bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Linear Vibration of Thick Dielectric Membrane Disks With Radial Loads
Authors: Cooley Christopher G. , Lowe Robert L.
Published: November 2020

This study analyzes the large-amplitude, non-linear vibration of dielectric elastomer membrane disks with applied voltages through their thickness and mechanical loads applied radially around their outer circumferential surface. The material is modeled as an isotropic ideal dielectric, with the large-stretch mechanical stiffening captured using the Gent hyperelastic constitutive model. The fully non-linear equation of motion for the coupled electromechanical system is derived using Hamilton’s principle. The disk comes to a steady equilibrium where the compressive stresses due to the applied voltage balance the tensile stresses from the applied radial loads. The equilibria are calculated numerically for a wide range of radial loads, applied voltages, and limiting stretches. It is possible for the disk to have two stable steady equilibria at given radial load and applied voltage, which gives rise to an instability where extreme stretches occur for infinitesimal changes in applied voltage. The equation of motion is determined for small vibrations of the system about equilibrium. Unlike for thin membrane disks, the vibrating mass of thick membrane disks depends on the steady equilibrium stretch. The natural frequency for membrane disks meaningfully decreases with increasing thickness due to the inertia associated with dynamic changes in the membrane thickness. The amount of axial inertia depends on the ratio of the nominal disk thickness to its radius and the steady equilibrium stretch. Large amplitude vibrations are numerically investigated for a wide range of system parameters. The frequency response characteristics of circular membranes due to sinusoidal voltage fluctuations are analyzed about small and large equilibrium stretches. Whereas axial inertia meaningfully alters the frequency response about small equilibrium stretches, it has negligible effects on the frequency response about large equilibrium stretches.
Impact of Including Electronics Design on Design of Intelligent Structures: Applications to Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC)
Authors: Vedant  , Allison James T.
Published: November 2020

Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) is a new spacecraft attitude control system that utilizes deployable panels as multifunctional intelligent structures to provide both fine pointing and large slew attitude control. Previous studies introduced MSAC design and operation concepts, simulation-based design studies, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation of a simplified prototype. In this article, we expand the scope of design studies to include individual compliant piezo-electric actuators and associated power electronics. This advance is a step toward high-fidelity MSAC system operation, and reveals new design insights for further performance enhancement. Actuators are designed using pseudo rigid body dynamic models (PRBDMs), and are validated for steady-state and step responses against Finite Element Analysis. The drive electronics model consists of a few distinct topologies that will be used to evaluate system performance for given mechanical and control system designs. Subsequently, a high-fidelity multiphysics multibody MSAC system model, based on the validated compliant actuators and drive electronics, is developed to support implementation of MSAC Control Co-design optimization studies. This model will be used to demonstrate the impact of including the power electronics design in the Optimal Control Co-Design domain. The different control trajectories are compared for slew rates and the vibrational jitter introduced to the satellite. The results from this work will be used to realize closed-loop control trajectories that have minimal jitter introduction while providing high slew rates.
Fabrication and Testing of a Soft Shape Memory Alloy Actuator With an Integrated Liquid Metal Sensor
Authors: Zarepoor Masoud , Ren Zhijian , Majidi Carmel
Published: November 2020

This paper introduces the fabrication and calibration of a soft shape memory alloy actuator with an integrated liquid metal sensor. The actuator is capable of transforming from an unactuated soft curled shape to an actuated rigid straight shape when it is electrically activated. The surface-bonded sensor is a capacitive strain gauge capable of tracking actuator curvature, which is composed of microfluidic channels of liquid metal alloy embedded in a soft silicone elastomer. The sensor has limited impact on the mechanical properties of the actuator due to being soft and lightweight. The fabrication procedure of the actuator is demonstrated in detail, and it is explained how the actuator can be easily fabricated using rapid prototyping techniques, such as laser cutting and stencil lithography. Then, the calibration procedure shows how the capacitance of the bonded strain gauge can be related to the actuator curvature by aligning capacitance data from the sensor with the actuator’s curvature captured by a fast camera. Finally, we implemented a closed-loop control strategy to show the effectiveness of the integrated sensor in improving the actuator performance. The used control scheme provides a method for optimizing actuation in a way that maximizes actuation amplitude. For optimal control, we use a learning-based approach with a covariant matrix adaptive evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES). It is shown that small change in either applied voltage or actuation time will lead to a large difference on the actuation performance.
An Impact-Based Experimental Setup for Evaluation of Rapid Electromechanical Impedance-Based Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Alshaikh Ali Mohammad , Nolan Eric C. , Anton Steven R. , Safaei Mohsen
Published: November 2020

