bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handball-specific loading acutely reduces the acromiohumeral distance in experienced handball players and in non-handball experienced athletes
Authors: Rentz Carolin , Legerlotz Kirsten
Published: September 2022

Context

When playing handball, the preservation of the subacromial space, which can be quantified by the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), plays a crucial role for shoulder health of handball players. Acute effects of handball-specific loading on the subacromial space with consideration of individual adaptions resulting from long-term handball-specific loading experience have yet to be determined in order to prevent injuries such as e. g. an impingement of the supraspinatus tendon.

Objective

To (1) assess the acute effects of handball-specific loading on the AHD in healthy experienced handball players (HB) and non-handball experienced athletes (CG) and (2) to assess the AHD behavior in relation to individual intrinsic factors to identify possible risk factors and the effect of handball-specific experience associated adaptations.

Participants

20 HB (10m; 10f) and 20 CG (10m; 10f); 24 ± 5 years.

Intervention

Handball-specific loading protocol.

Main outcome measures

The AHD was measured by ultrasonography at 0° and 60° abduction pre and post intervention. Isometric shoulder strength was measured with hand-held dynamometry. Shoulder range of motion (ROM) was measured with goniometry.

Results

Handball-specific loading led to significantly reduced AHD in the dominant shoulder in the 60° abducted position in both groups (HB: −1.7 ± 2.0 mm; p = 0.001, d = 0.69; CG: −1.1 ± 2.0 mm; p = 0.024, d = 0.37) and in the non-dominant shoulder in 0° (−0.7 ± 1.5 mm; p = 0.038, d = 0.35) and 60° abducted position (−1.3 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.004, d = 0.69) in HB only. Handball-specific loading enhanced AHD reduction when elevating the shoulder from 0° to 60° in both groups and arms. Larger shoulder abduction strength affected the maintenance of the AHD positively. HB demonstrated less shoulder strength compared to CG, while ROM did not differ.

Conclusions

Handball-specific loading can affect the ability to preserve the subacromial space which might put handball players at risk for shoulder injuries. Poor shoulder strength can aggravate this mechanism. Therefore, implementation of strengthening exercises of the external rotator and abductor muscles in the training schedule may improve shoulder health of handball players.
Autonomous surgical robotic systems and the liability dilemma
Authors: Jamjoom Aimun A.B. , Jamjoom Ammer M.A. , Thomas Jeffrey P. , Palmisciano Paolo , Kerr Karen , Collins Justin W. , Vayena Effy , Stoyanov Danail , Marcus Hani J. ,   The iRobotSurgeon Collaboration
Published: September 2022

Background

Advances in machine learning and robotics have allowed the development of increasingly autonomous robotic systems which are able to make decisions and learn from experience. This distribution of decision-making away from human supervision poses a legal challenge for determining liability.

Methods

The iRobotSurgeon survey aimed to explore public opinion towards the issue of liability with robotic surgical systems. The survey included five hypothetical scenarios where a patient comes to harm and the respondent needs to determine who they believe is most responsible: the surgeon, the robot manufacturer, the hospital, or another party.

Results

A total of 2,191 completed surveys were gathered evaluating 10,955 individual scenario responses from 78 countries spanning 6 continents. The survey demonstrated a pattern in which participants were sensitive to shifts from fully surgeon-controlled scenarios to scenarios in which robotic systems played a larger role in decision-making such that surgeons were blamed less. However, there was a limit to this shift with human surgeons still being ascribed blame in scenarios of autonomous robotic systems where humans had no role in decision-making. Importantly, there was no clear consensus among respondents where to allocate blame in the case of harm occurring from a fully autonomous system.

Conclusions

The iRobotSurgeon Survey demonstrated a dilemma among respondents on who to blame when harm is caused by a fully autonomous surgical robotic system. Importantly, it also showed that the surgeon is ascribed blame even when they have had no role in decision-making which adds weight to concerns that human operators could act as “moral crumple zones” and bear the brunt of legal responsibility when a complex autonomous system causes harm.
Treatment of three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy using ACDF or a combination of ACDF and ACCF
Authors: Tian Xiaoming , Zhao Hongwei , Han Felicity Y. , Rudd Samuel , Li Zhaohui , Ding Wenyuan , Yang Sidong
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aims to compare the outcomes between two anterior decompression and fusion techniques to treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM).

