bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Myocardial MRI Tissue Characterization Combining Contrast Agent‐Free T1‐Rho Mapping With Fully Automated Analysis
Authors: de Villedon de Naide Victor , Narceau Kalvin , Ozenne Valery , Villegas‐Martinez Manuel , Nogues Victor , Brillet Nina , Huiyue Zhang Jana , Benlala Ilyes , Stuber Matthias , Cochet Hubert , Bustin Aurélien
Published: July 2024

Background

Myocardial T1‐rho (T1ρ) mapping is a promising method for identifying and quantifying myocardial injuries without contrast agents, but its clinical use is hindered by the lack of dedicated analysis tools.

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of clinically integrated artificial intelligence‐driven analysis for efficient and automated myocardial T1ρ mapping.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Five hundred seventy‐three patients divided into a training (N = 500) and a test set (N = 73) including ischemic and nonischemic cases.

Field Strength/Sequence

Single‐shot bSSFP T1ρ mapping sequence at 1.5 T.

Assessment

The automated process included: left ventricular (LV) wall segmentation, right ventricular insertion point detection and creation of a 16‐segment model for segmental T1ρ value analysis. Two radiologists (20 and 7 years of MRI experience) provided ground truth annotations. Interobserver variability and segmentation quality were assessed using the Dice coefficient with manual segmentation as reference standard. Global and segmental T1ρ values were compared. Processing times were measured.

Statistical Tests

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman analysis (bias ±2SD); Paired Student's t‐tests and one‐way ANOVA. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The automated approach significantly reduced processing time (3 seconds vs. 1 minute 51 seconds ± 22 seconds). In the test set, automated LV wall segmentation closely matched manual results (Dice 81.9% ± 9.0) and closely aligned with interobserver segmentation (Dice 82.2% ± 6.5). Excellent ICCs were achieved on a patient basis (0.94 [95% CI: 0.91 to 0.96]) with bias of −0.93 cm2 ± 6.60. There was no significant difference in global T1ρ values between manual (54.9 msec ± 4.6; 95% CI: 53.8 to 56.0 msec, range: 46.6–70.9 msec) and automated processing (55.4 msec ± 5.1; 95% CI: 54.2 to 56.6 msec; range: 46.4–75.1 msec; P = 0.099). The pipeline demonstrated a high level of agreement with manual‐derived T1ρ values at the patient level (ICC = 0.85; bias +0.52 msec ± 5.18). No significant differences in myocardial T1ρ values were found between methods across the 16 segments (P = 0.75).

Data Conclusion

Automated myocardial T1ρ mapping shows promise for the rapid and noninvasive assessment of heart disease.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Integrated serum proteomic and N‐glycoproteomic characterization of dengue patients
Authors: Hu Xiao , Song Jiamin , Ye Guoguo , Zhu Miao , Lan Jianfeng , Zeng Lijiao , Ke Zhiyi , Yuan Jing
Published: July 2024

Dengue fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). It poses a public health threat globally and, while most people with dengue have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, approximately 5% of affected individuals develop severe disease and need hospital care. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying dengue infection and the interaction between the virus and its host remains limited. In the present study, we performed a quantitative proteomic and N‐glycoproteomic analysis of serum from 19 patients with dengue and 11 healthy people. The results revealed distinct proteomic and N‐glycoproteomic landscapes between the two groups. Notably, we report for the first time the changes in the serum N glycosylation pattern following dengue infection and provide abundant information on glycoproteins, glycosylation sites, and intact N‐glycopeptides using recently developed site‐specific glycoproteomic approaches. Furthermore, a series of key functional pathways in proteomic and N‐glycoproteomic were identified. Collectively, our findings significantly improve understanding of host and DENV interactions and the general pathogenesis and pathology of DENV, laying a foundation for functional studies of glycosylation and glycan structures in dengue infection.
Evaluation of soluble co‐inhibitors and co‐stimulators levels of the immune response in gastric cancer
Authors: da Silva Luciana Mata , Martins Mário Rino , dos Santos Rogerio Luiz , Da Silva Jeronimo Paulo Assis , Lima Cecilia Araujo Carneiro , Forones Nora Manoukian , Torres Leuridan Cavalcante
Published: July 2024

Background

Co‐inhibitor and co‐stimulator mediators trigger actions that result in immunological homeostasis and are being evaluated as potential therapeutic targets in gastric cancer (GC).

Objective

To evaluate the soluble levels of sPD‐1, sPD‐L1, sPD‐L2, sTIM‐3, sGal9, sGITR, and sGITRL in GC patients.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was carried out at the Hospital de Cancer de Pernambuco, Brazil between 2017 and 2018. A total of 74 GC patients and 30 healthy controls were included.

Results

Low levels of sPD1 (p = 0.0179), sPDL2 (p = 0.0003), and sGal9 (p < 0.0001), and higher levels of sPDL1 (p = 0.004), sTIM‐3 (p = 0.0072), sGITR (p = 0.0179), and sGITRL (p = 0.0055) compared to the control group. High sPD‐1, sTIM‐3, and sGal9 levels in stage IV compared I/II and III (p < 0.05). High sPDL1, sGal9, and sGITRL levels in esophagogastric junction compared to body and Pylorus/Antrum groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in sPD1, sPDL1, sPDL2, sTIM3, sGal9, sGITR, and sGITRL levels between the intestinal, diffuse, and mixed GC groups. Low sGITR levels in GC patients who died within the first 24 months compared to the who survived (p = 0.0332).