This work investigates the application of structural health monitoring (SHM) in a dynamic environment with the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method. Classically, the EMI method monitors civil or mechanical structures for damage in static environments. Advances in data acquisition (DAQ) now allow the possibility of rapid damage detection in dynamic environments. An impact-based experimental setup is developed to create a repeatable dynamic event through a collision between a pneumatically actuated striker bar and a static incident bar instrumented with a piezoelectric transducer. The EMI method is employed to detect the change of state at the interface of the two colliding bars. Experimental results prove the pneumatic launching system is capable of repeatable dynamic events, but the duration of contact is only 0.03 ms and the current DAQ system is incapable of detecting the event. A 3D printed programming material interface is placed at the location of impact to increase the duration of contact to approximately 1 ms. An excitation signal is created to continuously sweep a 0.5 ms chirp signal with a frequency bandwidth from 60–70 kHz (previously identified damage sensitive frequency bandwidth from static testing) for 7.5 seconds. Results indicate that due to the sampling rate and sweep time of the excitation signal, the frequency resolution is not adequate to properly assess if the impact is detected. Improvements in the DAQ hardware must be considered for future work.
Agricultural diversification promotes multiple ecosystem services without compromising yield
Authors: Tamburini Giovanni , Bommarco Riccardo , Wanger Thomas Cherico , Kremen Claire , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Liebman Matt , Hallin Sara
Published: November 2020

Diversification practices benefit biodiversity, pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and water regulation.
Genome-scale phylogeny and contrasting modes of genome evolution in the fungal phylum Ascomycota
Authors: Shen Xing-Xing , Steenwyk Jacob L. , LaBella Abigail L. , Opulente Dana A. , Zhou Xiaofan , Kominek Jacek , Li Yuanning , Groenewald Marizeth , Hittinger Chris T. , Rokas Antonis
Published: November 2020

The 1107 genomes yield a robust phylogenomic timetree and reveal contrasting modes of evolution in the largest fungal phylum.
Air pollution and COVID-19 mortality in the United States: Strengths and limitations of an ecological regression analysis
Authors: Wu X. , Nethery R. C. , Sabath M. B. , Braun D. , Dominici F.
Published: November 2020

We describe the challenges and opportunities of analyzing links between exposure to air pollution and vulnerability to COVID-19.
Retrotransposon-Based Blood Meal Analysis of Nymphal Deer Ticks Demonstrates Spatiotemporal Diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti Reservoirs
Authors: Goethert Heidi K. , Mather Thomas N. , Buchthal Joanna , Telford Sam R.
Published: November 2020

White-footed mice are thought to be the most important reservoir host for the deer tick-transmitted pathogens that cause Lyme disease and human babesiosis because they are the primary host for immature ticks. Transmission would be reduced, however, if ticks feed on deer, which are not capable of infecting ticks with either pathogen. By directly measuring whether ticks had fed on either mice or deer using a new quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to detect remnants of host DNA leftover from the larval blood meal, we demonstrate that host utilization by ticks varies significantly over time and space and that mice often feed fewer ticks than expected. This finding has implications for our understanding of the ecology of these diseases and for the efficacy of control measures.
Supplemental Material: Crustal material recycling induced by subduction erosion and subduction-channel exhumation: A case study of central Tibet (western China) based on P-T-t paths of the eclogite-bearing Baqing metamorphic complex
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhang Yu-Xiu , Zhang Kai-Jun , al. et
Published: November 2020

Compositional mapping images of one garnet, Triassic paleo-geographic facies of Qiangtang, summarized published Paleozoic and Proterozoic ages in Tibetan Plateau and Himalaya, mineral compositions, and chronology data of the Baqing metamorphic rocks.
Bundled interventions for consumption management and monitoring of personal protective equipment in COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong local hospitals
Authors: Kwan Wai-Man , Mok Chun-Keung , Kwok Yick-Ting , Lam Hon-Wai , Chan Kwan-Ho , Law Tat-Hong Samuel , Leung Pik-Man , Mak Man-Yu , Que Tak-Lun , Tang Yiu-Hang
Published: November 2020

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, there had been global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) supply due to the breakage of supply chain and also the forbidding of PPE exported by various countries. This situation had greatly affected the healthcare services in local hospitals of Hong Kong. To maintain the availability of PPE for healthcare workers in high-risk clinical settings, the cluster management of New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, had implemented a bundle of interventions in controlling and managing the PPE consumption and ensuring its proper use. A Taskforce on Management of PPE was set up in February 2020 with the aim to monitor and manage the use of PPE in five local hospitals and eight general outpatient clinics of New Territories West Cluster, which were governed in a cluster basis, under the COVID-19 epidemic. Interventions including cutting down non-essential services, implementing telecare, monitoring PPE consumption at unit level and PPE stock at the Cluster Central Distribution Centre and forming mobile infection teams were implemented. The updated PPE standards and usage guidelines to clinical staff were promulgated through forums, newsletters and unit visits. The PPE consumption rates of individual unit were reviewed. Significant decrease in PPE consumption rates was noted when comparing with the baseline data. Comparing the data between 20 February and 1 June 2020, the overall PPE consumption rates were reduced by 64% (r=−0.841; p<0.001) while the PPE consumption rates in anaesthesia and operating theatres, and isolation and surveillance wards were reduced by 47% (r=−0.506; p=0.023) and 49% (r=−0.810; p<0.001), respectively. A bundled approach, including both administrative measures and staff education, is effective in managing PPE consumption during major infection outbreaks especially when PPE supply is at risk.
Imaging the infant with a head injury: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Braunold Daniel , Lewis Hannah , O"Neill Breda , Edmonds Naomi
Published: November 2020

