bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Proposal of E-Beam Drilling Machining Criterion by Using on Vaporized Amplification Sheets in a High-Power Density Electron Beam
Authors: Jung Sung Taek , Kang Eun Goo , Park Jeong Woo , Kim Tae Wan , Baek Seung Yub
Published: January 2020

As the consumer market in the mold, automation and aerospace industries grows, the demand for laser machining using on electron beam drilling. To enhance the machinability and productivity of the e-beam (electron beam), we want to develop a vaporized amplification sheet. The e-beam
was used to mainly utilize for polishing, finishing, welding, a lithography process etc. However, the electron beam drilling machine does not develop in the country because it is difficult to make high power density and vaporized amplification sheets. The vaporized amplification sheets with
fine particles are one of the essential factors and decided the quality of machined micro holes according to the macromolecule. So, this paper considers the preparation process of vaporized amplification sheets and the analysis of macromolecule for improving the electron beam processability
and machinability efficiency. Also, we analyzed process conditions for the optimization of the electron beam machining process.
Synthesis and Self-Cleaning Property of TiO2 Thin Film Doping with Fe3+, Al3+, Ce3+ Ions
Authors: Han Chun , Zhao Lei , Zhang Manying , Pan Lin , Liu Zhifeng
Published: January 2020

Enhancing the response to visible light and inhibiting recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes is a key point for strongly improved self-cleaning performances of TiO2 self-cleaning films. In this work, TiO2 thin film doping with three different ions
(Fe3+, Al3+, Ce3+) on glass substrate respectively by sol–gel method to explore the effect of ions on self-cleaning performance of TiO2 thin films. All the prepared samples are characterized by XRD, SEM, UV-Vis and water contact angle tester.
Moreover, the self-cleaning mechanism of doping TiO2 thin film is discussed. The water contact angle of TiO2 thin film doping with 9% Fe (molar ratio), 5% Ce and 5% Al are reach at 0°, respectively. In comparison with the water contact angle of pure TiO2
thin film (2.5°), TiO2 thin film doping with metal ions exhibit better self-cleaning property.
Characterization of Subgap Density-of-States by Sub-Bandgap Optical Charge Pumping in In0.53Ga0.47As Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Yoo Han Bin , Kim Seong Kwang , Kim Junyeap , Yu Jintae , Choi Sung-Jin , Kim Dae Hwan , Kim Dong Myong
Published: January 2020

We report an experimental characterization of the interface states (Dit(E)) by using the subthreshold drain current with optical charge pumping effect in In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor fieldeffect transistors (MOSFETs). The interface
states are derived from the difference between the dark and photo states of the current–voltage characteristics. We used a sub-bandgap photon (i.e., with the photon energy lower than the bandgap energy, Eph < Eg) to optically excite trapped carriers
over the bandgap in In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFETs. We combined a gate bias-dependent capacitance model to determine the channel length-independent oxide capacitance. Then, we estimated the channel length-independent interface states in In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFETs
having different channel lengths (Lch = 5, 10, and 25 [μm]) for a fixed overlap length (Lov = 5 [μm]).
Surrounding Channel Nanowire Tunnel Field-Effect Transistor with Dual Gate to Reduce a Hump Phenomenon
Authors: Kwon Ye Sung , Lee Seong-Hyun , Kim Yoon , Kim Garam , Kim Jang Hyun , Kim Sangwan
Published: January 2020

The tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) with surrounding channel nanowire (SCNW) structure promises better performance than the conventional planar TFET in terms of subthreshold swing (SS) and on-current (ION). In spite of the advantages of SCNW TFET, there are some
technical issues in the aspects of a hump phenomenon in subthreshold region and a high ambipolar current (IAMB) in off-state. In order to overcome these issues, a novel dual-gate SCNW TFET (DG-SCNW TFET) with differential gate work functions (WFs) and a gate-drain underlap
is proposed and studied by using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. In addition, a hetero-junction with SiGe source is applied to improve the device performance. Finally, it is confirmed that the optimized DG-SCNW TFET shows the remarkable performance comparing with the control
device.
Influence of Sulfur Precursor Solutions on Crystallinity of CuInS2 Nanocrystals Fabricated with Hot-Injection Method
Authors: Deng Chong , Fu Bowen , Li Lili , Wang Yanlai , Yang Lin
Published: January 2020

The hot-injection method was used for the synthesis of ternary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) CuInS2 (CIS); this was achieved by using the metal precursors (copper iodide and indium acetate) and four different types of sulfur precursor solutions. It was discovered
that CIS NCs synthesized with different sulfur precursor solutions exhibited the chalcopyrite structure with similar particle sizes of ~4.2 nm. As a comparison, CIS NCs synthesized using ODE-S precursor displayed an enhanced luminescence intensity and a long PL decay lifetime, which could
be considered as an evidence of improved interior crystallinity.
Experimental Investigation of the Settling Characteristics of Carbon and Metal Oxide Nanofuels
Authors: Singh Gurjap , Lopes Elio , Hentges Nicholas , Becker Daniela , Ratner Albert
Published: January 2020

