bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Fault Feature Extraction Method of Rolling Bearing Based on NMD and Wavelet Threshold Denoising
Authors: Xiao Maohua , Wen Kai , Zhang Cunyi , Zhao Xiao , Wei Weihua , Wu Dan
Published: August 2018

Rolling bearings are the core components of the machine. In order to save costs and prevent accidents caused by bearing failures, the rolling bearing fault diagnosis technology has been widely used in the industrial field. At present, the proposed methods include wavelet transform, morphological filtering, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), which have obvious shortcomings. As it is difficult to extract the fault characteristic frequency caused by nonlinear and nonstationary features of the rolling bearing fault signal, this paper presents a fault feature extraction method of rolling bearing based on nonlinear mode decomposition (NMD) and wavelet threshold denoised method. First of all, the fault signal was preprocessed via wavelet threshold denoising. Then, the denoised signal was decomposed by using NMD. Next, the mode component envelope spectrum was made. Finally, the fault characteristic frequency of rolling bearing was extracted. The method was compared with EMD through the simulation experiment and rolling bearing fault experiment. Meanwhile, two indicators including signal‐noise ratio (SNR) and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) were also established to evaluate the fault diagnosis ability of this method, and the results show that this method can extract the fault characteristic frequency accurately.
A Semianalytical Approach for Nonlinear Dynamic System of Shallow Arches Using Higher Order Multistep Taylor Method
Authors: Shon Sudeok , Ahn Soohong , Lee Seungjae , Ha Junhong
Published: August 2018

This study aimed at obtaining a semianalytical solution for nonlinear dynamic system of shallow arches. Taylor method was applied to find the analytical solution, and an investigation of their dynamic characteristic was carried out to verify the applicability of this methodology for the shallow arches under step or periodic excitation. A polynomial solution can be obtained from this multistep approach with respect to time, and direct buckling as well as indirect buckling of the shallow arches can be observed, also. The results indicated that the dynamic buckling load level was higher with higher shape factor. Additionally, a change of attractor in phase space was investigated. Coupling in symmetric mode as well as asymmetric mode was observed in case of indirect buckling, and a sensitive response was also manifested during sinusoidal and beating excitation. These results of applying multistep Taylor series for the investigation of displacement response and attractor change revealed that this analytical approach was valid in explaining the dynamic buckling behavior of shallow arches under direct and indirect snapping.
Effects of Different Methods of Isolation on Volatile Composition of Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Vidic Danijela , Čopra-Janićijević Amira , Miloš Mladen , Maksimović Milka
Published: August 2018

In order to determine influence of extraction method on volatile oil composition of Artemisia annua L., steam distillation, hydrodistillation, organic solvent extraction, and headspace sampling have been applied. The relative abundance of volatile compounds from the odorous aerial parts of A. annua, obtained by different extraction techniques, was analyzed by GC-MS. Exactly fifty constituents were identified. The leaf and flower essential oil yield ranged from 0.9 to 2.3% (v/w). Oxygenated monoterpenes were predominant in all samples ranged from 42.6% for steam-distilled fraction of petroleum ether extract to 70.6% for headspace of plant material. Essential oils isolated by steam distillation and hydrodistillation indicate that A. annua belongs to artemisia ketone chemotype with its relative content of 30.2% and 28.3%, respectively. The principal constituent in headspace sample of plant material was also artemisia ketone (46.4%), while headspace of petroleum ether extract had camphene (25.6%) as the major compound. The results prove the combined approaches to be powerful for the analysis of complex herbal samples.
Bartonella Endocarditis Mimicking Crescentic Glomerulonephritis with PR3-ANCA Positivity
Authors: Vercellone Joseph , Cohen Lisa , Mansuri Saima , Zhang Ping L. , Kellerman Paul S.
Published: August 2018

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious organism that causes cat scratch disease, commonly associated with fever and lymphadenopathy but, in rare instances, also results in culture-negative infectious endocarditis. We describe a patient who presented with flank pain, splenic infarct, and acute kidney injury with an active urinary sediment, initially suspicious for vasculitis, which was subsequently diagnosed as B. henselae endocarditis. Bartonella endocarditis may present with a crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) and elevated PR3-ANCA antibody titers, mimicking ANCA-associated GN, with 54 cases reported in the literature. Unique to our case in this series is a positive PR3-ANCA antibody despite a negative IIF-ANCA. Thus, the presentation of Bartonella can mimic ANCA-associated GN, and renal biopsy showing immune complex deposition is critical for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Tributyrin Supplementation Protects Immune Responses and Vasculature and Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Proximal Colon of Mice Exposed to Chronic-Binge Ethanol Feeding
Authors: Glueck B. , Han Y. , Cresci G. A. M.
Published: August 2018

