bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune monitoring of prevalent kidney transplant recipients using Torque Teno Virus: Protocol for a single-centre prospective cohort study
Authors: Ho Quan Yao , Lai Chooi Mun Deborah , Liew Ian Tatt , Oon Lynette Lin Ean , Lim Kun Lee , Chung Shimin Jasmine , Thangaraju Sobhana , Tien Shan-Yeu Carolyn , Tan Chieh Suai , Kee Terence
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) suffer from immunosuppression-related adverse events (iRAEs), such as infections and malignancy from chronic immunosuppression, but are also at risk of graft loss from rejection with underimmunosuppression. Biomarkers that predict both iRAEs and rejection while allowing individualisation of immunosuppression exposure are lacking. Although plasma viral DNA levels of torque teno virus (TTV), a widely prevalent, non-pathogenic virus, have been shown to predict both iRAE and rejection in newly transplanted KTRs within the first year after transplant, its role for prevalent KTRs on stable immunosuppression is less clear.

This study aims to determine the prognostic value of TTV levels for severe infections (defined as infections requiring hospitalisation) in prevalent KTRs on stable immunosuppression for at least 3 months and compare it against that of other commonly available biomarkers. The study also aims to explore the relationship between TTV levels and factors affecting the ‘net state of immunosuppression’ as well as other clinical outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, prospective, observational cohort study of 172 KTRs on stable immunosuppression for more than 3 months. TTV levels will be measured using the TTV R-GENE kit upon recruitment when study subjects are admitted and when kidney allograft biopsies are performed. Subjects will be monitored for iRAEs and rejection for at least 12 months. The relationship between TTV load and clinical outcomes such as severe infections will be analysed and compared against that from other common biomarkers and previously published predictive scores.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the SingHealth Centralised Institutional Review Board (2023/2170). The results will be presented at conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05836636.
Time-course transcriptome analysis of a double challenge bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis rat model uncovers ECM homoeostasis-related translationally relevant genes
Authors: Bonatti Martina , Pitozzi Vanessa , Caruso Paola , Pontis Silvia , Pittelli Maria Gloria , Frati Caterina , Mangiaracina Chiara , Lagrasta Costanza Anna Maria , Quaini Federico , Cantarella Simona , Ottonello Simone , Villetti Gino , Civelli Maurizio , Montanini Barbara , Trevisani Marcello
Published: September 2023

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible disorder with a poor prognosis. The incomplete understanding of IPF pathogenesis and the lack of accurate animal models is limiting the development of effective treatments. Thus, the selection of clinically relevant animal models endowed with similarities with the human disease in terms of lung anatomy, cell biology, pathways involved and genetics is essential. The bleomycin (BLM) intratracheal murine model is the most commonly used preclinical assay to evaluate new potential therapies for IPF. Here, we present the findings derived from an integrated histomorphometric and transcriptomic analysis to investigate the development of lung fibrosis in a time-course study in a BLM rat model and to evaluate its translational value in relation to IPF.

Methods

Rats were intratracheally injected with a double dose of BLM (days 0–4) and sacrificed at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56. Histomorphometric analysis of lung fibrosis was performed on left lung sections. Transcriptome profiling by RNAseq was performed on the right lung lobes and results were compared with nine independent human gene-expression IPF studies.

Results

The histomorphometric and transcriptomic analyses provided a detailed overview in terms of temporal gene-expression regulation during the establishment and repair of the fibrotic lesions. Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis identified three clusters of differentially coregulated genes whose expression was modulated in a time-dependent manner in response to BLM. One of these clusters, centred on extracellular matrix (ECM)-related process, was significantly correlated with histological parameters and gene sets derived from human IPF studies.

Conclusions

The model of lung fibrosis presented in this study lends itself as a valuable tool for preclinical efficacy evaluation of new potential drug candidates. The main finding was the identification of a group of persistently dysregulated genes, mostly related to ECM homoeostasis, which are shared with human IPF.
Responses of patients with cancer to mRNA vaccines depend on the time interval between vaccination and last treatment
Authors: Donhauser Lara Victoria , Veloso de Oliveira Julia , Schick Cordula , Manlik Wenzel , Styblova Sabrina , Lutzenberger Sarah , Aigner Michael , Philipp Patrick , Robert Sebastian , Gandorfer Beate , Hempel Dirk , Hempel Louisa , Zehn Dietmar
Published: September 2023

Background

Personalized mRNA vaccines are promising new therapeutic options for patients with cancer. Because mRNA vaccines are not yet approved for first-line therapy, the vaccines are presently applied to individuals that received prior therapies that can have immunocompromising effects. There is a need to address how prior treatments impact mRNA vaccine outcomes.

Method

Therefore, we analyzed the response to BioNTech/Pfizer’s anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in 237 oncology outpatients, which cover a broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors and a variety of treatments. Patients were stratified by the time interval between the last treatment and first vaccination and by the presence or absence of florid tumors and IgG titers and T cell responses were analyzed 14 days after the second vaccination.

