bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive determination of pressure recovery by cardiac MRI and echocardiography in patients with severe aortic stenosis: short and long-term outcome prediction
Authors: Sagmeister Florian , Herrmann Sebastian , Gassenmaier Tobias , Bernhardt Peter , Rasche Volker , Liebold Andreas , Weidemann Frank , Brunner Horst , Beer Meinrad
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the influence of pressure recovery (PR)-corrected haemodynamic parameters on outcome in patients with aortic stenosis.

Methods

Aortic stenosis severity parameters were corrected for PR (increase in static pressure due to decreasing dynamic pressure), assessed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), in patients with aortic stenosis. PR, indexed PR (iPR) and energy loss index (ELI) were determined. Factors that predicted all-cause mortality, and 9-month or 10-year New York Heart Association classification ≥2 were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

A total of 25 patients, aged 68 ± 10 years, were included. PR was 17 ± 6 mmHg using CMR, and CMR correlated with TTE measurements. PR correction using CMR data reduced the AS-severity classification in 12–20% of patients, and correction using TTE data reduced the AS-severity classification in 16% of patients. Age (Wald 4.774) was a statistically significant predictor of all-cause mortality; effective orifice area (Wald 3.753) and ELI (Wald 3.772) almost reached significance.

Conclusions

PR determination may result in significant reclassification of aortic stenosis severity and may hold value in predicting all-cause mortality.
Machine learning identifies two autophagy-related genes as markers of recurrence in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Jianping , Liu Sulai , Chen Xiaoming , Xu Hongfei , Tang Yaoping
Published: October 2020

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer worldwide. Patient outcomes following recurrence of CRC are very poor. Therefore, identifying the risk of CRC recurrence at an early stage would improve patient care. Accumulating evidence shows that autophagy plays an active role in tumorigenesis, recurrence, and metastasis.

Methods

We used machine learning algorithms and two regression models, univariable Cox proportion and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), to identify 26 autophagy-related genes (ARGs) related to CRC recurrence.

Results

By functional annotation, these ARGs were shown to be enriched in necroptosis and apoptosis pathways. Protein–protein interactions identified SQSTM1, CASP8, HSP80AB1, FADD, and MAPK9 as core genes in CRC autophagy. Of 26 ARGs, BAX and PARP1 were regarded as having the most significant predictive ability of CRC recurrence, with prediction accuracy of 71.1%.

Conclusion

These results shed light on prediction of CRC recurrence by ARGs. Stratification of patients into recurrence risk groups by testing ARGs would be a valuable tool for early detection of CRC recurrence.
Strabismus prevalence and associated factors among pediatric patients in southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Agaje Bekalu Getahun , Delelegne Demoze , Abera Elias , Desta Kindie , Girum Mikael , Mossie Mulat , Eshetu Daniel , Hirigo Agete Tadewos
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the strabismus prevalence and associated factors among children aged ≤15 years.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2017 to October 2017 in the Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect relevant data and clinical examinations were performed for patient diagnosis.

Results

Overall, 582 children participated in the study (response rate, 97%). The prevalence of childhood strabismus was 17.9% [95% confidence interval: 14.6–21.1]. Additionally, 9.6%, 16.7%, and 9.6% of the children had anisometropia, amblyopia, and dense cataract, respectively. Among the 16.7% of children with amblyopia, 56.7% had strabismus; among the 22.5% of children with clinically significant refractive error, 52.7% had strabismus. Moreover, among the 9.6% of children with anisometropia, 58.9% had strabismus. The presence of amblyopia (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.9, 1.7–8.6), age <5 years (13.5 [5.0–36.1]), age 5 to 10 years (6.1 [2.3–16.3]), and clinically significant refractive error (13.3 [5.8–30.6]) were significantly associated with childhood strabismus.

Conclusions

The prevalence of strabismus was relatively high among patients in this study. Early screening for childhood strabismus is essential. A well-controlled community-based study is needed to confirm strabismus prevalence and predictors.
Frequency and types of EGFR mutations in Moroccan patients with non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lemine Sow Mohamed , El Yacoubi Hind , Moukafih Badreddine , Balde Salif , Akimana Gloria , Najem Salma , El Khoyaali Siham , Abahssain Halima , Chaibi Aicha , Zeb Khan Shah , Trapani Dario , Benzekri Asmae , Ghaouti Merieme , Gamra Lamia , Mestari Amina , Kettani Fouad , Rahali Younes , Mrabti Hind , Elghissassi Ibrahim , Errihani Hassan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) gene are commonly observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in adenocarcinoma histology. The frequency of EGFR mutations is ethnicity-dependent, with a higher proportion reported in Asian populations than Caucasian populations. There is a lack of data on these mutations in north Africa.