Fuels dispersed with engineered nanoparticle additives, or nanofuels, are desirable for the vastly different combustion properties such as combustion rate and ignition delay they exhibit compared to base fuels. The stability of such nanofuels over time and under different particle loadings
is a very important parameter to consider before they can be put into practical use. Many techniques exist today to analyze suspension stability, which have been developed to analyze water-based nanofluids. Sometimes these techniques can be expensive, and/or require specialized equipment,
and/or require a method that is invasive and disturbs the suspension. Present research uses a non-contact, non-invasive, low-cost experimental setup to analyze suspension stability over long periods of time. Nanofuels made from carbon-based nanomaterials (acetylene black, multiwalled carbon
nanotubes) and metal oxide nanomaterials (copper oxide, aluminum oxide) with hydrocarbon fuels (canola biodiesel, petrodiesel) have been prepared and their settling rates have been analyzed over the period of three days. It is found that metal oxides go through several metastable states as
they settle. The effect of initial concentration and liquid column height is shown. It is hoped that present research showcases the positive traits of the presented technique and will spark further interest in nanofuel stability.
Saildrone: Adaptively Sampling the Marine Environment
Authors: Gentemann C. L. , Scott Joel P. , Mazzini Piero L. F. , Pianca Cassia , Akella Santha , Minnett Peter J. , Cornillon Peter , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Cetinić Ivona , Chin T. Mike , Gomez-Valdes Jose , Vazquez-Cuervo Jorge , Tsontos Vardis , Yu Lisan , Jenkins Richard , De Halleux Sebastien , Peacock Dave , Cohen Nora
Published: January 2020

From 11 April to 11 June 2018 a new type of ocean observing platform, the Saildrone surface vehicle, collected data on a round-trip, 60-day cruise from San Francisco Bay, down the U.S. and Mexican coast to Guadalupe Island. The cruise track was selected to optimize the science team’s validation and science objectives. The validation objectives include establishing the accuracy of these new measurements. The scientific objectives include validation of satellite-derived fluxes, sea surface temperatures, and wind vectors and studies of upwelling dynamics, river plumes, air–sea interactions including frontal regions, and diurnal warming regions. On this deployment, the Saildrone carried 16 atmospheric and oceanographic sensors. Future planned cruises (with open data policies) are focused on improving our understanding of air–sea fluxes in the Arctic Ocean and around North Brazil Current rings.
Vertical Structure of Radiative Heating Rates of the MJO during DYNAMO
Authors: Shell Karen M. , de Szoeke Simon P. , Makiyama Michael , Feng Zhe
Published: January 2020

The vertical structure of radiative heating rates over the region of the tropical Indian Ocean associated with the MJO during the DYNAMO/ARM MJO Investigation Experiment is presented. The mean and variability of heating rates during active, suppressed, and disturbed phases are determined from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Combined Remote Sensing Retrieval (CombRet) from Gan Island, Maldives (0.69°S, 73.15°E). TOA and surface fluxes from the CombRet product are compared with collocated 3-hourly CERES SYN1deg Ed4A satellite retrievals. The fluxes are correlated in time with correlation coefficients around 0.9, yet CombRet time-mean OLR is 15 W m−2 larger. Previous work has suggested that CombRet undersamples high clouds, due to signal attenuation by low-level clouds and reduced instrument sensitivity with altitude. However, mean OLR differs between CombRet and CERES for all values of OLR, not just the lowest values corresponding to widespread high clouds. The discrepancy peaks for midrange OLR, suggestive of precipitating, towering cumulus convective clouds, rather than stratiform cirrus clouds. Low biases in the cloud-top height of thick clouds substantially contribute to the overestimate of OLR by CombRet. CombRet data are used to generate composite shortwave and longwave atmospheric heating rate profiles as a function of the local OLR. Although there is considerable variability in CombRet not directly related to OLR, the time–height structure of mean heating rate composites generated using OLR as the interpolant is broadly representative of tropical convective variability on intraseasonal time scales.
Chemical, Electrical and Tactile Sensitivity Changes After Middle Ear Surgery
Authors: Pellegrino Robert , Hummel Thomas
Published: January 2020

Objective/Hypothesis:

Taste disturbances are often seen in patients after middle ear surgery due to the stress received by an unprotected chorda tympani. It has also been reported that loss in tactile sensitivity may accompany this issue. The current study was designed to measure electrical, chemical, and tactile sensitives of several senses involved in oral processing, smell, taste and touch, over time.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Methods:

For three time points, one before middle ear surgery and two after operation (about 5 and 23 days), sensitivity thresholds were obtained using electrogustometry (electrical taste), taste strips (chemical taste), Sniffin’ Sticks (smell) and Von Frey Hairs (point-pressure tactile sensitivity).

