bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Torsional Stiffness Improvement of a Soft Pneumatic Finger Using Embedded Skeleton
Authors: Lotfiani Amin , Zhao Huichan , Shao Zhufeng , Yi Xili 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Silicone-based pneumatic actuators are among the most widely used soft actuators in adaptable fingers. However, due to the soft nature of silicone, the performance of these fingers is highly affected by the low torsional stiffness, which may cause failure in grasping and manipulation. To address this problem, a compact design is proposed by embedding a rigid skeleton into a soft pneumatic finger. A finite element approach with an analysical model is used to evaluate the performance of the fingers both with and without the skeleton. Then, a series of experiments is performed to study the bending motion and rigidity of the fingers. The results reveal that the skeleton increases the torsional stiffness of the finger up to 300%. Furthermore, the consistency with the experimental data indicates the good precision of the proposed modeling method. Finally, a two-finger hand is designed to evaluate the performance of the reinforced finger in reality. The grasp experiments illustrate that the hybrid finger with the skeleton is highly adaptable and can successfully grasp and manipulate heavy objects. Thus, a potential approach is proposed to improve the torsional stiffness of silicone-based pneumatic fingers while maintaining adaptability.
The lead-up to the Sturtian Snowball Earth: Neoproterozoic chemostratigraphy time-calibrated by the Tambien Group of Ethiopia
Authors: Park Yuem , Swanson-Hysell Nicholas L. , MacLennan Scott A. , Maloof Adam C. , Gebreslassie Mulubrhan , Tremblay Marissa M. , Schoene Blair , Alene Mulugeta , Anttila Eliel S.C. , Tesema Tadele , Haileab Bereket 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Tonian-Cryogenian Tambien Group of northern Ethiopia is a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequence that culminates in glacial deposits associated with the first of the Cryogenian glaciations—the Sturtian “Snowball Earth.” Tambien Group deposition occurred atop arc volcanics and volcaniclastics of the Tsaliet Group. New U-Pb isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) dates demonstrate that the transition between the Tsaliet and Tambien Groups occurred at ca. 820 Ma in western exposures and ca. 795 Ma in eastern exposures, which is consistent with west to east arc migration and deposition in an evolving back-arc basin. The presence of intercalated tuffs suitable for high-precision geochronology within the Tambien Group enable temporal constraints on stratigraphic data sets of the interval preceding, and leading into, the Sturtian glaciation. Recently discovered exposures of Sturtian glacial deposits and underlying Tambien Group strata in the Samre Fold-Thrust Belt present the opportunity to further utilize this unique association of tuffs and carbonate lithofacies. U-Pb ID-TIMS ages from zircons indicate that Tambien Group carbonates were deposited from ca. 820 Ma until 0–2 m.y. before the onset of the Sturtian glaciation, making the group host to a relatively complete carbonate stratigraphy leading into this glaciation. New δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr data and U-Pb ID-TIMS ages from the Tambien Group are used in conjunction with previously published isotopic and geochronologic data to construct newly time-calibrated composite Tonian carbon and strontium isotope curves. Tambien Group δ13C data and U-Pb ID-TIMS ages reveal that a pre-Sturtian sharp negative δ13C excursion (referred to as the Islay anomaly in the literature) precedes the Sturtian glaciation by ∼18 m.y., is synchronous in at least two separate basins, and is followed by a prolonged interval of positive δ13C values. The composite Tonian 87Sr/86Sr curve shows that, following an extended interval of low and relatively invariant values, inferred seawater 87Sr/86Sr rose ca. 880–770 Ma, then subsequently decreased leading up to the ca. 717 Ma initiation of the Sturtian glaciation. These data, when combined with a simple global weathering model and analyses of the timing and paleolatitude of large igneous province eruptions and arc accretion events, suggest that the 87Sr/86Sr increase was influenced by increased subaerial weathering of radiogenic lithologies as Rodinia rifted apart at low latitudes. The following 87Sr/86Sr decrease is consistent with enhanced subaerial weathering of arc lithologies accreting in the tropics over tens of millions of years, lowering pCO2 and contributing to the initiation of the Sturtian glaciation.
Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Horga Laura Maria , Henckel Johann , Fotiadou Anastasia , Hirschmann Anna , Torlasco Camilla , Di Laura Anna , D'Silva Andrew , Sharma Sanjay , Moon James , Hart Alister 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the short-term impact of long-distance running on knee joints using MRI.Methods82 healthy adults participating in their first marathon underwent 3T (Tesla) MRI of both knees 6 months before and half a month after the marathon: 71 completed both the 4 month-long standardised training programme and the marathon; and 11 dropped-out during training and did not run the marathon. Two senior musculoskeletal radiologists graded the internal knee structures using validated scoring systems. Participants completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaires at each visit for self-reporting knee function.ResultsPremarathon and pretraining MRI showed signs of damage, without symptoms, to several knee structures in the majority of the 82 middle-aged volunteers. However, after the marathon, MRI showed a reduction in the radiological score of damage in: subchondral bone marrow oedema in the condyles of the tibia (p=0.011) and femur (p=0.082). MRI did also show an increase in radiological scores to the following structures: cartilage of the lateral patella (p=0.0005); semimembranosus tendon (p=0.016); iliotibial band (p<0.0001) and the prepatellar bursa (p=0.016).ConclusionImprovement to damaged subchondral bone of the tibial and femoral condyles was found following the marathon in novice runners, as well as worsening of the patella cartilage although asymptomatic. This is the most robust evidence to link marathon running with knee joint health and provides important information for those seeking to understand the link between long distance running and osteoarthritis of the main weight-bearing areas of the knee.
The major Late Albian transgressive event recorded in the epeiric platform of the Langshan Formation in central Tibet
Authors: Xu Yiwei , Hu Xiumian , BouDagher-Fadel Marcelle K. , Sun Gaoyuan , Lai Wen , Li Juan , Zhang Shijie 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Global sea-level changes strongly impact within-basin depositional patterns and the evolution of palaeoclimate, palaeogeography and palaeoecology. During the long, worldwide ice-free period in the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse time interval, high-frequency global sea-level changes were recorded in sedimentary archives. However, the causes of these global sea-level changes are still debated. In central Tibet, the 1 km-thick Langshan Formation has been dated to the late Aptian to early Cenomanian based on larger benthic foraminifera and accumulated in an epeiric seaway, thus, it provides a good opportunity to reconstruct the sea-level change and their controlling factors. Eleven distinct microfacies corresponding to three sedimentary environments have been identified in the Langshan Formation. Calcispheres marlstone and bioclastic wackestone with calcispheres were deposited in an open marine environment; coral rudstone, rudist rudstone and benthic foraminifera–rudist wackestone characterize were deposited in a rudist bank environment; and orbitolinids floatstone–rudstone, green algae packstone, bioclastic grainstone, orbitolinids wackestone with small benthic foraminifera, spicules wackestone and small benthic foraminifera wackestone–mudstone were deposited in a lagoonal environment. The Langshan Formation accumulated on an epeiric platform. This unit documents a sudden deepening event from a rudist bank to an open marine environment during the late Albian (
c.
107 Ma). Integrating these findings with regional data from the literature, we infer that this deepening event was a widespread, roughly synchronous feature across the globe, and was controlled by a global sea-level rise related to the decay of polar ice sheets or the release of water from continental aquifers.
Comparative molecular analysis of endurance exercise in vivo with electrically stimulated in vitro myotube contraction
Authors: Son Young Hoon , Lee Seung-Min , Lee Seol Hee , Yoon Jong Hyeon , Kang Jae Sook , Yang Yong Ryoul , Kwon Ki-Sun 
Published: October 2019

