bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ X‐Ray Computed Tomography (CT) Investigation on Localized Deformation and Crack Damage Evolution in a Bimrock by Tracking Rock Blocks
Authors: Meng H. J. , Wang Y. , Ren J. Y.
Published: October 2020

Instability of rock mass with block‐in‐matrix‐rocks (bimrocks) often poses a threat to the geological and ecological environment; thus, investigation of the localized deformation and crack damage evolution is critical to predict the bimrock hazards. In this work, triaxial compression testing on block‐in‐matrix‐soils (bimsoils) with a rock block percentage of 40% (mass ratio) was performed under tomographic monitoring using an original experimental setup specially designed to match the 450 kV industrial x‐ray Computerized Tomography (CT) apparatus. A series of 2D CT images were obtained by carrying out CT scanning at key points throughout the test and from different positions in the sample. The physical strain localization phenomenon was well investigated using the proposed Block Tracking Movement (BTM) method to track the trajectory of rock blocks during deformation. The distribution and morphology of cracks are strongly influenced by the interactions between the rock block and the soil matrix including the repeating contact and separation between them that finally results in the macroscopic pattern of cracking. The displacement vector analysis revealed the spatial kinematics of rock blocks during sample deformation and the associated localized band evolution, which was consistent with the macroscopic crack pattern observation. The cracks corresponding to the low‐density regions in the bimrock sample further indicate the inhomogeneous pattern of localized deformation. The meso‐structural changes and strain localization of the bimrock under triaxial deformation are discussed first by analyzing the rock block movement using x‐ray CT data.
Multiphase SVPWM Strategy Analysis and Implementation of Seven-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Lu Mingli , Zhang Dong , Xu Benlian , Yang Haodong , Xin Yi
Published: October 2020

The multiphase motor drive systems have become a focus in many application areas such as ship electric propulsion, urban mass transit, aerospace, and weapon equipment, as they are characterized by high power density, low torque pulsation as small torque ripple, large output power, strong fault tolerance, and high reliability. However, with the increase of the phase number of the motor, the current harmonic component increases correspondingly, which leads to the decrease of the control performance compared with the three-phase system. In order to overcome this challenge, implementation method of driving control technology for seven-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) based on SVPWM algorithm is discussed thoroughly in this paper. Simulink and experiments have been developed to check its practical feasibility. The results show that the near-six vector SVPWM algorithm (NSV-SVPWM) achieves better performance than other methods.
RO-RAW: Run-Time Restricted Access Window Optimization in IEEE 802.11ah Network with Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Zhao , Lv Peng
Published: October 2020

In 2016, the IEEE task group ah (TGah) published a new standard IEEE 802.11ah, aimed at providing network connectivity among a large number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Restricted access window (RAW) is one of the fundamental MAC mechanisms of IEEE 802.11ah. It reduces the contention overhead in the dense wireless environment by dividing stations into different RAW groups. However, how to optimize the RAW parameters is still an open issue, especially in the run-time environment. In this paper, we propose a run-time RAW optimization scheme, namely RO-RAW, to improve the performance of RAW in the IEEE 802.11ah networks. RO-RAW adopts the Extended Kalman Filter method to estimate the channel status and adjusts the RAW parameters according to the number of competing stations in real-time. The evaluation via NS-3 simulations shows that, by tuning the RAW parameters appropriately, RO-RAW substantially improves throughput, latency, and packet loss performance compared with another RAW optimization scheme in different simulation scenarios. The results further show that, when the channel is relatively congested, RO-RAW improves the RAW performance more significantly.
Automatic Image Captioning Based on ResNet50 and LSTM with Soft Attention
Authors: Chu Yan , Yue Xiao , Yu Lei , Sergei Mikhailov , Wang Zhengkui
Published: October 2020

