bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic sulfate–based signatures of chemosymbiosis in modern infaunal lucinids
Authors: Bryant Roger N. , Richardson Jocelyn A. , Kalia Tara C. , Gros Olivier , Lopez-Garriga Juan , Blättler Clara L.
Published: August 2023

Bivalves that host sulfur-oxidizing bacterial gill-hosted endosymbionts can inhabit low-diversity, sulfidic environmental niches. However, understanding the history of this life strategy is limited by the lack of a robust method that can be applied to fossils. Measurements of carbonate-associated sulfate S isotope ratios (CAS-δ34S) in carbonate fossils could fill this void by fingerprinting symbiont-driven oxidation of environmental sulfide. We begin to evaluate this prediction using modern lucinid bivalves, a useful test case because: (1) all modern genera host symbionts and live in sulfidic sediments, and (2) morphological evidence suggests that this has been true since the earliest ancestral lucinids. We measured S speciation, abundance, and CAS-δ34S values in the shells of a suite of modern infaunal lucinids, in addition to epifaunal bivalves with and without S-oxidizing symbionts as controls. For infaunal lucinids, CAS concentrations were at most one-third of those of non-symbiotic epifaunal bivalves, and CAS-δ34S values were lower (9.2‰–18.5‰) than in modern seawater (21‰) or epifaunal bivalves (20.8‰–21‰). These observations indicate that lucinids with symbionts incorporate sulfide-derived sulfate into their shells as a direct consequence of their chemosymbiosis. We argue that both the concentration and the magnitude of 34S depletion in infaunal lucinid CAS reflect environmental sulfide concentrations and could viably reveal chemosymbiosis in fossils.
Supplemental Material: Age variability and subdecadal time-averaging in oyster reef death assemblages
Authors: Durham Stephen R. , al. et
Published: August 2023

Additional details about sampling methodology and environmental context, radiocarbon results validation and correction for dead carbon, and an assessment of geographic and temporal age variability. 
Manual schism and intracameral air injection for impacted Descemet’s membrane detachment
Authors: Sharma Ashok , Sharma Rajan , Kulshreshta Ashish , Nirankari Verinder
Published: August 2023

A woman in her 60s was referred to us for management of poor vision following cataract surgery in the right eye. She had undergone manual small incision cataract surgery 12 weeks earlier. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed corneal oedema, a horizontal line at the upper border and the adhered inferior border of detached Descemet’s membrane (DM). Clinical diagnosis of impacted Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) was considered.

Surgical intervention with manual schisis and intracameral injection of air was planned. Using the ‘push technique,’ we tried to place the tip of the 27 gauge cannula between the back of the cornea and detached DM. The tip of the 27 gauge cannula was behind the impacted DM, and air injection was unsuccessful. Using the back-up the ‘pull technique,’ bent tip of the 27 gauge cannula was used to pull the impacted DMD. This manoeuvre, disimpacted the inferior border and the air bubble, was injected using the 27 gauge cannula. The air bubble unfolded and reattached the DM successfully.
Protocol for integrated solutions for healthy birth, growth and development: a cluster-randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed nutrition intervention package in reducing child undernutrition in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Huang Shan , Toole Michael , Renzaho Andre MN , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Watts Jennifer J , Coghlan Ben
Published: August 2023

Introduction

While Lao People’s Democratic Republic has seen economic gains in recent years, one-third of children aged 5 years and under are stunted. There is a need for evidence around clinically effective and cost-effective integrated nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in the local context.

Methods and analysis

We aim to conduct a cluster-randomised control trial to test the effectiveness of an integrated package of community-based nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions compared with the standard government package of nutrition actions. The trial will be in six districts within the province of Vientiane. We will recruit pregnant women in their third trimester and follow the children born to them every 6 months until 18 months of age. A total of 256 villages (serviced by 34 health centres) will be randomised to a control arm or an intervention arm using a minimisation algorithm. The primary outcome is the prevalence of stunting among children aged 6, 12 and 18 months. The secondary outcomes include prevalence of low birth weight and wasting among children aged 6, 12 and 18 months. Analyses for the primary and secondary outcomes will be conducted at the mother–infant dyad level and adjusted for the cluster randomisation. The difference in prevalence of low birth weight, wasting and stunting between control and intervention groups will be assessed using Pearson’s χ2tests and 95% CIs for the group difference, adjusted for clustering.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial protocol was approved by the Alfred Human Research Ethic Committee (Ref: 227/16) and the Lao National Ethics Committee for Health Research (Ref: 81). The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 28 April 2020 (ACTRN12620000520932). The results will be disseminated at different levels: study participants; the local community; other Lao stakeholders including policymakers; and an international audience.

