Translational Axes Research Articles

Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis II: Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Measurement Properties.

The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) is a biaxial tool for TMD assessment. To implement a translated version in the Brazilian context, standardised adaptation and validation are necessary. To translate, adapt and verify the measurement properties of the DC/TMD Axis II instruments Pain Drawing (PD), Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) and Oral Behaviours Checklist (OBC). The translation and cross-cultural adaptation processes of orofacial-related Axis II instruments followed the Guidelines for Establishing Cultural Equivalency. The validation research was carried out with 117 Brazilians with TMD, in two assessment days. Structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, construct validity-hypothesis testing, and ceiling and floor effects were tested. PD showed substantial reliability (Kappa 0.63), and GCPS, JFLS and OBC showed excellent reliability over time (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.85). The internal consistency was adequate for all instruments (Cronbach's alpha > 0.77) except for the functional activities domain of OBC (Cronbach's alpha = 0.48). Construct validity was good for all instruments (75% hypotheses confirmed), except for the OBC total score. Regarding parameters of structural validity, GCPS showed Goodness of Fit Index = 0.98 for the solution with two domains. JFLS and OBC presented Goodness of Fit Index < 0.90 for the solutions with three and two domains, respectively. The Brazilian Portuguese version of DC/TMD Axis II can be used in Brazil, but more studies are necessary to find an adequate structure for JFLS and OBC in a Brazilian sample.

Correlations between spinopelvic parameters and health-related quality of life in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients before and after long -level fusion surgery

BackgroundFor degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), prior studies mainly focused on the preoperative relationship between spinopelvic parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), lacking an exhaustive evaluation of the postoperative situation. Therefore, the postoperative parameters most closely bonded with clinical outcomes has not yet been well-defined in DLS patients. The objective of this study was to comprehensively assess the correlation between radiographic parameters and HRQoL before and after surgery, and to identified the most valuable spinopelvic parameters for postoperative curative effect.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed 130 consecutive patients who underwent long-level fusion with at least 1 year follow-up. Standing whole-spine radiographs and HRQoL measurements were examined preoperatively and at final follow-up. Spinopelvic parameters included thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), Global tilt (GT), Cobb angle (CA), apical vertebral translation (AVT) and coronal vertical axis (CVA). HRQoL was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Chinese version of Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index (C-LSDI), Japanese Orthopedic Association-29 (JOA-29), Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22),and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) total and subscale scores. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships between them.ResultsThe study population included 104 women and 26 men with an average age of 62.9 years. Both coronal and sagittal parameters showed significant correlations with HRQoL scores pre- and post-operatively. Among the coronal parameters, only CA showed correlations with SRS-22 subscale scores, and its correlation with Self-image scores were observed both before and after surgery. Among sagittal parameters, PT, PI-LL, LL, SVA, TPA, and GT showed significant correlations with HRQoL before surgery, including ODI, JOA-29, and SF-36 PCS. At final follow-up, except for AVT, CVA, and LL, all other sagittal parameters were significantly correlated with HRQoL.ConclusionsHRQoL scores not only correlated with radiological parameters before surgery, but also after long-term follow-up. Besides, sagittal parameters, especially postoperative PI-LL, SVA, TPA, GT, were more closely correlated with clinical outcome measurements.

Inter-Fraction Motion and Dosimetric Analysis of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for Craniospinal Irradiation in Adult Medulloblastoma Patients.

Background/Objectives. Adult medulloblastoma (AMB) patients should receive postoperative craniospinal irradiation (CSI) as a standard treatment. Volumetric intensity-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a promising method for CSI. This report summarizes the repositioning and dosimetric data outcomes for six AMB patients. Methods. Complete CSI and posterior cranial fossa irradiation, or tumor bed boost irradiation with Linac-based VMAT, was performed and evaluated. Patients were immobilized in the supine position with two thermoplastic masks (head-neck and abdomen). To ensure inter-fraction reproducibility during radiotherapy (RT), a single cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan for each isocenter and real-time surface-guided RT using AlignRT® were performed daily before and during the RT session. Match values of all three translational axes (x = lateral, y = longitudinal, z = vertical) were recorded. Results. From August 2022 to September 2023, six AMB patients were treated with CSI: three women and three men with a median age of 32 (22-42). All cases were classical MB, four were low risk, and two were defined as high risk due to the metastatic disease. All patients underwent surgery; two received a gross total resection. Low-risk patients received 36 Gy for CSI and a 54 Gy boost, while high-risk patients received 39 Gy for CSI. No significant toxicities greater than G2 were observed during RT, and only two cases reported decreased platelet counts. The dose to the organs at risk was low and acceptable. The mean dose to the heart, lungs, eyes, stomach, and thyroid were 4.4 Gy, 8.5 Gy, 12 Gy, 8.7 Gy, and 11 Gy, respectively. In terms of repositioning data, 124 CBCT scans were analyzed. Inter-fraction CBCT mean values for the study population in all translational directions were inferior to 2 mm in more than 90% of cases. Conclusions. VMAT is a convenient and effective treatment for AMB. Positioning and immobilization with masks (head and neck plus abdomen) reduce inter-fraction motion.

