bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization and structural basis of a reversible glycosyltransferase involves in plant chemical defence
Authors: Cheng Weijia , Fang Xueting , Guan Zhifeng , Yao Yan , Xu Zhenni , Bi Yunya , Ren Kexin , Li Jiwen , Chen Fangfang , Chen Xiangsong , Ma Weihua , Chu Zhaohui , Deng Zixin , Zhang Zhengyu , Lu Li
Published: August 2023

Plants experience numerous biotic stresses throughout their lifespan, such as pathogens and pests, which can substantially affect crop production. In response, plants have evolved various metabolites that help them withstand these stresses. Here, we show that two specialized metabolites in the herbaceous perennial Belamcanda chinensis, tectorigenin and its glycoside tectoridin, have diverse defensive effects against phytopathogenic microorganisms and antifeeding effects against insect pest. We further functionally characterized a 7‐O‐uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase Bc7OUGT, which catalyses a novel reversible glycosylation of tectorigenin and tectoridin. To elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of Bc7OUGT, we solved its crystal structure in complex with UDP and UDP/tectorigenin respectively. Structural analysis revealed the Bc7OUGT possesses a narrow but novel substrate‐binding pocket made up by plentiful aromatic residues. Further structure‐guided mutagenesis of these residues increased both glycosylation and deglycosylation activities. The catalytic reversibility of Bc7OUGT was also successfully applied in an one‐pot aglycon exchange reaction. Our findings demonstrated the promising biopesticide activity of tectorigenin and its glycosides, and the characterization and mechanistic study of Bc7OUGT could facilitate the design of novel reversible UGTs to produce valuable glycosides with health benefits for both plants and humans.
The limits of the just‐too‐different argument
Authors: Francén Ragnar , Moberger Victor
Published: August 2023

According to moral non‐naturalism, the kind of genuine or robust normativity that is characteristic of moral requirements cannot be accounted for within a wholly naturalistic worldview, but requires us to posit a domain of non‐natural properties and facts. The main argument for this core non‐naturalist claim appeals to what David Enoch calls the ‘just‐too‐different intuition’. According to Enoch, robust normativity cannot be natural, since it is just too different from anything natural. Derek Parfit makes essentially the same claim under the heading of ‘the normativity objection’, and several other non‐naturalists have said similar things. While some naturalists may be tempted to reject this argument as methodologically or dialectically illegitimate, we argue instead that there are important limits to what the just‐too‐different intuition can show, even setting all other worries aside. More specifically, we argue that the just‐too‐different argument will backfire on any positive, independent specification of the distinction between the natural and the non‐natural. The upshot is that the just‐too‐different argument can show significantly less than non‐naturalists have suggested.
The cosmological ideas in Kant's critical philosophy: Their unique status and twofold regulative use
Authors: Howard Stephen
Published: August 2023

Kant's theory of the regulative use of ideas of reason has been clarified considerably in recent scholarship. Little attention has been paid, however, to the question of whether the three classes of transcendental ideas—psychological, cosmological, and theological—may differ with regard to their regulative use. This article argues that there is a fundamental difference between the classes of ideas in this respect and that an examination of this heterogeneity can provide much‐needed insight into Kant's account of the utility of the cosmological ideas. First, I set out Kant's distinction between the cosmological ideas and their psychological and theological counterparts. Second, I clarify the two distinct regulative uses of each cosmological idea. I argue that the two opposed sides of the cosmological antinomies provide two different heuristic functions, aligned with the theoretical and practical interests of reason.
Risk factors associated with pressure ulcer recurrence after reconstruction: Analysis of a national database
Authors: McCranie Alec S. , Constantine Ryan S. , Lee Nayun , Le Elliot L. H. , Gehring Michael , Iorio Matthew L.
Published: August 2023

In this study, we sought to clarify the patient traits and comorbidities that are associated with pressure injury recurrence following pressure injury reconstruction. An insurance claims database, PearlDiver, was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. The two cohorts included patients who underwent pressure injury reconstruction without recurrence and patients who experienced recurrence with subsequent reconstruction. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for recurrence after reconstruction. Recurrence was associated with hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.05), paraplegia (p < 0.05), and osteomyelitis (p < 0.05). In patients with osteomyelitis, primary closure was associated with recurrence (p < 0.05) while flap reconstruction was not (p > 0.05). Osteomyelitis was not associated with recurrence after flap reconstruction. Prior to reconstruction, patients with osteomyelitis and hypoalbuminemia should have their nutrition and infection optimised.
Refugee Journalist Phenomenon as a Consequence of Migration and Refugee Crises: The Role of Social Media in Transferring Refugees’ Role from “Has Been Affected” to “Has Affected”
Authors: Aldamen Yasmin
Published: August 2023

