bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol optimization for functional cardiac CT imaging using noise emulation in the raw data domain
Authors: Yin Zhye , Wu Pengwei , Manohar Ashish , McVeigh Elliot R. , Pack Jed D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundFour‐dimensional (4D) wide coverage computed tomography (CT) is an effective imaging modality for measuring the mechanical function of the myocardium. However, repeated CT measurement across a number of heartbeats is still a concern.PurposeA projection‐domain noise emulation method is presented to generate accurate low‐dose (mA modulated) 4D cardiac CT scans from high‐dose scans, enabling protocol optimization to deliver sufficient image quality for functional cardiac analysis while using a dose level that is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).MethodsGiven a targeted low‐dose mA modulation curve, the proposed noise emulation method injects both quantum and electronic noise of proper magnitude and correlation to the high‐dose data in projection domain. A spatially varying (i.e., channel‐dependent) detector gain term as well as its calibration method were proposed to further improve the noise emulation accuracy. To determine the ALARA dose threshold, a straightforward projection domain image quality (IQ) metric was proposed that is based on the number of projection rays that do not fall under the non‐linear region of the detector response. Experiments were performed to validate the noise emulation method with both phantom and clinical data in terms of visual similarity, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and noise‐power spectrum (NPS).ResultsFor both phantom and clinical data, the low‐dose emulated images exhibited similar noise magnitude (CNR difference within 2%), artifacts, and texture to that of the real low‐dose images. The proposed channel‐dependent detector gain term resulted in additional increase in emulation accuracy. Using the proposed IQ metric, recommended kVp and mA settings were calculated for low dose 4D Cardiac CT acquisitions for patients of different sizes.ConclusionsA detailed method to estimate system‐dependent parameters for a raw‐data based low dose emulation framework was described. The method produced realistic noise levels, artifacts, and texture with phantom and clinical studies. The proposed low‐dose emulation method can be used to prospectively select patient‐specific minimal‐dose protocols for functional cardiac CT.
Low back pain patients' experience and expectations: A qualitative study focusing on physiotherapist and physician care
Authors: Cormier Audrey‐Anne , Lowry Véronique , Lavigne Patrick , Roy Jean‐Sébastien , Tousignant‐Laflamme Yannick , Perreault Kadija , Martel Marylie , Décary Simon , Desmeules François 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common and disabling musculoskeletal disorder. LBP experiences and expectations can vary from one person to another and influence their clinical outcomes. Despite the existence of numerous evidence‐based treatment recommendations, LBP management in primary care remains challenging. This study aims to investigate the experiences and expectations of patients with LPB in primary care settings.MethodsA qualitative study with an inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews were performed using individuals who had experienced LBP in the past year and had consulted a family physician (FP) or a physiotherapist (PT).ResultsTen participants with LBP were interviewed (5 women, 5 men, mean age 49 ± 17). Five themes were identified: (1) I am always upset because I can't do anything; (2) I waited to consult; I thought it would go away; (3) I want to see what is going on with my LBP; (4) I want to see the person that will provide the right treatment; (5) I need support to get over it. Participants consulted when their pain was severe and disabling. They expected an imaging test to explain the cause of their LBP and placed more importance on the imaging test results than the FP's or PT's evaluation. Their opinions on care selection and being listened to were important for the participants.ConclusionThis study has highlighted the importance of the patient's point of view in their care. This consideration is important to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach with evidence‐based practice care.
