bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Friend or Foe? Defining the Role of Glutamate in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cox MaKayla F. , Hascup Erin R. , Bartke Andrzej , Hascup Kevin N.
Published: June 2022

Aging is a naturally occurring decline of physiological processes and biological pathways that affects both the structural and functional integrity of the body and brain. These physiological changes reduce motor skills, executive function, memory recall, and processing speeds. Aging is also a major risk factor for multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Identifying a biomarker, or biomarkers, that signals the transition from physiological to pathological aging would aid in earlier therapeutic options or interventional strategies. Considering the importance of glutamate signaling in synaptic plasticity, motor movement, and cognition, this neurotransmitter serves as a juncture between cognitive health and disease. This article discusses glutamatergic signaling during physiological aging and the pathological changes observed in AD patients. Findings from studies in mouse models of successful aging and AD are reviewed and provide a biological context for this transition. Finally, current techniques to monitor brain glutamate are highlighted. These techniques may aid in elucidating time-point specific therapeutic windows to modify disease outcome.
A Study of Environmental Factors in Low Vision Rehabilitation
Authors: Øien Turid Borgestrand
Published: June 2022

Healthcare has the past decades shifted from a narrow medical perspective to a more holistic, biopsychosocial perspective. Disability understood as a contextual condition constituted by the relation of the individual to their social and physical context. The disability model of the International Classification of Functions (ICF) contextualizes activity, participation, body functions and structure by including environmental and personal factors. However, illustrated by the consideration of the environmental factors as a neutral dimension, the dynamic interrelation of the individual parts of the system is rather unchartered. In 2017–2019, a lighting assessment was developed and tested on 60 participants in low vision rehabilitation. An action research project accompanied the pilot study from 2018. Ethnographic participatory observations of the low vision consultants in 15 consultations, semi-structured interviews, and a document analysis of the project material of the pilot project has been analyzed using the theoretical framework of science and technology studies. Mapping the physical environment showed a range of factors from spatial organization to luminaires and light bulbs. Moreover, in relation to specific activities, relevant factors were identified and assessed, and in the intervention adjusted to relevant personal and social factors. Identifying overlapping personal, environmental, and professional spheres illustrates the complexity of practicing rehabilitation in people's everyday lives. Acknowledging and coordinating different versions of lighting enabled low vision consultants to work across these spheres relationally. ICF was embedded in the practice of low vision consultants as a frame of reference, however, implementing this framework occurred through an assemblage of tools from different fields. The focus on lighting as an active element in low vision rehabilitation demonstrated a way to work across the personal and environmental to reduce the gap that caused disability. In everyday life, the physical environment was pivotal in the person–environment relationship and in enabling or disabling the individual. However, the physical environment was also key to the rehabilitation process, facilitating the individual's learning and change processes and reconfiguring their understanding and use of the environment. Consequently, the physical environment was not a neutral background to the other factors but rather enabling the rehabilitation and recovery processes.
A Numerical Approach to Analyze the Performance of a PEF-Ohmic Heating System in Microbial Inactivation of Solid Food
Authors: Moya J. , Astráin-Redín L. , Grasa J. , Cebrián G. , Calvo B. , Álvarez I.
Published: June 2022

Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) technology has been recently proposed as a new ohmic-heating system for the heat treatment of solid products in short periods (less than 1 min). However, similar to traditional ohmic heating, non-homogeneous distribution of temperature has been observed and cold points appeared in the interphase between the solid treated product and the electrodes, which can limit the technology for assuring food safety for treated solid products. In this investigation, a computational axisymmetric model of a lab-scale PEF system for a solid product (agar cylinder) was developed. This model was used to predict the temperature and the electric field distribution, treatment time, and the microbial inactivation (Salmonella Typhimurium 878) in the solid product after a PEF-ohmic treatment. Using a factorial analysis, a total of 8 process conditions with different settings of applied field strength levels (2.5–3.75 kV/cm), frequencies (100–200 Hz), and initial agar and electrode temperature (40–50°C) were simulated for the agar cylinder in order to identify the effect and optimal values of these parameters, which offer the most temperature homogeneity. The results showed that the initial temperature of the agar and the electrodes was of great importance in achieving the best temperature uniformity, limiting the occurrence of cold points, and therefore, improving the homogeneity in the level of inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium 878 all over the agar cylinder. A treatment of 2.3 s would be enough at 3.75 kV/cm, 200 Hz with an initial temperature of 50°C of the agar and the electrodes, for a 5-Log10 reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium 878 in the whole product with a deviation of 9°C between the coldest and hottest point of the solid.
Koopman Operator–Based Knowledge-Guided Reinforcement Learning for Safe Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Sinha Anirban , Wang Yue
Published: June 2022

