bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of COVID on Lower-Limb Exoskeleton Robotic System Patents—A Review
Authors: Pană Cristina Floriana , Rădulescu Virginia Maria , Pătrașcu-Pană Daniela Maria , Petcu (Besnea) Florina Luminița , Reșceanu Ionuț Cristian , Cismaru Ștefan Irinel , Trășculescu Andrei , Bîzdoacă Nicu
Published: May 2022

In recent decades, the field of physical rehabilitation, with the help of robotic systems that aid the population of any age with locomotor difficulties, has been evolving rapidly. Several robotic exoskeleton systems of the lower limbs have been proposed in the patent literature and some are even commercially available. Given the above, we are asking ourselves at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic: how much has this pandemic affected both the publication of patents and the application of new ones? How has new patents’ publication volume or application in robotic exoskeleton systems changed? We hypothesize that this pandemic has caused a reduction in the volume of new applications and possibly publications. We compare pandemic analysis and the last decade’s analysis to answer these questions. In this study, we used a set of statistical tests to see if there were any statistically significant changes. Our results show that the pandemic had at least one effect on applying for new patents based on the information analyzed from the three databases examined.
Image-Based Automatic Individual Identification of Fish without Obvious Patterns on the Body (Scale Pattern)
Authors: Bekkozhayeva Dinara , Cisar Petr
Published: May 2022

The precision fish farming concept has been widely investigated in research and is highly desirable in aquaculture as it creates opportunities for precisely controlling and monitoring fish cultivation processes and increasing fish welfare. The automatic identification of individual fish could be one of the keys to enabling individual fish treatment. In a previous study, we already demonstrated that the visible patterns on a fish’s body can be used for the non-invasive individual identification of fishes from the same species (with obvious skin patterns, such as salmonids) over long-term periods. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of using fully-automatic non-invasive photo-identification of individual fish based on natural marks on the fish’s body without any obvious skin patterns. This approach is an alternative to stressful invasive tagging and marking techniques. Scale patterns on the body and operculum, as well as lateral line shapes, were used as discriminative features for the identification of individuals in a closed group of fish. We used two fish species: the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax and the common carp Cyprinus carpio. The identification method was tested on four experimental data sets for each fish species: two separate short-term data sets (pattern variability test) and two long-term data sets (pattern stability test) for European seabass (300 individual fish) and common carp (32 individual fish). The accuracy of classification was 100% for both fish species in both the short-term and long-term experiments. According to these results, the methods used for automatic non-invasive image-based individual-fish identification can also be used for fish species without obvious skin patterns.
Analysis and Application of Selected Control Charts Suitable for Smart Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Smajdorová Tereza , Noskievičová Darja
Published: May 2022

Nonparametric control charts (NPCC) have shown great potential for monitoring processes in conditions of smart manufacturing with complex structures, various monitored characteristics and the need to process big data. Practical applications of NPCCs are very rare. The main reasons for this situation are a deficiency in software support and a lack of simple but complete instructions for their application. The introduction of such manual, which is based on the authors’ own simulations of performance of wide spectrum of NPCCs in conditions of different violations of data prerequisites, leading to recommendations for the selection of the most effective NPCC in various practical situations, is the main goal of this paper. Compared to other similar studies, this approach covers a wider range of control charts, and it was applied to a wider spectrum of data assumption violations. As an integral part of these analyses, an examination of various control chart performance indicators such as ARL, MRL, x5 and x95 was performed using simulations to select the best of them. The designed methodology was verified using real data.
Energy-Efficient User Pairing for Downlink NOMA in Massive MIMO Networks
Authors: El-ghorab Mahmoud Ahmed , El-meligy Mohamed Rihan , Ibrahim Mohamed Mostafa , Newagy Fatma
Published: May 2022

The motivations for deploying energy and spectral-efficient network architectures are the high energy consumption and the need for more spectral resources in modern cellular networks. The key method to solve the energy efficiency EE maximization problem of the downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based massive MIMO system is to decouple it into user pairing and efficient power allocation problems. This work studies the performance of three main pairing methods in NOMA-based networks: Hungarian, Gale–Shapley, and correlation-based approaches. Firstly, we provide a mathematical analysis for EE of downlink NOMA in a massive MIMO system for the non-line of sight (NLoS) channel model with perfect successive interference cancellation (SIC). Finally, the sequential convex programming (SCP) approach is used to tackle the power allocation problem. Simulation results show that the Hungarian algorithm for pairing plus SCP for power allocation (Hungarian algorithm-SCP) achieves the highest energy efficiency among all the three pairing algorithms with an identical performance to joint user and resource block association with power allocation (joint user-RB PA) algorithm but with much lower computational complexity and outperforms the NOMA SCP greedy algorithm (NOMA-SCP-GA).
A New Manipulator Calibration Method for the Identification of Kinematic and Compliance Errors Using Optimal Pose Selection
Authors: Le Phu-Nguyen , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: May 2022

