bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Behaviour of Variable Nozzle Guide Vane Systems Based on Full-Scale Testing
Authors: Macoretta Giuseppe , Monelli Bernardo Disma , Neri Paolo , Bucciarelli Federico , Giusti Enrico , Checcacci Damaso , Maffulli Gianfranco
Published: November 2022

A full-scale test bench for the analysis of frictional and modal behavior of Nozzle Guide Vanes (NGV) is an advanced tool enabling high design accuracy for these components equipped in an increasing number of turboexpanders. This sub-assembly is a key feature enabling operational flexibility for the expander. Great attention must be paid during the NGV’s design to the natural frequencies of its kinematic chain, which are influenced by internal clearances and by friction. In this paper the results of a testing campaign performed on an NGV assembly employing actual blade geometry are presented together with details concerning the test bench commissioning and set-up procedure. The testing campaign involves three different combinations of blade orientation and pre-load corresponding to typical design conditions of the expander. In addition, two different bushing clearances values corresponding to worn out conditions were investigated. The measurements of the global friction coefficient based on actuator force detection are summarized. After that, the reconstruction of mode shapes based on experimental modal analysis is explained. The results highlight the importance of loading conditions on the actual value of friction force and their influence on blade natural frequencies. The testing campaign was used to properly validate Finite Element Models to be used for further investigations.
Automated Data-Driven Physics Discovery of Turbine Component Damage
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Jacobs Ryan , Ghosh Sayan , Kulkarni Ambarish , Wang Liping
Published: November 2022

We propose an automated physics discovery algorithm for turbine component damage modeling. Our algorithm utilizes operational data of a mechanical component and discovers an interpretable symbolic formula that describes the physics. We illustrate our algorithm through two numerical examples and demonstrate that the discovered formulas can predict the future damage accurately. Our framework is flexible and easily applicable to all areas of science and engineering. With cutting-edge machine learning tools, researchers can simply input the experimental data and then the physics formulas are printed out automatically. The application of this new algorithm may reduce the time spent on research and development of physics models significantly, while achieving almost the best accuracy in prediction.
Forced Response System Identification of Full Aero-Engine Rotordynamic Systems for Prognostics and Diagnostics
Authors: Hur I. , Spakovszky Z.
Published: November 2022

A first-of-its-kind forced-response system identification approach is introduced to measure rotordynamic damping of shaft modes in a full gas turbine aero-engine. The approach involves forced-response modal analysis in which the rotordynamic system is excited with an external shaker and engine modal characteristics are extracted from rotor shaft response signals. A reduced-order modeling framework capturing full-engine dynamics and coupling between rotor shafts and support static structure was developed and implemented in a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615 Turbofan engine. The framework was used to guide the design of forced-response system identification experiments. The design study shows that two orthogonal shakers are required to excite both forward- and backward-whirling shaft modes and that excessive forcing amplitudes that produce whirl over 0.4 of journal eccentricity ratio can yield up to 12% lower response magnitudes due to non-linear bearing characteristics. A statistical analysis of virtual experiments under real engine operating conditions demonstrates feasibility and robustness of the approach, measuring rotordynamic damping for key shaft modes with an uncertainty of up to 15%. General applicability of the approach with similar error levels is suggested for multi-spool multi-frame aero-engine architectures. Guidelines for experimental setup, data acquisition and processing are established for full-engine forced-response system identification experiments. The new capability shows promise in supporting aero-engine diagnostics and prognostics to improve the life cycle operation of commercial and military engines.
Deep mantle origin of large igneous provinces and komatiites
Authors: Pierru Rémy , Andrault Denis , Manthilake Geeth , Monteux Julien , Devidal Jean Luc , Guignot Nicolas , King Andrew , Henry Laura
Published: November 2022

Large igneous provinces (LIPs) resulted from intraplate magmatic events mobilizing volumes of magma up to several million cubic kilometers. LIPs and lavas with deep mantle sources have compositions ranging from komatiites found in Archean greenstone belts to basalts and picrites in Phanerozoic flood basalt and recent oceanic islands. In this study, we identify the mantle conditions appropriate to each type of lava based on an experimental study of the melting of pyrolite. The depth of the mantle source decreases from 600 to 700 km for the oldest komatiites to 100 to 300 km for picrites and basalts, and the extent of mantle melting ranges from 10 to 50%. We develop a geodynamical model that explains the origin of the hot mantle plumes capable of generating these meltingP-Tconditions. Within a superadiabatic temperature gradient persisting in the deep mantle, the ascent of hot mantle plumes creates excess temperatures up to 250 to 300 K by adiabatic decompression.
Tissue-wide genetic and cellular landscape shapes the execution of sequential PRC2 functions in neural stem cell lineage progression
Authors: Amberg Nicole , Pauler Florian M. , Streicher Carmen , Hippenmeyer Simon
Published: November 2022

