bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of environmental microplastics in Taiwan and its impact on the seafood safety: An integrative review
Authors: Lin Meng‐Wei , Wu Vivian C. H. , Lin Chih‐Sheng
Published: June 2024

Human activity has led to microplastic contamination throughout the marine environment. As a result of widespread contamination, microplastics are ingested by many species of wildlife, including fish, cephalopods, and shellfish. Taiwan is surrounded by oceans that offer a rich range of seafood. Taiwanese residents can easily acquire seafood as a source of dietary protein. A recent research project by Greenpeace shows that the Taiwanese eat 16,000 microplastic particles per year. There is concern regarding microplastic physical and chemical toxicity, which poses potential health risks to the local community via food chains. Thus, monitoring microplastic contamination in seafood is imperative to provide helpful information for the government and local communities. Efforts should be taken to reduce microplastic pollution at the source to minimize potential effects on ecological and health safety. This review article emphasizes the urgent need for further research on microplastic pollution in Taiwan, highlights the potential challenges to mitigate this emerging environmental threat, and analyzes food safety hazards as well as microplastic contamination in seafood.
Aging precisely: Precision medicine through the lens of an older adult
Authors: Austin C. Adrian , Seligman Benjamin , Shan‐Bala Sangeetha , Kuchel George A. , Loh Kah Poh , Kistler Chrissy E. , Batsis John A.
Published: June 2024

Precision medicine presents an opportunity to use novel, data‐driven strategies to improve patient care. The field of precision medicine has undergone many advancements over the past few years. It has moved beyond incorporation of individualized genetic risk into medical decision‐making to include multiple other factors such as unique social, demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics. Geriatric medicine stands to benefit heavily from the integration of precision medicine into its standard practices. Older adults, compared with other populations, have high clinical and biological heterogeneity that can alter the risks and benefits of different approaches to patient care. These factors have not been routinely considered previously by geriatricians. Yet, geriatricians' ability to address older adults' baseline heterogeneity is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of delivering quality care in a geriatric medical practice. Given the shared focus of individualized decision‐making, precision medicine is a natural fit for geriatric medicine. This manuscript provides, via cases and discussion, examples that illustrate how precision medicine can improve the care of our older patients today. We will share specific and existing tools and evidence, and review the existing multilevel barriers to further incorporate and implement these tools into clinical practice. We propose methods to address these barriers and to help realize the full potential of precision medicine for the care of older adults. We conclude with a brief discussion of potential future directions of research of precision medicine in the care of older adults.
Factors associated with transition to a nursing home in older adults living in naturally occurring retirement communities
Authors: Sheth Maya S. , Rochon Paula A. , Altaf Azmina , Boblitz Alexa , Bronskill Susan E. , Brown Kevin A. , Hahn‐Goldberg Shoshana , Huynh Tai , Lewis‐Fung Samantha E. , Feng Patrick , Savage Rachel D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) are geographic areas (generally high‐rise buildings or neighborhoods) that have a high concentration of individuals 65 years and older. Supportive service programs in NORCs can address resident needs and delay nursing home (NH) admission but understanding what factors are associated with NORC residents requiring NH admission is needed to tailor such programs. Our aim was to examine individual‐ and neighborhood‐level factors associated with NH wait‐list status in NORC residents in Ontario.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based, cross‐sectional study of Ontario adults 65 years of age or older living in a NORC building as of January 1, 2020, by linking a provincial registry of NORC high‐rise buildings with health administrative data. Older adults were classified as being on the NH wait‐list if they had an open application for a NH on the index date. We conducted a multilevel logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations to determine individual‐ and neighborhood‐level factors associated with NH wait‐list status, including sociodemographic, clinical, healthcare use, and building factors. We explored the role of sex and age through stratification by sex (male, female) and age (65–80 and 80+ years).

Results

Among 220,864 NORC residents, 4710 individuals (2.1%) were on the NH wait‐list. Female sex, older age, immigrant status, dementia diagnosis, receiving homecare, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy (five or more unique drug names) were associated with an increased odds of wait‐list status. Several neighborhood‐level variables were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of wait‐list status, including low income, high dependency, high ethnic diversity, and living in a building with supports.

Conclusion

NORC supportive service programs can be tailored to account for the factors associated with NH wait‐list status, allowing NORC residents who are living in the community to age in their desired place and achieve optimal health outcomes.
Perceived overlap and therapy outcomes among couple clients
Authors: Bartle‐Haring Suzanne , Whiting Riley
Published: June 2024

This article explores couples' perceptions and expectations of closeness in a clinical setting, and how relationship perceptions and expectations are associated with treatment outcomes. Bowen's theory of differentiation suggests that healthy relationships require a balance of autonomy and connection. However, some research suggests that contemporary societal expectations are pushing couples to expect greater degrees of closeness and less autonomy. Utilizing a clinical sample of 185 couples from an on‐campus Couple and Family Therapy training clinic, this article explores couples' perceptions and expectations of relationship closeness utilizing graphics of overlapping circles. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify three different profile groups based on perceptions and expectations. Wald tests for significant mean differences among the profiles were performed. Results identified significant differences between the three groups for satisfaction and separateness and connectedness variables, number of sessions and termination.
Climate change and commercial property markets
Authors: Ling David C. , Robinson Spenser , Sanderford Andrew R. , Wang Chongyu
Published: June 2024