In this study, a manipulator calibration algorithm is suggested to decrease the positional errors of an industrial robotic manipulator using a genetic algorithm to select optimal measurement poses. First, a genetic algorithm based on the observability index is used for the selection of optimal measurement poses. By employing the selected optimal poses, conventional kinematic calibration is used to identify the geometric errors of the robot. Finally, to further improve the positional accuracy of the robot, compliance errors are compensated by a radial basis function neural network based on effective torques. The proposed method provides a novel and effective way to select optimal measurement poses for the calibration process using a genetic algorithm and enhances the accuracy of the robot manipulators by constructing a relationship between the effective torque and the compliance errors using a radial basis function. The results of the experimental calibration and validation processes carried out on a YS100 robot show the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison with the other calibration approaches.
Microalgae Cultivation on Nutrient Rich Digestate: The Importance of Strain and Digestate Tailoring under PH Control
Authors: Fernandes Fleuriane , Silkina Alla , Gayo-Peláez José Ignacio , Kapoore Rahul Vijay , de la Broise Denis , Llewellyn Carole A.
Published: May 2022

The bioremediation of digestate using microalgae presents a solution to the current eutrophication issue in Northwest Europe, where the use of digestate as soil fertiliser is limited, thus resulting in an excess of digestate. Ammonium is the main nutrient of interest in digestate for microalgal cultivation, and improving its availability and consequent uptake is crucial for optimal bioremediation. This work aimed to determine the influence of pH on ammonium availability in cultures of two green microalgae, additionally screened for their growth performances on three digestates produced from different feedstocks, demonstrating the importance of tailoring a microalgal strain and digestate for bioremediation purposes. Results showed that an acidic pH of 6–6.5 resulted in a better ammonium availability in the digestate media, translated into better growth yields for both S. obliquus (GR: 0.099 ± 0.001 day−1; DW: 0.23 ± 0.02 g L−1) and C. vulgaris (GR: 0.09 ± 0.001 day−1; DW: 0.49 ± 0.012 g L−1). This result was especially true when considering larger-scale applications where ammonium loss via evaporation should be avoided. The results also demonstrated that digestates from different feedstocks resulted in different growth yields and biomass composition, especially fatty acids, for which, a digestate produced from pig manure resulted in acid contents of 6.94 ± 0.033% DW and 4.91 ± 0.3% DW in S. obliquus and C. vulgaris, respectively. Finally, this work demonstrated that the acclimation of microalgae to novel nutrient sources should be carefully considered, as it could convey significant advantages in terms of biomass composition, especially fatty acids and carbohydrate, for which, this study also demonstrated the importance of harvesting time.
Maxillary Sinus Osteoma as a Support for Dental Implant Associated to Sinus Augmentation Procedure: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Tartaglia Gianluca , Rapone Biagio , Inchingolo Francesco , Lorusso Felice
Published: May 2022

Background: Maxillary sinus augmentation is a method extensively used to restore sufficient bone volume in the posterior maxilla to allow for the placement of fixtures. The purpose of the present case report was to describe a rare case of sinus osteoma used for implant support and to review the relevant literature. Materials and Methods: A 58-year-old man with a radiopaque intrasinusal lesion was referred for rehabilitation of the maxilla. The lesion was probably an osteoma and involved the nasal wall of the maxillary sinus. After discussing the options with the patient, he agreed to maintain the lesion and a sinus augmentation with a bone graft. A part of the osteoma was partially removed for histological analysis while avoiding perforation or tearing of the schneiderian membrane. After six months, 6 implants (Bone System Implant, Milano, Italy) were placed in the maxilla, two of which were inserted in the osteoma. Results: The two implants placed in the osteoma were perfectly osseointegrated. The graft material appeared well-integrated with no local signs of inflammation. No postoperative events or symptoms were reported after the surgery stages and at a 6-month follow-up. Regarding the two implants placed in the osteoma: article selection identified 9 case reports, 2 case series, and 1 retrospective study for a total of 58 subjects, 35 males and 25 females. The patients’ ages were heterogeneous and ranged between 12 and 79 years old. Conclusions: In the present case, we decided to leave the osteoma because it was asymptomatic and used as dental implant support. The effectiveness of the present investigation can provide useful guidance for surgeons and dentists in the management of similar clinical situations.
Transient Acoustic Wave Propagation Problems in Multilayered Pavement Using a Time Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method
Authors: Yue Jinchao , Guo Lei , Guo Pan , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a modified time discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (MDGFEM) for transient acoustic wave propagation problem of multilayered pavement. The pavement consists of cement concrete pavement, semi-rigid base, and natural soil. The multilayered pavement is modeled as poroelastic mediums and assumed to be water-saturated. The well-known generalized Biot’s theory is employed to describe the wave propagation problem. The present MDGFEM, based on the artificial damping scheme, employs the Hermite (P3) functions and the linear (P1) shape functions to interpolate the global nodal vector and its temporal gradient respectively in a time step. Numerical results of 1D and 2D problems show that the MDGFEM can filter out spurious numerical oscillations before and after waves, boundaries of the hole, and the interface between the layers more effectively for the propagation of acoustic waves in multilayered pavement. Compared with widely used time-continuous methods such as the Newmark method, the method proposed in this paper presents better capabilities in the fluid–structure interaction behavior of multilayer pavements and provides a more accurate solution, which contributes to the further development of non-destructive testing of multilayer pavement structures.
How do Paraspinal Muscles Contract during the Schroth Exercise Treatment in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)?
Authors: He Chen , Yang Jian-Tao , Zheng Qian , Mei Zhao , Ma Christina Zong-Hao
Published: May 2022

