bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Force transmissibility characteristics of a pseudoelastic oscillator
Authors: Jose Sebin , Chakraborty Goutam , Bhattacharyya Ranjan
Published: December 2019

The force transmissibility characteristics of a passive vibration isolator in the form of shape memory alloy bar are investigated. The shape memory alloy bar, together with a rigid mass, constitutes a single-degree-of-freedom system. The force isolation ability of the oscillator is evaluated for both isothermal and convective environmental conditions. The transmissibility curve of an isothermal pseudoelastic oscillator displays single and double jumps depending upon the forcing amplitude. The shape memory alloy oscillator with coupled thermomechanical behaviour depends on the cooling rate near resonant frequencies. Increased cooling rate reduces both peak amplitude and the resonant frequency of the transmissibility curve. The force isolation provided by shape memory alloy oscillator is independent of the operating conditions.
Alternating current response and visualization of electrorheological fluid
Authors: Bauerochs Tobias , Huo Xiaoye , Yossifon Gilad , Ulrich Stephan , Schneider Steffen , Bruns Rainer
Published: December 2019

The electrorheological effect produced by an ER-Fluid with an applied electric field is not yet fully understood. However, it is significant to understand how the viscosity increases, and thus, the ER-Effect works to optimally design ER-Applications. In this article, the ER-Effect and its response to different voltage forms with varying frequencies within a miniature fluidic device are described and visualized using a microscope. The different pressure drops across the channel are measured. Problems such as long saturation times using microchannels in combination with low flow velocities are described and explained. An electric frequency dependence of the chain formation has been discovered and that the use of alternating current offers superior performance in comparison with direct current. The optimal operating point for achieving the largest possible pressure difference is from 5 to 10 Hz for square wave voltages. In this frequency range, the performance of the electrorheological effect is greater than using direct current. From approximately 10 Hz, the power decreases with increasing electric frequency. Above 20 Hz, direct current is superior to alternating current voltage, so is not recommended for use in this range.
Health$en$eTM: Developing a Board Game on Value-based Healthcare Financing
Authors: Tan Harold , Wei Yap Chun , Yun Heng Wei , Joan Koh Eng Hui , Yee Ho Wai , Juan Lim Yee
Published: December 2019

Background. With rising healthcare costs, there is a need to transform healthcare financing to provide better care value and sustainability. Healthcare providers and consumers need to be educated about value-based care and financing. This can be done through games.

Intervention & Methods. We describe the design of our board game Health$en$eTM which aims to let players simulate the role of funding patients’ care as the patients move across the care value chain. In the game, players will learn how certain care funding innovations help to optimize healthcare expenditure for better value.

Discussion & Conclusion. We envisage that some game elements of Health$en$eTM may motivate players to transform healthcare financing systems in the real world. We formulate a matrix to predict the possible associations between game elements and psychological core drives relevant to Health$en$eTM. Further analysis of the game’s potential impact and validation of the matrix could be conducted in due course after the game is launched in a workshop.
How Does CEO Regulatory Focus Matter? The Impacts of CEO Promotion and Prevention Focus on Firm Strategic Change
Authors: Jiang Wan , Wang Linlin , Chu Zhaofang , Zheng Chundong
Published: December 2019

Based on upper echelons theory, this study focuses on chief executive officers’ (CEOs) regulatory focus and delineates how CEO promotion and prevention focus differentially affect the magnitude of strategic change undertaken by a firm. Applying the person–situation interaction perspective, this study also theorizes how these relationships are moderated by the firm’s prior performance and environmental dynamism. These hypothesized relationships are then empirically tested using a sample of 1,318 observations covering a 10-year period. The analytical results support the hypotheses. This study concludes with a discussion of its theoretical and practical implications.
A Qualitative Analysis of School Nurses’ Experience Caring for Students With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events
Authors: Terry Debbie , Trott Kristen
Published: December 2019

Psychogenic nonepileptic events (PNEE) are paroxysmal changes in behavior resembling epileptic seizures but with no electrographic correlate and are instead caused by psychological factors. In this qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 school nurses to identify how they perceive the experience of caring for a student with PNEE as well as supportive factors and barriers to optimal management of PNEE in schools. Several themes were identified: lack of diagnosis awareness by school staff leading to impressions that the student was “faking” the events, inadequate information provided by a health-care provider regarding the diagnosis in general and specifically about the individual student leading to a reliance on information from the student’s family, feelings of doubt and insecurity about the diagnosis and management of the events, and reliance on the school nurse to develop a response plan and to manage the events which can be very time-consuming.
Cost-Effectiveness of a School-Based Chlamydia Screening Program, Duval County, FL
Authors: Wang Li Yan , Owusu-Edusei Kwame , Parker J. Terry , Wilson Kristina
Published: December 2019

