A multi-objective optimization evaluation model for seismic performance of slopes reinforced by pile-anchor system.

The significance means of the seismic reinforcement effect of a pile-anchor system for slope reinforcement has been widely recognized. However, cases of deformation failure and instability sliding of the pile-anchor system itself and the reinforced slope under seismic action continue to be recorded. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the seismic performance of slopes reinforced by a pile-anchor system to prevent the system's failure. Current evaluation models of a slope reinforced by a pile-anchor system mainly focus on slope stability; however, the safety of the pile-anchor system itself is not sufficiently considered in these models. Consequently, in this study, we propose a multi-objective optimization evaluation (MOE) model for evaluating the seismic performance of slopes reinforced by a pile-anchor system that considers slope stability, safety of the pile-anchor system, and dynamic response of the slope. This model considers slope displacement, acceleration amplification factor of a slope, pile displacement, and anchor displacement as negative indexes, and anti-slide pile bending moment, shear force, and anchor axial force as intermediate indexes. The comprehensive weight of relevant indexes is obtained by combining subjective and objective weights, and the seismic reinforcement effect of the pile-anchor system is evaluated subsequently. In conclusion, the MOE model proposed in this study provides a novel solution for the optimization evaluation of a slope reinforced by a pile-anchor system in forthcoming projects.

Effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are benefited from the continuous tactile information to enhance postural control. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults. METHODS: The search strategy (up to January 2023) was based on the PICOT (older adults; anchor system during balance and walking tasks; any control group; postural control measurements; short and/or long-term effect). Two pairs of reviewers independently examined all titles and abstracts for eligibility. The reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies, assessed the risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies used a 125-g haptic anchor system. Four studies used anchors when standing in a semi-tandem position, two in tandem walking on different surfaces, and one in an upright position after plantar flexor muscle fatigue. Two studies showed that the anchor system reduced body sway. One study showed that the ellipse area was significantly lower for the 50% group (reduced frequency) in the post-practice phase. One study showed that the reduction in the ellipse area was independent of the fatigue condition. Two studies observed reduced trunk acceleration in the frontal plane during tandem waking tasks. The studies had low to moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSION: Haptic anchors can reduce postural sway during balance and walking tasks in older adults. Also, positive effects were seen during the delayed post-practice phase after the removal of anchors only in individuals who used a reduced anchor frequency.

A Novel Imaging Approach for Single-Cell Real-Time Analysis of Oncolytic Virus Replication and Efficacy in Cancer Cells.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are novel cancer gene therapies that are moving toward the forefront of modern medicines. However, their full therapeutic potential is hindered by the lack of convenient and reliable strategies to visualize and quantify OV growth kinetics and therapeutic efficacy in live cells. In this study, we present an innovative imaging approach for single-cell real-time analysis of OV replication and efficacy in cancer cells. We selected SG33 as a prototypic new OV that derives from wild-type Myxoma virus (MYXV). Lausanne Toulouse 1 (T1) was used as control. We equipped SG33 and T1 genomes with the ANCHOR system and infected a panel of cell lines. The ANCHOR system is composed of a fusion protein (OR-GFP) that specifically binds to a short nonrepetitive DNA target sequence (ANCH) and spreads onto neighboring sequences by protein oligomerization. Its accumulation on the tagged viral DNA results in the creation of fluorescent foci. We found that (1) SG33 and T1-ANCHOR DNA can be readily detected and quantified by live imaging, (2) both OVs generate perinuclear replication foci after infection clustering into horse-shoe shape replication centers, and (3) SG33 replicates to higher levels as compared with T1. Lastly, as a translational proof of concept, we benchmarked SG33 replication and oncolytic efficacy in primary cancer cells derived from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) both at the population and at the single-cell levels. In vivo, SG33 significantly replicates in experimental tumors to inhibit tumor growth. Collectively, we provide herein for the first time a novel strategy to quantify each step of OV infection in live cells and in real time by tracking viral DNA and provide first evidence of theranostic strategies for PDAC patients. Thus, this approach has the potential to rationalize the use of OVs for the benefit of patients with incurable diseases.

Task difficulty has no effect on haptic anchoring during tandem walking in young and older adults.

