bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein signalling in response to ex vivo dynamic contractions is independent of training status in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Jakobsgaard Jesper Emil , de Paoli Frank Vincenzo , Vissing Kristian
Published: June 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are myofibre protein signalling responses to ex vivo dynamic contractions altered by accustomization to voluntary endurance training in rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In response to ex vivo dynamic muscle contractions, canonical myofibre protein signalling pertaining to metabolic transcriptional regulation, as well as translation initiation and elongation, was not influenced by prior accustomization to voluntary endurance training in rats. Accordingly, intrinsic myofibre protein signalling responses to standardized contractile activity may be independent of prior exercise training in rat skeletal muscle.

Skeletal muscle training status may influence myofibre regulatory protein signalling in response to contractile activity. The current study employed a purpose‐designed ex vivo dynamic contractile protocol to evaluate the effect of exercise‐accustomization on canonical myofibre protein signalling for metabolic gene expression and for translation initiation and elongation. To this end, rats completed 8 weeks of in vivo voluntary running training versus no running control intervention, whereupon an ex vivo endurance‐type dynamic contraction stimulus was conducted in isolated soleus muscle preparations from both intervention groups. Protein signalling response by phosphorylation was evaluated by immunoblotting at 0 and 3 h following ex vivo stimulation. Phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase α‐isoforms and its downstream target, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, as well as phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) was increased immediately following the dynamic contraction protocol (at 0 h). Signalling for translation initiation and elongation was evident at 3 h after dynamic contractile activity, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1, as well as a decrease in phosphorylation of eEF2 back to resting control levels. However, prior exercise training did not alter phosphorylation responses of the investigated signalling proteins. Accordingly, protein signalling responses to standardized endurance‐type contractions may be independent of training status in rat muscle during ex vivo conditions. The present findings add to our current understanding of molecular regulatory events responsible for skeletal muscle plasticity.
Aberrant movement‐related somatosensory cortical activity mediates the extent of the mobility impairments in persons with cerebral palsy
Authors: Trevarrow Michael P. , Taylor Brittany K. , Reelfs Anna M. , Wilson Tony W. , Kurz Max J.
Published: June 2022

There are numerous clinical reports showing that persons with cerebral palsy (CP) have proprioceptive, stereognosis, and tactile discrimination deficits. The current consensus is that these altered perceptions are attributable to aberrant somatosensory cortical activity. It has been inferred from these data that persons with CP do not adequately process ongoing sensory feedback during motor actions, which accentuates the extent of their mobility impairments. However, this hypothesis has yet to be directly tested. We used magnetoencephalographic brain imaging to address this knowledge gap by quantifying the somatosensory dynamics evoked by applying electrical stimulation to the tibial nerve in 22 persons with CP and 25 neurotypical controls at rest and during an ankle plantarflexion isometric force motor task. We also quantified the spatiotemporal gait biomechanics of participants outside the scanner. Consistent with the literature, our results confirmed that the strength of somatosensory cortical activity was weaker in the persons with CP compared to the neurotypical controls. Our results also showed that the strength of the somatosensory cortical responses were significantly weaker during the isometric ankle force task than at rest. Most importantly, our results showed that the strength of somatosensory cortical activity during the ankle plantarflexion force production task mediated the relationship between somatosensory cortical activity at rest and both walking velocity and step length. These results suggest that youth with CP have aberrant somatosensory cortical activity during isometric force generation, which ultimately contributes to the extent of mobility impairments seen in this patient population.

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Key points

Persons with cerebral palsy have reduced somatosensory cortical responses at rest and during movement.

The somatosensory cortical responses during movement mediate the relationship between the somatosensory cortical responses at rest and mobility.

Persons with cerebral palsy may have altered sensorimotor feedback that ultimately contributes to impaired mobility.
Physics Assessment of the Impact of Modified End Pellets on Axial Power Peaking for Advanced/Nonconventional Uranium-Based Fuels in Pressure Tube Heavy Water Reactors
Authors: Yan Huiping V. , Bromley Blair P.
Published: June 2022

Axial power peaking is a phenomenon with safety implications for pressure tube heavy water reactors (PT-HWRs). Since PT-HWRs use shorter (∼50 cm) bundles, there are small axial gaps, which expose the ends of the fuel elements to more neutron flux, and therefore results in higher power density levels occurring in the ends of the fuel elements. Power peaking has the potential to cause fuel damage and failure, if the local linear element rating (LER) exceeds 57 kW/m, and may be of greater concern for advanced, higher burnup fuels. Earlier studies have been done using three-dimensional mcnp models of a PT-HWR fuel bundle with slightly enriched uranium; they demonstrated that ThO2 could be used to reduce axial power peaking in fresh fuel. This result was achieved by replacing some of the UO2 with ThO2 in the last 3 cm of fuel pellets at each end of a fuel bundle. This study extends the previous work by performing 3D neutronics and burnup calculations using serpent, to evaluate how power peaking changes with burnup. In addition, alternative dilution materials (such as depleted UO2, ZrO2, and MgO) were also evaluated. It was found that axial power peaking can be significantly reduced by using the ThO2 dilution material for fresh fuel, while ZrO2 or MgO are even more effective at higher burnup levels. Dilution materials have little impact (less than 2%) on the exit burnup of the fuel.
Dimensionless Profiles of Temperature and Steam Mass Fraction in Flows of Steam-Air Mixtures on a Flat Plate
Authors: Murase Michio , Suzuki Tomonori , Utanohara Yoichi , Takaki Toshiya
Published: June 2022