Head injury is the largest cause of mortality in paediatric trauma. Infants (<1 year old) are a high-risk group and vulnerable to non-accidental injury. A single-centre retrospective study at a major trauma centre collected data on infants presenting with a head injury over a 48-month period. 1127 infants presented with a head injury. 135 CT heads were performed. 38% of scans showed intracranial pathology. The decision about which infants to send for CT scans remains complex. Liberal use risks over-exposure to ionising radiation while restrictive use may miss subtler injuries.
Serum neurofilament light chain predicts long-term prognosis in Guillain-Barré syndrome patients
Authors: Martín-Aguilar Lorena , Camps-Renom Pol , Lleixà Cinta , Pascual-Goñi Elba , Díaz-Manera Jordi , Rojas-García Ricardo , De Luna Noemi , Gallardo Eduard , Cortés-Vicente Elena , Muñoz Laia , Alcolea Daniel , Lleó Alberto , Casasnovas Carlos , Homedes Christian , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Gerardo , Jimeno-Montero María Concepción , Berciano José , Sedano-Tous María José , García-Sobrino Tania , Pardo-Fernández Julio , Márquez-Infante Celedonio , Rojas-Marcos Iñigo , Jericó-Pascual Ivonne , Martínez-Hernández Eugenia , Morís de la Tassa Germán , Domínguez-González Cristina , Illa Isabel , Querol Luis
Published: November 2020

Objective

To study baseline serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels as a prognostic biomarker in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Methods

We measured NfL in serum (98 samples) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (24 samples) of patients with GBS prospectively included in the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) in Spain using single-molecule array (SiMoA) and compared them with 53 healthy controls (HCs). We performed multivariable regression to analyse the association between sNfL levels and functional outcome at 1 year.

Results

Patients with GBS had higher NfL levels than HC in serum (55.49 pg/mL vs 9.83 pg/mL, p<0.0001) and CSF (1308.5 pg/mL vs 440.24 pg/mL, p=0.034). Patients with preceding diarrhoea had higher sNfL than patients with respiratory symptoms or no preceding infection (134.90 pg/mL vs 47.86 pg/mL vs 38.02 pg/mL, p=0.016). sNfL levels correlated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Disability Score and Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS) at every timepoint. Patients with pure motor variant and Miller Fisher syndrome showed higher sNfL levels than patients with sensorimotor GBS (162.18 pg/mL vs 95.50 pg/mL vs 38.02 pg/mL, p=0.025). Patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy cute motor axonal neuropathy had higher sNfL levels than other variants (190.55 pg/mL vs 46.79 pg/mL, p=0.013). sNfL returned to normal levels at 1 year. High baseline sNfL levels were associated with inability to run (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.40, p=0.009) and lower I-RODS (β −2.60, 95% CI −4.66 to −0.54, p=0.014) at 1 year. Cut-off points predicting clinically relevant outcomes at 1 year with high specificity were calculated: inability to walk independently (>319 pg/mL), inability to run (>248 pg/mL) and ability to run (<34 pg/mL).

Conclusion

Baseline sNfL levels are increased in patients with GBS, are associated with disease severity and axonal variants and have an independent prognostic value in patients with GBS.
‘Learning from home’: role of e-learning methodologies and tools during novel coronavirus pandemic outbreak
Authors: Deepika Velusami , Soundariya Krishnamurthy , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal , Kalaiselvan Ganapathy
Published: November 2020

Background

During the crucial time of coronavirus pandemic, education is being remodelled: opening the doors of electronic learning (e-learning). The review emphasises on the various e-learning methods that can be used in the current scenario.

Methods

The review was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane. Out of 1524 identified articles, after the process of screening and based on the eligibility criteria, 45 full-text articles were reviewed.

Results

Though there are many caveats on the path of successful implementation this is the right time that we step towards e-learning. The article discusses the methods and tools in e-learning that can modify the traditional ways of content delivery, record maintenance, assessment and feedback.

Conclusion

During the period of ‘planet arrest’, when the whole world is locked down with the motive of social distancing, let us stay connected with e-learning.
Efficacy of oral Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on toxicity of imidocarb dipropionate in horses
Authors: Jaramillo Fernando Mosquera , Piñeros Diego Darley Velasquez , Corrêa Rodrigo Romero , Pogliani Fabio Celidonio , Cogliati Bruno , Baccarin Raquel Yvonne Arantes
Published: November 2020

Background

Despite hepatotoxic effects, imidocarb dipropionate is the drug of choice for treatment of equine piroplasmosis. It is important, therefore, to identify adjuvant therapies that may improve the safety of imidocarb dipropionate by reducing the risk of liver damage during its use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and hepatoregulatory effects of treatment with Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum during administration of imidocarb dipropionate.

