bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Cycle Assessment of Selected Ammonia Production Technologies From the Perspective of Ammonia as a Fuel for Heavy-Duty Vehicle
Authors: Proniewicz Mateusz , Petela Karolina , Szlęk Andrzej , Adamczyk Wojciech
Published: December 2023

One of the promising options for the decarbonization of industry dependent on heavy-duty vehicles is to use alternative fuels such as ammonia. The study investigates the environmental impact of five selected ammonia production technologies and compares them to diesel fuel: ammonia based on hydrogen from steam methane reforming (gray), ammonia based on steam methane reforming with carbon capture and storage (blue), ammonia based on hydrogen from electrolysis with electrical energy supplied by: PV (green PV), wind (green wind), and nuclear plant (pink). Environmental impact is assessed using the ReCiPE method based on three midpoint and two endpoint categories: climate change, fossil depletion, freshwater consumption, human health, and ecosystem quality. The climate change results per 1 MJ (LHV) are as follows: gray ammonia at 0.148 kg CO2 eq., blue ammonia at 0.0701 kg CO2 eq., green ammonia PV at 0.0197 kg CO2 eq., green ammonia wind at 0.01039 kg CO2 eq., pink ammonia at 0.00565 kg CO2 eq., and diesel (including its stoichiometric combustion) at 0.0851 kg CO2 eq. The life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed using the lca for experts (GaBi) software, with Sphera's comprehensive Managed LCA Content as the primary data source for the life cycle inventory. The study indicates nuclear and renewable-based routes to be the best options in terms of the climate change and human health categories; however, their high impact on freshwater consumption and ecosystem quality is revealed. Still, ammonia is proven to be an effective solution toward decarbonization, as compared to diesel, given its blue, green, or pink source.
Turning the world upside down: reversal-of-vision metamorphopsia in a patient with syncope
Authors: Mullen Cassandra , Jacobs Zachary , Pettersson David , Hunter Alan
Published: December 2023

An elderly man with recurrent syncope was admitted with a globe rupture following a syncopal attack. After an initial unremarkable evaluation, the patient reported inversion of the room’s wall clock during a bedside evaluation. This symptom is called reversal-of-vision metamorphopsia (RVM) and is a rare visual disturbance that typically results from organic processes localised to the retina and/or posterior cortex of the brain or in some cases is psychogenic in nature. In this case, both the syncope and RVM were caused by impaired circulation in the posterior cortex, and management included an antiplatelet agent, statin and permissive blood pressure targets, which resulted in the correction of RVM.
Healthcare resource utilisation and costs of hospitalisation and primary care among adults with COVID-19 in England: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Jingyan , Andersen Kathleen Michelle , Rai Kiran K , Tritton Theo , Mugwagwa Tendai , Reimbaeva Maya , Tsang Carmen , McGrath Leah J , Payne Poppy , Backhouse Bethany Emma , Mendes Diana , Butfield Rebecca , Naicker Kevin , Araghi Mary , Wood Robert , Nguyen Jennifer L
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To quantify direct costs and healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) associated with acute COVID-19 in adults in England.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum primary care electronic medical records linked to Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care administrative data.

Setting

Patients registered to primary care practices in England.

Population

1 706 368 adults with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or antigen test from August 2020 to January 2022 were included; 13 105 within the hospitalised cohort indexed between August 2020 and March 2021, and 1 693 263 within the primary care cohort indexed between August 2020 and January 2022. Patients with a COVID-19-related hospitalisation within 84 days of a positive test were included in the hospitalised cohort.

Main outcome measures

Primary and secondary care HCRU and associated costs ≤4 weeks following positive COVID-19 test, stratified by age group, risk of severe COVID-19 and immunocompromised status.

Results

Among the hospitalised cohort, average length of stay, including critical care stays, was longer in older adults. Median healthcare cost per hospitalisation was higher in those aged 75–84 (£8942) and ≥85 years (£8835) than in those aged <50 years (£7703). While few (6.0%) patients in critical care required mechanical ventilation, its use was higher in older adults (50–74 years: 8.3%; <50 years: 4.3%). HCRU and associated costs were often greater in those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 than in the overall cohort, although minimal differences in HCRU were found across the three different high-risk definitions. Among the primary care cohort, general practitioner or nurse consultations were more frequent among older adults and the immunocompromised.

