bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive locomotion during subtle environmental changes in younger and older adults
Authors: Sakurai Ryota , Kodama Kentaro , Ozawa Yu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFor older adults especially, to perform everyday activities safely, adaptive locomotion that adjusts basic locomotion pattern according to the environmental features is critical. It is unknown, however, whether their locomotor patterns can be modified when there are subtle environmental changes. We examined adaptive limb movements, focusing on obstacle avoidance and age-related changes during such situations. Younger (102, with a mean age of 27.5 years) and older (101, with a mean age of 78.3 years) participants walked across one obstacle (150 mm height) four different times. The obstacles were then covertly raised or lowered by 10% of the baseline obstacle height (i.e., 165 mm for ascending and 135 mm for descending conditions), and participants were asked to repeat the activity. We measured leading and trailing foot clearances, the vertical distances between toe tips and the upper edge of the obstacle. In the ascending condition, both groups adjusted and raised their limb clearance according to the obstacle height change. Alternatively, foot clearance of the leading limb for the lowered obstacle did not change among the older adults, whereas it changed in the young adults (lowered their clearance). No changes were observed in the trailing foot clearance for the descending conditions in either age group. Our results suggest that when facing environmental changes that compromise safe mobility, individuals can adapt leading limb movement based on subtle environmental changes, irrespective of age. In case of other changes (i.e., in low-risk situations), however, the ability of adaptive locomotion may be affected by aging.
Microinvasive breast cancer and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Hacking Sean M. , Leonard Kara-Lynne , Wu Dongling , Banks Mara , Graves Theresa , Wang Lijuan , Yakirevich Evgeny , Wang Yihong 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWhether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) should be performed in patients with microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC) has been a matter of debate over the last decade. MIBC has a favorable prognosis and while metastasis to the axilla is rare, it can impact treatment recommendations. In this study we evaluated clinical and histological features in both MIBC and background DCIS including ER, PR, and HER-2, number of foci of MIBC, the extent of the DCIS, nuclear grade, presence of comedo necrosis, as well as surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment and follow up to identify variables which predict disease free survival (DFS), as well as the factors which influence clinical decision making. Our study included 72 MIBC patients with a mean patient follow-up time of 55 months. Three patients with MIBC had recurrence, and two deceased, leaving five patients in total with poor long-term outcomes and a DFS rate of 93.1%. Performing mastectomy, high nuclear grade, and negativity for ER and HER-2 were found to be associated with the use of SLNB, although none of these variables were found to be associated with DFS. One positive lymph node case was discovered following SLNB in our study. This suggests the use of SLNB may provide diagnostic information to some patients, although these are the anomalies. When comparing patients who had undergone SLNB to those which had not there was no difference in DFS. Certainly, the use of SLNB in MIBC is quite the conundrum. It is important to acknowledge that surgical complications have been reported, and traditional metrics used for risk assessment in invasive breast cancer may not hold true in the setting of microinvasion.
Characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Borga Liyousew G. , Clark Andrew E. , D’Ambrosio Conchita , Lepinteur Anthony 
Published: July 2022

AbstractUnderstanding what lies behind actual COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is fundamental to help policy makers increase vaccination rates and reach herd immunity. We use June 2021 data from the COME-HERE survey to explore the predictors of actual vaccine hesitancy in France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Sweden. We estimate a linear-probability model with a rich set of covariates and address issues of common-method variance. 13% of our sample say they do not plan to be vaccinated. Post-Secondary education, home-ownership, having an underlying health condition, and one standard-deviation higher age or income are all associated with lower vaccine hesitancy of 2–4.5% points. Conservative-leaning political attitudes and a one standard-deviation lower degree of confidence in the government increase this probability by 3 and 6% points respectively. Vaccine hesitancy in Spain and Sweden is significantly lower than in the other countries.
