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Creating plausible motions for a diverse range of characters is a long‐standing goal in computer graphics. Current learning‐based motion synthesis methods rely on large‐scale motion datasets, which are often difficult if not impossible to acquire. On the other hand, pose data is more accessible, since static posed characters are easier to create and can even be extracted from images using recent advancements in computer vision. In this paper, we tap into this alternative data source and introduce a neural motion synthesis approach through retargeting, which generates plausible motion of various characters that only have pose data by transferring motion from one single existing motion capture dataset of another drastically different characters. Our experiments show that our method effectively combines the motion features of the source character with the pose features of the target character, and performs robustly with small or noisy pose data sets, ranging from a few artist‐created poses to noisy poses estimated directly from images. Additionally, a conducted user study indicated that a majority of participants found our retargeted motion to be more enjoyable to watch, more lifelike in appearance, and exhibiting fewer artifacts. Our code and dataset can be accessed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteopenia is frequently observed in patients with iron overload, especially in those with HFE‐dependent hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). Interestingly, not all mouse models of HH show bone loss, suggesting that iron overload alone may not suffice to induce bone loss. In this study, the bone phenotypes of Hjv−/− and hepatocyte‐specific Alk2‐ and Alk3‐deficient mice as additional mouse models of HH were investigated to further clarify, how high iron levels lead to bone loss and which signaling mechanisms are operational. Neither male nor female 12‐week‐old Hjv−/− mice had an altered trabecular or cortical bone mass or bone turnover, despite severe iron overload. Male 12‐month‐old Hjv−/− mice even presented with a higher femoral trabecular bone volume compared to wildtype mice. Similarly, female mice with hepatocyte‐specific Alk2 or Alk3 deficiency did not show an altered bone phenotype at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Male hepatocyte‐specific Alk3‐deficient mice also had a normal trabecular bone mass at all ages analyzed, despite showing increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation parameters. Interestingly, hepatocyte‐specific Alk2‐deficient mice showed reduced femoral trabecular bone at 6 months of age due to suppressed bone formation. Cortical thickness at the femur was reduced in both, 6‐month‐old male hepatocyte‐specific Alk2‐ and Alk3‐deficient mice. Raising hepatocyte‐specific Alk2‐deficient male mice on an iron‐deficient diet rescued the bone phenotype. Taken together, despite iron overload, trabecular bone microarchitecture was not altered in mice deficient of Hjv or Alk3. Only male hepatocyte‐specific Alk2‐deficient mice showed site‐specific lower trabecular and cortical bone mass at the femur, which was dependent on iron. Thus, bone loss does not correlate with the extent of iron overload in these mouse models, but may relate to the amount of iron‐loaded macrophages, as precursors of osteoclasts, in the bone marrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), the congenital underdevelopment of the optic nerve, is an increasing cause of visual impairment and is associated with pituitary dysfunction. Past studies have focused on the relationship between ONH, pituitary deficiencies, and brain imaging. However, recent studies have demonstrated the true risk for hypopituitarism lies with the presence or absence of ONH, irrespective of midline brain findings. This study reviewed the relationship between the health of the optic nerve (visual acuity) and pituitary gland (number and age of development of pituitary deficiencies) as a way to stratify risk, regardless of imaging findings. Design, Patients and Measurements: Retrospective chart review of 197 patients seen at a single center from 2013 to 2022. Visual assessment was defined by distance acuity, and the presence of nystagmus or afferent pupillary defect. Pituitary deficiencies were diagnosed per Endocrine Society guidelines. Results: In children with bilateral ONH (bONH), profound visual impairment was associated with more pituitary deficiencies between 0 and 15 years of age. The odds of having any pituitary deficiency were 4.9 times higher (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.4–10.1) for patients with bONH versus unilateral ONH (uONH). Central hypothyroidism was the most common first presenting pituitary deficiency followed by growth hormone across all patients. Conclusion: This study shows a significant association between severity of visual impairment and increased probability of pituitary deficiencies in children with bONH versus uONH. Children with ONH require urgent endocrine evaluation due to risk of pituitary deficiencies, but risk stratification may also be based on severity of visual impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garment alteration is a practical technique to adapt an existing garment to fit a target body shape. Typically executed by skilled tailors, this process involves a series of strategic fabric operations—removing or adding material—to achieve the desired fit on a target body. We propose an innovative approach to automate this process by computing a set of practically feasible modifications that adapt an existing garment to fit a different body shape. We first assess the garment's fit on a reference body; then, we replicate this fit on the target by deriving a set of pattern modifications via a linear program. We compute these alterations by employing an iterative process that alternates between global geometric optimization and physical simulation. Our method utilizes geometry‐based simulation of woven fabric's anisotropic behavior, accounts for tailoring details like seam matching, and incorporates elements such as darts or gussets. We validate our technique by producing digital and physical garments, demonstrating practical and achievable alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammasomes are essential for host defense, recognizing foreign or stress signals to trigger immune responses, including maturation of IL‐1 family cytokines and pyroptosis. Here, NLRP1 is emerging as an important sensor of viral infection in barrier tissues. NLRP1 is activated by various stimuli, including viral double‐stranded (ds) RNA, ribotoxic stress, and inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidases 8 and 9 (DPP8/9). However, certain viruses, most notably the vaccinia virus, have evolved strategies to subvert inflammasome activation or effector functions. Using the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a model, we investigated how the vaccinia virus inhibits inflammasome activation. We confirmed that the early gene F1L plays a critical role in inhibiting NLRP1 inflammasome activation. Interestingly, it blocks dsRNA and ribotoxic stress‐dependent NLRP1 activation without affecting its DPP9‐inhibition‐mediated activation. Complementation and loss‐of‐function experiments demonstrated the sufficiency and necessity of F1L in blocking NLRP1 activation. Furthermore, we found that F1L‐deficient, but not wild‐type MVA, induced ZAKα activation. Indeed, an F1L‐deficient virus was found to disrupt protein translation more prominently than an unmodified virus, suggesting that F1L acts in part upstream of ZAKα. These findings underscore the inhibitory role of F1L on NLRP1 inflammasome activation and provide insight into viral evasion of host defenses and the intricate mechanisms of inflammasome activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text discusses the relationship between science and policy, focusing on research on policy advisory systems and the roles of scientists in policy processes. It highlights the importance of systematic reviews in this complex research area and presents findings from studies on policy advisory systems, scientific advisory committees, expert roles in crisis management, and information acquisition in science and technology policy. The text also explores the influence of expert opinions on citizens' policy attitudes in China, emphasizing the significance of expertise in shaping public opinion on contentious issues. [Extracted from the article]

