bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Smartphone Sensors for Ataxia Trials: Consensus Guidance by the Ataxia Global Initiative Working Group on Digital-Motor Biomarkers
Authors: Németh Andrea H. , Antoniades Chrystalina A. , Dukart Juergen , Minnerop Martina , Rentz Clara , Schuman Bart-Jan , van de Warrenburg Bart , Willemse Ilse , Bertini Enrico , Gupta Anoopum S. , de Mello Monteiro Carlos Bandeira , Almoajil Hajar , Quinn Lori , Perlman Susan B. , Horak Fay , Ilg Winfried , Traschütz Andreas , Vogel Adam P. , Dawes Helen ,   on behalf of the AGI Digital-Motor Biomarkers Working Group
Published: November 2023

Smartphone sensors are used increasingly in the assessment of ataxias. To date, there is no specific consensus guidance regarding a priority set of smartphone sensor measurements, or standard assessment criteria that are appropriate for clinical trials. As part of the Ataxia Global Initiative Digital-Motor Biomarkers Working Group (AGI WG4), aimed at evaluating key ataxia clinical domains (gait/posture, upper limb, speech and oculomotor assessments), we provide consensus guidance for use of internal smartphone sensors to assess key domains. Guidance was developed by means of a literature review and a two stage Delphi study conducted by an Expert panel, which surveyed members of AGI WG4, representing clinical, research, industry and patient-led experts, and consensus meetings by the Expert panel to agree on standard criteria and map current literature to these criteria. Seven publications were identified that investigated ataxias using internal smartphone sensors. The Delphi 1 survey ascertained current practice, and systems in use or under development. Wide variations in smartphones sensor use for assessing ataxia were identified. The Delphi 2 survey identified seven measures that were strongly endorsed as priorities in assessing 3/4 domains, namely gait/posture, upper limb, and speech performance. The Expert panel recommended 15 standard criteria to be fulfilled in studies. Evaluation of current literature revealed that none of the studies met all criteria, with most being early-phase validation studies. Our guidance highlights the importance of consensus, identifies priority measures and standard criteria, and will encourage further research into the use of internal smartphone sensors to measure ataxia digital-motor biomarkers.
Pesticide-free arable cropping systems: performances, learnings, and technical lock-ins from a French long-term field trial
Authors: Colnenne-David Caroline , Jeuffroy Marie-Hélène , Grandeau Gilles , Doré Thierry
Published: November 2023

To ensure regular and high yields, current agriculture is based on intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers, which are detrimental to the environment and human health. Moreover, as pest resistance to pesticides increases, and more and more pesticides are taken off the market, national and European policies are becoming powerful drivers to deliver pesticide-free farming systems. Whereas numerous studies have compared organic versus conventional systems, our study assessed, for the first time, the performances of a pesticide-free arable cropping system (No-Pesticide), using synthetic fertilizers, specifically designed to produce high yields and meet environmental goals. This system was compared with an input-based cropping system designed with the same environmental targets (PHEP: productive with high environmental performances) in an 11-year field trial in France (Paris Basin). Banning pesticides did not result in a significant average yield gap (in GJ.ha−1.year−1 or in kg N.ha−1.year−1) calculated over the crop sequence. Yet, some crops’ yields significantly decreased, due either to pest damages, or to limited nitrogen nutrition. In the No-Pesticide system, the mycotoxin content of cereal grains was lower than the regulatory threshold, and the average wheat protein content was higher than the required standard for baking. Indirect energy consumption, total greenhouse gas emissions, number of technical operations, nitrogen fertilizer amounts, and treatment frequency indexes were significantly lower compared to the PHEP system. Conversely, results showed significantly higher direct energy consumption, direct greenhouse gas emissions, and number of work hours for weed control. We identify highly effective agricultural strategies to avoid pesticide use (e.g., widely diverse and long crop sequence; introduction of hemp) and pinpoint several technical lock-ins hampering steady production in pesticide-free systems. We argue that more experiments should be undertaken to deliver technical knowledge for managing major or orphan species within pesticide-free systems, and to provide supplementary results, including economic and social performances.
Static in bone implants: standard steady-state torque and primary stability in a bioactive kinetic screw
Authors: Andreucci Carlos Aurelio , Fonseca Elza M. M. , Jorge Renato N.
Published: November 2023

Establishing a standard measurement for drilling and screwing bone implants in different amounts and qualities of bone tissue, in a simple and adequate way to control and predict results, is the gold standard for successful primary stability and better results on long-term osseointegration. So far, the maximum insertion torque (MIT) has been used as the main parameter to achieve success in primary stability and osseointegration, although it has shown conflicting results in the literature for over four decades when predicting standard or minimum values. Basically, the surgeon's experience guides the planning and execution of the surgical procedure, adapted in each case according to his tactile experience, guided by X-ray analysis and the bone and general conditions of the patient. In this work, using a new biomechanical simple machine as a dental implant, a new method will be described mathematically and experimentally, which standardizes the compression and torque in the implant-bone contact, in five different bone densities, during the achievement of mechanical primary stability. The results described the relationship between the MIT, maximum removal torque, and maximum force of static friction between implant-bone and bone-to-bone, achieving a controlled and predictable standard steady-state torque that maintains equilibrium in elastic stress for the primary stability of bone implants, hereby established for an innovative simple machine Bioactive Kinetic Screw.
Rate-dependent constitutive modelling blasting crack initiation and propagation in rock masses
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Xu Meng , Liu Sijia , Liu Fei , Wang Qingsong
Published: November 2023