Conclusions

There is an association of sPD1, sTIM‐3, and sGal9 with disease progression and sGITR with death, these mediators may be potential prognostic biomarkers in GC.
Simulation and experimental benchmarking of a proton pencil beam scanning nozzle model for development of MR‐integrated proton therapy
Authors: Oborn Bradley M. , Semioshkina Ekaterina , van der Kraaij Erik , Hoffmann Aswin L.
Published: July 2024

Background

MR‐integrated proton therapy is under development. It consists of the unique challenge of integrating a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) beam line nozzle with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The magnetic interaction between these two components is deemed high risk as the MR images can be degraded if there is cross‐talk during beam delivery and image acquisition.

Purpose

To create and benchmark a self‐consistent proton PBS nozzle model for empowering the next stages of MR‐integrated proton therapy development, namely exploring and de‐risking complete integrated prototype system designs including magnetic shielding of the PBS nozzle.

Materials and Methods

Magnetic field (COMSOL ) and radiation transport (Geant4) models of a proton PBS nozzle located at OncoRay (Dresden, Germany) were developed according to the manufacturers specifications. Geant4 simulations of the PBS process were performed by using magnetic field data generated by the COMSOL simulations. In total 315 spots were simulated which consisted of a scan pattern with 5 cm spot spacings and for proton energies of 70, 100, 150, 200, and 220 MeV. Analysis of the simulated deflection at the beam isocenter plane was performed to determine the self‐consistency of the model. The magnetic fringe field from a sub selection of 24 of the 315 spot simulations were directly compared with high precision magnetometer measurements. These focused on the maximum scanning setting of  20 cm beam deflection as generated from the second scanning magnet in the PBS for a proton beam energy of 220 MeV. Locations along the beam line central axis (CAX) were measured at beam isocenter and downstream of 22, 47, 72, 97, and 122 cm. Horizontal off‐axis positions were measured at 22 cm downstream of isocenter ( 50,  100, and  150 cm from CAX).

Results

The proton PBS simulations had good spatial agreement to the theoretical values in all 315 spots examined at the beam line isocenter plane (0–2.9 mm differences or within 1.5 % of the local spot deflection amount). Careful analysis of the experimental measurements were able to isolate the changes in magnetic fields due solely to the scanning magnet contribution, and showed 1.9  1.2 –9.4  1.2 changes over the range of measurement locations. Direct comparison with the equivalent simulations matched within the measurement apparatus and setup uncertainty in all but one measurement point.

Conclusions

For the first time a robust, accurate and self‐consistent model of a proton PBS nozzle assembly has been created and successfully benchmarked for the purposes of advancing MR‐integrated proton therapy research. The model will enable confidence in further simulation based work on fully integrated designs including MRI scanners and PBS nozzle magnetic shielding in order to de‐risk and realize the full potential of MR‐integrated proton therapy.
A multiscale 3D network for lung nodule detection using flexible nodule modeling
Authors: Song Wenjia , Tang Fangfang , Marshall Henry , Fong Kwun M. , Liu Feng
Published: July 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer. Detection of lung cancer at an early stage can reduce mortality rates. Pulmonary nodules may represent early cancer and can be identified through computed tomography (CT) scans. Malignant risk can be estimated based on attributes like size, shape, location, and density.

Purpose

Deep learning algorithms have achieved remarkable advancements in this domain compared to traditional machine learning methods. Nevertheless, many existing anchor‐based deep learning algorithms exhibit sensitivity to predefined anchor‐box configurations, necessitating manual adjustments to obtain optimal outcomes. Conversely, current anchor‐free deep learning‐based nodule detection methods normally adopt fixed‐size nodule models like cubes or spheres.

Methods

To address these technical challenges, we propose a multiscale 3D anchor‐free deep learning network (M3N) for pulmonary nodule detection, leveraging adjustable nodule modeling (ANM). Within this framework, ANM empowers the representation of target objects in an anisotropic manner, with a novel point selection strategy (PSS) devised to accelerate the learning process of anisotropic representation. We further incorporate a composite loss function that combines the conventional L2 loss and cosine similarity loss, facilitating M3N to learn nodules’ intensity distribution in three dimensions.

Results

Experiment results show that the M3N achieves 90.6% competitive performance metrics (CPM) with seven predefined false positives per scan on the LUNA 16 dataset. This performance appears to exceed that of other state‐of‐the‐art deep learning‐based networks reported in their respective publications. Individual test results also demonstrate that M3N excels in providing more accurate, adaptive bounding boxes surrounding the contours of target nodules.

