bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis for a class of distributed delay systems with constant coefficients by using a frequency‐sweeping approach
Authors: Zhang Lu , Mao Zhi‐Zhong , Li Xu‐Guang , Niculescu Silviu‐Iulian , Çela Arben
Published: November 2018

This study focuses on the stability property of a class of distributed delay systems with constant coefficients. More precisely, the authors will discuss deeper the stability analysis with respect to the delay parameter. The authors' approach will allow to give new insights in solving the so‐called complete stability problem. There are three technical issues need to be studied: First, the detection of the critical zero roots (CZRs); second, the analysis of the asymptotic behaviour of such CZRs; third, the asymptotic behaviour analysis of the critical imaginary roots (CIRs) with respect to the infinitely many critical delays. They extended their recently‐established frequency‐sweeping approach, with which these technical issues can be effectively solved. Based on these results, a procedure was proposed, with which the complete stability analysis of such systems was accomplished systematically. Moreover, the procedure represents a unified approach: Most of the steps required by the complete stability problem may be fulfilled through observing the frequency‐sweeping curves. Finally, some examples illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the approach.
Global stabilisation of discrete‐time linear systems using event‐triggered bounded controls
Authors: Xie Yijing , Lin Zongli
Published: November 2018

This study deals with the problem of global stabilisation of discrete‐time linear systems using event‐triggered bounded controls. The system dynamics is decomposed into single input subsystems, which explicitly display various dynamic characteristics. Event‐triggered bounded control laws, both of the state feedback type and the output feedback type, are constructed based on the dynamics of the subsystems. Event‐triggering strategies are designed for updating the control input of the two control laws, respectively. Global asymptotic stabilisation is shown to be achieved under these control laws. Numerical simulation is given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Distributed event‐triggered state estimators design for sensor networked systems with deception attacks
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Wei Lili , Xie Xiangpeng , Yue Dong
Published: November 2018

This study addresses the issue of distributed event‐triggered state estimators subject to deception attacks for sensor networked systems. A decentralised event‐triggered scheme (ETS) is introduced to determine whether the sampling data of each sensor is transmitted or not, respectively. In this scheme, each sensor node is independent to decide to deliver the local measurement output through the corresponding ETS. Due to the insertion of the network, the effect of the deception attacks along with time delay and packet dropouts are considered in this study. A novel estimator network is established to realise the estimation of the decoupling output measurements and coupling intercommunication measurements. Firstly, a distributed event‐triggered estimating system with deception attacks is constructed in a mathematical model. Secondly, sufficient conditions are derived, which can ensure the stability of the designed estimating error systems and the related parameters of the desired distributed estimators are presented in an accurate form. Finally, a simulated example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed event‐triggered distributed state estimator systems under the deception attacks.
ACOPF for three‐phase four‐conductor distribution systems: semidefinite programming based relaxation with variable reduction and feasible solution recovery
Authors: Liu Yikui , Li Jie , Wu Lei
Published: November 2018

Emerging distribution systems with a proliferation of distributed energy resources are facing with new challenges, such as voltage collapse and power flow congestion in unsymmetrical network configurations. As a fundamental tool that could help quantify these new challenges and further mitigate their impacts on the secure and economic operation of distribution systems, effective AC optimal power flow (ACOPF) models and solution approaches are in urgent need. This study focuses on ACOPF of three‐phase four‐conductor configured distribution systems, in which neutral conductors and ground resistances are modelled explicitly to reflect practical situation. In addition, by leveraging the Kirchhoff's current law (KCL) theorem and the effect of zero injections, voltage variables of neutrals and zero‐injection phases can be effectively eliminated. The ACOPF problem is formulated as a convex semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation model in complex domain. In recognising possible solution inexactness of SDP relaxation model, a Karush–Kuhn–Tucker condition based process is further proposed to effectively recover feasible solutions to the original ACOPF problem by calculating a set of computational‐inexpensive non‐linear equations. Numerical studies on a modified IEEE 123‐bus system show the effectiveness of the proposed SDP relaxation model with variable reductions and the feasible solution recovery process for three‐phase four‐conductor configured distribution systems.
Wavelet transform‐based feature extraction for detection and classification of disturbances in an islanded micro‐grid
Authors: Wang Yunqi , Ravishankar Jayashri , Phung Toan
Published: November 2018

