bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left bundle branch area pacing using stylet‐driven pacing leads with a new delivery sheath: A comparison with lumen‐less leads
Authors: De Pooter Jan , Calle Simon , Timmermans Frank , Van Heuverswyn Frederic 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionLeft bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) aims to achieve physiological pacing by capturing the conduction system in the area of the left bundle branch. LBBAP has exclusively been performed using lumen‐less pacing leads (LLLs) with fixed helix design. This study explores the feasibility, safety, and pacing characteristics of LBBAP using stylet‐driven leads (SDLs) with an extendable helix design.MethodsPatients, in which LBBAP was attempted for bradycardia or heart failure pacing indications, were prospectively enrolled at the Ghent University Hospital. LBBAP was attempted with two different systems: 1/LLL with fixed helix (SelectSecure 3830, Medtronic Inc.) delivered through a preshaped sheath (C315His Medtronic Inc.) and 2/SDL with extendable helix (Solia S60, Biotronik, SE & CO) delivered through a new delivery sheath (Selectra 3D, Biotronik).ResultsThe study enrolled 50 patients (mean age: 70 ± 14 years, 44% females). LBBAP with SDL was successful in 20/23 (87%) patients compared with 24/27 (89%) of patients in the LLL group (p = 0.834). Screw attempts, screw implant depth, procedural, and fluoroscopy times were comparable among both groups. Acute LBBAP thresholds were low and comparable between SDL and LLL (0.5 ± 0.15 V vs. 0.4 ± 0.17 V, p = 0.251). Pacing thresholds remained low at 3 ± 2.1 months of follow up in both groups and no lead revisions were necessary. Postprocedural echocardiography revealed a septal coronary artery fistula in one patient with SDLLBBAP.ConclusionLBBAP using stylet‐driven pacing leads is feasible and yields comparable implant success to LBBAP with LLLs. LBBAP thresholds are low and comparable with both types of leads.
Circulating exosomes repair endothelial cell damage by delivering miR‐193a‐5p
Authors: Cao Chang , Wang Bo , Tang Junnan , Zhao Jimin , Guo Jiacheng , Guo Qianqian , Yue Xiaoting , Zhang Zenglei , Liu Gangqiong , Zhang Hui , Wang Yunzhe , Zhang Jinying 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCirculating exosomes delivering microRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. How are the circulating exosomes involved in the repair of endothelial injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) convalescence (3‐7 days) was still not clear. In this study, circulating exosomes from AMI patients (AMI‐Exo) and healthy controls (Normal‐Exo) were extracted. In vitro and in vivo, our study showed that circulating exosomes protected endothelial cells (HUVECs) from oxidative stress damage; meanwhile, Normal‐Exo showed better protective effects. Through the application of related inhibitors, we found that circulating exosomes shuttled between HUVECs via dynamin. Microarry analysis and qRT‐PCR of circulating exosomes showed higher expression of miR‐193a‐5p in Normal‐Exo. Our study showed that miR‐193a‐5p was the key factor on protecting endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses found that activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) was the potential downstream target of miR‐193a‐5p, which was confirmed by ACVR1 expression and dual‐luciferase report. Inhibitor of ACVR1 showed similar protective effects as miR‐193a‐5p. While overexpression of ACVR1 could attenuate protective effects of miR‐193a‐5p. To sum up, these findings suggest that circulating exosomes could shuttle between cells through dynamin and deliver miR‐193a‐5p to protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress damage via ACVR1.
Development of a UV coupled indigenous hydrophilized polyamide membrane system for enhanced shelf life of mature coconut water
Authors: Vani Bukke , Chandra Sekhar Sugali , Sahu Nivedita , Sridhar Sundergopal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe demand for mature coconut water is growing tremendously in beverage industries due to its high salubrious value and potential healing properties. Many coconut processing industries that manufacture products such as coconut oil, coconut milk, and desiccated coconut generate a massive volume of unutilized mature coconut water. Thus, the discharged liquid waste of valuable food products causes severe environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need to develop a strategy to treat the unused liquid discharge that can improve shelf‐life, natural freshness, flavor, aroma, and recovery of value‐added products. In the present investigation, mature coconut water (CW) was concentrated by a UV coupled hydrophilized polyamide (HPA) reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. Experiments were conducted by varying functional parameters like applied pressure and operating time on flux, percentage water recovery, and salt rejection. From experimental observations, the membrane was found to exhibit 62.50% water recovery and 86.35% salt rejection with a maximum water flux of 4.85 L/m2.h at an optimized feed pressure of 8 kg /cm2. Further research was carried out by passing the concentrate solution through a UV module at 254 nm to prevent bacterial contamination. Additionally, the physicochemical parameters were assessed, and sensory evaluation studies were conducted to explore the final product's properties. The concentrate and permeate CW shelf‐life was enhanced from 2 h to 30 days by refrigerating the samples at 4°C. Finally, the cost estimation of the designed system is provided to verify process scale‐up and commercialization feasibility.