Results:

The results show a decline in both chemical and electrical taste responses. Additionally, the electrical taste response showed more sensitivity to deviations and no sign of recovery unlike the chemical taste response. Mechanosensory function of the anterior tongue and olfactory function was not strongly affected by middle ear surgery.

Conclusion:

Taste responses, but not mechanosensory or olfaction function, are altered after middle ear surgery. Due to the effects that taste loss has on quality of life, gustometry is recommended for this group of patients.

Levels of Evidence:

4
Simplifying Reality: The Media’s Portrayal of the Private Prison Debate
Authors: Montes Andrea N. , Mears Daniel P. , Gricius Matthew , Sanchez Justin
Published: January 2020

Although the media gives considerable attention to prison privatization, there have been few assessments of how newspapers portray the debate about it and how that portrayal aligns with what is known empirically about private prisons. This study addresses this gap in the literature by undertaking a content analysis of newspaper articles ( N = 131) about private prisons and private Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, respectively. The results show that few news stories discuss the broad range of factors that scholars highlight as important aspects of the privatization debate. It is also uncommon for news reports, especially those that discuss private immigration facilities, to refer to empirical research or its importance. The implications of this limited portrayal of private facilities are discussed.
Don’t Risk It. Older Adults Perceive Fewer Future Opportunities and Avoid Social Risk Taking
Authors: Delaney Rebecca K. , Strough JoNell , Shook Natalie J. , Ford Cameron G. , Lemaster Philip
Published: January 2020

Drawing from life-span psychology, we conducted two studies to test perceptions of time left in the future as an underlying mechanism for age differences in self-reported social risk taking. Study 1 included 120 younger (25–35 years) and 119 older (60–91 years) community-dwelling adults. Study 2 included 439 participants (18–85 years) mostly recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk. In both studies, older age was associated with rating a lower likelihood of social risk taking (e.g., speaking about an unpopular issue) and perceiving the future as holding fewer future opportunities and being more limited. Perceptions of fewer future opportunities with aging statistically mediated age-related declines in social risk taking. Findings highlight motivational factors as key for understanding age differences in social risk taking. Implications of age differences in social risk taking on factors related to well-being, such as social support and strain, are discussed.
Redrawing the border through the ‘Right to Rent’: Exclusion, discrimination and hostility in the English housing market
Authors: Mckee Kim , Leahy Sharon , Tokarczyk Trudi , Crawford Joe
Published: January 2020

The UK Immigration Act 2016 is central to the Conservative Government’s drive to create a more hostile environment for potential migrants and current ‘illegal’ migrants residing in the UK. The Right to Rent provisions of the Act, which require private landlords in England to conduct mandatory immigration document checks on prospective tenants, or face sizeable fines and criminal prosecution, have been highlighted as a key facet of the legislation.

Drawing on qualitative interviews with key experts and analysis of Home Office guidance documents, we argue the Right to Rent has turned the private rental market into a border-check, with landlords responsibilised to perform ‘everyday bordering’ on behalf of the State. This creates a potentially discriminatory environment for all migrants, as well as for British citizens who lack documentation and/or may be subject to racial profiling. It may also be forcing vulnerable, undocumented migrants into even more precarious housing situations.
Preparation and water vapor adsorption of “green” walnut-shell activated carbon by CO2 physical activation
Authors: Zhao Hong , Yu Qiongfen , Li Ming , Sun Shengnan
Published: January 2020