This study examines the impact of using social media by Syrian refugees, focusing on the shift from receiving messages to sharing content and news related to the Syrian crisis. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the findings indicate that social media has become a more accessible and affordable medium of communication for Syrian refugees, both during and after seeking refuge. The study highlights the transformation of Syrian citizens from citizens who are not allowed to use the internet and social media to "refugee journalists" by being affected by social media. Social media use among Syrian activists or Syrian refugee journalists has contributed to the emergence of the "refugee journalist" phenomenon, which helps convey opinions, voices, and suffering to the world. However, the findings also highlight the negative effects of the "refugee journalist" phenomenon on Syrian refugees, citizens, and activists. The findings also indicate the potential moral violations and lack of integrity and reliability standards in the publishing of activists' stories, leading to distortion of facts and misleading audiences.
Crystallographic Helly groups
Authors: Hoda Nima
Published: August 2023

We prove that asymptotic cones of Helly graphs are countably hyperconvex. We use this to show that virtually nilpotent Helly groups are virtually abelian and to characterize virtually abelian Helly groups via their point groups. In fact, we do this for the more general class of coarsely injective spaces and groups. We apply this to prove that the 3‐3‐3‐Coxeter group is not Helly (nor even coarsely injective), thus obtaining the first example of a systolic group that is not Helly, answering a question of Chalopin, Chepoi, Genevois, Hirai, and Osajda.
Zirconium oxychloride assessment by XPS
Authors: Botero Mónica A. , Mesa Fernando , Ospina Rogelio
Published: August 2023

Zirconium oxychloride was characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The specimen is a powder purchased from Sigma Aldrich. The sample was fixed to a stainless-steel sample holder with copper 3MTM double-sided adhesive tape. Survey spectra, Zr 3d, O 1s, C 1s, Cl 2p, Zr 3p, Zr 4p, and Cl 2s core levels spectra were acquired. Results showed how the elements in the structure of zirconium oxychloride interact.
Pleasantness of nonlinear distortion in isolated triads of synthetic timbre
Authors: Baltes Felix , Chemnitz Leon , Lange Elke B.
Published: August 2023

Distortion of sound is an important tool to increase the variety of timbres in musical compositions, but perceived pleasantness of distortion is understudied, and studies are limited to guitar practices in rock and metal music. This study applied a more systematic approach, using synthetic timbre and creating an audio-plugin that realized nonlinear symmetric and asymmetric distortion. Participants evaluated the perceived pleasantness of isolated triads differing in distortion (undistorted, symmetric, asymmetric), tonality (minor, major), and position (low, high, wide), taking baseline differences of tonality and position into account. Perceived pleasantness decreased by distortion, and the decrease was stronger for minor than major triads and stronger for asymmetric than symmetric distortion. Position played only a minor role in the evaluations, except for stimuli in high positions. Stimulus-based analyses showed a relation between pleasantness and the variability of roughness, mean spectral centroid, and mean sound intensity. Subject-based analyses revealed a smaller decrease in pleasantness with a preference for electronic music. Importantly, some distorted triads were rated as pleasant in absolute terms: major triads with symmetric distortion in low or wide position. That is, indeed, distortion is not always categorized as unpleasant but can be perceived as pleasant.
Identifying Ageism Within Australian Local Government Physical Activity Policy: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Butson Michael , Jeanes Ruth , O’Connor Justen
Published: August 2023

This research aims to identify ageist content concerning older adults within local government physical activity policy. Policies are not passive texts; they can comprise hidden or disputed connotations. To identify ageism, the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis approach to analyze physical activity policy documents (n = 61) from 16 local government areas in Victoria, Australia, and the perceptions of local government employees trusted with developing these policies, which were gathered during semistructured interviews (n = 11). Results from the critical discourse analysis indicate that local government policies are imbued with ageism, leading to the construction and perpetuation of various stereotypes of older adults. The discourse analysis points to potentially ageist descriptions including older adults being vulnerable, incapable, and a financial burden. Nonetheless, older adults were also revealed to be significant contributors to the community including in paid employment, caregiving roles, and volunteering.
New Insights Into Accelerometer-Measured Habitual Physical Activity and Sedentary Time During Early Recovery in Pediatric Concussion
Authors: Sharma Bhanu , Obeid Joyce , DeMatteo Carol , Noseworthy Michael D. , Timmons Brian W.
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Concussion management is shifting away from a rest-is-best approach, as data now suggest that exercise-is-medicine for this mild brain injury. Despite this, we have limited data on habitual physical activity following concussion. Therefore, our objective was to quantify accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time in children with concussion (within the first month of injury) and healthy controls. We hypothesized that children with concussion would be less active than their healthy peers. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected accelerometer data. Our sample included children with concussion (n = 60, 31 females) and historical controls (n = 60) matched for age, sex, and season of accelerometer wear. Results: Children with concussion were significantly more sedentary than controls (mean difference [MD], 38.3 min/d, P = .006), and spent less time performing light physical activity (MD, −19.5 min/d, P = .008), moderate physical activity (MD, −9.8 min/d, P < .001), and vigorous physical activity (MD, −12.0 min/d, P < .001); these differences were observed from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Sex-specific analyses identified that girls with concussion were less active and more sedentary than both boys with concussion (P = .010) and healthy girls (P < .010). Conclusion: There is an activity deficit observed within the first month of pediatric concussion. Physical activity guidelines should address this while considering sex effects.
Speakers of different languages remember visual scenes differently
Authors: Fernandez-Duque Matias , Hayakawa Sayuri , Marian Viorica
Published: August 2023

