bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Enabled Fault Diagnosis Using Time-Frequency Image Analysis of Rolling Element Bearings
Authors: Verstraete David , Ferrada Andrés , Droguett Enrique López , Meruane Viviana , Modarres Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Traditional feature extraction and selection is a labor-intensive process requiring expert knowledge of the relevant features pertinent to the system. This knowledge is sometimes a luxury and could introduce added uncertainty and bias to the results. To address this problem a deep learning enabled featureless methodology is proposed to automatically learn the features of the data. Time-frequency representations of the raw data are used to generate image representations of the raw signal, which are then fed into a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture for classification and fault diagnosis. This methodology was applied to two public data sets of rolling element bearing vibration signals. Three time-frequency analysis methods (short-time Fourier transform, wavelet transform, and Hilbert-Huang transform) were explored for their representation effectiveness. The proposed CNN architecture achieves better results with less learnable parameters than similar architectures used for fault detection, including cases with experimental noise.
Optimal Control of Complex Systems Based on Improved Dual Heuristic Dynamic Programming Algorithm
Authors: Li Hui , Wen Yongsui , Sun Wenjie
Published: October 2017

When applied to solving the data modeling and optimal control problems of complex systems, the dual heuristic dynamic programming (DHP) technique, which is based on the BP neural network algorithm (BP‐DHP), has difficulty in prediction accuracy, slow convergence speed, poor stability, and so forth. In this paper, a dual DHP technique based on Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) algorithm (ELM‐DHP) was proposed. Through constructing three kinds of network structures, the paper gives the detailed realization process of the DHP technique in the ELM. The controller designed upon the ELM‐DHP algorithm controlled a molecular distillation system with complex features, such as multivariability, strong coupling, and nonlinearity. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the simulation that compares DHP and HDP algorithms based on ELM and BP neural network. The algorithm can also be applied to solve the data modeling and optimal control problems of similar complex systems.
Are Patients Traveling for Intraoperative Radiation Therapy?
Authors: Larson Kelsey E. , Valente Stephanie A. , Shah Chirag , Tendulkar Rahul D. , Cherian Sheen , Yanda Courtney , Tu Chao , Echle Jessica , Grobmyer Stephen R.
Published: October 2017

Purpose. One benefit of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is that it usually requires a single treatment, thus potentially eliminating distance as a barrier to receipt of whole breast irradiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distance traveled by IORT patients at our institution. Methods. Our institutional prospective registry was used to identify IORT patients from 10/2011 to 2/2017. Patient’s home zip code was compared to institution zip code to determine travel distance. Characteristics of local (<50 miles), regional (50–100 miles), and faraway (>100 miles) patients were compared. Results. 150 were patients included with a median travel distance of 27 miles and mean travel distance of 121 miles. Most were local (68.7%), with the second largest group living faraway (20.0%). Subset analysis of local patients demonstrated 20.4% traveled <10 miles, 34.0% traveled 10–20 miles, and 45.6% traveled 20–50 miles. Six patients traveled >1000 miles. The local, regional, and faraway patients did not differ with respect to age, race, tumor characteristics, or whole breast irradiation. Conclusions. Breast cancer patients are traveling for IORT, with 63% traveling >20 miles for care. IORT is an excellent strategy to promote breast conservation in selected patients, particularly those who live remote from a radiation facility.
Incidental Laparoscopic Discovery of an Intraperitoneal Plastic Catheter 16 Years after an Unsafe Abortion: A Case Report from the Gynecologic, Obstetric, and Pediatric Hospital of Yaoundé (Cameroon)
Authors: Andre Ngandji , Juliette Ngo Um Meka Esther , Joel Fokom , Brigitte Wandji , Pascal Foumane
Published: October 2017

