bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural origin of the sublime: The SUBRAIN protocol
Authors: Bondi Elena , Carbone Flavia , Pizzolante Marta , Schiena Giandomenico , Ferro Adele , Mazzocut-Mis Maddalena , Gaggioli Andrea , Chirico Alice , Brambilla Paolo , Maggioni Eleonora 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionAwe is a complex emotion unveiling a positive and mixed nature, which resembles the Romantic feeling of the Sublime. It has increasingly become the object of scientific investigation in the last twenty years. However, its underlying brain mechanisms are still unclear. To fully capture its nature in the lab, researchers have increasingly relied on virtual reality (VR) as an emotion-elicitation method, which can resemble even complex phenomena in a limited space. In this work, a multidisciplinary team proposed a novel experimental protocol integrating VR, electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate the brain mechanisms of this emotion.MethodsA group of bioengineers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and philosophers designed the SUBRAIN study, a single-center, one-harm, non-randomized interventional study to explore the neural processes underlying awe experiences. The study will be performed on fifty adults. The experimental protocol includes different steps: (i) screening, (ii) enrollment, (iii) pre-experimental assessment, (iv) VR experimental assessment, and (v) post-experimental debriefing. The brain’s electrical activity is recorded using the EEG while participants navigated three immersive awe-inducing VR environments (VREs) and a neutral one. At the same time, the cortical excitability and connectivity is investigated by performing a TMS-EEG session right after each VR navigation. Along with cerebral signals, self-reported questionnaires were used to assess the VR-induced changes in the emotional state of the subjects. This data is then analyzed to delve into the cerebral mechanisms of awe.DiscussionThis study protocol is the first one that tries to fully understand the neural bases of awe by eliciting and studying this phenomenon in VR. The pairing of awe-inducing VR experiences and questionnaires investigating participants’ affect and emotions, with non-invasive neural techniques, can provide a novel and extensive knowledge on this complex phenomenon. The protocol can inform on the combination of different instruments showing a reproducible and reliable setting for the investigation of induced complex emotions.
A novel use of HIV surveillance and court data to understand and improve care among a population of people with HIV experiencing criminal charges in North Carolina 2017-2020
Authors: Arant Elizabeth C. , Kavee Andrew L. , Wheeler Brad , Shook-Sa Bonnie E. , Samoff Erika , Rosen David L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesObjectives: To enumerate the population of people with HIV (PWH) with criminal charges and to estimate associations between charges and HIV outcomesMethodsWe linked statewide North Carolina criminal court records to confidential HIV records (both 2017-2020) to identify a population of defendants with diagnosed HIV. We used generalized estimating equations to examine changes in viral suppression (outcome) pre-post criminal charges (exposure), adjusting for other demographic and legal system factors.Results9,534 PWH experienced criminal charges. Compared to others with charges, PWH were more likely to be male and report Black race. The median duration of unresolved charges was longer for PWH. When adjusting for demographic factors, the period following resolution of charges was modestly associated with an increased risk of viral suppression (aRR 1.03 (95% confidence interval 1.02-1.04) compared to the pre-charge period.ConclusionsA significant portion of PWH in NC had criminal charges during a three-year period, and these charges went unresolved for a longer time than those without HIV. These preliminary findings raise questions regarding whether PWH have appropriate access to legal services.
Screening for psychotic experiences and psychotic disorders in general psychiatric settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Clauss Jacqueline A. , Foo Cheryl Y. S. , Leonard Catherine J. , Dokholyan Katherine N. , Cather Corinne , Holt Daphne J. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe absence of systematic screening for psychosis within general psychiatric services contribute to substantial treatment delays and poor long-term outcomes. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate rates of psychotic experiences, clinical high-risk for psychosis syndrome (CHR-P), and psychotic disorders identified by screening treatment-seeking individuals to inform implementation recommendations for routine psychosis screening in general psychiatric settings.MethodsPubMed and Web of Science databases were searched to identify empirical studies that contained information on the point prevalence of psychotic experiences, CHR-P, or psychotic disorders identified by screening inpatient and outpatient samples aged 12-64 receiving general psychiatric care. Psychotic experiences were identified by meeting threshold scores on validated self-reported questionnaires, and psychotic disorders and CHR-P by gold-standard structured interview assessments. A meta-analysis of each outcome was conducted using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood Estimator method of estimating effect sizes in a random effects model.Results41 independent samples (k=36 outpatient) involving n=25,751 patients (58% female, mean age: 24.1 years) were included. Among a general psychiatric population, prevalence of psychotic experiences was 44.3% (95% CI: 35.8-52.8%; 28 samples, n=21,957); CHR-P was 26.4% (95% CI: 20.0-32.7%; 28 samples, n=14,395); and psychotic disorders was 6.6% (95% CI: 3.3-9.8%; 32 samples, n=20,371).ConclusionsHigh rates of psychotic spectrum illness in general psychiatric settings underscore need for secondary prevention with psychosis screening. These base rates can be used to plan training and resources required to conduct assessments for early detection, as well as build capacity in interventions for CHR-P and early psychosis in non-specialty mental health settings.
