bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Don’t Give Up!”
Authors: Velez John A. , Jang Wonseok (Eric) , Jordan Joshua M. , Walker William R.
Published: November 2021

Abstract. The determination exhibited by players is a valuable quality in other contexts that require persistence. Research suggests that competitive and difficult video game play may acclimate players to arduous challenges and steel them against later hardships. Participants played competitively (one-on-one) or cooperatively with a non-player character (two-on-two) against non-player character opponents of varying difficulty (e.g., easy, moderate, or hard) in Super Smash Bros. Subsequent persistence was measured by time spent on an anagram task that included unsolvable items. Results suggest that video game competitiveness is necessary to facilitate subsequent persistence. However, the difficulty of opponents did not influence players’ subsequent persistence, even when withstanding the most competence-thwarting game play against hard opponents. The current study suggests that competitive play, in general, sufficiently jumpstarts persistent behaviors in players and that, instead of players cultivating persistence by enduring frustrating game play, they may be invigorated or enticed to attain goals when challenged.
Solar Wind—Magnetosphere Coupling During Radial Interplanetary Magnetic Field Conditions: Simultaneous Multi‐Point Observations
Authors: Toledo‐Redondo S. , Hwang K.‐J. , Escoubet C. P. , Lavraud B. , Fornieles J. , Aunai N. , Fear R. C. , Dargent J. , Fu H. S. , Fuselier S. A. , Genestreti K. J. , Khotyaintsev Yu V. , Li W. Y. , Norgren C. , Phan T. D.
Published: November 2021

In‐situ spacecraft missions are powerful assets to study processes that occur in space plasmas. One of their main limitations, however, is extrapolating such local measurements to the global scales of the system. To overcome this problem at least partially, multi‐point measurements can be used. There are several multi‐spacecraft missions currently operating in the Earth's magnetosphere, and the simultaneous use of the data collected by them provides new insights into the large‐scale properties and evolution of magnetospheric plasma processes. In this work, we focus on studying the Earth's magnetopause (MP) using a conjunction between the Magnetospheric Multiscale and Cluster fleets, when both missions skimmed the MP for several hours at distant locations during radial interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. The observed MP positions as a function of the evolving solar wind conditions are compared to model predictions of the MP. We observe an inflation of the magnetosphere (∼0.7 RE), consistent with magnetosheath pressure decrease during radial IMF conditions, which is less pronounced on the flank (0.2 RE). There is observational evidence of magnetic reconnection in the subsolar region for the whole encounter, and in the dusk flank for the last portion of the encounter, suggesting that reconnection was extending more than 15 RE. However, reconnection jets were not always observed, suggesting that reconnection was patchy, intermittent or both. Shear flows reduce the reconnection rate up to ∼30% in the dusk flank according to predictions, and the plasma β enhancement in the magnetosheath during radial IMF favors reconnection suppression by the diamagnetic drift.
Improved Estimates of Pentad Precipitation Through the Merging of Independent Precipitation Data Sets
Authors: Koster Randal D. , Liu Qing , Reichle Rolf H. , Huffman George J.
Published: November 2021

Three independent, quasi‐global, gridded data sets of precipitation (a rain gauge‐based data set, the satellite‐only component of the NASA Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement mission (IMERG) Final Run precipitation product, and precipitation estimates derived from NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) soil moisture retrievals), are objectively combined into a single pentad precipitation data set at 36‐km resolution using a unique approach based on extended triple collocation. The quality of each of the four data sets is then evaluated against independent observations. When a global land surface model at 36‐km resolution is integrated four times, once utilizing the merged precipitation forcing and once with each of the three contributing data sets, the near‐surface soil moisture variations produced with the merged forcing validate best against independent satellite‐based soil moisture fields. In addition, the merged data set is found to be more consistent, relative to each contributor, with estimates of air temperature variations across the globe. The merged data set thus appears to draw successfully on the complementary strengths of each contributor: the particularly high quality of the rain gauge‐based data set in areas of high gauge density, the more uniform accuracy across the globe of the IMERG data, and the moderate accuracy, particularly in semi‐arid regions, of the soil moisture retrieval‐based data.
Targeting lysosomes in human disease: from basic research to clinical applications
Authors: Cao Mengdie , Luo Xiangyuan , Wu Kongming , He Xingxing
Published: November 2021

In recent years, accumulating evidence has elucidated the role of lysosomes in dynamically regulating cellular and organismal homeostasis. Lysosomal changes and dysfunction have been correlated with the development of numerous diseases. In this review, we interpreted the key biological functions of lysosomes in four areas: cellular metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity, and cell death. More importantly, we actively sought to determine the characteristic changes and dysfunction of lysosomes in cells affected by these diseases, the causes of these changes and dysfunction, and their significance to the development and treatment of human disease. Furthermore, we outlined currently available targeting strategies: (1) targeting lysosomal acidification; (2) targeting lysosomal cathepsins; (3) targeting lysosomal membrane permeability and integrity; (4) targeting lysosomal calcium signaling; (5) targeting mTOR signaling; and (6) emerging potential targeting strategies. Moreover, we systematically summarized the corresponding drugs and their application in clinical trials. By integrating basic research with clinical findings, we discussed the current opportunities and challenges of targeting lysosomes in human disease.
Stem cell-based therapy for COVID-19 and ARDS: a systematic review
Authors: Zanirati Gabriele , Provenzi Laura , Libermann Lucas Lobraico , Bizotto Sabrina Comin , Ghilardi Isadora Machado , Marinowic Daniel Rodrigo , Shetty Ashok K. , Da Costa Jaderson Costa
Published: November 2021

