Commercial Program Research Articles

Abstract 4141434: Real-World Improvement of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors by Treating Obesity at Scale

Intro: Obesity is a critical risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. A growing body of clinical trial data shows GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) are not only effective in treating obesity but also demonstrate significant impact on the reduction of cardiovascular risk. Yet current models of care have not been able to reach the >200 million Americans who meet criteria for obesity treatment. To improve access to evidence-based treatment, we established a virtual metabolic health company to provide medically-supervised obesity treatment at scale. Research Question: This real-world evaluation examines the impact of a virtual health program on weight and related cardiometabolic markers. Methods: Data were analyzed for individuals who completed at least 12 months (mos) in the core program and for a subset who continued to 24 mos. Obesity treatment involved GLP-1s combined with a proprietary intensive lifestyle intervention delivered with virtual coaching. Weights were submitted via cellular connected scale. Waist circumference, metabolic labs, and patient-completed surveys were analyzed at baseline and 12 mos. Results: The cohort included 6,766 patients, a subset with structured lab data from a larger population of 16,098 patients who had completed 12 mos in the commercial program. Average weight loss at 12 mos was -16.5% (n=5,932) and -17.8% at 24 os (n=1,171). Improvement was observed for all collected metabolic markers: waist circumference, AST/ALT, lipids, HbA1c, insulin, hs-CRP. Specifically for cardiovascular labs, 12 mos results showed improvement in HDL in 56.3% (n= 3,090), in LDL for 64.8% (n=3,066), in hs-CRP for 82.9% (n=2,446). Of n=825 with abnormal A1c at baseline, 77.1% achieve A1c <5.7%. Average reduction in waist circumference was -5.9 inches (n=3,682). Positive changes were also seen for patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Discussion: In the context of significant obesity and cardiovascular results for GLP-1s in clinical trials, it is important to gather data on the efficacy of approaches to scale treatment in the real world since factors such as medication shortages, gaps in insurance coverage, and challenges with adherence occur with treatment outside of clinical trials. Results from 6,766 patients in a virtual metabolic health program available in 50 states and DC demonstrate clinically significant and sustained weight loss through 24 mos, with improvement in associated key cardiometabolic risk markers, health behaviors, and PROs.

Dynamic Simulation Model of Miniature Tracked Forestry Tractor for Overturning and Rollover Safety Evaluation

This study proposes a method to construct a dynamic simulation model to implement the lateral overturning and backward rollover characteristics of an actual tractor. Based on theoretical analysis, factors affecting these characteristics are identified, which include tractor weight, track width, wheelbase, location of mass center, weight distribution, heights of front and rear axles, and geometric shapes. The location of the mass center of the actual tractor is measured based on the standard test procedure set by the International Organization for Standardization, and the remaining influencing factors are derived through measurements. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the tractor is constructed to reflect all these factors. Additionally, a simulation model utilizing this 3D model is developed using a commercial dynamic simulation software program. The ability of the model to simulate the overturning and rollover characteristics of the actual tractor is verified by comparing the static sidelong falling angle and minimum turning radius with those of the actual tractor. The errors between the characteristics of the actual tractor and those of the 3D model and dynamic simulations are shown to be less than 5%, thus indicating that the proposed method can effectively simulate the overturning and rollover characteristics of the actual tractor.

One-year outcomes of a digital twin intervention for type 2 diabetes: a retrospective real-world study

This retrospective observational study, building on prior research that demonstrated the efficacy of the Digital Twin (DT) Precision Treatment Program over shorter follow-up periods​​, aimed to examine glycemic control and reduced anti-diabetic medication use after one-year in a DT commercial program. T2D patients enrolled had adequate hepatic and renal function and no recent cardiovascular events. DT intervention powered by artificial intelligence utilizes precision nutrition, activity, sleep, and deep breathing exercises. Outcome measures included HbA1c change, medication reduction, anthropometrics, insulin markers, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics. Of 1985 enrollees, 132 (6.6%) were lost to follow-up, leaving 1853 participants who completed one-year. At one-year, participants exhibited significant reductions in HbA1c [mean change: -1.8% (SD 1.7%), p < 0.001], with 1650 (89.0%) achieving HbA1c below 7%. At baseline, participants were on mean 1.9 (SD 1.4) anti-diabetic medications, which decreased to 0.5 (SD 0.7) at one-year [change: -1.5 (SD 1.3), p < 0.001]. Significant reductions in weight [mean change: -4.8 kg (SD 6.0 kg), p < 0.001], insulin resistance [HOMA2-IR: -0.1 (SD 1.2), p < 0.001], and improvements in β-cell function [HOMA2-B: +21.6 (SD 47.7), p < 0.001] were observed, along with better CGM metrics. These findings suggest that DT intervention could play a vital role in the future of T2D care.

