bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Postural Sway in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis Using a Novel Wearable Inertial Sensor
Authors: Sun Ruopeng , Moon Yaejin , McGinnis Ryan S. , Seagers Kirsten , Motl Robert W. , Sheth Nirav , Wright John A. , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Patel Shyamal , Sosnoff Jacob J.
Published: January 2018

Balance impairment is common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, objective assessment of balance usually requires clinical expertise and/or the use of expensive and obtrusive measuring equipment. These barriers to the objective assessment of balance may be overcome with the development of a lightweight inertial sensor system. In this study, we examined the concurrent validity of a novel wireless, skin-mounted inertial sensor system (BioStamp®, MC10 Inc.) to measure postural sway in individuals with MS by comparing measurement agreement between this novel sensor and gold standard measurement tools (force plate and externally validated inertial sensor). A total of 39 individuals with MS and 15 healthy controls participated in the study. Participants with MS were divided into groups based on the amount of impairment (MSMild: EDSS 2–4, n = 19; MSSevere: EDSS ≥6, n = 20). The balance assessment consisted of two 30-s quiet standing trials in each of three conditions: eyes open/firm surface, eyes closed/firm surface, and eyes open/foam surface. For each trial, postural sway was recorded with a force plate (Bertec) and simultaneously using two accelerometers (BioStamp and Xsens) mounted on the participant’s posterior trunk at L5. Sway metrics (sway area, sway path length, root mean square amplitude, mean velocity, JERK, and total power) were derived to compare the measurement agreement among the measurement devices. Excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.9) between sway metrics derived from the BioStamp and the MTx sensors were observed across all conditions and groups. Good to excellent correlations (r >0.7) between devices were observed in all sway metrics and conditions. Additionally, the acceleration sway metrics were nearly as effective as the force plate sway metrics in differentiating individuals with poor balance from healthy controls. Overall, the BioStamp sensor is a valid and objective measurement tool for postural sway assessment. This novel, lightweight and portable sensor may offer unique advantages in tracking patient’s postural performance.
Verbal or Visual Memory Score and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Terada Seishi , Oshima Etsuko , Sato Shuhei , Kurisu Kairi , Takenoshita Shintaro , Yokota Osamu , Yamada Norihito
Published: January 2018

Objective: Among many cognitive function deficits, memory impairment is an initial and cardinal symptom in Alzheimer disease (AD). In most cases, verbal and visual memory scores correlate highly, but in some cases the deficit of verbal or visual memory is very different from that of the other memory. In this study, we examined the neural substrates of verbal and visual memory in patients with AD. Methods: One hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients with AD were recruited from outpatient units. Verbal and visual memory scores were evaluated using the Wechsler Memory Scale – revised. The patients underwent brain SPECT with 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer. Results: After removing the effects of age, sex, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores, correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of verbal memory scores to regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the bilateral cingulate gyrus and left precuneus. Similarly, a significant correlation of visual memory scores to rCBF was found in the right precuneus and right cingulate gyrus. Conclusion: The posterior medial cortices (PMC) are very important areas in episodic memory among patients with mild AD. Verbal memory is more closely related to the both sides of the PMC, while visual memory is more closely related to the right PMC.
Factors that Influence Sample Adequacy in Liquid-Based Cytology after Ultrasonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Lee Yoo Jin , Kim Dong Wook , Jung Soo Jin , Baek Hye Jin
Published: January 2018

Objective: The factors that influence the acquisition of adequate samples during liquid-based cytology (LBC) remain unclear. This study aimed to identify factors that affect cytological adequacy in LBC after ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) of thyroid nodules. Study Design: From January 2017 to May 2017, a single radiologist performed US-FNA to diagnose 112 thyroid nodules in 112 consecutive patients. Based on US findings after US-FNA, the size, location, position, composition, calcification, and vascularity of each nodule, as well as the US-based diagnosis, were investigated by the same radiologist. Blinded to US information, a single cytopathologist investigated cytological adequacy, cytological cellularity, and Bethesda category. Results: Of the 112 thyroid nodules, cytological adequacy was achieved in 91.1% (102/112). Thyroid nodules with sizes ≥20 mm or those that were predominantly cystic showed a higher rate of cytological inadequacy (p < 0.05). Thyroid nodule location, position, calcification status, and vascularity did not influence cytological adequacy, nor did US-based diagnosis (p > 0.05). Nodule composition or calcification significantly influenced cytological cellularity (p < 0.05), whereas nodule size, location, position, vascularity, and US-based diagnosis did not (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Most investigated factors did not influence cytological adequacy or cellularity.
Do Statins Affect Thyroid Volume and Nodule Size in Patients with Hyperlipidemia in a Region with Mild-to-Moderate Iodine Deficiency? A Prospective Study
Authors: Demir Canan , Anil Cuneyd , Bozkus Yusuf , Mousa Umut , Kut Altug , Nar Asli , Tutuncu Neslihan B.
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the antiproliferative pleiotropic effects of statins on thyroid function, volume, and nodularity. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and six hyperlipidemic patients were included in this prospective study. The 69 patients in the statin groups received atorvastatin (16 received 10 mg and 18 received 20 mg) or rosuvastatin (20 received 10 mg and 15 received 20 mg). The 37 patients in the control group, assessed as not requiring drugs, made only lifestyle changes. Upon admission and after 6 months, all patients were evaluated by ultrasonography as well as for lipid variables (total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) and thyroid function and structure. Results: After 6 months, no differences in thyroid function, thyroid volume, the number of thyroid nodules, or nodule size were observed in the statin and control groups. In a subgroup analysis, total thyroid volume had decreased more in patients receiving 20 mg of rosuvastatin than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Maximum nodule size had decreased more in those receiving 10 mg of rosuvastatin (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between rosuvastatin treatment and smaller thyroid volume and maximum nodule diameter; this could be attributable to the antiproliferative effects of statin therapy on the thyroid.
Effectiveness and Safety of Non–Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants in Comparison to Phenprocoumon: Data from 61,000 Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hohnloser Stefan , Basic Edin , Hohmann Christopher , Nabauer Michael
Published: January 2018