This summary provides an overview of a journal issue focused on European perspectives in political process research. The articles cover a range of topics, including political networks, causal mechanisms in policy change, EU governance, migration policy, animal welfare policies, policy learning, and individual drivers of policy preferences. The European Policy Analysis (EPA) journal has received high citation scores and is ranked in the top quartile in political science and public administration categories. The article also emphasizes the importance of conferences and journal rankings in attracting high-quality submissions and promoting the journal's impact in the field. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: In the kynurenine pathway, it is reported that the essential amino acid tryptophan forms nicotinic acid (NA, vitamin B3) in biological systems. This pathway is part of the de novo pathway to perform nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis. Additionally, biosynthesis of NAD+ via the Preiss–Handler pathway involves NA and its analogue nicotinamide, both designated as niacin. Previous attempts were successful in converting myosmine (MYO) by organic synthesis to NA, and the assumption was that the alkaloid MYO, which is taken in from food, can be converted into NA by biological oxidation. RESULT: Incubation of HepG2 cells with MYO yielded NA. Moreover, a significant increase of NAD+ compared with the control has been found. CONCLUSION: Hence, MYO could be assumed to be the hitherto unknown origin of an alternative NA biosynthesis additionally influencing NAD+ biosynthesis positively. This novel MYO pathway may open new perspectives to improve knowledge and relevance of NA and NAD+ biosynthesis and bioactivation in cells and, moreover, in food staples, food, and diet. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parameterization of a triangle mesh is a realization in the plane so that all triangles have positive signed area. Triangle mesh parameterizations are commonly computed by minimizing a distortion energy, measuring the distortions of the triangles as they are mapped into the parameter domain. It is assumed that the triangulation is fixed and the triangles are mapped affinely. We consider a more general setup and additionally optimize among the intrinsic triangulations of the piecewise linear input geometry. This means the distortion energy is computed for the same geometry, yet the space of possible parameterizations is enlarged. For minimizing the distortion energy, we suggest alternating between varying the parameter locations of the vertices and intrinsic flipping. We show that this process improves the mapping for different distortion energies at moderate additional cost. We also find intrinsic triangulations that are better starting points for the optimization of positions, offering a compromise between the full optimization approach and exploiting the additional freedom of intrinsic triangulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) in pregnancy is increasingly linked to adverse effects on embryo‐fetal development and health later in life. However, the developmental toxicity mechanisms of NPs are largely unknown, in particular potential effects on the placental secretome, which orchestrates many developmental processes pivotal for pregnancy success. This study demonstrates extensive material‐ and pregnancy stage‐specific deregulation of placental signaling from a single exposure of human placental explants to physiologically relevant concentrations of engineered (silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs) and environmental NPs (diesel exhaust particles, DEPs). This includes a multitude of secreted inflammatory, vascular, and endocrine placental factors as well as extracellular vesicle (EV)‐associated proteins. Moreover, conditioned media (CM) from NP‐exposed explants induce pronounced anti‐angiogenic and anti‐vasculogenic effects, while early neurodevelopmental processes are only marginally affected. These findings underscore the potential of metal oxide NPs and DEPs for widespread interference with the placental secretome and identify vascular morphogenesis as a sensitive outcome for the indirect developmental toxicity of different NPs. Overall, this work has profound implications for the future safety assessment of NPs for industrial, commercial, or medical applications in pregnancy, which should consider placenta‐mediated toxicity by holistic secretomics approaches to ensure the development of safe nanotechnologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a collection of articles that explore the role of emotions, narratives, and government strategies in political processes. The articles discuss topics such as the influence of fear and hope narratives on congressional attention to climate change, the emotional expressions of advocacy coalitions in highly contentious legislative sessions, and the use of cultural theory and the Narrative Policy Framework to understand public preferences and political narratives surrounding fracking. The articles highlight the importance of studying emotions and narratives in political conflicts and policy-making processes. Additionally, the document includes an article that provides a comprehensive review of scientific publications on farm animal welfare governance, emphasizing the need for more political and social science research in this area. Hårstad's study examines the influence of different actors on private governance, specifically in relation to animal welfare. The study identifies retailers and non-governmental organizations as significant influencers, while public entities and political parties are described as slower initiators of change, allowing private actors to take the lead. The study also highlights the growing public concern for animal welfare, which, although not directly changing public behavior, legitimizes advancements in research and market practices. The review emphasizes the need for further research in political and social sciences to understand the dynamics and effectiveness of various governance mechanisms in farm animal welfare. [Extracted from the article]