Despite global efforts to establish effective interventions for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its major complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the treatment remains mainly supportive. Hence, identifying an effective and safe therapy for severe COVID-19 is critical for saving lives. A significant number of cell-based therapies have been through clinical investigation. In this study, we performed a systematic review of clinical studies investigating different types of stem cells as treatments for COVID-19 and ARDS to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of cell therapy. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Among the 29 studies, there were eight case reports, five Phase I clinical trials, four pilot studies, two Phase II clinical trials, one cohort, and one case series. Among the clinical studies, 21 studies used cell therapy to treat COVID-19, while eight studies investigated cell therapy as a treatment for ARDS. Most of these (75%) used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat COVID-19 and ARDS. Findings from the analyzed articles indicate a positive impact of stem cell therapy on crucial immunological and inflammatory processes that lead to lung injury in COVID-19 and ARDS patients. Additionally, among the studies, there were no reported deaths causally linked to cell therapy. In addition to standard care treatments concerning COVID-19 management, there has been supportive evidence towards adjuvant therapies to reduce mortality rates and improve recovery of care treatment. Therefore, MSCs treatment could be considered a potential candidate for adjuvant therapy in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 cases and compassionate use.
Fenebrutinib in H1 antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: a randomized phase 2 trial
Authors: Metz Martin , Sussman Gordon , Gagnon Rémi , Staubach Petra , Tanus Tonny , Yang William H. , Lim Jeremy J. , Clarke Holly J. , Galanter Joshua , Chinn Leslie W. , Chu Tom , Teterina Anastasia , Burgess Tracy , Haddon D. James , Lu Timothy T. , Maurer Marcus
Published: November 2021

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is crucial for FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation and essential for autoantibody production by B cells in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Fenebrutinib, an orally administered, potent, highly selective, reversible BTK inhibitor, may be effective in CSU. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial (EudraCT ID2016-004624-35) randomized 93 adults with antihistamine-refractory CSU to 50 mg daily, 150 mg daily and 200 mg twice daily of fenebrutinib or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary end point was change from baseline in urticaria activity score over 7 d (UAS7) at week 8. Secondary end points were the change from baseline in UAS7 at week 4 and the proportion of patients well-controlled (UAS7 ≤ 6) at week 8. Fenebrutinib efficacy in patients with type IIb autoimmunity and effects on IgG-anti-FcεRI were exploratory end points. Safety was also evaluated. The primary end point was met, with dose-dependent improvements in UAS7 at week 8 occurring at 200 mg twice daily and 150 mg daily, but not at 50 mg daily of fenebrutinib versus placebo. Asymptomatic, reversible grade 2 and 3 liver transaminase elevations occurred in the fenebrutinib 150 mg daily and 200 mg twice daily groups (2 patients each). Fenebrutinib diminished disease activity in patients with antihistamine-refractory CSU, including more patients with refractory type IIb autoimmunity. These results support the potential use of BTK inhibition in antihistamine-refractory CSU.
Combinatorial characterization of a certain class of words and a conjectured connection with general subclasses of phylogenetic tree-child networks
Authors: Pons Miquel , Batle Josep
Published: November 2021

The combinatorial study of phylogenetic networks has attracted much attention in recent times. In particular, one class of them, the so-called tree-child networks, are becoming the most prominent ones. However, their combinatorial properties are largely unknown. In this paper we address the problem of exactly counting them. We conjecture a relationship with the cardinality of a certain class of words. By solving the counting problem for the words, and on the basis of the conjecture, several simple recurrence formulas for general cases arise. Moreover, a precise asymptotic analysis is provided. Our results coincide with all current formulas in the literature for particular subclasses of tree-child networks, as well as with numerical results obtained for small networks. We expect that the study of the relationship between the newly defined words and the networks will lead to further combinatoric characterizations of this class of phylogenetic networks.
Confirming the TMEM232 gene associated with atopic dermatitis through targeted capture sequencing
Authors: Zheng Jie , Wu Yuan-yuan , Fang Wen-liang , Cai Xin-ying , Zhang Zeng-yun-ou , Yu Chong-xian , Zheng Xiao-dong , Xiao Feng-li
Published: November 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and complex skin disorder, and the 5q22.1 region had been reported to be associated with AD. To confirm the susceptibility gene for AD in the 5q22.1 region by haplotype and targeted capture sequencing. The haplotypes were reconstructed with the genotyping data of four SNPs and six deletions from 3624 Chinese Hans AD patients and 5076 controls. The targeted capture sequencing spanning 5q22.1 region was performed in the selected samples. The gene level enrichment analysis was done using loss of function variants. A total of 62 haplotypes were found, and the H15 haplotype had the strongest association with AD (P = 3.92 × 10−10, OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09–0.32). However, no co-segregation mutation sites were found in the sequencing analysis within the 16 selected samples, while the enrichment analysis indicated that TMEM232 was significantly associated with AD (P = 7.33 × 10–5, OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.19–0.58). This study confirms previous findings that the TMEM232 gene is associated with AD by haplotype analysis and targeted capture sequencing.
Characterisation of insomnia as an environmental risk factor for asthma via Mendelian randomization and gene environment interaction
Authors: Kim Dong Jun , Ha Tae-Woong , Jung Hae Un , Baek Eun Ju , Lee Won Jun , Kim Han Kyul , Kang Ji-One , Won Sungho , Lim Ji Eun , Oh Bermseok
Published: November 2021

