bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-Carrier Cooperative Parking Robot: Design and Implementation
Authors: Su Pengfei , Tsehay Natnael Getasew , Wang Wei , Zhao Qixiang , Li Yangmin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Parking robots have been designed to alleviate parking stress in crowded areas. Existing models occupy large spaces and have limited adaptability to uneven ground. This article aims to enhance the performance of parking robots by proposing a leader–follower control-based two-carrier cooperative parking robot (CPR). In this system, two omnidirectional carriers operate on a tight cooperative transporting algorithm to achieve steady motion in their collaborative handling and transportation of the target car into the designated parking space. The novel CPR was designed, modeled, and implemented. The results indicate that the proposed CPR approached the targeted car and maintained a consistent position and heading angle in its cooperative parking operation at the speed of 0.6 m/s. The parking robot exhibited significant improvement in its adaptability to cars and uneven ground, and its compact configuration reduced its space occupation. Therefore, the proposed CPR has been proven robust for autonomous cooperative parking operations.
Anti-Windup Adaptive Look-Up Table Algorithms With Application to Data-Driven Engine Controls
Authors: Lochrie Gabrielle , Chen Weichen , Yoon Yongsoon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This technical brief presents anti-windup adaptation algorithms for a look-up table (LUT), widely used in data-driven engine control systems to accurately model complex features while minimizing computational demand. Engine control systems are prone to uncertain variations due to aging, faults, and manufacturing tolerances, which can impact performance and emissions unless effectively managed. Therefore, there is a growing demand for adaptive features in these systems to maintain robust performance and emissions over their lifespan. This study develops computationally efficient adaptive look-up table (ALUT) algorithms using anti-windup recursive parameter estimation and covariance matrix resetting, ensuring robust and rapid adaptation under various operating conditions. The effectiveness of these algorithms is demonstrated through adapting an engine-out nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentration map, which is crucial for tailpipe emission controls in compression-ignition (CI) engines.
Reduced-Order Model Parameterization for Uncertain LTI SISO Systems
Authors: Ansari Roghaiyeh , Leonessa Alexander , Abaid Nicole 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The primary goal of this paper is to develop a formal foundation to design an adaptive output feedback predictor for a class of unknown systems where parameters and order are unknown or high-dimensional. We present a reduced-order adaptive output-predictor scheme based on modal reduction and Lyapunov's method. Moreover, the credibility of the proposed reduced-order adaptive output-predictor scheme is validated by mathematical proof and numerical studies.
Nanoparticle delivery of Tat synergizes with classical latency reversal agents to express HIV antigen targets
Authors: Raines Samuel L. M. , Falcinelli Shane D. , Peterson Jackson J. , Van Gulck Ellen , Allard Brigitte , Kirchherr Jennifer , Vega Jerel , Najera Isabel , Boden Daniel , Archin Nancie M. , Margolis David M. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Limited cellular levels of the HIV transcriptional activator Tat are one contributor to proviral latency that might be targeted in HIV cure strategies. We recently demonstrated that lipid nanoparticles containing HIV
tat
mRNA induce HIV expression in primary CD4 T cells. Here, we sought to further characterize
tat
mRNA in the context of several benchmark latency reversal agents (LRAs), including inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonists (IAPi), bromodomain and extra-Terminal motif inhibitors (BETi), and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi).
tat
mRNA reversed latency across several different cell line models of HIV latency, an effect dependent on the TAR hairpin loop. Synergistic enhancement of
tat
mRNA activity was observed with IAPi, HDACi, and BETi, albeit to variable degrees. In primary CD4 T cells from durably suppressed people with HIV,
tat
mRNA profoundly increased the frequencies of elongated, multiply-spliced, and polyadenylated HIV transcripts, while having a lesser impact on TAR transcript frequencies.
tat
mRNAs alone resulted in variable HIV p24 protein induction across donors. However,
tat
mRNA in combination with IAPi, BETi, or HDACi markedly enhanced HIV RNA and protein expression without overt cytotoxicity or cellular activation. Notably, combination regimens approached or in some cases exceeded the latency reversal activity of maximal mitogenic T cell stimulation. Higher levels of
tat
mRNA-driven HIV p24 induction were observed in donors with larger mitogen-inducible HIV reservoirs, and expression increased with prolonged exposure time. Combination LRA strategies employing both small molecule inhibitors and Tat delivered to CD4 T cells are a promising approach to effectively target the HIV reservoir.
