bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data transmission optimization based on multi-objective deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Wang Cuiping , Li Xiaole , Tian Jinwei , Yin Yilong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Simultaneously reducing network energy consumption and delay is a hot topic today. This paper addresses this issue by designing a novel multi-objective data transmission optimization algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning. A three-layer back propagation (BP) neural network is designed to improve the accuracy of environmental state prediction, by learning from historical state and action sequence data, which can help the agent make better decision for routing selection in complex network environment. Based on this, we use Q-Learning to find routing for transmission demands, aggregating more traffic through less links and routers, to reduce energy consumption and delay. To enhance the efficiency and robustness of the algorithm, a new reward mechanism is designed based on the traffic demand and the link state. The algorithm divides candidate links into three levels for path selection so that a better solution can be obtained on the basis of ensuring feasible solutions are obtained. Continuous updating of the Pareto set through multiple state steps approximates the optimal solution. We leverage the Euclidean distance to the reference point to measure the optimization effect of the two objectives. The simulation results show that this algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in reducing energy consumption and network delay.
Duets convey information about pair and individual identities in a Neotropical bird
Authors: Diniz Pedro , Silva-Jr Edvaldo F , Rech Gianlucca S , Ribeiro Pedro H L , Guaraldo André C , Macedo Regina H , Amorim Paulo S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Vocal individuality is essential for social discrimination but has been poorly studied in animals that produce communal signals (duets or choruses). Song overlapping and temporal coordination make the assessment of individuality in communal signals more complex. In addition, selection may favor the accurate identification of pairs over individuals by receivers in year-round territorial species with duetting and long-term pair bonding. Here, we studied pair and individual vocal signatures in the polyphonal duets of rufous horneros Furnarius rufus, a Neotropical bird known for its long-term pair bonds. Hornero partners engage in duets to deter territorial intruders and protect their partnership year-round and can discern duets from neighbors versus strangers. Using a dataset of 471 duets from 43 pairs in 2 populations, we measured fine-scale acoustic features across different duet levels (e.g., complete duets to non-overlapping syllable parts) and analysis levels (pair or individual). Permuted linear discriminant function analyses classified pairs and individuals more accurately than expected by chance (means: 45% and 47% vs. 4 and 2%). Pair identity explained more variance in the multivariate acoustic features of duets than individual or population identities. The initial frequency of the duet showed strong potential for encoding pair identity. The acoustic traits contributing most to individual vocal signatures varied between sexes, which might facilitate the simultaneous assessment of duetters’ identities by receivers. Our study indicates that vocal individuality may exist even in species with intricate and innate communal signals and elucidates the mechanisms employed by horneros in their social discrimination ability.
First case report of a percutaneous coronary intervention with intracoronary lithotripsy in a heavily calcified and tortuous right coronary artery using the R-One+ robotic system
Authors: Golabkesh Milad , Mundfortz Diana , Haude Michael 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Advancement in interventional techniques has significantly improved the ability of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat complex coronary artery disease. Despite these advancements, coronary artery calcification poses a substantial challenge during PCI, contributing to increased risks of procedural complications, prolonged procedure duration, and an increase in radiation exposure dose for both patients and physicians. Recently, robotic PCI has emerged, allowing physicians to remotely control and deliver wires and catheters, leading to a notable reduction of the operator radiation exposure and a decrease in the risk of operator physical injuries such as back pain.

Case summary
We report the first robotic PCI with the R-One+™ robotic system using intracoronary lithotripsy for lesion preparation of two heavily calcified lesions in a tortuous right coronary artery of a 60-year-old male patient followed by double drug-eluting stent implantation.

Discussion
Robotic PCI with the R-One+™ system can not only manage wires, balloons, or stent systems but can also precisely position more bulky catheters such as intracoronary lithotripsy catheters to the target site even in the presence of a tortuous access.
Performance of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4o in the Adult Clinical Cardiology Self-Assessment Program
Authors: Malik Abdulaziz , Madias Christopher , Wessler Benjamin S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
This study evaluates the performance of OpenAI’s latest large language model (LLM), Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4o, on the Adult Clinical Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (ACCSAP).

