bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DeltaFlex—An Additively Manufactured Delta Robot With Compliant Joints: Virtual Prototyping and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Parmiggiani Alberto , Ottonello Emilio , Kargar Seyyed Masoud , Baggetta Mario , Hao Guangbo , Berselli Giovanni 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The current study presents the development and validation of a compliant Delta robot with a monolithic structure, which has been fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM). The monolithic design and the use of AM accelerate the robot development cycle by enabling rapid prototyping and deployment while also facilitating experimentation with novel or different robot kinematics. The use of flexible joints for robots presents a challenge in achieving sufficient workspaces. However, parallel architectures are well suited for incorporating compliant joints, as they require lower ranges of motion for individual joints compared to serial architectures. Therefore, the Delta configuration has been chosen for this study. Multibody flexible dynamics (MfBD) simulations have been used as a means to guide design choices and simulate the structural behaviour of the robot. A design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) technique has been adopted to minimize the need for support structures and maximize mechanical strength. The quantitative evaluation of the Delta’s overall performance has been conducted in terms of stiffness and precision. The stiffness test aimed to gauge the robot’s ability to withstand applied loads, whereas the repeatability test assessed its precision and accuracy. This approach offers a promising path for robot design with significant potential for future advancements and practical applications while highlighting the trade-offs that designers should consider when adopting this methodology.
Risk-Based Design Optimization via Scenario Generation and Genetic Programming Under Hybrid Uncertainties
Authors: Li Wei , Zhou Xiaowei , Huang Haihong , Garg Akhil , Gao Liang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The design of complex systems often requires the incorporation of uncertainty optimization strategies to mitigate system failures resulting from multiple uncertainties during actual operation. Risk-based design optimization, as an alternative methodology that accounts for the balance between design cost and performance, has garnered significant attention and recognition. This paper presents a risk design optimization method for tackling hybrid uncertainties via scenario generation and genetic programming. The hybrid uncertainties are quantified through the scenario generation method to obtain risk assessment indicators. The genetic programming method is used to simulate the real output of the objective or constraints. To drive the optimization process, the sample-based discrete gradient expression is constructed, and the optimal scheme aligning the risk requirements is obtained. Three calculation examples of varying computing complexity are presented to verify the efficacy and usability of the suggested approach.
Axisymmetric Vibration of Inviscid Compressible Fluid-Filled Soft Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Tube
Authors: Almamo Ahmad , Su Yipin , Chen Weiqiu , Wang Huiming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Driven by the versatility and adaptability of next-generation soft robotic devices, investigating the vibrational behavior under fluid-electromechanical coupling represented by a soft dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) tube filled with fluid evokes much attention. Here, we investigate the axisymmetric vibration of an inviscid compressible fluid-filled thin DEA tube by using the Gent model to define the behavior of the tube under multi-fields. We consider the effect of the fluid by exploiting the relation of the radial fluid pressure at the fluid–solid interface. Following the general incremental theory of nonlinear electro-elasticity, we formulate the incremental governing and constitutive equations needed for vibration analysis and solve them numerically using the state-space method (SSM). The results demonstrate the influence of the applied voltage, overcritical circumferential stretch, higher frequency modes, and phase velocity modes on the early development of axisymmetric instability and dielectric breakdown. The existence of the fluid contributes to more reduction in the frequency and phase velocity compared to the fluid-free case due to the added mass effect. Moreover, the results show the role of fluid in the partial self-healing of the soft DEA. A parametric study on specific variables deduces that increasing the thickness of the soft DEA tube reduces the frequency effectively, whereas applying higher voltages causes a thinning in the thickness, leading to the need for thicker tubes.
