bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Funding trends in hormetic research
Authors: Cottrell MA , Mills WA , Calabrese EJ
Published: April 2019

The topic of hormesis research funding has been a focus of deliberation within the scientific community for several decades. A common assumption/belief is that most hormesis research is funded by the private sector. With this assumption may emerge questions revolving around potential bias of such research. To provide some clarification to this issue, all hormesis research articles were obtained through online databases for 5-year increments starting with 1995 and ending with 2015 and were subsequently categorized by their funding source. A total of 710 articles were found for those years and 383 of those reported information on funding sources. Reporting funding is not required by law and until more recently was not encouraged or required by funders, research institutions, and/or scientific publishers. The analysis revealed that the assumption that the majority of hormesis research has been privately funded was not supported, with the public sector (i.e. federal and state governmental agencies) exclusively contributing to 78% of the reported research funding. Going forward, funding transparency for scientific research as a whole is essential within the scientific community as it may affect how research may be perceived, accepted, and applied.
Studying a Heterogeneous Array of Target Groups Can Help Us Understand Prejudice
Authors: Brandt Mark J. , Crawford Jarret T.
Published: April 2019

Prejudice can be expressed toward a wide array of target groups, but it is often operationalized as being expressed toward a narrower array of groups. By studying a heterogeneous array of target groups, we can draw broader conclusions about prejudice writ large. Here, we describe our research, in which we seek to understand constructs that consistently predict prejudice across a wide array of groups (consistent predictors), as well as constructs that predict prejudice for only some types of groups (inconsistent predictors). For inconsistent predictors, we can also identify the perceived characteristics of the target groups (e.g., status, ideology) that are associated with expressed prejudice. Studying a heterogeneous array of target groups opens up new questions related to morality, cognitive processing, and perceived discrimination but also suggests that prejudice, depending on the group, can be a motivating force preserving the status quo or prompting social change.
Collaborative Partnership: The Practical Elements
Authors: Brown Karen L.
Published: April 2019

Establishing a collaborative partnership takes a willingness to see the benefits despite the obstacles. Understanding how the partnership will impact each of the involved stakeholders is paramount to being able to foresee the possible issues. In the case of the College of William & Mary and Paradise Valley Unified Schools, challenges of time, training, and materials were overcome through the close communication and collaboration of all involved. The how-to components from the district’s perspective will be outlined in this article. Study success is contingent upon front planning and the coordination of all aspects of the process from the ground level up.
Teacher Expertise: Informing Research and Development in Gifted Education
Authors: West Keur Rebekah A.
Published: April 2019

This article examines the implementation of an innovative English language arts curriculum from the William and Mary Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) using the perspectives of teachers and its impact on students. The school/university collaborative project between Paradise Valley Unified School District and CFGE is discussed in the hope of highlighting the benefits and modifications of this curriculum. Aspects of the implementation process and teaching and learning outcomes are explored including how we made modifications based on teacher expertise, used workshop and teacher guides to assist in teacher understanding, provided researchers with information about what needed to be changed, and perceived our role in the research process.
A Pilot Study of Neurocognitive Function and Brain Structures in Adolescents With Alcohol Use Disorders: Does Maltreatment History Matter?
Authors: De Bellis Michael D. , Morey Rajendra A. , Nooner Kate B. , Woolley Donald P. , Haswell Courtney C. , Hooper Stephen R.
Published: April 2019

Neurocognitive and brain structural differences are associated with adolescent onset alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Maltreatment histories may contribute to current results. To examine these issues, healthy adolescents ( n = 31), adolescents without maltreatment and AUD (AUD − MAL, n = 28), and adolescents with AUDs with maltreatment (AUD + MAL, n = 17) underwent comprehensive neurocognitive assessments and MRI structural scans. Controls performed significantly better than the two AUD groups in math and language. The AUD + MAL group performed significantly lower in sustained attention compared to the AUD − MAL and control groups and lower in reading compared to controls. The AUD + MAL group had larger left pars triangularis, a region of the inferior frontal gyrus, compared to the AUD-MAL and control groups, and smaller anterior corpus callosum volumes versus the AUD − MAL group. There were no group differences in other prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and parahippocampal volumes. The AUD + MAL group showed an inverse correlation between hippocampal volumes and age. AUD variables were associated with lower performance in fine-motor and executive function. Cannabis use variables were associated with lower performance in fine-motor, language, visual-spatial, memory, and executive function. Parahippocampal volumes positively correlated with abstinence. The preliminary results suggest adolescent AUD studies should consider examinations of maltreatment history, comorbid substance use disorders, and recovery during abstinence in their analyses.
Would God Forgive? Public Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders in Places of Worship
Authors: Dum Christopher P. , Socia Kelly M. , Long Brooke L. , Yarrison Fritz
Published: April 2019

