
Fe2O3/C nanomaterials synthesized by microwave for energy storage applications
Authors: Hang Bui Thi , Van Dang Tran , Van Quy Nguyen
Published: November 2023

In this study, Fe(NO3)3.6H2O was used as the iron source for synthesising Fe2O3 and Fe2O3/C nanomaterials by microwave together with calcination. Physical characterisations of the synthesised materials have been evaluated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with x-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The Fe2O3/C composite electrodes were prepared based on Fe2O3/C nanomaterials and used as the negative electrode in the iron-based rechargeable battery. The electrochemical properties of Fe2O3/C composite electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The obtained results show that the synthesised conditions affect the redox reactions of the Fe2O3/C electrodes. The influences of additives on the electrochemical properties of Fe2O3/C electrodes were also examined. The additives in electrode and electrolyte improved the cyclability, discharge capacity of Fe2O3/C electrode.
Room temperature ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism in Ni-substituted Bi5Ti3FeO15
Authors: He Li-Min , Wang Qian , Zhao Xiao-Nan , Kang Shi-Shou , Wang Chun-Ming
Published: November 2023

Aurivillius-type bismuth layer-structured ferroelectric (BLSF) Bi5Ti3FeO15 (BTF) has recently attracted considerable attention as a typical multiferroic material because ferroelectric and magnetic orders coexist, but bulk BTF exhibits antiferromagnetic (AFM) orders and negligible intrinsic magnetoelectric (ME) coupling effects. In this study, nickel-substituted Bi5Ti3FeO15 (Bi5Ti3Fe0.5Ni0.5O15, abbreviated as BTF-Ni) was synthesized using a solid-state reaction method to explore and enhance both the magnetic and ferroelectric properties of BTF. Polarization-electric field P-E loops indicate that the BTF-Ni exhibits considerable maximum polarization P
m of 11.9 μC/cm2 and remnant polarization P
r of 5.8 μC/cm2, but still keeps a very high ferroelectric Curie temperature (FE T
c) of 1029 K, which are much superior to those of pure BTF. Moreover, magnetization-magnetic field M-H loops indicate that BTF-Ni exhibits significant ferromagnetic properties with a large saturation magnetization M
s of 60 memu/g, low coercive field H
c of 31 Oe at room temperature, and a high ferromagnetic Curie temperature (FM T
c) of 698 K, whereas pure BTF has an antiferromagnetic Néel temperature (T
N) of 80 K. Our work suggests that nickel-substituted BTF is a potential room-temperature magnetoelectric multiferroic material.
Magnetic properties and electron oxidation state transition of immunomagnetic nanoparticles specifically captured with the target bacteria
Authors: Jirarungsatian Chalermkiat , Tuitemwong Pravate , Phung-On Isaratat , Poo-arporn Yingyot , Wachiralurpan Sirirat
Published: November 2023

Immunomagnetic nanoparticles (IMNPs) have been widely applied for the capture and concentration in the rapid detection of target bacteria. In this research, the focus was on studying the changes in magnetic properties changes of the IMNPs when they were attached to bacterial cells. These alterations in properties could facilitate an even rapid detection of the target bacteria and eliminate the need for culturing on plating media. The variation of magnetizing values, including saturated magnetization (Ms), remanent magnetization (Mr), coercivity force (Hc), and magnetic susceptibility (χm), was analysed through M-H loops. It was observed that the magnetizing properties of the IMNPs underwent changes based on the concentrations of Salmonella Typhimurium cells in the test solution. The correlation of this phenomenon was confirmed by the results of synchrotron x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), which revealed electronic transition changes in the IMNPs after capturing the bacteria cells. Additionally, the electronic bands of the magnetite nanoparticle [Fe(II) and Fe(III)] were detected, indicating an electronic transformation between the Salmonella cells and the bound IMNPs. The XAS change was further verified using different cell types, such as Campylobacter jejuni which also showed electronic transformation after attaching to IMNPs. These findings suggest that IMNP-cell attachment triggered the change in the magnetic properties of IMNPs. Such insights could serve as valuable information for the development of novel rapid bacteria detection assays/devices using magnetic sensing techniques.
A kinetic study on oxygen redox reaction of a double-perovskite reversible oxygen electrode—Part I: Experimental analysis
Authors: Asensio Antonio Maria , Bianchi Fiammetta Rita , Clematis Davide , Bosio Barbara , Barbucci Antonio
Published: November 2023

