bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging tunable window technologies for active transparency tuning
Authors: Shrestha M. , Lau G. K. , Bastola A. K. , Lu Z. , Asundi A. , Teo E. H. T.
Published: August 2022

Most modern high-rise buildings' facades use glasses for esthetics, daylight, and better environmental view through them. However, with the increasing use of a larger area of transparent glasses as walls, the visual privacy preservation of the indoors and heat energy loss through the windows are becoming a rising concern. Recent studies showed that nearly half of the energy consumed in a building goes to heating and air conditioning while approximately 40% of this energy is lost through windows. Windows with tunable optical properties that are generically termed “tunable windows or smart windows or switchable glass” are perceived as a potential solution for these problems. An optically tunable window can adjust the amount of daylighting passing through it, control the heat radiation, and/or change the transparency of the glasses for visual privacy preservation of indoors. Electrochromic glasses, polymer dispersed liquid crystal glasses, and suspended particle devices are available as commercial tunable windows but their high cost, limited optical performance, reliability, and operational complexity are hindering the widespread adaptation. Therefore, several other technologies for low-cost actively tunable windows capable of actively adjusting transparency are increasingly explored. However, most of such new technologies, working based on various optical principles, do not fulfill all the requirements of tunable windows. For instance, some can tune optical transmittance but do not affect energy transmission, and some can adjust heat radiation transmission but has a limited change in visual appearances. To fully take the advantage of the strengths as well as recognize the limitations of such emerging technologies, their optical principles need to be understood in-depth. Here, we review the recent developments in transmittance tunable windows by categorizing them based on the optics involved, namely, light absorption, reflection, and scattering. This in-depth review comprehensively discusses how the tunable window technologies compare to each other and offers insight into how their performance can be improved in the future.
Full waveform vibration and shock measurement tool for measurement-while-drilling
Authors: Song Sixuan , Zhang Tianxin , Wang Zhongxing , Pei Renzhong , Yan Shichu , Chen Kai
Published: August 2022

The bottom hole assembly during the drilling process is prone to fatigue and damage under the influence of alternating stress, particularly the drill bit and bottom part of the bottom hole assembly. The vibration and shock data are normally used to estimate the working status of the drill collars and for data post-processing of a particular logging method. The recent developments in drilling technology have increased investigations into continuous vibration and shock information measurement. However, existing tools store only the results of signal processing and cannot determine the raw full waveform; thus, they cannot be used to extract comprehensive information. Therefore, we proposed a novel tool for measurement-while-drilling, equipped with triaxial vibration and shock sensors. The tool can record the full waveform of six channels and use a large-capacity NAND flash to store the recorded raw full waveform. We performed laboratory and field tests to verify the stability and reliability of the tool at temperatures up to 150 °C to support operations in deep downhole environments. Furthermore, the tool can aid in effectively analyzing actual vibration and shock data to simulate a downhole test environment.
Programmable shape-morphing of rose-shaped mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Zhang Z. , Krushynska A. O.
Published: August 2022

Shape morphing is one of the most attractive functionalities of materials that are desired in many applications, including robotic grippers, medical stents, wearable electronics, and so on. Shape morphing can be implemented by using mechanical metamaterials that combine building blocks with properly designed mechanical or material properties. The design approaches are, however, mostly ad hoc or require materials with special properties. This work proposes two automated design strategies for programmable shape morphing and validates them on structures 3D-printed from a widely available commercial Stereolithography Durable resin. We proposed a so-called rose-shaped metamaterial with reduced stress concentration due to the absence of sharp corners and with a large range of tailorable Poisson’s ratios, from −0.5 to 0.9, governed by a single design parameter. We programmed the shape of the rose-shaped metamaterial sheets aiming at high shape comfortability or uniform effective stiffness. The shape-morphing performance is demonstrated in the linear (0.1% strain) and non-linear (20% strain) deformation regimes, and it agrees well with the tensile test results. Our findings show the potential to develop complex practical metamaterial structures at comparatively low costs.
Specific loss power of magnetic nanoparticles: A machine learning approach
Authors: Coïsson Marco , Barrera Gabriele , Celegato Federica , Allia Paolo , Tiberto Paola
Published: August 2022

A machine learning approach has been applied to the prediction of magnetic hysteresis properties (coercive field, magnetic remanence, and hysteresis loop area) of magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia applications. Trained on a dataset compiled from numerical simulations, a neural network and a random forest were used to predict power losses of nanoparticles as a function of their intrinsic properties (saturation, anisotropy, and size) and mutual magnetic interactions, as well as of application conditions (temperature, frequency, and applied field magnitude), for values of the parameters not represented in the database. The predictive ability of the studied machine learning approaches can provide a valuable tool toward the application of magnetic hyperthermia as a precision medicine therapy tailored to the patient’s needs.
Heat flux estimation of the cylinder in hypersonic rarefied flow based on neural network surrogate model
Authors: Ding Dongming , Chen Hao , Ma Zheng , Zhang Bin , Liu Hong
Published: August 2022

