bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporally Stable Metropolis Light Transport Denoising using Recurrent Transformer Blocks
Authors: Chen Chuhao , He Yuze , Li Tzu-Mao
Published: July 2024

Metropolis Light Transport (MLT) is a global illumination algorithm that is well-known for rendering challenging scenes with intricate light paths. However, MLT methods tend to produce unpredictable correlation artifacts in images, which can introduce visual inconsistencies for animation rendering. This drawback also makes it challenging to denoise MLT renderings while maintaining temporal stability. We tackle this issue with modern learning-based methods and build a sequence denoiser combining the recurrent connections with the cutting-edge vision transformer architecture. We demonstrate that our sophisticated denoiser can consistently improve the quality and temporal stability of MLT renderings with difficult light paths. Our method is efficient and scalable for complex scene renderings that require high sample counts.
EASI-Tex: Edge-Aware Mesh Texturing from Single Image
Authors: Perla Sai Raj Kishore , Wang Yizhi , Mahdavi-Amiri Ali , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2024

We present a novel approach for
single-image mesh texturing
, which employs a diffusion model with judicious conditioning to seamlessly transfer an object's texture from a single RGB image to a given 3D mesh object. We do not assume that the two objects belong to the same category, and even if they do, there can be significant discrepancies in their geometry and part proportions. Our method aims to rectify the discrepancies by conditioning a pre-trained Stable Diffusion generator with edges describing the mesh through ControlNet, and features extracted from the input image using IP-Adapter to generate textures that respect the underlying geometry of the mesh and the input texture without any optimization or training. We also introduce
Image Inversion
, a novel technique to quickly personalize the diffusion model for a single concept using a
single image
, for cases where the pre-trained IP-Adapter falls short in capturing all the details from the input image faithfully. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our edge-aware single-image mesh texturing approach, coined EASI-Tex, in preserving the details of the input texture on diverse 3D objects, while respecting their geometry.

Code
: https://github.com/sairajk/easi-tex
A Fully-correlated Anisotropic Micrograin BSDF Model
Authors: Lucas Simon , Ribardière Mickaël , Pacanowski Romain , Barla Pascal
Published: July 2024

We introduce an improved version of the micrograin BSDF model [Lucas et al. 2023] for the rendering of anisotropic porous layers. Our approach leverages the properties of micrograins to take into account the correlation between their height and normal, as well as the correlation between the light and view directions. This allows us to derive an exact analytical expression for the Geometrical Attenuation Factor (GAF), summarizing shadowing and masking inside the porous layer. This fully-correlated GAF is then used to define appropriate mixing weights to blend the BSDFs of the porous and base layers. Furthermore, by generalizing the micrograins shape to anisotropy, combined with their fully-correlated GAF, our improved BSDF model produces effects specific to porous layers such as retro-reflection visible on dust layers at grazing angles or height and color correlation that can be found on rusty materials. Finally, we demonstrate very close matches between our BSDF model and light transport simulations realized with explicit instances of micrograins, thus validating our model.
LightFormer: Light-Oriented Global Neural Rendering in Dynamic Scene
Authors: Ren Haocheng , Huo Yuchi , Peng Yifan , Sheng Hongtao , Xue Weidong , Huang Hongxiang , Lan Jingzhen , Wang Rui , Bao Hujun
Published: July 2024