The generation of a correctly sized cerebral cortex with all-embracing neuronal and glial cell–type diversity critically depends on faithful radial glial progenitor (RGP) cell proliferation/differentiation programs. Temporal RGP lineage progression is regulated by Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and loss of PRC2 activity results in severe neurogenesis defects and microcephaly. How PRC2-dependent gene expression instructs RGP lineage progression is unknown. Here, we use mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM)–based single-cell technology and demonstrate that PRC2 is not cell-autonomously required in neurogenic RGPs but rather acts at the global tissue-wide level. Conversely, cortical astrocyte production and maturation is cell-autonomously controlled by PRC2-dependent transcriptional regulation. We thus reveal highly distinct and sequential PRC2 functions in RGP lineage progression that are dependent on complex interplays between intrinsic and tissue-wide properties. In a broader context, our results imply a critical role for the genetic and cellular niche environment in neural stem cell behavior.
Free-access optomechanical liquid probes using a twin-microbottle resonator
Authors: Asano Motoki , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Okamoto Hajime
Published: November 2022

Cavity optomechanics provides high-performance sensor technology, and the scheme is also applicable to liquid samples for biological and rheological applications. However, previously reported methods using fluidic capillary channels and liquid droplets are based on fixed-by-design structures and therefore do not allow an active free access to the samples. Here, we demonstrate an alternate technique using a probe-based architecture with a twin-microbottle resonator. The probe consists of two microbottle optomechanical resonators, where one bottle (for detection) is immersed in liquid and the other bottle (for readout) is placed in air, which retains excellent detection performance through the high optical
Q
(~10
7
) of the readout bottle. The scheme allows the detection of thermomechanical motion of the detection bottle as well as optomechanical drive and frequency tracking with a phase-locked loop. This technique could lead to in situ metrology at the target location in arbitrary media and could be extended to ultrasensitive biochips and rheometers.
Canonical strigolactones are not the major determinant of tillering but important rhizospheric signals in rice
Authors: Ito Shinsaku , Braguy Justine , Wang Jian You , Yoda Akiyoshi , Fiorilli Valentina , Takahashi Ikuo , Jamil Muhammad , Felemban Abrar , Miyazaki Sho , Mazzarella Teresa , Chen Guan-Ting Erica , Shinozawa Akihisa , Balakrishna Aparna , Berqdar Lamis , Rajan Chakravarthy , Ali Shawkat , Haider Imran , Sasaki Yasuyuki , Yajima Shunsuke , Akiyama Kohki , Lanfranco Luisa , Zurbriggen Matias D. , Nomura Takahito , Asami Tadao , Al-Babili Salim
Published: November 2022

Strigolactones (SLs) are a plant hormone inhibiting shoot branching/tillering and a rhizospheric, chemical signal that triggers seed germination of the noxious root parasitic plant
Striga
and mediates symbiosis with beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Identifying specific roles of canonical and noncanonical SLs, the two SL subfamilies, is important for developing
Striga
-resistant cereals and for engineering plant architecture. Here, we report that rice mutants lacking canonical SLs do not show the shoot phenotypes known for SL-deficient plants, exhibiting only a delay in establishing arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, but release exudates with a significantly decreased
Striga
seed–germinating activity. Blocking the biosynthesis of canonical SLs by TIS108, a specific enzyme inhibitor, significantly lowered
Striga
infestation without affecting rice growth. These results indicate that canonical SLs are not the determinant of shoot architecture and pave the way for increasing crop resistance by gene editing or chemical treatment.
TRIM35-mediated degradation of nuclear PKM2 destabilizes GATA4/6 and induces P53 in cardiomyocytes to promote heart failure
Authors: Lorenzana-Carrillo Maria Areli , Gopal Keshav , Byrne Nikole J. , Tejay Saymon , Saleme Bruno , Das Subhash K. , Zhang Yongneng , Haromy Alois , Eaton Farah , Mendiola Pla Michelle , Bowles Dawn E. , Dyck Jason R. B. , Ussher John R. , Michelakis Evangelos D. , Sutendra Gopinath
Published: November 2022

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a glycolytic enzyme that translocates to the nucleus to regulate transcription factors in different tissues or pathologic states. Although studied extensively in cancer, its biological role in the heart remains unresolved. PKM1 is more abundant than the PKM2 isoform in cardiomyocytes, and thus, we speculated that PKM2 is not genetically redundant to PKM1 and may be critical in regulating cardiomyocyte-specific transcription factors important for cardiac survival. Here, we showed that nuclear PKM2 (
S37
P-PKM2) in cardiomyocytes interacts with prosurvival and proapoptotic transcription factors, including GATA4, GATA6, and P53. Cardiomyocyte-specific PKM2-deficient mice (
Pkm2
Mut Cre
+
) developed age-dependent dilated cardiac dysfunction and had decreased amounts of GATA4 and GATA6 (GATA4/6) but increased amounts of P53 compared to Control Cre
+
 hearts. Nuclear PKM2 prevented caspase-1–dependent cleavage and degradation of GATA4/6 while also providing a molecular platform for MDM2-mediated reduction of P53. In a preclinical heart failure mouse model, nuclear PKM2 and GATA4/6 were decreased, whereas P53 was increased in cardiomyocytes. Loss of nuclear PKM2 was ubiquitination dependent and associated with the induction of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM35. In mice, cardiomyocyte-specific TRIM35 overexpression resulted in decreased
S37
P-PKM2 and GATA4/6 along with increased P53 in cardiomyocytes compared to littermate controls and similar cardiac dysfunction to
Pkm2
Mut Cre
+
 mice. In patients with dilated left ventricles, increase in TRIM35 was associated with decreased
S37
P-PKM2 and GATA4/6 and increased P53. This study supports a previously unrecognized role for PKM2 as a molecular platform that mediates cell signaling events essential for cardiac survival.
Sex differences in ICI myocarditis: Hormones to the rescue
Authors: Nguyen Patricia K. , Wu Sean M.
Published: November 2022

