bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VENUS: A Geometrical Representation for Quantum State Visualization
Authors: Ruan Shaolun , Yuan Ribo , Guan Qiang , Lin Yanna , Mao Ying , Jiang Weiwen , Wang Zhepeng , Xu Wei , Wang Yong
Published: June 2023

Visualizations have played a crucial role in helping quantum computing users explore quantum states in various quantum computing applications. Among them, Bloch Sphere is the widely‐used visualization for showing quantum states, which leverages angles to represent quantum amplitudes. However, it cannot support the visualization of quantum entanglement and superposition, the two essential properties of quantum computing. To address this issue, we propose VENUS, a novel visualization for quantum state representation. By explicitly correlating 2D geometric shapes based on the math foundation of quantum computing characteristics, VENUS effectively represents quantum amplitudes of both the single qubit and two qubits for quantum entanglement. Also, we use multiple coordinated semicircles to naturally encode probability distribution, making the quantum superposition intuitive to analyze. We conducted two well‐designed case studies and an in‐depth expert interview to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of VENUS. The result shows that VENUS can effectively facilitate the exploration of quantum states for the single qubit and two qubits.
WYTIWYR: A User Intent‐Aware Framework with Multi‐modal Inputs for Visualization Retrieval
Authors: Xiao Shishi , Hou Yihan , Jin Cheng , Zeng Wei
Published: June 2023

Retrieving charts from a large corpus is a fundamental task that can benefit numerous applications such as visualization recommendations. The retrieved results are expected to conform to both explicit visual attributes (e.g., chart type, colormap) and implicit user intents (e.g., design style, context information) that vary upon application scenarios. However, existing example‐based chart retrieval methods are built upon non‐decoupled and low‐level visual features that are hard to interpret, while definition‐based ones are constrained to pre‐defined attributes that are hard to extend. In this work, we propose a new framework, namelyWYTIWYR (What‐You‐Think‐Is‐What‐You‐Retrieve), that integrates user intents into the chart retrieval process. The framework consists of two stages: first, theAnnotationstage disentangles the visual attributes within the query chart; and second, theRetrievalstage embeds the user's intent with customized text prompt as well as bitmap query chart, to recall targeted retrieval result. We develop aprototypeWYTIWYRsystem leveraging a contrastive language‐image pre‐training (CLIP) model to achieve zero‐shot classification as well as multi‐modal input encoding, and test the prototype on a large corpus with charts crawled from the Internet. Quantitative experiments, case studies, and qualitative interviews are conducted. The results demonstrate the usability and effectiveness of our proposed framework.
ParaDime: A Framework for Parametric Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Hinterreiter Andreas , Humer Christina , Kainz Bernhard , Streit Marc
Published: June 2023

ParaDime is a framework for parametric dimensionality reduction (DR). In parametric DR, neural networks are trained to embed high‐dimensional data items in a low‐dimensional space while minimizing an objective function. ParaDime builds on the idea that the objective functions of several modern DR techniques result from transformed inter‐item relationships. It provides a common interface for specifying these relations and transformations and for defining how they are used within the losses that govern the training process. Through this interface, ParaDime unifies parametric versions of DR techniques such as metric MDS, t‐SNE, and UMAP. It allows users to fully customize all aspects of the DR process. We show how this ease of customization makes ParaDime suitable for experimenting with interesting techniques such as hybrid classification/embedding models and supervised DR. This way, ParaDime opens up new possibilities for visualizing high‐dimensional data.
LINGO : Visually Debiasing Natural Language Instructions to Support Task Diversity
Authors: Arunkumar A. , Sharma S. , Agrawal R. , Chandrasekaran S. , Bryan C.
Published: June 2023

Cross‐task generalization is a significant outcome that defines mastery in natural language understanding. Humans show a remarkable aptitude for this, and can solve many different types of tasks, given definitions in the form of textual instructions and a small set of examples. Recent work with pre‐trained language models mimics this learning style: users can define and exemplify a task for the model to attempt as a series of natural language prompts or instructions. While prompting approaches have led to higher cross‐task generalization compared to traditional supervised learning, analyzing ‘bias’ in the task instructions given to the model is a difficult problem, and has thus been relatively unexplored. For instance, are we truly modeling a task, or are we modeling a user's instructions? To help investigate this, we develop LINGO, a novel visual analytics interface that supports an effective, task‐driven workflow to (1) help identify bias in natural language task instructions, (2) alter (or create) task instructions to reduce bias, and (3) evaluate pre‐trained model performance on debiased task instructions. To robustly evaluate LINGO, we conduct a user study with both novice and expert instruction creators, over a dataset of 1,616 linguistic tasks and their natural language instructions, spanning 55 different languages. For both user groups, LINGO promotes the creation of more difficult tasks for pre‐trained models, that contain higher linguistic diversity and lower instruction bias. We additionally discuss how the insights learned in developing and evaluating LINGO can aid in the design of future dashboards that aim to minimize the effort involved in prompt creation across multiple domains.
Doom or Deliciousness: Challenges and Opportunities for Visualization in the Age of Generative Models
Authors: Schetinger V. , Di Bartolomeo S. , El‐Assady M. , McNutt A. , Miller M. , Passos J. P. A. , Adams J. L.
Published: June 2023