Wall functions are generally used in a turbulent analysis with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and large computation cells. The logarithmic law based on the analogy between momentum, energy, and mass transfer is widely used in wall functions for turbulent flows, but its validity in the turbulent boundary layer has not been confirmed for dimensionless profiles of temperature and steam mass fraction in flows of steam and noncondensable gases. In this article, therefore, we evaluated dimensionless profiles of temperature and steam mass fraction in flows of steam and air on a flat plate by using existing data. From the heat and mass transfer equations at the condensation surface based on the gradient of temperature or steam mass fraction, we showed that the convection heat flux qconv (which is used for the definition of the dimensionless temperature T+) should include the term of condensate mass flux ms and that the dimensionless steam mass fraction Ys+ should be a function of the dimensionless distance y+ (= uτ y/ν where uτ is the friction velocity), the Schmidt number Sc and the air mass fraction (1−Xs). Values obtained from the newly defined T+ and Ys+ and the existing data agreed relatively well with the linear function near the viscous sublayer (a few data points were there) but were much smaller than the existing logarithmic law due to condensation in the turbulent boundary layer (i.e., mist generation). On the other hand, the T+ and Ys+ values obtained by using the local Nusselt number Nuy and the local Sherwood number Shy (which were proposed in our previous study), respectively, agreed well with the logarithmic law.
Design and Performance Analyses of Evacuated U-Tube Solar Collector Using Data-Driven Machine Learning Models
Authors: Mohapatra Astarag , Tejes P. K. S. , Gembali Chatur , Kiran Naik B.
Published: June 2022

In this study, the implementation of data-driven machine learning (ML) models for design analysis and performance prediction of evacuated U-tube solar collectors (ETSCs) is investigated for the first time. Although evacuated U-tube solar collectors are widely investigated both numerically and experimentally, the implementation of data-driven machine learning models as an efficient predictive tool was not explored for the ETSC. So, to fill this literature gap, seven ML models such as linear regression with repeated K-fold cross-validation (LR), K-nearest neighbors (KNNs), principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-square regression-I (PLSR-I), partial least-square regression-II (PLSR-II), support vector regression (SVR), and stochastic gradient descent regression (SGDR) are employed using three hundred experimental data points and are reported in the literature. The heat transfer fluid outlet temperature (Thtf,o), thermal energy gained by heat transfer fluid (Q˙htf), and ETSC efficiency (ɳETSC) are considered as output/performance parameters. The outcome of the predicted results suggests that the SGDR ML model is superior in predicting all the performance parameters showing R2 values of 0.98, 0.981, and 0.99 for “Thtf,o,” “Q˙htf,” and “ɳETSC,” respectively. Moreover, the KNN ML model showed weaker performance for predicting the output parameters. In addition, it is observed that the SGDR ML model has a low training time of 0.45 s when compared to other ML models. For the given operating range, the predicted optimal performance parameters such as “Thtf,o,” “Q˙htf,” and “ɳETSC” obtained from the SGDR ML model are 45 °C, 0.44 kW, and 71%, respectively. Furthermore, the recommendations and shortcomings associated with the ML models for the design and performance optimization of ETSC are also presented in detail.
Retrieval of Dispersion Dependences of Waveguide Modes from Ship Noise Measurements Using Two Synchronized Arrays
Authors: Yarina M. V. , Lunkov A. A. , Godin O. A. , Katsnelson B. G.
Published: June 2022

An approach is proposed for estimating the dispersion characteristics of waveguide modes from analysis of ship noise recorded by two closely spaced and synchronized vertical arrays. This approach was used for an experimental study of the mode structure of a low-frequency sound field in a shallow-water waveguide with a gas-saturated bottom in a wide frequency band (from 20 to 250 Hz). The experiment was carried out in Lake Kinneret (Israel), known for its high methane bubble content in the sedimentary layer (~1%) and, consequently, for the low sound speed in this layer (~100 m/s). The maximum depth in the area of the experiment was 40.4 m. The receiving system consisted of two 27 m vertical arrays spaced 40 m from each other and covering part of the waveguide below the thermocline. The noise source, the R/V Hermona, moved along a straight line connecting the arrays at distances of up to 1 km from them. The approach made it possible to isolate the frequency dependences of the phase velocities for the first 12 modes; these dependences proved close to those for a waveguide with an perfectly soft bottom, except for the frequency region near the cutoff frequency. The limitations and possible development of the technique are discussed.
Scurvy presenting primarily as gingival manifestation in a young child: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Chaluvaraj Rashmi , Ashley Paul F , Parekh Susan
Published: June 2022

Vitamin C deficiency, historically known as scurvy, was associated with sailors in the Victorian times, however, a global review in 2020 suggests it still exists in certain at-risk groups.