This work studies red mud, a residue from the processing of bauxite, as a support catalyst in the thermocatalytic reforming (TCR) process, using wood, digestate, and straw as case studies. Thermocatalytic reforming is a thermochemical process for the conversion of biomass into biofuels, combining intermediate pyrolysis and catalytic reforming and resulting in high‐quality biofuels. The quantity and quality of the catalyst in the postreformer is vital as it influences the reactions taking place in it. Normally, nonreactive components of the char produced in the process act as the catalyst in the postreformer but adding a support catalyst may improve the products. In this work, red mud is introduced in the process by mixing it with the feedstock in a ratio of 1:3. The results, in comparison with normal TCR experiments on the same feedstock materials, show that the introduction of red mud into the process generally reduces the biochar yield and generally increases the biogas and product water yields, and the bio‐oil yield remains constant. Its introduction also increases the hydrogen fraction of the gas and tends to reduce the nitrogen and sulfur content of the products, thus improving their quality. These observations are consistent across feedstock materials and postreformer temperatures. The results therefore suggest that red mud is a good support catalyst for increasing the gas yield, increasing the hydrogen fraction of the gas, and improving the quality of the products from the TCR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the US Environmental Protection Agency's perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Action Plan, the agency is committed to increasing our understanding of the potential ecological effects of PFAS. The objective of these studies was to examine the developmental toxicity of PFAS using the laboratory model amphibian species Xenopus laevis. We had two primary aims: (1) to understand the developmental toxicity of a structurally diverse set of PFAS compounds in developing embryos and (2) to characterize the potential impacts of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide‐dimer acid (HFPO‐DA a.k.a. GenX), on growth and thyroid hormone‐controlled metamorphosis. We employed a combination of static renewal and flow‐through exposure designs. Embryos were exposed to 17 structurally diverse PFAS starting at the midblastula stage through the completion of organogenesis (96 h). To investigate impacts on PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and HFPO‐DA on development and metamorphosis, larvae were exposed from premetamorphosis (Nieuwkoop Faber stage 51 or 54) through pro metamorphosis. Of the PFAS tested in embryos, only 1H,1H,10H,10H‐perfluorodecane‐1,10‐diol (FC10‐diol) and perfluorohexanesulfonamide (FHxSA) exposure resulted in clear concentration‐dependent developmental toxicity. For both of these PFAS, a significant increase in mortality was observed at 2.5 and 5 mg/L. For FC10‐diol, 100% of the surviving embryos were malformed at 1.25 and 2.5 mg/L, while for FHxSA, a significant increase in malformations (100%) was observed at 2.5 and 5 mg/L. Developmental stage achieved was the most sensitive endpoint with significant effects observed at 1.25 and 0.625 mg/L for FC10‐diol and FHxSA, respectively. In larval studies, we observed impacts on growth following exposure to PFHxS and PFOS at concentrations of 100 and 2.5 mg/L, respectively, while no impacts were observed in larvae when exposed to PFOA and HFPO‐DA at concentration of 100 mg/L. Further, we did not observe impacts on thyroid endpoints in exposed larvae. These experiments have broadened our understanding of the impact of PFAS on anuran development. A series of embryo and larval studies were carried out using Xenopus laevis: 1) to understand the developmental toxicity of a structurally diverse set of 17 PFAS compounds in developing embryos; and 2) to characterize the potential impacts of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide‐dimer acid (HFPO‐DA), on growth and thyroid hormone‐controlled metamorphosis. Exposure to several of the PFAS resulted in developmental toxicity only at concentrations well above what is observed in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from the Review of Policy Research discusses various topics related to policy research, cultural biases, agenda-setting, and regulation in political processes. It explores the impact of COVID-19 on policy development and public compliance, with a focus on vaccination mandates. The article also examines the role of cultural biases in shaping public support and compliance with COVID-19 policies. Additionally, it discusses the application of multiple streams framework and punctuated equilibrium theory in policy research, particularly in authoritarian states and the context of democratization. The article concludes with a study on regulatory processes in the banking sector in Turkey and the preferences of public officials regarding accountability mechanisms in public service delivery in China. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a collection of research articles that address various challenges faced by the European Union and European countries, such as artificial intelligence, climate change, COVID-19, financial budgets, religion, and state in Israel. The articles employ different theoretical and methodological approaches to analyze the ability of European governments and the EU to manage these challenges, the ideas and discourses surrounding them, and the roles played by bureaucrats and citizens in the decision-making processes. [Extracted from the article]

We formalize Italian smocking, an intricate embroidery technique that gathers flat fabric into pleats along meandering lines of stitches, resulting in pleats that fold and gather where the stitching veers. In contrast to English smocking, characterized by colorful stitches decorating uniformly shaped pleats, and Canadian smocking, which uses localized knots to form voluminous pleats, Italian smocking permits the fabric to move freely along the stitched threads following curved paths, resulting in complex and unpredictable pleats with highly diverse, irregular structures, achieved simply by pulling on the threads. We introduce a novel method for digital previewing of Italian smocking results, given the thread stitching path as input. Our method uses a coarse‐grained mass‐spring system to simulate the interaction between the threads and the fabric. This configuration guides the fine‐level fabric deformation through an adaptation of the state‐of‐the‐art simulator, C‐IPC [LKJ21]. Our method models the general problem of fabric‐thread interaction and can be readily adapted to preview Canadian smocking as well. We compare our results to baseline approaches and physical fabrications to demonstrate the accuracy of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data driven and learning based solutions for modeling dynamic garments have significantly advanced, especially in the context of digital humans. However, existing approaches often focus on modeling garments with respect to a fixed parametric human body model and are limited to garment geometries that were seen during training. In this work, we take a different approach and model the dynamics of a garment by exploiting its local interactions with the underlying human body. Specifically, as the body moves, we detect local garment‐body collisions, which drive the deformation of the garment. At the core of our approach is a mesh‐agnostic garment representation and a manifold‐aware transformer network design, which together enable our method to generalize to unseen garment and body geometries. We evaluate our approach on a wide variety of garment types and motion sequences and provide competitive qualitative and quantitative results with respect to the state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present SENS, a novel method for generating and editing 3D models from hand‐drawn sketches, including those of abstract nature. Our method allows users to quickly and easily sketch a shape, and then maps the sketch into the latent space of a part‐aware neural implicit shape architecture. SENS analyzes the sketch and encodes its parts into ViT patch encoding, subsequently feeding them into a transformer decoder that converts them to shape embeddings suitable for editing 3D neural implicit shapes. SENS provides intuitive sketch‐based generation and editing, and also succeeds in capturing the intent of the user's sketch to generate a variety of novel and expressive 3D shapes, even from abstract and imprecise sketches. Additionally, SENS supports refinement via part reconstruction, allowing for nuanced adjustments and artifact removal. It also offers part‐based modeling capabilities, enabling the combination of features from multiple sketches to create more complex and customized 3D shapes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our model compared to the state‐of‐the‐art using objective metric evaluation criteria and a user study, both indicating strong performance on sketches with a