bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Social Isolation on the Behavioral, Functional Profiles, and Hippocampal Atrophy Asymmetry in Dementia in Times of Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19): A Translational Neuroscience Approach
Authors: Muntsant Aida , Giménez-Llort Lydia
Published: November 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on the elderly is devastating, and nursing homes are struggling to provide the best care to the most fragile. The urgency and severity of the pandemic forces the use of segregation in restricted areas and confinement in individual rooms as desperate strategies to avoid the spread of disease and the worst-case scenario of becoming a deadly trap. The conceptualization of the post–COVID-19 era implies strong efforts to redesign all living conditions, care/rehabilitation interventions, and management of loneliness forced by social distance measures. Recently, a study of gender differences in COVID-19 found that men are more likely to suffer more severe effects of the disease and are over twice as likely to die. It is well-known that dementia is associated with increased mortality, and males have worse survival and deranged neuro-immuno-endocrine systems than females. The present study examines the impact of long-term isolation in male 3xTg-AD mice modeling advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and as compared to age-matched counterparts with normal aging. We used a battery of ethological and unconditioned tests resembling several areas in nursing homes. The main findings refer to an exacerbated (two-fold increase) hyperactivity and emergence of bizarre behaviors in isolated 3xTg-AD mice, worrisome results since agitation is a challenge in the clinical management of dementia and an important cause of caregiver burden. This increase was consistently shown in gross (activity in most of the tests) and fine (thermoregulatory nesting) motor functions. Isolated animals also exhibited re-structured anxiety-like patterns and coping-with-stress strategies. Bodyweight and kidney weight loss were found in AD-phenotypes and increased by isolation. Spleen weight loss was isolation dependent. Hippocampal tau pathology was not modified, but asymmetric atrophy of the hippocampus, recently described in human patients with dementia and modeled here for the first time in an animal model of AD, was found to increase with isolation. Overall, the results show awareness of the impact of isolation in elderly patients with dementia, offering some guidance from translational neuroscience in these times of coronavirus and post–COVID-19 pandemic. They also highlight the relevance of personalized-based interventions tailored to the heterogeneous and complex clinical profile of the individuals with dementia and to consider the implications on caregiver burden.
Structural MRI Study of the Planum Temporale in Individuals With an At-Risk Mental State Using Labeled Cortical Distance Mapping
Authors: Takayanagi Yoichiro , Kulason Sue , Sasabayashi Daiki , Takahashi Tsutomu , Katagiri Naoyuki , Sakuma Atsushi , Ohmuro Noriyuki , Katsura Masahiro , Nishiyama Shimako , Nakamura Mihoko , Kido Mikio , Furuichi Atsushi , Noguchi Kyo , Matsumoto Kazunori , Mizuno Masafumi , Ratnanather J. Tilak , Suzuki Michio
Published: November 2020

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated brain structural changes that predate or accompany the onset of frank psychosis, such as schizophrenia, among individuals with an at-risk mental state (ARMS). The planum temporale (PT) is a brain region involved in language processing. In schizophrenia patients, gray matter volume reduction and lack of normal asymmetry (left > right) of PT have repeatedly been reported. Some studies showed progressive gray matter reduction of PT in first-episode schizophrenia patients, and in ARMS subjects during their development of psychosis.

Methods: MRI scans (1.5 T field strength) were obtained from 73 ARMS subjects and 74 gender- and age-matched healthy controls at three sites (University of Toyama, Toho University and Tohoku University). Participants with ARMS were clinically monitored for at least 2 years to confirm whether they subsequently developed frank psychosis. Cortical thickness, gray matter volume, and surface area of PT were estimated using FreeSurfer-initiated labeled cortical distance mapping (FSLCDM). PT measures were compared among healthy controls, ARMS subjects who later developed overt psychosis (ARMS-P), and those who did not (ARMS-NP). In each statistical model, age, sex, intracranial volume, and scanning sites were treated as nuisance covariates.

Results: Of 73 ARMS subjects, 18 developed overt psychosis (12 schizophrenia and 6 other psychoses) within the follow-up period. There were no significant group differences of PT measures. In addition, significant asymmetries of PT volume and surface area (left > right) were found in all diagnostic groups. PT measures did not correlate with the neurocognitive performance of ARMS subjects.

Discussion: Our results suggest that the previously-reported gray matter reduction and lack of normal anatomical asymmetry of PT in schizophrenia patients may not emerge during the prodromal stage of psychosis; taken together with previous longitudinal findings, such PT structural changes may occur just before or during the onset of psychosis.
An Italian Guidance Model for the Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Lopes Noemi , Vernuccio Federica , Costantino Claudio , Imburgia Claudia , Gregoretti Cesare , Salomone Salvatore , Drago Filippo , Lo Bianco Giuliano
Published: November 2020

An outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 started in China's Hubei province at the end of 2019 has rapidly become a pandemic. In Italy, a great number of patients was managed in primary care setting and the role of general practitioners and physicians working in the first-aid emergency medical service has become of utmost importance to coordinate the network between the territory and hospitals during the pandemic. Aim of this manuscript is to provide a guidance model for the management of suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the primary care setting, from diagnosis to treatment, applying also the recommendations of the Italian Society of General Medicine. Moreover, this multidisciplinary contribution would analyze and synthetize the preventive measures to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population as well as the perspective for vaccines.
Cost of Illness, Quality of Life, and Work Outcomes in Active Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Treated With Adalimumab in China
Authors: Tu Liudan , Xie Ya , Liao Zetao , Jiang Yutong , Lv Qing , Cao Shuangyan , Wei Qiujing , Gu Jieruo
Published: November 2020

Objectives: To access the cost of illness, quality of life and work limitation in active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients using adalimumab in China.

