bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of a general method for calculating the resistance of strengthened concrete columns
Authors: Pecka Jan , Gajdosova Katarina
Published: October 2023

Columns are one of the basic types of vertical load-bearing elements. In buildings, they are used where there is a requirement to create free spaces. This results in an effort to minimize the cross-section dimensions of the column and to maximize the use of its resistance. The need of the increase in resistance is the reason for columns strengthening. The choice of a suitable strengthening method must take into account the way the column is loaded. Some methods are universal, the others are more effective in the case of predominant compressive, or predominant bending loading. In presented research, the attention is focused on strengthening slender reinforced concrete columns by progressive methods - FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) and FRC (fibre reinforced concrete) applications. For slender columns, second-order effects must be taken into account. The current Eurocode lists three methods of analysing these effects. The simplified methods proposed for the analysis of a reinforced concrete column cannot be applied directly to the calculation of the resistance of a column strengthened by any of the progressive methods. The article is devoted to the calculation of column resistance using a general method that allows the contribution to column resistance from strengthening to be considered.
The use of mixed reality in construction
Authors: Nechyporchuk Yaroslav , Baskova Renata , Cabala Jozef
Published: October 2023

This article describes Mixed Reality and its differences from Virtual and Augmented Reality. The article also deals with the concrete use of Mixed Reality in the construction industry, which is checking the conformity of the real building and the designed model. As part of the article, this method of use was actually used on the construction site. The work describes the procedure for using Mixed Reality to check the match between the real building and the model. Obstacles and problem areas that were discovered during use and will be subject to further research are also described in the article.
Environmental assessment of wooden roof compositions
Authors: Budajova Jana
Published: October 2023

The construction industry has high energy consumption and environmental impact, such as greenhouse gases, acidification, and the like, leading to concerns about the environmental impact of buildings on climate change. Sustainable and ecological construction requires innovation in materials and their durability to support a low-carbon and efficient city. The construction industry needs measures to reduce emissions, and buildings are assessed using methods such as Life Cycle Assessment, which allows for a holistic view and supports sustainable development. Timber roofs are crucial in the fight against the environmental crisis, as buildings have a significant impact on lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Analyzing the influence of lifter design and ball mill speed on grinding performance, particle behavior and contact forces
Authors: Safa Ali , Aissat Sahraoui
Published: October 2023

Ball mills are the foremost equipment used for grinding in the mineral processing sector. Lifters are placed on the internal walls of the mill and are designed to lift the grinding media (balls) to a higher position.

In the calculation of energy consumption in ball mills, classical theories mainly consider factors like the charge fill level, lifter dimensions, the number of lifters, and the rotational speed of the mill. This research recognizes the significance of lifter geometry and proposes a new lifter design aimed at optimizing the energy consumption and efficiency of ball mills. Simulation results by discrete elements obtained in this study were validated using experimental results. By conducting this comparative analysis, the aims of the study was to examine the impact of the new lifter's geometry and rotational speed of the mill on torque, power draw, particles behavior, and contact forces. The findings indicate that when the pitch of the lifters is increased, there is a reduction of 3.30% in torque and power consumption. Additionally, this change leads to an increase in the number of cataracting particles and a 6 to 7% increase in contact forces compared to lifters with a straight shape.
Supershear Rayleigh wave imaging for quantitative assessment of biomechanical properties of brain using air-coupled optical coherence elastography
Authors: Zhu Yirui , Shi Jiulin , Alvarez-arenas Tomas E. Gomez , Li Chenxi , Wang Haohao , Cai Hongling , Zhang Dong , He Xingdao , Wu Xiaoshan
Published: October 2023

Recently, supershear Rayleigh waves (SRWs) have been proposed to characterize the biomechanical properties of soft tissues. The SRWs propagate along the surface of the medium, unlike surface Rayleigh waves, SRWs propagate faster than bulk shear waves. However, their behavior and application in biological tissues is still elusive. In brain tissue elastography, shear waves combined with magnetic resonance elastography or ultrasound elastography are generally used to quantify the shear modulus, but high spatial resolution elasticity assessment in 10 μm scale is still improving. Here, we develop an air-coupled ultrasonic transducer for noncontact excitation of SRWs and Rayleigh waves in brain tissue, use optical coherent elastography (OCE) to detect, and reconstruct the SRW propagation process; in combing with a derived theoretical model of SRWs on a free boundary surface, we quantify the shear modulus of brain tissue with high spatial resolution. We first complete validation experiments using a homogeneous isotropic agar phantom, and the experimental results clearly show the SRW is 1.9649 times faster than the bulk shear waves. Furthermore, the propagation velocity of SRWs in both the frontal and parietal lobe regions of the brain is all 1.87 times faster than the bulk shear wave velocity. Finally, we evaluated the anisotropy in different brain regions, and the medulla oblongata region had the highest anisotropy index. Our study shows that the OCE system using the SRW model is a new potential approach for high-resolution assessment of the biomechanical properties of brain tissue.
Growth and reproductive performance of broiler breeders reared to puberty under the open-sided housing in a tropical environment
Authors: Adebayo M. O. , Abiona J. A. , Uyanga V. A. , Onagbesan O. M. , Oke O. E.
Published: October 2023