This study examines the fracture mechanism of cracks and the final blasting effects on defective rock masses under blasting loads. The failure processes of jointed rock with two prefabricated joints are investigated through numerical simulations using a two-dimensional finite element method. Subsequently, simulations are performed to analyze the blasting of granite specimens with various joint arrangements, focusing on the influence of front joint length, inclination angle, and blast hole distance on failure patterns, displacement, velocity, and stress at the joint ends. The numerical results provide a comprehensive summary of various typical failure modes near blast holes and joints for the first time. Specifically, the simulation successfully captures the characteristics of the ring crack zone, wing cracks, and main crack deflection affected by the front joint. Moreover, the results highlight the shielding effect of the front joint, which enhances damage in the medium between the borehole and the joint while exhibiting the opposite effect behind the joint in terms of stress wave propagation. Overall, this study offers objective insights into the mechanics and failure characteristics of jointed rock masses under blasting loads and serves as a valuable reference for the design and optimization of blasting operations.
The RNA-binding domain of DCL3 is required for long-distance RNAi signaling
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Bo-Sen , Wu Hua-Wei , Liu Cheng-Lan , Guo Hui-Shan , Zhao Jian-Hua
Published: November 2023

Small RNA (sRNA)-mediated RNA silencing (also known as RNA interference, or RNAi) is a conserved mechanism in eukaryotes that includes RNA degradation, DNA methylation, heterochromatin formation and protein translation repression. In plants, sRNAs can move either cell-to-cell or systemically, thereby acting as mobile silencing signals to trigger noncell autonomous silencing. However, whether and what proteins are also involved in noncell autonomous silencing have not been elucidated. In this study, we utilized a previously reported inducible RNAi plant, PDSi, which can induce systemic silencing of the endogenous PDS gene, and we demonstrated that DCL3 is involved in systemic PDS silencing through its RNA binding activity. We confirmed that the C-terminus of DCL3, including the predicted RNA-binding domain, is capable of binding short RNAs. Mutations affecting RNA binding, but not processing activity, reduced systemic PDS silencing, indicating that DCL3 binding to RNAs is required for the induction of systemic silencing. Cucumber mosaic virus infection assays showed that the RNA-binding activity of DCL3 is required for antiviral RNAi in systemically noninoculated leaves. Our findings demonstrate that DCL3 acts as a signaling agent involved in noncell autonomous silencing and an antiviral effect in addition to its previously known function in the generation of 24-nucleotide sRNAs.
Perception for Humanoid Robots
Authors: Roychoudhury Arindam , Khorshidi Shahram , Agrawal Subham , Bennewitz Maren
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

The field of humanoid robotics, perception plays a fundamental role in enabling robots to interact seamlessly with humans and their surroundings, leading to improved safety, efficiency, and user experience. This scientific study investigates various perception modalities and techniques employed in humanoid robots, including visual, auditory, and tactile sensing by exploring recent state-of-the-art approaches for perceiving and understanding the internal state, the environment, objects, and human activities.

Recent Findings

Internal state estimation makes extensive use of Bayesian filtering methods and optimization techniques based on maximum a-posteriori formulation by utilizing proprioceptive sensing. In the area of external environment understanding, with an emphasis on robustness and adaptability to dynamic, unforeseen environmental changes, the new slew of research discussed in this study have focused largely on multi-sensor fusion and machine learning in contrast to the use of hand-crafted, rule-based systems. Human robot interaction methods have established the importance of contextual information representation and memory for understanding human intentions.

This review summarizes the recent developments and trends in the field of perception in humanoid robots. Three main areas of application are identified, namely, internal state estimation, external environment estimation, and human robot interaction. The applications of diverse sensor modalities in each of these areas are considered and recent significant works are discussed.
Current Emerging Green Technologies for the Valorization of Grape and Cherry Wastes
Authors: Voss Monica , Gaudino Emanuela Calcio , Tabasso Silvia , Forte Claudio , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: November 2023

This review aims to highlight current emerging technologies for the valorization of the bioactive fraction of waste from cherry and grape processing industries through its recovery and conversion into high added-value products. Due to its richness in diverse functional and health-related metabolites, the valorization of cherry residue and grape residue as a source of bioactive compounds for new food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical products has great interest and potential. Furthermore, aiming for more sustainable processes, several process intensification technologies (UAE, SWE, MAE, PEF, ASE, and NaDES) have emerged in recent decades to extract bioactive compounds from these byproducts, according to a circular economy approach. These techniques allow a considerable reduction in extraction time, greater mass transfer, lower energy consumption, volume of solvents, and energy. Consequently, these new technologies have potential for application on a pilot scale.
Rotation of a fibre in simple shear flow of a dilute polymer solution
Authors: Sharma Arjun , Koch Donald L.
Published: November 2023

