bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate Prediction of Process-Induced Deformations in Composites Using Layer-Wise Models and Theory-Guided Probabilistic Machine Learning
Authors: Schoenholz Caleb , Zappino Enrico , Petrolo Marco , Zobeiry Navid 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are integral to high-performance aerospace applications, offering many exceptional properties such as high specific strength and stiffness. However, despite widespread use, several challenges persist during manufacturing, one of the most prevalent being the mitigation of residual stresses and process-induced deformations (PIDs). Shortcomings of traditional process simulation-based methods commonly employed to predict PIDs often contribute to these challenges. As a result, manufacturers often grapple with inaccurate PID predictions, component mismatches during assembly, increased production times, and compromised mechanical performance. This paper proposes an alternative method for accurately predicting PIDs in composite parts. First, a finite element (FE) solution scheme based on one-dimensional (1D) models and the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), is employed to predict PIDs for L-shaped laminates in a defined design space. Then, the virtual simulation data is mapped to a reduced-order theory-guided domain and modeled using Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), a probabilistic machine learning technique. The GPR model is then iteratively retrained to calibrate simulation predictions by incorporating limited real-world experimental data and creating an adaptive probabilistic model with a data-driven uncertainty structure. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by accurately predicting the cured deformed shape of an L-shaped cross-ply laminate using just five experiments. The method provides a cost-efficient framework for predicting, understanding, and potentially mitigating PIDs in composite parts.
High-Acceleration Mechanical Shock Characteristics of an Industrial Marine Fender
Authors: N. V. David , M. R. Noor Dhahiyyah Shafia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The ability of an object to withstand the effects of mechanical shock on its structural integrity defines its crashworthiness. This paper presents the simulation study of the crashworthiness characteristics of a pre-used commercial marine fender including their peak accelerations (Gpeak) and shock energy absorptions. Three test specimens of thicknesses 10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm are modeled using HyperMesh™. The peak acceleration responses of the specimens under half-sine shock waves at 50G, 60G and 70G are numerically determined using the LS-DYNA® solver tool under linear dynamic loading. The shock waves are generated by dropping a 5-kg payload from heights ranging between 50 mm and 300 mm onto a padded shock seat for a pulse duration from 5 to 8 ms. The Gpeak of the specimens are also experimentally measured and analytically computed to validate the numerical results. The shock energy absorptions (SEA) of the test specimens are calculated using analytical formulations in relation to the measured and simulated Gpeak. The effects of introducing tubular perforations in the specimens on the resulting Gpeak and thereby the shock energy absorbing capacities are also investigated. It is found that the perforated specimens have generally lower Gpeak than their solid counterparts. The numerically determined Gpeak agree well with the experimental values. The predicted SEA, however, is sensitive to the thickness (or the corresponding mass) of the specimen. The accuracy of the predicted SEA improves by 84% with the increase in specimen thickness from 10 mm to 30 mm.
Reduced Order Modeling and Image Processing Based Structural Analysis of Tow Steered Composite Laminates Considering Gaps/Overlaps
Authors: Dutta Soumik , Mahdi Mohammed Abir , Zhao Wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Variable angle tow (VAT) steered laminate can increase the structural buckling performance of any structure by tailoring the in-plane stress distribution. Consequently, the present study investigates the thermal buckling analysis of a sixteen-layer composite plate containing VAT fibers by the developed finite element (FEM) code. The study found that VAT composite laminate significantly increases the critical buckling temperature compared to conventional quasi-isotropic laminate. Moreover, it is observed that curvilinear VAT laminates are more effective at redistributing in-plane stress from the center toward the support edges of the plate. Unfortunately, these laminates are susceptible to manufacturing defects, which are extremely difficult to detect. Thus, this study explored the effect of manufacturing defects such as gaps and overlaps on structural performance and critical thermal buckling temperature. In the methodology, defects are identified by applying a developed image processing code from the fiber-based prepreg tape image. Despite this, the high-resolution image of the prepreg tape model for the entire laminate results in a very dense mesh, which leads to an expensive structural analysis and requires substantial computational time. Therefore, this study employed the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) based reduced-order modeling algorithm for efficient structural analysis. As a result, the computational time for the static analysis has been significantly reduced.