Context The paradox of broiler breeders combined with harsh environments is of significant concern, particularly to broiler breeder farmers in tropical environments. Despite this, there is a paucity of information on the comparison of the performance of broiler breeders in tropical climates. Aims The trial aimed to evaluate the comparative growth and reproductive performance of three common broiler breeders (Marshall (MS), Arbor Acres (AA) and Ross (RS)) raised in the tropical environment in Nigeria. Methods In total, 240 day-old female broiler breeder chicks were used, 80 each strain, in four replicates of 20 birds each. According to the breeders’ guides, the rearing of the chickens was conducted in an open-sided poultry house until puberty. Weekly determination of percentage mortality (%MORT), feed intake (FI), liveweight (LW), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was performed. Weekly hen-day egg production was monitored in each strain from oviposition. Key results The liveweights of chickens were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by strain. Ross and Marshall had higher (P < 0.05) weight gain than did Arbor Acre at the first 8 weeks of age. The feed intake of Arbor Acres was higher than that of Marshall, which was higher than the values recorded in Ross between the 8th and 16th weeks of age. The FCR of Arbor Acres and Ross was similar but lower (P < 0.05) than that of Marshall breeders between Weeks 17 and 25. The rudimentary ovarian weights were higher in Ross than in Arbor Acres at the sixth week of age. However, at Week 20, the ovary weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Ross than in Marshall and Arbor Acres. Hen-day egg production of Marshall breeder was higher (P < 0.05) than Ross at Weeks 24 and 25. Conclusions The three broiler breeder strains had the potential for better reproductive performance under Nigerian tropical conditions, especially the MS if the liveweight could be harnessed. Implications The findings in this study may support farmers to make the right decision on the choice of broiler breeder strains so as to maximise productivity under conventional open-sided housing in tropical environments.
The CRL3
gigaxonin
ubiquitin ligase–USP15 pathway governs the destruction of neurofilament proteins
Authors: Park Hyoung-Min , Le Ly , Nguyen Thao T. , Nam Ki Hong , Ordureau Alban , Lee J. Eugene , Nguyen Thang Van
Published: October 2023

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is caused by mutations in the
GAN
gene encoding for gigaxonin (GIG), which functions as an adaptor of the CUL3-RBX1-GIG (CRL3
GIG
) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. The pathological hallmark of GAN is characterized by the accumulation of densely packed neurofilaments (NFs) in the axons. However, there are fundamental knowledge gaps in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which the ubiquitin–proteasome system controls the homeostasis of NF proteins. Recently, the deubiquitylating enzyme USP15 was reported to play a crucial role in regulating ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of CRL4
CRBN
substrate proteins. Here, we report that the CRL3
GIG
–USP15 pathway governs the destruction of NF proteins NEFL and INA. We identified a specific degron called NEFL
L12
degron for CRL3
GIG
. Notably, mutations in the C-terminal Kelch domain of GIG, represented by L309R, R545C, and C570Y, disrupted the binding of GIG to NEFL and INA, leading to the accumulation of these NF proteins. This accounts for the loss-of-function mutations in GAN patients. In addition to regulating NFs, CRL3
GIG
also controls actin filaments by directly targeting actin-filament-binding regulatory proteins TPM1, TPM2, TAGLN, and CNN2 for proteasomal degradation. Thus, our findings broadly impact the field by providing fundamental mechanistic insights into regulating extremely long-lived NF proteins NEFL and INA by the CRL3
GIG
–USP15 pathway and offering previously unexplored therapeutic opportunities to treat GAN patients and other neurodegenerative diseases by explicitly targeting downstream substrates of CRL3
GIG
.
Harvesting of aerial humidity with natural hygroscopic salt excretions
Authors: Al-Handawi Marieh B. , Commins Patrick , Dinnebier Robert E. , Abdellatief Mahmoud , Li Liang , Naumov Panče
Published: October 2023