The Schroth exercise can train the paraspinal muscles of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), however, muscle performance during the training remains unknown. This study applied surface electromyography (sEMG) to investigate the paraspinal muscle activities before, during and after Schroth exercise in nine AIS patients. This study found that after the Schroth exercise, the paraspinal muscle symmetry index (PMSI) was significantly reduced (PMSI = 1.3), while symmetry exercise significantly lowered the PMSI (PMSI = 0.93 and 0.75), and asymmetric exercise significantly increased the PMSI (PMSI = 2.56 and 1.52) compared to relax standing (PMSI = 1.36) in participants (p < 0.05). Among the four exercises, the PMSI of on all fours (exercise 1) and kneeling on one side (exercise 3) was the most and the least close to 1, respectively. The highest root mean square (RMS) of sEMG at the concave and convex side was observed in squatting on the bar (exercise 2) and sitting with side bending (exercise 4), respectively. This study observed that the asymmetric and symmetric exercise induced more sEMG activity on the convex and concave side, respectively, and weight bearing exercise activated more paraspinal muscle contractions on both sides of the scoliotic curve in the included AIS patients. A larger patient sample size needs to be investigated in the future to validate the current observations.
Sus_circPAPPA2 Regulates Fat Deposition in Castrated Pigs through the miR-2366/GK Pathway
Authors: Liu Ximing , Bai Ying , Cui Ran , He Shuaihan , Zhao Xingbo , Wu Keliang , Fang Meiying
Published: May 2022

CircRNAs play an important role in fat deposition, and testosterone-deficient boars exhibit significantly increased fat deposition; however, the mechanism by which testosterone regulates fat deposition through circRNAs remains unclear. In this study, circRNA-seq of backfat and abdominal fat from castrated and intact full-sib Yorkshire pigs was performed. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the host genes of the dorsal DE circRNAs were mainly involved in fatty acid transport, while in abdominal tissues, these genes were mainly involved in adipogenesis and inflammation. The interaction among sus_circPAPPA2, ssc-miR-2366 and GK was verified by dual fluorescence experiments and in porcine preadipocytes. The overexpression of sus_circPAPPA2 significantly inhibited the differentiation of preadipocytes. The expression of sus_circPAPPA2 was increased after adding 100 nM of testosterone, and preadipocyte differentiation was significantly inhibited. Testosterone can affect preadipocyte differentiation by upregulating the expression of sus_circPAPPA2, sponging miR-2366 and regulating the expression of genes, such as GK. These results indicate that testosterone can regulate the expression of adipocyte differentiation- and lipid metabolism-related genes by regulating the expression of circRNA, and ceRNA networks are different in the testosterone regulation of adipose deposition in different parts. This study provides basic data enhancing the understanding of the interaction between the hormone environment and mir-2366/GK to regulate trait performance in pigs.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Glassy-Carbon Electrode Modified with Dual-Ligand EC-MOFs Supported on rGO for BPA
Authors: Ye Rui-Hong , Chen Jin-Yang , Huang Di-Hui , Wang Yan-Jun , Chen Sheng
Published: May 2022

