bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Early, High‐Dose Parenteral Amino Acid Intake in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Balakrishnan Maya , Jennings Alishia , Przystac Lynn , Phornphutkul Chanika , Tucker Richard , Vohr Betty , Stephens Bonnie E. , Bliss Joseph M.
Published: March 2017

Background: Administration of high‐dose parenteral amino acids (AAs) to premature infants within hours of delivery is currently recommended. This study compared the effect of lower and higher AA administration starting close to birth on short‐term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–24 months corrected gestational age (CGA). Methods: Infants <1250 g birth weight (n = 168) were randomly assigned in a blinded fashion to receive parenteral nutrition providing 1–2 g/kg/d AA and advancing daily by 0.5 g/kg/d to a goal of 4 g/kg/d (standard AA) or 3–4 g/kg/d and advancing to 4 g/kg/d by day 1. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental outcomes measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 18–24 months CGA. Secondary outcomes were growth parameters at 36 weeks CGA among infants surviving to hospital discharge, serum bicarbonate, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, AA profiles in the first week of life, and incidence of major morbidities and mortality. Results: No differences in neurodevelopmental outcome were detected between the high and low AA groups. Infants in the high AA group had significantly lower mean weight, length, and head circumference percentiles than those in the standard AA group at 36 weeks CGA and at hospital discharge. These differences did not persist after controlling for birth growth parameters, except for head circumference. Infants in the high AA group had higher mean serum urea nitrogen than the standard group on each day throughout the first week. Conclusion: Current recommendations for high‐dose AA starting at birth are not associated with improved growth or neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Pilot validation of an individualised pharmacokinetic algorithm for protamine dosing after systemic heparinisation for cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Miles Lachlan F. , Marchiori Paolo , Falter Florian
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

This manuscript represents a pilot study assessing the feasibility of a single-compartment, individualised, pharmacokinetic algorithm for protamine dosing after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods:

A pilot cohort study in a specialist NHS cardiothoracic hospital targeting patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients received protamine doses according to a pharmacokinetic algorithm (n = 30) or using an empirical, fixed-dose model (n = 30). Categorical differences between the groups were evaluated using the Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. Continuous data was analysed using a paired Student’s t-test for parametric data and the paired samples Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data.

Results:

Patients who had protamine dosing according to the algorithm demonstrated a lower protamine requirement post-bypass relative to empirical management as measured by absolute dose (243 ± 49mg vs. 305 ± 34.7mg; p<0.001) and the heparin to protamine ratio (0.79 ± 0.12 vs. 1.1 ± 0.15; p<0.001). There was no difference in the pre- to post-bypass activated clotting time (ACT) ratio (1.05 ± 0.12 vs. 1.02 ± 0.15; p=0.9). Patients who received protamine according to the algorithm had no significant difference in transfusion requirement (13.3% vs. 30.0%; p=0.21).

Conclusions:

This study showed that an individualized pharmacokinetic algorithm for the reversal of heparin after cardiopulmonary bypass is feasible in comparison with a fixed dosing strategy and may reduce the protamine requirement following on-pump cardiac surgery.
Analyzing differences between teachers when learning object affordances via guided exploration
Authors: Chu Vivian , Thomaz Andrea L.
Published: March 2017

Our work focuses on robots deployed in human environments. These robots, which will need specialized object manipulation skills, should leverage end-users to efficiently learn the affordances of objects in their environment. This approach is promising because prior work has shown that people naturally focus on showing salient aspects of objects when providing demonstrations. In our work, we use a guided exploration approach that combines self- and supervised learning. We present experimental results for a robot learning three affordances on four objects using 1219 interactions. We compare three conditions: (1) learning through self-exploration, (2) learning from supervised examples provided by 10 naïve users, and (3) a combined approach of self-exploration biased by user input. Previous analysis of this data focused on aggregate performance of these different strategies across all teachers, and showed that a combined approach is the most efficient and successful. In this article, we provide additional details on these specific strategies, as well as an analysis of the variance seen across teachers in this experiment. We provide a characterization of failure cases and insights for future work in learning from naïve end-users.
Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents: Is Routine Nutrient Supplementation Sufficient to Avoid Anemia Following Bariatric Surgery?
Authors: Goldberg Hanna R. , Chin Vivian L. , Zitsman Jeffrey L. , Zhang Chengchen , Williams Kristen M. , Oberfield Sharon , Fennoy Ilene
Published: March 2017

