bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of two multiplex real-time PCR assays based on single nucleotide polymorphisms of the HA1 gene of equine influenza A virus in order to differentiate between clade 1 and clade 2 Florida sublineage isolates
Authors: Brister Hanna , Barnum Samantha M. , Reedy Stephanie , Chambers Thomas M. , Pusterla Nicola
Published: January 2019

We validated 2 multiplex real-time PCR (rtPCR) assays based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the hemagglutinin-1 ( HA1) gene of H3N8 equine influenza A virus (EIV) to determine clade affiliation of prototype and field isolates. Initial validation of the 2 multiplex rtPCR assays (SNP1 and SNP2) was performed using nucleic acid from 14 EIV Florida sublineage clade 1 and 2 prototype strains. We included in our study previously banked EIV rtPCR-positive nasal secretions from 341 horses collected across the United States in 2012–2017 to determine their clade affiliation. All 14 EIV prototype strains were identified correctly as either Florida sublineage clade 1 or clade 2 using the 2 SNP target positions. Of 341 EIV rtPCR-positive samples, 337 (98.8%) and 4 (1.2%) isolates were classified as belonging to clade 1 and 2 Florida sublineage EIV, respectively. All clade 1 Florida sublineage EIV strains were detected in domestic horses, three clade 2 Florida sublineage EIV strains originated from horses recently imported into the United States, and one clade 2 Florida sublineage EIV strain originated from a healthy horse recently vaccinated with a modified-live intranasal EIV vaccine containing the American lineage strain A/eq/Kentucky/1991. EIV Florida sublineage clade differentiation using a fast and reliable multiplex rtPCR platform will help monitor the introduction of clade 2 Florida sublineage EIV strains into North America via international transportation.
Structural Stress and Otherness: How Do They Influence Psychological Stress?
Authors: DeWilde Christine , Carrington June , Abbate Antonio , Burton Candace W. , Bearman Gonzalo , Salyer Jeanne
Published: January 2019

Background: This study represents the initial steps in researching the cultural distress model and explores the cumulative layering of stressors that place the patient at risk for cultural distress, including structural stress and otherness. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational analysis of intersecting identities (Structural Stressors), ethnicity-related stressors (Otherness) and ethnic-identity (Otherness) on psychological stress. Participants were also asked to define the word culture. Results: Results indicated that structural stressors did not significantly influence on psychological stress but were associated with perception of discrimination. The experience of otherness significantly influenced psychological stress. Discussion: Given the association between structural stress and perceived discrimination, additional research and tool development is needed to better understand how structural stressors influence psychological stress. Participant definitions of culture fell into two primary themes: Collectiveness and Individualness, indicating that the way we live is influenced by shared experiences, yet also a product of individual choices.
Crafting a Culture That Values Exceptional Teaching Practice: A Dean’s Perspective
Authors: Ritter Barbara A.
Published: January 2019

This essay explores the similarities and differences between faculty and administrators related to the definition and applied practice of teaching and learning. It is concluded that there is much agreement in defining the construct from sources over time, from different levels and different disciplines in higher education. However, perspectives across administration and faculty may differ as related to consideration of the environment of the higher education industry, the student experience and curriculum as a whole, and external regulating bodies related to accreditation and state and federal governments. The essay concludes with a discussion around creating a collaborative culture with a focus on the collective goals of the unit that can advance a strong focus on exceptional teaching practices.
Psychological Maladjustment Mediates the Relation Between Remembrances of Parental Rejection in Childhood and Adults’ Fear of Intimacy: A Multicultural Study
Authors: Rohner Ronald P. , Filus Ania , Melendez-Rhodes Tatiana , Kuyumcu Behire , Machado Francisco , Roszak Joanna , Hussain Sadiq , Chyung Yun-Joo , Senese Vincenzo P. , Daneshmandi Saeede , Ashdown Brien K. , Giovazolias Theodoros , Glavak-Tkalić Renata , Chen Siyi , Uddin M. Kamal , Harris Scott , Gregory Nilgun , Fávero Marisalva , Zahra Samar , Lee Julie , Miranda Maria C. , Izadikhah Zahra , Brown Carrie M. , Giotsa Artemis , Vulić-Prtorić Anita , Li Xuan , Khaleque Abdul , Karadeniz Gülçin , Machado Márcia , Gul Sana , Bacchini Dario , Faherty Amanda N. , Zoroja Andrea , Aktar Rumana , Perrella Raffaella , Camden Abigail A. , Hossain M. Alamgir , Roy Kishor
Published: January 2019

