bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Bioassay of Microgram to Subnanogram Quantities of Glucose
Authors: Nishigaki K. , Yamada T. , Watanabe T. , Husimi Y. , Tanaka T.
Published: October 2023

A simple and highly sensitive bioassay for the measurement of glucose is described. The method is based on the fact that the yields of cultured bacteria depend on the amount of glucose input, which is a limiting factor in Davis minimal medium. The number of cells cultured under fixed conditions was shown to be dependent on the amount of glucose in the culture medium. Therefore, the concentration of glucose can be measured by counting the cell number after culturing the bacteria. With Davis medium depleted of sodium citrate, we used this method to detect a subnanogram level of glucose, although with the accuracy of order of magnitude estimation. In the microgram per milliliter range of glucose, the cell number can be measured optically, with proliferation being proportional to the input glucose. The high selectivity for glucose of this method is based on the preferential usage of glucose as a carbon and energy source by the bacteria adopted. The feasibility of applying this method to other substances is discussed.
Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of tissue revascularization following connective tissue graft at implant sites
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Kripfgans Oliver D. , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Vera Rodriguez Maria , Sabri Hamoun , Mancini Leonardo , Wang Hom‐Lay , Giannobile William V. , Barootchi Shayan
Published: October 2023

Aim

To assess the Doppler ultrasonographic tissue perfusion at dental implant sites augmented with connective tissue graft (CTG) using coronally advanced flap (CAF) or tunnel technique (TUN).

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐eight patients presenting with isolated healthy peri‐implant soft‐tissue dehiscence (PSTD) were included in this randomized clinical trial. PSTDs were treated with either CAF + CTG or TUN + CTG. Ultrasound scans were taken at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months. Tissue perfusion at the mid‐facial, mesial and distal aspects of the implant sites was assessed by colour Doppler velocity (CDV) and power Doppler imaging (PDI). Early vascularization of the graft and the flap at 1 week and at 1 month were evaluated via dynamic tissue perfusion measurements (DTPMs), including flow intensity (FI), mean perfusion relief intensity (pRI) and mean perfused area (pA).

Results

Regression analysis did not reveal significant differences in terms of mid‐facial CDV and PDI changes between CAF and TUN over 12 months (p > .05), while significant differences between the two groups were observed at the interproximal areas (p < .001 for both CDV and PDI changes). Higher early DTPMs were observed at the TUN‐treated sites in terms of mean FI of the graft (p = .027) and mean FI (p = .024) and pRI of the flap (p = .031) compared with CAF‐treated sites at 1 week. Assessment of the FI direction showed that CTG perfusion at 1 week and at 1 month mainly occurred from the flap towards the implant/bone. Early tissue perfusion outcomes were found to be associated with the 12‐month mean PSTD coverage and mucosal thickness gain.

Conclusions

Doppler ultrasonography shows tissue perfusion changes occurring at implant sites augmented with CTG. The main differences in tissue perfusion between CAF and TUN were observed at the interproximal sites, with early perfusion associated with clinical and volumetric outcomes at 12 months.
Practitioner Review: Effectiveness and mechanisms of change in participatory arts‐based programmes for promoting youth mental health and well‐being – a systematic review
Authors: Williams Emma , Glew Sarah , Newman Hannah , Kapka Agneiska , Shaughnessy Nicola , Herbert Ruth , Walduck Jackie , Foster Annette , Cooke Paul , Pethybridge Ruth , Shaughnessy Caitlin , Hugh‐Jones Siobhan
Published: October 2023

Background

Participatory arts‐based (PAB) programmes refer to a diverse range of community programmes involving active engagement in the creation process that appear helpful to several aspects of children's and young people's (CYP) mental health and well‐being. This mixed‐methods systematic review synthesises evidence relating to the effectiveness and mechanisms of change in PAB programmes for youth.

Method

Studies were identified following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses approach. Eleven electronic databases were searched for studies of PAB programmes conducted with CYP (aged 4–25 years), which reported mental health and well‐being effectiveness outcomes and/or mechanisms of change. A mixed‐methods appraisal tool assessed study quality. A narrative synthesis was conducted of effectiveness and challenges in capturing this. Findings relating to reported mechanisms of change were integrated via a metasummary.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included. Evidence of effectiveness from quantitative studies was limited by methodological issues. The metasummary identified mechanisms of change resonant with those proposed in talking therapies. Additionally, PAB programmes appear beneficial to CYP by fostering a therapeutic space characterised by subverting restrictive social rules, communitas that is not perceived as coercive, and inviting play and embodied understanding.

Conclusions

There is good evidence that there are therapeutic processes in PAB programmes. There is a need for more transdisciplinary work to increase understanding of context–mechanism–outcome pathways, including the role played by different art stimuli and practices. Going forward, transdisciplinary teams are needed to quantify short‐ and long‐term mental health and well‐being outcomes and to investigate optimal programme durations in relation to population and need. Such teams would also be best placed to work on resolving inter‐disciplinary methodological tensions.
Chroma‐dependence of CIEDE2000 acceptability thresholds for dentistry
Authors: Tejada‐Casado Maria , Pérez María M. , Della Bona Alvaro , Lübbe Henning , Ghinea Razvan , Herrera Luis Javier
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Determine visual 50:50% color difference acceptability thresholds (AT) for regions of the dental color space with varying chromaticity.

