bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aero-engine direct thrust control with nonlinear model predictive control based on linearized deep neural network predictor
Authors: Zheng Qiangang , Wang Yong , Sun Fengyong , Zhang Haibo
Published: June 2019

A novel nonlinear model predictive control method for aero-engine direct thrust control is proposed to improve engine response ability and reduce computational complexity of nonlinear model predictive control. The control objective of the proposed method is the thrust directly instead of the measurable parameters. The linearized model based on online sliding window deep neural network is proposed as predictive model. The online sliding window deep neural network has strong fitting capacity for nonlinear object and adopted to fitting the transient process of engine. The back propagation is adopted to obtain linearized model of online sliding window deep neural network, which greatly reduce the calculated amount. The comparison simulations of the popular nonlinear model predictive control based on extended Kalman filter and the proposed one are carried out. The simulation results show that compared with the popular nonlinear model predictive control, the proposed nonlinear model predictive control not only has the better response ability but also has reduced computational complexity greatly, nearly reduce computation time more than 35 ms.
Interleukin-23 deficiency alters thymic selection in lupus-prone mice
Authors: Dai H , Kyttaris V C
Published: June 2019

We have previously reported that IL-23 receptor deficiency in MRL. lpr mice ameliorates lupus by altering the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in secondary lymphoid organs. As IL-23 may also impact thymic selection, we evaluated the effect of IL-23 on thymic T cell development in lupus-prone mice. We generated IL-23p19-deficient MRL. lpr mice and harvested their thymus at 8 weeks of age. We found that the late stage double negative DN4 population was increased in IL-23p19–/– MRL. lpr mice when compared to IL-23p19+/+ MRL. lpr mice. Despite this, mature thymocytes (CD24–TCRβ+) were decreased by more than 50% in the IL-23p19-deficient mice versus wild-type controls. This was associated with a decrease in the generation of CD8+ T cells, possibly through downregulation of the IL-7 receptor. CD8+ T cells were not only fewer in numbers but also had decreased expression of the migration-related receptors CD44 and CD62L in the thymus and spleens of IL-23p19-deficient versus wild-type mice. We propose that IL-23 promotes the development of lupus-like autoimmunity not only through T cell polarization and cytokine production in the peripheral lymphoid organs but also by influencing T cell thymic development.
A brief intervention to improve rates and quality of physical examinations for admissions to acute adult psychiatry units
Authors: Munir Usama , Younus Adnan , Brakoulias Vlasios
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To determine the frequency and quality of physical examinations within 24 h of admission to an acute adult psychiatry unit, and whether a brief intervention involving feedback to clinicians could lead to improvement.

Method:

Retrospective review of the electronic medical records followed by four brief feedback sessions and email correspondence, followed by a further review of the medical records 1 month later.

Results:

The proportion of patients receiving a physical examination increased from 36/71 (50.7%) in the initial audit to 41/64 (64.1%) in the re-audit. The mean score of the quality of physical examinations improved from 7.5 to 9.3 (out of 15). The greatest improvement on re-audit occurred in the documentation of additional cardiac sounds (33.9% increase), additional breath sounds (17.7% increase), breath sounds (17.1% increase), cardiac sounds (14.2% increase) and bowel sounds (12.5% increase).

Conclusion:

This audit supports the use of brief peer-led feedback to improve the rates and quality of physical examinations.
Beware bandwagons! The bandwagon phenomenon in medicine, psychiatry and management
Authors: O’Connor Nick , Clark Scott
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

We examined the literature on bandwagons, fashions and fads in the fields of medicine, psychiatry and health management.

Conclusions:

The bandwagon effect appears to operate across medicine, psychiatry and health management, often to the detriment of patients and health organisations. The authors provide advice on recognising and managing this phenomenon.
Mental health patients in emergency departments are suffering: the national failure and shame of the current system. A report on the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine’s Mental Health in the Emergency Department Summit
Authors: Judkins Simon , Fatovich Daniel , Ballenden Nicola , Maher Helena
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Inadequate capacity in Australia’s mental health system means that many people turn to emergency departments (ED) in crisis for care and support, often because it is the only service available. Australian Governments have set a 4-h target for all ED care, but the data shows that people presenting to an ED in a mental health crisis are the group most likely to wait more than 24 h for care. These long waits, seemingly with no end in sight, are harmful for patients and deeply frustrating for clinicians.

