bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The amount of heat input to the weld per unit length and per unit volume
Authors: Winczek J , Gucwa M , Makles K , Mičian M , Yadav A
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a comparative analysis of heat input per unit length and per unit volume for selected methods of welding. The purpose of the analysis is to assess the usability of calculating heat input per volume unit. The interpretation of heat input per unit length according to the standards: QW-409.1 of ASME IX, EN ISO 1011-1 is discussed. The concept of calculating heat input per unit volume is described. For exemplary padded welds and spot welded joints, the heat input values were calculated in accordance with the above-mentioned standards and based on the concept of heat input per unit volume. The study showed a lack of consistency between the individual standards in the interpretation of the heat input. In addition, the practical application of the heat input per unit volume method in calculating the actual amount of heat introduced into the weld was justified.
Simulation of a vehicle movement on a roadway with stochastic irregularities prescribed by the power spectral density
Authors: Dižo J , Blatnický M , Kravchenko O , Mamrai V , Barta D , Gasper P
Published: November 2021

A vehicle represents a mechanical system, which consists of bodies interconnected by joints, force elements, constraints and other coupling elements. When a vehicle moves on a roadway, it is excited due to roadway surface irregularities. It results to vibration of the vehicle mainly in the vertical direction. These vertical movements are known as a vertical dynamics of vehicles. The level of vibrations characterized by their frequency and amplitudes considerably effects two main phenomena, i.e. driving safety and ride comfort for passengers. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate and analyse response of vehicles to the vertical excitations. This article is aimed at evaluation and research of driving properties of a vehicle by means of simulation computations. In case of analysing vehicle’s mechanical system using a virtual model, it is necessary to define in a proper way not only parameters of an investigated vehicle, but also parameters of the excitations due to a roadway surface irregularities. In the reality, roadway surface irregularities have a stochastic behaviour. These fact is processed using statistical methods and it results to the power spectral density of the roadway surface irregularities. A presented research is focused on evaluation of selected output quantities of a vehicle, which moves on the road at various speeds and on various road qualities. An evaluated vehicle uses independent front wheels suspension, which design comes from the utility model. The rear axle is a rigid axle. Dynamic analyses and assessment of the resulting parameters were performed in the Simpack multibody software package. Based on reached results it is obvious, that vertical dynamics of the vehicle is affected by road quality and driving speed. Moreover, the performed analyses have proven, that the used independent front wheels suspension improves driving properties of the vehicle, contributes to better ride comfort and ensures required driving safety.
Analysis of the influence of surface roughness of various types of wood on the results of their hardness measured by the Leeb method
Authors: Bembenek M , Kowalski Ł. , Pawlik J.
Published: November 2021

Determining the hardness in the Leeb scale consists in measuring the velocity of the impact mass before and after hitting the sample. The result is the speed of the impactor shall after the rebound divided by the speed before the rebound (multiplied by 1000). The measured hardness ranges from 0 to 1000 and is largely dependent on the Young's modulus of elasticity. The article presents the Leeb hardness measurement tests of six various species of wood. The samples were machining before testing in such a way that there were places with different surface roughness on its surface. The research showed the differentiation of the hardness test results for the same tree species depending on the roughness of the surface
Simulation of running a vehicle with a Y25 bogie on a theoretical track
Authors: Solčanský S , Knap S
Published: November 2021

This paper is focused on the simulation of a railway vehicle with a Y25 bogie running on a theoretical track and it will simulate its dynamic properties. The model was created in multi-body simulation software SIMULIA - SIMPACK. The first part mentions the basics theoretical information about the forces which acts in the bogie for example vertical load, slip or lateral forces of the wheelset. The definition of the theoretical track is listed as well. The second part deals with the basics information about technical specifications of the Y25 bogie and its usage. In the next part, the 3D model of the Y25 bogie is described. This section also describes the simulation, which is performed at different speeds. In the last part, results are evaluated and compared for each speed. Results will be suitable for further academic research and development.
Determining the fuel consumption of a public city bus in urban traffic
Authors: Śmieszek M , Mateichyk V
Published: November 2021

The fuel consumption of a public transport bus depends on many factors. Various speeds, acceleration and deceleration modes, stopping times at bus stops and congestion, as well as the load depending on the number of transported passengers have a significant impact on the fuel consumption of the city bus. It is difficult to investigate the influence of these factors on fuel consumption using simple equations to determine the energy efficiency of vehicles. A very useful method in this case is the VSP (Vehicle Specific Power) method. The fuel consumption model based on this method uses a number of parameters. Taking into account the measurement data obtained from the actual mileage of city buses, the relevant parameters of the model were determined. The verified model was used in the process of computer simulation aimed at determining the fuel consumption of the bus in urban traffic. Particular attention was paid to the study of the impact of traffic during rush hours and congestion on fuel consumption. The impact and significance of the selected parameters on the fuel consumption of the city bus were also assessed using computer simulations.
Information system for remote monitoring the vehicle operational efficiency
Authors: Śmieszek M. , Mateichyk V. , Tsiuman M. , Symonenko R. , Gritsuk I. , Bulgakov M.
Published: November 2021