Methods

A 40‐observer panel belonging to two different groups (dentists and laypersons) evaluated 144 dental resin composites pairs (divided in three different sets of 48 pairs according to chroma value: Low Chroma (LC), Medium Chroma (MC) and High Chroma (HC) placed 40 cm away and inside of a viewing cabinet (D65 Standard light source; diffuse/0° geometry). A Takagi–Sugeno–Kang (TSK) fuzzy approximation was used for fitting the data points and calculate the 50:50% acceptability thresholds in CIEDE2000. A paired t‐test was used to evaluate the statistical significance between thresholds differences and Bonferroni correction was applied.

Results

The CIEDE2000 50:50% AT were ∆E00 = 2.84, ∆E00 = 2.31 and ∆E00 = 1.80 for LC, MC and HC sets of sample pairs, respectively. The 50:50% AT values were statistically significant between the different sets of sample pairs, as well as the 50:50% AT values obtained for different observer groups.

Conclusions

50:50% CIEDE2000 acceptability thresholds for dentistry are significantly different depending on the chromaticity of the samples. Observers show higher acceptability for more achromatic samples (low chroma value) than for more chromatic samples.

Clinical Significance

The difference in the AT for distinct regions of the dental color space can assist professionals as a quality control tool to assess clinical performance and interpret visual and instrumental findings in clinical dentistry, dental research, and subsequent standardization processes.
Human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis and care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are publicly insured
Authors: James T. G. , Argenyi M. S. , Gravino A. , Benevides T. W.
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, HIV diagnosis and receipt of HIV care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) who are publicly insured in the USA.

Design

This study is a cross‐sectional analysis of Medicare–Medicaid linked data of adults with IDD who were publicly insured in 2012 (n = 878 186).

Methods

We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios of HIV testing, diagnosis and receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We also identified the relationship between predisposing (age, gender, race and ethnicity), enabling (Medicare, Medicaid or both; rural status; geographical location; and county income) and need‐related characteristics (IDD diagnosis and other co‐occurring conditions) associated with these outcomes.

Results

Only 0.12% of adults with IDD who had no known HIV diagnosis had received an HIV test in the past year. The prevalence of HIV diagnosis among adults with IDD was 0.38%, although differences by type of IDD diagnosis were observed. Prevalence of HIV diagnosis differed by type of IDD. Among adults with IDD who were living with HIV, approximately 71% had received ART during 2012. The adjusted analyses indicate significant racial disparities, with Black adults with IDD making up the majority (59.11%) of the HIV‐positive IDD adult population.

Conclusions

Adults with IDD are a unique priority population at risk for HIV‐related disparities, and the level of risk is differential among subtypes of IDD. People with IDD, like other people with disabilities, should be considered in prevention programming and treatment guidelines to address disparities across the HIV care continuum.
Bilirubin impacts microglial autophagy via the Akt–mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Li Ling , Li Siyu , Pan Zhifan , Zhang Yan , Hua Ziyu
Published: October 2023

Bilirubin encephalopathy is a severe complication of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. With elevation of serum unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) levels, UCB crosses the blood–brain barrier and possibly leads to neurological dysfunction. Neuroinflammation is recognized as a prominent pathological feature in bilirubin encephalopathy. Recent studies have suggested that autophagy plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response. However, the potential effect of microglial autophagy in the pathogenesis of bilirubin encephalopathy remains uncertain. The in vitro findings verified that in primary cultured microglia, UCB significantly reduced the ratio of LC3B‐II to LC3B‐I and downregulated the expression of ATG5, Beclin‐1, and ATG7, while increasing the expression of p62/SQSTM1. The results showed that UCB could decrease the number of mCherry‐EGFP‐LC3 positive puncta, even when chloroquine (CQ) was applied to block the microglial autophagy flux. Mechanistically, UCB was found to upregulate the expression of TLR4 and increase the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Promoting microglial autophagy by treatment with Rapamycin (RAPA), an mTOR inhibitor, decreased the levels of NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components and IL‐1β, rescued microglial overactivation, and improved neurological functions. These data indicated that UCB could impact microglial autophagy via the Akt–mTOR signaling pathway and synergistically promote neuroinflammatory responses. Enhancing autophagy might disrupt the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome, attenuate UCB‐induced neuroinflammation, and improve the prognosis of model rats with bilirubin encephalopathy. In conclusion, this study implies that regulating microglial autophagy might be a promising therapeutic strategy for bilirubin encephalopathy.