Conclusions

The newly developed nodule detection system reduces reliance on prior knowledge, such as the general size of objects in the dataset, thus it should enhance overall robustness and versatility. Distinct from traditional nodule modeling techniques, the ANM approach aligns more closely with the morphological characteristics of nodules. Time consumption and detection results demonstrate promising efficiency and accuracy which should be validated in clinical settings.
1933 bis 1945: Verfolgung, Emigration, Widerstand
Authors: Maier Helmut
Published: July 2024

Neue Ergebnisse der Biografieforschung liefern Zahlen zu verfolgten Chemikern, Laboranten und Studierenden und offenbaren deren Schicksale. Diese Menschen fehlten als Korrektiv bei der Gründung der GDCh.
Prozessindustrie: Petrochemie unter Strom
Authors: Neubauer Uta
Published: July 2024

BASF testet in Ludwigshafen neuartige Öfen für Steamcracker. Sie arbeiten elektrisch statt mit Gas. Das senkt die Kohlendioxid‐Emissionen erheblich. Für eine nachhaltige Chemieindustrie sind aber weitere Umstellungen nötig.
Frühjahrsschule „The Chemistry of f‐Elements“
Authors: Kersting Berthold
Published: July 2024

Bei der Spring School „The Chemistry of f‐Elements“ diskutierten 48 nationale und internationale Teilnehmer:innen grundlegende Aspekte zur Chemie der f‐Block‐Elemente sowie neue Ergebnisse und Entwicklungen dieser Elemente in abiotischen und biologischen Systemen. Die Frühjahrsschule fand vom 27. Februar bis zum 1. März in Leipzig im Rahmen des vom BMBF geförderten Verbundprojekts Fenabium II statt.
Nachruf: Peter Jutzi (1938 – 2024)
Authors: Braun Thomas , Mitzel Norbert , Müller Christian , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: July 2024

Peter Jutzi forschte zur metallorganischen Chemie der Hauptgruppenelemente. Spektakulär war seine Entdeckung des Silicocens, der ersten molekularen Silicium(II)‐Verbindung.
Brandbekämpfung: Für flüssig befüllte Feuerlöscher
Authors: Steinbach Cynthia , Zeiff Andreas
Published: July 2024

Schaumlöscher lassen sich nach Produktion und Wartung mit Fasspumpen füllen. Damit ist die Produktion schnell auf Feuerlöscher ohne per‐ und polyfluorierte Alkylsubstanzen umzurüsten.
Steinhofer‐Vorlesung 2024 in Freiburg
Authors: Breit Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Bei einer festlichen Vorlesungsveranstaltung an der Universität Freiburg hielt Christof Sparr die diesjährige Steinhofer‐Vorlesung. Diese bedeutende Auszeichnung würdigt Wissenschaftler aus allen Bereichen der Chemie, die bereits in jungen Jahren herausragende internationale Sichtbarkeit erlangt haben.
Enhancing sustainability and biodegradability of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composite filaments reinforced with cocoa bean shell residues
Authors: Araújo Robson Pinto , Beatrice Cesar Augusto Gonçalves , Backes Eduardo Henrique , Costa Lidiane Cristina
Published: July 2024

In this research, we have successfully produced biodegradable composite filaments using Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and cocoa bean shell residues (CBS). These composite filaments, fabricated by incorporating up to 20 wt% of the natural filler into the PBS matrix through extrusion processing, have undergone rigorous rheological, mechanical, thermal, morphological, and soil disintegration characterizations. The results have unveiled the potential of printing biodegradable biocomposite filaments, with the materials demonstrating thermal stability in the printing process temperature range. However, a reduction in thermal stability was observed with the incorporation of the natural filler. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses indicated a small crystallinity variation for the composites concerning the pure PBS matrix. Furthermore, incorporating the natural filler improved the disintegration rate in the composites' soil, suggesting that CBS can increase and modulate the biodegradation rate of the PBS matrix, thereby expanding its applications in sustainable packaging, 3D printed parts for consumer goods, and agriculture.

Highlights

Sustainable innovation by using PBS‐CBS filaments for eco‐conscious production.

CBS boosts biodegradation and soil disintegration.

Shaping a greener future with eco‐friendly 3D printing of PBS‐CBS biocomposites.
Facile synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose from Indonesia's coconut fiber cellulose for bioplastics applications
Authors: Ndruru Sun Theo Constan Lotebulo , Amri Naufal , Kusuma Samuel Budhi Wardhana , Prasetyo Ridho , Hayati Atika Trisna , Mawarni Rista Siti , Meliana Yenny , Restu Witta Kartika , Triwulandari Evi , Sampora Yulianti , Ghozali Muhammad , Marlina Anita , Sakti Aditya Wibawa , Wahyuningrum Deana , Arcana I Made
Published: July 2024

Coconut fibers contain many lignocellulosic components; therefore, they have the potential to be used as cellulose‐based materials. This study aims to synthesize carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for bioplastic applications from coconut fiber cellulose obtained from South Tangerang, Indonesia. The isolation of cellulose was conducted in two key stages: alkaline treatment using a delignification reactor and bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The facile synthesis of CMC involved two important steps: alkaline treatment and carboxymethylation of isolated cellulose. The yield of cellulose isolated from coconut fiber was 16.39% for biomass and 64.84% for delignification products. The cellulose produced exhibited a crystallinity index (C.I.) of 89%. The yield of CMC was 14.67%, with a C.I. was 56.66%. The CMC obtained was categorized as having a medium molecular weight of 249,048 Da with a polymerization degree of 1046. Cellulose starts to decompose at a temperature interval of 292.05–381.45°C, whereas CMC decomposes at a lower temperature interval of 245.42–299.73°C. Thermochemical calculations were conducted by using the density functional theory (DFT), confirming a spontaneous reaction with a Gibbs free energy of −5.25 kJ mol−1. Bioplastics were fabricated in two stages: blending with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMChi) and plasticizing with glycerol. The addition of CMCh increased the C.I. and tensile strength, while the addition of glycerol to CMC/CMChi (80/20) blend‐based bioplastic reduced the C.I. and tensile strength, but enhanced the relative contact angle.

