bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameters optimization design of tape spring considering fatigue performance
Authors: Shi Xuesong , Ye Hongling , Li Bowen 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
As a crucial part of micro-satellite, the spatial deployable mechanism has the direct effects on satellite performance and success or failure of flight mission. With requirements of lightless and low cost for satellite, the tape spring hinges are widely used for their simple structural form, high reliability of deployment, high-driving performance and accurate positioning in deployable mechanism. Strain energy stored in the folding process of tape spring hinge is transformed into kinetic energy to achieve the deployment of solar panels. When in full deployment, the tape spring hinge can realize self-locking based on its critical moment. Tape spring is the crucial component of a novel space deployable structure that applied to solar panels. Its full deployment determines the normal function of satellite in space. Mechanical properties, steady-state moment and fatigue life, are observed in folding and deploying processes, which are affected by geometric parameters. Influences of thickness, subtended angle, radius and length on the fatigue life of tape spring are carried out to through numerical simulations so as to ensure a multi folding and deploying cycles for tape spring hinge. Results show that thickness has the greatest influence on the fatigue life, subtended angle and radius are second, and the influence of length on fatigue life is relatively small. On the basis, the optimal model is established based on response surface methodology with the thickness and radius as design variables, steady moment as constraint, and fatigue life as optimization objective. By using genetic algorithm to solve the model, optimal design is obtained within the constraint, and then the optimal design is remodeled and simulated, and the obtained results indicate the accuracy of the optimal design. This research could be a reference for the stability design of space deployable structures.
Study on the vibration of functionally graded microcantilevers immersed in fluids under photothermal excitation
Authors: Gu S , Song Y Q , Zheng Q 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In this study, the dynamic response of FGM (Functionally graded materials) micro-cantilever immersed in fluids under high-frequency photothermal excitation was investigated theoretically. The temperature along the length of microcantilever can be obtained analytically by using Fourier heat conduction theory. The axial thermal stress varying along the thickness can be obtained by the temperature distribution. Using concept of physical neutral surface and thermal stress, photothermal driving force was obtained analytically by using thermoelastic theory. The hydrodynamic force was presented by means of Sader’s method. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam model, effective bending modulus and effective density of the FGM cantilever, dynamical deflection fields in fluids can be obtained analytically by using mode superposition method. Theoretical analysis showed that the influence of volume fraction in vacuum or air is more significant than in fluids, and the volume fraction has a less influence when the dimension of microcantilever get smaller. This study can be valuable to users and designers of FG microcantilever-based structures in MEMS/NEMS.
Experimental study on underwater fin-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester based on wake galloping
Authors: Wang Yicong , Shan Xiaobiao , Feng Ju , Xie Tao 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper presents a novel piezoelectric energy harvester based on wake galloping in water. This harvester consists of a bluff cylinder and a fin connected with a macro fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric plate. The fluid flows through the upstream bluff cylinder and produces alternating shedding vortices behind it. Vortex shedding produces periodic crosswise vortex-induced force to drive the fin and piezoelectric plate vibrating to generate electricity. An experimental platform was established and several prototypes of energy harvesters were fabricated. The experimental results show that, under different flow velocity domains, the harvesting effect of the bluff cylinder with a diameter of 30 mm is the most ideal for the energy harvester with a fin length of 20, 30 and 40 mm. When the fin length is 20 mm, the output voltage changes most smoothly. To obtain stable open circuit output voltage, the spacing distance between the bluff cylinder with a diameter of 25 mm and the fin should be controlled within 3D, while, the spacing distance between the bluff cylinder with a diameter of 30 mm and the fin should be controlled within 2D. When the bluff cylinder with a diameter of 30 mm, a spacing distance of 100 mm, and a flow velocity of 0.427 m/s, the maximum open circuit output voltage of 7.289 V can be obtained. The present work provides an effective experimental foundation for the research of underwater fin-shaped vehicle’s dynamic endurance.
Fractal characterization of the oxidation structure in ZrB2-SiC composite after thermal shocks
Authors: Qi F , Meng S H , Wu P , Guo H , Zhao D , Chen T 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The effect of the oxidation structure on the residual strength of ZrB2-SiC composite after repeated thermal shocks was investigated. The silica-rich glasses on the oxidation surface and pores in the oxidation layer were characterized using the fractal geometry method. Their fractal dimensions were calculated by Box-counting method. The increase of silica-rich glasses and the decrease of pores contributed to the increase of the residual strength of ZrB2-SiC after thermal shocks.
Validation and Implementation of an Ordering Alert to Improve the Efficiency of Monoclonal Gammopathy Evaluation
Authors: Uljon Sacha N , Simmons Daimon P , Rudolf Joseph W , Baron Jason M , Dutta Sayon , McEvoy Dustin S , Murali Mandakolathur , Dighe Anand S 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the use of a provider ordering alert to improve laboratory efficiency and reduce costs.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study to assess the use of an institutional reflex panel for monoclonal gammopathy evaluation. We then created a clinical decision support (CDS) alert to educate and encourage providers to change their less-efficient orders to the reflex panel.

