bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unrepresented human leucocyte antigen alleles in single‐antigen bead assays: A single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Ho Quan Yao , Phang Chew Yen , Liew Ian Tatt , Lai May Ling , Tien Carolyn Shan‐Yeu , Thangaraju Sobhana , Chan Marieta , Kee Terence
Published: September 2023

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles may generate antibodies that are undetectable by routine single‐antigen beads (SABs) assays if their unique epitopes are unrepresented. We aimed to describe the prevalence and explore the potential impact of unrepresented HLA alleles in standard SAB kits in our cohort. All individuals who had undergone two‐field HLA typing (HLA‐A/B/C/DRB1/DQA1/‐DQB1/‐DPA1/‐DPB1) from February 2021 to July 2023 were included. Two‐field HLA‐DRB3/4/5 typing was imputed. Each unrepresented allele was compared with the most similar represented allele in the standard LABScreen, LABScreen ExPlex (One Lambda) and the LIFECODES (Immucor) SAB kits. Differences in eplet expression (HLA Eplet Registry) were identified. Differences in three‐dimensional molecular structures were visualized using generated models (SWISS‐MODEL). Two‐field HLA typing was performed for 116 individuals. Overall, 16.7% of all HLA alleles, found in 36.2% of individuals, were unrepresented by all SAB test kits. Four eplets, found in 12.9% of individuals, were unrepresented in at least 1 SAB kit. Non‐Chinese individuals were more likely to have unrepresented HLA alleles and eplets than Chinese individuals. There were differences in HLA allele and eplet representation amongst the different SAB test kits. Use of supplementary SAB test kits may improve HLA allele and eplet representation. Although some HLA alleles were unrepresented, most epitopes were represented in current SAB kits. However, some unrepresented alleles may contain epitopes which may generate undetectable antibodies. Further studies may be needed to investigate the potential clinical impact of these unrepresented alleles and eplets, especially in certain ethnic populations or at‐risk individuals.
RETRACTED: Efficiency of platelet‐rich plasma in the management of burn wounds: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Imam Mohamed S. , Alotaibi Amjad Abdullah S. , Alotaibi Norah Obaid M. , Alosaimi Nujud Saud , Alotaibi Shroog Ghazi M. , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A.
Published: September 2023

The meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficiency of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the management of burn wounds (BWs). Using dichotomous or contentious random‐ or fixed‐effects models, the outcomes of this meta‐analysis were examined and the odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Thirteen examinations from 2009 to 2023 were enrolled for the present meta‐analysis, including 808 individuals with BWs. PRP had significantly shorter healing time (MD, −5.80; 95% CI, −7.73 to −3.88, p < 0.001), higher healing rate (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.05–4.80, p < 0.001), higher healed area percent (MD, 12.67; 95% CI, 9.79–15.55, p < 0.001) and higher graft take area percent (MD, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.51–7.26, p = 0.003) compared with standard therapy in patients with BW. However, no significant difference was found between PRP and standard therapy in graft take ratio (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.86–3.34, p = 0.13) and infection rate (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.20–1.47, p = 0.23) in patients with BW. The examined data revealed that PRP had a significantly shorter healing time, a higher healing rate, a higher healed area percent and a higher graft take area percent; however, no significant difference was found in graft take ratio or infection rate compared with standard therapy in patients with BW. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since all of the selected examinations had a low sample size and some comparisons had a low number of selected studies.
Insight into the experiences of caregivers of older adults in long‐term care homes: A photovoice study
Authors: Boamah Sheila A. , Yous Marie‐Lee , Gao Harrison , Weldrick Rachel , Dal Bello‐Haas Vanina , Durepos Pamela
Published: September 2023

Aims

To explore the lived experiences of caregivers of people living in long‐term care (LTC) homes during the initial phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic and potential supports and resources needed to improve caregivers' quality of life.

Background

Carers (or care partners) of adults in LTC contribute substantially to the health and well‐being of their loved ones by providing physical care, emotional support and companionship. Despite their critical role, little is known about how caregivers have been impacted by the pandemic.

Design

An interpretive descriptive approach that incorporated the photovoice method was used.

Methods

Using a purposive sampling strategy, six family carers in Ontario, Canada were recruited between September and December 2021. Over a 4‐week period, caregivers took pictures depicting their experience of the pandemic that were shared in a virtual focus group. Visual and text data were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach.

Findings

Caregivers expressed feelings of frustration, confusion and joy. Emerging themes included: (i) feeling like a ‘criminal’ amidst visitor restrictions and rules; (ii) experiencing uncertainty and disappointment in the quality of care of long‐term care homes; (iii) going through burnout; and (iv) focusing on small joys and cherished memories.

Conclusions

The combination of visual and textual methods provided unique insight into the mental distress, isolation and intense emotional burdens experienced by caregivers during the pandemic.

Impact

Our findings underscore the need for LTC organizations to work in unison with caregivers to optimize the care of residents and support the mental health of caregivers.

