bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual case of ‘scorbutic proptosis’
Authors: Arora Shilpa Khanna , Jana Manisha , Seth Rachna
Published: January 2024

Proptosis is a frequent presenting symptom/sign of many paediatric malignancies. Acute-onset proptosis is an ophthalmic emergency that can endanger vision if not treated promptly. Appropriate treatment must be instituted only after investigating for the underlying aetiology. Here, we report a developmentally delayed boy in middle childhood who presented with recent onset bilateral proptosis. Clinical examination followed by radiological evaluation suggested scurvy to be the underlying cause and vitamin C supplementation led to prompt reversal of proptosis. The relevant literature has been reviewed and presented here to apprise the paediatric oncologists about this rare but easily treatable cause of proptosis.
Pseudo-Bartter syndrome as the initial presentation of cystic fibrosis in children: an important diagnosis not to be missed
Authors: Lopes Carlota Ferreirinha , Almeida Vera , Gomes Susana , Cruz Carla
Published: January 2024

Pseudo-Bartter syndrome (PBS) is characterised by hyponatraemic, hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis that mimics Bartter syndrome, without renal tubular disease. We present a case of an infant with a positive cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening, hospitalised during the summer with dehydration, oliguria and apathy. Blood analysis revealed hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis, hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia. Urine analysis showed leucocyturia with reduced sodium and chloride excretion fraction, and urinary culture was positive forCitrobacter koseri. After antibiotherapy and intravenous rehydration with additional supplementation of sodium and chloride, the patient recovered completely. PBS is one of CF complications that is especially prevalent in infants and young children with increased sweating and/or other causes of additional loss of sodium and chloride. Clinical awareness of this syndrome and its strong clinical suspicion are extremely important for an early diagnosis and treatment of CF, particularly in countries where the universal screening of CF is not routinely performed.
An unexpected case of thoracic necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Alzetani Sarah , Harden Stephen , Alzetani Aiman
Published: January 2024

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening bacterial infection characterised by rapid tissue destruction, which can have severe consequences if not recognised early and treated promptly. It is most commonly caused by group A streptococcus entering the body through breaks in the skin. This case report describes a patient who presented with systemic signs of infection, including right axillary pain, following a recent intramuscular injection. Clinical examination and radiological findings were consistent with NF, and surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis of thoracic NF. The patient underwent extensive surgical debridement, intensive care management and subsequent reconstructive surgery. This report highlights the importance of early recognition of NF and that this condition is not limited to the limbs but may also affect the torso. It employs consideration of all portals of potential bacterial entry that may prompt a differential of NF through thorough history taking. This case encourages healthcare professionals to maintain awareness of skin infections as a potential though rare complication of procedures such as injections hence the continued value of aseptic techniques to minimise risk. Finally, it emphasises that prompt diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy and immediate surgical intervention remain crucial in managing NF and improving patient outcomes.
Delayed formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysm followingAbiotrophia defectivaendocarditis
Authors: Tokunaga Shinya , Miyakoshi Akinori , Ito Kenta , Sato Tsukasa
Published: January 2024

Abiotrophia defectivais a type of Streptococci and is a rare cause of infectious endocarditis. The progression and outcomes of infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) associated with this species are unknown due to a limited number of reported cases. A woman in her 20s with a sudden headache had a subarachnoid haemorrhage on a head CT scan. Cerebral angiography showed an aneurysm on the right middle cerebral artery. She was diagnosed with infectious endocarditis caused byA. defectivaand underwent parent artery occlusion. Despite initiating targeted antibiotic therapy, a new IIA developed and ruptured 14 days postadmission. A second parent artery occlusion was performed on the new IIA. Following 6 weeks of continued antibiotic therapy, she underwent mitral valve repair and was discharged with no neurological symptoms. Endocarditis caused byA. defectivacan lead to the delayed formation of an IIA. Endovascular treatment was effective for repeated ruptured IIAs.
Head Exposure to Acceleration Database in Sport (HEADSport): a kinematic signal processing method to enable instrumented mouthguard (iMG) field-based inter-study comparisons
Authors: Tierney Gregory , Rowson Steven , Gellner Ryan , Allan David , Iqbal Sadaf , Biglarbeigi Pardis , Tooby James , Woodward James , Payam Amir Farokh
Published: January 2024

Objective

Instrumented mouthguard (iMG) systems use different signal processing approaches limiting field-based inter-study comparisons, especially when artefacts are present in the signal. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency content and characteristics of head kinematic signals from head impact reconstruction laboratory and field-based environments to develop an artefact attenuation filtering method (HEADSport filter method).

Methods

Laboratory impacts (n=72) on a test-dummy headform ranging from 25 to 150 g were conducted and 126 rugby union players were equipped with iMGs for 209 player-matches. Power spectral density (PSD) characteristics of the laboratory impacts and on-field head acceleration events (HAEs) (n=5694) such as the 95th percentile cumulative sum PSD frequency were used to develop the HEADSport method. The HEADSport filter method was compared with two other common filtering approaches (Butterworth-200Hz and CFC180 filter) through signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mixed linear effects models for laboratory and on-field events, respectively.