The article describes the information system for remote monitoring and control of vehicle technical condition and motion modes with the use of modern telematics technologies. There are 17 morphological features in the system, which determine the level of telematic support of the main functional elements of the system to obtain information about vehicle technical condition and motion modes in the appropriate infrastructural conditions. The information model of the system for monitoring of parameters of vehicle technical condition, motion modes and infrastructural characteristics was built. This model is implemented in the information and software complex for remote monitoring of vehicle operational efficiency. The results of experimental studies of freight vehicle operational efficiency on a given route with use of the developed information and software complex are presented. The results show significant influence of the vehicle technical speed and average coolant temperature of its engine on operational efficiency indicators such as fuel consumption, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions on the route characterized by different road height profiles.
Experimental assessment of eigenfrequencies and stiffness of the elastically supported body
Authors: Soukup J , Sapietová A , Skočilas J , Skočilasová B
Published: November 2021

The aim of the research is to derive an analytical solution describing the vibrations of railway wagons caused by asymmetrical loading of cargo for prediction of dangerous conditions. A presumption for the dynamic analysis and assessment of the driving quality of railway vehicles is an important experimental determination and verification of the basic characteristics of the suspension respectively. A method for determining these characteristics for two-axle vehicles has been developed and applied. This method requires knowledge of the position of the center of gravity and the main central moments of inertia. Vehicle bodies, chassis frames, and wheelsets are assumed to be rigid bodies under the investigation of these characteristics. The characteristics of the springs are linear or can be linearized. The vehicle body performs a general spatial movement. The result of the investigation is an analytical method to obtain the required characteristics needed for the dynamic analysis of the vehicle.
Numerical study of the vertical vibration of a vehicle model with variable speed
Authors: Sága M , Vaško M , Ságová Z , Jakubovičová L , Handrik M
Published: November 2021

The paper deals with the numerical analysis of the general model of vehicle oscillations considering the non-stationarity of random excitation. The model parameters of the applied railway vehicle are deterministic functions. The non-stationary random function will be modelled by the variable speed of the vehicle and the vertical unevenness of the track. The so-called evolutionary Gaussian random process will be considering. The proposed comparative study of the dynamics of the vertical motion of the analysed railway vehicle will be realized using Monte Carlo simulation and a numerical procedure based on the theory of Markov processes. The originality of the article can be found in the implementation and algorithmization of the principles of solving non-stationary oscillation problems of machines. A universal methodology applicable in the dynamics of machines of various purposes is presented.
Capability measurement of non-standard parameters of manufacturing processes
Authors: Turisova R , Markulik S
Published: November 2021

Capability measurement of manufacturing processes creates basic attributes for the production of conformity products, those that meet the necessary conditions in terms of tolerance limits for all important parameters. They are also important in the supplier-customer relationships context as one of the important easily predictable but highly effective indicators of the quality production of delivered products. In many manufacturing companies, the capability measurement is performed by using capability indicators, where the method of calculation is based on the assumption of normality of the distribution of the measured product parameter, as well as the assumption of constant median value but also variability during the monitored period. However, in practice we often are able to see such parameters of manufacturing products or processes, which do not meet the expectations required in the classical method of capability indexes calculation. The problems are usually in a different than normal models of the distribution of a random variable representing a specific parameter of a product or process, as well as in the excessive variability of median values during the time in these so-called non-standard parameters. There will be presented on the particular manufacturing product, how certain non-conformities occur during the capability indexes measurement indices in the classical way for selected non-standard parameters. The paper describes how it is possible to modify the common method of calculating the mentioned capability indexes in a simple way so that they are applicable in specific production conditions.
Airflow simulation when braking with a disc brake
Authors: Fomina Y , Pavelčík V
Published: November 2021

With an increase in train motion speed, the issue of improving braking systems becomes more and more important, since braking systems have a direct impact on safety of traffic. At high travel speeds, the friction elements heat up strongly, so heat dissipation from the brake discs is essential. Therefore, an important task is to study the aerodynamics of brake discs. To achieve these goals, experimental measurements on a special test bench, or simulation in specialized software packages can be used. The article discusses methods for studying air flow when braking with a disc brake. The simulation methods, turbulence models and software packages used for simulation are considered. The influence of the internal geometry of the discs on ventilation and heat dissipation is considered. Also, the geometry of the disc is analysed using simulation in the specialized software. Based on the simulation results, a conclusion about the influence of the internal disc geometry on the air flow through it is drawn.
Stress and Deformation Analysis of Batch Plates using Finite Element Method
Authors: Lengvarský P , Bocko J
Published: November 2021