Methods

Ten healthy horses, seroconverted to Theileria equi by C‐ELISA, were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of imidocarb dipropionate for three consecutive days. The study population was divided into two groups. The control group did not receive any complementary treatments. The treated group received a daily oral supplement containing C scolymus and S marianum for 30 days. Physical, haematological and histological examinations of hepatic fragments were performed.

Results

All haematological values remained within normal range for the study population. Histological analysis revealed that treated group animals had 62 per cent less lobular inflammation, 55 per cent less pigment accumulation, 65 per cent less steatosis and 57 per cent less portal inflammation than control group animals, with an equivalent percentage of hydropic degeneration.

Conclusion

C scolymus and S marianum supplements resulted in beneficial hepatoprotective effects in horses treated with imidocarb dipropionate.
Local existence and Serrin-type blow-up criterion for strong solutions to the radiation hydrodynamic equations
Authors: Li Hao , Li Yachun
Published: November 2020

We consider the Cauchy problem for the three-dimensional, compressible radiation hydrodynamic equations. We establish the existence and uniqueness of local strong solutions for large initial data satisfying some compatibility condition. The initial density need not be positive and may vanish in an open set. Moreover, we establish a Serrin-type blow-up criterion, which is stated in terms of the velocity and density variables [Formula: see text] and is independent of the temperature and the radiation intensity.
Impact of Hand Used on One-Handed Back-of-Device Performance
Authors: Fan Zhuzhi , Coutrix Céline
Published: November 2020

One-handed Back-of-Device (BoD) interaction proved to be desired and sometimes unavoidable with a mobile touchscreen device, for both preferred and non-preferred hands. Although users? two hands are asymmetric, the impact of this asymmetry on the performance of mobile interaction has been little studied so far. Research on one-handed BoD interaction mostly focused on the preferred hand, even though users cannot avoid in real life to handle their phone with their non-preferred hand. To better design one-handed BoD interaction tailored for each hand, the identification and measure of the impact of their asymmetry are critical. In this paper, we study the impact on the performance of the asymmetry between the preferred and the non-preferred hands when interacting with one hand in the back of a mobile touch surface. Empirical data indicates that users' preferred hand performs better than the non-preferred hand in target acquisition tasks, for both time (+10%) and accuracy (+20%). In contrast, for steering tasks, we found little difference in performance between users' preferred and non-preferred hands. These results are useful for the HCI community to design mobile interaction techniques tailored for each hand only when it is necessary. We present implications for research and design directly based on the findings of the study, in particular, to reduce the impact of the asymmetry between hands and improve the performance of both hands for target acquisition.
Recognizing 3D Trajectories as 2D Multi-stroke Gestures
Authors: Ousmer Mehdi , Sluÿters Arthur , Magrofuoco Nathan , Roselli Paolo , Vanderdonckt Jean
Published: November 2020

While end users can acquire full 3D gestures with many input devices, they often capture only 3D trajectories, which are 3D uni-path, uni-stroke single-point gestures performed in thin air. Such trajectories with their $(x,y,z)$ coordinates could be interpreted as three 2D stroke gestures projected on three planes,\ie, $XY$, $YZ$, and $ZX$, thus making them admissible for established 2D stroke gesture recognizers. To investigate whether 3D trajectories could be effectively and efficiently recognized, four 2D stroke gesture recognizers, \ie, \$P, \$P+, \$Q, and Rubine, are extended to the third dimension: $\$P^3$, $\$P+^3$, $\$Q^3$, and Rubine-Sheng, an extension of Rubine for 3D with more features. Two new variations are also introduced: $\F for flexible cloud matching and FreeHandUni for uni-path recognition. Rubine3D, another extension of Rubine for 3D which projects the 3D gesture on three orthogonal planes, is also included. These seven recognizers are compared against three challenging datasets containing 3D trajectories, \ie, SHREC2019 and 3DTCGS, in a user-independent scenario, and 3DMadLabSD with its four domains, in both user-dependent and user-independent scenarios, with varying number of templates and sampling. Individual recognition rates and execution times per dataset and aggregated ones on all datasets show a highly significant difference of $\$P+^3$ over its competitors. The potential effects of the dataset, the number of templates, and the sampling are also studied.
Understanding Gesture and Speech Multimodal Interactions for Manipulation Tasks in Augmented Reality Using Unconstrained Elicitation
Authors: Williams Adam S. , Ortega Francisco R.
Published: November 2020

This research establishes a better understanding of the syntax choices in speech interactions and of how speech, gesture, and multimodal gesture and speech interactions are produced by users in unconstrained object manipulation environments using augmented reality. The work presents a multimodal elicitation study conducted with 24 participants. The canonical referents for translation, rotation, and scale were used along with some abstract referents (create, destroy, and select). In this study time windows for gesture and speech multimodal interactions are developed using the start and stop times of gestures and speech as well as the stoke times for gestures. While gestures commonly precede speech by 81 ms we find that the stroke of the gesture is commonly within 10 ms of the start of speech. Indicating that the information content of a gesture and its co-occurring speech are well aligned to each other. Lastly, the trends across the most common proposals for each modality are examined. Showing that the disagreement between proposals is often caused by a variation of hand posture or syntax. Allowing us to present aliasing recommendations to increase the percentage of users' natural interactions captured by future multimodal interactive systems.
Studying the Interaction of Mass Transport and Electrochemical Reaction Kinetics by Species Frequency Response Analysis
Authors: Kubannek Fabian , Krewer Ulrike
Published: November 2020

