bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Deep Esophageal Leiomyoma
Authors: Hallin Magnus , Mudan Satvinder , Thway Khin
Published: July 2016

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are potentially aggressive mesenchymal neoplasms with spindle cell, epithelioid, or mixed morphology. They typically express CD117, DOG1, and CD34 and can be diffusely and strongly positive for h-caldesmon. Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle neoplasms that can arise in a variety of visceral and soft tissue sites, including the gastrointestinal tract. We illustrate a case of a neoplasm of the gastroesophageal junction that was clinically suspected to be a GIST. Histology showed a tumor composed of ovoid and spindle cells arranged in short intersecting fascicles, which was positive for desmin, smooth muscle actin, and h-caldesmon, with a prominent interspersed subpopulation of CD117- and DOG1-positive elongated or dendritic-like cells. These features were of leiomyoma with entrapped interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The recognition of possible entrapment of ICC in leiomyomas as a potential mimic of GIST is important for correct treatment and prognostication.
Romeo, Juliet, and Statutory Rape
Authors: Bierie David M. , Budd Kristen M.
Published: July 2016

Statutory rape is an important yet understudied topic. There is broad public support for the prosecution of older adults who engage in sexual relationships with minors regardless of perceptions of consent by either party. However, some scholars worry that expansive definitions within these laws have led to the widespread involvement of the justice system in the lives of similarly aged teenagers engaging in relatively normal sexual behavior, so called “Romeo and Juliet” liaisons. This, in turn, has called into question the legitimacy of national policies, such as sex offender registration, because of the presumption that registries are likely filled with these kinds of cases which may not represent the intent of legislatures and the public. Despite the importance of these debates, there is little research assessing the prevalence of Romeo and Juliet cases in official crime statistics or that analyze differences in characteristics of statutory rape as a function of victim–offender age differences. Drawing on more than 20 years of police data from over 6,000 police departments in the United States, this study found statutory rape cases were rare and Romeo and Juliet cases were even rarer. Multivariate models showed several distinctions between statutory rape cases as a function of the age differences between victim and offender. Of note, the odds that additional forms of sexual aggression occurred in the incident grew as the age difference expanded.
The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity-Related Outcomes, and ADHD in Adults With Comorbid Affective Disorders
Authors: Wynchank Dora , Bijlenga Denise , Lamers Femke , Kooij J. J. Sandra , Bron Tannetje I. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H.
Published: July 2016

Objective: ADHD may predispose to obesity, a metabolic syndrome component. Affective disorders are also associated with MetSyn and ADHD. This study examined whether ADHD confers any added risk of MetSyn and obesity-related associations in a large sample with varying stages of affective disorders. Method: Participants included 2,303 adults from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Three groups were compared (controls, those with depressive/anxiety disorders without ADHD; and those with depressive/anxiety disorders and ADHD) for presence of MetSyn risk factors, body mass index, and waist–hip ratio. ADHD symptoms were identified by using a T-score > 65 (Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale). Results: Multivariable analyses were additionally adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, health factors, and affective disorders. Analyses showed no significant association between MetSyn, obesity-related variables, and comorbid ADHD. High Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms were not associated with MetSyn. Conclusion: This study did not confirm that MetSyn and obesity-related parameters are increased in comorbid ADHD.
Asymmetry of the Receding Hairline in Men With Early Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Azar Reza Pashmineh , Thomas Alexander Horst , Maurer Marcus , Lindner Gerd
Published: July 2016

Background:

The Norwood classification system is commonly used to ascertain the progress of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with a robust and quick assessment, but it lacks precision in the frontal region, notably during the onset of male pattern hair loss.

Objective:

Due to the ongoing technical improvement in restorative hair transplantation practices, we aim to develop simple quantitative methods for measuring the progression of AGA.

Methods:

Here, we used a quantitative system to evaluate the progress of AGA of the frontal receding hairline in a case study with 41 patients.

Results:

We found subtle differences in the extent of frontotemporal regressions that were not captured by the Norwood classification system. The majority of patients exhibited significantly larger right-sided frontotemporal regressions.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that the quantification system used is a valuable tool in complementing the Norwood classification system to more precisely determine the recessing hairline characteristics in early stages of hair loss. Our findings also suggest that hairline regression in AGA-affected patients is asymmetrical, a hitherto unnoticed disorder-associated phenomenon with unknown biological causality.
You can lead a horse to water … what Self-Determination Theory can contribute to our understanding of clinical policy implementation
Authors: Smith Geoffrey P , Williams Theresa M
Published: July 2016