This study assesses interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory’s (IPARTheory’s) prediction that adults’ (both men’s and women’s) remembrances of parental (both maternal and paternal) rejection in childhood are likely to be associated with adults’ fear of intimacy, as mediated by adults’ psychological maladjustment and relationship anxiety. The study also assesses the prediction that these associations will not vary significantly by gender, ethnicity, language, culture, or other such defining conditions. To test these predictions a sample of 3,483 young adults in 13 nations responded to the mother and father versions of the Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (short forms), Adult Personality Assessment Questionnaire (short form), the Interpersonal Relationship Anxiety Questionnaire, the Fear of Intimacy Scale, and the Revised Personal Information Form. Results of multigroup analyses showed that adults’ remembrances of both maternal and paternal rejection in childhood independently predicted men’s and women’s fear of intimacy in all 13 countries. However, remembered maternal rejection was a significantly stronger predictor of adults’ fear of intimacy than was remembered paternal rejection. Results also confirmed the prediction in all 13 countries and across both genders that both maternal and paternal rejection independently predicted adults’ psychological maladjustment and relationship anxiety, which in turn predicted fear of intimacy. In addition, psychological maladjustment partially mediated the relation between remembrances of maternal and paternal rejection, and adults’ fear of intimacy in all 13 countries and both genders.
Author(iz)ing a Playground Game: “The Arguing Started Once the Rules Were Written Down”
Authors: Buchholz Beth A.
Published: January 2019

Using data from a 4-year longitudinal ethnography, this study moves from a classroom to the playground to examine a multiage community engaged in a deeply revered playground game with a history stretching back nearly a decade. Mediated discourse analysis is leveraged to examine the game’s historical nexus of practice, rooted in embodied and oral modes of transmission, and to understand how the nexus was transformed with the introduction of written transmission in the form of the first official rulebook. Contentious negotiations on the playground and in the classroom emerged regarding questions of textual ownership, authorship, and authority. Findings suggest that written text did not supersede oral transmission but instead prompted more talk as well as more writing. Significantly, making space for these negotiations created opportunities for writing to be(come) significant to children as children as they passionately and critically negotiated how to sustain their own collective brand of literacy.
Early Bilateral Gonadoblastoma Associated With 45,X/46,XY Mosaicism: The Spectrum of Undifferentiated Gonadal Tissue and Gonadoblastoma in the First Months of Life
Authors: Berklite Lara , Witchel Selma F , Yatsenko Svetlana A , Schneck Francis X , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: January 2019

45,X/46,XY mosaicism is one of a heterogenous group of congenital conditions known as differences (disorders) of sex development (DSD) that results in abnormal development of internal and external genitalia. Patients with DSD, particularly those with segments of the Y chromosome, are at increased risk for germ cell tumors including gonadoblastoma. Gonadoblastoma is a neoplasm comprised of a mixture of germ cells and elements resembling immature granulosa or Sertoli cells with or without Leydig cells or lutein-type cells in an ovarian type stroma. Gonadoblastoma has an increased prevalence of 15% to 40% in patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism and has been previously reported in patients as young as 5 months of age with that karyotype. Herein, we describe a 3-month-old child with 45,X/46,XY karyotype who was referred for the evaluation of asymmetric labia majora. Additional evaluation revealed left streak gonad and right dysplastic/dysgenetic testis. Both gonads contained foci of cells typical for gonadoblastoma as well as undifferentiated gonadal tissue, underscoring the potential for very early infantile gonadoblastoma and the spectrum of developmental anomalies associated with this karyotype.
Nicotine on Children’s Hands: Limited Protection of Smoking Bans and Initial Clinical Findings
Authors: Mahabee-Gittens E Melinda , Merianos Ashley L , Hoh Eunha , Quintana Penelope JE , Matt Georg E
Published: January 2019

Background:

Thirdhand smoke (THS) pollutants, such as nicotine, accumulate on the hands of children who live in homes with smokers and are exposed to secondhand smoke. Our objective was to examine whether levels of hand nicotine in exposed children are associated with demographics, environmental factors, and clinical findings.

Methods:

Participants were caregivers who smoke and children (mean age (SD) = 2.6 (3.7) years) who were part of an ongoing 2-group, randomized controlled trial of an emergency department–based tobacco cessation intervention (N = 104). The primary outcome measure was nicotine on the child’s hand. Caregivers reported demographics and smoking patterns; children’s medical records were abstracted for chief complaint, medical history, and diagnoses.

Results:

All children had detectable hand nicotine (geometric mean [GeoM] = 86.2 ng/wipe; range = 3.5-2, 190.4 ng/wipe). Children in the age group of 2 to 4 years old (GeoM = 185.6 ng/wipe) had higher levels than the children in the age groups of 0 to 1 (GeoM = 68.9 ng/wipe, P < .001), 5 to 9 (GeoM = 77.9 ng/wipe, P = .04), and 10 to 15 years old (GeoM = 74.2 ng/wipe, P = .048). Children whose caregivers smoked 6 to 14 (GeoM = 97.2 ng/wipe, P = .047) and 15 to 40 cigarettes/day (GeoM = 124.0 ng/wipe, P = .01) had higher levels than children whose caregivers smoked 1 to 5 cigarettes/day (GeoM = 59.7 ng/wipe). Children with 6 to 14 cigarettes/day (GeoM = 163.11 ng/wipe, P = .007) and 15 to 40 cigarettes/day (GeoM = 186.1, P = .003) smoked inside the home by all smokers had significantly higher levels than homes with 0 cigarettes (GeoM = 81.3 ng/wipe). Similar differences in hand nicotine levels were found for smoking frequency of all household members in any location. Children with complaints of cough/congestion (GeoM = 97.7 ng/wipe) had higher levels than those without cough/congestion (GeoM = 59.0 ng/wipe, P = .01).

