bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitioning from Oxime to the Next Potential Organophosphorus Poisoning Therapy Using Enzymes
Authors: Mohamed Rauda A. , Ong Keat K. , M. Kasim Noor Azilah , A. Halim Norhana , M. Noor Siti Aminah , Knight Victor F. , Ab. Rahman Nurul Najwa , W. Yunus Wan Md Zin
Published: August 2021

For years, organophosphorus poisoning has been a major concern of health problems throughout the world. An estimated 200,000 acute pesticide poisoning deaths occur each year, many in developing countries. Apart from the agricultural pesticide poisoning, terrorists have used these organophosphorus compounds to attack civilian populations in some countries. Recent misuses of sarin in the Syrian conflict had been reported in 2018. Since the 1950s, the therapy to overcome this health problem is to utilize a reactivator to reactivate the inhibited acetylcholinesterase by these organophosphorus compounds. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding the efficacy and toxicity of this reactivator. Pralidoxime, MMB-4, TMB-4, obidoxime, and HI-6 are the examples of the established oximes, yet they are of insufficient effectiveness in some poisonings and only a limited spectrum of the different nerve agents and pesticides are being covered. Alternatively, an option in the treatment of organophosphorus poisoning that has been explored is through the use of enzyme therapy. Organophosphorus hydrolases are a group of enzymes that look promising for detoxifying organophosphorus compounds and have recently gained much interest. These enzymes have demonstrated remarkable protective and antidotal value against some different organophosphorus compounds in vivo in animal models. Apart from that, enzyme treatments have also been applied for decontamination purposes. In this review, the restrictions and obstacles in the therapeutic development of oximes, along with the new strategies to overcome the problems, are discussed. The emerging interest in enzyme treatment with its advantages and disadvantages is described as well.
Black Hole Attack Detection Using K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm and Reputation Calculation in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Farahani Gholamreza
Published: August 2021

The characteristics of the mobile ad hoc network (MANET), such as no need for infrastructure, high speed in setting up the network, and no need for centralized management, have led to the increased popularity and application of this network in various fields. Security is one of the essential aspects of MANETs. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are one of the solutions used to ensure security in this network. Clustering-based IDSs are very popular in this network due to their features, such as proper scalability. This paper proposes a new algorithm in MANETs to detect black hole attack using the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm for clustering and fuzzy inference for selecting the cluster head. With the use of beta distribution and Josang mental logic, the trust of each node will be calculated. According to the reputation and remaining energy, fuzzy inference will select the cluster head. Finally, the trust server checks the destination node. If allowed, it notifies the cluster head; otherwise, it detects the node as a malicious node in the black hole attack in each cluster. The simulation results show that the proposed method has improved the packet loss rate, throughput, packet delivery ratio, total network delay, and normalized routing load parameters compared with recent black hole detection methods.
Submicron SiO2 Powder: Characterization and Effects on Properties of Cement‐Free Iron Ditch Castables
Authors: Cheng Shuiming , Zhao Huizhong , Wang Yu , Wei Jianxiu , Chen Jinfeng , Cai Wei , Zhang Han
Published: August 2021

Submicron materials are those with particle size diameters between 0.1 and 1 μm. Submicron SiO2 generally refers to SiO2 powder with a D90 < 1 μm (D90 refers to the particle size distribution exhibited by the sample and corresponds, in this case, to 90% of the particles not exceeding a diameter of 1 μm). In this study, a new type of cement‐free iron ditch castable was prepared using dense corundum and silicon carbide as the primary raw materials with submicron SiO2 powder as the binder. The effects of submicron SiO2 powder content on the bulk density, apparent porosity, linear rate of change, compressive strength, and bending strength were investigated. The mechanism of action of the submicron SiO2 powder was also investigated by analyzing its microstructure and particle size distribution. The results revealed that (1) the submicron SiO2 powder can be used as the sole bonding agent in the preparation of cement‐free iron ditch castables; (2) in comparison to traditional castables, the cement‐free castable developed in this study demonstrated strong service performance and high‐temperature bending strength.
Bearing Defect Detection with Unsupervised Neural Networks
Authors: Xu Jianqiao , Zuo Zhaolu , Wu Danchao , Li Bing , Li Xiaoni , Kong Deyi
Published: August 2021