Understanding Electric Current Effects on Tribological Behaviors of Instantaneous Current-Carrying Pair With Recurrence Plot
Authors: Zhao Huan , Wang Wei , Xu Xiaojun , Zhong Hua , Wei Daogao , Liu Xiaojun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Armature–rail instantaneous current-carrying friction in electromagnetic launchers refers to a sliding electric-mechanical impact friction and transition-induced arc erosion on a millisecond time scale. To reveal the electric current (50–300 A) effects on friction behavior and wear mechanism, the instantaneous current-carrying friction tests were performed with Al 1060 and Brass H62. Given the short nonlinear friction-induced signals, the friction behavior, including the time-domain information and system state, was comprehensively analyzed via frictional sound pressure (FSP), recurrence plot (RP), and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). The wear topography was observed and characterized by the multifractal spectrum. Recurrence analyses demonstrate that as the current increases, the nonstationarity of the system state weakens, and the complexity and unpredictability enhance. Higher currents reduce the FSP amplitude, i.e., enhance the interfacial lubrication effect, but intensify electrical wear and surface roughness. This signifies a wear mechanism transition from abrasive wear and slight adhesive wear to arc ablation, fatigue wear, and severe adhesive wear. The widening spectrum width implies that the irregularity and fluctuation of the topography are enhanced with the current. RP patterns and RQA quantifiers correlate with the wear damage state. The results provide a reference for antiwear design and online degradation tracking of the rail.
Review on the Interaction Mechanism of Nitrogen/Sulfur Pollutants During Fuel Combustion
Authors: Shi Shaoxu , Wang Jinquan , Xu Xudong , Ma Honghe 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The formation and control of pollutants emitted from fuel combustion have always been a focal point in combustion chemistry. Key pollutants primarily include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx), making it crucial to elucidate the formation processes of nitrogen and sulfur components during combustion for pollutant control. Due to the highly coupled evolution processes of both components, independent reaction mechanisms struggle to describe this process; thus, considering the interactions between them is significant for the evolution of nitrogen and sulfur components. This article investigates the promotional or inhibitory effects between nitrogen and sulfur components in fuel combustion experiments, with the magnitude of this interactive effect varying between 2% and 250%, contingent upon the equivalence ratio and the N/S ratio impacts. Additionally, from a microkinetic perspective, two mechanisms underlying N/S interactions are identified: direct and indirect interactions. Direct interaction involves the formation of NS radicals, primarily through direct reactions of nitrogen species (NOx/HCN/NHi, where i ranges from 0 to 3) with sulfur constituents (SOx/H2S). Conversely, indirect interaction alters the radical pool via the intervention of NO or SO2, subsequently influencing each other's reaction pathways. It is noted that the current reaction system is incomplete, lacking key reactions, while the kinetic parameters of some reactions are still contentious. Advanced theoretical calculations are needed to refine the N/S interaction reaction model, to provide more accurate predictions for nitrogen and sulfur pollutant levels.
Unassigning bacterial species for microbiome studies
Authors: Tanes Ceylan , Tu Vincent , Daniel Scott , Bittinger Kyle 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The method of 16S rRNA marker gene sequencing has fueled microbiome research and continues to be relevant. A perceived weakness of the method is that taxonomic assignments are not possible to make at the rank of species. We show that by working to
rule out
bacterial or archaeal species membership, we can provide an answer that is more accurate and useful. The Unassigner software operates on 16S rRNA marker gene data and computes a rule-out probability for species membership using a beta-binomial distribution. We demonstrate that our approach is accurate based on full-genome comparisons. Our method is consistent with existing approaches and dramatically improves on them based on the percentage of reads it can associate with a species in a sample. The software is available at
https://github.com/PennChopMicrobiomeProgram/unassigner
.

IMPORTANCE
While existing methods do not provide reliable species-level assignments for 16S rRNA marker gene data, the Unassigner software solves this problem by ruling out species membership, allowing researchers to reason at the species level.