In many developing countries like Cameroon, unsafe abortion is a major public health problem. It can be responsible for severe complications including damage to the digestive and/or urinary tract, sepsis, and uterine perforation. Uterine perforation could be caused by most of the instruments that are used to evacuate the uterus. We report a case of apparent uterine perforation and subsequent migration of the plastic or rubber catheter into the peritoneal cavity during an abortion procedure performed in a setting that may have been unsafe. The discovery was made during a diagnostic laparoscopy indicated for secondary infertility of tubal origin 16 years after the abortion procedure. This is a rare clinical finding which is of therapeutic and diagnostic importance. To the best of our knowledge, a single similar case has been reported so far in the literature.
Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance inCampylobacterspp. from a Peruvian Pediatric Cohort
Authors: Lluque Angela , Riveros Maribel , Prada Ana , Ochoa Theresa J. , Ruiz Joaquim
Published: October 2017

The presence of virulence factors (VFs) and mechanisms of quinolones and macrolide resistance was analyzed inCampylobacterspp. from a pediatric cohort study in Lima. In 149 isolates (39Campylobacter jejuniand 24Campylobacter colifrom diarrheic cases; 57C. jejuniand 29C. colifrom controls), the presence of thecdtABCandcadFgenes andiammarker was established. Nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and azithromycin susceptibilities were established in 115 isolates and tetracycline-susceptibility was established in 100 isolates. The presence of mutations in thegyrA,parC,and23S rRNAgenes was determined. ThecadFgene and all genes from thecdtABCoperon were significantly more frequent amongC. jejuni(P<0.0001); theiammarker was more frequent inC. coli(P<0.0001). No differences were observed in VFs between cases and controls. Almost all isolates were tetracycline-resistant; nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin resistance reached levels of 90.4% and 88.7%, respectively. Resistance to macrolides was 13% (C. jejuni4.3%;C. coli26.1%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin was related to GyrA Thr86 substitutions, while 13 of 15 macrolide-resistant isolates possessed a23S rRNAmutation (A2075G). Differences in the presence of VFs and alarming levels of resistance to tested antimicrobial agents were observed amongC. jejuniandC. coli.
A Comparison of the Device-Related Complications of Intramedullary Lengthening Nails Using a New Classification System
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Sungmin , Lee Jung Woo , Park Hoon , Kim Tae Yoon , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to understand the pros and cons of the lengthening nails which have their own mechanical mechanism; we propose a classification for “device-related complications” arising from mechanical properties of the nail itself. From March 2010 to March 2014, 115 segments of lower limb lengthening were performed using intramedullary lengthening nails (35 ISKD, 34 PRECICE1, and 46 PRECICE2). Device-related complications were sorted into three categories according to a new classification: distraction control-related (type I), stability related (type II), and other device-related (type III); these were subdivided using Paley’s concept of problems (a), obstacles (b), and sequel (c). Most common complications were distraction mechanism issues (type I) in ISKD and mechanical strength related ones (type II) in PRECICE1 and PRECICE2. Sixty percent (21/35) of ISKD had device-related problems. In PRECICE1 group, 8.8% (3/34) had device-related problems, and 8.8% (3/34) showed device-related obstacle. In PRECICE2, forty-four percent (20/46) had device-related problems. In conclusion, a new classification showed more clearly the differences of mechanical characteristics of different nails. The most essential thing of future lengthening nail development is minimizing the types I and II complications. Further study is necessary to compare the mechanical strength and stability of lengthening nails.
A Rare Association of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia with Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Agrawal Kavita , Alfonso Flores
Published: October 2017

