bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cortical Response Evoked by Robotic Wrist Perturbations Reflects Level of Proprioceptive Impairment After Stroke
Authors: van Kordelaar Joost , van de Ruit Mark , Solis-Escalante Teodoro , Aerden Leo A. M. , Meskers Carel G. M. , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Schouten Alfred C. , Kwakkel Gert , van der Helm Frans C. T.
Published: November 2021

Background:Proprioception is important for regaining motor function in the paretic upper extremity after stroke. However, clinical assessments of proprioception are subjective and require verbal responses from the patient to applied proprioceptive stimuli. Cortical responses evoked by robotic wrist perturbations and measured by electroencephalography (EEG) may be an objective method to support current clinical assessments of proprioception.

Objective:To establish whether evoked cortical responses reflect proprioceptive deficits as assessed by clinical scales and whether they predict upper extremity motor function at 26 weeks after stroke.

Methods:Thirty-one patients with stroke were included. In week 1, 3, 5, 12, and 26 after stroke, the upper extremity sections of the Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment (EmNSA-UE) and the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FM-UE) and the EEG responses (64 channels) to robotic wrist perturbations were measured. The extent to which proprioceptive input was conveyed to the affected hemisphere was estimated by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the evoked response. The relationships between SNR and EmNSA-UE as well as SNR and time after stroke were investigated using linear regression. Receiver-operating-characteristic curves were used to compare the predictive values of SNR and EmNSA-UE for predicting whether patients regained some selective motor control (FM-UE > 22) or whether they could only move their paretic upper extremity within basic limb synergies (FM-UE ≤ 22) at 26 weeks after stroke.

Results:Patients (N= 7) with impaired proprioception (EmNSA-UE proprioception score < 8) had significantly smaller SNR than patients with unimpaired proprioception (N= 24) [EmNSA-UE proprioception score = 8,t(29) = 2.36,p= 0.03]. No significant effect of time after stroke on SNR was observed. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the predictive value between EmNSA-UE and SNR for predicting motor function at 26 weeks after stroke.

Conclusion:The SNR of the evoked cortical response does not significantly change as a function of time after stroke and differs between patients with clinically assessed impaired and unimpaired proprioception, suggesting that SNR reflects persistent damage to proprioceptive pathways. A similar predictive value with respect to EmNSA-UE suggests that SNR may be used as an objective predictor next to clinical sensory assessments for predicting motor function at 26 weeks after stroke.
Genetically Modified T Cells for Esophageal Cancer Therapy: A Promising Clinical Application
Authors: Zhu Yu-Ge , Xiao Bu-Fan , Zhang Jing-Tao , Cui Xin-Run , Lu Zhe-Ming , Wu Nan
Published: November 2021

Esophageal cancer is an exceedingly aggressive and malignant cancer that imposes a substantial burden on patients and their families. It is usually treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular-targeted therapy. Immunotherapy is a novel treatment modality for esophageal cancer wherein genetically engineered adoptive cell therapy is utilized, which modifies immune cells to attack cancer cells. Using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR) modified T cells yielded demonstrably encouraging efficacy in patients. CAR-T cell therapy has shown robust clinical results for malignant hematological diseases, particularly in B cell-derived malignancies. Natural killer (NK) cells could serve as another reliable and safe CAR engineering platform, and CAR-NK cell therapy could be a more generalized approach for cancer immunotherapy because NK cells are histocompatibility-independent. TCR-T cells can detect a broad range of targeted antigens within subcellular compartments and hold great potential for use in cancer therapy. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of CAR and TCR based adoptive cell therapies (ACT). A comprehensive understanding of genetically-modified T cell technologies can facilitate the clinical translation of these adoptive cell-based immunotherapies. Here, we systematically review the state-of-the-art knowledge on genetically-modified T-cell therapy and provide a summary of preclinical and clinical trials of CAR and TCR-transgenic ACT.
Efficacy and Safety of Various Treatments for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhou Zhulin , Zhang Bingjie , Wang Dan
Published: November 2021

Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness. The proliferative diabetic retinopathy at the severe stage of diabetic retinopathy is more harmful to vision and even leads to total blindness. To evaluate the visual acuity, central retinal thickness, and adverse reactions of various treatments for proliferative diabetic retinopathy through a systematic network meta-analysis. The relevant research published in English or Chinese from January 1, 2011, to February 1, 2021, was systematically searched by using PubMed, science network, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and other electronic databases. A total of 15 studies were selected, including 3,222 eyes of PDR patients. Our results show that in terms of visual score improvement, ranibizumab alone (69.90%) and laser + ranibizumab (67.90%) are the best. However, if the groups were grouped again according to the dose and times of ranibizumab injection, the results showed that 0.5 mg ranibizumab injection per month (58.0%) had the best effect on vision improvement. For the change of central retinal thickness, the thickness decreased the most after the laser combined with ranibizumab (96.5%). After the same subgroup analysis, the results were further refined into the best effect of laser combined with 0.3 mg ranibizumab per quarter (72.7%). In addition, our analysis of complications also showed that the overall incidence of adverse reactions of PRP (11.1 ± 12.4, %) was greater than that of ranibizumab (10.6 ± 13.0, %). However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up using standard methods are still needed to verify the correlation.
Traditional Herbal Medicine Discovery for the Treatment and Prevention of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Xue Zhifeng , Li Yixuan , Zhou Mengen , Liu Zhidong , Fan Guanwei , Wang Xiaoying , Zhu Yan , Yang Jian
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling that may subsequently culminate in right heart failure and premature death. Although there are currently both non-pharmacological (lung transplantation, etc.) and pharmacological (Sildenafil, Bosentan, and new oral drugs on trial) therapies available, PAH remains a serious and fatal pulmonary disease. As a unique medical treatment, traditional herbal medicine (THM) treatment has gradually exerted its advantages in treating PAH worldwide through a multi-level and multi-target approach. Additionally, the potential mechanisms of THM were deciphered, including suppression of proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, controlling the processes of inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating vasoconstriction and ion channels. In this review, the effects and mechanisms of the frequently studied compound THM, single herbal preparations, and multiple active components from THM are comprehensively summarized, as well as their related mechanisms on several classical preclinical PAH models. It is worth mentioning that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate sodium and tetramethylpyrazine are under clinical trials and are considered the most promoting medicines for PAH treatment. Last, reverse pharmacology, a strategy to discover THM or THM-derived components, has also been proposed here for PAH. This review discusses the current state of THM, their working mechanisms against PAH, and prospects of reverse pharmacology, which are expected to facilitate the natural anti-PAH medicine discovery and development and its bench-to-bedside transformation.
Berberine-Loaded Biomimetic Nanoparticles Attenuate Inflammation of Experimental Allergic Asthma via Enhancing IL-12 Expression
Authors: Jin Hua , Li Jiale , Zhang Miaoyuan , Luo Renxing , Lu Peishan , Zhang Wenting , Zhang Junai , Pi Jiang , Zheng Weixin , Mai Zesen , Ding Xiaowen , Liu Xinguang , Ouyang Suidong , Huang Gonghua
Published: November 2021

Asthma is one of the most common chronic pulmonary disorders, affecting more than 330 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, there are still no specific treatments for asthma so far. Therefore, it is very important to develop effective therapeutics and medicines to deal with this intractable disease. Berberine (Ber) has fabulous anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, while its low water solubility and bioavailability greatly limit its curative efficiency. To improve the nasal mucosa absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as Ber, we developed a platelet membrane- (PM-) coated nanoparticle (NP) system (PM@Ber-NPs) for targeted delivery of berberine to the inflammatory lungs. In vivo, PM@Ber-NPs exhibited enhanced targeting retention in the inflammatory lungs compared with free Ber. In a mouse model of house dust mite- (HDM-) induced asthma, PM@Ber-NPs markedly inhibited lung inflammation, as evident by reduced inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines in the lung compared with free Ber. Collectively, our study demonstrated the inhibitory actions of nasally delivered nanomedicines on HDM-induced asthma, primarily through regulating Th1/Th2 balance by enhancing IL-12 expression which could potentially reduce lung inflammation and allergic asthma.
External Communication of Autonomous Crews Under Simulation of Interplanetary Missions
Authors: Supolkina Natalia , Yusupova Anna , Shved Dmitry , Gushin Vadim , Savinkina Alexandra , Lebedeva Svetlana A. , Chekalina Angelina , Kuznetsova Polina
Published: November 2021

Two experiments, with 17-day and 120-day isolation, were carried out within the frame of the Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station (SIRIUS) international project at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow, Russia). Manifestations of the “detachment” phenomenon in the crew – mission control center (MCC) communication previously identified in the Mars-500 project were confirmed in this study. As in the Mars-500 experiment, in the SIRIUS-19, the landing simulation in the halfway of isolation caused a temporary increase of crew communication with MCC. We also revealed several differences in the communication styles of male and female crew members. By the end of the experiment, there was a convergence of communication styles of all the SIRIUS crew members and also an increase in crew cohesion.
Sugar Beet Damage Detection during Harvesting Using Different Convolutional Neural Network Models
Authors: Nasirahmadi Abozar , Wilczek Ulrike , Hensel Oliver
Published: November 2021