An efficient method to predict thermal loads on hypersonic vehicles in rarefied flows is immediately needed, especially when designing the thermal protection system. To meet the demand, we combine artificial neural networks with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method and build the surrogate model for hypersonic rarefied flows with three inputs (Knudsen number, temperature ration, and Mach number). The heating coefficients at nine points along the surface of a two-dimensional cylinder are output from the model. The results at the stagnation point have errors within 3%, while the biggest error of nine points is 4.8%. The heating coefficients are also compared with the bridge function’s, whose errors reach 14% at the stagnation point and 20% along the surface. The reasons for the errors are discussed in detail. In addition, this framework of building the model with artificial neural networks can be extended to solve problems with more complex mechanisms or configurations.
Effect of Au film mask on antiwetting and antireflection properties of nanostructural polymer by plasma nanotexturing
Authors: Li Xiao-Yu , Li Yu-Peng , Huo Lei , Lei Ming-Kai
Published: August 2022

Capacitively coupled radiofrequency plasma nanotexturing assisted by an Au film mask is carried out to fabricate the fluorocarbon-film decorated nanowires bundles from the semicrystalline polyethylene (PE) and amorphous PolyMethyl methacrylate (PMMA) subatrates. The spacing distance and height of the nanowires in a bundle on the PE and PMMA substrates are adjusted by the thickness of Au film mask. The complete rebound phenomenon occurs when the droplets impact with a high speed on the nanowire bundles. The nanowire bundles exhibit an improved superhydrophobicity. The narrow spacing distance between the nanowires is beneficial to the antiwetting of superhydrophobic surface. The low reflectivity of the nanowire bundles is also obtained with an incident light wavelength from 400 to 2000 nm. The antireflection property of the nanowire bundles is caused by the high height of nanowires in a bundle. The nanowire bundles on the PE and PMMA substrates prepared by the plasma nanotexturing assisted by the Au film mask have the excellent antiwetting and antireflection properties.
DFT study of TiO2 brookite (210) surface doped with silver and molybdenum
Authors: Phuthu Lutendo , Dima Ratshilumela Steve , Maluta Nnditshedzeni Eric , Kirui Joseph K , Maphanga Rapela Regina
Published: August 2022

The most popular semiconductor in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is titanium dioxide (TiO2) because of its low cost, non-toxicity, and good stability. However, the DSSCs still have low efficiency due to the low light absorption of TiO2 in the visible region. Understanding the properties of TiO2 can contribute to improving the efficiency of DSSCs. In this study, we use density functional theory to investigate the electronic and optical properties of TiO2 brookite (210) surface mono-doped and co-doped with 4d transition metals, silver, and molybdenum. Our results show that the band gap energy of brookite (210) surface is 3.514 eV, which reduces to 1.143 eV and 0.183 eV when doped with Ag and Mo, respectively. However, doping with both Ag and Mo yielded a band gap of 0.387 eV. The results suggest the presence of Ag and Mo 4d states below the conduction band minimum, which could be responsible for the narrowing of the band gap on the brookite (210) surface. Both mono-doped and co-doped brookite (210) surfaces have higher visible light absorbance compared to the undoped brookite (210) surface and extend to the near-infrared region.
Effect of Al-TiO2-C-XY2O3 refiner on grain size and mechanical properties of Al-5Cu alloy
Authors: Zhang Ruiying , Li Jiakang , Li Jinxuan , Yang Shuai , Sha Junhao , Shi Zhiming
Published: August 2022

A series of new Al-TiO2-C-Y2O3 aluminum alloy grain refiners with different Y2O3 content was prepared by exothermic dispersion method using Al, TiO2, C, and Y2O3 powders as raw materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to investigate the effect of Y2O3 content on the structure of the Al-TiO2-C refining agent as well as the effect of the Al-TiO2-C-Y2O3 refining agent on the grain size and mechanical properties of an Al-5Cu alloy. The results showed that the Al-TiO2-C-Y2O3 refiner was composed of Al2O3, TiC, Al3Ti, Al5Y3O12, and Al20Ti2Y phases. The refiner with 4% Y2O3 content exhibited the best Al-5Cu alloy refining effect, achieving a grain size of about 210.5 μm. This was about 42% of the grain size of the original Al-5Cu alloy. Moreover, this refined Al-5Cu alloy exhibited the best mechanical properties, with a tensile strength and elongation of 173.13 MPa and 9.19% respectively. This was a 20.9% and 83.8% improvement compared with the original Al-5Cu alloy. However, with a further increase in Y2O3 content, an Al5Y3O12 phase was preferentially formed. This led to a decline in Al20Ti2Y phase content and a correspondingly weaker refinement effect.
The short-term aging effect on the interface and surface wetting behavior of modified asphalt mixtures
Authors: Wang Qian , Yu Ruien , Fu Gang , Chen Xiaowen , Cai Lina , Xiao Yue , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhu Xijing
Published: August 2022