Conclusions

COVID-19-related hospitalisations in older adults, particularly critical care stays, were the primary drivers of high COVID-19 resource use in England. These findings may inform health policy decisions and resource allocation in the prevention and management of COVID-19.
Short birth interval prevalence, determinants and effects on maternal and child health outcomes in Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Shifti Desalegn Markos , Chojenta Catherine , Hassen Tahir Ahmed , Harris Melissa L
Published: December 2023

Background

Short birth interval (SBI) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse maternal, perinatal, infant and child health outcomes. However, the prevalence and maternal and child health impacts of SBI in the Asia-Pacific region have not been well understood. This study aims to identify and summarise the existing evidence on SBI including its definition, measurement prevalence, determinants and association with adverse maternal and child health outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods

Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science (WoS)) will be systematically searched from September 2000 up to May 2023. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised based on the outcomes measured, and where appropriate, meta-analysis will be performed. The risk of bias will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal. Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework will be used to evaluate the quality of cumulative evidence from the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

A protocol will be registered on PROSPERO for each separate outcome before performing the review.

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Quantifying Parkinson’s disease severity using mobile wearable devices and machine learning: the ParkApp pilot study protocol
Authors: Ymeri Gent , Salvi Dario , Olsson Carl Magnus , Wassenburg Myrthe Vivianne , Tsanas Athanasios , Svenningsson Per
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The clinical assessment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms can present reliability issues and, with visits typically spaced apart 6 months, can hardly capture their frequent variability. Smartphones and smartwatches along with signal processing and machine learning can facilitate frequent, remote, reliable and objective assessments of PD from patients’ homes.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility, compliance and user experience of passively and actively measuring symptoms from home environments using data from sensors embedded in smartphones and a wrist-wearable device.

Methods and analysis

In an ongoing clinical feasibility study, participants with a confirmed PD diagnosis are being recruited. Participants perform activity tests, including Timed Up and Go (TUG), tremor, finger tapping, drawing and vocalisation, once a week for 2 months using the Mobistudy smartphone app in their homes. Concurrently, participants wear the GENEActiv wrist device for 28 days to measure actigraphy continuously. In addition to using sensors, participants complete the Beck’s Depression Inventory, Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (NMSQuest) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8) questionnaires at baseline, at 1 month and at the end of the study. Sleep disorders are assessed through the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2 questionnaire (weekly) and a custom sleep quality daily questionnaire. User experience questionnaires, Technology Acceptance Model and User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale, are delivered at 1 month. Clinical assessment (Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)) is performed at enrollment and the 2-month follow-up visit. During visits, a TUG test is performed using the smartphone and the G-Walk motion sensor as reference device. Signal processing and machine learning techniques will be employed to analyse the data collected from Mobistudy app and the GENEActiv and correlate them with the MDS-UPDRS. Compliance and user aspects will be informing the long-term feasibility.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received ethical approval by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Etikprövningsmyndigheten), with application number 2022-02885-01. Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Results will be shared with the study participants.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography utilisation and outcomes in the first advanced endoscopy centre in Palestine at Al-Ahli Hospital: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Salama HusamEddin Z , Alnajjar Yousef A , Owais Tarek A , Jobran Afnan W M , Safi Ruaa , Bahar Mohammad , Al-Ashhab Hazem
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the utilisation and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, success rates, incidence and risk factors for procedural-related complications in a single centre-based study.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

First advanced tertiary endoscopy centre in Palestine.

Participants

A total of 1909 procedures on 1303 patients were included in the analysis: females were 57.9% of the cases (n=755), 1225 patients (94%) were from West Bank and Jerusalem and 78 (6%) were from Gaza Strip. All patients who underwent ERCP throughout the period from December 2017 to September 2022 were selected to participate in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes of interest in our analysis were success rates, procedural outcomes and post- procedural complications including pancreatitis, bleeding and others. Two multivariate logistic regression models were performed to calculate the risk of post-ERCP complications and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in patients with certain risk factors like demographic factors, procedural techniques' variation, pancreatic duct manipulations and others. We also discussed the management of the failed procedures.

Results

The overall complication rate was 5%, including PEP (n=43, 2.3%), infection/cholangitis (n=20, 1%), bleeding (n=9, 0.5%) and perforation (n=7, 0.4%). The mortality rate was 0.6% (n=11). Risk factors for adverse events included pancreatic duct cannulation and PEP (p<0.001, OR=3.64). Additionally, younger patients (≤45) were found to carry a higher risk for PEP when compared with older patients (≥65) (p=0.023, OR=2.84). In comparison with sphincterotomy, the double-wire technique was associated with a higher risk of complications (p=0.033, OR=2.29).

Conclusions

We summarised the utilisation and outcomes of ERCP among the Palestinian population in the first advanced centre in Palestine. Cannulation success rates are similar to the established standards and are acceptable compared with other centres worldwide. Perioperative complication rates of ERCP remain infrequent, and death is quite unusual and thus considered a safe procedure.
Does offering small financial incentives to smokers at the time of being wait-listed for surgery increase smoking cessation by the day of surgery? A randomised feasibility trial
Authors: Webb Ashley , Coward Lisa , Yousef Michael , Karamesinis Alexandra , Leong Samuel
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aims to assess whether offering small financial incentives to smokers on elective surgery wait-lists is feasible and increases quitting before surgery.