During the 2015–2016 school year, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County hosted Teen Health Centers (TeenHC) at five high schools of Jacksonville providing HIV/STD screening and pregnancy testing. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the TeenHC chlamydia screening program and determine at what student participation level, the program can be cost-effective. We assessed the costs and effectiveness of the chlamydia screening program compared with “no TeenHC”. Cost-effectiveness was measured as cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained. At a program cost of US$61,001 and 3% participation rate, the cost/QALY gained was $124,328 in the base-case analysis and $81,014–$264,271 in 95% of the simulation trials, all greater than the frequently citied $50,000/QALY benchmark. The cost/QALY gained could be <$50,000/QALY if student participation rate was >7%. The TeenHC chlamydia screening has the potential to be cost-effective. Future program efforts should focus on improving student participation.
Energy-based damage localization under ambient vibration and non-stationary signals by ensemble empirical mode decomposition and Mahalanobis-squared distance
Authors: Sarmadi Hassan , Entezami Alireza , Daneshvar Khorram Mohammadhassan
Published: December 2019

Damage localization of damaged structures is an important issue in structural health monitoring. In data-based methods based on statistical pattern recognition, it is necessary to extract meaningful features from measured vibration signals and utilize a reliable statistical technique for locating damage. One of the challenging issues is to extract reliable features from non-stationary vibration signals caused by ambient excitation sources. This article proposes a new energy-based method by using ensemble empirical mode decomposition and Mahalanobis-squared distance to obtain energy-based multivariate features and locate structural damage under ambient vibration and non-stationary signals. The main components of the proposed method include extracting intrinsic mode functions of vibration signals by ensemble empirical mode decomposition, choosing adequate and optimal intrinsic mode functions, partitioning the selected intrinsic mode functions at each sensor into segments with the same dimensions, calculating the intrinsic mode function energy at each segment, preparing energy-based multivariate features at each sensor, computing Mahalanobis-squared distance values, and obtaining a vector of average Mahalanobis-squared distance quantities of all sensors. The major contributions of the proposed method consist of proposing an innovative non-parametric strategy for feature extraction, presenting generalized Pearson correlation function for the selection of optimal intrinsic mode functions, using a simple and effective segmentation algorithm, and applying energy-based features to the process of damage localization. The main advantage of the proposed method is its great applicability to locating single and multiple damage cases. The measured vibration responses of the well-known IASC-ASCE structure are applied to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed energy-based method along with several comparative studies. Results will demonstrate that this approach is highly capable of locating damage under stationary and non-stationary vibration signals attributable to ambient excitations.
Flamant solution of a half-plane with surface flexural resistibility and its applications to nanocontact mechanics
Authors: Li Xiaobao , Jiang Lijian , Mi Changwen
Published: December 2019

This article presents a semianalytical solution to a half-plane contact problem subjected to an arbitrarily distributed surface traction. The half-plane boundary is treated as a material surface of the Steigmann–Ogden type. Under the assumption of plane strain condition, the problem is formulated by coupling the methods of an Airy stress function and Fourier integral transforms. Stresses and displacements in the form of semi-infinite integrals are derived. A non-classical Flamant solution that is able to simultaneously account for the surface tension, membrane stiffness, and bending rigidity of the half-plane boundary is derived through limit analysis on the half-plane contact problem owing to a uniform surface traction. The fundamental Flamant solution is further integrated for tackling two half-plane contact problems owing to classical contact pressures corresponding to a rigid cylindrical roller and a rigid flat-ended punch. The resultant semi-infinite integrals are integrated by the joint use of the Gauss–Legendre numerical quadrature and the Euler transformation algorithm. Extensive parametric studies are conducted for comparing and contrasting the effects of Gurtin–Murdoch and Steigmann–Ogden surface mechanical models. The major observations and conclusions are two-fold. First, the introduction of either surface mechanical model results in size-dependent elastic fields. Second, the incorporation of the curvature-dependent nature of the half-plane boundary leads to bounded stresses and displacements in the fundamental Flamant solution. This is in contrast to the otherwise singular classical and Gurtin–Murdoch solutions. For all four case studies, the Steigmann–Ogden surface model also results in much smoother displacement and stress variations, indicating the significance of surface bending rigidity in nanoscale contact problems.
“Less is Better” Philosophy Decreases Home Health Aide Utilization to Increase Reimbursement in Medicare Home Health
Authors: Cabin William
Published: December 2019