Methods:

Tumor specimens from Moroccan patients with NSCLC were collected from five pathology laboratories between November 2010 and December 2017 to determine frequency and types of EGFR mutations. Tumors were tested in a reference center for EGFR by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of exons 18, 19, 20, and 21.

Results:

A total of 334 patients were enrolled: 242 (72.5%) males and 92 females (27.5%). A total of 56.9% had a history of smoking. EGFR testing of the 334 lung adenocarcinoma samples demonstrated a wild-type EGFR in 261 (78.1%) and mutated EGFR in 73 (21.9%). Mutations were mainly detected in the exon 19 deletion (65.8%), followed by exon 21 L858 (17.8%) and other exon 21 codon mutations (5.5%) and exon 18 (6.8%), whereas primary mutations of exon 20 were less frequent (4.1%). In patients with advanced NSCLC, the detection of EGFR mutation was independently associated with sex (41.3% female vs 14.5% male; p < 0.001) and smoking status (34.8% nonsmokers vs 12.9% active smokers; p < 0.001). The mean age was significantly different between the two groups ( p = 0.041).

Conclusion:

Our findings confirm the genetic heterogeneity of NSCLC worldwide, reporting frequency of EGFR mutations in Moroccan patients with NSCLC between those of Asian and Caucasian populations.
Peasants and Partisans, Stranger Selves: Stuart Hood’s Memoir Project and Second World War Life Writing
Authors: Stollery Martin
Published: October 2020

This essay is the first detailed critical analysis of Pebbles from My Skull/ Carlino (1963/1985), Stuart Hood’s account of the 1943/4 period he spent fighting as part of the Italian Resistance. It situates Hood’s work in relation to the prevailing ‘Colditz Myth’ associated with British Second World War prisoner of war escapees and the conceptions of England and Europe underlying this myth. It also considers Hood’s ‘memoir project – the self-reflexive narrative of self he was compelled to tell, extending across multiple texts, and to which he was reluctant to give final form or finished meaning – in relation to recent theoretical work on life writing and military life writing in particular.
Melodrama and the ‘art of government’: Jewish Emancipation and Elizabeth Polack’s Esther, the Royal Jewess; or The Death of Haman!
Authors: Carruthers Jo
Published: October 2020

This article challenges historians’ representations of working-class Jewish attitudes to emancipation in the early nineteenth century through a reading of Elizabeth Polack’s 1835 melodrama, Esther, the Royal Jewess, or the Death of Haman! Low expectations of working-class political engagement and the working-class genre of the melodrama are challenged by the astute political content of Polack’s play. Its historical and political value is revealed by placing the play within the tradition of the purimspiel, the Jewish genre that traditionally explores Jewish life under hostile government. Reading the play alongside Walter Benjamin’s writings on the disparaged German melodramatic genre of the trauerspiel enables a finely articulated reading of its complex exploration of issues of sovereignty, law, and religious and political freedom.
The dnỉ-Measure in Ancient Egyptian Tomb Construction Projects
Authors: Olsen Rune
Published: October 2020

When constructing the rock-cut tombs in the Theban necropolis, the ancient Egyptian builders kept track of the progress by recording the amount of rock that was excavated. This is clear from Eighteenth Dynasty ostraca from the tomb chapel of Senenmut, TT 71, which record stages of excavation and measure the production output in units of dnỉ. The current article reconfirms the observations of J. Černý on the dnỉ-unit and its usage as a measure exclusively for capacity, particularly in building projects involving excavation of rock. From this, the article outlines the implications for the understanding of other tomb construction terminology, in particular the ȝʿʿ, the šʿd and the dḳr. The consequence is to acknowledge that the tomb builders of Senenmut only recorded progress of excavation, and not different stages of decoration. In addition, the article suggests that baskets filled with stone flakes at Deir el-Bahri from the Middle Kingdom may represent a practical use of the dnỉ-unit.
Managing employment among pre-retirement aged cancer survivors
Authors: Hunter Elizabeth G , Rowles Graham D
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Successfully maintaining (managing) paid employment can be a challenge as people negotiate the cancer care pathway and survivorship. Little research explores the influence of age on this situation. The purpose of this project was to explore the role of age in managing employment for survivors from age 45 to 64 years.

Method

A qualitative descriptive design was conducted to explore the intersection of age and managing employment for cancer survivors. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 United States cancer survivors (lung, breast, colorectal). Interviews were conducted in person or by phone. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Codes were grouped by categories, incorporated into separate topical files, and then aggregated into broader emergent themes.

Findings

Survivors are not just “returning” to work after treatment. They are often managing work both during and after treatment. Age may have benefits but can also provide barriers to positive survivorship and employment experiences. Fulfilling the role of employee and maintaining a worker identity was a strong driver for many participants. Again, this was potentially both a support and a barrier. It was discovered that health care providers provided little support to facilitate employment.

