bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method for the single mesh stiffness calculation of helical gear considering slice coupling effect
Authors: Yan Hai , Wen Lihua , Yin Shaoping , Jiang Tonglei , Wang Bo
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a new method is proposed, calculating the single mesh stiffness by cobining the silce principle and contact line analysis. Firstly, this method obtains the length of the contact line of the helical gear through contact line analysis. Secondly, along the tooth face width, the teeth of helical gear is separated into a series of equivalent thin teeth of spur gear. Thirdly, in order to consider the slice coupling effect, a weighting factor is introduced to modify the stiffness of the thin tooth itself according to the contribution of the thin tooth to the overall stiffness, which is distributed in parabola. Finally, by integrating the equivalent thin teeth of the spur gear along the contact line, the single mesh stiffness is calculated. The investigation shows that the influence of the slice coupling effect on single meshing stiffness related to the relationship between the value of transverse contact ratio and overlap ratio. When transverse contact ratio is greater, the influence of the slice coupling effect on the single mesh stiffness is very small an can be ignored, and when the overlap ratio is larger, which is significant.
Study on Adaptive Sliding Mode Fault-tolerant Control of 1/4 Vehicle Electromagnetic Suspension
Authors: Kou Farong , Chen ChenRuo , Xiao Wei , Hu Kailun
Published: July 2023

An adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant manage approach is proposed to remedy the trouble of actuator acquire failure of the electromagnetic hybrid energetic suspension device and the hassle of automobile manipulate balance degradation induced by using the nonlinear pressure of spring and damper. The failure thing is chosen to symbolize the actuator fault size, and the actuator fault parameter mannequin is established. Combining sliding mode manipulate with adaptive control, an adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant controller for lively suspension primarily based on an correct mannequin is designed. Based on the Lyapunov balance theory, the steadiness of the machine is proved; and the Gravity search algorithm (GSA) and linear matrix inequality (LMIS) are used to optimize the sliding floor parameters, and the most beneficial answer is chosen in accordance to the health function. The simulation effects exhibit that in contrast with passive suspension, the root capability rectangular values of sprung mass acceleration, suspension dynamic deflection, and tire dynamic load underneath adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant manipulate approach decrease by way of 41.7%, 38.4%, and 36.5% respectively. It suggests that the designed adaptive sliding mode fault-tolerant controller is right and can enhance car experience comfort.
Damage Rule of Marine Isolator under Secondary Shock Vibration
Authors: Ma Chuanlin , Lu Xudong , Lu Xi , Yin Fengjun
Published: July 2023

To study the damage of the shock vibration generated by the ship hull to the internal equipment of the ship under the secondary explosion impact, a three-dimensional simulation model of the BE rubber isolator was established. The signal of the impact vibration load was loaded by the AUTODYN software. And the relationship between the damage of the isolator under the primary vibration impact and the frequency, amplitude, and attenuation of the loading signal was found. It is revealed that the damage law curve of the isolator under the secondary shock vibration conforms to a rational function. Based on this discovery, a mathematical model of the secondary shock vibration signal that can predict the isolator damage through the primary shock vibration is established.
Research on Key Point Detection Method of Mechanical Arm
Authors: Fu Xin , Han Le , Tian Songpo , Shen Zhonghong
Published: July 2023

Accurate keypoint localization is an important research direction in the field of robotic arms. Deep learning is being used more and more for motion capture and pose estimation. This is due to their ability to detect user-defined key points without the use of labels. We present an approach for detecting robot 3D key points coordinate based on two perspectives. Two images of different perspectives are processed by the same deep neural network to detect 2D projections of key points (such as joints) associated with the robot. Triangularization is then applied to recover 3D coordinates. In addition, the existing dataset of robot critical points is obtained by simulation. It seriously impedes the advancement of this field. We establish an actual robot key points dataset and corresponding evaluation criterion. The experimental results demonstrate that our framework achieves cutting-edge detection performance. It is reusable for other robot models.
The Fuel-efficient Vehicle Frame for Energy Saving Competition Design and Analysis Based on ABAQUS
Authors: Mao Yuhao , Liu Chunyu , Fei Yeqi , Ma Zhuqiao
Published: July 2023

Non-load-bearing body, with an independent frame, is subject to gravity load provided by itself and load-bearing components, and also subject to excitation load from the road and engine, etc. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the frame must be ensured in the frame design, so the welding strength in the frame fabrication process is extremely important. In this paper, the basic characteristics of the frame are analyzed by using finite element technology, and the welding displacement, stress, and strain of the frame are studied in detail. The main research contents are as follows:

