bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Surgical Procedure of Primary Constrained Total Knee Arthroplasty Which Enables Use of the Femoral Diaphyseal Straight Extension Stem
Authors: Kawahara Shinya , Mawatari Taro , Matsui Gen , Hamai Satoshi , Akasaki Yukio , Tsushima Hidetoshi , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: October 2021

Background: Primary constrained total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often presents challenges in fitting the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) position of the femoral component simultaneously when the straight stem is used as the recommended surgical procedure (stem-first procedure). The offset stem is sometimes used, although this is associated with surgical difficulties. Therefore, we developed a modified procedure (the component-first procedure) , which we present here. The distal femur is prepared to avoid anterior notching and to adjust to minimize overhang and underhang of the ML position, as in primary TKA. Finally, the stem hole is created based on the femoral component position. Currently, it is unclear whether an intramedullary-occupied straight stem can be used even during this procedure. Methods: We included 32 knees that had undergone primary TKA using constrained implants. The femoral component and extension stem were simulated using the three-dimensional planning software (ZedKnee) following the component-first procedure. We investigated the suitability of the straight stem through computer simulation and evaluation of actual surgeries. Clinical and radiographical outcomes were also evaluated at the latest follow-up.Results: The component-first procedure enabled the AP and ML position of the femoral component to be fitted simultaneously with the straight stem in simulations and actual surgeries in all cases. The stem diameter was not significantly different between simulations and actual surgeries (13.9 and 13.7 mm on average, respectively, p=0.479) and almost similar from intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (kappa value 0.790). Clinical and radiographical outcomes were almost similar to primary TKA cases and there was no case of component loosening, cortical bone hypertrophy around the stem and stem-tip pain.Conclusions: Our improved surgical procedure may facilitate use of the constrained implant for more cases of primary TKA, particularly in the context of severe varus OA, without the usual surgical difficulties.
Adaptive Antitumor Immune Response Stimulated by Bio-nanoparticle Based Vaccine and Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Bai Xuewei , Zhou Yanmei , Yokota Yuki , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Zhai Bo , Maarouf Nader , Hayashi Hikaru , Carlson Rolf , Zhang Songhua , Sousa Aryanna , Sun Bei , Ghanbari Hossein , Dong Xiaoqun , Wands Jack R
Published: October 2021

Background: Interactions between tumor and microenvironment determines the response to immunotherapy. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have exhibited suboptimal responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Aspartate beta-hydroxylase (ASPH), an oncofetal protein and tumor associated antigen (TAA), is a potential target for immunotherapy. Methods: Orthotopic TNBC and subcutaneous HCC murine models were established. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed. Results: The ASPH-MYC signaling cascade upregulates PD-L1 expression on breast and liver tumor cells. A bio-nanoparticle based vaccine targeting ASPH was administrated to BALB/c mice harboring syngeneic HCC or TNBC tumors, either alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade. In the control group, autocrine CXCL13-CXCR5 axis promoted cancer development and progression. Inhibition between PD-L1+ cancer cells and PD-1+ T cells resulted in T cell exhaustion and apoptosis. In contrast, combination therapy significantly suppressed primary hepatic or mammary tumor growth with distant pulmonary metastases in TNBC. An adaptive immune response was attributed to expansion of activated CD4+ Th1/CD8+ CTLs with enhanced effector function and high titers of ASPH-specific antibody. When the PD-1/PD-L1 signal was inhibited, CXCL13 produced by ASPH+ cancer cells recruited CXCR5+/CD8+ T lymphocytes to tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), which secreted CXCL13 to recruit more CXCR5+ immune cells and to lyse CXCR5+ cancer cells. Upon combination treatment, the presence of TLSs predicts sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade. Conclusions: Synergistic antitumor efficacy attributable to a λ phage vaccine specifically targeting ASPH combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor represents a new approach for TNBC and HCC.
Posterior Scleral Reinforcement for The Treatment of Myopic Foveoschisis
Authors: He Qing , Wang Xiu , Xie Caiyuan , Xue Anquan , Wei Ruihua
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of posterior scleral reinforcement for the treatment of myopic foveoschisis.Methods: This was a prospective study of 32 eyes from 20 patients with myopic foveoschisis treated with posterior scleral reinforcement using genipin-cross-linked donor sclerae . The length of the scleral strip used for the surgery was designed to be 1.5-times the axial length of the eye, whereas its width was 0.4-times the axial length of the eye. The optical coherence tomography images, spherical equivalent of refractive error, axial length, best corrected visual acuity, electroretinogram findings, and intraocular pressure of the patients were assessed postoperatively. Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 17.80 ± 8.74 months. The differences between the spherical equivalent of refractive error, best corrected visual acuity, axial length, and electroretinogram findings recorded preoperatively and those measured postoperatively were statistically significant (p＜0.05). The final reduction in axial length was 1.64 ± 0.85 mm. At the end of the follow-up, optical coherence tomography showed essential foveal reattachment in 30 eyes (93.75%), partial reattachment in two eyes (6.25%), and closure of macular holes in seven eyes (77.78%). No retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, or other serious complications occurred following the surgery. Conclusions: Posterior scleral reinforcement with genipin-cross-linked sclera showed safe and effective outcomes for the treatment of myopic foveoschisis during a follow-up period of at least one yearTrial registration:ChiCTR1800020012
Intramural Esophageal Hematoma Following Endoscopic Biopsy
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Ning , Cheng Xian-yong , Niu Qiong , Shi Ning , Jia Xing-fang , Liu Cheng-xia
Published: October 2021