As one of the most classical digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, the wavelet transformation (WT) has been applied to detect and classify power system disturbances for many years. However, its performance is easily affected by harmonics. This makes it difficult to detect and classify disturbances occurring in an islanded micro‐grid, especially when non‐linear loads are involved. To improve the performance of WT, in this article, the Renyi entropy is used with WT to detect and classify seven types of disturbance. To demonstrate the efficacy of Renyi entropy in the wavelet domain, a comparison is made by detecting and classifying disturbances using the raw data with the time‐domain‐based Renyi entropy. Other comparisons are also performed to show how the performance of Renyi is affected by different order values of Renyi and the non‐linear loading level. Detection and classification are made by using the support vector machine (SVM) and K‐nearest neighbour (KNN) classifiers. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of WT‐based Renyi entropy and show that the performance accuracy improves with the increase in the percentage of non‐linear loads.
Flexible control of DC interlinked multiple MGs cluster
Authors: Guo Li , Li Pengfei , Li Xialin , Huang Di , Zhu Jiebei
Published: November 2018

A cluster with multiple AC or DC microgrids (MGs) based on flexible DC interlinking and distributed energy storage systems is studied in this paper, which has been identified to have the following issues in terms of its primary control scheme: coordinated power control among slack terminals in the MG cluster, seamless operation mode transition for the interlinking converters and the common DC bus voltage control. A novel flexible control scheme that unifies the control of all the MGs only using local measured signals without further communications is proposed in this paper, which aims to improve control stability, and operation reliability and flexibility. Theoretical introduction and analysis are presented to explain the proposed control. The detailed average value model and small‐signal model of an MG cluster with two AC MGs and two DC MGs are simulated, respectively, with the proposed control in power systems computer‐aided design/electro‐magnetic transient design and control to verify the effectiveness in control stability and flexibility enhancement, and the impact of control parameters on the small‐signal stability of the considered cluster is analysed through root locus.
Power quality grid code compliance for renewable power plants in South Africa
Authors: Minnaar Ulrich John , Peterson Brandon , Mostert Hennie , Rens Johan , Botha Gerhard
Published: November 2018

The introduction of renewable generation to South Africa's grid has introduced challenges to the management and regulation of power quality (PQ). These have been addressed by establishing PQ compliance criteria in line with local circumstances and by the introduction of a Power Quality Guideline for renewable power plants (RPPs). A key challenge to RPPs has been meeting emission limits for harmonics. This has been addressed in South Africa's RPP Guideline by the development and introduction of a Group Harmonic Distortion limit which provides some flexibility to RPPs in making individual harmonic emission limits. The use of 95th percentile harmonic impedance envelopes is discussed and recommendations for impedance envelopes are made for different voltage levels within the South African Grid, based on actual network data. A lesson learnt is that using international standards and guidelines provides a starting point for compliance rules when introducing renewable generation. Developing countries that share economic and electricity network characteristics with South Africa should tailor the PQ rules and guidelines for RPPs to meet local conditions.
Controller to enable the enhanced frequency response services from a multi‐electrical energy storage system
Authors: Sanchez Francisco , Cayenne Joshua , Gonzalez‐Longatt Francisco , Rueda José Luis
Published: November 2018

The increased adoption of renewable energy generation is reducing the inertial response of the Great Britain (GB) power system, which translates into larger frequency variations in both transient and pseudo‐steady‐state operation. To help mitigate this, National Grid, the transmission system operator in GB, has designed a control scheme called enhanced frequency response (EFR) specifically aimed at energy storage systems (ESSs). This study proposes a control system that enables the provision of EFR services from a multi‐electrical ESS and at the same time allows the management of the state of charge (SOC) of each ESS. The proposed control system uses a Fuzzy Logic Controller to maintain the SOC as near as possible to the desired SOC of each ESS while providing EFR. The performance of the proposed controller is validated in transient and steady‐state domains. Simulation results highlight the benefits of managing the SOC of the energy storage assets with the proposed controller. These benefits include a reduced rate of change of frequency and frequency nadir following a loss of generation as well as an increase in the service performance measure which renders into increased economic benefits for the service provider.
Tri‐level transmission expansion planning under intentional attacks: virtual attacker approach – part I: formulation
Authors: Nemati Hadi , Latify Mohammad Amin , Yousefi Gholam Reza
Published: November 2018

The first part of this two‐part paper proposes tri‐level transmission expansion planning (TTEP) under physical intentional attacks. In the first level, the network planner looks for an optimal transmission expansion plan to fortify the power network. In the second level, the attacker tries to maximise damages to the network. In the third level, the adverse effects of the attacks on the network operation are minimised by the network operator. Since the third level problem is a linear programming (LP) problem, the second and third levels are converted into a single‐level model by using primal‐dual transformation, and consequently, TTEP is converted into a bi‐level programming problem. To achieve a single‐level model, instead of assuming a unique attacker, a cooperative game of multiple virtual attackers (VAs) of which every VA is to maximise the damage by attacking one transmission line is introduced and modelled. The conditions that enforce Nash and Pareto equilibria of this game are derived as linear constraints which are lower level equivalent. By using this equivalence, the aforementioned bi‐level TTEP model is converted into a single‐level model that can be recast as a mixed integer LP problem.