Mechanical damages of sugar beet during harvesting affects the quality of the final products and sugar yield. The mechanical damage of sugar beet is assessed randomly by operators of harvesters and can depend on the subjective opinion and experience of the operator due to the complexity of the harvester machines. Thus, the main aim of this study was to determine whether a digital two-dimensional imaging system coupled with convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques could be utilized to detect visible mechanical damage in sugar beet during harvesting in a harvester machine. In this research, various detector models based on the CNN, including You Only Look Once (YOLO) v4, region-based fully convolutional network (R-FCN) and faster regions with convolutional neural network features (Faster R-CNN) were developed. Sugar beet image data during harvesting from a harvester in different farming conditions were used for training and validation of the proposed models. The experimental results showed that the YOLO v4 CSPDarknet53 method was able to detect damage in sugar beet with better performance (recall, precision and F1-score of about 92, 94 and 93%, respectively) and higher speed (around 29 frames per second) compared to the other developed CNNs. By means of a CNN-based vision system, it was possible to automatically detect sugar beet damage within the sugar beet harvester machine.
Water-Covered Depth with the Freeze–Thaw Cycle Influences Fungal Communities on Rice Straw Decomposition
Authors: Lin Xiaolong , Yao Zongmu , Wang Xinguang , Xu Shangqi , Tian Chunjie , Tian Lei
Published: November 2021

Rice is a staple food for the world’s population. However, the straw produced by rice cultivation is not used sufficiently. Returning rice straw to the field is an effective way to help reduce labor and protect the soil. This study focused on the effect of water-covered depth with the freeze–thaw cycle on rice straw decomposition and the soil fungal community structure in a field in Northeast China. The field and controlled experiments were designed, and the fungal ITS1 region was tested by high-throughput sequencing for analyzing the fungal communities in this study. The results showed that water coverage with the freeze–thaw cycle promoted the decomposition of rice straw and influenced the fungal community structure; by analyzing the network of the fungal communities, it was found that the potential keystone taxa were Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, and Aspergillus in straw decomposition; and the strains with high beta-glucosidase, carboxymethyl cellulase, laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase could also be isolated in the treated experiment. Furthermore, plant pathogenic fungi were found to decrease in the water-covered treatment. We hope that our results can help in rice production and straw return in practice.
Effects of Deficit Irrigation Scheduling on Water Use, Gas Exchange, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Date Palm
Authors: Mohammed Maged , Sallam Abdelkader , Munir Muhammad , Ali-Dinar Hassan
Published: November 2021

Water scarcity is very common in the arid region due to the low yearly rainfall. The cost of water for agricultural usage is extremely high in dry locations. Date palm is a high water-demanding tree throughout the year in arid regions. Therefore, the application of deficit irrigation strategies for date palm cultivation may significantly contribute to conserving irrigation water. The present study aimed to assess the effects of controlled deficit irrigation using two modern micro-irrigation systems on water use efficiency (WUE), gas exchange, fruit yield, and quality of date palm (Khalas cv.). The irrigation systems included drip irrigation (DI) and subsurface irrigation (SI) systems. The study was conducted during the 2020 and 2021 seasons at the Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. The meteorological variables of the study area were real-time monitored using cloud-based IoT (Internet of Things) to calculate the evapotranspiration reference (ETo) and control the irrigation scheduling. Three irrigation treatments (50, 75, and 100% ETc) were applied using DI and SI systems compared with the traditional surface bubbler irrigation (Control). The actual applied water at the deficit irrigation treatments of 50, 75, and 100% ETc were 27.28 ± 0.06, 44.14 ± 1.07, and 55.55 ± 0.37 m3 palm−1, respectively. At all deficit irrigation treatments, the leaf chlorophyll and gas exchange were significantly higher in the SI compared to the DI system. The yield of date palms did not differ significantly between the control and SI systems at both the level of 100 and 75% ETc. The WUE under the SI (1.09 kg m−3) was significantly higher than the DI system (0.52 kg m−3) at the 50% level. There was no significant difference regarding the fruit quality parameters between SI at 50% ETc and control at 100% ETc. Therefore, adopting deficit irrigation strategies using the SI system at 50% ETc level throughout the year could be suggested for date palm irrigation to save water, improve WUE, and maintain fruit quality.
Investigation of Citrus HLB Symptom Variations Associated with “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” Strains Harboring Different Phages in Southern China
Authors: Bao Minli , Zheng Zheng , Chen Jianchi , Deng Xiaoling
Published: November 2021

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease affecting citrus production worldwide. In China, the disease is associated with an unculturable alpha-proteobacterium, “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas). Phages/prophages of CLas have recently been identified through intensive genomic research. The phage information has facilitated research on CLas biology such as population diversity and virulence gene identification. However, little is known about the roles of CLas phages in HLB symptom development. Such research is challenging due to the unculturable nature of CLas and the lack of laboratory strains that carry a single phage. In this study, CLas strains singly carrying Type 1 phage (Type 1 CLas) and Type 2 phage (Type 2 CLas) were identified and maintained in an experimental screenhouse in southern China. The strains were characterized through next-generation sequencing (NGS). Then, each CLas strain was inoculated into seedlings of three different citrus cultivars/species through graft transmission in a screenhouse in Guangdong, China. Symptom developments were recorded. All CLas-infected cultivars showed HLB symptoms in seven months. In cultivar Nianju (Citrus reticulata), Type 1 CLas caused pronounced yellowing symptoms and severe defoliation, whereas Type 2 CLas caused typical Zn-deficiency-like symptoms. In contrast, symptoms from the two CLas strains’ infections on cultivars Shatianyu (C. maxima), and Eureka lemon (Citrus limon) were more difficult to differentiate. Results from this study provide baseline information for future research to investigate the roles of CLas phages in HLB symptom development.
Recumbency as an Equine Welfare Indicator in Geriatric Horses and Horses with Chronic Orthopaedic Disease
Authors: Kelemen Zsofia , Grimm Herwig , Long Mariessa , Auer Ulrike , Jenner Florien
Published: November 2021