Captioning the images with proper descriptions automatically has become an interesting and challenging problem. In this paper, we present one joint model AICRL, which is able to conduct the automatic image captioning based on ResNet50 and LSTM with soft attention. AICRL consists of one encoder and one decoder. The encoder adopts ResNet50 based on the convolutional neural network, which creates an extensive representation of the given image by embedding it into a fixed length vector. The decoder is designed with LSTM, a recurrent neural network and a soft attention mechanism, to selectively focus the attention over certain parts of an image to predict the next sentence. We have trained AICRL over a big dataset MS COCO 2014 to maximize the likelihood of the target description sentence given the training images and evaluated it in various metrics like BLEU, METEROR, and CIDEr. Our experimental results indicate that AICRL is effective in generating captions for the images.
Design of Improved BP Decoders and Corresponding LT Code Degree Distribution for AWGN Channels
Authors: Zhang Lei , Su Li
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the performance of a hard decision belief propagation (HDBP) decoder used for Luby transform (LT) codes over additive white Gaussian noise channels; subsequently, three improved HDBP decoders are proposed. We first analyze the performance improvement of the sorted ripple and delayed decoding process in a HDBP decoder; subsequently, we propose ripple-sorted belief propagation (RSBP) as well as ripple-sorted and delayed belief propagation (RSDBP) decoders to improve the bit error rate (BER). Based on the analysis of the distribution of error encoded symbols, we propose a ripple-sorted and threshold-based belief propagation (RSTBP) decoder, which deletes low-reliability encoded symbols, to further improve the BER. Degree distribution significantly affects the performance of LT codes. Therefore, we propose a method for designing optimal degree distributions for the proposed decoders. Through simulation results, we demonstrate that the proposed RSBP and RSDBP decoders provide significantly better BER performances than the HDBP decoder. RSDBP and RSTDP combined with the proposed degree distributions outperformed state-of-the-art degree distributions in terms of the number of encoded symbols required to recover an input symbol correctly (NERRIC) and the frame error rate (FER). For a hybrid decoder formulated by combining RSDBP with a soft decision belief propagation decoder, the proposed degree distribution outperforms the other degree distributions in terms of decoding complexity.
Altered Gemcitabine and Nab-paclitaxel Scheduling Improves Therapeutic Efficacy Compared with Standard Concurrent Treatment in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wolfe Adam R. , Robb Ryan , Hegazi Ahmad , Abushahin Laith , Yang Linlin , Shyu Duan-Liang , Trevino Jose G. , Cruz-Monserrate Zobeida , Jacob John R. , Palanichamy Kamalakannan , Chakravarti Arnab , Williams Terence M.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Concurrent gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel treatment is one of the preferred chemotherapy regimens for metastatic and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Previous studies demonstrate that caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression is critical for nab-paclitaxel uptake into tumors and correlates with response. Gemcitabine increases nab-paclitaxel uptake by increasing Cav-1 expression. Thus, we hypothesized that pretreatment with gemcitabine would further enhance the sensitivity of PDAC to nab-paclitaxel by increasing Cav-1 expression and nab-paclitaxel uptake.

Experimental Design:

We investigated the sensitivity of different gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel treatment regimens in a panel of PDAC cell lines and orthotopic xenograft models. The sensitivity of different treatment regimens was compared with the standard concurrent treatment.

Results:

Pretreatment with gemcitabine before nab-paclitaxel increased Cav-1 and albumin uptake and significantly decreased proliferation and clonogenicity compared with concurrent treatment, which correlated with increased levels of apoptosis. Cav-1 silencing reduced the uptake of albumin, and therapeutic advantage was observed when cells were pretreated with gemcitabine prior to nab-paclitaxel. In addition, we observed that pretreatment with gemcitabine resulted in partial synchronization of cells in the G2–M-phase at the time of nab-paclitaxel treatment, providing another mechanism for the benefit of altered scheduling. In heterotopic and orthotopic xenograft models, the altered schedule of gemcitabine prior to nab-paclitaxel significantly delayed tumor growth compared with concurrent delivery without added toxicity.

Conclusions:

Pretreatment with gemcitabine significantly increased nab-paclitaxel uptake and correlated with an increased treatment efficacy and survival benefit in preclinical models, compared with standard concurrent treatment. These results justify preclinical and clinical testing of this altered scheduling combination.
TACIMA-218: A Novel Pro-Oxidant Agent Exhibiting Selective Antitumoral Activity
Authors: Abusarah Jamilah , Cui Yun , El-Hachem Nehme , El-Kadiry Abed El-Hakim , Hammond-Martel Ian , Wurtele Hugo , Beaudry Annie , Raynal Noël J.-M. , Robert Francis , Pelletier Jerry , Jankovic Maja , Mercier Francois , Kamyabiazar Samaneh , Annabi Borhane , Rafei Moutih
Published: October 2020

We report the discovery, via a unique high-throughput screening strategy, of a novel bioactive anticancer compound: Thiol Alkylating Compound Inducing Massive Apoptosis (TACIMA)-218. We demonstrate that this molecule engenders apoptotic cell death in genetically diverse murine and human cancer cell lines, irrespective of their p53 status, while sparing normal cells. TACIMA-218 causes oxidative stress in the absence of protective antioxidants normally induced by Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 activation. As such, TACIMA-218 represses RNA translation and triggers cell signaling cascade alterations in AKT, p38, and JNK pathways. In addition, TACIMA-218 manifests thiol-alkylating properties resulting in the disruption of redox homeostasis along with key metabolic pathways. When administered to immunocompetent animals as a monotherapy, TACIMA-218 has no apparent toxicity and induces complete regression of pre-established lymphoma and melanoma tumors. In sum, TACIMA-218 is a potent oxidative stress inducer capable of selective cancer cell targeting.
Adult Advanced Life Support: 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations
Authors: Berg Katherine M. , Soar Jasmeet , Andersen Lars W. , Böttiger Bernd W. , Cacciola Sofia , Callaway Clifton W. , Couper Keith , Cronberg Tobias , D’Arrigo Sonia , Deakin Charles D. , Donnino Michael W. , Drennan Ian R. , Granfeldt Asger , Hoedemaekers Cornelia W.E. , Holmberg Mathias J. , Hsu Cindy H. , Kamps Marlijn , Musiol Szymon , Nation Kevin J. , Neumar Robert W. , Nicholson Tonia , O’Neil Brian J. , Otto Quentin , de Paiva Edison Ferreira , Parr Michael J.A. , Reynolds Joshua C. , Sandroni Claudio , Scholefield Barnaby R. , Skrifvars Markus B. , Wang Tzong-Luen , Wetsch Wolfgang A. , Yeung Joyce , Morley Peter T. , Morrison Laurie J. , Welsford Michelle , Hazinski Mary Fran , Nolan Jerry P. , Issa Mahmoud , Kleinman Monica E. , Ristagno Giuseppe , Arafeh Julie , Benoit Justin L. , Chase Maureen , Fischberg Bryan L. , Flores Gustavo E. , Link Mark S. , Ornato Joseph P. , Perman Sarah M. , Sasson Comilla , Zelop Carolyn M.
Published: October 2020