Previous research has explored the impact of faith and religion on recidivism. However, it focused primarily on violent offenders, drug users, tax evaders, and so on. Missing is an examination of registered sex offenders (RSOs) and the role religion and religiosity play in facilitating reentry. Religiosity and religious organizations may play a role in increasing social bonds and reducing isolation in RSOs. In addition, being surrounded by a faith-based community could act as a catalyst for identity transformation from a RSO to a community member. Using a national online sample of U.S. adults, this research investigates individual’s support of policies controlling sex offenders in religious communities and how demographic characteristics affect these views. Results suggest that Protestants and Other (non-Catholic) Christians are the most accepting of RSOs in places of worship. In addition, the stronger an individual’s faith, the less accepting they are of RSOs. Older, liberal, and educated respondents are more accepting of RSOs.
Development of an Assessment Scale for Commencing Home-Visit Nursing in Japan: Examining the Construct
Authors: Shimohigoshi Naoko , Yatsushiro Rika
Published: April 2019

This study examined the assessment criteria based on which care managers (CMs) decide to commence home-visit nursing to develop a common assessment scale to guide CMs in making sound decisions about whether to commence home-visit nursing. For this purpose, we conducted a postal survey of 200 CMs. After removing 17 items from the questionnaire based on item analysis, we analyzed the remaining factors to confirm construct validity. This factor analysis identified 96 items comprising the following four factors: (1) the daily life condition of users and the support required by them, (2) strengthening medical support, (3) scheduling medical treatment/management or recuperation, and (4) preparing for users’ mental and physical changes and preventing the deterioration of the situation. The results of the study indicate the first step in the process of developing a common assessment scale; in this study, we clarified the general factors that underpin a decision to commence home-visit nursing and the relationships among the items for each factor.
Fatal Exsanguination Following Rupture of an Iliac Artery Aneurysm in an Infant With Menkes Disease
Authors: Ng Rachel , Eliezer Dilharan , Vilain Ricardo , Kamien Benjamin , Deshpande Aniruddh V
Published: April 2019

Menkes disease (MD) usually presents in infancy with respiratory and neurological complications. Severe isolated vasculo-connective tissue involvement in infancy is rare, and hence the precise and timely diagnosis is difficult. We report a case of an 8-week-old male infant who succumbed to acute, severe exsanguination, and hemorrhagic shock secondary to a large retroperitoneal hematoma due to rupture of a right iliac artery aneurysm. Perimortem musculoskeletal findings raised suspicion of nonaccidental injury. However, postmortem review of facial traits raised the suspicion of MD. MD was subsequently confirmed on genetic testing. Child health clinicians must remain aware of MD as a rare cause of infant vasculopathy or atypical skeletal abnormalities.
A Typology of Citizen Presentations in Police Use of Force Events: Are There Ecological Drivers?
Authors: McCarthy Molly , Porter Louise , Townsley Michael , Alpert Geoffrey
Published: April 2019

This study identifies subtypes of citizen behavioral characteristics within police use of force events and assesses ecological influences on these subtypes. Data comprised police use of force reports, recorded crime data, and census data. Latent class analysis was applied to 19,900 police use of force events to identify latent classes of citizen behavioral characteristics. A five class-solution demonstrated best fit and comprised the following classes: violent, unstable, and drug or alcohol affected; apparent mental disorder and possessing a weapon; alcohol-related violence; suspicious and fleeing; and violent behavior and threatening a weapon. Chi-square analysis and multilevel logistic regression showed each citizen presentation class was associated with distinct patterns of offence types and contexts for police use of force. Ecological influences were notable for three classes of citizen presentations. The clustering of citizen behaviors within incidents provides insights into the nature and distribution of types of police–citizen encounters where force is used.
Predicting visual outcomes in patients treated with aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Data from a real-world clinical setting
Authors: Fulcher Corinne , Hazel Charlotte A , Pacey Ian , Ali Hasan , Ghanchi Faruque D
Published: April 2019

Background/objectives:

There is a significant variation in the way neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients respond to anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment. Both the financial and time cost of treatment are significant. As such, being able to predict patient response to treatment is valuable.

Subjects/methods:

72 eyes treated with intravitreal aflibercept were retrospectively included in analysis. For each subject, visual acuity (letters) and central retinal thickness (µm) at baseline, second, third and fourth visits, as well as 12-month visits, were collated; a plot of visual acuity versus time was generated and a slope of the first three (slope3) and first four (slope4) visits was calculated. Differences in visual acuity at each visit compared to baseline were determined, as well as percentage differences in central retinal thickness at each visit compared to baseline. Lesion sub-type and the presence of fluid and haemorrhage were also recorded.

Results:

The average change in visual acuity over 12 months was +3.2 ± 13.4 letters with 91.2% of patients losing <15 letters. Slope4 was the only significant predictive factor for ‘visual acuity change over 12 months’ ( p < 0.001). Change in central retinal thickness, lesion sub-type, haemorrhage at baseline and the location of fluid at baseline were not useful predictive factors in long-term outcome.