The economic effect of climate hazard events varies by time and by location. This paper investigates how climate shocks to local property markets transmit to capital markets and provides evidence of the extent to which forward‐looking climate risk is capitalized into the public valuations of those property markets. We first quantify the exposure of real estate portfolios to locations that recently experienced climate events (Event Exposure). Using an event study framework, we find that, in the post‐event period, a one‐standard‐deviation increase in ex‐ante Event Exposure is associated with a 0.2–1.4 percentage points decrease in quarterly stock returns. Cross‐sectional analyses reveal that differences in return effects can be explained by variation in the extent to which the area focuses on climate change. Similarly, we find that forward‐looking climate risk assessment negatively affects firm valuations only in markets with a focus on climate change. Consistent with these findings, we provide evidence that climate events (shocks) induce retail investors (noise traders) to decrease their stock holdings and that blockholders tend to take the opposite side in these transactions. We also show that conditioning on consumer sentiment helps to explain cross‐sectional variation in the response of stock returns to climate events.
Factors influencing serum concentrations of levetiracetam in dogs with epilepsy
Authors: Saint‐Maxent Marine , Juette Tristan , Parent Joane , Castel Aude , Parmentier Thomas
Published: June 2024

Background

Factors affecting serum concentrations of levetiracetam in dogs are unknown and could affect the efficacy of levetiracetam in controlling seizures in dogs with epilepsy.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Higher PO doses of levetiracetam will be needed in dogs to achieve serum concentrations shown to be effective in humans. Determine factors that could influence serum levetiracetam concentrations and justify dose adjustment in some epileptic dogs.

Animals

Sixty‐nine client‐owned dogs with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam alone or in combination, based on 127 trough serum concentration measurements of levetiracetam.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of patient signalment and concurrent drug administration on serum concentrations of levetiracetam and the effect of serum concentration of levetiracetam on seizure frequency reduction.

Results

The PO dose of levetiracetam significantly explained changes in serum levetiracetam concentration, and this causal link was stronger with monotherapy (R2 = 0.59, P < .001). Phenobarbital significantly decreased serum levetiracetam concentration in a dose dependent manner (R2 = 0.30, P = .003). Based on our model, a levetiracetam dosage of 99–216 mg/kg/day is necessary to obtain a serum levetiracetam concentration of 20 μg/mL when used alone or concurrently with 7 mg/kg/day of phenobarbital. No other factors were found to influence serum levetiracetam concentrations. No therapeutic range could be identified.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our data suggest that a dosage of 99–216 mg/kg/day of levetiracetam is needed to achieve a serum concentration known to be therapeutically effective in humans, especially when administered concomitantly with phenobarbital.
Cryptovivipary mechanism in the wild caper bush Capparis sepiaria (Capparaceae)
Authors: Khot Vasundhara V. , Dalavi Jagdish V. , Chavan Jaykumar J. , Shendage Shankar M.
Published: June 2024

Cryptovivipary is the process in which seeds germinate inside the fruit but the seedling or plumule comes out when the fruit detaches from the mother plant. This paper highlights the details of the mechanism of cryptovivipary in the wild caper bush. In addition, an updated classification of viviparous plants is provided to better describe and understand this trait.
Unveiling the mechanisms of Moso bamboo's motor function and internal growth stress
Authors: Luan Yu , Yang Yuting , Jiang Menghong , Liu Huanrong , Ma Xinxin , Zhang Xiubiao , Sun Fengbo , Fang Changhua
Published: June 2024

Bamboo, a renewable resource with rapid growth and an impressive height‐to‐diameter ratio, faces mechanical instability due to its slender structure. Despite this, bamboo maintains its posture without breaking in its battle against environmental and gravitational forces. But what drives this motor function in bamboo?

This study subjected Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) to gravitational stimulation, compelling it to grow at a 45° angle instead of upright. Remarkably, the artificially inclined bamboo exhibited astonishing shape control and adjustment capabilities.

The growth strain was detected at both macroscopic and microscopic levels, providing evidence for the presence of internal stress, namely growth stress. The high longitudinal tensile stress on the upper side, along with a significant asymmetry in stress distribution in tilted bamboo, plays a pivotal role in maintaining its mechanical stability.

Drawing upon experimental findings, it can be deduced that the growth stress primarily originates from the broad layers of fiber cells. Bamboo could potentially regulate the magnitude of growth stress by modifying the number of fiber cell layers during its maturation process. Additionally, the microfibril angle and lignin disposition may decisively influence the generation of growth stress.
Oral cancer diagnosis communication: Impact of an educational intervention using the SPIKES protocol
Authors: Gomes Rita Fabiane Teixeira , Herpich Tiago Luis , Braun Liliana Wolf , Ferri Camila Alves , Umpierre Roberto Nunes , Romanini Juliana , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Carrard Vinicius Coelho
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the influence of a single educational intervention on the perception and knowledge of strategies for communicating oral cancer diagnoses.