Methods: A prospective study was performed in 91 patients with active AS in China. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) fulfilled the 1984 New York modified criteria of AS with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index ≥ 4 were enrolled. All participants received adalimumab (40 mg per 2 weeks) therapy and completed questionnaires about disease characteristics, quality of life and cost. Only patients with pay-work completed the Work Limitation Questionnaire and Work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire in AS. Factors associated with work outcomes were evaluated.

Results: A total of 91 patients with mean age of 30 years old (87.8% males) and mean disease duration of 10 years received adalimumab treatment for 24 weeks. The annual estimated cost of each patient was $37581.41 while the direct cost accounted for 84.6%. Seventy-eight percent of patients have a paid job with average work productivity loss of 0.28 measured by work limitation questionnaire, absenteeism and presenteeism were 10.22 and 43.86%, respectively, with a mean work productivity loss of 47.92% measured by Work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire in AS. Patients experienced significantly greater improvements after adalimumab treatment in presenteeism, absenteeism, work productivity, and quality of life.

Conclusions: The cost of AS patients with adalimumab therapy was high in China. Disease activity, physical function, quality of life, and work outcomes improved significantly after therapy.
Visually Induced Motion Sickness on the Horizon
Authors: Hemmerich Wanja , Keshavarz Behrang , Hecht Heiko
Published: November 2020

Visually induced motion sickness is an unpleasant but common side-effect of many simulations and VR-applications. We investigated whether an earth-fixed reference frame provided in the simulation is able to reduce motion sickness. To do so, we created a moving starfield that did not contain any indicators of the spatial orientation of the observer. As the observer was simulated to move through the randomly oscillating starfield, a time-to-contact task had to be carried out. Two colored stars on collision course with each other had to be spotted, then they disappeared and the time of their collision had to be judged. Eye-movements, task performance, and motion sickness were recorded. This condition without visual reference to the observer's upright was supplemented with three conditions containing either an earth-fixed fixation cross, an earth-fixed horizon line, or a line that was yoked to the head. Results show that only the earth-fixed horizon was able to significantly reduce visually induced motion sickness. Thus, a mere earth-stationary anchor does not suffice, a clear indication of earth horizontal seems necessary to reap a modest benefit.
Case Report: Multimodal Imaging Features of Pedunculated Liver Masses in Seven Dogs
Authors: Ko Jaeeun , Hwang Jeongyeon , Yoon Hakyoung , Eom Kidong , Kim Jaehwan
Published: November 2020

This study describes the multimodal imaging characteristics of pedunculated liver masses in seven dogs [Cocker Spaniel (n = 2), Maltese (n = 1), Shih-Tzu (n = 2), and Schnauzer (n = 2)]. These masses are anatomic variants of hepatic masses in which the center of the mass lies outside the liver contour. Prior to referral, only one dog had been diagnosed with a hepatic mass, four had been diagnosed with mid-abdominal masses of unknown origin, and two had been misdiagnosed with splenic head and pancreatic masses. Using radiographs, the mass locations were classified as cranioventral (n = 3), mid-abdominal (n = 2), or craniodorsal (n = 2). The gastric axis was deviated in various directions in four cases. Based on computed tomography (CT) findings, the masses were noted to originate from every liver lobe (two from the left lateral lobe) and to possess parenchymal (n = 6) or vascular (n = 1) pedicles. The histopathological results showed that three masses were benign [hepatic adenoma (n = 1) and nodular hyperplasia (n = 2)] and four were malignant [hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 3) and cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1)]. For three dogs, triple-phase CT maximum intensity projection images in the arterial phase clearly showed that the masses were connected to the hepatic artery. We propose that a pedunculated liver mass should be considered as a differential diagnosis when a mass is located in the mid-abdomen, even if it is separated from the liver and with the gastric axis deviated in various directions. We consider CT imaging to be a useful tool for diagnosis, evaluation, and surgical planning in dogs with a pedunculated liver mass.
Evaluating Growth and Photosynthesis of Kimchi Cabbage According to Extreme Weather Conditions
Authors: Wi Seung Hwan , Lee Hee Ju , An Sewoong , Kim Sung Kyeom
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to develop and validate growth and photosynthetic models of Kimchi cabbages under extreme temperature conditions at different growth stages. Kimchi cabbage plants were subjected to low and high air temperatures 7–10 days after transplanting (DAT) and 40–43 DAT using extreme weather simulators. Except during these periods, the air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation were set according to previous meteorological data. The experiments were performed over two years: in the first year, data were used to develop the models; the second-year experimental data were used for validation. The growth parameters and relative growth rate of Kimchi cabbage decreased due to low and high air temperature treatments. Photosynthetic CO2 response curves, which were measured using a portable gas exchange system, were used to calculate three biochemical parameters from measured data: photochemical efficiency, carboxylation conductance, and dark respiration. These parameters were used to develop the photosynthetic models (modified Thornley’s models) representing predictions of net photosynthetic rate by CO2 concentration and growth stage. The simulated photosynthetic rate with extreme high temperature treatment (35/31 °C) was 19.7 μmol m−2 s−1 which was evaluated approximately 3% deduction compared with control. Results of this study indicate that the growth and photosynthetic models developed here could be applied to evaluate retarded growth and net photosynthetic rate under extreme temperature conditions.
Daily Activity Patterns and Co-Occurrence of Duikers Revealed by an Intensive Camera Trap Survey across Central African Rainforests
Authors: Houngbégnon Fructueux G. A. , Cornelis Daniel , Vermeulen Cédric , Sonké Bonaventure , Ntie Stephan , Fayolle Adeline , Fonteyn Davy , Lhoest Simon , Evrard Quentin , Yapi Fabrice , Sandrin François , Vanegas Liliana , Ayaya Idriss , Hardy Clément , Le Bel Sebastien , Doucet Jean-Louis
Published: November 2020