Sex hormones may account for sex differences observed in the prevalence and susceptibility of ICI myocarditis (Zhang
et al.
, this issue).
Point Mutations in TbpA Abrogate Human Transferrin Binding in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Greenawalt Ashley Nicole , Stoudenmire Julie , Lundquist Karl , Noinaj Nicholas , Gumbart James C. , Cornelissen Cynthia Nau
Published: November 2022

TonB-dependent transporters (TDTs) are essential proteins for metal acquisition, an important step in the growth and pathogenesis of many pathogens, including
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, the causative agent of gonorrhea. There is currently no available vaccine for gonorrhea; TDTs are being investigated as vaccine candidates because they are highly conserved and expressed
in vivo
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hydrogen Peroxide-Producing Limosilactobacillus fermentum DM072 Isolated from the Human Oral Cavity
Authors: Park Do-Young , Hwang Jiyoung , Kim Yunji , Kim Young-Youn , Kim Hye-Sung , Hwang Inseong
Published: November 2022

The complete genome of hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
)-producing
Limosilactobacillus fermentum
strain DM072, isolated from the oral cavity of healthy volunteers in South Korea, was sequenced by long-read sequencing and was subsequently corroborated by short-read sequencing. The genome comprises one circular chromosome and one plasmid and lacks antimicrobial resistance genes.
Incidence and Time-to-Onset of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales (CPE) Infections in CPE Carriers: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hoellinger B. , Deboscker S. , Danion F. , Lavigne T. , Severac F. , Ruch Y. , Ursenbach A. , Lefebvre N. , Boyer P. , Hansmann Y.
Published: November 2022

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) infections are emerging infections and may represent a therapeutic challenge, while effective antibiotic therapy is likely to be delayed. We aimed to assess the proportion of CPE infections in CPE carriers and to identify risk factors of CPE infections among this population that could guide empirical antibiotic therapy.
A tool to distinguish magmatic from secondarily recrystallized carbonatites—Calcite/apatite rare earth element partitioning
Authors: Sartori Gino , Galli Andrea , Weidendorfer Daniel , Schmidt Max W.
Published: November 2022

Crustal geochemical signatures in carbonatites may arise from carbon recycling through the mantle or from fluid-mediated interaction with the continental crust. To distinguish igneous from fluid-mediated processes, we experimentally determined rare earth element (REE) partitioning between calcite/melt and apatite/melt at subvolcanic emplacement conditions (1–2 kbar, 750–1000 °C). Our data allow modeling of calcite-apatite (Cc/Ap) partition coefficients (D), representing a new tool to bypass the previously required but largely unknown carbonatite melt composition. Experimentally determined magmatic calcite/apatite REE patterns are flat, as is ~0.75, and they show a slight U-shape that becomes more pronounced with temperature decreasing from 1000 to 750 °C. Application to texturally well-equilibrated natural Ca-carbonatites and calcite-bearing nephelinites shows that some calcite-apatite pairs follow this pattern and, hence, confirm the magmatic nature of the carbonates. values of other mineral pairs range from 10−2 to 10−3, which, together with a substantial light REE depletion in the calcite, is interpreted as fluid-mediated light REE removal during secondary calcite recrystallization. Calcite/apatite REE distributions are well suited to evaluate whether a carbonatite mineralogy is primary and magmatic or has been affected by secondary recrystallization. In this sense, our tool provides information about the sample's primary or secondary nature, which is essential when assigning isotopic crustal signatures (in Ca, C, or Sr) or REE patterns to related geologic processes.
Calcitic shells in the aragonite sea of the earliest Cambrian
Authors: Li Luoyang , Topper Timothy P. , Betts Marissa J. , Dorjnamjaa Dorj , Altanshagai Gundsambuu , Enkhbaatar Baktuyag , Li Guoxiang , Skovsted Christian B.
Published: November 2022