The aim of the paper is to check the load-bearing capacity of batch plates. The batch plates are used for coating process of ball joints in a gas nitriding furnace. The plates have circular shape with two types of circular holes, the first type of holes are used for gas flow and the second type of holes are used for ball joints. The plates are laid on the supporting frame. The frame is supported in four suspension eyes, it is loaded by the actual weight of the plate and the plate is loaded by the weight of the stored ball joints. From the results is clear that adjustments need to be made on the supporting frame for the safe operation.
Optimization of the drive mechanism with lead screw using Isight software
Authors: Wojtkowiak D , Talaśka K , Konecki K
Published: November 2021

The ball screws are characterized with better positioning accuracy and higher efficiency and load ratings than the same size lead screw, but still cannot fully replace their functionality mostly due to the self-locking. Leads screws are recommended especially for such applications as grippers, lifters, presses and vertical positioning drives. By proper selection of the lead screw geometrical features and application of the modern materials, it is possible to obtain much more advantageous parameters of the drive system. In this paper, the methodology of optimization of the drive mechanism with lead screw using Isight software is presented. The performed sensitivity analysis allowed not only to find the influence of various constructional features such as: size of the thread, length of the screw and material properties, on the maximum load capacity of the drive mechanism and its inertia, but also determine its scale impact. The obtained results can improve the design process of lead screw mechanism.
Structural and magnetic properties analysis of trivalent Al3+ ions substituted Ni-Zn-Co nano-spinel ferrites
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Khandaker J I , Das H , Khan M N I
Published: November 2021

This study explored the structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties of Ni0.4Zn0.35Co0.25Fe2−x
Al
x
O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.12) nano-spinel ferrites. Nanocrystalline cubic structure formation and weight loss percentage were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA - DSC). Single-phase cubic spinel structures with Fd3m space group of synthesized samples were confirmed by Rietveld refinement X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The particle sizes were found to be in the range of 6.7 nm–5.25 nm, and agglomeration occurs inside the ferrite samples. The atomic planes and strong crystallinity were detected through SAED images. The characteristic peaks of the Raman spectra identified the bonding between the cations and anions in the sub-lattices. The optical bandgaps (E

g
) were found to be in the range of 2.1 eV–2.52 eV. S-shape hysteresis (M-H) loops identified the superparamagnetic nature of the nano-samples. The studies’ outcomes indicated the applicability for biomedical applications of these nano samples.
Two-terminal vertical thyristor using Schottky contact emitter to improve thermal instability
Authors: Kim Min-Won , Kim Ji-Hun , Park Jun-Seong , Lee Byoung-Seok , Yoo Sang-Dong , Shim Tae-Hun , Park Jea-Gun
Published: November 2021

In a two-terminal-electrode vertical thyristor, the latch-up and latch-down voltages are decreased when the memory operation temperature of the memory cells increases, resulting in a severe reliability issue (i.e. thermal instability). This study fundamentally solves the thermal instability of a vertical-thyristor by achieving a cross-point memory-cell array using a vertical-thyristor with a structure of vertical n++-emitter, p+-base, n+-base, and p++-emitter. The vertical-thyristor using a Schottky contact metal emitter instead of an n++-Si emitter significantly improves the thermal stability between 293 K and 373 K. Particularly, the improvement degree of the thermal stability is increased significantly with the use of the Schottky contact metal work function. Because the thermal instability (i.e. degree of latch-up voltage decrement vs. memory operation temperature) decreases with an increase in the Schottky contact metal work function, the dependency of the forward current density between the Schottky contact metal and p+-Si based on the memory operation temperature reduces with increase in the Schottky contact metal work function. Consequently, a higher Schottky contact metal work function produces a higher degree of improvement in the thermal stability, i.e. W (4.50 eV), Ti (4.33 eV), Ta (4.25 eV), and Al (4.12 eV). Further research on the fabrication process of a Schottky contact metal emitter vertical-thyristor is essential for the fabrication of a 3D cross-point memory-cell.
Occupational Asthma: The Knowledge Needs for a Better Management
Authors: Rui Francesca , Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Fell Anne Kristin Møller , Stoleski Sasho , Mijakoski Dragan , Holm Mathias , Schlünssen Vivi , Larese Filon Francesca
Published: November 2021

The management of occupational asthma (OA) may be influenced by several factors and removal from exposure is the main tertiary prevention approach, but it is not always feasible without personal and socioeconomic consequences. Reducing the delay between the onset of suggestive symptoms of OA and the diagnosis of OA is associated with a better prognosis. Workers’ education to increase awareness to trigger agents and a medical surveillance program directed especially at at-risk workers could be helpful in reducing this latency time. An early identification of workers who develop rhinitis and conjunctivitis which often precede the onset of asthma symptoms could be important for an early identification of OA. This is particularly important for cases of asthma caused by high-molecular-weight sensitizers and in the early years of employment. The availability of financial support and compensation measures for workers with OA may influence the latency time before diagnosis and, consequently, may influence the OA outcomes. In conclusion, there is a need for high-quality cohort studies that will increase knowledge about risk factor that may influence the timing of diagnosis of OA. This knowledge will be useful for implementation of future surveillance and screening programs in workplaces.
Deciphering the oxylipin signatures of necrotrophic infection in plants. A commentary on: Differential modulation of the lipoxygenase cascade during typical and latentPectobacterium atrosepticuminfections
Authors: Wasternack Claus
Published: November 2021

