bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal pass planning for robotic welding of large-dimension joints with nonuniform grooves
Authors: Yan SJ , Fang HC , Ong SK , Nee AYC
Published: July 2017

Large-dimension welded joints are widely used in shipyards and oilfields. These joints typically have thick and nonuniform welding grooves, thus requiring multi-pass welding processes and tens of hours to complete. Although the development of robotic welding systems can shorten the welding time, it is important to have a detailed plan of the entire process before welding starts. Welding pass planning is crucial for the subsequent robot trajectory generation and provides the welding sequence in a deep groove and the welding parameters of every pass. A knowledge database is used in this research to obtain the relationship between the bead geometry and the welding parameters. A layer-by-layer welding pass planning scheme is proposed to address the nonuniform groove geometry, and an optimization method is proposed with the objective to maximize the section area of the weld bead, so that the number of passes can be minimized. The planning results show that the optimization method is able to provide feasible passes and welding parameters for every pass.
Compact design of a novel linear compliant positioning stage with high out-of-plane stiffness and large travel
Authors: Liu Hua , Xie Xin , Tan Ruoyu , Fan Dapeng
Published: July 2017

Since most of the XY positioning stages with large travel range proposed in previous studies suffer from low out-of-plane stiffness and loose structure, this paper presents a novel two degrees-of-freedom large travel linear compliant positioning stage with high out-of-plane stiffness and compact size. The linear guide compliant mechanism of the stage takes spatial leaf spring parallelograms as the basic units, which are serially connected to obtain large travel, high out-of-plane stiffness, and compact size simultaneously. The theoretical static stiffness and dynamic resonant frequency are obtained by matrix structural analysis. Finite element analysis is carried out to investigate the characteristics of the developed stage. The analytical model is confirmed by experiments. It is noted that the developed stage has a workspace of 4.4 × 7.0 mm2, and the area ratio of workspace to the outer dimension of the stage is 0.16%, which is greater than that of any existing stage reported in the literature. The results of out-of-plane payload tests indicate that the stage can sustain at least 20 kg out-of-plane payload without changing the travel range. And the positioning experiments show that the developed stage is capable of tracking a circle of radius 1.5 mm with 10 µm error and the resolution is less than 2 µm.
Robust control for hypersonic vehicles with parametric and unstructured uncertainties
Authors: Liu Hao , Liu Deyuan , Xi Jianxiang , Yu Yao
Published: July 2017

A robust flight controller is proposed for the longitudinal model of generic hypersonic vehicles, whose dynamics involves nonlinearities, parameter uncertainties, and unstructured uncertainties. The proposed longitudinal controller is developed based on the standard [Formula: see text] theory and the robust compensating approach. The robust compensating approach is introduced to reduce the influences of multiple uncertainties and nonlinearities on the closed-loop control system. Compared to the [Formula: see text] control theory, these influences in the whole frequency range can be restrained. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the tracking performance properties of the designed robust control approach.
The sinkage characteristics and the supporting capacity of a submerged floating vehicle driving in deep soft terrains
Authors: Chuan Huang , Feng Gao , Xiaolin Xie , Wen Zeng , Hui Jiang
Published: July 2017

A submerged floating vehicle, which is utilized in deep soft terrains, has a superior trafficability to those of traditional vehicles. This study focuses on understanding and improving the sinkage characteristics of a submerged floating vehicle travelling on deep soft clay. The factors which influence the sinkage characteristics were analysed, and a soil bin experimental model was established using the similarity theory. A series of experiments was designed for carrying out tests on the sinkage with respect to the pressure, the sliding speed, the aspect ratio and the moisture content of the soil. The experimental results show that the sinkage of the floating device sliding increased with increasing moisture content of the soil. They also show that the sinkage increases with increasing pressure and decreases with increasing aspect ratio of the floating device. By analysing the problems and the challenges which exist in an empirical formula or a semiempirical formula when facing the sinkage of a floating device, a support vector machine for a regression model is proposed in order to construct a multiple non-linear regressive prediction model using experimental data. Further evidence was provided to substantiate the merits of the application of the support vector regression method when dealing with the issue of predicting the sinkage.
Initial-value compensation of a proportional–integral–derivative controller for non-overshooting motion
Authors: Lu Yu-Sheng , Li Yueh-Tsang , Liu Sheng-Hao
Published: July 2017