Reporting Method

This work adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Public Contributions

The caregivers included in the study were involved in the co‐creative process as active contributors informing the design and validation of the codes and themes.
Spontaneous regression of tumours. Possible cross reactivity of autoantibodies against carbonic anhydrase I
Authors: Lakota Ján
Published: September 2023

Spontaneous tumour regression in patients after high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation or patients with standard therapy is accompanied with the presence of high titers autoantibodies against carbonic anhydrase I (CA I). The concomitant presence of aplastic anaemia‐like syndrome in these patients points to parallel bone marrow suppression during this period. It seems that CA I, an ‘obscure’ enzyme, does not have any significant physiological role in humans. One possible explanation points to the fact that autoantibodies against CA I may target another antigen(s) which is(are) important in tumour growth as well as in normal haematopoiesis. One of the candidates for such a target is the DNA polymerase theta.
“If I don't have credit, I don't have anything”: Perspectives on the credit scoring system among mothers with low incomes
Authors: Collins J. Michael , Halpern‐Meekin Sarah , Harvey Melody , Hoiting Jill
Published: September 2023

This mixed‐methods study examines consumer perspectives on the credit scoring system drawn from in‐depth interviews with 72 mothers with low incomes and national survey data from the National Financial Capability Study. Interviewees express strong awareness of credit scoring and a desire to have good credit. National survey data corroborate these findings, showing that most mothers with low incomes are knowledgeable about their credit scores. They know what behaviors improve credit standing and recognize the tradeoffs between present consumption and longer run goals. They do not reject the credit scoring system's legitimacy and seek to work within this system to pursue their financial goals, despite obstacles to success. This evidence enriches our understanding of the perspectives and values that motivate consumer financial behaviors and highlights the systemic challenges to people's financial well‐being that are embedded in a seemingly widely accepted credit scoring system.
Dental caries incidence and associated factors in young adults
Authors: Ogwo Chukwuebuka , Brown Grant , Warren John , Caplan Daniel , Levy Steven
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess the caries incidence from late adolescence to early adulthood and to identify the factors associated with caries incidence.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal caries data of young adults aged 17–23 from the Iowa Fluoride Study cohort. The inclusion criteria required completion of dental exams at both ages 17 and 23 and having cumulative exposure (AUC) variables data for at least 8 out of the 11 time periods between ages 17 and 23. Mean imputation was used to handle the missing explanatory variable data. Multiple linear regressions were conducted using a generalized linear model to assess the effects of sociodemographic and behavioral/dietary variables on the age 17–23 adjusted cavitated caries (D2+MFS) increment (AdjCI17‐23). Multicollinearity was assessed using the variance inflation factor (VIF) and the final model was selected based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) using backward selection and the net effects calculated.

Results

The mean AdjCI17‐23 was 2.08 (SD = 4.02). The net effects (main effect plus interactions) of higher composite socioeconomic status, higher combined daily fluoride intake, higher frequency of milk intake, lower amount of sugar‐sweetened beverages intake, and lower age 17 dental caries counts were associated with lower mean AdjCI17‐23.

Conclusion

The incidence of caries from age 17 to 23 in this study was low. This study suggests and reinforces the need to continue to advocate for caries preventive strategies such as fluoride use, encouraging milk intake, and reducing sugar‐sweetened beverage intakes.
Knockout of transcription factor OsERF65 enhances ROS scavenging ability and confers resistance to rice sheath blight
Authors: Xie Wenya , Cao Wenlei , Lu Shuaibing , Zhao Jianhua , Shi Xiaopin , Yue Xuanyu , Wang Guangda , Feng Zhiming , Hu Keming , Chen Zongxiang , Zuo Shimin
Published: September 2023

Rice sheath blight (ShB) is a devastating disease that severely threatens rice production worldwide. Induction of cell death represents a key step during infection by the ShB pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In the present study, we identified a rice transcription factor, OsERF65, that negatively regulates resistance to ShB by suppressing cell death. OsERF65 was significantly upregulated by R. solani infection in susceptible cultivar Lemont and was highly expressed in the leaf sheath. Overexpression of OsERF65 (OsERF65OE) decreased rice resistance, while the knockout mutant (oserf65) exhibited significantly increased resistance against ShB. The transcriptome assay revealed that OsERF65 repressed the expression of peroxidase genes after R. solani infection. The antioxidative enzyme activity was significantly increased in oserf65 plants but reduced in OsERF65OE plants. Consistently, hydrogen peroxide content was apparently reduced in oserf65 plants but accumulated in OsERF65OE plants. OsERF65 directly bound to the GCC box in the promoter regions of four peroxidase genes and suppressed their transcription, reducing the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). The oserf65 mutant exhibited a slight decrease in plant height but increased grain yield. Overall, our results revealed an undocumented role of OsERF65 that acts as a crucial regulator of rice resistance to R. solani and a potential target for improving both ShB resistance and rice yield.
Characterizing orthodontic tooth movement in real time using dental monitoring scans: A pilot study
Authors: Arqub Sarah Abu , Nedjat‐Haiem Michael , Einbinder Max , Azami Niloufar , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Hariharan Amirtha , Uribe Flavio
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This pilot study aimed to quantify the magnitude and type of tooth movement occurring in short time intervals within the regular monthly orthodontic visits for patients with fixed appliances and undergoing maxillary canine retraction. Additionally, this pilot study aimed to provide a descriptive evaluation for the accuracy and reliability of the Dental Monitoring (DM)‐captured scans to those of an iTero digital scans in an extraction space closure model.