Background: Anemia following bariatric surgery is a known complication. To prevent nutrient deficiencies, adolescents require multivitamin/mineral supplementation following bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate if routine multivitamin/mineral supplementation is sufficient to prevent anemia in adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery, particularly sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a procedure that may induce nutrient malabsorption. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent SG (34 patients) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) (141 patients) (January 2006 through December 2013). We examined anemia marker levels (iron, ferritin, folate, B12, hemoglobin, and hematocrit) at first visit and 3, 6, and 12 months postsurgery by repeated‐measures analysis adjusting for weight loss. Results: Following SG, folate levels decreased 3 and 6 months postsurgery but returned to baseline levels at 12 months. Furthermore, the SG group demonstrated lower folate levels compared with LAGB at 3 and 6 months. B12 levels decreased 6 months post‐SG but returned to baseline at 12 months. Following LAGB, B12 levels decreased 12 months postsurgery compared with baseline. Ferritin levels decreased 3 months post‐LAGB but returned to baseline levels at 6 months. There were no changes within groups or differences between groups in iron, hemoglobin, or hematocrit. Conclusions: While anemia did not occur in any patients while on recommended routine supplementation, folate levels were significantly reduced following SG and were lower in SG compared with LAGB patients. Additional folate supplementation seemed to improve folate levels, which highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance by primary care providers and the need for additional folate supplementation following SG.
Variation in Protein Origin and Utilization: Research and Clinical Application
Authors: Paddon‐Jones Douglas , Coss‐Bu Jorge A. , Morris Claudia R. , Phillips Stuart M. , Wernerman Jan
Published: March 2017

Muscle health can be rapidly compromised in clinical environments. Modifiable strategies to preserve metabolic homeostasis in adult patient populations include physical activity and pharmacologic support; however, optimizing dietary practices, or more specifically protein intake, is a necessary prerequisite for any other treatment strategy to be fully effective. Simply increasing protein intake is a well‐intentioned but often unfocused strategy to protect muscle health in an intensive care setting. Protein quality is a frequently overlooked factor with the potential to differentially influence health outcomes. Quality can be assessed by a variety of techniques, with digestible indispensable amino acid score being the current and most comprehensive technique endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. In practical terms, animal‐based proteins are consistently scored higher in quality compared with incomplete proteins, regardless of the assessment method. Consequently, choosing parenteral and/or enteral feeding options that contain high‐quality proteins, rich in the branched‐chain amino acid leucine, may help establish a dietary framework with the potential to support clinical practice and improve health outcomes in critically ill patients.
Retrospective Evaluation of Glycemic Control With Basal‐Bolus or Neutral Protamine Hagedorn Insulin Regimens in Patients Receiving Continuous Enteral Nutrition Therapy in Medicine Wards
Authors: Hijaze Dema , Szalat Auryan
Published: March 2017

Reasonable glycemic control is difficult to achieve in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) receiving continuous enteral nutrition therapy (CENT). There are no solid evidence‐based medicine guidelines regarding this issue in these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of a basal‐bolus insulin regimen is more effective than neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin alone in controlling blood glucose in non–critically ill patients with DM receiving CENT. We performed a retrospective, records‐based review comparing basal‐bolus with NPH insulin regimen in these patients, hospitalized in the internal medicine wards in our hospital. Number of hypoglycemic episodes, mean blood glucose, and time‐to‐target (time needed to reach 3 successive glucose readings in the appropriate target of 140–180 mg/dL) were evaluated in each regimen. Mean blood glucose was 199.22 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], 179.8–218.5 mg/dL) in the basal‐bolus vs 190.73 mg/dL (95% CI, 172.1–209.2 mg/dL) in the NPH insulin regimen (P = .538). Time‐to‐target was an average of 3.65 ± 1.75 days in the basal‐bolus group and 4.33 ± 2.42 days in the NPH group (P = .364). There were no statistically significant differences in frequency of hypoglycemia (P = .364). Rate of death was high (around 40%) in both groups. We conclude that hospitalized hyperglycemic patients receiving CENT can be treated by either basal‐bolus or NPH insulin regimens. However, the overall glucose levels remain elevated during hospitalization irrespective of the insulin therapy. There is an urgent need to define glucose targets in this population of patients and to evaluate prospectively head‐to‐head different insulin protocols.
How Much and What Type of Protein Should a Critically Ill Patient Receive?
Authors: Ochoa Gautier Juan B. , Martindale Robert G. , Rugeles Saúl J. , Hurt Ryan T. , Taylor Beth , Heyland Daren K. , McClave Stephen A.
Published: March 2017