The generation of global illumination in real time has been a long-standing challenge in the graphics community, particularly in dynamic scenes with complex illumination. Recent neural rendering techniques have shown great promise by utilizing neural networks to represent the illumination of scenes and then decoding the final radiance. However, incorporating object parameters into the representation may limit their effectiveness in handling fully dynamic scenes. This work presents a neural rendering approach, dubbed
LightFormer
, that can generate realistic global illumination for fully dynamic scenes, including dynamic lighting, materials, cameras, and animated objects, in real time. Inspired by classic many-lights methods, the proposed approach focuses on the neural representation of light sources in the scene rather than the entire scene, leading to the overall better generalizability. The neural prediction is achieved by leveraging the virtual point lights and shading clues for each light. Specifically, two stages are explored. In the light encoding stage, each light generates a set of virtual point lights in the scene, which are then encoded into an implicit neural light representation, along with screen-space shading clues like visibility. In the light gathering stage, a pixel-light attention mechanism composites all light representations for each shading point. Given the geometry and material representation, in tandem with the composed light representations of all lights, a lightweight neural network predicts the final radiance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LightFormer can yield reasonable and realistic global illumination in fully dynamic scenes with real-time performance.
Audio Matters Too! Enhancing Markerless Motion Capture with Audio Signals for String Performance Capture
Authors: Jin Yitong , Qiu Zhiping , Shi Yi , Sun Shuangpeng , Wang Chongwu , Pan Donghao , Zhao Jiachen , Liang Zhenghao , Wang Yuan , Li Xiaobing , Yu Feng , Yu Tao , Dai Qionghai
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we touch on the problem of markerless multi-modal human motion capture especially for string performance capture which involves inherently subtle hand-string contacts and intricate movements. To fulfill this goal, we first collect a dataset, named String Performance Dataset (SPD), featuring cello and violin performances. The dataset includes videos captured from up to 23 different views, audio signals, and detailed 3D motion annotations of the body, hands, instrument, and bow. Moreover, to acquire the detailed motion annotations, we propose an audio-guided multi-modal motion capture framework that explicitly incorporates hand-string contacts detected from the audio signals for solving detailed hand poses. This framework serves as a baseline for string performance capture in a completely markerless manner without imposing any external devices on performers, eliminating the potential of introducing distortion in such delicate movements. We argue that the movements of performers, particularly the sound-producing gestures, contain subtle information often elusive to visual methods but can be inferred and retrieved from audio cues. Consequently, we refine the vision-based motion capture results through our innovative audio-guided approach, simultaneously clarifying the contact relationship between the performer and the instrument, as deduced from the audio. We validate the proposed framework and conduct ablation studies to demonstrate its efficacy. Our results outperform current state-of-the-art vision-based algorithms, underscoring the feasibility of augmenting visual motion capture with audio modality. To the best of our knowledge, SPD is the first dataset for musical instrument performance, covering fine-grained hand motion details in a multi-modal, large-scale collection. It holds significant implications and guidance for string instrument pedagogy, animation, and virtual concerts, as well as for both musical performance analysis and generation. Our code and SPD dataset are available at https://github.com/Yitongishere/string_performance.
RealFill: Reference-Driven Generation for Authentic Image Completion
Authors: Tang Luming , Ruiz Nataniel , Chu Qinghao , Li Yuanzhen , Holynski Aleksander , Jacobs David E. , Hariharan Bharath , Pritch Yael , Wadhwa Neal , Aberman Kfir , Rubinstein Michael
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in generative imagery have brought forth outpainting and inpainting models that can produce high-quality, plausible image content in unknown regions. However, the content these models hallucinate is necessarily inauthentic, since they are unaware of the true scene. In this work, we propose RealFill, a novel generative approach for image completion that fills in missing regions of an image with the content that should have been there. RealFill is a generative inpainting model that is personalized using only a few reference images of a scene. These reference images do not have to be aligned with the target image, and can be taken with drastically varying viewpoints, lighting conditions, camera apertures, or image styles. Once personalized, RealFill is able to complete a target image with visually compelling contents that are faithful to the original scene. We evaluate RealFill on a new image completion benchmark that covers a set of diverse and challenging scenarios, and find that it outperforms existing approaches by a large margin. Project page: https://realfill.github.io.
The Olympus Programming Language
Authors: Temkin Daniel
Published: July 2024

Olympus mixes natural language and formal code to create programs that read as prayers to Greek mythological figures. The language challenges the perceived power of the programmer in controlling the behavior of the machine, as shown through the preponderance of bugs. As Joseph Weizenbaum said, the machine "constantly displays undeniable evidence of [the programmer's] failures." Unlike previous esolangs ("esoteric" or experimental programming languages) drawn from natural language, Olympus uses a metaprogramming model, creating an additional layer of abstraction from the code. This allows the programmer to describe program flow completely out of order, more in line with the thought process of the coder than the flow of the code. This also makes conversation natural for a language where every line is spoken to a different recipient, in this case a different Greek god. It is intended as an example of how even a seemingly silly or arbitrary premise can lead to radical new forms of computation when fully realized.
GPT-ME: A Human-AI Cognitive Assemblage
Authors: Meshi Avital
Published: July 2024

GPT and I have recently merged. We are integrated into one another's existence through the mediation of a wearable device that enables GPT to be attached to my body, listen to my conversations, and use them as prompts. I have been wearing this wearable daily for the last few months, using it in all my interactions. Speech is translated into text, which becomes a prompt. In response, GPT generates text that is translated back into speech and 'whispered' in my ear through an earbud. This entire process is fast enough to keep up with the pace of my conversations. When I speak, instead of saying what spontaneously comes to my mind, I say what GPT whispers in my ear. I speak GPT. I use the generated words as if they were my own. GPT and I are entangled within a cognitive assemblage. In this symbiotic relationship, my intelligence turns artificial, and GPT becomes embodied. This performative project examines ways in which humans and AI technology come together. It considers the benefits and risks accompanying such integration and discusses our future interactions with LLMs and their transformative impact.
'Sisyphus': A Robotic Vignette of Systemic Conflict and Democratic Endeavors
Authors: Chan Ka Chi
Published: July 2024