Results

Regardless of the last treatment time point, our data indicate that vaccination responses in patients with checkpoint inhibition were comparable to healthy controls. In contrast, patients after chemotherapy or cortisone therapy did not develop an immune response until 6 months after the last systemic therapy and patients after Cht-immune checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy only after 12 months.

Conclusion

Accordingly, our data support that timing of mRNA-based therapy is critical and we suggest that at least a 6-months or 12-months waiting interval should be observed before mRNA vaccination in systemically treated patients.
Meaningful Human Control over AI for Health? A Review
Authors: Hille Eva Maria , Hummel Patrik , Braun Matthias
Published: September 2023

Artificial intelligence is currently changing many areas of society. Especially in health, where critical decisions are made, questions of control must be renegotiated: who is in control when an automated system makes clinically relevant decisions? Increasingly, the concept of meaningful human control (MHC) is being invoked for this purpose. However, it is unclear exactly how this concept is to be understood in health. Through a systematic review, we present the current state of the concept of MHC in health. The results show that there is not yet a robust MHC concept for health. We propose a broader understanding of MHC along three strands of action: enabling, exercising and evaluating control. Taking into account these strands of action and the established rules and processes in the different health sectors, the MHC concept needs to be further developed to avoid falling into two gaps, which we have described as theoretical and labelling gaps.
Effects of Chinese herbal plant extracts on diarrhea rate, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and immunity of weaned piglets
Authors: Li Shuo , Sui Mingjing , Wu Fengyang , Chen Xiang , Chen Baojiang , Yao Langqun
Published: September 2023

This experiment aimed to establish the effects of Chinese herbal plant extracts compound (Astragalus root, Eucommia bark, Honeysuckle, and Quassic) to replace antibiotics on diarrhea rate, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and immunity of weaned piglets. In a 21 day experiment, 180 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments, including a basal diet supplemented with 0 + 250 g/t oxytetracycline calcium and 50 g/t virginiamycin (control), 400 (T1), 500 (T2), and 600 (T3) g/t Chinese herbal plant extracts compound. The results showed that diets supplemented with Chinese herbal plant extracts significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in feces of weaned piglets, the villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth of jejunum and ileum, the levels of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, total protein, albumin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and the apparent digestibility of energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, and phosphorus ( P < 0.05). Diets supplemented with Chinese herbal plant extracts significantly reduced the number of Escherichia coli in feces and the diarrhea index ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Chinese herbal plant extracts compound preparation can improve intestinal morphology, feed apparent digestibility, and immunity and reduce diarrhea rate of weaned piglets.
Influence of central metabolism disruption on Escherichia coli biofilm formation
Authors: Ranson Taylor M. , Barton Marilynn E. , McLean Robert J.C.
Published: September 2023

Biofilms are widely recognized as a prominent mode of microbial growth and strategy of antimicrobial tolerance in many environments. Characteristics that are often overlooked in biofilm investigations include the examination of metabolic pathways as the assumption might be that interference with central pathways such as glycolysis would only reduce growth and thus not be meaningful. Using the Keio collection of Escherichia coli mutants, we investigated the influence of biofilm formation and planktonic growth in full-strength and diluted Luria–Bertani (LB) broths using strains with a disruption of glycolysis (Δ pgi), the Entner–Doudoroff pathway (Δ edd), or the pentose phosphate pathway (Δ gnd). Unexpectedly, in contrast to the E. coli Keio parent strain (BW25113), planktonic growth was enhanced in full strength and diluted LB broths in the metabolic mutants. Using a microtiter biofilm assay, the E. coli parent strain showed the highest crystal violet staining. However, when analyzed by culture assays, there was an increase in biofilm populations in the mutants in comparison to the parent strain. Fluorescence microscopy showed differences in colonization patterns in the strains. Given the availability of mutant collections in many model organisms, similar metabolic studies are warranted for biofilms, given their importance in nature.
Isotropic  Durgapal IV fluid sphere in bigravity
Authors: Rej Pramit
Published: September 2023

We analyze an isotropic uncharged fluid sphere model within bigravity considering the Durgapal IV metric (M.C. Durgapal, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 15, 2637 (1982)). In this work, we investigate the effects of the scale parameter k on the local matter distribution. Here, we have chosen the compact star candidate SMC X-1 with observed values of mass = (1.29 ± 0.05) M⊙ and radius [Formula: see text] km, respectively, to analyze our results analytically as well as graphically. For smaller values of k, we get the stiff (or hard) equation of state (EoS). Here, we solve the modified Einstein field equations in the presence of the background metric γμν. Due to this constant curvature background, the density and pressure terms are modified by adding an extra term, which affects the EoS. For r ≪ k, the background de Sitter space–time reduces into Minkowski form, and the coupling vanishes. We discuss certain physical quantities of our obtained solution, such as density, isotropic pressure, sound speed, pressure-density gradients, compactness, and surface redshift, to claim the physical viability of our model. It is found that our model clearly satisfies all the energy conditions, the causality condition, and the dynamical equilibrium via a modified Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov equation. Finally, we can conclude that our proposed model is physically realistic and well behaved.
Demonstration of a switched CV-QKD network
Authors: Brunner Hans H. , Fung Chi-Hang Fred , Peev Momtchil , Méndez Rubén B. , Ortiz Laura , Brito Juan P. , Martín Vicente , Rivas-Moscoso José M. , Jiménez Felipe , Pastor Antonio A. , López Diego R.
Published: September 2023

A quantum channel is a physical media able to carry quantum signals. Quantum key distribution (QKD) requires direct quantum channels between every pair of prepare-and-measure modules. This requirement heavily compromises the scalability of networks of directly connected QKD modules. A way to avoid this problem is to introduce switches that can dynamically reconfigure the set of connections. The reconfiguration of a quantum channel implies that the modules using it can adapt to the new channel and peer.