Excessive ethanol consumption causes adverse effects and contributes to organ dysfunction. Ethanol metabolism triggers oxidative stress, altered immune function, and gut dysbiosis. The gut microbiome is known to contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, and disturbances are associated with pathology. A consequence of gut dysbiosis is also alterations in its metabolic and fermentation byproducts. The gut microbiota ferments undigested dietary polysaccharides to yield short-chain fatty acids, predominantly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Butyrate has many biological mechanisms of action including anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects, and its depletion is associated with intestinal injury. We previously showed that butyrate protects gut-liver injury during ethanol exposure. While the intestine is the largest immune organ in the body, little is known regarding the effects of ethanol on intestinal immune function. This work is aimed at investigating the effects of butyrate supplementation, in the form of the structured triglyceride tributyrin, on intestinal innate immune responses and oxidative stress following chronic-binge ethanol exposure in mice. Our work suggests that tributyrin supplementation preserved immune responses and reduced oxidative stress in the proximal colon during chronic-binge ethanol exposure. Our results also indicate a possible involvement of tributyrin in maintaining the integrity of intestinal villi vasculature disrupted by chronic-binge ethanol exposure.
Effects of Residual Anterior Lens Epithelial Cell Removal on Axial Position of Intraocular Lens after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Bang Seung Pil , Yoo Young-Sik , Jun Jong Hwa , Joo Choun-Ki
Published: August 2018

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of residual anterior lens epithelial cell (LEC) removal by anterior capsule polishing on the effective lens position (ELP) and axial position stability of the intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery via postoperative measurement of the anterior chamber depth.Methods. We enrolled 30 patients (60 eyes) requiring bilateral cataract surgery for age-related cataracts. Meticulous anterior capsule polishing and removal of residual LECs under the capsule were performed using a bimanual irrigation/aspiration system for one randomly selected eye in each patient. The eye without polishing served as a control. ELP was measured at five different time points after surgery, and axial shifting of IOL was determined at each visit by comparison with the position at the previous visit.Results. The polishing and control groups showed significant differences with regard to the mean ELP at 1 (3.40 ± 0.29 versus 3.53 ± 0.32 mm, resp.;p=0.026) and 2 months (3.42 ± 0.32 versus 3.61 ± 0.35 mm, resp.;p=0.001) after surgery, the mean standard deviation for the five ELP values (0.087 ± 0.093 versus 0.159 ± 0.138 mm,p=0.001), and the root mean square of the change in ELP at each follow-up visit (0.124 ± 0.034 versus 0.246 ± 0.038 mm,p=0.047). The eyes in the control group exhibited a tendency for backward IOL movement with a concurrent hyperopic shift in refraction of approximately 0.2 diopter at 2 months after surgery.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that residual anterior LEC polishing enhances the axial position stability of IOLs, without any complications, after cataract surgery.
“Z4” Complex Member Fusions in NUT Carcinoma: Implications for a Novel Oncogenic Mechanism
Authors: Shiota Hitoshi , Elya Janine E. , Alekseyenko Artyom A. , Chou Pauline M. , Gorman Shelby A. , Barbash Olena , Becht Kelly , Danga Kristina , Kuroda Mitzi I. , Nardi Valentina , French Christopher A.
Published: August 2018

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) is a rare, distinctly aggressive subtype of squamous carcinoma defined by the presence of NUT-fusion oncogenes resulting from chromosomal translocation. In most cases, the NUT gene (NUTM1) is fused to bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) forming the BRD4-NUT oncogene. Here, a novel fusion partner to NUT was discovered using next-generation sequencing and FISH from a young patient with an undifferentiated malignant round cell tumor. Interestingly, the NUT fusion identified involved ZNF592, a zinc finger containing protein, which was previously identified as a component of the BRD4-NUT complex. In BRD4-NUT–expressing NC cells, wild-type ZNF592 and other associated “Z4” complex proteins, including ZNF532 and ZMYND8, colocalize with BRD4-NUT in characteristic nuclear foci. Furthermore, ectopic expression of BRD4-NUT in a non-NC cell line induces sequestration of Z4 factors to BRD4-NUT foci. Finally, the data demonstrate the specific dependency of NC cells on Z4 modules, ZNF532 and ZNF592.

Implications:

This study establishes the oncogenic role of Z4 factors in NC, offering potential new targeted therapeutic strategies in this incurable cancer.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/16/12/1826/F1.large.jpg.
Pathobiological Pseudohypoxia as a Putative Mechanism Underlying Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Hayashi Yoshihiro , Zhang Yue , Yokota Asumi , Yan Xiaomei , Liu Jinqin , Choi Kwangmin , Li Bing , Sashida Goro , Peng Yanyan , Xu Zefeng , Huang Rui , Zhang Lulu , Freudiger George M. , Wang Jingya , Dong Yunzhu , Zhou Yile , Wang Jieyu , Wu Lingyun , Bu Jiachen , Chen Aili , Zhao Xinghui , Sun Xiujuan , Chetal Kashish , Olsson Andre , Watanabe Miki , Romick-Rosendale Lindsey E. , Harada Hironori , Shih Lee-Yung , Tse William , Bridges James P. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Huang Taosheng , Zheng Yi , Witte David P. , Wang Qian-fei , Qu Cheng-Kui , Salomonis Nathan , Grimes H. Leighton , Nimer Stephen D. , Xiao Zhijian , Huang Gang
Published: August 2018

