bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the Epidemiology of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Screening Method and Pilot Results
Authors: Rowland Andrew S , Umbach David M , Catoe Karen E , Stallone Lil , Long Stuart , Rabiner David , Naftel A J , Panke Debra , Faulk Richard , Sandler Dale P
Published: November 2017

Objective:

As part of a larger epidemiologic study of risk factors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this pilot study combined parent and teacher information to estimate ADHD prevalence among elementary school children in a North Carolina county. The methods developed for this study and the pitfalls we encountered illustrate the challenges involved in conducting population-based studies of ADHD.

Methods:

We employed 2-stage screening using DSM-IV criteria. Teachers completed behaviour-rating scales for all children. We then administered a structured telephone interview to parents of potential cases. We screened 362 of 424 (85%) children in grades 1 to 5 in 4 schools.

Results:

According to parent reports, 43 children (12%) had previously been diagnosed with ADHD by a health professional. Thirty-four children (9%) were taking ADHD medication. Forty-six children (12.7%) met study case criteria for ADHD, based on combined teacher and parent reports. Of the 46 cases, 18 (39%) had not been previously identified. Eight previously diagnosed children, however, did not meet case criteria. After we adjusted for nonresponse, the estimated prevalence was 16% (95%CI, 12% to 20%).

Conclusions:

These data suggest that the DSM-IV prevalence of ADHD has been substantially underestimated, although the true prevalence in this population may be less than the 16% estimated here. Population-based studies of ADHD are feasible and may provide important information about practice and treatment patterns in community settings, as well as a broader understanding of the etiology and life course of this common disorder.
Clozapine Impact on Clinical Outcomes and Aggression in Severely Ill Adolescents with Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia
Authors: Chalasani Lokaranjit , Kant Ravi , Chengappa KN Roy
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of clozapine on aggressive behaviour and clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Methods:

We reviewed the charts of 6 children and adolescents who were admitted consecutively to a long-term care facility for clinical outcomes, including seclusion and restraints incidents prior to and during clozapine treatment. We also present a representative case history.

Results:

We noted clinically significant improvements in social interaction and decreases in the number of violent episodes and homicidal or suicidal thoughts. The global assessment of functioning (GAF) scores improved significantly. Weight gain was significant.

Conclusions:

These cases illustrate the benefits of clozapine treatment in refractory childhood-onset schizophrenia. Outcomes are similar to those described in adults. Even though open data limit conclusions from this study, it is pertinent that there was a clinically significant improvement in aggressive behaviours. This may be particularly important for improved morale of patients, their families, and treating staff. It may also be helpful in discharge to a less restrictive environment.
Consumer Satisfaction with an Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Authors: Marriage Keith , Petrie Julie , Worling David
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To explore factors influencing the satisfaction of patients, parents, and referring clinicians who used the services of an adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit, and to explore how levels of satisfaction related to the patient's symptomatic and functional improvement during the admission.

Method:

All 105 adolescents, their families, and the referring community clinicians who used an inpatient service over a 1-year period were asked to rate the patient's symptoms and functioning on admission, at discharge, and 4 months after the patient's return to the community. We obtained satisfaction ratings at discharge, and consumers were asked to rate helpfulness of the ward experience at 4 months postdischarge. Ward psychiatrists provided Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) ratings and diagnoses over the course of the inpatient stay.

Results:

Most of the patients (83%) improved during their admission. Consumer satisfaction ratings correlated with improvement of self-identified problems and with the perceived usefulness of discharge recommendations. Satisfaction did not, however, correlate with the patient's symptomatic and functional progress. Interaction with ward staff was an important source of both positive and negative experiences.

Conclusion:

Our study indicates that inpatient psychiatric staff should attend closely to the consumer's perception of difficulties and the need for practical discharge recommendations.
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents
Authors: Étain Bruno , Le Heuzey Marie-France , Mouren-Simeoni Marie-Christine
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To report on observations of 6 adolescents treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and to compare the data with literature data.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective study of our division charts of adolescents treated with ECT and hospitalized in the last 20 years. We also undertook a computer search in several databases (including Medline) to identify the reported observations on this treatment.

Results:

We studied the charts of 6 adolescents aged 14 to 16 years. There were 3 cases of major depressive disorder (including 1 case of delusion of negation), 2 cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and 1 case of schizoaffective disorder with catatonic characteristics. Four adolescents received ECT as a first-line treatment. They were given an average of 9 ECT, which was judged to be efficacious. Tolerance was adequate, and in this series, ECT does not seem to have caused alterations to long-term cognitive functions. No relapse was noted after a minimum of one-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

For some severe psychiatric disorders in adolescents, ECT could be a treatment with a good efficacy and tolerance profile.
Bipolar Disorder Associated with Another Autoimmune Disease—Pemphigus: A Population-based Study
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Comaneshter Doron , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Recent evidence suggests a notable role for inflammation and immune dysregulation in the neuroprogression of bipolar disorders (BD). Several autoimmune comorbidities have been reported in association with BD. However, the epidemiological relationship between pemphigus and BD has not yet been elucidated. We aimed to estimate the association between pemphigus and BD using a large-scale, real-life computerized database.

