bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal shifts in the functional composition of Andean forests at different elevations are driven by climate change
Authors: Martínez‐Villa Johanna Andrea , Durán Sandra M. , Enquist Brian J. , Duque Alvaro , Messier Christian , Paquette Alain
Published: November 2023

Aim

Andean forests are a global biodiversity hotspot. They harbour many species living within narrow climate ranges and a high functional diversity of trees. It remains still unclear how such hotspots respond to climatic changes over time. We investigated whether Andean forests are changing their functional composition over time along an elevational gradient by assessing changes in species composition, abundance and functional traits.

Location

An elevational gradient in Colombia's northern Andes.

Time Period

Species composition changes were studied two to four times from 2006 to 2017, and functional composition from 2016 to 2017.

Major Taxa Studied

A total of 1104 tropical tree species with in situ traits characterization.

Methods

We used seven morphological leaf traits and wood density values to analyse the functional trait dynamic over 10 years along an elevational gradient. By analysing changes in species composition, abundance and trait representation, we inferred the magnitude and direction of changes in functional composition. Then, we assessed if the functional change was related to climate change and demography.

Results

With increased minimum temperature and vapour‐pressure deficit, we found a decrease over time in mean values for leaf area and specific leaf area and increases in leaf thickness and leaf dry matter content. Long‐term temperature increases are smaller with increasing elevation, but the magnitude of trait changes is greater than in lowlands.

Main Conclusions

The functional composition is changing towards more conservative strategies over time across the elevation gradient, with the strongest changes observed at the highest elevations. This pattern is explained by the change in species turnover within communities due to higher recruitment rates of species with high leaf dry matter content values and low leaf area values. These shifts may be related to communities' responses to higher evapotranspiration demand and thermal stress, mainly at higher elevations.
Anastomosing haemangioma of the mediastinum: Clinicopathological series with radiological and genetic characterisation
Authors: Caldwell Nicholas J , Ackman Jeanne B , Chebib Ivan , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Nielsen G Petur , Hung Yin P
Published: November 2023

Aims

Anastomosing haemangiomas are benign tumours with anastomosing vascular channels that may mimic angiosarcoma. While anastomosing haemangiomas have been described in diverse locations, particularly the abdominal/paraspinal region, data on anastomosing haemangiomas in the mediastinum remain limited. We report the clinicopathological, radiological and molecular characteristics of the largest single‐institutional series of mediastinal anastomosing haemangiomas.

Methods and results

In our pathology archives in 2011–23, we reviewed all vascular lesions involving the mediastinum and identified seven anastomosing haemangiomas. Clinical information was abstracted from medical charts; available radiological imaging was reviewed. Targeted DNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (447 genes, including GNAQ and GNA11) was performed on five cases. The seven patients included five women and two men, with an age range of 55–77 (median = 72) years. Of the six tumours with available radiology, two each were in the prevascular, visceral and paravertebral mediastinum, with lobulated peripheral enhancement in all tumours examined with contrast enhancement. Six patients underwent tumour resection; one patient received proton radiotherapy. Microscopically, each tumour was solitary and characterised by anastomosing capillary‐sized vessels lined by hobnail endothelial cells. Fibrin microthrombi, hyaline globules and extramedullary haematopoiesis were common. In the five tumours analysed by next‐generation sequencing, GNAQ p.Q209P was identified in one tumour; no additional reportable alterations were identified in the remaining cases. No recurrence was noted in the four patients with available follow‐up of 3–58 (median = 9.5) months after resection.

Conclusion

While mediastinal anastomosing haemangiomas can microscopically mimic angiosarcoma, awareness of this entity and radiological correlation may help to circumvent this diagnostic pitfall.
Molecular regulators of exercise‐mediated insulin sensitivity in non‐obese individuals
Authors: Almuraikhy Shamma , Doudin Asmaa , Domling Alexander , Althani Asmaa Ali J. F. , Elrayess Mohamed A.
Published: November 2023

Insulin resistance is a significant contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and low maximal oxygen uptake. While intense and prolonged exercise may have negative effects, physical activity can have a positive influence on cellular metabolism and the immune system. Moderate exercise has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status, whereas intense exercise can increase oxidative stress in the short term. The impact of exercise on pro‐inflammatory cytokine production is complex and varies depending on intensity and duration. Exercise can also counteract the harmful effects of ageing and inflamm‐ageing. This review aims to examine the molecular pathways altered by exercise in non‐obese individuals at higher risk of developing T2D, including glucose utilization, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, inflammation and oxidative stress, with the potential to improve insulin sensitivity. The focus is on understanding the potential benefits of exercise for improving insulin sensitivity and providing insights for future targeted interventions before onset of disease.
Non‐Fungible Tokens (NFTs): A Review of Pricing Determinants, Applications and Opportunities
Authors: Kräussl Roman , Tugnetti Alessandro
Published: November 2023

