bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Arrays Distribution, Scan Sequence and Apodization in Coherent Dual-Array Ultrasound Imaging Systems
Authors: Peralta Laura , Mazierli Daniele , Christensen-Jeffries Kirsten , Ramalli Alessandro , Tortoli Piero , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: October 2023

Coherent multi-transducer ultrasound (CoMTUS) imaging creates an extended effective aperture through the coherent combination of multiple arrays, which results in images with enhanced resolution, extended field-of-view, and higher sensitivity. However, this also creates a large discontinuous effective aperture that presents additional challenges for current beamforming methods. The discontinuities may increase the level of grating and side lobes and degrade contrast. Also, direct transmissions between multiple arrays, happening at certain transducer relative positions, produce undesirable cross-talk artifacts. Hence, the position of the transducers and the scan sequence play key roles in the beamforming algorithm and imaging performance of CoMTUS. This work investigates the role of the distribution of the individual arrays and the scan sequence in the imaging performance of a coherent dual-array system. First, the imaging performance for different configurations was assessed numerically using the point-spread-function, and then optimized settings were tested on a tissue mimicking phantom. Finally, a subset of the proposed optimum imaging schemes was experimentally validated on two synchronized ULA OP-256 systems equipped with identical linear arrays. Results show that CoMTUS imaging performance can be enhanced by optimizing the relative position of the arrays and the scan sequence together, and that the use of apodization can reduce cross-talk artifacts without degrading spatial resolution. Adding weighted compounding further decreases artifacts and helps to compensate for the differences in the brightness across the image. Setting the maximum steering angle according to the spatial configuration of the arrays reduces the sidelobe energy up to 10 dB plus an extra 4 dB reduction is possible when increasing the number of PWs compounded.
Tumor Volume Distributions Based on Weibull Distributions of Maximum Tumor Diameters
Authors: Schneider Uwe , Radonic Stephan , Besserer Jürgen
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The distribution of tumor volumes is important for various aspects of cancer research. Unfortunately, tumor volume is rarely documented in tumor registries; usually only maximum tumor diameter is. This paper presents a method to derive tumor volume distributions from tumor diameter distributions. (2) Methods: The hypothesis is made that tumor maximum diameters d are Weibull distributed, and tumor volume is proportional to dk, where k is a parameter from the Weibull distribution of d. The assumption is tested by using a test dataset of 176 segmented tumor volumes and comparing the k obtained by fitting the Weibull distribution of d and from a direct fit of the volumes. Finally, tumor volume distributions are calculated from the maximum diameters of the SEER database for breast, NSCLC and liver. (3) Results: For the test dataset, the k values obtained from the two separate methods were found to be k = 2.14 ± 0.36 (from Weibull distribution of d) and 2.21 ± 0.25 (from tumor volume). The tumor diameter data from the SEER database were fitted to a Weibull distribution, and the resulting parameters were used to calculate the corresponding exponential tumor volume distributions with an average volume obtained from the diameter fit. (4) Conclusions: The agreement of the fitted k using independent data supports the presented methodology to obtain tumor volume distributions. The method can be used to obtain tumor volume distributions when only maximum tumor diameters are available.
Application of Vehicle-Based Indirect Structural Health Monitoring Method to Railway Bridges—Simulation and In Situ Test
Authors: Reiterer Michael , Bettinelli Lara , Schellander Janez , Stollwitzer Andreas , Fink Josef
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the vehicle-based indirect Structural Health Monitoring (iSHM) method has been increasingly used to identify the dynamic characteristics of railway bridges during train crossings, and it has been shown that this method has several advantages compared to traditional SHM methods. A major advantage is that sensors are just mounted on the vehicle, and no sensors or data acquisition systems need to be installed on the railway bridge. In this paper, the application of the vehicle-based iSHM method is demonstrated numerically and experimentally for determining the natural frequencies of railway steel bridges during train crossing. The coupled linear equations of motion of the train-bridge multi-body system are derived, and train crossing simulations are conducted numerically, considering different train speeds. Three different railway bridges are considered, and the train-induced vibration responses are calculated for both the train multi-body system and the railway bridge models. Different representative evaluation points are chosen for the wheelsets, bogies, and car bodies of the considered vehicle. To calibrate the numerical model, the resonance frequencies of an existing single-span steel bridge are measured in situ by the application of forced vibration tests. Besides the executed in situ measurements of the bridge, the considered crossing vehicle is also instrumented with several accelerometers at the wheelsets, bogies, and car bodies, and the vibration responses of both the bridge and the crossing vehicle are measured simultaneously during the duration of several train crossings with different train speeds. The recorded vibration responses are analyzed in the frequency domain and compared with numerical simulation results. It is shown that the first bending frequency of the considered railway bridge can be clearly identified from the computed frequency response spectra and that the vehicle-based iSHM method provides a promising tool for identifying the dynamic characteristics of railway bridges.
Existence Results for a Class of Fractional Differential Beam Type Equations
Authors: Bachar Imed , Eltayeb Hassan , Mesloub Said
Published: October 2023

