bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provably Good Solutions to the Knapsack Problem via Neural Networks of Bounded Size
Authors: Hertrich Christoph , Skutella Martin
Published: May 2023

The development of a satisfying and rigorous mathematical understanding of the performance of neural networks is a major challenge in artificial intelligence. Against this background, we study the expressive power of neural networks through the example of the classical NP-hard knapsack problem. Our main contribution is a class of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with rectified linear units that are iteratively applied to each item of a knapsack instance and thereby compute optimal or provably good solution values. We show that an RNN of depth four and width depending quadratically on the profit of an optimum knapsack solution is sufficient to find optimum knapsack solutions. We also prove the following tradeoff between the size of an RNN and the quality of the computed knapsack solution: for knapsack instances consisting of n items, an RNN of depth five and width w computes a solution of value at least [Formula: see text] times the optimum solution value. Our results build on a classical dynamic programming formulation of the knapsack problem and a careful rounding of profit values that are also at the core of the well-known fully polynomial-time approximation scheme for the knapsack problem. A carefully conducted computational study qualitatively supports our theoretical size bounds. Finally, we point out that our results can be generalized to many other combinatorial optimization problems that admit dynamic programming solution methods, such as various shortest path problems, the longest common subsequence problem, and the traveling salesperson problem.

History: Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete. An extended abstract of this article, including Figures 1 – 7 , appeared in the Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, vol. 35, 7685–7693 ( Hertrich and Skutella 2021 ); see https://ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AAAI/article/view/16939 ; copyright © 2021, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

Funding: This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grants DFG-GRK 2434 and EXC-2046/1, Project 390685689] and the H2020 European Research Council [ScaleOpt-757481].
Tracheostomies and stroke: speech and language therapy as part of the multidisciplinary management of stroke in the UK
Authors: Howard Alice , Kadri Waiza
Published: May 2023

As early stroke management develops, more patients are surviving after a severe stroke and the prevalence of tracheostomies among the stroke population is increasing. Tracheostomy is an opening in the anterior trachea through which a tracheostomy tube is placed to maintain airway patency. Tracheostomy management requires a multidisciplinary approach, with important contributions from nursing and speech and language therapists, as well as other healthcare professionals. The presence of a tracheostomy tube greatly impacts the nature and complexity of the patients' care post-stroke. However, current stroke provision in the UK may not be meeting the needs of this population, particularly with regards to prolonged weaning and transfer to post-acute and community settings. Research is required to understand the current and future needs of this patient group, to ensure that appropriate services are commissioned and clinicians specialising in stroke have the required knowledge and training to provide quality care. This paper examines the prevalence of tracheostomy among stroke patients within a stroke unit and inpatient rehabilitation unit as a basis for examining this clinical area.
Insight Into Feasibility of Structure-Dependent Methods for Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Chang Shuenn-Yih
Published: May 2023

The first family of structure-dependent integration methods have been successfully developed for nonlinear dynamic analysis. Although its numerical properties were evaluated and its performance was numerically corroborated for both linear and nonlinear systems, its feasibility is still under debate due to the lack of a theoretical background. It seems that an eigen-based theory can provide a fundamental basis for the proof of the feasibility of structure-dependent integration methods. This can be manifested from each major stage of the development of structure-dependent integration methods. Therefore, the development of the first family of structure-dependent integration methods will be presented and the correlation between each major stage and an eigen-based theory will be explored and explained. Besides, this developing sequence can lay a typical procedure for developing a general structure-dependent integration method.
Multi-objective Design Optimization and Control Strategy for Digital Hydraulically Driven Knee Exoskeleton
Authors: Rituraj  , Scheidl Rudolf
Published: May 2023

This article presents a multi-objective design optimization strategy to determine an optimal design of digital hydraulically driven knee exoskeleton. To satisfy the overall goal of compact and lightweight design, four key design objectives are defined. Via genetic algorithm based multi-objective optimization technique, the pareto-optimal set of designs is determined and the trade-offs between the design objectives are analysed. Via decisions based on component availability and user-comfort, the dimensionality of the pareto-front is reduced to two and an exoskeleton design is selected that offers a good compromise between the design objectives.
For the actuation of the exoskeleton, an energy efficient control strategy is proposed which consists of using passive control during the stance phase and simplified model predictive control during the swing phase. The operation of the chosen knee exoskeleton design and the control strategy is investigated via numerical simulations. The results indicate that the exoskeleton successfully tracks the desired knee motion and delivers the required knee torque.
Scraping and Analyzing Data of a Large Darknet Marketplace
Authors: Yannikos York , Heeger Julian , Steinebach Martin
Published: May 2023