Language can have a powerful effect on how people experience events. Here, we examine how the languages people speak guide attention and influence what they remember from a visual scene. When hearing a word, listeners activate other similar-sounding words before settling on the correct target. We tested whether this linguistic coactivation during a visual search task changes memory for objects. Bilinguals and monolinguals remembered English competitor words that overlapped phonologically with a spoken English target better than control objects without name overlap. High Spanish proficiency also enhanced memory for Spanish competitors that overlapped across languages. We conclude that linguistic diversity partly accounts for differences in higher cognitive functions such as memory, with multilinguals providing a fertile ground for studying the interaction between language and cognition.
Complete genome sequence of
Roseinatronobacter
sp. strain S2, a chemolithoheterotroph isolated from a pH 12 serpentinizing system
Authors: Trutschel Leah R. , Rowe Annette R. , Sackett Joshua D.
Published: August 2023

Here, we report the complete genome sequence for
Roseinatronobacter
sp. S2, a sulfur-oxidizing heterotroph isolated from a serpentinizing system in Northern California. The S2 genome is 4.4 Mb and contains 4,570 protein-encoding genes. This organism contains the genes necessary for sulfur species oxidation and complete ethylmalonyl and pentose phosphate pathways.
Late Jurassic paleogeography of the U.S. Cordillera from detrital zircon age and hafnium analysis of the Galice Formation, Klamath Mountains, Oregon and California, USA
Authors: Surpless Kathleen D. , Alford Ryan W. , Barnes Calvin , Yoshinobu Aaron , Weis Natalee E.
Published: August 2023

The Upper Jurassic Galice Formation, a metasedimentary unit in the Western Klamath Mountains, formed within an intra-arc basin prior to and during the Nevadan orogeny. New detrital zircon U-Pb age analyses (N = 11; n = 2792) yield maximum depositional ages (MDA) ranging from ca. 160 Ma to 151 Ma, which span Oxfordian to Kimmeridgian time and overlap Nevadan contractional deformation that began by ca. 157 Ma. Zircon ages indicate a significant North American continental provenance component that is consistent with tectonic models placing the Western Klamath terrane on the continental margin in Late Jurassic time. Hf isotopic analysis of Mesozoic detrital zircon (n = 603) from Galice samples reveals wide-ranging εHf values for Jurassic and Triassic grains, many of which cannot be explained by a proximal source in the Klamath Mountains, thus indicating a complex provenance. New U-Pb ages and Hf data from Jurassic plutons within the Klamath Mountains match some of the Galice Formation detrital zircon, but these data cannot account for the most non-radiogenic Jurassic detrital grains. In fact, the in situ Cordilleran arc record does not provide a clear match for the wide-ranging isotopic signature of Triassic and Jurassic grains. When compiled, Galice samples indicate sources in the Sierra Nevada pre-batholithic framework and retroarc region, older Klamath terranes, and possibly overlap strata from the Blue Mountains and the Insular superterrane. Detrital zircon age spectra from strata of the Upper Jurassic Great Valley Group and Mariposa Formation contain similar age modes, which suggests shared sediment sources. Inferred Galice provenance within the Klamath Mountains and more distal sources suggest that the Galice basin received siliciclastic turbidites fed by rivers that traversed the Klamath-Sierran arc from headwaters in the retroarc region. Thus, the Galice Formation contains a record of active Jurassic magmatism in the continental arc, with significant detrital input from continental sediment sources within and east of the active arc. These westward-flowing river systems remained active throughout the shift in Cordilleran arc tectonics from a transtensional system to the Nevadan contractional system, which is characterized by sediment sourced in uplifts within and east of the arc and the thrusting of older Galice sediments beneath older Klamath terranes to the east.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among military veterans: protocol for a prospective, observational, neuroimaging study
Authors: Namaky Nauder , Swearingen Hannah R , Winter Jake , Bozzay Melanie , Primack Jennifer M , Philip Noah S , Barredo Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study’s overarching goal is to examine the relationship between brain circuits and suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs) in a transdiagnostic sample of US military veterans. Because STBs have been linked with maladaptive decision-making and disorders linked to impulsivity, this investigation focuses on valence and inhibitory control circuits.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective, observational study, we will collect functional MRI (fMRI), cognitive and clinical data from 136 veterans (target sample size) recruited from the Providence VA Health System (PVAHS): 68 with STBs and 68 matched controls. Behavioural data will be collected using standardised measures of STBs, psychiatric symptoms, cognition, functioning and medical history. Neuroimaging data will include structural, task and resting fMRI. We will conduct follow-up interviews and assessments at 6, 12 and 24 months post-enrolment. Primary analyses will compare data from veterans with and without STBs and will also evaluate whether activation and connectivity within circuits of valence and inhibition covary with historical and prospective patterns of suicidal ideation and behaviour.

