bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the etonogestrel subdermal implant in users with overweight and obesity: a systematic literature review
Authors: Goto Daisuke , Grunden John W , Klinghardt Moritz , Patel Vanessa Perez , von Stockum Sophia , Barnett Clare , Bitzer Johannes
Published: October 2024

Background

The etonogestrel (ENG) subdermal implant is considered a well-tolerated and effective contraception option to avoid unintended pregnancies. However, it is unclear whether being affected by overweight or obesity diminishes the effectiveness of the implant.

Objectives

To systematically assess the published evidence on implant contraceptive effectiveness in women with overweight or obesity, and in women who underwent bariatric surgery.

Search strategy

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase for publications reporting implant effectiveness since 2011.

Selection criteria

Primary publications of randomised and non-randomised trials, observational studies and case reports were included.

Data collection and analysis

Two independent reviewers identified the Pearl Index, qualitative descriptions of contraceptive failure, implant exposure and potential bias, and assessed overall quality of evidence.

Main results

We found 12 publications meeting our criteria, consisting of nine observational studies and three case reports. Excluding case reports, the publications reported Pearl Indices from 0.0/100 women-years (WY) to 0.23/100WY for women with overweight and obesity, respectively. No studies met the eligibility criteria for the post-bariatric surgery population.

Conclusions

Observed implant effectiveness in women with overweight and obesity falls within the range of published data across all weight groups (0.0–1.4/100 WY) and does not suggest a reduced effectiveness associated with higher body mass index. Large, well-controlled studies designed to specifically assess the effectiveness of the ENG implant with respect to user weight, particularly in women following bariatric surgery, are warranted.
Inhibitory Fcγ receptor deletion enhances CD8 T cell stemness increasing anti-PD-1 therapy responsiveness against glioblastoma
Authors: Ku Keun Bon , Kim Chae Won , Kim Yumin , Kang Byeong Hoon , La Jeongwoo , Kang In , Park Won Hyung , Ahn Stephen , Lee Sung Ki , Lee Heung Kyu
Published: October 2024

Background

Certain cancers present challenges for treatment because they are resistant to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), attributed to low tumor mutational burden and the absence of T cell-inflamed features. Among these, glioblastoma (GBM) is notoriously resistant to ICB. To overcome this resistance, the identification of T cells with heightened stemness marked by T-cell factor 1 (TCF1) expression has gained attention. Several studies have explored ways to preserve stem-like T cells and prevent terminal exhaustion. In this study, we investigate a target that triggers stem-like properties in CD8 T cells to enhance the response to ICB in a murine GBM model.

Methods

UsingFcgr2b−/−mice and a murine GL261 GBM model, we confirmed the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy, observing improved survival. Analysis of immune cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and single-cell RNA sequencing delineated distinct subsets of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells inFcgr2b−/−mice. The crucial role of the stem-like feature in the response to anti-PD-1 treatment for reinvigorating CD8 T cells was analyzed. Adoptive transfer of OT-I cells into OVA-expressing GL261 models and CD8 T cell depletion inFcgr2b−/−mice confirmed the significance ofFcgr2b−/−CD8 T cells in enhancing the antitumor response. Last, S1P1inhibitor treatment confirmed that the main source of tumor antigen-specificFcgr2b−/−CD8 T cells is the tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs).

Results

In a murine GBM model, anti-PD-1 monotherapy and single-Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIb (FcγRIIB) deletion exhibit limited efficacy. However, their combination substantially improves survival by enhancing cytotoxicity and proliferative capacity in tumor-infiltratingFcgr2b−/−CD8 T cells. The improved response to anti-PD-1 treatment is associated with the tumor-specific memory T cells (Ttsms) exhibiting high stemness characteristics within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Ttsms in the TdLN thrives in a protective environment, maintaining stem-like characteristics and serving as a secure source for tumor infiltration. This underscores the significance of FcγRIIB ablation in triggering Ttsms and enhancing ICB therapy against GBM.

Conclusions

Deletion of FcγRIIB on CD8 T cells leads to the generation of a Ttsms, which is localized in TdLN and protected from the immunosuppressive TME. Incorporating these highly stemness-equipped Ttsms enhances the response to anti-PD-1 therapy in immune-suppressed brain tumors.
CRLF2-rearranged B-cell ALL with extramedullary lineage switch to AML following CD19-targeted therapy
Authors: Silbert Sara K. , Scanlon Samantha , Wang Hao-Wei , Yuan Constance M , Doverte Alyssa , Wellek Jake , Patel Nisha , Braylan Raul , Ahlman Mark , Turkbey Evrim B , Bohling Sandra D , Chisholm Karen M , Oztek Murat Alp , LaLoggia Mike , Verma Anupam , Shalabi Haneen , Kovach Alexandra E , Wood Brent L , Lamble Adam , Kirsch Ilan , Leger Kasey , Shah Nirali N.
Published: October 2024