Conclusions:

The high hand nicotine levels in children whose caregivers do not necessarily smoke indoor demonstrate that indoor smoking bans do not safeguard against THS exposure and the associations with increased home smoking activity indicate that hand wipes may be a noninvasive way to characterize children’s exposure. The findings of associated cough and congestion with higher THS levels need to be examined further.
Evaluation of the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale 88: A Short Report
Authors: Freeman Jenny , Gorst Terry , Ofori Jodielin , Marsden Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Background:

The Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale 88 (MSSS-88) is designed to capture the patient experience and impact of spasticity, but there is limited evaluation against clinician-rated measures of spasticity.

Objective:

To evaluate the convergent validity and responsiveness of the MSSS-88.

Design:

Longitudinal study.

Setting:

University Laboratory.

Subjects:

Thirty-four people with multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

People with multiple sclerosis (MS; n = 34) completed the self-reported 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale, Barthel Index alongside the clinician-rated Ashworth Scale, and a laboratory-based measure of ankle spasticity. Spasticity measure responsiveness was evaluated in 20 participants at two time points, an average of 8.75 ± 3.8 months apart.

Results:

In people with MS (mean age 55.1 ± 8.1 years; Expanded Disability Scale range 4.5-7.0), spasticity symptom specific subscales of the MSSS-88 (stiffness and spasms) showed strong and significant correlations with the clinician-rated Ashworth Scale ( r = 0.52-0.53; P < .01). Responsiveness of the MSSS-88 was comparable to a laboratory-based measure of ankle spasticity.

Conclusions:

Our findings lend additional support to the convergent validity of this measure.
Callous-unemotional traits and the attentional bias towards emotional stimuli: Testing the moderating role of emotional and behavioural problems among high-risk adolescents
Authors: Szabó Edina , Halász József , Morgan Antony , Demetrovics Zsolt , Kökönyei Gyöngyi
Published: January 2019

Former studies demonstrated that antisocial youth with callous-unemotional (CU) traits are impaired in the processing of negative emotional stimuli. The aim of the current study was to explore the moderating role of different behavioural (i.e. conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention) and emotional problems (i.e. internalizing symptoms) in the relationship between CU traits and attentional bias towards emotional stimuli. Besides using self-report measures, attentional bias was tested by an affective dot-probe task in a high-risk sample of 102 adolescent boys ( M age = 16.34 years; SD = 1.32). CU traits were related to reduced attention to emotionally distressing pictures. Furthermore, conduct problems significantly moderated the relationship between CU traits and attention to distress cues. These findings highlight the importance of considering potential moderators to the well-established link between CU traits and deficits in response to negative emotional cues.
Individual pastime or focused social interaction: Gendered gaming practices among Danish youth
Authors: Thorhauge Anne Mette , Gregersen Andreas
Published: January 2019

This article outlines how gaming and video gameplay among Danish youth can be integral parts of everyday practices. The article is based on a mixed-methods study of video gameplay patterns among Danish children and young people aged 10–18 years. The study included a survey with a stratified random sample ( N = 1560), follow-up in-depth interviews using purposive sampling from the survey respondents ( N = 19) and focus group interviews with boys and girls ( N = 2). We argue that pronounced differences in boys’ and girls’ gameplay patterns and preferences can be explained by the different ways in which gameplay is embedded into the social patterns of everyday life with family and friends. We identify two predominant gaming practices, one organised around competitive social play in teams and another around non-competitive solo play. These findings are discussed in the context of practice theory and existing work on gender and video games.
Dealing with diversity, hoping for inclusion. Parents’ involvement in urban schools in Norway
Authors: Danielsen Hilde , Bendixsen Synnøve
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates parents’ involvement in multi-ethnic and class-differentiated urban public schools in Bergen, Norway. It examines how some parents deal with diversity and social inequality in a socially mixed urban area in Norway and Europe today. With the help of the concept of conviviality—the capacity to live together peacefully while negotiating tensions—we focus on the hope of inclusion when people are sharing a place that is important to them in everyday life. Existing research shows how parents engaged in schools are concerned with ensuring the academic success of the school thereby reproducing classed privileges. We find that parents engaged in public bodies in schools act on hopes of social inclusion of the diversity of children and their parents more than they pursue academic success. We argue that, rather than aiming at reproducing classed privileges, some parents aim for a politics of inclusion, leveling out social differences. Using the concept of conviviality, we explore how this has, simultaneously, both inclusionary and exclusionary consequences.
Book Review: Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery
Authors: Wain Daniel
Published: January 2019

A book review of Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery, by Garr Reynolds (New Riders, 2008).
Book Review: Book Reviews - Bad Science
Authors: Goldacre Ben
Published: January 2019

