bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the application of surface treatments in different sintering stages affect flexural strength and optical properties of zirconia?
Authors: Kurtulmus‐Yilmaz Sevcan , Önöral Özay , Aktore Huseyin , Ozan Oguz
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the influence of surface treatments conducted in presintering and postsintering stages on flexural strength and optical properties of zirconia.

Materials and methods

Specimens were milled from partially sintered zirconia blocks in different geometries and divided into three main groups as presintered, postsintered, and control groups. Test groups were further divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the surface treatments conducted (grinding, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, air‐borne particle abrasion [APA]). Four‐point flexural strength (σ) test and Weibull analysis were conducted. Color differences (ΔE00) and translucency parameter (TPab) were calculated with a spectrophotometer. Surfaces of specimens were scrutinized under FESEM. Data were statistically analyzed.

Results

Postsintered groups exhibited higher σ values (P < .05). Within all groups, highest and lowest σ values were detected at postsintered and presintered APA groups, respectively (P < .05). All ΔE00 values were above the perceptibility threshold (ΔE00 > 0.8). Higher TPab values were obtained and deeper scratches were observed in presintered groups.

Conclusions

Surface treatments performed at postsintering stage had a favorable effect on the flexural strength of all specimens. Surface treatments performed before sintering increased translucency and caused higher ΔE00 values.

Clinical significance

Surface treatments performed at different sintering stages can alter mechanical and optical properties of zirconia.
Effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on obstetric outcomes within 12 months after surgery
Authors: Karadağ Cihan , Demircan Sinem , Çalışkan Eray
Published: November 2019

Aim

To determine the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant patients having undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in the previous 12 months.

Methods

This retrospective and observational study included 144 pregnant women: 48 had pregnancies within 12 months after LSG (Group A), 42 became pregnant more than 1 year after surgery (Group B) and 54 obese pregnant women who had a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, were categorized as the control group because they did not undergo surgery (Group C). The participants' early gestational BMI, predelivery BMI and gestational weight gain were determined and the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of the groups were compared.

Results

The time interval from surgery to conception was 7.8 ± 3.4 months and 25.8 ± 13.4 months for Groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the rates of gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery and cesarean section between the groups. The number of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in Group C than in Groups A and B (P = 0.004). The number of large‐for‐gestational‐age infants was higher in Group C than in Groups A and B (P = 0.046). The number of small‐for‐gestational‐age infants was significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B and C (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Pregnancy within one year after LSG is related to an increased risk of small‐for‐gestational‐age infants. LSG decreases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus independent of the time interval between surgery and conception.
Reassessing the Concept and Measurement of Evangelicals: The Case for the RELTRAD Approach
Authors: Smidt Corwin E.
Published: November 2019

Social scientists have generally adopted one of three analytical approaches to understanding evangelicalism and those who thereby fall within the ranks of evangelicals. The choice of which approach one adopts is not “neutral,” as each approach embodies different theoretical perspectives related to evangelicals, posits different means by which religion is linked to attitudes and behavior, entails different measurement issues, and captures somewhat different segments of society as being evangelical. This article delineates and explicates the inherent conceptual differences among the three approaches and examines the measurement issues associated with each approach. Given this reassessment, the article concludes by contending that the relative merits of the affiliation (or RELTRAD) approach generally outweigh those of the other two approaches.
System Justification and Affective Responses to Terrorism: Evidence from the November 2015 Paris Attacks
Authors: Vasilopoulos Pavlos , Brouard Sylvain
Published: November 2019

A large stream of research has shown that emotional reactions have a powerful impact on political choices and decision‐making processes. Yet little is known about individual‐level differences in experiencing specific emotions in the light of threatening events. In this article, we argue that system justification, or the endorsement and bolstering of existing social and political arrangements, is positively associated with the experience of positive emotions and negatively associated with the experience of negative emotions in the light of threat. We test our hypotheses using a study conducted a few days after the November 13, 2015, Paris terror attacks on a large sample in France. Our results show that system justification was positively associated with experiencing hope in the light of the attacks and negatively associated with experiencing fear and anger. Moreover, the size of these effects exceeded the respective size of other psychological characteristics such as authoritarianism, conservatism, and national attachment. These findings extend research on the palliative function of system justification to the domain of emotional responses to terrorist shocks.
Shrub influences on seedling performance when restoring the slow‐growing conifer Pilgerodendron uviferum in southern bog forests
Authors: Bannister Jan R. , Travieso Germán , Galindo Nicole , Acevedo Manuel , Puettmann Klaus , Salas‐Eljatib Christian
Published: November 2019