A case is presented of a young non-verbal child with learning difficulties and on a restricted diet, in which the primary symptom was gingival inflammation. It posed a diagnostic dilemma due to the non-specific symptoms, and a delay in the diagnosis, until vitamin C deficiency was confirmed.

Gingival inflammation is one of the common findings in vitamin C deficiency and dental professionals may be the first point of contact. The importance of dietary evaluation, identifying and looking for other signs and liaising with the medical colleagues are discussed.

This case highlights the role of the dentist in identifying latent cases of vitamin C deficiency and to consider this as a differential diagnosis especially in certain at-risk groups.
Uptake of guideline-recommended postpartum diabetes screening among diverse women with gestational diabetes: associations with patient factors in an integrated health system in the USA
Authors: Brown Susan D , Hedderson Monique M , Zhu Yeyi , Tsai Ai-Lin , Feng Juanran , Quesenberry Charles P , Ferrara Assiamira
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Clinical guidelines urge timely postpartum screening for diabetes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), yet patient factors associated with screening uptake remain unclear. We aimed to identify patient factors associated with completed postpartum diabetes screening (2-hour oral glucose tolerance test within 4–12 weeks postpartum), as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Research design and methods

Within the context of Gestational Diabetes’ Effects on Moms (GEM), a pragmatic cluster randomized trial (2011–2012), we examined survey and electronic health record data to assess clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with uptake of ADA-recommended postpartum screening. Participants included 1642 women (76% racial/ethnic minorities) identified with GDM according to the Carpenter and Coustan criteria in a health system that deploys population-level strategies to promote screening. To contextualize these analyses, screening rates derived from the GEM trial were compared with those in the health system overall using registry data from a concurrent 10-year period (2007–2016, n=21 974).

Results

Overall 52% (n=857) completed recommended postpartum screening in the analytic sample, comparable to 45.7% (n=10 040) in the registry. Screening in the analytic sample was less likely among women at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes, assessed using items from an ADA risk test (vs non-elevated; adjusted rate ratio (aRR)=0.86 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.98)); perinatal depression (0.88 (0.79 to 0.98)); preterm delivery (0.84 (0.72 to 0.98)); parity ≥2 children (vs 0; 0.80 (0.69 to 0.93)); or less than college education (0.79 (0.72 to 0.86)). Screening was more likely among Chinese Americans (vs White; 1.31 (1.15 to 1.49)); women who attended a routine postpartum visit (5.28 (2.99 to 9.32)); or women who recalled receiving healthcare provider advice about screening (1.31 (1.03 to 1.67)).

Conclusions

Guideline-recommended postpartum diabetes screening varied by patient clinical and sociodemographic factors. Findings have implications for developing future strategies to improve postpartum care.
Commencement of flash glucose monitoring is associated with a decreased rate of depressive disorders among persons with diabetes (FLARE-NL7)
Authors: Bakker Julia J , Lameijer Annel , Flores Guerrero Jose L , Bilo Henk J G , van Dijk Peter R
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Depressive disorders are more common among persons with diabetes, as compared with persons without diabetes. The burden of glucose management is known to associate with depressive symptoms. This study aims to assess the effects of commencement of FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring (FSL-FGM) on the mental health status of persons with diabetes.

Research design and methods

Post-hoc analysis of data from a 1-year prospective nationwide FSL-FGM registry. Participants who used FSL-FGM for 12 months and completed the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months were included. An SF-12v2Mental Component Score (MCS) of ≤45 was used as a cut-off to discriminate between persons with and without a depressive disorder.

Results

A total of 674 patients were included with a mean age of 48.2 (±15.8) years, 51.2% men, 78.2% type 1 diabetes and baseline HbA1c 62.8 (±13.4) mmol/mol (7.9±1.2%). At baseline, 235 (34.9%) persons had an SF-12 MCS ≤45 while after 6 and 12 months these numbers decreased: 202 (30.0%, p<0.01) and 173 (25.7%, p<0.01). Overall, MCS improved from 48.5 at baseline to 50.7 after 6 months and 51.3 after 12 months. In multivariable regression analysis, age and MCS at baseline were associated with improvement of MCS after 12 months of FSL-FGM use.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that use of FSL-FGM is associated with a decreased rate of depressive disorders among persons with diabetes. Future studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Mapping Chilean clinical research: a protocol for a scoping review and multiple evidence gap maps
Authors: Bracchiglione Javier , Meza Nicolás , Franco Juan Victor Ariel , Escobar Liquitay Camila Micaela , Munoz Sergio R , Urrutia Gerard , Madrid Eva
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Clinical research broadly aims to influence decision-making in order to promote appropriate healthcare. Funding agencies should prioritise research projects according to needed research topics, methodological and cost-effectiveness considerations, and expected social value. In Chile, there is no local diagnosis regarding recent clinical research that might inform prioritisation for future research funding. This research aims to comprehensively identify and classify Chilean health research studies, elaborating evidence gap maps for the most burdensome local conditions.