We developed a novel framework for deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms in task constrained path generation problems of robotic manipulators leveraging human demonstrated trajectories. The main contribution of this article is to design a reward function that can be used with generic reinforcement learning algorithms by utilizing the Koopman operator theory to build a human intent model from the human demonstrated trajectories. In order to ensure that the developed reward function produces the correct reward, the demonstrated trajectories are further used to create a trust domain within which the Koopman operator–based human intent prediction is considered. Otherwise, the proposed algorithm asks for human feedback to receive rewards. The designed reward function is incorporated inside the deep Q-learning (DQN) framework, which results in a modified DQN algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed learning algorithm is demonstrated using a simulated robotic arm to learn the paths for constrained end-effector motion and considering the safety of the human in the surroundings of the robot.
Multi-Session Visual SLAM for Illumination-Invariant Re-Localization in Indoor Environments
Authors: Labbé Mathieu , Michaud François
Published: June 2022

For robots navigating using only a camera, illumination changes in indoor environments can cause re-localization failures during autonomous navigation. In this paper, we present a multi-session visual SLAM approach to create a map made of multiple variations of the same locations in different illumination conditions. The multi-session map can then be used at any hour of the day for improved re-localization capability. The approach presented is independent of the visual features used, and this is demonstrated by comparing re-localization performance between multi-session maps created using the RTAB-Map library with SURF, SIFT, BRIEF, BRISK, KAZE, DAISY, and SuperPoint visual features. The approach is tested on six mapping and six localization sessions recorded at 30 min intervals during sunset using a Google Tango phone in a real apartment.
Bidirectional Locomotion of Soft Inchworm Crawler Using Dynamic Gaits
Authors: Du Liang , Ma Shugen , Tokuda Keisuke , Tian Yang , Li Longchuan
Published: June 2022

Inchworm-styled locomotion is one of the simplest gaits for mobile robots, which enables easy actuation, effective movement, and strong adaptation in nature. However, an agile inchworm-like robot that realizes versatile locomotion usually requires effective friction force manipulation with a complicated actuation structure and control algorithm. In this study, we embody a friction force controller based on the deformation of the robot body, to realize bidirectional locomotion. Two kinds of differential friction forces are integrated into a beam-like soft robot body, and along with the cyclical actuation of the robot body, two locomotion gaits with opposite locomotion directions can be generated and controlled by the deformation process of the robot body, that is, the dynamic gaits. Based on these dynamic gaits, two kinds of locomotion control schemes, the amplitude-based control and the frequency-based control, are proposed, analyzed, and validated with both theoretical simulations and prototype experiments. The soft inchworm crawler achieves the versatile locomotion result via a simple system configuration and minimalist actuation input. This work is an example of using soft structure vibrations for challenging robotic tasks.
Postabortion Family Planning and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Abortion Service in Dire Dawa Town Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Motuma Venus Shewangizaw , Yadeta Tesfaye Assebe , Alemu Addisu , Yuya Mohammed , Eshetu Bajrond , Balis Bikila , Bekana Miressa , Merga Bedasa Taye , Oljira Lemessa
Published: June 2022

Background

Postabortion family planning is a part of comprehensive package of postabortion care. However, it did not receive due attention to break the cycle of repeated abortion, unintended pregnancies, and abortion-related maternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the utilization of postabortion family planning and associated factors among women attending abortion service in Dire Dawa health facilities, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 483 clients who sought abortion service in Dire Dawa from 15 May to 30 June 2020. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 3.2 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. The multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with utilization of postabortion family planning. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association and statistical association was declared statistical at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

More than three-fourths (77.8%) [95% CI: (73.4–81.6%)] of respondents were utilized postabortion family planning methods. Respondents with age 15–24 years [AOR: 5.59, (95% CI: (1.5, 19.7)], attended postsecondary [AOR: 7.6, (95% CI: (2.7, 21.2)], single marital status [AOR: 11.1, (95% CI: (4.6, 26.5)], a monthly income 500–1,000 birr [AOR: 7.9, (95% CI: (3.2, 19.4)], parity ≥ 5 [AOR: 0.41, (95% CI: (0.18, 0.92)], desire of current pregnancy [AOR: 4.2, (95% CI: (1.9, 9.3)], and ever used family planning [AOR: 4.4, (95% CI: (2.2, 8.9)] were major factors significantly associated with postabortion family planning utilization.

Conclusion

In this study, more than three-fourths of respondents utilize postabortion family planning. Most of the factors associated with postabortion family planning were modifiable. Therefore, policymakers and health planners need to integrate with comprehensive abortion care to improve the utilization of postabortion family planning.
Congruence and Plausibility, Not Presence: Pivotal Conditions for XR Experiences and Effects, a Novel Approach
Authors: Latoschik Marc Erich , Wienrich Carolin
Published: June 2022