Exercise has positive effects on health and improves a variety of disease conditions. An in vitro model of exercise has been developed to better understand its molecular mechanisms. While various conditions have been used to mimic in vivo exercise, no specific conditions have matched a specific type of in vivo exercise. Here, we screened various electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) conditions and compared the molecular events under each condition in myotube culture with that obtained under voluntary wheel running (VWR), a mild endurance exercise, in mice. Both EPS and VWR upregulated the mRNA levels of genes involved in the slow-type twitch ( Myh7 and Myh2) and myogenesis ( Myod and Myog) and increased the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, which is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. These changes were accompanied by activation of p38 and AMPK. However, neither condition induced the expression of muscle-specific E3 ligases such as MAFbx and MuRF1. Both EPS and VWR consistently induced antioxidant genes such as Sod3 and Gpx4 but did not cause similar changes in the expression levels of the calcium channel/pump-related genes Ryr and Serca. Furthermore, both EPS and VWR reduced glycogen levels but not lactate levels as assessed in post-EPS culture medium and post-VWR serum, respectively. Thus we identified an in vitro EPS condition that effectively mimics VWR in mice, which can facilitate further studies of the detailed molecular mechanisms of endurance exercise in the absence of interference from multiple tissues and organs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study establishes an optimal condition for electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) in myotubes that shows a similar molecular signature as voluntary wheel running. The specific EPS condition 1) upregulates the mRNA of slow-twitch muscle components and myogenic transcription factors, 2) induces antioxidant genes without any muscle damage, and 3) promotes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α and its upstream regulators involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.
Effect of β-alanine supplementation during high-intensity interval training on repeated sprint ability performance and neuromuscular fatigue
Authors: Milioni Fabio , de Poli Rodrigo Araújo Bonetti , Saunders Bryan , Gualano Bruno , da Rocha Alisson L. , Sanchez Ramos da Silva Adelino , Muller Paulo de Tarso Guerrero , Zagatto Alessandro Moura 
Published: October 2019