The carbon-free energy transition requires the spread of advanced technologies based on high-performing materials. In this framework and particularly referring to electrochemical energy converting systems, double perovskites are arousing more and more interest as mixed ionic electronic conductors with flexible manufacturing, appropriate tailoring for many tasks and high chemical stability. Among their possible applications, they form excellent oxygen electrodes in solid oxide cell technology used as fuel cells, steam/CO2 electrolysis cells and electrochemical air separation units. In view of the encouraging results shown by SmBa1−x
Ca
x
Co2O5+δ
co-doped double perovskite, this research work aims at a detailed analysis of SmBa0.8Ca0.2Co2O5+δ
performance and the identification of kinetic paths for oxygen reduction and oxidation reactions. The electrochemical characterization was performed over a wide range of operation conditions to evaluate the electrode reversible behaviour and the interplay of the recognized phenomena governing the overall electrode kinetics.
Characteristics and treatment options of glucagonomas: a national study from the French Group of Endocrine Tumors and ENDOCAN-RENATEN network
Authors: Perrier Marine , Brugel Mathias , Gérard Laura , Goichot Bernard , Lièvre Astrid , Lepage Come , Hautefeuille Vincent , Do Cao Christine , Smith Denis , Thuillier Philippe , Cros Jérôme , Cadiot Guillaume , Walter Thomas , de Mestier Louis
Published: November 2023

Objective

Glucagonoma is a very rare functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET). We aimed to provide data on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with glucagonoma.

Design and Methods

In this retrospective national cohort, we included all patients with glucagonoma, defined by at least 1 major criterion (necrolytic migratory erythema [NME] and/or recent-onset diabetes, and/or weight loss ≥ 5 kg) associated with either glucagonemia > 2 × upper limit of normal or positive glucagon immunostaining. Antisecretory efficacy was defined as partial/complete resolution of glucagonoma symptoms. Antitumor efficacy was assessed according to the time to next treatment (TTNT).

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included with median age 58.7 yo, primary PanNET located in the tail (68.4%), synchronous metastases (63.2%). Median Ki-67 index was 3%. Most frequent glucagonoma symptoms at diagnosis were NME (86.8%), weight loss (68.4%), and diabetes (50%). Surgery of the primary PanNET was performed in 76.3% of cases, mainly with curative intent (61.5%). After surgery, complete resolution of NME was seen in 93.8% (n = 15/16). The secretory response rates were 85.7%, 85.7%, 75%, and 60% with surgery of metastases (n = 6/7), chemotherapy (n = 6/7), liver-directed therapy (n = 6/8), and somatostatin analogs (n = 6/10), respectively. All lines combined, longer TTNT was reported with chemotherapy (20.2 months). Median overall survival (OS) was 17.3 years. The Ki-67 index > 3% was associated with shorter OS (hazard ratio 5.27, 95% CI [1.11-24.96], P = .036).

Conclusion

Patients with glucagonoma had prolonged survival, even in the presence of metastases at diagnosis. Curative-intent surgery should always be considered. Chemotherapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, or liver-directed therapy seems to provide both substantial antitumor and antisecretory efficacies.
Sex-specific lifetime risk of cardiovascular events: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk prospective population cohort study
Authors: Pana Tiberiu A , Mamas Mamas A , Wareham Nicholas J , Khaw Kay-Tee , Dawson Dana K , Myint Phyo K
Published: November 2023

Aims

Better understanding of sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is essential in tailoring appropriate preventative strategies. Using a large population-based study with follow-up >25 years, we aimed to determine sex-specific lifetime risks of incident CVD and cardiovascular (CV) mortality amongst populations with and without prevalent CVD.