medium level of abstraction. Furthermore, we showcase our method's intuitive sketch‐based shape editing capabilities, and validate it through a usability study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemie in unserer Zeit is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have promising features as an emerging therapeutic format for a broad spectrum of applications, for example, blood–brain‐barrier permeability, low immunogenicity, and targeted delivery, economic manufacturability will be a crucial factor for the therapeutic applicability of sEVs. In the past, bioprocess optimization and cell line engineering improved titers of classical biologics multifold. We therefore performed a design of experiments (DoE) screening to identify beneficial bioprocess conditions for sEV production in HEK293F suspension cells. Short‐term hyperthermia at 40°C elevated volumetric productivity 5.4‐fold while sEVs displayed improved exosomal characteristics and cells retained >90% viability. Investigating the effects of hyperthermia via transcriptomics and proteomics analyses, an expectable, cellular heat‐shock response was found together with an upregulation of many exosome biogenesis and vesicle trafficking related molecules, which could cause the productivity boost in tandem with heat shock proteins (HSPs), like HSP90 and HSC70. Because of these findings, a selection of 44 genes associated with exosome biogenesis, vesicle secretion machinery, or heat‐shock response was screened for their influence on sEV production. Overexpression of six genes, CHMP1A, CHMP3, CHMP5, VPS28, CD82, and EZR, significantly increased both sEV secretion and titer, making them suitable targets for cell line engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemkon - Chemie Konkret is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to summarize evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of oral antibiotic intervention for chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients with/without type‐1 Modic changes (MC1). Methods: AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Medline were searched from inception to March 3, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non‐RCTs that investigated the effectiveness or safety of oral antibiotics in treating CLBP patients were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts, full‐text articles, and extracted data. The methodological quality of each included article were evaluated by RoB2 and NIH quality assessment tools. The quality of evidence was appraised by GRADE. Meta‐analyses were performed, where applicable. A subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the RCTs and case series separately, and to evaluate the effect of removing a low‐quality RCT. Results: Three RCTs and four case series were included. All Amoxicillin‐clavulanate/Amoxicillin treatments lasted for approximately 3 months. Moderate‐ and low‐quality evidence suggested that antibiotic was significantly better than placebo in improving disability and quality of life in CLBP patients with MC1 at 12‐month follow‐up, respectively. Low‐quality evidence from meta‐analyses of RCTs showed that oral antibiotic was significantly better than placebo in improving pain and disability in CLBP patients with MC1 immediately post‐treatment. Very low‐quality evidence from the case series suggested that oral Amoxicillin‐clavulanate significantly improved LBP/leg pain, and LBP‐related disability. Conversely, low‐quality evidence found that oral Amoxicillin alone was not significantly better than placebo in improving global perceived health in patients with CLBP at the 12‐month follow‐up. Additionally, oral antibiotic users had significantly more adverse effects than placebo users. Conclusions: Although oral antibiotics were statistically superior to placebo in reducing LBP‐related disability in patients with CLBP and concomitant MC1, its clinical significance remains uncertain. Future large‐scale high‐quality RCTs are warranted to validate the effectiveness of antibiotics in individuals with CLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Review of Policy Research recently published three special issues on policy process research in China, artificial intelligence, and climate policies. The current issue focuses on perception and performance in environmental policy, examining how policy actors and the public perceive policy making and the conditions for achieving environmental policy objectives. The articles cover various topics, including emotions in policy conflicts, coalition formation, public communication strategies, public support for climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, coordination of the energy transition, policy analytical capacity, performance measurement in water pollution remediation, and campaign-style enforcement in environmental governance. The research provides valuable insights into environmental policy and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary research. [Extracted from the article]

As the availability of omics data has increased in the last few years, more multi‐omics data have been generated, that is, high‐dimensional molecular data consisting of several types such as genomic, transcriptomic, or proteomic data, all obtained from the same patients. Such data lend themselves to being used as covariates in automatic outcome prediction because each omics type may contribute unique information, possibly improving predictions compared to using only one omics data type. Frequently, however, in the training data and the data to which automatic prediction rules should be applied, the test data, the different omics data types are not available for all patients. We refer to this type of data as block‐wise missing multi‐omics data. First, we provide a literature review on existing prediction methods applicable to such data. Subsequently, using a collection of 13 publicly available multi‐omics data sets, we compare the predictive performances of several of these approaches for different block‐wise missingness patterns. Finally, we discuss the results of this empirical comparison study and draw some tentative conclusions. This article is categorized under:Applications of Computational Statistics > Genomics/Proteomics/GeneticsApplications of Computational Statistics > Health and Medical Data/InformaticsStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional Data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endobronchial valve placement is a minimally invasive option for treatment of patients with severe emphysema, by reducing lung volumes in lobes with both poor ventilation and perfusion; ventilation is determined by emphysematous scores and perfusion by quantitative lung perfusion imaging. CT‐based fissure identifying artificial intelligence algorithms have recently demonstrated enhanced quantification of the perfusion in a 5‐lobar analysis. We hypothesized that this newly developed algorithm may offer greater utility in determining target treatment lobes by supplementing the radiographic risk stratification initiated by the conventional emphysematous scores alone. Methods: Quantification images of 43 deidentified individuals underwent perfusion SPECT/CT with Tc99m Macro‐Aggregated Albumin (4mCi/148MBq intravenous) using both conventional zonal anatomy and AI augmented 5‐lobar analysis. Analysis: Images were reviewed to demonstrate that the new algorithm was not inferior to standard of care imaging with zonal segmentation. A pilot subcohort analysis of 4 patients with severe emphysema who had pre‐endobronchial valve placement imaging demonstrated that an emphysema‐perfusion ratio greater than 3 was indicative of a potential target lobe. Discussion: We conclude that 5‐lobar analysis in not inferior to conventional zonal analysis and allows the determination of emphysema‐to‐perfusion ratio. Preliminary review of a small subcohort suggests an emphysema‐to‐perfusion ratio greater