In this study, the interface models and nanodroplets wetting models of base asphalt (BA), polyurethane modified asphalt (PU-MA) and polyurethane/graphene oxide composite modified asphalt (PU/GO-MA) with acidic and alkaline aggregates were constructed. The adhesion and debonding effects of modifiers on short-term aged asphalt mixtures were analyzed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The moisture damage resistance of the mixture was evaluated by simulating the wetting characteristics of asphalt and water nanodroplets on the aggregate surface. The contact angle, adhesion work, debonding work and relative concentration distribution can effectively analyse the interface interaction behavior between asphalt and aggregate. The results show that the adsorption effect between aged asphalt and CaCO3 was stronger, and short-term aging enhanced the interfacial adhesion of asphalt mixtures. Calcite was more hydrophilic, and its resistance to moisture damage was far less than quartz. The difference between the contact angle of water-aggregate and that of asphalt-aggregate can effectively analyze the water sensitivity of asphalt mixture. In addition, different components played different roles in the adsorption of asphalt and different aggregate surfaces. The synergistic analysis of the asphalt-aggregate interface and the asphalt nanodroplet-wetting aggregate surface can more comprehensively reveal the variation principle of asphalt parameters and nanoscale properties of asphalt mixtures.
Organic electrochemical transistors manufactured by laser ablation and screen printing
Authors: Zabihipour Marzieh , Janson Per , Berggren Magnus , Simon Daniel T , Andersson Ersman Peter , Engquist Isak
Published: August 2022

The dimensions of the material serving as the channel in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are important for the overall switching performance. Here, a laser ablation step is included in the OECT manufacturing process, in an attempt to shorten the channel length of the OECT. The source and drain electrodes are formed by laser ablation of a previously screen printed carbon-based rectangle, which in this study resulted in an average channel length equal to 25 µm. All other processing steps rely on screen printing, allowing for large-area manufacturing of OECTs and OECT-based circuits on flexible substrates. This approach results in a manufacturing yield of 89%; 178 out of a total of 200 OECTs exhibited an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 1000 with a statistical mean value of 28 000 and reproducible switching performance. OECT-based circuits, here demonstrated by a logic inverter, provide a reasonably high voltage gain of 12. The results thus demonstrate another reliable OECT manufacturing process, based on the combination of laser ablation and screen printing.
What explains spatial variations of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy?: a social-ecological-technological systems approach
Authors: Pallathadka Arun , Chang Heejun , Han Daikwon
Published: August 2022

While COVID-19 vaccines have been available since December 2020 and efforts have been made to vaccinate the maximum population, a large number of people are continuing to be hesitant, prolonging the pandemic in the US. While most previous studies investigated social, economic, and demographic variables that are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we added ecological and technological variables to better understand the spatial variations of vaccine rates in the contiguous United States using spatial regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models. We aim to identify spatially varying social, ecological, and technological factors that are associated with COVID-19 vaccination rates, which can aid in identifying and strengthening the public health system and vaccination programs that can eventually facilitate and overcome vaccination hesitancy. We found six statistically significant predictors; two predictors, % Republican voters (r = 0.507, p < .001) and % Black population (r = −0.360, p < .001) were negatively correlated with the vaccination rates, whereas four remaining predictors, % Population with college degree (r = 0.229, p < 001), NRI Score (r = 0.131, p < .001), % Population with broadband access (r = 0.020, p < 001), and Health facilities per 10 000 population (r = 0.424, p < 001) were positively correlated with the vaccination rates at the county level. GWR results show spatially varying relationships between vaccination rate and explanatory variables, indicating the need for regional-specific public health policy. To achieve widespread vaccination, addressing social, ecological, and technological factors will be essential. We draw particular attention to the spatial variances even among positively and negatively associated factors. This research also calls for a reexamination of existing practices, including vaccination communication and other public health policies, local and national public health organizations, telecommunications agents, and mobilization of resources by the public and private sectors.
Stratum is required for both apical and basolateral transport through stable expression of Rab10 and Rab35 in Drosophila photoreceptors
Authors: Ochi Yuka , Yamashita Hitomi , Yamada Yumi , Satoh Takunori , Satoh Akiko K.
Published: August 2022

Stratum is required for polarized transport in Drosophila photoreceptors through the stable expression of Rab10 and Rab35, which regulate basolateral and rhabdomere transport, respectively.
Preprint Highlight: Sugar transporter Slc37a2 regulates bone metabolism via a dynamic tubular lysosomal network in osteoclasts
Authors: Mantegazza Adriana
Published: August 2022