Bearings always suffer from surface defects, such as scratches, black spots, and pits. Those surface defects have great effects on the quality and service life of bearings. Therefore, the defect detection of the bearing has always been the focus of the bearing quality control. Deep learning has been successfully applied to the objection detection due to its excellent performance. However, it is difficult to realize automatic detection of bearing surface defects based on data‐driven‐based deep learning due to few samples data of bearing defects on the actual production line. Sample preprocessing algorithm based on normalized sample symmetry of bearing is adopted to greatly increase the number of samples. Two different convolutional neural networks, supervised networks and unsupervised networks, are tested separately for the bearing defect detection. The first experiment adopts the supervised networks, and ResNet neural networks are selected as the supervised networks in this experiment. The experiment result shows that the AUC of the model is 0.8567, which is low for the actual use. Also, the positive and negative samples should be labelled manually. To improve the AUC of the model and the flexibility of the samples labelling, a new unsupervised neural network based on autoencoder networks is proposed. Gradients of the unlabeled data are used as labels, and autoencoder networks are created with U‐net to predict the output. In the second experiment, positive samples of the supervised experiment are used as the training set. The experiment of the unsupervised neural networks shows that the AUC of the model is 0.9721. In this experiment, the AUC is higher than the first experiment, but the positive samples must be selected. To overcome this shortage, the dataset of the third experiment is the same as the supervised experiment, where all the positive and negative samples are mixed together, which means that there is no need to label the samples. This experiment shows that the AUC of the model is 0.9623. Although the AUC is slightly lower than that of the second experiment, the AUC is high enough for actual use. The experiment results demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed unsupervised networks.
Numerical Investigation on Gas Production Performance in Methane Hydrate of Multilateral Well under Depressurization in Krishna-Godavari Basin
Authors: Xin Xin , Li Si , Xu Tianfu , Yuan Yilong
Published: August 2021

Nature gas hydrate is a new kind of clean and potential resources. Depressurization is regarded as the most effective and promising hydrate production technology. One of the key points in improving the gas production effectiveness of depressurization is whether pressure gradient could transmit in strata effectively. Single well method is widely used in hydrate exploit which is circumscribed in expanding the range of hydrate decomposition. Consequently, the well structure and production strategy needs to be optimized for improving the gas recovery efficiency. The multilateral well technology is proposed for increasing the gas productivity of the reservoir greatly by increasing the multilateral branches. In this paper, we established a numerical simulation model based on the geological data NGHP-02-16 site in the KG basin to evaluate the gas production performance of the reservoir by depressurization. It mainly focuses on investigating the gas production performance of multilateral wells with different combinations of geometric parameters of multilateral branches, such as different dip angle, numbers, and spacing of lateral branches. The result shows that the multilateral well method can effectively increase the gas production rate with the water production rate increase slightly. The cumulative gas production volume of a single vertical well is about

2.85
×

10

6

 

m

3

, while it is of the multilateral well can reach

4.18
×

10

6

 

m

3

during a one-year production. The well interference, the effective influence radius of each multilateral branch, and the vertical depth of the lateral branch are the main factors which affect the gas production efficiency of the multilateral well. The optimization of the geometric parameters of lateral should consider not only the gas production efficiency but also the well interference between the lateral branches.
A Conformation Selective Mode of Inhibiting SRC Improves Drug Efficacy and Tolerability
Authors: Temps Carolin , Lietha Daniel , Webb Emily R. , Li Xue-Feng , Dawson John C. , Muir Morwenna , Macleod Kenneth G. , Valero Teresa , Munro Alison F. , Contreras-Montoya Rafael , Luque-Ortega Juan R. , Fraser Craig , Beetham Henry , Schoenherr Christina , Lopalco Maria , Arends Mark J. , Frame Margaret C. , Qian Bin-Zhi , Brunton Valerie G. , Carragher Neil O. , Unciti-Broceta Asier
Published: August 2021

Despite the approval of several multikinase inhibitors that target SRC and the overwhelming evidence of the role of SRC in the progression and resistance mechanisms of many solid malignancies, inhibition of its kinase activity has thus far failed to improve patient outcomes. Here we report the small molecule eCF506 locks SRC in its native inactive conformation, thereby inhibiting both enzymatic and scaffolding functions that prevent phosphorylation and complex formation with its partner FAK. This mechanism of action resulted in highly potent and selective pathway inhibition in culture and in vivo. Treatment with eCF506 resulted in increased antitumor efficacy and tolerability in syngeneic murine cancer models, demonstrating significant therapeutic advantages over existing SRC/ABL inhibitors. Therefore, this mode of inhibiting SRC could lead to improved treatment of SRC-associated disorders.

Significance:

Small molecule–mediated inhibition of SRC impairing both catalytic and scaffolding functions confers increased anticancer properties and tolerability compared with other SRC/ABL inhibitors.
FILIP1L Loss Is a Driver of Aggressive Mucinous Colorectal Adenocarcinoma and Mediates Cytokinesis Defects through PFDN1
Authors: Kwon Mijung , Rubio Genesaret , Nolan Nicholas , Auteri Peter , Volmar Jean Arly , Adem Asha , Javidian Parisa , Zhou Zhongren , Verzi Michael P. , Pine Sharon R. , Libutti Steven K.
Published: August 2021

Aneuploid mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma (MAC) is an aggressive subtype of colorectal cancer with poor prognosis. The tumorigenic mechanisms in aneuploid MAC are currently unknown. Here we show that downregulation of Filamin A–interacting protein 1-like (FILIP1L) is a driver of MAC. Loss of FILIP1L increased xenograft growth, and, in colon-specific knockout mice, induced colonic epithelial hyperplasia and mucin secretion. The molecular chaperone prefoldin 1 (PFDN1) was identified as a novel binding partner of FILIP1L at the centrosomes throughout mitosis. FILIP1L was required for proper centrosomal localization of PFDN1 and regulated proteasome-dependent degradation of PFDN1. Importantly, increased PFDN1, caused by downregulation of FILIP1L, drove multinucleation and cytokinesis defects in vitro and in vivo, which were confirmed by time-lapse imaging and 3D cultures of normal epithelial cells. Overall, these findings suggest that downregulation of FILIP1L and subsequent upregulation of PFDN1 is a driver of the unique neoplastic characteristics in aggressive aneuploid MAC.