Highlights

Cellulose was isolated from coconut fibers through a two‐stage process involving delignification and bleaching;

Carboxymethyl cellulose was synthesized by reacting the cellulose of coconut fibers with monochloroacetic acid in isopropanol with NaOH as the catayst;

The optimum condition for achieving the highest elongation at break among the blending compositions was found in the CMC/CMChi (80/20) blend bioplastic;

Adding up to 30 wt% glycerol decreased the tensile strength and increased the elongation at break;

The addition of glycerol enhanced the hydrophobic properties of CMC/CMCh blend‐based bioplastics.
Sustainable nitrogen fixation by novel gliding arc plasma reactor for the production of nitrogen fertilizers
Authors: Angineni Jyothsna , Reddy PathpiReddy Manoj Kumar , Anga Srinivas , Somaiah Puppala Veera
Published: July 2024

A novel plasma reactor is being investigated for green NOx production, crucial for nitrate‐based fertilizer manufacturing. Various parameters, including air flow rates, gas ratios, ozone, and catalyst effects are explored for NO → NO2 conversion. NOx concentrations reach ~0.6 vol%, with a total production of ~9.7 gr/h and energy cost of ~3.0 mJ/mol, notably favorable for atmospheric gliding arc plasma. Selectivity (~75%) towards NO2 is achieved with ozone addition or catalytic treatment, pivotal for nitrate fertilizer and HNO3 production.
A prospective evaluation of the prostate microbiome in malignant and benign tissue using transperineal biopsy
Authors: Chen Victor S. , James Christopher , Khemmani Mark , Desai Shalin , Doshi Chirag , Rac Goran , Ellis Jeffrey L. , Patel Hiten D. , Barkan Guliz A. , Gupta Gopal N. , Flanigan Robert C. , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: July 2024

Background

The link between the prostate microbiome and prostate cancer remains unclear. Few studies have analyzed the microbiota of prostate tissue, and these have been limited by potential contamination by transrectal biopsy. Transperineal prostate biopsy offers an alternative and avoids fecal cross‐contamination. We aim to characterize the prostate microbiome using transperineal biopsy.

Methods

Patients with clinical suspicion for prostate cancer who were to undergo transperineal prostate biopsy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion guidance were prospectively enrolled from 2022 to 2023. Patients were excluded if they had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System lesions with scores ≤ 3, a history of prostate biopsy within 1 year, a history of prostate cancer, or antibiotic use within 30 days of biopsy. Tissue was collected from the MRI target lesions and nonneoplastic transitional zone. Bacteria were identified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results

Across the 42 patients, 76% were found to have prostate cancer. Beta diversity indices differed significantly between the perineum, voided urine, and prostate tissue. There were no beta diversity differences between cancerous or benign tissue, or between pre‐ and postbiopsy urines. There appear to be unique genera more abundant in cancerous versus benign tissue. There were no differences in alpha diversity indices relative to clinical findings including cancer status, grade, and risk group.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a rigorous method to better characterize the prostate microbiome using transperineal biopsy and to limit contamination. These findings provide a framework for future large‐scale studies of the microbiome of prostate cancer.
The implementation of robotic dogs in automatic detection and surveillance of red imported fire ant nests
Authors: Su Xin , Shi Guijie , Zhong Jiamei , Li Yuling , Dai Wennan , Xu Augix Guohua , Fox Eduardo GP , Xu Jinzhu , Qiu Hualong , Yan Zheng
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA), scientifically known as Solenopsis invicta, is a destructive invasive species causing considerable harm to ecosystems and generating substantial economic costs globally. Traditional methods for RIFA nests detection are labor‐intensive and may not be scalable to larger field areas. This study aimed to develop an innovative surveillance system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic dogs to automate the detection and geolocation of RIFA nests, thereby improving monitoring and control strategies.

RESULTS

The designed surveillance system, through integrating the CyberDog robotic platform with a YOLOX AI model, demonstrated RIFA nest detection precision rates of >90%. The YOLOX model was trained on a dataset containing 1118 images and achieved a final precision rate of 0.95, with an inference time of 20.16 ms per image, indicating real‐time operational suitability. Field tests revealed that the CyberDog system identified three times more nests than trained human inspectors, with significantly lower rates of missed detections and false positives.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the potential of AI‐driven robotic systems in advancing pest management. The CyberDog/YOLOX system not only matched human inspectors in speed, but also exceeded them in accuracy and efficiency. This study's results are significant as they highlight how technology can be harnessed to address biological invasions, offering a more effective, ecologically friendly, and scalable solution for RIFA detection. The successful implementation of this system could pave the way for broader applications in environmental monitoring and pest control, ultimately contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and economic stability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Broad‐spectrum and sensitive screening of more than 1000 compounds in equine urine using liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Uchida Taiga , Kisugi Takaya , Ishii Hideaki , Yamada Masayuki , Kinoshita Kenji , Leung Gary Ngai‐Wa
Published: July 2024

Rationale

To uphold the integrity of horseracing and equestrian sports, it is critical for an equine doping control laboratory to develop a comprehensive screening method to cover a wide range of target substances at the required detection levels in equine urine.

