bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, safety, and physicochemical properties of a flowable hemostatic agent made from absorbable gelatin sponge via vacuum pressure steam sterilization
Authors: Zhou Yuanxing , Ma Xiaochi , Li Zhonghai , Wang Bo
Published: August 2020

An effective and viable hemostatic agent is important for stopping bleeding during surgery. However, it is difficult to achieve hemostasis at uneven or deep bleeding sites using a gelatin sponge. A flowable hemostatic agent has therefore been developed by processing and improving gelatin sponge, to address bleeding under these conditions. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and physical and chemical properties of this flowable hemostatic agent in various experiments. We examined its efficacy for stopping bleeding in a rabbit model of liver abrasion in vivo, and compared its efficacy in dynamic coagulation and erythrocyte aggregation tests with gelatin sponge in vitro. We also investigated its safety in rat histocompatibility and acute systemic toxicity tests in mice in vivo, and in hemolysis tests in vitro, to determine if the flowable hemostatic agent induced any pathological reactions or adverse events. In terms of its physical and chemical properties, we analyzed the morphology and chemical bonds of the flowable hemostatic agent by optical and electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, and its absorbency and density. The flowable hemostatic agent resulted in a shorter mean bleeding time, less bleeding, greater likelihood of successful hemostasis, and reduced clotting time compared with gelatin sponge. The flowable agent produced some changes in physical morphology, but no pathological changes or undesirable outcomes were detected. This flowable topical hemostatic agent thus provides a safe and more effective hemostatic method than gelatin sponge, and more promising results for intraoperative hemostasis, especially on uneven or deep bleeding surfaces.
The Role of Mental Health Courts in Mitigating Family Violence
Authors: Linhorst Donald M. , Kondrat David , Eikenberry Jacob , Dirks-Linhorst P. Ann
Published: August 2020

Mental health courts are one potential means to mitigate violence against family members by people with mental illness. This study identified the rate at which cases of family violence come before a mental health court and the success of defendants charged with assaulting family members. In a sample of 1,456 defendants eligible to participate in a mental health court, descriptive statistics were used to report rates of admission of defendants charged with assaulting family members and their characteristics; a static group design was used to compare post-program rearrests among defendants who assaulted family members who successfully completed the program, who did not complete the program, and who did not participate despite being eligible; and logistic regression was used to determine the effect of participation on rearrest when controlling for demographic and clinical factors. The study found that family violence occurred in 24.7% of admitted cases. Most eligible defendants who assaulted family members (75.8%) participated in the court program, and among those who did, 72.2% successfully completed the program. Defendants who assaulted family members and had a positive program termination had a much lower rate of rearrest post-program completion compared with those who did not complete the program or did not participate despite being eligible, a finding that held when controlling for other factors. This study suggests that mental health courts can be an effective option for mitigating family violence committed by people with mental illness.
Black supplementary school leaders: Community leadership strategies for successful schools
Authors: Maylor Uvanney
Published: August 2020

Long established in the United Kingdom, Black supplementary schools are valued by Black parents for their ability to nurture the academic potential of Black students and achieve positive educational outcomes where mainstream schools sometimes fail. Through exploratory qualitative interviews conducted with a small group of African-Caribbean supplementary school leaders, this article seeks to understand Black supplementary school leaders’ perceptions of educational leadership and supplementary school success. Utilising Yosso’s perspective on ‘community cultural wealth’, in particular the ways in which Black communities provide and are rich in cultural/educational resources, the article examines the extent to which the leadership perceptions of Black supplementary school leaders are rooted in notions of community and serving, along with the leadership strategies they employ in creating successful schools. Such insights are especially important at a time when mainstream education continues to deliver poor educational outcomes for Black students.
Modeling of flatness errors in end milling of thin-walled components
Authors: Agarwal Ankit , Desai Kaushal A
Published: August 2020

Machined components deviate in size, form, and orientation in comparison to actual features realized by the designer. The deviations originate from several process-related factors and can be specified as per the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards (ASME Y14.5-2009 or ISO 1101:2017). According to these standards, the deviation of planar or flat components is expressed in the form of flatness error. This article presents an overall framework to estimate static deflection–induced flatness errors during end milling of thin-walled planar components. The framework incorporates the Mechanistic force model, finite element analysis–based workpiece deflection model, and particle swarm optimization–based algorithm to estimate flatness-related parameters. The individual elements of the proposed framework are implemented in the form of computational tools, and a set of experiments are conducted on thin-walled parts. It has been observed that the static deflections of the thin-walled component have considerable influence on flatness error, and the same can be captured effectively using the proposed framework. The study also investigates the effect of inevitable aspects of the thin-walled machining, such as workpiece rigidity and thinning on the flatness error. The findings of the present study aid process planners in devising appropriate machining strategies to manufacture thin-walled components within tolerances specified by the designer.
A roll-bending approach to suppress the edge cracking of silicon steel in the cold rolling process
Authors: Byon Sang Min , Roh Yong-Hoon , Yang Zhaorui , Lee Youngseog
Published: August 2020

