bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory neuropathy as a manifestation of multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Harding Jessica N , Mohannak Nika , Georgieva Zoya , Cunniffe Nicholas G
Published: March 2024

Multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is a rare metabolic disorder which typically manifests with muscle weakness. However, despite late-onset MADD being treatable, it is often misdiagnosed, due in part to the heterogeneity of presentations. We report a case of late-onset MADD manifesting first as a sensory neuropathy before progressing to myopathic symptoms and acute metabolic decompensation. Early diagnostic workup with acylcarnitine profiling and organic acid analysis was critical in patient outcome; metabolic decompensation and myopathic symptoms were completely reversed with riboflavin supplementation and dietary modification, although sensory neuropathy persisted. Clinical consideration of MADD as part of the differential diagnosis of neuropathy with myopathy is crucial for a timely diagnosis and treatment of MADD.
Warfarin induced spontaneous gastric intramural haematoma presenting with palpitations
Authors: Szeto Chun Ho , Enabi Joud , Garcia Fernandez Alejandra
Published: March 2024

Spontaneous gastric intramural haematoma is an uncommon complication associated with anticoagulant therapy. A patient receiving chronic warfarin for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was admitted due to atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (RVR). An incidental intra-abdominal mass was detected on a CT scan. Following the initiation of the amiodarone infusion, the patient experienced bleeding attributed to warfarin-amiodarone-induced coagulopathy, with no identifiable bleeding source. Subsequent CT scans revealed an enlargement of the intra-abdominal mass, suggesting gastric intramural haematoma. After coagulopathy reversal, the haematoma is managed conservatively. Our case underscores the potential for incidental bleeding even when the international normalised ratio is within the normal range in patients on chronic warfarin therapy. When managing such patients with atrial fibrillation with RVR, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for bleeding, emphasising the importance of prompt coagulopathy reversal.
Application of generative language models to orthopaedic practice
Authors: Caterson Jessica , Ambler Olivia , Cereceda-Monteoliva Nicholas , Horner Matthew , Jones Andrew , Poacher Arwel Tomos
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore whether large language models (LLMs) Generated Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-3 and ChatGPT can write clinical letters and predict management plans for common orthopaedic scenarios.

Design

Fifteen scenarios were generated and ChatGPT and GPT-3 prompted to write clinical letters and separately generate management plans for identical scenarios with plans removed.

Main outcome measures

Letters were assessed for readability using the Readable Tool. Accuracy of letters and management plans were assessed by three independent orthopaedic surgery clinicians.

Results

Both models generated complete letters for all scenarios after single prompting. Readability was compared using Flesch-Kincade Grade Level (ChatGPT: 8.77 (SD 0.918); GPT-3: 8.47 (SD 0.982)), Flesch Readability Ease (ChatGPT: 58.2 (SD 4.00); GPT-3: 59.3 (SD 6.98)), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index (ChatGPT: 11.6 (SD 0.755); GPT-3: 11.4 (SD 1.01)), and reach (ChatGPT: 81.2%; GPT-3: 80.3%). ChatGPT produced more accurate letters (8.7/10 (SD 0.60) vs 7.3/10 (SD 1.41), p=0.024) and management plans (7.9/10 (SD 0.63) vs 6.8/10 (SD 1.06), p<0.001) than GPT-3. However, both LLMs sometimes omitted key information or added additional guidance which was at worst inaccurate.

Conclusions

This study shows that LLMs are effective for generation of clinical letters. With little prompting, they are readable and mostly accurate. However, they are not consistent, and include inappropriate omissions or insertions. Furthermore, management plans produced by LLMs are generic but often accurate. In the future, a healthcare specific language model trained on accurate and secure data could provide an excellent tool for increasing the efficiency of clinicians through summarisation of large volumes of data into a single clinical letter.
Tax revenue lost due to illicit cigarettes in South Africa: 2002−2022
Authors: Vellios Nicole , van Walbeek Corné
Published: March 2024

Objective

To estimate lost excise and value-added tax (VAT) revenue as a result of illicit cigarette trade from 2002 to 2022.

Design

Using gap analysis, we estimated the number of illicit cigarettes by calculating the difference between the number of self-reported cigarettes (derived from nationally representative surveys) and the number of legal (tax-paid) cigarettes (derived from government sources) from 2002 to 2022. We then calculated the excise and VAT revenue that the government lost through illicit trade, taking into account that some people would have quit or reduced their consumption if cigarette prices had been higher (ie, tax paid).

Setting

South Africa.

Outcome measures

Illicit trade estimates and lost revenue estimates.

Results

The illicit cigarette market comprised 5% of the market in 2009, peaked at 60% in 2021, and decreased to 58% in 2022. Accounting for the fact that some people would have reduced their consumption if cigarette prices had been higher (had the illicit marke not existed), the government lost R15 billion in excise revenue and R3 billion in VAT revenue in 2022. From 2002 to 2022, the government lost R119 billion (2022 prices) in excise and VAT revenue. The majority of the lost revenue occurred in the period 2010 to 2022, where R110 billion (2022 prices) in excise and VAT revenue was lost. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis indicates that the estimated lost revenue of R119 billion from 2002 to 2022 falls within the range of R65 billion to R130 billion (all 2022 prices).

