bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preemption of the Partial Reconfiguration Process to Enable Real-Time Computing With FPGAs
Authors: Rossi Enrico , Damschen Marvin , Bauer Lars , Buttazzo Giorgio , Henkel Jörg
Published: July 2018

To improve computing performance in real-time applications, modern embedded platforms comprise hardware accelerators that speed up the task’s most compute-intensive parts. A recent trend in the design of real-time embedded systems is to integrate field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) that are reconfigured with different accelerators at runtime, to cope with dynamic workloads that are subject to timing constraints. One of the major limitations when dealing with partial FPGA reconfiguration in real-time systems is that the reconfiguration port can only perform one reconfiguration at a time: if a high-priority task issues a reconfiguration request while the reconfiguration port is already occupied by a lower-priority task, the high-priority task has to wait until the current reconfiguration is completed (a phenomenon known as
priority inversion
), unless the current reconfiguration is aborted (introducing unbounded delays in low-priority tasks, a phenomenon known as
starvation
). This article shows how priority inversion and starvation can be solved by making the reconfiguration process
preemptive
—that is, allowing it to be interrupted at any time and resumed at a later time without restarting it from scratch. Such a feature is crucial for the design of runtime reconfigurable real-time systems but not yet available in today’s platforms. Furthermore, the trade-off of achieving a guaranteed bound on the reconfiguration delay for low-priority tasks and the maximum delay induced for high-priority tasks when preempting an ongoing reconfiguration has been identified and analyzed. Experimental results on the Xilinx Zynq-7000 platform show that the proposed implementation of preemptive reconfiguration introduces a low runtime overhead, thus effectively solving priority inversion and starvation.
Deep Surface Light Fields
Authors: Chen Anpei , Wu Minye , Zhang Yingliang , Li Nianyi , Lu Jie , Gao Shenghua , Yu Jingyi
Published: July 2018

A surface light field represents the radiance of rays originating from any points on the surface in any directions. Traditional approaches require ultra-dense sampling to ensure the rendering quality. In this paper, we present a novel neural network based technique called deep surface light field or DSLF to use only moderate sampling for high fidelity rendering. DSLF automatically fills in the missing data by leveraging different sampling patterns across the vertices and at the same time eliminates redundancies due to the network's prediction capability. For real data, we address the image registration problem as well as conduct texture-aware remeshing for aligning texture edges with vertices to avoid blurring. Comprehensive experiments show that DSLF can further achieve high data compression ratio while facilitating real-time rendering on the GPU.
Moment-Based Order-Independent Transparency
Authors: Münstermann Cedrick , Krumpen Stefan , Klein Reinhard , Peters Christoph
Published: July 2018

Compositing transparent surfaces rendered in an arbitrary order requires techniques for order-independent transparency. Each surface color needs to be multiplied by the appropriate transmittance to the eye to incorporate occlusion. Building upon moment shadow mapping, we present a moment-based method for compact storage and fast reconstruction of this depth-dependent function per pixel. We work with the logarithm of the transmittance such that the function may be accumulated additively rather than multiplicatively. Then an additive rendering pass for all transparent surfaces yields moments. Moment-based reconstruction algorithms provide approximations to the original function, which are used for compositing in a second additive pass. We utilize existing algorithms with four or six power moments and develop new algorithms using eight power moments or up to four trigonometric moments. The resulting techniques are completely order-independent, work well for participating media as well as transparent surfaces and come in many variants providing different tradeoffs. We also utilize the same approach for the closely related problem of computing shadows for transparent surfaces.
Group Deviation Detection Methods
Authors: Toth Edward , Chawla Sanjay
Published: July 2018

Pointwise anomaly detection and change detection focus on the study of individual data instances; however, an emerging area of research involves groups or collections of observations. From applications of high-energy particle physics to health care collusion, group deviation detection techniques result in novel research discoveries, mitigation of risks, prevention of malicious collaborative activities, and other interesting explanatory insights. In particular, static group anomaly detection is the process of identifying groups that are not consistent with regular group patterns, while dynamic group change detection assesses significant differences in the state of a group over a period of time. Since both group anomaly detection and group change detection share fundamental ideas, this survey article provides a clearer and deeper understanding of group deviation detection research in static and dynamic situations.
Evaluation in Contextual Information Retrieval
Authors: Tamine Lynda , Daoud Mariam
Published: July 2018

Context such as the user’s search history, demographics, devices, and surroundings, has become prevalent in various domains of information seeking and retrieval such as mobile search, task-based search, and social search. While evaluation is central and has a long history in information retrieval, it faces the big challenge of designing an appropriate methodology that embeds the context into evaluation settings. In this article, we present a unified summary of a wide range of main and recent progress in contextual information retrieval evaluation that leverages diverse context dimensions and uses different principles, methodologies, and levels of measurements. More specifically, this survey article aims to fill two main gaps in the literature: First, it provides a critical summary and comparison of existing contextual information retrieval evaluation methodologies and metrics according to a simple stratification model; second, it points out the impact of context dynamicity and data privacy on the evaluation design. Finally, we recommend promising research directions for future investigations.
Deception Techniques in Computer Security
Authors: Han Xiao , Kheir Nizar , Balzarotti Davide
Published: July 2018