Role of gut microbiota in ischemic stroke: A narrative review of human and animal studies
Authors: Chen Guangtang , Du Xiaolin , Cui Junshuan , Song Jiaquan , Xiong Mingsong , Zeng Xi , Yang Hua , Xu Kaya 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe high incidence, mortality, and disability associated with ischemic stroke pose a significant threat to human health. The intestinal microbiota significantly influences the onset, progression, and prognosis of ischemic stroke. Gut flora plays a pivotal role in brain–gut interactions. The reflection of changes in the gut and brain caused by gut microbes facilitates the investigation of early warning biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. In this narrative review of the relationship between gut microbiota and ischemic stroke, we primarily discuss three topics, grounded in real‐world human and animal studies. First, we examined the relationship between ischemic stroke and intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, delineate the overall characteristics of intestinal microbiota dysregulation in ischemic stroke, and assess the potential clinical value, prevailing research controversies, and unique phenomena of intestinal microbiota metabolites such as trimethylamine N‐oxide and short‐chain fatty acids in ischemic stroke. Second, we explored the potential communication pathways between intestinal flora and ischemic stroke based on the brain–gut axis, encompassing metabolic pathways, immune pathways, and neural pathways. Finally, we encapsulated the factors influencing the severity of ischemic stroke via intestinal flora, the pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions that modulate intestinal flora in treating ischemic stroke, and the current research landscape of intestinal flora in the context of ischemic stroke sequelae.
Iron chelation therapy for children with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia: How young is too young?
Authors: Forni Gian Luca , Kattamis Antonis , Kuo Kevin H. M. , Maggio Aurelio , Sheth Sujit , Taher Ali T. , Viprakasit Vip 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this review, we provide a summary of evidence on iron overload in young children with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia (TDT) and explore the ideal timing for intervention. Key data from clinical trials and observational studies of the three available iron chelators deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox are also evaluated for inclusion of subsets of young children, especially those less than 6 years of age. Evidence on the efficacy and safety of iron chelation therapy for children ≥2 years of age with transfusional iron overload is widely available. New data exploring the risks and benefits of early‐start iron chelation in younger patients with minimal iron overload are also emerging.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for medication decision‐making and quality of life in women with breast cancer: The ACTION trial
Authors: Graham Christopher D. , Ellison Rachel , Hall Louise H. , Clark Jane , McNaught Emma , Green Sophie M. C. , Wilkes Hollie , Robson Gita , Lorentz Ian , Holmes Lucy , Bould Nicky , Hartley Suzanne , Naik Jay , Buckley Sarah , Hirst Charlotte , Hartup Sue , Foy Robbie , Neal Richard D. , Velikova Galina , Farrin Amanda , Collinson Michelle , Smith Samuel G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveNon‐adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) in women with breast cancer is common and associated with medication side‐effects and distress. We co‐designed an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (ACTION) to enhance medication decision‐making and quality of life (QoL). We undertook a pilot trial of ACTION to inform the feasibility of a phase III trial, and to examine intervention acceptability.MethodsThis was a multi‐site, exploratory, two‐arm, individually randomised external pilot trial. Women with early breast cancer prescribed AET were randomised (1:1) to receive usual care (UC) or UC + ACTION. The ACTION intervention comprised a remotely delivered one‐to‐one ACT session followed by three group sessions delivered by clinical psychologists, alongside a website containing ideas for the self‐management of side effects.ResultsOf the 480 women screened for eligibility, 260 (54.2%) were approached and 79 (30.4%) randomised. 71 (89.9%) women provided data at 3‐month and 70 (88.6%) at 6‐month 40 women were randomised to receive UC + ACTION and 32 (80.0%) completed the intervention. Most (75.0%) accessed the website at least once. ACTION was acceptable to participants (Borkovec & Nau Scale: mean = 7.8 [SD = 2.7] out of 10). Signals of effectiveness in favour of the UC + ACTION arm were observed for medication adherence (Adherence Starts with Knowledge questionnaire‐12), QoL (work and social adjustment scale), health‐related QoL (functional assessment of cancer therapy[FACT] general and FACT‐ES‐19/23), distress (generalised anxiety disorder ‐7, patient health questionnaire‐9) and psychological flexibility (valuing questionnaire).ConclusionsThe ACTION intervention was acceptable to patients. There were promising signals for effectiveness on primary and secondary outcomes. A phase III randomised controlled trial is feasible.Trial RegistrationISRCTN12027752.