The thesis takes the frame of energy-saving racing car as the research object. According to the design requirements of the official committee, firstly, the 3D model software is used to design the geometric model of the racing car and rationalize the spatial layout of the frame. Secondly, the finite element model of the frame of the energy-saving racing car is established by Abaqus software, and through the process of parameter sett and load application, the stress, deformation, and modal performance of the frame under each working condition are derived. Finally, the structural parameters of the frame are compared to see whether the safety factor is achieved, so as to conclude whether the frame is qualified and whether it meets the lightweight design requirements of the racing car.
Study on Fracture Mechanism of Low-Pressure Blades of Steam Turbines in Power Plants
Authors: Li Yanping , Zhang Yaoyao , Cui Xinyi
Published: July 2023

With the continuous improvement of steam turbine design technology and production level, steam turbine blade fracture accidents have dropped significantly, and blade fracture accidents are no longer the main reason for the forced shutdown of thermal power generation units. Due to the bad working conditions of turbine blades, blade designers still need help to accurately analyze their dynamic stress and evaluate their high cycle fatigue life. Up to now, blade fracture accidents still occur frequently. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis is made of the causes of the fracture of the low-pressure 16th stage blade of a 25 MW steam turbine in a thermal power plant. The fracture property of turbine moving blades is that small corrosion pits are formed first, and then the fatigue propagation fracture occurs. The main cause of corrosion is poor steam quality.
Diagnostic Analysis Method of Direct Air Cooling Unit Limited Output Based on Pressure Ratio
Authors: Zhang Deli , Wang Na , Pang Chunfeng
Published: July 2023

Given the limited output of a 600MW direct air cooling steam turbine unit, through the thermal performance test, historical operation data extraction, and comparative analysis combined with the data after the latest overhaul, it is found that the extraction pressure of the first section of the high-pressure cylinder began to appear over-pressure in recent two years. After further calculating the pressure ratio of the HP cylinder flow passage stage group, it is found that the pressure ratio of HP cylinder exhaust steam to Section I extraction steam has increased by nearly 4% in the last two years, indicating that the area of flow passage part of this stage group has become smaller and serious salt deposition has occurred, resulting in the reduction of HP cylinder flow passage capacity and the ultimate limitation of the output of the whole unit. The cylinder uncovering inspection results verify the correctness of the diagnosis. The diagnosis method is simple and suitable for the fault diagnosis of the actual flow passage.
The level measuring method of machine tool flatness and its data processing of three far point method and least square method
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Dong Chenchen , Wei Jinling
Published: July 2023

The flatness error of the machine tool worktable is an important index to evaluate the worktable. The measurement process of flatness error is complex, and data processing is difficult. Aiming at the indirect method of flatness using the level, this paper introduces in detail the grid method path planning method, the original data recording method, the calculation method of local data conversion, and the calculation method of global coordinate sorting, conversion, and verification. On this basis, the three distant point method and the least square method are used to process the original data respectively, and the least square method is solved by MATLAB to obtain the flatness error. Through the example of flatness measurement of rectangular worktable of machining center, the path planning method, original data processing, three far point method, and least square method are further introduced. The research of this paper standardizes the flatness measurement method and data processing method of the level in detail, which can improve detection efficiency and data accuracy.
Design and Simulation Analysis of Large-Angle Simulation Turntable
Authors: Jing Manjun , Ma Jun , He Pin , Lu Jinjin , Fan Zhuo , Mao Hongyong
Published: July 2023

Three-dimensional solid modeling and structural design of the large-angle simulation turntable were carried out by three-dimensional software, and the assembly of the simulation turntable was realized. Simultaneously, the dynamics simulation of the simulation turntable was carried out to obtain the angular velocity, angular acceleration and torque curve of the simulated turntable under the given motion curve. Considering the influence of the tested equipment on the simulation turntable, the vibration simulation analysis of the simulation turntable was carried out by finite element software, and the modal analysis and harmonic response analysis obtained the vibration characteristics of the simulation turntable. The results show that the structural design of the large-angle simulation turntable meets the design requirements.
Identification of Exoskeleton Dynamics Parameters and Control Based on Series Elastic Actuator
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Zhu Lizhong
Published: July 2023

The lower limb exoskeleton is used for rehabilitation, assistance and maturing. Taking an exoskeleton based on a serial elastic actuator as an object, a method of dynamic parameter identification is proposed. Firstly, the modular SEA structure is introduced, and the exoskeleton is modeled by using the Modified Denavit-Hartenberg (MDH) method. Then, the exoskeleton dynamic model is derived and linearized. Secondly, the excitation trajectory required for exoskeleton parameter identification is designed, which is optimized by using the genetic algorithm. Then, the exoskeleton is tested by using the excitation trajectory to decouple the dynamic parameters. Finally, the exoskeleton impedance control algorithm based on dynamic compensation is designed and compared with the algorithm without dynamic compensation. The results show that the parameters obtained from the identification algorithm and the control algorithm are effective.
Characterizing a Ka-Band FMCW Reflectometer
Authors: Buch J.J.U. , Pathak S.K.
Published: July 2023

