bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kurtosis, a new variable with possible diagnostic value in analysis of jaw muscle surface EMG
Authors: Dong Yan , Li Boxiu , Hu Jianlai , Widmalm Sven E , Zhang Tongsheng , Lin Min , Buvarp Anders , Zhou Dong
Published: December 2021

Background

There is a need for methods to compare differences of voltage levels and distribution anomalies in the study of skeletal muscle function. Calculating the kurtosis values has been found to be of value.

Aim

The aim was to record and analyse voltage and kurtosis levels of SEMG recorded bilaterally in the masseter and anterior temporalis areas during rest and clenching and to compare the kurtosis levels between controls and patients with TMJ disc dysfunction.

Material and methods

Twenty‐three healthy subjects and 21 patients with TMJ disc dysfunction were taken part in this study. Recordings were made with the BioPAK EMG System. Gain was adjusted to record the data within the range of ±2000 µV. SEMG was recorded in four facial areas, the right masseter, left masseter, right anterior temporalis, and left anterior temporalis areas. Kurtosis levels of SEMG, at clenching with maximal force, and mandibular rest, were compared between the control and patient groups.

Results

The kurtosis levels of clenches were significantly higher in patients in all four areas with sensitivity, 38.1% to 61.9%, and specificity, 82.6% to 100.0%. No differences were found in kurtosis levels during mandibular rest.

Conclusion

The results support that kurtosis values of SEMG recorded during clenching have a potential diagnostic interest.
Economic development with deadly communicable diseases and public prevention
Authors: Gori Luca , Mammana Cristiana , Manfredi Piero , Michetti Elisabetta
Published: December 2021

Infectious diseases have been a major determinant of human mortality in history and the key regulator of population size, including the first epoch of the Industrial Revolution (until the 1950s) in Western countries and still now in developing countries, especially in Sub‐Saharan Africa. In recent times, a new vein of economic research dealing with the interplay between communicable diseases and economic development has grown. However, pioneering previous research has analysed this issue in a framework where prevention decisions were the outcome of private individual rational choices. This assumption neither seems to hold for least‐developed countries, primarily due to a lack of resources, nor for developed countries, where prevention policies are mostly planned by the public authority through its (public) health system, as also well documented by the current COVID‐19 crisis. Our aim in this article is twofold. First, we pinpoint the properties of Chakraborty et al.'s (2010, 2016) basic epidemiological equation to fully enlighten its usability in economic‐epidemiology modelling. Second, we apply this framework to analyse prevention activities against a range of infectious diseases by endogenous public (rather than private) health expenditures. Our results identify the relationships governing the interplay between—on the one hand—typical epidemiological phenomena, namely invasion (i.e., the tendency of infection to establish in a population) versus endemicity (i.e., the tendency of infection to persist in the long term) and—on the other hand—economic variables, such as capital accumulation, GDP, and taxation. This is done by identifying threshold quantities, depending on both epidemiological and economic parameters, and by bifurcation analysis showing the effects that public intervention can have on previously uncontrolled infectious diseases. Both direct and indirect, that is, partial and general equilibrium, effects of control interventions are identified.
Crisis in the Shiite Crescent: Ascendency of Secularism?
Authors: Roomi Farshad , Kazemi Ehsan
Published: December 2021

Although the member states of the Shiite Crescent—Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon—have recently gained partial success in regional competition, they face a governance crisis due to the growing public dissatisfaction in each country. This has undermined their achievements and made them the field of conflict between the proponents of secular and political Islam. However, consequential to the revived Shiite identity and the reinvigorated incentive to shape the politics of the Middle East after the Shiite rise to power in Iraq, the Iran‐led alliance has concerned Arab states wary of changes taking place in the traditional regional order. The result has been an upsurge of distrust and a clash between Shiite fundamentalists and the conservative Arab states.
EPEC‐induced activation of the Ca2+ transporter TRPV2 leads to pyroptotic cell death
Authors: Zhong Qiyun , Chatterjee Sharanya , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Frankel Gad
Published: December 2021

The enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) type III secretion system effector Tir, which mediates intimate bacterial attachment to epithelial cells, also triggers Ca2+ influx followed by LPS entry and caspase‐4‐dependent pyroptosis, which could be antagonized by the effector NleF. Here we reveal the mechanism by which EPEC induces Ca2+ influx. We show that in the intestinal epithelial cell line SNU‐C5, Tir activates the mechano/osmosensitive cation channel TRPV2 which triggers extracellular Ca2+ influx. Tir‐induced Ca2+ influx could be blocked by siRNA silencing of TRPV2, pre‐treatment with the TRPV2 inhibitor SET2 or by growing cells in low osmolality medium. Pharmacological activation of TRPV2 in the absence of Tir failed to initiate caspase‐4‐dependent cell death, confirming the necessity of Tir. Consistent with the model implicating activation on translocation of TRPV2 from the ER to plasma membrane, inhibition of protein trafficking by either brefeldin A or the effector NleA prevented TRPV2 activation and cell death. While infection with EPECΔnleA triggered pyroptotic cell death, this could be prevented by NleF. Taken together this study shows that while integration of Tir into the plasma membrane activates TRPV2, EPEC uses NleA to inhibit TRPV2 trafficking and NleF to inhibit caspase‐4 and pyroptosis.
Mucocutaneous mycoses in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Indonesia
Authors: Widaty Sandra , Oktarina Caroline , Suling Pieter Levinus , Niode Nurdjannah Jane , Miranda Eliza , Andriani Anni , Amin Safruddin , Yenny Satya Widya , Bramono Kusmarinah
Published: December 2021

