bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LINEAR SHAPED CHARGE JET FORMING AND PENETRATION IN DIFFERENT MEDIUMS
Authors: ZHU YONGHENG , WANG HUYOU , JIANG JIANWEI , SUN SHENGJIE , MEN JIANBING , LI MEI
Published: September 2022

In order to compare the forming and penetration process of linear shaped charge jet in three different mediums ( in the air/ under water/ under water with air standoff), threedimensional numerical simulation models were established using ANSYS / LS-DYNA software. The forming process and penetration performance of linear shaped charge jets are compared and analyzed. Simulation results show that the jet forming performance in the air is better and the jet head velocity is much higher compared with the under-water condition. By adding a hollow tank in front of the metal liner, the jet forming performance under water can be improved significantly. After 60μs of the detonation, the head velocity of three jets are 2750 m/s, 890 m/s and 2600 m/s , and the maximum penetration depths are 0.734DC、0.092DC, 0.91DC respectively.
NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF REACTIVE MATERIAL-TITANIUM JET PENETRATING MULTI-SPACED PLATES
Authors: HE SUO , WANG HAIFU , CAI YIQIANG , XIANG JINGAN , GUO HUANGUO
Published: September 2022

The shaped charge with a reactive material-titanium liner (RM-TL) could not only meet the requirement of jet penetration depth, but also cause enormous aftereffect inside the target. Based on the platform of AUTODYN-2D code, the jet formation of the RM-TL shaped charge and its penetration behavior to multi-spaced plates were studied. Numerical simulations showed that the inner titanium liner mainly formed a high-velocity precursor jet and the outer reactive material liner became a major part of the slug during the jet formation process. With increasing the reactive liner thickness, the composite jet tip velocity dropped off gradually, and the pressure and the temperature in the reactive liner during detonation also decreased. For a given penetration time, with the increase of the reactive liner thickness and the cone angle, the penetration capability of the composite jet into multi-spaced plates reduced, but the mass of reactive materials inside spaced aluminum plates increased significantly. With increasing the titanium liner thickness, the penetration depth first increased and then decreased, but the penetration hole-diameter of multi-spaced plates and the follow-thru reactive materials inside the target dropped off, and most of the reactive materials accumulate in the hole of the steel block.
INNOVATIVE MESHLESS APPROACH FOR SHAPED CHARGES MODELLING VS EXPLOSIVE REACTIVE ARMOR
Authors: COLLÉ ANTHONY , LIMIDO ÉRÔME , PIAGGE SIMON DALLE , PAINTENDRE FRÉDÉRIC
Published: September 2022

We focus on shaped charges modeling. Combining large deformations, numerous interface productions and strong damages mechanism, those events are numerically challenging. Eulerian finite element methods are classically used. However, they induce very long computation times, accuracy losses and need opening criteria to deal with failure. Among the Lagrangian approaches the meshless methods called Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics appears as a relevant alternative to prevent such shortcomings. We propose to use an alternative scheme called   -SPH-ALE. Based on the ALE framework, it achieves robust and consistent stabilization through an arbitrary description of motion. Its implementation on a Viper shaped charge shows that the scheme handles the jet generation process as well as its resulting interaction with an ERA target. Both stability and accuracy are increased with respect to classical approaches. Also, taking advantage of GPU computing, such results are achieved in reduced computation times with respect to classical CPU implementations.
STUDY ON THE FORMATION BEHAVIOR OF SILVER-COPPER ALLOY SHAPE CHARGE JET
Authors: CHEN TAIAN , ZU XUDONG
Published: September 2022

Silver-copper alloy is a metal material with high density and excellent ductility. These performances make it very suitable for a liner material. This study investigates the characteristics of shaped charge jet formations with a silver-copper alloy liner, by experimental and numerical methods. Pulse x-ray photographic technology was employed to observe the jet formed by silver-copper alloy shaped charge. The result shows that the silver-copper alloy shaped charge forms a continuous jet. The jet become decondensed and a comet-like tail appears as the jet stretches, which is different from traditional copper jet. The simulated results strongly agree with the experimental results.
EXTREME TENSION WAVE: NECKING AND FRAGMENTATION
Authors: LIM SEOKBIN , BALDOVI PHILIPP , ROOD CHRISTOPHER
Published: September 2022

A typical cylindrical cased charge explosion has brought a great interest in the scientific community in terms of optimizing or prediction of fragmentation. The Mott’s theory has brought a scientific breakthrough in this area of study by providing an insight about the fragmentation behavior in rings or shells. This theory introduced a so-called ‘Mott’s wave’ during the sudden expansion of the cylinder, and thus, provides a clue to understand the size distribution of fragments during explosion. In this study, a series of hydrocode simulations with ANSYS Autodyn is used to identify the pressure profile in the high velocity necking area of metallic samples with the pull speed ranging 1~6km/s. The extreme tension pressure profile is evaluated by conservation equations based governing equations in the necking area. These equations provide a way to study the extreme sudden pull followed by necking and fragmentation. From a series of numerical observation, we were able to conclude that there is a high chance that cracks occur from the center of a sample during extreme tension, and the necking really is not the main driver of the crack formation during an extreme sudden pull.
DESIGN OPTIMISATION FOR SHAPED CHARGE JET PERFORMANCE
Authors: FARNWORTH LUKE , BURTON DAWN , COLL JOSEPH , MELLOR JACK , HOLLAND DAVID
Published: September 2022

