bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the serum cytokine profile in feline atopic skin syndrome
Authors: Vargo Cheryl , Gogal Robert , Barber James , Austel Michaela , Banovic Frane 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFeline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) is a pruritic and inflammatory skin disease commonly encountered in cats. Three previous reports evaluated cytokine immune activation in cats diagnosed with feline allergic dermatitis. However, no significant upregulations were observed in allergic cats compared to healthy controls.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo evaluate differences in the serum cytokine profile of cats diagnosed with FASS compared to healthy cats, and correlate serum markers with the extent of FASS skin disease using clinical scoring systems.AnimalsThirteen client‐owned FASS cats and 12 healthy control cats.Methods and materialsThirteen cytokine and chemokines from the serum of FASS cats and healthy controls were analysed using a commercially available feline‐specific multiplex assay.ResultsPatients with FASS had a significant increase in serum concentrations of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐13 and IL‐18. In addition, cytokine/chemokines involved in inflammation and chemotaxis [IL‐8, C‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand (CCL)5, CCL2 and CXCL12], as well as growth factors, stem cell factor and Fms‐related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), also were significantly elevated. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.64) between the serum levels of Flt3L and Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) score was observed.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the activation of a broad array of immune secretory cytokines in the serum of cats with FASS, which are largely associated with a mixed Th1 and Th2 inflammatory response along with specific growth factors. Further larger‐sample studies are needed to assess the modulation of serum biomarkers in FASS by pharmacological/therapeutic interventions.
Standardized capillary refill time and relation to clinical parameters in hospitalized dogs
Authors: Chalifoux Nolan V. , Spielvogel Carl F. , Stefanovski Darko , Silverstein Deborah C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the relationship between various physical and clinicopathologic parameters and the capillary refill time (CRT) using a standard method; to evaluate the influence of emergency room (ER) versus ICU hospital location on CRT; and to identify latent subgroups among the CRT distribution.DesignProspective, observational study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs in the ER (n = 40) and ICU (n = 71).InterventionsThe CRT was defined as the duration required for the oral mucosa of the upper lip to return to its original color after blanching for 4 seconds. The CRT was recorded in seconds to the 10ths place by a single observer using an automated recording device.Measurements and Main ResultsMedian CRT for all dogs was 1.1 seconds (ER, 1.2 s; ICU, 1.1 s; P = 1.000). The CRT was significantly associated with rectal temperature (P = 0.004), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.028), body weight (P = 0.031), mucous membrane color (P = 0.007), skin turgor (P = 0.039), and acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation mentation score (P = 0.019) for all dogs. The CRT was related to a greater number of variables in the ER than in the ICU patient population. In general, the total population of dogs had CRTs belonging to 1 of 2 groups: either ≤1.2 or ≥1.7 seconds. A statistically significant association was found between body weight CRT ≥1.3 seconds (P = 0.02).ConclusionsA CRT following blanching for 4 seconds may provide insight into the hydration status and hemodynamic stability of canine patients. Further research into its clinical application is warranted.
Correlation of sample‐to‐cut‐off ratio of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody chemiluminescent assay with neutralization activity: a prospective multi‐centric study in India
Authors: Tiwari Aseem K. , Negi Gita , Jaiswal Ram Mohan , Aggarwal Geet , Yadav Neeti , Kumar Virendra , Kulathu Krishnan 
Published: June 2021

Background and ObjectivesThere are limited published data on association of results from commercial serological anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody CLIA (chemiluminescent immunoassay) assays with neutralizing antibodies. This study was undertaken with an objective to correlate sample‐to‐cut‐off (S/Co) ratio of CLIA antibody tests with inhibition activity, which may then serve as a valuable guide for labelling plasma as COVID convalescent plasma (CCP) for therapy and assessing vaccine efficacy.Materials and MethodsA total of 139 donor serum samples who were previously RT‐PCR positive and had recovered completely from COVID‐19 at least 28 days prior to collection of samples were recruited at three sites. The samples were analysed for S/Co ratio and per cent inhibition activity with VITROS SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG chemiluminescent assay and GenScript cPass SARS‐CoV‐2 Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test (sVNT) kit, respectively. Linear regression equation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to check the proposed model of comparing S/Co with per cent inhibition.ResultsThe results indicate very good correlation between the S/Co ratio of the chemiluminescent IgG assay and the neutralization activity depicted by per cent inhibition on sVNT assay. S/Co ratio of 4·04 (low‐titre) and 8·19 (high‐titre) correlated with 30% and 68% inhibition, respectively.ConclusionChemiluminescent SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG assay can be used as a semi‐quantitative test, with a cut‐off of >8·19S/Co ratio for selecting donors for convalescent plasma therapy and assessing efficacy of vaccination.