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous hematopoietic disorders that are incurable with conventional therapy. Their incidence is increasing with global population aging. Although many genetic, epigenetic, splicing, and metabolic aberrations have been identified in patients with MDS, their clinical features are quite similar. Here, we show that hypoxia-independent activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A) signaling is both necessary and sufficient to induce dysplastic and cytopenic MDS phenotypes. The HIF1A transcriptional signature is generally activated in MDS patient bone marrow stem/progenitors. Major MDS-associated mutations (Dnmt3a, Tet2, Asxl1, Runx1, and Mll1) activate the HIF1A signature. Although inducible activation of HIF1A signaling in hematopoietic cells is sufficient to induce MDS phenotypes, both genetic and chemical inhibition of HIF1A signaling rescues MDS phenotypes in a mouse model of MDS. These findings reveal HIF1A as a central pathobiologic mediator of MDS and as an effective therapeutic target for a broad spectrum of patients with MDS.

Significance: We showed that dysregulation of HIF1A signaling could generate the clinically relevant diversity of MDS phenotypes by functioning as a signaling funnel for MDS driver mutations. This could resolve the disconnection between genotypes and phenotypes and provide a new clue as to how a variety of driver mutations cause common MDS phenotypes. Cancer Discov; 8(11); 1438–57. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Chen and Steidl, p. 1355.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1333
Successful Apixaban Treatment of TAVR Thrombosis after Warfarin Failure
Authors: Khan Saleen , Achike Olisaemeka , Nekkanti Rajasekhar , Carabello Blase
Published: August 2018

In this study, we present a case of progressive transcatheter aortic valve replacement thrombosis in a patient receiving warfarin that resolved with treatment with heparin and apixaban.
Gintonin Attenuates D-Galactose-Induced Hippocampal Senescence by Improving Long-Term Hippocampal Potentiation, Neurogenesis, and Cognitive Functions
Authors: Nam Sung Min , Hwang Hongik , Seo Misun , Chang Byung-Joon , Kim Hyeon-Joong , Choi Sun-Hye , Rhim Hyewhon , Kim Hyoung-Chun , Cho Ik-Hyun , Nah Seung-Yeol
Published: August 2018

