bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perivascular Adipose Tissue and Uterine Artery Adaptations to Pregnancy
Authors: Osikoya Oluwatobiloba , Hula Nataliia , da Silva Renée de Nazaré Oliveira , Goulopoulou Styliani
Published: June 2024

Pregnancy is characterized by longitudinal maternal, physiological adaptations to support the development of a fetus. One of the cardinal maternal adaptations during a healthy pregnancy is a progressive increase in uterine artery blood flow. This facilitates sufficient blood supply for the development of the placenta and the growing fetus. Regional hemodynamic changes in the uterine circulation, such as a vast reduction in uterine artery resistance, are mainly facilitated by changes in uterine artery reactivity and myogenic tone along with remodeling of the uterine arteries. These regional changes in vascular reactivity have been attributed to pregnancy‐induced adaptations of cell‐to‐cell communication mechanisms, with an emphasis on the interaction between endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is considered the fourth layer of the vascular wall and contributes to the regulation of vascular reactivity in most vascular beds and most species. This review focuses on mechanisms of uterine artery reactivity and the role of PVAT in pregnancy‐induced maternal vascular adaptations, with an emphasis on the uterine circulation.
Deep neural network based time–frequency decomposition for structural seismic responses training with synthetic samples
Authors: Zhou Xiaohang , Li Qixuan , Cui Ranting , Zhu Xuan
Published: June 2024

Time–frequency decomposition is a powerful tool in assessing the dynamic behaviors of structures. Traditional time–frequency decomposition methods struggle with adaptability, and are limited in handling the structural responses with strong nonlinearity and closely spaced modes. In this study, a cutting‐edge approach based on deep neural network (DNN) is proposed to achieve a precise and adaptive time–frequency decomposition of nonlinear structural responses under seismic excitations. Remarkably, despite being trained on synthetic samples, the proposed method demonstrates outstanding performance in decomposing time–frequency components across various seismic response scenarios. Compared to variational mode decomposition (VMD) and synchroextracting transform (SET), the proposed method exhibited superior precision in time–frequency decomposition and excellent efficiency in parameter optimization. Moreover, the applicability of the proposed method to real‐world complex structures has been verified, which also shows promising generalization capabilities. Future research will aim to enhance the network performance by incorporating additional learning samples with diverse nonlinear characteristics.
Scoring facial attractiveness with deep convolutional neural networks: How training on standardized images reduces the bias of facial expressions
Authors: Obwegeser Dorothea , Timofte Radu , Mayer Christoph , Bornstein Michael M. , Schätzle Marc A. , Patcas Raphael
Published: June 2024

Objective

In many medical disciplines, facial attractiveness is part of the diagnosis, yet its scoring might be confounded by facial expressions. The intent was to apply deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) to identify how facial expressions affect facial attractiveness and to explore whether a dedicated training of the CNN is able to reduce the bias of facial expressions.

Materials and Methods

Frontal facial images (n = 840) of 40 female participants (mean age 24.5 years) were taken adapting a neutral facial expression and the six universal facial expressions. Facial attractiveness was computed by means of a face detector, deep convolutional neural networks, standard support vector regression for facial beauty, visual regularized collaborative filtering and a regression technique for handling visual queries without rating history. CNN was first trained on random facial photographs from a dating website and then further trained on the Chicago Face Database (CFD) to increase its suitability to medical conditions. Both algorithms scored every image for attractiveness.

Results

Facial expressions affect facial attractiveness scores significantly. Scores from CNN additionally trained on CFD had less variability between the expressions (range 54.3–60.9 compared to range: 32.6–49.5) and less variance within the scores (P ≤ .05), but also caused a shift in the ranking of the expressions' facial attractiveness.

Conclusion

Facial expressions confound attractiveness scores. Training on norming images generated scores less susceptible to distortion, but more difficult to interpret. Scoring facial attractiveness based on CNN seems promising, but AI solutions must be developed on CNN trained to recognize facial expressions as distractors.
Comparing clinical measures of near point of convergence and accommodation from the lateral canthus and browline in a paediatric and adolescent population
Authors: Marusic Sophia , Vyas Neerali , Wu Carissa H. , Raghuram Aparna
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Clinicians measure the near point of convergence (NPC) and the amplitude of accommodation (AA) from the spectacle plane, the bridge of the nose or the lateral canthus when assessing visual function. These values are compared to standard clinical criteria to diagnose vergence and accommodation deficits, despite varying reference points. This prospective study explored measuring relative to the spectacle plane and from the lateral canthus for NPC and monocular AA, and the resulting clinical implications of diagnosing visual deficits.

Methods

Participants were seen by a single clinician for an eye examination. NPC was measured from the forehead and the lateral canthus of the right eye. Monocular AA was measured from the brow and the lateral canthus. Differences between measurements were analysed using non‐parametric statistical tests including Wilcoxon Signed Rank, as well as linear regression and a linear mixed effects model to adjust for inter‐eye correlation and repeated measures. Chi‐square tests were used to assess differences in rates of abnormal findings.