The motion of a freely rotating prolate spheroid in a simple shear flow of a dilute polymeric solution is examined in the limit of large particle aspect ratio,

$\kappa$

. A regular perturbation expansion in the polymer concentration,

$c$

, a generalized reciprocal theorem, and slender body theory to represent the velocity field of a Newtonian fluid around the spheroid are used to obtain the

$O(c)$

correction to the particle's orientational dynamics. The resulting dynamical system predicts a range of orientational behaviours qualitatively dependent upon

$c\, De$

(

$De$

is the imposed shear rate times the polymer relaxation time) and

$\kappa$

and quantitatively on

$c$

. At a small but finite

$c\, De$

, the particle spirals towards a limit cycle near the vorticity axis for all initial conditions. Upon increasing

$\kappa$

, the limit cycle becomes smaller. Thus, ultimately the particle undergoes a periodic motion around and at a small angle from the vorticity axis. At moderate

$c\, De$

, a particle starting near the flow–gradient plane departs it monotonically instead of spirally, as this plane (a limit cycle at smaller

$c\, De$

) obtains a saddle and an unstable node. The former is close to the flow direction. Upon further increasing

$c\, De$

, the saddle node changes to a stable node. Therefore, depending upon the initial condition, a particle may either approach a periodic orbit near the vorticity axis or obtain a stable orientation near the flow direction. Upon further increasing

$c\, De$

, the limit cycle near the vorticity axis vanishes, and the particle aligns with the flow direction for all starting orientations.
Lifetimes of metastable windy states in two-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard convection with stress-free boundaries
Authors: Wang Qi , Goluskin David , Lohse Detlef
Published: November 2023

Two-dimensional horizontally periodic Rayleigh–Bénard convection between stress-free boundaries displays two distinct types of states, depending on the initial conditions. Roll states are composed of pairs of counter-rotating convection rolls. Windy states are dominated by strong horizontal wind (also called zonal flow) that is vertically sheared, precludes convection rolls and suppresses heat transport. Windy states occur only when the Rayleigh number

$Ra$

is sufficiently above the onset of convection. At intermediate

$Ra$

values, windy states can be induced by suitable initial conditions, but they undergo a transition to roll states after finite lifetimes. At larger

$Ra$

values, where windy states have been observed for the full duration of simulations, it is unknown whether they represent chaotic attractors or only metastable states that would eventually undergo a transition to roll states. We study this question using direct numerical simulations of a fluid with a Prandtl number of 10 in a layer whose horizontal period is eight times its height. At each of seven

$Ra$

values between

$9\times 10^6$

and

$2.25\times 10^7$

we have carried out 200 or more simulations, all from initial conditions leading to windy convection with finite lifetimes. The lifetime statistics at each

$Ra$

indicate a memoryless process with survival probability decreasing exponentially in time. The mean lifetimes grow with

$Ra$

approximately as

$Ra^4$

. This analysis provides no

$Ra$

value at which windy convection becomes stable; it might remain metastable at larger

$Ra$

with extremely long lifetimes.
The effect of turbulent motions on particle spatial distribution in high-Reynolds-number particle-laden flows
Authors: He Xibo , Liu Hongyou
Published: November 2023

The spatial relationship between turbulent and particle concentration structures is investigated based on the turbulent velocity and particle concentration data obtained synchronously at the Qingtu Lake Observation Array site. In addition to the observation of particle concentration structures that contain not only large-scale coherence but also significant energy in the high-Reynolds-number atmospheric surface layer (ASL), the scale of turbulent motions that have the most significant coherence with particle concentration is found to follow a 1/2 power scaling law with the local height and ASL thickness. Moreover, large-scale turbulent velocity fluctuations have a significant amplitude modulation effect on particle concentration fluctuations, but the modulating influence is different for small dust particles and large saltating particles. Based on the interphase amplitude modulation, there exists a particle–turbulence structure phase difference that varies with height, which further makes the structure inclination angle of the particle concentration larger than that of the turbulence. In this scenario, a conceptual model reflecting the relationship between the two is proposed, and a quantitative formulation is further derived and found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. These findings and the proposed model contribute insights into particle–turbulence interactions, thereby providing theoretical support for a unified model of turbulence dynamics and particle kinematics.
Food choices for weight loss: what dietary strategies would people use?
Authors: Giacone Luana , Siegrist Michael , Hartmann Christina
Published: November 2023