Trial registration number

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620000520932
Pain related to intravitreal injections for age-related macular degeneration: a qualitative study of the perspectives of patients and practitioners
Authors: Yiallouridou Christina , Acton Jennifer H , Banerjee Sanjiv , Waterman Heather , Wood Ashley
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Ocular pain is a commonly reported finding in the intravitreal injection procedure, but post-injection experiences and patient adherence to treatment remain underexplored. We therefore aimed to identify key variations in the intravitreal injection procedure that may influence pain, and to gain insights into the post-injection experience and treatment adherence from the perspective of patients and practitioners.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interview study using reflexive thematic analysis of transcripts.

Setting

Hospital Eye Clinic in Wales, UK. Interviews were conducted between May and September 2019.

Participants

Purposive sample of patients aged ≥50 years with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and no other retinal pathology who had received at least six intravitreal injections, and practitioners including ophthalmologists, registered nurses and optometrists who performed intravitreal injections at the research site.

Results

Data saturation was reached with 21 interviews: 14 patients and 7 practitioners. Three main themes were identified from the analysis: fear of losing eyesight and treatment anxiety influence patient adherence to treatment, variability in pain experience during treatment, and post-injection experience and impact on patient recovery. To reassure patients feeling apprehensive about the injections, practitioners promoted safety and trust, and used techniques to manage anxiety. Key variations that may influence pain identified were application of antiseptic or anaesthetic, injecting methods and communication. During injection, patients reported a dull-aching and sharp pain, contrary to practitioners’ perspective of feeling a ‘pressure’. Patients described prolonged soreness and irritation of up to 36 hours post-injection affecting their sleep and recovery.

Conclusion

Establishing rapport supported patients to recognise the necessity of ongoing treatment to prevent sight loss; however, inadequate pain management led to undesirable outcomes. Practitioners should use pain assessment tools during and immediately after injection and provide ongoing consistent information to help patients manage pain at home.
Impact of a teen club model on HIV outcomes among adolescents in rural Neno district, Malawi: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trapence Clement Patrick , Kanyenda Chisomo , Muyila Fainala , Ndarama Enoch PL , Suffrin Dimitri , Connolly Emilia , Kachimanga Chiyembekezo , Kulinkina Alexandra V
Published: August 2023

Objective

To compare the impact of a teen club model to the standard care model on HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents (10–19 years of age).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

HIV clinics in Neno district, Malawi.

Participants

Adolescents living with HIV enrolled in teen clubs (n=235) and matched participants in standard HIV care (n=297).

Outcome measures

Attrition from HIV care, defined as a combination of treatment outcomes ‘died’, ‘defaulted’ and ‘transferred out’.

Results

Over a 4-year follow-up period, adolescents who participated in the teen club had a significantly higher likelihood of remaining in care than those who did not (HR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.46 to 5.34). Teen clubs also increased the probability of having a recent measured viral load (VL) and BMI, but did not change the probability of VL suppression. The age at antiretroviral treatment initiation below 15 years (aHR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.82) reduced the risk of attrition from HIV care, while underweight status (aHR=3.18; 95% CI: 1.71 to 5.92) increased the risk of attrition, after controlling for sex, WHO HIV staging and teen club participation.

Conclusions

The teen club model has the potential to improve treatment outcomes among adolescents in rural Neno district. However, in addition to retaining adolescents in HIV care, greater attention is needed to treatment adherence and viral suppression in this special population. Further understanding of the contextual factors and barriers that adolescents in rural areas face could further improve the teen club model to ensure high-quality HIV care and quality of life.
Diagnostic Accuracy and economic value of a Tiered Assessment for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (DATAforFASD): Protocol
Authors: Shanley Dianne C , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie , Wheeler Amanda J , Byrnes Joshua , Ware Robert S , Liu Wei , Simcock Gabrielle , White Codi , Horton Sarah , Page Marjad , Shelton Doug , Till Haydn , Mills Ianthe , Hislop Carly , Harris Katrina , Crichton Alison , Reid Natasha , Reilly Sheena , Moritz Karen , Walsh Kerryann , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Hawkins Erinn
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Australian practices for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are lengthy and require specialist expertise. Specialist teams are based in urban locations; they are expensive and have prolonged waitlists. Innovative, flexible solutions are needed to ensure First Nations children living in rural/remote communities have culturally appropriate and equitable access to timely diagnosis and support. This study compares the accuracy of rapid assessments (index tests) that can be administered by a range of primary healthcare practitioners to specialist standardised FASD assessments (reference tests). The cost-efficiency of index tests will be compared with reference tests.

Methods and analysis

At least 200 children aged 6–16 years at-risk of FASD will be recruited across at least seven study sites. Following standards for reporting diagnostic accuracy study (STARD) guidelines, all children will complete index and reference tests. Diagnostic accuracy statistics (including receiver operating curves, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios) will identify whether rapid assessments can accurately identify: (1) the presence of an FASD diagnosis and (2) impairment in each neurodevelopmental domain, compared to comprehensive assessments. Direct and indirect healthcare costs for index tests compared to reference tests will be collected in primary healthcare and specialist settings.