Asthma is a complex disease that is reportedly associated with insomnia. However, the causal directionality of this association is still unclear. We used asthma and insomnia-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to test the causal directionality between insomnia and asthma via Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We also performed a cross-trait meta-analysis using UK Biobank GWAS summary statistics and a gene–environment interaction study using data from UK Biobank. The interaction of genetic risk score for asthma (GRSasthma) with insomnia on asthma was tested by logistic regression. Insomnia was a risk factor for the incidence of asthma, as revealed by three different methods of MR analysis. However, asthma did not act as a risk factor for insomnia. The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 28 genetic loci shared between asthma and insomnia. In the gene–environment interaction study, GRSasthma interacted with insomnia to significantly affect the risk of asthma. The results of this study highlight the importance of insomnia as a risk factor of asthma, and warrant further analysis of the mechanism through which insomnia affects the risk of asthma.
A deep learning approach to identify and segment alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fiber positive cells
Authors: Hillsley Alexander , Santos Javier E. , Rosales Adrianne M.
Published: November 2021

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excessive tissue deposition, matrix remodeling, and tissue stiffening, which eventually leads to organ failure. On a cellular level, the development of fibrosis is associated with the activation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, a highly contractile and secretory phenotype. Myofibroblasts are commonly identified in vitro by the de novo assembly of alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fibers; however, there are few methods to automate stress fiber identification, which can lead to subjectivity and tedium in the process. To address this limitation, we present a computer vision model to classify and segment cells containing alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fibers into 2 classes (α-SMA SF+and α-SMA SF-), with a high degree of accuracy (cell accuracy: 77%, F1 score 0.79). The model combines standard image processing methods with deep learning techniques to achieve semantic segmentation of the different cell phenotypes. We apply this model to cardiac fibroblasts cultured on hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels of various moduli to induce alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fiber formation. The model successfully predicts the same trends in stress fiber identification as obtained with a manual analysis. Taken together, this work demonstrates a process to automate stress fiber identification in in vitro fibrotic models, thereby increasing reproducibility in fibroblast phenotypic characterization.
Renal and hepatic function of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation undergoing inferior caval valve implantation
Authors: Hewing Bernd , Mattig Isabel , Knebel Fabian , Stangl Verena , Laule Michael , Stangl Karl , Dreger Henryk
Published: November 2021

Due to progressive abdominal-venous congestion severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common cause of cardiorenal and cardiohepatic syndrome. We initiated the TRICAVAL study to compare interventional valve implantation into the inferior vena cava (CAVI) versus optimal medical therapy (OMT) in severe TR. In the present subanalysis, we aimed to evaluate the effects of CAVI on clinical signs of congestion, renal and hepatic function. TRICAVAL was an investigator-initiated, randomized trial. Twenty-eight patients with severe TR were randomized to OMT or CAVI using an Edwards Sapien XT valve. Probands who completed the 3-month follow-up (CAVI [n = 8], OMT [n = 10]) were evaluated by medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory testing at baseline, 3 and 12 months. After 3 months, the CAVI group exhibited a significant reduction of body weight (from 80.7 [69.0–87.7] kg to 75.5 [63.8–84.6] kg, p < 0.05) and abdominal circumference (from 101.5 ± 13.8 cm to 96.3 ± 15.4 cm, p ≤ 0.01) and a trend to lower doses of diuretics compared to OMT. Renal and hepatic function parameters did not change significantly. Within a short-term follow-up, CAVI led to an improvement of clinical signs of venous congestion and a non-significant reduction of diuretic doses compared to OMT.
Feasibility of endoscopic hand suturing on rectal anastomoses in ex vivo porcine models
Authors: Koizumi Eriko , Goto Osamu , Shinji Seiichi , Hayashi Koki , Habu Tsugumi , Kirita Kumiko , Noda Hiroto , Higuchi Kazutoshi , Onda Takeshi , Omori Jun , Akimoto Teppei , Kaise Mitsuru , Yoshida Hiroshi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: November 2021

Prevention of postoperative anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery is still required. This study investigated the feasibility of endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) on rectal anastomosis ex vivo. By using isolated porcine colon, we prepared ten anastomoses 6–10 cm from the virtual anus. Then, we sutured anastomoses intraluminally by EHS, which involved a continuous suturing method in 5 cases and a nodule suturing method with extra corporeal ligation in 5 cases. Completeness of suturing, number of stitches, procedure time and presence of stenosis were investigated. Furthermore, the degree of stenosis was compared between the two suturing methods. In all cases, EHS were successfully completed. The median number of stitches and procedure time was 8 and 5.8 min, respectively. Stenosis was created in all continuous suturing cases whereas none was seen in nodule suturing cases. The shortening rate was significantly greater in the continuous suturing method than in the nodule suturing method. Intraluminal reinforcement of rectal anastomosis by EHS using nodule suturing with extra corporeal ligation is feasible without stenosis, which may be helpful as a countermeasure against possible postoperative anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery.
A database on differentially expressed microRNAs during rodent bladder healing
Authors: Chamorro Clara Ibel , Eisfeldt Jesper , Willacy Oliver , Juul Nikolai , Fossum Magdalena
Published: November 2021

