bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid bark‐mediated tree stem methane transport occurs independently of the transpiration stream in Melaleuca quinquenervia
Authors: Jeffrey Luke C. , Johnston Scott G. , Tait Douglas R. , Dittmann Johannes , Maher Damien T.
Published: November 2023

Tree stem methane emissions are important components of lowland forest methane budgets. The potential for species‐specific behaviour among co‐occurring lowland trees with contrasting bark characteristics has not been investigated.

We compare bark‐mediated methane transport in two common lowland species of contrasting bark characteristics (Melaleuca quinquenervia featuring spongy/layered bark with longitudinally continuous airspaces and Casuarina glauca featuring hard/dense common bark) through several manipulative experiments.

First, the progressive cutting through M. quinquenervia bark layers caused exponential increases in methane fluxes (c. 3 orders of magnitude); however, sapwood‐only fluxes were lower, suggesting that upward/axial methane transport occurs between bark layers. Second, concentrated methane pulse‐injections into exposed M. quinquenervia bark, revealed rapid axial methane transport rates (1.42 mm s−1), which were further supported through laboratory‐simulated experiments (1.41 mm s−1). Laboratory‐simulated radial CH4 diffusion rates (through bark) were c. 20‐times slower. Finally, girdling M. quinquenervia stems caused a near‐instantaneous decrease in methane flux immediately above the cut. By contrast, girdling C. glauca displayed persistent, though diminished, methane fluxes.

Overall, the experiments revealed evidence for rapid ‘between‐bark’ methane transport independent from the transpiration stream in M. quinquenervia, which facilitates diffusive axial transport from the rhizosphere and/or sapwood sources. This contrasts with the slower, radial ‘through‐bark’ diffusive‐dominated gas transportation in C. glauca.
Transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA fragments – emerging players in plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Panstruga Ralph , Spanu Pietro
Published: November 2023

According to current textbooks, the principal task of transfer and ribosomal RNAs (tRNAs and rRNAs, respectively) is synthesizing proteins. During the last decade, additional cellular roles for precisely processed tRNA and rRNAs fragments have become evident in all kingdoms of life. These RNA fragments were originally overlooked in transcriptome datasets or regarded as unspecific degradation products. Upon closer inspection, they were found to engage in a variety of cellular processes, in particular the modulation of translation and the regulation of gene expression by sequence complementarity‐ and Argonaute protein‐dependent gene silencing. More recently, the presence of tRNA and rRNA fragments has also been recognized in the context of plant–microbe interactions, both on the plant and the microbial side. While most of these fragments are likely to affect endogenous processes, there is increasing evidence for their transfer across kingdoms in the course of such interactions; these processes may involve mutual exchange in association with extracellular vesicles. Here, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art understanding of tRNA and rRNA fragment's roles in the context of plant–microbe interactions, their potential biogenesis, presumed delivery routes, and presumptive modes of action.
Salivary microbiomes vary among orthodontic appliances and associate with clinical periodontal parameters
Authors: Wang Mengqiao , Chen Jitian , Wang Ziyao , Wang Yihua , Zhang Yue , Feng Qiang , Wei Fulan
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the salivary bacterial communities during the first 6‐month orthodontic treatment with Clear Aligners (CA) and Fixed Appliances (FA), and its correlation with clinical periodontal parameters.

Materials and Methods

Saliva and periodontal parameters were sampled from individuals wearing CA or FA before treatment (T0), and after 3‐ (T3) and 6‐month (T6) treatments. Salivary bacterial communities characterized based on the 16S rRNA V3‐V4 region were compared between FA and CA and correlated with clinical periodontal parameters.

Results

Probing Depth (PD) significantly increased at T6 in the FA group versus T0, whereas it remained stable in the CA group. The Shannon and Pielou indices were significantly higher in the FA group and significantly positively correlated with periodontal inflammation parameters. β‐diversity analysis revealed distinct communities between the FA group and CA group at T6. The relative abundances of 3 genera and 15 species were significantly higher in the FA group. Among the above appliance‐type related taxa, bacterial genera Selenomonas, Stomatobaculum, Olsenella and Faecalicoccus and bacterial species Selenomonas_sputigena, Dialister_invisus, Olsenella_profus, Prevotella_buccae, Cryptobacterium_curtum and Clostridium_spiroforme were significantly positively associated with periodontal parameters.