Using origami and Shrinky Dinks to create active learning activities to tackle two microbiology concepts: cell structure differences and operon regulation
Authors: Tripepi Manuela , Schapiro Hannah M. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

This paper presents two low-cost hands-on activities designed to enhance student understanding and address the pedagogical challenges faced by microbiology professors in teaching concepts related to cell structure and gene regulation. In the first activity, we used Shrinky Dinks and Jeopardy-style game questions to explore the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students have to collect pieces and physically build their cell models. The second activity uses origami organelles sets from Edvotek to illustrate the regulation of gene expression in the
lac
and
trp
operons, incorporating mutation scenarios for analysis. The intended audience comprises undergraduate students in microbiology, including biology, pre-medical studies, and health profession majors. The activities were deployed in three microbiology lectures, and students were surveyed. Students’ feedback highlights the efficacy of the hands-on approach and increased class participation, as two of the recurring words in the students’ survey were “helpful” and “fun.”
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 interacts with porcine coronavirus PHEV spikes and mediates host range expansion
Authors: Shi Junchao , Hu Shiyu , Wei Hanlu , Zhang Le , Lan Yungang , Guan Jiyu , Zhao Kui , Gao Feng , He Wenqi , Li Zi 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV), a neurotropic betacoronavirus, is prevalent in natural reservoir pigs and infects mice. This raises concerns about host jumping or spillover, but little is known about the cause of occurrence. Here, we revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a candidate binding target of PHEV spikes and works as a broad barrier to overcome. Investigations of the host breadth of PHEV confirmed that cells derived from pigs and mice are permissive to virus propagation. Both porcine DPP4 and murine DPP4 have high affinity for the viral spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), independent of their catalytic activity. Loss of DPP4 expression results in limited PHEV infection. Structurally, PHEV spike protein binds to the outer surface of blades IV and V of the DPP4 β-propeller domain, and the DPP4 residues N229 and N321 (relative to human DPP4 numbering) participate in RBD binding via its linked carbohydrate entities. Removal of these
N
-glycosylations profoundly enhanced the RBD-DPP4 interaction and viral invasion, suggesting they act as shielding in PHEV infection. Furthermore, we found that glycosylation, rather than structural differences or surface charges, is more responsible for DPP4 recognition and species barrier formation. Overall, our findings shed light on virus-receptor interactions and highlight that PHEV tolerance to DPP4 orthologs is a putative determinant of its cross-species transmission or host range expansion.

IMPORTANCE
PHEV is a neurotropic betacoronavirus that is circulating worldwide and has raised veterinary and economic concerns. In addition to being a reservoir species of pigs, PHEV can also infect wild-type mice, suggesting a “host jump” event. Understanding cross-species transmission is crucial for disease prevention and control but remains to be addressed. Herein, we show that the multifunctional receptor DPP4 plays a pivotal role in the host tropism of PHEV and identifies the conserved glycosylation sites in DPP4 responsible for this restriction. These findings highlight that the ability of PHEV to utilize DPP4 orthologs potentially affects its natural host expansion.
A full-length glycoprotein mRNA vaccine confers complete protection against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, with broad-spectrum protective effects against bandaviruses
Authors: Lu Jia , Liu Jun , Wu Yan , He Xiaoxue , Gao Xiao , Chen Xinlan , Chen Shaoyi , Zhu Xuerui , Peng Yucai , Xiao Gengfu , Pan Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Highly pathogenic viruses from family
Phenuiviridae
, which are mainly transmitted by arthropods, have intermittently sparked epidemics worldwide. In particular, tick-borne bandaviruses, such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), continue to spread in mountainous areas, resulting in an average mortality rate as high as 10.5%, highlighting the urgency and importance of vaccine development. Here, an mRNA vaccine developed based on the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein, containing both the receptor-binding domain and the fusion domain, was shown to confer complete protection against SFTSV at a very low dose by triggering a type 1 helper T cell-biased cellular immune response in rodents. Moreover, the vaccine candidate elicited long-term immunity and protection against SFTSV for at least 5 months. Notably, it provided complete cross-protection against other bandaviruses, such as the Heartland virus and Guertu virus, in lethal challenge models. Further research revealed that the conserved epitopes among bandaviruses within the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein may facilitate broad-spectrum protection mediated by the cellular immune response. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the full-length SFTSV glycoprotein mRNA vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate for SFTSV and other bandaviruses, and provide guidance for the development of broad-spectrum vaccines from conserved antigens and epitopes.

IMPORTANCE

Tick-borne bandaviruses, such as SFTSV and Heartland virus, sporadically trigger outbreaks in addition to influenza viruses and coronaviruses, yet there are no specific vaccines or therapeutics against them. mRNA vaccine technology has advantages in terms of enabling
in situ
expression and triggering cellular immunity, thus offering new solutions for vaccine development against intractable viruses, such as bandaviruses. In this study, we developed a novel vaccine candidate for SFTSV by employing mRNA vaccination technology and using a full-length glycoprotein as an antigen target. This candidate vaccine confers complete and durable protection against SFTSV at a notably low dose while also providing cross-protection against Heartland virus and Guertu virus. This study highlights the prospective value of full-length SFTSV-glycoprotein-based mRNA vaccines and suggests a potential strategy for broad-spectrum bandavirus vaccines.