Conclusion:

Aflibercept is an effective treatment option for neovascular age-related macular degeneration; however, the long-term response should not be predicted until at least three loading dose injections have been given. Visual acuity measures at each visit should be examined, as it is the trend in visual acuity across the first four visits (slope4) rather than the difference in visual acuity between two visits that is the predictive factor.
Early results of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Nguyen Alexander T , Maslin Jessica , Noecker Robert J
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To describe our clinical experience with the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation as a treatment for glaucoma.

Methods:

In this retrospective case series, we reviewed the charts of 95 consecutive patients with various glaucoma subtypes who underwent micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Patients were offered micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation if they had perimetric glaucoma refractory to intraocular pressure–lowering topical medications and who were poor candidates for traditional filtering surgery. Eligible patients were treated with the Micropulse P3 device (IQ 810 Laser Systems; Iridex, Mountain View, CA, USA) at 2.0–2.5 W for a duration of 90 s per hemisphere at a 31.3% duty cycle. If a retreatment was needed, the power was increased to up to 3.0 W with other parameters remaining the same. Patients were considered successfully treated if their intraocular pressure was lowered by at least 20% compared to their baseline. The main outcome measure was post-operative intraocular pressure; secondary outcome measures included the number of adverse events and complications that occurred with treatment.

Results:

The glaucoma subtypes treated included primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 51), exfoliation glaucoma (n = 24), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (n = 15), and congenital/juvenile glaucoma (n = 5). The mean pre-operative intraocular pressure was 25.1 ± 5.3 mm Hg and the mean post-operative intraocular pressure at 12 months was 17.5 ± 5.1 mm Hg (p = 0.004). The mean number of intraocular pressure–lowering medications used preoperatively was 3.0 ± 1.1; the mean number of medications used at the 12-month post-operative visit was 1.4 ± 1.0 (p = 0.03). Success with one treatment was achieved in 73 (76.8%) of patients. With multiple treatments, all patients had significant intraocular pressure–lowering compared to baseline. The maximum number of treatments received by any single patient was 5. There were no instances of prolonged intraocular inflammation or long-term hypotony.

Conclusion:

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for glaucoma. Given its improved safety profile compared to continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, it deserves consideration as a primary procedure.
A Qualitative Exploration of a Worksite Wellness Mini-Grant Program
Authors: Warehime Shane , Coyle Brian , Abel Kayla , Sedani Ami , Holes Justin , Dinkel Danae
Published: April 2019

Mini-grant programs are an increasingly popular method for outside organizations (eg, non-profits, state agencies) to support wellness initiatives. However, little is known about mini-grant programs in worksites. The present study explored the implementation and outcomes of a worksite wellness mini-grant program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 wellness champions representing 12 worksites that were involved in a mini-grant program over a 4-year span. Interviews focused on general use, barriers and facilitators, and outcomes of the mini-grant initiatives. Mini-grants were generally used to support a short-term activity, such as purchasing food, which was not allowed per grant funding, or supporting a one-time event—this type of use diverged from recommended use of funds. Participants reported that outcomes from the mini-grant initiates were largely positive, highlighting culture shifts and increased awareness/perception of employer support for wellness. Barriers included culture (eg, employee attitudes, motivation), environment (eg, infrastructure, weather), and worksite characteristics (eg, multiple locations, number of employees), while facilitators included employee interest and involvement, established wellness culture, awareness and accessibility (eg, providing options, education), and support (eg, employer support, support from outside organizations). There was overlap between certain barriers and facilitators, indicating key areas of focus for future research and mini-grant programs.
Rethinking emotion in discursive psychology: A systemic functional perspective
Authors: Jiang Jiaxing , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: April 2019

Emotion, as a classic topic in psychological studies, has been intensively investigated by scholars across disciplines. In discursive psychology, emotion discourse refers to the rich variety and situated uses of emotion words and metaphors. Many studies of emotion in discursive psychology focus on the rhetorical contrasts of emotion. Conceptual analysis is another significant part of emotion discourse, and one that requires further investigation. To reveal how people describe and evoke emotions in discourse, this article starts with a reinterpretation of emotion in discursive psychology, followed by setting up an emotion system from a systemic functional perspective to illustrate how conceptual analysis may be conducted and rhetorical contrasts explored. During the process of establishing the emotion system, the paper elaborates upon the emotion concept and rhetorical contrasts on the basis of four illustrative examples taken from authentic extracts (including news and testimonies). The paper discusses the purpose behind the construction of the emotion system in terms of (1) the constituents in conceptual analysis and rhetorical contrasts of discursive psychology from a functional perspective, (2) the collaboration between conceptual analysis and rhetorical contrasts, (3) the traits of the emotion system as a method of discursive psychology analysis.
A tourism growth model
Authors: Inchausti-Sintes Federico
Published: April 2019