Results
Our retrospective analysis demonstrated that an institutional reflex panel could be safely substituted for a less-efficient and higher-cost panel. The implemented CDS alert resulted in 79% of providers changing their high-cost order panel to an order panel based on the reflex algorithm.

Conclusions
The validated decision support alert demonstrated high levels of provider acceptance and directly led to operational and cost savings within the laboratory. Furthermore, these studies highlight the value of laboratory involvement with CDS efforts to provide agile and targeted provider ordering assistance.
A case report of Histoplasma capsulatum prosthetic valve endocarditis: an extremely rare presentation with characteristic findings
Authors: Adigun Rosalyn O , Baddour Larry M , Geske Jeffrey B 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Histoplasma capsulatum is an extremely rare cause of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and can present with non-specific symptoms leading to a delay in diagnosis with unfavourable outcomes.

Case summary
A 65-year-old male patient with a history of a bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and non-obstructive coronary artery disease was admitted for altered mentation, failure to thrive, and a 20-pound unintentional weight loss over the past 4 months. Upon examination, he was lethargic but afebrile and haemodynamically stable. A late peaking ejection murmur was heard on exam. Skin exam was significant for embolic phenomenon involving the extremities. Inflammatory markers and serum calcium were elevated. A bedside echocardiogram showed severe obstruction across the aortic valve prosthesis. Two years prior, he had an echocardiogram with a normal functioning prosthesis. Routine blood cultures were negative and serologic screening was unrevealing. Urine Histoplasma antigen screen was positive on hospital day 3 and on hospital day 10, fungal blood cultures were positive for H. capsulatum. Unfortunately, the patient died shortly afterwards as a result of multiorgan failure from embolic manifestations of the infection.

Discussion
Based on our patient's findings and those of previously reported cases in the literature, H. capsulatum PVE should be strongly considered in patients from endemic areas with non-specific symptoms and negative routine blood cultures.
Delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy via the left inferior phrenic vein: a case report
Authors: McIntosh Robert A , Ansari Mohammad I , Moon Joshua , Khan Habib R 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The successful implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be prevented by anatomical variations that preclude the delivery of clinically effective left ventricular (LV) pacing from within the coronary sinus (CS) or its tributaries. Failure of lead delivery, suboptimal LV capture thresholds, or intractable phrenic nerve capture with accompanying diaphragmatic twitch is often encountered. Commonly employed alternative approaches to LV lead delivery, including epicardial, trans-septal, or transapical pacing are associated with significant morbidity.

Case summary
A 74-year-old man with ischaemic heart disease, prior mitral valve repair, long-standing atrial fibrillation, and severe symptomatic LV systolic dysfunction, underwent single chamber pacemaker upgrade to a CRT defibrillator. It was found not to be possible to place a CS lead during the procedure. Biventricular pacing was accomplished by the delivery of a pacing lead through the left inferior phrenic vein (LIPV). Satisfactory LV capture thresholds were obtained with the avoidance of clinically significant diaphragmatic stimulation. Following implantation, a marked clinical response to treatment was observed with improvement in both heart failure symptoms and LV ejection fraction.

