bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient elastography in DAA era. Relation between post‐SVR LSM and histology
Authors: Martínez‐Campreciós Joan , Bonis Puig Sara , Pons Delgado Mònica , Salcedo Allende María Teresa , Mínguez Rosique Beatriz , Genescà Ferrer Joan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe natural history of HCV chronic infection has drastically changed after direct‐acting antiviral treatment. Due to the high sustained virological response (SVR) achieved, noninvasive estimation of liver fibrosis regression has become a major key point. The present study tries to evaluate the relation between liver histology and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) after SVR.
Pitfalls and requirements in quantifying asymmetric mitotic segregation
Authors: Loeffler Dirk , Schneiter Florin , Schroeder Timm 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe asymmetric inheritance of NUMB during mitosis determines future daughter cell fates in multiple model organisms. NUMB asymmetric inheritance has also been postulated for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) divisions but remained controversial until recently. To reconcile conflicting reports, we revisited the evidence for asymmetric inheritance of NUMB during HSC divisions. We demonstrate that previously used strategies to identify dividing cells in fixed samples suffer from multiple systematic errors. Nonmitotic cells in close proximity are frequently mistaken as dividing cells, while mitotic cells are not detected. Furthermore, microtubule depolymerization by either nocodazole or low temperatures prevents the reliable detection of mitosis and introduces mitotic artifacts. Without artificial microtubule depolymerization and by the use of reliable mitotic markers, we find NUMB differences in daughter cells to be reduced and restricted to cells with low NUMB expression and thus low signal over background. This bias fits the expected random distribution of simulated noise data, suggesting that the putative asymmetric inheritance of NUMB in HSCs could be merely technical noise. We conclude that functionally relevant asymmetric inheritance of NUMB and other factors in mitotic HSCs and other cells cannot be conclusively demonstrated using snapshot data and requires alternative approaches, such as continuous quantitative single‐cell analysis.
Patient‐related outcomes in Sjögren syndrome treated with stimulants of salivary secretion: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: da Mata António Duarte Sola Pereira , Amaral João Pedro de Almeida Rato , Thomson William Murray , Barcelos Filipe , Vaz Patto José , Pereira Ruben Miguel Nunes , Marques Duarte Nuno da Silva 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the impact of gustatory stimulants of salivary secretion (GSSS) on Sjögren's syndrome patients’ self‐perception of xerostomia, oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and salivary secretion.MethodsA total of 110 Sjögren's syndrome patients were randomly allocated to be treated with either a malic acid lozenge or a citric acid mouthwash and then crossed over. Before and after the interventions, the Xerostomia Inventory 5 (SXI‐5‐PL) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14‐PT) questionnaires (both in the Portuguese language) were administered to patients. Unstimulated, mechanical and gustatory‐stimulated salivary flows were determined. Repeated measures and between‐subject analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsAfter the intervention and within each group, both GSSS elicited a reduction in the SXI‐5‐PL and OHIP‐14‐PT scores and an increase in salivary output, significant in the malic acid lozenge group. The malic acid treatment resulted in a greater effect size and percentage improvement than citric acid mouthwash. The malic acid lozenge also produced a significant greater salivary output than the citric acid rising solution.ConclusionsIn Sjögren's syndrome patients, lozenges containing malic acid increased saliva production and xerostomia relief, resulting in improved quality of life.
Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits leukotoxin release by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by promoting association with the bacterial membrane
Authors: Chang En Hyung , Giaquinto Peter , Huang Joanne , Balashova Nataliya V. , Brown Angela C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe oral pathogen, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, produces a number of virulence factors, including a leukotoxin (LtxA), which specifically kills human white blood cells, to provide a colonization advantage to the bacterium. Strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans that produce more LtxA have been more closely linked to disease, indicating that this toxin plays a key role in pathogenesis of the bacterium. Disruption of the activity of LtxA thus represents a promising approach to reducing the pathogenicity of the bacterium. Catechins are polyphenolic molecules derived from plants, which have shown potent antibacterial and antitoxin activities. We have previously shown that galloylated catechins are able to prevent LtxA delivery to host cells by altering the toxin's secondary structure and preventing binding to cholesterol on the host cell membrane. Here, we have investigated how one particular galloylated catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), affects A. actinomycetemcomitans growth and toxin secretion. Our results demonstrate that EGCg, at micromolar concentrations, inhibits A. actinomycetemcomitans growth, as has been reported for other bacterial species. At subinhibitory concentrations, EGCg promotes LtxA production, but the toxicity of the bacterial supernatant against human immune cells is reduced. The results of our biophysical studies indicate that this seemingly contradictory result is caused by an EGCg‐mediated enhancement of LtxA affinity for the bacterial cell surface. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of EGCg in the treatment of virulent A. actinomycetemcomitans infections.