All pivotal trials have evaluated non–vitamin K oral antagonists (NOACs) against warfarin. However, in some regions of the world, phenprocoumon is the most widely used vitamin K antagonist (VKA). There is little evidence documenting effectiveness and safety of NOACs compared with phenprocoumon in atrial fibrillation (AF). A retrospective cohort study using a German claims database was conducted to assess effectiveness (stroke, systemic embolism [SE]) and safety (bleeding leading to hospitalization) during therapy with NOACs and phenprocoumon in 61,205 AF patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) for effectiveness and safety outcomes were derived from Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for baseline characteristics. Propensity score matching was performed as a sensitivity analysis. As a prespecified subgroup analysis, the effects of reduced NOAC dosing were compared with phenprocoumon. A total of 61,205 patients were identified in whom phenprocoumon (n = 23,823, 38.9%), apixaban (n = 10,117, 16.5%), dabigatran (n = 5,122, 8.4%), or rivaroxaban (n = 22,143, 36.2%) was initiated. After adjusting for baseline confounders, all three NOACs tested had significantly lower risks of stroke/SE compared with phenprocoumon (apixaban—HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66–0.90; dabigatran—HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60–0.91; rivaroxaban—HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.97). Apixaban (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49–0.69) and dabigatran (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.50–0.80) were associated with lower bleeding risks than phenprocoumon, whereas the risk was similar for rivaroxaban and phenprocoumon. All three NOACs showed reduced risk of intracranial bleeding compared with phenprocoumon. Reduced doses of NOACs were predominantly used in patients with advanced age and comorbidities with generally similar effectiveness and safety benefits compared with phenprocumon as standard-dose NOACs.
A escritura de Mina Loy entre as figurações do feminino na virada do século
Authors: Pugliesi Lucas Bento
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo tratará das ambivalências do pensamento de Mina Loy, conforme apresentado em seus poemas e no Manifesto Feminista, em vias de situá-lo como resposta à psicologia europeia da virada do século XIX para o XX, em especial às concepções do feminino de Otto Weininger. Deste modo, pretende-se entender como a forma poética já carrega em si algo de uma invectiva contra o modo, masculino (DERRIDA, 1993), de valorizar o saber que Loy pretende destruir em prol de afirmações positivas de uma identidade feminina.
Down Syndrome Critical Region 1 Gene,
Rcan1
, Helps Maintain a More Fused Mitochondrial Network
Authors: Parra Valentina , Altamirano Francisco , Hernández-Fuentes Carolina P. , Tong Dan , Kyrychenko Victoriia , Rotter David , Pedrozo Zully , Hill Joseph A. , Eisner Verónica , Lavandero Sergio , Schneider Jay W. , Rothermel Beverly A.
Published: January 2018

Rationale:

The regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) inhibits CN (calcineurin), a Ca
2+
-activated protein phosphatase important in cardiac remodeling. In humans,
RCAN1
is located on chromosome 21 in proximity to the Down syndrome critical region. The hearts and brains of
Rcan1 KO
mice are more susceptible to damage from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R); however, the underlying cause is not known.

Objective:

Mitochondria are key mediators of I/R damage. The goal of these studies was to determine the impact of RCAN1 on mitochondrial dynamics and function.