Monoclonal antibody therapies in respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis—An umbrella review
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Backman Katri , Gärdström Eveliina , Renko Marjo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim was to gather an overview of the evidence of monoclonal antibody therapies in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in children. For this umbrella review of previous meta‐analyses, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in August 2023. We included systematic reviews with meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials. One author extracted the data, and another author validated the data. We extracted all analyses focusing on clinical outcomes and comparing prophylaxis to placebo. Risk of bias in systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool was used to analyze the risk of bias in the included reviews. AMSTAR‐2 was used to evaluate the quality of the included reviews. After screening of 323 abstracts and 22 full reports, a total of seven systematic reviews with meta‐analyses were included. The risk of bias was rated to be low in four and high in three of these. Three reviews were of moderate quality, one low, and three very low quality according to AMSTAR‐2 classification. Six of the meta‐analyses were direct comparisons, and one was a network meta‐analysis. Five of the reviews focused on palivizumab, one in nirsevimab, and one included all monoclonal antibodies. Six reviews focused on preterm neonates and consisted of 42 comparisons to placebo of which 21 showed efficacy, and 21 had no evidence of a difference. The positive effect was seen in all reviews against RSV infection and RSV hospitalization in palivizumab and nirsevimab groups compared to placebo. None of the mortality comparisons showed efficacy. One meta‐analysis focused on cystic fibrosis patients and had eight comparisons, but it was underpowered to detect any results. The overall evidence from previous meta‐analyses shows that monoclonal antibodies are effective in preventing RSV infections and RSV hospitalizations in preterm infants. However, no effect on mortality was seen in these studies. Evidence certainty has been ranked mainly from low to moderate.
ROF‐2 as an Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) Probe for Multi‐Target Amyloid Detection and Screening of Amyloid Inhibitors
Authors: Tang Yijing , Zhang Dong , Zheng Jie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMisfolding and aggregation of amyloid peptides into β‐structure‐rich fibrils represent pivotal pathological features in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), type II diabetes (T2D), and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The development of effective amyloid detectors and inhibitors for probing and preventing amyloid aggregation is crucial for diagnosing and treating debilitating diseases, yet it poses significant challenges. Here, an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecule of ROF2 with multifaceted functionalities as an amyloid probe and a screening tool for amyloid inhibitors using different biophysical, cellular, and worm assays, are reported. As an amyloid probe, ROF2 outperformed ThT, demonstrating its superior sensing capability in monitoring, detecting, and distinguishing amyloid aggregates of different sequences (Amyloid‐β, human islet amyloid polypeptide, or human calcitonin) and sizes (monomers, oligomers, or fibrils). More importantly, the utilization of ROF2 as a screening molecule to identify and repurpose cardiovascular drugs as amyloid inhibitors is introduced. These drugs exhibit potent amyloid inhibition properties, effectively preventing amyloid aggregation and reducing amyloid‐induced cytotoxicity both in cells and nematode. The findings present a novel strategy to discovery AIE‐based amyloid probes and to be used to repurpose amyloid inhibitors, expanding diagnostic and therapeutic options for neurodegenerative diseases while addressing vascular congestion and amyloid aggregation risks.
Improving Buried Interface Contact by Bidentate Anchoring for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Xian‐Min , Ye Yong‐Chun , Feng Shi‐Chi , Lv Bing‐Hao , Wang Jiang‐Ying , Tang Jian‐Xin , Dou Wei‐Dong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNickel oxide (NiOx) is a promising hole transport layer (HTL) to fabricate efficient and large‐scale inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its low cost and superior chemical stability. However, inverted PSCs based on NiOx are still lagging behind that of other HTL because of the poor quality of buried interface contact. Herein, a bidentate ligand, 4,6‐bis (diphenylphosphino) phenoxazine (2DPP), is used to regulate the NiOx surface and perovskite buried interface. The diphosphine Lewis base in the 2DPP molecule can coordinate both with NiOx and lead ions at NiOx/perovskite interface, leading to high‐quality perovskite films with minimized defects. It is found that the inverted PSCs with 2DPP‐modified buried interface exhibit double advantages of being both fast charge extraction and reduced nonradiative recombination, which is a combination of multiple factors including favorable energetic alignment, improved interface contact and strong binding between NiOx/2DPP and perovskite. The optimal PSC based on 2DPP modification yields a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.9%. The unencapsulated PSC maintains above 75% of its initial PCE in the air with a relative humidity (RH) of 30–40% for 1000 h.