Urinary bladder wound healing relies on multiple biological events that are finely tuned in a spatial–temporal manner. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules with regulatory functions. We hypothesized that microRNAs are important molecules in the coordination of normal urinary bladder wound healing. We aimed at identifying microRNAs expressed during bladder wound healing using Affymetrix global array for microRNA profiling of the rodent urinary bladder during healing of a surgically created wound. Results were validated in the rat bladders by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) using three of the differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs. The model was thereafter validated in human cells, by measuring the expression of eight of the DE microRNAs upon in vitro wound-healing assays in primary urothelial cells. Our results indicated that 508 (40%) of all rodent microRNAs were expressed in the urinary bladder during wound healing. Thirteen of these microRNAs (1%) were DE (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05, P < 0.05, |logfold|> 0.25) in wounded compared to non-wounded bladders. Bioinformatic analyses helped us to identify target molecules for the DE microRNAs, and biological pathways involved in tissue repair. All data are made available in an open-access database for other researchers to explore.
Infrared-spectroscopic, dynamic near-field microscopy of living cells and nanoparticles in water
Authors: Kaltenecker Korbinian J. , Gölz Thorsten , Bau Enrico , Keilmann Fritz
Published: November 2021

Infrared fingerprint spectra can reveal the chemical nature of materials down to 20-nm detail, far below the diffraction limit, when probed by scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM). But this was impossible with living cells or aqueous processes as in corrosion, due to water-related absorption and tip contamination. Here, we demonstrate infrared s-SNOM of water-suspended objects by probing them through a 10-nm thick SiN membrane. This separator stretches freely over up to 250 µm, providing an upper, stable surface to the scanning tip, while its lower surface is in contact with the liquid and localises adhering objects. We present its proof-of-principle applicability in biology by observing simply drop-casted, living E. coli in nutrient medium, as well as living A549 cancer cells, as they divide, move and develop rich sub-cellular morphology and adhesion patterns, at 150 nm resolution. Their infrared spectra reveal the local abundances of water, proteins, and lipids within a depth of ca. 100 nm below the SiN membrane, as we verify by analysing well-defined, suspended polymer spheres and through model calculations. SiN-membrane based s-SNOM thus establishes a novel tool of live cell nano-imaging that returns structure, dynamics and chemical composition. This method should benefit the nanoscale analysis of any aqueous system, from physics to medicine.
Effect of the stiffness of one-layer protein-based microcapsules on dendritic cell uptake and endocytic mechanism
Authors: Shi Pengzhong , Qin Jianghui , Luo Shan , Hao Pengyan , Li Na , Zan Xingjie
Published: November 2021

One-layered lysozyme-based microcapsules with well-controlled stiffness were used to investigate the stiffness effect on the cellular uptake and endocytic mechanism in dendritic cells.
Various carboxylates induced eight Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) coordination polymers with fluorescence sensing activities for Fe(iii), Cr(vi) and oxytetracycline
Authors: Chen Yaxuan , Liu Guocheng , Wang Xiuli , Lu Xue , Xu Na , Chang Zhihan , Zhang Zhong , Li Xiaohui
Published: November 2021

Eight new Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) coordination polymers constructed from a naphthalene-amide-pyridyl ligand and various carboxylates were synthesized and characterized, which show multifunctional fluorescence responses for cations, anions and antibiotics.
Correction: Physicochemical interaction of cerium oxide nanoparticles with simulated biofluids, hemoglobin, insulin, and ds-DNA at 310.15 K
Authors: Chetty Rajlakshmi , Pandya Shivani R. , Singh Man
Published: November 2021

Correction for ‘Physicochemical interaction of cerium oxide nanoparticles with simulated biofluids, hemoglobin, insulin, and ds-DNA at 310.15 K’ by Rajlakshmi Chetty et al., New J. Chem., 2020, 44, 1825–1845, DOI: 10.1039/C9NJ04155A.
Chemistry and biological activities of hetisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids
Authors: Yin Tianpeng , Zhang Huixia , Zhang Wei , Jiang Zhihong
Published: November 2021

Natural hetisine-type C20-diterpenoid alkaloids with diverse structures showed multiple pharmacological activities, indicating great potential in drug discovery.
A comparative assessment ofin vitrocytotoxic activity and phytochemical profiling ofAndrographis nallamalayanaJ.L.Ellis andAndrographis paniculata(Burm. f.) Nees using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS approach
Authors: Goel Narender , Gajbhiye Rahul L. , Saha Moumita , Nagendra Chennuru , Reddy Araveeti Madhusudhana , Ravichandiran V. , Das Saha Krishna , Jaisankar Parasuraman
Published: November 2021