Forest restoration is most efficient if it can take advantage of facilitative interactions between established vegetation and planted trees. However, positive and negative interactions have been identified in a number of plant communities. After centuries of anthropogenic fires, forest recovery has been extremely slow in southern bog forests previously dominated by the slow‐growing and vulnerable conifer Pilgerodendron uviferum on Chiloé Island, Chile. Today, the landscape is dominated by secondary shrublands with scattered patches of Sphagnum moss and limited natural tree regeneration. We hypothesized that the retention of secondary shrubs facilitates the early performance of P. uviferum restoration plantings by providing better microsite conditions. To test this hypothesis, we compared the response of seedlings planted on sites prepared at two levels of intervention: after shrubs had been removed or where shrubs were retained. Shrub retention showed a nurse‐plant effect on P. uviferum seedlings 4 years after planting, which resulted in reduced physiological stress (measured as Fv/Fm) for seedlings, as well as reduced browsing. Consequently, the seedlings growing in areas with shrub retention had larger height increment and higher vitality than those in areas where shrubs had been removed. Thus, the more open micro‐site conditions created by shrub removal resulted in generally poorer seedling performance, although seedling mortality—which was low overall (approximately 2–4%)—showed no significant difference between the two levels of intervention. These findings have direct implications for the restoration of slow‐growing conifers that can tolerate extreme wet conditions in highly degraded forests.
Product Differentiation for Competitive Advantage in the Private Tertiary Education Institutions in Botswana
Authors: Chiguvi Douglas , Khumalo Sinesisa , Tadu Ruramayi , Dube Zenzo. D. , Jazi Joe
Published: November 2019

The primary objective of the study was to describe the extent to which product differentiation strategies may be used to gain competitive advantage among private tertiary education institutions in Botswana. The study examined how product differentiation strategies may be employed by private tertiary education institutions in order to achieve competitive advantage. The study used descriptive survey research and the findings revealed that the private universities have not done enough to clearly stand out as differentiated universities. The study recommends that the universities need to work together with key stakeholders and continually seek ways to attain competitive advantage through product differentiation.
Influence of Form Defects on the Load Bearing Characteristics of Interference Fits of Shaft and Bush
Authors: Bao Liu , Lu Hong , Yang Minghui , Zhang Xinbao , Yu Lu , Wang Bowen , Wang Lingyan
Published: November 2019

Tight interference fits are extensively applied in machine tool and industry, as it can provide stable bearing capacity in an efficient way. However, in most of proposed models for investigating the load bearing characteristics of interference fits, it is not common to consider roughness and form defects together. It is limited to describe interference fits of simple parts and investigate the effects of form defects approximately. The objective of this study is to present a feasible method to investigate the effects of form defects on the load bearing characteristics of interference fits of shaft and bush. The analytical method is established based on thick-walled cylinder theory and the experimental data on the joint surface. It takes both roughness and form defects into account, and predicts the load bearing characteristics under different parameters of form defects, such as the period and amplitude. The results show that the distribution of contact pressure of joint surface depends on the different parameters of form defects. Furthermore, as the amplitude of form defects decreases, the effects on bearing capacity of interference fits also decrease gradually.
Thermal Analysis and Verification for Direct Metal Deposition of 0Cr18Ni9 Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Jin , Shi Jing , Wang Yi , Bai Yun
Published: November 2019

Due to rapid cyclic heating and cooling in metal additive manufacturing processes, such as selective laser melting (SLM) and direct metal deposition (DMD), large thermal stresses will form and this may lead to the loss of dimensional accuracy or even cracks. The integration of numerical analysis and experimental validation provides a powerful tool that allows the prediction of defects, and optimization of the component design and the additive manufacturing process parameters. In this work, a numerical simulation on the thermal process of DMD of 0Cr18Ni9 stainless steel is conducted. The simulation is based on the finite volume method (FVM). An in-house code is developed, and it is able to calculate the temperature distribution dynamically. The model size is 30mm × 30mm × 10.5mm, containing 432,000 cells. A DMD experiment on the material with the same configuration and process parameters is also carried out, during which an infrared camera is adopted to obtain the surface temperature distribution continuously, and thermocouples are embedded in the baseplate to record the temperature histories. It is found that the numerical results agree with the experimental results well.
Bending and Springback Analysis on Sheet Metal Material Discontinuity
Authors: Nikhare Chetan P.
Published: November 2019

Origami concept came up as an emerging technique for sheet metal bending or folding and is called as Origami-based sheet metal (OSM) folding. This process fits right in criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing due to minimal resources required to make the fold or bend. In this process, the line was created on which the bend was supposed to perform. Traditionally the intermittent material was removed from that line with a through cut. Then the bend was performed. During bending the force required was very less and thus it can also be called as easy bend operation. Because the material and removed all the way through the thickness of the metal, these part after bending cannot be used to contain particles smaller than the cut width or liquid solution due to leakage issue. To overcome this issue, this paper investigates the material discontinuities with a blind cut, where the material through the thickness was not completely removed. For this 4 sample types were created. Three additional variables were added in placing the sample during bend operation. Experiments were performed and bending deformation and springback were analyzed. After analyzing the results, it was found that significant thickness difference regions in the sample, smaller clearance, smaller width or cut, and width of cut facing punch are the best variable to have a better bending and less springback.
Digital Twin-Based Control Approach for Industrial Cloud Robotics
Authors: Li Lan , Xu Wenjun , Liu Zhihao , Yao Bitao , Zhou Zude , Pham Duc Truong
Published: November 2019

