bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards Choice Engineering
Authors: Dan Ohad , Plonsky Ori , Loewnestein Yonatan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEffectively shaping human and animal behavior has been of great practical and theoretical importance for millennia. Here we ask whether quantitative models of choice can be used to achieve this goal more effectively than qualitative psychological principles. We term this approach, which is motivated by the effectiveness of engineering in the natural sciences, ‘choice engineering’. To address this question, we launched an academic competition, in which the academic participants were instructed to use either quantitative models or qualitative principles to design reward schedules that maximally bias choice in a repeated, two-alternative task. We found that a choice engineering approach was the most successful method for shaping behavior in our task. This is a proof of concept that quantitative models are ripe to be used in order to engineer behavior. Finally, we show that choice engineering can be effectively used to compare models in the cognitive sciences, thus providing an alternative to the standard statistical methods of model comparison that are based on likelihood or explained variance.
Myeloid Drp1 Deficiency Limits Revascularization in Ischemic Muscles via Inflammatory Macrophage Polarization and Metabolic Reprograming
Authors: Yadav Shikha , Ganta Vijay , Sudhahar Varadarajan , Ash Dipankar , Nagarkoti Sheela , Das Archita , McMenamin Margorzata , Kelley Stephanie , Fukai Tohru , Ushio-Fukai Masuko 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTIn the preclinical model of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), M2-like anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization and angiogenesis are required for revascularization. The regulation of cell metabolism and inflammation in macrophages is tightly linked to mitochondrial dynamics. Drp1, a mitochondrial fission protein, has shown context-dependent macrophage phenotypes with both pro- and anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, the role of macrophage Drp1 in reparative neovascularization remains unexplored. Here we show that Drp1 expression was significantly increased in F4/80+macrophages within ischemic muscle at day 3 after hindlimb ischemia (HLI), an animal model of PAD. Myeloid-specific Drp1-/-mice exhibited reduced limb perfusion recovery, angiogenesis and muscle regeneration after HLI. These effects were associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages, p-NFkB and TNFα, and reduced anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages and p-AMPK in ischemic muscle of myeloid Drp1-/-mice.In vitro, Drp1-/-macrophages under hypoxia serum starvation (HSS), an in vitro PAD model, demonstrated enhanced glycolysis via reducing p-AMPK as well as mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive mitochondrial ROS, resulting in increased M1-gene and reduced M2-gene expression. Conditioned media from HSS-treated Drp1-/-macrophages exhibited increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed angiogenic responses in cultured endothelial cells. Thus, Drp1 deficiency in macrophages under ischemia drives inflammatory metabolic reprogramming and macrophage polarization, thereby limiting revascularization in experimental PAD.
Characterisation of post-fundoplication gastric dysfunction using Gastric Alimetry
Authors: Xu William , Wang Tim , Foong Daphne , Schamberg Gabe , Evennett Nicholas , Beban Grant , Gharibans Armen , Calder Stefan , Daker Charlotte , Ho Vincent , O’Grady Greg 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdverse gastric symptoms persist in up to 20% of fundoplication surgeries completed for gastroesophageal reflux disease, causing significant morbidity, and driving the need for revisional procedures. Non-invasive techniques to assess the mechanisms of persistent postoperative symptoms are lacking. We aimed to investigate gastric myoelectrical abnormalities and symptoms in patients after fundoplication using a novel non-invasive body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) device.MethodsPatients with previous fundoplication surgery and ongoing significant gastroduodenal symptoms, and matched controls were included. BSGM using Gastric Alimetry (Alimetry, New Zealand) was employed, consisting of a high resolution 64-channel array, validated symptom-logging App, and wearable reader.Results16 patients with significant chronic symptoms post-fundoplication were recruited, with 16 matched controls. Overall, 6/16 (37.5%) patients showed significant spectral abnormalities defined by unstable gastric myoelectrical activity (n = 2), abnormally high gastric frequencies (n = 3) or high gastric amplitudes (n = 1). Those with spectral abnormalities had higher Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index scores (3.2 [2.8 to 3.6] vs 2.3 [2.2 to 2.8]; p =0.024). 7/16 patients (43.8%) had Gastric Alimetry tests suggestive of gut-brain axis contributions, and without myoelectrical dysfunction. Increasing Principal Gastric Frequency deviation, and decreasing Rhythm Index were associated with symptom severity (r>0.40, p<0.05).ConclusionA significant number of patients with persistent post-fundoplication symptoms display abnormal gastric function on Gastric Alimetry testing, which correlates with symptom severity. These findings advance the pathophysiological understanding of post-fundoplication disorders which may inform diagnosis and patient selection for medical therapy and revisional surgery.