This article comments on:

Vladimir Y. Gorshkov, Yana Y. Toporkova, Ivan D. Tsers, Elena O. Smirnova, Anna V. Ogorodnikova, Natalia E. Gogoleva, Olga I. Parfirova, Olga E. Petrova, and Yuri V. Gogolev, Differential modulation of the lipoxygenase cascade during typical and latent Pectobacterium atrosepticum infections, Annals of Botany, Volume 129, Issue 3, 16 Februray 2022, Pages 271–285 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab108
Role of copper nanoparticles in wound healing for chronic wounds: literature review
Authors: Salvo Jessica , Sandoval Cristian
Published: November 2021

Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. The most common and inevitable impairment to wound healing is the installation of an infection, usually in the case of chronic wounds. Therefore, the objective of the present review was to identify the importance of copper nanoparticles in dressings for wound healing. Nanoparticles such as silver, gold and copper combat infectious processes through the inhibition of protein synthesis, peroxidation of the cell membrane and destroying the nucleic acids of bacteria and viruses. Among bioactive nanoparticles, copper plays a complex role in various cells, it modulates several cytokines and growth factor mechanisms of action and is essentially involved in all stages of the wound healing process. More importantly, copper plays a key role in skin regeneration and angiogenesis and accelerates the healing process through induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis by hypoxia-induced factor-1-alpha (HIF-1α) action where copper enhances HIF-1α expression and HIF-1α binding to the critical motifs in the promoter and putative enhancer regions of HIF-1-regulated genes.
Changing trends in presentation and indications of biopsy in lupus nephritis: data from the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Shabaka Amir , Landaluce-Triska Eugenia , Sánchez-Álvarez José Emilio , Fernández-Juárez Gema
Published: November 2021

Background

With the ageing population and changes in the indications of diagnostic and protocol biopsies in systemic lupus erythematosus in recent years, an impact on the incidence and presentation of lupus nephritis (LN) is expected. The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiological changes regarding clinical and histological presentation of LN in kidney biopsies performed from 1994 to 2019 included in the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis.

Methods

We analysed data from 28 791 kidney biopsies from 130 Spanish hospitals comparing demographic, clinical and histological data. We divided the cohort according to the age of onset of LN into pediatric onset (<18 years), adult onset (18–50 years) and late onset (>50 years).

Results

The incidence of LN has decreased from 9.6% of all kidney biopsies in the period 1994–2013 to 7% in the last quarter of the observation period (2014–2019) (P < 0.001), despite an increase in the proportion of patients with LN that underwent repeat biopsies (16.6–24%; P < 0.001). The age of onset of LN has increased from 32 ± 14 to 38 ± 14 years (P < 0.001), with an increase in the proportion of late-onset LN (from 13% to 22% of incident LN; P < 0.001). There were no differences in the distribution of histological features at presentation over the study period. Patients with late-onset LN showed fewer gender differences, had lower GFR and presented with less-proliferative forms of LN compared with early-onset LN.

Conclusions

The frequency of biopsy-proven LN has been decreasing in recent years, despite an increasing number of repeat biopsies. Late-onset LN is increasing, presenting with worse kidney function but fewer proliferative lesions compared with younger-onset LN.
Gut biofilms:Bacteroidesas model symbionts to study biofilm formation by intestinal anaerobes
Authors: Béchon Nathalie , Ghigo Jean-Marc
Published: November 2021

Bacterial biofilms are communities of adhering bacteria that express distinct properties compared to their free-living counterparts, including increased antibiotic tolerance and original metabolic capabilities. Despite the potential impact of the biofilm lifestyle on the stability and function of the dense community of micro-organisms constituting the mammalian gut microbiota, the overwhelming majority of studies performed on biofilm formation by gut bacteria focused either on minor and often aerobic members of the community or on pathogenic bacteria. In this review, we discuss the reported evidence for biofilm-like structures formed by gut bacteria, the importance of considering the anaerobic nature of gut biofilms and we present the most recent advances on biofilm formation by Bacteroides, one of the most abundant genera of the human gut microbiota. Bacteroides species can be found attached to food particles and colonizing the mucus layer and we propose that Bacteroides symbionts are relevant models to probe the physiology of gut microbiota biofilms.
Antibiotic use and resistance in a tertiary care hospital: knowledge and attitude among patients of orthopaedic and surgical wards in Malaysia
Authors: Pauzi Zulsairi Mohd , Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool , Neo Chin Fen , Mohammed Ali Haider , Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising globally as well as in Malaysia. AMR can lead to difficulty in the treatment of chronic infection if being neglected. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude about antibiotic usage and AMR.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was carried out at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia, where participants were recruited by using the non-probability convenience sampling from the six orthopaedic and four surgical wards. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data which were then analysed by using SPSS.