Background

To date, integrated care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) has improved. However, although the management of mucocutaneous mycosis cases has improved, disease progression might be different in immunocompromised patients, which leads to variable clinical manifestations.

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of mucocutaneous mycosis cases in the PLHIV population and its associated factors in Indonesia.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 in four academic hospitals. Data were acquired from medical records with the inclusion of mucocutaneous mycosis patients with concurrent HIV infection. Analysis with the chi‐squared test was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.

Results

A total of 1,796 cases of mucocutaneous mycoses were identified in 1782 PLHIV. The most common types of infection were candidiasis (63%), followed by dermatophytosis (35.1%), and malasseziosis (1.9%), which were significantly higher in PLHIV with CD4 level <200 cells/mm3. The proportions of male gender (78.6% vs. 56.3%, p < .001), high level of education (48.0% vs. 64.1%, p < .001), office workers (73.8% vs. 64.1%, p < .001), combination of topical and systemic antifungal agents (59.1% vs. 48.5%, p = .006) and not receiving antiretroviral therapy (63.2% vs. 7.8%, p < .001) were significantly higher in PLHIV with a CD4 level <200 cells/mm3.

Conclusion

In Indonesia, the most common fungal infection in PLHIV is candidiasis. This study also addressed the important matters regarding mucocutaneous mycoses in PLHIV. Education is an important measure to prevent the incidence of cutaneous mycoses in PLHIV, especially in high‐risk groups.
Endovascular revascularization for internal carotid artery dissection during stroke‐like episode in MELAS: A case report
Authors: Mitsutake Takafumi , Tsugawa Jun , Kimura Satoshi , Yamada Miho , Hanada Hayatsura , Morinaga Yusuke , Inoue Ritsuro , Hirata Yoko , Takemura Yusuke , Nii Kouhei , Tsuboi Yoshio , Higashi Toshio
Published: December 2021

A 45‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital because of speech difficulties. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested subacute ischemic infarction in the left parietal to temporal area. Neurological examination on admission showed motor aphasia without any other deficits, and her symptoms gradually worsened with severe headaches. Nine days after admission, brain MRI revealed the development of an ischemic lesion, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed left internal carotid artery dissection. Emergency carotid stent placement was then performed on the stenotic lesion, which improved her severe headache. Based on her symptoms, she was diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) after revascularization therapy. This is the first case in which acute endovascular revascularization was performed for internal carotid artery dissection in MELAS.
Reimagining quarantine: Assuring hopefulness in nursing and healthcare
Authors: Arde Bernardo O. A. , Purisima Epifania M. R. , Ito Hirokazu , Locsin Rozzano C.
Published: December 2021

This article aimed to explore issues of concern related to quarantine, its social consequences and influences, challenging its effects on human behavioral expressions during social isolation. The advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic impacted human lives in multifarious ways, threatening the meaning of normalcy. Quarantine, lockdown, isolation, and other terms reflecting conditions limiting human freedoms have become synonymous in importance to safety, security, and survival. To understand human defiance in the face of maintaining limited mobility during the COVID‐19 pandemic, reimagining situations of “unfreedoms” is explained as thinking of changes to inspire and improve the meaning of living lives meaningfully. During the pandemic, issues regarding healthcare practices and social behaviors focused much attention on interactive challenges that enhance ways to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases. Illuminating these issues, discussing concerns and highlighting recommendations to engage in alternative approaches and practices, heightens the declaration of efficiency of quarantine outcomes and effectiveness. Implications are proposed with the hope that they may lead the way forward in exercising contemporary healthcare practices.
Discovery proteomics reveals potential protein signature associated with malignant phenotype acquisition in pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: de Lima‐Souza Reydson Alcides , Scarini João Figueira , Lavareze Luccas , Emerick Carolina , Crescencio Lívia Ramalho , Domingues Romênia Ramos , Paes Leme Adriana Franco , Mariz Bruno Augusto Linhares Almeida , Bastos Débora Campanella , Machado Renato Assis , Tincani Alfio José , Del Negro André , Chone Carlos Takahiro , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Egal Erika Said Abu , Altemani Albina , Mariano Fernanda Viviane
Published: December 2021

Objective

To analyze the proteomic profile of salivary pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) samples and correlate them with the malignant transformation of the PA.