There has been increasing reliance on policy directives as instruments for shaping clinical practice in health care, despite it being widely recognized that there is a significant translation gap between clinical policy and its implementation. Self-Determination Theory, a widely researched and empirically validated theory of human needs’ fulfilment and motivation, offers a potentially valuable theoretical framework for understanding not only why the current policy environment has not led to the anticipated improvement in the quality and safety of clinical care but, importantly, also provides guidance about how organizations can create an environment that can nurture behavioural change in the workforce. We describe an alternative approach to clinical policy-making underpinned by Self-Determination Theory, which we believe has broad application for the science of clinical implementation theory.
Intimate commodities: Intimate labor and the production and circulation of inequality
Authors: Burke Nathaniel B
Published: July 2016

This article utilizes gay adult film as a means to understand the commodities generated through intimate labor. It offers a new concept, intimate commodities, in order to understand what, in addition to intimacy, is produced through intimate labor. Intimate commodities are material objects that are generated in conjunction with intimate labor, which are then traded or sold, and through their utilization generate intimate ties between individuals and themselves, other persons, or groups. Through ethnography and a survey of men who perform in the gay adult film industry, this study explores how the stratification of the conditions of production influence the commodities themselves, their use, and how, through their circulation, they may perpetuate inequalities. This conceptualization calls for increased attention to the illusory divide between productive and reproductive labor.
Bilingual children and adult heritage speakers: The range of comparison
Authors: Polinsky Maria
Published: July 2016

This paper compares the language of child bilinguals and adult unbalanced bilinguals (heritage speakers) against that of bilingual native speakers of their home language (baseline). We identify four major vectors of correspondence across the language spoken by these three groups. First, all varieties may represent a given linguistic property in a similar way (child bilinguals = adult heritage speakers = bilingual native speakers of their home language). This occurs when either (i) the property in question is highly robust and is acquired by learners without difficulty or (ii) the property is already in decline in the baseline. We illustrate scenario (i) with data from Russian count forms, which are morphologically quite complex. The preservation of these forms in child bilinguals and adult heritage speakers suggests that simplicity of encoding is not the only factor determining robustness of retention. Second, child and heritage speakers may share a linguistic structure that differs from the one found in the baseline (bilingual native speakers of their home language ≠ child bilinguals = adult heritage speakers). This scenario occurs when incipient structural changes in the baseline become amplified in the language of next-generation bilinguals, or when a given structure is rare, confined to a specific register, and/or reinforced through literacy. Third, a structure may be acquired by bilingual children faithfully, but undergo reanalysis/attrition in the adult heritage language (bilingual native speakers of their home language = child bilinguals ≠ adult heritage speakers). Russian relativization illustrates this scenario; child bilinguals show native-like performance on relative clauses but adult heritage speakers show an exaggerated subject preference in the interpretation of gaps. Finally, a structure that is not fully learned by child speakers may be reanalyzed by adult heritage speakers following general principles, thus bringing the adult heritage representation closer to that of the baseline (bilingual native speakers of their home language = adult heritage speakers ≠ child bilinguals). Heritage speakers’ production and comprehension of psychological predicates in Spanish illustrates this possibility.
The lesbian complaint: On kinship, genre and being public
Authors: Preser Ruth
Published: July 2016

This article discusses lesbian relationships dissolutions and the stories about them. Applying a narrative approach, the critical reading of breakup stories which are conceptualized as dramas by their participants seeks to problematize the distinction between private and public, respectable and scandalous, normative and deviant, and constructive and destructive in order to discuss queer publics and some longings that are attached to them. While the contingency between the institution of family and the politics of belonging in lesbian and gay lives has been intensively scrutinized and criticized by scholars and activists alike, questions regarding the forms of publics and belonging that emerge as a result of kinship failure are yet to be explored. Building on in-depth interviews and inspired by critical intervention into questions of counterpublics, I ask how intimate stories of relational dramas are narrated in an era of compulsory happiness.
Communicating risk and protection: Advertising discourse of young children’s healthcare products and parental reception in China
Authors: Gong Qian
Published: July 2016

This article analyses the representation and reception of the advertising of children’s healthcare products in Chinese television. It engages with the concept of risk to analyse the representation of a coherent narrative of young children’s health-related risks comprising messages of environment, nature, nutrition and science. Within the narrative, interconnected risks – risks of everyday living, risks of environment pollution, risk of malnutrition – as well as a wider discourse of ‘risk and protection’ are constructed. This article also analyses parents’ reception of the discourse and their responses to perceived and real health risks contextualised in a neoliberal system marked by medicalised children’s healthcare and ‘truncated’ civic rights in China. This article argues that these institutional conditions reinforce the risk-centred narrative which invokes heightened parental uncertainties and anxieties about childrearing as part of the modern cultural experiences in China.
Evolutionary power spectral density analysis on the wind-induced buffeting responses of Sutong Bridge during Typhoon Haikui
Authors: Tao Tianyou , Wang Hao , He Xuhui , Li Aiqun
Published: July 2016