Abundant Edge Active Sites‐Modified High‐Crystalline g‐C3N5 for Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Pure‐Water via a Quasi‐Homogeneous Photocatalytic Process
Authors: Shen Yu , Xu Rui , Shan Pengnian , Zhang Shunhong , Sun Lei , Xie Haijiao , Guo Feng , Li Chunsheng , Shi Weilong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUltrathin carbon nitride pioneered a paradigm that facilitates effective charge separation and acceleration of rapid charge migration. Nevertheless, the dissociation process confronts a disruption owing to the proclivity of carbon nitride to reaggregate, thereby impeding the optimal utilization of active sites. In response to this exigency, the adoption of a synthesis methodology featuring alkaline potassium salt‐assisted molten salt synthesis is advocated in this work, aiming to craft a nitrogenated graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N5) photocatalyst characterized by thin layer and hydrophilicity, which not only amplifies the degree of crystallization of g‐C3N5 but also introduces a plethora of abundant edge active sites, engendering a quasi‐homogeneous photocatalytic system. Under visible light irradiation, the ultra‐high H2O2 production rate of this modified high‐crystalline g‐C3N5 in pure water attains 151.14 µm h−1. This groundbreaking study offers a novel perspective for the innovative design of highly efficient photocatalysts with a quasi‐homogeneous photocatalytic system.
A New Method to Measure Oxygen Surface Exchange Kinetics On Porous Mixed Conducting Oxides With Simple Determination of Microstructure Parameters
Authors: Nicollet Clement , Meyssonnier Clement , Guillonneau Simon , Merieau Alexandre , Abdouli Insaf 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOxygen exchange reaction on mixed conducting oxide is a critical reaction for many applications, yet measuring its rate constant remains poorly reliable by standard techniques. Here, a new technique that adapts the conductivity relaxation measurements on porous ceramics is proposed. Using a simple image analysis tool, it is possible to accurately determine the grain size distribution of the porous oxide, which is used in a new relaxation model that integrates relaxation times over that distribution. With such a model, it is possible to fit relaxation transients with the oxygen exchange reaction rate constant kchem as the only fitting parameter. With such rigidity, the output values of kchem are not sensitive to the fitting procedure, which does not require optimization. The model is proven to be applicable to various mixed conducting oxides and to a wide range of microstructures, yielding a remarkably low residual for all the porous ceramics considered. The procedure uses porous ceramics, therefore the derived kinetics are representative of ceramics used in real applications such as fuel cells, sensors, or catalysis.
Rapid and sensitive diagnosis of live Mycobacterium tuberculosis using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat‐Cas13a point‐of‐care RNA testing
Authors: Wang Yu , Lin Huihuang , Yang Anqi , Huang Jiaming , Ren Weicong , Dong Jiajun , Wang Shaojie , Xu Wenxue , Pang Yu , Qu Jieming , Liu Jia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the causal pathogen of tuberculosis (TB). Rapid and accurate detection of live MTB is important for transmission control and patient treatment. Here, we described a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐Cas13a‐based molecular diagnosis approach for rapid and specific detection of live MTB. This detection method, which we termed CRISPR‐Live‐MTB, contained two consecutive reactions including nuclear acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) and CRISPR‐Cas13a collateral cleavage reaction. CRISPR‐Live‐MTB could efficiently detect MTB single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA) in 2 hours with high specificity over double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA). Importantly, CRISPR‐Live‐MTB exhibited a limit of detection of 2.4 copies for MTB ssRNA, which was 1000 times lower than that of the clinically used NASBA method. Moreover, lateral flow was integrated into the CRISPR‐Live‐MTB method to enable point‐of‐care testing application with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%. Overall, our study demonstrated the feasibility of CRISPR‐Live‐MTB as a rapid, sensitive, and specific approach for live MTB detection.