Public participation in decisions about measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Munthe-Kaas Heather Menzies , Oxman Andrew D , von Lieres Bettina , Gloppen Siri , Ohren Arild 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and health authorities faced tough decisions about infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing, face masks and travel. Judgements underlying those decisions require democratic input, as well as expert input. The aim of this review is to inform decisions about how best to achieve public participation in decisions about public health and social interventions in the context of a pandemic or other public health emergencies.ObjectivesTo systematically review examples of public participation in decisions by governments and health authorities about how to control the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignWe searched Participedia and relevant databases in August 2022. Two authors reviewed titles and abstracts and one author screened publications promoted to full text. One author extracted data from included reports using a standard data-extraction form. A second author checked 10% of the extraction forms. We conducted a structured synthesis using framework analysis.ResultsWe included 24 reports (18 from Participedia). Most took place in high-income countries (n=23), involved ‘consulting’ the public (n=17) and involved public meetings (usually online). Two initiatives reported explicit support for critical thinking. 11 initiatives were formally evaluated (only three reported impacts). Many initiatives did not contribute to a decision, and 17 initiatives did not include any explicit decision-making criteria.ConclusionsDecisions about how to manage the COVID-19 pandemic affected nearly everyone. While public participation in those decisions had the potential to improve the quality of the judgements and decisions that were made, build trust, improve adherence and help ensure transparency and accountability, few examples of such initiatives have been reported and most of those have not been formally evaluated. Identified initiatives did point out potential good practices related to online engagement, crowdsourcing and addressing potential power imbalance. Future research should address improved reporting of initiatives, explicit decision-making criteria, support for critical thinking, engagement of marginalised groups and decision-makers and communication with the public.PROSPERO registration number358991.
Observational study protocol for an arrhythmia notification feature
Authors: Kumar Sanchit , Weinstein Jason , Melchinger Hannah Camille , Smith Abigail , Capodilupo Emily , Akar Joseph G , Garg Kanika , O’Connor Kyle D , Staunton Mary Kate , Martin Melissa , Akhlaghi Narjes , Edeh Oluoma , Perez Stephanie , Lee Victoria , Lee Kyoung A V , Wilson Francis P 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionScreening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population may help identify individuals at risk, enabling further assessment of risk factors and institution of appropriate treatment. Algorithms deployed on wearable technologies such as smartwatches and fitness bands may be trained to screen for such arrhythmias. However, their performance needs to be assessed for safety and accuracy prior to wide-scale implementation.Methods and analysisThis study will assess the ability of the WHOOP strap to detect AF using its WHOOP Arrhythmia Notification Feature (WARN) algorithm in an enriched cohort with a 2:1 distribution of previously diagnosed AF (persistent and paroxysmal) and healthy controls. Recruited participants will collect data for 7 days with the WHOOP wrist-strap and BioTel ePatch (electrocardiography gold-standard). Primary outcome will be participant level sensitivity and specificity of the WARN algorithm in detecting AF in analysable windows compared with the ECG gold-standard. Similar analyses will be performed on an available epoch-level basis as well as comparison of these findings in important subgroups.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the ethics board at the study site. Participants will be enrolled after signing an online informed consent document. Updates will be shared via clinicaltrials.gov. The data obtained from the conclusion of this study will be presented in national and international conferences with publication in clinical research journals.Trial registration numberNCT05809362.
E
xploratory study of using
M
agnetic resonance
P
rognostic
I
maging markers for
R
adiotherapy
I
n
C
ervix cancer (EMPIRIC): a prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Abdul-Latif Mohammed , Chowdhury Amani , Tharmalingam Hannah , Taylor N Jane , Lakhani Amish , Padhani Anwar , Hoskin Peter , Tsang Yatman 
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Radical chemoradiotherapy represents the gold standard for locally advanced cervical cancer. However, despite significant progress in improving local tumour control, distant relapse continues to impact overall survival. The development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers is consequently important to risk-stratify patients and identify populations at higher risk of poorer treatment response and survival outcomes. Exploratory study of using Magnetic resonance Prognostic Imaging markers for Radiotherapy In Cervix cancer (EMPIRIC) is a prospective exploratory cohort study, which aims to investigate the role of multiparametric functional MRI (fMRI) using diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and blood oxygen level-dependent imaging (BOLD) MRI to assess treatment response and predict outcomes in patients undergoing radical chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Methods and analysis
The study aims to recruit 40 patients across a single-centre over 2 years. Patients undergo multiparametric fMRI (DWI, DCE and BOLD-MRI) at three time points: before, during and at the completion of external beam radiotherapy. Tissue and liquid biopsies are collected at diagnosis and post-treatment to identify potential biomarker correlates against fMRI. The primary outcome is to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of quantitative parameters derived from fMRI as predictors of progression-free survival at 2 years following radical chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer. The secondary outcome is to investigate the roles of fMRI as predictors of overall survival at 2 years and tumour volume reduction across treatment. Statistical analyses using regression models and survival analyses are employed to evaluate the relationships between the derived parameters, treatment response and clinical outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination
The EMPIRIC study received ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) on 14 February 2022 (protocol number RD2021-29). Confidentiality and data protection measures are strictly adhered to throughout the study. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences, aiming to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of multiparametric MRI in cervical cancer management.

