bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the coating of hydrodynamic plain bearing contact surfaces by means of Extreme High-Speed Laser Material Deposition (EHLA)
Authors: Stephan Koß , Holzer Achill , Megahed Sandra , Ziegler Stephan , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Schmitz Katharina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the field of drive technology, plain bearings are used in almost all drives. During operation these bearings have a very low load resistance and almost no wear. However, increased mixed friction can occur during starts, stops, low speeds and/or high loads. As a result of the increasing demands on the drive systems, such as in the automotive sector with the automatic start-stop system to reduce exhaust gases or in the area of the angular force, a greater mixed friction occurs, which increases wear. Extreme High-Speed Laser Material Deposition (EHLA) is a coating process that allows the application of cor-rosion and wear protection coatings in a resource-saving and productive manner. Furthermore, alterna-tive materials and material combinations can be created. In the framework of this study two different Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) are tribologically investigated and characterized in the area of mixed friction against three friction contacts each.
Simulation-Based Data Sampling for Condition Monitoring of Fluid Power Drives
Authors: Makansi Faried , Schmitz Katharina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Machine learning techniques are continuously gaining attention and importance in several technical domains. In the field of engineering, they can potentially provide manifold advantages for condition monitoring. However, availability of extensive operation data is a limiting factor. In this contribution, a simulation-based approach is presented, which allows an efficient generation of training data. Based on a lumped parameter simulation, a database of time-series data is generated for a hydraulic reference system. In order to incorporate states of faulty machine operation in the database, means to model component faults in the simulation are assessed. Further, a procedure for an automated training data generation is presented.
Evaluation of the Additive Manufacturability of CAD-Parts for initial Data Labelling in AI-based Part Identification
Authors: Winkler Marcel , Stürmer Stefan , Konrad Christian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study is to develop and implement an analysis tool that identifies CAD geometries which impair Additive Manufacturing. A key performance indicator is generated to be used as data label representing the manufacturability for a future application of AI. Relevant geometric features are identified and algorithms to evaluate critical features are developed. The analyses include part orientation, build volume, wall thicknesses, gap widths, bore and cylinder diameters as well as the process-specific factors powder removal and need for support structures. The manufacturability of a part is calculated as Additive Manufacturing Feasibility Indicator (AMFI), depending on the identified critical features and a user-specific weighting. The AMFI successfully serves as data label which is suitable for application in AI methods. The developed GUI supports designers by highlighting critical features directly in the CAD environment and allowing the user in a purposeful part optimization for AM.
Research on UAV Flight Test Technology Based on Embedded Commands
Authors: Yin Wenqiang , Wang Yalong , Qi Shenjun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the current situation that the pilot’s manual operation method can’t fully meet the requirements of UAV flight test. To solve the problem, a UAV flight test technology based on embedded command is proposed. By analysing the verification contents and assessment methods of UAV flight test, the typical actions in UAV flight test are extracted, the embedded command modules are designed, and the embedded command flight test method is formulated. The flight test results show that compared with the manual operation method, the embedded command flight test technology can alleviate pilot’s operation burden, reduce the flight test risks and improve the flight test efficiency.