A water resistojet propulsion system on a 6U CubeSat EQUULEUS: Demonstration of reaction control in deep space

A water resistojet propulsion system on a 6U CubeSat EQUULEUS: Demonstration of reaction control in deep space

Influence of left ventricle longitudinal axis translation on rotation measurements in 3D echocardiography

ABSTRACT In 3D echocardiography, the left ventricular (LV) longitudinal axis is often determined in end-diastole as a line perpendicular to the mid-point of the mitral valve plane pointing to the tip of the apex. It is assumed that the LV rotates around the longitudinal axis defined at end-diastole. However, it is a known fact that neither the mitral valve plane nor the apex are fixed during a cardiac cycle; accordingly, the longitudinal axis is dynamically moving in space rather than being motionless. Then, the following question arises: do we need not to consider the movement of the longitudinal axis for measurements, such as rotation and twist, with respect to the longitudinal axis? This study investigates how LV long-axis movement affects the rotation measurements and whether it is relevant in the analysis of 3D echocardiography data. To this end, two methods are examined. In Method 1, the configuration of the longitudinal axis is updated with the deformation of the LV, whereas in Method 2 the long axis configuration is fixed to its position at end-diastole during cardiac cycle. The comparison of two methods reveals a huge influence of the longitudinal axis translation on rotation measurements while the twist is not notably affected.

Robust adaptive control law design for enhanced stability of agriculture UAV used for pesticide spraying

Robust adaptive control law design for enhanced stability of agriculture UAV used for pesticide spraying

The eIF3a translational control axis in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and colon tumorigenesis

Translational initiation in protein synthesis is an important regulatory step in gene expression and its dysregulation may result in diseases such as cancer. Translational control by eIF4E/4E-BP has been well studied and contributes to mTOR signaling in various biological processes. Here, we report a novel translational control axis in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in colon tumorigenesis by eIF3a, a Yin-Yang factor in tumorigenesis and prognosis. We show that eIF3a expression is upregulated in human colon cancer tissues, pre-cancerous adenoma polyps, and associates with β-catenin level and APC mutation in human samples, and that eIF3a overexpression transforms intestinal epithelial cells. We also show that eIF3a expression is regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway with an active TCF/LEF binding site in its promoter and that eIF3a knockdown inhibits APC mutation-induced spontaneous colon tumorigenesis in APCmin/+ mice. Together, we conclude that eIF3a upregulation in colon cancer is due to APC mutation and it participates in colon tumorigenesis by adding a translational control axis in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and that it can serve as a potential target for colon cancer intervention.

Simulation of Motion Nonlinear Error Compensation of CNC Machine Tools With Multi-Axis Linkage

In order to solve the problem of nonlinear error for a dual rotary table five-axis CNC machine tool due to the linkage of rotary and translational axes, the simulation of motion nonlinear error compensation for a multi-axis linkage CNC machine tool is proposed. The adjacent points in the tool position file are selected as the tool position points for building the model, and then the nonlinear error model resolved by the harmonic function is established according to the error distribution in the classical post-processing. The nonlinear error between the two tool position points is quickly predicted by the analytical expression of this model, and the real-time error compensation of the intermediate interpolation points is realized. Finally, MALTLAB simulation analysis is performed on the tool position file of an impeller part machining to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that it can be seen from the distribution curve of the nonlinear error that it is about 10% after compensation as before compensation, thus verifying the effectiveness of the nonlinear error compensation mechanism. The correctness of the nonlinear error analysis and compensation method and the effectiveness of post-processing are verified.