Generative text‐to‐image models (as exemplified by DALL‐E, MidJourney, and Stable Diffusion) have recently made enormous technological leaps, demonstrating impressive results in many graphical domains—from logo design to digital painting to photographic composition. However, the quality of these results has led to existential crises in some fields of art, leading to questions about the role of human agency in the production of meaning in a graphical context. Such issues are central to visualization, and while these generative models have yet to be widely applied in visualization, it seems only a matter of time until their integration is manifest. Seeking to circumvent similar ponderous dilemmas, we attempt to understand the roles that generative models might play across visualization. We do so by constructing a framework that characterizes what these technologies offer at various stages of the visualization workflow, augmented and analyzed through semi‐structured interviews with 21 experts from related domains. Through this work, we map the space of opportunities and risks that might arise in this intersection, identifying doomsday prophecies and delicious low‐hanging fruits that are ripe for research.
Visual Analytics on Network Forgetting for Task‐Incremental Learning
Authors: Li Ziwei , Xu Jiayi , Chao Wei‐Lun , Shen Han‐Wei
Published: June 2023

Task‐incremental learning (Task‐IL) aims to enable an intelligent agent to continuously accumulate knowledge from new learning tasks without catastrophically forgetting what it has learned in the past. It has drawn increasing attention in recent years, with many algorithms being proposed to mitigate neural network forgetting. However, none of the existing strategies is able to completely eliminate the issues. Moreover, explaining and fully understanding what knowledge and how it is being forgotten during the incremental learning process still remains under‐explored. In this paper, we propose KnowledgeDrift, a visual analytics framework, to interpret the network forgetting with three objectives: (1) to identify when the network fails to memorize the past knowledge, (2) to visualize what information has been forgotten, and (3) to diagnose how knowledge attained in the new model interferes with the one learned in the past. Our analytical framework first identifies the occurrence of forgetting by tracking the task performance under the incremental learning process and then provides in‐depth inspections of drifted information via various levels of data granularity. KnowledgeDrift allows analysts and model developers to enhance their understanding of network forgetting and compare the performance of different incremental learning algorithms. Three case studies are conducted in the paper to further provide insights and guidance for users to effectively diagnose catastrophic forgetting over time.
State‐of‐the‐art in Large‐Scale Volume Visualization Beyond Structured Data
Authors: Sarton J. , Zellmann S. , Demirci S. , Güdükbay U. , Alexandre‐Barff W. , Lucas L. , Dischler J. M. , Wesner S. , Wald I.
Published: June 2023

Volume data these days is usually massive in terms of its topology, multiple fields, or temporal component. With the gap between compute and memory performance widening, the memory subsystem becomes the primary bottleneck for scientific volume visualization. Simple, structured, regular representations are often infeasible because the buses and interconnects involved need to accommodate the data required for interactive rendering. In this state‐of‐the‐art report, we review works focusing on large‐scale volume rendering beyond those typical structured and regular grid representations. We focus primarily on hierarchical and adaptive mesh refinement representations, unstructured meshes, and compressed representations that gained recent popularity. We review works that approach this kind of data using strategies such as out‐of‐core rendering, massive parallelism, and other strategies to cope with the sheer size of the ever‐increasing volume of data produced by today's supercomputers and acquisition devices. We emphasize the data management side of large‐scale volume rendering systems and also include a review of tools that support the various volume data types discussed.
Seizure characteristics and outcomes in patients with neurological conditions related to high‐risk paraneoplastic antibodies
Authors: Smith Kelsey M. , Britton Jeffrey W. , Thakolwiboon Smathorn , Chia Nicholas H. , Gupta Pranjal , Flanagan Eoin P. , Zekeridou Anastasia , Lopez Chiriboga Alfonso S. , Valencia Sanchez Cristina , McKeon Andrew , Pittock Sean J. , Dubey Divyanshu
Published: June 2023

Objective

Seizures are a common manifestation of paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes. The objective of this study was to describe the seizure characteristics and outcomes in patients with high‐risk paraneoplastic autoantibodies (>70% cancer association) and to determine factors associated with ongoing seizures.

Methods

Patients from 2000 to 2020 with seizures and high‐risk paraneoplastic autoantibodies were retrospectively identified. Factors associated with ongoing seizures at last follow‐up were evaluated.