Two processes can be used to summarize the productive-mix of a tourism-led economy: the lack of a significant secondary sector and strong tertiarization. Both developments have had significant consequences for productivity gains that, as shown by empirical research, are key to understanding economic progress. In fact, this productivity has been predominantly concentrated in the industrial sector while services have relied more on factor accumulation. However, this varying economic pattern has permitted long-lasting economic growth in current tourism-led economies. This article develops a theoretical dynamic economic model (a dynamic CGE model) to explain the beginning, development and long-term growth consequences of tourism-led economies.
Love and incomprehensibility: The hermeneutic labour of caring for and understanding a loved one with psychosis
Authors: Luderowski Ana , Boden Zoë VR
Published: April 2019

Informal carers are increasingly involved in supporting people with severe and enduring mental health problems, and carers’ perceptions impact the wellbeing of both parties. However, there is little research on how carers actually make sense of what their loved one is experiencing. Ten carers were interviewed about how they understood a loved one’s psychosis. Data were analysed using a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach. Three themes described the carers’ effortful quest to understand their loved one’s experiences while maintaining their relational bonds. Carers described psychosis as incomprehensible, seeing their loved one as incompatible with the shared world. To overcome this, carers developed hermeneutic ‘mooring points’, making sense of their loved one’s unusual experiences through novel accounts that drew on material or spiritual explanations. The findings suggest that informal carers resist biomedical narratives and develop idiosyncratic understandings of psychosis, in an attempt to maintain relational closeness. We suggest that this process is effortful – it is hermeneutic labour – done in the service of maintaining the caring relationship. Findings imply that services should better acknowledge the bond between carers and care-receivers, and that more relationally oriented approaches should be used to support carers of people experiencing severe mental health problems.
Practical Strategies to Improve Your Writing: Lessons Learned From Public Health Practitioners Participating in a Writing Group
Authors: Redelfs Alisha H. , Aguilera Juan , Ruiz Sarah L.
Published: April 2019

Many public health professionals (researchers and practitioners) do not regularly spend time writing. We often receive no formal training in the practices that lead one to become a productive writer. In addition, many internal (mental/emotional) and external (schedules/distractions) barriers make writing consistently even less appealing and may lead to a cycle of avoidance followed by binge writing. This commentary demonstrates how one writing group became an effective means of providing career and professional development. Each week for 9 months we held a 1-hour writing group meeting designed around a commitment to ground rules, accountability, training opportunities, and feedback. Our experiences suggest that engaging in a writing group can help us develop as writers by allowing us to learn new practices and skills. Adopting new practices like writing regularly for short blocks of time, in turn, led to benefits like reduced anxiety and increased productivity. In the process, we became better writers, reviewers, and mentors. We provide recommendations and resources for groups and individuals who are interested in improving their writing as an essential component of their continuing education and professional development. Whatever your professional role, using a writing group to become a more powerful and productive writer will make you more effective.
Lower Rate of Restenosis and Reinterventions With Covered vs Bare Metal Stents Following Innominate Artery Stenting
Authors: Ammi Myriam , Henni Samir , Salomon Du Mont Lucie , Settembre Nicla , Loubiere Hélène , Sobocinski Jonathan , Gouëffic Yann , Feugier Patrick , Duprey Ambroise , Martinez Robert , Bartoli Michel , Coscas Raphael , Chaufour Xavier , Kaladji Adrien , Rosset Eugenio , Abraham Pierre , Picquet Jean
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To determine any difference between bare metal stents (BMS) and balloon-expandable covered stents in the treatment of innominate artery atheromatous lesions. Materials and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study involving 13 university hospitals in France collected 93 patients (mean age 63.2±11.1 years; 57 men) treated over a 10-year period. All patients had systolic blood pressure asymmetry >15 mm Hg and were either asymptomatic (39, 42%) or had carotid (20, 22%), vertebrobasilar (24, 26%), and/or brachial (20, 22%) symptoms. Innominate artery stenosis ranged from 50% to 70% in 4 (4%) symptomatic cases and between 70% and 90% in 52 (56%) cases; 28 (30%) lesions were preocclusive and 8 (9%) were occluded. One (1%) severely symptomatic patient had a <50% stenosis. Demographic characteristics, operative indications, and procedure details were compared between the covered (36, 39%) and BMS (57, 61%) groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine relative risks of restenosis and reinterventions [reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI)]. Results: The endovascular procedures were performed mainly via retrograde carotid access (75, 81%). Perioperative strokes occurred in 4 (4.3%) patients. During the mean 34.5±31.2–month follow-up, 30 (32%) restenoses were detected and 13 (20%) reinterventions were performed. Relative risks were 6.9 (95% CI 2.2 to 22.2, p=0.001) for restenosis and 14.6 (95% CI 1.8 to 120.8, p=0.004) for reinterventions between BMS and covered stents. The severity of the treated lesions had no influence on the results. Conclusion: Patients treated with BMS for innominate artery stenosis have more frequent restenoses and reinterventions than patients treated with covered stents.
Long-Term Results of Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Iliofemoral Venous Obstructive Lesions
Authors: Ignatyev Igor M. , Pokrovsky Anatolii , Gradusov Evgenii
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the long-term results in endovascular treatment of iliofemoral venous obstructive lesions.