Settings and Sample Population

3D intraoral photographic scans (DM) for 12 patients with maxillary first premolar extractions in a single‐centre academic institution.

Materials and Methods

Twelve patients treated with fixed appliances and undergoing space closure for maxillary premolar extraction(s) were included. Nickel‐titanium (200 g) closing coil springs were used for canine retraction. At initiation of space closure (T1), iTero scans were acquired, and patients were instructed to take DM scans every 4–5 days until their next visit in 4–5 weeks (T2). At T2, a final iTero scan in addition to a DM scan was taken. The number of patients who did the scans regularly as instructed declined as time elapsed. Stereolithography (STL) files generated from the DM scans were superimposed with the STL files from the iTero scans using GOM Inspect software to determine the accuracy of the DM 3D models. To assess rate, type and direction of tooth movement, each of the 3D image STL files generated from the DM scans, taken every 4–5 days by each patient, was superimposed on the previously captured scan. The rate of tooth movement for the maxillary molars and canines was calculated in the 3 planes of space (X, Y, Z) at each time point, until the end of the experiment.

Results

Preliminary results indicated that the maxillary canines appeared to be displaced the greatest amount in the first 4–5 days with initial distolateral movement. As time elapsed, the rate of tooth movement decreased, and the tooth started moving distolingually.

Conclusions

Dental monitoring software provides a high‐tech platform to monitor tooth movement in a ‘real‐time’ approach. Accuracy of the photographic scans in relationship to the intraoral scans appears promising. There seems to be some evidence that the greatest amount of movement occurs initially in the first few days after activation, dropping thereafter to become a slower constant rate of tooth movement.
CcNFYB3‐CcMATE35 and LncRNA CcLTCS‐CcCS modules jointly regulate the efflux and synthesis of citrate to enhance aluminium tolerance in pigeon pea
Authors: Dong Biying , Meng Dong , Song Zhihua , Cao Hongyan , Du Tingting , Qi Meng , Wang Shengjie , Xue Jingyi , Yang Qing , Fu Yujie
Published: September 2023

Aluminium (Al) toxicity decreases crop production in acid soils in general, but many crops have evolved complex mechanisms to resist it. However, our current understanding of how plants cope with Al stress and perform Al resistance is still at the initial stage. In this study, the citrate transporter CcMATE35 was identified to be involved in Al stress response. The release of citrate was increased substantially in CcMATE35 over‐expression (OE) lines under Al stress, indicating enhanced Al resistance. It was demonstrated that transcription factor CcNFYB3 regulated the expression of CcMATE35, promoting the release of citrate from roots to increase Al resistance in pigeon pea. We also found that a Long noncoding RNA Targeting Citrate Synthase (CcLTCS) is involved in Al resistance in pigeon pea. Compared with controls, overexpression of CcLTCS elevated the expression level of the Citrate Synthase gene (CcCS), leading to increases in root citrate level and citrate release, which forms another module to regulate Al resistance in pigeon pea. Simultaneous overexpression of CcNFYB3 and CcLTCS further increased Al resistance. Taken together, these findings suggest that the two modules, CcNFYB3‐CcMATE35 and CcLTCS‐CcCS, jointly regulate the efflux and synthesis of citrate and may play an important role in enhancing the resistance of pigeon pea under Al stress.
Human neutrophil‐like cells demonstrate antimicrobial responses to the chronic cyst form of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Bergersen Kristina V. , Ramirez Ashley D. , Kavvathas Bill , Mercer Frances , Wilson Emma H.
Published: September 2023

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide. Infection induces a rapid dissemination of parasites throughout the body followed by the formation of lifelong cysts within neurons of the host brain. Both stages require a dynamic immune response comprised of both innate and adaptive cells. Neutrophils are a primary responding cell to acute infection and have been observed in the brain during murine chronic infection. Previous studies investigating human neutrophils found that invasion by Toxoplasma tachyzoites inhibits apoptosis of neutrophils, prolonging their survival under inflammatory conditions. Here, we demonstrate the differentiation of two distinct subsets following exposure of human neutrophil‐like‐cells (HNLC) to Toxoplasma cysts. In vitro stimulation and imaging studies show cyst‐specific induction of cytokines and cyst clearance by HNLCs. Further testing demonstrates that aged HNLCs perform less phagocytosis of cysts compared to non‐aged HNLCs. In conclusion, this study identifies a novel response of HNLCs to Toxoplasma cysts and may indicate a role for neutrophils in the clearance of cysts during human infection with Toxoplasma.
Zones of compounded informality: Migrants in the megacity
Authors: Silliman Bhattacharjee Shikha
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces the term zones of compounded informality to demarcate locations wherein regulatory exclusions in distinct domains interact to escalate the impact of exclusions for people who live and work in these areas. Based upon a study of India's Delhi, National Capital Region (Delhi‐NCR), I explain how the interaction of flexible planning and employment in particular locales produce zones of compounded informality as a technique of governance. Circular migrant workers in Delhi‐NCR overwhelmingly live and work in these zones, wherein unstable employment and housing contribute to nomadic migration. Legal exclusion from housing protections interacts with other procedural pathways, creating barriers to accessing social protection and citizenship rights. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observation, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and a survey of 981 workers, I consider how zones of compounded informality in Delhi‐NCR interact with India's Aadhar biometric identification system to variegate access to the franchise and Targeted Public Distribution System (PDS) for migrant and other low‐wage workers.
How sustainable is the sharing business model? Toward a conceptual framework
Authors: Carlborg Per , Snyder Hannah , Witell Lars
Published: September 2023