An 80-year-old male presented with dyspnea on exertion for at least two months. He also complained of progressive dysphagia and weight loss of 35 pounds over the last eight months. Initial blood tests showed hemoglobin of 6.1 g/dl, reticulocytes count of 19.7%, total bilirubin of 3.2 mg/dl, lactate dehydrogenase of 600 U/L, and haptoglobin of less than 8 mg/dl, and direct Coombs test was positive for warm immunoglobulin G. The impression was autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). The evaluation of dysphagia with esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a single irregular 4 cm malignant appearing ulcerated mass at the incisura angularis of the stomach. The mass was confirmed as adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Diagnostic laparoscopy was positive for malignant cells and he was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Other extensive workup to determine the etiology of AIHA was negative (described in detail below). Surgery was deferred primarily due to metastasis of cancer. Initially, hemoglobin was stabilized by intravenous methylprednisolone, high dose immunoglobulins, and packed red blood cell transfusions. After a few weeks, hemoglobin started trending down again. The patient was weaned off steroids and paradoxically IgG-mediated autohemolysis was controlled with the initiation of palliative chemotherapy. Our case highlights a rare occurrence of AIHA in association with gastric adenocarcinoma.
Impedance Based Health Monitoring Technique with Probabilistic Neural Network for Possible Wall Thinning Detection of Metal Structures
Authors: Na Wongi S. , Baek Jongdae
Published: October 2017

Corrosion of structures and wall thinning of pipes can severely affect the mechanical strength as wall thickness is reduced. Thus a cost effective structural health monitoring technique plays an important role when managing a structure. The electromechanical impedance (EMI) method is a local method that has limited sensing range, resulting in a high cost when covering large areas. In this study, a reattachable EMI method is investigated using a stack of multiple metal plates to conduct an experiment involving thickness reduction. In addition, the main problem of the impedance signatures changing subjected to reattaching the piezoelectric transducer is solved by using the probabilistic neural network algorithm presented for the study. The proposed approach successfully identifies the thickness of two different structures with high accuracy.
Structure and Properties of Hydrophobic Aggregation Hydrogel with Chemical Sensitive Switch
Authors: Duan Jiufang , Jiang Jianxin
Published: October 2017

Hydrogels with chemical sensitive switch have control release properties in special environments. A series of polyacrylamide-octadecyl methacrylate hydrogels crosslinked by N,N′-bis (acryloyl) cystamine were synthesized as potential chemical sensitive system. When this hydrogel encounters dithiothreitol it can change its quality. The properties of the hydrogels were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy. The water absorption of the hydrogel has the maximum value of 475%, when the content of octadecyl methacrylate is 5 wt%. The amount of weight loss was changed from 34.6% to 17.2%, as the content of octadecyl methacrylate increased from 3 wt% to 9.4 wt%. At the same time, the stress of the hydrogel decreased from 67.01% to 47.61%; the strength of the hydrogel reaches to the maximum 0.367 Mpa at 7 wt% octadecyl methacrylate. The increasing content of octadecyl methacrylate from 3 wt% to 9.4 wt% can enhance the hydrophobicity of the hydrogel; the contact angle of water to hydrogel changed from 14.10° to 19.62°. This hydrogel has the porous structure which permits loading of oils into the gel matrix. The functionalities of the hydrogel make it have more widely potential applications in chemical sensitive response materials.
Kinetic Modelling of Infection Tracers [18F]FDG, [68Ga]Ga-Citrate, [11C]Methionine, and [11C]Donepezil in a Porcine Osteomyelitis Model
Authors: Jødal Lars , Jensen Svend B. , Nielsen Ole L. , Afzelius Pia , Borghammer Per , Alstrup Aage K. O. , Hansen Søren B.
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly applied for infection imaging using [18F]FDG as tracer, but uptake is unspecific. The present study compares the kinetics of [18F]FDG and three other PET tracers with relevance for infection imaging. Methods. A juvenile porcine osteomyelitis model was used. Eleven pigs underwent PET/CT with 60-minute dynamic PET imaging of [18F]FDG, [68Ga]Ga-citrate, [11C]methionine, and/or [11C]donepezil, along with blood sampling. For infectious lesions, kinetic modelling with one- and two-tissue-compartment models was conducted for each tracer. Results. Irreversible uptake was found for [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-citrate; reversible uptake was found for [11C]methionine (two-tissue model) and [11C]donepezil (one-tissue model). The uptake rate for [68Ga]Ga-citrate was slow and diffusion-limited. For the other tracers, the uptake rate was primarily determined by perfusion (flow-limited uptake). Net uptake rate for [18F]FDG and distribution volume for [11C]methionine were significantly higher for infectious lesions than for correspondingly noninfected tissue. For [11C]donepezil in pigs, labelled metabolite products appeared to be important for the analysis. Conclusions. The kinetics of the four studied tracers in infection was characterized. For clinical applications, [18F]FDG remains the first-choice PET tracer. [11C]methionine may have a potential for detecting soft tissue infections. [68Ga]Ga-citrate and [11C]donepezil were not found useful for imaging of osteomyelitis.
Effect of ALDH2 on High Glucose‐Induced Cardiac Fibroblast Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Fibrosis
Authors: Gu Xiaoyu , Fang Tingting , Kang Pinfang , Hu Junfeng , Yu Ying , Li Zhenghong , Cheng Xiangyang , Gao Qin
Published: October 2017