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Counter‐hegemonic sport: Constructing alternative sports narratives in Indian cinema
Authors: Jha Sonal
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the Indian sports film as a category that gains popularity after the economic reforms of the 1990s. Influenced by the Hollywood sports film and global neoliberal ideals, these films incorporate local ideological influences and contribute to the prevailing discourse about sport in India. While mainstream films convey dominant values associated with sport, there are films which challenge these notions. This study examines two such films, Mukkabaaz (2017) and Sudani from Nigeria (2018), which carry subversive potential against hegemonic conceptions of individual, community, nation and merit, and offer an alternate understanding of sport and its role in society.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasal and intramuscular administration of naloxone in working dogs administered fentanyl
Authors: Barr Ciara A. , Haughan Joanne , Gianotti Giacomo , Varner Kelley , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Stefanovski Darko , Robinson Mary , Pennington Mark , McGuire Amanda , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Working dogs exposed to narcotics might require reversal in the field.

Objective

To explore the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of naloxone administered intramuscularly (IM) or intranasally (IN) to reverse fentanyl sedation in working dogs.

Animals

Ten healthy, working dogs aged 1.7 ± 1 year and weighing 26 ± 3 kg.

Methods

In this randomized, controlled cross‐over study dogs received either 4 mg of naloxone IN or IM 10 minutes after fentanyl (0.3 mg IV) administration. Sedation was assessed at baseline and 5 minutes after fentanyl administration, then at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after reversal with naloxone. Blood samples for naloxone detection were obtained at 0, 5, 10, 30, 60 and 120 minutes. Pharmacokinetic parameters and sedation scores were compared between IM and IN naloxone groups.

Results

There was a significant increase in sedation score from baseline (0.25 [−4 to 1] IM; 0 [−2 to 1] IN) after fentanyl administration (11 [5‐12] IM; 9.25 [4‐11] IN), followed by a significant reduction at 5 (0.5 [−0.5 to 1.5] IM; 1.25 [−1.5 to 4.5] IN) through 120 minutes (−0.5 [−2 to 1] IM; 0 [−4.5 to 1] IN) after reversal with naloxone. Route of administration had no significant effect on sedation score. Maximum plasma concentration was significantly lower after IN administration (11.7 [2.8‐18.8] ng/mL IN, 36.7 [22.1‐56.4] ng/mL IM, P < .001) but time to reach maximum plasma concentration was not significantly different from IM administration.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Although IM administration resulted in higher naloxone plasma concentrations compared to IN, reversal of sedation was achieved via both routes after administration of therapeutic doses of fentanyl.
Volume electron microscopy reconstruction uncovers a physical barrier that limits virus to phloem
Authors: Lv Mingfang , Dai Yuanxing , Xie Li , Guo Jiansheng , Liao Zhenfeng , Shang Weina , Zhao Xiaohuan , Hong Jian , Zhang Heng‐Mu
Published: October 2023

Most plant reoviruses are phloem‐limited, but the mechanism has remained unknown for more than half a century. Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (Fijivirus, Reoviridae) causes phloem‐derived tumors, where its virions, genomes, and proteins accumulate, and it was used as a model to explore how its host plant limits the virus within its phloem.

High‐throughput volume electron microscopy revealed that only sieve plate pores and flexible gateways rather than plasmodesmata had a sufficiently large size exclusion limit (SEL) to accommodate virions and potentially serve as pathways of virion movement.

The large SEL gateways were enriched within the proliferated sieve element (SE) layers of tumors. The lack of such connections out of the SE‐enriched regions of tumors defined a size‐dependent physical barrier to high flux transportation of virions.

A working model is proposed to demonstrate the mechanism underlying limitation of virus within phloem.
Estimating leaf day respiration from conventional gas exchange measurements
Authors: Yin Xinyou , Amthor Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2023

Leaf day respiration (Rd) strongly influences carbon‐use efficiencies of whole plants and the global terrestrial biosphere. It has long been thought that Rd is slower than respiration in the dark at a given temperature, but measuring Rd by gas exchange remains a challenge because leaves in the light are also photosynthesizing. The Kok method and the Laisk method are widely used to estimate Rd. We highlight theoretical limitations of these popular methods, and recent progress toward their improvement by using additional information from chlorophyll fluorescence and by accounting for the photosynthetic reassimilation of respired CO2. The latest evidence for daytime CO2 and energy release from the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in chloroplasts appears to be important to understanding Rd.
Intersections of teacher noticing and culturally sustaining pedagogy:Aconceptual framework to inform the design of teacher learning
Authors: Luna Melissa J. , Bernstein Malayna , Walkoe Janet D. K.
Published: October 2023

Teacher noticing scholars are just beginning to explore how to support noticing that is responsive to students' cultural resources. The theoretical basis of the teacher noticing literature affords scholars a range of paths for understanding student resources, only some of which are described in the literature. In this article, we offer a conceptual model showing how the theoretical roots related to teacher noticing and responsive teaching (N/RT) are closely aligned with theories foundational to culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP). We then offer an illustration of teachers participating in a video club specifically designed to support noticing students' disciplinary thinking in science—and show how the teachers' talk positioned them to see the cultural foundations of student learning, a perspective that lays the groundwork for teachers to teach in culturally sustaining ways. With an eye to developing future designs of video clubs that highlight disciplinary thinking in both mathematics and science alongside cultural resources—and the intersections therein—in this article, we begin the foundational work of better understanding the theoretical connections across both cultural and disciplinary ways of seeing, knowing, and responding.
Iron supplementation: A qualitative study on the perception of blood donors, blood collection staff and donor physicians
Authors: Karregat Jan H. M. , Blokhuis Dayna , Quee Franke A. , van den Hurk Katja
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Iron supplementation is an effective strategy to mitigate donation‐induced iron deficiency in blood donors. However, evidence on the perception of individuals involved in blood donation on iron supplementation as a blood service policy is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of whole blood donors (donors), blood collection staff (collection staff) and donor physicians (physicians) regarding donation‐induced iron loss and iron supplementation.