Spread complexity in saddle-dominated scrambling
Authors: Huh Kyoung-Bum , Jeong Hyun-Sik , Pedraza Juan F. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Recently, the concept of spread complexity, Krylov complexity for states, has been introduced as a measure of the complexity and chaoticity of quantum systems. In this paper, we study the spread complexity of the thermofield double state within integrable systems that exhibit saddle-dominated scrambling. Specifically, we focus on the Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick model and the inverted harmonic oscillator as representative examples of quantum mechanical systems featuring saddle-dominated scrambling. Applying the Lanczos algorithm, our numerical investigation reveals that the spread complexity in these systems exhibits features reminiscent of chaotic systems, displaying a distinctive ramp-peak-slope-plateau pattern. Our results indicate that, although spread complexity serves as a valuable probe, accurately diagnosing true quantum chaos generally necessitates additional physical input. We also explore the relationship between spread complexity, the spectral form factor, and the transition probability within the Krylov space. We provide analytical confirmation of our numerical results, validating the Ehrenfest theorem of complexity and identifying a distinct quadratic behavior in the early-time regime of spread complexity.
Primordial black hole superradiance and evaporation in the string axiverse
Authors: Calzà Marco , Rosa João G. , Serrano Filipe 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In the string axiverse scenario, light primordial black holes may spin up due to the Hawking emission of a large number of light (sub-MeV) axions. We show that this may trigger superradiant instabilities associated with a heavier axion during the black holes’ evolution, and study the coupled dynamics of superradiance and evaporation. We find, in particular, that the present black hole mass-spin distribution should follow the superradiance threshold condition for black hole masses below the value at which the superradiant cloud forms, for a given heavy axion mass. Furthermore, we show that the decay of the heavy axions within the superradiant cloud into photon pairs may lead to a distinctive line in the black hole’s emission spectrum, superimposed on its electromagnetic Hawking emission.
Black holes, white holes, and near-horizon physics
Authors: Gaur Rudeep , Visser Matt 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Black and white holes play remarkably contrasting roles in general relativity versus observational astrophysics. While there is observational evidence for the existence of compact objects that are “cold, dark, and heavy”, which thereby are natural candidates for black holes, the theoretically viable time-reversed variants — the “white holes” — have nowhere near the same level of observational support. Herein we shall explore the theoretical possibility that the connection between black and white holes is much more intimate than commonly appreciated. We shall first construct “horizon penetrating” coordinate systems that differ from the standard curvature coordinates only in a small near-horizon region, thereby emphasizing that ultimately the distinction between black and white horizons depends only on near-horizon physics. We shall then construct an explicit model for a “black-to-white transition” where all of the nontrivial physics is confined to a compact region of spacetime — a finite-duration finite-thickness, (in principle arbitrarily small), region straddling the naïve horizon. Moreover we shall show that it is possible to arrange the “black-to-white transition” to have zero action — so that it will not be subject to destructive interference in the Feynman path integral. This then raises the very intriguing possibility that astrophysical black holes might be interpretable in terms of a quantum superposition of black and white horizons — a “gray” horizon.
D6 branes wrapped on a spindle and Yp,q manifolds
Authors: Ferrero Pietro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We present new solutions of 8d gauged supergravity which, upon uplift to type IIA, represent D6 branes wrapped on spindles. A further circle uplift gives 11d supergravity on a Calabi-Yau three-fold which is the cone over five-dimensional Yp,q manifolds. This highlights a connection between co-homogeneity one Sasaki-Einstein metrics in general dimension and the recently introduced spindle solutions in gauged supergravity. We find that a similar connection also exists for the small resolution of the Calabi-Yau cone over such manifolds.