The electronic conductive metal-organic frameworks (EC-MOFs) based on a single ligand are not suitable for the accurate detection of bisphenol A (BPA) due to the limitations of their electron-transfer-based sensing mechanism. To overcome this drawback, we developed EC-MOFs with novel dual-ligands, 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxy-sanya-phenyl (HHTP) and tetrahydroxy 1,4-quinone (THQ), and metal ions. A new class of 2D π-conjugation-based EC-MOFs (M-(HHTP)(THQ)) was synthesized by a self-assemble technique. Its best member (Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)) was selected and combined with reduced graphene (rGO) to form a Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO composite, which was thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, field scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO was drop-cast onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to obtain a sensor for BPA detection. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance tests were used to evaluate the electrode performance. The oxidation current of BPA on the Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO/GCE was substantially higher than on unmodified GCE, which could be explained by a synergy between Cu-(HHTP)(THQ) (which provided sensing and adsorption) and rGO (which provided fast electron conductivity and high surface area). Cu-(HHTP)(THQ)@rGO/GCE exhibited a linear detection range for 0.05–100 μmol·L−1 of BPA with 3.6 nmol·L−1 (S/N = 3) detection limit. We believe that our novel electrode and BPA sensing method extends the application perspectives of EC-MOFs in the electrocatalysis and sensing fields.
Assess of Combinations of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for the Reduction of Irritability in Patients with Dementia and their Caregivers: A Cross-Over RCT
Authors: Dimitriou Tatiana , Papatriantafyllou John , Konsta Anastasia , Kazis Dimitrios , Athanasiadis Loukas , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Koutsouraki Efrosini , Tegos Thomas , Tsolaki Magda
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Dementia is a very common disorder that affects people over 65 years old all over the world. Apart from the cognitive decline, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are a crucial matter in dementia, because they affect up to 90% of the patients during the course of their illness. Irritability has been found to be a common BPSD and one of the most distressing behaviors for the caregivers. The aim of the current study was to explore the efficacy of a combination of non-pharmacological interventions to treat irritability. Methods: Sixty patients with different types and stages of dementia with irritability were participated in a cross-over RCT. Three non-pharmacological interventions were used; (a) Validation Therapy (VT)/Psycho-educational program, (b) Aromatherapy/massage and (c) Music Therapy (MT). The study assessed the three non-pharmacological interventions in order to find the most effective combination of the interventions. This study did not compare pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The interventions lasted for five days. There was no drop-out rate. All patients were assessed at baseline using Mini Mental State of Examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Functional Rating Scale for symptoms in dementia (FRSSD), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) (sub questions for irritability). Only NPI used for the assessment after each intervention. The analyses used categorical variables, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-square test and z value score. Results: The most effective combination of non-pharmacological interventions was Aromatherapy/massage (p = 0.003)-VT plus Psycho-educational program (p = 0.014) plus MT (p = 0.018). The same combination was the most effective for the caregivers’ burden, too (p = 0.026). Conclusions: The above combination of non-pharmacological interventions can reduce irritability in patients with dementia and caregivers’ burden.
Intraoperative Hypothermia Induces Vascular Dysfunction in the CA1 Region of Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Li Tianjia , Xu Guangyan , Yi Jie , Huang Yuguang
Published: May 2022

Intraoperative hypothermia is very common and leads to memory decline. The hippocampus is responsible for memory formation. As a functional core area, the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus contains abundant blood vessels and is susceptible to ischemia. The aim of the study was to explore vascular function and neuronal state in the CA1 region of rats undergoing intraoperative hypothermia. The neuronal morphological change and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) expression were evaluated by haematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescence respectively. Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to assess vascular function. Results showed that intraoperative hypothermia inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and caused reactive oxygen species accumulation. Additionally, the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells was transformed from contractile to synthetic, showing a decrease in smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and an increase in osteopontin. Ultimately, vascular dysfunction caused neuronal pyknosis in the CA1 region and reduced memory-related Arc expression. In conclusion, neuronal disorder in the CA1 region was caused by intraoperative hypothermia-related vascular dysfunction. This study could provide a novel understanding of the effect of intraoperative hypothermia in the hippocampus, which might identify a new research target and treatment strategy.
An Update on the Pathology and Molecular Features of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Satou Akira , Takahara Taishi , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: May 2022

Hodgkin lymphomas (HLs) are lymphoid neoplasms derived from B cells and consist histologically of large neoplastic cells known as Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells and abundant reactive bystander cells. HLs include two main types, classic HL (CHL) and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL (NLPHL). Recent molecular analyses have revealed that an immune evasion mechanism, particularly the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, plays a key role in the development of CHL. Other highlighted key pathways in CHL are NF-κB and JAK/STAT. These advances have dramatically changed the treatment for CHL, particularly relapsed/refractory CHL. For example, PD-1 inhibitors are now widely used in relapsed/refractory CHL. Compared with CHL, NLPHL is more characterized by preserved B cell features. Overlapping morphological and molecular features between NLPHL and T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) have been reported, and biological continuity between these two entities has been highlighted. Some THRLBCLs are considered to represent progression from NLPHLs. With considerable new understanding becoming available from molecular studies in HLs, therapies and classification of HLs are continually evolving. This paper offers a summary of and update on the pathological and molecular features of HLs for a better understanding of the diseases.
Comment on Colletti et al. Prevalence and Management of Cancer of the Rectal Stump after Total Colectomy and Rectal Sparing in Patients with Familial Polyposis: Results from a Registry-Based Study. Cancers 2022, 14, 298
Authors: Serrano Davide , Feroce Irene , Bonanni Bernardo , Bertario Lucio
Published: May 2022

We recently read the article by Colletti et al. [...]
Quantitative Synthetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Brain Metastases: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Konar Amaresha Shridhar , Shah Akash Deelip , Paudyal Ramesh , Fung Maggie , Banerjee Suchandrima , Dave Abhay , Hatzoglou Vaios , Shukla-Dave Amita
Published: May 2022