Our study aimed firstly to observe whether ALDH2 was expressed in neonate rat cardiac fibroblasts, then to investigate the effect of activation of ALDH2 on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis when cardiac fibroblasts were subjected to high glucose intervention. Cultured cardiac fibroblasts were randomly divided into normal (NG), NG + Alda‐1, high glucose (HG), HG + Alda‐1, HG + Alda‐1 + daidzin, HG + daidzin, and hypertonic groups. Double‐label immunofluorescence staining, RT‐PCR, and Western blot revealed ALDH2 was expressed in cardiac fibroblasts. Compared with NG, ALDH2 activity and protein expression were reduced, and cardiac fibroblast proliferation, ROS releasing, 4‐HNE protein expression, collagen type I and III at mRNA levels, and the apoptosis rate were increased in HG group. While in HG + Alda‐1 group, with the increases of ALDH2 activity and protein expression, the cardiac fibroblast proliferation and ROS releasing were decreased, and 4‐HNE protein expression, collagen type I and III at mRNA levels, and apoptosis rate were reduced compared with HG group. When treated with daidzin in HG + Alda‐1 group, the protective effects were inhibited. Our findings suggested that ALDH2 is expressed in neonate rat cardiac fibroblasts; activation of ALDH2 decreases the HG‐induced apoptosis and fibrosis through inhibition of oxidative stress.
The Effect of a 12-Week Health Training Program on Selected Anthropometric and Biochemical Variables in Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Pilch Wanda , Tota Łukasz , Sadowska-Krępa Ewa , Piotrowska Anna , Kępińska Magdalena , Pałka Tomasz , Maszczyk Adam
Published: October 2017

Regular moderate physical activity positively affects health, fitness, and body composition; it regulates the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels. Vitamin D plays an important regulatory role; its adequate levels correlate with low values of inflammation markers and an increase in muscle strength and fitness in exercising people. The study’s aim was to evaluate changes in somatic variables, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers, as well as blood calcidiol concentration in middle-aged healthy women after 12 weeks of aerobics classes—endurance exercises, including choreographic sequences, aiming to improve fitness and motor coordination. The training led to a significant reduction of body mass and fat tissue; it induced an increase in lean body mass. After the 12-week training program, plasma antioxidant status increased (0.65 ± 0.21,p<0.01) and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products decreased (0.07 ± 0.02,p<0.001). A significant increase in plasma antioxidant status associated with training could have reduced the level of proinflammatory interleukin as indicated by a positive correlation between these variables (rs= 0.64,p<0.05). The study proved that a 12-week health training program in physically inactive middle-aged women might provide improvements in their anthropometric parameters and selected biochemical indicators.
Liquid Phase Synthesis of CoP Nanoparticles with High Electrical Conductivity for Advanced Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qun , Li Bo , Liu Mao-Cheng , Yuan Shang-Ke , Niu Leng-Yuan
Published: October 2017