Conclusions:

In response, in 2018, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) organised the national Mental Health in the Emergency Department Summit. Delegates from across clinical disciplines and user groups were unified in their deep concern at the unacceptable state of mental health support available to people seeking help through EDs. The Summit identified four priorities for urgent action and urged government to take immediate steps to improve this situation.
Cultural validation of the structured clinical interview for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders in Indigenous Australians
Authors: Toombs Maree , Nasir Bushra , Kisely Steve , Ranmuthugala Geetha , Gill Neeraj S , Beccaria Gavin , Hayman Noel , Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan Srinivas N , Nicholson Geoffrey C
Published: June 2019

Objective:

This study determined the cultural appropriateness of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) as an acceptable tool for diagnosing mental illness among Indigenous people.

Methods:

De-identified qualitative feedback from participants and psychologists regarding the cultural appropriateness of the SCID-I for Indigenous people using open-ended anonymous questionnaires was gathered. Aboriginal Medial Service staff and Indigenous Support Workers participated in a focus group.

Results:

A total of 95.6% of participants felt comfortable during the 498 questionnaires completed. Psychologists also provided qualitative feedback for 502 (92.3%) interviews, of whom 40.4% established a good rapport with participants. Of the participants, 77.7% understood the SCID-I questions well, while 72.5% did not require any cultural allowances to reach a clinical diagnosis.

Conclusion:

When administered by a culturally safe trained psychologist, SCID-I is well tolerated in this group.
Why Self-Employment Rates Are Higher Among People With Work Limitations
Authors: Gouskova Elena
Published: June 2019

Using data from the Current Population Survey, the authors studied self-employment among people with work limitations in the United States. They found that self-employment rates are higher among workers with limitations compared with workers without limitations. Furthermore, the self-employment differential increases with education and age. This investigation of possible explanations has revealed that expected wage differences between self-employed people and employees are similar between disability groups but average work hours are lower and more variable among the self-employed with work limitations. This evidence is consistent with the view that people with disabilities might choose self-employment because of non-monetary motives.
Beyond the Revolving Door: Long-Term Lived Experience of Eating Disorders and Specialist Service Provision
Authors: Joyce Ciara , Greasley Pete , Weatherhead Ste , Seal Karen
Published: June 2019

In this study, we undertook a narrative analysis of participants’ long-term lived experience of eating disorders and specialist service provision. Eight participants were recruited with service experience across five National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in the United Kingdom. All participants had a minimum of 10 years self-reported experience living with an eating disorder. The data are presented across different temporal stages that demonstrate the development of participants’ self-construct in relation to their first contact with specialist services, what had happened in their lives for this to become necessary, and their current relationships with services, before exploring what participants need from services to help them feel heard going forward. Findings suggest that current methods of service delivery result in delayed and inappropriate supports and a consequent “battling” against professionals, which can provide an obstacle to compassionate and collaborative working and promote “revolving door” experiences.
Effect of Subtalar Fusion and Calcaneal Osteotomy on Function, Pain, and Gait Mechanics for Calcaneal Malunion
Authors: Farouk Amr , Ibrahim Amr , Abd-Ella Mohamed Mokhtar , El Ghazali Sherif
Published: June 2019

Background:

Calcaneal malunion is a common complication of nonoperative management of calcaneal fracture, which leads to a disruption of the biomechanics of the lower extremity, pain, and permanent disability. Our aim was to evaluate pain, function, and gait after combined subtalar joint fusion, calcaneal osteotomy, and lateral wall exostectomy for patients with neglected calcaneal fractures with malunion.

Methods:

Eighteen patients with malunited calcaneal fractures, varus deformity, and subtalar arthritis were operated upon and then followed up for 18 months. All cases were assessed clinically using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS); radiologically by measuring the talar inclination, talocalcaneal and talus-first metatarsal angles, and talocalcaneal height; and biomechanically by measuring the stride duration, step width, comfortable speed, and ground reaction forces in relation to the body weight.

Results:

A significant improvement in AOFAS (59.8 preoperatively to 80.2 after 18 months) and VAS (61.1 preoperatively to 29.4) was found. Also, our study revealed a significant improvement in the radiographic measurements including the valgus angle, the talocalcaneal angle, the talocalcaneal height, and the talar inclination angle. The gait analysis found that the maximum loading force in the push-off phase and comfortable speed yielded a significant improvement postoperatively. However, no significant differences between the preoperative data and the final follow-up in terms of the step width, stride duration, maximum peak force during loading phase, and minimum peak force during midstance phase were found.