Methods and results

Participants were drawn from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk and followed up for a median of 26.2 years. Sex-specific lifetime risks were ascertained accounting for the competing risk of death. Models were adjusted for ethnicity and time-updated covariates: material deprivation, CV risk factors, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and medication. A total of 23 859 participants [54.5% women; mean age (standard deviation) 59.2 (9.3) years at baseline] were included. Adjusted lifetime risks of incident CVD were higher in men than in women (69.1 vs. 57.7% at age 75): cause-specific hazard ratio (cHR) (99% confidence interval)—1.49 (1.41–1.57), while the risks of CV mortality at age 75 were 4.4% (men) and 3.1% (women): cHR—1.42 (1.31–1.54). Myocardial infarction was the predominant first presentation in men until the eighth decade. In women, the first CVD manifestations after their sixth decade were predominantly atrial fibrillation and stroke. The male-associated excess relative risks of incident CVD and CV mortality were halved in people with prevalent CVD.

Conclusion

We characterized the sex-specific lifetime CV risks in a large cohort. Men had substantially higher risk of incident CVD and CV mortality than women, which was attenuated amongst people with prevalent CVD. Our findings provide an evidence base for sex-specific CV prevention.
Assessing past and future COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States in light of federal policy changes
Authors: Haeder Simon F
Published: November 2023

Vaccinations provide an effective solution against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Using a national survey (n = 3958), this study explored vaccination hesitancy for various COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, including the newly released annual vaccine for fall and winter 2023–2024. It also assessed support for federal funding for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatment. Consistent correlates of past vaccination refusal were perceptions of vaccines as safe and important, previous COVID-19 tests, concern about COVID-19, having voted for President Trump, higher religiosity, being liberal, trust in health institutions, health insurance status, and education. Other predictors showed inconsistent results across the various stages. Drivers of vaccination refusal were concerns about vaccine safety and side effects, perceived lack of information, and having previously contracted COVID-19. Intention to vaccinate was associated with concerns about COVID-19, liberalism, and trust in health institutions. Other factors were intermittently significant. We found consistent support for federal funding for those concerned about COVID-19, those concerned about the effectiveness of existing vaccines, those with trust in health institutions, those who thought vaccines are important, women, and those with lower levels of education. Opposition came from conservatives and Trump voters.
Poverty Mapping Under Area-Level Random Regression Coefficient Poisson Models
Authors: Diz-Rosales Naomi , Lombardía María José , Morales Domingo
Published: November 2023

Under an area-level random regression coefficient Poisson model, this article derives small area predictors of counts and proportions and introduces bootstrap estimators of the mean squared errors (MSEs). The maximum likelihood estimators of the model parameters and the mode predictors of the random effects are calculated by a Laplace approximation algorithm. Simulation experiments are implemented to investigate the behavior of the fitting algorithm, the predictors, and the MSE estimators with and without bias correction. The new statistical methodology is applied to data from the Spanish Living Conditions Survey. The target is to estimate the proportions of women and men under the poverty line by province.
A relativistic outflow model of the X-ray polarization in Cyg X-1
Authors: Dexter Jason , Begelman Mitchell C
Published: November 2023