The duiker community in Central African rainforests includes a diversity of species that can coexist in the same area. The study of their activity patterns is needed to better understand habitat use or association between the species. Using camera traps, we studied the temporal activity patterns, and quantified for the first time the temporal overlap and spatial co-occurrence between species. Our results show that: (i) Two species are strongly diurnal: Cephalophus leucogaster, and Philantomba congica, (ii) two species are mostly diurnal: C.callipygus and C. nigrifrons, (iii) one species is strongly nocturnal: C.castaneus, (iv) and one species is mostly nocturnal: C.silvicultor. Analyses of temporal activities (for five species) identified four species pairs that highly overlapped (Δ^≥ 0.80), and six pairs that weakly overlapped (Δ^ between 0.06 and 0.35). Finally, co-occurrence tests reveal a truly random co-occurrence (plt > 0.05 and pgt > 0.05) for six species pairs, and a positive co-occurrence (pgt < 0.05) for four pairs. Positive co-occurrences are particularly noted for pairs formed by C.callipygus with the other species (except C. nigrifrons). These results are essential for a better understanding of the coexistence of duikers and the ecology of poorly known species (C. leucogaster and C. nigrifrons), and provide clarification on the activity patterns of C. silvicultor which was subject to controversy. Camera traps proved then to be a powerful tool for studying the activity patterns of free-ranging duiker populations.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of an Antimicrobial Peptide Synthesized with D Amino Acids
Authors: Brunetti Jlenia , Carnicelli Veronica , Ponzi Alessia , Di Giulio Antonio , Lizzi Anna Rita , Cristiano Loredana , Cresti Laura , Cappello Giovanni , Pollini Simona , Mosconi Lara , Rossolini Gian Maria , Bracci Luisa , Falciani Chiara , Pini Alessandro
Published: November 2020

The peptide SET-M33 is a molecule synthesized in tetra-branched form which is being developed as a new antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria. Its isomeric form with D amino acids instead of the L version (SET-M33D) is also able to kill Gram-positive bacteria because of its higher resistance to bacterial proteases (Falciani et al., PLoS ONE, 2012, 7, e46259). Here we report the strong in vitro activity of SET-M33D (MIC range 0.7–6.0 µM) against multiresistant pathogens of clinical interest, including Gram-positives Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis, and various Gram-negative enterobacteriaceae. SET-M33D antibacterial activity is also confirmed in vivo against a MRSA strain of S. aureus with doses perfectly compatible with clinical use (5 and 2.5 mg/Kg). Moreover, SET-M33D strongly neutralized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), thus exerting a strong anti-inflammatory effect, reducing expression of cytokines, enzymes, and transcription factors (TNF-α, IL6, COX-2, KC, MIP-1, IP10, iNOS, NF-κB) involved in the onset and evolution of the inflammatory process. These results, along with in vitro and in vivo toxicity data and the low frequency of resistance selection reported here, make SET-M33D a strong candidate for the development of a new broad spectrum antibiotic.
Biological Effects of Scattered Versus Scanned Proton Beams on Normal Tissues in Total Body Irradiated Mice: Survival, Genotoxicity, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Chaouni Samia , Leduc Alexandre , Pouzoulet Frédéric , De Marzi Ludovic , Megnin-Chanet Frédérique , Stefan Dinu , Habrand Jean-Louis , Sichel François , Laurent Carine
Published: November 2020

