bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scheduling-Based Adaptive Operations of Handling Manipulators to Reduce Downtime in Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Yonemoto Ryo , Suwa Haruhiko
Published: September 2020

Unexpected interruptions in manufacturing such as machine breakdowns often incur degradation of productivity. This study aims to build an automatic scheduling method that responds to the occurrence of uncertain events flawing a schedule and catch up the planned schedule as quickly as possible. We here focus on building adaptive operations of a material handling robot according to the predetermined schedule revision policy to cope with uncertainties and to reduce the total downtime of the manufacturing system. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated through physical experiments.
Microstructure Comparison Using Dissimilarity Metric for Additive Manufacturing of Metals
Authors: Farooq Ghumman Umar , Saha Sourav , Fang Lichao , Liu Wing Kam , Wagner Gregory , Chen Wei
Published: September 2020

Additive Manufacturing (AM) simulations are often employed to replace the expensive experiments to study the effects of processing conditions. In process modeling, one of the key limitations is the lack of reliable validation techniques. The stochastic nature and the spatial heterogeneity of microstructures make it difficult to validate the simulated microstructures against experimentally obtained images through statistical measures (e.g. average and standard deviation of grain sizes). In this work, a validation metric is proposed that can effectively quantify the dissimilarity between two AM microstructures. The methodology involves first calculating the Angularly Resolved Chord Length Distribution (ARCLD) at representative angles and then computing the Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) to obtain the final unitless score that is named Dissimilarity Score (DS). The efficacy of the proposed methodology was first tested on synthetic microstructures, and then on AM simulations that employ the solidification model-Cellular Automaton (CA) with IN625. Results show that DS effectively measures the dissimilarity between different microstructures. The use of DS is also extended to calibrate the CA processing simulation code to match with experimental AM images from NIST AM-Bench Challenge.
3D Printing Collembola Cuticle Inspired Superhydrophobic Microstructures for Potential Deicing Application
Authors: Li Xiangjia , Yang Yang
Published: September 2020

Collembola cuticle structures demonstrated attractive and robust liquid super repellence due to the special evolved hierarchical patterns. These multiscale patterns consist of nanoscale triangle-shaped granules that are connected with microscale hexagon-shaped base structures. However, it is a challenge to reproduce such complex cuticle structures by using traditional manufacturing techniques. Here, the cuticle inspired structures were replicated via fiber-optic assisted three-dimensional photopolymerization (F3DP). This newly developed 3D printing process provided the capability to manipulate the geometry of bionic structures based on the natural cuticle structures. To enhance the liquid-repellent function, the 3D printed artificial cuticle structures were treated by the vapor phase process. The results show that the artificial cuticle structures reveal interesting properties in terms of superhydrophobicity, and the surface wettability can be modulated by controlling the height of bioinspired granules. Based on 3D printed artificial cuticle structures, a new icing protection surface was investigated. Compared with conventional methods, the 3D printed superhydrophobic surface decorated with artificial cuticle structures demonstrated promising perspectives in deicing applications.
A Data Fusion Framework for Fracture Toughness Modeling Using Multiple Sources of Data
Authors: Mou Shancong , Chen Jialei , Zhang Chuck , Wang Ben
Published: September 2020

The adhesive bonding technology of composite material is widely used in the industry, and the double-cantilever beam (DCB) test is a standard test for measuring the bonding quality. However, adhesive bonding methods may compromise the bonding strength, leading to weak bonds or so-called kissing bonds. In this research, we present a data-driven method to model the relationship between the process parameters and the mode-I fracture toughness. Due to the limited size of the DCB training data, we propose a novel data fusion framework, also incorporating the historical single-lap joint (SLJ) dataset at hand. Though the SLJ test is a less effective method for measuring the fracture toughness, we show it can be used to improve the model performance. We then demonstrate the effectiveness of our data-driven framework in an airplane maintenance application, with two times better predictive performance obtained.
Human-Robot Collaboration: A Predictive Collision Detection Approach for Operation Within Dynamic Environments
Authors: Streitmatter Gabriel , Wiens Gloria
Published: September 2020

Robots and humans closely working together within dynamic environments must be able to continuously look ahead and identify potential collisions within their ever-changing environment. To enable the robot to act upon such situational awareness, its controller requires an iterative collision detection capability that will allow for computationally efficient Proactive Adaptive Collaboration Intelligence (PACI) to ensure safe interactions.

