bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concordance between two intrapersonal psychological resilience scales: how should we be measuring resilience?
Authors: Cardozo Andrés C. , Suárez Daniel E. , Bejarano Lorena A. , Trujillo Elena M. , Bernal Oscar A. , Ordóñez Anna E. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
While resilience has generated a lot of interest in mental health, operationalizing the construct of resilience remains an important challenge. This study aims to evaluate the concordance of two resilience scales that evaluate intrapersonal aspects of resilience in adolescents.

Methods
Cross-sectional evaluation of internal consistency, concordance, and correlation of the Individual Protective Factors Index Questionnaire (IPFI) and the Adolescent Resilience Scale (ARS) in sixth grade students of three low-income public schools in Colombia.

Results
325 adolescents (41.5% female) participated in the study (72.5% response rate). Mean age was 12.1 years (standard deviation [SD]: 1.04). Of a possible score from 1–4, the mean adjusted IPFI score was 3.3 (SD: 0.3; Cronbach’s alpha: 0.87). Of a possible score from 21–105, the total ARS score was 76.4 (SD 13.0; Cronbach’s alpha: 0.82); both distributions were non-normal and left-skewed. The Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.34 and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.52 (p-value < 0.0001 for both). Notably, 10 adolescents (3.1% of the sample) had a score in the lowest quartile in one of the two instruments, and a score in the highest quartile in the other instrument.

Conclusions
There was low concordance between the scales, with notable lack of overlap in who was identified as having “low” levels of resilience. To better elucidate and operationalize the construct of resilience, studies using resilience scales should consider greater focus in understanding what aspects of the construct are being measured and how they relate to meaningful variables (well-being, risk of illness, etc.).
Natural variation in Drosophila shows weak pleiotropic effects
Authors: Christodoulaki Eirini , Nolte Viola , Lai Wei-Yun , Schlötterer Christian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPleiotropy describes the phenomenon in which a gene affects multiple phenotypes. The extent of pleiotropy is still disputed, mainly because of issues of inadequate power of analyses. A further challenge is that empirical tests of pleiotropy are restricted to a small subset of all possible phenotypes. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new measurement of pleiotropy that integrates across many phenotypes and multiple generations to improve power.ResultsWe infer pleiotropy from the fitness cost imposed by frequency changes of pleiotropic loci. MixingDrosophila simulanspopulations, which adapted independently to the same new environment using different sets of genes, we show that the adaptive frequency changes have been accompanied by measurable fitness costs.ConclusionsUnlike previous studies characterizing the molecular basis of pleiotropy, we show that many loci, each of weak effect, contribute to genome-wide pleiotropy. We propose that the costs of pleiotropy are reduced by the modular architecture of gene expression, which facilitates adaptive gene expression changes with low impact on other functions.
Regulatory analysis of single cell multiome gene expression and chromatin accessibility data with scREG
Authors: Duren Zhana , Chang Fengge , Naqing Fnu , Xin Jingxue , Liu Qiao , Wong Wing Hung 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTechnological development has enabled the profiling of gene expression and chromatin accessibility from the same cell. We develop scREG, a dimension reduction methodology, based on the concept of cis-regulatory potential, for single cell multiome data. This concept is further used for the construction of subpopulation-specific cis-regulatory networks. The capability of inferring useful regulatory network is demonstrated by the two-fold increment on network inference accuracy compared to the Pearson correlation-based method and the 27-fold enrichment of GWAS variants for inflammatory bowel disease in the cis-regulatory elements. The R package scREG provides comprehensive functions for single cell multiome data analysis.
A cluster-randomized trial of a complex intervention to encourage deprescribing antidepressants in nursing home residents with dementia: a study protocol
Authors: Hølmkjær Pernille , Holm Anne , Overbeck Gritt , Rozing Maarten Pieter 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The effectiveness of psychotropic medication on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is limited, while associated with a higher risk of adverse events. Non-pharmacological treatment of BPSD is advocated as treatment of first choice. However, many general practitioners (GPs) find it difficult to initiate deprescribing, and when attempting to discontinue psychotropic medication in nursing home residents, they face many barriers. Therefore, we hypothesize that an intervention aimed at improving communication with and involvement of nursing home staff, relatives, and patients by GPs can optimize the pharmacological treatment of BPSD. The aim is to reduce the use of antidepressants in nursing home residents with dementia without increasing morbidity or mortality.