Methods:

Data for this study were retrieved from the database of the Clalit Health Services, the largest, state-mandated, health service organization in Israel. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The proportion of patients with BD was compared between patients diagnosed with pemphigus and age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects. A logistic regression model was performed to estimate how pemphigus and other covariates contributed as risk factors for BD.

Results:

A total of 1,985 pemphigus cases and 9,874 controls were included in the study. The prevalence of BD was greater in cases with pemphigus than in controls (1.0% v. 0.5%, respectively; P = 0.023). This coexistence was more prominent among patients of Jewish ethnicity. After controlling for confounders, such as age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, smoking, healthcare utilization, and comorbidities, pemphigus demonstrated a substantial independent association with BD (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.9).

Conclusions:

Pemphigus is significantly associated with BD. Patients with pemphigus should be assessed for comorbid BD. Experimental research is needed to better recognize the biological mechanisms underlying this observation.
Transnational Cultural Events among Korean Immigrants in the New York-New Jersey Area
Authors: Min Pyong Gap
Published: November 2017

This article focusing on Korean immigrant cultural transnationalism has three major objectives. First, it provides a conceptual clarification of different components of immigrant cultural transnationalism. Second, it provides a discussion of how to measure different components of immigrant cultural transnationalism. Finally, it analyzes transnational cultural events organized in the Korean community in the New York-New Jersey area and South Korea based on a content analysis of articles published in two Korean language dailies in the local Korean community in 2001 and 2014. This study makes a significant contribution to immigrant cultural transnationalism, so much neglected by transnational scholars.
Examining the Latent Structure of the BASC-3 BESS Parent Preschool Form
Authors: Dowdy Erin , DiStefano Christine , Greer Fred , Moore Stephanie , Pompey Kelvin
Published: November 2017

Screening for emotional and behavioral risk at the preschool level provides an opportunity to inform early intervention and prevention efforts. This study reports initial validation information for the Behavioral Assessment System for Children–Third Edition, Behavioral and Emotional Screening System, Parent Form–Preschool (BASC-3 BESS Parent-P). Using an Integrative Data Analysis framework, the BASC-3 BESS Parent-P latent structure was investigated using the norming sample from the BASC-3 ( n = 459) as well as two randomly split samples from the BASC-2 norming sample (development sample n = 770; validation sample n = 799). Five models were tested using confirmatory factor analyses; findings suggested a four-factor oblique solution, including Internalizing Risk, Externalizing Risk, Adaptive Skills, and Attention Problems factors. Future research directions and use in school-based screening applications are presented.
Teacher Racial/Ethnic Diversity: Distribution of Special and General Educators of Color Across Schools
Authors: Billingsley Bonnie S. , Bettini Elizabeth A. , Williams Thomas O.
Published: November 2017

Students benefit from a teacher workforce that represents the full racial/ethnic diversity of the United States. We examine racial/ethnic composition of general education teacher (GET) and special education teacher (SET) workforce using the Schools and Staffing Survey. We find that the teacher workforce continues to be primarily White. In 2011–2012, 18% of SETs and GETS were people of color; however, 47% of students with disabilities were students of color. Among teachers of color, the majority identify as Black or Hispanic, with a smaller proportion of Hispanic SETs than GETs. Early career SETs are racially/ethnically similar to experienced SETs, while early career GETs are somewhat more diverse. There were dramatic differences across regions, type of districts, and schools; higher percentages of teachers of color taught in high-poverty and urban schools as well as in schools with higher enrollments of students of color. Results have important implications for education policy and teacher preparation.
The Impact of Integrated Multidisciplinary Palliative Care Program on Symptoms in Patients at the Palliative Care Ward—An Audit and a Protocol of Prospective Controlled Investigation
Authors: Jülich Andreas , Spreu Thomas , Buchhold Britta , Usichenko Taras
Published: November 2017

An integrated multidisciplinary palliative care (IMPC) program is a promising tool to improve symptom control in patients at the end of life. The aim was to study the feasibility of the IMPC program in patients at the palliative care (PC) ward. A retrospective audit, using the extended Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), was conducted on the PC ward of the university hospital. Consecutive patients who were admitted for the IMPC program during 1 year were considered. One hundred forty-eight cases (93% with underlying cancer) were analyzed. The intensity of pain levels, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and sleep disorders decreased at least by 50% ( P < .0001) during the 13 (median) days of IMPC. Integrated multidisciplinary PC program was associated with symptom improvements in patients at the PC ward. The information generated supports sample size calculation for a prospective controlled trial.
A Preliminary Component Analysis of Self-Regulated Strategy Development for Persuasive Writing in Grades 5 to 7 in British Columbia
Authors: Geres-Smith Rhonda , Mercer Sterett H. , Archambault Catherine , Bartfai Jamie M.
Published: November 2017