A book review of Bad Science by Ben Goldacre, (2008), Fourth Estate.
Book Review: Consumer Kids - How Big Business is Grooming Our Children for Profit
Authors: Hamilton Kathy
Published: January 2019

A book review of Consumer Kids: How Big Business is Grooming Our Children for Profit, Ed Mayo and Agnes Nairn, Constable, 2009
Book Review: Dan Ariely - Predictably Irrational
Authors: Nairn Agnes
Published: January 2019

Agnes Nairn reviews the book, “Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely, 2009.
Mutation effect of acoustic and electromagnetic emissions of hard rock impact failure
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Cai-Ping , Zhang Heng
Published: January 2019

To reveal acoustic emission and electromagnetic emission effects during hard rock impact failure is a crucial issue for monitoring and warning rockburst risk induced by hard roof fracture and fall. The presented research focuses on acoustic emission and electromagnetic emission and microseismic effects detected during laboratory tests and by in situ multi-parameter observations, and the field observations agreed satisfactorily with the experimental evidences. The following main conclusions were drawn: (1) the stress level, frequency of micro-cracks, and impact failure regularity of hard rocks can be revealed with electromagnetic emission and acoustic emission/microseismic parameters, respectively; (2) acoustic emission/microseismic event counts can directly reveal the cracks change in rocks, and the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of micro-cracks can be presented as first increase, followed by decrease in acoustic emission/microseismic event counts; (3) in most cases, only when stress suddenly decreases or the rock final collapses, acoustic emissions show obviously abnormal; and (4) acoustic emission/microseismic can be more effectively applied to warn rockburst danger. The above conclusions may shed light on the effective monitoring and warning methods of rockburst triggered by hard roof fall, and events contribute to some interpretations to originally transient precursors of hard rock fracturing.
Condition-based maintenance strategy for vehicles using hidden Markov models
Authors: Kamlu Sushma , Laxmi V
Published: January 2019

Operation and maintenance have their own impact in every field. Maintenance strategy is followed to provide unwavering quality and security for a healthy transportation system. Therefore, the transportation system requires an appropriate maintenance schedule of the vehicles. The classical analysis of the present and future performance of systems tries to assure that the safety and operational condition of the system so as to enhance the ability of credentials of proactive malfunction circumstances. Condition-based maintenance identifies the vehicle status based on wire or wireless monitored data and predicts malfunction to carry out suitable maintenance actions like repair and replacement before it happens. Different uncertainties like terrain, mileage of the vehicle and applied load on the vehicles have been utilized as the constraints of fuzzy-based vehicle maintenance scheduling. The response of vehicle maintenance scheduling (VMS) provides the details regarding the type of maintenance and time period in weeks for proposed maintenance plan. Probability values of constraints acquired by the hidden Markov model have been utilized as input of VMS. The response of vehicle maintenance scheduling has been compared with input obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. Reliability of the methodology corroborates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in the field of maintenance scheduling for healthy transportation system.
Fluid transportation and heat transfer analysis of PP/TiO2 nanocomposites in an internal mixer
Authors: Zhu XZ , Liu J , Sun DP
Published: January 2019

The internal mixer is an important devise for processing the polymer nanocomposites acting as a chemical reactor. In this article, based on the computational fluid dynamics method, the fluid transportation and heat transfer analysis of sol–gel reaction processing for Polypropylene (PP)/TiO2 nanocomposites in the internal batch mixers with single-winged and two-winged Cam rotors were simulated. First, the Lagrangian coherent structure analysis was used to understand the fluid transport properties in the mixers. Then the effect of rotational speeds (ratios) and barrel temperatures on the heat transfer characteristics in the mixers with different rotors was analyzed. Also, the changes of viscous heating and torques of rotors with different thermal conditions in the mixers were discussed. Especially, the relationship between the fluid transportation and heat transfer characteristics was explored. The results show that a big rotor speed ratio can induce great fluid transportation in the left and right mixer chambers based on the Lagrangian coherent structure analysis, and the fluid near the horseshoe map has great folding effect and temperature magnitude. The viscous dissipation, viscous heat generation, and rotor torques in the mixers increase with increasing the rotational speeds and decrease with increasing the barrel temperatures. The mixer with two-winged rotors has higher average temperature, viscous dissipation, viscous heat generation and the torques of rotors values of reactive fluid than that with single-winged rotors.
Motion control of chaotic permanent-magnet synchronous motor servo system with neural network–based disturbance observer
Authors: Ma Wuning , Li Xianghui , Duan Lixiang , Dong Hao
Published: January 2019

The permanent-magnet synchronous motor system will display a variety of chaotic phenomenon when its parameters or external inputs satisfy certain condition, and thus its performance would be deteriorated. Therefore, chaos should be suppressed or eliminated. In this article, a practical method which combines adaptive robust control with a single-layer neural network–based disturbance observer is proposed for elimination of the chaos and high-performance motion control of permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The proposed controller not only accounts for the load torque disturbance but also takes the parametric uncertainties into account. A single-layer neural network–based disturbance observer is designed to estimate the disturbance while an adaptive control law is designed to estimate the parameters respectively. Then, all the estimated values are used in the feedforward cancelation item in the controller via a backstepping technique. Lyapunov’s method is used to prove the stability of the novel control scheme. Sufficient comparative simulation results are obtained to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
A simulation and experimental study on the operating characteristics of a solenoid gas injector
Authors: Hung Nguyen Ba , Lim Ock Taeck
Published: January 2019