Lineage switch (LS) refers to the immunophenotypic transformation of one leukemia lineage to another (ie, lymphoid to myeloid) with retention of baseline genetics. This phenomenon was originally observed in infants with B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) withKMT2Arearrangements following chemotherapy, but is now increasingly being observed as a form of immune escape following targeted therapies among children and adults with B-ALL with and withoutKMT2Arearrangements. In this report, we present two cases of adolescents with B-ALL harboringCRLF2rearrangements (Philadelphia-like phenotype) who developed LS to acute myeloid leukemia following CD19 targeted therapy. To our knowledge, these are the first cases of LS to be reported in patients withCRLF2rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition to raising awareness that this genetic mutation may associate with lineage plasticity, our cases illustrate the importance of multi-modal disease surveillance in the diagnosis of LS.
Ten challenges and opportunities in computational immuno-oncology
Authors: Bao Riyue , Hutson Alan , Madabhushi Anant , Jonsson Vanessa D , Rosario Spencer R , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S , Fertig Elana J , Marathe Himangi , Harris Lyndsay , Altreuter Jennifer , Chen Qingrong , Dignam James , Gentles Andrew J , Gonzalez-Kozlova Edgar , Gnjatic Sacha , Kim Erika , Long Mark , Morgan Martin , Ruppin Eytan , Valen David Van , Zhang Hong , Vokes Natalie , Meerzaman Daoud , Liu Song , Van Allen Eliezer M , Xing Yi
Published: October 2024

Immuno-oncology has transformed the treatment of cancer, with several immunotherapies becoming the standard treatment across histologies. Despite these advancements, the majority of patients do not experience durable clinical benefits, highlighting the imperative for ongoing advancement in immuno-oncology. Computational immuno-oncology emerges as a forefront discipline that draws on biomedical data science and intersects with oncology, immunology, and clinical research, with the overarching goal to accelerate the development of effective and safe immuno-oncology treatments from the laboratory to the clinic. In this review, we outline 10 critical challenges and opportunities in computational immuno-oncology, emphasizing the importance of robust computational strategies and interdisciplinary collaborations amid the constantly evolving interplay between clinical needs and technological innovation.
Accurate prenatal diagnosis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 using nanopore sequencing
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zhao Zhenhua , Meng Fei , Kong Xiangdong
Published: October 2024

Background

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 (FSHD1) is an autosomal dominant muscular disorder mainly caused by the contraction and hypomethylation of the D4Z4 repeat array in chromosome 4q35. Prenatal diagnosis of FSHD1 is challenging due to the highly repetitive and long genomic structure. In this study, a pregnant woman diagnosed with FSHD1 using optical genome mapping sought assistance for a healthy offspring.

Methods

At the 17th week of gestation, she underwent amniocentesis, and genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from amniocytes. Whole-genome sequencing of the gDNA was performed using the nanopore MinION platform.

Results

Despite a sequencing depth of only 7.3×, bioinformatic analyses revealed that the fetus inherited four D4Z4 repeat units with the permissive 4qA from the mother and the eight D4Z4 repeat units with the non-permissive 4qB from the father. To validate the results, SNP-based linkage analyses were conducted with gDNA from the proband, the proband’s father and proband’s amniocytes. Results indicated that the fetus inherited the maternal pathogenic haplotype based on 144 informative SNPs. Linkage analysis was consistent with the nanopore sequencing.

Conclusion

Nanopore sequencing proves to be an accurate and direct method for genetic testing of monogenic diseases at the single-nucleotide level. This study represents the first application of nanopore sequencing in the prenatal diagnosis of FSHD1, providing a significant advantage for patients with de novo mutations.
Woven EndoBridge device apposition and compression using Sim&Size virtual simulation correlate with aneurysm occlusion status: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cagnazzo Federico , Atallah Alexis , van Dokkum Liesjet E H , Capirossi Carolina , Gascou Gregory , Dargazanli Cyril , Lefevre Pierre Henri , Di Salle Gianfranco , Machi Paolo , Collemiche Francois-Louis , Varnier Quentin , Checkouri Thomas , Chnafa Christophe , Rene Amandine , Radu Răzvan Alexandru , Costalat Vincent
Published: October 2024

Background

Virtual simulation is increasingly used for aneurysm treatment. This study aimed to explore whether mechanical behavior biomarkers of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device as computed by Sim&Size simulation software were associated with aneurysmal occlusion status at follow-up.

Methods

Consecutive patients with aneurysms treated with WEB were retrospectively enrolled (January 2014 to December 2021). Aneurysms were included if three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography and follow-up imaging were available. Device apposition and compression within the aneurysm sac were retrospectively calculated by Sim&Size simulation software. Mean global and maximum compression, mid-device and neck compression, and the Spruce index of heterogeneity of deformation of the simulated device were calculated. A multivariate Lasso regression was performed.

Results

A total of 81 aneurysms in 80 patients (56 females; mean age 60±12 years) were analyzed. At a mean radiological follow-up of 3±2 years, 62 (77%) showed an adequate occlusion. Mean apposition in the inadequate and adequate occlusion group was 42.9±11% and 53.97±12%, respectively (P=0.002), mean global compression was 4.95±3% and 7.85±6% (P=0.035), respectively, and maximal compression was 13.44±6% and 20.73±11%, respectively (P=0.009). Compressions at mid-level and neck level were comparable between the two groups. The Spruce index was higher in the inadequate occlusion group (0.16±0.05 vs 0.20±0.05, P=0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that wall apposition, maximum compression and the Spruce index were independent prognosticators of aneurysm occlusion.