Background: Intramural esophageal hematoma (IEH) is a rare form of esophageal injury, which may occur spontaneously, or be following esophageal dilatation, food impaction, improper swallowing of drug pills, thrombolysis therapy, or coagulopathy. However, it is uncommon that IEH could be induced by endoscopic biopsy.Case presentation: We report a 58-year-old male patient who developed chest pain and hematemesis after endoscopic biopsy. Fourteen days later, esophageal ulcer and hematoma disappeared by conservative management. After 3 months, gastroscopy showed old esophageal scar, and mucous healed completely.Conclusion: IEH is a rare complication of endoscopic biopsy, which is easily ignored. Moreover, It could be cured by conservative treatment.
Nanoemulsions of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Enhanced Brain Delivery in Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion-injured mice: Physicochemical and In Vivo Performances
Authors: Wang Qiong , Zhong Cailing , Zhang Jingqing , Zhao Hua , Huang Yuru , Zhao Dezhang , Yang Junqing
Published: October 2021

Stroke has always been a disease threatening human life and health worldwide. Here, we synthesized a new type of hyaluronic acid-modified multi-walled carbon nanotube. Then we prepared hydroxysafflor yellow A-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin phospholipid complex water-in-oil nanoemulsion with hyaluronic acid-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes and chitosan (HC@HMC) for oral treatment of ischemic stroke. First, we measured the intestinal absorption and pharmacokinetics of HC@HMC in rats. We found that the intestinal absorption and the pharmacokinetic behavior of HC@HMC is better than HYA. Then we detected intracerebral concentrations after oral administration of HC@HMC and found that more HYA crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Finally, we evaluated the efficacy of HC@HMC in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R)-treated mice. In MCAO/R mice, oral administration of HC@HMC demonstrated a significant protection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). And we also found HC@HMC may exert a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through COX2/PGD2/DPs pathway. These results suggest that oral administration of HC@HMC may be a new strategy for the treatment of stroke.
Rutin Ameliorates Malaria Pathogenesis by Modulating Inflammatory Mechanism: An In-Vitro and In-Vivo Study
Authors: Bhatt Divya , Kumar Saurabh , Kumar Parmanand , Bisht Surbhi , Maurya Anil Kumar , Pal Anirban , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar Umrao
Published: October 2021

Rutin (3,3’,4’ 5,7-pentahydroxyflavone-3-rhamnoglucoside) is a flavonoid glycoside, found in many edible plants such as buckwheat and berries. Rutin as a food supplement is recommended for the treatment of various diseases, which directed us to investigate its valuable effects in malaria induced pathogenesis. In the present study, Rutin was tested for its anti-plasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains (NF-54 and K1) of Plasmodium falciparum and studied for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential against LPS stimulated macrophage cells. In vitro observations were further validated using an in-vivo physiological rodent model of Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria pathogenesis. Rutin was also tested for its effect in combination with chloroquine.Rutin was found to have potent anti-plasmodial activity against both chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of P. falciparum (NF-54 and K1). It was able to reduce the oxidative stress induced by LPS in macrophage cells with decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β). Rutin was found to significantly suppress the parasitaemia, increase the mean survival time and restored the haemoglobin and glucose level in in vivo assays. This was corroborated by reduced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory mediators in rutin treated mice in P.berghei-induced malaria pathogenesis. Interestingly, the combination of rutin with chloroquine had shown synergy in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The findings of the present study thus highlighted the suitability of rutin for further study in the management of drug resistant malaria, alone or in combination with other compounds.
Pathological Characters and Molecular Pathogenesis of Diabetic Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy Cartilages Damage
Authors: Liu Pei-Long , Diao Jia-Yu , Wang Qiong , Liu Huan , Zhang Yan , Liang Jing-Qi , Zhang Feng , Liang Xiao-Jun , Zhao HongMou
Published: October 2021