Results

Sixty patients were identified (34 males, median age at presentation = 52 years). ANNA1‐IgG (Hu; n = 24, 39%), Ma2‐IgG (n = 14, 23%), and CRMP5‐IgG (CV2; n = 11, 18%) were the most common underlying antibodies. Seizures were the initial presenting symptom in 26 (43%), and malignancy was present in 38 (63%). Seizures persisted for >1 month in 83%, and 60% had ongoing seizures, with almost all patients (55/60, 92%) still being on antiseizure medications at last follow‐up a median of 25 months after seizure onset. Ongoing seizures at last follow‐up were associated with Ma2‐IgG or ANNA1‐IgG compared to other antibodies (p = .04), highest seizure frequency being at least daily (p = .0002), seizures on electroencephalogram (EEG; p = .03), and imaging evidence of limbic encephalitis (LE; p = .03). Death occurred in 48% throughout the course of follow‐up, with a higher mortality in patients with LE than in those without LE (p = .04). Of 31 surviving patients at last follow‐up, 55% continued to have intermittent seizures.

Significance

Seizures in the setting of high‐risk paraneoplastic antibodies are frequently resistant to treatment. Ongoing seizures are associated with ANNA1‐IgG and Ma2‐IgG, high seizure frequency, and EEG and imaging abnormalities. Although a subset of patients may respond to immunotherapy and achieve seizure freedom, poor outcomes are frequently encountered. Death was more common among patients with LE.
Turning performance measurement on its head: From the measurement of performance to the performativity of measuring
Authors: Vosselman Ed , De Loo Ivo
Published: June 2023

This paper develops a performativist metaphysical grounding of NPM‐based performance measurement as a radical alternative to a representationalist grounding, an alternative that turns performance measurement on its head. Performance measurement turns from an act of representation characterized by a metaphor of reflection into an ethical practice of mattering characterized by a metaphor of diffraction. In performativism, performance measurement does not (imperfectly) represent performance as a base for knowing and intervention from afar (both in terms of space and time) but issomehowperformative ofwho and what come to countin the world. Its exclusionary character makes it an inherently ethical practice. We contrast a performativist grounding of performance measurement with a representationalist grounding and rework concepts of responsibility and accountability. We illustrate a performativist grounding of performance measurement with examples from academia and healthcare and provide a direction for future research.
A comparative study of the fatigue behavior of Ti‐6Al‐4V circular lattices using numerical and experimental methods
Authors: Walker Peter , ElSayed Mostafa S. A. , Kabir Abu Syed
Published: June 2023

Lattice materials are a subset of cellular solids with a periodic microstructure and are of interest in a number of applications because of their potential weight‐saving properties. In this study, circular lattices are machined out of plates made of Ti‐6Al‐4V and fatigue tested to generate an S–N curve. These results are compared to a FEM with fatigue data based on MIL‐HDBK‐5H. A good agreement with the FEM was found, suggesting that the fatigue life of lattices can be modeled without specifically detailed fatigue data. The model accurately predicted the point of failure in most of the lattice specimens and was within 4% of the scatter band. Fractographic analysis showed significant shear features in the fracture surfaces, indicating a rapid shear fracture is likely the dominant mode of failure. Finally, the relationship between equivalent stress and relative density was determined using a variety of optimization schemes.
Compositional shifts of alpine plant communities across the high Andes
Authors: Cuesta F. , Carilla J. , LLambí L. D. , Muriel P. , Lencinas M. V. , Meneses R. I. , Feeley K. J. , Pauli H. , Aguirre N. , Beck S. , Bernardi A. , Cuello S. , Duchicela S. A. , Eguiguren P. , Gamez L. E. , Halloy S. , Hudson L. , Jaramillo R. , Peri P. L. , Ramírez L. A. , Rosero‐Añazco P. , Thompson N. , Yager K. , Tovar C.
Published: June 2023

Aim

Climate change is transforming mountain summit plant communities worldwide, but we know little about such changes in the High Andes. Understanding large‐scale patterns of vegetation changes across the Andes, and the factors driving these changes, is fundamental to predicting the effects of global warming. We assessed trends in vegetation cover, species richness (SR) and community‐level thermal niches (CTN) and tested whether they are explained by summits' climatic conditions and soil temperature trends.

Location

High Andes.

Time period

Between 2011/2012 and 2017/2019.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

Using permanent vegetation plots placed on 45 mountain summits and soil temperature loggers situated along a ~6800 km N‐S gradient, we measured species and their relative percentage cover and estimated CTN in two surveys (intervals between 5 and 8 years). We then estimated the annual rate of changes for the three variables and used generalized linear models to assess their relationship with annual precipitation, the minimum air temperatures of each summit and rates of change in the locally recorded soil temperatures.

Results

Over time, there was an average loss of vegetation cover (mean = −0.26%/yr), and a gain in SR across summits (mean = 0.38 species m2/yr), but most summits had significant increases in SR and vegetation cover. Changes in SR were positively related to minimum air temperature and soil temperature rate of change. Most plant communities experienced shifts in their composition by including greater abundances of species with broader thermal niches and higher optima. However, the measured changes in soil temperature did not explain the observed changes in CTN.