A recent trend both in academia and industry is to explore the use of deception techniques to achieve proactive attack detection and defense—to the point of marketing intrusion deception solutions as zero-false-positive intrusion detection. However, there is still a general lack of understanding of deception techniques from a research perspective, and it is not clear how the effectiveness of these solutions can be measured and compared with other security approaches. To shed light on this topic, we introduce a comprehensive classification of existing solutions and survey the current application of deception techniques in computer security. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of existing solutions, and we analyze several open research directions, including the design of strategies to help defenders to design and integrate deception within a target architecture, the study of automated ways to deploy deception in complex systems, the update and re-deployment of deception, and, most importantly, the design of new techniques and experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing deception techniques.
Desperately Seeking the Information in Information Systems Research
Authors: Petter Stacie , Carter Michelle , Randolph Adriane , Lee Allen
Published: July 2018

Throughout its history, the information systems (IS) discipline has studied a wide range of phenomena. Many IS researchers support the notion that our interest in the IT artifact - defined as "bundles of material and cultural properties packaged in some socially recognizable form such as hardware and/or software" (Orlikowski & Iacono, 2001, p. 122) - unites the IS discipline. In "Desperately Seeking the 'IT' in IT Research-A Call to Theorizing the IT Artifact," Orlikowski and Iacono (2001) argued that the IS field is "premised on the centrality of information technology in everyday socio-economic life...[yet] the field has not deeply engaged with its core subject matter-the information technology (IT) artifact" (p. 121). In their review of articles that had been published to date in Information Systems Research, nearly 25 percent did not discuss technology and most had simplistic views of technology: The outcome is that much IS research draws on commonplace and received notions of technology, resulting in conceptualizations of IT artifacts as relatively stable, discrete, independent, and fixed. As a consequence, IT artifacts in IS research tend to be taken for granted or assumed to be unproblematic. (Orlikowski & Iacono, 2001, pp. 121-122) Orlikowski and Iacono's (2001) article drew attention to our need to focus on the core of who we are as a discipline. It also created an important turning point. As an unintended consequence of the article, the IS discipline began abandoning its consideration and discussion of information. As a result, IS researchers focused more heavily on technology and the IT artifact, and information became implicit in our research. In this editorial, we expand upon Orlikowski and Iacono (2001) and draw the IS discipline's attention to its abandonment of that other central component in information systems research - information.
Language Variation and Change in Rural Communities
Authors: Gordon Matthew J.
Published: July 2018

Despite the difficulty of delineating the rural from the urban according to economic or demographic criteria, this distinction has powerful cultural resonances, and language plays a key role in constructing the cultural divide between rural and urban. Sociolinguists have generally devoted more attention to urban communities, but substantial research has explored language variation and change in rural areas, and this scholarship complements the perspective gained from studies of metropolitan speech. This article reviews research on rural speech communities that examines the linguistic dimensions of the urban/rural divide as well as social dynamics driving language variation and change in rural areas. One theme emerging from this literature is the role of dialect contact and how its effects are shaped by material as well as attitudinal factors.
Impact of venous return on pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics during dynamic exercise: in silico time series analyses from muscles to lungs
Authors: Drescher Uwe
Published: July 2018

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a single-compartment (SCM) and a multi-compartment (MCM) venous return model will produce significantly different time-delaying and distortive effects on pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2pulm) responses with equal cardiac outputs (Q̇) and muscle oxygen uptake (V̇o2musc) inputs. For each model, 64 data sets were simulated with alternating Q̇ and V̇o2musc kinetics—time constants (τ) ranging from 10 to 80 s—as responses to pseudorandom binary sequence work rate (WR) changes. Kinetic analyses were performed by using cross-correlation functions (CCFs) between WR with V̇o2pulm and V̇o2musc. Higher maxima of the CCF courses indicate faster system responses—equal to smaller τ values of the variables of interest (e.g., τV̇o2musc). The models demonstrated a highly significant relationship for the resulting V̇o2pulm responses ( r = 0.976, P < 0.001, n = 64). Both models showed significant differences between V̇o2pulm and V̇o2musc kinetics for τV̇o2musc ranging from 10 to 30 s ( P < 0.05 each). In addition, a significant difference in V̇o2pulm kinetics ( P < 0.05) between the models was observed for very fast V̇o2musc kinetics (τ = 10 s). The combinations of fast Q̇ dynamics and slow V̇o2musc kinetics yield distinct deviations in the resultant V̇o2pulm responses compared with V̇o2musc kinetics. Therefore, the venous return models should be used with care and caution if the aim is to infer V̇o2musc by means of V̇o2pulm kinetics. Finally, the resultant V̇o2pulm responses seem to be complex and most likely unpredictable if no cardiodynamic measurements are available in vivo.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A single-compartment and a multi-compartment venous return model were tested to see whether they result in different pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2pulm) kinetics from equal cardiac output and muscle oxygen uptake (V̇o2musc) kinetics. To infer V̇o2musc kinetics by means of V̇o2pulm kinetics, both models should only be used for V̇o2musc time constants ranging from 40 to 80 s. The resultant V̇o2pulm responses seem to be complex and most likely unpredictable if no cardiodynamic measurements are available.
Effects of the Insertion Type and Depth on the Pedicle Screw Pullout Strength: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Jendoubi K. , Khadri Y. , Bendjaballah M. , Slimane N.
Published: July 2018