Methods

The procedure involved the enzymatic hydrolysis of 3 mL urine samples followed by solid‐phase extraction using HF Bond Elut C18 cartridge. The resulting extracts were then separated on a C18 reversed‐phase column and analyzed using liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) in both electrospray ionization positive and negative modes in two separate injections. The analytical data were obtained in full scan and product ion scan (PIS) modes in an 11 min LC run.

Results

The method can detect 1011 compounds (in both positive and negative ion modes). Over 95% of the target compounds have limits of detections (LODs) ≤10 ng/mL, and more than 50% of the LODs are ≤0.5 ng/mL. The lowest LOD can reach down to 0.01 ng/mL. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the successful detection of prohibited substances in overseas and domestic equine urine samples.

Conclusions

We have successfully developed a regular screening method for equine urine samples that can detect more than 1000 compounds at sub‐ppb levels in both positive and negative ion modes with full scan and PIS using LC/HRMS. Furthermore, this method can theoretically be expanded to accommodate an unlimited number of prohibited substances in full‐scan mode.
Translating global norms into national action. Insights from the implementation of societal security norms in Sweden
Authors: Jakobsson Elin
Published: July 2024

The way in which norms diffuse from the international level and are implemented at the national level has been a key interest of social constructivists in general and norm scholars in particular for many decades. Nonetheless, surprisingly little effort has been made to understand or explain the factors that make norm implementation successful. This article sets out to systematically assess commonly highlighted implementation factors—actors, norm characteristics, and structures—to expand knowledge of whether or how these affect domestic norm implementation. To this end, the article conducts a structured, focused comparison of three cases of norms from the societal security sphere—the transportation of dangerous goods, disaster risk reduction, and cybersecurity—to explore their implementation processes in Sweden. The study explores whether, and if so how, previously suggested key factors are important when implementing global norms at the national level. The comparison concludes that the structure, including the venue for and availability of policy instruments, has been the most decisive factor in the coherent assessment of the three sample cases.
Intergenerational associations between childhood maltreatment, post‐traumatic stress symptoms, and chronic pain in young adult offspring and their parents
Authors: Talmon Ada , Shilo Gali , Tsur Noga
Published: July 2024

Findings have revealed a strong link between exposure to child maltreatment (CM) and later chronic pain. Concurrently, other findings have been grounded in the understanding that CM consequences may not end with the exposed individual, rather, they extend to their offspring. However, little is known regarding the possible intergenerational transmission of chronic pain following CM. This study examines whether chronic pain among parents and their young adult offspring may be associated with parental exposure to CM. Three hundred ninety‐three parent‐offspring dyads (parents' mean age = 58, SD = 5.91 years; offspring's mean age = 27, SD = 3.91 years) completed self‐report questionnaires, assessing CM (CTQ), posttraumatic stress (PTS) and disturbances in self‐organisation (DSO) symptoms (ITQ), and chronic pain. CM was associated with chronic pain mediated by DSO symptoms among parents (indirect effect = 0.77; p = 0.007) and PTS symptoms among offspring (indirect effect = 0.285; p = 0.005). Offspring chronic pain was significantly associated with parental CM through two intergenerational paths: the mediation of parents' DSO symptoms and chronic pain (indirect effect = 0.298; p = 0.011), and through parents' PTS symptoms and offspring's PTS symptoms (indirect effect = 0.077; p = 0.004). This study's findings support the relevance of the intergenerational transmission of chronic pain following parental exposure to CM. Furthermore, the findings reveal complex PTS symptoms as a possible underlying mechanism for the intergenerational associations of chronic pain following CM.
Tuning Octahedron Sites of CoV2O4 via Cationic Competition for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lv Yuan‐Hong , Wei Shuai , Yi Sha‐Sha , Duan Yan‐Xin , Cui Rong‐Chao , Yang Guang , Liu Zhong‐Yi , Chen Jing‐Huo , Yue Xin‐Zheng
Published: July 2024

Doping transition metal oxide spinels with metal ions represents a significant strategy for optimizing the electronic structure of electrocatalysts. Herein, a bimetallic Fe and Ru doping strategy to fine‐tune the crystal structure of CoV2O4 spinel for highly enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is presented performance. The incorporation of Fe and Ru is observed at octahedral sites within the CoV2O4 structure, effectively modulating the electronic configuration of Co. Density functional theory calculations have confirmed that Fe acts as a novel reactive site, replacing V. Additionally, the synergistic effect of Fe, Co, and Ru effectively optimizes the Gibbs free energy of the intermediate species, reduces the reaction energy barrier, and accelerates the kinetics toward OER. As expected, the best‐performing CoVFe0.5Ru0.5O4 displays a low overpotential of 240 mV (@10 mA cm−2) and a remarkably low Tafel slope of 38.9 mV dec−1, surpassing that of commercial RuO2. Moreover, it demonstrates outstanding long‐term durability lasting for 72 h. This study provides valuable insights for the design of highly active polymetallic spinel electrocatalysts for energy conversion applications.
Defect Passivation and Crystallization Regulation for Efficient and Stable Formamidinium Lead Iodide Solar Cells with Multifunctional Amidino Additive
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Ding Zicheng , Wu Nan , Lang Lei , Wang Shiqiang , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: July 2024

