bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Analysis and Dimensional Synthesis of a Meso-Gripper
Authors: Bai Guochao , Kong Xianwen , Ritchie James Millar 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
In recent years, applications in industrial assemblies within a size range from 0.5 mm to 100 mm are increasing due to the large demands for new products, especially those associated with digital multimedia. Research on grippers or robotic hands within the mesoscopic scale of this range has not been explored in any great detail. This paper outlines the development of a gripper to bridge the gap between microgrippers and macrogrippers by extending the gripping range to the mesoscopic scale, particularly without the need to switch grippers during industrial assembly. The mesoscopic scale gripper (meso-gripper) researched in this work has two modes of operation: passive adjusting mode and angled gripping mode, adapting its configuration to the shape of object automatically. This form of gripping and the associated mechanism are both novel in their implementation and operation. First, the concept of mesoscopic scale in robotic gripping is presented and contextualized around the background of inefficient hand switching processes and applications for assembly. The passive adjusting and angled gripping modes are then analyzed and a dual functional mechanism design proposed. A geometric constraint method is then demonstrated which facilitates task-based dimensional synthesis after which the kinematics of synthesized mechanism is investigated. The modified synthesized mechanism gripper is then investigated according to stiffness and layout. Finally, a 3D printed prototype is successfully tested, and the two integrated gripping modes for universal gripping verified.
Genetic Variants in Epigenetic Pathways and Risks of Multiple Cancers in the GAME-ON Consortium
Authors: Toth Reka , Scherer Dominique , Kelemen Linda E. , Risch Angela , Hazra Aditi , Balavarca Yesilda , Issa Jean-Pierre J. , Moreno Victor , Eeles Rosalind A. , Ogino Shuji , Wu Xifeng , Ye Yuanqing , Hung Rayjean J. , Goode Ellen L. , Ulrich Cornelia M. ,   on behalf of the OCAC,   CORECT,   TRICL,   ELLIPSE,   DRIVE,   and GAME-ON consortia
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background: Epigenetic disturbances are crucial in cancer initiation, potentially with pleiotropic effects, and may be influenced by the genetic background.
Methods: In a subsets (ASSET) meta-analytic approach, we investigated associations of genetic variants related to epigenetic mechanisms with risks of breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian and prostate carcinomas using 51,724 cases and 52,001 controls. False discovery rate–corrected P values (q values &lt; 0.05) were considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 162,887 imputed or genotyped variants in 555 candidate genes, SNPs in eight genes were associated with risk of more than one cancer type. For example, variants in BABAM1 were confirmed as a susceptibility locus for squamous cell lung, overall breast, estrogen receptor (ER)–negative breast, and overall prostate, and overall serous ovarian cancer; the most significant variant was rs4808076 [OR = 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.19; q = 6.87 × 10−5]. DPF1 rs12611084 was inversely associated with ER-negative breast, endometrioid ovarian, and overall and aggressive prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.91–0.96; q = 0.005). Variants in L3MBTL3 were associated with colorectal, overall breast, ER-negative breast, clear cell ovarian, and overall and aggressive prostate cancer risk (e.g., rs9388766: OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.03–1.08; q = 0.02). Variants in TET2 were significantly associated with overall breast, overall prostate, overall ovarian, and endometrioid ovarian cancer risk, with rs62331150 showing bidirectional effects. Analyses of subpathways did not reveal gene subsets that contributed disproportionately to susceptibility.
Conclusions: Functional and correlative studies are now needed to elucidate the potential links between germline genotype, epigenetic function, and cancer etiology.
Impact: This approach provides novel insight into possible pleiotropic effects of genes involved in epigenetic processes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 816–25. ©2017 AACR.
Incidence of Bleeding‐Related Complications During Primary Implantation and Replacement of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Nichols Christine I. , Vose Joshua G. 
Published: January 2017

Background

Use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (
CIED
s) is increasing. The incidence of bleeding‐related complications during
CIED
procedures and the association with subsequent infection risk have been studied in trial settings but not in nonrandomized “real‐world” populations.