Fractional differential beam type equations are considered. By using an efficient approach, we prove the existence and uniqueness of continuous solutions. An iterative scheme for approximating the solution is given. Some examples are presented.
On the Acoustic Radiation Force Affecting Two Liquid Drops Located in the Wave Field
Authors: Zhuk Oleksandr P. , Zhuk Yaroslav , Klimchuk Taras
Published: October 2023

A system of initially immobile spherical liquid drops placed in another liquid in the field of a propagating acoustic wave is considered. The acoustic radiation force acting on each spherical liquid drop is determined as the function of the incident wave frequency, making use of the solution of a problem of plane harmonic wave scattering on a system of two spherical bodies. The problem is solved by the variable separation method. To satisfy the boundary conditions on spherical surfaces, the expansion of the incident and reflected wave potentials over the spherical wave functions are used. Required constants in the solution are calculated from an infinite system of the algebraic equations, which is solved by a truncation method. It is established that the value of the acoustic radiation force affecting each liquid drop depends significantly on the densities, speed of sound in the outer and internal liquid, as well as on the distance between drops. It is also found that the acoustic radiation force has the same or opposite direction as the incident sound wave depending on its frequency. As result, at different frequencies, the liquid drops can start moving towards or further away from each other.
Common Fixed Point Results on a Double-Controlled Metric Space for Generalized Rational-Type Contractions with Application
Authors: Ahmad Khaleel , Murtaza Ghulam , Alshaikey Salha , Ishtiaq Umar , Argyros Ioannis K.
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, we prove several common fixed point theorems for generalized rational-type contraction mappings under several conditions in the context of double-controlled metric spaces. Further, we utilize a double-controlled metric space equipped with a graph to prove rational-type common fixed point theorems. Furthermore, we establish non-trivial examples to show the validity of the main results. These results improve and generalize already known results. At the end, we solve the Fredholm-type integral equation by utilizing the main results.
Quasi-Semilattices on Networks
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Meng Dazhi
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces a representation of subnetworks of a network Γ consisting of a set of vertices and a set of relations, where relations are the primitive structures of a network. It is proven that all connected subnetworks of a network Γ form a quasi-semilattice L(Γ), namely a network quasi-semilattice.Two equivalences σ and δ are defined on L(Γ). Each δ class forms a semilattice and also has an order structure with the maximum element and minimum elements. Here, the minimum elements correspond to spanning trees in graph theory. Finally, we show how graph inverse semigroups, Leavitt path algebras and Cuntz–Krieger graph C*-algebras are constructed in terms of relations.
Thermal Cues Composed of Sequences of Pulses for Transferring Data via a Haptic Thermal Interface
Authors: Shani Yosef Y. , Lineykin Simon
Published: October 2023

This research study is the preliminary phase of an effort to develop a generic data transfer method via human haptic thermal sensation (i.e., a coded language such as Morse or Braille). For the method to be effective, it must include a large variety of short, recognizable cues. Hence, we propose the concept of cues based on sequences of thermal pulses: combinations of warm and cool pulses with several levels of intensity. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of basing a generic data transfer method on haptic thermal cues using sequences of short pulses. The research included defining the basic characteristics of the stimuli parameters and developing practical methods for generating and measuring them. Several patterns of different sequences were designed considering the relevant data known to date and improved by implementing new insights acquired throughout the tests that were conducted. The final thermal cues presented to the participants were sensed by touch and clearly recognized. The results of this study indicate that developing this new method is feasible and that it could be applicable in various scenarios. In addition, the low impact measured on the user’s skin temperature represents an inherent advantage for future implementation. This report presents promising findings and offers insights for further investigations.
Translating Senotherapeutic Interventions into the Clinic with Emerging Proteomic Technologies
Authors: Dey Amit K. , Banarjee Reema , Boroumand Mozhgan , Rutherford Delaney V. , Strassheim Quinn , Nyunt Thedoe , Olinger Bradley , Basisty Nathan
Published: October 2023