Electrochemical macrokinetics contains the interaction of electrode reactions with transport phenomena. To disentangle the individual processes, dynamic techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are widely used. Additional information can be obtained when further quantities besides current and potential are recorded. Here, we present and analyze a method to observe the dynamics of the flux of volatile species, i.e. mass transfer, in porous electrodes during electrochemical reactions with a high time resolution. We call this technique species frequency response analysis (sFRA). It is experimentally demonstrated with electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction on a porous Pt/Ru electrode. The dynamic relationship between current, potential and the flux of the gaseous reaction product CO2 is measured by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. The resulting transfer function that relates current density with CO2 flux is analysed in detail by means of a one-dimensional mathematical model. It is demonstrated how the influence of reaction and transport phenomena can be separated in the sFRA Nyquist plot. Practical aspects such as sensitivity and accessible frequency range are discussed as well as the overall prospects and limitations of the technique.
Bioinspired Mitigation Scheme for Cascading Failures in Farmland Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Zhuangzhuang , Wang Xunyang , He Zhengkun
Published: November 2020

Existing mitigation strategies on wireless sensor networks (WSNs) against cascading failures cannot appropriately adapt the particular characteristics of farmland WSNs. Spider web provides a new reference for improving network invulnerability. In this study, a bionic network scheme is built based on symmetric analysis of a series of spider-web vibration transmission trials, which include networking methodology, communication rules, and load capacity model. The basic idea of this scheme is to apply the cascading-failure coping mechanism inspired by spider web into the construction and operation of farmland WSNs. We found that the link backup contributed by a topological structure and communication rules had positive effects on suppressing the spread of cascading failures. The study showed that the damages of cascading failures can be efficiently lowered by regulating the adjustment coefficient of the load capacity model. The difference between the inner-layer node failures and outer-layer node failures for network invulnerability was verified under deliberate attack circumstances. Based on these results, the proposed network scheme can be utilized to enhance the invulnerability performance of farmland WSNs.
After Treatment Decrease of Bone Marrow Tregs and Outcome in Younger Patients with Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Delia Mario , Carluccio Paola , Mestice Anna , Frappampina Roberta , Albano Francesco , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino
Published: November 2020

An emerging body of evidence demonstrates that defects in antileukemic effector cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can contribute to the development and/or persistence of the disease. In particular, immune suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) may contribute to this defective antileukemic immune response, being recruited by bone marrow leukemic cells to evade immune surveillance. We evaluated Tregs (CD4+/CD45RA-/CD25high/CD127low), performing multiparametric flow cytometry on freshly collected bone marrow aspirate (BMA), in addition to the usual molecular and cytogenetic work-up in newly diagnosed AML patients to look for any correlation between Tregs and the overall response rate (ORR). We studied 39 AML younger patients (<65 years), all treated with standard induction chemotherapy. ORR (complete remission (CR)+CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi)) was documented in 21 out of 39 patients (54%); two partial responder patients were also recorded. Apart from the expected impact of the molecular-cytogenetic group (

p
=
0.03

) and the NPM mutation (

p
=
0.05

), diagnostic BMA Tregs did not show any correlation with ORR. However, although BMA Tregs did not differ in the study population after treatment, their counts significantly decreased in responder patients (

p
=
0.039

), while no difference was documented in nonresponder ones. This suggested that the removal of Treg cells is able to evoke and enhance anti-AML immune response. However, the role of BMA Tregs in mediating immune system-AML interactions in the diagnostic and posttreatment phase should be confirmed in a greater number of patients.
High-Accuracy and Real-Time Indoor Positioning System Based on Visible Light Communication and Mobile Robot
Authors: Li Xianmin , Yan Zihong , Huang Linyi , Chen Shihuan , Liu Manxi
Published: November 2020

For mobile robots and location-based services, precise and real-time positioning is one of the most basic capability, and low-cost positioning solutions are increasingly in demand and have broad market potential. In this paper, we innovatively design a high-accuracy and real-time indoor localization system based on visible light positioning (VLP) and mobile robot. First of all, we design smart LED lamps with VLC and Bluetooth control functions for positioning. The design of LED lamps includes hardware design and Bluetooth control. Furthermore, founded on the loose coupling characteristics of ROS (Robot Operator System), we design a VLP-based robot system with VLP information transmitted by designed LED, dynamic tracking algorithm of high robustness, LED-ID recognition algorithm, and triple-light positioning algorithm. We implemented the VLP-based robot positioning system on ROS in an office equipped with the designed LED lamps, which can realize cm-level positioning accuracy of 3.231 cm and support the moving speed up to 20 km/h approximately. This paper pushes forward the development of VLP application in indoor robots, showing the great potential of VLP for indoor robot positioning.
Restricted Water Intake and Hydration with Fructose‐Containing Beverages during Infancy Predispose to Aggravate an Acute Renal Ischemic Insult in Adolescent Rats
Authors: García-Arroyo Fernando E. , Pérez-Estévez H. Emmanuel , Tapia Edilia , Gonzaga Guillermo , Muñoz-Jiménez Itzel , Soto Virgilia , Osorio-Alonso Horacio , Nájera Nayelli , Meaney Eduardo , Ceballos Guillermo , Sánchez-Lozada L. Gabriela
Published: November 2020