Darknet marketplaces in the Tor network are popular places to anonymously buy and sell various kinds of illegal goods. Previous research on marketplaces ranged from analyses of type, availability and quality of goods to methods for identifying users. Although many darknet marketplaces exist, their lifespan is usually short, especially for very popular marketplaces that are in focus of law enforcement agencies.
We built a data acquisition architecture to collect data from White House Market, one of the largest darknet marketplaces in 2021. In this paper we describe our architecture and the problems we had to solve, and present findings from our analysis of the collected data.
Multi-analytical Approach (FTIR, XRF, XRD, GC-MS) Characterization of Source Rocks from the Anza Basin, Kenya
Authors: Chesir Lorna Chemutai
Published: May 2023

Potential source rocks from three wells (Chalbi-3, Sirius-1, and Ndovu-1) in the Anza Basin of northeastern Kenya were analyzed using elemental carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen analysis, and mineralogical characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX).). A Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the saturated aliphatic biomarkers was carried out to illuminate the organic matter source. The analytical results revealed that the source rocks have moderate to high total organic carbon (%TOC) content, suggesting conditions in the Basin favor organic production and preservation. The Hydrogen Indices (HI: 0.19–0.60 atomic ratios) typify a predominance of mixed type II/III (oil/gas-prone) with more type III (gas-prone) and less II (oil-prone) kerogens. The FTIR, XRF, and XRD results reveal that the studied source rock samples comprised mainly of quartz, followed by silicate-clay minerals and calcite minerals. The solvent-extractable organic matter investigation revealed biomarker distributions of n-alkanes and isoprenoids (pristane/ phytane ratios), suggesting that source rocks were derived from algae and bacteria deposited weakly anoxic and low toxic environmental conditions, with minimal contribution from terrestrial organic matter sources. Consequently, all three wells have hydrocarbon generation potential, particularly Ndovu-1, which displays good organic matter content to produce oil and gas. The hydrocarbon potential is excellent and capable of making expulsions of oil and/or gas from the wells at sufficient depths.
Bioactive flavonoid from the Commelina obliqua Vahl. and its In vitro anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Singh Kesar , Yadava R N , Yadav Ritu
Published: May 2023

Commelina obliqua Vahl. This plant is a member of the Commelinaceae family, commonly referred to as the dayflower family. An entirely new bioactive compound recently discovered and identified 3, 5, 7, 3' 4′-pentahydroxy flavone-7-O-L-ribopyranosyl-3′-O-D-galactopyranoside having a melting point 320-22°C, molecular formula C26H28O16, m/z [595-H]- ESI-MS negative mode by different chemical color reactions, chemical decomposition, and spectral analysis 1HNMR, 13CNMR, Electron spray ionization mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. An in vitro anti-inflammatory test revealed significant anti-inflammatory effects besides the degradation of egg albumin. Compound M illustrated the more percentage inhibitory action (123.1974%) of protein denaturation at 500 μg/ml, and Diclofenac sodium demonstrated less inhibitory activity (120.0627%) at the equivalent combination. As a result, Compound M inhibits protein denaturation more effectively than Diclofenac sodium at the same combination. Therefore, compound M may utilize as an anti-inflammatory source.
Pulse-shaped high-energy and high-average-power fiber laser in the nanosecond regime
Authors: Wang Jianlei , Wang Chao , Zhang Ning , Lu Jingqi , Li Hongde , Li Xinghua , Liu Yuandong , Ueda Kenichi , Wang Chun , Zhuo Zhuang
Published: May 2023

A high-energy and high-average-power pulsed fiber laser has been
investigated in a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA)
configuration seeding with a diode laser at a programmed pulse
duration of ∼250ns . The fiber amplifier successfully
demonstrates the pulse with 21.4 mJ at the repetition rate of 50 kHz
and a maximum average output power of 1535 W with a
slope efficiency of 81.6% at 250 kHz. To overcome fiber nonlinearities
such as stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and self-phase modulation
(SPM), extra-large mode area ytterbium (Yb)-doped step-index dual
cladding fiber has been utilized as gain fiber in the MOPA laser
system. The gain saturation effect in the power amplifier was greatly
mitigated by the programmed seed signal. This pulse-shaped MOPA system
can provide practical applications in many fields such as laser
cleaning, paint stripping, and other applications requiring special
pulse shapes.
High-efficiency broadband fiber-to-chip coupler using a 3D nanoprinting microfiber
Authors: Fan Dong-Hui , Zhang Xing-Yu , Zhang Wei-Jun , Ma Ruo-Yan , Xiong Jia-Min , Wang Yu-Ze , Chen Zhi-Gang , Wang Zhen , You Li-Xing
Published: May 2023