The sharing economy, which is considered a better way of utilizing existing resources, is associated with positive effects not only on the financial aspects of sustainability but also on its environmental and social dimensions. But is this true? Previous research has typically discussed either the positive or negative aspects of the sharing business model in specific contexts. This study adopts a dual perspective regarding the sustainability of sharing business models by critically analyzing the relationship between sharing business models and sustainability. Building on the resource‐based view of the firm and practice theory, the current research develops a conceptual framework for evaluating the sustainability of sharing business models at the level of the individual, the firm, and society. Our proposed dual‐process model suggests that two competing processes contribute to sustainability. The study's conceptual model and propositions advance theory and provide a research agenda for future empirical studies. This research also provides valuable guidance to managers and policymakers regarding the sustainability of sharing business models, which can inform the business model innovation process.
Architecture of lacustrine deposits in response to early Carboniferous rifting and Gondwanan glaciation, Nova Scotia, south‐east Canada
Authors: Tang Wenbin , Pe‐Piper Georgia , Piper David J. W. , Chen Anqing , Hou Mingcai , Guo Zhaojie , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2023

Upper Palaeozoic lacustrine basin deposits not only record local tectonism but are also an archive to evaluate global palaeoclimate changes linked to the Late Palaeozoic Gondwanan ice age. The Tournaisian Horton Group of Nova Scotia, south‐east Canada, accumulated in rift basins following the final accretion of peri‐Gondwanan terranes to the Appalachians. Sedimentology, mineralogy and geochemistry of the well‐exposed sandstones and shales at the classic Blue Beach section (ca 353.5 to 352 Ma) reveal the interplay of local tectonism and global climatic controls on lacustrine sedimentation. The lacustrine depositional environment gradually transitioned from deep water offshore at the base of the section to wave‐dominated and fluvial‐dominated nearshore at the top. Multiple small transgressive–regressive sedimentation cycles have an average 21 ka duration, likely related to Milankovitch cyclicity. Unusually abundant soft‐sediment deformation structures and landslides are the sedimentary responses to frequent earthquakes during the most active phase of rift subsidence. The overall succession shows changes from a shallowing‐up balanced‐filled to an overfilled lacustrine basin. The chemical weathering intensity index and the Th/K ratio show a longer‐term trend from dry and cool conditions low in the section to humid and warm conditions near the top, with rapid change in the transition period. The section records the peak of the global mid‐Tournaisian carbon isotope excursion and the corresponding cooling event (354 Ma to approximately 351 Ma). The sedimentary succession is a response to long‐term and short‐term climatic cycles influencing lake level and sediment supply during the time of maximum rift basin subsidence recorded by the soft‐sediment deformation structures.
Noticing instructional challenges in artifacts of teaching
Authors: Barnhart Tara , van Es Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2023

This study investigates challenges of enactment teachers notice when analyzing artifacts of teaching in a professional development focused on supporting the enactment of NGSS‐aligned modeling instruction. Five secondary science teachers participated in a semester‐long video club. Transcripts of the segments of their meetings in which they analyzed artifacts of practice were coded to characterize what they noticed in videos and student work samples from their own and others’ classrooms of students engaging in sensemaking. Through an inductive and iterative approach, three main linguistic challenges were identified related to the teachers’ noticing of students’ disciplinary thinking: learning how to communicate with precision using modeling conventions, how to communicate with precision using scientific vocabulary, and how to support students explaining and defending their models. The findings of this study extend and affirm prior research on teachers’ noticing of student thinking by highlighting the integrated nature of disciplinary noticing and the entanglement of learning science concepts and the language of science. The results also indicate that artifact‐rich professional development designed to improve science teachers’ interpretation of their students’ thinking can support teachers as they work through problems of practice they encounter in their attempts to enact responsive science teaching.
Impact of tidal friction on the motion of lithospheric plates and earthquake activity
Authors: Fodor Csilla , Varga Péter , Sneeuw Nico
Published: September 2023