Materials and Methods

Online focus group discussions had four to six participants and followed a structured questioning approach. All participants had to be fluent in Dutch to participate, and donors had donated at least five times. Sixteen donors, eight collection staff members and four physicians participated in this study. Recordings were transcribed, coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Awareness of donation‐induced iron loss was limited in donors. Donors and physicians were predominantly positive towards iron supplementation; the primary motivator for donors was to prevent deferral and reduce iron‐deficiency‐related symptoms. Improving donor health was the main argument for physicians to advocate iron supplementation. Staff had a critical view on iron supplementation as a policy, as they perceived it as unethical and possibly ineffective. A knowledge gap might underlie their concerns.

Conclusion

Most individuals involved in blood donation are positive towards iron supplementation as a blood service policy. If implemented, guidance and monitoring is desired and adequate education of all stakeholders is required.
ANOMALY DETECTION IN THE TEMPERATURE OF AN AC MOTOR USING EMBEDDED MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: Ibrahim Ismail Ezzeldin Ayman , Ahmad Mohd. Ridzuan
Published: October 2023

The integration of machine learning solutions is becoming more prominent in the industry. In industrial maintenance, new approaches categorized under predictive maintenance primarily use machine learning to identify patterns that could lead to machine failures. However, in most cases, implementing a machine learning approach is very expensive regarding resources and experienced personnel. Therefore, this approach is usually more costly in some machines than replacing these faulty machines instead. This paper proposes a low-cost machine-learning approach to detect anomalies in a rotary machine by monitoring its casing temperature using EdgeImpulse to Train the model and a Raspberry Pico as the microcontroller. The project is divided into two phases. Data is collected to be used to train and test the model. The model is then deployed to the microcontroller and is connected to a sensor attached to the motor. The model developed showed promising results with an accuracy of 91% and a ƒ1 score of 0.91.
UTILIZATION OF MARBLE-CEMENT POWDER MODIFIED WITH GRAPHITE CARBON PARTICLES ON CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION FOR BUILDINGS IN SEASIDE AREAS
Authors: Syarif Muhammad , Yusri Andi , Bachtiar Erniati
Published: October 2023

This research aims to utilize marble industrial waste which is not utilized optimally and reduce air pollution as a result of cement production in cement industrial factories which produce a lot of CO2 emissions. The results of this research indicate that the use of 25 % Graphite Carbon Marble Particle Powder, to replace 25 % of the cement volume in making concrete with quality plans K-250 or fc’ 20,75 MPa. The results obtained are higher concrete quality than the quality of each concrete planned for the DCT type = 22,39 MPa > 20,75 MPa, DCL type = 22,76 MPa > 20,75 MPa, WCT type = 22,14 MPa > 20,75 MPa and WCL type = 22,89 MPa > 20,75 MPa. The compressive strength testing process is caried out based on ASTM C 39/C 39M – 05. Meanwhile for workability based on the results of the slump test, a slump value of 12 cm is obtained with the testing process referring to SNI 1972:2008 and ASTM C143/C143M-12.
ENHANCING CONCRETE PERFORMANCE BY UTILIZING CRUSHED GLASS AND WASTE BOTTLE PLASTIC FIBERS FOR IMPROVED STRENGTH AND FLEXURAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Firoozi Ali Akbar , Firoozi Ali Asghar , Oyejobi Damilola
Published: October 2023

This research investigates the potential of using crushed glass and waste bottle plastic fibers as sustainable additives to enhance the performance of concrete in terms of strength and flexural properties. The study involves incorporating varying percentages of crushed glass (CG) and waste bottle plastic fibers (PE) fibers into concrete mixtures and assessing the changes in compressive and flexural strength across different curing periods, namely 7, 28, 56, and 90 days. The results reveal that the optimal combination for improved performance is 15% CG and 10% PE fibers, as it consistently demonstrates the highest percentage improvement in both compressive and flexural strength across all curing periods. The findings of this study have significant implications for sustainable construction practices, as incorporating crushed glass and waste bottle plastic fibers in concrete mixtures not only improves the material's performance but also promotes recycling and repurposing waste materials. Furthermore, the use of these recycled materials could lead to cost savings, reduced material volume, lower labor costs, and improved abrasion resistance in construction projects.
CFD ANALYSIS OF EROSION RATE IN OIL AND GAS PIPELINE INDUSTRY
Authors: Ali Othman Nur Tantiyani , Adi Putra Zulfan , Zainal Abidin Shahrul Azman , M Ali Fadzrul Izwan
Published: October 2023