The performance of a shaped charge warhead is a direct consequence of specific design features such as the liner geometry. By dynamically modifying the geometry of the shaped charge design through a newly developed hydrocode optimisation and parameter suite, we are able to rapidly assess and improve upon a SC baseline concept. The hydrocode IMPETUS AFEA is used to model the formation of a SC, using Jet Kinetic Energy, Mass, Velocity and Particulation as the performance metrics. By using the experimental shaped charge BRL, a Jet KE increase of 6.7% was achieved. Using a baseline design and a newly devised performance metric taking into account both Jet KE and particulation we were able to increase the performance by 9%.
Zmiana i negocjacja. U źródeł koncepcji władzy Piastów śląskich (XII-XIII w.)
Authors: Wiszewski Przemysław
Published: September 2022

CHANGE AND NEGOTIATION AT THE SOURCE OF THE CONCEPT OF POWER OF THE SILESIAN PIASTS (12TH-13TH CENTURIES) The article analyzes the concept of power as a structure determining the shape of social relations in the Middle Ages. The study used findings in the field of social communication as determining the research perspective. In this context, an attempt was made to show the communication relations between the rulers and the ruled. The author also refers to the methodological reflection presented by Michael Werner and Bénédicte Zimmerman in the discussion on the histoire croisée. The main subject of the analysis is the moment of change in the communication of the image of power, as exemplified by the presentation of members of the Piast Dynasty in the 12th-13th centuries. This period saw the introduction of new ideological solutions. Three main points are discussed: first, the issue of the conditions enabling changes in the way power was described (political crisis?, cultural change?); second, the question of the permanence of the proposed changes; and third, determining the depth of the changes. The interpretation of the divine and social origins of power outlined in the first Polish chronical texts has been traced. The evolution of the idea of power was shown on the example of the Piasts in the 12th and 13th centuries, incl. describing the title they used. The end of the 13th century was considered a breakthrough moment in which the belief in the special role of Silesia as rooted in the past and legitimizing its place in the present-day space of power was established among the Silesian Piasts. The author’s reflections extend to Henryk the Bearded and Henryk Pious, given by titles to the system of power in Silesia.
Synowie Dzierżykraja z Byczenia sprzedają kilka łanów. Czeska kolonizacja na Śląsku, kwestia dziesięcin i ceny lasów (z Księgi henrykowskiej)
Authors: Cetwiński Marek
Published: September 2022

CHANGE AND NEGOTIATION AT THE SOURCE OF THE CONCEPT OF POWER OF THE SILESIAN PIASTS (12TH-13TH CENTURIES) The article analyzes the story from the Book of Henryków about the purchase of some land by the Cistercians from the sons of Dzierżykraj of Byczen. The author presents the background of this transaction, describing the family and political ties of the lords from Byczen. He points to the consequences personal changes in the ruling elite of the Czech Kingdom had for local developments. The analysis was carried out in view of the economic and social processes accompanying the colonization of the Czech-Silesian border in the thirteenth century. The fact of brutal competition in land trading in Silesia which involved representatives of the Church, nobility and burghers from newly founded cities, e.g. Ziębice located near Henryków, was discussed.
Laborem libentissime suscipere volo. W sprawie twórczości historiograficznej Bernarda z Legnicy (zm. 1493)
Authors: Mrozowicz Wojciech
Published: September 2022

LABOREM LIBENTISSIME SUSCIPERE VOLO ON THE HISTORIOGRAPHIC WORKS OF BERNARD OF LEGNICA (DIED 1493) The article is devoted to the work of the Carthusian friar Bernard from Legnica, who enjoyed a considerable publicity in the Middle Ages that went beyond the borders of Silesia. He is characterized not only as an author of religious works, but also as a historian. Wojciech Mrozowicz adds biographical details about Bernard from Legnica which prove that he came from the Czech Cheb. The friar is known to author at least eight codices. The article analyzes one of the preserved codices from the church of St. Peter and Paul in Legnica; it bears the call number Akc. 1948/781 (formerly A 11). The thematic scope of the work the monk compiled and the method he used is described. Historical and historiographical texts included in the codex were presented. The article contains an appendix with selected excerpts from the Tractatus de ministris generalibus Ordinis Minorum, concerning the situation in Silesia, by Bernard of Legnica.
Przyczynek do historii tzw. Deutsche-UPA w rejonie Krynicy na przełomie 1944 i 1945 r.
Authors: Syrnyk Jarosław
Published: September 2022

CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE SO-CALLED DEUTSCHE -UPA IN THE KRYNICA REGION AT THE TURN OF 1945 The article is devoted to the circumstances of the forming and operation of the so-called Deutsche- -UPA in the Krynica region at the turn of 1945. The author analyzes the context in which the German intelligence adopted the idea of creating a unit for subversive and intelligence purposes, which was formed in a training camp in Muszyna in the territory of the Western Lemkos region. The research on the activities of this UPA association and the knowledge we have about its command are described. Source testimonies of the events as remembered by people who had contact with the unit created by the Germans are presented. The author describes the efforts of the Ukrainians to get young soldiers out of this unit and to create a sotnia within the regular UPA.
Ziemia (nie)obiecana. „Ziemie Odzyskane” z perspektywy przybyłych na nie Łemków w świetle wspomnień
Authors: Techmańska Barbara
Published: September 2022

THE (UN)PROMISED LAND THE ‘RECOVERED TERRITORIES ’ FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE ARRIVING LEMKOS IN LIGHT OF THEIR MEMORIES The article describes the perception of the Western Territories of Poland after 1945 from the perspective of the Lemkos who arrived there, displaced as part of the ‘Vistula Operation.’ The text is based on printed memories and oral reports; several dozen Lemko accounts were used. The memories of the Lemkos who came to the so-called Recovered Territories show how they were leaving their homeland and what their way ‘to the West’ looked like. They tell the stories about what they found in the new place, how their relations with their neighbors developed, and what problems arose in the period of settling in the new areas. The sense of longing for the homeland is clearly visible as well as the fear for one’s own safety and the future of the families.
Balancing Optimal Large Deviations in Sequential Selection
Authors: Chen Ye , Ryzhov Ilya O.
Published: September 2022

In the ranking and selection problem, a sampling budget is allocated among a finite number of designs with the goal of efficiently identifying the best. Allocations of this budget may be static (with no dependence on the random values of the samples) or adaptive (decisions are made based on the results of previous decisions). A popular methodological strategy in the simulation literature is to first characterize optimal static allocations by using large deviations theory to derive a set of optimality conditions, and then to use these conditions to guide the design of adaptive allocations. We propose a new methodology that can be guaranteed to adaptively learn the solution to these optimality conditions in a computationally efficient manner, without any tunable parameters, and under a wide variety of parametric sampling distributions.

This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4527.
Fending Off Critics of Platform Power with Differential Revenue Sharing: Doing Well by Doing Good?
Authors: Bhargava Hemant K. , Wang Kitty , Zhang Xingyue (Luna)
Published: September 2022

Many digital platforms have accrued enormous power and scale, leveraging cross-side network effects between the sides they connect (e.g., producers and consumers or creators and viewers). Platforms motivate a diverse spectrum of producers, large and small, to participate by sharing platform revenue with them, predominantly under a linear revenue-sharing scheme with the same commission rate regardless of producer power or size. Under pressure from society, lawsuits, and antitrust investigations, major platforms have announced revenue sharing designs that favor smaller businesses. We develop a model of platform economics and show that a small-business oriented (SBO) differential revenue sharing design can increase total welfare and outputs on the platform. Although smaller producers almost always benefit from the shift in revenue sharing design, spillover effects can also make large producers better off under some conditions. More interestingly, we show that platforms are the most likely winner under a differential revenue sharing scheme. Hence, an intervention that ostensibly offers concessions and generous treatment to producers might well be self-serving for platforms and good for the entire ecosystem.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, information systems.

Funding: H. K. Bhargava’s work on platform ecosystems was supported by a research excellence gift from Google Apigee in 2018.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4545 .
Assessment of Water Quality Index and Non-Carcinogenic Risk for Ingestion of Nitrate for Drinking Purpose of Bhosga Reservoir, Karnataka, India
Authors: Sarikar Shwetha , Vijaykumar Katepaga
Published: September 2022

Reservoirs are vital water sources that contribute significantly to local ecological and environmental balance, particularly in semi-arid regions. An evaluation of the drinking water quality index (WQI) has been conducted using ten water parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), chloride (Cl-), pH, total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA), phosphate (PO43-), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO3-), total dissolved solids (TDS), and sulfate (SO42-). Weighed Arithmetic Index technique is utilized for examining drinking water quality status and USEPA model was utilized to determine the non-carcinogenic risk for ingestion of nitrate of Bhosga reservoir of Kalaburagi district which was measured at five predefined sites from October 2020 to September 2021. All the parameters of potable water were below the allowable limits based on given standards. The maximum WQI results were reported in monsoon season, with a mean WQI value of 48.14 from all the five selected sites, with the pre & post-monsoon seasons a mean WQI result of 46.08 and 43.68, respectively. Overall, the WQI value signifies that the water was of good quality, making it worthy for domestic use. The outcome of this study reveals that the pH and DO position have a substantial impact on reservoir WQI. Non-carcinogenic risk for nitrate ingestion reveled that, seasonal HQ average results for adults and children are ranging between 0.036 to 0.040 and 0.065 to 0.071, respectively and the HQ results for both adults and children were below 1, indicating neither adults nor children had any negative effect. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed that primary causes of water quality degradation were agricultural runoff and anthropogenic activities. To ensure the security and the quality of water supply to people who live in the surrounding region, simple filter treating of reservoir water prior usage is needed.
Manifestations of beta thalassaemia in the dental setting: a case report
Authors: Radia Ria , Loughlin Amanda , Adams Ashok
Published: September 2022