Obesity medicine provider-directed health coaching in a commercial weight loss program: Proof of concept

BackgroundObesity remains a leading serious chronic disease and cause of death in the U.S. Despite previous research in diets (i.e., caloric restriction), physical activity levels, and biochemical markers, no studies to date have investigated the combination of an obesity medicine physician with a health coach alongside a commercial program for reducing body weight. As a result, this pilot study aims to assess the relationship between a commercial diet program and health and wellness coaching (HWC) for weight reduction outcomes when delivered in conjunction with an obesity medicine physician chronic disease care model, as a proof-of-concept study. MethodsThis 24-week proof-of-concept study was pragmatic, being an unblinded, unrandomized, uncontrolled, longitudinal, observational study. Its purpose was to assess participant weight reduction from a commercial weight reduction program using a pre-packaged portion-controlled reduced-calorie diet while meeting with a health coach and obesity medicine physician for counseling and support. Participants in the sample underwent a commercial weight reduction program through dietary control while meeting with an HWC. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine the weight reduction trends across a 24-week program. ResultsThis study included n = 53 participants; a majority were white females (n = 45; 85 %), with an average (SD) age of 50.3 (12.2) years. There was a significant improvement in weight reduction (21.8 ± 9.4 lbs. WL) seen throughout the 24-week program (F (7, 364) = 33.129, p < 0.001), with a large effect (η2 = 0.922). ConclusionThis proof-of-concept project found that Obesity Medicine Physician-directed, portion-controlled meals and HWC can improve weight reduction across a 24-week program using portioned-controlled meals. Confirmation of these findings and their clinical significance requires a follow-up randomized, controlled clinical trial using validated assessment tools.

Numerical Investigation of Effect Partially Corrugated Heated Wall on Behaviour Natural Convection Heat Transfer in A Square Enclosure

For fluid flow and heat transfer with engineering industrial applications important methods called natural convection are used. The current numerical study focuses on the effect of changing the heating positions of the corrugated left wall on heat transfer by natural convection with laminar flow in a closed square two-dimensional cavity filled with air as a working fluid. The code of a commercial program (COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0) was used to solve the mathematical equations governing fluid flow represented by continuity, momentum, and conservation of thermal energy. The right wall is exposed to a cold temperature, the other walls are thermally insulated. The effect of partial heating of the left corrugated wall and the Rayleigh number on the process of heat transfer by free convection was studied. At different Rayleigh numbers, flow field patterns and temperature distribution lines appear. The average Nusselt number, the average air temperature, and the flow field are slightly affected by low Rayleigh numbers, while with high Rayleigh numbers, these parameters are significantly and noticeably affected and behave differently by changing the heating sites. Numerical results show negligible effects of wall heating sites at low Rayleigh numbers and significant effects at high Rayleigh numbers. Also, the Nusselt number increases progressively with increasing Rayleigh number, so the heat transfer process gets improved.

Comparative study of different programs for sound insulation calculations

Engineering programs for calculating sound insulation in wooden buildings are a shortage, especially when it comes to wooden structures. There are some possibilities today to calculate field values using commercial programs following ISO 12354. However, detailed calculations for each construction part are sometimes crucial to optimize correctly, specifically for CLT or wood beam structures since they are far more complex than traditional concrete structures. Now, some programs are available on the market to calculate sound insulation for CLT structures. StoraEnso offers "Calculatis" online for free, and Marshall Day Acoustics provides "Insul 10". In short, the company Sonusoft will release a software called "Acoulatis". These three programs have slightly different approaches, and their capability to calculate various wall and floor structures differs. Nevertheless, the different programs are all limited to walls or floors construction parts, e.g. the outcome is Rw and Ln,w including spectrum adaptation terms, e.g. junctions are not included. In this paper, a comparison is made using the three different programs, including comparisons to measured values when available.

