bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Socialising’ primary care? The Soviet Union, WHO and the 1978 Alma-Ata Conference
Authors: Birn Anne-Emanuelle , Krementsov Nikolai
Published: October 2018

In September 1978, the WHO convened a momentous International Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata, capital of the Soviet republic of Kazakhstan. This unprecedented gathering signalled a break with WHO’s long-standing technically oriented disease eradication campaigns. Instead, Alma-Ata emphasised a community-based, social justice-oriented approach to health. Existing historical accounts of the conference, largely based on WHO sources, have characterised it as a Soviet triumph. Such reasoning, embedded in Cold War logic, contradicts both the decision-making processes in Geneva and Moscow that led the conference to be held in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the reality that the highest Soviet authorities did not consider it a significant ideological or political opportunity. To redress the omissions and assumptions of prior accounts, this article examines the Alma-Ata conference in the context of Soviet political and health developments, drawing from Soviet archival and published sources as well as WHO materials and interviews with several key Soviet protagonists. We begin by outlining the USSR’s complicated relationship to WHO and the international health sphere. Next, we trace the genesis of the proposal for—and realisation and repercussions of—the primary healthcare (PHC) meeting, framed by Soviet, Kazakh, WHO and Cold War politics. Finally, we explore misjudgements and competing meanings of PHC from both Soviet and WHO perspectives, in particular focusing on the role of physicians, community participation and socialist approaches to PHC.
‘They care rudely!’: resourcing and relational health system factors that influence retention in care for people living with HIV in Zambia
Authors: Mwamba Chanda , Sharma Anjali , Mukamba Njekwa , Beres Laura , Geng Elvin , Holmes Charles B , Sikazwe Izukanji , Topp Stephanie M
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Despite access to free antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-positive Zambians disengage from HIV care. We sought to understand how Zambian health system ‘hardware’ (tangible components) and ‘software’ (work practices and behaviour) influenced decisions to disengage from care among ‘lost-to-follow-up’ patients traced by a larger study on their current health status.

Methods

We purposively selected 12 facilities, from 4 provinces. Indepth interviews were conducted with 69 patients across four categories: engaged in HIV care, disengaged from care, transferred to another facility and next of kin if deceased. We also conducted 24 focus group discussions with 158 lay and professional healthcare workers (HCWs). These data were triangulated against two consecutive days of observation conducted in each facility. We conducted iterative multilevel analysis using inductive and deductive reasoning.

Results

Health system ‘hardware’ factors influencing patients’ disengagement included inadequate infrastructure to protect privacy; distance to health facilities which costs patients time and money; and chronic understaffing which increased wait times. Health system ‘software’ factors related to HCWs’ work practices and clinical decisions, including delayed opening times, file mismanagement, drug rationing and inflexibility in visit schedules, increased wait times, number of clinic visits, and frustrated access to care. While patients considered HCWs as ‘mentors’ and trusted sources of information, many also described them as rude, tardy, careless with details and confidentiality, and favouring relatives. Nonetheless, unlike previously reported, many patients preferred ART over alternative treatment (eg, traditional medicine) for its perceived efficacy, cost-free availability and accompanying clinical monitoring.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate the dynamic effect of health system ‘hardware’ and ‘software’ factors on decisions to disengage. Our findings suggest a need for improved: physical resourcing and structuring of HIV services, preservice and inservice HCWs and management training and mentorship programmes to encourage HCWs to provide ‘patient-centered’ care and exercise ‘flexibility’ to meet patients’ varying needs and circumstances.
Depression, depressive symptoms and treatments in women who have recently given birth: UK cohort study
Authors: Petersen Irene , Peltola Tomi , Kaski Samuel , Walters Kate R , Hardoon Sarah
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To investigate how depression is recognised in the year after child birth and treatment given in clinical practice.

Design

Cohort study based on UK primary care electronic health records.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

Women who have given live birth between 2000 and 2013.

Outcomes

Prevalence of postnatal depression, depression diagnoses, depressive symptoms, antidepressant and non-pharmacological treatment within a year after birth.

Results

Of 206 517 women, 23 623 (11%) had a record of depressive diagnosis or symptoms in the year after delivery and more than one in eight women received antidepressant treatment. Recording and treatment peaked 6–8 weeks after delivery. Initiation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) treatment has become earlier in the more recent years. Thus, the initiation rate of SSRI treatment per 100 pregnancies (95% CI) at 8 weeks were 2.6 (2.5 to 2.8) in 2000–2004, increasing to 3.0 (2.9 to 3.1) in 2005–2009 and 3.8 (3.6 to 3.9) in 2010–2013. The overall rate of initiation of SSRI within the year after delivery, however, has not changed noticeably. A third of the women had at least one record suggestive of depression at any time prior to delivery and of these one in four received SSRI treatment in the year after delivery.