Self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) has extensive evidence of improving student writing; however, few studies have investigated the relative importance of specific self-regulation components in SRSD. Twelve students in Grades 5 to 7 were assigned to one of two, 5-week SRSD conditions for persuasive writing that differed in instruction on the use of self-statements. No differences in outcomes were found between SRSD conditions, but large gains in writing quality, composition duration, and writing self-efficacy were found in both conditions. Although limited by not including a no-intervention comparison condition, the observed gains were typical of effect sizes reported in meta-analyses of SRSD and provide some additional evidence of replication in independent research teams and in a Canadian context.
The Effect of Different Forms of Violence on Women’s Attitudes Toward Gender Equality and Decision-Making Capacity
Authors: Rodriguez Jeyle Ortiz , Palencia Esteban Picazzo , Lagunas Elías Alvarado
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this article is to analyze the effect of different forms of violence on Mexican women’s attitudes and decision-making capacity. Specifically, attitudes toward gender equality are included as a mediator between violence and women’s decision-making capacity. Results reveal that attitudes are a partial mediator between physical, sexual, and psychological violence and women’s decision-making capacity. While physical, economic, and sexual violence negatively affect women’s decision-making capacity, economic violence against women increases their involvement in decision-making.
Recommendations for Responding to Survivors of Sexual Assault: A Qualitative Study of Survivors and Support Providers
Authors: Kirkner Anne , Lorenz Katherine , Ullman Sarah E.
Published: November 2017

Empirical research has repeatedly examined the social reactions survivors receive from informal and formal support providers. This research has also provided an understanding of social reactions survivors perceive as helpful and hurtful. Advocacy agencies provide supplemental information instructing support providers how to respond to survivors in a positive way. However, these sources—to our knowledge—have not specifically asked survivors how they want to be responded to when disclosing assault and what they need in the aftermath of assault. Furthermore, studies have not asked support providers about how to respond to survivors in a positive way. Thus, the information provided to survivors and support providers on positive support may not be “survivor informed.” This study examined recommendations for responding to survivors from two methods. First, as a broader approach, open-ended survey responses from N = 1,863 survivors were examined for unprompted recommendations on what survivors need following assault. Second, in a sample of 45 informal support dyads, survivors and support providers were specifically asked to provide recommendations on responding to survivors in a positive way. Results include recommendations from survivors to informal supporters, formal service providers, and other survivors on what is needed in the aftermath of sexual assault. Results also include recommendations on responding to survivors in a positive way from interviewed support providers to other supporters.
The Effects of Exercise on Memory Function Among Young to Middle-Aged Adults: Systematic Review and Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Frith Emily , Edwards Meghan K. , Sng Eveleen , Ashpole Nicole
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To systematically summarize the experimental effects of exercise on cognitive-related memory function among young to middle-aged adults, which has yet to be done in the literature.

Data Source:

PubMed.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

Studies were included if they were published in the English language, indexed in PubMed, employed an experimental study design (eg, traditional parallel group randomized controlled trial: either acute intervention or chronic/training intervention study), and conducted among human adults. Studies were excluded if nonhumans (ie, animal models) were studied, if children/adolescents (<18 years) or older adults (>50 years) were evaluated, and if select chronic diseases (eg, diabetes and dementia) were present.

Data Extraction:

A systematic review approach was employed.

Data Synthesis:

An extraction table was created synthesizing the key results, and recommendations for future research are emphasized.

Results:

Among the 17 evaluated studies, 2 were published before the year 2000 (ie, 1998 and 1999), 2 were published in 2007, and the remaining 13 were published in the years 2011 and beyond. This highlights the emergence of this research topic within this age-group (young to middle-aged adults). Among the 17 evaluated studies, 14 were conducted among healthy samples, with 3 conducted among those with a diagnosis of depression. Among the 17 studies, 4 employed a chronic training protocol, with 13 utilizing an acute exercise protocol. Among the 3 experimental studies in the depressed population, all demonstrated a favorable effect of exercise on memory function. Among the 14 trials in the nondepressed population, 10 (71%) demonstrated a favorable effect of exercise on some aspect of memory function.

Conclusion:

Acute and chronic exercise appears to play a pronounced effect on memory function among young to middle-aged adults. Implications and recommendations for future research are outlined in this systematic review.
Translating Healthy Living Messages to Postpartum Women and Their Partners After Gestational Diabetes (GDM): Body Habitus, A1C, Lifestyle Habits, and Program Engagement Results From the Families Defeating Diabetes (FDD) Randomized Trial
Authors: McManus R. , Miller D. , Mottola M. , Giroux I. , Donovan L.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

The Families Defeating Diabetes intervention evaluated a postpartum healthy living program for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Tertiary centers in London, Calgary, and Victoria, Canada.

