bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of perceived annoyance caused by an electric drone noise through its technical, operational, and psychoacoustic parameters
Authors: König Ronja , Babetto Laura , Gerlach André , Fels Janina , Stumpf Eike
Published: September 2024

Electric drones serve diverse functions, including delivery and surveillance. Nonetheless, they encounter significant challenges due to their annoying noise emissions. To address this issue, a sound database was created from experiments conducted in a hover-test-bench and real flights operated indoors. These experiments involved a wide range of parameter variations and operational conditions. A global digital user study involving 578 participants was conducted to assess drone noise annoyance. Furthermore, correlations between annoyance levels, psychoacoustic metrics, sociocultural factors, and technical/operational parameters were analyzed. The effects of implementing acoustic optimization modifications on the drone's performance were quantified with a conceptual design tool. The findings indicate that reducing the levels of loudness, sharpness, tonality, and roughness or fluctuation strength led to an improvement in annoyance. Differences in variable importance of psychoacoustic metrics dependent on the specific model were found. Sociocultural factors did not affect annoyance. Technical and operational parameters impacted annoyance, especially when reducing blade tip speed. A 20% reduction in tip speed showed potential through tool application as it maintained acceptable drone performance while beneficially targeting annoyance. A multi-disciplinary optimization is recommended to maintain operational efficiency. Last, psychoacoustic metrics were validated as an effective measure to evaluate a design solution.
Effects of cultural dynamics on everyday acoustic environments
Authors: Ramírez-Esparza Nairán , Jiang Shu , García-Sierra Adrián , Skoe Erika , Benítez-Barrera Carlos R.
Published: September 2024

Differences in acoustic environments have previously been linked to socioeconomic status (SES). However, it is crucial to acknowledge that cultural values can also play a significant role in shaping acoustic environments. The goal of this study was to investigate if social behaviors related to cultural heritage and SES could help us understand how Latinx and European college students in the U.S. have different acoustic environments. College students were given digital recorders to record their daily acoustic environments for two days. These recordings were used to (1) evaluate nearfield noise levels in their natural surroundings and (2) quantify the percentage of time participants spent on behavioral collectivistic activities such as socializing and interacting with others. Behavioral collectivism was examined as a mediator between cultural heritage, SES, and nearfield noise levels. Findings revealed that both SES and cultural heritage were associated with nearfield noise levels. However, behavioral collectivism mediated the relationship between culture and nearfield noise levels. These findings show that collectivist cultural norms significantly relate to Latinx' daily noise levels. The implications of these findings for public health and health inequities included promoting equitable auditory well-being and better knowledge of socio-cultural settings.
Optimal design of broadband, low-directivity graded index acoustic lenses for underwater communication
Authors: Cominelli Sebastiano , Braghin Francesco
Published: September 2024

Manipulating underwater pressure waves is crucial for marine exploration, as electromagnetic signals are strongly absorbed in water. However, the multi-path phenomenon complicates the accurate capture of acoustic waves by receivers. Although graded index lenses, based on metamaterials with smoothly varying properties, successfully focus pressure waves, they tend to have high directivity, which hinders practical application. This work introduces three 2D acoustic lenses made from a metamaterial composed of solid inclusions in water. We propose an optimization scheme where the pressure dynamics is governed by Helmholtz's equation, with control parameters affecting each lens cell's density and bulk modulus. Through an appropriate cost function, the optimization encourages a broadband, low-directivity lens. The large-scale optimization is solved using the Lagrangian approach, which provides an analytical expression for the cost gradient. This scheme avoids the need for a separate discretization step, allowing the design to transition directly from the desired smooth refractive index to a practical lattice structure. As a result, the optimized lens closely aligns with real-world behavior. The homogenized numerical model is validated against finite elements, which considers acoustic-elastic coupling at the microstructure level. When homogenization holds, this approach proves to be an effective design tool for achieving broadband, low-directivity acoustic lenses.
Numerical-experimental estimation of the deformability of human red blood cells from rheometrical data
Authors: Takeishi Naoki , Nishiyama Tomohiro , Nagaishi Kodai , Nashima Takeshi , Sugihara-Seki Masako
Published: September 2024