Results

Data were collected from 70 participants (53% female, median age 13 [11–15] years). On average, measuring NPC from the lateral canthus yielded a value 1.8 cm higher than measuring from the forehead. Measuring AA from the lateral canthus resulted in an average difference of 1.5 cm compared to measuring from the brow. A total of 39% and 76% of subjects failed NPC compared to clinical norms when measured from the forehead or the lateral canthus, respectively, while 7% and 40% failed AA when measured from the brow or the lateral canthus, respectively.

Conclusion

With the variable anatomy of the eye, it is imperative to account for the measurement point when assessing visual function. Measuring from the lateral canthus greatly increased the failure rates for NPC and AA compared with measuring from the forehead and brow, respectively.
Limited Revision with a Newly Designed Hinge Device for the Treatment of Mega‐Prosthesis Hinge Failure: Two Case Reports
Authors: Zheng Kai , Yu Xiu‐chun , Xu Ming , Cui Hao‐cheng , Zhang Jing‐yu , Wei Yue
Published: June 2024

Background

Surgical treatment for hinge failure in mega‐prosthesis continues to be a challenge. This study introduces a new method for treating hinge failure by using a unilateral prosthesis and hinge revision.

Case Presentation

We here present two patients who underwent mega‐prosthesis reconstruction after resection of osteosarcoma in the distal femur. To address the issue of knee hyperextension after mega‐prosthesis reconstruction, one patient underwent three revision surgeries, two surgeries were performed using the original hinge, and one surgery involved a newly designed hinge. To resolve the problem of dislocation, one patient underwent three revisions, with the first two revisions not involving hinge replacement and the third revision involving a newly designed hinge. Two replacements of unilateral prosthesis and hinge renovations were successful.

Conclusions

Unilateral prosthesis and newly designed hinge device revision are effective in treating the failure of old‐fashioned mega‐prosthesis hinges.
Treatment of Ulnar Coronoid Process Fracture Using the Anterior Neurovascular Interval Approach: A Retrospective Clinical Study with Short‐ to Mid‐term Follow‐up
Authors: Yang Fei , Wang Zeyong , Yuan Tangbo , Qin Jian
Published: June 2024

Objective

Numerous surgical techniques for addressing ulnar coronoid process fractures are available; however, a consensus on the optimal approach remains elusive. This study aimed to use the anterior neurovascular interval approach for the surgical management of ulnar coronoid process fractures and to evaluate its clinical outcomes over short‐ to mid‐term follow‐up.

Methods

This retrospective clinical study included 20 patients with ulnar coronoid process fractures who were treated using the anterior neurovascular interval approach between January 2018 and December 2022. Participants comprised 16 males and four females, aged between 20 and 64 years (mean, 34.3 ± 12.44 years). Clinical and radiological evaluations were based on elbow joint range of motion (ROM), Visual analogue scale (VAS), and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). A paired t‐test was used to compare the pre‐operative and final follow‐up VAS and MEPS scores.

Results

The follow‐up duration for all patients was at least 12 months (average, 12.65 ± 1.60 months). At the final follow‐up, measurements of elbow ROM included a mean extension of 2.85 ± 3.17°, mean flexion of 135 ± 7.25°, mean pronation of 86.4 ± 4.56°, and mean supination of 84.85 ± 5.54°. All participants reached their target MEPS, with an average score of 97.25 ± 4.72 points, and the final mean VAS score was 0.2 ± 0.52 points. The VAS score was significantly lower and MEPS score was higher at the final follow‐up than those before surgery (p < 0.05). Throughout the follow‐up period, all the fractures united, and the stability of the affected elbows was satisfactory.

Conclusion

Employing the anterior neurovascular interval approach for open reduction and internal fixation to manage coronoid process fractures effectively facilitates anatomical restoration and robust fixation of ulnar coronoid process fractures.
Multi‐scale characterisation of cold response reveals immediate and long‐term impacts on cell physiology up to seed composition in sunflower
Authors: Leconte Jean Michel Louis , Moroldo Marco , Blanchet Nicolas , Bindea Gabriela , Carrère Sébastien , Catrice Olivier , Comar Alexis , Labadie Marc , Marandel Rémy , Pouilly Nicolas , Tapy Camille , Paris Clémence , Mirleau‐Thébaud Virginie , Langlade Nicolas Bernard
Published: June 2024

Early sowing can help summer crops escape drought and can mitigate the impacts of climate change on them. However, it exposes them to cold stress during initial developmental stages, which has both immediate and long‐term effects on development and physiology. To understand how early night‐chilling stress impacts plant development and yield, we studied the reference sunflower line XRQ under controlled, semi‐controlled and field conditions. We performed high‐throughput imaging of the whole plant parts and obtained physiological and transcriptomic data from leaves, hypocotyls and roots. We observed morphological reductions in early stages under field and controlled conditions, with a decrease in root development, an increase in reactive oxygen species content in leaves and changes in lipid composition in hypocotyls. A long‐term increase in leaf chlorophyll suggests a stress memory mechanism that was supported by transcriptomic induction of histone coding genes. We highlighted DEGs related to cold acclimation such as chaperone, heat shock and late embryogenesis abundant proteins. We identified genes in hypocotyls involved in lipid, cutin, suberin and phenylalanine ammonia lyase biosynthesis and ROS scavenging. This comprehensive study describes new phenotyping methods and candidate genes to understand phenotypic plasticity better in response to chilling and study stress memory in sunflower.
From social categorization to implicit citizenship theories: Advancing the socio‐cognitive foundations of state–citizen interactions
Authors: Vogel Rick , Vogel Dominik , Liegat Marlen Christin , Hensel David
Published: June 2024

