bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Through hole making by electro-discharge machining on Inconel 625 super alloy using hollow copper tool electrode
Authors: Mishra Dileep Kumar , Rahul ▪ , Datta Saurav , Masanta Manoj , Mahapatra Siba Sankar
Published: June 2018

A case experimental research on through hole making process on Inconel 625 super alloy by using hollow (tubular) copper tool electrode in electro-discharge machining has been delineated herein. Based on three controllable process variables namely peak discharge current, pulse-on duration, and gap voltage, experiments on through hole making have been carried out following the electro-discharge machining route (die-sinking electro-discharge machining without flushing). In addition to surface morphology, topographical features of the electro-discharge machined work surface have been examined for both internal cylindrical surface of the hole produced and also the external peripheral surface of the removed cylindrical part. The influence of the process parameters have been analyzed on various process performance features like material removal rate, surface roughness, surface crack density, white layer thickness, circularity, radial overcut, and hole taper. An optimal parameter setting has been identified for sound hole making and thereby to improve electro-discharge machining performance. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis has been carried out to investigate the extent of carbon enrichment onto the electro-discharge machined work surface of Inconel 625 as affected by the pyrolysis of the dielectric fluid whilst executing electro-discharge machining operation. X-ray diffraction tests have been carried out to compare metallurgy of the electro-discharge machined work surface (various phases/precipitates present in bulk of the matrix material, extent of grain refinement, crystallite size, strain, and dislocation density) with respect to that of “as received” Inconel 625. Results, thus obtained, have also been compared to that of the micro-hardness test data.
Emerging sexually transmitted viral infections: 2. Review of Zika virus disease
Authors: Caswell RJ , Manavi K
Published: June 2018

A sudden increase in the number of newborn infants with microcephaly in Brazil in 2015 brought Zika virus (ZIKV), a less-known infection, to public attention. The rapid increase in the number of cases across the Americas and the devastating complications of infection with ZIKV highlighted the gravity of the situation. Within a relatively short period of time, our knowledge of this infection has significantly increased. This includes the realisation that ZIKV can be sexually transmitted. The aim of the present article is to provide a concise summary on this novel sexually transmitted infection linked to human birth defects and Guillain–Barre Syndrome. According to World Health Organization, individuals living outside areas of ZIKV mosquito transmission where one or both partners have been exposed to ZIKV should abstain from sex or have sex with condoms for at least six months after the last day of possible exposure.
A collection of marginalized two-part random-effects models for analyzing medical expenditure panel data: Impact of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme on healthcare expenditures in China
Authors: Zhang Bo , Liu Wei , Zhang Ning , Ash Arlene S , Allison Jeroan J
Published: June 2018

Marginalized two-part random-effects generalized Gamma models have been proposed for analyzing medical expenditure panel data with excessive zeros. While these models provide marginal inference on expected healthcare expenditures, the usual unilateral specification of heteroscedastic variance on one of the two shape parameters for the generalized Gamma distribution in these models fails to encompass important special cases within the generalized gamma modeling framework. In this article, we construct marginalized two-part random-effects models that employ the log-normal, log-skew-normal, generalized Gamma, Weibull, Gamma, and inverse Gamma distributions to delineate the spectrum of nonzero healthcare expenditures in the second part of the models. These marginalized models supply additional choices for analyzing healthcare expenditure panel data with excessive zeros. We review the concepts of marginal effect and incremental effect, and summarize how these effects are estimated. For studies whose primary goal is to make inference on marginal effect or incremental effect of an independent variable with respect to healthcare expenditures, we advocate empirical mean square error criterion and information criteria to choose among candidate models. Then, we use the proposed models in an empirical analysis to examine the impact of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme on healthcare expenditures among older adults in rural China.
“Why did I get that part of you?” Understanding addiction genetics through family history
Authors: Dingel Molly J. , Ostergren Jenny , Koenig Barbara A. , McCormick Jennifer
Published: June 2018

Scientists have sought to uncover the genetic bases of many diseases and disorders. In response, scholars defined “geneticization” to describe genetic infiltration of understandings of health and illness. In our research, we interviewed 63 individuals in addiction treatment programs to identify what form of geneticization best fits individuals’ description of their own addiction. Individuals’ narratives of their lives, which include family history and are influenced by cultural and structural factors, affect respondents’ reactions to a potential genetic basis of addiction. Most who had a family history of addiction subscribed to a notion that addiction “runs in families,” while most who lacked a family history of addiction used this fact to reject the notion of genetic inheritance of addiction. We conclude that though we see elements of several different versions of geneticization, Nikolas Rose’s version, that genetics affects peoples’ perceptions of addiction in small but important ways, best describes our respondents’ views.
Vaccine Hesitancy in Pediatric Primary Care Practices
Authors: Mohanty Salini , Carroll-Scott Amy , Wheeler Marissa , Davis-Hayes Cecilia , Turchi Renee , Feemster Kristen , Yudell Michael , Buttenheim Alison M.
Published: June 2018

