bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of mild, moderate, and severe pain interference in patients with cancer
Authors: Shi Qiuling , Mendoza Tito R. , Dueck Amylou C. , Ma Haijun , Zhang Jeffrey , Qian Yi , Bhowmik Debajyoti , Cleeland Charles S.
Published: March 2017

Effective assessment and management of pain in patients with cancer is strengthened by the patient's report of how much pain interferes with daily functioning. This requires a clear delineation of different levels of pain interference. We derived optimal cutpoints for differentiating between mild, moderate, and severe pain interference assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and describe the prevalence and characteristics of pain-induced functional impairment in patients with cancer. Data were pooled across 3 Phase III pivotal trials. Patient-completed questionnaires included the EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ5D), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General Measure (FACT-G), and BPI. Optimal cutpoints for categorizing pain interference into 3 levels were derived using analysis of variance, with different cutpoint sets for BPI total interference (BPI-PITS, the average score of all 7 items), activity-related interference (BPI-WAW, the average score of work, general activity, and walking), and mood-related interference (BPI-REM, the average score of relations with others, enjoyment of life, and mood) as independent variables and EQ5D–visual analog scale and total FACT-G score as dependent variables. To validate the cutpoints, we assessed whether interference categories were in concordance with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) levels. The optimal cutpoints were (2,5) for BPI-PITS, (2,6) for BPI-WAW, and (2,5) for BPI-REM. The mild (<2), moderate (2-5 or 2-6), and severe (>5 or >6) pain interference groups were significantly concordant with ECOG-PS levels (P < 0.0001). We empirically derived patient-reported pain interference categories in relation to clinician-rated performance status. These cutpoints may facilitate the conduct and interpretation of clinical evaluation, symptom epidemiology, and clinical trials.
Nerve injury–induced epigenetic silencing of opioid receptors controlled by DNMT3a in primary afferent neurons
Authors: Sun Linlin , Zhao Jian-Yuan , Gu Xiyao , Liang Lingli , Wu Shaogen , Mo Kai , Feng Jian , Guo Weixiang , Zhang Jun , Bekker Alex , Zhao Xinyu , Nestler Eric J. , Tao Yuan-Xiang
Published: March 2017

Opioids are the gold standard for pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain, but their analgesic effects are unsatisfactory in part due to nerve injury–induced downregulation of opioid receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. How nerve injury drives such downregulation remains elusive. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-triggered DNA methylation represses gene expression. We show here that blocking the nerve injury–induced increase in DRG DNMT3a (a de novo DNMT) rescued the expression of Oprm1 and Oprk1 mRNAs and their respective encoding mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) proteins in the injured DRG. Blocking this increase also prevented the nerve injury–induced increase in DNA methylation in the promoter and 5′-untranslated region of the Oprm1 gene in the injured DRG, restored morphine or loperamide (a peripheral acting MOR preferring agonist) analgesic effects, and attenuated the development of their analgesic tolerance under neuropathic pain conditions. Mimicking this increase reduced the expression of Oprm1 and Oprk1 mRNAs and their coding MOR and KOR in DRG and augmented MOR-gated neurotransmitter release from the primary afferents. Mechanistically, DNMT3a regulation of Oprm1 gene expression required the methyl-CpG–binding protein 1, MBD1, as MBD1 knockout resulted in the decreased binding of DNMT3a to the Oprm1 gene promoter and blocked the DNMT3a-triggered repression of Oprm1 gene expression in DRG neurons. These data suggest that DNMT3a is required for nerve injury–induced and MBD1-mediated epigenetic silencing of the MOR and KOR in the injured DRG. DNMT3a inhibition may serve as a promising adjuvant therapy for opioid use in neuropathic pain management.
Outpatient Liver Biopsy in Children
Authors: Bolia Rishi , Matta Judy , Malik Rohan , Hardikar Winita
Published: March 2017

Liver biopsy is a valuable tool. Even though outpatient liver biopsies are routinely performed in adults, there are no clear recommendations on its safety and feasibility in children. We reviewed the records of children who underwent a percutaneous liver biopsy at our institution between January 2005 and June 2015. A total of 626 biopsies were performed on 497 patients (250 boys, median age 6 [0.2–19.3] years). Abnormal liver function tests for investigation 288 (46%) was the most common indication. Thirty (4.8%) biopsies had complications, most common being subcapsular hematoma 14 of 30 (46.7%). Complications were identified within 8 hours of the biopsy in all patients. Approach, needle size, or number of passes did not affect the complication rate. Bleeding‐related complications were not related to the international normalized ratio. Performing liver biopsies on an outpatient basis would have saved 60 beds/AU$ 80,000/year. The present study suggests that if an observation period of 8 hours is instituted, outpatient liver biopsies can be performed safely in children.
Vaginal Obliterative Procedures for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buchsbaum Gunhilde M. , Lee Toy Gee
Published: March 2017

Importance

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition, the prevalence of which is likely to increase with the aging of our population. Also changing are parameters by which outcomes are assessed, shifting toward patient-centered care.