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible growth arrest with profound phenotypic changes, including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescent cell accumulation contributes to aging and many pathologies including chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Targeted removal of senescent cells in preclinical models promotes health and longevity, suggesting that the selective elimination of senescent cells is a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating a myriad of age-related pathologies in humans. However, moving senescence-targeting drugs (senotherapeutics) into the clinic will require therapeutic targets and biomarkers, fueled by an improved understanding of the complex and dynamic biology of senescent cell populations and their molecular profiles, as well as the mechanisms underlying the emergence and maintenance of senescence cells and the SASP. Advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomic technologies and workflows have the potential to address these needs. Here, we review the state of translational senescence research and how proteomic approaches have added to our knowledge of senescence biology to date. Further, we lay out a roadmap from fundamental biological discovery to the clinical translation of senotherapeutic approaches through the development and application of emerging proteomic technologies, including targeted and untargeted proteomic approaches, bottom-up and top-down methods, stability proteomics, and surfaceomics. These technologies are integral for probing the cellular composition and dynamics of senescent cells and, ultimately, the development of senotype-specific biomarkers and senotherapeutics (senolytics and senomorphics). This review aims to highlight emerging areas and applications of proteomics that will aid in exploring new senescent cell biology and the future translation of senotherapeutics.
The Effects of Lipids on α-Synuclein Aggregation In Vitro
Authors: Ramirez Jennifer , Pancoe Samantha X. , Rhoades Elizabeth , Petersson E. James
Published: October 2023

The small neuronal protein α-synuclein (αS) is found in pre-synaptic terminals and plays a role in vesicle recycling and neurotransmission. Fibrillar aggregates of αS are the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. In both health and disease, interactions with lipids influence αS’s structure and function, prompting much study of the effects of lipids on αS aggregation. A comprehensive collection (126 examples) of aggregation rate data for various αS/lipid combinations was presented, including combinations of lipid variations and mutations or post-translational modifications of αS. These data were interpreted in terms of lipid structure to identify general trends. These tabulated data serve as a resource for the community to help in the interpretation of aggregation experiments with lipids and to be potentially used as inputs for computational models of lipid effects on aggregation.
Impacts of the DPP-4 Inhibitor Saxagliptin and SGLT-2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin on the Gonads of Diabetic Mice
Authors: Alshamrani Ali A. , Al-Hamamah Mohammed A. , Albekairi Norah A. , Attia Mohamed S. M. , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Nadeem Ahmed , Bakheet Saleh A. , Alanazi Wael A. , Attia Sabry M.
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that can cause systemic problems, including testicular dysfunction. Several diabetes medications have demonstrated potential adverse effects on the male reproductive system; however, the effects of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin have not been sufficiently examined. This investigation studied the impacts of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin treatments on the gonads in a male mouse model of diabetes. Testicular disturbances were assessed by sperm DNA damage, diakinesis-metaphase I chromosome examination, and spermiogram analysis. Our results showed more sperm DNA damage, more spermatocyte chromosome aberrations, lower sperm motility/count, and more sperm morphological anomalies in diabetic mice than in the control mice. Dapagliflozin significantly restored all examined measures to the control values in diabetic mice, unlike saxagliptin, which exacerbated the reduction in sperm count and motility. Both drugs significantly restored the gonadal redox imbalances in diabetic mice by decreasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and increasing glutathione levels. In conclusion, our study presents preliminary evidence for the safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin in alleviating testicular abnormalities induced by diabetes, making it a promising candidate drug for patients with diabetes in their reproductive age. As saxagliptin may have negative effects on fertility, its prescription should be avoided in young male diabetic patients.
Extrapyramidal Side Effects with Chronic Atypical Antipsychotic Can Be Predicted by Labeling Pattern of FosB and phosphoThr34-DARPP-32 in Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Prieto Sonia G. , Almeida Maria Camila , Silva João C. S. , Del-Bel Elaine , Echeverry Marcela B.
Published: October 2023

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) can be induced by neuroleptics that regulate the expression of transcription factor FosB and dopaminergic mediator DARPP-32 in the striatum. However, the long-term neurobiological changes in striatal projection neurons resulting from a cumulative dosage of typical and atypical antipsychotics are poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine the differential and long-lasting changes in FosB distribution and DARPP-32 phosphorylation in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc) associated with chronic antipsychotic-induced EPS. Male C57Bl/6J mice received daily injections of Olanzapine (Olz, 15 mg/kg), Clozapine (Clz, 20 mg/kg), or Haloperidol (Hal, 1 mg/kg), for a period of 11 weeks with a 4-day withdrawal period before the last dosage. Catalepsy for detection of EPS, along with open-field and rotarod tests, were assessed as behavioral correlates of motor responses. Additionally, FosB and phosphorylated-DARPP-32 immunohistochemistry were examined in striatal regions after treatment. All antipsychotics produced catalepsy and reduced open-field exploration, such as impaired rota-rod performance after Olz and Hal. The washout period was critical for Clz-induced side effects reduction. Both Olz and Clz increased FosB in NAc Shell-region, and phosphoThr34-DARPP-32 in NAc. Only Clz reduced phosphoThr75-DARPP-32 in the dorsal striatum and showed FosB/phosphoThr34-Darpp-32-ir in the NAc Core region. This study provides evidence that atypical antipsychotics such as Olz and Clz also give rise to EPS effects frequently associated with a cumulative dosage of typical neuroleptics such as Hal. Nevertheless, FosB/phosphoThr34-Darpp-32-ir in the NAc Core region is associated with hypokinetic movements inhibition.
Clinical Outcomes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with and without SGLT2 Inhibitor Treatment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nakhleh Afif , Othman Areen , Masri Amin , Zloczower Moshe , Zolotov Sagit , Shehadeh Naim
Published: October 2023