A Transfer Entropy Based Approach for Fault Isolation in Industrial Robots
Authors: Vallachira Sathish , Norrlof Mikael , Orkisz Michal , Butail Sachit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we cast the problem of fault isolation in industrial robots as that of causal analysis within coupled dynamical processes and evaluate the related efficacy of the information-theoretic approach of transfer entropy. To create a realistic and exhaustive dataset, we simulate wear-induced failure by increasing friction coefficient on select axes within an in-house robotic simulation tool that incorporates an elastic gearbox model. The source axis of failure is identified as one which has the highest net transfer entropy across all pairs of axes. In an exhaustive simulation study, we vary the friction successively in each axis across three common industrial tasks: pick and place, spot welding, and arc welding. Our results show that transfer entropy-based approach is able to detect the axis of failure more than 80% of the time when the friction coefficient is 5% above the nominal value and always when friction coefficient is 10% above the nominal value. The transfer entropy approach is more than twice as accurate as cross-correlation, a classical time series analysis used to identify directional dependence among processes.
Experimental Study on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Gasoline Compression Ignition Engines Under Cooperative Control of Operating Parameters
Authors: Wang Yuke , Wu Changkun , Pan Mingzhang , Pan Jiaying 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of cooperative-control of the start of injection (SOI), excess air ratio (λ), internal exhaust gas recirculation (I-EGR), and intake air temperature (IAT) on the combustion and emission characteristics of gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engines, especially regards to the combustion stability and knock characteristics. And optimizing the GCI engine combustion and emissions through the cooperative control of multiple parameters is the innovation of this research. The results showed that advancing the SOI and increasing the I-EGR ratio can significantly expand the low-load limit, but the heating effect of 20% I-EGR only worked when the SOI was earlier. An appropriate increase of λ could increase the maximum brake thermal efficiency (BTE) to 40.06%, but resulted in high-knock probability and high NOx emissions. Rising the IAT was more effective than advancing the SOI in improving combustion fluctuations, but the knock probability and knock intensity were more sensitive to the early SOI. When the SOI varied from 26 °CA BTDC to 30 °CA BTDC, λ was 1–1.5, the I-EGR ratio was 5%–20%, and the IAT was 40–50 °C; the GCI engine can obtain the balance among high thermal efficiency, high combustion stability, low knock probability, and low emissions.
Critical Review of Emulsion Stability and Characterization Techniques in Oil Processing
Authors: Angardi Vahideh , Ettehadi Ali , Yücel Özgün 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEffective separation of water and oil dispersions is considered a critical step in the determination of technical and economic success in the petroleum industry over the years. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the emulsification process and different affected parameters is essential for cost-effective oil production, transportation, and downstream processing. Numerous studies conducted on the concept of dispersion characterization indicate the importance of this concept, which deserves attention by the scientific community. Therefore, a comprehensive review study with critical analysis on significant concepts will help readers follow them easily. This study is a comprehensive review of the concept of dispersion characterization and conducted studies recently published. The main purposes of this review are to: (1) highlight flaws, (2) outline gaps and weaknesses, (3) address conflicts, (4) prevent duplication of effort, and (5) list factors affecting dispersion. It was found that the separation efficiency and stability of dispersions are affected by different chemical and physical factors. Factors affecting the stability of the emulsions have been studied in detail and will help to look for the right action to ensure stable emulsions. In addition, methods of ensuring stability, especially coalescence are highlighted, and coalescence mathematical explanations of phenomena are presented.
The Construction of Superhydrophobic Structure on Stainless Steel by an Optimized Chemical Etching Technics
Authors: Hu Huixiang , Hong Xiaozhe , Gao Yan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Austenitic stainless steel is a widely used engineering material in industry and daily life due to its excellent corrosion resistance. The construction of superhydrophobic structure on stainless steel can endow it with special wetting properties and open up new paths for its application. In this study, stainless steel plate was first etched in a hydrofluoric acid solution with a low concentration of 40 wt%, and a micro-nano structure was obtained in a short time of 2 h. The surface was then modified in myristic acid to achieve superhydrophobicity. The superhydrophobic structure on the steel showed a high contact angle (CA) of 166 deg, excellent self-cleaning performance, and greatly improved corrosion resistance compared with the original counterpart. Meanwhile, its wear durability was evaluated by sandpaper abrasion test and the superhydrophobic structure maintained its property after moving 125 cm on the 1000-grit sandpaper under a pressure of 3.2 kPa.