The range of roll-bending that inhibits the edge cracking of high-silicon (3.0 wt%) steel strip during cold rolling was investigated by performing a pilot cold rolling test. In the rolling test, roll-bending was emulated by lathe-machining the work roll surface to be concave (corresponding to negative roll-bending) or convex (corresponding to positive roll-bending). Crack growth length that propagated during rolling and crack growth direction were measured. Three-dimensional finite element analysis coupled with ductile fracture criterion was conducted to predict the crack growth length and crack growth direction. The reliability of the finite element analysis was verified by comparing the predictions with measurements. A series of finite element simulations were then conducted with different levels of roll-bending, expressed as the ratio of the radius of curvature of work roll surface ( R) to its barrel length ( L).The difference between the measurements and the predictions of the crack growth length and crack growth direction was 6.5% and 8.3%, respectively, when the initial notch length was 6 mm. Even if a high reduction ratio for a given pass was applied to the silicon steel strip, edge cracking did not occur if the L/ R ratio was less than −0.15, with a negative value corresponding to a concave surface profile, representing negative bending.
Oldroyd-B fluid flow over a rotating disk subject to Soret–Dufour effects and thermophoresis particle deposition
Authors: Hafeez Abdul , Khan Masood , Ahmed Jawad
Published: August 2020

In this study, an investigation of magnetohydrodynamics flow of Oldroyd-B fluid by a rotating disk with the influence of thermophoresis on the deposition of particles is discussed. Additionally, the Soret–Dufour effects are taken into consideration. The von Karman transformation is used and the numerical results are obtained through BVP Midrich technique in Maple. The results are given through graphical structure and tabular form. The solutions of the governing equations are obtained and presented graphically in the form of velocity fields, temperature and concentration distributions. The results of local Stanton number (or inward axial thermophoretic deposition velocity) are presented through table. Results reveal that axial thermophoretic velocity enhances with the enlargement of relative temperature difference parameter and thermophoretic coefficient.
Numerical investigation of the effect of tip clearance on hydrodynamic performance of the linear jet propulsion system and vortex generation behind the rotor
Authors: Donyavizadeh Negin , Ghadimi Parviz
Published: August 2020

Linear Jet system which has a stator in addition to a rotor combines the best elements of two existing technologies of conventional screw propellers and water jets. In designing this propulsion system, tip clearance plays an essential role, since it causes the appearance of tip vortex that leads to a further loss in efficiency and a probability of cavitation phenomenon. Due to lack of any study in this regard, it is thus necessary to study tip clearance to find the appropriate geometry for linear jet propulsion system. In the current paper, hydrodynamic performance of linear jet propulsion system is numerically investigated. Accordingly, Ansys-CFX software is utilized and RANS unsteady equations are solved using SST turbulent model. Results of the proposed numerical model, in the form of thrust and torque coefficient as well as efficiency, are compared with available experimental data for a ducted propeller. It is concluded that most of the errors at various advance ratios for thrust and torque coefficients are less than 3% and relatively good agreement is observed. Hydrodynamic investigation involves five different sizes of tip clearance (2.5 to 10% of the rotor diameter). Simulation results indicate that thrust and torque coefficients decreases about 10% and 8% respectively, at the same advance coefficient (J) with an increase in tip clearance. Effects of tip clearance on tip-separation vortex and tip leakage vortex are also examined. At about 20% of chord length from the leading edge, separation occurs. As tip clearance size increases, the tip-leakage vortex also increases. At different advance ratios and higher tip clearance, an increase in vortex and a sudden decrease in thrust is generated by the propeller. By changing the time about 0.8 of the rotor periods, the evolution of the vortex generation behind the rotor at the tip of the blade is clearly observed.
Water-based ferrofluid flow and heat transfer over a stretchable rotating disk under the influence of an alternating magnetic field
Authors: Bhandari Anupam
Published: August 2020