Methods and Results:

Using both neonatal and isolated adult cardiomyocytes, we show that, when RCAN1 is depleted, the mitochondrial network is more fragmented because of increased CN-dependent activation of the fission protein, DRP1 (dynamin-1-like). Mitochondria in RCAN1-depleted cardiomyocytes have reduced membrane potential, O
2
consumption, and generation of reactive oxygen species, as well as a reduced capacity for mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake. RCAN1-depleted cardiomyocytes were more sensitive to I/R; however, pharmacological inhibition of CN, DRP1, or CAPN (calpains; Ca
2+
-activated proteases) restored protection, suggesting that in the absence of RCAN1, CAPN-mediated damage after I/R is greater because of a decrease in the capacity of mitochondria to buffer cytoplasmic Ca
2+
. Increasing RCAN1 levels by adenoviral infection was sufficient to enhance fusion and confer protection from I/R. To examine the impact of more modest, and biologically relevant, increases in RCAN1, we compared the mitochondrial network in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from individuals with Down syndrome to that of isogenic, disomic controls. Mitochondria were more fused, and O
2
consumption was greater in the trisomic induced pluripotent stem cells; however, coupling efficiency and metabolic flexibility were compromised compared with disomic induced pluripotent stem cells. Depletion of RCAN1 from trisomic induced pluripotent stem cells was sufficient to normalize mitochondrial dynamics and function.

Conclusions:

RCAN1 helps maintain a more interconnected mitochondrial network, and maintaining appropriate RCAN1 levels is important to human health and disease.
Thelastoma vanwaerebekei n. sp. (Oxyurida: Thelastomatidae) a parasite of Gymnetis litigiosa (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Uruguay
Authors: ORSINI MARÍA NOÉ DAMBROSI , CUELLAR NATALIA , DUEÑAS JUAN C. RONDAN , GARDENAL CRISTINA N. , DOUCET MARCELO E. , LAX PAOLA
Published: January 2018

Thelastoma vanwaerebekei n. sp. was extracted from the hindgut of Gymnetis litigiosa. The new species is included in the group of species with females having the excretory pore at the same level as the pharyngeal basal bulb (or slightly anteriorly), long tail length (approximately 30% of total body length) and males without spicules. Females of T. vanwaerebekei n. sp. differ from those of T. madecassum in tail shape (filiform and conical, respectively). They differ from T. basiri, T. imphalensis and T. dessetae in the morphology of the anterior region. In females, pharyngeal length is shorter than in T. depressum. In males, T. vanwaerebekei n. sp. differs from T. blabericola in the tail length, and from T. raoi in the number of caudal papillae. The partial 18S SSU and 28S LSU rRNA gene regions were amplified.
The Stenus cirrus group (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) in Fujian, East China
Authors: LIU SHENG-NAN , TANG LIANG , LUO YONG-TING
Published: January 2018

Species of the Stenus cirrus group in Fujian Province, East China, are reviewed and two new species are described: S. mangdangshanus sp. n. and S. fujianensis sp. n. The females of S. cooterianus Puthz, 2003 and S. wuyiensis Puthz, 2003 are discovered and illustrated for the first time. The diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated, and a key to species of the Stenus cirrus group of Fujian Province is provided.
Two new species of the genus Criotettix Bolivar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Scelimeninae) from India
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: January 2018

Two new species i.e. Criotettix gidhavensis sp. nov. and Criotettix gariyabandicus sp. nov. are described from Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh, India. Distribution map and a key to the Indian species of the genus Criotettix Bolivar, 1887 are also provided.
No ‘end of the peace process’: Federalism and ethnic violence in Nepal
Authors: Strasheim Julia
Published: January 2018

How does the reform of territorial state structures shape prospects for peace after war? Existing research on the institutional causes of peace often focuses on how institutional designs, as the outcomes of reform processes, reduce post-war violence and promote peace. The literature does less frequently address how the politics that characterise reform processes affect the legitimacy of institutions and whether or not violent protest ultimately takes place: this risks omitting key explanations of how institutional reforms contribute to peace and the mechanisms by which this occurs. By examining the case of Nepal, where clashes between protesters and security forces over constitutional provisions for federalism have killed more than 60 people since August 2015, this study shows that three factors of the territorial reform process contributed to the onset of post-war ethnic violence. These included: (1) elite control of decision-making; (2) tight deadlines that promoted backtracking on previous commitments; and (3) the embedding of single territorial reforms in a ‘concert’ of institutional reforms that, as a whole, sparked fear of discrimination among ethnic minorities.
Stop and Go: Explaining the Timing of Intermittency in Criminal Careers
Authors: Ouellet Frédéric
Published: January 2018

Few offenders maintain a linear or constant path in their criminal activities; instead, zigzag paths characterize most criminal careers. The present study seeks to understand the dynamics of such intermittent cycles and examines the effect of direct experience with the justice system and offender success in criminal ventures on the likelihood that offenders will interrupt and then restart their illegal activities. Using the method of life history calendars, the study is based on detailed criminal career data from 172 offenders involved in lucrative forms of crime. Results show the relevance and complementarity of sanctions and dimensions of criminal achievement in understanding an offending path. The research design highlights the importance of considering the timing of circumstances in understanding zigzag paths.
US grand strategy after the Cold War: Can realism explain it? Should realism guide it?
Authors: Walt Stephen M
Published: January 2018