Significance:

This study identifies FILIP1L as a tumor suppressor in mucinous colon cancer and demonstrates that FILIP1L loss results in aberrant stabilization of a centrosome-associated chaperone protein to drive aneuploidy and disease progression.
FDA Approval Summary: Tivozanib for Relapsed or Refractory Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Elaine , Weinstock Chana , Zhang Lijun , Fiero Mallorie H. , Zhao Miao , Zahalka Eias , Ricks Tiffany K. , Fourie Zirkelbach Jeanne , Qiu Junshan , Yu Jingyu , Chen Xiao Hong , Bhatnagar Vishal , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Tang Shenghui , Kluetz Paul G. , Pazdur Richard , Ibrahim Amna , Beaver Julia A. , Amiri-Kordestani Laleh
Published: August 2021

On March 10, 2021, the FDA granted regular approval to tivozanib for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following two or more prior systemic therapies. Approval was based on the TIVO-3 study, a randomized trial of tivozanib versus sorafenib in patients with R/R advanced RCC. In TIVO-3, patients were randomized to receive either tivozanib 1.34 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days of every 28-day cycle or sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily continuously. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) per RECIST v1.1. Tivozanib demonstrated efficacy compared with sorafenib with an improvement in PFS [HR, 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56–0.95; P = 0.016]. The estimated median PFS was 5.6 months and 3.9 months in the tivozanib and sorafenib arms, respectively. There was no evidence of a detrimental effect on overall survival: HR, 0.97 (95% CI, 0.75–1.24). The most common grade 3 to 4 adverse reaction on the tivozanib arm was hypertension (24%). Compared with sorafenib, tivozanib was associated with lower rates of grade 3 to 4 diarrhea, rash, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. Patients receiving tivozanib in TIVO-3 had lower rates of dose reduction, interruption, or permanent discontinuation than those receiving sorafenib.
PRC2 Inhibitors Overcome Glucocorticoid Resistance Driven by NSD2 Mutation in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Li Jianping , Hlavka-Zhang Julia , Shrimp Jonathan H. , Piper Crissandra , Dupéré-Richér Daphne , Roth Jacob S. , Jing Duohui , Casellas Román Heidi L. , Troche Catalina , Swaroop Alok , Kulis Marta , Oyer Jon A. , Will Christine M. , Shen Min , Riva Alberto , Bennett Richard L. , Ferrando Adolfo A. , Hall Matthew D. , Lock Richard B. , Licht Jonathan D.
Published: August 2021

Mutations in epigenetic regulators are common in relapsed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Here, we uncovered the mechanism underlying the relapse of ALL driven by an activating mutation of the NSD2 histone methyltransferase (p.E1099K). Using high-throughput drug screening, we found that NSD2-mutant cells were specifically resistant to glucocorticoids. Correction of this mutation restored glucocorticoid sensitivity. The transcriptional response to glucocorticoids was blocked in NSD2-mutant cells due to depressed glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels and the failure of glucocorticoids to autoactivate GR expression. Although H3K27me3 was globally decreased by NSD2 p.E1099K, H3K27me3 accumulated at the NR3C1 (GR) promoter. Pretreatment of NSD2 p.E1099K cell lines and patient-derived xenograft samples with PRC2 inhibitors reversed glucocorticoid resistance in vitro and in vivo. PRC2 inhibitors restored NR3C1 autoactivation by glucocorticoids, increasing GR levels and allowing GR binding and activation of proapoptotic genes. These findings suggest a new therapeutic approach to relapsed ALL associated with NSD2 mutation.

Significance:

NSD2 histone methyltransferase mutations observed in relapsed pediatric ALL drove glucocorticoid resistance by repression of the GR and abrogation of GR gene autoactivation due to accumulation of K3K27me3 at its promoter. Pretreatment with PRC2 inhibitors reversed resistance, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to these patients with ALL.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
COVID-19 Repeated Convalescent Plasma Collection: Analysis of 149 Donations from 88 French Military Health Workers
Authors: Conan Pierre-Louis , Ficko Cécile , Chueca Marine , Rolland Carole , Javaudin Olivier , Bigaillon Christine , Durand Guillaume-André , Leparc-Goffart Isabelle , Verret Catherine , Aletti Marc , Dutasta Fabien , Savini Hélène , Bosson Jean-Luc , Martinaud Christophe
Published: August 2021