Conclusion:

The combination of valgus calcaneal osteotomy, lateral wall exostectomy, and subtalar fusion resulted in pain reduction, improved function, and better gait. However, the limited bone stock for the graft used in the subtalar fusion made use of this technique in severely reduced height unadvisable.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
A Psychometric Analysis of the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents Among Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Caregiver–Adolescent Agreement, Factor Structure, and Validity
Authors: Schiltz Hillary K. , Magnus Brooke E. , McVey Alana J. , Haendel Angela D. , Dolan Bridget K. , Stanley Rachel E. , Willar Kirsten A. , Pleiss Sheryl J. , Carson Audrey M. , Carlson Mary , Murphy Christina , Vogt Elisabeth M. , Yund Brianna D. , Van Hecke Amy Vaughan
Published: June 2019

Social anxiety is common among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An ongoing challenge for both research and clinical practice in ASD is the assessment of anxious symptomatology. Despite its widespread use in samples of youth with ASD, the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) has not received psychometric evaluation within this population; thus, the validity of its use in research and clinical practice for ASD remains unclear. The present study conducted a psychometric analysis of caregiver and adolescent SAS-A forms in a sample of adolescents with ASD ( N = 197). Results revealed (1) poor caregiver–adolescent item-level agreement, (2) a two-factor structure, (3) lack of measurement invariance between reporters, and (4) modest evidence for convergent and discriminant validity. Overall, findings suggest that this measure demonstrates reasonable psychometric properties in an ASD sample. Lack of measurement invariance, however, calls for careful interpretation of research involving the SAS-A in ASD samples, particularly when the primary goal is to compare adolescent and caregiver reports. The implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Planning and Implementing Student-Led IEPs for Students With EBD
Authors: Davis Mariya T. , Cumming Ingrid K.
Published: June 2019

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) have difficulties in transitioning to postschool environments. Research has documented that postsecondary outcomes for students with EBD in the areas of education, employment, and community participation continue to be limited and, therefore, in need of improvement. Some of the outcomes relate to how transition programs integrate effective practices to support students with EBD. In this article, we describe a student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) practice and provide step-by-step directions that can be used for planning and conducting student-led IEPs.
Pattern recognition approach for acoustic emission burst detection in a gearbox under different operating conditions
Authors: Leaman Félix , Vicuña Cristián Molina , Baltes Ralph , Clausen Elisabeth
Published: June 2019

Diverse machines in the mining, energy, and other industrial sectors are subject to variable operating conditions (OCs) such as rotational speed and load. Therefore, the condition monitoring techniques must be adapted to face this scenario. Within these techniques, the acoustic emission (AE) technology has been successfully used as a technique for condition monitoring of components such as gears and bearings. An AE analysis involves the detection of transients within the signals, which are called AE bursts. Traditional methods for AE burst detection are based on the definition of threshold values. When the machine under study works under variable rotational speed and load, threshold-based methods could produce inadequate results due to the influence of these OCs on the AE. This paper presents a novel burst detection method based on pattern recognition using an artificial neural network (ANN) for classification. The results of the method were compared to an adaptive threshold method. Experimental data were measured in a planetary gearbox test rig under different OCs. The results showed that both methods perform similarly when signals measured under constant OCs are considered. However, when signals are measured under different OCs, the ANN method performs better. Thus, the comparative analysis showed the good potential of the approach to improve an AE analysis of variable speed and/or load machines.
Altered Expression of Astrocyte-Related Receptors and Channels Correlates With Epileptogenesis in Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Aoki Yoshinori , Hanai Sae , Sukigara Sayuri , Otsuki Taisuke , Saito Takashi , Nakagawa Eiji , Kaido Takanobu , Kaneko Yuu , Takahashi Akio , Ikegaya Naoki , Iwasaki Masaki , Sugai Kenji , Sasaki Masayuki , Goto Yuichi , Oka Akira , Itoh Masayuki
Published: June 2019

Background

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is one of the major causes of intractable epilepsy. Astrogliosis in epileptic brain is a peculiar condition showing epileptogenesis and is thought to be different from the other pathological conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the altered expression of astrocytic receptors, which contribute to neurotransmission in the synapse, and channels in HS lesions.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses of the P2RY1, P2RY2, P2RY4, Kir4.1, Kv4.2, mGluR1, and mGluR5 receptors and channels with the brain samples of 20 HS patients and 4 controls and evaluated the ratio of immunopositive cells and those expression levels.

Results

The ratio of each immunopositive cell per glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes and the expression levels of all 7 astrocytic receptors and channels in HS lesions were significantly increased. We previously described unique astrogliosis in epileptic lesions similar to what was observed in this study.