Conclusions

Wall apposition, maximum compression and the Spruce index computed by Sim&Size software predicted the likelihood of aneurysm occlusion at follow-up, after WEB treatment.
High-dose opioids in advanced cancer: use factors–retrospective study
Authors: Peng Wanglian , Huang Xufen , Zou Ran , Chen Qifang , Ding Jialin , Jiang Man , Yuan Zhijun
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate factors associated with high-dose opioid use in patients with advanced cancer and examine the effect of high-dose opioid use on patients’ survival.

Methods

This study retrospectively searched the medical records of 416 patients with advanced cancer in a home-based hospice in central China. Age, sex, type of cancer, type of pain, the maximum oral morphine equivalent daily dose, type of opioid, preadmission oral morphine equivalent daily dose, lung cancer or not, bone metastases, opioid switch and survival time were assessed.

Results

There were 416 subjects included from the 455 eligible participants (91.4%). 80 patients (19.2%) received high-dose opioids at home. Male (OR 2.471; 95% CI 1.054 to 5.792; p=0.037), preadmission morphine equivalent daily dose (OR 1.022; 95% CI 1.016 to 1.028; p=0.000) and the use of morphine at maximum morphine equivalent daily dose (OR 5.123; 95% CI 1.249 to 21.014; p=0.023) were positively predicted high-dose opioid use. No difference in survival was found when comparing the high-dose and very high-dose opioid use groups.

Conclusions

Male home-based patients with advanced cancer who use morphine and have greater preadmission opioid doses should be aware of the necessity for high-dose opioid use. Regulated opioid use in adequate amounts does not shorten survival.
Dynamical aspects of torsion on anisotropic dissipative matter
Authors: Bhatti M. Z. , Almutairi Bander , Yousaf Z. , Hanif S. , Khan A. S.
Published: October 2024

This paper is related to the dynamics of stellar structure under the influence of modified gravity (in particular [Formula: see text] gravity, where T is associated with a torsion scalar). We contemplate non-static plane geometry equipped with fluid dissipation in the form of diffusion limit. The suitable variables to handle the analysis are explored. To comprehend the dynamics of the system, we acquire the dynamical equations with the aid of Bianchi identities. We calculate the Taub mass for our structure and develop the relations of mass in the form of collapsing velocity, derivative of proper radial, and time. The scalars to comprehend the evolution and structure are explored for non-static plane geometry. These scalars have a novel existence for this structure. We find that the homogeneous expansion and homologous ways of evolution interrelate with each other. We perform the investigation for two cases that is dissipative and non-dissipative. The nature of the fluid in the dissipative case is shear and geodesic. We calculate the variety of solutions in this case. The analysis is concluded by analyzing the stability of the vanishing [Formula: see text] constraint.
Scalar and vectorized implementations of the density functional theory via Geant4 and GeantV project
Authors: Chaparro-Amaro Oscar R. , Martínez-Castro J.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we present the implementation of the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method using the Geant4-DNA framework in the Single Instruction Single Data (SISD) mode. Furthermore, this implementation is improved in terms of execution time within the GeantV project with vectorization techniques such as Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD). Within this framework, a set of SIMD strategies in molecular calculation algorithms such as one-electron operators, two-electron operator, quadrature grids, and functionals, was implemented using the VecCore library. The applications developed in this work implement two DFT functionals, the Local Density Approximation (LDA) and the General Gradient Approximation (GGA), to approximate the molecular ground-state energies of small molecules and amino acids. To assess the performance of the implementations, a standard test simulation was performed in multiple CPU platforms. The SIMD vectorization strategy significantly accelerates DFT calculations, leading to time ratios ranging from 1.6 to 5.4 in either individual steps or entire implementations when compared with the scalar process within Geant4.
An Intelligent Scheduling Approach on Mobile OS for Optimizing UI Smoothness and Power
Authors: Dou Xinglei , Liu Lei , Xiao Limin
Published: October 2024

Mobile devices need to respond quickly to diverse user inputs. The existing approaches often heuristically raise the CPU/GPU frequency according to the empirical rules when facing burst inputs and various changes. Although doing so can be effective sometimes, the existing approaches still need improvements. For instance, raising processors’ frequency can lead to high power consumption when the frequency is over-provisioned or fails to meet user demands when the frequency is under-provisioned. To this end, we propose MobiRL, a reinforcement learning-based scheduler for intelligent adjusting CPU/GPU frequency to satisfy user demands accurately on mobile systems. MobiRL monitors the mobile system status and autonomously learns to optimize UI smoothness and power consumption by conducting CPU/GPU frequency-adjusting actions. The experimental results on the latest delivered smartphones show that MobiRL outperforms the widely used commercial scheduler on real devices – reducing the frame drop rate by 4.1% and reducing power consumption by 42.8%, respectively. Moreover, compared with a study using Q-Learning for CPU frequency scheduling, MobiRL achieves up to 2.5% lower frame drop rate and reduces power consumption by 32.6%, respectively. Our approach has been deployed in mobile phone products.
DOMAIN: Explainable Credibility Assessment Tools for Empowering Online Readers Coping with Misinformation
Authors: Caled Danielle , Carvalho Paula , Sousa Francisco , Silva Mário
Published: October 2024