Younger women were most likely to have records of depression and depressive symptoms. (Relative risk for postnatal depression: age 15–19: 1.92 (1.76 to 2.10), age 20–24: 1.49 (1.39 to 1.59) versus age 30–34). The risk of depression, postnatal depression and depressive symptoms increased with increasing social deprivation.

Conclusions

More than 1 in 10 women had electronic health records indicating depression diagnoses or depressive symptoms within a year after delivery and more than one in eight women received antidepressant treatment in this period. Women aged below 30 and from the most deprived areas were at highest risk of depression and most likely to receive antidepressant treatment.
Evaluating methodological quality of Prognostic models Including Patient-reported HeAlth outcomes iN oncologY (EPIPHANY): a systematic review protocol
Authors: Deliu Nina , Cottone Francesco , Collins Gary S , Anota Amélie , Efficace Fabio
Published: October 2018

Introduction

While there is mounting evidence of the independent prognostic value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for overall survival (OS) in patients with cancer, it is known that the conduct of these studies may hold a number of methodological challenges. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of published studies in this research area, in order to identify methodological and statistical issues deserving special attention and to also possibly provide evidence-based recommendations.

Methods and analysis

An electronic search strategy will be performed in PubMed to identify studies developing or validating a prognostic model which includes PROs as predictors. Two reviewers will independently be involved in data collection using a predefined and standardised data extraction form including information related to study characteristics, PROs measures used and multivariable prognostic models. Studies selection will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, with data extraction form using fields from the Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS) checklist for multivariable models. Methodological quality assessment will also be performed and will be based on prespecified domains of the CHARMS checklist. As a substantial heterogeneity of included studies is expected, a narrative evidence synthesis will also be provided.

Ethics and dissemination

Given that this systematic review will use only published data, ethical permissions will not be required. Findings from this review will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at major international conferences. We anticipate that this review will contribute to identify key areas of improvement for conducting and reporting prognostic factor analyses with PROs in oncology and will lay the groundwork for developing future evidence-based recommendations in this area of research.

Prospero registration number

CRD42018099160.
Comparing the effectiveness of a hybrid simulation/lecture session versus simulation alone in teaching crew resource management (CRM) skills: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mempin Roberto L , Simon Wendy M , Napolitano Jason D , Brook Rachel P , Hall Owen L , Vangala Sitaram , Lee Edward S
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Various methods have been used to teach crew resource management (CRM) skills, including high-fidelity patient simulation. It is unclear whether a didactic lecture added on to a simulation-based curriculum can augment a learner’s education.

Methods

Using an already existing simulation-based curriculum for interdisciplinary teams composed of both residents and nurses, teams were randomised to an intervention or control arm. The intervention arm had a 10 min didactic lecture after the first of three simulation scenarios, while the control arm did all three simulation scenarios without any didactic component. The CRM skills of teams were then scored, and improvement was compared between the two arms using general estimating equations.

Results

The differences in mean teamwork scores between the intervention and control arms in scenarios 2 and 3 were not statistically significant. Mean scores in the intervention arm were lower than in the control arm (−0.57, p=0.78 for scenario 2; −3.12, p=0.13 for scenario 3), and the increase in scores from scenario 2 to 3 was lower in the intervention arm than in the control arm (difference in differences: −2.55, p=0.73).

Conclusions

Adding a didactic lecture to a simulation-based curriculum geared at teaching CRM skills to interdisciplinary teams did not lead to significantly improved teamwork.
Sleep in youth with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of subjective and objective studies
Authors: Díaz-Román Amparo , Zhang Junhua , Delorme Richard , Beggiato Anita , Cortese Samuele
Published: October 2018

Background

Sleep problems are common and impairing in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Evidence synthesis including both subjective (ie, measured with questionnaires) and objective (ie, quantified with neurophysiological tools) sleep alterations in youth with ASD is currently lacking.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of subjective and objective studies sleep studies in youth with ASD.

Methods

We searched the following electronic databases with no language, date or type of document restriction up to 23 May 2018: PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase+Embase Classic, Ovid Medline and Web of Knowledge. Random-effects models were used. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran’s Q and I2statistics. Publication (small studies) bias was assessed with final plots and the Egger’s test. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Analyses were conducted usingReview ManagerandComprehensive Meta-Analysis.

Findings

From a pool of 3359 non-duplicate potentially relevant references, 47 datasets were included in the meta-analyses. Subjective and objective sleep outcome measures were extracted from 37 and 15 studies, respectively. Only five studies were based on comorbidity free, medication-naïve participants. Compared with typically developing controls, youth with ASD significantly differed in 10/14 subjective parameters and in 7/14 objective sleep parameters. The average quality score in the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was 5.9/9.