Methods:

From January 2009 to March 2017, 75 patients were admitted for endovascular treatment of chronic obstructive lesions of the iliofemoral veins. Of these, 60 patients underwent stenting of postthrombotic obstructions and 15 patients stenting of nonthrombotic obstructive lesions of the iliac veins (May-Thurner syndrome in 11, for tumor-induced compression and cicatricial stenosis in 4). Dynamic control of stent patency was carried out by means of duplex ultrasound. Efficacy of endovascular intervention was evaluated by measuring the venous pressure gradient and malleolar circumference. The clinical result was determined by the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS).

Results:

Technical success of endovascular intervention in postthrombotic occlusions of iliac vein was 92% and in nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions was 100%. Cumulative primary and secondary patency in postthrombotic lesions at 60 months amounted to 72% and 81%, respectively, in nonthrombotic lesions to 85% (primary patency). Reinterventions were successfully performed in 6 patients including catheter-directed thrombolysis (3 patients) and stenting (3 patients). The mean VCSS score fell from 14.2 (4.2) to 7.5 (2.6; P < .001). The quality of life was improved; its mean score decreased from 62.6 (18.7) to 48.7 (12.8; P < .01).

Conclusion:

Endovascular angioplasty and stenting for obstructive lesions of the iliofemoral veins is a minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective method of treatment, which is confirmed by a significant improvement of the limb’s condition and good long-term results of patency of the restored venous segments.
Predictors of Hand Function Following Digit Replantation: Quantitative Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaterian Ashkaun , Sayadi Lohrasb Ross , Tiourin Ekaterina , Gardner Daniel J. , Evans Gregory R. D. , Leis Amber
Published: April 2019

Background: Digit replantation affords the opportunity to restore hand function following amputation. To date, however, few studies have evaluated functional outcomes following replantation. Therefore, it was the objective of this study to perform a meta-analysis to better characterize the predictors of hand function. Methods: A literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify studies that focused on digit amputation/replantation and functional outcomes. Studies were evaluated for patient- and injury-related factors and their respective effects on clinical outcomes of sensation, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. Statistical analysis was conducted across the pooled data set to identify significant trends. Results: Twenty-eight studies representing 618 replanted digits were included in this study. We found the average grip strength was 78.7% (relative to contralateral), the average 2-point discrimination (2PD) was 7.8 mm, and the average DASH score was 12.81. After conducting statistical analysis, we found patients with more proximal injuries had lower grip strength scores ( P < .05). We found 2PD scores were influenced by age, mechanism of injury, and amputation level ( P < .05). Finally, we found DASH scores after replantation were predicted by mechanism of injury and level of amputation ( P < .05). The following variables did not influence outcomes: gender, tobacco use, ischemia time, and digit number. Conclusions: Digit replant does not restore premorbid hand function but does result in adequate hand function. Expected functional outcomes following replant should be considered in the decision-making process. These data can help risk-stratify patients, guide postreplant expectations, and influence the decision for replantation.
A novel variable force ratio test system for force measurement
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tian Yu , Ren Zongjin , Hua Mei , Jia Zhenyuan
Published: April 2019

It is an important guarantee to precisely measure multi-dimensional force vector with variable directions. In this article, variable force ratio (force ratio is a concept of a ratio of maximum force over minimum force) test system based on piezoelectric effect is proposed to meet the requirement of force measurement characterized with variable force ratio. Force error analysis model of test system is established. Variable force ratio loading device is designed, realizing force ratios of loading forces from 1.4 to infinity by changing loading angle. The orthogonal static calibration, variable force ratio loading experiments as well as dynamic calibration can be completed based on the above systems. The results of orthogonal static calibration express that when resultant loading force is 5000 N, the maximum nonlinearity of X, Y, and Z direction is 1.95%, repeatability is only 0.06%. The results of static calibration of variable force ratio show that when angle is 2°, 5°, 10°, and 30°, the average deviation is 111.9 N (2.2% full of scale). The results of dynamic calibration show that the first natural frequency of test system is 463.99 Hz, which is twice the minimum test frequency (200 Hz). The results of tests reflect dynamic and static characteristic of variable force ratio test system. The system can be utilized for universal variable angle large force measurement (>500 N) in vector control engine (thrust vector control engine), friction stir welding, and large manipulator.
Control of rotary double inverted pendulum system using mixed sensitivity H∞ controller
Authors: Sanjeewa Sondarangallage DA , Parnichkun Manukid
Published: April 2019

