bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy-duty truck platooning on hilly terrain highways: Methods for assessment and improvement
Authors: Droege Miles J , Black Brady , Ashta Shubham , Foster John , Shaver Gregory M , Jain Neera , Thayer Ryan
Published: December 2021

Platooning heavy-duty trucks is a proven method to reduce fuel consumption on flat ground, but a significant portion of the U.S. highway system covers hilly terrain. The effort described in this paper uses experimentally gathered single truck data from a route with hilly terrain and an experimentally-validated two-truck platoon simulation framework to analyze control methods for effective platooning on hilly terrain. Specifically, this effort investigates two platoon control aspects: (1) the lead truck’s vehicle speed control and (2) the platoon’s transmission shifting algorithm. Three different types of lead truck speed control strategies are analyzed using the validated platoon model. Two are commercially available cruise control strategies – conventional constant set speed cruise control (CCC) and flexible set speed cruise control (FCC). The third lead truck speed control strategy was developed by the authors in this paper. It uses look-ahead grade information for an entire route to create an energy-optimal speed profile for the lead truck which is called long-horizon predictive cruise control (LHPCC). Then, a two-truck platoon transmission shifting strategy that coordinates the shift events – Simultaneous Shifting (SS) – is introduced and compared to a commercially available shifting strategy using the validated platoon model. This shifting strategy demonstrates further improvements in the platoon performance by improving the platoon gap control. A summary of these simulations demonstrates that the performance of the platoon can be improved by three methods: adding speed flexibility to the lead truck speed control method, using look-ahead road grade information to generate energy-optimal speed targets for the lead truck, and coordinating the timing of the transmission shifts for each truck in the platoon.
Research on dynamic load spectrum of electric vehicle transmission system based on underdamping characteristic
Authors: Guo Du , Chen Xing , Yin Yanli , Liu Hui
Published: December 2021

Overall, the electric vehicle transmission system shows an underdamped characteristic. Under changeable road conditions and high-frequency response for the motor, the resulting dynamic load environment may cause multiple failure modes, such as contact fatigue failure and bending fatigue fracture, for the transmission component, which limits the electric vehicle transmission component lifespan and system reliability. To reflect the dynamic load characteristics of the electric vehicle transmission system using a permanent magnet synchronous motor as a power source and accurately calculate the dynamic load of the transmission system, a high-speed helical gear-rotor-bearing coupling mechanical model for the electric vehicle transmission system was built based on simulating actual operation working conditions of the electric vehicle and considering the external load excitation caused by the Electromagnetic torque of the permanent magnet synchronous motor and vehicle driving resistant change as well as internal excitation caused by gear time-varying meshing rigidness and meshing error. Through simulation calculation of the mechanical model, the dynamic meshing force of the gear pair and dynamic contact force of the support bearing was obtained. Based on the Hertz contact theory, the stress-time history was obtained for the key parts, the rain flow counting method was adopted for the statistics collection and analysis of the stress-time history, and the fatigue load spectrum for various key parts of the transmission system was obtained. The result lays a foundation for the fatigue life prediction and reliability analysis for the pure electric vehicle transmission system.
Study on the transient temperature distribution of new conical friction plate under sliding friction
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Liu Peng
Published: December 2021

Conical friction surface is a novel configuration for friction plate in transmission. Numerical FEA models for transient heat transfer and distribution of conically grooved friction plate have been established to investigate the thermal behavior of the conical surface with different configurations. The finite element method is used to obtain the numerical solution, the temperature test data of conical surface are obtained by the friction test rig. In order to study and compare the temperature behavior of conically grooved friction plate, several three-dimensional transient temperature models are established. The heat generated on the friction interface during the continuous sliding process is calculated. Two different pressure conditions were defined to evaluate the influence of different load conditions on temperature rise and the effects of conical configuration parameters on surface temperature distribution are investigated. The results show that the radial temperature gradient on conical friction surface is obvious. The uniform pressure condition could be used when evaluating the temperature rise of conically grooved friction plate. The increase of the cone height could improve the radial temperature gradient of the conically grooved friction plate.
Optimal energy management strategy for fuel cell/battery/supercapacitor vehicles using wavelet transform and equivalent consumption minimization strategy
Authors: Zou Pengfei , Tao Fazhan , Fu Zhumu , Si Pengju , Ma Chao
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the hybrid electric vehicle is equipped with fuel cell/battery/supercapacitor as the research object, the optimal energy management strategy (EMS) is proposed by combining wavelet transform (WT) method and equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) for reducing hydrogen consumption and prolonging the lifespan of power sources. Firstly, the WT method is employed to separate power demand of vehicles into high-frequency part supplied by supercapacitor and low-frequency part allocated to fuel cell and battery, which can effectively reduce the fluctuation of fuel cell and battery to prolong their lifespan. Then, considering the low-frequency power, the optimal SOC of battery is used to design the equivalent factor of the ECMS method to improve the fuel economy. The proposed hierarchical EMS can realize a trade-off between the lifespan of power sources and fuel economy of vehicles. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed EMS is verified by ADVISOR, and comparison results are given compared with the traditional ECMS method and ECMS combining the filter.
A distributed model predictive control approach to cooperative adaptive cruise control of the heterogeneous platoon
Authors: Nie Guangming , Xie Bo , Hao Zixu , Hu Hangwei , Tian Yantao
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a distributed model predictive control algorithm to solve the cruise control problem of a heterogeneous platoon. Each following vehicle in the platoon can use the communication equipment to receive the information of the leading vehicle and its preceding adjacent one. The vehicles in the platoon are dynamically decoupled and have different dynamic parameters. Each vehicle solves a local optimal control problem independently. The cost function of each vehicle’s local optimal control algorithm is designed with traceability as the control objective, and its asymptotic stability is guaranteed by using the terminal constraint method. In addition, the timestamps of all vehicles in the platoon are synchronous, which means that in each sampling period, a specific vehicle in the platoon cannot obtain the solution results of other vehicles’ local optimal control problems at the current sampling moment. Under this restriction, the constraints that each vehicle needs to meet to realize the platoon’s string stability are also designed. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Experimental Investigation on Aquatic Waste Water Hyacinth (Eichhorniacrassipes) Plant into Natural Fibre Polymer Composite – Biological Waste into Commercial Product
Authors: Ajithram A. , Winowlin Jappes J. T. , Siva I. , Brintha N. C.
Published: December 2021