This article presents a proportional–integral–derivative controller design for monotonic, non-overshooting output responses of a class of second-order plants that do not need to be initially at rest. The proposed scheme is applicable to twice-differentiable reference commands, and monotonic, non-overshooting responses are achieved by compensating for the initial value of integral state. That is, the integral state is initially set to a certain value so that the subsequent response has no overshoot. In the proposed scheme, the initial value that should be assigned to the integral feedback is found to be a nonlinear function of the plant’s initial state. This result differs from those in previous schemes that constrain the controller’s initial state to be a linear function of the plant’s initial state. The proposed scheme is practically applied to layer-jump control and single-track jump control of an optical disk drive. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and its applicability to mode-switching control systems.
Microbiological and immunological profile of patients with severe lupus flares related to bloodstream infections: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Torres-Ruiz J , Barrera-Vargas A , Ortiz-Hernández R , Alcocer-Varela J , Ponce-de-León A , Gómez-Martín D
Published: July 2017

Background

This study aimed to address whether bloodstream infections are a risk factor for the development of severe lupus flares, as well as clinical, immunological and microbiological features of patients with bloodstream infections that develop severe lupus flares.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 87 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with bloodstream infections and 87 hospitalized SLE patients without bloodstream infections as a comparison group. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months or until one of the primary outcomes was developed (severe SLE flare according to SELENA/SLEDAI score or death). Microbiological features of all bloodstream infections were recorded. The disease status at the end of follow up was registered.

Results

A total of 23 patients (13.2%) developed a severe flare during follow up; among them, 20 (87%) had an associated episode of bloodstream infection ( p < 0.001). The most frequent flares were renal (43.4%) and severe thrombocytopenia (26%). After multivariate analysis, baseline-independent factors associated with severe SLE flare were bloodstream infection [hazard ratio (HR) 7.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.13–24.95; p = 0.002]. Among patients with bloodstream infections, low C4 levels (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.04–5.69: p = 0.04) and Streptococcus pneumoniae were associated with severe SLE flare (HR 3.41, 95% CI 1.68–6.91; p = 0.012).

Conclusions

SLE patients with bloodstream infections, especially due to S. pneumoniae, and low C4 levels, are at higher risk for development of severe SLE flares.
Pregnancy outcomes among women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study from Thailand
Authors: Phansenee S , Sekararithi R , Jatavan P , Tongsong T
Published: July 2017

Objective

The objective of this paper is to compare adverse pregnancy outcomes between normal pregnancies and pregnancies with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly focusing on uncomplicated SLE with remission.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by accessing the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Unit database and the full medical records of the women. The records of singleton pregnancies with SLE and no underlying disease were assigned as the study group and their medical records were reviewed. The low-risk pregnancies were randomly selected as the controls. The adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared between the control group vs women with SLE, control group vs uncomplicated SLE, and between the subgroups within the study group.

Results

Of 28,003 births during the study period, 1400 controls and 140 pregnancies with SLE were compared. The rates of fetal loss, preterm birth, small-for-date, low birth weight and preeclampsia were significantly higher in the study groups with a relative risk of 5.6 (95% CI: 2.9–10.9), 3.2 (95% CI: 2.5–4.1), 3.5 (95% CI: 2.4–4.9), 4.2 (95% CI: 3.4–5.3) and 2.9 (95% CI: 1.9–4.4), respectively. The increased rates of most adverse outcomes were still noted even in the cases of uncomplicated SLE. Among women with SLE, lupus nephritis, chronic hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, active disease at the onset of pregnancies, and proteinuria were significantly associated with such outcomes.

Conclusions

Pregnancies with SLE, even in uncomplicated cases with remission, increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. The presence of lupus nephritis, chronic hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, active disease at the onset of pregnancies, and proteinuria were significantly associated with such outcomes.
Developing Entrepreneurial Intensity among Women Entrepreneurs of Jammu & Kashmir: Model Building through Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Saif , Jan Sumaira
Published: July 2017

In developing nations like India, entrepreneurship can be a solution of many economy-related problems; to achieve this, high level of entrepreneurial intensity (EI) is to be ensured. EI measures the focus and commitment of an entrepreneur towards his/her venture. It can influence performance of firms, provide sustainable advantage to individuals, societies etc.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is facing issues like low GDP and high unemployment. High level of EI, especially among women, can provide solution to many of its problems. So, the present endeavour assesses the level of intensity among the women entrepreneurs and then suggests some measures to enhance the same. The results of the study show that innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy, which are taken as the basic postulates of EI in study, show significant loading. Although women entrepreneurs tend to show pro-activeness and competitive aggressiveness strongly, it is innovativeness, risk-taking and autonomy are not good fit. This study proposes a model for training for the women entrepreneurs to improve their level of EI to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurship in the state. This will in turn enhance the overall economic growth of the state.
The Emerging China, Pakistan, and Russia Strategic Triangle: India’s New Gordian Knot
Authors: Thoker Parvaiz Ahmad , Singh Bawa
Published: July 2017