A Review of Advanced High-Speed Rotorcraft
Authors: Yan Xufei , Lou Bin , Xie Anhuan , Chen Lingkai , Zhang Dan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Urban air transportation (private aircraft, air taxi, etc.) and all kinds of special flight missions (aerial sightseeing, logistics transportation, disaster relief, anti-terrorism and anti-riot etc.) put forward high requirements for the flight performance of future urban aircraft. It not only demands high-efficiency hovering performance, but also demands the capability of high-speed cruising as well as high safety, clean energy and other characteristics. The maximum flight speed of conventional rotorcraft (such as helicopter, multi-rotor UAV, etc.) is limited by the fluid compressibility of advancing rotor blade and the airflow separation of retreating rotor blade, which makes further improvement of the flight speed more difficult. In order to overcome the fluid compressibility of rotor advancing side and stall of rotor retreating side encountered under high-speed, researchers have proposed many new concepts of advanced rotorcraft. This article sorts and analyses the current advanced VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) rotorcrafts with new configurations, and attempts to point out the feasible research direction in the future.
Substrate dopant induced electronic inhomogeneity in epitaxial bilayer graphene
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Huang Di , Gu Lehua , Wang Yuan , Wu Shiwei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have become a new territory for exploring novel properties and functionalities because of their superior tunability. The unprecedented tunability of 2D materials is also accompanied by many and equally great challenges, as they are susceptible to defects and disorders. The presence of defects and disorders induces the inhomogeneity of electronic states, often making it difficult to directly probe the intrinsic properties of materials. Therefore, many efforts have been devoted to improve the electronic homogeneity, for example, by reducing the density of defects and disorders in the materials and at the interface. However, little attention is paid to the disorders embedded in underlying substrates. Here we investigate how individual dopants in substrate interact with 2D materials and give rise to the electron–hole puddles by low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy. Specifically, we take the epitaxial bilayer graphene grown on nitrogen doped silicon carbide (SiC) substrates as a model system, which has played the essential roles in many applications and fundamental studies. The nitrogen dopants inside SiC substrate were imaged over the epitaxial graphene by STM for the first time. The charged nitrogen dopants from the substrate induce the electron-lack puddles in graphene with a diameter of ∼2 nm, via electrostatic Coulomb interaction. The Fermi level with respect to the Dirac point is modulated by the puddles with an amplitude of ∼40 meV, causing the electronic inhomogeneity of epitaxial graphene. Our findings on this prototype material are expected to facilitate the quality improvement of graphene and other 2D materials in general.
Central Hypertension in Patients With Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Prevalence and Association With Aneurysm Size and Growth
Authors: Rooprai Jasjit , Boodhwani Munir , Beauchesne Luc , Chan Kwan-Leung , Dennie Carole , Wells George A , Coutinho Thais 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hypertension (HTN) has the greatest population-attributable risk for aortic dissection and is highly prevalent among patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Although HTN is diagnosed based on brachial blood pressure (bBP), central HTN (central systolic blood pressure [cSBP] ≥130 mm Hg) is of interest as it better reflects blood pressure (BP) in the aorta. We aimed to (i) evaluate the prevalence of central HTN among TAA patients without a diagnosis of HTN, and (ii) assess associations of bBP vs. central blood pressure (cBP) with aneurysm size and growth.