Design

Randomised controlled trial, prospective, double-blinded.

Setting

Single-centre, Australian metropolitan public hospital.

Participants

620 adult smokers (≥10 cigarettes per day) were randomised on being wait-listed for elective surgery and 404 underwent operations (28 January 2021–31 July 2022) at the hospital (65.2%) by trial’s end.

Intervention

Intervention participants were offered at wait-listing an $A70 supermarket voucher for verified abstinence on the day of surgery, provided they registered an intention to quit before surgery. Registrants intending to quit were also referred to Quitline. Neither intervention was offered to control participants (usual care). Smokers wait-listed from 17 May 2021 were offered an increased incentive of $A140.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome, quitting at least 24 hours before surgery, verified by exhaled carbon monoxide testing. Feasibility outcomes were the proportion taking up offers, ease of patient contact and disputes about quit status.

Results

Of 620 randomised participants (control 312, intervention 308), 404 had surgery at the hospital during the trial (control 214, intervention 190), which was lower than expected (for COVID-19 reasons). Offering $A70 resulted in 21.9% registering to quit, increasing to 32.6% with $A140. Telephone calls were the most effective means to gain registrations. The proportion of intervention group patients verified quit at least 24 hours before surgery was similar to controls (9.5% vs 8.9%, OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.5 to 2.2). Quitline contact was higher in the intervention group (13.2% vs 2.3%, OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.3 to 21.6). Disputes over test results did not occur, but 17.4% of intervention participants claiming quit failed verification.

Conclusion

A single offer of financial rewards for perioperative cessation was feasible, without achieving clinically important quit differences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000130965.
RevealingRB1loss in an emerging entity: report of two cases of PRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumours
Authors: Cordier Fleur , Fadaei Sharareh , Ferdinande Liesbeth , Dochy Frederick , Vanwalleghem Lieve , Van Den Bossche Karolien , Loontiens Siebe , Van der Meulen Joni , Van Roy Nadine , Van Dorpe Jo , Creytens David
Published: December 2023

Aims

PRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumours are a recently identified and rare subgroup of soft tissue neoplasms with distinct morphological features and genetic alterations. This study aims to further investigate the immunohistochemical profile and underlying genetic alterations in these tumours in order to get more insight on their underlying biology and the unique profile of these tumours.

Methods

Two new molecular confirmed cases ofPRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumours were thoroughly studied with immunohistochemical stainings (RB1, CD34, ALK and pan-TRK), fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH)RB1/13q12and RNA-based next-generation sequencing.

Results

Both cases exhibited typical morphological and molecular features, confirming the diagnosis ofPRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumours. Immunohistochemistry revealed RB1 loss in both cases, which was subsequently confirmed through FISH analysis. Additionally, one case showed focal positivity for CD34, ALK and pan-TRK on immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions

We identified loss ofRB1in two cases of PRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumours. This could suggest a potential association withRB1-deficient soft tissue tumours, although further research is necessary. Furthermore, the finding of focal positivity for CD34, ALK and pan-TRK on immunohistochemistry enriches the immunohistochemical profile of these tumours.
Screening instruments for early identification of unmet palliative care needs: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Zhishan , Ding Jinfeng , Jiao Jingjing , Tang Siyuan , Huang Chongmei
Published: December 2023

Background

The early detection of individuals who require palliative care is essential for the timely initiation of palliative care services. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) Identify the screening instruments used by health professionals to promote early identification of patients who may benefit from palliative care; and (2) Assess the psychometric properties and clinical performance of the instruments.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, CNKI and Wanfang from inception to May 2023. We used the COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement INstruments to assess the methodological quality of the development process for the instruments. The clinical performance of the instruments was assessed by narrative summary or meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted where necessary. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool.

Results

We included 31 studies that involved seven instruments. Thirteen studies reported the development and validation process of these instruments and 18 studies related to assessment of clinical performance of these instruments. The content validity of the instruments was doubtful or inadequate because of very low to moderate quality evidence. The pooled sensitivity (Se) ranged from 60.0% to 73.8%, with high heterogeneity (I2 of 88.15% to 99.36%). The pooled specificity (Sp) ranges from 70.4% to 90.2%, with high heterogeneity (I2 of 96.81% to 99.94%). The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) had better performance in hospitals than in general practice settings (Se=79.8% vs 45.3%, p=0.004; Sp=59.1% vs 97.0%, p=0.000).

Conclusion

The clinical performance of existing instruments in identifying patients with palliative care needs early ranged from poor to reasonable. The SPICT is used most commonly, has better clinical performance than other instruments but performs better in hospital settings than in general practice settings.
Mortality rate and palliative sedation in an acute palliative care unit
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Lo Cascio Alessio , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: December 2023

Aim

To assess the mortality rate and the use of palliative sedation (PS) in an advanced long-standing acute palliative care unit (APCU)

Methods

The charts of patients who died and eventually received PS, consecutively admitted to the APCU for 4 years, were reviewed. Patients’ characteristics and symptom intensity were recorded at admission, 3 days before death and the day before death (T0, T-3, T-end, respectively). For patients who were administered midazolam for PS, initial and final doses of drugs, as well as duration of PS until death, were recorded.