Usual-Paced 400m Long Distance Corridor Walk Estimates Cardiorespiratory Fitness among Older Adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)
Authors: Moffit Reagan E. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Nicklas Barbara J. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Coen Paul M. , Forman Daniel E. , Cummings Steven R. , Newman Anne B. , Glynn Nancy W. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundCardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold-standard method to quantify cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), is not always feasible due to cost, access, and burden. The usual-paced 400m long-distance corridor walk (LDCW), a measure of mobility among older adults, may provide an alternate method to assess CRF among populations unable to complete maximal intensity testing. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an estimating equation to estimate VO2peak from average 400m walking speed (WS) among participants in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).MethodsAt baseline, participants (N=820, 76.2±4.9 years, 58% Women, 86% Non-Hispanic White) completed a 400m LDCW (400m WS=400m/completion time in seconds) and symptom-limited maximal CPET (Modified Balke Protocol). VO2peak (mL/kg/min) was considered the highest 30-second average oxygen consumption during CPET. Other covariates included: age, sex, race, physical activity (7-day wrist-worn accelerometer), physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, range 0-12), perceived physical fatigability (Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, range 0-50), and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, range 6-20) at completion of the 400m LDCW. Stepwise linear regression was used. Internal validation was completed using data-splitting method (70%; 30%).ResultsMean VO2peak was 20.2±4.8 mL/kg/min and mean 400m WS was 1.06±0.2 m/s. Each 0.05 m/s increment in 400m WS was associated with a 0.40 mL/kg/min higher VO2peak after adjustment for covariates. An estimating equation including 400m WS, age, sex, race, and RPE was developed. Internal validation showed low overall bias (-0.26) and strong correlation (r = 0.71) between predicted and measured VO2peak values. Bland-Altman plot and regression analyses indicated predicted VO2peak was an acceptable alternative, despite mean underestimation of 4.53 mL/kg/min among those with CPET VO2peak ≥25 mL/kg/min.ConclusionsUsual-paced 400m LDCW strongly correlates with direct measures of cardiorespiratory fitness during CPET in older adults with lower fitness and can be used to test both fitness and function.
Generalizability Assessment of AI Models Across Hospitals: A Comparative Study in Low-Middle Income and High Income Countries
Authors: Yang Jenny , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Thach Pham Ngoc , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Phu Vu Dinh , Phu Khiem Dong , Yen Lam Minh , Xuan Thy Doan Bui , Soltan Andrew A. S. , Thwaites Louise , Clifton David A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare systems within low-middle income countries (LMICs) has emerged as a central focus for various initiatives aiming to improve healthcare access and delivery quality. In contrast to high-income countries (HICs), which often possess the resources and infrastructure to adopt innovative healthcare technologies, LMICs confront resource limitations such as insufficient funding, outdated infrastructure, limited digital data, and a shortage of technical expertise. Consequently, many algorithms initially trained on data from non-LMIC settings are now being employed in LMIC contexts. However, the effectiveness of these systems in LMICs can be compromised when the unique local contexts and requirements are not adequately considered. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of utilizing models developed in the United Kingdom (a HIC) within hospitals in Vietnam (a LMIC). Consequently, we present and discuss practical methodologies aimed at improving model performance, emphasizing the critical importance of tailoring solutions to the distinct healthcare systems found in LMICs. Our findings emphasize the necessity for collaborative initiatives and solutions that are sensitive to the local context in order to effectively tackle the healthcare challenges that are unique to these regions.