Industrial robots can be mechanical intelligent agents by integrating programs, intelligent algorithms and facilitating intelligent manufacturing models from cyber world into physical entities. After introducing the concept of cloud, their storage, computing, knowledge sharing and evolution capabilities are further strengthened. Digital twin is an effective means to achieve the fusion of physics and information. Therefore, it is feasible to introduce the digital twin to the industrial cloud robotics (ICR), in order to facilitate the control optimization of robots’ running state. The traditional manufacturing task-oriented service composition is limited to execution in the cloud, and it is separated from the underlying robot equipment control, which greatly reduces the real-time performance and accuracy of the underlying service response, such as Robotic Control as a Cloud Service (RCaaCS). Therefore, this paper proposes a digital twin-based control approach for ICR. At the manufacturing cell level, robots’ control instruction service modeling is conducted, and then the control service in the digital world is mapped to the robot action control in the physical world through the concept of digital twin. The accumulated operational data in the physical world can be fed back to the digital world as a reference for simulation and control strategy adjustment, finally achieving the integration of cloud services and robot control. A case study based on workpiece disassembly is presented to verify the availability and effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Comparison of Commercially Available Thread Forming Profiles on Flow Drill Joining of 6061-T6 Aluminum to Thermoset Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite
Authors: Ruszkiewicz Brandt J. , Simpson Gene , Breidenbaugh Eric
Published: November 2019

Flow Drill Screws are self-piercing, self-tapping screws used for single sided joining of light metals, such as aluminum. This technology has been adopted by many automotive OEMs for use in metals. Thread forming profiles exist for material stackups that are made of entirely metals and entirely polymers/composites. This research evaluated the effectiveness of these thread profiles in dissimilar metal-on-composite stackups. Thread profiles designed for use in polymers/composites and aluminum were compared with a traditional machine screw thread profile for flow drill joining of 1mm and 2mm thick 6061-T6 aluminum to 3mm thick thermoset carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The three thread profiles were manufactured as M5x25mm flow drill screws in their commercially available configurations and materials. Two parameter sets from the FDS equipment manufacturer were evaluated, the first designed for use with the polymer thread forming profile, the second designed for use with the aluminum thread forming profile. The thread profiles were evaluated based on outputs of process time, peak torque, and lap shear strength. The polymer thread profile had shorter process times than the other 2 profiles but caused more damage to itself and its mating material. All 3 thread profiles exhibited greater shear strength when aluminum was used as the lower sheet material.
Fabrication of Deterministic Micro-Asperities on Thrust Surfaces Using Photo Chemical Machining
Authors: Panigrahi Dillip Kumar , Sarangi Mihir
Published: November 2019

The present invention relates to characterization and the sequence of operations in photo chemical machining as a means to fabricate positive deterministic micro-textures on mild steel thrust pad surfaces. Fabrication of surface micro-texture by current technique is conceived in two-stages: where photographic emulsion process is used to pattern the microstructure, and chemical etching method is employed to fabricate the textures on mild steel surface by dissolving exposed metal surface. The texture fabricated by present invention is having slightly rough etched bottom surface with sharp edge and least amount of burrs around the texture rim and the process is also cost effective. Several aspects regarding sequence of operations in manufacturing process and the characterization of fabricated textured surfaces are discussed. The physical significance of micro-asperities on hydrodynamic lubrication is presented experimentally under constant flow system. The variation of hydrodynamic performance parameters such as frictional torque, fluid film thickness and recess pressure with different operating conditions such as varying speed and supply pressure are outlined.
On the Application of Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian and Remeshing Techniques to Simulate Certain Machining and Deformation Processing Operations
Authors: Salilkumar Vandana A. , Sundaram Narayan K.
Published: November 2019