The maturity and flexibility of continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) qualifies it as a strong contender for integration into optical communication networks. Here we present the implementation of a switched CV-QKD network embedded in the Madrid quantum testbed. The optical switching of the quantum paths significantly reduces the amount of required QKD modules and facilitates the scalability of the network. This demonstration highlights the flexibility and ease of integration of this emerging technology.
Tunable asymmetric transmission of flexural waves in the dual-layer magnetoelastic metasurfaces by modulating magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Shunzu , Shu Shiwei , Wan Yukuai
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we have established a design of dual-layer magnetoelastic metasurfaces and achieved the tunable asymmetric transmission of flexural waves by modulating magnetic field. Relying on the adjustable phase shift of flexural waves with a full 2[Formula: see text] range by applied different magnetic fields, the asymmetric transmission of flexural waves (i.e., asymmetric refraction and asymmetric focusing) can be realized without altering the structure based on the generalized Snell’s law. The results show that the proposed magnetoelastic metasurfaces exhibit the asymmetric refraction of flexural waves with the tunable working frequencies and incident angles. In addition, the asymmetric focusing of flexural waves can also be modulated by adjusting magnetic loading. The proposed magnetoelastic metasurfaces can provide a new way for actively controlling the asymmetric transmission of elastic waves, further broadening the potential applications in the field of vibration control as a dynamic tunable diode.
Impact of Fear on Searching Efficiency of Prey: A Prey–Predator Model with Weak Allee Effect
Authors: Sasmal Sourav Kumar , Pal Saheb , Pal Nikhil , Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Published: September 2023

Reduced population growth at low density has important implications for conservation, colonization success, and wildlife management. In this context, the Allee effect, i.e. the positive relationship between per capita growth rate and biomass of small population density, is a crucial biological phenomenon since it is directly related to population extinction. The present paper deals with a two-species interacting model with a predator–prey relationship, where the prey population experiences the mate-finding Allee effect caused by the predator. We assume that the searching efficiency of prey individuals decreases linearly with predator density due to predation fear and investigate how predation intensity affects predator–prey dynamics. Moreover, we consider the Monod–Haldane type functional response for predator–prey interactions, which shows group defense of prey against the predator. We provide detailed mathematical analyses, including the positivity and boundedness of solutions, all biologically feasible equilibria, and their local and global stabilities. From our detailed mathematical analyses, we observe that when the carrying capacity of prey is low, at most one interior equilibrium exists, and system dynamics is simple compared to the case with high carrying capacity in which multiple coexistence equilibria may exist. We discuss three codimension-one bifurcations mathematically, e.g. Hopf bifurcation, transcritical bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation. We notice bistability in the system when there are two interior equilibria with high carrying capacity. However, a unique attractor exists when there is only a single interior equilibrium and both populations persist. We perform extensive numerical simulations by varying two parameters simultaneously and explore how the system dynamics become complex when carrying capacity is high compared to low carrying capacity. Moreover, we discuss other important biological phenomena, e.g. the paradox of enrichment, bubbling phenomenon, etc.
Coupling Dependence on Chaos Synchronization Process in a Network of Rulkov Neurons
Authors: Marghoti Gabriel , Ferrari Fabiano Alan Serafim , Viana Ricardo Luiz , Lopes Sergio Roberto , Prado Thiago de Lima
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the impact of network conformation on chaos synchronization in driven complex networks in a master-slave setting. We analyze the control and prediction of complex networks under perturbations. Although chaotic dynamics suppression is well understood in low-dimensional systems, it is not well described in more complex ones. To assess a network’s ability to amplify or suppress disturbances, we track ensembles of possible trajectories in the driven subsystem which give insights into nonlocal convergence properties in a master-slave setting. We demonstrate how the stability of forced networks of Rulkov neurons is dependent on network coupling architecture and how the duration of chaotic transients depends on initial conditions. Furthermore, we find that each network generator algorithm has specific sets of parameters that can lead to stable or nonstable states. Our results indicate that network types are more critical than isolated connections for suppressing chaotic dynamics in driven networks. Finally, we identify that under certain circumstances, the transient period before synchronization correlates with high convergence rates for certain initial conditions. This suggests nonuniform convergence rates in the phase space of driven neural networks.
AI for Environmental Intelligence in the Digital Economy
Authors: Hazra Jagabondhu , Godbole Shantanu , Weldemariam Kommy , Vuković Maja
Published: September 2023