METHODS
One hundred and five unoperated subjects with TAAs were recruited. With validated methodology, cBP was assessed with applanation tonometry. Aneurysm size was assessed at baseline and follow-up using imaging modalities. Aneurysm growth rate was calculated in mm/year. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for potential confounders assessed associations of bBP and cBP with aneurysm size and growth.

RESULTS
Seventy-seven percent of participants were men and 49% carried a diagnosis of HTN. Among participants without diagnosis of HTN, 15% had central HTN despite normal bBP (“occult central HTN”). In these patients, higher central systolic BP (cSBP) and central pulse pressure (cPP) were independently associated with larger aneurysm size (β ± SE = 0.28 ± 0.11, P = 0.014 and cPP = 0.30 ± 0.11, P = 0.010, respectively) and future aneurysm growth (β ± SE = 0.022 ± 0.008, P = 0.013 and 0.024 ± 0.009, P = 0.008, respectively) while bBP was not (P &gt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with TAAs without a diagnosis of HTN, central HTN is prevalent, and higher cBP is associated with larger aneurysms and faster aneurysm growth.
Quantitative Fit Evaluation of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators and Coronavirus Inactivation Following Heat Treatment
Authors: Massey Travis L , Borucki Monica K , Paik Samuel Y , Fuhrer Kyle W , Bora Mihail , Kane Staci R , Haque Razi-ul M , Baxamusa Salmaan H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Reuse of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs, commonly referred to as N95s) normally meant for single use has become common in healthcare facilities due to shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we report that murine hepatitis coronavirus initially seeded on FFR filter material is inactivated (6 order of magnitude reduction as measured by median tissue culture infective dose, TCID50) after dry heating at 75°C for 30 min. We also find that the quantitative fit of FFRs after heat treatment at this temperature, under dry conditions or at 90% relative humidity, is not affected by single or 10 heating cycles. Previous studies have reported that the filtration efficiency of FFRs is not negatively impacted by these heating conditions. These results suggest that thermal inactivation of coronaviruses is a potentially rapid and widely deployable method to reuse N95 FFRs in emergency situations where reusing FFRs is a necessity and broad-spectrum sterilization is unavailable. However, we also observe that a radiative heat source (e.g. an exposed heating element) results in rapid qualitative degradation of the FFR. Finally, we discuss differences in the results reported here and other recent studies investigating heat as a means to recycle FFRs. These differences suggest that while our repeated decontamination cycles do not affect FFR fit, overall wear time and the number of donning/doffing cycles are important factors that likely degrade FFR fit and must be investigated further.
Synergic Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A and Triamcinolone Alleviates Scar Pruritus by Modulating Epidermal Hyperinnervation: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Huang Shu-Hung , Wu Kuo-Wei , Lo Jing-Jou , Wu Sheng-Hua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients often experience scar-related pruritus, which adversely affects quality of life. Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is widely used to treat pathologic scars, and botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) reportedly improves scarring and associated discomfort.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of combining TAC and BTX-A to reduce scar itch; potential mechanisms were investigated via an animal model.

Methods
For the clinical study, each scar on a patient was divided into 2 equal parts, with one part receiving TAC/BTX-A and the other TAC alone. Therapeutic interventions were administered over 3 sessions at 4-week intervals. Itch intensity was measured on a visual analog scale before each therapeutic intervention (V1, V2, V3) and 4 weeks after the last intervention (V4). For the animal model, rats were allocated into 5 groups: control, untreated burn, TAC, BTX-A, and TAC/BTX-A. We evaluated alloknesis in the right hind paw and analyzed possible molecular mechanisms.

Results
In humans, TAC/BTX-A significantly reduced scar itch compared with TAC alone at V4 (P = 0.04). In rats, post-burn itch was mitigated at 4 weeks after treatment with TAC, BTX-A, and TAC/BTX-A (P = 0.03, P = 0.0054, and P = 0.0053, respectively). TAC/BTX-A significantly decreased the density of intraepidermal nerve fibers post-burn relative to the untreated burn (P = 0.0008). TAC/BTX-A downregulated the expressions of nerve growth factor and protein transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1.

Conclusions
TAC/BTX-A therapy exhibited enhanced and sustained clinical efficacy in relieving scar itch, possibly via modulating epidermal innervation and expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 .

Level of Evidence: 2
Targeted delivery of protein arginine deiminase-4 inhibitors to limit arterial intimal NETosis and preserve endothelial integrity
Authors: Molinaro Roberto , Yu Mikyung , Sausen Grasiele , Bichsel Colette A , Corbo Claudia , Folco Eduardo J , Lee Gha Young , Liu Yuan , Tesmenitsky Yevgenia , Shvartz Eugenia , Sukhova Galina K , Kloss Frederik , Croce Kevin J , Farokhzad Omid C , Shi Jinjun , Libby Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Aims
Recent evidence suggests that ‘vulnerable plaques’, which have received intense attention as underlying mechanism of acute coronary syndromes over the decades, actually rarely rupture and cause clinical events. Superficial plaque erosion has emerged as a growing cause of residual thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis in an era of increased preventive measures including lipid lowering, antihypertensive therapy, and smoking cessation. The mechanisms of plaque erosion remain poorly understood, and we currently lack validated effective diagnostics or therapeutics for superficial erosion. Eroded plaques have a rich extracellular matrix, an intact fibrous cap, sparse lipid, and few mononuclear cells, but do harbour neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We recently reported that NETs amplify and propagate the endothelial damage at the site of arterial lesions that recapitulate superficial erosion in mice. We showed that genetic loss of protein arginine deiminase (PAD)-4 function inhibited NETosis and preserved endothelial integrity. The current study used systemic administration of targeted nanoparticles to deliver an agent that limits NETs formation to probe mechanisms of and demonstrate a novel therapeutic approach to plaque erosion that limits endothelial damage.