Ethics and dissemination

The PVAHS Institutional Review Board approved this study (2018–051). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, regional, national and international conferences.Nauder Namaky, Ph.D.* nauder_namaky@brown.edu
Paediatric organ donation following neurological determinants of death in intensive care units in Saudi Arabia: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Kazzaz Yasser Mohammed , Maghrabi Fidaa , Alkhathaami Raghad Ali , Alghannam Rahaf Fahad , Alonazi Nora Mohammad , Alrubaiaan Alanood Abdullah , Alkadeeb Nayla Anwar , Antar Mohannad , Babakr Razan
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess the performance of paediatric organ donation in intensive care units following neurological determinants of death in Saudi Arabia.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Paediatric intensive care units at three tertiary centres over 5 years.

Participants

423 paediatric deaths (<14 years) from January 2017 to December 2021.

Primary outcome

Patients were identified as either possible, potential, eligible, approached, consented or actual donors based on organ donation definitions from the WHO, Transplantation Society and UK potential donor audit.

Secondary outcome

Secondary outcome was causative mechanisms of brain injury in possible donors. Demographics of the study cohort (age, sex, hospital length of stay (LOS), paediatric intensive care unit LOS, pre-existing comorbidities, admission type and diagnosis category) were compared between possible and non-possible donors. Demographics were also compared between patients who underwent neurological determination of death and patients who did not.

Results

Among the 423 paediatric deaths, 125 (29.6%) were identified as possible donors by neurological criteria (devastating brain insult with likelihood of brain death, Glasgow Coma Score of 3 and ≥2 absent brainstem reflexes). Of them, 41 (32.8%) patients were identified as potential donors (neurological determination of death examinations initiated by the treating team), while only two became actual donors. The eligible death conversion rate was 6.9%. The reporting rate to organ procurement organisation was 70.7% with a consent rate of 8.3%. The most common causes of brain insult causing death were cardiac arrest (44 of 125 patients, 35.2%), followed by traumatic brain injury and drowning (31 of 125 patients, 24.8%), and intracranial bleeding (13 of 125 patients, 11.4%).

Conclusion

Major contributors to low actual donation rate were consent, donor identification and donor referral.
Exploring barriers to living donor kidney transplant for African, Caribbean and Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Edwards Beth , Marshall Lydia-Joi , Ahmadzadeh Ghazaleh , Ahmed Ranie , Angarso Lydia , Balaji Shilpa , Okoh Princess , Rogers Emma , Neves Paula , Boakye Priscilla , Gill Jagbir , James Carl Everton , Mucsi Istvan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Living donor (LD) kidney transplant (KT) is the best treatment option for many patients with kidney failure as it improves quality of life and survival compared with dialysis and deceased donor KT. Unfortunately, LDKT is underused, especially among groups marginalised by race and ethnicity. African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) patients are 60%–70% less likely to receive LDKT in Canada compared with white patients. Research from the USA and the UK suggests that mistrust, cultural and generational norms, access, and affordability may contribute to inequities. To date, no Canadian studies have explored the beliefs and behaviours related to LDKT in ACB communities. Research approaches that use a critical, community-based approach can help illuminate broader structural factors that may shape individual beliefs and behaviours. In this qualitative study, we will investigate barriers to accessing LDKT in ACB communities in the Greater Toronto Area, to enhance our understanding of the perspectives and experiences of ACB community members, both with and without lived experience of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods and analysis

Hospital-based and community-based recruitment strategies will be used to recruit participants for focus groups and individual interviews. Participants will include self-identified ACB individuals with and without experiences of CKD and nephrology professionals. Collaboration with ACB community partners will facilitate a community-based research approach. Data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and critical race theory. Findings will be revised based on feedback from ACB community partners.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University Health Network Research Ethics Board UHN REB file #15-9775. Study findings will contribute to the codevelopment of culturally safe and responsive educational materials to raise awareness about CKD and its treatments and to improve equitable access to high-quality kidney care, including LDKT, for ACB patients.
KLF12 overcomes anti-PD-1 resistance by reducing galectin-1 in cancer cells
Authors: Zheng Yujia , Zhang Hao , Xiao Chu , Deng Ziqin , Fan Tao , Zheng Bo , Li Chunxiang , He Jie
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds

Immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized cancer treatment and has improved the survival of a subset of patients with cancer. However, numerous patients do not benefit from immunotherapy, and treatment resistance is a major challenge. Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) is a transcriptional inhibitor whose role in tumor immunity is unclear.