This article uses realism to explain past US grand strategy and prescribe what it should be today. Throughout its history, the United States has generally acted as realism depicts. The end of the Cold War reduced the structural constraints that states normally face in anarchy, and a bipartisan coalition of foreign policy elites attempted to use this favorable position to expand the US-led ‘liberal world order’. Their efforts mostly failed, however, and the United States should now return to a more realistic strategy – offshore balancing – that served it well in the past. Washington should rely on local allies to uphold the balance of power in Europe and the Middle East and focus on leading a balancing coalition in Asia. Unfortunately, President Donald Trump lacks the knowledge, competence, and character to pursue this sensible course, and his cavalier approach to foreign policy is likely to damage America’s international position significantly.
Is it Enough to Just Say No to Nazis? Comments on Stephen White’s A Democratic Bearing
Authors: Chambers Simone
Published: January 2018

In this paper I pose two questions for Stephen White and his aspirational model of citizenship. The first is to ask what ethical sources do citizens need to oppose the presence of Nazis in our public sphere. The second is to question White’s deep suspicion of foundationalism and theism as sources of an open and democratic bearing and indeed as sources from which we can build strong opposition to Nazis.
Race and ethnicity I: Property, race, and the carceral state
Authors: Bonds Anne
Published: January 2018

In this report, I focus on property, particularly housing, as an essential race-making institution and consider its connections to the carceral state. I examine renewed attention to property within geography and some of the ways that scholars are engaging with property regimes as a means to theorize race. Situating property within the context of racial capitalism and critical carceral studies, I draw from struggles over segregation and open housing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to illustrate the linkages between the city’s housing crisis and policing. A robust body of literature documents the inseparability of race and crime, but I further contend that both are conjoined with the politics of residential property.
The Parity in Health Promotion Issue
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: January 2018

Health promotion is complex even when issues of justice and equity are not considered. The dynamic influences of culture, environments, education and upbringing all collude to make promoting fitness, happiness or healthy eating as exciting and unpredictable as a Mars mission. Add the goal of equivalence of benefit for all to this mix, and the launch pad is ever more volatile. To solve for parity we will need to struggle between two of the most time-honored of moral principles. Consequentialism holds that, as Star Trek's Dr. Spock said with his dying breath in his final episode, "the needs of the many are more important than the needs of a few." Categorical reasoning is a belief system where some things are morally righteous no matter the context. Choosing the right principles will require that we better leverage "citizen scientists" because one of the surest ways to satisfy a community's context is to recruit community partners.
A cutting sequence optimization method based on tabu search algorithm for complex parts machining
Authors: Zhang Chuanwei , Han Feiyan , Zhang Wu
Published: January 2018

Defining the cutting sequence of each cutter scientifically in the process of removing the allowance has an important influence on the machining efficiency for complex parts, which have multiple machining features. In order to satisfy the needs of high efficiency for rough machining, after determining the tool path of the machining region, a cutting sequence optimization method based on the tabu search algorithm is presented to define the cutting order in rough machining of complex parts. First, a cutting sequence optimization mathematical model is established, which relates to the shortest total length of the tool path. Second, through the problem analysis, the cutting sequence optimization model is converted into an open and constrained traveling salesman problem. And then, the optimization model is solved by dealing with an open and constrained traveling salesman problem using the tabu search algorithm. Finally, the optimal cutting sequence of machining a casing part is calculated, and a simulation and experiment are carried out. The result shows that the optimization approach presented in this article can optimize the cutting sequence and cutter position of advance and retract. Compared with the non-optimized cutting sequence method, the total length of tool path is reduced by 16.7%, the cutter lifting times are reduced to 26, and the efficiency is increased by 21.62%.
Analysis of coupled lateral-torsional vibration response of a geared shaft rotor system with and without gyroscopic effect
Authors: Hu Zehua , Tang Jinyuan , Chen Siyu
Published: January 2018