Objective

To review vaginal obliterative procedures for surgical treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse historically and to discuss evidence on indications for colpocleisis, outcomes, and complications, as well as review pros and cons for concomitant vaginal hysterectomy and anti-incontinence procedures.

Evidence Acquisition

Review predominantly of the English language literature on issues associated with obliterative vaginal surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse from LeFort’s and Neugebauer’s original description in the late 1800s to now.

Results

LeFort and total colpocleisis are effective procedures for surgical treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse with relatively low complication rates. Patient satisfaction is high. Loss of coital function is rarely a reason for regret. Hysterectomy is not required in most patients with procidentia. Anti-incontinence procedures can be performed at time of colpocleisis for patients with coexisting stress incontinence. Evidence is conflicting with regard to occult stress urinary incontinence.

Conclusions and Relevance

Colpocleisis are valuable procedures for women with severe pelvic organ prolapse who do not wish to retain coital function. Results are maintained in women with recurrent prolapse after prior failed reconstructive surgery. Considering a patient’s goals for surgery and comprehensive presurgical counseling are important determinants of patient satisfaction.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to list indications and contraindications for vaginal obliterative procedures, discuss risks and benefits of sling placement at time of colpocleisis, list perioperative complications, and discuss perioperative workup for LeFort colpocleisis.
Psychotherapy With Somatosensory Stimulation for Endometriosis-Associated Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meissner Karin , Schweizer-Arau Annemarie , Limmer Anna , Preibisch Christine , Popovici Roxana M. , Lange Isabel , de Oriol Barbara , Beissner Florian
Published: March 2017

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2016;128:1134–1142)

The underlying causal mechanisms for endometriosis are poorly understood. There is a weak correlation between the severity of organic pathology and reported pain intensity in women with endometriosis.
Effect of First Line Cancer Treatment on the Ovarian Reserve and Follicular Density in Girls Under the Age of 18 Years
Authors: El Issaoui Meryam , Giorgione Veronica , Mamsen Linn S. , Rechnitzer Catherine , Birkebæk Niels , Clausen Niels , Kelsey Thomas W. , Andersen Claus Yding
Published: March 2017

(Abstracted from Fertil Steril 2016;106:1757–1762)

Over the last several decades, the late-effect mortality from all causes has significantly decreased among 5-year survivors of childhood cancer. This increased survival is largely due to the development of effective chemotherapeutic regimens and radiotherapy.
Value-Based Payment Reform and the Medicare Access and Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015: A Primer for Plastic Surgeons
Authors: Squitieri Lee , Chung Kevin C.
Published: March 2017

In 2015, the U.S. Congress passed the Medicare Access and Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which effectively repealed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sustainable growth rate formula and established the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Payment Program. The Medicare Access and Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act represents an unparalleled acceleration toward value-based payment models and a departure from traditional volume-driven fee-for-service reimbursement. The Quality Payment Program includes two paths for provider participation: the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System and Advanced Alternative Payment Models. The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System pathway replaces existing quality reporting programs and adds several new measures to create a composite performance score for each provider (or provider group) that will be used to adjust reimbursed payment. The advanced alternative payment model pathway is available to providers who participate in qualifying Advanced Alternative Payment Models and is associated with an initial 5 percent payment incentive. The first performance period for the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System opens January 1, 2017, and closes on December 31, 2017, and is associated with payment adjustments in January of 2019. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that the majority of providers will begin participation in 2017 through the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System pathway, but aims to have 50 percent of payments tied to quality or value through Advanced Alternative Payment Models by 2018. In this article, the authors describe key components of the Medicare Access and Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act to providers navigating through the Quality Payment Program and discuss how plastic surgeons may optimize their performance in this new value-based payment program.
Dengue fever andAedes aegyptirisk in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Authors: Nightingale Ryan , Lippi Catherine , Ryan Sadie J. , Borbor-Cordova Mercy J. , Cruz B Marilyn , Ortega Fernando , León Renato , Waggoner Egan , Stewart Ibarra Anna M.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Dengue fever is an emerging infectious disease in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, with the first cases reported in 2002 and periodic outbreaks since then. Here we report the results of a pilot study conducted in two cities in 2014: Puerto Ayora (PA) on Santa Cruz Island, and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (PB) on Santa Cristobal Island. The aims of this study were to assess the social-ecological risk factors associated with dengue and mosquito presence at the household-level.

