bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the quality of random number generators through neural networks
Authors: Luis Crespo José , González-Villa Javier , Gutiérrez Jaime , Valle Angel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this paper we address the use of Neural Networks (NNs) for the assessment of the quality and hence safety of several Random Number Generators (RNGs), focusing both on the vulnerability of classical Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs), such as Linear Congruential Generators (LCGs) and the RC4 algorithm, and extending our analysis to non-conventional data sources, such as Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) based on Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL). Among the results found, we have classified the generators based on the capability of the NN to distinguish between the RNG and a Golden Standard RNG (GSRNG). We show that sequences from simple PRNGs like LCGs and RC4 can be distinguished from the GSRNG. We also show that sequences from LCG on elliptic curves and VCSEL-based QRNG can not be distinguished from the GSRNG even with the biggest long-short term memory or convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that we have considered. We underline the fundamental role of design decisions in enhancing the safety of RNGs. The influence of network architecture design and associated hyper-parameters variations was also explored. We show that longer sequence lengths and CNNs are more effective for discriminating RNGs against the GSRNG. Moreover, in the prediction domain, the proposed model is able to deftly distinguish between the raw data of our QRNG and data from the GSRNG exhibiting a cross-entropy error of 0.52 on the test data-set used. All these findings reveal the potential of NNs to enhance the security of RNGs, while highlighting the robustness of certain QRNGs, in particular the VCSEL-based variants, for high-quality random number generation applications.
Introduction
Authors: Ward Matthew 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The introduction establishes the key arguments of the book, setting out the place of laughter in Romanticism, its relation to poetry, and its fraught role in sympathetic feeling and the imagination. It opens with a discussion of the Pneumatic Institute in Bristol—place of scientific and philosophic discoveries—which, in 1799, briefly transforms into the laughing institute during Humphry Davy’s experiments into nitrous oxide. Laughter articulates the strange, unfathomable feelings witnessed at the Institute, and is read as an example of the way the laughable and the Romantic intersect in peculiar ways. The remainder of the introduction argues that there is a sea-change in attitudes towards laughter in the Romantic period, before detailing the state of the field in emotions and affect, and setting out the prosody of laughter, which informs the majority of the book.
Shelley’s Poetic Measures and Laughing Pleasures
Authors: Ward Matthew 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
‘He did not laugh, or even smile’, Edward Trelawny said approvingly of Shelley, for he ‘was always in earnest’. Over the years, criticism of Shelley’s work has prioritized the poet’s high seriousness. Yet in this chapter we discover laughter to be instinct with his sense of poetry—of its reforming and radical sensibilities, and unbounded power to disturb and inspire. Laughter is impediment and adversary to the influence of the poetic imagination, but also a joyous, ludic expression of the prophetic tenor of his lyric voice. It serves as foil for and echo of the sympathetic strains of poetry, yet reveals his own sceptical stance on sympathy. Laughter speaks to and through the idealistic-sceptical mode of his poetics of sympathy, and reveals a writer of restive, conflicted instincts. Shelley’s prosody of laughter is scornful and sympathetic, glimpses the elusive, speaks of the unknowable, bursts with anarchic impulses.
A comprehensive survey of dimensionality reduction and clustering methods for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Sun Yidi , Kong Lingling , Huang Jiayi , Deng Hongyan , Bian Xinling , Li Xingfeng , Cui Feifei , Dou Lijun , Cao Chen , Zou Quan , Zhang Zilong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In recent years, the application of single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics analysis techniques has become increasingly widespread. Whether dealing with single-cell transcriptomic or spatial transcriptomic data, dimensionality reduction and clustering are indispensable. Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomic data are often high-dimensional, making the analysis and visualization of such data challenging. Through dimensionality reduction, it becomes possible to visualize the data in a lower-dimensional space, allowing for the observation of relationships and differences between cell subpopulations. Clustering enables the grouping of similar cells into the same cluster, aiding in the identification of distinct cell subpopulations and revealing cellular diversity, providing guidance for downstream analyses. In this review, we systematically summarized the most widely recognized algorithms employed for the dimensionality reduction and clustering analysis of single-cell transcriptomic and spatial transcriptomic data. This endeavor provides valuable insights and ideas that can contribute to the development of novel tools in this rapidly evolving field.
Navigating the diagnostic journey of epidermolysis bullosa: a qualitative study of the lived experiences and needs of parents and patients
Authors: Korte Eva W H , Baardman Rosalie , Pool Grieteke , Duipmans Josephina C , van den Akker Peter C , Bolling Maria C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) concerns a heterogeneous group of rare genetic skin fragility disorders that result in chronic blistering and wounding. EB significantly affects the daily lives of patients, as well as their families. While advances in diagnostics are improving the speed and accuracy of EB diagnosis, little is known about the experiences and needs of parents and patients throughout their diagnostic journey.