Side effects of proton therapy are poorly studied. Moreover, the differences in the method of dose delivery on normal tissues are not taken into account when proton beams are scanned instead of being scattered. We proposed here to study the effects of both modalities of proton beam delivery on blood; skin; lung and heart in a murine model. In that purpose; C57BL/6 mice were total body irradiated by 190.6 MeV proton beams either by Double Scattering (DS) or by Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) in the plateau phase before the Bragg Peak. Mouse survival was evaluated. Blood and organs were removed three months after irradiation. Biomarkers of genotoxicity; oxidative stress and inflammation were measured. Proton irradiation was shown to increase lymphocyte micronucleus frequency; lung superoxide dismutase activity; erythrocyte and skin glutathione peroxidase activity; erythrocyte catalase activity; lung; heart and skin oxidized glutathione level; erythrocyte and lung lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte protein carbonylation even 3 months post-irradiation. When comparing both methods of proton beam delivery; mouse survival was not different. However, PBS significantly increased lymphocyte micronucleus frequency; erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and heart oxidized glutathione level compared to DS. These results point out the necessity to take into account the way of delivering dose in PT as it could influence late side effects.
Searching for Appropriate Storage Conditions for Short-Term Wet Preservation of Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Verspreet Joran , Soetemans Lise , Bastiaens Leen
Published: November 2020

It is often impossible in practice to process micro-algae immediately after their cultivation and harvest. This study, therefore, aimed to identify appropriate storage conditions for the wet preservation of Porphyridium purpureum. Algae were stored either as a concentrate or as a dilute culture at 4 °C, 8 °C, or 20 °C for 14 days and their quality was monitored. Concentrate storage tended to result in higher microbial numbers than dilute culture storage and clearly led to higher concentrations of malodorous organic acids. Butyric and isovaleric acid concentrations were about two orders of magnitude larger than their odor threshold values after 14 days of concentrate storage at 20 °C. Average B-phycoeryhrin (B-PE) levels were slightly higher after concentrate storage (2.5 ± 0.2 g B-PE/100 g organic matter) than after dilute culture storage (2.2 ± 0.5 g B-PE/100 g organic matter), probably due to respiration losses of other organic compounds in the first case. Significant amounts of organic matter got lost during concentrate storage (4–35%) as a result of carbohydrate degradation. The main restriction of concentrate storage was the rapid viscosity increase and formation of a weak gel structure complicating the later processing of the concentrates. These findings are highly relevant for P. purpureum cultivators and processors who have to store Porphyridium suspensions, even on a term of one day or less.
The Influence of Pillar Displacements on Geodetic Measurements
Authors: Močnik Robert , Koler Božo , Zupan Dejan , Ambrožič Tomaž
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the effects that displacements of the measuring pillar have on precise geodetic measurements. The changes in the position of the control points on the object or its surroundings can only be determined with well stabilized and stable reference points. These points are usually stabilized with measuring pillars which are not always constructed in an optimal manner. If they are placed in a dark tube with a high absorption factor, solar heating on one side of the pillar can cause the pillar to deflect considerably due to the temperature difference on the two sides of the pillar. This paper presents the influence of such a displacement, if the pillar is a survey point, orientation point, or control point. We show that even small displacement of the survey point can have important influence on all measurements and that the error in some cases significantly increases, e.g., if the standard deviations of the coordinates of the survey point are 1 mm and their covariance is assumed to be zero, the standard deviation of the distance between measured and exact position of the control point exceeds the value of 2.2 mm.
IFC Classification for FOSS HBIM: Open Issues and a Schema Proposal for Cultural Heritage Assets
Authors: Diara Filippo , Rinaudo Fulvio
Published: November 2020

The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) open format has been developed by BuildingSMART and regularized through ISO standards. It has been implemented into a BIM (Building Information Modeling) informative system for the AEC industry (Architecture Engineering and Construction). The IFC format has changed interoperability processes concerning architectural and technical entities in a semantic way. However, because this standard open format was specifically designed for the modern AEC industry, it may not cater to the demands of cultural heritage assets. Since IFC classification is fundamental for informative systems, it should become a standard also concerning heritage assets, even if nowadays there is no regularized IFC classification for historical existing buildings. Specific cultural heritage peculiarities therefore need semantic classification based on historical asset families. For this reason, this work is based on a proposal and experimental IFC classification implemented inside an HBIM open source software (FreeCAD), whereby limitations of IFC standards can be overcome thanks to the freedom of access to libraries and codes. Moreover, this work is based on IFC objects management outside the platform for interoperability purposes.
Preparation and Characterization of Gold Nanorods Coated with Gellan Gum and Lipoic Acid
Authors: Varvarà Paola , Tranchina Luigi , Cavallaro Gennara , Licciardi Mariano
Published: November 2020