Purpose. The pedicle screw is a surgical device that has become widely used in spinal fixation and stabilization. Postsurgical complications such as screw loosening due to fatigue loading and screw breakage still need investigations. Clinical parameters such as the screw insertion type and depth, the bone density, and the patient degree of mobility greatly affect the mechanisms of the implant’s failure/success. Methods. The current finite element study focused on the prediction of the pedicle screw pullout strength under various conditions such as insertion type, insertion depth, bone quality, and loading mode. Results. As depicted in this study, the preservation of the pedicle cortex as in the N1 insertion technique greatly enhances the pullout resistance. In addition, the higher the screw-anchoring depth, permitting to gear a maximum number of threads, the better the protection against premature breakouts of pedicle screws. Conclusions. In agreement with experimental data, the type of insertion in which the first screw thread is placed immediately after the preserved pedicle cortex showed the best pullout resistance for both normal and osteoporotic bone.
Numerical Simulation on Carbonation Depth of Concrete Structures considering Time‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Carbonation Process
Authors: Peng Jianxin , Tang Huang , Zhang Jianren , Cai Steve C. S.
Published: July 2018

In order to further understand the carbonation process of concrete structures, the time‐ and temperature‐dependent diffusion process of CO2 in concrete is simulated based on the law of the CO2 mass conservation, and a two‐dimensional mass transfer equation is established for the CO2 diffusion in concrete. The concrete block is discretized into triangular elements, and the CO2 concentrations at different positions are calculated based on finite element method. A computational algorithm is programed through the Matlab platform. The time‐ and temperature‐dependent property and difference of the CO2 concentration at different positions of the structure are considered in the proposed model. Then, an accelerated carbonation experiment is carried out using concrete blocks with different mix proportions to investigate the influence of the water‐cement ratio and temperature on the concrete carbonation. The experimental results effectively verify the correctness of the finite element model, and the proposed finite element method reasonably simulates the concrete carbonation through calculating the carbonation in practical engineering compared with other methods in references. An experimental‐numerical correlation has been performed. The ratio of carbonation depth at the corner of the concrete members to the other positions is about 1.35. The carbonation depth is increased about 1.9 times when the temperature changes from 20°C to 40°C.
Dynamical Behavior of a Novel Impulsive Switching Model for HLB with Seasonal Fluctuations
Authors: Gao Shujing , Luo Lei , Yan Shuixian , Meng Xinzhu
Published: July 2018

This paper studies a new model for Huanglongbing with seasonal fluctuations. Switching coefficients and switching control schemes are considered in this model. The main purpose of this paper is to study the effects of switching control schemes on dynamics of the model. Firstly, we theoretically investigate the basic reproductive number and its computation formulae for general impulsive switching model with periodic environment. Secondly, the basic reproductive number and global dynamics of the impulsive switching model for Huanglongbing are analyzed. Finally, numerical results indicate that spring and autumn are the optimum seasons for killing psyllids, and winter is the optimum season for removing infected trees.
Key Characteristics of a Floating Slab Track Based on Longitudinal Interaction Analysis
Authors: Jee Goo Sam , Nguyen Huan Ha , Jang Seung Yup , Lee Heeyoung , Chung Wonseok
Published: July 2018

The passage of railway vehicles produces mechanical vibrations across an extensive range of frequencies. A floating slab track (FST) has recently been proposed and constructed in Korea to reduce the vibrations and noise that result from typical railway operation. The main objective of this study is to investigate the behavior of an FST by means of an interaction analysis of a track-slab-isolator. Key FST parameters considered in this study are additional rail stress, slab stress and displacement, and stopper displacement. The FST parameters include slab length and thickness, isolator stiffness, and longitudinal stiffness. The sensitivity of the key characteristics of each FST parameter is examined. This study also determines the maximum length of an FST based on the maximum additional rail stress criterion. Finally, a formula to predict maximum additional rail stress is proposed for the design of FST systems.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of the Vibration Reduction System with Seated Human Body
Authors: Maciejewski Igor , Krzyzynski Tomasz
Published: July 2018