This paper draws attention to the contribution of tidal friction (TF) to plate tectonic processes. Our proposed model supports recent geodetic observations and geodynamic models highlighting exogenous local contributions to plate motions. The TF has a westward effect on lithospheric plates and the lithosphere as a whole. To determine the extent of this effect, we use the asthenospheric viscosity estimated using the Eötvös force. We also show that TF has a detectable impact on the latitudinal distribution of earthquake activity.
Elopement: Evidence‐based mitigation and management
Authors: Marlett Janice E. , Vacovsky Brooke A. , Krug Elizabeth A. , Ha‐Johnson Tina M. , Hill Stacy A. Fisher
Published: September 2023

Background

Elopement jeopardizes patient safety, affects the hospital's reputation, and results in financial ramifications. In an academic community hospital, executive leadership approached a team of nurse leaders for expertise following the elopement of a vulnerable patient.

Aim of the Initiative

The team's goal was to identify evidence‐based strategies to mitigate future elopement events. Following an extensive literature review and gap analysis, the organization recognized opportunities pertaining to elopement management, including patient assessment, prevention strategies, and facility‐wide response when events occur. The nurse leader team thoroughly searched current literature to answer the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (i.e., PICO) questions of interest. Following a critical appraisal of 55 articles, 26 were utilized to make practice change recommendations. The body of evidence included a variety of age groups and diagnoses.

Implementation Plan

After the synthesis of the literature, the team provided recommendations to the organization. These recommendations included the assessment of patient‐specific risks and the implementation of elopement prevention measures as fundamental elements for incidence reduction. The team partnered with multidisciplinary stakeholders for the revision of policies, processes, and electronic medical record documentation.

Outcomes

The organization monitored elopement events and the duration of each event throughout the phases of implementation. Pre‐implementation data, collected from January to June 2021, demonstrated 34 individual elopement cases lasting an average of 118 min each. In comparison, post‐implementation data collected during the same time frame in 2022 found only 12 events lasting an average of 24 min each.

Implications for Practice

The organization implemented evidence‐based recommendations to standardize the facility's approach to elopement. With structured assessment, precautions, and response, the organization demonstrated a notable decline in the number and duration of elopement events. Hardwiring processes, analyzing data, and adjusting expectations within an evidence‐based framework should assist the organization's drive to further enhance patient safety surrounding elopement events.
Scalar‐valued depth two Eichler–Shimura integrals of cusp forms
Authors: Magnusson Tobias , Raum Martin
Published: September 2023

Given cusp forms and of integral weight , the depth two holomorphic iterated Eichler–Shimura integral  is defined by , where is the Eichler integral of and are formal variables. We provide an explicit vector‐valued modular form whose top components are given by . We show that this vector‐valued modular form gives rise to a scalar‐valued iterated Eichler integral of depth two, denoted by , that can be seen as a higher depth generalization of the scalar‐valued Eichler integral of depth one. As an aside, our argument provides an alternative explanation of an orthogonality relation satisfied by period polynomials originally due to Paşol–Popa. We show that can be expressed in terms of sums of products of components of vector‐valued Eisenstein series with classical modular forms after multiplication with a suitable power of the discriminant modular form . This allows for effective computation of .
Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Flexible Planar Three-Link Mechanism Using Joint and Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Hill Daniel E.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a new method of controlling the end effector position and orientation of a flexible planar three-link mechanism. The coupled dynamic model was formulated using a method based on the Udwadia–Kalaba equations of motion for constrained systems. Lyapunov's theory was used to develop a nonlinear control law using piezoelectric actuators and the unconstrained link dynamic models. Numerical simulation was used to demonstrate the system tracking performance of the end effector using a reduced order controller applied to a higher order truth dynamic model.
Vapor Cloud Behavior of Heavier-Than-Air Hydrocarbon Liquid Evaporating From a Microliter Volume Heated Well Cavity
Authors: Shukla Digvijay , Panigrahi Pradipta Kumar
Published: September 2023

Detailed characterization of the vapor cloud above a well or reservoir is not available in literature irrespective of its several practical importance. This study aims to understand the vapor cloud characteristics and vapor phase transport of a heavier-than-air vapor cloud evaporating from a heated microliter circular reservoir. Evaporation of a heavy hydrocarbon (cyclohexane) and a comparatively lighter fluid (ethanol) is studied. Digital holographic interferometry has been used for the characterization of vapor cloud. Gravimetric analysis is used for measurement of evaporation rate from the reservoir. A flat disk-shaped vapor cloud is observed in both heated and nonheated reservoir cases. This is attributed to the presence of radial outward natural convection. The evaporation rate is underpredicted by the diffusion model at a higher Grashof number, i.e., for well heating. Solutal convection dominates near the interface region and thermal convection effect increases in the region away from the liquid–vapor interface. The mole fraction profile depends on the relative strength of the thermal and solutal Grashof number. Thermal convection effect is stronger in lighter vapor of ethanol compared to that of cyclohexane. Overall, this study shows dominance of solutal convection on the vapor cloud characteristics above both heated and unheated reservoir.
Numerical Investigations of Near Surge Operating Conditions in a Two-Stage Radial Compressor With Refrigerant Gas
Authors: Cravero Carlo , Marsano Davide , Sishtla Vishnu , Halbe Chaitanya , Cousins William T.
Published: September 2023