A comparative study of two Andrographis species have been done, and it was found thatAndrographis nallamalayanaJ.L.Ellis is phytochemically and biologically different fromAndrographis paniculata(Burm. f.) Nees.
Recent advances in photo-assisted electrocatalysts for energy conversion
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Song Fang
Published: November 2021

The review highlights the recent advances and challenges in photo-assisted electrocatalysis, including photo-generated carrier-assisted, LSPR-assisted, and photothermally-assisted ones.
In situconstruction of a nano-structured akermanite coating for promoting bone formation and osseointegration of Ti–6Al–4V implants in a rabbit osteoporosis model
Authors: Cui Jinjie , Xia Lunguo , Lin Kaili , Wang Xiuhui
Published: November 2021

In situconstruction of nano-structured akermanite (nAK) coatings on Ti–6Al–4V implants and their promotion for osteogenesis and osseointegration in osteoporosis.
How Graduate Students With Vocal Fry Are Perceived by Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Gallena Sally K. , Pinto James A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Vocal fry (VF), a low-pitched, grating voice quality, appears to be trending among young women. Current research lacks consensus of listeners' perceptions associated with VF. This study investigated practicing speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of graduate speech-language pathology students who speak with VF.

Method:

Thirty-two graduate students were recorded reading the Rainbow Passage and providing a brief monologue. VF was detected perceptually and acoustically for all 32 students' recordings. For the 127-syllable passage, percent of VF (%VF) ranged from 2.36% (three syllables) to 40.16% (51 syllables) with an average of 12.25% (15 syllables). Twelve recorded passages were selected and sorted into two statistically significant groups (
p
= .001; seven with the most %VF and five with the least). Passage samples were randomly uploaded into a Qualtrics survey. Practicing SLPs listened to each sample and provided categorical and visual analog ratings for voice pleasantness and perceived speaker competence, education, hirability, and professionalism.

Results:

The online survey was completed by 150 experienced SLPs who spanned differing geographical locations, work settings, and years of experience. Chi-square tests of independence and independent-samples
t
tests revealed statistically significant findings for all rated characteristics, indicating that VF samples were less pleasant, and their users less competent, hirable, educated, and professional.

Conclusions:

These findings support those of Gottliebson et al. (2007), whereby 32% of our cohort had ≥ 15 instances of VF during passage reading, and those of Anderson et al. (2014), that VF negatively impacts how a speaker is perceived. Speech-language pathology graduate students should be cognizant of VF use, as they seek to secure competitive externships and jobs.
Experimental Investigation of Bearing Capacity of Screw Piles and Excess Porewater Pressure in Soft Clay under Static Axial Loading
Authors: Karkush Mahdi O. , Hussein Asaad A.
Published: November 2021

In this study, the behavior of screw piles models with continuous helix was studied by conducting laboratory experimental tests on a single screw pile that has several aspect ratios (L/D) under the influence of static axial compression loads. The screw piles were inserted in a soft soil that has a unit weight of 18.72 kN/m3 and moisture content of 30.19%. Also, the soil has a liquid limit of 55% and a plasticity index of 32%. A physical laboratory model was designed to investigate the ultimate compression capacity of the screw pile and measure the generated porewater pressure during the loading process. The bedding soil was prepared according to the field unit weight and moisture content and the failure load was assumed corresponding to a settlement equals 20% of helix diameter. The ultimate compression capacity of screw piles higher than the ultimate capacity of ordinary piles and the ultimate compression capacity increases with decreasing the aspect ratio. The ultimate bearing capacity of the flexible screw pile (L/D<20) is greater than the ordinary pile by 59.5% and with the rigid screw pile (L/D>20), the ultimate bearing capacity could reach 250% compared with the ordinary pile. Also, the estimated ultimate compression capacity of flexible screw piles well agreed with those measured experimentally, but a large difference was noted for rigid screw piles.
A Numerical Analysis on the Behavior of Single Battered Pile under Pullout Loading
Authors: Al-Tememy Mais S. , Al-Neami Mohammed A. , Asswad Mohammed F.
Published: November 2021

Batter or raker piles are piles driven at an inclination with a vertical to resist large inclined or lateral forces. Many structures like offshore structures and towers are subjected to overturning moments due to wave pressure, wind load, and ship impacts. Therefore in such structures, a combination of the vertical and batter piles is used to transfer overturning moments in compression and tension forces to the foundation. This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element analysis using PLAXIS 3D software to study the battered pile's behavior under the effect of pullout load. Several variables that influence the pile tension capacity embedded in sandy soil are investigated. The pile models are steel piles embedded in the dense sand at different batter angles (0, 10, 20, and 30) degrees with two embedment ratios, L/d (15 and 20). To clarify the pile shape's influence on a pullout capacity, two shapes are used, a circular pile with a diameter equal to 20 mm and a square pile with a section of 15.7×15.7 mm. These dimensions are chosen to achieve an equal perimeter for both shapes. The numerical results pointed that the pile pullout capacity increases with the increasing of the batter angle and embedment ratio, and the maximum values are marked at a batter angle of 20o. The shape of the bending moment profile is a single curvature, and the peak values are located approximately at the midpoint of the battered pile, while a zero value is located at the pile tip and pile head.
Effect of Halabjah Earthquake on Al-Wand Earth Dam: Numerical Analysis
Authors: Abbas Intisar H. , Al-hadidi Maysam Th.
Published: November 2021