This paper provides a review of the development of the non‐fungible tokens (NFTs) market, with a particular focus on its pricing determinants, its current applications, and its future opportunities. We investigate the current state of the NFT markets and highlight the perception and expectations of investors toward these products. We summarize and compare the financial and econometric models that have been used in the literature for the pricing of non‐fungible tokens with a special focus on their predictive performance. We design a framework that can help to understand the price formation of NFTs. We further aim to shed light on the value‐creating determinants of NFTs in order to better understand investors’ behavior on the blockchain.
Upbeat or Off‐the‐Mark? How Work Rhythms Affect Strategic Change
Authors: Stephenson Kathleen A. , Cornelissen Joep P. , Khapova Svetlana N.
Published: November 2023

This study examines how organizational members cope with new work rhythms that are brought about by a strategic organizational change. Based on a two‐year qualitative case study of a major strategic change in a research unit at a university that encouraged academics to embody an upbeat, energetic work rhythm, we identify four different modes of engaging with rhythms (syncing, tuning, figuring, and settling). We found that individual academics engaged rhythmically in different ways to meet this expected way of working and with discernible consequences for how they participated in the strategic change and ultimately were able to support the change, or not. Based on our study findings, we conceptualize a process model of rhythmic coping that highlights a central but often overlooked part of strategic change with significant implications for the success of a change as well as for the continued health and well‐being of employees.
Patterns of chromosome evolution in ruminants
Authors: Arias‐Sardá Cristina , Quigley Sarah , Farré Marta
Published: November 2023

Studying when and where gross genomic rearrangements occurred during evolution is key to understanding changes in genome structure with functional consequences that might eventually lead to speciation. Here we identified chromosome rearrangements in ruminants, a clade characterized by large chromosome differences. Using 26 genome assemblies, we reconstructed five ancestral karyotypes and classified the rearrangement events occurring in each lineage. With these reconstructions, we then identified evolutionary breakpoints regions (EBRs) and synteny fragments. Ruminant karyotype evolution is characterized by inversions, while interchromosomal rearrangements occurred preferentially in the oldest ancestor of ruminants. We found that EBRs are depleted of protein coding genes, including housekeeping genes. Similarly, EBRs are not enriched in high GC regions, suggesting that meiotic double strand breaks might not be their origin. Overall, our results characterize at fine detail the location of chromosome rearrangements in ruminant evolution and provide new insights into the formation of EBRs.
Hyper‐reduced order models for accelerating parametric analyses on reinforced concrete structures subjected to earthquakes
Authors: Bodnar Bastien , Larbi Walid , Titirla Magdalini , Deü Jean‐François , Gatuingt Fabrice , Ragueneau Frédéric
Published: November 2023

This paper combines a hyper‐reduction procedure, the proper orthogonal decomposition unassembled discrete empirical interpolation method, with a non‐iterative α‐operator splitting (α‐OS) time‐integration scheme for accelerating parametric analyses on damageable civil engineering structures subjected to earthquakes. Applications on a two‐story reinforced concrete frame building modeled by multi‐fiber beams provide guidelines to define hyper‐reduced order models (HROMs) for real‐life applications that use seismic databases or variable loading assumptions. The α‐OS HROMs proved their applicability in approximating high‐fidelity dynamic responses with speed‐up factors higher than 60 and errors lower than 0.6% for the present case study.
Mental strength: A theory of experience intensity
Authors: Morales Jorge
Published: November 2023

Our pains can be more or less intense, our mental imagery can be more or less vivid, our perceptual experiences can be more or less striking. These degrees of intensity of conscious experiences are all manifestations of a phenomenal property I call mental strength. In this article, I argue that mental strength is a domain‐general phenomenal magnitude; in other words, it is a phenomenal quantity shared by all conscious experiences that explains their degree of felt intensity. Mental strength has been largely overlooked in favor of mental states’ type, representational contents, domain‐specific phenomenology, or processes such as attention. Considering mental strength in our reflections about the mind illuminates debates about the relation of representational contents and phenomenal character, and it also helps address questions about the structure and functions of consciousness. Mental strength provides a unifying construct to model what is shared in the phenomenology of different types of conscious experiences.
Do bipolar disorder symptom profiles matter for suicide risk? A latent class approach to investigating differences in suicidal desire and acquired capability
Authors: Freitag Stephanie , Au Josephine S. , Liu Daphne Y. , Mekawi Yara , Lamis Dorian A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Depressive and mixed symptoms in bipolar disorder (BD) have been linked to higher suicide risk. Based on Klonsky and May's three‐step theory and Joiner's Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide, we hypothesized that patients diagnosed with BD who reported severe levels of depressive symptoms and mixed depressive and manic symptoms would also report higher levels of suicidal desire and acquired capability of suicide, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Methods

The sample included 177 outpatients diagnosed with BD. Latent class analysis was conducted to replicate the identified groups of a previously conducted study using a smaller but overlapping dataset. Between‐class and pairwise analyses with measures of suicidal desire and acquired capability were conducted.