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) can combine therapeutic hyperthermia with diagnostic features, representing a smart choice to address personalized cancer treatments. In this regard, a crucial quest is the selection of the right biocompatible coating agent able to stabilize them in the physiological environment, further endowing the possibility to load bioactive molecules and/or targeting moieties. Therefore, AuNRs optical properties can be successfully merged with advantageous materials features to obtain selective photothermal therapy (PTT) systems. Here, the natural materials lipoic acid (LA) and the polysaccharide gellan gum (GG) were chosen to prepare three types of stabilized gold nanorods, using LA (AuNRs/LA), a layered coating of LA and GG (AuNRs/LA,GG) or a newly synthesized covalent derivative of LA and GG (AuNRs/GG-LA). The samples displayed diverse stability and dispersibility. Hydrodynamic diameters and surface potential analyses confirmed the nanometric size (100–200 nm) and showed surface charges ranging from +19.5 to −25.6 mV. Particular attention was thus paid to analyze the differences between hyperthermia properties exhibited after near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility and photothermal effect were tested on HCT116 human colon cancer cell line. Collected data have finally allowed selecting AuNRs/LA,GG as the best candidate for possible use in PTT of cancer.
A Review of Energy Consumption Forecasting in Smart Buildings: Methods, Input Variables, Forecasting Horizon and Metrics
Authors: Mariano-Hernández Deyslen , Hernández-Callejo Luis , García Felix Santos , Duque-Perez Oscar , Zorita-Lamadrid Angel L.
Published: November 2020

Buildings are among the largest energy consumers in the world. As new technologies have been developed, great advances have been made in buildings, turning conventional buildings into smart buildings. These smart buildings have allowed for greater supervision and control of the energy resources within the buildings, taking steps to energy management strategies to achieve significant energy savings. The forecast of energy consumption in buildings has been a very important element in these energy strategies since it allows adjusting the operation of buildings so that energy can be used more efficiently. This paper presents a review of energy consumption forecasting in smart buildings for improving energy efficiency. Different forecasting methods are studied in nonresidential and residential buildings. Following this, the literature is analyzed in terms of forecasting objectives, input variables, forecasting methods and prediction horizon. In conclusion, the paper examines future challenges for building energy consumption forecasting.
A Clustering-Based Hybrid Support Vector Regression Model to Predict Container Volume at Seaport Sanitary Facilities
Authors: Ruiz-Aguilar Juan Jesús , Moscoso-López José Antonio , Urda Daniel , González-Enrique Javier , Turias Ignacio
Published: November 2020

An accurate prediction of freight volume at the sanitary facilities of seaports is a key factor to improve planning operations and resource allocation. This study proposes a hybrid approach to forecast container volume at the sanitary facilities of a seaport. The methodology consists of a three-step procedure, combining the strengths of linear and non-linear models and the capability of a clustering technique. First, a self-organizing map (SOM) is used to decompose the time series into smaller clusters easier to predict. Second, a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving averages (SARIMA) model is applied in each cluster in order to obtain predicted values and residuals of each cluster. These values are finally used as inputs of a support vector regression (SVR) model together with the historical data of the cluster. The final prediction result integrates the prediction results of each cluster. The experimental results showed that the proposed model provided accurate prediction results and outperforms the rest of the models tested. The proposed model can be used as an automatic decision-making tool by seaport management due to its capacity to plan resources in advance, avoiding congestion and time delays.
From Analogue to Digital Photogrammetry: Documentation of Padise Abbey in Two Different Time Stages
Authors: Dlesk Adam , Uueni Andres , Vach Karel , Pärtna Jüri
Published: November 2020

Exploration of historical buildings during their life cycles is one of many aspects of the cultural heritage research. For studying different conditions of historical buildings over time, it is convenient to use photogrammetric surveys carried out in different time stages. Modern photogrammetric methods give the possibility to use archived analogue photogrammetric data, re-process them, and achieve new potentially valuable results with sufficient geometric accuracy and with high visual quality. The paper presents re-processing of analogue archival photogrammetric images captured by a metric camera in 1991 and compares the results to the new photogrammetric survey with a digital camera. The object of interest is Padise Abbey in Estonia. In 1991, parts of the abbey were in poor condition and conservation and renovation works were at an early stage. Nowadays, the abbey is partly renovated, and the results of the new photogrammetric survey give an opportunity to study two completely different conditions.
Digitalization of the Ex-Core Neutron Flux Monitoring System for APR1400 Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Kim Young Baik , Vista Felipe P. , Cho Seung Bin , Chong Kil To
Published: November 2020

This work studied the feasibility of digitalizing the analog Ex-Core Neutron Flux Monitoring System (ENFMS) being used for APR1400 nuclear power plants (NPPs) and as to which strategies and steps must be taken. A fission chamber neutron flux detection and instrumentation model were designed. Its accuracy was evaluated and proven by comparing the model data with data gathered from tests and plant operations. A conceptual design was proposed through a combined structure that digitalizes only part of the system. The detector signal pre-amplification remains in analog form while the other functions such as reactor power calculation as well as signal conditioning and processing will be digitalized. Simulations showed that the true mean squared voltage (MSV) of the digitalized ENFMS maintained a linear relationship between real and estimated reactor power in the wide range compared to averaged magnitude squared value of analog ENFMS. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) was also utilized for estimating reactor power and reactor period from measurement signals that are contaminated with gamma ray interaction and electric noise. This study proved that the ENFMS can be successfully digitalized as proposed wherein all functional and performance requirements are satisfied. Simulations results demonstrated that the functions and performance can be improved through the use of digital processing algorithms such as EKF and MSV.
Experimental Analysis of the Dynamic Stiffness in Industrial Robots
Authors: Wu Kai , Kuhlenkoetter Bernd
Published: November 2020