Balancing control of a rotary double inverted pendulum system is a challenging research topic for researchers in dynamics control field because of its nonlinear, high degree-of-freedom, under actuated and unstable characteristics. The system always works under uncertainties and disturbances. Many control algorithms fail or ineffectively control the rotary double inverted pendulum system. In this article, mixed sensitivity H∞ control is proposed to balance the rotary double inverted pendulum system. The controller is proposed to ensure the robust stability and enhance the time domain performance of the system under uncertainties and disturbances. Structure of the system, dynamics model and controller synthesis are presented. For performance evaluation, the proposed mixed sensitivity H∞ controller is compared with linear quadratic regulator from both simulation and experiment on the rotary double inverted pendulum system. The results show high performance of the proposed controller on the rotary double inverted pendulum system with model uncertainties and external disturbances.
Nonlinear adaptive control with integrated performances for waverider
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Liu Yanbin , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2019

This article provides a nonlinear controller for waveriders with input saturation to improve transient performances. First, the exact linearization is applied to change an affine nonlinear model to a linear time-invariant model for waveriders. Then, the linear and nonlinear feedback control law is applied for the obtained linearized model for waveriders, and system stability of the presented control law is proved accordingly. Furthermore, the system robustness and improving transient performances are discussed for waveriders. Finally, an example is given for a longitudinal model of the waverider, and the results demonstrate that the closed-loop systems can track the anticipated commands, while guaranteeing the expected integrated performances for waveriders.
Positive pressure effect on moisture performance in a school building
Authors: Ferrantelli Andrea , Vornanen-Winqvist Camilla , Mattila Milla , Salonen Heidi , Kurnitski Jarek
Published: April 2019

Moisture excess in buildings constitutes a complex problem affecting indoor air quality, energy consumption and the lifetime of the building envelope. We investigate the effect on moisture transfer in structures as a positive pressure is applied inside the enclosure. It is found that, contrary to established belief, the positive pressure does not induce any negative effects on the structures’ moisture content in normally ventilated classrooms, even with high occupancy. Our case study consists of a school building in Finland, subject to temperature and relative humidity measurements after a small (5–7 Pa) positive pressure was realized through ventilation control. We first address analytically the moisture excess generated inside the classrooms for 14 days, using dynamical balance equations that account for both ventilation effects and occupants’ moisture release in the environment. It is found that the average moisture excess is very small, largely below 1 g/m3, even for ventilation rates that are half the design value. We also examine the moisture performance of the envelope, by addressing the moisture migration at upper and lower joints of the external walls for both measured and design values of the indoor absolute humidity (AH). A coupled numerical model of diffusion and convection shows that moisture accumulation in the envelope and the according stresses are negligible for any realistic AH values. This result is in agreement with field measurements at the school. In conclusion, it seems that applying a small overpressure in a well-ventilated school building during a standard service period resulted in no accumulation inside the external walls, even at high occupancy and with low ventilation. Remarkably, it slightly dried out the moisture content in structures under actual occupancy conditions. The positive pressure has accordingly no negative effects on moisture performance, and is capable to guarantee a good indoor air quality as well.
Ending the retraction stigma: Encouraging the reporting of errors in the biomedical record
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Al-Khatib Aceil
Published: April 2019

Retractions are on the rise as a result of a surge in post-publication peer review and an emboldened anonymous whistle-blowing movement. Cognizant that their brand may be damaged as a result of not correcting problematic literature, journals and publishers that are loosely considered to be non-“predatory” are trying to contain the deluge of reports on flawed research that has flooded the biomedical and scientific literature. Within this climate, many studies have started to be retracted and corrected, reinforcing the stigmatization associated with retractions, i.e., having a retraction is considered to be a bad or negative thing. Negative retraction stigmatization has mainly been borne by authors, whereas journals and publishers, except for headline-grabbing reports, have thus far largely avoided this stigma. One of the efforts to destigmatize retractions, at least those for honest errors, has been to try to relabel or rebrand retractions. The terms “self-retraction”, “amendment”, “publisher-caused error”, and others have emerged, but such a diverse lexicon may complicate the publishing landscape more than it resolves the stigma. Seeking euphemistic terms to represent a truth within a toxic context of negative stigmatization only politicizes the issue, and does not resolve it. We suggest that a change is needed in the culture within the biomedical community, to acceptance of critique, and that the culture of shaming needs to be halted in order to achieve this. Only then can academics assume greater responsibility, without the risk of being shamed, of retracting their faulty literature, “honestly”, when they feel that this is needed.
Space and legitimation: The multimodal representation of public space in news broadcast reports on Hooded Rioters
Authors: Pérez-Arredondo Carolina , Cárdenas-Neira Camila
Published: April 2019