Lexical Markers of Disordered Speech in Primary Progressive Aphasia and ‘Parkinson-plus’ Disorders
Authors: Henderson Shalom K. , Ramanan Siddharth , Patterson Karalyn E. , Garrard Peter , Patel Nikil , Peterson Katie A. , Halai Ajay , Cappa Stefano F. , Rowe James B. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConnected speech samples elicited by a picture description task are widely used in the assessment of aphasias, but it is not clear what their interpretation should focus on. Although such samples are easy to collect, analyses of them tend to be time-consuming, inconsistently conducted, and impractical for non-specialist settings. Here, we analysed connected speech samples from patients with the three variants of primary progressive aphasia (semantic, svPPA N = 9; logopenic, lvPPA N = 9; non-fluent, nfvPPA N = 9), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP Richardson’s syndrome N = 10), corticobasal syndrome (CBS N = 13), and age-matched healthy controls. There were three principal aims: (i) to determine the differences in quantitative language output and psycholinguistic properties of words produced by patients and controls; (ii) to identify the neural correlates of connected speech measures; and (iii) to develop a simple clinical measurement tool. Using data-driven methods, we optimised a 15-word checklist for use with the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination ‘cookie theft’ and Mini Linguistic State Examination ‘beach scene’ pictures and tested the predictive validity of outputs fromLeast Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO) models using an independent clinical sample from a second site. The total language output was significantly reduced in patients with nfvPPA, PSP and CBS relative to those with svPPA and controls. The speech of patients with lvPPA and svPPA contained a disproportionately greater number of words of both high frequency and high semantic diversity. Results from our exploratory voxel-based morphometry analyses across the whole group revealed correlations between grey matter volume in (i) bilateral frontal lobes with overall language output, (ii) the left frontal and superior temporal regions with speech complexity, (iii) bilateral frontotemporal regions with phonology, and (iv) bilateral cingulate and subcortical regions with age of acquisition. With the 15-word checklists, the LASSO models showed excellent accuracy for within-samplek-fold classification (over 93%) and out-of-sample validation between patients and controls (over 90%), and moderately good (59% - 74%) differentiation between the motor disorders (nfvPPA, PSP, CBS) and lexico-semantic groups (svPPA, lvPPA). In conclusion, we propose that a simple 15-word checklist provides a suitable screening test to identify people with progressive aphasia, while further specialist assessment is needed to differentiate accurately some groups (e.g., svPPA versus lvPPA and PSP versus nfvPPA).
Confirmation of male well-being indicators in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Ajis Siti Zaiton , Mohamad Emma , Azlan Arina Anis 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAssessing well-being can be tricky due to its subjective nature which may result in inaccurate or incomplete evaluations. This is particularly challenging in measuring male well-being, as traditional gender roles and expectations often discourage normalising discussions about men’s health concerns. Studies reveal notable obstacles in the way men perceive, behave, and hold beliefs about their health and well-being which may result in underreporting of health issues among men. A gender-specific measurement of well-being for men is therefore essential and merits further examination.MethodsThis study aims to validate a male well-being instrument in the context of Malaysian men using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). An online cross-sectional survey involving a total of 651 Malaysian men aged 18 and above was conducted utilising a 33-item male well-being instrument developed in a preliminary study.ResultsThe analysis resulted in a satisfactory 24-item model with six dimensions: self-confidence (4 items); family/close relationships adaptation (5 items); physical health (3 items); living environment adaptation (4 items); autonomy and agency (4 items); and economic stability (4 items). There were high correlations among the 24 items. The internal consistency reliability was robust, with no floor or ceiling effects. These results represented equivalence and consistency among the responses to items, suggesting that the items were homogenous in measuring Malaysian male well-being.ConclusionsThis study confirms the suitability of a 24-item instrument measuring male well-being in Malaysia. The instrument may possibly be used in similar Asian cultures as it achieved strong reliability, structural validity and construct validity that fulfilled goodness-of-fit criteria.
Deciphering the Metabolic Shifts in The Hippocampus of Mice Subjected to Near Low Dose Radiation: Insights from Metabolomics and Integrated Multi-omics
Authors: Narasimhamurthy Rekha Koravadi , Venkidesh Babu Santhi , Joshi M B , Satish Rao Bola Sadashiva , Sharan Krishna , Mumbrekar Kamalesh Dattaram 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecent years have witnessed a drastic upsurge in neurological disorders, with sporadic cases contributing more than ever to their cause. Radiation exposure through diagnostic or therapeutic routes often results in neurological injuries indicative of neurodegenerative pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the impact of low doses of radiation on the brain remains a subject of extensive discussion, as research findings have presented conflicting evidence regarding potential harm and benefits. In the present study, C57/BL mice were exposed to a whole-body single dose of 0.5 Gy X-ray. Fourteen days after treatment, the animals were euthanized, and the hippocampus was isolated and processed for metabolomic analysis. Statistical and bioinformatic analysis revealed 115 metabolites altered in the radiation-exposed group, while pathway enrichment analysis unveiled alterations in tyrosine, phenylalanine, aminoacyl-tRNA metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, glutathione, arginine, proline metabolism, etc. Furthermore, a multiomics interaction network of the genes and the metabolites was constructed to gather an overview of their interaction with the neighboring genes and metabolites in different pathways. These metabolic pathways correlate with synthesizing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. The present study findings unveiled metabolomic level regulation of low-dose radiation-induced neurotoxicity and its implication in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.