Conclusion

This phenomenon is considered to trigger activation of the related signaling pathways and then contribute to epileptogenesis. Thus, astrocytes in epileptic lesion may show self-hyperexcitability and contribute to epileptogenesis through the endogenous astrocytic receptors and channels. These findings may suggest novel astrocytic receptor-related targets for the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy.
Applied tensional analysis: Engaging practitioners and the constitutive shift
Authors: Mease Jennifer J
Published: June 2019

This article introduces applied tensional analysis as a methodological framework that integrates constitutive ontologies (that depict organizations as processes in constant states of emerging or becoming) with the applied need for practitioners to understand and navigate the everyday exigencies of their organizational experiences. Applied tensional analysis centers analysis on tensions as the key to understanding organizational becoming in contrast to approaches that assume organizations are stable entities and consequently focus on patterns, themes, or laws. The applied tensional analysis framework offers four analytical foci (context, tensions, enacted responses, and repertoires) organized into two loops (analytical and change) as guides for data collection and analysis. While the analytical loop orients scholars to the current and past configurations of an organization’s emergence, the change loop emphasizes the multitude of available responses to a particular tension and the constitutive implications of those responses for organizational becoming. As a new methodological approach, applied tensional analysis suggests that organizational knowledge requires more than awareness of what an organization is and includes awareness of organizational potential and what an organization might become.
Identification of design parameters for spool-type restrictors
Authors: Hu Sheng-Yen , Kang Yuan , Fu Hsin-Ming , Huang Chao-Ping
Published: June 2019

This study presents the identification method of design parameters for single-action cylindrical spool-type restrictors of hydrostatic bearing. These parameters include restriction parameter, spool displacement parameter, and spring preload. The flow rates, inlet pressures, and outlet pressures are measured to be utilized for parameter identification of single-action cylindrical spool-type restrictors by using experimental equipment. This equipment-like an open-type planar hydrostatic bearing supports a worktable for changing recess pressure by changing apply load. Then, design parameters can be identified from the measurements of the inlet pressure, the recess pressure, average temperature, and the flow rate for each restrictor by using minimizing total error square between measured and identified quantities of flow rates. An identification method with experiments for single-action cylindrical spool-type restrictors of hydrostatic bearing is presented and designed. Also, the influences of design parameters on flow rate of single-action cylindrical spool-type restrictors are studied by experiments. The experimental equipment used in this study is our design, which can be used for all types of restrictors and hydrostatic bearings. This identification method for design parameters of the single-action cylindrical spool-type restrictors is reliable, valid, and accurate. The identification of design parameters is necessary for design change and calibration of single-action cylindrical spool-type.
A comparative experimental study on large size center and bi-directional offset spring-bed thrust bearing
Authors: Yang Shifu , Zheng Wenbin , Jiang Mulong , Pei Shiyuan , Xu Hua
Published: June 2019

The central support tilting thrust bearing is widely used in the motor-generator unit, and the central support tilting thrust bearing performs poorly compared with the offset bearing. In order to improve the performance of the thrust bearing capable of the bidirectional operation, a spring-supported switching tilting thrust bearing was designed, which could run under offset condition at both clockwise and counterclockwise. In order to verify the reliability of the bearing, we designed a true size thrust bearing test bench and measured the performance parameters of the temperature, pressure, oil film thickness, and power loss of the pad. This article introduces in detail the operation mechanism of the bidirectional offset spring-bed tilting thrust bearing. The bidirectional offset spring-bed tilting thrust bearing structure and the central support bearing structure were compared and tested. The test results of the performance difference of large tilting pad bearings with different structures were obtained. According to the experiment, the spring support structure has good adaptability, and the improved bidirectional offset support bearing not only has higher bearing capacity, but also has better performance in all aspects of temperature rise and loss than the central support bearing. The actual size experiment provides the experimental data for the theoretical calculation of large tilting pad bearings, providing a more accurate basis for the bearing performance and safety assessment.
An improved lumped parameter method for calculating static characteristics of multi-recess hydrostatic journal bearings
Authors: Zhang Yongtao , Yu Shijie , Lu Changhou , Zhao Haixia , Liang Peng
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes an improved lumped parameter method for calculating the static characteristics of multi-recess hydrostatic journal bearings. The improved lumped parameter method can estimate the total pressure distribution in the circumferential direction by introducing control volume in the middle of each inter-recess land, and utilizing the flow continuity equations for each recess and each control volume with the assumption that the pressure distributions are parabolic on the inter-recess land. Then the recess pressure and the fluid film force can be calculated. The calculation accuracy of the improved lumped parameter method and the traditional lumped parameter method is comparatively discussed under different eccentricity ratios and wrap angles of the recess. The results show that the improved lumped parameter method has higher calculation accuracy and wider application range.
Popular culture, the body and world politics
Authors: Aistrope Tim
Published: June 2019