A Ka-Band ultra-fast, ultra-wide band Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) reflectometer to measure the plasma density profile has been designed and developed at Institute for Plasma Research (IPR). We present here the need for ultra-fast and ultra-wide frequency of operation and estimate expected beat frequencies for the instrument. Three distinct corrections are made to the obtained frequencies. Firstly, inherent non-linearity of the frequency source is removed by shifting non-linearity to the tuning voltage of the hyper-abrupt varactor tuned oscillator and then correcting mismatch of the absolute values of frequency by introducing a delay line to account for the
difference in length between active and reference paths
for producing the beat frequencies. Using code developed based on the short time Fourier transform we extract the beat frequency to measure various known distances and verify with our beat frequency estimations and also show that range resolution obtained is very close to the theoretical one obtained.
GRAPE optimization for open quantum systems with time-dependent decoherence rates driven by coherent and incoherent controls
Authors: Petruhanov V N , Pechen A N
Published: July 2023

The GRadient Ascent Pulse Engineering (GRAPE) method is widely used for optimization in quantum control. GRAPE is gradient search method based on exact expressions for gradient of the control objective. It has been applied to various coherently controlled closed and open quantum systems. In this work, we adopt the GRAPE method for optimizing objective functionals in open quantum systems driven by both coherent and incoherent controls. In our case, a tailored or engineered environment acts on the controlled system as control viatime-dependent decoherence ratesγi(t)or, equivalently, viaspectral densitynω(t)of the environment. To develop the GRAPE approach for this problem, we compute gradient of various objectives for generalN-level open quantum systems for the piecewise constant class of control. The case of a single qubit is considered in details and solved analytically. For this case, an explicit analytical expression for evolution and objective gradient is obtained via diagonalization of a3×3matrix determining the system’s dynamics in the Bloch ball. The diagonalization is obtained by solving a cubic equation via Cardano’s method. The efficiency of the algorithm is demonstrated through numerical simulations for the state-to-state transition problem and its complexity is estimated. Robustness of the optimal controls is also studied.
Magnetic behavior of two-dimensional manganese telluride
Authors: Gowda Chinmayee Chowde , Tromer Raphael , Pandey Prafull , Chandravanshi Dharita , Chandra Amreesh , Chattopadhyay Kamanio , Galvao Douglas S , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar
Published: July 2023

Magnetism in atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials is attractive for several applications such as memory devices, sensors, biomedical devices, etc. Here, we have synthesized 2D manganese telluride (MnTe) using a scalable synthesis method consisting of melting followed by liquid phase exfoliation. Both bulk and 2D MnTe samples were analyzed for their magnetic behavior at room temperature (RT) and lower temperatures (10 K). A change from antiferromagnetic (AFM) to paramagnetic (PM) behavior was observed in 2D MnTe flakes. Enhanced magnetic saturation values (up to 400% increase) were observed as compared to bulk MnTe in RT. Density functional theory simulations explain the layer-dependent magnetic behavior of the 2D MnTe flakes, as well the AFM to PM transition due to an unbalanced spin population.
Process window prediction in stainless steel selective laser melting using various energy densities: laser power, scan speed, and defocusing distance
Authors: Lim Sungsang , Murugan Siva Prasad , Park Jungu , Lee Haksung , Jo Ilguk , Park Yeongdo
Published: July 2023

The process window of selective laser melting (SLM), a set of optimum process parameters, is crucial for producing defect-free components with excellent mechanical properties. This study aims to predict the optimum process window for SLM of stainless steel by varying the defocusing distance (f) which changes the laser beam diameter (d) and using laser power (P) and scan speed (V) as process parameters. The process window was predicted using empirical formulae related to the energy density equations, instead of the conventional approach based on simple experimental results. To predict the process window, we analyzed the melt pool geometry of components with different features, such as depth (D), width (W), layer thickness (t), and hatch distance (h). Using the energy density equation, we correlated the effect of these process variables on the melt pool geometry and derived empirical equations. The upper limit of the process window (D/W) was strongly correlated with local applied energy and expressed as P ≤ 34Vd2. The lower limits, D/t and W/h, showed good correlation with linear energy density and laser energy density, respectively, and expressed as P > 2.16Vd and P < 0.13V. Finally, we used these empirical equations to predict the process window, which was experimentally verified.
Auto-segmentation of thoracic organs in CT scans of breast cancer patients using a 3D U-net cascaded into 2D patchGANs
Authors: Colbert Zachery Morton , Ramachandran Prabhakar
Published: July 2023

