bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic fibroblast growth factor accelerates myelin debris clearance through activating autophagy to facilitate early peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Jiang Yongsheng , Liang Jiahong , Li Rui , Peng Yan , Huang JiangLi , Huang Lijiang
Published: January 2021

The successful removal of damaged myelin sheaths during Wallerian degeneration (WD) is essential for ensuring structural remodelling and functional recovery following traumatic peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Recent studies have established that autophagy involves myelin phagocytosis and cellular homoeostasis, and its disorder impairs myelin clearance. Based on the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on exerting neuroprotection and angiogenesis during nerve tissue regeneration, we now explicitly focus on the issue about whether the therapeutic effect of bFGF on supporting nerve regeneration is closely related to accelerate the autophagic clearance of myelin debris during WD. Using sciatic nerve crushed model, we found that bFGF remarkedly improved axonal outgrowth and nerve reconstruction at the early phase of PNI (14 days after PNI). More importantly, we further observed that bFGF could enhance phagocytic capacity of Schwann cells (SCs) to engulf myelin debris. Additionally, this enhancing effect is accomplished by autophagy activation and the increase of autophagy flux by immunoblotting and immune‐histochemical analyses. Taken together, our data suggest that the action of bFGF on modulating early peripheral nerve regeneration is closely associated with myelin debris removal by SCs, which might result in SC‐mediated autophagy activation, highlighting its insight molecular mechanism as a neuroprotective agent for repairing PNI.
Quantitative vibration perception threshold in assessing diabetic polyneuropathy: Should the cut‐off value be adjusted for Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Liu Min , Gao Yun , Chen Da‐Wei , Lin Shuang , Wang Chun , Chen Li‐Hong , Ran Xing‐Wu
Published: January 2021

Aims/Introduction

To examine the performance and identify the optimal threshold of vibration perception threshold (VPT) for diagnosing diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in a Chinese population according to multiple definitions of DPN as gold standards.

Materials and Methods

VPT was determined in 421 Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes, who simultaneously completed a questionnaire of neuropathic symptoms, and underwent the assessment of signs of peripheral neuropathy and electromyography tests. Three definitions of DPN (i.e., clinician‐diagnosed DPN, abnormal nerve conduction and confirmed DPN) were taken as reference gold standards.

Results

Vibration perception threshold was a specific measure for all three groups of DPN outcomes, with the highest specificity noted for clinician‐diagnosed DPN (85.1%). The specificity for abnormal nerve conduction and confirmed DPN was 77.0 and 76.6%, respectively. The sensitivity of VPT was 67.0% for clinician‐diagnosed DPN, 66.5% for abnormal nerve conduction and 67.2% for confirmed DPN. The optimal cut‐off threshold for abnormal nerve conduction, as well as confirmed DPN, was VPT >14.9 V. The specificity and sensitivity of VPT >14.9 V as the cut‐off value for clinician‐diagnosed DPN were 85.6 and 66.2%, respectively. When taking clinician‐diagnosed DPN as the gold standard, the performance of VPT for diagnosing DPN was best with an area under the curve value of 0.804.

Conclusions

VPT measured using the neurothesiometer had relatively high specificity and best performance for diagnosing DPN when clinician‐diagnosed DPN rather than abnormal nerve conduction was taken as the gold standard in a Chinese population. A VPT value of ≥15 V might be equally applicable for diagnosing DPN in a Chinese population.
Equine‐assisted psychotherapy with traumatized couples—Improvement of relationship quality and psychological symptoms
Authors: Willmund Gerd , Zimmermann Peter , Alliger‐Horn Christina , Varn Alexander , Fischer Christian , Parent Ilka , Sobottka Andreas , Bering Robert , Rose Carolyn , Ströhle Andreas , Köhler Kai
Published: January 2021

Many traumatised individuals suffering from deployment related PTSD report severe problems in their relationships. Up until now, the therapeutic interventions used by the German Armed Forces have rarely targeted these problems through the integration of partners. For this reason, a Program designed specifically for couples was developed. In this prospective study equine‐assisted psychotherapy was applied to soldiers and their spouses. The study population consisted of n = 36 couples, divided in n = 20 therapy group with a inpatient equine‐assisted intervention and a 16‐couples control group. After the intervention, numerous significant improvements occurred in the therapy group in the areas of current, somatic and communication problems, depressive symptoms and partnership quality but not in the control group. PTSD was reduced significantly on the sub‐scale associated with negative thoughts. These results show that the intervention is an effective way to improve partnership quality and reduce the stressors that the partners of afflicted service members face.
Corneal sequestra in cats: 175 eyes from 172 cases (2000–2016)
Authors: Multari D. , Perazzi A. , Contiero B. , Carobbi B. , Bertoldi M. , Iacopetti I.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To report the clinical outcomes of different surgical treatments used to manage feline corneal sequestra in a large number of cases.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of 172 cats affected by feline corneal sequestra and surgically managed by different techniques were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment, surgical technique, visual outcomes, postoperative corneal clarity and recurrence were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐two cats (175 eyes) of different breeds, ages and sex were included in the retrospective case series. The Persian was the most represented breed (123/172; 71.5%), followed by Exotic Shorthair breed (21/172; 12.2%), Domestic shorthair breed (21/172; 12.2%) and a smaller group of other different breeds (7/172). Surgical management included a superficial (84/175 eyes) or deep (91/175 eyes) lamellar keratectomy in association with the following covering techniques (tectonic support and/or protective support): nictitans membrane flap (n=84), conjunctival pedicle graft (n=52), BioSISt graft (n=9), corneoconjunctival transposition (n=7), corneoconjunctival transposition+nictitans membrane flap (n=6), conjunctival free island graft (n=6), BioSISt+conjunctival pedicle graft (n=6), BioSISt+nictitans membrane flap (n=4) and bridge conjunctival graft (n=1). At the end of the retrospective case series, visus was present in all patients and no or mild corneal opacity was detected in 86% (151/175 eyes) of the patients. Sequestra recurred in 20 eyes (20/175; 11.4%) within 2 years.