Ethics and dissemination of results

Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/20/QCHQ/63173); Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/743). Results will assist in validating the use of index tests as part of a tiered neurodevelopmental assessment process that was co-designed with First Nations community and primary healthcare practitioners. Outcomes will be summarised and provided to participating practitioners and sites, and disseminated to community health services and consumers. Findings will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000498796.
Will a fee-for-service payment for a young people’s health assessment in general practice increase the detection of health risk behaviours and health conditions? Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (RAd Health Trial)
Authors: Hocking Jane S , Watson Cathy , Chondros Patty , Sawyer Susan M , Ride Jemimah , Temple-Smith Meredith , Boyle Douglas , Skinner Rachel , Patton George C , Lim Megan S C , Pirkis Jane , Johnson Caroline , Newton Sara , Wardley Amelia , Blashki Grant , Guy Rebecca , Dalziel Kim , Sanci Lena
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Adolescence is a period of major transition in physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, and the peak time for the onset of mental health conditions, substance use disorders and sexual and reproductive health risks. Prevention and treatment during this time can improve health and well-being now and into the future. However, despite clinical guidelines recommending annual preventive health assessments for young people, health professionals cite lack of consultation time and adequate funding as key barriers. This trial aims to determine whether a specific fee-for-service (‘rebate payment’) for a young person’s health assessment, is effective and cost-effective at increasing the detection and management of health risk behaviours and conditions among young people.

Methods and analysis

This cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in Australian general practice. 42 general practices (clusters) will be randomly allocated 1:1 to either an intervention arm where general practitioners receive a rebate payment for each annual health assessment undertaken for 14–24-year-olds during a 2 year study period, or a control arm (no rebate). The rebate amount will be based on the Medical Benefits Schedule (Australia’s list of health professional services subsidised by the Australian Government) currently available for similar age-based assessments. Our primary outcome will be the annual rate of risk behaviours and health conditions recorded in the patient electronic health record (eg, alcohol/drug use, sexual activity and mental health issues). Secondary outcomes include the annual rate of patient management activities related to health risks and conditions identified (eg, contraception prescribed, sexually transmitted infection tests ordered). A process evaluation will assess acceptability, adoption, fidelity and sustainability of the rebate; an economic evaluation will assess its cost-effectiveness. Analyses will be intention-to-treat.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from University of Melbourne Human and Research Ethics Committee (2022-23435-29990-3). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000114741
Dark side of the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality: the case of mandatory vaccination
Authors: Horák Filip , Dienstbier Jakub
Published: August 2023

Deciding the conflict between various rights and interests, especially in medical ethics where health and lives are in question, has significant challenges, and to obtain appropriate outcomes, it is necessary to properly apply the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality. Using the example of mandatory vaccination policies, we show that this task becomes even more difficult when these principles lead us to counterintuitive and paradoxical results. Although the general purpose of these principles is to ensure that decisions and policies seek the highest and broadest possible enjoyment of rights for all (ie, the least restrictive solution), they achieve the complete opposite when applied to mandatory vaccination policies. To highlight and explain these paradoxical results, we present a typology of fifteen hypothetical mandatory vaccination policies containing various degrees of restriction and apply well-established non-discrimination and proportionality tests from constitutional law to each. We argue that mandatory vaccination policies exhibit two characteristics, namely the non-linear relationship between their general purposes and specific goals and the involvement of life and health, suggesting that more restrictive policies should prevail even though less restrictive policies might fail these tests. Using clearly structured and rigorous methodology from constitutional law, the proposed approach delivers a fresh view on the core ethical principles of non-discrimination and proportionality and a potentially useful tool in helping resolve also other challenges encountered in medical ethics beyond mandatory vaccination policies.
Defending the impairment argument
Authors: Blackshaw Bruce Philip
Published: August 2023

Kyle van Oosterum and Emma Curran have recently argued that the impairment argument against abortion is weak and accomplishes little. They also claim that impairment fails to explain what makes giving a child fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) immoral, which is an important premise of the argument. Here, I explain that the impairment argument is not as weak as they believe. Further, I argue that impairment offers a superior explanation for what makes giving a child FAS immoral than their proposal based on creative beneficence.
Clinical, genetic and biochemical signatures ofRBP4-related ocular malformations
Authors: Plaisancié Julie , Martinovic Jelena , Chesneau Bertrand , Whalen Sandra , Rodriguez Diana , Audebert-Bellanger Séverine , Marzin Pauline , Grotto Sarah , Perthus Isabelle , Holt Richard James , Bax Dorine A , Ragge Nicola , Chassaing Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Background

The retinoic acid (RA) pathway plays a crucial role in both eye morphogenesis and the visual cycle. Individuals with monoallelic and biallelic pathogenic variants inretinol-binding protein 4(RBP4), encoding a serum retinol-specific transporter, display variable ocular phenotypes. Although few families have been reported worldwide, recessive inherited variants appear to be associated with retinal degeneration, while individuals with dominantly inherited variants manifest ocular development anomalies, mainly microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC).