Purpose of this study is to develop a solenoid actuator that can be used for natural gas injector. Operation of the solenoid injector is described by two mathematical models including an electrical model and a mechanical model. The solenoid injector is also modeled and simulated in Maxwell and Simplorer based on the specifications of a real solenoid injector. The operating characteristics of the solenoid injector, including the current, electromagnetic force, and displacement of the plunger, are investigated under the effects of input parameters. In addition, experimental systems are established to examine the electromagnetic force and the plunger displacement in the solenoid injector under the effects of air gap and input voltage, respectively. The simulation results show that the electromagnetic force and displacement of the plunger can be easily increased by reducing the length and increasing the width of the cross-sectional shape of the coil. In addition, the increased length and diameter of plunger also contribute to improving the electromagnetic force. The increase in plunger mass results in fluctuating plunger displacement, which can affect the quality of injection. The simulation results are validated by experimental results on the effects of air gap and input voltage.
A fast calculation method of large-cylinder asymmetrical rolling force considering shear effect
Authors: Chen Suwen , Li Jie , Yuan Xingxing , Gu Dapeng , Liu Hongmin
Published: January 2019

An analytical model for large-cylinder asymmetrical rolling is proposed based on an improved slab method, which can predict the rolling force more quickly. In this method, uneven normal and shear stresses acting on the vertical side are supposed. In the solution, the upper and lower contact lengths are different, and the roll gap is divided into four slabs. Moreover, the effects of the rolling parameters such as roll speed ratio, roll radius, exit thickness, and radius of cylinder on the rolling force and cross-shear zone ratio are investigated. The cross-shear zone ratio, which means the shear effect, is a key parameter in reducing rolling force and microstructure refinement. This method is conducted with the experimental and finite element verification, and good agreement has been found. It should be noted that the calculation result can be obtained rapidly and easily by this proposed model. Therefore, the present model is suitable for online application.
Cycle performance evaluation of various R134a/hydrocarbon blend refrigerants applied in vapor-compression heat pumps
Authors: Zhang Liu , Zhao Jin-xiu , Yue Li-fang , Zhou Hong-xing , Ren Chun-li
Published: January 2019

Blend refrigerants combing hydrofluorocarbons and hydrocarbons are good substitutes to decrease the flammability of hydrocarbons while reducing the global warming potential of hydrofluorocarbons. Four hydrofluorocarbon/hydrocarbon blends (R134a/R290, R134a/R600, R134a/R600a, and R134a/R1270) with various compositions are investigated in vapor-compression heat pump cycles. The effects of hydrocarbon fraction on the blend properties, including critical temperature, critical pressure, latent heat, saturated liquid line, and azeotropic behavior, are comparatively analyzed. Thermodynamic models are established for heat pump simulation. For each R134a/hydrocarbon blend, both the cooling and heating coefficient of performances generally first decrease and then increase with the hydrocarbon mass fraction. The coefficient of performances of R134a/R600 and R134a/R600a have dramatic changes within the hydrocarbon mass fraction of 0.2–1.0, while those of R134a/R290 and R134a/R1270 have dramatic changes within the fraction of 0.0–0.4. Lower condensing or higher evaporating temperatures lead to higher coefficient of performances. In addition, the volumetric capacities first increase and then decrease with the increase of hydrocarbon fraction. R134a/R290 and R134a/R1270 show much higher volumetric capacities as compared to R134a/R600 and R134a/R600a under higher hydrocarbon fractions, which can greatly reduce the required compressor size of pure R134a. The discharge temperatures are kept in the range of 43.0°C–72.3°C for all the blends. To obtain low global warming potential R134a/hydrocarbon blends, the hydrocarbon fraction need to be greater than 0.9, at which R134a/R1270 performs the best, with cooling/heating coefficient of performances of 5.25/4.70 and cooling/heating volumetric capacities of 4.78/3.53 MJ/m3. Generally, R134a/R290 and R134a/R1270 perform much better than R134a/R600 and R134a/R600a at the low global warming potential composition. This study can contribute to the determination of hydrofluorocarbon/hydrocarbon compositions based on comprehensive considerations of cycle efficiency, volumetric capacity, and low global warming potential target.
Elastic-contact-based tool-path planning for free-form surface in belt grinding
Authors: Qi Junde , Chen Bing
Published: January 2019