Aim: This study aimed to compare the clinical course and outcomes of DKA in T2DM patients who received treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors versus those who did not. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on T2DM patients who were admitted to the Rambam Health Care Campus with DKA between 7/2015 and 9/2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records. Outpatient mortality was monitored until 12/2022. Results: Of 71 T2DM patients admitted with DKA, 16 (22.5%) were on SGLT2 inhibitor treatment upon admission. SGLT2 inhibitor users had a higher BMI and were less likely to be treated with insulin. During hospitalization, the rates of acute kidney injury, concomitant infections, and inpatient mortality among SGLT2 inhibitor users were comparable to non-users. The median follow-up period was 35.1 months for the SGLT2 inhibitor users and 36.7 months for non-users. The long-term mortality from any cause was lower among the SGLT2 inhibitor users (12.5% vs. 52.7%, p = 0.004). In Cox regression analysis, SGLT2 inhibitor use was associated with a lower risk of long-term mortality from any cause (HR = 0.19, p = 0.04). Conclusion: T2DM patients with DKA who received SGLT2 inhibitors had lower long-term mortality from any cause compared to those who did not receive SGLT2 inhibitors.
First, Be a Good Citizen: Organizational Citizenship Behaviors, Well-Being at Work and the Moderating Role of Leadership Styles
Authors: Santos Reinaldo Sousa , Lousã Eva Petiz , Sá Maria Manuel , Cordeiro João Alves
Published: October 2023

The study investigates the effect of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) on well-being at work. The study further examines the moderating role of people and task-focused leadership styles between OCB on well-being at work. Individual-directed organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBI) and organizational-directed organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBO) will also be analyzed. A quantitative study was conducted and convenient sampling was adopted in selecting respondent workers (n = 200) in different Portuguese organizations. The results show that OCBs positively and significantly influence well-being at work. The strength of individual-directed organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBI) on well-being at work is stronger than that of organization-directed organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBO). Contrary to expectations, the relationship between leadership styles and well-being was not statistically significant, offering possibilities for discussion regarding the central importance usually attributed to leadership in the organizational context. However, leadership styles have a moderating effect between OCB and well-being at work, except when the employee adopts OCBO and the leadership style is people-oriented. The present study is innovative because it positions OCB as an antecedent in the relationship with well-being at work and investigates the moderating role of leadership styles in the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and well-being.
The Landscape of Adoptive Cellular Therapies in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Davis Lucy , Miller Rowan E , Wong Yien Ning Sophia
Published: October 2023

Ovarian cancers are typically poorly immunogenic and have demonstrated disappointing responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) offers an alternative method of harnessing the immune system that has shown promise, especially with the success of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in haematologic malignancies. So far, ACT has led to modest results in the treatment of solid organ malignancies. This review explores the possibility of ACT as an effective alternative or additional treatment to current standards of care in ovarian cancer. We will highlight the potential of ACTs, such as CAR-T, T-cell receptor therapy (TCR-T), tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and cell-based vaccines, whilst also discussing their challenges. We will present clinical studies for these approaches in the treatment of immunologically ‘cold’ ovarian cancer and consider the rationale for future research.
Enhancing Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutic Delivery with DG9, a Versatile Cell-Penetrating Peptide
Authors: Haque Umme Sabrina , Yokota Toshifumi
Published: October 2023

Antisense oligonucleotide-based (ASO) therapeutics have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of human disorders. Charge-neutral PMOs have promising biological and pharmacological properties for antisense applications. Despite their great potential, the efficient delivery of these therapeutic agents to target cells remains a major obstacle to their widespread use. Cellular uptake of naked PMO is poor. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) appear as a possibility to increase the cellular uptake and intracellular delivery of oligonucleotide-based drugs. Among these, the DG9 peptide has been identified as a versatile CPP with remarkable potential for enhancing the delivery of ASO-based therapeutics due to its unique structural features. Notably, in the context of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), DG9 has shown promise in enhancing delivery while maintaining a favorable toxicity profile. A few studies have highlighted the potential of DG9-conjugated PMOs in DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), displaying significant exon skipping/inclusion and functional improvements in animal models. The article provides an overview of a detailed understanding of the challenges that ASOs face prior to reaching their targets and continued advances in methods to improve their delivery to target sites and cellular uptake, focusing on DG9, which aims to harness ASOs’ full potential in precision medicine.
NAD+ Acts as a Protective Factor in Cellular Stress Response to DNA Alkylating Agents
Authors: Ruszkiewicz Joanna , Papatheodorou Ylea , Jäck Nathalie , Melzig Jasmin , Eble Franziska , Pirker Annika , Thomann Marius , Haberer Andreas , Rothmiller Simone , Bürkle Alexander , Mangerich Aswin
Published: October 2023