Methods and results
We developed Collagen IV-targeted nanoparticles (Col IV NP) to deliver PAD4 inhibitors selectively to regions of endothelial cell sloughing and collagen IV-rich basement membrane exposure. We assessed the binding capability of the targeting ligand in vitro and evaluated Col IV NP targeting to areas of denuded endothelium in vivo in a mouse preparation that recapitulates features of superficial erosion. Delivery of the PAD4 inhibitor GSK484 reduced NET accumulation at sites of intimal injury and preserved endothelial continuity.

Conclusions
NPs directed to Col IV show selective uptake and delivery of their payload to experimentally eroded regions, illustrating their translational potential. Our results further support the role of PAD4 and NETs in superficial erosion.
Clinical risk prediction models for the prognosis and management of acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Haghbayan Hourmazd , Gale Chris P , Chew Derek P , Brieger David , Fox Keith A , Goodman Shaun G , Yan Andrew T 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), particularly non-ST-segment elevation ACS, represent a spectrum of patients at variable risk of short- and long-term adverse clinical outcomes. Accurate prognostic assessment in this population requires the simultaneous consideration of multiple clinical and laboratory variables which may be under-recognized by the treating physicians, leading to an observed risk-treatment paradox in the use of invasive and pharmacological therapies. The routine application of established clinical risk scores, such as the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score, is recommended by major international clinical practice guidelines for structured risk stratification at the time of presentation, but uptake remains inconsistent. This article discusses the methodology of designing, deriving, and validating clinical risk scores, reviews the major validated risk scores for assessing prognosis in ACS, and examines their role in guiding clinical decision-making in ACS management, especially the timing of invasive coronary angiography. We also discuss emerging data on the impact of the routine use of such risk scores on patient management and clinical outcomes, as well as future directions for investigation in this field.
Host restriction, pathogenesis and chronic carriage of typhoidalSalmonella
Authors: J. Barton Amber , Hill Jennifer , J. Blohmke Christoph , J. Pollard Andrew 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTWhile conjugate vaccines against typhoid fever have recently been recommended by the World Health Organization for deployment, the lack of a vaccine against paratyphoid, multidrug resistance and chronic carriage all present challenges for the elimination of enteric fever. In the past decade, the development of in vitro and human challenge models has resulted in major advances in our understanding of enteric fever pathogenesis. In this review, we summarise these advances, outlining mechanisms of host restriction, intestinal invasion, interactions with innate immunity and chronic carriage, and discuss how this knowledge may progress future vaccines and antimicrobials.
Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting via a lower ministernotomy for left anterior descending artery myocardial bridging: mid-term results
Authors: Ghazy Ahmed , Alkady Hesham , Abugameh Ahmad , Buschmann Katja , Chaban Rayan , Schnelle Nalan , Kornberger Angela , Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Vahl C-F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Coronary artery bypass grafting or supra-arterial myotomy is now suggested as a better therapeutic option in myocardial bridging (MB) when medical treatment fails to control symptoms. For left anterior descending (LAD) MB, minimally invasive coronary artery bypass via a lower ministernotomy can be offered.