Parametric Stability Analysis With Variable Fidelity Beam Formulations
Authors: Filippi Matteo , Carrera Erasmo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this study, we will utilize low and high-fidelity finite beam elements to assess instability thresholds for various structural configurations subjected to periodic excitations. The finite element formulations, based on arbitrary kinematic models, are obtained using an indicial formalism known as Carrera Unified Formulation. By appropriately selecting the expansions for kinematic assumptions, either equivalent-single layer or layer-wise approaches can be automatically derived. Specifically, Taylor- and Lagrange-type expansions are adopted for deriving the displacement field. Both methods will be employed to investigate the instability regions by solving the Mathieu-Hill equation for structures made of either composite or metallic materials. Using these advanced modeling techniques, we aim to enhance the accuracy and reliability of predicting dynamic instability in a broader range of structural systems.
Acute and Chronic Weight-Making Practice in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: An Analysis of 33 Athletes Across 80 Fights
Authors: Reale Reid , Wang Junzhu , Hu Stull Charles , French Duncan , Amasinger Dean , Wang Ran 
Published: June 2024

Mixed martial arts’ popularity has increased in recent years, alongside descriptive research and evidence-based performance recommendations. Guidelines for (both chronic and acute) weight making exist; however, how these translate in real-life scenarios and detailed investigations on practices in larger groups deserve attention. The present study examined the body mass (BM) and composition of 33 professional mixed martial arts athletes preparing for 80 fights. Athletes were supported by on-site dietitians, who encouraged evidence-based practices. Fasted BM was measured throughout the last ∼10 days before all bouts (acute weight management phase). A subset of athletes had body composition assessed before and after the chronic weight loss phase for 40 fights. Most athletes engaged in chronic BM loss, and all engaged in acute weight loss. Many lost fat-free mass (FFM) during the chronic phase, with rates of BM loss <0.5% best preserving FFM. Regardless of losses, the present athletes possessed greater FFM than other combat sport athletes and engaged in greater acute weight loss. Dehydration in the 24–48 hr before the weigh-in was not reflective of weight regain after the weigh-in, rather BM 7–10 days before the weigh-in was most reflective. These findings suggest that many mixed martial arts athletes could increase FFM at the time of competition by maintaining leaner physiques outside of competition and/or allowing increased time to reduce BM chronically. Acutely, athletes can utilize evidence-based protocols, eliminating carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, and finally fluid in a staged approach, before the weigh-in, reducing the amount of sweating required, thus theoretically better protecting health and preserving performance.
Manganese uptake by MtsABC contributes to the pathogenesis of human pathogen group A streptococcus by resisting host nutritional immune defenses
Authors: Makthal Nishanth , Saha Subhasree , Huang Elaine , John Juliane , Meena Himani , Aggarwal Shifu , Högbom Martin , Kumaraswami Muthiah 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The interplay between host nutritional immune mechanisms and bacterial nutrient uptake systems has a major impact on the disease outcome. The host immune factor calprotectin (CP) limits the availability of essential transition metals, such as manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), to control the growth of invading pathogens. We previously demonstrated that the competition between CP and the human pathogen group A streptococcus (GAS) for Zn impacts GAS pathogenesis. However, the contribution of Mn sequestration by CP in GAS infection control and the role of GAS Mn acquisition systems in overcoming host-imposed Mn limitation remain unknown. Using a combination of
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies, we show that GAS-encoded
mtsABC
is a Mn uptake system that aids bacterial evasion of CP-imposed Mn scarcity and promotes GAS virulence. Mn deficiency caused by either the inactivation of
mtsC
or CP also impaired the protective function of GAS-encoded Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase. Our
ex vivo
studies using human saliva show that saliva is a Mn-scant body fluid, and Mn acquisition by MtsABC is critical for GAS survival in human saliva. Finally, animal infection studies using wild-type (WT) and
CP−/
− mice showed that MtsABC is critical for GAS virulence in WT mice but dispensable in mice lacking CP, indicating the direct interplay between MtsABC and CP
in vivo
. Together, our studies elucidate the role of the Mn import system in GAS evasion of host-imposed metal sequestration and underscore the translational potential of MtsABC as a therapeutic or prophylactic target.
