The Future of Making for Designers, Makers, and Users: A Conversation Between Industry and Academia

In recent years, the apparel industry has been integrating a number of emerging technologies. Methods such as automated production and 3D printing or additive manufacturing are shifting the dynamic for traditional apparel designers. Such evolution is leading to a shift in paradigm as various industry companies are actively exploring and applying such emerging technology in commercial products and manufacturing processes. This study examined the perception of both industry and academia in the changing environment for designers, makers, and users and explored approaches in locating resources for supporting both industry and academia in future growth. Data suggests that roles of designer, makers, and users are quickly changing with reconfigured knowledge base and new skill sets in the age of novel technology. Much disconnect still exists between industry and academia and among groups of designers, makers, and users in realizing the best mechanism in transitioning to the new ways

Shrinkage deformation of different shape of foamed concrete specimen

In construction field, the most important element is concrete. Majority of construction in Malaysia use the concrete and the improvement of concrete technology is very important. Example of concrete technology improvement is foamed concrete. Foamed concrete is additional of foaming agent in the concrete mixture to control the concrete density and the foamed concrete do not used the course aggregate. The foaming agent used to trap the air to reduce the concrete density. The strength of foamed concrete is lower than normal concrete and it is suitable to be used at the uncritical structure in the construction. The foamed agent also expose to crack effected by drying shrinkage. Some of the factors causes the drying shrinkage are investigated. Two factors of drying shrinkage investigated in this study are different density of foamed concrete and different shapes of concrete specimens. Prism sized 100mm x 100mm x 500mm, cylinder sized 150mm 0 x 300mm and 150mm cube for 1200 kg/m3 and 1600 kg/m3 density were produced throughout this experiment. The uses of prism and cylinder specimens are because it is normal shape of concrete structure with different surface expose to environmental for shrinkage observation. The cube was used for compressive strength test to prove the targeted density. The result of compressive strength test shows the increments of concrete density produced high strength of concrete. On the other hand, the increments of concrete density reduce the shrinkage value as well as the reduction of surface exposes to the environmental

Diverse phylogeny and morphology of magnetite biomineralized by magnetotactic cocci

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are diverse prokaryotes that produce magnetic nanocrystals within intracellular membranes (magnetosomes). Here, we present a large‐scale analysis of diversity and magnetosome biomineralization in modern magnetotactic cocci, which are the most abundant MTB morphotypes in nature. Nineteen novel magnetotactic cocci species are identified phylogenetically and structurally at the single‐cell level. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that the cocci cluster into an independent branch from other Alphaproteobacteria MTB, that is, within the Etaproteobacteria class in the Proteobacteria phylum. Statistical analysis reveals species‐specific biomineralization of magnetosomal magnetite morphologies. This further confirms that magnetosome biomineralization is controlled strictly by the MTB cell and differs among species or strains. The post‐mortem remains of MTB are often preserved as magnetofossils within sediments or sedimentary rocks, yet paleobiological and geological interpretation of their fossil record remains challenging. Our results indicate that magnetofossil morphology could be a promising proxy for retrieving paleobiological information about ancient MTB.This study was supported financially by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants 41920104009, 41890843 and 41621004), The Senior User Project of RVKEXUE2019GZ06 (Centre for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences), The Laboratory for Marine Geology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (grant MGQNLM201704) and the Australian Research Council (grants DP140104544 and DP200100765)

Genetic Analysis and Sonography Characteristics in Fetus with SHOX Haploinsufficiency