Methods

After the screening for eligibility, a total of 66 patients were admitted to this study. These participants underwent anterior surgeries due to MCSM in our hospital between June 2016 and July 2018. All participants underwent either the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery (ACDF group) or the combination of ACDF and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), which was the anterior cervical hybrid decompression and fusion (ACHDF) surgery group. All the patients were followed up ≥18 months, the average latest followed up time was 23.64 (±2.69) months. The length of hospitalization, operation time, blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, improvement rate, Hounsfield units (HU) of C3–C7, cobb angle, and anterior column height of fusion levels pre and post operation were analyzed.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the ACDF and ACHDF groups regarding the length of hospitalization, operation time, blood loss, HU of C3–C7, VAS, JOA score, improvement rate, cobb angle, and anterior column height in fusion levels in pre-operation and 3 months after operation (all P > 0.05). However, compared with the ACHDF group, the ACDF group achieved significantly better improvement in the anterior column height of fusion levels in the final 18–29 months post-operatively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both approaches of ACDF alone and a combination of ACDF and ACCF can achieve satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of MCSM, but ACDF has better outcomes in maintaining anterior column height of fusion levels.
Pseudorabies in pig industry of China: Epidemiology in pigs and practitioner awareness
Authors: Tan Lei , Zhou Yujun , Qiu Yixing , Lei Lei , Wang Cheng , Zhu Pei , Duan Deyong , Lei Hongyu , Yang Lincheng , Wang Naidong , Yang Yi , Yao Jun , Wang Wei , Wang Aibing
Published: September 2022

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is widely prevalent in China, which can transmit from pigs to other mammals. Moreover, a PRV variant isolated from an acute human encephalitis case was documented recently. It is imperative to investigate PRV epidemiology in pigs, the knowledge regarding pseudorabies (PR) and self-protection behaviors upon working among relevant practitioners including pig farmers, pig cutters, and pork salesman. In the present study, 18,812 pig serum samples and 1,634 tissue samples were collected from Hunan Province during the period of 2020 to 2021 for detecting the presence of PRV gE-special antibody and nucleic acids, respectively. Meanwhile, we conducted a questionnaire survey about PR among these practitioners in China. The results showed that nearly 9% (1,840/20,192) pigs from 161 collected sites (20.17%, 161/797) were seropositive for PRV-gE antibody. Though only 2.33% tissue samples were positive for PRV nucleic acids, all the representative PRV strains were variant. It was learned that most practitioners were frequently injured when working, the injured sites mainly included hand and foot. Among the three transmission routes of PRV, the aerosol transmission route was often overlooked. Moreover, the workers lacked self-protection awareness and were poor conscious about PRV and its potential threat to humans. All the results demonstrate that PRV remains widely spread in pig populations, while the potential threats of PRV in pig industry receive less attention, suggesting that targeted educational programs to these people should be performed.
Chestnut tannins in broiler diets: Affecting intestinal development in different feeding phases
Authors: Buyse Kobe , Noten Noémie Van , Delezie Evelyne , Goethals Luc , Janssens Geert P. J. , Lourenço Marta
Published: September 2022

It is known that high doses of various tannins could impair broiler growth, and this seems to be linked to a lowered protein availability. However, effects on protein digestion under the influence of hydrolysable tannins were minimal in previous research and literature. Other possible proposed reasons to explain reduced growth are scarce. In this experiment we studied the effect of hydrolysable tannins on body allometry by using different feeding schemes throughout the rearing period. In total 112 individually reared male Ross 308 broilers received a 3-phase basal diet with chestnut wood extract (+: 2,000 mg/kg) or not (–: 0 mg/kg) (Tanno-SAN®, Sanluc International NV, Belgium). This resulted in 2 groups during the starter period (S+, S–), 4 groups in the grower period (G++, G+−, G–+, G–) and 8 groups in the finisher period (F+++, F++−, F+−+, F+−−, F−++, F−+−, F−−+, F——). Similar to previous studies, growth reduction was also observed in this study. Effects were the largest in broilers that were given the tannins during the grower phase. At the end of each phase 8 broilers per group were euthanized and sampled. Liver, pancreas, pectoralis muscle, intestinal weights and intestinal length were recorded. The largest effects were seen on the intestine. Broilers that received tannins during the grower phase, had longer intestines at the end of the finisher period. Furthermore, histological differences between treatment groups were observed at the end of the grower period. Addition of tannins in the grower phase (G–+, G++) resulted in longer villi, whereas addition of tannins in the starter (G+−, G++) caused deeper crypts at the end of the grower phase, with the group (G–+) having the highest villi-to-crypt ratio. These results tentatively prove that tannins influence intestinal growth, both macroscopically as well as histologically. We hypothesize that the observed growth reduction with tannins could be the result of a changed energy and nutrient partitioning, i.e., more nutrients are directed to intestinal growth than for muscle growth.
Design of a Maglev Stewart Platform for the Microgravity Vibration Isolation
Authors: Ma He , Chi Weichao , Wang Caihua , Luo Jia
Published: September 2022