Participants:

Women with GDM and partners; 46% of eligible maternal participants agreed to participate.

Intervention:

Interventional (INT) participants received a healthy living seminar at 3 months; access to a walking group/Website; biweekly e-mails. Control (CON) participants received a contemporary postpartum diabetes prevention handout.

Measures:

Maternal, partner, and offspring demographics at baseline, 3, and 12 months.

Analysis:

Percentages of women losing ≥7% of postpartum weight were compared by χ2 testing; body habitus comparisons by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA); maternal A1C comparisons by unpaired t tests; participant outcome associations by Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results:

Maternal participants were 170 (89 INT and 81 CON) with 63 partners (30 INT and 33 CON); 103 (73 maternal; 30 partners) were lost to follow-up; 57% of maternal participants completed 12 months; 33% INT women (n = 50) lost ≥7% weight versus 25% CON women (n = 47), P = .43. Interventional participant results did not correlate with accession of study elements. Maternal completion was significantly associated with partner involvement, breastfeeding, higher income, and education. Paternal weights correlated significantly with maternal and offspring weights.

Conclusion:

Families Defeating Diabetes outcomes were not significantly different for INT maternal or paternal participants versus CON participants. Secondary outcomes of future value included statistically significant positive associations between paternal participation, socioeconomic indicators, and maternal study completion, significant correlations between maternal, paternal, and offspring weights as well as insights into study component engagement.
Driven to Support: Individual- and County-Level Factors Associated With Public Support for Active Transportation Policies
Authors: Cradock Angie L. , Barrett Jessica L. , Chriqui Jamie F. , Evenson Kelly R. , Goins Karin Valentine , Gustat Jeanette , Heinrich Katie M. , Perry Cynthia K. , Scanze Michele , Schmid Thomas L. , Tabak Rachel G. , Umstattd Meyer M. Renee , Valko Cheryl
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To assess predictors of stated support for policies promoting physically active transportation.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

US counties selected on county-level physical activity and obesity health status.

Participants:

Participants completing random-digit dialed telephone survey (n = 906).

Measures:

Survey measures assessed stated support for 5 policies to promote physically active transportation, access to active transportation facilities, and time spent in a car. County-level estimates included household car dependence and funding for bicycle–pedestrian projects.

Analysis:

Multivariable generalized linear mixed models using binary distribution and logit link, accounting for clustering within county.

Results:

Respondents supported policies for accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians through street improvements (89%), school active transportation programs (75%), employer-funded active commuting incentives (67%), and allocation of public funding (68%) and tax support (56%) for building and maintaining public transit. Residents spending >2 h/d (vs <0.7 hours) in cars were more likely to support street (odds ratio [OR]: 1.87; confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-3.22) and public transit (OR: 1.85; CI: 1.24-2.77) improvements. Residents in counties investing >$1.6 million in bicycle and pedestrian improvements expressed greater support for funding (OR: 1.71; CI: 1.04-2.83) and tax increases (OR: 1.73; CI: 1.08-2.75) for transit improvements compared to those with lower prior investments (<$276 100).

Conclusion:

Support for policies to enable active transportation is higher where relevant investments in active transportation infrastructure are large (>$1.6 M), public transit is nearby, and respondents drive >2 h/d.
Charity paradigm change in contemporary China: From anti-socialist activity to civic duty
Authors: Luova Outi
Published: November 2017

This article addresses a remarkable conceptual change in China: the replacement of the perception of charities as organizations associated with anti-governmental activity by one that views charities as organized expressions of civic duty. This shift occurred within a period of just 20 years. Following theories of public policy paradigm change, this study analyses the specific societal, institutional and rhetorical changes that were required for the rehabilitation of charity in China; the articulation of a blueprint for the new paradigm; and the implementation of the model in practice, focusing on attempts to foster a charitable spirit and culture. This study is based on official documents and articles in the People’s Daily (人民日报). Furthermore, the analysis is complemented by interviews with staff members of charity associations carried out in Tianjin in 2007 and 2008. The findings contribute to the broader discussion of the features of China’s civil society by elaborating on the boundaries of acceptable civic action. The study shows how the party-state has permitted the emergence of a space for the expression of a voluntary charitable spirit while still expecting that charitable spirit to be expressed within the confines of state-defined morally correct acts.
The influence of oil source pressure fluctuation on the waviness error of potassium dihydrogen phosphate in ultra-precision machining
Authors: Gao Qiang , Lu Lihua , Chen Wanqun , Wang Guanglin
Published: November 2017