Objectives
To explore parent and patient perspectives on the EB diagnostic trajectory to gain an in-depth understanding of their lived experiences and needs.

Methods
Participants were parents of paediatric patients with EB (n = 18) and adult patients with EB (n = 8) recruited from the Dutch EB Registry. After purposive sampling, they participated in semi-structured interviews via video calls to discuss their personal diagnostic trajectory and the subsequent impact of an EB diagnosis on their (family) life. By applying a constructivist approach, a reflexive thematic analysis was executed to facilitate a dynamic and iterative process, involving inductive open coding of transcripts and constant comparison of data.

Results
Ten major themes were developed, representing three distinct groups: (i) parents of children with junctional EB and recessive dystrophic EB; (ii) parents of children with EB simplex and dominant dystrophic EB; and (iii) adult patients with localized EB. The EB diagnostic process appeared to have a diversity of emotional consequences, varying from desperation and uncertainty about the future to clarification and confirmation. The urgent need for a timely diagnosis and accurate prognosis was emphasized, particularly by parents of children with an extensive presentation. Parents and patients expressed shortcomings in clinical practice, with severity ratings in current EB disease terminology, in particular, seeming to have an adverse impact on illness perception, healthcare-seeking behaviour, research participation and engagement in peer support.

Conclusions
This study describes the lived experience and needs of parents of children with EB and adult patients with EB during the diagnostic process. We found a pressing need to accelerate diagnostics and urge that the EB community should continue working toward ever-faster diagnosis, public awareness and education. While guiding patients along the diagnostic journey, clinicians should focus their support strategies on tailored medical communication while refraining from value-connoted wording.
Impact of bulky loco-regional lymphadenopathy in esophageal adenocarcinoma on survival: a retrospective single center analysis
Authors: Tankel James , Nevo Yehonathan , Al Shehhi Ruqaiya , Sakalla Rawan , Dehghani Mehrnoush , Spicer Jonathan , Najmeh Sara , Mueller Carmen , Ferri Lorenzo , Cools-Lartigue Jonathan 
Published: June 2024

Summary
The relationship between ‘bulky’ locoregional lymphadenopathy and survival has not been investigated in the setting of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). This study aimed to explore whether bulky regional lymphadenopathy at diagnosis affected survival outcomes in patients with EAC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and en bloc resection. A single-center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained upper GI cancer surgical database was performed between January 2012 and December 2019. Patients with locally advanced EAC (cT2-3, N+, M0) treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel-based chemotherapy and transthoracic en bloc esophagogastrectomy were identified. Computed tomography scans from before the initiation of treatment were reviewed, and patients were stratified according to whether bulky loco-regional lymph nodes were present. This was defined as lymphadenopathy &gt;2 cm in any axis. Overall survival was compared, and a Cox multivariate regression model was calculated. Two hundred twenty-five of the eight hundred seventy patients identified met the inclusion criteria. Forty-eight (21%) had bulky lymphadenopathy, leaving 177 allocated to the control group. More patients with bulky lymphadenopathy had ypN3 disease (18/48, 38% vs. 39/177, 20%, P = 0.025). Among patients with bulky lymphadenopathy, overall survival was generally worse (32.6 vs. 59.1 months, P = 0.012). However, among the 9/48 (19%) patients with bulky lymphadenopathy who achieved ypN− status survival outcomes were similar to those with non-bulky lymphadenopathy who also achieved lymph node sterilization. Poor differentiation (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–2.9, P = 0.034), ypN+ (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.6, P = 0.032), and bulky lymphadenopathy were independently associated with an increased risk of death (HR 1.7, 1.0–2.9, P = 0.048). Bulky regional lymphadenopathy is associated with a poor prognosis. Efforts to identify the ideal treatment regimen for these patients are urgently required.