In today's digital economy, companies face climate-related damage to their assets, disruptions to supply chains and operations, and increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to their sustainability goals. Researchers need better tools to support climate research; businesses need better technologies to accelerate their sustainable digital transformation journeys. These include reimagining operations, supply chains, emissions management, or ESG and climate risk reporting with the help of emerging technologies for organizations to meet their sustainability goals. In this paper, we focus on some of the proposed approaches for helping enterprises to decarbonize their emission as they embrace their digital economy transformation.
Halfway Around the World
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: September 2023

Not only do different cultures treat different features differently, but they also treat each other differently. How people act with respect to each other is a topic that can, and does, fill volumes of books that, as nerds, we probably have never read, but finding out a bit about where you're heading is a good idea. You can try to ask the locals, although people generally are so enmeshed in their own cultures that they have a hard time explaining them to others. It's best to observe with an open mind, watch how your new team reacts to each other and to you, and then ask simple questions when you see something you don't understand.
Characterizing and Detecting WebAssembly Runtime Bugs
Authors: Zhang Yixuan , Cao Shangtong , Wang Haoyu , Chen Zhenpeng , Luo Xiapu , Mu Dongliang , Ma Yun , Huang Gang , Liu Xuanzhe
Published: September 2023

WebAssembly (abbreviated WASM) has emerged as a promising language of the Web and also been used for a wide spectrum of software applications such as mobile applications and desktop applications. These applications, named WASM applications, commonly run in WASM runtimes. Bugs in WASM runtimes are frequently reported by developers and cause the crash of WASM applications. However, these bugs have not been well studied. To fill in the knowledge gap, we present a systematic study to characterize and detect bugs in WASM runtimes. We first harvest a dataset of 311 real-world bugs from hundreds of related posts on GitHub. Based on the collected high-quality bug reports, we distill 31 bug categories of WASM runtimes and summarize their common fix strategies. Furthermore, we develop a pattern-based bug detection framework to automatically detect bugs in WASM runtimes. We apply the detection framework to seven popular WASM runtimes and successfully uncover 60 bugs that have never been reported previously, among which 13 have been confirmed and 9 have been fixed by runtime developers.
Multimodal Neurosymbolic Approach for Explainable Deepfake Detection
Authors: Haq Ijaz Ul , Malik Khalid Mahmood , Muhammad Khan
Published: September 2023

Deepfake detection has become increasingly important in recent years owing to the widespread availability of deepfake generation technologies. Existing deepfake detection methods present two primary limitations; i.e., they are trained on a specific type of deepfake dataset, which renders them vulnerable to unseen deepfakes, and they regard deepfakes as a “black box” with limited explainability, making it difficult for non-AI experts to understand and trust the decisions. Hence, this article proposes a novel neurosymbolic deepfake detection framework that exploits the fact that human emotions cannot be imitated easily owing to their complex nature. We argue that deep fakes typically exhibit inter- or intra-modality inconsistencies in the emotional expressions of the person being manipulated. Thus, the proposed framework performs inter- and intra-modality reasoning on emotions extracted from audio and visual modalities using a psychological and arousal-valence model for deepfake detection. In addition to fake detection, the proposed framework provides textual explanations for its decisions. The results obtained using the Presidential Deepfakes Dataset and World Leaders Dataset of real and manipulated videos demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in detecting deepfakes and highlight the potential of a neurosymbolic approach for expandability.
New Biological Therapies for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Garfall Alfred L.
Published: September 2023

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of bone marrow plasma cells that represents approximately 10% of hematologic malignancies. Though it is typically incurable, a remarkable suite of new therapies developed over the last 25 years has enabled durable disease control in most patients. This article briefly introduces the clinical features of multiple myeloma and aspects of multiple myeloma biology that modern therapies exploit. Key current and emerging treatment modalities are then reviewed, including cereblon-modulating agents, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, other molecularly targeted therapies (selinexor, venetoclax), chimeric antigen receptor T cells, T cell–engaging bispecific antibodies, and antibody–drug conjugates. For each modality, mechanism of action and clinical considerations are discussed. These therapies are combined and sequenced in modern treatment pathways, discussed at the conclusion of the article, which have led to substantial improvements in outcomes for multiple myeloma patients in recent years.
The Evolving Practice of Hospital at Home in the United States
Authors: Truong Tuyet-Trinh , Siu Albert L.
Published: September 2023

Hospital at Home (HaH) provides hospital-level services in the home to eligible patients who would otherwise require facility-based hospitalization. In the last two decades, studies have shown that HaH can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction and reduce hospital readmissions. Improved technology and greater experience with the model have led to expansion in the scope of patients served and services provided by the model, but dissemination in the United States has been hampered by lack of insurance coverage until recently. HaH is likely at the tipping point for wide adoption in the United States. To realize its full benefits, HaH will need to continue volume expansion to achieve culture change in clinical practice as facilitated by increased insurance coverage, technological advancements, and improved workforce expertise. It is also essential that HaH programs maintain high-quality acute hospital care, ensure that their benefits can be accessed by hard-to-reach rural populations, and continue to advance health equity.
A Kinetic Study on H2 Reduction of Fe3O4 for Long-Duration Energy-Storage-Compatible Solid Oxide Iron Air Batteries
Authors: Morey Chaitali , Tang Qiming , Sun Shichen , Huang Kevin
Published: September 2023