The initial acquisition of calcium carbonate polymorphs (aragonite and calcite) at the onset of skeletal biomineralization by disparate metazoans across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition is thought to be directly influenced by Earth's seawater chemistry. It has been presumed that animal clades that first acquired mineralized skeletons during the so-called “aragonite sea” of the latest Ediacaran and earliest Cambrian (Terreneuvian) possessed aragonite or high-Mg calcite skeletons, while clades that arose in the subsequent “calcite sea” of Cambrian Series 2 acquired low-Mg calcite skeletons. Here, contrary to previous expectations, we document shells of one of the earliest helcionelloid molluscs from the basal Cambrian of southwestern Mongolia that are composed entirely of low-Mg calcite and formed during the Terreneuvian aragonite sea. The extraordinarily well-preserved Postacanthella shells have a simple prismatic microstructure identical to that of their modern low-Mg calcite molluscan relatives. High-resolution scanning electron microscope observations show that calcitic crystallites were originally encased within an intra- and interprismatic organic matrix scaffold preserved by aggregates of apatite during early diagenesis. This indicates that not all molluscan taxa during the early Cambrian produced aragonitic shells, weakening the direct link between carbonate skeletal mineralogy and ambient seawater chemistry during the early evolution of the phylum. Rather, our study suggests that skeletal mineralogy in Postacanthella was biologically controlled, possibly exerted by the associated prismatic organic matrix. The presence of calcite or aragonite mineralogy in different early Cambrian molluscan taxa indicates that the construction of calcium carbonate polymorphs at the time when skeletons first emerged may have been species dependent.
Kovdor to Oldoinyo Lengai—The missing link in carbonatitic magma evolution
Authors: Vasyukova Olga , Kostyuk Anastasia , Williams-Jones Anthony
Published: November 2022

Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that interaction of a carbonatitic magma with quartz-rich rocks plays a key role in shaping carbonatite complexes. The host rocks were represented by quartz, and the magma was represented by synthetic mixtures of CaCO3, MgCO3, and Na2CO3. With increasing distance from the quartz, the reaction between the carbonate liquid and quartz produced a domain of Na(Ca)-rich silicate glass, a domain of metasomatic wollastonite, diopside, and forsterite, and a carbonate-rich domain. This zonation reproduces that observed in many carbonatite complexes, e.g., Kovdor, Russia. The experiments provide strong evidence that carbonatitic magma/host-rock interaction controls the evolution of carbonatite complexes and explains how Mg-Ca-carbonatitic magmas from the mantle can evolve to produce the natrocarbonatites and associated alkaline silicate rocks observed at Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania.
Method of Angular Invariants: Experiment
Authors: Fedyukhin L. A. , Kolosovskii E. A. , Gorchakov A. V.
Published: November 2022

A method for the precise measurement and an algorithm for the calculation of the refractive index of transparent optical materials have been proposed excluding the interaction length of probe radiation with a sample from observables. The angular invariants of the reflection/transmission coefficient have been experimentally determined for the first time. The method has been implemented in practice with plane parallel sapphire plates.
Peierls Instability of the Lieb Lattice
Authors: Ryzhkin M. I. , Levchenko A. A. , Ryzhkin I. A.
Published: November 2022

It is shown that the energy of the electron system in the two-dimensional Lieb lattice decreases owing to displacements of the edge atoms from the lattice sites along the edges. This decrease in the electron energy gives rise to soft phonon modes, anharmonic phonons, and to a lattice instability. Under certain conditions, the decrease in the electron energy can exceed the increase in the elastic energy of the ion lattice, and the total energy as a function of the displacements of edge atoms takes the form of a double-well potential. As a result, in the case of a pronounced instability, a partially ordered sublattice of edge atoms arises with the number of equilibrium positions twice as large as the number of atoms. The quantum tunneling of edge atoms between equilibrium positions results in the formation of quantum tunneling modes. The possible experimental manifestations of such instability and the extension of the model under study to the three-dimensional lattices are discussed.
Endovascular salvage of tubercular aortitis presenting as descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm in association with vertebral tuberculosis
Authors: Mehra Rohit , Dhillan Rishi , Manral Sushma
Published: November 2022

A gentleman in his late 30s presented with a history of evening rise of temperature and generalised malaise of 1-week duration. He had associated upper back pain with tingling and numbness of both lower limbs. An unexplained episode of hypotension with hemoptysis propelled a computed tomography (CT) examination of chest which was suggestive of a pseudoaneurysm of the posterior wall of descending thoracic aorta in the vicinity of the Pott’s spine with a prevertebral and paravertebral abscess, for which he was referred to vascular surgeons.

Tubercular involvement of vasculature is a rare disease, aortic involvement even rarer. Less than 50 cases of vertebral tuberculosis with tubercular thoracic aortic aneurysm have been reported in the medical literature, but the disease carries a colossal mortality and morbidity.

After a multidisciplinary teamwork, thoracic endovascular aortic repair was done for exclusion of the aneurysmal segment, with simultaneous antitubercular and broad-spectrum antibiotic chemotherapy. The patient recuperated well.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis in an adolescent male with chronic cough and pulmonary nodules
Authors: Wee Wallace , Mehta Kevan Dilip
Published: November 2022

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a small to medium vessel vasculitis that is uncommon in paediatrics. However, with chronic cough often being the initial symptom, a common complaint and a median age of diagnosis of 14 years, it is nevertheless an important condition for paediatricians to consider as it can otherwise go undiagnosed for a long period of time. In this case report, we discuss a paediatric patient with GPA that presented with non-specific respiratory symptoms for several months and was then found to have pulmonary nodules on chest imaging once a broader differential diagnosis was considered. We will review the common presentation of GPA, the classification criteria and its management. This will ultimately assist any providers in identifying and managing GPA cases.
How is the usability of commercial activity monitors perceived by older adults and by researchers? A cross-sectional evaluation of community-living individuals
Authors: Hofbauer Lena M , Rodriguez Francisca S
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Using commercial activity monitors may advance research with older adults. However, usability for the older population is not sufficiently established. This study aims at evaluating the usability of three wrist-worn monitors for older adults. In addition, we report on usability (including data management) for research.