Amidino‐based additives show great potential in high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the role of different functional groups in amidino‐based additives have not been well elucidated. Herein, two multifunctional amidino additives 4‐amidinobenzoic acid hydrochloride (ABAc) and 4‐amidinobenzamide hydrochloride (ABAm) are employed to improve the film quality of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskites. Compared with ABAc, the amide group imparts ABAm with larger dipole moment and thus stronger interactions with the perovskite components, i.e., the hydrogen bonds between N…H and I− anion and coordination bonds between C = O and Pb2+ cation. It strengthens the passivation effect of iodine vacancy defect and slows down the crystallization process of α‐FAPbI3, resulting in the significantly reduced non‐radiative recombination, long carrier lifetime of 1.7 µs, uniformly large crystalline grains, and enhances hydrophobicity. Profiting from the improved film quality, the ABAm‐treated PSC achieves a high efficiency of 24.60%, and maintains 93% of the initial efficiency after storage in ambient environment for 1200 hours. This work provides new insights for rational design of multifunctional additives regarding of defect passivation and crystallization control toward highly efficient and stable PSCs.
Enhancing Internal and External Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells Through Polystyrene Modification of the Perovskite and Rapid Open‐Air Deposition of ZnO/AlOx Nanolaminate Encapsulation
Authors: Asgarimoghaddam Hatameh , Khamgaonkar Saikiran Sunil , Mathur Avi , Maheshwari Vivek , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: July 2024

In this study, the internal and external stabilities of a p–i–n methylammonium lead iodide perovskite solar cell (PSC) are improved. Polystyrene (PS) is introduced into the perovskite layer to form a cross‐linked polymer–perovskite network, which enhances the nucleation and growth of the perovskite grains. Moreover, for the first time, 60 nm thick ZnO/AlOx nanolaminate (NL) thin‐film encapsulation (TFE) is deposited directly on the PSC using an atmospheric‐pressure (AP) spatial atomic layer deposition system operated in AP spatial chemical vapor deposition (AP–SCVD) mode. The rapid nature of AP–SCVD enables encapsulation of the PSCs in open air at 130 °C without damaging the perovskite. The PS additive improves the performance and internal stability of the PSCs by reducing ion migration. Both the PS additive and the ZnO/AlOx NL TFEs improve the external stability under standard test conditions (dark, 65 °C, 85% relative humidity [RH]) by preventing water ingress. The number and thickness of the ZnO/AlOx NL layers are optimized, resulting in a water–vapor transmission rate as low as 5.1 × 10−5 g m−2 day−1 at 65 °C and 85% RH. A 14‐fold increase in PSC lifetime is demonstrated; notably, this is achieved using PS, a commodity‐scale polymer, and AP–SCVD, a scalable, open‐air encapsulation method.
On the Origins of the Separation of Powers: Some Historical Remarks
Authors: da Silva Jorge Pereira
Published: July 2024

History has shown that in societies politically organized as constitutional States, one shall not take for granted the achievements of civilization on which we set our lives.
Sequent Systems on Undirected Graphs
Authors: Acclavio Matteo
Published: July 2024

In this paper we explore the design of sequent calculi operating on graphs. For this purpose, we introduce logical connectives allowing us to extend the well-known correspondence between classical propositional formulas and cographs. We define sequent systems operating on formulas containing such connectives, and we prove, using an analyticity argument based on cut-elimination, that our systems provide conservative extensions of multiplicative linear logic (without and with mix) and classical propositional logic. We conclude by showing that one of our systems captures graph isomorphism as logical equivalence and that it is sound and complete for the graphical logic$$\textsf{GS}$$GS.
Unification in the Description Logic $$\mathcal {ELH}_{\mathcal {R}^+}$$ Without the Top Concept Modulo Cycle-Restricted Ontologies
Authors: Baader Franz , Fernández Gil Oliver
Published: July 2024

Unification has been introduced in Description Logic (DL) as a means to detect redundancies in ontologies. In particular, it was shown that testing unifiability in the DL $$\mathcal{E}\mathcal{L}$$

E
L

is an NP-complete problem, and this result has been extended in several directions. Surprisingly, it turned out that the complexity increases to PSpace if one disallows the use of the top concept in concept descriptions. Motivated by features of the medical ontology SNOMED CT, we extend this result to a setting where the top concept is disallowed, but there is a background ontology consisting of restricted forms of concept and role inclusion axioms. We are able to show that the presence of such axioms does not increase the complexity of unification without top, i.e., testing for unifiability remains a PSpace-complete problem.
A Terminating Sequent Calculus for Intuitionistic Strong Löb Logic with the Subformula Property
Authors: Fiorentini Camillo , Ferrari Mauro
Published: July 2024

Intuitionistic Strong Löb logic $$\textsf{iSL}$$
iSL
is an intuitionistic modal logic with a provability interpretation. We introduce $$\textsf{GbuSL}_{\Box } $$

GbuSL
□

, a terminating sequent calculus for $$\textsf{iSL}$$
iSL
with the subformula property. $$\textsf{GbuSL}_{\Box } $$