The deformability of human red blood cells (RBCs), which comprise almost 99% of the cells in whole blood, is largely related not only to pathophysiological blood flow but also to the levels of intracellular compounds. Therefore, statistical estimates of the deformability of individual RBCs are of paramount importance in the clinical diagnosis of blood diseases. Although the microscale hydrodynamic interactions of individual RBCs lead to non-Newtonian blood rheology, there is no established method to estimate individual RBC deformability from the rheological data of RBC suspensions, and the possibility of this estimation has not been proven. To address this issue, we conducted an integrated analysis of a model of the rheology of RBC suspensions, coupled with macrorheological data of human RBCs suspended in plasma. Assuming a nonlinear curve of the relative viscosity of the suspensions as a function of the cell volume fraction, the statistical average of the membrane shear elasticity was estimated for individual intact RBCs or hardened RBCs. Both estimated values reproduced well the experimentally observed shear-thinning non-Newtonian behavior in these suspensions. We hereby conclude that our complementary approach makes it possible to estimate the statistical average of individual RBC deformability from macrorheological data obtained with usual rheometric tests.
A cholinergic signaling pathway underlying cortical circuit activation of quiescent neural stem cells in the lateral ventricle
Authors: Naffaa Moawiah M. , Yin Henry H.
Published: September 2024

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) located along the lateral ventricles (LVs) of the mammalian brain continue to self-renew to produce new neurons after birth and into adulthood. Quiescent LV cells, which are situated close to the ependymal cells lining the LVs, are activated by choline acetyltransferase–positive (ChAT
+
) neurons within the subependymal (subep) region of the SVZ when these neurons are stimulated by projections from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Here, we uncovered a signaling pathway activated by the ACC-subep-ChAT
+
circuit responsible for the activation and proliferation of quiescent LV NSCs specifically in the ventral area of the SVZ. This circuit activated muscarinic M3 receptors on quiescent LV NSCs, which subsequently induced signaling mediated by the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1). Downstream of IP3R1 activation, which would be expected to increase intracellular Ca
2+
, Ca
2+
-/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ and the MAPK10 signaling pathway were stimulated and required for the proliferation of quiescent LV NSCs in the SVZ. These findings reveal the mechanisms that regulate quiescent LV NSCs and underscore the critical role of projections from the ACC in promoting their proliferative activity within the ventral SVZ.
ProNGF elicits retrograde axonal degeneration of basal forebrain neurons through p75
NTR
and induction of amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Dasgupta Srestha , Pandya Mansi A. , Zanin Juan P. , Liu Tong , Sun Qian , Li Hong , Friedman Wilma J.
Published: September 2024

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) extend long projections to multiple regions in the brain to regulate cognitive functions. Degeneration of BFCNs is seen with aging, after brain injury, and in neurodegenerative disorders. An increase in the amount of the immature proform of nerve growth factor (proNGF) in the cerebral cortex results in retrograde degeneration of BFCNs through activation of proNGF receptor p75
NTR
. Here, we investigated the signaling cascades initiated at the axon terminal that mediate proNGF-induced retrograde degeneration. We found that local axonal protein synthesis and retrograde transport mediated proNGF-induced degeneration initiated from the axon terminal. Analysis of the nascent axonal proteome revealed that proNGF stimulation of axonal terminals triggered the synthesis of numerous proteins within the axon, and pathway analysis showed that amyloid precursor protein (APP) was a key upstream regulator in cultured BFCNs and in mice. Our findings reveal a functional role for APP in mediating BFCN axonal degeneration and cell death induced by proNGF.
Phosphorylation of VapB antitoxins affects intermolecular interactions to regulate VapC toxin activity in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Malakar Basanti , Barth Valdir C. , Puffal Julia , Woychik Nancy A. , Husson Robert N.
Published: September 2024

Toxin–antitoxin modules are present in many bacterial pathogens. The VapBC family is particularly abundant in members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex, with 50 modules present in the
M. tuberculosis
genome. In type IIA modules, the VapB antitoxin protein binds to and inhibits the activity of the co-expressed cognate VapC toxin protein. VapB proteins may also bind to promoter region sequences and repress the expression of the
vapB-vapC
operon. Though VapB–VapC interactions can control the amount of free VapC toxin in the bacterial cell, the mechanisms that affect this interaction are poorly understood. Based on our recent finding of Ser/Thr phosphorylation of VapB proteins in
M. tuberculosis
, we substituted phosphomimetic or phosphoablative amino acids at the phosphorylation sites of two VapB proteins. We found that phosphomimetic substitution of VapB27 and VapB46 resulted in decreased interaction with their respective cognate VapC proteins, whereas phosphoablative substitution did not alter binding. Similarly, we determined that phosphomimetic substitution interfered with VapB binding to promoter region DNA sequences. Both decreased VapB–VapC interaction and decreased VapB repression of
vapB-vapC
operon transcription would result in increased free VapC in the
M. tuberculosis
cell. In growth inhibition experiments,
M. tuberculosis
strains expressing
vapB46-vapC46
constructs containing a phosphoablative
vapB
mutation resulted in lower toxicity compared to a strain expressing native
vapB46
, whereas similar or greater toxicity was observed in the strain expressing the phosphomimetic
vapB
mutation. These results identify a novel mechanism by which VapC toxicity activity can be regulated by VapB phosphorylation.