In this study, activated carbons without any chemical residue were prepared from walnut shells. The preparation method in a tube furnace included a pyrolysis carbonization process and a CO2 activation process. The influences of activation temperature and holding time on the specific surface area, yield, and pore structure were investigated. Adsorption performance of water vapor was also examined in details. Thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, and scanning electron microscope were used to characterize samples. The result shows that the activation energy at different heating rates varies from 30.16 to 64.86 kJ/mol. The highest water vapor adsorption capacity of the sample is 0.3824 g/g and it takes only 30 min to realize regeneration. And the maximum Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of 1228 m2/g also occurs in this optimal preparation condition. CO2 physical activation method was found to have a positive effect on pore structure development of activated carbon for water vapor adsorption.
Recall to prison in Belgium: Back-end sentencing in search of reintegration
Authors: Beyens Kristel , Breuls Lars , De Pelecijn Lana , Roosen Marijke , Scheirs Veerle
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the United States and England and Wales have witnessed growing re-incarceration rates. This growth is not only due to the courts sending more people to prison (‘front-end sentencing’), but also due to an increasing number of revocations of early release measures, mainly following technical violations of licence conditions (so called ‘back-end sentencing’). However, it is unclear whether the same phenomenon exists in other (European) countries. Therefore, we empirically studied prison recall decision-making processes in Belgium by file analysis, complemented with focus groups with the decision makers involved in the recall process of prisoners with a sentence of more than three years. We found that the recall process in Belgium is embedded in a strong narrative of ‘giving chances’ and that all decision makers deploy a large amount of discretion, which they use to make deliberate decisions in an attempt to facilitate parolees’ reintegration process. Non-compliance with imposed conditions does not automatically lead to recall and even when a parolee is sent back to prison, recall is framed by the decision makers as a step in the reintegration process, not the end of it.
Cross-linguistic similarity in L2 speech learning: Evidence from the acquisition of Russian stop contrasts by Mandarin speakers
Authors: Yang Yuxiao , Chen Xiaoxiang , Xiao Qi
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the role of cross-linguistic similarity in the acquisition of Russian initial stop contrasts by Chinese learners, addressing two specific research questions: (1) How similar are Russian voiced stops to Mandarin stops for Chinese learners? (2) How can the speech learning model (SLM) be applied to account for the acquisition of Russian initial stop contrasts by Chinese learners? Regarding the first question, a hypothesis was proposed that Russian voiced stops could be regarded as dissimilar ‘new’ sounds by Chinese learners, as judged by three commonly adopted methods: IPA comparison, acoustic difference, and feature redeployment. The results of the perceptual assimilation task, however, disconfirmed this hypothesis, as Russian voiced stops were perceived as being highly similar to the sounds of Mandarin voiceless unaspirated stops. According to SLM, perceptually similar second language (L2) sounds are difficult to acquire; hence, a corresponding hypothesis was advanced in relation to the second question; namely, that the acquisition of Russian initial stop contrasts could be challenging for Chinese learners. This hypothesis was supported by the results of the perceptual discrimination and the production tests. These findings corroborated SLM regarding the difficulty in acquiring L2 sounds that are perceptually similar to their first language (L1) counterparts, while posing challenges to the hypothesis that Russian voiced stops could be dissimilar ‘new’ sounds for Chinese learners, as predicted by the three methods. The results indicated that perceived cross-linguistic similarity plays a key role in L2 phonetic acquisition. However, the degree of perceived similarity cannot always be accurately deduced solely through the three methods, at least not in the case of stops.
ECMO and Right Ventricular Failure: Review of the Literature
Authors: Grant Christian , Richards Jeremy B. , Frakes Michael , Cohen Jason , Wilcox Susan R.
Published: January 2020

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the inability of the RV to maintain sufficient cardiac output in the setting of adequate preload, due to either intrinsic injury to the RV or increased afterload. Medical treatment of RV failure should include optimizing preload, augmenting contractility with vasopressors and inotropes, and considering inhaled pulmonary vasodilators. However, when medical therapies are insufficient, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is needed to maintain systemic and RV perfusion. The data on MCS for isolated RV failure are limited, but extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) appears to be the most efficient and effective modality. For patients with isolated RV failure from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, veno-venous (VV) ECMO is an appropriate initial configuration, even if the patient is in shock. With primary RV injury or RV failure with concomitant left ventricle (LV) failure, however, venoarterial (VA) ECMO is indicated. Both modalities provide indirect support to the RV by reducing preload, reducing RV wall tension, and delivering oxygenated blood to the coronary circulation. Peripheral cannulation is required in VV-ECMO and is most commonly used in VA-ECMO, allowing for rapid cannulation even in emergencies. Changes in pulsatility on an arterial catheter waveform can indicate changes in clinical status including changes in myocardial function, inadequate preload, worsening RV failure, and excessive VA-ECMO support leading to an elevated LV afterload. Myocardial function may be improved by titration of inotropes or vasodilators, utilization of an Impella or an intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation support devices, or by changes in VA-ECMO support.
Industry–university collaboration in industrial doctorates: A trouble-free marriage?
Authors: Tavares Orlanda , Soares Diana , Sin Cristina
Published: January 2020

This article explores the perceptions of Portuguese students enrolled in industrial doctorates, regarding potential conflicts that may arise from their supervision, their research topic and their research outputs. The study uses data collected from focus groups and subjected to content analysis. The findings suggest that industrial doctoral students recognise a divergence between university and industry, mainly regarding research outputs, and particularly industry’s need to keep data confidential and the university’s need to disseminate knowledge via the publication of articles. Convergence was noted at the level of joint supervision, sometimes facilitated by the fact that academics were also entrepreneurs. The success of this kind of collaborative doctorate depends on compromise between the two parties and on how students can manage this relationship. Therefore, their perspectives are an important source of information worth consideration.
A global synthesis approach for optimizing the meshing performance of hypoid gears based on a swarm intelligence algorithm
Authors: Wang Xiao-le , Lu Jian-wei , Xian-guang Gu , Yang Shi-qin
Published: January 2020