Industrial robots are regularly being employed for machining tasks. As a key machining parameter, dynamic stiffness has a significant influence on robotic machining performance. This paper examines two experimental approaches for obtaining the dynamic stiffness of an industrial robot. One approach is based on experimental modal analysis. The other approach is a direct calculation with the acquisition of excitation forces and vibration displacement. Different excitation frequencies are planned to stimulate an industrial robot. The dynamic stiffnesses obtained by the two approaches are thoroughly evaluated. Large deviation appears between the dynamic stiffness measured by two approaches. The factors that result in variations in the measurements are discussed.
High-Speed Micro-Grooving of Metal by Angled Irradiation of Single-Mode CW Fiber Laser
Authors: Sakai Tatsuhiko , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Katayama Chie , Imai Hirofumi , Okada Akira
Published: November 2020

Laser micro-grooving has excellent potential to improve the surface properties of metals. In this study, high-speed micro-grooving of the surfaces of mild steel SS400 and aluminum alloy A1050 was investigated using a single-mode continuous-wave fiber laser with an average power of 200 W. Experiments were conducted at laser beam scanning speeds of 1 to 6 m/s. The incident angle of the laser beam in the plane perpendicular to the scanning axis was varied from 0 to 60°. A relatively deep groove (approximately 30 µm in depth) and a high upheaval (10 µm in height) were formed along the scanning line at an incident angle of 45° on the SS400, whereas only shallow grooves were formed on A1050. The micro-groove formation mechanism was discussed on the basis of high-speed camera observation, groove shapes, and the thermophysical properties of the metal. Asymmetric molten metal flow and solidification around the keyhole are thought to play important roles in micro-groove formation. Although the laser irradiation conditions must be optimized according to the thermophysical properties of the material, angled laser irradiation has the potential to effectively form micro-grooves.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Lifting Mechanism of an Electric Overhead Crane during Emergency Braking
Authors: Niu Congmin , Ouyang Huajiang
Published: November 2020

Mechanical brakes are essential for electric cranes when emergency braking occurs. This paper presents, for the first-time, a dynamic response analysis of emergency braking events of electrical cranes that has modelled crane components as flexible and rigid bodies. Based on the Hamilton principle, a nonlinear and non-smooth dynamic model is derived from a modified Lagrangian function and the virtual work of non-conservative forces. The dynamic responses of a 32-ton overhead travelling crane during the emergency braking process of its lifting mechanism with two service brakes determined by simulating realistic operations. The numerical results show that the loads acting on components of the crane during the braking process depend on the braking capacity and the action time of the mechanical brakes, as well as the magnitude and the initial position of the payload. When a dual-brake scheme of the lifting mechanism is adopted, the maximum load of the high-speed links and the maximum thermal power of the mechanical brake appear in the emergency braking process when one of the two brakes fails to work. In addition, it is found to be a false belief that the lower the initial speed, the lower the maximum loads acting on components of cranes become during the braking process.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Flexure-Based XY Micropositioning Stage
Authors: Jiao Chenlei , Wang Zhe , Lv Bingrui , Wang Guilian , Yue Weiliang
Published: November 2020

Flexure-based micropositioning stages with high positioning precision are really attractive. This paper reports the design and analysis processes of a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) flexure-based XY micropositioning stage driven by piezoelectric actuators to improve the positioning accuracy and motion performance. First, the structure of the stage was proposed, which was based on rectangular flexure hinges and piezoelectric actuators (PZT) that were arranged symmetrically to realize XY motion. Then, analytical models describing the output stiffness in the XY directions of the stage were established using the compliance matrix method. The finite element analysis method (FEA) was used to validate the analytical models and analyze the static characteristics and the natural frequency of the stage simultaneously. Furthermore, a prototype of the micropositioning stage was fabricated for the performance tests. The output response performance of the stage without an end load was tested using different input signals. The results indicated that the stage had a single direction amplification capability, low hysteresis, and a wide positioning space. The conclusion was that the proposed stage possessed an ideal positioning property and could be well applied to the positioning system.
Robotic-Based Touch Panel Test System Using Pattern Recognition Methods
Authors: Lu Chia-Chi , Juang Jih-Gau
Published: November 2020

In this study, pattern recognition methods are applied to a five-degrees-of-freedom robot arm that can key in words on a touch screen for an automatic smartphone test. The proposed system can recognize Chinese characters and Mandarin phonetic symbols. The mechanical arm is able to perform corresponding movements and edit words on the screen. Pattern matching is based on the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) color space and is transformed to binary images for higher correct rate and geometric matching. A web camera is utilized to capture patterns on the tested smartphone screen. The proposed control scheme uses a support vector machine with a histogram of oriented gradient classifier to recognize Chinese Mandarin phonetic symbols and provide correct coordinates during the control process. The control scheme also calculates joint angles of the robot arm during the movement using the Denavit–Hartenberg parameters (D-H) model and fuzzy logic system. Fuzzy theory is applied to use the position error between the robot arm and target location then resend the command to adjust the arm’s position. From the experiments, the proposed control scheme can control the robot to press desired buttons on the tested smartphone. For Chinese Mandarin phonetic symbols, recognition accuracy of the test system can reach 90 percent.
Densities and Viscosities of Ionic Liquid with Organic Solvents
Authors: Yang Fuxin , Feng Peng
Published: November 2020