Sulfur mustard (SM) and its derivatives are potent genotoxic agents, which have been shown to trigger the activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and the depletion of their substrate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD+ is an essential molecule involved in numerous cellular pathways, including genome integrity and DNA repair, and thus, NAD+ supplementation might be beneficial for mitigating mustard-induced (geno)toxicity. In this study, the role of NAD+ depletion and elevation in the genotoxic stress response to SM derivatives, i.e., the monofunctional agent 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulfide (CEES) and the crosslinking agent mechlorethamine (HN2), was investigated with the use of NAD+ booster nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NAD+ synthesis inhibitor FK866. The effects were analyzed in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) or monocyte-like cell line THP-1. In HaCaT cells, NR supplementation, increased NAD+ levels, and elevated PAR response, however, did not affect ATP levels or DNA damage repair, nor did it attenuate long- and short-term cytotoxicities. On the other hand, the depletion of cellular NAD+ via FK866 sensitized HaCaT cells to genotoxic stress, particularly CEES exposure, whereas NR supplementation, by increasing cellular NAD+ levels, rescued the sensitizing FK866 effect. Intriguingly, in THP-1 cells, the NR-induced elevation of cellular NAD+ levels did attenuate toxicity of the mustard compounds, especially upon CEES exposure. Together, our results reveal that NAD+ is an important molecule in the pathomechanism of SM derivatives, exhibiting compound-specificity. Moreover, the cell line-dependent protective effects of NR are indicative of system-specificity of the application of this NAD+ booster.
An Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) Perfusion Density Maps in Patients Treated for Retinal Vein Occlusion with Intravitreal Aflibercept
Authors: Śpiewak Dorota , Witek Katarzyna , Drzyzga Łukasz , Mrukwa-Kominek Ewa
Published: October 2023

Aim: The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the reduction in non-perfusion area and improvement in blood flow as well as the reduction in retinal edema on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in patients with retinal vein occlusion treated with 2 mg intravitreal injections of aflibercept. Material and methods: Fifty eyes of nine patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and sixteen patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), aged 50 to 75 years, were collectively analyzed as retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The following parameters were analyzed: superficial vessel density (VDSF), deep vessel density (VDD), flow area in the outer retina (FAOR), choriocapillaris flow area (FACC), non-flow area (NFA) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Results: OCT-A revealed a reduction in macular edema. The most significant change in central retinal thickness (CRT) was observed between measurement timepoint “5” and the baseline (46%). The non-flow area was also reduced. Following a significant decrease in superficial vessel density 30 days after the first dose of aflibercept, a non-significant increase was noted at the subsequent timepoints. An increase was also found in deep vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area. Improvements in the above OCT-A parameters resulted in increased retinal blood flow and improved visual acuity. Conclusions: Patients with retinal vein occlusion treated with 2 mg aflibercept exhibited reduced macular edema and FAZ, increased vessel density, improved blood flow, and better visual acuity.
Method Comparison and Clinical Performance of Breast Cancer Tumor Markers on Novel Multiplex Immunoassay and Automatized LOCI Technology Platforms
Authors: Schröder Lars , Mallmann Michael R. , Domroese Christian M. , Wefers Natalie , Dolscheid-Pommerich Ramona , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Trulson Inga , Vahldiek Kai , Klawonn Frank , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: October 2023