Results

One hundred and forty-eight patients died in APCU (8.9%), and 45 of them (30.4%) received PS. Younger patients and those reporting high levels of dyspnoea at T-3 and T-end were more likely to be sedated (p=0.002, p=0.013 and 0.002, respectively). The mean duration of PS was 27.47 hours. Mean initial and final doses of midazolam were 35.45 mg/day (SD 19.7) and 45.57 mg/day (SD 20.6), respectively (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Mortality rate in APCU was very low. As a percentage of the number of deaths, PS rate was similar to that reported in other settings. PS does not seem to accelerate impending death.
Investigating the impact of extreme environments on the interlaminar performance of nanoparticle-reinforced carbon fiber composites
Authors: Kim Se-Yoon , Kumar Sanjay , Hwang Dong Wook , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the influence of extreme environmental conditions on the fracture toughness of halloysite nanotube (HNT)-reinforced carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The focus is on the impact of exposure to high humidity and its effects on the mechanical properties of the composites. The study reveals that exposure to high humidity enhances the fracture toughness of HNT-modified CFRP composites, attributed to the entrapped moisture between HNTs and the polymer matrix. This phenomenon enhances crack bridging and contributes to improved mechanical properties. Furthermore, the HNT-modified composites exhibit superior environmental degradation resistance compared to unmodified composites, demonstrating the potential of HNTs as reinforcement for advanced composite materials. The investigation underscores the significance of considering environmental factors in nanoparticle-reinforced composite design and applications, paving the way for the development of durable, high-performance materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions. The findings emphasize the need for continued research to enhance the durability and reliability of such composites, thereby offering sustainable solutions across a range of applications. This study contributes valuable insights towards the design and optimization of fracture-resistant composite materials for demanding environments.
An adaptive-correction algorithm for suppressing interface smearing in incompressible multiphase flows with complex interfacial behavior
Authors: Zhang Tongwei , Kaku Chuyo , Zhang Deli , Dong Fei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a numerical framework for modelling multiphase flows with interface correction is proposed. In original Volume-of-Fluid method, the interface smearing may appear since the interface profile deviates from its equilibrium state, especially in the simulations of complex interface deformation. To solve this problem, a novel correction step is introduced into the procedure after solving the volume fraction transport equation, and this step just works on the region of phase interface. The difference between the current method and the previous work is that the correction coefficient can be adjusted adaptively with the gradient of normal velocity at the interface, which is strongly correlated to the intensity of interface smearing and changes with the computational time and interface position. The validation computations are performed for bubble deformation (initial shapes of two-dimensional four-lobed-star and three-dimensional (3D) box with holes), bubble rising in a channel and Rayleigh–Taylor instability problems (Reynolds number of 100 and 1000). The obtained results show that the unphysical phenomenon of interface smearing is suppressed effectively, and the interface sharpness is improved greatly by the present method. In addition, the mass of bubble deformation by the original method will decrease by 13.3%. While these results obtained by the present method are in good agreement with the analytical solutions or published data.
Description of Crowdsourcing and AI-Based Tool for Knowledge Management and Systems Change in Public Services
Authors: Ulmanen Sanna , Hirvonen Mari , Tattersall Peter , Ristikari Tiina , Kuo Vincent , Virta Pertti , Jurvonen Tanja , Niemelä Mika
Published: December 2023

This study presents a crowdsourcing IT platform and working model intended to support knowledge management processes and systems change to help public service organizations fulfill their purpose and perform their tasks in a rapidly changing environment. The tool brings together tacit and explicit knowledge regarding organizational processes in one database and provides an AI-assisted platform for knowledge processing. Additionally, it allows for disseminating refined data to grassroots-level actors, enables the implementation of initiatives, and monitors their effectiveness. By utilizing crowdsourcing, the tool leverages the collective intelligence of actors across organizational boundaries, thereby promoting collective, knowledge-based learning and organizational self-renewal.
Reconfiguring the Customer Service Domain: Perspectives of Managers, Conversational Designers, and Human Agents on Human–Chatbot Collaboration
Authors: Martijn Gabriëlla , Van Hooijdonk Charlotte , Kunneman Florian , Hoeken Hans
Published: December 2023