Conclusions

Orthodontic treatments trigger appliance‐related salivary bacterial communities, highlighting the importance of developing appliance–orientated periodontal strategies during orthodontic treatments. Salivary bacterial communities harboured by patients wearing FA possess higher bacterial parameters which were associated with increasing PD, PI and Gingival Index.
Architectural and cytological features of epithelial dysplasia associated with transformation risk
Authors: Cai Xinjia , Zhang Jianyun , Zhang Heyu , Zhou Xuan , Zhou Zheng , Jing Fengyang , Luo Haiyan , Li Tiejun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study explored associations between histological features of dysplasia and malignant transformation, as well as genomic copy number alterations.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 201 samples were collected from patients of oral leukoplakia. The associations of dysplastic features with malignant transformation and copy number alterations were investigated by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Eight individual histological features, such as irregular epithelial stratification (p = 0.001), mitoses high in epithelium (p = 0.033), extension of changes along minor gland ducts (p < 0.001), etc., were associated with greater risk of malignant transformation. A model including histological features and age showed good performance for predicting malignant transformation (area under receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.806). Irregular epithelial stratification (p = 0.007), abnormal nuclear shape (p = 0.005), abnormal cell size (p = 0.004), etc. were associated with greater genomic instability.

Conclusions

A Cox proportional hazards model using eight histological features and patient age reliably predicted the malignant potential of oral epithelial dysplasia. Identification of these histological features closely related to malignant transformation may aid the management of oral potentially malignant disorders and early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Right lower lung midline herniation as a rare complication in an infant with heart–lung transplantation: A case report
Authors: Kim Dohyung , Choi Kwang Ho , Kim Hyungtae , Lee Jae Hong , Kim Younga , Byun Joung‐Hee
Published: November 2023

Background

Lung herniation is a rare complication of heart–lung transplantation that can be fatal owing to vascular compromise and airway obstruction. To date, only five cases of lung herniation related to heart–lung transplantation have been reported in the literature; however, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first worldwide report of heart–lung transplantation‐related lung herniation in an infant.

Methods

We describe the case of lung herniation as a rare heart–lung transplantation‐related complication in an infant. A 12‐month‐old female baby developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia with severe pulmonary hypertension, and she underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac collapse and lung support. Then, we performed heart–lung transplantation to manage the irreversible deterioration of her lung function. After the heart‐lung transplantation, we found the radiological abnormalities persisted on follow‐up chest radiographs until the 13th postoperative day diagnosed as lung herniation of the right lower lobe on chest computed tomography.

Results

After the relocation of the herniated lung, the clinical condition of the patient improved, and the patient is currently growing without any respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions

In this case report, we emphasize that clinical awareness and high suspicion of this rare complication are needed for early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent post‐transplantation morbidity and mortality related to potential ischemic injury.
Fundament for a methodological standard to process hip accelerometer data to a measure of physical activity intensity in middle‐aged individuals
Authors: Arvidsson Daniel , Fridolfsson J. , Ekblom‐Bak E. , Ekblom Ö. , Bergström G. , Börjesson M.
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a lack of a methodological standard to process accelerometer data to measures of physical activity, which impairs data quality and comparability. This study investigated the effect of different combinations of settings of multiple processing components, on the measure of physical activity and the association with measures of cardiometabolic health in an unselected population of middle‐aged individuals.

Methods

Free‐living hip accelerometer data, aerobic fitness, body mass index, HDL:total cholesterol ratio, blood glucose, and systolic blood pressure were achieved from 4391 participants 50–64 years old included in The Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) baseline measurement (cross‐sectional). Lab data were also included for calibration of accelerometers to provide comparable measure of physical activity intensity and time spent in different intensity categories, as well as to enhance understanding. The accelerometer data processing components were hardware recalibration, frequency filtering, number of accelerometer axes, epoch length, wear time criterium, time composition (min/24 h vs. % of wear time). Partial least regression and ordinary least regression were used for the association analyses.

Results

The setting of frequency filter had the strongest effect on the physical activity intensity measure and time distribution in different intensity categories followed by epoch length and number of accelerometer axes. Wear time criterium and recalibration of accelerometer data were less important. The setting of frequency filter and epoch length also showed consistent important effect on the associations with the different measures of cardiometabolic health, while the effect of recalibration, number of accelerometer axes, wear time criterium and expression of time composition was less consistent and less important. There was a large range in explained variance of the measures of cardiometabolic health depending on the combination of processing settings, for example, 12.1%–20.8% for aerobic fitness and 5.8%–14.0% for body mass index.