Recumbency is a prerequisite for horses achieving rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and completing a full sleep cycle. An inability to lie down due to environmental insecurities or pain results in REM sleep deficiency, which can cause substantial impairment of welfare and health. Therefore, the present study used wearable automated sensor technology on 83 horses housed in an animal sanctuary to measure and compare the recumbency, locomotion, and standing time budgets of geriatric horses with and without chronic lameness to younger adult sound and lame horses. Recumbency times ranged from 0 to 319 min per day with an overall mean of 67.4 (±61.9) minutes; the time budget for locomotion was 19.1% (±11.2% s.d.) and for standing 75.6% (±13.1 s.d.). Interestingly, neither age nor lameness due to chronic orthopedic disease had a significant influence on recumbency times in this study. Eight horses showed symptoms of REM deficit. These horses had significantly shorter lying times (7.99 ± 11.4 min) and smaller locomotion time budgets than the other horses enrolled in this study (73.8 ± 61.8 min), indicating a general compromise of well-being. Thus, wearable sensor technology can be used to identify horses with low recumbency times at risk for REM sleep deficiency and to assess and monitor equine welfare objectively.
The Use of the Dynamics of Changes in Table Eggs during Storage to Predict the Age of Eggs Based on Selected Quality Traits
Authors: Drabik Kamil , Próchniak Tomasz , Kasperek Kornel , Batkowska Justyna
Published: November 2021

The aim of the study was to determine daily changes in some egg quality parameters, indirectly reflecting egg freshness, and to assess the possibility of predicting time from laying using mathematical methods. The study material consisted of 365 table eggs of medium (M, ≥53 g and <63 g) and large (L, ≥63 g and <73 g) weight classes (commercial stock, cage system, brown-shelled eggs) collected on the same day. Eggs were numbered individually and placed on transport trays and stored (14 °C, 70% RH). Every day, for 35 days, egg quality characteristics were analyzed (10 eggs per group). The change of traits in time was analyzed on the basis of linear and polynomial regression equations, depending on the trait. Based on model fitting, eight traits were selected as those most affected by storage time: egg weight and specific weight, Haugh units, albumen weight, air cell depth, yolk index, albumen and yolk pH. These traits, excluding those related to the weight, were then used in a multiple linear regression model to predict egg age. All regression models presented in this study were characterized by high predictive efficiency, which was confirmed by comparison of the observed and estimated values.
High Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Poultry Products in Spain
Authors: García-Béjar Beatriz , García de Blas Martín Izan , Arévalo-Villena María , Briones Pérez Ana
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of Escherichia coli was analysed in poultry products from different Spanish retailers and determined its antibiotic resistance capability by phenotypic (ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, imipenem, cefotaxime, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and colistin) and genotypic assays. A total of 30 samples (hindquarters or livers) were collected from supermarkets and butchers. Enterobacteriaceae counts ranged between 3.2 and 6.5 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g, and the highest values were found in livers and in samples from supermarkets. E. coli was detected in 83% of the samples tested, and the highest prevalence was observed in livers (100%) and supermarkets (91%). Regarding the antibiotic sensitivity test, 100% of the E. coli showed resistance to at least one antibiotic. The highest resistance rates were detected for colistin (87%) and gentamicin (79%), while only two antibiotics (chloramphenicol and cefotaxime) showed a resistance lower than 10%. Furthermore, the resistance genes of tetracycline and beta-lactams were analysed by multiplex PCR, revealing that tet(A) and blaTEM were the majority genes, respectively.
Translation of Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers of Antibiotic Efficacy in Specific Populations to Optimize Doses
Authors: Pai Manjunath P. , Crass Ryan L.
Published: November 2021

Antibiotic efficacy determination in clinical trials often relies on non-inferiority designs because they afford smaller study sample sizes. These efficacy studies tend to exclude patients within specific populations or include too few patients to discern potential differences in their clinical outcomes. As a result, dosing guidance in patients with abnormal liver and kidney function, age across the lifespan, and other specific populations relies on drug exposure-matching. The underlying assumption for exposure-matching is that the disease course and the response to the antibiotic are similar in patients with and without the specific condition. While this may not be the case, clinical efficacy studies are underpowered to ensure this is true. The current paper provides an integrative review of the current approach to dose selection in specific populations. We review existing clinical trial endpoints that could be measured on a more continuous rather than a discrete scale to better inform exposure–response relationships. The inclusion of newer systemic biomarkers of efficacy can help overcome the current limitations. We use a modeling and simulation exercise to illustrate how an efficacy biomarker can inform dose selection better. Studies that inform response-matching rather than exposure-matching only are needed to improve dose selection in specific populations.
Determination of In Vitro Antimicrobial Susceptibility for Lefamulin (Pleuromutilin) for Ureaplasma Spp. and Mycoplasma hominis
Authors: Spiller-Boulter Oliver , Paukner Susanne , Boostrom Ian , Sands Kirsty , Portal Edward A. R. , Spiller Owen B.
Published: November 2021