This essay explores the robotic art installation 'Sisyphus,' interpreting its cyclical confrontation as a symbolic depiction of the ceaseless struggle between systemic power and collective resistance. By analyzing the dynamic reiteration of construction and demolition, we explore the concepts of futility, resistance, and the continual process of socio-political negotiation. Further, we investigate parallels between the installation's mechanical operations and the socio-political interactions. Ultimately, we argue that 'Sisyphus' portrays not a futile endeavor but resilience, ceaseless evolution, and the potential of resistance as transformative power.
MISO: Monitoring Inactivity of Single Older Adults at Home Using RGB-D Technology
Authors: Chen Longfei , Fisher Robert B.
Published: July 2024

A new application for real-time monitoring of the lack of movement in older adults’ own homes is proposed, aiming to support people’s lives and independence in their later years. A lightweight camera monitoring system, based on an RGB-D camera and a compact computer processor, was developed and piloted in community homes to observe the daily behavior of older adults. Instances of body inactivity were detected in everyday scenarios anonymously and unobtrusively. These events can be explained at a higher level, such as a loss of consciousness or physiological deterioration. The accuracy of the inactivity monitoring system is assessed, and statistics of inactivity events related to the daily behavior of older adults are provided. The results demonstrate that our method achieves high accuracy in inactivity detection across various environments and camera views. It outperforms existing state-of-the-art vision-based models in challenging conditions like dim room lighting and TV flickering. However, the proposed method does require some ambient light to function effectively.
A review and benchmark of feature importance methods for neural networks
Authors: Mandler Hannes , Weigand Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Feature attribution methods (AMs) are a simple means to provide explanations for the predictions of black-box models such as neural networks. Due to their conceptual differences, the numerous different methods, however, yield ambiguous explanations. While this allows for obtaining different insights into the model, it also complicates the decision regarding which method to adopt. This article summarizes the current state of the art regarding AMs, which includes the requirements and desiderata of the methods themselves as well as the properties of their explanations. Based on a survey of existing methods, a representative subset consisting of the δ-sensitivity index, permutation feature importance, variance-based feature importance in artificial neural networks and DeepSHAP, is described in greater detail and, for the first time, benchmarked in a regression context. Specifically for this purpose, a new verification strategy for model-specific AMs is proposed. As expected, the explanations’ agreement with the intuition and among each other clearly depends on the AMs’ properties. This has two implications. First, careful reasoning about the selection of an AM is required. Second, it is recommended to apply multiple AMs and combine their insights in order to reduce the model’s opacity even further.
A Survey on Federated Unlearning: Challenges, Methods, and Future Directions
Authors: Liu Ziyao , Jiang Yu , Shen Jiyuan , Peng Minyi , Lam Kwok-Yan , Yuan Xingliang , Liu Xiaoning
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the notion of “the right to be forgotten” (RTBF) has become a crucial aspect of data privacy for digital trust and AI safety, requiring the provision of mechanisms that support the removal of personal data of individuals upon their requests. Consequently, machine unlearning (MU) has gained considerable attention which allows an ML model to selectively eliminate identifiable information. Evolving from MU, federated unlearning (FU) has emerged to confront the challenge of data erasure within federated learning (FL) settings, which empowers the FL model to unlearn an FL client or identifiable information pertaining to the client. Nevertheless, the distinctive attributes of federated learning introduce specific challenges for FU techniques. These challenges necessitate a tailored design when developing FU algorithms. While various concepts and numerous federated unlearning schemes exist in this field, the unified workflow and tailored design of FU are not yet well understood. Therefore, this comprehensive survey delves into the techniques and methodologies in FU providing an overview of fundamental concepts and principles, evaluating existing federated unlearning algorithms, and reviewing optimizations tailored to federated learning. Additionally, it discusses practical applications and assesses their limitations. Finally, it outlines promising directions for future research.
Optimization Design Method of a 6‐DOF Micromanipulation Mechanism for Extreme Ultraviolet Projection Lithography Objective Lens
Authors: Li Shiyu , Liu Junbo , Zhou Ji , Sun Haifeng , Jin Chuan , Kang Xia , Hu Song
Published: July 2024

The six‐degree‐of‐freedom (6‐DOF) micromotion mechanism is a key component in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) projection lithography objectives to compensate for wavefront aberration and ensure performance stability. It is required to have high precision and high reliability. A 6‐DOF mirror micromotion mechanism of an EUV lithography objective lens with Stewart configuration is proposed, and based on the RPY (Roll‐Pitch‐Yaw) angular rotation method and the second‐type Lagrange method, the kinematic and dynamic models of the mechanism are constructed to realize the decoupling of the mechanism’s kinematics and the solution of the driving force. Comparative verification with finite element transient analysis shows that the response value of the dynamic model and the finite element method (FEM) differs by 4.8% in a specific posture. A hybrid optimization method, combining genetic algorithms and particle‐swarm optimization (GA‐PSO), was proposed to optimize the structural parameters of the initial design of the motion outriggers in a micromotion mechanism. The results demonstrate a 15.1% reduction in maximum driving force, significantly enhancing outrigger driving smoothness.
Pulse Shape and Voltage-Dependent Synchronization in Spiking Neuron Networks
Authors: Pietras Bastian
Published: July 2024