Experimental study on axial compression for composite hollow column of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel
Authors: Xiang Zehui , Qiao Dan , Niu Jiangang , Liu Weiheng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn order to study the axial compression performance for composite hollow column of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel, the axial compression tests were carried out on five composite hollow columns of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel with the variation parameters of hollow ratio (0%, 15%, 16%, 32% and 36%) and the form of opening (round hole and square hole). The failure phenomena and failure forms of the specimens were observed, and their stress–strain curves were measured, and the axial bearing capacity formula suitable for composite hollow column of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel was established. The following conclusions may be obtained from the test results: the axial compression performance for the composite hollow columns of angle steel is influenced by the hollow ratio and opening form greatly. The axial compression performance for composite hollow columns of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel is almost close to that of composite solid columns when the hollow ratio is low; The higher the void ratio, the more the cracks at the surface of the concrete, some transverse cracks appear, the peak load decreases by about 5–38%, and the deformation ductility coefficient increases gradually; The deformation ductility coefficient of round-hole hollow column is lower than that of square-hole hollow column. Based on the test, the finite element software ABAQUS is used to simulate the SCAH column. The correctness of the model is verified via the comparison between the numerical simulation results and the test results. At the same time, the stress nephogram of concrete and steel at different stages and the stress nephogram at concrete restraint state are simulated. According to the finite element simulation results, Mander model is used to calculate the axial compression bearing capacity of composite hollow column of angle steel. The high calculation accuracy and suitable for popularization can be obtained.
Active thermal-fuse for stopping blue light leakage of white light-emitting diodes driven by constant current
Authors: Sun Ching-Cherng , Nguyen Quang-Khoi , Lee Tsung-Xian , Lin Shih-Kang , Wu Chi-Shou , Yang Tsung-Hsun , Yu Yeh-Wei 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this study, we proposed and demonstrated a circuit design for solving problems related to blue light leakage (e.g., eye damage) when phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pcW-LEDs) overheat. This circuit only needs a positive thermal coefficient thermistor, resistor, and diodes in series and parallel; thus, it can easily be integrated into components. Simulations and corresponding experimental results show that this method can accurately suppress the overheating component’s injection current and allow for LEDs to work normally after returning to the operating temperature. It thus allows the user's eyes to be actively protected, e.g., to avoid exposure to the bluish light when overheating occurs. In addition, the quenching of luminous flux is a signal to remind the user to replace the LED. The proposed method is low-cost, effective, simple, and useful for increasing the quality of LED lighting and biological safety.
Comparing the clinical utility of single-shot, readout-segmented and zoomit echo-planar imaging in diffusion-weighted imaging of the kidney at 3 T
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Liu Hui , xie Simin , Masokano Ismail Bilal , Bai Yu , Wang Xiao , Zhong Linhui , Wu Yi , Nie Jilin , Zhou Gaofeng , Pei Yigang , Li Wenzheng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe compared the clinical utility of single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI) using different breathing schemes, readout-segmented EPI and zoomit EPI in the repeatability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements, cortico-medullary contrast to noise ratio (c-mCNR) and image quality. In this institutional review board-approved prospective study, some common clinically applicable diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 50, 400, 800 s/mm2) of kidney on 3.0 T MRI were performed on 22 volunteers using SS-EPI with breath-hold diffusion-weighted imaging (BH-DWI), free-breathing (FB-DWI), navigator-triggered (NT-DWI) and respiratory-triggered (RT-DWI), readout-segmented DWI (RS-DWI), and Zoomit DWI (Z-DWI). ADC and c-mCNR were measured in 12 anatomic locations (the upper, middle, and lower pole of the renal cortex and medulla), and image quality was assessed on these DWI sequences. A DWI with the optimal clinical utility was decided by systematically assessing the ADC repeatability, c-mCNR and image quality among the DWIs. For ADC measurements, Z-DWI had an excellent intra-observer agreement (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs): 0.876–0.944) and good inter-observer agreement (inter-class ICCs: 0.798–0.856) in six DWI sequences. Z-DWI had the highest ADC repeatability in most of the 12 anatomic locations of the kidneys (mean ADC absolute difference: 0.070–0.111 × 10−3 mm2/s, limit of agreement: 0.031–0.056 × 10−3 mm2/s). In all DWIs, Z-DWI yielded a slightly higher c-mCNR than other DWIs in most representative locations (P > 0.05), which was significantly higher than BH-DWI and FB-DWI in the middle pole of both kidneys and the upper pole of the left kidney (P < 0.05). In addition, Z-DWI yielded image quality that was similar to RT-DWI and NT-DWI (P > 0.05) and superior to BH-DWI, FB-DWI and RS-DWI (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that Z-DWI provides the highest ADC reproducibility, better c-mCNR and good image quality on 3.0 T MRI, making it the recommended sequence for clinical DWI of the kidney.