Lefamulin is the first of the pleuromutilin class of antimicrobials to be available for therapeutic use in humans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of lefamulin were determined by microbroth dilution for 90 characterised clinical isolates (25 Ureaplasma parvum, 25 Ureaplasma urealyticum, and 40 Mycoplasma hominis). All Mycoplasma hominis isolates possessed lefamulin MICs of ≤0.25 mg/L after 48 h (MIC50/90 of 0.06/0.12 mg/L), despite an inherent resistance to macrolides; while Ureaplasma isolates had MICs of ≤2 mg/L after 24 h (MIC50/90 of 0.25/1 mg/L), despite inherent resistance to clindamycin. Two U. urealyticum isolates with additional A2058G mutations of 23S rRNA, and one U. parvum isolate with a R66Q67 deletion (all of which had a combined resistance to macrolides and clindamycin) only showed a 2-fold increase in lefamulin MIC (1–2 mg/L) relative to macrolide-susceptible strains. Lefamulin could be an effective alternative antimicrobial for treating Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis infections irrespective of intrinsic or acquired resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and ketolides. Based on this potent in vitro activity and the known good, rapid, and homogenous tissue penetration of female and male urogenital tissues and glands, further exploration of clinical efficacy of lefamulin for the treatment of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma urogenital infections is warranted.
Ultrasound-Assisted “Green” Extraction (UAE) of Antioxidant Compounds (Betalains and Phenolics) from Opuntia stricta var. Dilenii’s Fruits: Optimization and Biological Activities
Authors: Gómez-López Iván , Lobo-Rodrigo Gloria , Portillo María P. , Cano M. Pilar
Published: November 2021

Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s prickly pears are an underutilized fruit with a high content of betalains and phenolic compounds that could bring potential health benefits for humans. The aim of this study is the optimization of the “green” extraction of betalains and phenolic compounds from Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s whole fruits by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using a response surface methodology (RSM) by a central composite design (CCD) in order to obtain extracts rich in betalains and phenolic compounds with proven biological activities. For UAE optimization, the extraction temperature (20–50 °C), the amplitude (20–50%) and the ethanol volume in extraction solvent (15–80%, v/v) were selected as independent variables. All combinations were conducted at 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min to determinate the time effect. The betalain and phenolic compound content in Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s whole fruits and UAE extracts were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS and HPLC-DAD-MS/QTOF and the antioxidant (ORAC method) and the anti-inflammatory (hyaluronidase inhibition method) in vitro biological activities also were determined. The most efficient extraction time was 5 min and the best UAE parameter combination was 50% amplitude, 15% ethanol in solvent (ethanol/water, 15/85, v/v) and 20 °C temperature, obtaining 10.06 ± 0.10 mg of total major betalains/g dry weight, 2.32 ± 0.08 mg of piscidic acid/g dry weight and 0.38 ± 0.00 mg of total major flavonoids/g dry weight. All applied UAE combinations significantly improved the in vitro bioactive activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of the Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii’s extracts compared to the bioactivities of the extracts obtained by standard homogenization processes.
Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Implications for the Atherothrombotic Process
Authors: Nocella Cristina , Bartimoccia Simona , Cammisotto Vittoria , D’Amico Alessandra , Pastori Daniele , Frati Giacomo , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Rosa Paolo , Felici Chiara , Riggio Oliviero , Calogero Antonella , Carnevale Roberto ,   SMiLe Group
Published: November 2021

Atherothrombosis is a frequent complication of the clinical history of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Both atherothrombosis and APS are characterized by increased oxidative stress. Oxidative modifications are implicated in the formation of antiphospholipid antibodies, which in turn may favour the oxidative imbalance by increasing the production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) or by a direct interaction with pro-oxidant/antioxidant enzymes. As a result of these processes, APS patients suffer from an oxidative imbalance that may contribute to the progression of the atherosclerotic process and to the onset of ischemic thrombotic complications. The aim of this review is to describe mechanisms implicated in the formation of ROS in APS patients and their involvement in the atherothrombotic process. We also provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to blunt oxidative stress and to prevent atherothrombotic complications in these patients.
Experiment and Numerical Simulation on Grouting Reinforcement Parameters of Ultra-Shallow Buried Double-Arch Tunnel
Authors: Wang Jianxiu , Cao Ansheng , Wu Zhao , Wang Huanran , Liu Xiaotian , Li Huboqiang , Sun Yuanwei
Published: November 2021