Understanding how pediatric practices handle parental vaccine hesitancy is important as it impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of pediatric practices. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews with pediatric practice staff within a primary care network were conducted between May 2012 and March 2013. Thematic analysis focused on the barriers and challenges of vaccine hesitancy and strategies to reduce the burden at the practice level. Barriers and challenges of vaccine hesitancy included time constraints, administrative challenges, financial challenges and strained patient-provider relationships. Strategies to minimize the burden of vaccine hesitancy included training for vaccine counseling, screening for vaccine hesitancy prior to immunization visits, tailored vaccine counseling, and primary care provider visits for follow-up immunization. Pediatric practices reported many challenges when caring for vaccine-hesitant families. Multiple strategies were identified to reduce the burden of vaccine hesitancy, which future studies should explore to determine how effective they are in increasing vaccine acceptance in pediatric practices.
Nasopharyngeal Dermoids and Cleft Palate
Authors: Mahajan Ravi Kumar , Khokhar Manila , Ghildiyal Harish Chandra
Published: June 2018

Nasopharyngeal dermoids associated with cleft palate present as intraoral protruding masses. Only 5 cases of nasopharyngeal dermoids associated with cleft palate have been reported in the literature. We are reporting 4 such cases encountered by us in the last 10 years in our series of 900 cleft palate surgeries. Imaging studies were done to know the extension of dermoid and to look for any associated congenital intracranial anomalies. We observed that nasopharyngeal dermoids are usually nonmalignant and can be easily managed by complete local excision followed by palatal closure after 6 months.
The Diverse Role of Women in Shaping Hong Kong’s Landscape of Gentrification
Authors: Ye Minting , Vojnovic Igor
Published: June 2018

Women in different cities, in different parts of a city, or even in the same neighborhood are involved in or affected by gentrification in different ways. Given the increasing socioeconomic status of women and their changing demographic characteristics, women can be viewed as the agents in the growing service economy that are driving gentrification. However, women are also the victims who suffer most from gentrification due to the feminization of poverty, a ubiquitous global phenomenon. Women, being overrepresented among the poor, have confronted great burdens associated with physical and social upgrading. Yet this aspect of women, as victims of gentrification, has not received its due attention, particularly in China. This article explores socioeconomic changes experienced in Hong Kong’s economy between 1986 and 2006, and resulting gentrification processes. It also provides an empirical analysis into the diverse role of women in Hong Kong’s landscape of gentrification, as both agents and victims.
The use of sacubitril/valsartan in anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy: A mini case series
Authors: Sheppard Christina E , Anwar Maria
Published: June 2018

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations due to heart failure in adult patients with reduced ejection fraction when compared to enalapril. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of sacubitril (neprilysin inhibitor) and valsartan (angiotensin receptor blocker) has not been evaluated in patients with chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, as these patients were excluded from the recent pivotal trial, PARADIGM-HF. However, current guidelines for the evaluation and management of cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy, published by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, direct clinicians to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Heart Failure Guidelines for the management of cancer patients who develop clinical heart failure or an asymptomatic decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (e.g. >10% reduction from baseline or left ventricular ejection fraction <53%), which could include the use of sacubitril/valsartan.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive comparative case study of two patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan.

Results

We present data from two patients who experienced anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy and were successfully managed with sacubitril/valsartan after suboptimal responses to traditional evidence-based heart failure therapies. Both patients demonstrated some recovery of function and normalization of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Sacubitril/valsartan was well tolerated with minimal side effects. To date, neither patient has required hospitalization or additional clinic interventions for heart failure.

Conclusions

While further large scale studies are required to determine a comprehensive safety and efficacy profile, we report two cases of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy survivors managed with sacubitril/valsartan with minimal side effects and no hospitalizations.
Real world evidence: Abiraterone use post-docetaxel in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Shivji Alisha , Ali Raafi , North Scott , Sawyer Michael , Ghosh Sunita , Chambers Carole
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The COU-AA-301 trial demonstrated that in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer using abiraterone post-docetaxel increased overall survival. This study aims to assess this conclusion in a real world context.

Design

Retrospective chart review of a provincial Pharmacy BDM Database (a pharmacy dispensing software) and a provincial Electronic Chart (ARIA). Dispensing data, information on the state of the disease before and after abiraterone use, and information regarding effects of abiraterone were gathered.

Setting

Cancer centers in Alberta, Canada.

Patients

Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients on abiraterone outside of a clinical trial who have previously had docetaxel chemotherapy for CRPC between February 2012 and May 2014.