Methods and Results

This retrospective database analysis of US insurance claims from the Truven MarketScan database (2009‐2013) evaluated the incidence of bleeding complications during, or in the 30 days following, a
CIED
procedure and the association between bleeding and subsequent infection in days 31 to 365 of follow‐up. This study identified 42 606 patients who had a primary or replacement
CIED
procedure and met all inclusion criteria. Incidence of bleeding ranged from 0.58% to 2.81% by type of pharmaceutical therapy. Incidence of infection during days 31 to 365 of follow‐up was significantly higher among patients with a bleeding complication in the first 30 days versus those without (6.56% vs 1.24%,
P
<0.001), with results upheld in multivariate analysis (
HR
=2.97, 95%
CI
1.94‐4.54,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions
This study provides a lower bound of the real‐world incidence of bleeding complications following a CIED procedure within the coding limitations of an insurance claims database. Results confirm the association between bleeding in the pocket and risk of subsequent infection. Further research is needed to precisely identify the costs associated with bleeding in the pocket.
SHARPpy: An Open-Source Sounding Analysis Toolkit for the Atmospheric Sciences
Authors: Blumberg William G. , Halbert Kelton T. , Supinie Timothy A. , Marsh Patrick T. , Thompson Richard L. , Hart John A. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
With a variety of programming languages and data formats available, widespread adoption of computing standards by the atmospheric science community is often difficult to achieve. The Sounding and Hodograph Analysis and Research Program in Python (SHARPpy) is an open-source, cross-platform, upper-air sounding analysis and visualization package. SHARPpy is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Storm Prediction Center’s (NOAA/SPC) in-house analysis package, SHARP, and is the result of a collaborative effort between forecasters at the SPC and students at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology. The major aim of SHARPpy is to provide a consistent framework for sounding analysis that is available to all. Nearly all routines are written to be as consistent as possible with the methods researched, tested, and developed in the SPC, which sets this package apart from other sounding analysis tools.
SHARPpy was initially demonstrated and released to the atmospheric community at the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Meeting in 2012, and an updated and greatly expanded version was released at the AMS Annual Meeting in 2015. Since this release, SHARPpy has been adopted by a variety of operational and research meteorologists across the world. In addition, SHARPpy’s open-source nature enables collaborations between other developers, resulting in major additions to the program.
The Unusual Early Morning Tornado in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, on 25 May 2015
Authors: Barrett Bradford S. , Farfán Luis M. , Raga Graciela B. , Hernández Daribel H. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This study analyzes the synoptic- and mesoscale conditions present during initiation and intensification of the supercell thunderstorm that produced a tornado in Ciudad Acuña, a community located in the state of Coahuila, Mexico, 10 km southwest of the U.S. border. Early morning convective activity, first detected by radar at 0628 UTC 25 May 2015, developed into an intense and well-defined supercell thunderstorm that produced a tornado between approximately 1045 and 1130 UTC. Hourly analyses from the Rapid Refresh model indicated an upslope component to surface flow in the region of convection initiation over the Serranías del Burro (SdB). Along the storm’s trajectory, dewpoint temperatures increased from 15° to 22°C, convective available potential energy increased from 1500 to near 4000 J kg−1, and convective inhibition changed from −150 J kg−1 at the time of convection initiation to near zero in Ciudad Acuña. Simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model confirmed the sensitivity of both convection initiation and storm intensification to the topography of the SdB. In the control simulation and two simulations in which topography was reduced in elevation, a cluster of storms formed and intensified over the central mountains. However, when topography was further reduced and the SdB region became a large flat plain, little convective activity was seen, forming only along the dryline without intensifying or propagating to the east as was observed.
Determination of Orientation and Practice Requirements When Using an Obstacle Course for Mobility Performance Assessment
Authors: Karakolis Thomas , Sinclair Brittany A. , Kelly Alison , Terhaar Phil , Bossi Linda L. M. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Determine effect of orientation (introduction and familiarization) and practice (repeated performance) on human performance under various load conditions as assessed by an obstacle course. Background: Obstacle courses are commonly used as screening tools by military, police, and firefighters or to assess human capabilities and the effect of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other occupationally necessary equipment on mobility task performance. Unfortunately, little is formally documented about the effect of orientation and practice on performance outcomes of obstacle or mobility courses being used. Method: Forty-eight participants were recruited from the Canadian Army Infantry and Combat Engineer population. Participants either received regular or extensive orientation of the course before completing it. Following orientation, participants completed the course five consecutive times while wearing their PPE with full fighting order (FFO) and five consecutive times while wearing no PPE and non-FFO across a five-day period (maximum two runs per day), with ensemble presentation order counterbalanced. Total course completion time and individual obstacle completion times were measured for each run of the course. Results: While wearing FFO, participants continued to decrease the time required for completing the course; however, while wearing non-FFO, time to course completion did not significantly change over the five runs. There were no differences in course completion times for the regular and extensive course orientation groups. Conclusions: Considerations required to mitigate orientation and practicing effects can differ depending on type or complexity of load condition. While wearing FFO, practicing effects can introduce undesired confounding factors into data collection. Application: Any practice runs on an obstacle course prior to its use as an assessment tool should focus on the loaded (e.g., FFO) condition because improvement on loaded runs is likely transferred to unloaded, but this does not apply in the reverse.
Beyond psychopathology: A case–control psychological autopsy study of young adult males
Authors: Ross Victoria , Kõlves Kairi , De Leo Diego 
Published: January 2017