Methods

A educational intervention, 72 dentists and 41 dental undergraduates participated in the ‘Maio Vermelho Project’, a continuing education activity. Participants completed a 14‐question online questionnaire concerning their experiences and perceptions of delivering difficult news. The educational intervention featured an interview illustrating the SPIKES protocol, broadcast on YouTube.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 40 years. A minority (21.2%) had encountered or experienced communicating an oral cancer diagnosis. Exposure to lectures on this topic during their education was uncommon (22.1%) but more prevalent among students. After the intervention, confidence in communicating a cancer diagnosis (29.2%) and addressing the patient's family (30.1%) in line with the SPIKES protocol increased.

Conclusion

A training deficit persists in delivering cancer diagnoses, highlighting the need for educational interventions to empower students and professionals in this critical procedure. Integration of this topic into the dental undergraduate curriculum is imperative. Clinical Relevance: Effectively communicating a cancer diagnosis poses challenges to healthcare professionals, impacting treatment outcomes. Implementing educational interventions ensures that professionals are well prepared to navigate this complex task, ultimately improving patient care.
Construction of oral squamous cell carcinoma organoids in vitro 3D‐culture for drug screening
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Yuan , Sui Yi , Shan Xiao‐Feng , Wang Lu‐Ming , Zhang Lei , Xie Shang , Cai Zhi‐Gang
Published: June 2024

Objective

Patient‐derived organoids are potent pre‐chemotherapy models. Due to limited research on diverse types of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and construction efficiency, our goal was to optimize OSCC organoid models from various sites and assess drug responsiveness.

Methods

We screened and optimized culture media, employing three‐dimensional techniques to construct human‐derived oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) organoid models in vitro. Morphological validation, immunofluorescence analysis, tissue origin verification, and Short Tandem Repeat (STR) sequencing confirmed the consistency between organoids and source tissues. These organoid models were then subjected to varying concentrations of anticancer drugs, with subsequent assessment of cell viability to calculate IC50 values.

Results

Twenty‐nine surgical specimens yielded an 86.2% success rate in culturing 25 organoids in vitro. Morphological consistency confirmed nuclear atypia and positive expression of K5, P40, and E‐cadherin, indicating squamous epithelial origin. Cultured complex organoids included α‐SMA+ tumour‐associated fibroblasts and tumour stem cells expressing CD44 and Ki67. STR sequencing affirmed genomic homogeneity between cultured organoids and source tissues. Drug sensitivity testing revealed diverse responses among organoids, highlighting their value for assessing drug sensitivity.

Conclusions

An efficient OSCC organoid culture system for personalized in vitro drug sensitivity screening was established, laying the foundation for precise treatment development.
Evaluation of predictive ability of linear type gonadal traits on reproductive capacity of breeding dairy bulls
Authors: Mandal Dilip Kumar , Kumar Mahesh , Tyagi Shrikant
Published: June 2024

Dimensions of linear type traits facilitate selection of livestock for breeding and rearing. To date, use of linear type traits for selection of breeding bulls is highly concentric to scrotal circumference (SC), with probable overlook to other important traits. Present study reported the importance of various gonadal linear type traits on spermatozoa production, age‐related changes in gonadal linear type traits of bulls and predictive ability of these traits on bulls' reproductive potentials. Among all gonadal traits, testicular density (TD), scrotal volume (SV), paired testicular weight (PWT) and SC were found most important predictor variables in order, which can discriminate between good/poor breeding bulls, that is, produced frozen semen doses (FSD) or not. Dimensions of gonadal traits increased significantly up to 36 months age and thereafter, development became slow and negligible. In contrast, TD decreased by 30%, 51%, 64%, 68% and 71% at 12, 24, 36, 48 and >49 months age, respectively, from its base value at 6 months. Bulls of lower TD (≤0.88 g/cm3) had significantly higher ejaculate volume (+9%), sperm motility, sperm concentration (+100 million/mL) and sperm output (+26%)/ejaculate as compared to bulls of higher TD (>0.88 g/cm3). Discriminant function was developed using TD, SV, PWT and SC to identify bulls of superior reproductive potentials. It was concluded that among the investigated traits, TD was the strongest to discriminate between FSD and Non‐FSD bulls. Therefore, our findings suggested that TD could be more potential trait than SC for dairy bulls' breeding soundness evaluation and assessment of reproductive ability.
Tests under simple order in one‐way ANCOVA
Authors: Mondal Anjana , Kumar Somesh
Published: June 2024

Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models are used when apart from the main treatments, some covariates also affect the response variable. In this article, the problem of testing the homogeneity of treatment effects against ordered alternatives is addressed in a fixed effects one‐way ANCOVA model when error variances are heterogeneous. The likelihood ratio test (LRT) and two approximate tests based on the asymptotic distributions of some union‐intersection type test statistics are proposed. A parametric bootstrap technique has been used to implement the LRT and its asymptotic validity is proved. A method to construct simultaneous confidence intervals is proposed. All the test procedures are further extended to the case of more than one covariate. The robustness of tests is also studied under departure from normality. Extensive simulation studies show that the proposed test procedures perform well in terms of achieving the nominal size value and good power values.
Child temperamental negative affectivity moderates the relation between interparental conflict and child cortisol recovery
Authors: Nguyen Phuong , Schermerhorn Alice C.
Published: June 2024

This study examined the relation between interparental conflict and cortisol recovery, with child temperamental negative affectivity as the moderator. Children (n = 118) ages 9–11 years observed an argument between their parents in the lab and provided saliva samples for cortisol assays. Children also reported levels of interparental conflict, and mothers reported their child's negative affectivity. Results showed that youths with high levels of negative affectivity experienced less cortisol recovery as interparental conflict levels increased. Further, demonstrating some support for differential susceptibility, youths with higher levels of negative affectivity exhibited less recovery at high levels of parental conflict but greater recovery at low levels of parental conflict, compared to peers with lower scores on negative affectivity. We also found that children with low levels of negative affectivity exhibited greater recovery as rates of interparental conflict increased. In summary, this study sheds light on sources of variability in cortisol recovery as it relates to interparental disharmony.
Discovery of a novel HLA‐A*11 null allele, HLA‐A*11:466N, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: June 2024

A nucleotide deletion in the residue 371 of HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 results in a novel allele HLA‐A*11:466N.
Individual HLAs affect survival after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma
Authors: Morishima Satoko , Yoshimitsu Makoto , Shindo Takero , Utsunomiya Atae , Ishida Takashi , Ito Ayumu , Nakano Nobuaki , Kawakita Toshiro , Eto Tetsuya , Suehiro Youko , Itonaga Hidehiro , Mori Yasuo , Miyazaki Yasuhiko , Kanda Junya , Uchida Naoyuki , Sawayama Yasushi , Tomori Shouhei , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Fukuda Takahiro , Kato Koji ,   the ATL Working Group of the Japanese Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Published: June 2024

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is the only curative therapy for adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). Specific HLAs are associated with outcomes of immunotherapy and allo‐HSCT. We hypothesised that individual HLAs would affect the clinical outcomes of ATL patients after allo‐HSCT. Using data from a Japanese registry, we retrospectively analysed 829 patients with ATL who received transplants from HLA‐identical sibling donors or HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C or ‐DRB1 allele‐matched unrelated donors between 1996 and 2015. We evaluated the overall mortality risk of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DR antigens with frequencies exceeding 3%. Outcomes were compared between transplants with or without specific HLA antigens. Of the 25 HLAs, two candidates were identified but showed no statistically significant differences by multiple comparison. HLA‐B62 was associated with a lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.90; p = 0.008), whereas HLA‐B60 was associated with a higher risk of mortality (HR, 1.64; 95% CI: 1.19–2.27; p = 0.003). In addition, HLA‐B62 was associated with a lower risk of transplant‐related mortality (TRM) (HR, 0.52; 95% CI: 0.32–0.85, p = 0.009), whereas HLA‐B60 was associated with a higher risk of grades III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (HR, 2.63; 95% CI: 1.62–4.27; p < 0.001). Neither HLA influenced relapse. The higher risk of acute GVHD in HLA‐B60‐positive patients and the lower risk of TRM in HLA‐B62‐positive patients were consistent with previously obtained results from patients with other haematological malignancies. Consideration of HLA in ATL patients may help to predict risk and outcomes after allo‐HSCT.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐B*07:02:01:110 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Kouniaki Diamanto , Athanassiades Theofilos , Tsirogianni Alexandra
Published: June 2024

HLA‐B*07:02:01:110 differs from the HLA‐B*07:02:01:01 allele by two nucleotide substitutions in the 3′UTR.
Detection of the HLA‐C*08:66 allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: June 2024

Two nucleotide substitutions in codon 152 of HLA‐C*08:01:01:01 result in a novel allele HLA‐C*08:66.
Identification of the HLA‐B*15:679 and HLA‐C*15:02:01:61 alleles in individuals from eastern India
Authors: Rajak Jyoti , Firfire Alfiya , Tambe Manisha , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: June 2024

HLA‐B*15:679 and HLA‐C*15:02:01:61 differ from HLA‐B*15:12:01 and HLA‐C*15:02:01:01 by a single nucleotides.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:195 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Biagini Chiara , Fornaciari Silvia , Lamanna Roberta , De Gregorio Veronica , Curcio Michele
Published: June 2024

The novel HLA‐DPA1*01:195 allele differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 4.
Recognition of the HLA‐DRB3*03:65 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhong Xian‐xin , Quan Zhan‐rou , Wu Wang‐da , Luo Sheng‐hua , Li Yuan‐yuan
Published: June 2024

