bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Method for Characterizing Textile Failure Mechanics in Mechanical Recycling With Carded Drums
Authors: Teixeira França Alves Paulo Henrique , Clarke-Sather Abigail , Carlson Sam , Martini Angela 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Due to the increasing speed of production, sale, and discard of home and apparel products, recycling of textiles is important for supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption and Production. In 2020, textile production was estimated to be responsible for 35% of primary microplastics released into the environment, 20% of global clean water pollution, and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018 the US generated around 17 million tons of textile waste and only 14.7% was recycled. Drum-operated textile shredding, a commonly utilized mechanical textile recycling technique, is not yet fully characterized. Even though there are many shredding machines that perform this process, the parameters that influence high-quality fiber output have not been researched; discovering ways to improve reusable fiber output is still a challenge. This research investigates the theory behind carded (toothed) drum textile shredding including how to improve the process outcome in order to obtain more reusable fiber and fewer textile pieces and dust. The mechanics of the textiles and fibers under tensile and shear stresses from the drums and drum teeth respectively were described to relate the textile material failure behavior to shredding process fiber outputs. Focusing on the interactions of the feeding drums and shredding drum, the drum-textile and tooth-yarn failure mechanics were characterized. By decreasing the teeth size and increasing the relative speed between drums, it is expected to increase the shear failure ratio, thus improving the shredding system. With this, it is expected that manufacturing new and better materials from recycled fibers becomes a possibility.
Defect Segmentation From X-Ray Computed Tomography of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Parts: A Comparative Study Among Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Statistical Image Thresholding Methods
Authors: Ouidadi Hasnaa , Xu Boyang , Guo Shenghan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Internal defects, e.g., lack of fusion and porosity, are major quality concerns in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). In post-process part inspection, X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) is used to scan the part to reveal the defective regions inside. 2-dimensional XCT images are obtained showing the part’s cross-section at different heights (layers). Segmenting the defects from raw XCT images is necessary to locate the defected regions, evaluate the part’s quality, and enable root cause analysis. This study proposes two methods for defect segmentation, one is based on deep learning (DL) and the other based on classic machine learning (ML), and compares them with statistical image thresholding approaches (i.e., K-means, Bernsen’s, Otsu’s Thresholding). A discussion about the method-level difference among these methods is provided, revealing the merits of the proposed DL and ML methods in fast defect segmentation and transfer learning across printing conditions. A Case study is done by applying the DL, ML, and statistical image thresholding methods on real XCT images of L-PBF specimens. The defect segmentation accuracy and efficiency of the proposed DL and ML methods are evaluated. A guideline is developed for automatic defect segmentation from XCT images of L-PBF-ed parts by combining statistical image thresholding and DL/ML methods.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Design of Process Parameters in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Ti-6Al-4V for Desired Solidification Structure
Authors: Vaghefi Ehsan , Mirkoohi Elham 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Metallic additive manufacturing (AM) technologies can be utilized to manufacture components with tailored and desired microstructure and properties. However, this is just a promise. Fast and accurate computational methodologies are required to optimize the process parameters to achieve the desired microstructure and eliminate the trial-and-error process optimization methodologies. In this paper, a surrogate machine learning model is implemented to design the additive manufacturing (AM) process parameters, including scan speed, laser power, and scanning strategies, to achieve desired microstructure during AM of Ti-6Al-4V. Temperature gradient and solidification rate are the factors that control the target solidification structure, i.e., columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) of grains, to achieve desired mechanical properties. A multi-track finite element model is established and validated to simulate the temperature field during AM process using different scan strategies within a layer. As a result of this process simulation, a dataset containing temperature gradient (G), maximum temperature (Tmax), and solidification rate (R) is extracted from a collection of temperature distribution graphs by using an automated signal processing technique. Next, various machine learning methods (e.g., Boosting methods, multilayer perceptron, support vector regression, and random forest) are evaluated to design process parameters through a cross-validation procedure. The surrogate model is then validated against experimentally obtained microstructures during the solidification path.
Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Physical and Tensile Properties of Fused Deposition Modeled Polylactic Acid Specimens