Conclusions

There was a large variation in the physical activity intensity measure and the association with different measures of cardiometabolic health depending on the combination of settings of accelerometer data processing components. The results provide a fundament for a standard to process hip accelerometer data to assess the physical activity in middle‐aged populations.
Pacification through decentralization: An explanatory analysis of ethno‐territorial cabinet conflict in Belgium (1979–2006)
Authors: Vandenberghe Maxime
Published: November 2023

The impact of decentralization on ethno‐territorial conflict is widely debated, but empirical analyses of ethno‐territorial party politics are scarce. This paper uses novel data on conflicts in power‐sharing cabinets to explore the relation between decentralization and ethno‐territorial conflicts in the case of Belgium (1979–2006). These data are analysed with the help of poisson and logistic regressions, which confirm the negative association between decentralization and conflict. In addition to institutions, the analyses also examine the relevance of issue saliency, regionalist parties' strength, regionalist cabinet participation, and the proximity of elections. The results contradict the paradox of federalism and add to contemporary debates on ethno‐territorial politics, conflict management, and power‐sharing.
The impact of donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibody levels on primary poor graft function and graft rejection in rituximab desensitized haploidentical stem cell transplantation
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Yu , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Zhao Xiao‐Su , Cheng Yi‐Fei , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Chang Ying‐Jun
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the influence of donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA) levels on primary poor graft function (PGF) and graft rejection (GR) after haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo‐SCT) with rituximab desensitization. A total of 155 DSA‐positive haplo‐SCT candidates with mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) between 2000 and 10,000 were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined the optimal DSA MFI cutoff for identifying high‐risk patients. Patients were categorized into two groups: DSA low‐level group (2000 ≤ DSA MFI < 5000, Group A) and high‐level group (5000 ≤ DSA MFI ≤ 10,000, Group B). The incidence of primary PGF was 6.5% (2.6%–10.3%), while GR incidence was 0.6% (0.0%–1.9%). Group A had significantly lower primary PGF rates than Group B (2.3% [0.0%–5.7%] vs. 12.9% [4.8%–21.0%], p = 0.017). Only one patient in Group B experienced GR. High DSA levels (5000 ≤ MFI ≤ 10,000) were identified as the sole independent risk factor for primary PGF and GR after haplo‐SCT with rituximab desensitization (HR = 7.282, 95% CI 1.517–34.953, p = 0.013). The 4‐year cumulative incidence of relapse, non‐relapse mortality, disease‐free survival, and overall survival were 14.7% (11.6%–17.8%), 16.3% (13.1%–19.4%), 69.0% (65.9%–76.2%), and 70.6% (66.4%–74.8%), respectively. DSA levels have an impact on efficiency of rituximab desensitization, and a DSA MFI threshold is provided for predicting primary PGF and GR.
Plastid terminal oxidase is required for chloroplast biogenesis in barley
Authors: Overlander‐Chen Megan , Carlson Craig H. , Fiedler Jason D. , Yang Shengming
Published: November 2023

Chloroplast biogenesis is critical for crop biomass and economic yield. However, chloroplast development is a very complicated process coordinated by cross‐communication between the nucleus and plastids, and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully revealed. To explore the regulatory machinery for chloroplast biogenesis, we conducted map‐based cloning of the Grandpa 1 (Gpa1) gene regulating chloroplast development in barley. The spontaneous mutation gpa1.a caused a variegation phenotype of the leaf, dwarfed growth, reduced grain yield, and increased tiller number. Genetic mapping anchored the Gpa1 gene onto 2H within a gene cluster functionally related to photosynthesis or chloroplast differentiation. One gene (HORVU.MOREX.r3.2HG0213170) in the delimited region encodes a putative plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) in thylakoid membranes, which is homologous to IMMUTANS (IM) of Arabidopsis. The IM gene is required for chloroplast biogenesis and maintenance of functional thylakoids in Arabidopsis. Using CRISPR technology and gene transformation, we functionally validated that the PTOX‐encoding gene, HORVU.MOREX.r3.2HG0213170, is the causal gene of Gpa1. Gene expression and chemical analysis revealed that the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway is suppressed by the gpa1 mutation, rendering mutants vulnerable to photobleaching. Our results showed that the overtillering associated with the gpa1 mutation was caused by the lower accumulation of carotenoid‐derived strigolactones (SLs) in the mutant. The cloning of Gpa1 not only improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast biosynthesis but also indicates that the PTOX activity is conserved between monocots and dicots for the establishment of the photosynthesis factory.
Industrial Textile Wastewater Treatment by Crossflow NF Membrane Filtration
Authors: Chong K. C. , Lai S. O. , Chong W. C. , Pang Y. L. , Mah S. K. , Teong J. H.
Published: November 2023