Protein loss, manifested as loss of muscle mass, is observed universally in all critically ill patients. Depletion of muscle mass is associated with impaired function and poor outcomes. In extreme cases, protein malnutrition is manifested by respiratory failure, lack of wound healing, and immune dysfunction. Protecting muscle loss focused initially on meeting energy requirements. The assumption was that protein was being used (through oxidation) as an energy source. In healthy individuals, small amounts of glucose (approximately 400 calories) protect muscle loss and decrease amino acid oxidation (protein‐sparing effect of glucose). Despite expectations of the benefits, the high provision of energy (above basal energy requirements) through the delivery of nonprotein calories has failed to demonstrate a clear benefit at curtailing protein loss. The protein‐sparing effect of glucose is not clearly observed during illness. Increasing protein delivery beyond the normal nutrition requirements (0.8 g/k/d) has been investigated as an alternative solution. Over a dozen observational studies in critically ill patients suggest that higher protein delivery is beneficial at protecting muscle mass and associated with improved outcomes (decrease in mortality). Not surprisingly, new Society of Critical Care Medicine/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines and expert recommendations suggest higher protein delivery (>1.2 g/kg/d) for critically ill patients. This article provides an introduction to the concepts that delineate the basic principles of modern medical nutrition therapy as it relates to the goal of achieving an optimal management of protein metabolism during critical care illness, highlighting successes achieved so far but also placing significant challenges limiting our success in perspective.
Assessment of Protein Turnover in Health and Disease
Authors: Wernerman Jan , Morris Claudia R. , Paddon‐Jones Douglas , Sarav Menaka
Published: March 2017

To identify protein requirements, it is necessary to be familiar with basic physiology, practical methods, and dose response of protein delivery. This review evaluates available methodology, with emphasis on the limitations of existing techniques most often related to the underlying assumption. Historically, nitrogen balance has been the dominating technique. It is still the gold standard, although there are considerable problems related to the underlying assumptions to have reliable readings. When minimal requirements needed to be defined, the indicator amino acid oxidation technique came into practice. In situations of longer term steady states, it serves a purpose. In situations of disease or in aging, it has proven to be more problematic. More recently, whole‐body protein turnover measurements have shown to be useful in situations where the underlying assumptions for the other techniques are not possible to meet.
Will We Ever Agree on Protein Requirements in the Intensive Care Unit?
Authors: Hoffer L. John , Dickerson Roland N. , Martindale Robert G. , McClave Stephen A. , Ochoa Gautier Juan B.
Published: March 2017

The precise value of the normal adult protein requirement has long been debated. For many reasons—one of them being the difficulty of carrying out long‐term nutrition experiments in free‐living people—uncertainty is likely to persist indefinitely. By contrast, the controlled environment of the intensive care unit and relatively short trajectory of many critical illnesses make it feasible to use hard clinical outcome trials to determine protein requirements for critically ill patients in well‐defined clinical situations. This article suggests how the physiological principles that underlie our understanding of normal protein requirements can be incorporated into the design of such clinical trials. The main focus is on 3 principles: (1) the rate of body nitrogen loss roughly predicts an individual's minimum protein requirement and is thus essential to measure to identify individual patients and clinical situations in which the minimum protein requirement is importantly increased, (2) existing muscle mass sets an upper limit on the rate at which amino acids can be mobilized from muscle for transfer to central proteins and sites of injury and is thus important to monitor to identify patients who are at greatest risk of protein deficiency–related adverse outcomes, and (3) negative energy balance increases the dietary protein requirement, so calorie‐deprived patients—whether obese or not—should be enrolled in hard clinical outcome trials that compare the current practice of “permissive underfeeding” (underprovision of all nutrients, including protein) with hypocaloric nutrition supplemented by a suitably generous amount of protein.
Toward an “Age of Imposed Use”? Evidence-Based Crime Policy in a Law and Social Science Context
Authors: Zane Steven N. , Welsh Brandon C.
Published: March 2017

Central to the evidence-based paradigm is the explicit goal to increase the influence of scientific research on public policy. The research utilization literature delineates a number of ways that evaluation research can exert an influence on policy decisions, including conceptual, instrumental, and political. Limitations of these routes of research influence on policy and a growing interest in the evidence-based paradigm have given rise to “imposed use,” first coined by Carol Weiss. To better understand the potential promise of imposed use, this review article explores the role of social science research in a law and policy context. Legal reasoning differs from scientific reasoning in important ways, illustrating that law is part of a normative context in which scientific evidence presents one consideration among many. This context helps frame how imposed use can play a role in advancing evidence-based crime policy. Consistent with Weiss’s reflections on imposed use, it also suggests important limitations for doing so.
From medieval land clearing to industrial development: 800 years of human-impact history in the Joux Valley (Swiss Jura)
Authors: Lavrieux Marlène , Schubert Carsten J , Hofstetter Thomas , Eglinton Timothy I , Hajdas Irka , Wacker Lukas , Dubois Nathalie
Published: March 2017