To control the meshing performance of hypoid gear drive, current local conjugate theory and local synthesis method establish a relationship between the relative motion and local geometrical properties of the mating surfaces at one reference point. Theoretically, both local conjugate theory and local synthesis method cannot ensure the contact performance on the entire tooth surface resulting in uncontrolled contact pattern and undesirable transmission error. A global synthesis approach consisting of a machine-tool settings calculation model, a tooth contact analysis model, a meshing quality assessment function, and a swarm intelligence algorithm are proposed. The direction, area, and shape of the contact pattern and the amplitude of the intersection of two adjacent transmission error curves are taken as the evaluation indexes. Three curvatures of the design pitch cone of the pinion are taken as the control variables. A global selection space is then established within the reasonable range of the curvatures. An improved multiple population genetic algorithm is employed to find the optimal set of the curvatures to achieve the target values of the evaluation indexes. To avoid the edge contact and corner contact condition, a feasible region is defined on tooth surface and the contact patterns on the gear and pinion surfaces are all confined within the area. The optimized contact patterns obtained by the loaded tooth contact analysis method are similar to those obtained by the proposed approach, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of this methodology. The main novelty of this approach is to translate the derivation of the mathematical relation between the curvatures of the mating surfaces and the contact properties to solving a multi-objective optimization problem of the meshing quality indexes by the intelligence algorithm.
Risk factors predictive of sexually transmitted infection diagnosis in young compared to older patients attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics
Authors: Tao Xueting , Ghanem Khalil G , Page Kathleen R , Gilliams Elizabeth , Tuddenham Susan
Published: January 2020

Young people aged less than 25 years bear the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Here we sought to characterize patients aged 15–24 compared with patients ≥age 25 utilizing a database of first visits to two STI clinics in Baltimore, USA from 2011 to 2016. Acute STI (aSTI) was defined as gonorrhea (GC), trichomonas, or early syphilis (ES) in women and non-gonococcal urethritis, GC, Chlamydia (CT), and ES in men. Proportions were compared using the Chi square test and logistic regression was used to assess aSTI predictors in younger versus older groups, stratified by gender. Fifteen thousand four hundred and sixty-three first visits for patients <25 and 25,203 for patients ≥25 were analyzed. Participants <25 were more likely to be Black and less likely to self-identify as straight than those ≥25. While younger patients had more partners, they were less likely to report risk behaviors such as ‘Never’ using condoms, cocaine use, and sex with alcohol than older patients. Predictors of aSTI risk differed both by age and gender. STI prevention messages should be tailored, and access to screening should be optimized for young men and women, in order to address rising STI rates in this population.
The research of time-frequency characteristics of buried mine of seismic waves in shallow sea
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Zhang Jian , Kou Dongwei , Guo Cean
Published: January 2020

To study the variation of the wave field of seismic waves in shallow sea of buried mines, the wave field of buried mine was simulated by employing LS-DYNA software. The effects of different distances ( R), rock density ( ρ2), buried depth ( h), and seawater height ( H) on the variation of wave field were obtained. The time-frequency analysis of the simulation results was carried out by using wavelet transform, and it was determined that the frequency domain of shallow sea is mainly concentrated below 25 Hz. To get the propagation characteristics of shallow sea seismic wave, the wave field below 25 Hz on the surface of buried mine was filtered by the low-pass filter. The buried depth has the greatest influence on the wave field of buried mine. The underwater target can be identified by the propagation characteristics of shallow sea seismic wave. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental results. The research results can provide an important reference for development of buried mine fuse.
Wavelet decomposition and nonlinear prediction of nonstationary vibration signals
Authors: Fan Xiao-bin , Zhao Bin , Fan Bing-xu
Published: January 2020

In order to overcome the shortcomings (such as the time–frequency localization and the nonstationary signal analysis ability) of the Fourier transform, time–frequency analysis has been carried out by wavelet packet decomposition and reconstruction according to the actual nonstationary vibration signal from a large equipment located in a large Steel Corporation in this article. The effect of wavelet decomposition on signal denoising and the selection of high-frequency weight coefficients for each layer on signal denoising were analyzed. The nonlinear prediction of the chaotic time series was made by global method, local method, weighted first-order local method, and maximum Lyapunov exponent prediction method correspondingly. It was found the multi-step prediction method is better than other prediction methods.
Strategic demand response framework for energy management in distribution system based on network loss sensitivity
Authors: Kumar Sampath , Sushama M
Published: January 2020

This paper discusses an energy management system–based demand response scheduling strategy in distribution system. The proposed strategy includes customer payment minimization and network loss minimization as responsive load scheduling objectives through centralized approach. Two types of optimization strategies each based on payment minimization and network loss sensitivity are discussed in this paper. Thus, the proposed scheduling strategy can effectively resolve the optimality issue between different objectives of the distribution system scheduling under demand response penetration. The demand response scheduling strategies are simulated using standard IEEE 37 bus distribution test system through different cases of scheduling and optimization scenarios. The simulation results are presented, discussed, and compared with the base test cases without demand response penetration and without optimization strategies under demand response penetration to demonstrate the effectiveness of network loss, sensitivity consideration and optimization strategies in carrying out distribution system scheduling. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed. The variation of distribution network performance is analyzed for various test cases and scenarios at different penetration levels.
Charles Edward Smith: Coccidioidomycologist and public health leader
Authors: Hirschmann JV
Published: January 2020