As for the fact that the majority of current researches take the technology of tool-path planning for free-form surface only as a geometrical problem, which is not suitable for belt grinding because of the elastic deformation of the grinding belt that leads to a variable contact, in this article, the tool-path planning method for belt grinding is developed from the elastic contact point of view. Based on the Hertzian contact theory and taking the grinding force into consideration, a calculation method of the contact area between the belt and the workpiece is presented. Then, a tool-path planning model is presented based on the real contact area to meet the full coverage. In addition, an optimization model based on the constant scallop-height is further developed to meet the high form accuracy of the workpiece. First, a modified model for the material removal depth is developed based on the Preston equation. Then, according to the curvature of the contact surface, three situations are analyzed and the calculation methods of the tool-path interval are given. Finally, experiments on the simulation blade are conducted, and the experimental results show the effectiveness of the method in this article.
Experimental analysis of the wear coefficient for the rolling linear guide
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yi , Zhou Chang-guang , Ou Yi
Published: January 2019

With the development of rolling linear guide manufacturing, improvements of performance and reliability of rolling linear guide products have become the critical technical challenge. One of the key-points lies in the analysis of wear process, in which the crucial step depends on the computation of the wear coefficient. However, little attention has been devoted to the wear coefficient of rolling linear guide. Therefore, in this article, to reflect the actual working condition of rolling linear guide, a novel calculation model for the wear coefficient of rolling linear guide is established first through theoretical analysis. And then, based on a novel loading bench and a friction measuring device, the wear process and wear coefficients of a rolling linear guide (DA45CL) were obtained and analyzed. Further analysis shows that the wear coefficients obtained in this article, which are several orders of magnitude less than the previous empirical values, are more reasonable for the wear analysis of rolling linear guide. The current work provides a new theoretical and experimental method to investigate the wear coefficient for rolling linear guide, which is meaningful for the study of the wear process of rolling linear guide and other rolling components of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools.
Analysis of truck-related crashes of freeways in China
Authors: Xu Ting , Jiang Rui-sen , Zhao Lei , Qi Long , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2019

Truck-related crashes result in tremendous lives and property loss and become a serious safety issue in China. The goal of this article is to identify the influential factors for severity of truck-related crashes using data from Jingjintang freeways in China and to design an ordered probit model to explore their relationship. Records including crashes, traffic flow attributes, and geometric design features ranging from 2009 to 2012 were collected from Jingjintang freeway. Crashes are divided into three severity levels: slight injury, injury, and fatal injury. The injury crashes is ranking the first place occupying 64.37%. Truck-related crashes are likely to occur when truck percentage is around 20% and 80%. The speed of traffic flow decreases with the more appearance of trucks. The ordered probit model is developed to estimate the impacts of influential factors on injury severity of truck-related crashes. Marginal effects for each level of injury severity are calculated. The results reveal that truck-involving crashes are highly sensitive to factors such as time of day, truck percentage, average slope, operating speed, speed difference, and exposure variable. The average slope of road segment and speed gaps has the greatest impact on all severity levels of crashes.
Analysis on selective laser melting of WC-reinforced H13 steel composite powder by finite element method
Authors: Woo Youngyun , Hwang Taewoo , Oh Ilyeong , Seo Dongmyeong , Moon Younghoon
Published: January 2019

A three-dimensional finite element model for the selective laser melting process was developed to analyze the melting behavior of WC-reinforced H13 steel composite powder. In this model, convection and radiation on the external surface during laser irradiation were considered, and moving Gaussian heat flux was assumed in the thermal model. The molten pool geometry based on the simulated temperature distributions was investigated for various parameters such as distribution factor, packing efficiency, absorption coefficient, and specific heat factor. The input values of density, conductivity, and specific heat were obtained from the rule of mixture, and absorption coefficients were experimentally determined at given mixing ratios of WC and H13 steel. The simulation results showed that the relative fractions of WC and H13 steel powder significantly affect molten pool geometry. In terms of point-of-process parameters, the distribution factor, packing efficiency, and absorption coefficient are the main parameters that control molten pool geometry.
Assessing the impact of efficacy stopping rules on the error rates under the multi-arm multi-stage framework
Authors: Blenkinsop Alexandra , Parmar Mahesh KB , Choodari-Oskooei Babak
Published: January 2019

Background

The multi-arm multi-stage framework uses intermediate outcomes to assess lack-of-benefit of research arms at interim stages in randomised trials with time-to-event outcomes. However, the design lacks formal methods to evaluate early evidence of overwhelming efficacy on the definitive outcome measure. We explore the operating characteristics of this extension to the multi-arm multi-stage design and how to control the pairwise and familywise type I error rate. Using real examples and the updated nstage program, we demonstrate how such a design can be developed in practice.

Methods

We used the Dunnett approach for assessing treatment arms when conducting comprehensive simulation studies to evaluate the familywise error rate, with and without interim efficacy looks on the definitive outcome measure, at the same time as the planned lack-of-benefit interim analyses on the intermediate outcome measure. We studied the effect of the timing of interim analyses, allocation ratio, lack-of-benefit boundaries, efficacy rule, number of stages and research arms on the operating characteristics of the design when efficacy stopping boundaries are incorporated. Methods for controlling the familywise error rate with efficacy looks were also addressed.