In this paper, an algorithm is developed to evaluate a robot’s trajectory, evaluate the dynamic environment that the robot operates in, and predict collisions between the robot and dynamic obstacles in its environment. This algorithm takes as input the joint motion data of predefined robot execution plans and constructs a sweep of the robot’s instantaneous poses throughout time. The sweep models the trajectory as a point cloud containing all locations occupied by the robot and the time at which they will be occupied. To reduce the computational burden, Coons patches are leveraged to approximate the robot’s instantaneous poses. In parallel, the algorithm creates a similar sweep to model any human(s) and other obstacles being tracked in the operating environment. Overlaying temporal mapping of the sweeps reveals anticipated collisions that will occur if the robot-human do not proactively modify their motion. The algorithm is designed to feed into a segmentation and switching logic framework and provide real-time proactive-n-reactive behavior for different levels of human-robot interactions, while maintaining safety and production efficiency. To evaluate the predictive collision detection approach, multiple test cases are presented to quantify the computational speed and accuracy in predicting collisions.
Ultimate suppression of thermal transport in amorphous silicon nitride by phononic nanostructure
Authors: Tambo Naoki , Liao Yuxuan , Zhou Chun , Ashley Elizabeth Michiko , Takahashi Kouhei , Nealey Paul F. , Naito Yasuyuki , Shiomi Junichiro
Published: September 2020

Nanostructuring of amorphous solids can fully suppress the propagating lattice vibrations, leaving only diffusive heat carrier.
Does the effect of lifestyle intervention for individuals with diabetes vary by food insecurity status? A preplanned subgroup analysis of the REAL HEALTH randomized clinical trial
Authors: Berkowitz Seth A , Chang Yuchiao , Porneala Bianca , Cromer Sara J , Wexler Deborah J , Delahanty Linda M
Published: September 2020

Introduction

We aimed to test the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention (LI) for individuals with food insecurity and type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

Adults with type 2 diabetes, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2(or ≥23 kg/m2if Asian), hemoglobin A1c of 6.5%–11.5% (48–97 mmol/mol) and who were willing to lose 5%–7% bodyweight were enrolled in REAL HEALTH-Diabetes. This practice-based randomized clinical trial compared LI (delivered inperson or by telephone) with medical nutrition therapy (MNT) on weight loss at 6 and 12 months. Two or more affirmative responses on the six-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module indicated food insecurity. In this prespecified subgroup analysis, we tested using linear mixed effects models whether the intervention effect varied by food security status.

Results

Of 208 participants, 13% were food insecure. Those with food insecurity were more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities (p<0.001) and have lower education (p<0.001). LI, versus MNT, led to greater weight loss at 6 months (5.1% lost vs 1.1% lost; p<0.0001) and 12 months (4.7% lost vs 2.0% lost; p=0.0005). The intervention effect was similar regardless of food security status (5.1% bodyweight lost vs 1.1% in food secure participants and 5.1% bodyweight lost vs 1.3% in food insecure participants at 6 months; 4.7% bodyweight lost vs 2.1% in food secure participants and 4.5% bodyweight lost vs 0.9% in food insecure participants at 12 months; p for interaction=0.99).

Conclusions

The REAL HEALTH-Diabetes lifestyle intervention led to meaningful weight loss for individuals with food insecurity and type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration number

NCT02320253.
Long-term outcomes of surgical rib fixation in patients with flail chest and multiple rib fractures
Authors: Uchida Kenichiro , Miyashita Masahiro , Kaga Shinichiro , Noda Tomohiro , Nishimura Tetsuro , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Mizobata Yasumitsu
Published: September 2020

Background

Recently, interest has increased in surgical fixation for severe thoracic wall injury with good short-term outcomes. However, few reports have evaluated long-term outcomes or complications. This study aimed to assess long-term quality of life and implant-related complications after rib fixation for flail chest and multiple rib fractures.

Methods

We interviewed patients who had undergone rib fixation from January 2014 to December 2019 about their current ability to work and their usual life.

Results

Twenty-two patients underwent rib fixation during the study period. Two patients with flail chest had already died after the surgery due to senescence; thus, follow-up information was obtained from 20 patients (91%), with a follow-up duration of 47.5 (IQR 22–58) months. The most undesirable event occurring during the study period was irritation caused by a palpable plate (n=2, 10%), probably due to the thin skin of patients over 70 years old. Eighteen patients were able to return to their usual life or same work as in the premorbid state with no complaints. Two patients are still undergoing rehabilitation due to concomitant extremities fractures. The median EQ-5D-5L index score was 0.89 (IQR 0.84–0.93). There were no implant-related complications requiring plate explantation.

Discussion

We concluded that rib fixation offers good long-term benefits, with the ability of the patient with flail chest or multiple rib fractures to return to activity in the premorbid state. Elderly patients especially with thin, soft tissue may complain of irritation caused by the plate and should be informed of this prior to surgery.

Level of evidence

Level IV therapeutic care/management.
Low-intensity physical activity may protect pregnant women against spontaneous preterm labour: a prospective case-control study
Authors: Steckle Valerie , Shynlova Oksana , Lye Stephen , Bocking Alan
Published: September 2020

The innate immune system plays a significant role in onset of parturition. Maternal antenatal physical activity can influence immune function and timing of labour. We examined physical activity patterns and concentration of 19 cytokines at 16 and 27 weeks gestational age (GA), in peripheral plasma of 28 asymptomatic women who later had spontaneous preterm labour (SPTL, <37 weeks GA) and 52 women who later delivered at term (TL; ≥37 weeks GA). This nested case-control study used data from the Ontario Birth Study cohort. Exercise was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and cytokines were analyzed using Luminex assays. There was no significant difference in exercise patterns between SPTL and TL subjects. Plasma concentration of interleukin (IL)-10 was significantly higher in SPTL women at 16 and 27 weeks, while tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 concentrations were increased at 27 weeks GA (p < 0.05). Concentration of IL-10 was negatively correlated with the amount of reported walking (ρ = −0.264, p = 0.03). Women should be encouraged to partake in low-intensity exercise throughout pregnancy, as it may confer a protective effect against SPTL through IL-10–mediated pathways. Additionally, plasma cytokine analysis at 27 weeks GA may be useful for predicting SPTL in asymptomatic women.