Methods

We demonstrated a relationship between KLF12 and CD8+T cells in vivo and in vitro by flow cytometry. The role and underlying mechanism that KLF12 regulates CD8+T cells were investigated using reverse transcription and quantitative PCR, western blot FACS, chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR and Dual-Luciferase reporter assays, etc, and employing small interfering RNA (siRNA) and inhibitors. In vivo efficacy studies were conducted with multiple mouse tumor models, employing anti-programmed cell death protein 1 combined with KLF12 or galectin-1 (Gal-1) inhibitor.

Results

Here, we found that the expression of tumor KLF12 correlates with immunotherapy resistance. KLF12 suppresses CD8+T cells infiltration and function in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF12 inhibits the expression of Gal-1 by binding with its promoter, thereby improving the infiltration and function of CD8+T cells, which plays a vital role in cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions

This work identifies a novel pathway regulating CD8+T-cell intratumoral infiltration, and targeting the KLF12/Gal-1 axis may serve as a novel therapeutic target for patients with immunotherapy resistance.
Real-world pan-cancer landscape of frameshift mutations and their role in predicting responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancers with low tumor mutational burden
Authors: Florou Vaia , Floudas Charalampos S , Maoz Asaf , Naqash Abdul Rafeh , Norton Carter , Tan Aik Choon , Sokol Ethan S , Frampton Garrett , Soares Heloisa P , Puri Sonam , Swami Umang , Wilky Breelyn , Hosein Peter , Trent Jonathan , Lopes Gilberto de Lima , Park Wungki , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio
Published: August 2023

Background

Pembrolizumab is FDA approved for tumors with tumor mutational burden (TMB) of ≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb). However, the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) varies significantly among cancer histologies. We describe the landscape of frameshift mutations (FSs) and evaluated their role as a predictive biomarker to ICI in a clinical cohort of patients.

Methods

Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed on a cohort of solid tumor samples examining at least 324 genes. The clinical cohort included patients with metastatic solid malignancies who received ICI monotherapy and had tumor sequencing. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and objective response rates (ORR) were compared between the groups.

Results

We analyzed 246,252 microsatellite stable (MSS) and 4561 samples with microsatellite instability across solid tumors. Histologies were divided into groups according to TMB and FS. MSS distribution: TMB-L (<10 mut/Mb)/FS-A (absent FS) (N=111,065, 45%), TMB-H (≥10 mut/Mb)/FS-A (N=15,313, 6%), TMB-L/FS-P (present ≥1 FS) (N=98,389, 40%) and TMB-H/FS-P (N=21,485, 9%). FSs were predominantly identified in the p53 pathway. In the clinical cohort, 212 patients were included. Groups: TMB-L/FS-A (N=80, 38%), TMB-H/FS-A (N=36, 17%), TMB-L/FS-P (N=57, 27%), TMB-H/FS-P (N=39, 18%). FSs were associated with a higher ORR to ICI, 23.8% vs 12.8% (p=0.02). TMB-L/FS-P had superior median PFS (5.1 months) vs TMB-L/FS-A (3.6 months, p<0.01). The 12-month PFS probability was 34% for TMB-L/FS-P vs 17.1% for TMB-L/FS-A.

Conclusions

FSs are found in 47% of patients with MSS/TMB-L solid tumors in a pan-cancer cohort. FS may complement TMB in predicting immunotherapy responses, particularly for tumors with low TMB.
Concurrent bacterial endocarditis is associated with worse inpatient outcomes for large vessel occlusions
Authors: Ramsay Ian A , Elarjani Turki , Govindarajan Vaidya , Silva Michael A , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Burks Joshua D , Starke Robert M , Luther Evan
Published: August 2023

Background

Neurological complications of bacterial endocarditis (BE) are common, including acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Although mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is effective for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, data are limited on MT for LVOs in patients with endocarditis. We assess outcomes in patients treated with thrombectomy for LVOs with concurrent BE.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used. The NIS was queried from October 2015–2019 for patients receiving MT for LVO of the middle cerebral artery. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 635 AIS with BE patients and 57 420 AIS only patients were identified undergoing MT. AIS with BE patients had a death rate of 26.8% versus 10.2% in the stroke alone cohort, and were also less likely to have a routine discharge (10.2% vs 20.9%, both P<0.0001). AIS with BE patients had higher odds of death (OR 3.94) and lower odds of routine discharge (OR 0.23). AIS with BE patients also had higher rates of post-treatment cerebral hemorrhage, 39.4% vs 23.7%, with an OR of 2.20 (P<0.0001 for both analyses). These patients also had higher odds of other complications, including hydrocephalus, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, and sepsis.