Methods

In 2014 we conducted 100 household surveys (50 on each island) in neighborhoods with prior reported dengue. Adult mosquitoes were collected inside and outside the home, larval indices were determined through container surveys, and heads of households were interviewed to determine demographics, prior dengue infections, housing conditions, and knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue. Multimodel selection methods were used to derive best-fit generalized linear regression (GLM) models of prior dengue infection, and the presence ofAe. aegyptiin the home.

Results

We found that 24% of PB and 14% of PA respondents self-reported a prior dengue infection, and more PB homes than PA homes hadAe. aegypti.The top-ranked model for prior dengue infection included human movement – travel between neighborhoods, between islands, and to the mainland; demographics including salary level and education of the head of household, and increase with more people per room in a house, house condition, access to water quality issues, and dengue awareness. The top-ranked model for the presence ofAe. aegyptiincluded housing conditions, including the presence of window screens and air conditioners, mosquito control actions, and dengue risk perception.

Discussion/conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study of dengue risk andAedes aegyptiin the Galápagos Islands. The findings that human movement within and between islands, and to and from the mainland, were important to reported dengue cases confirms concerns of this route of introduction and repeated transmission.
H3K27me3-mediated silencing of Wilms Tumor 1 supports the proliferation of brain tumor cells harboring the H3.3K27M mutation
Authors: Fang Dong , Gan Haiyun , Cheng Liang , Lee Jeong-Heon , Zhou Hui , Sarkaria Jann N. , Daniels David J. , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: March 2017

The lysine 27 to methionine mutation of histone H3.3 (H3.3K27M) is detected in over 75% of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The H3.3K27M mutant proteins inhibit H3K27 methyltransferase complex PRC2, resulting in a global reduction of tri-methylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3). Paradoxically, high levels of H3K27me3 were also detected at hundreds of genomic loci. However, it is not known how and why H3K27me3 is redistributed in DIPG cells. Here we show that lower levels of H3.3K27M mutant proteins at some genomic loci contribute to the retention of H3K27me3 peaks. But more importantly, Jarid2, a PRC2-associated protein, strongly correlates the presence of H3K27me3 and relieves the H3.3K27M-mediated inhibitionin vivo and in vitro.Furthermore, we show that H3K27me3-mediated silencing of tumor suppressor gene Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) supports the proliferation of DIPG cells and reaction of WT1 inhibits DIPG proliferation. Together, these studies reveal mechanisms whereby H3K27me3 is retained in the environment of global loss of this mark, and how persistence of this mark contributes to DIPG tumorigenesis.
Demonstration ofde novochemotaxis inE. coliusing a real-time, quantitative, and digital-like approach
Authors: Davidov Tzila , Granik Naor , Zahran Sharbel , Adir Inbal , Elul Ofek , Fried Tal , Gil Asif , Mayo Bar , Ohayon Shilo , Sarig Shiran , Shasha Nofar , Tsedef Shirane , Weiner Shani , Brunwasser-Meirom Michal , Ereskovsky Alexandra , Katz Noa , Kaufmann Beate , Haimov Yuri , Leonard Heidi , Segal Ester , Amit Roee
Published: March 2017

Chemotaxis is the movement of an organism in response to an external chemical stimulus. This system enables bacteria to sense their immediate environment and adapt to changes in its chemical composition. Bacterial chemotaxis is mediated by chemoreceptors, membrane proteins that bind an effector and transduce the signal to the downstream proteins. From a synthetic biology perspective, the natural chemotactic repertoire is of little use since bacterial chemoreceptors have evolved to sense specific ligands that either benefit or harm the cell. Here we demonstrate that using a combined computational design approach together with a quantitative, real-time, and digital detection approach, we can rapidly design, manufacture, and characterize a synthetic chemoreceptor inE. colifor histamine (a ligand for which there are no known chemoreceptors). First, we employed a computational protocol that uses the Rosetta bioinformatics software together with high threshold filters to design mutational variants to the native Tar ligand binding domain that target histamine. Second, we tested different ligand-chemoreceptors pairs with a novel chemotaxis assay, based on optical reflectance interferometry of porous silicon (PSi) optical transducers, enabling label-free quantification of chemotaxis by monitoring real-time changes in the optical readout (expressed as the effective optical thickness, EOT). We found that different ligands can be characterized by an individual set of fingerprints in our assay. Namely, a binary, digital-like response in EOT change (i.e. positive or negative) that differentiates between attractants and repellants, the amplitude of change of EOT response, and the rate by which steady state in EOT change is reached. Using this assay, we were able to positively identify and characterize a single mutational chemoreceptor variant for histamine that mediated chemotaxis comparably to the natural Tar-aspartate system. Our results demonstrate the possibility of not only expanding the natural chemotaxis repertoire, but also provide a new quantitative assay by which to characterize the efficacy of the chemotactic response.
Evolution of density-dependent movement during replicated experimental range expansions
Authors: Fronhofer Emanuel A. , Gut Sereina , Altermatt Florian
Published: March 2017