This study assessed the contribution of the "anchor system's" haptic information to balance control during walking at two levels of difficulty. Seventeen young adults and seventeen older adults performed 20 randomized trials of tandem walking in a straight line, on level ground and on a slightly-raised balance beam, both with and without the use of the anchors. The anchor consists of two flexible cables, whose ends participants hold in each hand, to which weights (125 g) are attached at the opposing ends, and which rest on the ground. As the participants walk, they pull on the cables, dragging the anchors. Spatiotemporal gait variables (step speed and single- and double-support duration) were processed using retro-reflective markers on anatomical sites. An accelerometer positioned in the cervical region registered trunk acceleration. Walking on the balance beam increased single- and double-support duration and reduced step speed in older adults, which suggests that this condition was more difficult than walking on the level ground. The anchors reduced trunk acceleration in the frontal plane, but the level of difficulty of the walking task showed no effect. Thus, varying the difficulty of the task had no influence on the way in which participants used the anchor system while tandem walking. The older adults exhibited more difficulty in walking on the balance beam as compared to the younger adults; however, the effect of the anchor system was similar in both groups.

Haptic information provided by the "anchor system" reduces trunk sway acceleration in the frontal plane during tandem walking in older adults.

This study assessed whether the use of an "anchor system" benefited older adults who performed a tandem walking task. Additionally, we tested the effects of practice with the anchor system during walking on trunk stability, in the frontal plane, of older adults. Forty-four older adults were randomly assigned to three groups: control group, 0g anchor group, and 125g anchor group. Individuals in each group performed a tandem walking task on the GaitRite system with an accelerometer placed on the cervical region. The participants in the 125g anchor group held, in each hand, a flexible cable with a light mass attached at the end of the cable, which rested on the ground. While the participants walked, they pulled on the cables just enough to keep them taut as the masses slid over the ground. The 0g anchor group held an anchor tool without any mass attached to the end portion. The results of this study demonstrated that the use of the anchor system contributed to the reduction of trunk acceleration in the frontal plane. However, this effect did not persist after removal of the anchors, which suggests that the amount of practice with this tool was insufficient to generate any lasting effect, or that the task was not sufficiently challenging, or both.

Haptic anchoring and human postural control

Several studies have emphasized the contribution of haptic input that results from the use of rigid and non-rigid tools to the postural control system. Experimental protocols such as the light touch and the anchor system are based on individuals' haptic exploration of the environment through direct tactile-kinesthetic contact, or indirectly through rigid or flexible tools that are attached to the body. In this article, we introduce the main findings of humans' haptic use of non-rigid tools during postural control tasks. We illustrate the effects of an anchor system paradigm on the maintenance of stability via haptic information. Haptic anchoring includes the handling of flexible cables that are attached to loads that are in contact with a surface. We include results of studies about haptic information gathered during the holding of a walking dog's leash. Studies that used the anchor system demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing body sway in several groups, including young adults, children, older individuals, and intellectually disabled individuals. We discuss several experimental designs and intervention protocols in order to illustrate how haptic anchoring could prompt functional plasticity.(AU)

Haptic anchoring and human postural control

Several studies have emphasized the contribution of haptic input that results from the use of rigid and non-rigid tools to the postural control system. Experimental protocols such as the light touch and the anchor system are based on individuals' haptic exploration of the environment through direct tactile-kinesthetic contact, or indirectly through rigid or flexible tools that are attached to the body. In this article, we introduce the main findings of humans' haptic use of non-rigid tools during postural control tasks. We illustrate the effects of an anchor system paradigm on the maintenance of stability via haptic information. Haptic anchoring includes the handling of flexible cables that are attached to loads that are in contact with a surface. We include results of studies about haptic information gathered during the holding of a walking dog's leash. Studies that used the anchor system demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing body sway in several groups, including young adults, children, older individuals, and intellectually disabled individuals. We discuss several experimental designs and intervention protocols in order to illustrate how haptic anchoring could prompt functional plasticity.

Intermittent use of an "anchor system" improves postural control in healthy older adults.

Haptic information, provided by a non-rigid tool (i.e., an "anchor system"), can reduce body sway in individuals who perform a standing postural task. However, it was not known whether or not continuous use of the anchor system would improve postural control after its removal. Additionally, it was unclear as to whether or not frequency of use of the anchor system is related to improved control in older adults. The present study evaluated the effect of the prolonged use of the anchor system on postural control in healthy older individuals, at different frequencies of use, while they performed a postural control task (semi-tandem position). Participants were divided into three groups according to the frequency of the anchor system's use (0%, 50%, and 100%). Pre-practice phase (without anchor) was followed by a practice phase (they used the anchor system at the predefined frequency), and a post-practice phase (immediate and late-without anchor). All three groups showed a persistent effect 15min after the end of the practice phase (immediate post-practice phase). However, only the 50% group showed a persistent effect in the late post-practice phase (24h after finishing the practice phase). Older adults can improve their postural control by practicing the standing postural task, and use of the anchor system limited to half of their practice time can provide additional improvement in their postural control.