Previous observational research showed that one of the most common strategies used to lose weight is to avoid or restrict the consumption of specific food items. However, the question of how people behave and implement strategies in actual decision-making situations involving food choices for weight loss purposes remains inconclusive. This experimental study using a food buffet aimed to examine people’s different dietary strategies and motives for selecting foods for an entire day for weight loss purposes compared with a normal-day (ND) food selection. A total of 111 participants (55 % women) had to choose foods for both a ND and a weight loss day (WLD) (within-study design). Kilocalories and nutrients were calculated based on the weights of the foods selected, and food choice motives were assessed using a questionnaire. The results showed that for weight loss purposes, the participants selected more vegetables (both sexes) and unsweetened beverages (only men) while reducing their choices of high-fat and high-energy products (both sexes). Participants’ food choices in both conditions (ND and WLD) differed from the official nutrition recommendations. They chose less carbohydrates and fibres and more fat and sugar than recommended. Health, kilocalories and nutrient content (carbohydrates, sugar, fat and protein) were more important food choice motives for weight loss purposes than for a ND food selection, while taste became less important. In conclusion, the participants appeared to be well capable of implementing several appropriate dietary strategies. Further research is needed to explore strategies to help them maintain these dietary changes over the long term.
Co-Operative Citizens? Development, Work and Protest in Guyana, c. 1970–1985
Authors: Curless Gareth
Published: November 2023

Histories of Third Worldism have received renewed attention from historians in the past decade. Much of the resulting scholarship has focused on the international to the exclusion of the national. This article addresses this relative neglect by focusing on a particular iteration of Third World nation-state-building: co-operative socialism in Forbes Burnham's Guyana. Refuting the argument that co-operative socialism was imitative and implemented for reasons of political expediency only, the article contends that Burnham's doctrine should be regarded as a meaningful attempt at remaking Guyana's society and economy through its core principles of self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and self-discipline. These principles gave rise to a specific conception of citizenship in 1970s Guyana, where the People's National Congress (PNC) sought to link political belonging and participation with a moral ethic premised on the notion of hard work in service of the nation. The article examines how this collectivist understanding of citizenship gave rise to a particular set of struggles at the turn of the 1980s, as the co-operative republic began to collapse. What emerged from these struggles was an alternate but parallel imagining of citizenship espoused by the Working People's Alliance (WPA), which rejected the PNC's vanguardism in favour of empowering the Guyanese people through the creation of non-hierarchical systems of collective authority. The article concludes by arguing that the failure of the WPA's attempt to overthrow the PNC through popular revolt signified the ends of decolonization and Third Worldism in the Caribbean, and the beginnings of new struggles against new forms of coloniality in the guise of the emerging neoliberal and good governance agendas.
Unpacking L2 explicit linguistic knowledge and online processing of the English modals may and can: A comparison of acceptability judgments and self-paced reading
Authors: Mifka-Profozic Nadia , O’Reilly David , Lovrovic Leonarda
Published: November 2023

The present study uses self-paced reading as a measure of online processing and an acceptability judgement task as a measure of offline explicit linguistic knowledge, to understand L2 learners’ comprehension processes and their awareness of subtle differences between the modal auxiliaries may and can. Participants were two groups of university students: 42 native speakers of English and 41 native speakers of Croatian majoring in L2 English. The study is part of a larger project that has provided empirical evidence of the two modals, may and can, being mutually exclusive when denoting ability (can) and epistemic possibility (may) but equally acceptable in pragmatic choices expressing permission. The present results revealed that L1 and L2 speakers rated the acceptability of sentences in offline tasks similarly; however, L2 learners showed no sensitivity to verb–context mismatches in epistemic modality while demonstrating sensitivity when processing modals expressing ability. Implications for L2 acquisition of modals and future research are discussed.
The NEONATE score predicts freedom from interstage mortality or transplant in a modern cohort
Authors: Ahmed Humera , Anderson Jeffrey B. , Bates Katherine E. , Lannon Carole M. , Brown David W. ,   for the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative
Published: November 2023

Background:

Derived from the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative registry, the NEONATE risk score predicted freedom from interstage mortality or heart transplant for patients with single ventricle CHD and aortic arch hypoplasia discharged home following Stage 1 palliation.

Objectives:

We sought to validate the score in an external, modern cohort.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of single ventricle CHD and aortic arch hypoplasia patients enrolled in the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative Phase II registry from 2016 to 2020, who were discharged home after Stage 1 palliation. Points were allocated per the NEONATE score (Norwood type—Norwood/Blalock–Taussig shunt: 3, Hybrid: 12; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation post-op: 9, Opiates at discharge: 6, No Digoxin at discharge: 9, Arch Obstruction on discharge echo: 9, Tricuspid regurgitation ≥ moderate on discharge echo: 12; Extra oxygen plus ≥ moderate tricuspid regurgitation: 28). The composite primary endpoint was interstage mortality or heart transplant.

Results:

In total, 1026 patients met inclusion criteria; 61 (6%) met the primary outcome. Interstage mortality occurred in 44 (4.3%) patients at a median of 129 (IQR 62,195) days, and 17 (1.7%) were referred for heart transplant at a 167 (114,199) days of life. The median NEONATE score was 0(0,9) in those who survived to Stage 2 palliation compared to 9(0,15) in those who experienced interstage mortality or heart transplant (p < 0.001). Applying a NEONATE score cut-off of 17 points that separated patients into low- and high-risk groups in the learning cohort provided 91% specificity, negative predictive value of 95%, and overall accuracy of 87% (85.4–89.5%).