An Analytical Solution for the Initiation and Early Progression of Fretting Wear in Spherical Contacts
Authors: Yang Huaidong , Green Itzhak 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article derives analytical solutions to calculate the wear volume at the initiation of fretting motion and its early progression over the first few oscillation cycles. The Archard-based model considers a deformable hemisphere that is contact with a deformable flat block. The material pairs investigated are special alloys, the Inconel 617/Incoloy 800H, and Inconel 617/Inconel 617. The analytical study begins with a unidirectional frictional sliding contact, where the local interfacial sliding distance and the nominal sliding distance at the initiation of gross slip are derived. The obtained analytical expressions for unidirectional sliding are then used to derive the corresponding wear volume for the initiation and early progression of gross slip and the wear volume for a general fretting cycle under elastic conditions. These analytical derivations are all verified by the finite element analysis (FEA). The FEA method and the analytical solutions render virtually identical results for both similar and dissimilar material pairs. The effects of plasticity on the wear volume under elastic–plastic conditions are also investigated. It is found that the fretting wear volumes obtained from the FEA simulations, which include plasticity, are close to those obtained from the analytical expressions for purely elastic regimes. All the results are presented in normalized forms, which can be easily generalized and applied to three-dimensional fretting wear of other material pairs.
Melting and Ejecta Produced by High Velocity Microparticle Impacts of Steel on Tin
Authors: Lienhard Jasper , Veysset David , Nelson Keith A. , Schuh Christopher A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
At sufficiently high velocities, a microparticle impacting a metal substrate can cause ejection of material from the substrate and impact-induced melting, both of which can result in erosion. Here, we directly image the impact of individual hard steel microparticles on soft tin substrates, at controlled impact velocities in the range of ∼100 to 1000 m/s. By using scanning electron and laser scanning confocal microscopy, we characterize the surface morphology, depth, and volume of each impact crater. We observe a gradual onset of impact-induced melting in the craters, as well as the production of increasing amounts of ejecta from the target metal. By comparing measurements of impact and rebound velocity to an elastic-plastic model, we observe that at a high enough impact velocity, melting and ejection begin to consume additional kinetic energy beyond that expected by plastic deformation of the target material alone. By calculating the excess energy dissipation using this elastic-plastic model, we show that although this divergent behavior is associated with the onset of melting, the majority of the ejected volume must be solid rather than liquid.
Hybrid Reduction Techniques With Covariate Shift Optimization in High-Dimensional Track Geometry
Authors: Balogun Ibrahim , Attoh-Okine Nii 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In discussions of track geometry, track safety takes precedence over other requirements because its shortfall often leads to unrecoverable loss. Track geometry is unanimously positioned as the index for safety evaluation—corrective or predictive—to predict the rightful maintenance regime based on track conditions. A recent study has shown that track defect probability thresholds can best be explored using a hybrid index. Hence, a dimension reduction technique that combines both safety components and geometry quality is needed. It is observed that dimensional space representation of track parameters without prior covariate shift evaluation could affect the overall distribution as the underlying discrepancies could pose a problem for the accuracy of the prediction. In this study, the authors applied a covariate shift framework to track geometry parameters before applying the dimension reduction techniques. While both principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (TSNE) are viable techniques that express the probability distribution of parameters based on correlation in their embedded space and inclination to maximize the variance, shift distribution evaluation should be considered. In conclusion, we demonstrate that our framework can detect and evaluate a covariate shift likelihood in a high-dimensional track geometry defect problem.
Discrete Cosserat Method for Soft Manipulators Workspace Estimation: An Optimization-Based Approach
Authors: Walid Amehri , Zheng Gang , Kruszewski Alexandre , Renda Federico 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article investigates the workspace estimation of soft manipulators. Given a configuration of such a soft robot, with the bounded actuators, the discrete Cosserat method is adopted to deduce the mathematical model of soft manipulators, based on which an optimization-based approach is proposed to estimate the workspace. Implemented to various soft manipulators’ configurations, numerical simulations are provided to highlight the feasibility of the proposed methodology.
Implementation of an App-Based Blended Mindfulness Intervention in a Bundesliga Youth Academy Targeting Goalkeepers: A Case Study
Authors: Kittler Christoph , Stenzel Lukas , Jekauc Darko , Stoll Oliver 
Published: June 2021

Integrating extensive sport psychological interventions into the daily routine of young football players poses a problem. This case study aimed to describe the implementation of an app-based blended mindfulness intervention in a German Bundesliga youth academy to improve goalkeepers’ (n = 6) attention. A mindfulness app was combined with regular group workshops. The study included an outcome evaluation based on pre- and postintervention assessments of attention performance and process evaluation based on recorded training time and collected qualitative data. The results showed an improvement in the players’ Frankfurt Attention Inventory-2Lscores andKscores. The training time with the app was low (M = 30.51 min), but high (M = 200.00 min) without the app. To implement an app-based intervention successfully, the results imply that players need more assistance with the app, and time management and informal training should be incorporated into sport-specific exercises.