This article analyses the multimodal representations of public space in Chilean broadcast news reports on the figure of the hooded rioter and its alleged connections with the student movement. We seek to identify how space is constructed as a (de)legitimation strategy in relation to the actors involved and the actions taking place across four different news broadcast pieces in the light of Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis and Systemic Functional Linguistics. Results show that the multimodal representations of space are crucial to identify and functionalize hooded rioters as belonging to the student movement. Actions are dependent on the spaces in which actors operate, restricting the occupation of certain spaces to specific actors. Thus, transgressive protest actions are to be contained to educational spaces and represented as naturalized vandalism, ignoring the students’/demonstrators’ motivations to recuperate/vindicate the public space.
Multimodal treatments for resectable esophagogastric junction cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Ji , Cai Ming , Shuai Xiaoming , Gao Jinbo , Wang Guobin , Tao Kaixiong
Published: April 2019

Background:

Currently, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, perioperative chemotherapy and preoperative chemotherapy are recommended by NCCN, ESMO and Japanese guidelines respectively for resectable esophageal and junctional cancer. However, these recommendations are mainly based on esophageal cancer research. Therefore, specific for esophagogastric junction cancer, we conducted the first systematic review and network meta-analysis to rank all potential treatments simultaneously and hierarchically.

Methods:

Record retrieval was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, ASCO and ESMO Meeting Library from inception to September 2018. Regarding time-to-event survival data, randomized controlled trials featuring comparisons between different multimodal treatments against resectable esophagogastric junction cancer were eligible. Overall survival was the endpoint. Network calculation was based on a random-effects model and the relative ranking of each node was numerically indicated by P-score (CRD42018110369, registration identifier of the meta-analysis in PROSPERO.).

Results:

Eight studies were included in our systematic review, corresponding to 1218 patients. Regarding overall survival, ‘PreCRT’ (preoperative chemoradiotherapy) topped the hierarchy (HR 1.00, P-score = 0.823), better than ‘PeriCT’ (perioperative chemotherapy; HR 1.32, P-score = 0.591) and ‘PreCT’ (preoperative chemotherapy; HR 1.54, P-score = 0.428). In sensitivity analyses, irrespective of interchanging to fixed-effects model or removing potentially heterogeneous studies, relative rankings remained stable and ‘PreCRT’ was still the optimal node.

Conclusion:

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy could potentially be the optimal multimodal treatment, which displayed more overall survival benefits than perioperative chemotherapy and preoperative chemotherapy among resectable esophagogastric junction cancer patients. To further verify our pooled results, more randomized trials will be needed to compare preoperative chemoradiotherapy with perioperative chemotherapy (especially FLOT-based regimens).
Fundamental rights and punishment: Is there an EU perspective?
Authors: Rodrigues Anabela Miranda
Published: April 2019

Taking fundamental rights into account means a limitation of repression, as an instance of the principle of proportionality or principle of necessity, of criminal intervention. The need to design European Union (EU) criminal law in compliance with the principle of proportionality is especially clear in the post-Lisbon stage, in view of the strengthening and expansion of the EU’s competence to legislate on criminal matters, enshrined in Article 83 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. This article aims at analysing the terms in which European criminal law respects the aforementioned principle of proportionality of punishment and translates an EU perspective in the field of criminal sanctions.
Regulating Private Tutoring in China: Uniform Policies, Diverse Responses
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

This article examines responses from the tutoring sector to Chinese national and local government regulations on private supplementary tutoring. It adds to the literature on policy enactment, showing the importance of context and noting the diversity of tutoring providers compared with schools.

Design/Approach/Methods:

The article draws on semi-structured and informal interviews with 11 tutors, 15 managers of tutoring enterprises, 5 members and managers of professional organizations, 5 government officials, 5 school managers, 5 teachers, and 20 parents. Data from interviewees were triangulated with observations, news reports, blogs written by tutoring analysts, and ad hoc research by industrial observers.

Findings:

Policy enactment in the tutoring sector is even more complex than that for schooling. Standardized policies do not necessarily achieve the aspired goals.

Originality/Value:

The article adds to the literature not only in China but also internationally. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between aspirations and realities in this domain. It also proposes conceptual considerations for regulating tutoring, given its diverse and fluid nature.
Ocular instillation of vitamin A–coupled liposomes containing HSP47 siRNA ameliorates dry eye syndrome in chronic GVHD
Authors: Ohigashi Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Daigo , Hayase Eiko , Takahashi Shuichiro , Ara Takahide , Yamakawa Tomohiro , Sugita Junichi , Onozawa Masahiro , Nakagawa Masao , Teshima Takanori
Published: April 2019