Development of the Role Performance Scale for Middle‐Aged Generalist Nurses in Japan
Authors: Kawaguchi Kazuko , Hatono Yoko 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to develop a self‐assessment tool, the Role Performance Scale for Middle‐aged Generalist Nurses in Japan and confirm its reliability and validity.MethodsScale items were extracted from interviews, and item and scale‐level validity were rated by nursing management researchers and middle‐aged generalist nurses. The resulting 36‐item questionnaire was administered to clinical generalist nurses (middle‐aged nurses, n = 837; young nurses, n = 800) in Japan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, and the tool's internal consistency and construct validity were analyzed.ResultsValid responses obtained from 504 middle‐aged and 311 young generalist nurses were included in the analysis. The final scale was composed of 25 items, which were divided into five factors: “backing up head nurses,” “instructing young nurses on practices as an informal mentor,” “providing young nurses with mental support,” “providing empathic support to patients and their families,” and “coordinating team medical care.” In the confirmatory factor analysis, the indices of fitness supported these results. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .94 for the total scale and ranged from .72 to .91 for the five factors. The five factors explained a cumulative variance of 65.4%.ConclusionsThe five‐factor, 25‐item Role Performance Scale for Middle‐aged Generalist Nurses in Japan was confirmed to have sufficient reliability and validity. Middle‐aged generalist nurses can use this tool to self‐assess their nursing behavior. In addition, head nurses can use it to assess the role performance of middle‐aged generalist nurses and aid in their continual education.
Elevated serum level of interleukin‐15 in vitiligo patients and its correlation with disease severity but not activity
Authors: Atwa Mona A. , Ali Sara Mohammed Mohammed , Youssef Nahed , Mahmoud Marie Radwa El‐Sayed 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is a common acquired disorder of depigmentation. Its pathogenesis entails a T helper (Th) 1‐cytotoxic T (cT) lymphocytes mediated autoimmune melanocyte destruction. Interleukin (IL)‐15 is one of the IL‐2 family of cytokines and shares several actions with IL‐2. IL‐15 enhances survival, maturation, and functional activity of natural killer, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, it potentiates survival, maturation, and cytotoxicity of memory cT cells. IL‐15 has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases but was poorly investigated in patients with vitiligo.AimsThe study aimed at evaluating IL‐15 level in the sera of patients with vitiligo and its association with vitiligo severity and activity.Patients and MethodsThe study included 30 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo and 30 healthy controls. Vitiligo Extent Score (VES) and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score were used to assess vitiligo severity and activity, respectively. Serum level of IL‐15 was assessed by enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay.ResultsSerum IL‐15 level, in patients with vitiligo, was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (P = .001). A significant positive correlation was found between serum IL‐15 level and VES score (P = .001), whereas there was no significant correlation between IL‐15 level and VIDA score as well as the disease duration.ConclusionIL‐15 level was elevated in the sera of patients with vitiligo. IL‐15 may therefore have a significant impact on vitiligo autoimmune pathogenesis, and further identification of its molecular roles may highlight new therapeutic strategies for vitiligo.
Assessment of the mandibular buccal shelf for orthodontic anchorage: Influence of side, gender and skeletal patterns
Authors: Aleluia Roberta Basañez , Duplat Candice Belchior , Crusoé‐Rebello Iêda , Neves Frederico Sampaio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate bone height and thickness in the mandibular buccal shelf region and to compare differences between anatomical sites according to gender, side and vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns.Settings and sample populationMultislice computed tomography (MSCT) images of 94 subjects (51 females and 43 males) were previously obtained as part of preoperative planning for orthognathic surgery.MethodsMeasurements were performed in three different regions of the mandibular buccal shelf: mesially, towards the central groove and distally to the second molars. Bone thickness measurements were obtained perpendicularly 3, 5 and 7 mm below the bone crest towards the mandible outer cortex. Bone height was measured 3 mm away from the bone crest perpendicularly to the outer cortex of the base of mandible.ResultsThere was an increase in bone thickness in the posterior and basal directions. The increase in bone thickness ranged from 1.8 to 7.1 mm. Greater bone height was found in the anterior direction. The increase in bone height ranged from 17.5 to 22.5 mm. Hypodivergent and Class III subjects showed significantly greater bone thickness (P < .05). Significantly greater bone height was found mesially to the second molar in Class III subjects compared with Class I subjects (P < .05) and in hyperdivergent males compared with hypodivergent males (P < .05).ConclusionsThe region distal to the second molar is the most appropriate for the insertion of extra‐alveolar mini‐screws in terms of bone thickness. Hypodivergent and Class III subjects showed greater bone thickness in the mandibular buccal shelf region.
