bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dynamic electrically driven soft valve for control of soft hydraulic actuators
Authors: Xu Siyi , Chen Yufeng , Hyun Nak-seung P. , Becker Kaitlyn P. , Wood Robert J. 
Published: August 2021

SignificanceSoft actuators have advantages over traditional rigid robots in various applications due to their robustness, low mechanical stiffness, and low weight. Thus far, conventional rigid valves are the most common approach to control hydraulic soft actuators. Although soft valves have been designed in various forms, they have not achieved the pressure or flow rate conditions as required by many existing hydraulic actuators. In this paper, we introduce an electrically driven soft valve using dynamic dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). These soft valves have a fast response time and are able to control fluidic pressure and flow rates that match the needs of hydraulic actuators with mesoscale channels. The DEA valves enable possibilities for soft onboard controls for future fluidic soft robots.
Corrigendum: Development of Marine Ecotourism in Indonesia: Case of Maligi Nature Reserve, Province of West Sumatra (2021 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 695 012029)
Authors: Zamzami L. , Azwar  , Ermayanti  , Hendrawati  
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Mechanical behavior of open-cell aluminium foams filled with tin-bronze foams
Authors: Feng Qiang , Liao Changzhong , Wu Xueyan , Zhang Qian , Yu Li 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe interior pore of open-cell aluminium foams filled with bronze foams is a new method of preparing aluminium foams composite. The voids of bronze foams were fabricated byin situthermal decomposition of space-holder in a powder metallurgical sintering process. Cu3Sn phase content is observed to increase through phase transformation at the expense of Cu6Sn5and aluminium-matrix during isothermal aging. The effect of bronze foams porosity on the interface microstructure between aluminium-matrix and the filler has been investigated. The ‘bulge’ shape appears in the compressive stress-strain curve of aluminium foams composite, which is sharply different from single-component metal foams. According to the characteristic of the stress distribution, the stress-strain curves can be divided into 4 stages: quasi-linear region, stress decrease region, plateau stress region and densification region. The effect of bronze foams filler relative density on the first maximum stress and absorbed energy density of aluminium foams composite was also studied. The results suggest incorporating bronze foams in the aluminium foams pores is an effective method to improve the mechanical properties of open-cell aluminium foams.
Mechanical properties and drug loading rate of a polycaprolactone 5-fluorouracil controlled drug delivery system
Authors: Gao Yang , Li Jiapu , Xu Chao , Hou Zhenzhong , Yang Laixia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the context of precision medicine, controlled drug delivery systems (CDDSs) have become a research focus. The structural integrity of CDDSs is critical for ensuring an acceptable drug release rule; hence, a CDDS must possess appropriate mechanical properties. In this study, a polycaprolactone/5-fluorouracil (PCL/5-Fu) CDDS was fabricated via solvent evaporation, and the effects of the PCL molecular weight and 5-Fu loading rate on the mechanical properties of the CDDS were evaluated. The results of tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy, and substance analysis indicated that when the content of 5-Fu was less than 9.09% in the developed CDDS, 5-Fu was completely compatible with PCL, and no crystal aggregation was induced. In addition, the maximum 5-Fu loading rate required to retain acceptable mechanical properties was 23.08%, and the corresponding tensile strength of the sample was 12.9 MPa. This strength is sufficient to prevent structural failure and instantaneous drug release due to strength reduction during application of the drug delivery system. In-vitro experimental results demonstrated that the PCL/5-Fu CDDS can achieve controlled drug release over 1000 h. These findings provide a basis for establishing a drug release model for the proposed CDDS.
Evaluation of detatchable board-to-board interconnects on screen printed electronic structures
Authors: Schirmer Julian , Hümmer Michael , Klauß Matthias , Neermann Simone , Reichenberger Marcus , Franke Jörg 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hybrid printed electronics (HPE) combines advantages of conventional electronics manufacturing technologies such as surface mount technology with those of printed electronics in order to realize more complex electronic systems. To realize the final product, such HPE subassemblies have to be connected to higher-level assemblies. So far interconnection techniques for the so-called level 3 interconnection between printed subsystems and standard electronics have not yet been considered adequately in scientific research. In this paper, alternative detachable level 3 interconnection technologies, i.e. spring loaded contact pins, zero insertion force (ZIF) as well as Non-ZIF connectors are investigated systematically regarding their electrical behaviour against the background of printed electronics. Screen-printed silver filled polymer thick film paste is used to realize printed conductor patterns on flexible polymer substrates, which are connected later on with the alternatives mentioned above. Transition resistance is measured using the four wire method as produced, after repeated mating cycles as well as after accelerated aging tests. The various electrical contacts are subjected to thermal stress in temperature cycling testing and during aging at a constant high temperature. As a result it can be stated, that the sping-loaded contact pins used in this investigation show superior behavior compared with the selected connectors in terms of resistance increase after mating cycles. Concerning long-term behavior after thermal cyling and high temperature storage, all investigated alternaives reveal convincing results.
Evaluation of 30-Minute Office Blood Pressure in a Diverse Urban Population
Authors: Philbrick Ann M , Mahoney Mélanie T , Harris Ila M , Carlin Caroline S , Fallert Christopher 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown benefits of 30-minute office blood pressure (OBP-30) but did not report on race and gender. The purpose of this study was to determine if similar effects are seen in a diverse urban population.