Background: Ginseng has been used to improve brain function and increase longevity. However, little is known about the ingredients of ginseng and molecular mechanisms of its anti-brain aging effects. Gintonin is a novel exogenous ginseng-derived lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand; LPA and LPA1 receptors are involved in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. D-galactose (D-gal) is used to induce brain ­aging in animal models because long-term treatment with D-gal facilitates hippocampal aging in experimental adult animals by decreasing hippocampal neurogenesis and inducing learning and memory dysfunction. Objective: To investigate the protective effects of gintonin on D-gal-induced hippocampal senescence, impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP), and memory dysfunction. Methods: Brain hippocampal aging was induced by D-gal administration (150 mg/kg/day, s.c.; 10 weeks). From the 7th week, gintonin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day, per os) was co-administered with D-gal for 4 weeks. We performed histological analyses, LTP measurements, and object location test. Results:  Co-administration of gintonin ameliorated D-gal-induced reductions in hippocampal Ki67-immunoreactive proliferating cells, doublecortin-immunoreactive neuroblasts, 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine-incorporating NeuN-immunoreactive mature neurons, and LPA1 receptor expression. Co-administration of gintonin in D-gal-treated mice increased the expression of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. In addition, co-administration of gintonin in D-gal-treated mice enhanced LTP and restored the cognitive functions compared with those in mice treated with D-gal only. Conclusion: These results show that gintonin administration restores D-gal-induced memory deficits by enhancing hippocampal LPA1 receptor expression, LTP, and neurogenesis. Finally, the present study shows that gintonin exerts anti-brain aging effects that are responsible for alleviating brain aging-related dysfunction.
Influence of Oral Morphology on Speech Production in Subjects Wearing Maxillary Removable Partial Dentures with Major Connectors
Authors: Wada Junichiro , Hideshima Masayuki , Inukai Shusuke , Katsuki Azusa , Matsuura Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Noriyuki
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Speech impairment during the initial phase of removable partial denture (RPD) treatment can prevent patient adaptation to RPDs. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of oral morphology on speech production in subjects wearing RPDs with major connectors. Methods: Two types of connectors were fabricated for 17 subjects with normal dentitions: covering the middle palate (M-bar) and the anterior/posterior palate (AP-bar). Four target sounds ([∫i], [t∫i], [çi], and [ki]) were evaluated under 3 recording conditions: no connector, M-bar, and AP-bar. The mean appearance ratios of correct labels (MARCs) were calculated as parameters representing speech production accuracy with the speech evaluation system. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on palate height, dental arch width, and front space volume of the oral cavity. Results: Based on the multiple linear regression test, a significant association was found between the MARCs of [∫i] with M-bar and front space (p = 0.036). In the subgroup analysis, the AP-bar had a significant effect on the MARCs of [∫i] among subjects with high palate (p = 0.026), narrow arch (p = 0.004), and small front space (p = 0.014). Conclusion: RPDs with major connectors could disturb speech production among patients with high palates, narrow arches, and small front spaces.
Lethal Bleeding from a Duodenal Cancerous Ulcer Communicating with the Superior Mesenteric Artery in a Patient with Pancreatic Head Cancer
Authors: Morita Yoshifumi , Sakaguchi Takanori , Kitajima Ryo , Furuhashi Satoru , Kiuchi Ryota , Takeda Makoto , Hiraide Takanori , Shibasaki Yasushi , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Suzuki Yuji , Tsukamoto Kei , Matsuura Tomoharu , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic cancer often invades the duodenum and causes obstruction, but rarely causes massive duodenal bleeding. A 68-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of vomiting. Enhanced abdominal CT showed a hypovascular tumor with air bubbles in the uncinate process of the pancreas. The tumor invaded the duodenum and metastasized to the liver and peritoneum. The main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was circumferentially involved. After admission, he had hematemesis and melena. Emergency gastroduodenoscopy revealed pulsating vessels in the third portion of the duodenum and he eventually experienced hemorrhagic shock. Severe bleeding occurred from his mouth and anus like a catastrophic flood. It was difficult to sustain blood pressure even with massive blood transfusion with pumping. After insertion of an intra-aortic balloon occlusion catheter, the massive bleeding was eventually stopped. Although we attempted interventional radiography, aortography revealed direct communication between the main SMA trunk and the duodenal lumen. The tumor was considered anatomically and oncologically unresectable. Thus, we did not perform further intervention. The patient died 2 h after angiography. Herein, we report the case of pancreatic head cancer causing lethal bleeding associated with tumor-involved SMA. Duodenal bleeding associated with pancreatic cancer invasion should be considered as an oncogenic emergency.
Sh-MARCH8 Inhibits Tumorigenesis via PI3K Pathway in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yin Junfeng , Ji Ze , Hong Yidong , Song Ziyan , Hu Nan , Zhuang Min , Bian Baoxiang , Liu Yi , Wu Fenglei 
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: To identify new treatment strategies for gastric cancer and to elucidate the mechanism underlying its pathophysiology, we transfected sh-MARCH8 into the human gastric cancer cell lines MKN-45 and AGS to investigate the roles of MARCH8 in gastric cancer. Methods: We used genetic engineering to construct the sh-MARCH8 interference plasmid and transfected it into gastric cancer cells. Colony formation assays and cell viability measurements were performed to detect the viability and proliferation of cancer cells. Wound healing assays were performed to estimate the migration and proliferation rates of the cells. Cell invasion assays were used to estimate the invasive abilities of the cells. Cell apoptosis analysis was performed by using flowing cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to estimate the expression levels of proteins. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 software. Student’s t-test was used to determine the significance of all pairwise comparisons of interest. Results: We observed that the transfection of sh-MARCH8 inhibited the survival and proliferation of MKN-45 and AGS cells. The migration and invasion of the MKN-45 and AGS cells were significantly decreased, and apoptosis was induced in comparison with the control cells. These results were further confirmed by data showing that sh-MARCH8 increased the BAX/BCL2 ratio in MKN-45 and AGS cells. We also observed that sh-MARCH8 inactivated the PI3K and ß-catenin stat3 signaling pathways by changing protein expression levels or the phosphorylation of related proteins. Conclusion: These data suggested that sh-March8 reduced viability and induced apoptosis of the MKN-45 and AGS cells through the PI3K and ß-catenin stat3 signaling pathways. Taken together, our data revealed that transfection of sh-MARCH8 into the MKN-45 and AGS gastric cancer cell lines inhibited their growth, and this approach may be useful as a novel strategy for gastric cancer therapy.
Using GRACE to Estitmate Snowfall Accumulation and Assess Gauge Undercatch Corrections in High Latitudes
Authors: Behrangi Ali , Gardner Alex , Reager John T. , Fisher Joshua B. , Yang Daqing , Huffman George J. , Adler Robert F.
Published: August 2018