Conclusion

Age is a factor that is poorly understood but influences both health and personal aspects of the experience of managing paid employment during and after cancer treatment. Occupational therapy practitioners should acknowledge this important role in addressing cancer survivorship.
The Pathoanatomy of Posterolateral Corner Ligamentous Disruption in Multiligament Knee Injuries Is Predictive of Peroneal Nerve Injury
Authors: Kahan Joseph B. , Li Don , Schneble Christopher A. , Huang Patrick , Bullock James , Porrino Jack , Medvecky Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

A description of the precise locations of ligamentous and myotendinous injury patterns of acute posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries and their associated osseous and neurovascular injuries is lacking in the literature.

Purpose:

To characterize the ligamentous and myotendinous injury patterns and zones of injury that occur in acute PLC injuries and determine associated rates of peroneal nerve palsies and vascular injuries, as well as fracture and dislocation.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified all patients treated for an acute multiligament knee injury (MLKI) at our level 1 trauma center from 2001 to 2018. From this cohort, all patients with PLC injuries were identified. Demographics, involved ligaments and tendons, neurovascular injury, and presence of fracture and dislocation were compared with the larger multiligament knee cohort. Incidence and location of injury of PLC structures—from proximal to midsubstance and distal injury—were recorded.

Results:

A total of 100 knees in 100 patients were identified as having MLKIs. A total of 74 patients (74%) had lateral-sided ligament injuries. Of these, 23 (31%) had a peroneal nerve palsy associated with their injury; 10 (14%), a vascular injury; and 23 (31%), a fracture. Patients with PLC injuries had higher rates of peroneal nerve injury as compared with those having acute MLKIs without a PLC injury (31% vs 4%; P = .005). Patients with a complete peroneal nerve palsy (n = 17) were less likely to regain function than those with a partial peroneal nerve palsy (n = 6; 12% vs 100%; P < .0001). Complete injury to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) occurred in 71 of 74 (96%) PLC injuries, with 3 distinct patterns of injury demonstrated. Fibular avulsion of the LCL was the most common zone of injury (65%), followed by femoral avulsion (20%) and midsubstance tear (15%). Location of injury to the LCL was associated with the rate of peroneal nerve injury, with midsubstance tears and fibular avulsions associated with higher rates of peroneal nerve injury.

Conclusion:

MLKIs with involvement of the PLC are more likely to suffer peroneal nerve injury. The LCL is nearly always involved, and its location of injury is predictive of peroneal nerve injury. Patients with a complete peroneal nerve palsy at presentation are much less likely to regain function.
Determinants and Consequences of Food Insecurity in Artisanal Fishing Families From the Coastal Community of Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Quizán-Plata Trinidad , Carrasco-Miranda Jesús G. , Murillo-Castillo Karla D. , Corella-Madueño María Alba G. , López-Teros Verónica , Frongillo Edward A.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Families living from artisanal fisheries are vulnerable to food insecurity.

Objective:

This research aimed to assess the determinants and consequences of food insecurity in artisanal fishing families from the coastal community of Sonora, Mexico, and to understand how these families face food insecurity.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study with 116 mothers. A socioeconomic, demographic, and nutritional knowledge survey was applied to assess determinants. A survey about food in the community and food security scale were collected to evaluate food insecurity and two 24-hour dietary recalls and anthropometric measures to assess consequences. Field notes about facing food insecurity were collected.

Results:

Sixty-eight percent of families have food insecurity. Being above the poverty line, higher father education, knowing how many glasses of water should be drunk per day, and how many minutes of physical activity should be done per day were associated with lower food insecurity. Not having medical service and lower mother education were associated with higher food insecurity. Higher food insecurity was associated with buying in a convenience store; higher food insecurity and higher mother education were associated with lower dietary score; and higher father education was associated with higher dietary score. Being below the extreme poverty line by income and number of children were associated with lower waist circumference; lower father education was associated with higher waist circumference of mothers.

Conclusions:

Artisanal fishing families residing in the coastal community of Sonora, Mexico, experience high food insecurity associated with social and economic determinants and their dietary quality.
School Climate Research: Italian Adaptation and Validation of a Multidimensional School Climate Questionnaire
Authors: Grazia Valentina , Molinari Luisa
Published: October 2020

In this article, we present a multidimensional school climate questionnaire, based on an adaptation and validation of the Socio-Educational Environment Questionnaire, which is an instrument developed in Canada, assessing several dimensions of school climate. In particular, the aim of this research was to create a Multidimensional School Climate Questionnaire, which is adding to the original measure by testing a second-order factor model. We conducted two studies with different samples of middle school students (aged from 10 to 16 years) from Northern Italy (Study 1: 575 students and Study 2: 1070 students), and collected data on the psychometric features of the instrument, its reliability and validity. In particular, in Study 1, we carried out the adaptation process and an exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, we conducted first- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis and tested the associations with school engagement and burnout scales. Overall, our results supported the stability of the adaptation and offered further insights into the original instrument. Assessment implications are discussed.
Polyethylenimine-coated gold-magnetic nanoparticles for ADAM10 siRNA delivery in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Panday Raju , Abdalla Ahmed ME , Miao Yu , Li Xiaohong , Neupane Manisha , Ouyang Chenxi , Yang Guang
Published: October 2020