Trial registration number

NCT05532930
.
Opioid-free anaesthesia with dexmedetomidine and lidocaine versus remifentanil-based anaesthesia in cardiac surgery: study protocol of a French randomised, multicentre and single-blinded OFACS trial
Authors: Besnier Emmanuel , Moussa Mouhamed Djahoum , Thill Caroline , Vallin Florian , Donnadieu Nathalie , Ruault Sophie , Lorne Emmanuel , Scherrer Vincent , Lanoiselée Julien , Lefebvre Thomas , Sentenac Pierre , Abou-Arab Osama 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionIntraoperative opioids have been used for decades to reduce negative responses to nociception. However, opioids may have several, and sometimes serious, adverse effects. Cardiac surgery exposes patients to a high risk of postoperative complications, some of which are common to those caused by opioids: acute respiratory failure, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, postoperative ileus (POI) or death. An opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) strategy, based on the use of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine, may limit these adverse effects, but no randomised trials on this issue have been published in cardiac surgery.We hypothesised that OFA versus opioid-based anaesthesia (OBA) may reduce the incidence of major opioid-related complications after cardiac surgery.Methods and analysisMulticentre, randomised, parallel and single-blinded clinical trial in four cardiac surgical centres in France, including 268 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiac bypass, with or without aortic valve replacement. Patients will be randomised to either a control OBA protocol using remifentanil or an OFA protocol using dexmedetomidine/lidocaine. The primary composite endpoint is the occurrence of at least one of the following: (1) postoperative cognitive disorder evaluated by the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit test, (2) POI, (3) acute respiratory distress or (4) death within the first 48 postoperative hours. Secondary endpoints are postoperative pain, morphine consumption, nausea–vomiting, shock, acute kidney injury, atrioventricular block, pneumonia and length of hospital stay.Ethics and disseminationThis trial has been approved by an independent ethics committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes Ouest III–Angerson 23 February 2021). Results will be submitted in international journals for peer reviewing.Trial registration numberNCT04940689, EudraCT 2020-002126-90.
Effectiveness of a pain neuroscience education programme on the physical activity of patients with chronic low back pain compared with a standard back school programme: protocol for a randomised controlled study (END-LC)
Authors: Thébault Guillaume , Duflos Claire , Le Perf Gaël 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionEducation is recognised as an effective and necessary approach in chronic low back pain. Nevertheless, data regarding the effectiveness of education in promoting physical activity in the medium term or long term are still limited, as are the factors that could lead to successful outcomes. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of a pain neuroscience education programme compared with traditional back school on physical activity 3 months and 1 year after educational sessions coupled with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Additionally, we seek to evaluate the effects of these educational interventions on various factors, including pain intensity and psychobehavioural factors. Finally, our goal is to identify the determinants of success in educational sessions combined with the rehabilitation programme.Methods and analysisThe study will involve 82 adults with chronic low back pain. It will be a monocentric, open, controlled, randomised, superiority trial with two parallel arms: an experimental group, ‘pain neuroscience education’, and a control group, ‘back school’. The primary outcome is the average number of steps taken at home over a week, measured by an actigraph. Secondary outcomes include behavioural assessments. Descriptive and inferential analysis will be conducted. Multivariate modelling will be performed using actimetric data and data from the primary and secondary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThe Committee for Personal Protection of Ile de France VII (CPP) gave a favourable opinion on 22 June 2023 (National number: 2023-A00346-39). The study was previously registered with the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (IDRCB: 2023-A00346-39). Participants signed an informed consent during the inclusion visit. This protocol is the version submitted to the CPP entitled ‘Protocol Version N°1 of 03/29/2023’. The results of the study will be presented nationally and internationally through conferences and publications.Trial registration numberNCT05840302.