This study explored the criteria for evaluating human–chatbot collaboration in customer service using the socio-technical systems theory. Interviews with 28 customer service managers, conversational designers, and human agents revealed their evaluation criteria diverged. Managers prioritized the chatbot’s technical capabilities and preferred a standalone customer service chatbot, while conversational designers prioritized the social aspect, focusing on the chatbot as a support tool for human agents and customers. Human agents mainly evaluated the chatbot as a means to increase job satisfaction. These distinct criteria highlight the importance of an aligned approach in human–chatbot collaboration. To improve this collaboration, integrating the chatbot into customer data systems was suggested.
Future trends of cryptocurrency in India: A perception study
Authors: Das Kishore Kumar , Guharay Tania
Published: December 2023

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency designed for use in transactions just like regular money. To safeguard its exchanges, restrict the development of a specific kind of cryptocurrency, and keep track of each and every transaction across the entire network, it uses blockchain and cryptography. Even after a decade of existence, cryptocurrency has not established a reputation as a new age currency system among the majority of countries in the world, and people are still dubious about its value despite being loaded with numerous cutting-edge technologies and having a sizable market presence everywhere. Cryptocurrencies have been around for almost 10 years, but it is still unclear whether they will ever become a real currency or if they will stay a component of investment portfolios. Since Odisha is a backward state, a study has been done to determine the level of awareness and perception of cryptocurrencies in its cities.
Synrift and post-rift thermal evolution of rifted margins: a re-evaluation of classic models of extension
Authors: Pérez-Gussinyé Marta , Xin Yanfang , Cunha Tiago , Ram Raghu , Andrés-Martínez Miguel , Dong Dongdong , García-Pintado Javier
Published: December 2023

The thermal evolution of continental rifted margins is key to understanding margin subsidence and hydrocarbon prospectivity. Observed heat-flow values, however, do not always comply with classic rifting models. Here, we use 2D numerical models to investigate the relationship between rifting, sedimentation and thermal history of margins. We find that during the synrift, the basement heat-flow and temperature are not only controlled by extension factor, but also by synrift sediment thickness and the evolution of deformation. As this progressively focuses oceanward, the proximal sectors thermally relax, while the distal sectors experience peak temperatures. In the post-rift, the lithosphere under the hyperextended margins does not return to its original state, at least for
c.
100 Myr after break-up. Instead, it mimics that of the adjacent oceanic plate, which is thinner than the original continental plate. This results in heat-flow increasing oceanward at post-rift stages, when classic rifting theory predicts complete thermal relaxation. Our models also predict slightly increased heat-flows in the adjacent oceanic crust, potentially extending hydrocarbon plays into distal margins and oceanic crust, previously discarded as immature. Finally, our models indicate that commonly used temperature approximations to calculate heat-flow during rifting may strongly differ from those occurring in nature.
ApHMM: Accelerating Profile Hidden Markov Models for Fast and Energy-efficient Genome Analysis
Authors: Firtina Can , Pillai Kamlesh , Kalsi Gurpreet S. , Suresh Bharathwaj , Cali Damla Senol , Kim Jeremie S. , Shahroodi Taha , Cavlak Meryem Banu , Lindegger Joël , Alser Mohammed , Luna Juan Gómez , Subramoney Sreenivas , Mutlu Onur
Published: December 2023

Profile hidden Markov models (pHMMs) are widely employed in various bioinformatics applications to identify similarities between biological sequences, such as DNA or protein sequences. In pHMMs, sequences are represented as graph structures, where states and edges capture modifications (i.e., insertions, deletions, and substitutions) by assigning probabilities to them. These probabilities are subsequently used to compute the similarity score between a sequence and a pHMM graph. The Baum-Welch algorithm, a prevalent and highly accurate method, utilizes these probabilities to optimize and compute similarity scores. Accurate computation of these probabilities is essential for the correct identification of sequence similarities. However, the Baum-Welch algorithm is computationally intensive, and existing solutions offer either software-only or hardware-only approaches with fixed pHMM designs. When we analyze state-of-the-art works, we identify an urgent need for a flexible, high-performance, and energy-efficient hardware-software co-design to address the major inefficiencies in the Baum-Welch algorithm for pHMMs.

We introduceApHMM, thefirstflexible acceleration framework designed to significantly reduce both computational and energy overheads associated with the Baum-Welch algorithm for pHMMs. ApHMM employs hardware-software co-design to tackle the major inefficiencies in the Baum-Welch algorithm by (1) designing flexible hardware to accommodate various pHMM designs, (2) exploiting predictable data dependency patterns through on-chip memory with memoization techniques, (3) rapidly filtering out unnecessary computations using a hardware-based filter, and (4) minimizing redundant computations.