The performance of potassium dihydrogen phosphate optical components is very sensitive to the waviness error. The time-varying oil source pressure leads to dynamic change in the eccentricity of hydrostatic slide; waviness errors can be induced on the finished surface of potassium dihydrogen phosphate consequently. The relationship between unsteady oil source pressure and the waviness errors of potassium dihydrogen phosphate is studied in this article. A mathematical model is built to calculate the displacement of hydrostatic slide induced by unsteady oil supply pressure. Moreover, a comprehensive fluid–structure interaction model is built to consider the influence of structural deformation of slide on the pressure distribution of oil film. Experiments are carried out to verify the proposed model. The calculated results agree well with the experimental results, and it is found that the calculated results show better accuracy when fluid–structure interaction is considered, which validates the reliability of this model.
Suitability of aqueous MoS2 nanofluid for small quantity cooling lubrication–assisted diamond grinding of WC-Co cermets
Authors: Paul Sourabh , Ghosh Amitava
Published: November 2017

In contrary to the common notion that MoS2 is ineffective in water environment, this study evidentially justifies the potential of aqueous MoS2 nanofluid as a cutting fluid in grinding application. The ceramic-metal composite, WC-Co has been ground under small quantity cooling lubrication environment using this nanofluid. Parameters like grinding forces, surface roughness, chip, surface morphology and residual stress were under the focus of the study to assess the performance of the nanofluid beside commonly used soluble oil. The suitability of aqueous MoS2 nanofluid as a lubricant and coolant was first evaluated by conducting tribological and hot plate experiments, respectively. The cooling capability of MoS2 nanofluids, when dosed in aerosol form at the grinding interface extended grit sharpness which led to prolonged shearing action of the grits as compared to rapid grit dulling observed in alternative environments like flood cooling and small quantity cooling and lubrication using soluble oil. The chips formed during MoS2 nanofluid aerosol were also finer due to strain hardening of the cobalt phase leading to premature, stunted ductile fracture of the material. The residual stress of ground surface under nano-small quantity cooling lubrication environment was less compressive than small quantity cooling lubrication with soluble oil due to reduced rubbing by sharper grits. The overall outperformance of aqueous MoS2 nanofluid over soluble oil as cutting fluid is thus established.
The effect of actuator parameters on the performance of a liquid-jet hammer associated with its jet behavior
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Peng Jianming , Chen Jingqing , Bo Kun , Yin Kun , Wu Dongyu
Published: November 2017

Bi-stable fluidic amplifier containing no moving parts was used for switching fluid flow passing through it into an actuator in a liquid-jet hammer. So far, there has been no design basis for developing a liquid-jet hammer with high performance. To provide a guidance, this paper elaborates on the computational fluid dynamics simulation method for investigating the effect of actuator parameters on the performance of a liquid-jet hammer associated with its jet behavior. Given that couple mechanism exists between the flow field in the bi-stable fluidic amplifier and the actuator, dynamic mesh technique and a user-defined function written in C programming language were used to update the mesh in the simulations. Two evaluation criteria—pressure recovery and flux utilization ratio—for a liquid-jet hammer were used in this study. Experimental tests were conducted to verify the simulation results, by which the accuracy and reliability of this computational fluid dynamics simulation method was proved. Besides, comprehensive analysis of the flow behavior in the fluidic amplifier of a liquid-jet hammer was performed by the use of computational fluid dynamics visualization method.
Nonlinear dynamics characteristics and influence factors analysis of servo hydraulic cylinder
Authors: Li Jun , Li Huanliang , Cui Hongxin , Zhu Yawei
Published: November 2017

Aiming at problems of vibration, impact, and noise, the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of servo hydraulic cylinder are studied by using combination of theoretical derivation and simulation experiment methods. The nonlinear effect rules of spring force and friction force are analyzed based on nonlinear dynamic theory; it can be derived that the coupling effect rules of nonlinear spring force and friction force can be described by Duffing–Van Der Pol equation. The dynamic simulation model of servo hydraulic cylinder is established by using SimHydraulics software. The numerical simulation and experiment results showed that nonlinear vibration of servo hydraulic cylinder is mainly caused by exciting force, spring force, and friction force; the system has different motion states when the parameters take different values, which lays a good foundation for the optimal designs and precise control of hydraulic cylinder.
Between standard, silence and exception: How texts construct defendants as persons in Danish pre-sentence reports
Authors: Johansen Louise Victoria
Published: November 2017

This article analyses how the Danish penal system uses pre-sentence reports to constitute defendants as persons in relation to their criminal acts. Based on ethnographic fieldwork within the Danish Probation Service and County Courts, the present study follows the ‘career’ of these documents and shows how meaning is created through the complex interaction between the texts and the legal actors. A critical discourse analysis of the drafting of the reports and their interpretation by judges demonstrates how social knowledge about the defendant is conveyed to legal actors and used by them in the sentencing process. This happens through the interplay among standardized information, exceptional hints and omission of important details. These discursive strategies and the way they constitute meaning may have far-reaching consequences for defendants and their sentences.
Application of metaheuristic algorithm to identify priority parameters for the selection of feasible location having optimum wave energy potential
Authors: Ghosh Soumya , Majumder Mrinmoy , Pal Manish
Published: November 2017