Primary outcome

Overall survival from the time of abiraterone initiation.

Results

Overall survival increase of 17 months was consistent with the survival increase of 14.8 months observed in the pivotal trial.

Conclusion

Abiraterone is a valuable therapy post-docetaxel for metastatic CRPC, as in a real world context it demonstrated an increase in overall survival that was consistent with the findings of the clinical trial despite including a patient population of older age and lower performance status.
Unraveling the Neocolonial Epistemologies: Decolonizing Research Toward Transformative Literacy
Authors: Ndimande Bekisizwe S
Published: June 2018

For many years, research epistemologies and methodologies have been influenced by colonial perspectives in knowledge production. The focus of this article is to discuss ways in which research can be transformed for the purpose of including marginalized communities, such as Indigenous communities, whose knowledge has been systematically excluded in academic research. In fact, I argue that whether or not research is conducted in the contexts of Indigenous or other marginalized communities, it must embody the elements of decolonization to interrupt and interrogate the long-standing colonial discourse in research. I specifically focus on the importance of language as well as the sociocultural and historical awareness of communities who allow us to work with them. I conclude by urging all scholars to ask serious questions about the knowledge they produce and who benefits from it.
Thermo-acoustic analysis of higher-order shear deformable laminated composite sandwich flat panel
Authors: Sharma Nitin , Mahapatra Trupti Ranjan , Panda Subrata Kumar , Katariya Pankaj
Published: June 2018

The acoustic radiation responses of laminated sandwich baffled flat panels subjected to harmonic loading in an elevated thermal environment are investigated via a novel coupled finite and boundary elements formulation based on the higher-order shear deformation shell theory. The structural stiffness and mass tensors are obtained using competent finite element steps engaging the Hamilton’s principle followed by computation of acoustic responses by resolving the Helmholtz partial differential equation. An in-house MATLAB code is developed based on the present formulation for the computation of all the desired responses. The accuracy and robustness of the present scheme are recognized by the close conformance of the critical buckling temperature, natural frequencies and the sound power level values with the available benchmark solutions alongside the values obtained via a simulation model implemented using commercially available finite element (ANSYS) and boundary element (LMS Virtual.Lab) packages. Subsequently, the present model is employed to solve wide variety of numerical illustrations and the useful inferences related to the influence of elevated temperature, core-to-face thickness ratio, core-to face modular ratio and lay-up scheme on the sound emission characteristics of sandwich composite flat panels are deliberated in detail.
Numerical investigation of the effects of rail vibration absorbers on wear behaviour of rail surface
Authors: Qian WJ , Huang ZQ , Ouyang H , Chen GX , Yang HJ
Published: June 2018

Rail corrugation refers to the periodic wear of the top working surfaces of rails. This problem has plagued the railway industry over a hundred years. In the present paper, the effects of rail vibration absorbers on wear behaviour of the rail surface have been studied. The dynamic model of a wheel–rail–absorber system is established. The friction contact coupling between the wheel and the rail are fully considered in this model. A wear model, in which the mass loss of unit area in contact patch is proportional to frictional work per unit area between the wheel and the rail, is developed to analyse the wear behaviour of the rail surface. Numerical results show that the saturated creep force-induced self-excited vibration of the wheel–rail system can result in short pitch rail corrugation on the rail surface. The maximum wear depth occurs at the positions close to mid-span of each sleeper bay. After the installation of rail vibration absorbers, the formation of short pitch rail corrugation can be suppressed effectively, and the wear on the rail surface becomes uniform and the growth rate of rail corrugation reduces considerably. Increasing the connection damping between the absorber and the rail web is beneficial to preventing the formation of short pitch rail corrugation.
Development of cutting fluid from transesterified coconut oil and evaluation of its tribological properties
Authors: Joseph Babu K , Prabhakaran Nair K , Joy ML
Published: June 2018

Among vegetable oils, coconut oil is identified as a good base oil for lubricant formulation owing to its inherent tribological properties. One of the main disadvantages of using coconut oil as a lubricant in cutting fluid is its low pour point characteristics. It is seen that through esterification process the pour point of coconut oil can be improved from 26.8 ℃ to −4.5 ℃. In the present work, a cutting fluid has been developed from transesterified coconut oil with distinctive additives and surfactants at optimum concentrations. An oil-in-water emulsion of coconut oil methyl ester with additives was found to be stable at HLB 15.8 by adding Tween 80 and 20 surfactants. Coconut oil methyl ester along with additives and surfactants enhanced friction, wear, and thermal properties of the oil by 15.12%, 30.66%, and 14.4% respectively when compared to the commercial sample. Operating temperature range, corrosion resistance, and particle size of the newly formulated oil were found to be satisfactory. Performance study during machining operation was conducted through drilling experiment using HSS tool, SS 304 work piece and coconut oil methyl ester cutting fluid showed superior machining properties (tool wear, cutting torque, and thrust force) when compared to the commercial sample. Tribological studies conducted on oil samples exhibited similar competency between coconut oil methyl ester cutting oil and the commercial sample.
Application of steel-concrete-steel sandwich deep beams into coupled shear walls
Authors: Leng Yubing , Song Xiaobing
Published: June 2018

