bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Grain Size-Dependent Equation for Creep Rupture Life of Grade 91 Steel Verified Up To 233,000 Hours
Authors: Maruyama K. , Sekido N. , Yoshimi K. , Yamamoto Y. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Grade 91 steel is widely used as steam pipes in ultrasupercritical (USC) steam boilers. In residual creep life assessment of the pipes by calculation, one needs creep rupture life of the steel as a function of stress and temperature in a time range longer than 105 h. Four regions with different creep rupture characteristics appear in a stress versus creep rupture life diagram of the steel. Main steam pipes made of the steel are used in a long-term region with low values of stress exponent and activation energy for creep rupture life (referred to as region G in this paper). Creep rupture lives of the steel in this region vary from heat to heat depending on their prior austenite grain size. This paper proposes a grain size-dependent equation representing creep rupture life of the steel in region G. The equation is verified with creep rupture data up to 232,833 h at 600 °C. Region G is absent in some heats with a large grain size. The equation can rationalize the absence in the heats. In a stress versus creep rupture life diagram of grade 92 steel, there is the same long-term region G. In the region, a creep rupture life of each heat is dependent on its grain size as is the case in grade 91 steel. The proposed equation accords well with the creep rupture lives of the grade 92 steel in region G.
Backstepping Control of Open-Chain Linkages Actuated by Antagonistic Hill Muscles
Authors: Warner Holly , Richter Hanz , van den Bogert Antonie J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
For human–machine interaction, the forward progression of technology, particularly controls, regularly brings about new possibilities. Indeed, healthcare applications have flourished in recent years, including robotic rehabilitation, exercise, and prosthetic devices. Testing these devices with human subjects is inherently risky and frequently inconsistent. This work offers a novel simulation framework toward overcoming many of these difficulties. Specifically, generating a closed-loop dynamic model of a human or a human subsystem that can connect to device simulations allows simulated human–machine interaction. In this work, a muscle-actuated open kinematic chain linkage is generated to simulate the human, and a backstepping controller based on inverse dynamics is derived. The control architecture directly addresses muscle redundancy, and two options to resolve this redundancy are evaluated. The specific case of a muscle-actuated arm linkage is developed to illustrate the framework. Trajectory tracking is achieved in simulation. The muscles recruited to meet the tracking goal are in agreement with the method used to solve the redundancy problem. In the future coupling such simulations to any relevant simulation of a machine will provide safe, insightful preprototype test results.
Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Reed Check Valve for Hydraulic Applications
Authors: Knutson Anthony L. , Van de Ven James D. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Reed valves are a type of check valve commonly found in a wide range of applications including air compressors, internal combustion engines, musical instruments, and even the human heart. While reed valves have been studied extensively in these applications, published research on the modeling and application of reed valves in hydraulic systems is sparse. Because the spring and mass components of a reed valve are contained in a single element, it is light and compact compared to traditional disk, poppet, or ball style check valves. These advantages make reed valves promising for use in high-frequency applications such as piston pumps, switch-mode hydraulics, and digital hydraulics. Furthermore, the small size and fast response of reed valves provide an opportunity to design pumps capable of operating at higher speeds and with lower dead volumes, thus increasing efficiency and power density. In this paper, a modeling technique for reed valves is presented and validated in a hydraulic piston pump test bed. Excellent agreement between modeled and experimentally measured reed valve opening is demonstrated. Across the range of experimental conditions, the model predicts the pump delivery with an error typically less than 1% with a maximum error of 2.2%.
Optical coherence tomography-angiography for monitoring neovascularisations in
macular telangiectasia type 2
Authors: Tzaridis Simone , Hess Kristina , Friedlander Martin , Holz Frank G 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
To evaluate the utility of optical coherence tomography-angiography
(OCT-A) for monitoring activity, progression and response to therapy of
neovascularisations (NVs) secondary to macular telangiectasia type 2
(MacTel).