Despite all the fact-checking initiatives on news and social media aimed at countering misinformation, they remain insufficient to promptly address the wide array of misleading information disseminated by both news and social media outlets. Rather than attempting to identify or filter misleading information, this work advocates new tools for assisting online readers in identifying misinformation among the massive online content pushed every day through multiple platforms. We introduce DOMAIN, an article assessment resource bundle comprising a multidimensional indicator to categorize articles into different types (hard news, soft news, opinion, satire, and conspiracy), a set of explanatory metrics to help users understand the results, a tool for verifying the reliability of the article’s source, and a text summary of the assessment. This work also studies how DOMAIN tools impact online readers, specifically focusing on (i) understanding the extent to which computer-generated assessments influence human perceptions of credibility; (ii) evaluating the effectiveness of automatic article categorization in human assessment of credibility; and (iii) identifying the most relevant explanatory metrics for promoting informed and critical consumption of information.
MemScape: Sculpting Tiered Memory Management for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Seo Dongjoo , Chen Ping-Xiang , Sung Changhoon , Hoang Quang Anh , Manzanares Adam , Dutt Nikil
Published: October 2024

The increasing complexity of autonomous vehicle (AV) systems underscores a critical challenge in efficient management of tiered memory architectures, which requires advances beyond conventional memory management strategies to achieve desired performance. This paper introduces MemScape, a novel policy designed to dynamically sculpt the memory landscape of AV systems, facilitating the optimal utilization of tiered memory configurations to minimize unexpected performance drop for AV operation. In contrast to conventional tiered memory management approaches, MemScape utilizes a user- and kernel- level memory allocation flow to migrate memory, which greatly improves system performance, while simultaneously reducing system memory cost. MemScape employs both reactive and proactive reinforcement learning agents for memory management. The reactive agent responds to current performance metrics, while the proactive agent anticipates future memory needs, ensuring optimal performance stability and efficiency. Through comprehensive emulation of an exemplar AV application pipeline utilizing tiered memory, MemScape demonstrates the potential to increase application performance by up to 3.8 × compared to vanilla Linux while saving

\(20\% \)

system memory cost. Central to MemScape’s efficacy is its novel reactive-and-proactive reinforcement learning approach to memory promotion and demotion that ensures targeting user-level goals. Our findings showcase MemScape’s promise to revolutionize memory management practices in AV systems, presenting a performance-optimized solution adept at meeting the varying demands of emerging autonomous technologies via a combination of reactive and proactive learning strategies.
Robust Multimodal Representation under Uncertain Missing Modalities
Authors: Lan Guilin , Du Yeqian , Yang Zhouwang
Published: October 2024

Multimodal representation learning has gained significant attention across various fields, yet it faces challenges when dealing with missing modalities in real-world applications. Existing solutions are confined to specific scenarios, such as single-modality missing or missing modalities in test cases, thereby restricting their applicability. To address a more general scenario of uncertain missing modalities in both training and testing phases, we propose Robust Multimodal Representation under Uncertain Missing Modalities (RMRU). This framework projects each modality’s representation into a shared subspace, enabling the reconstruction of any missing modalities within a unified model. We propose an interaction refinement module that utilizes cross-modal attention to enhance these reconstructions, particularly beneficial in scenarios with limited complete modality data. Furthermore, we introduce an iterative training strategy that alternately trains different modules to effectively utilize both complete and incomplete modality data. Experimental results on four benchmark datasets demonstrate the superiority of RMRU over existing baselines, particularly in scenarios with a high rate of missing modalities. Remarkably, our proposed RMRU can be broadly applied to diverse scenarios, regardless of modality types and quantities.
CollectiveHLS: A Collaborative Approach to High-Level Synthesis Design Optimization
Authors: Ferikoglou Aggelos , Kakolyris Andreas , Masouros Dimosthenis , Soudris Dimitrios , Xydis Sotirios
Published: October 2024

High-Level Synthesis (HLS) has played a pivotal role in making FPGAs accessible to a broader audience by facilitating high-level device programming and rapid microarchitecture customization through the use of directives. However, manually selecting the right directives can be a formidable challenge for programmers lacking a hardware background. This article presents CollectiveHLS, an ultra-fast, knowledge-driven approach to optimizing HLS designs. It automates the identification and application of optimal directive configurations from the original source code, focusing on minimizing design latency and ensuring synthesizability. This optimization approach is entirely data-driven, offering a generalized HLS tuning solution without reliance on Quality of Result (QoR) models or meta-heuristics. CollectiveHLS is designed, implemented, and evaluated using around 60 applications sourced from well-established benchmark suites and GitHub repositories, all running on a Xilinx UltraScale
+
MPSoC ZCU104. It achieves an average geometric mean speedup of up to