Metal cutting and deformation processing operations provide some of the most challenging problems for modeling and simulation in computational plasticity. These challenges include, but are not limited to, extreme plastic deformation, challenges in constitutive and interfacial friction modeling, microstructural effects, mechanical and thermoplastic instabilities, multiphysics effects due to cutting fluid and high temperatures, and are generally computationally intensive. Despite considerable progress in each of these fronts, there is scope to expand the envelope of simulations that capture the deformation physics while being computationally feasible. Moreover, even conventional standard FEA codes can be leveraged for modeling and simulation in more effective ways. In this work, we present three challenging scenarios for modeling, namely large strain extrusion machining (LSEM), forming using a flat punch, and cutting of inhomogeneous metal, using a mix of Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE), conventional Lagrangian FE, and remeshing techniques. Some of these simulations are ‘standard’, while others are first-in-class, and we discuss both specific and general modeling issues that must be considered to obtain good quality solutions. Specific mechanics insights gleaned from each of these case studies are also presented, ranging from the influence of friction in deep punch indentation to the selection of the chip thickness ratio in LSEM. The last part of this work focuses on problems that arise in the simulation of polycrystalline aggregate cutting, and the progress made in addressing them.
Variable Helix Cutter Design to Suppress Regenerative Effect
Authors: Suzuki Norikazu , Ishiguro Rikiya , Morita Tomoki , Shamoto Eiji
Published: November 2019

Regeneration is a major mechanism to generate self-excited chatter vibration in cutting. Variable helix cutters are useful to suppress regeneration. Although simultaneous optimization of pitch/helix angles is significantly important, there is no practical design methodology to optimize the variable helix cutter geometry so far. In order to attain robust regeneration suppression, a new design method of variable helix cutters is proposed in the present study. The pitch angles vary along axial position due to disagreement of the helix angles. Because of this nature, regeneration can be suppressed in a robust manner with respect to changes of chatter frequency and/or spindle speed. The proposed design satisfies robustness against axial depth of cut variations. Optimal pitch/helix angles are formulated on the basis of distinctive relationship between the cutter geometry and “Regeneration Factor (RF)”, which is an index to quantify influence of regeneration in the process. Through analytical investigations, it is confirmed that regeneration can be suppressed effectively by the proposed method, resulting in significant chatter stability increase. Low immersion milling experiment verified significant stability and robustness of the proposed variable helix design.
Topology Optimization for Multi-Material Lattice Structures With Tailorable Material Properties for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Venugopal Vysakh , McConaha Matthew , Anand Sam
Published: November 2019

Structurally optimized lattices have gained significant attention since the commercialization of additive manufacturing (AM). These lattices, which can be categorized as metamaterials, are used in aviation and aerospace industries due to their capacity to perform well under extreme structural, thermal, or acoustic loading conditions. This research focuses on the design of a unit cell of a multi-material lattice structure using topology optimization to be manufactured using multi-material additive manufacturing processes. The algorithm combined with octant symmetry and support elimination filters yields optimized unit cells with overall reduction in effective coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity with high mechanical strength. Such unit cells can be used in multi-material additive manufacturing to generate lattice structures with optimized structural and thermal properties.
Experimental Investigation of Stratasys J750 PolyJet Printer: Effects of Finish Type and Shore Hardness on Surface Roughness
Authors: Wei Xingjian , Bhardwaj Abhinav , Zeng Li , Pei Zhijian
Published: November 2019

The J750 PolyJet printer is the newest model of full-color and multi-material 3D printer from Stratasys. Currently, limited information is available about the effects of control factors on surface roughness of parts printed by this printer. In this study, the effects of two control factors, finish type and Shore hardness, on surface roughness are investigated. The results suggest that both control factors significantly affect surface roughness. Specifically, samples printed with glossy finish have lower surface roughness than those with matte finish, and larger value of Shore hardness leads to lower surface roughness. These results would be valuable to researchers and practitioners who use the J750 3D printer.
Design and Analysis of the Transmission System in Geared Turbofan Engine
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Yang Kai , Tang Wen
Published: November 2019

A comparative analysis of the structural form and gear type of the gear-driven fan engine reducer is made. Comparative analysis of different transmission structure forms and different gear types, the results show that the star-shaped structure with herringbone gear is more suitable for aero-engine fan reducer, especially in the case of high output speed and high gear bearing capacity. According to the design conditions, the basic parameters of the gear system of the transmission system were preliminarily designed. The gear loading calculations were carried out by finite element method and ISO method respectively, and the root bending stress and tooth surface contact stress obtained by the two methods were compared and analyzed. The results show that the parameters of the fan reducer gear system designed using ISO standards are more conservative. The gear stress obtained by the finite element method simulation is close to the nominal stress calculated in the ISO standard, which verifies the rationality of the finite element model. On this basis, the gear shaping parameters are designed according to the stress and strain conditions of the finite element loading contact analysis, and the appropriate shaping parameters are obtained. Based on the stress and strain results of the finite element loading contact analysis, we designed the gear modification parameters and obtained the appropriate modification parameters.
The rat as a model for studying noise injury and otoprotection
Authors: Holt Avril Genene , Kühl André , Braun Rod D. , Altschuler Richard
Published: November 2019