Public Sector Governance Reform and the Motivation of Street‐Level Bureaucrats in Developing Countries
Authors: Zarychta Alan , Grillos Tara , Andersson Krister P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article draws on health sector reform in Honduras to examine the mechanisms through which governance reforms shape the behavior of street‐level bureaucrats. It combines insights from behavioral public administration with original data from lab‐in‐the‐field workshops conducted with more than 200 bureaucrats to assess the relationship between decentralization and motivation. Findings show strong evidence that motivation, measured as self‐sacrifice, is higher among bureaucrats in decentralized municipalities compared with bureaucrats in comparable centrally administered municipalities. Increased motivation is most pronounced in decentralized systems led by nongovernmental organizations compared with those led by municipal governments or associations. Additionally, the evidence suggests that higher motivation is related to changes in the composition of staff rather than socialization or changes among existing staff. Overall, this research helps move beyond indiscriminate calls for decentralization by highlighting the interplay between reform design and bureaucratic behavior, as well as the limitations of governance reforms in motivating more experienced bureaucrats.
A genetically validated approach for detecting inorganic polyphosphates in plants
Authors: Zhu Jinsheng , Loubéry Sylvain , Broger Larissa , Zhang Youjun , Lorenzo‐Orts Laura , Utz‐Pugin Anne , Fernie Alisdair R. , Young‐Tae Chang , Hothorn Michael 
Published: December 2019

SummaryInorganic polyphosphates (polyPs) are linear polymers of orthophosphate units linked by phosphoanhydride bonds. Polyphosphates represent important stores of phosphate and energy, and are abundant in many pro‐ and eukaryotic organisms. In plants, the existence of polyPs has been established using microscopy and biochemical extraction methods that are now known to produce artifacts. Here we use a polyP‐specific dye and a polyP‐binding domain to detect polyPs in plant and algal cells. To develop the staining protocol, we induced polyP granules in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis cells by heterologous expression of Escherichia coli polyphosphate kinase 1 (PPK1). Over‐expression of PPK1 but not of a catalytically impaired version of the enzyme leads to severe growth phenotypes, suggesting that ATP‐dependent synthesis and accumulation of polyPs in the plant cytosol is toxic. We next crossed stable PPK1‐expressing Arabidopsis lines with plants expressing the polyP‐binding domain of E. coli exopolyphosphatase (PPX1c), which co‐localized with PPK1‐generated polyP granules. These granules were stained by the polyP‐specific dye JC‐D7 and appeared as electron‐dense structures in transmission electron microscopy sections. Using the polyP staining protocol derived from these experiments, we screened for polyP stores in different organs and tissues of both mono‐ and dicotyledonous plants. While we could not detect polyP granules in higher plants, we could visualize the polyP‐rich acidocalcisomes in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert 
Published: December 2019

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 5Ali Kızılet, Marmara University, TurkeyAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalCagla Atmaca, Pamukkale University, TurkeyCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainElena Jerves, University of Cuenca, EcuadorErcan Polat, TurkeyErickzon Astorga, The Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences, ChileFatih Karahüseyinoğlu, Fırat University, TurkeyFatih Yazici, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Turkeyİbrahim Yaşar Kazu, Firat University, TurkeyJon S. Turner, Missouri State University, USAKatya De Giovanni, University of Malta, MaltaLaima Kyburiene, Kaunas University of Applied Sciences, LithuaniaLaura Bruno, The College of New Jersey, USALinda J. Rappel, Yorkville University/University of Calgary, CanadaLisa Marie Portugal, Grand Canyon University, USALorna T. Enerva, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, PhilippinesMassimiliano Barattucci, Ecampus University, ItalyMeral Seker, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, TurkeyMin Gui, Wuhan University, ChinaMurat Kul, TurkeyMustafa Çakır, Marmara Üniversity, TurkeyNicole Celestine, The University of Western Australia, AustraliaOzgur Demirtas, Inonu University, TurkeyPuneet S. Gill, Texas A&M International University, USARichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USASadia Batool, Preston University Islamabad, PakistanSamad Mirza Suzani, Islamic Azad University, IranSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASelloane Pitikoe, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South AfricaSenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeySisi Chen, American University of Health Sciences, USAStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, GreeceTercan Yildirim, Ahi Evran University, TurkeyYalçın Dilekli, Aksaray University, Turkey Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
A Miniature Robotic-Assisted Tool for Large Area Endomicroscopy Scanning
Authors: Wang Haibo , Kong Derui , Zuo Siyang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Recent developments in probe-based optical imaging tools such as confocal endomicroscopy have been demonstrated to be powerful techniques that can provide high-resolution in vivo morphological images at cellular and subcellular levels. Such tools may aid in real-time assessment of cancerous tissue and can also be used for intraoperative surgical guidance. However, it is a challenge to scan over a large area due to the small field-of-view and the difficulties associated with manually manipulating the probe. In this paper, a hand-held miniature scanning device for controlled, large area imaging is proposed. The device can scan target surfaces automatically. A passive linear mechanism is used to maintain good probe–tissue contacts. The results demonstrated that large area mosaics up to 31.4 mm2 can be obtained. The experimental results for ex vivo human thyroid gland tissue have shown the potential of the device for improving the prospects of intraoperative tissue identification and margin assessment.