Despite the importance of osteoclast secretory lysosomes (SLs) in bone digestion and resorption, the proteins that reside on SLs are undercharacterized. The authors show that SLC37a2, a unique member of the SLC37 family of sugar ER transporters, localizes to osteoclast SLs and SL tubular networks that support bone resorption. SLC37a2-deficient osteoclasts showed impaired SL membrane tubulation and increased SL size and accumulated monosaccharides, reminiscent of lysosomal storage disorders. Mice lacking SLC37a2 had increased bone mass and strength. As SLC transporters quickly become recognized as metabolic hot spots, SLC37a2 is emerging as a new regulator of lysosomal membrane dynamics and a promising therapeutic target for metabolic bone diseases.
Preprint Highlight: Probing the rules of cell coordination in live tissues by interpretable machine learning based on graph neural networks
Authors: Zaritsky Assaf
Published: August 2022

Cell–cell interactions are involved in cellular decision making, but there is a lack of systematic methods to quantify and interpret their role. This study presents a computational methodology that predicts epidermal cell fate at the single cell level using information obtained from live cell images. Specifically, the authors used “graph neural networks” to extract information on cells and their neighbors and predicted the cells' future fates with regard to division or delamination. They then identified the features driving the neural network's prediction to infer potential new mechanisms of cell–cell interactions. This unbiased inference of new cell–cell interactions correlated with cell fates is a powerful approach to decipher cell fate decision making in the context of the microenvironment.
Preprint Highlight: Immunodominant surface epitopes power immune evasion in the African trypanosome
Authors: Dean Samuel
Published: August 2022

African trypanosome parasites are coated with a densely packed layer of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). VSG stimulates the host antibody response, so trypanosomes periodically switch to a new VSG isotype. Although trypanosome antigenic variation has been intensively studied, less is known about the antibody response. In mice infected with trypanosomes, the host antibody repertoire was found to target a very small number of key surface-exposed VSG epitopes. Importantly, point mutations in VSG epitopes abolished antibody binding and elicited a new antibody repertoire, despite the overall VSG structure being unaffected. Because these few dominant sites drive the immune response, the parasite can use its VSG repertoire more efficiently and maintain chronic infections. This “immunofocusing” principle could inspire methods to stimulate antibody responses against poorly immunogenic antigens for vaccination or for developing monoclonal antibody therapies.
Prescriber and employee utilization of a health sciences center campus outpatient pharmacy: A qualitative analysis
Authors: O’Neal Katherine S , Oliphant Emily A , Johnson Eric J , Hines Michael T , Smith Michael J
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The college of pharmacy has operated pharmacies on campus for over 26 years. Employees and patients are users of the pharmacies; however, utilization across the campus has been limited. This paper describes a process, as well as results, that was used to gather input from employees on a large university health sciences center campus on pharmacy needs and related behaviors on campus pharmacy utilization.

Methods

Two focus groups of staff and 4 focus groups of prescribers were conducted over 1 month. Participants were selected through purposive sampling via email within an academic health sciences center campus over a 1-month period. The sessions were moderated by one investigator using a preconstructed discussion guide and lasted 1 hour. Two additional investigators observed sessions for nonverbal communication; all sessions were audio recorded for subsequent transcription. An open-coding process was performed on verbatim transcripts using NVivo12. The investigator team then developed, refined, and grouped themes during subsequent group discussions.

Results

A total of 44 participants took part in 6 focus groups. Participants included prescribers (physicians, nurses, physician assistants) and staff (nonprescribers). Two major themes identified were (1) factors related to on-campus pharmacies and (2) qualities valued in a pharmacy. There was an equal split (8% for each group) on awareness of the on-campus pharmacies. Almost 11% of participants commented on the accessibility of a pharmacy being a quality valued in a pharmacy.

Conclusion

Focus groups provided insights for the administration team regarding additional value-added services that would be helpful for the campus community, as well as various approaches to increase utilization of the on-campus pharmacies. Focus group methodology is an effective approach to engage employees of a large university campus to garner new ideas to enhance existing policies or services, as well as to gather thoughts on preliminary strategic plans before implementation.
Preoperative MRI to Improve Aesthetic Outcomes in Secondary Mastopexy Augmentation: A Step-by-Step Approach
Authors: Dickinson Brian P , Vu Monica B , Silverstein Melvin , Prajapati Krupa P , Lopez January , Li Ellin D , Handel Neal
Published: August 2022

Background

Secondary mastopexy augmentation is challenging because of compromised blood supply to the nipple areola complex (NAC). The operating surgeon often relies on clinical judgment and may perform a more conservative elevation of the NAC to minimize the risk of nipple necrosis. Despite this, the danger of necrosis persists. In our experience, MRI with contrast has enhanced preoperative planning in both cosmetic and reconstructive cases.

Objectives

The goals of this article are to describe our use of preoperative MRI in identifying the blood supply to the NAC, evaluating dermo glandular thickness, decreasing surgical complications, and improving outcomes in secondary mastopexy augmentation.