Pulse-coupled spiking neural networks are a powerful tool to gain mechanistic insights into how neurons self-organize to produce coherent collective behavior. These networks use simple spiking neuron models, such as the θ-neuron or the quadratic integrate-and-fire (QIF) neuron, that replicate the essential features of real neural dynamics. Interactions between neurons are modeled with infinitely narrow pulses, or spikes, rather than the more complex dynamics of real synapses. To make these networks biologically more plausible, it has been proposed that they must also account for the finite width of the pulses, which can have a significant impact on the network dynamics. However, the derivation and interpretation of these pulses are contradictory, and the impact of the pulse shape on the network dynamics is largely unexplored. Here, I take a comprehensive approach to pulse coupling in networks of QIF and θ-neurons. I argue that narrow pulses activate voltage-dependent synaptic conductances and show how to implement them in QIF neurons such that their effect can last through the phase after the spike. Using an exact low-dimensional description for networks of globally coupled spiking neurons, I prove for instantaneous interactions that collective oscillations emerge due to an effective coupling through the mean voltage. I analyze the impact of the pulse shape by means of a family of smooth pulse functions with arbitrary finite width and symmetric or asymmetric shapes. For symmetric pulses, the resulting voltage coupling is not very effective in synchronizing neurons, but pulses that are slightly skewed to the phase after the spike readily generate collective oscillations. The results unveil a voltage-dependent spike synchronization mechanism at the heart of emergent collective behavior, which is facilitated by pulses of finite width and complementary to traditional synaptic transmission in spiking neuron networks.
Intrahemispheric White Matter Asymmetries and Interhemispheric Connections Underlying the Lateralization of Language Production and Spatial Attention in Left-Handers
Authors: Zhu Miaomiao , Wang Xiao , Zhao Xier , Cai Qing
Published: July 2024

Leftward language production and rightward spatial attention are salient features of functional organization in most humans, but their anatomical basis remains unclear. Interhemispheric connections and intrahemispheric white matter asymmetries have been proposed as important factors underlying functional lateralization. To investigate the role of white matter connectivity in functional lateralization, we first identified 96 left-handers using visual half field naming tasks. They were then divided into atypical and typical functional dominance based on the lateralization of brain activation in a word generation task (for language production) and a landmark task (for spatial attention). Using a novel fixel-based framework, we obtained fiber-specific properties of white matter pathways. Results showed, first, that differences between two language dominance groups occurred in the asymmetry of the superior longitudinal fasciculus-III (SLF-III), whereas differences between two spatial attention dominance groups occurred in the rostrum and rostral body of the corpus callosum. However, the directions of functional lateralization were not associated with the directions of white matter asymmetries. Second, the degree of language lateralization was predicted by SLF-III asymmetry and the rostral body of the corpus callosum, whereas the degree of spatial attention lateralization was predicted by the rostrum of the corpus callosum. Notably, the degree of each functional lateralization was negatively correlated with the anterior and middle callosal connections, supporting the excitatory model of the corpus callosum. The results suggest that language lateralization is shaped by a combined effect of intra- and interhemispheric connections, whereas spatial attention lateralization relies more on interhemispheric connections.
Hardness of Personality and the Big Five Traits
Authors: Postnikova Margarita I. , Pishchik Vlada I. , Sivrikova Nadezhda V. , Miklyaeva Anastasia V.
Published: July 2024

Background. The search for personality traits that are outstanding predictors of hardiness is a widespread research task. However, research results are difficult to access due to the variety of personality characteristics studied. Overcoming this situation involves the use of universal models of personality traits, which include the Big Five model. Objective. Analysis of the relationship between the traits of the Big Five and the hardiness level of a person. Study Participants. The sample consisted of 808 respondents (46.2% men and 53.8% women) aged 17 to 82. Methods. The empirical data were collected by: the questionnaire “Hardiness Survey” adapted by D.A. Leontiev and E.I. Rasskazova; the short questionnaire of the Big Five adapted by A.S. Sergeeva, B.A. Kirillov, and A.F. Dzhumagulova. Mathematical processing of the research results included methods of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis and one-factor analysis of variance. Results. Correlations were found between the total index of hardiness and its components and four traits of the Big Five, such as extroversion, conscientiousness, emotional stability and openness. In addition, the indicator of commitment demonstrated the relationship with agreeableness as a factor of the Big Five (p ≤ 0.05). Regression analysis (R2 = 0.28) allowed us to state that significant predictors of hardiness are extraversion (β = 0.17), emotional stability (β = 0.19) and conscientiousness (β = 0.20). Conclusions. The results of the study can be used in the development of psychological intervention programmes aimed at promoting the stress resistance of young people, adults and the elderly. The prospects of the study are associated with a detailed study of the relationship between resilience and the factors of the Big Five, taking into account various socio-demographic factors.
Improved the sound insulating properties of polystyrene through using organically modified montmorillonite
Authors: Shi Zhengxue , Zhu Kuilin , He Jie , Liu Liyi , You Feng , Zhou Danfeng , Fang Yuan , Yao Chu
Published: July 2024