We report a novel HLA‐DRB3*03 allele, now named DRB3*03:65, identified by next‐generation sequencing.
Transcription factor OsNF‐YC1 regulates grain size by coordinating the transcriptional activation of OsMADS1 in Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Cui Zhibo , Wang Xiaowen , Dai Yongdong , Li Yangyang , Ban Yijie , Tian Weijiang , Zhang Xiaobo , Feng Xinyu , Zhang Xuefei , Jia Luqi , He Guanghua , Sang Xianchun
Published: June 2024

Grain weight, grain number per panicle, and the number of panicles are the three factors that determine rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield. Of these, grain weight, which not only directly determines rice yield but also influences appearance and quality, is often considered the most important for rice production. Here, we describe OsNF‐YC1, a member of the NF‐Y transcription factor family that regulates rice grain size. OsNF‐YC1 knockout plants (osnf‐yc1), obtained using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology, showed reduced grain weight due to reduced width and thickness, with no change in grain length, leading to a slenderer grain shape. Downregulation of OsNF‐YC1 using RNA interference resulted in similar grain phenotypes as osnf‐yc1. OsNF‐YC1 affects grain formation by regulating both cell proliferation and cell expansion. OsNF‐YC1 localizes in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, has transcriptional activation activity at both the N‐terminus and C‐terminus, and is highly expressed in young panicles. OsNF‐YC1 interacts with OsMADS1 both in vivo and in vitro. Further analysis showed that the histone‐like structural CBFD‐NFYB‐HMF domain of OsNF‐YC1 conserved in the OsNF‐YC transcription factor family can directly interact with the MADS‐box domain of OsMADS1 to enhance its transcriptional activation activity. This interaction positively regulates the expression of OsMADS55, the direct downstream target of OsMADS1. Therefore, this paper reveals a potential grain size regulation pathway controlled by an OsNF‐YC1‐OsMADS1‐OsMADS55 module in rice.
Effects of Time-Dependent Adenosine Triphosphate Consumption Caused by Neuron Firing on Adenosine Triphosphate Concentrations in Synaptic Boutons Containing and Lacking a Stationary Mitochondrion
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey V.
Published: June 2024

The precise mechanism behind the supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to approximately half of the presynaptic release sites in axons that lack a stationary mitochondrion is not fully understood. This paper presents a mathematical model designed to simulate the transient ATP concentration in presynaptic en passant boutons. The model is utilized to investigate how the ATP concentration responds to increased ATP demand during neuronal firing in boutons with a stationary mitochondrion and those without one. The analysis suggests that neuron firing may cause oscillations in the ATP concentrations, with peak-to-peak amplitudes ranging from 0.06% to 5% of their average values. However, this does not deplete boutons lacking a mitochondrion of ATP; for physiologically relevant values of model parameters, their concentration remains approximately 3.75 times higher than the minimum concentration required for synaptic activity. The variance in average ATP concentrations between boutons containing a stationary mitochondrion and those lacking one ranges from 0.3% to 0.8%, contingent on the distance between the boutons. The model indicates that diffusion-driven ATP transport is rapid enough to adequately supply ATP molecules to boutons lacking a stationary mitochondrion.
Design of High-Performance Triple-Axis Cross Pivots
Authors: Serafino Simone , Bruzzone Luca , Fanghella Pietro , Verotti Matteo
Published: June 2024

Cross-axis flexural pivots are increasingly implemented in mechanical systems due to their high precision and wide range of motion. However, designing high-performance pivots in terms of low-axis drift, low rotational stiffness, and low values of maximum stress remains a challenging task. In fact, these features often behave antagonistically to each other. In this paper, the design of a novel family of high-performance cross-axis pivots is presented. The compliant joints are obtained by the composition of two crossing flexible elements with initially curved axis, and of one auxiliary flexure with straight axis. Two different arrangements, that depend on the constraints layout, are proposed. Chained beam constraint model and nonlinear finite element analysis are implemented for the analysis of the kinetostatic response of the pivots. The effects of initial curvature and orientation of the flexures on axis drift, stiffness, and maximum stress, are investigated and reported in the form of design maps. A global performance index, that embodies the above-mentioned features and captures the overall kinetostatic behavior of the pivot, is introduced. The design maps and the global index serve as key tools for the design procedure, giving insight into the antagonistic issue and leading to the determination of the best tradeoff solutions that meet the application requirements. An experimental campaign is conducted to compare the performance improvement of triple-axis pivots with respect to a benchmark double-axis joint, and to validate the design method.
Rigid-Elastic Combined Metamaterial Beam With Tunable Band Gaps for Broadband Vibration Suppression
Authors: Zhang Jiazhen , Peng Xuzhang , Yu Dewen , Hu Guobiao , Yang Yaowen
Published: June 2024

Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to exploring the application of metamaterial beams for vibration suppression. However, most existing designs primarily focused on utilizing the translational motion of local resonators to create band gaps. To address this limitation of employing solo motion to induce a relatively narrow band gap, this study proposes a novel design: a rigid-elastic combined metamaterial beam utilizing both translational and rotational motions of local resonators. Theoretical framework development involves extending the transfer matrix method to incorporate rigid bodies, with analytical results validated through finite element simulations and experimental data. Compared to conventional metamaterial beams, the proposed design exhibits an additional wide band gap in the low-frequency region that can be utilized for broadband vibration suppression. A parametric study elucidates the influences of geometric parameters on band gap formation, followed by an exploration of the tunability of the proposed meta-beam through a graded scheme and optimization strategy. In particular, a multiple-objective optimization approach is employed to enlarge the vibration suppression region and enhance vibration suppression ability. The optimized meta-beam demonstrates a remarkable 45% wider dominant suppression region and a 14% lower average transmittance compared to a uniform model.
Performance Optimization and Techno-Economic Analysis of an Organic Rankine Cycle Powered by Solar Energy
Authors: Hu Tao , Zhang Jun , Chan Wen , Su Liangbin , Wang Gang , Yu Wan
Published: June 2024

To improve the performance of traditional solar power generation systems, a new solar organic Rankine cycle system that can generate electricity and heat is proposed. The system incorporates the separation-flash process, regenerator, and ejector to enhance its efficiency. The optimization of the working fluid, pinch point temperature difference, evaporator outlet dryness, flash dryness, and entrainment ratio is conducted to achieve optimal performance. Aiming at maximum exergy efficiency and minimum levelized energy cost, the operating parameters are further optimized using a multi-objective optimization algorithm. R245fa is the optimal working fluid for the system, offering maximum net output power and thermal efficiency. The optimal performance can be achieved when the pinch point temperature difference is 1 K, evaporator outlet dryness is 0.6, flash dryness is 0.44, and entrainment ratio is 0.29. Moreover, the photovoltaic subsystem can further increase the net output power and thermal efficiency by 15.52% and 15.45%, achieving a maximum net output power and thermal efficiency of 33.95 kW and 10.61%, respectively. Additionally, when the solar hot water temperature is 100 °C, pinch point temperature difference is 1.8 K, evaporator outlet dryness is 0.6, flash dryness is 0.65, and entrainment ratio is 0.16, the system can achieve the optimal state of both performance and economy, exhibiting optimal exergy efficiency and levelized energy cost of 64.1% and 0.294 $/kWh, respectively. Finally, the payback period of the system is 3.43 years, indicating the potential for significant economic benefits.
State of Health Estimation of Electric Vehicle Batteries Using Transformer-Based Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Yixin , Behdad Sara
Published: June 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered an environmentally friendly option compared to conventional vehicles. As the most critical module in EVs, batteries are complex electrochemical components with nonlinear behavior. On-board battery system performance is also affected by complicated operating environments. Real-time EV battery in-service status prediction is tricky but vital to enable fault diagnosis and prevent dangerous occurrences. Data-driven models with advantages in time-series analysis can be used to capture the degradation pattern from data about certain performance indicators and predict the battery states. The transformer model can capture long-range dependencies efficiently using a multi-head attention block mechanism. This paper presents the implementation of a standard transformer and an encoder-only transformer neural network to predict EV battery state of health (SOH). Based on the analysis of the lithium-ion battery from the NASA Prognostics Center of Excellence website's publicly accessible dataset, 28 features related to the charge and discharge measurement data are extracted. The features are screened using Pearson correlation coefficients. The results show that the filtered features can improve the model's accuracy and computational efficiency. The proposed standard transformer shows good performance in the SOH prediction.
Failure Analysis and Piezo-Resistance Response of Intralaminar Glass/Carbon Hybrid Composites Under Blast Loading Conditions
Authors: Lincon Mazharul Islam , Chaudhary Birendra , Matos Helio , Chalivendra Vijaya , Shukla Arun
Published: June 2024

In this study, damage mechanisms and the piezo-resistance response of glass/carbon intralaminar hybrid composites are examined under blast loading conditions. Two-ply orientations are considered, namely a repeating ((G45C45)R) and an alternating ((G45C45)A) ± 45 deg glass/carbon layers, along with three boundary condition configurations: simply supported, partially fixed, and fully fixed are applied. A shock tube apparatus and the three-dimensional digital image correlation technique are utilized to investigate the interaction of shock waves with the composites and gather a comprehensive deformation field during the loading. A modified four-probe resistivity measurement method is implemented to comprehend the piezo-resistance response associated with damage evolution. The results underscore the substantial influence of boundary conditions on the blast mitigation capacity of the composites. Analysis following the experiments reveals that the damage to the specimens primarily involves the fracture of fibers accompanied by internal delamination. Thermal imaging of the tested composite specimens provides enhanced insight into the precise occurrences of internal fiber breakage and delamination. Composites of (G45C45)A type demonstrate an increased energy dissipation ranging from 18% to 33% compared to (G45C45)R composites, depending on the specific boundary conditions among the three types considered. Furthermore, the findings indicated a strong correlation between changes in piezo-resistance and the fracture of carbon fibers, coupled with the sustained deformation of the composites. Notably, (G45C45)A composites exhibited 100–300% higher change in piezo-resistance compared to (G45C45)R composites depending on the boundary condition configurations, indicative of the superior damage-sensing capabilities of the former.
Digitalization of Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Offshore Operations
Authors: Nitonye Samson , Adumene Sidum , Theophilus-Johnson Kombo
Published: June 2024