The numerical results are provided in the second part.
Development of a multiple‐camera 3D vehicle tracking system for traffic data collection at intersections
Authors: Subedi Sukriti , Tang Hua
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose and develop a multiple‐camera 3D vehicle tracking system for traffic data collection at intersections. Assuming a simple 3D cuboid model for the vehicle, the developed system allows 3D vehicle dimension estimation using fusion of information from multiple cameras. Using a common rectangular road pattern, each camera is first individually calibrated and then jointly post‐optimised. Then, the developed 3D vehicle tracking system takes synchronised images from multiple cameras as inputs and processes 2D image frames using object segmentation techniques to derive vehicle silhouettes. After 2D vehicle segmentation, objects in the 2D image frames are projected to the 3D real world to allow estimation of vehicle length and width. The height of the object is sought in the image view that would create the top quadrilateral of the vehicle that has the edge furthest away from the vehicle base quadrilateral. With Kalman filter based vehicle tracking, interested traffic data, such as vehicle count, are derived from the vehicle trajectory. Real‐world experimental results for an intersection with two cameras have shown that the developed 3D vehicle tracking system can reliably estimate 3D vehicle dimensions and improve accuracy of traffic data collection compared to a single‐camera system.
Interferometric angular velocity measurement of rotating blades: theoretical analysis, modeling and simulation study
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Wang Pengcheng , Cao Xianbin , Chen Victor C.
Published: November 2018

Doppler radar can only measure the radial velocity of a moving object. If an object is moving along a curved path, when its radial velocity decreases, the angular velocity must increase. Thus, if the angular velocity can be measured, the problem caused by little or no radial velocity can be solved. In this paper, we provide detailed theoretical analysis and establish the mathematical model of the interferometric frequency shifts of rotating blades. We first analyze the instantaneous frequency of a SINC function, which comprises a pair of sinusoidals and a train of strong spectrum lines. Then, we utilize the convolution theory in time‐frequency domain to calculate the interferometric frequency shifts of rotating blades. Simulation results manifest that some important parameters and features of rotating blades, such as blade length, rotating rate and blade number, can be accurately estimated from the time‐varying interferometric frequency signatures.
Sparse aperture ISAR imaging algorithm based on adaptive filtering framework
Authors: Chuangzhan Zeng , Weigang Zhu , Xin Jia
Published: November 2018

Under sparse aperture conditions, some problems arise with inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging such as low‐azimuth resolution and susceptibility to noise. To solve them, the sparseness of scattering points is used to transform the imaging problem into the sparse signal reconstruction problem, and a sparse aperture ISAR imaging algorithm based on adaptive filtering framework is proposed, which is named smoothed L0 norm‐Newton's method least mean square (LMS) algorithm. Firstly, the L0 norm LMS algorithm is taken as the reconstruction method for its advantages of simple structure and high‐reconstruction accuracy. Then, the smoothed L0‐norm method is extended to the complex domain of radar signal processing to increase the accuracy and maintain a good robustness. Finally, in order to speed up the convergence, Newton's method is introduced to the LMS algorithm. Simulation results show that the reconstruction image of the proposed method has higher resolution and better anti‐noise performance than those of other reconstruction algorithms.
Fuel cell integrated unified power quality conditioner for voltage and current reparation in four‐wire distribution grid
Authors: Sundarabalan Chinnayan Karuppaiyah , Puttagunta Yeseswini , Vignesh Vedhamoorthy
Published: November 2018

Electrical and electronic devices, when exposed to one or more power quality problems, are prone to failure. This study aims to enhance the quality of power in three‐phase four‐wire distribution grid using fuel cell integrated unified power quality conditioner (FCI‐UPQC). The proposed FCI‐UPQC has a four‐leg converter on the shunt side and three‐leg converter on the series side. A combination of a synchronous reference frame and instantaneous reactive power theories is utilised to generate reference signals of the FCI‐UPQC. Also, this study proposes an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller to maintain the DC‐link voltage in the FCI‐UPQC. The ANFIS controller is designed like a Sugeno fuzzy architecture and trained offline using data from the proportional–integral controller. The obtained results proved that the proposed FCI‐UPQC compensated power quality problems such as voltage sag, swell, harmonics, neutral current, source current imbalance in the three‐phase four‐wire distribution grid. The presence of fuel cell in this work makes more effectiveness of the proposed system by providing real power support during supply interruption on the grid side.
Domestic Homicide of Older People (2010–15): A Comparative Analysis of Intimate-Partner Homicide and Parricide Cases in the UK
Authors: Bows Hannah
Published: November 2018

Despite half a century of research on both domestic violence and elder abuse, homicide of older people by a partner or family member (domestic homicide (DH)) remains largely unexplored. This article presents data drawn from a larger parent study examining homicide of older people (aged sixty and over) in the UK. This analysis is based on a subset of cases that would fall within current definitions of DH (n = 221). Analysis reveals differences in DH of older men and women in relation to the perpetrator gender and relationship and differences between intimate-partner homicides and those perpetrated by other family members. Implications for research, theory and practice are discussed.
Is statistician involvement as co-author associated with reduced time to publication of quantitative research in general medical journals? A bibliometric study
Authors: Sebo Paul , Fournier Jean Pascal , Maisonneuve Hubert
Published: November 2018

Objective

We aimed to compare the number of submissions until acceptance and the time to publication between articles co-authored and articles not co-authored by statisticians.