A torsional gear dynamic model and a coupled lateral-torsional geared shaft rotor dynamic model are developed considering the time-varying mesh stiffness, backlash, and static transmission error excitation. The torsional dynamic transmission error responses gained from the torsional gear dynamic model and coupled lateral-torsional geared shaft rotor dynamic model are compared. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of the geared shaft rotor system are given and the frequency whirling behaviors are analyzed based on the Campbell diagram. The influences of gyroscopic effects of rotating shafts and meshing gear rotors on the lateral-torsional vibration responses of the geared shaft rotor system are talked about and some conclusions are drawn. (1) The coupled lateral-torsional geared shaft rotor dynamic model could reflect the jump phenomenon of dynamic responses near the critical speed of the gear pair as well as the pure torsional gear dynamic model and it can give more vibration features caused by geared shaft and bearings than the torsional gear dynamic model. (2) When the gear pair is set in the midpoint of the shaft, the influences of the gyroscopic effects on the gear pair’s lateral vibration responses are light and only can be observed near the high critical speeds. However, when the displacements from the gear body to the bearings are not the same, the influences of the gyroscopic effects on the lateral and torsional vibration responses are obvious and can be located both near the low critical speeds and the high critical speeds corresponding to the forward and backward whirling frequency. (3) The influences of the gyroscopic effects on the lateral and torsional vibration responses of the pinion are more obvious than those on the vibration responses of the gear. In addition, relative to the torsional vibration, the lateral vibration of the gear pair is more easily affected by the gyroscopic effect.
Assessment of the numerical and experimental performance of screw tidal turbines
Authors: Rahmani Hamid , Biglari Mojtaba , Valipour Mohammad Sadegh , Lari Kamran
Published: January 2018

This study was aimed at the numerical and experimental modeling of water flow during collision between water and vertical screw turbine blades with different cross sections (i.e. Darrieus, spoon, and airfoil). ANSYS Fluent was used to model water flow under tidal currents in a flume, and mesh independence was ensured after the selection of appropriate geometry. The collision problem was then solved in the transient state, and results on the momentum and power generated by different inlet velocities and different blade cross sections were analyzed. The findings showed that torque and turbine power increased with increasing inlet velocity. Subsequently, a turbine was experimentally created, with cross sections drawn in the numerical model and tested under the same conditions as that imposed on the model. Installing a multimeter on the turbine enabled the generation of turbine power in different dimensions. The resultant power increased with rising turbine dimensions. After obtaining the numerical and experimental results, the value of the output power of the turbine was validated. The validation indicated a 7% difference in output power between the numerical and experimental results, indicating acceptable accuracy.
Pollen record of early- to mid-Holocene vegetation and climate dynamics on the eastern coast of the Yellow Sea, South Korea
Authors: Song Bing , Yi Sangheon , Nahm Wook-Hyun , Lee Jin-Young , Mao Limi , Sha Longbin , Yang Zhongyong , Zhang Jinpeng
Published: January 2018

To understand the early- to mid-Holocene vegetation and climate dynamics on the eastern coast of the Yellow Sea, we obtained a sedimentary core with high-resolution accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) carbon 14 (14C) data from the Gunsan coast in South Korea. The palynological analysis demonstrated that the riverine wetland meadow from 12.1 to 9.8 cal. kyr BP changed to temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest in 9.8–2.8 cal. kyr BP. In addition, the cold climate from 12.1 to 9.8 cal. kyr BP became warmer from 8.5 to 7.3 cal. kyr BP. This was followed by another relatively cold period from 7.3 to 2.8 cal. kyr BP. The temperature change was mainly in response to solar factors. However, there are two relatively humid periods from 12.1 to 9.8 and 8.5 to 7.3 cal. kyr BP, which arose for different reasons. The earlier humid period resulted from strong westerlies and a rapidly rising sea level. The later humid period was produced mainly by the strong East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and may also be linked to La Niña–like activity. The cold ‘Younger Dryas’ event from 12.0 to 11.4 cal. kyr BP recorded in this study may have been produced by a North Atlantic meltwater pulse. This would have reduced temperatures that were already low because of weak insolation, and the strong winter monsoons would have increased the precipitation.
Use of Generic Medicines
Authors: Dixit Avika , Kumar Neeta , Kumar Sanjiv
Published: January 2018

The government is committed to make healthcare affordable as stated in the National Health Policy 2017. An estimated 94 million people in India are pushed into poverty due to expenditure on healthcare. About two thirds of the expenditure is incurred on medicines. Generic medicines are as effective as branded medicines. The initiative of the government and Medical Council of India by making it mandatory for doctors to write generic medicines has raised many concerns related to generic drugs availability and quality. Experience in the USA and Canada support the argument in favor of generic medicine. India is the main supplier of the generic medicines to the USA. There is a need to curtail inducement by pharmaceutical companies to promote their branded drugs as is being done in the USA. The government needs to make generic drugs easily available, strengthen quality control and educate doctors on benefits of using generic drugs.
Dynamic dosing of romiplostim in patients with immune thrombocytopenia purpura: Two case reports
Authors: Gilreath Jeffrey A , Wei Mei , Paul Shilpa , Parker Charles J , Stenehjem David D , Rodgers George M
Published: January 2018