Acute lymphocytic myocarditis characterized by cardiogenic shock and conduction system abnormalities in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Panattoni Germana , Marino Marco , Ascione Andrea , d’Amati Giulia , Calò Leonardo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcute myocarditis (AM) is an inflammatory heart disease that may occur as a consequence of autoimmune disorders. Although the correlation between myocarditis and hyperthyroidism has been reported in the literature, the association with hypothyroidism is less frequent.Case summaryWe describe a characteristic case of lymphocytic acute myocarditis deteriorated into cardiogenic shock due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis treated with vasopressor and inotropic drugs in combination with corticosteroid. On admission, electrocardiography revealed a sinus tachycardia with 1st degree atrioventricular (AV) block, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and left anterior fascicular block. Laboratory tests demonstrated a severe hypothyroidism and high-titre serum of antibodies against thyroglobulin. She presented a favourable clinical course, restoring haemodynamic stability. A resolution of hypothyroidism and a progressive reduction of the value of antibodies against thyroglobulin occurred. On Day 35, the patient was discharged showing on electrocardiogram the occurrence of left posterior fascicular block, disappearance of 1st degree AV block and partial improvement of RBBB along with the normalization of the left ventricular contractility abnormalities on echocardiography.DiscussionAutoimmune features, mostly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are associated in lymphocytic acute myocarditis to a worse prognosis and an increased risk of recurrence. More studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Long-read genome assembly of the Japanese parasitic wasp Copidosoma floridanum (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Toga Kouhei , Sakamoto Takuma , Kanda Miyuki , Tamura Keita , Okuhara Keisuke , Tabunoki Hiroko , Bono Hidemasa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Copidosoma floridanum is a cosmopolitan species and an egg-larval parasitoid of the Plusiine moth. C. floridanum has a unique development mode called polyembryony, in which over two thousand genetically identical embryos are produced from a single egg. Some embryos develop into sterile soldier larvae precociously, and their emergence period and aggressive behavior differ between the US and Japanese C. floridanum strains. Genome sequencing expects to contribute to our understanding of the molecular bases underlying the progression of polyembryony. However, only the genome sequence of the US strain generated by the short-read assembly has been reported. In the present study, we determined the genome sequence of the Japanese strain using Pacific Biosciences high-fidelity reads and generating a highly contiguous assembly (552.7 Mb, N50: 17.9 Mb). Gene prediction and annotation identified 13,886 transcripts derived from 10,786 gene models. We searched the genomic differences between US and Japanese strains. Among gene models predicted in this study, 100 gene loci in the Japanese strain had extremely different gene structures from those in the US strain. This was accomplished through functional annotation (GGSEARCH) and long-read sequencing. Genomic differences between strains were also reflected in amino acid sequences of vasa that play a central role in caste determination in this species. The genome assemblies constructed in this study will facilitate the genomic comparisons between Japanese and US strains, leading to our understanding of detailed genomic regions responsible for the ecological and physiological characteristics of C. floridanum.
otb: an automated HiC/HiFi pipeline assembles the Prosapia bicincta Genome
Authors: Molik David C , Stahlke Amanda R , Sharma Sharu P , Simmonds Tyler J , Corpuz Renee L , Kauwe Angela N , Schrader Jeremy E , Mason Charles J , Sim Sheina B , Geib Scott M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The implementation of a new genomic assembly pipeline named only the best (otb) has effectively addressed various challenges associated with data management during the development and storage of genome assemblies. otb, which incorporates a comprehensive pipeline involving a setup layer, quality checks, templating, and the integration of Nextflow and Singularity. The primary objective of otb is to streamline the process of creating a HiFi/HiC genome, aiming to minimize the manual intervention required in the genome assembly process. The 2-lined spittlebug, (Prosapia bicincta, Hemiptera: Cercopidae), a true bug insect herbivore, serves as a practical test case for evaluating otb. The 2-lined spittlebug is both a crucial agricultural pest and a genomically understudied insect belonging to the order Hemiptera. This insect is a significant threat to grasslands and pastures, leading to plant wilting and phytotoxemia when infested. Its presence in tropical and subtropical regions around the world poses a long-term threat to the composition of plant communities in grassland landscapes, impacting rangelands, and posing a substantial risk to cattle production.
An iteration method to study nonlinear wave propagation for a non-Green elastic 1D bar
Authors: Bustamante R , Arrue P , Orellana O , Meneses R 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The problem of propagation of nonlinear waves in a 1D bar is studied, wherein the linearized strain tensor is considered as a function of the Cauchy stress tensor. Specifically, two constitutive equations for non-Green elastic solids are investigated, introducing a novel numerical iterative method capable of obtaining approximate solutions of one nonlinear constitutive equation for rock, and one constitutive equation that shows a strain-limiting behaviour. The numerical results are compared with exact solutions for the case of a linearized elastic solid.