Flow and heat transfer of water-based nanofluid over a stretchable rotating disk under the influence of an alternating magnetic field is investigated. The external magnetic field creates a hindrance in the flow and depends on the frequency of the alternating magnetic field. The frequency of an alternating magnetic field can increase or decrease the viscosity of the magnetic fluid in the flow. A set of nonlinear differential equations in the present theoretical model is solved numerically using the finite element method. Volume concentration, frequency of the alternating magnetic field, magnetic polarization force, and Prandtl number play an important role in the velocity and temperature distributions of iron/water nanofluid. A comparative study for velocity and heat transfer is presented for iron/water, nickel/water, and cobalt/water ferromagnetic nanofluid. The rotational viscosity enhances the heat transfer in nanofluid provided the magnetic field should be stationary.
Delay compensated pneumatic brake controller for heavy road vehicle active safety systems
Authors: Devika KB , Sridhar Nithya , Patil Harshal , Subramanian Shankar C
Published: August 2020

Performance enhancement of typically sluggish pneumatic brake actuators in Heavy Commercial Road Vehicles (HCRVs) is necessary for the efficacious operation of active safety systems. This study develops a robust Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller using the Kharitonov theorem for pneumatic brakes. To account for the inherent time delay present in pneumatic brakes, Padé approximation and state prediction methods were used. The efficacy of the brake controller when used for active safety system operation has been investigated by conducting Hardware-in-Loop (HiL) experiments. It was found that state prediction based design turned out to be a better choice for handling time delays in the brake actuator. This controller was then compared with a Sliding Mode Control (SMC) based brake controller and the performance of both controllers was comparable. Further, the state prediction based PID brake controller was found to be robust up to 100% variation in system time constant and 40% variation in time delay for different road and load conditions.
Performance improvement of a large capacity Roots blower based on profile modification
Authors: Xing Linfen , Feng Jianmei , Tang Hao , Peng Xueyuan
Published: August 2020

Roots blowers are widely used in various fields, and their performances are extremely important for their application in the chemical industry. In this study, a Roots blower with a flow capacity of 90 m3/min was investigated using a computation fluid dynamics (CFD) approach, with emphasis on its performance. A previous-generation blower comprising two lobes was simulated, and the calculated volumetric efficiencies were compared with experimental data. After validating the CFD model, the performance of a Roots blower with two to six lobes was predicted. The effect of the sealing angle at the tip of the profile on the performance of the blower was also investigated. An optimized profile with three lobes and a sealing angle of 4° was selected. A new-generation Roots blower with the same capacity as that of the previous-generation was manufactured and tested. The volumetric efficiency improvements of 12.1%–18.2% could be achieved by profile optimization.
Effect of cutting tool feed rate on contact angle of water drops in non-composite wetting of CNC milled aluminum AA6061 surfaces
Authors: Sooraj VS
Published: August 2020

Major studies related to the generation and control of wettability in engineering surfaces are focused on coatings and patterning of surfaces. However, investigations on anisotropic wetting induced by roughness texture after traditional surface generation methodologies such as CNC milling may be useful to optimize the selection of machining conditions such as feed rate of cutting tool. A comprehensive mathematical model is presented in this paper to predict the contact angle established by non-volatile liquid drop on CNC milled surfaces, from the set value of tool feed rate while machining. Proposed model can evaluate the wettability of hydrophilic target materials with non-composite wetting state, incorporating the liquid spreading dynamics, geometrical aspects as well as roughness parameters of solid surface. Considering practical relevance, verification of the model is presented through systematic experimental investigation on wettability of CNC milled aluminium AA6061 surfaces, which establishes a hydrophilic, non-composite wetting state during its interaction with water drops.
A study on spot welding quality judgment based on hidden Markov model
Authors: Wang Bing
Published: August 2020

Aiming at the influencing factors of spot welding quality and the shortcomings of the method of judging the spot welding quality based on the monitoring waveform curves: it is impossible to deeply analyze the differences between the corresponding monitoring waveform curves and spot welding qualities. In this study, according to the monitoring waveform curves of the welding current, inter-electrode voltage, electrode pressure and other signals when the spot welder executes the process parameters, by establishing the HMM model to realize the judgment of spot welding quality. The proposed method was also applied to the experiments of spot welding quality judgment for verifying the algorithm effectiveness.
Geomagnetic signal de-noising method based on improved empirical mode decomposition and morphological filtering
Authors: Zhai Hongqi , Wang Lihui , Liu Qingya , Qiao Nan
Published: August 2020

To solve the problem that geomagnetic signals are susceptible to random noise and instantaneous pulse interference in geomagnetic navigation, a geomagnetic signal de-noising method based on improved empirical mode decomposition (IEMD) and morphological filtering (MF) is proposed. The instantaneous pulse interference is eliminated by designing different structural elements according to the characteristics of the pulse signal. The signal after filtering the instantaneous pulse interference is decomposed by EMD, and the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) obtained from the decomposition are determined as two modes (i.e. noise IMFs and mixed IMFs) by the cross-correlation coefficient criterion. The noise IMFs are removed directly, and a normalized least means square filter (NLMS) is designed to remove noise from mixed IMFs, which can adaptively adjust the filtering parameters according to the noise level of different IMF components. The noise-reduced mixed IMFs and residual are reconstructed to obtain the final geomagnetic signal. Experiment results illustrate that the proposed MF-IEMD method can effectively achieve noise reduction. Comparing with the traditional EMD and MF-EMD de-noising methods, the root mean square errors(RMSE) decreased by 49.27% and 24.79%, respectively.
Adaptive motion intent understanding–based control of human–exoskeleton system
Authors: Yang JianTao , Peng Cheng
Published: August 2020