Design

Data were collected cross-sectionally. Between-person of three activity monitor type (Apple Watch 3, Fitbit Charge 4, Polar A370) were made.

Setting

The activity monitors were worn in normal daily life in an urban community in Germany. The period of wear was 2 weeks.

Participants

Using convenience sampling, we recruited N=27 healthy older adults (≥60 years old) who were not already habitual users of activity monitors.

Outcomes

To evaluate usability from the participant perspective, we used the System Usability Scale (SUS) as well as a study-specific qualitative checklist. Assessment further comprised age, highest academic degree, computer proficiency and affinity for technology interaction. Usability from the researchers’ perspective was assessed using quantitative data management markers and a study-specific qualitative check-list.

Results

There was no significant difference between monitors in the SUS. Female gender was associated with higher SUS usability ratings. Qualitative participant-usability reports revealed distinctive shortcomings, for example, in terms of battery life and display readability. Usability for researchers came with problems in data management, such as completeness of the data download.

Conclusion

The usability of the monitors compared in this work differed qualitatively. Yet, the overall usability ratings by participants were comparable. Conversely, from the researchers’ perspective, there were crucial differences in data management and usability that should be considered when making monitor choices for future studies.
Immune-based biomarker accurately predicts response to imiquimod immunotherapy in cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Abdulrahman Ziena , Hendriks Natasja , J Kruse Arnold , Somarakis Antonios , J M van de Sande Anna , J van Beekhuizen Heleen , M J Piek Jurgen , de Miranda Noel F C C , Kooreman Loes F S , F M Slangen Brigitte , van der Burg Sjoerd H , de Vos van Steenwijk Peggy J , van Esch Edith M G
Published: November 2022

Background

The complete response rate of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (cHSIL) patients to imiquimod immunotherapy is approximately 60%. Consequently, many patients are exposed to unnecessary adverse effects of imiquimod. On the other hand, conventional surgical large loop excision therapy is associated with increased risk of premature births in subsequent pregnancies. An in-depth analysis of the cHSIL immune microenvironment was performed in order to identify and develop a predictive biomarker for response to imiquimod, to maximize therapy efficacy and to avoid adverse effects in patients unlikely to respond.

Methods

Biopsies of 35 cHSIL patients, before and 10 weeks on imiquimod treatment, were analyzed by two multispectral seven-color immunofluorescence panels for T cell and myeloid cell composition in relation to treatment response. Based on these results a simplified immunohistochemical detection protocol was developed. Samples were scanned with the Vectra multispectral imaging system and cells were automatically identified using machine learning.

Results

The immune microenvironment of complete responders (CR) is characterized by a strong and coordinated infiltration by T helper cells (activated PD1+/type 1 Tbet+), M1-like macrophages (CD68+CD163-) and dendritic cells (CD11c+) prior to imiquimod. The lesions of non-responders (NRs) displayed a high infiltration by CD3+FOXP3+regulatory T cells. At 10 weeks on imiquimod, a strong influx of intraepithelial and stromal CD4+T cells was observed in CR but not NR patients. A steep decrease in macrophages occurred both in CR and NR patients, leveling the pre-existing differences in myeloid cell composition between the two groups. Based on the pre-existing immune composition differences, the sum of intraepithelial CD4 T cell, macrophage and dendritic cell counts was used to develop a quantitative simplified one color immunohistochemical biomarker, the CHSIL immune biomarker for imiquimod (CIBI), which can be automatically and unbiasedly quantified and has an excellent predictive capacity (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve 0.95, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The capacity of cHSIL patients to respond to imiquimod is associated with a pre-existing coordinated local immune process, fostering an imiquimod-mediated increase in local T cell infiltration. The CIBI immunohistochemical biomarker has strong potential to select cHSIL patients with a high likelihood to experience a complete response to imiquimod immunotherapy.
Intravenous administration of viral vectors expressing prostate cancer antigens enhances the magnitude and functionality of CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: Vardeu Antonella , Davis Charlotte , McDonald Ian , Stahlberg Guilherme , Thapa Barsha , Piotrowska Kinga , Marshall Margaret A , Evans Thomas , Wheeler Vicky , Sebastian Sarah , Anderson Katie
Published: November 2022

Background

The use of immunotherapeutic vaccination in prostate cancer is a promising approach that likely requires the induction of functional, cytotoxic T cells . The experimental approach described here uses a well-studied adenovirus-poxvirus heterologous prime-boost regimen, in which the vectors encode a combination of prostate cancer antigens, with the booster dose delivered by either the intravenous or intramuscular (IM) route. This prime-boost regimen was investigated for antigen-specific CD8+ T cell induction.

Methods

The coding sequences for four antigens expressed in prostate cancer, 5T4, PSA, PAP, and STEAP1, were inserted into replication-incompetent chimpanzee adenovirus Oxford 1 (ChAdOx1) and into replication-deficient modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA). In four strains of mice, ChAdOx1 prime was delivered intramuscularly, with an MVA boost delivered by either IM or intravenous routes. Immune responses were measured in splenocytes using ELISpot, multiparameter flow cytometry, and a targeted in vivo killing assay.