Conclusion

While MT can be used to treat endocarditis patients with LVOs, these patients have worse outcomes. Additional investigations should be undertaken to better understand their clinical course, and further develop treatments for endocarditis patients with stroke.
Effect of statin treatment on clinical outcomes in cardioembolic stroke with endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Gong Chen , Liu Chang , Wang You , Chen Liyuan , Yuan Jinxian , Zhang Jie , Xiaoming Li , Chen Yanru , Huang Liping , Xu Tao , Chen Yangmei
Published: August 2023

Background

While statins have been widely used in patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke, their effectiveness in patients with cardioembolic large vessel occlusion (CE-LVO) undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether combining statin therapy with EVT could improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by CE-LVO in the anterior circulation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective screening on patients with CE-LVO in the anterior circulation who underwent EVT in 27 hospitals across China between 2018 and 2021. The primary outcome measure was functional independence, defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2. Safety outcomes included 90-day mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Results

A total of 510 patients with CE-LVO in the anterior circulation undergoing EVT were included in this study. Of these, 404 (79.2%) patients received statin treatment (statin group), while 106 (20.8%) did not (non-statin group). Statin treatment was significantly associated with improved functional independence (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.072, 95% CI 1.197 to 3.586, P=0.009). Moreover, statin use was associated with a lower rate of 90-day mortality (aOR 0.343, 95% CI 0.197 to 0.596, P<0.001) and a lower rate of sICH (aOR 0.153, 95% CI 0.072 to 0.325, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Statin treatment was associated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced risks of mortality and sICH in patients with CE-LVO in the anterior circulation undergoing EVT.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment and outcomes of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Ramsay Ian A , Govindarajan Vaidya , Elarjani Turki , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Silva Michael , Starke Robert M , Luther Evan
Published: August 2023

Background

There has been a recent decrease in interventional management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The objective of our study was to evaluate the changing patterns in management of AVMs in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used. From 2016 to 2020, patients with an International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) diagnosis code for a cerebral AVM were included. An intervention was defined as ICD-10 code for surgical, endovascular, or stereotactic radiosurgery treatment. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a logistic regression model with covariates deemed to be clinically relevant.

Results

63 610 patients with AVMs were identified between 2016 and 2020, 14 340 of which were ruptured. In 2020, patients had an OR of 0.69 for intervention of an unruptured AVM (P<0.0001) compared with 2016–19. The rate of intervention for unruptured AVMs decreased to 13.5% in 2020 from 17.6% in 2016–19 (P<0.0001). The rate of AVM rupture in 2020 increased to 23.9% from 22.2% in 2016–19 (P<0.0001). In 2020, patients with ruptured AVMs had an OR for inpatient mortality of 1.72 compared with 2016–19. Linear regression analysis from 2016 to 2020 showed an inverse relationship between intervention rate and rupture rate (slope −0.499, R
2
=0.88, P=0.019).

Conclusion

In 2020, the rate of intervention for unruptured cerebral AVMs decreased compared with past years, with an associated increase in the rate of rupture. Patients with ruptured AVMs also had a higher odds of mortality.
Seasonal variation in trophic structure and community niche dynamics of an Arctic coastal community of marine vertebrates
Authors: Fuirst Matthew , Elliott Kyle H. , Ferguson Steven H. , Fisk Aaron T. , Harris Les N. , Hedges Kevin J. , Jacobs Kevin B. , Johnson Kelsey F. , Loewen Tracey N. , Matthews Cory J. D. , Mundy C.J. , Niemi Andrea , Ogloff Wesley R. , Watt Cortney A. , Yurkowski David J.
Published: August 2023

Temporal variation in food web structure is widespread among highly seasonal environments, such as the Arctic, and is driven by changes in resource availability. Variation in resource availability can lead to species differences in diet composition, isotopic niche width, and trophic position (TP) across seasons. Here, we used tissue samples that represent two distinct turnover rates for diet (liver = shorter term, muscle = longer term) from 18 fish and three marine mammal species to investigate seasonal (i) variation in TPs within the Southampton Island marine ecosystem of Hudson Bay, (ii) variation in consumer isotopic niche width within this part of the food web, and (iii) variation in community niche dynamics among a fish and marine mammal community using stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analyses. Many zooplanktivores and piscivores increased in TP in summer (i.e., shorter-term turnover period), whereas benthic feeders dependent on ice-obligate prey decreased in TP. Most isotopic niche widths and community metrics (δ15N range, total ellipse area, mean centroid distance) were higher in liver than muscle. Our findings demonstrate seasonal changes in TPs, which suggests that Arctic communities may be differentially affected by longer ice-free periods and earlier onset of primary production due to accelerated climate change.
Automatic detection of Cryptosporidium in optical microscopy images using YOLOv5x: a comparative study
Authors: Salguero Johan Sebastian Lopez , Rendón Melissa Rodríguez , Valencia Jessica Triviño , Gil Jorge Andrés Cuellar , Galvis Carlos Andrés Naranjo , Londoño Oscar Moscoso , Calderón César Leandro Londoño , Osorio Fabio Augusto Gonzáles , Soto Reinel Tabares
Published: August 2023