ApHMM achieves substantial speedups of 15.55×–260.03×, 1.83×–5.34×, and 27.97× when compared to CPU, GPU, and FPGA implementations of the Baum-Welch algorithm, respectively. ApHMM outperforms state-of-the-art CPU implementations in three key bioinformatics applications: (1) error correction, (2) protein family search, and (3) multiple sequence alignment, by 1.29×–59.94×, 1.03×–1.75×, and 1.03×–1.95×, respectively, while improving their energy efficiency by 64.24×–115.46×, 1.75×, and 1.96×.
Scientific writing in physiology: confused/misused terms and phrases
Authors: Tanaka Hirofumi , Seals Douglas R.
Published: December 2023

One aspect of effective scientific writing in physiology is the ability to select the correct words or short phrases to use when developing your narratives. This task is made difficult because many commonly used terms have seemingly viable alternatives, leading to confusion, uncertainty, and possible misuse of those words and phrases. In this perspective, we attempt to provide general guidance when selecting between or among options for commonly confused and misused terms in scientific writing. We have organized inaccurate, confusing, commonly misused, and misleading words and phrases into separate tables categorized as general language, demographic descriptors, general science, physiological sciences, and exercise physiology. Our modest hope is that the current perspective facilitates effective writing and encourages discussion regarding the importance of clarity in writing.
Asymmetric Coplanar Strip- (ACS-) Fed Side Edge Panel MIMO Antenna for IoT and 5G Applications
Authors: Masoodi Issmat Shah , Sheikh Javaid A. , Bhat Zahid A. , Ashraf Shazia , Parah Shabir A.
Published: December 2023

For future wireless high-speed wireless applications, the antenna design plays an indispensable role. Electrical compactness has been challenging over the years among the research fraternity. Hence, this paper proposes an electrically compact and miniaturized asymmetric coplanar strip- (ACS-) fed MIMO to bridge this research gap. In MIMO antennas, two electrically small antennas are used and are placed on the edges of the smartphone. A ladder-shaped radiator with a C-shaped slit inserted on the ground plane makes up the antenna’s monopole radiator. A compact antenna is proposed in this paper with dimensions of 0.076 λ×0.409 λ×0.005 λ. This achieves dual band characteristics, which cater to 3.5/5.5 GHz (WiMAX), 5.8 GHz (WLAN), 6.3 GHz (C-band), and sub-6 GHz 5G bands. For the available aperture, reasonable gain is attained by the proposed architecture. Furthermore, fractional bandwidth of 69% and 43% in 2.6 GHz and 5.5 GHz bands, respectively, acting in accordance with the bandwidth stated by Wheeler and Chu’s limit, has been attained in this ACS-fed antenna. In both the operating frequency bands, more than 20 dB isolation between the antenna elements has been achieved. High integrity is attained by the radiation pattern, and actual deployment is granted. Moreover, the simulated results presented are in good accordance with the measured results.
Supplementary Figure Legends, Tables 1 - 4 from BATF2 Deficiency Promotes Progression in Human Colorectal Cancer via Activation of HGF/MET Signaling: A Potential Rationale for Combining MET Inhibitors with IFNs
Authors: Liu Zebing , Wei Ping , Yang Yu , Cui Wenli , Cao Bing , Tan Cong , Yu Baohua , Bi Rui , Xia Kaiqin , Chen Weixiang , Wang Yiqin , Zhang Youyuan , Du Xiang , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: December 2023

Supplementary Table 1. The correlation of BATF2 expression with clinicopathological status in 148 patients with colorectal cancer. Supplementary Table 2. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis of prognostic variables in CRC patients. Supplementary Table 3. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis of prognostic variables in CRC patients. Supplementary Table 4: The calculation of tumor growth delay in each group.
Data from Sphingosine Kinase-1 Enhances Resistance to Apoptosis through Activation of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway in Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Song Libing , Xiong Huaping , Li Jun , Liao Wenting , Wang Lan , Wu Jueheng , Li Mengfeng
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The present study was to examine the effect of sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1) on chemotherapeutics-induced apoptosis in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which is relatively insensitive to chemotherapy, and its clinical significance in NSCLC progression.

Experimental Design: The correlation of SPHK1 expression and clinical features of NSCLC was analyzed in 218 paraffin-embedded archived NSCLC specimens by immunohistochemical analysis. The effect of SPHK1 on apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics was examined both in vitro and in vivo, using Annexin V staining and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling) assays. Western blotting and luciferase analysis were performed to examine the impact of SPHK1 on the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling.