Discussion and clinical implications

A number of subjective and, to a less extent, objective sleep alterations might characterise youth with ASD, but future studies should assess the impact of pharmacological treatment and psychiatric comorbidities.
Nudging in the clinic: the ethical implications of differences in doctors’ and patients’ point of view
Authors: Avitzour David , Barnea Rani , Avitzour Eliana , Cohen Haim , Nissan-Rozen Ittay
Published: October 2018

There is an extensive ethical debate regarding the justifiability of doctors nudging towards healthy behaviour and better health-related choices. One line of argument in favour of nudging is based on empirical findings, according to which a healthy majority among the public support nudges. In this paper, we show, based on an experiment we conducted, that, in health-related choices, people’s ethical attitudes to nudging are strongly affected by the point of view from which the nudge is considered. Significant differences have been found between doctors’ ethical attitude to clinical nudging and that of patients. We show how these differences weaken the argument for nudging from public support. Moreover, our findings raise concerns regarding doctors’ ability to nudge ethically according to their own standards, as they may underestimate the degree of harm medical nudges can cause to informed consent, doctor–patient trust and other important ethically relevant features of health-related choices.
Exploring the effects of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on the mechanical properties of lead-contaminated clay
Authors: Chen Yong-Zhan , Zhou Wan-Huan , Liu Fuming , Yi Shuping
Published: October 2018

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is a well-known efficient nanomaterial for the immobilization of heavy metals and has been widely applied in the remediation of contaminated groundwater and soils. In this study, a series of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses, vane shear tests, triaxial compression tests, and oedometer tests was conducted on lead-contaminated clay using four dosages of nZVI treatment (0.2%, 1%, 5%, and 10%). The geotechnical properties, including basic index properties, stiffness, shear strength, and compressibility, were assessed after the reaction procedure. FESEM analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of nZVI treatment in terms of morphological characteristics. It was found that the plasticity index decreased gradually with increasing nZVI dosage. Treating contaminated soil with nZVI caused an increase in the vane shear strength, stiffness, and friction angle. The compression index increased gradually because of the nZVI treatment. Based on the FESEM analysis, a conclusion can be deduced that larger aggregates and conjoined structures resulting from nZVI treatment can lead to the strengthening of lead-contaminated clay.
Modeling interaction between loading-induced and creep strains of rockfill materials using a hardening elastoplastic constitutive model
Authors: Fu Zhongzhi , Chen Shengshui , Zhong Qiming , Zhang Yijiang
Published: October 2018

An elastoplastic constitutive model that takes into account the stress–strain relationship and creep-induced hardening behavior of rockfill materials is proposed in light of previous experimental observations. It is assumed that the mechanical response during loading and the final amounts of creep strains under a constant stress state are independent of the strain rate. The focus of the proposed model is the coupling effect between loading and creep, including the influence of loading history on subsequent creep strains and the influence of creep history on subsequent loading behavior. An extended yield function, which allows flexible control over the shape of yield surfaces, is used not only to distinguish among loading, unloading, and neutral loading, but also to manipulate the creep-induced hardening using a plastic strains–based hardening parameter. A stress-dependent dilatancy equation is used, instead of a plastic potential function, to define the directions of plastic strains during loading. The hardening law is established based on three different types of experimental results. Only routine experiments are required for calibration of model parameters, and the model can be used in a reduced form according to the available test results. The model is verified using typical experimental data and is found to be capable of capturing important behavior of rockfill materials, such as pressure-dependent strength, shear contraction and dilation, and creep-induced stiffening.
Tilted cosmological model consisting two forms of dark energy
Authors: Dagwal V. J. , Pawar D. D.
Published: October 2018

We have presented the tilted cosmological model consisting of two forms of dark energy. The behavior of different stages of the Universe in tilted models is studied with the help of dark energy contained in our Universe to be part of quintessence which is a homogeneous minimally coupled scalar. To get the deterministic model, we have assumed a power law of gravitational constant G. We also investigated the behavior of some physical and geometrical parameters.
Inflation and dark energy in f(R, X, ϕ) gravity
Authors: Keskin A. I.
Published: October 2018

In this study, we show the early inflation and the late-time acceleration of the universe in the model [Formula: see text], which shows a minimum connection between geometry and scalar field. Both a quintessential inflation and the super inflation mechanism are discussed in the model, and for both the cases the some conditions for n are obtained under the constraint of the observational data. However, the oscillations of the scalar field are analyzed in view of observational constraints. By means of the oscillations of the scalar field, besides the inflation of the universe a condition of n for the late-time quintessence type of dark energy is obtained.
Low Power, Ring VCO with Pre-Charge and Pre-Discharge Circuit for 4 GHz–6.1 GHz Applications in 0.18 μm CMOS
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2018