Objective: SHOX haploinsufficiency have been commonly found in isolated short stature (ISS) and Léri–Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) patients. However, few publications have described the genetic analysis and clinical characteristics of fetuses with SHOX haploinsufficiency. Methods: Chromosomal microarray (CMA) were applied in 14,051 fetuses and sequentially whole exome sequence (WES) in 1340 fetuses who underwent prenatal diagnosis during 2016–2021. The analysis and summary of molecular genetics, sonographic characteristics, and follow-up results were performed in fetuses with SHOX haploinsufficiency without other genetic etiologies. A comparison was made between three groups according to prenatal diagnostic indications. Results: 8 (0.06%) fetuses of SHOX haploinsufficiency were all detected by CMA, of which 5 (62.5%) were detected with short long bones by ultrasound scan, and 4 were inherited from their previously undiagnosed parents. No pathogenic SHOX variants were found by WES. The detection rate of SHOX haploinsufficiency was obviously higher in the short long bone group (2.6%, 5/191) than the other abnormality group (0.03%, 1/3919) or no ultrasound abnormality group (0.02%, 2/9941). Three of the fetuses were liveborn with normal growth up to the age of four and four were terminated. Conclusion: The phenotype of fetuses with SHOX haploinsufficiency is highly varied. Over 1/3 of the cases exhibited no phenotype and nearly 2/3 with short long bones, in the absence of Madelung deformity during fetal development. SHOX haploinsufficiency should be considered in all antenatal presentations, especially in the case of isolated short long bones. CMA can provide effective detection

Envisioning the era of 3D printing: a conceptual model for the fashion industry

Abstract The emergence of 3D printing technology in the fashion industries has led to a rapidly growing attention and discussion on its coming impacts, novel approaches and those relevant challenges involved in its supply chain integration. The purpose of this conceptual study is to examine the potential impacts and challenges of integrating Direct Digital Manufacturing methods, specifically 3D printing (3DP), in the fashion industry. To recognize and organize such integration, we first examine the nature of Direct digital manufacturing (DDM) in contrast to traditional manufacturing approaches. After that, a conceptual model applied to DDM integrated fashion industry was then proposed to address this change. With respect to 3DP, four areas of its direct and indirect impacts were prudently examined, which were primarily put on (1) design and product development, (2) sourcing and manufacturing, (3) retail, distribution and consumer, as well as (4) the sustainability optimization. The potential challenges of integrating 3DP, which ultimately leads to the DDM paradigm, in each of these areas were also evaluated. Beyond the identified impacts and challenges, this proposed conceptual model ultimately aims to help lay the groundwork, explore future research topics and curricula for the fashion field integrating DDM, focusing on the 3DP technology

The Future of Making for Designers, Makers, and Users: A Conversation Between Industry and Academia

In recent years, the apparel industry has been integrating a number of emerging technologies. Methods such as automated production and 3D printing or additive manufacturing are shifting the dynamic for traditional apparel designers. Such evolution is leading to a shift in paradigm as various industry companies are actively exploring and applying such emerging technology in commercial products and manufacturing processes. This study examined the perception of both industry and academia in the changing environment for designers, makers, and users and explored approaches in locating resources for supporting both industry and academia in future growth. Data suggests that roles of designer, makers, and users are quickly changing with reconfigured knowledge base and new skill sets in the age of novel technology. Much disconnect still exists between industry and academia and among groups of designers, makers, and users in realizing the best mechanism in transitioning to the new ways.</p

An improved approach of totally visceral sac separation (TVS) for incisional hernia compared with laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus repair (IPOM plus)

Abstract Endoscopic techniques have been widely used in ventral hernia surgery. Totally visceral sac separation (TVS) is a new concept proposed for hernia repair in recent years. The aim of this study was to contrast the postoperative results of TVS with the widely used method of Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus repair (IPOM plus) for incisional hernias. The retrospective comparison analysis of 38 IPOM plus and 34 TVS was conducted during the time period between December 2019 and June 2022. For both two groups, baseline characteristics, surgical records, postoperative information, and quality of life outcomes utilizing the Carolina’s Comfort Scale were collected and analyzed. There were no differences between the methods of TVS and IPOM plus among the baseline characteristics. It showed the operative time in TVS group with the mean time of 213.4 min was significantly longer than that in IPOM plus group with the mean time of 182.9 min (P = 0.010). The postoperative length of stay in TVS group was 6.2 days, which was significantly shorter than IPOM plus group with the mean time of 4.8 days (P = 0.011). The medical expenses was significantly smaller in TVS group than that in IPOM plus group (P < 0.001). The quality of life scores of TVS were significant better than IPOM plus at one week, one month and six months. Besides, both TVS and IPOM plus have very few complications. TVS approach for incisional hernias is secure, effective, and valuable. It has shorter postoperative length of stay, higher quality of life, longer operative time, smaller medical expenses, and approximate complications compared with IPOM plus procedure. Our results have a greater contribution to the application and popularization of TVS technique