The quality of organ volume delineation significantly influences the efficacy of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer patients. This study introduces a novel method for auto-segmentation of the breasts, lungs and heart. The proposed pipeline leverages a multi-class 3D U-Net with a pre-trained ResNet(2+1)D-18 encoder branch, cascaded with a 2D PatchGAN mask correction model for each class. This approach requires a single 3D model, providing a relatively efficient solution. The models were trained and evaluated on 70 thoracic DICOM datasets belonging to breast cancer patients. The evaluation demonstrated state-of-the-art segmentation performance, with mean Dice similarity coefficient values ranging from 0.89 to 0.98, Hausdorff distance values ranging from 2.25 to 8.68 mm, and mean surface distance values ranging from 0.62 to 2.79 mm. These results underscore the pipeline’s potential to enhance breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies, with possible applications in other medical sectors utilizing auto-segmentation.
Presheath formation and area design limit satellite-based Langmuir probes
Authors: JIN 靳 Chenyao 琛垚 , YIP 叶 Chi-Shung 孜崇 , SUN 孙 Haigang 海岗 , JIANG 江 Di 堤 , ZHANG 张 Wei 炜 , XU 徐 Guosheng 国盛 , WANG 王 Liang 亮
Published: July 2023

In this article, the effect of the finite conductive surface area of a satellite on the use of satellite-based Langmuir probes is reviewed in light of the basic theory of asymmetric double Langmuir probes (ADLPs). Recent theoretical and experimental studies have discussed electron sheath/presheath formation and the electron Bohm criterion along with their implications for satellite-based Langmuir probes. The effects predicted by the latest theory of the electron Bohm criterion were not experimentally observed and the experimental results remain supportive of a critical area ratio (A
L/A
S)crit = (m
i/(2.3m
e))1/2 between the probe area A
S and the satellite area A
L as conventionally believed. A satellite-based Langmuir probe must satisfy this criterion to physically act as a single Langmuir probe. However, experimental investigations also found that high-energy electrons adversely affect (A
L/A
S)crit and a Langmuir probe’s signal quality by giving additional electron current to A
L. Based on these results, a number of limitations of the maximum probe area are derived when designing satellite-based Langmuir probes, with consideration of both the aim of the satellite and the plasma where the satellite-based probe works. These proposed measures are expected to only partially alleviate the effect of the inadequate satellite surface area on the application of satellite-based Langmuir probes. Using a larger satellite to carry a Langmuir probe remains the most viable means to obtain precise space plasma parameters.
The smallest 5-chromatic tournament
Authors: Bellitto Thomas , Bousquet Nicolas , Kabela Adam , Pierron Théo
Published: July 2023

A coloring of a digraph is a partition of its vertex set such that each class induces a digraph with no directed cycles. A digraph is

k
k

-chromatic if

k
k

is the minimum number of classes in such partition, and a digraph is oriented if there is at most one arc between each pair of vertices. Clearly, the smallest

k
k

-chromatic digraph is the complete digraph on

k
k

vertices, but determining the order of the smallest

k
k

-chromatic oriented graphs is a challenging problem. It is known that the smallest

2
2

-,

3
3

- and

4
4

-chromatic oriented graphs have

3
3

,

7
7

and

11
11

vertices, respectively. In 1994, Neumann-Lara conjectured that a smallest

5
5

-chromatic oriented graph has

17
17

vertices. We solve this conjecture and show that the correct order is

19
19

.
circRNA-sponging: a pipeline for extensive analysis of circRNA expression and their role in miRNA sponging
Authors: Hoffmann Markus , Schwartz Leon , Ciora Octavia-Andreea , Trummer Nico , Willruth Lina-Liv , Jankowski Jakub , Lee Hye Kyung , Baumbach Jan , Furth Priscilla A , Hennighausen Lothar , List Markus
Published: July 2023

Motivation

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) often associated with diseases and considered potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Among other functions, circRNAs have been shown to act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, preventing the role of miRNAs that repress their targets. However, there is no pipeline to systematically assess the sponging potential of circRNAs.

Results

We developed circRNA-sponging, a nextflow pipeline that (i) identifies circRNAs via backsplicing junctions detected in RNA-seq data, (ii) quantifies their expression values in relation to their linear counterparts spliced from the same gene, (iii) performs differential expression analysis, (iv) identifies and quantifies miRNA expression from miRNA-sequencing (miRNA-seq) data, (v) predicts miRNA binding sites on circRNAs, (vi) systematically investigates potential circRNA–miRNA sponging events, (vii) creates a network of competing endogenous RNAs and (viii) identifies potential circRNA biomarkers. We showed the functionality of the circRNA-sponging pipeline using RNA sequencing data from brain tissues, where we identified two distinct types of circRNAs characterized by a specific ratio of the number of the binding site to the length of the transcript. The circRNA-sponging pipeline is the first end-to-end pipeline to identify circRNAs and their sponging systematically with raw total RNA-seq and miRNA-seq files, allowing us to better indicate the functional impact of circRNAs as a routine aspect in transcriptomic research.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/biomedbigdata/circRNA-sponging.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Reporting of Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) core outcome set instruments in randomized clinical trials for systemic treatments in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lam Megan , Spuls Phyllis I , Leshem Yael A , Gerbens Louise A A , Thomas Kim S , Arents Bernd  , Burton Tim , Flohr Carsten , Drucker Aaron M
Published: July 2023