Long duration energy storage (LDES) is economically attractive to accelerate widespread renewable energy deployment. But none of the existing energy storage technologies can meet LDES cost requirements. The newly emerged solid oxide iron air battery (SOIAB) with energy-dense solid Fe as an energy storage material is a competitive LDES-suitable technology compared to conventional counterparts. However, the performance of SOIAB is critically limited by the kinetics of Fe3O4 reduction (equivalent to charging process) and the understanding of this kinetic bottleneck is significantly lacking in the literature. Here, we report a systematic kinetic study of Fe3O4-to-Fe reduction in H2/H2O environment, particularly the effect of catalyst (iridium) and supporting oxides (ZrO2 and BaZr0.4Ce0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3). With in situ created Fe3O4, the degree of reduction is measured by the change of H2O and H2 concentrations in the effluent using a mass spectrometer, from which the kinetic rate constant is extracted as a function of inlet H2 concentration and temperature. We find that kinetics can be nicely described by Johson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) model. We also discuss the stepwise reduction mechanisms and activation energy for the reduction process.
Both moderate- and high-intensity exercise training increase intramyocellular lipid droplet abundance and modify myocellular distribution in adults with obesity
Authors: Schleh Michael W. , Ahn Cheehoon , Ryan Benjamin J. , Chugh Olivia K. , Luker Austin T. , Luker Kathryn E. , Gillen Jenna B. , Ludzki Alison C. , Van Pelt Douglas W. , Pitchford Lisa M. , Zhang Tao , Rode Thomas , Howton Suzette M. , Burant Charles F. , Horowitz Jeffrey F.
Published: September 2023

In this study, 12 wk of either moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) enhanced skeletal muscle lipid abundance by increasing lipid droplet number within the intramyofibrillar (IMF) region of muscle. Because the IMF associates with high energy production during muscle contraction, this adaptation may enhance lipid oxidation during exercise. Despite differences in training intensity and energy expenditure between MICT and HIIT, their effects on muscle lipid abundance and metabolism were remarkably similar.
The nervous system and adipose tissues: a tale of dialogues
Authors: Lorsignol Anne , Rabiller Lise , Labit Elodie , Casteilla Louis , Pénicaud Luc
Published: September 2023

White, beige, and brown adipose tissues play a crucial role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Due to the heterogeneous and diffuse nature of fat pads, this balance requires a fine and coordinated control of many actors and therefore permanent dialogues between these tissues and the central nervous system. For about two decades, many studies have been devoted to describe the neuro-anatomical and functional complexity involved to ensure this dialogue. Thus, if it is now clearly demonstrated that there is an efferent sympathetic innervation of different fat depots controlling plasticity as well as metabolic functions of the fat pad, the crucial role of sensory innervation capable of detecting local signals informing the central nervous system of the metabolic state of the relevant pads is much more recent. The purpose of this review is to provide the current state of knowledge on this subject.
Meal sugar-protein balance determines postprandial FGF21 response in humans
Authors: Ramne Stina , Duizer Lisanne , Nielsen Mette S. , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Svenningsen Jens S. , Grarup Niels , Sjödin Anders , Raben Anne , Gillum Matthew P.
Published: September 2023

Here we test the interactions between sugar, protein, and fat in human FGF21 regulation and demonstrate that protein, but not fat, suppresses sugar-induced FGF21 secretion. This indicates that protein outweighs the effects of sugar in the secretory regulation of FGF21, and could suggest that the nutrient-specific appetite-regulatory actions of FGF21 might prioritize ensuring sufficient protein intake over limiting sugar intake.
Impact of tidal volume strategy at birth on initiating lung injury in preterm lambs
Authors: Pereira-Fantini Prue M. , Kenna Kelly R. , Fatmous Monique , Sett Arun , Douglas Ellen , Dahm Sophia , Sourial Magdy , Fang Haoyun , Greening David W. , Tingay David G.
Published: September 2023

There is little evidence to guide the best tidal volume (VT) strategy at birth. In this study, comparable aeration, lung mechanics, and lung morphology were observed using static, incremental, and alternating VT strategies. However, transient reduction in VT was associated with ventilation heterogeneity and inflammation. Our results suggest that rapidly aerating the preterm lung may not be as clinically critical as previously thought, providing clinicians with reassurance that gently supporting the preterm lung maybe permissible at birth.
A personalized cortical atlas for functional regions of interest
Authors: Molloy M. Fiona , Osher David E.
Published: September 2023