The Joux Valley (Swiss Jura Mountains) has a rather unusual history of human occupation, characterized by tardive but extensive settlement since the Late Middle Ages, followed by an intensive period of industrial development. To estimate the links between human activities and environmental consequences, sediment cores were retrieved in Lake Joux and submitted to a multiproxy analysis (high-resolution photographs, magnetic susceptibility, density, x-ray fluorescence, grain size, organic geochemistry, 14C, 210Pb and 137Cs dating). The diversity of anthropication phases, defined from historical data, is clearly recognized in the lake archive. The record suggests the region was mainly under climatic influence until the end of the 13th century. The growth of settlements in the valley and the associated massive deforestation is recorded by increasing terrestrial inputs, reflecting large-scale soil destabilization, which subsequently persists despite the transition from farming to industrial activities. Autochthonous contributions then dominate the record, both in response to climatic and anthropogenic influences. Construction works conducted at the outlet of the lake affected water flow, sedimentation and aquatic community (macrophytes, ostracods) dynamics. The substantial increase of anthropogenic heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb) recorded during the 20th century could reflect the development of the watch-making industry in the area, as well as the use of leaded gasoline. Historical information facilitated interpretation of the observed paleolimnological evolution in the context of varied coexisting human activities. This study highlights the importance of applying an integrated paleolimnological-historical approach in order to establish clear links between well-defined human activities and their subsequent environmental responses through time.
Facilitated Communication: The Resurgence of a Disproven Treatment for Individuals With Autism
Authors: Ganz Jennifer B. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Morin Kristi L.
Published: March 2017

Purveyors of false treatments frequently claim their treatments are effective, despite a lack of evidence. In some cases, these treatments can lead to dire results. This column examines the use of one such false treatment, facilitated communication, that has reemerged despite a substantial body of evidence discrediting it. A description of the technique is provided along with a summary of the research that disproves facilitated communication. Legal issues related to the use of facilitated communication in school settings are outlined along with recommendations for critically evaluating any potential intervention or treatment.
Designing Homework to Mediate Executive Functioning Deficits in Students With Disabilities
Authors: Stockall Nancy
Published: March 2017

Designing homework to mediate executive functioning disorders of students with disabilities is critical to their future academic success. The article explains and defines different executive functions of the brain and how these impact students’ ability to benefit from homework assignments. Specific strategies are provided for designing differentiated homework assignments that mediate executive functioning skills.
Improving Outcomes of Behavioral Intervention Plans
Authors: Walker Jennifer D. , Barry Colleen
Published: March 2017

According to federal mandates, if a student’s behavior impedes their learning or the learning of others, the individualized education program team is required to address this with a functional behavioral assessment (FBA). The intent of the FBA is to determine the function, or reason, of the impeding behavior for the development of a behavioral intervention plan (BIP). The BIP process is a team-based approach that includes goals and interventions that result in positive behavior change. Procedural fidelity, or compliance with the plan, is of utmost importance to success of this process. Unfortunately, such integrity is often lacking, particularly when teachers carry the responsibility of implementing BIPs in the classroom. Therefore, capacity building within the school team is imperative to increase implementation fidelity of BIPs. This article provides practitioners with the tools to organize the monitoring and implementation of BIPs in classroom settings.
Supporting Positive School Outcomes Through School-Based Physical Activity Intervention: Current Evidence and Resources
Authors: da Cruz Katelin
Published: March 2017

Research on the relationship between physical activity and academic performance and classroom behavior is in its early stages, and research attempting to examine the relationship within the school context is even scarcer. However, educators have already begun to use strategies such as classroom physical activity breaks. This column discusses research on school-based physical activity practices of classroom movement breaks, integrated physical activity, and recess in order to inform educators’ decisions regarding the use of these strategies. Resources for school-based physical activity interventions in addition to information regarding their effectiveness is also included to support educators in selecting programs.
Designing Culturally Responsive and Relevant Individualized Educational Programs
Authors: Barrio Brenda L. , Miller Darcy , Hsiao Yun-Ju , Dunn Michael , Petersen Sara , Hollingshead Aleksandra , Banks Susan
Published: March 2017

Developing culturally responsive and relevant individualized educational programs (IEP) is becoming increasingly more important as the student population becomes more diverse. Current supports available for IEP teams primarily address the technical aspects of the IEP (e.g., writing goals that are measurable) but offer little assistance in designing culturally responsive and relevant IEPs. This article provides a tool and process for integrating culturally responsive and relevant aspects into the IEP document and process. The Culturally Responsive and Relevant IEP Builder (CRRIB) was developed to guide IEP teams through this process and could be used to conduct assessments, evaluate current practices, and guide the development of interventions, strategies, and supports for students. The CRRIB helps maintain the team’s focus on enhancing the student’s cultural competence, incorporating the student’s prior experiences, and valuing the family’s frame of reference. A sample of the CRRIB with student information is included.
The Flexibility of Self Regulated Strategy Development for Teaching Argumentative Text
Authors: Leins Patricia A. , Cuenca-Carlino Yojanna , Kiuhara Sharlene A. , Jacobson Laura Thompson
Published: March 2017