The alleviation of the transmission for noise by using sound insulation materials has been regarded as an efficient route to control noise. In this work, the reinforcing effect on the sound insulating properties of polystyrene (PS) was successfully realized by using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) organically modified montmorillonite. The micrometer montmorillonite (MMT) was firstly organic modified by CTAB and then was melt blended with PS matrix to obtain high sound insulation polymer composites. X-ray diffraction results revealed that CTAB intercalation into MMT lamellar structure, leading to the increased lamellar space of the organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). Moreover, the OMMT lamellar spacing was further enlarged by the intercalation of PS molecular chains. The sound insulation properties of all samples were tested by a four-microphone impedance tube. The average sound transmission loss (STL) of PS composites increased with the amount of OMMT. The average STL of PS/OMMT composite with the thickness of only 1.8 mm can reach to 35.46 dB when the weight fraction of OMMT was 30%, which is 36.0% higher than that of pure PS (26.08 dB). The sample thickness increased to 3.8 mm and the average STL up to 47.78 dB. Meanwhile, the storage modulus and thermal stability of PS were also enhanced by incorporating OMMT. This fabricating technique can provide a novel method to obtain low-cost and low-weight acoustic materials with high sound insulating properties.
Moral courage of emergency nurses in care-limited environments: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Wolf Lisa Adams , Noblewolf Hannah S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Professional ethics in nursing exist to guide care and allow for decision-making to be patient-centered. In the current medicolegal landscape post-Roe and in light of bans on gender-affirming care, the decision-making processes of emergency nurses in the clinical environment of care as informed by both professional and personal ethics are an important area of inquiry.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of moral courage to decision-making by emergency nurses.

Research Design

A mixed-methods exploratory sequential approach was used, using a standard demographics form and the Nurses Moral Courage Scale to collect quantitative data. These data were used to inform an interview guide for qualitative data collection. Situational analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Ethical Considerations

Prior to recruitment, this study was reviewed and approved by the University of Massachusetts IRB (#00003909). Participants were provided with an informed consent document at the time of registration and at the time of interview; participants provided both signed consent and verbal assent. Participants were assigned study codes to maintain anonymity and data were maintained in a secure University cloud.

Participants and Research Context

US-based emergency nurses working in environments with care limitations.

Results

70% of respondents reported that they would speak up if they were aware of a situation that was ethically challenging. Respondents reported that it was fairly easy or very easy to defend their values when addressing ancillary staff, coworkers, authorities outside the organization, patients, and patient families. Respondents reported challenges in defending their professional values to charge nurses, physicians, or administrators. In response to a serious ethical problem, 65.8% of respondents answered that they would bring up the problem for discussion, 21.1% would file an internal report, and 13.2% would report externally. Interview participants reported significant social and professional barriers to acting in response to an ethical violation. Willingness to act centered on personal values and not professional codes of ethics.

Conclusions

While emergency nurses in this study reported high perceived levels of moral courage, they also reported low willingness to act directly, citing burnout and significant social and professional barriers. Adherence to professional codes of ethics is not the primary driver of moral courage.
How many interviews or focus groups are enough?
Authors: Gandy Kizzy
Published: July 2024