We propose a method for coupling a tapered optical fiber to an inverted tapered SiN waveguide by fabricating a microfiber using 3D nanoprinting lithography. The microfiber consists of three parts: a tapered cladding cap, an S-bend, and a straight part, all composed of high-refractive-index material. Light is adiabatically coupled from the tapered fiber to the printed microfiber through the cladding cap. The light is then transmitted through the S-bend and the straight part with low loss and is finally coupled to the waveguide through the evanescent field. In the simulation, our design can achieve a high coupling efficiency (TE mode) of ∼97% at a wavelength of 1542 nm with a wide bandwidth of ∼768nm at the 1-dB cutoff criterion.
Equivalence between radial quadrature and finite series for spherical wave expansion of Bessel beams
Authors: Lin Jianxin , Zhong Shiliang , Shen Jianqi
Published: May 2023

The radial quadrature method was recently proposed for formulating the beam shape coefficients (BSCs) for shaped beams. A new deduction of BSCs using the R-quadrature method is presented in this paper, using the integral of the spherical Bessel functions in the interval ranging from zero to infinity. Based on the scalar description of the Bessel beam, the equivalence between the R-quadrature and the finite series (FS) method is confirmed. The spherical wave expansion of the scalar function allows us to simplify the formulation of the BSCs in the R-quadrature and the FS and to speed up the numerical BSC calculation. As a by-product, FS expansions of the associated Legendre functions are established, which we do not find in the literature.
Pulses of 32 mJ and 158 fs at 20-kHz repetition rate from a spatiotemporally combined fiber laser system
Authors: Stark Henning , Benner Maximilian , Buldt Joachim , Klenke Arno , Limpert Jens
Published: May 2023

A high-energy, high-power ultrafast fiber laser system based on spatiotemporal coherent combination is presented. Bursts of eight subsequent chirped-pulse amplification (CPA)-stretched pulses are amplified simultaneously in 16 parallel ytterbium-doped rod-type amplifiers. After spatial and temporal coherent combination of the total 128 amplified pulse replicas into a single pulse, it is compressed in a partially protective-gas-filled CPA compressor. Finally, nearly Fourier-transform-limited pulses with an energy of 32 mJ and a duration of 158 fs are emitted with a repetition rate of 20 kHz and a close to diffraction-limited beam quality.
Lasing chirality control of thin-film defect-mode lasers based on cholesteric liquid crystal polymer mirrors
Authors: Jau Hung-Chang , Feng Ting-Mao , Ke Yi-Jyun , Wang Chun-Ta , Lin Tsung-Hsien
Published: May 2023

This work investigates the emission chirality of a chiral distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser, which is composed by incorporating an isotropic medium containing laser dye between two cholesteric liquid crystal polymer films. The emitted laser showed different ratios of circularly polarized states corresponding to different pitch numbers of the chiral mirror. Through Berreman matrix numerical calculations and experimental results, we validated the variations of the emission chirality coupling in the defect resonance mode as a function of pitch numbers, as well as the effect of the defect layer thickness on the wavelength and mode number of the emitted laser. We also observed the cone-shape emission and examined the threshold of the lasing. The results successfully demonstrated the realization of DBR laser with controllable orthogonal circular polarization ratios in the emitted laser light. These results offer considerable potential for the development of micro-laser sources with different emission chirality and wavelengths for various applications.
Non-Hermitian propagation in equally-spaced Hermitian waveguide arrays
Authors: GARAY IVAN BOCANEGRA , Moya-Cessa Hector
Published: May 2023

A non-unitary transformation leading to a Hatano-Nelson problem is performed on an array of equally- spaced optical waveguides. Such transformation produces a non-reciprocal system of waveguides, as the corresponding Hamiltonian becomes non-Hermitian. This may be achieved by judiciously choosing an attenuation (amplification) of the injected (or exciting) field. The non-Hermitian transport induced by such transformation is studied for several cases and closed analytical solutions are obtained. The corresponding non-Hermitian Hamiltonian may represent an open system that interacts with the environment, either loosing to or being provided with energy from the exterior.
On the causes of gene-body methylation variation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pisupati Rahul , Nizhynska Viktoria , Mollá Morales Almudena , Nordborg Magnus
Published: May 2023

Gene-body methylation (gbM) refers to sparse CG methylation of coding regions, which is especially prominent in evolutionarily conserved house-keeping genes. It is found in both plants and animals, but is directly and stably (epigenetically) inherited over multiple generations in the former. Studies in Arabidopsis thaliana have demonstrated that plants originating from different parts of the world exhibit genome-wide differences in gbM, which could reflect direct selection on gbM, but which could also reflect an epigenetic memory of ancestral genetic and/or environmental factors.

Here we look for evidence of such factors in F2 plants resulting from a cross between a southern Swedish line with low gbM and a northern Swedish line with high gbM, grown at two different temperatures. Using bisulfite-sequencing data with nucleotide-level resolution on hundreds of individuals, we confirm that CG sites are either methylated (nearly 100% methylation across sampled cells) or unmethylated (approximately 0% methylation across sampled cells), and show that the higher level of gbM in the northern line is due to more sites being methylated. Furthermore, methylation variants almost always show Mendelian segregation, consistent with their being directly and stably inherited through meiosis.