Coupled shear walls are widely used as the primary lateral load resisting element in high-rise buildings. But the coupling beams, which are often designed as deep members, usually suffer from brittle shear failure. The steel-concrete-steel sandwich deep beams showed high bearing capacity and great ductile performance during shear failure. Therefore, it is proposed that the steel-concrete-steel members can be used into deep coupling beams instead of conventional reinforced concrete members, to improve the shear strength and deformability. The shear failure of steel-concrete-steel deep beams is characterized by plastic yielding of the outer steel plates in the triangular areas, rather than concrete diagonal crushing. Reliable shear transfer paths are maintained by the interaction between the outer steel plates and the diagonal concrete struts, so excellent strength and ductile performance can be expected after critical diagonal cracking. The triangular failure areas are able to dissipate seismic energy, thus effectively avoiding overall collapse. The shear strength of steel-concrete-steel deep coupling beams is developed with simple expressions.
Impact of simple surge-enhancing inlet geometries on the acoustic behavior of a turbocompressor
Authors: Broatch Alberto , Margot Xandra , García-Tíscar Jorge , Roig Ferran
Published: June 2018

This article reports the results of an experimental campaign where four different inlet geometries for the compressor of an automotive turbocharger were acoustically characterized. These four geometries (a straight pipe for reference, a tapered duct, a 90° elbow and a reservoir) were selected for their potential for deep surge margin enhancement, while being simple enough to be commonly found in production vehicles. A detailed measurement of this surge margin enhancement was performed, together with acoustic measurements of both radiated and orifice noise at design conditions of best isentropic efficiency and also close to the deep surge limit. Results demonstrated that while all the proposed geometries indeed enlarged the usable air mass flow range, changes in the acoustic behavior of the system could be positive, neutral or even negative. It is therefore important to carefully consider accurate noise measurements before implementing these geometric solutions in production vehicles and to further pursue research on the link between the characteristic flow pattern produced by each inlet geometry and the noise emission of the turbocompressor.
Performativity, border-crossings and ethics in a prison-based creative writing project
Authors: Hinton-Smith Tamsin , Seal Lizzie
Published: June 2018

We critically reflect on insights from our experiences as female researchers on a creative writing project in a men’s prison, including the emotional impact on the men involved and the ways in which our role as participant researchers impacted deeply on us. Juxtaposed starkly with the physical constraints of the prison, a sense of journeys emerged as significant throughout the study, particularly the symbolic crossing of boundaries. We draw on theories of performativity from both Feminist and Symbolic Interactionist perspectives to frame our understanding of the experience of being participant researchers in prison creative writing workshops, and also consider associated ethical issues.
Children’s relationships with birth parents in childhood and adulthood: A qualitative longitudinal study of kinship care
Authors: Skoglund Jeanette , Thørnblad Renee , Holtan Amy
Published: June 2018