Plants and animals that thrive in arid regions utilize the diurnal changes in environmental temperature and humidity to optimize their water budget by combining water-harvesting mechanisms and morphophysiological traits. The Athel tamarisk (
Tamarix aphylla
) is a halophytic desert shrub that survives in arid, hypersaline conditions by excreting concentrated solutions of ions as droplets on its surface that crystallize into salt crystals and fall off the branches. Here, we describe the crystallization on the surface of the plant and explore the effects of external conditions such as diurnal changes in humidity and temperature. The salt mixtures contain at least ten common minerals, with NaCl and CaSO
4
·2H
2
O being the major products, SiO
2
and CaCO
3
main sand contaminants, and Li
2
SO
4
, CaSO
4
, KCl, K
2
Ca(SO
4
)
2
·H
2
O, CaMg(CO
3
)
2
and AlNaSi
3
O
8
present in smaller amounts. In natural conditions, the hanging or sitting droplets remain firmly attached to the surface, with an average adhesion force of 275 ± 3.5 µN measured for pure water. Rather than using morphological features of the surface, the droplets adhere by chemical interactions, predominantly by hydrogen bonding. Increasing ion concentration slightly increases the contact angle on the hydrophobic cuticle, thereby lowering surface wettability. Small amounts of lithium sulfate and possibly other hygroscopic salts result in strong hygroscopicity and propensity for deliquescence of the salt mixture overnight. Within a broader context, this natural mechanism for humidity harvesting that uses environmentally benign salts as moisture adsorbents could provide a bioinspired approach that complements the currently available water collection or cloud-seeding technologies.
Dynamic mechanical properties of ferronickel slag powder-modified soil-cement using split-hopkinson pressure bar testing
Authors: Chen Sanshan , Chen Feng , Zheng Chengjie , Wu Zhengyu
Published: October 2023

Ferronickel slag is an industrial waste, ranking as the fourth largest smelting slag in China, with an annual discharge of about 30 million tons. However, only 8% to 10% of this slag is utilized, leaving a substantial amount of ferronickel slag unutilized. This not only pollutes the environment, but also results in a significant waste of resources. Recycling ferronickel slag wastes allows for the optimum use of resources, which benefits initiatives in ferronickel slag powder production and environmental protection. In light of this, ferronickel slag powder (FSP) and mineral powder (MP) are mixed here to achieve the optimal proportion when incorporated into soil-cement (the mixture is simplified as FSMP) for application in subgrade reinforcement. In the subgrade soil of airport runways, in fact, it often endures the impact of loads, therefore, to study the influence of added ferronickel slag powder on the mechanical behavior of soil-cement after impact compression, the Split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing was conducted on a series of soil-cement samples with varying FSMP replacement ratios (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%). The failure mode, compression after impact (CAI) strength, and dynamic stress–strain relationship of the soil-cement samples were studied. The results indicate that, as the FSMP replacement ratio increases from 0 to 60%, the rate of peak stress growth at 60-day age are 11.39%, 12.08%, 12.57%, 16.11%, −16.83%, and −13.20% respectively. This implies that the dynamic stress first increases as FSMP increases and then decreases after the peak is reached at 40% FSMP replacement. Moreover, as the curing ages, the peak dynamic stress gradually increases. The rate of this increase is significantly higher between the curing age of 7d and 28d than between 28d and M60d. The addition of a suitable amount of ferronickel slag powder can enhance the impact resistance of soil-cement. These findings can serve as a foundation for understanding the application of soil-cement in engineering under impact.
Effective thermal conductivity of lightweight porous concrete:theoretical models and application
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Li Xiaohua , Liu Xianglong
Published: October 2023

Lightweight porous concrete blocks have become one of the preferred energy-saving envelope materials for modern buildings due to their good thermal insulation performance. This paper reviews the extensive literature on different theoretical models for the effective thermal conductivity of porous concrete blocks. The advantages and limitations of different models, including the pore structure, fractal theory, and thermal conductivity models, are summarized. The applicability and challenges of each lightweight porous concrete model are discussed in detail. It can be concluded that more research on lightweight porous concrete blocks is necessary to improve the theoretical thermal conductivity model by incorporating parameters related to indoor thermal and humid environments.
Differential modulation of cellular phenotype and drug sensitivity by extracellular matrix proteins in primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Usman Olalekan H. , Kumar Sampath , Walker Reddick R. , Xie Gengqiang , Sumajit Hyeje C. , Jalil AbdelAziz R. , Ramakrishnan Subramanian , Dooling Lawrence J. , Wang Yue Julia , Irianto Jerome
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is reported to be the third highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. PDAC is known for its high proportion of stroma, which accounts for 90% of the tumor mass. The stroma is made up of extracellular matrix (ECM) and nonmalignant cells such as inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and lymphatic and blood vessels. Here, we decoupled the effects of the ECM on PDAC cell lines by culturing cells on surfaces coated with different ECM proteins. Our data show that the primary tumor-derived cell lines have different morphology depending on the ECM proteins on which they are cultured, while metastatic lesion-derived PDAC lines’ morphology does not change with respect to the different ECM proteins. Similarly, ECM proteins modulate the proliferation rate and the gemcitabine sensitivity of the primary tumor PDAC cell lines, but not the metastatic PDAC lines. Lastly, transcriptomics analysis of the primary tumor PDAC cells cultured on different ECM proteins reveals the regulation of various pathways, such as cell cycle, cell-adhesion molecules, and focal adhesion, including the regulation of several integrin genes that are essential for ECM recognition.
Quantifying turgor pressure in budding and fission yeasts based upon osmotic properties
Authors: Lemière Joël , Chang Fred
Published: October 2023