Tumor marker determinations are valuable tools for the guidance of breast cancer patients during the course of disease. They are assessed on diverse analytical platforms that may be associated with differences according to the methods applied and the clinical performance. To investigate the method dependency and clinical significance of breast cancer protein tumor markers, CEA, CA 15-3, CA 125, CA 19-9 and AFP were measured in a total of 154 biobanked samples from 77 patients with breast cancer, 10 with DCIS, 31 with benign breast diseases and 36 healthy controls using a Millipore multiplex biomarker panel (MP) and an automized version of the routinely used Vista LOCI technology. The markers were compared between methods and investigated for diagnostic performance. CEA, CA 15-3 and AFP showed good correlations between both platforms with correlation coefficients of R = 0.85, 0.85 and 0.92, respectively, in all samples, but similarly also in the various subgroups. CA 125 and CA 19-9 showed only moderate correlations (R = 0.71 and 0.56, respectively). Absolute values were significantly higher for CEA, CA 15-3, CA 125 and AFP in the Vista LOCI as compared with the MP method and vice versa for CA 19-9. The diagnostic performance for discrimination of breast cancer from healthy controls was similar for both methods with AUCs in ROC curves for CEA (MP 0.81, 95% CI 0.72–0.91; LOCI 0.81; 95% CI 0.72–0.91) and CA-15-3 (MP 0.75, 95% CI 0.65–0.86; LOCI 0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.79). Similar results were obtained for the comparison of breast cancer with benign breast diseases regarding CEA (AUC MP 0.62, 95% CI 0.51–0.73; LOCI 0.64, 95% CI 0.53–0.74) and CA-15-3 (MP 0.70, 95% CI 0.6–0.81; LOCI 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.77). Both platforms show moderate to good method comparability for tumor markers with similar clinical performance. However, absolute levels in individual patients should be interpreted with care.
User Perceptions of Visual Blood: An International Mixed Methods Study on Novel Blood Gas Analysis Visualization
Authors: Gasciauskaite Greta , Lunkiewicz Justyna , Schweiger Giovanna , Budowski Alexandra D. , Henckert David , Roche Tadzio R. , Bergauer Lisa , Meybohm Patrick , Hottenrott Sebastian , Zacharowski Kai , Raimann Florian Jürgen , Rivas Eva , López-Baamonde Manuel , Ganter Michael Thomas , Schmidt Tanja , Nöthiger Christoph B. , Tscholl David W. , Akbas Samira
Published: October 2023

Blood gas analysis plays a central role in modern medicine. Advances in technology have expanded the range of available parameters and increased the complexity of their interpretation. By applying user-centered design principles, it is possible to reduce the cognitive load associated with interpreting blood gas analysis. In this international, multicenter study, we explored anesthesiologists’ perspectives on Visual Blood, a novel visualization technique for presenting blood gas analysis results. We conducted interviews with participants following two computer-based simulation studies, the first utilizing virtual reality (VR) (50 participants) and the second without VR (70 participants). Employing the template approach, we identified key themes in the interview responses and formulated six statements, which were rated using Likert scales from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) in an online questionnaire. The most frequently mentioned theme was the positive usability features of Visual Blood. The online survey revealed that participants found Visual Blood to be an intuitive method for interpreting blood gas analysis (median 4, interquartile range (IQR) 4-4, p < 0.001). Participants noted that minimal training was required to effectively learn how to interpret Visual Blood (median 4, IQR 4-4, p < 0.001). However, adjustments are necessary to reduce visual overload (median 4, IQR 2-4, p < 0.001). Overall, Visual Blood received a favorable response. The strengths and weaknesses derived from these data will help optimize future versions of Visual Blood to improve the presentation of blood gas analysis results.
Quadriceps Strength, Postural Stability, and Pain Mediation in Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comparative Analysis with Healthy Controls
Authors: Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Reddy Ravi Shankar
Published: October 2023

Bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) poses significant challenges to individuals’ functional abilities, including quadriceps strength, postural stability, and pain perception. Understanding the complex relationships among these factors is crucial for enhancing knee OA management strategies. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate and draw comparisons between the strength of the quadriceps and the level of postural stability in two distinct groups: individuals afflicted with bilateral knee OA and those who are healthy. Furthermore, the study seeks to examine the potential correlation between the strength of the quadriceps and the level of postural stability in individuals with knee OA. In addition to this, an investigation into the potential mediating effect of pain on the relationship between these physiological factors will also be conducted. A total of 95 participants with bilateral knee OA and 95 healthy controls were recruited. Quadriceps strength was assessed using dynamometry and postural stability was evaluated through anterior–posterior and medial–lateral sway measurements along with the ellipse area using a force plate. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Mediation analysis was employed to explore the role of pain in mediating the relationship between quadriceps strength and postural stability. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and mediation analysis. Knee OA participants exhibited significantly lower quadriceps strength (1.08 Nm/kg ± 0.54) compared to controls (1.54 Nm/kg ± 0.57, p < 0.001). They also demonstrated compromised postural stability with increased anterior–posterior sway (9.86 mm ± 3.017 vs. 2.98 mm ± 1.12, p < 0.001), medial–lateral sway (7.87 mm ± 2.23 vs. 3.12 mm ± 1.34, p < 0.001), and larger ellipse area (935.75 mm2 ± 172.56 vs. 436.19 mm2 ± 135.48, p < 0.001). Negative correlations were observed between quadriceps strength and postural stability variables (r = from −0.43 to −0.51, p < 0.001). Pain significantly mediated the relationship between quadriceps strength and postural stability variables (p < 0.05). This study highlights the associations between quadriceps strength, postural stability, and pain mediation in individuals with bilateral knee OA. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing quadriceps weakness and compromised postural stability. Additionally, the mediation effect of pain underscores the complexity of these relationships, offering insights for more effective management strategies.
Clinical Challenge of Two Competing Targetable Mutations in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Park Sonya Youngju , Yoon Hyukjin , Han Eun Ji , Yoo Ie Ryung
Published: October 2023