Methods
In a retrospective analysis, eyes with NVs secondary to MacTel were
reviewed over a period of ≥8 months. Examinations at monthly intervals included
visual acuity testing, dilated funduscopy, spectral domain-OCT and OCT-A. Eyes
were treated with intravitreal VEGF (vascular endothelial growth
factor)-inhibitors following a pro-re-nata (PRN) regime, and treatment
decisions were based on morphological signs of activity as determined by B-scan
OCT and funduscopy. Signs of neovascular activity were defined as an increase
in retinal thickness, presence/increase of intraretinal/subretinal fluid and
haemorrhages.

Results
A total of 19 eyes from 17 patients were analysed. Patients were evaluated
over a mean period of 13.4 months (range: 8.9 to 24.2). OCT-A permitted the
monitoring of both treatment effects (regression) and progression (growth) of
NVs, but not neovascular activity. The growth of neovascular vessels was
detectable in OCT-A before signs of activity occurred on OCT. NVs showed a
progressive growth over time despite PRN-treatment and preferentially grew and
extended within areas characterised by a focal reduction of choriocapillaris
perfusion.

Conclusions
The results indicate that OCT-A represents a useful imaging modality for
monitoring NV-progression and treatment effects in MacTel. We demonstrate its
advantages over conventional B-scan OCT imaging, including an earlier detection
of NV-progression, and propose an adjustment of the current OCT-controlled PRN
treatment regime in order to prevent NV-progression and subsequent functional
loss in neovascular MacTel.
Why can’t I exercise during pregnancy? Time to revisit medical ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ contraindications: systematic review of evidence of harm and a call to action
Authors: Meah Victoria L , Davies Gregory A , Davenport Margie H 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundClinical guidelines recommend pregnant women without contraindication engage in regular physical activity. This is based on extensive evidence demonstrating the safety and benefits of prenatal exercise. However, certain medical conditions or contraindications warrant a reduction, modification or cessation of activity due to potential health risks.AimTo review and evaluate the evidence related to medical disorders which may warrant contraindication to prenatal exercise.MethodsOnline databases were searched up to 5 April 2019. Forty-four unique studies that reported data on our Population (pregnant women with contraindication to exercise), Intervention (subjective/objective measures of acute or chronic exercise), Comparator (not essential) and Outcomes (adverse maternal or fetal outcomes) were included in the review.Key findingsWe found that the majority of medical conditions listed as contraindications were based on expert opinion; there is minimal empirical evidence to demonstrate harm of exercise and benefit of activity restriction. We identified 11 complications (eg, gestational hypertension, twin pregnancy) previously classified as contraindications where women may in fact benefit from regular prenatal physical activity with or without modifications. However, the evidence suggests that severe cardiorespiratory disease, placental abruption, vasa previa, uncontrolled type 1 diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, active preterm labour, severe pre-eclampsia and cervical insufficiency are associated with strong potential for maternal/fetal harm and warrant classification as absolute contraindications.ConclusionBased on empirical evidence, we provide a call to re-evaluate clinical guidelines related to medical disorders that have previously been considered contraindications to prenatal exercise. Removing barriers to physical activity during pregnancy for women with certain medical conditions may in fact be beneficial for maternal–fetal health outcomes.
Migrant workers and COVID-19
Authors: Koh David 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesDaily numbers of COVID-19 in Singapore from March to May 2020, the cause of a surge in cases in April and the national response were examined, and regulations on migrant worker accommodation studied.MethodsInformation was gathered from daily reports provided by the Ministry of Health, Singapore Statues online and a Ministerial statement given at a Parliament sitting on 4 May 2020.ResultsA marked escalation in the daily number of new COVID-19 cases was seen in early April 2020. The majority of cases occurred among an estimated 295 000 low-skilled migrant workers living in foreign worker dormitories. As of 6 May 2020, there were 17 758 confirmed COVID-19 cases among dormitory workers (88% of 20 198 nationally confirmed cases). One dormitory housing approximately 13 000 workers had 19.4% of residents infected. The national response included mobilising several government agencies and public volunteers. There was extensive testing of workers in dormitories, segregation of healthy and infected workers, and daily observation for fever and symptoms. Twenty-four dormitories were declared as ‘isolation areas’, with residents quarantined for 14 days. New housing, for example, vacant public housing flats, military camps, exhibition centres, floating hotels have been provided that will allow for appropriate social distancing.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted migrant workers as a vulnerable occupational group. Ideally, matters related to inadequate housing of vulnerable migrant workers need to be addressed before a pandemic.
U(1)B−L extension based on Δ(27) symmetry for lepton masses and mixings
Authors: Vien V. V. , Khoi D. P. 
Published: June 2020