Range expansions and biological invasions are prime examples of non-equilibrium systems that are likely impacted by rapid evolutionary changes. As a spatial process, range expansions are driven by dispersal and movement behaviour. While it is widely accepted that dispersal and movement may be context-dependent, for instance density-dependent, and best represented by reaction norms, the evolution of density-dependent movement during range expansions has received little experimental attention. We therefore tested current theory predicting the evolution of increased movement at low densities at range margins using highly replicated and controlled range expansion experiments across multiple genotypes of the protist model systemTetrahymena thermophila. Although rare, we found evolutionary changes during range expansions even in the absence of initial standing genetic variation. Range expansions led to the evolution of negatively density-dependent movement at range margins. In addition, we report the evolution of increased competitive ability and concurrently decreased population growth rates in range cores. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding movement and dispersal as evolving reaction norms and plastic life-history traits of central relevance for range expansions, biological invasions and the dynamics of spatially structured systems in general.

Data accessibility

The data will be made available at Dryad (http://dx.doi.org/xxxxx). Video analysis scripts can be found on GitHub (https://github.com/efronhofer/analysis_script_bemovi).
Modeling of a negative feedback mechanism explains age-dependent genetic architecture in reproduction in domesticatedC. elegansstrains
Authors: Large Edward E. , Padmanabhan Raghavendra , Watkins Kathie L. , Campbell Richard F. , Xu Wen , McGrath Patrick T.
Published: March 2017

Most biological traits and common diseases have a strong but complex genetic basis, controlled by large numbers of genetic variants with small contributions to a trait or disease risk. The effect-size of most genetic variants is not absolute, but can depend on a number of factors including the age and genetic background of an organism. In order to understand the mechanisms that cause these changes, we are studying heritable trait differences between two domesticated strains of C. elegans. We previously identified a major effect locus, caused by a mutation in a component of the NURF chromatin remodeling complex, that regulated reproductive output in an age-dependent manner. The effect-size of this locus changes from positive to negative over the course of an animal’s reproductive lifespan. Using a previously published macroscale model of egg-laying rate in C. elegans, we show how time-dependent effect-size can be explained by an unequal use of sperm combined with negative feedback between sperm and ovulation rate. We validate a number of key predictions of this model using controlled mating experiments and quantification of oogenesis and sperm use. By incorporating this model into QTL mapping, we identify and partition new QTLs into specific aspects of the egg-laying process. Finally, we show how epistasis between two genetic variants is predicted by this modeling as a consequence of unequal use of sperm. This work demonstrates how modeling of multicellular communication systems can improve our ability to predict and understand the role of genetic variation on a complex phenotype. Negative autoregulatory feedback loops, common in transcriptional regulation, could play an important role in modifying genetic architecture in other traits.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Complex traits are influenced not only by the individual effects of genetic variants, but also how these variants interact with the environment, age, and each other. While complex genetic architectures seem to be ubiquitous in natural traits, little is known about the mechanisms that cause them. Here we identify an example of age-dependent genetic architecture controlling the rate and timing of reproduction in the hermaphroditic nematodeC. elegans.Using computational modeling, we demonstrate how this age-dependent genetic architecture can arise as a consequence of two factors: hormonal feedback on oocytes mediated by major sperm protein (MSP) released by sperm stored in the spermatheca and life history differences in sperm use caused by genetic variants. Our work also suggests how age-dependent epistasis can emerge from multicellular feedback systems.
CRISPR/Cas9 screening using unique molecular identifiers
Authors: Schmierer Bernhard , Botla Sandeep K. , Zhang Jilin , Turunen Mikko , Kivioja Teemu , Taipale Jussi
Published: March 2017