Methods

We randomly selected 781 articles published in 2016 in 18 high impact factor journals of general internal medicine and primary care. For each article, we retrieved its date of submission to the journal and its first publication; we also contacted its corresponding author and asked about the number of submissions necessary from the first submission to a journal until acceptance and whether the article was co-authored by a statistician. After having excluded qualitative studies, we compared the articles co-authored with those not co-authored by statisticians in terms of number of submissions and submission-to-publication time, using negative binomial and Cox regressions, adjusted for intracluster correlations.

Results

One hundred fifty-eight authors completed the questionnaire (20%); 136 articles with quantitative design were included in the study. Overall, 63 articles (46%) were co-authored by statisticians. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of submissions (statistician group: mean 2.1 (SD 1.1) versus 2.2 (SD 1.2), P value 0.87). By contrast, we found a statistically significant difference in the submission-to-publication time (statistician group: median 211 days [interquartile range (IQR) 171] versus 260 (IQR 144); hazard ratio 1.44 (95% CI 1.01–2.03), adjusted P value 0.04).

Conclusions

Papers co-authored by statisticians have a shorter time to publication. We encourage researchers to closely involve statisticians in the design, conduct and statistical analysis of research, not only to ensure high standards of quality but also to speed up its publication.
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia in primary care
Authors: Borsje Petra , Lucassen Peter L B J , Bor Hans , Wetzels Roland B , Pot Anne Margriet , Koopmans Raymond T C M
Published: November 2018

Background

During the course of dementia, most people develop some type of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), which result in lower quality of life, high caregiver burden, psychotropic drug use and a major risk of institutionalization. Studies on NPS in people with dementia have been mainly conducted in clinical centres or psychiatric services.

Objectives

To investigate the course of NPS in people with dementia in primary care.

Methods

Analysis of (cumulative) prevalence and incidence, persistence and resolution based on data collected during an assessment at home of a prospective naturalistic cohort study in primary care in a sample of 117 people with dementia and their informal caregivers. Subsyndromes of NPS were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Multivariate analyses were used to detect determinants for the course of NPS.

Results

The mean age of the people with dementia was 78.6 years, and 52% were female. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination total score was 19.5, mean NPI total score 15.7. The most prevalent clinically relevant subsyndromes of the NPI were hyperactivity and mood/apathy, and the most prevalent individual NPS were aberrant motor behaviour (28%), agitation/aggression (24%) and apathy/indifference (22%). Of the people with dementia, 72.3% had one or more symptoms of the mood/apathy and 75.3% of the hyperactivity subsyndrome.

Conclusions

GPs should be aware of NPS in people with dementia and should actively identify them when they visit these patients or when informal caregivers consult them. Timely diagnosing facilitates adequate professional care.
Risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections in intensive care units: A multicenter case-control study
Authors: Arslan Ferhat , Caskurlu Hulya , Sarı Sema , Dal Hayriye Cankar , Turan Sema , Sengel Buket Erturk , Gul Fethi , Yesilbag Zuhal , Eren Gulay , Temel Sahin , Alp Emine , Gol Serin Basak , Kose Sukran , Calık Sebnem , Tuncel Zeki Tekgul , Senbayrak Seniha , Sarı Ahmet , Karagoz Gul , Tomruk Senay Goksu , Sen Betul , Hizarci Burcu , Vahaboglu Haluk
Published: November 2018