Methods and analysis

We will search in electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS and WoS) and perform hand searches to retrieve, identify and classify health research studies conducted in Chile or by authors whose affiliations are based in Chile, from 2000 onwards. We will elaborate evidence matrices for the 20 conditions with the highest burden in Chile (according to the Global Burden of Disease 2019) selected from those defined under the General Regime of the Health Guarantees Act. To elaborate the evidence gap maps, we will consider prioritised interventions and core outcome sets. To identify knowledge gaps and estimate redundant research, we will contrast these gap maps with the available international evidence of high or moderate certainty of evidence, for each specific clinical question. For this purpose, we will search systematic reviews using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required to conduct this project. We will submit our results in both peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. We will aim to disseminate our findings through different academic platforms, social media, local press, among others. The final results will be communicated to local funding agencies and government stakeholders.

Discussion

We aim to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the research gaps—to be filled by new future findings—and the identification of redundant research, which will constitute relevant information for local decision-makers.
Patients’ and physiotherapists’ perspectives on implementing a tailored stratified treatment approach for low back pain in Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors: Adje Mishael , Steinhäuser Jost , Stevenson Kay , Mbada Chidozie Emmanuel , Karstens Sven
Published: June 2022

Background

Stratified care has the potential to be efficient in addressing the physical and psychosocial components of low back pain (LBP) and optimise treatment outcomes essential in low-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of physiotherapists and patients in Nigeria towards stratified care for the treatment of LBP, exploring barriers and enablers to implementation.

Methods

A qualitative design with semistructured individual telephone interviews for physiotherapists and patients with LBP comprising research evidence and information on stratified care was adopted. Preceding the interviews, patients completed the Subgroups for Targeted Treatment tool. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed following grounded theory methodology.

Results

Twelve physiotherapists and 13 patients with LBP participated in the study (11 female, mean age 42.8 (SD 11.47) years). Seven key categories emerged: recognising the need for change, acceptance of innovation, resistance to change, adapting practice, patient’s learning journey, trusting the therapist and needing conviction. Physiotherapists perceived stratified care to be a familiar approach based on their background training. The prevalent treatment tradition and the patient expectations were seen as major barriers to implementation of stratified care by the physiotherapists. Patients see themselves as more informed than therapists realise, yet they need conviction through communication and education to cooperate with their therapist using this approach. Viable facilitators were also identified as patients’ trust in the physiotherapist and adaptations in terms of training and modification of the approach to enhance its use.

Conclusion

Key barriers identified are the patients’ treatment expectations and physiotherapists’ adherence to the tradition of practice. Physiotherapists might facilitate implementation of the stratified care by communication, hierarchical implementation and utilisation of patients’ trust. Possibilities to develop a consensus on key strategies to overcome barriers and on utilisation of facilitators should be tested in future research.
Impact of prolonged one or more natural menstrual cycles on the outcomes of ovulation induction intrauterine artificial insemination pregnancy: a single-centre, retrospective study in China
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Tang Han-Han , Zhou Ming-Lian
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We determined if the time interval between two ovulation induction intrauterine artificial insemination (IUI) treatment cycles should be extended by one or more natural menstrual cycles in patients undergoing successive cycles of ovulation stimulation, and whether this affects clinical pregnancy rate (CPR).

Design

This study was conducted on infertility patients treated under the ovulation induction programme IUI in a large reproductive centre in China. Study participants were assigned into continuous and discontinuous groups. Differences in baseline clinical pregnancy and abortion rates were compared between the groups. A multivariate logistic model was used to evaluate the effects of time interval on clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Setting

Reproductive Centre of Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Lianyungang city.

Interventions

None.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was CPR, the secondary outcome measure was the abortion rate.

Results

A total of 550 IUI treatment cycles involving 275 couples were included in this study. Differences in CPR and abortion rate between the groups were not significant (20.5% vs 21.9% and 27.8% vs 22.0%, p≥0.05). Stratified analyses based on infertility factors did not reveal any significant differences in pregnancy and abortion rates between the groups (p≥0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that increased endometrial thickness correlates with CPR (OR 1.205, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.384, p=0.008). Compared with primary infertility, secondary infertility significantly correlated with improved CPR (OR 2.637, 95% CI 1.313 to 5.298, p=0.006). The effects of time interval between the first two ovulation induction IUI treatment cycles on clinical pregnancy were not significant (OR 1.007, 95% CI 0.513 to 1.974, p=0.985).