The primary cause for the emerging triple axis including China, Russia, and Pakistan in South Asia has been to curtail the Indo-US extended political, economic, and military connections. India in the post-Cold War era tilted significantly toward the West, the move which has been equally ostracized by the triumvirate. Hence, in reprisal, Russia’s recent rapprochement with the duo further solidified the Sino-Pak geostrategic bond. India’s wide-ranging collaboration with the US, primarily in the post-civil nuclear deal, led to the budding fusion of three atomic powers. Under such circumstances, the region has been enticing the major global powers and latterly various extra-regional players exhibited profound interests in the entire South Asia. Therefore, under the formation of power blocks, a new geopolitical great game has been emerging in the region. India, the leading South Asian player, therefore, has been facing an extremely problematic situation while making a balancing choice amongst the two hostile powers, China and the US. Against this backdrop, the study will primarily focus on the rise of South Asian Triple Axis and its possible consequences upon the rising Indo-US strategic leverage.
Nasser'S Pan-Arab Radicalism and the Saudi Drive for Islamic Solidarity: A Response for Security
Authors: Baba Noor Ahmad
Published: July 2017

Post World War-II era has witnessed great upheavals of far-reaching social, political and economic consequences, overtaking almost all regions of the World. This changed the very context of international relations in these areas. West Asian region dominated by conservative monarchies under varying degrees of western colonial influences, could not escape this all pervading currents of change especially since the late 40s and early 50s. A series of developments in a quick succession changed the very patterns of relationships in the region and shook the very foundations of the conservative regimes there.1 One of the prominent regime that felt threatned and survived by successfully responding to the situation, is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the most potent threat that it had to confront with was the post 1952 revolution in Egypt
Curcumin inhibits bladder cancer progression via regulation of β-catenin expression
Authors: Shi Jing , Wang Yunpeng , Jia Zhuomin , Gao Yu , Zhao Chaofei , Yao Yuanxin
Published: July 2017

Bladder cancer has a considerable morbidity and mortality impact with particularly poor prognosis. Curcumin has been recently noticed as a polyphenolic compound separated from turmeric to regulate tumor progression. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which curcumin inhibits the invasion and metastasis of bladder cancer cells is not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigate the effect of curcumin on the bladder cancer as well as possible mechanisms of curcumin. The expression of β-catenin was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis in a series of bladder cancer tissues. In addition, bladder cancer cell lines T24 and 5637 cells were treated with different concentrations of curcumin. The cytotoxic effect of curcumin on cell proliferation of T24 and 5637 cells was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The migration and invasion capacity of T24 and 5637 cells were measured by transwell assay. The effects of curcumin on expression levels of β-catenin and epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker were determined by western blotting. The β-catenin expression was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues when compared with corresponding peri-tumor tissues. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited the cell proliferation of T24 and 5637 cells, and curcumin reduced the migration and invasive ability of T24 and 5637 cells via regulating β-catenin expression and reversing epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Curcumin may be a new drug for bladder cancer.
PARP-1 serves as a novel molecular marker for hepatocellular carcinoma in a Southern Chinese Zhuang population
Authors: Li Jiatong , Dou Dongwei , Li Ping , Luo Wenqi , Lv Wenxin , Zhang Chengdong , Song Xiaowei , Yang Yuan , Zhang Yuening , Xu Yanzhen , Xiao Feifan , Wei Yan , Qin Jian , Li Hongtao , Yang Xiaoli
Published: July 2017

PARP-1 (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Since its effects on different populations are varied, this study investigated the impact of PARP-1 on primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a Southern Chinese Zhuang population. We assessed the global PARP-1 messenger RNA expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Increased PARP-1 expression, related to alpha-fetoprotein level, was observed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was 0.833. Kaplan–Meier survival curves indicated that higher PARP-1 expression was not correlated with poorer overall survival and recurrence-free survival. In a Zhuang population, PARP-1 messenger RNA and protein levels were increased in the hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and its adjacent liver tissues as assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Higher PARP-1 level was associated with a higher tumor stage (p < 0.05), without correlation with age, gender, smoking, drinking, tumor size, serum alpha-fetoprotein level, hepatitis B virus infection, metastasis, and invasion (p > 0.05). Further analysis suggested that H2AX, a PARP-1 protein interaction partner, was coordinated with PARP-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis. Overall, some new characteristics of PARP-1 expression were noted in the Zhuang population. PARP-1 is a novel promising diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma in the Southern Chinese Zhuang population.
Sporamin induces apoptosis and inhibits NF-κB activation in human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Qian Cuijuan , Chen Xiaoying , Qi Yongxiao , Zhong Sheng , Gao Xinyan , Zheng Wenjun , Mao Zhixiang , Yao Jun
Published: July 2017