Results: The expression of SPHK1 was markedly increased in NSCLC and correlated with tumor progression and poor survival of patients with NSCLC. Upregulation of SPHK1 significantly inhibited doxorubicin- or docetaxel-induced apoptosis, associated with induction of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-xl, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, and TRAF1. In contrast, silencing SPHK1 expression or inhibiting SPHK1 activity with specific inhibitor, SK1-I, significantly enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that upregulation of SPHK1 activated the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway, and that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway abrogated the antiapoptotic effect of SPHK1 on NSCLC cells.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that SPHK1 is a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of NSCLC and inhibition of SPHK1 expression or its kinase activity might represent a novel strategy to sensitize NSCLC to chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1839–49. ©2011 AACR.
FGFR1 Signaling Facilitates Obesity-Driven Pulmonary Outgrowth in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Kulkoyluoglu Cotul Eylem , Safdar Muhammad Hassan , Paez Sebastian Juan , Kulkarni Aneesha , Ayers Mitchell G. , Lin Hang , Xianyu Zilin , Teegarden Dorothy , Hursting Stephen D. , Wendt Michael K.
Published: December 2023

Survival of dormant, disseminated breast cancer cells contributes to tumor relapse and metastasis. Women with a body mass index greater than 35 have an increased risk of developing metastatic recurrence. Herein, we investigated the effect of diet-induced obesity (DIO) on primary tumor growth and metastatic progression using both metastatic and systemically dormant mouse models of breast cancer. This approach led to increased PT growth and pulmonary metastasis. We developed a novel protocol to induce obesity in Balb/c mice by combining dietary and hormonal interventions with a thermoneutral housing strategy. In contrast to standard housing conditions, ovariectomized Balb/c mice fed a high-fat diet under thermoneutral conditions became obese over a period of 10 weeks, resulting in a 250% gain in fat mass. Obese mice injected with the D2.OR model developed macroscopic pulmonary nodules compared with the dormant phenotype of these cells in mice fed a control diet. Analysis of the serum from obese Balb/c mice revealed increased levels of FGF2 as compared with lean mice. We demonstrate that serum from obese animals, exogenous FGF stimulation, or constitutive stimulation through autocrine and paracrine FGF2 is sufficient to break dormancy and drive pulmonary outgrowth. Blockade of FGFR signaling or specific depletion of FGFR1 prevented obesity-associated outgrowth of the D2.OR model.

Implications:

Overall, this study developed a novel DIO model that allowed for demonstration of FGF2:FGFR1 signaling as a key molecular mechanism connecting obesity to breakage of systemic tumor dormancy and metastatic progression.
Breast Cancer Polygenic-Risk Score Influence on Risk-Reducing Endocrine Therapy Use: Genetic Risk Estimate (GENRE) Trial 1-Year and 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Stan Daniela L. , Kim Julian O. , Schaid Daniel J. , Carlson Erin E. , Kim Christina A. , Sinnwell Jason P. , Couch Fergus J. , Vachon Celine M. , Cooke Andrew L. , Goldenberg Benjamin A. , Pruthi Sandhya
Published: December 2023

Refinement of breast cancer risk estimates with a polygenic-risk score (PRS) may improve uptake of risk-reducing endocrine therapy (ET). A previous clinical trial assessed the influence of adding a PRS to traditional risk estimates on ET use. We stratified participants according to PRS-refined breast cancer risk and evaluated ET use and ET-related quality of life (QOL) at 1-year (previously reported) and 2-year follow-ups. Of 151 participants, 58 (38.4%) initiated ET, and 22 (14.6%) discontinued ET by 2 years; 42 (27.8%) and 36 (23.8%) participants were using ET at 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. At the 2-year follow-up, 39% of participants with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 40.1% to 100.0%, 18% with a 20.1% to 40.0% risk, and 16% with a 0.0% to 20.0% risk were taking ET (overall P = 0.01). Moreover, 40% of participants whose breast cancer risk increased by 10% or greater with addition of the PRS to a traditional breast cancer-risk model were taking ET versus 0% whose risk decreased by 10% or greater (P = 0.004). QOL was similar for participants taking or not taking ET at 1- and 2-year follow-ups, although most who discontinued ET did so because of adverse effects. However, these QOL results may have been skewed by the long interval between QOL surveys and lack of baseline QOL data. PRS-informed breast cancer prevention counseling has a lasting, but waning, effect over time. Additional follow-up studies are needed to address the effect of PRS on ET adherence, ET-related QOL, supplemental breast cancer screening, and other risk-reducing behaviors.

Prevention Relevance:

Risk-reducing medications for breast cancer are considerably underused. Informing women at risk with precise and individualized risk assessment tools may substantially affect the incidence of breast cancer. In our study, a risk assessment tool (IBIS-polygenic-risk score) yielded promising results, with 39% of women at highest risk starting preventive medication.
Longitudinal Clusters of Long-Term Trajectories in Patients with Early-Onset Chronic Depression: 2 Years of Naturalistic Follow-Up after Extensive Psychological Treatment
Authors: Elsaesser Moritz , Feige Bernd , Kriston Levente , Schumacher Lea , Peifer Jasmin , Hautzinger Martin , Härter Martin , Schramm Elisabeth
Published: December 2023