The advances in technology and demand for luxury have induced increase in energy demand. However, the conventional energy resources due to its cost and impact on environment are becoming infeasible solution to satisfy the demand. As a result, alternative sources of energy such as solar, hydro, and sustainable energy resources are used to substitute the fossil fuels and satisfy the marginal demand for energy. Wave energy has a potential to satisfy the present energy demand. However, the expensive conversion procedures are one of the major deterrents which presented wider utilization of the resource. One of the reasons of costly conversion procedure is subjective- and experience-based selection of location and infeasible selection of parameters to identify a location from where maximum resources can be utilized under maximum expenditure. That is why, selection features by objective and unbiased method can reduce the cost of conversion and maximize the resource utilization. In this aspect, a new concept of “optimization techniques as multicriteria decision-making” was used to identify the major features in an objective and unbiased manner and compared with the results from analytical hierarchy process multicriteria decision-making method technique. While comparing the significance of the parameters wind speed, wave height, wind duration, water depth, fetch, and marine engineer, academicians and stakeholder criteria were used. The most significant parameters were evaluated with respect to the optimal as well as uncertain scenarios. The result shows that wind speed is the most significant parameter under normal and positive extreme scenario, respectively. The wind speed, water depth, and wave height are the most significant parameters with respect to optimization techniques such as differential evolution and genetic algorithms criteria for this normal and for the uncertain scenario. The index also provided a heuristic and cognitive optimal value to way from a suitability of utilization efficiency of wave energy power. Both models were able to fit the data well, with R2 values of 0.99127 and 0.97964 for the linear regression model and the polynomial neural network model, respectively. It was also found that the test data set had a mean absolute error of 0.07742 for the polynomial neural network model, while it was 0.06987 for the regression model.
Robust position control of hydraulic manipulators using time delay estimation and nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode
Authors: Liang Xichang , Wan Yi , Zhang Chengrui , Kou Yanyun , Xin Qianqian , Yi Wei
Published: November 2017

A simple and robust tracking controller based on time delay estimation and nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode is proposed for the position control of hydraulic manipulator. The proposed controller does not require the mathematical model of hydraulic manipulator dynamics, which ensures that the method is simple and model free. Two elements, time delay estimation and nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode, are implemented in the proposed controller. Time delay estimation estimates the complex dynamics of the hydraulic manipulator, and nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode is implemented as the nonlinear desired error dynamic to ensure fast convergence and high trajectory tracking accuracy. Experiments are performed to verify the tracking performance of the method on a hydraulic manipulator. The results demonstrate that this method achieves faster and higher precision position tracking performance than a conventional time delay control with linear error dynamics.
Improved bilateral teleoperation with proactive haptic sensing and transmission
Authors: Kuzu Ahmet , Baran Eray A. , Bogosyan Seta , Gokasan Metin , Sabanovic Asif
Published: November 2017

This article presents a novel master-slave control configuration that is experimentally demonstrated to improve teleoperation performance under random network delay. This is achieved via the design of a proactive haptic sensing system based on a laser range sensor on the slave side, which in turn allows for the proactive transmission of force control from the master to the slave, thus compensating for Internet-based network delays. The proposed configuration introduces three main contributions to the literature of bilateral control systems: (1) fully decoupled position and force control systems, which allow for the controller gains of each loop to be tuned independently, eliminating the trade-off common to most previous literature; (2) a novel approach that exploits the slow variation nature of the environment parameters, resulting in a lower bandwidth requirement in comparison to previous force control methods; (3) capability to measure the slave environment location and the prediction of the contact force as a result, which provides the human operator with the capability to generate the reaction force proactively on the master side. The conducted experiments demonstrated a significantly improved performance in terms of synchronized forces and positions despite the random network delay between the master and slave systems.
Functional Recovery Induced by Satellite Cell Grafts in Irreversibly Injured Muscles
Authors: Alameddine H.S. , Louboutin J.P. , Dehaupas M. , Sébille A. , Fardeau M.
Published: November 2017