The study investigated the influence of β-alanine supplementation during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance. This study was randomized, double-blinded, and placebo controlled. Eighteen men performed an incremental running test until exhaustion (TINC) at baseline and followed by 4-wk HIIT (10 × 1-min runs 90% maximal TINCvelocity [1-min recovery]). Then, participants were randomized into two groups and performed a 6-wk HIIT associated with supplementation of 6.4 g/day of β-alanine (Gβ) or dextrose (placebo group; GP). Pre- and post-6-wk HIIT + supplementation, participants performed the following tests: 1) TINC; 2) supramaximal running test; and 3) 2 × 6 × 35-m sprints (RSA). Before and immediately after RSA, neuromuscular function was assessed by vertical jumps, maximal isometric voluntary contractions of knee extension, and neuromuscular electrical stimulations. Muscle biopsies were performed to determine muscle carnosine content, muscle buffering capacity in vitro (βmin vitro), and content of phosphofructokinase (PFK), monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Both groups showed a significant time effect for maximal oxygen uptake (Gβ: 6.2 ± 3.6% and GP: 6.5 ± 4.2%; P > 0.01); only Gβ showed a time effect for total (−3.0 ± 2.0%; P = 0.001) and best (−3.3 ± 3.0%; P = 0.03) RSA times. A group-by-time interaction was shown after HIIT + Supplementation for muscle carnosine (Gβ: 34.4 ± 2.3 mmol·kg−1·dm−1and GP: 20.7 ± 3.0 mmol·kg−1·dm−1; P = 0.003) and neuromuscular voluntary activation after RSA (Gβ: 87.2 ± 3.3% and GP: 78.9 ± 12.4%; P = 0.02). No time effect or group-by-time interaction was shown for supramaximal running test performance, βm, and content of PFK, MCT4, and HIF-1α. In summary, β-alanine supplementation during HIIT increased muscle carnosine and attenuated neuromuscular fatigue, which may contribute to an enhancement of RSA performance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-Alanine supplementation during a high-intensity interval training program increased repeated sprint performance. The improvement of muscle carnosine content induced by β-alanine supplementation may have contributed to an attenuation of central fatigue during repeated sprint. Overall, β-alanine supplementation may be a useful dietary intervention to prevent fatigue.
Descending octopaminergic neurons modulate sensory-evoked activity of thoracic motor neurons in stick insects
Authors: Stolz Thomas , Diesner Max , Neupert Susanne , Hess Martin E. , Delgado-Betancourt Estefania , Pflüger Hans-Joachim , Schmidt Joachim 
Published: October 2019