Ineffective dyeing procedures frequently lead to the release of approximately 10–50% of the dye applied, which does not adhere to the fabric and is consequently discharged into the environment along with the effluent. This situation is undesirable both for potential recycling within the textile manufacturing process and because of its adverse environmental pollution effects.  This study thoroughly examines nanofiltration (NF) membrane characteristics and their performance in textile wastewater treatment. Pristine NF membrane surfaces were revealing a web-like structure with well-defined pores predominantly in the membrane active region. This assessment confirms the membrane initial cleanliness, free from any external contaminants, which is vital for effective membrane-based filtration. Additionally, the study investigates how different feed flow rates affect water flux during NF membrane filtration. The results demonstrate a clear relationship, where the increasing flow rates boost water flux. This can be attributed to heightened cross-flow velocity and shear force on the membrane surface due to the increased water flux, minimizing external concentration polarization and reducing membrane fouling. The impact of feed flow rate on membrane separation efficiency is also examined, showing consistent efficiency at feed flow rates between 2 LPM and 5 LPM (approximately 80.8% to 82.22%). However, efficiency drops as the feed flow rate increases from 5 LPM to 6 LPM, likely due to increased pressure drop across the membrane, affecting separation efficiency.
A Flexible Framework for Robotic Post-Processing of 3D Printed Components
Authors: Bajrami Albin , Palpacelli Matteo Claudio
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has revolutionized the production of mechanical components by enabling the creation of objects of complex geometry, but at the same time it has introduced new issues related to post-processing operations. Similarly, robotics has seen an evolution with the emergence of collaborative robots, which can support the operator in human-centric applications. This work aims to bring these two technologies together by presenting a flexible framework for processing raw products obtained through 3D printing technology with the support of collaborative robotics. This framework lays the foundation for the subsequent development of a human-robot cooperation protocol with the aim of simplifying post-processing and particularly finishing operations of metal-printed 3D objects. In this paper, an initial integrated solution is proposed that can address the post-processing needs of objects from 3D printing, providing guidance on the software and hardware tools to be used and the process to be followed to achieve a quality product in compliance with the relevant standards. Verifications in a simulation environment and through algorithms based on the kinematics and statics of a Fanuc collaborative robot implemented in a numerical environment allow verification of the feasibility of several operations. The result is a comprehensive framework that starts from the feasibility study and reaches the completion of the 3D printed component through finishing and post-processing operations.
Investigating Children’s Experiences for Smart Wearables: Implications on Design for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Bonello Matthew , Farrugia Philip , Buhagiar Nathalie
Published: November 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) is becoming more widely used to develop consumer products, from functional devices to static artefacts. Nowadays due to the competitive market consumer products go beyond satisfying the users’ needs, by generating meaningful and relevant experiences. This is the scope of User eXperience (UX) design, to create more user-friendly, easy-to-use, useful and enjoyable products. Previous literature has emphasised the importance of considering UX design during the development of smart wearables to decrease their rejection rate and achieve more user-adherent wearables. When producing these types of devices, the impact of AM on the user-product interaction is however overlooked. Within this context, this paper presents a study conducted with children to identify what characteristics of AM influence their experience when interacting with smart wearables. The feedback from these users can help depict a clearer understanding of what aspects of both opportunistic and restrictive Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) elements can help achieve a positive UX, which can ultimately increase the acceptance rate and lifespan of the smart wearables. The outcomes obtained are discussed in light of their impact on sub-elements of UX. Additionally, future work is proposed to develop an ontology to aid design engineers during the development of smart wearables for children, adding to the existing body of knowledge of DfAM.
MEMS Cantilever Biosensors Driven by Fringe Effect: Voltage-Amplitude Response of Parametric Resonance
Authors: Martinez Miguel A. , Caruntu Dumitru I.
Published: November 2023

This paper deals with voltage-amplitude response of fringing field/effect actuated micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever beam resonator biosensors at parametric resonance. The system consists of a flexible electrode (cantilever beam) and a fixed electrode (ground plate) in parallel, connected through an AC voltage source. The electrostatic force induced is due to the parallel-plate capacitance, which is directly related to the overlapping area of the two electrodes (Palmer’s Formula). In addition, fringing field electrostatic actuation must be accounted for. This is due to the bending of electric field lines from the ground plate to the top and side walls of the cantilever beam. In this study, the cantilever beam is actuated by the fringing field only. This is modelled by the following approach: the electrostatic force due to the parallel-plate capacitance is neglected due to a hole in the ground plate (removes overlapping area). With the frequency of the AC voltage near the natural frequency of the MEMS cantilever, the resonator will go into parametric resonance. The partial differential equation describing the dynamic behavior of the micro-beam resonator is nondimensionalized and a Reduced Order Model (ROM) is formulated. This is a one-mode of vibration model that is solved analytically using the Method of Multiple Scales (MMS). The voltage-amplitude response (bifurcation diagram) is projected. The force due to fringing actuation is expanded in Taylor Series and the terms up to the 3rd and 5th powers are kept (small terms due to small bookkeeping parameter). The method identified a zero-amplitude solution as well as two branches, one stable and one unstable, with two bifurcation points, subcritical and supercritical. In addition, a two-term reduced order model is developed and solved numerically to obtain steady-state solutions and validate the results. Finally, the equations from the two-term reduced order model are used in AUTO-07p (a continuation and bifurcation software for ODEs) to get a voltage response from the two-term ROM. The response is then compared to those that include the electrostatic force only as well as electrostatic and fringe together. The effect of damping, fringe, and detuning frequency on the voltage-amplitude response are also investigated.
Triple Process Theory and EEG Frequency Band Power: Metacognitive Brain Activity in Open Design
Authors: Vieira Sonia Liliana Da Silva , Kannengiesser Udo , Gero John S.
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated EEG frequency band power associated with spontaneous, deliberate, and metacognitive process differences based on a Triple Process Theory. Results reveal a significant main effect of process type for alpha 1, alpha 2, and beta 1 frequencies from EEG measurements. Metacognitive processes show higher power for these frequency bands across all the channels. These preliminary results lead us to postulate that metacognitive processes may play an important role in mediating cognitive effort by sustaining the balance between the oscillatory brain activity of spontaneous and deliberate processes while designing.
Similarities and Differences in Human Vs. Computational Representations of Non-Semantic Inspirational Design Stimuli
Authors: Kwon Elisa , Goucher-Lambert Kosa
Published: November 2023