Candida bloodstream infections are associated with high mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Studies that explore the risk factors for candidemia may support better patient care in intensive care units. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter case-control study to investigate the risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) in adult ICUs. Participants selected controls randomly on a 1:1 basis among all noncase patients stayed during the same period in ICUs. Data on 139 cases and 140 controls were deemed eligible. Among the controls, 69 patients died. The stratified Fine-Gray model was used to estimate the subdistribution Hazard ratios. The subdistribution hazards and 95% confidence intervals for final covariates were as follows: prior exposure to antimycotic agents, 2.21 (1.56–3.14); prior exposure to N-acetylcysteine, 0.11 (0.03–0.34) and prior surgical intervention, 1.26 (0.76–2.11). Of the patients, those exposed to antimycotic drugs, 87.1% (54/62) had breakthrough candidemia. Serious renal, hepatic, or hematologic side effects were comparable between patients those exposed and not-exposed to systemic antimycotic drugs. Untargeted administration of antimycotic drugs did not improve survival among candidemic patients (not-exposed, 63.6% [49/77]; exposed % 66.1 [41/62]; P = .899). This study documented that exposure to an antifungal agent is associated with increased the risk of subsequent development of CBSIs among nonneutropenic adult patients admitted to the ICU. Only two centers regularly prescribed N-acetylcysteine. Due to the limited number of subjects, we interpreted the positive effect of N-acetylcysteine on the absolute risk of CBSIs with caution.
Complement C7is a novel risk gene for Alzheimer's disease in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Deng-Feng , Fan Yu , Xu Min , Wang Guihong , Wang Dong , Li Jin , Kong Li-Li , Zhou Hejiang , Luo Rongcan , Bi Rui , Wu Yong , Li Guo-Dong ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Li Ming , Luo Xiong-Jian , Jiang Hong-Yan , Tan Liwen , Zhong Chunjiu , Fang Yiru , Zhang Chen , Sheng Nengyin , Jiang Tianzi , Yao Yong-Gang
Published: November 2018

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease, and has a high level of genetic heritability and population heterogeneity. In this study, we performed the whole-exome sequencing of Han Chinese patients with familial and/or early-onset Alzheimer's disease, followed by independent validation, imaging analysis and function characterization. We identified an exome-wide significant rare missense variant rs3792646 (p.K420Q) in the C7 gene in the discovery stage (P = 1.09 × 10−6, odds ratio = 7.853) and confirmed the association in different cohorts and a combined sample (1615 cases and 2832 controls, Pcombined = 2.99 × 10−7, odds ratio = 1.930). The risk allele was associated with decreased hippocampal volume and poorer working memory performance in early adulthood, thus resulting in an earlier age of disease onset. Overexpression of the mutant p.K420Q disturbed cell viability, immune activation and β-amyloid processing. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the mutant p.K420Q impairs the inhibitory effect of wild type C7 on the excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons. These findings suggested that C7 is a novel risk gene for Alzheimer's disease in Han Chinese.
HMGB1 gene polymorphism is associated with coronary artery lesions and intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ahn Jong Gyun , Bae Yoonsun , Shin Dongjik , Nam Jiho , Kim Kyu Yeun , Kim Dong Soo
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology that affects infants and young children. Recent reports of elevated serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) level during the acute phase of KD and its relationship to poor response to IVIG treatment suggest a possible association of HMGB1 polymorphisms with KD. We investigated the association between the polymorphisms of the HMGB1 gene, KD susceptibility, coronary artery lesions, and KD response to IVIG treatment.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing of the HMGB1 gene was performed to identify causative variants. Two tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms of the HMGB1 gene were selected using linkage disequilibrium analysis. The tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using the TaqMan Allelic Discrimination assay in a total of 468 subjects (265 KD patients and 203 controls).

Results

The HMGB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were not associated with KD susceptibility. However, in KD patients, there was a significant association of rs1412125 with coronary artery lesions formation in the recessive model (GG vs AA + GA: odds ratio = 4.98, 95% CI = 1.69–14.66, P = 0.005). In addition, rs1412125 was associated with IVIG resistance in the recessive (GG vs AA + GA: odds ratio = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.38–12.23, P = 0.017) and allelic models (G vs A: odds ratio = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.06–3.06, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

The rs1412125 in HMGB1 might be a risk factor for the development of coronary artery lesions and IVIG resistance in KD patients.
THE STRUCTURE OF Hp(0.07) VALUES OBTAINED BY THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE PERSONNEL DURING 18F-FDG PRODUCTION AND INJECTION
Authors: Wrzesień Małgorzata , Albiniak Łukasz , Biegała Michał
Published: November 2018

The production of 18F-FDG is a multi-stage process, which includes not only obtaining the marker and labelling the radiopharmaceutical but also carrying out the quality control of the obtained compound. The staff can be exposed to ionizing radiation at any stage of production. This article presents the results of hands exposure of staff members employed in a facility, where 18F-FDG is produced and injected into patients. High-sensitivity thermoluminescent detectors (MCP-N) were used for measurements. The measurements were conducted with regard to the occupational structure the employees and the performed procedures. The obtained results showed that the highest risk of radiation exposure for personnel was associated with the quality control of the radiopharmaceutical. The daily doses registered by MCP-N detectors on fingertips reached 4.5 mSv, which may result in exceeding the annual radiation limit of 500 mSv.
Reassessing “Praecox Feeling” in Diagnostic Decision Making in Schizophrenia: A Critical Review
Authors: Gozé Tudi , Moskalewicz Marcin , Schwartz Michael A , Naudin Jean , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Cermolacce Michel
Published: November 2018