Background: As young Australian males are at a high risk of suicide, the identification of risk factors other than psychopathology is vital for the development of comprehensive suicide prevention measures. Aims: The study investigated whether there were differences in risk factors and pathways to suicide in young adult males from Queensland, Australia, with and without a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Methods: A case–control, psychological autopsy method was applied using a control group of young males who had died suddenly from causes other than suicide. Results: Suicide cases without a psychiatric diagnosis more frequently displayed behaviours indicative of their suicidality (such as previous attempts, disposing of possessions and making statements of hopelessness) than controls without a diagnosis. Suicides without a diagnosis also displayed more ‘difficult’ personality traits, such as higher levels of neuroticism and aggression. They also experienced poorer quality of life and were significantly more likely than their controls to have experienced a recent separation from a spouse or partner. Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the existence of several distinct characteristics of young males who die by suicide in the absence of any diagnosable psychiatric disorder.
Significantly Reduced Catalyst Consumption in Rigid Foams
Authors: Moore S. E. , Williams S. J. 
Published: January 2017

The use of Mannich base initiated polyether polyols for the production of rigid polyurethane foams has been employed for many years. The use of this class of polyols has primarily been directed toward sprayed polyurethane foam applications. The inherent properties of these polyols include aromatic character, increased compatibility and inherent catalytic capabilities. The use of this family of polyols has not widely spread to other rigid foam applications. During the transition to HCFC-141b as the primary blowing agent for rigid polyurethane foams, increased catalyst levels were required. This introduced additional cost and handling concerns. This paper presents 20 rigid foam formulations which show how the use of a variety of Mannich polyols can reduce catalyst consumption by more than 40% while maintaining compressive strength, flowability and maintaining or improving the insulation properties of the foam (K-factor) and dimensional stability.
Sublingual glyceryl trinitrate during colonoscopy and terminal ileal intubation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hill Patsy-Anne , Panteleimonitis Sofoklis , McKay Graham , Watson Carol , Prach Andre , Macdonald Angus 
Published: January 2017

Background and aims Sublingual glyceryl trinitrate has been used as an aid to cannulate the Sphincter of Oddi during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Its role in terminal ileal intubation during colonoscopy is unknown. This study examines the role of sublingual glyceryl trinitrate in terminal ileal intubation during colonoscopy. Methods A triple-blind randomized controlled trial comparing sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (800 µg) vs. placebo (saline) in relation to terminal ileal intubation during colonoscopy was performed. Following caecal intubation, participants received sublingual glyceryl trinitrate/placebo followed by a 2-min observation period before intubation was attempted. Data on time to intubate the terminal ileum and intubation rate were collected. Results A total of 110 patients (age: 58 years (18–75)) were recruited and randomised as per protocol: 54 received sublingual glyceryl trinitrate. Terminal ileal intubation was successful in all patients receiving sublingual glyceryl trinitrate and in 53 (94.6%) of those receiving saline ( p = 0.243: Fischer’s exact). The median time taken for ileal intubation after application of spray was 72.5 (7–900) s in the glyceryl trinitrate group compared with 125 (5–900) s in the placebo group ( p = 0.150: Mann–Whitney). There were no major adverse events reported in either group. Conclusions Terminal ileal intubation rates and timing were very good in both groups. Routine sublingual glyceryl trinitrate was not proven to be beneficial in improving terminal ileal intubation or intubation success rates in the hands of experienced colonoscopists. However, trends in this small study might suggest that glyceryl trinitrate could be useful in the hands of less experienced colonoscopists or in difficult terminal ileal intubation cases.
Innovative Strategic Management: The Case of Mumbai Suburban Railway System
Authors: Sehgal P C , Surayya Teki 
Published: January 2017

Business organizations today have to survive and grow in a turbulent and volatile business environment. Continuous metamorphosis in technology, competition, inconsistent government policies, group dynamics of employees and militant unions, rational customers and their forums have been constantly reminding them to be more vigilant. Generation and rendering of services is often more vulnerable as services are perishable and dynamic. The strategic management of any service sector must be innovative and sustainable. Efficient urban transport systems are critical elements of the sustainable development of urban areas. This paper presents the innovative strategic management system of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) in addressing the Mumbai suburban public transport problems. An incredible 88 per cent of all travel in Mumbai is by bus and rail; this illustrates the popularity and necessity of having an effective and efficient public transport system, particularly the railways. The paper outlines a case study of US $2.5 billion expansion and improvement of the Suburban Railway Network, as a part of the multi-modal Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP). Increase in suburban trains in Mumbai has not kept pace with the passenger demand and therefore loading in the existing suburban trains have increased and the travelling conditions in the trains have become unbearable. The paper gives an insight into the process of building social and political consensus while taking into consideration the aspirations of people for conducive and comfortable commutation. The diverse but integrated objectives that were achieved holistically, is indeed through innovative strategic management that led MRVC to attain customer satisfaction, energy conservations, socioeconomic benefits, environmental upgradation through afforestation, rain water harvesting, and noise reduction. MRVC is doing rain water harvesting, mangrove plantation, tree plantation and transplantation to compensate for cutting of tress at project sites. A glaring example of an infrastructure project that aptly envisaged ecological balance and environmental and social upgradation of slum dwellers. Innovative improvement in commuters' amenities including ventilation system, GPS-based passenger information system, pneumatic suspension for comfortable riding, etc., have enhanced customer satisfaction that is required for a long-term business growth.
Inversion of neurovascular coupling after subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo
Authors: Balbi Matilde , Koide Masayo , Wellman George C , Plesnila Nikolaus 
Published: January 2017