An increasing challenge for many secondary special education teachers is preparing students for the writing demands in postsecondary settings. The self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) model of writing instruction, considered an evidence-based practice, is an effective strategy for enhancing the writing skills of students with disabilities, such as learning disabilities or behavioral disorders, at the secondary level. This article discusses the flexibility and practicality of the SRSD model by describing ways in which secondary teachers can effectively use this strategy to enhance the argumentative writing skills of their students in English language arts, science, history, and mathematics and to teach students how to self-advocate through writing. Information about supports, materials, and other resources for teachers to utilize are included.
GO FASTER: Building Morpheme Fluency
Authors: Fishley Katelyn M. , Konrad Moira , Hessler Terri
Published: March 2017

Vocabulary knowledge is an important foundation skill for reading across all subject areas. Because students with disabilities lag behind their peers in reading skills, there is a need for efficient and effective vocabulary interventions. Focusing on morpheme knowledge is one efficient approach to building vocabulary. This article describes an intervention package that combines several evidence-based techniques, including explicit instruction, fluency drills, self-graphing, and peer mediation, to increase morpheme knowledge.
The use of behavior modeling training in a mobile app parent training program to improve functional communication of young children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Law Gloria C , Neihart Maureen , Dutt Anuradha
Published: March 2017

Communication intervention in early life can significantly impact long-term outcomes for young children with autism. Parents can be vital resources in the midst of the current manpower shortage. Map4speech is a new mobile application developed for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. It is specially designed to provide high-quality, interactive learning, coupled with frequent feedback and live coaching to train parents in a naturalistic language intervention. A multiple-baseline single-case experimental design was conducted across three parent–child dyads. Results indicate that procedural integrity of parents’ intervention techniques was above 85% during post-training intervention, and their respective children showed increases in spontaneous word/gesture use. The results show that mobile applications with feedback can be a promising means for improving efficiency and effectiveness in disseminating evidence-based practices for autism intervention.
Retinal pathology is associated with increased blood–retina barrier permeability in a diabetic and hypercholesterolaemic pig model: Beneficial effects of the LpPLA2 inhibitor Darapladib
Authors: Acharya Nimish K , Qi Xin , Goldwaser Eric L , Godsey George A , Wu Hao , Kosciuk Mary C , Freeman Theresa A , Macphee Colin H , Wilensky Robert L , Venkataraman Venkat , Nagele Robert G
Published: March 2017

Using a porcine model of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia, we previously showed that diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia is associated with a chronic increase in blood–brain barrier permeability in the cerebral cortex, leading to selective binding of immunoglobulin G and deposition of amyloid-beta1-42 peptide in pyramidal neurons. Treatment with Darapladib (GlaxoSmithKline, SB480848), an inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2, alleviated these effects. Here, investigation of the effects of chronic diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia on the pig retina revealed a corresponding increased permeability of the blood–retina barrier coupled with a leak of plasma components into the retina, alterations in retinal architecture, selective IgG binding to neurons in the ganglion cell layer, thinning of retinal layers due to cell loss and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in Müller cells, all of which were curtailed by treatment with Darapladib. These findings suggest that chronic diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia induces increased blood–retina barrier permeability that may be linked to altered expression of blood–retina barrier–associated tight junction proteins, claudin and occludin, leading to structural changes in the retina consistent with diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, results suggest that drugs with vascular anti-inflammatory properties, such as Darapladib, may have beneficial effects on eye diseases strongly linked to vascular abnormalities such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
A Comprehensive Clinical Lifestyle Medicine Specialty Fellowship Program: What Intensive Lifestyle Treatment Can Do
Authors: Kelly John , Shull Jeni
Published: March 2017

Lifestyle medicine (LM) is recognized as an essential component of evidence-based medical treatment, particularly for chronic diseases. Multiple studies have shown that intensive therapeutic lifestyle change can arrest and reverse disease, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. While more modest lifestyle changes can slow the onset or prevent disease, studies reveal that intensive therapeutic changes are required to arrest and reverse disease. As increasing numbers of clinicians have learned about the powerful treatment effects of intensive lifestyle interventions, interest in LM has greatly increased. This, in turn, has led to the need for evidence-based clinical LM training in how to effectively provide intensive LM interventions that can arrest and reverse disease. As with all clinical training, such training must include actual patient care guided by knowledgeable expert LM clinicians. The purpose of this article is to (1) describe the need for and function of clinical LM specialists, (2) describe the key components in the training of clinical LM specialists to treat and reverse chronic disease, and (3) describe the steps/components in establishing and implementing a clinical LM specialty-training program.
Adaptive anti-disturbance tracking control for nonlinear system with unknown control coefficient
Authors: Sun Haibin , Hou Linlin
Published: March 2017