Results

As expected, the classes characterized by severe depressive symptoms and mixed symptoms reported higher levels of suicidal desire. However, the results regarding acquired capability were less consistent.

Conclusion

Given the overall elevated suicide risk of BD and the consistent relationship between depressive symptoms and other strong correlates of suicide, clinicians who work with patients diagnosed with BD should closely monitor changes in their depressive symptoms.
Bubbling beyond the barrier: exosomal RNA as a vehicle for soma–germline communication
Authors: Phillips Daniel , Noble Denis
Published: November 2023

‘Weismann's barrier’ has restricted theories of heredity to the transmission of genomic variation for the better part of a century. However, the discovery and elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation such as DNA methylation and histone modifications has renewed interest in studies on the inheritance of acquired traits and given them mechanistic plausibility. Although it is now clear that these mechanisms allow many environmentally acquired traits to be transmitted to the offspring, how phenotypic information is communicated from the body to its gametes has remained a mystery. Here, we discuss recent evidence that such communication is mediated by somatic RNAs that travel inside extracellular vesicles to the gametes where they reprogram the offspring epigenome and phenotype. How gametes learn about bodily changes has implications not only for the clinic, but also for evolutionary theory by bringing together intra‐ and intergenerational mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation.

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Reducing Waste Outflow to Motivate Water Conservation
Authors: Halabieh S. , Shu L. H.
Published: November 2023

A novel intervention to increase water-conserving behavior was developed and tested. Behavior-change interventions range from information-based, where individuals have full control over whether they act on the provided information, to forcing/automation, where individuals have no control over the desired behavior. This study’s intervention was devised to be more forceful than providing information alone, but unlike forcing/automation, still allows individuals to control whether they perform the desired behavior. While resource-conservation strategies tend to target resource intake, the studied intervention examines whether limiting resource waste outflow can also limit resource intake. Specific to water, this study explored whether reducing wastewater outflow, causing accumulation, can reduce water inflow. Data were collected online using simulations of handwashing at a sink, which had different sink-outflow rates. Amazon Mechanical Turk workers completed three randomly ordered handwashing simulations. Study participants (n = 72) significantly reduced simulated consumption of water when it accumulated quickly in the sink (p < 0.001). Participants reduced simulated water consumption, on average by 14% at lower outflow rates, as they decreased inflow rates to prevent sink overflow. In contrast to informational interventions that rely on user motivation, reducing outflow significantly decreased simulated water usage, independent of participant-reported performance of other pro-environmental behaviors. Thus, reducing outflow may be effective regardless of individuals’ motivation to act sustainably. Also discussed is the value of online simulations to test pro-environmental behavior interventions. Finally, limitations and next steps, including in-person testing, are outlined as future work.
Immune activation state modulates infant engram expression across development
Authors: Power Sarah D. , Stewart Erika , Zielke Louisa G. , Byrne Eric P. , Douglas Aaron , Ortega-de San Luis Clara , Lynch Lydia , Ryan Tomás J.
Published: November 2023

Infantile amnesia is possibly the most ubiquitous form of memory loss in mammals. We investigated how memories are stored in the brain throughout development by integrating engram labeling technology with mouse models of infantile amnesia. Here, we found a phenomenon in which male offspring in maternal immune activation models of autism spectrum disorder do not experience infantile amnesia. Maternal immune activation altered engram ensemble size and dendritic spine plasticity. We rescued the same apparently forgotten infantile memories in neurotypical mice by optogenetically reactivating dentate gyrus engram cells labeled during complex experiences in infancy. Furthermore, we permanently reinstated lost infantile memories by artificially updating the memory engram, demonstrating that infantile amnesia is a reversible process. Our findings suggest not only that infantile amnesia is due to a reversible retrieval deficit in engram expression but also that immune activation during development modulates innate, and reversible, forgetting switches that determine whether infantile amnesia will occur.
XPF interacts with TOP2B for R-loop processing and DNA looping on actively transcribed genes
Authors: Chatzinikolaou Georgia , Stratigi Kalliopi , Siametis Athanasios , Goulielmaki Evi , Akalestou-Clocher Alexia , Tsamardinos Ioannis , Topalis Pantelis , Austin Caroline , Bouwman Britta A. M. , Crosetto Nicola , Altmüller Janine , Garinis George A.
Published: November 2023