Methods

A consecutive series of secondary mastopexy augmentation procedures performed in 2021 were reviewed. In each case, preoperative maximum intensity projection (MIP) and/or high-resolution T1-weighted contrast enhanced MRI imaging was reviewed to elucidate the blood supply to the NAC and quantify the dermo glandular thickness. The imaging was used to formulate the operative plan. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were compared.

Results

Eight cases were performed, four of which were selected to demonstrate our method using breast MRI with contrast in step-by-step approach. Patient satisfaction was high. The NAC survived in all cases.

Conclusions

Surgeons can utilize preoperative breast MRI for strategic operative planning when performing secondary mastopexy augmentation. Visualization of the blood supply to the NAC and dermo glandular flap thickness are vitally important when performing a more aggressive lift of the breast.

Level of Evidence: 3
PSICalc: a novel approach to identifying and ranking critical non-proximal interdependencies within the overall protein structure
Authors: Townsley Thomas D , Wilson James T , Akers Harrison , Bryant Timothy , Cordova Salvador , Wallace T L , Durston Kirk K , Deweese Joseph E
Published: August 2022

Motivation

AlphaFold has been a major advance in predicting protein structure, but still leaves the problem of determining which sub-molecular components of a protein are essential for it to carry out its function within the cell. Direct coupling analysis predicts two- and three-amino acid contacts, but there may be essential interdependencies that are not proximal within the 3D structure. The problem to be addressed is to design a computational method that locates and ranks essential non-proximal interdependencies within a protein involving five or more amino acids, using large, multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) for both globular and intrinsically unstructured proteins.

Results

We developed PSICalc (Protein Subdomain Interdependency Calculator), a laptop-friendly, pattern-discovery, bioinformatics software tool that analyzes large MSAs for both structured and unstructured proteins, locates both proximal and non-proximal inter-dependent sites, and clusters them into pairwise (second order), third-order and higher-order clusters using a k-modes approach, and provides ranked results within minutes. To aid in visualizing these interdependencies, we developed a graphical user interface that displays these subdomain relationships as a polytree graph. To demonstrate, we provide examples of both proximal and non-proximal interdependencies documented for eukaryotic topoisomerase II including between the unstructured C-terminal domain and the N-terminal domain.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/jdeweeselab/psicalc-package

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Design of Analytical Method Validation Protocol Evaluating Environmental Monitoring of AND Contamination on Surfaces Based on Cleaning Validation Procedures: A Multi Component RP-UHPLC Method
Authors: Demircan Yildirim Fatma , Ekmekci Ismail
Published: August 2022

Environmental monitoring of anti-neoplastic drug (AND) residues in workplaces is crucial to limit exposure to workers who handle with them. Although wipe sampling is the most appropriate methodology to evaluate the risk, conflicting results are also reported due to the lack of standardized and validated procedures. In this study, procedures for surface contamination of ANDs in workplaces are presented, with a focus on sampling, sample preparation and instrumentation. The analytical method validation parameters are designed to comply with requirements of The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q7 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, the study provides a simple, specific, rapid and multi-component analytical method to evaluate seven ANDs that are Gefitinib, Imatinib, Dasatinib, Axitinib, Erlotinib, Nilotinib and Sorafenib at very low concentration levels, simultaneously. Quantitative, precise and reproducible results obtained from the study show that environmental monitoring procedure and analytical method validation protocol presented in the study can be used to reduce and monitor occupational exposure risk to ANDs in wokplaces.
Large-bore arterial access closure after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Montalto Claudio , Munafò Andrea Raffaele , Arzuffi Luca , Soriano Francesco , Mangieri Antonio , Nava Stefano , De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Burzotta Francesco , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Colombo Antonio , Latib Azeem , Oreglia Jacopo Andrea , Banning Adrian P , Porto Italo , Crimi Gabriele
Published: August 2022

Aims

As the indications to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) expand to patients at increasingly lower risk, procedure-related vascular and bleeding complications events must be minimized. We aimed to evaluate the impact of different large-bore arterial access closure devices on clinical outcomes after TAVR.

Methods and results

We searched for papers that reported outcomes according to the type of vascular closure device/technique used after TAVR and performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Fifteen studies involving 9259 patients who underwent access site closure using PROSTAR™ XL percutaneous vascular surgical system (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA), Perclose ProGlide™ suture-mediated closure system (Abbott), or MANTATM vascular closure device (Teleflex, Morrisville, NC, USA) were included. NMA showed MANTA to have the highest likelihood of reducing a primary composite endpoint of intra-hospital death, major vascular complications, and major or life-threatening bleedings [surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis (SUCRA) 94.8%], but this was mitigated when only randomized clinical trials and propensity-matched cohorts were included (SUCRA 56.1%). The ProGlide showed the highest likelihood to reduce major or life-threatening bleedings, especially with increasing procedural complexity, and the MANTA device to reduce major and minor vascular complications. The ProStar XL device performed poorly in all explored endpoints.