Results

The HEADSport filter method produced marginally higher SNR than the Butterworth-200Hz and CFC180 filter and on-field peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak angular acceleration (PAA) values within the magnitude range tested in the laboratory. Median PLA and PAA (and outlier values) were higher for the CFC180 filter than the Butterworth-200Hz and HEADSport filter method (p<0.01).

Conclusion

The HEADSport filter method could enable iMG field-based inter-study comparisons and is openly available athttps://github.com/GTBiomech/HEADSport-Filter-Method.
PD-1 checkpoint inhibition enhances the antilymphoma activity of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells that retain their ability to prevent alloreactivity
Authors: Moraes Ribeiro Emmanuelle , Secker Kathy-Ann , Nitulescu Ana-Maria , Schairer Rebekka , Keppeler Hildegard , Wesle Anton , Schmid Hannes , Schmitt Anita , Neuber Brigitte , Chmiest Daniela , Podavini Silvia , Märklin Melanie , Klimovich Boris , Schmitt Michael , Korkmaz Fulya , Lengerke Claudia , Schneidawind Corina , Schneidawind Dominik
Published: January 2024

Background

Relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are the main causes of death after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Preclinical murine models and clinical data suggest that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells prevent acute and chronic GVHD. In addition, iNKT cells are crucial for efficient immune responses against malignancies and contribute to reduced relapse rates after transplantation. Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) redirect effector cells to cell surface antigens and enhance killing of target cells. With this study, we aimed to combine enhanced cytotoxicity of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells against lymphoma cells with their tolerogenic properties.

Methods

iNKT cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and transduced with an anti-CD19-CAR retrovirus. After in vitro expansion, the functionality of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells was assessed by flow cytometry, image stream analysis and multiplex analysis in single-stimulation or repeated-stimulation assays. Moreover, the immunoregulatory properties of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells were analyzed in apoptosis assays and in mixed lymphocyte reactions. The effect of checkpoint inhibition through nivolumab was analyzed in these settings.

Results

In this study, we could show that the cytotoxicity of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells was mediated either through engagement of their CAR or their invariant T-cell receptor, which may circumvent loss of response through antigen escape. However, encounter of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells with their target induced a phenotype of exhaustion. Consequently, checkpoint inhibition increased cytokine release, cytotoxicity and survival of CD19-CAR-iNKT cells. Additionally, they showed robust suppression of alloreactive immune responses.

Conclusion

In this work, we demonstrate that CAR-iNKT cells are a powerful cytotherapeutic option to prevent or treat relapse while potentially reducing the risk of GVHD after allogeneic HCT.
No detrimental association between antibiotic use and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: an observational cohort study comparing patients with ICI-treated and TKI-treated melanoma and NSCLC
Authors: Metselaar-Albers Marjolein , Meijerman Irma , Engels Ferdi , Haanen John , Beijnen Jos , Lalmohamed Arief
Published: January 2024

Background

The role of antibiotics in malignancies treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) remains unclear. Several studies suggested a detrimental impact of antibiotic use on the response to ICI, but were susceptible to confounding by indication. Our objective was therefore to assess whether the relationship between antibiotic use and ICI response is causative or merely associative.

Methods

A large, single-center observational cohort study was performed with individuals treated for either non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) or metastatic melanoma. An effect modification approach was used, aiming to estimate the association between antibiotic use and overall survival (OS) and compare these estimates between individuals receiving first-line ICI treatment versus those receiving first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Exposure of interest was antibiotic use within 30 days before the start of anticancer treatment. HRs for OS were estimated for antibiotics versus no antibiotics in each cohort using multivariable propensity adjusted analysis. The “true antibiotic effect” within the ICI versus TKI cohort was modeled using an interaction term.

Results

A total of 4534 patients were included, of which 1908 in the ICI cohort and 817 in the TKI cohort. Approximately 10% of patients in each cohort used antibiotics within 30 days before the start of anticancer treatment. Our results demonstrate a lack of synergistic interaction between current antibiotic use and ICI therapy in relation to OS: although antibiotic use was significantly associated with OS decline in the ICI cohort (HR=1.26 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.51)), a similar magnitude in OS decline was found within the TKI cohort (HR=1.24 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.62)). This was reflected by the synergy index (HR=0.96 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.31)), which implied no synergistic interaction between current antibiotic use and ICI.

Conclusion

This study strongly suggests that there is no causal detrimental association between antibiotic use and ICI therapy outcome when looking at OS in individuals with malignant melanoma or NSCLC. The frequently observed inverse association between antibiotics and ICI response in previous studies is most likely driven by confounding by indication, which was confirmed by the findings in our reference TKI cohort.
Childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by thin-filament sarcomeric variants
Authors: Norrish Gabrielle , Gasparini Marisa , Field Ella , Cervi Elena , Kaski Juan Pablo
Published: January 2024

Up to 20% of children with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have disease-causing variants in genes coding for thin-filament proteins. However, data on genotype-phenotype correlations for thin-filament disease are limited. This study describes the natural history and outcomes of children with thin-filament-associated HCM and compares it to thick-filament-associated disease.