Discussion
The LIPV is known to drain into the inferior vena cava in around one-third of examined subjects. In these individuals, LV lead delivery through the LIPV may provide an alternate route for the delivery of resynchronization therapy. This approach to the implantation of CRT may be considered when pacing via the CS or its branches are not achievable.
Adaptive phenotypic plasticity in malaria parasites is not constrained by previous responses to environmental change
Authors: Birget Philip L G , Schneider Petra , O’Donnell Aidan J , Reece Sarah E 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesPhenotypic plasticity enables organisms to maximize fitness by matching trait values to different environments. Such adaptive phenotypic plasticity is exhibited by parasites, which experience frequent environmental changes during their life cycle, between individual hosts and also in within-host conditions experienced during infections. Life history theory predicts that the evolution of adaptive phenotypic plasticity is limited by costs and constraints, but tests of these concepts are scarce.MethodologyHere, we induce phenotypic plasticity in malaria parasites to test whether mounting a plastic response to an environmental perturbation constrains subsequent plastic responses to further environmental change. Specifically, we perturb red blood cell resource availability to induce Plasmodium chabaudi to alter the trait values of several phenotypes underpinning within-host replication and between-host transmission. We then transfer parasites to unperturbed hosts to examine whether constraints govern the parasites’ ability to alter these phenotypes in response to their new in-host environment.ResultsParasites alter trait values in response to the within-host environment they are exposed to. We do not detect negative consequences, for within-host replication or between-host transmission, of previously mounting a plastic response to a perturbed within-host environment.Conclusions and implicationsWe suggest that malaria parasites are highly plastic and adapted to adjusting their phenotypes in response to the frequent changes in the within-host conditions they experience during infections. Our findings support the growing body of evidence that medical interventions, such as anti-parasite drugs, induce plastic responses that are adaptive and can facilitate the survival and potentially, drug resistance of parasites.Lay SummaryMalaria parasites have evolved flexible strategies to cope with the changing conditions they experience during infections. We show that using such flexible strategies does not impact upon the parasites’ ability to grow (resulting in disease symptoms) or transmit (spreading the disease).
The pathway to diagnosis and treatment for surgically managed lung cancer patients
Authors: White Victoria , Bergin Rebecca J , Thomas Robert J , Whitfield Kathryn , Weller David 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Most lung cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in poor survival. This study examined diagnostic pathways for patients with operable lung cancer to identify factors contributing to early diagnosis.

Methods
Surgically treated lung cancer patients (aged ≥40, within 6 months of diagnosis), approached via the population-based Cancer Registry, with their primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists completed cross-sectional surveys assessing symptoms, diagnostic route (symptomatic or ‘investigation’ of other problem), tests, key event dates and treatment. Time intervals to diagnosis and treatment were determined, and quantile regression examined differences between the two diagnostic routes. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses examined associations between survival and diagnostic route adjusting for stage, sex and age.

Results
One hundred and ninety-two patients (36% response rate), 107 PCPs and 55 specialists participated. Fifty-eight per cent of patients had a symptomatic diagnostic route reporting an average of 1.6 symptoms, most commonly cough, fatigue or haemoptysis. Symptomatic patients had longer median primary care interval than ‘investigation’ patients (12 versus 9 days, P < 0.05) and were more likely to report their PCP first-ordered imaging tests. Secondary care interval was shorter for symptomatic (median = 43 days) than investigation (median = 62 days, P < 0.05) patients. However, 56% of all patients waited longer than national recommendations (6 weeks). While survival estimates were better for investigation than symptomatic patients, these differences were not significant.

Conclusion
Many operable lung cancer patients are diagnosed incidentally, highlighting the difficulty of symptom-based approaches to diagnosing early stage disease. Longer than recommended secondary care interval suggests the need for improvements in care pathways.
Spatio-temporal seismic velocity variations associated to the 2016–2017 central Italy seismic sequence from noise cross-correlation
Authors: Soldati Gaia , Zaccarelli Lucia , Faenza Licia 
Published: September 2019