Conclusions

The South African government has been losing a significant amount of revenue by not receiving excise and VAT from all cigarettes consumed in South Africa. This trend is likely to continue if the government does not secure the supply chain from the point of production to the point of sale.
Prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Hongli , Han Zhoutong , Gong Xinru , Wu Yuqi , Fu Yijie , Zhu Tianmin , Li Hui
Published: March 2024

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammation of the sinuses. As a result of long-term discomfort, patients may experience symptoms of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. This may affect the quality of life and disease progression. However, there is still uncertainty about the extent of the problem.

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with CRS.

Search strategy

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases for relevant studies published before 15 July 2022 in patients with CRS with concomitant depression and anxiety symptoms.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently performed screening and quality assessment using validated tools. Extraction of data using predefined standardised data collection spreadsheets. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were checked using theI² statistic.

Results

The meta-analysis included 32 articles involving 56 933 patients. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was estimated at 24.7% (95% CI, 21.3% to 28. 1%) and 29.7% (95% CI, 19.3% to 40.2%). Subgroup analysis revealed the following: (1) CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP): 26.2% (95% CI, 21.9% to 30.5%), CRS with nasal polyps(CRSwNP): 20% (95% CI, 15.9% to 24%); (2) Female patients: 36. 1% (95% CI, 25.3% to 46.9%), male patients: 24.3% (95% CI, 12. 1% to 36.6%); and (3) The average age≤50 years patients: 29.8% (95% CI, 21.3% to 38.2%), the average age>50 years patients: 22. 1% (95% CI, 17.1% to 27%).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of people with CRS have symptoms of depression and anxiety, and early screening for depression and anxiety in people with CRS is critical. And, more attention needs to be given to females and patients with CRSsNP during screening.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022345959).
High-flow nasal oxygenation versus face mask oxygenation for preoxygenation in patients undergoing double-lumen endobronchial intubation: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: He Ren , Fang Yuxiang , Jiang Yonghan , Yao Da , Li Zhi , Zheng Weijun , Liu Zhiheng , Luo Nanbo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

With the growing emphasis on swift recovery, minimally invasive thoracic surgery has advanced significantly. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has seen rapid development, and the double-lumen tube (DLT) remains the most dependable method for tracheal intubation in VATS. However, hypoxaemia during DLT intubation poses a threat to the perioperative safety of thoracic surgery patients. Recently, transnasal high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) has shown promise in anaesthesia, particularly in handling short-duration hypoxic airway emergencies. Yet, its application in the perioperative period for patients undergoing pulmonary surgery with compromised cardiopulmonary function lacks evidence, and there are limited reliable clinical data.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, randomised, controlled, single-blind design will be employed in this study. 112 patients aged 18–60 years undergoing elective VATS-assisted pulmonary surgery will be enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the nasal high-flow oxygen group (H group) and the traditional mask transnasal oxygen group (M group) in a 1:1 ratio. HFNO will be used during DLT intubation for the prevention of asphyxia in group H, while conventional intubation procedures will be followed by group M. Comparison will be made between the two groups in terms of minimum oxygen saturation during intubation, hypoxaemia incidence during intubation, perioperative complications and postoperative hospital days.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for this study has been granted by the local ethics committee at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital. The trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05666908.
Identifying the top 10 research priorities for the school food system in the UK: a priority setting exercise
Authors: Schliemann Désirée , Spence Suzanne , O’Kane Niamh , Chiang Cheng Choo , Olgacher Dilara , McKinley Michelle C , Woodside Jayne V
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The school food system varies widely between schools and across the UK. There is a need to understand evidence gaps in school food research to allow the development, implementation and evaluation of policies and interventions to support children’s healthy eating at school. This study aimed to conduct a priority setting exercise to co-produce research priorities in relation to the UK school food system.

Methods

The James Lind Alliance process informed this priority setting exercise; all key steps engaged a wide range of UK school food stakeholders (including teachers, parents, principals, school governors, policymakers, caterers). An initial online stakeholder survey identified perceived research priorities. In a second survey, stakeholders were asked to rank these priorities. Lastly, an online priority setting workshop with stakeholders elicited the most important research priorities.

Results

In 2021, school food stakeholders (n=1280) completed the first survey, from which 136 research priorities were identified. In the second survey, participants (n=107) ranked these research priorities regarding their importance. Lastly, 30 workshop participants discussed and reached consensus on the research priorities. After final refinement by the research team, 18 priorities resulted, with the top 10 being related to the provision of free school meals (effectiveness of cost-effectiveness of different levels of eligibility, including universal provision), implementation of policy (including improving uptake) and food standards, issues around procurement, leadership, inequalities, social norms, the eating environment, food culture throughout the school setting and healthy eating.

Conclusion

The top 10 research priorities were elicited through a rigorous approach, including a wide range of stakeholders across the UK. These should be considered by policymakers, researchers and others to inform research, evidence-based policy development and, ultimately, improve the UK school food system.
Physician characteristics associated with antiviral prescriptions for older adults with COVID-19 in Japan: an observational study
Authors: Miyawaki Atsushi , Kitajima Kei , Iwata Akihiro , Sato Daichi , Tsugawa Yusuke
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Although guidelines recommend antiviral therapy for outpatients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe conditions, such as older adults, many patients do not receive appropriate treatment. Little is known, however, about the physician factors associated with the prescription of guideline-recommended antiviral therapy for patients with COVID-19.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data including outpatient visits in primary care clinics in Japan from April to August 2023.