Although Charles Edward Smith did not discover coccidioidomycosis, he defined the disease through his infatigueable studies of the epidemiology, clinical findings, and immunology of this infection. He became its preeminent authority. He also had an important role in the development of public health, and for the last 16 years of his life he was the Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was a revered and energetic leader.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Incidental Findings in Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Santos Giancarlo , Ickow Ilana , Job Joici , Brooker Jack E. , Dvoracek Lucas A. , Rigby Erick , Shah Nilesh , Chen Wendy , Branstetter Barton , Schuster Lindsay A
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is well-established in clinical practice. This study seeks to categorize and quantify the incidental finding (IF) rate on CBCT in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) prior to orthodontic or surgical treatment.

Methods:

This is systematic retrospective review of head and neck CBCTs in patients with nonsyndromic CLP taken between 2012 and 2019 at a single tertiary referral center. All assessments were performed independently by 4 observers (a head and neck radiologist and 3 orthodontists, including 2 fellowship-trained cleft-craniofacial orthodontists ). The images were divided into 9 anatomical areas and screened using serial axial slices and 3D reconstructions. The absolute number of IFs was reported for each area and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

Incidental findings were found in 106 (95.5%) of the 111 patients. The most common sites were the maxilla (87.4%, principally dental anomalies), paranasal sinuses (46.8%, principally inflammatory opacification), and inner ear cavities (18.9%, principally inflammatory opacification). Eleven patients had skull malformations. Thirty-three patients had IFs in 1 anatomical area, 49 patients in 2 anatomical areas, 19 patients in 3 areas, and 5 patients presented with IFs in 4 of the 9 anatomical areas.

Discussion:

In patients with CLP, IFs on CBCT exam were present in the majority of cases. Most patients with IFs had them in multiple anatomical areas of the head and neck. The maxillary dental–alveolar complex was the most common area. Inflammatory changes in the inner ear cavities and paranasal sinuses were also common; however, cervical spine and skull abnormalities were also identified. Clinicians caring for patients with CLP should be aware of IFs, which may warrant further investigation and treatment.
Airway Morphological Changes in Pierre Robin Sequence: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Humphries Laura S. , Roy Tulsi , Huang Anne , Collins John , Baroody Fuad M. , Reid Russell R.
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To investigate airway morphology changes in patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) pre–/post–mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and to compare morphologic changes to age-matched controls.

Design:

Retrospective case–control study.

Setting:

Urban, academic, tertiary medical center.

Patients, Participants:

Fifteen patients with PRS after MDO to relieve upper airway obstruction (UAO) (2008-2018); age-matched controls for post-MDO patients.

Interventions:

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis, curvilinear internal mandibular distractors.

Main Outcome Measures:

(1) Physiologic improvement after MDO (apnea–hypopnea index; minimum oxygen saturation); (2) airway size (volume, surface area, length, mean/minimum cross-sectional area), shape (lateral:anterior–posterior ratio, cross-sectional area ratios, uniformity, sphericity), and changes with MDO; and (3) post-MDO airway size, shape versus age-matched controls.

Results:

Airway size increased after MDO (volume, P = .01; surface area, P = .02; length, P = .01), as did cross-sectional area (mean, P = .02; minimum, P = .02; minimum retropalatal, P = .05, mid-retroglossal, P = .02). Post-MDO PRS airways were larger than controls (volume, P < .01; surface area, P < .01; length, P < .01, cross-sectional area, P = .03). Airway shape remained nonuniform and flat post-MDO; control airways were round. Two syndromic patients required repeat MDO and had subphysiologic post-MDO airway cross-sectional area. Post-MDO PRS patients with supraphysiologic cross-sectional area along the entire airway had no UAO recurrence.

Conclusions:

In this small, heterogenous patient sample, MDO increases airway size, may preferentially affect the retropalatal airway, and often results in supraphysiologic airway dimensions. These retropalatal changes may be important in relieving severe UAO in patients with PRS. Generalizability of our results is limited by small cohort size and patient heterogeneity.
Mixed integer programming models for concurrent configuration design and scheduling in a reconfigurable manufacturing system
Authors: Dou Jianping , Su Chun , Zhao Xia
Published: January 2020