Walled cells, such as plants, fungi, and bacteria cells, possess a high internal hydrostatic pressure, termed turgor pressure, that drives volume growth and contributes to cell shape determination. Rigorous measurement of turgor pressure, however, remains challenging, and reliable quantitative measurements, even in budding yeast are still lacking. Here, we present a simple and robust experimental approach to access turgor pressure in yeasts based upon the determination of isotonic concentration using protoplasts as osmometers. We propose three methods to identify the isotonic condition – three-dimensional cell volume, cytoplasmic fluorophore intensity, and mobility of a cytGEMs nano-rheology probe – that all yield consistent values. Our results provide turgor pressure estimates of 1.0 ± 0.1 MPa for Schizosaccharomyces pombe, 0.49 ± 0.01 MPa for Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, 0.5 ± 0.1 MPa for Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303a and 0.31 ± 0.03 MPa for Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741. Large differences in turgor pressure and nano-rheology measurements between the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains demonstrate how fundamental biophysical parameters can vary even among wild-type strains of the same species. These side-by-side measurements of turgor pressure in multiple yeast species provide critical values for quantitative studies on cellular mechanics and comparative evolution.
Extracellular vesicles from 3D cultured dermal papilla cells improve wound healing via Krüppel-like factor 4/vascular endothelial growth factor A -driven angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Yunwei , Shen Kuo , Sun Yulin , Cao Peng , Zhang Jia , Zhang Wanfu , Liu Yang , Zhang Hao , Chen Yang , Li Shaohui , Xu Chaolei , Han Chao , Qiao Yating , Zhang Qingyi , Wang Bin , Luo Liang , Yang Yunshu , Guan Hao
Published: October 2023

Background

Non-healing wounds are an intractable problem of major clinical relevance. Evidence has shown that dermal papilla cells (DPCs) may regulate the wound-healing process by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, low isolation efficiency and restricted cell viability hinder the applications of DPC-EVs in wound healing. In this study, we aimed to develop novel 3D-DPC spheroids (tdDPCs) based on self-feeder 3D culture and to evaluate the roles of tdDPC-EVs in stimulating angiogenesis and skin wound healing.

Methods

To address the current limitations of DPC-EVs, we previously developed a self-feeder 3D culture method to construct tdDPCs. DPCs and tdDPCs were identified using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Subsequently, we extracted EVs from the cells and compared the effects of DPC-EVs and tdDPC-EVs on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro using immunofluorescence staining, a scratch-wound assay and a Transwell assay. We simultaneously established a murine model of full-thickness skin injury and evaluated the effects of DPC-EVs and tdDPC-EVs on wound-healing efficiency in vivo using laser Doppler, as well as hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, CD31 and α-SMA staining. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we conducted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of tdDPC-EV- and phosphate-buffered saline-treated HUVECs. To validate the RNA-seq data, we constructed knockdown and overexpression vectors of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). Western blotting, a scratch-wound assay, a Transwell assay and a tubule-formation test were performed to detect the protein expression, cell migration and lumen-formation ability of KLF4 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in HUVECs incubated with tdDPC-EVs after KLF4 knockdown or overexpression. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to verify the activation effect of KLF4 on VEGFA.

Results

We successfully cultured tdDPCs and extracted EVs from DPCs and tdDPCs. The tdDPC-EVs significantly promoted the proliferation, lumen formation and migration of HUVECs. Unlike DPC-EVs, tdDPC-EVs exhibited significant advantages in terms of promoting angiogenesis, accelerating wound healing and enhancing wound-healing efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and further functional experiments verified that the tdDPC-EV-regulated KLF4/VEGFA axis is pivotal in accelerating wound healing.

Conclusions

3D cultivation can be utilized as an innovative optimization strategy to effectively develop DPC-derived EVs for the treatment of skin wounds. tdDPC-EVs significantly enhance wound healing via KLF4/VEGFA-driven angiogenesis.
Extreme work, professionalism, and the construction of mental health in correctional work
Authors: Brandhorst Jaclyn K , Meisenbach Rebecca
Published: October 2023

As an employee population, correctional officers (COs) perform a stressful, dangerous, and extreme job that has significant consequences for their health and well-being. Yet, COs are often reluctant to focus on their own mental health concerns. In this study, we explore how US COs communicatively engage and avoid discussing mental health in relation to their work. Using a phronetic iterative approach, we analyze how a discourse of professionalism promotes COs (1) practicing emotion suppression and impersonalization to protect themselves from inmates and mental health challenges and (2) constructing mental health as an inmate problem in ways that may limit COs’ abilities to address their own mental health concerns. We assess how professional ideals thus serve as both a protective resource and a constraint, with dehumanizing consequences for COs and those they serve. We then consider theoretical implications for studying professionalism in working class occupations and stigma management communication. We also outline possibilities for disrupting and reconstructing mental health in correctional work.
Understanding mathematics anxiety: loss aversion and student engagement
Authors: Shabab C Rashaad
Published: October 2023