This
2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations
for advanced life support includes updates on multiple advanced life support topics addressed with 3 different types of reviews. Topics were prioritized on the basis of both recent interest within the resuscitation community and the amount of new evidence available since any previous review. Systematic reviews addressed higher-priority topics, and included double-sequential defibrillation, intravenous versus intraosseous route for drug administration during cardiac arrest, point-of-care echocardiography for intra-arrest prognostication, cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism, postresuscitation oxygenation and ventilation, prophylactic antibiotics after resuscitation, postresuscitation seizure prophylaxis and treatment, and neuroprognostication. New or updated treatment recommendations on these topics are presented. Scoping reviews were conducted for anticipatory charging and monitoring of physiological parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Topics for which systematic reviews and new Consensuses on Science With Treatment Recommendations were completed since 2015 are also summarized here. All remaining topics reviewed were addressed with evidence updates to identify any new evidence and to help determine which topics should be the highest priority for systematic reviews in the next 1 to 2 years.
4 Spreading the word
Authors: Robertson Stephen
Published: October 2020

The previous two chapters were about point-to-point or person-to-person messages. The author now talks about messages for broadcasting to a group of people or to the world. The first great invention for broadcasting is the library – the origins of this idea are discussed, as well as its development up to the medieval period. Next comes printing and publishing. Then cinema, radio and television, and the Web.
8 On physics and physiology
Authors: Robertson Stephen
Published: October 2020

Recording and representing the real world, to our eyes and ears, involves a combination of ideas from these two domains. On the physics side, we are concerned with real world three-dimensionality and the optical spectrum; as far as our eyes and ears are concerned, we think about how we perceive colour and space. Representation of images and sound makes use of both aspects.
9 On perspective—and music
Authors: Robertson Stephen
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, the author goes back again in time, to discuss architectural plans, maps (of the curved surface of the earth), and the idea of perspective in Western art. This leads on to cameras and their lenses. A further consideration of the relation between text and language, and our changing view of this, leads to a discussion on similar issues in images and in music, and the resulting different ways to represent these as digitised data.
How Much Do Nurses Know About Residents?
Authors: Asija Richa , Fairbairn Kelly , Sachdeva Shireen , Kreider Michael , Diaz Graal , Rayhrer Constanze
Published: October 2020

Nurses work closely with residents on a daily basis but may not understand the details about residency training and experience. We investigated our institution to understand misconceptions nurses may have about residents and provide education. Nurses (n = 26) participated in a lecture about residents and were given identical surveys before and after the lecture. Twenty-two nurses (85%) were medical/surgical, 1 (4%) was obstetrical, and 3 (11%) were critical care. In the pre-education survey, nurses were able to correctly identify the main purpose of residency as educational. Most nurses knew that residents arrived at the hospital between 5:00 and 7:00 am and that residents could perform bedside procedures. A marked increase was found between correct pre- and post-survey answers in 4 questions: interns are doctors (15% vs. 77%), residents’ work hours (23% vs. 65%), correct average salary (39% vs. 92%), and correct paid time off (PTO) days per year (8% vs. 85%). Salaries were overestimated, and work hours and PTO were underestimated. Most nurses did not know interns are in fact doctors. Our post-educational survey demonstrated improved knowledge of resident credentials, challenges, and work environment. The mean result for the post-educational survey was significantly higher than the pre-educational survey results, indicating that the educational intervention was effective in improving nurses’ knowledge regarding residents.
Decrease in Respiratory Related Hospitalizations in Tracheostomy-Dependent Children Who Tolerate Passy-Muir Valve Use
Authors: Li Lilun , Wikner Emily , Behzadpour Hengameh , Perez Geovanny , Mudd Pamela
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To assess the effect of Passy-Muir® Valve (PMV) tolerance on respiratory illness and respiratory related hospital admissions in tracheostomy-dependent children.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of 262 patients who underwent tracheostomy placement between 2012 and 2018 at a tertiary free-standing children’s hospital. Outcome measures studied were number of reported upper respiratory infections and respiratory related hospitalizations per year (RRH/year).