Vibration isolation mechanisms are usually installed on spacecraft between the vibration sources and the payload to ensure that precision instruments work properly. This paper proposes a novel maglev Stewart platform for vibration isolation in a microgravity environment. The maglev Stewart platform combines the quasi-zero stiffness of maglev actuators and the high maneuverability of the Stewart platform. The dynamic of the legs and the payload platform is analyzed, and the linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) algorithm is used to decouple the legs and cancel the total disturbance in the linear feedback. The simulation studies show that with the maglev Stewart platform, there is no longer any obvious resonance. The transmission ratio of vibration can be reduced significantly compared with the traditional elastic Stewart platform. Last but not least, the influence of two control parameters on vibration isolation performance is connected to certain physical meaning of the vibration problem.
Comparative Assessment of Agro-Morphological and Quality Traits of Ancient Wheat Cultivars Grown under Organic Farming
Authors: Lacko-Bartošová Magdaléna , Lacko-Bartošová Lucia , Kaur Amandeep , Moudrý Jan
Published: September 2022

The re-introduction of ancient wheat species into agricultural systems requires a multidisciplinary research approach. Morphological and yield-forming traits are often used as the basis for evaluating and improving crop productivity, but an understanding of the association of these traits with grain quality properties is also essential. The present study was established to understand the performance of old and new cultivars and breeding lines of hulled wheat species by analyzing the selected agro-morphological and quality traits to determine the variability and correlations among them. The results indicated that the stem length of the emmer and the spelt was comparable (100–101 cm), but the impact of the growing year on the variance of this trait was the highest (93%), with different responses of cultivars. The maximum value of grain weight per spike (1.70 g), the highest thousand grain weight (56.3 g) and the highest share of large-sized grains (57.7%) were found in the emmer, indicating the potential for increased grain yield. The lowest protein quantity was reported for the emmer (11.2%), for which wet gluten (WG) quantity was also found to be the lowest (6.0%). Protein quantity correlated with stem length for the spelt, while for the emmer, with spike length. In spite of the higher gluten index of the emmer (60.4%) compared to the spelt (33.5%), the very low Zeleny index of the emmer (10.2 mL) together with low WG may have a negative impact on the baking quality of the emmer. Even in non-fertilized soil, the emmer is at risk of lodging despite its height and favorable agro-morphological traits.
Estimation of the Water Reserve in the Soil Using GIS and Its Application in Irrigated Olive Groves in Jaen, (Spain)
Authors: Molina-Moral Juan Carlos , Moriana-Elvira Alfonso , Pérez-Latorre Francisco José
Published: September 2022

Soil water reserves are very important for irrigation scheduling in arid and semiarid conditions. In these regions, irrigated olive groves could save water and improve water resource management if the spatial and temporal patterns of water reserve were known. In this work, a large region characterized by olive monoculture located in Jaén, Spain was studied, as well as its water requirements and the evolution of the water reserve in the soil according to the time of year by using public data sources. In this way, climatic data, NDVI monthly mean, soil type, physicochemical and hydrological properties of the soil have been integrated in GIS by means of easy-to-use techniques. The results obtained from both the water balance and the evolution of water in the soil show that in the region studied, it is not advisable to manage a single irrigation schedule, as is currently the case, and that it is necessary to implement different irrigation times and strategies depending on the location of the plot. These results can serve as a basis for the design of specific irrigation schedules on daily, hourly or real-time time scales depending on the availability of data and the degree of precision sought.
Plant Biostimulants Increase the Agronomic Performance of Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) in Northern Apennine Range
Authors: Caccialupi Giovanni , Caradonia Federica , Ronga Domenico , Ben Hassine Mortadha , Truzzi Eleonora , Benvenuti Stefania , Francia Enrico
Published: September 2022

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a shrub cultivated in the Mediterranean region for essential oils used to produce cosmetic, aromatherapy, and pharmaceutical ingredients. Nowadays, interest in plant biostimulants is rising due to their ability to increase biomass production in a sustainable way. The scope of the present study was to assess the effects of two plant biostimulants, one based on hydrolyzed proteins (FITOSIM®) and one based on seaweed extracts (FITOSTIM ALGA®), on the cultivar Grosso for two consecutive years in three different farms, located in the Italian Tuscan-Emilian Apennine Mountains. A difference in the efficiency of treatments among farms was shown, probably due to the plant age. In 2020, FITOSTIM ALGA® increased inflorescence fresh weights (+35%), while FITOSTIM® and FITOSTIM ALGA® enhanced stem and total fresh weights (+23% and +22%, respectively) compared to the untreated control. In 2021, both treatments enhanced the fresh and dry weights of inflorescence (+47% and +38%, respectively), while FITOSTIM ALGA® also improved the total plant dry weights (+34%). The plant biostimulants did not affect the chemical composition of essential oils. Our results indicate plant biostimulants as a supplement for sustainable management practices, enhancing Lavandin’s performance in mountainous agricultural areas.
Characteristics of Oil Body Development and the Cloning and Expression Analysis of PDAT Genes in Eucommia ulmoides
Authors: Zhong Jian , Qing Jun , Liu Chenlu , Wang Qi , Du Hongyan , Liu Panfeng , Du Lanying , Wang Lu , Du Qingxin
Published: September 2022