Generally, crude oil has been transported via pipelines. But sand particles normally will be deposited on the bottom of pipeline due to the unsteady flow which it can lead to flow concern and erosion deformation of the pipe wall if not well treated. As well, this issue can cause the pipe destruction and burden the maintenance cost if not prevented in the early stage.  Thus, this study was simulated to observe and predict the erosion rate at various parameter conditions with presence of solid particles in pipeline surface via COMSOL© Multiphysics 5.4 software. The model of k-ω turbulent and particle tracing were applied where several different potential impacting factors on the formation of erosion were investigated including fluids flow velocity, sand particle size, sand flow rates, pipe orientation and pipe diameter. The result simulation showed the area around the bend pipe had high predictions of erosion deformation where the maximum erosion rate of 732 mg/m2s was observed for 2-inch pipe diameter and 100mm particle size. Besides, it shows the erosion rate increased as the higher mass flow rate and fluid velocity. By applying these erosion models, it could be possible to foresee the maximum point of erosion deformation along the pipelines which can reduce maintenance cost and prevent flow assurance issues.
Apéry extensions
Authors: Golyshev Vasily , Kerr Matt , Sasaki Tokio
Published: October 2023

The Apéry numbers of Fano varieties are asymptotic invariants of their quantum differential equations. In this paper, we initiate a program to exhibit these invariants as (mirror to) limiting extension classes of higher cycles on the associated Landau–Ginzburg (LG) models — and thus, in particular, as periods. We also construct an Apéry motive, whose mixed Hodge structure is shown, as an application of the decomposition theorem, to contain the limiting extension classes in question. Using a new technical result on the inhomogeneous Picard–Fuchs equations satisfied by higher normal functions, we illustrate this proposal with detailed calculations for LG‐models mirror to several Fano threefolds. By describing the “elementary” Apéry numbers in terms of regulators of higher cycles (i.e., algebraic ‐theory/motivic cohomology classes), we obtain a satisfying explanation of their arithmetic properties. Indeed, in each case, the LG‐models are modular families of surfaces, and the distinction between multiples of and (or ) translates ultimately into one between algebraic and of the family.
Lithium Battery Thermal Management Based on Lightweight Stepped-Channel Liquid Cooling
Authors: Zhou Long , Li Shengnan , Jain Ankur , Chen Guoqiang , Guo Desui , Kang Jincan , Zhao Yong
Published: October 2023

This study proposes a stepped-channel liquid-cooled battery thermal management system based on lightweight. The impact of channel width, cell-to-cell lateral spacing, contact height, and contact angle on the effectiveness of the thermal control system (TCS) is investigated using numerical simulation. The weight sensitivity factor is adopted to evaluate the effect of TCS weight (mTCS) on the maximum temperature (Tmax) of battery pack. Results suggest that the channel width plays the most critical role, followed by cell-to-cell lateral spacing and contact angle, while the contact height has minimal influence. Four parameters that affect the thermal balance performance of battery pack, including the number of channels, and baffles, baffle angle, and coolant inlet velocity, are presented using orthogonal experiment. Results indicate that the number of channels and baffle angle have a significant influence on the thermal balance of battery pack, while thermal performance is largely insensitive to coolant inlet velocity and the number of baffles. Based on the analysis stated in this work, an improved design of the TCS is presented that reduces weight by 54.08% while increasing Tmax only by 2.52 K.
Experimental Analysis of a Solar Air Heater Featuring Multiple Spiral-Shaped Semi-Conical Ribs
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Kumar Rajeev , Pandey Arun Kumar , Thakur Deep Singh
Published: October 2023

To improve the thermal and hydraulic performance of artificially roughened solar air heaters (SAHs), the current study analyzes the thermal-hydraulic performance or thermal enhancement factor of artificially roughened solar air heaters. In present experimental research on a solar air heater's absorber plate, newly designed spiral-shaped semi-conical ribs have been explored. The spiral-shaped semi-conical ribs have been designed with the aim of reducing the pressure drop across the rib so that thermal performance may be improved with a little increase in pressure drop after integrating the ribs into the SAH mainstream flow. The higher value of thermal-hydraulic performance indicates an increased heat transfer rate with a minimum increase in pumping power. In order to achieve the highest possible thermal enhancement factor, this experimental study intends to analyze the effects of different geometrical parameters on the heat transmission and friction behavior of numerous spiral-shaped semi-conical ribs. Multiple experiments were conducted using different levels of roughness heights to optimize the rib profile parameters. The Reynolds number (Re) ranges from 3358.65 to 18,095.59, the relative roughness height (e/Dh) 0.09 to 0.227, and relative roughness pitch (P/e) 3.7 to 5.5. These multiple spiral-shaped semi-conical ribs give the maximum thermal enhancement factor of 2.85 at (e/Dh) 0.182 and P/e of 4.1 at Reynolds number 18,095.59. It has been found that current rib geometry can increase the thermal performance of solar air heaters with minimum increased pumping power with reference to rib explored by earlier researchers.
Active Control of Contact Force for a Quasi-Translational Flexible-Link Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Pan Hao , Tang Shujie , Chen Genliang , Wang Hao
Published: October 2023