Co-transcriptional RNA-DNA hybrids can not only cause DNA damage threatening genome integrity but also regulate gene activity in a mechanism that remains unclear. Here, we show that the nucleotide excision repair factor XPF interacts with the insulator binding protein CTCF and the cohesin subunits SMC1A and SMC3, leading to R-loop–dependent DNA looping upon transcription activation. To facilitate R-loop processing, XPF interacts and recruits with TOP2B on active gene promoters, leading to double-strand break accumulation and the activation of a DNA damage response. Abrogation of TOP2B leads to the diminished recruitment of XPF, CTCF, and the cohesin subunits to promoters of actively transcribed genes and R-loops and the concurrent impairment of CTCF-mediated DNA looping. Together, our findings disclose an essential role for XPF with TOP2B and the CTCF/cohesin complex in R-loop processing for transcription activation with important ramifications for DNA repair–deficient syndromes associated with transcription-associated DNA damage.
Geological timescales’ aging effects of lunar glasses
Authors: Chen Ziqiang , Zhao Yong , Chi Xiang , Yan Yuqiang , Shen Jie , Zou Minjie , Zhao Shaofan , Liu Ming , Yao Wei , Zhang Bo , Ke Haibo , Ma Xiu-Liang , Bai Haiyang , Yang Mengfei , Zou Zhigang , Wang Wei-Hua
Published: November 2023

Physical aging is a long-lasting research hot spot in the glass community, yet its long-term effects remain unclear because of the limited experimental time. In this study, we discover the extraordinary aging effects in five typical lunar glassy particles with diameters ranging from about 20 to 53 micrometers selected from Chang’e-5 lunar regolith. It is found that geological time scales’ aging can lead to unusually huge modulus enhancements larger than 73.5% while much weaker effects on hardness (i.e., varies decoupling evolutions of Young’s modulus and hardness during aging) in these lunar glassy samples. Such extraordinary aging effects are primarily attributed to the natural selected complex glassy compositions and structures, consistent with high entropy and minor element doping criteria, prevailing under the special lunar conditions and the extensive aging time for the lunar glasses. This study offers valuable insights for developing high-performance and stable glassy materials for radiation protection and advanced space explorations.
One-step synthesis of Janus hydrogel via heterogeneous distribution of sodium α-linoleate driven by surfactant self-aggregation
Authors: Chen Huowen , Zheng Chuchu , Zhang Fusheng , Zhang Zhuqin , Zhang Lijuan
Published: November 2023

Janus adhesive hydrogels have one-sided adhesive properties and hold promising applications in the health care field. However, a simple method for synthesizing Janus hydrogels is still lacking. In this study, we introduce an innovative method to prepare Janus hydrogels by harnessing a fundamental phenomenon: the self-aggregation of surfactants at high concentrations at the water-air interface. By combining a small amount [0.8 to 3.2 weight %, relative to mass of acrylamide (AM)] of sodium α-linoleate (LAS) with AM through free radical polymerization, we have synthesized Janus adhesive hydrogels. The Janus hydrogels exhibit remarkable adhesive strength and adhesive differences, with the top side (84 J m
−2
) being 21 times stronger than the bottom side, also an excellent elongation rate. Through comprehensive experiments, including chemical composition, surface morphology, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we thoroughly investigate the mechanisms of the hydrogel’s heterogeneous adhesion. This study presents an easy, efficient, and innovative method for preparing one-sided adhesive hydrogels.
Learning CNS immunopathology from therapeutic interventions
Authors: Schwab Nicholas , Wiendl Heinz
Published: November 2023

Modulation of immune cell trafficking across the blood-brain barrier has not only introduced a therapeutic avenue for multiple sclerosis (MS) but also represents an example of reverse translational medicine. Data from clinical trials of drugs such as natalizumab and fingolimod have revealed the involvement of different compartments in relapsing versus non-relapsing MS immune biology, contributed to our understanding of central nervous system (CNS) immune surveillance, and stimulated new fields of research. Here, we discuss the results of these trials, as well as patient biomaterial-based scientific projects, and how both have informed our understanding of CNS immunopathology.
Central and peripheral innate and adaptive immunity in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Harms Ashley S. , Yang Ya-Ting , Tansey Malú Gámez
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multisystem disorder with characteristics of a chronic inflammatory disease. To develop effective immunomodulatory interventions to combat PD, we need to think innovatively about the implications of orchestrated central and peripheral innate and adaptive immune responses that occur as the disease begins and progresses.
Spatiotemporal observations of host-pathogen interactions in mucosa during SARS-CoV-2 infection indicate a protective role of ILC2s
Authors: Hu Wei , Meng Lu , Wang Chao , Lu Wenhan , Tong Xiaoyu , Lin Rui , Xu Tao , Chen Liang , Cui An , Xu Xiaoqing , Li Anni , Tang Jia , Gao Hongru , Pei Zhenle , Zhang Ruonan , Wang Yicong , Wang Yu , Han Wendong , Jiang Ning , Xiong Chenglong , Feng Yi , Lee Kuinyu , Chen Mingquan
Published: November 2023