Results

Incorporating Haybittle–Peto stopping boundaries on the definitive outcome at the interim analyses will not inflate the familywise error rate in a multi-arm design with two stages. However, this rule is conservative; in general, more liberal stopping boundaries can be used with minimal impact on the familywise error rate. Efficacy bounds in trials with three or more stages using an intermediate outcome may inflate the familywise error rate, but we show how to maintain strong control.

Conclusion

The multi-arm multi-stage design allows stopping for both lack-of-benefit on the intermediate outcome and efficacy on the definitive outcome at the interim stages. We provide guidelines on how to control the familywise error rate when efficacy boundaries are implemented in practice.
A pivotal interactional role to oversee contract negotiation activity: Insights into a key interdisciplinary legal-business practice
Authors: Townley Anthony
Published: January 2019

Based on ethnographic and linguistic analyses, this article describes the discourse-related practices and interactional role behaviours of an experienced lawyer who assumed a pivotal role in the negotiation of a Mergers-and-Acquisitions (M&A) type transaction vis-a-vis a number of other legal and financial professionals. Set in an international business context, all communication took place in English and for the most part via email. Complex discursive processes facilitated close interdisciplinary engagement and, more particularly, required that a single individual assume a key interactional role to oversee and advance the negotiation activities. This pivotal role entailed the strategic use of language and discourse to negotiate, account for, and justify the various stages of the negotiation. In addition to textual analyses of the negotiated contract and attendant emails, interviews were conducted with the principal lawyer and her senior partner in order to examine the textual findings grounded in the organisational context of a law firm and produce an ontology of this negotiation process. These research findings could be used to assist novice lawyers and business professionals to understand some of the discourse strategies and interactional roles that are often so critical for commercial contract negotiation activities.
Biomechanical comparison of transosseous cortical button and Footprint repair techniques for acute distal biceps tendon ruptures
Authors: Bellringer Simon F , Phadnis Joideep , Human Taaibos , Redmond Christine L , Bain Gregory I
Published: January 2019

Background

The biceps brachii is the main forearm supinator, which is a direct consequence of its anatomic arrangement. The primary aim of distal biceps rupture is to restore supination strength and function. Cadaveric studies demonstrate that anatomic repairs significantly improve the supination moment when compared to more anterior repairs; however, this has not been tested in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare biomechanical and clinical outcomes of an anatomic repair (Footprint), with a widely used transosseous technique (Endobutton).

Methods

Twenty-two patients were retrospectively identified from a clinical database (11 Footprint versus 11 Endobutton). Biomechanical performance of strength and endurance for flexion and supination was assessed using a validated isokinetic dynamometry protocol and clinical outcome scores (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score) were collected for all patients.

Results

For supination, the Footprint group demonstrated a superior trend for all biomechanical parameters tested. This was statistically significant for mean peak torque, total work of maximal repetition and work in the last third of repetitive testing (p = 0.031, p = 0.036 and p = 0.048). For flexion, the Footprint group demonstrated a superior trend for all biomechanical parameters tested but this was only statistically significant for work in the last third of repetitive testing (p = 0.039). The clinical outcomes were good or excellent for all patients in both groups.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that an anatomic Footprint repair restores superior biomechanical supination strength and endurance compared to a conventional Endobutton technique in a clinical setting. Both techniques, however, provide good or excellent clinical outcomes.
Improvement of Blood Samples Preanalytic Management Alters the Clinical Results of Glucose Values: Population Study
Authors: Codish Shlomi , Amichay Doron , Yitshak-Sade Maayan , Gat Roni , Liberty Idit F. , Novack Lena
Published: January 2019

Background:

Prolonged time elapsing between the blood drawing and separation of the cell mass may result in decreased sample glucose levels due to continuous glycolysis. This can lead to underdiagnoses of hyperglycemic states and overdiagnosis of hypoglycemia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of shortened transit time and earlier centrifugation of laboratory specimens on reported glucose results and diagnosis of clinically significant hypoglycemia (<50 mg/dL) or elevated glucose levels (>100 mg/dL).

Methods:

We assessed all fasting-serum glucose tests from the adult population (190 767 subjects) without known diabetes residing in Southern Israel. Before and after intervention periods were compared: 268 359 blood tests were performed during 2009-2010, and 317 336 during 2012-2013.

Results:

While glucose levels were 94.17 mg/dL ± 14.12 in 2012-2013 versus 83.53 mg/dL ± 14.50 in 2009-2010 (12.75% ± 0.88 increase, P < .001), the difference in glycated hemoglobin levels was statistically significant but clinically negligible: 5.84% ± 0.56 in 2012-2013 versus 5.88% ± 0.56 in 2009-2010 (0.53% ± 0.78 decrease, P < .01). There was an increased likelihood of a glucose result to be above 100 mg/dL following intervention: 9.80% versus 25.90%, P < .001. For clinics distanced over 40 km from the laboratory, age-adjusted odds ratio value was 1.26 (95% CI 1.13, 1.41). The proportion of samples with hypoglycemia values decreased from 0.33% to 0.03% ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated an important change in glucose values over a two-year period following an improvement of the preanalytic processes. The intervention was related to an increase in the frequency of hyperglycemia results and a decrease in the number of hypoglycemia results. Future administrative projects should consider clinical consequences with involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
Differential Expression of Fas in Moderate/Severe and Mild Persistent Allergic Rhinitis and Its Correlation With Pathological Parameters
Authors: Pirayesh Ashkan , Shahsavan Shaghayegh , Zargari Samani Omid , Shirzad Hedayatollah , Amani Soroush , Zamani Mohamad Ali , Salimzadeh Loghman , Bagheri Nader , Moghni Mandana , Deris Fatemeh
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims

