Photonic architecture for remote multi-parameter measurement and transmission of microwave signals.

A photonic architecture for remote multi-parameter measurement and transmission of microwave signals is proposed and demonstrated, which utilizes a dual-parallel dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DP-DDMZM) in the antenna unit and a dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DDMZM) in the processing unit. Doppler frequency shift (DFS) and angle of arrival (AOA) can be determined by analyzing the down-converted intermediate frequency signals. Introducing a reference signal in the processing unit ensures DFS measurement without directional ambiguity. The proposed architecture can also be applied for instantaneous frequency measurement based on down-conversion. Due to the use of optical single sideband modulation, long-distance transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals without dispersion-induced power fading can be achieved. Experiments for accurate and stable DFS and AOA measurement as well as long-distance RF signal transmission with dispersion-induced power fading are presented. The approach avoids the use of optical filters and polarization-related devices, facilitating wideband and stable operation, which is highly desirable. The proposed architecture is a potential solution for microwave photonic antenna remoting, offering support for both remote transmission and multi-parameter measurement.

Instantaneous frequency measurement based on photonic compressive sensing with sub-Nyquist pseudo-random binary sequences.

We propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach to realizing instantaneous frequency measurement with ultrahigh measurement bandwidth, which utilizes three-channel photonic compressive sensing (CS) with sub-Nyquist pseudo-random binary sequences (PRBSs). In each CS channel, an alias frequency is recovered due to the sub-Nyquist property of the applied PRBS. A frequency identification algorithm is employed to determine the frequency of the signal under measurement according to the three alias frequencies. The proposed approach significantly reduces the bit rate of the applied PRBSs and the sampling rate required by the digitizers in CS. A proof-of-concept experiment for measuring frequency in the Ku band is demonstrated using PRBSs at 1 Gb/s and digitizers with a sampling rate of 250 MS/s.

Harmonic active mode-locking optoelectronic oscillator with suppressed supermode noise based on pulse intensity feedback.

A harmonic active mode-locking optoelectronic oscillator (HAML-OEO) with pulse intensity feedback is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It is capable of generating microwave pulses characterized by suppressed supermode noise, uniform intensity, and tunable repetition rates. Unlike traditional HAML-OEOs, active mode-locking and pulse intensity feedback are simultaneously achieved through the use of a dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DDMZM). By synchronously feeding back the generated microwave pulses to the DDMZM, each pulse undergoes a loss proportional to its intensity, facilitating pulse intensity equalization and supermode noise suppression. In the experiment, intensity-equalized microwave pulse trains with repetition rates of 499 kHz and 998 kHz are generated by the 5th- and 10th-order HAML-OEOs, respectively, with the measured supermode noise suppression ratios exceeding 40 dB.

Development and internal-external validation of the ATHE Scale: predicting acute large vessel occlusion due to underlying intracranial atherosclerosis prior to endovascular treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) associated with large vessel occlusion (LVO) before endovascular treatment (EVT) remains a clinical challenge. This study was aimed at developing a predictive model for ICAS-LVO in the anterior circulation preceding EVT. METHODS: Patients from two national stroke centers who had undergone EVT for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation were evaluated. Those from one center served as the derivation cohort, whereas patients from another center functioned as the external validation cohort. ICAS-LVO was characterized as stenosis exceeding 70% or stenosis surpassing 50% accompanied by distal blood flow disruption or recurrent occlusion evidence during the intervention. A random forest algorithm helped to identify key predictors within the derivation cohort. Utilizing these predictors, the authors formulated a logistic regression model from the derivation cohort data, and the model was then internally validated through a bootstrapping method. Subsequently, a predictive score based on this model was constructed and evaluated in both cohorts. RESULTS: Among all the patients, 470 from the derivation cohort and 147 from the external validation cohort met the inclusion criteria. After random forest regression, the key predictors of ICAS-LVO included the absence of atrial fibrillation, the presence of truncal-type occlusion, the absence of a hyperdense artery sign, and a lower baseline examination National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (ATHE Scale). Incorporating these variables into the logistic regression model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.920 (95% CI 0.894-0.947) for ICAS-LVO prediction. After bootstrapping validation, the model produced a mean AUC of 0.915. Subsequently, the ATHE score, derived from these predictors, registered an AUC of 0.916 (95% CI 0.887-0.939, p < 0.001) in the derivation cohort and 0.890 (95% CI 0.828-0.936, p < 0.001) in the external validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The ATHE Scale, incorporating atrial fibrillation, truncal-type occlusion, hyperdense artery sign, and baseline examination NIHSS score, is an accurate, objective tool for predicting ICAS-LVO prior to EVT.