Recent field measurements on long-span bridges during typhoon events have captured strong nonstationary features in the buffeting responses. In this study, the buffeting responses of Sutong Bridge during Typhoon Haikui in 2012 recorded by structural health monitoring system are analyzed to represent the nonstationary characteristics. As an accurately measured state variable, the acceleration response of the main girder is first selected to evaluate its own original stationarity in different time intervals using the run test method. The acceleration response of the main girder can be regarded as a zero-mean nonstationary random process which is in demand to extract its transient features in time–frequency domain. Hence, the evolutionary power spectral density (EPSD) of the acceleration responses, which can present the local turbulence energy distribution in both frequency and time domains, is estimated using the wavelet-based method. Also, an average wavelet spectrum is obtained by averaging the square values of wavelet coefficients along the time axis, and the comparison between the average wavelet spectrum and Fourier spectrum shows a great conformance which indirectly verifies the validity of the obtained evolutionary power spectral density. The results of this study exhibit that there are strong nonstationary characteristics existing in the buffeting responses of Sutong Bridge during Typhoon Haikui, and it is essential to incorporate the nonstationary features of winds in the analysis or design of long-span bridges from an aerodynamic viewpoint.
Rethinking professional autonomy: Autonomy to develop and to publish news in Mexico and Colombia
Authors: Hughes Sallie , Garcés Miguel , Márquez-Ramírez Mireya , Arroyave Jesús
Published: July 2016

Professional autonomy has usually been defined in terms of journalists’ perceptions of their control over their work vis-à-vis organizational supervisors. Using surveys of journalists in Colombia and Mexico, we identify two dimensions of perceived autonomy: first, control over story development tasks (the traditional understanding of autonomy in empirical studies); second, the ability to actually publish news on a range of subjects associated with different levels of material or cultural power. We then identify predictors of both dimensions of autonomy. Physical threats, overlapping forms of inequality, and clientelism characterize pressures on autonomy in these two democracies. Journalists can carve out more space for autonomy by gaining professional experience or by creating new organizational arrangements and supporting analytical, change-oriented norms. By examining professional autonomy empirically in a broad range of contexts, we demonstrate that autonomy is more complex, situational, and historically contingent than previously believed.
A multivariate single-index model for longitudinal data
Authors: Wu Jingwei , Tu Wanzhu
Published: July 2016

Abstract:

Index measures are commonly used in medical research and clinical practice, primarily for quantification of health risks in individual subjects or patients. The utility of an index measure is ultimately contingent on its ability to predict health outcomes. Construction of medical indices has largely been based on heuristic arguments, although the acceptance of a new index typically requires objective validation, preferably with multiple outcomes. In this article, we propose an analytical tool for index development and validation. We use a multivariate single-index model to ascertain the best functional form for risk index construction. Methodologically, the proposed model represents a multivariate extension of the traditional single-index models. Such an extension is important because it assures that the resultant index simultaneously works for multiple outcomes. The model is developed in the general framework of longitudinal data analysis. We use penalized cubic splines to characterize the index components while leaving the other subject characteristics as additive components. The splines are estimated directly by penalizing nonlinear least squares, and we show that the model can be implemented using existing software. To illustrate, we examine the formation of an adiposity index for prediction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in children. We assess the performance of the method through a simulation study.
Life History Theory and Exploitative Strategies
Authors: Reynolds Joshua J. , McCrea Sean M.
Published: July 2016

Exploitative strategies involve depriving others of resources while enhancing one’s own. Life history theory suggests that there are individual differences (life history strategy) and environmental characteristics (life history contingencies [LHCs]) that influence the use of exploitative strategies. However, past work manipulating LHCs has found mixed evidence for the influence of this information on exploitative behavior. We present three studies that help clarify the effects of this type of information. Results indicated that younger individuals are most sensitive to LHC information. We also found, contrary to predictions, that communicating slow LHC information (i.e., high population density, intraspecific competition, and resource scarcity) increased rather than decreased the temptation to engage in exploitative behavior. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Phase jump and energy transfer of forced oscillating circular cylinder in uniform flow
Authors: Tang Guoqiang , Lu Lin , Zhao Ming , Liu Mingming , Zong Zhi
Published: July 2016