When our hearts beat together: Cardiac synchrony as an entry point to understand dyadic co‐regulation in couples
Authors: Coutinho Joana , Pereira Alfredo , Oliveira‐Silva Patrícia , Meier Deborah , Lourenço Vladimiro , Tschacher Wolfgang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe degree to which romantic partners' autonomic responses are coordinated, represented by their pattern of physiological synchrony, seems to capture important aspects of the reciprocal influence and co‐regulation between spouses. In this study, we analyzed couple's cardiac synchrony as measured by heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). A sample of 27 couples (N = 54) performed a structured interaction task in the lab where they discussed positive and negative aspects of the relationship. During the interaction, their cardiac measures (HR and HRV) were recorded using the BIOPAC System. Additional assessment, prior to the lab interaction task, included self‐report measures of empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index and Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples) and relationship satisfaction (Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale). Synchrony computation was based on the windowed cross‐correlation of both partner's HR and HRV time series. In order to control for random synchrony, surrogate controls were created using segment‐wise shuffling. Our results confirmed the presence of cardiac synchrony during the couple's interaction when compared to surrogate testing. Specifically, we found evidence for negative (antiphase) synchrony of couple's HRV and positive (in‐phase) synchrony of HR. Further, both HRV and HR synchronies were associated with several dimensions of self‐report data. This study suggests that cardiac synchrony, particularly, the direction of the covariation in the partners' physiological time series, may have an important relational meaning in the context of marital interactions.
Viral Fundamentals: Riding the Corona Waves in India
Authors: Subramaniam Banu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the last few decades, we have seen a steady rise in Hindu nationalism in India, culminating in a Hindu nationalist government in 2014. The BJP won again and expanded its majority in 2019. Then COVID‐19 hit! This essay explores the national and body politic in India during COVID‐19. It argues that Hindu nationalism has been mobilized and strengthened during the pandemic.
Proposed mechanism for regulation of H2O2‐induced programmed cell death in plants by binding of cytochrome c to 14‐3‐3 proteins
Authors: Elena‐Real Carlos A. , González‐Arzola Katiuska , Pérez‐Mejías Gonzalo , Díaz‐Quintana Antonio , Velázquez‐Campoy Adrián , Desvoyes Bénédicte , Gutiérrez Crisanto , De la Rosa Miguel A. , Díaz‐Moreno Irene 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYProgrammed cell death (PCD) is crucial for development and homeostasis of all multicellular organisms. In human cells, the double role of extra‐mitochondrial cytochrome c in triggering apoptosis and inhibiting survival pathways is well reported. In plants, however, the specific role of cytochrome c upon release from the mitochondria remains in part veiled yet death stimuli do trigger cytochrome c translocation as well. Here, we identify an Arabidopsis thaliana 14‐3‐3ι isoform as a cytosolic cytochrome c target and inhibitor of caspase‐like activity. This finding establishes the 14‐3‐3ι protein as a relevant factor at the onset of plant H2O2‐induced PCD. The in vivo and in vitro studies herein reported reveal that the interaction between cytochrome c and 14‐3‐3ι exhibits noticeable similarities with the complex formed by their human orthologues. Further analysis of the heterologous complexes between human and plant cytochrome c with plant 14‐3‐3ι and human 14‐3‐3ε isoforms corroborated common features. These results suggest that cytochrome c blocks p14‐3‐3ι so as to inhibit caspase‐like proteases, which in turn promote cell death upon H2O2 treatment. Besides establishing common biochemical features between human and plant PCD, this work sheds light onto the signaling networks of plant cell death.
Particle Image Velocimetry in a High-Pressure Turbine Stage at Aerodynamically Engine Representative Conditions
Authors: Inman Daniel , Cuadrado David G. , Andreoli Valeria , Fisher Jordan , Paniagua Guillermo , Aye-Addo Papa Aye N. , Bhatnagar Lakshya , Lozano Francisco , Meyer Terrence , Bloxham Matthew 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a well-established technique for determining the flow direction and velocity magnitude of complex flows. This paper presents a methodology for executing this nonintrusive measurement technique to study a scaled-up turbine vane geometry within an annular cascade at engine-relevant conditions. Custom optical tools such as laser delivery probes and imaging inserts were manufactured to mitigate the difficult optical access of the test section and perform planar PIV. With the use of a burst-mode Nd: YAG laser and Photron FASTCAM camera, the frame straddling technique is implemented to enable short time intervals for the collection of image pairs and velocity fields at 10 kHz. Furthermore, custom image processing tools were developed to optimize the contrast and intensity balance of each image pair to maximize particle number and uniformity while removing scattering and background noise. The preprocessing strategies significantly improve the vector yield under challenging alignment, seeding, and illumination conditions. With the optical and software tools developed, planar PIV was conducted in the passage of a high-pressure stator row, at midspan, in an annular cascade. Different Mach and Reynolds number operating conditions were achieved by modifying the temperature and mass flow. With careful spatial calibration, the resultant velocity vector fields are compared with Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of the vane passage with the same geometry and flow conditions. Uncertainty analysis of the experimental results is also presented and discussed, along with prospects for further improvements.