Background: Passive therapy with convalescent plasma (CP) could be an effective and safe treatment option in COVID-19 patients. Neutralizing antibodies present in CP generated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and directed against the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein are considered to play a major role in the viral clearance. CP infusion may also contribute to the modulation of the immune response through its immunomodulatory effect. We describe for the first time the effectiveness of a CP collection protocol from repeated donations in young patients. Materials and Methods: We enrolled health service workers who experienced mild to moderate COVID-19 and from whom several donations have been collected. No minimal severity threshold and no biological cure criteria were required. Donors could return to a second plasma donation 14 days after the first donation. A minimal neutralizing antibody titer of 1:40 was considered for clinical use. Results: Eighty-eight donors were included (median age 35 [28–48] years, 41 women), and 149 plasma products were collected. COVID-19 were mainly WHO stage 2 infections (96%). Among the 88 first donations, 76% had neutralizing antibody titers higher than or equal to 1:40. Eighty-eight percent of donors who came for a second donation had a neutralizing antibody titer of 1:40. Median durations were 15 (15–19) and 38 (33–46) days from the first to the second donation and from recovery to the second donation, respectively. Sixty-nine percent of donors who came for a third donation had a neutralizing antibody titer of 1:40. Median durations were 16 (13–37) and 54 (49–61) days from the second to the third donation and from recovery to the third donation, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the IgG ratio and the age of the donors or the time between recovery and donation. The average IgG ratio did not significantly vary between donations. When focused on repeated blood donors, no significant differences were observed either. Conclusion: The recruitment of young patients with a mild to moderate CO­VID-19 course is an efficient possibility to collect CP with a satisfactory level of neutralizing antibodies. Repeated donations are a well-tolerated and effective way of CP collection.
Comparison of Static and Dynamic Baseline Creatinine Surrogates for Defining Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Warnock David G. , Neyra Javier A. , Macedo Etienne , Miles Ayme D. , Mehta Ravindra L. , Wanner Christoph
Published: August 2021

Background: “Dynamic” baseline serum creatinine (sCr), based on a rolling 48-h window, and a static baseline sCr (previous outpatient sCr) were used to define acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult admissions to the University of Alabama (UAB) Health System hospitals for years 2016–2018. Included admissions had >1- and <180-day length of stay, >2 inpatient sCr measurements, and an averaged estimated glomerular filtration rate >15 mL/min/1.73 m2. The final cohort of 62,380 patients included 100,570 admissions, 3,509 inpatient deaths, and 1,916 admissions with inpatient dialysis. AKI was defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria and a static or dynamic baseline sCr. Discrimination was evaluated with area under receiver operator curves (AUC), logistic regression, and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Results: Preadmission outpatient “static” sCr values were available for 43,433 admissions. The lowest sCr value during a rolling 48-h window before each inpatient sCr defined a “dynamic” baseline sCr. Using point-wise comparisons, the dynamic baseline sCr performed better than static baseline sCr for inpatient mortality (AUC [0.819 vs. 0.741; p < 0.001] and NRI ≥0.306 [p < 0.001]) and inpatient dialysis (AUC [0.903 vs. 0.864; p < 0.001] and NRI ≥0.317 [p < 0.001]). Conclusions: The dynamic baseline sCr is available without reference to preadmission sCr values and avoids confounding associated with missing outpatient sCr values. AKI defined with the dynamic baseline sCr significantly improved discrimination of risk for inpatient mortality and dialysis compared to static baseline sCr.
The Expression Profile of Protease Inhibitors in the Airway Epithelial Cells after Allergen (Der p 1) Stimulation
Authors: Karaaslan Cagatay , Karaguzel Dilara , Sarac Basak Ezgi , Sucularli Ceren , Bilgic Hayriye Akel , Kalayci Omer
Published: August 2021