Background: Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (DNOAP) is a rare and easily missed complication for diabetes that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. DNOAP is characterized by progressive destruction of bone and joint, but its pathogenesis remains elusive. We herein aimed to investigate the pathological features and pathogenesis of the cartilages damage in DNOAP patients. Methods: The articular cartilages of 8 patients with DNOAP and 8 normal controls were included. Masson staining and safranine O/fixed green staining (S-O) were used to observe the histopathological characteristics of cartilage, and the ultrastructural changes of chondrocytes were detected by electron microscopy. Chondrocyte were isolated from DNOAP group and control group. The expression of RANKL, OPG, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Aggrecan protein were evaluated by Western blot. ROS levels were measured using a DCFH-DA probe. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry. The chondrocytes were cultured with different glucose concentrations to observe the expression of RANKL and OPG.Results: Compared with the control group, the DNOAP group showed fewer chondrocytes, subchondral bone hyperplasia and structural disorder, and a large number of osteoclasts formed in the subchondral bone area. Moreover, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum swelling were observed in the DNOAP chondrocytes. The chromatin was partially broken and concentrated at the edge of nuclear membrane. The ROS fluorescence intensity of chondrocyte in DNOAP group was higher than that in normal control group (28.1 ± 2.3 VS 11.9 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). The expression of RANKL, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 protein in DNOAP group was higher than that in normal control group, while OPG and Aggrecan protein was lower than that in normal control group (both P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the apoptotic rate of chondrocyte in DNOAP group was higher than that in normal control group (P < 0.05). The RANKL/OPG ratio showed significant upward trend when the concentration of glucose was over than 15mM.Conclusions: DNOAP patients tend to have severe destruction of articular cartilage and collapse of organelle structure including mitochondrion and endoplasm reticulum. Indicators of bone metabolism (RANKL, OPG) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) play an important role in promoting the pathogenesis of DNOAP. The glucose concentration higher than 15mM made the RANKL / OPG ratio changed rapidly.
Reshaping the binding channel of a novel GH113 family β-Mannanase from Paenibacillus cineris (PcMan113) for enhanced activity
Authors: Sun Dengyue , Li Chao , Cui Pengpeng , Zhang Jie , Zhou Yaolin , Wu Mian , Li Xia , Wang Teng-Fei , Zeng Zhixiong , Qin Hui-Min
Published: October 2021

Endo-β-mannanases are an important enzyme for degrading lignocellulosic biomass to generate mannan, which has significant health effects as a prebiotic that promotes the development of gut microbiota. Here, a novel endo-β-mannanase belonging to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 113 from Paenibacillus cineris (PcMan113) was cloned, expressed and characterized, as one of only a few reported GH113 family β-mannanases. Compared to other functionally and structurally characterized GH113 mannanases, recombinant PcMan113 showed a broader substrate spectrum and a better performance. Based on a structural homology model, the highly active mutant PcMT3 (F110E/N246Y) was obtained, with 4.60- and 5.53-fold increases of enzyme activity (towards KG) and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km, against M5) compared with the WT enzyme, respectively. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to precisely explore the differences of catalytic activity between WT and PcMT3, which revealed that PcMT3 has a less flexible conformation, as well as an enlarged substrate binding channel with decreased steric hindrance and increased binding energy in substrate recognition. In conclusion, we obtained a highly active variant of PcMan113 with potential for commercial application in the manufacture of mannooligosaccharides.
Comparison of the Agatston score acquired with photon-counting detector CT and energy-integrating detector CT: Ex vivo study of cadaveric hearts
Authors: Skoog Susann , Henriksson Lilian , Gustafsson Håkan , Sandstedt Mårten , Elvelind Sebastian , Persson Anders
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the correlation and agreement between AS derived from either an energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) or a photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). Reproducibility was also compared. Method In total, 26 calcified coronary lesions (from five cadaveric hearts) were identified for inclusion. The hearts were positioned in a chest phantom and scanned in both an EID-CT and a prototype PCD-CT. The EID-CT and PCD-CT acquisition and reconstruction parameters were matched. To evaluate the reproducibility, the phantom was manually repositioned, and an additional scan was performed using both methods. The EID-CT reconstructions were performed using the dedicated calcium score kernel Sa36. The PCD-CT reconstructions were performed with a vendor-recommended kernel (Qr36). Several monoenergetic energy levels (50-150 keV) were evaluated to find the closest match with the EID-CT scans. A semi-automatic evaluation of calcium score was performed on a post-processing multimodality workplace. Results The best match with Sa36 was PCD-CT Qr36 images, at a monoenergetic level of 72 keV. Statistical analyses showed excellent correlation and agreement. The correlation and agreement with regards to the Agatston score (AS) between the two methods, for each position as well as between the two positions for each method, were assessed with the Spearman´s rank correlation. The correlation coefficient, rho, was 0.98 and 0.97 respectively 0.99 and 0.98. The corresponding agreements were investigated by means of Bland-Altman plots. Conclusion High correlation and agreement was observed between the AS derived from the EID-CT and a PCD-CT. Both methods also demonstrated excellent reproducibility.
Safety and Efficacy of Neuronavigation via Middle Frontal Gyrus Endoport-assisted Endoscopic Resection for Thalamic Lesions
Authors: Liu Shuang , Xie Tao , Yang Yeh Yu , Li Chen , Liu Tengfei , Sun Chongjing , Wu Silin , Yang Liangliang , Li Zeyang , Hu Fan , Zhang Xiaobiao
Published: October 2021