Presence is often considered the most important quale describing the subjective feeling of being in a computer-generated and/or computer-mediated virtual environment. The identification and separation of orthogonal presence components, i.e., the place illusion and the plausibility illusion, has been an accepted theoretical model describing Virtual Reality (VR) experiences for some time. This perspective article challenges this presence-oriented VR theory. First, we argue that a place illusion cannot be the major construct to describe the much wider scope of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR, AR, MR: or XR for short). Second, we argue that there is no plausibility illusion but merely plausibility, and we derive the place illusion caused by the congruent and plausible generation of spatial cues and similarly for all the current model’s so-defined illusions. Finally, we propose congruence and plausibility to become the central essential conditions in a novel theoretical model describing XR experiences and effects.
Boundaries Reduce Disorientation in Virtual Reality
Authors: Kelly Jonathan W. , Doty Taylor A. , Cherep Lucia A. , Gilbert Stephen B.
Published: June 2022

Virtual reality users are susceptible to disorientation, particularly when using locomotion interfaces that lack self-motion cues. Environmental cues, such as boundaries defined by walls or a fence, provide information to help the user remain oriented. This experiment evaluated whether the type of boundary impacts its usefulness for staying oriented. Participants wore a head-mounted display and performed a triangle completion task in virtual reality by traveling two outbound path segments before attempting to point to the path origin. The task was completed with two teleporting interfaces differing in the availability of rotational self-motion cues, and within five virtual environments differing in the availability and type of boundaries. Pointing errors were highest in an open field without environmental cues, and lowest in a classroom with walls and landmarks. Environments with a single square boundary defined by a fence, drop-off, or floor texture discontinuity led to errors in between the open field and the classroom. Performance with the floor texture discontinuity was similar to that with navigational barriers (i.e., fence and drop-off), indicating that an effective barrier need not be a navigational impediment. These results inform spatial cognitive theory about boundary-based navigation and inform application by specifying the types of environmental and self-motion cues that designers of virtual environments should include to reduce disorientation in virtual reality.
Automated Urinal-Based Specific Gravity Measurement Device for Real-Time Hydration Monitoring in Male Athletes
Authors: Bender Brian F. , Johnson Nick J. , Berry Jasmine A. , Frazier Kelvin M. , Bender Michael B.
Published: June 2022

Acute and chronic hydration status is important for athlete safety and performance and is frequently measured by sports scientists and performance staff in team environments via urinalysis. However, the time required for urine collection, staff testing, and reporting often delays immediate reporting and personalized nutrition insight in situations of acute hydration management before training or competition. Furthermore, the burdensome urine collection and testing process often renders chronic hydration monitoring sporadic or non-existent in real-world settings. An automated urinalysis device (InFlow) was developed to measure specific gravity, an index of hydration status, in real-time during urination. The device was strongly correlated to optical refractometry with a mean absolute error of 0.0029 (±0.0021). Our results show this device provides a novel and useful approach for real-time hydration status via urinalysis for male athletes in team environments with high testing frequency demands.
Diversified Farming Systems: Impacts and Adaptive Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States, Norway and China
Authors: Måren Inger Elisabeth , Wiig Heidi , McNeal Kathryn , Wang Sally , Zu Sebrina , Cao Ren , Fürst Kathinka , Marsh Robin
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic fully exposed the vulnerability of the global agri-food system to shocks and stresses, highlighting the need for transformation and action to make it more resilient and inclusive. This paper offers a unique insight into the global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic by examining impacts and responses in the agri-food sector within three very distinct contexts, namely the United States, Norway, and China. Focusing on small, diversified farms, the study builds on prior research with the same farmers and support organizations from an on-going collaboration. Firstly, we conducted a short review of policy adaptations to understand how governments, the private sector, non-profit organizations, and communities “stepped up” to provide emergency relief, specialized training, and recovery support for farmers, support that was instrumental in preventing more devastating impacts in all three countries. Secondly, drawing from in-depth interviews with farmers (23) and government and non-governmental support organizations (19), we mapped the vulnerability and resiliency of selected farmers to shocks that severely disrupted traditional supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected on both the negative and positive impacts of the pandemic to farmer inputs, including labor, operations, and markets, how these changed from the initial lockdowns in early 2020 and through 2021, and on farmer adaptive responses to these impacts. In some contexts, innovation and adaptive responses counteracted negative impacts. We saw diversifying markets, catering to consumer safety concerns, switching to direct and e-markets, hiring in more labor or relying on family labor, and switching to high demand crops and products as the most prominent adaptive responses. Farmers who lacked access to information and government programs, in large part because of language, technology and institutional barriers, missed out on pandemic related opportunities and suffered the most. As we enter the post-pandemic new normal it is important to take stock of lessons learned, and to continue to support those initiatives and innovations that were pivotal not only for weathering the storm, but for building a more inclusive and resilient agri-food system in the long-run.
Early Postoperative Ondansetron Exposure is Associated with Reduced 90-Day Mortality in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Xiong Dexin , Xiong Chao
Published: June 2022

Background

Ondansetron is a widely used anti-emetic for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting for patients in critical care. Recent retrospective cohort studies suggest the potential beneficial effects of ondansetron in critically ill patients. In this study, we investigate the impact of ondansetron use on patient outcomes after cardiac surgery.