Transition metal phosphide alloys possess the metalloid characteristics and superior electrical conductivity and are a kind of high electrical conductive pseudocapacitive materials. Herein, high electrical conductive cobalt phosphide alloys are fabricated through a liquid phase process and a nanoparticles structure with high surface area is obtained. The highest specific capacitance of 286 F g−1 is reached at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. 63.4% of the specific capacitance is retained when the current density increased 16 times and 98.5% of the specific capacitance is maintained after 5000 cycles. The AC//CoP asymmetric supercapacitor also shows a high energy density (21.3 Wh kg−1) and excellent stability (97.8% of the specific capacitance is retained after 5000 cycles). The study provides a new strategy for the construction of high-performance energy storage materials by enhancing their intrinsic electrical conductivity.
Особливості клінічних проявів ураження тканин пародонта у підлітків на тлі аліментарно-конституціонального ожиріння
Authors: Lebid O. I. , Duda K. M.
Published: October 2017

The article presents the results of clinical examination of periodontal tissues in adolescents against the background of alimentary-constitutional obesity.The aim of the study – to investigate the features of the course of diseases of the periodontal tissue according to clinical indices in persons with alimentary-constitutional obesity.Materials and Methods. As a result of the survey, 95 adolescents aged 16–18 years old were included to study the features of the course of infl ammatory diseases of periodontal tissues in adolescents with alimentary-constitutional obesity 76 adolescents and 19 adolescents with harmonious physical development. To clarify the diagnosis, «excessive body weight» was determined by weight and height of the patient, and measured the circumference of the waist and hips. In the future, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated as the ratio of body weight in kg to square of growth in m2. Diagnosis of excess body weight was confi rmed with BMI less than 30kg/m2. The evaluation of the condition of periodontal tissues was carried out according to subjective and objective criteria (clinical parameters, index score). For the verifi cation of the pathological process in the periodontium, the classifi cation of M. F. Danilevskyi (1994) was used. The state of periodontal tissues was described using a traditional index score. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using commonly used methods of variation statistics with a help of personal computer using a statistical software package «Statistica 8.0» («Statsoft», USA). The probability level was estimated at 95 % (p<0.05) using Student’s t criterion.Conclusions. Consequently, the clinical indicators of the state of periodontal tissues in the context of alimentaryconstitutional obesity (Fedorov-Volodkin’s index, Green-Vermillion index, Sillness-Loe index, CPITN index) signifi cantly deteriorate compared with the corresponding indicators in the control group of adolescents without AKO, indicating the effect of alimentary-constitutional obesity on the clinical course, the severity and severity of theinfl ammatory process and the feasibility of timely and effective pharmacotherapy.
Influence of Baseline Diastolic Blood Pressure on Effects of Intensive Compared With Standard Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Beddhu Srinivasan , Chertow Glenn M. , Cheung Alfred K. , Cushman William C. , Rahman Mahboob , Greene Tom , Wei Guo , Campbell Ruth C. , Conroy Margaret , Freedman Barry I. , Haley William , Horwitz Edward , Kitzman Dalane , Lash James , Papademetriou Vasilios , Pisoni Roberto , Riessen Erik , Rosendorff Clive , Watnick Suzanne G. , Whittle Jeffrey , Whelton Paul K.
Published: October 2017

Background:

In individuals with a low diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the potential benefits or risks of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering are unclear.

Methods:

SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) was a randomized controlled trial that compared the effects of intensive (target <120 mm Hg) and standard (target <140 mm Hg) SBP control in 9361 older adults with high blood pressure at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular disease events. All-cause death and incident chronic kidney disease were secondary outcomes. This post hoc analysis examined whether the effects of the SBP intervention differed by baseline DBP.

Results:

Mean baseline SBP and DBP were 139.7±15.6 and 78.1±11.9 mm Hg, respectively. Regardless of the randomized treatment, baseline DBP had a U-shaped association with the hazard of the primary cardiovascular disease outcome. However, the effects of the intensive SBP intervention on the primary outcome were not influenced by baseline DBP level (
P
for interaction=0.83). The primary outcome hazard ratio for intensive versus standard treatment was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.57–1.07) in the lowest DBP quintile (mean baseline DBP, 61±5 mm Hg) and 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.90) in the upper 4 DBP quintiles (mean baseline DBP, 82±9 mm Hg), with an interaction
P
value of 0.78. Results were similar for all-cause death and kidney events.