Materials and methods

Thirty samples (10 PA, 16 CXPA, and 4 residual PA) were microdissected and submitted to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The proteomic data and protein identification were analyzed through LC‐MS/MS spectra using the MaxQuant software.

Results

The proteomic analysis identified and quantified a total of 240 proteins in which 135 were found in PA, residual PA, and CXPA. The shared proteins were divided into six subgroups, and the proteins that showed statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) and fold‐change > or <2.5 in one subgroup to another subgroup were included. Seven proteins (Apolipoprotein A‐I—APOA1, haptoglobin—HP, protein of the synaptonemal complex 1—SYCP1, anion transport protein of band 3—SLC4A1, subunit μ1 of AP‐1 complex—AP1M1, beta subunit of hemoglobin—HBB, and dermcidin—DCD) were classified as potential protein signatures, being HP, AP1M1, and HBB with higher abundance for PA to residual PA, APOA1 with higher abundance for PA to CXPA, SLC4A1 with lower abundance in the PA to CXPA, SYCP1with lower abundance for residual PA to CXPA, and DCD with higher abundance in the CXPA with epithelial differentiation to myoepithelial differentiation.

Conclusions

In this work, we demonstrated the comparative proteomic profiling of PA, residual PA, and CXPA, and seven were proposed as protein signatures, some of which may be associated with the malignant phenotype acquisition.
Plasticity and co‐variation of root traits govern differential phosphorus acquisition among 20 wheat genotypes
Authors: Wang Xin‐Xin , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Hong , Rengel Zed , Li Hongbo
Published: December 2021

Trait plasticity (variation of a trait under environmental variability or gradients) and trait integration are both crucial for plant adaption to environmental change. Variations in different suite of root traits such as biomass allocation, morphology and physiology underlie diverse phosphorus (P) acquisition strategies among plants. Yet, how the intraspecific plasticity and integration of root traits influence plant adaptation to different P supply remains obscure. To characterize diverse adaptive strategies in relation to plant P acquisition, eight root traits were assessed in 20 wheat Triticum aestivum genotypes grown in a culture room with low and high P supply. High P supply increased shoot P accumulation and biomass of all wheat genotypes. The shoot P accumulation in genotypes with high P sensitivity (PS: calculated as shoot P content at low P/shoot P content at high P supply) was higher with high P supply and lower with low P supply compared with that in the genotypes with low PS. The high‐PS genotypes exhibited larger variation in root length, root/shoot ratio and rhizosphere pH across P supplies than the low‐PS genotypes, suggesting an integrated response at the whole‐plant level. At low P supply, the high‐PS genotypes had greater root length and specific root length, but lower acid phosphatase activity than the low‐PS genotypes, which suggests contrasting P‐acquisition strategies across the genotypes. Strong co‐variation of root traits occurred across low‐PS genotypes regardless of P supply; conversely, the high‐PS genotypes only exhibited strong trait integration at low P supply, whereas high P supply sharply reduced root trait co‐variation. Our findings suggest that P stress may strengthen root trait integration in wheat plants, and that both plasticity and integration of root traits drive plant adaptive strategies and tolerance to P‐deficiency stress.
Educational Attainment Affects the Early Rehabilitation of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Southwest China
Authors: Wang Hao‐yang , Wang Yong‐hui , Luo Ze‐yu , Wang Duan , Zhou Zong‐ke
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess if the educational level of patients in Southwestern China will affect the functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 334 patients (48 males, 286 females, with an average age of 68 years, range from 51 to 84 years) who had undergone primary unilateral TKA from March 2017 to April 2018. Patients were screened for enrollment and classified into four groups (illiterate group, the primary school group, high school group, and university group) according to their educational attainment. All patients were monitored for at least 2 years after TKA. The primary outcome was determined using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee (HSS) score at the time of follow‐up. The secondary outcomes were determined using the 12‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, the satisfaction level, and complications of the surgery.

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐four patients were divided into four groups based on their highest educational level: 83 patients in the illiteracy group, 84 in the primary school group, 91 in the high school group, and 76 in the university group. They were followed up for at least 2 years. For the primary outcome, patients with high school and university education had noteworthy better HSS scores on the surgical‐side knee than those in the primary school and illiterate groups (illiteracy group 86.71 ± 5.94 vs primary school group 85.36 ± 5.88 vs high school group 89.48 ± 3.66 vs university group 88.95 ± 3.55; P < 0.05). For secondary outcomes, the mental component summary (MCS) in the university group was significantly lower than the other three groups (P < 0.05). The results of WOMAC scores were consistent with the results of the HSS score: patients in the university group and the high school group had better results when compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the comparison of additional indicators and complications among the four groups, but more patients (12 peoples, 15.8%) in the university group were dissatisfied with knee function after TKA.