Popular culture is widely understood to intersect with and shape our understanding of world politics. Numerous studies have highlighted the way language and imagery from literature, drama, film, television and other sites of cultural production make their way into political discourses on geopolitics, terrorism, immigration, globalisation and arms control, to name a few. Conversely, world events, especially international crises, provide rich materials for popular culture across mediums and genres. This interchange has often been understood through the theory of intertextuality, which highlights the way the meaning and authority of any text is established by drawing on, or positioning against, other texts from the surrounding culture. This article develops an account of intertextuality that takes seriously the embodied dimensions of popular culture and political discourse. Revisiting the work of Julia Kristeva, I argue that a framework binding together bodies, discourses and social practices offers a promising avenue for International Relations scholars grappling with the embodied aspects of intertextuality. The article explores the implications and potential of this conceptualisation through a case analysis of the sport–war intertext and spectacular war. In doing so, it demonstrates that the legitimising effects ordinarily understood to accompany intertextuality are intensified when bodily drives, impulses and affect are taken into account.
Bolt loosening detection based on audio classification
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhao Xuefeng , Sun Xiaowei , Su Wensheng , Xue Zhigang
Published: June 2019

As the most widely used coupling structure in electromechanical systems, bolt coupling is the important part in these systems. The reliability and strength of bolted joint are affected by pretension force, which is one of the most important factors to ensure the stability of bolt coupling. The inspection personnel hit the bolt with a hammer and judge the state of the bolt based on the sound. Although this method is very simple, the ability of the human ear to distinguish the knocking sound is poor, it can only distinguish the bolt with larger looseness. So a bolt loosening detection method based on audio classification is presented in this article. First, the hammering sound at different levels of bolt loosening was collected by smartphone. Then, the audio data were extracted to form a dataset. Finally, the support vector machine was used to train and test the dataset, and obtain the bolt loosening quantitative detection. A series of experiments were carried on to verify the accuracy and stability of this method. The results show that this method has high recognition accuracy and strong noise immunity. Therefore, this method can effectively reduce the occurrence of disasters.
Numerical treatment of fiber reinforced plastic crushing mechanism in virtual performance solution: Possibilities and limitations
Authors: Hennemann S , Hohm V , Horst P , Honnakkalavar H
Published: June 2019

This paper describes both experimental and numerical investigations on the crushing behavior of fiber-reinforced plastic composites (triaxial-braid) for almost rectangular crush specimens. Fiber-reinforced plastic in general is an enormously versatile material group which allows engineers to adapt it to varying tasks, but causes large challenges regarding a trustable numerical forecast in structural simulations. The virtual performance solution (Virtual PAM-CRASH) solver can manage the crushing behavior of fiber-reinforced plastic by a phenomenological implementation, the innovation PLY100. It's possibilities as well as limitations are described briefly in the present paper. These limitations are the incentive for a new approach based on shell elements, which are arranged in a stacked shell order. The delamination process is modelled by using cohesive interface contacts. General ply cards, which are derived from standard material characterization tests, are improved via the inverse method, called MCMC method with an integrated Metropolis algorithm. Besides the numerical simulations, a large experimental drop-weight-tower study was conducted, of which a small extract is presented here. In conclusion, the new numerical approach is able to predict the crushing mechanism and also the mechanical properties during crushing accurately. Small deviations between numerical and experimental results are presented and will be addressed in a future publication.
A data-driven approach for the control of a daylight–artificial light integrated scheme
Authors: Sanjeev Kumar TM , Kurian CP , Shetty S
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a data analytics model-based predictive control approach for a daylight–artificial light integrated scheme. The essential data are collected from an automated test room with dimmable LED luminaires and motorized Venetian blinds. This study considered machine learning techniques to develop a novel control strategy for all the four-window orientations for maintaining comfort and energy conservation. The shades are operated one at a time, and the annual data collected were used to develop the predictive models. The irradiance, altitude, temperature and daylight on the window are the predictors, and the blind position is the response variable to establish the models for the windows on all four sides of the test room. The standard support vector regression, Bayesian support vector regression and Gaussian process regression models are analysed in comparison with the baseline model. The luminaire dimming control signals generated using the predicted optimum blind position and exterior illuminance based on a building information illuminance model is commissioned for a given room. This approach mainly concentrated on the implementation of an industrial-level product by reducing the computational complexity of the rule-based blind positioning system. At present, the models are in a reconfigurable embedded WiFi-enabled operating system.
Ambulance nurses’ experiences of patient relationships in urgent and emergency situations: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Svensson Cecilia , Bremer Anders , Holmberg Mats
Published: June 2019

Background

The ambulance service provides emergency care to meet the patient’s medical and nursing needs. Based on professional nursing values, this should be done within a caring relationship with a holistic approach as the opposite would risk suffering related to disengagement from the patient’s emotional and existential needs. However, knowledge is sparse on how ambulance personnel can meet caring needs and avoid suffering, particularly in conjunction with urgent and emergency situations.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore ambulance nurses’ experiences of relationships with patients in urgent and emergency situations.

Methods

Data collection was performed using individual open-ended interviews with six ambulance nurses. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis.