Conclusions:

Low baseline DBP was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease events, but there was no evidence that the benefit of the intensive SBP lowering differed by baseline DBP.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01206062.
A Postmodern Metamorphosis: The Process of Michael Sgan-Cohen’s Reception into the Israeli Art Field
Authors: Rubenstein Ruth
Published: October 2017

This essay looks at Michael Sgan-Cohen’s reception in the Israeli art field over a period of 25 years. It suggests that whereas Sgan-Cohen’s signature style of referencing and reworking Jewish sources did not change much over that time, the Israeli art field did shift in its reception of his work, from an unfavorable stance in 1978, to a somewhat more accepting one in 1994, to recognition of Sgan-Cohen as an artist of merit in 2004. Critical commentaries on his exhibitions and interviews with key personalities within the field shed light on Sgan-Cohen’s reception and elucidate the changes within the field itself. Moreover, by focusing on the emergence of postmodern discourse and its influence on the Israeli art field and framing these findings within the realm of field theory, this study creates a context for understanding these structural shifts in the Israeli art field, as it came face-to-face with postmodern discourse.
The Neotropical sharpshooter genus Ruppeliana Young (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): four new species, key to males, and new synonyms
Authors: CAVICHIOLI RODNEY R. , CARVALHO RACHEL A. , MEJDALANI GABRIEL
Published: October 2017

Four new Brazilian species of Ruppeliana are described and illustrated: R. barbarensis sp. nov., R. grossii sp. nov., R. longiphallus sp. nov., and R. serrana sp. nov., the first from Minas Gerais State and the other three from Rio de Janeiro State. The new taxa can be easily distinguished from other Ruppeliana species by their color pattern and male genitalia morphology. Ruppeliana coronulifera (Stål, 1862) and R. taschenbergi (Berg, 1899) are synonymized with R. signiceps (Stål, 1862). Additionally, a diagnosis of the genus and a key to species are provided.
Data on the scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) fauna of Greece, with description of two new species
Authors: SZITA ÉVA , FETYKÓ KINGA GABRIELA , BENEDICTY ZSUZSANNA KONCZNÉ , KOZÁR FERENC , PARTSINEVELOS GEORGIOS , MILONAS PANAGIOTIS , KAYDAN MEHMET BORA
Published: October 2017

Surveys of the scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) fauna of Greece were carried out in 2013 and 2014. Altogether 93 scale insect species were collected, belonging to 11 families. Thirty-eight species (41%) proved to be new to the Greek fauna, including two species new to science (Anophococcus hellenicus Kaydan & Szita sp. n. (Acanthococcidae) and Iberococcus attikus Szita & Fetykó sp. n. (Pseudococcidae)), and two introduced invasive species (Phenacoccus graminicola Leonardi and Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana), both Pseudococcidae). The rest of the species seem to be native to the Greek fauna. The total number of scale insect species recorded from Greece is increased to 253.
World of Walls
Authors: Saddiki Said
Published: October 2017

"We’re going to build a wall.”

Borders have been drawn since the beginning of time, but in recent years artificial barriers have become increasingly significant to the political conversation across the world. Donald Trump was elected President of the United States while promising to build a wall on the Mexico border, and in Europe, the international movements of migrants and refugees have sparked fierce discussion about whether and how countries should restrict access to their territory by erecting physical barriers. Virtual walls are also built and crushed at increasing speed. In the post-9/11 era there is a greater danger from so-called "transnational non-state actors”, and computer hacking and cyberterrorism threaten to overwhelm our technological barriers.