We propose a [Formula: see text] Standard Model (SM) extension based on [Formula: see text] symmetry in which neutrino mass orderings and the tiny neutrino masses are produced by the type-I seesaw mechanism. The obtained physical parameters are well consistent with the global fit of neutrino oscillation.1 The model is predictive in the sense that it reproduces the experimental values of neutrino parameters. Two of the predicted parameters have little deviations from the best-fit values given in Ref. 1, however they are consistent with the other experimental results.[Formula: see text]
Ordovician trilobites with soft parts in African West Gondwana, European peri-Gondwana and Avalonia: a review
Authors: Budil Petr , Fatka Oldřich 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A review of all currently known Ordovician trilobites with soft parts described or figured from West-Gondwana, European peri-Gondwana and Avalonia shows remains of the digestive system in 19 species. In comparison, remains of antennae and/or walking legs are known only in five species. Soft parts are known in Asaphidae, Bathycheilidae, Calymenidae, Cheiruridae, Dalmanitidae, Harpidae, Lichidae, Nileidae, Odontopleuridae and Trinucleidae. Exceptionally preserved trilobites originate from the Late Tremadocian Mílina Formation and Fezouata Shale, Middle Darriwilian Šárka and Llanfallteg formations, early Sandbian Tafilalt and Letná Konservat-Lagerstätten and Katian Bohdalec Formation. Levels containing exceptionally preserved trilobites in these units are characterized by prevailing fine-grained sediments with the exception of the Early Sandbian Lower Tafilalt and Letná Lagerstätten.
Nectin-2 Expression on Malignant Plasma Cells Is Associated with Better Response to TIGIT Blockade in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lozano Ester , Mena Mari-Pau , Díaz Tania , Martin-Antonio Beatriz , León Sheila , Rodríguez-Lobato Luis-Gerardo , Oliver-Caldés Aina , Cibeira Maria Teresa , Bladé Joan , Prat Aleix , Rosiñol Laura , Fernández de Larrea Carlos 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT) blockade could represent an alternative therapeutic option to release the immune response in patients with multiple myeloma. Here we analyzed the expression of TIGIT and its ligands poliovirus receptor (PVR) and nectin-2 in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with monoclonal gammopathies and the efficacy of TIGIT blockade activating antimyeloma immunity.

Experimental Design:
Expression levels of TIGIT and its ligands were characterized by flow cytometry and ELISA. TIGIT blockade was analyzed in in vitro functional assays with peripheral T cells. BM cells were studied with NanoString technology, real-time PCR, and ex vivo patient BM cell models.

Results:
TIGIT and its ligands are highly expressed in the BM of patients with multiple myeloma, suggesting that may play a role in restraining immune activation. TIGIT blockade depleted FoxP3+ Tregs while increasing proliferation of IFNγ-producing CD4+ T cells from patients with multiple myeloma. PVR ligation inhibited CD8+ T-cell signaling and cell proliferation which could be overcome with anti-TIGIT mAb. However, BM cells showed a remarkable heterogeneity in immune signature. Accordingly, functional ex vivo BM assays revealed that only some patients respond to checkpoint blockade. Thus, response to TIGIT blockade correlated with low frequency of TIGIT+ cells and high nectin-2 expression on malignant plasma cells.