The present preliminary study aims to characterize brain metastases (BM) using T1 and T2 maps generated from newer, rapid, synthetic MRI (MAGnetic resonance image Compilation; MAGiC) in a clinical setting. We acquired synthetic MRI data from 11 BM patients on a 3T scanner. A multiple-dynamic multiple-echo (MDME) sequence was used for data acquisition and synthetic image reconstruction, including post-processing. MDME is a multi-contrast sequence that enables absolute quantification of physical tissue properties, including T1 and T2, independent of the scanner settings. In total, 82 regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed, which were obtained from both normal-appearing brain tissue and BM lesions. The mean values obtained from the 48 normal-appearing brain tissue regions and 34 ROIs of BM lesions (T1 and T2) were analyzed using standard statistical methods. The mean T1 and T2 values were 1143 ms and 78 ms, respectively, for normal-appearing gray matter, 701 ms and 64 ms for white matter, and 4206 ms and 390 ms for cerebrospinal fluid. For untreated BMs, the mean T1 and T2 values were 1868 ms and 100 ms, respectively, and 2211 ms and 114 ms for the treated group. The quantitative T1 and T2 values generated from synthetic MRI can characterize BM and normal-appearing brain tissues.
DNA Methylation of Imprinted Genes KCNQ1, KCNQ1OT1, and PHLDA2 in Peripheral Blood Is Associated with the Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Fu Jinming , Zhang Lei , Li Dapeng , Tian Tian , Wang Xuan , Sun Hongru , Ge Anqi , Liu Yupeng , Zhang Xianyu , Huang Hao , Meng Shuhan , Zhang Ding , Zhao Liyuan , Sun Simin , Zheng Ting , Jia Chenyang , Zhao Yashuang , Pang Da
Published: May 2022

Methylation alterations of imprinted genes lead to loss of imprinting (LOI). Although studies have explored the mechanism of LOI in breast cancer (BC) development, the association between imprinted gene methylation in peripheral blood and BC risk is largely unknown. We utilized HumanMethylation450 data from TCGA and GEO (n = 1461) to identify the CpG sites of imprinted genes associated with BC risk. Furthermore, we conducted an independent case-control study (n = 1048) to validate DNA methylation of these CpG sites in peripheral blood and BC susceptibility. cg26709929, cg08446215, cg25306939, and cg16057921, which are located at KCNQ1, KCNQ1OT1, and PHLDA2, were discovered to be associated with BC risk. Subsequently, the association between cg26709929, cg26057921, and cg25306939 methylation and BC risk was validated in our inhouse dataset. All 22 CpG sites in the KCNQ1OT1 region were associated with BC risk. Individuals with a hypermethylated KCNQ1OT1 region (>0.474) had a lower BC risk (OR: 0.553, 95% CI: 0.397−0.769). Additionally, the methylation of the KCNQ1OT1 region was not significantly different among B cells, monocytes, and T cells, which was also observed at CpG sites in PHLDA2. In summary, the methylation of KCNQ1, KCNQ1OT1, and PHLDA2 was associated with BC risk, and KCNQ1OT1 methylation could be a potential biomarker for BC risk assessment.
Rescue Surgery after Immunotherapy/Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Initially Unresectable Lung Cancer
Authors: Galetta Domenico , De Marinis Filippo , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

Background: We report the outcomes for unresectable patients with locally advanced or oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) or immunotherapy who achieved a clinical downstaging so as to re-enter resectability. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, surgical, and pathological data of 42 patients with histologically proven, inoperable NSCLC who received rescue surgery after a good response to TKI or immunotherapy between March 2014 and December 2021. Results: Of 42 patients, 39 underwent pulmonary resection with therapeutic intent (three explorative thoracotomies). There were 26 males, with a median age of 64 years (range, 41–78 years). Twenty-three patients received TKIs and 19 immunotherapies. Anatomic resection was performed in 97.4% of resected patients (38/39) including 30 lobectomies, one right upper sleeve lobectomy, five pneumonectomies, one tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy, and one bilobectomy; a patient underwent wedge resection. Of 10 procedures attempted via a robotic approach, two required conversion to thoracotomy. No intraoperative morbidity/mortality occurred. The median operative time was 190 (range, 80–426) minutes; estimated blood loss was 200 mL (range, 35–780 mL). Morbidity occurred in 13/39 (33.3%). The median length of hospital stay was 6.5 days (range, 4–23 days). Pathologic downstaging was 74.4% (29/39). With a median follow-up of 28.7 months, the 5-year disease-free interval was 46.5%, and the 5-year overall survival was 66.0%; 32/39 patients (82.1%) are alive, 10 with the disease. Conclusions: Lung resection for suspected residual disease after immunotherapy or TKIs is feasible, with encouraging pathological downstaging. Surgical operation may be technically challenging due to the presence of fibrosis, but significant morbidity appears to be rare. Outcomes are encouraging, with reasonable survival during the short-interval follow-up.
Reaction Kinetics and Mechanism of VOCs Combustion on Mn-Ce-SBA-15
Authors: Naydenov Anton , Velinova Ralitsa , Blin Jean-Luc , Michelin Laure , Lebeau Bénédicte , Kolev Hristo , Karakirova Yordanka , Karashanova Daniela , Vidal Loïc , Dotzeva Anna , Tenchev Krasimir , Todorova Silviya
Published: May 2022