Results

Relationships with patients during urgent and emergency assignments emerged as three themes: “ Ambiguous silence,” “ Professional competence” and “ Challenging inadequacy” comprising eight sub-themes in total. The result shows that the ambulance nurses found it difficult to prioritize between medical care and establishing a caring relationship with the patient. However, sometimes a wordless relationship was perceived sufficient and considered a first step towards a verbal relationship.

Conclusions

Ambulance nurses experience that a caring relationship cannot and does not need to be prioritized in the acute stage. This uncovers a dichotomy approach to medical care versus caring relationships that exclude a holistic approach. Thus, patients’ emotional, existential and physical needs are not considered as equally important. Clinical relevance: It is important to stimulate reflection on core ethical nursing values, in training and simulation exercises among clinically active ambulance nurses.
The ‘opt-out’ approach to deceased organ donation in England: A misconceived policy which may precipitate moral harm
Authors: Cantrell Tobias K
Published: June 2019

In an effort to solve the shortage of transplantable organs, there have been several proposals to introduce an opt-out approach to deceased organ donation in England (also termed ‘deemed’, or ‘presumed’ consent). In seeking to enact the so-called ‘opt-out proposal’ via an amendment to the Human Tissue Act 2004, The Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill 2017–19 represents the most recent attempt at such legal reform. Despite popular calls to the contrary, I argue in this paper that it would be premature for England, or, indeed, any country, to adopt an opt-out approach at this time. Not only is the available evidence inconclusive on whether introduction of the opt-out proposal would increase the supply of transplantable organs (a common misconception), but there is also a chance that doing so might bring about an otherwise avoidable moral harm through an unjustified interference with individual autonomy. I maintain that the resources required to change the law to such effect would be better expended on alternative, provenly efficacious and less contentious mechanisms for increasing the supply of transplantable organs, such as: improving communication with the family of the deceased, developing infrastructure, raising public awareness and enhancing staff training, attitudes and understanding towards organ donation.
Influence of Yoga on Cancer-Related Fatigue and on Mediational Relationships Between Changes in Sleep and Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Nationwide, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Yoga in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lin Po-Ju , Kleckner Ian R. , Loh Kah Poh , Inglis Julia E. , Peppone Luke J. , Janelsins Michelle C. , Kamen Charles S. , Heckler Charles E. , Culakova Eva , Pigeon Wilfred R. , Reddy Pavan S. , Messino Michael J. , Gaur Rakesh , Mustian Karen M.
Published: June 2019

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) often co-occurs with sleep disturbance and is one of the most pervasive toxicities resulting from cancer and its treatment. We and other investigators have previously reported that yoga therapy can improve sleep quality in cancer patients and survivors. No nationwide multicenter phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT) has investigated whether yoga therapy improves CRF or whether improvements in sleep mediate the effect of yoga on CRF. We examined the effect of a standardized, 4-week, yoga therapy program (Yoga for Cancer Survivors [YOCAS©®]) on CRF and whether YOCAS©®-induced changes in sleep mediated changes in CRF among survivors. Study Design and Methods: Four hundred and ten cancer survivors were recruited to a nationwide multicenter phase III RCT comparing the effect of YOCAS©® to standard survivorship care on CRF and examining the mediating effects of changes in sleep, stemming from yoga, on changes in CRF. CRF was assessed by the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Sleep was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Between- and within-group intervention effects on CRF were assessed by analysis of covariance and 2-tailed t test, respectively. Path analysis was used to evaluate mediation. Results: YOCAS©® participants demonstrated significantly greater improvements in CRF compared with participants in standard survivorship care at post-intervention ( P < .01). Improvements in overall sleep quality and reductions in daytime dysfunction (eg, excessive napping) resulting from yoga significantly mediated the effect of yoga on CRF (22% and 37%, respectively, both P < .01). Conclusions: YOCAS©® is effective for treating CRF among cancer survivors; 22% to 37% of the improvements in CRF from yoga therapy result from improvements in sleep quality and daytime dysfunction. Oncologists should consider prescribing yoga to cancer survivors for treating CRF and sleep disturbance.
Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement Restructures Reward Processing and Promotes Interoceptive Awareness in Overweight Cancer Survivors: Mechanistic Results From a Stage 1 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth A. , Mijangos Jennifer L. , Hansen Pamela A. , White Shelley , Walker Darren , Reimers Celestial , Beck Anna C. , Garland Eric L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction: The primary aims of this Stage I pilot randomized controlled trial were to establish the feasibility of integrating exercise and nutrition counseling with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), a novel intervention that unites training in mindfulness, reappraisal, and savoring skills to target mechanisms underpinning appetitive dysregulation a pathogenic process that contributes to obesity among cancer survivors; to identify potential therapeutic mechanisms of the MORE intervention; and to obtain effect sizes to power a subsequent Stage II trial. Methods: Female overweight and obese cancer survivors (N = 51; mean age = 57.92 ± 10.04; 88% breast cancer history; 96% white) were randomized to one of two 10-week study treatment conditions: ( a) exercise and nutrition counseling or ( b) exercise and nutrition counseling plus the MORE intervention. Trial feasibility was assessed via recruitment and retention metrics. Measures of therapeutic mechanisms included self-reported interoceptive awareness, maladaptive eating behaviors, and savoring, as well as natural reward responsiveness and food attentional bias, which were evaluated as psychophysiological mechanisms. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by 82% of participants who initiated MORE receiving a full dose of the intervention. Linear mixed models revealed that the addition of MORE led to significantly greater increases in indices of interoceptive awareness, savoring, and natural reward responsiveness, and, significantly greater decreases in external eating behaviors and food attentional bias—the latter of which was significantly associated with decreases in waist-to-hip ratio. Path analysis demonstrated that the effect of MORE on reducing food attentional bias was mediated by increased zygomatic electromyographic activation during attention to natural rewards. Conclusions and Implications: MORE may target appetitive dysregulatory mechanisms implicated in obesity by promoting interoceptive awareness and restructuring reward responsiveness.
From the Editors
Authors: Ray Rashawn , Rojas Fabio
Published: June 2019