We propose that the polarization of the emission from the X-ray binary Cygnus X-1, measured using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, is imprinted by bulk Comptonization of coronal emission in a mildly relativistic wind or jet with a hollow-cone geometry. Models based on scattering in a static corona overlying a thin accretion disc have difficulty reproducing the relatively high-polarization degree (PD $\sim 4~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) concurrently with the low inclination (∼30°) of the binary orbit. We show that bulk outflow with a Lorentz factor ≳1.5 is adequate to reproduce the observed PD, with position angle parallel to the large-scale jet, provided that the scattering occurs in a conical sheath offset from the jet axis and our line of sight aligns roughly with the opening angle of the cone. Physically, this flow geometry could represent the entrainment of dense material near the base of an accelerating jet as it passes through the disc corona, or a slow (but still relativistic) sheath around a fast jet. If similar outflows are present in other X-ray binaries at higher inclination, we might expect to see still higher degrees of linear polarization ${\lesssim} 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ with an orientation perpendicular to the jet direction.
Macroscopic model and statistical model to characterize electromagnetic information of a digital coding metasurface
Authors: Shao Rui Wen , Wu Jun Wei , Wang Zheng Xing , Xu Hui , Yang Han Qing , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: November 2023

A digital coding metasurface is a platform connecting the digital space and electromagnetic wave space, and has therefore gained much attention due to its intriguing value in reshaping wireless channels and realizing new communication architectures. Correspondingly, there is an urgent need for electromagnetic information theory that reveals the upper limit of communication capacity and supports the accurate design of metasurface-based communication systems. To this end, we propose a macroscopic model and a statistical model of the digital coding metasurface. The macroscopic model uniformly accommodates both digital and electromagnetic aspects of the meta-atoms and predicts all possible scattered fields of the digital coding metasurface based on a small number of simulations or measurements. Full-wave simulations and experimental results show that the macroscopic model is feasible and accurate. A statistical model is further proposed to correlate the mutual coupling between meta-atoms with covariance and to calculate the entropy of the equivalent currents of digital coding metasurface. These two models can help reconfigurable intelligent surfaces achieve more accurate beamforming and channel estimation, and thus improve signal power and coverage. Moreover, the models will encourage the creation of a precoding codebook in metasurface-based direct digital modulation systems, with the aim of approaching the upper limit of channel capacity. With these two models, the concepts of current space and current entropy, as well as the analysis of information loss from the coding space to wave space, is established for the first time, helping to bridge the gap between the digital world and the physical world, and advancing developments of electromagnetic information theory and new-architecture wireless systems.
How can neuromorphic hardware attain brain-like functional capabilities?
Authors: Maass Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

The author provides 4 design principles of how to make cortical microcircuits into neuromorphic hardwares, shedding light for the next generation neuromorphic hardware design.
Postoperative Computed Tomography (CT) Scans of Acetabular Fractures Routinely Identify Indications for Revision Surgery
Authors: Kim Ye Joon , Lencioni Alex M , Tucker Nicholas J , Strage Katya E , Parry Joshua A , Mauffrey Cyril
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the utility of postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans in identifying indications for revision surgery after surgical fixation of acetabular fractures.

METHODS

Design:

Retrospective cohort study

Setting:

Urban level 1 trauma center

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients with surgically treated acetabular fractures with surgical fixation (open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or percutaneous fixation) with routine postoperative CT scans

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Primary outcome - revision surgery based on postoperative imaging, including intraarticular osteochondral fragments, implant complications, and malreductions. Secondary outcome – quality of reduction on radiographs versus CT scans.

RESULTS:

148 patients were included. The revision surgery rate was 15.5% (23/148); indications included malpositioned implants (6.7%, n=10), malreductions (5.4%, n=8), and intraarticular loose bodies (3.4%, n=5). Only 8.7% (2/23) of the indications for revision surgery were identified on postoperative radiographs, with the remainder being identified on CT scans. Revision surgeries were found to be associated with male gender (Proportional difference (PD): 19.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.4% to 29.4%; p=0.04) and T-type fractures (PD: 28.7%, CI: 9.0% to 48.9%; p=0.001). Revision surgery was not found to be associated with age, BMI, posterior wall fractures, concurrent pelvic ring fractures, or surgical approach. On radiographs, 51.3% (n=76/148) had anatomic reductions (<2 mm) compared to only 10.2% (n=15/148) on CT scans.