A major challenge for those studying noise-induced injury pre-clinically is the selection of an animal model. Noise injury models are particularly relevant in an age when people are constantly bombarded by loud noise due to occupation and/or recreation. The rat has been widely used for noise-related morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular assessment. Noise exposure resulting in a temporary (TTS) or permanent threshold shift (PTS) yields trauma in peripheral and central auditory related pathways. While the precise nature of noise-related injuries continues to be delineated, both PTS and TTS (with or without hidden hearing loss) result in homeostatic changes implicated in conditions such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. Compared to mice, rats generally tolerate exposure to loud sounds reasonably well, often without exhibiting other physical non-inner ear related symptoms such as death, loss of consciousness, or seizures [Skradski, Clark, Jiang, White, Fu, and Ptacek (2001). Neuron 31, 537–544; Faingold (2002). Hear. Res. 168, 223–237; Firstova, Abaimov, Surina, Poletaeva, Fedotova, and Kovalev (2012). Bull Exp. Biol. Med. 154, 196–198; De Sarro, Russo, Citraro, and Meldrum (2017). Epilepsy Behav. 71, 165–173]. This ability of the rat to thrive following noise exposure permits study of long-term effects. Like the mouse, the rat also offers a well-characterized genome allowing genetic manipulations (i.e., knock-out, viral-based gene expression modulation, and optogenetics). Rat models of noise-related injury also provide valuable information for understanding mechanistic changes to identify therapeutic targets for treatment. This article provides a framework for selection of the rat as a model for noise injury studies.
Impact of noise exposure on the circadian clock in the auditory system
Authors: Fontana Jacopo M. , Tserga Evangelia , Sarlus Heela , Canlon Barbara , Cederroth Christopher
Published: November 2019

Circadian rhythms control the timing of all bodily functions, and misalignment in the rhythms can cause various diseases. Moreover, circadian rhythms are highly conserved and are regulated by a transcriptional-translational feedback loop of circadian genes that has a periodicity of approximately 24 h. The cochlea and the inferior colliculus (IC) have been shown to possess an autonomous and self-sustained circadian system as demonstrated by recording, in real time, the bioluminescence from PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) mice. The cochlea and IC both express the core clock genes, Per1, Per2, Bmal1, and Rev-Erbα, where RNA abundance is rhythmically distributed with a 24 h cycle. Noise exposure alters clock gene expression in the cochlea and the IC after noise stimulation, although in different ways. These findings highlight the importance of circadian responses in the cochlea and the IC and emphasize the importance of circadian mechanisms for understanding the differences in central and peripheral auditory function and the subsequent molecular changes that occur after daytime (inactive phase) or nighttime (active phase) noise trauma.
Noise exposure limit for children in recreational settings: Review of available evidence
Authors: Roberts Benjamin , Neitzel Richard L.
Published: November 2019

It is universally recognized that prolonged exposure to high levels of non-impulsive noise will lead to noise-induced hearing loss. These high levels of noise have traditionally been found in an occupational setting, but exposure to high levels of noise is increasingly common in recreational settings. There is currently no established acceptable risk of hearing loss in children. This review assumed that the most appropriate exposure limit for recreational noise exposure in children would be developed to protect 99% of children from hearing loss exceeding 5 dB at the 4 kHz audiometric test frequency after 18 years of noise exposure. Using the ISO 1999:2013 model for predicting hearing loss, it was estimated that noise exposure equivalent to an 8-h average exposure (LEX) of 82 dBA would result in about 4.2 dB or less of hearing loss in 99% of children after 18 years of exposure. The 8-h LEX was reduced to 80 dB to include a 2 dB margin of safety. This 8-h LEX of 80 dBA is estimated to result in 2.1 dB or less of hearing loss in 99% of children after 18 years of exposure. This is equivalent to 75 dBA as a 24-h equivalent continuous average sound level.
Mouse methods and models for studies in hearing
Authors: Ohlemiller Kevin K.
Published: November 2019

Laboratory mice have become the dominant animal model for hearing research. The mouse cochlea operates according to standard “mammalian” principles, uses the same cochlear cell types, and exhibits the same types of injury as found in other mammals. The typical mouse lifespan is less than 3 years, yet the age-associated pathologies that may be found are quite similar to longer-lived mammals. All Schuknecht's types of presbycusis have been identified in existing mouse lines, some favoring hair cell loss while others favor strial degeneration. Although noise exposure generally affects the mouse cochlea in a manner similar to other mammals, mice appear more prone to permanent alterations to hair cells or the organ of Corti than to hair cell loss. Therapeutic compounds may be applied systemically or locally through the tympanic membrane or onto (or through) the round window membrane. The thinness of the mouse cochlear capsule and annular ligament may promote drug entry from the middle ear, although an extremely active middle ear lining may quickly remove most drugs. Preclinical testing of any therapeutic will always require tests in multiple animal models. Mice constitute one model providing supporting evidence for any therapeutic, while genetically engineered mice can test hypotheses about mechanisms.
Medicines discovery for auditory disorders: Challenges for industry
Authors: Cousins Rick P. C.
Published: November 2019