IMPORTANCE

Intracellular bacterial toxins are present in many bacterial pathogens and have been linked to bacterial survival in response to stresses encountered during infection. The activity of many toxins is regulated by a co-expressed antitoxin protein that binds to and sequesters the toxin protein. The mechanisms by which an antitoxin may respond to stresses to alter toxin activity are poorly understood. Here, we show that antitoxin interactions with its cognate toxin and with promoter DNA required for antitoxin and toxin expression can be altered by Ser/Thr phosphorylation of the antitoxin and, thus, affect toxin activity. This reversible modification may play an important role in regulating toxin activity within the bacterial cell in response to signals generated during infection.
Supplemental Material: Buckling contributes to both coseismic uplift and long-term fold growth in active fold-thrust belts
Authors: Huang Kai , Chen Kejie , Wu Lei , al. et
Published: September 2024

Methods of data processing and inversion, Tables S1–S3, and Figures S1–S12.  
Supplemental Material: Sediment supply variation control on Lower Eocene delta sequences (Tremp Basin, Spain)
Authors: Vaucher Romain , al. et
Published: September 2024

Two figures and one table providing additional information about the stratigraphic log, including Rock-Eval pyrolysis and carbon isotope data.  
Tumour-directed radiotherapy as a successful bridge to curative chemotherapy in early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma-associated vanishing bile duct syndrome
Authors: Knesl Alexandra , Mapp Sally , Tallis Caroline , Lee Yoo Young
Published: September 2024

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL)-associated vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a paraneoplastic phenomenon leading to cholestasis, end-stage liver failure and potentially death, due to cholestatic liver dysfunction typically precluding the commencement of curative intent chemotherapy. A female in her 20s presented with pruritus, jaundice and cholestatic hepatitis on laboratory tests, confirmed as VBDS on liver biopsy. CT of the chest demonstrated a mediastinal mass and widespread cervical lymphadenopathy. The patient received 30.6 Gy in 17 fractions to the involved sites of disease which led to a marked improvement in liver function, allowing curative intent chemotherapy to be initiated. The patient achieved complete metabolic response and at the most recent follow-up she had no signs of recurrent disease and near-normal liver function tests. This demonstrates that tumour-directed radiotherapy can be used as a potential bridge to curative chemotherapy in early stage HL-associated VBDS.
Prevalence of spontaneous movement disorders (dyskinesia, parkinsonism, akathisia and dystonia) in never-treated patients with chronic and first-episode psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kalniunas Arturas , James Katie , Pappa Sofia
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate and compare the prevalence rates of spontaneous movement disorders (SMDs), including dyskinesia, parkinsonism, akathisia and dystonia, in antipsychotic-naïve individuals with chronic psychosis and first-episode psychosis (FEP) and gain a more nuanced understanding of factors influencing their presence.

Methods

Several literature databases were systematically searched and screened based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Included articles underwent risk of bias assessment. The prevalence rates of SMDs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results

Out of 711 articles screened, 27 were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spontaneous dyskinesia was 7% (3% FEP and 17% chronic schizophrenia) across 24 studies (95% CI 3 to 11; I2=94%, p<0.01) and 15% for spontaneous parkinsonism (14% FEP and 19% chronic schizophrenia) in 21 studies (95% CI 12 to 20; I2=81%, p<0.01). A meta-regression analysis found a significant positive correlation between age (p<0.05) and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) (p<0.05) with dyskinesia but not parkinsonism prevalence. Akathisia and dystonia appear to be both less studied and less frequent in occurrence with a pooled prevalence of 4% (95% CI: 3 to 6; I2=0%, p=0.65) for akathisia in eight studies and a mean prevalence of 6% (range 0%–16%) for dystonia in five studies.

Conclusion

The presence of varying degrees of neurodysfunction in antipsychotic-naïve patients with schizophrenia underscores the need for individualised treatment approaches that consider each patient’s unique predisposition and neuromotor profile. Further research is warranted into the role of specific SMDs and risk factors including sex, race and diagnostic variations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024501951.
Child health-friendly neighbourhood: a qualitative study to explore the perspectives and experiences of experts and mothers of children under 6 years of age in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Akhbari Parisa , Keshavarz-Mohammadi Nastaran , Ramezankhani Ali
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Creating health-supportive environments is one of the key strategies for health promotion. The WHO launched the Healthy Cities Initiative which has inspired other international organisations to develop settings-based health initiatives, such as the Child Friendly Cities by UNICEF. Our study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of experts, city council staff and mothers of children under 6 years of age in the city of Tehran, Iran regarding child health-friendly neighbourhoods for children of this age group.

Design

The purpose of this qualitative research was to investigate the viewpoints and experiences of mothers of children under 6 years old as well as professionals. Data were collected from January to July 2022 through semistructured, indepth interviews using an interview guide. Data were analysed using the directed content analysis method with MAXQDA V.2020 software.