Clinical Significance

This paper describes the clinical outcomes of a large number of cases of feline corneal sequestra treated with varying surgical techniques and provides useful insight regarding the prognosis and outcomes of these techniques within feline ophthalmology.
Plasma disposition of ceftazidime in healthy neonatal foals following intravenous and intramuscular administration
Authors: McNeal Christina D. , Ryan Clare A. , Berghaus Londa J. , Credille Brenton C. , Lo Chih‐Ping , Fajt Virginia R.
Published: January 2021

Cephalosporin antimicrobials can be utilized for the treatment of sepsis in neonatal foals, particularly when an aminoglycoside is contraindicated. Some cephalosporins, however, are not utilized because of cost, sporadic availability, or uncertainty about efficacy. The plasma disposition of ceftazidime, a third‐generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of activity against a wide variety of gram‐negative bacteria and minimal renal side effects has not been reported in neonatal foals. In this study, the plasma disposition of single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) doses of ceftazidime in neonatal foals was determined. Six healthy one to two‐day‐old foals were given 25 mg/kg of ceftazidime by IV and IM routes in a cross‐over design, with a 48‐h washout period between doses. Non‐compartmental analysis was used to estimate plasma pharmacokinetic parameters. Median t1/2was 2 h and median AUC0‐lastwas 364 µg h/ml for both IV and IM administration. Median Cmaxafter IM administration was 101 µg/ml, with a median Tmaxof 0.7 h. Relative bioavailability of IM injection was 90%. There were no statistically significant differences between estimated IV and IM pharmacokinetic parameters. Plasma concentrations remained above the human CLSI susceptible breakpoint for Enterobacteriaceae for over 8 h following IV and IM administration.
Interfering with lysophosphatidic acid receptor edg2/lpa1 signalling slows down disease progression in SOD1‐G93A transgenic mice
Authors: Gento‐Caro Ángela , Vilches‐Herrando Esther , García‐Morales Victoria , Portillo Federico , Rodríguez‐Bey Guillermo , González‐Forero David , Moreno‐López Bernardo
Published: January 2021

Aims

Alterations in excitability represent an early hallmark in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, deciphering the factors that impact motor neuron (MN) excitability offers an opportunity to uncover further aetiopathogenic mechanisms, neuroprotective agents, therapeutic targets, and/or biomarkers in ALS. Here, we hypothesised that the lipokine lysophosphatidic acid (lpa) regulates MN excitability via the G‐protein‐coupled receptor lpa1. Then, modulating lpa1‐mediated signalling might affect disease progression in the ALS SOD1‐G93A mouse model.

Methods

The influence of lpa‐lpa1 signalling on the electrical properties, Ca2+ dynamic and survival of MNs was tested in vitro. Expression of lpa1 in cultured MNs and in the spinal cord of SOD1‐G93A mice was analysed. ALS mice were chronically treated with a small‐interfering RNA against lpa1 (siRNAlpa1) or with the lpa1 inhibitor AM095. Motor skills, MN loss, and lifespan were evaluated.

Results

AM095 reduced MN excitability. Conversely, exogenous lpa increased MN excitability by modulating task1 ‘leak’ potassium channels downstream of lpa1. Lpa‐lpa1 signalling evoked an excitotoxic response in MNs via voltage‐sensitive calcium channels. Cultured SOD1‐G93A MNs displayed lpa1 upregulation and heightened vulnerability to lpa. In transgenic mice, lpa1 was upregulated mostly in spinal cord MNs before cell loss. Chronic administration of either siRNAlpa1 or AM095 reduced lpa1 expression at least in MNs, delayed MN death, improved motor skills, and prolonged life expectancy of ALS mice.