The tracking control problem for nonlinear system with unknown control coefficient and external disturbances is investigated in this article. By inspiring extended state observer and K filter, a novel extended state filter is first developed for state and disturbance observations. Then, by means of backstepping approach, an adaptive composite output feedback controller is constructed based on the state and disturbance estimations. The stability analysis is presented on the basis of the Lyapunov stability method. Finally, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
The study of thermodynamic properties of zeotropic mixtures of R600a/R23/R14
Authors: Wu Yinlong , Zhang Hua , Zhang Qingqing , Qiu Jinyou , Rui Shengjun
Published: March 2017

Thermodynamic properties of zeotropic mixtures of R600a/R23/R14 have been investigated and calculated based on the established mathematical model. The deviations of bubble pressure and vapor composition between the simulation results and the experimental data were −0.16% and −1.22% for R600a/R23 and −0.14% and 0.5% for R134a/R23, respectively. The simulation results of R32/R125/R134a were compared with the experimental values of the component, and the average error was 0.31%, and most deviations were within ±5%. The average error in enthalpy value and entropy value between the simulation and National Institute of Standard Technology data was −0.25% and 3.33%, respectively. This suggests that the simulation results meet the requirements of engineering calculation. Based on the experimental results, the thermodynamic properties of the auto-cascade refrigeration system were calculated and analyzed in detail. The pressure–enthalpy diagrams of the auto-refrigerating cascade system with R600a/R23/R14 under the operating conditions were given, and the cycle of this system can be clearly described by the diagram of spatial pressure–enthalpy, which indicates that this simulation program could analyze the system cycle effectively and provide a direction for improvement of the auto-refrigerating cascade system.
Asymptotic attenuation and rejection for a class of cascade systems with general periodic disturbances
Authors: Hou Linlin , Sun Haibin , Sun Chuanguang
Published: March 2017

In this article, the problem of asymptotic attenuation and rejection is investigated for a class of cascade systems with general periodic disturbances via a non-linear disturbance observer and [Formula: see text] control. First, a novel disturbance observer is developed to estimate general periodic disturbances, where the disturbances are described as a linear uncertain system with a non-linear output function. Then, a composite controller is constructed by combining the disturbance estimation with the partial state feedback control law, such that, the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and meets [Formula: see text] performance. With the help of the Lyapunov function theory and the linear matrix inequality method, some sufficient conditions for the desired controller and observer gains are established. Finally, numerical and application examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Dynamic analysis of wind turbines including nacelle–tower–foundation interaction for condition of incomplete structural parameters
Authors: Wang Shuangyuan , Huang Yixiang , Li Lin , Liu Chengliang , Zhang Daqing
Published: March 2017

Considering the complexity structure of wind turbines, it is difficult to establish an accurate model for wind turbines. This article proposed an improved model based on the vibration signal analysis to investigate the onshore wind turbine dynamic behavior. The model is formulated using the Euler–Lagrangian approach in which the dynamic interaction effects between the nacelle and the tower and the effects between the tower and the foundation are considered. The nacelle is assumed as a mass with 2 degrees of freedom at the top of a flexible tower. And the tower is considered as a beam with elastic end support. The foundation stiffness can influence the dynamic response of wind turbines due to the soft soils surrounding the tower base. A rotational spring and a lateral spring derived from the foundation are used to reflect the interaction between the tower and the foundation. Finally, a comparison with existing National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5-MW baseline wind turbine model is performed. And a field experiment has been implemented to validate the model. The vibration signal of the nacelle and the tower is analyzed to determine the model parameters. Results show that the proposed model is accurate and practical for dynamic property analysis of wind turbine.
Active contour model by combining edge and region information discrete dynamic systems
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Liu Yan-Jun
Published: March 2017

The basic idea of active contour model upon the image segmentation problem is evolved into a closed curve about the functional minimization problems. Active contour model based on edge information takes advantage of gradient information, and it has some shortcomings such as cannot separate weak boundary, fuzzy boundary, and discontinuous boundary object. Chan–Vese active contour model without edges can overcome the shortcomings of model based on gradient, but it cannot separate gray inhomogeneous target and evolves slowly, moreover, segmentation efficiency is low. The aim of this article is to overcome the shortage of the geodesic active contour model such as lower convergence rate and more easily trapped in local minimum .The article puts forward a new active contour model control system where the edge information is combined with regional one effectively, and it makes good use of the gradient information and the area information. A large amount of simulation results show that the proposed algorithm’s convergence speed is much faster than geodesic active contour model, and it can segment serious noisy image. It inherited the edge and the region information as well, so the new model performs well in resisting noise and has high segmentation efficiency.
Application of character recognition to robot control on smartphone test system
Authors: Juang Jih-Gau , Cheng I-Hua
Published: March 2017