Authors: Quader Raihan , Grewell David , Narayanan Lokesh Karthik 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Though the use of fused deposition modeling (FDM) of polymers is ever increasing, their utilization in applications requiring high-strength and high-quality surface finish is limited. The process-inherent voids in-between deposited layers and the coarse outer surface resulting from freeform deposition are the critical deterrents. Applying ultrasonic vibration post-fabrication could minimize these issues. In this study, we FDM printed ASTM D638 Type IV specimens from PLA using LulzBot Taz Pro-S printer. Ultrasonic vibration was applied on both sides of the specimens in two different modes. Surface roughness and thickness were measured before and after ultrasonic application. Tensile strength was measured post-ultrasonic application and compared with the control specimens. For internal detail observation, X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) was used. In all cases, surface roughness was reduced significantly on the specimens’ top surfaces post-ultrasonics. The thicknesses were not significantly changed. The mean maximum tensile strength increased for all sets of specimens’ post-ultrasonics. X-ray CT images showed that post-ultrasonic specimens had fewer voids compared to the control specimens. Ultrasonic-generated heat and downforce might have facilitated combined squeeze flow and intermolecular diffusion between the successive layers of deposited plastics to increase interfacial healing.
Demonstration of Rapid Polymer Printing Using a Machining-Integrated Hybrid Fused Filament Fabrication Process
Authors: Nigam Aman , Tai Bruce L. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The surface finish and dimensional accuracy in extrusion-based additive manufacturing processes are typically poor. Despite the use of a small nozzle size and layer thickness, postprocessing is often required to reach desired finish and tolerance on top of the already-long printing time. Hybrid manufacturing combines additive and subtractive methods to produce near-net-shape parts with improved quality. However, more research needs to be done to examine the hybrid process on polymers and its potential to reduce the total manufacturing time through rapid printing followed by detailed contour machining. To demonstrate this concept, a custom-built 3-axis machine with separate heads for printing and machining was developed. This study alters the parameters of nozzle diameter (0.4 and 0.8 mm) and the printing speed (3600 and 9000 mm/min) to print two generic parts with drastically different times and quality and then conduct an in-situ finishing process to produce the final parts. The finished and as-printed parts are then compared based on surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and manufacturing time. The results show that the hybrid process can greatly improve the form errors in rapid printing. The study also discusses a feature-size case study that can help implement the results and develop general strategies for hybrid manufacturing.
Low-Cost Nanoscale Metal Printing Beyond the Diffraction Limit via Off-Focus Light Projection
Authors: Choi Jungho , Saha Sourabh K. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Nanoscale patterning of metallic structures is desired in various fields such as electronics, biosciences, and plasmonics. However, their practical applicability is often constrained by the high cost of the fabrication techniques. Here, we have developed the off-focus light projection (OF-LP) technique to print sub-micron metal features through localized reduction of metal ions into metal nanoparticles. The OF-LP technique implements printing of sub-micron features with low-intensity light and is therefore significantly more affordable than multi-photon printing techniques that require expensive femtosecond lasers. On-focus projection of light is limited by the optical diffraction limit and it is therefore not capable of generating fine nanoscale structures. Here, we present a modified light projection technique by leveraging the projection of images on planes away from the focal plane to achieve sub-diffraction printing. We demonstrate printing of silver nanowires finer than 380 nm, which is the diffraction limit of the optical system. Therefore, this new projection strategy transforms light projection into a low-cost and high-resolution technique for fabrication of metallic nanostructures.
A Force Sensor-Less Method for Identifying the Young’s Modulus of Soft Tissue
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xu Tian , Lei Yong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In the minimally invasive surgical navigation system, force boundary conditions and Young’s modulus of human soft tissue have great influence on the accuracy of the biomechanical modeling. However during the operation, the patient-specific Young’s modulus can not be directly obtained in vivo. Some researchers have proposed the noninvasive methods based on images to calculate elastic modulus, but the relevant force information is needed for actual Young’s modulus acquisition. In this paper, a novel method for estimating force boundary condition is proposed to assist identifying the actual Young’s modulus. An elastic material with known Young’s modulus was used as the medium to estimate the force boundary condition by the deformed displacement field. Then the actual Young’s modulus was identified by the iterative method with the deformed displacement field and the estimated force boundary condition. Finally, numerical experiments were conducted to verify the feasibility of this method as well as prove its potential application in the future.
Environmental transmission of influenza A virus in mallards
Authors: Pepin Kim M. , Leach Clinton B. , Barrett Nicole L. , Ellis Jeremy W. , VanDalen Kaci K. , Webb Colleen T. , Shriner Susan A. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Influenza A viruses present a major challenge for animal and human health. They circulate widely in wild waterfowl and frequently spillover into poultry, emphasizing the need for risk-based surveillance in wild birds and an understanding of the relative importance of different transmission mechanisms. We addressed this objective with a replicated (
N
= 6) experimental infection study in which we serially exposed eight cohorts of four naïve contact mallards to an experimentally infected mallard and a shared water pool. Viral concentration in the water was a better predictor of transmission than several direct measures of viral shedding in the focal duck. Our data provide quantification of transmission probability and its variation throughout the infectious period of an infected duck. Our findings highlight the need to consider environmental surveillance in risk-based surveillance planning and provide realistic parameters for identifying optimal control strategies using epidemiological inference.