Longitudinal data were collected from 40 children under 18 years with a disease-causing variant in a thin-filament protein from a single quaternary referral centre. Twenty-one (female n=6, 35.5%) were diagnosed with HCM at a median age of 13.0 years (IQR 8.3–14.0). Over a median follow-up of 5.0 years (IQR 4.0–8.5), three (14.3%) experienced one or more major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (two patients had an out-of-hospital arrest and eight appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) therapies in three patients). One gene carrier died suddenly at age 9 years. Compared with those with thick-filament disease, children with thin-filament variants more commonly experienced non-sustained ventricular tachycardia [NSVT; n=6 (28.6%) vs n=14 (10.8%), p=0.024] or underwent ICD insertion (thin, n=13 (61.9%) vs thick, n=50 (38.5%), p=0.040). However, there was no difference in the incidence of MACE (thin 2.47/100 pt years (95% CI 0.80 to 7.66) vs thick 3.63/100 pt years (95% CI 2.25 to 5.84)) or an arrhythmic event (thin 1.65/100 pt years (95% CI 0.41 to 6.58) vs thick 2.55/100 pt years (95% CI 1.45 to 4.48), p value 0.43).

This study suggests that adverse events in thin-filament disease are predominantly arrhythmic and may occur in the absence of hypertrophy, but overall short-term outcomes do not differ significantly from thick-filament disease.
Plaque characteristics associated with failure of primary balloon angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Mei Yuexin , Yu Shan , Li Zhuhao , Chen Hongbing , Zhang Jian , Tan Shuangquan , Zeng Jinsheng , Xing Shihui , Chen Xinran
Published: January 2024

Background

Primary balloon angioplasty (PBA) is an alternative treatment approach for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS); however, its efficacy may be compromised by arterial dissection or early elastic recoil after balloon dilation. This study aimed to explore the association between plaque characteristics on high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) and failure of PBA for ICAS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 113 patients with ICAS who underwent HR-VWI before endovascular treatment. Based on the presence of arterial dissection or early elastic recoil post-balloon dilation, patients were classified into the failed PBA (FPBA) group or the successful PBA (SPBA) group. Clinical and baseline HR-VWI characteristics were compared between the two groups. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate plaque features associated with the failure of PBA.

Results

The FPBA and SPBA groups comprised 74 and 39 patients, respectively. Plaque eccentricity (83.78% vs 46.15%, P<0.001), negative remodeling (90.54% vs 48.72%, P<0.001), remodeling index (median 0.73 vs 0.90, P=0.001), and intraplaque hemorrhage (31.08% vs 5.13%, P=0.002) differed significantly between the FPBA and SPBA groups. Multivariable analysis indicated that higher frequency of plaque eccentricity (OR 14.03, 95% CI 3.42 to 57.62, P<0.001) and negative remodeling (OR 6.11, 95% CI 1.22 to 30.71, P=0.028) were independently associated with failure of PBA.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that failure of PBA was associated with plaque eccentricity and negative remodeling. Analysis of plaque characteristics on baseline HR-VWI holds potential value for identifying arterial dissection or early elastic recoil after angioplasty in patients with ICAS.
Strachan’s syndrome and riboflavin deficiency
Authors: Kramarz Caroline , McHugh James , Rossor Alexander
Published: January 2024

Strachan’s syndrome comprises a triad of optic, auditory and painful sensory peripheral neuropathy. It has been recognised since the late 19th century and is presumed to result from nutritional deficiency. Patients present acute or subacutely after a period of systemic illness, weight loss or, most commonly, dietary restriction, especially veganism, which can cause riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin B12deficiencies. The syndrome is more common in people who are black British and often of Jamaican descent. We describe the clinical phenotype using a typical case example, review other endemic nutritional peripheral neuropathies and discuss the potential benefit of riboflavin as a treatment.
Postexercise reflex facilitation in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
Authors: Poh Mervyn , Ming Yeo Chong , Yanni Patricia Cheong , Ng Gee Jin , Ho Yong Howe , Prasad Kalpana , Thirugnanam Umapathi
Published: January 2024

A 62-year-old woman had 6 months of proximal weakness, fatigue and occasional diplopia, symptoms normally suggesting myasthenia gravis or inflammatory myopathy. Postexercise reflex facilitation is a bedside clinical sign that points to a diagnosis of the rarer alternative, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). We confirmed this diagnosis using electrodiagnostic short exercise testing and serum assay for voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. Further investigation identified a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder, not previously associated with LEMS. Postexercise reflex facilitation is an important bedside clinical finding that helps clinicians to distinguish LEMS from its mimics.
Delayed onset post-traumatic wound botulism
Authors: Elrayes Mai , Al Bachari Sarah , Macdonagh Ronan , Peel Alex , Khurshid Salman , Hamzah Juiliana , Holzmann Tim , Chaouch Amina , Cummins Gemma , McKee David , Richardson Anna , Kobylecki Christopher
Published: January 2024

