bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of high‐intensity interval training on sleep disturbances associated with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Pieper Anima , Bermpohl Felix , Meyer Kristina , Bathe‐Peters Rouven , Trobisch Viola , Schulte Antonia , Grummt Maximilian , Wolfarth Bernd , Ströhle Andreas , Schoofs Nikola , Priebe Kathlen
Published: August 2024

Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. Exercise interventions are a promising approach in the treatment of sleep disorders, but little is known about the efficacy of exercise interventions for sleep disturbances associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. A total of 40 individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder were randomized to six sessions of either high‐intensity interval training or low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training, administered within 12 days. Sleep quality was assessed over 24 days from baseline to post with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a sleep log, and a waist‐worn actigraphy. Analyses revealed that, regardless of group allocation, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score improved significantly by 2.28 points for high‐intensity interval training and 1.70 points for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training (d = 0.56 for high‐intensity interval training; 0.49 for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training) over time, while there were no significant changes in any sleep log or actigraphy measure. Analysis of a subsample of those affected by clinically significant sleep disturbances (n = 24) revealed a significant time effect with no difference between exercise interventions: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index improved significantly by 2.65 points for high‐intensity interval training and 2.89 points for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training (d = 0.53 for high‐intensity interval training; 0.88 for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training), and actigraphy measure of wake after sleep onset was reduced significantly by 14.39 minutes for high‐intensity interval training and 6.96 minutes for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training (d = 0.47 for high‐intensity interval training; 0.11 for low‐to‐moderate‐intensity training) from baseline to post. In our pilot study, we found an improvement in sleep quality from pre‐ to post‐assessment. There were no significant differences between exercise groups. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the found time effects reflect the exercise intervention or unrelated factors.
Can the Scope of Secularization Theory Be Expanded Beyond the Modern‐Christian‐West? Exploring the Alevi Experience in Turkey
Authors: Ertit Volkan
Published: August 2024

This study asserts that the secularization theory has the potential to offer insights into the processes of social change experienced by faith groups outside the modern West. The study focuses on the transformation undergone by Alevi groups in Turkey, who are now experiencing a more modern way of life compared to their past. In this qualitative study, data collection was conducted through semistructured interviews during field studies in the cities of Çorum (Turk Alevis) and Tunceli/Dersim (Zaza/Kurd Alevis). Based on the interview findings, the study concludes that the new Alevi generation leads a more modern and at the same time more secular daily life compared to their parents. Therefore, the main assertion of this research is that the classical secularization theory has the potential to provide valuable insights not only for modern societies where Christianity is dominant but also for understanding the transformations occurring within Alevi communities in Turkey.
Assessment of HBV variants and novel viral and immune biomarkers in chronic hepatitis B patients with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Patel Nishi H. , Lucko Aaron , Vachon Alicia , Doucette Karen E. , Ramji Alnoor , Sycuro Laura , Patel Trushar R. , Chadee Kris , Raman Maitreyi , van Marle Guido , Osiowy Carla , Coffin Carla S.
Published: August 2024

Co‐existing chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can exert complex effects on hepatic metabolism, requiring mechanistic study. CHB participants were assessed for MASLD and the impact of hepatic steatosis/metabolic syndrome (MetS) on novel viral and immunological markers. In this prospective, cohort study, untreated CHB subjects were assessed for liver disease by non‐invasive tests (i.e. FibroScan, controlled attenuation parameter, CAP). Subjects were tested for cytokines and IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay to HBV Surface (S) and Core (C) proteins. Standard HBV serological, exploratory biomarkers and deep sequencing of HBV S and C genes were performed. In 53 subjects (median age 45 years [SD = 10.6], 35% F, 56% Asian, 20% Black, 3% White), 94% (50) HBeAg negative, 63% genotype B/C, mean HBV DNA 3.2 log10 IU/mL (SD = 1.8), quantitative HBsAg 2.9 log10 IU/mL (SD = 1.2) and HBV pgRNA 2.1 log10 copies/mL (SD = 1.3). In enrolled subjects, the mean ALT was 41.9 U/L (SD = 24.0), FibroScan was 5.7 kPa (SD = 1.9) and CAP was 306.4 dB/m (SD = 49.0). The mean BMI was 28.2 kg/m2 (SD = 4.2), 20% (11/53) had diabetes, 35% (19/53) dyslipidaemia and 24% (13/53) hypertension. Subjects with MetS and steatosis showed lower HBV markers (p < .01), higher HBV S diversity (p = .02) and greater frequency of HBV variants associated with host‐anti‐viral immune escape. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and HBV‐specific cellular responses were higher in participants with hepatic steatosis. In CHB, MASLD/hepatic steatosis was associated with HBV variants and systemic immune responses potentially impacting liver disease progression despite low‐level viraemia.
Sustained Virological Response After Early Discontinuation of Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Flisiak Robert , Zarębska‐Michaluk Dorota , Janczewska Ewa , Parfieniuk‐Kowerda Anna , Mazur Włodzimierz , Sitko Marek , Janocha‐Litwin Justyna , Krygier Rafał , Lorenc Beata , Piekarska Anna , Sobala‐Szczygieł Barbara , Dobrowolska Krystyna , Socha Łukasz , Jaroszewicz Jerzy
Published: August 2024