A reconfigurable manufacturing system can evolve its configuration to offer exactly the capacity and functionality needed for every demand period. For the reconfigurable manufacturing system with multi-part flow-line configuration simultaneously producing multiple parts within the same family, the production cost and the delivery time are closely related to its configuration and corresponding scheduling for certain demand period. Although studies on multi-part flow-line configuration design are abundant, studies on concurrent optimization of configuration design and scheduling for reconfigurable manufacturing system are scarce. First, a generic mixed integer nonlinear programming model for concurrent configuration design and scheduling is established to relax the limitation of the existing model, and then a mixed integer linear programming model is derived. The decisions of the two generalized models are to decide the amount of stations, the amount of identical machines and machines’ configuration for every station, and assign parts to machines along the multi-part flow line together with sequencing assigned parts for each machine. Based on the mixed integer linear programming model, an exact ε-constraint method is developed to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions with tradeoffs between cost and tardiness. The validation of two models and the ε-constraint method is verified against two cases adapted from the literature.
Elevated Plasma von Willebrand Factor Antigen and Activity Levels Are Associated With the Severity of Coronary Stenosis
Authors: Yan Bin , Wang Qi , Du Weipeng , Zhai Suping , Gou Chaoyang , Hu Tianxi , Xia Lijun , Ruan Changgeng , Zhao Yiming
Published: January 2020

von Willebrand factor (VWF) acts as a bridge between platelets and the subendothelial matrix following vessel damage and plays a vital role in coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between VWF and the severity of coronary stenosis quantified by the Gensini score in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the most dangerous complication of CAD. Plasma VWF antigen (VWF: Ag) and VWF-collagen binding (VWF: CB) in normal controls (n = 123) and in patients with AMI (n = 205) were tested, and then the patients were divided based on Gensini scores. The levels of VWF: Ag and VWF: CB in patients with AMI were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < .001). Plasma levels of VWF: Ag and VWF: CB were positively correlated with both Gensini score and the number of affected vessels. Both VWF: Ag and VWF: CB were independent factors for coronary stenosis, adjusting confounding factors. Thus, the levels of VWF: Ag and VWF: CB were positively correlated with the severity of coronary stenosis. Screening of VWF at time of AMI may have prognostic value in terms of the severity of coronary stenosis.
Driving toward precision medicine for B cell lymphomas: Targeting the molecular pathogenesis at the gene level
Authors: Chung Clement
Published: January 2020

Lymphomas are a diverse group of hematologic malignancies that arise from either T cell, B cell or the natural killer cell lineage. B cell lymphomas arise from gene mutations with critical functions during normal B cell development. Recent advances in the understanding of molecular pathogenesis demonstrate that many different recurrent genomic and molecular abnormalities and dysregulated oncogenic regulatory pathways exist for many subtypes of B cell lymphomas, both across and within histological subtypes. Pathogenetic processes such as (1) chromosomal aberrations, for example, t(14;18) in follicular lymphoma, t(11;14) in mantle cell lymphoma, t(8;14) in Burkitt lymphoma; dysregulations in signaling pathways of (2) nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB); (3) B cell receptor (BCR); (4) Janus kinase/signal transducers and transcription activators (JAK-STAT); (5) impaired apoptosis/cell cycle regulation due to mutated, rearranged or amplified MYC, BCL-2, BCL-6 proto-oncogenes; (6) epigenetic aberrations may contribute to pathogenesis. More studies are under way to elucidate the molecular heterogeneity underlying many types of lymphomas that account for variable responses to treatment, generation of subclones and treatment resistance. Although significant research is still needed, targeted therapy promises to provide new options for the treatment of patients with lymphomas. This article provides a non-exhaustive overview on the current understanding on the genetics of pathogenesis of B cell lymphomas and their therapeutic implications.
Zero Staff Assaults in the Psychiatric Emergency Room: Impact of a Multifaceted Performance Improvement Project
Authors: Okundolor Sonny I. , Ahenkorah Florence , Sarff Laura , Carson Nora , Olmedo Alirio , Canamar Catherine , Mallett Sheila
Published: January 2020

INTRODUCTION: Our psychiatric emergency room (ER) averages 18 patient-to-staff physical assaults annually, with some incidents resulting in multiple injuries. AIMS: The purpose of this performance improvement project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted approach to reducing the number of physical assaults on staff. METHODS: We assessed the impact of these bundled interventions on staff assault rate: (1) increasing behavioral response team drills, (2) implementing shift doses, (3) screening for patients’ risk for violence, (4) posting signage to communicate patients’ violence propensity (Golden Hand), (5) implementing mitigating countermeasure interventions, (6) conducting postassault debriefing, and (7) providing postassault support. Psychiatric ER nurses completed questionnaires measuring their perceived self-efficacy in managing patients with a propensity for violence before, during, and after the bundled interventions. Physical assaults on staff were recorded and tracked monthly from May 2016 to September 2018 through a retrospective review of the hospital’s online incident report system. RESULTS: Staff perceived self-efficacy increased from 78% to 95% after attending at least two behavioral response team drills. The Golden Hand signage was rated useful as it flagged and communicated the presence of high-risk patients. Shift dose was evaluated as an informative tool and manageable at ≤5 minutes. The violence-screening tool was considered more accurate in identifying patients with violent tendencies than standard assaultive precautions. Physical assaults on staff by patients decreased to zero in our psychiatric ER, which was sustained for a year. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative, multifaceted, bundled approach provides an opportunity for nurse leaders to promote workplace safety while improving staff engagement and empowerment.
Exploring the Success of Social Infrastructure Public Private Partnerships: The Complex Case of Bridgepoint Active Healthcare in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hussain Sherena , McKellar James
Published: January 2020