Sporamin, a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (TI) from sweet potato tuberous roots, has demonstrated anti-tumor activity through poorly defined mechanisms. Furthermore, the effects of sporamin on pancreatic cancer have not been explored. Herein, we studied the effects of sporamin on two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and BxPC-3. Sporamin significantly inhibited the cell viability and proliferation activity and induced apoptosis in PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Consistently, in sporamin-treated PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells, the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL were downregulated and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was upregulated. Moreover, nuclear factor kappa B activation and IκBα phosphorylation were inhibited, and total IκBα expression was increased in sporamin-treated PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Thus, our results suggest that the anti-tumor effects of sporamin in pancreatic cancer cells might result partly from induction of apoptosis by downregulating nuclear factor kappa B pathway.
High MRPS23 expression contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and indicates poor survival outcomes
Authors: Pu Meng , Wang Jianlin , Huang Qike , Zhao Ge , Xia Congcong , Shang Runze , Zhang Zhuochao , Bian Zhenyuan , Yang Xishegn , Tao Kaishan
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent neoplasms and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 is encoded by a nuclear gene and participates in mitochondrial protein translation. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 overexpression has been found in many types of cancer. In this study, we explored mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression in primary hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared with matched adjacent non-tumoral liver tissues using mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 messenger RNA and protein levels collected from public databases and clinical samples. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the relationship between mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 and various clinicopathological features. The results indicated that mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 was significantly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. High mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression was correlated with the tumor size and tumor–metastasis–node stage. Moreover, patients with high mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression levels presented poorer survival rates. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 was an independent prognostic factor for survival, especially at the early stage of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the downregulation of mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 decreased the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we verified for the first time that mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. High mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 levels can predict poor clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma, and this protein plays a key role in tumor proliferation. Therefore, mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 may be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
STYK1 promotes Warburg effect through PI3K/AKT signaling and predicts a poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Yunfei , Yang Ling , He Jiao , Yang Huai
Published: July 2017

STYK1 (Serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase 1), a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, exhibits tumorigenicity in many types of cancers. Our study reveals the important role played by STYK1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. STYK1 is upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues compared with para-carcinoma. Knockdown of STYK1 inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while ectopic STYK1 expression significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. In addition, we provided lines of evidence supporting the critical role of STYK1 in the regulation of glycolysis via activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT pathway. Survival analysis reveals that STYK1 level is an independent prognostic factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Our results indicate that STYK1 is a promising therapeutic target in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Downregulation of tyrosine threonine kinase inhibits tumor growth via G2/M arrest in human endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jiamiao , Jiang Yan , Zhao Yu , Wang Wanxue , Xie Yiran , Wang Huating , Yang Yihua
Published: July 2017

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy, about 80% of which is endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. Dysregulation of spindle assembly checkpoint plays a vital role in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. The purpose of this study was to explore how tyrosine threonine kinase, a spindle assembly checkpoint–related protein, promotes the endometrial endometrioid carcinoma progression. We found that both messenger RNA and protein levels of tyrosine threonine kinase in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma tissues are higher than those in normal endometrial tissues, and its expression is associated with tumor stages. Genetic depletion of tyrosine threonine kinase by RNA interference in two endometrial endometrioid carcinoma cell lines significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. Mechanistically, depletion of tyrosine threonine kinase induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and triggers caspase-dependent cell apoptosis. Collectively, tyrosine threonine kinase is significantly upregulated in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, and downregulation of tyrosine threonine kinase can suppress endometrial endometrioid carcinoma cell proliferation and promote apoptosis via G2/M cell cycle arrest. Our study demonstrates that tyrosine threonine kinase can be a potential therapeutic target for endometrial endometrioid carcinoma treatment.
Risk of severe pulmonary embolism in cancer patients receiving bevacizumab: Results from a meta-analysis of published and unpublished data
Authors: Liu Meidan , Zheng Yayuan , Chen Zuguang , Qiu Yumiao , Pan Zhanchun , Cai Zitao , Shi Yapeng , Cheng Junfen , Yao Weimin
Published: July 2017

