bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with limited skin involvement, plaque psoriasis in special areas and impaired quality of life: Results from the EMBRACE randomized trial
Authors: Mrowietz Ulrich , Barker Jonathan , Conrad Curdin , Jullien Denis , Gisondi Paolo , Flower Andrea , Reddy Jyotsna , Paris Maria , Picard Hernan , Jardon Shauna , Augustin Matthias
Published: October 2022

Introduction/Background

Manifestations of psoriasis in special areas are difficult to treat and are associated with a high disease burden and significant quality of life (QoL) impairment. Topical therapies may be inadequate for these patients, necessitating systemic treatment.

Objective

The objective of EMBRACE was to evaluate the impact on QoL, efficacy and safety of apremilast 30 mg BID in patients with limited skin involvement with plaque psoriasis manifestations in special areas and impaired QoL.

Methods

EMBRACE (NCT03774875) was a phase 4, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multinational study. Patients had plaque psoriasis not controlled by topical therapy; lack of response, contraindication or intolerance to conventional first‐line systemic therapy; psoriasis in ≥1 special area (including visible locations, scalp, nails, genital areas or palmoplantar areas); Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥3 to ≤10; and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) >10. The primary endpoint was DLQI response (≥4‐point reduction) at Week 16.

Results

Of 277 randomized patients (apremilast: n = 185; placebo: n = 92), 221 completed Week 16 (apremilast: n = 152; placebo: n = 69). The primary endpoint (≥4‐point reduction in DLQI at Week 16) was met by significantly more patients receiving apremilast (73.3%) versus placebo (41.3%; p < 0.0001). Significantly greater improvement in affected body surface area (BSA) and PASI was observed with apremilast versus placebo at Week 16. There were also significantly greater improvements with apremilast versus placebo in itch numeric rating scale (−2.5 vs. −0.9, p < 0.0001) and skin discomfort/pain visual analog scale (−21.5 vs. −5.4, p = 0.0003) and greater achievement of Patient Benefit Index ≥1 (77% vs. 40%, p < 0.0001) at Week 16. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusions

Apremilast significantly improved skin‐related QoL in patients with limited skin involvement with plaque psoriasis in special areas and highly impaired QoL. The safety profile was consistent with prior apremilast studies.
Surgical removal of intestinal foreign bodies using a laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic approach in dogs and cats and comparison with enterotomy
Authors: Demars C. , Boland L. , Minier K.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To describe a novel surgical technique for intestinal foreign body removal without enterotomy using a laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic approach and compare short‐term outcomes to enterotomy.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs and cats with intestinal foreign bodies that underwent attempted treatment with a laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic approach between June 2019 and July 2021 were extracted. The approach consisted in manoeuvring the intestinal foreign body into the stomach during laparotomy and then removing it via a gastroscopy. If the foreign body was unmovable, an enterotomy was performed.

Results

Fifty‐eight cases were enrolled and foreign bodies were successfully removed in 25 cases using a laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic approach. The median distance between the pylorus and the proximal part of the foreign body was 55 cm (range: 0 to 300). The mean surgical time and median endoscopic time were 49 minutes (±sd 12.8) and 5 minutes (range: 2 to 28), respectively. All but two cases were discharged 1 day postoperatively. In 20 cases, the foreign body was not easily movable, and an enterotomy was performed. In three of these cases, conversion to enterotomy was required due to serosal tears that occurred as a consequence of the attempted retrograde manipulation of the foreign body. Foreign body width, length and distance to pylorus were not significantly different between the two techniques. Mean surgical time was significantly shorter for laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic approach compared to enterotomy: 49 minutes (±SD 12.8)versus61.7 minutes (±SD 14.6).

Clinical Significance

Surgical removal of intestinal foreign bodies through a laparotomy‐assisted endoscopic approach is a feasible technique that offers satisfactory outcomes and shorter surgical time than enterotomy. Retrograde manipulation of the intestinal foreign body may result in serosal tears.
Prevalence and predictors of abnormal alanine aminotransferase in patients with HCV who have achieved SVR
Authors: Chadha Nikita , Turner Alan , Sterling Richard K.
Published: October 2022