Loss of function screening by CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout with pooled, lentiviral guide libraries is a widely applicable method for systematic identification of genes contributing to diverse cellular phenotypes. Here, random sequence labels (RSLs) are incorporated into the guide library, which act as unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) to allow massively parallel lineage tracing and lineage dropout screening. RSLs greatly improve the reproducibility of results by increasing both the precision and the accuracy of screens. They reduce the number of cells and sequencing reads needed to reach a set statistical power, or allow a more robust screen using the same number of cells.
Characterizing and interpreting the influence of internal variables on sensory activity
Authors: Lange Richard D. , Haefner Ralf M.
Published: March 2017

The concept of a tuning curve has been central for our understanding of how the responses of cortical neurons depend on external stimuli. Here, we describe how the influence of unobserved internal variables on sensory responses, in particular correlated neural variability, can be understood in a similar framework. We suggest that this will lead to deeper insights into the relationship between stimulus, sensory responses, and behavior. We review related recent work and discuss its implication for distinguishing feedforward from feedback influences on sensory responses, and for the information contained in those responses.

Highlights

Re-interpretation of neural correlations in terms of internal variables…

…can clarify whether they limit or enhance information

Influence of internal variables can be captured by interpretable ‘tuning functions’

Estimation of both internal variables and tuning possible from population recordings
Differences in the spatial and temporal patterns of head motion during MRI of adults and infants
Authors: Cusack Rhodri , Linke Annika C. , Zubiaurre-Elorza Leire , Duffy Hester , Herzmann Charlotte , Stojanoski Bobby , Han Victor K. , Lee David S.C. , Wild Conor
Published: March 2017

Aim

Head motion has a profound effect on MRI, and will contaminate comparisons of function or structure between groups that move differently. This work compares adults and infants. Infants might move differently for physical, physiological and cognitive reasons, but so far these differences have not been quantified.

Methods

The spatial modes and total magnitude of motion in the MRI scanner were measured (N=211). The effects of group (infant vs. adult) and stimulation paradigm (auditory vs. visual) were evaluated.

Results

Spatial modes of motion were found to be distinct between infant and adult groups. Infants had less anterior-posterior translational motion, but greater motion in other dimensions, often with complex multi-axis patterns. In magnitude distribution, sleeping infants often remained more still than adults, but when movement did occur it was more extreme and abrupt. Two groups of adults presented with different stimulation showed similar shapes of motion.

Conclusion

The spatial modes and magnitude distribution of motion differed substantially between groups, and must be considered carefully as a confound in comparisons of structure or function. The abruptness and magnitude of movement suggests that for infants relative to adults post-processing strategies such as de-noising are likely to be more effective than prospective motion correction.

Key notes

Quantified the spatial and temporal distribution of motion during MRI in 211 adults and neonates

The different spatial modes in adults and infants were visualized and statistically contrasted

The magnitude of motion had “heavier tails” in infants, with more still periods, and more large movements, than adults.
New functions and graphical user interface attached to powder indexing software CONOGRAPH
Authors: Esmaeili A. , Kamiyama T. , Oishi-Tomiyasu R.
Published: March 2017

The present status of powder indexing software CONOGRAPH as an integrated system with a graphical user interface is reported. The improvements to the peak search method and the other available functions are introduced. Computational results and times for CONOGRAPH are compared with those for ITO13, N-TREOR and DICVOL14 to clarify their differences.
Crystal structure of 5,6-bis(9H-carbazol-9-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole: distortion from a hypothetical higher-symmetry structure
Authors: Averkiev Boris B. , Davydenko Iryna , Wang Xu , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R.
Published: March 2017

Nucleophilic substitution of F atoms in 5,6-difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (DFBT) for carbazole could be potentially interesting as a novel way of synthesizing building blocks for new conjugated materials for applications in organic chemistry. The crystal structures of 5,6-bis(9H-carbazol-9-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (DCBT), C30H18N4S, and its hydrate, C30H18N4S·0.125H2O, were investigated using single-crystal X-ray analysis. The hydrate contains two symmetry-independent DCBT molecules. The dihedral angles between the plane of the central benzothiadiazole fragment and that of the carbazole units vary between 50.8 and 69.9°, indicating conformational flexibility of the DCBT molecule in the crystals, which is consistent with quantum chemical calculations. The analysis of the crystal packing of DCBT revealed that the experimental triclinic structure could be described as a distortion from a hypothetical higher-symmetry monoclinic structure. The quantum chemical calculations of two possible monoclinic structures, which are related to the experimental structure by a shifting of molecular layers, showed that the proposed structures are higher in energy by 5.4 and 10.1 kcal mol−1. This energy increase is caused by less dense crystal packings of the symmetric structures, which results in a decrease of the number of intermolecular interactions.
Crystal structure of 3-[({[bis(2-cyanoethyl)carbamothioyl]disulfanyl}methanethioyl)(2-cyanoethyl) amino]propanenitrile
Authors: Sonia A. S. , Baskaran R. , Selvanayagam S.
Published: March 2017