Although human–exoskeleton systems have tremendous potentials for rehabilitation training, transparent human–exoskeleton interaction has not been achieved for late-phase rehabilitation. To cope with this challenge, an adaptive pilot intent prediction–based control algorithm is proposed to achieve compliant motion coordination. A novel surface electromyography signal processing method providing definite physical meaning and high computational efficiency is derived. The state space model of human musculoskeletal system is developed with the input of the processed surface electromyography. Adaptive parameter estimation is employed to cope with the emerging dynamics. It integrates the advantages of surface electromyography signals which imply muscle contraction in advance and force signals with high stability. Based on the coupled human–exoskeleton system dynamics, transparent control of a human–exoskeleton system is realized. Experimental results show that the computational efficiency of the proposed surface electromyography processing method is 129% higher than the energy kernel method, and the maximum interactive force is reduced about 15 N compared with impedance control.
A new modified polynomial-based optimal control design approach
Authors: Monfared Morteza Nazari , Fakharian Ahmad , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher
Published: August 2020

The main concern of this article is addressing a new modified approach to design a nonlinear optimal controller. The modification focuses on proposing a new approximate solution for the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman nonlinear partial differential equation. The introduced solution works based on the state-dependent power series expansion presentation of the involved functions in the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman partial differential equation. Applying this technique results in releasing a set of free state-dependent functions in the controller structure that can be adjusted to fulfill some special control missions in addition to the optimization objectives. They are formed based on the specific formulation of the candidate Lyapunov function. The proposed approach is exemplified for an intricate biological system, immunogenic tumor-immune cell interaction in the human body, to clarify the mechanism of designing the controller and adjusting the arrays of the free matrices. The closed-loop system by presented optimal state feedback controller meets the predefined optimization objectives without getting feedback from a hard-measurable state. It is achieved by adjusting the aforementioned released functions such that an optimal output feedback controller is obtained. To have some insights into the performance of the system and the effectiveness of the controller, the positiveness of the system’s states is proved and checked numerically by applying the differential transformation method to the system’s differential equations. Finally, to highlight the abilities of the proposed approach from different aspects, some simulations are carried out.
A nonlinear observer-based adaptive robust control approach for a class of uncertain asymmetric hysteretic systems
Authors: Zhang Yangming , Xue Lingyun , Luo Biao
Published: August 2020

This article presents a robust control scheme for a class of asymmetric hysteretic systems with both parametric uncertainties and external disturbances, where an asymmetric Bouc–Wen model is adopted to represent the hysteretic behavior. A novel adaptive non-singular terminal sliding mode control methodology with hysteretic state estimation is proposed to achieve finite-time stabilization of such systems for vibration suppressions. In the proposed control framework, a hysteresis observer is constructed to capture the unmeasurable hysteretic force, and the adaptive control technique is used to accommodate the hysteretic uncertainties and unknown system parameters. Moreover, a fast terminal sliding mode controller without the singularity problem is designed to improve the robustness and dynamic performance of such systems, where the terminal sliding mode function is proposed to guarantee the finite-time convergence of the system states, and the reaching law with fractional power is constructed to accelerate the occurrence of the corresponding terminal sliding mode surface. Meanwhile, the finite-time stability of the whole closed-loop system is also analyzed. Finally, numerical simulation results deployed on a magnetorheological elastomer vibration isolation system are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Performance and psychometric properties of lupus impact tracker in assessing patient-reported outcomes in pediatric lupus: Report from a pilot study
Authors: Ganguli Suhas K , Hui-Yuen Joyce S , Jolly Meenakshi , Cerise Jane , Eberhard Barbara Anne
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the reliability, validity, feasibility and psychometric performance of the Lupus Impact Tracker (LIT) as a patient reported outcome (PRO) measure tool in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE).

Methods

This is a prospective, observational, pilot study where patients aged between 12 and 25 years, fulfilling the 1997 ACR classification criteria for SLE, were enrolled. Over 3 consecutive, routine, clinical visits, the patients completed the LIT alongside the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Short Forms (PROMIS-SFs), Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). Rheumatologists completed the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC-ACR) Damage Index. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were also collected.