Defective regulation of the eIF2-eIF2B translational axis underlies depressive-like behavior in mice and correlates with major depressive disorder in humans

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant cause of disability in adults worldwide. However, the underlying causes and mechanisms of MDD are not fully understood, and many patients are refractory to available therapeutic options. Impaired control of brain mRNA translation underlies several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including autism spectrum disorders and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nonetheless, a potential role for mechanisms associated with impaired translational control in depressive-like behavior remains elusive. A key pathway controlling translation initiation relies on the phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α-P) which, in turn, blocks the guanine exchange factor activity of eIF2B, thereby reducing global translation rates. Here we report that the expression of EIF2B5 (which codes for eIF2Bε, the catalytic subunit of eIF2B) is reduced in postmortem MDD prefrontal cortex from two distinct human cohorts and in the frontal cortex of social isolation-induced depressive-like behavior model mice. Further, pharmacological treatment with anisomycin or with salubrinal, an inhibitor of the eIF2α phosphatase GADD34, induces depressive-like behavior in adult C57BL/6J mice. Salubrinal-induced depressive-like behavior is blocked by ISRIB, a compound that directly activates eIF2B regardless of the phosphorylation status of eIF2α, suggesting that increased eIF2α-P promotes depressive-like states. Taken together, our results suggest that impaired eIF2-associated translational control may participate in the pathophysiology of MDD, and underscore eIF2-eIF2B translational axis as a potential target for the development of novel approaches for MDD and related mood disorders.

Research on the Magnetorheological Finishing Technology of a High-Steepness Optical Element Based on the Virtual-Axis and Spiral Scanning Path.

Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) of aspherical optical elements usually requires the coordination between the translational axes and the oscillating axes of the machine tool to realize the processing. For aspheric optical elements whose steepness exceeds the machining stroke of the equipment, there is still no better method to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency error convergence. To solve this problem, an MRF method combining virtual-axis technology and a spiral scanning path is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the distribution law of the magnetic induction intensity inside the polishing wheel is analyzed by simulation, the stability of the removal efficiency of the removal function within the ±7∘ angle of the normal angle of the polishing wheel is determined, and MRF is expanded from traditional single-point processing to circular arc segment processing. Secondly, the spiral scanning path is proposed for aspherical rotational symmetric optical elements, which can reduce the requirements of the number of machine tool axes and the dynamic performance of machine tools. Finally, an aspherical fused silica optical element with a curvature radius of 400 mm, K value of -1, and aperture of 100 mm is processed. The PV value of this optical element converges from 189.2 nm to 24.85 nm, and the RMS value converges from 24.85 nm to 5.74 nm. The experimental results show that the proposed combined process has the ability to modify curved optical elements and can be applied to ultra-precision machining of high-steepness optical elements.

Mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils from suction controlled ring shear tests

Mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils from suction controlled ring shear tests

Two-photon polymerization-based fabrication of millimeter-sized precision Fresnel optics

Two-photon polymerization (2PP) is known to be the most precise and highest resolution additive manufacturing process for printing optics, but its applicability is restricted to a few applications due to the limited size of printable objects and low throughput. The presented work is intended to demonstrate the performance of printing millimeter-scale optics by implementing appropriate stitching methods into a setup that combines a Galvo scanner and translational axes. In this work, specifically, Fresnel axicons with a diameter of 3.5 mm are manufactured by 2PP to substantiate the applicability of the process. Manufacturing Fresnel optics instead of volumetric optics allows for attaining acceptable process times with durations of tens of hours highlighting the appeal of 2PP for rapid prototyping in optics. The suitability of the Fresnel axicons for beam shaping is confirmed through illumination with a laser beam. The resulting ring-shaped intensity distribution in the far field behind the Fresnel axicon is captured using a beam profiler. Furthermore, the influence of different stitching parameters on the resulting intensity distribution is investigated. The experimental results are validated by simulations, where the intensity distribution in the far field behind an axicon was calculated by Fourier transformation. Simulations were carried out to discuss the effect of manufacturing errors on the far field intensity distribution.

Knowledge Management in the COVID-19 Era

The pandemic has been a watershed in the knowledge management that is carried out in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Studies on vulnerability and resilience risks highlight material, financial and human resources as the central axis of the knowledge network, although research on stigma indicates that mistrust prevails between decision makers and those who carry them out. Therefore, the objective of this work was to contrast the hypotheses related to knowledge management as a regulatory process of trust relationships between the parties involved. A cross-sectional, exploratory, and correlational study was carried out with a sample of 10 professional practitioners and social workers involved in COVID-19 care. The results show that a structure of nodes prevails that begins with innovation, continues with competitiveness and ends with efficiency as central, unifying and structural axes of information translation and knowledge transfer. The results are not extensive to the university community, although they are innovative because they highlight trust as the guiding principle of knowledge management.