Conclusion

In Southwest China, patients with high school education or above can achieve better joint function after TKA but do not get better postoperative satisfaction, which may be related to the patients' higher surgical expectations for social and mental needs.
Comparison of Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty Involving Postoperative Neutral or Residual Mild Varus Alignment: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Xu‐feng , Yang Yang , Wang Duan , Xu Hong , Huang Chao , Zhou Zong‐ke , Xu Jin
Published: December 2021

Comparing mainly clinical and functional outcomes as well as prosthesis survival with neutral and residual mild varus alignment, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases from 1 January 1974 to 18 December 2020 to identify studies comparing clinical and functional outcomes as well as prosthesis survival in the presence of different alignments after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for varus knees. The included studies were assessed by two researchers according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Postoperative neutral alignment (0° ± 3°) was compared to residual mild varus (3°–6°) and residual severe varus (>6°). Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. The odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) were used to compare dichotomous and continuous variables. The fixed‐effect model and random‐effect model were used to meta‐analyze the data. Nine studies were included in the meta‐analysis with 1410 cases of postoperative neutral alignment, 564 of residual mild varus alignment and 175 of residual severe varus alignment following TKA, all of which were published after 2013. Three studies scored 7 points on the NOS, while the remaining studies scored 8 points, suggesting high quality. The pooled mean differences (MDs) of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) −1.06 to 3.20; P = 0.32; I2 = 79%]. The meta‐analysis showed that neutral alignment and mild varus alignment were associated with similar the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Knee Score (KS‐KS), and Knee Society Function Score (KS‐FS), while neutral alignment was associated with lower Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) [mean difference −6.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) −9.37 to −2.64, P = 0.0005]. Neutral alignment was associated with higher KS‐KS than severe alignment (M 2.98, 95% CI 1.42 to 4.55, P = 0.0002; I2 = 0%) as well as higher KS‐FS (M 8.20, 95% CI 4.58 to 11.82, P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Neutral alignment was associated with similar rate of survival as mild varus alignment (95% CI 0.36 to 9.10; P = 0.48; I2 = 65%) or severe varus alignment (95% CI 0.94 to 37.90; P = 0.06; I2 = 61%). There was no statistical difference in others. Residual mild varus alignment after TKA may lead to similar or superior outcomes than neutral alignment in patients with preoperative varus knees, yet the available evidence appears to be insufficient to replace the current gold standard of neutral alignment. Severe varus alignment should be avoided.
The xylem of anisohydric Quercus alba L. is more vulnerable to embolism than isohydric codominants
Authors: Benson Michael C. , Miniat Chelcy F. , Oishi Andrew C. , Denham Sander O. , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Johnson Daniel M. , Missik Justine E. , Phillips Richard P. , Wood Jeffrey D. , Novick Kimberly A.
Published: December 2021

The coordination of plant leaf water potential (ΨL) regulation and xylem vulnerability to embolism is fundamental for understanding the tradeoffs between carbon uptake and risk of hydraulic damage. There is a general consensus that trees with vulnerable xylem more conservatively regulate ΨL than plants with resistant xylem. We evaluated if this paradigm applied to three important eastern US temperate tree species, Quercus alba L., Acer saccharum Marsh. and Liriodendron tulipifera L., by synthesizing 1600 ΨL observations, 122 xylem embolism curves and xylem anatomical measurements across 10 forests spanning pronounced hydroclimatological gradients and ages. We found that, unexpectedly, the species with the most vulnerable xylem (Q. alba) regulated ΨL less strictly than the other species. This relationship was found across all sites, such that coordination among traits was largely unaffected by climate and stand age. Quercus species are perceived to be among the most drought tolerant temperate US forest species; however, our results suggest their relatively loose ΨL regulation in response to hydrologic stress occurs with a substantial hydraulic cost that may expose them to novel risks in a more drought‐prone future.
COVID‐19 related fear and depression of pregnant women and new mothers
Authors: Fan Heidi Sze Lok , Choi Edmond Pui Hang , Ko Rachel Wai Tung , Kwok Jojo Yan Yan , Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Shek Noel Wan Man , Ngan Hextan Yuen Sheung , Li Junyan , Huang Yi‐yan , Ouyang Yan‐Qiong , Lok Kris Yuet Wan
Published: December 2021

Objective

To explore factors associated with depression and COVID‐19 related fear among pregnant women and new mothers.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in China from July 2020 to July 2021.

Sample

A total of 3027 pregnant and new mothers were recruited.

Measurement

Sociodemographic characteristics and the perceptions of the COVID‐19 pandemic were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and the Fear Scale was used to assess the depressive and fear level towards the COVID‐19 pandemic, respectively.

Results

Approximately 17.2% of the participants had depression (PHQ‐9 ≥10). In Hong Kong, participants who perceived that they have increased knowledge to prevent infection were less likely to have depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74–0.94). There was no association between perceived severity if infected and severity of spread and the depression level in our sample. An inverse relationship was found between the COVID‐19 related fear level and perceived knowledge to prevent infection (Beta‐coefficient [β] = ‐0.20; 95% CI = ‐0.38 to ‐0.02).