Studies in multiple species have shown that phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) and oil bodies are important factors affecting plant oil accumulation. However, little information is available about the PDAT genes and oil bodies in Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. a high-quality oil tree. In this study, the oil bodies in Eucommia ulmoides seeds at different developmental stages were observed by frozen section technology combined with Nile red staining. It was found that there was a significant positive correlation between oil content and oil body number. In addition, seven Eucommia ulmoides PDAT (EuPDAT) genes were cloned from Eucommia ulmoides seeds based on genome data. They were assembled into three subgroups according to their classifications in Arabidopsis. EuPDAT genes in the same subgroup had similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Putative cis-element analysis of EuPDAT gene promoter regions uncovered numerous elements related to stress and plant hormones response. The expression patterns showed that EuPDAT2 and EuPDAT7 expression levels were positively related to oil content in different periods, and the correlation coefficients were 0.78 and 0.91, respectively. Our results suggest that oil body number and EuPDAT genes are important factors affecting oil accumulation in E. ulmoides seeds, and this work provides a theoretical reference for the directional cultivation of new high-oil-content E. ulmoides varieties.
Intubation in Swine: What Recumbency to Choose?
Authors: Mirra Alessandro , Spadavecchia Claudia , Micieli Fabiana
Published: September 2022

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is challenging in pigs. We compared the number of attempts and time to perform ETI, and the subjective perception of ease, while the animal was positioned in dorsal (DR) or sternal (SR) recumbency, as well as assessed whether operator experience influences the outcome. Participants were divided into three groups: undergraduates (ST; veterinary students), graduates (GR; veterinarians without specific anaesthesia training) and experts (EX; veterinary anaesthesia intern/resident and diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia). Each participant intubated one freshly euthanised pig in DR and ST. Number of attempts and time to correctly perform ETI, number of oesophageal intubations and answers to Likert-scale questions on larynx visualization and ease of endotracheal tube introduction and advancement were recorded. Thirty-three participants were enrolled (15 ST, 10 GR and 8 EX). Less attempts (p = 0.002) and time (p = 0.002) to correctly perform ETI were needed in SR for the ST group. In 21/119 and 5/48 ETI attempts, oesophageal intubation was performed in DR and SR, respectively. Larynx visualization (p < 0.001) and endotracheal tube introduction (p < 0.001) were perceived as easier in SR for the ST group. No difference between recumbencies was found in perceived ease to advance the endotracheal tube. For inexperienced operators, intubation in SR can be recommended.
Administering an Appeasing Substance to Improve Performance, Neuroendocrine Stress Response, and Health of Ruminants
Authors: Cappellozza Bruno I. , Cooke Reinaldo F.
Published: September 2022

The present review demonstrates the main attributes of stress-related responses in ruminants, and the potential interaction with the immune system of the host is also presented, demonstrating that alternatives that reduce the response to stressful situations are warranted to maintain adequate health and performance of the herd. In this scenario, pheromones and their modes of action are presented, opening space to a recent technology being used for ruminants: bovine appeasing substance (BAS). This substance has been used in different species, such as swine, with positive behavioral, health, and performance results. So, its utilization in ruminants has been reported to improve performance and inflammatory-mediated responses, promoting the productivity and welfare of the livestock industry.
The Use of Metabolomics as a Tool to Compare the Regulatory Mechanisms in the Cecum, Ileum, and Jejunum in Healthy Rabbits and with Diarrhea
Authors: Liu Zheliang , Shao Jiahao , Lai Songjia , Wang Jie , Zhao Kaisen , Tang Tao , Wang Meigui
Published: September 2022

For many years, antibiotics in feed have been an effective and economical means to promote growth and disease resistance in livestock production. However, the rampant abuse of antibiotics has also brought very serious harm to human health and the environment. Therefore, the Chinese government promulgated laws and regulations on 1 July 2020, to prohibit the use of antibiotics in feed. To improve the effect of antibiotic-free feeding on China’s existing rabbit industry, we used the nontargeted metabolomics method to detect the differences between diarrhea rabbits (Dia) and normal rabbits (Con) on an antibiotic-free diet. A total of 1902 different metabolites were identified. A KEGG analysis showed that in the cecum, metabolites were mainly concentrated in bile secretion, antifolate resistance, aldosterone synthesis, and secretion pathways. The ileal metabolites were mainly concentrated in tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. The metabolites in the jejunum were mainly rich in panquinone and other terpenoid compound quinone biosynthesis, AMPK (adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase) signal, inositol phosphate metabolism, and pentose phosphate pathway. After a deep excavation of the discovered differential metabolites and metabolic pathways with large differences between groups, it was found that these metabolic pathways mainly involved intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier, and autophagy. The results showed that panquinone and other terpenoids could increase AMPK activity to promote cell metabolism and autophagy, thus trying to prevent inflammation and alleviate intestinal disease symptoms. In addition, we discussed the possible reasons for the changes in the levels of seven intestinal endogenous metabolites in rabbits in the diarrhea group. The possibility of improving diarrhea by adding amino acids to feed was discussed. In addition, the intermediate products produced by the pentose phosphate pathway and coenzyme Q had a positive effect on steroid hormone biosynthesis to combat intestinal inflammation.
Development of 1.3 GHz Medium-β (β = 0.634) Disk-Loaded Deflecting Cavity for 150 keV Electron Beam
Authors: Xu Zhongxiang , Wang Fang , Tan Tao , Liu Yunqi , Huang Senlin , Quan Shengwen
Published: September 2022