Main conclusions

High Andean vegetation is changing in cover and SR and is shifting towards species with wider thermal niche breadths. The weak relationship with soil temperature trends could have resulted from the short study period that only marginally captures changes in vegetation through time.
Bodily secret(ion)s: Ulrike Draesner'sgedächtnisschleifen(1995)
Authors: de Rivera Catrina
Published: June 2023

For Ulrike Draesner, there are clear parallels between West Germany in the 1950s and Germany during the years following reunification. Taking as its starting point Draesner's remark that memory must be viewed as a construct, this article explores embodied intergenerational memory in her debut poetry volumegedächtnisschleifen(1995).gedächtnisschleifenhas been commonly read alongside the poetry of Durs Grünbein, Thomas Kling, and other post‐Wende writers who represent divided Berlin as an opened, emaciated body. This article, however, takes a different angle, arguing thatgedächtnisschleifenrenders the body as a memory apparatus: Memory takes on the quality of a physical force or secretion, passed among bodies and across generations. Moreover, this article contends that Draesner reflects on and negotiates the role of third‐generation poetry vis‐à‐vis Germany's Nazi past.
In vitro, ex vivo and clinical approaches to evaluate the potential effect of Gentiana lutea extract on skin
Authors: Berthon Jean‐Yves , Cabannes Magalie , Bouton Carine , Carre Maude , Bridon Emilie , Filaire Edith
Published: June 2023

Background

Dark circles affect subjects of all ages and in all skin types. They can be treated by various methods, particular by topical solutions. This investigation was directed towards exploring the effect of gentiopicroside (GP) on the skin around the eyes. For this, an extract of Gentiana lutea (GIE) containing GP (65% by dry matter) was evaluated on oxidant and angiogenesis parameters using in vitro and ex‐vivo studies. A clinical experimentation was also realized.

Methods

The effect of GIE at different concentrations on antioxidant gene was evaluated in vitro by RT‐qPCR after treatment of NHDF. The effect of 2.93 μg mL−1 GIE on the release of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C by NHDF was also studied. The effect of 87.9 μg mL−1 GIE was also evaluated on pseudotube formation in a coculture system of normal dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐d)‐NHDF stimulated or not with VEGF as pro‐angiogenic factor. Prior to these assays, preliminary cytotoxicity assays were performed using a standard WST‐8 reduction assay. The expressions of carboxymethyl‐lysine and glyoxalase‐1 were quantified on skin explants topically treated with 147 μg mL−1 GIE in basal and UVA‐irradiated conditions. A clinical study was conducted in 22 subjects using topical twice daily for 14 days on eye area (split‐face application: cream containing 147 μg mL−1 GIE versus placebo). 3D image acquisition and skin colour measurement were performed at D0 and D14.

Results

Treatment of GIE upregulated the gene expression of NFE2L2 and downregulated the expression of CXCL8. GIE targeted AGEs pathways and reduced the formation of pseudotubes. A total of 147 μg mL−1 GIE gel cream significantly reduced significantly the average roughness and relief of the upper eyelid skin as well as the redness of dark circles after 14 days of application.

Conclusion

By acting on the pathway of AGEs, VEGF‐A and VEFG‐C, GIE seems to allow a rejuvenation of the skin resulting, among others, in a decrease in redness. It now would be interesting to evaluate the efficacy of GIE on skin around eyes microbiota, antibacterial gentiopicroside property being well‐established.
Barriers to accessing and receiving antenatal care: Findings from interviews with Australian women experiencing disadvantage
Authors: Penman Sarah V. , Beatson Ruth M. , Walker Elizabeth H. , Goldfeld Sharon , Molloy Carly S.
Published: June 2023

Aim

To identify the barriers associated with inadequate antenatal attendance by disadvantaged women in Australia and to further explore how these barriers are experienced by this population group.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study utilizing semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 11 pregnant women who self‐identified as experiencing disadvantage, purposively sampled from a local government area of Victoria, Australia, characterized by socio‐economic disadvantage. Data were collected from February to July 2019.

Results

Study participants reported a range of barriers to receiving timely and adequate antenatal care (ANC). For several women, a combination of personal (e.g., emotions, knowledge), health service provision (e.g., limited access to continuity of care provider and continuity of information, inflexible scheduling, difficulty travelling, staff attitudes), and broader social‐contextual factors (e.g., financial situation, language, cultural norms) were ultimately insurmountable. Whereas some barriers were experienced as hassles or annoyances, others were unacceptable, overwhelming, or humiliating.

Conclusion

Women experiencing disadvantage in Australia value ANC but face multiple and complex barriers that undermine timely and regular access.

Implications for the Profession and/Patient Care

A wide range of strategies targeting barriers across multiple levels of the social‐ecological environment are required if ANC attendance rates are to improve and ultimately redress existing health disparities. Various continuity of care models are well‐placed to address many of the identified barriers and should be made more accessible to women, and particularly those women experiencing disadvantage.