Results:

About 135 (51.5%) tracheostomy-dependent children underwent PMV trials, and 106 (78.5%) of these children were able to tolerate PMV for at least 1 hour daily. When comparing children who tolerated PMV versus those who did not, the latter group had significantly higher rates of subglottic stenosis but no significant differences in RRH/year or average age. In those children who tolerated PMV and achieved routine use of PMV > 1 hour/day, an average of 1.14 RRH/year occurred prior to PMV tolerance, as compared with 0.57 RRH/year after PMV tolerance ( P = .003). Multivariate analysis shows that in patients <2 years, there is a significant decrease in RRH/year after PMV tolerance is attained (1.53 vs 0.76, P = .001), independent of indication for tracheostomy.

Conclusion:

In tracheostomy-dependent children who tolerate PMV use routinely >1 hour/day there are decreased rates of respiratory related hospitalizations (RRH). Children <2 years of age have the most impact of RRH, with rates that are significantly lower with routine use of the PMV.
The performance and persistence of transitional justice and its ways of knowing atrocity
Authors: Jones Briony
Published: October 2020

Transitional justice, like other peacebuilding endeavours, strives to create change in the world and to produce knowledge that is useful. However, the politics of how this knowledge is produced, shared and rendered legitimate depends upon the relationships between different epistemic communities, the way in which transitional justice has developed as a field and the myriad contexts in which it is embedded at local, national and international levels. In particular, forms of ‘expert’ knowledge tend to be legal, foreign and based on models to be replicated elsewhere. Work on epistemic communities of peacebuilding can be usefully brought to bear on transitional justice, speaking to current debates in the literature on positionality, justice from below, marginalisation and knowledge imperialism. This article offers two contributions to the field of transitional justice: (1) an analysis of the way the field has developed as an epistemic community(ies) and the relevance of this for a politics of knowledge; and (2) an argument for the politics of knowledge to be more widely discussed and understood as a factor in shaping transitional justice policy and practice, and as a call to a more ethical relationship with the supposed beneficiaries of transitional justice interventions.
Liposomal Bupivacaine Infiltration Versus Bupivacaine Hydrochloride for the Management of Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty in Geriatric Patients at a 287-Bed Community Hospital
Authors: Minhaj Abdus-Samad Syed , Skipper Ashley Marie , Murphy Mckenna
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Geriatric patients receiving total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are found to have similar postoperative complications, functional scores, and perioperative mortality, as compared to younger patients. Conversely, geriatric patients often have longer lengths of stay. Periarticular injection (PAI) of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) as part of the multimodal pain management strategy is thought to improve recovery, however, mixed comparative efficacy data exists for its use in TKA.2-5. Methods: A retrospective, chart review was conducted at a 287-bed community teaching hospital. Orthopedic surgical patients who received an infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine versus bupivacaine HCl for unilateral TKA were compared. Patients identified in the electronic medical record by Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) 470—major joint replacement or reattachment of lower extremity without major complication or comorbidity codes were utilized. Patients who meet the following criteria were included: age 65 and older who underwent a TKA between 8/1/2018 to 7/31/2019 were discharged to home. Patients who have contraindications or hypersensitivity to bupivacaine formulations or a history of opioid dependence were excluded. The primary outcome is to identify whether patients who received an infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine had a lower total opioid consumption during their hospital stay. Results: A total of 114 patients who had a DRG 470 code and were above the age of 65 years were studied. There was no statistically significant difference in mean total opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents) between the bupivacaine HCl (n = 25) and liposomal groups (n = 85) respectively, 93.76 versus 83.72 mg; P = .569. In addition, patients in both groups had similar lengths of hospital stay, 2.5 versus 3 days; P = .529 and mean pain scores until discharge 3.7 versus 4.34 on VAS; P = .305. Conclusion: The results of this drug utilization evaluation do not support a strong clinical advantage with local infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine over bupivacaine HCl in geriatric patients undergoing primary TKA surgery at this institution. There was not a statistically significant difference in mean total opioid consumption between the 2 groups. Additionally, the use of non-opioid analgesics, mean pain scores, and hospital lengths of stay were similar in both groups.
How Main Street Drives Wall Street: Customer (Dis)satisfaction, Short Sellers, and Abnormal Returns
Authors: Malshe Ashwin , Colicev Anatoli , Mittal Vikas
Published: October 2020

