bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization Design of Oil Groove Shape on the Surface of Friction Plate in High-Speed Wet Clutch Aimed at Minimizing Drag Torque
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Yuansheng , Wei Chao , Yan Yunbing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The wet clutch, a crucial component of the vehicle transmission system, experiences high-frequency impact and friction between the friction plate and the steel plate under high-speed separation conditions. This leads to a significant increase in drag torque, which is detrimental to the transmission efficiency and reliability of the high-speed wet clutch. This article aims to reduce the high-speed drag torque in a no-load wet clutch by optimizing the oil groove shape on the surface of the friction plate. Initially, a theoretical model of high-speed drag torque for the friction plate with arbitrary oil groove shape is established. Subsequently, a low-drag oil groove shape optimization model is proposed by establishing design parameters, constraint conditions, and an objective function, combined with an experiment design method, approximation modeling, and a global search optimization method. Finally, the stiffness and damping coefficients of the clearance flow field and the drag torque with the optimized oil groove shape are calculated. The simulation results and the proposed optimization method are validated through experiments. The experiment indicates that a friction plate with the optimized oil groove shape can significantly decrease high-speed drag torque, demonstrating strong practical engineering value.
Analysis of Cavity Disk Heat Transfer by Solving Inverse Heat Transfer Problem
Authors: Diemel E. , Odenbach S. , Uffrecht W. , Rey Villazon J. , Guijarro Valencia A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The flow and heat transfer within compressor rotor cavities of aero-engines is a conjugate problem. The operating conditions buoyancy forces, caused by radial temperature difference between the cold throughflow and the hotter shroud, can influence the amount of entrained air significantly. By this, the heat transfer depends on the radial temperature gradient of the cavity walls, and in turn, the disk temperatures are dependent on the heat transfer. In this article, disk Nusselt numbers are calculated in reference to the air inlet temperature and in comparison to a modeled local air temperature inside the cavity. The local disk heat flux is determined from measured steady-state surface temperatures by solving the inverse heat transfer problem in an iterative procedure. The conduction equation is solved on a 2D mesh using a validated finite element approach, and the heat flux confidence intervals are calculated with a stratified Monte Carlo approach. An estimate for the amount of air entering into the cavity is calculated by a simplified heat balance. The major influences on the Nusselt number were found to be the mass flowrate entering the cavity and the density of the fluid inside the cavity.
Virulence attributes of successful methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
lineages
Authors: Jiang Jhih-Hang , Cameron David R. , Nethercott Cara , Aires-de-Sousa Marta , Peleg Anton Y. 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARY

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a leading cause of severe and often fatal infections. MRSA epidemics have occurred in waves, whereby a previously successful lineage has been replaced by a more fit and better adapted lineage. Selection pressures in both hospital and community settings are not uniform across the globe, which has resulted in geographically distinct epidemiology. This review focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the establishment and maintenance of current, dominant MRSA lineages across the globe. While the important role of antibiotic resistance will be mentioned throughout, factors which influence the capacity of
S. aureus
to colonize and cause disease within a host will be the primary focus of this review. We show that while MRSA possesses a diverse arsenal of toxins including alpha-toxin, the success of a lineage involves more than just producing toxins that damage the host. Success is often attributed to the acquisition or loss of genetic elements involved in colonization and niche adaptation such as the arginine catabolic mobile element, as well as the activity of regulatory systems, and shift metabolism accordingly (e.g., the accessory genome regulator,
agr
). Understanding exactly how specific MRSA clones cause prolonged epidemics may reveal targets for therapies, whereby both core (e.g., the alpha toxin) and acquired virulence factors (e.g., the Panton-Valentine leukocidin) may be nullified using anti-virulence strategies.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
TolC contributes to antimicrobial resistance, exopolysaccharide production, and virulence
Authors: Bina X. Renee , Weng Yuding , Budnick James , Van Allen Mia E. , Bina James E. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes a variety of human diseases, ranging from pneumonia to urinary tract infections and invasive diseases. The emergence of
K. pneumoniae
strains that are resistant to multiple antibiotics has made treatment more complex and led to
K. pneumoniae
becoming a global health threat. Addressing this threat necessitates the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat this pathogen, including strategies to overcome antimicrobial resistance and therapeutics for novel targets such as antivirulence. Here, we investigated the function of TolC, an outer membrane protein essential for the function of tripartite transporters, in
K. pneumoniae
. Mutation of
tolC
rendered
K. pneumoniae
hypersensitive to multiple antibiotics. Moreover, the
tolC
mutation impaired capsule production and affected the expression of key capsule biosynthetic genes, indicating a regulatory role for TolC in capsule biosynthesis. Additionally, TolC was essential for growth under iron-limiting conditions, suggesting its involvement in iron acquisition. The
tolC
mutant exhibited increased adherence to human enterocytes and enhanced serum sensitivity. In the
Galleria mellonella
infection model, the
tolC
mutant displayed reduced virulence compared to the wild type. Our findings highlight the pleiotropic role of TolC in
K. pneumoniae
pathobiology, influencing antimicrobial resistance, capsule production, iron homeostasis, adherence to host cells, and virulence. Understanding the multifaceted role of TolC in
K. pneumoniae
may guide the development of new therapeutic strategies against this pathogen.
Complete genome sequence of
Methylomonas
sp. UP202 isolated from an urban waterway sediment
Authors: Teh Beng-Soon , Hii Yiik-Siang , Hinks Jamie , Abdul-Wahab Mohd Firdaus , Swarup Sanjay 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of
Methylomonas
sp. UP202 isolated from an urban waterway sediment in Singapore. The genome contains genes involved in methane, methanol, formaldehyde, and formate oxidation. It also contains genes utilizing various nitrogen sources such as nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, urea, and ammonium.
Dual analysis of wild-type and attenuated
Orf virus
and host cell transcriptomes revealed novel virus-host cell interactions
Authors: Yao Xiaoting , Jing Tian , Geng Qingru , Pang Ming , Zhao Xuanduo , Li Shaofei , Chen Dekun , Ma Wentao 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