Attitude toward perioperative safety among operation room clinicians at Ethiopian University Hospital
Authors: Berhe Yophtahe Woldegrima , Ferede Yonas Admasu , Ayen Biresaw , Melkie Tadesse Belayneh , Yiheyis Aklilu , Arefayne Nurhusen Riskey , Bizuneh Yosef Belay 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Patient safety is a fundamental of good quality and also a high priority for the health-care system. Maintaining patient safety reduces errors and harm that patients can suffer during health care. The operating room clinicians have a vital role in ensuring patient safety. The general objective of this study was to assess attitudes towards perioperative safety and associated factors among the operation room clinicians at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia, 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted on operation room clinicians at UoGCSH. The data were collected by using a self-administered structured questionnaire that included the Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed, and the strength of association was described in adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 260 (76% response rate) operation room clinicians have participated in this study. The mean ± SD of attitude toward perioperative safety was 57.8 ± 0.9. Only 32 (12.3%) operation room clinicians have shown a favorable attitude toward perioperative safety. Most of the clinicians were found to have unfavorable attitudes toward all domains of SAQ except the stress recognition domain. Age &gt;30 years [adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 3.1, CI: 1.1, 8.7, P = .035], working for ≥40 h/week (AOR: 3.9, CI: 1.4, 11.1, P = .01), working in ophthalmologic (AOR: 12.0, CI: 3.8, 38.8, P &lt; .001) and gynecologic (AOR: 3.6, CI: 1.1, 12.7, P = .04) operation rooms, and having training on perioperative safety (AOR: 2.6, CI: 1.1, 6.5, P &lt; .03) were found associated with having favorable attitude toward perioperative safety. Most operation room clinicians had an unfavorable attitude toward perioperative safety and all the domains of SAQ except the stress recognition domain. Older age  ≥ 30 years, working for ≥40 h/week, having safety-related training, and working in ophthalmologic and gynecologic operation rooms were found associated with having a favorable attitude toward perioperative safety.
Development of the Empathy in Design Scale: Measuring Employees’ Empathy Toward Users in Service Design
Authors: Drouet Luce , Bongard-Blanchy Kerstin , Lallemand Carine 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
To design user-centered services, it is essential to build empathy toward users. It is hence strategic to trigger empathy for users among professionals concerned with shaping service user experiences. There is, however, a lack of quantitative tools to measure empathy in design. Through two studies, we report on the development and validation of the Empathy in Design Scale (EMPA-D). The tool aims to measure service employees’ empathy toward users. Grounded in theories from psychology and design, we first generated and tested a pool of items through expert inspection and cognitive interviews. In Study 1, we administered 16 items to 406 full-time service employees from various industries, including employees in customer-facing positions. In Study 2, we iterated on additional items and administered a revised scale to 305 service employees. The selected model consists of 11 items and has a three-factor structure (Emotional interest/Perspective-taking, Personal experience and Self-awareness), which showed an adequate model fit and good internal consistency. Evidence of convergent validity was provided by moderate correlations of the EMPA-D scale with empathy measures in psychology (SITES, Empathy Quotient, Interpersonal Reactivity Index), whereas discriminant validity was demonstrated by low correlations with the narcissism measure Narcissistic Personal Inventory. We outline how this self-reported empathy measure can support organizations in enhancing their services and discuss potential limitations of quantitatively measuring empathy in service teams.
Research Highlights We present the development and validation of the Empathy in Design Scale (EMPA-D), a self-report measure of employees’ empathy toward users of a service. We report on two validation studies and document the psychometric properties of the scale. The selected model consists of 11 items and a three-factor structure (Emotional interest/Perspective-taking, Personal experience and Self-awareness). The resulting EMPA-D scale contributes to filling the gap in metrics to assess empathy in the service design context. In industry, measuring employees’ empathy support the selection of appropriate empathic interventions to foster the service user-centeredness.
Effects of Feedback Type on Touchscreen Navigation for Younger and Older Users
Authors: Chen Yanxiu , Li Bingxin , Yang Tong , Liu Yanfang , Du Feng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates how feedback from different modalities affect window navigation tasks performed on a touchscreen by younger and older users. Thirty-two younger and 32 older users moved a window toward one of four or eight target areas with no feedback or visual, tactile or visual–tactile feedback. Visual feedback produced significantly higher accuracy and shorter task completion times than tactile feedback. Generally, visual–tactile feedback did not produce statistically higher accuracy or shorter task completion time than visual feedback. However, visual–tactile feedback prevented both younger and older users from overshooting the windows. Additionally, when users attempted to move the window to one of the eight target areas, the visual–tactile feedback helped younger users perform better. According to theories about human processing, the reason for the subtle advantage of visual–tactile feedback is that the unintuitive tactile force induces a higher cognitive load than straightforward visual information during window navigation. Nevertheless, visual–tactile feedback elicited the best user experience, as measured by questionnaires on emotion and fatigue, gesture usability and preference. Furthermore, more older users prefer visual–tactile feedback than younger users. Therefore, visual–tactile feedback should be considered, and the tactile feedback should be modified to be more intuitive in window navigation tasks.Research Highlights Visual feedback improved task performance more than tactile feedback in window navigation task. Visual–tactile feedback did not improve task performance compared to visual feedback. Visual–tactile feedback prevented users from overshooting the window. More older users than younger users prefer visual–tactile feedback.