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common. Treatment with direct acting antivirals (DAA) result in high sustained virologic response (SVR) associated with normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). However, abnormal ALT after SVR has been observed. Since fatty liver disease can co‐exist with HCV, its impact on abnormal ALT after SVR is unknown. This was a retrospective case–control analysis evaluating those with SVR and baseline fatty liver disease by transient elastography defined by controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) was performed. Abnormal ALT was defined as >1.5 ULN. The primary analysis compared abnormal ALT at SVR‐12 and beyond in those with and without fatty liver disease. Six‐hundred and ninety‐three patients with SVR‐12 were evaluated. Abnormal ALT at SVR‐12 was present in 8.2% and was similar in those with and without fatty liver disease. Abnormal ALT at SVR‐12 was associated with atrial fibrillation (p = .02), CAP (p = .047), age (p = .08), baseline ALT (p = .008), BMI (p = .002) and obesity (p = .02). On multivariate analysis, only BMI was associated with abnormal ALT at SVR‐12 (p = .017). ALT at follow‐up after SVR‐12 was available in 264 patients. In those with initial normal ALT (n = 244), 11.5% had a delayed abnormal ALT and in those with initial abnormal ALT (n = 20), 47% remained abnormal while 53% normalized. Abnormal ALT after SVR following treatment with DAA is uncommon and related to increased BMI, but not related to underlying fatty liver disease assessed by CAP. The pattern of ALT can vary, and long‐term follow‐up is needed to assess the clinical impact of abnormal ALT after SVR.
Association of gut microbiome and primary liver cancer: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization and case–control study
Authors: Ma Jun , Li Jialiang , Jin Chen , Yang Jinhuan , Zheng Chongming , Chen Kaiwen , Xie Yitong , Yang Yi , Bo Zhiyuan , Wang Jingxian , Su Qing , Wang Juejin , Chen Gang , Wang Yi
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Observational epidemiology studies suggested a relationship between the gut microbiome and primary liver cancer. However, the causal relationship remains unclear because of confounding factors and reverse causality. We aimed to explore the causal role of the gut microbiome in the development of primary liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of the gut microbiome and liver cancer, and sequencing data from a case–control study validated the findings. A 5‐cohort GWAS study in Germany (N = 8956) served as exposure, whilst the UK biobank GWAS study (N = 456 348) served as an outcome. The case–control study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from December 2018 to October 2020 and included 184 HCC patients, 63 ICC patients and 40 healthy controls.

Results

A total of 57 features were available for MR analysis, and protective causal associations were identified for Family_Ruminococcaceae (OR = 0.46 [95% CI, 0.26–0.82]; p = .009) and Genus_Porphyromonadaceae (OR = 0.59 [95% CI, 0.42–0.83]; p = .003) with HCC, and for Family_Porphyromonadaceae (OR = 0.36 [95% CI, 0.14–0.94]; p = .036) and Genus_Bacteroidetes (OR = 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34–0.90]; p = .017) with ICC respectively. The case–control study results showed that the healthy controls had a higher relative abundance of Family_Ruminococcaceae (p = .00033), Family_Porphyromonadaceae (p = .0055) and Genus_Bacteroidetes (p = .021) than the liver cancer patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that Ruminococcaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Bacteroidetes are related to a reduced risk of liver cancer (HCC or ICC), suggesting potential significance for the prevention and control of liver cancer.
Steroid administration for post‐COVID‐19 Parkinsonism: A case report
Authors: Mitarnun Witoon , Apiwattanakul Metha , Thodthasri Thanatchanan , Tantisungvarakoon Praewa , Pangwong Wilasinee
Published: October 2022

A 45‐year‐old man developed parkinsonism 3 weeks after being diagnosed with mild COVID‐19. Levodopa and benserazide failed to improve his symptoms, necessitating ropinirole, and steroid treatment, which included a 5‐day course of methylprednisolone followed by a 3‐month oral prednisolone taper. One month after initiating steroid treatment, his symptoms improved significantly.
Membrane component ergosterol builds a platform for promoting effector secretion and virulence in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Guo Ziqian , Liu Xinyu , Wang Nian , Mo Pengcheng , Shen Ju , Liu Muxing , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: October 2022

The plasma membrane (PM) functions as a physical border between the extracellular and cytoplasmic environments that contribute to the interaction between host plants and pathogenic fungi. As a specific sterol constituent in the cell membrane, ergosterol plays a significant role in fungal development.

However, the role of ergosterol in the infection of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae remains unclear. In this study, we found that a sterol reductase, MoErg4, is involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and the regulation of plasma membrane integrity in M. oryzae.

We found that defects in ergosterol biosynthesis disrupt lipid raft formation in the PM and cause an abnormal distribution of the t‐soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein MoSso1, inhibiting its interaction with the v‐SNARE protein MoSnc1. In addition, we found that MoSso1–MoSnc1 interaction is important for biotrophic interface complex development and cytoplasmic effector protein secretion.

Our findings suggested that ergosterol‐enriched lipid rafts constitute a platform for interactions among various SNARE proteins that are required for the development and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
Postoperative complications following orthognathic surgery in patients with rheumatic diseases: A 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Li Jiqing , Shujaat Sohaib , Ver Berne Jonas , Shaheen Eman , Coucke Wim , Politis Constantinus , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: October 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the complications following orthognathic surgery in patients with rheumatic diseases and to evaluate rheumatic disease as a possible risk factor.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted during a 6‐year period. The sample consisted of rheumatic and healthy patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. The outcome variables included infection, relapse, respiratory complications, hemorrhage, neurosensory disturbances, temporomandibular joint complications, and removal of osteosynthesis material. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were applied to identify rheumatic disease as an independent risk factor for complications after orthognathic surgery.