Background: Airway epithelial cells are constantly exposed to intracellular and extracellular proteases that play a pivotal role in several airway diseases. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1 derived from house dust mite has protease activity that causes epithelial barrier defect and inflammatory response. Protease inhibitors released against proteases are involved in the maintenance of homeostasis. A disruption of the balance between proteases and protease inhibitors can lead to distortion of the cellular structures and cellular activities and thus culminate in disease processes. Although the effects of Der p 1 allergen on epithelial barrier integrity and inflammatory response are well-established, its contribution to protease inhibitor production is highly limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the profile of the protease inhibitor response to Der p 1 allergen in human airway epithelial cells, A549 and BEAS-2B. Methods: Differentiated cells by the air-liquid interface were exposed to Der p 1 with or without Th2 type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13). Gene expression of protease inhibitors was determined by qPCR at 2 different time points. Results: We found that the effect of allergen exposure on the protease inhibitor profile can vary depending on the antigen concentration, treatment duration, and the presence or absence of type 2 cytokines. Gene expressions of serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN)B3 and SERPINB4 were increased following Th2 cytokine stimulation in both cell types at both time points, whereas SERPINB2 and TFPI-2 expressions were induced by 24-h Der p 1 stimulation in both cells. Conclusions: Our study suggests that Der p 1 exposure of the airway epithelium may have consequences related to its protease activity in the presence as well as in the absence of Th2 cytokines in the microenvironment.
Evaluation des webbasierten PaarBalance®-Partnerschaftsprograms bei beratungsbegleitendem Einsatz
Authors: Keller Alina , Babl Anna , Berger Thomas , Schindler Ludwig
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund: Beziehungsprobleme gehen mit psychischen und physischen Problemen einher. Auch wenn effektive Behandlungsmöglichkeiten existieren, suchen viele Paare spät oder keine professionelle Hilfe. Die Kombination eines Online-Programms mit einer Paarberatung kann helfen, Barrieren wie hohe Kosten, lange Anfahrtswege oder Wartezeiten zu reduzieren und den Zugang zu effektiver Beratung zu erleichtern. Methoden: Die Studie prüfte die Wirksamkeit des PaarBalance®-Online-Programms zur Verbesserung der Beziehungszufriedenheit in Kombination mit einer niederfrequenten Face-to-Face-Paarberatung in einem unkontrollierten Prä-post-Design. In diesem naturalistischen, an die Routinepraxis der Beratenden (n = 8) angelehnten Design erhielten die 92 Teilnehmenden, welche über die Beratungsstellen oder über Zeitungsartikel rekrutiert wurden, während eines 15-wöchigen Interventionszeitraums neben wenigen Beratungsterminen einen Zugang zum Online-Programm. Gemessen wurde die Auswirkung des kombinierten Unterstützungsangebots auf Beziehungszufriedenheit, Depressivität und Angst zu drei Messzeitpunkten (Prä, Post nach 15 Wochen und Follow-up nach 12 Wochen). Die Daten wurden mit hierarchisch linearen Modellen analysiert. Ergebnisse: Die Beziehungszufriedenheit verbesserte sich signifikant während der Interventionsphase (Cohens d = 0,29) und blieb während der Follow-up-Phase stabil. Für Depression und Angst zeigten sich keine signifikanten Veränderungen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass das PaarBalance®-Programm in Kombination mit einer niederfrequenten Paarberatung ein effektives Mittel zur Verbesserung der Beziehungszufriedenheit darstellen könnte. Zukünftige kontrollierte Studien sind nötig, um die Wirksamkeit dieses Modells abschließend zu klären.
Calculation and measurement of ampacity for class 5 flexible aluminum cable at 110 °C
Authors: Agustin Fernando Esma , Kalam Akhtar , Zayegh Aladin
Published: August 2021

Class 5 flexible aluminum conductors are not common in cable manufacturing industry due to insufficient study on cable joints and connectors. The table of ampacities for aluminum conductors at 110 °C in AS/NZS3008.1.1 standards are also not available as a reference guide for electrical system designers that restricts the installation of aluminum low voltage (LV) cabling system to operate at 90 °C of conductor maximum operating temperature where 110 °C cables are permitted in Australia. In this paper, the cable ampacities of various LV Class 5 flexible aluminum cables at maximum operating temperature of 110 °C are calculated using IEC60287 and AS/NZ3008.1.1 standards. The calculated ampacities from the formula presented in clause 4.4. of AS/NZS3008.1.1 are verified by using the 6kA inductive current generator to determine the suitability for use. The joint temperature between cable and shear bolt mechanical connectors are simultaneoulsy simulated using the calculated ampacities to determine the suitability of mechanical shear bolt connectors when the coefficient of thermal expansion of material is considered. The observed differences between the calculated and measured values demonstrate the relevance of formula used in determining the current ampacity at 110 °C conductor temperature in free air.
A comparative study on AC/DC analysis of an operational low voltage distribution system
Authors: Katar Cihan , Uzunoglu Cengiz Polat
Published: August 2021

In the near future, the digitalizing world will continue to improve and the need for DC based devices will be increased beyond doubt. Today’s electrical grid is strictly dependent on AC-DC rectifiers. Each conversion process means additional power losses and signal quality deteriorations for the network. In addition, networks which are fed by batteries and renewable sources such as solar panels, and wind turbines are suffering from conversion-based power losses. In this respect, the idea of switching to DC on the low voltage side of the networks has become an intriguing subject. In this study, the applicability and efficiency of the low voltage direct current (LVDC) concept for low voltage distribution systems is discussed and a sample LVDC distribution system is analyzed. In this operational residential application electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP) is employed for comparison of different voltage levels such as 110 VDC, 250 VDC, 320 VDC and conventional 220/380 VAC. As a novel approach different DC voltage levels are compared with typical AC system in detail. Comparative analysis is conducted for safety regulations, voltage drops, current carrying capacities, power consumption and harmonic calculation of the proposed system. In this respect applicability, possible drawbacks and future aspects of LVDC systems are interpreted.
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Stroke in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Weller Johannes M. , Enkirch Simon Jonas , Bogs Christopher , Braemswig Tim Bastian , Deb-Chatterji Milani , Keil Fee , Kindler Christine , Maywald Sarah , Schirmer Markus D. , Stösser Sebastian , Solymosi Laszlo , Nolte Christian H. , Bode Felix J. , Petzold Gabor C. ,   on behalf of the GSR-ET Investigators†, Alegiani A. , Bangard C. , Behme D. , Berrouschot J. , Boeckh-Behrens T. , Bohner G. , Bormann A. , Braun M. , Dichgans M. , Dorn F. , Eckert B. , Ernemann U. , Fiehler J. , Gerloff C. , Gröschel K. , Hamann G.F. , Henn K.H. , Kastrup A. , Kellert L. , Kraemer C. , Krause L. , Liman J. , Ludolph A. , Petersen M. , Pfeilschifter W. , Poli S. , Reich A. , Roth C. , Röther J. , Siebert E. , Stögbauer F. , Thomalla G. , Thonke S. , Tiedt S. , Trumm C. , Uphaus T. , Wiesmann M. , Wunderlich S. , Zweynert S.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

We aimed to compare outcome of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke in patients with and without cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

Methods:

We included patients with and without possible or probable CAA based on the modified Boston criteria from an observational multicenter cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke and endovascular thrombectomy, the German Stroke Registry Endovascular Treatment trial. We analyzed baseline characteristics, procedural parameters, and functional outcome after 90 days.