Material and Methods

The MIMIC-III database was used to identify two types of cardiac surgical patients: those who were administered early ondansetron and those who were not given this early medication in the first 48 h in the postoperative period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of ondansetron exposure on 90-day mortality, acute kidney injury, and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Sensitivity analyses utilizing the inverse probability of treatment weighting and covariate balancing propensity score models were conducted to test the robustness of our findings.

Results

A total of 12.4% of patients received ondansetron. Ondansetron use was associated with a lower risk of 90-day mortality in the multivariable logistic regression model (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.72; P = 0.006) and sensitivity analyses. Additionally, ondansetron exposure was associated with less postoperative acute kidney injury (OR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.69 to 0.96; P = 0.017) but did not increase the risk of postoperative malignant ventricular arrhythmias (OR: 0.38, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.16; P = 0.191).

Conclusions

In a population of cardiac surgical patients, early postoperative use of ondansetron appears to be associated with decreased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury.
RETRACTED: Kinesin Family Member 2A Serves as a Potential Biomarker Reflecting More Frequent Lymph Node Metastasis and Tumor Recurrence Risk in Basal-Like Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Yang Hua , Liu Yongjun
Published: June 2022

Background

Kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) is reported as an oncogene and a potential biomarker for progression and prognosis in several cancers such as cervical, ovarian, and gastric. However, its clinical value in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is unclear. This study aims to evaluate KIF2A expression and its correlation with clinical features and survival rates in BLBC patients.

Methods

KIF2A mRNA and protein expressions in tumor and adjacent tissues from 89 BLBC patients are assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays, respectively.

Results

Both KIF2A protein (p < 0.001) and mRNA expressions (p < 0.001) were higher in tumor than in adjacent tissue. Besides, tumor KIF2A protein expression was positively correlated with N (p = 0.028) and TNM (p = 0.014) stages; meanwhile, tumor KIF2A mRNA expression was positively correlated with N stage (p = 0.046), TNM stage (p = 0.006), and tumor size (p = 0.043). Additionally, both tumor KIF2A protein (p = 0.035) and mRNA (p = 0.039) high expressions were correlated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) but not with overall survival (both p > 0.05). Moreover, tumor KIF2A protein expression was higher in relapsed patients than in non-relapsed patients within 3 years (p = 0.015) and 5 years (p = 0.031), whereas no difference was found between the dead and survivors within 3 years (p = 0.057) or 5 years (p = 0.107). Lastly, after adjustment, tumor KIF2A mRNA high exhibited a trend that correlated with DFS but without statistical significance (p = 0.051).

Conclusion

KIF2A correlates with more frequent lymph node metastasis and worse DFS in BLBC patients, shedding light on its potency as a biomarker for BLBC.
Beyond Placement of Pedicle Screws - New Applications for Robotics in Spine Surgery: A Multi-Surgeon, Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Tabarestani Troy Q. , Sykes David , Murphy Kelly R. , Wang Timothy Y. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Goodwin C. Rory , Horne Phillip , Than Khoi D. , Abd-El-Barr Muhammad M.
Published: June 2022

Interest in robotic-assisted spine surgery has grown as surgeon comfort and technology has evolved to maximize benefits of time saving and precision. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently only approved robotics to assist in determining the ideal trajectory for pedicle screw placement after extensive research supporting its efficacy and efficiency. To be considered a durable and effective option, robotics need to expand beyond the indication of just placing pedicle screws. This article aims to illustrate a multi-surgeon, single-institution experience with unique applications of robotic technologies in spine surgery. We will explore accessing Kambin’s Triangle in percutaneous transforaminal interbody fusion (percLIF), iliac fixation in metastatic cancer, and sacroiliac (SI) fusions. Each of these topics will be covered in depth with associated background information and subsequent discussion. We show that with proper understanding of its limitations, robots can help surgeons perform difficult surgeries in a safe manner.
Research Progress of Cell Lineage Tracing and Single-Cell Sequencing Technology in Malignant Skin Tumors
Authors: Li Ang , Liu Baoyi , Xu Jingkai , Cui Yong
Published: June 2022

Cell lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing have been widely applied in development biology and oncology to reveal the molecular mechanisms in multiple basic biological processes and the differentiation of stem cells, as well as quantify the differences between single cells. They provide new methods for in-depth understanding of the origin of tumors, the heterogeneity of tumor cells, and the drug resistance mechanism of tumors, thus inspiring new strategies for tumor treatment. In this review, we summarized the progress of cell lineage tracing technology and single-cell sequencing technology in the research of malignant melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, attempting to spark new ideas for further research on skin tumors.
Evaluation of Contamination in Milk Samples Pooled From Independently Collected Quarters Within a Laboratory Setting
Authors: Dean Chris J. , Peña-Mosca Felipe , Ray Tui , Heins Bradley J. , Machado Vinicius S. , Pinedo Pablo J. , Caixeta Luciano S. , Noyes Noelle R.
Published: June 2022