The differential ring voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is one of the critical devices in wireless communication system having excellent stability, controllability and noise rejection ability. A novel design of delay cell is proposed for the four staged CMOS differential ring VCO with high output frequency, low power consumption and low phase noise. The differential ring VCO utilizes multiloop dual delay path topology to acquire both high output frequency and low phase noise. Results have been achieved in TSMC 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS process with a supply voltage ([Formula: see text]) 1.8[Formula: see text]V. The proposed design achieves an output frequency range of 4.029[Formula: see text]GHz to 6.122[Formula: see text]GHz and power of 4.475[Formula: see text]mW is consumed with control voltage variation from 1[Formula: see text]V to 2[Formula: see text]V. The proposed VCO exhibits [Formula: see text]89.7[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz phase noise at 1[Formula: see text]MHz offset frequency and the corresponding figure of merit (FoM) is [Formula: see text]155.9[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz. The design of differential ring VCO with novel delay stage has improved performance in terms of power consumption, output oscillation frequency and phase noise.
Bifurcations and Dynamics Emergent From Lattice and Continuum Models of Bioactive Porous Media
Authors: Krause Andrew L. , Beliaev Dmitry , Van Gorder Robert A. , Waters Sarah L.
Published: October 2018

We study the dynamics emergent from a two-dimensional reaction–diffusion process modeled via a finite lattice dynamical system, as well as an analogous PDE system, involving spatially nonlocal interactions. These models govern the evolution of cells in a bioactive porous medium, with the evolution of the local cell density depending on a coupled quasi-static fluid flow problem. We demonstrate differences emergent from the choice of a discrete lattice or a continuum for the spatial domain of such a process. We find long-time oscillations and steady states in cell density in both lattice and continuum models, but that the continuum model only exhibits solutions with vertical symmetry, independent of initial data, whereas the finite lattice admits asymmetric oscillations and steady states arising from symmetry-breaking bifurcations. We conjecture that it is the structure of the finite lattice which allows for more complicated asymmetric dynamics. Our analysis suggests that the origin of both types of oscillations is a nonlocal reaction–diffusion mechanism mediated by quasi-static fluid flow.
Numerical Dynamics of Nonstandard Finite Difference Method for Nonlinear Delay Differential Equation
Authors: Zhuang Xiaolan , Wang Qi , Wen Jiechang
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a nonlinear delay differential equation applied in a nonstandard finite difference method. By analyzing the numerical discrete system, we show that a sequence of Neimark–Sacker bifurcations occur at the equilibrium as the delay increases. Moreover, the existence of local Neimark–Sacker bifurcations is considered, and the direction and stability of periodic solutions bifurcating from the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of the discrete model are determined by the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation theory of discrete system. Finally, some numerical simulations are adopted to illustrate the corresponding theoretical results.
Adomian Decomposition Algorithm for Studying Incommensurate Fractional-Order Memristor-Based Chua’s System
Authors: Liao Hongyun , Ding Yipeng , Wang Ling
Published: October 2018

Based on the definitions of fractional-order differential and Adomian decomposition algorithm, the numerical approximate solution of the incommensurate fractional-order memristor-based Chua’s system is investigated. Dynamical characteristics of the proposed system are studied by using phase diagram, bifurcation analysis and power spectrum. Research results show that compared with the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton algorithm, the Adomian decomposition algorithm yields more accurate results and its solution generally converges more rapidly. Compared with 3.776 achieved by the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton algorithm, the minimum order of the incommensurate fractional-order memristor-based Chua’s system solved by using Adomian decomposition algorithm is 1.76, which is much smaller. A reliable and efficient binary test for chaos, called “0–1 test”, is utilized to detect the presence of chaotic attractors in the system dynamics.
Bifurcations and Dynamics of a Predator–Prey Model with Double Allee Effects and Time Delays
Authors: Li Lingling , Shen Jianwei
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a predator–prey system with double Allee effects and time delay is considered. On the one hand, by using time delay as bifurcation parameter, the stability of the interior equilibrium point is studied. It is shown that under certain assumptions the equilibrium point of the delay model is locally asymptotically stable for all delay values, otherwise, there is a critical value, such that the equilibrium point is locally stable when time delay is less than the critical value, and Hopf bifurcation occurs when the delay crosses the critical value. Numerical simulations are carried out to validate the analytical results. On the other hand, we investigate the following four submodels respectively: the time-delayed system without Allee effect, the time-delayed system with Allee effect on predator, the time-delayed system with Allee effect on prey and the time-delayed system with double Allee effects. Compared with the situation without Allee effects, Allee effect on predator causes a decline of the equilibrium state of the predator, the equilibrium state of the prey and critical time delay are almost unaltered; Allee effect on prey and Allee effect on prey and predator all lead to the descent of the equilibrium state of the predator and prey, inversely, and critical time delay has an obvious rise. A comparison of the four cases indicates that Allee effect can alter the magnitudes of predator density and prey density at future time, the time that predator and prey cost to keeping steady state is also changed.
Hopf Bifurcation Induced by Delay Effect in a Diffusive Tumor-Immune System
Authors: Niu Ben , Guo Yuxiao , Du Yanfei
Published: October 2018