Conclusion:

In a modern cohort of patients with single ventricle CHD and aortic arch hypoplasia, the NEONATE score remains useful at discharge post-Stage 1 palliation to predict freedom from interstage mortality or heart transplant.
Outcomes after initial heart failure consultation in Fontan patients
Authors: Chen Sharon , Shezad Muhammad F. , Lorts Angela , McCormick Amanda D. , Mao Chad Y. , Simpson Kathleen E. , O’Connor Matthew J. , Barnes Aliessa , Lubert Adam M. , Castleberry Chesney , Schmidt Julie , Schroeder Katie , Joong Anna , Bearl David W. , Lal Ashwin K. , Mokshagundam Deepa , Conway Jennifer , Cedars Ari , Schumacher Kurt R.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Patients with Fontan failure are high-risk candidates for heart transplantation and other advanced therapies. Understanding the outcomes following initial heart failure consultation can help define appropriate timing of referral for advanced heart failure care.

Methods:

This is a survey study of heart failure providers seeing any Fontan patient for initial heart failure care. Part 1 of the survey captured data on clinical characteristics at the time of heart failure consultation, and Part 2, completed 30 days later, captured outcomes (death, transplant evaluation outcome, and other interventions). Patients were classified as “too late” (death or declined for transplant due to being too sick) and/or “care escalation” (ventricular assist device implanted, inotrope initiated, and/or listed for transplant), within 30 days. “Late referral” was defined as those referred too late and/or had care escalation.

Results:

Between 7/2020 and 7/2022, 77 Fontan patients (52% inpatient) had an initial heart failure consultation. Ten per cent were referred too late (6 were too sick for heart transplantation with one subsequent death, and two others died without heart transplantation evaluation, within 30 days), and 36% had care escalation (21 listed ± 5 ventricular assist device implanted ± 6 inotrope initiated). Overall, 42% were late referrals. Heart failure consultation < 1 year after Fontan surgery was strongly associated with late referral (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.8–21.5, p=0.004).

Conclusions:

Over 40% of Fontan patients seen for an initial heart failure consultation were late referrals, with 10% dying or being declined for transplant within a month of consultation. Earlier referral, particularly for those with heart failure soon after Fontan surgery, should be encouraged.
HIGHER MOMENT FORMULAE AND LIMITING DISTRIBUTIONS OF LATTICE POINTS
Authors: Alam Mahbub , Ghosh Anish , Han Jiyoung
Published: November 2023

We establish higher moment formulae for Siegel transforms on the space of affine unimodular lattices as well as on certain congruence quotients of
$\mathrm {SL}_d({\mathbb {R}})$
. As applications, we prove functional central limit theorems for lattice point counting for affine and congruence lattices using the method of moments.
Applications of Time‐Frequency Domain Polarization Filtering to InSight Seismic Data
Authors: Brinkman N. , Sollberger D. , Schmelzbach C. , Stähler S. C. , Robertsson J.
Published: November 2023

The seismometer Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) onboard the InSight lander was used to continuously record the seismicity on Mars from February 2019 to December 2022. To maximize the information that can be extracted from the seismic data, it is critical to identify and to suppress undesired features (e.g., environmental noise, scattered waves, seismic imprint of lander vibrations) and non‐seismic noise (e.g., instrument related artifacts). We present an advanced polarization filtering workflow in the time‐frequency domain to suppress undesired features and to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the SEIS recordings. We estimate time‐frequency‐dependent polarization attributes such as the ellipticity, directionality of the particle motion, and the degree of polarization to identify and filter out undesired data parts. After filtering in the time‐frequency domain, the seismic data are transformed back to the time domain, yielding broadband waveform data that can be used for further seismological analysis. We illustrate the benefits of our filtering approach with three use cases. Firstly, we show how polarization filtered data can help to constrain the source mechanism of the sol 1,222 event, the largest marsquake detected so far. Using the proposed polarization filtering techniques, we are able to enhance the S‐wave arrival by suppressing interfering randomly polarized scattered waves to successfully infer on the moment tensor of this event. Secondly, we show that polarization filters can be used to suppress instrument‐related glitches and, thirdly, to remove the seismic imprint left by the vibrating lander (mechanical resonances of the lander).
Providing capacity in glaucoma care using trained and accredited optometrists: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Gunn Patrick J. G. , Read Simon , Dickinson Christine , Fenerty Cecilia H. , Harper Robert A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The role of optometrists in glaucoma within primary and secondary care has been well described. Whilst many studies examined safety and clinical effectiveness, there is a paucity of qualitative research evaluating enablers and barriers for optometrists delivering glaucoma care. The aims of this study are to investigate qualitatively, and from a multi-stakeholder perspective whether optometric glaucoma care is accepted as an effective alternative to traditional models and what contextual factors impact upon their success.