Photonic generation and transmission for an X-band dual-chirp waveform with frequency multiplication and power-fading compensation.

The generation of an X-band dual-chirp waveform, which is capable of pulse compression, plays an important role in radar, electric warfare, and satellite communication systems. With the development of applications such as multi-static radar, transmission over long distances has attracted considerable attention. In this paper, a photonic system for X-band dual-chirp waveform generation and transmission based on frequency multiplication and power-fading compensation is put forward and experimentally carried out. Based on a compact dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM), the dual-chirp waveforms of 8.6-9.6 GHz and 9.6-10.6 GHz are generated by an RF carrier of 4.8 GHz and transmitted through a 40 km single-mode fiber (SMF) spool. The dispersion-induced power fading of the chirp waveform is compensated for by about 13 dB. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the peak-to-sidelobe ratio (PSR) of the compressed pulses are 1 ns and 11.5 dB, respectively. Moreover, the compensation of power fading in the entire X-band is verified to demonstrate the applicability of our system. By flexibly adjusting the bias voltage of the built-in phase shifter, the system can be applied in more scenarios.

Diffusion-weighted Imaging Detection of Acute Ischemia Brain Lesions in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated with White Matter Hyperintensities, Enlarged Perivascular Spaces and Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI] is commonly detected after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage [sICH] and is associated with poor functional outcomes. However, the etiology and significance of DWI lesions remain unclear. Thus, our study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of acute ischemic lesions in sICH and discussed the possible mechanisms. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of 408 patients from June 2013 to October 2019 with sICH, who had brain computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] within 14 days of symptoms onset. Acute ischemic lesions were assessed on MRI using DWI] lesions. We compared the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with and without DWI lesions. The data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the enrolled 408 patients, the mean age was 56.8±14.5 years, 68 [16.7%] of them had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus [DM]. DWI lesions were observed in 89 [21.8%] patients, and most of them had a history of lacunar infarctions, which were located in cortical or subcortical. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, DM [odds ratio [OR] 3.962, p <0.001], severe deep white matter hypertensities [DWMH] [OR 2.463, p =0.001] and severe centrum semiovale enlarged perivascular spaces [CSO-EPVS] [OR 2.679, p =0.001] were independently associated with the presence of DWI lesions. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, we found DM, severe DWMH and severe CSO-EPVS were the independent risk factors in sICH patients with DWI lesions.

Association Between Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio and Postthrombectomy Malignant Brain Edema for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Malignant brain edema (MBE) is a life-threatening complication that can occur after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke. The hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) reflects the tissue-level perfusion status within the ischemic territory. This study investigated the association between HIR and MBE occurrence after MT in patients with anterior circulation large artery occlusion. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who received MT at a comprehensive stroke center from February 2020 to June 2022. Using computed tomography perfusion, the HIR was derived from the ratio of tissue volume with a time to maximum (Tmax) > 10 s to that with a Tmax > 6 s. We dichotomized patients based on the occurrence of MBE following MT. The primary outcome, assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model, was the MBE occurrence post MT. The secondary outcome focused on favorable outcomes, defined as achieving a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90 days. RESULTS: Of the 603 included patients, 90 (14.9%) developed MBE after MT. The median HIR exhibited a significantly higher value in the MBE group compared with the non-MBE group (0.5 vs. 0.3; P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that a higher HIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.85-28.25; P < 0.001), baseline large infarction (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score < 6; aOR 1.77; 95% CI 1.04-3.01; P = 0.035), internal carotid artery occlusion (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.07-3.01; P = 0.028), and unsuccessful recanalization (aOR 8.45; 95% CI 4.75-15.03; P < 0.001) were independently associated with MBE post MT. Among those with successful recanalization, a higher HIR (P = 0.017) and baseline large infarction (P = 0.032) remained as predictors of MBE occurrence. Furthermore, a higher HIR (P = 0.001) and the occurrence of MBE (P < 0.001) both correlated with reduced odds of achieving favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a higher HIR on pretreatment perfusion imaging serves as a robust predictor for MBE occurrence after MT, irrespective of successful recanalization.

Photonic generation of dual-mode multi-format chirp microwave signals.