Conclusions

These results suggest that stressed lpa‐lpa1 signalling contributes to MN degeneration in SOD1‐G93A mice. Consequently, disrupting lpa1 slows down disease progression. This highlights LPA1 signalling as a potential target and/or biomarker in ALS.
Celebrating ‘The Week of Domestic Goods’: Children and the campaign for economic nationalism in interwar Turkey
Authors: Gökatalay Semih
Published: January 2021

The study foregrounds the multifarious involvement of children in the economically nationalist campaign in interwar Turkey, with a focus on the Week of Domestic Goods. Children occupied a central place in economic nationalism both as present‐day promoters of domestic consumption and the loyal citizens and nationalist consumers of the future. The Kemalist elite sought to boost the consumption of locally made goods and reach out to the masses by mobilizing children in daytime parades, extracurricular activities and patriotic displays. In their assigned role of patriotic consumers, children functioned as a bridge between the families and the state. The article argues that children were not simply pawns of governmental authorities but became active economic agents as performers, intermediaries and participants in public events within the schema of economic nationalism.
Starch and lipid storage strategies in tropical trees relate to growth and mortality
Authors: Herrera‐Ramírez David , Sierra Carlos A. , Römermann Christine , Muhr Jan , Trumbore Susan , Silvério Divino , Brando Paulo M. , Hartmann Henrik
Published: January 2021

Non‐structural carbon (NSC) storage (i.e. starch, soluble sugras and lipids) in tree stems play important roles in metabolism and growth. Their spatial distribution in wood may explain species‐specific differences in carbon storage dynamics, growth and survival. However, quantitative information on the spatial distribution of starch and lipids in wood is sparse due to methodological limitations.

Here we assessed differences in wood NSC and lipid storage between tropical tree species with different growth and mortality rates and contrasting functional types. We measured starch and soluble sugars in wood cores up to 4 cm deep into the stem using standard chemical quantification methods and histological slices stained with Lugol's iodine. We also detected neutral lipids using histological slices stained with Oil‐Red‐O.

The histological method allowed us to group individuals into two categories according to their starch storage strategy: fiber‐storing trees and parenchyma‐storing trees. The first group had a bigger starch pool, slower growth and lower mortality rates than the second group. Lipid storage was found in wood parenchyma in five species and was related to low mortality rates.

The quantification of the spatial distribution of starch and lipids in wood improves our understanding of NSC dynamics in trees and reveals additional dimensions of tree growth and survival strategies.
IgG4 disease as a differential diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Swansbury Andrew , Pilkington Richard J. J. , Kennedy Matthew , Adams James R.
Published: January 2021

Aim

To highlight the need to include IgG4 disease in the differential diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Method

We will present two cases which recently presented to the Maxillofacial Department at the RVI hospital, Newcastle, UK. One had a large palatal ulceration and one had a soft tissue mass on the orbital floor with extensions into the maxillary antrum.

Results

Both cases had clinical and radiographic features indicative of SCC, however, following biopsy a definitive diagnosis of IgG4 disease was made. The patients were treated successfully medically via MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) with rheumatology. This involved the use of immunosuppressants including Prednisolone and Rituximab.

Conclusions

Treatment for head/neck SCC typically involves large resections with significant impacts upon a patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is important that alternative diagnosis is considered and excluded. We hope these cases show that IgG4 disease should be on this list.
Representation of women, older patients, ethnic, and racial minorities in trials of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zia , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Khan Safi U. , Subramanian Charumathi Raghu , Khan Muhammad Usman , Asad Zain Ul Abideen , Talluri Swapna , Madhanakumar Aarthi , Lone Ahmad Naeem , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Michos Erin D. , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: January 2021

Background

Representation trends of women, older adults, and ethnic/racial minorities in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of atrial fibrillation (AF) are uncertain.

Methods

We systematically reviewed 134 AF related RCTs (phase II and III) encompassing 149,162 participants using Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov through April 2019 to determine representation trends of women, older patients (≥75 years), and ethnic/racial minorities. Weighted data on the prevalence of AF from epidemiological studies were used to compare the representation of the studied groups of interest in AF RCTs to their expected burden of the disease.

Results

Only 18.7% of the RCTs reported proportion of older patients, and 12.7% RCTs reported ethnic/racial minorities. The proportions of women in RCTs versus general population were 35.2% and 35.1%, of Hispanics were 11.9% and 5.2%, of Blacks were 1.2% and 5.7%, of American Indian/Alaskans were 0.2% and 0.2%, of Asians were 14.2% and 2.4%, of native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders were 0.05% and 0.1% and of non‐Whites were 19.5% and 22.5%, respectively. The weighted mean age (SD) across the trials was 65.3 (3.2) years which was less than the corresponding weighted mean age of 71.1 (4.5) years in the comparative epidemiological data.

Conclusion

The reporting of older patients and ethnic/racial minorities was poor in RCTs of AF. The representation of women and American Indian/Alaskan natives matched their expected population share of disease burden. Hispanics and Asians were over‐represented and Blacks, native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and non‐Whites were under‐represented in RCTs of AF.
Governance reform, decentralization, and teamwork in public service delivery: Evidence from theHonduranhealth sector
Authors: Grillos Tara , Zarychta Alan , Andersson Krister
Published: January 2021