Setting

The study was conducted in Tehran, Iran.

Participants

Participants were selected from three main groups: experts, mothers and city council staff. Participants were invited to take part using variation purposive sampling techniques.

Results

Data analysis led to a definition of the concept of child health-friendly neighbourhoods for children under 6 years old, with 6 dimensions, 21 subdimensions and 80 characteristics. The six dimensions included the provision of neighbourhood green space, cultural centres, health centres, access to services, transport and security. The characteristics we identified had similarities and differences with UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities.

Conclusion

The concept of a child health-friendly neighbourhood for children under 6 years old is the result of a health-centred approach to a child-friendly city that provides a deeper understanding of the needs and services required to start a healthy life. This could contribute to further dialogue, research and actions to make all neighbourhoods a health-supportive environment as recommended by the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.
Alternative payment models in Dutch hospital care: what works, how, why and under what circumstances? Protocol for a realist evaluation study
Authors: Hendriks Celine Maria Rosanne , Vugts Miel Antonius Petrus , Eijkenaar Frank , Struijs Jeroen Nathan , Cattel Daniëlle
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The predominant provider payment models in healthcare, particularly fee-for-service, hinder the delivery of high-value care and can encourage healthcare providers to prioritise the volume of care over the value of care. To address these issues, healthcare providers, payers and policymakers are increasingly experimenting with alternative payment models (APMs), such as shared savings (SS) and bundled payment (BP). Despite a growing body of literature on APMs, there is still limited insight into what works in developing and implementing successful APMs, as well as how, why and under what circumstances. This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to (1) identify these circumstances and reveal the underlying mechanisms through which outcomes are achieved and (2) identify transferrable lessons for successful APMs in practice.

Methods and analysis

Drawing on realist evaluation principles, this study will employ an iterative three-step approach to elicit a programme theory that describes the relationship between context, mechanisms and outcomes of APMs. The first step involves a literature review to identify the initial programme theory. The second step entails empirical testing of this theory via a multiple case study design including seven SS and BP initiatives in Dutch hospital care. We will use various qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews with involved stakeholders, document analysis and difference-in-differences analyses. In the final step, these data and the applicable formal theories will be combined to test and refine the (I)PT and address the research objectives.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Review Committee of Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management (Project ID ETH2122-0170). Where necessary, informed consent will be obtained from study participants. Among other means, study results will be disseminated through a publicly available manual for stakeholders (eg, healthcare providers and payers), publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and (inter)national conference presentations.
Analysing space-time patterns of maternal mortality attributed to anaemia in Karnataka, India: a spatial epidemiological study
Authors: K S Sahana , G Bhuvanesh , Basavegowda Madhu , D Sunil Kumar , M C Manjunatha , D V S K Manasa Priya , M Chaithra , M Mounikasree , B C Sulochanadevi , C Suhasini
Published: September 2024

Background

Maternal health is a globally important health challenge and is the key indicator of healthcare services in any given region. One of the main objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 1-lakh live births. Most data on maternal mortality are collected and analysed on global, national and subnational levels and regional levels are lacking. Anaemia is one of the major causes of maternal death in India and its data visualisation using geospatial mapping plays a significant role in addressing the emerging need for improved spatial investigation. Geospatial studies of maternal mortality can help policy-makers to prioritise resources by pinpointing geographical areas for implementation.

Methodology

Spatial data analysis is effectively used in assessing the spatial distribution of maternal deaths, which are attributed to anaemia as a risk factor for maternal deaths. The data on maternal deaths in Karnataka were acquired and analysed at district level for the years 2017–2022 and thematic maps were generated in geographical information system environment. Further, areal interpolation analysis was explored in deriving the layers that predict the underlying risk of maternal deaths attributed to anaemia in the present study using the available data.

Results

Five out of 30 districts showed more than 10% of maternal deaths attributed to anaemia during 2017–2020 while these numbers were increased to 10 during 2020–2021 and later reduced to 6 districts during 2021–2022. Areal interpolation revealed the highest risk areas of maternal deaths attributed to anaemia in Karnataka for the past 5 years (2017–2018 to 2021–2022).