In the title compound, C14H16N6S4, the molecule resides on a twofold rotation axis, which runs through the central S—S bond. In the crystal, molecules are linked via weak C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming C(5) chains propagating in a helical arrangement along [010].
Simulation-based steady-state aero-thermal model for small-scale turboprop engine
Authors: Yazar Isil , Yasa Tolga , Kiyak Emre
Published: March 2017

Purpose

An aircraft engine control system consists of a large scale of control parameters and variables because of the complex structure of aero-engine. Monitoring and adjusting control variables and parameters such as detecting, isolating and reconfiguring the system faults/failures depend on the controller design. Developing a robust controller is based on an accurate mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a small-scale turboprop engine is modeled. Simulation is carried out on MATLAB/Simulink for design and off-design operating conditions. Both steady-state and transient conditions (from idle to maximum thrust levels) are tested. The performance parameters of compressor and turbine components are predicted via trained Neuro-Fuzzy model (ANFIS) based on component maps. Temperature, rotational speed, mass flow, pressure and other parameters are generated by using thermodynamic formulas and conservation laws. Considering these calculated values, error calculations are made and compared with the cycle data of the engine at the related simulation conditions.

Findings

Simulation results show that the designed engine model’s simulation values have acceptable accuracy for both design and off-design conditions from idle to maximum power operating envelope considering cycle data. The designed engine model can be adapted to other types of gas turbine engines.

Originality/value

Different from other literature studies, in this work, a small-scale turboprop engine is modeled. Furthermore, for performance prediction of compressor and turbine components, ANFIS structure is applied.
Aerodynamic wing shape optimization based on the computational design framework CEASIOM
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Rizzi Arthur
Published: March 2017

Purpose

A collaborative design environment is needed for multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) process, based on all the modules those for different design/analysis disciplines, and a systematic coupling should be made to carry out aerodynamic shape optimization (ASO), which is an important part of MDO.

Design/methodology/approach

Computerized environment for aircraft synthesis and integrated optimization methods (CEASIOM)-ASO is developed based on loosely coupling all the existing modules of CEASIOM by MATLAB scripts. The optimization problem is broken down into small sub-problems, which is called “sequential design approach”, allowing the engineer in the loop.

Findings

CEASIOM-ASO shows excellent design abilities on the test case of designing a blended wing body flying in transonic speed, with around 45 per cent drag reduction and all the constraints fulfilled.

Practical implications

Authors built a complete and systematic technique for aerodynamic wing shape optimization based on the existing computational design framework CEASIOM, from geometry parametrization, meshing to optimization.

Originality/value

CEASIOM-ASO provides an optimization technique with loosely coupled modules in CEASIOM design framework, allowing engineer in the loop to follow the “sequential approach” of the design, which is less “myopic” than sticking to gradient-based optimization for the whole process. Meanwhile, it is easily to be parallelized.
A nonlinear control approach for a hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Tao Chao , Wan Jing , Ai Jianliang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to design a robust control system for a generic hypersonic vehicle which includes dynamic nonlinear, open loop unstable and parametric uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

For a complex longitudinal model of a generic hypersonic vehicle which includes dynamic nonlinear, open loop unstable and parametric uncertainties, a nonlinear dynamic inverse (NDI) approach combined with proportional differential (PD) control is used to design a strong robust control system to deal with the sensitivity to changes of atmosphere condition. In this way, a simple genetic algorithm is used to search a group of parameters of the control system to satisfy the specific performance indices. Then parametric uncertainties are considered to verify the robustness of the control system.

Findings

The PD hypersonic vehicle control system using NDI approach can satisfy the specific flight performance. And it has strong robustness under the parametric uncertainties.

Originality/value

The paper fulfills a complete process of the nonlinear control system design for a generic hypersonic vehicle. And, the simulation results show the efficiency and robustness of the control system.
Geographical perspective of modeling primary healthcare accessibility
Authors: Surage Justice , Tawiah Richard , Twumasi-Mensah Timothy
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the spatial accessibility of primary healthcare facility in Ghanaian rural areas, by determining the barriers to healthcare accessibilities in the Amansie Central District.

Design/methodology/approach

Both network and proximity analyses were performed on the digitized data such as road networks, settlements, population, district boundary, natural resources (rivers, streams and forest) and site location (health facilities). To quantify the population who have access to healthcare the authors used the Ghana Health Service access criteria that health facility should be accessible to an estimated population within 8 km radius from the facility.