Impact

Antenatal care appointments promote the health of women and their babies during pregnancy, but for many women, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, access is delayed or inadequate. ANC providers play a critical role in facilitating timely and adequate care. Health service practitioners and management, and health services policymakers need to understand the complexity of the barriers women encounter. These stakeholders can utilize the findings reported herein to develop more effective strategies for overcoming multiple and multi‐level barriers.

Reporting Method

The study is reported in accordance with the relevant EQUATOR guidelines: the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) and consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Postponement of elective cardiac surgery: A prospective observational analysis of anxiety, depression, social support and clinical complications
Authors: Spindler Helle , Thorup Charlotte Brun , Nøhr Dorte , Andreasen Jan Jesper
Published: June 2023

Aims

To investigate patients' psychological reactions to postponement of elective cardiac surgery, and whether postponement was associated with increased complications post‐operative and while waiting.

Design

A single‐centre observational prospective cohort study.

Methods

All adult patients referred for elective cardiac surgery during the study period were considered for inclusion. Psychological data were collected using a survey distributed to patients prior to surgery and at 6 months post‐operative. Clinical data were obtained from patient records.

Results

A total of 83 postponed and 132 non‐postponed patients were included. Postponed patients displayed more avoidance behaviour, but only immediately before surgery. Postponed patients maintained their satisfaction with perceived social support, whereas non‐postponed patients became more dissatisfied over time. Waiting 0–14 days was associated with increased symptoms of depression before surgery compared to non‐postponed patients or those waiting more than 14 days. Surgical complications were the same in both groups. No patients experienced aggravation of their disease leading to urgent or emergent surgery while waiting for surgery. Hospital‐related reasons were the most common cause for postponement of surgery.

Conclusion

Postponement of selected patients is not associated with increased risk of psychological distress or complications related to the patient's disease.

Reporting Method

Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Implications for Patient Care

Pre‐ and post‐psychological interventions may be relevant to consider in relation to elective cardiac surgery as it has been shown to positively affect outcome. Organisational/hospital‐related reasons are still very common causes for postponement of elective surgeries, and hospital administrations should focus upon eliminating/decreasing this.

Public Contribution

Questionnaires filled by patients were used to understand an association between postponement of cardiac surgery and psychological distress.
The properties of contemporary money
Authors: Hull Isaiah , Sattath Or
Published: June 2023

The properties of money commonly referenced in the economics literature were originally identified by Jevons and Menger in the late 1800s and were intended to describe physical currencies, such as commodity money, metallic coins, and paper bills. In the digital era, many non‐physical currencies have either entered circulation or are under development, including demand deposits, cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies, in‐game currencies, and quantum money. These forms of money have novel properties that have not been studied extensively within the economics literature, but may ultimately determine which currencies prevail in the forthcoming era of currency competition. This review makes the first exhaustive attempt to identify and organize all properties of physical and digital forms of money. It examines both the economics and computer science literatures and categorizes properties within an expanded version of the canonical Jevons–Menger framework.
Narrow‐diameter versus regular‐diameter dental implants for mandibular overdentures: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Jin‐Hong , Shin Sang‐Wan , Lee Jeong‐Yol
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to compare treatment outcomes in terms of implant survival rate, marginal bone loss, and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) between narrow‐diameter implants and regular‐diameter implants (RDIs) for mandibular implant overdentures (MIOs).

Methods

This study was based on the methodology adapted as per Cochrane. Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for pertinent studies published by July 22, 2022. Outcome parameters included in this meta‐analysis were implant survival rate, marginal bone loss, visual analogue scale score for patient satisfaction, and value of oral health impact profile.

Results

A total of 782 non‐duplicate articles and 83 clinical study registrations were identified from database and hand searches, of which 26 were eligible for full‐text searches. Finally, 12 publications reporting on 8 independent studies were included in this review. In the meta‐analysis, implant survival rate and marginal bone loss did not significantly differ between narrow‐diameter implants and RDIs. Regarding RDIs, narrow‐diameter implants were associated with significantly better outcomes in general patient satisfaction and oral health‐related quality of life than RDIs for mandibular overdentures.