The topic of interest in this paper is the relationship between children who live in kinship care and their birth parents – through childhood and adulthood. The focus is on what meaning and content children themselves ascribe to such relationships and how this changes over time. To explore this question, we draw on a qualitative longitudinal data set, in which children who grew up in kinship foster care in Norway were interviewed over a 15-year period. We have selected three cases, where we follow two girls and one boy through their three interviews as children (T1: 11–12 years old), emerging adults (T2: 20–21 years old) and young adults (T3: 28–29 years old). Through the adoption of a methodological approach with similarities to biographical approaches, our analysis gives unique insight into the interviewees’ relationships with their birth parents – how they are expressed in each interview as their lives unfold and as circumstances change. More specifically, the analysis gives insight into different types of parent–child relationships and how they may change over time. However, it also shows that the interviewees have different resources available in managing such relationships. This is an issue rarely recognised in child welfare research or practice, yet it is essential if we want to understand the relationship between children who grow/grew up in foster care arrangements and their birth parents.
The Application of Medical Thermography to Discriminate Neuroischemic Toe Ulceration in the Diabetic Foot
Authors: Gatt Alfred , Falzon Owen , Cassar Kevin , Camilleri Kenneth P. , Gauci Jean , Ellul Christian , Mizzi Stephen , Mizzi Anabelle , Papanas Nikolaos , Sturgeon Cassandra , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Formosa Cynthia
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to determine whether thermal imaging can detect temperature differences between healthy feet, nonulcerated neuroischemic feet, and neuroischemic feet with toe ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Participants were prospectively divided into 3 groups: T2DM without foot problems; a healthy, nonulcerated neuroischemic group, and an ulcerated neuroischemic group. Thermal images of the feet were obtained with automated segmentation of regions of interest. Thermographic images from 43 neuroischemic feet, 21 healthy feet, and 12 neuroischemic feet with active ulcer in one of the toes were analyzed. There was a significant difference in toe temperatures between the 3 groups ( P = .001), that is, nonulcerated neuroischemic (n = 181; mean temperature = 27.7°C [±2.16 SD]) versus neuroischemic ulcerated (n = 12; mean temperature = 28.7°C [±3.23 SD]), and healthy T2DM group (n = 104; mean temperature = 24.9°C [±5.04 SD]). A post hoc analysis showed a significant difference in toe temperatures between neuroischemic nonulcerated and healthy T2DM groups ( P = .001), neuroischemic ulcerated and healthy groups ( P = .001). However, no significant differences in toe temperatures were identified between the ulcerated neuroischemic and nonulcerated neuroischemic groups ( P = .626). There were no significant differences between the ulcerated toes (n = 12) and the nonulcerated toes (n = 57) of the same foot in the ulcerated neuroischemic group ( P = .331). Toe temperatures were significantly higher in neuroischemic feet with or without ulceration compared with healthy feet in patients with T2DM. There were no significant differences in temperatures of ulcerated toes and the nonulcerated toes of the same foot, implying that all the toes of the same foot could potentially be at risk of developing complications, which can be potentially detected by infrared thermography.
From Prussia with Love: Music at Uppingham School, 1853–1908
Authors: Tozer Malcolm
Published: June 2018

Music played little part in the education of British children before 1853 when Edward Thring was appointed headmaster of Uppingham Grammar School in the English Midlands. Thring created an innovative holistic curriculum for the two dozen boys of this rural boarding school and he appointed a musician as the third addition to his staff to form a teaching faculty of five; by the time of Thring’s death in 1887 and a school roll now three hundred, the full-time music team numbered six. Almost all came from Prussia: early appointments stayed only a year or two but later ones, including Paul David—"Music and Choir Master”—made Uppingham their permanent home. Over the course of four decades, David—a member of the Mendelssohn and Schumann circle, and friend of Brahms and Sterndale Bennett—raised music to a high level of distinction and a broad level of participation beyond all other schools and, through his lifelong friendship with Josef Joachim, he attracted many celebrated musicians to perform to and play alongside his boys. None of this, however, would have happened but for a chance meeting in Rome in 1852.
Burden of Peripheral Artery Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean 1990 to 2015
Authors: Ganta Nitheesha , Soherwadi Shahabuddin , Hughes Kakra , Gillum Richard F.
Published: June 2018

Background:

The estimated global prevalence of Peripheral artery disease (PAD) increased by 24% in span of 10 years (2000-2010) from 164 to 202 million. Despite scarcity of data on PAD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the Caribbean, estimates for PAD from these regions may be helpful for health-care providers.

Methods:

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 quantified health loss from hundreds of diseases using systematic reviews and multilevel computer modeling. Estimated rates with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) for PAD (ICD-10 I70.2) were examined for SSA and the Caribbean and compared to high-income North America (HINA). Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are years of healthy life lost representing total disease burden by combining years of life lost and years lived disabled.

Results:

In 2015, estimated age-standardized DALYs per 100,000 due to PAD for males were as follows: Caribbean (34, UI: 29-39), HINA (36, UI: 30-42), and SSA (20, UI: 14-30). In contrast, DALYs in females were as follows: Caribbean (25, UI: 20-30), HINA (28, UI: 22-36), and SSA (17, UI: 11-26). For both sexes combined, the rate in Southern SSA was 55 (46-67). This reflects the extremely high rates in South Africa (males 90, UI: 77-107; females 63, UI: 53-75).

Conclusion:

Estimated rate of DALYs per 100,000 was lowest in SSA. Within SSA, the rate in South Africa was highest, exceeding even HINA. Caribbean rates were intermediate.
The Association Between Happiness and Self-Rated Physical Health of African American Men: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mwinnyaa George , Porch Tichelle , Bowie Janice , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: June 2018

Happiness and self-rated physical health are included in national surveys to assess health perceptions and subjective well-being among individuals. Studies have reported that happiness impacts physical health; however, little is known about the association between happiness and self-rated physical health among African American men (AAM). The objective of this study is to examine this relationship.

Participants were 1,263 AAM aged 18+ years from the National Survey of American Life who rated their happiness and physical health. Interviews were conducted between 2001 and 2003. Self-rated physical health was defined as how individuals rated their own physical health and happiness as how individuals perceived their subjective well-being. Three multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between happiness and self-rated physical health.