BackgroundSurgery for thalamic lesions is generally challenging because they are deep-seated and surrounded by vital neurovascular structures. Whether neuronavigation via middle frontal gyrus endoport-assisted endoscopic resection for thalamic lesions is safe and effective remains to be further evaluated.Materials and MethodsTwelve patients treated surgically were retrospectively reviewed using the neuronavigation endoport-assisted endoscopy between January 2016 and April 2021 at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. Preoperative and tumor-related variables, as well as postoperative outcomes, were also collected.ResultsAll lesions located in the medial part of the thalamus, and some of them expanded forward, downward, or backward. The median size of lesions was 29 mm (range 16-56 mm). The final pathology results showed 4 cases of benign lesions, 4 cases of low-grade glioma, and 4 cases of glioblastoma. All of the cases with benign lesions and low-grade glioma (100%) achieved GTR, while 3/4 (75%) of cases with glioblastoma achieved NTR, and 1 (25%) case obtained STR. None of the patients in this study have postoperative seizures. In the benign lesions and low-grade glioma group, worse Karnofsky performance status scores at discharge were 25%, and all achieved long-term postoperative survival. For patients with glioblastoma, 3/4 cases had worse Karnofsky performance status scores at discharge, and died within 6 months. ConclusionCombining the advantages of neuronavigation, endoscopy, and endoport techniques via the middle frontal gyrus approach can safely and effectively remove benign lesions and low-grade glioma in the medial part of the thalamus.
SERPINs in Macrophage May Be Key Inflammation Regulator and Relevant to Poor Prognosis in Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Yibin Jia , Guanyi Wang , Yuqin Ye , Enming Kang , JunFeng Wu , Jiayou Wang , Xiaoyan Chen , XiaoSheng He
Published: October 2021

Craniopharyngioma is one of the most prevalent sellar tumors in children. Though normally, gross resection might be reached, while the prognosis and outcome of the patient is much more worse than any other benign tumor. Inflammation in tumor is of essential in tumor growth and progression. We found that inflammation was relevant to patient outcome and macrophages in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma were activated in an interesting pattern. We then evaluated immune microenvironment in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and intended to screen out potential functional molecules for therapeutic targets and predicting prognosis. The results showed that SERPINs family, especially SERPINE1 and SERPING1 were up-regulated in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and might be related to patient outcome in malignant tumor. At the same time, the immune environment of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma was similar with glioma rather than other benign brain tumors. The study firstly proposes the view that ACP might share the same characteristics with malignant brain tumor, and meanwhile preliminarily demonstrates SERPINs, especially SERPINE1 might also play a critical role in ACP, just like other aggressive cancer.
Geometry-Informed Optimal Parameter Selection for Phase Space Warping with Application to Early Fatigue Damage Detection in 3D-Printed Beams
Authors: Li Hewenxuan , Chelidze David
Published: October 2021

Phase space warping (PSW) methodology reconstructs a non-stationary hidden process from quasi-stationary observable dynamics, where these two coupled dynamical processes have disparate time scales. PSW has been applied to multivariate damage identification and tracking, biomechanics, and manifold characterization in nonlinear dynamical systems. However, its theory is not clearly connected to its practice. Furthermore, there is no associated sampling theory or guidelines for optimal parameter selection to estimate the hidden dynamics reliably. This paper focuses on a geometrical interpretation of PSW that coherently bridges its theory and practice by providing the needed theoretical insights and explaining practical constraints. The corresponding algorithm's parameter space is explored to provide reliable and accurate estimates of the PSW function guided by the obtained geometrical properties and insights. Numerical examples of a nonlinear hierarchical dynamical system with various hidden processes and observable dynamics are used to guide the parameter selection for the PSW algorithm. Parameter selection guidelines are obtained through global sensitivity analysis to the estimation accuracy of the simulation results. The established guidelines are used to extract fatigue damage evolution in 3D-printed beams from experimentally obtained vibration data. The obtained results show how the PSW-based fatigue tracking can be used for early fatigue damage detection.
Influence of Temperature and Noise on Subthreshold Signal Propagation in Feedforward Neural Network
Authors: Yi Ming , Dai Shiqi , Lu Lulu , Wei Zhouchao , Zhu Yuan
Published: October 2021