Results

Twenty patients were identified as having rheumatic diseases (male: 2; female: 18; mean age: 37.8 ± 13.6 years), and 278 patients were systemically healthy (male: 105; female: 173; mean age: 25.8 ± 11.8 years). The most frequent complications in rheumatic and healthy patients were delayed recovery from neurosensory disturbance (55% and 33%), removal of osteosynthesis material (45% and 26%), and infection (35% and 7%). Following adjustment for possible confounders, rheumatic disease showed a significant association with infection (OR = 4.191, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Patients with rheumatic diseases are at a higher risk of postoperative infection following orthognathic surgery compared to healthy patients.
Gabapentin—Friend or foe?
Authors: Russo Marc , Graham Brett , Santarelli Danielle M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Gabapentin is a recommended first‐line agent for treating neuropathic pain; however, its efficacy rate is reportedly low, and the risk of adverse events is high. A plausible explanation for this lies with its wide range of actions, the entirety of which have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

A review of the literature was conducted on gabapentin's known and proposed analgesic mechanisms of action, as well as potentially opposing or detrimental actions.

Results

Gabapentin's classical analgesic mechanisms involve direct attenuation of excitatory neurotransmission in the spinal cord via inhibition of neuronal ion channels, while indirect mechanisms include descending inhibition and block of injury‐evoked synaptogenesis. Glial effects have also been reported; however, whether they are neuroprotective or detrimental is unknown. Furthermore, data from animal models do not reflect clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Gabapentin's clinical use should be reconsidered according to the net effects of its numerous assumed actions, including the tripartite synapse and oligodendrocyte effects. Whether it is doing more harm than good, especially in the scenarios of incomplete or loss of response, warrants consideration when prescribing gabapentin.
Detection of the novel HLA allele, HLA‐DRB1*08:112, identified in a Danish family
Authors: Plesner Annette , Hald Jacob , Sengeløv Henrik , Bruunsgaard Helle
Published: October 2022

HLA‐DRB1*08:112 differs from HLA‐DRB1*08:01 in exon 2 at amino acid 62; asparagine to lysine substitution.
Aged versus fresh autologous platelet transfusion in a two‐hit healthy volunteer model of transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors: van Baarle Floor L. F. , de Bruin Sanne , Bulle Esther B. , van Mourik Niels , Lim Endry H. T. , Tuip‐de Boer Anita M. , Bongers Annabel , de Wissel Marit B. , van Bruggen Robin , de Korte Dirk , Vermeulen Christie , Tan Khik Wie , Jonkers René E. , Bonta Peter I. , Lutter René , Dekker Tamara , Dierdorp Barbara S. , Peters Anna L. , Biemond Bart J. , Vlaar Alexander P. J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a severe complication of blood transfusion that is thought of as a two‐hit event: first the underlying patient condition (e.g., sepsis), and then the transfusion. Transfusion factors include human leukocyte antigen antibodies or biologic response modifiers (BRMs) accumulating during storage. Preclinical studies show an increased TRALI risk with longer stored platelets, clinical studies are conflicting. We aim to discover whether longer platelet concentrate (PC) storage time increases TRALI risk in a controlled human experiment.

Study Design and Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, 18 healthy male volunteers received a first hit of experimental endotoxemia (2 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide), and a second hit of fresh (2‐day old) or aged (7‐day old) autologous PC, or physiological saline. After 6 h, changes in TRALI pathways were determined using spirometry, chest X‐ray, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Results

All subjects reacted adequately to lipopolysaccharide infusion and satisfied SIRS criteria (increased pulse [>90/min] and temperature [>38°C]). There were no differences between the saline, fresh, and aged PC groups in BAL‐fluid protein (95 ± 33 μg/ml; 83 ± 21 μg/ml and 104 ± 29 μg/ml, respectively) and relative neutrophil count (1.5 ± 0.5%; 1.9 ± 0.8% and 1.3 ± 0.8%, respectively), nor in inflammatory BAL‐fluid BRMs (Interleukin‐6, CXCL8, TNFα and myeloperoxidase), clinical respiratory parameters, and spirometry results. All chest X‐rays were normal.

Conclusions

In a human endotoxemia model of autologous platelet transfusion, with an adequate first hit and platelet storage lesion, transfusion of 7‐day‐old PC does not increase pulmonary inflammation compared with 2‐day‐old PC.
Economic sanction and global sourcing complexity: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Ha Tran Manh , Ngoc Thang Doan
Published: October 2022

The supply chain disruption drives the firms to source the same inputs from multiple suppliers in low‐cost countries. However, the imposition of economic sanctions may prevent firms from enjoying the diversification benefits of global sourcing complexity. Using data for more than 127 countries from 1997 to 2014, we uncover the effects of economic sanctions on the global sourcing complexity. After extensive robustness checks, our main findings reveal that economic sanction hampers global sourcing complexity. These effects are conditional on the level of economic development and the occurrence of financial crises in a particular country. Our results are robust for various forms of economic sanction, alternative estimators and when controlling endogeneity problems. Our findings suggest important foreign policy and managerial implications for the countries and firms in response to economic sanctions.
Acute phase reactants in nondomesticated mammals—A veterinary clinical pathology perspective
Authors: Hooijberg Emma H. , Cray Carolyn
Published: October 2022