than 3 for a lobe may clinically benefit in endobronchial valve placement. Further evaluation with prospective studies and larger sample sizes are recommended before clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune system is in place to assist in ensuring tissue homeostasis, which can be easily perturbed by invading pathogens or nonpathogenic stressors causing tissue damage. Extracellular nucleotides are well known to contribute to innate immune signaling specificity and strength, but how their signaling is relayed downstream of cell surface receptors and how this translates into antiviral immunity is only partially understood. Here, we systematically investigated the responses of human macrophages to extracellular nucleotides, focusing on the nucleotide‐sensing GPRC receptors of the P2Y family. Time‐resolved transcriptomic analysis showed that adenine‐ and uridine‐based nucleotides induce a specific, immediate, and transient cytokine response through the MAPK signaling pathway that regulates transcriptional activation by AP‐1. Using receptor trans‐complementation, we identified a subset of P2Ys (P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y6, and P2Y11) that govern inflammatory responses via cytokine induction, while others (P2Y4, P2Y11, P2Y12, P2Y13, and P2Y14) directly induce antiviral responses. Notably, P2Y11 combined both activities, and depletion or inhibition of this receptor in macrophages impaired both inflammatory and antiviral responses. Collectively, these results highlight the underappreciated functions of P2Y receptors in innate immune processes. Synopsis: How signaling via extracellular nucleotides contributes to innate immunity and antiviral responses is incompletely understood. Here, a systematic survey of the eight P2Y family nucleotide receptors in human macrophages reveals two distinct subsets controlling either inflammation or viral replication. P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y6 and P2Y11 induces cytokines in response to nucleotide treatment.P2Y4, P2Y11, P2Y12, P2Y13 and P2Y14 inhibit replication of reporter Semliki forest virus (SFV).P2Y11 receptor combines both properties and induces a specific cytokine expression pattern in nucleotide‐stimulated macrophages.P2Y11‐dependent transcriptional regulation involves downstream signaling via the p38 MAPK pathway driving activation of AP‐1 transcription factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarise and critically appraise systematic review (SR) evidence on the effects of timing of complementary feeding (CF) on the occurrence of allergic sensitisation and disease. Design: Overview of SRs. AMSTAR‐2 and ROBIS were used to assess methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of SRs. RoB 2 Tool was used to assess RoB of primary randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (or extracted). The certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using GRADE. Findings were synthesised narratively. Data Sources: MEDLINE (via PubMed and Ovid), the Cochrane Library and Web of Science Core Collection (2010 to 27 February 2023). Eligibility Criteria: SRs investigating the effects of timing of CF in infants or young children (0–3 years) on risk of developing food allergy (FA), allergic sensitisation, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema and adverse events based on RCT evidence. Results: Eleven SRs were included. Only two SRs had low RoB; common issues were failure to report on funding of primary studies and failure to provide a list of excluded trials. Common limitations of included trials were lack of blinding of outcome assessment or detailed trial preregistration, and inadequate handling of high loss to follow up. Primary study overlap was very high for specific FA and slight to moderate for FA in general and other primary outcomes. Introducing specific foods (peanut, cooked egg) early probably reduces the risk of specific FA. Evidence for other allergic outcomes was mostly very uncertain and based on few primary studies. Trials varied regarding timing of CF, nature of complementary foods and population risk, which limited comparability between SRs. Conclusions: For developing guidelines to support decision‐making on the timing of CF as a preventive strategy, early introduction of specific foods (i.e. egg and peanut) seems promising and safe, whereas more extensive research is required regarding other allergic outcomes and potential adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several emission features mark semiconductor quantum dots as promising non‐classical light sources for prospective quantum implementations. For long‐distance transmission and Si‐based on‐chip processing, the possibility to match the telecom C‐band is decisive, while source brightness and high single‐photon purity are key features in virtually any quantum implementation. An InAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot emitting in the telecom C‐band coupled to a circular Bragg grating is presented here. This cavity structure stands out due to its high broadband collection efficiency and high attainable Purcell factors. Here, simultaneously high brightness with a fiber‐coupled single‐photon count rate of 13.9 MHz for an excitation repetition rate of 228 MHz (first‐lens single‐photon collection efficiency ≈17% for NA = 0.6), while maintaining a low multi‐photon contribution of g(2)(0)=0.0052$g^{(2)}(0)=0.0052$ is demonstrated. Moreover, the compatibility with temperatures of up to 40 K attainable with compact cryo coolers, further underlines the suitability for out‐of‐the‐lab implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Two‐dimensional (2D) transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is an accessible and cost‐effective diagnostic tool for the detection of adenomyosis. Different ultrasound features related to adenomyosis have been described, but the predictive value of each ultrasound sign and their combinations requires further investigation. We aimed to analyze the accuracy of 2D‐TVS and describe possible combinations of ultrasound signs with a high predictive value in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter study of patients scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy who had been examined using standardized 2D‐TVS at nine expert centers specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. 2D‐TVS examination included nine typical adenomyosis ultrasound features, comprising heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial linear striations, myometrial cysts, subendometrial microcysts, asymmetrical myometrial thickening, uterine enlargement, the 'question mark sign', thickening of the junctional zone and hyperechoic myometrial spots, in order to predict or exclude the presence of adenomyosis. Ultrasound examination results were compared with histology after hysterectomy. The diagnostic reliability of the nine ultrasound signs and their combinations, and the influence of concurrent fibroids on the accuracy of the results, were analyzed. Results: A total of 202 patients were enrolled into the study. Histopathological examination revealed adenomyosis in 130 patients (64.4%). The accuracy of prediction of adenomyosis by 2D‐TVS examination using all signs was 63.4% (positive predictive value, 71.5%; negative predictive value, 48.6%; sensitivity, 71.5%; specificity, 48.6%). Heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, subendometrial microcysts and hyperechoic myometrial spots showed the highest accuracy (55.7–62.1%) as individual ultrasound signs for the prediction of adenomyosis. The combination of the most accurate ultrasound signs (subendometrial microcysts, myometrial cysts and heterogeneous myometrium) improved the specificity of prediction (86.1%) when compared with that of these three single markers (35.2–81.7%). Uterine enlargement and asymmetry showed both low sensitivity (60.8% and 52.3%, respectively) and specificity (41.7% and 49.3%, respectively) as individual sonographic signs. Conclusions: Heterogeneous myometrium, myometrial cysts, subendometrial microcysts and hyperechoic myometrial spots showed the highest accuracy for the detection of adenomyosis in this study, while uterine enlargement and asymmetry led to high false‐positive and false‐negative results. A combination of ultrasound features including the most accurate signs increases specificity. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on dynamics within the European Parliament frequently draws on group‐based explanations – such as parties and national affiliations – for the behaviour of its members. Hence, there is a growing interest in the question of how policy issues trigger the salience of group memberships and whether partisan or national group memberships – and which of them – rank higher when voting on issues. This article provides answers to these questions by presenting empirical evidence on the group memberships that are decisive for the voting behaviour of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In theoretical terms, it introduces the social‐psychological perspective on social identities to European Union (EU) parliamentary research. Methodologically, the article relies on a qualitative comparative analysis of voting results in three resolutions of the 9th EU legislative term. The findings emphasize a hierarchy of salient social identities and reveal that some national and some partisan identities are stronger than others in the European Parliament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Longitudinal changes in bone health in children with intestinal failure (IF) are unclear. We aimed to better understand the trajectory of bone mineral status over time in children with IF and identify clinical factors that influence the trajectory. Methods: Clinical records of patients attending the Intestinal Rehabilitation Center of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed. Children diagnosed with IF before age 3 years with at least two lumbar spine dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans were included. We abstracted information on medical history, parenteral nutrition, bone density, and growth. We calculated bone density z scores with and without adjustment for height z scores. Results: Thirty‐four children with IF met inclusion criteria. Children were shorter than average with a mean height z score of −1.5 ± 1.3. The mean bone density z score was −1.5 ± 1.3 with 25 of the cohort having a z score < −2.0. After height adjustment, the mean bone density z score was −0.42 ± 1.4 with 11% below −2.0. Most dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans (60%) had a feeding tube artifact. Bone density z scores increased slightly with age and lower parenteral nutrition dependency and were higher in scans without an artifact. Etiologies of IF, line infections, prematurity, and vitamin D status were not associated with height‐adjusted bone density z scores. Conclusion: Children with IF were shorter than expected for age. Deficits in bone mineral status were less common when adjusting for short stature. Etiologies of IF, prematurity, and vitamin D deficiency were not associated with bone density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preeclampsia remains one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. Effective therapies are yet to be developed. Recent research has identified an imbalance of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors as a root cause of preeclampsia. In particular, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) has been shown to bind the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF), reducing blood vessel growth. Increasing preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that removal of the sFlt‐1 protein may benefit patients with early onset preeclampsia. sFlt‐1 may be removed by conventional blood purification techniques, such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and dextran sulfate apheresis (DSA), or emerging technologies, including extracorporeal magnetic blood purification (MBP). Methods: We compare the performance and selectivity of TPE, DSA, and MBP for the therapeutic removal of sFlt‐1. For MPB, we employ magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with either sFlt‐1 antibodies or the sFlt‐1‐binding partner, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results: We demonstrate that sFlt‐1 removal by MBP is feasible and significantly more selective than TPE and DSA at comparable sFlt‐1 removal efficiencies (MBP 96%, TPE 92%, DSA 78%). During both TPE and DSA, complement factors (incl. C3c and C4) are depleted to a considerable extent (−90% for TPE, −55% for DSA), while in MBP, complement factor concentrations remain unaltered. We further demonstrate that the removal efficacy of sFlt‐1 in the MBP approach is strongly dependent on the nanoparticle type and dose and can be optimized to reach clinically feasible throughputs. Conclusions: Taken together, the highly selective removal of sFlt‐1 and potential other disease‐causing factors by extracorporeal magnetic blood purification may offer new prospects for preeclamptic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising treatment for food allergies; however, safety is a concern. We synthesized evidence from the best randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on efficacy/safety of OIT for desensitization (DS) and remission (sustained unresponsiveness (SU)) in IgE mediated allergy to peanut, hen's eggs, and cow's milk. Body: We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (Until Oct 22) identifying 16 eligible RCTs published in English measuring food allergy by food challenge at the beginning and at the end of the study. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess study quality. We found 18 eligible studies. There was evidence of efficacy for DS for all allergens: peanut (RR 11.32; 95% CI 5.93, 21.60, I2 49%, 8 studies); hen's egg (RR 4.67; 2.66, 8.21, I2 0%, 5 studies); cow's milk (RR 13.98; 3.51, 55.65, I2 0%, 4 studies) and evidence for SU for peanut (RR 7.74; 2.90, 20.69, I2 0%, 3 studies) and hen's egg (RR 6.91; 1.67, 28.57, I2 0%, 2 studies). Allergic events were increased with intervention, and risk of adrenaline use increased for peanut RR 2.96; 1.63, 5.35, I2 0%, 8 studies; egg RR 1.71; 0.42, 6.92, I2 0%, 6 studies; and milk RR 8.45; 2.02, 35.27, I2 0%, 4 studies. Conclusion: We found strong evidence that peanut, hen's egg, and cow's milk OIT can induce DS and some evidence for remission. There was a high risk of allergic reactions. Generalizability to the entire food allergic population is not known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary techno‐economic assessment of a microalgae biorefinery plant is reported, with pulsed electric field treatment (PEF) hydrothermal liquefaction as core technology. The results indicate that standalone production of microalgae biofuel would lead to an annual loss of 2.615 M€. PEF treatment could improve this scenario by bringing the microalgae biofuel to a competitive level (0.78 € kg−1). Assuming that microalgae biofuel would be sold at the price of crude oil (0.44 € kg−1), the minimum price of the amino‐acid based product should be 7.56 € L−1 for positive capital returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban‐induced habitat conversion drastically changes soil life in a variety of ways. Soil sealing, human disturbance, habitat fragmentation, industrial and vehicular pollution are the main causes of urban soil degradation. Soil arthropods, as one of the most abundant and diverse group of soil fauna, are involved in many soil processes that are of great importance in maintaining soil health and multifunctionality. Nevertheless, soil quality is still mainly characterized by physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. Here, we assessed and compared the biological