Results:

Twenty-eight (17.3%) of 162 acute ischemic stroke patients were diagnosed with CAA based on iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging performed before endovascular thrombectomy. CAA patients were less likely to have a good 90-day outcome (14.3 versus 37.8%). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88;
P
<0.001), successful recanalization (adjusted odds ratio 6.82;
P
=0.005), and CAA (adjusted odds ratio 0.28;
P
=0.049) were independent outcome predictors. Intravenous thrombolysis was associated with an increased rate of good outcome (36.3% versus 0%,
P
=0.031) in CAA.

Conclusions:

Endovascular thrombectomy with or without thrombolysis appears beneficial in acute ischemic stroke patients with possible or probable CAA, but is associated with a worse functional outcome.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03356392.
Serum Zinc Levels and Incidence of Ischemic Stroke: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study
Authors: Mattern Lindsey , Chen Cheng , McClure Leslie A. , Brockman John , Cushman Mary , Judd Suzanne , Kahe Ka
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Despite zinc’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, prospective studies relating zinc levels to ischemic stroke risk are lacking. To examine the association between serum zinc levels and incidence of ischemic stroke in a US population.

Methods:

Using a case–cohort study nested within the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort, participants were randomly selected from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort to generate a sub-cohort (n=2346). All incident ischemic stroke cases as of September 2012 (n=660) were included, with 62 incident cases overlapping in the sub-cohort. Serum zinc levels were measured at baseline. Barlow-weighted Cox’s proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and the corresponding 95% CI of ischemic stroke by serum zinc levels.

Results:

The median zinc level for the sub-cohort was 121.19 µg/dL (interquartile range, 104.86–140.39 µg/dL). Serum zinc levels were inversely associated with incidence of ischemic stroke after adjustment for potential confounders (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: hazard ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61–0.98],
P
=0.03 for trend). When stratified by prespecified factors (sex, race, region), only sex showed a significant modification (
P
=0.03 for interaction). The inverse association was more pronounced among females (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: hazard ratio, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.41–0.84],
P
<0.01 for trend) than males (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.78–1.51],
P
=0.92 for trend).

Conclusions:

Serum zinc concentration was inversely associated with incidence of ischemic stroke, especially among women, indicating that low zinc levels may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
The Colorless History of Pseudo-Aristotle’s De coloribus
Authors: Devriese Lisa
Published: August 2021

This article examines the medieval reception history of De coloribus. This pseudo-Aristotelian treatise on colors was translated from Greek into Latin in the thirteenth century, but the question of its success and use by contemporary scholars has not yet received any attention. After an examination of its medieval commentary tradition, the marginal glosses, and the first attestations, I conclude that De coloribus was scarcely used in the medieval Latin West, although the translation survived in a significant number of manuscripts. In the second part of the article, I look into some possible explanations for this limited reception history. One of the main factors is the availability of several alternative discussions on color in the Aristotelian corpus as well as in the non-Aristotelian scientific literature.
The Afghan Cyphocardamum and Argentinean Lithodraba are united with Lepidium (Brassicaceae)
Authors: AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A.
Published: August 2021

N/A
Two new Hypomyces associated with boletoid fungi in China
Authors: GU XIN , FU RONG , WANG RUI , SUN JING-ZU
Published: August 2021

During an investigation of fungicolous fungi associated with mushrooms in China, four boleticolous fungi were collected from Sichuan Province. Based on the morphological features and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses this study introduces two new species, Hypomyces ampullaris, and H. sichuanensis. The new species are described and illustrated comprehensively and compared with their related fungi. Hypomyces ampullaris is similar to Sepedonium ampullosporum in forming candelabrum-like conidiophores and producing ampulliform conidia but differs from the latter in having shorter phialides and smaller ampulloconidia. Hypomyces sichuanensis is similar to H. chrysospermus, H. microspermus, and Sepedonium laevigatum in forming poorly developed verticills conidiophores and the shape and size of aleurioconidia. However, the asexual spores of H. sichuanensis averaged somewhat smaller than those of H. chrysospermus and S. laevigatum, and larger than that of H. microspermus. Additionally, H. ampullaris and H. sichuanensis distinct from their close relatives in no pigment discoloration of the PDA medium. These species introduced here, improve our understanding of the diversity of Hypomyces, especially of the boleticolous Hypomyces in China.
The Surgeon’s Role in Addressing Racism and Achieving Health Equity
Authors: Dawes Daniel E. , Dunlap Nelson J. , Johnson Shaneeta M.
Published: August 2021