Applications for acute phase reactants (APRs) in nondomesticated mammals include identifying inflammatory disease, monitoring the course of specific disease processes and recovery during rehabilitation, detecting preclinical or subclinical disease, being used as bioindicators for monitoring population and ecosystem health, and as markers of stress and animal welfare. Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, albumin, and iron are most commonly measured. The procedure for evaluating an APR in a nondomesticated mammalian species should follow a stepwise approach beginning with an assessment of analytical performance, followed by an evaluation of overlap performance, clinical performance, and impact on patient outcomes and management. The lack of species‐specific standards and antibodies for nondomesticated mammals presents a challenge, and more attention needs to be focused on assessing cross‐reactivity and ensuring adequate analytical performance of APR assays. Sample selection for the initial evaluation of APRs should consider preanalytical influences and should originate from animals with confirmed inflammatory disease and healthy animals. Reference intervals should be generated according to published guidelines. Further evaluation should focus on assessing the diagnostic utility of APRs in specific disease scenarios relevant to a species. Greater attention should be paid to assay performance and uniformity of methods when using APRs for population and ecosystem surveillance. Veterinary clinical pathologists should work closely with zoo veterinarians and wildlife researchers to optimize the accuracy and utility of APR measurements in these various conservation medicine scenarios.
Analisis Keperluan Program-Program Sokongan Sosial Dalam Pemerkasaan Saudara Baru (Analysis Of The Needs Of Social Support Programs In The Empowerment Of Muslims Convert)
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Najwa Hanani , Abdullah Akmaliza , Abdullah Abdul Hafiz , Darawi@Samat Abdul Basit , Mohd Nasir Badlihisham
Published: October 2022

Generally, Saudara Baru is a call for individuals who are just converted to Islam. In Malaysia, aid through religion guidance as well as their welfare being used to be emphasized for this group so that they could learn and understand Islamic religion easily. Therefore, this research was conducted to study some of the supporting programmes that held in order to strengthen their beliefs in Islam. In order to conduct this study, the researcher use qualitative method by involving content analysis design. Next, the main findings and discussions are elaborated based on the programmes from the aspects such as psychology and counselling, education and guidance and finance and welfare in the aims to help the Saudara Baru. Therefore, by using this research, people could understand about supporting programmes for Saudara Baru as well as emphasizing people to play their role as Muslims towards Saudara Baru.
Hibah Amanah Hartanah dan Kekangan Perundangan dalam Perancangan Harta Orang Islam di Malaysia (The Trust Hibah of Real Property and its Constraints in Property Planning of Muslims in Malaysia)
Authors: Muda Mohd Zamro , Rosdi Nurnazirah , Mohamed Said Noor Lizza
Published: October 2022

The sensitivity of muslims towards the wealth planning via trust hibah for immovable property began to develop positively. The instrumen is able to deal with the problem of arrears of division of estate in the form of real property due to the misunderstanding of the community in applying the faraid system so as to have a negative impact on the position of property of Muslims in a prolonged period of time. In this regard, an ownership and groundbreaking problems will occur when the people assumes that the division of property should be done physically solely according to the rate or share specified in the faraid system. Thus, the wealth planning via trust hibah for immovable property can realize the property owner's desire to hand over the property to certain parties, especially to the heirs who will be left behind. However, there is the issue of real estate hibah amanah legislation that has arisen as well as being a constraint on its implementation to the Muslim community. This article analyzes the real estate trust hibah law in Malaysia. This study is qualitative in nature and uses a content analysis approach. The results of the study found that there are legal constraints on real estate trust hibah that can challenge its survival to the community. This issue needs to be reviewed by policy makers so that real estate trust hibah can be enforced in an integrated and effective manner in the future.
The impact of exercise training on endothelial function in postmenopausal women: a systematic review
Authors: Lew Lindsay A. , Ethier Tarrah S. , Pyke Kyra E.
Published: October 2022

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and summarize all published literature examining the impact of various exercise training interventions on endothelial function in postmenopausal women.

What advances does it highlight?

There was a moderate effect of training on macrovascular and microvascular endothelial function and just under two‐thirds of studies demonstrated a significant increase in at least one measure of endothelial function in postmenopausal women. Factors including exercise intensity and duration, vessel type, clinical status, hormone therapy, and menopausal status may influence the effects of training on endothelial function in postmenopausal women.

Women experience a rapid decline in endothelial function during menopause. Therefore, it is important to explore interventions, such as exercise training, that may prevent endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and summarize all published literature examining the impact of various exercise training interventions on endothelial function in postmenopausal women. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science) were used to systematically select studies related to exercise training, endothelial function and postmenopausal women. The major initial and secondary update systematic searches yielded 502 unique articles that were screened for eligibility. Thirty‐five studies were included in the systematic review. Two‐thirds of all studies demonstrated a group‐level increase in at least one measure of endothelial function with training. Most studies investigating biomarkers of endothelial function showed improvement in at least one measured biomarker post‐training. There was a moderate effect of training on both macrovascular and microvascular endothelial function in observational and randomized intervention studies. Variability in study designs, training protocols and participant characteristics make it difficult to directly compare studies. Factors including exercise intensity and duration, vessel type, clinical status, hormone therapy, and menopausal status may contribute to the inconsistent effects of training on endothelial function in postmenopausal women. Future research is needed in this population to understand the mechanisms driving inter‐study and inter‐individual differences in training‐induced changes in endothelial function.
A Cadaveric Comparison of the Kinematic and Anatomical Axes and Arthrokinematics of the Metatarsosesamoidal and First Metatarsophalangeal Joints
Authors: Thorhauer Eric , French Mackenzie , Kimura Tadashi , Ledoux William R.
Published: October 2022