Conclusions:
TIGIT blockade efficiently reinvigorated peripheral T cells from patients with multiple myeloma. However, in the BM, the efficacy of blocking anti-TIGIT mAb to achieve tumor cell death may depend on the expression of TIGIT and nectin-2, becoming potential predictive biomarkers for identifying patients who may benefit from TIGIT blockade.
GRK5 Controls SAP97-Dependent Cardiotoxic β
1
Adrenergic Receptor-CaMKII Signaling in Heart Failure
Authors: Xu Bing , Li Minghui , Wang Ying , Zhao Meimi , Morotti Stefano , Shi Qian , Wang Qingtong , Barbagallo Federica , Teoh Jian-Peng , Reddy Gopireddy R. , Bayne Elizabeth F. , Liu Yongming , Shen Ao , Puglisi Jose L. , Ge Ying , Li Ji , Grandi Eleonora , Nieves-Cintron Madeline , Xiang Yang K. 
Published: June 2020

Rationale:

Cardiotoxic β
1
adrenergic receptor (β
1
AR)-CaMKII (calmodulin-dependent kinase II) signaling is a major and critical feature associated with development of heart failure. SAP97 (synapse-associated protein 97) is a multifunctional scaffold protein that binds directly to the C-terminus of β
1
AR and organizes a receptor signalosome.

Objective:

We aim to elucidate the dynamics of β
1
AR-SAP97 signalosome and its potential role in chronic cardiotoxic β
1
AR-CaMKII signaling that contributes to development of heart failure.

Methods and Results:

The integrity of cardiac β
1
AR-SAP97 complex was examined in heart failure. Cardiac-specific deletion of SAP97 was developed to examine β
1
AR signaling in aging mice, after chronic adrenergic stimulation, and in pressure overload hypertrophic heart failure. We show that the β
1
AR-SAP97 signaling complex is reduced in heart failure. Cardiac-specific deletion of SAP97 yields an aging-dependent cardiomyopathy and exacerbates cardiac dysfunction induced by chronic adrenergic stimulation and pressure overload, which are associated with elevated CaMKII activity. Loss of SAP97 promotes PKA (protein kinase A)-dependent association of β
1
AR with arrestin2 and CaMKII and turns on an Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP)-dependent activation of CaMKII, which drives detrimental functional and structural remodeling in myocardium. Moreover, we have identified that GRK5 (G-protein receptor kinase-5) is necessary to promote agonist-induced dissociation of SAP97 from β
1
AR. Cardiac deletion of GRK5 prevents adrenergic-induced dissociation of β
1
AR-SAP97 complex and increases in CaMKII activity in hearts.

Conclusions:

These data reveal a critical role of SAP97 in maintaining the integrity of cardiac β
1
AR signaling and a detrimental cardiac GRK5-CaMKII axis that can be potentially targeted in heart failure therapy.

Graphical Abstract:
A graphical abstract is available for this article.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Aortic Valve Disease Through the Resolvin E1 and ChemR23 Axis
Authors: Artiach Gonzalo , Carracedo Miguel , Plunde Oscar , Wheelock Craig E. , Thul Silke , Sjövall Peter , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Laguna-Fernandez Andres , Arnardottir Hildur , Bäck Magnus 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), which is the most common valvular heart disease, causes a progressive narrowing of the aortic valve as a consequence of thickening and calcification of the aortic valve leaflets. The beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in cardiovascular prevention have recently been demonstrated in a large randomized, controlled trial. In addition, n-3 PUFAs serve as the substrate for the synthesis of specialized proresolving mediators, which are known by their potent beneficial anti-inflammatory, proresolving, and tissue-modifying properties in cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of n-3 PUFA and specialized proresolving mediators on AVS have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to identify the role of n-3 PUFA–derived specialized proresolving mediators in relation to the development of AVS.

Methods:

Lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed in human tricuspid aortic valves. Apoe
−/−
mice and wire injury in C57BL/6J mice were used as models for mechanistic studies.