Here, a machine learning tool (YOLOv5) enables the detection of Cryptosporidium microorganisms using optical and phase contrast microscope images. The two databases were processed using 520 images (optical microscopy) and 1200 images (phase contrast microscopy). It used Python libraries to label, standardize the size, and crop the images to generate the input tensors to the YOLOv5 network (s, m, and l). It implemented two experiments using randomly initialized weights in optical and phase contrast microscope images. The other two experiments used the parameters for the best training time obtained before and after retraining the models. Metrics used to assess model accuracy were mean average accuracy, confusion matrix, and the F1 scores. All three metrics confirmed that the optimal model used the best epoch of optical imaging training and retraining with phase contrast imaging. Experiments with randomly initialized weights with optical imaging showed the lowest precision for Cryptosporidium detection. The most stable model was YOLOv5m, with the best results in all categories. However, the differences between all models are lower than 2%, and YOLOv5s is the best option for Cryptosporidium detection considering the differences in computational costs of the models.
Movement Quality Visualization for Wheelchair Dance
Authors: Xie Yurui , Barbareschi Giulia , Nabila Ayesha , Kunze Kai , Inakage Masa
Published: August 2023

Wheelchair dance is an important form of disability art that is still subject to significant levels of ableism and art exclusion. Wheelchair dancers face challenges finding teachers and choreographers who can accommodate their needs, documenting and sharing choreographies that suit their body shapes and their assistive technologies. In turn, this hinders their ability to share creative expressions. Accessible resources and communication tools could help address these challenges. The goal of this research is the development of a visualization system grounded on Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) that notates movement quality while opening new horizons on perceptions of disabled bodies and the artistic legitimacy of wheelchair dance. The system uses video to identify the body landmarks of the dancer and wheelchair and extracts key features to create visualizations of expressive qualities from LMA basic effort. The current evaluation includes a pilot study with the general public and an online questionnaire targeting professionals to gain feedback supporting practical implementation and real-world deployment. Results from the general public evaluation showed that the visualization was effective in conveying basic effort movement qualities even to a novice audience. Expert consulted via questionnaire stated that the tool could be employed for reflective evaluation, as well as performance augmentation. The LMA visualization tool can support the artistic legitimization of wheelchair dancing through education, communication, performance, and documentation.
Intersection of Seeing
Authors: Ban Seonghoon , Yi Taeha , Hyun Kyung Hoon
Published: August 2023

The authors present an art installation entitled "Intersection of Seeing" in which volumetric images were created using nine cameras, one of which moved autonomously throughout the exhibition space. The objective of the installation was to provide a unique visual experience of a volumetrically captured space reconstructed based on mixed reality. A robot module designed to navigate autonomously among visitors in the space is also described, and five different visualization methods are proposed as a new artistic expression. Visitors experienced mixed reality by appreciating layered mechanisms projecting a representation of the real world onto an immersive virtual world in real-time.
Communing with Creative AI
Authors: Twomey Robert
Published: August 2023

Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, this paper discusses relationships between humans and machines in creative co-production with generative AI. It distinguishes between generative systems as augmenting tools and autonomous collaborators, and adopts the term communion to describe the close degree of exchange that is possible when working with these systems. It draws on historical examples of surrealist and AI artworks, and more recent examples made with Large Language Models and GAN-based generation. It concludes with a discussion of the primacy of text as an entry point to the possibilities of creative AI.
Forgetfulness Can Make You Faster: An

O
*
(8.097

k

)

-time Algorithm for Weighted 3-set

k

-packing
Authors: Zehavi Meirav
Published: August 2023

In this article, we study the classic

Weighted 3-Set
k
-Packing

problem: given a universe
U
, a family

\( {\mathcal {S}}\)

of subsets of size 3 of
U
, a weight function

\(w : {\mathcal {S}} \rightarrow \mathbb {R}\)

,

\(W \in \mathbb {R}\)

, and a parameter

\(k \in \mathbb {N}\)

, the objective is to decide if there is a subfamily

\( {\mathcal {S}}\)

′
⊆

\( {\mathcal {S}}\)

of
k
disjoint sets and total weight at least
W
. We present a deterministic parameterized algorithm for this problem that runs in time
O
*
(8.097

k

), where
O
*
hides factors polynomial in the input size. This substantially improves upon the previously best deterministic algorithm for

Weighted 3-Set
k
-Packing

, which runs in time
O
*
(12.155

k

) SIDMA [
18
], and was also the best deterministic algorithm for the unweighted version of this problem. Our algorithm is based on a novel application of the method of representative sets that might be of independent interest.
“Why are there so many steps?”: Improving Access to Blind and Low Vision Music Learning through Personal Adaptations and Future Design Ideas
Authors: Lu Leon , Cochrane Karen Anne , Kang Jin , Girouard Audrey
Published: August 2023