This paper applies the well-known cognitive bias of loss aversion from behavioural economics to student decisions over engagement with mathematically demanding coursework. This bias is shown to predict behaviour that is consistent with mathematics anxiety in a dynamic model of student engagement. It is shown that these forces can imply polarization in student outcomes with some students chronically disengaged in a low-attainment equilibrium, in the absence of any countervailing pedagogic interventions. However, the model illustrates that chronic disengagement is not necessarily equivalent to chronic apathy. Rather, students for whom the short-term cost of failure looms large are shown to be at heightened risk of disengagement. The model is used to understand and evaluate various elements of the mathematics anxiety literature including the role of formative assessment, the fixed and growth mindset models, the efficacy of task-oriented achievement goals, the cognitive interference and motivation enhancement models of test anxiety, the provision of remedial classes and technology-enhanced solutions to learning and assessment.
The Reliability of the Modified Fels Knee Skeletal Maturity System
Authors: Furdock Ryan J. , Sun Kristie J. , Ren Bryan , Folkman Matthew , Glotzbecker Michael P. , Son-Hing Jochen P. , Gilmore Allison , Hardesty Christina K. , Mistovich R. Justin , Liu Raymond W.
Published: October 2023

Background:

The recently described Modified Fels knee skeletal maturity system (mFels) has proven utility in prediction of ultimate lower extremity length in modern pediatric patients. mFels users evaluate chronological age, sex, and 7 anteroposterior knee radiographic parameters to produce a skeletal age estimate. We developed a free mobile application to minimize the learning curve of mFels radiographic parameter evaluation. We sought to identify the reliability of mFels for new users.

Methods:

Five pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, 5 orthopaedic surgery residents, 3 pediatric orthopaedic nurse practitioners, and 5 medical students completely naïve to mFels each evaluated a set of 20 pediatric anteroposterior knee radiographs with the assistance of the (What’s the Skeletal Maturity?) mobile application. They were not provided any guidance beyond the instructions and examples embedded in the app. The results of their radiographic evaluations and skeletal age estimates were compared with those of the mFels app developers.

Results:

Averaging across participant groups, inter-rater reliability for each mFels parameter ranged from 0.73 to 0.91. Inter-rater reliability of skeletal age estimates was 0.98. Regardless of group, steady proficiency was reached by the seventh radiograph measured.

Conclusions:

mFels is a reliable means of skeletal maturity evaluation. No special instruction is necessary for first time users at any level to utilize the (What’s the Skeletal Maturity?) mobile application, and proficiency in skeletal age estimation is obtained by the seventh radiograph.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
The use of simulation in medical ultrasound: Current perspectives on applications and practical implementation (WFUMB state-of-the-art paper)
Authors: Lucius Claudia , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Blaivas Michael , Burmester Eike , Westerway Susan Campbell , Chu Chit Yan , Condous George , Cui Xin-Wu , Dong Yi , Harrison Gill , Koch Jonas , Kraus Barbara , Nolsøe Christian Pállson , Nayahangan Leizl Joy , Pedersen Malene Roland V. , Saftoiu Adrian , Savitsky Eric , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: October 2023

Simulation has been shown to improve clinical learning outcomes, speed up the learning process, and improve trainee confidence, while taking the pressure off initial face-to-face patient clinical areas. The second part of The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology state-of-the-art paper on the use of simulators provides a general approach on the practical implementation. The importance of needs assessment before developing a simulation-based training program is outlined. We describe the current practical implementation and critically analyze how simulators can be integrated into complex task scenarios to train small or large groups. A wide range of simulation equipment is available especially for those seeking interventional ultrasound training, ranging from animal tissue models, simple synthetic phantoms, to sophisticated high-fidelity simulation platforms using virtual reality. Virtual reality simulators provide feedback and thereby allow trainees to not only to practice their motor skills and hand eye coordination but also to interact with the simulator. Future developments will integrate more elements of automated assessment and artificial intelligence, thereby enabling enhanced realistic training experience and improving skill transfer into clinical practice.
Case Studies of Fraud Associated with the Use of Radiation Sources: Practical Avoidance Strategies Based on Lessons Learned
Authors: Emery R. J. , Howell D. C.
Published: October 2023

Periodically the radiation protection profession has experienced purposeful deception practices that remained undetected for some time. Upon discovery, the cases of fraud revealed gaps in confirmation or validation practices that the radiation protection community should note. Summarized here is a convenience sample of actual cases of fraud involving radiation sources along with the exploited process vulnerabilities. Recommended process improvements that the radiation safety community may consider are presented to improve the collective fidelity of radiation protection processes.
RELAY INTRASCLERAL 6-0 POLYPROPYLENE-ASSISTED INTRAOCULAR LENS FIXATION: A RETROSPECTIVE COMPARISON WITH MODIFIED YAMANE’S TECHNIQUE.
Authors: Chantarasorn Yodpong , Pokawattana Issara , Silpa-archa Sukhum , Rattanaprasatpon Nitee , Saovaprut Chairat
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE:

To describe a new surgical technique that uses a relay suture to optimize sutureless scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SF-IOL) in eyes with capsular insufficiency, and to evaluate the outcomes of this technique vs. flanged double needle-guided SF-IOL with haptic trimming (modified Yamane’s approach).