To explore how the differences between the parental lines could have arisen, we focused on somatic deviations from the inherited state, distinguishing between gains (relative to the inherited 0% methylation) and losses (relative to the inherited 100% methylation) at each site in the F2 generation. We demonstrate that deviations predominantly affect sites that differ between the parental lines, consistent with these sites being more mutable. Gains and losses behave very differently in terms of the genomic distribution, and are influenced by the local chromatin state. We find clear evidence for different trans-acting genetic polymorphism affecting gains and losses, with those affecting gains showing strong environmental interactions (G×E). Direct effects of the environment were minimal.

In conclusion, we show that genetic and environmental factors can change gbM at a cellular level, and hypothesize that these factors can also lead to transgenerational differences between individuals via the inclusion of such changes in the zygote. If true, this could explain genographic pattern of gbM with selection, and would cast doubt on estimates of epimutation rates from inbred lines in constant environments.
Broad-scale factors shaping the ecological niche and geographic distribution of Spirodela polyrhiza
Authors: Cobos Marlon E. , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: May 2023

The choice of appropriate independent variables to create models characterizing ecological niches of species is of critical importance in distributional ecology. This set of dimensions in which a niche is defined can inform about what factors limit the distributional potential of a species. We used a multistep approach to select relevant variables for modeling the ecological niche of the aquaticSpirodela polyrhiza, taking into account variability arising from using distinct algorithms, calibration areas, and spatial resolutions of variables. We found that, even after an initial selection of meaningful variables, the final set of variables selected based on statistical inference varied considerably depending on the combination of algorithm, calibration area, and spatial resolution used. However, variables representing extreme temperatures and dry periods were more consistently selected than others, despite the treatment used, highlighting their importance in shaping the distribution of this species. Other variables related to seasonality of solar radiation, summer solar radiation, and some soil proxies of nutrients in water, were selected commonly but not as frequently as the ones mentioned above. We suggest that these later variables are also important to understanding the distributional potential of the species, but that their effects may be less pronounced at the scale at which they are represented for the needs of this type of modeling. Our results suggest that an informed definition of an initial set of variables, a series of statistical steps for filtering and exploring these predictors, and model selection exercises that consider multiple sets of predictors, can improve determination of variables that shape the niche and distribution of the species, despite differences derived from factors related to data or modeling algorithms.
A stochastic compartmental model to simulate intra- and inter-species influenza transmission in an indoor swine farm
Authors: Kontowicz Eric , Moreno-Madriñan Max , Ragland Darryl , Beauvais Wendy
Published: May 2023

Common in swine production worldwide, influenza causes significant clinical disease and potential transmission to the workforce. Swine vaccines are not universally used in swine production, due to their limited efficacy because of continuously evolving influenza viruses. We evaluated the effects of vaccination, isolation of infected pigs, and changes to workforce routine (ensuring workers moved from younger pig batches to older pig batches). A Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered model was used to simulate stochastic influenza transmission during a single production cycle on an indoor hog growing unit containing 4000 pigs and two workers. The absence of control practices resulted in 3,957 pigs [0–3971] being infected and a 0.61 probability of workforce infection. Assuming incoming pigs had maternal-derived antibodies (MDAs), but no control measures were applied, the total number of infected pigs reduced to 1 [0–3958] and the probability of workforce infection was 0.25. Mass vaccination (40% efficacious) of incoming pigs also reduced the total number of infected pigs to 2362 [0–2374] or 0 [0–2364] in pigs assumed to not have MDAs and have MDAs, respectively. Changing the worker routine by starting with younger to older pig batches, reduced the number of infected pigs to 996 [0–1977] and the probability of workforce infection (0.22) in pigs without MDAs. In pigs with MDAs the total number of infected pigs was reduced to 0 [0–994] and the probability of workforce infection was 0.06. All other control practices alone, showed little improvement in reducing total infected pigs and the probability of workforce infection. Combining all control strategies reduced the total number of infected pigs to 0 or 1 with a minimal probability of workforce infection (<0.0002–0.01). These findings suggest that non-pharmaceutical interventions can reduce the impact of influenza on swine production and workers when efficacious vaccines are unavailable.
Examining the convergence of dominant themes related to social entrepreneurship, NGOs and globalization–A systematic literature review
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Rizwan , Szabados György Norbert , Muhammad Khalid Bin , Omarli Sevinj , Murtaza Shah Ali , Molnár Edina
Published: May 2023