In this timely and original book, Said Saddiki scrutinises the physical and virtual walls located in four continents, including Israel, India, the southern EU border, Morocco, and the proposed border wall between Mexico and the US. Saddiki’s detailed analysis explores the tensions between the rise of globalisation, which some have argued will lead to a "borderless world” and "the end of the nation-state”, and the rapid development in recent decades of border control systems.

Saddiki examines both regular and irregular cross-border activities, including the flow of people, goods, ideas, drugs, weapons, capital, and information, and explores the disparities that are reflected by barriers to such activities. He considers the consequences of the construction of physical and virtual walls, including their impact on international relations and the rise of the multi-billion dollar security market.

World of Walls: The Structure, Roles and Effectiveness of Separation Barriers is important reading for all those interested in the topics of immigration, border security, international relations, and policy.
Decadal Climate Variability and Predictability: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Cassou Christophe , Kushnir Yochanan , Hawkins Ed , Pirani Anna , Kucharski Fred , Kang In-Sik , Caltabiano Nico
Published: October 2017

The study of Decadal Climate Variability (DCV) and Predictability is the interdisciplinary endeavor to characterize, understand, attribute, simulate, and predict the slow, multiyear variations of climate at global (e.g., the recent slowdown of global mean temperature rise in the early 2000s) and regional (e.g., decadal modulation of hurricane activity in the Atlantic, ongoing drought in California or in the Sahel in the 1970s–80s, etc.) scales. This study remains very challenging despite decades of research, extensive progress in climate system modeling, and improvements in the availability and coverage of a wide variety of observations. Considerable obstacles in applying this knowledge to actual predictions remain.

This short article is a succint review paper about DCV and predictability. Based on listed issues and priorities, it also proposes a unifying theme referred to as “drivers of teleconnectivity” as a backbone to address and structure the core DCV research challenge. This framework goes beyond a preoccupation with changes in the global mean temperature and directly addresses the regional impacts of external (natural and anthropogenic) climate forcing and internal climate interactions; it thus explicitly deals with the societal needs for region-specific climate information. Such a framework also enables the integration of efforts in a large international research community toward advancing the observation, characterization, understanding, and prediction of DCV. Recommendations to make progress are provided as part of the contribution of the CLIVAR “DCVP Research Focus” group.
Intensification of Large-Scale Stretching of Atmospheric Pollutant Clouds due to Climate Change
Authors: Haszpra Tímea
Published: October 2017

The aim of the paper is to investigate the question of how a changing climate influences the spreading of pollutants on continental and global scales. For characterizing the spreading, a measure of chaotic systems, called topological entropy, is used. This quantity describes the exponential stretching of pollutant clouds and, therefore, is related to the predictability and the complexity of the structure of a pollutant cloud. For the dispersion simulations the ERA-Interim database is used from 1979 to 2015. The simulations demonstrate that during this period the mean topological entropy slightly increases: the length of an initially line-like pollutant cloud advected for 10 (30) days in the atmosphere becomes 20%–65% (200%–400%) longer by the 2010s than in the 1980s. The mean topological entropy is found to be strongly correlated with the mean of the absolute value of the relative vorticity and only weakly linked to the mean temperature.
Upscale Impact of Mesoscale Disturbances of Tropical Convection on Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves
Authors: Yang Qiu , Majda Andrew J.
Published: October 2017