Although previous studies have established a direct link between customer-based metrics and stock returns, research is unclear on the mediated nature of their association. The authors examine the association of customer satisfaction and abnormal stock returns, as mediated by the trading behavior of short sellers. Using quarterly data from 273 firms over 2007–2017, the authors find that short interest—a measure of short seller activity—mediates the impact of customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction on abnormal stock returns. Customer dissatisfaction has a more pronounced effect on short selling compared with customer satisfaction. In addition, customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction are more relevant for firms with low capital intensity and firms that face lower competitive intensity. The results show that a one-unit increase in customer satisfaction is associated with a .56 percentage point increase in abnormal returns, while a one-unit increase in customer dissatisfaction is associated with a 1.34 percentage point decrease in abnormal returns.
Attitudes of Palestinian and Polish Medical Students Towards Death
Authors: Zdziarski Krzysztof , Awad Mariam S. , Landowski Marek , Zabielska Paulina , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: October 2020

Attitudes of students of health-related subjects towards the death are an important issue showing the behaviour and values ​​that guide young people in everyday interactions. The study was conducted using the Questionnaire About Attitudes Against Death (DAP-R-PL) among 309 students, including 150 Palestinian from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences and 159 Polish from the Faculty of Health Sciences. It was noticed that the attitude of Death Avoidance is higher in Palestinians than in Poles. The biggest difference between correlation indicators is for the factors fear of death and death avoidance (FD and DA). This value is positive for Palestinian respondents and negative for Polish respondents. The study confirms that the attitudes of students towards death from both universities in the perspective of 5 factors are positive and in future contacts with dying patients they will cope with this challenge.
Associative Learning Processes in the Formation of Intergroup Anxiety and Avoidance in Society
Authors: O’Donnell Alexander W. , Neumann David L. , Duffy Amanda L.
Published: October 2020

Laboratory-based aversive conditioning studies have reliably induced fear toward an image of an outgroup member by pairing the image with a fear-inducing, aversive stimulus. However, laboratory-based studies have been criticized for being simplistic in comparison to the complexities of the real world. The current study is the first to apply an aversive conditioning framework to explain the formation of intergroup fear and subsequent anxiety toward, and avoidance of, the outgroup outside the laboratory. Two samples recalled details of their first negative encounter with an African American ( N = 554) or Muslim ( N = 613) individual, respectively. Congruent with learning theory, participants who reported an unpleasant event with an outgroup member reported more fear during the encounter than did those who did not report experiencing an unpleasant event. Additionally, the intensity of unpleasantness during the first encounter indirectly predicted outgroup avoidance, via retrospectively recalled fear and current levels of intergroup anxiety.
Thermal properties of thermal insulation chambers
Authors: Rogale Dubravko , Rogale Snježana Firšt , Majstorović Goran , Čubrić Goran
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the investigation of thermal properties of thermal insulation chambers as an actuator in intelligent clothing, having the property of automatically adjusting the thermal protection level. The chambers are designed to vary their thickness based on the pressure of the inflated air in them. The pressure value measured in the thermal insulation chamber gives the microcomputer information on the thickness of the chamber. The paper presents the investigation of the functional dependencies of changes in the thickness of the chambers on the air pressure in them and the thermal resistance depending on the thickness of the thermal insulation chamber. Experimental thermal insulation chambers were made and integrated into an intelligent article of clothing and filled with air of 0–50 mbar, whereby chamber thicknesses of 0–25 mm were measured. Next, thermal resistance of 0.1876–0.5022 m2 k/W was measured on the thermal manikin. It was found that the ratio of thermal insulation of non-activated to maximally activated chambers was 1:2.7. Research has shown good results for the area where intelligent clothing can automatically adjust its thermal insulation properties. The technical systems described represent a suitable basis for experiments and scientific research during the introduction of intelligent clothing with active thermal protection into human life. The third-generation prototype shows very good properties from the aspect of automatic control of thermal protection in intelligent clothing. This forms the basis for further research. Cold protection has always been carried out by wearing garments with higher or lower thermal protection as well as wearing multiple layers of clothing. The conceptual starting point of the development of intelligent clothing is the development of an adaptive insulation layer with changeable thickness in the form of thermal insulation chambers filled with air. In this way, layered clothing as well as the use of several clothing layers can be avoided. Thus, one intelligent article of clothing regulating its thermal insulation properties can be used in a wide range of cold weather in the environment of the wearer.
The structural effects on the impact response of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene plain weaves
Authors: Zhou Yi , Li Hang , Xiong Ziming , Zhang Zhongwei , Deng Zhongmin
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the penetration and energy absorption mechanisms of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene plain weaves with different fabric properties. Impact tests along with finite element (FE) analysis were used to study the impact response of the fabrics. In this research, the impacting projectile did not cause any fiber or yarn failure on the samples. It was found that structural parameters determine the yarn pull-out behavior and the softness of the resultant fabrics. Fabrics formed by loosely interlaced yarns tend to exhibit higher softness and less resistance against yarn pull-out. When the projectile velocity is not sufficient to initiate yarn pull-out, material softness determines the depth of the backface signature on the clay witness. This trend is more pronounced in a multi-ply fabric system than in a single-ply system; when yarn pull-out occurs, the projectile-slowing mechanism depends on the frictional force between the warp and weft yarns. Therefore, fabric softness becomes less important, and the yarn pull-out behavior of the fabric plays a predominant role in energy absorption. FE prediction showed that tightly woven fabrics exhibit a larger area of stress distribution and material deformation than those with severe yarn pull-out and, consequently, these tight fabrics tend to absorb more kinetic energy and sustain higher impact load from a projectile.
Habit Formation in Tourism Traveling
Authors: Boto-García David
Published: October 2020