The paper deals with the global sensitivity analysis for the purpose of shaping the vibroisolation properties of suspension systems under strictly defined operating conditions. The variance‐based method is used to evaluate an influence of nonlinear force characteristics on the system dynamics. The proposed sensitivity indices provide the basis for determining the effect of key design parameters on the vibration isolation performance. The vibration transmissibility behaviour of an exemplary seat suspension system is discussed in order to illustrate the developed methodology.
Improving Electromagnetic Shielding Ability of Plaster‐Based Composites by Addition of Carbon Fibers
Authors: Samkova A. , Kulhavy P. , Tunakova V. , Petru M.
Published: July 2018

The size of electromagnetic shielding in plaster composites by the means of different volume fractions of carbon fibers was studied in this paper. Conventional types of plaster, which are commonly used in industry, that is, cement, lime, gypsum, and lime cement (Thermo UM), were the base materials of the created composites. The fundamental idea of improving the electromagnetic shielding properties was verified based on a numerical simulation conducted by means of electromagnetic module in Comsol Multiphysics. The carbon microfibers with the above‐critical length of 8 mm were added as the reinforcing and simultaneously shielding element into the plaster samples. From the viewpoint of the mechanical properties, fibers shorter than the critical length do not provide sufficient reinforcement. The samples were created at three different volume fractions of the dispersion and one without any reinforcement for the possibilities of their mutual comparison. The results of the carried measurement show that the electromagnetic shielding in the plaster composite grows with the increase of fiber content within the tested ratio proportionately. Also, the dependency of shielding ability on the inner material moisture has been studied. Any measureable influence of the moisture content on to the total shielding effect has not been found. Only in the lime plaster reinforced with fibers, the increased moisture could significantly decrease the shielding effect.
Promotion of Keratinocyte Proliferation by Tracheloside through ERK1/2 Stimulation
Authors: Kim JaeGoo , Shin Yu-Kyong , Kim Ki-Young
Published: July 2018

Cell migration and proliferation are important for proper wound healing after skin injury. Recent studies have shown that compounds from plants could promote cell migration and proliferation. Tracheloside, which is a plant lignan, has been found to promote the growth of HaCaT cells over 40% compared to other compounds tested based on a cell proliferation assay. An in vitro scratch assay confirmed the healing activity of tracheloside (more than 2‐fold increased healing activity after 24 hours of treatment compared with the control) and revealed that this activity is better than that of allantoin (1.2‐fold increased after 24 hours of treatment compared with the control), a positive control. With western blot results, wound healing with tracheloside occurred through the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Therefore, tracheloside is a good candidate to promote wound healing and could be developed as a therapeutic agent for wound treatment or used as a leading compound with higher activity.
Creation of Individual Scientific Concept-Centered Semantic Maps Based on Automated Text-Mining Analysis of PubMed
Authors: Ilgisonis Ekaterina , Lisitsa Andrey , Kudryavtseva Valerya , Ponomarenko Elena
Published: July 2018

Concept-centered semantic maps were created based on a text-mining analysis of PubMed using the BiblioEngine_v2018 software. The objects (“concepts”) of a semantic map can be MeSH-terms or other terms (names of proteins, diseases, chemical compounds, etc.) structured in the form of controlled vocabularies. The edges between the two objects were automatically calculated based on the index of semantic similarity, which is proportional to the number of publications related to both objects simultaneously. On the one hand, an individual semantic map created based on the already published papers allows us to trace scientific inquiry. On the other hand, a prospective analysis based on the study of PubMed search history enables us to determine the possible directions for future research.
Research on the Fracture Grouting Mechanism and PFC Numerical Simulation in Loess
Authors: Zhang Zhenlong , Shao Zhushan , Fang Xiaobo , Liang Xijun
Published: July 2018

According to the model test of fracture grouting in loess, the grout changes with the pressure variation, which can be divided into three stages, foundation, expansion and fracturing, and diffusion, and ultimately splits into “Y” shaped grout fractures. Using PFC2D particle flow software simulates the slurry diffusion process on loess, and the results of the simulation display the same “Y” shaped slurry vein with the experiment, which has a certain reference value for fracture grouting in loess.
Stability Analysis of Surrounding Rock and Treatment Structures in Superlarge Karst Cave of Naqiu Tunnel
Authors: Chen HuaWei , Sha Ce
Published: July 2018