Methods

We report here seven new families (13 patients) with isolated and syndromic MAC harbouring heterozygousRBP4variants, of whom we performed biochemical analyses.

Results

For the first time, malformations that overlap the clinical spectrum of vitamin A deficiency are reported, providing a link with other RA disorders. Our data support two distinct phenotypes, depending on the nature and mode of inheritance of the variants: dominantly inherited, almost exclusively missense, associated with ocular malformations, in contrast to recessive, mainly truncating, associated with retinal degeneration. Moreover, we also confirm the skewed inheritance and impact of maternalRBP4genotypes on phenotypical expression in dominant forms, suggesting that maternalRBP4genetic status and content of diet during pregnancy may modify MAC occurrence and severity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that retinol-binding protein blood dosage in patients could provide a biological signature crucial for classifyingRBP4variants. Finally, we propose a novel hypothesis to explain the mechanisms underlying the observed genotype–phenotype correlations inRBP4mutational spectrum.

Conclusion

Dominant missense variants inRBP4are associated with MAC of incomplete penetrance with maternal inheritance through a likely dominant-negative mechanism.
Abnormally high expression of D1-like dopamine receptors on lupus CD4+T cells promotes Tfh cell differentiation
Authors: Wu Fengxi , Xiang Zhongyuan , He Zhenghao , Yi Ping , Yang Ming , Wu Haijing , Hu Min
Published: August 2023

Objective

SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that places a great burden on human society. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a critical role in the pathological process of SLE. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of Tfh cell differentiation will contribute to SLE treatment. Dopamine receptors (DRDs) are members of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and are primarily divided into D1-like and D2-like receptors. Previous studies have found that DRDs can regulate differentiation of immune cells. However, there is currently a lack of research on DRDs and Tfh cells. We here explore the relationship between DRDs and Tfh cells, and analyse the relationship between DRD expression on Tfh cells and the course of SLE.

Methods

We first detected plasma catecholamine concentrations in patients with SLE and healthy controls by mass spectrometry, followed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect DRD messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+T cells, and flow cytometry to detect DRD expression in Tfh cells. Finally, in vitro experiments and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to explore the possible pathway by which DRDs regulate Tfh cell differentiation.

Results

The plasma dopamine concentration in patients with SLE was significantly increased, and abnormal mRNA expression of DRDs was observed in both PBMCs and CD4+T cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that D1-like receptors were highly expressed in Tfh cells of patients with SLE and associated with disease activity. In vitro induction experiments showed that differentiation of naïve T cells into Tfh cells was accompanied by an increase in D1-like receptor expression. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR results indicate that D1-like receptors might promote Tfh cell differentiation through the Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1)/Kruppel-like factor 2 (Klf2) pathway.

Conclusion

Tfh cells in patients with SLE highly express D1-like receptors, which correlate with disease activity. D1-like receptors may promote Tfh cell differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1/Klf2 pathway.
Cardiovascular imaging research priorities
Authors: MacArthur Jacqueline Ann Langdon , Yong Guo Liang , Dweck Marc R , Fairbairn Timothy A , Weir-McCall Jonathan , Puyol-Antón Esther , Meldrum Julian , Blakelock Phillip , Khan Samaira , Morrice Lynn , Sudlow Cathie L M , Williams Michelle C
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Two interlinked surveys were organised by the British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre, which aimed to establish national priorities for cardiovascular imaging research.

Methods

First a single time point public survey explored their views of cardiovascular imaging research. Subsequently, a three-phase modified Delphi prioritisation exercise was performed by researchers and healthcare professionals. Research questions were submitted by a diverse range of stakeholders to the question ‘What are the most important research questions that cardiovascular imaging should be used to address?’. Of these, 100 research questions were prioritised based on their positive impact for patients. The 32 highest rated questions were further prioritised based on three domains: positive impact for patients, potential to reduce inequalities in healthcare and ability to be implemented into UK healthcare practice in a timely manner.

Results

The public survey was completed by 354 individuals, with the highest rated areas relating to improving treatment, quality of life and diagnosis. In the second survey, 506 research questions were submitted by diverse stakeholders. Prioritisation was performed by 90 researchers or healthcare professionals in the first round and 64 in the second round. The highest rated questions were ‘How do we ensure patients have equal access to cardiovascular imaging when it is needed?’ and ‘How can we use cardiovascular imaging to avoid invasive procedures’. There was general agreement between healthcare professionals and researchers regarding priorities for the positive impact for patients and least agreement for their ability to be implemented into UK healthcare practice in a timely manner. There was broad overlap between the prioritised research questions and the results of the public survey.