METHODS
Forty-four consecutive patients who underwent elective minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery from 2005 to 2014 via an inferior sternotomy using the left internal mammary artery as a bypass graft for LAD MB were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS
The mean age was 59.1 ± 13.1 years with 26 (59%) men and 18 (41%) women. The mean body mass index was 27.2 ± 3.9 and the mean EuroSCORE II was 1.6 ± 1.8. Routine coronary multislice computed tomography angiography on the 6th postoperative day revealed 97.7% graft patency. During the initial hospital stay, 1 patient (2.3%) underwent a reoperation for early graft failure. Forty patients (91%) could be followed up for a mean period of 64.4 ± 24.5 months after the procedure, during which 2 patients (4.5%) died of non-cardiac causes and 9 patients (20.5%) underwent postoperative coronary angiography with confirmed graft occlusion in only 1 case (2.3%). The improvement in the distribution of patients in the Canadian Cardiovascular Society class 0 was from 4 patients (9%) preoperatively to 37 patients (84%) at the end of the follow-up period (P-value 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery via a lower ministernotomy may be safe and efficient for treating LAD artery MB with acceptable complication rates, cosmetic benefits and patency rates.
Kinetic analysis of the inhibition mechanism of bovine mitochondrial F1-ATPase inhibitory protein using biochemical assay
Authors: Kobayashi Ryohei , Mori Sougo , Ueno Hiroshi , Noji Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is a mitochondrial regulatory protein that blocks ATP hydrolysis of F1-ATPase, by inserting its N-terminus into the rotor–stator interface of F1-ATPase. Although previous studies have proposed a two-step model for IF1-mediated inhibition, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we analysed the kinetics of IF1-mediated inhibition under a wide range of [ATP]s and [IF1]s, using bovine mitochondrial IF1 and F1-ATPase. Typical hyperbolic curves of inhibition rates with [IF1]s were observed at all [ATP]s tested, suggesting a two-step mechanism: the initial association of IF1 to F1-ATPase and the locking process, where IF1 blocks rotation by inserting its N-terminus. The initial association was dependent on ATP. Considering two principal rotation dwells, binding dwell and catalytic dwell, in F1-ATPase, this result means that IF1 associates with F1-ATPase in the catalytic-waiting state. In contrast, the isomerization process to the locking state was almost independent of ATP, suggesting that it is also independent of the F1-ATPase state. Further, we investigated the role of Glu30 or Tyr33 of IF1 in the two-step mechanism. Kinetic analysis showed that Glu30 is involved in the isomerization, whereas Tyr33 contributes to the initial association. Based on these findings, we propose an IF1-mediated inhibition scheme.
Immune Response and Hemolymph Microbiota ofApis melliferaandApis ceranaAfter the Challenge With RecombinantVarroaToxic Protein
Authors: Balakrishnan Balachandar , Wu Hua , Cao Li , Zhang Yi , Li Wenfeng , Han Richou 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe honey bee is a significant crop pollinator and key model insect for understanding social behavior, disease transmission, and development. The ectoparasitic Varroa destructor mite put threats on the honey bee industry. A Varroa toxic protein (VTP) from the saliva of Varroa mites contributes to the toxicity toward Apis cerana and the deformed wing virus elevation in Apis mellifera. However, the immune response and hemolymph microbiota of honey bee species after the injection of recombinant VTP has not yet been reported. In this study, both A. cerana and A. mellifera worker larvae were injected with the recombinant VTP. Then the expressions of the honey bee immune genes abaecin, defensin, and domeless at three time points were determined by qRT–PCR, and hemolymph microbial community were analyzed by culture-dependent method, after recombinant VTP injection. The mortality rates of A. cerana larvae were much higher than those of A. mellifera larvae after VTP challenge. VTP injection induced the upregulation of defensin gene expression in A. mellifera larvae, and higher levels of abaecin and domeless mRNAs response in A. cerana larvae, compared with the control (without any injection). Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) injection also upregulated the expression levels of abaecin, defensin, and domeless in A. mellifera and A. cerana larvae. Three bacterial species (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus cohnii, and Bacillus cereus) were isolated from the hemolymph of A. cerana larvae after VTP injection and at 48 h after PBS injections. Two bacterial species (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Staphylococcus aureus) were isolated from A. mellifera larvae after VTP challenge. No bacterial colonies were detected from the larval hemolymph of both honey bee species treated by injection only and the control. The result indicates that abaecin, defensin, and domeless genes and hemolymph microbiota respond to the VTP challenge. VTP injection might induce the dramatic growth of different bacterial species in the hemolymph of the injected larvae of A. mellifera and A. cerana, which provide cues for further studying the interactions among the honey bee, VTP, and hemolymph bacteria.