Public administration research has recently paid increasing attention to public employees' social categorization of citizens and the consequences thereof for administrative decision‐making. We advance this line of scholarship by theorizing the concept of implicit citizenship theories (ICTs) and elaborating it in four sequential empirical studies. ICTs are implicit assumptions about citizens' typical or ideal characteristics that emerge freely and associatively in the minds of public employees and guide cognitive categorization. We investigate the content and structure of these ICTs and extract a taxonomy of six distinctive, yet interrelated, prototypes of citizens that public employees bring to their jobs. As implicit theories influence attitudes and behaviors, ICTs are relevant to the quality of public services delivered to citizens. This is particularly evident where negative prototypes give rise to unequal treatment. Practical interventions to change those prototypes might target their individual beholders or the social context that makes ICTs accessible.
Enhancing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function in porcine oocyte maturation and embryonic development through notoginsenoside R1 supplementation
Authors: He Sheng‐Yan , Liu Wen , Huang Chu‐Man , Huang Hui‐Mei , Cao Qi‐Long , Li Yun‐Xiao , Xu Yong‐Nan , Kim Nam‐Hyung , Li Ying‐Hua
Published: June 2024

This study examines the impact of Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a compound from Panax notoginseng, on the maturation of porcine oocytes and their embryonic development, focusing on its effects on antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function. This study demonstrates that supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) medium with NGR1 significantly enhances several biochemical parameters. These include elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor erythrocyte 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) and mRNA expression of catalase (CAT) and GPX. Concurrently, we observed a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and an increase in JC‐1 immunofluorescence, mitochondrial distribution, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC1α) and nuclear NRF2 mRNA levels. Additionally, there was an increase in ATP production and lipid droplets (LDs) immunofluorescence. These biochemical improvements correlate with enhanced embryonic outcomes, including a higher blastocyst rate, increased total cell count, enhanced proliferative capacity and elevated octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) gene expression. Furthermore, NGR1 supplementation resulted in decreased apoptosis, reduced caspase 3 (Cas3) and BCL2‐Associated X (Bax) mRNA levels and decreased glucose‐regulated protein 78 kD (GRP78) immunofluorescence in porcine oocytes undergoing in vitro maturation. These findings suggest that NGR1 plays a crucial role in promoting porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development by providing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial protection.
Sustainability in regulating biotechnology: A new form of knowledge in regulatory co‐production?
Authors: Poort Lonneke , Quintavalla Alberto
Published: June 2024

We analyse the extent to which sustainable development influences the co‐production of regulations that target new technologies in the European Union (EU). We start by identifying the conventional forms of knowledge that serve as inputs into that co‐productive process, namely scientific, societal and legal knowledge. We show that sustainability‐related propositions have gained considerable traction in the regulation of genetic modification (GM) in the EU. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that sustainability cannot be reduced to scientific or societal knowledge. As far as the overlap between sustainability knowledge and legal knowledge is concerned, it is undeniable that sustainable development is deeply embedded into EU regulation; however, treating sustainable development solely as an element of the law does not capture the material influence that it exerts on society and technology, not to speak of its evolutionary flexibility. It follows that it would be best to treat sustainability as a separate input into the co‐creation process.
‘We are here our hearts are there’: Rurality, belonging and walking together
Authors: Asikainen Henna , McAreavey Ruth
Published: June 2024

The notion of the rural idyll is well recognised within scholarship. Allied to this imaginary is that rural areas comprise white and homogenous space, with socially conservative values that are exclusionary. In recent decades, studies have identified the arrival of migrants into so‐called New Immigration Destinations, rural spaces with little contemporary experience of immigration, often bringing with them a sense of cosmopolitanism. That research challenges discourses of a fully exclusive rural space, identifying acts of welcoming and hospitality. These acts are often performed in everyday spaces to help create a sense of belonging for new arrivals. Migrants’ sense of belonging to a place is often taken as an indicator of their integration into society. Research has shown that belonging is more than a term used to describe an attachment to place, it also relates to the politics (of belonging) and to notions of identity. We use the specificity of place to examine the intersection of belonging, rurality and ethnicity. Drawing on participatory walks with diverse migrants along Hadrian's Wall in the North of England (celebrating 1900‐year anniversary), we explore the significance of walking as a tool to engage with forced refugees. We do so through the dual perspectives of an art practitioner and a sociologist. The project included collective walks, creative artist lead learning workshops, which lead to a performative protest walk, and a public‐facing art exhibition. The act of walking together blurs boundaries arising from individual status or position, creating a bond from doing a shared activity enabling conversation and friendships to emerge. Through collective walking, we explore the barriers refugees and those in the asylum‐seeking system face in the rural space; and we show how belonging is emotional and relational. Emotional connections can become powerful tools for survival, especially in a cruel immigration system that dehumanises and fails to recognise individuals for who they really are. This is demonstrated in the title of this article ‘We are here our hearts are there’, which comes from one of our participants who deployed the phrase during the artistic performative protest along the Wall.
A multifaceted crosstalk between brassinosteroid and gibberellin regulates the resistance of cucumber to Phytophthora melonis
Authors: Kang Yunyan , Jiang Zhongli , Meng Chen , Ning Xianpeng , Pan Gengzheng , Yang Xian , Zhong Min
Published: June 2024