Conclusions

We have identified priorities for cardiovascular imaging research, incorporating the views of diverse stakeholders. These priorities will be useful for researchers, funders and other organisations planning future research.
Prospective study of e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Tackett Alayna P , Urman Robert , Barrington-Trimis Jessica , Liu Feifei , Hong Hanna , Pentz Mary Ann , Islam Talat S , Eckel Sandrah P , Rebuli Meghan , Leventhal Adam , Samet Jonathan M , Berhane Kiros , McConnell Rob
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol contains volatile aldehydes, including flavourings and oxidant metals with known pulmonary toxicity.

Objectives

To evaluate the associations of e-cigarette use with symptoms of wheeze, bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath (SOB) across 4 years of prospective data.

Methods

Participants completed questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and past 30-day e-cigarette, cigarette and cannabis use in 2014 (wave 1; N=2094; mean age 17.3 years, SD=0.6 years). Follow-up information was collected in 2015 (wave 2; n=1609), 2017 (wave 3; n=1502) and 2018 (wave 4; n=1637) using online surveys. Mixed-effects logistic regression models evaluated associations of e-cigarette use with respiratory symptoms.

Measurements and main results

Participants were mostly Hispanic white (51.8%) and evenly representative by sex (49.6% female; 50.4% male). Compared with never e-cigarette users, past 30-day e-cigarette users reported increased odds of wheeze (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.28, 2.56), bronchitic symptoms (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.58, 2.69) and SOB (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.23, 2.57), adjusting for study wave, age, sex, race, lifetime asthma diagnosis and parental education. Effect estimates were attenuated (wheeze (OR 1.41; 95% CI 0.99, 2.01), bronchitic symptoms (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.18, 2.05), SOB (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.01, 2.18)), after adjusting additionally for current cigarette use, cannabis use and secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes/cigarettes/cannabis.

Conclusions

E-cigarette use in young adults was associated with respiratory symptoms, independent of combustible cannabis and cigarette exposures.
Analysis of rail corrugation characteristics in the vehicle braking section of metro
Authors: Wang Z. , Xu Y.
Published: August 2023

To study the evolution characteristics of corrugation in the vehicle braking section of the metro, a three-dimensional wheel–rail transient contact finite element model is established, and the contact stick–slip characteristics and rail wear distribution features are analyzed. The results show that, under the braking condition, the interface has stick–slip motion, indicating that the system is in a state of instability; the longitudinal relative slip is unevenly distributed; the peak position of the initial corrugation has a large longitudinal relative slip; and the transverse relative slip in the initial corrugation area is significantly larger than that in other areas, indicating that the initial corrugation will continue to develop and have a remarkable transverse wear trend. Under the nonbraking condition, there is no stick–slip motion at the interface, and the longitudinal and transverse relative slip values are less than the corresponding results under the braking condition. The cause of corrugation in the vehicle braking section is the wheel–rail unstable stick–slip motion triggered by the vehicle braking, and the fixed operating mode of the train provides the wavelength-fixing condition for the development of the initial corrugation, which leads to its continuous deterioration.
Clam shrimp
Nothocarapacestheria
from the Lower Jurassic of the Junggar Basin, northwestern China
Authors: Teng Xiao , Li Gang
Published: August 2023

Nothocarapacestheria

Rohn
et al.
, 2014

was erected based on material from the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic of the Paraná Basin, Brazil. Here we describe a
Nothocarapacestheria
species that has been discovered in the Lower Jurassic Badaowan Formation in Xinjiang, northwestern China. The described species is characterized by: (1) almost the whole carapace being ornamented with medium reticulations, 3–6 polygons per growth band, 20–60 µm mesh diameter; (2) the gradual transition to radially elongated reticulations in the distal region of the carapace, sometimes ending as radial lirae; and (3) fine puncta in the mesh of reticulations. Through this study, we are able to infer that the distribution of
Nothocarapacestheria
was more widespread than previously thought, and that
Euestheria
sp. previously reported from the Lower Jurassic Badaowan Formation are probably poorly preserved or juvenile individuals of
Nothocarapacestheria
.
Synplant
Authors: Hu Youyang , Chou Chiaochi , Kakehi Yasuaki
Published: August 2023

Synplant is an installation consisting of multiple hybrid plant sensing units. By analyzing biosignals, it can interpret the natural environment from the perspective of plants and translate their experiences into audiovisual expressions that can be experienced by humans. This work is based on a supervised learning system that analyzes the changes in biosignals when plants receive environmental stimuli. The analysis results are used to control acoustic-lighting devices to generate variable cymatics patterns. Through the utilization of wind and rain as vehicles to bridge different sensing units, it creates an immersive audiovisual field that represents the trajectories of the invisible interaction between plants and different elements in the natural environment. This work combines an intelligent machine with botanical perception to extend our understanding of the natural environment and to connect with the land from a non-human perspective.
Using Experimental Filmmaking to Create an Engaging Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Krogmeier Claudia , Bravo Esteban García , Mousas Christos
Published: August 2023