Tumor-immune interaction plays an important role in the tumor treatment. We analyze the stability of steady states in a diffusive tumor-immune model with response and proliferation delay [Formula: see text] of immune system where the immune cell has a probability [Formula: see text] in killing tumor cells. We find increasing time delay [Formula: see text] destabilizes the positive steady state and induces Hopf bifurcations. The criticality of Hopf bifurcation is investigated by deriving normal forms on the center manifold, then the direction of bifurcation and stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are determined. Using a group of parameters to simulate the system, stable periodic solutions are found near the Hopf bifurcation. The effect of killing probability [Formula: see text] on Hopf bifurcation values is also discussed.
Controlling Bifurcations in Fractional-Delay Systems with Colored Noise
Authors: Zhang Jintian , Sun Zhongkui , Yang Xiaoli , Xu Wei
Published: October 2018

Comparing with the traditional integer-order model, fractional-order systems have shown enormous advantages in the analysis of new materials and anomalous diffusion dynamics mechanism in the past decades, but the research has been confined to fractional-order systems without delay. In this paper, we study the fractional-delay system in the presence of both the colored noise and delayed feedback. The stationary density functions (PDFs) are derived analytically by means of the stochastic averaging method combined with the principle of minimum mean-square error, by which the stochastic bifurcation behaviors have been well identified and studied. It can be found that the fractional-orders have influences on the bifurcation behaviors of the fractional-order system, but the bifurcation point of stationary PDF for amplitude differs from the bifurcation point of joint PDF. By merely changing the colored noise intensity or correlation time the shape of the PDFs can switch between unimodal distribution and bimodal one, thus announcing the occurrence of stochastic bifurcation. Further, we have demonstrated that modulating the time delay or delayed feedback may control bifurcation behaviors. The perfect agreement between the theoretical solution and the numerical solution obtained by the predictor–corrector algorithm confirms the correctness of the conclusion. In addition, fractional-order dominates the bifurcation control in the fractional-delay system, which causes the sensitive dependence of other bifurcation parameters on fractional-order.
Stability of Bifurcating Patterns of Spatial Economy Models on a Hexagonal Lattice
Authors: Ikeda K. , Aizawa H. , Kogure Y. , Takayama Y.
Published: October 2018

Self-organization of spatial patterns is investigated for a scalar field of a system of locations on a hexagonal lattice. Group-theoretic bifurcation analysis is conducted to exhaustively try and find possible bifurcating patterns. All these patterns are proved to be asymptotically unstable for general spatial economic models in new economic geography. Microeconomic interactions among the locations are expressed by a spatial economy model and all bifurcating patterns are demonstrated to be unstable by numerical bifurcation analysis.
Chaotic Dynamics in Four-Dimensional Piecewise Affine Systems with Bifocal Heteroclinic Cycles
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Wang Lei , Yang Xiao-Song
Published: October 2018

The well-known Shil’nikov type theory provides an approach to proving the existence of chaotic invariant sets for some classes of smooth dynamical systems with homoclinic orbits or heteroclinic cycles. However, it cannot be applied to nonsmooth systems directly. Based on the similar ideas, this paper studies the existence of chaotic invariant sets for a class of two-zone four-dimensional piecewise affine systems with bifocal heteroclinic cycles that cross the switching manifold transversally at two points. It turns out that there exist countable infinite chaotic invariant sets in a neighborhood of the bifocal heteroclinic cycle under some eigenvalue conditions. Moreover, the horseshoes of the corresponding Poincaré map are topologically semi-conjugated to a full shift on four symbols.
MULTIVARIATE MARKED POISSON PROCESSES AND MARKET RELATED MULTIDIMENSIONAL INFORMATION FLOWS
Authors: JEVTIĆ PETAR , MARENA MARINA , SEMERARO PATRIZIA
Published: October 2018