Temperature is an important environmental factor that all creatures depend on. Under the appropriate temperature, the neural system shows good biological performance. Based on an improved Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuron model considering temperature and noise, the ten-layers pure excitatory feedforward neural network and the ten-layers excitatory-inhibitory (EI) neural network are constructed to study the subthreshold signal propagation. It’s found that increasing temperature can restrain the signal propagation, and raise the noises intensity threshold where the failed signal propagation can transform into succeed signal propagation. Under the large noise, the signal propagation in network in different temperatures exhibits different anti-noise capabilities. There exists the saturation value of interlayer connection probability, that is, the signal propagation maintains constant when interlayer connection probability beyond a certain value. Moreover, in EI network with large noise, the network’s intrinsic oscillation activity will completely cover subthreshold signal, and block the signal propagation. The jumping phenomenon in the value of fidelity, which measures the similarity between input signal and output signal, appears in both pure excitatory network and EI network. This paper provides potential value for understanding the regulation of both temperature and noise in information propagation in neural network.
Breast cancer treatment patterns by age and time since last pregnancy in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study-Phase III
Authors: Vohra Sanah N. , Reeder-Hayes Katherine E. , Nichols Hazel B. , Emerson Marc , Love Michael I. , Olshan Andrew F. , Troester Melissa A.
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo describe breast cancer treatment patterns among premenopausal women by age and time since last pregnancy. MethodsData were analyzed from 1,179 women diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study. Of these, 160 had a recent pregnancy (within 5 years of cancer diagnosis). Relative frequency differences (RFDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare cancer stage, treatment modality received, treatment initiation delay (>30 days), and prolonged treatment duration (>2 to >8 months depending on the treatment received) by age and recency of pregnancy. ResultsRecently postpartum women were significantly more likely to have stage III disease [RFD (95% CI): 12.2% (3.6%, 20.8%)] and to receive more aggressive treatment compared to nulliparous women. After adjustment for age, race and standard clinical tumor characteristics, recently postpartum women were significantly less likely to have delayed treatment initiation [RFD (95% CI): -11.2% (-21.4%, -1.0%)] and prolonged treatment duration [RFD (95% CI): -17.5% (-28.0%, -7.1%)], and were more likely to have mastectomy [RFD (95% CI): 14.9% (4.8%, 25.0%)] compared to nulliparous. Similarly, younger women (<40 years of age) were significantly less likely to experience prolonged treatment duration [RFD (95% CI): -5.6% (11.1%, -0.0%)] and more likely to undergo mastectomy [RFD (95% CI): 10.6% (5.2%, 16.0%)] compared to older women (≥40 years of age). ConclusionThese results suggest that recently postpartum and younger women often received prompt and aggressive breast cancer treatment. Higher mortality and recurrence among recently pregnant women are unlikely to be related to under-treatment.
Pricing Strategies of Dual-channel Green Supply Chain Considering Big Data Information Inputs
Authors: Liu Pan , Zhang Feng-jie
Published: October 2021

In the Big Data environment, when green manufacturers invest in the green production technology, to satisfy consumer demand timely and accurately, they may begin to gain consumer performance information (hereafter, CBDI) to design and produce product. However, these will go up their extra costs. Meanwhile, for a green manufacturer who sells the green product through the online channel and the offline channel, the expression of its market demand needs to rethink in the new environment. In these conditions, for a dual-channel green supply chain (hereafter, DGSC), chain members pay more attention on the pricing problems considering the inputs of CBDI and greening R&D. Hence, to resolve this question, a DGSC a green manufacturer selling by the online channel and with one retailer selling by the offline channel was chosen. Afterwards, the demand function of the DGSC was revised, and we analyzed the profits models and its pricing rules in the proposed four common cost-sharing models. Results indicate that whether the retailer bears the CBDI costs or the greening R&D costs, the retailer will not change its retail price. If the retailer can bear some CBDI costs, the alteration tendencies of the best wholesale price are related to the cost-sharing parameter.
Characterization of dissimilar aluminum-copper material joining by controlled dual laser beam
Authors: Cha Joon Ho , Choi Hae Woon
Published: October 2021

Laser technology has many advantages in welding for the manufacture of EV battery packs. Aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) are welded using a dual laser beam, suggesting the optimum power distribution for the core and ring beams. Due to the very high reflectance of Cu and Al exposed to near-infrared lasers, the material absorbs a very small amount of energy. Compared to single beam laser welding, dual beam welding has significantly improved surface quality by controlling surface solidification. The study focused on the quality of weld surface beads, weld properties and tensile strength by varying the output ratio of the core beam to the ring beam. Optimal conditions of Al6061 were a 700 W core beam, a 500 W ring beam and 200 mm/s of weld speed. For the C1020P, the optimum conditions were a center beam of 2500 W, a ring beam of 3000 W and a welding speed of 200 mm/s. In laser lap welding of Al-Al and Al-Cu, the bead width and the interfacial bead width of the joint increased as the output increased. The penetration depth did not change significantly, but small pores were formed at the interface of the junction. Tensile tests were performed to demonstrate the reliability of the weld zone, and computer simulations provided analysis of the heat distribution for optimal heat input conditions.
Crash Energy Management of Vehicle Front-end Structures Considering Multiple Conditions: Modelling and Solution Method
Authors: Wang Danqi , Zhang Junyuan , Wang Shihang
Published: October 2021