Inspired by storytelling ideas in surrealist creative productions and experimental films, we created a brain-computer interface (BCI) designed to offer users an exercise of the imagination. While many previous BCIs have used simple visual interfaces, we wanted to understand if an open-ended, story-based BCI experience could be helpful for allowing users to effectively interact with the story using their brain activity. We employed experimental storytelling techniques to prompt users to explore new thought patterns and ideas for changing brain activity. In our BCI, users were able to change the color of the main character in the story using their thoughts. We found that many users were able to change brain activity and enjoyed the BCI experience, while others were primarily frustrated. Based on our results, we offer ideas for future contributions to the development of engaging, story-based BCI applications.
Kiss/Crash
Authors: Cole Adam , Grierson Mick
Published: August 2023

This paper describes the art installation of Kiss/Crash: a multi-screen work exploring the subject of AI-imagery and representation as well as the autobiographical themes of loneliness, desire, and intimacy in the digital age. The installation consists of three individual works in a shared space, Kiss/Crash, Me Kissing Me, and Crash Me, Gently, which all play with augmenting, inverting, and negating the iconic image of the kiss using diffusion-based image translation. In the production of this work, several potentially novel video translation techniques were developed and refined to create high-quality results central to these pieces. Throughout our research, we reflect on the nature of images and place diffusion models within a history of image-production technologies that artists have been contending with and responding to for the past one hundred years. This paper aims to extend that artistic tradition with a provocative, original aesthetic and technique that reveals the logic of AI imagery and hints at how our relationship to reality will continue to be stretched and shaped by artificial representations at an accelerating pace.
The Kestrel Drone
Authors: Oh Jooyoung
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining roads and skyways with advanced mobility technologies such as autonomous driving and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), suggesting a new paradigm for human mobility. This project sheds new light on drone mobility technology in terms of environmental aesthetics, focusing on global ecological issues. The Kestrel Drone is proposed based on a speculative scenario where "birds" become front-line users of drone technology and share their air routes with drones. At the exhibition hall, five Kestrel Drones were equipped with bird-mimicking wings and an AI tracker. The drones simulated a guiding bird for resident birds in a city. This project aims to evolve AI into a technology that has various parallel values that can coexist with non-human values, thus expanding the possibilities of technology.
Aquaterrestrial Recolonization
Authors: Nikolić Predrag K. , Bertin Giacomo , Munroe Kishan
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we introduce the interactive installation Aquaterrestrial Recolonization as an artistic response to rising climate change concerns and trigger the audience's thoughts and discussions. In the project, we are recording and archiving the current state of the dead coral reefs and feeding artificial intelligence with that data to be able to visualize the virtual 3D dimensional recolonized coral reefs, relieved from human devastation and behaviour from the past and conduct changes in the future. We aim to preserve the current state of the Bahamian coral reefs and use artificial intelligence to return to the planet parts mankind has destroyed and affected the future with necessary human behavioural changes. Our AI Environmentalist is designed to be a chronologist, provocateur, and uncompromised planet Earth's protector.
On Content-Aware Post-Processing: Adapting Statistically Learned Models to Dynamic Content
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Ding Gongchun , Ding Dandan , Ma Zhan , Li Zhu
Published: August 2023

Learning-based post-processing methods generally produce neural models that are statistically optimal on their training datasets. These models, however, neglect intrinsic variations of local video content and may fail to process unseen content. To address this issue, this article proposes a content-aware approach for the post-processing of compressed videos. We develop a backbone network, calledBackboneFormer, where a Fast Transformer using Separable Self-Attention, Spatial Attention, and Channel Attention is devised to support underlying feature embedding and aggregation. Furthermore, we introduce Meta-learning to strengthen BackboneFormer for better performance. Specifically, we propose Meta Post-Processing (Meta-PP) which leverages the Meta-learning framework to drive BackboneFormer to capture and analyze input video variations for spontaneous updating. Since the original frame is unavailable to the decoder, we devise a Compression Degradation Estimation model where a low-complexity neural model and classic operators are used collaboratively to estimate the compression distortion. The estimated distortion is then utilized to guide the BackboneFormer model for dynamic updating of weighting parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed BackboneFormer itself gains about 3.61% Bjøntegaard delta bit-rate reduction over Versatile Video Coding in the post-processing task and “BackboneFormer + Meta-PP” attains 4.32%, costing only 50K and 61K parameters, respectively. The computational complexity of MACs is 49k/pixel and 50k/pixel, which represents only about 16% of state-of-the-art methods having similar coding gains.
DAG Scheduling in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Li Guopeng , Tan Haisheng , Liu Liuyan , Zhou Hao , Jiang Shaofeng H.-C. , Han Zhenhua , Li Xiang-Yang , Chen Guoliang
Published: August 2023