Global demand for safety and sustainable offshore operations has led to great and dynamic changes in the maritime and offshore industry in recent years. This has made the industry to witness a rapid transformation in recent times with the digitalization of vessels, and anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels are no exception. The digitalization of offshore operational vessels is expected to play an important role in the future and support the analysis of the automation and instrumentation market. The AHTS vessel is a specialized offshore support vessel used in the oil and gas industry, which serves multiple functions and roles that provide support for offshore drilling and production operations. The multi-functional purpose of AHTS vessels includes anchor handling, towing, supply and cargo transportation, oil spill clean-up response, and cable and pipe laying, among others. This requires the integration of multiple functional digitalized systems to optimize vessel operations, especially in harsh arctic environments. The current study reviews the importance and potential of AHTS vessels' digitalization and discusses its benefits, opportunities, and challenges. A systematic approach is adopted to explore the potential development and dynamics of digitalization in the maritime industry, focusing on AHTS vessels. This study finds that the extent of knowledge is evolving and requires an integrated approach to maritime digitalization to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and resilience in critical offshore operations.
Pin1-catalyzed conformational regulation after phosphorylation: A distinct checkpoint in cell signaling and drug discovery
Authors: Lu Kun Ping , Zhou Xiao Zhen
Published: June 2024

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most common mechanisms regulating cellular signaling pathways, and many kinases and phosphatases are proven drug targets. Upon phosphorylation, protein functions can be further regulated by the distinct isomerase Pin1 through cis-trans isomerization. Numerous protein targets and many important roles have now been elucidated for Pin1. However, no tools are available to detect or target cis and trans conformation events in cells. The development of Pin1 inhibitors and stereo- and phospho-specific antibodies has revealed that cis and trans conformations have distinct and often opposing cellular functions. Aberrant conformational changes due to the dysregulation of Pin1 can drive pathogenesis but can be effectively targeted in age-related diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review advances in understanding the roles of Pin1 signaling in health and disease and highlight conformational regulation as a distinct signal transduction checkpoint in disease development and treatment.
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
longum
BG-L47 boosts growth and activity of
Limosilactobacillus reuteri
DSM 17938 and its extracellular membrane vesicles
Authors: Ermann Lundberg Ludwig , Pallabi Mishra Punya , Liu Peidi , Forsberg Manuel Mata , Sverremark-Ekström Eva , Grompone Gianfranco , Håkansson Sebastian , Linninge Caroline , Roos Stefan
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to identify a
Bifidobacterium
strain that improves the performance of
Limosilactobacillus reuteri
DSM 17938. Initial tests showed that
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
longum
strains boosted the growth of DSM 17938 during
in vivo-
like conditions. Further characterization revealed that one of the strains, BG-L47, had better bile and acid tolerance compared to BG-L48, as well as mucus adhesion compared to both BG-L48 and the control strain BB536. BG-L47 also had the capacity to metabolize a broad range of carbohydrates and sugar alcohols. Mapping of glycoside hydrolase (GH) genes of BG-L47 and BB536 revealed many GHs associated with plant-fiber utilization. However, BG-L47 had a broader phenotypic fiber utilization capacity. In addition,
B. longum
subsp.
longum
cells boosted the bioactivity of extracellular membrane vesicles (MV) produced by
L. reuteri
DSM 17938 during co-cultivation. Secreted 5′-nucleotidase (5′NT), an enzyme that converts AMP into the signal molecule adenosine, was increased in MV boosted by BG-L47. The MV exerted an improved antagonistic effect on the pain receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and increased the expression of the immune development markers IL-6 and IL-1ß in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) model. Finally, the safety of BG-L47 was evaluated both by genome safety assessment and in a human safety study. Microbiota analysis showed that the treatment did not induce significant changes in the composition. In conclusion,
B. longum
subsp.
longum
BG-L47 has favorable physiological properties, can boost the
in vitro
activity of
L. reuteri
DSM 17938, and is safe for consumption, making it a candidate for further evaluation in probiotic studies.

IMPORTANCE

By using probiotics that contain a combination of strains with synergistic properties, the likelihood of achieving beneficial interactions with the host can increase. In this study, we first performed a broad screening of
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
longum
strains in terms of synergistic potential and physiological properties. We identified a superior strain, BG-L47, with favorable characteristics and potential to boost the activity of the known probiotic strain
Limosilactobacillus reuteri
DSM 17938. Furthermore, we demonstrated that BG-L47 is safe for consumption in a human randomized clinical study and by performing a genome safety assessment. This work illustrates that bacteria–bacteria interactions differ at the strain level and further provides a strategy for finding and selecting companion strains of probiotics.
A sequence invariable region in TcdB2 is required for toxin escape from
Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Kempher Megan L. , Shadid Tyler M. , Larabee Jason L. , Ballard Jimmy D.
Published: June 2024