It was observed that AAM who were happy were more likely to be married, to be employed, and earn more than $30,000 annually compared to AAM who were not happy. AAM who were happy were less likely to rate their physical health as fair/poor relative to AAM who were not happy. When controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors, AAM who reported being happy had lower odds of rating their physical health as fair/poor compared to AAM who reported not being happy.

Findings suggest that AAM who are happy report better physical health than those who report not being happy. Public health promotion strategies focusing on AAM should consider happiness as a promising influence that may positively impact physical health.
Dose–Response Effect of Antibodies to S100 Protein and Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 in Released-Active Form in the Light–Dark Test in Mice
Authors: Kardash Elena V. , Ertuzun Irina A. , Khakimova Gul'nara R. , Kolyadin Andrey N. , Tarasov Sergey A. , Wagner Stéphanie , Andriambeloson Emile , Ivashkin Vladimir T. , Epstein Oleg I.
Published: June 2018

Earlier studies have shown that combination of antibodies to S100 protein and to cannabinoid receptor type 1 in released-active form (Brizantin) may possess anxiolytic properties and decrease nicotine dependence. Released-active form of antibodies is a novel approach that permits to modify natural functions of the target molecule (antigen) under investigation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of Brizantin in the light–dark test in mice, according to its ability to influence the number of entries into the lit compartment and the total time spent there. Three doses of Brizantin (2.5, 5, and 10 mL/kg) were compared with diazepam (1 mg/kg), placebo, and vehicle control. Anxiolytic-like effect of the tested drug was shown to be dose dependent, with an increasing trend from 2.5 to 10 mL/kg. Brizantin in its highest dose significantly increased studied behavioral parameters, although its effect was less pronounced than that of the reference drug diazepam (1 mg/kg).
Fatigue reliability analysis of crack growth life using maximum entropy method
Authors: Gan Lu-Ping , Wang Qingyuan , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: June 2018

In this article, a new method for fatigue reliability analysis of crack growth life based on the maximum entropy theory and a long crack propagation model is proposed. A modified generalized passivation-lancet model for long fatigue crack propagation rate is presented with explicit physical meaning. Experimental results for turbine disk alloy ZSGH4169 under different strain ratios and temperatures (at 650°C and room temperature) are used to verify the applicability of the new model. Results show that predictions by the proposed model are almost identical to the experimental data. The presented model is better than the other three models to reflect the rapid propagation characteristics of the crack. In order to perform fatigue reliability estimation, the probabilities of failure are calculated using the maximum entropy theory based on the fatigue crack growth life that derived from the proposed modified crack propagation model and the above existing three models. Results have shown that maximum entropy theory is very apt for fatigue reliability analysis of turbine disk under different loading conditions with a limited number of samples because it does not need any distribution assumptions for random variables. The effectiveness and accuracy of the combination of fatigue crack propagation models and maximum entropy method for fatigue reliability analysis are demonstrated with examples.
Udwadia–Kalaba theory for the control of bulldozer link lever
Authors: Li Chenming , Zhao Han , Zhen Shengchao , Sun Hao , Shao Ke
Published: June 2018

We propose to apply Udwadia–Kalaba theory to the bulldozer dynamics analysis. The bulldozer system is divided into several subsystems by this approach, which simplifies the modeling process for multi-link mechanism. Based on this approach, the constraints are classified into structure constraints and performance constraints. Structure constraints are used to set up dynamic model without regard for trajectory. Performance constraints are the desired trajectory. Then, according to the equation of motion of the unconstrained system established by Lagrange approach and system constraints which include structure and performance constraints, an explicit, closed-form analytical expression for the control force can be obtained by solving Udwadia–Kalaba equation. We demonstrate that this approach does not need to solve Lagrange multiplier, which is always difficult to obtain. However, for bulldozer link lever system, the initial conditions are difficult to satisfy the constraints in the actual situation. Thus, the problem of initial condition deviation is taken into consideration. In the end, the numerical simulations are done to prove that the trajectory of the bulldozer satisfies the designed one and the real-time forces are conveniently acquired.
Liveness characteristic analysis of a class of Petri nets
Authors: Liu Miao , He Zhou
Published: June 2018

Petri nets are an effective tool for analyzing and modeling the dynamic behavior of flexible manufacturing systems. Finite capacity systems of simple sequential processes with resources are an important subclass of Petri nets, for which this article gives a liveness characteristic analysis. First, an effective algorithm for deciding the liveness of finite capacity systems of simple sequential processes with resources is developed by analyzing the relation between the structural properties of resource subnets and the strict minimal siphons. Then, a liveness condition of finite capacity systems of simple sequential processes with resources is accordingly established. Based on the proposed liveness condition, an algorithm for configuring an initial marking for a finite capacity systems of simple sequential processes with resources is given, and therefore, a live finite capacity systems of simple sequential processes with resources net with a configured initial marking can be obtained, which avoids the siphon enumerations and the addition of any control actions. It is shown that the computational complexity of both the developed liveness deciding and the initial marking configuration algorithms is polynomial. Examples are finally provided to illustrate the mentioned results.
Structural performance evaluation of a full-scale tempered glass guard and handrail system
Authors: Kim Seonwoong
Published: June 2018