In this paper, we present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, photonic scheme for the generation of dual-mode multi-format chirp microwave signals, utilizing a dual-drive dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-DPMZM). By inputting a single-chirp signal and controlling the input binary sequences, the proposed method can generate up-, down-, dual-, or triangular-chirp signals in both pulse and continuous-wave modes. Moreover, the duty cycle of the generated chirp signals in the pulse mode can be easily adjusted by manipulating the injected binary sequences. The compact structure of the proposed scheme eliminates the need for polarization control in signal switching and avoids the use of any optical filter. Experimental verification confirms the feasibility of our approach, while also pointing towards its promising applications in multi-functional radar systems.

Impact of Cerebral Microbleeds on Gait, Balance, and Upper Extremities Function in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: White matter hyperintensites (WMHs) , lacunes and brain atrophy have been demonstrated to be positively related to gait disorder. However, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) as a manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is still under-investigated. Therefore, correlations between CMBs and upper extremity, gait and balance performance were investigated in this study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of middle-aged to older adults was conducted. CSVD burden was measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the location and number of CMBs were analysed. Gait and balance functions were evaluated using a four meter walkway, Tinetti, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests. Upper extremity function was measured by 10 repeated pronation-supination time, 10 repeated finger tapping time, and 10 repeated opening and closings of the hands. RESULTS: A total of 224 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 60.6 ± 10.5 years. The prevalence of CMB was 34.8% and most was lobar. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CMB was associated with lower gait velocity, wider stride width, longer TUG test time, and poor performance on Tinetti and SPPB tests independently of other coexisting CSVD markers and risk factors. These relationships appeared to be explained by CMBs in the frontal, temporal, basal ganglia and infratentorial regions. The motor function of upper extremity also had independent correlations with CMBs especially in frontal, parietal, and temporal areas, and in the basal ganglia. CONCLUSIONS: CMBs were found to be associated with both gait, balance and upper extremity disturbances. The presence of CMB seems to be another major driving force for CSVD on lower and upper extremity impairment in healthy elderly subjects.

Photonic compressive sampling of wideband sparse radio frequency signals with 1-bit quantization.

Photonic compressive sampling (PCS) is an effective method to recover wideband sparse radio frequency (RF) signals. However, the noisy and high-loss photonic link leads to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) degradation of the RF signal to be tested, which limits the recovery performance of the PCS system. In this paper, a random demodulator-based PCS system with 1-bit quantization is proposed. The system consists of a photonic mixer, a low-pass filter, a 1-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital signal processor (DSP). The 1-bit quantized result is used to recover the spectra of the wideband sparse RF signal with the binary iterative hard thresholding (BIHT) algorithm, which can alleviate the negative impact of the SNR degradation caused by the photonic link. A full theoretical framework of the PCS system with 1-bit quantization is given. Simulation results show that the PCS system with 1-bit quantization can provide better recovery performance than the traditional PCS system under low SNR and stringent bit budget.

Effect of leukoaraiosis on collateral circulation in acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The recruitment of collateral circulation correlates with a balance of the microvasculature. Uncertainty remains to be made about the association of leukoaraiosis with leptomeningeal collaterals. To explore the effect of leukoaraiosis on leptomeningeal collaterals in patients treated with endovascular therapy. METHODS: Observational studies exploring the correlation between leukoaraiosis and leptomeningeal collaterals in large vessel occlusion treated with endovascular therapy were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Libraries databases. Two independent reviewers retrieved eligible literature, extracted purpose-related data, and utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to evaluate the risk of bias. A Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to clarify heterogeneity. RESULTS: Data from 10 studies with 1606 patients were extracted for pooled analysis. Compared to non-severe leukoaraiosis, patients with severe leukoaraiosis showed significant relevance to poor leptomeningeal collaterals (OR, 2.13; 95% confidence interval [1.27-3.57]; P = 0.004). Meta-regression indicated that sample size (coefficient = -0.007299, P = 0.035) and the number of female patients (coefficient = -0.0174709, P = 0.020) were sources of heterogeneity. Furthermore, all of the countries (USA versus France versus China, Q = 3.67, P = 0.159), various assessment scales of leukoaraiosis (the Fazekas scale versus Non-Fazekas scales, Q = 0.77, P = 0.379), and different imaging methods of leukoaraiosis (computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging, Q = 2.12, P = 0.146) and leptomeningeal collaterals (computed tomography angiography versus digital subtraction angiography, Q = 1.21, P = 0.271) showed no contribution to the effect size. CONCLUSION: Severe leukoaraiosis is associated with poor leptomeningeal collaterals in patients treated with endovascular therapy. Further studies may focus on whether the finding applies to different stroke subtypes.

Photonic generation of dual-band dual-chirp waveforms with anti-dispersion transmission.