Synthesis of Planar Compliances With Mechanisms Having Six Compliant Components: Geometric Approach
Authors: Huang Shuguang , Schimmels Joseph M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In this paper, the synthesis of any planar compliance with a six-component compliant mechanism is addressed. The mechanisms studied are either serial mechanisms with six elastic joints or parallel mechanisms with six springs. For each type of mechanism, conditions on the mechanism configurations that must be satisfied to realize a given compliance are developed. The geometric significance of each condition is identified and graphically represented. Geometric construction-based synthesis procedures for both types of mechanism are developed. These procedures allow one to select each elastic component from a restricted space based on its geometry.
Nonlinear Stiffness Analysis of Spring-Loaded Inverted Slider Crank Mechanisms With a Unified Model
Authors: Li Zhongyi , Bai Shaoping , Chen Weihai , Zhang Jianbin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A mechanism with lumped-compliance can be constructed by mounting springs at joints of an inverted slider crank mechanism. Different mounting schemes bring change in the stiffness performance. In this paper, a unified stiffness model is developed for a comprehensive analysis of the stiffness performance for mechanisms constructed with different spring mounting schemes. With the model, stiffness behaviors of spring-loaded inverted slider crank mechanisms are analyzed. Influences of each individual spring on the overall performance are characterized. The unified stiffness model allows designing mechanisms for a desired stiffness performance, such as constant-torque mechanism and variable stiffness mechanism, both being illustrated with a design example and experiments.
Gravity Compensation Design of Planar Articulated Robotic Arms Using the Gear-Spring Modules
Authors: Nguyen Vu Linh , Lin Chyi-Yeu , Kuo Chin-Hsing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper presents a design concept for gravity compensation of planar articulated robotic arms using a series of gear-slider mechanisms with springs. The spring-attached gear-slider mechanism has one degree-of-freedom (DOF) of motion, which can serve as a gear-spring module (GSM) to be installed onto the robot joints for leveraging the gravitational energy of the robot arm. The proposing GSM-based design is featured by its structure compactness, less assemblage effort, ease of modularization, and high performance for gravity compensation of articulated robotic manipulators. As a key part of the design, the stiffness of the spring in the GSM can be determined through either a design optimization or an analytical approximation to perfect balancing. The analyses on several 1-, 2-, and 3-DOF GSM-based robot arms illustrate that the analytical approximation to perfect balancing can reach nearly the same performance as provided through the design optimization. The power loss due to the gear contact is considered when evaluating the gravity compensation performance. A formula for spring stiffness correction is suggested for taking the power loss into account. An experimental study on a one-DOF GSM-based robot arm was performed, which shows that a power reduction rate of 86.5% is attained by the actuation motor when the GSM is installed on the robot arm.
Improved Model for Conical Dielectric Elastomer Actuators With Fewer Electrical Connections
Authors: Medina Hector , Farmer Carson W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Dielectric elastomers (DEs) exhibit remarkable properties that make them stand out among other electroactive polymers. Various types of actuators based on DEs have been used in applications that include artificial muscles, Braille displays, and robotic joints. In particular, conical dielectric elastomer actuators (CDEAs) are very attractive due to their multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) and easiness of construction. In this study, an energy method is used to derive an improved mathematical model for a double-cone dielectric elastomer actuator (DCDEA) capable of predicting horizontal and rotational displacements. To create the model, a new variable is introduced into the equations, the azimuth angle. In addition, a new pattern of electrodes is proposed as a method for achieving five DOF using only half of the electrode connections of traditional DCDEAs. Experimental tests are carried out and used to validate the proposed model. Results show very close agreement. A limiting aspect of the proposed model is that it relies on two experimental correction coefficients. Nonetheless, the model derived provides a means to more accurately implement automatic control to robotic systems that use DCDEAs (work in progress).