The development of therapeutic agents targeting products of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements has improved survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. EGFR and ALK mutations are generally regarded as mutually exclusive, and the presence of one in lieu of another influences the response to targeted therapy. We herein present an interesting case following the course of progression of a patient with synchronous lung cancers with a discordant mutation profile. The importance of this modality in the follow-up of lung cancer patients is illustrated, and the therapeutic implications of coexisting oncogenic drivers are briefly discussed.
Breast Cancer Detection and Prevention Using Machine Learning
Authors: Khalid Arslan , Mehmood Arif , Alabrah Amerah , Alkhamees Bader Fahad , Amin Farhan , AlSalman Hussain , Choi Gyu Sang
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer is a common cause of female mortality in developing countries. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes. Breast cancer develops from breast cells and is considered a leading cause of death in women. This disease is classified into two subtypes: invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques have made it possible to develop more accurate and reliable models for diagnosing and treating this disease. From the literature, it is evident that the incorporation of MRI and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is helpful in breast cancer detection and prevention. In addition, the detection strategies have shown promise in identifying cancerous cells. The CNN Improvements for Breast Cancer Classification (CNNI-BCC) model helps doctors spot breast cancer using a trained deep learning neural network system to categorize breast cancer subtypes. However, they require significant computing power for imaging methods and preprocessing. Therefore, in this research, we proposed an efficient deep learning model that is capable of recognizing breast cancer in computerized mammograms of varying densities. Our research relied on three distinct modules for feature selection: the removal of low-variance features, univariate feature selection, and recursive feature elimination. The craniocaudally and medial-lateral views of mammograms are incorporated. We tested it with a large dataset of 3002 merged pictures gathered from 1501 individuals who had digital mammography performed between February 2007 and May 2015. In this paper, we applied six different categorization models for the diagnosis of breast cancer, including the random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), logistic regression (LR), support vector classifier (SVC), and linear support vector classifier (linear SVC). The simulation results prove that our proposed model is highly efficient, as it requires less computational power and is highly accurate.
Transdisciplinarity and Reflective and Creative Thinking through Art in Teacher Training
Authors: Soto-González María Dolores , Rodríguez-López Ramona , Renovell-Rico Sonia
Published: October 2023

This article presents research on a creative and reflective thinking proposal conducted in the Early Childhood Education teaching degree program of the University of Valencia. The proposal was planned from a transdisciplinary perspective and combines art, technology and the Sustainable Development Goals from the 2030 Agenda. The study is linked to the Textile Cartographies international participatory project by the APECV (Association of Teachers of Expression and Visual Communication), in which 13 countries are involved. The research methodology is quantitative, using a validated questionnaire that helps evaluate the effectiveness of active transdisciplinary methodologies and art to promote reflective thinking. The total sample was composed of 117 students. The results of the questionnaire, which is structured into eight scales and a total of 48 items, reveal how activating reflective thinking leads to curiosity and surprise. This activation is driven by a transdisciplinary educational proposal which uses new technologies as a tool to create narratives and cartographies. In addition, importance is placed on cooperative group work, the contribution of ideas, and fostering creativity, giving value to experience for one’s own professional future.
Blue Is for Boys and Pink Is for Girls: How to Break Gender Stereotypes with a Videogame
Authors: Yañez Alma Gloria Barrera , Alonso-Fernández Cristina , Pérez-Colado Víctor Manuel , Fernández-Manjón Baltasar
Published: October 2023

Serious games (SGs) provide an opportunity to address social issues in an interactive environment that is particularly appealing and engaging for school-aged children. Gender stereotypes are one of the most prevalent gender-related issues in current society. Stereotypes appear at early ages and are a global problem, even if they are particularly prevalent in certain cultures and countries. This paper presents an early acceptance evaluation of Kiddo, a serious game, to address gender stereotypes in Mexico. The game has been designed to address four of the main gender stereotypes still present in children in Mexico, and it is intended to be used in classes by teachers to provide a common experience for the class and to start a discussion about gender stereotypes. The evaluation was carried out with a prototype of the game and consisted of two separate stages. First, we verified both the usability of the game and its acceptance with a sample including teachers and gender experts (10 participants). Second, we carried out a complete formative evaluation with teachers (32 participants) who will oversee the later application of the game to ensure their acceptance of the game as a tool to use in their classes. The initial results of both usability and acceptance questionnaires are promising and have provided a useful insight into the strengths and areas of improvement for the game, and they are being incorporated into the final version of Kiddo. Besides improving the game, these results are additionally being used to better understand teachers’ perspectives and enrich the companion teacher pedagogic guide to simplify the game application in the classroom.
Design of Efficient Concurrent Dual-Frequency Doherty Power Amplifier Based on Step Impedance Low-Pass Filter
Authors: Li Guojin , Xu Wenyuan , Nan Jingchang , Gao Mingming
Published: October 2023