A 41-year-old man developed rapidly progressive cranial neuropathies and muscle weakness followed by respiratory failure, requiring ventilation support. On examination, there was marked bilateral ptosis and ophthalmoplegia with bulbar, neck and proximal upper limb weakness. He had a recent open left humeral fracture that eventually required amputation. Despite immunoglobulin therapy, his progressive weakness continued. Multiple investigation results were inconclusive. Eventually, botulinum type A toxin was found positive, by which time the therapeutic window for antitoxin had passed. He continued on supportive management and was treated for concomitant infections and nosocomial illnesses. He was subsequently weaned from respiratory support and has made a good neurological recovery.
Gravastars in f ( R , G , T ) gravity
Authors: Ilyas M.
Published: January 2024

The article examines the matter of gravitational vacuum stars, or gravastars, in the context of [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] refer to the Ricci Scalar, Gauss–Bonnet invariant term, and trace of energy–momentum tensor, respectively. Here, using certain suitable numerical approaches, solutions to the highly nonlinear differential equations are determined. For a well-known [Formula: see text] gravity cosmological model, the main structure of gravastars has been discussed according to core, shell, and external region. It is illustrated graphically how the relationship between mass and radius has evolved for the gravastar under consideration.
Enhancing convergence and accuracy: A comparative study of preconditioning for steady, laminar, and high gradient flows over a wide range of Mach numbers
Authors: Khorasani Mahdi Moghadas , Mohammadi Adnan , Djavareshkian Mohammad Hassan
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces a novel platform that integrates three preconditioning matrices based on conservative variables: the Turkel, Choi–Merkle and Onur matrices. The platform aims to compare these matrices in terms of accuracy and robustness by investigating their performance in solving three distinct and challenging high-gradient laminar flow problems: (i) Bi-Plane NACA0012 airfoil, (ii) lid-driven flow in a square cavity and (iii) flow in a planar T-junction. These problems serve as new and challenging test cases to accurately determine the abilities of the preconditioning matrices. The preconditioning matrices are applied to evaluate the numerical solutions, and their performance in complex flow fields is assessed in terms of accuracy and efficiency. By solving these flow problems, the effectiveness of the preconditioning matrices is thoroughly analyzed. By integrating these preconditioning matrices into a single platform, this paper significantly contributes to the field. The approach enables a direct and meaningful comparison of the performance of the Turkel, Choi–Merkle and Onur matrices in solving these new and challenging laminar flow problems. While all three matrices demonstrate comparable accuracy in predicting flow characteristics like pressure coefficients, Turkel’s method shows superior convergence acceleration across the almost test cases due to alpha parameter and modifications of the momentum equations. In the external flow case, Turkel converges 22–53% faster than the other matrices by adjusting momentum terms with an alpha parameter. For the internal lid-driven cavity case, Turkel again accelerates convergence up to 38% over Choi–Merkle as Reynolds and Mach numbers increase. However, Onur’s method stalls at high Reynolds/Mach numbers. At low values of Reynolds and Mach numbers, Onur reduces computational cost by 17%. Finally, for the T-junction case, Turkel and Choi–Merkle perform almost identically, decreasing CPU time by 55% vs Onur, which lacks convergence robustness. While the preconditioning matrices have similar accuracy, Turkel offers the best convergence improvement by accounting for momentum effects. Onur works well at low Reynolds/Mach numbers but shows limitations at higher values. The selection of the optimal preconditioning matrix should be based on whether momentum or viscosity dominates in the flow field, as well as the intensity of the viscosity gradient rate.
Commuting and product-zero probability in finite rings
Authors: Shumyatsky Pavel , Vannacci Matteo
Published: January 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be the probability that two random elements of a finite ring R commute and [Formula: see text] the probability that the product of two random elements in R is zero. We show that if [Formula: see text], then there exists a Lie-ideal D in the Lie-ring [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]-bounded index and with [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-bounded order. If [Formula: see text], then there exists an ideal D in R with [Formula: see text]-bounded index and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-bounded order. These results are analogous to the well-known theorem of Neumann on the commuting probability in finite groups.
Modified Friedmann equations and fractal Black Hole thermodynamics
Authors: Davood Sadatian S. , Gholame T.
Published: January 2024