VP1 is the primary determinant of neuropathogenesis in a mouse model of enterovirus D68 acute flaccid myelitis
Authors: Leser J. Smith , Frost Joshua L. , Wilson Courtney J. , Rudy Michael J. , Clarke Penny , Tyler Kenneth L. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is an emerging pathogen that can cause severe respiratory and neurologic disease [acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)]. Intramuscular (IM) injection of neonatal Swiss Webster (SW) mice with US/IL/14-18952 (IL52), a clinical isolate from the 2014 EV-D68 epidemic, results in many of the pathogenic features of human AFM, including viral infection of the spinal cord, death of motor neurons, and resultant progressive paralysis. In distinction, CA/14-4231 (CA4231), another clinical isolate from the 2014 EV-D68 outbreak, does not cause paralysis in mice, does not grow in the spinal cord, and does not cause motor neuron loss following IM injection. A panel of chimeric viruses containing sequences from IL52 and CA4231 was used to demonstrate that VP1 is the main determinant of EV-D68 neurovirulence following IM injection of neonatal SW mice. VP1 contains four amino acid differences between IL52 and CA4231. Mutations resulting in substituting these four amino acids (CA4231 residues into the IL52 polyprotein) completely abolished neurovirulence. Conversely, mutations resulting in substituting VP1 IL52 amino acid residues into the CA4231 polyprotein created a virus that induced paralysis to the same degree as IL52. Neurovirulence following infection of neonatal SW mice with parental and chimeric viruses was associated with viral growth in the spinal cord.

IMPORTANCE
Emerging viruses allow us to investigate mutations leading to increased disease severity. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), once the cause of rare cases of respiratory illness, recently acquired the ability to cause severe respiratory and neurologic disease. Chimeric viruses were used to demonstrate that viral structural protein VP1 determines growth in the spinal cord, motor neuron loss, and paralysis following intramuscular (IM) injection of neonatal Swiss Webster (SW) mice with EV-D68. These results have relevance for predicting the clinical outcome of future EV-D68 epidemics as well as targeting retrograde transport as a potential strategy for treating virus-induced neurologic disease.
Stability of influenza A virus in droplets and aerosols is heightened by the presence of commensal respiratory bacteria
Authors: David Shannon C. , Schaub Aline , Terrettaz Céline , Motos Ghislain , Costa Laura J. , Nolan Daniel S. , Augugliaro Marta , Wynn Htet Kyi , Glas Irina , Pohl Marie O. , Klein Liviana K. , Luo Beiping , Bluvshtein Nir , Violaki Kalliopi , Hugentobler Walter , Krieger Ulrich K. , Peter Thomas , Stertz Silke , Nenes Athanasios , Kohn Tamar 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Aerosol transmission remains a major challenge for control of respiratory viruses, particularly those causing recurrent epidemics, like influenza A virus (IAV). These viruses are rarely expelled alone, but instead are embedded in a consortium of microorganisms that populate the respiratory tract. The impact of microbial communities and inter-pathogen interactions upon stability of transmitted viruses is well-characterized for enteric pathogens, but is under-studied in the respiratory niche. Here, we assessed whether the presence of five different species of commensal respiratory bacteria could influence the persistence of IAV within phosphate-buffered saline and artificial saliva droplets deposited on surfaces at typical indoor air humidity, and within airborne aerosol particles. In droplets, presence of individual species or a mixed bacterial community resulted in 10- to 100-fold more infectious IAV remaining after 1 h, due to bacterial-mediated flattening of drying droplets and early efflorescence. Even when no efflorescence occurred at high humidity or the bacteria-induced changes in droplet morphology were abolished by aerosolization instead of deposition on a well plate, the bacteria remained protective.