The HOME initiative has successfully completed a core outcome set for atopic dermatitis (AD) trials, and most trials now include the core set instruments. However, to enable evidence synthesis of all relevant trials, reporting must also be standardized. In this study, we evaluated the reporting of the core outcome set instruments in AD systemic treatment trials included in a living systematic review and network meta-analysis. We found that although the core instruments were measured in most trials, they were often not reported sufficiently to enable inclusion in network meta-analysis.
Do New Policies Influence Practice? A Qualitative Study of Practice and Change in Relation to the New Welsh Child Sexual Exploitation Guidance
Authors: Webb Matthew , Forrester Donald , Usubillaga Juan , Diaz Clive
Published: July 2023

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a relatively new term within policy and practice. Whilst policy responses have shifted from criminalisation to recognising CSE as child abuse, a review of the 2011 Child Sexual Exploitation Guidance commissioned by the Welsh Government found a growing, yet limited, understanding of CSE in professional contexts. In this article, we explore practitioners’ perceptions of how they work with young people experiencing, or at risk of, CSE and whether they believe the new Welsh CSE Guidance is effectively implemented in their practice. This small-scale qualitative study utilised small group interviews and semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of twelve participants in the initial phase of the guidance release. A thematic analysis of the data demonstrates a lack of professional awareness of the new Welsh CSE guidance, raising questions surrounding implementation efficacy. These findings highlight the complexity of implementation, illustrating a need for manageable caseloads and supportive cultures, which policymakers, senior management and front line managers need to be aware of. Clear and effective implementation strategies that consider these factors, pre- and post-release, are required to improve implementation efficacy in supporting best practice.
The Role of Demographics, Professional Quality of Life and Public Image in Social Workers’ Self-Esteem
Authors: Kagan Maya , Melamed-Biran Lior
Published: July 2023

Professional self-esteem refers to the importance that individuals attribute to their profession. It plays an important role in many personal and work-related aspects in the life of social workers (SWs). The purpose of the current study was to examine the contribution of select demographic variables (gender, length of professional experience and satisfaction with pay), variables related to professional quality of life (secondary traumatic stress, burnout and compassion satisfaction) and SWs’ view of their public image, to explaining their professional self-esteem. The data for this study were collected using structured online questionnaires administered to a convenience sample of 350 SWs in Israel. A three-step hierarchical regression was conducted to examine the contribution of independent variables to explaining SWs’ professional self-esteem. The findings show that SWs with greater professional experience, higher satisfaction with pay, higher compassion satisfaction, lower self-reported burnout and a more positive view of their public image reported higher professional self-esteem. Yet, gender and secondary traumatic stress did not contribute to explaining SWs’ professional self-esteem. Hence, to improve the professional self-esteem of SWs, efforts must be made to improve their professional quality of life and public image.
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer linked with FH mutations
Authors: Millington George W M
Published: July 2023

The diagnosis of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer was revolutionized over 20 years ago by the establishment of links between fumarate hydratase mutations and the syndrome of cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata, with a risk of potentially fatal renal cell carcinoma. Dermatologists can help with the initial clinical diagnosis and a skin biopsy, as well as long-term clinical screening for leiomyosarcoma.
Ribonucleicacid interference or small molecule inhibition ofRunx1 in the border zone prevents cardiac contractile dysfunction following myocardial infarction
Authors: Martin Tamara P , MacDonald Eilidh A , Bradley Ashley , Watson Holly , Saxena Priyanka , Rog-Zielinska Eva A , Raheem Anmar , Fisher Simon , Elbassioni Ali Ali Mohamed , Almuzaini Ohood , Booth Catriona , Campbell Morna , Riddell Alexandra , Herzyk Pawel , Blyth Karen , Nixon Colin , Zentilin Lorena , Berry Colin , Braun Thomas , Giacca Mauro , McBride Martin W , Nicklin Stuart A , Cameron Ewan R , Loughrey Christopher M
Published: July 2023

Aims

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. Effective treatments are required to improve recovery of cardiac function following MI, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and preventing progression to heart failure. The perfused but hypocontractile region bordering an infarct is functionally distinct from the remote surviving myocardium and is a determinant of adverse remodelling and cardiac contractility. Expression of the transcription factor RUNX1 is increased in the border zone 1-day after MI, suggesting potential for targeted therapeutic intervention.

Objective

This study sought to investigate whether an increase in RUNX1 in the border zone can be therapeutically targeted to preserve contractility following MI.