Conclusion

Public health nurses need to promote accurate and up to date COVID‐19 related information at clinical and community settings and implement effective screening for depression and fear symptoms to identify these high‐risk groups to improve women's psychological well‐being.
Oral findings and healthcare management in Shashi‐Pena syndrome
Authors: Alqaisi Dua'a , Hassona Yazan
Published: December 2021

Shashi Pena syndrome (SHAPNS) is a newly recognized and rare neurodevelopmental disorder with unique phenotypic features. The syndrome is caused by truncating variants in ASXL2 gene. To date, there are only seven documented cases in scientific literature, but oral and dental findings are sparsely reported. Here, we present a new case of SHAPNS and describe the oro‐dental findings and oral healthcare management of affected patients.
Rationales for body camera implementation and outcome measures
Authors: Lessing Stephanie
Published: December 2021

As police body cameras develop as a widely used mechanism to promote police transparency and accountability, researchers are tasked with measuring whether the treatment of this surveillance mechanism meets its stated goals. But the goals have not been clearly outlined and instead, the array of stated goals varies by jurisdiction, creating obstacles for policy diffusion and comparative analyses across numerous randomized controlled trials. Without clearly defined goals, there is no alignment on what success looks like. This narrative review seeks to uncover why body cameras have been implemented in police agencies and what these agencies expect to gain from their use. It details the range of rationales for the adoption of body cameras, which stakeholder parties benefit from goal attainment, and what outcome measurements researchers have and can use to measure body cameras' ability to reach those goals. Most systematic literature reviews of body camera studies simply focus on one outcome measurement. This paper provides a broad view of the body camera research involving multiple outcome variables. It maps these findings onto the stated goals to demonstrate which goals seem to be attainable and which seem to expect body cameras to be a silver bullet solution to societal problems.
Integrating Human and Nonhuman Primate Data to Estimate Human Tolerances for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wu Taotao , Sato Fusako , Antona-Makoshi Jacobo , Gabler Lee F. , Giudice J. Sebastian , Alshareef Ahmed , Yaguchi Masayuki , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Margulies Susan S. , Panzer Matthew B.
Published: December 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to a significant portion of the injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, falls, and sports collisions. The development of advanced countermeasures to mitigate these injuries requires a complete understanding of the tolerance of the human brain to injury. In this study, we developed a new method to establish human injury tolerance levels using an integrated database of reconstructed football impacts, subinjurious human volunteer data, and nonhuman primate data. The human tolerance levels were analyzed using tissue-level metrics determined using harmonized species-specific finite element (FE) brain models. Kinematics-based metrics involving complete characterization of angular motion (e.g., diffuse axonal multi-axial general evaluation (DAMAGE)) showed better power of predicting tissue-level deformation in a variety of impact conditions and were subsequently used to characterize injury tolerance. The proposed human brain tolerances for mild and severe TBI were estimated and presented in the form of injury risk curves based on selected tissue-level and kinematics-based injury metrics. The application of the estimated injury tolerances was finally demonstrated using real-world automotive crash data.
‘Shuttle’ Technology for Noise Reduction and Efficiency Improvement of Hydrostatic Machines - Part 2
Authors: Mommers Robin , Achten Peter
Published: December 2021

In 2001, INNAS introduced the ‘Shuttle’ technology for noise reduction and efficiency improvement of hydrostatic machines. The current study revisits this technology for application in hydrostatic pumps and motors.

In many hydrostatic pumps and motors, commutation is imposed by a fixed component like a valve plate. Designing a valve plate (or comparable component) that ensures good commutation at one specific operating condition, is fairly simple. However, an inherent problem of such a component is that it should ensure good commutation at all of the operating conditions.

In an attempt to minimise losses and reduce noise emission caused by improper commutation, so-called shuttles were introduced by INNAS in 2001. These shuttles act as small pistons between two working chambers, essentially providing a connection to the ports while the valve plate is still closed. In theory, this will result in a check-valve like commutation.

In the original paper, shuttles were implemented in a hydraulic transformer. This paper discusses and analyses the use of shuttles in pumps and motors. Simulation results show that the introduction of shuttles can reduce commutation losses to negligible levels. Furthermore, the results suggest that the use of shuttles could also reduce noise emissions.
A Novel Design Concept of Digital Hydraulic Drive for Knee Exoskeleton
Authors: Rituraj Rituraj , Scheidl Rudolf , Ladner Peter , Lauber Martin
Published: December 2021

Hydraulic actuation of exoskeletons has gained interest among researchers due the potentials of high power density and energy recuperation allowing the reduction of mass and space used by the device (when compared to the traditional electrically actuated exoskeletons). However, developing a light and cost-effective design of such exoskeleton remains a key challenge.

In this work, a novel design of digitally driven knee exoskeleton is presented. The design uses simple hydraulic cylinders instead of multi-chamber cylinders (which are typically used in digital actuations and are expensive). The design also includes a unique mechanism that is able to satisfy the peak torque requirements during a typical gait cycle with a smaller hydraulic force. This ensures small size of hydraulic components and a moderate power demand from the energy source.