Presently, developments in weightbearing computed tomography and biplanar fluoroscopy technologies offer exciting avenues for investigating normative and pathologic foot function with increasing precision. Still, data quantifying sesamoid bone and proximal phalange motion are currently sparse. To express joint kinematics and compare various clinical cohorts, future studies of first ray motion will necessitate robust coordinate frames that respect the variations in underlying anatomy while also aligning closely with the functional, physiological axes of motion. These activity-dependent functional axes may be represented by a mean helical axis of the joint motion. Our cadaveric study quantified joint kinematics from weightbearing computed tomography scans during simulated toe lift and heel rise tasks. We compared the spatial orientations of the mean finite helical axes of the metatarsosesamoidal and metatarsophalangeal joints to the primary joint axis of two relevant methods for defining metatarsal coordinate frames: inertial axes and fitting of geometric primitives. The resultant kinematics exhibited less crosstalk when using a metatarsal coordinate system based on fitting cylindrical primitives to the bony anatomy compared to using principal component axes. Respective metatarsophalangeal and metatarsosesamoidal arthrokinematic contact paths and instantaneous centers of rotation were similar between activities and agree well with currently published data. This study outlines a methodology for quantitatively assessing the efficacy and utility of various anatomical joint coordinate system definitions. Improvements in our ability to characterize the shape and motion of foot bones in the context of functional tasks will elucidate their biomechanical roles and aid clinicians in refining treatment strategies.
Long-Range Risk-Aware Path Planning for Autonomous Ships in Complex and Dynamic Environments
Authors: Hu Chuanhui , Jin Yan
Published: October 2022

Path planning and collision avoidance are common problems for researchers in vehicle and robotics engineering design. In the case of autonomous ships, the navigation is guided by the regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREGs). However, COLREGs do not provide specific guidance for collision avoidance, especially for multi-ship encounters, which is a challenging task even for humans. In short-range path planning and collision avoidance problems, the motion of target ships is often considered as moving at a constant velocity and direction, which cannot be assumed in long-range planning and complex environments. The research challenge here is how to factor in the uncertainty of the motion of the target ships when making long-range path plans. In this paper, we introduce a long-range path planning algorithm for autonomous ships navigating in complex and dynamic environments to reduce the risk of encountering other ships during future motion. Based on the information on the position, speed over ground, and course over ground of other ships, our algorithm can estimate their intentions and future motions based on the probabilistic roadmap algorithm and use a risk-aware A* algorithm to find the optimal path that has low accumulated risk of encountering other ships. A case study is carried out on real automatic identification systems (AIS) datasets. The result shows that our algorithm can help reduce multi-ship encounters in long-term path planning.
A Deformation Control Method in Thin-Walled Parts Machining Based on Force and Stiffness Matching Via Cutter Orientation Optimization
Authors: Cai Yonglin , Zhang Zhengzhong , Xi Xiaolin , Zhao Defu
Published: October 2022

In the milling process, significant machining errors may occur due to the low stiffness of thin-walled parts. To reduce the cutting force-induced deformation in milling thin-walled parts such as blades, a cutter orientation optimization algorithm based on stiffness matching is proposed. The concept of maximum stiffness direction is put forward according to the phenomenon that different deformations are produced when applying forces with the same magnitude but in different directions. The stiffness of the in-process workpiece is obtained using the stiffness updating method. The cutter orientation optimization algorithm is presented to match the force with the maximum stiffness direction. The best cutter orientation is obtained by adopting the quantum particle swarms optimization algorithm at the key cutter location points, and then the cutter orientations of all cutter location points are obtained by the quaternion interpolation algorithm. The proposed deformation control method is verified on thin-walled blade milling experiments, and the experimental results show that the machining deformation of the blade with the optimized cutter orientation is reduced by about 36.51%, indicating that the proposed method can effectively reduce the machining deformation of the thin-walled parts.
A Scalable Digital Twin Framework Based on a Novel Adaptive Ensemble Surrogate Model
Authors: Lai Xiaonan , He Xiwang , Pang Yong , Zhang Fan , Zhou Dongcai , Sun Wei , Song Xueguan
Published: October 2022

The concept of digital twins is to have a digital model that can replicate the behavior of a physical asset in real time. However, using digital models to reflect the structural performance of physical assets usually faces high computational costs, which makes it difficult for the model to satisfy real-time requirements. As a technique to replace expensive simulations, surrogate models have great potential to solve this problem. In practice, however, the optimal individual surrogate model (ISM) applicable to a given problem usually changes as factors change, and this can be mitigated by integrating multiple ISMs. Therefore, this paper proposes a scalable digital twin framework based on a novel adaptive ensemble surrogate model. This ensemble not only provides robust approximation but also reduces the additional cost brought by the ensemble by reducing the number of ISMs participating in the ensemble through multicriterion model screening. Moreover, based on the characteristics of the finite element method, a node rearrangement method, which provides scalability for the construction of a digital model, is proposed. That is, the distribution and number of nodes can be customized to not only decrease the computational cost by reducing nodes but also obtain the information at key positions by customizing the locations of nodes. Numerical experiments are employed to verify the performance of the proposed ensemble and node rearrangement method. A telehandler is used as an example to build a scalable digital twin, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the framework.
Generative Design for Resilience of Interdependent Network Systems
Authors: Wu Jiaxin , Wang Pingfeng
Published: October 2022