Conclusions

Narrow‐diameter implants have competitive treatment outcomes compared to RDIs in terms of implant survival rate, marginal bone loss, and PROMs. [Correction added on July 21, 2023, after first online publication: The abbreviation RDIs was changed to PROMs in the preceding sentence.] Thus, narrow‐diameter implants might be an alternative treatment option for MIOs in situations with limited alveolar bone volume.
Processes triggered in guanine quadruplexes by direct absorption of UV radiation: From fundamental studies toward optoelectronic biosensors
Authors: Markovitsi Dimitra
Published: June 2023

Guanine quadruplexes (GQs) are four‐stranded DNA/RNA structures exhibiting an important polymorphism. During the past two decades, their study by time‐resolved spectroscopy, from femtoseconds to milliseconds, associated to computational methods, shed light on the primary processes occurring when they absorb UV radiation. Quite recently, their utilization in label‐free and dye‐free biosensors was explored by a few groups. In view of such developments, this review discusses the outcomes of the fundamental studies that could contribute to the design of future optoelectronic biosensors using fluorescence or charge carriers stemming directly from GQs, without mediation of other molecules, as it is the currently the case. It explains how the excited state relaxation influences both the fluorescence intensity and the efficiency of low‐energy photoionization, occurring via a complex mechanism. The corresponding quantum yields, determined with excitation at 266/267 nm, fall in the range of (3.0–9.5) × 10−4 and (3.2–9.2) × 10−3, respectively. These values, significantly higher than the corresponding values found for duplexes, depend strongly on certain structural factors (molecularity, metal cations, peripheral bases, number of tetrads …) which intervene in the relaxation process. Accordingly, these features can be tuned to optimize the desired signal.
Mission risk control via joint optimization of sampling and abort decisions
Authors: Yang Li , Wei Fanping , Qiu Qingan
Published: June 2023

Information‐driven mission abort is an effective way to control the failure risk of safety‐critical systems during mission executions. We investigate the optimal sampling and mission abort decisions of partially observable safety‐critical systems, where the underlying system health state can only be revealed by sampling. In contrast to previous studies, we employ partial health information to jointly determine: (a) whether to execute sampling, and (b) when to abort the mission in a dynamic manner, so as to minimize the expected total cost incurred by sampling, mission failure, and system malfunction. Dynamic sampling and mission abort policies are devised following the belief state, whose optimization model is cast into the framework of a partially observable Markov decision process. Some structural insights with regard to the value function, control limit selection, and optimality existence are presented. The performance of the proposed sampling and abort policy is tested by numerical experiments, which are proved to outperform other heuristic abort policies in mission loss control.
School‐based self‐harm prevention programs: A systematic review with implications for international implementation
Authors: Liljedahl Sophie I. , Hellner Clara , Pettersson Agneta , Ghaderi Ata
Published: June 2023

Both self‐harm and suicidal behaviors have been targeted through school‐based prevention programs, many of which have been developed in the United States. The aims of this systematic review were to assess effects of school‐based prevention programs on suicide and self‐harm and to evaluate whether they are fit to the exporting culture. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our inclusion criteria, structured according to population/problem, intervention, control/comparison, outome, were: children and youth up to 19 years of age, school‐based programs at universal, selective or indicated levels compared with teaching as usual or with other programs, and outcomes of suicide or self‐harm measured at least 10 weeks after intervention. Studies without a control group or using non‐behavioral outcomes were excluded. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted from the 1990s to March 2022. Risk for bias was assessed with checklists adapted from the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) tool. A total of 1,801 abstracts were retrieved. Five studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria, but one had high risk for bias. Confidence in the evidence for effect was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Studies included in this review were evaluated with respect to applicability in the context of international export. Only two school‐based programs demonstrated efficacy in preventing suicidal behaviors. Although implementation of evidence‐based interventions is a crucial next step, further replication with simultaneous attention to dissemination and implementation issues are called for. Funding and registration: conducted on assignment by the Swedish government. The protocol is available at the SBU website in Swedish.
Ultrasonographic features of intestinal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis in 10 dogs
Authors: De Magistris Angela V. , Linta Nikolina , Specchi Swan , Procoli Fabio , Sabattini Silvia , Diana Alessia , Donato Pamela Di
Published: June 2023

Intestinal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis (ILL) is a granulomatous inflammation of the lymphatic vessels of the intestinal wall and mesentery characterized by lipogranulomas. The purpose of this retrospective, multi‐center, case series study is to report the ultrasonographic features of canine ILL. Ten dogs with a histologically confirmed ILL undergoing preoperative abdominal ultrasound were retrospectively included. Additional CT was available in two cases. Lesion distribution was focal in eight dogs and multifocal in two. All dogs presented with intestinal wall thickening and two had a concomitant mesenteric mass adjacent to the intestinal lesion. All lesions were in the small intestine. Ultrasonographic features were altered wall layering with predominantly muscular and to a lesser extent submucosal layer thickening. Other findings included hyperechoic nodular tissue within the muscular, serosa/subserosal, and mucosal layers, hyperechoic perilesional mesentery, enlarged submucosal blood/lymphatic vessels, mild peritoneal effusion, intestinal corrugation, and mild lymphadenomegaly. The two intestinal to mesenteric masses presented heterogeneous echostructure, predominantly hyperechoic with multiple hypo/anechoic cavitations filled with mixed fluid and fat attenuation content on CT. Histopathological findings included lymphangiectasia, granulomatous inflammation, and structured lipogranulomas affecting mainly submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The intestinal to mesenteric cavitary masses revealed severe granulomatous peritonitis with steatonecrosis. In conclusion, ILL should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with this combination of ultrasonographic features.
Knowledge assessment among subjects with chronic venous leg ulcer in outpatient setting: Translation and adaptation of a tool to identify subjects at risk of poor understanding
Authors: Martinato Matteo , Ranzato Caterina , Faggian Eleonora , Foletto Matilde , Moreal Chiara , Guidone Nicola , Acar Aslihan Senturk , Masiero Flavia , Beghin Fabio , Peruzzo Stefiania , Gregori Dario , Comoretto Rosanna Irene
Published: June 2023