Analysis of Chiller Machine Energy Efficiency in the Paint Shop Air Handling Unit (AHU) Process

Abstract The Energy Efficiency in Industrial, Commercial, and Public Sector (EINCOPS) program is the result of a collaboration between the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Danida (Danish International Development Assistance), which began in 2008 to support Indonesian government policies in achieving development goals in the field of sustainable environmental management. Energy users have gradually adopted energy efficiency measures in the industrial, commercial, and public sectors, starting with a large class. This research aims to obtain the optimal temperature range for using a chiller machine so that it continues to run efficiently. The method used is to calculate the coefficient of performance and energy efficiency ratio of each chiller when it is used. The number of chillers can be affected by the temperature range of the air handling unit (AHU), which uses wind from the environment as the main source for processing, and the temperature range is linear with weather conditions. This research found that in the environmental temperature range of 26°–29° Celsius taken by AHU for distribution to production areas, chiller performance is still not optimal. In the previous operation, three chillers were used out of the four available units, so after knowing the results of the chiller load analysis in this temperature range were still below standard or not optimal, the number of chillers could be reduced from three units full time to only two units when the temperature environment was in the range of 26°–29° Celsius. The results of calculating the average Coefficient of Performance and Efficiency Energy Ratio using two chillers when the temperature range of 26°–29° Celsius is still included in the standard, namely by increasing 0.15, the pre-improvement value is 5,833, and the chiller efficiency load increases to 14 percent.

Analysis of Copper Welding Parameters during the Manufacture of Tubular Profiles Using Unconventional Extrusion Processes.

In recent years, there has been a lack of information in the literature regarding the extrusion and connection of closed profiles from oxygen-free copper in bridge dies. Available studies contain information on the processes of extrusion and connection of profiles from aluminium alloys and various types of steel. However, there is a lack of detailed data on the values of technological parameters for which copper is joined in the extrusion process. Therefore, one of the goals of this work is to fill the gap in the literature regarding the extrusion of oxygen-free copper in bridge dies. In this work, the authors determined the thermo-mechanical conditions at which oxygen-free copper will be joined. This paper describes the effects of charge temperature and hydrostatic pressure in the weld zone of a bridge die on copper bonding in the fabrication of tubular profiles. Physical tests of the welding process under the conditions of upsetting a material consisting of two parts were carried out using the Gleeble 3800 metallurgical process simulator with the PocketJaw module in the standard configuration for SICO (strain-induced crack opening) tests. For the numerical simulations, the commercial computer programme FORGE®NxT 2.1. using the finite element method (FEM) was used. Based on the analysis of the test results obtained, it was found that complete material bonding during the extrusion process could be achieved for a charge temperature higher than 600 °C and a hydrostatic pressure of 45-65 MPa.

A novel method for equine embryo transfer from contaminated recipient mares into second healthy recipients for surviving embryos

Embryo transfer (ET) is regarded as one of the reproductive methods for genetic improvement initiatives in the horse business. The current study aimed to increase the success rate of ET by re-flushing and re-transferring of embryos from contaminated recipient mares into second healthy recipients. The study involved 25 recipient mares that demonstrated embryonic vesicles inside intraluminal fluid (ILF) on ultrasound scanning 2 ± 0.5 days after ET. Seven recipient mares were left without re-flushing and re-transferring of embryos (control group) and 18 recipient mares (treated group) were subjected to re-flushing and re-transferring of the embryos to second healthy and prepared recipients. The retrieved fluid from treated mares was subjected to microbiological and cytological examinations. The results revealed mixed and single infections, as well as polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). The total bacterial count and cytology findings revealed that all first recipient mares had endometritis. All control mares showed embryonic death at 14 ± 1.1 days (13–15 days) of embryonic age. In treated group, microscopic evaluation of retrieved embryos revealed a well-developed thick capsule in 12/18 (66.7 %) of them and a normal capsule in 6/18 (33.3 %). The pregnancy rate in well-developed capsule embryos was greater (66.7 %) than in typical capsule embryos (33.3 %). This study illustrates the value of swabbing the uterus of the recipient mares during estrus prior to ET and their checking at 2 days after ET. In addition to boosting pregnancy rates in ET commercial programs, our novel method can protect the embryos from the harmful effects of the inflammatory process and help them survive.