SUMMARY
We investigate the temporal changes of crustal velocity associated to the seismic sequence of 2016–2017, which struck central Italy with a series of moderate to large earthquakes. We cross-correlate continuous recordings of 2 yr of ambient seismic noise from a network of 28 stations within a radius of 90 km around Amatrice town. We then map the spatio-temporal evolution of the velocity perturbations under the effect of subsequent earthquakes. Coinciding with each of the three main shocks of the sequence we observe a sudden drop of seismic velocity which tends to quickly recover in the short term. After the end of the strongest activity of the sequence, the coseismic velocity changes display gradual healing towards pre-earthquake conditions following a quasi-linear trend, such that by the end of 2017 about 75 per cent of the perturbation is recovered. The spatial distribution of the velocity drop fluctuates with time, and the area that shows the most intense variations beyond the ruptured fault system elongates in the NE direction. This zone roughly corresponds to a region of foredeep sedimentary deposits consisting of highly hydrated and porous sandstones, which respond to the passage of seismic waves with increased pore pressure and crack number, leading to a reduction of the effective relative velocity.
Introduction to Competition Law
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This chapter provides an introduction to, and basis for, the material discussed in the subsequent chapters. It introduces some relevant concepts of microeconomics including demand curves, consumer and producer surplus, elasticity of demand, and economies of scale and scope. It discusses the model of perfect competition and the concepts of allocative, productive and dynamic efficiency; the problems in competition terms of monopoly and oligopoly; and the concept of welfare, particularly consumer welfare and total welfare. It considers various schools of competition analysis and theories and concepts relevant to competition law. It discusses the possible objectives of competition law, and particularly considers what objectives are pursued by EU competition law. The chapter also looks at US antitrust law; competition law and the digital economy; competition law and regulation; and at some basic issues in the application of EU competition law.
Competition, the State, and Public Undertakings: Article 106 TFEU
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines how competition law applies to the actions of the State when it intervenes in the market through undertakings which it controls or owns or which it places in a privileged position. The discussion includes the principle of Union loyalty in Article 4(3) TEU; Article 106(1); Article 106(2); and the Commission’s supervisory and policing powers in Article 106(3). Article 106(1) is a prohibition addressed to Member States against enacting or maintaining in force any measure in relation to public undertakings or undertakings to which they have granted special or exclusive rights which are contrary to the Treaty rules. The chapter discusses what is meant by ‘public undertakings’ and ‘special or exclusive rights’ and examines in the light of the case law what measures are forbidden by Article 106(1), including those involving the cumulation of rights, the extension of a dominant position from one market to another, and the creation of situations of inequality of opportunity. Article 106(2) gives a limited derogation from Article 106(2) to undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest (SGEIs). The chapter discusses the concept of ‘services of general economic interest’ and examines the cases in which the derogation has been applied or not applied, including the application of Article 106(2) to compensation for the provision of SGEIs which constitutes State aid. The chapter also considers Article 106(3) and the question of the direct effect of Article 106(1) and (2).
Public Enforcement by the Commission and the National Competition Authorities of the Antitrust Provisions
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This chapter discusses the public enforcement regime for the application of Articles 101 and 102 under Regulation 1/2003. It explains the system that applied previously under Regulation 17, and the reasons for, and salient features of, the ‘modernisation’ introduced by Regulation 1/2003. The chapter then examines: the complaints procedure; the powers of the Commission, including the investigation and inter partes stages of its procedure; the decisions which the Commission may take, including decisions imposing fines and commitments decisions; judicial review by the EU Courts; the European Competition Network (ECN) and enforcement by national competition authorities, including the changes to be introduced by the ECN+ Directive; and the possibility of sanctions against individuals.. The chapter also considers the application of fundamental rights provisions in EU competition proceedings.
Medico-economic impact of robot-assisted lung segmentectomy: what is the cost of the learning curve?
Authors: Le Gac Constance , Gondé Henri , Gillibert André , Laurent Marc , Selim Jean , Bottet Benjamin , Varin Rémi , Baste Jean-Marc 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to assess the learning curve (LC) of robot-assisted lung segmentectomy and to evaluate hospital-related costs.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study of Robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) segmentectomies performed by 1 surgeon during 5 years. Perioperative and medical device data were collected. The LC, based on operating time, was assessed by Cumulative SUM analysis and an exponential model. Cost of care was estimated using the French National Cost Study method.

RESULTS
One hundred and two RATS segmentectomies were included. The LC was completed at ∼30 procedures according to both models without significant difference in patients’ characteristics before or after the LC. Mean operative time decreased from 136 min [95% confidence intervals (CI) 124–149] for the first 30 procedures to 97 min (95% CI 88–107) for the last 30 procedures. Mean length of stay decreased non-significantly (P = 0.10 for linear trend) from 8.1 days (95% CI 6.1–11.0) to 6.2 days (95% CI 4.9–7.9). The overall costs for the last 30 procedures as compared with the first 30 did not significantly decrease in the primary economic analysis but significantly decreased (P = 0.02) by €1271 (95% CI −2688 to +108, P = 0.02 for linear trend) after exclusion of 1 outlier (hospitalization-related costs > €10 000). After exclusion of this outlier, costs related to EndoWrist® instruments significantly decreased by €−135 (95% CI −220 to −35, P = 0.004), whereas costs related to clips decreased non-significantly (P = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS
The LC was completed at ∼30 procedures. Inexperienced surgeons may have higher procedure costs, related to consumable medical devices and operating time.