To date, the effectiveness of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) discontinued before 4 weeks has not been analysed in routine clinical practice. The study aimed to determine whether such a short therapy will enable achieving a sustained virological response under real‐world experience. The study population of 97 patients who discontinued DAA therapy and had data enabling analysis of patient and disease characteristics, and assessment of treatment effectiveness was selected from 16,815 patients registered in the EpiTer‐2 database. The most common reason for discontinuation was hepatic decompensation (20.6%) or the patient's personal decision (18.6%). Patients who discontinued treatment were significantly older, more frequently therapy‐experienced, more likely to have cirrhosis, a history of decompensation and a Child–Pugh B or C classification than those who completed treatment. SVR was achieved by 93.5% of patients who discontinued treatment after 4 weeks, 60.9% if discontinued at 3 or 4 week and 33.3% at Week 1 or 2. Patients receiving pangenotypic but not genotype‐specific treatment who discontinued after 4 weeks were as likely to achieve SVR as those who completed therapy. Patients who responded to treatment that lasted no longer than 2 weeks had a low baseline viral load (<400,000 IU/mL). Despite discontinuation of therapy after Week 4, the chances of SVR are high. Very early discontinuation does not preclude therapeutic success, especially in patients with low baseline viral load.
When I say … improvisation
Authors: Rhodius Christiaan Alexander , de Carvalho Filho Marco Antonio
Published: August 2024

The art of improvisation is linked to the art of living to argue that learning improvisation is crucial to medical education; it connects expectation with intentional action geared toward engaging together.
Central mechanisms of emesis: A role for GDF15
Authors: Borner Tito , Pataro Allison M. , De Jonghe Bart C.
Published: August 2024

Background

Nausea and emesis are ubiquitously reported medical conditions and often present as treatment side effects along with polymorbidities contributing to detrimental life‐threatening outcomes, such as poor nutrition, lower quality of life, and unfavorable patient prognosis. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress response cytokine secreted by a wide variety of cell types in response to a broad range of stressors. Circulating GDF15 levels are elevated in a range of medical conditions characterized by cachexia and malaise. In recent years, GDF15 has gained scientific and translational prominence with the discovery that its receptor, GDNF family receptor α‐like (GFRAL), is expressed exclusively in the hindbrain. GFRAL activation may results in profound anorexia and body weight loss, effects which have attracted interest for the pharmacological treatment of obesity.

Purpose

This review highlights compelling emerging evidence indicating that GDF15 causes anorexia through the induction of nausea, emesis, and food aversions, which encourage a perspective on GDF15 system function in physiology and behavior beyond homeostatic energy regulation contexts. This highlights the potential role of GDF15 in the central mediation of nausea and emesis following a variety of physiological, and pathophysiological conditions such as chemotherapy‐induced emesis, hyperemesis gravidarum, and cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Mortality Convergence in Europe? Spatial Differences in Life Expectancy Gains Between 1995 and 2019
Authors: Sauerberg Markus , Bonnet Florian , Camarda Carlo Giovanni , Grigoriev Pavel
Published: August 2024

The conventional approach to gauging mortality convergence in Europe relies on life expectancy estimates () at the national level. However, mortality can differ within countries significantly. To better apprehend whether Europe's mortality patterns have been converging or diverging over recent decades, we must shift our focus to regional mortality data. Using data from statistical offices, we present annual estimates for 420 regions in 16 EU countries from 1995 to 2019. In our empirical analysis, we examined whether regions with initially high mortality levels caught up with low‐mortality regions, and we investigated changes in the standard deviation of Europe's regional distribution over time. Indeed, mortality variation has generally decreased from 1995 to 2019 due to larger gains in for regions with initially high mortality levels. The convergence phase took place mostly during the first half of the entire time period analyzed. Over more recent periods, however, we observe more heterogeneity in the development of . Some advantaged regions realized further gains in , even as improvements slowed for more disadvantaged regions. In conclusion, our analysis underscores the importance of addressing widening health inequalities. Policies should target disadvantaged regions to retard mortality divergence across Europe.
Local versus regional patterns in zoospore dispersal of the kelp Eisenia bicyclis (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Suzuki Haruka , Aoki Tomoya , Mitsuyuki Chika , Suyama Yoshihisa , Agatsuma Yukio , Aoki Masakazu N.
Published: August 2024