Conclusions

Longer time intervals between the first two ovulation induction IUI treatment cycles did not significantly improve CPR. Therefore, in the absence of clear clinical indications, it may not be necessary to deliberately prolong the interval between two ovulation induction IUI treatment cycles.
Longitudinal plasma proteomic profiling of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Harel Michal , Lahav Coren , Jacob Eyal , Dahan Nili , Sela Itamar , Elon Yehonatan , Raveh Shoval Shani , Yahalom Galit , Kamer Iris , Zer Alona , Sharon Ofer , Carbone David P , Dicker Adam P , Bar Jair , Shaked Yuval
Published: June 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the cancer therapy landscape due to long-term benefits in patients with advanced metastatic disease. However, robust predictive biomarkers for response are still lacking and treatment resistance is not fully understood.

Methods

We profiled approximately 800 pre-treatment and on-treatment plasma proteins from 143 ICI-treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using ELISA-based arrays. Different clinical parameters were collected from the patients including specific mutations, smoking habits, and body mass index, among others. Machine learning algorithms were used to identify a predictive signature for response. Bioinformatics tools were used for the identification of patient subtypes and analysis of differentially expressed proteins and pathways in each response group.

Results

We identified a predictive signature for response to treatment comprizing two proteins (CXCL8 and CXCL10) and two clinical parameters (age and sex). Bioinformatic analysis of the proteomic profiles identified three distinct patient clusters that correlated with multiple parameters such as response, sex and TNM (tumors, nodes, and metastasis) staging. Patients who did not benefit from ICI therapy exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of several proteins on-treatment, and enrichment in neutrophil-related proteins.

Conclusions

Our study reveals potential biomarkers in blood plasma for predicting response to ICI therapy in patients with NSCLC and sheds light on mechanisms underlying therapy resistance.
Stroke imaging modality for endovascular therapy in the extended window: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sequeiros Joel M , Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Chavez-Malpartida Sandra S , Morán-Mariños Cristian , Alvarado-Gamarra Giancarlo , Malaga Marco , Quincho-Lopez Alvaro , Hernadez-Fernandez Wendy , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Hoit Daniel , Arthur Adam S , Alexandrov Andrei V , Alva-Diaz Carlos , Elijovich Lucas
Published: June 2022

Background

In anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the extended time window, the guidelines recommend advanced imaging (ADVI) to select patients for endovascular therapy (EVT). However, questions remain regarding its availability and applicability in the real world. It is unclear whether an approach to the extended window EVT that does not use ADVI would be equivalent.

Methods

In April 2022, a literature search was performed to identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies describing 90-day outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of the proportion of aggregate using a random effect to estimate rates of functional independence, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 at 90 days, mean mRS, mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) stratified by imaging modality.

Results

Four RCTs and 28 observational studies were included. The pooled proportion of functional independence among patients selected by ADVI was 44% (95% CI 39% to 48%; I2=80%) and 48% (95% CI 41% to 55%; I2=75%) with non-contrast CT/CT angiography (NCCT/CTA) (p=0.36). Mean mRS with ADVI was 2.88 (95% CI 2.36 to 3.41; I2=0.0%) and 2.79 (95% CI 2.31 to 3.27; I2=0.0%) with NCCT (p=0.79). Mortality in patients selected by ADVI was 13% (95% CI 10% to 17%; I2=81%) and 16% (95% CI 12% to 22%; I2=69%) with NCCT (p=0.29). sICH with ADVI was 4% (95% CI 3% to 7%; I2=73%) and 6% with NCCT/CTA (95% CI 4% to 8%; I2=6%, p=0.27).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that, in anterior circulation LVO, the rates of functional independence may be similar when patients are selected using ADVI or NCCT for EVT in the extended time window. A simplified triage protocol does not seem to increase mortality or sICH.

Protocol registration number

(PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236092).
Seismic performance assessment of conventional construction concrete moment-resisting frame buildings in Canada using the FEMA P695 methodology
Authors: Fazileh Farrokh , Khosravi Sadegh , Dolati Abouzar , Fathi-Fazl Reza , Saatcioglu Murat
Published: June 2022