This study relied on the treatment and construction process of the corridor hall‐type large karst cave of Naqiu Tunnel, and field tests and numerical simulation were carried out to investigate the stability of surrounding rock and treatment structures during the tunnel excavation process. From the results of different excavation footages, both the displacement characteristics between the backfill pile‐bearing platform‐retaining wall compound treatment structures with surrounding rock and the stress changes of the initial support were analyzed. Combining with the field tests and simulation results, it can be obtained that the compound treatment structure under the bias voltage has unequal leftward displacement and settlement. When the distance to excavation surface gets closer, the bias effect will become greater on the horizontal displacement than on the vertical displacement. Both the displacement and stress changes tend to be stable after the excavation is completed, which proves that the treatment structure of the foundation, bearing platform, retaining wall, and lining structure on the steep slope section is stable and effectively suppresses the effect of the surrounding rock bias voltage. All above conclusions can provide theoretical basis and construction reference for similar projects.
Smart Scheduling: An Integrated First Mile and Last Mile Supply Approach
Authors: Bányai Tamás , Illés Béla , Bányai Ágota
Published: July 2018

Supply chain management applies more and more Industry 4.0 innovations to increase their availability, elasticity, sustainability, and efficiency. In interconnected logistics networks, operations are integrated from suppliers through 3rd party logistics providers to customers. There are different delivery models depending on the time and cost. In the last few years, a wide range of customers is willing to pay an extra fee for the same delivery or instant delivery. This fact led to the increased importance of the optimized design and control of first mile/last mile (FMLM) delivery solutions. Cyberphysical system‐based service innovations make it possible to enhance the productivity of FMLM delivery in the big data environment. The design and operation problems can be described as NP‐hard optimization problems. These problems can be solved using sophisticated models and methods based on heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms. This research proposes an integrated supply model of FMLM delivery. After a careful literature review, this paper introduces a mathematical model to formulate the problem of real‐time smart scheduling of FMLM delivery. The integrated model includes the assignment of first mile and last mile delivery tasks to the available resources and the optimization of operations costs, while constraints like capacity, time window, and availability are taken into consideration. Next, a black hole optimization‐ (BHO‐) based algorithm dealing with a multiobjective supply chain model is presented. The sensitivity of the enhanced algorithm is tested with benchmark functions. Numerical results with different datasets demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model and validate the usage of Industry 4.0 inventions in FMLM delivery.
Study on the Rock Mass Caving and Surface Subsidence Mechanism Based on an In Situ Geological Investigation and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Ren Fengyu , Zhang Dongjie , Cao Jianli , Yu Miao , Li Shaohua
Published: July 2018

To deeply understand the mechanism of the rock mass caving and associated surface subsidence during sublevel caving mining, the Xiaowanggou iron mine was selected as an engineering project case study. The study area was analyzed by means of an in situ geological investigation and numerical simulation. First, a borehole television (BHTV) system and a GPS monitoring system were used to monitor the caving process of the roof rock mass and the development of the surface subsidence; the monitoring time was thirteen months. Then, a numerical simulation was used to analyze the damage evolution of the rock mass. Research shows the following:(1)in situ geological monitoring results indicate that the caving process of the roof rock mass presents intermittent characteristics, where slow caving and sudden caving are conducted alternatively and the arched-caving trend is more pronounced with continuous mining. The surface subsidence, horizontal displacement, and horizontal deformation of the hanging wall are higher than that of the footwall, and the subsidence center gradually deflects to the hanging wall in the late stage of the +45m sublevel mining.(2)Numerical simulation results indicate that the extension and penetration of the shear and tensile cracks along the joints and intact rock bridges are the main factors causing the rock mass caving and the existence of the stress arch and its evolution process is the fundamental reason for the intermittent caving of the rock mass. The rapid development of damage to the hanging wall (the damage angle reduced) is the main cause of the deflection of the subsidence center affected by joints and the mining size.(3)In the future of mining, large-scale subsidence will occur on the surface of the hanging wall.
Cyclic Testing of Concrete‐Filled Double‐Skin Steel Tubular Column to Steel Beam Joint with RC Slab
Authors: Zhang Dongfang , Zhao Junhai , He Shuanhai
Published: July 2018

The design of composite joints for connecting concrete‐filled double‐skin tubular (CFDST) columns to steel beams supporting reinforced concrete (RC) slabs is presented in this paper. Five half‐scale specimens were designed, including four composite joints with RC slab and one bare steel beam joint, and were tested under a constant axially compressive force and lateral cyclic loading at the top end of the column to evaluate their seismic behavior. The main experimental parameters were the construction of the joint and the type of the column. The seismic behaviors, including the failure modes, hysteresis curves, ductility, strength and stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation, were investigated. The failure modes of the composite joints depended on the joint construction and on the stiffness ratio of beams to columns. Joints of stiffening type had significantly higher load‐bearing and deformation capacities than joints of nonstiffening type. Compared with the bare steel beam joint, the bearing capacities of the composite joints with RC slabs were markedly increased. The composite action was remarkable under sagging moments, resulting in larger deformation on the bottom flanges of the beams. Overall, most specimens exhibited full hysteresis loops, and the equivalent viscous damping coefficients were 0.282∼0.311. The interstory drift ratios satisfied the requirements specified by technical regulations. Composite connections of this type exhibit excellent ductility and favorable energy dissipation and can be effectively utilized in superhigh‐rise buildings erected in earthquake zones.
Electroacupuncture for Postoperative Urinary Retention: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhong Yajing , Zeng Fanzhu , Li Jiaying , Yang Yunhua , Zhong Shuxian , Song Yang
Published: July 2018