Public service delivery improves when civil servants work together effectively as teams. While decentralization reforms are common strategies for enhancing the delivery of health services in developing countries, most studies emphasize their effects through rational‐choice mechanisms. Fewer studies consider the behavioral implications of decentralization and its potential to improve or hinder the day‐to‐day work environment for health sector staff. We use an incentivized behavioral game to assess the effectiveness of teamwork among civil servants in decentralized and comparable centrally administered municipal health systems in Honduras. We find that teams from decentralized municipalities are less effective at working together and that this is driven by the adverse effects of the reform among existing staff: new staff pairs are relatively effective, while existing staff do not work as well with each other and in mixed teams. Our findings suggest that policymakers should take measures to help ensure that governance reforms do not undermine the effectiveness of existing staff.
Practice patterns and influence of allograft nephrectomy in pediatric kidney re‐transplantation: A pediatric nephrology research consortium study
Authors: Verghese Priya S. , Luckritz Kera E. , Moudgil Asha , Chandar Jayanthi , Ranch Daniel , Barcia John , Lin Jen‐Jar , Grinsell Matthew , Zahr Rima , Engen Rachel , Twombley Katherine , Fadakar Paul K. , Jain Amrish , Al‐Akash Samhar , Bartosh Sharon
Published: January 2021

Introduction

There are no guidelines regarding management of failed pediatric renal transplants.

Materials & Methods

We performed a first of its kind multicenter study assessing prevalence of transplant nephrectomy, patient characteristics, and outcomes in pediatric renal transplant recipients with graft failure from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016.

Results

Fourteen centers contributed data on 186 pediatric recipients with failed transplants. The 76 recipients that underwent transplant nephrectomy were not significantly different from the 110 without nephrectomy in donor or recipient demographics. Fifty‐three percent of graft nephrectomies were within a year of transplant. Graft tenderness prompted transplant nephrectomy in 91% (P < .001). Patients that underwent nephrectomy were more likely to have a prior diagnosis of rejection within 3 months (43% vs 29%; P = .04). Nephrectomy of allografts did not affect time to re‐listing, donor source at re‐transplant but significantly decreased time to (P = .009) and incidence (P = .0002) of complete cessation of immunosuppression post‐graft failure. Following transplant nephrectomy, recipients were significantly more likely to have rejection after re‐transplant (18% vs 7%; P = .03) and multiple rejections in first year after re‐transplant (7% vs 1%; P = .03).

Conclusions

Practices pertaining to failed renal allografts are inconsistent—40% of failed pediatric renal allografts underwent nephrectomy. Graft tenderness frequently prompted transplant nephrectomy. There is no apparent benefit to graft nephrectomy related to sensitization; but timing / frequency of immunosuppression withdrawal is significantly different with slightly increased risk for rejection following re‐transplant.
Melatonin improves heat tolerance in Actinidia deliciosa via carotenoid biosynthesis and heat shock proteins expression
Authors: Xia Hui , Zhou Yuanjie , Deng Honghong , Lin Lijin , Deng Qunxian , Wang Jin , Lv Xiulan , Zhang Xiao'ai , Liang Dong
Published: January 2021

The whole‐genome molecular mechanisms of melatonin (MT)‐mediated enhancement of thermotolerance in plants has rarely been studied. In this study, the genome‐wide gene expression profiles of kiwifruit seedlings primed with MT and non‐MT at 45°C were analyzed by RNA‐Seq. A total of 3299 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between MT and non‐MT treatment, in which carotenoid biosynthesis was one of the high‐enrichment pathways revealed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. Further, qRT‐PCR verified that MT significantly induced the upregulated expression of the carotenoid biosynthesis gene, which was consistent with the increase of carotenoid content. In addition, 10 heat shock proteins (HSPs) were identified to have a highly upregulated expression by MT. These findings provide a set of informative and fundamental data on the role of MT in heat resistance.
How does she do it all? Effects of education on reconciliation of employment and informal caregiving among Austrian women
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo , Ilinca Stefania
Published: January 2021

The introduction of reforms to the Austrian pension system in the early 2000s resulted in a significant increase in the employment rate of older working age women. This increase was highly differentiated along education groups, with increases in employment rates concentrated among those with secondary and tertiary education. Logistic regression analysis is applied to SHARE data from waves 1 and 6, to determine whether the increase in labour market participation of women aged 50+ in Austria has affected informal caregiving across education lines. Unlike their secondary and tertiary educated counterparts, lower educated women were more likely to provide high intensity care in 2015 than in 2004, resulting in an education gradient that was not present before. In comparison, the overall probability to provide care has not changed significantly, irrespective of older women's education. Other possible adjustments were also explored, such as decreased participation in social activities or higher care burden. There is also limited evidence of compensation by increased informal care provision among men. Both employment and informal care provision have become more segmented in Austria in the wake of the pension reforms of 2004.
Audit and Feedback: An Evidence‐Based Practice Literature Review of Nursing Report Cards
Authors: Whalen Madeleine , Maliszewski Barbara , Gardner Heather , Smyth Sharon
Published: January 2021

Background

As more hospitals transition to electronic health records (EHR) and rely on technology to inform practice, what is done with that information is increasingly important. Performance report cards for physicians and nurses are not new, yet there is little recent evidence on nurse‐specific audit and feedback.

Aim

The aim of the project was to conduct an evidence‐based practice (EBP) review to answer the question, “Does implementing an individualized audit and feedback report tool for nurses improve compliance, adherence, and/or performance of nursing tasks?”.