soil quality in woody (REF: reference forest, REM: remnant forest) and nonwoody (TURF: public turfgrass, and RUD: ruderal habitat) types of urban green spaces along a disturbance and management intensity gradient in the Budapest metropolitan area (Hungary), using community metrics and soil arthropod‐based indicators. Vegetation cover and landscape characteristics of study sites were quantified through vegetation and urbanization indices, respectively. Basic soil properties, total and bioavailable concentrations of the main heavy metals (Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Zn) were also measured. Acari, Collembola, and Hymenoptera (mainly Formicidae) were the most abundant groups. Litter‐dweller taxa, particularly Protura, proved to be the most sensitive to urban disturbance. Representatives of Hemiptera, Diptera, Symphyla, and Pauropoda were common in low densities. The taxonomic diversity of soil arthropod assemblages in nonwoody and woody habitats was similar. Although the integrated faunal indices showed no differences among soil habitat types, they provided different responses and, consequently, different information. Our findings demonstrated that the biological quality and arthropod community structure of soils were strongly impacted by soil C/N and heavy metal contamination. We found that low and moderate levels of pollution have adverse effects on edaphic fauna, suggesting biological degradation of soils, even below pollution limits. Nevertheless, more disturbed urban green spaces have been shown to play a significant role in maintaining belowground biodiversity, thereby soil functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sampling of fluvial sediment is subject to many sources of uncertainty, for example, time and location, and the number of samples collected. It is nevertheless commonly assumed that a sample taken at one time and location provides a somewhat averaged compositional signal. Any spatial or temporal variability of this signal is often neglected. This study investigates how the composition of bed load sand changes over an observation period of 1 year in four river basins with differing bedrock geology in southwestern Germany. Up to 12 bulk sediment samples were taken at the same locations using the same approach and analyzed for their granulometry and geochemistry. The results indicate that (a) different grain sizes yield different compositions due to source rock composition and hydraulic sorting effects, (b) bulk sediment composition changes temporally due to changing grain‐size distribution, and (c) compared to the bulk sample, the composition of narrow grain sizes is temporally more stable but nevertheless has an average variability of 15%. Because heavy mineral‐bound elements such as Zr have the highest variability, we relate a major component of compositional variability to temporally varying heavy mineral concentrations in response to hydrodynamic processes. Mixing modeling demonstrates that the fluvial sand faithfully reflects its catchment geology and that the sediment sources do not change substantially during the observation period, even during a flooding event. We conclude (a) that the causes for compositional variability may be disentangled using chemical and granulometric time series data and (b) that narrow grain sizes yield representative source rock contributions. Plain Language Summary: Sediment transported by rivers is generated by the erosion of the rocks present within the river catchment area. The composition of this sediment is controlled by various processes in the catchment, for example, climate, rock type, weathering, and flow strength. Geoscientists can use modern river sediment to understand how these processes impact sediment composition, and then apply this information to the geologic time. Sampling the river sediment is often the first step in such studies, but few studies consider the sources of uncertainty during sampling, for example, time and location of sampling, and number of collected samples. For this study, we returned to the same river location during the course of 1 year to take bulk sediment samples and analyzed how variable the size of sediment grains and the sediment chemistry are. We discovered that different grain sizes yield different chemical compositions, and this is caused by differences in rock type and hydraulic processes. Because the proportion of different grain sizes in the bulk sediment changes over the year due to water flow conditions, the chemistry of the bulk sediment sample changes over the year. We provide some quantitative estimates for this variability that should be considered in similar studies. Key Points: Bed load sand from 4 rivers was sampled monthly over the course of 1 year to analyze the temporal compositional variabilityComposition is grain‐size‐dependent, and narrow grain‐size fractions show less variability than bulk sediment samplesComposition changes during the year, and this is related to changing grain‐size distributions rather than changing sediment sources [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The vagus nerve is a key mediator of brain–heart signaling, and its activity is necessary for cardiovascular health. Vagal outflow stems from the nucleus ambiguus, responsible primarily for fast, beat‐to‐beat regulation of heart rate and rhythm, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, responsible primarily for slow regulation of ventricular contractility. Due to the high‐dimensional and multimodal nature of the anatomical, molecular and physiological data on neural regulation of cardiac function, data‐derived mechanistic insights have proven elusive. Elucidating insights has been complicated further by the broad distribution of the data across heart, brain and peripheral nervous system circuits. Here we lay out an integrative framework based on computational modelling for combining these disparate and multi‐scale data on the two vagal control lanes of the cardiovascular system. Newly available molecular‐scale data, particularly single‐cell transcriptomic analyses, have augmented our understanding of the heterogeneous neuronal states underlying vagally mediated fast and slow regulation of cardiac physiology. Cellular‐scale computational models built from these data sets represent building blocks that can be combined using anatomical and neural circuit connectivity, neuronal electrophysiology, and organ/organismal‐scale physiology data to create multi‐system, multi‐scale models that enable in silico exploration of the fast versus slow lane vagal stimulation. The insights from the computational modelling and analyses will guide new experimental questions on the mechanisms regulating the fast and slow lanes of the cardiac vagus toward exploiting targeted vagal neuromodulatory activity to promote cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cGAS‐STING (cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase‐stimulator of interferon genes) axis is the predominant DNA sensing system in cells of the innate immune system. However, human T cells also express high levels of STING, while its role and physiological trigger remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the cGAS‐STING pathway is indeed functional in human primary T cells. In the presence of a TCR‐engaging signal, both cGAS and STING activation switches T cells into type I interferon‐producing cells. However, T cell function is severely compromised following STING activation, as evidenced by increased cell death, decreased proliferation, and impaired metabolism. Interestingly, these different phenotypes bifurcate at the level of STING. While antiviral immunity and cell death require the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), decreased proliferation is mediated by STING independently of IRF3. In summary, we demonstrate that human T cells possess a functional cGAS‐STING signaling pathway that can contribute to antiviral