We aimed to investigate the effects of chronic fluid restriction and hydration with a sweetened beverage (SB) in rats from weaning until adolescence, in a posterior acute kidney injury (AKI) event induced by ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R). We followed 5 groups of weaning rats: control group (C); two groups with 22 h/day fluid restriction, a group hydrated for two hours with water (‐W) and a group hydrated with SB; one group receiving SB ad libitum all day (+SB); and one group in which water consumption was increased using a gel diet. The rats that reached adolescence were submitted to I/R. Fluid restriction and/or SB hydration induced mild renal alterations that were significantly accentuated in the ‐SB group and resulted in worse outcomes after I/R‐induced AKI that resulted in a catastrophic fall in creatinine clearance and diffuse acute tubular necrosis. In summary, low tap water intakes, as well as SB intake in infancy, prompt kidney worse outcomes in a later event of AKI during adolescence and both insults magnify kidney damage. Studies on hydration habits in children are recommended to disclose the potentially harmful effects that those behavioral patterns might carry to future renal health.
Project Portfolio Resource Risk Assessment considering Project Interdependency by the Fuzzy Bayesian Network
Authors: Bai Libiao , Zhang Kaimin , Shi Huijing , An Min , Han Xiao
Published: November 2020

Resource risk caused by specific resource sharing or competition among projects due to resource constraints is a major issue in project portfolio management, which challenges the application of risk analysis methods effectively. This paper presents a methodology by using a fuzzy Bayesian network to assess the project portfolio resource risk, determine critical resource risk factors, and propose risk-reduction strategies. In this method, the project portfolio resource risk factors are first identified by taking project interdependency into consideration, and then the Bayesian network model is developed to analyze the risk level of the identified risk factors in which expert judgments and fuzzy set theory are integrated to determine the probabilities of all risk factors to deal with incomplete risk data and information. To reduce the subjectivity of expert judgments, the expert weights are determined by combining experts’ background and reliability degree of expert judgments. A numerical analysis is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology. The results show that project portfolio resource risks can be analyzed effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, “poor communication and cooperation among projects,” “capital difficulty,” and “lack of sharing technology among projects” are considered the leading factors of the project portfolio resource risk. Risk-reduction strategic decisions based on the results of risk assessment can be made, which provide project managers with a useful method or tool to manage project risks.
Mechanism of Abnormal Chondrocyte Proliferation Induced by Piezo1‐siRNA Exposed to Mechanical Stretch
Authors: Sun Yi , Leng Ping , Li Dawei , Gao Huanshen , Li Zhenghui , Li Chenkai , Zhang Haining
Published: November 2020

Objective. To investigate the effect of small interfering RNA targeting mechanosensitive ion channel protein Piezo1 (Piezo1‐siRNA) on abnormal chondrocyte proliferation exposed to mechanical stretch. Methods. Construct and screen effective Piezo1‐siRNA sequences and explore an appropriate method to transfect lentiviral vector into chondrocytes exposed to mechanical stretch. Western blot and RT‐PCR were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Piezo1, Kif18A, and β‐tubulin, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to measure the changes in the chondrocyte cycle. The proliferation of chondrocyte was evaluated by cell counting kit‐8. Results. According to the mRNA and protein expression of Piezo1, the effective siRNA sequence was successfully screened. Compared with the 0 h group, mechanical stretch upregulated the expression of Piezo1, Kif18A, and β‐tubulin, resulting in chondrocyte cycle arrest and eventually inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation. Moreover, Piezo1‐siRNA transfection effectively blocks this process and promotes the proliferation of chondrocyte. Conclusion. Piezo1‐siRNA can reduce the inhibition of chondrocyte proliferation induced by mechanical stretch via downregulating the expression of Kif18A and inhibiting the depolymerization of microtubules. Piezo1‐siRNA plays a protective role in chondrocytes, which provides a potential method for the treatment of OA under abnormal mechanical stimulation.
Descending Packing Algorithm for Irregular Graphics Based on Geometric Feature Points
Authors: Zheng Pengfei , Lou Jingjing , Lin Dajun , An Qi
Published: November 2020