Social entrepreneurship (SE) is an all-encompassing concept in comparison to a typical non-government organization (NGO). It is a topic that has captured the interest of academics investigating nonprofit, charitable, and nongovernmental organizations. Despite the interest, few studies have examined the overlap and convergence of entrepreneurship and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in congruence with the new phase of globalization. The study gathered and evaluated 73 peer-reviewed papers using a systematic literature review methodology, mainly from Web of Science but also from Scopus, JSTOR, and Science Direct, and supplemented by a search of existing databases and bibliographies. Based on the findings, 71 percent of studies suggest that organizations must reconsider the concept of social work, which has evolved rapidly, aided by globalization. The concept has changed from the NGO model to a more sustainable one, such as that proposed by SE. However, it is difficult to draw broad generalizations regarding the convergence of context-dependent complex variables such as SE, NGOs, and globalization. The results of the study will significantly contribute to a better understanding of the convergence of SE and NGOs, as well as the recognition that many aspects of NGOs, SE, and post-COVID globalization remain unexamined.
Symptoms of major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury: A network analysis
Authors: Shi Shuyuan , Almklov Erin , Afari Niloofar , Pittman James O. E.
Published: May 2023

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI, or concussion) is a debilitating condition that often leads to persistent cognitive and mental health problems post-injury. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are two most commonly occurring mental health problems following mTBI and are suggested to be strong contributors to the persistent post-concussion symptoms. Thus, it is important to understand the symptomatology of PTSD and MDD post-mTBI, to better inform targets for behavioral health interventions. Therefore, the current study examined the symptom structure of post-mTBI co-morbid PTSD and MDD through network approaches; we compared the network structure of participants with a positive mTBI screen (N = 753) to the network structure of participants with a negative mTBI screen (N = 2044); lastly, we examined a network of PTSD and MDD symptoms with clinical covariates in a positive mTBI sample. We found that feeling distant/cutoff (P10) and difficulty concentrating (P15) were the most central symptoms in the positive mTBI network and sleep problems were the most prominent bridge nodes across the disorders. No significant difference between the positive and negative mTBI network were found through network comparison tests. Moreover, anxiety and insomnia were strongly associated with sleep symptoms and irritability symptoms, and emotional support and resilience were potential buffers against most of the PTSD and MDD symptoms. The results of this study might be particularly useful for identifying targets (i.e., feeling distant, concentration and sleep problems) for screening, monitoring and treatment after concussion to better inform post-mTBI mental health care and to improve treatment outcomes.
Identifying miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks on extreme n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio expression profiles in porcine skeletal muscle
Authors: Manaig Yron Joseph Yabut , Criado-Mesas Lourdes , Esteve-Codina Anna , Mármol-Sánchez Emilio , Castelló Anna , Sánchez Armand , Folch Josep M.
Published: May 2023

Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids with antagonistic inflammatory functions that play vital roles in metabolic health and immune response. Current commercial swine diets tend to over-supplement with n-6 PUFAs, which may increase the likelihood of developing inflammatory diseases and affect the overall well-being of the animals. However, it is still poorly understood how n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios affect the porcine transcriptome expression and how messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) might regulate biological processes related to PUFA metabolism. On account of this, we selected a total of 20 Iberian × Duroc crossbred pigs with extreme values for n-6/n-3 FA ratio (10 high vs 10 low), andlongissimus dorsimuscle samples were used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs. The observed differentially expressed mRNAs were associated to biological pathways related to muscle growth and immunomodulation, while the differentially expressed microRNAs (ssc-miR-30a-3p,ssc-miR-30e-3p,ssc-miR-15bandssc-miR-7142-3p) were correlated to adipogenesis and immunity. Relevant miRNA-to-mRNA regulatory networks were also predicted (i.e.,mir15btoARRDC3;mir-7142-3ptoMETTL21C), and linked to lipolysis, obesity, myogenesis, and protein degradation. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio differences in pig skeletal muscle revealed genes, miRNAs and enriched pathways involved in lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and inflammation.
Evaluation of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for drought tolerance using morpho-physiological traits under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions
Authors: Sewore Birhanu Mecha , Abe Ayodeji , Nigussie Mandefro
Published: May 2023