To study this exoskeleton design, a numerical model of the exoskeleton and the lower limb is developed in this work. The simulation results show that the design is able to track the motion of the knee in a typical gait cycle as well as satisfy the necessary torque requirements.
Experimental Study on Energy Efficiency of Two-Cylinder Direct Driven Hydraulic System in a Large-Scale Test Bench
Authors: Hermansson Robert , Närvänen Ville , Kajaste Jyrki , Calonius Olof , Pietola Matti , Kuosmanen Petri
Published: December 2021

In this research the energy efficiency of a pump controlled direct driven hydraulic (DDH) system is experimentally tested and analyzed. The test bench uses two cylinders’ cross-connection to rotate the middle joint of the 5-meter-long pivot arm which is loaded with unequal load of maximum 1685 kg. Originally the test bench is designed to study the application of DDH in the case of an articulated steering system, but in this research the system is treated as load lifting and load lowering application.

The power pack of the test bench features a permanent magnet servo motor and a bent-axis, fixed-displacement hydraulic motor-pump unit. A separate charge pump circuit is attached, which also controls the servo motor and pump case temperature and takes care of fluid heat management as well as filtering. An extensive CAN-network is utilized for measurement and control. The motion of the test bench is driven with position control to give reproducible lifting and lowering cycles with different loads and velocities.

Three motion cycles are executed involving three different loads, nine combinations in total, to study their effect on energy efficiency in load lifting and load lowering situations. Mechanical input power is measured between the electric motor and pump, hydraulic power is measured at the pump outlet and at the cylinder ports, and finally the mechanical output power is calculated for the cylinder-to-mechanical interface. Energy losses are determined as well as the overall energy efficiency of the hydraulic system.

The research focuses on the hydraulic system and therefore the electric input power to the system and the regenerated electric power in load lowering is left out of the study. However, the regeneration potential in load lowering part of the cycles is measured as the available electric motor shaft power.

In load lifting, the total energy efficiency of the hydraulic system was at its best at 82% when using the maximum additional load of 1685 kg and the lowest lifting velocity of 0.1 rad/s. Energy efficiency of load lowering was at its best in the same cycle with 77% of the energy recovered from the pump-motor’s shaft. High dependency on load and velocity was detected, because the total efficiency in lifting decreased to 44% with highest velocity (0.3 rad/s) and lowest load (445 kg). In lowering, during the same cycle, the total efficiency was −17%, meaning that gravity loading alone could not produce fast enough motion and that active input power was needed.

In conclusion, very good energy efficiency could be achieved when operating against high enough loading. Operating at partial loads and with higher velocities will clearly reduce energy efficiency, emphasizing the need for careful dimensioning of all the power train components.
Sizing Directional Pneumatic Valves Based on the Characteristic Dynamic Behavior of Linear Actuators
Authors: Vigolo Vinícius , Valdiero Antonio Carlos , De Negri Victor Juliano
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a novel approach to size directional pneumatic valves based on the analysis of the characteristic behavior of pneumatic actuators applied for pick and place tasks is presented. The study evidences the existence of three characteristic times in the displacement of a standard pneumatic actuation system, which are the emptying time, the transient-state time, and the steady-state time. The results also indicate that there is a close correlation between the velocity profile and the relative size of the piston area, where the steady-state time might be negligible when the piston is correctly sized. The emptying time, characterized by the depressurization of the counterpressure chamber, occurs predominantly with choked mass flow rate and constant volume. In this way, an analytical equation to estimate the emptying time has been determined. Moreover, during the transient-state time, the velocity profile is similar to the characteristic behavior of a first order system, therefore, the transient-state time is estimated by the time constant of the system, which was obtained by a linear first order model developed using the fundamental equations that govern the system behavior. The total displacement time, which is a design requirement to size directional valves, can be expressed as the sum of the emptying and transient-state time. Consequently, a set of equations are proposed to size the directional valve using design parameters such as displacement time, piston volume, load force, and supply pressure. The proposed equations were evaluated along with simulation and experimental results, demonstrating their validity and accuracy.
Exhaustive Regressor Search (XRS) for Creating Models of Hydraulic Pumps and Motors
Authors: Johnson Jack , Montague John , Garcia-Bravo Jose
Published: December 2021

Physical models of fluid power systems rely on the validity of the principles used for creating such models. In many cases, pump and motor performance is considered a large contributor to the efficiency of a whole fluid power system and, is used to approximate the behavior of the component and the system coupled to it. Often, estimates of the power losses and efficiency of pumps and motors is limited to manufacturer test data or simplified assumptions based on first principles. However, the use of the limited test data or idealized assumptions reduces the accuracy of the models and limits the validity of the theoretical results. Moreover, the creation of accurate physical models, their numerical implementation using a computer to solve the model and the experimental validation is time consuming and costly. New advances in machine learning, statistical analysis and numerical methods can be used to reduce the time used to develop a model of a pump or motor producing similar or better results. This paper proposes the use of an autonomous and iterative algorithm to obtain linear regression coefficients necessary to characterize the flow response of a pump or motor from existing experimental data. In this study a multivariate linear model for predicting the flow output of a pump or a motor is derived from experimental data by iteratively adding data points and by iteratively and autonomously testing regressor combinations to find the best possible flow model.
Growth of pentacene molecules on Tsai-type quasicrystals and related crystal surfaces
Authors: Sharma H. R. , Coates S. , Alofi A. , McGrath R.
Published: December 2021