In Mobile Edge Computing, edge servers have limited storage and computing resources that can only support a small number of functions. Meanwhile, mobile applications are becoming more complex, consisting of multiple dependent tasks, modeled as a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG). When a request arrives, typically in an online manner with a deadline specified, we need to configure the servers and assign the dependent tasks for efficient processing. This work jointly considers the problem of dependent task placement and scheduling with on-demand function configuration on edge servers, aiming to meet as many deadlines as possible. For a single request, when the configuration on each edge server is fixed, we derive
FixDoc
to find the optimal task placement and scheduling. When the on-demand function configuration is allowed, we propose
GenDoc
, a novel approximation algorithm, and analyze its additive error from the optimal theoretically. For multiple requests, we derive
OnDoc
, an online algorithm easy to deploy in practice. Our extensive experiments show that
GenDoc
 outperforms state-of-the-art baselines in processing 86.14% of these unique applications, and reduces their average completion time by at least 24%. The number of deadlines that
OnDoc
can satisfy is at least 1.9× that of the baselines.
An Image Arbitrary-Scale Super-Resolution Network Using Frequency-domain Information
Authors: Fang Jing , Yu Yinbo , Wang Zhongyuan , Ding Xin , Hu Ruimin
Published: August 2023

Image super-resolution (SR) is a technique to recover lost high-frequency information in low-resolution (LR) images. Since spatial-domain information has been widely exploited, there is a new trend to involve frequency-domain information in SR tasks. Besides, image SR is typically application-oriented and various computer vision tasks call for image arbitrary magnification. Therefore, in this article, we study image features in the frequency domain to design a novel image arbitrary-scale SR network. First, we statistically analyze LR-HR image pairs of several datasets under different scale factors and find that the high-frequency spectra of different images under different scale factors suffer from different degrees of degradation, but the valid low-frequency spectra tend to be retained within a certain distribution range. Then, based on this finding, we devise an adaptive scale-aware feature division mechanism using deep reinforcement learning, which can accurately and adaptively divide the frequency spectrum into the low-frequency part to be retained and the high-frequency one to be recovered. Finally, we design a scale-aware feature recovery module to capture and fuse multi-level features for reconstructing the high-frequency spectrum at arbitrary scale factors. Extensive experiments on public datasets show the superiority of our method compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Challenges and Prospects for Evidence-Informed Policy in Criminology
Authors: Blomberg Thomas G. , Copp Jennifer E. , Turanovic Jillian J.
Published: August 2023

The relevance of criminology to matters of public policy has been hotly debated throughout the history of the discipline. Yet time and again, we have borne witness to the consequences of harmful criminal justice practices that do little to reduce crime or improve the lives of our most vulnerable populations. Given the urgent need for evidence-informed responses to the problems that face our society, we argue here that criminologists can and should have a voice in the process. Accordingly, this review describes challenges and prospects for evidence-informed policymaking on matters of crime and justice. In terms of challenges, we review discourse on what constitutes evidence, issues with providing guidance under conditions of causal uncertainty, and practical constraints on evidence-informed policymaking. For prospects, we consider the important roles of institutional support, graduate training, and multiple translational strategies for the evidence-informed movement. Finally, we end with several considerations for advancing translational criminology through expanded promotion and tenure criteria, curricula revision, and prioritizing the organization of knowledge. More broadly, our goals are to stimulate disciplinary thinking regarding the ways in which criminology may play a more meaningful role in effectively confronting the ongoing challenges of crime in society.
The Nocebo Effect
Authors: Colloca Luana
Published: August 2023

Adverse nocebo responses can cause harm to patients and interfere with treatment adherence and effects in both clinic practice and clinical trials. Nocebo responses refer to negative outcomes to active medical treatments in clinical trials or practice that cannot be explained by the treatment's pharmacologic effects. Negative expectancies and nocebo effects are less known than placebo responses. Nocebo effects can be triggered by verbal suggestions, prior negative experiences, observation of others experiencing negative outcomes, and other contextual and environmental factors. As research advances over the years, mechanistic knowledge is accumulating on the neurobiological mechanisms of nocebo effects. This review summarizes studies on different facets of nocebo effects and responses and discusses clinical implications, ethical considerations, and future directions.
An Investigation on the Electrochemical and Thermal Characteristics of LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 Composite Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries in Different Health States
Authors: He Kepiao , Xiong Yonglian , Zhang Chao , Dou Zhiting , Yi Ting , Lin Shengqiang , Li Chunsheng , Sun Yan
Published: August 2023