An investigation into the effects of soil and fastener-freezing on ground vibrations induced by high-speed train in frozen regions
Authors: Peng Yuhao , Li Qionglin , Chen Zongping , Zhang Haodi , Sheng Xiaozhen 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWith the expansion of high-speed railway network in the world, it is inevitable for railways to pass through seasonal frozen regions. Since in a seasonal frozen region the ground can have significantly different mechanical properties between the freezing season and the warm season, train-induced ground vibration is also season-dependent but it has not received enough attention up to now. This paper gives an investigation into the effects of soil and fastener-freezing on ground vibrations induced by high-speed train in frozen regions. Based on the well-established relationships between soil mechanical properties and freezing temperature, a frozen ground is shown to be still represented by a layered ground and therefore, previously developed models for predicting ground vibration generated by a train running along a track resting on a layered ground can be readily applied. The effects of low temperature on the dynamical properties of fasteners are also considered. Results show that, due to the increased Young’s modulus at freezing condition, the vibration level of a frozen ground near the track is lower than that of the non-frozen counterpart. However, well away from the track, the vibration level of the frozen ground is much stronger than that of the non-frozen one, mainly due to the much-reduced loss factor of the frozen ground, which results in slower attenuation of vibration with propagating distance. Results also show that, the difference in ground vibration between a frozen ground and its non-frozen counterpart is mainly caused by freezing of the ground. The emphasis of this study lies in making clear the characteristics of train-induced ground vibration in frozen regions and the differences between frozen and non-frozen regions, providing some new fundamental insights about this practical problem, which have significant engineering guidance and application value.
Comparing two different automatic methods to measure femoral neck-shaft angle based on PointNet++ network
Authors: Li Zhe , Yang Jiayu , Li Xinghua , Wang Kunzheng , Han Jungang , Yang Pei 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAccurate measurement of the femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) is of great significance for diagnosing hip joint diseases and preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty. However, the repeatability of manual measurements is not as satisfactory, and the difference between 2D and 3D measurements is not clear. The computer-aided method provides a platform for automatic and accurate measurement of the NSA. The femoral point cloud datasets from 310 subjects were segmented into three regions, including the femoral head, femoral neck, and femoral shaft using PointNet++. We created a projection plane to simulate the hip anteroposterior radiograph and fitted the femoral neck axis and femoral shaft axis to complete the 2D measurement, while we directly fitted the two axes in space to complete the 3D measurement. Also, we conducted the manual measurement of the NSA. We verified the accuracy of the segmentation and compared the results of the two automatic and manual methods. The Dice coefficient of femoral segmentation reached 0.9746, and MIoU of that was 0.9165. No significant difference was found between any two of the three methods. While comparing the 2D and 3D methods, the average accuracy was 98.00%, and the average error was 2.58°. This paper proposed two accurate and automatic methods to measure the NSA based on a 2D plane and a 3D model respectively. Although the femoral neck and femoral shaft axes did not intersect in 3D space, the NSAs obtained by 2D and 3D methods were basically consistent.
Acrylamide inhibits long-term potentiation and learning involving microglia and pro-inflammatory signaling
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , Fujii Chika , O’Dell Kazuko A. , Zorumski Charles F. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAcrylamide is a chemical used in various industries and a product following high-temperature cooking of vegetables containing asparagine. Environmental or dietary exposure to acrylamide could impair cognitive function because of its neurotoxicity. Using rat hippocampal slices, we tested whether acrylamide alters induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of learning and memory. We hypothesized that acrylamide impairs cognitive function via activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines because robust upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been reported. Although acrylamide up to 3 mM did not alter basal synaptic transmission, incubation with 10 μM or acute administration of 100 μM acrylamide inhibited induction of LTP. Inhibitors of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, overcame the effects of acrylamide on LTP induction. Furthermore, we observed that acrylamide failed to inhibit LTP after administration of MCC950, an inhibitor of NLRP3, or in the presence of Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). We also found that in vivo acrylamide injection transiently impaired body weight gain and impaired one-trial inhibitory avoidance learning. This learning deficit was overcome by MCC950. These results indicate that cognitive impairment by acrylamide is mediated by mechanisms involving microglia and release of cytokines via NLRP3 activation.