The class of marked Poisson processes and its connection with subordinated Lévy processes allow us to propose a new interpretation of multidimensional information flows and their relation to market movements. The new approach provides a unified framework for multivariate asset return models in a Lévy economy. In fact, we are able to recover several processes commonly used to model asset returns as subcases. We consider a first application example using the normal inverse Gaussian specification.
Calculation of Critical Lateral-Torsional Buckling Loads of Beams Subjected to Arbitrarily Transverse Loads
Authors: Chen Zhenlei , Li Jiancheng , Sun Longfei
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a novel approach for determining the critical lateral-torsional buckling loads of beams subjected to arbitrarily transverse loads. This new method is developed based on the classical energy method. However, the difference of the present method from the traditional energy methods is the formulation of potential energy of external loads, which is expressed in terms of the internal bending moment and internal shear force in the pre-buckling stage regardless of the type of loading. Compared to the traditional formulations of the potential energy of external loads, not only is the present formula simple in the form, easy and convenient in the calculation, but it also provides a unified form for calculating accurate critical load of lateral-torsional buckling of the beams.
Transitioning Between Underactuated Periodic Orbits: An Optimal Control Approach for Settling Time Reduction
Authors: Apostolopoulos Sotiris , Leibold Marion , Buss Martin
Published: October 2018

In underactuated systems, a transition between two periodic orbits is generally characterized by slow convergence. This is due to the fact that the unactuated degree of freedom (DoF) hinders the state of the system to enter the domain of attraction of the target orbit close to the fixed point of the Poincaré Map. In this paper, we introduce an optimal control algorithm to reduce the settling time of transitions between periodic orbits of underactuated walking robots. This is achieved by utilizing the hybrid zero dynamics (HZD) framework to express the feasibility condition of the transition which can be imposed as an inequality constraint in the proposed optimal control problem. In addition, the cost function penalizes deviations from the fixed point of the target periodic orbit in the zero dynamics manifold while at the same time all dynamic and kinematic assumptions are treated as constraints. Furthermore, high magnitude torques are also penalized. The numerical results show that the proposed methodology can indeed improve the settling time compared to the transition methodology usually found in the bibliography and at the same time provide a feasible and smooth motion.
Spectral expansion of random sum complexes
Authors: Beit-Aharon Orr , Meshulam Roy
Published: October 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite abelian group of order [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] denote the [Formula: see text]-simplex on the vertex set [Formula: see text]. The sum complex [Formula: see text] associated to a subset [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], is the [Formula: see text]-dimensional simplicial complex obtained by taking the full [Formula: see text]-skeleton of [Formula: see text] together with all [Formula: see text]-subsets [Formula: see text] that satisfy [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] denote the space of complex-valued [Formula: see text]-cochains of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] denote the reduced [Formula: see text]th Laplacian of [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be the minimal eigenvalue of [Formula: see text].

It is shown that if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are fixed, and [Formula: see text] is a random subset of [Formula: see text] of size [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]
The Role of Reproductive Technologies in Amphibian Conservation Breeding Programs
Authors: Silla Aimee J. , Byrne Phillip G.
Published: October 2018

Anthropogenic environmental change has led to unprecedented rates of species extinction, presenting a major threat to global biodiversity. Among vertebrates, amphibians have been most severely impacted, with an estimated 41% of species now threatened with extinction. In response to this biodiversity crisis, a moral and ethical obligation exists to implement proactive interventionist conservation actions to assist species recovery and decelerate declines. Conservation breeding programs have been successfully established for several threatened amphibian species globally, aiming to prevent species’ extinction by maintaining genetically representative assurance colonies ex situ while providing individuals for population augmentation, translocation, and reestablishment in situ. Reproductive technologies have enormous potential to enhance the propagation and genetic management of threatened species. In this review, we discuss the role of reproductive technologies in amphibian conservation breeding programs and summarize technological advancements in amphibian hormone therapies, gamete storage, and artificial fertilization.
Single-Molecule Kinetics in Living Cells
Authors: Elf Johan , Barkefors Irmeli
Published: October 2018

In the past decades, advances in microscopy have made it possible to study the dynamics of individual biomolecules in vitro and resolve intramolecular kinetics that would otherwise be hidden in ensemble averages. More recently, single-molecule methods have been used to image, localize, and track individually labeled macromolecules in the cytoplasm of living cells, allowing investigations of intermolecular kinetics under physiologically relevant conditions. In this review, we illuminate the particular advantages of single-molecule techniques when studying kinetics in living cells and discuss solutions to specific challenges associated with these methods.
The Hallmarks of Ferroptosis
Authors: Dixon Scott J. , Stockwell Brent R.
Published: October 2018

Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic, iron-dependent form of cell death that can be activated in cancer cells by natural stimuli and synthetic agents. Three essential hallmarks define ferroptosis, namely: the loss of lipid peroxide repair capacity by the phospholipid hydroperoxidase GPX4, the availability of redox-active iron, and oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing phospholipids. Several processes including RAS/MAPK signaling, amino acid and iron metabolism, ferritinophagy, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell adhesion, and mevalonate and phospholipid biosynthesis can modulate susceptibility to ferroptosis. Ferroptosis sensitivity is also governed by p53 and KEAP1/NRF2 activity, linking ferroptosis to the function of key tumor suppressor pathways. Together these findings highlight the role of ferroptosis as an emerging concept in cancer biology and an attractive target for precision cancer medicine discovery.
Jail Incarceration: A Common and Consequential Form of Criminal Justice Contact
Authors: Turney Kristin , Conner Emma
Published: October 2018

Although jails are both common and consequential, affecting millions of individuals annually, they are a relatively understudied aspect of the criminal justice system. In this review, we first document the prevalence of jail incarceration, highlighting how jail incarceration has risen in tandem with the more commonly examined prison incarceration. Next, we describe the population of individuals in jail, paying particular attention to the heterogeneous and disadvantaged nature of this population. We document how jail incarceration is measured, demographically and in household surveys, and argue that jail incarceration has lasting and profound consequences for individuals, families, and communities. We conclude the review by suggesting directions for future research. Given the common nature of jail incarceration—in conjunction with the fact that jail incarceration creates, sustains, and perpetuates inequality—a better understanding of the prevalence, correlates, and consequences of jail incarceration is critical for fully understanding the link between the criminal justice system and inequality.
Indigenous Peoples, Criminology, and Criminal Justice
Authors: Cunneen Chris , Tauri Juan Marcellus
Published: October 2018

This review provides a critical overview of Indigenous peoples’ interactions with criminal justice systems. It focuses on the experiences of Indigenous peoples residing in the four major Anglo-settler-colonial jurisdictions of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The review is built around a number of key arguments, including that centuries of colonization have left Indigenous peoples across all four jurisdictions in a position of profound social, economic, and political marginalization; that the colonial project, especially the socioeconomic marginalization resulting from it, plays a significant role in the contemporary over-representation of Indigenous peoples in settler-colonial criminal justice systems; and that a key failure of both governments and the academy has been to disregard Indigenous peoples responses to social harm and to rely too heavily on Western theorizing, policy, and practice to solve the problem of Indigenous over-representation. Finally, we argue that little will change to reduce the negative nature of Indigenous–criminal justice interactions until the settler-colonial state and the discipline of criminology show a willingness to support Indigenous peoples’ desire for self-determination and for leadership in the response to the social harms that impact their communities.
Phylogeography of Ticks (Acari: Ixodida)
Authors: Beati Lorenza , Klompen Hans
Published: October 2018

Improved understanding of tick phylogeny has allowed testing of some biogeographical patterns. On the basis of both literature data and a meta-analysis of available sequence data, there is strong support for a Gondwanan origin of Ixodidae, and probably Ixodida. A particularly strong pattern is observed for the genus Amblyomma, which appears to have originated in Antarctica/southern South America, with subsequent dispersal to Australia. The endemic Australian lineages of Ixodidae (no other continent has such a pattern) appear to result from separate dispersal events, probably from Antarctica. Minimum ages for a number of divergences are determined as part of an updated temporal framework for tick evolution. Alternative hypotheses for tick evolution, such as a very old Pangean group, a Northern hemisphere origin, or an Australian origin, fit less well with observed phylogeographic patterns.
Emerging Genetic Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Orkin Stuart H. , Bauer Daniel E.
Published: October 2018

The genetic basis of sickle cell disease (SCD) was elucidated >60 years ago, yet current therapy does not rely on this knowledge. Recent advances raise prospects for improved, and perhaps curative, treatment. First, transcription factors, BCL11A and LRF/ZBTB7A, that mediate silencing of the β-like fetal (γ-) globin gene after birth have been identified and demonstrated to act at the γ-globin promoters, precisely at recognition sequences disrupted in rare individuals with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Second, transformative advances in gene editing and progress in lentiviral gene therapy provide diverse opportunities for genetic strategies to cure SCD. Approaches include hematopoietic gene therapy by globin gene addition, gene editing to correct the SCD mutation, and genetic manipulations to enhance fetal hemoglobin production, a potent modifier of the clinical phenotype. Clinical trials may soon identify efficacious and safe genetic approaches to the ultimate goal of cure for SCD.
Current Status of Living Donor Liver Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Abu-Gazala Samir , Olthoff Kim M.
Published: October 2018