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play a crucial role in mucosal protection and tissue homeostasis. However, the early mucosal defense mechanisms against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus have not been fully understood to date. This knowledge gap has motivated us to develop a coronavirus disease 2019-like mouse model to investigate the interactions between the virus, its receptor, and ILCs. In our study, we conducted intranasal challenges using pseudovirus expressing Spike (PSV-S) to examine the expression patterns of humanized ACE2 (chiACE2) and the transduction of PSV-S in lung and ileum tissues over a specified time period. Within a span of 72 hours, we observed an intense viral transduction induced by the spike protein, which was detected from the central bronchus to the bronchiole and alveolus in the lung (levels 3 to 8). Similarly, we observed the transduction of PSV-S in the villi and crypts of the ileum. Interestingly, our precise three-dimensional colocalization analysis revealed that only 73.74% ± 1.76% of the PSV-S transduction depended on chiACE2. Furthermore, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) exhibited the most pronounced activation in the gut mucosa. This finding indicates the significant role of ILC2s as contributors to the mucosal defense against viral infections. Our data shed light on the critical involvement of ILC2s and their intricate three-dimensional regulatory network in combating SARS-CoV-2 within the mucosa.

IMPORTANCE

Our study revealed the spatial interaction between humanized ACE2 and pseudovirus expressing Spike, emphasizing the role of type 2 innate lymphoid cells during the initial phase of viral infection. These findings provide a foundation for the development of mucosal vaccines and other treatment approaches for both pre- and post-infection management of coronavirus disease 2019.
Danish Prostate Cancer Consortium Study 1 (DPCC-1) protocol: Multicentre prospective validation of the urine-based three-microRNA biomarker model uCaP
Authors: Fredsøe Jacob , Glud Eske , Boesen Lars , Løgager Vibeke , Poulsen Mads Hvid , Pedersen Bodil Ginnerup , Borre Michael , Sørensen Karina Dalsgaard
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The primary objective of the Danish Prostate Cancer Consortium Study 1 (DPCC-1) is to provide validation for a novel urine-based microRNA biomarker, called uCaP, for a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Methods and analysis

Eligible participants are biopsy naïve men aged ≥18 years with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels ≥3 ng/mL, who are referred to prostate MRI due to suspicion of PC at one of the following three major urology/uroradiology centers: Aarhus University Hospital, Herlev & Gentofte University Hospital, or Odense University Hospital, where MRI and targeted biopsy are implemented in clinical use. Exclusion criteria include previous diagnosis of urogenital cancer, contraindication to MRI, gender reassignment treatment or PSA level >20 ng/mL. The participants will be asked to donate a urine sample in connection with their MRI. The study is observational, uses a diagnostic accuracy testing setup and will integrate into the current diagnostic pathway.

We will measure the levels of the three microRNAs in the uCaP model (miR-222–3 p, miR-24–3 p and miR-30c-5p) in extracellular vesicle-enriched cell-free urine samples, to assess if uCaP can improve specificity and retain sensitivity for International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group ≥2 PC, when used as a reflex test to PSA ≥3 ng/mL. We hypothesise that uCaP can improve selection for prostate MRI and reduce the number of unnecessary scans and biopsies.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Central Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (reference number: 1-10-72-85-22). All participants will provide written informed consent. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT05767307at clinicaltrials.gov.
Improving the impact of pharmacy interventions in hospitals
Authors: Baptista Rafael , Williams Mary , Price Jayne
Published: November 2023

The clinical and pharmaceutical interventions of pharmacy professionals are considered impactful inputs towards optimised patient care and safety, by rationalising prescriptions, enhancing therapeutic choices and reducing and preventing medication errors and adverse effects. Pharmacy interventions (PIs), related to the identification, prevention and resolution of drug-related problems, should be recorded for optimal clinical governance and potential health outcomes.

Between October 2020 and October 2021, the community hospitals at Powys Teaching Health Board recorded 158 PIs, corresponding to 0.4 interventions per staff per week. Only two members of the team were recording these PIs. Poor indicative PIs can result in lost opportunities for medication optimisation and prescribing rationalisation, increased costs and unidentified training potential.

The aims of this project were (1) to record 180 interventions between 22 November 2021 and 8 April 2022 (20 weeks), corresponding to an average threefold increase, compared to the interventions recorded between October 2020 and October 2021 (52 weeks); (2) to have all hospital pharmacy staff recording at least one intervention during the same period.

The number of interventions recorded and the number of pharmacy staff recording each intervention were two process measures. The project was completed through two Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and applied theory on managing change in healthcare.