\(23.1\times\)

compared to the official source code without directives, while maintaining synthesizability and feasibility rates of 100% and 96.6%, respectively, matching those of Vitis, the industry-standard framework for FPGA acceleration. Comparisons with resource over-provisioning, traditional genetic algorithm-based Design Space Exploration (DSE), and State-of-the-Art (SotA) approaches demonstrate that CollectiveHLS produces designs of comparable quality

\(14.6\times\)

faster on average. These results underscore the potential of our approach as an ultra-fast and automated solution for HLS optimization.
Signature-based IaaS Performance Change Detection
Authors: Fattah Sheik Mohammad Mostakim , Bouguettaya Athman
Published: October 2024

We propose a novel change detection framework to identify changes in the long-term performance behavior of an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). An IaaS’s long-term performance behavior is represented by an IaaS performance signature. The proposed framework leverages time series similarity measures and a sliding window technique to detect changes in IaaS performance signatures. We introduce a new IaaS performance noise model that enables the proposed framework to distinguish between performance noise and actual changes in performance. The proposed framework utilizes a novel Signal-to-Noise Ratio-based approach to detect changes when prior knowledge about performance noise is available. A set of experiments is conducted using real-world datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed change detection framework.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Changes of Multiple Genes Involved in Disease Resistance of Postharvest “Huangguan” Pears Treated With Lysobacter enzymogenes MB01
Authors: Xu Fangxu , Lin Zefang , Cui Ligang
Published: October 2024

“Huangguan” pears during storage are easily infected by various diseases, which resulted in substantial economic losses due to the decline in production and quality. Being a biocontrol bacterium, Lysobacter enzymogenes MB01 (L. enzymogenes MB01) can bring about the alterations of related defense enzymes, thereby enhancing the shelf life. The genetic changes in samples treated with L. enzymogenes MB01 were discussed by transcriptome. The outcomes indicated that compared to the control, L. enzymogenes MB01 restrained the disease index and total bacterial count and improved the defense enzyme activity. The transcriptome data uncovered the presence of 1975 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that the majority of DEGs were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant‐pathogen interaction, flavonoid biosynthesis, and stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis. The above results suggested the treatment with L. enzymogenes MB01 induced the disease resistance of pears through regulating multiple genes, which offers a feasible method for protecting fruit against pathogen during storage.
User Experience Techniques Adopted by Brazilian Game Development Studios: An Exploratory Study
Authors: da Silva Felippe Fernandes , Leme Matheus Henrique C. , Zanella André F. , Guerino Guilherme Corredato , Balancieri Renato , Leal Gislaine Camila Lapasini
Published: October 2024

Game development studios deal with numerous challenges to achieve the publication of games that are acclaimed by the public. The difficulties range from a simple choice of color for a particular object within the game to mechanics and narratives. In this way, user experience (UX) techniques provide a better perception of the player’s experience. UX techniques are consolidated in the context of software engineering industries and literature. However, few works in the literature (which will be presented in this work) address this knowledge and treat digital games as a specific type of software. In this sense, we aim to explore and present innovative approaches and best techniques adopted by game development studios to integrate UX into their processes. The research included the participation of 41 digital game development studios from all regions of Brazil, of which 31 were interviewed and 10 chose to participate via questionnaire. The analysis revealed that many participants work in small companies (up to five employees) and apply UX techniques intuitively without formal knowledge and justification for using them. Furthermore, we noticed that many studios are unclear about their techniques and confuse them with game design. However, most understand that UX is fundamental for designing a successful game with community support and buy‐in. In addition, most of the justifications for not using UX techniques converged on a lack of knowledge. Finally, we developed a visual scheme to assist studios and future research, capable of consolidating the information extracted from participants about the UX techniques adopted, the benefits and challenges of applying them to the development process, the justifications for not adopting UX techniques (when not adopted), the test instruments implemented, and the UX dimensions evaluated by them.
A Highly Isolated Tapered Triangular Dual‐Polarized Multiband MIMO Antenna for WLAN, C, X and Ku Bands
Authors: Kumari Sonali , Awasthi Yogendra Kumar , Bansal Dipali , Anand Rohit , Malik Praveen Kumar , Singh Rajesh
Published: October 2024

This research work presents the design of a multiband dual‐polarized eight‐element MIMO antenna having dimensions (0.51 λ × 0.66 λ × 0.009 λ). The antenna is observed to be radiating between 1.7 GHz and 2.4 GHz, 4.1 GHz and 10 GHz and 10.6 GHz and 19.8 GHz, featuring 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth between 9.7 and 10 GHz, 12.1 and 13.1 GHz, 14.4 and 14.5 GHz and 17.9 and 18.9 GHz. In the proposed MIMO antenna, the triangular‐shaped monopole antenna is tapered at its two sides. The isolation between the various elements of the proposed antenna is observed to be in range of −20 dB–−70 dB for the concerned frequency range. On the basis of comparison with similar existing structures, the proposed antenna demonstrates superior performance in terms of total active reflection coefficient (TARC < −5 dB), diversity gain (DG around 10 dB), channel capacity loss (CCL < 0.3 bits/s/Hz), mean effective gain (MEG) and envelope correlation coefficient (ECC < 0.024). The proposed antenna provides wide bandwidth (15.8 GHz) and high value of peak gain (6 dB). The proposed geometry is novel as it exhibits both linear as well as circular polarization with multiband response and it provides the least ECC and maximum isolation. The experimental results are found to be in agreement with the simulated results, so the proposed antenna can be useful for WLAN, C‐band, X band and Ku band applications.
Improved Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cell Performance by Multimetallic Stacked Nanolayers
Authors: Kuo Shou-Yi , Yang Jui-Fu , Lin Kuo-Jen , Lai Fang-I
Published: October 2024