Present work dealt with evaluating the aquatic wastewater hyacinth plant long fibre reinforced withepoxy polymer composite mechanical strength, absorption, characterization, thermal degradation and stability, surface morphology studies. This research work water hyacinth long fibre is used as a reinforcement material and epoxy polymer matrix material is used as a matrix phase material. By utilizing the compression moulding hot press machine the different weight percentages (20, 25, 30, and 35%) of the hyacinth composite samples areproduced.Converting the biological waste into zero waste and useful product concept is achieved in this research. In this work hyacinth, long fibre is extracted with a new novel mechanical way (fabricated machine) of the extraction process. Hyacinth long fibre composite tensile strength (mechanical strength) is varied from 36.42 to 44.62MPa, flexural strength varied from 47.86 to 59.684MPa, and impact strength varied from 0.5 to 3.5J. After the 8th hour of monitoring the composite samples are attained constant values on both water and chemical absorption studies. By utilizing thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method the essential functional groups present in the hyacinth composites are identified. Based on the final experiment results the hyacinth fibre composite is highly recommended to the usage of profit oriented products.
Cellulitis in patients with chronic lower-limb lymphedema due to HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: Volkow-Fernández Patricia , Islas-Muñoz Beda , Alatorre-Fernández Pamela , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia
Published: December 2021

Objective

Chronic Lower Limb Lymphedema (CL-LL) secondary to Kaposi sarcoma (KS) has not been recognized as a risk factor for cellulitis. The aim was to describe the clinical spectrum and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with cellulitis and CL-LL due to KS.

Methods

HIV patients with KS, CL-LL, and at least one episode of cellulitis seen at the AIDS Cancer Clinic at INCan in Mexico from 2004 to 2019 were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records.

Results

Thirty-nine men all with CL-LL were included. Clinical factors associated with cellulitis were groin and/or lymph-node KS infiltration (69.2%), onychomycosis and/or tinea pedis (44.7%), ulcerated lesions (38.4%), and obesity (2.5%). Eighteen (46.1%) were hospitalized in the first episode and eight (20.5%) in recurrence. Six (25.3%) died, two of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and one of septic shock. Fourteen (35.8%) had at least one recurrent episode of cellulitis. Twenty-five (64.1%) received prophylaxis. Patients without prophylaxis had significantly more unfavorable outcomes (hospitalization and recurrences) than those with prophylaxis.

Conclusions

CL-LL due to KS is a risk factor for cellulitis and severe complications in patients with a long life expectancy. Antimicrobial prophylaxis needs to be explored as it could prevent complications.
Paleovegetation dynamics in an alternative stable states landscape in the montane Western Ghats, India
Authors: Ramya Bala Prabhakaran , Pullyottum Kavil Sarath , Tayasu Ichiro , Yoshimizu Chikage , Thirumalai Kaustubh , Sajeev Krishnan , Sukumar Raman
Published: December 2021