Contexts editors Rashawn Ray and Fabio Rojas introduce a special issue on migration.
Intellectual Integrity and the Relevance of Sociology to Public Policy
Authors: Mooney Margarita
Published: June 2019

Margarita Mooney interviews Robert P. George.
Life after Deportation
Authors: Golash-Boza Tanya , Ceciliano-Navarro Yajaira
Published: June 2019

Deportees' reintegration is shaped by the contexts of reception in their countries of origin and the strength of their ties to the United States. For some, the deprivation and isolation of deportation is akin to a death sentence.
Examining Americans’ Stereotypes about Immigrant Illegality
Authors: Flores René D. , Schachter Ariela
Published: June 2019

People rely on powerful stereotypes to classify others as “illegal,” demonstrating that, like race and gender, documentation status may be as much a social construction as a legal one.
Raising Global Children across the Pacific
Authors: Lan Pei-Chia
Published: June 2019

Different opportunity structures and different perceptions of risk within the global economy shape the ways parents of similar class and ethnic backgrounds strive to prepare their children for the future
Jade Olivo and the Art of Migration
Authors: Rojas Fabio
Published: June 2019

Jade Olivo/Puppies Puppies creates deeply biographical work, rooted in hard-earned experience, to mark her movements through space, health, and identity.
When a School Isn’t Just a School
Authors: Foley Nadirah Farah
Published: June 2019

Nadirah Farah Foley on Ghosts in the Schoolyard.
Living While Black
Authors: Howell Junia , Skoczylas Marie , DeVaughn Shatae’
Published: June 2019

Junia Howell, Marie Skoczylas, and Shatae’ Devaughn on the long-standing practice of policing black people for mundane actions.
Helping Migrants Takes Imagination
Authors: Harnoss Johann Daniel
Published: June 2019

Johann Daniel Harnoss on one group’s strategy to facilitate global migration, one person at a time.
Type synthesis and kinematics analysis of a family of three translational and one rotational pick-and-place parallel mechanisms with high rotational capability
Authors: Zhang Xing , Mu Dejun , Liu Yuze , Bi Jie , Wang Hongrui
Published: June 2019

This article proposes a family of spatial three translational and one rotational parallel mechanisms (PMs) for pick-and-place operation. Their features are one independent rotation of the mechanism with four identical limbs, which are provided by the four revolute joints on the moving platform. The rotational capability of the PMs has a range of at least 180°. This article focuses on the synthesis of the PMs and kinematics analysis of the 4- P(2-SS)R parallel mechanism. First, based on the Lie group theory, three parallelograms are used in designing the PMs. The limbs are listed and two types of three translational and one rotational PMs are synthesized. Then, a typical 4- P(2-SS)R PM is selected, the 6 × 6 Jacobian matrix and the 6 × 6 × 6 Hessian matrix of the mechanism are derived for solving the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the mechanism. Finally, singularity configurations are disclosed from the 6 × 6 Jacobian matrix, and the workspace of the mechanism is provided to illustrate the high rotational capability.
Design and analysis of demolition robot arm based on finite element method
Authors: Li Jiong , Wang Yu , Zhang Kai , Wang Zhiqiao , Lu Jiaxing
Published: June 2019