Conclusion

Available evidence summarized through a NMA shows that ProGlide and MANTA devices appear to be both valid vascular closure devices globally and to be the best options to minimize vascular complications and reduce bleeding in patients undergoing TAVR, respectively.
The improved genome of the nematode Parapristionchus giblindavisi provides insights into lineage-specific gene family evolution
Authors: Röseler Waltraud , Collenberg Maximilian , Yoshida Kohta , Lanz Christa , Sommer Ralf J , Rödelsperger Christian
Published: August 2022

Nematodes such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus are extremely successful model organisms for comparative biology. Several studies have shown that phenotypic novelty but also conserved processes are controlled by taxon-restricted genes. To trace back the evolution of such new or rapidly evolving genes, a robust phylogenomic framework is indispensable. Here, we present an improved version of the genome of Parapristionchus giblindavisi which is the only known member of the sister group of Pristionchus. Relative to the previous short-read assembly, the new genome is based on long reads and displays higher levels of contiguity, completeness, and correctness. Specifically, the number of contigs dropped from over 7,303 to 735 resulting in an N50 increase from 112 to 791 kb. We made use of the new genome to revisit the evolution of multiple gene families. This revealed Pristionchus-specific expansions of several environmentally responsive gene families and a Pristionchus-specific loss of the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway. Focusing on the evolution of sulfatases and sulfotransferases, which control the mouth form plasticity in P. pacificus, reveals differences in copy number and genomic configurations between the genera Pristionchus and Parapristionchus. Altogether, this demonstrates the utility of the P. giblindavisi genome to date and polarizes lineage-specific patterns.
De-risking clinical trial failure through mechanistic simulation
Authors: Brown Liam V , Wagg Jonathan , Darley Rachel , van Hateren Andy , Elliott Tim , Gaffney Eamonn A , Coles Mark C
Published: August 2022

Drug development typically comprises a combination of pre-clinical experimentation, clinical trials, and statistical data-driven analyses. Therapeutic failure in late-stage clinical development costs the pharmaceutical industry billions of USD per year. Clinical trial simulation represents a key derisking strategy and combining them with mechanistic models allows one to test hypotheses for mechanisms of failure and to improve trial designs. This is illustrated with a T-cell activation model, used to simulate the clinical trials of IMA901, a short-peptide cancer vaccine. Simulation results were consistent with observed outcomes and predicted that responses are limited by peptide off-rates, peptide competition for dendritic cell (DC) binding, and DC migration times. These insights were used to hypothesise alternate trial designs predicted to improve efficacy outcomes. This framework illustrates how mechanistic models can complement clinical, experimental, and data-driven studies to understand, test, and improve trial designs, and how results may differ between humans and mice.
Digital twins to enable better precision and personalized dementia care
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Ulapane Nalika , Andargoli Amir , Ossai Chinedu , Shuakat Nadeem , Nguyen Tuan , Zelcer John
Published: August 2022

In this perspective paper, we want to highlight the potential benefits of incorporating digital twins to support better dementia care. In particular, we assert that, by doing so, it is possible to ensure greater precision regarding dementia care while simultaneously enhancing personalization. Digital twins have been used successfully in manufacturing to enable better prediction and tailoring of solutions to meet required needs, and thereby have enabled more effective and efficient deployment of resources. We develop a model for digital twin in the healthcare domain as a clinical decision support tool by extrapolating its current uses from the manufacturing domain. We illustrate the power of the developed model in the context of dementia. Given the rapid rise of chronic conditions and the pressures on healthcare delivery to provide high quality, cost-effective care anywhere and anytime, we assert that such an approach is consistent with a value-based healthcare philosophy and thus important as the numbers of people with dementia continues to grow exponentially and this pressing healthcare issue is yet to be optimally addressed. Further research and development in this rapidly evolving domain is a strategic priority for ensuring the delivery of superior dementia care.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Diagnosed in an Active Duty Female Due to CREB3L1 Heterozygosity
Authors: DeMasters David P , Paulus Andrew O , Scott Joshua N
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable, collagen-related disorder with varying degrees of disease severity and systemic involvement. The hallmark of OI is bone matrix fragility, but diverse effects related to structural integrity and impaired development of connective tissue can account for hearing loss, blue sclera, dentinogenesis imperfecta, frequent fractures, joint hypermobility, and cardiac valve or vessel fragility in some cases. There is emerging recognition of unique genetic mutations leading to OI including CREB3L1, which codes for an important transcription factor for differentiation of osteoblasts.