Methods

Patients were recruited from clinics at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and nationally via a Glaucoma UK registrant database. Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other stakeholders involved in glaucoma services were recruited via direct contact and through an optometry educational event. Interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed anonymously, then analysed using the framework method and NVivo 12.

Results

Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 38 participants including 14 optometrists and 6 ophthalmologists (from all 4 UK nations), and 15 patients and 3 commissioners/other stakeholders. Themes emerging related to: enablers and drivers; challenges and barriers; training; laser; professional practice; the role of other health professionals; commissioning; COVID-19; and patient experience.

Conclusion

Success in developing glaucoma services with optometrists and other health professionals is reliant on multi-stakeholder input, investment in technology and training, inter-professional respect and appropriate time and funding to set up and deliver services. The multi-stakeholder perspective affirms there is notable support for developing glaucoma services delivered by optometrists in primary and secondary care, with caveats around training, appropriate case selection and clinical responsibility.
Medical ethics of long-duration spaceflight
Authors: Rajput Siddharth , Mayor Ivy , Diamond Madison , Rosenberg Mark , Cole Victor , Bhakare Nikita , Aziz Omar , Wilder Anderson L.
Published: November 2023

With the advent of novel and emerging technologies, long duration spaceflight will become more common; along with it, an increase in its inherent health risks. However, health-related ethical issues arising during long-duration spaceflight remain poorly characterized, uncertain and unpredictable. Medical ethics is defined as a set of moral principles, beliefs and values that guides choices about medical care. This set of principles, founded in our sense of right and wrong, helps us make fair and just decisions. The paper conceptually and analytically investigates the ethical issues likely to arise from medical complications during spaceflight, mapping unfilled gaps of the current status quo. Furthermore, this paper explores broad ethical themes of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice, while also delving deeper into specific scenarios within each theme. The manuscript represents an up-to-date review of the available literature in the field of space medical ethics and recommends guiding ethical principles and a framework for their application to negotiate the resolution of complex ethical scenarios during long-duration spaceflight.
Generation of “OP7 chimera” defective interfering influenza A particle preparations free of infectious virus that show antiviral efficacy in mice
Authors: Dogra Tanya , Pelz Lars , Boehme Julia D. , Kuechler Jan , Kershaw Olivia , Marichal-Gallardo Pavel , Baelkner Maike , Hein Marc D. , Gruber Achim D. , Benndorf Dirk , Genzel Yvonne , Bruder Dunja , Kupke Sascha Y. , Reichl Udo
Published: November 2023

Influenza A virus (IAV) defective interfering particles (DIPs) are considered as new promising antiviral agents. Conventional DIPs (cDIPs) contain a deletion in the genome and can only replicate upon co-infection with infectious standard virus (STV), during which they suppress STV replication. We previously discovered a new type of IAV DIP “OP7” that entails genomic point mutations and displays higher antiviral efficacy than cDIPs. To avoid safety concerns for the medical use of OP7 preparations, we developed a production system that does not depend on infectious IAV. We reconstituted a mixture of DIPs consisting of cDIPs and OP7 chimera DIPs, in which both harbor a deletion in their genome. To complement the defect, the deleted viral protein is expressed by the suspension cell line used for production in shake flasks. Here, DIP preparations harvested are not contaminated with infectious virions, and the fraction of OP7 chimera DIPs depended on the multiplicity of infection. Intranasal administration of OP7 chimera DIP material was well tolerated in mice. A rescue from an otherwise lethal IAV infection and no signs of disease upon OP7 chimera DIP co-infection demonstrated the remarkable antiviral efficacy. The clinical development of this new class of broad-spectrum antiviral may contribute to pandemic preparedness.
The association between leisure-time physical activity and blood pressure changes from adolescence to young adulthood: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Yari-Boroujeni Reza , Farjad Mohammad-Farid , Olazadeh Keyvan , Cheraghi Leila , Parvin Parnian , Azizi Fereidoun , Amiri Parisa
Published: November 2023

The effectiveness of long-term leisure time physical activity (LTPA) on blood pressure (BP) changes is still under debate. Since adolescence lifestyle behaviors shape the adulthood health profile, this study aimed to investigate the sex-specific impact of LTPA on BP changes from adolescence to young adulthood. This longitudinal study uses the data of 1412 adolescents (52% females) aged 12–18 years through a median follow-up of 12.2 years in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) framework. LTPA was calculated using the reliable and valid Iranian version of the modified activity scale (MAQ), and BP was measured at least twice by trained physicians. The linear mixed model was used to examine the study variables, considering individual and intrapersonal differences during the study. The majority of participants consistently demonstrated insufficient LTPA throughout the follow-up assessments, ranging from 54.7 to 67.1% for males and 77.7–83.4% for females. Despite a declining trend in LTPA (β = − 2.77 for males and β = − 1.43 for females), an increasing trend was noticeable in SBP, DBP, and BMI (β = 1.38, β = 1.81, β = 0.97 for males, and β = 0.10, β = 0.20, β = 0.97 for females, respectively). The unadjusted model revealed a significant trend in all variables for both sexes, except for female BP (P = 0.45 for SBP and P = 0.83 for DBP). Using the adjusted model, no significant association was observed between LTPA and changes in BP over time in both sexes. Our study indicates no association between LTPA and BP changes from adolescence to young adulthood. Insufficient LTPA levels, particularly among Iranian females, are likely the primary factor. Further research is crucial to identify appropriate LTPA levels to promote cardiovascular health and implement targeted interventions to achieve optimal LTPA levels in the Iranian population.
Endoscopic gallbladder inside-stenting combined with aspirated lavage for calculous cholecystitis in poor surgical candidates: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Kitano Rena , Ibusuki Mayu , Kobayashi Yuji , Ito Kiyoaki , Yoneda Masashi
Published: November 2023