In the United States, the nation’s health is not an organic outcome. It is not a coincidence that certain groups of people living in the United States experience higher premature death rates or poorer health outcomes than others. For centuries, racial and ethnic as well as geographic differences in health outcomes have been part of the American landscape, so entrenched in society that many people fail to recognize that health inequities were intentionally derived. A national crisis tends to magnify inequities in our society, but even more alarming is the fact that as the country becomes more racially and ethnically diverse in the coming years, the health inequities are projected to worsen if we do not proactively and immediately address them. As we continue to grapple with the lasting impact of the pandemic, it is of vital importance that we utilize this time to acknowledge, understand, and seriously address the health inequities that have historically plagued the country for over 400 years. As the United States works overtime to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, it must also work equally hard to move in a more equitable, inclusive, and healthier direction, not only because of the more than 83 000 Americans dying prematurely each year but also because of the economic and national security toll it will have if not effectively addressed.
Nationalism, Class, and Status: How Nationalists Use Policy Offers and Group Appeals to Attract a New Electorate
Authors: Howe Philip J. , Szöcsik Edina , Zuber Christina I.
Published: August 2021

How do nationalist parties attract votes? This article develops a novel supply-side explanation centered on status, arguing that nationalists succeed by combining group appeals to the nation with policy promises to improve the nation’s political and cultural status and the socio-economic status of its median member. Drawing on several original datasets, this expectation is tested on Imperial Austria in 1907, where multiple nationalist parties competed in first-time mass elections. We find that group appeals to the nation and promises to improve its political and cultural status resonate very well with agricultural workers, whose economic sector was declining, but not with industrial workers, whose sector was on the rise. By contrast, offering social policy helps nationalists among industrial workers, but less clearly so among agricultural workers. This article shows that nationalist mobilization is not a mere distraction from class politics; rather, the politics of nationalism, class, and status are closely intertwined.
Imagined futures in precarious working conditions: A gender matter?
Authors: Carreri Anna
Published: August 2021

Today younger generations are entering adult life with no expectation of guaranteed employment or secure working conditions. In this article the author explores how employment precariousness in subjects with young children shapes the future projections they envisage for themselves, relating to both professional and family life, and considers the politics of gender diversity in this process of ‘projecting’. By drawing on a detailed narrative analysis of the life stories of 40 Italian parents facing job insecurity, three ideal typical future projections are identified that disclose diverse ways of ‘reacting’ to insecure employment and to their futures. They are described as: hopeful open end; discouraged open end; and confident open end. The analysis shows how these imagined futures depend on – and contribute to produce in terms of processes – forms of precarity and of social reproduction of labour which are different between men and women.
Characterization of cyclic fatigue hysteresis behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites using inverse tangent modulus
Authors: Li Longbiao
Published: August 2021

Under cyclic fatigue loading, hysteresis loops appear in fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) due to composite’s internal damage mechanisms. Loading/unloading inverse tangent modulus (ITMs) of the hysteresis loops reflect the composite’s internal damage state and can be used an effective tool to monitor composite’s fatigue damage evolution and fracture. In this paper, characterization of cyclic fatigue hysteresis loops of CMCs using ITMs are investigated. Loading/unloading ITMs are derived using a micromechanical hysteresis constitutive model considering fatigue damage mechanisms of matrix cracking, interface debonding, wear and slip, and fiber’s failure. Relationships between composite’s fatigue hysteresis loops, ITMs and interface slip state (i.e., interface reverse slip ratio (IRSR) and interface new slip ratio (INSR)) are established. Experimental fatigue hysteresis loops, ITMs, and IRSR/INSR of cross-ply SiC/CAS and SiC/MAS composites from the literature are predicted, and the effects of fiber’s volume fraction, matrix crack spacing, and interface debonding energy on composite’s fatigue hysteresis loops, ITMs, and IRSR/INSR are analyzed.
Implications of free-edge effect at thin plain-woven carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminates with out-of-plane waviness under cyclic loading
Authors: Heinzlmeier Lukas , Sieberer Stefan , Kralovec Christoph , Schagerl Martin
Published: August 2021

The onset of damage caused by the free-edge effect in plain-woven carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) specimens with an out-of-plane waviness under tension-tension fatigue loading is investigated. Numerical calculations show that interlaminar and intralaminar stresses close to the out-of-plane waviness are higher than the equivalent stresses at the surrounding edge regions. Using submodels, the influence of the chosen out-of-plane waviness can be better assessed. The free-edge effect of the considered specimens, which originates from stress gradients between plies of different orientation, is altered by the change in the stress field caused by the out-of-plane waviness. Large interlaminar stresses between plies of the same orientation are obtained, which contrasts with existing literature. In experimental fatigue testing it is found that cracks at the free edge appeared at the predicted locations, and after reaching crack saturation, in regions close to the out-of-plane waviness, interlaminar and intralaminar stresses lead to additional cracks along the whole free edges. The experimental tests are supported by a three dimensional image correlation system (3D-DIC), a thermal-imager and a digital photographic camera, which allows detailed examination of selected areas. Visual observation during fatigue testing and post-mortem inspection show good agreement between experimental data and numerical calculations in relation to the location of the damage initiation. As a result, out-of-plane waviness at free edges must be considered as an additional significant fatigue damage initiation location in laminate analysis.
Designing Performance Metrics and Rubrics to Assess Student Outcome Attainment in Engineering Project Design Course
Authors: Mahajan Rashima , Bansal Dipali
Published: August 2021