In this study, three webcams are applied to a five-joint robotic arm system. One camera is applied to recognize commands from control panel, which consist of words and numbers. The letters of command can be obtained after image is transformed from red, green, and blue to hue, saturation, and lightness color space and using the optical character recognition and pattern matching process. The message will then be sent to robot system. Another two cameras are used for catching the left and right images of an object. Calibration procedure of the robot and cameras is performed first. The values from image plane can be compared and transformed to three-dimensional coordinates by the Q matrix. The coordinates are then translated to 4096 precision values in robotic arm system. Movements of the robotic arm are based on fuzzy logic theory that can drive the robotic arm to the relative point and position of a given object. Feedback values of arm movement are applied to correct the position error in real time. The robot system can catch the three-dimensional coordinates of the object and perform smartphone automatic testing operations by the commands from visual recognition system.
Optimization of hoisting parameters in a multi-rope friction mine hoist based on the multi-source coupled vibration characteristics of hoisting catenaries
Authors: Yao Jiannan , Deng Yong , Xiao Xingming
Published: March 2017

To avoid catenary collision in a multi-rope friction mine hoist, in this study, the relevant hoisting parameters based on the multi-source coupled vibration characteristics of hoisting catenaries are optimized. First, the multi-source coupled vibration characteristics of hoisting catenaries were investigated based on an established theoretical model, indicating that the hoisting acceleration is the weak coupled hoisting parameter, and the constant hoisting velocity, hoisting load, and catenary length are the strong coupled hoisting parameters. Subsequently, a safety threshold of 50 mm for the transverse amplitude of a catenary in this work was defined and the criterion of parameter optimization was established. Finally, by applying the multi-source coupled vibration model of the catenary, the strong coupled hoisting parameters, the constant hoisting velocity, the hoisting load, and the length of the catenary were optimized to make the transverse amplitude of the catenary less than the safety threshold of 50 mm. The proposed methods of parameter optimization may be new constraints to determine the optimal hoisting parameters in the design or maintenance phase of the floor-type multi-rope friction mine hoist.
A novel approach for modeling and tracking control of a passive-wheel snake robot
Authors: Huang Kang , Shao Ke , Zhen Shengchao , Sun Hao
Published: March 2017

This article proposed a novel approach for the dynamic modeling and controller design of a passive-wheel snake robot based on Udwadia–Kalaba theory. Compared to common methods, this approach is easily processed for many-degree-of-freedom snake robot. The desired trajectory is easily modeled as a trajectory constraint, and the nonholonomic constraints from the passive wheels’ lateral velocity are also easily handled using Udwadia–Kalaba theory. Besides the proposed equation of motion is analytical, no approximation or linearization as well as extra variables such as Lagrangian multiplier is needed as common methods usually do. The servo joint constraint forces are precisely calculated by solving Udwadia–Kalaba equation, and no complicated control structure design is needed as common control methods always do especially for under-actuated mechanical systems. This article provides a novel dynamic modeling and controller design approach for the passive-wheel snake robot in a new perspective. The theoretical analysis and simulation verify the proposed approach. The trajectory has good incidence with the designed one, and the real-time joint forces are also conveniently acquired.
Study on the dynamic characteristics of a hammer-driven-type penetrators in the penetration process
Authors: Shen Yi , Hou Xuyan , Zhang Kailiang , Xue Pingping , Jiang Shengyuan
Published: March 2017

Dynamic penetration test by a penetrator is an important detection method for lunar exploration. The analysis of the dynamic penetration properties of the penetrator significantly helps to design the penetrator structure. In this article, the dynamic penetration mechanical model was established according to soil mechanics. Then, the discrete-element simulation model, which was established using the application program interfaces of the EDEM software, was used to simulate the penetration process. The penetration experiment demonstrated the accuracy of the dynamic penetration model and the discrete-element simulation model. This study of dynamic penetration model of a penetrator may provide technical support to the deep space exploration.
Investigation of non-uniform preload effect on stiffness behavior of angular contact ball bearings
Authors: Wu Wenwu , Hong Jun , Li Yang , Li Xiaohu
Published: March 2017

Preloading is an effective way to maintain good performance of angular contact ball bearings. Traditionally, the rigid and constant preload are applied by uniform approaches on the bearing system. However, non-uniform loads occur while the surfaces of spacer are obliquitous at rigid preload or the stiffnesses of springs are inconsistent at constant preload. In this article, a new approach is proposed to incorporate the non-uniformity effect. Using this approach, the bearing performance under practical operating conditions could be improved. At first, the critical relationship between the stiffness behavior and the non-uniform preload of the ball bearing system is studied. Then, based on Jones’ model, the stiffness function of angular contact ball bearings with non-uniform preload is established analytically. Based on the functions, boundary conditions are determined and used to calculate the local contact deformation and predict the bearing stiffness when the preload is non-uniform. Finally, the stiffness of both ceramic and steel ball bearings under non-uniform preload and various operating conditions is simulated. Comparing with traditional methods, the new method has better performance in stiffness prediction under non-uniform preload. It will give a designer a deep insight on the dynamic analysis and optimization of the rotor-bearing system.
Wrist cineradiography: a protocol for diagnosing carpal instability
Authors: Sulkers G. S. I. , Strackee S. D. , Schep N. W. L. , Maas M.
Published: March 2017