We compute individualized resting state parcels that identify an individual’s own functional regions of interest (fROIs) for high-level vision, language comprehension, motor control, and working memory, using only their functional connectome. This approach demonstrates a rapid and powerful alternative for finding a large set of fROIs in an individual, using only their unique connectivity pattern, which does not require the costly acquisition of multiple fMRI localizer tasks.
Touch localization after nerve repair in the hand: insights from a new measurement tool
Authors: Weber Martin , Marshall Andrew , Timircan Ronan , McGlone Francis , Watt Simon J. , Onyekwelu Obi , Booth Louise , Jesudason Edwin , Lees Vivien , Valyear Kenneth F.
Published: September 2023

We provide a more rigorous and comprehensive account of touch localization in nerve injury than previously available. Our results show that touch localization is significantly impaired following median/ulnar nerve transection injuries and that these impairments are specific to the territory of the repaired nerve(s), vary considerably between patients, and can involve frequent errors spanning between digits.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Brief Health Behaviour Change Interventions on Service Users Accessing the Third and Social Economy Sector
Authors: Nichol Beth , Rodrigues Angela M. , Wilson Rob , Haighton Catherine
Published: September 2023

There are well-established relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and all aspects of health. Brief interventions offer a cost-effective method to target health behaviours, helping to reduce these health inequalities. Furthermore, the third and social economy (TSE) sector, which encompasses all not-for-profit groups and organisations that operate outside of the family, household, and government, offers access to those of lower SES and a motivated workforce with established relationships with service users. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of brief interventions targeting health behaviours and their social determinants, when delivered within TSE settings or by TSE service providers (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022301969). Eight databases were searched for brief health behaviour change interventions lasting under 30 minutes per session, delivered by volunteers within the TSE sector or delivered within the TSE sector provided by or within a TSE, from all possible publication dates to February 2022. Behaviours relating to smoking, diet, alcohol, physical activity, housing, or finance were included. Narrative synthesis and Cochrane risk of bias tools were applied. Eight eligible studies were identified, most measuring smoking behaviour and with a considerable risk of bias. Only one study was set both within a TSE setting and delivered by TSE providers. The most common behaviour change techniques applied were the provision of information on both the consequences of the behaviour and further support. Brief interventions showed a minimal, if any, reduction in smoking behaviour and cholesterol levels, with more intensive interventions resulting in a far greater improvement in smoking, diet, and physical activity behaviours than brief intervention. This study highlighted a lack of research on brief interventions within the TSE sector, particularly for alcohol consumption. More qualitative research is needed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of brief interventions within the TSE settings. Limitations are discussed, including the high risk of bias of included studies and the exclusion of mental health.
Academic and Clinical Nurses’ Perceptions and Experiences on Academic-Practice Partnership in Evidence-Based Practice: An Interpretive Description
Authors: Chen Qirong , Halili Xirongguli , Chen Wenjun , Zhao Junqiang , Castro Aimee R. , Tang Siyuan , Wang Honghong , Xia Yuting , Wang Guiyun , Huang Chongmei
Published: September 2023

Aim. To explore academic and clinical nurses’ perceptions and experiences on academic-practice partnership in evidence-based practice. Background. Academic-practice partnership could promote evidence-based practice which is crucial for high-quality care. Academic and clinical nurses are the foundation of the partnerships; however, there is little knowledge of their perceptions and experiences on academic-practice partnership in evidence-based practice. Methods. This is an interpretive description study. Twenty-two eligible participants were interviewed through face-to-face or online videoconferencing meetings. Guiding questions for the interviews focused on the perceptions and experiences of academic-practice partnership in the context of evidence-based practice. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and checked verbatim. We used constant comparative analysis to analyze the qualitative data. Results. Four themes with fifteen subthemes were generated: necessities, modes, challenges, and benefits of the academic-practice partnership in evidence-based practice. Participants believed that academic-practice partnership was a necessary strategy to promote evidence-based practice and could be built through different modes. Nevertheless, most academic-practice partnerships were superficial because of specific types of challenges. However, a good academic-practice partnership could create a win-win situation for both nursing academia and clinical practice. Conclusion. Academic-practice partnership is a win-win strategy for both the academic side and clinical side to promote evidence-based practice. Different modes of academic-practice partnership provide academic and clinical nurses with more opportunities to promote evidence-based practice with a higher likelihood of successful implementation. However, related challenges require multilevel measures to provide better environments to initiate, build, and maintain intensive collaborations between academic and clinical nurses. Implications for Nursing Management. Academic and clinical organizations, leaders, and individuals should take multilevel measures to initiate, build, and maintain a close academic-practice partnership to promote evidence-based practice, which is crucial for high-quality nursing care, patient safety, and nursing discipline development.
Deep Generative Modeling Based on VAE-GAN for 3D Indoor Scene Synthesis
Authors: Li Shuai , Li Hongjun
Published: September 2023