Peat deposits (>50 ka) in the montane Nilgiris (Western Ghats, India), have been central to the reconstruction of late Quaternary paleoclimate using paleovegetation changes in the forest-grassland vegetation mosaic that coexist here. However, it is well-known that short-term disturbances can also cause vegetation switches when multiple stable vegetation states exist. We studied paleovegetation changes within the alternative stable states framework using stable carbon isotopes (relative abundance of C3-C4 vegetation) on the cellulose fraction from two high-resolution radiocarbon-dated peat cores ~170 m apart in the Sandynallah valley: Core 1 closer to the hillslope (32,000 years old) and Core 2 from the centre of the valley (45,000 years old). Core 1 is located in an ecotone showing shola-sedgeland dynamics with vegetation switching at c.22 ka from shola (possibly due to fire) to a prolonged unstable state until 13 ka sustained by low waterlogging. Following a hiatus c.13 ka, sedgeland dominates, with a shift into shola at 3.75 ka driven by increasing aridity. Core 2 shows a stable sedgeland mixed C3-C4 composition responding to temperature, enriched in C3-vegetation in the last glacial with C4-dominance beginning c.18.5 ka, indicative of deglacial warming. The distinctive vegetation states at corresponding times in Cores 1 and 2 within the same valley, responding independently to disturbances and climate, respectively, is the first paleo-record from an alternative stable states landscape in the montane tropics. Thus, short-term disturbances and site attributes need to be accounted for before ascribing vegetation change to changing climate in such vegetation mosaics.
A gamified mobile application for first-year student orientation to promote library services
Authors: Leenaraj Bhornchanit , Arayaphan Watsaporn , Intawong Kannikar , Puritat Kitti
Published: December 2021

This study proposes a mobile application as a new approach for first-year student orientation to promote knowledge of library services using the gamification concept. The application is based on mobile devices with GPS to locate students, allowing them to catch, collect, and battle monsters around the library with questions on library service instructions. To evaluate the learning effectiveness of the approach, we performed a comparative experiment in which the control group used e-learning, while the experimental group used the mobile application of the CMU Journey. We evaluated the pre-and post-test scores, delayed 1-month post-test scores, and intrinsic motivation based on the IMI questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the preference for gamified experience among students can enhance knowledge retention and intrinsic motivation compared to other groups.
Reduced expression of hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 in T follicular helper cells causes autoimmunity of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Huilin , Xie Yuming , Huang Junke , Luo Danhong , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2021

Backgroud

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells have been discovered to be the main CD4+ T cells assisting B cells to produce antibody. They are over activated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and consequently lead to excessive immunity. Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) negatively regulates T cell-mediated immune responses and TCR signal. This study aimed to investigate the roles of HPK1 in SLE Tfh cells.

Methods

HPK1 mRNA and protein levels in Tfh cells were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The production of IL-21, B cell−activating factor (BAFF), interferon γ (IFNγ), IL-17A, IgM, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Tfh cells proliferation was evaluated with 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

HPK1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in SLE Tfh cells, and negatively correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index for SLE (SDI). Knocking down HPK1 with siRNA in normal Tfh cells greatly elevated Tfh cells proliferation and secretions of IL-21, BAFF, IFNγ, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3. There were no marked alterations in IL-17A and IgM productions. The opposite effects were observed in SLE Tfh cells transfected with HPK1 overexpressing plasmid: Tfh cells proliferation and productions of IL-21, BAFF, IFNγ, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 were all alleviated. And there were no significant changes in IL-17A and IgM levels.

Conclusion

Our results suggest for the first time that inhibited expression of HPK1 in SLE Tfh cells leading to Tfh cells overactivation and B cells overstimulation, subsequently, the onset and progression of SLE.
IIB or not IIB, part 2: assessing inter-rater and intra-rater repeatability of the Kenney–Doig scale in equine endometrial biopsy evaluation
Authors: Westendorf Jane , Wobeser Bruce , Epp Tasha
Published: December 2021

Inter- and intra-rater variability negatively affects the reliability of various histopathology grading scales used as prognostic aids in human and veterinary medicine. The Kenney–Doig categorization (grading) scale, which is used to associate equine endometrial histologic lesions with prognostic estimation of a broodmare’s reproductive potential, has not been evaluated for inter- or intra-rater variability, to our knowledge. To assess whether the Kenney–Doig system produces reliable results among observers, 8 pathologists, all with American College of Veterinary Pathologists certification, were recruited to blindly categorize the same set of 63 digital equine endometrial biopsy slides as well as to re-evaluate anonymously 21 of 63 of these slides at a later time. Cohen kappa values for pairwise comparison of final Kenney–Doig categories were −0.05 to 0.46 (unweighted) and 0.08–0.64 (weighted), with an average Light kappa of 0.19 (unweighted) and 0.36 (weighted) across all 8 pathologists, 0.14 (unweighted) and 0.33 (weighted) for pathologists at different institutions, and 0.22 (unweighted) and 0.46 (weighted) for pathologists at the same institution. Intra-class correlations measuring intra-rater agreement were 0.12–0.77 with an average of 0.55 for all 8 pathologists. We found that only slight-to-moderate inter-rater agreement and poor-to-good intra-rater agreement was produced by 8 pathologists using the Kenney–Doig scale, suggesting that the system is subject to significant observer variability and care should be taken when communicating Kenney–Doig categories to submitting clinicians with emphasis on the quality of endometrial lesions present instead of the category and associated expected foaling rate.
‘You Are Kind of Like One of Us’: Exploring Researcher Positioning in Studying Community-Based Health Promotion Interventions Among Social Housing Residents of Danish, Turkish and Pakistani Origin
Authors: Srivarathan Abirami
Published: December 2021