Although long-term stent placement via endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS) reportedly reduces cholecystitis recurrence in patients unfit to undergo cholecystectomy, it can increase the frequency of other late adverse events (AEs) such as cholangitis. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of endoscopic gallbladder inside-stenting (EGB-IS) with lavage and aspiration. This prospective, single-center, pilot study enrolled 83 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who were poor candidates for surgery. A dedicated catheter with eight side holes was used for lavage and aspiration, and a dedicated single-pigtail stent equipped with a thread was used for EGB-IS. Outcomes such as technical success, clinical success, early AEs, recurrence of cholecystitis, and other symptomatic late AEs associated with EGB-IS with lavage and aspiration were evaluated. The technical and clinical success rates were 80.7% (67/83) and 98.5% (66/67), respectively. The rate of early AEs was 3.6% (3/83). The rate of recurrent cholecystitis was 4.5% (3/66) and that of symptomatic late AEs (besides cholecystitis) was 6.1% (4/66). Consequently, the rate of overall late AEs (cholecystitis plus other events) was 10.6% (7/66). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative incidence rates of all late AEs were 3.2%, 11.2%, and 18.9%, respectively. EGB-IS with lavage and aspiration for calculous cholecystitis showed promising results in poor surgical candidates. EGB-IS may be useful when EGBS with long-term stent placement is planned, since prevention of cholecystitis recurrence, without a rise in the incidence of other AEs, is anticipated.
Energy dissipation on magic angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Ollier Alexina , Kisiel Marcin , Lu Xiaobo , Gysin Urs , Poggio Martino , Efetov Dmitri K. , Meyer Ernst
Published: November 2023

Traditional Joule dissipation omnipresent in today’s electronic devices is well understood while the energy loss of the strongly interacting electron systems remains largely unexplored. Twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) is a host to interaction-driven correlated insulating phases, when the relative rotation is close to the magic angle (1.08∘). We report on low-temperature (5K) nanomechanical energy dissipation of tBLG measured by pendulum atomic force microscopy (p-AFM). The ultrasensitive cantilever tip acting as an oscillating gate over the quantum device shows dissipation peaks attributed to different fractional fillings of the flat energy bands. Local detection allows to determine the twist angle and spatially resolved dissipation images showed the existence of hundred-nanometer domains of different doping. Application of magnetic fields provoked strong oscillations of the dissipation signal at 3/4 band filling, identified in analogy to Aharonov-Bohm oscillations, a wavefunction interference present between domains of different doping and a signature of orbital ferromagnetism.
Transport and deposition of ocean-sourced microplastic particles by a North Atlantic hurricane
Authors: Ryan Anna C. , Allen Deonie , Allen Steve , Maselli Vittorio , LeBlanc Amber , Kelleher Liam , Krause Stefan , Walker Tony R. , Cohen Mark
Published: November 2023

The atmosphere can transport large quantities of microplastics and disperse them throughout the globe to locations inaccessible by many other transport mechanisms. Meteorological events have been proven to pick up and transport particulate matter, however, how they influence the transport and deposition of atmospheric microplastics is still poorly understood. Here we present samples of atmospheric fallout collected during Hurricane Larry as it passed over Newfoundland, Canada in September 2021. During the storm peak, 1.13 × 105 particles m−2 day−1 were deposited, with a decline in deposition after the storm passed. Back-trajectory modelling and polymer type analysis indicate that those microplastics may have been ocean-sourced as the hurricane traversed the garbage patch of the North Atlantic Gyre. This study identifies the influence of North Atlantic hurricanes on the atmospheric transport and deposition of ocean-sourced microplastics and the possible consequences of increased exposure to microplastics in remote areas.
Programmable photochemical deoxygenation for 2.5D grayscale printing
Authors: Chen Sihan , Zhou Hongqi , Zhou Ning , He Jiang , Lu Wei
Published: November 2023

Photo-raised patterns: radical polymerization occurs where molecular oxygen is depleted by sensitized photochemical deoxygenation and this process could be programmed by grayscale photo-patterning.
PbTeB4O9: a lead tellurium borate with unprecedented fundamental building block [B4O10] and large birefringence
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Tudi Abudukadi , Yang Xia , Wang Xuping , Yang Zhihua , Han Shujuan , Pan Shilie
Published: November 2023