The ionic liquid (IL) of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate is widely used in chemical and bio-chemical processes. In this work, due to the high viscosity of IL, the promising chemicals (i.e., N, N-dimethylacetamide, N, N-dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide) were selected as the additives to lower IL viscosity. The thermophysical properties of density and viscosity for IL with solvents were measured using a digital vibrating U-tube densimeter and an Ubbelohde capillary viscometer from 303.15 to 338.15 K at atmospheric pressure (0.0967 MPa), respectively. The influences of the solvents on the thermophysical properties of ionic liquid were quantitatively studied. Furthermore, based on the measurement values, the derived properties of excess molar volumes, thermal expansion coefficient, and the energy barrier were calculated, and the results showed that the mixture composition had great impact on excess volume change and viscosity. The hard-sphere model was employed to reproduce the viscosity. The infrared spectroscopy was performed to study the chemical structure to further understand the interactions between IL and the solvents.
Statistical Process Control Charts Applied to Rock Disintegration Quality Improvement
Authors: Flegner Patrik , Kačur Ján , Durdán Milan , Laciak Marek
Published: November 2020

At present, ever higher demands are placed on the quality of products. The success of organizations in the global market depends mainly on measuring and evaluating their products quality. A set of measurable criteria usually determines product quality. There are many technological processes in the structure of a production organization that is statistically unstable. The norms of ISO class 9000 emphasize statistical process control, known as SPC (Statistical Process Control). They represent a methodology for eliminating the causes of instability of production or technological process. The paper deals with the application of control charts for the technological process of rock disintegration by rotary drilling. The measured values of the dynamic system drilling tool-rock in working mode are processed. The control charts are applied to the input (control) variables of the pressure force-F (N), revolutions-n (rpm), and the output measured variable of the vibration signal of the acceleration. The article constructs and presents the resulting important control charts for the technological process of rock disintegration by rotary drilling. It is essential that for the technological process of rock drilling, the variables that enter and exit the dynamic system must be statistically manageable. The stable state of the input technical parameters (revolutions and pressure force) of the drilling tool is essential from the technological, performance, and economic point of view. The stable state of the output parameters is of significant importance in preventing the emergency state, excessive wear of the drilling equipment and optimizing the optimal operating mode. Industrial practice points out that the correct application of statistical regulation stabilizes the technological process, increasing the quality and productivity of work.
PrimaVera: Synergising Predictive Maintenance
Authors: Ton Bram , Basten Rob , Bolte John , Braaksma Jan , Di Bucchianico Alessandro , van de Calseyde Philippe , Grooteman Frank , Heskes Tom , Jansen Nils , Teeuw Wouter , Tinga Tiedo , Stoelinga Mariëlle
Published: November 2020

The full potential of predictive maintenance has not yet been utilised. Current solutions focus on individual steps of the predictive maintenance cycle and only work for very specific settings. The overarching challenge of predictive maintenance is to leverage these individual building blocks to obtain a framework that supports optimal maintenance and asset management. The PrimaVera project has identified four obstacles to tackle in order to utilise predictive maintenance at its full potential: lack of orchestration and automation of the predictive maintenance workflow, inaccurate or incomplete data and the role of human and organisational factors in data-driven decision support tools. Furthermore, an intuitive generic applicable predictive maintenance process model is presented in this paper to provide a structured way of deploying predictive maintenance solutions.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulation of an Intra-Atrial Fontan Connection
Authors: Tang Elaine , Wei Zhenglun (Alan) , Fogel Mark A. , Veneziani Alessandro , Yoganathan Ajit P.
Published: November 2020

Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) hemodynamics has been hypothesized to be associated with long-term complications in single ventricle heart defect patients. Rigid wall assumption has been commonly used when evaluating TCPC hemodynamics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Previous study has evaluated impact of wall compliance on extra-cardiac TCPC hemodynamics using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation. However, the impact of ignoring wall compliance on the presumably more compliant intra-atrial TCPC hemodynamics is not fully understood. To narrow this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate impact of wall compliance on an intra-atrial TCPC hemodynamics. A patient-specific model of an intra-atrial TCPC is simulated with an FSI model. Patient-specific 3D TCPC anatomies were reconstructed from transverse cardiovascular magnetic resonance images. Patient-specific vessel flow rate from phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the Fontan pathway and the superior vena cava under resting condition were prescribed at the inlets. From the FSI simulation, the degree of wall deformation was compared with in vivo wall deformation from phase-contrast MRI data as validation of the FSI model. Then, TCPC flow structure, power loss and hepatic flow distribution (HFD) were compared between rigid wall and FSI simulation. There were differences in instantaneous pressure drop, power loss and HFD between rigid wall and FSI simulations, but no difference in the time-averaged quantities. The findings of this study support the use of a rigid wall assumption on evaluation of time-averaged intra-atrial TCPC hemodynamic metric under resting breath-held condition.
MOB: Pivotal Conserved Proteins in Cytokinesis, Cell Architecture and Tissue Homeostasis
Authors: Delgado Inês L. S. , Carmona Bruno , Nolasco Sofia , Santos Dulce , Leitão Alexandre , Soares Helena
Published: November 2020