Results:

We found that n-3 PUFA incorporation into human stenotic aortic valves was higher in noncalcified regions compared with calcified regions. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry–based lipid mediator lipidomics identified that the n-3 PUFA–derived specialized proresolving mediator resolvin E1 was dysregulated in calcified regions and acted as a calcification inhibitor. Apoe
−/−
mice expressing the
Caenorhabditis elegans
Fat-1 transgene (Fat-1
tg
×Apoe
−/−
), which enables the endogenous synthesis of n-3 PUFA and increased valvular n-3 PUFA content, exhibited reduced valve calcification, lower aortic valve leaflet area, increased M2 macrophage polarization, and improved echocardiographic parameters. Finally, abrogation of the resolvin E1 receptor ChemR23 enhanced disease progression, and the beneficial effects of Fat-1
tg
were abolished in the absence of ChemR23.

Conclusions:
n-3 PUFA-derived resolvin E1 and its receptor ChemR23 emerge as a key axis in the inhibition of AVS progression and may represent a novel potential therapeutic opportunity to be evaluated in patients with AVS.
Using a Simple Water Balance Framework to Quantify the Impact of Soil Moisture Initialization on Subseasonal Evapotranspiration and Air Temperature Forecasts
Authors: Koster Randal D. , Schubert Siegfried D. , DeAngelis Anthony M. , Molod Andrea M. , Mahanama Sarith P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPast studies have shown that accurate soil moisture initialization can contribute significant skill to near-surface air temperature (T2M) forecasts at subseasonal leads. The mechanisms by which soil moisture contributes such skill are examined here with a simple water balance–based model that captures the essence of soil moisture behavior in a state-of-the-art subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) forecasting system. The simple model successfully transforms initial soil moisture contents into average “forecast” evapotranspiration (ET) values at 16–30-day lead that agree well, during summer, with the values forecast by the full NASA GEOS S2S system, indicating that soil moisture initialization dominates over forecast meteorological conditions in determining ET fluxes at subseasonal leads. When the simple model’s ET anomalies are interpreted in terms of T2M anomalies, a similar conclusion is reached for T2M: soil moisture initialization explains much (about 50% in the eastern half of the continental United States) of the T2M anomaly values produced by the full GEOS S2S system at 16–30-day lead, and the T2M forecasts produced by the simple model capture about one-half of the skill attained by the full system. The simple model’s framework is particularly conducive to an analysis of uncertainty in forecasts. Drier soils are generally found to induce larger uncertainty in ET (and thus T2M) forecasts, a result linked to the functional form relating ET to soil moisture in the simple model and verified by an analysis of the ensemble spreads within the forecasts produced by the full GEOS S2S system.
Twelve-week intradialytic cycling exercise improves physical functional performance with gain in muscle strength and endurance: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yeh Mei-Ling , Wang Mei-Hua , Hsu Chin-Che , Liu Yueh-Min 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intradialytic cycling exercise on physical functional performance with gain in muscle strength and endurance in end-stage renal disease patients with haemodialysis. Design: Randomized controlled trial, with repeated measurements at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intradialytic cycling exercise. Setting: A 50-bed haemodialysis centre in a regional hospital in Taiwan. Subjects: Seventy-six regular haemodialysis patients, recruited and equally and randomly assigned to exercise and control groups. Intervention: The intradialytic cycling exercise was performed for 12 weeks and comprised warm-up, main, and cool-down exercise phases. A stationary cycling equipment was used, which involved aerobic and resistance modalities. The intensity was maintained at somewhat hard exertion. Each intradialytic cycling exercise was implemented for 30 minutes, starting at the second hour of treatment. Main measure: Measured outcomes were 6-minute walk distance, time taken to complete 10 sit-to-stand-to-sit cycles and number of sit-to-stand-to-sit cycles in 60 seconds. Results: Average (standard deviation) participant age was 55.47 (13.00) years. Therefore, the 6-minute walk distance was significantly different at weeks 8 ( P = 0.01) and 12 ( P < 0.001) in the exercise group compared with that in the control group at baseline. Notably, sit-to-stand-to-sit outcomes ( P = 0.01) significantly influenced the 6-minute walk distance. Sit-to-stand-to-sit outcomes significantly improved in the exercise group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Twelve-week intradialytic exercise for patients on haemodialysis can improve physical functional performance with gain muscle strength and endurance. This is a safe and effective method for improving health.