Methods and results

In this work we demonstrate that Runx1 drives reductions in cardiomyocyte contractility, calcium handling, mitochondrial density, and expression of genes important for oxidative phosphorylation. Both tamoxifen-inducible Runx1-deficient and essential co-factor common β subunit (Cbfβ)-deficient cardiomyocyte-specific mouse models demonstrated that antagonizing RUNX1 function preserves the expression of genes important for oxidative phosphorylation following MI. Antagonizing RUNX1 expression via short-hairpin RNA interference preserved contractile function following MI. Equivalent effects were obtained with a small molecule inhibitor (Ro5-3335) that reduces RUNX1 function by blocking its interaction with CBFβ.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the translational potential of RUNX1 as a novel therapeutic target in MI, with wider opportunities for use across a range of cardiac diseases where RUNX1 drives adverse cardiac remodelling.
Influence of varieties of hemp, Cannabis sativa (Rosales: Cannabaceae), and fertilization rates on damage caused by corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Cosner Julian B , Grant Jerome F
Published: July 2023

Industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., production has been negatively impacted by larvae of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), which feed on developing inflorescences. Adult H. zea oviposit on hemp once flowers develop, and late-instar larvae can cause serious loss to both quality and yield. A 2-year study to assess the influence of hemp variety and fertilization practices on damage caused by H. zea was conducted. Differences in damage ratings among varieties were observed in both years; however, the rate of nitrogen applied did not influence biomass yield or damage rating. These results indicate that increasing nitrogen fertility may not be an effective means of cultural control for mitigating damage from H. zea. Floral maturity was very influential on damage caused by H. zea as late-maturing varieties had much less floral injury than those which matured early in outdoor field trials. Some cannabinoids were also correlated to damage rating, but this relationship was due to late-maturing plants with immature flowers low in cannabinoid concentrations receiving less floral injury. Based on these results, the selection of high-yielding varieties that flower when ovipositional activity of H. zea is expected to decline should be the first step in an integrated pest management program for hemp production. This research expanded our knowledge of the role of fertility rate, varietal characteristics, cannabinoid profile, and floral maturity on damage caused by H. zea to hemp. Findings from this research will allow growers to make more informed agronomic decisions before planting to improve hemp production.
Comparing the utility of clinical risk scores and integrated clinical judgement in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Meier Mario , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Nestelberger Thomas , Koechlin Luca , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Wussler Desiree , Walter Joan Elias , Zimmermann Tobias , Badertscher Patrick , Wildi Karin , Giménez Maria Rubini , Puelacher Christian , Glarner Noemi , Magni Jan , Miró Òscar , Martin-Sanchez Francisco Javier , Kawecki Damian , Keller Dagmar I , Gualandro Danielle M , Twerenbold Raphael , Nickel Christian H , Bingisser Roland , Mueller Christian ,   for the APACE investigators
Published: July 2023

Aims

The utility of clinical risk scores regarding the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) is uncertain. We aimed to directly compare the prognostic performance of five established clinical risk scores as well as an unstructured integrated clinical judgement (ICJ) of the treating emergency department (ED) physician.

Methods and results

Thirty-day MACE including all-cause death, life-threatening arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (including the index event), and unstable angina requiring urgent coronary revascularization were centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists in patients presenting to the ED with acute chest discomfort in an international multicentre study. We compared the prognostic performance of the HEART score, GRACE score, T-MACS, TIMI score, and EDACS, as well as the unstructured ICJ of the treating ED physician (visual analogue scale to estimate the probability of acute coronary syndrome, ranging from 0 to 100). Among 4551 eligible patients, 1110/4551 patients (24.4%) had at least one MACE within 30 days. Prognostic accuracy was high and comparable for the HEART score, GRACE score, T-MACS, and ICJ [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.85–0.87] but significantly lower and only moderate for the TIMI score (AUC 0.79, P < 0.001) and EDACS (AUC 0.74, P < 0.001), resulting in sensitivities for the rule-out of 30-day MACE of 93–96, 87 (P < 0.001), and 72% (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

The HEART score, GRACE score, T-MACS, and unstructured ICJ of the treating physician, not the TIMI score or EDACS, performed well for the prediction of 30-day MACE and may be considered for routine clinical use.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00470587
Implementation of a screening and management pathway for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: van der Velden Rachel M J , Hereijgers Maartje J M , Arman Nazia , van Middendorp Naomi , Franssen Frits M E , Gawalko Monika , Verhaert Dominique V M , Habibi Zarina , Vernooy Kevin , Koltowski Lukasz , Hendriks Jeroen M , Heidbuchel Hein , Desteghe Lien , Simons Sami O , Linz Dominik
Published: July 2023

Aims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) negatively impacts the efficacy of heart rhythm control treatments in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although COPD is recognized as a risk factor for AF, practical guidance about how and when to screen for COPD is not available. Herein, we describe the implementation of an integrated screening and management pathway for COPD into the existing pre-ablation work-up in an AF outpatient clinic infrastructure.

Methods and results

Consecutive unselected patients accepted for AF catheter ablation in the Maastricht University Medical Center+ were prospectively screened for airflow limitation using handheld (micro)spirometry at the pre-ablation outpatient clinic supervised by an AF nurse. Patients with results suggestive of airflow limitation were offered referral to the pulmonologist. Handheld (micro)spirometry was performed in 232 AF patients, which provided interpretable results in 206 (88.8%) patients. Airflow limitation was observed in 47 patients (20.3%). Out of these 47 patients, 29 (62%) opted for referral to the pulmonologist. The primary reason for non-referral was low perceived symptom burden. Using this screening strategy 17 (out of 232; 7.3%) ultimately received a diagnosis of chronic respiratory disease, either COPD or asthma.