Patients experience with preoperative use of anti-obesity medications and associations with bariatric surgery expectations
Authors: Samuels Jason M , Patel Mayur , Roumie Christianne L. , Self Wesley , Funk Luke , Spann Matthew , Niswender Kevin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated associations between patients’ experiences with anti-obesity medications and weight loss expectations prior to bariatric surgery.MethodsPatients were electronically surveyed with a 31-item questionnaire via email or the patient portal with a primary predictor variable of AOMs pre-surgery. Outcomes included degree of weight loss and weight regain and motivation for seeking surgery.Results346 persons were invited to complete the survey. 112 (32.4%) were completed, with 7 excluded due to not answering the AOM question. 73% reported AOM use. Among those who took AOMs prior to seeking bariatric surgery, average weight loss was 13 kg (SD ±10 kg) corresponding to a 4.4 kg/m2decrease in BMI. Of past AOMs receipients, 87% reported weight regain upon stopping AOMs. Average weight regain was 18 kg (SD 13kg, 126% increase). Patients reported improved longevity and quality of life as motivation for seeking surgery with AOM use history having no effect. Subjects reported an average weight loss goal of 65.8 kg (39% of baseline weight) from bariatric surgery.ConclusionAOMs were commonly used in those seeking bariatric surgery but motivation for surgery did not differ by AOMs use history. Motivations were most often related to goals for better overall health.Study Importance QuestionsMinimal data exists regarding patients’ experience with anti-obesity medicaitons and whether prior experience with these medications impacts patients’ expectations or goals for bariatric surgery.This cross-sectional survey investigated the frequency of anti-obesity medication use prior to patients seeking bariatric surgery, finding nearly 3/4ths of patients seeking surgery have previously utilized pharmaceutical weight loss therapies.This study will ideally spur clinical trials to determine the most effective approach to combination therapy, thus moving obesity treatment to a multimodal approach.
Multimodal surface coils for low field MR imaging
Authors: Zhao Yunkun , Bhosale Aditya A , Zhang Xiaoliang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLow field MRI is safer and more cost effective than the high field MRI. One of the inherent problems of low field MRI is its low signal-to-noise ratio or sensitivity. In this work, we introduce a multimodal surface coil technique for signal excitation and reception to improve the RF magnetic field (B1) efficiency and potentially improve MR sensitivity. The proposed multimodal surface coil consists of multiple identical resonators that are electromagnetically coupled to form a multimodal resonator. The field distribution of its lowest frequency mode is suitable for MR imaging applications. The prototype multimodal surface coils are built, and the performance is investigated and validated through numerical simulation, standard RF measurements and tests, and comparison with the conventional surface coil at low fields. Our results show that the B1efficiency of the multimodal surface coil outperforms that of the conventional surface coil which is known to offer the highest B1efficiency among all coil categories, i.e., volume coil, half-volume coil and surface coil. In addition, in low-field MRI, the required low-frequency coils often use large value capacitance to achieve the low resonant frequency which makes frequency tuning difficult. The proposed multimodal surface coil can be conveniently tuned to the required low frequency for low-field MRI with significantly reduced capacitance value, demonstrating excellent low-frequency operation capability over the conventional surface coil.
Local field potential signal transmission is correlated with the fractional anisotropy measured by diffusion tractography
Authors: Kasiri Maral , Abe Sumiko , Soroushmojdehi Rahil , Hernandez-Martin Estefania , Seyyed Mousavi Alireza , Sanger Terence D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveIn this paper we aim to examine the correlation between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of anatomical connectivity and characteristics of signal transmission obtained from patient-specific transfer function models. Here, we focused on elucidating the correlation between structural and functional neural connectivity within a cohort of patients diagnosed with dystonia.MethodsDTI images were obtained from twelve patients with dystonia prior to the deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. For each patient we processed the imaging data to estimate anatomical measures including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), number of fiber tracts per unit area (N), and fiber tract length (L). After the implantation of temporary depth leads for each patient as part of their treatment plan, intracranial signals were recorded. Transfer function models and the corresponding measures of functional connectivity were computed for each patient using local field potential (LFP) recordings. Linear mixed effect analysis was then employed to determine the relationship between transfer function measures and DTI parameters.ResultsOur results illustrate a positive correlation between FA, AD, and intrinsic neural transmission measures, representing amplification and spread of intrinsic neural oscillations, obtained from the transfer functions models. However, no significant correlation was found between the functional connectivity and number of fiber tracts or fiber lengths.ConclusionOur findings suggest that white matter integrity, as measured by FA and AD, can potentially reflect the amplification and spread of intrinsic brain signals throughout the network. This study underscores the significant relationship between structural and functional connectivity, offering valuable insights into propagation of neural activity in the brain network and potential implications for optimizing noninvasive treatments and planning for neurological disorders.