This study utilized a postdeposition sulfurization method to produce thin films of the Cu2SnSnS4 (CZTS) absorber layer. Initially, metal precursors were deposited onto a tin oxide‐coated substrate through thermal evaporation. Subsequently, sulfurization occurred in a mixed environment of sulfur vapor and argon gas. The sulfurization temperature was set at 500°C for a duration of 30 min. During the sulfurization process, the facile evaporation of tin compounds could lead to a deviation in the atomic ratio within the absorber layer and potentially result in the attachment of secondary phases to the surface of the absorber layer. Therefore, this study employed a multilayered metal precursor structure (with a constant total thickness for each metal and nonmetal sulfides as precursors) for sulfurization. This method effectively suppressed the formation of secondary phases, including ZnS within the absorber layer and SnS2 on the surface. From the quantification results, the ratio of ZnS to CZTS signal intensity decreased from 0.52 to 0, while the ratio of SnS2 to CZTS signal intensity dropped from 1.2 to 0. Additionally, the efficiency increased to 2.79%. In summary, this research introduced a novel preparation method to enhance the quality of CZTS films. The modification to a multilayered metal precursor structure reduced the evaporation of tin compounds, consequently minimizing the generation of secondary phases.
The Impact of Family Physician Contracting on Healthcare Costs: Evidence From Patients With Chronic Diseases at the Community Level From Beijing in China
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Li Lele , Yu Qiao , Li Qi
Published: October 2024

With the aging population, the financial burdens associated with chronic diseases continue to escalate. Among various management strategies, family physician contracting stands out as a significant initiative aimed at addressing this challenge, officially introduced in China in 2016. However, current research has given relatively little attention to the economic benefits of family physician contracting in developing countries. This paper evaluates the economic effect of family physician contracting by employing microdata of patients with chronic diseases at the Yuyuantan Community Health Service Center, Haidian District, Beijing, from January 2019 to May 2021. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse in healthcare services by introducing a modified Anderson model. The empirical findings demonstrated that family physician contracting effectively reduced healthcare costs for patients with chronic diseases. Notably, the effect of family physician contracting on healthcare costs was more pronounced among patients with chronic diseases aged less than 65 years. At the same time, it is inferred that expediting the reform of the health insurance payment system, coupled with the promotion of family physician contracting services, would enhance the wellbeing of patients with chronic diseases. This research offers valuable insights into the ongoing and future development of family physician contracting in developing countries.
Virus‐Triggered Autoimmunity Was Associated With Hirschsprung’s Disease Through Activation of Innate Immunity
Authors: Zhong Weiyong , Lan Chaoting , Chen Yuqiong , Song Kai , Ma Zuyi , Zeng Jixiao , Huang Lihua , Zhang Yan , Zhu Yun , Xia Huimin
Published: October 2024

Background: Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a congenital enteric nervous system (ENS) disorder. Genetics cannot explain most sporadic cases. To explore the relationship between pathogen infection, autoantibodies, innate immune, and HSCR.

Methods: Pathogen microarray was conducted in the serum of the prospective neonatal abdominal distension (NAD) cohort, consisting of 56 children followed for at least 6 months until the final diagnosis of HSCR was determined or excluded. We conducted an autoantibody microarray in an HSCR cohort, which is comprised of diagnosed HSCR patients (HSCR) and healthy control subjects (HC). RNA‐seq of colon tissues from aganglionic and ganglionic segments of HSCR patients was performed.

Results: Experimental results show that the serum lgM and lgG of enterovirus 71 (EV71) were significantly higher in HSCR than in the gastrointestinal dysfunction (GI) group, with a prediagnose value reaching area under the curve (AUC) over 0.76. We discovered that a group of autoantibodies were significantly higher in HSCR including neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1), amyloid, neuron lysate, and myelin‐associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP) than that in the HC group. These four autoantibodies could distinguish HSCR from the HC group, with a combined AUC of over 0.90 using both serum IgG and IgM. Further analysis showed that wide activation of innate immune pathways, including toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) signaling pathway, red cell distribution width to lymphocyte ratio (RLR) signaling pathway, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway in aganglionic compared to ganglionic segments of HSCR.