Conclusion

Study concluded that by providing a spatial perspective, geospatial analysis has the potential to transform maternal healthcare. Anaemia-related maternal deaths can be minimised by providing specific interventions among disadvantaged women in the Karnataka region.
Investigating secondary hypertension in cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Zeicu Claudia , Fisk Marie , Evans Nicholas Richard
Published: September 2024

Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke in the UK and worldwide. In recent years, stroke incidence has increased by 30%–41.5% in people aged under 64 years, with the prevalence of hypertension increasing by 4%–11%. Given that 5%–10% of people with hypertension in the general population have an underlying cause for their elevated blood pressure, it is important that all clinicians should maintain a high clinical suspicion for secondary hypertension. This review provides a clinical perspective of when to consider the underlying causes of secondary hypertension, with investigation algorithms for patients presenting with stroke and hypertension. Early involvement of hypertension specialist services is important to identify secondary causes of hypertension, as its effective control reduces cardiovascular-associated morbidity.
Evolving Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine fellowship application process: a program director survey
Authors: Lim Michelle , Jeng Christina L , Burnett Garrett W , Park Chang H
Published: September 2024

Background and objectives

Most Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM) fellowship programs transitioned to virtual interviews in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, the RAAPM fellowship match started in 2023 in order to make the application process more equitable. In this study, we surveyed RAAPM fellowship program directors (PDs) to determine how such major events of the early 2020s shaped the fellowship application process.

Methods

A 16-question survey was distributed to US RAAPM program directors. The survey aimed to assess whether PDs prefer the fellowship match over the previous rolling application format and to gauge PDs’ confidence in using virtual interviews to evaluate applicants.

Results

56 (71%) RAAPM program directors completed the survey. 79% of respondents participated in the inaugural match. 59% of PDs preferred the fellowship match over the rolling application format. The interview was rated the most important selection criterion. Of the 93% of PDs who switched to virtual interviews during the pandemic, only 4 PDs (7%) resumed in-person interviews in some capacity. Majority of PDs believed that virtual interviews were not inferior to in-person interviews for assessing applicants; 48% of respondents preferred virtual interviews over in-person interviews.

Conclusions

Most RAAPM programs continued to conduct virtual interviews exclusively. Majority of program directors preferred the fellowship match. PDs ranked the interview as the most important selection factor. Most PDs thought virtual interviews were not inferior to in-person interviews, but they remained divided on which format they prefer.
Microfluidic devices as miniaturized screening and diagnostic approaches for gynecological cancers detection
Authors: Suboh Sana , Ogata Alana
Published: September 2024

Gynecological cancers, including cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, contribute to a significant portion of female cancer-related deaths. Despite advancements in cancer detection, these diseases continue to pose challenges due to limited cost-effective screening methods and late-stage diagnoses. This review paper focuses on the utilization of microfluidic devices (MFDs) as a cost-effective tool for diagnosing and screening gynecological cancers. MFDs are portable instruments capable of sample separation, extraction, dilution, mixing, and biomarker detection. Their compact size and efficiency make them advantageous for comprehensive sample analysis. The emergence of microfluidic point-of-care devices offers potential for developing biomarker-based screening technologies and facilitating early detection of gynecological cancers. This paper aims to consolidate the knowledge and findings surrounding the utilization of MFDs in gynecological cancer research by summarizing the current literatures that exist between 2006 and 2023. The review of previous research in this area will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the recent state of utilizing MFDs for gynecological cancer screening and detection as it will shed light on the advancements made thus far and provide insights into the future prospects and potential directions of research in this field.
Exfoliated layered nanosheets of orthorhombic SnS, subjected to 90 MeV carbon ion irradiation
Authors: Tamuli Stuti , Mohanta D. , Singh Fouran
Published: September 2024

Derived through liquid phase exfoliation, the irradiation response of nanoscale, exfoliated tin sulfide (SnS) systems are being reported in this work. The SnS nanosheets were exposed to 90[Formula: see text]MeV [Formula: see text] ion beams across fluences ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ions/cm2. With an electronic energy loss ([Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text]56[Formula: see text]eV/Å, dominating over the nuclear energy loss ([Formula: see text]), the average crystallite size of the irradiated samples displayed an augment when compared to its pristine counterpart. Exhibiting an orthorhombic crystal structure, structural analyses of both pristine and irradiated samples were conducted via X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Raman analysis has manifested some modifications in the SnS nanosystem upon radiation exposure, particularly with higher fluences causing local structural disorder and amorphization of the material. Moreover, morphological changes in the irradiated SnS samples were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), with AFM images revealing an increase in the root mean square (RMS) roughness corresponding to ion fluence. Furthermore, swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation prompted a non-rectifying Ohmic [Formula: see text] characteristics and altered the electrical conductivity of the SnS nanosheets.
Synergizing Quality-Diversity with Descriptor-Conditioned Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Faldor Maxence , Chalumeau Félix , Flageat Manon , Cully Antoine
Published: September 2024