Objective
The primary outcome is reduction of antidepressant. Secondary outcomes include difference in use of other psychotropic medication, mortality, morbidity, and severity of BPSD.

Method
The study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial based in general practices in Denmark. We aim to include 22 practices, each of which will recruit up to 15 patients with dementia living in nursing homes. The intervention period is 3 months, and the total study period is 1 year. Randomization is 1:1 to intervention and control group by computer algorithm. Both groups receive education on BPSD and its evidence-based treatment. The intervention includes three tailored components; (1) teaching material and training to be used by the GP to educate nursing home staff on BPSD, (2) a pre-visit reflection tool to encourage nursing home staff to evaluate symptoms and reflect on relatives involvement in the discontinuation process; and (3) a dialog tool to facilitate shared decision making on optimization of BPSD treatment during the visits at the nursing home. The control group includes enhanced care as usual. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at the end of the study period. A process evaluation will be conducted to assess the implementability.

Discussion
We anticipate that the intervention will optimize the treatment of BPSD with antidepressants for nursing homes residents and enhance compliance with reduction of medication. The process evaluation should provide insights into the barriers and facilitators to changing the current practice of deprescribing.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04985305. Registered on 30 July 2021.
Study protocol to test the efficacy of self-administration of dexmedetomidine sedative therapy on anxiety, delirium, and ventilator days in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients: an open-label randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chlan Linda L. , Weinert Craig R. , Tracy Mary Fran , Skaar Debra J. , Gajic Ognjen , Ask Jessica , Mandrekar Jay 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Administration of sedative and opioid medications to patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support in the intensive care unit is a common clinical practice.

Methods
A two-site randomized open-label clinical trial will test the efficacy of self-management of sedative therapy with dexmedetomidine compared to usual care on anxiety, delirium, and duration of ventilatory support after randomization. Secondary objectives are to compare self-management of sedative therapy to usual care on level of alertness, total aggregate sedative and opioid medication exposure, and ventilator-free days up to day 28 after study enrolment. Exploratory objectives of the study are to compare self-management of sedative therapy to usual care on 3- and 6-month post-discharge physical and functional status, psychological well-being (depression, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder), health-related quality of life, and recollections of ICU care. ICU patients (n = 190) who are alert enough to follow commands to self-manage sedative therapy are randomly assigned to self-management of sedative therapy or usual care. Patients remain in the ICU sedative medication study phase for up to 7 days as long as mechanically ventilated.

Discussion
The care of critically ill mechanically ventilated patients can change significantly over the course of a 5-year clinical trial. Changes in sedation and pain interventions, oxygenation approaches, and standards related to extubation have substantially impacted consistency in the number of eligible patients over time. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandated extended pauses in trial enrolment as well as alterations in recruitment methods out of concern for study personnel safety and availability of protective equipment. Patient triaging among healthcare institutions due to COVID-19 cases also has resulted in inconsistent access to the eligible study population. This has made it even more imperative for the study team to be flexible and innovative to identify and enrol all eligible participants. Patient-controlled sedation is a novel approach to the management of patient symptoms that may be able to alleviate mechanical ventilation-induced distress without serious side effects. Findings from this study will provide insight into the efficacy of this approach on short- and long-term outcomes in a subset of mechanically ventilated patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02819141. Registered on June 29, 2016.
Genetic prescreening of a candidate for laser refractive surgery identifies risk for inadequate tissue response: a case report
Authors: Cusumano Andrea , Roshanravan Hila , Chao-Shern Connie , Sebastiani Jacopo , Levialdi Ghiron Jung Hee , DeDionisio Larry , Moore Tara 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Inadequate response to corneal laser refractive surgery, e.g., ectatic corneal diseases, may not be identified by conventional examinations, hence creating therapeutic uncertainty. Herein we demonstrate the application of genetic prescreening to augment preassessment for corneal laser refractive surgery and highlight the ability to prevent the possibility of enrolling a subject at risk for developing ectatic corneal diseases.