METHODS:

Relay intrascleral 6-0 polypropylene sutures with flanges generated at the intraocular ends were used to fixate, and securely hold a rigid IOL with haptic eyelets against the inner scleral wall. The results were analyzed at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

This retrospective cohort study found that compared with the control group (n = 27), the relay-sutured group (n = 26) had greater mean changes in corneal astigmatism (0.44 vs. −0.52 D) and fewer mean degrees of IOL astigmatism (0.62 vs. 1.1 diopters). The mean IOL decentration was comparable between both groups; however, in the control group, there was a significant increase in IOL tilt degrees from 3 to 12 months. Moreover, significantly higher proportions of patients with persistent macular edema and iris-optic capture were seen in the control group.

CONCLUSION:

The relay-sutured technique may be an alternative to flapless SF-IOL and provides a stable IOL position with acceptable complication rates.
Tent-pole technique for alveolar ridge width preservation with a compromised buccal plate: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Abdullrahman Firas , Assad Mounzer , Albash Ziad
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the tent-pole technique for alveolar ridge preservation of compromised alveolar socket following the surgical extraction of incurable single root premolars.

Materials and methods:

This study was conducted on 12 patients who presented to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and had alveolar ridge preservation using tent-pole technique between August 2021 and February 2022. The alveolar ridge width was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography scans taken preoperative and 6 months postoperative. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the alveolar ridge width at different levels. The alveolar ridge width differences between periods were assessed with paired t-test. The comparison of alveolar ridge width loss according to jaw, sex, and different levels were done with unpaired t-test. The level of significance considered was 5% (α=0.05).

Results:

The mean alveolar ridge width before surgery was 10.03 mm. After 6 months, the mean alveolar ridge width was 8.4 mm. The range of alveolar ridge width loss was between 0.6 and 3.22 mm with a mean of 1.63 (16.25%). There was no statistically significant difference in width loss between the maxilla and mandibular whether in males or females. Alveolar bone width loss was the greatest at W1 level (26.8%).

Conclusion:

According to the results of this study, the authors conclude that the tent-pole technique could preserve the alveolar bone ridge width without bone graft materials.
Replacement of tibialis cranialis tendon with polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon preserves biomechanical function in rabbits
Authors: Easton Katrina L. , Hatch Carter , Stephens Kaitlyn , Marler Dylan , Fidelis Obinna , Sun Xiaocun , Bowers Kristin M. , Billings Caroline , Greenacre Cheryl B. , Anderson David E. , Crouch Dustin L.
Published: October 2023

Artificial tendons may be an effective alternative to autologous and allogenic tendon grafts for repairing critically sized tendon defects. The goal of this study was to quantify the in vivo hindlimb biomechanics (ground contact pressure and sagittal-plane motion) during hopping gait of rabbits having a critically sized tendon defect of the tibialis cranialis and either with or without repair using an artificial tendon. In five rabbits, the tibialis cranialis tendon of the left hindlimb was surgically replaced with a polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon (PET-SI); five operated control rabbits underwent complete surgical excision of the biological tibialis cranialis tendon in the left hindlimb with no replacement (TE). At 8 weeks post-surgery, peak vertical ground contact force in the left hindlimb was statistically significantly less compared to baseline for the TE group (p=0.0215). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis showed that, compared to baseline, the knee was significantly more extended during stance at 2 weeks post-surgery and during the swing phase of stride at 2 and 8 weeks post-surgery for the TE group (p<0.05). Also, the ankle was significantly more plantarflexed during swing at 2 and 8 weeks postoperative for the TE group (p<0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the SPM analysis among timepoints in the PET-SI group for the knee or ankle. These findings suggest that the artificial tibialis cranialis tendon effectively replaced the biomechanical function of the native tendon.
Not seeing the forest for the trees: Combination of path integration and landmark cues in human virtual navigation
Authors: Scherer Jonas , Müller Martin M. , Unterbrink Patrick , Meier Sina , Egelhaaf Martin , Bertrand Olivier J. N. , Boeddeker Norbert
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In order to successfully move from place to place, our brain often combines sensory inputs from various sources by dynamically weighting spatial cues according to their reliability and relevance for a given task. Two of the most important cues in navigation are the spatial arrangement of landmarks in the environment, and the continuous path integration of travelled distances and changes in direction. Several studies have shown that Bayesian integration of cues provides a good explanation for navigation in environments dominated by small numbers of easily identifiable landmarks. However, it remains largely unclear how cues are combined in more complex environments.

Methods

To investigate how humans process and combine landmarks and path integration in complex environments, we conducted a series of triangle completion experiments in virtual reality, in which we varied the number of landmarks from an open steppe to a dense forest, thus going beyond the spatially simple environments that have been studied in the past. We analysed spatial behaviour at both the population and individual level with linear regression models and developed a computational model, based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), to infer the underlying combination of cues.