Methods

Evidence was gathered from several databases. Reviewers read and appraised articles that answered the EBP question using the Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model. Data were then collated to synthesize and generate recommendations.

Results

Of the initial 613 unique articles, eight (two research and six quality improvement) were included. Six articles demonstrated improvements while two did not. Articles analyzed nursing documentation (n = 3), tasks or skills (n = 2), and best practice compliance (n = 3). One manuscript utilized an EHR‐generated report; all others were completed by hand. Overall, there was not consistent and compelling evidence to support individualized audit and feedback report tools in nursing. However, several themes emerged related to sustainability, timing of feedback, audit, and feedback in the context of quality improvement, and the methods of acquiring and distributing data.

Linking Evidence to Action

The ubiquity and ease of the EHR make providing automated feedback to nurses tempting, yet it is not supported by the literature. More implementation science research is needed to explore audit and feedback reports in nursing. This article adds to the literature by highlighting a significant lack of consistent and compelling positive results from the well‐established quality improvement strategy of audit and feedback in the nursing population. The absence of good data is as telling as its presence.
Constraint-Based Analysis of Parallel Kinematic Articulated Wrist Mechanisms
Authors: Damerla Revanth , Awtar Shorya
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a systematic constraint-based analysis of the performance attributes of eight parallel kinematic articulated wrist mechanisms from the existing literature. These performance attributes include the number, nature (i.e., pure rotation, or translation, or a combination), and location of a mechanism’s Degrees of Freedom (DoFs) in the nominal and displaced configurations, load transmission capability along these DoFs, and load-bearing capability along the constraint directions. This systematic analysis reveals performance tradeoffs between these performance attributes for a given mechanism as well as design tradeoffs across these mechanisms. This analysis also helps inform the suitability of a given mechanism for specific applications.
Deployable Convex Generalized Cylindrical Surfaces Using Torsional Joints
Authors: Nelson Todd G. , Baldelomar Pinto Luis M. , Bruton Jared T. , Deng Zhicheng , Nelson Curtis G. , Howell Larry L.
Published: January 2021

The ability to deploy a planar surface to a desired convex profile with a simple actuation can enhance foldable or morphing airfoils, deployable antennae and reflectors, and other applications where a specific profile geometry is desired from a planar sheet. A model using a system of rigid links joined by torsional springs of tailorable stiffness is employed to create an approximate curved surface when two opposing tip loads are applied. A system of equations describing the shape of the surface during deployment is developed. The physical implementation of the model uses compliant torsion bars as the torsion springs. A multidimensional optimization algorithm is presented to place joints to minimize the error from the rigid-link approximation and account for additional manufacturing and stress considerations in the torsion bars. A proof is presented to show that equal torsion spring spacing along the horizontal axis of deployed parabolic profiles will result in minimizing the area between the model’s rigid-link approximation and smooth curve. The model is demonstrated through the physical construction of a deployable airfoil surface and a metallic deployable parabolic reflector.
Development and Optimization of Ultrasonic Elliptical Vibration Cutting Device Based on Single Excitation
Authors: Yin Sen , Dong Zhigang , Bao Yan , Kang Renke , Du Wenhao , Pan Yanan , Jin Zhuji
Published: January 2021

A ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting (UEVC) technique, as an advanced cutting method, has been successfully applied to machine difficult-to-cut materials for the last decade. In this study, the mechanism of the elliptical vibration locus caused by the “asymmetric structure” on the horn was analyzed theoretically first, and the corresponding relationship between the degree of asymmetry and the elliptical vibration locus was determined based on the finite element method (FEM). Then, an efficient single-excitation UEVC device with “asymmetric structure” was developed and optimized. The resonant frequency of the device was 40.8 kHz, and the amplitude reached 14 µm, which effectively broke the limitation of cutting speed in UEVC. Finally, the UEVC device’s performance was tested, and the advantages in improving the tungsten alloy surface quality and reducing diamond cutting tool wear validated the technical capability and principle of the proposed device.
Linkage, an Online Tool to Support Interdisciplinary Biomimetic Design Teams
Authors: Graeff Eliot , Maranzana Nicolas , Aoussat Améziane
Published: January 2021

Implementation of biomimetics in practical innovation strategies still faces various impediments. Multidisciplinary communication is one of the most recognized one. Enabling teammates having various cognitive and conceptual frameworks to properly exchange information is a key lever for optimization. In a previous study, we performed a comparative analysis of biologists’ and engineers’ cognitive and conceptual frameworks in order to support the establishment of a shared framework of reference within biomimetic teams. This theoretical work led us to consider various guidelines, embodied in a tool, LINKAGE, guiding the team along the biomimetic process, and more specifically during analysis and abstraction steps. This article presents a first version of this free access digital tool, LINKAGE 1.2. After the description and positioning of LINKAGE, comparing with other existing tools, a testing phase involving 19 professionals divided into five interdisciplinary teams is presented. The results of this evaluation lead to the validation of some of the tool’s objectives while underlining some lines of improvements. Various perspectives on the tool’s development are also presented.
Miniature Continuum Manipulator With Three Degrees-of-Freedom Force Sensing for Retinal Microsurgery
Authors: Zhang Tianci , Ping Zhongyuan , Zuo Siyang
Published: January 2021