This article conducts a microeconometric analysis of individual participation in tourism activities. We examine the existence of habit formation in the form of state dependence by which past trips increase the taste for traveling. We also study the role of regional unemployment rates, regional price indexes, and climate conditions at origin on the likelihood of tourism participation. Individual and household characteristics are also controlled for. We use monthly longitudinal microdata for Spain between 2015 and 2018 involving more than 92,000 individuals. We estimate static and dynamic random effects Probit models finding evidence of habit formation. The initial conditions and participation in the previous month raise the propensity to make a tourist trip in the following period by 28 percentage points. Habit formation is found to be strongly associated with income and education.
Computer-Mediated Communication, Social Media, and Mental Health: A Conceptual and Empirical Meta-Review
Authors: Meier Adrian , Reinecke Leonard
Published: October 2020

Computer-mediated communication (CMC), and specifically social media, may affect the mental health (MH) and well-being of its users, for better or worse. Research on this topic has accumulated rapidly, accompanied by controversial public debate and numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Yet, a higher-level integration of the multiple disparate conceptual and operational approaches to CMC and MH and individual review findings is desperately needed. To this end, we first develop two organizing frameworks that systematize conceptual and operational approaches to CMC and MH. Based on these frameworks, we integrate the literature through a meta-review of 34 reviews and a content analysis of 594 publications. Meta-analytic evidence, overall, suggests a small negative association between social media use and MH. However, effects are complex and depend on the CMC and MH indicators investigated. Based on our conceptual review and the evidence synthesis, we devise an agenda for future research in this interdisciplinary field.
The Ecological Validity of Research Studies on Function-Based Interventions in Schools for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Chezan Laura C. , McCammon Meka N. , Drasgow Erik , Wolfe Katie
Published: October 2020

Our main purpose in this review was to determine the extent to which ecological validity was demonstrated and assessed in single-case experimental design (SCED) studies examining the effectiveness of function-based interventions (FBIs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within schools. We reviewed 55 SCED studies published between 1985 and 2019 to identify indicators of ecological validity and the instruments used to assess it. We also conducted an analysis to determine the extent to which implementation procedures were described. Results indicated that approximately half of the assessments and FBIs were conducted by teachers in classrooms. Approximately 50% of the assessments and FBIs were implemented within the context of isolated sessions and required multiple implementers. Ecological validity was assessed in seven of the studies reviewed. A complete description of implementation procedures was provided for approximately half of the assessments and FBIs. Limitations of the present review and future directions for research are discussed.
MD&A Disclosure of Critical Accounting Policies and Financial Reporting Risk: Evidence From Restatements
Authors: Szerwo Brandon
Published: October 2020

In this study, I examine whether management discloses areas with higher financial reporting risk as critical accounting policies (CAPs) and how investors react to restatements of areas previously disclosed as CAPs. Through CAPs, management annually discloses the accounting policies that it views as most crucial to the portrayal of the firm’s financial condition and results and require its most difficult, subjective, and/or complex judgments. I find that CAPs covering four areas are predictive of subsequent restatements: revenue, derivatives, accruals and short-term liabilities, and capitalization of expenditures. In tests of investor reactions to restatements, I find that cumulative abnormal returns to restatements are more severe (negative) when the areas restated were previously disclosed as CAPs. Collectively, these findings support that management discloses area-specific financial reporting risk through CAPs in some, but not all, areas and that investors view restatements of CAP areas as more egregious than restatements of non-CAP areas.
Urinary Kidney Biomarker Panel Detects Preclinical Antisense Oligonucleotide-Induced Tubular Toxicity
Authors: Sandelius Åsa , Basak Jayati , Hölttä Mikko , Sultana Stefan , Hyberg Gina , Wilson Amanda , Andersson Patrik , Söderberg Magnus
Published: October 2020

Sensitive kidney safety assessment is important for successful drug development in both preclinical and clinical stages. The Food and Drug Administration recently qualified a composite measure of 6 urine creatinine-normalized biomarkers, such as clusterin, cystatin C, kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and osteopontin, for monitoring kidney toxicity in early clinical trials. The qualification was based on small molecule drugs in humans, and the full panel has not been assessed in other species or for other drug modalities. This study evaluated the effects on these biomarkers for a constrained ethyl antisense oligonucleotide (tool ASO) with demonstrated kidney toxicity in mice compared to a control ASO of the same chemistry. Dosing 50 mg/kg of the tool ASO resulted in mild proximal tubular pathology and elevations in KIM-1, clusterin, NGAL, and cystatin C. A lower dose resulted in milder histopathology and lower biomarker increases. Unexpectedly, the control ASO induced mild elevations in KIM-1, NGAL, and cystatin C, despite the lack of pathology. Both KIM-1 and clusterin were most closely associated with kidney pathology and increased with the severity of injury. Altogether, our data suggest that a biomarker panel is a sensitive tool for the detection of preclinical ASO-induced kidney pathology.
Conceptualising China’s approach to ‘Internet Plus Government Services’: A content analysis of government working plans
Authors: Zhou Lihong , Ying Minglei , Wu Jiang
Published: October 2020