The craniofacial manifestations of beta thalassaemia are widely reported, and occur as a result of inadequate haematopoiesis leading to marrow space expansion. Secondarily, extramedullary haematopoiesis can occur throughout the body, although this is rarely reported in the paranasal sinuses. We discuss the systemic and craniofacial manifestations of beta thalassaemia major, with a focus on the radiological findings, as illustrated in a case of a 55-year-old male patient who was referred to the dental hospital as a result of complications of thalassaemia. This case report focuses on the effects of thalassaemia that may be encountered in a dental setting and highlights the radiological findings that clinicians should be aware of.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental and craniofacial manifestations, and their management, are discussed for patients with beta thalassaemia.
REP´RESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS DO MUNDO DEV: Indústria da Solução e empreendedorismo
Authors: Pimenta Laura , Simeone Henriques Márcio
Published: September 2022

Tratamos aqui de parte de um estudo em que buscamos entender a apropriação das tecnologias da informação e da comunicação, especificamente dos softwares, e explorar os imaginários e representações sociais que estão presentes no desenvolvimento, por parte dos programadores. Assim, este artigo traz e discute alguns dos aspectos mais importantes que aparecem na composição dessas representações e se mostram como um ideário constante e consistente na expressão dos desenvolvedores ouvidos na pesquisa: empreendedorismo e solucionismo tecnológico, e como os próprios desenvolvedores enxergam suas influências na sociedade.
FlatNet3D: intensity and absolute depth from single-shot lensless capture
Authors: Bagadthey Dhruvjyoti , Prabhu Sanjana , Khan Salman S. , Fredrick D Tony , Boominathan Vivek , Veeraraghavan Ashok , Mitra Kaushik
Published: September 2022

Lensless cameras are ultra-thin imaging systems that replace the lens with a thin passive optical mask and computation. Passive mask-based lensless cameras encode depth information in their measurements for a certain depth range. Early works have shown that this encoded depth can be used to perform 3D reconstruction of close-range scenes. However, these approaches for 3D reconstructions are typically optimization based and require strong hand-crafted priors and hundreds of iterations to reconstruct. Moreover, the reconstructions suffer from low resolution, noise, and artifacts. In this work, we proposeFlatNet3D—a feed-forward deep network that can estimate both depth and intensity from a single lensless capture. FlatNet3D is an end-to-end trainable deep network that directly reconstructs depth and intensity from a lensless measurement using an efficient physics-based 3D mapping stage and a fully convolutional network. Our algorithm is fast and produces high-quality results, which we validate using both simulated and real scenes captured using PhlatCam.
Multiscale diffractive U-Net: a robust all-optical deep learning framework modeled with sampling and skip connections
Authors: Li Yiming , Zheng Zexi , Li Ran , Chen Quan , Luan Haitao , Yang Hui , Zhang Qiming , Gu Min
Published: September 2022

As an all-optical learning framework, diffractive deep neural networks (D2NNs) have great potential in running speed, data throughput, and energy consumption. The depth of networks and the misalignment of layers are two problems to limit its further development. In this work, a robust all-optical network framework (multiscale diffractive U-Net, MDUNet) based on multi-scale features fusion has been proposed. The depth expansion and alignment robustness of the network can be significantly improved by introducing sampling and skip connections. Compared with common all-optical learning frameworks, MDUNet achieves the highest accuracy of 98.81% and 89.11% on MNIST and Fashion-MNIST respectively. The testing accuracy of MNIST and Fashion-MNIST can be further improved to 99.06% and 89.86% respectively by using the ensemble learning method to construct the optoelectronic hybrid neural network.
Low-κ, narrow linewidth III-V-on-SOI distributed feedback lasers with backside sampled Bragg gratings
Authors: Ramirez Joan Manel , Souleiman Amin , de la Horie Pierre Fanneau , Neel Delphine , Vaissiere Nicolas , Ramez Valentin , Besancon Claire , Malhouitre Stephane , Wilk Arnaud , Merghem Kamel , Decobert Jean , Hassan Karim , Bitauld David
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate a heterogeneously integrated III-V-on-SOI distributed feedback laser with a low grating strength (κ < 40 cm−1) and a narrow linewidth of Δν = 118 kHz. The laser operates single mode with a side-mode suppression ratio over 45 dB, provides a single-sided waveguide-coupled output power of 22 mW (13.4 dBm) and has a wall-plug efficiency of 17%. The dynamic characteristics were also evaluated, obtaining an intrinsic 3 dB modulation bandwidth of 14 GHz and a photon lifetime of 8 ps. Large-signal intensity modulation using a 231-1 PRBS pattern length revealed open eye diagrams up to 25 Gb/s and a penalty on the dynamic extinction ratio lower than 1 dB after transmission over a 2 km standard single mode optical fiber.
Flattening laser frequency comb spectra with a high dynamic range, broadband spectral shaper on-a-chip
Authors: Jovanovic Nemanja , Gatkine Pradip , Shen Boqiang , Gao Maodong , Cvetojevic Nick , Ławniczuk Katarzyna , Broeke Ronald , Beichman Charles , Leifer Stephanie , Jewell Jeffery , Vasisht Gautam , Mawet Dimitri
Published: September 2022