A hallmark of intelligence is the ability to exhibit a wide range of effective behaviors. Inspired by this principle, Quality-Diversity algorithms, such as MAP-Elites, are evolutionary methods designed to generate a set of diverse and high-fitness solutions. However, as a genetic algorithm, MAP-Elites relies on random mutations, which can become inefficient in high-dimensional search spaces, thus limiting its scalability to more complex domains, such as learning to control agents directly from high-dimensional inputs. To address this limitation, advanced methods like PGA-MAP-Elites and DCG-MAP-Elites have been developed, which combine actor-critic techniques from Reinforcement Learning with MAP-Elites, significantly enhancing the performance and efficiency of Quality-Diversity algorithms in complex, high-dimensional tasks. While these methods have successfully leveraged the trained critic to guide more effective mutations, the potential of the trained actor remains underutilized in improving both the quality and diversity of the evolved population. In this work, we introduce DCRL-MAP-Elites, an extension of DCG-MAP-Elites that utilizes the descriptor-conditioned actor as a generative model to produce diverse solutions, which are then injected into the offspring batch at each generation. Additionally, we present an empirical analysis of the fitness and descriptor reproducibility of the solutions discovered by each algorithm. Finally, we present a second empirical analysis shedding light on the synergies between the different variations operators and explaining the performance improvement from PGA-MAP-Elites to DCRL-MAP-Elites.
Explaining the Explainers in Graph Neural Networks: a Comparative Study
Authors: Longa Antonio , Azzolin Steve , Santin Gabriele , Cencetti Giulia , Lio Pietro , Lepri Bruno , Passerini Andrea
Published: September 2024

Following a fast initial breakthrough in graph-based learning, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have reached a widespread application in many science and engineering fields, prompting the need for methods to understand their decision process. GNN explainers have started to emerge in recent years, with a multitude of methods both novel or adapted from other domains. To sort out this plethora of alternative approaches, several studies have benchmarked the performance of different explainers in terms of various explainability metrics. However, these earlier works make no attempts at providing insights into why different GNN architectures are more or less explainable or which explainer should be preferred in a given setting. In this survey we fill these gaps by devising a systematic experimental study, which tests 12 explainers on eight representative message-passing architectures trained on six carefully designed graph and node classification datasets. With our results we provide key insights on the choice and applicability of GNN explainers, we isolate key components that make them usable and successful and provide recommendations on how to avoid common interpretation pitfalls. We conclude by highlighting open questions and directions of possible future research.
Denoising Alignment with Large Language Model for Recommendation
Authors: Peng Yingtao , Gao Chen , Zhang Yu , Dan Tangpeng , Du Xiaoyi , Luo Hengliang , Li Yong , Meng Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

The mainstream approach of GNN-based recommendation aggregates high-order ID information associated with the node in the user-item graph. The aggregation pattern using ID as signal has two disadvantages: lack of textual semantics and the impact of interaction noise. These disadvantages pose a threat to effectively learn user preferences, especially in capturing intricate user-item semantic relationships. Although
large language models (LLMs)
allow the integration of rich textual information into recommenders and have had groundbreaking applications in recommender systems, current works need to bridge the gap between different representation spaces. This is because LLM-based methods align the representations of GNN-based models only by using text embedding of LLM, leading to unsatisfactory results. To address this challenge, we propose a
denoising
alignment framework
with LLMs for GNN-based recommenders (DALR)
, which aims to align structural representation with textual representation and mitigate the effects of noise. Specifically, we propose a modeling framework that integrates the representation of graph structure with textual information from LLMs to capture intricate user-item interactions. We also suggest an alignment paradigm to enhance representation performance by aligning semantic signals from LLMs and structural features from GNN models. Additionally, we introduce a contrastive learning scheme to relieve the impact of noise and improve model performance. Extensive experiments on public datasets demonstrate that our model consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art methods. DALR achieves improvements ranging from 2.82% to 12.20% in Recall@5 and from 1.04% to 3.48% in NDCG@5 compared to the strongest baseline model, using the Steam dataset as an example.
Effects of Contact Loss at Electrolyte/Negative Electrode Interface on Current Density Distribution in Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Molel Evans Leshinka , Lewis John A. , Sandoval Stephanie E. , Nelson D. Lars , McDowell Matthew T. , Fuller Thomas F.
Published: September 2024

Cyclic volume changes and non-uniform electrodeposition/stripping, among other cycling-induced chemo-mechanical degradation of lithium metal and lithium-alloy solid state batteries, lead to contact loss between the anode and the solid electrolyte separator. Operando experiments have shown accelerated short-circuiting behavior due to contact loss in “anode-free” solid-state batteries. Simulations have shown the relationship between active area fraction and the ratio of effective conductivities in regular-shape active area configurations. Through modeling experiments using imputed active contact area of lithium-metal negative electrode batteries, we quantify the effects of this contact loss. Specifically, we (1) quantify the interfacial resistance due to this contact loss, (2) show non-uniform local current density distribution such that evaluation of what area fraction has current exceeding critical current densities is possible, and (3) show non-uniform reaction distribution at the positive electrode. This work sheds light on the tradeoffs in the design of solid state batteries within the context of contact loss.
Categories of the Patient‐Specific Functional Scale Activities in Chronic Neck Pain and Their Relationship to the Neck Disability Index
Authors: Van Gorp Barbara , Lesnak Joseph , Fleagle Timothy , Hulshizer Kyle , Nielsen-Wise Ashley , Kestel Lisabeth , Vance Carol , Sluka Kathleen A.
Published: September 2024

Intoduction: Common outcome measures for chronic neck pain are the Patient‐Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and the neck disability index (NDI). The primary aim was to categorize the top‐rated, patient‐selected functional activity limitations of the PSFS to determine if there were consistent limited functional activities for individuals with chronic neck pain and how these compared to the constructs of activities on the NDI. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between scores for individuals who completed both the NDI and PSFS.