There has been a 75% decline in home health aide visits between 2000 and 2016, the only Medicare home health nonskilled service. A literature review indicates no studies addressing reasons for the decrease. This study summarizes interviews of nine executives from three for-profit chain-owned Medicare-certified home health agencies. Results indicate agreement on three themes: Medicare home health uses a medical model, focusing on intermittent skilled care; the Medicare home health prospective payment system exacerbated the focus on skilled care by rewarding higher reimbursement for skilled care–based episodes; and a “less is better” synergy has evolved regarding utilization of home health aide services and reimbursement. Policymakers are urged to use the forthcoming Medicare home health Patient-Driven Groupings Model Reform and recent Medicare Advantage changes covering nonmedical services to encourage greater utilization of home health aides and other nonmedical services addressing patient and caregiver social needs affecting care.
Advertising Influences Food Choices of University Students With ADHD
Authors: Hershko Shirley , Cortese Samuel , Ert Eyal , Aronis Anna , Maeir Adina , Pollak Yehuda
Published: December 2019

Objective: Previous research in adults with ADHD showed high rates of obesity and unhealthy food choices. There is evidence that contextual cues, for example, advertisements, influence food choices. This study assessed the sensitivity of university students with ADHD to advertised food. Method: University students ( N = 457) with and without ADHD participated in a cafeteria field experiment. Food choices were examined in periods of advertising either healthy or unhealthy sandwiches. Results: Students with ADHD (a) chose less healthy food items, (b) were more influenced by advertising, (c) showed the same overall healthy food choices as controls when exposed to healthy advertising. Conclusion: Students with ADHD chose unhealthier foods at the cafeteria but were also more influenced by advertising. Healthy food advertisements raised their healthy food choices. As this population has strong association with unhealthy dietary patterns, it is important to investigate the influence of food cues on their eating habits.
CNVScope: Visually Exploring Copy Number Aberrations in Cancer Genomes
Authors: Dalgleish James LT , Wang Yonghong , Zhu Jack , Meltzer Paul S
Published: December 2019

Motivation:

DNA copy number (CN) data are a fast-growing source of information used in basic and translational cancer research. Most CN segmentation data are presented without regard to the relationship between chromosomal regions. We offer both a toolkit to help scientists without programming experience visually explore the CN interactome and a package that constructs CN interactomes from publicly available data sets.

Results:

The CNVScope visualization, based on a publicly available neuroblastoma CN data set, clearly displays a distinct CN interaction in the region of the MYCN, a canonical frequent amplicon target in this cancer. Exploration of the data rapidly identified cis and trans events, including a strong anticorrelation between 11q loss and17q gain with the region of 11q loss bounded by the cell cycle regulator CCND1.

Availability:

The shiny application is readily available for use at http://cnvscope.nci.nih.gov/ , and the package can be downloaded from CRAN ( https://cran.r-project.org/package=CNVScope ), where help pages and vignettes are located. A newer version is available on the GitHub site ( https://github.com/jamesdalg/CNVScope/ ), which features an animated tutorial. The CNVScope package can be locally installed using instructions on the GitHub site for Windows and Macintosh systems. This CN analysis package also runs on a linux high-performance computing cluster, with options for multinode and multiprocessor analysis of CN variant data. The shiny application can be started using a single command (which will automatically install the public data package).
Longitudinal cross-lagged analyses between cyberbullying perpetration, mindfulness and depression among Chinese high school students
Authors: Yuan Guangzhe , Liu Zhen
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to examine the longitudinal relationships between cyberbullying perpetration, mindfulness, and depression among Chinese adolescents. The participants in our study included 1390 high school students who were randomly selected from several secondary schools in east China. Participants completed the Chinese version of Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory-Cyberbullying Subscale, the Chinese version of the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children at two time points (6-month interval). The results found that cyberbullying, mindfulness and depression would predict each other over time. Contributions to theory, limitations in our research and recommendations for future intervention are discussed in this article.
Fraught parenting: Immigrant parents’ chronic double-bind in Denmark
Authors: Johansen Mette-Louise
Published: December 2019

This article explores how a group of immigrant parents in Denmark’s largest social housing project, Gellerupparken, are caught in a chronic double-bind position. The parents are straddling two sets of social norms and rationalities on proper parenting—that of the Danish welfare state and that of the local immigrant community—and their success of becoming attuned to the social norms of one particular relationship inevitably leads to their experience of radical othering in another relationship. This places them in a doubly marginal position and makes their parenting practices fraught with dilemmas and anxieties. I argue that the notion of the double-bind provides us with a heuristic for understanding the parents’ everyday experiences of marginality, stressing that marginalization is not only to be understood as produced by and productive of the state, but by the interface between the state and vitally important actors in the immigrant community and family.
Pursuit of fairness in household financial arrangements among young middle-class couples in Poland
Authors: Olcoń-Kubicka Marta
Published: December 2019