The “Praecox Feeling” (PF) is a classical concept referring to a characteristic feeling of bizarreness experienced by a psychiatrist while encountering a person with schizophrenia. Although the PF used to be considered a core symptom of the schizophrenia spectrum, it fell into disuse since the spread of operationalized diagnostic methods (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders/International Classification of Diseases systems). In contemporary research on schizophrenia, it remains largely unaddressed. This critical review investigates the evolution of the PF in historical and contemporary literature and presents an exhaustive overview of empirical evidence on its prevalence in clinical decision making, its reliability and validity. The review demonstrates that the PF is a real determinant of medical decision making in schizophrenia, although, without further research, there is not enough evidence to sustain its rehabilitation as a reliable and valid clinical criterion. PF-like experiences should not be opposed to any criteriological attitude in diagnosis and would be clinically useful if the conditions of descriptive precaution and rigorous epistemology are maintained. The aim of teaching clinical expertise is to transform this basic experience into a well-founded clinical judgment. Finally, the article discusses the possible relevance of the PF for basic science and clinical research according to a translational approach inspired by phenomenology.
Religious Conservatives and TV News: Are They More Likely to be Religiously Offended?
Authors: Thomson Robert A , Park Jerry Z , Kendall Diana
Published: November 2018

Partisan selectivity of news media and attitudinal polarization are linked, yet the bulk of research focuses on the role of political attitudes while neglecting religious dispositions. We consider the degree to which both network and cable news media offend viewers in terms of both politics and religion. Using data from the 2010 Baylor Religion Survey, we find that white evangelicals have higher odds than mainline Protestants of reporting taking offense from the evening news, as well as higher odds than religious non-affiliates of being offended by both types of news. The primary divide, however, was between affiliates and non-affiliates, as biblical literalism and religious exclusivism at least partially mediated differences between white evangelicals and mainliners in taking offense from the evening news. Religious service attendance at least partially mediated differences between affiliates and non-affiliates in taking offense from both types of news, but while political conservatism explained differences in being offended by the evening news, it was not a significant predictor of taking offense from cable news. We suggest that this is due to processes of media differentiation that make cable news an equal-opportunity offender.
Will precision medicine be available for all patients in the near future?
Authors: Gómez René Maximiliano , Ansotegui Ignacio , Canonica Giorgio W.
Published: November 2018

Purpose of review

Evidence-based medicine and guidelines directing the diagnosis and treatment of patients are changing. General recommendations are moving towards an individual focus, where technology evolution allows identification of specific patterns and where ‘one size fits all’ no longer has a place.

Recent findings

Emerging innovations on health technology include useful tools for individualizing patients’ specific conditions and follow-up. There are several preventive initiatives that aim to reduce allergic disease development, but they have no generalizable and definitive results as yet. Both omics and molecular diagnosis have provided the basis for differentiating clusters of patients, both allowing prediction of severity and also indicating appropriate management. Here we discuss examples contributing to some specific conditions we are now facing.

Precision medicine encompasses a personalized care of the patient, the prediction of a successful treatment, the potential prevention of a disease and its progression when present and the important active participation of the patient in the planning and guidance of the approach and management. Technology and medical innovations like omics and molecular diagnosis help for discriminating specific phenotypes/endotypes and the correct individualized interventions. The great challenge for implementing precision medicine will be the possibility of providing those advances to everyone at affordable costs.

Conclusion

Technology and innovations in medicine are aimed to help all patients globally, providing evidence for particular conditions that need to be personally considered, involving the patient's decision while treating, predicting and preventing disease. Our aim should be to have precision medicine available everywhere at any time.
Toxic Leukoencephalopathy Presenting as Lethal Catatonia
Authors: van Esch Anouk M.J. , Fest Antine , Hoffland Britt S. , Janzing Joost G.E. , Steens Stefan C.A. , Esselink Rianne A.J. , Schellekens Arnt F.A.
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Catatonia is a syndrome that can present in different forms and can occur in multiple psychiatric and somatic conditions. This case report describes lethal catatonia caused by delayed toxic leukoencephalopathy after excessive use of cocaine and methadone. The characteristic radiographic imaging and biphasic course are discussed.

Case report:

A 54-year-old woman was presented unconsciously at the emergency department after intoxication with methadone and cocaine. After initial recovery, her condition deteriorated unexpectedly, resulting in lethal catatonia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense white matter abnormalities and diffusion restriction, evident for leukoencephalopathy.