Interconnected complex systems usually undergo disruptions due to internal uncertainties and external negative impacts such as those caused by harsh operating environments or regional natural disaster events. To maintain the operation of interconnected network systems under both internal and external challenges, design for resilience research has been conducted from both enhancing the reliability of the system through better designs and improving the failure recovery capabilities. As for enhancing the designs, challenges have arisen for designing a robust system due to the increasing scale of modern systems and the complicated underlying physical constraints. To tackle these challenges and design a resilient system efficiently, this study presents a generative design method that utilizes graph learning algorithms. The generative design framework contains a performance estimator and a candidate design generator. The generator can intelligently mine good properties from existing systems and output new designs that meet predefined performance criteria while the estimator can efficiently predict the performance of the generated design for a fast iterative learning process. Case studies results based on synthetic supply chain networks and power systems from the IEEE dataset have illustrated the applicability of the developed method for designing resilient interdependent network systems.
Effect of Heat-to-Heat Variability on Long-Term Creep Rupture Lifetime Predictions of Single Step Aged Wrought Haynes 282 Alloy
Authors: Cedro Vito , Render Mark , Chukwunenye Kelechi
Published: October 2022

The impact of a weaker heat of the wrought form of Haynes 282 nickel superalloy on predicted 100,000 h creep rupture strength (CRS) and hence maximum allowable working stress (MAWS) was determined by correlating the creep rupture data of the two stronger heats of material that were used (along with the third weaker heat) to develop the ASME Code Case for this alloy. In comparison with the established MAWS values, estimated MAWS values were 3–7% higher in the temperature range of 700–800 °C and up to 30% higher above 800 °C when the weaker heat was removed from the data analysis. These results show the importance of minimizing heat to heat variability of properties that affect high temperature creep strength, including grain size, which can be affected by parameters that might not be included in the alloy specification. For nickel superalloys, such as Haynes 282, design optimization and manufacturing control of grain size, in addition to chemical composition and gamma prime content and size, can provide measurable improvements in MAWS values established by ASME in the time-dependent region, where these alloys are usually employed.
Some Properties of the Exit Velocity Triangle of a Radial Compressor Impeller
Authors: Casey Michael , Robinson Christopher
Published: October 2022

A diagram is described which demonstrates important aspects of the exit velocity triangle of a radial compressor impeller with no inlet swirl. Although this diagram is based on work dating back to 1941, it is not widely known in the radial compressor community. It aids the selection of the exit velocity triangle for impellers and gives significant insight into impeller-diffuser matching. It can be used to analyze performance maps from both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies. Important aspects made clear in the diagram are as follows: The degree of reaction and the de Haller number of the impeller are both determined primarily by the work coefficient, and both decrease as the work coefficient increases; the degree of reaction is also affected by the exit flow coefficient, and for typical backswept impeller designs, it remains nearly constant at off-design flow conditions; the inlet and exit velocity triangles can be shown in the same diagram to visualize the deceleration of the relative velocity along the casing streamline and of the meridional velocity across an impeller, together with the acceleration of the relative flow on the hub streamline; the slope of the impeller gas path work coefficient versus exit flow coefficient at off-design conditions can be added to the diagram and this provides a new approach to estimate the mean slip factor from a measured or calculated compressor performance map; the diagram can be used as a useful template to compare different impeller design styles and to explain why different impellers are needed for use with vaned and vaneless diffusers; and the absolute velocity at the diffuser inlet of a backswept impeller increases with a decrease in flowrate along the operating line, which is an important aid to compressor stability.
Spermidine activates mitochondrial trifunctional protein and improves antitumor immunity in mice
Authors: Al-Habsi Muna , Chamoto Kenji , Matsumoto Ken , Nomura Norimichi , Zhang Baihao , Sugiura Yuki , Sonomura Kazuhiro , Maharani Aprilia , Nakajima Yuka , Wu Yibo , Nomura Yayoi , Menzies Rosemary , Tajima Masaki , Kitaoka Koji , Haku Yasuharu , Delghandi Sara , Yurimoto Keiko , Matsuda Fumihiko , Iwata So , Ogura Toshihiko , Fagarasan Sidonia , Honjo Tasuku
Published: October 2022