43 Approaches for improving nitrogen utilization efficiency and environmental sustainability of pork production systems

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for life, but due to its inefficient utilization, N waste and emissions generated have exceeded the planetary boundaries and ability of the Earth to effectively overcome these environmentally detrimental effects. Global food animal production contributes 29 to 34% of total global N emissions, with pork supply chains contributing about 16% of these emissions. Life cycle N use efficiency (NUE) of U.S. pork production is only about 56%, which is similar to broiler (55%) and egg (50%) production, but greater than beef (10%) and milk (31%) production. However, only about 10 to 44% of dietary N is converted into edible pork products. While genetic improvement has increased NUE associated with improved lean growth rate, improvement in litter size has led to an increased proportion of low-birth-weight pigs that have reduced NUE. Although metabolic modifiers including porcine somatotropin, ractopamine, and immunocastration improve NUE, they are not feasible or acceptable to consumers in many countries. Separate sex feeding and reducing market weight can also improve NUE. Ultimately feeding program design and implementation have the greatest potential to improve NUE because feed is associated with 70% of N emissions in pork production systems. Multi-objective feed formulation using Life Cycle Assessment environmental impact data of feed ingredients, precision feed formulation and feeding practices to overcome variability in digestible nutrient content of feed ingredients and nutritional requirements of pigs fed in groups, feed processing to enhance energy and nutrient digestibility, and minimizing feed wastage offer the greatest opportunity to improve NUE and environmental sustainability. There are substantial differences in greenhouse gas emissions and embedded water and land use associated with growing-finishing feeding programs depending on the dietary proportions of corn, soybean meal, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and crystalline amino acids among U.S. geographic regions. Furthermore, addition of thermally processed supermarket food waste to corn-soybean meal (CSBM) diets can significantly reduce environmental impacts and diet cost without compromising growth performance and carcass composition compared with current commercial feeding programs. Although growing-finishing feeding programs using CSBM diets with minimal crystalline amino acids result in greater N intake, N retained, and urinary N excretion compared with feeding low protein, crystalline amino acid supplemented (LP) diets, and diets containing 30% DDGS, growth performance and carcass composition are optimized and impacts on climate change, marine and freshwater eutrophication, and fossil resource are reduced by feeding CSBM diets compared with feeding LP or DDGS diets. Sourcing and using feed ingredients with reduced environmental impact metrics along with precision diet formulation and feeding practices to ensure “getting the right amount of energy and nutrients in the right feed fed to the right pigs at the right time” can improve NUE and environmental sustainability of pork production systems.

301 Leveraging genomics to advance the breeding of Canadian livestock

Abstract Implementing breeding strategies for a more sustainable food system is one of the most pressing topics for livestock industries. Although different species face different challenges, large-scale research projects can pave the way for future opportunities in these key sectors. Herein, we present two examples (dairy and poultry) of how research projects can result in meaningful changes to commercial breeding programs. The first example is an international large-scale dairy project, which will deliver a roadmap for greenhouse gas (GHG) management using genomics and nutrition. The project aims to facilitate a 55% reduction in GHG emissions from Canadian dairy at an estimated value of $338M CAD. This systems-level approach will leverage resources developed through previous and current large-scale projects to produce accurate multi-level emission estimates and identify opportunities to mitigate enteric GHG emissions. The results of this project will provide accurate, reliable, and robust data for industry stakeholders, national policy, and GHG inventories. The second example is a research collaboration with a commercial turkey breeding company that will enable breeding strategies for long-term and sustainable genetic improvement in health traits. This project aims to reduce preslaughter mortality by 5% and condemnations due to myopathies and health issues. This reduction alone is expected to result in 7.5M kg more turkey meat at a value of $19.8M CAD. Furthermore, there is also an expected reduction of 2.3M kg of CO2 equivalent per year for each 1% livability improvement due to production efficiencies and reduced inputs wasted for more sustainable and ethical meat production. Overall, ongoing and future research initiatives will continue to deliver solutions for key Canadian livestock sectors to improve animal health and welfare as well as efficiency and sustainability. The strides made in these ongoing collaborative projects are imperative for enhancing the sustainability of animal agriculture to feed the growing population.