It is generally accepted that kelp populations have a metapopulation structure. Most zoospores settle near to their parent individual, and infrequent but long‐distance dispersal of zoospores contributes to gene flow between local populations. Population genetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by MIG‐seq (i.e. multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeats genotyping by sequencing) was performed on the dominant kelp, Eisenia bicyclis, in two areas: Kitsunezaki (a sheltered area) and Shimoda (an exposed site). Regional scale analysis of genetic structure was conducted at six sites in Kitsunezaki and three sites in Shimoda. When viewed on a regional scale based on the inbreeding coefficient within the local population, the inbreeding ratio was higher in Shimoda than in Kitsunezaki, probably as a result of the limited vertical zonal distribution in the exposed environment. Vertically wide distribution in the sheltered environment apparently enabled frequent crossing among individuals in Kitsunezaki. By contrast, when viewed on a local scale based on the pairwise kinship coefficient (FST) between populations, gene flow among local populations in Shimoda occurred over a wide area, but was limited in Kitsunezaki. In Shimoda, genetic exchange between local populations, even if inbreeding is locally active, is likely to support metapopulation maintenance and rapid recovery of local populations. In Kitsunezaki, however, genetic exchange among local populations is limited within few 100 m, and the metapopulation structure will decline in the long term because of inbreeding depression. Local dispersal distance of zoospores was investigated based on parent–offspring analysis in the Kitsunezaki population, which revealed that zoospores mainly settled within 5 m of their parent. However, some zoospores traveled over 27 m within the 4 × 30 m study area. The present study shows the importance of examination at different spatial scales when investigating zoospore dispersal of laminarialean kelps.
Resist and recover: Introducing a spring theory for modeling disaster resilience
Authors: Weiss Robert , Zobel Christopher W.
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a new approach for quantitatively modeling the resilience of a system that has been disrupted by a sudden‐impact event. It introduces a new theoretical model that explicitly incorporates representations of the enabling and inhibiting forces that are inherent within postdisruption recovery behavior. Based on a new, more comprehensive measure of resilience that is able to capture both negative and positive deviations in performance, a generic mass–spring system is then used to illustrate the applicability of the theoretical model. The interplay between the enabling and inhibiting forces that is revealed by the new model provides a new theoretical basis for understanding the complexity of resilience and disaster recovery. With the addition of the new resilience measure, it lends support for defining and characterizing a new type of resilient behavior: unstable resilience.
Informality, foreign ownership and bribery in developing countries
Authors: Ribeiro Erica Aparecida , Fraga Gilberto Joaquim
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have evaluated the characteristics of enterprises; however, the understanding of the effects of foreign capital and competition with the informal sector on the occurrence of bribery is limited. Competition with the informal sector is related to fundamental characteristics of the involved countries, such as low development levels, which, in turn, is connected to high levels of corruption. There is no consensus concerning the impact of foreign capital on corruption. Using a multilevel logit, we estimate the likelihood of bribery among firms in 88 emerging countries. This study finds that competition with informal enterprises is associated with an increased likelihood of bribery occurrence; however, there is no difference between foreign and domestic corporations in terms of corrupt behavior. We split the countries into six regions. Competition with the informal sector presents a positive effect on the firms' likelihood to bribe in five of these six regions. Foreign capital is statistically nonsignificant in all regions, while a significant difference is found across the regions related to the effects of improvement in bureaucratic quality, income, and national political stability. The study indicates that homogenous anti‐corruption policies are not very effective.
The Correlation Between Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE) and miR‐142‐3p in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Jiang Jiaxiang , Zhou Meiling , Zhang Qiong , Shen Huajuan , Jia Yanqing , Chen Yanfang , Xu Xiujun , Jiang Hongfang
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), which are prone to be detrimental to patients' lives. Identifying risk factors for MACCE can help target measures to prevent or reduce the occurrence of MACCE.

Objective

The aim was to investigate the correlation between miR‐142‐3p and MACCE in ESRD patients on MHD and to provide a new predictor for MACCE occurrence.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from subjects to detect the expression of miR‐142‐3p using RT‐qPCR. The correlation of miR‐142‐3p with HDL‐C and hs‐CRP was assessed by the Pearson method. The occurrence of MACCE in patients during the 36‐month follow‐up period was recorded. The clinical value of miR‐142‐3p in MACCE occurrence was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier curve, multivariate logistic regression, and ROC curve.

Results

In ESRD patients on MHD, miR‐142‐3p was downregulated, and it showed a positive correlation with HDL‐C but a negative correlation with hs‐CRP. The cumulative incidence of MACCE at 1, 2, and 3 years was 8.9%, 20.0%, and 30.4%, respectively. miR‐142‐3p levels were reduced in patients who developed MACCE and were associated with the cumulative incidence of MACCE. miR‐142‐3p was a risk factor for MACCE and showed a predictive value with specificity and sensitivity of 89.36% and 56.10%, respectively.

Conclusions

miR‐142‐3p was a risk factor of MACCE in ESRD patients undergoing MHD.
Understanding the adoption of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies in the United States
Authors: Baker Keith , Cochran Joseph , Duru Haci
Published: August 2024

Objective

This article examines the diffusion of paramilitary police units across the United States to consider the computational turn in social science.

Methods

The process of police diffusion is modeled by comparing traditional predictive models with agent‐based modeling (ABM) under constant and flexible binding conditions. The data are drawn from the Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies 2000, 2004 and the United States Cities Database.