METHODS
Patients with diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease (age 18–89) were invited to participate. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedure (SOBP). Patients were left alone in an exam room connected to an automated office blood pressure monitor which obtained BP readings every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. The last 5 measurements were averaged for the OBP-30 measurement. Primary outcomes were BPs measured using SOBP and OBP-30. Multivariate logit methods were used to estimate the average probability of having a BP measured &lt;140/90 mm Hg (BPM &lt;140/90) for the 2 measurement methods. Differences were computed across methods, in total and by sex and race, all other factors held constant.

RESULTS
The adjusted probability of having a BPM &lt;140/90 was 47.1% using SOBP and 66.7% using OBP-30 (P &lt; 0.01). Using SOBP, females had a 26.2 PP lower probability of having a BPM &lt;140/90 (P &lt; 0.001) than males. Relative to white patients, Black patients had a 43.9 PP lower (P &lt; 0.001) and other races a 38.5 PP lower (P &lt; 0.001) probability of having a BPM &lt;140/90 using SOBP. Using OBP-30, these differences narrowed and became statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS
OBP-30 may increase the probability of BPM meeting goals, especially in females and patients who are Black, indigenous, or persons of color.
Reduced cortico-muscular beta coupling in Parkinson’s disease predicts motor impairment
Authors: Zokaei Nahid , Quinn Andrew J , Hu Michele T , Husain Masud , van Ede Freek , Nobre Anna Christina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Long-range communication through the motor system is thought to be facilitated by phase coupling between neural activity in the 15–30 Hz beta range. During periods of sustained muscle contraction (grip), such coupling is manifest between motor cortex and the contralateral forearm muscles—measured as the cortico-muscular coherence. We examined alterations in cortico-muscular coherence in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, while equating grip strength between individuals with Parkinson’s disease (off their medication) and healthy control participants. We show a marked reduction in beta cortico-muscular coherence in the Parkinson’s disease group, even though the grip strength was comparable between the two groups. Moreover, the reduced cortico-muscular coherence was related to motor symptoms, so that individuals with lower cortico-muscular coherence also displayed worse motor symptoms. These findings highlight the cortico-muscular coherence as a simple, effective and clinically relevant neural marker of Parkinson’s disease pathology, with the potential to aid monitoring of disease progression and the efficacy of novel treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
Centre–Periphery in the EU-20: a classification based on factor analysis and cluster analysis
Authors: Del Río-Casasola Alfredo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
One of the main targets of the European Union (EU) is the achievement of economic convergence among its member states. However, economic and social differences have not been diminishing. Over the past decade, asymmetries have become more obvious and use of the expression ‘European periphery’ has increased significantly. The ambiguity around this term has led to the development of a classification based on the Latin American Structuralist School and Dependency Theory, adapting these approaches to the European economies at present. Through factor analysis, we obtain a rigorous and consistent classification of a representative group of European countries, the EU-20, which allows us to identify the most relevant asymmetries between two clusters: the centre and the periphery. Moreover, analysis over time, examining data from 1995 to 2014, enables us to detect important changes in these classifications as well as the composition of the two clusters.
Can you picture it? Photo elicitation in qualitative cardiovascular health research
Authors: Lauck Sandra B. , Oliffe John L. , Stephenson Anna , Adhami Nassim 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Photo elicitation offers novel opportunities to augment the qualitative research toolbox. The use of photographs can enrich connections with participants, and empower them to be creative and engaged to communicate their insights, priorities, and perspectives. There is growing evidence of the effective use of photo elicitation in health research, with emerging interest in the cardiovascular community. Careful study planning, including attention to equipment, participant training, photograph selection, data collection, and ethical consideration, is essential. Detailed reporting of the study design and rationale for use of photographs, conceptual thinking underpinnings, elicitation process, and analytical plan contribute to strengthening the methodological approach.
Rapid high-resolution detection of colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria using flow cytometry: a comparison with broth microdilution, a commercial screening test and WGS
Authors: Ekelund Oskar , Klokkhammer Hetland Marit Andrea , Høyland Löhr Iren , Schön Thomas , Somajo Sofia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Even though both EUCAST and CLSI consider broth microdilution (BMD) as the reference method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of colistin, the method exhibits potential flaws related to properties of the colistin molecule.