The practice of qualitative research demands reflexivity throughout the entire research process, with special attention directed towards researcher positioning. In this article, I explore how aspects and characteristics of my social situation positioned me contrary to my expectations regarding researcher positioning. I draw on individual interviews, focus group discussions and field notes about community-based health promotion interventions among residents of Danish, Turkish and Pakistani origin in a deprived social housing area in Denmark. Rather than insider-outsider positioning, the concept represented by the term ‘halfie’ unfolds the complexity of my researcher positioning: less minority ethnic than the residents of Turkish and Pakistani origin and less Danish than the residents of Danish origin, but similar to both, being a descendant of Sri Lankan Tamil origin brought up in a Danish social housing area. Finally, I present methodological and ethical implications of being a halfie in the context of qualitative health research.
Interpersonal Mindfulness in Leadership Development: A Delphi Study
Authors: Donaldson-Feilder Emma , Lewis Rachel , Yarker Joanna , Whiley Lilith A.
Published: December 2021

Mindfulness is increasingly being used within leadership development to enhance managers’ wellbeing and leadership capability. Given the relational nature of leadership, we posit that an interpersonal form of mindfulness has the potential to offer benefits over and above those provided by personal or internal mindfulness. We therefore chose a Delphi research methodology to consult and achieve consensus among expert practitioners, exploring if and how interpersonal mindfulness, in the specific form of the Interpersonal Mindfulness Program (IMP), can contribute to leadership development. Our aims were, firstly, to identify the necessary components of an IMP-based leadership development program and, secondly, to create guidelines for practitioners. Through four phases of data-gathering and feedback, we achieved consensus among 39 experts on guidelines for how to develop a leadership development program based on the IMP, contextual factors that will act as facilitators or barriers, and selection and screening of participants. The intention is that the resulting guidelines will support the implementation of coherent, consistent IMP-based leadership development, sensitive both to its origins and to the context.
Psychological Adjustment in Apert Syndrome: Parent and Young Person Perspectives
Authors: Netherton Jennifer , Horton Jo , Stock Nicola M , Shaw Rachel , Noons Peter , Evans Martin J.
Published: December 2021

To date, limited research has been carried out into the psychological impact of having a diagnosis of Apert syndrome (AS) and the life experiences of families living with this condition. The aim of the current study was to explore psychological adjustment to AS from the perspectives of young people, and their parents, with the broader goal of informing care, and support for this population.

Four young people (2 male) aged 11 to 15 years and their mothers were interviewed in their homes using a semistructured interview guide and photo-elicitation methods. Transcripts were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

Three superordinate themes were identified from the data: (1) Acceptance and Adjustment: A Cyclical Journey; (2) A Barrier to Adjustment: Navigating Treatment; and (3) Facilitating Adjustment: Social Support. Families described adjustment as a cyclical process, which was sensitive to change, particularly in the context of ongoing medical treatment. Families also utilized many resources, particularly in the form of social support, to adjust to the challenges of AS and build resilience.

The findings of this study have important implications for the implementation of patient-centered care within designated craniofacial treatment centers, which should at a minimum include the provision of reliable information throughout the treatment pathway, additional support from health professionals at key times of transition, and the coordination of support across medical teams, and other key organizations in the child's life.
Too Anxious to Talk: Social Anxiety, Academic Communication, and Students’ Experiences in Higher Education
Authors: Archbell Kristen A. , Coplan Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Social anxiety is related to a host of negative student outcomes in the educational context, including physical symptoms of anxiety, reduced cognitive functioning, and poor academic performance. Despite the prevalence of social anxiety, little is known about mechanisms that may underlie associations between social anxiety and outcomes in the context of higher education. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate a conceptual model linking social anxiety, communication with peers and instructors, students’ experiences (i.e., engagement, connectedness, and satisfaction), and indices of socio-emotional functioning at university. Participants were 1,073 undergraduate students ( Mage = 20.3 years, SD = 3.49) who completed a series of self-report measures. Among the results, social anxiety was negatively related to communication with instructors, socio-emotional functioning, and student experiences, and academic communication accounted for significant variance in the links between social anxiety and student experiences. In addition, there was at least some evidence that student experiences partially mediated the association between social anxiety and socio-emotional functioning. Gender effects suggest that social anxiety is related to less communication with instructors, lower engagement and satisfaction, and poorer socio-emotional functioning among females compared with males. Results are situated within current literature examining social anxiety in education. The discussion provides concrete suggestions for educational practitioners to increase support for students who experience social anxiety.
The Girls’ Leadership Academy: A Promising, Empowerment-Based Approach to the Prevention of Sexual Violence
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Siller Laura , Eliason Sara , Hernandez Nallely , Jones Johanna , Richardson Amy , Schmidt A.J.
Published: December 2021