The most successful intervention influencing positively the process measures was the implementation of a new Pharmacy Intervention Record Tool (xPIRT) toolkit that included an online recording tool (xPIRT) and an interactive panel with up-to-date results from all interventions recorded (xPIRT Dashboard). Motivating change was proven to be one of the best determinants of user satisfaction and engagement that contributed to meet the project’s targets. xPIRT Dashboard provided staff the capacity to act on possible personal motivators and the possibility to improving care with medicines on their wards. The implementation of xPIRT toolkit was able to increase the representativity and significance of PIs recorded by the hospital pharmacy team, and it is expected to be used for personal professional development, demonstrating team activity and impact, service planning, prescribing practice optimisation and to identify education/training needs. This toolkit can be easily applied and adapted to other health organisations, settings and services.
Challenge of achieving truly individualised informed consent in therapeutic endoscopy
Authors: Berry Philip , Kotha Sreelakshmi
Published: November 2023

Objective

Guidance covering informed consent in endoscopy has been refined in the UK following the obstetric case of Nadine Montgomery, and in light of updated General Medical Council guidance. All risks likely to be material to the patient must be explored, as well as alternatives to the procedure. Despite this, departments and endoscopists still struggle to meet the current standards. In this article, we explore the challenges encountered in achieving individualised consent in therapeutic endoscopy through real-life scenarios.

Methods

Five realistic therapeutic endoscopy (hepatobiliary) scenarios are described, followed by presentation of possible or ideal approaches, with references related to existing literature in this field.

Results

The vignettes allow consideration of how to approach difficult consent challenges, including anxiety and information overload, urgency during acute illness, failure to disclose the risk of death, the role of trainees and intraprocedural distress under conscious sedation.

Conclusions

The authors conclude that a high degree of transparency is required while obtaining consent for therapeutic endoscopy accompanied by full documentation, involvement of relatives in nearly all cases, and clarity around the presence of trainees who may handle the scope. A greater focus on upskilling trainees in the consent process for therapeutic endoscopy is required.
Yield, nitrogen, and phosphorus uptake, and biological nitrogen fixation in chickpea–flax intercropping systems in southern Saskatchewan
Authors: Reid M. , Schoenau J. , Knight J.D. , Hangs R.
Published: November 2023

The interest in growing pulse crops and oilseeds together as intercrop combinations is increasing. However, little is known about nutrient dynamics in pulse–oilseed intercropping systems in western Canada, particularly the contributions from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Kabuli chickpea and brown flax were grown without added fertilizer as monocrops and as intercrops in mixed and alternate seed row configurations at sites located in the Brown (Central Butte, SK) and Black (Redvers, SK) soil zones in 2019 and 2020. Comparison was made of grain and straw yields, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake of grain and straw, and proportion and amount of biologically fixed N contributed from the chickpea and transferred to the flax. The intercrop grain yield land equivalent ratio (LER) and N and P uptake LER values were at or above 1 for the four site-years, indicating benefit from intercropping in increasing total yield and crop N and P uptake from the land area. The proportion of N derived from BNF was not enhanced in this intercrop combination, but considerable biologically fixed N (8%–22%) was transferred from the chickpea to the flax during the growing season. This was associated with reduced depletion of soil N compared to monocrop flax in part due to the contribution of biologically fixed N in the chickpea–flax intercrop system.
Distribution dynamics of fisher and Wigner–Yanase information correlations of two qubits coupled to an open superconducting cavity
Authors: Aldosari F. M. , Mohamed A.-B. A. , Rahman A. , Hashem M.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we explore distribution dynamics of two-qubit Fisher and skew information correlations of a dissipative microwave cavity field interacting with two charged superconducting qubits. Besides the negativity function, non-classical correlations beyond entanglement are studied using local quantum Fisher information (LQFI) and local quantum uncertainty (LQU). We find that the two-qubit non-classical correlations are sensitive to qubit–qubit distribution angle, two-qubit dissipation parameter, and initial coherent state intensity. The phenomena of frozen quantum correlations, sudden death or birth, as well as revival dynamical maps are feasible in the current two-qubit state when exposed to a microwave cavity. The non-classical correlations and entanglement have been found damped under the two-qubit dissipation appearance in the field. For the increasing strength of coherence intensity of the field, the two-qubit non-classical correlations functions remain to emerge quickly and oscillate with higher frequency, although with the least amplitudes. Interestingly, unlike the non-classical correlations, negativity does not emerge against higher coherence strengths of the cavity and remains completely zero. Finally, for the least dissipation and higher coherence strength, one can readily generate non-classical two-qubit states employing a microwave cavity.
Physical Mechanisms Influencing Life Origin and Development. Physical–Biochemical Paradigm of Life
Authors: Shestopaloff Yuri K.
Published: November 2023