A miniaturized 150 kV DC photocathode gun is developed at Peking University to generate electron beam which can be manipulated in temporal and spatial distribution as requirements freely. To measure the bunch length which is an important temporal parameter of the low energy electron beam from the DC photocathode gun, a 1.3 GHz medium-β disk-loaded deflecting cavity is adopted. In this paper we present the design of the deflecting cavity which involves the microwave design including the geometry optimization and the separation of the orthogonal dipole modes as well as the power coupling, the mechanical design including the determination of the cavity wall thickness and the tuning as well as brazing structure, and the thermodynamic analysis. Particle tracking simulation shows that the best resolution of 190 fs can be achieved for the 150 keV electron beam by using the deflecting cavity. Its fabrication is completed and the RF measurements are carried out with a vector network analyzer. It is shown the measured values of the RF physical parameters are in good agreement with the simulation design ones.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis for Pressure on Flexible Wall Silos
Authors: Hilal Alhussein , Sanad Abdel Monem , Abdelbarr Mohamed H. , Ramadan Osman M. O. , Abdalla Hany A.
Published: September 2022

A 3D finite element model (FEM) for predicting the distribution of lateral pressure in a square flexible walled steel silo during the filling phase was analyzed in this study. The numerical approach, developed using Abaqus software, predicts the stress state in bulk solids, as well as the pressures exerted on the silo walls. An elasto-plastic model using the Drucker–Prager criterion was employed to simulate the behavior of the granular materials. The FEM simulates the behavior of the bulk solid and its interaction with the silo’s wall and base using a surface-to-surface discretization model. The model’s predictions were validated by previous experimental measurements. The results revealed good agreement between the FEM predictions and the experimental measurements. The research confirms that the lateral pressure distribution is not uniform at any silo level. This highlights the fact that many available theories and current design codes are not accurate for flexible steel walls. As a result of the wall’s deformability, pressure regimes on the silo wall change significantly in the horizontal direction at any level. The results showed that the horizontal variations of lateral pressure change drastically with regard to wall stiffness. The FEM has been used to investigate the effect of critical parameters on wall pressure distribution, such as properties of bulk solids, wall thickness, and silo type, whether deep or flat.
Quantitative Assessment of Natural Ventilation in an Elementary School Classroom in the Context of COVID-19 and Its Impact in Airborne Transmission
Authors: Vignolo Andrés , Gómez Ana Paula , Draper Martín , Mendina Mariana
Published: September 2022

The importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to the possibility of long-distance airborne transmission. Consequently, assessment of ventilation rates and estimation of infection risk has become a matter of the utmost importance. In this paper, a naturally ventilated elementary school classroom is studied, where carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were measured during five months. Ventilation rates are calculated via a fully-mixed box model and the airborne risk of infection for SARS-CoV-2 is assessed. Risk results are found to steadily decline from winter to spring. Furthermore, analytical simulations for different scenarios are conducted. It is shown that periodic ventilation significantly reduces the transmission risk, even if it occurs only during very reduced time spans. The results show that periodic ventilation is a useful strategy for reducing the risk of any airborne transmitted disease. It is particularly well-suited for naturally ventilated environments in cold weathers, as it allows for a compromise between IAQ and thermal comfort, and does not require any modification to existing buildings.
Energy Management Control and Optimization for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Torreglosa Juan P.
Published: September 2022

This Issue, Energy Management Control and Optimization for Hybrid Electric Vehicles, was set in motion over three years ago with the objective of addressing the challenges posed by energy management control and optimization in vehicle hybridization [...]
Cognitive Artificial Intelligence Using Bayesian Computing Based on Hybrid Monte Carlo Algorithm
Authors: Park Sangsung , Jun Sunghae
Published: September 2022

Cognitive artificial intelligence (CAI) is an intelligent machine that thinks and behaves similar to humans. CAI also has an ability to mimic human emotions. With the development of AI in various fields, the interest and demand for CAI are continuously increasing. Most of the current AI research focuses on the realization of intelligence that can make optimal decisions. Existing AI studies have not conducted in-depth research on human emotions and cognitive perspectives. However, in the future, the demand for the use of AI that can imitate human emotions in various fields, such as healthcare and education, will continue. Therefore, we propose a method to build CAI in this paper. We also use Bayesian inference and computing based on the hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm for CAI development. To show how the proposed method for CAI can be applied to practical problems, we create an experiment using simulation data.
Nephroprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Thymelaea microphylla Coss. et Dur Aerial Part
Authors: Bencheikh Noureddine , Ouahhoud Sabir , Cordero Mary Anne W. , Alotaibi Amal , Fakchich Jamila , Ouassou Hayat , Assri Soufiane El , Choukri Mohammed , Elachouri Mostafa
Published: September 2022