Drawing on ethnographic research into household money practices among young middle-class couples in Warsaw, Poland, this article shows that normative concerns about the fair use of domestic money shape household budgeting rules. The practical division of funds into ‘mine’, ‘yours’ and ‘ours’ reflects what couples running a household together consider morally right. Focusing on couples’ practical and moral reasoning, I show the set of expectations and the moral logic they employ to achieve fairness in their household financial arrangements. The analysis of two models of domestic money allocation – the 50–50 model, which is based on a couple’s equal contributions, and the joint-money model, which involves a couple’s recognition of mutual obligations – highlights how fairness is articulated in rules about equality, independence and solidarity. By studying couples through time as they experience significant life changes, I show how the rules of fairness come to be challenged and how what is considered fair is questioned or even contested. I argue that turning points such as taking out a mortgage together or having a child produce new expectations and imaginaries about the future and prompt couples to question the rules of fairness and consequently to change their money practices.
Accelerating semogenesis: an ecosocial approach to photography
Authors: Johannessen Christian Mosbæk , Boeriis Morten
Published: December 2019

Michael Halliday and Christian Matthiessen’s term ‘semogenesis’ refers to how meaning potentials are created through processes on many co-occurring time frames, most prominently those referred to as ‘phylogenesis’, ‘ontogenesis’ and ‘logogenesis’. The concept was originally infused with linguistic concern in an attempt to link a Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) account of the lexico-grammatical and semantic strata with lived experience. In this article, the authors rethink the concept in order to (1) broaden its scope to the concerns of multimodal studies, and (2) accommodate how digital technology impacts on our communication practices. They do so by discussing semogenesis from a vantage point of ‘ecosocial semiotics’, a perspective that asks us to blend both sociological, technological, material and biological understandings of human activity. Taking digital photography as an example, the authors argue that digital media afford an acceleration of processes of multimodal semogenesis on all semogenetic time frames. Picking up the notion of ‘microgenesis’, a fourth, faster-than-logogenesis time frame that serves as a placeholder for any process enabling logogenesis, they suggest that this acceleration is driven by the global-scale introduction of digital technology. Through a discussion of select examples from the history of photography, specifically contrasting nascent photographic practice with contemporary photography, they propose that the development from camera to digital camera and the subsequent consolidation in recent decades of digital cameras into smartphones has had a profound impact, not only on practices of photography, but also on the processes of meaning making with photographic material.
Generalized linear models for geometrical current predictors: An application to predict garment fit
Authors: Barahona Sonia , Centella Pablo , Gual-Arnau Ximo , Ibáñez M. Victoria , Simó Amelia
Published: December 2019

The aim of this article is to model an ordinal response variable in terms of vector-valued functional data included on a vector-valued reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). In particular, we focus on the vector-valued RKHS obtained when a geometrical object (body) is characterized by a current and on the ordinal regression model. A common way to solve this problem in functional data analysis is to express the data in the orthonormal basis given by decomposition of the covariance operator. But our data present very important differences with respect to the usual functional data setting. On the one hand, they are vector-valued functions, and on the other, they are functions in an RKHS with a previously defined norm. We propose to use three different bases: the orthonormal basis given by the kernel that defines the RKHS, a basis obtained from decomposition of the integral operator defined using the covariance function and a third basis that combines the previous two. The three approaches are compared and applied to an interesting problem: building a model to predict the fit of children's garment sizes, based on a 3D database of the Spanish child population. Our proposal has been compared with alternative methods that explore the performance of other classifiers (Support Vector Machine and [Formula: see text]-NN), and with the result of applying the classification method proposed in this work, from different characterizations of the objects (landmarks and multivariate anthropometric measurements instead of currents), obtaining in all these cases worst results.
A spherical smart aggregate sensor based electro-mechanical impedance method for quantitative damage evaluation of concrete
Authors: Zhao Shaoyu , Fan Shuli , Yang Jie , Kitipornchai Sritawat
Published: December 2019