Neuromodulatory neurons located in the brain can influence activity in locomotor networks residing in the spinal cord or ventral nerve cords of invertebrates. How inputs to and outputs of neuromodulatory descending neurons affect walking activity is largely unknown. With the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry, we show that a population of dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons descending from the gnathal ganglion to thoracic ganglia of the stick insect Carausius morosus contains the neuromodulatory amine octopamine. These neurons receive excitatory input coupled to the legs’ stance phases during treadmill walking. Inputs did not result from connections with thoracic central pattern-generating networks, but, instead, most are derived from leg load sensors. In excitatory and inhibitory retractor coxae motor neurons, spike activity in the descending DUM (desDUM) neurons increased depolarizing reflexlike responses to stimulation of leg load sensors. In these motor neurons, descending octopaminergic neurons apparently functioned as components of a positive feedback network mainly driven by load-detecting sense organs. Reflexlike responses in excitatory extensor tibiae motor neurons evoked by stimulations of a femur-tibia movement sensor either are increased or decreased or were not affected by the activity of the descending neurons, indicating different functions of desDUM neurons. The increase in motor neuron activity is often accompanied by a reflex reversal, which is characteristic for actively moving animals. Our findings indicate that some descending octopaminergic neurons can facilitate motor activity during walking and support a sensory-motor state necessary for active leg movements.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the role of descending octopaminergic neurons in the gnathal ganglion of stick insects. The neurons become active during walking, mainly triggered by input from load sensors in the legs rather than pattern-generating networks. This report provides novel evidence that octopamine released by descending neurons on stimulation of leg sense organs contributes to the modulation of leg sensory-evoked activity in a leg motor control system.
CD200 Checkpoint Reversal: A Novel Approach to Immunotherapy
Authors: Xiong Zhengming , Ampudia Mesias Elisabet , Pluhar G. Elizabeth , Rathe Susan K. , Largaespada David A. , Sham Yuk Y. , Moertel Christopher L. , Olin Michael R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized care for some patients with cancer. However, current checkpoint inhibitors are associated with significant toxicity and yield poor responses for patients with central nervous system tumors, calling into question whether cancer immunotherapy can be applied to glioblastoma multiforme. We determined that targeting the CD200 activation receptors (CD200AR) of the CD200 checkpoint with a peptide inhibitor (CD200AR-L) overcomes tumor-induced immunosuppression. We have shown the clinical efficacy of the CD200AR-L in a trial in companion dogs with spontaneous high-grade glioma. Addition of the peptide to autologous tumor lysate vaccines significantly increased the median overall survival to 12.7 months relative to tumor lysate vaccines alone, 6.36 months.

Experimental Design:
This study was developed to elucidate the mechanism of the CD200ARs and develop a humanized peptide inhibitor. We developed macrophage cell lines with each of four CD200ARs knocked out to determine their binding specificity and functional response. Using proteomics, we developed humanized CD200AR-L to explore their effects on cytokine/chemokine response, dendritic cell maturation and CMV pp65 antigen response in human CD14+ cells. GMP-grade peptide was further validated for activity.

Results:
We demonstrated that the CD200AR-L specifically targets a CD200AR complex. Moreover, we developed and validated a humanized CD200AR-L for inducing chemokine response, stimulating immature dendritic cell differentiation and significantly enhanced an antigen-specific response, and determined that the use of the CD200AR-L downregulated the expression of CD200 inhibitory and PD-1 receptors.