Romiplostim is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia purpura. When following FDA-approved romiplostim prescribing recommendations to withhold treatment for platelet counts above 400k/µL, some patients exhibit a precipitous decline in their platelet count potentially causing patient harm. We present two cases where stable platelet counts were achieved only through persistent weekly dosing of romiplostim despite platelet counts above 400k/µL on the day of administration. Therefore, continuous weekly dosing of romiplostim despite platelet count being above 400k/µL combined with twice weekly vigilant monitoring is an alternative method of romiplostim dosing that mitigates severe fluctuations in platelets. We also discuss important details, postulated mechanisms, and evidence-based mitigation strategies.
Putting the “Person” in the Center
Authors: Woo Sang Eun , Jebb Andrew T. , Tay Louis , Parrigon Scott
Published: January 2018

This article provides a review and synthesis of person-centered analytic (i.e., clustering) methods in organizational psychology with the aim of (a) placing them into an organizing framework to facilitate analysis and interpretation and (b) constructing a set of practical recommendations to guide future person-centered research. To do so, we first clarify the terminological and conceptual issues that still cloud person-centered approaches. Next, we organize the diverse kinds of person-centered analyses into two major statistical approaches, algorithmic and latent-variable approaches. We then present a literature review that quantifies how these two approaches have been used within our field, identifying trends over time and typical study characteristics. Out of this review, we construct a unifying taxonomy of the five ways in which clusters are differentiated: (1) construct-based patterns, (2) response-style patterns, (3) predictive relations, (4) growth trajectories, and (5) measurement models. We also provide a set of practical guidelines for researchers and highlight a few remaining questions and/or areas in which future work is needed for further advancing person-centered methodologies.
An identity as Pākehā
Authors: Forsyth Huhana
Published: January 2018

In recent decades, along with an increasing recognition of the unique place of Te iwi Māori in New Zealand society has come a search for a sense of belonging as a European New Zealander. This has opened the discourse for re-examination of the term Pākehā, and what that means in relation to Māori and to a national identity. The findings of several recent studies indicate that in the current socio-cultural context what it means to claim an identity as Pākehā is being redefined by individuals who engage extensively with Te Ao Māori. Based on the results of a study carried out by the author in 2013, this article examines the theoretical underpinnings of cultural identity transformation in relation to the experiences of individuals who have engaged extensively with Te Ao Māori, and discusses the implications of their definition of what it means to be Pākehā.
Co-designing an mHealth tool in the New Zealand Māori community with a “Kaupapa Māori” approach
Authors: Te Morenga Lisa , Pekepo Crystal , Corrigan Callie , Matoe Leonie , Mules Rangimarie , Goodwin Debbie , Dymus Janelle , Tunks Megan , Grey Jacqui , Humphrey Gayl , Jull Andrew , Whittaker Robyn , Verbiest Marjolein , Firestone Ridvan , Ni Mhurchu Cliona
Published: January 2018

Obesity rates in Aotearoa/New Zealand continue to rise, and there is an urgent need for effective interventions. However, interventions designed for the general population tend to be less effective for Māori communities and may contribute to increased health inequities. We describe the integration of co-design and kaupapa Māori research approaches to design a mobile-phone delivered (mHealth) healthy lifestyle app that supports the health aspirations of Māori communities. The co-design approach empowered our communities to take an active role in the research. They described a holistic vision of health centred on family well-being and maintaining connections to people and place. Our resultant prototype app, OL@-OR@, includes content that would not have been readily envisaged by academic researchers used to adapting international research on behaviour change techniques to develop health interventions. We argue that this research approach should be considered best practice for developing health interventions targeting Māori communities in future.
A qualitative exploration of the experiences of adoptive parents attending ‘Nurturing Attachments’, a dyadic developmental psychotherapy informed group
Authors: Hewitt Olivia , Gurney-Smith Ben , Golding Kim
Published: January 2018

Children who are adopted have frequently experienced a range of aversive experience which impact on their ability to form secure attachments. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is an intervention designed to develop and promote secure attachments with children who have experienced developmental trauma. Eight adoptive parents participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences of attending the ‘Nurturing Attachment’ group informed by DDP. The transcripts of their interviews were explored using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analysis revealed five inter-connected superordinate themes which were as follows: A supportive group, A shift in perspective, ‘Turning trauma into secure attachment’, ‘Am I doing it right?’ and Continuing the adoption journey. Themes are considered in relation to the theoretical underpinnings and practice of DDP. Some further implications for clinical and research practice are also discussed.
Unfit for the future? The depoliticization of human perfectibility, from the Enlightenment to transhumanism
Authors: Le Dévédec Nicolas
Published: January 2018