Currently, no approved medicines are available for the prevention or treatment of hearing loss. Pharmaceutical industry productivity across all therapeutic indications has historically been disappointing, with a 90% chance of failure in delivering a marketed drug after entering clinical evaluation. To address these failings, initiatives have been applied in the three cornerstones of medicine discovery: target selection, clinical candidate selection, and clinical studies. These changes aimed to enable data-informed decisions on the translation of preclinical observations into a safe, clinically effective medicine by ensuring the best biological target is selected, the most appropriate chemical entity is advanced, and that the clinical studies enroll the correct patients. The specific underlying pathologies need to be known to allow appropriate patient selection, so improved diagnostics are required, as are methodologies for measuring in the inner ear target engagement, drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. The different therapeutic strategies of protecting hearing or preventing hearing loss versus restoring hearing are reviewed along with potential treatments for tinnitus. Examples of current investigational drugs are discussed to highlight key challenges in drug discovery and the learnings being applied to improve the probability of success of launching a marketed medicine.
Acoustic trauma from continuous noise: Minimum exposures, issues in clinical trial design, and comments on magnetic resonance imaging exposures
Authors: Berger Elliott H. , Dobie Robert A.
Published: November 2019

Acoustic trauma (AT) is permanent hearing loss after a single noise exposure. A few human cases resulting from continuous, i.e., nonimpulsive noise, have been reported as reviewed by Ward [(1991). “Hearing loss from noise and music,” presented at Audio Engineering Society, New York, October 4–8]. This paper updates that review by examining 11 cases in nine reports, from 1950 to 2006, with the intention of determining minimum exposures that may cause AT, including the potential risk of exposure to noise from magnetic resonance imaging machines. Diffuse-field related levels above 120 dBA for 10 s or more, or above 130 dBA for 2–3 s (values well above OSHA's unprotected exposure limits), can lead to AT. These cases appear to represent a susceptible fraction of the population, because much more intense exposures (e.g., 130 dBA for 32 min) have been tolerated by groups of volunteers who suffered only temporary threshold shifts. AT from continuous noise is unlikely to occur in OSHA-compliant hearing conservation programs, and probably rare enough in the general civilian population that clinical trials of drugs aimed at treating it are unlikely to be practical. AT from impulse noise, such as gunfire, which is specifically not the topic of the current work, is more amenable to clinical trials, especially in military settings.
The chinchilla animal model for hearing science and noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Trevino Monica , Lobarinas Edward , Maulden Amanda C. , Heinz Michael G.
Published: November 2019

The chinchilla animal model for noise-induced hearing loss has an extensive history spanning more than 50 years. Many behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of the chinchilla make it a valuable animal model for hearing science. These include similarities with human hearing frequency and intensity sensitivity, the ability to be trained behaviorally with acoustic stimuli relevant to human hearing, a docile nature that allows many physiological measures to be made in an awake state, physiological robustness that allows for data to be collected from all levels of the auditory system, and the ability to model various types of conductive and sensorineural hearing losses that mimic pathologies observed in humans. Given these attributes, chinchillas have been used repeatedly to study anatomical, physiological, and behavioral effects of continuous and impulse noise exposures that produce either temporary or permanent threshold shifts. Based on the mechanistic insights from noise-exposure studies, chinchillas have also been used in pre-clinical drug studies for the prevention and rescue of noise-induced hearing loss. This review paper highlights the role of the chinchilla model in hearing science, its important contributions, and its advantages and limitations.
Noise of military weapons, ground vehicles, planes and ships
Authors: Jokel Charles , Yankaskas Kurt , Robinette Martin B.
Published: November 2019

Noisy equipment and processes are found throughout military operations, exposing service members to risks of hearing damage due to hazardous noise levels. This article provides an overview of the military noise environment for the non-expert and provides a general characterization of the noise by source type and operational category. The focus of the article is primarily related to the Army, but the same, or similar, equipment is used by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Damage risk criteria used by the Army Public Health Command are discussed. In addition, the important role of hearing protection to mitigate the hazards of noise exposure is provided.
Platypnoea and orthodeoxia in the hepatopulmonary syndrome
Authors: Surridge Anna , Atkinson Jane , Aujayeb Avinash
Published: November 2019

A 71-year-old female patient with alcohol-induced cirrhosis presented with symptoms of dyspnoea. Previous extensive investigations had detected no apparent cause. Platypnoea and orthodeoxia were observed. A bubble echocardiogram revealed significant intracardiac shunting and a diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome was made. The patient was discharged on home oxygen and referred for liver transplantation.
Quality of care for acute abdominal pain in children
Authors: Zurynski Yvonne , Churruca Kate , Arnolda Gaston , Dalton Sarah , Ting Hsuen P , Hibbert Peter Damian , Molloy Charlotte , Wiles Louise K , de Wet Carl , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess quality of care for children presenting with acute abdominal pain using validated indicators.