In this study, the concrete damage induced by compression is evaluated quantitatively using spherical smart aggregate sensor based on electro-mechanical impedance method. The sensitivity of the spherical smart aggregate sensor embedded in concrete cubes is investigated by comparing the electrical signals recorded during the compressive process with those of the smart aggregate sensor embedded in concrete cubes. Furthermore, the finite element model of concrete cube with an embedded spherical smart aggregate sensor is developed to simulate the concrete compressive tests. The concrete damaged plasticity constitutive model is utilized to simulate the concrete damage process. The numerical model is verified with the experimentally measured compressive test results. Finally, the damage volume ratio is presented to quantify the damage level of concrete based on the numerical model. The relationship between the root mean square deviation index of the conductance signatures obtained from experiments and the damage volume ratio computed by numerical simulation is established to quantify the concrete damage level. The results show that the spherical smart aggregate sensor is more sensitive than the smart aggregate sensor in monitoring the three-dimensional concrete structures. The proposed empirical fitting curve can effectively evaluate the concrete damage level quantitatively.
Physician-Modified Endograft With Double Inner Branches for Urgent Repair of Supraceliac Para-Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: D’Oria Mario , Mirza Aleem K. , Tenorio Emanuel R. , Kärkkäinen Jussi M. , DeMartino Randall R. , Oderich Gustavo S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with inner branches for 2 mesenteric arteries as an alternative to fenestrations or directional branches. Technique: A symptomatic 60-year-old man presented with supraceliac para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm involving an antegrade aorta to celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery bypass. Since an off-the-shelf multibranched endograft was inappropriate, a Zenith Alpha thoracic stent-graft was modified with 2 inner branches fashioned of 8-mm Viabahn endoprostheses with preloaded guidewires. The procedure was technically successful, and the patient had no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Inner branches might offer an alternative to fenestrations or directional branches in patients with narrow aortas.
VMAT Optimization and Dose Calculation in the Presence of Metallic Hip Prostheses
Authors: Parenica Holly M. , Mavroidis Panayiotis , Jones William , Swanson Gregory , Papanikolaou Niko , Stathakis Sotirios
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

This research quantifies and compares the effect of hip prostheses on dose distributions calculated using collapsed cone convolution superposition and Monte Carlo (with and without correcting for the density of the implant and surrounding tissues). The use of full volumetric modulated arc therapy arcs versus volumetric modulated arc therapy arcs avoiding the hip implants (skip arcs) was also studied.

Materials and Methods:

Six prostate patients with hip prostheses were included in this study. The hip prostheses and the streaking artifacts on the computed tomography images were contoured by a single physician, and full volumetric modulated arc therapy arcs were created in the Pinnacle3 TPS. Copies of each plan were made, and the doses were recalculated with the densities of the prostheses and surrounding tissues overridden. The plans were then exported to Monaco and recalculated using a Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm, with and without densities of the prosthesis and surrounding tissues overridden.

Results:

With density overrides, Pinnacle3 had a 4.4% error for ion chamber measurements. Monaco was within 0.2% of ion chamber measurement when density overrides were used. On average, when density overrides were used in Pinnacle3 for patient dose calculations, the planning target volume D95 value dropped from 99.3% to 82.7%. Monaco also showed decreased planning target volume coverage when plans were recalculated with correct density information. Full arc plans (with density overrides) for the patient with a bilateral prosthesis provided significant bladder sparing and some rectal sparing compared to skip arc plans.

Conclusion:

When planning for prostate patients with hip prostheses, correct density information for implants and surrounding tissues should be used to optimize the plan and ensure optimal accuracy. If available, a Monte Carlo algorithm should be used as a second check. Full arcs could be used to spare dose to organs at risk, while maintaining adequate planning target volume coverage, when using a Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm.
MiR-142-5p Acts as a Significant Regulator Through Promoting Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration in Breast Cancer Modulated by Targeting SORBS1
Authors: Yu Weixuan , Li Dongwei , Zhang Yunda , Li Cheukfai , Zhang Chuanzhao , Wang Libin
Published: December 2019

Background:

Numerous researches have demonstrated that miR-142-5p plays significant roles in several cancers, although the functional characteristic of miR-142-5p in breast cancer has not been determined. This study is designed to explore the biological significance of miR-142-5p in breast cancer clinical implication and mechanism of action.

Methods:

The differential expression patterns of miR-142-5p and Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1 and correlations between them and clinical significances were analyzed based on data from database. The expression levels of miR-142-5p in breast cancer cells were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8, transwell, and wound healing assays were used to explore the potential functions of miR-142-5p in breast cancer cells. In addition, bioinformatics prediction analysis and luciferase reporter assay were utilized to predict and identify the potential target gene of miR-142-5p. A rescue experiment was conducted by transfecting miR-142-5p inhibitors and si-Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1 into cells to explore miR-142-5p/Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1 pairs on breast cancer cells behaviors.

Results:

The analysis results showed that miR-142-5p was highly expressed in patients with breast cancer, while Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1 presented a trend of low expression. The clinical significances analysis suggested that the overexpression of miR-142-5p is closely correlated with metastasis, while low expression of Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1 is correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and poor overall survival in patients with breast cancer. In vitro exploration, the expression of miR-142-5p was upregulated in breast cancer cells and inhibition of miR-142-5p expression significantly reduced the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells. Through rescue experiments, breast cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration reduction induced by silencing of miR-142-5p were reversed via knockdown Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1.