Conclusion: This study suggested that virus‐triggered autoimmunity may contribute to HSCR through activation of innate immunity, which facilitates the diagnosis and prevention of HSCR.
Associations Between Arterial Stiffness and Metabolic Target in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Treated in a Modern Setting
Authors: Damm Julie A. , Dalgas-Madsen Amalie , Bech Agnes M. K. , Pilgaard Kasper A. , Pociot Flemming , Hansen Tine W. , Johannesen Jesper
Published: October 2024

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of elevated arterial stiffness and associations to known and potentially novel risk factors in a modern European technology‐based cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods: Cross‐sectional study, including 127 children recruited from Pediatric Diabetes Departments across Eastern Denmark between May 2022 and January 2024. Arterial stiffness was assessed as carotid–femoral pulse‐wave‐velocity (cfPWV) using the Sphygmocor XCEL system. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models explored associations between cfPWV and other risk factors. Adjustments included age, sex, diabetes duration, time‐in‐range, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI) z‐score, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, and mean arterial pressure (MAP).

Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 14.2 years (12.0, 16.4), diabetes duration was 4.7 years (2.7, 8.4), HbA1c level was 7.0% (6.5, 7.9), (53 mmol/l: 48–63), time‐in‐range was 63% (53–75), and 52% were male. The majority were treated with continuous‐subcutaneous‐insulin‐infusion (82%), and all (except two) used continuous‐glucose‐monitors. The prevalence of elevated arterial stiffness (cfPWV z‐score over the 90th percentile) was 16%. Unadjusted analyses demonstrated higher cfPWV was associated with longer diabetes duration, higher age, HbA1c, MAP, and liver stiffness, and lower time‐in‐range and insulin sensitivity. Higher cfPWV remained associated with higher age (standardized β (confidence interval (CI) 95%): 0.38 (0.27, 0.48); p  < 0.001) and lower time‐in‐range (−0.15 ((−0.26), (−0.03)); p  < 0.011) after adjustment.

Conclusions: Despite modern treatment technology and better overall metabolic control, children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes present with a high prevalence of elevated arterial stiffness. Higher arterial stiffness was associated with higher age and lower time‐in‐range, independent of other risk factors, including HbA1c.
Combination of Physics‐Based Model and Artificial Intelligence for Rapid Simulation and Optimization of Dark Fermentative Hydrogen Production From Water Hyacinth
Authors: Nguyen Phan Khanh Thinh , Tran Thi Thu Ha , Nguyen Tuan Loi
Published: October 2024

Dark fermentative hydrogen (H2) production from water hyacinth (WH) is considered a potentially sustainable process that helps minimize this weed’s harmful effects on the ecosystem and dependence on fossil fuels. To create a quick and precise tool for simulating and optimizing this process, this study applied the combination of the physics‐based model and artificial intelligence approaches for the first time. The physics‐based model was used as a computational experimental dataset generator to save time and cost in acquiring experimental data. Such a synthetic dataset was used to train the artificial neural network (ANN) model, which can predict the performance of dark fermentation fed with water hyacinth (DF@WH) in a fraction of the time. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was then integrated to identify the ideal conditions for DF@WH. H2 productivity and total energy recovery were selected as objectives based on basic operating parameters such as substrate concentration, initial pH, temperature, and operating time. The optimization results revealed that the maximum values of H2 productivity (i.e., the maximum yield of 266.8 mL/g‐TS and the maximum rate of 80.5 mL/L/h) and energy efficiency (i.e., 11.4%) cannot be achieved simultaneously under a specific optimal condition. Instead, when these targets were considered equally important, the balance optimal condition was determined at a substrate concentration of 8.9 g‐TS/L, an initial pH of 6.5, a temperature of 33.9°C, and an operating time of 28.2 h. Under such conditions, H2 productivity can be achieved with a yield of 200.2 mL/g‐TS at a production rate of 62.9 mL/L/h and a total energy recovery of 11.0%.
Harsh Parenting and Internet Addiction: The Chain Mediating Effect of Emotional Regulation Difficulties and Maladaptive Cognitions
Authors: Wang Huan , Liu Huimin , Zhou Lulu , Bi Xinyue , Tao Jingting , Jiang Yuan , Zhang Rong
Published: October 2024

Adolescents who have experienced harsh parenting face an increased risk of developing Internet addiction (IA) later in life. Few studies have examined the underlying mechanisms between harsh parenting and IA. This study explores the relationship between harsh parenting and IA, focusing on associations with emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions. The study group consisted of 925 adolescents (Mage = 16.16, SDage = 0.72; 48.54% girls) who were recruited to complete a survey measuring the variables of harsh parenting, difficulties in emotional regulation, maladaptive cognitions, and IA. After accounting for age and gender, it was found that harsh parenting is directly associated with adolescents’ IA (β = 0.07, p < 0.01). The chain mediating effect of emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions was 0.08 (95% CI [0.06, 0.10]), which implies that a chain mediation was identified between harsh parenting and IA through the intermediary factors of emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions. The findings suggest that addressing the emotional regulation difficulties and maladaptive cognitions could be important aspects to consider in interventions and prevention efforts aimed at reducing adolescent IA.
Multidamage Detection of Breathing Cracks in Plate‐Like Bridges: Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Wang Cheng , Gao Kang , Yang Zhen , Liu Jinlong , Wu Gang
Published: October 2024