Stage-aware Brain Graph Learning for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Peng Ciyuan , Liu Mujie , Meng Chenxuan , Xue Sha , Keogh Kathleen , Xia Feng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurrent machine learning-based Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis methods fail to explore the distinctive brain patterns across different AD stages, lacking the ability to trace the trajectory of AD progression. This limitation can lead to an oversight of the pathological mechanisms of AD and suboptimal performance in AD diagnosis. To overcome this challenge, this paper proposes a novel stage-aware brain graph learning model. Particularly, we analyze the different brain patterns of each AD stage in terms of stage-specific brain graphs. We design a Stage Feature-enhanced Graph Contrastive Learning method, named SF-GCL, utilizing specific features within each AD stage to perform graph augmentation, thereby effectively capturing differences between stages. Significantly, this study unveils the specific brain patterns corresponding to each AD stage, showing great potential in tracing the trajectory of brain degeneration. Experimental results on a real-world dataset demonstrate the superiority of our model.
Human transmembrane protein 68 links triacylglycerol synthesis to membrane lipid homeostasis
Authors: Zeng Fansi , Heier Christoph , Yu Qing , Peng Huimin , Huang Feifei , Zhao Zheng , Chang Pingan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTransmembrane protein 68 (TMEM68) is a recently identified mammalian triacylglycerol (TAG) synthase with high expression in the brain. How TMEM68 regulates cellular lipid metabolism in concert with other enzymatic pathways remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed TMEM68 function in neuro- and gliablastoma cells by combining genetic gain- and loss-of-function approaches with lipidomics. We found that TMEM68 promotes TAG synthesis and lipid droplet formation independently of canonical acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) 1 and 2 enzymes and contributes a discrete fraction of basal cellular TAG storage. Notably, TMEM68 overexpression increased storage lipids at the expense of membrane lipids leading to a profound reduction of ether-linked glycerophospholipids (GPLs). Moreover, altered TMEM68 expression levels were associated with diminished prevalence of polyunsaturated GPLs. We conclude that TMEM68, besides its TAG synthesis function, acts as a multifaceted regulator of membrane lipid composition and polyunsaturated fatty acid homeostasis.
Same data, different results? Evaluating machine learning approaches for individual identification in animal vocalisations
Authors: Wierucka K , Murphy D , Watson SK , Falk N , Fichtel C , León J , Leu ST , Kappeler PM , Briefer EF , Manser MB , Phaniraj N , Scheumann M , Burkart JM 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTAutomated acoustic analysis is increasingly used in animal communication studies, and determining caller identity is a key element for many investigations. However, variability in feature extraction and classification methods limits the comparability of results across species and studies, constraining conclusions we can draw about the ecology and evolution of the groups under study. We investigated the impact of using different feature extraction (spectro-temporal measurements, Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients, and highly comparative time-series analysis) and classification methods (discriminant function analysis, support vector machines, Gaussian mixture models, neural networks, and random forests) on the consistency of classification accuracy across 16 mammalian datasets. We found that Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients and random forests yield consistently reliable results across datasets, facilitating a standardised approach across species that generates directly comparable data. These findings remained consistent across vocalisation sample sizes and number of individuals considered. We offer guidelines for processing and analysing mammalian vocalisations, fostering greater comparability, and advancing our understanding of the evolutionary significance of acoustic communication in diverse mammalian species.