The general relativity unification and quantum theory is a significant open problem in theoretical physics. This problem arises from the fact that these two fundamental theories, which describe gravity and the behavior of particles at the microscopic level, respectively, are currently incompatible. The unification of these theories is crucial for a complete comprehension of the fundamental forces and the nature of the universe. In this regard, the quantum properties of a Black Hole result in fundamental importance. By analyzing such properties in quantum field theory, in the first step, the gravity enters as a classical background. In semi-classical approximation, Black Holes will emit Hawking radiation with an almost thermal spectrum, while Black Hole’s entropy is proportional to the Black Hole’s horizon. Besides, Hawking’s temperature and Black Hole entropy should follow the first law of Black Hole thermodynamics. Also, Jacobson [Thermodynamics of spacetime: The Einstein equation of state, Phys. Rev. Lett. 75 (1995) 1260, doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.75.1260] showed shown that there is a connection between Black Hole thermodynamics and Einstein’s equation that opens the root of a potential thermodynamic nature of gravity. This issue opened a new impressive research framework in which the Einstein field equation can be expressed as a form of the first law of thermodynamics and vice versa. In this study, it is assumed that the universe has a fractal structure. Accordingly, modified Friedmann’s equations and the Black Holes thermodynamics in a fractal universe have been examined. The fractal framework shows what features and changes occur in the description of the universe, particularly in studying the thermodynamics of a Black Hole. However, the paper strategy is organized as follows: in the beginning, we consider the first thermodynamic law in a fractal universe. Then, we investigate the Friedmann equation of the fractal universe in the form of the entropy balance, this means [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the thermal energy and horizon temperature. We consider the entropy [Formula: see text] have two terms; (1) obeys the usual area law and (2) the entropy production term due to the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of a fractal universe. Therefore, in a fractal universe, a term with non-equilibrium thermodynamics of spacetime may be needed. Also, we study the generalized second law of thermodynamics in a fractal universe. When the temperature of the apparent horizon and the temperature of the matter fields inside the horizon are equal, i.e. [Formula: see text], the second law of generalized thermodynamics can be obtained according to the state parameter range equation, which is consistent with the recent observations. Finally, in Sec. 6, based on the mathematical calculations, we study the various cosmological parameters such as the Hubble parameter, scale factor, deceleration parameter and equation of state parameter.
Observation constraints on scalar field cosmological model in anisotropic universe
Authors: Bhardwaj Vinod Kumar , Yadav Anil Kumar
Published: January 2024

In this study, we have explored a scalar field cosmological model in the axially symmetric Bianchi type-I universe. In this study, our aim is to constrain the scalar field dark energy model in an anisotropic background. For this purpose, the explicit solution of the developed field equations for the model is determined and analyzed. Constraints on the cosmological model parameters are established utilizing Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis and using the latest observational datasets of OHD, BAO, and Pantheon. For the combined dataset (OHD, BAO, and Pantheon), the best-fit values of Hubble and density parameters are estimated as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The model shows a flipping nature and redshift transition occurs at [Formula: see text], and the present value of decelerated parameter is computed to be [Formula: see text] for the combined dataset. We have explored characteristics like the universe’s age, particle horizon, deceleration parameter, and jerk parameter. The dynamical properties, such as energy density [Formula: see text], scalar field pressure [Formula: see text], and equation of state parameter [Formula: see text], are analyzed and presented. We have also described the behavior of the scalar potential [Formula: see text] and scalar field. Furthermore, the authors also described the behavior of energy conditions in scalar-tensor cosmology. The scenario of the present accelerated expansion of the universe is described by the contribution of the scalar field.
An Empirical Analysis of Issue Templates Usage in Large-Scale Projects on GitHub
Authors: Sülün Emre , Saçakçı Metehan , Tüzün Eray
Published: January 2024

GitHub Issues is a widely used issue tracking tool in open-source software projects. Originally designed with broad flexibility, its lack of standardization led to incomplete issue reports, impeding software development and maintenance efficiency. To counteract this, GitHub introduced issue templates in 2016, which rapidly became popular. Our study assesses the current use and evolution of these templates in large-scale open-source projects and their impact on issue tracking metrics, including resolution time, number of reopens, and number of issue comments. Employing a comprehensive analysis of 350 templates from 100 projects, we also evaluated over 1.9 million issues for template conformity and impact. Additionally, we solicited insights from open-source software maintainers through a survey. Our findings highlight issue templates’ extensive usage in 99 of the 100 surveyed projects, with a growing preference for YAML-based templates, a more structured template variant. Projects with a template exhibited markedly reduced resolution time (381.02 days to 103.18 days) and reduced issue comment count (4.95 to 4.32) compared to those without. The use of YAML-based templates further significantly decreased resolution time, the number of reopenings, and the discussion extent. Thus, our research underscores issue templates’ positive impact on large-scale open-source projects, offering recommendations for improved effectiveness.
Basic Safety Message Generation through a Video-based Analytics for Potential Safety Applications
Authors: Enan Abyad , Mamun Abdullah Ai , Tine Jean Michel , Mwakalonge Judith , Indah Debbie Aisiana , Comert Gurcan , Chowdhury Mashrur
Published: January 2024