To evaluate the association between severe pulmonary embolism events and bevacizumab, we conducted the first meta-analysis evaluating the incidence and risk of pulmonary embolism associated with bevacizumab-based therapy. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to September 2016 for randomized controlled trials comparing bevacizumab with no bevacizumab on cancer patients. Incidence rates, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. The primary end point was the association of bevacizumab with pulmonary embolism. Subgroup analyses were performed according to tumor type, dose, and publication status. In total, 23 randomized controlled trials were included. For patients receiving bevacizumab, the overall incidence of severe pulmonary embolism events was 1.76% (95% confidence interval = 1.25%–2.27%). Cancer patients treated with bevacizumab did not increase the risk of pulmonary embolism events (relative risk = 1.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.80–1.25). No significant differences in pulmonary embolism incidence or risk among subgroup analyses were observed. No evidence of publication bias was observed. This study suggested that bevacizumab may not increase the risk of pulmonary embolism in cancer patients.
Screening of specific nucleic acid aptamers binding tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients and identification of their activities
Authors: Li Kun , Xiu Chen-Lin , Gao Li-Ming , Liang Hua-Gang , Xu Shu-Feng , Shi Ming , Li Jian , Liu Zhi -Wei
Published: July 2017

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Despite the improvements in diagnostic methods, the status of early detection was not achieved. So, a new diagnostic method is needed. The aim of this study is to obtain the highly specific nucleic acid aptamers with strong affinity to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients for targeting the serum. Aptamers specifically binding to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients were screened from the random single-stranded DNA library with agarose beads as supports and the serum as a target by target-substituting subtractive SELEX technique and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. Subsequently, the secondary single-stranded DNA library obtained by 10 rounds of screening was amplified to double-stranded DNA, followed by high-throughput genome sequence analysis to screen aptamers with specific affinity to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients. Finally, six aptamers obtained by 10 rounds of screening were identified with high specific affinity to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients. Compared with other five aptamers, the aptamer 43 was identified both with the highest specificity to bind target molecule and without any obvious affinity to non-specific proteins. The screened aptamers have relatively high specificity to combine tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients, which provides breakthrough points for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Methods for the 2016 Socioeconomic and Health Survey in Chi Linh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (CHILILAB HDSS)
Authors: Van Minh Hoang , Ngan Tran Thu , Ngoc Nguyen Bao , Kien Vu Duy , Mai Vu Quynh , Phuong Tran Bich , Anh Tran Tuan , Giang Kim Bao , Van Tuong Phan , Duc Ha Anh , Van Dung Do
Published: July 2017

The Chi Linh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (CHILILAB HDSS) was established in 2004 in Chi Linh District, Hai Duong Province (Northern Vietnam). Up to 2013, 22 rounds of data collection at CHILILAB HDSS had been completed. This article reports the methods and key sociodemographic characteristics of households and individuals captured by the survey conducted among the subsamples of CHILILAB HDSS in 2016. We observed and compared them to the previous HDSS survey rounds and found no significant differences for household size and gender compositions in CHILILAB HDSS. The educational level and economic status of CHILILAB people in 2016 have improved. However, it can be seen that the Chi Linh population is undergoing a strong “aging” trend.
The role of newspapers in the formation of gendered national identity: Polish coverage of women’s and men’s basketball championships
Authors: Jakubowska Honorata , Ličen Simon
Published: July 2017

This study examines how newspapers in post-communist Poland nurture a gendered national identity through their disparate coverage of men’s and women’s European basketball championships. Agenda-setting, framing and social identity theories were used to analyse 502 articles published between 2009–2013. Results show that men’s tournaments received 3.5 times more coverage than women’s events; the gap further widened when Poland hosted the championships. Articles about men’s championships were also longer (314 words on average versus 161). The discourse surrounding women’s competitions was factual whereas the men’s national team’s performances were framed as challenges, matters of national pride, and involved combat and military terminology. Peculiarly, the most frequently mentioned member of the women’s team was its male coach. Findings indicate a significant departure from the communist-era promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment as a source of pride. National identity is nurtured through newspaper coverage of the men’s national team (when team colours and the first person plural are mentioned) but not of the women’s national team.
Zoophilia in an adolescent with high-functioning autism from Sri Lanka
Authors: Chandradasa Miyuru , Champika Layani
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Zoophilia is a rare paraphilic disorder with intense sexual urges involving animals. Autism is characterised by impairments in social communication and repetitive, restricted behaviours (RRB). Reported cases of zoophilia are limited worldwide, and zoophilia in autism is rarer.

Method:

This is a case report describing this unique and relatively unrecognised association in a male adolescent from Sri Lanka.