Carpal instability is often related to ruptured or lax carpal ligaments. Wrist cineradiography has been shown to be a good modality for diagnosing carpal instability. To create uniformity in obtaining and assessing wrist cineradiography, a wrist cineradiography protocol is desirable. This protocol will focus on wrist cineradiography for diagnosing carpal instabilities. It describes the pathologic motions of the carpus and correlates these with a clinical diagnosis.

Level of evidence: III
High-quality permanent draft genome sequence of the Bradyrhizobium elkanii type strain USDA 76T, isolated from Glycine max (L.) Merr
Authors: Reeve Wayne , van Berkum Peter , Ardley Julie , Tian Rui , Gollagher Margaret , Marinova Dora , Elia Patrick , Reddy T. B. K. , Pillay Manoj , Varghese Neha , Seshadri Rekha , Ivanova Natalia , Woyke Tanja , Baeshen Mohamed N. , Baeshen Nabih A. , Kyrpides Nikos
Published: March 2017

Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76T (INSCD = ARAG00000000), the type strain for Bradyrhizobium elkanii, is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that was isolated from an effective nitrogen-fixing root nodule of Glycine max (L. Merr) grown in the USA. Because of its significance as a microsymbiont of this economically important legume, B. elkanii USDA 76T was selected as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Genomic Encyclopedia for Bacteria and Archaea-Root Nodule Bacteria sequencing project. Here the symbiotic abilities of B. elkanii USDA 76T are described, together with its genome sequence information and annotation. The 9,484,767 bp high-quality draft genome is arranged in 2 scaffolds of 25 contigs, containing 9060 protein-coding genes and 91 RNA-only encoding genes. The B. elkanii USDA 76T genome contains a low GC content region with symbiotic nod and fix genes, indicating the presence of a symbiotic island integration. A comparison of five B. elkanii genomes that formed a clique revealed that 356 of the 9060 protein coding genes of USDA 76T were unique, including 22 genes of an intact resident prophage. A conserved set of 7556 genes were also identified for this species, including genes encoding a general secretion pathway as well as type II, III, IV and VI secretion system proteins. The type III secretion system has previously been characterized as a host determinant for Rj and/or rj soybean cultivars. Here we show that the USDA 76T genome contains genes encoding all the type III secretion system components, including a translocon complex protein NopX required for the introduction of effector proteins into host cells. While many bradyrhizobial strains are unable to nodulate the soybean cultivar Clark (rj1), USDA 76T was able to elicit nodules on Clark (rj1), although in reduced numbers, when plants were grown in Leonard jars containing sand or vermiculite. In these conditions, we postulate that the presence of NopX allows USDA 76T to introduce various effector molecules into this host to enable nodulation.
Anticommunism in Korea and Germany in times of cold War
Authors: Szell Gyoergy
Published: March 2017

Besides several themes related to burning issues on the surface of the current discourses in South Korea, this special issue of the AJGES pays attention to the fundamental problems, which are essential to understand the unique character of South Korean society as a divided nation. The in-depth analysis of some fundamental mechanisms is indispensable to develop a long-term strategy dealing with the roots of various problems. A comparison with the history of Germany as a formerly divided country is deemed helpful in order to see the problems from different perspectives and broaden the horizon. The contributions of this Thematic Series were first published in Korean by Dolgebae, Paju in 2015.

Neben vielen anderen brennenden Problemen an der Oberfläche derzeitiger Debatten in Südkorea, widmet sich der Schwerpunkt dieser Ausgabe der AJGES einem

grundlegenden Problem, i.e. der einzigartige Charakter der südkoreanischen Gesellschaft als einer geteilten Nation. Die Tiefenanalyse einiger der Mechanismen ist Voraussetzung, um eine langfristige Strategie zur Überwindung der Ursachen der verschiedenen Probleme zu entwickeln. Dabei ist der Vergleich mit einer früher geteilten Nation wie Deutschland zweifelsohne hilfreich, um die Probleme aus einer anderen Perspektive zu sehen und den Horizont zu erweitern. Die Beiträge in dieser thematischen Sektion wurden zuerst auf koreanisch vom Verlag Dolgebae 2015 veröffentlicht.