Grafting autologous cultured satellite cells in irreversibly injured rat extensor digitorum longus EDL muscle leads to myofiber regeneration at the grafting site. In this study, we investigated whether cell grafts induced functional improvement and correlated mechanophysiological findings with histological observations. In cell grafted muscles, the number of myofibers did not differ significantly between 2 wk and 3 mo, whereas no regenerating myofibers were observed in ungrafted controls. During this period, the total number of myofibers in the cell grafted muscles represented 48.2-51.9% of that in normal muscles. The mean diameter of regenerated myofibers increased with time, reaching a maximum (32 μm) at the second mo and remained smaller than that of normal myofibers (47 μm). Muscle function was measured by mechanophysiological recordings of muscle response to supramaximal electrical stimulation of the nerve in situ. Cell grafted muscles exhibited a progressive improvement of all contractile parameters. After 3 mo, a 4-fold increase in absolute values of twitch and tetanic tension outputs was measured in cell grafted muscles when compared to ungrafted controls. However, these parameters remained much lower than in normal muscles (23.4% and 22.3% of control, respectively). This study showed that myogenic cell grafts replace degenerated myofibers and form functional myofibers. Functional improvement observed, between 2 wk and 3 mo after cell grafting, correlated with the development, differentiation, and maturation of the regenerated myofibers rather than with an increase in the number of regenerated myofibers.
Membrane Antigen Expression of Syngeneically but Heterotopically Transplanted Hepatocytes in Rats
Authors: Fujikura Y. , Kuniki H. , Sawada T. , Hamano K. , Akino T. , Shigetomi M. , Hirozane A. , Fukumoto T.
Published: November 2017

The expression of membrane antigens on rat hepatocytes transplanted syngeneically and heterotopically was analyzed immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies against rat hepatocytes. Isolated adult and fetal hepatocytes were able to survive in the spleen, salivary gland, thymus, or subcapsular region of the kidney for various periods after transplantation. Fairly clear expression of HAM2, 4, and 8 antigens was observed on hepatocytes transplanted into syngeneic spleen, suggesting that the cells might be functionally equivalent to hepatocytes in situ. HAM4 antigen was localized specifically on the newly formed bile-canalicular faces of hepatocytes. The expression of HAM2 (MHC class I) antigen on the transplanted hepatocytes appeared much stronger on the side facing lymphoid tissues, than on the other faces, suggesting that some immunological reactions may take place between hepatocytes and lymphoid tissue. HAM8 antigen, which is localized on gap junctions between neighboring hepatocytes in rat liver, was also recognized between transplanted hepatocytes. In salivary glands where hepatocytes were transplanted, bile-canaliculus-like structures were observed not only between neighboring hepatocytes but also between hepatocytes and salivary acinar cells, suggesting good interaction between the two different epithelial cell types. Hepatocytes transplanted into thymus appeared viable, but most showed fatty degeneration. Some healthy hepatocytes survived in the interlobular connective tissue and the thymic cortical tissue. When fetal hepatocytes were transplanted heterotopically, they formed a mass consisting of hepatocytes and bile duct-like structures 7 wk after transplantation. The inoculated hepatocytes possessed HAM4 antigen, which was not recognized on fetal hepatocytes at day 14 of gestation. These results suggest that transplanted hepatocytes can grow in any syngeneic tissues, and that a common feature on such hepatocytes is a rich reticulin fiber network, visualized by silver staining. To judge the state of transplanted hepatocytes, monoclonal antibodies against rat hepatocyte surface antigens might therefore be a useful tool.
Mesothelial Cell Adherence to Vascular Prostheses and Their Subsequent Growth In Vitro
Authors: Pronk Apollo , Hoynck Van Papendrecht Arthur A.G.M. , Leguit Piet , Verbrugh Henri A. , Verkooyen Roel P.A.J. , Van Vroonhoven Theo J.M.V.
Published: November 2017

Cell seeding may decrease the thrombogenicity of implanted vascular grafts, but its application is hampered by the limited availability of autologous endothelial cells. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells have blood flow supporting qualities and are readily available. This study investigated the adherence of mesothelial cells to vascular prostheses and their subsequent growth in vitro. Circular pieces of various vascular prosthetic materials were seeded with 51Chromium-labeled mesothelial and endothelial cells and left for either 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. The unattached cells were removed and the degree of cell attachment was measured. The number of mesothelial cells to Dacron increased during the first 60 min up to 35.2 % of the seeded inoculum whereafter a plateau was reached. Scanning electron microscopy showed spreaded mesothelial cells adherent to the Dacron fibers. A significant increase in adherence was observed after preincubation of Dacron with 10 μg/mL fibronectin, but no improvement was found after preincubation with human serum albumin or gelatin. Mesothelial cells adhered better to Gelcoated than to Gelsealed or plain Dacron. The adherence of mesothelial cells to ePTFE (Teflon) was significantly poorer. No significant differences in adherence were found between mesothelial and endothelial cells. Mesothelial cell growth on Dacron resulted in a modest increase in the number of viable cells during 27 days, which implies biocompatibility of Dacron and mesothelial cells in vitro.
Porcine Islet-Like Cell Clusters Cure Diabetic Nude Rats when Transplanted under the Kidney Capsule, But not when Implanted into the Liver or Spleen
Authors: Korsgren Olle , Jansson Leif
Published: November 2017