Results

ABM was not superior to traditional predictive models when it came to predicting policy diffusion and that flexible binding provides superior predictive capabilities over constant binding.

Conclusions

Public policy scholars should exercise caution in adopting computational methods as they may not offer advantages over traditional predicative analysis. Policy diffusion of police militarization is not driven by geographical proximity but may reflect hierarchical influences in the form of federal policy or the influence of far‐flung organizations perceived to be similar. This may cause inappropriate policies and practices to be adopted.
On the (un)suitability of literature for moral education
Authors: Vidmar Jovanović Iris
Published: August 2024

In this article, I defend moral aesthetic cognitivism, the view that literature is a valuable source of insights related to morally relevant aspects of our world and that it can significantly contribute to our moral education. I am in particular concerned with counterarguments to this view voiced by Greg Currie, who trashes epistemological foundations of literature and emphasizes the lack of empirical corroboration of cognitivism, and by Peter Lamarque, who dismisses educative potential of literature on the account of readers' incapacity to extract morally relevant judgements about the world from literary works. I rely on examples from literary tradition to rebuild the epistemological framework underlying cognitivism and on contemporary insights from moral psychology to show that our engagements with literature are permeated with moral reflections that are valuable for our moral education.
The joy of maps
Authors: Cheshire James
Published: August 2024

This short provocation implores more academic geographers to embrace the joy of making maps and to take pride in the links that maps have with the subject. It contends that, despite geography and maps being synonymous in the eyes of many (and most importantly, the public at large), geographers' narrow conception of what maps have been, rather than what they can be, is a missed opportunity in the expression of the discipline as it exists today.
Alloimmunization in myelodysplastic syndrome is associated with higher healthcare costs, longer hospitalizations, and increased mortality
Authors: Viayna Elisabet , Gehrie Eric A. , Blanchette Christopher
Published: August 2024

Background

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) is an important component of treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients receiving frequent transfusions are more likely to develop alloimmunization, an immune reaction to minor RBC antigens that increases the risk of complications including delayed hemolysis. Phenotypic matching is believed to reduce alloimmunization although rigorous evidence is lacking. This study examines the association of alloimmunization with clinical and economic outcomes and may give insight into the potential benefit of phenotypic matching in MDS.

Study Design and Methods

This study used data from 1054 hospitals included in the Premier hospital chargemaster dataset. Alloimmunized MDS patients (January 2015 to June 2019) were indirectly identified by ICD‐10 codes (antiglobulin crossmatch and RBC antibody identification). The primary objective was assessment of the association between incremental cost per patient encounter and alloimmunization in MDS patients. Secondary objectives were assessment of the association of length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and inpatient mortality for alloimmunized versus non‐alloimmunized MDS patients.

Results

Worse clinical and economic outcomes were observed for the alloimmunized group. Higher costs (14%), more ICU admissions (38%), longer hospital (21%) and ICU stays (55%), and greater mortality (30%) were observed among alloimmunized MDS patients compared to non‐alloimmunized (p < .0001 for all comparisons).

Discussion

Alloimmunization may be associated with higher costs and greater risk of ICU admission and death in patients with MDS. While further mechanistic research is needed, it seems that MDS patients may benefit substantially from practices that limit risk of alloimmunization, including providing prophylactic antigen matching.
Estimation of urinary volume through ultrasonography in dog cadavers and experimental models
Authors: Rodrigues Heitor Leocádio de Souza , Pimenta Laís Elena Oliveira , Vasconcellos Lídia Maria Amaro , Costa Márcio Machado , Crivellenti Leandro Zuccolotto , Milken Vanessa Martins Fayad
Published: August 2024

The urinary volume and residual urine volume are pieces of information that can provide relevant clinical data for dogs and cats, especially those hospitalized. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate mathematical formulas described in human and veterinary literature to estimate urinary volume in dogs and experimental models. For this purpose, nine male dog cadavers and twelve experimental models were used to evaluate residual volume, small, medium, and large, using three different formulas. Data were obtained by three different examiners: two ultrasonographers and one nonultrasonographer. Each examiner recorded three longitudinal and transverse images, obtaining measurements of width, length, and height at each proposed volume. The measurements were then averaged, and the result was added to the formulas, thus estimating urinary volume. All three formulas achieved higher accuracy in estimating smaller volumes, with a gradual decrease as urinary volume increased. The error of all formulas was less than 10%, even when compared with evaluations in experimental models and dogs. There was variation in estimation between ultrasonographers and nonultrasonographer examiners; however, this variation was low, allowing for the assertion that both can apply the technique. Thus, it is concluded that estimating urinary bladder volume using mathematical formulas and 2D ultrasound is accurate and, therefore, an alternative and viable option for evaluating the urinary tract.
Photoactivated rose bengal mitigates a fibrotic phenotype and improves cutaneous wound healing in full‐thickness injuries
Authors: Jay Jayson W. , Palackic Alen , Prasai Anesh , Seigel Quincy , Siddiqui Raima , Bergman Isabelle , Wolf Steven E. , Wilkerson Michael G. , El Ayadi Amina
Published: August 2024