The Halabja earthquake occurred on 12/11/2017 in Iraq, with a magnitude of 7.3 Mw, which happened in the Iraqi-Iranian borders. This earthquake killed and injured many people in the Kurdish region in the north of the country. There is no natural disaster more dangerous than earthquake, especially it occurs without warning, great attention must be paid to the impact of earthquakes on the soil and preparing for a wave of earthquakes. Numerical modeling using specific elements is considered a powerful tool to investigate the required behavior of structures in Geotechnical engineering, and the main objective of this is to assess the response of the Al-Wand dam to the Halabja earthquake, as this dam is located in an area that has been subjected to seismic activity recently. The modeling was done through the Geo-studio program, where the seepage was analyzed during the Al-wand dam using the Seep/w program. It was verified that the dam was safe against seepage failure and then moved to the QUAKE/W (a subprogram of GEOSTUDIO, which is used for liquefaction modeling of earthquakes and dynamic loading and determines the movement and increased pressures of pore water that arise due to earthquake vibration or sudden shock loads). The program was used to analyze the effect of the earthquake on the porewater pressure, effective stresses, and displacements. Also, it is not clear that the significant impact the earthquake has on these values. Finally, the Slope/w program was used to analyze the stability of the dam and to calculate the safety factor of the dam in two ways, and the results of the analysis show that the dam is considered safe under the influence of the tremor.
Numerical Modelling of Axially Loaded Helical Piles: Compressive Resistance
Authors: Ali Ahmed. S. , Salim Nahla. M. , Baqir Husam. H.
Published: November 2021

Helical piles are foundation systems used to support compression, tension, and lateral loads. However, this type of piles was used around the world for more than 25 years. Its behavior, especially in Iraq, is still unknown and scare. The present study is carried out by analyses of this type of pile using the finite element method. Modeling of the helical pile geometry has been proposed using the finite element through the computer program Plaxis 3D. Parametric analyses were also performed. The main parametric study is the effect of a number of the helix, spacing between helix, the helix diameter, and helix configuration. The main conclusion is that as the number of helix increases, the bearing capacity increases further more than the higher the distance between helix, the higher bearing capacity. Maximum pile capacity with the case of three-helix increased by 115.4 %compared to the case without helix. Pile capacity with the case of spacing 3.5 D reached 130.7 % compared to the case of spacing 0.5 D. The value of displacement decreased with increasing spacing between the helices, while the value of displacement increased with the decrease in the spacing between the helices for top, middle, and bottom helix.
Assessment of Concrete Compressive Strength by Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Test
Authors: Said AbdulMuttalib I. , Ali Baqer Abdul Hussein
Published: November 2021

This paper has carried out an experimental program to establish a relatively accurate relation between the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and the concrete compressive strength. The program involved testing concrete cubes of (100) mm and prisms of (100×100×300) cast with specified test variables. The samples are tested by using ultrasonic test equipment with two methods, direct ultrasonic pulse (DUPV) and surface (indirect) ultrasonic pulse (SUPV) for each sample. The obtained results were used as input data in the statistical program (SPSS) to predict the best equation representing the relation between the compressive strength and the ultrasonic pulse velocity. In this research 383 specimens were tested, and an exponential equation is proposed for this purpose. The statistical program has been used to prove which type of UPV is more suitable, the (SUPV) test or the (DUPV) test, to represent the relation between the ultrasonic pulse velocity and the concrete compressive strength. In this paper, the effect of salt content on the connection between the ultrasonic pulse velocity and the concrete compressive strength has also been studied.
Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Covered by Gypsum Layers and Exposed to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: warwar Raid Sattar , said AbdulMuttalib I.
Published: November 2021

The paper presents results of exposure of normal concrete to elevated temperatures (400 and 700) °C covered by layers (gypsum and plaster) with different thicknesses (10 and 20) mm. The casted specimens for each type of test were divided into three groups. The first was without covering the concrete surface with gypsum, while the second and third groups were covered with gypsum of the outer surface with a thickness of 10 and 20 mm, respectively. The experimental results found that the ultimate load capacity and the first crack load of RC beams were improved by using gypsum layers through 400°C. At thickness 10 and 20 mm, the (Pcr and Pu) loss was about (8 and 6) % and (1 and 7) % respectively, compared to the concrete not covered with gypsum, the loss rate is about (25 and 13) %, and this is clear evidence of the benefit of gypsum in reducing the Elevated Temperatures directly to concrete. As for the temperature of 700, the reduction in (Pcr and Pu) was about (57 and 22) % and (31 and 16) % and (10 and 15) % at 0, 10, 20 mm gypsum thickness, respectively. Through the figures shown in the paper, which were obtained from the experimental side of the research, the load-deflection curves improved when the gypsum thickness increased during the specimens' exposure to fire. Where the relationship between them at a temperature of 400°C in a thickness of 20 mm was better than 10 mm when exposed to fire, so by increasing the thickness of the gypsum, the occurrence of deflection is less because it protects the surface of the concrete from direct exposure to heat and thus prevents the occurrence of cracks in the outer surface of the concrete.
Hydraulic Analysis and Modelling of Water Distribution Network Using WATERCAD and GIS: AL-Karada Area
Authors: Kadhim Noor R. , Abdulrazzaq Khalid A. , Mohammed Athraa H.
Published: November 2021