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induces acute changes in the cerebral microcirculation. Recent findings ex vivo suggest neurovascular coupling (NVC), the process that increases cerebral blood flow upon neuronal activity, is also impaired after SAH. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether this occurs also in vivo. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to either sham surgery or SAH by filament perforation. Twenty-four hours later NVC was tested by forepaw stimulation and CO2 reactivity by inhalation of 10% CO2. Vessel diameter was assessed in vivo by two-photon microscopy. NVC was also investigated ex vivo using brain slices. Cerebral arterioles of sham-operated mice dilated to 130% of baseline upon CO2 inhalation or forepaw stimulation and cerebral blood flow (CBF) increased. Following SAH, however, CO2 reactivity was completely lost and the majority of cerebral arterioles showed paradoxical constriction in vivo and ex vivo resulting in a reduced CBF response. As previous results showed intact NVC 3 h after SAH, the current findings indicate that impairment of NVC after cerebral hemorrhage occurs secondarily and is progressive. Since neuronal activity-induced vasoconstriction (inverse NVC) is likely to further aggravate SAH-induced cerebral ischemia and subsequent brain damage, inverse NVC may represent a novel therapeutic target after SAH.
Adrenomedullin Is Associated With Surgical Trauma and Impaired Renal Function in Vascular Surgery Patients
Authors: Gillmann Hans-Jörg , Meinders Antje , Larmann Jan , Sahlmann Bianca , Schrimpf Claudia , Aper Thomas , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Teebken Omke E. , Theilmeier Gregor 
Published: January 2017

Background: Patients undergoing vascular surgery are prone to perioperative organ injury because of both higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the extent of surgery. Early detection of organ failure is essential to facilitate appropriate medical care. Midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) has been investigated in acute medical care settings to guide clinical decision-making regarding patient pathways and to identify patients prone to imminent cardiovascular or inflammatory complications. In this study, we evaluated the impact of perioperative MR-proADM levels as an early marker of perioperative cardiovascular and inflammatory stress reactions and kidney injury. Methods: The study was conducted as a monocentric, prospective, noninterventional trial at Hannover Medical School, Germany. A total of 454 consecutive patients who underwent open vascular surgery were followed from the day prior to until 30 days after surgery. The composite primary end point was defined as the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), acute kidney injury (AKI), or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Measurements were correlated with both medical history and postoperative MACE, AKI, or SIRS using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results: One hundred thirty-nine (31%) of the patients reached the primary end point within the study interval. Midregional pro-adrenomedullin change was associated with the combined primary end point and with the intensity of surgical trauma. Midregional pro-adrenomedullin change was increased in patients reaching the secondary end points, SIRS (optimal cutoff: 0.2 nmol/L) and AKI (optimal cutoff: 0.7 nmol/L), but not in patients with MACEs. Conclusion: Increased levels of MR-proADM within the perioperative setting (1) were linked to the invasiveness of surgery and (2) identified patients with ongoing loss of renal function. Increased MR-proADM levels may therefore identify a subgroup of patients prone to excessive cardiovascular stress but did not directly correlate with adverse cardiac events. Consistently low levels of MR-proADM may identify a subgroup of patients with acceptable low risk to guide discharge from high-density care units.
Labouring under neoliberalism: The Australian Labor government’s ideological constraint, 2007–2013
Authors: Battin Tim 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhen viewed against its ostensibly successful management of the global economic crisis between 2008 and 2013, growing electoral disenchantment with the Australian Labor Party government during that time defied standard explanations and calls for further analysis. A major reason for the party’s electoral loss in 2013 was arguably popular disappointment with its eschewal of social democratic principles. Notwithstanding some progressive measures initiated between 2008 and 2013, successive Australian Labor Party governments were constrained by neoliberal strictures, even when they chose to implement progressive policies. Whatever other reasons exist for its decline in popularity between 2007 and 2013, the Australian Labor Party’s unwillingness or inability to mark out a clear alternative to neoliberalism was fundamental. In making this case, this article uses the conceptual framework of ‘depoliticisation’, defined as the displacement of policy decisions from the sphere of democratic accountability and public debate, making them matters for regulation by technocratic experts operating according to supposed edicts of the market.