A propane combustion catalyst based on Mn and Ce and supported by SBA-15 was prepared by the “two-solvents” method aiming at the possible application in catalytic converters for abatement of alkanes in waste (exhaust) gases. The catalyst characterization was carried out by SAXS, N2-physisorption, XRD, TEM, XPS, EPR and H2-TPR methods. The catalysts’ performance was evaluated by tests on the combustion of methane, propane and butane. The reaction kinetics investigation showed that the reaction orders towards propane and oxygen were 0.7 and 0.1, respectively. The negative reaction order towards the water (−0.3) shows an inhibiting effect on the water molecules. Based on the data from the instrumental methods, catalytic experiments and mathematic modeling of the reaction kinetics, one may conclude that the Mars–van Krevelen type of mechanism is the most probable for the reaction of complete propane oxidation over single Mn and bi-component Mn-Ce catalysts. The fine dispersion of manganese and cerium oxide and their strong interaction inside the channels of the SBA-15 molecular sieve leads to the formation of difficult to reduce oxide phases and consequently, to lower catalytic activity compared to the mono-component manganese oxide catalyst. It was confirmed that the meso-structure was not modified during the catalytic reaction, thus it can prevent the agglomeration of the oxide particles.
Improve the Midpoint Voltage and Structural Stability of Li-Rich Manganese-Based Cathode Material by Increasing the Nickel Content
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Zhan Feng , Zhan Haiqing , Ming Xianquan
Published: May 2022

Lithium-rich manganese is a promising new-generation cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, it has the common problems of serious discharge capacity decline, poor rate performance, and faster midpoint voltage decay. In this experiment, a sol-gel method was used to synthesize a high-nickel, lithium-rich layered oxide (1 − x)Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 − xLiNiO2 (x = 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0) that was characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, TEM, and charge-discharge performance tests. The research results show that increasing Ni content can improve the stability of the material structure and enhance the electrochemical performance of the cathode material. When the LiNiO2 is 0.3, the electrochemical performance is better, the capacity retention rate is 100.3% after 60 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C, and the capacity retention rate for 100 cycles at 0.5 C is 99.0%.
Boosting Oxygen Electrocatalysis by Combining Iron Nanoparticles with Single Atoms
Authors: Liu Bowen , Wang Sihong , Song Fang , Liu Qinglei
Published: May 2022

The development of high-performance non-noble metal-based oxygen electrocatalysts is crucial for the practical application of zinc–air batteries. Most of them suffer from low intrinsic activity and poor stability, failing to meet the needs of practical applications. Here, we report an efficient and durable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst of Fe@Fe-SAC composite (SAC stands for single atoms on carbon). A facile and ease-to-scale-up process synthesizes it. Fe single-atom and Fe nanoparticles are anchored on nitrogen-doped porous carbon, with the latter encapsulated by the graphitic shell. It exhibits appealing activity and durability in a basic electrolyte, requiring a half-wave potential of 0.805 V for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and an overpotential of only 348 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Both activities are comparable to the corresponding benchmarking electrocatalyst of Pt/C for ORR and IrO2 for OER. The superior activities are attributed to the strong electronic interaction between metal single-atom and nanoparticles. The favorable stability is ascribed to the physical encapsulation of carbon coatings on nanoparticles. This work presents a feasible scheme for designing and large-scale preparation of high-performance non-noble metal-based bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts.
Efficient Isolation of Lymphocytes and Myogenic Cells from the Tissue of Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Kitajima Yasuo , Tsukahara Ryoka , Nakamoto Shohei , Yasuda Tomoharu
Published: May 2022

Isolation of both lymphocytes and myogenic cells from muscle tissue is required for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of muscle regeneration. Here, we aimed to establish an optimal method obtaining a high yield of lymphocytes during muscle regeneration. After the muscle injury, we observed higher infiltration of lymphocytic cells in the muscle on day 3 after injury. Then, we compared two different white blood cell isolation methods, the Percoll gradient and CD45-magnetic bead methods, to assess the percentage and number of T and B cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the CD45-magnetic bead method has a better efficiency in isolating CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and B cells from injured muscle tissues of wild-type and mdx mice than that by the Percoll gradient method. Moreover, we found that the CD45-negative fraction from wild-type and mdx mice includes myogenic cells. In conclusion, we report that the CD45-magnetic bead method is suitable to isolate T and B cells during muscle regeneration with higher purity and yield and can also isolate myogenic cells within the same sample. This method provides a technical basis for further studies on muscle regeneration, involving lymphocytes and muscle cells, with a wide range of clinical applications.
Immune Cells in Hyperprogressive Disease under Immune Checkpoint-Based Immunotherapy
Authors: Wei Zhanqi , Zhang Yuewei
Published: May 2022