The Dynamic Model of Redundant Tetrahedron Based Variable Geometry Truss Manipulators Based on Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Xu Li Ju , Wu Jiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper the dynamic model of redundant tetrahedron based variable geometry truss manipulators are investigated based on fuzzy neural network. The dynamic model system is divided into three subsystems. The inertial matrix, centrifugal and Coriolis matrix, gravity matrix are trained respectively by using three fuzzy network models, and then the solutions to inverse dynamic model problem can be obtained. Finally, the simulation calculation of dynamics for a four celled tetrahedron-tetrahedron variable geometry truss manipulator is given for illustration.
An Improved Damped Least-Squares Acceleration Control Algorithm for Redundant Mechanisms
Authors: O’Neil Kevin A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Damped least-squares acceleration control is a well-known algorithm for robotic control that is intended to be robust in the presence of singularities. When applied to a redundant mechanism, this algorithm can perform poorly in the vicinity of kinematic singularities. In this paper small, short-duration accelerations in the nullspace of the Jacobian of the mechanism are used to improve the performance of the controller. These improvements are verified in simulations of a simple three-link planar arm moving near and through singular postures.
Optimum Synthesis of Slider-Rocker Planar Mechanism for Two Prescribed Positions
Authors: Simionescu Petru-Aurelian , Beale David G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The planar slider-rocker mechanism is synthesized for two exact positions for the condition of maximum motion transmission efficiency. Particular advantageous configurations are identified, which render this mechanism suitable for generation of large swinging amplitudes of the output member. Also a new method of representing graphically objective functions of more than two variables is proposed.
Application of Spatial and Fourier Transforms to the Synthesis of Path Generation Mechanisms
Authors: Wandling George R. , Flugrad Donald R. , Qamhiyah Abir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This work presents an approach for the invariant characterization, storage and search of planar path generation mechanisms. Spatial transformations and Fourier descriptors are used to characterize the path of four-bar planar mechanisms. The invariant characteristic information is then stored in a database. The resulting characteristic information for the path is invariant under rigid transformations — translation, rotation and scaling. Solution comparison and matching techniques are discussed and implemented to evaluate the deviation of a desired path to candidate paths stored in a database.
A description of each method and the relative performance of file development and search methods are generated for four-bar mechanisms. Each method may be applied to any path generation planar mechanisms since the output path is characterized and stored in a database for solution comparison. The specific type of mechanism that generates the path is not necessarily required for identification of candidate solutions. A database of 7,845 candidate path solutions is developed to evaluate each method. The database of path solutions and related mechanism definitions are based on crank-rocker, four bar mechanism solutions developed by Hrones and Nelson (1951).
Double Points and Unstable Configurations of Watt-I and Watt-II Mechanisms
Authors: Pan C. A. , Kohli D. , Dhingra A. K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Double points are conjugate configurations in mechanisms, with multiple closed-loops, when both input and output links are fixed in the same position and some passive joints can be located in two different configurations. Unstable configurations, on other hand, are positions where a mechanism loses controllability and gains at least one unwanted DOF instantaneously. The analytical condition for the occurrence of double point is the same as the occurrence of an unstable configuration, i.e., two roots of input-output displacement polynomial are equal. This paper addresses the determination of double points and unstable configurations of six-link Watt-I and Watt-II mechanisms. The double points are determined by using the loop-closure equations for two branches and successively eliminating intermediate joint variables using closed-form techniques. Further, extraneous roots from algebraic manipulations are eliminated using a new technique of two-branch equation substitution. The unstable configuration polynomial is derived by (i) successively eliminating intermediate variables from loop-closure equations to obtain the input-output displacement polynomial, (ii) equating the polynomial discriminant to zero to obtain a polynomial which contains both unstable configurations and double points, and (iii) eliminating extraneous roots from algebraic manipulations and double points from this composite polynomial to determine the unstable configurations. The computational procedure is illustrated through numerical examples.
Fabrication of a Robotic Hand Using Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Won Jey , DeLaurentis Kathryn J. , Mavroidis Constantinos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the application of Rapid Prototyping in the fabrication of a robotic hand is presented. Using the Selective Laser Sintering Sinterstation 2000 of DTM Corporation of Austin, TX, prototypes of mechanical joints were fabricated experimentally. The designs of these component joints were then used to fabricate the articulated structure of one four degree of freedom finger of a five-fingered robotic hand. This robotic finger and joints have been fabricated in one step, without requiring assembly while maintaining their desired mobility.