For practical applications of interactive manipulation, active contact control is one of the fundamental functions that flexible-link parallel mechanisms (FLPMs) should be equipped with. In this paper, a force control approach is proposed for FLPMs to make active adjustment toward their payload, which cannot be directly achieved by their intrinsic passive compliance. To begin with, at a starting configuration the Jacobian matrix is accurately calculated with the finite difference method, while at non-starting configurations it is deduced with an increment-based approach. The compliance model is derived through mapping from the joint stiffness within each elastic rod. On this basis, the differential relation among pose, payload, and actuation variables is constructed to form the control logic, whose correctness and feasibility are then verified with simulations. Finally, interaction experiments under fixed environment and cooperative motion are carried out, and the results demonstrate that force control for a quasi-translational FLPM can be accomplished with enough pose accuracy.
Kinematic Performance Analysis and Dimensional Optimization of New Symmetric Parallel Mechanism 6RPS With Multi-Redundant Actuations
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Wan Bo , Liu Yu , Chen Ran , Yao Jiantao , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: October 2023

A novel symmetric parallel mechanism 6RPS with multi-redundant actuations is proposed in this paper, which possesses two rotational and one translational degrees-of-freedom. Motion and constraint screw systems of this mechanism are established and then character of the freedom is analyzed. Transmission performance indexes are established, and dimension optimization is operated by considering the distribution of transmission performance. Whole high-performance workspace and performance distribution are analyzed with optimal dimension. Motion interference condition of the mechanism is studied, and accessible posture spaces are analyzed by combining joint space restriction. A comprehensive performance comparison with a counterpart configuration is exhibited. Research results of this paper are of reference significance for both the research of parallel mechanism with two rotational and one translational degrees-of-freedom, and the application of mechanism 6RPS.
Tunable hydrogel viscoelasticity modulates human neural maturation
Authors: Roth Julien G. , Huang Michelle S. , Navarro Renato S. , Akram Jason T. , LeSavage Bauer L. , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: October 2023

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have emerged as a promising in vitro model system for studying neurodevelopment. However, current models remain limited in their ability to incorporate tunable biomechanical signaling cues imparted by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The native brain ECM is viscoelastic and stress-relaxing, exhibiting a time-dependent response to an applied force. To recapitulate the remodelability of the neural ECM, we developed a family of protein-engineered hydrogels that exhibit tunable stress relaxation rates. hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) encapsulated within these gels underwent relaxation rate-dependent maturation. Specifically, NPCs within hydrogels with faster stress relaxation rates extended longer, more complex neuritic projections, exhibited decreased metabolic activity, and expressed higher levels of genes associated with neural maturation. By inhibiting actin polymerization, we observed decreased neuritic projections and a concomitant decrease in neural maturation gene expression. Together, these results suggest that microenvironmental viscoelasticity is sufficient to bias human NPC maturation.
Artificial gauge fields in the
t
-
z
mapping for optical pulses: Spatiotemporal wave packet control and quantum Hall physics
Authors: Oliver Christopher , Mukherjee Sebabrata , Rechstman Mikael C. , Carusotto Iacopo , Price Hannah M.
Published: October 2023

We extend the
t-z
mapping of time-dependent paraxial optics by engineering a synthetic magnetic vector potential, leading to a nontrivial band topology. We consider an inhomogeneous 1D array of coupled optical waveguides and show that the wave equation describing paraxial propagation of optical pulses can be recast as a Schrödinger equation, including a synthetic magnetic field whose strength can be controlled via the spatial gradient of the waveguide properties across the array. We use an experimentally motivated model of a laser-written array to demonstrate that this synthetic magnetic field can be engineered in realistic setups and can produce interesting physics such as cyclotron motion, a controllable Hall drift of the pulse in space or time, and propagation in chiral edge states. These results substantially extend the physics that can be explored within propagating geometries and pave the way for higher-dimensional topological physics and strongly correlated fluids of light.
Long 3′UTRs predispose neurons to inflammation by promoting immunostimulatory double-stranded RNA formation
Authors: Dorrity Tyler J. , Shin Heegwon , Wiegand Kenenni A. , Aruda Justin , Closser Michael , Jung Emily , Gertie Jake A. , Leone Amanda , Polfer Rachel , Culbertson Bruce , Yu Lisa , Wu Christine , Ito Takamasa , Huang Yuefeng , Steckelberg Anna-Lena , Wichterle Hynek , Chung Hachung
Published: October 2023