Cucumber plants are highly susceptible to the hemibiotroph oomycete Phytophthora melonis. However, the mechanism of resistance to cucumber blight remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that cucumber plants with impairment in the biosynthesis of brassinosteroids (BRs) or gibberellins (GAs) were more susceptible to P. melonis. By contrast, increasing levels of endogenous BRs or exogenously application of 24‐epibrassinolide enhanced the resistance of cucumber plants against P. melonis. Furthermore, we found that both knockout and overexpression of the BR biosynthesis gene CYP85A1 reduced the endogenous GA3 content compared with that of wild‐type plants under the condition of inoculation with P. melonis, and the enhancement of disease resistance conferred by BR was inhibited in plants with silencing of the GA biosynthetic gene GA20ox1 or KAO. Together, these findings suggest that GA homeostasis is an essential factor mediating BRs‐induced disease resistance. Moreover, BZR6, a key regulator of BR signaling, was found to physically interact with GA20ox1, thereby suppressing its transcription. Silencing of BZR6 promoted endogenous GA biosynthesis and compromised GA‐mediated resistance. These findings reveal multifaceted crosstalk between BR and GA in response to pathogen infection, which can provide a new approach for genetically controlling P. melonis damage in cucumber production.
Subcutaneous fat sclerosis in a domestic short‐hair cat
Authors: Dehesa Golding Alexandra , Pazzini Luca , Auriemma Edoardo , Drudi Dario , Colombo Silvia
Published: June 2024

The authors describe a case of presumptive feline subcutaneous fat sclerosis, a condition reported only once previously (in 1987) and diagnosed with postmortem examination. We describe radiographic, computed tomography scan and histopathological findings, and partial response to oral methylprednisolone and Vitamin E.
ANALYSIS OF LUBRICANT OIL DEGRADATION AND SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL FOR CI ENGINE USING BLEND FUELS
Authors: Solangi Faheem Ahmed , Memon Liaquat Ali , Samo Saleem Raza , Luhur Muhammad Ramzan , Bhutto Aqeel Ahmed , Ansari Ali Murtaza
Published: June 2024

Long-term engine running has been the subject of extensive research on the deterioration of engine oil. In contrast, it is not fully clear what effect synthetic and biofuels will have. Modern engines, traditional fuels and lubricants should be used to provide a research basis for characterizing novel fuel-related phenomena in engines. This study makes an effort to characterize how lubricating engine oil behaves over the course of its service life using data on friction and wear. Every 20 hours, oil samples from the engine were obtained to evaluate its chemical makeup. On a reciprocating test rig, friction and wear measurements were taken. Kinematic viscosity, density, and wear metals such as cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) were measured for the lubricant oil analysis. In general, n-pentanol aids in the reduction of engine wear debris, contamination, and lubricating oil oxidation. According to the findings of this study, a D60WCO20Pe15 ternary combination can be used in a diesel engine without any alteration. The sound pressure level (SPL) increased by 7.8 dB at engine speed of 1300 RPM in the case of the DF95WCO5. However, when compared to base line, the average SPL of D60WCO20Pe15 ternary blend was 4.3 dB lower.
STUDYING THE STRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL, AND MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ASiNRS-DOPED NEODYMIUM USING THE FIRST PRINCIPLE
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tung , Xuan Thanh
Published: June 2024

There have been many applied studies on Nd in medicine, cooling techniques due to large amplitude changes in specific heat capacity, making glass pigments, making laser materials, and many other fields. However, there have been no specific studies on the structural and electronic properties related to the band gap. In this study, we investigated the optimization of Nd adsorption on Armchair nanoribbon silicene substrate. The research was carried out in three steps. The first step is to change the Nd atom through the four positions (top, valley, hollow, and bridge) to determine the optimal position. As a result, the bridge site has a magnetic moment of 4.68 µB and a locking degree of 0.69 Ǻ, has the lowest absorbed energy value of -2.6 eV, and has the most stable structure. Second step, we varied the Si-Si bond length of silicene for the same target, resulting in choosing the optimal bond length of 2.27 Ǻ. Finally, we consider the distance between the Nd atom and the silicene surface and determine that with the same bond length 2.27 Ǻ, the result obtained at a height of 2.11 Ǻ occurs most optimally. This result proves that silicene-doped Nd is very promising as a material for making visible sensors and spin motors in the future.
THE INFLUENCE OF FLY ASH ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTOGENOUS SHRINKAGE AND HYDRATION HEAT IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE
Authors: Niken Chatarina
Published: June 2024