The MOB family proteins are constituted by highly conserved eukaryote kinase signal adaptors that are often essential both for cell and organism survival. Historically, MOB family proteins have been described as kinase activators participating in Hippo and Mitotic Exit Network/ Septation Initiation Network (MEN/SIN) signaling pathways that have central roles in regulating cytokinesis, cell polarity, cell proliferation and cell fate to control organ growth and regeneration. In metazoans, MOB proteins act as central signal adaptors of the core kinase module MST1/2, LATS1/2, and NDR1/2 kinases that phosphorylate the YAP/TAZ transcriptional co-activators, effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway. More recently, MOBs have been shown to also have non-kinase partners and to be involved in cilia biology, indicating that its activity and regulation is more diverse than expected. In this review, we explore the possible ancestral role of MEN/SIN pathways on the built-in nature of a more complex and functionally expanded Hippo pathway, by focusing on the most conserved components of these pathways, the MOB proteins. We discuss the current knowledge of MOBs-regulated signaling, with emphasis on its evolutionary history and role in morphogenesis, cytokinesis, and cell polarity from unicellular to multicellular organisms.
Sirt1 Activity in PBMCs as a Biomarker of Different Heart Failure Phenotypes
Authors: Conti Valeria , Corbi Graziamaria , Polito Maria Vincenza , Ciccarelli Michele , Manzo Valentina , Torsiello Martina , De Bellis Emanuela , D’Auria Federica , Vitulano Gennaro , Piscione Federico , Carrizzo Albino , Di Pietro Paola , Vecchione Carmine , Ferrara Nicola , Filippelli Amelia
Published: November 2020

Heart Failure (HF) is a syndrome, which implies the existence of different phenotypes. The new categorization includes patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), mid-range EF (HFmrEF), and reduced EF (HFrEF) but the molecular mechanisms involved in these HF phenotypes have not yet been exhaustively investigated. Sirt1 plays a crucial role in biological processes strongly related to HF. This study aimed to evaluate whether Sirt1 activity was correlated with EF and other parameters in HFpEF, HFmrEF, and HFrEF. Seventy patients, HFpEF (n = 23), HFmrEF (n = 23) and HFrEF (n = 24), were enrolled at the Cardiology Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno. Sirt1 activity was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels were quantified in plasma. HFpEF showed lower Sirt1 and ACE2 activities than both HFmrEF and HFrEF (p < 0.0001), without difference compared to No HF controls. In HFmrEF and HFrEF a very strong correlation was found between Sirt1 activity and EF (r2 = 0.899 and r2 = 0.909, respectively), and between ACE2 activity and Sirt1 (r2 = 0.801 and r2 = 0.802, respectively). HFrEF showed the highest TNF-α levels without reaching statistical significance. Significant differences in BNP were found among the groups, with the highest levels in the HFrEF. Determining Sirt1 activity in PBMCs is useful to distinguish the HF patients’ phenotypes from each other, especially HFmrEF/HFrEF from HFpEF.
Production of Circularly Permuted Caspase-2 for Affinity Fusion-Tag Removal: Cloning, Expression in Escherichia coli, Purification, and Characterization
Authors: Cserjan-Puschmann Monika , Lingg Nico , Engele Petra , Kröß Christina , Loibl Julian , Fischer Andreas , Bacher Florian , Frank Anna-Carina , Öhlknecht Christoph , Brocard Cécile , Oostenbrink Chris , Berkemeyer Matthias , Schneider Rainer , Striedner Gerald , Jungbauer Alois
Published: November 2020

Caspase-2 is the most specific protease of all caspases and therefore highly suitable as tag removal enzyme creating an authentic N-terminus of overexpressed tagged proteins of interest. The wild type human caspase-2 is a dimer of heterodimers generated by autocatalytic processing which is required for its enzymatic activity. We designed a circularly permuted caspase-2 (cpCasp2) to overcome the drawback of complex recombinant expression, purification and activation, cpCasp2 was constitutively active and expressed as a single chain protein. A 22 amino acid solubility tag and an optimized fermentation strategy realized with a model-based control algorithm further improved expression in Escherichia coli and 5.3 g/L of cpCasp2 in soluble form were obtained. The generated protease cleaved peptide and protein substrates, regardless of N-terminal amino acid with high activity and specificity. Edman degradation confirmed the correct N-terminal amino acid after tag removal, using Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 as model substrate. Moreover, the generated enzyme is highly stable at −20 °C for one year and can undergo 25 freeze/thaw cycles without loss of enzyme activity. The generated cpCasp2 possesses all biophysical and biochemical properties required for efficient and economic tag removal and is ready for a platform fusion protein process.