Modern compressor design targets require high performance and a wide operating range in order to reduce the environmental impact. To understand the fluid dynamics mechanisms that trigger instability, studying the system at the stability limit is required. In this work, a two-stage back-to-back centrifugal compressor for refrigerant applications has been simulated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques using unsteady calculations in different operating points close to surge. These models have been validated by comparing numerical performance with experimental data. An in-depth fluid dynamics analysis combined with the monitoring of several pressure signals, postprocessed with FFT, identified different flow phenomena in the two stages toward the surge limit. The key role of the volute that induces a stronger upstream counterpressure in the first stage has been highlighted. This effect causes the formation of high entropy (low momentum) rotating cells in the diffuser that involve a higher channel portion with respect to the flow structure in the second diffuser. This phenomenon affects the upstream flow conditions at the impeller. In addition, the interaction between the inlet guide vane (IGV) and the inducer has been analyzed, observing that in the second stage, due to the flow nonuniformity after the intermediate compressor pipe, non-negligible separations occur. Starting from the peaks detected in the FFT analysis of the pressure signals, all the above flow mechanisms have been detected and discussed.
A Study on Quantities Driving Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul for Hybrid-Electric Aeroengines
Authors: Schuchard Lukas , Bień Maximilian , Ziaja Karl , Blanken Norman , Göing Jan , Friedrichs Jens , di Mare Francesca , Ponick Bernd , Mailach Ronald
Published: September 2023

Hybrid-electric propulsion for commercial aircraft is currently a key industry interest. Consequently, publications on its design and performance estimation are manifold. However, models addressing characteristics of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) are virtually unavailable—even though direct maintenance costs (DMC) represent a significant part of direct operating costs (DOC) in commercial aviation. Detailed analysis of hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion degradation and maintenance scenarios must integrate both methods of sizing and design as well as operational factors for conventional and electric subsystems, as operator-specific utilization strongly influences MRO. Accordingly, a holistic engine analysis model is currently being developed using the example of an Airbus A320 aircraft, taking into account flight mission, engine performance, degradation, and MRO. This paper presents an implementation of hybridization into the gas turbine thermodynamic cycle calculation for parallel hybrid-electric (PHE) engine architectures with 2 and 5 MW electric motors, and the approach necessary for resizing hybridized gas turbine components. Turbomachinery loading throughout representative short-haul missions is analyzed for conventional and hybrid-electric configurations based on the V2500 high-bypass turbofan engine, whereby unknown or uncertain boundary conditions are considered in a probabilistic sensitivity study. As a result, MRO-driving quantities such as engine performance parameters, atmospheric conditions, and ingested aerosols can be compared. The findings suggest that DMC related to the gas turbine may be considerably lowered through hybridization, as it allows for reduced peak temperatures and more uniform gas turbine operation. However, these gains are at least partially offset by additional components' DMC. For electrical machines, bearings and the stator winding insulation are life-limiting, where the latter becomes increasingly dominant for higher power densities associated with high current densities and copper losses. Thermo-mechanical stresses are considered as driving mechanisms in power electronic systems degradation. Consequently, powerful lightweight machines must be balanced against tolerable thermal and electrical loads to achieve suitable service life.
Improving a Centrifugal Compressor's Performance at Low Mass Flow Rates by Adding an Acoustic Resonator
Authors: Renz Andreas , Bär Katharina , Becker Stefan
Published: September 2023

Acoustic resonators are widely used to dampen the sound radiation of centrifugal compressors of automobile turbochargers. Their advantages are simplicity, robustness, ease of integration, and acoustic tunability. Interestingly, some resonators mounted to the inlet side improved compressor performance at low mass flow rates significantly. In this paper, this phenomenon was investigated experimentally by an extensive study of resonator geometries on a turbocharger test rig and numerically by uRANSs of selected compressor resonator configurations near the surge limit. A detailed description is given on how the resonator can limit the disturbance of the incoming flow and improve the impeller's operating conditions by ingesting the backflow coming from the blade tips. The backflow's kinetic energy and angular momentum are greatly reduced inside the resonator before the fluid flows back into the inlet duct. Concluding, design guidelines for a resonator geometry, which improve performance as an addition to its acoustic properties, are shared.
Determination of Cetane Numbers Via Chemical Kinetic Mechanism
Authors: Schmidt Marleen , Schlichting Samuel , Melder Jens , Methling Torsten , Köhler Markus , Huber Andreas
Published: September 2023