Theoretical and Experimental Study and Design Method of Blade Height of a Rotational-Flow Suction Unit in a Wall-Climbing Robot
Authors: Chen Ningning , Shi Kaige , Li Xin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A wall-climbing robot that uses a rotational-flow suction unit to be non-contact-absorbed onto walls can climb rough walls and overstep obstacles. In the rotational-flow suction unit, the air driven by the blades rotates at a high speed within a chamber, thereby creating and maintaining a negative pressure distribution. This study is focused on the modeling and design of the blade height. First, a theoretical model of the rotation flow, containing two important parameters (i.e., blade height Hb and clearance h), was established and verified experimentally. Furthermore, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was applied to illustrate the secondary flow relative to the blades, revealing that it gives rise to a nonlinear velocity distribution. It was found that an increase in the blade height greatly improves the F–h characteristics; in addition, the relationship between the power consumption and suction force (E˙−F curve) is mainly determined by the clearance h instead of the blade height Hb. Based on these findings, we propose a design method for determining the suitable blade height. According to the characteristic load curves of the suction units (i.e., the T–ω curves) and the motor characteristics, suitable blades can be selected to match the motor operation (i.e., nominal operating state).
Analysis and Control of an Actuation-Redundant Parallel Mechanism Requiring Synchronization
Authors: Xi Fengfeng (Jeff) , Moosavian Amin , Campos Gabriel H. , Choudhuri Upasana (Sana) , Sun Cong Zhu (John) , Buchkazanian Raffi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Presented in this paper is a method for analysis and control of an actuation-redundant parallel mechanism requiring synchronization. The said mechanism is made up of two branches that are connected to drive a common end-effector with only one degree-of-freedom of motion. The two actuators must share the load exerted on the common end-effector during motion. The underlying problem is to synchronize the motion of the two actuators while balancing the forces on them so that the entire mechanism can move smoothly under the applied load on the end-effector. Due to the space limitation, the two branches are geometrically different leading to opposite force profiles for the two actuators. The proposed method combines the mechanism kinematics with force analysis. First, a closed-form solution is derived that relates the actuator strokes to the rotation angle of the end-effector. Second, a velocity relationship is obtained to relate the actuator velocities to the angular velocity of the end-effector. Third, a force relationship is established relating the actuator loads to the external load. Fourth, a control strategy is designed to synchronize the motion of the two actuators while maintaining the force balance between them to avoid the problem of motion mismatching and force fighting that could lead to the failure of the mechanism. A prototype was built and tested with the proposed method, which is also presented in this paper.
Generalized Spiral Spring: A Bioinspired Tunable Stiffness Mechanism for Linear Response With High Resolution
Authors: Qaiser Zeeshan , Johnson Shane 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Compliant mechanisms are typically designed for varying stiffness from nearly zero to rigid. However, targeted design for fine-tuning within an application's sensitive range of stiffness remains more desirable for practical implementation in accurate loading or positioning systems. To achieve various competing objectives, a “generalized spiral spring” (GSS) is proposed which achieves small size and other objectives by using a reduced number of parameters as provided by the spiral shape description of the components. An analytical model based on virtual work and curved beam theory is developed for accurate prediction of the stiffness. Moreover, finite element (FE) models are also developed for verification of the proposed designs. Multiobjective design optimization (MDO) is conducted to maximize the linearity in the stiffness versus control parameter (CP) response and improve resolution. The proposed analytical model is validated experimentally and computationally. This approach may be used to achieve finesse by accurate positioning with force control for industrial robots and elegant prostheses.
A Novel Style Design of a Permanent-Magnetic Adsorption Mechanism for a Wall-Climbing Robot
Authors: Fan Jizhuang , Xu Tian , Fang Qianqian , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Magnetic adsorption mechanisms are widely used for wall-climbing robots to manipulate a locomotive on the surface of a magnetic conducting metal. However, the reported magnetic adsorption mechanisms are subject to the problems such as the lack of adsorption capability, the weakness of kinematic performance, and the overwhelming detaching force. To solve the problems, a novel style of a permanent-magnetic adsorption mechanism using an electromagnetic method and internal force compensation principle is detailed in this work. Specifically, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a nonlinear spring are configurated to achieve a reliable adsorption function by using the minimal detaching force. Following that, the results obtained from both the finite element analysis and the experiments carried out by using a prototype demonstrated its effectiveness. It does not only have a rapid and controllable adsorption-detachment capacity in reference to the magnetic conducting surface but also has low power consumption, large adsorption force, and reliable and safe performance.