Novelty: In women that delivered preterm, plasma levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were significantly elevated at 16 and 27 weeks of gestation. Plasma levels of IL-10 were negatively correlated with the amount of reported walking. Concentration of IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-α were increased in plasma of asymptomatic women that subsequently deliver preterm.
Drivers of arboreal lichen community structure and diversity on Abies balsamea and Betula alleghaniensis in the Avalon Forest Ecoregion, Newfoundland
Authors: Wigle Rachel D. , Wiersma Yolanda F. , Arsenault André , McMullin R. Troy
Published: September 2020

There is debate about what drives and maintains the structure of arboreal lichen communities and the relative importance of substrate vs. local environment. Here, we examined which lichen species are unique to two tree species [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. and Betula alleghaniensis Britton] in the boreal forests of the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland, and which environmental variables are most important for lichen colonization and community structure. We collected data on lichen diversity from tree boles along with environmental data (tree size, bark pH, canopy cover) for each tree and each site. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the relationship between community structure and environmental data. The results show that a diverse range of tree characteristics are needed to support a diverse range of lichen species. Certain stands, such as old B. alleghaniensis stands, are more suitable to host a unique community of lichens than others. These results can inform land managers on the Avalon, recommending strategies for protected areas and providing forest harvest guidelines that limit clear-cutting of A. balsamea to maintain a diverse community structure and limit harvest of B. alleghaniensis trees in sites less optimal for lichen growth. These baseline data can also be used to monitor changes caused by moose browse and selective harvesting, two locally important threats to lichen diversity.
Redox and apoptotic potential of novel ruthenium complexes in rat blood and heart
Authors: Mihajlovic Katarina , Milosavljevic Isidora , Jeremic Jovana , Savic Maja , Sretenovic Jasmina , Srejovic Ivan , Zivkovic Vladimir , Jovicic Nemanja , Paunovic Milica , Bolevich Sergey , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Novokmet Slobodan
Published: September 2020

Ruthenium(II) complexes offer the potential for lower toxicity compared with platinum(II) complexes. Our study aimed to compare cardiotoxicity of [Ru(Cl-tpy)(en)Cl][Cl], [Ru(Cl-tpy)(dach)Cl][Cl], [Ru(Cl-tpy)(bpy)Cl][Cl], cisplatin, and saline through assessment of redox status and relative expression of apoptosis-related genes. A total of 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Ruthenium groups received a single dose of complexes intraperitoneally (4 mg/kg/week) for a 4-week period; cisplatin group received cisplatin (4 mg/kg/week) and control group received saline (4 mL/kg/week) in the same manner as ruthenium groups. In collected blood and heart tissue samples, spectrophotometric determination of oxidative stress biomarkers was performed. The relative expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3) in hearts was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that systemic and cardiac pro-oxidative markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite) were significantly lower in ruthenium groups compared with cisplatin group, while concentrations of antioxidative parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and oxidized glutathione) were significantly higher. Ruthenium administration led to significantly lower gene expression of Bax and caspase-3 compared with cisplatin-treated rats, while Bcl-2 remained unchanged. Applied ruthenium complexes have less pronounced potential for induction of oxidative stress-mediated cardiotoxicity compared with cisplatin. These findings may help for future studies that should clarify the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of ruthenium-based metallodrugs.
Galactic sparsity and Λ-gravity
Authors: Amekhyan A. , Sargsyan S. , Stepanian A.
Published: September 2020

The sparsity parameter for clusters of galaxies is obtained in the context of [Formula: see text]-gravity. It is shown that the theoretical estimated values are within the reported error limits of the measured data. Thus, in the future the sparsity parameter can serve as an informative new test to detect the discrepancy between General Relativity and [Formula: see text]-gravity.
Doping dependence of thermopower in cuprate superconductors
Authors: Qin Ling , Liu Yiqun , Feng Shiping
Published: September 2020

The doping dependence of the thermopower of cuprate superconductors in the normal-state is studied within the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model. It is shown that with a proper modification of the bare electron dispersion in the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model, the experimental results of the doping dependence of the normal-state thermopower are qualitatively reproduced. In particular, the theory shows that a pseudogap-generated split of the van Hove peak in the density of states appears in the underdoped and optimally doped regimes, however, this split is absent from the overdoped regime. Concomitantly, the strong asymmetry of the spectral conductivity near the electron Fermi surface emerges, where the peak in the spectral conductivity appears always below the electron Fermi surface in the underdoped and optimally doped regimes, while it appears above the electron Fermi surface in the overdoped regime. This strong asymmetry of the spectral conductivity leads to the unusual behaviors of the normal-state thermopower from the underdoped regime to the overdoped regime.
Parameter-robust Uzawa-type iterative methods for double saddle point problems arising in Biot’s consolidation and multiple-network poroelasticity models
Authors: Hong Qingguo , Kraus Johannes , Lymbery Maria , Philo Fadi
Published: September 2020