The primary objective of this observational study was to evaluate the prevalence of contamination from independently collected quarter-level milk samples pooled in a laboratory and subjected to bacterial culture. To address this objective, weekly quarter-level milk samples were collected longitudinally from a cohort of 503 primiparous cows from five organic dairy farms during the first 5 weeks after calving. Individual quarter milk samples were pooled in a laboratory using aseptic technique (“lab-pooled”) and subjected to bacterial culture. In the sample set of 2,006 lab-pooled milk samples, 207 (10.3%) were classified as contaminated using a standard definition (i.e., growth of three or more distinct microorganisms). Subsequent culturing of corresponding quarter-level milk samples revealed that many of the contaminated lab-pooled sample results (i.e., 46.7%) were the result of intramammary infections with different pathogens across the quarters, rather than actual contamination within any single quarter (i.e., “true contamination”). The odds of true contamination were lower when the lab-pooled sample exhibited growth of three microorganisms compared to more than 3 microorganisms. Our findings suggest that pooling of quarter samples within a laboratory setting may yield lower rates of contamination compared to those previously reported from samples composited on-farm, but that current cut-offs to define contamination may need to be evaluated for use with lab-pooled samples. Further investigation of use of lab-pooled samples may be warranted to reduce costs while still providing useful scientific insight.
Investigating Multi-Target Antiviral Compounds by Screening of Phytochemicals From Neem (Azadirachta indica) Against PRRSV: A Vetinformatics Approach
Authors: Pathak Rajesh Kumar , Kim Do-Young , Lim Byeonghwi , Kim Jun-Mo
Published: June 2022

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a global health problem for pigs. PRRSV is highly destructive and responsible for significant losses to the swine industry. Vaccines are available but incapable of providing adequate and long-term protection. As a result, effective and safe strategies are urgently needed to combat the virus. The scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain 5 (SRCR5) in porcine CD163, non-structural protein 4 (Nsp4), and Nsp10 are known to play significant roles in PRRSV infection and disease development. Therefore, we targeted these proteins to identify multi-target antiviral compounds. To identify potent inhibitors, molecular docking of neem phytochemicals was conducted; three compounds [7-deacetyl-7-oxogedunin (CID:1886), Kulactone (CID:15560423), and Nimocin (CASID:104522-76-1)] were selected based on the lowest binding energy and multi-target inhibitory nature. The efficacy and safety of the selected compounds were revealed through the pharmacokinetics analysis and toxicity assessment. Moreover, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to evaluate the stability and dynamic behavior of target proteins and their docked complexes with selected compounds. Besides, molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area method was used to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex obtained from the MD simulations and validate the affinities of selected compounds to target proteins. Based on our analysis, we concluded that the identified multi-target compounds can be utilized as lead compounds for the development of natural drugs against PRRSV. If further validated in clinical studies, these compounds can be used individually or in combination against the virus.
The Connection Between Stress and Immune Status in Pigs: A First Salivary Analytical Panel for Disease Differentiation
Authors: Sánchez J. , Matas M. , Ibáñez-López F. J. , Hernández I. , Sotillo J. , Gutiérrez A. M.
Published: June 2022

This paper analyzes the association between stress and immune response activations in different diseases, based on the salivary analytics. Moreover, a first attempt to discriminate between diseases was performed by principal component analysis. The salivary analytics consisted of the measurement of psychosocial stress (cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase) indicators, innate (acute phase proteins: C-reactive protein and haptoglobin), and adaptive immune (adenosine deaminase, Cu and Zn) markers and oxidative stress parameters (antioxidant capacity and oxidative status). A total of 107 commercial growing pigs in the field were divided into six groups according to the signs of disease after proper veterinary clinical examination, especially, healthy pigs, pigs with rectal prolapse, tail-biting lesions, diarrhea, lameness, or dyspnea. Associations between stress and immune markers were observed with different intensities. High associations (r= 0.61) were observed between oxidative stress markers and adaptive immune markers. On the other hand, moderate associations (r= 0.31–0.48) between psychosocial stress markers with both innate and adaptive immune markers were observed. All pathological conditions showed statistically significant differences in at least 4 out of the 11 salivary markers studied, with no individual marker dysregulated in all the diseases. Moreover, each disease condition showed differences in the degree of activation of the analyzed systems which could be used to create different salivary profiles. A total of two dimensions were selected through the principal component analysis to explain the 48.3% of the variance of our data. Lameness and rectal prolapse were the two pathological conditions most distant from the healthy condition followed by dyspnea. Tail-biting lesions and diarrhea were also far from the other diseases but near to healthy animals. There is still room for improvements, but these preliminary results displayed a great potential for disease detection and characterization using salivary biomarkers profiling in the near future.
Parameters in Canines After Cesarean Sections
Authors: Conze Theresa , Büttner Kathrin , Wehrend Axel
Published: June 2022