Planifilum fulgidum Is the Dominant Functional Microorganism in Compost Containing Spent Mushroom Substrate

The extensive accumulation of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) owing to the large-scale production of edible fungi is causing environmental problems that cannot be ignored. Co-composting is a promising method for agricultural and animal husbandry waste disposal. In this study, the composition and function of microbial communities in the process of cattle manure–maize straw composting with SMS addition were compared through an integrated meta-omics approach. The results showed that irrespective of SMS addition, the predominant fungi were Ascomycota, while the dominant bacteria were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. High temperature promoted the evolution from Gram-negative bacteria (Bacteroides, Proteobacteria) to Gram-positive bacteria (Firmicutes, Actinomycetes). The composting process was accelerated by SMS addition, and the substrate was effectively degraded in 14 days. Metaproteomics results showed that the dominant microorganism, Planifilum fulgidum, secreted large amounts of S8, M17, and M32 proteases that could degrade macromolecular protein substrates in the presence of SMS. Planifilum fulgidum, along with Thermobifida fusca and Melanocarpus albomyces, synergistically degraded hemicellulose, cellulose, and protein. In addition, the dominant microorganisms related to the initial raw materials such as Pichia, Lactobacillus in the microbial agent and Hypsizygus in SMS could not adapt to the high-temperature environment (&gt;60 °C) and were replaced by thermophilic bacteria after 5 days of composting

Three new shRNA expression vectors targeting the CYP3A4 coding sequence to inhibit its expression.

RNA interference (RNAi) is useful for selective gene silencing. Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes approximately 50% of drugs in clinical use, plays an important role in drug metabolism. In this study, we aimed to develop a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to modulate CYP3A4 expression. Three new shRNAs (S1, S2 and S3) were designed to target the coding sequence (CDS) of CYP3A4, cloned into a shRNA expression vector, and tested in different cells. The mixture of three shRNAs produced optimal reduction (55%) in CYP3A4 CDS-luciferase activity in both CHL and HEK293 cells. Endogenous CYP3A4 expression in HepG2 cells was decreased about 50% at both mRNA and protein level after transfection of the mixture of three shRNAs. In contrast, CYP3A5 gene expression was not altered by the shRNAs, supporting the selectivity of CYP3A4 shRNAs. In addition, HepG2 cells transfected with CYP3A4 shRNAs were less sensitive to Ginkgolic acids, whose toxic metabolites are produced by CYP3A4. These results demonstrate that vector-based shRNAs could modulate CYP3A4 expression in cells through their actions on CYP3A4 CDS, and CYP3A4 shRNAs may be utilized to define the role of CYP3A4 in drug metabolism and toxicity

Binding process and free energy characteristics of cellulose chain into the catalytic domain of cellobiohydrolase TrCel7A

It was observed in experiments that the catalytic domain (CD) of Trichoderma reesei Cel7A (TrCel7A) hydrolyzes crystalline cellulose in a processive manner, but the underlying binding mechanism is still unknown. Here, through replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the loading and sucking-in process of the cellulose chain into CD is entropy-driven and enthalpy-unfavorable, which firmly relate to the desolvation of the binding channel of CD. During the loading process, hydrophobic interactions play a dominant role because several aromatic residues have been identified to guide the cellulose chain processing. At the active site, a transition from enthalpy- to entropy-driven is detected for the driving force. Such a finding reveals the indispensability of the catalytic reaction of the glycosidic bond to provide the energy to drive the movements of the cellulose chain. Our study reveals the interaction pictures between the cellulose chain and TrCel7A at the atomic level, which helps better understand the catalytic mechanism of TrCel7A.This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 11874238 and Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation under Grant ZR2018MA043. The authors also acknowledge the support from the Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology Open Projects Fund (Project No. M2017-03)