For the vehicle frontal crash development, matching the stiffness of the front end structures reasonably, i.e., impact energy management, can effectively improve the safety of vehicle. A multi-condition analytical model for vehicle frontal crash is construct by three dimensional decomposition theory. In the analytical model, the spring is used to express the equivalent stiffness of the local energy absorption space at the front-end structure. Then based on the analytical model, the dynamic responses and evaluation indexes of the vehicle in MPDB and SOB conditions are derived with input of crash pulse decomposition scheme. Comparing the actual vehicle crash data and the finite element simulation results with the calculation results of the proposed solution method, the error is less than 15%, which verifies validity of the modeling and the accuracy of the solution. Finally, based on the solution method in the MPDB and the SOB conditions, the sensitivities of crash pulse decomposition scheme to evaluation indexes are analyzed to obtain qualitative rules which guide crash energy management. This research reveals the energy absorption principle of front-end structure during the frontal impact process, and provides an effective tool to manage the vehicle crash energy considering multi-condition.
Mechanisms of chromium(VI) removal from solution by zeolite and vermiculite modified with iron(II)
Authors: Rosa Maria Isabel Garcia , Boga Gabriella Andrade , Cruz Suellen Silva Vieira , Andrade Fabio Ramos Dias , Furquim Sheila Aparecida Correia , Shinzato Mirian Chieko
Published: October 2021

Mechanisms of Cr(VI) reduction by Fe(II) modified zeolite and vermiculite were evaluated. Adsorbents were treated with Fe(SO4).7H2O to saturate their exchange sites with Fe(II). Vermiculite (V-Fe) adsorbed more Fe(II) (21.8 mg g−1) than zeolite (Z-Fe) (15.1 mg g−1). Z-Fe and V-Fe were used to remove Cr(VI) from the solution by batch test to evaluate the effect of contact time and Cr(VI) initial concentration. Cr(VI) was 100% reduced to Cr(III) by Z-Fe and V-Fe from solution with 18 mg L−1 Cr(VI) in 1 minute. Considering that 3 moles Fe(II) are required to reduce 1 mole Cr(VI) (3Fe+2 + Cr+6 → 3Fe3+ + Cr+3), the iron content released from Z-Fe and V-Fe were sufficient to reduce 100% of Cr(VI) in solution by up to 46.8 mg L−1 Cr(VI), and about 90% (V-Fe) and 95% (Z-Fe) in solution with 95.3 mg L−1 Cr(VI). The assess of the Fe(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), and K+ contents of the adsorbents and solutions after batch tests indicated that K+ ions from K₂Cr₂O₇ solution were the main cation adsorbed by Z-Fe, while vermiculite did not absorb any of these cations. The H+ of the acidic solution (pH around 5) may have been adsorbed by V-Fe. Therefore, the release of Fe(II) from Z-Fe and V-Fe involved cation exchange between, respectively, K+ and H+ ions from solution. The reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe(II) caused the precipitation of Cr(III) and Fe(III), and the decrease of pH of the solution to < 5. As acidity limits the precipitation of Cr(III) ions, they remained in solution and were not adsorbed by both adsorbents (since they prefer to adsorb K+ and H+). To avoid oxidation, Cr(III) can be removed by precipitation or adsorption by untreated minerals.
Phenotypic diversity and selection in biofortified cassava germplasm for yield and quality root traits
Authors: Carvalho Ravena Rocha Bessa , Sousa Massaine Bandeira e , de Oliveira Luciana Alves , Oliveira Eder Jorge
Published: October 2021

Increasing carotenoid content and improving other root quality traits has been the focus of cassava biofortification. This study aimed to i) evaluate the genetic variability for total carotenoid content (TCC), as well as for root yield and root quality attributes; ii) estimate potentially useful correlations for selection; and iii) select parents for breeding and estimate the genetic gain. Data from 2011 to 2020 of 265 cassava genotypes with cream and yellow roots were analyzed for dry matter content (DMC), shoot yield, fresh root yield (FRY), dry root yield (DRY), harvest index, average number of roots per plant, starch content, root pulp color, cyanogenic compounds, and TCC. The best linear unbiased predictions showed great phenotypic variation for all traits. Six distinct groups were formed for productive characteristics of root quality, mainly TCC, DMC and FRY. Only TCC showed high broad-sense heritability (\({h}^{2}\)= 0.72), while the other traits had low to medium magnitude (0.21 ≤ \({h}^{2}\) ≤ 0.60). TCC was strongly correlated with pulp color (r = 0.70), but null significance for DMC. The network analysis identified a clear separation between the agronomic and quality attributes of cassava roots. The selection of the 30 genotypes for recombination in the breeding program has the potential to raise TCC by 37.1% and reduce the cyanogenic compounds content by 19.4%, in addition to increasing FRY and DRY by 37.7% and 40.2%, respectively. This is the first consolidated study on the potential of germplasm for the development biofortified cassava varieties in Brazil.
Numerical And Experimental Analysis of Temperature Distribution And Melt Flow In Fiber Laser Welding of Inconel 625
Authors: Tlili Iskander , Baleanu Dumitru , Sajadi S. Mohammad , Ghaemi Ferial
Published: October 2021