We present a study of the adsorption of pentacene (Pn) molecules on the high symmetry (fivefold, threefold, and twofold) surfaces of the icosahedral (i) Ag–In–Yb quasicrystal. We also compare the results with adsorption of Pn on a surface of a periodic crystal related to this quasicrystal, the (111) surface of the Au–Al–Tb 1/1 approximant. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals that Pn molecules on the quasicrystal surfaces are aligned along the high symmetry directions of the substrates and selectively adsorb on Yb atoms and thus exhibit quasicrystalline order. Pn molecules on the Au–Al–Tb approximant surface also preferably adopt Tb sites. The behavior of selective adsorption can be understood in terms of the geometry and electronic properties of the adsorbate and substrate. The Yb–Yb (Tb–Tb) separations are comparable to the C–C or H–H distances in a Pn molecule. Pn is an electron donor, whereas the unoccupied electronic states of the substrate are dominated by the rare earth atoms, suggesting that there is an electronic transfer between the Pn molecules and Yb (Tb) atoms.
Modal wavenumber extraction by finite difference vertical linear array data
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Wang Pengyu
Published: December 2021

In shallow water, modal wavenumbers are useful for many applications. This paper presents an approach for wavenumber estimation of range-independent waveguide based on pressure and its finite difference (FD) data matrices built on the vertical linear array (VLA) data. The core of this method is that wavenumber information is expressed in the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the FD data matrix. Therefore, wavenumbers can be estimated directly by combining the SVDs of the pressure data matrix and FD data matrix. The method is validated on simulated data. The dependence of the proposed method on relevant parameters is discussed.
How Canadian High-Performance Coaches Adopt and Implement Technology: Exploring the Antecedents of Intra- and Interorganizational Trust, Technological Proficiency, and Subjective Norms and Social Influence on Technology Adoption
Authors: Jaswal Roger S. , Stergiou Pro , Katz Larry
Published: December 2021

Technological innovation has been shown to make meaningful impacts across several aspects of high-performance sport. Although the literature on technology adoption and implementation is vast, currently very little exists on the coach’s perspective in this regard. This investigation explored Canadian high-performance sport coaches and their relationship with technology adoption. Eleven coaches from both summer and winter National Sport Organizations were interviewed using a semistructured format. Three thematic categories were identified. First, intra- and interorganizational trust showed that coaches valued being aware and informed of any planned changes, and that educating them on technology adoption was important for gaining their participation. Second, coaches mentioned that they took the time to search for and build a fully functional technology, and valued collaboration among their peers for sharing technology-based knowledge. Finally, many of these high-performance coaches also depended upon their relationships to mentor coaches or other coaches in the field to identify and apply new technology. The outcome of this research may provide insight into shaping future policies to help sport coaches get access to the technology that more directly meets their needs.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Time of Utilitarian Walking and Walking as Exercise Among Brazilian Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The REMOBILIZE Study
Authors: Duarte Dayanne Ádyla Cândido , Lima Camila Astholphi , de Lima Maria do Carmo Correia , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , de Amorim Juleimar Soares Coelho
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate behavioral changes related to utilitarian walking and walking as exercise among Brazilian older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline data from the longitudinal REMOBILIZE study were used. The survey was online and comprised 1,482 adults aged 60 years and older. The outcome was the hours per week of walking time (for utilitarian purposes, as exercise, and total), estimated by the frequency and duration and analyzed by average and rate of decrease, comparing pre- and during the pandemic. Total walking time was used to estimate transition patterns between levels of walking intensity. A moderate reduction of 1.76 hr per week in the total walking time was observed, and 28.1% of the participants’ walking transition patterns were from more to less physically active. Our findings demonstrate the need for gender-specific interventions and policies to increase the walking levels among older adults after the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Nocardiosis in Japan: a Multicentric Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Takamatsu Akane , Yaguchi Takashi , Tagashira Yasuaki , Watanabe Akira , Honda Hitoshi ,   the Japan Nocardia Study Group the Japan Nocardia Study Group, Yasuo Takiguchi, Chiba Aoba Municipal Hospital, Tamon Yagi, Japanese Red Cross Musashino Hospital, Masaru Amishima, Hokkaido Medical Center, Noritaka Sekiya, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Meiwa Shibata, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Ryota Hase, Japanese Red Cross Narita Hospital, Yoshihiro Kobashi, Kawasaki Medical School, Akira Nakamura, Asahi General Hospital, Katsushi Tajima, Yamagata Prefectural Cen
Published: December 2021