The roles of Fas in immune system are multifaceted, and the interaction between Fas receptor and Fas ligand is essential for maintaining the immune tolerance. We aimed to assess the level of the expression of Fas receptor on nasal inferior turbinate mucosa in patients with mild persistent allergic rhinitis (M PAR) and moderate to severe (M/S) PAR and determined the relationship between disease severity and production of Fas.

Methods

A total of 70 patients with M/S PAR, 70 patients with M PAR, and 70 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We obtained biopsies of nasal inferior turbinate mucosa from the participants. The expression of Fas mRNA was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The presence and location of Fas were determined by immunohistochemistry. The number of eosinophils per field, blood eosinophils, total serum IgE levels, and specific serum IgE levels were measured. Clinical manifestations of patients were assessed by Total Nasal Syndrome Score (TNSS).

Results

The expression of Fas in patients with M/S PAR was decreased significantly compared to the control group and patients with M PAR. Local mucosal expression of Fas was correlated with specific IgE, nasal eosinophil count, and TNSS.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, there might be a relationship between the expression of Fas receptor on nasal turbinate mucosa and the severity of persistent allergic rhinitis.
Protocol for constructing a support model for family caregivers of people with dementia: Barriers and requirements
Authors: Yen Chia-Ming
Published: January 2019

Background:

This report describes a protocol for determining the barriers and requirements of family caregivers for people with dementia. The perspectives of healthcare professionals, family caregivers, and dementia patients will be collected and analyzed to construct a support model of requirements.

Methods:

An in-depth interview and care diary will be adopted during Phase I. Subsequently, the Delphi technique will be conducted to transform opinions from participants into a group consensus. In total, 38 participants are expected to be recruited from the outpatients of the neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, and family medicine departments of a medical center in central Taiwan. Five domains are to be examined systematically in terms of the barriers and requirements of family caregivers for people with dementia: (1) knowledge of dementia and care skills to cope with problem behaviors; (2) medication and comorbidity management; (3) family relationships and psychological support; (4) resources and benefits; and (5) education and skills training.

Conclusion:

Overall, the proposed protocol will construct a support model of requirements for family caregivers, which is expected to provide healthcare professionals, family caregivers, researchers, and policymakers with more concise information and insights into associated problems.
A new study of hindfoot endoscopy: Foreign body excision from the hindfoot
Authors: Unal Meric , Alfidan Serdar , Gultekin Alper , Budeyri Aydin , Ercan Sabriye
Published: January 2019

Residual foreign bodies are usually observed inside the body after foreign body penetration injuries. However, foreign bodies inside or near the joints are rarely encountered. In the case study included in this report, the case of a foreign body in the posterior ankle region of a 10-year-old child is presented, along with a new study highlighting the technique of its excision with hindfoot endoscopy. The visualization and capture of a foreign body within this region, and its relation to endoscopic excision, has been reported as being a support for hindfoot endoscopy. The aim of this article is to highlight the need for the provision of a low threshold arthroscopic hindfoot surgery in children who display the appropriate symptoms. The purpose of this surgery is to efficiently remove intra-articular hindfoot loose bodies and to gain functionally improved results, when compared with open techniques.
Pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium szulgai: A case report
Authors: Gido Rex David S , Wojciechowski Amy L , Bajwa Rajinder PS
Published: January 2019

Mycobacterium szulgai is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium that is an uncommon cause of infection in humans. Risk factors for infection include immunosuppression and pre-existing lung pathology. Herein, we present a case of a 42-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with pulmonary infection caused by M. szulgai that was successfully treated with a regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for 2 months, followed by rifampin, isoniazid and azithromycin for an additional 8 months. Symptomatic and radiographic resolutions were achieved.
Testicular granulomatous vasculitis mimicking testicular torsion in an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis patient
Authors: Suo Liye , Perez Luis Carlos , Finch Christie Jean
Published: January 2019

Testicular vasculitis is uncommon and can be easily misdiagnosed. Early identification and treatment are essential for patient care. A 63-year-old man, presenting with testicular pain and swelling, had been treated with antibiotics for weeks. A month later, he developed severe left testicular pain and systemic symptoms. Scrotal ultrasound was suggestive of testicular torsion due to no blood flow. Pathology of the orchiectomy specimen demonstrated testicular granulomatous vasculitis involving small- to medium-sized arteries. Additional work-up of blood tests contained positive antinuclear, anti-proteinase 3 and anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were also elevated. Diagnosis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis was made and prednisone was started. During more than 1-year follow-up, the patient’s systemic symptoms were resolving gradually with no involvement of the other testis.