Neurocognitive and psychiatric outcomes associated with postacute COVID-19 infection without severe medical complication: a meta-analysis
Authors: Knapp Sarah A B , Austin David S , Aita Stephen L , Caron Joshua E , Owen Tyler , Borgogna Nicholas C , Del Bene Victor A , Roth Robert M , Milberg William P , Hill Benjamin D 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundCognitive symptoms are often reported by those with a history of COVID-19 infection. No comprehensive meta-analysis of neurocognitive outcomes related to COVID-19 exists despite the influx of studies after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study meta-analysed observational research comparing cross-sectional neurocognitive outcomes in adults with COVID-19 (without severe medical/psychiatric comorbidity) to healthy controls (HCs) or norm-referenced data.MethodsData were extracted from 54 studies published between January 2020 and June 2023. Hedges’ g was used to index effect sizes, which were pooled using random-effects modelling. Moderating variables were investigated using meta-regression and subgroup analyses.ResultsOmnibus meta-analysis of 696 effect sizes extracted across 54 studies (COVID-19 n=6676, HC/norm-reference n=12 986; average time since infection=~6 months) yielded a small but significant effect indicating patients with COVID-19 performed slightly worse than HCs on cognitive measures (g=−0.36; 95% CI=−0.45 to –0.28), with high heterogeneity (Q=242.30, p<0.001, τ=0.26). Significant within-domain effects was yielded by cognitive screener (g=−0.55; 95% CI=−0.75 to –0.36), processing speed (g=−0.44; 95% CI=−0.57 to –0.32), global cognition (g=−0.40; 95% CI=−0.71 to –0.09), simple/complex attention (g=−0.38; 95% CI=−0.46 to –0.29), learning/memory (g=−0.34; 95% CI=−0.46 to –0.22), language (g=−0.34; 95% CI=−0.45 to –0.24) and executive function (g=−0.32; 95% CI=−0.43 to –0.21); but not motor (g=−0.40; 95% CI=−0.89 to 0.10), visuospatial/construction (g=−0.09; 95% CI=−0.23 to 0.05) and orientation (g=−0.02; 95% CI=−0.17 to 0.14). COVID-19 samples with elevated depression, anxiety, fatigue and disease severity yielded larger effects.ConclusionMild cognitive deficits are associated with COVID-19 infection, especially as detected by cognitive screeners and processing speed tasks. We failed to observe clinically meaningful cognitive impairments (as measured by standard neuropsychological instruments) in people with COVID-19 without severe medical or psychiatric comorbidities.
Improvements of the shape and strength of the diaphragm after endoscopic lung volume reduction
Authors: Taton Olivier , Gevenois Pierre Alain , Van Muylem Alain , Bondue Benjamin , Van Laethem Sébastien , Leduc Dimitri 
Published: June 2024

RationaleEndoscopic lung volume reduction improves lung function, quality of life and exercise capacity in severe emphysema patients. However, its effect on the diaphragm function is not well understood. We hypothesised that endoscopic lung volume reduction increases its strength by modifying its shape.ObjectivesTo investigate changes in both diaphragm shape and strength induced by the insertion of endobronchial valves.MethodsIn 19 patients, both the diaphragm shape and strength were investigated respectively by 3D Slicer software applied on CT scans acquired at functional residual capacity and by transdiaphragmatic pressure measurements by bilateral magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves before and 3 months after unilateral valves insertion.Measurements and main resultsAfter lung volume reduction (median (IQR), 434 mL (−597 to −156], p<0.0001), diaphragm strength increased (transdiaphragmatic pressure: 3 cmH2O (2.3 to 4.2), p<0.0001). On the treated side, this increase was associated with an increase in the coronal (16 mm (13 to 24), p<0.0001) and sagittal (26 mm (21 to 30), p<0.0001) lengths as well as in the area of the zone of apposition (62 cm2(3 to 100), p<0.0001) with a decrease in the coronal (8 mm (−12 to −4), p<0.0001) and sagittal (9 mm (−18 to −2), p=0.0029) radii of curvature.ConclusionsEndoscopic lung volume reduction modifies the diaphragm shape by increasing its length and its zone of apposition and by decreasing its radius of curvature on the treated side, resulting in an increase in its strength.Trial registration numberNCT05799352.