With the advancement of modern artificial intelligence techniques, computer vision can play a vital role in enhancing roadway safety by reducing the risk of imminent collisions. To do so, a vision-based safety application is required, where a roadside camera can monitor the traffic and predict potential risks of crashes in real-time. If any risky behavior is observed, then the safety application can send warnings to the vehicles with risky behavior. For vision-based safety applications on a roadway section, it is important to accurately monitor each vehicle's location, speed, acceleration, heading direction, and so on, in that section. In this study, we develop a video analytics-based basic safety message (BSM) generation method in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers standards (SAE J2945 and SAE J2735). Our developed BSM is further evaluated by conducting a field test where the results are compared with the ground truth results and cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication device-generated results. Our results demonstrate that our developed video-based BSM generation method outperforms the C-V2X generated results, and our method's errors are less than the maximum acceptable errors set by SAE J2945. Additionally, we conduct tests to assess the end-to-end latency of our developed method and found that the end-to-end latency is within the maximum allowable range for potential safety applications. We further propose use-case scenarios, illustrating how our developed BSM generation method can be utilized for potential safety applications.
Early Detection of Li-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway Using Commercial Diagnostic Technologies
Authors: Torres-Castro Loraine , Bates Alex M. , Johnson Nathan B. , Quintana Genaro , Gray Lucas
Published: January 2024

The rate of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, powered by the Li-ion battery, has grown exponentially; largely driven by technological advancements, consumer demand, and global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. As a result, it is imperative to understand the state of stability (SoS) of the cells inside an EV battery pack. That understanding will enable the warning of or prevention against catastrophic failures that can lead to serious injury or even, loss of life. The present work explores rapid electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) coupled with gas sensing technology as diagnostics to monitor cells and packs for failure markers. These failure markers can then be used for onboard assessment of SoS. Experimental results explore key changes in single cells and packs undergoing thermal or electrical abuse. Rapid EIS showed longer warning times, followed by VOC sensors, and then H2 sensors. While rapid EIS gives the longest warning time, with the failure marker often appearing before the cell vents, the reliability of identifying impedance changes in single cells within a pack decreases as the pack complexity increases. This provides empirical evidence to support the significant role that cell packaging and battery engineering intricacies play in monitoring the SoS.
Figure S5 from A Revised Molecular Model of Ovarian Cancer Biomarker CA125 (MUC16) Enabled by Long-read Sequencing
Authors: Wang Chien-Wei , Weaver Simon D. , Boonpattrawong Nicha , Schuster-Little Naviya , Patankar Manish , Whelan Rebecca J.
Published: January 2024

Clustal Omega alignment of the 19 tandem repeats. The tandem repeats were aligned using Clustal Omega and visualized using Jalview with the Clustal Omega standard color scheme. The consensus sequence shows abundance of each amino acid at each position.
FIGURE 2 from A Revised Molecular Model of Ovarian Cancer Biomarker CA125 (MUC16) Enabled by Long-read Sequencing
Authors: Wang Chien-Wei , Weaver Simon D. , Boonpattrawong Nicha , Schuster-Little Naviya , Patankar Manish , Whelan Rebecca J.
Published: January 2024

Proteomic analysis of immunoprecipitated MUC16. Identified MUC16 peptides from immunoprecipitated (A) OVCAR3 cell lysate and (B) pooled ascites mapped onto the proposed repeat domains of MUC16. The repeat domains are each represented by a horizontal line, and the amino acid position within the repeat is on the x-axis. Repeats shown in green (8--12) are the five repeats not included in the NM_024690.2 sequence (MUC16 isoform 4). Rectangles represent peptides, where the pink peptides are unique to repeats 8–12 (map to nowhere else in MUC16) and blue peptides are not unique to repeats 8–12. All peptides shown are unique to MUC16 (map to nowhere else in the proteome).
FIGURE 1 from A Revised Molecular Model of Ovarian Cancer Biomarker CA125 (MUC16) Enabled by Long-read Sequencing
Authors: Wang Chien-Wei , Weaver Simon D. , Boonpattrawong Nicha , Schuster-Little Naviya , Patankar Manish , Whelan Rebecca J.
Published: January 2024

Gel image of cDNA products from RT-PCR. Lane 1: NEB 1 kb Extend DNA Ladder. Lanes 2–4: RT-PCR product from Kuramochi, OVCAR3 and OVCAR5 cells, respectively. The asterisk indicates the location of the approximate 10 kbp cDNA product.
Age-Period-Cohort Analysis of Long-Term Trends in Ischemic Stroke Mortality in China Caused by Specific Risk Factors from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Liu Fude , Sun Peng , Cheng Yawen , Wang Jianyi , Ma Wenlong , Chen Chen , Shang Suhang , Yu Jia
Published: January 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the primary risk factors for the long-term trends of mortality rates in ischemic stroke (IS) in China. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) database, research was conducted on the 11 primary risk factors for the mortality rates of IS in China from 1990 to 2019. This study employed joinpoint regression software and the age-period-cohort method to evaluate the trends of mortality rates divided by age, period, and cohort over time. Results: From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) caused by a diet high in red meat and high body mass index in China showed an upward trend. ASMR increased first and then decreased due to smoking, diet high in sodium, particulate matter pollution, high fasting plasma glucose, and high systolic blood pressure. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), kidney dysfunction, low temperature, and lead exposure remained relatively stable during this period. In the 35–45 age group, the mortality rate of IS due to high LDL-C was up to about 60%, and smoking affected men more than women. Overall, high LDL-C, high systolic blood pressure, and particulate matter pollution were the most common risk factors in patients with IS. The risk of death rose with age. The period and cohort relative risks showed that metabolic risk factors had the greatest impact on the mortality of IS. Conclusion: Metabolic risk factors have become the primary risk factors for the ASMR of IS in China. Relevant authorities should pay attention to their long-term effects on IS. Effective public health policies and interventions should be implemented to reduce the burden of IS.
Bilateral Paracentral Corneal Melting and Left-Eye Perforation under Tobemstomig Novel Treatment
Authors: González de los Mártires Pablo , Guerrero Pérez Gonzalo , Gangoitia Gorrotxategi Nerea , Garmendia Iñigo Salmerón , Olazaran Gamboa Leire , Jiménez Alonso Ana , Berástegui Arbeloa Lara
Published: January 2024