Findings

The overall mean distance to the nearest health facility in the district was 8.9 km. Fiankoma sub-district recorded the highest mean distance whereas Tweapease sub-district recorded the least. In general, 31.2 percent of the district population has no access to healthcare facility. Transportation was identified to be one of the major hindrances to healthcare accessibility and this was as a result of poor road network in the district.

Research limitations/implications

The study was restricted to the Amansie Central District of Ghana. This limits the extent of generalization of results.

Originality/value

The study proposed additional sites for siting new health facilities base on criteria such as population, distance, centrality and existing infrastructural development. This will consequently improve healthcare accessibility and utilization by increasing total coverage closer to 100 percent.
Implicit bias in US medicine: complex findings and incomplete conclusions
Authors: Chisolm-Straker Makini , Straker Howard
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Implicit bias is the application of an unconscious attitude or belief; in the clinical setting, a provider’s perception of a patient, based upon perceived race or ethnicity, is hypothesized to affect clinical decisions, provider-patient interactions and patient health. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief synopsis of and critique the relevant works over the past 15 years while highlighting the strengths of this body of literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A MEDLINE search, from 2000 to 2015, using the terms “implicit bias,” “unconscious bias” and “aversive racism” was performed. US-based studies investigating the effect of racial or ethnic implicit bias on the clinical encounter or patient outcomes were assessed. In total, 15 articles were eligible for review.

Findings

Despite well-reasoned hypotheses that racial/ethnic bias negatively affects patient care, this review found mixed results. Largely, studies showed that US-providers hold an anti-black implicit bias negatively affecting patient-provider communication and patient satisfaction. But studies have not shown that this bias consistently negatively affects diagnosis and treatment regimens of black patients in comparison to white patients. There is a significant dearth of implicit bias literature addressing the care of other patient groups of color.

Originality/value

This review of the recent literature challenges the black-white dichotomy of most implicit bias research in the USA and highlights the lack of patient-oriented outcome research in this field. Furthermore, it demonstrates that regardless of the effect of implicit bias on patient outcomes, focus on eliminating implicit bias is insufficient to improve the health of people of color.
The impact of an unconditional parental benefit on employment of mothers
Authors: Kurowska Anna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the puzzle of the disproportionately lower employment rate of mothers of toddlers with relation to the employment rate of mothers of preschool and school-age children in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the Most Similar System Design and compares Estonia with Lithuania. The applied methods include inferential statistics and microsimulation techniques, employing the OECD Benefits and Wages Calculator, the OECD Family Support Calculator and EUROMOD – the European tax-benefit microsimulation model.

Findings

The comparison revealed that the overwhelming majority of the crucial aspects of socio-cultural, economic and institutional conditions were more favourable for maternal employment in Estonia than in Lithuania. This explains the higher maternal employment rates both for mothers of pre-schoolers and school-age children in Estonia. However, one particular element of the institutional context targeted to the mothers of toddlers – the unconditional parental benefit – had an entirely opposite character. This particular feature of the parental leave scheme was the only factor that could explain why the employment rate of mothers of toddlers is disproportionately lower than the employment rate of mothers of older children in Estonia and much lower than the employment of mothers of toddlers in Lithuania.

Originality/value

This study complements previous research by providing evidence on the relative importance of universal parental benefit schemes in the context of other country-specific conditions for maternal employment, including the availability of institutional childcare. Furthermore, the results presented show that childcare regime typologies, at least those that characterise Eastern European countries, should be more sensitive to children’s age.
Creation of knowledge-added concept maps: time augmention via pairwise temporal analysis
Authors: Sasson Elan , Ravid Gilad , Pliskin Nava
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Although acknowledged as a principal dimension in the context of text mining, time has yet to be formally incorporated into the process of visually representing the relationships between keywords in a knowledge domain. This paper aims to develop and validate the feasibility of adding temporal knowledge to a concept map via pair-wise temporal analysis (PTA).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a temporal trend detection algorithm – vector space model – designed to use objective quantitative pair-wise temporal operators to automatically detect co-occurring hot concepts. This PTA approach is demonstrated and validated without loss of generality for a spectrum of information technologies.

Findings

The rigorous validation study shows that the resulting temporal assessments are highly correlated with subjective assessments of experts (n= 136), exhibiting substantial reliability-of-agreement measures and average predictive validity above 85 per cent.