Background. This systematic review aimed at summarizing and evaluating the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which used electroacupuncture (EA) to treat postoperative urinary retention (PUR). Methods. We searched thirteen databases electronically through April 2018 without language restrictions. We included RCTs of women with PUR; other types of urinary retention or not‐RCTs were excluded. Two independent reviewers extracted studies’ characteristics, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Data were pooled and expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. We found very low to moderate level of evidence that effects of less than or equal to a week were statistically significant: therapeutic effect improved (OR=4.21; 95%CI [3.04, 5.83]; P<0.00001), residual urine volume decreased (SMD=‐13.24; 95%CI [‐15.70, ‐10.78]; P<0.00001), bladder capacity increased (SMD=0.56; 95%CI [0.30, 0.83]; P<0.0001), and urinary flow rate improved (SMD=0.91; 95%CI [0.64, 1.18]; P<0.00001). Effect over a week was statistically significant as well. Therapeutic effect improved (OR=8.29; 95%CI [2.91, 24.25]; P<0.0001), residual urine volume decreased (SMD=‐1.78; 95%CI [‐2.66, ‐0.89]; P<0.0001), bladder capacity (SMD=0.92; 95%CI [0.61, 1.23]; P<0.00001) and urinary flow rate (SMD=1.69; 95%CI [0.59, 2.79]; P=0.003) increased, and first urination after surgery was earlier (SMD=‐0.92; 95%CI [‐1.37, ‐0.46]; P<0.0001), compared with physical exercise, medication, or no treatment. Conclusion. The efficacy and safety of EA on key outcomes in women with PUR are statistically significant, but the level of most evidence was very low or low. More large‐scale, long‐term RCTs with rigorous methodological quality are needed.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Patients of King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Amer Omar S. O. , Al-Malki Esam S. , Waly Mohamed I. , AlAgeel Abdulaziz , Lubbad Mahmoud Y.
Published: July 2018

This study is a retrospective analysis of the recorded intestinal parasitic infections for in- and outpatients visiting King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2013 to 2017. In this study, a total of 5987 in- and outpatient were examined for intestinal parasitic infection. 30 patients out of 5987 were infected with 6 species of intestinal parasites with prevalence rate 0.5%. These parasites wereEntamoeba histolytica(P = 0.27%),Cryptosporidiumsp. (P = 0.1%),Giardia lamblia(P = 0.07%),Trichuris trichiura(P = 0.03%),Hymenolepis nana(P = 0.02%), andChilomastix mesnili(P = 0.02%). The prevalence of infection in both males and females was 0.38% and 0.58%, respectively. Also, the prevalence of infection in different years and age groups as well as different seasons was provided. Intestinal parasitic infections are still a public health problem in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Updating the epidemiologic survey of these parasites at regular intervals using the appropriate statistical methods is necessary to develop effective prevention and control strategies.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of the Hydraulic Actuator Used in the Active Reflector System
Authors: Xiao Juliang , Liu Qinyu , Wang Guodong , Ji Jun
Published: July 2018

In order to improve the control quality of the active reflector system which is used in the 500 m aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST) project, a study on hydraulic actuator is proposed. The dynamic performance of hydraulic actuator is due to the interaction of several physical phenomena. Modeling of such a system needs a unified approach to represent the nonlinear behavior characteristics. Bond graph model is ideal for this task. In addition, conventional PID control strategy cannot achieve the required accuracy and precision, so we combine grey prediction with PID control. Furthermore, a new adjustment mechanism is presented to change the grey step size, which is simple, automatic, less time-consuming, and efficient. Simulations and experiments on the actuator are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control method. In experiments, the velocity error is less than 0.05mm/s and the position error is less than 0.2mm. It shows the actuator meets the astronomical observation requirement totally.
Adaptive Neural Control for Hysteresis Motor Driving Servo System with Bouc‐Wen Model
Authors: Gao Xuehui
Published: July 2018

An adaptive high‐order neural network (HONN) control strategy is proposed for a hysteresis motor driving servo system with the Bouc‐Wen model. To simplify control design, the model is rewritten as a canonical state space form firstly through coordinate transformation. Then, a high‐gain state observer (HGSO) is proposed to estimate the unknown transformed state. Afterward, a filter for the tracking errors is adopted which converts the vector error e into a scalar error s. Finally, an adaptive HONN controller is presented, and a Lyapunov function candidate guarantees that all the closed‐loop signals are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Simulations verified the effectiveness of the proposed neural network adaptive control strategy for the hysteresis servo motor system.
Estrogen Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women Exposed In Utero to Diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Troisi Rebecca , Hatch Elizabeth E. , Palmer Julie R. , Titus Linda , Sampson Joshua N. , Xu Xia , Hoover Robert N.
Published: July 2018

Background: Prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes and cancer of the breast and vagina/cervix in adult women. DES effects on estrogen metabolism have been hypothesized, but reproductive hormone concentrations and metabolic pathways have not been comprehensively described.