The packing for two-dimensional irregular graphics is one of the NP-complete problems and widely used in industrial applications. In this paper, a descending nesting algorithm for a two-dimensional irregular graph based on geometric feature points is proposed. Before the packing, the parts to be packed are sorted, matched, and spliced, and the matching of the rectangular pieces and the rectangular-like pieces is carried out according to the plate size. On this basis, the geometric feature points of the parts are used to construct the packing baseline, and the packing is accurately carried out according to the principles of the bottom left, the principle of the lowest center of gravity, and combination with virtual moving, rotating collision calculation. The computation of the moving collision distance between the graphics is replaced by the projecting computation of the geometric feature points of the graphic parts, so the computation amount can be reduced. Also, this method is used to test a number of benchmarks examples which are provided by ESICUP (EURO Special Interest Group on Cutting and Packing), which show that the proposed algorithm not only can improve packing but also has better stability and reliability.
Severe Decompression Sickness Associated with Shock and Acute Respiratory Failure
Authors: Arjomand Abdullah , Holm James R. , Gerbino Anthony J.
Published: November 2020

Decompression sickness (DCS) is a well-recognized complication of diving but rarely results in shock or respiratory failure. We report a case of severe DCS in a diver associated with shock and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. A healthy 50-year-old male diver dove to a depth of 218 feet for 43 minutes while breathing air but omitted 6.5 hours of air decompression due to diver error. The clinical presentation was remarkable for loss of consciousness, hypotension, cutis marmorata, peripheral edema, and severe hypoxia requiring mechanical ventilation with diffuse lung opacities on chest radiograph. Laboratories were significant for polycythemia and hypoalbuminemia. A single hyperbaric oxygen treatment was provided on the day of admission during which shock worsened requiring aggressive volume resuscitation and three vasopressors. In the first 37 hours of hospitalization, 22 liters of crystalloid and multiple albumin boluses were administered for refractory hypotension by which time all vasopressors had been discontinued and blood pressure had normalized. He required 10 days of mechanical ventilation and was discharged on day 21 with mild DCS-related neurologic deficits. This clinical course is characteristic of DCS-related shock wherein bubble-endothelial interactions cause a transient capillary leak syndrome associated with plasma extravasation, hemoconcentration, and hypovolemia. The pathophysiology and typical clinical course of DCS-related shock suggest the need for aggressive but time-limited administration of crystalloid and albumin. Because hyperbaric oxygen is the primary treatment for DCS, treatment with hyperbaric oxygen should be strongly considered even in the face of extreme critical illness.
Bionic Silk Fibroin Film Promotes Tenogenic Differentiation of Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells by Activating Focal Adhesion Kinase
Authors: Lu Kang , Chen Xiaodie , Tang Hong , Zhou Mei , He Gang , Lu Zhisong , Tang Kanglai
Published: November 2020

Background. Tendon injuries are common musculoskeletal disorders in clinic. Due to the limited regeneration ability of tendons, tissue engineering technology is often used as an effective approach to treat tendon injuries. Silk fibroin (SF) films have excellent biological activities and physical properties, which is suitable for tendon regeneration. The present study is aimed at preparing a SF film with a bionic microstructure and investigating its biological effects. Methods. A SF film with a smooth surface or bionic microstructure was prepared. After seeding tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) on the surface, the cell morphology, the expression level of tenogenic genes and proteins, and the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation were measured to evaluate the biological effect of SF films. Results. The TSPCs on SF films with a bionic microstructure exhibited a slender cell morphology, promoted the expression of tenogenic genes and proteins, such as SCX, TNC, TNMD, and COLIA1, and activated FAK. FAK inhibitors blocked the enhanced expression of tenogenic genes and proteins. Conclusion. SF films with a bionic microstructure may serve as a scaffold, provide biophysical cues to alter the cellular adherence arrangement and cell morphology, and enhance the tenogenic gene and protein expression in TSPCs. FAK activation plays a key role during this biological response process.
Expression Profiling of Long Noncoding RNA and Messenger RNA in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Colon Injury Mouse Model
Authors: Huang Jinxiang , Liu Yuan , Xie Qingqiang , Liang Guorui , Kong Haifan , Liu Meiling , Wang Yujie , Zhang Shanshan , Li Xuefeng
Published: November 2020

Background. Emerging evidence reveals that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs or whether certain lncRNA could serve as a biomarker in the septic colon remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the septic colon through whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing and to reveal the associated regulatory mechanism. Method and Result. We established a mouse model of sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Colon samples were collected upon CLP or sham surgery after 24 h. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing was performed to profile the relative expressions of lncRNAs and mRNAs. 808 lncRNAs and 1509 mRNAs were differentially found in the septic group compared with the sham group. Bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis (KEGG) was performed to predict the potential functions of these RNAs. GO analysis showed that the altered lncRNAs were enriched and involved in multiple immune responses, which may be a response to sepsis stress. KEGG analysis indicated that upregulated lncRNAs were significantly enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Downregulated lncRNAs were mostly found to be involved in tight junction, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Conclusion. Our results indicate that these altered lncRNAs and mRNAs may have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis. This study could contribute to extending the understanding of the function of lncRNAs in sepsis, which may help in searching for new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets to treat sepsis.
Prevotella Induces the Production of Th17 Cells in the Colon of Mice
Authors: Huang Yuan , Tang Jinhua , Cai Zheng , Zhou Keqiang , Chang Liang , Bai Yinlan , Ma Yueyun
Published: November 2020