Sexual violence (SV) is a pernicious issue that disproportionally impacts girls and women. Although few initiatives have demonstrated effectiveness in leading to reductions in SV, global health organizations have identified empowerment-based programs as a promising approach to SV prevention. The purpose of this article is to discuss the Girls Leadership Academy (GLA), a program of the Nebraska's Women's Center for Advancement, which is a “homegrown,” theoretically grounded, practice-based SV prevention program for adolescent girls. More specifically, we discuss previous research relevant to the GLA; the theoretical underpinnings of the GLA; and the history, context, and content of the GLA.
Topology optimization design for buckling analysis related to the size effect
Authors: Gan Ning , Wang Qianxuan
Published: December 2021

Owing to the excellent performance of microstructures or nanomaterials with well-designed topological configuration, the characteristic scale of structural design is gradually shifting from macroscopic to nanoscale or microscale structural design. However, the size effect that emerges from the small-scale structures may not be explained effectively with the hypothesis of classical mechanics owing to the lack of microscopic parameters in the classical constitutive model. In addition, slender beams within such small-scale structures are prone to buckling failure, which puts forward additional requirements for the stability design of the structure except for the overall compliance of the structure. Therefore, a topology optimization framework combining the modified couple stress theory with the solid isotropic material penalization (SIMP) model is constructed to illustrate the size effect on topology optimization. Numerical results show that the size effect affects the compliance, buckling performance, and topological configurations of the evolutionary structures.
Racial Discrimination and Trajectories of Problematic Alcohol Use Among African American Emerging Adults: The Role of Organizational Religious Involvement
Authors: Busby Danielle R. , Hope Meredith O. , Lee Daniel B. , Heinze Justin E. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: December 2021

Racial discrimination jeopardizes a wide range of health behaviors for African Americans. Numerous studies demonstrate significant negative associations between racial discrimination and problematic alcohol use among African Americans. Culturally specific contexts (e.g., organized religious involvement) often function protectively against racial discrimination’s adverse effects for many African Americans. Yet organized religious involvement may affect the degree to which racial discrimination increases problematic alcohol use resulting in various alcohol use trajectories. These links remain understudied in emerging adulthood marked by when individuals transition from adolescence to early adult roles and responsibilities. We use data from 496 African American emerging adults from the Flint Adolescent Study (FAS) to (a) identify multiple and distinct alcohol use trajectories and (b) examine organizational religious involvement’s protective role. Three trajectory classes were identified: the high/stable, (20.76% of sample; n = 103); moderate/stable, (39.52% of sample; n = 196); and low/rising, (39.72% of the sample; n = 197). After controlling for sex, educational attainment, and general stress, the interaction between racial discrimination and organized religious involvement did not influence the likelihood of classifying into the moderate/stable class or the low/rising class, compared with the high/stable class. These results suggest organized religious involvement counteracts, but does not buffer racial discrimination’s effects on problematic alcohol use. Findings emphasize the critical need for culturally sensitive prevention efforts incorporating organized religious involvement for African American emerging adults exposed to racial discrimination. These prevention efforts may lessen the role of racial discrimination on health disparities related to alcohol use.
Empirical Knowledge About Person-Led Guided Tours in Museums: A Scoping Review
Authors: Specht Inga , Loreit Franziska
Published: December 2021

Person-led guided tours play an important role in museums’ educational programs. With this scoping review, we take a critical look at existing knowledge based on empirically-based primary studies to shed light on the practices of person-led guided tours in museums, focusing on the tour leader and his/her work practice. Our review included 39 peer-reviewed papers from 1978 to 2018. Results indicate that the research landscape is scattered across different disciplines. We specified three main research topics (docent training, professionalism/expertise, tour performance) to which the reviewed papers could be assigned and made cross-references between studies. Consequently, the review reveals the very complex practice of person-led guided tours in museums. Our review closes with the discussion of implications for practice and further research, with the intention of advancing multidisciplinary empirical research on the guiding practice in museums and person-led museum guided tours.
The change of microglia numbers within the mice retina, optic nerve and chiasm following intravitreal AAV2-GFP injection
Authors: Ji Yuanfei , Yu Bo , Zhang Yikui , Wu Wencan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To explore the optimized concentration of AAV2-GFP for sparse transfection of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve (ON), and to examine the changes of microglial morphology and distribution in the retina, optic nerve and chiasm after injection.

Methods

We defined the optimal concentration of AAV2-GFP for sparse labeling of RGCs and axons in WT mice. We further explored the changes of microglial morphology and distribution in the retina, optic nerve and chiasm after intravitreal injection in CX3CR1+/GFP mice.