A new borate, PbTeB4O9, with unprecedented 2D infinite [TeB4O9]∞ layers was obtained; it possesses a calculated birefringence of 0.099 at 1064 nm.
Effect of low-temperature oxidation and heat treatment under vacuum on the Al–Be interdiffusion process
Authors: Gaisin Aidar U. , Filatova Elena O.
Published: November 2023

The effect of oxidation processes and heat treatment on the intermixing of non-interacting metals in bilayer nanostructures deposited by magnetron sputtering has been studied by XPS and TEM.
Predicting the rates of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over cocatalyst-deposited TiO2 using machine learning with active photon flux as a unifying feature
Authors: Haghshenas Yousof , Wong Wei Ping , Gunawan Denny , Khataee Alireza , Keyikoğlu Ramazan , Razmjou Amir , Kumar Priyank Vijaya , Toe Cui Ying , Masood Hassan , Amal Rose , Sethu Vidhyasaharan , Teoh Wey Yang
Published: November 2023

An accurate model for predicting TiO2 photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rates is hereby presented.
Storage stability assessment of guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.) cv. ‘Gola’ in response to different packaging materials
Authors: Yousaf Ali Asad , Abbasi Kashif Sarfraz , Ibrahim Muhammad Suhail , Sohail Asma , Faiz Mamoona , Khadim Mehwish
Published: November 2023

Packaging significantly improved the quality and shelf life of indigenous guava fruit.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of cellulose during enzymatic hydrolysis studied by infrared spectromicroscopy
Authors: Jeoh Tina , Nill Jennifer Danger , Zhao Wujun , Narayanasamy Sankar Raju , Chen Liang , Holman Hoi-Ying N.
Published: November 2023

Spatial and temporal resolved mapping of infrared spectra of cellulose during enzymatic hydrolysis towards developing sustainable bioconversion processes to materials, fuels, and chemicals.
Graphene oxide aptasensor droplet assay for detection of metabolites secreted by single cells applied to synthetic biology
Authors: Zheng Dan , Zhang Jingyun , Jiang Wenxin , Xu Ying , Meng Haixu , Poh Chueh Loo , Chen Chia-Hung
Published: November 2023

A modifiable droplet graphene oxide (GO) aptasensor has been developed for low-background detection of various target compounds with enhanced signal-to-noise ratios for synthetic biology applications.
Localized surface plasmon resonance assisted photoredox catalysis using newly fabricated copper-nanorods: a decarboxylative approach towards carbon–hydrogen bond formation under visible light
Authors: Khamarui Saikat , Ghosh Sirshendu
Published: November 2023

Copper nanorods (Cu-NRs) exhibit significant plasmonic behavior, serving as efficient catalysts in an environmentally friendly decarboxylative process that converts alkyl carboxylic acids to alkane analogues under visible light.
Synthesis of p-aminophenol by transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzene with formic acid as a hydrogen source
Authors: Zhang Yisheng , Li Wensong , Li Jing , Li Fang , Xue Wei , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: November 2023

Synthesis of p-aminophenol by transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzene with formic acid as hydrogen source.
Carbon material with high pyridine/graphite nitrogen content: an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Nan Jia , Shufeng Shi , Juxiang Yang , Yuan Jia , Qiang Weng , Pei Chen
Published: November 2023

Polymers with a high C/N ratio were synthesized by a simple solvolysis method and carbonized to obtain a CN-800 catalyst rich in pyridine-N and graphite-N, which exhibited significant ORR activity and stability.
Branched copolymer surfactants impart thermoreversible gelation to LAPONITE® gels
Authors: Rajbanshi Abhishek , Da Silva Marcelo Alves , Mahmoudi Najet , Janeczek Agnieszka , Shaw Allison , Dawson Jonathan , Cook Michael Thomas
Published: November 2023

Composite solutions of LAPONITE® and branched copolymer surfactants give thermoreversible sol–gel transitions due to nanostructural assembly processes.
Quaternary ammonia compounds in disinfectant products: evaluating the potential for promoting antibiotic resistance and disrupting wastewater treatment plant performance
Authors: Lu Zihao , Mahony Anna K. , Arnold William A. , Marshall Christopher W. , McNamara Patrick J.
Published: November 2023

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of compounds that were widely used as disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be used as disinfecting agents.
The MYBL1/TCFL5 transcription network: two collaborative factors with central role in male meiosis
Authors: Säflund Martin , Özata Deniz M.
Published: November 2023

Male gametogenesis, spermatogenesis, is a stepwise developmental process to generate mature sperm. The most intricate process of spermatogenesis is meiosis during which two successive cell divisions ensue with dramatic cellular and molecular changes to produce haploid cells. After entry into meiosis, several forms of regulatory events control the orderly progression of meiosis and the timely entry into post-meiotic sperm differentiation. Among other mechanisms, changes to gene expression are controlled by key transcription factors. In this review, we will discuss the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying meiotic entry, meiotic progression, and post-meiotic differentiation with a particular emphasis on the MYBL1/TCFL5 regulatory architecture and how this architecture involves in various forms of transcription network motifs to regulate gene expression.