Th17-mediated mucosal inflammation is related to increased Prevotella bacterial abundance. The actual involvement of Prevotella in the development and accumulation of intestinal Th17 cells at a steady state, however, remains undefined. Herein, we investigated the role of Prevotella in inducing intestinal Th17 cells in mice. Mice were treated with a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics (including ampicillin, neomycin sulfate, vancomycin hydrochloride, and metronidazole) in their drinking water for 4 weeks and then gavaged with Prevotella for 4 weeks. After inoculation, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to verify the colonization of Prevotella in the colon of mice. The IL-17A as well as IL-17A-expressing T cells was localized and quantified by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) of colon sections. Th17 cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice were counted by flow cytometry. Systemic immune response to Prevotella colonization was evaluated based on the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-2. Th17-polarizing cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-2) induced by Prevotella were evaluated by stimulation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Results revealed that after inoculation, Prevotella successfully colonized the intestine of mice and induced the production and accumulation of colonic Th17 cells in the colon. Moreover, Prevotella elevated some of the Th17-related cytokines in the serum of mice. And Th17-polarizing cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) produced by BMDCs were mediated mainly through the interaction between Prevotella and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). In conclusion, our data suggest that Prevotella induces the production of Th17 cells in the colon of mice, thus highlighting the potential role of Prevotella in training the intestinal immune system.
The Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Faust Katharina , Vajkoczy Peter , Xi Bai , Harnack Daniel
Published: November 2020

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has evolved as a powerful therapeutic alternative for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite its clinical efficacy, the mechanisms of action have remained poorly understood. In addition to the immediate symptomatic effects, long-term neuroprotective effects have been suggested. Those may be mediated through neurotrophic factors (NFs) like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Here, the impact of DBS on the expression of NFs was analysed in a rat model of PD. Methods: Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats received DBS in the STN using an implantable microstimulation system, sham DBS in the STN, or no electrode placement. Continuous unilateral STN-DBS (current intensity 50 µA, frequency 130 Hz, and pulse width 52 µs) was conducted for 14 days. Rats were then sacrificed and brains shock frozen. Striata and motor cortices were dissected with a cryostat. Levels of VEGF, BDNF, and GDNF were analysed, both by quantitative PCR and colorimetric ELISA. Results: PCR revealed a significant upregulation of only BDNF mRNA in the ipsilateral striata of the DBS group, when compared to the sham-stimulated group. There was no significant increase in VEGF mRNA or GDNF mRNA. ELISA analysis showed augmentations of BDNF, VEGF, as well as GDNF protein in the ipsilateral striata after DBS compared to sham stimulation. In the motor cortex, significant increases after DBS were observed for BDNF only, not for the other 2 NFs. Conclusions: The upregulation of trophic factors induced by STN-DBS may participate in its long-term therapeutic efficacy and potentially neuroprotective effects.
Efeito agudo da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) na lombalgia
Authors: Rosa Bruna de Lima , Borba Bruna Albani , Oliveira Taiana Boeira , Lumertz Milena , Santos Josué Nascente dos , Dohnert Marcelo Baptista , Daitx Rodrigo Boff
Published: November 2020

A lombalgia é um problema extremamente comum, que afeta mais pessoas do que qualquer outra afecção. Acarreta em um quadro de dor, perda de função e redução da qualidade de vida. Isto posto, o tratamento conservador é de suma importância para a reabilitação de pacientes com lombalgia. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito agudo da estimulação elétrica transcutânea (TENS) em portadores de lombalgia. Métodos: Série de casos, no qual participaram 66 pacientes. Foi realizado uma única intervenção com TENS no modo acupuntural, frequência de 70 Hz, tempo de pulso de 150 us, com duração de 40 minutos. Foram avaliados o nível de dor, flexibilidade de isquiotibiais, força muscular e estabilização do complexo lombopélvico pré, imediatamente após e 24 horas após a intervenção.  Resultados: O nível de dor, flexibilidade de isquiotibiais e força muscular dos extensores de tronco apresentaram melhora imediatamente após intervenção (p<0,05). Após 24 horas, houve aumento significativo da dor em comparação ao pós intervenção (p<0,05), porém ainda se verificou um efeito analgésico e de melhora da flexibilidade em comparação a avaliação pré. A força muscular melhorou de forma significativa pós intervenção e manteve-se 24 horas após (p<0,05). Os testes de estabilidade apresentaram maior tempo de manutenção da postura imediatamente após a aplicação da TENS, porém com redução deste feito pós 24 horas (p<0,05). Conclusão: A TENS demonstrou redução do quadro álgico, melhora da força de tronco, flexibilidade de isquiotibiais e da estabilização lombopélvica imediatamente após a intervenção. Estes efeitos se mantiveram 24 horas após, porém não com a mesma intensidade.