Methods: Blood samples were provided by 60 postmenopausal women (40 exposed and 20 unexposed) who were participants in the NCI Combined DES Cohort Study, had never used hormone supplements or been diagnosed with cancer, had responded to the most recent cohort study questionnaire, and lived within driving distance of Boston University Medical School (Boston, MA). Parent estrogens and their metabolites were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Age-adjusted percent changes in geometric means and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the exposed and unexposed were calculated.

Results: Concentrations of total estrogens (15.3%; CI, −4.1–38.5) and parent estrogens (27.1%; CI, −8.2–76.1) were slightly higher in the DES-exposed than unexposed. Ratios of path2:parent estrogens (−36.5%; CI, −53.0 to −14.3) and path2:path16 (−28.8%; CI, −47.3–3.7) were lower in the DES exposed. These associations persisted with adjustment for total estrogen, years since menopause, body mass index, parity, and recent alcohol intake.

Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that postmenopausal women who were prenatally DES exposed may have relatively less 2 than 16 pathway estrogen metabolism compared with unexposed women.

Impact: Lower 2 pathway metabolism has been associated with increased postmenopausal breast cancer risk and could potentially offer a partial explanation for the modest increased risk observed for prenatally DES-exposed women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1208–13. ©2018 AACR.
Blocking Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Function via Anti-DC-HIL/GPNMB Antibody Restores the In Vitro Integrity of T Cells from Cancer Patients
Authors: Kobayashi Masato , Chung Jin-Sung , Beg Muhammad , Arriaga Yull , Verma Udit , Courtney Kevin , Mansour John , Haley Barbara , Khan Saad , Horiuchi Yutaka , Ramani Vijay , Harker David , Gopal Purva , Araghizadeh Farshid , Cruz Ponciano D. , Ariizumi Kiyoshi
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Blocking the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is an attractive approach for cancer immunotherapy. Having shown DC-HIL/GPNMB to be the T-cell-inhibitory receptor mediating the suppressor function of MDSCs, we evaluated the potential of anti-DC-HIL mAb as an MDSC-targeting cancer treatment.

Experimental Design:

Patients with metastatic cancer (n = 198) were analyzed by flow cytometry for DC-HIL or PDL1 expression on blood CD14+HLA-DRno/lo MDSCs. Their suppressor function was assessed by in vitro coculture with autologous T cells, and the ability of anti-DC-HIL or anti-PDL1 mAb to reverse such function was determined. Tumor expression of these receptors was examined histologically, and the antitumor activity of the mAb was evaluated by attenuated growth of colon cancers in mice.

Results:

Patients with metastatic cancer had high blood levels of DC-HIL+ MDSCs compared with healthy controls. Anti-DC-HIL mAb reversed the in vitro function in ∼80% of cancer patients tested, particularly for colon cancer. Despite very low expression on blood MDSCs, anti-PDL1 mAb was as effective as anti-DC-HIL mAb in reversing MDSC function, a paradoxical phenomenon we found to be due to upregulated expression of PDL1 by T-cell-derived IFNγ in cocultures. DC-HIL is not expressed by colorectal cancer cells but by CD14+ cells infiltrating the tumor. Finally, anti-DC-HIL mAb attenuated growth of preestablished colon tumors by reducing MDSCs and increasing IFNγ-secreting T cells in the tumor microenvironment, with similar outcomes to anti-PDL1 mAb.

Conclusions:

Blocking DC-HIL function is a potentially useful treatment for at least colorectal cancer with high blood levels of DC-HIL+ MDSCs.

See related commentary by Colombo, p. 453
Healthcare IT Utilization and Penetration among Physicians: Novel IT Solutions in Healthcare – Use and Acceptance in Hospitals
Authors: Vogt Ferdinand , Seidl Fritz , Santarpino Giuseppe , van Griensven Martijn , Emmert Martin , Edenharter Guenther , Pförringer Dominik
Published: July 2018