Results:

A 17-year-old boy diagnosed with autism has average intelligence and academic capabilities. He had spent increasing time at his grandparents’ cattle house. First, he was found masturbating near the cows and later having penetrative intercourse with a heifer. The shocked parents first sought traditional healing in the form of ‘thovil’, a demonic ritual of exorcist nature. Later, clinical evaluation found intense sexual urges towards cattle, which had led to marked distress and academic impairment. Sex hormone profile was normal. The adolescent was treated with a combination of cognitive–behaviour therapy and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Conclusion:

We postulate that his persistent social difficulties contributed to the development of a paraphilic disorder. Unlike with his RRBs, he was markedly distressed about this sexual behaviour. Further research is required to explore this rarely reported, potential association.
Out, out, damned blind spot! The problem of anxiety with dynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Jeyasingam Neil Raveen
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

This article discusses Lady Macbeth’s famous sleepwalking scene from the Shakespearean tragedy, and how it became used as a template for the formulation of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Conclusions:

Psychoanalysis maintained its role in understanding the condition, despite the lack of evidence base and the repeated finding from many therapists of a failure to control symptomatology. It is suggested that psychodynamic psychotherapy suffered from a failure to recognise what components of its practice were aesthetically attractive concepts rather than evidence-based medicine and outcome measures, and is an important issue in considering its future directions.
Analyses of Subgroups and Clusterings within Groups: Attaining Knowledge of the Social Interaction Potential
Authors: Parke Bonny K. , Houben Howard C.
Published: July 2017

The evocative portrayal of small groups given by the group diagramming method naturally invites the further study of subgroups, behavioral clusters, and coalitions. Previous attempts at such study have depended on the mathematical formalism of Cluster Analysis. This is a natural choice, since much of the structure of a group is sure to be defined by the pairwise interactions which form the basis of Cluster Analytic techniques. However, several shortcomings of this method are apparent: While there is a straightforward measure of distance (the fundamental input to the Cluster Analysis) in the diagram plane, the dominance dimension appears to be qualitatively different; furthermore, it is most desirable that the analysis procedure consider all interactions simultaneously. We therefore turn to the Potential Theory of physical science which has long been used to describe assemblages of pairwise interacting “particles.” A method of characterizing probable clusters within a group is then possible based on the statistical moment description of a group —analogous to the multipole expansion of physical Potential Theory. It is hypothesized that there is an an underlying Social Interaction Potential which is clarified by the contours of the coalitions which thus emerge. Speculation on this Potential leads to other fruitful areas of inquiry.
Comparing the Structure of Individual and Small Group Perceptions
Authors: Hinsz Verlin B. , Vollrath David A. , Nagao Dennis H. , Davis James H.
Published: July 2017

The study reported examines the general assumption that perceptions of stimuli by individuals acting alone match those of interacting groups. This assumption contradicts arguments that groups effectively restructure the organization of the perception of stimuli. These two views were compared in a multidimensional scaling analysis of the structure in group and individual perceptions of crimes. Individuals and four-person groups made paired comparisons of the similarity of 12 crimes. Perceptual judgments by individuals and interacting groups were in general quite similar, providing little support for the cognitive restructuring hypothesis. The results were discussed in terms of pooling and consensus processes that occur during group information processing.
Transfusion Refusal and the Shifting Limits of Multicultural Accommodation
Authors: DeMichelis Carey
Published: July 2017

The refusal of blood products by Jehovah’s Witness patients has provoked court proceedings, social science research, and contemporary fiction, all of which emphasize a seemingly intractable conflict between religious and secular ways of being. This article takes a different approach, focusing instead on the space that Witness patients have carved out for their accommodation in a major pediatric research hospital. Using discourse analysis and interview data, I map the way moralizing discourses surrounding Witness families have shifted over the past 70 years alongside advancements in bloodless medicine. I argue that Witnesses have helped to enable their present accommodation and recognition by marshaling particular forms of economic, human, and social capital, and consider whether their success might be attainable by other treatment-resisting patient groups. Thus, this article explores the shifting limits of multicultural accommodation and the conditions that make understanding, collaboration, and compromise possible.
A Metasynthesis of Phenomenographic Articles on Understandings of Work Among Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Röing Marta , Holmström Inger K. , Larsson Jan
Published: July 2017