As inspirational stimuli can assist designers with achieving enhanced design outcomes, supporting the retrieval of impactful sources of inspiration is important. Existing methods facilitating this retrieval have relied mostly on semantic relationships, e.g., analogical distances. Increasingly, data-driven methods can be leveraged to represent diverse stimuli in terms of multi-modal information, enabling designers to access stimuli in terms of less explored, non-text-based relationships. Toward improved retrieval of multi-modal representations of inspirational stimuli, this work compares human-evaluated and computationally derived similarities between stimuli in terms of non-text-based visual and functional features. A human subjects study (n = 36) was conducted where similarity assessments between triplets of 3D-model parts were collected and used to construct psychological embedding spaces. Distances between unique part embeddings were used to represent similarities in terms of visual and functional features. Obtained distances were compared with computed distances between embeddings of the same stimuli generated using artificial intelligence (AI)-based deep-learning approaches. When used to assess similarity in appearance and function, these representations were found to be largely consistent, with highest agreement found when assessing pairs of stimuli with low similarity. Alignment between models was otherwise lower when identifying the same pairs of stimuli with higher levels of similarity. Importantly, qualitative data also revealed insights regarding how humans made similarity assessments, including more abstract information not captured using AI-based approaches. Toward providing inspiration to designers that considers design problems, ideas, and solutions in terms of non-text-based relationships, further exploration of how these relationships are represented and evaluated is encouraged.
A Reliability-Based Optimization Framework for Planning Operational Profiles for Unmanned Systems
Authors: Hazra Indranil , Chatterjee Arko , Southgate Joseph , Weiner Matthew J. , Groth Katrina M. , Azarm Shapour
Published: November 2023

Unmanned engineering systems that execute various operations are becoming increasingly complex relying on a large number of components and their interactions. The reliability, maintainability, and performance optimization of these systems are critical due to their intricate nature and inaccessibility during operations. This paper introduces a new reliability-based optimization framework for planning operational profiles for unmanned systems. The proposed method employs deep learning techniques for subsystem health monitoring, dynamic Bayesian networks for system reliability analysis, and Bayesian optimization schemes for optimizing system performance. The proposed framework systematically integrates these schemes to enable their application to a wide range of tasks, including offline reliability-based optimization of system operational profiles. This framework is the first in the literature that incorporates health monitoring of multi-component systems with causal relationships. Using this hybrid scheme on unmanned systems can improve their reliability, extend their lifespan, and enable them to execute more challenging missions. In order to demonstrate the proposed approach, the optimization strategy is implemented and executed using a simulation model for the engine cooling and control system of an unmanned surface vessel.
Transforming Spherical Robots
Authors: Ong Jun Hua , Hayat Abdullah Aamir , KaliMuthu Manivannan , Elara Mohan Rajesh , Wood Kristin Lee
Published: November 2023

Transforming spherical robots (TSR) has the potential to significantly advance the field of robotics by offering new possibilities for locomotion, kinematics, dynamics, and control. These robots have the ability to transform their shape to suit different environments, which makes them ideal for tasks not feasible with conventional fixed morphology spherical robots, such as those in uneven terrain where vertical mobility is required. This paper seeks to integrate and advance transformation design theory with the design of reconfigurable or TSR. The paper utilises an inductive research methodology to propose an approach to design TSR, by a) identifying the operators for spherical robots and associating relative movement between the parts using kinematic joints, and b) using the existing transformation design theory for mapping the concepts facilitators with the transforming reconfigurable spherical robots. Moreover, design evaluations based on the cost of transformation is proposed based on the mechanical cost of implementation, which consists of additional mechanical complexity and the amount of energy required for transformation. The integrated guidelines provided are demonstrated with the ideation of a spherical robot for monitoring the interior of a duct. The limitation of the proposed design approach for TSR are also highlighted. A proof of concept of TSR for pipe inspection are shown with its experiment.
Accounting for Model Uncertainty in Machine Learning Assisted Mechanical Design
Authors: Du Xiaoping
Published: November 2023