This study aims to discern China’s approach to the development of ‘Internet Plus Government Services’ (IPGS) through the systematic search, collection, and analysis of IPGS working plans issued by provincial-level government entities in China. Eighty-one IPGS working plans were retrieved and analysed by applying a qualitative content analysis approach. The analysis identified 16 work packages in four main themes: development of supporting infrastructure; development of IPGS platforms and applications; development of IPGS legislation, regulations, and standards; organisational change and management. A conceptual model was developed and represented by a work breakdown structure diagram. The conceptual model can be used as critical evidence for the management and coordination of IPGS projects across China and offers an important theoretical base for further research of IPGS. This paper provides a comprehensive perspective on China’s IPGS development, which certainly is not flawless and fraught with problems and challenges, and offers useful insights and lessons for the development of digital government services worldwide.
Opportunity and threat behind the Iron Curtain: The failed diffusion of human rights activism in Romania
Authors: Shriver Thomas E , Szabo Adriana M , Bray Laura A
Published: October 2020

Research has highlighted the importance of diffusion processes for the emergence and spread of collective action, yet less attention has been paid to cases where diffusion fails to lead to successful campaigns. This article analyzes an instance of failed movement diffusion to explicate how proximate episodes of contention interact with domestic configurations of opportunity and threat. The authors draw on a failed human rights campaign in communist Romania. In the mid-1970s, several Eastern bloc nations signed international human rights covenants to improve international relations, unintentionally sparking dissident movements across the region. Activists in Romania sought to emulate Czechoslovakia’s dissident movement, Charter 77. But despite the success of its model, the Romanian campaign failed to materialize. This article analyzes the movement and finds that the failed diffusion resulted from a combination of limited structural opportunities at the domestic level, weak perceptions of collective efficacy, and the state’s use of flexible repression strategies.
Polanyi meets Bolsonaro: Reactionary politics and the double movement in twenty-first-century Brazil
Authors: Evans Peter
Published: October 2020

Twenty-first-century Brazil’s political evolution is a window on the dynamics of contemporary political transitions. The inability of Brazil’s Workers’ Party to sustain its social democratic project and the subsequent rise of the reactionary regime of Jair Bolsonaro are, in turn, part of a global pattern of political change. Karl Polanyi’s vision of the ‘double movement,’ in which the dominance of the market vies with the countervailing movement for social protection, offers an analytical springboard for reflecting on these political transitions. Trying to understand the movement for social protection leads to examining ebbs and flows in the momentum of mobilization. Trying to understand how market dominance leads to reaction brings us back to Polanyi’s advocacy of ‘crass materialism’ as a lens for looking at reaction, and from there to consideration of how the structural power of capital undercuts efforts at social protection and opens the door to reaction.
Complete inhibition of ABCB1 and ABCG2 at the blood–brain barrier by co-infusion of erlotinib and tariquidar to improve brain delivery of the model ABCB1/ABCG2 substrate [11C]erlotinib
Authors: Tournier Nicolas , Goutal Sebastien , Mairinger Severin , Hernández-Lozano Irene , Filip Thomas , Sauberer Michael , Caillé Fabien , Breuil Louise , Stanek Johann , Freeman Anna F , Novarino Gaia , Truillet Charles , Wanek Thomas , Langer Oliver
Published: October 2020

P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) restrict at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) the brain distribution of the majority of currently known molecularly targeted anticancer drugs. To improve brain delivery of dual ABCB1/ABCG2 substrates, both ABCB1 and ABCG2 need to be inhibited simultaneously at the BBB. We examined the feasibility of simultaneous ABCB1/ABCG2 inhibition with i.v. co-infusion of erlotinib and tariquidar by studying brain distribution of the model ABCB1/ABCG2 substrate [11C]erlotinib in mice and rhesus macaques with PET. Tolerability of the erlotinib/tariquidar combination was assessed in human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids. In mice and macaques, baseline brain distribution of [11C]erlotinib was low (brain distribution volume, VT,brain < 0.3 mL/cm3). Co-infusion of erlotinib and tariquidar increased VT,brain in mice by 3.0-fold and in macaques by 3.4- to 5.0-fold, while infusion of erlotinib alone or tariquidar alone led to less pronounced VT,brain increases in both species. Treatment of cerebral organoids with erlotinib/tariquidar led to an induction of Caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Co-infusion of erlotinib/tariquidar may potentially allow for complete ABCB1/ABCG2 inhibition at the BBB, while simultaneously achieving brain-targeted EGFR inhibition. Our protocol may be applicable to enhance brain delivery of molecularly targeted anticancer drugs for a more effective treatment of brain tumors.
Efficacy and safety of nebivolol in hypertensive patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Jun-Ying , Guo Li-Na , Peng Wan-Zhong , Jiang Yang , Wang Ai-Li , Guo Xue-Min , Xu Ze-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Our meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebivolol compared with other second-generation β blockers for hypertensive patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials.gov databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The efficacy endpoints included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), reduction of SBP and DBP, heart rate (HR), and adverse events (AEs).