Participants

We analysed 30 953 outpatients aged ≥65 years treated with COVID-19 (mean (SD) age, 75.0 (7.6) years; 17 652 women (57.0%)) in 1394 primary care clinics.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was the prescription of guideline-recommended antivirals (ie, nirmatrelvir–ritonavir or molnupiravir), adjusted for patient characteristics, months of visits and regions.

Results

Antiviral prescriptions were concentrated among a small proportion of physicians; for example, the top 10% of physicians that had the largest number of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir prescriptions accounted for 92.4% of all nirmatrelvir–ritonavir prescriptions. After adjusting for potential confounders, physicians with higher patient volumes were more likely to prescribe guideline-recommended antivirals to their patients (adjusted OR (aOR) for high vs low volume, 1.76; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.38; adjusted p<0.001). We found no evidence that the likelihood of guideline-recommended antiviral prescription differed based on physicians’ gender (aOR for women vs men, 1.24; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.74; adjusted p=0.48) or age (aOR for 45–59 vs <45 years, 1.16; 95% CI 0.87 to 1.54; adjusted p=0.48; aOR for ≥60 vs <45 years, 0.88; 95% CI 0.66 to 1.16; adjusted p=0.48). These patterns were similar when examining nirmatrelvir–ritonavir and molnupiravir separately.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that provider-level factors, such as the clinical experience of treating the patients with COVID-19, play an important role in the appropriate prescription of antiviral medications for COVID-19 in the primary care setting.
New robotic platform for transoral robotic surgery: an IDEAL stage 0 study
Authors: Arora Asit , Faulkner Jack , Paleri Vinidh , Kapoor Karan , Al-Lami Ali , Olaleye Oladejo , Winter Stuart , Oikonomou Geogios , Ofo Enyi , Ourselin Sebastien , Dasgupta Prokar , Slack Mark , Jeannon Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to assess the feasibility to perform transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with a new robotic platform, the Versius Surgical System (CMR Surgical, UK) in a preclinical cadaveric setting in accordance to stage 0 of the IDEAL-D framework.

Design

IDEAL stage 0 preclinical assessment of the Versius Robotic System in TORS in human cadavers.

Setting

All procedures were performed in a simulated operating theatre environment at a UK surgical training centre.

Participants

11 consultant head and neck surgeons from the UK, mainland Europe and the USA took part in TORS procedures on six human cadavers.

Interventions

3 key index procedures were assessed that represent the core surgical workload of TORS: lateral oropharyngectomy, tongue base resection and partial supraglottic laryngectomy.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the successful completion of each surgical procedure. Secondary outcomes included the optimisation of system setup, instrumentation and surgeon-reported outcomes for feasibility of each component procedural step.

Results

33 cadaveric procedures were performed and 32 were successfully completed. One supraglottic laryngectomy was not fully completed due to issues dividing the epiglottic cartilage with available instrumentation. Surgeon-reported outcomes met the minimal level of feasibility in all procedures and a consensus that it is feasible to perform TORS with Versius was reached. Available instrumentation was not representative of other robotic platforms used in TORS and further instrument optimisation is recommended before wider dissemination.

Conclusions

It is feasible to perform TORS with the Versius Surgical System (CMR Surgical) within a pre-clinical cadaveric setting. Clinical evaluation is needed and appropriate with the system. Further instrument development and optimisation is desirable.
Fast adiabatic transport of single laser-cooled 9Be+ ions in a cryogenic Penning trap stack
Authors: Meiners Teresa , Coenders Julia A. , Brombacher Johannes , Niemann Malte , Cornejo Juan M. , Ulmer Stefan , Ospelkaus Christian
Published: March 2024

High precision mass and g-factor measurements in Penning traps have enabled groundbreaking tests of fundamental physics. The most advanced setups use multi-trap methods, which employ transport of particles between specialized trap zones. Present developments focused on the implementation of sympathetic laser cooling will enable significantly shorter duty cycles and better accuracies in many of these scenarios. To take full advantage of these increased capabilities, we implement fast adiabatic transport concepts developed in the context of trapped-ion quantum information processing in a cryogenic Penning trap system. We show adiabatic transport of a single $$^9\textrm{Be}^+$$

9

Be
+

ion initially cooled to 2 mK over a 2.2-cm distance within 15 ms and with less than 10 mK energy gain at a peak velocity of 3 m/s. These results represent an important step towards the implementation of quantum logic spectroscopy in the (anti-)proton system. Applying these developments to other multi-trap systems has the potential to considerably increase the data-sampling rate in these experiments.
Magnetic, magnetocaloric and critical behavior of the C36 fullerene-like structure using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Jabar A. , Idrissi S. , Bahmad L.
Published: March 2024