Case Presentation

We present a case of OI diagnosed in an active duty female with multiple prior fractures and heterozygous CREB3L1, a rare cause of OI.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of consideration of the variable phenotypes of OI and careful assessment of fracture history during evaluation at the Military Entrance Processing Station and subsequent encounters at military treatment facilities to improve readiness.
METTL14 Regulates Osteogenesis of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Inducing Autophagy Through m6A/IGF2BPs/Beclin-1 Signal Axis
Authors: He Mingyu , Lei Hong , He Xiaoqi , Liu Ying , Wang Ao , Ren Zijing , Liu Xiaoyan , Yan Gege , Wang Wenbo , Wang Yang , Li Guanghui , Wang Tong , Pu Jiaying , Shen Zhihua , Wang Yanquan , Xie Jiajie , Du Weijie , Yuan Ye , Yang Lei
Published: August 2022

The development of osteoporosis is often accompanied by autophagy disturbance, which also causes new osteoblast defects from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) is the main enzyme for N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal modification in mammalian mRNAs, and it has been implicated in many bioprocesses. Herein, we demonstrate that METTL14 plays a critical role in autophagy induction and hinders osteoporosis process whose expression is decreased both in human osteoporosis bone tissue and ovariectomy (OVX) mice. In vivo, METTL14+/− knockdown mice exhibit elevated bone loss and impaired autophagy similar to the OVX mice, while overexpression of METTL14 significantly promotes bone formation and inhibits the progression of osteoporosis caused by OVX surgery. In vitro, METTL14 overexpression significantly enhances the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs through regulating the expression of beclin-1 depending on m6A modification and inducing autophagy; the opposite is true with METTL14 silencing. Subsequently, m6A-binding proteins IGF2BP1/2/3 recognize m6A-methylated beclin-1 mRNA and promote its translation via mediating RNA stabilization. Furthermore, METTL14 negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation. Collectively, our study reveals the METTL14/IGF2BPs/beclin-1 signal axis in BMSCs osteogenic differentiation and highlights the critical roles of METTL14-mediated m6A modification in osteoporosis.
Taxation of Offshore Trusts and the Rule of Law: The Case of Australia and China
Authors: Fazal Zaif Hassan
Published: August 2022

There is an increasing trend among policy makers and tax administrators to do whatever it takes to tax offshore trusts. This article discusses how this approach may lead to the violation of the rule of law in the case of Australia and China. In Australia, several complex rules are enacted to close the ‘gaps’ in the law. While in China, there are insufficient rules to elaborate the vague laws surrounding taxation of offshore trusts. This article will dissect what a trust is and how the rules work in practice to determine whether the rule of law is violated in these jurisdictions.
Neurons in inferior temporal cortex are sensitive to motion trajectory during degraded object recognition
Authors: Burk Diana C , Sheinberg David L
Published: August 2022

Our brains continuously acquire sensory information and make judgments even when visual information is limited. In some circumstances, an ambiguous object can be recognized from how it moves, such as an animal hopping or a plane flying overhead. Yet it remains unclear how movement is processed by brain areas involved in visual object recognition. Here we investigate whether inferior temporal (IT) cortex, an area known for its relevance in visual form processing, has access to motion information during recognition. We developed a matching task that required monkeys to recognize moving shapes with variable levels of shape degradation. Neural recordings in area IT showed that, surprisingly, some IT neurons responded stronger to degraded shapes than clear ones. Furthermore, neurons exhibited motion sensitivity at different times during the presentation of the blurry target. Population decoding analyses showed that motion patterns could be decoded from IT neuron pseudo-populations. Contrary to previous findings, these results suggest that neurons in IT can integrate visual motion and shape information, particularly when shape information is degraded, in a way that has been previously overlooked. Our results highlight the importance of using challenging multifeature recognition tasks to understand the role of area IT in naturalistic visual object recognition.
Anomalous and heterogeneous characteristics of the BOLD hemodynamic response function in white matter
Authors: Schilling Kurt G , Li Muwei , Rheault Francois , Ding Zhaohua , Anderson Adam W , Kang Hakmook , Landman Bennett A , Gore John C
Published: August 2022

Detailed knowledge of the BOLD hemodynamic response function (HRF) is crucial for accurate analyses and interpretation of functional MRI data. Considerable efforts have been made to characterize the HRF in gray matter (GM), but much less attention has been paid to BOLD effects in white matter (WM). However, several recent reports have demonstrated reliable detection and analyses of WM BOLD signals both after stimulation and in a resting state. WM and GM differ in composition, energy requirements, and blood flow, so their neurovascular couplings also may well be different. We aimed to derive a comprehensive characterization of the HRF in WM across a population, including accurate measurements of its shape and its variation along and between WM pathways, using resting-state fMRI acquisitions. Our results show that the HRF is significantly different between WM and GM. Features of the HRF, such as a prominent initial dip, show strong relationships with features of the tissue microstructure derived from diffusion imaging, and these relationships differ between WM and GM, consistent with BOLD signal fluctuations reflecting different energy demands and neurovascular couplings in tissues of different composition and function. We also show that the HRF varies in shape significantly along WM pathways and is different between different WM pathways, suggesting the temporal evolution of BOLD signals after an event vary in different parts of the WM. These features of the HRF in WM are especially relevant for interpretation of the biophysical basis of BOLD effects in WM.
Disentangling the role of poultry farms and wild birds in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Europe
Authors: Guinat Claire , Valenzuela Agüí Cecilia , Vaughan Timothy G , Scire Jérémie , Pohlmann Anne , Staubach Christoph , King Jacqueline , Świętoń Edyta , Dán Ádám , Černíková Lenka , Ducatez Mariette F , Stadler Tanja
Published: August 2022