Results

Overall homing performance was optimal in an environment containing three landmarks arranged around the goal location. With more than three landmarks, individual differences between participants in the use of cues are striking. For some, the addition of landmarks does not worsen their performance, whereas for others it seems to impair their use of landmark information.

Discussion

It appears that navigation success in complex environments depends on the ability to identify the correct clearing around the goal location, suggesting that some participants may not be able to see the forest for the trees.
Human ADA2 deficiency is characterized by the absence of an intracellular hypoglycosylated form of adenosine deaminase 2
Authors: Ehlers Lisa , Hombrouck Anneleen , Wouters Marjon , Pillay Bethany , Delafontaine Selket , Bucciol Giorgia , Baggio Marco , Dzhus Mariia , Ebstein Frédéric , Jacquemyn Maarten , De Somer Lien , Schrijvers Rik , Vanderschueren Steven , Cassiman David , Kirchner Marieluise , Mertins Philipp , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Kallinich Tilmann , Daelemans Dirk , Agostinis Patrizia , Moens Leen , Meyts Isabelle
Published: October 2023

Human deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a rare autoinflammatory disease with a complex clinical phenotype of recurrent fever, vasculitis and stroke as well as immunodeficiency and bone marrow failure. It is caused by pathogenic variants inADA2that lead to impaired ADA2 protein secretion and reduced deaminase activity. However, the mechanisms driving the disease on a cellular level remain elusive. Here, we analyze protein expression of mutant ADA2 in human monocyte-derived macrophages from 10 DADA2 patients. We identify a low-molecular-weight (LMW) form of ADA2 expressed exclusively intracellularly in healthy control macrophages. This LMW-ADA2 is subject to glycan trimming by α-mannosidases after transfer to the Golgi and is distinct from secreted high- molecular-weight (HMW) ADA2. DADA2 patients’ monocyte-derived macrophages lack LMW- ADA2 and mutant ADA2 does not undergo glycan processing in the Golgi. We confirm the absence of LMW-ADA2 upon overexpression of 11 pathogenicADA2variants in HEK293T cells and monocytic U-937 cells. By subcellular fractionation, we show that LMW-ADA2 localizes to the cytosolic and lysosomal compartments. In conclusion, we describe a previously unreported intracellular hypoglycosylated form of ADA2 and establish the absence of this LMW-ADA2 as a cellular characteristic of DADA2.
Continental species distribution and biodiversity predictions depend on modeling grain
Authors: Cohen Jeremy M. , Jetz Walter
Published: October 2023

As global change accelerates, accurate predictions of species distributions and biodiversity patterns are critical to prevent population declines and biodiversity loss. However, at continental and global scales, these predictions are often derived from species distribution models (SDMs) fit at coarse spatial grains uninformed by ecological processes. Coarse-grain models may systematically bias predictions of distributions and biodiversity if they are consistently over- or under-estimating area with suitable habitat, and this bias may intensify in regions with heterogenous landscapes or with poor data coverage. To test this, we fit presence-absence SDMs characterizing both the summer and winter distributions of 572 North American bird species – nearly the entire avian diversity of the US and Canada – across five spatial grains from 1 to 50 km, using observations from the eBird citizen science initiative. We find that across both seasons, models fit at 1 km performed better under cross-validation than those at coarser scales and more accurately predicted species’ presences and absences at local sites. Coarser-grain models, including models fit at 3 km, consistently under-predicted range area relative to 1 km models, suggesting that coarse-grain estimates of distributions could be missing important habitat. This bias intensified during summer (83% of species) when many birds have smaller ‘operational scales’ via localized home ranges and greater habitat specificity while breeding. Biases were greatest in heterogenous desert and scrubland regions and lowest in more homogenous boreal forest and taiga-dominated regions. When aggregating distributions to produce continental biodiversity predictions, coarse-grain models overpredicted diversity in the west and underpredicted it in the great plains, prairie pothole region and boreal/taiga zones. The modern availability of high-performance computing and high-resolution observational and environmental data provides opportunities to improve continental predictions of species distributions and biodiversity.
Evaluating ChatGPT as an Agent for Providing Genetic Education
Authors: Walton Nephi , Gracefo Sara , Sutherland Nykole , Kozel Beth A. , Danford Christopher J. , McGrath Scott P.
Published: October 2023