With the advancement of virtual reality and 3D game technology, the demand for high-quality 3D indoor scene generation has surged. Addressing this need, this paper presents a method leveraging a VAE-GAN-based framework to conquer two primary challenges in 3D scene representation and deep generative networks. First, we introduce a matrix representation to encode fine-grained object attributes, alongside a complete graph to implicitly capture object spatial relations—effectively encapsulating both local and global scene structures. Second, we devise a unique generative framework based on VAE-GAN and the Bayesian optimization. This framework learns a Gaussian distribution of encoded object attributes through a VAE-GAN network, allowing for sampling and decoding of the distribution to generate new object attributes. Subsequently, a U-Net is employed to learn spatial relations between objects. Lastly, the Bayesian optimization module amalgamates the generated object attributes, spatial relations, and priors learned from data, conducting global optimization to generate a logical scene layout. Experimental results on a large-scale 3D indoor scene dataset substantiate that our method effectively learns inter-object relations and generates diverse and plausible indoor scenes. Comparative experiments and user studies further validate that our method surpasses the current state-of-the-art techniques in indoor scene generation and is comparable to real training scenes.
Mathematical Modelling, Drying Behavior, and Quality Investigation of the Turkey Berry in a Fluidized Bed Dryer
Authors: Rajendran Barathiraja , Sudalaimani Ananthakumar , Jothi Thiyagaraj , Mohankumar Ashokkumar , Sampathkumar Deepak , Mariappan Mathanbabu , Mohaideen Abdulkhader
Published: September 2023

The dehydration behavior of turkey berries was analysed in a fluidized bed dryer at various inlet air velocities (0.8, 2.1, and 3.4 m/s) and temperatures (50, 60, and 70°C). The drying parameters and physiochemical values of fruits were extensively studied, as were the moisture content, rate of drying, moisture diffusivity of the sample, shrinking percentage, color variations, retention of vitamin C, β-carotene, antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content. The activation energy varies between 36.82 and 45.63 kJ/mol under different bed conditions. According to the experimental results, it has been observed that the maximum moisture diffusion rate was 2.898 × 10−10 m2/s and maximum retention rates of vitamin C, β-carotene, antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content were 1.91 mg/100 g d.m, 184 μg/100 g d.m, 21.34 mg AAE/100 g d.m, and 513 mg GAE/100 g, during the drying of the sample at 70°C and 3.4 m/s. The minimum shrinkage (49.1%) and color variation (ΔE = 11.08) were detected at 3.4 m/s and 70°C. The Midilli et al. model was fitted, which is the most preferable model for predicting the dehydration characteristics of turkey berries.
A Digital Lock‐in Amplifier Based on Adaptive Kalman Filter for Rail Defect Detection
Authors: Chen Hongzhen , Li Yong , Ou Liyun
Published: September 2023

In this paper, an eddy current testing system equipped with low‐performance processor is designed for rail defect detection. A digital lock‐in amplifier (DLIA) based on adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) is presented to detect the weak voltage induced in two differential coils. The proposed method can fast demodulate the amplitude of a signal with a randomized phase using one cycle of the sinusoidal signal, and simultaneously improve signal‐to‐noise ratio. This DLIA has made use of the sinusoidal orthogonality and concurrently utilized AKF to track on the amplitude variation of voltage, which is numerically simulated and analyzed in MATLAB. The simulated results indicate that increasing excitation frequency or sampling points in one cycle has an effective suppression in low‐frequency noise. Furthermore, the experiment is carried out to verify the performance of the system for rail defect detection. Finally, the experimental result shows that the proposed lock‐in amplifier has a root mean squared error of 1.3 mV and performs well in terms of memory consumption and precision. Moreover, the amplitude variation in differential coils is linearly tracked, and the surface defects on rail specimens can be detected.
Investigation of Properties of Polyimide-Grafted Erythritol Composites Filled with Oxidized Expanded Graphite by In Situ Fabrication for Advanced Phase Change Materials
Authors: Lee Wondu , Kim Jooheon
Published: September 2023

Owing to their high latent heat enabling thermal energy conservation upon heat absorption and release, phase change materials (PCMs) are attracting increasing interest for use in thermal energy storage systems and next-generation thermal management systems. However, they have limitations such as inherently poor thermal and mechanical properties, which hinder their practical use. To overcome these limitations, we prepared a novel PCM based on polyimide- (PI-) grafted erythritol (PIET) through in situ grafting and imidization using PI. PIET composites that were prepared using oxidized expanded graphite as a filler showed an improved thermal conductivity of 2.56 W·m-1·K-1 in the through-plane direction, a latent heat of 192.5 J·g-1, and a tensile strength enhanced by 119%. Thus, the prepared PCM composites showed the potential for the development of advanced PCMs.
Grapes, Wines, and Changing Times: A Bibliometric Analysis of Climate Change Influence
Authors: Grazia Diego , Mazzocchi Chiara , Ruggeri Giordano , Corsi Stefano
Published: September 2023