The present view of biological phenomena is based on a biochemical paradigm that the development of living organisms is defined by information stored in a molecular form as some genetic code. However, new facts and discoveries indicate that biological phenomena cannot be confined to a biochemical realm alone, but are also influenced by physical mechanisms. One such discovered mechanism works at cellular, organ and whole organism spatial levels. It imposes uniquely defined constraints on the distribution of nutrients between biomass synthesis and maintenance of existing biomass. The relative (to the total consumed nutrients) amount of produced biomass, which decreases during the growth, accordingly changes the composition of biochemical reactions and secures their irreversibility during the organismal life cycle. Mathematically, this growth mechanism is represented by a growth equation. Using this equation, we introduce growth models for unicellular organisms Amoeba, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus, show their adequacy to experimental data, and present two types of possible division mechanisms. Also, on the basis of the growth equation, we find different metabolic characteristics of these organisms. For instance, it was shown that in logarithmic coordinates the values of their metabolic allometric exponents are located on a straight line. This fact has important implications with regard to evolutionary process of organisms within a food chain, considered as a single system. High adequateness of obtained results to experimental data, from different perspectives, as well as excellent compliance with previously proven more particular knowledge, and with general criteria for validation of scientific truths, proves the validity of the introduced growth equation and of the discovered growth mechanism (which has all indications to be a real physical mechanism presenting in Nature). Taken together, the obtained results set solid grounds for the introduction of a more comprehensive physical–biochemical paradigm of Life origin, development and evolution.
A Deep Time Delay Filter for Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control
Authors: Hsueh Kuei-Fang , Farnood Ayleen , Al-Darabsah Isam , Al Saaideh Mohammad , Al Janaideh Mohammad , Kundur Deepa
Published: November 2023

Cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) is a smart transportation solution to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety. The performance of CACC systems can be remarkably affected by communication time delays, and traditional control methods often compromise control performance by adjusting control gains to maintain system stability. In this article, we present a study on the stability of a CACC system in the presence of time delays and highlight the tradeoff between control performance and tuning controller gains to address increasing delays. We propose a novel approach incorporating a neural network module called the deep time delay filter (DTDF) to overcome this limitation. The DTDF leverages the assumption that time delays primarily originate from the communication layer of the CACC network, which can be subject to adversarial delays of varying magnitudes. By considering time-delayed versions of the car states and predicting the present (un-delayed) states, the DTDF compensates for the effects of communication delays. The proposed approach combines classical control techniques with machine learning, offering a hybrid control system that excels in explainability and robustness to unknown parameters.

We conduct comprehensive experiments using various deep learning architectures to train and evaluate the DTDF models. Our experiments utilize a robot platform consisting of MATLAB, Simulink, the Optitrack motion capture system, and the Qbot2e robots. Through these experiments, we demonstrate that when appropriately trained, our system can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of constant time delays and outperforms a traditional CACC baseline in control performance. This experimental comparison, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first of its kind in the context of a hybrid machine learning CACC system. We thoroughly explore initial conditions and range policy parameters to evaluate our system under various experimental scenarios. By providing detailed insights and experimental results, we aim to contribute to the advancement of CACC research and highlight the potential of hybrid machine learning approaches in improving the performance and reliability of CACC systems.
Efficient History-Driven Adversarial Perturbation Distribution Learning in Low Frequency Domain
Authors: Cao Han , Sun Qindong , Li Yaqi , Geng Rong , Wang Xiaoxiong
Published: November 2023

The existence of adversarial image makes us have to doubt the credibility of artificial intelligence system. Attackers can use carefully processed adversarial images to carry out a variety of attacks. Inspired by the theory of image compressed sensing, this paper proposes a new black-box attack,

\(\mathcal {N}\text{-HSA}_{LF}\)

. It uses covariance matrix adaptive evolution strategy (CMA-ES) to learn the distribution of adversarial perturbation in low frequency domain, reducing the dimensionality of solution space. And sep-CMA-ES is used to set the covariance matrix as a diagonal matrix, which further reduces the dimensions that need to be updated for the covariance matrix of multivariate Gaussian distribution learned in attacks, thereby reducing the computational cost of attack. And on this basis, we propose history-driven mean update and current optimal solution-guided improvement strategies to avoid the evolution of distribution to a worse direction. The experimental results show that the proposed

\(\mathcal {N}\text{-HSA}_{LF}\)

can achieve a higher attack success rate with fewer queries on attacking both CNN-based and transformer-based target models under

\(L_2\)

-norm and

\(L_\infty\)

-norm constraints of perturbation. We also conduct an ablation study and the results show that the proposed improved strategies can effectively reduce the number of visits to the target model when making adversarial examples for hard examples. In addition, our attack is able to make the integrated defense strategy of GRIP-GAN and noise-embedded training ineffective to a certain extent.
Enhancing Surface Integrity of Micro-Holes Machined on Inconel 718 using Shaped Tube Electrochemical Machining via Hydroxide Mixing
Authors: Vats Anuj , Singh Ramver , Dvivedi Akshay , Kumar Pradeep
Published: November 2023