Spectral shaping is critical to many fields of science. In astronomy for example, the detection of exoplanets via the Doppler effect hinges on the ability to calibrate a high resolution spectrograph. Laser frequency combs can be used for this, but the wildly varying intensity across the spectrum can make it impossible to optimally utilize the entire comb, leading to a reduced overall precision of calibration. To circumvent this, astronomical applications of laser frequency combs rely on a bulk optic setup which can flatten the output spectrum before sending it to the spectrograph. Such flatteners require complex and expensive optical elements like spatial light modulators and have non-negligible bench top footprints. Here we present an alternative in the form of an all-photonic spectral shaper that can be used to flatten the spectrum of a laser frequency comb. The device consists of a circuit etched into a silicon nitride wafer that supports an arrayed-waveguide grating to disperse the light over hundreds of nanometers in wavelength, followed by Mach-Zehnder interferometers to control the amplitude of each channel, thermo-optic phase modulators to phase the channels and a second arrayed-waveguide grating to recombine the spectrum. The demonstrator device operates from 1400 to 1800 nm (covering the astronomical H band), with twenty 20 nm wide channels. The device allows for nearly 40 dBs of dynamic modulation of the spectrum via the Mach-Zehnders , which is greater than that offered by most spatial light modulators. With a smooth spectrum light source (superluminescent diode), we reduced the static spectral variation to ∼3 dB, limited by the properties of the components used in the circuit. On a laser frequency comb which had strong spectral modulations, and some at high spatial frequencies, we nevertheless managed to reduce the modulation to ∼5 dBs, sufficient for astronomical applications. The size of the device is of the order of a US quarter, significantly cheaper than their bulk optic counter parts and will be beneficial to any area of science that requires spectral shaping over a broad range, with high dynamic range, including exoplanet detection.
Transient behavior of AlGaN photoluminescence induced by carbon-related defect reactions
Authors: Wang Baibin , Yang Jing , Liang Feng , Chen Ping , Liu Zongshun , Zhao Degang
Published: September 2022

We have observed the transient behavior in the AlGaN photoluminescence. Under an excitation of 325 nm He-Cd laser beam, the blue luminescence (BL) bands and yellow luminescence (YL) bands of AlGaN vary with increasing illumination time. We propose that the chemical reactions between BL-related CNON-Hi (CN-Hi) and YL-related CN-Hi (CN) defect states are the cause of such a phenomenon. The BL transition temperature (Tt) is defined as the temperature at which the intensity of BL bands induced by CNON-Hi is equal to that originated from CN-Hi. Only at Tt, BL shows a peak energy variation due to the exposure. The Tt of AlGaN is higher than what is similarly detected in GaN because of the high reactivity of Al to O.
Topological insulator nanoparticles for strong light–matter interaction in the terahertz regime
Authors: Thanopulos Ioannis , Yannopapas Vassilios , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

We study the spontaneous emission (SPEM) for a quantum emitter (QUEM) near a topological insulator Bi2Se3 nanosphere. We calculate numerically the QUEM Purcell factor near nanospheres of radii between 40 nm and 100 nm, with and without taking into account the topologically protected delocalized states at the surface of the nanosphere. We find exceptionally large Purcell factors up to 1010 at distances between the QUEM and the nanosphere as large as half its radius in the terahertz regime. By computing the SPEM dynamics for a QUEM with transition frequencies in the terahertz and free-space decay rates in the nanosecond to millisecond range, we observe intense reversible dynamics, as well as population trapping effects. This work demonstrates that a Bi2Se3 nanosphere provides the conditions for strong light–matter interaction at the nanoscale in the terahertz regime.
Enhanced throughput and clean laser drilling with a sacrificial polymer layer
Authors: Linden John , Hoch Ariel , Levy Asaf , Sakaev Igor , Toker Gil Bernstein , Fogel Ofer , Hod Manuela , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: September 2022

Laser micromachining is the chosen method for vertical interconnect access point (VIA) formation in flex PCB layers. Even so, this method suffers from several inherent physical issues as a result of the intense localized heating causing strong Marangoni convection and the buildup of recast along the VIA upper crater walls while also scattered particle debris and oxidation of copper across the surface. The mitigation of the height and radius of this recast layer is critical for the following build-up process and device functionality and reliability. This is currently a major technology inhibitor to the adoption of flex PCBs for high-power electronics. In this study, we present experimental results showing the use of engineered sacrificial layers that coat the surface of the flex PCB substrate during the laser micromachining process. Optimization of this engineered sacrificial layer resulted in a major improvement in recast quality and debris control as well as reducing the oxide formation while increasing the laser drilling efficiency, attributable to increased surface pressure on the substrate. In this paper, we describe the methods and materials used in the development of sacrificial layers and show the positive impact it achieves on improving and modifying the plasma characteristics throughout the overall laser drilling process.
The influence of patriarchy on Nepali-speaking Bhutanese women’s diabetes self-management
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Stuckey Heather , Mendez-Miller Megan , Cuffee Yendelela , Juris Aubrey J. , McCall-Hosenfeld Jennifer S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The Nepali-speaking Bhutanese (NSB) community is a rapidly growing population in Central Pennsylvania. A community-based diabetes education pilot program found a large gender disparity with fewer women in attendance; participants reported that primary household cooks and caretakers were women. This may be an indication of women’s status in the NSB community, their healthcare access, autonomy, and ability to manage their diabetes. Hence, this study aims to understand the manifestations of patriarchy and its impact on NSB women’s diabetes self-management employing a conceptual framework based on Walby’s structures of patriarchy.