IMPORTANCE
Wild birds are the natural reservoir hosts of influenza A viruses. Highly pathogenic strains of influenza A viruses pose risks to wild birds, poultry, and human health. Thus, understanding how these viruses are transmitted between birds is critical. We conducted an experiment where we experimentally infected mallards which are ducks that are commonly exposed to influenza viruses. We exposed several contact ducks to the experimentally infected duck to estimate the probability that a contact duck would become infected from either exposure to the virus shed directly from the infected duck or shared water contaminated with the virus from the infected duck. We found that environmental transmission from contaminated water best predicted the probability of transmission to naïve contact ducks, relatively low levels of virus in the water were sufficient to cause infection, and the probability of a naïve duck becoming infected varied over time.
Distinct dynamics of the nucleolus in response to nutrient availability and during development in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Cho Eunbyeol , Lee Song Hee , Dean Ralph A. , Jeon Junhyun 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

The nucleolus has emerged as a central hub for nuclear functions in eukaryotes. Studies in mammals and the model yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
showed that the nucleolus is pivotal to nuclear functions other than ribosome biogenesis. Importantly, rDNA transcription and ribosome assembly were shown to positively correlate with the size of the nucleolus. However, little is known about the nucleolus of filamentous fungi. Here, we investigated how the size and shape of nucleolus in the plant pathogenic filamentous fungus,
Magnaporthe oryzae,
respond to nutrient conditions and infection-related development by monitoring the nucleolar marker protein, MoNOP1 tagged with red fluorescent protein (MoNOP1-RFP). Our work revealed that in the hyphae of
M. oryzae,
the nucleolar size is decoupled from the nucleolar activity under low nutrient condition. A complete lack of carbon or nitrogen did not cause such decoupling. In conidia, no or faint RFP signals were initially observed, hinting at the absence of functional nucleoli. RFP signals only started to become visible in conidia within 2 hours of germination when the germ tube tip began to differentiate a specialized infection structure, the appressorium. RFP signals diminished thereafter. In contrast, in the appressorium, signals became concentrated after 6 hours as the appressorium matured. We propose that such nucleolar dynamics may reflect the strategy of filamentous fungi under low nutrient availability to forage for food resources as well as the roles of the nucleolus during fungal development.

IMPORTANCE

The nucleolus is a dynamic subnuclear structure that is involved in many fundamental processes of the nucleus. In higher eukaryotic cells, the size and shape of nucleoli correlate with nucleolar activities. For fungi, knowledge of the nucleolus and its functions is primarily gleaned from budding yeast. Whether such correlation is conserved and how nucleolar functions are regulated in filamentous fungi including important human and crop pathogens are largely unknown. Our observations reveal that the dynamics of nucleolus in a model plant pathogenic fungus,
Magnaporthe oryzae,
is distinct from those of animal and yeast nucleoli under low nutrient availability and during pathogenic development. Our data not only provide new insight into the nucleoli in filamentous fungi but also highlight the need for investigating how nucleolar dynamics is regulated in comparison to other eukaryotes.
Biased eviction of variant histone H3 nucleosomes triggers biofilm growth in
Candida albicans
Authors: Brahma Priya , Aggarwal Rashi , Sanyal Kaustuv 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
is an opportunistic human pathogen that colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of healthy individuals.
C. albicans
yeast cells can switch to filamentous forms. On biotic and abiotic surfaces, the planktonic free-floating yeast cells often form biofilms, a multi-drug-resistant three-dimensional community of yeast and filamentous cells. While alterations in gene expression patterns during planktonic to biofilm growth transitions in
C. albicans
have been studied, the underlying molecular mechanisms largely remain unexplored. Previously, we identified a histone H3 variant (H3V
CTG
), which acts as a negative regulator of biofilm growth in
C. albicans
. In the current study, we performed genome-wide profiling of H3V
CTG
nucleosomes in
C. albicans
planktonic cells and found them to be enriched at promoter regions. In planktonic cells, H3V
CTG
-enriched regions are mostly devoid of histone H3 post-translational modifications that allow active transcription, thus strengthening the role of H3V
CTG
as a negative regulator of biofilm formation. By combining genome-wide transcriptional alterations, nucleosome positioning (MNase-seq), and DNA accessibility (ATAC-seq) assays, we show a significant reduction in the total number of nucleosomes in biofilm cells as compared to planktonic cells indicating a more open chromatin state during biofilm growth. Finally, we propose that H3V
CTG
-nucleosome eviction at promoters of biofilm-relevant genes in biofilm-grown cells contributes to achieve the open chromatin state by facilitating easy promoter access of master regulators (activators and repressors) for modulation of gene expression observed during growth phase transitions.