In this work, we applied Monte Carlo simulations under the Metropolis algorithm to study the magnetic and magneto-caloric properties of the fullerene C[Formula: see text] system formed with mixed spins: 2 and 5/2. We inspected the effects of not only the crystal magnetic field but also the external magnetic field and the coupling interaction between spins. In the first part, we illustrated the ground state phase diagrams in the planes of the external magnetic field, the coupling interaction between spins and the crystal magnetic field. Also, we have established these phase diagrams for null temperature. It is found that not only the total magnetizations predict the blocking temperature value [Formula: see text], but also the magnetic susceptibilities confirm this value. The effects of varying temperature values when fixing the other physical parameters have been outlined. In particular, the studied system showed a shifting between the phases the ferromagnetic phase and the paramagnetic one, at very low temperature values.
Tool Wear Prediction Based on LSTM and Deep Residual Network
Authors: Fang Chun , Gong Yikang , Ming Xibo , Qin Liming
Published: March 2024

To improve the accuracy and efficiency of tool wear predictions, this study proposes a tool wear prediction model called LSTM_ResNet which is based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) network and the Residual Network (ResNet). The model utilizes LSTM layers for processing, where the first block and loop blocks serve as the core modules of the deep residual network. The model employs a series of methods including convolution, batch normalization (BN), and Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) to enhance the model’s expression and prediction capabilities. The performance of the LSTM_ResNet model was evaluated using experimental data from the PHM2010 datasets and two different depths (64 and 128 layers), training both LSTM_ResNet models for 200 epochs. The 64-layer model’s root mean square error (RMSE) values are 3.36, 4.35, and 3.59, and the mean absolute error (MAE) values are 2.42, 2.85, and 2.21; using 128 layers, the RMSE values are 3.66, 3.99, and 3.77, and the MAE values are 2.49, 2.73, and 3.01. The results indicate that the 64-layer LSTM has smaller average errors, suggesting that compared to other common network structures, the LSTM_ResNet network has a higher performance. This research provides an effective solution for tool wear prediction and helps to improve the technical level of tool wear prediction in China.
MMDCP: An Image Enhancement Algorithm Incorporating Multi-Channel Phase Activation and Multi-Constrained Dark Channel Prior
Authors: Zhang Linliang , Yan Lianshan , Li Shuo , Li Saifei
Published: March 2024

The quality of visual media is critically impacted by low illumination and the presence of airborne particulates, leading to challenges in brightness balance, color saturation, and texture clarity which are detrimental to various applications in image processing and computer vision. Addressing these challenges, this study introduces a novel image enhancement algorithm that significantly improves the quality of degraded images. Our proposed method, the multi-channel phase activation and multi-constraint dark channel prior (MMDCP), leverages an innovative approach by integrating the phase-adjusted Gaussian kernel function for brightness channel optimization in the Fourier transform frequency domain. This optimization is enhanced through the application of a saturated dark channel prior, achieving simultaneous brightness enhancement and color fidelity. Furthermore, we refine the dark channel prior deblurring algorithm by incorporating intensity, brightness, and color constraints to correct overexposure issues and color offsets in the reconstructed images. The efficacy of the MMDCP algorithm is demonstrated through extensive experimentation, comparing it against six contemporary image enhancement algorithms using two types of objective indicators and subjective assessments across four public datasets. The MMDCP algorithm consistently outperforms the existing methods, with a notable average improvement of 20% in PSNR and 19.6% in SSIM metrics, substantiating its superiority in enhancing brightness, detail, and color accuracy. This study’s results underline the MMDCP algorithm’s robustness and versatility in improving image quality across various conditions, including daytime, nighttime, indoor, and outdoor settings.
Short-term Securities Market Surveillance Measures and Market Performance — An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Chari Latha , Inamdar Mohd Merajuddin
Published: March 2024

Regulators use securities market surveillance as an essential tool to guard against market manipulation, safeguard investors, and maintain the effectiveness of the markets. In an effort to thwart open market manipulation SEBI in consultation with the exchanges has put in place a unique surveillance mechanism known as Additional Surveillance Measures (ASM). The short-term impact of this surveillance measure on stock prices and trading volume is examined in this study, using event study methodology. The sample data consists of 245 instances, where companies were subject to ASM surveillance actions for a brief period. The results of the study show that the Cumulative Abnormal Return (CAR) on the stocks decreased after inclusion into STASM and the same persisted after exclusion also. However, the average abnormal volume (AAV) changed significantly in the pre- and post-event period.
A Deep Analysis of Printed Image Forensics with Auto Machine Learning
Authors: Nguyen Phu Q. , Dang Nhan Tam , Mai An
Published: March 2024

This research undertakes an exhaustive exploration of the Auto Machine Learning-based approach (AutoML) to ascertain the source printer for microscopic printed image forensics. The primary focus is on enhancing precision and efficacy in a scenario with limited sample data, achieved by integrating traditional image processing methods with diverse AutoML representatives. The investigation involves a meticulous evaluation and comparative analysis of classical Machine Learning (ML) models and AutoML models in microscopic printed image forensics. Through extensive experiments, we highlight the inherent limitations of traditional models and underscore the compelling advantages offered by AutoML. Notably, we recognize AutoML’s unique capability to discern varying degrees of uncertainty within printed patterns. The outcomes emphasize the prowess of Auto Machine Learning in improving the accuracy of printed image forensics, making it particularly promising for future research, especially given the tabular nature of the data and the imperative for a lightweight model suitable for embedded systems.
Fabrication of natural fiber-mixed natural matrix composite-infused indoor air purifier with health impact simulation
Authors: Prasanthi Phani , Kumar M. S. R. Niranjan , Madhav V. V. Venu , Gupta Nakul , Revathi V. , Somaiah A. , Saxena Kuldeep K. , Bhole Dipali
Published: March 2024