This work is concerned with the iterative solution of systems of quasi-static multiple-network poroelasticity equations describing flow in elastic porous media that is permeated by single or multiple fluid networks. Here, the focus is on a three-field formulation of the problem in which the displacement field of the elastic matrix and, additionally, one velocity field and one pressure field for each of the [Formula: see text] fluid networks are the unknown physical quantities. Generalizing Biot’s model of consolidation, which is obtained for [Formula: see text], the MPET equations for [Formula: see text] exhibit a double saddle point structure. The proposed approach is based on a framework of augmenting and splitting this three-by-three block system in such a way that the resulting block Gauss–Seidel preconditioner defines a fully decoupled iterative scheme for the flux-, pressure-, and displacement fields. In this manner, one obtains an augmented Lagrangian Uzawa-type method, the analysis of which is the main contribution of this work. The parameter-robust uniform linear convergence of this fixed-point iteration is proved by showing that its rate of contraction is strictly less than one independent of all physical and discretization parameters. The theoretical results are confirmed by a series of numerical tests that compare the new fully decoupled scheme to the very popular partially decoupled fixed-stress split iterative method, which decouples only flow — the flux and pressure fields remain coupled in this case — from the mechanics problem. We further test the performance of the block-triangular preconditioner defining the new scheme when used to accelerate the generalized minimal residual method (GMRES) algorithm.
Atomistic origins of continuum dislocation dynamics
Authors: Hudson Thomas , van Meurs Patrick , Peletier Mark
Published: September 2020

This paper focuses on the connections between four stochastic and deterministic models for the motion of straight screw dislocations. Starting from a description of screw dislocation motion as interacting random walks on a lattice, we prove explicit estimates of the distance between solutions of this model, an SDE system for the dislocation positions, and two deterministic mean-field models describing the dislocation density. The proof of these estimates uses a collection of various techniques in analysis and probability theory, including a novel approach to establish propagation-of-chaos on a spatially discrete model. The estimates are non-asymptotic and explicit in terms of four parameters: the lattice spacing, the number of dislocations, the dislocation core size, and the temperature. This work is a first step in exploring this parameter space with the ultimate aim to connect and quantify the relationships between the many different dislocation models present in the literature.
Deformed phase-space in supersymmetric Kantowski–Sachs model
Authors: Crespo-Hernández A. , Mena-Barboza E. A.
Published: September 2020

We study some consequences of a wave packet resulting as a solution in a class of Supersymmetric Wheeler–DeWitt equation in Kantowski–Sachs minisuperspace. As a result of our analysis, we show that the Supersymmetric noncommutative proposal can modify significantly the universe evolution. The volume expansion, the shear and the characteristic volume are calculated explicit.
TIME-VARYING EPIDEMIC TRANSMISSION IN HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS AND APPLICATIONS TO MEASLES
Authors: SOTTILE SARA , LIU XINZHI
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we analyze some epidemic models by considering a time-varying transmission rate in complex heterogeneous networks. The transmission rate is assumed to change in time, due to a switching signal, and since the spreading of the disease also depends on connections between individuals, the population is modeled as a heterogeneous network. We establish some stability results related to the behavior of the time-weighted average Basic Reproduction Number (BRN).

Later, a Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered (SEIR) model which describes the measles disease is proposed and we show that its dynamics is determined by a threshold value, below which the disease dies out. Moreover, compared with models without the Exposed compartment, we can find weaker stability results. A control strategy with an imperfect vaccine is applied, to determine how it could effect the size of the peak. Due to the periodic behavior of the switching rule, we compare the results with the BRN of the model. Some simulations are given, using a scale-free network, to illustrate the threshold conditions found.
ANALYSIS OF AN AGE-STRUCTURED HIV-1 INFECTION MODEL WITH LOGISTIC TARGET CELL GROWTH
Authors: LIU HUIJUAN , XU FEI , ZHANG JIA-FANG
Published: September 2020

In this work, we construct an age-structured HIV-1 infection model to investigate the interplay between [Formula: see text] cells and viruses. In our model, we assume that the variations in the death rate of productively infected [Formula: see text] cells and the production rate of virus in infected cells are all age-dependent, and the target cells follow logistic growth. We perform mathematical analysis and prove the persistence of the semi-flow of the system. We calculate the basic reproduction number and prove the local and global stability of the steady states. We show that if the basic reproduction number is less than one, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, and if the basic reproduction number is greater than one, the infected steady state is locally asymptotically stable.
Inner models from extended logics: Part 1
Authors: Kennedy Juliette , Magidor Menachem , Väänänen Jouko
Published: September 2020