A photonic approach for generating dual-band dual-chirp waveforms with the capability of anti-dispersion transmission is proposed. In this approach, an integrated dual-drive dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-DPMZM) is adopted to realize single-sideband modulation of a RF input and double-sideband modulation of baseband signal-chirped RF signals. By properly presetting the central frequencies of the RF input and the bias voltages of DD-DPMZM, dual-band dual-chirp waveforms with anti-dispersion transmission can be achieved after photoelectronic conversion. A complete theoretical analysis of the operation principle is presented. Full experimental verification of the generation and anti-dispersion transmission of dual-chirp waveforms centered at 2.5 and 7.5 GHz as well as 2 and 6 GHz over two dispersion compensating modules with dispersion values equivalent to 120 km or 100 km standard single-mode fiber is successfully carried out. The proposed system features a simple architecture, excellent reconfigurability, and immunity to dispersion-induced power fading, which are highly desired in distributed multi-band radar networks with optical-fiber-based transmission.

The performance of patients with cerebral microbleeds in different cognitive tests: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The clinical features and pathological process of cerebral microbleed (CMB)-related cognitive impairment are hot topics of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, how to choose a more suitable cognitive assessment battery for CMB patients is still an urgent issue to be solved. This study aimed to analyze the performance of CMB patients on different cognitive tests. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The five main markers of CSVD (including the CMB, white matter hyperintensities, perivascular spaces, lacunes and brain atrophy) were assessed according to magnetic resonance imaging. The burden of CMB was categorized into four grades based on the total number of lesions. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail-Making Test (TMT, Part A and Part B), Stroop color-word test (Stroop test, Part A, B and C), Verbal Fluency Test (VF, animal), Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Digit Cancellation Test (DCT) and Maze. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association between CMB and cognitive findings. Results: A total of 563 participants (median age of 69 years) were enrolled in this study, including 218 (38.7%) CMB patients. CMB patients showed worse performance than non-CMB subjects in each cognitive test. Correlation analysis indicated the total number of CMB lesions had positive correlations with the time of TMT, Maze and Stroop test, and negative correlations with the performance of MMSE, VF, DSST, and DCT. After the adjustment for all the potential confounders by linear regression, the CMB burden grade was correlated with the performance of VF, Stroop test C, Maze and DCT. Conclusion: The presence of CMB lesions was associated with much worse cognitive performances. In VF, Stroop test C, Maze and DCT, the correlations between CMB severity and assessment results were more significant. Our study further confirmed that the attention/executive function domain was the most commonly evaluated in CMB, which provided a picture of the most utilized tools to analyze the prognostic and diagnostic value in CMB.

Broadband and linearized photonic time-stretch analog-to-digital converter based on a compact dual-polarization modulator.

A broadband linearization scheme for a photonic time-stretch (PTS) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is proposed based on a dual-polarization binary phase-shift keying (DP-BPSK) modulator with complementary parallel single-sideband (SSB) modulation. In this system, two stretched radio frequency signals, corresponding to the two orthogonal polarizations of the DP-BPSK modulator, are complementary, which can realize differential operation to eliminate the second-order harmonic distortion and pulse envelope distortion. Meanwhile, SSB modulation is used to avoid dispersion-induced power fading. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed scheme can effectively improve the linear performance of PTS ADC, even considering the polarization-dependent delay deviation and amplitude offset.

Photonics-assisted compressed sensing of radio frequencies with a rate-doubled bipolar random sequence.

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, photonics-assisted scheme for compressed sensing (CS) of sparse RF signals is proposed. An architecture with time-delayed dual-channel modulation of a pseudo-random binary sequence in combination with differential detection enables the generation of a rate-doubled bipolar random sequence, which largely increases the bandwidth of the CS system. In addition, the bipolarity of the random sequence ensures a zero-mean measurement matrix, which helps improve the signal recovery performance. Experimental results are presented to verify the performance improvement of the approach in comparison with the conventional single-ended photonic CS system.

Photonic distributed compressive sampling of multi-node wideband sparse radio frequency signals.

A photonic distributed compressive sampling (PDCS) approach for identifying the spectra of multi-node wideband sparse signals is proposed. The scheme utilizes wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology to transmit multi-node signals to a central station, where distributed compressive sampling (DCS) based on the random demodulator (RD) model is employed to simultaneously identify the signal spectrum. By exploiting signal correlations among nodes, DCS achieves a higher compression ratio of the sampling rate than single-node compressive sampling (CS). In a semi-physical simulation experiment, we demonstrate the feasibility of the approach by recovering the spectra of two wideband sparse signals from nodes located 20 km and 10 km away. The spectra of two signals with a mixed support-set sparsity of 2 and 4 are recovered with a compression ratio of 8 and 4, respectively. We further investigate the impact of common parts and the number of nodes on PDCS performance through numerical simulation. The proposed system takes advantage of the ultra-high bandwidth of photonic technology and the low loss of optical fiber transmission, making it suitable for long-distance, multi-node, and large-coverage electromagnetic spectrum identification.