When it comes to qualitative evaluation data, is more always better and what determines value for money? This article proposes two steps for evaluators and those responsible for procuring evaluations to answer the question ‘how many interviews or focus groups are enough?’ Step 1 is to consider the nature of the evaluation question to determine the sampling goal, importance of thematic saturation, and an appropriate sampling strategy. The article provides guidance on how many interviews and focus groups are needed to achieve different levels of thematic saturation based on empirical tests in the published literature. Step 2 is to check the skills of the evaluator, including whether they integrate behavioural science into their discussion guide and analysis to mitigate bias. This will determine – regardless of the number of interviews and focus groups – whether they will be able to generate useful insights for decision-making from the data. The article concludes that it is not sufficient to assess an evaluation plan’s value for money by sample size alone and consideration also must be given to the characteristics of the evaluation design and the skills of the evaluators undertaking the project.
Genetic polymorphisms and post-stroke upper limb motor improvement – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Subramanian Sandeep K. , Morgan Riley T. , Rasmusson Carl , Shepherd Kayla M. , Li Carol L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Post-stroke upper limb (UL) motor improvement is associated with adaptive neuroplasticity and motor learning. Both intervention-related (including provision of intensive, variable, and task-specific practice) and individual-specific factors (including the presence of genetic polymorphisms) influence improvement. In individuals with stroke, most commonly, polymorphisms are found in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Apolipoprotein (APOE) and Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT). These involve a replacement of cystine by arginine (APOEε4) or valines by 1 or 2 methionines (BDNF:val66met, met66met; COMT:val158met; met158met). However, the implications of these polymorphisms on post-stroke UL motor improvement specifically have not yet been elucidated.

Objective

Examine the influence of genetic polymorphism on post-stroke UL motor improvement.

Design

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of the literature published in English language. The modified Downs and Black checklist helped assess study quality. We compared change in UL motor impairment and activity scores between individuals with and without the polymorphisms. Meta-analyses helped assess change in motor impairment (Fugl Meyer Assessment) scores based upon a minimum of 2 studies/time point. Effect sizes (ES) were quantified based upon the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System as follows: small (0.08-0.18), medium (0.19 -0.40) and large (≥0.41).

Results

We retrieved 10 (4 good and 6 fair quality) studies. Compared to those with BDNF val66met and met66met polymorphism, meta-analyses revealed lower motor impairment (large ES) in those without the polymorphism at intervention completion (0.5, 95% CI: 0.11-0.88) and at retention (0.58, 95% CI:0.06-1.11). The presence of CoMT val158met or met158met polymorphism had similar results, with lower impairment (large ES ≥1.5) and higher activity scores (large ES ranging from 0.5-0.76) in those without the polymorphism. Presence of APOEε4 form did not influence UL motor improvement.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms with the presence of 1 or 2 met alleles in BDNF and COMT negatively influence UL motor improvement.

Registration

https://osf.io/wk9cf/ .
The danmu discourse of user engagement with cross-posted broadcast interviews in Chinese social media
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Fitzgerald Richard
Published: July 2024

Along with new forms of mediated communication, social media technologies have created new forms of audience engagement with traditional broadcast talk formats. As forms of content creation and audience engagement continue to evolve, Chinese social media have developed innovative ways for users to engage with broadcast videos, especially through what is known as ‘ danmu’ technology. Danmu is a popular commenting system that allows users to post text directly onto the screen, rather than below the video, creating a layer of on-screen user engagement with the video while watching it. This study examines this new form of audience engagement by drawing upon a case study of danmu-commented English-language broadcast interviews cross-posted to Bilibili, a popular video-sharing platform in China. The analysis highlights three forms of participatory practices by danmu users: engagement with the video content, engagement with characters in the video, and interaction between danmu users. The paper argues that danmu-mediated participatory practices create a sense of co-watching and quasi-synchronous interaction that evokes a distinct participation framework in the virtual community. This study contributes to the growing literature on how social media continues to reshape audience engagement with broadcast news and the complex participation frameworks mediated through Chinese danmu technology.
Integration of Sustainable Development Goals in the Textile Science, Apparel Design, and Technology programs in Zimbabwean universities
Authors: Masina Rumbidzayi
Published: July 2024

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a pivotal role in preparing students to contribute to sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study focused on the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and examined how SDGs were integrated into the field of textile science, apparel design, and technology (TSADT). The research investigated the alignment between the SDGs and the emerging concept of Education 5.0, as well as ongoing educational reforms at the UZ. It explored the strategies and initiatives implemented by the university to promote sustainable development practices within the TSADT programs. The data collection process involved conducting interviews, making observations, and reviewing relevant documents. Thematic data analysis was employed. The study provided insights into the alignment between the program’s objectives and SDGs, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. This informed strategies for enhancing the integration of sustainable development principles in the TSADT curriculum. The implications of this research are significant for the UZ and other HEIs in Zimbabwe seeking to embed sustainable development principles in their programs. Furthermore, the study contributes to understanding how HEIs can effectively incorporate the SDGs into disciplinary programs, fostering a generation of graduates equipped to address sustainable challenges in the textile and apparel industry.
Abatacept for acute graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Kean Leslie S. , Burns Linda J. , Kou Tzuyung D. , Kapikian Roxanne , Lozenski Karissa , Langston Amelia , Horan John T. , Watkins Benjamin , Qayed Muna , Bratrude Brandi , Betz Kayla , Tang Xiao-Ying , Zhang Mei-Jie , Connolly Sean E. , Polinsky Martin , Gavin Brian , Gomez-Caminero Andres , Pasquini Marcelo C.
Published: July 2024