Machine learning is becoming increasingly prevalent in mechanical design as it allows for surrogate models to replace expensive computational models. However, the accuracy of these models is of particular concern when safety-critical products are involved. In order to address this issue, we examine how to estimate model error by taking into account epistemic uncertainty in surrogate models when the design is also subject to randomness (aleatory uncertainty) in data. The paper clarifies important questions about modeling coupled epistemic and aleatory uncertainty when using surrogate models built from noise-free training points without aleatory uncertainty. Specifically, the study focuses on quantifying the effects of uncertainty in mechanical design by developing a most-probable-point based method. This method can be especially applicable for mechanical component design, where failure prevention is a critical concern, and the probability of failure is low. The proposed method is demonstrated using a shaft design as an example. The results show that the method can effectively estimate the model error and quantify the uncertainty in the design process. This approach can help designers to make more informed decisions by providing them with a better understanding of the limitations of surrogate models. By doing so, designers can ensure that their designs are safe and meet the required specifications.
Process Control-Based Embedding and Computer Vision-Based Retrieval of 2D Codes in Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: ElSayed Karim A. , Panchal Jitesh H.
Published: November 2023

Information lithography in manufactured parts is a broad set of techniques for encoding sequences of bits as physical or behavioral features in physical parts. It is gaining increasing attention within the secure manufacturing community. In our prior work, we have shown that information can be embedded on the surface of additively manufactured parts by controlling the manufacturing process parameters. In this paper, we extend that work to show that the information embedded by controlling the speed of the printer head in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process can be read using optical cameras. Specifically, we present a method for embedding and retrieving 2D codes, such as watermarks, on the surface of parts printed via the Fused Deposition Modeling process. Our approach is to embed information by locally varying printing speed to represent different bits, and retrieving the bits using simple optical cameras. We demonstrate it using QR codes printed using a low-cost commercial FDM printer and retrieve it using a consumer-grade DSLR camera and 2D paper scanner. The color image captured by the camera/scanner is converted into a QR code through two approaches: (a) morphological segmentation, and (b) training binary classifiers on experimental data. We observe that morphological segmentation is easy to implement, and results in fast classification, but is demanding in terms of having consistent imaging conditions (e.g., lighting) and tuning for each specific instance. On the other hand, the binary classification approach requires training data, but results in higher overall accuracy (∼92%). The results show that the proposed approach is an effective and inexpensive method for information lithography in AM parts, and it can be utilized to embed information such as serial numbers, watermarks, and any other meta-data on the physical parts.
Sound power of NASA's lunar rockets: Space Launch System versus Saturn V
Authors: Kellison Makayle S. , Gee Kent L.
Published: November 2023

To improve acoustical models of super heavy-lift launch vehicles, this Letter reports Space Launch System's (SLS's) overall sound power level (OAPWL) and compares it to NASA's past lunar rocket, the Saturn V. Measurements made 1.4–1.8 km from the launchpad indicate that SLS produced an OAPWL of 202.4 (±0.5) dB re 1 pW and acoustic efficiency of about 0.33%. Adjustment of a static-fire sound power spectrum for launch conditions implies Saturn V was at least 2 dB louder than SLS with approximately twice the acoustic efficiency.
Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Impairments Affects Gait Parameters in the Spatial Navigation Task
Authors: Pawlaczyk Natalia Anna , Milner Rafał , Szmytke Magdalena , Kiljanek Bartłomiej , Bałaj Bibianna , Wypych Aleksandra , Lewandowska Monika
Published: November 2023

Both navigation abilities and gait can be affected by the atrophy in the medial temporal cortex. This study aimed to determine whether navigation abilities could differentiate seniors with and without medial temporal lobe atrophy who complained about their cognitive status. The participants, classified to either the medial temporal atrophy group (n = 23) or the control group (n = 22) underwent neuropsychological assessment and performed a spatial navigation task while their gait parameters were recorded. The study showed no significant differences between the two groups in memory, fluency, and semantic knowledge or typical measures of navigating abilities. However, gait parameters, particularly the propulsion index during certain phases of the navigation task, distinguished between seniors with and without medial temporal lobe lesions. These findings suggest that the gait parameters in the navigation task may be a valuable tool for identifying seniors with cognitive complaints and subtle medial temporal atrophy.
Efficient assays to quantify the life history traits of algal viruses
Authors: Lievens Eva J. P. , Agarkova Irina V. , Dunigan David D. , Van Etten James L. , Becks Lutz
Published: November 2023