The hydraulic study of drinking water is one of the things that must be done in order to obtain a realistic perception of the network’s functioning and the problems it suffers from, As well as to reach the scientific method to expand it if required, knowing that the population density is constantly increasing, as is the urban expansion, The aim of this study is evaluated and analyzed al-karada water distribution network to determine the areas of pure water scarcity and its causes, and the study relied on the data of the Baghdad water supply administration for the year 2020 and its divisions, where a hydraulic model of the network was created for the purpose of analysis, it included a review of the pressures and speeds during the average daily demand per person of 350 liters / day and during the maximum operational design capacities of the compacts Units, the results showed that the pressures within the acceptable limits and the flow velocity are not excessive in some pipe due to the low average daily demand.
Mid-latitude effects of “expanded” geomagnetic substorms: a case study
Authors: Guineva Veneta , Despirak Irina , Werner Rolf , Bojilova Rumiana , Raykova Lyubomira
Published: November 2021

The goal of this work is to examine the effects of the “expanded” or “high-latitude” substorms at mid-latitudes. These substorms are generated at auroral latitudes and propagate up to geomagnetic latitudes above ∼70° GMLat. They are usually observed during reccurent high-speed streams (HSS) from coronal holes. To identify the substorm activity, data from the networks IMAGE, SuperMAG and INTERMAGNET, and data from the all-sky cameras in Lovozero were used. To verify the interplanetary and geomagnetic conditions, data from the CDAWeb OMNI and from the WDC for geomagnetism at Kyoto were taken. We analyzed one substorm event on 20 February 2017 at ∼18:40 UT, it developed during HSS, in non-storm conditions. Some features of mid-latitude positive bays (MPB) at the European and Asian stations, and in particular at the Scandinavian meridian have been studied: the bay sign conversion from negative to positive values, the longitudinal and latitudinal extent of the MPB. The central meridian of the substorm was determined.
Analysis of the features of the spatio-temporal distribution of geoelectric inhomogeneities in the Earth’s crust and seismic events
Authors: Bataleva Elena
Published: November 2021

The paper presents the results of experiments carried out at the regime points of magnetotelluric monitoring both on the territory of the Bishkek geodynamic test site (Northern Tien Shan) and on a series of monitoring profiles in various geological conditions. Previous studies indicate the relationship of variations in the electromagnetic and seismic fields, lunisolar tidal effects, seismic regime with the processes of fracturing. The purpose of this work is to establish the features of the relationship between the spatio-temporal distribution of seismicity and the distribution of geoelectric inhomogeneities in the Earth’s crust (fault-block tectonics of the region). Based on the analysis of the results of the interpretation of magnetotelluric data (2D inversion) and new detailed seismotomographic constructions, the verification of geoelectric models was carried out, the analysis of the distribution of hypocenters of seismic events was carried out. Special attention was paid to the confinement of earthquakes to listric fault structures. The relationship between the distribution of the hypocenters of seismic events and the spatial position of the electrical conductivity anomalies is confirmed by the authors explanation of the physical nature of the identified conducting structures, based on hypotheses of fluidization and partial melt of the Earth’s crust.
Training-intensity Distribution on Middle- and Long-distance Runners:
A Systematic Review
Authors: Campos Yuri , Casado Arturo , Vieira João Guilherme , Guimarães Miller , Sant’Ana Leandro , Leitão Luis , da Silva Sandro Fernandes , Silva Marques de Azevedo Paulo Henrique , Vianna Jeferson , Domínguez Raúl
Published: November 2021

Training-intensity distribution (TID) is considered the key factor to optimize
performance in endurance sports. This systematic review aimed to: I)
characterize the TID typically used by middle-and long-distance runners; II)
compare the effect of different types of TID on endurance performance and its
physiological determinants; III) determine the extent to which different TID
quantification methods can calculate same TID outcomes from a given training
program. The keywords and search strategy identified 20 articles in the research
databases. These articles demonstrated differences in the quantification of the
different training-intensity zones among quantification methods (i. e.
session-rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate, race pace, and
running speed). The studies that used greater volumes of low-intensity training
such as those characterized by pyramidal and polarized TID approaches, reported
greater improvements in endurance performance than those which used a threshold
TID. Thus, it seems that the combination of high-volume at low-intensity
(≥ 70% of overall training volume) and low-volume at threshold
and high-intensity interval training (≤ 30%) is necessary to
optimize endurance training adaptations in middle-and long-distance runners.
Moreover, monitoring training via multiple mechanisms that systematically
encompasses objective and subjective TID quantification methods can help
coaches/researches to make better decisions.
Dengue Shock Syndrome: Its Similarity with Anaphylaxis and with the Homeopathic Medicine Apis mellifica (European Honeybee)
Authors: Richardson-Boedler Cornelia
Published: November 2021