Results

The prime-boost regimen was highly immunogenic, with intravenous administration of the boost resulting in a sixfold increase in the magnitude of antigen-specific T cells induced and increased in vivo killing relative to the intramuscular boosting route. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-specific responses were dominant in all mouse strains studied (C57BL/6, BALBc, CD-1 and HLA-A2 transgenic).

Conclusion

This quadrivalent immunotherapeutic approach using four antigens expressed in prostate cancer induced high magnitude, functional CD8+ T cells in murine models. The data suggest that comparing the intravenous versus intramuscular boosting routes is worthy of investigation in humans.
Gut microbiome-depleting antibiotic regimens are not tolerated by all mouse strains: learn from (our) bitter experience
Authors: Almonte Andrew A , Cavic George , Neeman Teresa , Enders Anselm , Fahrer Aude M
Published: November 2022

Why the gut microbiome is critical for the success of checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy is a question that remains unanswered, but progress has slowed. We argue that this lack of advancement is due to an unappreciated biological detail. Here, we show that the antibiotic cocktail used in seminal publications—all of which have used the C57BL/6 mouse strain—are bitter and not tolerated by other common mouse strains (ie, BALB/c and DBA/2). We write to alert readers of this important biological limitation that must be considered when planning cancer experiments investigating the gut microbiota, to prevent the unnecessary dehydration of experimental animals, and to save our colleagues valuable experimental time and resources.
Normal percentile reference curves for skin ultrasound thickness and stiffness at Rodnan sites
Authors: Santiago Tânia , Santos Eduardo José Ferreira , Luis Mariana , Gaspar Catarina , Lima João , Caramelo Francisco , da Silva Jose Antonio Pereira
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Our primary objective was to establish preliminary normal reference curves for ultrasound–dermal thickness and skin stiffness in the 17 Rodnan skin sites, considering the effect of gender and age on these measures. As an exploratory objective, we investigated the effect of body mass index and the menopause on skin ultrasound measures.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 140 healthy volunteers, aged 20–79 years. Recruitment was stratified by gender and age (10-year categories). Ultrasound–dermal thickness and skin stiffness were assessed by high-frequency ultrasound and shear-wave elastography, respectively, at the 17 Rodnan skin sites. Outcomes were evaluated through a mixed linear model, univariate and multivariate regressions. Normal reference curves were derived for both ultrasound measures in each skin site. An online calculator of the percentiles of skin ultrasound measures was developed.

Results

Ultrasound–dermal thickness and stiffness measures were higher in men than women in all Rodnan skin sites (except in chest for ultrasound–dermal thickness). Age had also a significant impact in both ultrasound measures, but only in some skin sites. Gender and age percentile curves (97.5th, 95th, 75th, 50th, 25th, 5th, 2.5th) were plotted for each of the measures in each skin site.

Conclusions

Gender and age are strongly associated with skin ultrasound parameters, imposing the need for gender-specific and age-specific reference values. Normal reference percentile curves are provided as a basis for future cooperative work to strengthen its evidence basis, representativeness and refinement regarding potentially influential factors.
Analysis of particle corner-breakage effect on pile penetration in coral sand: model tests and DEM simulations
Authors: Peng Yu , Yin Zhen-Yu , Ding Xuanming
Published: November 2022

Although particle corner breakage has been proved to be the primary mode of particle breakage for coral sand, current studies of pile penetration have continued to present the particle fracture breakage mode, causing the mechanism of pile behaviours in coral sand to remain unclear. This study investigates the particle corner-breakage effect on pile penetration in coral sand at both the macro- and microscales via indoor pile penetration model testing and three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) simulations. According to the study findings, DEM simulations revealed that particle corner breakage has a more obvious soil contraction effect than fracture breakage. Thus, this study is the first to explain the particular turn of the pile skin friction in coral sand by the dual effects of breakable corners. Next, relationships between the particle breakage mode and the controversial breakage zone around pile tips have been accomplished. Moreover, the decrease in effective contacts and the change in soil skeleton have been proved to be essential factors behind the narrower penetration-affected width in breakable corner grains. The study suggests that neglecting the particle corner-breakage effect can lead to a hidden danger affecting engineering safety in angular granular soil.
Wild edible mushroom knowledge and use in five forest communities in central México
Authors: Torres-Gómez Mariano , Garibay-Orijel Roberto , Pérez-Salicrup Diego R. , Casas Alejandro , Guevara Mario
Published: November 2022