Conclusion

A COPD care pathway can successfully be embedded in an existing AF outpatient clinic infrastructure, using (micro)spirometry and remote analysis of results. Although one out of five patients had results suggestive of an underlying chronic respiratory disease, only 62% of these patients opted for a referral. Pre-selection of patients as well as patient education might increase the diagnostic yield and requires further research.
Arrhythmogenic vulnerability of re-entrant pathways in post-infarct ventricular tachycardia assessed by advanced computational modelling
Authors: Bhagirath Pranav , Campos Fernando O , Postema Pieter G , Kemme Michiel J B , Wilde Arthur A M , Prassl Anton J , Neic Aurel , Rinaldi Christopher A , Götte Marco J W , Plank Gernot , Bishop Martin J
Published: July 2023

Aims

Substrate assessment of scar-mediated ventricular tachycardia (VT) is frequently performed using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images. Although this provides structural information about critical pathways through the scar, assessing the vulnerability of these pathways for sustaining VT is not possible with imaging alone.

This study evaluated the performance of a novel automated re-entrant pathway finding algorithm to non-invasively predict VT circuit and inducibility.

Methods

Twenty post-infarct VT-ablation patients were included for retrospective analysis. Commercially available software (ADAS3D left ventricular) was used to generate scar maps from 2D-LGE images using the default 40–60 pixel-signal-intensity (PSI) threshold. In addition, algorithm sensitivity for altered thresholds was explored using PSI 45–55, 35–65, and 30–70. Simulations were performed on the Virtual Induction and Treatment of Arrhythmias (VITA) framework to identify potential sites of block and assess their vulnerability depending on the automatically computed round-trip-time (RTT). Metrics, indicative of substrate complexity, were correlated with VT-recurrence during follow-up.

Results

Total VTs (85 ± 43 vs. 42 ± 27) and unique VTs (9 ± 4 vs. 5 ± 4) were significantly higher in patients with- compared to patients without recurrence, and were predictive of recurrence with area under the curve of 0.820 and 0.770, respectively. VITA was robust to scar threshold variations with no significant impact on total and unique VTs, and mean RTT between the four models. Simulation metrics derived from PSI 45–55 model had the highest number of parameters predictive for post-ablation VT-recurrence.

Conclusion

Advanced computational metrics can non-invasively and robustly assess VT substrate complexity, which may aid personalized clinical planning and decision-making in the treatment of post-infarction VT.
Systematic profiling of subtelomeric silencing factors in budding yeast
Authors: Juárez-Reyes Alejandro , Avelar-Rivas J Abraham , Hernandez-Valdes Jhonatan A , Hua Bo , Campos Sergio E , González James , González Alicia , Springer Michael , Mancera Eugenio , DeLuna Alexander
Published: July 2023

Subtelomeric gene silencing is the negative transcriptional regulation of genes located close to telomeres. This phenomenon occurs in a variety of eukaryotes with salient physiological implications, such as cell adherence, virulence, immune-system escape, and ageing. The process has been widely studied in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where genes involved in this process have been identified mostly on a gene-by-gene basis. Here, we introduce a quantitative approach to study gene silencing, that couples the classical URA3 reporter with GFP monitoring, amenable to high-throughput flow cytometry analysis. This dual silencing reporter was integrated into several subtelomeric loci in the genome, where it showed a gradual range of silencing effects. By crossing strains with this dual reporter at the COS12 and YFR057W subtelomeric query loci with gene-deletion mutants, we carried out a large-scale forward screen for potential silencing factors. The approach was replicable and allowed accurate detection of expression changes. Results of our comprehensive screen suggest that the main players influencing subtelomeric silencing were previously known, but additional potential factors underlying chromatin conformation are involved. We validate and report the novel silencing factor LGE1, a protein with unknown molecular function required for histone H2B ubiquitination. Our strategy can be readily combined with other reporters and gene perturbation collections, making it a versatile tool to study gene silencing at a genome-wide scale.
The Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study—Ground-Breaking Science for 25 Years and Counting
Authors: Newman Anne B , Visser Marjolein , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Simonsick Eleanor , Cawthon Peggy M , Harris Tamara B
Published: July 2023

Background

The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study is a longitudinal cohort study that started just over 25 years ago. This ground-breaking study tested specific hypotheses about the importance of weight, body composition, and weight-related health conditions for incident functional limitation in older adults.

Methods

Narrative review with analysis of ancillary studies, career awards, publications, and citations.

Results

Key findings of the study demonstrated the importance of body composition as a whole, both fat and lean mass, in the disablement pathway. The quality of the muscle in terms of its strength and its composition was found to be a critical feature in defining sarcopenia. Dietary patterns and especially protein intake, social factors, and cognition were found to be critical elements for functional limitation and disability. The study is highly cited and its assessments have been widely adopted in both observational studies and clinical trials. Its impact continues as a platform for collaboration and career development.