Loss of RNA homeostasis underlies numerous neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger neuroinflammation are poorly understood. Viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers innate immune responses when sensed by host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) present in all cell types. Here, we report that human neurons intrinsically carry exceptionally high levels of immunostimulatory dsRNAs and identify long 3′UTRs as giving rise to neuronal dsRNA structures. We found that the neuron-enriched ELAVL family of genes (
ELAVL2
,
ELAVL3
, and
ELAVL4
) can increase (i) 3′UTR length, (ii) dsRNA load, and (iii) activation of dsRNA-sensing PRRs such as MDA5, PKR, and TLR3. In wild-type neurons, neuronal dsRNAs signaled through PRRs to induce tonic production of the antiviral type I interferon. Depleting
ELAVL2
in WT neurons led to global shortening of 3′UTR length, reduced immunostimulatory dsRNA levels, and rendered WT neurons susceptible to herpes simplex virus and Zika virus infection. Neurons deficient in ADAR1, a dsRNA-editing enzyme mutated in the neuroinflammatory disorder Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, exhibited intolerably high levels of dsRNA that triggered PRR-mediated toxic inflammation and neuronal death. Depleting
ELAVL2
in ADAR1 knockout neurons led to prolonged neuron survival by reducing immunostimulatory dsRNA levels. In summary, neurons are specialized cells where PRRs constantly sense “self” dsRNAs to preemptively induce protective antiviral immunity, but maintaining RNA homeostasis is paramount to prevent pathological neuroinflammation.
BCL6 promotes a stem-like CD8
+
T cell program in cancer via antagonizing BLIMP1
Authors: Sun Qinli , Cai Dongli , Liu Dingfeng , Zhao Xiaohong , Li Ruifeng , Xu Wei , Xie Bowen , Gou Mengting , Wei Kun , Li Yuling , Huang Jinling , Chi Xinxin , Wei Peng , Hao Jing , Guo Xinyi , Pan Birui , Fu Yujie , Ni Ling , Dong Chen
Published: October 2023

Overcoming CD8
+
T cell exhaustion is critical in cancer immunotherapy. Recently, an intratumor stem/progenitor-like CD8
+
T cell (T
prog
cell) population that mediates the persistence of antitumor responses has been defined, which can further develop into a terminally differentiated CD8
+
T cell (T
term
cell) subpopulation with potent cytotoxic functions. T
prog
cells are the main responders to immune checkpoint blockade therapies, yet how extrinsic signals via transcription factors control T
prog
cell generation and persistence in tumors is unclear. Here, we found that BCL6 inhibits tumor-specific T
term
cell generation from T
prog
cell downstream of TCF1. We show that
Bcl6
deficiency reduced the persistence of T
prog
cells, without affecting their generation, thus abrogating long-term tumor control. High-level BCL6 expression was observed in tumor-specific T cells in draining lymph nodes (LNs) and was associated with T cell exhaustion. This was observed in TOX
+
TCF1
+
T
prog
cells in both LNs and tumors. BCL6 expression in CD8
+
T cells was up-regulated by TGF-β–SMAD2 signaling but down-regulated by the IL-2–STAT5 pathway. Mechanistically, BCL6 transcriptionally repressed the expression of T
term
cell–associated genes and induced those of T
prog
cell–related genes, in a manner antagonistic to BLIMP1.
Prdm1
deficiency also promoted the T
prog
cell program and greatly improved the efficacy of anti–PD-1 therapy. Thus, we identified the TGF-β–BCL6 and IL-2–BLIMP1 antagonistic pathways in regulation of antitumor CD8
+
T cells, which may benefit the development of long-lasting and effective cancer immunotherapy.
RavA‐ViaA antibiotic response is linked to Cpx and Zra2 envelope stress systems in
Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Krin Evelyne , Carvalho André , Lang Manon , Babosan Anamaria , Mazel Didier , Baharoglu Zeynep
Published: October 2023

RavA-ViaA were reported to play a role in aminoglycoside (AG) sensitivity, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we performed competition and survival experiments to confirm that deletion of
ravA-viaA
increases tolerance of the Gram-negative pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
to low and high AG concentrations during aerobic growth. Using high-throughput strategies in this species, we identify Cpx and Zra2 two-component systems as new partners of RavA-ViaA. We show that the AG tolerance of
∆ravvia
requires the presence of these membrane stress sensing two-component systems. We propose that deletion of the RavA-ViaA function facilitates the response AGs because of a pre-activated state of Cpx and Zra2 membrane stress response systems. We also find an impact of these genes on vancomycin resistance, and we show that simultaneous inactivation of
ravvia
function together with envelope stress response systems leads to outer membrane permeabilization. Vancomycin is mostly used for Gram-positive because of its low efficiency for crossing the Gram-negative outer membrane. Targeting of the
ravA-viaA
operon for inactivation could be a future strategy to allow uptake of vancomycin into multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

The RavA-ViaA complex was previously found to sensitize
Escherichia coli
to aminoglycosides (AGs) in anaerobic conditions, but the mechanism is unknown. AGs are antibiotics known for their high efficiency against Gram-negative bacteria. In order to elucidate how the expression of the
ravA-viaA
genes increases bacterial susceptibility to aminoglycosides, we aimed at identifying partner functions necessary for increased tolerance in the absence of RavA-ViaA, in
Vibrio cholerae
. We show that membrane stress response systems Cpx and Zra2 are required in the absence of RavA-ViaA, for the tolerance to AGs and for outer membrane integrity. In the absence of these systems, the
∆ravvia
strain’s membrane becomes permeable to external agents such as the antibiotic vancomycin.
The glycopatterns of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
as a potential biomarker for its carbapenem resistance
Authors: Dang Jing , Shu Jian , Wang Ruiying , Yu Hanjie , Chen Zhuo , Yan Wenbo , Zhao Bingxiang , Ding Li , Wang Yuzi , Hu Huizheng , Li Zheng
Published: October 2023