For an effective medical application of therapeutic siRNA, a safe and an efficient delivery system are required. Herein, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been successfully used as siRNA delivery vehicles. Firstly, MNPs were coated with gold (Au) nanoparticles and then capped with PEI. To improve the biocompatibility of nanoparticles, hyaluronic acid (HA) was coated onto the surface of PEI-Au/Fe nanoparticles. The prepared HA-PEI-Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized and found to be uniform and well segregated in TEM analysis. FTIR analysis confirmed that HA was successfully conjugated to PEI. The polymer content in these nanoparticles was relatively higher than PEG coated nanoparticles. Cell viability assay demonstrated that the nanoparticles were relatively biocompatible in nature. ADAM10 siRNA was loaded into the HA-PEI-Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles and cytotoxicity to prostate cancer (PC3) cells was analyzed. The results indicate that ADAM10 siRNA loaded HA-PEI-Au/Fe3O4 suppress the PC3 cells growth in vitro. Clearly, it could be confirmed that HA-PEI coated Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles with higher biocompatibility appear to be suitable for intracellular siRNA delivery.
Childhood Abuse Classes for Incarcerated Men and Women: Are There Unique Gender Patterns in Abuse Classes?
Authors: Wolff Nancy , Aizpurua Eva , Sánchez Francisco Caravaca , Peng Dan
Published: October 2020

Childhood adversity is predictive of poorer health and behavioral health outcomes in adulthood. Males and females are known to experience different types of childhood adversity, with females experiencing more sexual and emotional harm in childhood. Latent class analysis (LCA) has been used to identify patterns among types of childhood adversity. These studies have constructed class structures using single gender or blended gender samples. Class structures based on blended gender samples, however, may misrepresent the nuances of gender-specific adversity histories through averaging, potentially distorting the relative need for gender-specific types of intervention. This study investigated whether latent class structures of childhood abuse are equivalent for incarcerated males and females. Our sample included 4,204 residents (3,986 males, 218 females) drawn from a single prison system. Residents completed an hour-long audio computer-assisted self-interview that included questions on 10 types of childhood abuse, depression, and anxiety symptoms, the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Criminal Sentiments Scale-Modified (CSS-M). Overall, female residents were both more likely to experience childhood abuse and have more extensive victimization experiences. Small subgroups of males, however, had even more extensive victimization experiences. Abuse patterns for males and females, while optimally clustering in four classes, are rather unique, especially for higher abuse classes, in terms of distribution of membership and types of abuse. These differences may matter in terms of identifying the relative need for therapeutic intervention among incarcerated males and females and targeting those interventions in ways that reflect the gradient and density of therapeutic need. The next step is to test whether using blended or gendered latent class structures matters in terms of predicting outcomes, such as prison-based behavioral health problems, suicidality, and victimization.
Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation as Potential Mediators Between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Maladaptive Coping
Authors: Benuto Lorraine T. , Yang Yueran , Bennett Natalie , Lancaster Cynthia
Published: October 2020

The extant literature has illustrated that protective service workers experience negative repercussions associated with their job (including the development of secondary traumatic stress; STS) and may utilize maladaptive coping mechanisms. Developing an improved understanding of factors that might explain the relationship between STS and the utilization of maladaptive coping mechanisms is warranted. This study sought to examine emotion regulation and distress tolerance as potential mediators between STS and the utilization of maladaptive coping mechanisms. Participants were 152 elder protective service workers and 105 child protective service workers who completed an online survey of self-report measures of emotion regulation, distress tolerance, STS, and coping behaviors. A parallel multiple mediator model was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the hypothesis that distress tolerance and emotion regulation would mediate the relationship between STS and the utilization of maladaptive coping. Our hypothesis was partially supported as the effect of STS on maladaptive coping was mediated by emotion regulation but not by distress tolerance. The results from this study have both prevention and intervention implications. From a prevention perspective, efforts could be directed at teaching emotion regulation skills to those at risk for developing STS as a mechanism for decreasing the probability of denial, substance use, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame that may occur as a consequence of STS. From an intervention perspective, some of the negative sequelae of exposure to STS may be averted by teaching EPS and CPS workers who present with STS symptoms, emotion regulation skills.
A Case Study of Early Postpartum Excessive Breast Engorgement: Is it Related to Feedback Inhibition of Lactation?
Authors: Coban Asuman , Bayraktar Sema , Yıldız Nevin , Tunçel Duygu , Gökçay Gülbin , Ince Zeynep
Published: October 2020

Introduction

There is limited information about problems of feedback inhibition of lactation which should be considered as a rare cause of breast engorgement. We report the management of excessive breast engorgement in a mother with a presumptive diagnosis of a defect in the feedback inhibition of lactation.