The phase jump, energy transfer, and the associated vortex shedding modes of a circular cylinder undergoing forced oscillation normal to the incoming uniform flow are investigated numerically at Reynolds number ( Re) of 200. The dependence of the fluid forces on the non-dimensional oscillating amplitude A* =  A/ D ∈ [0.1, 0.6] and frequency f* =  fe/ fs ∈ [0.5, 2.0] is examined, where A is the oscillating amplitude, D is the cylinder diameter, fe is the cylinder oscillating frequency, and fs is the Strouhal frequency of fixed cylinder at the same Reynolds number, respectively. The lock-in region is identified by the combination of Fourier analysis and Lissajous phase diagram. The phase difference between displacement and lift fluctuation and the energy transfer between fluid and structure are discussed. Within the lock-in region, a jump in the phase difference is found to occur in the cases with A* = 0.5 and 0.55 without a wake mode transition. The numerical results reveal that the appearance of the phase jump is consistent with the reversal of the energy transfer direction. For the special cases of A* = 0.5 and 0.55, changes in the sign of energy transfer are observed, while no reversal of energy transfer is observed at other amplitudes. The energy transfer direction is either from fluid to cylinder when A* ∈ [0.1, 0.4] or from cylinder to fluid when A* ≥ 0.6. It is confirmed that the energy transfer between fluid and cylinder is not only dependent on cylinder oscillating frequency but also on cylinder oscillating amplitude.
Liquefied natural gas ship-to-ship bunkering chain planning: Case studies of Busan, Singapore, and Rotterdam ports
Authors: Lee Joohee , Ryu Jiheon , Chung Hyun
Published: July 2016

Liquefied natural gas–fuelled ships, beginning with small-sized ships produced in the 2000s to large merchant ships, are expected to show a rapid increase in number. According to Lloyd’s Register, liquefied natural gas shows great promise as fuel for new ships. In line with this trend, it is necessary to establish adequate infrastructure for liquefied natural gas fuelling systems. In the bunkering chain, bunkering shuttles retrieve fuel from the terminals to fuel liquefied natural gas–fuelled ships berthing at the ports. Many researches have dealt with the technical feasibility or the necessity of ship-to-ship bunkering considering the liquefied natural gas bunkering processes, but none has covered them at the same time. This study examines the liquefied natural gas ship-to-ship bunkering chain considering the technically feasible combinations of liquefied natural gas storage and boil off gas treatment system. The suggested method decomposes this large infrastructure problem into two steps, which are pre-processing to estimate port statistics and integer programming model. The model can represent any port as long as the port’s ship statistics and their data are provided. We select three major ports with high liquefied natural gas bunkering potential as case studies to verify the proposed model.
Towards the computation of aircraft engine fan noise generation with high order methods on GPUs
Authors: Koromyslov E , Usanin M , Gomzikov L , Siner A , Lyubimova T
Published: July 2016

The present paper considers the computation of noise generation by aircraft engine fan with the in-house solver for graphic processing units called GHOST CFD. The solver is based on Dispersion Relation Preserving schemes which have high order of approximation and high resolution. An Optimized Low Dispersion and Dissipation Runge-Kutta scheme was utilized for the time integration. Large Eddy Simulation based on Relaxation Filtering was used for the turbulence modeling. The solver implements overset (“CHIMERA”) meshes which were used as rotor–stator interface treatment. The speedup gained from graphic processing units utilization was about 12–20 times compared to modern 8-core CPU, allowing to perform computations in a reasonable time period. The computations with GHOST CFD were performed in full annulus formulation with fan and outlet guide vane blades. The results were compared with the experimental data as well as the results of similar computations in the commercial ANSYS CFX solver some of which also included inlet guide vane blades.
Empirical and philosophical analysis of physicians’ judgments of medical indications
Authors: Björk Joar , Lynöe Niels , Juth Niklas
Published: July 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether physicians who felt strongly for or against a treatment, in this case a moderately life prolonging non-curative cancer treatment, differed in their estimation of medical indication for this treatment as compared to physicians who had no such sentiment. A further aim was to investigate how the notion of medical indication was conceptualised.

Methods

A random sample of GPs, oncologists and pulmonologists (n = 646) comprised the study group. Respondents were randomised to receive either version of a case presentation; in one version, the patient had smoked and in the other version she had never smoked. The physicians were labelled value-neutral (65%) and value-influenced (35%) on the basis of their attitude towards the treatment.

Results

In the ‘value-influenced’ group, there was a significant difference in the estimation of medical indication for treatment depending upon whether the patient had smoked (50% (95% CI: 41–59) or never smoked (67% (95% CI: 58–76) (Chi-2 = 5.8, df = 1; p = 0.016)). There was no such difference in the ‘value-neutral’ group.