Methods and results
Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4o was tested on 639 ACCSAP questions, excluding 45 questions containing video clips, resulting in 594 questions for analysis. The questions included a mix of text-based and static image-based [electrocardiogram (ECG), angiogram, computed tomography (CT) scan, and echocardiogram] formats. The model was allowed one attempt per question. Further evaluation of image-only questions was performed on 25 questions from the database. Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4o correctly answered 69.2% (411/594) of the questions. The performance was higher for text-only questions (73.9%) compared with those requiring image interpretation (55.3%, P &lt; 0.001). The model performed worse on questions involving ECGs, with a correct rate of 56.5% compared with 73.3% for non-ECG questions (P &lt; 0.001). Despite its capability to interpret medical images in the context of a text-based question, the model’s accuracy varied, demonstrating strengths and notable gaps in diagnostic accuracy. It lacked accuracy in reading images (ECGs, echocardiography, and angiograms) with no context.

Conclusion
Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4o performed moderately well on ACCSAP questions. However, the model’s performance remains inconsistent, especially in interpreting ECGs. These findings highlight the potential and current limitations of using LLMs in medical education and clinical decision-making.
Sexual conflict over sex—an underappreciated consequence of childbirth?
Authors: Archer C Ruth , Castledine Meaghan , Hosken David J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Many postpartum women experience sexual dysfunction, characterised by reduced sexual motivation and libido, and pain during intercourse. Menstruation is also suppressed in breastfeeding women (lactational amenorrhoea). Lactational amenorrhoea has been discussed in an evolutionary context due to its positive impacts on birth spacing. In contrast, postpartum sexual dysfunction has not been viewed through an evolutionary lens. Might postpartum sexual dysfunction also be under selection? We discuss possible evolutionary explanations for postpartum sexual dysfunction. In particular, we suggest that sexual conflict, a widespread phenomenon that occurs when the evolutionary interests of males and females diverge, may be a cause of disrupted postpartum sex. This sexual conflict-based explanation generates predictions relevant to the health and well-being of new mothers that warrant testing.
Prognosis after switching to electronic cigarettes following percutaneous coronary intervention: a Korean nationwide study
Authors: Kang Danbee , Choi Ki Hong , Kim Hyunsoo , Park Hyejeong , Heo Jihye , Park Taek Kyu , Lee Joo Myung , Cho Juhee , Yang Jeong Hoon , Hahn Joo-Yong , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Song Young Bin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Despite the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes), the prognostic impact of switching to E-cigarettes in smokers with coronary artery disease who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.

Methods
Using a nationwide cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance database, 17 973 adults (≥20 years) identified as smokers (based on a health screening examination within 3 years before PCI) who underwent health screening within 3 years after PCI were enrolled to determine changes in smoking habits. Patients were classified as continued combustible cigarette users, successful quitters, or switchers to E-cigarettes. The group switching to E-cigarettes was further divided into dual users (using both combustible and E-cigarettes) and those exclusively using E-cigarettes. Primary outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), a composite of all-cause death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization.

Results
Among the total population, 8951 patients (49.8%) continued using combustible cigarettes, 1694 (9.4%) were switched to E-cigarettes, and 7328 (40.7%) successfully quit smoking after PCI. During a median follow-up of 2.4 years, the cumulative incidence of MACE was lower among E-cigarette switchers (10%) or quitters (13.4%) than among continued combustible cigarette users (17%). When continued combustible cigarette users were used as the reference, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for MACE were 0.82 (0.69–0.98) for switchers to E-cigarettes and 0.87 (0.79–0.96) for successful quitters. Compared with dual users, entirely switching to E-cigarettes was associated with a significantly lower MACE risk (hazard ratio 0.71; 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.99).

Conclusions
Among smokers who underwent PCI for coronary artery disease, switching to E-cigarette use (particularly complete transition) or quitting smoking was associated with reduced MACE risk than with continued combustible cigarette use.