Autogenous shrinkage and heat of hydration are causes of premature cracking in HPC. Making high-performance concrete that has no cracks is a challenge. This research looks at the causes of these premature cracks and the impact of fly ash on these cracks. Observations were made on samples measuring 15 cm ´ 15 cm ´ 60 cm, 3 for HPC, and 3 for HPCfa with fc' 60 MPa. HPCfa is HPC where 10% of the binder is fly ash. One embedded strain gauge was installed on each sample at a distance of 5 cm from the sample. After the concrete was poured, the samples were covered with styrofoam for 24 hours and observations were made every 15 minutes. Data from 3 samples were processed using Dixon's criteria. The results showed that fly ash delays the peak heat of hydration by 4 hours, shortening the peak shrinkage duration to 30%, with a shrinkage value of 57% compared to HPC. Slowing down the occurrence of hydration peaks makes the concrete bond stronger so that it is more resistant to withstanding shrinkage peaks. The greatly reduced peak shrinkage duration means that the period of maximum suffering in young concrete is also shorter. The absence of fly ash means that the peak shrinkage does not immediately decrease because there is no osmotic pressure. Fly ash affects a hydration heat pattern similar to autogenous shrinkage (et). Both have a linear relationship Ht = 357216 et + C. The HPC similarity only reaches the peak of hydration.
CORRELATION BETWEEN COMPRESSIVE AND TENSILE SPLITTING STRENGTH OF GEOPOLYMER FIBER CONCRETE
Authors: Setiawan Agustinus Agus , Hardjasaputra Harianto
Published: June 2024

Geopolymer concrete mixture contain fine and coarse aggregate, fly ash and activator, composed from sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. Like normal concrete, geopolymer concrete is weak in terms of tensile strength, so fiber needs to be added to improve the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. In this research nylon and steel fiber are added to the geopolymer concrete mixture, with percentage from 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% of volume. The correlation between compressive and tensile splitting strength of geopolymer steel and nylon fiber concrete were evaluated in this research program. The relationship between tensile splitting strength and compressive strength of geopolymer concrete will be built in a mathematical model using multivariable non-linear regression from SPSS software. The specimens are cylindrical concrete, which have diameter of 100 mm and height of 200 mm. The specimen undergo a curing process in an oven at 60oC for duration of 24 hour. Geopolymer concrete mixture with a fiber percentage of 0.75% have a good workability, since they still meet the slump value requirements (10 + 2 cm). The compressive strength reaches the highest value at 0.75%, for both steel and nylon fibers. The addition of up to 2% steel fiber produces a splitting tensile strength 12.06% higher than geopolymer concrete with nylon fiber. The equation model proposed for geopolymer fiber concrete is fspt = 0.049f'c.exp(0.7p), with the R-square values from 0.722 - 0.715.
Strategy for Topological Reconfiguration of Cable-Driven Parallel Robots
Authors: Trautwein Felix , Dietrich David , Pott Andreas , Verl Alexander
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a strategy for stable topological in-operation-reconfiguration of cable-driven parallel robots. The term topological refers to the addition or removal of active cables and thus to changing the topology of the cable robot. During the whole reconfiguration process, the strategy guarantees the stability of the platform by considering a stability criterion based on the potential energy. In this context, two new formulations of a stable and minimal-stable workspace are introduced. Consequently, the theoretical foundations of kinematics and statics are first presented. Based on this, the limitations of conventional modeling approaches in the context of topological reconfiguration are outlined and necessary adaptations of the modeling are made. Afterward, impacts of topological adaptations are analyzed, followed by a formal description and a strategy for topological in-operation-reconfiguration. Finally, the reconfiguration strategy is applied to two simulation experiments, which show that the method is suitable for determining a stable reconfiguration sequence for the desired adaptation of the robot.
Smart and Digital World: The Technologies Needed for Digital Twins and Human Digital Twins
Authors: Coşgun Atıl Emre
Published: June 2024

The transition to Industry 5.0 begins with the integration of the human aspect into Industry 4.0 technologies. Industry 5.0 is a human-centric design approach that aims to overcome the issues raised by Industry 4.0 and involves collaborating both with humans and robots in a shared working environment. The new idea demonstrates a great connection between technology and people, or “soft” sectors. At this point, the idea of a digital twin (DT), a novel technological innovation, appears. The digital twin is a newly developed technology that is essential for digital transformation and intelligent updates. The fundamental basis of this concept involves the amalgamation of artificial intelligence (AI) with the notion of digital twins, which refer to virtual renditions of tangible entities, systems, or procedures. Therefore, this article focuses on digital twins and the innovative concept of human digital twins (HDTs), with particular emphasis on the technological tools of AI in the usage of mentioned technology. Also, this article conducts a comprehensive political (P), economic (E), social (S), technological (T), legal (L), and environmental (E) (PESTLE) analysis of Industry 5.0, while specifically delving into the concepts of digital twin and human digital twin.
Two-Carrier Cooperative Parking Robot: Design and Implementation
Authors: Su Pengfei , Tsehay Natnael Getasew , Wang Wei , Zhao Qixiang , Li Yangmin
Published: June 2024