Results

14 days after intravitreal injection of AAV2-GFP, live imaging of the retina showed that fundus fluorescence was very strong and dense at 2.16 × 1011 VG/retina, 2.16 × 1010 VG/retina, 2.16 × 109 VG/retina. RGCs were sparsely marked at a concentration 1:1000 (2.16 × 108 VG/retina) and fundus fluorescence was weak. The transfected RGCs and axons were unevenly distributed in the retina and significantly more RGCs were transfected near the injection site of AAV2-GFP compared to the other sites of the flat-mounted retina. Microglia density increased significantly in the retina and part of optic nerve, but not in the optic chiasm. The morphology of microglia was largely unchanged.

Conclusions

AAV2-GFP was highly efficient and the optimal concentration of sparsely labeled RGCs was 1:1000 (2.16 × 108 VG/retina). After intravitreal injection of AAV2-GFP, the number of microglia increased partly. The morphology of microglia was comparable.
Barium-induced toxic anterior segment syndrome
Authors: Matsushita Kenji , Kawashima Rumi , Hashida Noriyasu , Hamano Yuki , Harada Kazuo , Higashisaka Kazuma , Baba Koichi , Sato Shigeru , Huang Weiran , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Hamanaka Teruhiko , Quantock Andrew J. , Nishida Kohji
Published: December 2021

Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a rapid-onset inflammation of the eye following uneventful ocular surgery. We report a case of TASS following Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) identified barium in the eye and in the eluate from the bleb of the BGI. We attribute TASS in our patient to the dissolution of barium from the BGI and its entry into the eye, where it causes severe inflammation.
A single-centre, retrospective analysis of mortality over 80 months comparing paclitaxel-coated balloon versus standard balloon angioplasty in the treatment of dysfunctional arteriovenous access
Authors: Riding Alexandra M , Al-Nowfal Ahmed , Ramanarayanan Siva , Swift Oscar , Mathavakkannan Suresh , Jeevaratnam Praveen , Steiner Kate
Published: December 2021

Aim:

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is a standard treatment for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis to preserve haemodialysis vascular access, promoting improved dialysis adequacy and better outcomes for those dependent on renal replacement therapy. Drug coated balloons (DCB) may help reduce the rate of neointimal hyperplasia and recurrent stenosis, but their use in femoropopliteal angioplasty has been associated with increased mortality at 2 and 5 year follow-up. This study aims to address the long-term safety of PTA for AVF stenosis with clinical correlation to participant co-morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

All patients undergoing PTA for AVF stenosis at a single centre between 2013 and 2017 were identified and grouped according to the use of DCB versus standard balloon angioplasty. All data was anonymised and correlated to verify independent predictors of mortality.

Results:

481 (400 standard balloon; 81 DCB) procedures were performed in 313 patients (250 standard balloon; 63 DCB). Follow-up at 80 months did not show any difference in mortality ( p = 0.546). Multivariate analysis identified time on dialysis ( p < 0.001), age ( p = 0.001) and Charlson comorbidity index ( p = 0.02) as independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions:

In this study, mortality was not associated with the use of DCBs, but was related to established factors of dialysis longevity, age and comorbidity.
Plastic cannulae versus metal needle cannulation in haemodialysis: Results of an international survey from the nurse perspective
Authors: de Barbieri Ilaria , Sisti Davide , Strini Veronica , Noble Helen , Parisotto Maria Teresa , Amatori Stefano , Rocchi Marco BL
Published: December 2021

Background:

In haemodialysis is key to successfully obtaining cannulation of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The literature agrees that cannulation, failing in the initial maturation period, can lead to delayed dialysis, haematoma, scarring, needle phobia and loss of confidence in the cannulator. The introduction of plastic cannulae for haemodialysis has changed cannulation practice positively, preventing frequent complications such as infiltration or trauma. Despite that, most countries have continued to use metal cannulation, in particular in Europe. This study investigates the common use of plastic cannulae versus metal needles for cannulation in dialysis units and explores the implications of focusing on the side effects of cannulation.

Methods:

The study is a cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire was created by a team of experts from the European Dialysis Transplant Nurse Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA) to address the study's aims and sent online to nurse members.

Results:

Data collected suggested a strong resistance towards using plastic cannulae, with few respondents claiming to use these cannulas. Most of the respondents were female (74%), Europeans, working in nephrology for more than 10 years and most worked in the public sector. There was a strong correlation between the use of plastic cannulae and fewer adverse events in elbow located AVF and newly created or fragile AVF.

Conclusions:

The results are in line with the current literature. Possible resistance to the use of the plastic device includes the difference in cost between the two devices in favour of metal needles. However, it should be considered that the lower number of adverse events, in particular infiltration and haematoma caused by the metal needle, involves a considerable saving both in money and in terms of time and distress for the patient.
Ranger™ paclitaxel-coated balloon versus conventional balloon angioplasty for treatment of failing arteriovenous fistulas and grafts in haemodialysis patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Soon Shereen XY , Tan Ru Yu , Pang Suh Chien , Yap Charyl JQ , Patel Ankur , Gogna Apoorva , Tan Chieh Suai , Chong Tze Tec , Tang Tjun Y
Published: December 2021

Background:

Aim was to compare the safety and patency efficacy outcomes between Ranger™ paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB)- versus conventional balloon angioplasty (POBA) in the treatment of haemodialysis access-related conduit stenosis.