A pragmatic pipeline for drug resistance identification inMycobacterium tuberculosisusing whole genome sequencing
Authors: Elton Linzy , Aydin Alp , Stoker Neil , Rofael Sylvia , Wildner Letícia Muraro , Achimi Abdul Jabar Babatunde Pacome Agbo , Tembo John , Hamid Muzamil Abdel , Chastel Mfoutou Mapanguy Claujens , Canseco Julio Ortiz , Doyle Ronan , Satta Giovanni , O’Grady Justin , Witney Adam , Ntoumi Francine , Zumla Alimuddin , McHugh Timothy D 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDelays in accurate diagnosis of drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) can hinder treatment. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides more information than standard molecular and phenotypic testing, but commonly used platforms are expensive to implement, and data interpretation requires significant expertise.AimsWe aimed to optimise a TB WGS diagnostic pipeline balancing user-friendliness, cost- effectiveness and time to results, whilst ensuring accuracy.Materials and methodsGrowth conditions, DNA extraction protocols and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) library preparation kits were compared. Software for basecalling and analysis were evaluated to find the most accurate resistance SNP and lineage predictor.ResultsOptimally, a spin-column CTAB DNA extraction method was combined with the RBK110.96 library preparation kit, high accuracy basecalling and data analysis using TB-Profiler. Compared with Illumina, the pipeline was concordant for 16/17 (94%) isolates (lineage) and for 17/17 (100%) isolates (resistance SNPs). Our pipeline was 71% (12/17) concordant with phenotypic drug susceptibility test (DST) results. Time-to-diagnosis was around four weeks.ConclusionsThis optimised TB sequencing pipeline requires less time expertise to run and analyse than Illumina, takes less time than phenotypic DSTs and the results are comparable with Illumina. The cost per sample is comparable with other methods. These features make it an important tool for incorporating into routine DR-TB diagnostic pipelines and larger scale drug resistance surveillance in all settings.
Coupled-channel
ΛcK+−pDs
interaction in the flavor SU(3) limit of lattice QCD
Authors: Etminan Faisal , Sasaki Kenji , Inoue Takashi 
Published: April 2024

We study S-wave interactions in the I(Jp)=1/2(1/2−)  ΛcK+−pDs system on the basis of the coupled-channel Hadrons to Atomic nuclei from Lattice Quantum ChromoDynamics method. The potentials which are faithful to QCD S-matrix below the pD* threshold are extracted from Nambu-Bethe-Salpeter wave functions on the lattice in flavor SU(3) limit. For the simulation, we employ 3-flavor full QCD gauge configurations on a (1.93  fm)3 volume at mπ≃872  MeV. We present our results of the S-wave coupled-channel potentials for the ΛcK+−pDs system in the 1/2(1/2−) state as well as scattering observables obtained from the extracted potential matrix. We observe that the coupling between ΛcK+ and pDs channels is weak. The phase shifts and scattering length obtained from the extracted potential matrix show that the ΛcK+ interaction is attractive at low energy and stronger than the pDs interaction though no bound state at mπ≥872  MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Feasible Route to High-Temperature Ambient-Pressure Hydride Superconductivity
Authors: Dolui Kapildeb , Conway Lewis J. , Heil Christoph , Strobel Timothy A. , Prasankumar Rohit P. , Pickard Chris J. 
Published: April 2024

A key challenge in materials discovery is to find high-temperature superconductors. Hydrogen and hydride materials have long been considered promising materials displaying conventional phonon-mediated superconductivity. However, the high pressures required to stabilize these materials have restricted their application. Here, we present results from high-throughput computation, considering a wide range of high-symmetry ternary hydrides from across the periodic table at ambient pressure. This large composition space is then reduced by considering thermodynamic, dynamic, and magnetic stability before direct estimations of the superconducting critical temperature. This approach has revealed a metastable ambient-pressure hydride superconductor, Mg2IrH6, with a predicted critical temperature of 160 K, comparable to the highest temperature superconducting cuprates. We propose a synthesis route a structurally related insulator, Mg2IrH7, which is thermodynamically stable above 15 GPa, and discuss the potential challenges in doing so.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Audit credibility and LGBTQI rights: certification operation in the margins
Authors: Svärdsten Fredrik , Tamm Hallström Kristina 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to contribute to knowledge about the diversity of credibility arrangements in new audit spaces “in the margins” of auditing and the implications of such arrangements.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an in-depth qualitative study of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) rights certification run by the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL) during its first decade of operation. We have interviewed employees and studied documents at the certification units within the RFSL. We have also interviewed certified organizations.FindingsWe highlight two features that explain the unusual credibility arrangements in this audit practice: the role of beneficiaries in the organizational arrangements chosen and the role of responsibility as an organizing value with consequences for responsibility allocation in this certification. These features make it possible for the RFSL to act as a credible auditor even though it deviates from common arrangements for credible audits.Originality/valueThe RFSL certification is different in several ways. First, the RFSL acts as both a trainer and an auditor. Second, the trainers/auditors at the RFSL have no accreditation to guarantee their credibility. Third, the RFSL decides for itself what standards should apply for the certification and adapts these standards to the operation being audited. Therefore, this case provides a good opportunity to study alternative credibility arrangements in the margins of auditing as well as their justifications.