Retinal microsurgery requires the precise manipulation of delicate tissue in the interior of the eye. Smart surgical instruments with dexterous tip and force sensing capabilities can permit surgeons to perform more flexible surgical procedures and obtain imperceptible force information, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of microsurgery. In this study, we present an intraocular continuum manipulator with three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) force sensing capabilities. A contact-aided compliant mechanism based on cutting superelastic Nitinol tubes is used to provide high dexterity. It enables two rotational DOFs at the distal end of the manipulator. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) fibers are used to provide high-resolution force measurements. Moreover, a novel Nitinol flexure was designed to achieve high axial force sensitivity. The experimental results show that the maximum bending angle of the dexterous tip is more than ±45 deg for each DOF with high repeatability. In addition, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed force sensor can provide sub-millinewton resolution. The manipulator has also been validated with an artificial eye model, demonstrating the potential clinical value of the manipulator for retinal microsurgery.
Cable Behavior Influence on Cable-Driven Parallel Robots Vibrations: Experimental Characterization and Simulation
Authors: Gueners Damien , Bouzgarrou Belhassen-Chedli , Chanal Hélène
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the influence of cable behavior on cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) is studied. This study is conducted with the goal of designing a medium size CDPR for additive manufacturing. This robot needs to have a high level of rigidity to guarantee a given tracking tool path error. First, the characterization of different thin cables (steel, Dyneema®, aramid) is presented. The mechanical properties of these cables, in terms of stiffness, damping, hysteresis, and creep are compared with regard to additive manufacturing applications. A stiffness model, which takes into account the cable preload, and a dynamic model of CDPR are proposed. The simulations of these two models are compared with experimental results obtained for the range of cables studied using dynamic stiffness analysis on an 8-cable fully constrained CDPR. This paper concludes on the type of cable that should be chosen for our application.
A Novel Suction-and-Irrigation Laparoscopic Surgical Instrument: Internal Design and Preclinical Performance Evaluation
Authors: Yi Sang Wook
Published: January 2021

Objective: Laparoscopic instruments with suction and irrigation functions often lead to tissue damage during removal of the aspirated tissues, owing to the presence of aspiration into the side holes of their catheters. To address this problem, we designed a novel irrigation-and-suction catheter and assessed its preclinical efficacy.

Methods: We made structural improvements to the irrigation-suction catheter to prevent tissue aspiration through its side holes. We ran a simulation program to perform experimental assessments before printing out the catheter tip models using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. Model 1 was the control, and Models 2, 3, and 4 were the improved models. Using these, we performed 10 repetitions of 15-s suction followed by 15-s irrigation, for a total of 5 times per model. We recorded the number of aspirations that occurred through the side holes and analyzed each model using nonparametric methods.

Results: Models 2 and 3 showed fewer aspirations because the velocity and pressure around their side holes were lower than those of Model 1; this was statistically significant. On the other hand, Model 4 had a lesser preventive effect against aspiration due to higher velocity and pressure around its side holes.

Interpretation of Results: We confirmed that side-hole aspiration can be prevented with an internal structure that completely separates the irrigation and suction paths. Even if the irrigation and suction paths are not completely separated, adding a septal structure at the distal end of the catheter may prevent aspiration.
Temperature of Grinding Carbide With Castor Oil-Based MoS2 Nanofluid Minimum Quantity Lubrication
Authors: Sui Menghua , Li Changhe , Wu Wentao , Yang Min , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Zhang Yanbin , Jia Dongzhou , Hou Yali , Li Runze , Cao Huajun
Published: January 2021

Nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication (NMQL) has better stability, higher thermal conductivity, and excellent lubrication performance compared with traditional flood lubrication. The heat transfer model and finite difference model were established to verify the feasibility of NMQL conditions in grinding cemented carbide. Based on them, the grinding temperature of cemented carbide is calculated numerically. Results show that the grinding zone temperatures of flood grinding and NMQL are lower, 85.9 °C and 143.2 °C, respectively. Surface grinding experiments of cemented carbide YG8 under different working conditions are carried out. Dry grinding (227.2 °C) is used as the control group. Grinding zone temperatures of flood grinding, minimum quantity lubrication, and NMQL decrease by 64.2%, 39.5%, and 20.4%, respectively. The error is 6.3% between theoretical calculation temperature and experimental measurement temperature. Based on machining process parameters (specific grinding force, force ratio) and experimental results (microstructure of grinding wheel, workpiece, and grinding debris), the effects of different working conditions on wheel wear are studied. NMQL achieves the highest G ratio of 6.45, the smallest specific grinding force, and the smallest Fn/Ft ratio of 2.84, which further proves that NMQL is suitable for grinding cemented carbide.
Comparison of Piston Concept Design Solutions for Composite Cycle Engines Part II: Design Considerations
Authors: Chatzianagnostou Dimitrios , Staudacher Stephan
Published: January 2021