Choroidal thickness and vessel pattern in myopic eyes with dome-shaped macula
Authors: Negrier Pierre , Couturier Aude , Gaucher David , Touhami Sara , Le Guern Guillaume , Tadayoni Ramin , Gaudric Alain , Philippakis Elise 
Published: June 2021

AimTo analyse the choroidal thickness (CT) and vessel pattern of myopic patients with dome-shaped macula (DSM) and their association with the DSM axis and serous retinal detachment (SRD).MethodsRetrospective study. The CT and vessel pattern were assessed on optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography and ultra-wide-field photography.Results27 eyes of 18 subjects (mean age: 65 years) were included. Compared with the 11 eyes (41%) with horizontal DSM, the 16 eyes (59%) with vertical DSM had a shorter axial length (25.8±2 mm vs 28.3±2.5 mm; p=0.01), a higher mean macular bulge height (624.4±207 µm vs 255.4±160.3 µm; p=0.0001) and a thicker CT (183.1±91.1 µm vs 72±38.3 µm; p<0.001). Large choroidal vessels crossed the macular area in 75% of eyes with vertical DSM vs 27% of eyes with horizontal DSM (p=0.02), whereas a watershed zone framing the macula was more often seen in horizontal DSM (72% vs 25%, p=0.02). Thirteen eyes (48%) had an SRD that was not associated with the DSM axis, the mean bulge height, the CT or the vessel pattern.ConclusionThe presence of an SRD did not correlate with the DSM axis, the CT or the vessel pattern. However, the rate of large choroidal vessels crossing the macula was higher in vertical DSM than in horizontal DSM.
Long-term evaluation of anterior lens density after implantable collamer lens V4c implantation in patients with myopia over 40 years old
Authors: Ye Yuhao , Zhao Jing , Niu Lingling , Shi Wanru , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of implantable collamer lens (ICL) V4c implantation and changes in the anterior lens density (ALD) in patients with myopia ≥40 years of age.MethodsThis prospective study included 104 eyes of 52 patients >40 years of age before ICL V4c implantation. Spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume and anterior chamber angle preoperatively, at 1 and 3 months, and at 3 years postoperatively were recorded. Pentacam HR was used to analyse ALD changes at a depth of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm within a 3 mm diameter range around the pupil’s centre.ResultsThe overall follow-up was uneventful at 42±7.1 months; the safety index at last follow-up was 1.26±0.35 and the efficacy index was 0.91±0.41. No eye lost the Snellen line of CDVA, 76% of the eyes had an increase in CDVA for ≥1 line and 62% had an SE within ±0.50 dioptre. The increase in ALD at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mm was 16.52%±10.46%, 16.72%±9.85% and 17.28%±11.93%, respectively. Preoperative, 1-month and 3-month postoperative ALDs showed correlations with SE and age, and ALD at last follow-up was correlated only with age. There was no correlation between ALD and any other parameters.ConclusionICL V4c shows long-term safety and efficacy in people ≥40 years of age. ALD increased in such patients, which may be related to age and SE.
Algorithm for the support of non-related (serious) adverse events in an Ebola vaccine trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Lemey Gwen , Larivière Ynke , Zola Trésor Matuvanga , Maketa Vivi , Matangila Junior , Mitashi Patrick , Vermeiren Peter , Thys Séverine , De Bie Jessie , Muhindo Hypolite Mavoko , Ravinetto Raffaella , Van Damme Pierre , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre 
Published: June 2021

Implementing an Ebola vaccine trial in a remote area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and being confronted with a dysfunctional health care system and acute unmet health needs of participants, ethical considerations were made regarding the ancillary care obligations of the sponsor and researchers. Spurred by the occurrence of non-related (serious) adverse events (NR-SAEs), the Universities of Antwerp and Kinshasa jointly developed an algorithm, accompanied by an algorithm policy. The algorithm consists of a set of consecutive questions with binary response options, leading to structured, non-arbitrary and consistent support and management for each NR-SAE. It is the result of dialogue and collaboration between the sponsor (University of Antwerp) and the principal investigator (University of Kinshasa), consultation of literature, and input of research ethics and social sciences experts. The characteristics of the project and its budgetary framework were taken into account, as well as the local socioeconomic and healthcare situation. The algorithm and related policy have been approved by the relevant ethics committee (EC), so field implementation will begin when the study activities resume in November 2021. Lessons learnt will be shared with the relevant stakeholders within and outside DRC.If NR-SAEs are not covered by a functioning social welfare system, sponsors and researchers should develop a feasible, standardised and transparent approach to the provision of ancillary care. National legislation and contextualised requirements are therefore needed, particularly in low/middle-income countries, to guide researchers and sponsors in this process. Protocols, particularly of clinical trials conducted in areas with ‘access to care’ constraints, should include adequate ancillary care arrangements. Furthermore, it is essential that local ECs systematically require ancillary care provisions to enhance the well-being and protection of the rights of research participants. This project was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.