Methods

An exploratory feminist qualitative inquiry was conducted. Fifteen NSB women with Type 2 Diabetes were interviewed about their diabetes self-management. Transcripts were coded for key concepts that emerged from the data. A thematic analysis was conducted. Themes were developed inductively through those categories as well as through an a priori approach using the conceptual framework.

Results

Cultural influences such as family structure, religious beliefs, traditional healthcare and gender roles determined NSB women’s patriarchal upbringing and lifestyle. Unpaid household production was largely dependent on women. Multiple immigrations led to poor socioeconomic indicators and marginalization of NSB women. Women’s access to healthcare (including diabetes) was entirely reliant on other family members due to poor autonomy. Women experienced adverse physical and emotional symptoms related to diabetes and their ability and attempts to maintain a healthy diabetes lifestyle was determined by their physical health condition, knowledge regarding good dietary practices and self-efficacy.

Conclusion

Patriarchal practices that start early on within women’s lives, such as child marriage, religious restrictions as well as women’s access to education and autonomy impacted NSB women’s access to healthcare, knowledge regarding their diabetes and self-efficacy. Future interventions tailored for diabetes prevention and self-management among NSB women should factor in patriarchy as an important social determinant of health.
Real-time racial discrimination, affective states, salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase in Black adults
Authors: Nam Soohyun , Jeon Sangchoon , Lee Soo-Jeong , Ash Garrett , Nelson LaRon E. , Granger Douglas A.
Published: September 2022

Perceived racial discrimination has been associated with the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activities—two major stress response systems. To date, most studies have used cross-sectional data that captured retrospective measures of the racial discrimination associated with current physiological stress responses. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between racial discrimination measured in real-time and physiological stress responses. Twelve healthy Black adults completed baseline surveys and self-collected saliva samples 4x/day for 4 days to measure cortisol and alpha amylase (AA) as a proxy of HPA and ANS systems, respectively. Real-time racial discrimination was measured using ecological momentary assessments (EMA) sent to participants 5x/day for 7 days. Multilevel models were conducted to examine the relationship between racial discrimination and stress responses. In multilevel models, the previous day’s racial discrimination was significantly associated with the next day’s cortisol level at wakening (β = 0.81, partialr= 0.74,p<0.01) and diurnal slope (β = -0.85, partialr= -0.73,p<0.01). Also, microaggressions were significantly associated with the diurnal cortisol slope in the same day, indicating that on the day when people reported more microaggressions than usual, a flatter diurnal slope of cortisol was observed (β = -0.50, partialr= -0.64,p<0.01). The concurrent use of salivary biomarkers and EMA was feasible methods to examine the temporal relationship between racial discrimination and physiological stress responses. The within-person approach may help us understand the concurrent or lagged effects of racial discrimination on the stress responses. Further studies are needed to confirm the observed findings with a large sample size and to improve stress related health outcomes in racial/ethnic minorities.
Symptoms and ECG changes precede sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—A nationwide study among the young in Sweden
Authors: Börjesson Erik , Svennblad Bodil , Wisten Aase , Börjesson Mats , Stattin Eva-Lena
Published: September 2022

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young. We aimed to characterize detailed family history, symptoms, hospital utilization and ECG changes before SCD.

Methods

We extracted all cases suffering SCD with HCM from the SUDDY cohort, which includes all cases of SCD between 2000–2010 in Sweden among individuals aged 0–35 years along with their controls. We gathered data from mandatory national registries, autopsy reports, medical records, ECGs (including military conscripts), and detailed family history from an interview-based questionnaire (with relatives, post-mortem).