If we replace first-order logic by second-order logic in the original definition of Gödel’s inner model [Formula: see text], we obtain the inner model of hereditarily ordinal definable (HOD) sets [33]. In this paper, we consider inner models that arise if we replace first-order logic by a logic that has some, but not all, of the strength of second-order logic. Typical examples are the extensions of first-order logic by generalized quantifiers, such as the Magidor–Malitz quantifier [24], the cofinality quantifier [35], or stationary logic [6]. Our first set of results show that both [Formula: see text] and HOD manifest some amount of formalism freeness in the sense that they are not very sensitive to the choice of the underlying logic. Our second set of results shows that the cofinality quantifier gives rise to a new robust inner model between [Formula: see text] and HOD. We show, among other things, that assuming a proper class of Woodin cardinals the regular cardinals [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] are weakly compact in the inner model arising from the cofinality quantifier and the theory of that model is (set) forcing absolute and independent of the cofinality in question. We do not know whether this model satisfies the Continuum Hypothesis, assuming large cardinals, but we can show, assuming three Woodin cardinals and a measurable above them, that if the construction is relativized to a real, then on a cone of reals, the Continuum Hypothesis is true in the relativized model.
Computational Approach of the Cortical Bone Mechanical Behavior Based on an Elastic Viscoplastic Damageable Constitutive Model
Authors: Kraiem Tesnim , Barkaoui Abdelwahed , Merzouki Tarek , Chafra Moez
Published: September 2020

Bone mechanical behavior varies according to the mechanical loading to which it is subjected, and its response effectiveness mainly depends on its quality. Thus, measuring the indicators controlling the bone quality is required to assess its strength. Indeed, the Finite Element Method (FEM) provides a non-invasive tool to interpret bone quality. Therefore, this work coupled the FEM with a micromechanical law, aiming to provide an exhaustive description of the human bone mechanical behavior. Anisotropy, viscoplasticity and damage were introduced in the material behavior law and the damage evolution was plotted based on the applied loading. Then a sensitivity study was conducted to evaluate the effects of viscoplasticity and damage parameters on bone behavior. The obtained numerical results were in a good agreement with the previously reported experimental data and allowed to distinguish key parameters from non-significant ones. This new computational model provided a better understanding of the main parameters affecting bone behavior.
Hybrid Codes
Authors: Ye Liuqing , Feng Dan , Hu Yuchong , Wei Xueliang
Published: September 2020

Erasure codes are being extensively deployed in practical storage systems to prevent data loss with low redundancy. However, these codes require excessive disk I/Os and network traffic for recovering unavailable data. Among all erasure codes, Minimum Storage Regenerating (MSR) codes can achieve optimal repair bandwidth under the minimum storage during recovery, but some open issues remain to be addressed before applying them in real systems.

Facing with the huge burden during recovery, erasure-coded storage systems need to be developed with high repair efficiency. Aiming at this goal, a new class of coding scheme is introduced—Hybrid Regenerating Codes (Hybrid-RC). The codes utilize the superiority of MSR codes to compute a subset of data blocks while some other parity blocks are used for reliability maintenance. As a result, our design is near-optimal with respect to storage and network traffic and shows great improvements in recovery performance.
The Chalkboard: Picture Your Electrode: A Primer on Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Counihan Michael C. , Sarbapalli Dipobrato , Rodriguez-Lopez Joaquin
Published: September 2020

Every electrochemical energy storage and conversion device requires electrodes to exchange charge with the electrolyte and move electrons through an external circuit. We are used to describing electrode performance in terms of single-valued, averaged measurements: a peak current, a charge transfer resistance, a capacitance, and a charge capacity. However, these characterizations escape the complexity of most practical materials. Electrodes are not idealized current collectors but rather heterogeneous surfaces on which individual features strongly influence device performance by dictating local charge transfer. Thus, it would be desirable to understand reactivity at such locality, whatever its length scale.
Profile Design Method of Twin-Screw Compressor Rotors Based on the Pixel Solution
Authors: Shen Zhihuang
Published: September 2020

A new design method based on pixel solution is proposed to achieve an efficient and high-precision design of a twin-screw rotor profile. This method avoids the complex analytic calculations in the traditional envelope principle. The best approximation of the pixels of the rotor conjugate motion sweeping surface in the lattice screen pixels is illuminated using a specific color. The sweeping surface of the screw rotor single-tooth profile is roughly scanned to capture the base point set of the sweeping surface boundary pixels. The chord length and tilt angle of each interval are calculated using the value of the base point set to adjust the position, phase, and magnification of each interval sweeping surface. Each interval sweeping surface is finely scanned to capture the data point set of the subinterval, and then the data point set is converted to the same coordinate system to generate the conjugated rotor profile. Finally, an example is used to verify the feasibility and adaptability of this method. The approach provided can be used to design screw rotor profiles with high precision.
Sustainable Nipa Palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb.) Product Utilization in Thailand
Authors: Cheablam Onanong , Chanklap Boontaree
Published: September 2020