Ten years of terrestrial water storage anomalies from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) were used to estimate high-latitude snowfall accumulation using a mass balance approach. The estimates were used to assess two common gauge-undercatch correction factors (CFs): the Legates climatology (CF-L) utilized in the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and the Fuchs dynamic correction model (CF-F) used in the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) monitoring product. The two CFs can be different by more than 50%. CF-L tended to exceed CF-F over northern Asia and Eurasia, while the opposite was observed over North America. Estimates of snowfall from GPCP, GPCC-L (GPCC corrected by CF-L), and GPCC-F (GPCC corrected by CF-F) were 62%, 64%, and 46% more than GPCC over northern Asia and Eurasia. The GRACE-based estimate (49% more than GPCC) was the closest to GPCC-F. We found that as near-surface air temperature decreased, the products increasingly underestimated the GRACE-based snowfall accumulation. Overall, GRACE showed that CFs are effective in improving GPCC estimates. Furthermore, our case studies and overall statistics suggest that CF-F is likely more effective than CF-L in most of the high-latitude regions studied here. GPCP showed generally better skill than GPCC-L, which might be related to the use of satellite data or additional quality controls on gauge inputs to GPCP. This study suggests that GPCP can be improved if it employs CF-L instead of CF-F to correct for gauge undercatch. However, this implementation requires further studies, region-specific analysis, and operational considerations.
Form Follows Function: An Investigation Into the Categorical Boundary of Surprise
Authors: Lo L. Y. , Li W. O. , Lee L. P.
Published: August 2018

The concept of basic emotions has been widely accepted in explaining human behavior. Yet, there is still no consensus on the distinctiveness of surprise. This study tried to compare the discreteness of surprise with that of other basic emotions in terms of their categorical distinctiveness. For this study, 27 undergraduates were recruited, and a new set of morphing sequences of different emotional expressions from two young Chinese posers was created. The results show that surprise is over-generalized to the perception of fear and that the categorical boundary is less discrete than for other emotional expression pairs. This blending is perhaps due to their confusion on both the perceptual and production levels. Additionally, a choice between external and internal validity when picking emotional expression stimuli is also discussed.
‘Pray for transit’: Seeking transportation justice in metropolitan Atlanta
Authors: Karner Alex , Duckworth Richard
Published: August 2018

On 4 November 2014, voters in Clayton County, Georgia, approved a referendum to join the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Atlanta’s regional transit agency. The historic vote was won by a margin not often seen in US electoral politics – 73% in favour with only 27% opposed. The vote was significant because it resulted from the sustained effort of Clayton County residents, non-profit advocacy organisations and elected officials to replace a public transit service that had been completely eliminated in early 2010. After opting not to join MARTA in 1971, Clayton County became increasingly Black and low-income as the economic centre of Atlanta shifted northwards. This demographic transition made public transit a necessity, and a bus service began in the county in 2001 in the wake of an air quality conformity lapse that jeopardised the region’s transportation funding. The rebirth of transit in 2014 and the success of the advocacy effort extends extant notions of urban regimes and governance in Atlanta and provides a unique example of a transportation equity win not forced by a legal challenge. Using primary and secondary source materials, this article illuminates precisely what made the Clayton County effort a success and looks to the future of public transit in the metropolitan region. While the precise conditions leading to MARTA’s expansion are not likely to be replicated elsewhere, the work highlights the potential for coalitions composed of elected officials and non-profit organisations supported by philanthropic capital to make broad and lasting changes to regional transportation systems.
Barriers to Service Provision for Justice-Involved Youth
Authors: Kapoor Anjani , Peterson-Badali Michele , Skilling Tracey
Published: August 2018

Despite robust evidence for the efficacy of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) framework, the needs of youth on community supervision, as identified by risk–need assessments, are frequently not reflected in the services they receive. Potential barriers to recommended service were examined in 219 Canadian youths who were court-ordered to receive forensic assessments. Decreased service was associated with certain criminogenic needs (e.g., antisocial attitudes, substance abuse) that were treatment impeding in nature. Lower treatment receipt was also associated with youth whose parents were detached from the probation process. Furthermore, odds of recidivism increased when youth experienced more lifestyle destabilizers, capacity issues, and systemic barriers, even after accounting for the effect of receiving intervention for identified criminogenic needs. Results suggest the importance of addressing both criminogenic and noncriminogenic factors during probation sentences and call for greater adherence to, and expansion of, the responsivity principle to include the assessment and management of destabilizing and systemic factors.
Justice for All: Trauma and the Need for Safety and Fairness Within Juvenile Justice Facilities
Authors: Lujan Maya J. W. M. , Fanniff Amanda M.
Published: August 2018

Many adolescents in the juvenile justice system have been exposed to trauma, which has been linked with negative outcomes that may lead to ineffective adjustment while incarcerated. Trauma may decrease a youth’s feelings of fairness and safety, which may increase misconduct. The present study examined the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceptions of fairness and safety, and rates of institutional misconduct in a subsample of youth ( n = 386) who participated in the Pathways to Desistance study. A serial multiple mediation model found that PTSD symptoms were not significantly associated with perceptions of fairness, safety, or institutional misconduct. Relationships were found between perceptions of fairness and safety, and between perceptions of safety and institutional misconduct. Results also indicated differences in perceptions of fairness and safety based on gender, age, and ethnicity. Perceptions of fairness and safety may be an avenue for intervention to improve adjustment within the juvenile justice system.
An adaptive sliding mode controller with a new reaching law for tracking problem of an autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Ramezani-al Mohammad Reza , Tavanaei-Sereshki Zahra
Published: August 2018