Abatacept plus calcineurin inhibitors/methotrexate (CNI/MTX) is the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved regimen for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis during unrelated-donor hematopoietic cell transplantation (URD-HCT). Using Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research data, we investigated its impact in patients receiving 7/8 HLA-mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) or 8/8 HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD) URD-HCT between 2011 and 2018. Primary outcomes included day-180, 1-year, and 2-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) for abatacept + CNI/MTX vs CNI/MTX, CNI/MTX + antithymocyte globulin (ATG), and posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based prophylaxis (PT-Cy). For 7/8 MMUDs, day-180 OS (primary end point supporting FDA approval) was significantly higher for abatacept + CNI/MTX vs CNI/MTX (98% vs 75%; P = .0028). Two-year RFS was significantly higher for abatacept + CNI/MTX vs CNI/MTX (74% vs 49%; P = .0098) and CNI/MTX + ATG (77% vs 35%; P = .0002), and similar vs PT-Cy (72% vs 56%; P = .1058). For 8/8 MUDs, 2-year RFS for abatacept + CNI/MTX was numerically higher vs CNI/MTX (63% vs 52%; P = .1497), with an improved hazard ratio (HR) of 0.46 (0.25-0.86), and vs CNI/MTX + ATG (66% vs 55%; P = .1193; HR, 0.39 [0.21-0.73]), and was similar vs PT-Cy (68% vs 57%; P = .2356; HR, 0.54 [0.26-1.11]). For 7/8 MMUD and 8/8 MUD recipients, abatacept + CNI/MTX prophylaxis improved survival outcomes vs CNI/MTX and CNI/MTX + ATG; outcomes were similar to PT-Cy–based regimens. Abatacept + CNI/MTX may facilitate unrelated donor pool expansion for HCT.
CD70 identifies alloreactive T cells and represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of acute GVHD
Authors: Verma Kriti , Croft Wayne , Margielewska-Davies Sandra , Pearce Hayden , Stephens Christine , Diaconescu Diana , Bevington Sarah , Craddock Charles , Amel-Kashipaz Rasoul , Zuo Jianmin , Kinsella Francesca A. M. , Moss Paul
Published: July 2024

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major challenge after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and further understanding of its immunopathology is crucial for developing new treatments. CD70 interacts with CD27 and is upregulated transiently on T cells after recent T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement. Here, we investigated the functional and clinical significance of CD70 expression on T cells during the early posttransplantation period. CD70 was expressed on a subset of highly activated memory T cells within the first 2 weeks after transplant, which then gradually declined in most patients. CD70+ T cells exhibited an open chromatin landscape and a transcriptional profile indicative of intense Myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC)-driven glycolysis and proliferation. CD4+ and CD8+CD70+ T-cell numbers increased by ninefold and fourfold, respectively, during acute GVHD (aGVHD) and displayed an oligoclonal TCR repertoire. These cells expressed CCR4 and CCR6 chemokine receptors and were markedly increased in aGVHD tissue samples. Furthermore, CD70+ T cells demonstrated alloreactive specificity in vitro, and proliferative and inflammatory cytokine responses were markedly attenuated by CD70 blockade. These findings identify CD70 as a marker of highly activated alloreactive T cells and reveal the potential therapeutic importance of inhibiting CD27-CD70 costimulation in both the prophylaxis and treatment of aGVHD.
Unexpected diagnosis of WHIM syndrome in refractory autoimmune cytopenia
Authors: Garcia-Carmona Yolanda , Chavez Jose , Gernez Yael , Geyer Julia T. , Bussel James B. , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte
Published: July 2024

WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis) syndrome is a rare primary immunodeficiency predominantly caused by heterozygous gain-of-function mutations in the C-terminus of the gene CXCR4. These CXCR4 variants display impaired receptor trafficking with persistence of the CXCR4 receptor on the surface, resulting in hyperactive downstream signaling after CXCL12 stimulation. In turn, this results in defective lymphoid differentiation, and reduced blood neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. Here, we report a CXCR4 mutation that in 2 members of a kindred, led to life-long autoimmunity and lymphoid hypertrophy as the primary clinical manifestations of WHIM syndrome. We examine the functional effects of this mutation, and how these have affected phosphorylation, activation, and receptor internalization.
Upstream CtrA-binding sites both induce and repress pilin gene expression in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Rijal Anurag , Johnson Eli T. , Curtis Patrick D.
Published: July 2024