Although viral life history traits—the traits that determine reproductive and survival success—are critical to understanding the population dynamics and impact of viruses, they are understudied compared to molecular traits. This discrepancy is partly due to the challenge of phenotyping viral life histories. We developed improved methods to quantify the life cycles of chloroviruses, which are lytic double-stranded DNA viruses that infect unicellular “chlorella-like” algae. We modified classical one-step growth and survival assays by including flow cytometry and kinetic modeling, and applied these to four chlorovirus strains. Together, the modified assays quantified the full life cycle, including adsorption rate, probability of depolarizing the host cell, probability of releasing progeny virions, time until lysis, burst size, specific infectivity, and mortality rate of infectious virions. We also discovered that biphasic or “tailing” decay can occur in chloroviruses, and measured the fraction of infectious virions that resisted decay. The modified assays are more efficient than existing techniques, quantify more traits, and are applicable to other lytic viruses with quantifiable virions. The modified one-step growth assay is suitable for viruses with mutual exclusion, superinfection exclusion, or superinfection immunity; the modified survival assay can be applied to any lytic virus with quantifiable virions.

IMPORTANCE

Viruses play a crucial role in microbial ecosystems by liberating nutrients and regulating the growth of their hosts. These effects are governed by viral life history traits, i.e., by the traits determining viral reproduction and survival. Understanding these traits is essential to predicting viral effects, but measuring them is generally labor intensive. In this study, we present efficient methods to quantify the full life cycle of lytic viruses. We developed these methods for viruses infecting unicellular
Chlorella
algae but expect them to be applicable to other lytic viruses that can be quantified by flow cytometry. By making viral phenotypes accessible, our methods will support research into the diversity and ecological effects of microbial viruses.
Puzzles, challenges, and information reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 quasispecies
Authors: Domingo Esteban , Martínez-González Brenda , García-Crespo Carlos , Somovilla Pilar , de Ávila Ana Isabel , Soria María Eugenia , Durán-Pastor Antoni , Perales Celia
Published: November 2023

Upon the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population, it was conjectured that for this coronavirus the dynamic intra-host heterogeneity typical of RNA viruses would be toned down. Nothing of this sort is observed. Here we review the main observations on the complexity and diverse composition of SARS-CoV-2 mutant spectra sampled from infected patients, within the framework of quasispecies dynamics. The analyses suggest that the information provided by myriads of genomic sequences within infected individuals may have a predictive value of the genomic sequences that acquire epidemiological relevance. Possibilities to reconcile the presence of broad mutant spectra in the large RNA coronavirus genome with its encoding a 3’ to 5’ exonuclease proofreading-repair activity are considered. Indeterminations in the behavior of individual viral genomes provide a benefit for the survival of the ensemble. We propose that this concept falls in the domain of “stochastic thinking,” a notion that applies also to cellular processes, as a means for biological systems to face unexpected needs.
Influence of depression on racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes control
Authors: Breland Jessica Y , Tseng Chi-Hong , Toyama Joy , Washington Donna L
Published: November 2023

Introduction

We tested the hypotheses that depression diagnoses influence racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes control and that mental health treatment moderates that relationship.

Research design and methods

We created a national cohort of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with diabetes using administrative data (n=815 067). Cross-sectional linear mixed effects regression models tested the hypothesized indirect effect of depression on poor diabetes control (glycosylated hemoglobin >9%) and tested whether mental health treatment (visits or antidepressant prescriptions) moderated the effect of depression (α=0.05). Results represent the percentage point difference in probability of poor diabetes control. Covariates included primary care visits, sex, age, and VHA facility.

Results

Overall, 20% of the cohort had poor diabetes control and 22% had depression. Depression was more common among racial and ethnic minoritized groups. The probability of poor diabetes control was higher for most minoritized groups compared with White patients (largest difference: American Indian or Alaska Native patients, 5.2% (95% CI 4.3%, 6.0%)). The absolute value of the proportion of racial and ethnic disparities accounted for by depression ranged from 0.2% (for Hispanic patients) to 2.0% (for Asian patients), with similar effects when accounting for the moderating effect of mental health treatment. Patients with depression and 5+ mental health visits had a lower probability of poor diabetes control compared with those with fewer visits, regardless of antidepressant prescription status.

Conclusions

The influence of depression on disparities in diabetes control was small. High rates of depression among people with diabetes, especially among those from racial and ethnic minoritized groups, highlight a need to ensure equitable and coordinated care for both conditions, as the effects of mental health treatment may extend to the control of physical health conditions.
PACT-UK (PAncreatic Cancer reporting Template–UK): a cross-specialty multi-institutional consensus panel development of a standardised radiological reporting proforma for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Moir John , Radhakrishna Ganesh , Valle Juan W , Al-Adhami Abdullah Saad , Albazaz Raneem
Published: November 2023

Objective

Appropriate staging of pancreatic cancer is essential to ensure patients are offered all treatment options. This multispecialty national collaborative consensus project aimed to develop a succinct radiological reporting template, using the concept of structured reporting, to allow a more standardised means of reporting pancreatic cancer and ultimately optimise both patient care and research protocol design.