Thymelaea microphylla Coss. et Dur (T. microphylla), a medicinal herb that grows in arid and desert pastures, has been traditionally utilized by Moroccans to treat many diseases, including kidney failure. This study aims to evaluate the nephroprotective effect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity (GM), and thus the antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract rich in flavonoids from the aerial part of T. microphylla (APTM). The antioxidant activity of APTM was assessed using the 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging test and the β-carotene bleaching assay. The nephroprotective effect of this extract was evaluated in two doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg in GM-exposed male rats. Acute toxicity of the APTM was tested out on Swiss albino mice using 2000 mg/kg as the dose limit. The findings showed that the aqueous extract of APTM is abundant in total polyphenols and flavonoids and has significant antioxidant properties against DPPH radicals and β-carotene oxidation. According to the acute toxicity research findings, the administered doses of the APTM extract do not cause toxicity and death. A significant increase in the serum concentrations of creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, chloride, calcium, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT), and alkaline phosphatase, as well as an increase in urinary volume, water consumption, and relative kidney weight, were all caused by the administration of GM to rats. In addition, a significant reduction in urinary concentrations of creatinine, uric acid, urea, and albumin, and thus the clearance of creatinine and weight gain were observed in rats injected with GM. Also, the administration of GM dramatically raised the malondialdehyde level in the kidneys. Likewise, rats that had been poisoned with GM had histological kidney abnormalities. However, the daily treatment of APTM aqueous extract to rats given GM injections dramatically improved the biochemical and histological parameters affected by GM administration in rats. Finally, APTM extract enhanced GM’s biochemical and histological indicators of nephrotoxicity, supporting its use as an ethnomedicinal.
Load Transfer Efficiency Assessment of Concrete Pavement Joints Using Distributed Optical Vibration Sensor
Authors: Zeng Mengyuan , Zhao Hongduo , Peng Kedi , Bian Zeying , Wu Difei
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a method to assess the load transfer efficiency (LTE) of concrete pavement joints using distributed optical vibration sensors. First, a theoretical analysis of concrete pavement vibration was conducted to investigate how to reflect LTE by spectral amplitude. Second, distributed optical vibration sensor (DOVS) was applied to measure vibration around joints distributedly. Third, the corresponding processing method for DOVS data was proposed to calculate the ratio of spectral amplitude from different slabs through power spectral density (PSD) analysis. Then, field tests were conducted on nine concrete pavement slabs with three different types of joints (dummy joint, rabbet joint, and dowel bars). The deflection-based method as well as the proposed vibration-based method were employed to assess the LTE of eleven joints on two different dates. The comparative analysis results indicate the deflection-based LTE (DLTE) and the ratio of PSD (RPSD) have a strong correlation (0.871) and a slight difference (<±0.03) overall. The correlation is robust in different dates and types of joints (0.844~0.88). These findings prove the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed vibration-based method.
Experimental Study of the Influence of Rotor Dynamics on the Temperature Distribution of a Gas Foil Bearing
Authors: Bagiński Paweł , Żywica Grzegorz , Roemer Jakub , Zdziebko Paweł , Martowicz Adam
Published: September 2022

This article presents an experimental study carried out on a rotor operating on two foil bearings. One of the bearings was built in a way to measure the temperature and deformation of the top foil of the foil bearing. The dynamic performance of the two bearing journals is presented herein using the vibration trajectories and journal positions in the foil bearing sleeve. Based on these results, a method for predicting the temperature distribution on the top foil was developed. Then, the correlations between the temperature distribution and the operating parameters of the bearing journal were illustrated. It has been observed that the symmetry of the temperature distribution on the top foil depends on the eccentricity of the rotor operation. The shape and size of the vibration trajectory had no significant effect on the temperature value in the bearing, unlike the position of the journal in the bearing. The process of loss of the gas lubricating film was observed, which provides insight into the phenomena that occur during the first few seconds of rotor operation. The areas in the bearing from which fresh air had been drawn into the gap between the journal and the top foil were also determined.
Remediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmland Soil by Biodegradable Chelating Agent GLDA
Authors: Wei Zebin , Chen Yihui , Li Xiaoqing , Rong Haiyu , Huang Zhujian
Published: September 2022