Findings

Eight RCTs with 1514 patients met the inclusion criteria. HR was significantly lower in patients receiving other second-generation β blockers compared with patients receiving nebivolol. There was no difference the reduction of blood pressure (SBP and DBP) or the reduction of SBP or DBP between the groups. The incidence of AEs was lower in patients taking nebivolol compared with patients taking other second-generation β blockers.

Conclusions

No significant difference was demonstrated between nebivolol and other second-generation β blockers in the reduction of blood pressure, SBP, and DBP. The tolerability of nebivolol was significantly better compared with other second-generation β blockers, and nebivolol was also associated with a stable HR and a lower risk of AEs compared with other second-generation β blockers.
Effect of baicalin on gestational hypertension-induced vascular endothelial cell damage
Authors: Liu Yang , Xiong Miao , Zhou Fangfang , Shi Nana , Jia Yunbin
Published: October 2020

Objective

Baicalin is a compound extracted from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Studies have shown that baicalin has a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells, but whether baicalin could alleviate ascular endothelial cell damage in pregnancy-induced hypertensive patients remains unknown.

Materials and methods

We established a hypertensive pregnant rat model to study vascular endothelial injury during pregnancy-induced hypertension. Plasma epoprostenol (PGI-2), thromboxane A2 (Txa-2), β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), and estrogen levels in rats were detected using ELISA. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and C-reactive protein (CRP) expression were detected using western blotting and quantitative PCR (q-PCR).

Results

Results showed that baicalin alleviated symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension. CRP, Txa-2, and β-HCG expression were significantly upregulated, while VEGF, eNOS, PGI-2, and estrogen expression was decreased in plasma and placental tissues of hypertensive rats. However, the levels of these injury indicators were significantly decreased after baicalin therapy, while the expression of protective indicators was significantly increased.

Conclusion

Baicalin reversed vascular endothelial cell injury in pregnant hypertensive rats by promoting VEGF, eNOS, PGI-2, and estrogen expression.
Effect of neurological screening on early dementia detection in southern Italy
Authors: De Cola Maria Cristina , Triglia Giuseppe , Camera Martina , Corallo Francesco , Di Cara Marcella , Bramanti Placido , Lo Buono Viviana
Published: October 2020

Objective

Population screening can facilitate early diagnosis of dementia and improve disease management. This study examined the effects of a screening campaign for neurodegenerative disorders on the early diagnosis of dementia using 2-year follow-up data.

Methods

A 5-day screening campaign was conducted that comprised neurological, neuropsychological and other specialist examinations. Identification of alterations during the neurological examination was followed-up by further diagnostic examinations to confirm the neurological impairment.

Results

Neurological alterations were observed in 39% of the screened subjects, who were mostly diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and referred to a dementia and cognitive disorders centre. Suspicion of neurological impairment was a risk factor for inclusion in a specific neurological ambulatory follow-up and a condition for exemption from payment for medical examinations.

Conclusions

Neurodegenerative screening initiatives should include subjects selected by general practitioners. It would be useful to create a network including primary care physicians and cognitive disorder centres. Telemedicine tools (e.g., teleconsulting) could also be used to facilitate early diagnosis.
Melatonin attenuates AFB1-induced cardiotoxicity via the NLRP3 signalling pathway
Authors: Yan Hui , Ge Junhua , Gao Hongrui , Pan Yang , Hao Yan , Li Jian
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of melatonin against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) cardiotoxicity by evaluating NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) signalling.

Methods

Four groups of five rats each were assessed: control group (vehicle only), two AFB1 (0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg)-treated groups, and a combined AFB1 (0.3 mg/kg) plus melatonin (5 mg/kg)-treated group. After 6 weeks of once-daily intragastric treatment, cardiac pathologic changes were observed under optical microscopy, and oxidative/antioxidative parameters were measured in myocardial homogenate. Cardiac tissue expression of NLRP3 and other important inflammasome components was also analysed.

Results

Compared with controls, increasing concentrations of AFB1 were associated with increased oxidative stress and caused myocardial structure damage. In addition, AFB1 dose-dependently activated the NLRP3 signalling pathway. All these indices were significantly ameliorated by combined AFB1 plus melatonin treatment versus high-dose AFB1 alone.

Conclusion

Melatonin may reduce NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting oxidative stress and thus protect against injury from AFB1-induced myocardial toxicity.