Dengue, with four viral serotypes, causes epidemics in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Allopathic antiviral therapies and a vaccine of general use are lacking. The homeopathic medicine Apis mellifica, advised in anaphylaxis from honeybee sting, is proposed to address the life-threatening dengue shock syndrome, which develops from dengue hemorrhagic fever and has features of anaphylaxis. In both dengue and anaphylaxis, immunoglobulin E activates, and released vasoactive mediators (importantly histamine, tryptase and platelet-activating factor) cause, a vascular permeability enabling shock. In dengue, another mechanism, namely antibody-dependent enhancement, due to secondary infection with a heterologous dengue serotype, is associated with release of vasoactive mediators. The homeopathic medicine Apis mellifica indicates plasma leak, shock, and the serous effusion that is noted in dengue patients, and is a suggested prophylactic and therapeutic medicine for dengue shock syndrome.
Rechtskolumne: TAVI als NUB: Was folgt aus der neuen Rechtsprechung des BSG?
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: November 2021

Der Einsatz von neuen Untersuchungsund Behandlungsmethoden (NUB) im stationären Bereich ist seit jeher Gegenstand einer kontroversen Diskussion, die den Gesetzgeber wiederholt zum Einschreiten veranlasst hat.
Robotergestütztes Röntgengerat: CT-Funktion inklusive
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: November 2021

Die Radiologen des Universitätsklinikums Würzburg setzen zwei robotergestützte Röntgengeräte für die konventionelle Röntgendiagnostik ein. Die Geräte bieten zusätzlich eine Option zur 3D-Bildgebung.
Prozessoptimierung: Mehr Effizienz durch Datenübertragung in Echtzeit
Authors: Orth Anne
Published: November 2021

Wie kann ich den Prozess von der Aufnahme der Patientinnen und Patienten ins Krankenhaus bis zu ihrer Entlassung besser steuern und effizienter gestalten? Dazu hat die US-Firma TeleTracking Lösungen ent-wickelt, die sie nun auch in Deutschland anbietet. Kernelemente sind die Automatisierung von Abläufen und die Datenübertragung in Echtzeit. Das Kinderklinikum Braunschweig testet seit September einzelne Anwendungen in einem Pilotprojekt.
Pflege-Dashboard: Vom Sparschwein zum Erfolgsfaktor
Authors: Hantl-Merget Judith , Wilde Jana , Klieber Brigitte
Published: November 2021

Ausfallzeiten, Bettenbelegung, Personalsteuerung – Führungskräfte in der Pflege müssen sich zunehmend mit Managementthemen beschäftigen. Um ihnen die dafür notwendigen Daten übersichtlich aufbereitet zur Verfügung zu stellen, haben die RoMed Kliniken ihr eigenes Pflege-Dashboard entwickelt. Das Tool wird konstant ausgebaut – und ist schon jetzt eine Erfolgsgeschichte.
Fast and direct optical dispersion estimation for ultrafast laser pulse compression
Authors: Chang Jui-Chi , Chang Shu-Yu , Wu Yu-Cheng , Chang Chia-Yuan
Published: November 2021

In ultrashort pulse laser applications, optical dispersion seriously affects the energy concentration in the laser pulse duration and lowers the peak power. Accordingly, this study proposes a rapid dispersion estimation mechanism to facilitate the compensation of optical dispersion using a closed-loop control system. In the proposed approach, the optical dispersion information of the laser pulse is estimated directly from a frequency-resolved optical gating trace without the need for an iterative pulse-retrieval algorithm. In particular, the group delay dispersion (GDD) is determined from frequency and delay marginals, which are related to the laser spectrum and intensity autocorrelation, respectively, using a simple lookup table approach. The accuracy of the estimated GDD results is confirmed via a comparison with the spectral phase distribution of the electric field reconstructed using the principal component generalized projections algorithm. It is shown that the computation time of the proposed direct estimation method is around 13 times faster than that of the traditional iterative algorithm. It thus provides a feasible approach for enabling the real-time compensation of ultrafast laser pulse compression. Moreover, in a multiphoton-excited fluorescence imaging application, the proposed pulse compression mechanism yields an effective improvement in the intensity and contrast of the reconstructed image due to the increased nonlinear optical excitation efficiency of the optimized laser pulses.
Magnetoresistance ratio of more than 1% at room temperature in germanium vertical spin-valve devices with Co2FeSi
Authors: Yamada A. , Yamada M. , Honda M. , Yamada S. , Sawano K. , Hamaya K.
Published: November 2021

We report the highest two-terminal magnetoresistance (MR) ratio at room temperature in semiconductor (SC)-based vertical spin-valve (VSV) devices on a silicon (Si) platform. Here, we demonstrate all-epitaxial ferromagnet (FM)–germanium (Ge)–FM VSV devices with Co2FeSi as one of two FM electrodes. In addition to the high spin polarization of Co2FeSi, the relatively low resistance in the parallel magnetization state due to the strong Fermi-level-pinning effect at the p-type Ge/Co2FeSi interface causes the enhancement in the MR ratios. As a result, we achieve two-terminal MR ratios of over 1% even at room temperature through a 20-nm-thick Ge intermediate layer in VSV devices on Si. We emphasize that the use of Co-based Heusler alloys is effective even for SC-based VSV structures on Si to obtain high MR ratios at room temperature.