Minimizing global warming is a major task of todays' society. For air transport, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) produced from renewable sources are a promising key solution. While electric flight is intriguing for short distances, SAF are required for mid- and long-distance flights and in addition, enable fuel design strategies to minimize environmental effects. The qualification and approval for SAF are standardized in the ASTM D4054, which include fuel properties as an essential part. Among others, lean blow-out (LBO) limits are a key performance parameter. The experimental determination of LBO is very time-consuming and cost-effective. The LBO of a specified engine is highly dependent on the fuel properties affecting evaporation, mixing, and ignitability. Therefore, prediction tools are desired to identify early promising SAF for decreasing the certification cost. Due to the correlation between LBO and derived cetane numbers (DCN), a tool for the prediction of the DCN is presented in this study. The DCN model uses chemical kinetic ignition delay time (IDT), simulated in a constant volume combustion chamber based on the ASTM D6890 standard, and seven representative physical properties of a fuel. A high agreement of the predicted DCN to the literature DCN with root-mean-square errors of 4.7 and correlation coefficients of 0.95 was found.
An Updated Panorama of Blood-Flow-Restriction Methods
Authors: Scott Brendan R. , Girard Olivier , Rolnick Nicholas , McKee James R. , Goods Paul S.R.
Published: September 2023

Background: Exercise with blood-flow restriction (BFR) is being increasingly used by practitioners working with athletic and clinical populations alike. Most early research combined BFR with low-load resistance training and consistently reported increased muscle size and strength without requiring the heavier loads that are traditionally used for unrestricted resistance training. However, this field has evolved with several different active and passive BFR methods emerging in recent research. Purpose: This commentary aims to synthesize the evolving BFR methods for cohorts ranging from healthy athletes to clinical or load-compromised populations. In addition, real-world considerations for practitioners are highlighted, along with areas requiring further research. Conclusions: The BFR literature now incorporates several active and passive methods, reflecting a growing implementation of BFR in sport and allied health fields. In addition to low-load resistance training, BFR is being combined with high-load resistance exercise, aerobic and anaerobic energy systems training of varying intensities, and sport-specific activities. BFR is also being applied passively in the absence of physical activity during periods of muscle disuse or rehabilitation or prior to exercise as a preconditioning or performance-enhancement technique. These various methods have been reported to improve muscular development; cardiorespiratory fitness; functional capacities; tendon, bone, and vascular adaptations; and physical and sport-specific performance and to reduce pain sensations. However, in emerging BFR fields, many unanswered questions remain to refine best practice.
Transforming Higher Education
Authors: Chodzko-Zajko Wojtek
Published: September 2023

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that higher education in the United States is experiencing somewhat of a paradigm shift. We are being challenged to reform our institutions in order to respond to changing societal needs resulting from the fast-paced, digital transformation of industries, societal systems, and our daily lives. The member institutions of the American Academy of Kinesiology will need to think long and hard about how they will respond to these challenges. America’s universities have a responsibility to be a catalyst for the human-centric, technology-driven transformation of sectors such as transportation, agriculture, medicine, public health, clean energy, and manufacturing, among others, and to provide the vision, leadership, and innovation that such workforce transformation demands. Within the academy, we rightly take great pride in our long-standing contributions to the development and deployment of breakthrough discoveries and innovations that have contributed to the transformation of society. However, we have begun to realize that our institutions will need to bring this same commitment to innovation to our teaching, curricula, and instructional programs. Addressing these new areas of need and opportunity will require institutional innovation and reform, for us and for the postsecondary education sector generally. I believe that American Kinesiology Association member departments can play a significant role in the transformation of higher education at our institutions. I am delighted that the American Kinesiology Association has begun to think through how these changes will impact the future of our discipline. I am both optimistic and excited about the many ways that American Kinesiology Association member institutions will continue to play a leading role in the new higher education reality.
Globalisation of industry-sponsored clinical trials for breast, lung and colon cancer research: trends, threats and opportunities
Authors: Payedimarri Anil Babu , Mouhssine Samir , Aljadeeah Saleh , Gaidano Gianluca , Ravinetto Raffaella
Published: September 2023

Objective

Breast, lung, colon cancers are the ‘big killers’ in oncology. Access to innovative treatments lags behind in low-income and middle-income countries. We investigated the geographic distribution of industry-sponsored trials; and whether results were reported in clinical trial registries.

Methods and analysis

We conducted a search in ClinicalTrials.gov by: (i) study type: interventional; (ii) condition: breast, lung, colon cancer; (iii) phases: I–IV; (iv) funder: industry. Trials registered as of 30 June 2018 were extracted; for completed trials, a second extraction was performed on 30 September 2022.

Results

We included 4177 trials. Phase I–IV trials involving only high-income countries were 3254/4177 (77.9%), while 923/4177 (22.1%) trials included at least one site in middle-income countries (MICs). Most phase III trials (416/688; 60.5%) involved MICs, including only lower MICs (6/416, 1.4%), only upper MICs (225/416, 54.1%) and lower and upper MICs (185/416, 44.5%). Phase IV trials involved MICs in 45/89 (50.6%) cases. Phase I and II trials included MICs in smaller proportions (72/950, 7.6% and 390/2450, 15.9%, respectively). No trials were run in low-income countries (LICs). Among completed trials, 430 out of 1854 (23.2%) involved MICs. Results had not been entered in the registry in 63.4% (1176/1854) of trials overall and 49.5% (213/430) of trials involving MICs.