Knowledge Management in the Literature From 2021 to 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted knowledge management in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Studies have found that material, financial, and human resources are the key factors in the knowledge network, and mistrust often exists between decision-makers and those who carry out the work. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and trust by conducting a cross-sectional, exploratory, and correlational study with a sample of 10 professional practitioners and social workers involved in COVID-19 care. The study findings show that innovation, competitiveness, and efficiency are the central, unifying, and structural axes of information translation and knowledge transfer. These results are not extensive to the university community, and they are innovative because they highlight the importance of trust as the guiding principle of knowledge management.

Critical state behaviour of an unsaturated kaolin mixture

Critical state behaviour of an unsaturated kaolin mixture

Modeling, detection, and validation for geometric errors in machine tools

Abstract This study aims to enhance the spatial precision of five-axis machining centers through a comprehensive exploration of geometric errors, encompassing modeling, efficient detection, and compensation validation. Our approach begins with the establishment of a kinematic error model covering XYZ translational axes and AC rotational axes, providing an in-depth understanding of error origins and interrelationships. Utilizing a laser tracker, we conduct direct measurements of the geometric errors associated with translational axes, and a rotational axis error detection model is developed by using a ball bar, allowing for indirect analysis of rotational axis geometric errors. The validity of both the kinematic error model and error detection is further confirmed through practical on-machine measurements.

Implementation of MIMO Radar-Based Point Cloud Images for Environmental Recognition of Unmanned Vehicles and Its Application

High-performance radar systems are becoming increasingly popular for accurately detecting obstacles in front of unmanned vehicles in fog, snow, rain, night and other scenarios. The use of these systems is gradually expanding, such as indicating empty space and environment detection rather than just detecting and tracking the moving targets. In this paper, based on our high-resolution radar system, a three-dimensional point cloud image algorithm is developed and implemented. An axis translation and compensation algorithm is applied to minimize the point spreading caused by the different mounting positions and the alignment error of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and radar. After applying the algorithm, a point cloud image for a corner reflector target and a parked vehicle is created to directly compare the improved results. A recently developed radar system is mounted on the vehicle and it collects data through actual road driving. Based on this, a three-dimensional point cloud image including an axis translation and compensation algorithm is created. As a results, not only the curbstones of the road but also street trees and walls are well represented. In addition, this point cloud image is made to overlap and align with an open source web browser (QtWeb)-based navigation map image to implement the imaging algorithm and thus determine the location of the vehicle. This application algorithm can be very useful for positioning unmanned vehicles in urban area where GNSS signals cannot be received due to a large number of buildings. Furthermore, sensor fusion, in which a three-dimensional point cloud radar image appears on the camera image, is also implemented. The position alignment of the sensors is realized through intrinsic and extrinsic parameter optimization. This high-performance radar application algorithm is expected to work well for unmanned ground or aerial vehicle route planning and avoidance maneuvers in emergencies regardless of weather conditions, as it can obtain detailed information on space and obstacles not only in the front but also around them.

Autonomous Robot Adopting Multi-Axis Robotic Arm and ACO Algorithm

The autonomous robot being introduced aims to facilitate activities in hospitals, especially in the isolation wards, and bio/chemical laboratories. The text begins with introducing the parallelogram design of the robot, which permits 3 degrees of freedom (DoF), comprising 2 translational axes and 1 rotational axis. Macanum wheels provide high maneuverability and dexterity regarding robot motion, and its dynamic kinematic analysis is encompassed in the passage. Then, the essay specifically explains the methodology for testing the robot’s path-planning competence. Adopted by the robot, ant colony optimization (ACO) is a route-planning algorithm that has strong potential. It can deal with convoluted map configurations and has the value of incorporating advanced route planning and mapping technologies including SLAM. The essay then displays and analyzes the results from the test runs by inserting ACO into the route planning of a hospital map. Finally, the essay elicits the challenges and discusses the opportunities that the technologies being applied and how can the entire robot design be elaborated for a higher investigation value.