Since autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have highly nonlinear dynamics, the employed controller in these systems must be accurate and robust against noise and uncertainties. Sliding Mode Controller is very robust against both the parameters changing and external disturbance. But, there are some major drawbacks of these controllers such as chattering and high vulnerability against noise. In this paper, by modifying the reaching law and using an adaptive gain in the proposed sliding mode controller, these problems are eliminated from the input signal of the system. In the presented reaching law, a continuous term is used instead of the discrete sign function as well as the velocity term is entered in the reaching law. Since there are external disturbances, noises and uncertainties in the system dynamics and modeling, the states may be separated from the surface. Since the reaching law acts when the states separate from the sliding surface, then the gain of reaching law is adapted according to the uncertainties, states error and velocity. Also, the upper bound of disturbance and uncertainty are estimated. Furthermore, the reaching condition and limitation of the switching variable rate for the proposed controller are investigated. Finally, stability and convergence of the closed-loop system are proven analytically using the Lyapunov stability theorem. Some simulations and comparisons with other methods show efficiency of the presented method.
Voters’ preferences for party representation: Promise-keeping, responsiveness to public opinion or enacting the common good
Authors: Werner Annika
Published: August 2018

The functioning of representative democracy is crucially dependent on the representative behaviour of political parties. Large parts of the party representation literature assume that voters expect parties to fulfil the promises of their election programs. What voters actually want from parties, however, remains largely unclear. Within the Australian context, this article investigates the preferences of voters regarding three ideal party representative styles: ‘promise keeping’; ‘focus on public opinion’; and ‘seeking the common good’. Using a novel survey tool, this study finds that voters value promise keeping highly when it is evaluated individually. However, they rate seeking the common good as most important when the three styles are directly compared. A multinomial logistic regression analysis shows that, in particular, voters who have been involved in party grassroots activities prefer promise keeping. These findings have wider implications for our understanding of how representative democracy can and should work.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cigarette craving and oxidative stress index in heavy-smoker males: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sadeghi-Ardekani Kiana , Haghighi Mahmonir , Zarrin Rasoul
Published: August 2018

Background:

Smoking-induced oxidative stress is thought to contribute to lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and brain tissue. This lower level leads to impaired function in a dopaminergic system related to dependence and craving.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cigarette craving and oxidative stress index in heavy-smoker males.

Methods:

In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 54 heavy-smoker males (smoke ⩾20 cigarettes per day) were randomly selected to receive either five capsules of fish-oil-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplements ( n = 27, each 1 g capsule containing 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg of docosahexanoic acid) or a placebo ( n = 27) for 3 months. The psychometric evaluations (nicotine dependence and cigarette craving), biochemical markers (urinary cotinine, serum total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status) and self-reported smoking status were used to assess the cigarette craving and oxidative stress index (oxidative stress index = total oxidant status/total antioxidant capacity).

Results:

There was a greater reduction in levels of nicotine dependence, cigarette craving and cigarettes smoked per day in the omega-3 fatty acid group compared to the placebo group, and the difference between the two groups increased from baseline to 3-month follow up. The model estimated that these differences were statistically significant ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Also, a significant decrease was observed in levels of total oxidant status ( p = 0.008) and oxidative stress index ( p = 0.011) in the omega-3 fatty acid group after intervention.

Conclusions:

This study showed that high-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplementation appears to be useful in reducing cigarette craving and oxidative stress index in heavy-smoker males.
Chronic antipsychotic treatment differentially modulates protein kinase A- and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta-dependent signaling pathways, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors in nucleus accumbens of juvenile rats
Authors: Pan Bo , Lian Jiamei , Deng Chao
Published: August 2018

Background:

Antipsychotics are developed to treat mental disorders in adults; however, the prescription (mostly “off-label”) of antipsychotics for children/adolescents has been constantly increasing over years. The influences of antipsychotics on juveniles requires investigation to validate their clinic use. Antipsychotics mainly exert their effects via several receptors and signaling pathways.

Aims:

This study examined the effects of aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone on selected signaling pathways, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors in juveniles.

Methods:

Rats were orally administered aripiprazole (1 mg/kg), olanzapine (1 mg/kg), risperidone (0.3 mg/kg), or vehicle three times/day from postnatal day 23 (±1 day) for three weeks. The effects of antipsychotics in the nucleus accumbens and caudate putamen were measured by Western blots.