Main issue

The participant, who had been discharged on postpartum Day 2 while breastfeeding her infant, was readmitted to the hospital the next day with engorgement of the breasts and cessation of milk flow. Pumping and application of cold dressings alone did not work effectively. The severity of the symptoms decreased only after the addition of an anti-inflammatory drug and a prolactin inhibitor.

Management

The participant received breastfeeding counseling, family-centered care, and support for pumping equipment. An anti-inflammatory drug was started and a low dose prolactin inhibitor was given. The difficulty was the management of extensive and painful breast engorgement and the re-establishment of milk flow. At postpartum Day 14, the participant and her infant were discharged with effective breastfeeding status.

Conclusions

The recognition of a problem in the feedback inhibition of lactation as a cause of breast engorgement is important because it may be unresponsive to classical treatment methods resulting in cessation of milk flow. With the cautious use of low-dose cabergoline, in addition to other treatment strategies, milk flow can be reduced in a controlled manner while ensuring the continuity of milk production. An early diagnosis, interdisciplinary approach, and a close follow-up of the mother–infant pair are essential for preserving lactation.
The Structural and Functional Neuroanatomy of Post-Stroke Depression and Executive Dysfunction: A Review of Neuroimaging Findings and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Jaywant Abhishek , DelPonte Larissa , Kanellopoulos Dora , O’Dell Michael W. , Gunning Faith M.
Published: October 2020

Post-stroke depression and executive dysfunction co-occur and are highly debilitating. Few treatments alleviate both depression and executive dysfunction after stroke. Understanding the brain network changes underlying post-stroke depression with executive dysfunction can inform the development of targeted and efficacious treatment. In this review, we synthesize neuroimaging findings in post-stroke depression and post-stroke executive dysfunction and highlight the network commonalities that may underlie this comorbidity. Structural and functional alterations in the cognitive control network, salience network, and default mode network are associated with depression and executive dysfunction after stroke. Specifically, post-stroke depression and executive dysfunction are both linked to changes in intrinsic functional connectivity within resting state networks, functional over-connectivity between the default mode and salience/cognitive control networks, and reduced cross-hemispheric frontoparietal functional connectivity. Cognitive training and noninvasive brain stimulation targeted at these brain network abnormalities and specific clinical phenotypes may help advance treatment for post-stroke depression with executive dysfunction.
Validation of Korean Version of the Work Volition Scale
Authors: Kim Na-Rae , Lee Ki-Hak
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to validate a Korean-language version of the Work Volition Scale (WVS). Participants were 453 South Korean adults recruited through a survey panel website. In Phase 1 ( n = 230), the original WVS was translated into Korean. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution (volition, financial constraints, and structural constraints), consistent with the original WVS. In Phase 2 ( n = 223), confirmatory factor analysis supported the goodness of fit of the three-factor structure. Convergent validity tests demonstrated that the Korean WVS was positively correlated ( p < .01) with core self-evaluation and work locus of control and negatively correlated ( p < .01) with the intention to quit employment. In a hierarchical regression analysis, controlling for core self-evaluation and work locus of control, work volition positively predicted job satisfaction ( p < .001). The Korean WVS is a valid assessment tool that can be used by career counselors and researchers working with South Korean adults.
In search of entrepreneurial competencies: Peripheral vision and multidisciplinary inspiration
Authors: Penaluna Andrew , Penaluna Kathryn
Published: October 2020

This paper returns to the question of whether business schools alone can meet the challenges of enhancing creativity and innovation in entrepreneurial education. Policy makers have side-stepped definitional argumentation in order to embrace a more nuanced potential for entrepreneurial competency development, using multidisciplinary practice in learning and assessment that can be found beyond business and management discourse. Insights from other disciplines can be missed as different terminologies and definitions apply. Design education is inherently multidisciplinary and has been instrumental in facilitating significant policy-level changes. To delve more deeply into this phenomenon, the authors illustrate what actually happens in a classroom in which business and design intersect. Neuroscience research into the learning brain informs learning, teaching and assessment related to creativity, visioning and dealing with ambiguity – through the progressive development of flexibility and adaptability. The authors introduce the Crit, a common feature of Art and Design courses, as a tool of assessment, concluding that, before we dig deeper into business and management discourses, sideways glances into design education will continue to offer benefits.
Implementation of an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method to optimise the shapes of contact surfaces
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Fan Zijie , Gui Liangjin
Published: October 2020