Bridges may develop breathing cracks under excessive overloading vehicles, while conventional beam models are ineffective in analyzing the effect of spatial distribution of these cracks. This study proposes a data‐driven detection model with the consideration of spatial distribution of breathing cracks that can detect the multiple damage locations and degrees of breathing cracks in plate‐like bridges. Firstly, a 2D vehicle–bridge interaction model containing breathing cracks is established, and the damage indicator, contact point displacement variation (CPDV), is calculated using vehicle acceleration data. Next, a dataset with CPDV as the input feature is generated using the finite element method to train the CatBoost‐based damage prediction model, which considers the random distribution of single and multiple cracks, as well as the influence of different vehicle speeds. Finally, by calculating the CPDV related to the actual bridge and feeding it into the trained model, the location and degree of the damage can be predicted. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that this approach can accurately detect complex crack information under various vehicle speeds and exhibits robustness against road roughness. A laboratory experiment further confirms the effectiveness, applicability, and feasibility of this method to multiple damage locations and degree of breathing cracks.
Wind Farm Layout Optimization Problem Using Nature‐Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Sharma Ajay , Sharma Nirmala , Sharma Fani Bhushan , Bhadu Mahendra
Published: October 2024

The wind farm layout optimization problem (WFLOP) is a significant problem in the field of renewable energy. In this development of wind farm, solving the WFLOP is a crucial task, which entails placing the turbines in the wind farm in the best locations to reduce wake effects and enhance predicted power generation. In recent decades, the WFLOP problem has been solved mathematically. Meanwhile, the growing load demand led to an increase in the complexity of WFLOP. The results obtained by mathematical methods were not accurate enough to suit complexity of WFLOP. Nowadays, researchers from a variety of fields are developing nature‐inspired algorithms (NIAs) to solve difficult real‐world problems. This study is an attempt to review the most important innovations in the field of NIAs to solve the WFLOP problem. The classification of the reviewed literature is based on different applied approaches and models. In addition to specific proposals, the advantages and disadvantages of certain domains are also discussed. This study provides a future direction to the fellow researchers who are working in the field of WFLOP.
Pathological Mechanism and Clinical Therapy Progress of Schlemm’s Canal
Authors: Zhou Yasha , Liu Zhenxin , Gao Wenyong , Yang Yijing , Peng Qinghua , Tan Hanyu
Published: October 2024

Schlemm’s canal (SC) is a small circular canal in the deep part of the sclera at the junction of the sclera and cornea. As an integral component of the aqueous humor outflow, its structure and function are essential in regulating intraocular pressure (IOP). If SC develops lesions, the drainage of aqueous humor would be obstructed, leading to increased intraocular pressure and injury to the optic nerve. With the rapid development of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, an increasing number of surgeons became familiar with SC, and the area generated substantial academic attention. The pathological mechanism and the therapy for SC that had been studied in recent years are summarized in this article, hoping to provide ideas for the treatment of glaucoma in the future.
Supplementary Figure S2 from A Randomized, Phase III Study of Lenvatinib in Chinese Patients with Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiangqian , Xu Zhengang , Ji Qinghai , Ge Minghua , Shi Feng , Qin Jianwu , Wang Feng , Chen Guang , Zhang Yuan , Huang Rui , Tan Jian , Huang Tao , Li Sijin , Lv Zhongwei , Lin Yansong , Guo Zhuming , Kubota Tomoki , Suzuki Takuya , Ikezawa Hiroki , Gao Ming
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S2. Kaplan-Meier plot of OS a (full analysis set)
Data from The Prognostic Role of MYC Structural Variants Identified by NGS and FISH in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Smadbeck James B. , Abdallah Nadine , Zepeda-Mendoza Cinthya , Binder Moritz , Pearce Kathryn E. , Asmann Yan W. , Peterson Jess F. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Greipp Patricia T. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. , Baughn Linda B.
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Structural variants (SV) of the MYC gene region are common in multiple myeloma and influence disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of different MYC SVs in multiple myeloma has not been clearly established.
Experimental Design:
We conducted a retrospective study of multiple myeloma comparing MYC SV subtypes identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and FISH to MYC expression and disease survival using 140 cases from Mayo Clinic and 658 cases from the MMRF CoMMpass study.
Results:
MYC SVs were found in 41% of cases and were classified into nine subtypes. A correlation between the presence of a MYC SV and increased MYC expression was identified. Among the nine MYC subtypes, the non-immunoglobulin (non-Ig) insertion subtype was independently associated with improved outcomes, while the Ig insertion subtype, specifically involving the IgL gene partner, was independently associated with poorer outcomes compared with other MYC SV subtypes. Although the FISH methodology failed to detect approximately 70% of all MYC SVs, those detected by FISH were associated with elevated MYC gene expression and poor outcomes suggesting a different pathogenic role for FISH-detected MYC subtypes compared with other MYC subtypes.
Conclusions:
Understanding the impact of different MYC SVs on disease outcome is necessary for the reliable interpretation of MYC SVs in multiple myeloma. NGS approaches should be considered as a replacement technique for a more comprehensive evaluation of the multiple myeloma clone.