The inhalation of airborne particles can endanger the health of any human being. Natural fiber and natural fiber reinforced with natural matrix material are employed in this work to create an indoor air purifier. Various natural fiber and natural composite combinations are used to purify the interior environment by eliminating particulate matter of various sizes and volatile organic chemicals. An air purifier is created using four distinct natural fibers, including hemp, jute, silk cocoon, and coir fibers, as well as neem and aloe vera gel as natural filler materials. An air quality-monitoring instrument is used to validate the performance of the designed natural fiber/natural plant-based filler material-equipped air purifier. Particulate matter of various sizes and volatile organic compounds in the indoor environment are detected at various time intervals. The efficacy of the air purifier is afterward determined in human lungs of various ages utilizing health impact simulation studies. The current product is utilized to effectively purify indoor air by eliminating particulates and volatile organic chemicals.
Combining Machine Learning and Lifetime-Based Resource Management for Memory Allocation and Beyond
Authors: Maas Martin , Andersen David G. , Isard Michael , Javanmard Mohammad Mahdi , McKinley Kathryn S. , Raffel Colin
Published: March 2024

Memory management is fundamental to the performance of all applications. On modern server architectures, an application's memory allocator needs to balance memory utilization against the ability to use 2MB huge pages, which are crucial for achieving high performance. This paper shows that prior C++ memory allocators are fundamentally limited because optimizing this trade-off depends on the knowledge of object lifetimes, which is information allocators lack.

We introduce a two-step approach to attain high memory utilization in huge pages. We first introduce a novel machine-learning approach that predicts the lifetime of freshly allocated objects using the stack trace at the time of allocation and treats stack traces as natural language. We then present a fundamentally new type of memory allocator that exploits (potentially incorrect) object lifetime predictions to achieve high memory utilization at
full huge page usage.
In contrast to prior memory allocators that organize their heap around size classes and free lists, our allocator organizes the heap based on predicted
lifetime classes
and adjusts to mispredictions on the fly. We demonstrate experimentally that this learned lifetime-aware memory allocator (LLAMA) reduces fragmentation with huge pages by up to 78%.

Our approach gives rise to a new methodology for applying ML in computer systems. In addition, similar space-time bin packing problems abound in computer science and we discuss how this approach has applications beyond memory allocation to a wide range of problems.
Designing an IEEE-Compliant FPU that Supports Configurable Precision for Soft Processors
Authors: Keilbart Chris , Gao Yuhui , Chua Martin , Matthews Eric , Wilton Steven J.E. , Shannon Lesley
Published: March 2024

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are commonly used to accelerate floating-point (FP) applications. Although researchers have extensively studied FPGA FP implementations, existing work has largely focused on standalone operators and frequency-optimized designs. These works are not suitable for FPGA soft processors which are more sensitive to latency, impose a lower frequency ceiling, and require IEEE FP standard compliance. We present an open-source floating-point unit (FPU) for FPGA RISC-V soft processors that is fully IEEE compliant with configurable levels of FP precision. Our design emphasizes runtime performance with 25% lower latency in the most common instructions compared to previous works while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Our FPU also allows users to explore various mantissa widths without having to rewrite or recompile their algorithms. We use this to investigate the scalability of our reduced-precision FPU across numerous microbenchmark functions as well as more complex case studies. Our experiments show that applications like the discrete cosine transformation and the Black-Scholes model can realize a speedup of more than 1.35x in conjunction with a 43% and 35% reduction in lookup table and flip-flop resources while experiencing less than a 0.025% average loss in numerical accuracy with a 16-bit mantissa width.
Revisiting Bundle Recommendation for Intent-aware Product Bundling
Authors: Sun Zhu , Feng Kaidong , Yang Jie , Fang Hui , Qu Xinghua , Ong Yew-Soon , Liu Wenyuan
Published: March 2024

Product bundling represents a prevalent marketing strategy in both offline stores and e-commerce systems. Despite its widespread use, previous studies on bundle recommendation face two significant limitations. Firstly, they rely on noisy datasets, where bundles are defined by heuristics, e.g., products co-purchased in the same session. Secondly, they target specific tasks by holding unrealistic assumptions, e.g., the availability of bundles for recommendation directly. This paper proposes to take a step back and considers the process of bundle recommendation from a holistic user experience perspective. We first construct high-quality bundle datasets with rich metadata, particularly bundle intents, through a carefully designed crowd-sourcing task. We then define a series of tasks that together, support all key steps in a typical bundle recommendation process, from bundle detection, completion and ranking, to explanation and auto-naming, whereby 19 research questions are raised correspondingly to guide the analysis. Finally, we conduct extensive experiments and analyses with representative recommendation models and large language models (LLMs), demonstrating the challenges and opportunities, especially with the emergence of LLMs. To summarize, our study contributes by introducing novel data sources, paving the way for new research avenues, and offering insights to guide product bundling in real e-commerce platforms.
Investigation on the Shear Behavior and Mechanism of MICP-Treated Loess Soil
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhao Li , Zi Jiaojiao , Han Jianyong , Zhang Chaozhe
Published: March 2024