A novel numerical method to optimise the shape of the contact surfaces in complex engineering components is developed herein. The arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method is applied to adjust the node coordinates of the contact surface in the finite element model by the user subroutine UMESHMOTION in ABAQUS®. The adjustment strategy changes the profile of the contact surface gradually according to the local contact pressure and a termination criterion based on the coefficient of variation controls the optimisation process. Thus, a new profile is obtained through continuous modification from the former iteration until the termination condition is satisfied. A performance test case using a 3D drum-brake was used to demonstrate this method, and the new shape of the friction plates was obtained to yield a better contact status. The results demonstrate that this method can improve the contact status and provide a good reference for new designs.
On wave dispersion characteristics of fluid-conveying smart nanotubes considering surface elasticity and flexoelectricity approach
Authors: Asghari Ardalani Amir-Reza , Amiri Ahad , Talebitooti Roohollah , Safizadeh Mir Saeed
Published: October 2020

Wave dispersion response of a fluid-carrying piezoelectric nanotube is studied in this paper utilizing an improved model for piezoelectric materials which capture a new effect known as flexoelectricity in conjunction with the surface elasticity. For this aim, a higher order shear deformation theory is employed to model the problem. Furthermore, strain gradient effect as well as nonlocal effect is taken into consideration throughout using the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). Surface elasticity is also considered to make an accurate size-dependent formulation. Additionally, a non-compressible and non-viscous fluid is taken into consideration to model the flow effect. The wave propagation solution is then implemented to the governing equations obtained by Hamiltonian’s approach. The phase velocity and group velocity of the nanotube is determined for three wave modes (i.e. shear, longitudinal and bending waves) to study the influence of various involved factors including strain gradient, nonlocality, flexoelectricity and surface elasticity and flow velocity on the wave dispersion curves. Results reveal a considerable effect of the flexoelectric phenomenon on the wave propagation properties especially at a specific domain of the wave number. The size-dependency of this effect is disclosed. Overall, it is found that the flexoelectricity exhibits a substantial influence on wave dispersion properties of the smart fluid-conveying systems. Hence, such size-dependent effect should be considered to achieve exact and accurate knowledge on wave propagation characteristics of the system.
A modified degradation technique for fatigue life assessment of adhesive materials subjected to cyclic shear loads
Authors: Akhavan-Safar Alireza , Monteiro Joao , Carbas Ricardo , Marques Eduardo , Goyal Rakesh Kumar , da Silva Lucas
Published: October 2020

Understanding the fatigue response of adhesive joints under cyclic shear stress is important to avoid fatigue failure of the bonded structures. Recently, a cohesive zone modelling (CZM) technique was developed where the cohesive properties of the elements were degraded by a proposed empirical relation. However, based on this degradation approach, the fatigue life of the joints should be known before running the analysis. The aim of the current study is to improve the numerical method in which the fatigue life of the joints will be automatically estimated during the analysis. To achieve this, the concepts of fracture mechanics are considered by using the Paris’ law combined with the degradation model. A user material subroutine is developed to conduct the numerical calculations based on the concepts of CZM. End notched flexure (ENF) tests were carried out to evaluate the numerical data. Based on the results, it was found that the modified approach, in which the total fatigue life is obtained automatically, can be employed for fatigue life assessment of adhesive joints subjected to cyclic shear stresses.
Analysis of rotor aerodynamic response during ramp collective pitch increase by CFD method
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhao Qijun , Zhang Xiayang , Xu Guohua
Published: October 2020

In order to study the aerodynamic response characteristics of the helicopter rotor during ramp collective pitch increase, the moving-embedded grid technique is employed for numerical simulation. The governing equations are modeled via Navier-Stokes equations, as well as one equation S-A turbulence model. In order to improve the precision of unsteady simulation of the rotor flowfield, the three-order scheme known as Roe-WENO scheme is employed for the spatial discretization of convective fluxes, and the implicit LU-SGS scheme is adopted for the temporal discretization. The flowfield and aerodynamic characteristics of the SA349/2 Gazelle helicopter rotor are computed for verification, and thereafter, the present method is used to simulate the transient aerodynamic response of the rotor under different collective pitch increment rates. The unsteady flowfield and aerodynamic characteristics of the rotor under ramp collective pitch increase are obtained and compared with the experimental data. The results show that the numerical method not only can accurately predict the unsteady aerodynamic loads of the rotor in steady state, but also is capable of effectively simulating the transient aerodynamic response of the rotor, characterized by overshoot and delay phenomenon, during ramp collective pitch increase. Finally, the opposite ramp decrease in collective pitch and the influence of pre-twist on aerodynamic response are analyzed. The result shows that the transient aerodynamic response of the rotor under ramp collective pitch increase and decrease present a certain of symmetry. The change in pre-twist of blades only affects the thrust coefficient in steady state, while have little influence on the transient maneuvering process of collective pitch.
Exploring neurodegenerative disorders using a novel integrated model of cerebral transport: Initial results
Authors: Vardakis John C , Chou Dean , Guo Liwei , Ventikos Yiannis
Published: October 2020