The attenuated
Orf virus
(ORFV) strain (aFX0910), derived from continuous passages of wild-type strain FX0910
in vitro
, displays obviously lower virulence in kids. However, the latent virulence determinants and intracellular mechanisms for the attenuated variant remain unknown. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive analysis of the ORFV and goat lip fibroblasts transcriptomes during viral infection using RNA sequencing. Focusing on the host transcriptome, we performed gene expression analysis, Gene Ontology analysis, and biological pathway analysis, among others. This integrated analysis allowed us to assess potential changes in mRNA expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in both viral and host genes. In general, the global patterns of immune gene expression induced by different ORFV isolates were mostly shared. However, host transcripts and non-synonymous of viral genes differed between the wild-type and attenuated ORFV strains. Notably, the natural ORFV isolate (FX0910) predominantly triggered an innate immune response in host cells, while aFX0910 downregulated innate immune response and antiviral response. Analysis of viral transcriptomes manifested that FX0910 and aFX0910 had different SNP events in multiple functional genes. Collectively, our findings highlighted novel insights into virus-host interactions and shed light on the molecular basis of ORFV virulence at the genomic level. Furthermore, this study may contribute to the development of targeted intervention strategies and the advancement of vaccine research in the field of ORFV.

IMPORTANCE

Currently, the only available commercial vaccines for
Orf virus
(ORFV) are live attenuated vaccines, which present a potential risk of reversion to virulence. Therefore, understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of different virulent strains of ORFV and host immune responses triggered by these viruses is crucial for developing new vaccines and interventions. In this study, we found that the attenuated strain downregulates the host innate immune response and antiviral activity. In addition, we noted that the wild-type strain can induce the immune response pattern centered on interferon-stimulated genes and interferon regulatory factor gene family. We predicted that STAT1 and STAT2 are the main transcription factors upstream of target gene promoters through gene regulatory networks and exert significant regulatory effects on co-expressed genes. Our study elucidated the complex interaction between ORFV strains and host cell immune responses, providing new insights into vaccine research for ORFV.
scMAR-Seq: a novel workflow for targeted single-cell genomics of microorganisms using radioactive labeling
Authors: Lo Hao-Yu , Wink Konstantin , Nitz Henrike , Kästner Matthias , Belder Detlev , Müller Jochen A. , Kaster Anne-Kristin 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Current methods for the identification of specific microorganisms based on an
in situ
metabolism are often hampered by insufficient sensitivity and habitat complexity. Here, we present a novel approach for identifying and sequencing single microbial cells metabolizing a specific organic compound with high sensitivity and without prior knowledge of the microbial community. The workflow consists of labeling individual cells with a [
14
C] substrate based on their metabolic activity, followed by encapsulating cells in alginate with nuclear emulsion by using microfluidics. We here adapted the concept of microautoradiography to visually distinguish between encapsulated labeled and non-labeled cells, which are then sorted via flow cytometry for single cell genomics. As a proof-of-concept, we labeled, separated, lysed, and sequenced single cells of the benzene degrader
Pseudomonas veronii
from mock microbial communities. The cells of
P. veronii
were isolated with 100% specificity. Single-cell microautoradiography and genome sequencing is an innovative method for elucidating microbial identity, activity, and function in diverse habitats, contributing to elucidate novel taxa and genes with potential for biotechnological applications such as bioremediation.