Healing of deep cutaneous wounds often results in detrimental sequelae, including painful and debilitating scars. Current therapies for full‐thickness injuries that target specific phases of wound healing have moderate success; however, full resolution remains incomplete and negative consequences persist if skin homeostasis is not achieved. Photoactivated molecules can modulate cellular responses by generating reactive oxygen species and may provide a novel therapeutic option to improve wound healing. In the current study, we investigated the effects of Rose bengal (RB) dye in a preclinical model of full‐thickness cutaneous injury. Monochromatic green light activates RB to generate ROS in the presence of oxygen, subsequently crosslinking collagen fibrils. In in vitro studies, we show that photoactivated RB is well tolerated by epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts and can mitigate fibrotic signalling by downregulating collagen production. In a murine model of full‐thickness injury, topically‐applied and photoactivated RB closed wounds faster than control and vehicle treatments and showed significantly improved wound healing outcomes, including enhanced early granulation, better collagen organisation and increased vascularity in the presence of protracted tissue ROS. These data support an overall improved cutaneous wound healing profile after RB phototherapy and warrant further investigations into this versatile molecule.
Computational Study on the Effects of Valve Orientation on the Hemodynamics and Leaflet Dynamics of Bioprosthetic Pulmonary Valves
Authors: Ko Kwang Bem , Seo Jung-Hee , Doshi Ashish , Sen Danielle Gottlieb , Mittal Rajat
Published: August 2024

Pulmonary valves do not display a fibrous annulus as do other valves in the heart; thus, pulmonary valves can be implanted at multiple orientations and locations within the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This gives surgeons more freedom when implanting the valve but it also results in uncertainties regarding placement, particularly with respect to valve orientation. We investigate the pulmonary artery hemodynamics and valve leaflet dynamics of pulmonary valve replacements (PVRs) with various orientations via fluid–structure interaction (FSI) models. A canonical model of the branching pulmonary artery is coupled with a dynamic model of a pulmonary valve, and from this we quantify the effect of valve implant orientation on the postvalvular hemodynamics and leaflet dynamics. Metrics such as turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), branch pulmonary artery flow distributions, projected valve opening area (PVOA), and pressure differentials across the valve leaflets are analyzed. Our results indicate that off-axis orientation results in higher pressure forces and flow and energy asymmetry, which potentially have implications for long-term durability of implanted bioprosthetic valves.
Digital Twins and Civil Engineering Phases: Reorienting Adoption Strategies
Authors: Adebiyi Taiwo A. , Ajenifuja Nafeezat A. , Zhang Ruda
Published: August 2024

Digital twin (DT) technology has received immense attention over the years due to the promises it presents to various stakeholders in science and engineering. As a result, different thematic areas of DT have been explored. This is no different in specific fields such as manufacturing, automation, oil and gas, and civil engineering, leading to fragmented approaches for field-specific applications. The civil engineering industry is further disadvantaged in this regard as it relies on external techniques by other engineering fields for its DT adoption. A rising consequence of these extensions is a concentrated application of DT to the operations and maintenance phase. On another spectrum, building information modeling (BIM) is pervasively utilized in the planning/design phase, and the transient nature of the construction phase remains a challenge for its DT adoption. In this article, we present a phase-based development of DT in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. We commence by presenting succinct expositions on DT as a concept and as a service, and establish a five-level scale system. Furthermore, we present separately a systematic literature review of the conventional techniques employed at each civil engineering phase. In this regard, we identified enabling technologies such as computer vision for extended sensing and the Internet of things for reliable integration. Ultimately, we attempt to reveal DT as an important tool across the entire life cycle of civil engineering projects, and nudge researchers to think more holistically in their quest for the integration of DT for civil engineering applications.
The Unsteady Shock-Boundary Layer Interaction in a Compressor Cascade—Part III: Mechanisms of Shock Oscillation
Authors: Munoz Lopez Edwin J. , Hergt Alexander , Klinner Joachim , Klose Bjoern , Willert Chris , Gümmer Volker
Published: August 2024

The shock-boundary layer interaction in transonic flows is known to cause strong unsteady flow effects that negatively affect the performance and operability of blade and cascade designs. Despite decades of research on the subject, little is still known about the physical mechanisms that drive the different oscillation frequencies observed with different designs. In the conclusion of this three-part series, the experimental and numerical data obtained with the Transonic Cascade TEAMAero are analyzed together in detail in order to test the main theories of continuous shock oscillation. This analysis exposes a main mechanism of shock oscillation, where pressure waves generated inside the passage of the cascade propagate upstream and interact strongly with the main shock when the latter is also in the passage. The interaction of these features causes a breakdown of the flow that is shown to propagate upstream, inevitably causing strong variations in the inflow angle and therefore on the operating conditions of the cascade. The high-frequency content of these pressure waves is also shown to be responsible for weaker high-frequency variations of the shock movement throughout the cycle. Parallels are also drawn with previous experimental campaigns in order to search for a global understanding of the different observations made. Although various parts of the described interaction are not fully understood yet, and the dataset of experimental measurements compiled is still rather small, a good basis is provided on which to further study the underlying mechanisms of unsteady flows in transonic cascades.
Experimental study on liquid piston Stirling engine combined with self-rectifying turbine
Authors: Tomihira Jidai , Shoji Eita , Biwa Tetsushi , Murti Prastowo , Okuhara Shinya , Takao Manabu
Published: August 2024