Conclusions:

Indications for revision acetabular ORIF surgeries and poor reductions were frequently missed on plain radiography while identified on postoperative CT scans. This suggests the use of advanced imaging such as intraoperative 3D imaging or postoperative CT scans may be beneficial.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comprehensive analysis of pediatric elbow radiographic lines and angles
Authors: Bašković Marko , Gregov Andrija
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The study aimed to determine relevant radiographic lines and angles of children's elbow

Methods:

Design:

A retrospective cross-sectional study

Setting:

Tertiary pediatric trauma center

Patient Selection Criteria:

X-rays of healthy children's elbows aged 0-18 years, in whom the radiographic image of the elbow in two projections was read without signs of fracture and possible indirect signs of fracture, while the exclusion criterion was a clearly visible poor image projection.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons: Gender, age [patients were divided into six groups -group 1 (0-3 years), group 2 (4-6 years), group 3 (7-9 years), group 4 (10-12 years), group 5 (13-15 years), group 6 (16-18 years)], side, intersection of the radiocapitellar line in the anteroposterior projection, intersection of the radiocapitellar line in the lateral projection, intersection of the anterior humeral line, Baumann angle, carrying angle, lateral capitellohumeral angle, shaft condylar angle, intersection of the coronoid line and radioulnar overlap.

Results:

200 elbows were evaluated. The radiocapitellar line in AP and lateral projections passed through the middle third of the capitellum in 74.5% and 93%, respectively. The anterior humeral line passed through the middle third of the capitellum in 88.5% of cases. When observing the proportion of radiocapitellar lines passing through the middle third of the capitellum in the AP, with increasing age an increasing proportion of lines pass through the middle third of the capitellum [from 8.3% in group 1 (0 to 3 years) to 94.1% in group 6 (16 to 18 years), p = 0.001] and lateral projection (from 50% in group 1 to 100% in group 6, p = 0.023) and anterior humeral line (from 25% in group 1 to 100% in group 6, p = 0.0001). The mean Baumman angle, carrying angle, lateral capitellohumeral angle, shaft condylar angle were 71.59°, 10.97°, 50.84°, and 55.31°, respectively. With age, the shaft condylar angle records the greatest increase (from 41.6° in group 1 to 68.2° in group 6, p = 0.000). A correlation was observed between Baumann's angle and carrying angle (r = - 0.674) and between Baumann's angle and radioulnar overlap (r = 0.542).

Conclusions:

Considering the anatomical variability of children's elbow, radiological measurements and their interpretation, in the context of timely diagnostics, must be approached with great caution, especially in younger age groups, because it is with them that the largest proportion of lines and angles do not follow established principles.
Lipedema Reduction Surgery Improves Pain, Mobility, Physical Function, and Quality of Life: Case Series Report
Authors: Wright Thomas , Babula Megan , Schwartz Jaime , Wright Corbin , Danesh Noah , Herbst Karen
Published: November 2023

Background:

Lipedema is a chronic inflammatory subcutaneous adipose-rich connective tissue disease affecting millions of women worldwide. Disproportionate fat accumulation on the extremities characterized by heaviness, tenderness, and swelling can affect function, mobility, and quality of life. Treatments include conservative measures and lipedema reduction surgery (LRS). Here, we report lipedema comorbidities and surgical techniques, outcomes measures, and complications after LRS.

Methods:

This is a single outpatient clinic retrospective chart review case series of comorbidities and complications in 189 women with lipedema. Bioelectrical impedance analyses, knee kinematics, gait, physical examinations, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, and RAND Short Form-36 questionnaires collected before and after LRS were analyzed for 66 of the 189 women. Hemoglobin levels were measured by transdermal hemoglobin monitor (Masimo noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring; Irvine, Calif.).