immunity. However, regardless of its potential antiviral role, the activation of the cGAS‐STING pathway negatively affects T cell function at multiple levels. Taken together, these results could help inform the future development of cGAS‐STING‐targeted immunotherapies. Synopsis: In primary human T cells, the activation of the innate sensor STING leads to antiviral cytokine release. However, T cell functionality is reduced upon STING activation through increased apoptosis, impaired proliferation, and compromised metabolism. Innate sensors cGAS and STING are operational in human T cells.STING activation induces antiviral cytokine production in TCR‐activated human T cells.TCR activation strongly boosts STING activation and antiviral gene expression.STING activation in human T cells induces apoptosis and impairs proliferation and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy implementation also depends on the people who put the policy into practice. Their analysis shows that input additionality (increased private investment in research and development as a result of public support) is positively correlated with behavioral additionality (changes in the overall firm condition) and that this also positively links to output additionality (enhanced innovation performance). When writing this introduction, the year 2023 is only young but already started fantastically with the great first Conference on Policy Process Research, hosted by the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs that took place in a hybrid format from January 12 to January 14, 2023. [Extracted from the article]

Aim: To assess participation with a structured transition programme for adolescents with diabetes. Methods: Data from a regional cohort aged less than 16 years of age with type 1 (T1) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Auckland, New Zealand (2006–2016). Participation was defined as opting into a structured transition programme. Results: Five hundrend and twelve adolescents who were to be transferred to adult care (476 type 1 (T1D) and 36 type 2 (T2D)), overall participation rate of 83%, 86% (408/476) with T1D compared to 47% (17/36) with T2D. Within the cohort of T1D, participation rates for Māori and Pacific were lower (74% and 77%, respectively) than New Zealand Europeans (88%, p = 0.020 and p = 0.039, respectively). Lower socio‐economic status was associated with reduced participation (77%) compared to higher socio‐economic status (90%, p = 0.002). Of the 476 T1D who participated, 408 (96%) subsequently attended at least one adult service clinic ("capture"). 42% attended an adult clinic within the planned 3 months, 87% at 6 months and retention in adult clinics over 5 years of follow‐up was 78%. By contrast, the 68 young people with T1D who did not participate in the structured transition had a capture rate of 78% (p < 0.001) and retention of 63% (p = 0.036). Conclusions: In adolescents with diabetes, a formal transition from a paediatric service was associated with high rates of adult capture and subsequent retention in adult care over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Low socio‐economic status, Māori or Pacific ethnicity and T2D were associated with reduced participation in the structured transition programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the initial tectonic and depositional dynamics, as well as the influence of early rifting on climate and environmental evolution remains speculative to a large extent, because sediments are usually deeply buried. Within the East African Rift System, inversion tectonics uplifted a few of these successions to the surface hence presenting rare windows into the pre‐rift depositional history. One such example, an exceptional 700 m long and up to 60 m high fresh road cut provided the opportunity to study in detail initial rift successions of the southern Albertine Rift (Western Uganda). This focusses on the basal and poorly known Middle to Late Miocene in order to unravel the climatic, environmental, hydrological and tectonic evolution of the initial Albertine Rift. A large and robust multi‐proxy dataset was gathered comprising 169 m of stratigraphic thickness, which spans from 14.5 to 4.9 Ma according to a revised lithostratigraphic model. Fieldwork comprised logging of the sedimentary record, spectral gamma ray, magnetic susceptibility and 2D wall mapping with photomosaics. Additionally, the sections were sampled for bulk mineral and clay mineral analysis. The succession exposes a suite of lithofacies and architectural elements detailing the evolution of a fluvio‐lacustrine system. Five depositional environments were identified which show an overall back‐stepping trend from an alluvial plain to a delta plain and finally palustrine/shallow lacustrine conditions. Mesoscale base‐level cycles, preservation potential of architectural elements, and stacking pattern exhibit limited accommodation space. However, it increases over time. This overall trend indicates increasing tectonic subsidence, which can be explained by flexural downwarp within the pre‐rift phase and in the upper part grading into fault‐controlled crustal extension of the syn‐rift phase, which more and more disrupted a large‐scale river system. From the Middle Miocene up to the early Pliocene, this study revealed that palaeoclimate trends become marked by increasing and more fluctuating Th concentrations, loss of feldspar, intercalated lenses of hydroxosulphate minerals, and a shift from smectite‐dominated to kaolinite‐dominated clays. These signals are all interpreted as detrital except for the hydroxosulphates, and they mirror the increasing intensity of chemical weathering and stripping of soils in the catchment. A trend towards increasing humidity is supported by an increase in lacustrine sediment facies and a lake‐level rise. Nevertheless, intercalation of hydroxosulphate, ferricretes and pedogenised horizons prove ongoing seasonality and dry intervals. Finally, based on a revised stratigraphic model a sequence stratigraphic correlation of the outcrop's depositional cycles with basin‐scale cycles is presented. According to these cycles, transition from the pre‐rift to the syn‐rift stage is marked by an unconformity and a tectonic pulse in the latest Miocene. However, the response of fluvial supply, the depositional system as well as climate conditions are less punctuated and characterised by gradual trends and temporal delays. The long pre‐rift phase (ca 10 Myr) and the gradual transition to the syn‐rift phase is in accordance with the active rifting model, which is based on thermal thinning of the lithosphere by asthenospheric upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standardized sizes used in the garment industry do not cover the range of individual differences in body shape for most people, leading to ill‐fitting clothes, high return rates and overproduction. Recent research efforts in both industry and academia, therefore, focus on virtual try‐on and on‐demand fabrication of individually fitting garments. We propose an interactive design tool for creating custom‐fit garments based on 3D body scans of the intended wearer. Our method explicitly incorporates transitions between various body poses to ensure a better fit and freedom of movement. The core of our method focuses on tools to create a 3D garment shape directly on an avatar without an underlying sewing pattern, and on the adjustment of that garment's rest shape while interpolating and moving through the different input poses. We alternate between cloth simulation and rest shape adjustment based on stretch to achieve the final shape of the garment. At any step in the real‐time process, we allow for interactive changes to the garment. Once the garment shape is finalized for production, established techniques can be used to parameterize it into a 2D sewing pattern or transform it into a knitting pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]