Nipa palms, a plant species in mangrove forest, are valuable and beneficial for the local community’s economy as well as the conservation in the southern region of Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the use of nipa palms in Khanap Nak and focused on the type of products made from nipa palms and the yield of this plant through focus group discussion and interview with the farmers maintaining nipa palm forest. The results suggested that nipa palms in Khanap Nak can yield for 5–100 years. Apart from the benefits to the community in terms of sustainability, as it prevents erosion, it provides sources for the production of food (molasses, granulated sugar, syrup, and vinegar from sap) and raw materials (roofing material and cigarette paper from leaves and stem), which can generate income to community members. It was found that most of the communities earn 90–130 USD/day from palm sugar production. The quantity of nipa palm products varies in each season, resulting in different prices. In this regard, they can produce high quantity of products made from sap from January to March. However, the production of different types of sugar requires local knowledge and wisdom to ensure good quality. Nipa palm production is the sustainable way to utilize mangrove forest resources, leading to effective conservation and good life quality. Regarding problems and difficulties in farming, it was found that natural disaster is a major threat, such as drought, excessive amount of salt or freshwater in certain periods, and insect pests.
Metastatin as a Marker for Hyperandrogenemia in Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Abdalqader Manal Madany , Hussein Shatha Sami
Published: September 2020

Objective. Kisspeptin 1 might reflect increased androgen level in polycystic ovarian syndrome instead of other markers. Study Design. A case control study was performed in Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital from 1st of July 2016 to 1st of July 2017; it involved 87 women divided into two groups: 44 women diagnosed as PCOS, 22 women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and 22 women with BMI < 25 kg/m2, and another 43 women without PCOS, 22 women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and 21 women with BMI < 25 kg/m2. Hormonal, metabolic profiles, and hirsutism scores, as well as serum kisspeptin level, were assessed by using Human Kisspeptin 1(KISS-1) ELISA Kit. The blood samples between days 2 and 5 of menstrual cycle were drawn by an disposable sterile syringe and collected in EDTA containing tubes (as anticoagulant), and the hormonal profile was measured using a biotech ELISA reader. Result. Serum level of kisspeptin was significantly higher in PCOS compared to control (322.4 vs. 235.3 ng/L, respectively). There was no significant difference in age, BMI, and parity between control and PCOS; the frequency of hirsutism, acne, elevated LH, and increased free testosterone (fTT) were significantly higher in PCOS compared to control. Kisspeptin shows a direct significant correlation with hirsutism and fTT (r = 0.648, 0.238, respectively). In ROC analysis, kisspeptin had AUC (95% CI) = 0.874 (0.785–0.935) for predicting PCOS. Conclusion. Kisspeptin levels might be used as a marker for hyperandrogenemia in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Effect of Health Education on Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity among Female Teachers Aged 40–60 Years in Asmara, Eritrea: A Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Gebretatyos Helen , Amanuel Soliana , Ghirmai Lidia , Gebreyohannes Ghidey , Tesfamariam Eyasu H.
Published: September 2020

Background. Middle age is a period in women’s life where many changes occur in their bodies due to the decline of gonadotropins. As a result, they face various vasomotor, psychological, and somatic symptoms. Moreover, chronic illness such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and osteoporosis are prevalent at this time. Healthy nutrition and physical activity are effective factors to reduce the problems of menopause faced during middle age. Objective. This study aimed at assessing the effect of health education on healthy nutrition and physical activity among 40–60-year-old female teachers in elementary, junior, and secondary schools of Asmara. Method. A quasiexperimental design was used in this study. The data were collected from 99 middle-age female teachers who were selected by stratified random sampling. The intervention was conducted using lecture, brochure, and group discussion for a total of 3 hours. Data on physical activity and healthy nutrition were collecting using HPLP- II subscales physical activity and nutrition. Sociodemographic data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. The effect of educational training at preintervention and postintervention was evaluated by the paired t-test and factorial mixed ANOVA using SPSS (version 22). Results. The mean score of practicing healthy diet and physical activity at preintervention and postintervention was 27/44 (SD = 4.20) and 31/44 (SD = 5.36), respectively. A significant difference in the scores of practicing healthy diet and physical activity was observed after the educational intervention (MD = 4.06, 95% CI 2.95–5.17, p<0.0001). The effectiveness of health education was seen across the categories of age, educational level, and occupational level where none of them showed significant interaction, displaying similar effect of educational intervention across all categories of the demographic variables. Conclusion. The structured educational intervention was beneficial for the studied women in changing their practice on healthy nutrition and physical activity.
EpCAM Signaling Promotes Tumor Progression and Protein Stability of PD-L1 through the EGFR Pathway
Authors: Chen Hao-Nien , Liang Kang-Hao , Lai Jun-Kai , Lan Chun-Hsin , Liao Mei-Ying , Hung Shao-Hsi , Chuang Yi-Ting , Chen Kai-Chi , Tsuei William Wei-Fu , Wu Han-Chung
Published: September 2020