Parking robots have been designed to alleviate parking stress in crowded areas. Existing models occupy large spaces and have limited adaptability to uneven ground. This article aims to enhance the performance of parking robots by proposing a leader–follower control-based two-carrier cooperative parking robot (CPR). In this system, two omnidirectional carriers operate on a tight cooperative transporting algorithm to achieve steady motion in their collaborative handling and transportation of the target car into the designated parking space. The novel CPR was designed, modeled, and implemented. The results indicate that the proposed CPR approached the targeted car and maintained a consistent position and heading angle in its cooperative parking operation at the speed of 0.6 m/s. The parking robot exhibited significant improvement in its adaptability to cars and uneven ground, and its compact configuration reduced its space occupation. Therefore, the proposed CPR has been proven robust for autonomous cooperative parking operations.
Anti-Windup Adaptive Look-Up Table Algorithms With Application to Data-Driven Engine Controls
Authors: Lochrie Gabrielle , Chen Weichen , Yoon Yongsoon
Published: June 2024

This technical brief presents anti-windup adaptation algorithms for a look-up table (LUT), widely used in data-driven engine control systems to accurately model complex features while minimizing computational demand. Engine control systems are prone to uncertain variations due to aging, faults, and manufacturing tolerances, which can impact performance and emissions unless effectively managed. Therefore, there is a growing demand for adaptive features in these systems to maintain robust performance and emissions over their lifespan. This study develops computationally efficient adaptive look-up table (ALUT) algorithms using anti-windup recursive parameter estimation and covariance matrix resetting, ensuring robust and rapid adaptation under various operating conditions. The effectiveness of these algorithms is demonstrated through adapting an engine-out nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentration map, which is crucial for tailpipe emission controls in compression-ignition (CI) engines.
Reduced-Order Model Parameterization for Uncertain LTI SISO Systems
Authors: Ansari Roghaiyeh , Leonessa Alexander , Abaid Nicole
Published: June 2024

The primary goal of this paper is to develop a formal foundation to design an adaptive output feedback predictor for a class of unknown systems where parameters and order are unknown or high-dimensional. We present a reduced-order adaptive output-predictor scheme based on modal reduction and Lyapunov's method. Moreover, the credibility of the proposed reduced-order adaptive output-predictor scheme is validated by mathematical proof and numerical studies.
Nanoparticle delivery of Tat synergizes with classical latency reversal agents to express HIV antigen targets
Authors: Raines Samuel L. M. , Falcinelli Shane D. , Peterson Jackson J. , Van Gulck Ellen , Allard Brigitte , Kirchherr Jennifer , Vega Jerel , Najera Isabel , Boden Daniel , Archin Nancie M. , Margolis David M.
Published: June 2024

Limited cellular levels of the HIV transcriptional activator Tat are one contributor to proviral latency that might be targeted in HIV cure strategies. We recently demonstrated that lipid nanoparticles containing HIV
tat
mRNA induce HIV expression in primary CD4 T cells. Here, we sought to further characterize
tat
mRNA in the context of several benchmark latency reversal agents (LRAs), including inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonists (IAPi), bromodomain and extra-Terminal motif inhibitors (BETi), and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi).
tat
mRNA reversed latency across several different cell line models of HIV latency, an effect dependent on the TAR hairpin loop. Synergistic enhancement of
tat
mRNA activity was observed with IAPi, HDACi, and BETi, albeit to variable degrees. In primary CD4 T cells from durably suppressed people with HIV,
tat
mRNA profoundly increased the frequencies of elongated, multiply-spliced, and polyadenylated HIV transcripts, while having a lesser impact on TAR transcript frequencies.
tat
mRNAs alone resulted in variable HIV p24 protein induction across donors. However,
tat
mRNA in combination with IAPi, BETi, or HDACi markedly enhanced HIV RNA and protein expression without overt cytotoxicity or cellular activation. Notably, combination regimens approached or in some cases exceeded the latency reversal activity of maximal mitogenic T cell stimulation. Higher levels of
tat
mRNA-driven HIV p24 induction were observed in donors with larger mitogen-inducible HIV reservoirs, and expression increased with prolonged exposure time. Combination LRA strategies employing both small molecule inhibitors and Tat delivered to CD4 T cells are a promising approach to effectively target the HIV reservoir.
Using origami and Shrinky Dinks to create active learning activities to tackle two microbiology concepts: cell structure differences and operon regulation
Authors: Tripepi Manuela , Schapiro Hannah M.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents two low-cost hands-on activities designed to enhance student understanding and address the pedagogical challenges faced by microbiology professors in teaching concepts related to cell structure and gene regulation. In the first activity, we used Shrinky Dinks and Jeopardy-style game questions to explore the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students have to collect pieces and physically build their cell models. The second activity uses origami organelles sets from Edvotek to illustrate the regulation of gene expression in the
lac
and
trp
operons, incorporating mutation scenarios for analysis. The intended audience comprises undergraduate students in microbiology, including biology, pre-medical studies, and health profession majors. The activities were deployed in three microbiology lectures, and students were surveyed. Students’ feedback highlights the efficacy of the hands-on approach and increased class participation, as two of the recurring words in the students’ survey were “helpful” and “fun.”
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 interacts with porcine coronavirus PHEV spikes and mediates host range expansion
Authors: Shi Junchao , Hu Shiyu , Wei Hanlu , Zhang Le , Lan Yungang , Guan Jiyu , Zhao Kui , Gao Feng , He Wenqi , Li Zi
Published: June 2024