Conclusion

This study shows that compared to value-neutral physicians, value-influenced physicians are more likely to base decisions of medical indication on medically irrelevant factors (in this case: the patient’s smoking status). Moreover, medical indication is used in an ambiguous manner. Hence, we recommend that the usage of ‘medical indication’ be disciplined.
Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for Upper Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease With Critical Hand Ischemia
Authors: Tomoi Yusuke , Soga Yoshimitsu , Fujihara Masahiko , Iida Osamu , Shintani Yoshiaki , Zen Kan , Ando Kenji
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for upper extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) with critical hand ischemia (CHI). Methods: A subanalysis was performed of multicenter registry data on 36 consecutive patients (mean age 65.7±10.3 years; 19 men) who underwent EVT from January 2003 to December 2013 for angiographically diagnosed de novo upper limb PAD with CHI in 40 limbs. Fifty percent of patients had diabetes, and two-thirds were on hemodialysis. Technical success of EVT was straight-line flow to the hand and final residual diameter stenosis ≤50% for balloon angioplasty alone and ≤30% without flow-limiting dissection for subclavian artery stenting. The primary outcome was 12-month amputation-free survival [AFS; freedom from a composite of major (above-the-wrist) amputation and death]. The 12-month secondary outcomes were overall survival, limb salvage, freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE; major amputation or any repeat revascularization of the limb), and wound healing (complete epithelialization without death or major amputation). Results: Initial success was achieved in 87% (35 of 40 limbs); 1 patient experienced puncture site problems, and 3 (8%) of 36 patients (4 treated limbs) died within 30 days. Hand symptoms were alleviated in 37 (92%) limbs. The mean follow-up was 26.8±27.8 months. Seven fingers (5 limbs) underwent phalanx amputations and 2 limbs had an amputation above the wrist. Complete wound healing was achieved in only 5 (19%) of 26 surviving patients at 12 months. At 1 year, the Kaplan-Meier estimates for AFS, overall survival, limb salvage, and freedom from MALE were 56.4%, 59.4%, 93.1%, and 78.5%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that the predictors of AFS at 1 year were diabetes (p=0.03), hemodialysis (p<0.001), PAD (p=0.003), and the presence of a wound (p<0.001). During follow-up, 20 (56%) patients died; a cardiovascular cause accounted for 40% of deaths. Conclusion: Endovascular therapy for upper limb PAD with CHI was technically successful and alleviated symptoms in the majority of cases, but the prognosis of patients with CHI was extremely poor in real-world clinical practice.
Optimization of Single Voxel MR Spectroscopy Sequence Parameters and Data Analysis Methods for Thermometry in Deep Hyperthermia Treatments
Authors: Hartmann J. , Gellermann J. , Brandt T. , Schmidt M. , Pyatykh S. , Hesser J. , Ott O. , Fietkau R. , Bert C.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

The difference in the resonance frequency of water and methylene moieties of lipids quantifies in magnetic resonance spectroscopy the absolute temperature using a predefined calibration curve. The purpose of this study was the investigation of peak evaluation methods and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy sequence (point-resolved spectroscopy) parameter optimization that enables thermometry during deep hyperthermia treatments.

Materials and Methods:

Different Lorentz peak-fitting methods and a peak finding method using singular value decomposition of a Hankel matrix were compared. Phantom measurements on organic substances (mayonnaise and pork) were performed inside the hyperthermia 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging system for the parameter optimization study. Parameter settings such as voxel size, echo time, and flip angle were varied and investigated.

Results:

Usually all peak analyzing methods were applicable. Lorentz peak-fitting method in MATLAB proved to be the most stable regardless of the number of fitted peaks, yet the slowest method. The examinations yielded an optimal parameter combination of 8 cm3 voxel volume, 55 millisecond echo time, and a 90° excitation pulse flip angle.

Conclusion:

The Lorentz peak-fitting method in MATLAB was the most reliable peak analyzing method. Measurements in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms resulted in optimized parameters for the magnetic resonance spectroscopy sequence for thermometry.
The Blending of Evidenced-Based Protocols in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Loveless James P. , Whited Matthew C. , Rhodes Ashley C. , Cellucci Tony
Published: July 2016

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is regarded as one of the more difficult clinical presentations to treat, and psychotherapy provides the best outcomes for those suffering with BPD. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and schema-focused therapy (SFT) are two of the most common evidenced-based treatments for borderline pathology. While these treatments are often used individually, some theorists argue that blended approaches to care could provide more benefit to some clients than just one treatment package alone. The present case study illustrates a blended approach to the treatment of BPD. Specifically, DBT and SFT were used in consort to treat “Luisa,” a 34-year-old biracial woman of Caucasian and Hispanic descent who struggled with longstanding interpersonal distress, emotional lability, and identity disturbance. Her treatment course is described in detail, and the implications of this approach to care are discussed.
Numerical study of flow field on molten iron desulfurization with mechanical stirring
Authors: Xiao Linwei , Chen Kuisheng , Dan Binbin , Rong Zhijun , Wang Rui
Published: July 2016