Solid-State Microfabricated Potentiometric Sensors for Selective Assessment of Diclofenac Sodium Utilizing Pentafluorophenyl Diazonium Modified Carbon Nanotubes Transducer Layer
Authors: Sami Iman , Monir Hany H. , Mahmoud Amr M. , El-Saharty Yasser S. , Rostom Yasmin 
Published: June 2024

In the pharmaceutical field, analytical chemistry is evolving and one area that is experiencing enthusiasm is the design and implementation of solid contact ion-selective electrodes. We have developed two potentiometric sensors for the selective assay of a widely used drug diclofenac sodium. Diclofenac sodium was targeted in one of its most recommended dosage forms (Arthrotec® tablets) in the presence of misoprostol. A cost-effective copper printed circuit board as a substrate has been coated with a PVC sensing membrane to fabricate sensor I. Hydrophobic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been modified through in situ reduction of pentafluorophenyl diazonium using sodium borohydride. An interlayer of the modified CNTs was inserted as a transducer layer between the Cu substrate and the ion-sensing membrane in sensor II to enhance its electrochemical performance and stability. The microfabricated electrodes demonstrated encouraging outcomes upon the direct assay of diclofenac sodium in combination with misoprostol and other additives without sample preparation steps. The responses presented a linear Nernstian pattern in the range of 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 × 10−2 mol l−1 with a slope of −58.2 and −58.4 mV/decade for sensors I and II, consequently. Finally, the sustainability of the developed technique was assured using advanced green metrics.
Association of Patient Reported Outcomes With Caregiver Burden in Older Patients With Advanced Heart Failure: Insights From the SUSTAIN-IT Study
Authors: Nguyen Dan D. , Spertus John A. , Benton Mary C. , Thomas Merrill , Jones Philip G. , Andrei Adin-Cristian , Wu Tingqing , Baldridge Abigail S. , Grady Kathleen L. 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
Caregivers of patients with advanced heart failure may experience burden in providing care, but whether changes in patient health status are associated with caregiver burden is unknown.

METHODS:
This observational study included older patients (60–80 years old) receiving advanced surgical heart failure therapies and their caregivers at 13 US sites. Patient health status was assessed using the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (range, 0–100; higher scores are better). Caregiver burden was assessed using the Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale, which measures time on task (OCBS-time) and task difficulty (OCBS-difficulty; range, 1–5; lower scores are better). Measurements occurred before surgery and 12 months after in 3 advanced heart failure cohorts: patients receiving long-term left ventricular assist device support; heart transplantation with pretransplant left ventricular assist device support; and heart transplantation without pretransplant left ventricular assist device support. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictors of change in OCBS-time and OCBS-difficulty at 12 months.

RESULTS:

Of 162 caregivers, the mean age was 61.0±9.4 years, 139 (86%) were female, and 140 (86%) were the patient’s spouse. At 12 months, 99 (61.1%) caregivers experienced improved OCBS-time, and 61 (37.7%) experienced improved OCBS-difficulty (versus no change or worse OCBS). A 10-point higher baseline 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire predicted lower 12-month OCBS-time (β=−0.09 [95% CI, −0.14 to −0.03];
P
<0.001) and OCBS-difficulty (β=−0.08 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.05];
P
<0.001). Each 10-point improvement in the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire predicted lower 12-month OCBS-time (β=−0.07 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.03];
P
=0.002) and OCBS-difficulty (β=−0.09 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.06];
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Among survivors at 12 months, baseline and change in patient health status were associated with subsequent caregiver time on task and task difficulty in dyads receiving advanced heart failure surgical therapies, highlighting the potential for serial 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire assessments to identify caregivers at risk of increased burden.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; unique identifier: NCT02568930.
How Does Polycentric Engagement Relate to Countries’ NDC Ambition and Mitigation Policy Effort?