Wild edible mushrooms are non-timber forest products highly valued as food supplements and a source of income for rural communities. The objective is to quantify the use and knowledge of wild edible mushrooms across forest socio-ecosystems of central México. We conducted 40 household structured surveys in five Mestizo communities in the state of Michoacán (central-western México) to evaluate their mycological knowledge. We also compare the knowledge of these Mestizo people with that of the surrounding Indigenous communities. We compiled and updated a list of the wild edible mushrooms used in the whole state, which contains 243 mushroom species used out of the 371 used in México. Here, in these five communities, we recorded 13 species currently used (a median of seven). In four communities, 1 kg of mushrooms on average is collected per harvesting trip, whereas in one of the communities, people extracted 3 kg of mushrooms per trip on average and 5–15 kg per season, respectively. The most used and valued species were Amanita basii, Amanita jacksonii, and Hypomyces lactifluorum. Despite being highly valued resources, land managers do not include mushrooms in the decision-making process for planning forest management. We found that knowledge and use of wild edible mushrooms in Mestizo communities are lower than those in regional Indigenous communities in localities with similar climate and forest vegetation. Fungal resources like wild edible mushrooms in the area are therefore underutilized, making forested areas more vulnerable to land-use change. Promotion of mycological knowledge may contribute to enhancing forest conservation policies.
VARTM process of composites using double-bag air cushion method
Authors: Chang Chih-Yuan , Huang Jen-Tsung
Published: November 2022

This article introduced the double-bag air cushion method (DBACM) as an economical and efficient manufacturing process of polymer composites associated with the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The method utilizes an improved double-bag along with several air cushions to create distribution channels for enhancing the resin flow during infusion. Experimental evaluation on resin infusion behavior and mechanical properties, including ultimate strength, void content, surface finish, and thickness uniformity, is performed for composites reinforced with both jute fibers and glass fibers. Results showed that the DBACM reduces the infusion time by more than 26.0% as compared with traditional VARTM. The difference in ultimate strength of the part between the DBACM and the VARTM is about 2.9%–3.9%. The void content of the E-glass composites is 1.3%–1.5% due to the few fissure-like microvoids, whereas the void content of the jute composites is high, about 2.4%–4.0%, because of the sparse spherical macrovoids. Additionally, there are no major differences in surface finish and thickness uniformity between the parts fabricated by DBACM and by conventional VARTM.
The exact renormalization group and dimensional regularization
Authors: Trinchero Roberto
Published: November 2022

The exact renormalization group (ERG) is formulated implementing the decimation of degrees of freedom by means of a particular momentum integration measure. The definition of this measure involves a distribution that links this decimation process with the dimensional regularization technique employed in field theory calculations. Taking the dimension [Formula: see text], the one-loop solutions to the ERG equations for the scalar field theory in this scheme are shown to coincide with the dimensionally regularized perturbative field theory calculation in the limit [Formula: see text], if a particular relation between the scale parameter [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is employed. In general, it is shown that in this scheme the solutions to the ERG equations for the proper functions coincide when [Formula: see text] with the complete diagrammatic contributions appearing in field theory for these functions and this theory, provided that exact relations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] hold. In addition, a nonperturbative approximation is considered. This approximation consists in a truncation of the ERG equations, which by means of a low-momentum expansion leads to reasonable results.
The Many Facets of Information in Networked Estimation and Control
Authors: Franceschetti Massimo , Khojasteh Mohammad Javad , Win Moe Z.
Published: November 2022

Networked control systems, where feedback loops are closed over communication networks, arise in several domains, including smart energy grids, autonomous driving, unmanned aerial vehicles, and many industrial and robotic systems active in service, production, agriculture, and smart homes and cities. In these settings, the two main layers of the system, control and communication, strongly affect each other's performance, and they also reveal the interaction between a cyber-system component, represented by information-based computing and communication technologies, and a physical-system component, represented by the environment that needs to be controlled. The information access and distribution constraints required to achieve reliable state estimation and stabilization in networked control systems have been intensively studied over the course of roughly two decades. This article reviews some of the cornerstone results in this area, draws a map for what we have learned over these years, and describes the new challenges that we will face in the future. Rather than simply listing different results, we present them in a coherent fashion using a uniform notation, and we also put them in context, highlighting both their theoreticalinsights and their practical significance. Particular attention is given to recent developments related to decentralized estimation in distributed sensing and communication systems and the information-theoretic value of event timing in the context of networked control.
Transformation of Our Understanding of Breathing Control by Molecular Tools
Authors: Yackle Kevin
Published: November 2022

The rhythmicity of breath is vital for normal physiology. Even so, breathing is enriched with multifunctionality. External signals constantly change breathing, stopping it when under water or deepening it during exertion. Internal cues utilize breath to express emotions such as sighs of frustration and yawns of boredom. Breathing harmonizes with other actions that use our mouth and throat, including speech, chewing, and swallowing. In addition, our perception of breathing intensity can dictate how we feel, such as during the slow breathing of calming meditation and anxiety-inducing hyperventilation. Heartbeat originates from a peripheral pacemaker in the heart, but the automation of breathing arises from neural clusters within the brainstem, enabling interaction with other brain areas and thus multifunctionality. Here, we document how the recent transformation of cellular and molecular tools has contributed to our appreciation of the diversity of neuronal types in the breathing control circuit and how they confer the multifunctionality of breathing.
Effects of Dietary Pectin and Lactobacillus salivarius ATCC 11741 on Growth Performance, Immunocompetence, Gut Microbiota, Antioxidant Capacity, and Disease Resistance in Narrow-Clawed Crayfish, Postantacus leptodactylus
Authors: Jastaniah Samyah Darwish Saddig , Hafsan Hafsan , Tseng Cheng-jui , Karim Yasir Salam , Hamza Mohammed Ubaid , Hameed Noora M. , Al-Zubaidi Sura Hasan , Almotlaq Saif Sabbar Kemil , Yasin Ghulam , Iswanto A. Heri , Dadras Mahnaz , Chorehi Mohammad Mansouri
Published: November 2022