The flow field of molten iron in the desulfurization process utilizing the mechanical stirring method under three different conditions was investigated using numerical simulation. The three conditions were central and eccentric stirring with the standard impeller and central stirring with the worn impeller, respectively. Three 1/20-scale numerical models were established and four inspection regions were set up on them. In all, 600 sets of instantaneous velocity fields for each model were exported and proper orthogonal decomposition technique was applied to deal with the data. The macroscopic flow field in the normal model operating under standard conditions was analyzed, which found that the mean flow has a relatively large fluctuation in flow field despite having a high proportion in total kinetic energy. A steady close relationship was revealed between the first two modes by studying the correlation of their coefficients. The first four modes were comparatively analyzed, which reflected that the change in the mean flow in the ladle using a worn impeller is slow and eccentric stirring is beneficial to desulfurization due to the asymmetry of the flow field on two sides.
A novel multi-soliton solution of breaking equation based on Weierstrass p function
Authors: Wang Shao Fu , Xu Da-Zhuan
Published: July 2016

The mapping and projective method is extended to investigate a nonlinear (2 + 1)-dimensional coupled breaking system by introducing expansion and nonlinear transformation, and some exact propagating solutions with variable separation are constructed for the system. The propagating solitons are first observed by setting properly the arbitrary functions in the solutions. The different forms of multi-soliton evolution with Weierstrass p function could be achieved.
Instrument for investigating the rail of a ballastless track under longitudinal temperature force
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Chong , Wang Dazhi , Liang Junsheng , Ren Tongqun
Published: July 2016

A longitudinal force loading instrument for rails was developed to simulate the longitudinal temperature force of the rail of a ballastless track under different rail temperatures. The instrument comprised the rail, an end-fixing device, a temperature force application device, and concrete foundation. This instrument could simulate the longitudinal stress distribution of the rail under different rail temperature changes and analyze the correlation between the natural frequencies of the rail and the longitudinal stress generated by temperature variation. The result of the longitudinal stress distribution exhibits good agreement with the simulation results. In addition, the result of the dynamic characteristics of the rail demonstrates good agreement with the former conclusions. This experimental instrument can be potentially developed into a powerful tool for researching the rail features of a ballastless track under different temperature forces.
Dynamic modeling of dual-arm cooperating manipulators based on Udwadia–Kalaba equation
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Rong
Published: July 2016

Dual-arm cooperating manipulators subject to a certain constraint brought about by the desired trajectory and geometric constraint show high nonlinearity and coupling in their dynamic characteristic. Therefore, it is hard to build dynamical equation with traditional Lagrange equation. The Udwadia–Kalaba equation presents a new idea of dynamic modeling of multi-body systems. However, the dynamic modeling of the unconstrained systems still depends on the traditional Lagrange equation and is quite tedious for dual-arm cooperating manipulators. A generalized dynamical equation of multi-link planar manipulators is thus presented and proven to make modeling conveniently. The constraint relationship is established from a new perspective, and the dynamical equation of dual-arm cooperating manipulator subject to the desired trajectory is acquired with the Udwadia–Kalaba equation. The simple approach overcomes the disadvantage of obtaining dynamical equation from traditional Lagrange equation by Lagrange multiplier. The simulation results of varying law of the joint angles and the motion path of the bar prove that the dynamical equation established by this method conforms to reality.
On multistage approach for flexible routing in flexible manufacturing systems
Authors: Qudeiri Jaber E Abu , Umer Usama , Abidi Mustufa H , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman M , Abu Khadra Fayiz
Published: July 2016

Optimizing flexible routing in flexible manufacturing systems is one of the aspects that increase the efficiency of flexible manufacturing systems especially in dynamic environment systems. This article presents a multistage approach to solve flexible routing problem in flexible manufacturing systems. Multistage approach includes three stages; the first stage is a production simulation system to find the fitness of the flexible manufacturing systems corresponding to different products’ routes’ groups. The second stage proposes an artificial neural network approach to predict the products’ routes’ group in flexible manufacturing systems. The last stage combines genetic algorithms and artificial neural network to optimize proper routes for all product types in flexible manufacturing systems. Multistage approach proposed in this study aims to reduce the computational time required to obtain and optimize the flexible routes in flexible manufacturing systems. The results of this study show that the artificial neural network can be used efficiently to predict the flexible routes in flexible manufacturing systems and it reduces the computational time for routes’ optimization required with production simulation system. This characteristic improves the flexibility of flexible manufacturing systems since it can be adapted frequently against any change in production ratios.
Finite element analysis of chip breaker geometry in turning process
Authors: Chen Dyi-Cheng , You Ci-Syong , Kao Shih-Hung
Published: July 2016