Discussion:

Catatonia can develop in multiple psychiatric and somatic diseases, including toxic leukoencephalopathy. A biphasic course and specific MRI findings are characteristics for delayed toxic leukoencephalopathy, due to intoxication with drugs.
Pregnancy Intention, Risk Perception, and Contraceptive Use in Pregnant Women Who Use Drugs
Authors: MacAfee Lauren K. , Dalton Vanessa , Terplan Mishka
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate pregnancy intention, risk perception, and contraceptive utilization among women reporting substance use during pregnancy.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the 2009 to 2011 Tennessee Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), an annual cross-sectional survey which assesses behaviors before, during and after pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy and contraceptive use at the time of conception and after delivery were captured by self-report in the postpartum period. Pregnancy intention was categorized as intended (pregnancy desired then or earlier) or unintended (pregnancy desired later or not at all). Weighted descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results:

A total of 3042 women completed the PRAMS survey, with 168 (5.4%) reporting substance use during pregnancy. Compared with women who did not report drug use, women who used drugs were more likely to have an unintended pregnancy (65.6% vs 48.4%, P = 0.003), were more ambivalent towards pregnancy planning or prevention (69.7% vs 46.2%, P < 0.001) and were less likely to report contraceptive use before pregnancy (31.3% vs 46.8%, P = 0.022) or in the postpartum period (79.6% vs 88.1%, P = 0.019). Finally, women reporting substance use in pregnancy had 2 times higher odds of reporting that they did not think they could get pregnant at the time of conception after adjusting for age, race, income, education, insurance, and smoking status (adjusted OR 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.07–4.49, P = 0.033).

Conclusions:

Women who report substance use in pregnancy have unique reproductive health needs and would benefit from additional education and counseling concerning their pregnancy intention, contraceptive use, and ability to conceive.
Sex bias in autoimmunity
Authors: Billi Allison C. , Kahlenberg J. Michelle , Gudjonsson Johann E.
Published: November 2018

Purpose of review

To give an overview of recently published articles addressing the mechanisms underlying sex bias in autoimmune disease.

Recent findings

Recent studies investigating the origins of sex bias in autoimmune disease have revealed an extensive and interconnected network of genetic, hormonal, microbial, and environmental influences. Investigation of sex hormones has moved beyond profiling the effects of hormones on activity and prevalence of immune cell types to defining the specific immunity-related genes driving these changes. Deeper examination of the genetic content of the X and Y chromosomes and genetic escapees of X chromosome inactivation has revealed some key drivers of female-biased autoimmunity. Animal studies are offering further insights into the connections among microbiota, particularly that of the gut, and the immune system.

Sex bias in autoimmune disease is the manifestation of a complex interplay of the sex chromosomes, sex hormones, the microbiota, and additional environmental and sociological factors.
Osteoarthritis following meniscus and ligament injury: insights from translational studies and animal models
Authors: Rai Muhammad Farooq , Brophy Robert H. , Sandell Linda J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose of review

The interaction between joint injuries and posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is generally thought to be mechanical in nature, however, surgical intervention has little effect on the development of PTOA. Little is known about the biological underpinning of how meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears lead to cartilage degeneration. This review summarizes the latest findings regarding biological factors that influence how the knee responds to meniscus and ligament injuries, how meniscus and/or ACL tears turn the joint in the direction of PTOA and whether patient risk for PTOA after meniscus/ACL injury can be predicted.

Recent findings

Literature indicates that numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors are associated with the biological response of the knee to injuries associated with PTOA. Gene/protein biomarkers provide insight into the biologic response of the knee to meniscus/ACL tears and the relationship to osteoarthritis in at-risk patients. Animal studies detail the time-course of disease pathogenesis and inform about the molecules that potentially alter the course of disease.

The molecular metabolic state of the meniscus/ACL after injury is associated with several biological factors. The limited studies to date provide initial evidence on the early molecular manifestations of injury, suggesting possible mechanisms for further study.
Treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer: update and perspectives
Authors: Ryser Christoph Oliver , Diebold Joachim , Gautschi Oliver
Published: November 2018

Purpose of review

We describe recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-targeting agents.

Recent findings

Five targeted drugs are currently available in the clinic via regular approval or named patient programs, including crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib and lorlatinib. Further drugs are tested in clinical trials. This review summarizes published data, together with drug-specific information on dosing and toxicity. Moreover, we discuss different clinical scenarios and potential treatment options in patients with tumor progression, based on current literature and our own experience.

Patients with metastatic, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged nonsmall cell lung cancer should be managed by interdisciplinary expert teams. New drugs with enhanced brain activity are available, and some patients may benefit from local therapies.
Physicians as Teachers and Lifelong Learners
Authors: Ding Mao , Babenko Oksana , Koppula Sudha , Oswald Anna , White Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Lifelong learning requires sustained motivation for learning. Employing a motivational theory framework, we investigated the relationships of psychological need satisfaction, clinical teaching involvement, and lifelong learning of physicians at different career stages and in various medical specialties. We also examined the associations of physician lifelong learning with stress, burnout, teaching enjoyment, and life satisfaction, all of which are essential for physician well-being and, ultimately, for the provision of quality patient care.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. Using survey methodology, quantitative data were collected from 202 practicing physicians in Canada. The questionnaire contained validated scales of physician lifelong learning and psychological need satisfaction, measures of clinical teaching (involvement and enjoyment), stress level, burnout frequency, and life satisfaction. Analysis of covariance and correlational analysis were performed.