Key findings

A total number of 390 adult Malaysians (286 from orthopaedic wards and 104 from surgical wards) were involved in the study. This study showed that the level of knowledge and attitude about antibiotics among the majority of respondents were moderate. However, their knowledge regarding AMR was very low (i.e. lack of knowledge). In contrast, the majority of them (69.8%) showed a positive attitude towards antibiotics. Statistical analysis of data revealed that the level of knowledge of AMR was significantly associated with gender, age, race, marital status, educational level and knowledge about antibiotic resistance terms (P < 0.05) while respondents’ attitude towards antibiotic usage was significantly associated with gender, race, marital status and education level (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

It was necessary to formulate and develop strategies to improve the knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and AMR among health professionals. These might help them to improve their skills in delivering health information to the patients through a proper counselling technique.
Case C-848/19 P: Germany v Poland and its outcomes for EU energy sector: an extended case note on the European Court of Justice judgment in the OPAL case
Authors: Iakovenko Mykola
Published: November 2021

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgment in the so-called Ostsee-Pipeline-Anbindungsleitung (OPAL) case on 15 July 2021 dismissed Germany’s appeal on the previous European Union (EU) General Court’s decision, which focused on the need for considering national interests of EU Member States and the interests of the Union itself in the decisions by the EU institutions in energy sector to acknowledge the solidarity principle provided in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This decision found a significant interest among academicians and legal practitioners and raised numerous discussions, since it is still not clear what are the exact criteria on application of this principle, especially in relation to such ambiguous energy notions as ‘security of supply’. The presence of the geopolitical context and direct impact of the decision on the volumes of Russian gas transported via the Nord Stream pipeline also makes this case extremely complex and raises some additional questions regarding the impact on external gas supply to the EU. Moreover, the statement of the Advocate General on the applicability of the solidarity principle to all the other objectives of EU energy policy (not limiting to the scope of security of gas supply), which was also supported by the Court, brings many additional aspects to be considered with regards to the impact of the OPAL case on EU energy sector. Therefore, this case note article undertakes a critical analysis of the recent ECJ judgment and Advocate General’s opinion to identify some gaps that are still not clarified and to estimate the possible outcomes of the judgment on the future of EU energy sector development.
Countably many sublogics of the interpretability logicILhaving fixed point properties
Authors: Okawa Yuya
Published: November 2021

We investigate the fixed point properties for sublogics of the interpretability logic $\textbf {IL}$. In our previous work, it was proved that a sublogic $\textbf {IL}^{-}(\textbf {J 2}_+, \textbf {J 5})$ has the fixed point property (FPP) and that a sublogic $\textbf {IL}^{-}(\textbf {J 4}, \textbf {J 5})$ has a newly introduced weaker property $\ell $FPP. In this paper, we provide countably many sublogics of $\textbf {IL}^{-}(\textbf {J 2}_{+}, \textbf {J 5})$ (resp. $\textbf {IL}^{-}(\textbf {J 4}, \textbf {J 5})$) having FPP (resp. $\ell $FPP).
Diet high in branched-chain amino acid promotes PDAC development by USP1-mediated BCAT2 stabilization
Authors: Li Jin-Tao , Li Kai-Yue , Su Ying , Shen Yuan , Lei Ming-Zhu , Zhang Fan , Yin Miao , Chen Zheng-Jun , Wen Wen-Yu , Hu Wei-Guo , Su Dan , Qu Jia , Lei Qun-Ying
Published: November 2021

BCAT2-mediated branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism is critical for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development, especially at an early stage. However, whether a high-BCAA diet promotes PDAC development in vivo, and the underlying mechanism of BCAT2 upregulation, remain undefined. Here, we find that a high-BCAA diet promotes pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) progression in LSL-KrasG12D/+; Pdx1-Cre (KC) mice. Moreover, we screened with an available deubiquitylase library which contains 31 members of USP family and identified that USP1 deubiquitylates BCAT2 at the K229 site. Furthermore, BCAA increases USP1 protein at the translational level via the GCN2-eIF2α pathway both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, USP1 inhibition recedes cell proliferation and clone formation in PDAC cells and attenuates pancreas tumor growth in an orthotopic transplanted mice model. Consistently, a positive correlation between USP1 and BCAT2 is found in KC; LSL-KrasG12D/+; p53flox/+; Pdx1-Cre mice and clinical samples. Thus, a therapeutic targeting USP1-BCAT2-BCAA metabolic axis could be considered as a rational strategy for treatment of PDAC and precisive dietary intervention of BCAA has potentially translational significance.
HSC-XXL: Baryon budget of the 136 XXL groups and clusters
Authors: Akino Daichi , Eckert Dominique , Okabe Nobuhiro , Sereno Mauro , Umetsu Keiichi , Oguri Masamune , Gastaldello Fabio , Chiu I-Non , Ettori Stefano , Evrard August E , Farahi Arya , Maughan Ben , Pierre Marguerite , Ricci Marina , Valtchanov Ivan , McCarthy Ian , McGee Sean , Miyazaki Satoshi , Nishizawa Atsushi J , Tanaka Masayuki
Published: November 2021