This article applied the rigid-plastic finite element software, DEFORMTM-3D, to investigate the cutting plastic deformation behavior of 6061 aluminum alloy. The main design contained a variety of different geometric types of chip breakers for turning tools. There were three kinds of geometries for chip breakers in our design: the first one is an ordinary cutting tools provided without chip breaker, the second one is a squared concave contour, and the last one is an elliptical concave contour. For the purposes of analyzing the equivalent stress, strain, temperature, and wear of cutting tools after machining, a series of simulations were performed according to the three different geometric chip breaker designs that operated under the same turning conditions. The results of simulation analysis could assist the engineers to confirm the applicability of finite element method for cutting 6061 aluminum alloy. The article found that the squared-type chip breaker generated the maximum wear at the chip breaker area, and the elliptic chip breaker induced homogeneous wear at the tip area.
The effect of initial pressure on detonation propagation across a mixture
Authors: Hsu Yao-Chung , Chao Yei-Chin , Chung Kung-Ming
Published: July 2016

This study determines the effect of the initial pressure on the propagation of a Chapman–Jouguet detonation wave from a stoichiometric C3H8/O2 mixture (donor) to a stoichiometric C3H8/air mixture (acceptor). Depending on the initial pressure ratio in the donor and the acceptor, the result can be a smooth transmission, a re-initiated detonation wave, or a transmitted shock wave. When the donor is divided into a driver donor and a driven donor, the degree of overdrive in a driven donor varies with the donor pressure ratio. There must be a greater degree of overdrive in the driven donor for re-initiation of a detonation wave in the acceptor, particularly if the initial pressure in the driven donor is lower than the Chapman–Jouguet pressure in the acceptor. The bi-dimensional effect is also another major factor.
Law, Politics, the Age of Responsibility, and the Problem of Child Soldiers
Authors: Stauffer Jill
Published: July 2016

This article considers debates about criminal responsibility for child soldiers as a lens through which we can view intersections between legal and political theory, legal and political practice, and interdisciplinary study of law. The case of Dominic Ongwen, victim and perpetrator of the same crimes, currently before the International Criminal Court, elucidates some challenges to the contemporary model of legal response to complex protracted conflict. The argument discusses how legal standards, political realities, theories of responsibility, and widespread assumptions about time and aging interact in this field of judgment, and aims to point the reader toward broader possibilities for retribution and recovery.
Total arthroplasty of basal thumb joint with Elektra prothesis: an in vitro analysis
Authors: Completo A. , Nascimento A. , Neto F.
Published: July 2016

The reported outcomes of the Elektra thumb carpo-metacarpal joint implant have been very variable. This study evaluates the influence of daily cyclic loads and the type of the screw-fit cup insertion technique in the trapezium, with and without prior threading, on the structural bone behaviour. The study was performed experimentally to predict initial implant stability and cortical bone strains. Computational models were developed to assess the structural cancellous bone behaviour. The use of Elektra implant considerably changed the bone strain behaviour compared with the intact joint. This may be associated with risks of cancellous bone fatigue failure due to overload, particularly in the trapezium. The joint load magnitude has a more important structural role than that of the screw-fit cup insertion technique. Limiting the magnitude of thumb loads after arthroplasty may contribute positively to the longevity of this procedure.

Level of evidence: V
Childhood depression
Authors: Mills Sarah Elizabeth Ellen , Baker Luke Daniel
Published: July 2016

Depression is one of the most-common psychiatric diagnoses among children and adolescents. Depression in children presents in many ways and can include decreased self-esteem, reduced capacity for fun, irritable and low mood, social withdrawal, impaired relationship building and worsening school performance. If undiagnosed and untreated, it confers an increased risk of substance misuse and self-harm. An accurate diagnosis of a child suspected of having depression requires input from multiple sources, and relies on a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Throughout the assessment and treatment process it is vital to remain vigilant for any child safeguarding issues. This article aims to describe the primary care assessment, diagnosis and management of this condition.
The effects of household income distribution on stroke prevalence and its risk factors of high blood pressure and smoking: a cross-sectional study in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Bird Yelena , Lemstra Mark , Rogers Marla
Published: July 2016

Background:

Stroke is a major chronic disease and a common cause of adult disability and mortality. Although there are many known risk factors for stroke, lower income is not one that is often discussed.