Introduction: We present a rare occurrence of bilateral corneal melting and a left-eye corneal perforation in an oncologic patient undergoing a new biological therapy. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old male with a two-day history of a painful left red eye and bilateral visual impairment was enrolled in a multicenter phase-II study comparing tobemstomig/RO7247669, a PD1-LAG3 bispecific antibody, with nivolumab. Clinical examination revealed a bilateral central corneal thinning, and corneal OCT imaging indicated a significant stromal thinning of 124 μm in the right eye and a central corneal perforation of 286 μm in the left eye. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical intervention involving an autologous partial scleral patch with a Gundersen conjunctival flap in the left eye, alongside a comprehensive topical and systemic treatment regimen. Due to this immune-related adverse event, the patient was excluded from the clinical trial subsequently later revealing he had been on the bispecific treatment. Conclusion: While immune checkpoint inhibitors hold promise in oncology, they can lead to ocular surface issues, including dry-eye keratitis and, in severe cases, anterior segment thinning culminating in corneal perforation. Timely withdrawal of immunotherapy, coupled with multi-level treatment involving anti-inflammatory and corneal healing approaches, is crucial. In cases of corneal perforation, surgical intervention such as cyanoacrylate application or tectonic surgery becomes imperative.
Advancing Intraoperative Assessment of Urethral Stricture Anatomic Variation: A Prospective Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Marks Phillip , Dahlem Roland , Daniels Peer , Klemm Jakob , Kühnke Lennart , Kranzbühler Benedikt , König Frederik , Ding Liucheng , Engel Oliver , Soave Armin , Fisch Margit , Vetterlein Malte W.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Urethral strictures, particularly those refractory to endoscopic interventions, are commonly treated through open urethroplasty. However, predicting recurrence in homogeneous patient populations remains challenging. Methods: To address this, we developed an intraoperative urethral stricture assessment tool aiming to identify comprehensive risk predictors. The assessment includes detailed parameters on stricture location, length, urethral bed width, spongiosum thickness, obliteration grade, and spongiofibrosis extension. The tool was prospectively implemented in 106 men with anterior one-stage augmentation urethroplasty from April 2020 to October 2021. Results: An intraoperative granular assessment of intricate stricture characteristics is feasible. Comparative analyses revealed significant differences between bulbar and penile strictures. Bulbar strictures exhibited wider urethral beds and thicker spongiosum compared to penile strictures (all p < 0.001). The assessment showed marked variations in the degree of obliteration and spongiofibrosis extension. Conclusion: Our tool aligns with efforts to standardize urethral surgery, providing insights into subtle disease intricacies and enabling comparisons between institutions. Notably, intraoperative assessment may surpass the limitations of preoperative imaging, emphasizing the necessity of intraoperative evaluation. While limitations include a single-institution study and limited sample size, future research aims to refine this tool and determine its impact on treatment strategies, potentially improving long-term outcomes for urethral strictures.
Improving the BERT model for long text sequences in question answering domain
Authors: Ramaraj Vijayan , Appa Swamy Mareeswari Venkatachala , Prince Ephzibah Evan , Kumar Chandhan
Published: January 2024

The text-based question-answering (QA) system aims to answer natural language questions by querying the external knowledge base. It can be applied to real-world systems like medical documents, research papers, and crime-related documents. Using this system, users don't have to go through the documents manually the system will understand the knowledge base and find the answer based on the text and question given to the system. Earlier state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) was recurrent neural network (RNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM). As a result, these models are hard to parallelize and poor at retaining contextual relationships across long text inputs. Today, bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) are the contemporary algorithm for NLP. BERT is not capable of handling long text sequences; it can handle 512 tokens at a time which makes it difficult for long context. Smooth inverse frequency (SIF) and the BERT model will be incorporated together to solve this challenge. BERT trained on the Stanford question answering dataset (SQuAD) and SIF model demonstrates robustness and effectiveness on long text sequences from different domains. Experimental results suggest that the proposed approach is a promising solution for QA on long text sequences.
Taxonomic attribution of the haplic gleysols of the Azerbaijan Republic in world reference base for soil resources
Authors: Maharram Sultan Huseynova , Ismayil Amin Ismayilov , Pirverdi Maharram Babayev , Musa Ali Jafarov
Published: January 2024