Case presentation
Preoperative tests were performed alongside deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing of 75 genes specific to the structure and health of the eye of a 44-year-old Caucasian male candidate for corneal laser refractive surgery. The patient had no medical, family, or psychosocial history, nor symptoms that could lead to suspect any corneal abnormalities, and conventional preoperative tests confirmed that no corneal abnormalities were present. The sequencing results uncovered rare DNA variants within the ADGRV1, PTK2, ZNF469, and KRT15 genes. These variants were considered potential risk factors for inadequate response in the patient post corneal laser refractive surgery. Subsequent reevaluation with three different last-generation corneal tomographers identified in the left eye a “warning” for a deformity of the posterior profile of the cornea.

Conclusions
Genetic prescreening identifies potential risk of inadequate response to corneal laser refractive surgery where current technologies in use may lead to a hazardous predictive diagnostic uncertainty.
Large-scale engineering of hiPSC-derived nephron sheets and cryopreservation of their progenitors
Authors: Wiersma Loes E. , Avramut M. Cristina , Lievers Ellen , Rabelink Ton J. , van den Berg Cathelijne W. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has opened a world of opportunities for stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. Currently, several human kidney organoid protocols are available that generate organoids containing kidney structures. However, these kidney organoids are relatively small ranging up to 0.13 cm2 and therefore contain a small number of nephrons compared to an adult kidney, thus defying the exploration of future use for therapy.

Method
We have developed a scalable, easily accessible, and reproducible protocol to increase the size of the organoid up to a nephron sheet of 2.5 cm2 up to a maximum of 12.6 cm2 containing a magnitude of nephrons.

Results
Confocal microscopy showed that the subunits of the nephrons remain evenly distributed throughout the entire sheet and that these tissue sheets can attain ~ 30,000–40,000 glomerular structures. Upon transplantation in immunodeficient mice, such nephron sheets became vascularized and matured. They also show reuptake of injected low-molecular mass dextran molecules in the tubular structures, indicative of glomerular filtration. Furthermore, we developed a protocol for the cryopreservation of intermediate mesoderm cells during the differentiation and demonstrate that these cells can be successfully thawed and recovered to create such tissue sheets.

Conclusion
The scalability of the procedures, and the ability to cryopreserve the cells during differentiation are important steps forward in the translation of these differentiation protocols to future clinical applications such as transplantable auxiliary kidney tissue.
Transformer-based ensemble method for multiple predominant instruments recognition in polyphonic music
Authors: Reghunath Lekshmi Chandrika , Rajan Rajeev 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMultiple predominant instrument recognition in polyphonic music is addressed using decision level fusion of three transformer-based architectures on an ensemble of visual representations. The ensemble consists of Mel-spectrogram, modgdgram, and tempogram. Predominant instrument recognition refers to the problem where the prominent instrument is identified from a mixture of instruments being played together. We experimented with two transformer architectures like Vision transformer (Vi-T) and Shifted window transformer (Swin-T) for the proposed task. The performance of the proposed system is compared with that of the state-of-the-art Han’s model, convolutional neural networks (CNN), and deep neural networks (DNN). Transformer networks learn the distinctive local characteristics from the visual representations and classify the instrument to the group where it belongs. The proposed system is systematically evaluated using the IRMAS dataset with eleven classes. A wave generative adversarial network (WaveGAN) architecture is also employed to generate audio files for data augmentation. We train our networks from fixed-length music excerpts with a single-labeled predominant instrument and estimate an arbitrary number of predominant instruments from the variable-length test audio file without any sliding window analysis and aggregation strategy as in existing algorithms. The ensemble voting scheme using Swin-T reports a micro and macro F1 score of 0.66 and 0.62, respectively. These metrics are 3.12% and 12.72% relatively higher than those obtained by the state-of-the-art Han’s model. The architectural choice of transformers with ensemble voting on Mel-spectro-/modgd-/tempogram has merit in recognizing the predominant instruments in polyphonic music.
Variable pilot assisted channel estimation in MIMO-OFDM system with STBC and different modulation modes
Authors: Wu Qun , Zhou Xiao , Wang Chengyou , Cao Hai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHigh speed and low latency have become the development trend of mobile communication network. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology has become the key technology of mobile communication network due to its efficient transmission method. Space time block coding (STBC) introduces time and space correlation in the signals sent by different antennas, so that diversity gains and coding gains are obtained for the multiple input multiple output-OFDM (MIMO-OFDM) receiver without sacrificing bandwidth. STBC is a signal coding technology that combines higher transmission rates and it is a combination of space and time transmission signals. STBC uses the spatial diversity of multiple transmitters and multiple receivers in space to improve the capacity and information rate of the OFDM system. It proceeds parallel multiplex transmission in the transmission channel, which effectively improves spectrum utilization. For obtaining diversity gains and spectrum efficiency, this paper introduces a variable pilot assisted channel estimation method with different modulation modes. In this paper, the new type pilot sequences with different modulation orders are proposed for improving spectrum efficiency. The proposed variable pilot assisted channel estimation method in MIMO-OFDM systems is adopted with different low and high order modulations. Simulation results show that the proposed variable pilot assisted channel estimation method has 1–2 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gains for bit error rate (BER) performance of MIMO-OFDM systems.
Sex differences in HIV testing among elders in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Gebremeskel Akalewold T. , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Yaya Sanni 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Elders (age 50+) HIV demographic (age and sex) data are essential to better understand their HIV service utilization and develop appropriate evidence-based responses and policies. Despite a significant prevalence rate of HIV and growing numbers of this population group, data are still scarce, and studies have neglected them in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this protocol is to outline the methodological process of a systematic review that will gather qualitative and quantitative data to critically examine sex differences in HIV testing among elders (age 50+) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
This protocol adheres to the PRISMA-P reporting guidelines. We will conduct a systematic database search to retrieve all observational and qualitative studies. Electronic search strategies will be developed for MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, and CINAHL for studies reporting HIV data. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The search strategy will consist of free-text and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Search terms for elders (50+) will include the following: “elders”, “older adults”, “aged”, “geriatric” and “seniors”. The primary outcome of interest is sex differences in the uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT). The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using appropriate tools. Screening, data extraction, and assessments of risk of bias will be performed independently by two reviewers. Narrative synthesis will be conducted with studies that are compatible based on population and outcome. As it will be a systematic review, without human participants’ involvement, there will be no requirement for ethical approval.