Clinical Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06338761
Wolbachia strengthens the match between premating and early postmating isolation in spider mites
Authors: Cruz Miguel A , Magalhães Sara , Bakırdöven Murat , Zélé Flore 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Endosymbiotic reproductive manipulators are widely studied as sources of postzygotic isolation in arthropods, but their effect on prezygotic isolation between genetically differentiated populations has garnered less attention. We tested this using two partially isolated populations of the red and green color forms of Tetranychus urticae, either uninfected or infected with different Wolbachia strains, one inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility and the other not. We first investigated male and female preferences and found that, in absence of infection, females were not choosy, but all males preferred red-form females. Wolbachia effects were more subtle, with only the cytoplasmic incompatibility-inducing strain slightly strengthening color-form-based preferences. We then performed a double-mating experiment to test how incompatible matings affect subsequent mating behavior and offspring production as compared to compatible matings. Females mated with an incompatible male (infected and/or heterotypic) were more attractive and/or receptive to subsequent (compatible) matings, although analyses of offspring production revealed no clear benefit for this remating behavior (i.e., apparently unaltered first male sperm precedence). Finally, by computing the relative contributions of each reproductive barrier to total isolation, we showed that premating isolation matches both host-associated and Wolbachia-induced postmating isolation, suggesting that Wolbachia could contribute to reproductive isolation in this system.
Allometric scaling of somatic mutation and epimutation rates in trees
Authors: Johannes Frank 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
How long-lived trees escape “mutational meltdown” despite centuries of continuous growth remains puzzling. Here we integrate recent studies to show that the yearly rate of somatic mutations and epimutations (μY) scales inversely with generation time (G), and follows the same allometric power law found in mammals (μY ∝ G−1). Deeper insights into the scaling function may permit predictions of somatic (epi)mutation rates from life-history traits without the need for genomic data.
Outcomes of antenatal depression in women and the new-born: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: López Daniel Perejón , Serna Laura Gascó , Arnáiz María Catalina Serna , Ruiz Miriam Orós , Viladegut Júlia Siscart , Sol Joaquim , Salinas-Roca Blanca 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine what effect maternal antenatal depression has on pregnancy and infant outcomes in the Lleida health region.

Methods
Retrospective observational cohort study in pregnant women between 2012 and 2018 in the Lleida health region. Variables included age, body mass index, caesarean section, pre-eclampsia, birth weight, and Apgar score. We performed multivariate analysis, with linear regression coefficients and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Antenatal depression was diagnosed in 2.54% pregnant women from a total sample of 17 177. Depression is significantly associated with a higher risk pregnancy and low birth weight. Pre-eclampsia, 1-minute Apgar score, and caesarean section were not significantly associated with depression.

Conclusions
Antenatal depression increases the risk of pregnancy complications. In addition, depression in the mother increases the probability of low birth weight.
Loss of the Na+/K+ cation pump CATP-1 suppresses nekl-associated molting defects
Authors: Binti Shaonil , Edeen Philip T , Fay David S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The conserved Caenorhabditis elegans protein kinases NEKL-2 and NEKL-3 regulate membrane trafficking and are required for larval molting. Through a forward genetic screen, we identified a mutation in catp-1 as a suppressor of molting defects in synthetically lethal nekl-2; nekl-3 double mutants. catp-1 encodes a membrane-associated P4-type ATPase involved in Na+–K+ exchange. A previous study found that wild-type worms exposed to the nicotinic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) exhibited larval arrest and molting-associated defects, which were suppressed by inhibition of catp-1. By testing spectrum catp-1 alleles, we found that resistance to DMPP toxicity and the suppression of nekl defects did not strongly correlate, suggesting key differences in the mechanism of catp-1-mediated suppression. Through whole-genome sequencing of additional nekl-2; nekl-3 suppressor strains, we identified 2 additional coding-altering mutations in catp-1. However, neither mutation, when introduced into nekl-2; nekl-3 mutants using CRISPR, was sufficient to elicit robust suppression of molting defects, suggesting the involvement of other loci. Endogenously tagged CATP-1 was primarily expressed in epidermal cells within punctate structures located near the apical plasma membrane, consistent with a role in regulating cellular processes within the epidermis. Based on previous studies, we tested the hypothesis that catp-1 inhibition induces entry into the predauer L2d stage, potentially accounting for the ability of catp-1 mutants to suppress nekl molting defects. However, we found no evidence that loss of catp-1 leads to entry into L2d. As such, loss of catp-1 may suppress nekl-associated and DMPP-induced defects by altering electrochemical gradients within membrane-bound compartments.
Self-efficacy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the effect of self-care education by two randomized methods—teach-back and a smartphone application
Authors: Manzari Zahra Sadat , Vossoughinia Hassan , Nedaei Behzad , Rafiei Hossein , Mafi Mohamad Hossein 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The use of the best teaching method to promote self-care in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been well defined. Therefore, the current study was conducted to compare the effect of self-care education by two methods of teach-back and a smartphone application. The current clinical trial with a pre- and post-test design was conducted among 78 patients with IBD. Patients were allocated to three groups of application, teach-back and control using a simple blocked randomization. Data were collected using a checklist for demographic information and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Self-efficacy Scale. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS. Participants in all three groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables. The mean pretest scores of self-efficacy (SE) in the application, teach-back and control groups were 191.37 ± 49.15, 193.92 ± 45.54 and 192.76 ± 43.12, respectively. The mean post-test scores of SE in the application, teach-back and control groups were 224.51 ± 49.89, 207.48 ± 48.109 and 189.92 ± 40.28, respectively (P = 0.033). The results of the current study showed that self-care education by the application can better improve the mean scores of SE and its four dimensions of managing stress and emotions, managing symptoms and disease, managing medical care and maintaining remission, compared to other methods. It seems that the use of the application as a continuous and cost-effective educational strategy will become widespread in the future for patient education among most healthcare and treatment systems.
Historical analogies, traumatic past and responses to the war in Ukraine
Authors: Kalhousová Irena , Finkel Eugene , Kocián Jiří 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article examines the use of historical analogies by political leaders during foreign policy crises. Specifically, we focus on the German, Polish and Czech leaderships' reactions to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and investigate the historical analogies which leaders invoked to justify their responses to Russia's aggression. The existing scholarship recognizes the importance of historical analogies in foreign policy decision-making, but the literature focuses predominantly on several high-profile analogies (i.e. the Munich Agreement or the Vietnam War) and lacks comparative perspective. We employ a dual-method approach that combines qualitative coding with semantic network analysis, and conduct a comparative analysis of the full spectrum of analogies used by Polish, Czech and German policy-makers. We find that politicians did not focus on a single overarching analogy, but employed a wide array of historical references. We also find that even though the countries' policies largely aligned and that their leaders often invoked the same events, the meaning of analogies and the signals they sent differed substantially across cases. Analysing the full spectrum of analogies demonstrates that justifications for supporting Ukraine were shaped more by these states' own historical traumas than by their sympathy for Ukraine, support for international law, or desire to uphold the rules-based international order.
Assessment of nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights in South Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Thema Adolphina Mokgadi , Mulaudzi Fhumulani Mavis , Lavhelani Ndivhaleni Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Compliance with Patients’ Rights by nurses is a crucial determinant of how well healthcare services are provided. Nurses are responsible for upholding Patients’ Rights because they spend so much time with patients. Therefore, it is essential to continuously assess nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights in healthcare institutions.