In winter 2016–7, Europe was severely hit by an unprecedented epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), causing a significant impact on animal health, wildlife conservation, and livestock economic sustainability. By applying phylodynamic tools to virus sequences collected during the epidemic, we investigated when the first infections occurred, how many infections were unreported, which factors influenced virus spread, and how many spillover events occurred. HPAIV was likely introduced into poultry farms during the autumn, in line with the timing of wild birds’ migration. In Germany, Hungary, and Poland, the epidemic was dominated by farm-to-farm transmission, showing that understanding of how farms are connected would greatly help control efforts. In the Czech Republic, the epidemic was dominated by wild bird-to-farm transmission, implying that more sustainable prevention strategies should be developed to reduce HPAIV exposure from wild birds. Inferred transmission parameters will be useful to parameterize predictive models of HPAIV spread. None of the predictors related to live poultry trade, poultry census, and geographic proximity were identified as supportive predictors of HPAIV spread between farms across borders. These results are crucial to better understand HPAIV transmission dynamics at the domestic–wildlife interface with the view to reduce the impact of future epidemics.
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide inhibits vascular calcification via anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Jiang Wangsheng , Ruan Wenfeng , Wang Zhengqiang
Published: August 2022

Vascular calcification is very common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but so far, there is no effective treatment. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), a natural component of Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown to exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic activity. Inflammation and apoptosis play an essential role in the progression of vascular calcification. However, the exact role and molecular mechanisms of DOP in vascular calcification remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of DOP on vascular calcification using vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), arterial rings, and CKD rats. Alizarin red staining and gene expression analysis revealed that DOP inhibited calcification and osteogenic differentiation of rat VSMCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, ex vivo studies revealed that DOP inhibited the calcification of rat arterial rings. Furthermore, the administration of DOP alleviated vascular calcification in CKD rats. Moreover, DOP treatment suppressed VSMC inflammation and apoptosis. Finally, DOP treatment upregulated mRNA and protein levels of heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX‐1); both pharmacological inhibition of HMOX‐1 by the HMOX‐1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin‐9ZnPP9 and knockdown of HMOX‐1 by siRNA markedly abrogated the suppression of inflammation and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs by DOP. Collectively, these results suggest that DOP alleviates vascular calcification in CKD by suppressing apoptosis and inflammation via HMOX‐1 activation. These results may provide a promising treatment for vascular calcification in CKD.
A Modern Day Timeline for In-Hospital Monitoring in Perfused, Pulseless Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
Authors: Heyer Jessica H. , Mitchell Stuart L. , Garcia Samantha , Flynn John M. , Anari Jason B.
Published: August 2022

Background:

The perfused, pulseless supracondylar humerus fracture (ppSCHF) remains a consistent topic of discussion in the literature. Inpatient observation of these patients postoperatively for worsening vascular exam or compartment syndrome is frequently recommended but not well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative complications in a cohort of ppSCHF patients and their timeline to discharge.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all operatively treated supracondylar humerus fractures from a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2013 to 2019. All patients without a palpable pulse were included. We excluded patients with <4 weeks follow-up. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected, including time from presentation to operating room (OR), time from OR to discharge, and incidence of postoperative complications, including return to OR, compartment syndrome, new neurovascular deficits, and Volkmann contractures. The descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

Results:

Among 1371 operatively treated supracondylar humerus fractures, 39 (2.8%) presented with a ppSCHF. Five (15%) had a signal on doppler ultrasound, whereas 34 (85%) had no signal. Thirty-seven (95%) patients had a Gartland type III fracture and 2 (5%) had type IV fractures. Twenty-two (56%) patients had a neurological deficit, of which 14 had an anterior interosseous nerve deficit. The average time to OR was 6.9 (range 2.2 to 15) hours; 6 (15%) required open reduction. At the time of discharge, 85% of patients had a palpable pulse and 13% had a dopplerable signal. Postoperatively, no patients were returned to the OR for any secondary procedures. The average length of stay after the operation was 25 (range 8.5 to 40) hours, with 92% of patients being discharged by 36 hours postoperatively. No patients developed compartment syndrome, new neurological deficits, or Volkmann contractures at a mean follow-up of 112 (range 34 to 310) days.

Conclusions:

In our study of 39 patients presenting with ppSCHF, no patient required an unexpected return to the OR, or developed post-treatment compartment syndrome, neurological deficits, or Volkmann contractures. The average time from OR to discharge for ppSCHF was 25 hours.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.