Immunotherapy, an antitumor therapy designed to activate antitumor immune responses to eliminate tumor cells, has been deeply studied and widely applied in recent years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are capable of preventing the immune responses from being turned off before tumor cells are eliminated. ICIs have been demonstrated to be one of the most effective and promising tumor treatments and significantly improve the survival of patients with multiple tumor types. However, low effective rates and frequent atypical responses observed in clinical practice limit their clinical applications. Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) is an unexpected phenomenon observed in immune checkpoint-based immunotherapy and is a challenge facing clinicians and patients alike. Patients who experience HPD not only cannot benefit from immunotherapy, but also experience rapid tumor progression. However, the mechanisms of HPD remain unclear and controversial. This review summarized current findings from cell experiments, animal studies, retrospective studies, and case reports, focusing on the relationships between various immune cells and HPD and providing important insights for understanding the pathogenesis of HPD.
Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Surrogate TGEV Individual Virions Structure Survival under Harsh Physicochemical Environments
Authors: Cantero Miguel , Carlero Diego , Chichón Francisco Javier , Martín-Benito Jaime , De Pablo Pedro José
Published: May 2022

Effective airborne transmission of coronaviruses via liquid microdroplets requires a virion structure that must withstand harsh environmental conditions. Due to the demanding biosafety requirements for the study of human respiratory viruses, it is important to develop surrogate models to facilitate their investigation. Here we explore the mechanical properties and nanostructure of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) virions in liquid milieu and their response to different chemical agents commonly used as biocides. Our data provide two-fold results on virus stability: First, while particles with larger size and lower packing fraction kept their morphology intact after successive mechanical aggressions, smaller viruses with higher packing fraction showed conspicuous evidence of structural damage and content release. Second, monitoring the structure of single TGEV particles in the presence of detergent and alcohol in real time revealed the stages of gradual degradation of the virus structure in situ. These data suggest that detergent is three orders of magnitude more efficient than alcohol in destabilizing TGEV virus particles, paving the way for optimizing hygienic protocols for viruses with similar structure, such as SARS-CoV-2.
Three-Dimensional versus Two-Dimensional Evaluations of Cranial Asymmetry in Deformational Plagiocephaly Using a Three-Dimensional Scanner
Authors: Kato Risa , Nagano Nobuhiko , Hashimoto Shin , Saito Katsuya , Miyabayashi Hiroshi , Noto Takanori , Morioka Ichiro
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to assess the measurement precision of a three-dimensional (3D) scanner that detects the geometric shape as surface data and to investigate the differences between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D evaluations in infants with deformational plagiocephaly. Using the 3D scanner that can perform both 2D and 3D evaluations, we calculated cranial asymmetry (CA) for the 2D evaluation, and the anterior symmetry ratio (ASR) and posterior symmetry ratio (PSR) for the 3D evaluation. Intra- and inter-examiner precision analyses revealed that the coefficients of the variation measurements were extremely low (<1%) for all variables, except CA (5%). In 530 infants, the coincidence rate of CA severity by the 2D evaluation and the 3D evaluation was 83.4%. A disagreement on severity was found between 2D and 3D evaluations in 88 infants (16.6%): 68 infants (12.8%) were assessed as severe by 2D evaluation and mild by the 3D evaluation, while 20 infants (3.8%) were evaluated as mild by 2D and severe by 3D evaluation. Overall, the 2D evaluation identified more infants as severe than the 3D evaluation. The 3D evaluation proved more precise than the 2D evaluation. We found that approximately one in six infants differed in severity between 2D and 3D evaluations.
Toward Gender Equality in Education—Teachers’ Beliefs about Gender and Math
Authors: Lindner Jana , Makarova Elena , Bernhard Deborah , Brovelli Dorothee
Published: May 2022

Math has a strong gender-related image, even among teachers. As teachers hold beliefs about their work, their role, their subject, and their students, they shape girls’ and boys’ mathematical beliefs and attitudes. Research during the past 20 years has shown that teachers’ gender beliefs about mathematics significantly favor boys, thereby reinforcing girls’ low math ability self-concept. Still, there is a lack of studies that examine teachers’ gender-related beliefs based on their underlying assumptions. Our study provides the first empirical evidence of the relationship between general gender stereotypes and math stereotypes. To this end, we used partial correlation and MANCOVA to analyze data from an online survey in 2019/2020 conducted in Switzerland (195 women, 80 men) as part of a cross-cultural comparison study. We therefore created a differentiated profile of prospective teachers by examining their beliefs about their self-image, their image of men and women in society, their essentialist and gender role ideology beliefs, and their math stereotypes. Then, we linked prospective teachers’ beliefs about gender (based on 48 characteristics) to their beliefs about mathematics and about girls’ and boys’ competencies in math. The extensive analysis provides knowledge about prospective teachers and is particularly important for teacher education.
Numerical Study on Multiple Arcs in a Pyro-Breaker Based on the Black-Box Arc Model
Authors: He Jun , Wang Ke , Li Jiangang
Published: May 2022