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV), a neurotropic betacoronavirus, is prevalent in natural reservoir pigs and infects mice. This raises concerns about host jumping or spillover, but little is known about the cause of occurrence. Here, we revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a candidate binding target of PHEV spikes and works as a broad barrier to overcome. Investigations of the host breadth of PHEV confirmed that cells derived from pigs and mice are permissive to virus propagation. Both porcine DPP4 and murine DPP4 have high affinity for the viral spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), independent of their catalytic activity. Loss of DPP4 expression results in limited PHEV infection. Structurally, PHEV spike protein binds to the outer surface of blades IV and V of the DPP4 β-propeller domain, and the DPP4 residues N229 and N321 (relative to human DPP4 numbering) participate in RBD binding via its linked carbohydrate entities. Removal of these
N
-glycosylations profoundly enhanced the RBD-DPP4 interaction and viral invasion, suggesting they act as shielding in PHEV infection. Furthermore, we found that glycosylation, rather than structural differences or surface charges, is more responsible for DPP4 recognition and species barrier formation. Overall, our findings shed light on virus-receptor interactions and highlight that PHEV tolerance to DPP4 orthologs is a putative determinant of its cross-species transmission or host range expansion.

IMPORTANCE

PHEV is a neurotropic betacoronavirus that is circulating worldwide and has raised veterinary and economic concerns. In addition to being a reservoir species of pigs, PHEV can also infect wild-type mice, suggesting a “host jump” event. Understanding cross-species transmission is crucial for disease prevention and control but remains to be addressed. Herein, we show that the multifunctional receptor DPP4 plays a pivotal role in the host tropism of PHEV and identifies the conserved glycosylation sites in DPP4 responsible for this restriction. These findings highlight that the ability of PHEV to utilize DPP4 orthologs potentially affects its natural host expansion.
A full-length glycoprotein mRNA vaccine confers complete protection against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, with broad-spectrum protective effects against bandaviruses
Authors: Lu Jia , Liu Jun , Wu Yan , He Xiaoxue , Gao Xiao , Chen Xinlan , Chen Shaoyi , Zhu Xuerui , Peng Yucai , Xiao Gengfu , Pan Xiaoyan
Published: June 2024

Highly pathogenic viruses from family
Phenuiviridae
, which are mainly transmitted by arthropods, have intermittently sparked epidemics worldwide. In particular, tick-borne bandaviruses, such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), continue to spread in mountainous areas, resulting in an average mortality rate as high as 10.5%, highlighting the urgency and importance of vaccine development. Here, an mRNA vaccine developed based on the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein, containing both the receptor-binding domain and the fusion domain, was shown to confer complete protection against SFTSV at a very low dose by triggering a type 1 helper T cell-biased cellular immune response in rodents. Moreover, the vaccine candidate elicited long-term immunity and protection against SFTSV for at least 5 months. Notably, it provided complete cross-protection against other bandaviruses, such as the Heartland virus and Guertu virus, in lethal challenge models. Further research revealed that the conserved epitopes among bandaviruses within the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein may facilitate broad-spectrum protection mediated by the cellular immune response. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein mRNA vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate for SFTSV and other bandaviruses, and provide guidance for the development of broad-spectrum vaccines from conserved antigens and epitopes.

IMPORTANCE

Tick-borne bandaviruses, such as SFTSV and Heartland virus, sporadically trigger outbreaks in addition to influenza viruses and coronaviruses, yet there are no specific vaccines or therapeutics against them. mRNA vaccine technology has advantages in terms of enabling
in situ
expression and triggering cellular immunity, thus offering new solutions for vaccine development against intractable viruses, such as bandaviruses. In this study, we developed a novel vaccine candidate for SFTSV by employing mRNA vaccination technology and using a full-length glycoprotein as an antigen target. This candidate vaccine confers complete and durable protection against SFTSV at a notably low dose while also providing cross-protection against Heartland virus and Guertu virus. This study highlights the prospective value of full-length SFTSV-glycoprotein-based mRNA vaccines and suggests a potential strategy for broad-spectrum bandavirus vaccines.
Public participation in decisions about measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Munthe-Kaas Heather Menzies , Oxman Andrew D , von Lieres Bettina , Gloppen Siri , Ohren Arild
Published: June 2024

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and health authorities faced tough decisions about infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing, face masks and travel. Judgements underlying those decisions require democratic input, as well as expert input. The aim of this review is to inform decisions about how best to achieve public participation in decisions about public health and social interventions in the context of a pandemic or other public health emergencies.