Chemical leaching is one of the effective methods to remove heavy metals from soil. The effects of biodegradable chelating GLDA (N, N-bis(carboxymethyl)-l-glutamic acid tetrasodium salt) on contaminated farmland soil in four different places (collected from Shangba Village, Shaoguan city (SB); Huaqiao Village, Zhuzhou (HQ); Shaoguan Tielong (TL); and Liantang Village, Lechang (LT), respectively) were studied by the method of leaching. To explore the synergistic effect between GLDA and citric acid, the leaching conditions were also explored. The results showed that the leaching efficiency of heavy metal Pb in soil was improved by adjusting the GLDA solution to reach acidity by adding citric acid. The leaching efficiency of Pb after mixing GLDA and citric acid was higher than the sum of their respective leaching abilities. After leaching with 10 mmol/L of the GLDA solution with a pH of 10.86 for 120 min, the total Pb and the Pb available in the soil decreased significantly. It is known that citric acid has a significant effect on improving the leaching rate of GLDA on soil, and this method can also be applied to other heavy metals, such as Cd. This study provides a low-ecological-risk method for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.
Some Remarks on Non-Singular Spherically Symmetric Space-Times
Authors: Sebastiani Lorenzo , Zerbini Sergio
Published: September 2022

A short review of spherically symmetric static regular black holes and spherically symmetric non-singular cosmological space-time is presented. Several models, including new ones, of regular black holes are considered. First, a large class of regular black holes having an inner de Sitter core with the related issue of a Cauchy horizon is investigated. Then, Black Bounce space-times, where the Cauchy horizon and therefore the related instabilities are absent, are discussed as valid alternatives to regular black holes with inner de Sitter cores. Friedman–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker space-times admitting regular bounce solutions are also discussed. In the general analysis concerning the presence or absence of singularities in the equations of motion, the role of a theorem credited to Osgood is stressed.
Analysis of Ozone Vertical Profiles over Wuyishan Region during Spring 2022 and Their Correlations with Meteorological Factors
Authors: Zhu Tianfu , Deng Huiying , Huang Jinhong , Zheng Yulan , Li Ziliang , Zhao Rui , Wang Hong
Published: September 2022

Understanding the vertical structure of ozone concentrations in different seasons and their correlations with the associated meteorological conditions is crucial for exploring atmospheric ozone variability and improving the accuracy of regional ozone prediction. In this study, an ozone-sounding experiment was carried out at the Shaowu sounding Station in Fujian from November 2021 to May 2022 in order to obtain vertical profiles of ozone concentrations and synoptic variables. Based on these observations, we examined the characteristics of tropospheric ozone profiles in spring over the Wuyishan region and their comparison with wintertime ozone. The results show that compared with winter, the total ozone column (TOC) in spring has increased by 64.4%, with an enhancement of 23.8% for the troposphere and a greater increment of 69.1% for the stratosphere. The sub-peaks of tropospheric ozone below 12 km are found in both spring and winter of 2022, which are accompanied by lower relative humidity (<10% in winter and <15% in spring), temperature inversions in some cases, and intensive westerly winds. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between ozone volume mixing ratio (OVMR) and synoptic conditions in the Wuyishan region and concluded that OVMR above 1.5 km is negatively correlated with temperature and relative humidity but positively correlated with wind speed. Additionally, springtime OVMR in the middle and upper troposphere exhibits a “funnel” distribution, showing a higher OVMR on the day of sounding observations and one day before and after that on adjacent days with low-level southwesterly winds and updrafts. While in winter, the strong downdrafts dominate on the sounding observation day.
Co-Stimulatory Receptor Signaling in CAR-T Cells
Authors: Honikel Mackenzie M. , Olejniczak Scott H.
Published: September 2022

T cell engineering strategies have emerged as successful immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of human cancer. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy represents a prominent synthetic biology approach to re-direct the specificity of a patient’s autologous T cells toward a desired tumor antigen. CAR-T therapy is currently FDA approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including subsets of B cell lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and multiple myeloma. Mechanistically, CAR-mediated recognition of a tumor antigen results in propagation of T cell activation signals, including a co-stimulatory signal, resulting in CAR-T cell activation, proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, and acquisition of effector functions. The importance of including a co-stimulatory domain in CARs was recognized following limited success of early iteration CAR-T cell designs lacking co-stimulation. Today, all CAR-T cells in clinical use contain either a CD28 or 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain. Preclinical investigations are exploring utility of including additional co-stimulatory molecules such as ICOS, OX40 and CD27 or various combinations of multiple co-stimulatory domains. Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates the co-stimulatory signal in several aspects of CAR-T cell therapy including response kinetics, persistence and durability, and toxicity profiles each of which impact the safety and anti-tumor efficacy of this immunotherapy. Herein we provide an overview of CAR-T cell co-stimulation by the prototypical receptors and discuss current and emerging strategies to modulate co-stimulatory signals to enhance CAR-T cell function.
Advances Research in Traumatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Sriram Sai , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: September 2022

Though there are an abundance of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) cases worldwide [...]
Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Interacts with Huntingtin at the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane
Authors: Swaih Aisha M. , Breda Carlo , Sathyasaikumar Korrapati V. , Allcock Natalie , Collier Mary E. W. , Mason Robert P. , Feasby Adam , Herrera Federico , Outeiro Tiago F. , Schwarcz Robert , Repici Mariaelena , Giorgini Flaviano
Published: September 2022