For an ultra-shallow buried double-arch tunnel with a large cross-section, the arching effect is difficult to form in surrounding rock, and grouting method is often adopted to reinforce the surrounding rock. Hence, examining the grouting reinforcement parameters is of great significance for potential failure and collapse prevention. The land part of Haicang undersea tunnel was selected as a case study; laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation were performed to determine the grouting solid strength and grouting reinforcement parameters. The effects of different water–cement ratios on slurry fluidity, setting time, bleeding rate, and sample strength were studied by laboratory experiments. A method was proposed to determine the shear strength parameters of grouted surrounding rock through the grout water–cement ratio and the unconfined compressive strength of the rock mass. Numerical simulations were performed for grouting reinforcement layer thickness and the water–cement ratios. The deformation and stability law of tunnel surrounding rock and its influence on surrounding underground pipelines were obtained considering the spatial effect of tunnel excavation and grouting reinforcement. The reasonable selection range of grouting reinforcement parameters was proposed. The initial setting time and bleeding rate of cement slurry increased with the increasing water–cement ratio, while the viscosity of cement slurry and sample strength decreased with the increasing water–cement ratio. The shear strength parameters of grouted surrounding rock were determined by the water–cement ratio of grout and unconfined compressive strength of rock mass before grouting. When the thickness of grouting reinforcement layer h = 1.5 m and the water–cement ratio of grout was suggested η = 0.85, the surface settlement, the deformation of the vault, and the deformation of the nearby pipeline all met the design. Moreover, the construction requirements were more economical. Research results can provide a reference for the selection of grouting reinforcement parameters for similar projects.
Feasibility Study on Downhole Gas–Liquid Separator Design and Experiment Based on the Phase Isolation Method
Authors: Yang Yuntong , Jiang Zhaoyu , Han Lianfu , Liu Wancun , Liu Xingbin , Deng Gang
Published: November 2021

As oil exploitation enters its middle and late stages, formation pressure drops, and crude oil degases. In production profile logging, the presence of the gas phase will affect the initial oil–water two-phase flowmeter’s flow measurement results. In order to eliminate gas-phase interference and reduce measurement costs, we designed a downhole gas–liquid separator (DGLS) suitable for low flow, high water holdup, and high gas holdup. We based it on the phase isolation method. Using a combination of numerical simulation and fluid dynamic measurement experiments, we studied DGLS separation efficiency separately in the two cases of gas–water two-phase flow and oil–gas–water three-phase flow. Comparative analysis of the numerical simulation calculation and dynamic test results showed that: the VOF model constructed based on k−ε the equation is nearly identical to the dynamic test, and can be used to analyze DGLS separation efficiency; the numerical simulation results of the gas–water two-phase flow show that when the total flow rate is below 20 m3/d, the separation efficiency surpasses 90%. The oil–gas–water three-phase’s numerical simulation results show that the oil phase influences separation efficiency. When the total flow rate is 20 m3/d–50 m3/d and gas holdup is low, the DGLS’s separation efficiency can exceed 90%. Our experimental study on fluid dynamics measurement shows that the DGLS’s applicable range is when the gas mass is 0 m3/d~15 m3/d, and the water holdup range is 50%~100%. The research presented in this article can provide a theoretical basis for the development and design of DGLSs.
Rolling and Rolling-Sliding Contact Fatigue Failure Mechanisms in 32 CrMoV 13 Nitrided Steel—An Experimental Study
Authors: Coelho Luís , Batista António C. , Nobre João Paulo , Marques Maria José
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work is to characterize the rolling and rolling-sliding contact fatigue failure mechanisms on the 32CrMoV13 nitrided steel. During rolling contact fatigue tests (RCF), two general features were observed: specimens presenting short lives and rough and sharpened spalling damage and specimens presenting long lives and only microspalling marks. It was possible to determine a contact fatigue limit of 3 GPa. During rolling-sliding contact fatigue tests (RSCF), a clearly different behaviour between the two specimens in contact has been observed: the driver shows circumferential and inclined cracks and only inclined cracks appear in the follower. This behaviour can be understood if the effect of the residual stress state in near-surface layers is considered. Before RCF tests, the residual stresses are compressive in all near-surface layers. After RCF tests, strong residual stress relaxation and even reversing behaviour was observed in the axial direction, which facilitates the surface crack initiation in the circumferential direction at rolling track borders.
At the End of a Slippery Slope: A Pilot Study of Deceleration Mats for Snow Tubing
Authors: Scher Irving S. , Stepan Lenka , Shealy Jasper E. , Stoddard Christopher
Published: November 2021