The arc behavior during commutation of a pyro-breaker is the main determinant of performance evaluation. The pyro-breaker discussed in this article is an explosive-driven, extremely fast and non-linear Direct Current circuit breaker. It has been developed for the Quench Protection System (QPS) of superconducting fusion facilities, such as the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR). The feasibility of the Schavemaker differential equation is verified in a simplified 40 kA commutation simulation. The Commutation Section of the pyro-breaker will form multiple gaps after the operation, which causes multiple arc ignitions during the explosion. The influence of the gap quantity on the commutation performance of the pyro-breaker has not previously been studied. A more accurate simulation, which takes the multiple-arc formation into consideration, is proposed and verified under the current of 60 kA. The simulation model, which takes the numerical analysis of the driving mechanism into consideration, will be the designing basis for the pyro-breaker in further development and implementation.
A 0.0012 mm2 6-bit 700 MS/s 1 mW Calibration-Free Pseudo-Loop-Unrolled SAR ADC in 28 nm CMOS
Authors: An Eun-Ji , Oh Dong-Ryeol
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a high-speed successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that takes advantage of both asynchronous SAR ADC and loop-unrolled (LU) SAR ADC. By utilizing the output of the dynamic amplifier (DA) to generate an asynchronous clock, the reset time for the DA can be hidden behind the comparator latching time. Dedicated latches for each digital-to-analog converter (DAC) element eliminate the need for DAC switching logic. The proposed inverter-inserted three-stage comparator significantly reduces the input-referred offset of the comparator. The prototype 6-bit 700 MS/s SAR ADC was implemented in a 28 nm CMOS process and has a small 0.0012 mm2 area. The measured peak DNL and INL without any mismatch calibration were 0.33 and 0.27 LSB, respectively. With Nyquist input, the measured signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) were 34.07 and 47.52 dB, respectively. The power consumption was 1 mW under a supply voltage of 1.0 V, leading to a Walden figure of merit (FoM) of 34.6 fJ/conversion-step at 700 MS/s.
Fault Diagnosis Method of Planetary Gearbox Based on Compressed Sensing and Transfer Learning
Authors: Bai Huajun , Yan Hao , Zhan Xianbiao , Wen Liang , Jia Xisheng
Published: May 2022

This paper suggests a novel method for diagnosing planetary gearbox faults. It addresses the issue of network bandwidth limitation during wireless data transmission and the problem of relying on expert experience and insufficient training samples in traditional fault diagnosis. The continuous wavelet transform was combined with the AlexNet convolutional neural network using transfer learning and the compressed theory of sense. The original vibration signal was compressed and reconstructed using the compressed sampling orthogonal matching pursuit reconstruction algorithm. A continuous wavelet transform was used to convert the compressed signal into a time–frequency image. The pretrained AlexNet model was selected as the migration object, the network model was fine-tuned and retrained, and the trained AlexNet model was used to diagnose the fault using the model-based migration method. It was demonstrated by the experimental results when the compression ratio CR = 0.5. Compared to other network models, the classification accuracy rate is 97.78%. This method has specific reference value and application prospects and good feature extraction and fault classification capabilities.
Parameterization of the Model of Artificial Clay Freezing Considering the Effect of Pore Water Salinity
Authors: Semin Mikhail , Levin Lev , Bublik Sergey , Brovka Gennadiy , Brovka Andrey , Agutin Kirill
Published: May 2022

This paper considers the artificial freezing of an argillite-like clay layer containing a NaCl salt solution in its pore space. The experimental results of the thermophysical properties of the clay with various salinities and water content in soil samples are presented. We determine the parameters of the soil freezing characteristic curves, the dependences of the specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity based on temperature and salinity. These parameters are used in the formulation of a simple thermodynamic model for the artificial freezing of a clay layer with a single freezing pipe. The model includes diffusive transfer of heat and salt concentration, as well as salt precipitation when the eutectic point is reached. The motivation for using the simplified model is to understand the general patterns of soil freezing when considering the effect of salinity, as well as to test the proposed numerical finite-difference algorithm for solving the problem of freezing a clay layer based on the method of equivalent heat capacities. Using the algorithm, we analyzed the regularities of the redistribution of dissolved and precipitated salt in frozen soil, and also evaluated the effect of diffusive salt transfer on the numerical solution.
Impact of Extreme Weather Disasters on China’s Barley Industry under the Background of Trade Friction—Based on the Partial Equilibrium Model
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Li Xiande
Published: May 2022

The world has entered a compound risk era with multiple crises, and the adverse impact of trade friction and extreme weather disasters on China’s barley import has become increasingly prominent. In this context, this study uses superimposed epoch analysis and partial equilibrium model to evaluate the impact of extreme weather disasters in China’s major barley-exporting countries on China’s barley industry in the course of China–Australia trade friction. The results show that: (1) extreme weather disaster caused barley production in France and Canada to decrease by 7.95% and 18.36% respectively; (2) when the two external shocks occur at the same time, China’s barley import volume tends to decline compared with the basic scenario, the import price rises sharply, there are certain trade-diverting effects in barley import, and China’s imports from countries not affected by extreme weather disasters will increase to a certain extent; (3) China’s barley production remains at a low rate of growth and is vulnerable to external shocks, facing certain import risks. This study provides important policy implications for preventing import risks and ensuring the sufficient supply of domestic barley.