As a novel robot which mainly engages in the demolition and transformation of various concrete buildings, the demolition robot has developed rapidly in recent years. The impact force is mainly produced by the breaking hammer installed in the front end of the arm. As the most important part of a demolition robot, the boom arm is mainly composed of four parts including a supporting arm, a main arm, a fore arm, and a breaking hammer system. In this article, a mechanical model of the boom arm is established, and the finite element analysis obtaining the first four-order natural frequencies and modes is carried out in ANSYS Workbench. The results reveal that the resonation can be easily stimulated when a hydraulic breaking hammer is at the second-order frequency. The mounting block of the hydraulic breaking hammer, the hinge parts of the supporting arm, and the main arm are easily deformed or damaged in the Y direction by analyzing the deformation in three directions of the second-order mode. After the structure optimization, the vibration characteristics of the two parts are significantly enhanced, which provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the prototype and gives a reference in the experimental modes.
Research on dynamic prediction method for traffic demand based on trip generation analysis
Authors: Xu Hai-jing , Li Wen-yong , Wang Tao , Yang An-lei
Published: June 2019

The characteristics of the residents’ travel in the information age have changed. The existing urban traffic demand forecast is mainly proceeded using the land property. Based on the main contents of urban residents’ travel survey and the characteristics of traditional residents’ travel demand, this article analyzed the dynamic changes of travel characteristics and the main influencing factors of travel formation of future residents. Combined with the travel influence factor weight of travel generation forecast stage established by the analytic hierarchy process, such as the land use, travel mode composition and travel choice, the location influence coefficient in the model of population, land use, and travel generation in city was modified to characterize the dynamic state of travel demand of residents in the phase of travel generation stage. Then a “dynamic” method for forecasting and analyzing traffic travel demand was put forward to apply to the prediction and evaluation of travel demand in Guilin. The results showed that it can reflect the dynamic characteristics of residents’ travel compared with the traditional travel demand prediction.
Modeling the transmission dynamics of tuberculosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Ahmad Manzoor , Ullah Saif , Farooq Muhammad , Gul Taza
Published: June 2019

This article addresses the dynamics of the bacterial disease tuberculosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, through a mathematical model. In this work, the latent compartment is divided into slow and fast kinds of progresses. The model is parameterized based on the reported tuberculosis-infected cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the period 2002–2017. We obtain the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] of the model using the next-generation method. The estimated value of [Formula: see text] for the given period is approximately 1.38. Furthermore, it is shown that the model has two types of equilibria: disease-free and endemic equilibriums. The global stability analysis of the model equilibria is shown via Lyapunov functions. We also perform the sensitivity analysis of [Formula: see text] and present their corresponding graphical results to examine the relative importance of various model parameters to tuberculosis transmission and prevalence. Finally, some numerical simulations are done for the estimated parameters and the key parameters effects are considered on the curtailing tuberculosis disease. From the numerical results and model sensitivity analysis, it is found that the spread of tuberculosis can be minimized by increasing the treatment rate [Formula: see text] of infected people and decreasing the effective disease transmission rate [Formula: see text] and the rate [Formula: see text] at which the individuals leave treated class reenter infected classes.
The novel polyclonal Ab preparation trimodulin attenuates ex vivo endotoxin-induced immune reactions in early hyperinflammation
Authors: Duerr Celia , Bacher Annica , de Martin Angelika , Sachet Monika , Sadeghi Kambis , Baumann Suzann , Heinz Corina , Spittler Andreas
Published: June 2019

Sepsis is a syndrome associated with excessive inflammation. Since mortality from sepsis remains high, more laboratory research is needed to provide insight into more effective ways to use novel, potentially more beneficial agents in sepsis. We investigated the ex vivo immunomodulatory effect of a novel polyclonal Ab preparation, trimodulin, containing IgM (∼23%), IgA (∼21%) and IgG (∼56%). Using whole blood and purified PBMCs from healthy volunteers and patients with sepsis, various ex vivo investigations upon endotoxin challenge and pre- and post-trimodulin treatment were performed. Endotoxin-induced TNF-α secretion was noticeably lower with than without trimodulin, implying attenuation of the hyper-responsive state. Trimodulin also lowered TLR2, TLR4, CD11b and CD64 detection on LPS/lipoteichoic acid-stimulated monocytes. These responses were observed in cells from healthy volunteers only shortly after ex vivo endotoxin stimulation and in whole blood from patients with early-stage sepsis. Furthermore, trimodulin markedly reduced lymphocyte proliferation and release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, but did not affect phagocytosis or oxidative-burst activities of endoxin-stimulated cells. Thus, trimodulin mitigated monocyte and lymphocyte hyperinflammatory responses early after endotoxin exposure. Determining whether early in vivo administration of trimodulin will elicit similar positive immunomodulatory effects and offer a clinical benefit warrants investigation.