Increasing frequency of drought spells occasioned by changing climatic conditions, coupled with rise in demand for bread wheat, calls for the development of high yielding drought resilient genotypes to enhance bread wheat production in areas with moisture deficit. This study was designed to identify and select drought-tolerant bread wheat genotypes using morpho-physiological traits. One hundred and ninety-six bread wheat genotypes were evaluated in greenhouse and field experiments, under well-watered (80% of field capacity) and drought-stressed (35% of field capacity) conditions, for two years. Data were collected on five morphological traits (flag leaf size, flag leaf angle, flag leaf rolling, leaf waxiness and resistance to diseases) and 14 physiological traits. Relative water content (RWC), Excised leaf water retention (ELWR), Relative water loss (RWL), Leaf membrane stability index (LMSI), as well as Canopy temperature depression (CTD) at heading (CTDH), anthesis (CTDA), milking (CTDM), dough stage (CTDD) and ripening (CTDR) were estimated. Similarly, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD reading) was recorded at heading (SPADH), anthesis (SPADA), milking (SPADM), dough stage (SPADD), and ripening (SPADR). Significant (p<0.01) genotypic differences were found for the traits under both well-watered and drought-stressed conditions. Associations of RWL with SPADH, SPADA, SPADM, SPADD and SPADR were significant (p<0.01) and negative under both watering regimes. The first three principal components accounted for 92.0% and 88.4% of the total variation under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions, respectively and comprised all the traits. The traits CTDD, CTDM, CTDR, SPADH, SPADA, SPADM, SPADD and SPADR with genotypes Alidoro, ET-13A2, Kingbird, Tsehay, ETBW 8816, ETBW 9027, ETBW9402, ETBW 8394 and ETBW 8725 were associated under both conditions. Genotypes with narrow flag leaves, erect flag leaf angles, fully rolled flag leaves, heavily waxed leaves, and resistant to disease manifested tolerance to drought stress. The identified traits and genotypes could be exploited in future breeding programmes for the development of bread wheat genotypes with tolerance to drought.
Interpretable machine learning with tree-based shapley additive explanations: Application to metabolomics datasets for binary classification
Authors: Bifarin Olatomiwa O.
Published: May 2023

Machine learning (ML) models are used in clinical metabolomics studies most notably for biomarker discoveries, to identify metabolites that discriminate between a case and control group. To improve understanding of the underlying biomedical problem and to bolster confidence in these discoveries, model interpretability is germane. In metabolomics, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and its variants are widely used, partly due to the model’s interpretability with the Variable Influence in Projection (VIP) scores, a global interpretable method. Herein, Tree-based Shapley Additive explanations (SHAP), an interpretable ML method grounded in game theory, was used to explain ML models with local explanation properties. In this study, ML experiments (binary classification) were conducted for three published metabolomics datasets using PLS-DA, random forests, gradient boosting, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). Using one of the datasets, PLS-DA model was explained using VIP scores, while one of the best-performing models, a random forest model, was interpreted using Tree SHAP. The results show that SHAP has a more explanation depth than PLS-DA’s VIP, making it a powerful method for rationalizing machine learning predictions from metabolomics studies.
Implementation strategies and outcomes of school-based programs for adolescent suicide prevention: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Vargas Belén , Martínez Pablo , Mac-Ginty Scarlett , Hoffmann Tamara , Martínez Vania
Published: May 2023

Objective

This scoping review aims to identify and map the empirical literature on the implementation strategies and outcomes of school-based programs for adolescent suicide prevention (SBASP).

Introduction

School-based programs are preferred interventions for preventing suicide in adolescents, and their effectiveness has been well-systematized in several reviews. Implementation research is a growing field for prevention programs, making it possible to understand the nature of success or failure outcomes and maximize intervention benefits. However, there is a knowledge gap in the implementation research applied to adolescent suicide prevention in the educational context. We conduct a scoping review to provide the first overview of the scope of implementation research applied to adolescent suicide prevention programs in the school setting to know what implementation strategies and outcomes are reported by these programs and how they are evaluated.

Methods

The proposed scoping review will be conducted following six stages, including the definition of objectives. Studies must be empirical and address implementation strategies or implementation outcomes of school-based programs for adolescent suicide prevention. Studies that focused exclusively on clinical efficacy or effectiveness evaluation will be excluded. A preliminary search of PubMed was conducted to refine the initial search strings, followed by a final search of several other electronic databases. Finally, a gray literature search will identify unpublished literature and reduce location bias. There will be no limits to a specific date. Two independent reviewers will screen, select, and extract the retrieved records. The results will be presented using tabular forms and a narrative summary with attention to the review objectives and research questions and their implications for research and practice of school-based programs for adolescent suicide prevention.
Diurnal regulation of metabolism by Gs-alpha in hypothalamic QPLOT neurons
Authors: Gaitonde Kevin D. , Andrabi Mutahar , Burger Courtney A. , D’Souza Shane P. , Vemaraju Shruti , Koritala Bala S. C. , Smith David F. , Lang Richard A.
Published: May 2023