National Building Code of Canada (NBC) specifies 45 Seismic Force Resisting Systems to ensure the safety of building structures. Conventional construction concrete moment-resisting frame (CC-CMF) is one of these systems whose seismic response has not been systematically studied in Canada. This paper is an attempt to study the seismic performance of this system using the FEMA P695 methodology. In this regard, different archetype configurations were developed and analyzed through nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. Performance assessment results show that the CSA and NBC requirements for CC-CMF system represent the lower bound of values for seismic force modification factors, and conservatively meet life safety objectives presented in the NBC. Furthermore, different scenarios were considered for identifying ductility-related seismic force modification factor from pushover curves. The effect of height and gravity load levels on seismic force modification factors and collapse margin ratios are also presented by comparing archetypes having different configurations.
Mechanism of Co atom point defects on different termination surfaces of WC–Co/diamond interface by first-principles
Authors: Hu Jibo , Jian Xiaogang
Published: June 2022

Based on the density functional theory, the first-principles method had been used to calculate the binding energy, the charge density of the interface, Mulliken population, density of states, band structure and phonon dispersion analysis of Co atom point defects on the W-terminated surface and C-terminated surface of the WC–Co/Diamond film-base interface. The results showed that the binding energy of W-GD, W-VD, W-SD sites on the W termination surface with WC–Co/Diamond interface was gradually weakened. And the binding energy of C-GD, C-SD, C-VD sites on the C termination surface was the same as the former. From the charge density, Co atom on the W-terminated surface of WC(100) had a stronger influence on the film-base interface than the C-terminated surface. From the analysis of the Mulliken population, the ability of Co to transfer charge on W-terminated surface was stronger than C-terminated surface. According to the density of states analysis, the Fermi level state density of the W terminal surface was higher than that of the C terminal surface and the activity of the W terminal surface was higher than that of the C terminal surface. Through the analysis of the electronic energy band structure, the system indicated significant metallicity. The phonon spectrum showed that the presence of Co atoms on the W-terminated surface and C-terminated surface of the WC–Co/Diamond film-base interface is stable.
Availability and Maintenance Analysis for Multi-Failure System Modeled by Alternating Renewal Processes Subject to M/E2/1 Queue
Authors: Agarwal Shweta , Singh S. B.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, it is aimed to propose a notion of the alternating renewal process to mathematically model a multi-failure complex system in order to develop its availability and maintenance measures. In the study, M/E2/1 queueing model with infinite waiting space during service times of components has been worked out under the FCFS discipline. Inspections are performed at regular intervals to detect breakdowns. The primary objective of the paper is about obtaining the system’s reliability, availability, and the optimal interval period with minimum maintenance cost. To validate the mentioned model a case study has been done on the Power Distribution System. Finally, a comparative study between M/E2/1 and M/M/1 queuing models is done and the various aspects based on availability and long-run cost are focused in the analytical result. The results were direct toward enhancing the availability of the system and making the decision about an appropriate inspection period.
TUMOR VOLUME GROWTH CONTROL USING BIFURCATION APPROACH
Authors: RAHBARALAM ELAHEH , LARI YOUSEF BAZARGAN , AGAHI HAMED , LARI KIMIA BAZARGAN
Published: June 2022

A tumor growth system with immune response and chemotherapy is put in a nonlinear dynamical system whose solutions are relative to the initial data. This study presents a phase space analysis of the system. Here, the basin of equilibrium points attraction is determined for a particular class of systems and is subjected to input and state constraints in which all points in phase space would be close to the equilibrium points according to the region of attraction it starts. The addition of a drug term to the system can move the solution trajectory to the desirable basin of attraction. The proposed method gives static output feedback controllers that guarantee the convergence of the generic solutions. Although such a set-point regulation problem is too challenging for general nonlinear systems, the standard surface is found by the proposed approach, which is called separatrix for the controller. This criterion of separating border can perform well even when the mentioned system has limited change parameters. The control is set by separatrix in which the output feedback controller therapy can take all solutions to the healthy state through a constrained chemotherapy protocol. Moreover, this protocol can enable globalization of healthy equilibria.
A CNN–SVM MODEL USING IMU FOR LOCOMOTION MODE RECOGNITION IN LOWER EXTREMITY EXOSKELETON
Authors: ZHENG JIANBIN , PENG MINGPENG , HUANG LIPING , GAO YIFAN , LI ZEFANG , WANG BINFENG , WANG YU
Published: June 2022

Human activity intention is indispensable for wearable powered lower extremity exoskeleton such that ensuring the compliant control of the robot. Lots of researches have been done on gait phase detection, which served as a sub-module of locomotion mode recognition to support the follow-on task. Therefore, it is self-evident that locomotion mode recognition is of great importance. Many model-based recognition methods are usually applied in manual extraction of cumbersome features, such as the traditional neural network (NN), support vector machine (SVM), etc. In contrast, the feature mapping layer coming with the convolutional neural network (CNN) can effectively solve the above time-consuming problem. Given that the training of NN is prone to overfitting, SVM with optimal characteristics is considered. A hybrid CNN–SVM model is proposed to identify human locomotion modes by collecting multi-channel inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals and is integrated with the error correction function of the finite state machine (FSM). Therefore, the CNN–SVM model has great influence on the generalization performance and recognition accuracy. The recognition rates of five single locomotion modes and eight mixed locomotion modes reach 97.91% and 98.93%, respectively. The system meets the demand of real-time performance, and the recognition time exceeds 370[Formula: see text]ms on heel strike.
Data-plane security applications in adversarial settings
Authors: Wang Liang , Mittal Prateek , Rexford Jennifer
Published: June 2022