Multi-Scale Computer-Aided Design of Covalent Organic Frameworks for CO2 Capture in Wet Flue Gas.

Discovery of remarkable porous materials for CO2 capture from wet flue gas is of great significance to reduce the CO2 emissions, but elucidating the most critical structure features for boosting CO2 capture capabilities remains a great challenge. Here, machine-learning-assisted Monte Carlo computational screening on 516 experimental covalent organic frameworks (COFs) identifies the superior secondary building units (SBUs) for wet flue gas separation using COFs, which are tetraphenylporphyrin units for boosting CO2 adsorption uptake and functional groups for boosting CO2/N2 selectivity. Accordingly, 1233 COFs are assembled using the identified superior SBUs. Density functional theory calculation analysis on frontier orbitals, electrostatic potential, and binding energy reveals the influencing mechanism of the SBUs on the wet flue gas separation performance. The "electron-donating-induced vdW interaction" effect is discovered to construct the better-performing COFs, which can achieve high CO2 uptake of 4.4 mmol·g-1 with CO2/N2 selectivity of 104.8. Meanwhile, the "electron-withdrawing-induced vdW + electrostatic coupling interaction" effect is unearthed to construct the better-performing COFs with superior CO2/N2 selectivity, which can reach 277.6 with CO2 uptake of 2.2 mmol·g-1; in this case, H2O plays a positive contribution in improving CO2/N2 selectivity. This work provides useful guidelines for designing optimized two-dimensional-COF adsorbents for wet flue gas separation.

Association of enlarged perivascular spaces with upper extremities and gait impairment: An observational, prospective cohort study.

Background and objective: Gait disturbances are common in the elderly and can lead to the loss of functional independence and even death. Enlarged perivascular space (EPVS) and motor performance may be related, but only few studies have explored this relationship. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of both the severity and location of EPVS on movement disorders. Method: Two hundred and six participants aged between 45 and 85 years old with complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were included in our analysis. EPVS were divided into basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO), and their grades were measured. Gait was assessed quantitatively using a 4-m walkway and TUG test as well as semi-quantitatively using the Tinetti and SPPB tests. The function of upper extremities was evaluated by 10-repeat pronation-supination, 10-repeat finger-tapping, and 10-repeat opening and closing of the hands. Results: Both high-grade EPVS, whether in BG and CSO, were independently correlated with gait parameters, the TUG time, Tinetti, and SPPB tests. The EPVS located in BG had a significant association with 10-repeat finger-tapping time (ß = 0.231, P = 0.025) and a similar association was also observed between CSO-EPVS and 10-repeat pronation-supination time (ß = 0.228, P = 0.014). Conclusion: Our results indicated that EPVS was associated with gait disturbances, and a further investigation found that EPVS has an association with upper extremities disorder. EPVS should be considered as a potential target for delaying gait and upper extremities damage since CSVD can be prevented to some extent.

Polarization multiplexed active mode-locking optoelectronic oscillator for frequency tunable dual-band microwave pulse signals generation.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a polarization multiplexed active mode-locking optoelectronic oscillator (AML-OEO) based on a single dual-polarization binary phase-shift keying (DP-BPSK) modulator for frequency tunable dual-band microwave pulse signal generation. In order to realize mode-locking, two single-tone signals whose frequency are integer multiple of the free spectrum range (FSR) of AML-OEO are applied as active modulation signals (AMSs) at the bias ports of the DP-BPSK modulator. By dividing the AML-OEO into two loops with polarization demultiplexing, both the carrier frequency and pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the dual-band microwave pulses are independently adjustable. In the experiment, microwave pulses with different PRFs of 162.4 kHz, 324.8 kHz and 812 kHz are generated based on fundamental, second-order harmonic and fifth-order harmonic mode-locking, respectively. In addition, the carrier frequency tunability within 4∼10 GHz is verified by inserting a frequency tunable electrical filter. The phase noise of the generated pulse signal at 10 kHz offset is better than -125 dBc/Hz.

[Retracted] MicroRNA­655 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in epithelial ovarian cancer by directly targeting vascular endothelial growth factor.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell invasion assay data shown in Figs. 2C and 4C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 18: 1878­1884, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9090].