Neurons in the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) regulate multiple homeostatic processes, including thermoregulation and sleep, by sensing afferent input and modulating sympathetic nervous system output. The POA has an autonomous circadian clock and may also receive circadian signals indirectly from the suprachiasmatic nucleus. We have previously defined a subset of neurons in the POA termed QPLOT neurons that are identified by the expression of molecular markers (Qrfp, Ptger3, LepR, Opn5, Tacr3) that suggest receptivity to multiple stimuli. Because Ptger3, Opn5, and Tacr3 encode G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), we hypothesized that elucidating the G-protein signaling in these neurons is essential to understanding the interplay of inputs in the regulation of metabolism. Here, we describe how the stimulatory Gs-alpha subunit (Gnas) in QPLOT neurons regulates metabolism in mice. We analyzed Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice using indirect calorimetry at ambient temperatures of 22°C (a historical standard), 10°C (a cold challenge), and 28°C (thermoneutrality) to assess the ability of QPLOT neurons to regulate metabolism. We observed a marked decrease in nocturnal locomotion of Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice at both 28°C and 22°C, but no overall differences in energy expenditure, respiratory exchange, or food and water consumption. To analyze daily rhythmic patterns of metabolism, we assessed circadian parameters including amplitude, phase, and MESOR. Loss-of-function GNAS in QPLOT neurons resulted in several subtle rhythmic changes in multiple metabolic parameters. We observed that Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice show a higher rhythm-adjusted mean energy expenditure at 22°C and 10°C, and an exaggerated respiratory exchange shift with temperature. At 28°C, Opn5cre; Gnasfl/fl mice have a significant delay in the phase of energy expenditure and respiratory exchange. Rhythmic analysis also showed limited increases in rhythm-adjusted means of food and water intake at 22°C and 28°C. Together, these data advance our understanding of Gαs-signaling in preoptic QPLOT neurons in regulating daily patterns of metabolism.
Effect of ERCC1 polymorphisms on the response to platinum-based chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on Asian population
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Lu Wenping , Jiang Cuihong , Zhang Dongni , Zhang Weixuan , Cui Yongjia , Zhuo Zhili , Mei Heting , Wang Ya’nan , Zhang Mengfan , Chen Shuntai
Published: May 2023

Background

Platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for many cancers; however, the effect of chemotherapy varies from individual to individual. Excision repair cross complementation group 1 (ERCC1) is widely recognized as a key gene regulating nucleotide excision repair (NER) and is closely associated with platinum response. Many studies have yielded conflicting results regarding whether ERCC1 polymorphisms can affect the response to platinum and overall survival (OS). Therefore, it is necessary to perform a meta-analysis of patients with specific races and cancer types.

Methods

Eight databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Scopus, VIP, China Biology Medicine disc and Wanfang databases) were searched. Results were expressed in terms of odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

In this study, rs11615, rs2298881 and rs3212986 SNPs were studied. In the comparison between CT and TT on the response to platinum, esophageal cancer [I2= 0%, OR = 6.18, 95% CI(1.89,20.23), P = 0.003] and ovarian cancer [I2= 0%, OR = 4.94, 95% CI(2.21,11.04), P<0.001] showed that the rs11615 CT genotype predicted a better response. In the comparison between CC and TT, ovarian cancer [I2= 48.0%, OR = 6.15, 95% CI (2.56,14.29), P<0.001] indicated that the CC genotype predicted a better response. In the meta-analysis of OS, the CC genotype was related to longer OS than TT in ovarian cancer [TT vs CC: I2= 57.7%, HR = 1.71, 95% CI (1.18, 2.49), P<0.001].

Conclusion

The ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism was related to the response to platinum and OS, but the correlation is based on specific cancer types in the Asian population.
Exploring access to HIV-related services and programmatic gaps for Men having Sex with Men (MSM) in rural India- a qualitative study
Authors: Bangar Sampada , Mohan Uday , Kumar Sanjeev , Mahapatra Amarendra , Singh Shivendra Kumar , Kohli Rewa , Verma Archana , Katendra Tuman Lal , Rahane Girish , Shewale Suhas P. , Yenbhar Nayana , Verma Vinita , Saravanamurthy P. , George Bitra , Kushwaha Bhawani Singh , Das Chinmoyee , Rajan Shobini , Sahay Seema
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite the Link Worker Scheme to address the HIV risk and vulnerabilities in rural areas, reaching out to unreached men having sex with men (MSM) remains a challenge in rural India. This study explored issues around health care access and programmatic gaps among MSM in rural settings of India.

Methods

We conducted eight Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and 20 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) in four rural sites in Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh between November 2018 and September 2019. The data in the local language were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Data were analyzed in NVivo version 11.0 software using the grounded theory approach.

Results

Primary barriers to health care access were lack of knowledge, myths and misconceptions, not having faith in the quality of services, program invisibility in a rural setting, and anticipated stigma at government health facilities. Government-targeted intervention services did not seem to be optimally advertised in rural areas as MSM showed a lack of information about it. Those who knew reported not accessing the available government facilities due to lack of ambient services, fear of the stigma transforming into fear of breach of confidentiality. One MSM from Odisha expressed, “…they get fear to go to the hospital because they know that hospital will not maintain confidentiality because they are local people. If society will know about them, then family life will be disturbed” [OR-R-KI-04]. Participants expressed the desire for services similar to those provided by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), frontline health workers for MSM.