This study evaluated fertility in canines after cesarean section and compared it with natural parturition. Parameters, such as the time of the next heat after the first parturition or cesarean section, the heat which was used for another breeding attempt, whether it was successful, the number of puppies that were born, and the necessity of another cesarean section were examined. The study relied on questioning patient owners at a University clinic. A Google online form was also used. Information for 261 dogs from different breed groups was included, of which 119 bitches were in the cesarean section group, and 142 were in the natural parturition group. In total, 93 ± 2.7% [LSMeans ± standard error (SE)] and 91.12 ± 3% (LSMeans ± SE) of the bitches became pregnant after cesarean section and natural parturition at the first breeding attempt. There was no significant effect on the breed group or whether the bitch had undergone a cesarean section before (p = 0.8 and p = 0.63). Bitches, which underwent a cesarean section, were more likely to have further cesarean sections performed (p < 0.001). However, neither the breed groups (p = 0.17), whether the bitch had undergone a cesarean section (p = 0.59), nor the number of previous parities had any effect on the number of puppies born (p = 0.95). The breed group bulldogs had a high proportion of cesarean sections. Only 42.11% of the bulldogs had a natural parturition as the first included parturition and only 31% gave birth naturally thereafter.
Transcriptome Integration Analysis at Different Embryonic Ages Reveals Key lncRNAs and mRNAs for Chicken Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Zhou Kaizhi , Zhang Jin , Ling Xuanze , Zhang Xinchao , Li Peifeng , Zhang Li , Wei Qingyu , Zhang Tao , Xie Kaizhou , Zhang Genxi
Published: June 2022

The growth and development of skeletal muscle at embryonic stages are vital and it directly affects the growth performance of chickens. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in this process. In the experiment, we collected the leg muscles of fast- and slow-growing Bian chickens both at 14- and 20-day embryo ages (14E and 20E) for RNA-seq. Finally, 292 and 347 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were identified in F14vsF20 and S14vsS20, and 1,295 and 1,560 DE mRNAs were also screened, respectively. Then we constructed lncRNA-mRNA networks for the two groups, respectively, and found that 6 of the top 10 lncRNAs ranked with degree are same. GO analysis showed that 12 of the top 20 terms were same in the two comparison groups and most of them were related to energy metabolisms, such as cellular respiration and aerobic respiration. KEGG enrichment revealed that up to 16 pathways of the top 20 in F14vsF20 were same as that of S14vsS20 and most of them were related to growth, including citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation. Further analysis showed that there were 602 and 102 same DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs between the two comparison groups. We then identified 442 lncRNA-mRNA pairs, including 201 mRNAs and 32 lncRNAs. Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) network was predicted for the 201 mRNAs and three core networks were obtained using the plug-in MCODE of Cytoscape. Then the function of genes in the three core networks was further analyzed with ClueGo and they were mainly enriched in six groups of biological processes. On this basis, combined with KEGG pathways and lncRNA-mRNA networks, we identified several candidate lncRNAs and mRNAs. Among them, lncRNAs mainly include TCONS_00061389, TCONS_00025495, TCONS_00017622, TCONS_00216258 and TCONS_00084223, and mRNAs include PLK1, BUB1, TTK, NDUFS7 NDUFAB1, PDHA1, CDK1, SDHA, ACO2 and MDH1. The results would provide a foundation for further experiments on the role of lncRNAs in the regulation of muscle development. And it could also contribute to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of chicken skeletal muscle.
Binary Controller Based on the Electrical Activity Related to Head Yaw Rotation
Authors: Zero Enrico , Bersani Chiara , Sacile Roberto
Published: June 2022

A human machine interface (HMI) is presented to switch on/off lights according to the head left/right yaw rotation. The HMI consists of a cap, which can acquire the brain’s electrical activity (i.e., an electroencephalogram, EEG) sampled at 500 Hz on 8 channels with electrodes that are positioned according to the standard 10–20 system. In addition, the HMI includes a controller based on an input–output function that can compute the head position (defined as left, right, and forward position with respect to yaw angle) considering short intervals (10 samples) of the signals coming from three electrodes positioned in O1, O2, and Cz. An artificial neural network (ANN) training based on a Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation algorithm was used to identify the input–output function. The HMI controller was tested on 22 participants. The proposed classifier achieved an average accuracy of 88% with the best value of 96.85%. After calibration for each specific subject, the HMI was used as a binary controller to verify its ability to switch on/off lamps according to head turning movement. The correct prediction of the head movements was greater than 75% in 90% of the participants when performing the test with open eyes. If the subjects carried out the experiments with closed eyes, the prediction accuracy reached 75% of correctness in 11 participants out of 22. One participant controlled the light system in both experiments, open and closed eyes, with 100% success. The control results achieved in this work can be considered as an important milestone towards humanoid neck systems.
Research on PID Position Control of a Hydraulic Servo System Based on Kalman Genetic Optimization
Authors: Guo Ying-Qing , Zha Xiu-Mei , Shen Yao-Yu , Wang Yi-Na , Chen Gang
Published: June 2022