Promotion of self‐care is an important issue in the treatment of chronic diseases such as venous leg ulcers, as adequate self‐care can prevent complications and ulcer recurrence. However, only a few tools have been developed and tested to assess the knowledge of patients with venous leg ulcers. This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate in an Italian language and context a questionnaire to assess the knowledge of patients with venous leg ulcers about their disease (pathophysiology, risk factors, lifestyle changes due to ulcer) and the proper management of the ulcer to prevent recurrence. This is a cross‐sectional study divided into two phases: (1) translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the ‘Educational Interventions in Venous Leg Ulcer Patients’ tool in a six‐stage process and (2) validation and reliability study with patients with active ulceration. There was great agreement for the English‐to‐Italian translation. In content validation, the tool showed good applicability among experts. Adjustments were made to improve semantic equivalence, and the questionnaire was made to be easy and quick to administer. The results of the target population showed a low level of knowledge among the patients. Knowing the deficiencies of the patients makes it possible to create educational projects to improve their abilities. Now more than ever, it is necessary to improve self‐care and patient knowledge, allowing home care, improving autonomy, and avoiding hospital care that results in higher costs and risks. This questionnaire could be used in future studies to identify topics that need to be reinforced through education and to improve the awareness and self‐care of these patients.
The Evolution of World-Class Endurance Training: The Scientist’s View on Current and Future Trends
Authors: Sandbakk Øyvind , Pyne David B. , McGawley Kerry , Foster Carl , Talsnes Rune Kjøsen , Solli Guro Strøm , Millet Grégoire P. , Seiler Stephen , Laursen Paul B. , Haugen Thomas , Tønnessen Espen , Wilber Randy , van Erp Teun , Stellingwerff Trent , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Bucher Sandbakk Silvana
Published: June 2023

Background: Elite sport is continuously evolving. World records keep falling and athletes from a longer list of countries are involved. Purpose: This commentary was designed to provide insights into present and future trends associated with world-class endurance training based on the perspectives, experience, and knowledge of an expert panel of 25 applied sport scientists. Results: The key drivers of development observed in the past 10–15 years were related to (1) more accessible scientific knowledge for coaches and athletes combined with (2) better integration of practical and scientific exchange across multidisciplinary perspectives within professionalized elite athlete support structures, as well as (3) utilization of new technological advances. Based on these perspectives, we discerned and exemplified the main trends in the practice of endurance sports into the following categories: better understanding of sport-specific demands; improved competition execution; larger, more specific, and more precise training loads; improved training quality; and a more professional and healthier lifestyle. The main areas expected to drive future improvements were associated with more extensive use of advanced technology for monitoring and prescribing training and recovery, more precise use of environmental and nutritional interventions, better understanding of athlete–equipment interactions, and greater emphasis on preventing injuries and illnesses. Conclusions: These expert insights can serve as a platform and inspiration to develop new hypotheses and ideas, encourage future collaboration between researchers and sport practitioners, and, perhaps most important, stimulate curiosity and further collaborative studies about the training, physiology, and performance of endurance athletes.
Functional Characterization of Salmonella Typhimurium Encoded YciF, a Domain of Unknown Function (DUF892) Family Protein, and Its Role in Protection during Bile and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Singh Madhulika , Penmatsa Aravind , Nandi Dipankar
Published: June 2023

The DUF892 domain has a wide taxonomic distribution encompassing several bacterial pathogens. This domain belongs to the ferritin-like superfamily; however, it has not been biochemically and functionally characterized.
Nonsense-mediated decay machinery in
Plasmodium falciparum
is inefficient and non-essential
Authors: McHugh Emma , Bulloch Michaela S. , Batinovic Steven , Patrick Cameron J. , Sarna Drishti K. , Ralph Stuart A.
Published: June 2023

Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is a conserved mRNA quality control process that eliminates transcripts bearing a premature termination codon. In addition to its role in removing erroneous transcripts, NMD is involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression via programmed intron retention in metazoans. The apicomplexan parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
shows relatively high levels of intron retention, but it is unclear whether these variant transcripts are functional targets of NMD. In this study, we use CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt and epitope-tag the
P. falciparum
orthologs of two core NMD components:
Pf
UPF1 (PF3D7_1005500) and
Pf
UPF2 (PF3D7_0925800). We localize both
Pf
UPF1 and
Pf
UPF2 to puncta within the parasite cytoplasm and show that these proteins interact with each other and other mRNA-binding proteins. Using RNA-seq, we find that although these core NMD orthologs are expressed and interact in
P. falciparum
, they are not required for degradation of nonsense transcripts. Furthermore, our work suggests that the majority of intron retention in
P. falciparum
has no functional role and that NMD is not required for parasite growth
ex vivo
.