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been utilized as a new method to improve loess soil strength. In this study, we investigated the influence of the main parameters on the shear strength of MICP-treated loess specimens. Initially, culture media with different formulas and pH values were examined to identify the most efficient medium for loess soil. To explore the shear behavior of MICP-treated loess under general stress levels, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and triaxial tests relevant to the compression strength and vertical loads were performed on MICP-treated loess with different calcium sources, cementation concentrations, and curing periods. Subsequently, calcium chloride was selected as the optimal calcium source based on the ultimate strength of the MICP-treated loess. The effective cementation concentration in the loess soil was between 1.0 and 1.25 M. The ultimate strength of the MICP-treated loess was 3.6 times of the untreated loess. The stress-strain curves indicate that a higher cementing effect can be expected with an increase in the curing period. The formation process of calcium carbonate and the micromorphology of the MICP-treated loess samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy. In this study, we present an environmentally friendly technique for improving loess soil strength.
A Saudi Woman with Ceftriaxone Induced Fixed Drug Eruption
Authors: Al-Ansari Rehab Y. , Almuhaish Leena Abdulrahman , Hassan Khaled Abdullah , Fadoul Tawasoul , Woodman Alexander
Published: March 2024

Background. A fixed drug eruption (FDE) is an immunological cutaneous adverse reaction, classified as a cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) and characterized by well-defined lichenoid lesions that occur at the same site each time. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation antibiotic of cephalosporin antibiotics of the beta-lactam antibiotic family, which has typical in vitro activity against many Gram-negative aerobic bacteria. This is the first clinical case from Saudi Arabia and the fifth in the world to document a woman’s experience with recurrent FDE after repeated ceftriaxone use. Case Report. A 25-year-old Saudi woman with a known case of sickle cell anemia (SCA) with a history of avascular necrosis of the right hip after replacement was hospitalized with a pain crisis triggered by an upper respiratory tract infection. The patient denied having a history of allergy previously. Due to fever, leukocytosis, and active follicular tonsillitis, ceftriaxone was started. However, a few hours later she developed lip edema and a fixed drug eruption measuring 7 × 11 cm on the left side of her back. The lesion reformed over a hyperpigmented lesion (4 × 8 cm) that the patient did not report upon initial examination. It turned out that this was due to the intravenous administration of ceftriaxone, a year ago in another hospital. An allergy to ceftriaxone was considered, and steroids and antihistamines were started. The case was labeled as ceftriaxone induced FDE. Conclusion. Ceftriaxone induced FDE is an uncommon type of allergic reaction that has been reported infrequently. Understanding this condition and the mechanism by which FDE becomes recurrent with the same previous fixed lesion is of great importance for both academic and future research purposes.
Figure S5 from A Cluster of Evolutionarily Recent KRAB Zinc Finger Proteins Protects Cancer Cells from Replicative Stress–Induced Inflammation
Authors: Martins Filipe , Rosspopoff Olga , Carlevaro-Fita Joana , Forey Romain , Offner Sandra , Planet Evarist , Pulver Cyril , Pak HuiSong , Huber Florian , Michaux Justine , Bassani-Sternberg Michal , Turelli Priscilla , Trono Didier
Published: March 2024

Related to Figure 5: ZNF587/417 depletion triggers replicative stress in lymphoma cells.
Supplementary Data from Foretinib Is Effective in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Inhibiting FLT3 and Overcoming Secondary Mutations That Drive Resistance to Quizartinib and Gilteritinib
Authors: Wang Peihong , Zhang Yvyin , Xiang Rufang , Yang Jie , Xu Yanli , Deng Tingfen , Zhou Wei , Wang Caixia , Xiao Xinhua , Wang Shunqing
Published: March 2024

Table S2,S3,S4
Supplementary Fig. S1 from AKT1 interacts with DHX9 to Mitigate R Loop–Induced Replication Stress in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Huang Tzu-Ting , Chiang Chih-Yuan , Nair Jayakumar R. , Wilson Kelli M. , Cheng Ken , Lee Jung-Min
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Fig. S1
Supplementary Table S3 from Phase I Study of ORIC-101, a Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist, in Combination with Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Progressing on Enzalutamide
Authors: Abida Wassim , Hahn Andrew W. , Shore Neal , Agarwal Neeraj , Sieber Paul , Smith Matthew R. , Dorff Tanya , Monk Paul , Rettig Matthew , Patel Rupal , Page Anne , Duff Maureen , Xu Rongda , Wang Jian , Barkund Shravani , Pankov Aleksandr , Wang Amber , Junttila Melissa R. , Multani Pratik S. , Daemen Anneleen , Chow Maneval Edna , Logothetis Christopher J. , Morris Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Table 3. Key Tumor Characteristics (AR Resistance Variants, AVPC Molecular Features, and GR Status) of Patients in Dose Expansion
Supplementary Figure S4 from Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Multiple Myeloma by Targeted Tracking Serum M-Protein Using Mass Spectrometry (EasyM)
Authors: Fan Huishou , Wang Bing , Shi Lihui , Pan Ni , Yan Wenqiang , Xu Jingyu , Gong Lixin , Li Lingna , Liu Yuntong , Du Chenxing , Cui Jian , Zhu Guoqing , Deng Shuhui , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Yi Shuhua , Hao Mu , Zou Dehui , Chen Xiequn , Qiu Lugui , An Gang
Published: March 2024