Conclusion:

Our findings insinuate that miR-142-5p functions as a positive regulator of promoting breast cancer cells biological behaviors and clinical metastasis, possibly regulated by targeting Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1, thus providing valuable information in the development of preventive or even therapeutic strategies for utilizing miR-142-5p as a promising target.
Research on the digital modeling method of the blast-fragmentation warhead with preformed fragments
Authors: Zhao Hongzhi , Zhang Jian , Liang Zhengang , Yuan Zhihua , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lingna
Published: December 2019

In the design process of the blast-fragmentation warhead with preformed fragments, there are two key factors: the modeling and arrangement of the preformed fragments. These factors determine the accuracy of lethality assessment on the blast-fragmentation warhead with preformed fragments. Presently, there are some problems in the design process of the warhead, such as repeated modeling and low efficiency. This paper studies the modeling of blast fragmentation with preformed fragments. Based on the analysis of warhead structure and the technology of digital modeling, the idea of warhead modeling based on basic primitives and the arrangement method of preformed fragment modeling are proposed. In addition, by means of Visual C#, Direct X, and Direct3D, a digital modeling system based on the blast-fragmentation warhead with preformed fragments is developed, and then a warhead is taken as an example to realize the digital modeling. The case analysis shows that the digital modeling technology based on the blast-fragmentation warhead with preformed fragments completed the rapid and accurate modeling of the preformed fragment warhead, which lays the foundation for the accuracy of lethality assessment.
Vibration of circular micro-ceramic (Si3N4) plate resonators in the context of the generalized viscothermoelastic dual-phase-lagging theory
Authors: Alghamdi Najat A
Published: December 2019

In this article, the analysis and numerical results are represented for the thermoelastic of an isotropic homogeneous, thermally conducting, Kelvin–Voigt-type circular micro-plate in the context of Kirchhoff’s Love plate theory of generalized viscothermoelasticity based on the dual-phase-lagging model. The governing equations are obtained for the generalized dual-phase-lagging model and coupled viscothermoelastic plates. The scaled viscothermoelasticity has been illustrated in the case of the circular plate and the axisymmetric circular plate for an aspect ratio for clamped boundary conditions. Laplace transform has been applied, and its inversions have been calculated numerically by using the Tzou method. The results have been carried out for the ceramic (Si3N4). It is noted that the temperature increment and lateral deflection are significantly affected by the time, the width, the thickness, and the mechanical relaxation times of the material.
Structural optimization to maximize loss factor of embedded co-cured damping composite
Authors: Wang Shaoqing , Liang Sen , Li Qiang
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study is to obtain the maximum loss factor of the embedded co-cure damping composite structure with the boundary condition of four edges clamped. To achieve this goal, the strain energy of each stress component is deduced using the Ritz method, and the loss factor of the structure is calculated. The present formulation is validated based on the results obtained using the finite element method. Finally, the law of loss factor variation with the change in structure thickness and layup angle is obtained. The results obtained show that the loss factor of the structure increases as the thickness of the structure increases; when the total thickness of the structure is constant, the loss factor increases first and then decreases, and there is an optimal value for the design; the optimal lay angle is pi/4.
Polymorphisms of a novel long non-coding RNA RP11-108K3.2 with colorectal cancer susceptibility and their effects on its expression
Authors: Jiang Danjie , Jin Mingjuan , Ye Ding , Li Yingjun , Jing Fangyuan , Zhang Xiaocong , Li Qilong , Chen Kun
Published: December 2019

Background:

RP11-108K3.2 was recently identified as a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcript, and several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in its coding region. This study aimed to explore the associations of tagSNPs in RP11-108K3.2 with the risk of colorectal cancer and their effects on its expression.

Methods:

A total of 821 colorectal cancer cases and 857 healthy controls were enrolled into this two-stage case-control study. Demographic characteristics and lifestyle information were collected by a validated questionnaire. Six tagSNPs were genotyped by using Sequenom MassARRAY platform. A total of 71 additional colorectal cancer cases were recruited, of which the genotypes of potential polymorphisms and the RP11-108K3.2 expression levels were determined.

Results:

In the discovery set, only the rs2470151 C/T polymorphism was found to have a promising association with the risk of colorectal cancer, and this polymorphism was further replicated in the validation set with a significantly decreased risk of colorectal cancer (adjusted odds ratio 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.55, 0.97). Combined discovery set and validation set together, this negative association was found both in the heterozygote codominant model and the dominant model. Furthermore, colorectal cancer patients carrying rs2470151 CT/TT genotypes had a marginally lower RNA expression of RP11-108K3.2 than those carrying the CC genotype. Stratified analyses showed the association between rs2470151 and the risk of colorectal cancer were influenced by family history of cancer, smoking, alcohol consumption, and tea drinking.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that RP11-108K3.2 rs2470151 had a significant association with the risk of colorectal cancer; this may help to predict the susceptibility of colorectal cancer in Chinese populations.
Therapy with cladribine is efficient and safe in patients previously treated with natalizumab
Authors: Möhn Nora , Skripuletz Thomas , Sühs Kurt-Wolfram , Menck Sylvia , Voß Elke , Stangel Martin
Published: December 2019

Background:

The humanized anti-α4 integrin monoclonal antibody natalizumab has proven to be very effective in patients with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), but harbors the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Recently, new therapeutic options have become available for patients with high risk of developing PML while on natalizumab treatment. One of these new therapeutics is the oral synthetic purine analogue cladribine. In order to determine whether therapy with cladribine is effective and safe in patients with MS who previously had been treated with natalizumab, we analyzed clinical, radiological, and laboratory data of 17 patients whose disease modifying treatment (DMT) was switched from natalizumab to cladribine.