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
were the most stabilizing compared to other commensals at equivalent density, indicating the composition of an individual’s respiratory microbiota is a previously unconsidered factor influencing expelled virus persistence.

IMPORTANCE
It is known that respiratory infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza are transmitted by release of virus-containing aerosols and larger droplets by an infected host. The survival time of viruses expelled into the environment can vary depending on temperature, room air humidity, UV exposure, air composition, and suspending fluid. However, few studies consider the fact that respiratory viruses are not alone in the respiratory tract—we are constantly colonized by a plethora of bacteria in our noses, mouth, and lower respiratory system. In the gut, enteric viruses are known to be stabilized against inactivation and environmental decay by gut bacteria. Despite the presence of a similarly complex bacterial microbiota in the respiratory tract, few studies have investigated whether viral stabilization could occur in this niche. Here, we address this question by investigating influenza A virus stabilization by a range of commensal bacteria in systems representing respiratory aerosols and droplets.
Neuronal expression of herpes simplex virus-1 VP16 protein induces pseudorabies virus escape from silencing and reactivation
Authors: Hsu Zhi-Shan , Engel Esteban A. , Enquist Lynn W. , Koyuncu Orkide O. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Alpha herpesvirus (α-HV) particles enter their hosts from mucosal surfaces and efficiently maintain fast transport in peripheral nervous system (PNS) axons to establish infections in the peripheral ganglia. The path from axons to distant neuronal nuclei is challenging to dissect due to the difficulty of monitoring early events in a dispersed neuron culture model. We have established well-controlled, reproducible, and reactivateable latent infections in compartmented rodent neurons by infecting physically isolated axons with a small number of viral particles. This system not only recapitulates the physiological infection route but also facilitates independent treatment of isolated cell bodies or axons. Consequently, this system enables study not only of the stimuli that promote reactivation but also the factors that regulate the initial switch from productive to latent infection. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1) VP16 alone in neuronal cell bodies enabled the escape from silencing of incoming pseudorabies virus (PRV) genomes. Furthermore, the expression of HSV VP16 alone reactivated a latent PRV infection in this system. Surprisingly, the expression of PRV VP16 protein supported neither PRV escape from silencing nor reactivation. We compared transcription transactivation activity of both VP16 proteins in primary neurons by RNA sequencing and found that these homolog viral proteins produce different gene expression profiles. AAV-transduced HSV VP16 specifically induced the expression of proto-oncogenes including c-Jun and Pim2. In addition, HSV VP16 induces phosphorylation of c-Jun in neurons, and when this activity is inhibited, escape of PRV silencing is dramatically reduced.

IMPORTANCE
During latency, alpha herpesvirus genomes are silenced yet retain the capacity to reactivate. Currently, host and viral protein interactions that determine the establishment of latency, induce escape from genome silencing or reactivation are not completely understood. By using a compartmented neuronal culture model of latency, we investigated the effect of the viral transcriptional activator, VP16 on pseudorabies virus (PRV) escape from genome silencing. This model recapitulates the physiological infection route and enables the study of the stimuli that regulate the initial switch from a latent to productive infection. We investigated the neuronal transcriptional activation profiles of two homolog VP16 proteins (encoded by HSV-1 or PRV) and found distinct gene activation signatures leading to diverse infection outcomes. This study contributes to understanding of how alpha herpesvirus proteins modulate neuronal gene expression leading to the initiation of a productive or a latent infection.