In view of the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of wireless communication base stations, a Doherty power amplifier with high efficiency maintained at output power back-off (OBO) can effectively solve the problem of low efficiency of the traditional power amplifier at the point of power back-off. In this paper, we propose a method to implement a dual-frequency Doherty power amplifier (DPA) using a step-impedance low-pass filter to improve the bandwidth and efficiency of the DPA at output power back-off (OBO). Step impedance low-pass filters are used to solve the bandwidth limitations in traditional impedance converters and improve the efficiency of Doherty power amplifiers to a certain extent. In order to verify the proposed scheme, an efficient concurrent dual-band Doherty power amplifier operating at 2.0/3.5 GHz is designed and fabricated for the first range 1 (FR1) of 5G applications. In the measured results, the concurrent dual-band DPA achieves a saturated output power of 44 dBm and drain efficiency of 62% with a 6 dB back-off efficiency of 53% at 2.0 GHz and a saturated output power of 43.5 dBm and drain efficiency of 68% with a 6 dB back-off efficiency of 58% at 3.5 GHz.
Multi-Layer QCA Shift Registers and Wiring Structure for LFSR in Stream Cipher with Low Energy Dissipation in Quantum Nanotechnology
Authors: Jeon Jun-Cheol
Published: October 2023

Pseudorandom numbers (PRN) are used in various cryptographic applications, such as cryptographic protocols and stream ciphers. The most efficient hardware method used to generate PRNs is to use a Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) structure, which is generally composed of a Shift Register (SR) and an XOR gate. The most important factors in designing the entire LFSR structure are design cost and energy efficiency, which are highly dependent on the SR structure. In the proposed study, the structural characteristics and problems of existing various types of SRs are presented, and new multi-layered serial-in-serial-out (SISO) and parallel-in-parallel-out (PIPO) SRs are proposed. In addition, we compare and analyze the area-time complexity, design cost, and energy dissipation through simulation using QCADesigner and QCADesigner-E. As a result, the proposed SISO and PIPO showed a performance improvement of more than 27% compared to the existing structure, which showed the best performance, and showed energy dissipation reduction rates of about 65% and 59%, respectively. In particular, we proposed multi-layer wiring that can reduce energy dissipation and verified through simulation that it can save up to 24.8%.
Evaluation of Charging Methods for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Guan-Jhu , Chung Wei-Hsin
Published: October 2023

Lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy and power density characteristics, are suitable for applications such as portable electronic devices, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. Since the charging method can impact the performance and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries, the development of high-quality charging strategies is essential. Efficient charging strategies need to possess advantages such as high charging efficiency, low battery temperature rise, short charging times, and an extended battery lifespan. The challenges of charging algorithms encompass battery performance variation, temperature management, charging rate control, battery state estimation, and consideration of diverse charging requirements. Effective charging algorithms must strike a balance within these challenging conditions to ensure the battery’s longevity, high efficiency, and safety. This paper introduces and investigates five charging methods for implementation. These five charging methods include three different constant current–constant voltage charging methods with different cut-off voltage values, the constant loss–constant voltage charging method, and the constant power–constant voltage charging method. This paper will implement and compare the performance of the aforementioned five charging methods, including charging efficiency, battery temperature rise, charging time, and cycle life count, providing experimental data to enable users to choose a charging method more efficiently.
Virtual Assistants in Industry 4.0: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo , Lima Claudio , Pinto Tiago , Reis Arsénio
Published: October 2023

Information and Communication Technologies are driving the improvement of industrial processes. According to the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) paradigm, digital systems provide real-time information to humans and machines, increasing flexibility and efficiency in production environments. Based on the I4.0 Design Principles concept, Virtual Assistants can play a vital role in processing production data and offer contextualized and real-time information to the workers in the production environment. This systematic review paper explored Virtual Assistant applications in the context of I4.0, discussing the Technical Assistance Design Principle and identifying the characteristics, services, and limitations regarding Virtual Assistant use in the production environments. The results showed that Virtual Assistants offer Physical and Virtual Assistance. Virtual Assistance provides real-time contextualized information mainly for support, while Physical Assistance is oriented toward task execution. Regarding services, the applications include integration with legacy systems and static information treatment. The limitations of the applications incorporate concerns about information security and adapting to noisy and unstable environments. It is possible to assume that the terminology of Virtual Assistants is not standardized and is mentioned as chatbots, robots, and others. Besides the worthy insights of this research, the small number of resulting papers did not allow for generalizations. Future research should focus on broadening the search scope to provide more-significant conclusions and research possibilities with new AI models and services, including the emergent Industry 5.0 concept.