ZLN005 alleviates PBDE-47 induced impairment of mitochondrial translation and neurotoxicity through PGC-1α/ERRα axis

Recent studies are identified the mitochondria as critical targets of 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) induced neurotoxicity. This study aimed at examining the impact of PBDE-47 exposure on mitochondrial translation, and its subsequent effect on PBDE-47 neurotoxicity. The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model and neuroendocrine pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were adopted for the measurements of mitochondrial ATP levels, mitochondrial translation products, and expressions of important mitochondrial regulators, such as required meiotic nuclear division 1 (RMND1), estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α). To delve into the role of PGC-1α/ERRα axis in mitochondrial translation, 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl) benzimidazole (ZLN005) was employed. Both cellular and animal model results shown that PBDE-47 impeded PGC-1α/ERRα axis and mitochondrial translation. PBDE-47 suppressed mitochondrial function in rat hippocampus and PC12 cells by decreasing relative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, mitochondrial translation products, and mitochondrial ATP levels. Particularly, ZLN005 reversed PBDE-47 neurotoxicity by enhancing mitochondrial translation through activation of PGC-1α/ERRα axis, yet suppressing PGC-1α with siRNA attenuates its neuroprotective effect in vitro. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of mitochondrial translation in PBDE-47 neurotoxicity by presenting results from cellular and animal models and suggests a potential therapeutic approach through activation of PGC-1α/ERRα axis. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: PBDEs have attracted extensive attention because of their high lipophilicity, persistence, and detection levels in various environmental media. Increasing evidence has shown that neurodevelopmental disorders in children are associated with PBDE exposure. Several studies have also found that perinatal PBDE exposure can cause long-lasting neurobehavioral abnormalities in experimental animals. Our recent studies have also demonstrated the impact of PBDE-47 exposure on mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, leading to memory and neurobehavioral deficits. Therefore, we explore whether the pathological mechanism of PBDE-47-induced neurotoxicity involves the regulation of mitochondrial translation through the PGC-1α/ERRα axis.

Effectiveness and Safety of Preoperative Halo Gravity Traction-Assisted Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery for Severe and Rigid Scoliosis: A Comparative Matched-Cohort Study

Background. Severe and rigid scoliosis poses significant challenges in surgical correction, and innovative approaches are continually sought to enhance effectiveness and ensure patient safety. Halo-gravity traction (HGT) continues to be a vital tool in managing severe spinal conditions, offering a nonsurgical or preoperative approach to address spinal deformities. However, the correction effect that HGT can achieve for severe and rigid spinal deformity is currently unclear and the impact of HGT on the selection of spinal osteotomy grade was still unknown. Methods. A retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted and a total of 74 patients from January 2018 to December 2021 in our institution were finally enrolled in this study, including 27 patients in the HGT group and 47 patients in the non-HGT group based on whether patients receive HGT or not. Comprehensive assessments including radiographic outcomes, surgical parameters, and clinical complications were collect and analyzed before and after correction surgery. Results. Of the patients included in the HGT group, 21 had thoracic curvature and 6 had thoracolumbar/lumbar curvature, compared with 38 and 9 in the non-HGT group, respectively (P=0.66). There was no significant difference in the etiologies of scoliosis between two groups (15/7/3/2 vs. 25/16/4/2, P=0.85). The main curve in HGT and non-HGT groups were corrected from an average of 113.69°–51.25° and 111.94°–63.79° (P&lt;0.01). For the HGT group, the mean correction rate of focal kyphosis (FK) was 45.43%, which was significantly higher than those in the non-HGT group (33.98%, P&lt;0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative parameters of sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (P=0.13) or thoracic kyphosis (TK) (P=0.07) between the two groups. Postoperatively, the HGT group showed significantly lower values in SVA (P=0.001) and TK (P=0.001) compared to the non-HGT group. However, there was no significant difference in the imaging parameters coronal vertical axis (CVA) and apical vertebral translation (AVT) between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). In the preoperative surgical planning phase before HGT treatment, 26 patients were initially considered candidates for 3-column osteotomy (3CO), while one patient was evaluated as suitable for posterior column osteotomy (PCO). Following HGT treatment, the assessment changed with 11 patients identified as candidates for 3CO and 16 patients deemed suitable for PCO. The application proportion of 3CO was significantly higher in the non-HGT group than in the HGT group (P&lt;0.05). The mean blood loss of the non-HGT group was significantly greater than that of the HGT group (666.67 ± 486.55 ml vs. 1024.47 ± 718.46 ml, P&lt;0.05), but the surgical time showed no difference between the two groups (297.33 ± 66.89 mins vs. 299.15 ± 56.73 mins, P=0.90). The incidence of complications in the HGT group was 7.4%, which was significantly lower than that of the non-HGT group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. This study showed that the use of HGT, as a feasible and safe strategy, has superior efficacy and safety for treating severe and rigid scoliosis and can reduce the level of osteotomy used during surgery to some extent.