With the wide application of hydraulic servo technology in control systems, the requirement of hydraulic servo position control performance is greater and greater. In order to solve the problems of slow response, poor precision, and weak anti-interference ability in hydraulic servo position controls, a Kalman genetic optimization PID controller is designed. Firstly, aiming at the nonlinear problems such as internal leakage and oil compressibility in the hydraulic servo system, the mathematical model of the hydraulic servo system is established. By analyzing the working characteristics of the servo valve and hydraulic cylinder in the hydraulic servo system, the parameters in the mathematical model are determined. Secondly, a genetic algorithm is used to search the optimal proportional integral differential (PID) controller gain of the hydraulic servo system to realize the accurate control of valve-controlled hydraulic cylinder displacement in the hydraulic servo system. Under the positioning benchmark of step signal and sine wave signal, the PID algorithm and the genetic optimized PID algorithm are compared in the system simulation model established by Simulink. Finally, to solve the amplitude fluctuations caused by the GA optimized PID and reduce the influence of external disturbances, a Kalman filtering algorithm is added to the hydraulic servo system to reduce the amplitude fluctuations and the influence of external disturbances on the system. The simulation results show that the designed Kalman genetic optimization PID controller can be better applied to the position control of the hydraulic servo system. Compared with the traditional PID control algorithm, the PID algorithm optimized by genetic algorithm improves the system’s response speed and control accuracy; the Kalman filter is a good solution for the amplitude fluctuations caused by GA-optimized PID that reduces the influence of external disturbances on the hydraulic servo system.
Sound Driven Actuator Using Helmholtz Resonance
Authors: Niwano Takeru , Matsumoto Mitsuharu
Published: June 2022

Repairing cracks in the concrete of a building is very important to ensure the safety of a nuclear power plant. However, repair work in areas with very strong radiation is very difficult. Many robots have been proposed to solve this problem. However, they cannot operate wirelessly and have problems such as being left as debris in the event of an accident. To solve the problem, this paper investigates the feasibility of sound-driven robots. We focused on Helmholtz resonance to achieve this goal. In this paper, Helmholtz resonators were adopted as the drive source of the actuator, and a new prototype was created by devising the arrangement. We also examined the physical characteristics of the developed prototype. Unlike conventional actuators, the proposed device can be moved remotely simply by irradiating sound from the outside. The advantage of using sound waves is that the robot can move without being affected by electric or magnetic fields. Through some experiments, it was confirmed that the developed actuator can be moved remotely with sound.
Performance Analysis of Magnetorheological Damper with Folded Resistance Gaps and Bending Magnetic Circuit
Authors: Liu Leping , Xu Yinan , Zhou Feng , Hu Guoliang , Yu Lifan
Published: June 2022

The traditional magnetorheological (MR) damper subject to the limited space has shortcomings such as small damping force, narrow dynamic range and low adaptability. In this study, a new MR damper with folded resistance gaps and bending magnetic circuit was proposed for improving the damping performance. The length of the resistance gap was increased by configuring the multi-stage folded annular gap structure, and the magnetic circuit was established to activate the non-flux region. The mathematical model was established for the MR damper to analyze the damper force, magnetic circuit and dynamic performance. Subsequently, the finite element analysis (FEA) methodology was utilized to investigate the changes of magnetic flux densities in the folded resistance gaps. The test rig was setup to explore and verify the dynamic performance of the proposed MR damper under different excitation conditions. The results indicate the maximum damping force is approximately 4346 N at the current of 1.5 A, frequency of 0.25 Hz and amplitude of 7.5 mm. The damping force and dynamic range of the proposed MR damper are enhanced by 55.82% and 62.21% compared to that of the traditional MR damper at the applied current of 1.5 A, respectively, thus highlighting its high vibration control ability.
Development of a Series Elastic Tendon Actuator (SETA) Based on Gait Analysis for a Knee Assistive Exosuit
Authors: Lee Hee Don , Park Heejin , Hong Dae Han , Kang Tae Hun
Published: June 2022

An exosuit is a wearable robot that assists the muscular strength of a human that wears it by using multiple wires with similar functions to human muscles. This study focuses on the development of a series elastic tendon actuator (SETA) for the actuation of an exosuit. A gait analysis was performed for walking on stairs to deduce the design requirements of SETA, and the necessary performances were then determined based on these requirements. The SETA is designed to assign compliance to rigid wires using linear springs. The deformation in linear springs generated during tension was measured through an encoder to calculate the human robot interaction (HRI) force. By utilizing the HRI force as feedback of an admittance controller, the SETA was capable of providing wire tensions required by an exosuit. The performance of the SETA was verified through series elastic component (SEC) deformation and force control experiments. The SEC deformation increased from 0 to 3.86 mm when the wire tension increased from 0 to 100 N. This force controller demonstrated a slight vibration owing to the mechanical properties of the springs constituting the SEC during the step input; however, the value gradually converged to 100 N. The developed SETA was applied to an exosuit system for supporting knee strength of the elderly when walking on stairs.
Midcourse Iterative Guidance Method for the Impact Time and Angle Control of Two-Pulse Interceptors
Authors: Deng Yifan , Ren Jinlei , Wang Xu , Cai Yuanli
Published: June 2022