Design: A retrospective review of data extracted from the electronic medical record, EPIC, within two hospital‐based outpatient physical therapy clinics within a health care system.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on individual’s characteristics, self‐selected functional activity limitations, and total scores of the PSFS and NDI. Most common categories of self‐selected functional activity limitations were developed by practicing physical therapists. These functional activity limitation categories of the PSFS were compared to the activities of the NDI. Mean PSFS total scores were correlated with the NDI total scores with Spearman’s test.

Results: Participants were individuals with chronic neck pain from January 2013–September 2018 (n = 2283). Movement‐based activities accounted for 60.8% of the functional activity limitations of the PSFS with the top functional activity limitations being cervical motion and exercise (32%). The PSFS total score moderately correlated with NDI (r = −0.50, p = <0.01) which may relate to the differences in constructs of the NDI and the top patient‐selected PSFS functional activity limitations found in this analysis.

Conclusion: The results suggest that individuals with chronic neck pain present with similar categories of self‐selected functional activity limitations that differ from activities of the NDI. Additional research is needed to improve outcome measures to capture patient‐selected functional activity limitations and an individual’s pain experience.
Case Study: Analyzing CFTR Mutations and SNPs in Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients with Unclear Symptoms
Authors: Yousaf Sahar , Sumaira  , Bano Iqbal , Rehman Atia , Kousar Samra , Ghani Muhammad Usman , Shahid Mariam
Published: September 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic monogenic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, marked by persistent airway infections in the endobronchial region. This condition leads to the gradual development of bronchiectasis and, ultimately, respiratory failure, emerging as the primary cause of mortality in individuals diagnosed with CF. Diagnosis is done depending on the patient’s symptoms and lung radiological findings like chest X‐rays and CTs. In younger patients and children, diagnosis becomes difficult due to overlapping symptoms with other diseases such as CF which is a rare genetic disease in our population. Diagnosis of CF usually relies on characteristic symptoms, a family history of CF, and an abnormal sweat chloride test, but in children, low sweat production during testing leads to false negative results. In this case report, a suspected patient with ambiguous respiratory symptoms underwent a comprehensive investigation revealing elevated CRP levels, TLC, and characteristic pulmonary manifestations on chest X‐ray, suggesting cystic fibrosis. Despite negative sweat chloride tests, the patient was analysed for potential candidate SNPs and was also tested for potential CFTR mutations to rule out CF, genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Genetic testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing cystic fibrosis, even when traditional tests are inconclusive. Specific mutations like Δ508 deletion and rs213950 guide personalized treatment. Consanguinity and family history highlight genetic predisposition, while environmental factors may influence symptom onset. Further research is needed to understand these complexities and improve diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Supplementary Table 9 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

MEC-1 rMATS splicing output
Supplementary Table 8 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

HG-3 rMATS splicing output
Supplementary Table 6 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

CLL rMATS splicing output
Supplementary Table 3 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

PegRNA and sgRNA spacers
Supplementary Table 2 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

Cloning and mutagenesis primers
Supplementary Figure 4 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

FACS sorting and RhAMP SNP screening yield isogenic SF3B1 mutant clones
Figure 5 from Engineering Oncogenic Hotspot Mutations on SF3B1 via CRISPR-Directed PRECIS Mutagenesis
Authors: Fernandez Mike M. , Yu Lei , Jia Qiong , Wang Xuesong , Hart Kevyn L. , Jia Zhenyu , Lin Ren-Jang , Wang Lili
Published: September 2024