Evaluating the accuracy of planar gated blood pool processing software using simulated patient studies

Planar gated blood pool (GBP-P) radionuclide imaging is a valuable non-invasive technique for assessing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Serial cardiac imaging can be performed to monitor the potential decline in LVEF among patients undergoing cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Consequently, accurate LVEF determination becomes paramount. While commercial software programs have enhanced the LVEF values' reproducibility, concerns remain regarding their accuracy. This study aimed to generate a database of GBP-P studies with known LVEF values using Monte Carlo simulations and to assess LVEF values' accuracy using four commercial software programs.We utilised anthropomorphic 4D-XCAT models to generate 64 clinically realistic GBP-P studies with Monte Carlo simulations. Four commercial software programs (Alfanuclear, Siemens, General Electric Xeleris, and Mediso Tera-Tomo) were used to process these simulated studies. The accuracy and reproducibility of the LVEF values determined with these software programs and the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the LVEF values were assessed.Our study revealed a strong correlation between LVEF values calculated by the software programs and the true LVEF values derived from the 4D-XCAT models. However, all the software programs slightly underestimated LVEF at lower LVEF values. Intra- and inter-observer reliability for LVEF measurements was excellent.Accurate LVEF assessment is crucial for determining the patient's cardiac function before initiating and during chemotherapy treatment. The observed underestimation, particularly at lower LVEF values, emphasises the need for the accurate and reproducible determination of these values to avoid excluding suitable candidates for chemotherapy. The software programs' excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability highlights their potential to reduce subjectivity when using the semi-automatic processing option.This study confirms the accuracy and reliability of these commercial software programs in determining LVEF values from simulated GBP-P studies. Future research should investigate strategies to mitigate the underestimation biases and extend findings to diverse patient populations.Gated blood pool studies, left ventricular ejection fraction, Monte Carlo simulations, 4D-XCAT models.

Eigen-6c4 Gravity and Alos Palsar Radar Data Integration for Delineating Geological Lineaments in North Ghadames Basin, NW Libya

Introduction The ambiguity regarding the geological interpretation has the potential to be significantly decreased with the use of remote sensing, geophysical data, and the history of geology. Aims The objective of this work is to delineate geological lineaments and faults using EIGEN-6C4 satellite gravity and ALOS PALSAR radar data in the north Ghadames basin, of northwest Libya. Methods The satellite gravity dataset of the study region was used to perform a complete Bouguer anomaly map of the study area to start the gravity interpretation. Then different filters were performed on the gravity dataset, such as the total horizontal gradient (THG), CET grid analysis, 3-dimensional Euler solution (ED), and a tilt derivative (TDR) using the commercial Oasis Montaj programme. The techniques of edge identification (THG, TDR, and also CET grid analysis) are utilised for locating and identifying the boundaries or edges of geological structures that contribute to gravity anomalies. The 3-dimensional Euler solution, in conjunction with the TDR method, is employed to precisely figure out the positions and estimated depths associated with subsurface sources. Radiometric calibration, speckle filtering, and geometric correction were applied to preprocess the ALOS PALSAR L 1.1 image via the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) software. For automatic extraction, the PCI Geomatica software's LINE module was applied. Results The gravity data results indicate that the main trends of the identified geological lineaments are oriented in the North-South, East-West, Northwest-Southeast, and North-Northwest to South-Southeast directions. Furthermore, the depths of the sources observed underneath the study region differ from 250 m to 2750 m. The orientation of extracted lineaments from the ALOS PALSAR L1.1 images, specifically the horizontal-horizontal as well as horizontal-vertical polarisation images, predominantly have orientations in the north-south, north-northeast to south-southwest, east-west, north-northwest to south-southeast, and northeast-southwest directions within the study area. Conclusion All these findings of lineaments are associated with the tectonic features of the area. Consequently, identifying these lineaments/faults is important to reduce the ambiguity of geological interpretation and provide more information on the dominant trends for future exploration activities in the study region.