Methods:

A total of 17 patients with prior natalizumab treatment were switched to a DMT with cladribine because of a John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibody index above 1.5 ( N = 13), ongoing disease activity ( N = 6), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity ( N = 4), or patients preference ( N = 2). A chart review and follow up of those patients was performed. In addition to MRI and laboratory data, clinical data regarding MS relapses and disease progression or possible adverse events were analyzed.

Results:

The median duration of cladribine treatment between February 2018 and April 2019 amounted to 9.7 months (range: 1.5–15 months). None of our 17 patients presented with a clinical relapse. Only two patients showed a new T2 lesion on brain MRI, but without any signs of PML. As expected, reduction of lymphocyte count was frequent in cladribine-treated patients, but only four patients exhibited lymphopenia grade 2 (500–800/µl).

Conclusions:

In our cohort the switch from natalizumab to cladribine treatment was effective and safe. So far, no serious adverse events other than lymphopenia have been observed, especially no cases of PML.
Sterilization of Drug-Loaded Composite Coatings for Implantable Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Tipnis Namita , Kastellorizios Michail , Legassey Allen , Papadimitrakopoulos Fotios , Jain Faquir , Burgess Diane J.
Published: December 2019

Background:

An anti-inflammatory drug-loaded composite coating (dexamethasone-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] microspheres/polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] hydrogel) was previously developed to counter the foreign body reaction to a fully implantable continuous glucose monitoring biosensor. The long-term sensor functionality was ensured in the presence of the drug-loaded composite coating thus facilitating better diabetes control and management. In order to advance such a drug-device combination product toward clinical testing, addressing sterilization remains a key step due to the heterogeneity of the product components. The main objective of this research was to investigate the effect of two terminal sterilization techniques: gamma radiation and ethylene oxide (EO) on the stability of the anti-inflammatory coatings as well as retention of the glucose sensing ability of the implantable sensor.

Method:

The composite coatings, their individual components, and the glucose-sensing elements of the biosensor were subjected to low-temperature gamma radiation and EO cycles. Detailed characterization was conducted on all components before and after sterilization.

Results:

Exposure to gamma radiation affected dexamethasone crystallinity and glucose response linearity of the sensing element, whereas physical aging of microspheres in composite coatings was observed poststerilization with EO. Despite these effects, dexamethasone drug release from coatings was not significantly affected by either technique.

Conclusion:

The research findings indicate that both sterilization techniques are feasible for the sterilization of the dexamethasone-loaded PLGA microspheres/PVA hydrogel composite coatings, while EO was preferred for the sterilization of the glucose-sensing element of the biosensor.
Retinal correlates of neurological disorders
Authors: Yap Timothy E. , Balendra Shiama I. , Almonte Melanie T. , Cordeiro M. Francesca
Published: December 2019

Considering the retina as an extension of the brain provides a platform from which to study diseases of the nervous system. Taking advantage of the clear optical media of the eye and ever-increasing resolution of modern imaging techniques, retinal morphology can now be visualized at a cellular level in vivo. This has provided a multitude of possible biomarkers and investigative surrogates that may be used to identify, monitor and study diseases until now limited to the brain. In many neurodegenerative conditions, early diagnosis is often very challenging due to the lack of tests with high sensitivity and specificity, but, once made, opens the door to patients accessing the correct treatment that can potentially improve functional outcomes. Using retinal biomarkers in vivo as an additional diagnostic tool may help overcome the need for invasive tests and histological specimens, and offers the opportunity to longitudinally monitor individuals over time. This review aims to summarise retinal biomarkers associated with a range of neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and prion diseases from a clinical perspective. By comparing their similarities and differences according to primary pathological processes, we hope to show how retinal correlates can aid clinical decisions, and accelerate the study of this rapidly developing area of research.
Impaired compensatory hyperinsulinemia among nonobese type 2 diabetes patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarkar Jit , Maity Sujay Krishna , Sen Abhishek , Nargis Titli , Ray Dipika , Chakrabarti Partha
Published: December 2019

Aims:

Obesity associated prolonged hyperinsulinemia followed by β-cell failure is well established as the pathology behind type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, studies on nonobese T2DM have reported it to be a distinct clinical entity with predominant insulin secretory defect. We, therefore, hypothesized that compensatory hyperinsulinemia in response to weight gain is impaired in nonobese subjects.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study from a community-based metabolic health screening program. Adiposity parameters including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, plasma leptin concentration and metabolic parameters namely fasting insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in 650 individuals (73% healthy, 62% nonobese with a BMI <25).