Results

Of 46 patients enrolled, 38 patients completed 2 visits and 31 completed all 3 visits. Seventy-eight percent were female, 33% African American, 28% Asian, 15% Caucasian and 17% Hispanic. The mean (SD) age was 17.2 (2.7) years, with a mean (SD) disease duration of 4.6 (3.1) years. The mean (SD) SLEDAI-2K at enrollment was 3.54 (2.96). In the 38 patients who completed two or more visits, intra-class correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha were calculated to be 0.70 and 0.91 respectively, signifying good reliability of LIT. The LIT showed positive correlation with CHAQ-Disability Index and majority of the PROMIS-SFs parameters. Construct validity was established against clinical disease activity (SLEDAI-2K).

Conclusion

The preliminary results indicate that the LIT is a reliable and valid instrument to capture PRO in p-SLE. Prospective validation with a larger, multicenter cohort is the next step.
Efficient algorithms for covariate analysis with dynamic data using nonlinear mixed-effects model
Authors: Yuan Min , Zhu Zhi , Yang Yaning , Zhao Minghua , Sasser Kate , Hamadeh Hisham , Pinheiro Jose , Xu Xu Steven
Published: August 2020

Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling is one of the most popular tools for analyzing repeated measurement data, particularly for applications in the biomedical fields. Multiple integration and nonlinear optimization are the two major challenges for likelihood-based methods in nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. To solve these problems, approaches based on empirical Bayesian estimates have been proposed by breaking the problem into a nonlinear mixed-effects model with no covariates and a linear regression model without random effect. This approach is time-efficient as it involves no covariates in the nonlinear optimization. However, covariate effects based on empirical Bayesian estimates are underestimated and the bias depends on the extent of shrinkage. Marginal correction method has been proposed to correct the bias caused by shrinkage to some extent. However, the marginal approach appears to be suboptimal when testing covariate effects on multiple model parameters, a situation that is often encountered in real-world data analysis. In addition, the marginal approach cannot correct the inaccuracy in the associated p-values. In this paper, we proposed a simultaneous correction method (nSCEBE), which can handle the situation where covariate analysis is performed on multiple model parameters. Simulation studies and real data analysis showed that nSCEBE is accurate and efficient for both effect-size estimation and p-value calculation compared with the existing methods. Importantly, nSCEBE can be >2000 times faster than the standard mixed-effects models, potentially allowing utilization for high-dimension covariate analysis for longitudinal or repeated measured outcomes.
Long Noncoding RNA ZFAS1 Promotes Progression of NSCLC via Regulating of miR-590-3p
Authors: Zhou Yumei , Si Lengge , Liu Zihao , Shi Yanchun , Agula B
Published: August 2020

The incidence and mortality rate of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are continuously increasing. Recently, the important roles of long noncoding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) zinc finger antisense1 (ZFAS1) in the development of many disease have been proved. However, the roles of ZFAS1 in NSCLC are still not completely understood. Thus, this study aimed to explore the potential roles and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA ZFAS1 in the progression of NSCLC. Our results demonstrated that lncRNA ZFAS1 expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that lncRNA ZFAS1 inhibition could remarkably suppress NSCLC cells proliferation in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay revealed that lncRNA ZFAS1 directly interacted with miR-590-3p. Rescue experiments showed that miR-590-3p inhibitor reversed the cell proliferation function of lncRNA ZFAS1 knockdown in vitro. Furthermore, we confirmed that lncRNA ZFAS1 inhibited cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) expression by regulating of miR-590-3p in NSCLC cells. Therefore, our study indicates that lncRNA ZFAS1/miR-590-3p axis is involved in NSCLC cell proliferation. It also suggests that lncRNA ZFAS1 is a putative tumor oncogene in NSCLC.
Integrins α4β1 and αVβ3 are Reduced in Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Diabetic Dyslipidemic Mice and May Represent New Targets for Therapy in Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Filippi Alexandru , Constantin Alina , Alexandru Nicoleta , Voicu Geanina , Constantinescu Cristina Ana , Rebleanu Daniela , Fenyo Madalina , Simionescu Dan , Simionescu Agneta , Manduteanu Ileana , Georgescu Adriana
Published: August 2020

Diabetes reduces the number and induces dysfunction in circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by mechanisms that are still uncovered. This study aims to evaluate the number, viability, phenotype, and function of EPCs in dyslipidemic mice with early diabetes mellitus and EPC infiltration in the aortic valve in order to identify possible therapeutic targets in diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease. A streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE−/−) mouse model was used to identify the early and progressive changes, at 4 or 7 days on atherogenic diet after the last streptozotocin or citrate buffer injection. Blood and aortic valves from diabetic or nondiabetic ApoE−/−animals were collected.