The flavoprotein kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) is localised to the outer mitochondrial membrane and catalyses the synthesis of 3-hydroxykynurenine from L-kynurenine, a key step in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation. Perturbation of KP metabolism due to inflammation has long been associated with the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington’s disease (HD)—which is caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine stretch in the huntingtin (HTT) protein. While HTT is primarily localised to the cytoplasm, it also associates with mitochondria, where it may physically interact with KMO. In order to test this hypothesis, we employed bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and found that KMO physically interacts with soluble HTT exon 1 protein fragment in living cells. Notably, expansion of the disease-causing polyglutamine tract in HTT leads to the formation of proteinaceous intracellular inclusions that disrupt this interaction with KMO, markedly decreasing BiFC efficiency. Using confocal microscopy and ultrastructural analysis, we determined KMO and HTT localisation within the cell and found that the KMO-HTT interaction is localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane. These data suggest that KMO may interact with a pool of HTT at the mitochondrial membrane, highlighting a possible physiological role for mitochondrial HTT. The KMO-HTT interaction is abrogated upon polyglutamine expansion, which may indicate a heretofore unrecognized relevance in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Ehrlich Tumor Induces TRPV1-Dependent Evoked and Non-Evoked Pain-like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Bertozzi Mariana M. , Saraiva-Santos Telma , Zaninelli Tiago H. , Pinho-Ribeiro Felipe A. , Fattori Victor , Staurengo-Ferrari Larissa , Ferraz Camila R. , Domiciano Talita P. , Calixto-Campos Cassia , Borghi Sergio M. , Zarpelon Ana C. , Cunha Thiago M. , Casagrande Rubia , Verri Waldiceu A.
Published: September 2022

We standardized a model by injecting Ehrlich tumor cells into the paw to evaluate cancer pain mechanisms and pharmacological treatments. Opioid treatment, but not cyclooxygenase inhibitor or tricyclic antidepressant treatments reduces Ehrlich tumor pain. To best use this model for drug screening it is essential to understand its pathophysiological mechanisms. Herein, we investigated the contribution of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) in the Ehrlich tumor-induced pain model. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons from the Ehrlich tumor mice presented higher activity (calcium levels using fluo-4 fluorescent probe) and an increased response to capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist) than the saline-injected animals (p < 0.05). We also observed diminished mechanical (electronic von Frey) and thermal (hot plate) hyperalgesia, paw flinching, and normalization of weight distribution imbalance in TRPV1 deficient mice (p < 0.05). On the other hand, TRPV1 deficiency did not alter paw volume or weight, indicating no significant alteration in tumor growth. Intrathecal injection of AMG9810 (TRPV1 antagonist) reduced ongoing Ehrlich tumor-triggered mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia (p < 0.05). Therefore, the contribution of TRPV1 to Ehrlich tumor pain behavior was revealed by genetic and pharmacological approaches, thus, supporting the use of this model to investigate TRPV1-targeting therapies for the treatment of cancer pain.
Underlying Mechanisms and Neurorehabilitation of Gait after Stroke
Authors: Daly Janis J. , Pundik Svetlana , McCabe Jessica P.
Published: September 2022

The title of this Special Issue is: “Underlying Mechanisms and Neurorehabilitation of Gait after Stroke” [...]
The Role of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Explaining the Energy-Saving Behaviors of High School Students with Physical Impairments
Authors: Suntornsan Sirinakorn , Chudech Surapong , Janmaimool Piyapong
Published: September 2022

People with physical impairments can help solve energy problems by participating in diverse energy-saving behaviors, such as switching off lights or turning off an air conditioner when not in use; however, they may struggle to participate in some behaviors due to mobility impairments. This study aims to examine factors that impact the energy-saving behaviors of high school students with physical impairments. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to test whether attitudes towards energy-saving behaviors, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control could affect intentions, which then leads to performance of energy-saving behaviors. The participants were 330 high school students with physical impairments in Thailand. A questionnaire was employed to measure energy-saving behaviors and TPB constructs. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to validate all study variables; structural equation modeling (SEM) was then used to test causal relationships among TPB constructs and energy-saving behaviors. The results showed that the TPB could be used to explain the energy-saving behaviors of students with physical impairments, that subjective norms were the most significant predictor of behavioral intentions, and that intentions significantly impacted energy-saving behaviors. While perceived behavioral control did not have a direct effect on behaviors, it had a significant effect on intentions. Under the TPB construct, of the studied variables, attitude had the lowest power to predict students’ intentions to perform the concerned behaviors; however, the impact of attitude was still statistically significant. The results suggest that all TPB variables can predict energy-saving behaviors of high school students with physical impairments, but their power to predict the behaviors is different. To promote student participation in energy-saving behaviors, it is important to create subjective norms and eliminate obstacles that students with physical impairments might face when performing energy-saving behaviors.