Results:

In contrast to obese T2DM, nonobese T2DM patients did not exhibit significant hyperinsulinemia compared with the nonobese healthy group. Age, sex, and fasting glucose adjusted insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA-beta cell function (HOMA-B) were increased in obese T2DM compared with nonobese T2DM. Although adiposity parameters showed strong correlation with fasting insulin in obese healthy ( r = 0.38, 0.38, and 0.42, respectively; all p values < 0.001) and T2DM ( r = 0.54, 0.54, and 0.66, respectively; all p < 0.001), only BMI and leptin showed a weak correlation with insulin in the nonobese healthy group (0.13 and 0.13, respectively; all p < 0.05) which were completely lost in the nonobese T2DM.

Conclusions:

Compensatory hyperinsulinemia in response to weight gain is impaired in the nonobese population making insulin secretory defect rather than IR the major pathology behind nonobese T2DM.
Home-based exercise with telemonitoring guidance in patients with coronary artery disease: Does it improve long-term physical fitness?
Authors: Avila Andrea , Claes Jomme , Buys Roselien , Azzawi May , Vanhees Luc , Cornelissen Veronique
Published: December 2019

Background

Home-based interventions might facilitate the lifelong uptake of a physically active lifestyle following completion of a supervised phase II exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. Yet, data on the long-term effectiveness of home-based exercise training on physical activity and exercise capacity are scarce.

Objective

The purpose of the TeleRehabilitation in Coronary Heart disease (TRiCH) study was to compare the long-term effects of a short home-based phase III exercise programme with telemonitoring guidance to a prolonged centre-based phase III programme in coronary artery disease patients. The primary outcome was exercise capacity. Secondary outcomes included physical activity behaviour, cardiovascular risk profile and health-related quality of life.

Methods

Ninety coronary artery disease patients (80 men) were randomly assigned to 3 months of home-based (30), centre-based (30) or a control group (30) on a 1:1:1 basis after completion of their phase II ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation programme. Outcome measures were assessed at discharge of the phase II programme and after one year.

Results

Eighty patients (72 (91%) men; mean age 62.6 years) completed the one-year follow-up measurements. Exercise capacity and secondary outcomes were preserved in all three groups ( Ptime > 0.05 for all), irrespective of the intervention ( Pinteraction > 0.05 for all). Eighty-five per cent of patients met the international guidelines for physical activity ( Ptime < 0.05). No interaction effect was found for physical activity.

Conclusion

Overall, exercise capacity remained stable during one year following phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Our home-based exercise intervention was as effective as centre-based and did not result in higher levels of exercise capacity and physical activity compared to the other two interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02047942. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02047942
Unethical Pro-organisational Behaviour: Concepts, Motives and Unintended Consequences
Authors: Hosain Md Sajjad
Published: December 2019

With the increase in diversity in the nature of job and human behavioural complicatedness, a new common phenomenon has emerged in workplaces termed as unethical pro-organisational behaviour which has succeeded to attract the attention of behavioural academicians. As a fairly new concept, there is lack of adequate research in this area of organisational psychology. The article mainly aims at discussing the motives for and the consequences of such behaviours with the help of existing literature available. The author argues that the organisations should express their intentions and actions in order to reduce such behavioural tendencies. The article is expected to help further research in this area by summarising the highlights from existing works available.
Sexual Minority Young Adults’ Construction of Workplace Acceptance in the Era of Diversity and Inclusion
Authors: Ueno Koji , Jackson Taylor M. , Ingram Randi , Grace Jessi , Šaras Emily Daina
Published: December 2019

In the United States, an increasing number of people have come to express support for sexual minorities in recent decades, and more employers have implemented policies that protect sexual minority workers’ rights. Yet, heteronormativity remains in many workplaces. Considering this ambivalent social context, we examined the extent to which sexual minorities today see their workplaces as accepting and how they develop such a perception. We used a symbolic interaction framework to analyze data from in-depth interviews with 50 sexual minority young adults. The analysis revealed a general tendency among respondents to describe their workplaces as accepting. They used several strategies to feel accepted, including interpreting colleagues’ behaviors positively, creating dramatic narratives of key events, drawing on existing knowledge about the industry, and overlooking potential microaggressions. We use these results to discuss how minority individuals derive a sense of acceptance in contemporary social institutions, which emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion but show signs of persistent inequality.