EPCs were identified as CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 positive monocytes, and the expression levels of α4β1, αVβ3, αVβ5, β1, αLβ2, α5integrins, and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 chemokine receptor on EPC surface were assessed by flow cytometry. The number of CD34 positive cells in the aortic valve, previously found to be recruited progenitor cells, was measured by fluorescence microscopy. Our results show that aortic valves from mice fed 7 days with atherogenic diet presented a significantly higher number of CD34 positive cells compared with mice fed only 4 days with the same diet, and diabetes reversed this finding. We also show a reduction of circulatory EPC numbers in diabetic mice caused by cell senescence and lower mobilization. Dyslipidemia induced EPC death through apoptosis regardless of the presence of diabetes, as shown by the higher percent of propidium iodide positive cells and higher cleaved caspase-3 levels. EPCs from diabetic mice expressed α4β1 and αVβ3integrins at a lower level, while the rest of the integrins tested were unaffected by diabetes or diet. In conclusion, reduced EPC number and expression of α4β1 and αVβ3 integrins on EPCs at 4 and 7 days after diabetes induction in atherosclerosis-prone mice have resulted in lower recruitment of EPCs in the aortic valve.
Knockdown of Tripartite Motif 8 Protects H9C2 Cells Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury Through the Activation of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dang Xiaoyan , Qin Yong , Gu Changwei , Sun Jiangli , Zhang Rui , Peng Zhuo
Published: August 2020

Tripartite motif 8 (TRIM8) is a member of the TRIM protein family that has been found to be implicated in cardiovascular disease. However, the role of TRIM8 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has not been investigated. We aimed to explore the effect of TRIM8 on cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). We found that TRIM8 expression was markedly upregulated in H9c2 cells after stimulation with H/R. Gain- and loss-of-function assays proved that TRIM8 knockdown improved cell viability of H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. In addition, TRIM8 knockdown suppressed reactive oxygen species production and elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Knockdown of TRIM8 suppressed the caspase-3 activity, as well as caused significant increase in bcl-2 expression and decrease in bax expression. Furthermore, TRIM8 overexpression exhibited apposite effects with knockdown of TRIM8. Finally, knockdown of TRIM8 enhanced the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt by LY294002 reversed the effects of TRIM8 knockdown on cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of H9c2 cells. These present findings defined TRIM8 as a therapeutic target for attenuating and preventing myocardial I/R injury.
Transplantation of Human Adipose Stem Cells Using Acellular Human Amniotic Membrane Improves Angiogenesis in Injured Endometrial Tissue in a Rat Intrauterine Adhesion Model
Authors: Han Xiao , Ma Yuejiao , Lu Xin , Li Weihong , Xia Enlan , Li Tin-Chiu , Zhang Haiyan , Huang Xiaowu
Published: August 2020

Endometrial injury resulting in intrauterine adhesion is associated with extensive damage to the regenerative basal layer of the endometrium and represents a major therapeutic challenge. Human adipose stem cells (hASCs) hold promise for future clinical use in the individualized therapy of injured endometrial tissue. Here, we observed that the use of the acellular human amniotic membrane (AHAM) significantly increased the expression of angiogenic factors, including angiogenin (ANG) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in hASCs in vitro. The three-dimensional engineered hASC-AHAM grafts significantly increased the endometrial receptivity, as increased endometrial thickness, greater numbers of endometrial glands, and higher protein levels of leukemia inhibitory factor were observed in injured endometrial tissue that was treated with these grafts compared to those detected in injured endometrial tissue that was treated with AHAM alone. In addition, the hASC-AHAM grafts significantly increased the vascular density in the injured endometrial tissue in rats, when transplanted into an injured uterine cavity. Using the EGFP+-hASC-AHAM grafts for transplantation, we confirmed that the hASCs maintained higher protein levels of ANG and VEGF in the injured uterine cavity in vivo. The results of this study suggest that the ability of the engineered hASC-AHAM grafts to repair injured endometrial tissue may be associated with their ability to promote angiogenesis through the upregulated expression of angiogenic factors in hASCs. These findings may support individualized stem cell–based therapy for endometrial disease using bioartificial grafts.
The Situation of Situation Research: Knowns and Unknowns
Authors: Rauthmann John F. , Sherman Ryne A.
Published: August 2020

Over the past 15 years, research on the assessment of psychological situations has flourished. As a result, many basic questions about psychological situations have been answered. We discuss the theoretical and empirical studies that answered these questions, including what situations are; how they can be characterized, taxonomized, and measured; how they relate to person variables; and how persons navigate situations. We first summarize the “knowns” of psychological situation research and then proceed to chart the “unknowns” that have yet to be examined. We conclude with an agenda for future situation research.
A ‘Most Astonishing’ Circumstance: The Survival of Jewish POWs in German War Captivity During the Second World War
Authors: Jacques Johanna
Published: August 2020