High-speed programmable switches have emerged as a promising building block for developing performant data-plane applications. In this paper, we argue that the resource constraints and programming model of hardware switches have led to developers adopting problematic design patterns, whose security implications are not widely understood. We bridge the gap by identifying the major challenges and common design pitfalls in switch-based applications in adversarial settings. Examining five recently-proposed switch-based security applications, we find that adversaries can exploit these design pitfalls to completely bypass the protection these applications were designed to provide, or disrupt system operations by introducing collateral damage.
Hyper-specific prefixes
Authors: Sediqi Khwaja Zubair , Prehn Lars , Gasser Oliver
Published: June 2022

Autonomous Systems (ASes) exchange reachability information between each other using BGP---the de-facto standard inter-AS routing protocol. While IPv4 (IPv6) routes more specific than /24 (/48) are commonly filtered (and hence not propagated), route collectors still observe many of them.

In this work, we take a closer look at those "hyper-specific" prefixes (HSPs). In particular, we analyze their prevalence, use cases, and whether operators use them intentionally or accidentally. While their total number increases over time, most HSPs can only be seen by route collector peers. Nonetheless, some HSPs can be seen constantly throughout an entire year and propagate widely. We find that most HSPs represent (internal) routes to peering infrastructure or are related to address block relocations or blackholing. While hundreds of operators intentionally add HSPs to well-known routing databases, we observe that many HSPs are possibly accidentally leaked routes.
A case for an open customizable cloud network
Authors: Barabash Kathy , Breitgand David , Lev-Ran Etai , Lorenz Dean H. , Raz Danny
Published: June 2022

Cloud computing is transforming networking landscape over the last few years. The first order of business for major cloud providers today is to attract as many organizations as possible to their own clouds. To that end cloud providers offer a new generation of managed network solutions to connect the premises of the enterprises to their clouds. To serve their customers better and to innovate fast, major cloud providers are currently on the route to building their own "private Internets", which are idiosyncratic. On the other hand, customers that do not want to stay locked by vendors and who want flexibility in using best-for-the-task services spanning multiple clouds and, possibly, their own premises, seek for solutions that will provide smart overlay connectivity across clouds.

The result of these developments is a multiplication of closed idiosyncratic solutions rather than an open standardized ecosystem. In this editorial note we argue for desirability of such an ecosystem, outline the main requirements and sketch possible solutions. We focus on enterprise as our primary use case and illustrate the main ideas through it, but the same principles apply to various different use cases.
Recommendations for designing hybrid conferences
Authors: Bajpai Vaibhav , Hohlfeld Oliver , Crowcroft Jon , Keshav Srinivasan , Schulzrinne Henning , Ott Jörg , Ferlin Simone , Carle Georg , Hines Andrew , Raake Alexander
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many smaller conferences have moved entirely online and larger ones are being held as hybrid events. Even beyond the pandemic, hybrid events reduce the carbon footprint of conference travel and makes events more accessible to parts of the research community that have difficulty traveling long distances, while preserving most advantages of in-person gatherings.

While we have developed a solid understanding of how to design virtual events over the last two years, we are still learning how to properly run hybrid events. We present guidelines and considerations-spanning technology, organization and social factors-for organizing successful hybrid conferences.

This paper summarizes and extends the discussions held at the Dagstuhl seminar on "Climate Friendly Internet Research" held in July 2021.
Towards Optimised Cell Design of Thin Film Silicon-Based Solid-State Batteries via Modelling and Experimental Characterisation
Authors: Vadhva Pooja , Boyce Adam , Hales Alastair , Pang Mei-Chin , Patel Anisha , Shearing Paul , Offer Gregory , Rettie Alex
Published: June 2022

To realise the promise of solid-state batteries, negative electrode materials exhibiting large volumetric expansions, such as Li and Si, must be used. These volume changes cause significant mechanical stresses and strains that affect cell performance and durability, however their role and nature are poorly understood. Here, a 2D electro-chemo-mechanical model is constructed and experimentally validated using steady-state, transient and pulsed electrochemical methods. The model geometry is a representative cross-section of a non- porous, thin-film solid-state battery with an amorphous Si negative electrode, LiPON solid electrolyte and LiCoO2 positive electrode. A viscoplastic model is used to predict the build-up of strains and plastic deformation of Si as a result of (de)lithiation during cycling. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and hybrid pulse power characterisation are carried out to establish key parameters for model validation. The validated model is used to explore the peak interfacial stress and strain as a function of the relative electrode thickness (up to a factor of 4), revealing a peak volumetric expansion from 69% to 104% during cycling at 1C. The validation of this electro-chemo- mechanical model under load and pulsed operating conditions will aid in the cell design and optimisation of solid-state battery technologies.
TCHis mitigate oxidative stress and improve abnormal behavior in a prenatal valproic acid-exposed rat model of autism
Authors: Jian Jie , Li Li-Guo , Zhao Peng-Ju , Zheng Rui-Juan , Dong Xian-Wen , Zhao Yong-Hong , Yin Bao-Qi , Cheng Hui , Li Hong-Lei , Li En-Yao
Published: June 2022