The aim of the research was to obtain new information about the genesis, status, diagnostic features, and properties of the meadow-boggy soils of the Azerbaijan Republic and to perform the taxonomic attribution of those soils in accordance with the international soil classification system in compliance with the world reference base (WRB) for soil resources. Field experiments, physical, and chemical analyses of soil samples were carried out by standard methods. The morphological properties of the meadow-boggy soils in the Greater Caucasus and Lankaran regions of Azerbaijan have been characterized. Carbonate sediments are almost always invisible in the upper layers (13.27-17.14% (No 426); 10.46-27.39% (No 5); 0.87-1.33% (No 55)). According to the humus content, they are not highly humic (1.44-1.85% (No 426); 0.90-1.58% (No 5); 3.10-3.29% (No 55) in the upper layers). The magnitude of the reaction of the soil solution varies from 8.0 to 8.5. For the first time, an attempt is made to determine the name of meadow-boggy soils in accordance with the international soil classification in compliance with the WRB 2015. The above soils are assigned to the gleysols reference soil group (RSG) with various principal and supplementary qualifiers.
A novel reduced-switch multi-level inverter based multi-device universal power-quality conditioner for PQ enhancement
Authors: Rao Naarisetti Srinivasa , Ramana Rao Pulipaka Venkata
Published: January 2024

The reduced-switch multilevel inverter (RSMLI) has garnered significant attention across various industries as a viable alternative to conventional multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies. In the realm of medium voltage high-power applications, the topologies of resonant switched MLIs are regarded as advanced due to their development with a reduced number of switching elements. The primary emphasis of the customizable multi-device universal power-quality conditioner (MD-UPQC) device is on the design and development of a significant RSMLI topology to improve power-quality (PQ) features. This study presents the development of a novel 5-level RSMLI-based MD-UPQC device, designed specifically for addressing power-quality concerns in multi-feeder distribution networks. The device facilitates uninterrupted power flow between the feeders, thereby mitigating power-quality issues. The 5-level RSMLI topology possesses the capability to decrease the necessity for a larger quantity of gate-drive circuits by implementing a switching-logic design utilizing the reduced-carrier-based pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. The 5-level RSMLI-MDUPQC device incorporates a unified voltage-current reference (UVCR) control scheme to ensure efficient operation. The functionality and efficacy of the proposed RSMLI-MDUPQC device have been assessed using the MATLAB/Simulink software tool, with the evaluation conducted under different PQ conditions. The simulation outcomes are presented for analysis and interpretation.
Artificial intelligence assisted insights into Bali’s destination image: sentiment and thematic analyses of TripAdvisor reviews
Authors: Susanto Putu Chris , Gunawan Putu Wida , Widarnandana I Gde Dhika
Published: January 2024

This study applies sentiment and thematic content analyses based on natural language processing (NLP) to gain valuable insights into the perceived image of Bali as a tourist destination. This study addresses the gap in how to realize the benefits of big data analytics in applied research, by using more approachable tools for researchers with limited programming skills and coding experience. A total of 6,800 TripAdvisor reviews of Bali’s top 12 tourist attractions between May 2019 and April 2023 were scrapped. The authors used Bardeen.ai for data mining and Atlas.ti for qualitative data analyses. Sentiment analysis revealed an overwhelmingly positive sentiment (70.4%) towards Bali’s tourist attractions, indicating a positive destination image. Post-pandemic tourists tend to express more positive sentiments in their reviews compared to pre-pandemic. Thematic content analysis indicated that positive sentiments are strongly related to satisfaction, positive experiences, enjoyment, and excitement, while environmental concerns and dissatisfaction are potentially harmful to Bali’s destination image. The study provides valuable insights into tourists’ emotional sentiments, perceptions, and thematic patterns of behavior, which can inform tourism marketers and destination strategists, and contribute to the larger discussion of utilizing big data analytics in tourism marketing research.
One-step phase transferring method on preparing CuInS2/ZnS QDs dispersion via ultrasonic treatment for bioimaging
Authors: Permadi Adi , Shitophyta Lukhi Mulia , Satar Ibdal
Published: January 2024

Sonochemistry has many applications in biomedical engineering owing to its ability to break chemical bonds. It can also be used to facilitate the preparation of aqueous quantum dots (QDs) dispersions during microemulsion formati on. Cavitation, bubble growth and collapse during sonication facilitate the formation of microemulsions between a solvent and water. Sonication was employed in this study to prepare aqueous copper indium sulfide colloidal zinc sulfide (CuInS2/ZnS) QD dispersions using different solvent systems. The resultant QDs were characterized by UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, and dynamic light scattering. Hexane was determined to be the best solvent for the preparation of QD dispersions with the resultant QDs (30 nm in diameter) retaining their chemical integrity and >30% of their quantum yield. CuInS2/ZnS QD dispersions in water can be directly prepared without any non-polar solvent and it has shown high quantum yield. Further, it was also shown that less-toxic, which is efficient in labeling tumor cells derived from human liver cancer (HepG2). It’s evident that, sonication was found to be an efficient alternative approach for preparing aqueous QD dispersions without the need for surface modification, or the use of non-polar solvents during microemulsion formation.