During the Second World War, more than 60,000 Jewish members of the American, British and French armed forces became prisoners of war in Germany. Against all expectations, these prisoners were treated in accordance with the 1929 Geneva Convention, and the majority made it home alive. This article seeks to explain this most astonishing circumstance. It begins by collating the references to the experiences of Western Jewish POWs from the historical literature to provide a hitherto-unseen overview of their treatment in captivity. It then asks what made their protection from persecution possible. To this end, it explores Germany’s wider motivations for its selective application of the Geneva Convention and highlights the role that military identity played in making its application seem necessary for all POWs from the Western front, including Jewish POWs.
Modeling the rheological properties of four commercially available composite core build-up materials
Authors: Šarčev Ivan , Šarčev Branislava Petronijević , Krstonošić Veljko , Janev Marko , Atanacković Teodor M
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to analyze viscoelastic properties of direct composite core (Lightcore, Build-it, Clearfil Photo Core, Rebilda). Experiments are preformed and mathematical models developed, based on derivatives of fractional order, to describe the viscoelastic properties of the studied materials. The basic assumption that materials are of memory type was proved to be correct. For each material, four fractional derivative models are used to fit experimental data and then one model, with smallest error between measured and calculated data for storage and loss modulus, is chosen. On the basis of mathematical model formulated here, it is possible to predict some viscoelastic properties of the materials that are important in clinical application. Central conclusion is that the four studied materials have different rheological properties although they are indicated for the same clinical procedure.
Effective utilization of recycled fine aggregate powder as reinforcement particles in polyethylene composite
Authors: Kanda Yasuyuki , Abass Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Effective waste concrete recycling is desirable from the viewpoints of environmental protection and extending the working lives of waste concrete final disposal sites. Recycled fine aggregate powders (RFAP) were obtained by milling waste concrete, and in this paper, we attempted to use RFAP as reinforcement particles in a polyethylene (PE) composite material. The PE powder and RFAP were blended together, and composites were fabricated using compression molding. Our results showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the created composites improved with increased RFAP content. The RFAP dispersion state was honeycomb-like in the composite material, and from inspecting the specimen side view after three-point bending tests, it was apparent that crack propagation proceeded into the RFAP part of the composite, between PE particles. We then performed elastic stress analysis on the composites, in order to define the RFAP reinforcing behavior, using finite element analysis based on the homogenization method. As a result, it was revealed that the Mises stress decreased with increased RFAP content, confirming that there is a potential role for RFAP as reinforcement particles in PE-based composites.
Neural network adaptive control of nonlinear systems preceded by hysteresis
Authors: Zhao Xinlong , Su Qiang , Chen Shengxin , Tan Yonghong
Published: August 2020

Neural network adaptive control is proposed for a class of nonlinear system preceded by hysteresis. A novel model is developed to represent the hysteresis characteristics in explicit form. Furthermore, the auxiliary variable of the proposed model is proved to be bounded, which is essential for controller design. Then, neural network adaptive controller is directly applied to mitigate the influence of the hysteresis without constructing the hysteresis inverse. The updated law and control law of the controllers are derived from Lyapunov stability theorem, so that the boundedness of the close-loop system is guaranteed. Finally, the experimental tests are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Attitudes and Perceptions of End-of-Life Dreams and Visions and Their Implication to the Bereaved Family Caregiver Experience
Authors: Grant Pei C. , Levy Kathryn , Lattimer Tahleen A. , Depner Rachel M. , Kerr Christopher W.
Published: August 2020

Background:

While the majority of research assesses the impact of end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) on patients, more recent research has begun to explore their impact on family caregivers (FCG).

Objective:

This study evaluates the relationship between general attitudes about dreams, perspectives of ELDV and their role the bereaved FCG experience.

Design:

Mixed-methods using a cross-sectional survey and five focus groups.

Settings/Subjects:

A total of 500 FCGs of patients who died under hospice care were recruited for the survey. Focus group members were self-selected through identified interest from the survey.

Measurements:

In addition to demographics and ELDV prevalence, general attitude toward dreams, ELDV perspectives, and impact on grief were assessed using ad hoc surveys.

Results:

Participants reporting ELDVs were significantly more validating of everyday dreams ( p < .001). Positive attitudes toward dreams strongly correlated with comfort from ELDVs for both patients and FCGs. Openness correlated positively with comfort from the ELDV for both the patient ( r = .149, p = .038) and FCG ( r = .217, p = 0.002) and negatively with fear/anxiety ( r = −.141, p = 0.050). Negative ELDV perceptions (ex. ELDVs were caused by medications) affected grief in areas such as accepting the loss ( r = −.235, p = .010) or maintaining connection ( r = −.255, p = .010) with the deceased. Focus group discussions were thematically analyzed resulting in 4 themes: ELDV narrative, Connection, Reflection, and Other Experiences.