Design

Audit of care quality for acute abdominal pain according to 21 care quality indicators developed and validated in four stages.

Setting and participants

Medical records of children aged 1–15 years receiving care in 2012–2013 were sampled from 57 general practitioners, 34 emergency departments (ED) and 28 hospitals across three Australian states; 6689 medical records were screened for visits for acute abdominal pain and audited by trained paediatric nurses.

Outcome measures

Adherence to 21 care quality indicators and three bundles of indicators: bundle A-History; bundle B-Examination; bundle C-Imaging.

Results

Five hundred and fourteen children had 696 visits for acute abdominal pain and adherence was assessed for 9785 individual indicators. The overall adherence was 69.9% (95% CI 64.8% to 74.6%). Adherence to individual indicators ranged from 21.6% for assessment of dehydration to 91.4% for appropriate ordering of imaging. Adherence was low for bundle A-History (29.4%) and bundle B-Examination (10.2%), and high for bundle C-Imaging (91.4%). Adherence to the 21 indicators overall was significantly lower in general practice (62.7%, 95% CI 57.0% to 68.1%) compared with ED (86.0%, 95% CI 83.4% to 88.4%; p<0.0001) and hospital inpatient settings (87.9%, 95% CI 83.1% to 91.8%; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

There was considerable variation in care quality for indicator bundles and care settings. Future work should explore how validated care quality indicator assessments can be embedded into clinical workflows to support continuous care quality improvement.
Static and dynamic charged black holes
Authors: Huang Hyat , Fan Zhong-Ying , Lü H.
Published: November 2019

We consider a class of Einstein–Maxwell–dilaton theories in general dimensions and construct both static and dynamic charged black holes. We adopt the reverse engineering procedure and make a specific ansatz for the scalar field and then derive the necessary scalar potential and the non-minimal coupling function between the scalar and the Maxwell field. The resulting static black holes contain mass and electric charge as integration constants. We find that some of the static solutions can be promoted to become dynamical ones in the Eddington–Finkelstein-like coordinates. The collapse solutions describe the evolution from a smaller charged black hole to a larger black hole state, driven by the scalar field.
Massless fermions on static general prolate metrics and their Heun solutions
Authors: Dariescu Marina-Aura , Dariescu Ciprian , Stelea Cristian
Published: November 2019

Employing a pseudo-orthonormal coordinate-free approach, we write down the Dirac equation in spacetimes with static general prolate metrics. As examples, we consider the electrically charged C-metric, the vacuum C-metric, the Reissner–Nordström and Schwarzschild spacetimes and the BBMB black hole and show that the solutions to the Dirac equations for particles in these spacetimes can be derived in terms of Heun’s general functions and their confluent and double confluent forms. By imposing boundary conditions to the radial solutions, the so-called resonant frequencies are obtained.
WHO ARE THE ADOPTERS OF RETRO-TECHNOLOGY?
Authors: ADAMS JACK , DEDEHAYIR OZGUR , O’CONNOR PETER , NOKELAINEN TOMI
Published: November 2019

This paper studies the motivations and personality traits of retro-tech adopters. From a survey conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk with 466 respondents, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to establish motivational factors, and then ran a correlation analysis to determine the relationships between these motivations and the facet-level traits of the BFI-2 model. Our findings indicate that retro-tech consumers are not a homogenous adopter category, as individuals are affected by different motivations — aesthetic, fashionability, nostalgic positive emotionality, non-conformism and quality. Our study additionally suggests a cyclical conceptualisation of the diffusion of innovations model, or its extension to include a new group of retro-adopters.
Gene Expression and Protein Function
Authors: Sathe Saket , Aggarwal Sayani , Tang Jiliang
Published: November 2019

Deep learning methods have found increasing interest in recent years because of their wide applicability for prediction and inference in numerous disciplines such as image recognition, natural language processing, and speech recognition. Computational biology is a data-intensive field in which the types of data can be very diverse. These different types of structured data require different neural architectures. The problems of gene expression and protein function prediction are related areas in computational biology (since genes control the production of proteins). This survey provides an overview of the various types of problems in this domain and the neural architectures that work for these data sets. Since deep learning is a new field compared to traditional machine learning, much of the work in this area corresponds to traditional machine learning rather than deep learning. However, as the sizes of protein and gene expression data sets continue to grow, the possibility of using data-hungry deep learning methods continues to increase. Indeed, the previous five years have seen a sudden increase in deep learning models, although some areas of protein analytics and gene expression still remain relatively unexplored. Therefore, aside from the survey on the deep learning work directly related to these problems, we also point out existing deep learning work from other domains that has the potential to be applied to these domains.
Modulatory effects of the supplementary motor area on primary motor cortex outputs
Authors: Côté Sandrine L. , Elgbeili Guillaume , Quessy Stephan , Dancause Numa
Published: November 2019