A liquid piston Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that uses air and water under atmospheric pressure as its working fluids. Resulting from its uncomplicated design and the capacity to operate under relatively low temperature differentials of less than 100 °C, it has attracted considerable attention in recent years. This paper presents the fundamental characteristics of the liquid piston engine combined with a self-rectifying turbine for the advancement of thermal generators. When the turbine is installed in the water region rather than in the air region, it exhibits unidirectional rotation with a rotational speed directly proportional to the velocity amplitude of the reciprocating axial flow. Additionally, the acoustic impedance within the duct section containing the turbine is determined, demonstrating that the real part of impedance rises with increasing axial velocity, indicating a loss mechanism similar to the minor loss. Furthermore, the installation of the turbine results in a breakdown of symmetry in the engine oscillation mode. To maintain symmetry and improve system design, future developments must consider the installation of a turbine in each unit. These findings can pave the way to the design of liquid piston Stirling engines and their applications in thermal energy conversion.
Designing a sparse sensor array for sound field reconstruction using compressive-equivalent source method
Authors: Shen Yang , Bi Chuan-Xing , Zhang Xiao-Zheng , Zhang Yong-Bin , Zhou Rong
Published: August 2024

The compressive-equivalent source method (C-ESM) can reconstruct the sound field radiated by sparsely distributed sound sources with a reduced number of sensors. To ensure the performance of the C-ESM, the transfer matrix between the sensors and equivalent point sources should exhibit sufficient incoherence. Given that the configuration of the sensor array affects this incoherence condition, concern regarding the sensor array design would arise. To address such concern, this paper proposes a sensor array design approach. The primary objective of this approach is to minimize the mean coherence of the transfer matrix within the developed iterative framework, providing the incoherence condition required by the C-ESM. Subsequently, the designed sensor array is utilized by the C-ESM for the reconstructions. The effectiveness and practicality of the proposed approach are validated through numerical simulations and experiments.
Acoustically targeted measurement of transgene expression in the brain
Authors: Seo Joon Pyung , Trippett James S. , Huang Zhimin , Lee Sangsin , Nouraein Shirin , Wang Ryan Z. , Szablowski Jerzy O.
Published: August 2024

Gene expression is a critical component of brain physiology, but monitoring this expression in the living brain represents a major challenge. Here, we introduce a new paradigm called recovery of markers through insonation (REMIS) for noninvasive measurement of gene expression in the brain with cell type, spatial, and temporal specificity. Our approach relies on engineered protein markers that are produced in neurons but exit into the brain’s interstitium. When ultrasound is applied to targeted brain regions, it opens the blood-brain barrier and releases these markers into the bloodstream. Once in blood, the markers can be readily detected using biochemical techniques. REMIS can noninvasively confirm gene delivery and measure endogenous signaling in specific brain sites through a simple insonation and a subsequent blood test. REMIS is reliable and demonstrated consistent improvement in recovery of markers from the brain into the blood. Overall, this work establishes a noninvasive, spatially specific method of monitoring gene delivery and endogenous signaling in the brain.
Insulin restores retinal ganglion cell functional connectivity and promotes visual recovery in glaucoma
Authors: El Hajji Sana , Shiga Yukihiro , Belforte Nicolas , Solorio Yves Carpentier , Tastet Olivier , D’Onofrio Philippe , Dotigny Florence , Prat Alexandre , Arbour Nathalie , Fortune Brad , Di Polo Adriana
Published: August 2024

Dendrite pathology and synaptic loss result in neural circuit dysfunction, a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. There is a lack of strategies that target dendritic and synaptic regeneration to promote neurorecovery. We show that daily human recombinant insulin eye drops stimulate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendrite and synapse regeneration during ocular hypertension, a risk factor to develop glaucoma. We demonstrate that the ribosomal protein p70S6 kinase (S6K) is essential for insulin-dependent dendritic regrowth. Furthermore, S6K phosphorylation of the stress-activated protein kinase–interacting protein 1 (SIN1), a link between the mammalian target of rapamycin complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1/2), is required for insulin-induced dendritic regeneration. Using two-photon microscopy live retinal imaging, we show that insulin rescues single-RGC light-evoked calcium (Ca
2+
) dynamics. We further demonstrate that insulin enhances neuronal survival and retina-brain connectivity leading to improved optomotor reflex–elicited behaviors. Our data support that insulin is a compelling pro-regenerative strategy with potential clinical implications for the treatment and management of glaucoma.
Small-scale roughness entraps water and controls underwater adhesion
Authors: Kumar Nityanshu , Dalvi Siddhesh , Sumant Anirudha V. , Pastewka Lars , Jacobs Tevis D. B. , Dhinojwala Ali
Published: August 2024