Results

Thirty-eight cases (7 female), mean age 22 years, with HCM were identified. Among these, 71% presented with possible cardiac symptoms (chest pain [26%], syncope [22%], palpitations [37%]), before death; 69% received medical care (vs 21% in controls) within 180 days before death. The majority (68%) died during recreational activity (n = 14) or exercise/competitive sports (n = 12). Fifteen (39%) had a known cardiac disorder prior to death, with HCM being diagnosed pre-mortem in nine cases. 58% presented with abnormal ECG recordings pre-mortem, and 50% had a positive family history (1st-3rd generation) for heart disease.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive, nationwide study of SCD due to HCM, 87% (33/38) of cases had one or more abnormality prior to death, including cardiac symptoms, a positive family history, known cardiac disease or ECG abnormalities. They sought medical care prior death, to a larger extent than controls. These findings suggest that cardiac screening should be expanded beyond competitive athletes to aid SCD prevention in the young population with HCM.
Predictive analysis of multiple future scientific impacts by embedding a heterogeneous network
Authors: Ochi Masanao , Shiro Masanori , Mori Jun’ichiro , Sakata Ichiro
Published: September 2022

Identifying promising research as early as possible is vital to determine which research deserves investment. Additionally, developing a technology for automatically predicting future research trends is necessary because of increasing digital publications and research fragmentation. In previous studies, many researchers have performed the prediction of scientific indices using specially designed features for each index. However, this does not capture real research trends. It is necessary to develop a more integrated method to capture actual research trends from various directions. Recent deep learning technology integrates different individual models and makes it easier to construct more general-purpose models. The purpose of this paper is to show the possibility of integrating multiple prediction models for scientific indices by network-based representation learning. This paper will conduct predictive analysis of multiple future scientific impacts by embedding a heterogeneous network and showing that a network embedding method is a promising tool for capturing and expressing scientific trends. Experimental results show that the multiple heterogeneous network embedding improved 1.6 points than a single citation network embedding. Experimental results show better results than baseline for the number of indices, including the author h-index, the journal impact factor (JIF), and the Nature Index after three years from publication. These results suggest that distributed representations of a heterogeneous network for scientific papers are the basis for the automatic prediction of scientific trends.
Targeting the splicing isoforms of spleen tyrosine kinase affects the viability of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Denis Vincent , Cassagnard Nadège , Del Rio Maguy , Cornillot Emmanuel , Bec Nicole , Larroque Christian , Jeanson Laura , Jarlier Marta , Combès Eve , Robert Bruno , Gongora Céline , Martineau Pierre , Dariavach Piona
Published: September 2022

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) expression have been both positively and negatively associated with tumorigenesis. Our goal was to evaluate the contribution of Syk and its two splice variants, full length Syk (L) and short isoform Syk (S), in the tumor biology of colorectal cancer cells (CRC). The analysis of Syk expression in primary human colorectal tumors, as well as the analysis of TCGA database, revealed a high Syk mRNA expression score in colorectal cancer tumors, suggesting a tumor promotor role of Syk in CRC. Our analysis showed that Syk (L) isoform is highly expressed in the majority of the tumor tissues and that it remains expressed in tumors in which global Syk expression is downregulated, suggesting the dependence of tumors to Syk (L) isoform. We also identified a small cluster of tumor tissues, which express a high proportion of Syk (S) isoform. This specific cluster is associated with overexpressed genes related to translation and mitochondria, and down regulated genes implicated in the progression of mitosis. For our functional studies, we used short hairpin RNA tools to target the expression of Syk in CRC cells bearing the activating K-Ras (G13D) mutation. Our results showed that while global Syk knock down increases cell proliferation and cell motility, Syk (L) expression silencing affects the viability and induces the apoptosis of the cells, confirming the dependence of cells on Syk (L) isoform for their survival. Finally, we report the promising potential of compound C-13, an original non-enzymatic inhibitor of Syk isolated in our group.In vitrostudies showed that C-13 exerts cytotoxic effects on Syk-positive CRC cells by inhibiting their proliferation and their motility, and by inducing their apoptosis, while Syk-negative cell lines viability was not affected. Moreover, the oral and intraperitoneal administration of C-13 reduced the tumor growth of CRC DLD-1 cells xenografts in Nude micein vivo.
Preeclampsia has an association with both platelet count and mean platelet volume: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Walle Muluken , Gelaw Yemataw , Getu Fasil , Asrie Fikir , Getaneh Zegeye
Published: September 2022

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction, and activation of the coagulation system. Alteration of PLT parameters is the common hematological abnormality observed in women with PE. The main aim of this study was to systematically review previous studies from around the world to generate evidence about the relationship between platelet count (PC) and PE, as well as mean platelet volume (MPV) and PE, by calculating the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of PC and MPV between PE and normotensive (NT) groups.

Methods

Relevant articles which were published in the English language from January 10, 2011, to January 10, 2021, were systematically searched through PubMed, Web of Science, and African journals online. In addition, reference probing of published articles searching was employed through Google Scholar and Google for searching grey literature. The methodological qualities of articles were assessed using Joana Brigg’s institute critical appraisal checklist. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled WMD of PLT parameters between the two groups with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Stata version 11.0. The I2statistics and Egger’s regression test were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies, respectively.