Efficacy of Computerized vs. Traditional Cognitive Interventions for the Treatment of Chronic mTBI Symptoms Among Service Members.

Military service members (SMs) with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI or concussion) frequently report cognitive and behavioral difficulties. Currently, military clinical guidelines recommend clinician-run, manualized cognitive rehabilitation (CR) to treat these symptoms; however, it is unclear whether this approach adequately addresses the unique needs of warfighters. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) programs represent an innovative, promising approach to treating cognitive difficulties; however, whether these programs can effectively remediate cognitive impairment in individuals with mTBI remains unclear. A total of 65 SMs with a history of at least 1 diagnosed mTBI were recruited from a military hospital. Participants received 1 of 2 interventions: Clinician-run, manualized CR (Study of Cognitive Rehabilitation Effectiveness [SCORE]; n = 37), consisting of 60 total intervention hours over 6 weeks, or CCT (n = 28), in which participants trained with either a commercial CCT (n = 14) or noncommercial CCT (n = 14), for a total of 12 hours over 4 weeks. Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention, using a combination of self-report and objective outcome measures: Key Behaviors Change Inventory (KBCI), a self-report measure of functional difficulties; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), an objective cognitive assessment that measures both information processing speed and sustained and divided attention; and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), an objective cognitive assessment that measures information processing speed. Mixed ANOVA revealed no interaction effect between intervention type and time (pre- and postassessment) on the PASAT (P = .643, ηp2 = 0.003), SDMT (P = .423, ηp2 = 0.010), or KBCI (P = .434, ηp2 = 0.010); however, there was a significant within-group main effect (time) on all 3 outcome measures (PASAT P < .001, ηp2 = 0.54; SDMT P < .001, ηp2 = 0.25; and KBCI P = .001, ηp2 = 0.15). On average, participants showed improvement over baseline on the PASAT (SCORE delta = 6.98, SD = 7.25, P < .001; CCT delta = 7.79, SD = 6.45, P < .001), SDMT (SCORE delta = 4.62, SD = 8.82, P = .003; CCT delta = 6.58, SD = 10.81, P = .003), and KBCI (SCORE delta = -3.22, SD = 7.09, P = .009; CCT delta = -2.00, SD = 4.72, P = .033). Additional analysis comparing the relative effectiveness of the 2 different CCTs revealed that while training with either program resulted in improved performance on the PASAT (P < .001, ηp2 = 0.627), SDMT (P = .003, ηp2 = 0.286), and KBCI (P = .036, ηp2 = 0.158), there was no interaction effect of CCT program type and change over time for any measure (PASAT P = .102, ηp2 = 1.00; SDMT P = .317, ηp2 = 0.038; and KBCI P = .719, ηp2 = 0.005). We showed that CCT programs do not differ in efficacy compared to clinician-run, manualized CR for treating symptoms associated with mTBI; however, exploratory analyses suggest that each approach may have distinct advantages for treating specific symptoms. Additionally, we showed that the improvement in the CCT intervention did not differ between those who trained using the commercial program vs. those who trained with the noncommercial program.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection zone: insights and applications from a university-based assisted reproduction laboratory