Results:

On average, participants reported moderate to moderately high levels of lifelong learning, psychological need satisfaction, teaching enjoyment, and life satisfaction. Irrespective of career stage and specialty, physicians' psychological need satisfaction and involvement in clinical teaching were significant in relation to lifelong learning. That is, physicians who experienced greater psychological need satisfaction at work and those who were involved in clinical teaching had, on average, higher lifelong learning scores. Physician lifelong learning had significant associations with life satisfaction and teaching enjoyment but not with stress level and burnout frequency.

Discussion:

Fulfilling physicians' basic psychological needs at work and supporting them in their teaching roles is likely to enhance physician lifelong learning and, ultimately, quality of patient care.
Systematic analysis of breast atypical hyperplasia-associated hub genes and pathways based on text mining
Authors: Ma Wei , Shi Bei , Zhao Fangkun , Wu Yunfei , Jin Feng
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to describe breast atypical hyperplasia (BAH)-related gene expression and to systematically analyze the functions, pathways, and networks of BAH-related hub genes. On the basis of natural language processing, gene data for BAH were extracted from the PubMed database using text mining. The enriched Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were obtained using DAVID (
http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/
). A protein–protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. Hub genes were identified as genes that interact with at least 10 other genes within the BAH-related gene network. In total, 138 BAH-associated genes were identified as significant (P < 0.05), and 133 pathways were identified as significant (P < 0.05, false discovery rate < 0.05). A BAH-related protein network that included 81 interactions was constructed. Twenty genes were determined to interact with at least 10 others (P < 0.05, false discovery rate < 0.05) and were identified as the BAH-related hub genes of this protein–protein interaction network. These 20 genes are TP53, PIK3CA, JUN, MYC, EGFR, CCND1, AKT1, ERBB2, CTNN1B, ESR1, IGF-1, VEGFA, HRAS, CDKN1B, CDKN1A, PCNA, HGF, HIF1A, RB1, and STAT5A. This study may help to disclose the molecular mechanisms of BAH development and provide implications for BAH-targeted therapy or even breast cancer prevention. Nevertheless, connections between certain genes and BAH require further exploration.
An Evaluation of the Eighth Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging System for Retroperitoneal Sarcomas Using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB)
Authors: Fisher Sarah B. , Chiang Yi-Ju , Feig Barry W. , Cormier Janice N. , Hunt Kelly K. , Torres Keila E. , Roland Christina L.
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are often large at diagnosis calling into question the seventh edition AJCC size classification of <5 cm (T1) or ≥5 cm (T2). The eighth edition expands T stage into 4 categories (T1: ≤5 cm, T2: 5<x≤10 cm, T3: 1015 cm). We evaluated the prognostic ability of the eighth edition using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods:

Patients with RPS treated between 1998 and 2011 were identified from the NCDB; overall survival (OS) was compared.

Results:

Of the 6427 patients identified, 9% had tumors ≤5 cm (n=580), 19.4% 5<x≤10 cm (n=1246), 20.2% 1015 cm (n=3045). With the eighth edition, stage II patients (G2/3 ≤5 cm) have a similar OS to stage IIIA patients (G2/3 5 cm10 cm) show a decrease in OS. Tumor size as a continuous variable had a modest effect on survival (HR, 1.004;P=0.04). On multivariate analysis, higher T-stage was associated with decreased OS (T4 HR, 1.3;P<0.001) but high grade and incomplete resection (R2) were stronger prognostic factors. The c-index for both editions were similar (80.13 eighth vs. 80.08 seventh).

Conclusions:

The eighth edition AJCC staging system for retroperitoneal sarcoma incorporates larger tumor size parameters that better characterize most patients, but tumor size alone is only a modest predictor of outcome.
Precardiogenic Shock
Authors: Singh Twinkle , Samson Rohan , Ayinapudi Karnika , Motwani Ayush , Le Jemtel Thierry H.
Published: November 2018

The pathogenesis of cardiogenic shock (CS) has evolved from an acute event due to a large myocardial infarction to a semiacute event due to rapid hemodynamic deterioration on a background of preexisting left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Pre-CS refers to the period of rapid hemodynamic deterioration that precedes overt CS with hypotension, inflammatory response, and end-organ failure. Mortality remains extremely high in CS and has not improved over the past decades. Pre-CS offers a unique opportunity to initiate early treatment that may result in better clinical outcomes. The present review addresses the definition, recognition, and management of pre-CS with the pharmacologic or mechanical support of the failing left ventricle.