Background: Healthcare IT (HIT) increasingly gains public attention and clinical daily relevance. A growing number of patients and physicians increasingly relies on IT services to monitor and support well-being and recovery both in their private and professional environment. This is assumed to develop rapidly in the upcoming years. Objective: This study examines the current status of HIT, its use and penetration among physicians in hospitals and researches utilization as well as future expectations regarding HIT. Methods: Physicians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland were addressed via e-mail to answer a standardized Internet-based questionnaire consisting of 17 multiple-choice and 3 open text questions. Parameters were evaluated in 5 categories: general use, frequency, acceptance, IT needs and future expectations. Results: An overall 234 physicians (response rate 83.6%) with a median age of 45 (range 25–60) responded and filled out the entire online questionnaire. A significant correlation between parameters gender, age and level of training (resident, specialist, consultant etc.) was proven. The professional, medical employment of technology shows a strong correlation with age as well as level of training. Whereas increasing age among physicians is associated with a decreasing level of application of HIT, a higher training level is accompanied by an increasing level of professional application of IT services and tools within the healthcare context. Routine employment of HIT is regarded as a necessary and positive standard. Most users assume the importance of HIT to strongly grow in the future in comparison to current use. A clear lack of trust towards data security and storage is recognized on both patient and physician sides. Needs are currently satisfied by employing privately acquired IT in the professional setup rather than the hospitals’. Future expectations from HIT show a clear demand for interoperability and exchangeability of data. Conclusions: The results display a clear gap between demand and expectations of IT for medical purposes. The rate of use of HIT applications generally correlates with age, gender as well as role within the hospital and type of employment within the healthcare sector. The current offering does not satisfy the needs of healthcare professionals.
Myeloid Neoplasms with Germline Predisposition
Authors: Geyer Julia T.
Published: July 2018

The updated 2016 WHO classification of hematopoietic tumors has a new category: “myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition.” These entities are rare, but are also currently underdiagnosed and underreported. Recognition is critical for appropriate clinical evaluation and therapy, with potential implications for the patient’s entire family. The WHO includes 3 categories of myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition: neoplasms without preexisting conditions, neoplasms with a history of thrombocytopenia, and neoplasms with other organ dysfunction. Specialized molecular testing is frequently necessary to make the diagnosis, as the presence of one of the implicated mutations is not sufficient for diagnosis and should be confirmed with germline DNA evaluation. Many families have unique mutations that are not detected by targeted sequencing panels. Periodic bone marrow (BM) examinations are recommended to assess patients’ baseline morphology and rule out evidence of disease progression. Thus, accurate diagnosis requires a careful recording of clinical history, a BM morphology evaluation, and advanced molecular testing.
Functional Connectivity of the Caudate in Schizophrenia Evaluated with Simultaneous Resting-State Functional MRI and Electroencephalography Recordings
Authors: Kirino Eiji , Tanaka Shoji , Fukuta Mayuko , Inami Rie , Inoue Reiichi , Aoki Shigeki
Published: July 2018

Background: Aberrant functional connectivity (FC) is increasingly implicated in the clinical phenomenology of schizophrenia. This study focused on the FC of the cortico-striatal network, which is thought to be disrupted in schizophrenia and to contribute to its clinical manifestations. Methods: We used simultaneous resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to investigate FC in patients with schizophrenia. The study included 20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 healthy controls (HCs). Simultaneously recorded rsfMRI and EEG data were collected with an MR-compatible amplifier, and rsfMRI data were analyzed with the CONN toolbox to calculate FC. The study focused on the caudate, which was defined as the seed. We also performed between-group comparisons of standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography intracortical lagged coherence for each EEG frequency band. Results: Compared to HCs, patients with schizophrenia showed enhanced FC between the caudate nucleus and the posterior cingulate cortex, temporal, and occipital regions on rsfMRI. It is thus possible that HCs have negative FC between these regions, whereas patients with schizophrenia have non-negative FC. The EEG results showed no significant differences in oscillations or in FC between the groups in any frequency band in any region. Conclusions: Increased FC in the caudate may represent aberrant between-network FC resulting from the disruption of segregation between networks.
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibody in a Patient with Myelitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Zifan , Huang Qingmei , Li Huijuan , Qiu Wei , Chen Baikeng , Luo Jie , Yang Huacai , Liu Tianni , Liu Si , Xu Huiming , Long Youming , Gao Cong
Published: July 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the positive rate of serum glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibody in patients with myelitis and to describe the clinical findings in patients with positive GAD antibody. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 390 patients with myelitis, including 210 patients positive for aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody and 180 patients negative for AQP4. GAD65 antibody was measured by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results: Only 1 serum and cerebral spinal fluid sample from 390 patients (0.26%) was positive for anti-GAD antibodies. The patient was a female with relapsing myelitis and a thymic mass. Thymic resection was undertaken, and pathological examination revealed a benign thymic cyst. Extensive infiltration of lymphocytes positive for CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD20 was found. Immunohistochemistry showed positive expression of GAD65 in the cyst. Conclusions: Although serum GAD65 antibodies were present in a patient, it is not recommended to routinely screen for GAD65 antibodies in patients with myelitis because of their rare occurrence. However, screening for GAD65 antibodies should be considered in patients who have been diagnosed with cancer or a thymic abnormality.