In this study, the structural performance capabilities of a tempered glass guard and handrail system not reinforced with a structural framework are investigated. It is known that this cantilevered system has low redundancy and that the glass material itself is brittle. Considering these characteristics, full-scale experiments involving two (bolted and plaster-filled) connection types and two (rectangular and parallel) glass shapes of the types in frequent use as well as two (monotonic and cyclic) loading methods as three variables in total were conducted. Depending on the connection type, the stress concentration phenomenon at the point of the connection appears to be unavoidable. The final fracture mode is very dangerous and sudden such that it is necessary to control the structural safety by means of a higher margin. Specimens with a bolted connection showed inferior performance due to the brittle fracture stemming from the stress concentration phenomenon, while specimens with the plaster-filled connection exhibited excellent performance even under cyclic loading. These results therefore demonstrate that the guard and handrail system with a bolted connection should be structurally reinforced.
Coexistence of three EGFR mutations in an NSCLC patient: A brief report
Authors: Belardinilli Francesca , Gradilone Angela , Gelibter Alain , Zani Massimo , Occhipinti Mario , Ferraro Sergio , Nicolazzo Chiara , Coppa Anna , Giannini Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

Background:

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) represents a molecular target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a mutation in the EGFR gene. Mutations of the EGFR gene that occur at a single position in NSCLC tissue are found as single, whereas two or more mutations on the same allele are poorly detected and investigated.

Patient and methods:

We investigated the presence of the EGFR gene mutations in tumor tissue by Sanger sequencing and ion torrent sequencing in an NSCLC patient at Stage IV of disease.

Results:

We found the presence of three coexisting mutations on the EGFR gene—two of which on exon 21 are present on the same allele, and the third, on exon 20, was analyzed by Sanger sequencing of the peripheral blood lymphocytes. The patient staged as cT4N0M1c (Stage IV) and started afatinib 40 mg daily 8 months ago, showing a clinical benefit.

Conclusion:

In this report we describe the case of an NSCLC patient harboring three coexisting mutations on the EGFR gene, two of which are present on the same allele. This mutation pattern may represent, for patient progeny, a genetic risk of cancer development. Therefore it should be possible to obtain screening guidelines to improve the risk calculation for lung cancer susceptibility in the future.
An active contour model for brain magnetic resonance image segmentation based on multiple descriptors
Authors: Hong Chen , Xiaosheng Yu , Chengdong Wu , Jiahui Wu
Published: June 2018

With the increasing use of surgical robots, robust and accurate segmentation techniques for brain tissue in the brain magnetic resonance image are needed to be embedded in the robot vision module. However, the brain magnetic resonance image segmentation results are often unsatisfactory because of noise and intensity inhomogeneity. To obtain accurate segmentation of brain tissue, one new multiphase active contour model, which is based on multiple descriptors mean, variance, and the local entropy, is proposed in this study. The model can bring about a more full description of local intensity distribution. Also, the entropy is introduced to improve the performance of robustness to noise of the algorithm. The segmentation and bias correction for brain magnetic resonance image can be simultaneously incorporated by introducing the bias factor in the proposed approach. At last, three experiments are carried out to test the performance of the method. The results in the experiments show that method proposed in this study performed better than most current methods in regard to accuracy and robustness. In addition, the bias-corrected images obtained by proposed method have better visual effect.
Accented radio: Articulations of British Caribbean experience and identity in UK community radio
Authors: Moylan Katie
Published: June 2018

This article explores how UK community radio can facilitate and produce alternative articulations of identity and experience, which, in turn, negotiate and challenge normative discursive framings of race which otherwise dominate UK mainstream media. In particular, this article examines ways in which The TalkBack Show on Nottingham community station Kemet FM produces articulations of British Caribbean identity and argues that community radio’s remit of inclusivity enables transcultural production in the form of ‘accented radio’. Accented modes of production are shaped in radio, by conditions of displacement and marginalization and responses to these experiences. An accented radio programme thus functions at the local level – speaking not only to the community whose members produce it but also to other local (and marginalized) communities – and simultaneously articulates a wider, transnational perspective. This article examines radio content from The TalkBack Show with reference to accented production practices.
Mortality and long-term dialysis requirement among elderly continuous renal replacement therapy patients in a tertiary referral intensive care unit
Authors: Conroy Michael , O’Flynn John , Marsh Brian
Published: June 2018

Background

Elderly patients are frequently considered poor candidates for continuous renal replacement therapy in intensive care units, but with little evidence base.