The ability of porcine islet-like cell clusters (ICC) to cure diabetic nude rats after transplantation (tx) into one of three different implantation sites was investigated. Streptozotocin-diabetic (50 mg/kg BW) nude Rowlett rats were transplanted with 40 μl of packed ICC (ã4500 ICC) either under the kidney capsule, intraportally, or into the spleen. After transplantation the rats were treated with insulin every second day; insulin therapy was discontinued four days before blood glucose determinations (6, 8, 12 and 16 wk after tx) or when graft function was obtained. Six weeks after tx all rats implanted under the kidney capsule (n = 13) had blood glucose concentrations which were significantly lower than before transplantation. However, six of these rats slowly returned to hyperglycemia, whereas seven rats remained normoglycemic with normal intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. The return of hyperglycemia seen in some of the rats transplanted under the kidney capsule may be due to rejection, since older nude rats may show a development of T lymphocytes. After nephrectomy in four of these rats, all reverted to hyperglycemia. The rats transplanted intraportally (n = 9) or into the spleen (n = 6) remained hyperglycemic throughout the study (16 wk). It is concluded that porcine islet-like cell clusters cure diabetic nude rats when transplanted under the kidney capsule, but not when implanted into the liver or spleen.
Effect of FK506 and Anti-CD4 Therapy on Fetal Pig Pancreas Xenografts and Host Lymphoid Cells in NOD/Lt, CBA, and BALB/c Mice
Authors: Akita Kazuhiro , Ogawa M. , Mandel T.E.
Published: November 2017

Varying doses of FK506, and a cell-depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody, GK1.5, were tested as either monotherapy or in combination for their effect on the survival of renal subcapsular xenografts of organ-cultured fetal pig pancreas in three strains of mice. Subcutaneous injections of FK506 at 4.0 mg/kg/day for 28 d prevented graft rejection to day 35 posttransplantation (i.e., 7 days after cessation of treatment in NOD/Lt, and CBA mice) while BALB/c mice had intact grafts at 28 days. Lower doses were less effective and immunosuppression was less effective in NOD mice than in the other strains. Even 2.0 mg/kg/day of FK506 prevented rejection in CBA mice until day 35, but not in NOD/Lt mice. GK1.5 alone did not prevent rejection in NOD/Lt mice but when a low dose of FK506 (2.0 mg/day) was added, the grafts were present, essentially intact, at 35 days. There were no obvious toxic effects of FK506 in NOD/Lt and CBA mice. With FK506 treatment there was no significant difference in absolute numbers of total leucocytes or lymphocytes in peripheral blood and spleen, but there was a decrease in thymus cellularity. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subsets in blood and spleen also showed no significant differences, but in the thymus the percentage of immature CD4/CD8 “double positive” cells increased while the more mature CD3 “high ”, and CD4 or CD8 “single-positive” cells decreased. Thus, prolonged discordant xenograft survival in mice is possible and the use of two agents that act on different parts of the immune system allows a reduction in the dose of FK506 to safe levels.
Donor-Specific Unresponsiveness Induced by Intraportal Grafting and FK506 in Rat Islet Allografts: Importance of Low Temperature Culture and Transplant Site on Induction and Maintenance
Authors: Yasunami Yohichi , Ryu Shinichiroh , Ueki Masao , Arima Takeshi , Kamei Takafumi , Tanaka Masao , Ikeda Seiyo
Published: November 2017

Previously we demonstrated prolongation of islet allograft survival in rat by administration of FK506 to the recipients. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether specific immune unresponsiveness had been induced and to determine the effects of low temperature culture of donor islets as well as the transplant site on the induction of immune unresponsiveness. At 90 days after transplantation, normoglycemic recipients bearing functional intrahepatic grafts were made diabetic again with streptozotocin (STZ) and donor specific or third party islets were transplanted either into the liver or beneath the kidney capsule. When fresh islets were used as donors in initial transplantation in conjunction with FK506, intrahepatic re-transplants of fresh islets from the donor-specific strain in the absence of FK506 maintained normoglycemia for more than 60 days, while third party transplants (n = 3) were rejected within 1 wk. In contrast to intrahepatic regrafts, all the renal subcapsular regrafts from the donor-specific strain (n = 3) were rejected with mean survival time of 12.7 ± 6.4 days. When cultured (24°C, 7 days) islets were used for initial transplantation in conjunction with FKS06, re-transplants of fresh or cultured islets from the donor specific strain beneath the kidney capsule maintained normoglycemic in 3 out of 6 or all (n = 4) of the recipients, respectively. Cultured third party regrafts beneath the kidney capsule (n = 2) were rejected at 9 days. These findings clearly demonstrate that immune unresponsiveness induced by intraportal grafting of islets in conjunction with FK506 was donor specific and indicate that cultured islets appear more tolerogenic when used at the initial transplant and less immunogenic when used as regrafts. The present study also indicates the importance of transplant site in induction and maintenance of donor specific unresponsiveness.