Results

A total of 25 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Of which, 23 studies were used in each PC and MPV analysis. The overall pooled WMD of PC and MPV between PE and NT groups were -41.45 × 109/L [95% CI; -51.8, -31.0] and 0.98 fl [95% CI; 0.8, 1.1], respectively. The pooled WMD revealed that PC decreased significantly in the PE group compared to the NT group while MPV increased significantly in the PE group.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that there is a significant decrease in PC and a significant increase in MPV during PE development among pregnant women. As a result, a change in these parameters among pregnant women may indicate the development of PE.
The implementation of a culturally tailored parenting support programme for Somali immigrant parents living in Sweden—A process evaluation
Authors: Osman Fatumo , Schön Ulla-Karin , Klingberg-Allvin Marie , Flacking Renée , Tistad Malin
Published: September 2022

Background

Parental support programmes aim to strengthen family functioning and the parent–child relationship and to promote the mental health of children and parents. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how parenting support programmes can be implemented for newly arrived immigrant parents. This process evaluation describes the implementation of a successful parenting programme for immigrant parents from Somalia and identifies key components of the implementation process with a focus on Reach, Adaptation, and Fidelity of Ladnaan intervention.

Method

This process evaluation considered context, implementation and mechanism of impact, in accordance with the Medical Research Council’s guidance. Data were collected through focus group discussions, a questionnaire, attendance lists, field and reflection notes and observations of the sessions. The data were then analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 60 parents invited to the parenting programme, 58 participated in the sessions. The study showed that involving key individuals in the early stage of the parenting programme’s implementation facilitated reaching Somali-born parents. To retain the programme participants, parents were offered free transportation. The programme was implemented and delivered as intended. A majority of the parents were satisfied with the programme and reported increased knowledge about children’s rights and the support they could seek from social services.

Conclusions

This study illustrates how a parenting support programme can be implemented for Somali-born parents and provides guidance on how to attract immigrant parents to and engage them in participating in parenting support programmes.
Real-world evidence of the impact of obesity on residual teeth in the Japanese population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hayashi Mayu , Morino Katsutaro , Harada Kayo , Miyazawa Itsuko , Ishikawa Miki , Yasuda Takako , Iwakuma Yoshie , Yamamoto Kazushi , Matsumoto Motonobu , Maegawa Hiroshi , Ishikado Atsushi
Published: September 2022

Background

Tooth loss is associated with nutritional status and significantly affects quality of life, particularly in older individuals. To date, several studies reveal that a high BMI is associated with tooth loss. However, there is a lack of large-scale studies that examined the impact of obesity on residual teeth with respect to age and tooth positions.

Objective

We assessed the impact of obesity on the number and position of residual teeth by age groups using large scale of Japanese database.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 706150 subjects that were included in the database that combined the data from health insurance claims and health check-up, those lacking information about BMI, HbA1c level, smoking status, and the number of residual teeth were excluded. Thus, a total of 233517 aged 20–74 years were included. Subjects were classified into 4 categories based on BMI, and the number of teeth was compared between age-groups. The percentage of subjects with residual teeth in each position was compared between groups with obesity (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2) and non-obesity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify whether obesity predicts having <24 teeth.

Results

Higher BMI was associated with fewer teeth over 40s (P for trend <0.0001 when <70s). Obesity was associated with the reduction of residual teeth in the maxillary; specifically, the molars were affected over the age 30. Smoking status further affected tooth loss at positions that were not affected by obesity alone. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and HbA1c ≥6.5%, obesity remained an independent predictive factor for having <24 teeth (ORs: 1.35, 95% CIs: 1.30–1.40).

Conclusions

We found that an increase in BMI was associated with a decrease in the number of residual teeth from younger ages independently of smoking status and diabetes in the large scale of Japanese database.
Neurofilament light chain in blood as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ning Liangxia , Wang Bin
Published: September 2022

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a biomarker of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, CSF sampling is invasive and has limited the clinical application. With the development of highly sensitive single-molecule assay, the accurate quantification of the very low NfL levels in blood become feasible. As evidence being accumulated, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of blood NfL in MS patients.

Methods

We performed literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to May 31, 2022. The blood NfL differences between MS vs. controls, MS vs. clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), progressive MS (PMS) vs. relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and MS in relapse vs. MS in remission were estimated by standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI were calculated to predict time to reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score≥4.0 and to relapse.

Results

A total of 28 studies comprising 6545 MS patients and 2477 controls were eligible for meta-analysis of diagnosis value, and 5 studies with 4444 patients were synthesized in analysis of predictive value. Blood NfL levels were significantly higher in MS patients vs. age-matched controls (SMD = 0.64, 95%CI 0.44–0.85, P<0.001), vs. non-matched controls (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI 0.56–0.96, P<0.001) and vs. CIS patients (SMD = 0.30, 95%CI 0.18–0.42, P<0.001), in PMS vs. RRMS (SMD = 0.56, 95%CI 0.27–0.85, P<0.001), and in relapsed patients vs. remitted patients (SMD = 0.54, 95%CI 0.16–0.92, P = 0.005). Patients with high blood NfL levels had shorter time to reach EDSS score≥4.0 (HR = 2.36, 95%CI 1.32–4.21, P = 0.004) but similar time to relapse (HR = 1.32, 95%CI 0.90–1.93, P = 0.155) compared to those with low NfL levels.

Conclusion

As far as we know, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the diagnosis and predictive value of blood NfL in MS. The present study indicates blood NfL may be a useful biomarker in diagnosing MS, distinguishing MS subtypes and predicting disease worsening in the future.