Results:

In the nucleus accumbens, all three drugs differentially increased N-methyl-D-aspartate and γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor expression. Additionally, all three antipsychotics differentially elevated the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, β-catenin, and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 1. In the caudate putamen, olanzapine increased β-catenin phosphorylation; and aripiprazole and olanzapine elevated γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor levels. Correlation analysis indicated that antipsychotics might modulate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors via glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta-β-catenin signaling and/or cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 activation.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that antipsychotics can affect protein kinase A- and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta-dependent signaling pathways in juveniles; and their modulation on N-methyl-D-aspartate and γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors is probably through glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta-β-catenin signaling and/or cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 activation.
Downregulation of thioredoxin-1 in the ventral tegmental area delays extinction of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference
Authors: Huang Mengbing , Bai Ming , Zhang Zhimin , Ge Lu , Lu Kang , Li Xiang , Li Ye , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Guo Ningning , Yang Lihua , Bai Jie
Published: August 2018

Background:

Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use and relapse. Thioredoxin-1 is emerging as an important modulator involved in the cellular protective response against a variety of toxic stressors. Previous study has reported that thioredoxin-1 overexpression prevents the acquisition of methamphetamine-conditioned place preference. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of thioredoxin-1 on methamphetamine-conditioned place preference extinction and the possible mechanism.

Methods:

(a) An extinction procedure in mice was employed to investigate the effect of thioredoxin-1 on the extinction of methamphetamine-conditioned place preference. After the acquisition of methamphetamine-conditioned place preference, mice underwent the following procedures: the injection of thioredoxin-1 small interfering RNA in the ventral tegmental area followed by the post-conditioned place preference test, four days of extinction training followed by four days of recovery after surgery. (b) The levels of thioredoxin-1, dopamine D1 receptor, tyrosine hydroxylase, phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase, and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein were examined by using Western blot analysis.

Results:

Thioredoxin-1 downregulation in the ventral tegmental area delayed methamphetamine-conditioned place preference extinction. The expression of thioredoxin-1 was decreased in the ventral tegmental area of mice in control and negative groups after methamphetamine-conditioned place preference extinction, but not in the thioredoxin-1 siRNA group. The levels of dopamine D1 receptor, tyrosine hydroxylase, phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase, and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein were decreased in the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex of mice in the control and negative groups after methamphetamine-conditioned place preference extinction, but were inversely increased in thioredoxin-1 siRNA group.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that downregulation of thioredoxin-1 in the ventral tegmental area may delay methamphetamine-conditioned place preference extinction by regulating the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic signaling pathway.
Level-Change Stackelberg Games Model for the Combined Traffic Assignment–Signal Control Equilibrium on Networks
Authors: Yang Hang , Wang Zhongyu , Zou Yajie , Wu Bing , Wang Xuesong
Published: August 2018

Combined traffic assignment–signal control equilibrium is usually integrated into a non-cooperative games model between the network authority and road users. Unlike a pure Wardropian equilibrium, in reality there may be both competition and cooperation between authority and users. Authority has always been regarded as the upper level in classical bi-level formulations, but this placement may increase the difficulty of obtaining a global optimal solution between authority and users. This paper proposes a level-change Stackelberg (LC Stackelberg) model that embraces both authority–user and user–authority formulations. The model is calibrated by a model predictive control (MPC) controller. A route-choice probability model is used to estimate flow burden on two parallel routes. Meanwhile, the difference of route-choice probability between the two parallel paths is regarded as the level-change threshold. A generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GJR-GARCH) model is used as a triggering function in the MPC controller to fulfill the level-change procedure. A modified wavelet neural network algorithm is used to seek the global optimal solution. Cournot, Stackelberg, and Monopoly, combined with a fixed-time control policy based on the Webster method, were chosen as benchmarks in a numerical example to test model validity. The results show that the LC Stackelberg model obtains the minimum total travel time compared with other models. Furthermore, the level-change between authority and users could also decrease route choice probability on one specific path, indicating the model’s potential application in urban networks.
Development and Implementation of a Pavement Marking Management System in Florida
Authors: Choubane Bouzid , Sevearance Joshua , Holzschuher Charles , Fletcher James , Wang Chieh (Ross)
Published: August 2018

The visibility of pavement markings is an important aspect of a safe transportation system as the markings convey vital roadway warnings and guidance information to the traveling public. Therefore, it is beneficial to maintain acceptable visibility levels of markings on pavements under all weather and lighting conditions. To ensure the intended in-service visibility level is adequately maintained, the reflectivity must be monitored and quantified accordingly. Historically, visibility or retroreflectivity of in-service pavement markings has been measured with handheld devices and visual inspections. However, visual surveys are considered subjective and the handheld measurements are tedious and potentially hazardous. Consequently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has focused on the use of a non-contact technology capable of assessing pavement markings continuously at highway speeds with improved safety and efficiency. The use of mobile technology for measuring reflectivity has allowed FDOT to develop and, subsequently, implement a Pavement Marking Management System (PMMS) to improve the safety and nighttime visibility of its roadways. Implementation of such a system provides an efficient and less subjective methodology to identify conditions that are detrimental to roadway safety, and strategize mitigating solutions including the selection of appropriate materials and application techniques. The system will ultimately result in an effective use of state funds while ensuring the safety of the traveling public. This paper presents a description of the Florida Pavement Markings Management System and its subsequent implementation including FDOT’s effort to ensure the quality, consistency, repeatability, and accessibility of statewide pavement marking retroreflectivity data.
A Simple Example of a Two-Dimensional Model for Traffic: Discussion about Assumptions and Numerical Methods
Authors: Mollier Stephane , Monache Maria Laura Delle , Canudas-de-Wit Carlos
Published: August 2018