Notwithstanding the deployment of tools to standardize delivery processes, public–private partnerships (PPPs) have encountered significantly different experiences across a broad spectrum of applications during their long-term contractual phase—including those in Ontario Canada, one of the world’s most active PPP markets. This article conducts an in-depth case study of the PPP for the new Bridgepoint Active Health care Hospital, an award-winning 464-bed hospital and administration facility delivered using a design–build–finance–maintenance PPP. This article reveals the role of personalities, relationships, and strong leadership in bringing a successful project to fruition in the face of complex, intersecting challenges. In this context, the PPP is only one variable in explaining the overall success of this complex and highly visible social infrastructure project.
Prediction of thermally induced postbuckling of clutch disks using the finite element method
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Yi Yun-Bo , Bao Ke
Published: January 2020

Buckling and postbuckling of automotive clutch disks can be excited by the temperature fields caused by frictional heat generation during engagement of clutch systems. Linear and nonlinear buckling finite element analyses are performed to evaluate the thermal postbuckling of clutch metal disks. The dominant buckling modes are first obtained through performing linear buckling finite element analysis (FEA) analyses. The scaled displacement fields obtained from the linear buckling FEA analyses are added to the original geometries to generate the perturbed meshes. The postbuckling is then investigated by performing nonlinear buckling FEA analyses. The commercial FEA software ABAQUS is used in the current study. The effects of the temperature-dependent material properties are studied. It is concluded that the temperature dependence of material properties affects the postbuckling behaviors significantly.
Precision medicine in the multiple sclerosis clinic: Selecting the right patient for the right treatment
Authors: Bose Gauruv , Freedman Mark S
Published: January 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting patients of all ages, causing neurologic disability if inadequately treated. Some patients have a relatively benign disease course without significant disability after decades, while a more aggressive course ensues in others and disability progression occurs after only several years. Certain risk factors confer a higher chance of a patient having aggressive MS. Currently over 15 disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) are approved for MS with different efficacy and safety profiles. Deciding which DMT to use in a specific patient requires a careful analysis of a patient’s disease course for high-risk factors for early progression, consideration of the efficacy and safety profile for potential therapy, as well as understanding of a patient’s lifestyle and expectations. The integration of these factors is the art of precision medicine, a necessary practice in the treatment of patients with MS.
Statin therapy for reduction of cardiovascular and limb-related events in critical limb ischemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kokkinidis Damianos G , Arfaras-Melainis Angelos , Giannopoulos Stefanos , Katsaros Ioannis , Jawaid Omar , Jonnalagadda Anil Kumar , Parikh Sahil A , Secemsky Eric A , Giri Jay , Kumbhani Dharam J , Armstrong Ehrin J
Published: January 2020

High-intensity statins are recommended for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most advanced presentation of PAD. The benefit of statins in the CLI population is unclear based on the existent studies. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the efficacy of statin therapy in patients with CLI. PRISMA guidelines were followed. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were reviewed up to April 30, 2019. The primary outcomes included amputation rates and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included primary patency rates, amputation-free survival and major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Risk of bias was assessed with the Robins-I tool for observational studies. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias. Nineteen studies including 26,985 patients with CLI were included in this systematic review. Among patients with known data on statin status, 12,292 (49.6%) were on statins versus 12,513 (50.4%) not on statins. Patients treated with statins were 25% less likely to undergo amputation (HR 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59–0.95; I2 = 79%) and 38% less likely to have a fatal event (HR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.52–0.75; I2 = 41.2%). Statin therapy was also associated with increased overall patency rates and lower incidence of MACCE. There was substantial heterogeneity in the analysis for amputation and amputation-free survival (I2 > 70%). In conclusion, statins are associated with decreased risk for amputation, mortality, and MACCE, as well as increased overall patency rates among patients with CLI. Future studies should assess whether other lipid-lowering medications in addition to high-intensity statins can further improve outcomes among patients with CLI. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019134160)
Digital prediction technologies in the justice system: The implications of a ‘race-neutral’ agenda
Authors: Ugwudike Pamela
Published: January 2020

This article critically analyses the nexus of race and risk prediction technologies applied in justice systems across western jurisdictions. There is mounting evidence that the technologies are overpredicting the risk of recidivism posed by racialized groups, particularly black people. Yet the technologies are ostensibly race neutral in the sense that they do not refer explicitly to race. They are also compliant with race equality laws. To investigate how apparently race neutral technologies can nevertheless yield racially disparate outcomes, the article draws on insights distilled from the sociology of race and the sociological scholarship on standardization. It uses themes from these two scholarships to unravel the intersecting structural and creational dynamics capable of fomenting the digital racialization of risk.