Discussion
The systematic review will present key evidence on sex differences in HIV testing among elders in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings will be used to inform program developers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to enhance sex disaggregated HIV data to improve access to HIV counselling and testing service for elders in Sub-Saharan Africa. The final manuscript will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and scientific conferences.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO: CRD42020172737.
Thailand’s mid-century greenhouse gas emission pathways to achieve the 2 degrees Celsius target
Authors: Chaichaloempreecha Achiraya , Chunark Puttipong , Hanaoka Tatsuya , Limmeechokchai Bundit 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The Paris Agreement aims at minimizing threats of climate change by keeping global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level and to pursue efforts to limit the rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) are developed to investigate GHG emission pathways. RCP2.6 focuses on limiting the global temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius. This paper assesses the impacts of carbon price and CCS on energy and GHG emissions in Thailand. The no carbon price (T0) and the carbon price pathways are compared. In addition, the net-zero emissions and year are discussed.

Results
The decarbonized energy system with low-carbon power generation and increased electricity usage in the final energy consumption is the main pillar of GHG mitigation. Imposing carbon prices; increasing solar, wind, and biomass electricity generation; energy efficiency improvements in power generation; and energy savings in the industry and the building sectors, will be the key options for clean power generation in the carbon prices (CT) scenarios. Renewable electricity, coal and natural gas, coupled with CCS and bio-energy with CCS (BECCS) will be utilized significantly to curb GHG emissions. The increase of renewable energy and the electrification of end-use plays a key role in reducing GHG emissions. Fuel switching from diesel to biodiesel, energy efficiency improvement and electric pick-ups and trucks will help reducing GHG emissions in the transport sector.

Conclusions
There are three major policy implications to meet Thailand’s 2 degrees Celsius target. First, carbon prices will be the mechanism to accelerate the transformation in the energy sector. Wind and solar electricity will be key pillars of clean electricity in 2050. Policy-makers should update the renewable electricity plans to meet Thailand’s 2 degrees Celsius target in 2050. Second, coal- and gas-fired plants, and BECCS will become important options in reducing CO2 emissions. The policy-makers should investigate the application of CCS in the power sector and the storage location. Third, a major transformation in the transport sector is critically needed. Liquid biofuel and electrification in pick-ups, sedans, and trucks will help reduce GHG emissions.