Objectives

To systematically review examples of public participation in decisions by governments and health authorities about how to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

We searched Participedia and relevant databases in August 2022. Two authors reviewed titles and abstracts and one author screened publications promoted to full text. One author extracted data from included reports using a standard data-extraction form. A second author checked 10% of the extraction forms. We conducted a structured synthesis using framework analysis.

Results

We included 24 reports (18 from Participedia). Most took place in high-income countries (n=23), involved ‘consulting’ the public (n=17) and involved public meetings (usually online). Two initiatives reported explicit support for critical thinking. 11 initiatives were formally evaluated (only three reported impacts). Many initiatives did not contribute to a decision, and 17 initiatives did not include any explicit decision-making criteria.

Conclusions

Decisions about how to manage the COVID-19 pandemic affected nearly everyone. While public participation in those decisions had the potential to improve the quality of the judgements and decisions that were made, build trust, improve adherence and help ensure transparency and accountability, few examples of such initiatives have been reported and most of those have not been formally evaluated. Identified initiatives did point out potential good practices related to online engagement, crowdsourcing and addressing potential power imbalance. Future research should address improved reporting of initiatives, explicit decision-making criteria, support for critical thinking, engagement of marginalised groups and decision-makers and communication with the public.

PROSPERO registration number

358991.
Observational study protocol for an arrhythmia notification feature
Authors: Kumar Sanchit , Weinstein Jason , Melchinger Hannah Camille , Smith Abigail , Capodilupo Emily , Akar Joseph G , Garg Kanika , O’Connor Kyle D , Staunton Mary Kate , Martin Melissa , Akhlaghi Narjes , Edeh Oluoma , Perez Stephanie , Lee Victoria , Lee Kyoung A V , Wilson Francis P
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population may help identify individuals at risk, enabling further assessment of risk factors and institution of appropriate treatment. Algorithms deployed on wearable technologies such as smartwatches and fitness bands may be trained to screen for such arrhythmias. However, their performance needs to be assessed for safety and accuracy prior to wide-scale implementation.

Methods and analysis

This study will assess the ability of the WHOOP strap to detect AF using its WHOOP Arrhythmia Notification Feature (WARN) algorithm in an enriched cohort with a 2:1 distribution of previously diagnosed AF (persistent and paroxysmal) and healthy controls. Recruited participants will collect data for 7 days with the WHOOP wrist-strap and BioTel ePatch (electrocardiography gold-standard). Primary outcome will be participant level sensitivity and specificity of the WARN algorithm in detecting AF in analysable windows compared with the ECG gold-standard. Similar analyses will be performed on an available epoch-level basis as well as comparison of these findings in important subgroups.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the ethics board at the study site. Participants will be enrolled after signing an online informed consent document. Updates will be shared via clinicaltrials.gov. The data obtained from the conclusion of this study will be presented in national and international conferences with publication in clinical research journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05809362.
E
xploratory study of using
M
agnetic resonance
P
rognostic
I
maging markers for
R
adiotherapy
I
n
C
ervix cancer (EMPIRIC): a prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Abdul-Latif Mohammed , Chowdhury Amani , Tharmalingam Hannah , Taylor N Jane , Lakhani Amish , Padhani Anwar , Hoskin Peter , Tsang Yatman
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Radical chemoradiotherapy represents the gold standard for locally advanced cervical cancer. However, despite significant progress in improving local tumour control, distant relapse continues to impact overall survival. The development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers is consequently important to risk-stratify patients and identify populations at higher risk of poorer treatment response and survival outcomes. Exploratory study of using Magnetic resonance Prognostic Imaging markers for Radiotherapy In Cervix cancer (EMPIRIC) is a prospective exploratory cohort study, which aims to investigate the role of multiparametric functional MRI (fMRI) using diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and blood oxygen level-dependent imaging (BOLD) MRI to assess treatment response and predict outcomes in patients undergoing radical chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Methods and analysis

The study aims to recruit 40 patients across a single-centre over 2 years. Patients undergo multiparametric fMRI (DWI, DCE and BOLD-MRI) at three time points: before, during and at the completion of external beam radiotherapy. Tissue and liquid biopsies are collected at diagnosis and post-treatment to identify potential biomarker correlates against fMRI. The primary outcome is to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of quantitative parameters derived from fMRI as predictors of progression-free survival at 2 years following radical chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer. The secondary outcome is to investigate the roles of fMRI as predictors of overall survival at 2 years and tumour volume reduction across treatment. Statistical analyses using regression models and survival analyses are employed to evaluate the relationships between the derived parameters, treatment response and clinical outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The EMPIRIC study received ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) on 14 February 2022 (protocol number RD2021-29). Confidentiality and data protection measures are strictly adhered to throughout the study. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences, aiming to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of multiparametric MRI in cervical cancer management.

Trial registration number

NCT05532930
.