Nocardia
species cause a broad spectrum of infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Given its relative rarity, data on the prognosis and distribution of nocardiosis from a large cohort are scarce.
Localization, Assembly, and Activation of the Escherichia coli Cell Division Machinery
Authors: Levin Petra Anne , Janakiraman Anuradha
Published: December 2021

Decades of research, much of it in
Escherichia coli
, have yielded a wealth of insight into bacterial cell division. Here, we provide an overview of the
E. coli
division machinery with an emphasis on recent findings.
Iron Transport and Metabolism in Escherichia, Shigella, and Salmonella
Authors: Mey Alexandra R. , Gómez-Garzón Camilo , Payne Shelley M.
Published: December 2021

Iron is an essential element for
Escherichia
,
Salmonella
, and
Shigella
species. The acquisition of sufficient amounts of iron is difficult in many environments, including the intestinal tract, where these bacteria usually reside.
Difficulties faced by older Rohingya (forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals) adults in accessing medical services amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ali ARM Mehrab , Yadav Uday Narayan , Huda Md. Nazmul , Ghimire Saruna , Bestman Amy , Hossain Md. Belal , Reza Sompa , Qasim Rubina , Harris Mark F
Published: December 2021

Background

COVID-19 has seriously disrupted health services in many countries including Bangladesh. This research aimed to explore whether Rohingya (forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals) older adults in Bangladesh faced difficulties accessing medicines and routine medical care services amid this pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 Rohingya older adults aged 60 years and above residing in Rohingya refugee camps situated in the Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh and was conducted in October 2020. A purposive sampling technique was followed, and participants’ perceived difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care were noted through face-to-face interviews. Binary logistic regression models determined the association between outcome and explanatory variables.

Results

Overall, one-third of the participants reported difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care. Significant factors associated with facing difficulties accessing medicine included feelings of loneliness (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.54, 95% CI 1.93 to 6.48), perceptions that older adults were at the highest risk of COVID-19 (AOR 3.35, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.97) and required additional care during COVID-19 (AOR 6.89, 95% CI 3.62 to 13.13). Also, the notable factors associated with difficulties in receiving routine medical care included living more than 30 min walking distance from the health centre (AOR 3.57, 95% CI 1.95 to 6.56), feelings of loneliness (AOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.87), perception that older adults were at the highest risk of COVID-19 (AOR 2.85, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.99) and perception that they required additional care during the pandemic (AOR 4.55, 95% CI 2.48 to 8.35).

Conclusion

Many Rohingya older adults faced difficulties in accessing medicines and routine medical care during this pandemic. This call for policy-makers and relevant stakeholders to re-assess emergency preparedness plans including strategies to provide continuing care.
Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of heterogeneous immune subgroups of microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancers
Authors: Kim Jung Ho , Seo Mi-Kyoung , Lee Ji Ae , Yoo Seung-Yeon , Oh Hyeon Jeong , Kang Hyundeok , Cho Nam-Yun , Bae Jeong Mo , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Kim Sangwoo
Published: December 2021

Background

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) are hypermutated tumors and are generally regarded as immunogenic. However, their heterogeneous immune responses and underlying molecular characteristics remain largely unexplained.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 73 primary MSI-H CRC tissues to characterize heterogeneous immune subgroups. Based on combined tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) immunoscore and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) activity, MSI-H CRCs were classified into immune-high, immune-intermediate, and immune-low subgroups. Of these, the immune-high and immune-low subgroups were further analyzed using whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing.

Results

We found considerable variations in immune parameters between MSI-H CRCs, and immune subgrouping of MSI-H CRCs was performed accordingly. The TIL densities and TLS activities of immune-low MSI-H CRCs were comparable to those of an immune-low or immune-intermediate subgroup of microsatellite-stable CRCs. There were remarkable differences between immune-high and immune-low MSI-H CRCs, including their pathological features (medullary vs mucinous), genomic alterations (tyrosine kinase fusions vsKRASmutations), and activated signaling pathways (immune-related vs Wnt and Notch signaling), whereas no significant differences were found in tumor mutational burden (TMB) and neoantigen load. The immune-low MSI-H CRCs were subdivided by the consensus molecular subtype (CMS1 vs CMS3) with different gene expression signatures (mesenchymal/stem-like vs epithelial/goblet-like), suggesting distinct immune evasion mechanisms. Angiogenesis and CD200 were identified as potential therapeutic targets in immune-low CMS1 and CMS3 MSI-H CRCs, respectively.

Conclusions

MSI-H CRCs are immunologically heterogeneous, regardless of TMB. The unusual immune-low MSI-H CRCs are characterized by mucinous histology,KRASmutations, and Wnt/Notch activation, and can be further divided into distinct gene expression subtypes, including CMS4-like CMS1 and CMS3. Our data provide novel insights into precise immunotherapeutic strategies for subtypes of MSI-H tumors.