We present our determination of the baryon budget for an X-ray-selected XXL sample of 136 galaxy groups and clusters spanning nearly two orders of magnitude in mass (M500 ∼ 1013–1015 M⊙) and the redshift range 0 ≲ z ≲ 1. Our joint analysis is based on the combination of Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP) weak-lensing mass measurements, XXL X-ray gas mass measurements, and HSC and Sloan Digital Sky Survey multiband photometry. We carry out a Bayesian analysis of multivariate mass-scaling relations of gas mass, galaxy stellar mass, stellar mass of brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs), and soft-band X-ray luminosity, by taking into account the intrinsic covariance between cluster properties, selection effect, weak-lensing mass calibration, and observational error covariance matrix. The mass-dependent slope of the gas mass–total mass (M500) relation is found to be $1.29_{-0.10}^{+0.16}$, which is steeper than the self-similar prediction of unity, whereas the slope of the stellar mass–total mass relation is shallower than unity; $0.85_{-0.09}^{+0.12}$. The BCG stellar mass weakly depends on cluster mass with a slope of $0.49_{-0.10}^{+0.11}$. The baryon, gas mass, and stellar mass fractions as a function of M500 agree with the results from numerical simulations and previous observations. We successfully constrain the full intrinsic covariance of the baryonic contents. The BCG stellar mass shows the larger intrinsic scatter at a given halo total mass, followed in order by stellar mass and gas mass. We find a significant positive intrinsic correlation coefficient between total (and satellite) stellar mass and BCG stellar mass and no evidence for intrinsic correlation between gas mass and stellar mass. All the baryonic components show no redshift evolution.
New avenues for functional neuroimaging: ultra-high field MRI and OPM-MEG
Authors: Qin Lang , Gao Jia-Hong
Published: November 2021

Functional brain imaging technology has developed rapidly in recent years. On the one hand, high-field 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has excelled the limited spatial resolution of 3-Tesla MRI, allowing us to enter a new world of mesoscopic imaging from the macroscopic imaging of human brain functions. On the other hand, novel optical pumping magnetometer-magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) has broken down the technical barriers of traditional superconducting MEG, which brings imaging of neuronal electromagnetic signals from cortical imaging to whole-brain imaging. This article aims to present a brief introduction regarding the development of conventional MRI and MEG technology, and, more importantly, to delineate that high-field MRI and OPM-MEG complement each other and together will lead us into a new era of functional brain imaging.
Noninvasive brain stimulation of addiction: one target for all?
Authors: Liu Qingming , Yuan Tifei
Published: November 2021

Noninvasive brain stimulation includes repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and emerges as a prospective approach for addiction treatment in clinical practices. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is regarded as the most effective stimulation target, giving its important position in controlling cue-elicited drug craving and initiating drug abuse. In this paper, through literature searches (e.g. Pubmed, Google Scholar), 34 studies (2003–2021) were identified examining the effect of rTMS, tDCS on cravings, and consumption of substance use disorders, including tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. We summarize the main methods, designs, and effects of rTMS or tDCS that are delivered to the DLPFC on different types of addiction. We conclude that targeting DLPFC might be effective for all types of drug addiction.
Arginine: What You Need to Know for Pressure Injury Healing
Authors: Chu Andy S. , Delmore Barbara
Published: November 2021

GENERAL PURPOSE

To provide information about arginine, its metabolism, and its role in acute and chronic wound healing, to assist providers in understanding the recommendations for arginine supplementation.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:

1. Describe the characteristics of arginine.

2. Choose the metabolic processes that define arginine’s role in wound healing.

3. Identify the average daily intake of arginine in an American diet.

4. Select the evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of arginine supplementation for wound healing.

Nutrition has an important and integral role in wound healing. Arginine, a type of indispensable amino acid, has long been thought to have wound healing properties. The 2019 international guideline by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance recommends use of a high-protein, high-calorie oral nutrition supplement fortified with arginine and other antioxidants to treat adults with stage 2 or greater pressure injury and who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition to foster healing. This article provides necessary background on this conditionally indispensable amino acid, its metabolism, and its role in acute and chronic wound healing to assist providers in understanding the recommendation for arginine supplementation.
Non-scarring Minimal Incision Neo-omphaloplasty in Abdominoplasty: The Alvarez Technique. A New Proposal
Authors: Alvarez Edwar , Alvarez David , Caldeira Alberto
Published: November 2021