Genetic disorders are complex and can greatly impact an individual’s health and well-being. In this study, we assess the ability of ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI, to answer questions related to three specific genetic disorders: BRCA1, MLH1, and HFE. ChatGPT has shown it can supply articulate answers to a wide spectrum of questions. However, its ability to answer questions related to genetic disorders has yet to be evaluated. The aim of this study is to perform both quantitative and qualitative assessments of ChatGPT’s performance in this area. The ability of ChatGPT to provide accurate and useful information to patients was assessed by genetic experts. Here we show that ChatGPT answered 64.7% of the 68 genetic questions asked and was able to respond coherently to complex questions related to the three genes/conditions. Our results reveal that ChatGPT can provide valuable information to individuals seeking information about genetic disorders, however, it still has some limitations and inaccuracies, particularly in understanding human inheritance patterns. The results of this study have implications for both genomics and medicine and can inform future developments in this area. AI platforms, like ChatGPT, have significant potential in the field of genomics. As these technologies become integrated into consumer-facing products, appropriate oversight is required to ensure accurate and safe delivery of medical information. With such oversight and training specifically for genetic information, these platforms could have the potential to augment some clinical interactions.
Genetic associations between circulating immune cells and periodontitis highlight the prospect of systemic immunoregulation in periodontal care
Authors: Ye Xinjian , Bai Yijing , Li Mengjun , Ye Yuhang , Chen Yitong , Liu Bin , Dai Yuwei , Wang Shan , Pan Weiyi , Wang Zhiyong , Mao Yingying , Chen Qianming
Published: October 2023

Periodontitis drives irreversible destruction of periodontal tissue and is prone to exacerbating inflammatory disorders. Systemic immunomodulatory management continues to be an attractive approach in periodontal care, particularly within the context of "predictive, preventive, and personalized" periodontics. In the present study, genetic proxies identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for circulating immune cells and periodontitis were incorporated into a comprehensive Mendelian randomization (MR) framework. Univariable MR, multivariable MR, subgroup analysis, reverse MR, and Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA) were utilized to investigate the causal relationships. Furthermore, transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) and colocalization analysis were deployed to pinpoint the underlying genes. Consequently, the MR study indicated a causal association between circulating neutrophils, natural killer T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and an elevated risk of periodontitis. MR-BMA analysis revealed that neutrophils were the primary contributors to periodontitis. The high-confidence genesS100A9andS100A12, located on 1q21.3, could potentially serve as immunomodulatory targets for neutrophil-mediated periodontitis. These findings hold promise for early diagnosis, risk assessment, targeted prevention, and personalized treatment of periodontitis. Considering the marginal association observed in our study, further research is required to thoroughly comprehend the biological underpinnings and ascertain the clinical relevance.
Synaptic Zn2+contributes to deleterious consequences of spreading depolarizations
Authors: Bennett Michael C. , Morton Russell A. , Carlson Andrew P. , Shuttleworth C. William
Published: October 2023

Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are profound waves of neuroglial depolarization that can propagate repetitively through injured brain. Recent clinical work has established SD as an important contributor to expansion of acute brain injuries and have begun to extend SD studies into other neurological disorders. A critical challenge is to determine how to selectively prevent deleterious consequences of SD. In the present study, we determined whether a wave of profound Zn2+release is a key contributor to deleterious consequences of SD, and whether this can be targeted pharmacologically. Focal KCl microinjection was used to initiate SD in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in murine brain slices. An extracellular Zn2+chelator with rapid kinetics (ZX-1) increased SD propagation rates and improved recovery of extracellular DC potential shifts. Under conditions of metabolic compromise, tissues showed sustained impairment of functional and structural recovery following a single SD. ZX-1 effectively improved recovery of synaptic potentials and intrinsic optical signals in these vulnerable conditions. Fluorescence imaging and genetic deletion of a presynaptic Zn2+transporter confirmed synaptic release as the primary contributor to extracellular accumulation and deleterious consequences of Zn2+during SD. These results demonstrate a role for synaptic Zn2+release in deleterious consequences of SD and show that targeted extracellular chelation could be useful for disorders where repetitive SD enlarges infarcts in injured tissues.
Antagonistic Regulation of Arabidopsis Leaf Senescence by SCOOP10 and SCOOP12 Peptides via MIK2 Receptor-Like Kinase
Authors: Zhang Zhenbiao , Gigli-Bisceglia Nora , Li Wei , Testerink Christa , Guo Yongfeng
Published: October 2023

Leaf senescence plays a critical role in a plant’s overall reproductive success due to its involvement in nutrient remobilization and allocation. However, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling leaf senescence remains limited. In this study, we demonstrate that the receptor-like kinase MALE DISCOVERER 1-INTERACTING RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 2 (MIK2) functions as a negative regulator of leaf senescence. We report that the SERINE-RICH ENDOGENOUS PEPTIDES 10 and 12 (SCOOP10 and SCOOP12), previously known to physically interact with MIK2, compete with each other to control MIK2-dependent senescence mechanisms. We observed that increased expression of SCOOP10 or the application of exogenous SCOOP10 peptides accelerated leaf senescence in a MIK2-dependent manner. Conversely, SCOOP12 acted as a suppressor of MIK2-dependent senescence. Thus, the SCOOP10-MIK2 and the SCOOP12-MIK2 modules function antagonistically, allowing for fine-tuning the modulation of the leaf senescence process. Our research sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying leaf senescence and provides valuable insights into the interplay between receptors, peptides, and the regulation of plant senescence.