Conclusions:
These results support consideration of a CD200AR-L as a novel platform for immunotherapy against multiple cancers including glioblastoma multiforme.
Failure to Rescue as an Outcome Metric for Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Programs: Analysis of Data From the IMPACT Registry
Authors: O'Byrne Michael L. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Jayaram Natalie , Bergersen Lisa J. , Gillespie Matthew J. , Dori Yoav , Silber Jeffrey H. , Kawut Steven M. , Rome Jonathan J. , Glatz Andrew C 
Published: October 2019

Background

Risk‐adjusted adverse event (
AE
) rates have been used to measure the quality of pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratories. In other settings, failure to rescue (
FTR
) has demonstrated utility as a quality metric.

Methods and Results

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the IMPACT (Improving Adult and Congenital Treatment) Registry between January 2010 and December 2016. A modified
FTR
metric was developed for pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratories and then compared with pooled
AEs
. The associations between patient‐ and hospital‐level factors and outcomes were evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression models. Hospital risk standardized ratios were then calculated. Rankings of risk standardized ratios for each outcome were compared to determine whether
AEs
and
FTR
identified the same high‐ and low‐performing centers. During the study period, 77 580 catheterizations were performed at 91 hospitals. Higher annual hospital catheterization volume was associated with lower odds of
FTR
(odds ratio: 0.68 per 300 cases;
P
=0.0003). No association was seen between catheterization volume and odds of
AEs
. Odds of
AEs
were instead associated with patient‐ and procedure‐level factors. There was no correlation between risk standardized ratio ranks for
FTR
and pooled
AEs
(
P
=0.46). Hospital ranks by catheterization volume and
FTR
were associated (
r
=−0.28,
P
=0.01) with the largest volume hospitals having the lowest risk of
FTR
.

Conclusions

In contrast to
AEs
,
FTR
was not strongly associated with patient‐ and procedure‐level factors and was significantly associated with pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory volume. Hospital rankings based on
FTR
and
AEs
were not significantly correlated. We conclude that
FTR
is a complementary measure of catheterization laboratory quality and should be included in future research and quality‐improvement projects.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Risk for Stroke in Young and Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Rosman Lindsey , Sico Jason J. , Lampert Rachel , Gaffey Allison E. , Ramsey Christine M. , Dziura James , Chui Philip W. , Cavanagh Casey E. , Brandt Cynthia , Haskell Sally , Burg Matthew M. 
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—
In older populations, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke have been linked to psychological factors, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whether PTSD also increases risk for early incident stroke in young adults is unknown.

Methods—
We prospectively assessed the incidence of TIA and ischemic stroke in a cohort of 987 855 young and middle-aged Veterans (mean age of 30.29±9.19 years; 87.8% men, 64.4% white) who first accessed care through the Veterans Health Administration from October 2001 to November 2014 and were free of TIA and ischemic stroke at baseline. For each outcome, time-varying multivariate Cox models were constructed to examine the effect of PTSD on incident stroke. We also assessed for effect modification by sex. Additional sensitivity analyses controlled for healthcare utilization.

Results—

Over a 13-year period, TIA and ischemic stroke were diagnosed in 766 and 1877 patients, respectively. PTSD was diagnosed in 28.6% of the sample during follow-up. In unadjusted analyses, PTSD was significantly associated with new-onset TIA (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02; 95% CI, 1.62–2.52) and ischemic stroke (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.47–1.79). In fully adjusted models, the association between PTSD and incident TIA (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.27–2.04) and ischemic stroke (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.22–1.52) remained significant. The effect of PTSD on ischemic stroke risk was stronger in men than in women (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47–0.86;
P
=0.003), but no effect of sex was found for TIA.

Conclusions—
PTSD is associated with a significant increase in risk of early incident TIA and ischemic stroke independent of established stroke risk factors, coexisting psychiatric disorders, and healthcare utilization. Sex moderated the relationship for adults with ischemic stroke but not TIA. These findings suggest that psychological factors, including PTSD, may be important targets for future age-specific prevention strategies for young adults.