Aims:

To determine the unadjusted and adjusted association of income distribution on the prevalence of stroke in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Methods:

Information was collected from the Canadian Community Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada for 2000–2008. In total, 178 variables were analysed for their association with stroke.

Results:

Prior to statistical adjustment, stroke was seven times more common for lower income residents than higher income residents. After statistical adjustment, only four covariates were independently associated with stroke prevalence, including having high blood pressure (odds ratio (OR) = 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.12–3.24), having a household income below CAD$30,000 per year (OR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.88–3.29), being a daily smoker (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.16–1.58) and being physically inactive (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.13–1.43). After statistical adjustment, there were five covariates independently associated with high blood pressure prevalence, including having a household income below CAD$30,000 per year (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.41–1.63). After statistical adjustment, there were five covariates independently associated with daily smoking prevalence, including having a household income below CAD$30,000 per year (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.25–1.33).

Conclusions:

Knowledge of disparities in the prevalence, severity, disability and mortality of stroke is critically important to medical and public health professionals. Our study found that income distribution was strongly associated with stroke, its main disease intermediary – high blood pressure – and its main risk factor – smoking. As such, income is an important variable worthy of public debate as a modifiable risk factor for stroke.
Opportunity Structures for Selective Exposure
Authors: Skovsgaard Morten , Shehata Adam , Strömbäck Jesper
Published: July 2016

The transition from low-choice to high-choice media environments has raised new concerns about selective exposure. In this context, two types of selective media exposure are relevant. One is selectivity based on political ideological preferences, the other selectivity based on political interest. Evidence for both has been found primarily in an American context, while there is less research on European countries. This is problematic, as the opportunity structures for different forms of selectivity vary across media environments. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to investigate the two types of selective exposure in a country—Sweden—where the opportunity structures for selective exposure differ from the American context. This study investigates both types of selective exposure in relation to televised party-leader interviews. Based on panel survey data, the findings show that selective exposure based on political interest is substantially more important than selective exposure based on ideological preferences in explaining exposure to party-leader interviews. To substantiate this finding, the results are replicated with partisan learning as the dependent variable.
Current developments in molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Marum Justine Ellen , Branford Susan
Published: July 2016

Molecular monitoring plays an essential role in the clinical management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, and now guides clinical decision making. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (qRT-PCR) assessment of BCR-ABL1 transcript levels has become the standard of care protocol in CML. However, further developments are required to assess leukemic burden more efficiently, monitor minimal residual disease (MRD), detect mutations that drive resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and identify predictors of response to TKI therapy. Cartridge-based BCR-ABL1 quantitation, digital PCR and next generation sequencing are examples of technologies which are currently being explored, evaluated and translated into the clinic. Here we review the emerging molecular methods/technologies currently being developed to advance molecular monitoring in CML.
The relationship of management modality in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes to components of metabolic syndrome, γ glutamyl transferase and highly sensitive C-reactive protein
Authors: Bahijri Suhad M. , Ahmed Maimoona , Al-Shali Khalid , Bokhari Samia , Alhozali Amani , Borai Anwar , Gusti Amani , Ajabnoor Ghada , Alghamdi Ahmed , Asiri Mohammed , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: July 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among management modality, glycemic control, components of metabolic syndrome (MS) and serum levels of γ glutamyl transferase (GGT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods:

Patients with T2DM, not suffering from diabetes complications, were recruited from outpatients clinics at two hospitals in Jeddah. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure (BP) were taken. A treatment plan was recorded. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids profile, highly sensitive (hs)-CRP and GGT.

Results:

A total of 71 men and 82 women were recruited. Lower mean HbA1c was found in people receiving oral glucose-lowering drugs compared with those on insulin therapy ( p < 0.001). Management modality had no effect on mean GGT or hs-CRP. Higher mean GGT was associated with poor glycemic control, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. GGT correlated significantly ( p < 0.05) and directly with triglycerides in men ( r = 0.401) and diastolic BP ( r = 0.279 for men, r = 0.194, for women), but inversely with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ( r = −0.298 for men, r = −0.171 for women). hs-CRP correlated with waist circumference ( p < 0.05, r = 0.312, for men, r = 0.305, for women), with a higher mean being found in men with poor glycemic control ( p = 0.015), in hypertensive women ( p = 0.030), and in patients who were abdominally obese ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

High levels of GGT and hs-CRP are associated with components of MS and poor glycemic control, hence increased cardiovascular risk. Due to their value as independent risk predictors of vascular injury, these measures should be included in routine monitoring of patients with T2DM.