IMPORTANCE

In many organisms, the process of destroying nonsense transcripts is dependent on a small set of highly conserved proteins. We show that in the malaria parasite, these proteins do not impact the abundance of nonsense transcripts. Furthermore, we demonstrate efficient CRISPR-Cas9 editing of the malaria parasite using commercial Cas9 nuclease and synthetic guide RNA, streamlining genomic modifications in this genetically intractable organism.
Decreased branched-chain amino acids and elevated fatty acids during antecedent hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes
Authors: She Rui , Al-sari Naba Hassan , Mattila Ismo Matias , Sejling Anne-Sophie , Pedersen Jens , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Hypoglycemia is a major limiting factor in achieving recommended glycemic targets for people with type 1 diabetes. Exposure to recurrent hypoglycemia results in blunted hormonal counter-regulatory and symptomatic responses to hypoglycemia. Limited data on metabolic adaptation to recurrent hypoglycemia are available. This study examined the acute metabolic responses to hypoglycemia and the effect of antecedent hypoglycemia on these responses in type 1 diabetes.

Research design and methods

Twenty-one outpatients with type 1 diabetes with normal or impaired awareness of hypoglycemia participated in a study assessing the response to hypoglycemia on 2 consecutive days by a hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp. Participants underwent a period of normoglycemia and a period of hypoglycemia during the hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp. Plasma samples were taken during normoglycemia and at the beginning and the end of the hypoglycemic period. Metabolomic analysis of the plasma samples was conducted using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results

In total, 68 metabolites were studied. On day 1, concentrations of the branched-chain amino acids, leucine (p=3.8×10−3) and isoleucine (p=2.2×10−3), decreased during hypoglycemia. On day 2, during hypoglycemia, five amino acids (including leucine and isoleucine) significantly decreased, and two fatty acids (tetradecanoic and oleic acids) significantly increased (p<0.05). Although more metabolites responded to hypoglycemia on day 2, the responses of the single metabolites were not statistically significant between the 2 days.

Conclusions

In individuals with type 1 diabetes, one episode of hypoglycemia decreases leucine and isoleucine concentrations. Antecedent hypoglycemia results in the decrement of five amino acids and increases the concentrations of two fatty acids, suggesting an alteration between the two hypoglycemic episodes, which could indicate a possible adaptation. However, more studies are needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of these alterations.

Trial registration number

NCT01337362.
Stillbirth: prevention and supportive bereavement care
Authors: Atkins Bethany , Kindinger Lindsay , Mahindra Muhammad Pradhiki , Moatti Zoe , Siassakos Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

Around half of the two million stillbirths occurring worldwide each year are preventable. This review compiles the most up-to-date evidence to inform stillbirth prevention. Many general maternal health interventions also reduce the risk of stillbirth, for example, antenatal care attendance. This review focuses on specific aspects of care: glucose metabolism, targeted aspirin prophylaxis, clotting and immune disorders, sleep positions, fetal movement monitoring, and preconception and interconception health. In the past few years, covid-19 infection during pregnancy has emerged as a risk factor for stillbirth, particularly among women who were not vaccinated. Alongside prevention, efforts to address stillbirth must include provision of high quality, supportive, and compassionate bereavement care to improve parents’ wellbeing. A growing body of evidence suggests beneficial effects for parents who received supportive care and were offered choices such as mode of birth and the option to see and hold their baby. Staff need support to be able to care for parents effectively, yet, studies consistently highlight the scarcity of specific bereavement care training for healthcare providers. Action is urgently needed and is possible. Action must be taken with the evidence available now, in healthcare settings with high or low resources, to reduce stillbirths and improve training and care.
AGGRESSIVE OSTEOBLASTOMA OF THE SCAPHOID – THE DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE: A RARE CLINICAL CASE
Authors: Diniz Sara Elisa , Mota Pedro , Cardoso Pedro , Pereira Alexandre
Published: June 2023

Osteoblastoma is an infrequent benign tumor, rarely found in the hand. We present a case of osteoblastoma of the scaphoid in a 58-year-old adult male patient, its diagnostic challenge, and his treatment pathway from curettage and autologous bone graft until scaphoidectomy and four-corner fusion. The tumor showed an aggressive behavior and local destruction in an unusual location. It appeared in a patient outside the expected age range for this specific tumor, rendering a correct diagnosis extremely difficult to achieve. We pretend to emphasize its treatment evolution and highlight the importance of follow-up and surveillance of these tumor lesions.