Kaplan-Meier curves according to best NGF-MRD status of 38 patients.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Multiple Myeloma by Targeted Tracking Serum M-Protein Using Mass Spectrometry (EasyM)
Authors: Fan Huishou , Wang Bing , Shi Lihui , Pan Ni , Yan Wenqiang , Xu Jingyu , Gong Lixin , Li Lingna , Liu Yuntong , Du Chenxing , Cui Jian , Zhu Guoqing , Deng Shuhui , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Yi Shuhua , Hao Mu , Zou Dehui , Chen Xiequn , Qiu Lugui , An Gang
Published: March 2024

The extracted ion chromatogram for the tryptic peptide NFVLLNWGR unique to patient 23.
Supplementary Table S1 from Early Detection of Molecular Residual Disease and Risk Stratification for Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia via Circulating Tumor DNA
Authors: Liu Li-Peng , Zong Su-Yu , Zhang Ao-Li , Ren Yuan-Yuan , Qi Ben-Quan , Chang Li-Xian , Yang Wen-Yu , Chen Xiao-Juan , Chen Yu-Mei , Zhang Li , Zou Yao , Guo Ye , Zhang Ying-Chi , Ruan Min , Zhu Xiao-Fan
Published: March 2024

Table S1. Summary of targeted driver mutations for ctDNA detection
Supplementary Table S2 from Characterization of Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Correlation with Resistance to PD-1 Pathway Blockade
Authors: Tabachnick-Cherny Shira , Pulliam Thomas , Rodriguez Haroldo J. , Fan Xinyi , Hippe Daniel S. , Jones Daniel C. , Moshiri Ata S. , Smythe Kimberly S. , Kulikauskas Rima M. , Zaba Lisa C. , Paulson Kelly G. , Nghiem Paul
Published: March 2024

DEG of all clusters
Data from Characterization of Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Correlation with Resistance to PD-1 Pathway Blockade
Authors: Tabachnick-Cherny Shira , Pulliam Thomas , Rodriguez Haroldo J. , Fan Xinyi , Hippe Daniel S. , Jones Daniel C. , Moshiri Ata S. , Smythe Kimberly S. , Kulikauskas Rima M. , Zaba Lisa C. , Paulson Kelly G. , Nghiem Paul
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly immunogenic skin cancer. Although essentially all MCCs are antigenic through viral antigens or high tumor mutation burden, MCC has a response rate of only approximately 50% to PD-(L)1 blockade suggesting barriers to T-cell responses. Prior studies of MCC immunobiology have focused on CD8 T-cell infiltration and their exhaustion status, while the role of innate immunity, particularly myeloid cells, in MCC remains underexplored.
Experimental Design:
We utilized single-cell transcriptomics from 9 patients with MCC and multiplex IHC staining of 54 patients’ preimmunotherapy tumors, to identify myeloid cells and evaluate association with immunotherapy response.
Results:
Single-cell transcriptomics identified tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) as the dominant myeloid component within MCC tumors. These TAMs express an immunosuppressive gene signature characteristic of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and importantly express several targetable immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-L1 and LILRB receptors, that are not present on tumor cells. Analysis of 54 preimmunotherapy tumor samples showed that a subset of TAMs (CD163+, CD14+, S100A8+) selectively infiltrated tumors that had significant CD8 T cells. Indeed, higher TAM prevalence was associated with resistance to PD-1 blockade. While spatial interactions between TAMs and CD8 T cells were not associated with response, myeloid transcriptomic data showed evidence for cytokine signaling and expression of LILRB receptors, suggesting potential immunosuppressive mechanisms.
Conclusions:
This study further characterizes TAMs in MCC tumors and provides insights into their possible immunosuppressive mechanism. TAMs may reduce the likelihood of treatment response in MCC by counteracting the benefit of CD8 T-cell infiltration.

See related commentary by Silk and Davar, p. 1076
The Exonuclease TREX1 Constitutes an Innate Immune Checkpoint Limiting cGAS/STING-Mediated Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Lim Junghyun , Rodriguez Ryan , Williams Katherine , Silva John , Gutierrez Alan G. , Tyler Paul , Baharom Faezzah , Sun Tao , Lin Eva , Martin Scott , Kayser Brandon D. , Johnston Robert J. , Mellman Ira , Delamarre Lélia , West Nathaniel R. , Müller Sören , Qu Yan , Heger Klaus
Published: March 2024

The DNA exonuclease three-prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is critical for preventing autoimmunity in mice and humans by degrading endogenous cytosolic DNA, which otherwise triggers activation of the innate cGAS/STING pathway leading to the production of type I IFNs. As tumor cells are prone to aberrant cytosolic DNA accumulation, we hypothesized that they are critically dependent on TREX1 activity to limit their immunogenicity. Here, we show that in tumor cells, TREX1 restricts spontaneous activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, and the subsequent induction of a type I IFN response. As a result, TREX1 deficiency compromised in vivo tumor growth in mice. This delay in tumor growth depended on a functional immune system, systemic type I IFN signaling, and tumor-intrinsic cGAS expression. Mechanistically, we show that tumor TREX1 loss drove activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, prevented CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, and remodeled an immunosuppressive myeloid compartment. Consequently, TREX1 deficiency combined with T-cell–directed immune checkpoint blockade. Collectively, we conclude that TREX1 is essential to limit tumor immunogenicity, and that targeting this innate immune checkpoint remodels the tumor microenvironment and enhances antitumor immunity by itself and in combination with T-cell–targeted therapies.