An intellectual and cultural movement advocating a radical enhancement of human performance via technoscientific and biomedical advances, transhumanism has grown in notoriety in recent years. Grouping engineers, philosophers, sociologists, and entrepreneurs, the movement and its ideals of enhanced humans have a strong social resonance, be it doping in sport, the use of smart drugs, or the biomedical battle against aging. This article sheds theoretical and critical light on transhumanism through the lens of human perfectibility. It particularly aims to show how the movement marks a significant reversal of the humanist conception of human perfectibility inherited from the Enlightenment. Far from working for the social and political emancipation of humans and the human condition, transhumanism is emblematic of a depoliticized conception of human perfectibility focused on the technoscientific adaptation of the human being. Transhumanism thus marks a major rupture with the modern democratic project of autonomy.
Experimental investigation of low velocity impact on textile cellular composite with different energy construction
Authors: Gong Xiaozhou , Pei Pengying , Hu Yu , Chen Xiaogang
Published: January 2018

Cellular composite, with an array of regular hexagonal cells in the cross section, is a type of textile composites having the advantage of being light weight and energy absorbent over the solid composite materials. However, when it is under the same energy level of low velocity impact with different tup mass and velocity, its behavior is yet unknown. In the experiment, four groups of samples, with twelve geometrical variants have been systematically created for the impact testing. The impact test is running in two categories with one type of low velocity impact with initial velocity of 5.5 m/s by the tup mass of 0.55 kg, and another testing under the similar impact energy but with a lower initial velocity around 2.0 m/s with heavier tup mass of 4.52 kg. The impact energies in the above cases are very similar about 8.5 J, which indicates that the impact energy is the same while the energy construction is different. After the test, it is found that composite with medium cell size has more stable mechanical performances under various exposed impact conditions. It is also concluded that composites with big cell size are much easier to be destroyed under heavier impact tup, therefore, under condition of more critical loading force, it is necessary to find a way to enhance the big cell sized composites’ wall material in order to strengthen their structure performances. The results of this work provide a reference for the researchers who are kneeing to investigate the impact mechanism of textile cellular composites.
Focus on Student Success: Components for Effective Summer Bridge Programs
Authors: Gonzalez Quiroz Alicia , Garza Nora R.
Published: January 2018

Using research focused on best practices, focus group information, and data analytics, the Title V: Focus on Student Success (FOSS) Grant created a model for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a summer bridge program. Results included increased academic performance indicators in first-year Hispanic college students. Validation for this work is based on 4 years of data at Laredo Community College, a 2-year public Hispanic Serving Community College along the Texas (United States)–México border.
A better-performing Q-learning game-theoretic distributed routing for underwater wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: January 2018

Underwater sensor networks have recently emerged as a promising networking technique for various underwater applications. However, the acoustic routing of underwater sensor networks in the aquatic environment presents challenges in terms of dynamic structure, high rates of energy consumption, long propagation delay, and narrow bandwidth. Therefore, it is difficult to adapt traditional routing protocols, which are known to be reliable in terrestrial wireless networks. In this study, we focus on the development of novel routing algorithms to tackle acoustic transmission problems in underwater sensor networks. The proposed scheme is based on reinforcement learning and game theory and is designed as a routing game model to provide an effective packet-forwarding mechanism. In particular, our Q-learning game paradigm captures the dynamics of the underwater sensor networks system in a decentralized, distributed manner. The results of a performance simulation analysis show that the proposed scheme can outperform existing schemes while displaying balanced system performance in terms of energy efficiency and underwater sensor networks throughput.
Present and Future Prospects of Radiation Therapy Using α-Emitting Nuclides
Authors: Kojima Shuji , Cuttler Jerry M. , Shimura Noriko , Koga Hironobu , Murata Akishisa , Kawashima Akira
Published: January 2018

Therapy with α-radiation has issues associated with internal exposure; its clinical use has been avoided. However, phase III clinical tests of the α-emitting nuclide 223Ra on patients with cancer have been conducted, and results were reported in 2011 to 2012. Since then, research has being carried out on targeted internal therapy by introducing α-emitting nuclides directly into the cancers. For many decades, nontargeted radon therapy has been carried out and is controversial because its mechanism of action is stimulation. The low-level radiation sends powerful signals to upregulate many biological protection systems, which protect against the effects of radiogenic and nonradiogenic toxins. These vital systems prevent, repair, and remove DNA and other biomolecular damage being produced endogenously at a very high rate by the very abundant reactive oxygen species associated with aerobic metabolism. Stimulation of protection systems results in beneficial effects, including a lower risk of cancer. This article reports the results of treatments on 4 patients with cancer and reviews the clinical use of α-radiation from 223Ra and radon. It discusses the prospect of using the novel 225Ac-prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand-617 ligand as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer. It presents a new treatment system that we developed, α-Radiorespir o-Rn, which seems to be extremely effective in treating cancer.
The combined effects of material creep and mechanical loads on the extension of thermally grown oxide instability
Authors: Wen Shifeng , Zhou Sibo
Published: January 2018