This research explores enhancing surface integrity of high aspect ratio (AR>5) micro-holes machined on Inconel 718 using Shaped Tube Electrochemical Machining (STEM) by mixing limited amount of metal hydroxides in the different electrolyte solutions. Typically, STEM employs hazardous acid solutions. These solutions cause machine corrosion, environmental risks, and harm to operators. This research aims to explore eco-friendly and safe alternatives. The efficacy of adding NaOH or KOH to eco-friendly neutral aqueous solutions of NaCl, KBr, and NaNO3 on machined surfaces is expounded. We assess electrolyte mixing parameters, including concentration and composition, and explore the effects of varying electrolyte temperature, voltage, and tool feed rate. Surface assessment uses SEM, EDX, XRD, and profilometry. Results reveal that adding hydroxides to neutral salt solutions improves surface roughness and reduces pitting. Hydroxide ions aid in dissolving oxide films during STEM of Inconel 718. Under specific conditions (9 g l−1, 18°C, 8 V, 0.8 mm min−1), NO3│OH yielded the lowest Ra (1.64 μm), while Br│OH resulted in the highest Ra (2.14 μm) with pitting, cracks, and deposits. NO3│OH exhibited a 25% decrease in Ra when a hydroxide concentration rise from 3 g l−1 to 15 g l−1. This research supports eco-friendly STEM for improved surface quality without process performance compromise.
Optimizing Fast Charging and Wetting in Lithium-Ion Batteries with Optimal Microstructure Patterns Identified by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Usseglio-Viretta Francois L. E. , Weddle Peter J. , Tremolet de Villers Bertrand J. , Dunlap Nathan , Kern Dana , Smith Kandler , Finegan Donal P.
Published: November 2023

To sustain the high-rate current required for fast charging electric vehicle batteries, electrodes must exhibit sufficiently high effective ionic diffusion. Additionally, to reduce battery manufacturing costs, wetting time must decrease. Both of these issues can be addressed by structuring the electrodes with mesoscale pore channels. However, their optimal spatial distribution, or patterns, is unknown. Herein, a genetic algorithm has been developed to identify these optimal patterns using a CPU-cheap proxy distance-based model to evaluate the impact of the added pore networks. Both coin-cell and pouch cell form factors have been considered for the wetting analysis, with their respective electrolyte infiltration mode. Regular hexagonal and mud-crack-like patterns, respectively, for fast charging and fast wetting were found to be optimal and have been compared with pre-determined, easier to manufacture, patterns. The model predicts that using cylindrical channels arranged in a regular hexagonal pattern is ∼6.25 times more efficient for fast charging as compared to grooved lines with both structuring strategies being restricted to a 5% electrode total volume loss. The model also shows that only a very limited electrode volume loss (1%–2%) is required to dramatically improve the wetting (5–20 times) compared to an unstructured electrode.
Metallic Cu Surface Enables Reversible Na Metal Anodes and Stabilizes Anode-Free Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Abdul Razak Iddrisu B. , An Bowen , Li Bomin , Dahunsi Olusola J. , Xia Fan , Murugan Paranjothi , Brown Dennis , Cheng Yingwen
Published: November 2023

Anode free Na metal batteries are promising for future energy storage because they not only provide the highest energy densities but also eliminate the need of handling hazardous Na metals during battery manufacturing. However, they suffer from much faster degradation due to strong sensitivities even to trace levels of side reactions. In view of the crucial roles of surface chemistry on modulating electrochemical plating, this work systematically investigated a series of Cu surfaces for Na plating and stripping in the 1.0 M NaPF6 diglyme electrolyte. Our results suggest that Na plating and stripping on pure Cu surface without Cu oxide species exhibits much better reversibility and smaller overpotentials across a wide range of current densities, especially for the first plating/stripping cycle. The high performance includes consistently higher than 99.8% Faradaic efficiencies, much more stable interfacial resistance, and negligible formation of mossy Na after 500 cycles. This improved performance can be explained based on the stronger Na-Cu affinity compared with the Na-CuO affinity. Anode-free Na metal batteries equipped with high-capacity sodium vanadium phosphate cathodes and pure Cu current collector exhibited at least 70% capacity retention for 100 cycles.
A Low Threshold Voltage Ultradynamic Voltage Scaling SRAM Write Assist Technique for High-Speed Applications
Authors: Janniekode Uma Maheshwar , Somineni Rajendra Prasad
Published: November 2023

With the percentage of embedded SRAM increasing in SoC chips, low-power design such as the near-threshold SRAM technique are getting increasing attention to reduce the entire chip energy consumption. However, the descending operating voltage will lead to longer write latency and a higher failure rate. In this paper, we present a novel low Vth ultradynamic voltage scaling (UDVS) 9T subthreshold SRAM cell to improve the write ability of SRAM cells. The proposed Low Vth UDVS SRAM cell is demonstrated with a low threshold voltage speed-up transistor and an ultradynamic voltage scaling circuit implemented in 16 nm low-leakage CMOS technology. This wide supply range was made possible by a combination of circuits optimized for both subthreshold and abovethreshold regimes. This write assist technique can be operated selectively to provide write capability at very low voltage levels while avoiding excessive power overhead. The simulation findings reveal that with 16 nm technology, the write ability is improved by 33% over the normal case at 0.9 V supply voltage.