Conclusion

Programme invisibility emerges as the most critical issue for rural and young MSM. Adolescent and panthis emerged as Hidden MSM and they need focused attention from the programme. The need for village-level workers such as ASHA specifically for the MSM population emerged. MSM-friendly health clinics would help to improve healthcare access in rural MSMs under Sexual and Reproductive Health Care.
Feasibility of tobacco cessation intervention at non-communicable diseases clinics: A qualitative study from a North Indian State
Authors: Bhatt Garima , Goel Sonu , Grover Sandeep , Medhi Bikash , Jaswal Nidhi , Gill Sandeep Singh , Singh Gurmandeep
Published: May 2023

Background

One of the ’best buys’ for preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is to reduce tobacco use. The synergy scenario of NCDs with tobacco use necessitates converging interventions under two vertical programs to address co-morbidities and other collateral benefits. The current study was undertaken with an objective to ascertain the feasibility of integrating a tobacco cessation package into NCD clinics, especially from the perspective of healthcare providers, along with potential drivers and barriers impacting its implementation.

Methods

A disease-specific, patient-centric, and culturally-sensitive tobacco cessation intervention package was developed (published elsewhere) for the Health Care Providers (HCPs) and patients attending the NCD clinics of Punjab, India. The HCPs received training on how to deliver the package. Between January to April 2020, we conducted a total of 45 in-depth interviews [medical officers (n = 12), counselors (n = 13), program officers (n = 10), and nurses (n = 10)] within the trained cohort across various districts of Punjab until no new information emerged. The interview data wereanalyzed deductively based on six focus areas concerning feasibility studies (acceptability, demand, adaptation, practicality, implementation, and integration) using the 7- step Framework method of qualitative analysis and put under preset themes.

Results

The respondent’s Mean ± SD age was 39.2± 9.2 years, and years of service in the current position were 5.5 ± 3.7 years. The study participants emphasized the role of HCPs in cessation support (theme: appropriateness and suitability), use of motivational interviewing, 5A’s & 5R’s protocol learned during the training & tailoring the cessation advice (theme: actual use of intervention activities); preferred face-to-face counseling using regional images, metaphors, language, case vignettes in package (theme: the extent of delivery to intended participants). Besides, they also highlighted various roadblocks and facilitators during implementation at four levels, viz. HCP, facility, patient, and community (theme: barriers and favorable factors); suggested various adaptations to keep the HCPs motivated along with the development of integrated standard operating procedures (SOPs), digitalization of the intervention package, involvement of grassroots level workers (theme: modifications required); the establishment of an inter-programmatic referral system, and a strong politico-administrative commitment (theme: integrational perspectives).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that implementing a tobacco cessation intervention package through the existing NCD clinics is feasible, and it forges synergies to obtain mutual benefits. Therefore, an integrated approach at the primary & secondary levels needs to be adopted to strengthen the existing healthcare systems.
Cognitive representations of handball tactic actions in athletes–The function of expertise and age
Authors: Vogel Ludwig , Schack Thomas
Published: May 2023

The tactical cooperation for the optimal interaction of team members is an essential performance-determining variable in sports games. The underlying cognitive memory structures of cooperative tactical actions have so far been little researched. Therefore, this study investigated the cognitive memory structure of tactical knowledge of handball actions in teams of different expertise and age groups. In the first experiment, tactical mental representation structures (TMRS) of 30 adult handball players of two different level of expertise were investigated. In the second experiment, TMRS of 57 youth handball players from three age levels were investigated. In both experiments the TMRS was measured with the structure dimensional analysis of mental representation (SDA-M) method. The SDA-M commences with a splitting procedure of a given set of concepts and reveals with a cluster analysis the relational structures of the concepts on an individual and a group level. Experiment one revealed that the TMRS differed significantly between skilled either/or less experienced handball players. Skilled handball players showed a hierarchical organized representation that shared more features with the basic tactical structure of the handball game than less experienced players. The second experiment revealed age-related differences of the TMRS between the age groups of the U15, U17 and U19 teams. Further data analysis revealed significant differences of the TMRS between experienced and less experienced handball players and between local and regional competition level players. We conclude that our current findings suggest that tactical expertise is mediated by elaborate cognitive tactical knowledge in memory. Furthermore, our results indicate that tactical knowledge plays a substantial role during tactical skill learning as it differs as function of age, experience, and competition level. From this point of view, team representations of game situations can be seen as a crucial factor for efficient and common interaction in fast-paced team sports.