Methods and analysis

In stage one, a core group of stakeholders (oncologists, radiologists and surgeons) identified the current landscape of radiological reporting, including a blinded radiological validation study and a national survey of consultant HPB surgeons. Stage two used consensus panel development methodology to generate a provisional template draft. Stage three involved trialling the template across all UK HPB units, with feedback assisting the development of a final version of the template.

Results

Stage one results identified a core dataset to develop a provisional template. Every UK Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) unit trialled this in clinical practice, leading to further refinements via consensus meetings. Ideal factors regarding tumour staging, extent of vascular involvement and response to systemic anticancer therapy were identified. This resulted in the generation of the PACT-UK (PAncreatic Cancer reporting Template–UK) template that is presented within the manuscript, as well as a user guide.

Conclusion

This project has successfully produced the first consensus-driven radiological reporting template for pancreatic cancer, with the aim of its use becoming standard practice in the UK, while upcoming workshops facilitated by Royal College of Radiologists/British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology will establish buy-in from radiologists at all HPB units. Plans for the use of PACT-UK within national audit and clinical trials are underway.
Boosting and broadening recruitment to UK cancer trials: towards a blueprint for action
Authors: Nanton Veronica , Bryan Richard T , Pope Anne M , Hughes Ana , Jefferson Kieran , Catto James W F , Knight Allen , Gallagher Jean , Mintz Harriet Paige , Pirrie Sarah J , Liu Wenyu , Young Annie , Patel Prashant , James Nicholas D
Published: November 2023

Recruitment and retention in cancer trials are long-standing issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK National Institute of Health Research and leading clinicians have emphasised the urgency to achieve and surpass prepandemic levels of participation.

Data from a recent UK trial demonstrated the impact of COVID-19 and highlighted factors that limited recruitment. In response to this worldwide problem, studies have identified strategies for remediation at the levels of funding, the research environment, study design and trial team-related aspects, yet evidence of progress is lacking.

Equality, diversity and inclusivity have become central to UK health and social policy during the 2000s. The need for greater inclusivity in trials has become a particular concern for cancer researchers and funders in the UK and in the USA, in recognition of potential bias in results. In the UK trials, the lack of standardised recording of ethnicity data renders interpretation difficult and caution is required in comparisons with the USA.

Recently, the focus of concern has shifted away from the impact of deprivation and low socioeconomic status on trial participation. Barriers created by these factors and their frequent intersection with ethnicity should not be overlooked.

The UK has adopted an advisory approach to broadening recruitment, publishing policy documents, guidance and toolkits. In the USA, by contrast, action on inclusion is increasingly mandated. Within the UK paradigm, the cancer research community is strongly encouraged to adopt a coordinated approach towards standardised digital data collection and embed and evaluate innovative, cocreated, locally relevant strategies.
Patients’ experience of accessing healthcare for obesity in Peninsular Malaysia: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Yunus Nor Akma , Russell Grant , Muhamad Rosediani , Sturgiss Elizabeth Ann
Published: November 2023

Objective

To explore patients’ experiences accessing healthcare for obesity and their perceived behaviour changes following the care.

Design

Using a descriptive qualitative research approach informed by Levesque’s framework of access to healthcare, we conducted phone interviews in the Malaysian language, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Setting

Primary care clinics in five states in Peninsular Malaysia.

Participants

Adult patients with obesity receiving face-to-face care for obesity from healthcare providers in Peninsular Malaysia.

Results

We interviewed 22 participants aged 24–62, with the majority being female (77%), Malay (95%), married (73%) and with tertiary education (82%). Most participants attended obesity management services at public primary care clinics. We identified five themes: (1) moving from perceiving the need to seeking obesity care is a non-linear process for patients, (2) providers’ words can inspire patients to change, (3) patients’ needs and preferences are not adequately addressed in current obesity care, (4) over-focusing on weight by patients and healthcare providers can lead to self-blame and loss of hope for patients and (5) obesity healthcare can have consequences beyond weight loss.

Conclusion

Patients lack the self-regulatory skills to continue their lifestyle changes and struggle with self-blame and hopelessness. Over-focusing on weight by patients and obesity healthcare increase patients’ self-stigmatisation. While provider-initiated weight discussions and engaging and personalised consultation provide the initial step towards weight management, obesity healthcare could be enhanced by behavioural support and patient education on the complexity of obesity. Further considerations could be given to shifting from a weight-centric to a more holistic health-centred approach in obesity healthcare.