IMPORTANCE

A central question in microbial ecology is which member of a community performs a particular metabolism. Several sophisticated isotope labeling techniques are available for analyzing the metabolic function of populations and individual cells in a community. However, these methods are generally either insufficiently sensitive or throughput-limited and thus have limited applicability for the study of complex environmental samples. Here, we present a novel approach that combines highly sensitive radioisotope tracking, microfluidics, high-throughput sorting, and single-cell genomics to simultaneously detect and identify individual microbial cells based solely on their
in situ
metabolic activity, without prior information on community structure.
Phenotype versus genotype discordant rifampicin susceptibility testing in tuberculosis: implications for a diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Qadir Mehmood , Faryal Rani , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Khan Sajjad Ahmed , Zhang Shulin , Li Weimin , Wei Dong Qing , Tahseen Sabira , McHugh Timothy D. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization recommends culture-based techniques as the gold standard for rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis. However, as rapid molecular assays are rolled out, discordance in resistance has been observed. The current study compared 516 clinical isolates on Lowenstein–Jenson (LJ) and Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) drug susceptibility testings (DSTs) with
rpoB
sequencing. The discordance rate was higher in MGIT DST (24%) compared to LJ (9.4%). We report discordant results for RpoB mutations 430P (MGIT: 14/20; LJ: 19/20), 435Y (MGIT: 5/21; LJ: 17/21), 445N (MGIT: 11/18; LJ: 15/18), 445L (MGIT: 0/9; LJ: 8/9), 452P (MGIT: 5/20; LJ: 17/20), and 445C (MGIT: 1/6; LJ: 2/6) on LJ and MGIT DSTs, respectively. Mutations N438K and T444A, sensitive on LJ and MGIT DSTs, are novel. Two novel discordant mutations, Q436H+N437del and S428I, were also detected. One novel large deletion (Del) ggaccagaacaacccg/G (Del of DQNNP at positions 435–439) demonstrated concordance on LJ and MGIT DST. Numerous double and triple mutations including some novel combinations, M434V+H445N, L430R+D435Y, H445N+S450W, S428R+L430P, M434L+H445N, D435G+A451V, and M434I+D435G+A451V, have also shown higher discordant results on MGIT DST. The discordance results of RR are higher in MGIT DST compared to LJ. We suggest that the genotypic result should be preferred instead of phenotypic DST in case of discordant mutations. Physicians should be aware of such discordance to prescribe an effective treatment. Untargeted whole-genome sequencing to capture MGIT-sensitive and large deletions may be reconsidered for better treatment outcomes in high-burden countries.

IMPORTANCE

An accurate diagnosis of drug resistance in clinical isolates is an important step for better treatment outcomes. The current study observed a higher discordance rate of rifampicin resistance on Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) drug susceptibility testing (DST) than Lowenstein–Jenson (LJ) DST when compared with the
rpoB
sequencing. We detected a few novel mutations and their combination in rifampicin resistance isolates that were missed by MGIT DST and may be useful for the better management of tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes. Few novel deletions in clinical isolates necessitate the importance of
rpoB
sequencing in large data sets in geographic-specific locations, especially high-burden countries. We explored the discordance rate on MGIT and LJ, which is important for the clinical management of rifampicin resistance to avoid the mistreatment of drug-resistant TB. Furthermore, MGIT-sensitive isolates may be subjected to molecular methods of diagnosis for further confirmation and treatment options.
In vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, aztreonam-avibactam, and comparators toward carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates
Authors: Li Dan , Yu Hua , Huang Xiangning , Long Shanshan , Zhang Jie 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CR-hvKP) strains are increasingly reported, posing a significant threat to public health. Therefore, effective antimicrobial therapy is urgently needed. This study aimed to analyze the
in vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), imipenem-relebactam (IMR), and aztreonam-avibactam (AZA) toward CR-hvKP and carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) isolates. Non-repetitive clinical CRKP and CR-hvKP strains were collected from Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital between August 2018 and June 2022. CR-hvKP strains were screened using string tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate
in vitro
antibacterial activity of CZA, IMR, and AZA toward CRKP and CR-hvKP stains. The molecular characteristics of CRKP and CR-hvKP strains were investigated using PCR amplification. The virulence features of CR-hvKP strains were investigated using serum resistance assays and a
Galleria mellonella
infection model. A total of 114 CRKP and 40 CR-hvKP strains were collected. The susceptibility rates of CRKP and CR-hvKP to tigecycline, colistin, and polymyxin B exceeded 89.5%. The susceptibility rates of CRKP and CR-hvKP to CZA were 64.0% and 77.5%, respectively; the susceptibility rates to IMR were 92.5% and 71.9%, respectively; and the susceptibility rates to AZA were 89.5% and 75.0%, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing and
wzi
-loci sequencing identified sequence type 11 KL64 as the predominant type in CRKP and CR-hvKP strains. Carbapenemase genes were dominated by
bla
KPC-2 and
bla
NDM-1. IMR and AZA may be promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of infections caused by CRKP and CR-hvKP isolates.

IMPORTANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the
in vitro
activity of two novel antimicrobial drugs, including imipenem-relebactam (IMR) and aztreonam-avibactam (AZA), toward carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CR-hvKP) strains. Our
in vitro
activity study revealed that only few antibacterial agents (including several novel agents) exhibit high antimicrobial activity toward carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) and CR-hvKP isolates. IMR and AZA may be promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of infections caused by CRKP and CR-hvKP isolates.
Supplemental Material: Evolution of an earthquake-induced landslide complex in the South Island of New Zealand: How fault damage zones and seismicity contribute to slope failures
Authors: Singeisen Corinne , al. et 
Published: November 2023

<p>Ground model provides a 3-D model of the landslide including the two geophysical profiles and interpretation of landslide failure mechanism. The model can be viewed using the free desktop application Leapfrog viewer, which can be downloaded from <a href="https://www.seequent.com/products-solutions/leapfrog-viewer/" target="_blank"><u>https://www.seequent.com/products-solutions/leapfrog-viewer/.</u></a> </p>
Advances in the understanding and management of alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Thursz Mark , Lingford-Hughes Anne 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological trends indicate recent and predicted increases in the burden of disease. Disease progression is driven by continued alcohol exposure on a background of genetic predisposition together with environmental cofactors. Most individuals present with advanced disease despite a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple missed opportunities to intervene. Increasing evidence supports the use of non-invasive tests to screen for and identify disease at earlier stages. There is a definite role for public health measures to reduce the overall burden of disease. At an individual level, however, the ability to influence subsequent disease course by modifying alcohol consumption or the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remains limited due to a comparative lack of effective, disease-modifying medical interventions. Abstinence from alcohol is the key determinant of outcome in established ALD and the cornerstone of clinical management. In those with decompensated ALD, liver transplant has a clear role. There is consensus that abstinence from alcohol for an arbitrary period should not be the sole determinant in a decision to transplant. An increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which alcohol causes liver disease in susceptible individuals offers the prospect of new therapeutic targets for disease-modifying drugs. Successful translation will require significant public and private investment in a disease area which has traditionally been underfunded when compared to its overall prevalence.
Does Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduce colorectal adenoma (CRA) recurrence: protocol of a registry-based, cohort study and a qualitative interview
Authors: Cheng Yi , Di Yuan Ming , Zhang Anthony Lin , Hu Peixin , Mo Jiahao , Zhang Haiyan , Xue Charlie Changli , Zhang Beiping 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionColorectal adenoma (CRA) is a precancerous lesion for colorectal cancer. Endoscopic resection is the first-line treatment for CRA. However, CRA recurrence rate is high. This proposed study aims to determine if Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduces CRA recurrence.Methods and analysisThis project encompasses an observational, registry-based, cohort study and a nested qualitative study. The cohort study aims to include 364 postpolypectomy CRA participants at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (GPHCM), China, with a follow-up phase of up to 1 year. In addition to routine care, these participants will receive a CHM treatment prescribed by experienced Chinese medicine (CM) clinicians. The CHM treatment encompasses CHM products and CHM formulae according to CM syndromes. The primary outcome is CRA recurrence rate at 1 year after enrolment. Secondary outcomes include characteristics of recurrent CRA, incidence of colorectal polyp (except for CRA), incidence of advanced CRA, incidence of colorectal cancer, improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms commonly seen in CRA patients, faecal occult blood test result, lipid level, fasting plasma glucose level, uric acid level, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, quality of life and safety evaluations. Logistic regression analysis will be used to explore the correlation between exposure and outcome. Qualitative interviews will be conducted among approximate 30 CRA patients from the cohort study and 10 CM practitioners in Department of Gastroenterology at GPHCM. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of GPHCM (YF2022-320-02) and registered at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) HREC. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and international academic conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200065713.