Practical implications

Using massive amounts of textual documents available on the Web to first generate a concept map and then add temporal knowledge, the contribution of this work is emphasized and magnified against the current growing attention to big data analytics.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel knowledge discovery method to improve a text-based concept map (i.e. semantic graph) via detection and representation of temporal relationships. The originality and value of the proposed method is highlighted in comparison to other knowledge discovery methods.
Dave Snowden on KM and big data/analytics: interview with David J. Pauleen
Authors: Pauleen David J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Dave Snowden has been an important voice in knowledge management over the years. As the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a company focused on the development of the theory and practice of social complexity, he offers informative views on the relationship between big data/analytics and KM.

Design/methodology/approach

A face-to-face interview was held with Dave Snowden in May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Findings

According to Snowden, analytics in the form of algorithms are imperfect and can only to a small extent capture the reasoning and analytical capabilities of people. For this reason, while big data/analytics can be useful, they are limited and must be used in conjunction with human knowledge and reasoning.

Practical implications

Snowden offers his views on big data/analytics and how they can be used effectively in real world situations in combination with human reasoning and input, for example in fields from resource management to individual health care.

Originality/value

Snowden is an innovative thinker. He combines knowledge and experience from many fields and offers original views and understanding of big data/analytics, knowledge and management.
Does big data mean big knowledge? KM perspectives on big data and analytics
Authors: Pauleen David J. , Wang William Y.C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This viewpoint study aims to make the case that the field of knowledge management (KM) must respond to the significant changes that big data/analytics is bringing to operationalizing the production of organizational data and information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study expresses the opinions of the guest editors of “Does Big Data Mean Big Knowledge? Knowledge Management Perspectives on Big Data and Analytics”.

Findings

A Big Data/Analytics-Knowledge Management (BDA-KM) model is proposed that illustrates the centrality of knowledge as the guiding principle in the use of big data/analytics in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This is an opinion piece, and the proposed model still needs to be empirically verified.

Practical implications

It is suggested that academics and practitioners in KM must be capable of controlling the application of big data/analytics, and calls for further research investigating how KM can conceptually and operationally use and integrate big data/analytics to foster organizational knowledge for better decision-making and organizational value creation.

Originality/value

The BDA-KM model is one of the early models placing knowledge as the primary consideration in the successful organizational use of big data/analytics.
Mental health student nurses’ satisfaction with problem-based learning: a qualitative study
Authors: Jones Gerwyn Huw
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate undergraduate pre-registration mental health nurse’s satisfaction with problem-based learning (PBL), in light of the dearth of such studies and to influence future teaching and learning strategies within Cardiff University.

Design/methodology/approach

Totally, 16 students from three cohorts were interviewed in two focus groups. Data analysis was consistent with Seidel and Kelle (1995) which involved noticing relevant phenomena, collecting examples of these phenomena and subsequently analysing these to find commonalities, differences, patterns and structures.

Findings

Student experiences were categorised in five themes indicating that they perceived PBL as a novel, flexible approach to adult learning, which fostered decision making and critical thinking. Student engagement with the process was heavily influenced by the contribution of the end product to their degree classification. They also expressed concerns about working in groups and whether the depth of learning was comparable with traditional methods. However, they presented well-considered recommendations for future practice to address the perceived deficits of PBL.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small scale study undertaken in one institution. As such the views expressed by students relate to the approach to PBL used in this institution.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of research relating to the application of PBL in mental health nurse education. Well considered, student generated recommendations are presented which can enhance student motivation, engagement and learning. These are arguably of value to other educationists interested in this approach to teaching and learning.
Examining mental health literacy, help seeking behaviours, and mental health outcomes in UK university students
Authors: Gorczynski Paul , Sims-schouten Wendy , Hill Denise , Wilson Janet Clare
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Many university students in the UK experience mental health problems and little is known about their overall mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain levels of mental health literacy in UK university students and to examine whether mental health literacy is associated with better mental health outcomes and intentions to seek professional care.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 380 university students at a university in the south of England completed online surveys measuring multiple dimensions of mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviour, distress, and well-being.

Findings

Mental health literacy in the students sampled was lower than seen in previous research. Women exhibited higher levels of mental health literacy than men and postgraduate students scored higher than undergraduate students. Participants with previous mental health problems had higher levels of mental health literacy than those with no history of mental health problems. Individuals were most likely to want to seek support from a partner or family member and most participants indicated they would be able to access mental health information online. Mental health literacy was significantly positively correlated with help-seeking behaviour, but not significantly correlated with distress or well-being.

Practical implications

Strategies, such as anonymous online resources, should be designed to help UK university students become more knowledgeable about mental health and comfortable with seeking appropriate support.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine multiple dimensions of mental health literacy in UK university students and compare it to help-seeking behaviour, distress, and well-being.