Although epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has previously been shown to promote tumor progression, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that the EGF-like domain I within the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) binds EGFR, activating both AKT and MAPK signaling to inhibit forkhead transcription factor O3a (FOXO3a) function and stabilize PD-L1 protein, respectively. Treatment with the EpCAM neutralizing antibody, EpAb2-6, inhibited AKT and FOXO3a phosphorylation, increased FOXO3a nuclear translocation, and upregulated high temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2) expression to promote apoptosis while decreasing PD-L1 protein levels to enhance the cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells. In vivo, EpAb2-6 markedly extended survival in mouse metastasis and orthotopic models of human colorectal cancer. The combination of EpAb2-6 with atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, almost completely eliminated tumors. Moreover, the number of CD8+ T cells in combination-treated tumors was increased compared with atezolizumab alone. Our findings suggest a new combination strategy for cancer immunotherapy in patients with EpCAM-expressing tumors.

Significance:

This study shows that treatment with an EpCAM neutralizing antibody promotes apoptosis while decreasing PD-L1 protein to enhance cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells.
Prefrontal Cortex Transcriptomic Deconvolution Implicates Monocyte Infiltration in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Batchu Sai
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Although not considered a primary cause, neuroinflammation is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: To elucidate potential immune involvement in PD, the present study imputed immune cell abundances from bulk RNA-sequencing transcriptomic data of PD postmortem prefrontal cortices. CIBERSORTx, an RNA deconvolution algorithm that implements support vector regression, was used to measure the relative abundances of immune cells from a previously published gene expression dataset. Through this machine-learning approach, relative proportions of 22 immune cell subtypes present in the original brain tissue were estimated. Results: Prefrontal cortices from PD patients exhibited significantly higher relative abundances of monocytes compared to neuropathologically normal controls (p value = 0.0005). The relative proportions of the other 21 immune subtypes showed no significant differences between control and PD samples. Conclusion and Discussion: The findings corroborate previous reports and suggest monocytes may be involved in PD pathogenesis.
Management of COVID-19 Coagulopathy in a Patient with Severe Haemophilia A
Authors: Pinto Pereira João , Hantson Philippe , Gerard Ludovic , Wittebole Xavier , Laterre Pierre-François , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cédric
Published: September 2020

A 54-year-old man with a long history of severe haemophilia A treated prophylactically with efmoroctocog alpha (3,000 IU twice weekly) was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. He had multiple risk factors for COVID-19 severity including obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. He required prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay due to the severity of respiratory failure until his death on day 24. During his ICU stay, he received a continuous infusion of efmoroctocog alpha in order to maintain factor VIII activity between 80 and 100%, together with therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin targeting anti-Xa activity above 0.5 IU/mol. He tolerated numerous invasive procedures without bleeding. At post-mortem examination, there was no evidence for thrombosis or haemorrhage in the different organs.
Modeling the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease in patient-specific neurons
Authors: Feng Jian
Published: September 2020

The 30 trillion cells that self-assemble into a human being originate from the pluripotent stem cells in the inner cell mass of a human blastocyst. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) makes it possible to approximate various aspects of this natural developmental process artificially by generating materials that can be used in invasive mechanistic studies of virtually all human conditions. In Parkinson’s disease, instructions computed by the basal ganglia to control voluntary motor functions break down, leading to widespread rhythmic bursting activities in the basal ganglia and beyond. It is thought that these oscillatory neuronal activities, which disrupt aperiodic neurotransmission in a normal brain, may reduce information content in the instructions for motor control. Using midbrain neuronal cultures differentiated from iPSCs of Parkinson’s disease patients with parkin mutations, we find that parkin mutations cause oscillatory neuronal activities when dopamine D1-class receptors are activated. This system makes it possible to study the molecular basis of rhythmic bursting activities in Parkinson’s disease. Further development of stem cell models of Parkinson’s disease will enable better approximation of the situation in the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients. In this review, I will discuss what has been found in the past about the pathophysiology of motor dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease, especially oscillatory neuronal activities and how stem cell technologies may transform our abilities to understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.
Vittinkiite, MnMn4[Si5O15], a member of the rhodonite group with a long history: definition as a mineral species
Authors: Shchipalkina Nadezhda V. , Pekov Igor V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Belakovskiy Dmitry I. , Britvin Sergey N. , Koshlyakova Natalia N.
Published: September 2020