GbuSL
□

modifies the sequent calculus $$\textsf{G3iSL}_{\Box } $$

G
3

iSL
□

for $$\textsf{iSL}$$
iSL
based on $$\textsf{G3i} $$

G
3
i

, by annotating the sequents to distinguish rule applications into an unblocked phase, where any rule can be backward applied, and a blocked phase where only right rules can be used. We prove that, if proof search for a sequent $$\sigma $$
σ
in $$\textsf{GbuSL}_{\Box } $$

GbuSL
□

fails, then a Kripke countermodel for $$\sigma $$
σ
can be constructed.
Equivalence Checking of Quantum Circuits by Model Counting
Authors: Mei Jingyi , Coopmans Tim , Bonsangue Marcello , Laarman Alfons
Published: July 2024

Verifying equivalence between two quantum circuits is a hard problem, that is nonetheless crucial in compiling and optimizing quantum algorithms for real-world devices. This paper gives a Turing reduction of the (universal) quantum circuits equivalence problem to weighted model counting (WMC). Our starting point is a folklore theorem showing that equivalence checking of quantum circuits can be done in the so-called Pauli-basis. We combine this insight with a WMC encoding of quantum circuit simulation, which we extend with support for the Toffoli gate. Finally, we prove that the weights computed by the model counter indeed realize the reduction. With an open-source implementation, we demonstrate that this novel approach can outperform a state-of-the-art equivalence-checking tool based on ZX calculus and decision diagrams.
Development and evaluation of a candidate reference measurement procedure for detecting 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in dried blood spots using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: He Ziyun , Dai Haibing , Shen Jian , Huang Yanjie , Liu Jinsong , Yan Renqing , Zhang Feng , Yan Shengkai
Published: July 2024

17α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) quantification in dried blood spots (DBS) is essential for newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which is challenging due to its low physiological concentration. The high false-positive rates of immunoassays necessitate the development of more accurate methods. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) offers increased specificity and sensitivity, yet standardized procedures for 17α-OHP measurement are required for clinical application. A candidate reference measurement procedure (cRMP) using isotope dilution LC-MS/MS was developed for 17α-OHP quantification in DBS. By utilizing stable isotope-labeled D8-17α-OHP as an internal standard, the cRMP was optimized, covering sample preparation, calibration, and LC-MS/MS analysis. The method performance was validated across several parameters, including precision, accuracy, specificity, detection limits, and matrix effects. Clinical applicability was further assessed through the establishment of reference intervals for healthy newborns. The developed cRMP exhibited a linear range of 1.00 to 80.00 ng/mL for 17α-OHP, with detection and quantification limits of 0.14 ng/mL and 0.52 ng/mL, respectively. Inter- and intraday precision demonstrated coefficients of variation within 1.27 to 5.69%. The recovery rates and matrix effects were well within acceptable limits, ensuring method reliability. Clinical application showed distinct reference intervals for healthy newborns that were unaffected by sex but influenced by weight and gestational age. This method significantly enhances CAH diagnostic accuracy in newborns, providing a valuable tool for clinical laboratories and improving newborn screening program standardization and traceability.
Imaging of Deep Venous Pathology
Authors: Arnoldussen Carsten W. K. P.
Published: July 2024

Imaging plays an important role in the identification and assessment of clinically suspected venous pathology. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of image-based diagnostic tools used in the investigation of suspected deep vein disease, both obstructive (deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic vein changes) as well as insufficiency (e.g., compression syndromes and pelvic venous insufficiency). Additionally, specific imaging modalities are used for the treatment and during clinical follow-up. The use of duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance venography, computed tomography venography and intravascular ultrasound as well as conventional venography will be discussed in this pictorial review.
Breaking Consensus in Kinetic Opinion Formation Models on Graphons
Authors: Düring Bertram , Franceschi Jonathan , Wolfram Marie-Therese , Zanella Mattia
Published: July 2024

In this work, we propose and investigate a strategy to prevent consensus in kinetic models for opinion formation. We consider a large interacting agent system and assume that agent interactions are driven by compromise as well as self-thinking dynamics and also modulated by an underlying static social network. This network structure is included using so-called graphons, which modulate the interaction frequency in the corresponding kinetic formulation. We then derive the corresponding limiting Fokker–Planck equation and analyze its large time behavior. This microscopic setting serves as a starting point for the proposed control strategy, which steers agents away from mean opinion and is characterized by a suitable penalization depending on the properties of the graphon. We show that this minimalist approach is very effective by analyzing the quasi-stationary solution mean-field model in a plurality of graphon structures. Several numerical experiments are also provided to show the effectiveness of the approach in preventing the formation of consensus steering the system toward a declustered state.
Automatic Topic Title Assignment with Word Embedding
Authors: Zammarchi Gianpaolo , Romano Maurizio , Conversano Claudio
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose TAWE (title assignment with word embedding), a new method to automatically assign titles to topics inferred from sets of documents. This method combines the results obtained from the topic modeling performed with, e.g., latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) or other suitable methods and the word embedding representation of words in a vector space. This representation preserves the meaning of the words while allowing to find the most suitable word that represents the topic. The procedure is twofold: first, a cleaned text is used to build the LDA model to infer a desirable number of latent topics; second, a reasonable number of words and their weights are extracted from each topic and represented in n-dimensional space using word embedding. Based on the selected weighted words, a centroid is computed, and the closest word is chosen as the title of the topic. To test the method, we used a collection of tweets about climate change downloaded from some of the main newspapers accounts on Twitter. Results showed that TAWE is a suitable method for automatically assigning a topic title.
Acute ingestion of acetaminophen improves cognitive and repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance in well-trained female athletes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: BenSalem Sahar , Salem Atef , Boukhris Omar , Taheri Morteza , Ammar Achraf , Souissi Nizar , Glenn Jorden M. , Trabelsi Khaled , Chtourou Hamdi
Published: July 2024