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was introduced in response to the shortage of deceased donor liver grafts. The number of adult living donor transplants is increasing due to improved outcomes and increasing need. Advantages of LDLT include optimization of the timing of transplant, better organ quality, and lower rates of recipient mortality compared to staying on the wait list for deceased donor liver transplant. Donor safety remains the major focus when considering LDLT. Recent advancements have supported the increased use of LDLT to help decrease wait list death and improve long-term survival of transplant recipients.
Gastric Cancer Etiology and Management in Asia and the West
Authors: Russo Ashley E. , Strong Vivian E.
Published: October 2018

Regional variation in treatment paradigms for gastric adenocarcinoma has attracted a great deal of interest. Between Asia and the West, major differences have been identified in tumor biology, implementation of screening programs, extent of surgical lymphadenectomy, and routine use of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant treatment strategies. Minimally invasive techniques, including both laparoscopic and robotic platforms, have been studied in both regions, with attention to safety, feasibility, and long-term oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this review is to discuss advances in the understanding of the etiology and underlying biology of gastric cancer, as well as the current state of management, focusing on the differences between Asia and the West.
Expanding Therapeutic Opportunities for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: T Cell Depletion as a Model for the Targeted Allograft
Authors: Cho Christina , Perales Miguel-Angel
Published: October 2018

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is a fundamental part of the treatment of hematologic malignancies and marrow failure syndromes, but complications including graft-versus-host disease, prolonged immune deficiency and infection, and organ toxicities, as well as relapse, remain obstacles to improved overall survival. As the cellular characteristics of the allograft can exert significant impact on outcomes, the development of more strategically designed grafts represents a rich area for therapeutic intervention. We describe the use of ex vivo T cell–depleted grafts as a model for the targeted graft and review evolving knowledge and approaches for further refinement of allografts to improve patient outcomes.
Molecular Pathogenesis of the Tauopathies
Authors: Götz Jürgen , Halliday Glenda , Nisbet Rebecca M.
Published: October 2018

The tauopathies constitute a group of diseases that have Tau inclusions in neurons or glia as their common denominator. In this review, we describe the biochemical and histological differences in Tau pathology that are characteristic of the spectrum of frontotemporal lobar degeneration as primary tauopathies and of Alzheimer's disease as a secondary tauopathy, as well as the commonalities and differences between the familial and sporadic forms. Furthermore, we discuss selected advances in transgenic animal models in delineating the different pathomechanisms of Tau.
ATP-Gated P2X Receptor Channels: Molecular Insights into Functional Roles
Authors: Schmid Ralf , Evans Richard J.
Published: October 2018

In the nervous system, ATP is co-stored in vesicles with classical transmitters and released in a regulated manner. ATP from the intracellular compartment can also exit the cell through hemichannels and following shear stress or membrane damage. In the past 30 years, the action of ATP as an extracellular transmitter at cell-surface receptors has evolved from somewhat of a novelty that was treated with skepticism to purinergic transmission being accepted as having widespread important functional roles mediated by ATP-gated ionotropic P2X receptors (P2XRs). This review focuses on work published in the last five years and provides an overview of ( a) structural studies, ( b) the molecular basis of channel properties and regulation of P2XRs, and ( c) the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ATP acting at defined P2XR subtypes.
Theophylline inhibits cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in skeletal muscle by upregulating HDAC2 expression and decreasing NF-κB activation
Authors: Bin Yanfei , Xiao Ying , Huang Dongmei , Ma Zhiying , Liang Yi , Bai Jing , Zhang Wenlu , Liang Qiuli , Zhang Jianquan , Zhong Xiaoning , He Zhiyi
Published: October 2018

Inflammation is associated with skeletal muscle dysfunction and atrophy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Theophylline has an anti-inflammatory role in COPD. However, the effects of theophylline on inflammation in skeletal muscle in COPD have rarely been reported. The aims of this study were to explore whether theophylline has an anti-inflammatory effect on skeletal muscle in a mouse model of emphysema and to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying this effect. In mice, cigarette smoke (CS) exposure for 28 wk resulted in atrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and nuclear factor-κBp65 (NF-κBp65) mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in gastrocnemius muscle. This effect was revered by aminophylline. The exposure of murine skeletal muscle C2C12 cells to CS extract (CSE) significantly increased IL-8 and TNF-α levels as well as NF-κBp65 mRNA and protein levels and NF-κBp65 activity. This effect was reversed by theophylline. HDAC2 knockdown enhanced the activity of NF-κBp65 and increased IL-8 and TNF-α levels in C2C12 cells. CSE significantly increased the interaction of HDAC2 with NF-κBp65 in C2C12 cells. These data suggest that theophylline has an anti-inflammatory effect on skeletal muscle in a mouse model of emphysema by upregulating HDAC2 expression and decreasing NF-κBp65 activation.