Troxerutin is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in nerve impairment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of troxerutin and cerebroprotein hydrolysate injections (TCHis) on prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rats. The VPA was administered to pregnant rats on gestational day 12.5 to induce a model of autism. The offspring were given the treatment of TCHis on postnatal day ( PND) 21–50. On PND 43–50, the behavioral analysis of offspring was performed after the treatment of TCHis for 1 h. On PND 50, the offspring were harvested and the brains were collected. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were isolated for relevant biochemical detections. The administration of TCHis increased pain sensitivity and improved abnormal social behaviors in prenatal VPA-exposed rats. Prenatal exposure of VPA induced neuronal loss and apoptosis, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and promoted oxidative stress in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, whereas these effects were reversed by the postnatal treatment of TCHis. In addition, postnatal administration of TCHis ameliorated mitochondrial function in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of prenatal VPA-exposed rats. This study concluded that postnatal treatment of TCHis reduced oxidative stress and ameliorated abnormal behavior in a prenatal VPA-induced rat model of autism.
An Improved Canny-Zernike Subpixel Detection Algorithm
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Wang Zhe , Huang Nanhai , Zhao Jie
Published: June 2022

This paper proposed a new subpixel detection method that detects subpixel edges directly, as opposed to the previous method, which requires crossing the entire image. It shows superior subpixel detection on the edge directly, which enhances subpixel edge detection speed significantly. In order to overcome the problem of noise reduction, this paper employs bilateral filtering. The method first performed coarse localization with the improved operator to determine the coordinates and gradient direction of the edge points. Then, the Zernike moment algorithm was used for subpixel repositioning of edge points. Finally, subpixel level edge positioning of the image is obtained. The detection algorithm is used to identify the edges of large-size workpieces, and the results reveal that the approach has superior positioning accuracy, noise immunity, and fast detection speed.
Triptolide Induces Liver Injury by Regulating Macrophage Recruitment and Polarization via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Xi , Xing Xin , Mohammed Ismail , Xu Xiao-ting , Jiang Zhen-zhou , Wang Tao , Huang Xin , Wang Xin-zhi , Zhang Lu-yong , Sun Li-xin
Published: June 2022

Triptolide (TP) has limited usage in clinical practice due to its side effects and toxicity, especially liver injury. Hepatic macrophages, key player of liver innate immunity, were found to be recruited and activated by TP in our previous study. The nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway exerts a protective role in TP-induced liver damage, but its effect on the functions of hepatic macrophage has not been elucidated. Here, we determined whether TP can regulate the recruitment and polarization of hepatic macrophages by inhibiting Nrf2 signaling cascade. Our results demonstrated that TP inhibited the Nrf2 signaling pathway in hepatic macrophages. The changes in hepatic macrophages were responsible for the increased susceptibility toward inflammatory stimuli, and hence, TP pretreatment could induce severe liver damage upon the stimulation of a nontoxic dose of lipopolysaccharides. In addition, the Nrf2 agonist protected macrophages from TP-induced toxicity and Nrf2 deficiency significantly aggravated liver injury by enhancing the recruitment and M1 polarization of hepatic macrophages. This study suggests that Nrf2 pathway-mediated hepatic macrophage polarization plays an essential role in TP-induced liver damage, which can serve as a potential therapeutic target for preventing hepatotoxicity induced by TP.
EKF-AF PID-Based Attitude Control Algorithm for UAVs
Authors: Song He , Hu Shaolin , Jiang Wenqiang , Guo Qiliang
Published: June 2022

Aiming at the problems of manual setting of control rules and low control accuracy of the fuzzy PID control method, an attitude control method of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and adaptive fuzzy PID (AF PID) is proposed. The dynamics equations and measurement equations of UAV are established, and the EKF is used to estimate and predict attitude changes; an adaptive fuzzy PID control algorithm is designed, and the adaptive adjustment method is adopted to revise fuzzy control rules and parameters online; a simulation platform of the attitude control system (ACS) of UAV is built to simulate and verify the control effect of the method. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can estimate the change of attitude angles accurately and improve the control accuracy; meanwhile, it also ensures the stability and rapidity of the attitude changes. The research results can resolve the contradiction between high precision and rapid stability of complex systems to a certain extent.