Premotor areas of primates are specialized cortical regions that can contribute to hand movements by modulating the outputs of the primary motor cortex (M1). The goal of the present work was to study how the supplementary motor area (SMA) located within the same hemisphere [i.e., ipsilateral SMA (iSMA)] or the opposite hemisphere [i.e., contralateral (cSMA)] modulate the outputs of M1. We used paired-pulse protocols with intracortical stimulations in sedated capuchin monkeys. A conditioning stimulus in iSMA or cSMA was delivered simultaneously or before a test stimulus in M1 with different interstimulus intervals (ISIs) while electromyographic activity was recorded in hand and forearm muscles. The pattern of modulation from iSMA and cSMA shared some clear similarities. In particular, both areas predominantly induced facilitatory effects on M1 outputs with shorter ISIs and inhibitory effects with longer ISIs. However, the incidence and strength of facilitatory effects were greater for iSMA than cSMA. We then compared the pattern of modulatory effects from SMA to the ones from the dorsal and ventral premotor cortexes (PMd and PMv) collected in the same series of experiments. Among premotor areas, the impact of SMA on M1 outputs was always weaker than the one of either PMd or PMv, and this was regardless of the hemisphere, or the ISI, tested. These results show that SMA exerts a unique set of modulations on M1 outputs, which could support its specific function for the production of hand movements.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We unequivocally isolated stimulation to either the ipsilateral or contralateral supplementary motor area (SMA) using invasive techniques and compared their modulatory effects on the outputs of primary motor cortex (M1). Modulations from both SMAs shared many similarities. However, facilitatory effects evoked from ipsilateral SMA were more common and more powerful. This pattern differs from the ones of other premotor areas, which suggests that each premotor area makes unique contributions to the production of motor outputs.
Recognition and Classification of Broiler Droppings Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jintao , Shen Mingxia , Liu Longshen , Xu Yi , Okinda Cedric
Published: November 2019

Digestive diseases are one of the common broiler diseases that significantly affect production and animal welfare in broiler breeding. Droppings examination and observation are the most precise techniques to detect the occurrence of digestive disease infections in birds. This study proposes an automated broiler digestive disease detector based on a deep Convolutional Neural Network model to classify fine-grained abnormal broiler droppings images as normal and abnormal (shape, color, water content, and shape&water). Droppings images were collected from 10,000 25-35-day-old Ross broiler birds reared in multilayer cages with automatic droppings conveyor belts. For comparative purposes, Faster R-CNN and YOLO-V3 deep Convolutional Neural Networks were developed. The performance of YOLO-V3 was improved by optimizing the anchor box. Faster R-CNN achieved 99.1% recall and 93.3% mean average precision, while YOLO-V3 achieved 88.7% recall and 84.3% mean average precision on the testing data set. The proposed detector can provide technical support for the detection of digestive diseases in broiler production by automatically and nonintrusively recognizing and classifying chicken droppings.
Antifungal in vitro Activity of Essential Oils against Clinical Isolates of Malassezia pachydermatis from Canine Ears: A Report from a Practice Laboratory
Authors: Bismarck Doris , Dusold Anika , Heusinger Anton , Müller Elisabeth
Published: November 2019

Background: The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis is a commensal but also the most isolated pathogenic yeast in canine otitis externa. Essential oils (EOs) exhibit antimicrobial activity and thus could be an alternative for treatment of otitis. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the in vitro efficacy of EOs against M. pachydermatis isolates from canine ears. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two EOs were tested for their in vitro activity against 15 M. pachydermatis isolates by agar disc diffusion. In addition, diluted EOs were tested and volatile antifungal activity was analysed by vapour assay. Results: Most EOs showed in vitro efficacy against M. pachydermatis. A different susceptibility pattern of tested isolates was found. Overall, the most potential EO was lemon grass. Also, cinnamon leaf, clove, manuka, Indian melissa, oregano, palmarosa, and winter savory oil exhibited a strong antifungal activity. Volatile activity was proven by the inhibiting effect in vapour assay. Conclusion: EOs show in vitro activity against M. pachydermatis. This study gives scientific background for the use of EOs in veterinary medicine. Diverse susceptibility patterns of different M. pachydermatis strains emphasise the helpfulness of an aromatogram as one lead for the best choice of an EO for therapy.