Climatic conditions play a major role in wine production. Given the increasing impacts and risks posed by climate change, it is important to understand the effects it will have on the wine sector and different wine-producing regions worldwide. This study provides an in-depth examination of the scientific discourse on wine and climate change from 2000 to 2022 by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the literature published on the Web of Science database, which included 1,314 publications. The use of quantitative and qualitative methods allows us to investigate how research has evolved over the years. Our analysis uncovers the most productive countries, institutions, and journals leading the research in this domain, while emphasising the multifaceted approach to studying wine and climate change. Nevertheless, numerous research areas are yet to be adequately explored. Through co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling, we identify dominant thematic clusters in previous and current scientific literature and reveal emerging research trajectories in this field. The main thematic clusters found include the assessment of climate change effects on viticultural regions worldwide, climate change’s impact on grape composition, and the impact on grape phenology. Our results can be useful not only to understand the main themes studied until now but also to orientate researchers towards less explored aspects and disciplines in scientific research.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Regulate NLRP3 Activation to Generate a Tolerogenic Microenvironment
Authors: Amo-Aparicio Jesus , Dominguez Adrian , Atif Shaikh M. , Dinarello Alberto , Azam Tania , Alula Kibrom M. , Piper Miles , Lieu Christopher H. , Lentz Robert W. , Leal Alexis D. , Bagby Stacey M. , Messersmith Wells A. , Karam Sana D. , Dinarello Charles A. , Pitts Todd M. , Marchetti Carlo
Published: September 2023

NLRP3 inhibition reduces PDAC progression
FIGURE 8 from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Regulate NLRP3 Activation to Generate a Tolerogenic Microenvironment
Authors: Amo-Aparicio Jesus , Dominguez Adrian , Atif Shaikh M. , Dinarello Alberto , Azam Tania , Alula Kibrom M. , Piper Miles , Lieu Christopher H. , Lentz Robert W. , Leal Alexis D. , Bagby Stacey M. , Messersmith Wells A. , Karam Sana D. , Dinarello Charles A. , Pitts Todd M. , Marchetti Carlo
Published: September 2023

NLRP3 inhibition increases gemcitabine efficacy. A, Tumor volume and weight in mice treated with vehicle (PBS), gemcitabine (GEM), OLT1177 (OLT), and GEM+OLT (n = 8/group). B, Flow cytometry analysis of Ki67 expression in CD45− cells from the primary tumors obtained in A (n = 8/group). C, Viability of human PDAC organoids after 72 hours of culture in presence of gemcitabine (GEM) or OLT1177 (OLT; n = 3). D, Representative images of organoids from C. E, NLRP3 expression in primary tumors obtained in A (n = 3/group). Data expressed as mean ± SEM; ****, P < 0.0001; ***, P < 0.001; **, P < 0.01; *, P < 0.05.
FIGURE 7 from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Regulate NLRP3 Activation to Generate a Tolerogenic Microenvironment
Authors: Amo-Aparicio Jesus , Dominguez Adrian , Atif Shaikh M. , Dinarello Alberto , Azam Tania , Alula Kibrom M. , Piper Miles , Lieu Christopher H. , Lentz Robert W. , Leal Alexis D. , Bagby Stacey M. , Messersmith Wells A. , Karam Sana D. , Dinarello Charles A. , Pitts Todd M. , Marchetti Carlo
Published: September 2023

CSF-1R engagement induces NLRP3 activation in vivo. A, Tumor volume and weight in mice treated with α-CSF-1R or matching IgG (n = 6/group). B, Immunofluorescence staining from NLRP3 (red) and ASC (green) in primary tumors treated with α-CSF-1R or matching IgG (n = 3/group). C, Quantification of speck-like structure in mice treated with α-CSF-1R or matching IgG (n = 3/group). D, Schematic graphic representation of the proposed NLRP3 activation and signaling in PDAC (created with BioRender.com).
FIGURE 6 from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Regulate NLRP3 Activation to Generate a Tolerogenic Microenvironment
Authors: Amo-Aparicio Jesus , Dominguez Adrian , Atif Shaikh M. , Dinarello Alberto , Azam Tania , Alula Kibrom M. , Piper Miles , Lieu Christopher H. , Lentz Robert W. , Leal Alexis D. , Bagby Stacey M. , Messersmith Wells A. , Karam Sana D. , Dinarello Charles A. , Pitts Todd M. , Marchetti Carlo
Published: September 2023

CSF-1R engagement induces IL1β and IL18 release. A, Correlation between CSF-1R and NLRP3 expression in PDAC (n = 96) from TGCA dataset. B, Spontaneous CSF-1 and IL34 secretion in Panc-1 cells at 72 hours (n = 3). C, IL1β and IL18 secretion in THP-1 cells following stimulation with PDAC-conditioned media obtained from Panc-1 cells in presence of IgG (control), α-CSF-1, α-IL34, α-CSF-1/IL34 (n = 3). D, Phosphorylation levels of PyK2 (Tyrosine 402) in THP-1 stimulated in D and E (n = 3). E, IL1β and IL18 secretion from THP-1 cells following stimulation with PDAC-conditioned media obtained from Panc-1 cells in presence of α-CSF-1R and an CSF-1R inhibitor (AZD; n = 3). F, IL1β secretion from freshly isolated PBMCs from healthy donors (n = 4) following stimulation with PDAC-conditioned media obtained from Panc-1 cells in presence of α-CSF-1R. Cytokine levels were measured by specific ELISAs. Data expressed as mean ± SEM; ****, P < 0.0001; ***, P < 0.001; **, P < 0.01; *, P < 0.05.