On-slope pilot testing of snow tubes was conducted at two ski areas in the United States to examine the effects of deceleration mats. Snow tube and rider kinematics were measured using an instrumented bodysuit and a GPS system worn by the rider. For each test, the riders descended a tubing run with minimal input and stopped in the run-out area. Snow tube and rider speeds when entering the run-out area were controlled to be approximately 9.5 m/s. Test trials were conducted with and without deceleration mats. Four deceleration mat conditions were tested, including two raised surface protuberances (ribs and projections) and two mat geometry parameters (flat and folded). The deceleration and effective coefficient of friction (COF) were determined for each trial. Data were recorded for 75 test trials with a mean (± standard deviation) speed entering the run-out area of 9.5 (±1.8) m/s. There were no significant differences in the deceleration or effective coefficient of friction between the surface protuberance conditions. The peak deceleration and effective COF for the folded mats (5.1 ± 1.6 m/s2 and 0.26 ± 0.14) was greater than for the flat (3.3 ± 0.8 m/s2 and 0.10 ± 0.07) and no mat (0.06 ± 0.3 m/s2 and 0.08 ± 0.03) conditions (all p < 0.05). Deceleration mats in run-out areas slow snow tube riders faster than without deceleration mats. Folding the deceleration mats produced greater deceleration but did not produce significantly different kinematics for the riders.
A Component-Based Model for Novel Modular Connections with Inbuild Component
Authors: Ma Renwei , Xia Junwu , Chang Hongfei , Xu Bo
Published: November 2021

A modular steel structure building has obvious advantages in reducing construction period and protecting the environment due to its unique construction method, so it is widely used in modern construction. However, the modular building connection design and modeling are mostly based on the traditional connection research results. To address this issue, the paper developed a component-based model for novel modular connections with an inbuild component. First of all, the comprehensive parameter study was implemented using elaborate finite element models. Then the component-based model for novel modular connections was developed, and the force-deformation response of each component was determined using the finite element method. Thirdly, assembly of all components to overall rotational joint and the simplified finite element model of modular connections was obtained. Finally, comparison between simplified and refined finite element was conducted, the results showed that the proposed model can predict the mechanical behavior of modular building connections within the acceptable margin of error.
Identifying Engineering Undergraduates’ Learning Style Profiles Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Ramírez-Correa Patricio , Alfaro-Pérez Jorge , Gallardo Mauricio
Published: November 2021

In a hybrid university learning environment, the rapid identification of students’ learning styles seems to be essential to achieve complementarity between conventional face-to-face pedagogical strategies and the application of new strategies using virtual technologies. In this context, this research aims to generate a predictive model to detect undergraduates’ learning style profiles quickly. The methodological design consists of applying a k-means clustering algorithm to identify the students’ learning style profiles and a decision tree C4.5 algorithm to predict the student’s membership to the previously identified groups. A cluster sample design was used with Chilean engineering students. The research result is a predictive model that, with few questions, detects students’ profiles with an accuracy of 82.93%; this prediction enables a rapid adjustment of teaching methods in a hybrid learning environment.
Design and Control of a Battery Charger/Discharger Based on the Flyback Topology
Authors: Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres , Bastidas-Rodriguez Juan David , Saavedra-Montes Andres Julian
Published: November 2021

Devices connected to microgrids require safe conditions during their connection, disconnection and operation. The required safety is achieved through the design and control of the converters that interface elements with the microgrid. Therefore, the design of both power and control stages of a battery charger/discharger based on a flyback is proposed in this paper. First, the structure of a battery charger/discharger is proposed, including the battery, the flyback, the DC bus, and the control scheme. Then, three models to represent the battery charger/discharger are developed in this work; a switched model, an averaged model, and a steady-state model, which are used to obtain the static and dynamic behavior of the system, and also to obtain the design equations. Based on those models, a sliding-mode controller is designed, which includes the adaptive calculation of one parameter. Subsequently, a procedure to select the flyback HFT, the output capacitor, and the Kv parameter based on operation requirements of the battery charger/discharger is presented in detail. Five tests developed in PSIM demonstrate the global stability of the system, the correct design of the circuit and controller parameters, the satisfactory regulation of the bus voltage, and the correct operation of the system for charge, discharge and stand-by conditions. Furthermore, a contrast with a classical PI structure confirms the performance of the proposed sliding-mode controller.
Hamstring Torque, Velocity and Power Elastic Band Measurements during Hip Extension and Knee Flexion
Authors: Santos Dario , Massa Fernando , Dominguez Jorge , Morales Isabel , Del Castillo Juan , Mattiozzi Andrea , Simini Franco
Published: November 2021