Metabolic engineering of
Pseudomonas bharatica
CSV86
T
to degrade Carbaryl (1-naphthyl-
N
-methylcarbamate) via the salicylate-catechol route
Authors: Malhotra Harshit , Dhamale Tushar , Kaur Sukhjeet , Kasarlawar Sravanti T. , Phale Prashant S. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas bharatica
CSV86
T
displays the unique property of preferential utilization of aromatic compounds over simple carbon sources like glucose and glycerol and their co-metabolism with organic acids. Well-characterized growth conditions, aromatic compound metabolic pathways and their regulation, genome sequence, and advantageous eco-physiological traits (indole acetic acid production, alginate production, fusaric acid resistance, organic sulfur utilization, and siderophore production) make it an ideal host for metabolic engineering. Strain CSV86
T
was engineered for Carbaryl (1-naphthyl-
N
-methylcarbamate) degradation via salicylate-catechol route by expression of a Carbaryl hydrolase (CH) and a 1-naphthol 2-hydroxylase (1NH). Additionally, the engineered strain exhibited faster growth on Carbaryl upon expression of the McbT protein (encoded by the
mcb
T gene, a part of Carbaryl degradation upper operon of
Pseudomonas
sp. C5pp). Bioinformatic analyses predict McbT to be an outer membrane protein, and Carbaryl-dependent expression suggests its probable role in Carbaryl uptake. Enzyme activity and protein analyses suggested periplasmic localization of CH (carrying transmembrane domain plus signal peptide sequence at the N-terminus) and 1NH, enabling compartmentalization of the pathway. Enzyme activity, whole-cell oxygen uptake, spent media analyses, and qPCR results suggest that the engineered strain preferentially utilizes Carbaryl over glucose. The plasmid-encoded degradation property was stable for 75–90 generations even in the absence of selection pressure (kanamycin or Carbaryl). These results indicate the utility of
P. bharatica
CSV86
T
as a potential host for engineering various aromatic compound degradation pathways.

IMPORTANCE

The current study describes engineering of Carbaryl metabolic pathway in
Pseudomonas bharatica
CSV86
T
. Carbaryl, a naphthalene-derived carbamate pesticide, is known to act as an endocrine disruptor, mutagen, cytotoxin, and carcinogen. Removal of xenobiotics from the environment using bioremediation faces challenges, such as slow degradation rates, instability of the degradation phenotype, and presence of simple carbon sources in the environment. The engineered CSV86-MEC2 overcomes these disadvantages as Carbaryl was degraded preferentially over glucose. Furthermore, the plasmid-borne degradation phenotype is stable, and presence of glucose and organic acids does not repress Carbaryl metabolism in the strain. The study suggests the role of outer membrane protein McbT in Carbaryl transport. This work highlights the suitability of
P. bharatica
CSV86
T
as an ideal host for engineering aromatic pollutant degradation pathways.
Reassessing ‘good’ medical practice and the climate crisis
Authors: Yassaie Rammina , Brooks Lucy 
Published: June 2024

In August 2023, the General Medical Council released the latest update of Good Medical Practice, which sets out the standards of patient care and professional behaviour to be expected of UK doctors. These updated guidelines offer some environmental considerations that previous standards did not include. This paper explores these latest additions to Good Medical Practice through the healthcare ethics lens of non-maleficence, beneficence, justice and autonomy, alongside trust and physician well-being, to make the case that the latest updates to Good Medical Practice do not go far enough in specifying the duties for doctors in responding to climate and ecological emergencies to be seen as ethically justifiable.The paper argues that given the health implications of the climate crisis and the harms associated with high-emission healthcare, as well as the co-benefits of climate action on health, there must be a stronger commitment from the medical regulator to ensure the groundwork is set for doctors to learn, understand and advocate for the importance and urgency of practicing sustainable healthcare. The case for this is strengthened by also examining the importance of maintaining public trust in the medical profession as advocates for public health, along with the notable societal and generational injustices that continue to deepen as the climate emergency escalates.The paper concludes by arguing that doctors can and should be a part of writing a new chapter for health in the climate era, but our standards for practice need to offer a strengthened starting point of consensus for what is expected of the medical profession for that to come to fruition and raise questions as to what doctors can and should do when they have questions over their own regulators’ commitment to maintaining public health in relation to the climate and ecological crisis.