In these days, laser is a useful and valuable tool. Low input heat, speed, accuracy, and high controllability of laser welding have led to widespread use in various industries. Nickel-based superalloys are creep-resistant materials used in high-temperature conditions. Also, these alloys have high strength, fatigue, and suitable corrosion resistance. Inconel 625 is a material that is strengthened by a complex deposition mechanism. Therefore, the parameters related to laser welding affect the microstructure and mechanical properties. Therefore, in this study, the effect of fiber laser welding parameters on temperature distribution, weld bead dimensions, melt flow velocity, and microstructure was investigated by finite volume and experimental methods. In order to detect the temperature history during continuous laser welding, two thermocouples were considered at a distance of 2 mm from the welding line. The heat energy from the laser beam was modeled as surface and volumetric heat flux. The results of numerical simulation showed that Marangoni stress and buoyancy force are the most important factors in the formation of the flow of liquid metal. Enhancing the laser power to 400 W led to the expansion of the width of the molten pool by 1.44 mm, which was in good agreement with the experimental results. Experimental results also showed that increasing the temperature from 500 °C around the molten pond leads to the formation of a coarse-grained austenitic structure.
Ablative Procedures and Additional Anticancer Therapy Prolong the Survival in Patients With Endoluminal or Mixed-type Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: A Single-institution Retrospective Study
Authors: Kashiwabara Kosuke , Fujii Shinji , Tsumura Shinsuke , Sakamoto Kazuhiko
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIn patients with malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) receiving transbronchial interventions (TBIs), it remains unclear if the prognosis after the intervention might differ according to the bronchoscopic appearance of the airway obstruction. MethodsTBIs were undertaken in MCAO patients with endoluminal obstruction (TM group, n = 19), extraluminal obstruction (EX group, n = 19) and mixed-type obstruction (MX group, n = 23), under moderate sedation and high fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2). We evaluated the differences in the overall survival period (OS) after the TBIs among the 3 groups. ResultsRegarding the TBIs, the initial procedure was transbronchial microwave ablation (TMA) in the TM group and MX group and stent placement in the EX group. However, 7 patients in the MX group received stent placement as the second-line procedure, after failure of TMA. The OS tended to be longer in the TM/MX group as compared to that in the EX group, both in the subgroups of patients who received post-TBI anticancer therapy (27.2 months/32.9 months vs. 6.0 months, p = 0.011) and in the subgroups of patients who received best supportive care alone (3.2 months/3.1 months vs. 1.4 months, p = 0.072). Multivariate analysis identified adoption of TMA as the initial procedure, successful airway patency restoration following the TBI, and post-TBI anticancer therapy as independent factors associated with a reduced risk of death in patients with MCAO. ConclusionIt is beneficial to administer post-TBI anticancer therapy to MCAO patients with endoluminal or mixed-type obstruction following ablative procedures.
“We Will not Get Another Chance if We Lose This Battle Now”: Populism on Ukrainian Television Political Talk Shows ahead of the Presidential Election in 2019
Authors: Yanchenko Kostiantyn
Published: October 2021

Against a background of increasing electoral support of populist political actors in Europe and beyond, this study offers an exploratory inquiry into modern Ukrainian populism. The article examines populist communication, broadcast on the most highly rated Ukrainian television political talk shows, on the eve of the 2019 presidential election, which was completed in two rounds. A qualitative content analysis of populist communication acts (n=283) shows that Ukrainian viewers were exposed to diverse political discourses containing empty, anti-elitist, emergency, and complete populism, depending on which channel(s) they watched. The dominance of one or another type of populism on the studied channels mirrors the dynamics of media-political parallelism typical of Ukrainian commercial television. The study also examines the roles of different actors—moderators, journalists, and politicians—in either restricting or facilitating populism in the talk show studios. The populism-related reactions collected during this analysis (n=145) are discussed through the prism of normative roles, with a focus on gatekeeping, interpretation, and initiation. Implications for the stakeholders involved in the process of production, moderation, and consumption of political talk shows are presented.
Unilateral Brodie bite correction in a growing patient using palatal and buccal miniscrews: A case report
Authors: Gaddam Raj , Weir Tony , Freer Elissa
Published: October 2021

This case report describes a 13-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a Class I dental relationship on a mild Class II skeletal base and an associated unilateral Brodie bite on the right side but an ideal anterior overjet and overbite. The posterior teeth in the first quadrant had supra-erupted due to a lack of opposing occlusion. The treatment comprised two phases, the first of which involved miniscrew-based intrusion of the maxillary right buccal teeth followed by non-extraction, full upper and lower pre-adjusted edgewise appliances during a second phase. A satisfactory occlusal result was achieved in 24 months.
Determining the effect of job satisfaction, work motivation, and work commitment on nurse performance amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Diana  , Eliyana Anis , Susita Dewi , Aditya Vicky , Anwar Aisha
Published: October 2021

Nurses are on the frontline fighting COVID-19, as they are caring for patients during the days and nights they spend at the hospital. The purpose of this study is to determine the direct impact of job satisfaction on motivation, commitment, and performance of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the roles of work motivation and employee commitment on nurse performance are also tested. The population in this study is nurses at the State Regional Hospital in Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia, totaling 161 nurses. The sample in this study is 62 respondents. The analysis technique used in this study is path analysis. The results show that job satisfaction has a significant role to foster motivation, commitment, and performance of nurses in the hospital. Furthermore, employee commitment and work motivation are also proved to affect nurse performance. The results provide a better understanding of the approaches that can be taken to maintain nurse performance, especially during a pandemic.
AcknowledgmentThis study is entirely carried out independently. All the funds used for the research purposes come from the authors’ personal funds. No other party is responsible as a source of funds.
Evolution of the Video Game Market
Authors: Ali Wildan
Published: October 2021