While controlling underwater adhesion is critical for designing biological adhesives and in improving the traction of tires, haptics, or adhesives for health monitoring devices, it is hindered by a lack of fundamental understanding of how the presence of trapped water impedes interfacial bonding. Here, by using well-characterized polycrystal diamond surfaces and soft, nonhysteretic, low–surface energy elastomers, we show a reduction in adhesion during approach and four times higher adhesion during retraction as compared to the thermodynamic work of adhesion. Our findings reveal how the loading phase of contact is governed by the entrapment of water by ultrasmall (10-nanometer-scale) surface features. In contrast, the same nanofeatures that reduce adhesion during approach serve to increase adhesion during separation. The explanation for this counterintuitive result lies in the incompressibility-inextensibility of trapped water and the work needed to deform the polymer around water pockets. Unlike the well-known viscoelastic contribution to adhesion, this science unlocks strategies for tailoring surface topography to enhance underwater adhesion.
Epigenetic reprogramming driving successful and failed repair in acute kidney injury
Authors: Muto Yoshiharu , Dixon Eryn E. , Yoshimura Yasuhiro , Ledru Nicolas , Kirita Yuhei , Wu Haojia , Humphreys Benjamin D.
Published: August 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes epithelial damage followed by subsequent repair. While successful repair restores kidney function, this process is often incomplete and can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a process called failed repair. To better understand the epigenetic reprogramming driving this AKI-to-CKD transition, we generated a single-nucleus multiomic atlas for the full mouse AKI time course, consisting of ~280,000 single-nucleus transcriptomes and epigenomes. We reveal cell-specific dynamic alterations in gene regulatory landscapes reflecting, especially, activation of proinflammatory pathways. We further generated single-nucleus multiomic data from four human AKI samples including validation by genome-wide identification of nuclear factor κB binding sites. A regularized regression analysis identifies key regulators involved in both successful and failed repair cell fate, identifying the transcription factor CREB5 as a regulator of both successful and failed tubular repair that also drives proximal tubular cell proliferation after injury. Our interspecies multiomic approach provides a foundation to comprehensively understand cell states in AKI.
High-voltage electrosynthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid with ultrahigh fluorine content toward fast Li-ion transport
Authors: Lu Gongxun , Qiao Qiangqiang , Zhang Mengtian , Zhang Jinsen , Li Shuai , Jin Chengbin , Yuan Huadong , Ju Zhijin , Huang Rong , Liu Yujing , Luo Jianmin , Wang Yao , Zhou Guangmin , Tao Xinyong , Nai Jianwei
Published: August 2024

Hybrid materials with a rational organic-inorganic configuration can offer multifunctionality and superior properties. This principle is crucial but challenging to be applied in designing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on lithium metal anodes (LMAs), as it substantially affects Li
+
transport from the electrolyte to the anode. Here, an artificial SEI with an ultrahigh fluorine content (as high as 70.12 wt %) can be successfully constructed on the LMA using a high-voltage electrosynthesis strategy. This SEI consists of ultrafine lithium fluoride nanocrystals embedded in a fluorinated organic matrix, exhibiting excellent passivation and mechanical strength. Notably, the organic-inorganic interface demonstrates a high dielectric constant that enables fast Li
+
transport throughout the SEI. Consequently, LMA coated with this SEI substantially enhances the cyclability of both half-cells and full cells, even under rigorous conditions. This work demonstrates the potential of rationally designed hybrid materials via a unique electrosynthetic approach for advanced electrochemical systems.
Genus-wide analysis of
Trichoderma
antagonism toward
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
plant pathogens and the contribution of cellulases to the antagonism
Authors: Chen Siqiao , Daly Paul , Anjago Wilfred Mabeche , Wang Rong , Zhao Yishen , Wen Xian , Zhou Dongmei , Deng Sheng , Lin Xisha , Voglmeir Josef , Cai Feng , Shen Qirong , Druzhinina Irina S. , Wei Lihui
Published: August 2024

Parasitism is an important lifestyle in the
Trichoderma
genus but has not been studied in a genus-wide way toward
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
hosts. Our approach screened a genus-wide set of 30
Trichoderma
species in dual culture assays with two soil-borne
Pythium
and three
Globisporangium
plant-parasitic species and used exo-proteomic analyses, with the aim to correlate
Trichoderma
antagonism with potential strategies for attacking
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
. The
Trichoderma
spp. showed a wide range of antagonism from strong to weak, but the same
Trichoderma
strain showed similar levels toward all the
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
species. The
Trichoderma
enzymes from strong (
Trichoderma asperellum
,
Trichoderma atroviride
, and
Trichoderma virens
), moderate (
Trichoderma
cf.
guizhouense
and
Trichoderma reesei
), and weak (
Trichoderma parepimyces
) antagonists were induced by the autoclaved mycelia of one of the screened
Pythium
species,
Pythium myriotylum
. The variable proportions of putative cellulases, proteases, and redox enzymes suggested diverse as well as shared strategies amongst the antagonists. There was a partial positive correlation between antagonism from microscopy and the cellulase activity induced by autoclaved
P. myriotylum
mycelia in different
Trichoderma
species. The deletion of the cellulase transcriptional activator XYR1 in
T. reesei
led to lower antagonism toward
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
. The antagonism of
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
appears to be a generic property of
Trichoderma
as most of the
Trichoderma
species were at least moderately antagonistic. While a role for cellulases in the antagonism was uncovered, cellulases did not appear to make a major contribution to
T. reesei
antagonism, and other factors are also likely contributing.