The quantitative dynamic monitoring of the performance of hamstring muscles during rehabilitation and training cannot currently be undertaken using elastic resistance bands. Hip extension with a fully extended knee involves hamstring agonists, while knee flexion involves only the hamstring. The purpose of this study is to provide normative values of torque, velocity and power involving hamstring muscles opposing elastic bands. Twenty amateur athletes aged 25.7 ± 4.9, were studied during two motor tasks—hip extension and knee flexion, both isometric & dynamic—with an elastic resistance band and DINABANG portable instrument. We compared the peak isometric torque in hip extension with agonists (2.93 Nm/kg) and without them (1.21 Nm/kg): the difference is significant. The peak angular limb velocity—starting at 50% of the maximum torque—is smaller in hip extension with agonists (215.96°/s) than in a knee flexion without them (452.56°/s). The combination of peak torque and peak velocity estimates power and there is no difference (p = 0.051) with and without agonists: 452.56°Nm/s.kg without agonists and 542.13°Nm/s.kg with them. This study opens the possibility of monitoring torque–velocity–power profiles for hamstring exercise in open chain.
Robotic Coverage Path Planning for Ultrasonic Inspection
Authors: Felsner Kastor , Schlachter Klaus , Zambal Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Automatic robotic inspection of arbitrary free-form shapes is relevant for many quality control applications in different industries. We propose a method for planning the motion of an industrial robot to perform ultrasonic inspection of varying 3D shapes. Our method starts with the calculation of a set of sub-paths. These sub-paths are derived from streamlines. The underlying vector field is deduced from local curvature of the inspected geometry. Intermediate robot motions are planned to connect individual sub-paths to obtain a single complete inspection path. Coverage is calculated via ray tracing to simulate the propagation of ultrasound signals. This simulation enables the algorithm to proceed adaptively and to find a good trade-off between path length and coverage. We report experiments for four different geometries. The results indicate that shorter paths are achieved by using ray tracing for adaptive adjustment of streamline density. Our algorithm is tailored to ultrasonic inspection. However, the main concept of exploiting local surface curvature and streamlines for coverage path planning generalizes to other robotic inspection problems.
Influence of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) 20,000 Concentration on Atomization and Deposition Characteristics of Nozzle
Authors: Jiao Yuxuan , Xue Xinyu , Ding Suming , Zhou Qingqing , Tian Yong , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Shan
Published: November 2021

The addition of surfactants to pesticide spray applications is an important method to improve the spray atomization and the coverage of droplets on the target. The effects of different types of surfactants on spraying have been extensively studied, but there have been few studies on the commonly used surfactant polyethylene glycol so far. This article compares the effect of polyethylene glycol 20,000 on the atomization and deposition characteristics by measuring the droplet size and the deposition on the polyethylene collection line when spraying different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 20,000 solution. The results show that the volume medium diameter DV0.5 of spraying different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 20,000 solution is larger than that of clear water, and that as the concentration increases, the volume medium diameter DV0.5 gradually increases but ΦVol < 150 μm decreases. Spraying different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 20,000 solution at a horizontal distance of 2–7 m from the nozzle and at a distance of 0.1–0.2 m from the bottom of the floor, the depositions are all less than that of clear water, and as the concentration increases, the deposition becomes smaller. This article can provide theoretical support for the use and concentration ratio of polyethylene glycol 20,000 in field application.
Topology Optimization of Deformable Bodies with Linear Dynamic Impact and Frictionless Contact Condition
Authors: Jeong Gil-Eon
Published: November 2021

There has been an increasing demand for the design of an optimum topological layout in several engineering fields for a simple part, along with a system that considers the relative behaviors between adjacent parts. This paper presents a method of designing an optimum topological layout to achieve a linear dynamic impact and frictionless contact conditions in which relative behaviors can be observed between adjacent deformable parts. The solid isotropic method with penalization (SIMP) method is used with an appropriate filtering scheme to obtain an optimum topological layout. The condensed mortar method is used to handle the non-matching interface, which inevitably occurs in the impact and contact regions, since it can easily apply the existing well-known topology optimization approach even in the presence of a non-matching interface. The validity of the proposed method is verified through a numerical example. In the future, the proposed optimization approach will be applied to more general and highly nonlinear non-matching interface problems, such as friction contact and multi-physics problems.
Recent Developments in Plasmonic Sensors of Phenol and Its Derivatives
Authors: Ly Nguyễn Hoàng , Son Sang Jun , Kim Ho Hyun , Joo Sang-Woo
Published: November 2021

Many scientists are increasingly interested in on-site detection methods of phenol and its derivatives because these substances have been universally used as a significant raw material in the industrial manufacturing of various chemicals of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants, and so on. The contamination of phenolic compounds in the natural environment is a toxic response that induces harsh impacts on plants, animals, and human health. This mini-review updates recent developments and trends of novel plasmonic resonance nanomaterials, which are assisted by various optical sensors, including colorimetric, fluorescence, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. These advanced and powerful analytical tools exhibit potential application for ultrahigh sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid detection of phenol and its derivatives. In this report, we mainly emphasize the recent progress and novel trends in the optical sensors of phenolic compounds. The applications of Raman technologies based on pure noble metals, hybrid nanomaterials, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are presented, in which the remaining establishments and challenges are discussed and summarized to inspire the future improvement of scientific optical sensors into easy-to-operate effective platforms for the rapid and trace detection of phenol and its derivatives.