Methods

We gathered data regarding patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy at our institution’s intensive care unit during 2012–2014, and compared outcomes between patients of 75 years or older, and younger patients.

Results

Older patients had similar intensive care unit mortality to younger patients (41.5% vs. 36.1%, p = 0.21), but higher hospital mortality (54.2% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.02), and one-year mortality (63.6% vs. 50.6%, p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in dialysis-dependence rates between older and younger patients at intensive care unit discharge (31.9% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.50), and hospital discharge (18.5% vs. 24.2%, 0.32). Rates of new dialysis-dependence between older and younger patients at time of hospital discharge were similar (10.2% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.20).

Conclusions

Intensivists should not withhold continuous renal replacement therapy based on age alone. Other factors should be considered in triage of patients for intensive care unit and continuous renal replacement therapy.
Crohn’s disease
Authors: Franklin James
Published: June 2018

Crohn’s disease is a chronic relapsing gastrointestinal condition. It is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, but most commonly affects the terminal ileum and colon. Individuals can present with a wide variety of symptoms, but diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss are the most common. It is a rare condition, but GPs play an important role in recognising Crohn’s disease and supporting patients through their lifelong treatment.
Translation and cultural adaption of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire for the Mandarin-speaking Chinese population in Singapore through cognitive debriefing
Authors: Tan Hiang Keat , Lee Yean , Chia Pei Yuh , Nurshifa Shaik Hussain , Tan Travis Kim Chye , Fook-Chong Stephanie , Chang Pik Eu , Fazila Aloweni
Published: June 2018

Background:

Patients with chronic liver disease often suffer from poor quality of life. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) is a validated tool to assess health-related quality of life in these patients. It has been translated and validated for use in many countries and languages globally.

Objectives:

We aimed to translate Mainland Chinese Mandarin to Singapore Mandarin and perform cross-cultural adaption of CLDQ for the Mandarin-speaking population in Singapore (CLDQ-SG).

Methods:

This study was conducted based on the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Principles of Good Practice. The study consisted of two parts: part one involved cognitive debriefing and cultural adaption of CLDQ, and part two was a pilot study on the first version of CLDQ-SG among adult patients with chronic liver disease in a tertiary hospital.

Results:

During the cognitive debriefing process of part one, questions beginning with “recent” (最近) two weeks in Mandarin were changed to “last” (在过去) two weeks. Eighteen patients were recruited for part two of the study (50% male, mean age 49±13 years). Time taken to complete CLDQ-SG was 15±8 minutes, and the mean score was 5.1±0.5. The reliability of measurements for all domains was good, with an intra-class correlation coefficient ≥0.8. Items one and four needed further restructuring. There were no discrepancies between CLDQ and CLDQ-SG.

Conclusion:

This study showed that CLDQ-SG was culturally acceptable by the Mandarin-speaking population in Singapore. There were only two items that needed revision in the finalized CLDQ-SG.
The freedom to receive trade union services
Authors: Van Cleynenbreugel Pieter
Published: June 2018

This article examines the extent to which the fundamental freedom of the internal market to receive trade union services in a different Member State could be relied on to enhance labour protection within the European Union. Arguing that Article 56 TFEU and the 2006 Services Directive in theory can at least play a basic role in this regard, the article offers an overview of the scope and limits of the freedom to receive services in this context. The analysis also assesses the extent to which the cross-border receiving of trade union services could be exploited further as an additional means further to contribute to the realisation of a more social Europe
Assessment of sex analysis in studies of technology-based interventions to alleviate caregiver burden among caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Xiong Chen , Mansfield Elizabeth , Colantonio Angela
Published: June 2018

Background

With an increase in the number of family caregivers for persons with dementia, caregiver burden is a major concern. Defined as computer-based devices and programs, technology has been identified as an intervention to address this issue. However, to date, there is little consideration of sex differences among caregivers in the design and planning of these interventions.

Objective

To systematically review the literature on technology-based interventions for caregivers of persons with dementia and report the frequency and approaches of sex-based analysis.

Methods

The literature was systematically searched for reviews of technology-based interventions for caregivers of persons with dementia. All titles and abstracts of publications included in the retrieved reviews were screened using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full text articles that met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis.

Results

Four reviews were identified and 19 articles representing 17 studies were retrieved. Among these studies, only four examined outcomes by sex. In the studies that examined outcomes by sex, three reported significant differences ( p < 0.05) between male and female caregivers.

Conclusions

There is currently a lack of (1) sex-based analyses, (2) inclusion of males and (3) provision of sex-specific information in studies of technology-based interventions for caregivers of persons with dementia.