Hecto pressure composite cycle engines with piston engines and piston compressors are potential alternatives to advanced gas turbine engines. The nondimensional groups limiting their design have been introduced and generally discussed in Part I (Chatzianagnostou and Staudacher, 2018, “Comparison of Piston Concept Design Solutions for Composite Cycle Engines—Part I: Similarity Considerations,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 140(9), p. 9). Further discussion shows, that the ratio of effective power to piston surface PA characterizes the piston thermal surface load capability. The piston design and the piston cooling technology level limit its range of values. Reynolds number and the required ratio of advective to diffusive material transport limit the stroke-to-bore ratio s/d. Torsional frequency sets a limit to crankshaft length and hence cylinder number. A rule based preliminary design system for composite cycle engines is presented. Its piston engine design part is validated against data of existing piston engines. It is used to explore the design space of piston components. The piston engine design space is limited by mechanical feasibility and the crankshaft overlap resulting in a minimum stroke-to-bore ratio s/d. An empirical limitation on stroke-to-bore ratio s/d is based on existing piston engine designs. It limits the design space further. Piston compressor design does not limit the piston engine design but is strongly linked to it. The preliminary design system is applied to a composite cycle engines of 22 MW takeoff shaft power, flying a 1000 km mission. It features three 12-cylinder piston engines and three 20-cylinder piston compressors. Its specific fuel consumption and mission fuel burn are compared to an intercooled gas turbine with pressure gain combustion of similar technology readiness.
Relationship Between the Nonlocal Effect and Lagging Behavior in Bioheat Transfer
Authors: Li Xiaoya , Li Yan , Luo Pengfei , Tian Xiaogeng
Published: January 2021

Lots of generalized heat conduction models have been developed in recent decades, such as local thermal nonequilibrium model, phase lagging model, and nonlocal heat conduction model. But no attempt was made to prove which model is better (or worse) than others, or whether there is a certain relationship between these different models. With this inspiration, we establish the nonlocal bioheat transfer equations with lagging time, and the two and three-temperature bioheat transfer equations with considering all the carrier's heat conduction effect are also constructed. Comparing the two (or three)-temperature equation model with the nonlocal bioheat transfer models with lagging time, one may obtain: the lagging time of temperature gradient τtand the nonlocal characteristic length λq in the space derivative items of heat flux have the same effect on heat transfer; when the heat transport occur among N energy carriers with considering the conduction effects of all carries, the heat transfer processes are dependent upon the high-order effect of τqN-1, τtN-1 and λt(2N-1) in nonlocal dual phase lag bioheat transfer model. This phenomenon is very important for biological and medical systems where numerous carriers may exist on the cellular level.
A Review On Transient Thermal Management of Electronic Devices
Authors: Mathew John , Krishnan Shankar
Published: January 2021

Much effort in the area of electronics thermal management has focused on developing cooling solutions that cater to steady-state operation. However, electronic devices are increasingly being used in applications involving time-varying workloads. These include microprocessors (particularly those used in portable devices), power electronic devices such as IGBTs, and high-power semiconductor laser diode arrays. Transient thermal management solutions become essential to ensure the performance and reliability of such devices. In this review, emerging transient thermal management requirements are identified, and cooling solutions reported in the literature for such applications are presented with a focus on time scales of thermal response. Transient cooling techniques employing actively controlled two-phase microchannel heat sinks, phase change materials (PCM), heat pipes/vapor chambers, combined PCM-heat pipes/vapor chambers, and flash boiling systems are examined in detail. They are compared in terms of their thermal response times to ascertain their suitability for the thermal management of pulsed workloads associated with microprocessor chips, IGBTs, and high-power laser diode arrays. Thermal design guidelines for the selection of appropriate package level thermal resistance and capacitance combinations are also recommended.
Design Optimization of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (s-CO2) Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery From Marine Engines
Authors: Hossain Md. Jubayer , Chowdhury Jahedul Islam , Balta-Ozkan Nazmiye , Asfand Faisal , Saadon Syamimi , Imran Muhammad
Published: January 2021

The global climate change challenge and the international commitment to reduce carbon emission can be addressed by improving energy conversion efficiency and adopting efficient waste heat recovery technologies. Supercritical carbon dioxide (s-CO2) cycles that offer a compact footprint and higher cycle efficiency are investigated in this study to utilize the waste heat of the exhaust gas from a marine diesel engine (Wärtsilä-18V50DF, 17.55 MW). Steady-state models of basic, recuperated, and reheated s-CO2 Brayton cycles are developed and optimized for network and thermal efficiency in Aspen Plus to simulate and compare their performances. Results show that the reheated cycle performs marginally better than the recuperated cycle accounting for the highest optimized network and thermal efficiency. For the reheated and recuperated cycle, the optimized network ranges 648–2860 kW and 628–2852 kW, respectively, while optimized thermal efficiency ranges are 15.2–36.3% and 14.8–35.6%, respectively. Besides, an energy efficiency improvement of 6.3% is achievable when the engine is integrated with an s-CO2 waste heat recovery system which is operated by flue gas with a temperature of 373 °C and mass flow rate of 28.2 kg/s, compared to the engine without a heat recovery system.
Direct measurements of the microstructural origin of shear-thinning in carbon black suspensions
Authors: Hipp Julie B. , Richards Jeffrey J. , Wagner Norman J.
Published: January 2021