Methods:

Retrospective single-centre, multi-investigator, consecutive, double-arm comparative cohort study. About 130 end-stage renal failure Asian patients with dysfunctional arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft underwent PCB or POBA fistuloplasty between November 2018 and June 2020. All stenotic lesions were prepared with high pressure non-compliant balloon angioplasty prior to PCB angioplasty. All patients received at least one antiplatelet agent for 3 months duration post procedure.

Results:

Mean age was 66.0 ± 10 years and 79/130 (61%) were males. PCB arm ( n = 65) versus POBA arm ( n = 65). Majority were AVFs circuits (122/130, 94%). Main indication for intervention was dropping access flow (98/130, 76%). About 172 lesions were treated (56% POBA, 44% PCB), and the juxta-anastomosis (JAS) was the main target lesion (87/172, 51%). There were no significant differences in safety outcomes (30-day adverse events, access thrombosis, abandoned AVF and death) between treatment groups. Mean time to target lesion reintervention (TLR) was longer in PCB-treated lesions (7.1 ± 2.7 vs 5.8 ± 3.2 months, p = 0.03), especially amongst recurrent lesions (7.3 ± 2.4 vs 5.7 ± 3.2, p = 0.02). Mean time to circuit reintervention was also longer in PCB-treated circuits (6.9 ± 2.8 vs 5.8 ± 3.7months, p = 0.04). There were 16 deaths (12%), all attributed to patient’s underlying comorbidities.

Conclusions:

Fistuloplasty with Ranger™ PCB for failing arteriovenous circuits in end-stage renal failure patients, is a safe and efficacious modality compared to POBA in terms of longer freedom from TLR.
Endovascular salvage of failing arterio-venous fistulas utilising sirolimus eluting balloons: Six months results from the ISABELLA trial
Authors: Tang Tjun Y , Soon Shereen XY , Yap Charyl JQ , Tan Ru Yu , Pang Suh Chien , Patel Ankur , Gogna Apoorva , Tan Chieh Suai , Chong Tze Tec
Published: December 2021

Background:

Aim of this pilot clinical study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Selution Sustained Limus Release (SLR)™ sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB) for improving failing arterio-venous fistulas (AVF) patency in Asian haemodialysis patients.

Methods:

Prospective single-centre, multi-investigator, non-consecutive, non-blinded single arm trial. Forty end-stage renal failure Asian patients with a dysfunctional AVF underwent SEB angioplasty between May and November 2020. All stenotic lesions were prepared with high pressure non-compliant balloon angioplasty prior to SEB angioplasty. Endpoints of interest included target lesion primary patency and circuit access patency and safety through 30 days. All patients received dual antiplatelet therapy for 1 month and were followed up with Duplex ultrasound at 6 months.

Results:

There was one subject dropout so final n = 39 patients (mean age 65.0 ± 11.9; males = 26 (66.7%)) and n = 43 target lesions treated. Main indication for intervention was dropping access flow (24/39; 61.5%) and most common target lesion was in the juxta-anastomosis (24/43; 54.5%). There was 100% technical and procedural success. There were no adverse events related to the SEB. Target lesion primary patency rates at 3 and 6 months were 39/41 (95.1%) and 28/39 (71.8%) respectively. Access circuit patency rates at 3 and 6 months were 35/37 (94.6%) and 22/35 (62.9%) respectively. There were 3 (7.7%) deaths all attributable to patients’ underlying co-morbidities.

Conclusions:

Fistuloplasty using the novel Selution SLR™ SEB for dysfunctional AVF circuits seems a safe and effective modality in Asian haemodialysis patients at 6 months but larger randomised controlled studies are required now to determine its true efficacy against plain balloon angioplasty.
Review of the coatings used for brake discs regarding their wear resistance and environmental effect
Authors: Vasiljević Saša , Glišović Jasna , Stojanović Blaža , Vencl Aleksandar
Published: December 2021

Wear of a friction pair of brake (brake disc and pads), in addition to reducing the active safety of vehicles, leads to the formation of particles that can affect the environment and human health. In addition to the technologies that are being developed for the collection of particles created by the wear of brakes during braking process, today new materials are being introduced, as well as various technologies for processing friction pairs with the aim of reducing brake wear and thus the formation of particles. Furthermore, today, technologies for coating (cladding) the friction surfaces of disc brakes with some materials are increasingly applied and researched, in order to reduce the wear intensity (wear rate) of disc brakes, i.e. the emission of particles created by wear of friction pairs. The aim of this paper is to analyse and review different deposition techniques and materials used for brake discs coatings, as well as the effect it has on the wear rate of friction pair. There are many coating deposition techniques, and special attention is paid to the technology of laser hardfacing of brake rotors.
Impact of clinical outcomes and imaging measures on health-related quality of life in secondary progressive MS
Authors: W Koch Marcus , Mostert Jop , Repovic Pavle , Bowen James D , Strijbis Eva , Uitdehaag Bernard , Cutter Gary
Published: December 2021

Background:

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes are often included as secondary outcomes in clinical trials in secondary progressive MS (SPMS), but little is known about the longitudinal association of HRQOL and clinical and imaging outcome measures in SPMS.