The instability of the thermally grown oxide is the fundamental source leading to failure relevant to spallation and delamination of top coat. A finite element model is developed to understand failure mechanism of thermal barrier coating systems. Lateral and normal growth strains are stimulated by ABAQUS field variable expansion. Our results show that the valley region of top coat/thermally grown oxide interface and the peak region of thermally grown oxide/bond coat interface are the initiation locations of cracks. The creep can suppress downward displacement at the valley and promote the upward displacement at the periphery. Large material creep induced by further enhanced residual stress can restrain the increasing trend of the tensile stress within top coat and contribute to changes of thermally grown oxide morphology. Conversely, the applied load can promote the downward displacement at the valley and suppress the upward displacement at the periphery. The larger mechanical loads enhance the displacement rate toward bond coat layer, implying that the larger extension rate of thermally grown oxide instability accelerates the coating failure.
Thermomechanical coupled contact analysis of alternating meshing gear teeth surfaces for marine power rear transmission system considering thermal expansion deformation
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Shao Junpeng , Wang Xigui , Zhao Xuezeng
Published: January 2018

Marine power rear transmission system is a constant power system under specific working condition, which relies on alternating meshing gears to transfer the movement and torque. It is difficult to accurately determine the actual thermal stress and thermal deformation for time-varying distribution using the traditional methods. Elastic structural mechanics modeling and method details of thermal expansion deformation are presented and analyzed. Both the actual reflection thermoelastic contact condition for meshing gears and the coupling effect results of the practical loading process of marine power rear transmission system carried out on alternating meshing gear surfaces are also detailed. In this article, the changes in gear meshing angles of several key meshing positions are presented. The 16 meshing positions of contact stresses and loaded deformation approach are analytically evaluated in terms of the rotation range of driving spur gear (35°) and driving helical gear (36°). The purpose of this study is to confirm the significant stress concentration areas of gear meshing in and meshing out and to obtain that the deformation amounts of gear meshing impact positions within selected zones. The aim of this article is to reach gear deformation on the basis of theoretical conception.
Dynamic performance improvement of direct image-based visual servoing in contour following
Authors: Li Che-Liang , Cheng Ming-Yang , Chang Wei-Che
Published: January 2018

Image-based visual servoing (IBVS) has increasingly gained popularity and has been adopted in applications such as industrial robots, quadrotors, and unmanned aerial vehicles. When exploiting IBVS, the image feature velocity command obtained from the visual loop controller is converted to the velocity command of the workspace through the interaction matrix so as to converge image feature error. However, issues such as the noise/disturbance arising from image processing and the smoothness of image feature command are often overlooked in the design of the visual loop controller, especially in a contour following task. In particular, noise in the image feature will contaminate the image feedback signal so that the visual loop performance can be substantially affected. To cope with the aforementioned problem, this article employs the sliding mode controller to suppress the adverse effects caused by image feature noise. Moreover, by exploiting the idea of motion planning, a parametric curve interpolator is developed to generate smooth image feature commands. In addition, a depth observer is also designed to provide the depth information essential in the implementation of the interaction matrix. In order to assess the feasibility of the proposed approach, a two-degrees-of-freedom planar robot that employs an IBVS structure and an eye-to-hand camera configuration is used to conduct a contour following task. Contour following results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Application of optimization algorithms for robot systems designing
Authors: Sapietová Alžbeta , Sága Milan , Kuric Ivan , Václav Štefan
Published: January 2018

The article presents the design and application of multi-software platform for solving kinematic synthesis of robot manipulator systems. It also presents a modern theoretical and application approach for modelling coupled mechanical systems, which include mobile robots. Due to high requirements for accuracy, efficiency, reliability and life cycle of technical equipment, several parameters ensuring optimal operating parameters need to be taken into account while dealing with the design. This is the reason for linking computational models to optimization algorithms that allows us to find the appropriate design parameters of analysed mechanical system, mechanisms, including mobile robots mostly by iterative way. The commercial working interface of the program ADAMS and open architecture of MATLAB programming language enable to share common data while dealing with model simulations in parallel. Both of them were used while designing and implementing the algorithm for the evaluation and optimization of parameters of technical equipment from the point of view of selected properties. While working on the task of the spatial mechanism of the six-member robot manipulator system, the algorithm solving the optimal parameters was created by applying the selected optimization techniques of the program MATLAB. Presented algorithm involves the creation of a map operating positions, which is further linked to the solution of the motion of interest points in the robotic system following a prescribed trajectory. This requires the geometry optimization of the selected members of the spatial robotic system in order to achieve such parameters so that the trajectory of the interest point of the output member would precisely match with the prescribed trajectory. It is important to note that these types of tasks create wider space for solving the assignments dealing with the development and application of technical equipment like mobile robots and their outputs that are linked to the needs of the practice.