Results:

Common comorbidities in 189 women were hypermobile joints (50.5%), spider/varicose veins (48.6/24.5%), arthritis (29.1%), and hypothyroidism (25.9%). The most common complication in 5.5% of these women after LRS was lightheadedness with a 2-g reduction or more in hemoglobin. After conservative measures and LRS in 66 women, significant improvements (P ≤ 0.0009) were found for: (1) knee flexion (10 degrees); (2) gait; (3) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System T-score (16%); (4) mobility questions: gait velocity, rising from a chair, stair ascent; (5) RAND Short Form-36 scores: physical functioning, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social function, general health; (6) and Bioelectrical impedance analyses total and segmental body fat mass.

Conclusion:

LRS provided significant improvements to women with lipedema using direct physical measurements and validated outcome measures, comparable to those seen after total knee replacement.
A Review on the Role of Exercise Training to Prevent a Decline in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiac Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Foulkes Stephen J. , Howden Erin J. , Pituskin Edith , Thompson Richard B. , La Gerche André , Haykowsky Mark J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Improvements in diagnosis and treatment mean that the long-term health of breast cancer survivors (BCS) is increasingly dictated by cardiovascular comorbidities. This is partly a consequence of exposure to cardiotoxic therapies, which result in cardiac dysfunction and decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Exercise training (ExT) is a key therapeutic strategy for secondary prevention and increasing CRF in adults with established cardiovascular disease. Exercise-based cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) has been proposed as an emerging strategy to address CRF and cardiac impairment in BCS. This review aims to (1) provide an overview of the impact of breast cancer therapy on CRF; (2) provide an up-to-date summary of the effects of ExT on CRF and cardiac function in BCS undergoing cardiotoxic therapy; and (3) discuss how traditional ExT approaches can be adapted for BCS undergoing therapy.

Review methods:

A literature review was performed based on an intensive literature search for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials and single-arm trials investigating the impact of exercise training or cardiac rehabilitation on CRF and/or cardiac function in BCS who are undergoing or have completed cardiotoxic cancer therapy.

Overall, current evidence suggests that ExT induces clinically meaningful benefits for CRF in BCS during and after therapy. There is also emerging evidence that ExT can improve peak exercise measures of cardiac function; however, there is a need for further research to understand how to adapt these effective ExT approaches into clinical CORE-based settings.
Can ChatGPT Aid Clinicians in Educating Patients on the Surgical Management of Glaucoma?
Authors: Kianian Reza , Sun Deyu , Giaconi JoAnn
Published: November 2023

Précis:

ChatGPT can help health care providers automate the quality assessment of online health information, but it does not produce easier-to-understand responses compared with existing online health information.

Purpose:

To compare the readability of ChatGPT-generated health information about glaucoma surgery to existing material online and to evaluate ChatGPT’s ability to analyze the quality of information found online about glaucoma surgery.

Methods:

ChatGPT was asked to create patient handouts on glaucoma surgery using 7 independent prompts, aiming to generate sixth grade level reading material. Existing patient-targeted online health information about glaucoma surgery was selected from the top 50 search results of 3 search engines, excluding advertisements, blog posts, information intended for health professionals, irrelevant content, and duplicate links. Four validated tools were used to assess readability, and the readability of the ChatGPT-generated material was compared with the readability of existing online information. The DISCERN instrument was used for the quality assessment of online materials. The DISCERN instrument was also programmed to use ChatGPT to evaluate its ability to analyze quality. R software and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results:

Thirty-five webpages were included. There was no difference between the reading level of online webpages (12th grade) and the reading level of ChatGPT-generated responses (11th grade), despite the ChatGPT prompts asking for simple language and a sixth grade reading level. The quality of health content was “fair,” with only 5 resources receiving an “excellent” score. ChatGPT scored the quality of health resources with high precision (r=0.725).

Conclusions:

Patient-targeted information on glaucoma surgery is beyond the reading level of the average patient, therefore at risk of not being understood, and is of subpar quality, per DISCERN tool scoring. ChatGPT did not generate documents at a lower reading level as prompted, but this tool can aid in automating the time-consuming and subjective process of quality assessment.