Background:

Abdominoplasties are increasingly requested aesthetic, reconstructive surgical procedures that, in most cases, have shown the disadvantage of leaving an often-notorious periumbilical scar due to hypertrophy, keloid, or because it simply remains very visible over time, after surgery. The Alvarez technique (or nonscarring minimal-incision neo-omphaloplasty) is a completely new, unprecedented technique because it does not leave visible scars. This technique requires the generation of four small flaps and a purse-string suture system interacting with the aponeurosis of the rectus abdominis muscles, as well as the modification of the vertical abdominal plication, and management of the subcutaneous cellular tissue in the new umbilicus area, which, if executed correctly, provide adequate aesthetic results.

Methods:

A multicentric case-series scientific study is presented with a total of 94 patients who underwent classical abdominoplasties and neo-omphaloplasties with the aforementioned technique from August 2018 to December 2020. Pre-surgical and postoperative photographic files were collected.

Results:

Of the 94 patients, there were eight (8.5%) cases of seroma, which are not attributable to neo-omphaloplasty but inherent to the use of drains. There were five (5.3%) cases of umbilical dehiscence. In total, 89.2% (84 patients) showed a very high degree of long-term satisfaction, and 10.6% (10 patients) had a medium level of long-term satisfaction.

Conclusions:

The Alvarez technique provides good aesthetic results that are well accepted among patients and surgeons, in the short and long term. It is useful for those patients who wish to undergo an abdominoplasty but cannot stand a scar in the umbilical region.
Implementation of Sexual Assault Services in a Clinic Setting
Authors: Pitcher Michelle , Connerton Charlotte , Bonham Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Sexual assault services cost Americans more than $420,000,000 annually for medical and mental health services. Personal costs include lost wages, lost quality of life, and victim assistance. Public costs include police work, legal adjudication, and sanctioning (penalties). In 2014, an estimated 284,350 adult women were sexually assaulted in the United States. Sexual assault is significantly underreported by those who are assaulted. Upon determination that sexual assault services in a clinic setting were nonexistent, services for sexual assault were developed and implemented in a clinic setting in a Midwestern state. The purpose of clinic services was to provide support, assessment, and forensic examinations for adult women and to evaluate the number of women receiving services. A quality improvement approach was used to determine how and when sexually assault victims received sexual assault services. Persons who have been sexually assaulted vary in gender and age; however, for the purpose of the pilot project, implementation initially included services to women over 18 years of age. Although the number of female patients receiving care was low in the inaugural clinic during the implementation and evaluation period, the services provision remains a viable option for women who experienced sexual assault in a community that previously had no access to clinic services.
Digit Replantation under Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia
Authors: Huang Hui-Fu , Matschke Jan
Published: November 2021

Background:

Digit replantation under wide-awake local anesthesia is a challenging method, and there are only a few works of literature on this procedure. This article describes the authors’ clinical experience in finger replantation under wide-awake local anesthesia compared to general anesthesia.

Methods:

Fifty-one patients who received single finger replantation after initial sharp amputation were included in the study, of whom 16 received wide-awake local anesthesia and 35 general anesthesia treatment. The indications for wide-awake local anesthesia were sharp amputation injury, estimated operation time less than 3 hours, and cooperative patients. The wide-awake local anesthesia was performed with 1% or 2% lidocaine infiltrated at the volar midpoint of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the affected digit without sedation medications. Demographic data included surgical outcome, waiting time, operation time, and hospital stay.

Results:

A total of 51 consecutive patients were included in this study. There were significantly shorter waiting times and operation times in the wide-awake local anesthesia group. The other parameters showed no significant differences. The overall success rate was 76.47 percent, with a mean overall operation time of 207 minutes.

Conclusions:

In selected patients, finger replantation can be successfully performed under wide-awake local anesthesia, which has lower anesthesia risk and fewer medical expenses than general anesthesia. The method is feasible for single-digit replantation. Therefore, the finger replantation under wide-awake local anesthesia is a practicable alternative to general anesthesia.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Development and validation of DNA Methylation scores in two European cohorts augment 10-year risk prediction of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cheng Yipeng , Gadd Danni A , Gieger Christian , Monterrubio-Gómez Karla , Zhang Yufei , Berta Imrich , Stam Michael J , Szlachetka Natalia , Lobzaev Evgenii , Wrobel Nicola , Murphy Lee , Campbell Archie , Nangle Cliff , Walker Rosie M , Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Peters Annette , Rathmann Wolfgang , Porteous David J , Evans Kathryn L , McIntosh Andrew M , Cannings Timothy I , Waldenberger Melanie , Ganna Andrea , McCartney Daniel L , Vallejos Catalina A , Marioni Riccardo E
Published: November 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) presents a major health and economic burden that could be alleviated with improved early prediction and intervention. While standard risk factors have shown good predictive performance, we show that the use of blood-based DNA methylation information leads to a significant improvement in the prediction of 10-year T2D incidence risk.