To address the need for flexible energy management and impact angle control in the midcourse guidance of modern long-range antiballistic interceptors, an impact time and angle guidance law is designed for the exoatmospheric midcourse flight of antiballistic interceptors, which covers two pulse sections and two coast sections. The problem is described as an optimal control model with discontinuities in the system equations at interior points, and an iterative guidance method is used to efficiently solve the two-point boundary value problem. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law; the obtained miss distance accuracy has an order of magnitude of 1 m, and the impact angle accuracy has a 1° order of magnitude while the angle can be achieved.
Progress of Stewart Vibration Platform in Aerospace Micro–Vibration Control
Authors: He Zepeng , Feng Xiangchao , Zhu Yeqing , Yu Zhibo , Li Zhen , Zhang Yan , Wang Yinhang , Wang Pengfei , Zhao Liangyu
Published: June 2022

In order to support the development of high–precision spacecraft, the current state of the Stewart vibration isolation platform in the field of aerospace micro–vibration was surveyed. First, based on analyses of the causes and characteristics of spacecraft micro–vibration, the principles, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of four vibration isolation technologies are summarized. Second, the development process of the Stewart vibration isolation platform, from structural proposal and theoretical calculation to application in various fields, is introduced. Then, the current state of kinematics, dynamics and braking control algorithms of the Stewart platform is investigated, and related work on rigid/flexible platforms in the field of aerospace micro–vibration is introduced in detail. Finally, the idea that the Stewart platform can be fabricated by 4D printing technology is proposed. The novel Stewart platform can be combined with artificial intelligence algorithms and advanced control strategies, allowing for further development in the direction of an integrated omnidirectional, full–frequency and multi–function platform with variable stiffness.
Evaluation of Soil-Cutting and Plant-Crushing Performance of Rotary Blades with Double-Eccentric Circular-Edge Curve for Harvesting Cyperus esculentus
Authors: Zhu Hao , He Xiaoning , Shang Shuqi , Zhao Zhuang , Wang Haiqing , Tan Ying , Li Chengpeng , Wang Dongwei
Published: June 2022

Severe plant entanglement and high power consumption are the main problems of the up-cut rotary blade during Cyperus esculentus harvesting. Optimization of the rotary blade edge can enhance the soil-cutting and plant-crushing performance. In this study, the double-eccentric circle method was used to design the edge curve of the IT245 rotary blade. The edge curve’s dynamic sliding-cutting angle of equidistant points was analyzed to verify that the optimized rotary blade (IT245P) met the requirements of Cyperus esculentus harvesting. In order to accurately simulate the fragmentation of Cyperus esculentus plants after interaction with the rotary blade, the Hertz–Mindlin with Bonding contact model was selected to establish the flexible model of Cyperus esculentus plants. The plant–soil–rotary blade discrete element model was constructed to conduct simulation tests with power consumption and the plant-crushing ratio as evaluation indexes. The field experiment was carried out with tillage depth stability and power consumption as the experimental indexes. The results of the simulation test and field experiment showed that the power consumption of the IT245P rotary blade was reduced by 13.10%, and the plant-crushing rate was increased by 11.75% compared with the IT245 rotary blade. The optimal operating parameters were 1.08 m/s for forward speed, 107.11 mm for tillage depth, and 258.05 r/min for shaft speed. Under such a combination, the tillage depth stability and the power consumption were 94.63% and 42.35 kW. This study showed that a rotary blade with a double-eccentric circular curve could better realize plant-crushing and consumption reduction and meet the operation requirements of Cyperus esculentus and other Chinese medicinal materials’ harvesting.
An Improved EfficientNet for Rice Germ Integrity Classification and Recognition
Authors: Li Bing , Liu Bin , Li Shuofeng , Liu Haiming
Published: June 2022

Rice is one of the important staple foods for human beings. Germ integrity is an important indicator of rice processing accuracy. Traditional detection methods are time-consuming and highly subjective. In this paper, an EfficientNet–B3–DAN model is proposed to identify the germ integrity. Firstly, ten types of rice with different germ integrity are collected as the training set. Secondly, based on EfficientNet–B3, a dual attention network (DAN) is introduced to sum the outputs of two channels to change the representation of features and further focus on the extraction of features. Finally, the network is trained using transfer learning and tested on a test set. Comparing with AlexNet, VGG16, GoogleNet, ResNet50, MobileNet, and EfficientNet–B3, the experimental illustrate that the detection overall accuracy of EfficientNet–B3–DAN is 94.17%. It is higher than other models. This study can be used for the classification of rice germ integrity to provide guidance for rice and grain processing industries.