The rhodonite-group mineral with the idealised, end-member formula MnMn4[Si5O15] and the crystal chemical formulaVIIM(5)MnVIM(1–3)Mn3VIIM(4)Mn[Si5O15] (Roman numerals indicate coordination numbers) is defined as a valid mineral species named vittinkiite after the type locality Vittinki (Vittinge) mines, Isokyrö, Western and Inner Finland Region, Finland. Vittinkiite is an isostructural analogue of rhodonite, ideally CaMn4[Si5O15], with Mn2+> Ca at theM(5) site. Besides Vittinki, vitiinkiite was found in more than a dozen rhodonite deposits worldwide, however, it is significantly less common in comparison with rhodonite. The mineral typically forms pink to light pink massive, granular aggregates and is associated with quartz, rhodonite, tephroite, pyroxmangite and Mn oxides. Vittinkiite is optically biaxial (+), with α = 1.725(4), β = 1.733(4), γ = 1.745(5) and 2Vmeas= 75(10)° (589 nm). The chemical composition of the holotype (wt.%, electron microprobe) is: MgO 0.52, CaO, 0.93, MnO 51.82, FeO 1.26, ZnO 0.11, SiO246.48, total 101.12. The empirical formula calculated based on 15 O apfu is Mn4.71Ca0.11Fe0.11Mg0.08Zn0.01Si4.99O15. Vittinkiite is triclinic, space groupP$\bar{1}$, witha= 6.6980(3),b= 7.6203(3),c= 11.8473(5) Å, α = 105.663(3), β = 92.400(3), γ = 94.309(3)°,V= 579.38(7) Å3andZ= 2. The crystal structure is solved on a single crystal toR1= 3.85%. Polymorphism of MnSiO3(rhodonite-, pyroxmangite-, garnet- and clinopyroxene-type manganese metasilicates) is discussed, as well as the relationship between vittinkiite and pyroxmangite, ideally Mn7[Si7O21], and the application of infrared spectroscopy for the identification of manganese pyroxenoids.
Rectangular loop suture to correct iris capture of the posterior chamber intraocular lens
Authors: Lin Ke , Hu Zhixiang , Lin Zhong , Chen Tianyu , Tang Yongping , Wu Ronghan
Published: September 2020

Background

To report a new technique for iris capture of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implanted in patients with a posterior capsule defect.

Methods

In this retrospective case series, a rectangular loop ciliary body suture technique was performed to rectify iris capture. The suture passes between the IOL and iris in a direction perpendicular to the iris edge capturing the IOL.

Results

A total of three IOLs with iris capture underwent a rectangular loop suture technique. No recapture was observed postoperatively. In one case, large astigmatism appeared after the surgery but recovered at 1 month post operation. No further complications were found.

Conclusions

The rectangular loop suture technique is an effective, convenient, and minimally invasive method for iris capture of the IOL.
Adherence to inhalers and comorbidities in COPD patients. A cross-sectional primary care study from Greece
Authors: Ierodiakonou Despo , Sifaki-Pistolla Dimitra , Kampouraki Maria , Poulorinakis Ioannis , Papadokostakis Polyvios , Gialamas Ioannis , Athanasiou Polyxeni , Bempi Vasiliki , Lampraki Irene , Tsiligianni Ioanna ,   On behalf of the Greek UNLOCK group, Kampouraki Maria , Ierodiakonou Despo , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Lintovoi Eleftheria , Karanassos Dimitris , Papadokostakis Polyvios , Poulorinakis Ioannis , Maltezis Kyriakos , Chorti Maria , Petrovitsos Evangelos , Dimopoulou Sofia , Hamind Sam , Gialamas Ioannis , Athanasiou Polyxeni , Bempi Vasiliki , Lampraki Irene
Published: September 2020

Background

Comorbidities and adherence to inhaled therapy appears to have a major impact on treatment goals, health status and disease control in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aim of the study was to assess levels of adherence to inhalers, comorbidities and associations with COPD outcomes in patients residing in rural and semi-urban areas of Greece.

Methods

Two hundred fifty-seven COPD patients were enrolled from primary health care in 2015–2016. Physicians used structured interviews and questionnaires to assess quality of life and disease status. Patients were classified into groups according to GOLD 2019 guidelines (based on CAT and mMRC). Adherence to inhalers was measured with the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI). Multivariate linear and logistics regression models were used to assess associations between comorbidities and adherence to inhalers with COPD outcomes, including CAT and mMRC scores, exacerbations and GOLD A-D status.

Results

74.1% of COPD patients reported poor adherence, while most of them were characterized as deliberate non-compliers (69.5%). 77.1% had ≥2 comorbidities, with overweight/obese (82.2%), hypertension (72.9%) and diabetes mellitus (58%) being the most prevalent. In multivariate analysis, COPD outcomes having significant associations with poor adherence included worse health status [OR (95% CI) 4.86 (1.61–14.69) and 2.93 (1.51–5.71) based on CAT and mMRC, respectively], having ≥2 exacerbations in the past year [4.68 (1.51–4.44)], and disease status e.g., be in groups C or D [3.13 (1.49–8.53) and 3.35 (1.24–9.09) based on CAT and mMRC, respectively). Subjects with gastroesophageal reflux showed better inhaler adherence [OR (95% CI) 0.17 (0.6–0.45)], but none of the comorbid conditions was associated with COPD outcomes after adjustments.

Conclusions

Poor adherence to inhalers and comorbidities are both prevalent in COPD patients of primary care residing in rural/semi-urban areas of Greece, with adherence influencing COPD outcomes. Raising awareness of patients and physicians on the importance of comorbidities control and inhaler adherence may lead to interventions and improve outcomes.