Introduction: In clinical trials, mostly group-level treatment effects of repeated cross-sectional measures are analyzed. However, substantial heterogeneity regarding individual symptom profiles and the variability of treatment effects are often neglected, especially over the long-term course. To provide effective personalized treatments, investigations of these characteristics are urgently needed. Methods: Depression severity ratings over 104 weeks of follow-up after year-long treatment with the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) or Supportive Psychotherapy (SP) were analyzed. Longitudinal cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were conducted to investigate intraindividual trajectories from one of the largest psychotherapy trials in early-onset chronic depression. Results: Two-year post-study-treatment trajectories of N = 188 patients with early-onset chronic depression were grouped into four prototypical clusters. Overall, 16.0% of patients remitted (cluster 1) and most of them did not receive any treatment during the 2-year follow-up. However, 84.0% of patients continued to experience subthreshold (37.2% cluster 2) or major depressive symptoms (46.8% clusters 3–4) and spent on average more than half of the follow-up in pharmacological and psychological treatment. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that previous study treatment with CBASP or SP did not significantly predict cluster allocation, while baseline variables accounted for a large proportion of explained variance (R2 N = 0.64). Conclusion: While some patients experienced stable remission over 2 years of follow-up, the majority of patients experienced subthreshold or major depressive symptoms regardless of former study treatment with CBASP or SP. This calls for a long-term perspective implementing staging and innovative treatment approaches such as the sequential model or modular psychotherapy.
Autoimmune Cytopenias Are Highly Associated with Inborn Errors of Immunity and They May Be the Initial Presentations in Cases without Severe Infections
Authors: Taskin Raziye Burcu , Topyıldız Ezgi , Edeer Karaca Neslihan , Aksu Guzide , Yılmaz Karapınar Deniz , Kutukculer Necil
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) are inherited disorders that present with increased susceptibility to infections as well as noninfectious complications. Due to the aberrant immune functions of patients with IEI, autoimmune cytopenia (AIC) may be the initial finding, which makes diagnosis a challenge. We aimed to evaluate the clinical course, laboratory findings, and treatment response of AIC in children with IEI. Methods: Data of children with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and/or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were obtained from a retrospective chart review of IEI patients diagnosed and followed in our center. Demographic and clinical features and therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. Immunologic findings were compared between patients with AIHA, ITP, and Evans syndrome (ES). The patients were also divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of immune dysregulation diseases (IDDs), and all data were compared between these two groups. Results: Out of 562 patients with IEI, 6% (n: 34) had AIC which were ITP (23.5%), AIHA (35.5%), and ES (41.2%). AIC was the initial finding in 50% of these 34 patients. Patients with ES had a higher mean percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes than ITP patients (40.77 ± 20.21% vs. 22.33 ± 12.48%, p = 0.011). Patients with IDDs were more likely to develop ES (p = 0.004), lymphoproliferation (p = 0.005), and resistance to first-line therapy (p = 0.021) than other IEI groups. Conclusion: This study shows that AIC may be the initial finding of IEI, particularly when lymphoproliferation and resistance to first-line therapy co-occur. Therefore, detailed investigation should be offered to all patients to avoid diagnostic delay.
Meta-Analysis of Functional Electrical Stimulation Combined with Occupational Therapy on Post-Stroke Limb Functional Recovery and Quality of Life
Authors: Sun Mei , Jiang Che , Zhang Jianbo , Cheng Kuihong , Zheng Wei , Zhang Xiwu , Wu Xiaona , Chen Zhuang , Luo Gaoquan , Zhao Gang
Published: December 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate whether functional electrical stimulation (FES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhanced the effect of occupational therapy (OT) on post-stroke limb functional recovery and quality of life, using direct and network meta-analysis. Methods: A computerized search was conducted in databases such as Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, and VIP Information for prospective randomized controlled trials on OT, FES, and tDCS for improving post-stroke limb motor function and quality of life, with the search cutoff date of July 1, 2023. Results: Following the screening process, a total of 8 research articles were incorporated, encompassing 358 participants. Among these, 177 individuals underwent OT exclusively, while 181 individuals underwent a combined regimen of OT alongside electromagnetic therapy. In terms of the intervention methods, the control group received OT treatment only, while the experimental group employed tDCS in 5 studies and FES in 3 studies. Within these investigations, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores were reported in 8 studies. The aggregated mean difference (MD) for FMA scores was 5.08 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46, 7.71), with a specific MD of 2.77 (95% CI: 1.46, 4.09) for the tDCS subgroup and 9.04 (95% CI: 5.34, 12.73) for the FES subgroup. Notably, FES combined with OT exhibited significant advantages in enhancing FMA scores when compared to the combination of tDCS and OT. Furthermore, four studies provided data on modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores, yielding a collective MD of 7.20 (95% CI: 4.44, 9.95). Conclusion: In patients with stroke, both FES combined with OT and tDCS combined with OT exhibit substantial enhancements in limb function and quality of life compared to OT alone. Notably, FES combined with OT yields superior clinical benefits when compared to the amalgamation of tDCS and OT.