Authors: Castro Paula , Kammerer Marlene , Michaelowa Axel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Under the Paris Agreement, global climate governance has become decidedly more polycentric. However, it is still debated whether the turn toward greater polycentricity leads to more effectiveness in delivering public goods like climate change mitigation. This article argues that engagement in polycentric climate governance is linked to both more ambitious mitigation targets and stronger mitigation policy effort at the national level. Empirically, we analyze the extent to which countries’ mitigation ambition and policy effort are associated with state-level memberships in transnational climate governance initiatives and with sub- and nonstate actors’ memberships, while controlling for other potential explanations. We find that while polycentric engagement is not associated with higher ambition of countries’ mitigation targets, it does correlate with greater policy effort. This is particularly the case for former non–Annex I countries, that is, countries without mitigation commitments under the old Kyoto regime. We explain these synergies with a discussion of polycentric systems’ contribution to supporting knowledge exchange and learning.
Diagnosis of Atmospheric Processes from a Local Perspective for the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon Onset
Authors: Ling Sining , Lu Riyu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The climatological western North Pacific summer monsoon onset, a so-called convection jump, occurs around the 41st pentad, corresponding to an abrupt northeastward extension of strong convection. This study investigates the process of convection jump from a local perspective. Composite analyses are performed based on the onset dates that are identified in individual years. The results show that the convective inhibition (CIN) decreases dramatically around the onset dates, while the convective available potential energy (CAPE) reaches its maximum long before the onset, suggesting that the CIN, rather than CAPE, plays a dominant role in triggering convection. Further analysis indicates that the reduction of CIN is induced by the increased low-level relative humidity, which is the result of enhanced water vapor convergence. The moisture transportation is primarily contributed by the wind transfer from easterlies to southeasterlies or southerlies along the southern boundary of the convection jump region, in accordance with the monsoon trough establishment. The present observational results may be used to evaluate climate models in simulating the stepwise evolution of summer monsoon.

Significance Statement
The convection jump refers to rapid convection extension to the northeastern part of the Philippines Sea in late July and corresponds to the deepening of the monsoon trough and northward shift of the western North Pacific subtropical high. Therefore, the convection jump has important impacts on the East Asian summer monsoon. The crucial role of transient atmospheric adjustment in triggering the convection jump has been shown in previous studies. However, the reason for the temporal preference of convection jump remains unknown. This study further specifies the process of atmospheric adjustments around the convection jump from a local perspective and reveals that the transition from the easterlies to southeasterlies or southerlies decreases convective inhibition and thus favors the convection jump. The present results can be used to diagnose the ability of climate models to simulate the stepwise evolution of Asian–Pacific summer monsoon.
Improving Forecasts of the “21⋅7” Henan Extreme Rainfall Event Using a Radar Assimilation Scheme that Considers Hydrometeor Background Error Covariance
Authors: Chen Yaodeng , Zheng Hong , Sun Tao , Meng Deming , Qin Luyao , Yin Jinfang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
On 20–21 July 2021, a record-breaking rainfall event occurred in Henan Province, China, and a maximum hourly accumulated precipitation of 201.9 mm was recorded at Zhengzhou Meteorological Station. To improve the prediction of such extreme rainfall and to better understand the impacts of the radar reflectivity assimilation on forecasting, we assimilated radar reflectivity data using the hydrometeor background error covariance (HBEC) that includes vertical and multivariate correlations and then diagnosed the dynamic, thermal, and microphysical forecasts of this event. The results show that the radar reflectivity assimilation based on the HBEC properly transferred the observed radar reflectivity to the analysis of hydrometeors and other model states, and clearly improved the heavy rainfall forecast. The diagnosis of the dynamic and thermal forecasts indicated that the reflectivity assimilation based on the HBEC improved the convective environments of the precipitation systems, with stronger cold pools near the surface and deeper and wetter updrafts near Zhengzhou station, when compared with the experiment that did not assimilate radar reflectivity and the experiment that assimilated radar reflectivity without using the HBEC. The diagnosis of the microphysical forecasts further shows that assimilating reflectivity data using HBEC contributed to higher conversion rates of water vapor and cloud water to graupel and higher conversion rates of graupel and cloud water to rainwater, when compared with the other experiments. These improvements of both convective environments and microphysical processes within the convections ultimately enhanced the forecasts of this extreme rainfall event.