Pili are bacterial surface structures important for surface adhesion. In the alphaproteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus, the global regulator CtrA activates transcription of roughly 100 genes, including pilA which codes for the pilin monomer that makes up the pilus filament. While most CtrA-activated promoters have a single CtrA-binding site at the − 35 position and are induced at the early to mid-predivisional cell stage, the pilA promoter has 3 additional upstream CtrA-binding sites and it is induced at the late predivisional cell stage. Reporter constructs where these additional sites were disrupted by deletion or mutation led to increased activity compared to the WT promoter. In synchronized cultures, these mutations caused pilA transcription to occur approximately 20 min earlier than WT. The results suggested that the site overlapping the − 35 position drives pilA gene expression while the other upstream CtrA-binding sites serve to reduce and delay expression. EMSA experiments showed that the − 35 Site has lower affinity for CtrA∼P compared to the other sites, suggesting binding site affinity may be involved in the delay mechanism. Mutating the upstream inhibitory CtrA-binding sites in the pilA promoter caused significantly higher numbers of pre-divisional cells to express pili, and phage survival assays showed this strain to be significantly more sensitive to pilitropic phage. These results suggest that pilA regulation evolved in C. crescentus to provide an ecological advantage within the context of phage infection.
A cross-sectional comparison of gut metagenomes between dairy workers and community controls
Authors: Trinh Pauline , Teichman Sarah , Roberts Marilyn C. , Rabinowitz Peter M. , Willis Amy D.
Published: July 2024

Background

As a nexus of routine antibiotic use and zoonotic pathogen presence, the livestock farming environment is a potential hotspot for the emergence of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Livestock can further facilitate disease transmission by serving as intermediary hosts for pathogens before a spillover event. In light of this, we aimed to characterize the microbiomes and resistomes of dairy workers, whose exposure to the livestock farming environment places them at risk for facilitating community transmission of antibiotic resistant genes and emerging zoonotic diseases.

Results

Using shotgun sequencing, we investigated differences in the taxonomy, diversity and gene presence of 10 dairy farm workers and 6 community controls’ gut metagenomes, contextualizing these samples with additional publicly available gut metagenomes. We found no significant differences in the prevalence of resistance genes, virulence factors, or taxonomic composition between the two groups. The lack of statistical significance may be attributed, in part, to the limited sample size of our study or the potential similarities in exposures between the dairy workers and community controls. We did, however, observe patterns warranting further investigation including greater abundance of tetracycline resistance genes and prevalence of cephamycin resistance genes as well as lower average gene diversity (even after accounting for differential sequencing depth) in dairy workers’ metagenomes. We also found evidence of commensal organism association with tetracycline resistance genes in both groups (including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Ligilactobacillus animalis, and Simiaoa sunii).

Conclusions

This study highlights the utility of shotgun metagenomics in examining the microbiomes and resistomes of livestock workers, focusing on a cohort of dairy workers in the United States. While our study revealed no statistically significant differences between groups in taxonomy, diversity and gene presence, we observed patterns in antibiotic resistance gene abundance and prevalence that align with findings from previous studies of livestock workers in China and Europe. Our results lay the groundwork for future research involving larger cohorts of dairy and non-dairy workers to better understand the impact of occupational exposure to livestock farming on the microbiomes and resistomes of workers.
New insights into azelaic acid-induced resistance against Alternaria Solani in tomato plants
Authors: Haghpanah Mostafa , Jelodar Nadali Babaeian , Zarrini Hamid Najafi , Pakdin-Parizi Ali , Dehestani Ali
Published: July 2024

Background

The effect of azelaic acid (Aza) on the response of tomato plants to Alternaria solani was investigated in this study. After being treated with Aza, tomato plants were infected with A. solani, and their antioxidant, biochemical, and molecular responses were analyzed.

Results

The results demonstrated that H2O2 and MDA accumulation increased in control plants after pathogen infection. Aza-treated plants exhibited a remarkable rise in peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities during the initial stages of A. solani infection. Gene expression analysis revealed that both Aza treatment and pathogen infection altered the expression patterns of the SlNPR1, SlERF2, SlPR1, and SlPDF1.2 genes. The expression of SlPDF1.2, a marker gene for the jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) signaling pathway, showed a remarkable increase of 4.2-fold upon pathogen infection. In contrast, for the SlNPR1, a key gene in salicylic acid (SA) pathway, this increased expression was recorded with a delay at 96 hpi. Also, the phytohormone analysis showed significantly increased SA accumulation in plant tissues with disease development. It was also revealed that tissue accumulation of JA in Aza-treated plants was increased following pathogen infection, while it was not increased in plants without pathogen inoculation.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the resistance induced by Aza is mainly a result of modulations in both SA and JA pathways following complex antioxidant and molecular defense responses in tomato plants during A. solani infection. These findings provide novel information regarding inducing mechanisms of azelaic acid which would add to the current body of knowledge of SAR induction in plants as result of Aza application.