Phenomenography is a qualitative research method based on the assumption that almost any phenomenon will be understood by a group of people in a limited number of ways. Our aim in this article was to identify the different ways work can be understood by healthcare professionals. In a world where the delivery of healthcare is continually changing, a metasynthesis of phenomenographic articles on healthcare professionals’ understandings can provide knowledge about the focus and meaning of work for these individuals today. Our metaethnographic synthesis of 14 selected phenomenographic articles identified five different ways of understanding work, ranging from a limited to an all the more comprehensive view on patients and their needs. This range of understandings reveals problem areas and challenges facing healthcare professionals today. The possibility exists as well that limited understandings of work may be negative consequences of current demands for efficiency and all the more limited healthcare resources.
A damage model for modeling the complete stress–strain relations of brittle rocks under uniaxial compression
Authors: Liu Dongqiao , He Manchao , Cai Ming
Published: July 2017

Based on the “elastic modulus method” derived from the hypothesis of strain equivalence and test data of complete stress–strain curves of marble, granite, and sandstone under uniaxial compression, a damage model in the form of Logistic equation is proposed to simulate the stress–strain relation of rocks. This model can describe the complete deformation process of rocks under uniaxial compression satisfactorily. The used mathematical function is simple with just four model parameters, and each parameter has distinct physical meaning. The validity of the model is demonstrated by a mathematical deduction analysis and the model is further verified using laboratory test data. In addition, this model provides a method for estimating the elastic modulus of undamaged rocks using uniaxial compression test results and it presents a reasonable explanation of the chaos phenomenon occurred in uniaxial compression test.
Decomposition of healing tensor: In continuum damage and healing mechanics
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z , Kattan Peter I
Published: July 2017

The decomposition of the healing variable (in the case of scalars) and the healing tensor (in the case of tensors) is carried out systematically and consistently. In this respect, the classical linear healing model is adopted in this work. The decomposition of healings includes the healing variable/tensor of cracks and the healing variable/tensor for voids. A third defect type is considered wherever mathematically possible. Thus a complete treatment of the decomposition of the healing tensor is presented covering both the one-dimensional and three-dimensional aspects. As an illustrative example, the case of plane stress, plane damage, and plane healing is solved. In this case, it is concluded that two distinct decomposition equations are obtained as well as one single coupling formula. The coupling equation is an expression that relates the various healing tensor components and damage tensor components for cracks and voids Furthermore; it is shown that there is no coupling in the one-dimensional case.
The Perceived Effect of a Witness Security Program on Willingness to Testify
Authors: Demir Mustafa
Published: July 2017

To encourage witnesses to testify, witness security programs have been established to protect people who testify against offenders. Research on the impact of witness protection programs on the willingness of people to testify, however, is scarce. To fill the gap, this research was conducted in Turkey to investigate the perceived effect of a witness security program on witnesses’ willingness to testify while controlling for sociodemographic variables, including gender, marital status, age, employment, education level, economic status, and social status. The study used a self-administered survey of 732 individuals who were either a victim of a crime or a witness to a crime. The findings from the multivariate analysis showed that gender, social status, and employed had an impact on willingness to testify. Specifically, the findings showed that being male, having middle- or upper-class social status, and being unemployed increased the likelihood of willingness to testify. The other variables were not statistically significant predictors of willingness to testify. These findings suggest that a witness security program is an essential tool for increasing people’s willingness of testify and ensure an effective investigation, prosecution, and adjudication.
Hepatitis C Treatment Regimens Are Cost-Effective: But Compared With What?
Authors: Mattingly T. Joseph , Slejko Julia F. , Mullins C. Daniel
Published: July 2017

Background: Numerous economic models have been published evaluating treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but none provide a comprehensive comparison among new antiviral agents. Objective: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of all recommended therapies for treatment of genotypes 1 and 4 chronic HCV. Methods: Using data from clinical trials, observational analyses, and drug pricing databases, Markov decision models were developed for HCV genotypes 1 and 4 to compare all recommended drugs from the perspective of the third-party payer over a 5-, 10-, and 50-year time horizon. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was conducted by assigning distributions for clinical cure, age entering the model, costs for each health state, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each health state in a Monte Carlo simulation of 10 000 repetitions of the model. Results: In the lifetime model for genotype 1, effects ranged from 18.08 to 18.40 QALYs and total costs ranged from $88 107 to $184 636. The lifetime model of genotype 4 treatments had a range of effects from 18.23 to 18.43 QALYs and total costs ranging from $87 063 to $127 637. Grazoprevir/elbasvir was the optimal strategy followed by velpatasvir/sofosbuvir as the second-best strategy in most simulations for both genotypes 1 and 4, with drug costs and efficacy of grazoprevir/elbasvir as the primary model drivers. Conclusions: Grazoprevir/elbasvir was cost-effective compared with all strategies for genotypes 1 and 4. Effects for all strategies were similar with cost of drug in the initial year driving the results.
Minimal (Limited) Pseudohyperplastic Prostatic Adenocarcinoma in Needle Prostatic Biopsy
Authors: Arista-Nasr Julian , Martinez-Benitez Braulio , Mijangos-Trejo Alejandra , Bornstein-Quevedo Leticia , Albores-Saavedra Jorge
Published: July 2017