Scientific questions surrounding the shear-dependent microstructure of carbon black suspensions are motivated by a desire to predict and control complex rheological and electrical properties encountered under shear. In this work, direct structural measurements over a hierarchy of length scales spanning from nanometers to tens of micrometers are used to determine the microstructural origin of the suspension viscosity measured at high shear rates. These experiments were performed on a series of dense suspensions consisting of high-structured carbon blacks from two commercial sources suspended in two Newtonian fluids, propylene carbonate and light mineral oil. The shear-induced microstructure was measured at a range of applied shear rates using Rheo-VSANS (very small angle neutron scattering) and Rheo-USANS (ultra-small angle neutron scattering) techniques. A shear-thinning viscosity is found to arise due to the self-similar break up of micrometer-sized agglomerates with increasing shear intensity. This self-similarity yields a master curve for the shear-dependent agglomerate size when plotted against the Mason number, which compares the shear force acting to break particle-particle bonds to the cohesive force holding bonds together. It is found that the agglomerate size scales as R g , agg ∼ M n − 1. Inclusion of the particle stress contribution extends the relevance of the Mason number to concentrated suspensions such as those relevant to the processing of carbon black suspensions for various applications.
Human physiomimetic model integrating microphysiological systems of the gut, liver, and brain for studies of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Trapecar Martin , Wogram Emile , Svoboda Devon , Communal Catherine , Omer Attya , Lungjangwa Tenzin , Sphabmixay Pierre , Velazquez Jason , Schneider Kirsten , Wright Charles W. , Mildrum Samuel , Hendricks Austin , Levine Stuart , Muffat Julien , Lee Meelim Jasmine , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Trumper David , Jaenisch Rudolf , Griffith Linda G.
Published: January 2021

Engineered model of the human gut-liver-brain axis can be used to study the link between the microbiome and Parkinson’s disease.
SINGLE: Atomic-resolution structure identification of nanocrystals by graphene liquid cell EM
Authors: Reboul Cyril F. , Heo Junyoung , Machello Chiara , Kiesewetter Simon , Kim Byung Hyo , Kim Sungin , Elmlund Dominika , Ercius Peter , Park Jungwon , Elmlund Hans
Published: January 2021

Algorithms for atomic-resolution 3D reconstruction of nanocrystals imaged in solution with electron microscopy are introduced.
Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 pseudovirus by BNT162b2 vaccine–elicited human sera
Authors: Muik Alexander , Wallisch Ann-Kathrin , Sänger Bianca , Swanson Kena A. , Mühl Julia , Chen Wei , Cai Hui , Maurus Daniel , Sarkar Ritu , Türeci Özlem , Dormitzer Philip R. , Şahin Uğur
Published: January 2021

Vaccine protects against B1.1.7 variant

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B1.1.7 (VOC 202012/01) variant that emerged in late 2020 in the United Kingdom has many changes in the spike protein gene. Three of these are associated with enhanced infectivity and transmissibility, and there are concerns that B.1.1.7 might compromise the effectiveness of the vaccine. Muik
et al.
compared the neutralization efficacy of sera from 40 subjects immunized with the BioNTech-Pfizer mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 against a pseudovirus bearing the Wuhan reference strain or the lineage B.1.1.7 spike protein (see the Perspective by Altmann
et al.
). Serum was derived from 40 subjects in two age groups 21 days after the booster shot. The vaccine remained effective against B.1.1.7 with a slight but significant decrease in neutralization that was more apparent in participants under 55 years of age. Thus, the vaccine provides a significant “cushion” of protection against this variant.

Science
, this issue p.
1152
; see also p.
1103
Tryp-ing Up Metabolism: Role of Metabolic Adaptations in Kinetoplastid Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Parab Adwaita R. , McCall Laura-Isobel
Published: January 2021

Today, more than a billion people—one-sixth of the world’s population—are suffering from neglected tropical diseases. Human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genera
Trypanosoma
and
Leishmania
.
Getting Your Neutrophil: Neutrophil Transepithelial Migration in the Lung
Authors: Adams Walter , Espicha Taylor , Estipona Janine
Published: January 2021

Neutrophil transepithelial migration is a fundamental process that facilitates the rapid trafficking of neutrophils to inflammatory foci and occurs across a diverse range of tissues. For decades, there has been widespread interest in understanding the mechanisms that drive this migratory process in response to different pathogens and organ systems.
Applications of Machine Learning to the Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance: an Emerging Model for Translational Research
Authors: Anahtar Melis N. , Yang Jason H. , Kanjilal Sanjat
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the most challenging phenomena of modern medicine. Machine learning (ML) is a subfield of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms that learn how to accurately predict outcome variables using large sets of predictor variables that are typically not hand selected and are minimally curated.
Performance of Two Novel Chromogenic Media for the Identification of Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Compared with Other Commercially Available Formulations
Authors: de Jong Auke W. , Dieleman Chendo , Carbia Mauricio , Mohd Tap Ratna , Hagen Ferry
Published: January 2021

Non-
albicans Candida
species are emerging in the nosocomial environment, with the multidrug-resistant (MDR) species
Candida auris
being the most notorious example. Consequently, rapid and accurate species identification has become essential.