This study examined the effect of acute acetaminophen (ACTP) ingestion on physical performance during the 5 m shuttle run test (5mSRT), attention, mood states, and the perception of perceived exertion (RPE), pain (PP), recovery (PRS), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) in well-trained female athletes. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial, fifteen well-trained female athletes (age 21 ± 2 years, height 165 ± 6 cm, body mass 62 ± 5 kg) swallowed either 1.5 g of ACTP or 1.5 g of placebo. The profile of mood states (POMS) and digit cancellation (DCT) were assessed 45 min postingestion, and 5mSRT was performed 60 min postingestion. The RPE and PP were determined immediately after each 30-s repetition of the 5mSRT, and the PRS and DOMS were recorded at 5 min and 24 h post-5mSRT. For the 5mSRT, ACTP ingestion improved the greatest distance (+ 10.88%, p < 0.001), total distance (+ 11.33%, p = 0.0007) and fatigue index (+ 21.43%, p = 0.0003) compared to PLA. Likewise, the DCT score was better on the ACTP (p = 0.0007) than on the PLA. RPE, PP, PRS, and DOMS scores were improved after ACTP ingestion (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared to PLA. POMS scores were enhanced with ACTP ingestion compared to PLA (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study indicates that acute acetaminophen ingestion can improve repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance, attention, mood states, and perceptions of exertion, pain, recovery, and muscle soreness in well-trained female athletes, suggesting potential benefits for their overall athletic performance and mood state.
Understanding social cognition in children with cerebral palsy: exploring the relationship with executive functions and the intervention outcomes in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: García-Galant María , Blasco Montse , Moral-Salicrú Paula , Soldevilla Jorge , Ballester-Plané Júlia , Laporta-Hoyos Olga , Caldú Xavier , Miralbell Júlia , Alonso Xènia , Toro-Tamargo Esther , Meléndez-Plumed Mar , Gimeno Francisca , Leiva David , Boyd Roslyn N. , Pueyo Roser
Published: July 2024

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience Social Cognition (SC) difficulties, which could be related to executive functioning. While motor interventions are common, there is limited knowledge about the impact of cognitive interventions on SC in this population. This study examined the relationship between SC and Executive Function (EF) skills and the effectiveness of an EF intervention that included some SC tasks for improving SC in children with CP. SC and EF domains were assessed in 60 participants with CP (30 females; 8–12 years). The relationship between SC and EF baseline scores was analyzed by bivariate correlations and contingency tables. Participants were matched by age, sex, motor ability, and intelligence quotient and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention group underwent a 12-week home-based computerized EF intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in SC components between groups at post-intervention and 9 months after. Significant positive correlations were found between the SC and EF scores. The frequencies of impaired and average scores in SC were distributed similarly to the impaired and average scores in EFs. The intervention group showed significant improvements in Affect Recognition performance post-intervention, which were maintained at the follow-up assessment, with a moderate effect size. Long-term improvements in Theory of Mind were observed 9 months after.

Conclusions: This study highlights the association between SC and EFs. A home-based computerized cognitive intervention program improves SC in children with CP. Including SC tasks in EF interventions may lead to positive short- and long-term effects for children with CP.

Clinical trial registration: NCT04025749 retrospectively registered on 19 July 2019.

What Is Known:• Executive functions and social cognition are associated with social and community participation in people with cerebral palsy.• A home-based computerized cognitive intervention can improve the executive functioning of children with cerebral palsy.What Is New:• Social cognition performance is related to core and higher-order executive functions.• A home-based computerized executive function intervention, including social cognition tasks, has positive short- and long-term effects on social cognition skills in children with cerebral palsy.
A novel solution for the development of a sentimental analysis chatbot integrating ChatGPT
Authors: Florindi Filippo , Fedele Pasquale , Dimitri Giovanna Maria
Published: July 2024

In today’s business landscape, Chatbots play a pivotal role in innovation and process optimization. In this paper, we introduced a novel advanced Emotional Chatbot AI, introducing sentiment analysis for human chatbot conversations. Adding an emotional component within the human-computer interaction, can in fact dramatically improve the quality of the final conversation between Chatbots and humans. More specifically, in our paper, we provided a practical evaluation of the EmoROBERTA software, introducing it into a novel implementation of an Emotional Chatbot. The pipeline we present is novel, and we developed it within a business context in which the use of sentimental and emotional responses can act in a significant and fundamental way toward the final success and use of the Chatbot itself. The architecture enriches user experience with real-time updates on the topic of interest, maintaining a user-centric design, toward an affective-response enhancement of the interaction established between the Chatbot and the user. The source code is fully available on GitHub: https://github.com/filippoflorindi/F-One.