An intronic copy number variation inSyntaxin 17determines speed of greying and melanoma incidence in Grey horses
Authors: Rubin Carl-Johan , Hodge McKaela , Naboulsi Rakan , Beckman Madeleine , Bellone Rebecca R. , Kallenberg Angelica , J’Usrey Stephanie , Ohmura Hajime , Seki Kazuhiro , Ohnuma Aoi , Davis Brian W. , Tozaki Teruaki , Lindgren Gabriella , Andersson Leif 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Greying with age phenotype involves loss of hair pigmentation whereas skin pigmentation is not reduced and a predisposition to melanoma. The causal mutation was initially reported as a duplication of a 4.6 kb intronic sequence inSyntaxin 17. The speed of greying varies considerably among Grey horses. Here we demonstrate the presence of two differentGreyalleles,G2carrying two tandem copies of the duplicated sequence andG3carrying three. The latter is by far the most common allele, probably due to strong selection for the striking white phenotype. Our results reveal a remarkable dosage effect where theG3allele is associated with fast greying and high incidence of melanoma whereasG2is associated with slow greying and low incidence of melanoma. Epigenetic analysis, based on nanopore sequencing of genomic DNA, reveals a drastic reduction in DNA methylation in part of the duplicated sequence harboring MITF binding sites. The copy number expansion transforms a weak enhancer to a strong melanocyte-specific enhancer that underlies hair greying (G2andG3) and a drastically elevated risk of melanoma (G3only).
Swimming with the current improves juvenile survival in southern elephant seals
Authors: Foo Dahlia , McMahon Clive R. , Hindell Mark A. , Fedak Michael , Biuw Martin , McConnell Bernie , Raymond Ben 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUnderstanding juvenile survival is crucial for the population ecology of long-lived species, where parental guidance can significantly influence survival rates of completely naive juveniles. In southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), however, offspring receive no knowledge from their parents, only fat reserves. This research focuses on how dispersal direction on their maiden foraging trip and physical traits influence the survival of naïve southern elephant seal pups at Macquarie Island. We tracked 44 pups with satellite tags during their post-weaning migration and compared their movements to the post-moult winter migrations of 58 adult females. We found that most pups (61.2%) travelled southeast, in line with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Pups travelling with the predominant east-southeast current had a 1.5 times higher survival rate for their first trip than those swimming westward against it. Those that swam with the current and were heavier were more likely to survive their first year. Adult females showed different dispersal patterns, where they travelled southwards towards Antarctic waters, implying that learning from experience influences their direction. Future investigations into the role of the primary eastward current in the sub-Antarctic on circumpolar movement patterns of top marine predators could expand our understanding of Southern Ocean ecology.
The changing morphology of the ventricular walls of mouse and human with increasing gestation
Authors: Jensen Bjarke , Chang Yun Hee , Bamforth Simon D. , Mohun Timothy , Sedmera David , Bartos Martin , Anderson Robert H. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThat the highly trabeculated ventricular walls of the developing embryos transforms to the arrangement during the fetal stages, when the mural architecture is dominated by the thickness of the compact myocardium, has been explained by coalescence of trabeculations, often erroneously described as “compaction”. Recent data, however, supports differential rates of growth of the trabecular and compact layers as the major driver of change. Here, these processes were assessed quantitatively and morphologically using a larger dataset than has previously been available of mouse hearts from embryonic day 10.5 to postnatal day 3, supported by images from human hearts. The volume of the trabecular layer increased throughout development, in contrast to what would be expected had there been “compaction”. During the embryonic-fetal transition, fast growth of the compact layer diminished the proportion of trabeculations. Similarly, great expansion of the central cavity reduced the proportion that intertrabecular recesses make of the total cavity. Using the median value of left ventricular trabeculation, we provided illustrations for each gestational day so as to provide pictorial evidence of the changes. The illustrations confirmed a pronounced growth of the compact wall, and prominence of the central cavity. This corresponds, in morphological terms, to a reduction in the extent of the trabecular layer. Similar observations were made in the human hearts. We conclude that it is a period of comparatively slow growth of the trabecular layer, rather than so-called compaction, that is the major determinant of the changing morphology of the ventricular walls of both mouse and human.
Same principle, but different computations in representing time and space
Authors: Sima Sepehr , Sanayei Mehdi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTime and space are two intertwined contexts that frame our cognition of the world and have shared mechanisms. A well-known theory on this case is ‘A Theory of Magnitude (ATOM)’ which states that the perception of these two domains shares common mechanisms. However, evidence regarding shared computations of time and space is intermixed. To investigate this issue, we asked human subjects to reproduce time and distance intervals with saccadic eye movements in similarly designed tasks. We applied an observer model to both modalities and found underlying differences the processing of time and space. While time and space computations are both probabilistic, adding prior to space perception minimally improved model performance, as opposed to time perception which was consistently better explained by Bayesian computations. We also showed that while both measurement and motor variability were smaller in distance than time reproduction, only the motor variability was correlated between them, as both tasks used saccadic eye movements for response. Our results suggest that time and space perception abide by the same algorithm but have different computational properties.