Spermidine (SPD) delays age-related pathologies in various organisms. SPD supplementation overcame the impaired immunotherapy against tumors in aged mice by increasing mitochondrial function and activating CD8
+
T cells. Treatment of naïve CD8
+
T cells with SPD acutely enhanced fatty acid oxidation. SPD conjugated to beads bound to the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP). In the MTP complex, synthesized and purified from
Escherichia coli
, SPD bound to the α and β subunits of MTP with strong affinity and allosterically enhanced their enzymatic activities. T cell–specific deletion of the MTP α subunit abolished enhancement of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade immunotherapy by SPD, indicating that MTP is required for SPD-dependent T cell activation.
Commensal microbiota from patients with inflammatory bowel disease produce genotoxic metabolites
Authors: Cao Yiyun , Oh Joonseok , Xue Mengzhao , Huh Won Jae , Wang Jiawei , Gonzalez-Hernandez Jaime A. , Rice Tyler A. , Martin Anjelica L. , Song Deguang , Crawford Jason M. , Herzon Seth B. , Palm Noah W.
Published: October 2022

Microbiota-derived metabolites that elicit DNA damage can contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the full spectrum of genotoxic chemicals produced by indigenous gut microbes remains to be defined. We established a pipeline to systematically evaluate the genotoxicity of an extensive collection of gut commensals from inflammatory bowel disease patients. We identified isolates from divergent phylogenies whose metabolites caused DNA damage and discovered a distinctive family of genotoxins—termed the indolimines—produced by the CRC-associated species
Morganella morganii.
A non–indolimine-producing
M. morganii
mutant lacked genotoxicity and failed to exacerbate colon tumorigenesis in mice. These studies reveal the existence of a previously unexplored universe of genotoxic small molecules from the microbiome that may affect host biology in homeostasis and disease.
Attenuated evolution of mammals through the Cenozoic
Authors: Goswami Anjali , Noirault Eve , Coombs Ellen J. , Clavel Julien , Fabre Anne-Claire , Halliday Thomas J. D. , Churchill Morgan , Curtis Abigail , Watanabe Akinobu , Simmons Nancy B. , Beatty Brian L. , Geisler Jonathan H. , Fox David L. , Felice Ryan N.
Published: October 2022

The Cenozoic diversification of placental mammals is the archetypal adaptive radiation. Yet, discrepancies between molecular divergence estimates and the fossil record fuel ongoing debate around the timing, tempo, and drivers of this radiation. Analysis of a three-dimensional skull dataset for living and extinct placental mammals demonstrates that evolutionary rates peak early and attenuate quickly. This long-term decline in tempo is punctuated by bursts of innovation that decreased in amplitude over the past 66 million years. Social, precocial, aquatic, and herbivorous species evolve fastest, especially whales, elephants, sirenians, and extinct ungulates. Slow rates in rodents and bats indicate dissociation of taxonomic and morphological diversification. Frustratingly, highly similar ancestral shape estimates for placental mammal superorders suggest that their earliest representatives may continue to elude unequivocal identification.
Plastic deformation in silicon nitride ceramics via bond switching at coherent interfaces
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Guanghua , Cui Wei , Ge Yiyao , Du Songmo , Gao Yixuan , Zhang Yuyang , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Du Shixuan , Chen Kexin
Published: October 2022

Covalently bonded ceramics exhibit preeminent properties—including hardness, strength, chemical inertness, and resistance against heat and corrosion—yet their wider application is challenging because of their room-temperature brittleness. In contrast to the atoms in metals that can slide along slip planes to accommodate strains, the atoms in covalently bonded ceramics require bond breaking because of the strong and directional characteristics of covalent bonds. This eventually leads to catastrophic failure on loading. We present an approach for designing deformable covalently bonded silicon nitride (Si
3
N
4
) ceramics that feature a dual-phase structure with coherent interfaces. Successive bond switching is realized at the coherent interfaces, which facilitates a stress-induced phase transformation and, eventually, generates plastic deformability.
Evolution and antiviral activity of a human protein of retroviral origin
Authors: Frank John A. , Singh Manvendra , Cullen Harrison B. , Kirou Raphael A. , Benkaddour-Boumzaouad Meriem , Cortes Jose L. , Garcia Pérez Jose , Coyne Carolyn B. , Feschotte Cédric
Published: October 2022

Endogenous retroviruses are abundant components of mammalian genomes descended from ancient germline infections. In several mammals, the envelope proteins encoded by these elements protect against exogenous viruses, but this activity has not been documented with endogenously expressed envelopes in humans. We report that the human genome harbors a large pool of envelope-derived sequences with the potential to restrict retroviral infection. To test this, we characterized an envelope-derived protein, Suppressyn. We found that
Suppressyn
is expressed in human preimplantation embryos and developing placenta using its ancestral retroviral promoter. Cell culture assays showed that
Suppressyn
, and its hominoid orthologs, could restrict infection by extant mammalian type D retroviruses. Our data support a generalizable model of retroviral envelope co-option for host immunity and genome defense.
A seismic meteor strike on Mars
Authors: Yang Yingjie , Chen Xiaofei
Published: October 2022

A meteor impact and its subsequent seismic waves reveal the crustal structure of Mars
What does a professor look like?
Picture a Professor: Interrupting Biases About Faculty and Increasing Student Learning
Jessamyn Neuhaus, Ed.
West Virginia University Press, 2022. 296 pp.
Authors: Huderson Ashley
Published: October 2022