Objectives
To develop a flow cytometry method (FCM) for colistin AST and to validate it against BMD, a commercial screening test and WGS.

Methods
Colistin-mediated loss of membrane integrity in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. was detected with the fluorescent probe YoPro-1 by FCM. An international collection of 65 resistant and 109 susceptible isolates were analysed and the colistin concentration required to reach the EC50 was compared with the BMD MIC and the presence of genotypic resistance markers.

Results
The overall FCM sensitivity and specificity for colistin resistance was 89% and 94%, with E. coli &gt; K. pneumoniae &gt; P. aeruginosa, whereas the performance for Acinetobacter spp. was poor. All tested E. coli were correctly categorized. Three K. pneumoniae isolates with genotypic findings consistent with colistin resistance were detected by FCM but not BMD. Compared with BMD, FCM delivered AST results with a 75% reduction of time.

Conclusions
Here, we present a rapid FCM-based AST assay for qualitative and quantitative testing of colistin resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The assay revealed probable chromosomal colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae that was not detected by BMD. If confirmed, these results question the reliability of BMD for colistin testing.
Navigating sociocultural disparities in relation to infection and antibiotic resistance—the need for an intersectional approach
Authors: Charani Esmita , Mendelson Marc , Ashiru-Oredope Diane , Hutchinson Eleanor , Kaur Manmeet , McKee Martin , Mpundu Mirfin , Price James R , Shafiq Nusrat , Holmes Alison 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
One of the key drivers of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and drug-resistant bacterial infections is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human populations. Infection management and antibiotic decision-making are multifactorial, complex processes influenced by context and involving many actors. Social constructs including race, ethnicity, gender identity and cultural and religious practices as well as migration status and geography influence health. Infection and ABR are also affected by these external drivers in individuals and populations leading to stratified health outcomes. These drivers compromise the capacity and resources of healthcare services already over-burdened with drug-resistant infections. In this review we consider the current evidence and call for a need to broaden the study of culture and power dynamics in healthcare through investigation of relative power, hierarchies and sociocultural constructs including structures, race, caste, social class and gender identity as predictors of health-providing and health-seeking behaviours. This approach will facilitate a more sustainable means of addressing the threat of ABR and identify vulnerable groups ensuring greater inclusivity in decision-making. At an individual level, investigating how social constructs and gender hierarchies impact clinical team interactions, communication and decision-making in infection management and the role of the patient and carers will support better engagement to optimize behaviours. How people of different race, class and gender identity seek, experience and provide healthcare for bacterial infections and use antibiotics needs to be better understood in order to facilitate inclusivity of marginalized groups in decision-making and policy.
Seascape Genetics of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis) Based on Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: do Amaral Karina Bohrer , Barragán-Barrera Dalia C , Mesa-Gutiérrez Roosevelt A , Farías-Curtidor Nohelia , Caballero Gaitán Susana Josefina , Méndez-Fernandez Paula , Santos Marcos C Oliveira , Rinaldi Caroline , Rinaldi Renato , Siciliano Salvatore , Martín Vidal , Carrillo Manuel , de Meirelles Ana Carolina O , Franco-Trecu Valentina , Fagundes Nelson J R , Moreno Ignacio Benites , Lacey Knowles L , Amaral Ana Rita 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) is endemic to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout its distribution, both geographic distance and environmental variation may contribute to population structure of the species. In this study, we follow a seascape genetics approach to investigate population differentiation of Atlantic spotted dolphins based on a large worldwide dataset and the relationship with marine environmental variables. The results revealed that the Atlantic spotted dolphin exhibits population genetic structure across its distribution based on mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA-CR) data. Analyses based on the contemporary landscape suggested, at both the individual and population level, that the population genetic structure is consistent with the isolation-by-distance model. However, because geography and environmental matrices were correlated, and because in some, but not all analyses, we found a significant effect for the environment, we cannot rule out the addition contribution of environmental factors in structuring genetic variation. Future analyses based on nuclear data are needed to evaluate whether local processes, such as social structure and some level of philopatry within populations, may be contributing to the associations among genetic structure, geographic, and environmental distance.
Differential expression of microRNAs in human endometrium after implantation of an intrauterine contraceptive device containing copper
Authors: Fan Xiaorong , Huang Jin , Xu Chengcheng , Bao Meng , Xia Wei , Zhu Changhong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Intrauterine devices containing copper placement will release a large amount of Cu2+ into the uterine fluid, leading to local endometrial damage and inflammation, which is considered to be one of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Studies have shown that the metabolism and function of metal ions are related to the regulation of microRNA. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in endometrial microRNA levels after implantation of an intrauterine device containing copper and to preliminarily explore the signalling pathways involved in abnormal uterine bleeding. The subjects were fertile women, aged 25–35, without major obstetrics and gynaecology diseases. Human endometrial tissues were collected before implantation or removal of the intrauterine device containing copper. High-throughput microRNA sequencing was performed on human endometrial tissues, and real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of relevant genes. MicroRNA sequencing results showed that 72 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the endometrial tissue after the insertion of the intrauterine device containing copper. Implantation of an intrauterine device containing copper implantation can up-regulate the expression of miR-144-3p in endometrial tissue, and therefore, decreases the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to endometrial injury and tissue repair, including the MT/NF-κB/MMP damage pathway and the THBS-1/TGF-β/SMAD3 repair pathway. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of abnormal uterine bleeding due to an intrauterine device containing copper were preliminarily investigated. The information will be beneficial for the clinical treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding caused by intrauterine device.
Effect of Intravenous Thrombolysis on Clot Survival during Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes
Authors: Shehabeldin Mohamed , Eby Brendan , Wallace Adam N , Salter Amber , Chatterjee Arindam R , Osbun Joshua W , Moran Christopher J , Cross DeWitte T , Kansagra Akash P 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The benefit of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is uncertain. Conventional metrics of final modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) score and 90-d modified Rankin Scale may be insensitive to IVT effects on procedural complexity and duration.

OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of IVT prior to MT on clot survival.

METHODS
We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 257 acute stroke patients with LVO undergoing MT and analyzed the effect of IVT prior to MT using a novel, pass-by-pass clot survival methodology.

RESULTS
The use of IVT was associated with a significantly lower number of passes to attain mTICI 2B or greater (P = .002) or mTICI 3 (P = .039) reperfusion. The number of patients who achieved mTICI 2B or greater after the first pass was significantly higher in the IVT group (P = .003). This increased rate of reperfusion persisted into subsequent passes.

CONCLUSION
IVT prior to MT reduces the number of thrombectomy passes required to achieve mTICI 2B or mTICI 3 reperfusion. This information should be considered as the merits of IVT prior to MT are debated.
Safety of Valganciclovir 450 mg 3 Times Weekly for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Requiring Hemodialysis
Authors: Ecabert Danielle , Pham Christine , Pierce Brett J , Musick William L , Nguyen Duc T , Graviss Edward A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Valganciclovir is the most commonly used antiviral for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients. However, there are limited clinical outcomes-supported data available to guide valganciclovir dosing in patients on hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to assess the safety of our institution’s current dosing strategy of valganciclovir 450 mg 3 times weekly post-HD.

Methods
This was a single-center retrospective review of all adult nonkidney transplant recipients between May 2016 and June 2018. Patients with end-stage renal disease requiring HD for &gt;28 days posttransplant receiving valganciclovir 450 mg 3 times weekly post-HD were matched with non-HD patients receiving valganciclovir prophylaxis dosed per renal function. The primary endpoints were incidence of leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia while on valganciclovir prophylaxis.

Results
A total of 465 nonkidney transplants were performed during the study period, with 37 patients included in the HD group who were matched to 111 control patients in the non-HD group. Liver transplant recipients comprised 84% and 72% of each group, with none being CMV D+/R−. The rates of leukopenia (51.4% vs 51.4%, P = 1.00), severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count &lt;500 cells/µL, 15.8% vs 14.0%, P = .85), and thrombocytopenia (24.3% vs 20.7%, P = .64) were similar in both HD and non-HD groups. There were no cases of CMV infection while on valganciclovir prophylaxis in either group.

Conclusions
Valganciclovir 450 mg 3 times weekly was found to have similar rates of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and CMV infection in comparison to valganciclovir dosed per renal function in non-HD transplant recipients.