Sequence differences among the subtypes of
Clostridioides difficile
toxin TcdB (2,366 amino acids) are broadly distributed across the entire protein, with the notable exception of 76 residues at the protein’s carboxy terminus. This sequence invariable region (SIR) is identical at the DNA and protein level among the TcdB variants, suggesting this string of amino acids has undergone selective pressure to prevent alterations. The functional role of the SIR domain in TcdB has not been determined. Analysis of a recombinantly constructed TcdB mutant lacking the SIR domain did not identify changes in TcdB’s enzymatic or cytopathic activities. To further assess the SIR region, we constructed a
C. difficile
strain with the final 228 bp deleted from the
tcdB
gene, resulting in the production of a truncated form of TcdB lacking the SIR (TcdB2
∆2291–2366
). Using a combination of approaches, we found in the absence of the SIR sequence TcdB2
∆2291–2366
retained cytotoxic activity but was not secreted from
C. difficile
. TcdB2
∆2291–2366
was not released from the cell under autolytic conditions, indicating the SIR is involved in a more discrete step in toxin escape from the bacterium. Fractionation experiments combined with antibody detection found that TcdB2
∆2291–2366
accumulates at the cell membrane but is unable to complete steps in secretion beyond this point. These data suggest conservation of the SIR domain across variants of TcdB could be influenced by the sequence’s role in efficient escape of the toxin from
C. difficile
.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridioides difficile
is a leading cause of antibiotic associated disease in the United States. The primary virulence factors produced by
C. difficile
are two large glucosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB. To date, several sequence variants of TcdB have been identified that differ in various functional properties. Here, we identified a highly conserved region among TcdB subtypes that is required for release of the toxin from
C. difficile
. This study reveals a putative role for the longest stretch of invariable sequence among TcdB subtypes and provides new details regarding toxin release into the extracellular environment. Improving our understanding of the functional roles of the conserved regions of TcdB variants aids in the development of new, broadly applicable strategies to treat CDI.
Climate change and plant rhizosphere microbiomes: an experiential course-embedded research project
Authors: Parejko James A.
Published: June 2024

The current and ongoing challenges brought on by climate change will require future scientists who have hands-on experience using advanced molecular techniques, can work with large data sets, and can make correlations between metadata and microbial diversity. A course-embedded research project can prepare students to answer complex research questions that might help plants adapt to climate change. The project described herein uses plants as a host to study the impact of climate change-induced drought on host-microbe interactions through next-generation DNA sequencing and analysis using a command-line program. Specifically, the project studies the impact of simulated drought on the rhizosphere microbiome of Fast Plants rapid cycling
Brassica rapa
using inexpensive greenhouse supplies and 16S rRNA V3/V4 Illumina sequencing. Data analysis is performed with the freely accessible Python-based microbiome bioinformatics platform QIIME 2.
Transcription factor EB (TFEB) interaction with RagC is disrupted during enterovirus D68 infection
Authors: Jassey Alagie , Pollack Noah , Wagner Michael A. , Wu Jiapeng , Benton Ashley , Jackson William T.
Published: June 2024

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a picornavirus associated with severe respiratory illness and a paralytic disease called acute flaccid myelitis in infants. Currently, no protective vaccines or antivirals are available to combat this virus. Like other enteroviruses, EV-D68 uses components of the cellular autophagy pathway to rewire membranes for its replication. Here, we show that transcription factor EB (TFEB), the master transcriptional regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, is crucial for EV-D68 infection. Knockdown of TFEB attenuated EV-D68 genomic RNA replication but did not impact viral binding or entry into host cells. The 3C protease of EV-D68 cleaves TFEB at the N-terminus at glutamine 60 (Q60) immediately post-peak viral RNA replication, disrupting TFEB-RagC interaction and restricting TFEB transport to the surface of the lysosome. Despite this, TFEB remained mostly cytosolic during EV-D68 infection. Overexpression of a TFEB mutant construct lacking the RagC-binding domain, but not the wild-type construct, blocks autophagy and increases EV-D68 nonlytic release in H1HeLa cells but not in autophagy-defective ATG7 KO H1HeLa cells. Our results identify TFEB as a vital host factor regulating multiple stages of the EV-D68 lifecycle and suggest that TFEB could be a promising target for antiviral development against EV-D68.

IMPORTANCE

Enteroviruses are among the most significant causes of human disease. Some enteroviruses are responsible for severe paralytic diseases such as poliomyelitis or acute flaccid myelitis. The latter disease is associated with multiple non-polio enterovirus species, including enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), enterovirus 71, and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). Here, we demonstrate that EV-D68 interacts with a host transcription factor, transcription factor EB (TFEB), to promote viral RNA(vRNA) replication and regulate the egress of virions from cells. TFEB was previously implicated in the viral egress of CVB3, and the viral protease 3C cleaves TFEB during infection. Here, we show that EV-D68 3C protease also cleaves TFEB after the peak of vRNA replication. This cleavage disrupts TFEB interaction with the host protein RagC, which changes the localization and regulation of TFEB. TFEB lacking a RagC-binding domain inhibits autophagic flux and promotes virus egress. These mechanistic insights highlight how common host factors affect closely related, medically important viruses differently.