Scholars offer tips and advice for helping college students think beyond stereotypes
Microbial metabolites damage DNA
Authors: Puschhof Jens , Sears Cynthia L.
Published: October 2022

Unexpected members of the gut microbiota produce diverse host cell genotoxins
A ceramic that bends instead of shattering
Authors: Frankberg Erkka J.
Published: October 2022

The microstructure of the ceramic silicon nitride can be tuned to create plasticity
Harvard studies on infant monkeys draw fire
Authors: Grimm David
Published: October 2022

Experiments involving eyelid suturing and maternal separation divide scientists
Monkeypox outbreak is ebbing—but why exactly?
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: October 2022

Models suggest rising immunity in a small group of people, not vaccination, is key
Journal declares an end to accepting or rejecting papers
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: October 2022

Instead,
eLife
will offer to peer review selected submissions for $2000 fee, then make paper and critiques free to read
Spatial Characteristics of the Efflux Pump MexB Determine Inhibitor Binding
Authors: Yamasaki Seiji , Koga Naoki , Zwama Martijn , Sakurai Keisuke , Nakashima Ryosuke , Yamaguchi Akihito , Nishino Kunihiko
Published: October 2022

The multidrug efflux transporters MexB and MexY in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and AcrB in
Escherichia coli
contribute to these organisms’ multidrug resistance. Efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) ABI-PP inhibits MexB and AcrB, but not MexY.
Dynamic Diatom-Bacteria Consortia in Synthetic Plankton Communities
Authors: Deng Yun , Mauri Marco , Vallet Marine , Staudinger Mona , Allen Rosalind J. , Pohnert Georg
Published: October 2022

The marine food web is fueled by phototrophic phytoplankton. These algae are central primary producers responsible for the fixation of ca. 40% of the global CO
2
.
Host 5′-3′ Exoribonuclease XRN1 Acts as a Proviral Factor for Measles Virus Replication by Downregulating the dsRNA-Activated Kinase PKR
Authors: BenDavid Ethan , Pfaller Christian K. , Pan Yue , Samuel Charles E. , Ma Dzwokai
Published: October 2022

Measles virus remains a major global health threat due to its high transmissibility and significant morbidity in children and immunocompromised individuals. Although there is an effective vaccine against MeV, a large population in the world remains without access to the vaccine, contributing to more than 7,000,000 measles cases and 60,000 measles deaths in 2020 (CDC).
Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from Amazonian Soil Microbial Consortia
Authors: Mandro Jéssica A. , Nakamura Fernanda M. , Gontijo Júlia B. , Tsai Siu M. , Venturini Andressa M.
Published: October 2022

Here, we report 17 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from microbial consortia of forest and pasture soils in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon. The bacterial MAGs have the potential to act in important ecological processes, including carbohydrate degradation and sulfur and nitrogen cycling.
Genome Sequences of Three Actinobacteriophage from Cluster FH Isolated Using Arthrobacter globiformis
Authors: Isenhart Shannon , Gillison Adam , Brown Darien , Kleven Auremie , Allen Macayla , Bohn Brittany , Martínez Lee Anne , García Costas Amaya
Published: October 2022

We report the discovery and genome sequences of three FH cluster actinophage infecting
Arthrobacter globiformis
B2979. Lilmac1015 and Klevey were isolated from riverbank soil and Prairie from soil collected below a tree. Their respective genome lengths are 49,978, 50,075, and 49,392 bp, with 80, 81, and 78 predicted protein-coding genes.
MicroRNA-like RNA Functions Are Required for the Biosynthesis of Active Compounds in the Medicinal Fungus
Sanghuangporus vaninii
Authors: Zhou Qiumei , Yin Xuebing , Zhang Hanghang , Wang Yulong
Published: October 2022

Fungi can take up environmental RNA that can silence fungal genes with RNA interference, which prompts the development of SIGS. Efficient dsRNA and milRNA uptake in
S. vanini
, successful dsRNA-targeted gene block, and the increase in intracellular miRNA abundance showed that SIGS technology is an effective and powerful tool for the functional dissection of fungal genes and millRNAs.
Influenza Infection in Ferrets with SARS-CoV-2 Infection History
Authors: Vilas Boas de Melo Caroline , Peters Florence , van Dijken Harry , Lenz Stefanie , van de Ven Koen , Wijsman Lisa , Gomersbach Angéla , Schouten Tanja , van Kasteren Puck B. , van den Brand Judith , de Jonge Jørgen
Published: October 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks, social distancing, and isolation were effective not only in decreasing the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 but also in reducing other respiratory viruses, such as influenza. With fewer restrictions currently in place, influenza is slowly returning.
Improved Cultivation and Isolation of Diverse Endophytic Bacteria Inhabiting
Dendrobium
Roots by Using Simply Modified Agar Media
Authors: Nishioka Tomoki , Tamaki Hideyuki
Published: October 2022

Dendrobium
endophytic bacteria are of great interest since their functions may contribute to the protection of endangered orchids with ornamental and medicinal values. To understand and reveal the “true roles” of the endophytes, obtaining those axenic cultures is necessary even in the metagenomic era.