IMPORTANCE

Candida albicans
lives as a commensal in most healthy humans but can cause superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic infections.
C. albicans
also forms biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. Biofilm cells are difficult to treat and highly resistant to antifungals. A specific set of genes is differentially regulated in biofilm cells as compared to free-floating planktonic cells of
C. albicans
. In this study, we addressed how a variant histone H3V
CTG
, a previously identified negative regulator of biofilm formation, modulates gene expression changes. By providing compelling evidence, we show that biased eviction of H3V
CTG
nucleosomes at the promoters of biofilm-relevant genes facilitates the accessibility of both transcription activators and repressors to modulate gene expression. Our study is a comprehensive investigation of genome-wide nucleosome occupancy in both planktonic and biofilm states, which reveals transition to an open chromatin landscape during biofilm mode of growth in
C. albicans
, a medically relevant pathogen.
Association between changes in carbohydrate intake and long term weight changes: prospective cohort study
Authors: Wan Yi , Tobias Deirdre K , Dennis Kristine K , Guasch-Ferré Marta , Sun Qi , Rimm Eric B , Hu Frank B , Ludwig David S , Devinsky Orrin , Willett Walter C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
To comprehensively examine the associations between changes in carbohydrate intake and weight change at four year intervals.

Design
Prospective cohort study.

Setting
Nurses’ Health Study (1986-2010), Nurses’ Health Study II (1991-2015), and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2014).

Participants
136 432 men and women aged 65 years or younger and free of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, neurodegenerative disorders, gastric conditions, chronic kidney disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus before baseline.

Main outcome measure
Weight change within a four year period.

Results
The final analyses included 46 722 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, 67 186 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II, and 22 524 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. On average, participants gained 1.5 kg (5th to 95th centile −6.8 to 10.0) every four years, amounting to 8.8 kg on average over 24 years. Among men and women, increases in glycemic index and glycemic load were positively associated with weight gain. For example, a 100 g/day increase in starch or added sugar was associated with 1.5 kg and 0.9 kg greater weight gain over four years, respectively, whereas a 10 g/day increase in fiber was associated with 0.8 kg less weight gain. Increased carbohydrate intake from whole grains (0.4 kg less weight gain per 100 g/day increase), fruit (1.6 kg less weight gain per 100 g/day increase), and non-starchy vegetables (3.0 kg less weight gain per 100 g/day increase) was inversely associated with weight gain, whereas increased intake from refined grains (0.8 kg more weight gain per 100 g/day increase) and starchy vegetables (peas, corn, and potatoes) (2.6 kg more weight gain per 100 g/day increase) was positively associated with weight gain. In substitution analyses, replacing refined grains, starchy vegetables, and sugar sweetened beverages with equal servings of whole grains, fruit, and non-starchy vegetables was associated with less weight gain. The magnitude of these associations was stronger among participants with overweight or obesity compared with those with normal weight (P<0.001 for interaction). Most of these associations were also stronger among women.

Conclusions
The findings of this study highlight the potential importance of carbohydrate quality and source for long term weight management, especially for people with excessive body weight. Limiting added sugar, sugar sweetened beverages, refined grains, and starchy vegetables in favor of whole grains, fruit, and non-starchy vegetables may support efforts to control weight.
PIM-COVID study: protocol for a multicentre, longitudinal study measuring the psychological impact of surviving an intensive care admission due to COVID-19 on patients in the UK
Authors: Waite Alicia A C , Johnston Brian W , Boyle Andrew J , Cherry Mary Gemma , Fisher Peter , Brown Stephen L , Jones Christina , Williams Karen , Welters Ingeborg D 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionPsychological distress is common in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and is anticipated in those who were treated for severe COVID-19 infection. This trainee-led, multicentre, observational, longitudinal study aims to assess the psychological outcomes of ICU survivors treated for COVID-19 infection in the UK at 3, 6 and/or 12 months after ICU discharge and explore whether there are demographic, psychosocial and clinical risk factors for psychological distress.Methods and analysisQuestionnaires will be provided to study participants 3, 6 and/or 12 months after discharge from intensive care, assessing for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, health-related quality of life and physical symptoms. Demographic, psychosocial and clinical data will also be collected to explore risk factors for psychological distress using latent growth curve modelling. Study participants will be eligible to complete questionnaires at any of the three time points online, by telephone or by post.Ethics and disseminationThe PIM-COVID study was approved by the Health Research Authority (East Midlands - Derby Research and Ethics Committee, reference: 20/EM/0247).Trial registration numberNCT05092529.