The neurovascular unit (NVU) underlines the complex and symbiotic relationship between brain cells and the cerebral vasculature, and dictates the need to consider both neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases under the same mechanistic umbrella. Importantly, unlike peripheral organs, the brain was thought not to contain a dedicated lymphatics system. The glymphatic system concept (a portmanteau of glia and lymphatic) has further emphasized the importance of cerebrospinal fluid transport and emphasized its role as a mechanism for waste removal from the central nervous system. In this work, we outline a novel multiporoelastic solver which is embedded within a high precision, subject specific workflow that allows for the co-existence of a multitude of interconnected compartments with varying properties (multiple-network poroelastic theory, or MPET), that allow for the physiologically accurate representation of perfused brain tissue. This novel numerical template is based on a six-compartment MPET system (6-MPET) and is implemented through an in-house finite element code. The latter utilises the specificity of a high throughput imaging pipeline (which has been extended to incorporate the regional variation of mechanical properties) and blood flow variability model developed as part of the VPH-DARE@IT research platform. To exemplify the capability of this large-scale consolidated pipeline, a cognitively healthy subject is used to acquire novel, biomechanistically inspired biomarkers relating to primary and derivative variables of the 6-MPET system. These biomarkers are shown to capture the sophisticated nature of the NVU and the glymphatic system, paving the way for a potential route in deconvoluting the complexity associated with the likely interdependence of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. The present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, that casts and implements the 6-MPET equations in a 3D anatomically accurate brain geometry.
Statistical ankle-shape and pressure analysis for design of elastic tubular bandage
Authors: Zhang Chunqiang , Ji Xiaomin , Xue Yanmin , Hu Gang
Published: October 2020

Ankles can benefit from the elastic tube bandage (ETB) by providing the ankle joint with compression, but partial high- or low-pressure leads to body discomfort. The aim of this paper is to propose a method for analyzing the ankle shape with the fabric compression which is basis on the comfortable pressure on human body. First, a standard model of ankle is established from the scanned data of 306 samples, and the mapping of the fabric shape curves on ankle were constructed by the U-direction convex curves of the model. The positions or areas of maximum and minimum pressure are then marked by extracting the curvatures of the fabric shape curves. According to the Laplace’s Law, the sizes of ETBs can be calculated given that the value of comfortable pressure on human body is the maximum one. The data of calculation is approximate to the relevant previous studies which has the same parameters of ETBs. Nine groups of the ankle shapes from the database are discussed, each group has a proportional coefficient to the standard model, and the result shows that six sizes of ETBs with comfort pressure match for the nine groups. These can be applied to the comfort design, and the method proposed can boost size customization of ETBs, as well as will inspire the research on other elastic compression garments.
Preregistered Direct Replication of “Sick Body, Vigilant Mind: The Biological Immune System Activates the Behavioral Immune System”
Authors: Tybur Joshua M. , Jones Benedict C. , DeBruine Lisa M. , Ackerman Joshua M. , Fasolt Vanessa
Published: October 2020

The tendency to attend to and avoid cues to pathogens varies across individuals and contexts. Researchers have proposed that this variation is partially driven by immunological vulnerability to infection, though support for this hypothesis is equivocal. One key piece of evidence (Miller & Maner, 2011) shows that participants who have recently been ill—and hence may have a reduced ability to combat subsequent infection—allocate more attention to faces with infectious-disease cues than do participants who have not recently been ill. The current article describes a direct replication of this study using a sample of 402 individuals from the University of Michigan, the University of Glasgow, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam—more than 4 times the sample size of the original study. No effect of illness recency on attentional bias for disfigured faces emerged. Though it did not support the original finding, this replication provides suggestions for future research on the psychological underpinnings of pathogen avoidance.
Number Adaptation Can Be Dissociated From Density Adaptation
Authors: DeSimone Kevin , Kim Minjung , Murray Richard F.
Published: October 2020

Rapidly judging the number of objects in a scene is an important perceptual ability. Recent debates have centered on whether number perception is accomplished by dedicated mechanisms and, in particular, on whether number-adaptation aftereffects reflect adaptation of number per se or adaptation of related stimulus properties, such as density. Here, we report an adaptation experiment ( N = 8) for which the predictions of number and density theories are diametrically opposed. We found that when a reference stimulus has higher density than an adaptation stimulus but contains fewer elements, adaptation reduces the perceived number of elements in the reference stimulus. This is consistent with number adaptation and inconsistent with density adaptation. Thus, number-adaptation aftereffects are more than a by-product of density adaptation: When density and number are dissociated, adaptation effects are in the direction predicted by adaptation to number, not density.
“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t”: Women’s accounts of feigning sexual pleasure
Authors: Stelzl Monika , Lafrance Michelle N
Published: October 2020