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections pose a significant challenge to effective treatment. Although carbapenems were once considered the primary therapeutic option for MDR
P. aeruginosa
, the clinical use of these antibiotics has become increasingly limited, and the exploration of alternative antimicrobial strategies remains necessary. Bacterial surface glycans are critical in response to antibiotics and represent an attractive therapeutic target. However, the understanding of the role of glycan structures in bacterial resistance is currently quite limited. In this study, we used lectin microarrays to analyze the differences in glycan alterations between 53 drug-sensitive
P. aeruginosa
(DSPA) strains and 57 carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
(CRPA) strains obtained from clinical isolates, with the goal of identifying important glycopatterns associated with carbapenem resistance. The results revealed significant differences in the expression levels of glycan structures [e.g., Fucα1–6GlcNAc, α-
d
-Man, and Fucα1–3(Galβ1–4)GlcNAc] recognized by 20 lectins (e.g., LCA, PSA, and AAL) on the bacterial surface. Furthermore, we applied
K
-fold cross-validation to determine the optimal parameters and constructed the DSPA and CRPA models using gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) algorithm. The GBDT model presented the best performance in an independent test cohort, demonstrating that the screened glycopatterns could serve as potential biomarkers for differentiating bacterial resistance. Our study is the first to apply lectin microarrays to monitor carbapenem resistance in clinical
P. aeruginosa
isolates, and we hope that the methodology used in this work will serve as an important tool for exploring the association of bacterial resistance with glycosylation mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial surface glycans are an attractive therapeutic target in response to antibiotics; however, current knowledge of the corresponding mechanisms is rather limited. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, genome sequencing, and MALDI-TOF MS, commonly used in recent years to analyze bacterial resistance, are unable to rapidly and efficiently establish associations between glycans and resistance. The discovery of new antimicrobial strategies still requires the introduction of promising analytical methods. In this study, we applied lectin microarray technology and a machine-learning model to screen for important glycan structures associated with carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
. This work highlights that specific glycopatterns can be important biomarkers associated with bacterial antibiotic resistance, which promises to provide a rapid entry point for exploring new resistance mechanisms in pathogens.
Investigating short-stay admission to a neonatal intensive care unit as a risk factor for reduced breast feeding at discharge in infants ≥36 weeks’ gestation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jones Rachel Ann , Elhindi James , Lowe Gemma , Henry Lynne , Maheshwari Rajesh , Culcer Mihaela Roxana , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Melov Sarah J
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aims to determine the effect of infant–mother separation following a short-stay (≤72 hours) admission to a Level 5 neonatal unit versus no admission on infant-feeding outcomes at hospital discharge.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An Australian Level 5 neonatal unit within a tertiary referral hospital.

Participants

Mothers and their infants born between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 had a short-stay admission to the neonatal unit or no admission. All participants met admission criteria to the postnatal ward and were discharged home at ≤72 hours (n=12 540). Postnatal ward admission criteria included ≥36 weeks’ gestation and birth weight ≥2.2 kg.

Main outcome measures

Infant feeding at discharge from hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for confounders associated with known breastfeeding issues. These included age, ethnicity, parity, obesity, socioeconomic score, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes, infant gestation and birthweight centile, caesarean section birth, postpartum haemorrhage and skin-to-skin contact.

Results

Of the 12 540 live births meeting inclusion criteria, 1000 (8%) infants were admitted to the neonatal unit. The primary reasons for admission were suspicion of sepsis (24%), maternal diabetes (19%) and jaundice (16%). We found a reduction in full breast feeding at hospital discharge in cases of a short admission to the neonatal unit compared with no admission (aOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.47; p<0.001). We identified that women of different ethnicities had differing levels of risk for formula supplementation at hospital discharge. The ethnic grouping least likely to be fully breast feeding at discharge was Southeast Asian women (aOR 0.47; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.57; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Identifying mother–infant dyads at risk of non-exclusive breast feeding at hospital discharge will help target resources for practice improvement.
Recent insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of chronic liver diseases
Authors: Wen Yankai , Ma Lichun , Ju Cynthia
Published: October 2023

Viral hepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the three major causes of chronic liver diseases, which account for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. The current direct-acting antiviral drugs and vaccinations have effectively reduced and ameliorated viral hepatitis infection, but there are still no effective drug treatments for ALD, NAFLD and liver cancer due to the poor understanding of their pathogenesis. To better understand the pathogenesis, the fifth Chinese American Liver Society/Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America Hepatology Division Annual Symposium, which was held virtually on 21–22 October 2022, focused on the topics related to ALD, NAFLD and liver cancer. Here, we briefly highlight the presentations that focus on the current progress in basic and translational research in ALD, NAFLD and liver cancer. The roles of non-coding RNA, autophagy, extrahepatic signalling, macrophages, etc in liver diseases are deliberated, and the application of single-cell RNA sequencing in the study of liver disease is also discussed.