Objective:

To assess the association of change in clinical and imaging outcomes with HRQOL in people with SPMS.

Methods:

We used data from ASCEND, a large randomized controlled trial ( n = 889), to investigate the association of significant worsening on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25FW), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and change in lesional and volumetric imaging outcomes with significant worsening on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) during 2 years of follow-up using logistic regression models.

Results:

HRQOL measures were most associated with EDSS and T25FW, less so with NHPT and SDMT, and not associated with lesional and volumetric imaging outcomes.

Discussion:

Worsening of the EDSS and T25FW was associated with two commonly used HRQOL measures. These outcomes therefore appear to be more patient relevant than either the NHPT or SDMT in the context of a 2-year clinical trial.
The contribute of cerebrospinal fluid free light-chain assay in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases in an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Bernardi Gaetano , Biagioli Tiziana , Malpassi Paola , De Michele Teresa , Vecchio Domizia , Repice Anna Maria , Lugaresi Alessandra , Mirabella Massimiliano , Torri Clerici Valentina , Crespi Ilaria
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) free light chains (FLCs) can be an alternative assay to oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in inflammatory neurological disorders, but threshold has no consensus.

Objective:

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of CSF FLCs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological diseases.

Methods:

A total of 406 patients from five Italian centers. FLCs were measured in CSF and serum using Freelite MX assays on Optilite.

Results:

A total of 171 patients were diagnosed as MS, 154 non-inflammatory neurological diseases, 48 inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and 33 peripheral neurological diseases. Both kFLC and λFLC indices were significantly higher in patients with MS compared to other groups ( p < 0.0001). The kFLC index ⩾ 6.4 is comparable to OCB for MS diagnosis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.876; sensitivity 83.6% vs 84.2%; specificity 88.5% vs 90.6%). λFLC index ⩾ 5 showed an AUC of 0.616, sensitivity of 33.3% and specificity of 90.6%. In all, 12/27 (44.4%) MS patients with negative OCB had kFLC index ⩾ 6.4. Interestingly, 37.5% of 24 patients with a single CSF IgG band showed high kFLC index and 12.5% positive λFLC index.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the diagnostic utility of FLC indices in MS and other CNS inflammatory disorders, suggesting a combined use of FLC and OCB to help clinicians with complementary information.
Antecedents and Impacts of the Pilgrimage Destination Personality in the Tibetan Region: Case from Larong Wuming Buddhist Academy
Authors: Liu Lijun , Zhang Xue , Cheng Li
Published: December 2021

The present research aims to explore the perceived destination personality of the Larong Wuming Buddhist Academy, a site that is a pilgrimage destination in the Tibetan region of China, and to examine the influence of involvement as an antecedent on the destination personality. This study further investigates the direct and indirect impact of a destination personality on loyalty. A total of 2454 online travel reviews and a convenience sample of 348 usable surveys were analyzed. The personalities of the pilgrimage destination in three specific dimensions were revealed, namely, the religious, agreeable, and ethereal dimensions. The findings verified the positive effect of tourist involvement on the pilgrimage destination personality. Furthermore, in the context of a pilgrimage, the mediating role of self-congruity and satisfaction between the destination personality and loyalty has been confirmed.
A solidarity paradox – welfare state data in global health data economy
Authors: Snell Karoliina , Tarkkala Heta , Tupasela Aaro
Published: December 2021

Nordic welfare states have well institutionalised practises of gathering health and social wellbeing data from their citizens. The establishment of population registers coincided with the building of welfare state institutions and a social contract relying on solidarity. During the last decade, the significance of Nordic registers and health data has increased and they have become sources of economic value. Recent policies expect registers, health data and biobanks to attract international investments, making Nordic countries world-leaders in the global health data economy. In this article we question the conditions and boundaries of solidarity in the emerging data-driven health economy. We argue that the logics of welfare state and data-driven health economy create a paradox – the data economy is not possible without the welfare state data regime, but the logic of data-driven health economy contradicts the value bases of the welfare state data regime and therefore the justifications for data gathering and use become questionable. We develop the concept of solidarization to describe the process by which individuals are expected to behave in a solidaristic way to support data gathering and related policy processes. We demonstrate the solidarity paradox through a recent legislative and data infrastructure reform in Finland and discuss it in relation to academic literature on solidarity.