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become one of the most important tools used for in vitro production of embryos (IVP) in equine reproduction management programs around the world. This procedure is often performed in the US for several breeds and is used primarily to optimize foal production for broodmares and performance mares but also for stallions with limited semen availability or poor semen quality. As such, there are a limited number of US laboratories capable of using this method, which requires advanced training of personnel and specialized equipment. Many veterinarians and breeding farms currently aspirate ovarian follicles in cycling mares and ship oocytes to ICSI-capable laboratories, where embryos can be produced and typically vitrified for ultralow temperature storage and transport for transfer to recipient mares and establishment of surrogate pregnancies. The Veterinary Assisted Reproduction Laboratory in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, maintains a 3-dimensional approach to equine assisted reproductive technology. We offer commercial solutions to breeders, educational advice and training to other laboratories, veterinarians, and visiting scholars. Moreover, as a research laboratory, our objective is to analyze and apply observations from IVP to elucidation of complex developmental problems such as embryonic and fetal loss. In 2018, we reported the birth of the first foal produced at UC Davis using ICSI, and we have since developed a commercial ICSI program for practitioners and horse breeders in the US. Today, our laboratory receives thousands of immature oocytes for ICSI sessions every year, with an average of 2 embryos per mare-session. Our research is focused on molecular, cellular and genetic aspects of gamete biology, perifertilization events, and early equine development using an array of tools including advanced microscopy, sequencing, and time-lapse imaging of developing embryos. In this review, we have highlighted our laboratory’s current methods for commercial equine IVP and research and clinical studies conducted to optimize IVP in horses.

Microbiology of human spaceflight: microbial responses to mechanical forces that impact health and habitat sustainability.

SUMMARYUnderstanding the dynamic adaptive plasticity of microorganisms has been advanced by studying their responses to extreme environments. Spaceflight research platforms provide a unique opportunity to study microbial characteristics in new extreme adaptational modes, including sustained exposure to reduced forces of gravity and associated low fluid shear force conditions. Under these conditions, unexpected microbial responses occur, including alterations in virulence, antibiotic and stress resistance, biofilm formation, metabolism, motility, and gene expression, which are not observed using conventional experimental approaches. Here, we review biological and physical mechanisms that regulate microbial responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analog environments from both the microbe and host-microbe perspective that are relevant to human health and habitat sustainability. We highlight instrumentation and technology used in spaceflight microbiology experiments, their limitations, and advances necessary to enable next-generation research. As spaceflight experiments are relatively rare, we discuss ground-based analogs that mimic aspects of microbial responses to reduced gravity in spaceflight, including those that reduce mechanical forces of fluid flow over cell surfaces which also simulate conditions encountered by microorganisms during their terrestrial lifecycles. As spaceflight mission durations increase with traditional astronauts and commercial space programs send civilian crews with underlying health conditions, microorganisms will continue to play increasingly critical roles in health and habitat sustainability, thus defining a new dimension of occupational health. The ability of microorganisms to adapt, survive, and evolve in the spaceflight environment is important for future human space endeavors and provides opportunities for innovative biological and technological advances to benefit life on Earth.

Effectiveness of virtual reality training compared to balance-specific training and conventional training on balance and gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy: A double blinded randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of a virtual reality rehabilitation-based training (VRT) with balance-specific training (BST) and conventional training (CT) on the balance and gross motor functions (GMF) of children with cerebral palsy (CwCP). This study was a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from different CP rehabilitation centers and clinics and were then randomly allocated using the block randomization method into three groups: (1) group 1 (VRT using a set of Xbox 360 games that triggered balance), (2) group 2 (BST applying a protocol of 13 exercises to enhance balance in different conditions), and (3) control group 3 (CT using traditional physiotherapy techniques). All groups received 18 sessions over six weeks, three sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Participants were assessed at three timepoints (baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up) using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM D & E), the Five Times Sit-To-Stand Test, and upper and lower segments' center of mass (COM) displacement (UCOM and LCOM). A total of 46 CwCP participated in this study. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between groups in the dependent variables, except for the GMFM (D & E) and the PBS (p < 0.05 and partial η2 = 0.473). The post-hoc test showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the VRT group compared to other groups in terms of right UCOM (p < 0.05) with a large effect size of the time*group interaction (partial η2 = 0.87). Moreover, there was a statistically significant effect of time (i.e., baseline to post-treatment and baseline to follow-up) with F (18, 23) = 59.954, p < 0.05, Wilks' lambda = 0.021, partial η2 = 0.979. The findings revealed that VRT was not superior to BST in the rehabilitation of balance and GMF in CwCP aged four to 12 years. However, when compared to CT, better results were reported. Furthermore, it appears that customized programs lead to greater improvements in balance than commercial programs. Future studies are needed to assess the physiological effects of the three types of rehabilitation interventions using more advanced measurement tools, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, following VRT protocols.