Background. Study of minimum adenocarcinoma has been done almost exclusively on conventional acinar adenocarcinoma. Pseudohyperplastic adenocarcinoma can be confused with benign lesions because of its well-differentiated appearance and has not been studied when the biopsy shows few malignant glands (limited carcinoma). Methods. We reviewed 94 pseudohyperplastic adenocarcinomas diagnosed in prostatic biopsies for a period of 12 years and selected those measuring less than 1 mm or involving less than 5% of the biopsied tissue. We also reviewed 200 consecutive consultations. Results. Four (4.2%) of the 94 cases were limited pseudohyperplastic adenocarcinomas, and 3 were from consultations. Three of them were mistaken for hyperplastic nodules, prostatic adenosis, or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm. The number of glands varied between 6 and 50 (average 23). Three nodular histological patterns were identified—nodular, adenosis-like, and pseudohyperplastic carcinoma resembling prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was not related to the number of neoplastic glands. Histological criteria that were useful included: crowded medium to large glands, papillary infoldings, branching glands, straight luminal borders, hyperchromatic nuclei, nucleomegaly, and apparent nucleoli. Areas of transition to conventional acinar adenocarcinoma were useful in recognizing four of these neoplasms, but were barely apparent in 2 of them. Hyperchromatic nuclei were found in all cases, whereas apparent nucleoli and nucleomegaly were only present in 4. Conclusions. The architectural and cytological criteria for limited acinar adenocarcinoma are only partially useful in interpreting minimum pseudohyperplastic adenocarcinomas. Knowledge of the criteria for malignancy in both neoplasms is important in order to avoid underdiagnosis of malignancy.
Flying Too Close to the Sun: Lessons Learned from the Judicial Expansion of the Objective Patient Standard for Informed Consent in Wisconsin
Authors: Derse Arthur R.
Published: July 2017

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, after adopting the doctrine of the objective (reasonable) patient standard, expanded it in bold and innovative ways over nearly four decades, until the Wisconsin legislative and executive branches drastically reversed this course. The saga has implications for other jurisdictions considering adoption or expansion of the objective patient standard doctrine
The Prescription Drug Pricing Moment: Using Public Health Analysis to Clarify the Fair Competition Debate on Prescription Drug Pricing and Consumer Welfare
Authors: Marciarille Ann Marie
Published: July 2017

Fair competition law and public health law talk past each other when discussing pharmaceutical pricing and distribution. The former cannot agree on the relevant definition of consumer welfare. The latter does not fully comprehend the highly complex but inherently collective nature of pharmaceutical drug acquisition in the United States. This essay proposes to inject public health discourse into this debate to enrich it, focus it, and render it more accessible to those who must live by its outcome.
Background Checks for all Gun Buyers and Gun Violence Restraining Orders: State Efforts to Keep Guns from High-Risk Persons
Authors: Vernick Jon S. , Alcorn Ted , Horwitz Joshua
Published: July 2017

There were more than 36,000 firearm-related deaths in the U.S. in 2015. Under federal law, a background check is required only for gun purchases from licensed dealers. Research suggests that some persons prohibited from owning a gun turn to private sellers, including those identified online, to attempt to obtain a firearm. State-level approaches to make it more difficult for high-risk persons to purchase or possess firearms include universal background check (UBC) and gun violence restraining order (GVRO) laws. UBC laws, on the books in 18 states as of the end of 2016, can reduce both homicide and suicide rates. After Colorado adopted a UBC law in 2013, the number of background checks conducted by private sellers for sales occurring at places other than gun shows steadily increased. GVRO laws give law enforcement and families the authority to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual who presents a danger to himself or others during times of crisis, regardless of whether that person has been diagnosed with a mental illness. California enacted a GVRO law in 2014. Data are emerging to suggest the effectiveness of GVRO-type laws at averting suicides and providing an entryway to services.
Inadequacy of Current Prevention Strategies for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wallis Diane E. , Lewis Bruce E. , Messmore Harry L. , Pifarre Roque , Walenga Jeanine M.
Published: July 2017

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is one of the most difficult problems facing clinicians today. Despite recent understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder, there are many unresolved issues about diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. In this article, difficulties physicians encounter when faced with a suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia patient will be reviewed as well as our experience in 113 patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia which highlights the failure of current preventive strategies for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The experience of using warfarin in 51 patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia will also be reviewed.