Establishment of Yan-Zhang's staging of digestive tract magnetic compression anastomosis in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Lyu Xin , Zhao Guangbin , An Yingfeng , Lyu Yi , Yan Xiaopeng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMagnetic compression anastomosis, also known as magnamosis, is a safe and feasible method for digestive tract anastomosis. However, the pathological process involved in magnamosis of the digestive tract has not been investigated. This study aimed to establish the stages of digestive tract magnamosis in a rat model. Eighty-four Sprague–Dawley albino rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into 14 groups (n = 6 per group). All rats underwent colonic magnamosis. Starting from postoperative day (POD) 1, one group of rats was sacrificed every other day to obtain the specimens. Burst pressure at the anastomotic site of each specimen was examined. Gross and histological examination of the anastomotic site was performed to establish the stages of the digestive tract magnamosis. Colonic magnamosis was successfully performed in all rats and the mean anastomosis time was 5.62 ± 0.91 min. The postoperative survival rate was 100%. The lowest anastomotic burst pressure was 78.33 ± 3.44 mmHg on POD3. The anastomotic burst pressure gradually increased and stabilized on POD21. Macroscopic and histological examination showed that the anastomotic mucosal and serosal layer did not heal on POD1. The serosal layer of the anastomosis healed by adhesion on POD3, and the mucosal layer began to heal on POD3-11 and was established by POD21. According to the anastomotic bursting pressure, digestive tract magnamosis can be staged into the magnetic maintenance, fragile, strengthening, and stable phases, which on histology correspond to the serosal adhesion formation, serosal healing, mucosal healing, and stereotyping, respectively.
The value of social interactions and incentives on the use of a digital contact tracing tool post COVID-19 lockdown in Singapore
Authors: Huang Zhilian , Guo Huiling , Lim Hannah Yee-Fen , Ho Kia Nam , Tay Evonne , Chow Angela 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe assessed the preferences and trade-offs for social interactions, incentives, and being traced by a digital contact tracing (DCT) tool post lockdown in Singapore by a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among 3839 visitors of a large public hospital in Singapore between July 2020 – February 2021. Respondents were sampled proportionately by gender and four age categories (21 – 80 years). The DCE questionnaire had three attributes (1. Social interactions, 2. Being traced by a DCT tool, 3. Incentives to use a DCT tool) and two levels each. Panel fixed conditional logit model was used to analyse the data. Respondents were more willing to trade being traced by a DCT tool for social interactions than incentives and unwilling to trade social interactions for incentives. The proportion of respondents preferring no incentives and could only be influenced by their family members increases with age. Among proponents of monetary incentives, the preferred median value for a month’s usage of DCT tools amounted to S$10 (USD7.25) and S$50 (USD36.20) for subsidies and lucky draw. In conclusion, DCE can be used to elicit profile-specific preferences to optimize the uptake of DCT tools during a pandemic. Social interactions are highly valued by the population, who are willing to trade them for being traced by a DCT tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a small amount of incentive is sufficient to increase the satisfaction of using a DCT tool, incentives alone may not increase DCT tool uptake.
Engineering of enzymes using non-natural amino acids
Authors: Li Yiwen , Dalby Paul A. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In enzyme engineering, the main targets for enhancing properties are enzyme activity, stereoselective specificity, stability, substrate range, and the development of unique functions. With the advent of genetic code extension technology, non-natural amino acids (nnAAs) are able to be incorporated into proteins in a site-specific or residue-specific manner, which breaks the limit of 20 natural amino acids for protein engineering. Benefitting from this approach, numerous enzymes have been engineered with nnAAs for improved properties or extended functionality. In the present review, we focus on applications and strategies for using nnAAs in enzyme engineering. Notably, approaches to computational modelling of enzymes with nnAAs are also addressed. Finally, we discuss the bottlenecks that currently need to be addressed in order to realise the broader prospects of this genetic code extension technique.
Power flow in the air gap of linear electrical machines by utilisation of the Poynting vector: Part 2 ‐ simulations
Authors: Frost Anna E. , Sjölund Jonathan , Eriksson Sandra , Leijon Mats 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDifferent types of linear generators are simulated and their power flow in the air gap is investigated. The results are compared to the analytical expressions derived in Part 1. The simulations and the analytical expressions in Part 1 show the same general behaviour, but the magnitudes are lower for the analytical expressions. One explanation for the difference in magnitude can be that the harmonics of the electric and magnetic fields contribute to the power flow, which is not accounted for in the analytical expressions. Due to results from Part 1, it is investigated if changing the number of poles can decrease the tangential power flow while the normal power flow stays the same. As was suspected, changing the number of poles affected several other factors, which lead to an increase in the normal power flow when increasing the number of poles, even though the electrical power was the same. The tangential power flow also decreased for three out of four generators. Thereby, increasing the number of poles while keeping the same length of the machine, at the cost of reduced pole‐pitch, should be done with precaution.