The present study was conducted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) ATCC 11741 and pectin (PE) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, gut microbiota composition, immune parameters, antioxidant defense as well as disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in narrow-clawed crayfish, Postantacus leptodactylus. During 18 weeks trial feeding, 525 narrow-clawed crayfish juvenile (

8.07
±
0.1

 g) fed with seven experimental diets including control (basal diet), LS1 (

1
×

10

7

 CFU/g), LS2 (

1
×
109

 CFU/g), PE1 (5 g/kg), PE2 (10 g/kg), LS1PE1 (

1
×

10

7

 CFU/g +5 g/kg), and LS2PE2 (

1
×
109

 CFU/g +10 g/kg). After 18 weeks, growth parameters (final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) and feed conversion rate were significantly improved in all treatments (

P
<
0.05

). Besides, diets incorporated with LS1PE1 and LS2PE2 significantly increased the activity of amylase and protease enzymes compared to LS1, LS2, and control groups (

P
<
0.05

). Microbiological analyses revealed that the total heterotrophic bacteria count (TVC) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of narrow-clawed crayfish fed diets containing LS1, LS2, LS1PE1, and LS2PE2 were higher than control group. The highest total haemocyte count (THC), large-granular (LGC) and semigranular cells (SGC) count, and hyaline count (HC) was obtained in LS1PE1 (

P
<
0.05

). Similarly, higher immunity activity (lysozyme (LYZ), phenoloxidase (PO), nitroxidesynthetase (NOs), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP)) observed in the LS1PE1 treatment compared to the control group (

P
<
0.05

). The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity remarkably enhanced in LS1PE1 and LS2PE2, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content reduced in these two treatments. In addition, specimens belonging to LS1, LS2, PE2, LS1PE1, and LS2PE2 groups presented higher resistance against A. hydrophila compared to the control group. In conclusion, feeding narrow-clawed crayfish with synbiotic had higher efficiency on growth parameters, immunocompetence, and disease resistance compared to single consumption of prebiotics and probiotics.
Fault Detection Method for Wi-Fi-Based Smart Home Devices
Authors: Cheng Kefei , Xu Jiashun , Zhang Liang , Xu ChengXin , Cui Xiaotong
Published: November 2022

At present, the dynamic nature and unstable network connections in the deployment environments of Wi-Fi-based smart home devices make them susceptible to component damage, crashes, network disconnections, etc. To solve these problems, researchers have used various fault detection methods, such as alarming when monitored fault parameters exceed the preset values, model-based mathematical methods, device signal processing-based methods, and artificial intelligence-based methods. However, these methods require large numbers of fault parameters, the model are complex, and their fault detection accuracy is relatively poor. To more quickly and accurately detect faults in smart home devices and ensure the continuity of people’s daily work and lives, this paper analyzes both the Wi-Fi traffic characteristics of smart home devices and the complexity and difficulty of traditional fault detection methods and proposes a fault detection method based on TDD (Throughput and Delay Distribution). This method obtains throughput and data packet delay distribution by capturing Wi-Fi communication and sending test data. By dividing the throughput into heartbeat data and command information, we can calculate the real-time throughput and further calculate the similarity between the real-time throughput and the throughput in database. Also, the resulting delay distribution is compared with the probability distribution of delay in the database. When the throughput values are sufficiently similar and the delays are all in the normal range, the smart home secure devices are functioning properly. The experimental results show that the proposed TDD method can detect faults in household devices in real time and that it achieves high recall and good detection accuracy in Wi-Fi communication environment.
Effects of Different Organ Metastases on the Prognosis of Stage IV Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Liu Liang , Yuan Haibo , Wang Qiang , Li Chuangui
Published: November 2022

Objective. To assess the prognosis of stage IV metastatic urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma (UBUC) at initial diagnosis and determine prognostic factors based on distant organ metastasis. Methods. A retrospective cohort analysis of UBUC was conducted based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the variables associated with overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare survival curves among different groups. Results. A total of 3103 patients with stage IV UBUC were selected for analysis. The number of distant organ metastatic sites independently predicted the OS. The OS was not different in other metastatic sites when bone metastasis was used as a reference

P
>
0.05

. However, the OS was shorter for a single metastatic site

P
<
0.001

and multiple metastatic sites when metastasis was not used as a reference

P
<
0.001

. Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that low survivorship was independently associated with no surgery for the entire cohort and patients with only one metastatic organ. Sex (P = 0.019) and grade (P = 0.046) were the independent risk factors for patients with only one metastatic organ. Conclusions These results show that the prognosis of stage IV metastatic UBUC is not different between any single metastatic organ. The prognosis of stage IV metastatic UBUC depends on the number of distant organ metastasis. This study determined some predictors of survival and thus may help therapists to choose appropriate treatment strategies for metastatic UBUC.