Conclusions

The Health ABC provides a knowledge base for the prevention of disability and promotion of mobility in older adults.
Prognostic Value of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-associated Biomarkers in Patients With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Enterocolitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kogan Lawrence , Townsend Matthew J , Raj Dhanya , Levy Alexander N , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Grover Shilpa
Published: July 2023

Lay Summary

In the emerging field of immune checkpoint inhibitor enterocolitis, biomarkers to predict disease course are lacking. Select genetic polymorphisms (ATG16L1T300A) and serum amyloid A warrant further study as potential biomarkers associated with severe ICI enterocolitis.
Optimization of fermentation, purification, and properties of blue pigment produced from Quambalaria cyanescens QY229
Authors: Zhu Liping , Huang Luwen , Xie Yajing , Zhang Tingxin , Jiang Zhaoxu , Yan Shigan , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: July 2023

Aim

Blue pigments have broad applications in foods, cosmetics, and clothing. However, natural blue pigments are rare. At present, the majority of blue pigments for sale are chemically synthetic. Owing to the safety risks of chemical pigments, it is an urgent demand to develop novel natural blue pigments.

Methods and Results

The fermentation medium and culture conditions of blue pigment produced by Quambalaria cyanescens QY229 were optimized by Plackett–Burman (PB) experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) for the first time. The stability, bioactivity, and toxicity of the obtained blue pigment were studied after isolation and purification.

Conclusion

The results showed that the optimal fermentation parameters were 34.61 g·L−1 of peptone concentration, 31.67°C of growing temperature, and 72.33 mL of medium volume in a 250-mL flask, and the yield of blue pigment reached 348.2 ± 7.1 U·mL−1. QY229 blue pigment is stable to light, heat, pH, most metal ions, and additives, and has certain antioxidant and inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase in vitro. QY229 blue pigment at concentrations of 0–1.25 mg·mL−1 was nontoxic to Caenorhabditis elegans in an acute toxicity trial.
Payer reimbursement practices and incentives for improving interpretation of germline genetic testing
Authors: Deverka Patricia , Geary Janis , Mathews Charles , Cohen Matan , Hooker Gillian , Majumder Mary , Skvarkova Zuzana , Cook-Deegan Robert
Published: July 2023

Germline genetic testing for inherited cancer risk has shifted to multi-gene panel tests (MGPTs). While MGPTs detect more pathogenic variants, they also detect more variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) that increase the possibility of harms such as unnecessary surgery. Data sharing by laboratories is critical to addressing the VUS problem. However, barriers to sharing and an absence of incentives have limited laboratory contributions to the ClinVar database. Payers can play a crucial role in the expansion of knowledge and effectiveness of genetic testing. Current policies affecting MGPT reimbursement are complex and create perverse incentives. Trends in utilization and coverage for private payers and Medicare illustrate opportunities and challenges for data sharing to close knowledge gaps and improve clinical utility. Policy options include making data sharing (i) a condition of payment, and (ii) a metric of laboratory quality in payment contracts, yielding preferred coverage or enhanced reimbursement. Mandating data sharing sufficient to verify interpretations and resolve discordance among labs under Medicare and federal health programs is an option for the US Congress. Such policies can reduce the current waste of valuable data needed for precision oncology and improved patient outcomes, enabling a learning health system.
Disparities in breast cancer among patients with disabilities: care gaps, accessibility, and best practices
Authors: Keegan Grace , Rizzo John-Ross , Joseph Kathie-Ann
Published: July 2023

Pronounced disparities exist in detecting and treating breast cancer in women with disabilities, leading to cancer detection at advanced stages. This paper provides an overview of disparities for women with disabilities related to breast cancer screening and care, primarily focusing on clinically significant mobility disabilities. Current care gaps include screening barriers related to accessibility and inequitable treatment options, with race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and disability severity factors mediating the disparities for this population. The reasons for these disparities are myriad and stem from both system-level deficiencies and individual-level clinician bias. Although structural changes are warranted, individual healthcare professionals must also be incorporated into the requisite change. Intersectionality is critical to disparities and inequities and should be central to any discussion of strategies for improving care for people with disabilities, many of whom have intersectional identities. Efforts to reduce screening rate disparities for breast cancer in women with mobility-related disabilities should start with improving accessibility through removing structural barriers, establishing comprehensive accessibility standards, and addressing healthcare professional bias. Future interventional studies are needed to implement and assess the value of programs to improve breast cancer screening rates in women with disabilities. Increasing the representation of women with disabilities in clinical trials may provide another avenue for reducing treatment disparities because these trials often provide breakthrough treatment to women with cancer diagnosed at later stages. Ultimately, attention to the specific needs of patients with disabilities should be improved across the United States to promote inclusive and effective cancer screening and treatment.