SF3B1 mutation induces LOY in both cell lines and CLL patient samples. A, DEG analysis of HG-3 SF3B1 mutant vs. WT cell lines. Log2FC ≥1 and ≤−1 and adjusted P value <0.05 chosen as statistical cutoffs. B, Schematic depiction of chromosome (top) Y and (bottom) 12 with PCR targets and loci indicated. C, PCR of Y chromosome genes in genomic DNA of HG-3 SF3B1 WT and mutant cell lines. D, Top, Timeline for the PRECIS engineering of SF3B1 K700E and (bottom) PCR of Y chromosome genes in HG-3 genomic DNA at different time points in the PRECIS engineering process. Clones 65-8 (blue) and 76-13 (red) became the final isogenic HG-3 SF3B1 WT and mutant cell line, respectively. E, Y chromosome gene signature score for 43 Y chromosome genes in SF3B1 WT and mutant male CLL patient samples. A Mann–Whitney test was used (***, P ≤ 0.001). F, DEG analysis of 43 Y chromosome genes comparing SF3B1 mutant vs. WT male CLL patient samples. One-tailed t-test was performed with log2FC ≥0 as the null hypothesis and log2FC < 0 as the alternative hypothesis. G, TPM expression for different Y chromosome genes in SF3B1 WT and mutant male CLL patient samples. Mann–Whitney test was used (****, P ≤ 0.0001; ***, P ≤ 0.001; *, P ≤ 0.05). Some figures created with BioRender.com.
Validation of the 40-Item and 24-Item Short Version of the Person-Centred Obesity Care Instrument for Patients Living with Obesity
Authors: Crompvoets Paige I. , Nieboer Anna Petra , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , Cramm Jane M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Person-centred care (PCC) may hold promise for improved healthcare experiences and outcomes among patients living with obesity. A validated instrument to assess the delivery of PCC to patients living with obesity is, however, currently lacking. This study aimed to validate such an instrument. In this article, we describe the development and psychometric testing of the 40-item and 24-item short version of the Person-Centred Obesity Care (PCOC) instrument. Methods: A total of 590 individuals living with obesity (BMI 33.4 ± 3.9) from a representative Dutch sample completed the 49-item PCOC instrument measuring the eight dimensions of PCC (patient preferences, physical comfort, coordination of care, emotional support, access to care, continuity and transition, information and education, and family and friends), and two measures of satisfaction with care. We performed confirmatory factor analyses to verify the factor structure of the instrument and examined its reliability and validity. Results: Fit indicators of the first model with all 49 items showed that the model left room for improvement (comparative fit index [CFI] <0.90). A 40-item version was obtained with satisfactory-to-good fit (standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.05, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.06, CFI = 0.90). The instrument demonstrated good reliability, and the relationship between the PCOC and two indicators of satisfaction with care supported the validity of the scale. Shortening the instrument only further improved the fit indicators, resulting in the development of a 24-item short version (SRMR = 0.04, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.96), with similar results in terms of reliability and validity. Conclusion: The 40-item PCOC instrument and the 24-item short version showed to be reliable and valid instruments for the assessment of PCC among patients living with obesity. Based on the results, the 40 and 24-item PCOC are promising tools that can be used by clinicians and researchers to explore PCC delivery for patients living with obesity.
Evaluation of a Cytology-Molecular Co-Test in Liquid-Based Cytology-Processed Urine for Defining Indeterminate Categories of the Paris System
Authors: Samara Maria , Thodou Eleni , Apostolopoulou Christina , Vlachostergios Panagiotis J. , Mitrakas Lampros , Zachos Ioannis , Anagnostou Maria , Koukoulis George , Tzortzis Vassilios
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Urine cytology using the Paris system (TPS) classification is useful for the detection and monitoring of bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, the categories “atypical urothelial cells” (AUCs) and “suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma” (SHGUC) do not establish a clear diagnosis. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether the presence of mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) genes, in urine processed with liquid-based cytology (LBC) could enhance the diagnostic performance of cytology, particularly in defining the indeterminate categories of AUC and SHGUC. Methods: Urine samples from 82 UC patients with primary tumors or under surveillance and 10 healthy individuals were examined. The ThinPrep method was used for cytology followed by DNA isolation from urine sediments. Targeted molecular analysis was achieved in 70 cases (63 patients and 7 controls) for exons 7 and 10 of the FGFR3 gene and the TERT gene promoter (pTERT), using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Molecular results were correlated with TPS cytology categories and validated by histopathological findings following cystoscopy. Results: In healthy subjects, cytology was negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC) and no mutations were found. No mutations were found in patients with NHGUC cytology, except for one case with equivocal cystoscopy that carried a pTERT mutation. In high-grade urothelial carcinoma cytology (HGUC) (15/20, 75%) of the cases with histologically confirmed UC, molecular analysis revealed the presence of pTERT without FGFR3 mutations. In SHGUC and AUC cytology, FGFR3 and/or pTERT mutations were detected in 3/4 (75%) and 4/4 (100%) histologically confirmed UC cases, respectively. Cytology sensitivity was 85.7% increasing to 100% with the combined cytology-molecular test, whereas specificity remained unchanged at 86.3%. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that the incorporation of FGFR3/pTERT molecular testing in urine LBC could enhance the diagnostic value of cytology by diagnosing bladder urothelial carcinoma in indeterminate cytology categories.