Music can be a catalyst for self-development, creative expression, and community building for blind or low vision (BLV) individuals. However, BLV music learners face complex obstacles in learning music. They are highly reliant on their learning environment and music teachers for accommodations and flexibility. Prior research identified the challenges faced by BLV musicians. Yet, limited research has addressed these challenges through the development of technology. Drawing upon the experience and suggestions of 40 BLV professional musicians, amateur musicians and music teachers (including sighted teachers with experience teaching blind students), we identified five themes: (1) Key Challenges of BLV Music Learning, (2) Personal Adaptations to Overcome Music Learning Challenges, (3) Perspectives on Current and Future Assistive Technologies, (4) Contention Between Braille Music and Auditory Learning, and (5) Role of Human Support for Music Learning. Together, these findings outline a path to make music learning more accessible to BLV people. To this end, we describe opportunities for enhanced audio cues for musical communication, recommend integrating vibrotactile feedback to aid music reading and design technology that supports independence and interdependence in music learning.
Localised Trust in a Globalised Knot: Designing Information Privacy for Digital-ID
Authors: Van Staden Stefanus , Bidwell Nicola J.
Published: August 2023

We designed the system that manages, verifies and exchanges identity information for Namibia's national Digital-ID. We applied Grounded Theory methods to five focus groups to understand experiences, expectations and practices in different contexts of legal identity verification and sharing. Local perspectives on privacy aligned with prevalent models for Digital-ID, in which people individually own and trade their personal information, yet they cannot be disentangled from specific social relationships. Thus, our design responds to the ways people establish trust with organisations over time and relate consent for information exchange and privacy control to accountability. We use Situational Analysis to consider how data governance is constructed in a policy-design-adoption ‘knot’ and relates to Namibia's sociotechnical imaginary of ‘unity in diversity’. Unequal telecommunications access and adoption contributes to systems that produce inegalitarian data relations but is not central in Namibia's data protection and privacy discourse, thus our thick analysis prompted designing to strengthen collective voice in governance through Government Gazettes and civil society activism. Our reflections also suggest that although design research of a real-world system in Africa offers important insights about combining individualist and collectivist orientations in data governance, their wider scholarly contribution is impeded by norms imposed by the Global North.
Apathy and Motivation: Biological Basis and Drug Treatment
Authors: Costello Harry , Husain Masud , Roiser Jonathan P.
Published: August 2023

Apathy is a disabling syndrome associated with poor functional outcomes that is common across a broad range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Currently, there are no established therapies specifically for the condition, and safe and effective treatments are urgently needed. Advances in the understanding of motivation and goal-directed behavior in humans and animals have shed light on the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms contributing to apathy, providing an important foundation for the development of new treatments. Here, we review the cognitive components, neural circuitry, and pharmacology of apathy and motivation, highlighting converging evidence of shared transdiagnostic mechanisms. Though no pharmacological treatments have yet been licensed, we summarize trials of existing and novel compounds to date, identifying several promising candidates for clinical use and avenues of future drug development.
Pursuing Safety in Social Connection: A Flexibly Fluid Perspective on Risk Regulation in Relationships
Authors: Murray Sandra L. , Pascuzzi Gabriela S.
Published: August 2023

People are fundamentally motivated to be included in social connections that feel safe, connections where they are consistently cared for and protected, not hurt or exploited. Romantic relationships have long played a crucial role in satisfying this fundamental need. This article reconceptualizes the risk-regulation model to argue that people draw on experiences from inside and outside their romantic relationships to satisfy their fundamental need to feel safe depending on others. We first review the direct relational cues (i.e., a partner's affectionate touch, responsive versus unresponsive behavior, and relative power) and indirect cues (i.e., bodily sensations, collective value in the eyes of others, and living conditions) that signal the current safety of social connection and motivate people to connect to others or protect themselves against them. We then review how people's chronic capacity to trust in others controls their sensitivity and reactivity to the safety cues. The article concludes with future research directions.
A DFT Approach and Perspective of Sodiation in Ag2O Host: Exploration towards Sodium Batteries
Authors: Priyadarshini C. Hepsibah , Sudha V. , Harinipriya S.
Published: August 2023

Inspired by the high volumetric energy density and biocompatibility of Ag2O, the exploration of sodiation mechanism with one and two Na atom(s) per Ag2O unit cell has been carried out. Here, Na adsorbed at tetrahedral interstitial site (TIS) of Ag2O emerges to be the most stable with energy of –6.98 eV leading to the formation of Na–Ag2O compound. The advancement of Ag2O towards a metallic state is evidenced by the absence of a forbidden energy gap in the band structure plot with Na inclusion. Also, the formed compound is confirmed from PDOS plots and by analysing the charges transferred between Na, Ag and O atoms from CDDP. Further, when the concentration of Na is stepped up to two, the most stable TIS and Agsub sites exhibits an energy of –5.79 eV Na−1 atom. In this case, the Bader charge analysis reveals that Na prefers to form strong contacts with Ag and weak interactions with O, thus demonstrating the feasibility of alloying rather than the conversion product. Subsequently, NEB studies show that the surface diffusion of Na from one TIS to the adjacent unit requires a minimal activation energy thereby suggesting the suitability of Ag2O as an alloying host.