The videogame industry had evolved since its initial appearance, and along with it, so has target market. This study attempts to analyse the trends throughout the years through observation of marketing materials such as printed and video advertisement commercials. The analysis is done by applying standard practice values employed in advertising communication on chosen samples of said commercial ads from each era of video game history.
Revitalizing Face-to-Face Local Gaming Experience through Mobile Mini Games
Authors: Juan Yediya , Geumpana Teuku Aulia , Martinez Jude J.L.
Published: October 2021

with the increase of mobile device usage around the globe, face-to-face communication has degraded and complete prohibition is not realistic. The degradation is not to be prevented as it happens as a side effect of technology. However, balancing usage of mobile device and quality of face-to-face communication is possible. Thus, by approaching users through developing a party genre mobile game, which is not famous as a mobile game at the time, with local multiplayer focus and introducing the given game to users, it is expected that face-to-face communication can be encouraged, thus resulting in mobile party game to become a media for the encouragement. Sample mini game that is a part of party game is developed with the help of Unity game engine as a testing object in which user response is collected. As application testing take place, and target user response is collected, face-toface encouragement is proven and user response is positive towards the game. Sample game testing has effectively reintroduced the existence of nowadays rare party game in mobile platform along with encouraging face-to-face communication, shown by the enthusiasm and enjoyment that audience testers have experienced. In the end, with mobile party game can help by being a media to encourage face-to-face communication and prevent degradation of such communication, future developments of a complete party game in mobile platform is highly encouraged as overall face-to-face communication quality enhancement may be required in the future in order to mitigate degradation.
The Effect of Gamified Teamwork on Business-related Idea Generation
Authors: Trusova Polina
Published: October 2021

Innovation providing a competitive advantage to enterprises is based on original ideas usually developed by teams. Therefore, the optimization of idea generation in teams is crucial for the enterprises’ competitiveness and survival. The goal of this experimental study is to test whether idea generation in team can be made more effective in terms of quantity and quality through gamification (the use of game design elements in non-game contexts). Based on conservation of resources theory, in the present study gamification was assumed to generate and regulate task-related resources and therefore to increase the number and originality of generated ideas. 170 students divided in 70 teams were asked to imagine themselves to be a management team of a young innovative enterprise during a crisis meeting and to generate solutions for the described problems. 35 teams were randomly assigned to the gamification condition and another 35 teams to the control condition. The number and originality of ideas were evaluated by two independent condition-blind raters and compared between the conditions. Gamification has a large positive effect on the idea number and a medium-sized positive effect on the idea originality. The findings, implications and limitations are discussed.
Gamification Framework for Programming Course in Higher Education
Authors: Winanti Winanti , Abbas Bachtiar Saleh , Suparta Wayan , Heryadi Yaya , Gaol Ford Lumban
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a gamification framework for higher education, especially for programming language courses to increase user motivation, pleasure and satisfaction so that learning objectives can be achieved. Although student and lecturer motivation, pleasure, and satisfaction tend to increase compared to conventional techniques, gamification is not a panacea. The success of its application depends on the skill of the lecturer in choosing a game mechanic to give a sense of playing to the learning process in a more interesting way. The technique is done by dividing the class into two parts where one class uses the conventional method and one class uses the gamification method and the results will be evaluated through the assessment results before using the gamification method and after using the gamification method. The framework in this paper adds to the existing framework activities, namely adding in the field of baseline analysis, learning materials and tools used in gamification, where previous papers from three activities have not been discussed in detail. The results obtained turned out that using the gamification technique of student learning outcomes on average 15 to 25 better than using conventional techniques.
Performance Comparison of Text Based Game Prototypes Using GTmetrix
Authors: Manuaba Ida Bagus Kerthyayana
Published: October 2021

Access to the internet and the advanced of technology allow people to experience in playing a game, not limited to their game console or through a PC, but also through their gadget like mobile-phones. Based on our initial study, a text-based game prototype has shown its potentiality as an alternative media to enhance youth literacy. The prototype has been developed in web-based platform that allow users to play this game through their mobile-phone. This paper describes an extend study to explore on how well the performance of text- based game prototype, when it was run online through a mobile device. For this purpose, a testing tool, named “GTmetrix” is used to review the performance of mobile device that run two different text-based game prototype platforms, which are Quest and Ink Platforms. For further comparison, this paper also included additional test scenario to see the performance of these two prototype platforms through a desktop device. These testing was conducted through different mobile network speeds (2G/3G/4G). Two different test approaches, PageSpeed and YSlow, were used to analyze the performance. Based on the results, it can be concluded that both prototype platforms are still compatible to be played through mobile devices, with Ink platform perform slightly better compare to the Quest platform in several test setting.