Objectives
To outline the breadth and type of existing research on nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights as well as to pinpoint any gaps in the body of existing knowledge.

Methods
A scoping review search was done in six electronic databases. For eligibility, articles written in English and focusing on nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights in South Africa (SA) were checked and evaluated. Data were taken from eligible study materials in order to compile, evaluate the quality, summarize, and create a narrative summary of the results.

Results
The literature collected was 1158 records from six data bases, after deleting 239 duplicates, 919 records remained. A total of 891 records were excluded using title and abstract of the studies. Fifteen articles were included in the final analysis. Four articles were quantitative studies, ten qualitative and one a mixed method. The included studies focused on six Patients’ Rights listed in the Patients’ Rights Charter, which consist of 12 Patients’ Rights.

Conclusion
Nurses’ compliance with Patients’ Rights is inconsistent and there are limited studies on nurses’ compliance with all Patients’ Rights in SA. More studies are required in future, as seen by the included studies’ inconsistent findings.
The Roles of Media Platforms, Political Orientation and Climate Change Belief in Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Cross-Cutting Versus Like-Minded Exposure in the United States and South Korea
Authors: Lee Seo Yoon , Lee Heejae , Park Sunho 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Climate change’s dire effects call for fostering a belief in it through accurate information. This research investigates how YouTube, enabling selective and like-minded information exposure, influences climate change beliefs based on political orientations. Additionally, this study aimed to ascertain whether YouTube significantly facilitated like-minded climate change information exposure and impacted climate change beliefs among individuals leaning toward specific political orientations by comparing it with broadcast news use. We also examined the politicization effect by contrasting the United States and South Korea. Findings revealed that U.S. conservatives consuming broadcasted information exhibited stronger climate change beliefs, linking to increased risk perception and pro-environmental actions. However, YouTube did not show a significant association with beliefs in climate change, and neither did political orientation significantly moderate this relationship. In South Korea, political orientation did not play a significant role in the associations between YouTube and broadcast news use on climate change belief. Further theoretical and practical implications are discussed.