This article presents a two-dimensional (2D) macroscopic model for traffic flow on a network. We considered a 2D conservation law in which we suggested a new method to estimate the direction of the velocity using only information and properties of the network. We present an algorithm for the computation of the 2D velocity on the network and present numerical simulations. Moreover, the numerical approximation of the 2D equation was carried out using an operator and splitting method and we present the results of some simulations on realistic networks. Lastly, we propose a comparison with the well-known cell transmission model method.
Resampling Methods for Estimating Travel Time Uncertainty: Application of the Gap Bootstrap
Authors: Naik Bhaven , Rilett Laurence R. , Appiah Justice , Walubita Lubinda F.
Published: August 2018

To a large extent, methods of forecasting travel time have placed emphasis on the quality of the forecasted value—how close is the forecast point estimate of the mean travel time to its respective field value? However, understanding the reliability or uncertainty margin that exists around the forecasted point estimate is also important. Uncertainty about travel time is a fundamental factor as it leads end-users to change their routes and schedules even when the average travel time is low. Statistical resampling methods have been used previously for uncertainty modeling within the travel time prediction environment. This paper applies a recently developed nonparametric resampling method, the gap bootstrap, to the travel time uncertainty estimation problem, especially as it pertains to large (probe) data sets for which common resampling methods may not be practical because of the possible computational burden and complex patterns of inhomogeneity. The gap bootstrap partitions the original data into smaller groups of approximately uniform data sets and recombines individual group uncertainty estimates into a single estimate of uncertainty. Results of the gap bootstrap uncertainty estimates are compared with those of two popular resampling methods—the traditional bootstrap and the block bootstrap. The results suggest that, for the datasets used in this research, the gap bootstrap adequately captures the dependent structure when compared with the traditional and block bootstrap methods and may thus yield more credible estimates of uncertainty than either the block bootstrap method or the traditional bootstrap method.
A Study of Bus High-Resolution GPS Speed Data Accuracy
Authors: Figliozzi Miguel A. , Stoll Nicholas B.
Published: August 2018

The recent availability of high-frequency transit (HFT) GPS data for buses has allowed the estimation of detailed bus-travel speed profiles between bus stops. HFT data are defined as data comprising GPS vehicle trajectory recorded at or less than 5 s intervals. With HFT data it is now possible to measure changes in bus speed at specific locations of interest, such as intersections, ramps, crosswalks, and so on. Previous research efforts have not compared GPS-based bus speeds with general traffic speeds at specific locations between stops. This research fills this knowledge gap, utilizing accurate stationary radar speed data as a baseline or ground truth data to estimate GPS-based bus speed accuracy. A thorough data analysis of the bus and traffic speed data indicates that HFT speed estimations between stops are accurate and highly correlated with traffic speeds. Time–space speed profiles and regression analysis are utilized to quantify factors that affect HFT speed estimation accuracy. The relative advantages and limitations of the HFT data are presented and discussed. This study concludes that large HFT datasets can be utilized to accurately monitor speeds between transit stops. HFT datasets are suitable to cost-effectively monitor recurrent arterial speed performance for both passenger and transit vehicles.
Does Childhood Psychological Abuse Contribute to Intimate Partner Violence Victimization? An Investigation Using the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Interview
Authors: LoCascio Maria , Infurna Maria Rita , Guarnaccia Cinzia , Mancuso Laura , Bifulco Antonia , Giannone Francesca
Published: August 2018

Although psychological abuse is recognized as a particularly insidious form of child abuse, research on the impact of this type of abuse related to intimate partner violence (IPV) is scant. This study examined the contribution of childhood psychological abuse to IPV in female victims and non-victims. Furthermore, it investigated the role of cumulative abuse in predicting IPV. The study included 38 women victims of IPV and 40 non-IPV women. All participants were investigated using the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Interview (CECA); the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) and the IPV History Interview were used to assess IPV in the last year and lifetime, respectively. Results indicated that psychological abuse was a stronger predictor of IPV than other maltreatment types. Furthermore, dose–response effects of cumulative abuse on IPV are well evidenced. Future research should continue examining impacts of psychological abuse on IPV so as to further inform clinical practice and intervention planning.