This paper studied the electrochemical performance and heat generation characteristics of 18650 LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (LMFP/NCM) composite cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries under different states of health (SOH) (98%, 90% and 82%). The discharge performance, temperature rise and heat generation of these three batteries were investigated at different discharge rates and different temperatures. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), internal resistance and entropy heat coefficient at different depths of discharge (DOD) were analyzed. The results showed the internal resistance and irreversible heat generation increased with the decrease of battery SOH value. The entropy heat coefficient significantly increased at 0.5 DOD, and the maximum total heat generation power was also obtained at 0.5 DOD. The maximum heat generation power of 90% and 82% SOH batteries at 0.5 DOD increased by 175% and 208% than 98% SOH battery when discharging at 2 C, respectively. The battery with 82% SOH had the highest temperature rise (7.5 °C) and total heat generation power (3.12 W), and the ratio of reversible to irreversible heat generation was the lowest (0.152) at −10 °C. It provided a theoretical basis for optimizing the thermal management of LMFP/NCM batteries.
Thermal Equivalent Circuit Model and Parameter Estimation for High-Capacity Li-Ion Cell
Authors: Cho Hyeonwoo , Hong Changbeom , Hong Daeki , Oh Se-Kyu , Kim Yeonsoo
Published: August 2023

The equivalent circuit model (ECM) has gained popularity as a simplified and computationally efficient battery model. However, an appropriate model is required to accurately calculate terminal voltage, state of charge (SOC), and temperature for high-capacity Li-ion batteries used in hybrid electric and electric vehicles. In this study, we integrate the ECM with an energy balance model to calculate the cell temperature. Furthermore, we propose improved model structures and parameter estimation strategies to effectively characterize high-capacity batteries. First, the actual SOC is calculated considering the actual discharge capacity. Second, as the current increases, the overcalculated resistance is corrected. Finally, ECM parameters are estimated using experimental data and the genetic algorithm (GA). To facilitate the parameter-search process for GA, we employ the dimensionless scale-up method and the Pareto optimal concept. The thermal ECM is validated using experimental data from 57.6 Ah batteries, demonstrating voltage and temperature calculation errors of less than 1.71% and 3.51%, respectively.
Investigation of Nd3+:Y2Si2O7 Phosphors Using Photoluminescence and Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
Authors: Akay Leyla Nur , Kuzeci Saygin , Akti Necmettin , Erdem Murat , Tav Cumali , Yahsi Ugur , Eryurek Gonul , Di Bartolo Baldassare
Published: August 2023

Neodymium-doped Y2Si2O7 nanopowders were synthesized by sol-gel and annealed under varying annealing temperature conditions. The phase transformation of Y2Si2O7 and the crystalline size change were observed with annealing temperature. Photoluminescence and the decay patterns of the 4F3/2→ 4I9/2,
4I11/2, and 4I13/2 transitions were examined to reveal the spectroscopic characteristics of the powders. The spectral outputs of Nd3+:Y2Si2O7 phosphors remain strongly connected to the phase properties of Y2Si2O7. The positron lifetimes (τ
2, τ
3, and τ
4) and intensities (I
2, I
3, and I
4) obtained by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy were discussed for neodymium-doped Y2Si2O7 phosphors to relate the structural and boundary changes in terms of the phases and molar contents of the Nd3+ ions. The τ
2 and I
2 components were related to the structural open space in the grain, the τ
3 and I
3 components were correlated with vacancy-like defects in the grain boundaries, and the τ
4 and I
4 components were associated with vacancy defects in the grain, together with the effect of the increasing content of the Nd3+ ions.
Comprehensive interrogation of human skeletal muscle reveals a dissociation between insulin resistance and mitochondrial capacity
Authors: Whytock Katie L. , Pino Maria F. , Sun Yifei , Yu GongXin , De Carvalho Flavia G. , Yeo Reichelle X. , Vega Rick B. , Parmar Gaganvir , Divoux Adeline , Kapoor Nidhi , Yi Fancaho , Cornnell Heather , Patten David A. , Harper Mary-Ellen , Gardell Stephen J. , Smith Steven R. , Walsh Martin J. , Sparks Lauren M.
Published: August 2023

Whether impaired mitochondrial capacity contributes to skeletal muscle insulin resistance is debated. Our multifactorial analysis shows no differences in skeletal muscle mitochondrial content, mitochondrial capacity, and mitochondrial molecular profiles between obese individuals with and without T2D that had comparable levels of confounding factors (BMI, age, aerobic capacity). We highlight that lean, active individuals have enhanced skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity that is also reflected at the level of DNA methylation and gene transcription.
Muscular reflex gains reflect changes of mind in reaching
Authors: Visser Yvonne F. , Medendorp W. Pieter , Selen Luc P. J.
Published: August 2023

Using behavioral findings, EMG, and computational modeling, we show that not only the perceptual decision outcome but also the accumulating evidence for that outcome is continuously sent to the relevant muscles. Moreover, we show that an upcoming change of mind can be detected in the motor periphery, suggesting that a correlate of the internal decision making process is being sent along.
Açaí berry ameliorates cognitive impairment by inhibiting NLRP3/ASC/CASP axis in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy in mice
Authors: Impellizzeri Daniela , Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Fusco Roberta , Cordaro Marika , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: August 2023

Our research shows that açaí berry reduces mast cells degranulation and histological damage in diabetic neuropathy, improves physiological defense against reactive oxygen species, modulates the NLRP3/ASC/CASP axis, and ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress. Diet could help treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.