IMPORTANCE

Trichoderma
is an important genus widely distributed in nature with broad ecological impacts and applications in the biocontrol of plant diseases. The
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
genera of fungus-like water molds include many important soil-borne plant pathogens that cause various diseases. Most of the
Trichoderma
species showed at least a moderate ability to compete with or antagonize the
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
hosts, and microscopy showed examples of parasitism (a slow type of killing) and predation (a fast type of killing). Hydrolytic enzymes such as cellulases and proteases produced by
Trichoderma
likely contribute to the antagonism. A mutant deficient in cellulase activity had reduced antagonism. Interestingly,
Pythium
and
Globisporangium
species contain cellulose in their cell walls (unlike true fungi such as
Trichoderma
), and the cellulolytic ability of
Trichoderma
appears beneficial for antagonism of water molds.
Enhancing immunity against
Candida albicans
infections through TIGIT knockout
Authors: Rishiq Ahmed , Liu Mingdong , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: August 2024

T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) is an inhibitory receptor expressed by T and natural killer cells. Here, we used TIGIT knockout (KO) mice to demonstrate that mouse TIGIT directly interacts with
Candida albicans
. Reduced fungal growth and colonization were observed when TIGIT-KO splenocytes were co-cultured with
C. albicans
compared to the wild type (WT). In a systemic candidiasis model, TIGIT-KO mice exhibited improved survival and reduced body weight loss compared to WT mice. Organ-specific fungal burden assessment revealed significantly lower fungal loads in the kidneys, spleen, and lungs of TIGIT-KO mice. Finally, we show that the agglutinin-like sequence proteins ALS6, ALS7, and ALS9 of
C. albicans
are ligands for TIGIT and that the absence of these proteins abolishes the TIGIT effect
in vivo
. Our results identify the significance of TIGIT in modulating host defense against
C. albicans
and highlight the potential therapeutic implications for
C. albicans
infections.

IMPORTANCE

Our results identify the significance of T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain in modulating host defense against
Candida albicans
and highlight the potential therapeutic implications for
C. albicans
infections.
Characterization and engineering of the type 3 secretion system needle monomer from
Salmonella
through the construction and screening of a comprehensive mutagenesis library
Authors: Burdette Lisa Ann , Leach Samuel Alexander , Kennedy Nolan , Ikwuagwu Bon C. , Summers Jordan S. , Tullman-Ercek Danielle
Published: August 2024

Protein production strategies in bacteria are often limited due to the need for cell lysis and complicated purification schemes. To avoid these challenges, researchers have developed bacterial strains capable of secreting heterologous protein products outside the cell, but secretion titers often remain too low for commercial applicability. Improved understanding of the link between secretion system structure and its secretory abilities can help overcome the barrier to engineering higher secretion titers. Here, we investigated this link with the PrgI protein, the monomer of the secretory channel of the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) of
Salmonella enterica
. Despite detailed knowledge of the PrgI needle’s assembly and structure, little is known about how its structure influences its secretory capabilities. To study this, we recently constructed a comprehensive codon mutagenesis library of the PrgI protein utilizing a novel one-pot recombineering approach. We then screened this library for functional T3SS assembly and secretion titer by measuring the secretion of alkaline phosphatase using a high-throughput activity assay. This allowed us to construct a first-of-its-kind secretion fitness landscape to characterize the PrgI needle’s mutability at each position as well as the mutations which lead to enhanced T3SS secretion. We discovered new design rules for building a functional T3SS as well as identified hypersecreting mutants. This work can be used to increase understanding of the T3SS’s assembly and identify further targets for engineering. This work also provides a blueprint for future efforts to engineer other complex protein assemblies through the construction of fitness landscapes.

IMPORTANCE

Protein secretion offers a simplified alternative method for protein purification from bacterial hosts. However, the current state-of-the-art methods for protein secretion in bacteria are still hindered by low yields relative to traditional protein purification strategies. Engineers are now seeking strategies to enhance protein secretion titers from bacterial hosts, often through genetic manipulations. In this study, we demonstrate that protein engineering strategies focused on altering the secretion apparatus can be a fruitful avenue toward this goal. Specifically, this study focuses on how changes to the PrgI needle protein from the type 3 secretion system from
Salmonella enterica
can impact secretion titer. We demonstrate that this complex is amenable to comprehensive mutagenesis studies and that this can yield both PrgI variants with increased secretory capabilities and insight into the normal functioning of the type 3 secretion system.