Previous studies have been largely constrained by linear assumptions, the use of CpGs one-at-a-time, and binary outcomes. We present a flexible approach (via an R package, MethylPipeR) based on a range of linear and tree-ensemble models that incorporate time-to-event data for prediction. Using the Generation Scotland cohort (training set ncases=374, ncontrols=9,461; test set ncases=252, ncontrols=4,526) our best-performing model (Area Under the Curve (AUC)=0.872, Precision Recall AUC (PRAUC)=0.302) showed notable improvement in 10-year onset prediction beyond standard risk factors (AUC=0.839, PRAUC=0.227). Replication was observed in the German-based KORA study (n=1,451, ncases = 142, p=1.6×10-5).
Optimizing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) electrode position, size, and distance doubles the on-target cortical electric field: Evidence from 3000 Human Connectome Project models
Authors: Caulfield Kevin A. , George Mark S.
Published: November 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a widely used noninvasive brain stimulation technique with mixed results and no FDA-approved therapeutic indication to date. So far, thousands of published tDCS studies have placed large scalp electrodes directly over the intended brain target and delivered the same stimulation intensity to each person. Inconsistent therapeutic results may be due to insufficient cortical activation in some individuals and the inability to determine an optimal dose. Here, we computed 3000 MRI-based electric field models in 200 Human Connectome Project (HCP) participants, finding that the largely unexamined variables of electrode position, size, and between-electrode distance significantly impact the delivered cortical electric field magnitude. At the same scalp stimulation intensity, smaller electrodes surrounding the neural target deliver more than double the on-target cortical electric field while stimulating only a fraction of the off-target brain regions. This new optimized tDCS method can ensure sufficient cortical activation in each person and could produce larger and more consistent behavioral effects in every prospective research and transdiagnostic clinical application of tDCS.
Uncovering Xenobiotics in the Dark Metabolome using Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Mass Defect Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Foster MaKayla , Rainey Markace , Watson Chandler , Dodds James N. , Fernández Facundo M. , Baker Erin S.
Published: November 2021

The identification of xenobiotics in nontargeted metabolomic analyses is a vital step in understanding human exposure. Xenobiotic metabolism, excretion, and co-existence with other endogenous molecules however greatly complicate nontargeted studies. While mass spectrometry (MS)-based platforms are commonly used in metabolomic measurements, deconvoluting endogenous metabolites and xenobiotics is often challenged by the lack of xenobiotic parent and metabolite standards as well as the numerous isomers possible for each small molecule m/z feature. Here, we evaluate the use of ion mobility spectrometry coupled with MS (IMS-MS) and mass defect filtering in a xenobiotic structural annotation workflow to reduce large metabolomic feature lists and uncover potential xenobiotic classes and species detected in the metabolomic studies. To evaluate the workflow, xenobiotics having known high toxicities including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were examined. Initially, to address the lack of available IMS collision cross section (CCS) values for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 88 PFAS standards were evaluated with IMS-MS to both develop a targeted PFAS CCS library and for use in machine learning predictions. The CCS values for biomolecules and xenobiotics were then plotted versus m/z, clearly distinguishing the biomolecules and halogenated xenobiotics. The xenobiotic structural annotation workflow was then used to annotate potential PFAS features in NIST human serum. The workflow reduced the 2,423 detected LC-IMS-MS features to 80 possible PFAS with 17 confidently identified through targeted analyses and 48 additional features correlating with possible CompTox entries.
Nrf2 mediated ER-phagy protects against oxidative damage in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Lin Zhen , Ni Libin , Teng Cheng , Zhang Zhao , Lu Xinlei , Xie Chenglong , Wu Long , Zhou Yifei , Tian Naifeng , Wu Yaosen , Sun Liaojun , Pan Zongyou , Wang Xiangyang , Lin Zhongke , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: November 2021

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) increases the risk of low back pain (LBP). Oxidative stress may induce cellular damage and contribute to various diseases including IDD. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) is a specific type of autophagy, its role in oxidative stress induced damage as well as in IDD is unknown. This study explores the role of ER-phagy in oxidative damage in intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), as well as the Nrf2/FAM134B axis in ER-phagy regulation and IDD therapy. We found ER-phagy was decreased in NPCs during oxidative stress; while FAM134B may promote ER-phagy and alleviate oxidative stress induced ER-stress and apoptosis. In addition, the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2 may promote the expression of FAM134B as well as ER-phagy, and suppress ER-stress and apoptosis in NPCs. Furthermore, overexpression of FAM134B and Nrf2 could effectively attenuate the progression of IDD in rats in vivo. These results suggest Nrf2/FAM134B mediated ER-phagy may combat oxidative damage in cells; meanwhile, ER-phagy as well as Nrf2 could be potential therapeutic targets for IDD.

Graphical abstract