High-throughput image processing software for the study of nuclear architecture and gene expression

High-throughput imaging (HTI) generates complex imaging datasets from a large number of experimental perturbations. Commercial HTI software programs for image analysis workflows typically do not allow full customization and adoption of new image processing algorithms in the analysis modules. While open-source HTI analysis platforms provide individual modules in the workflow, like nuclei segmentation, spot detection, or cell tracking, they are often limited in integrating novel analysis modules or algorithms. Here, we introduce the High-Throughput Image Processing Software (HiTIPS) to expand the range and customization of existing HTI analysis capabilities. HiTIPS incorporates advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms for automated cell and nuclei segmentation, spot signal detection, nucleus tracking, nucleus registration, spot tracking, and quantification of spot signal intensity. Furthermore, HiTIPS features a graphical user interface that is open to integration of new analysis modules for existing analysis pipelines and to adding new analysis modules. To demonstrate the utility of HiTIPS, we present three examples of image analysis workflows for high-throughput DNA FISH, immunofluorescence (IF), and live-cell imaging of transcription in single cells. Altogether, we demonstrate that HiTIPS is a user-friendly, flexible, and open-source HTI software platform for a variety of cell biology applications.

A comparative study of hydrodynamic performance between ducted and non-ducted Archimedes spiral hydrokinetic turbines

The Archimedes spiral hydrokinetic turbine (ASHT), as a novel type of horizontal-axis hydrokinetic turbine, is well suited for deployment in the low-speed ocean current environment. Besides, integrating hydrokinetic turbines within a duct stands out as a prospective approach to enhance the efficiency of energy harvesting. In this study, a duct is implemented with the aim of enhancing the performance of ASHT. Using the commercial code program ANSYS-FLUENT, the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are solved along with the SST k-ω turbulence model to elucidate the distinctive hydrodynamic characteristics of ASHT and its ducted configuration (DASHT). The findings revealed a consistent outperformance of the DASHT over the ASHT, achieving a notable maximum improvement of 122% in the power coefficient (CP). The ASHT exhibits turbulence near the blade tips, generating large spiral tip vortex, while the DASHT, with its duct, induces significant turbulence, resulting in a wider range of vortex structures. Furthermore, the DASHT shows better energy harvesting due to enhanced diffusion under yawed flow. The wake asymmetry and increased turbulence are observed as the yaw angle increases, affecting vortex structures differently in ASHT and DASHT. At higher yaw angle, the DASHT vortex splits into two parts, contributing to a more complex wake structure.

Investigation of thermal performance at forced convection in plate-fin heat sink

Interest in studies on more effective and faster heat dissipation in microelectronic equipment has increased in recent years due to the cooling area and equipment size limitations. This study attempts to focus on the effect of different fin geometry parameters on pure forced convection heat transfer. Total surface areas of plate-fin heat sinks were kept constant and were carried out for ten different heat sinks in these analyses. The Ansys-Fluent 2023 R1 commercial package program was used to perform the thermal and hydrodynamic performance analyses. Three-dimensional turbulent forced convection heat transfer analyses at heat sinks were subjected to fluid flow (500≤Re≤3000). The effects of gap between fins, fin thickness, fin height, fin number, and air velocity on the heat transfer and the friction factor were obtained and discussed for heat sinks. It was observed that there was a maximum difference of 0.27 % between the maximum temperatures obtained as a result of this analysis and the experimental study results in the literature. Among the ten cases examined (from Case 1 to Case 10), the highest heat transfer coefficient was obtained in Case 2 (number of fins 6, gap between fins 4 mm, fin height 17 mm and fin thickness 2 mm) at Re = 3000. The heat transfer coefficient of Case 2 was 41.29 % higher than the heat transfer coefficient of Case 4 at Re = 3000; though, the friction factor of Case 2 is 55.93 % higher than Case 4. Also, a useful correlation for the heat transfer coefficient was generated for the fin geometric parameters and Reynolds number.