The identification and development of efficient assessment and evaluation procedures (Performance Metrics) is crucial for analyzing Student Outcome attainment in Engineering Programs. The present paradigm shift in the education system has diverted the focus from teacher-centric approach to learner-centric approach. It involves the active involvement of students for their respective learning. Students are intended to perform better when they get opportunity to develop skills through experiential learning. In an engineering curriculum, Project-based courses are embedded to incorporate “learning by doing” approach and provide additional orientation to the theoretical courses studied. With this vision, the objective of this article is to present a process for continuous assessment and evaluation of graduates learning in their respective Project Design course. A sequenced procedure from defining Performance Metrics/Indicators (as per Bloom’s learning levels) for Project course to evaluate results for assessing subsequent student outcome attainment level is presented. This includes development of Rubrics for selected student outcome (ABET-EAC2) related to Project design course, collating the data using direct and indirect assessment tools and their result analysis. Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) as defined by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) has listed seven student outcomes. EAC2 defines capability of student to produce problem-specific potential design solutions to address functional requirement of societal and environmental needs. The methodology is described and implemented by taking sample data of one pass out batch of one of the Engineering Program at our Institute. The results are evaluated and analyzed according to the expected attainment level. A comprehensive analysis leads to designing and incorporation of subsequent improvement measures to establish accountability for Outcome-Based Education in terms of student’s employability.
Inhibition and Reading Comprehension in Adolescents with and without Histories of Language Difficulties
Authors: Parker Rebecca
Published: August 2021

This study sought to determine if the inhibitory construct of executive function (EF) and self-regulation (SR) contributes unique variance to reading comprehension (RC) beyond word recognition/decoding (WR/D) and language comprehension (LC), and if the contribution differs according to language history. Thirty-two sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students participated in this study. Seventeen students had language difficulties (LD) and fifteen students had typical language histories (LH). Participants were given a battery of RC, LC, WR/D, and inhibition (attentional control and interference) measures. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and tests for moderation effects were used to explore the contribution of each variable to RC. Inhibition contributed significant variance to RC in addition to the variance accounted for by LC and WR/D in adolescent learners. Inhibition contributed a greater proportion of variance to RC for students with typical LH than for students with LD. Advancing the understanding of the role of inhibition in EF, SR, and RC may support early identification efforts and drive the development of interventions that effectively target RC deficits.
Stress Responses, Competition, and Free-Throw Performance: The Predicting Role of Other-Approach Goals
Authors: Mascret Nicolas , Vors Olivier , Marqueste Tanguy , Cury François
Published: August 2021

Experimental stress paradigms have been little used in the sport psychology literature because they are unrelated to the specific sport task. The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was used in the present study to investigate its influence on the free-throw performance of skilled basketball players. We also investigated the influence of adopting other-approach goals (i.e., doing well relative to others) on free-throw performance when basketball players were placed in a competition immediately after the TSST, comparatively with a control condition without competition. The results showed that free-throw performance decreased in the control condition, while free-throw performance remained stable when the TSST was followed by a competition. They also highlighted that other-approach goals were significant positive predictors of post-TSST performance in the competition condition but not in the control condition. The TSST may now be used with skilled athletes as an experimental stress paradigm to induce acute stress in the sport domain.
Optimization of acquisition parameters of slurry coating characteristics based on multiple yarn simultaneous detection
Authors: Yan Wenjun , Zhu Bo , Gao Weidong
Published: August 2021

A simultaneous detection method was proposed to detect slurry coating characteristics based on the same spatial resolution of starch-based sized and raw yarns. A dynamic image acquisition device was improved to capture the apparent images of multiple yarns simultaneously after the starch–iodine color reaction. The slurry coating characteristics were calculated utilizing image-processing technology. For the sake of effective and stable detection, the effects of illumination conditions on the concentration of I2-KI solution were studied through the absorbance value test. The effects of image-processing parameters on the experimental results were analyzed respectively by measuring six kinds of yarn of different counts and size pick-up. The results showed that the illumination conditions within an illumination time of 0–60 min, illumination intensity of 0–80,000 lux and illumination distance of 0.01–0.20 m had no significant effects on the concentration of I2-KI solution. Eight rows of pixels in the central axis areas of the yarn were determined as the effective statistical areas. It was determined that the sample size can meet the needs of stability test in 200 pieces. A dynamic threshold method, which served the intersection of the gray histogram of sized and raw yarn under the same spatial resolution as the threshold, can effectively segment the slurry coating areas. On the above basis, the optimization acquisition parameters of the detection method were obtained. The proposed method can meet the requirements of the efficiency test, common applicability and ease of operation.