Faking orgasm has been identified as a common practice among women and feminist scholars have probed the connections between the socio-cultural meanings associated with faking and heterosex. Expanding on this line of inquiry, feigning sexual pleasure was explored in interviews with 14 women who reported having sex with men. Using a feminist critical discourse analytic approach, we attend to the dilemma that was frequently evoked in women’s accounts. Participants explained that feigning sexual pleasure was done in order to protect their partners’ ego. However, participants also talked about faking orgasm as being problematic in the sense that it was “deceitful” and “dishonest”. These contrasting discursive patterns created a dilemma whereby faking was situated as “necessary” but “dishonest”. As a way of negotiating this dilemma, participants made a distinction between exaggerating sexual pleasure and faking orgasm. We posit that exaggeration can be interpreted as a form of material (during the sexual encounter) and discursive (during accounting of the encounter) disruption of dominant discourses of heterosex such as the orgasmic imperative. Drawing on Annamarie Jagose’s and Hannah Frith’s problematizations of the prevailing tendency to position orgasm as either “authentic” or “fake”, we discuss women’s negotiation of the limited constructions of “real” pleasure.
Mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and neuropsychiatric involvement: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary referral center in the Netherlands
Authors: Monahan Rory C , Fronczek Rolf , Eikenboom Jeroen , Middelkoop Huub A M , Beaart-van de Voorde Liesbeth J J , Terwindt Gisela M , van der Wee Nic J A , Rosendaal Frits R , Huizinga Tom W J , Kloppenburg Margreet , Steup-Beekman Gerda M
Published: October 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms in the Netherlands between 2007–2018.

Methods

Patients visiting the tertiary referral NPSLE clinic of the Leiden University Medical Center were included. NP symptoms were attributed to SLE requiring treatment (major NPSLE) or to other and mild causes (minor/non-NPSLE). Municipal registries were checked for current status (alive/deceased). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using data from the Dutch population. Rate ratio (RR) and 95% CI were calculated using direct standardization to compare mortality between major NPSLE and minor/non-NPSLE.

Results

351 patients were included and 149 patients were classified as major NPSLE (42.5%). Compared with the general population, mortality was increased in major NPSLE (SMR 5.0 (95% CI: 2.6–8.5)) and minor/non-NPSLE patients (SMR 3.7 (95% CI: 2.2–6.0)). Compared with minor/non-NPSLE, mortality was similar in major NPSLE patients (RR: 1.0 (95% CI: 0.5–2.0)). Cause-specific mortality rates demonstrated an increased risk of death due to infections in both groups, whereas death due to cardiovascular disease was only increased in minor/non-NPSLE patients.

Conclusion

Mortality was increased in both major NPSLE and minor/non-NPSLE patients in comparison with the general population. There was no difference in mortality between major NPSLE and minor/non-NPSLE patients.
The construction of awe in science communication
Authors: Silva Luna Daniel , Bering Jesse M.
Published: October 2020

Awe is a frequently represented and commonly experienced emotion in science communication. According to a popular account of this emotion, awe is an innate and universal human affective experience that occurs when a person evaluates a target as vast, forcing a shift in their worldview. This shift is portrayed in science communication as resulting in an enhanced interest in the scientific material at hand. Based on the latest research in affective science, however, we challenge this narrow version of awe in science communication and instead advocate a broader account of this emotion in line with a constructionist perspective. We argue that there are a variety of awe types in science communication, each with different forms and functions in relation to the mandates within the multiplicity of contexts in this cultural space. We also contend that people’s awe experiences result from their previous interactions with this emotion and the unique affordances provided by the science communication situation.
Knowledge, (mis-)conceptions, risk perception, and behavior change during pandemics: A scoping review of 149 studies
Authors: Majid Umair , Wasim Aghna , Bakshi Simran , Truong Judy
Published: October 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus-2 pandemic has spread rapidly and has a growing impact on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems worldwide. At the core of any pandemic response is the ability of authorities and other stakeholders to react appropriately by promoting hygiene and social distancing behaviors. Successfully reaching this goal requires both individual and collective efforts to drastically modify daily routines and activities. There is a need to clarify how knowledge and awareness of disease influence risk perception, and subsequent behavior in the context of pandemics and global outbreaks. We conducted a scoping review of 149 studies spanning different regions and populations to examine the relationships between knowledge, risk perceptions, and behavior change. We analyzed studies on five major pandemics or outbreaks in the twenty-first century: severe acute respiratory syndrome, influenza A/H1N1, Middle East respiratory syndrome, Ebola virus disease, and coronavirus disease 2019.