Conclusion

Trials for breast, lung and colon cancers are increasingly delocalised to countries likely unable to get access to innovative medicines. Furthermore, LICs are not hosting any industry-sponsored trials. Measures are needed to ensure benefit-sharing for trials countries; to improve transparency and to stimulate research addressing the needs of LICs.
Fungal dysbiosis and decreased tear mucin at the conjunctiva in patients with conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Asao Kazunobu , Hashida Noriyasu , Motooka Daisuke , Tsukamoto Teruhisa , Nakamura Shota , Maruyama Kazuichi , Nishida Kohji
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine the differences in the fungal microbiome between patients with conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and healthy controls using metagenomic analysis.

Methods and analysis

This case-control study was conducted at Osaka University Hospital in Osaka, Japan, from April 2015 to March 2022. Twenty-five consecutive patients with conjunctival MALT lymphoma and 25 healthy volunteers were included. Metagenomic analysis using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)1 deep sequencing and hierarchical clustering was performed to investigate differences in the fungal microbiome. To assess tear environmental change, we measured tear mucin concentrations using ELISA.

Results

Detailed analyses showed fungal dysbiosis and changes in β-diversity within the conjunctiva of patients with conjunctival MALT lymphoma. Hierarchical clustering revealed that the participants could be divided into three clusters according to theMalasseziaabundance: cluster I (Malasseziaabundance above 70%), cluster II (Malasseziaabundance 25%–70%) and cluster II (Malasseziaabundance below 25%). Most patients were included in cluster I, whereas most of healthy controls were included in cluster III. The differences were significant. Tear mucin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with MALT compared with healthy controls.

Conclusion

The metagenomic analysis using ITS1 deep sequencing was useful for identifying the differences in commensal fungi between patients with MALT lymphoma and healthy individuals. The increased prevalence of theMalasseziagenus and the decreased levels of tear mucin can lead to an allergic response of the conjunctiva, resulting in the pathogenesis associated with conjunctival MALT lymphoma. Therefore, it may be beneficial to initiate treatment when a high abundanceMalasseziais detected.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 mutation attenuates response to immune checkpoint blockade in metastatic urothelial carcinoma by driving immunosuppressive microenvironment
Authors: Song Yuxuan , Peng Yun , Qin Caipeng , Wang Yulong , Yang Wenbo , Du Yiqing , Xu Tao
Published: September 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy holds promise in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) mutation drives T-cell-depleted microenvironment in UC, which led to the hypothesis that FGFR3 mutation might attenuate response to ICB in patients with metastatic UC. The study aims to compare prognosis and response between patients with FGFR3-mutated and FGFR3-wildtype metastatic UC after ICB therapy, and decode the potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Based on the single-arm, multicenter, phase 2 trial, IMvigor210, we conducted a propensity score matched (PSM) analysis. After a 1:1 ratio PSM method, 39 patients with FGFR3-mutated and 39 FGFR3-wildtype metastatic UC treated with atezolizumab were enrolled. A meta-analysis through systematical database retrieval was conducted for validation. In addition, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on three FGFR3-mutated and three FGFR3-wildtype UC tumors and analyzed 58,069 single cells.

Results

The PSM analysis indicated FGFR3-mutated patients had worse overall survival (OS) in comparison to FGFR3-wildtype patients (HR=2.11, 95% CI=(1.16 to 3.85), p=0.015) receiving atezolizumab. The median OS was 9.2 months (FGFR3-mutated) versus 21.0 months (FGFR3-wildtype). FGFR3-mutated patients had lower disease control rate than FGFR3-wildtype patients (41.0% vs 66.7%, p=0.023). The meta-analysis involving 938 patients with metastatic UC confirmed FGFR3 mutation was associated with worse OS after ICB (HR=1.28, 95% CI=(1.04 to 1.59), p=0.02). Single-cell RNA transcriptome analysis identified FGFR3-mutated UC carried a stronger immunosuppressive microenvironment compared with FGFR3-wildtype UC. FGFR3-mutated UC exhibited less immune infiltration, and lower T-cell cytotoxicity. Higher TREM2+ macrophage abundance in FGFR3-mutated UC can undermine and suppress the T cells, potentially contributing to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Lower inflammatory-cancer-associated fibroblasts in FGFR3-mutated UC recruited less chemokines in antitumor immunity but expressed growth factors to promote FGFR3-mutated malignant cell development. FGFR3-mutated UC carried abundance of malignant cells characterized by high hypoxia/metabolism and low interferon response phenotype.

Conclusions

FGFR3 mutation can attenuate prognosis and response to ICB in patients with metastatic UC. FGFR3-mutated UC carries a stronger immunosuppressive microenvironment in comparison with FGFR3-wildtype UC. Inhibition of FGFR3 might activate the immune microenvironment, and the combination of FGFR inhibitor targeted therapy and ICB might be a promising therapeutic regimen in metastatic UC, providing important implications for UC clinical management.