See related article by Toufektchan et al., p. 673
Perspective: Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities for Dietitians
Authors: Carrillo-Álvarez Elena
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the interest in food and nutrition insecurity in high-income countries has skyrocketed. However, its recognition in Europe is still developing. This perspective summarizes the evidence on food and nutrition insecurity across Europe in terms of prevalence, consequences, and current mitigation strategies, with the aim of outlining the challenges and opportunities for dietitians. Prevalence in the general population ranges between 5% and 20%, with higher rates identified in women, children, older adults, single-parent households, those with low educational attainment, and on low or unstable income and/or employment. In users of food aid, the prevalence of food insecurity is above 70%. Responses to food and nutrition insecurity include welfare policies and food assistance programs at regional and national levels. However, most current strategies are not successful in tackling the structural drivers of food and nutrition insecurity, nor do they guarantee diet quality. Despite limited involvement to-date, dietitians can play an important role in addressing food and nutrition insecurity across Europe. This narrative identifies 4 areas: 1) create awareness of the existence and severity of food and nutrition insecurity, 2) advocate for comprehensive, robust data on the determinants and prevalence, 3) partner with diverse stakeholders, social assistance providers, local authorities, and nongovernmental organizations in a comprehensive, intersectoral, and integrated manner, 4) participate in the development of political instruments and interventions that ensure equitable access to high-quality safe food.
Parresia y metrópoli: entre la razón pragmático-normativa y los modelos timoicos de convivencia actual
Authors: Cañete Islas Omar Eduardo , Moraga Lacoste Juan Luis
Published: March 2024

El presente artículo, ofrece una reflexión respecto al problema de la parresia y el sujeto en la polis actual (anticipada por Benjamin) en el seno de la vida en las ciudades, donde su ejercicio y posibilidad, pasa no solo por un factor de umbral y escala dentro de la multitud, o del juego de poderes de Foucault, o las configuraciones fragmenta-das y pasajeras de sentido, según las condicionantes que el capitalismo liberal ofrece (Sennett) sino que también se tensiona y diluye (Bauman) en el juego entre lo racional-instrumental, a decir de Habermas, y lo irracional o timótico, a decir de Sloterdijk.
Structural analysis and etiological characteristics of oculomotor
disorders in neurosurgical patients
Authors: Vasyuta Vira A. , Zhdanova Valentina M. , Kadzhaia Mykola V.
Published: March 2024

Summary. Oculomotor disorders (OMD) are complex multidisciplinary
problem that can occur in a number of ophthalmological, neurosurgical and
endocrine diseases. Da­mage to the oculomotor system can occur at various
levels, from the extraocular muscles, nerves, to the nucleus, internuclear
ligaments, and cortical centers. The aim of the study – to identify the
etiological factors of oculomotor disorders and create a diagnostic
algorithm. Materials and Methods. A survey of 400 patients with OMD of
various etiologies who applied to the Neurosurgery Institute was conducted.
Results. The causes of OMD in patients with neurosurgery pathology are
vascular lesion in 39 %, brain tumor (35 %), severe traumatic brain injury –
18 % and inflammatory diseases (4 %). Aneurysms of various sections of
internal carotid artery dominate among patients with vascular disorders. The
algorithm for patients treatment with OMD and diplopia has been developed.
Conclusions. It is necessary to be alert for ophthalmologists, timely
diagnostics and referral to doctors of related profiles.
Textualidade digital e enunciação: os comentários de webnotícias
Authors: Ciulla Alena , Silva Ananias Agostinho da , Pinto Rosalice , Cortez Suzana Leite
Published: March 2024

Nosso objetivo neste trabalho é fazer uma reflexão sobre o texto digital, observando as relações entre enunciação e texto que se dão em comentários de posts de webnotícias da rede social Instagram. Para tanto, discutimos algumas questões enunciativas, a começar pela própria configuração que assume o comentário nos textos digitais. Outro aspecto enunciativo de suma importância discutido neste trabalho é que, levando em conta os vários enunciadores que agem em uma espécie de alargamento do texto-primeiro da webnotícia, é necessário pensar o estatuto textual dessas interações. O ecossistema digital coloca em relevo aspectos da delimitação e unidade dos textos, cujas explicações em estudos anteriores, massivamente voltados ao pré-digital, não se sustentam. Por isso, lançamos uma discussão em que, para delimitar e/ou sugerir uma unidade dos textos digitais, é preciso também repensar o conceito de contexto e de textualidade.