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) profoundly affects the quality of life of long-term survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The eyes are frequently involved, and dry eye syndrome is the most common manifestation of ocular chronic GVHD. We explored the role of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) in ocular GVHD and developed a novel antifibrotic topical therapy using vitamin A–coupled liposomes containing HSP47 small interfering RNA (siRNA) against HSP47 (VA-lip HSP47). In a mouse model of chronic GVHD, infiltration of HSP47+ fibroblasts and massive fibrosis surrounding the lacrimal ducts were observed after allogeneic SCT, leading to impaired tear secretion. After ocular instillation, VA-lip HSP47 was distributed to the lacrimal glands, knocked down HSP47 expression in fibroblasts, reduced collagen deposition, and restored tear secretion after allogeneic SCT. Ocular instillation of VA-lip HSP47 also ameliorated established lacrimal gland fibrosis and dry eye syndrome. VA-lip HSP47 eye drops are a promising prophylactic and therapeutic option against dry eye syndrome in chronic GVHD.
Citron Rho-interacting kinase silencing causes cytokinesis failure and reduces tumor growth in multiple myeloma
Authors: Sahin Ilyas , Kawano Yawara , Sklavenitis-Pistofidis Romanos , Moschetta Michele , Mishima Yuji , Manier Salomon , Sacco Antonio , Carrasco Ruben , Fonseca Rafael , Roccaro Aldo M. , Witzig Thomas , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: April 2019

Citron Rho-interacting serine/threonine kinase (CIT) is a serine/threonine kinase that acts as a key component of the midbody and is essential for cytokinesis. CIT has been reported to be highly expressed in some tumor tissues and to play a role in cancer proliferation; however, the significance of CIT has not been investigated in multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we identified, by protein microarray and immunohistochemistry, that CIT is 1 of the upregulated proteins in the plasma cells of MM patients compared with healthy controls. Analysis of a gene expression profile data set showed that MM patients with high CIT gene expression had significantly worse overall survival compared with MM patients with low CIT gene expression. CIT silencing in MM cell lines induced cytokinesis failure and resulted in decreased MM cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. TP53 expression was found to be an independent predictor of CIT dependency, with low-TP53 cell lines exhibiting a strong dependency on CIT. This study provides the rationale for CIT being a potential therapeutic target in MM in future trials.
Germline deletion of ETV6 in familial acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rampersaud Evadnie , Ziegler David S. , Iacobucci Ilaria , Payne-Turner Debbie , Churchman Michelle L. , Schrader Kasmintan A. , Joseph Vijai , Offit Kenneth , Tucker Katherine , Sutton Rosemary , Warby Meera , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Huntsman David G. , Tsoli Maria , Mead R. Scott , Qu Chunxu , Leventaki Vasiliki , Wu Gang , Mullighan Charles G.
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have identified germline mutations in TP53, PAX5, ETV6, and IKZF1 in kindreds with familial acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but the genetic basis of ALL in many kindreds is unknown despite mutational analysis of the exome. Here, we report a germline deletion of ETV6 identified by linkage and structural variant analysis of whole-genome sequencing data segregating in a kindred with thrombocytopenia, B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The 75-nt deletion removed the ETV6 exon 7 splice acceptor, resulting in exon skipping and protein truncation. The ETV6 deletion was also identified by optimal structural variant analysis of exome sequencing data. These findings identify a new mechanism of germline predisposition in ALL and implicate ETV6 germline variation in predisposition to lymphoma. Importantly, these data highlight the importance of germline structural variant analysis in the search for germline variants predisposing to familial leukemia.
Assessment of machine-learning techniques in predicting lithofluid facies logs in hydrocarbon wells
Authors: Keynejad Saba , Sbar Marc L. , Johnson Roy A.
Published: April 2019

Wireline log interpretation is a well-exercised procedure in the oil and gas industry with all its added value from exploration to production stages. It becomes even more important when it is one of only a few available alternatives to compensate for the lack of core samples in a study of lithologic and fluid variations in a well. Yet, as with other purely expert-oriented interpretational techniques, there is always a considerable risk of subjective or technical errors. We have adopted a hybrid approach that links a machine-learning (ML) algorithm to the log interpretation procedure to solve these problems. We have applied this approach to two different hydrocarbon (HC) fields with the aim of predicting the HC-bearing units in the form of lithofluid facies logs at different well locations. The values of these logs are labels of classes that are separated based on their lithologic and fluid content characteristics. After training different MLs on the designed lithofluid facies logs, we chose a bagged-tree algorithm to predict these logs for the target wells due to its superior performance. This algorithm predicted HC units in an accurate interval (above the HC-fluid contact depth), and it showed a very low false discovery rate. The high-accuracy rate, speed of analysis, and its generalization ability, even in data-deficient cases, accentuate why including ML algorithms can improve the understanding of the subsurface at every phase of the exploration and production process. The proposed approach of using ML algorithms, trained and tuned based on the expert’s knowledge of the reservoir, can be modified and applied to future wells in a HC field to significantly minimize the risk of false HC discoveries.
Meet the new SEG Library
Authors: Cobb Jennifer , Bakamjian Ted
Published: April 2019

The SEG Library relaunched on 27 February with a new name, a new look, friendlier navigation, and technology upgrades that include responsive design. Take a look at your earliest opportunity, and check back frequently, as this release marks the beginning of a wave of discoverability improvements, feature additions, and content infusions that will find their way to the browsers of site visitors during 2019.