Conclusions:

Positive general attitudes toward dreams and positive ELDV perceptions are correlated with better bereavement outcomes. Therefore, patient and family education on ELDVs that focuses on awareness and understanding of ELDVs may enhance clinical outcomes for both family and patients.
Culturally Sustaining Leadership: Supporting the Resilience of Indigenous Students in the United States and Australia
Authors: Williams Sheri S.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gather the perspectives of educational leaders in the United States and Australia on strategies for transforming an almost exclusively Westernized curriculum into a curriculum that honors Indigenous worldviews. The research design was exploratory in nature and involved an examination of the ways in which culturally sustaining leadership may be employed to support the resilience of Indigenous students across borders. The methodologies of dialogue and reflection provided a way to engage participants in an international exchange. Participants were 11 aspiring administrators enrolled in an educational leadership program in the United States and five visiting educators from Australia. Participants pre-assessed their understandings about culturally relevant curriculum, engaged in dialogue, submitted journal reflections, and presented final testimonies. Findings from the thematic analysis revealed the value of designing curriculum grounded in cultural humility and a holistic worldview. Respondents concluded curriculum must be linked to the resiliency of Indigenous students and focused on the interconnected relationships of country, place, culture, and people. The implications suggest there is an opportunity for systemic change when networks of Indigenous leaders and allies come together in a global exchange of ideas. These findings may be important for other collaborators who aim to draw upon the knowledge traditions of Indigenous communities across borders. Additional multicountry study is needed to expand the knowledge base and make Indigenous worldviews central to the mission of schools and communities in the United States and across borders.
Quantifying Marginality Across the Globe: An Empirical Assessment of Vigil’s Multiple Marginality Model in Predicting Gang Involvement
Authors: Johnson Nicole J. , Mendlein Alyssa
Published: August 2020

Vigil’s multiple marginality (MM) model of gang formation has resulted in hypotheses about why minority youth join gangs, and how these processes play out at multiple levels of analysis and across contexts. However, with a few exceptions, this framework has rarely been tested quantitatively, and especially in countries outside of North America. The current study assesses the MM model using data from the Second International Self-Report Delinquency Study and aggregate country-level data. Results from multilevel analyses reveal some support for the framework, in that at least one measure of each component of the MM model was found to be a significant predictor of gang membership. Controlling for individual and country variables, measures of street socialization exhibited the strongest effects on gang involvement. Yet not all proposed factors were significant predictors across all models. Longitudinal data are necessary to fully support the dynamics of the MM model.
The Americans With Disabilities Act Implications for Family Counselors: Counseling Students in Higher Education
Authors: Phillippe Larry K. , Noble Nicole , Hendricks Bret , Brendle Janna , Lock Robin H.
Published: August 2020

Family counselors at times work with families in which a family member with a disability is transitioning into higher education settings. Frequently, these counselors are unaware of the federally protected rights of all students and they may not know how to access this information. This article explains the differences between laws for students with disabilities in K–12 school settings and the components of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its subsequent ADA 2008 Amendments to inform family counselors on how to support clients and their families in the transition to higher education. In this article, the authors discuss the ADA and the ADA 2008 Amendments, which dramatically impacted the college experience of all students with disabilities. With record numbers of students with disabilities now attending college, counselors, as they advocate for families, should be aware of federal guidelines that require physical access to educational facilities, the use of universal design, electronic accessibility, and the provision of academic accommodations and modifications in college classrooms. Through family counselors’ awareness of these significant changes in the higher education experience, they can more fully assist families with students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to higher education. This article describes each of these four facets of the ADA 2008 Amendments as well as the impact each major facet of the amendment has on the higher education landscape for students with disabilities.
Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury Screening
Authors: Rajaram Shireen S. , Reisher Peggy , Garlinghouse Matthew , Chiou Kathy S. , Higgins Kate D. , New-Aaron Moses , Ojha Tanushree , Smith Lynette M.
Published: August 2020

The study examined rates of possible brain injury among survivors of intimate partner violence. Of the 171 women screened, 91% indicated they had been hit in the head or strangled, and 31% reported it happened more than six times in their life. Only 35% of women who were hit in the head or strangled received medical treatment, and 64% reported losing consciousness or experienced a period of being dazed and confused. Organizations serving intimate partner violence survivors should routinely screen survivors for brain injury so they can obtain timely referrals for neurorehabilitation services to improve their quality of life.