Tropical convection associated with convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) is typically organized by an eastward-moving synoptic-scale convective envelope with numerous embedded westward-moving mesoscale disturbances. Such a multiscale structure of tropical convection is a challenge for present-day cloud-resolving simulations and its representation in global climate models. It is of central importance to assess the upscale impact of mesoscale disturbances on CCKWs as mesoscale disturbances propagate at various tilt angles and speeds. Besides, it is still poorly understood whether the front-to-rear-tilted vertical structure of CCKWs can be induced by the upscale impact of mesoscale disturbances in the presence of upright mean heating. Here, a simple multiscale model is used to capture this multiscale structure, where mesoscale fluctuations are directly driven by mesoscale heating and synoptic-scale circulation is forced by mean heating and eddy transfer of momentum and temperature. The results show that the upscale impact of mesoscale disturbances that propagate at tilt angles of 110°–250° induces negative lower-tropospheric potential temperature anomalies in the leading edge, providing favorable conditions for shallow convection in a moist environment, while the remaining tilt-angle cases have opposite effects. Even in the presence of upright mean heating, the front-to-rear-tilted synoptic-scale circulation can still be induced by eddy terms at tilt angles of 120°–240°. In the case with fast-propagating mesoscale heating, positive potential temperature anomalies are induced in the lower troposphere, suppressing convection in a moist environment. This simple model also reproduces convective momentum transport and CCKWs in agreement with results from a recent cloud-resolving simulation.
Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With or Without Strengthening Exercise on Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Qi Ya-Chao , Niu Xiao-Li , Gao Ya-Ran , Wang He-bo , Hu Ming , Dong Li-Peng , Li Ya-Zhou
Published: October 2017

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with strengthening exercise on movement in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). One hundred children with spastic CP were randomly divided into a treatment group (NMES and strengthening exercise, n = 50) and a control group (only NMES, n = 50). We compared the Comprehensive Spasticity Scale (CSS) score, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) score, and walking speed before treatment and 6 weeks and 3 months after treatment between the 2 groups. There was no difference in CSS score between the treatment and control groups before the therapy (12.0 ± 3.4 vs 12.3 ± 3.6), which decreased much more in the treatment group after 6 weeks (7.6 ± 3.0 vs 9.5 ± 2.8) and 3 months (7.4 ± 2.4 vs 9.4 ± 2.6) with significant differences ( P < .05). No difference in GMFM score was observed between the treatment and control groups before the therapy (44.5 ± 13.2 vs 44.0 ± 12.6), which increased much more in the treatment group after 6 weeks (70.6 ± 15.2 vs 56.7 ± 14.3) and 3 months (71.0 ± 16.4 vs 58.0 ± 15.6) with significant differences ( P < .05). The walking speed improved over time, which was the same before the treatment (0.43 ± 0.13 m/s vs 0.45 ± 0.14 m/s), and was significantly greater in the treatment group than that in the control group (6 weeks: 0.69 ± 0.15 m/s vs 0.56 ± 0.12 m/s, P < .05; 3 months: 0.72 ± 0.17 m/s vs 0.57 ± 0.18 m/s, P < .05). NMES combined with strengthening exercise was more effective than NMES alone in the recovery of spastic CP.
Chew on This: Not All First Finger Foods Are Created Equal
Authors: Awadalla Nicol , Pham Tammy , Milanaik Ruth
Published: October 2017

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends when to start first finger foods (FFFs) and what types of foods to start with, but it is unclear whether products marketed as FFF comply with these recommendations. We evaluated FFF products for compliance with AAP recommendations and product safety using 41 adult product testers, who were asked to dissolve each product in their mouth. Product characteristics, comments pertaining to product safety, and time to dissolve each product were recorded. Only 2 products met all AAP criteria, and safety concerns were raised for an additional 2 products. One product showed a large change in dissolvability after being left out of original packaging. Consumers should not assume that products marketed for infant/toddler consumption comply with AAP recommendations. Also, products left out of original packaging may change consistency, presenting a choking hazard. Additional research is warranted to guide the development of regulations surrounding labeling and marketing of these foods.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in chinese children with vitiligo: a case-control study
Authors: Zhang Xianhui , Wang Wei , Li Yuanjun , Wang Hui , Liu Runtao , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2017

Background. Vitamin D can play a vital role in autoimmune diseases. Epidemiologic evidence demonstrates vitamin D deficiency excited in adult patients with vitiligo. Objectives. To investigate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in children with vitiligo and explore possible relevant factors. Methods. A total of 114 patients and 100 controls were included in our case-control study. We analyzed the required data collected by the questionnaire and examination to reveal the correlation with 25(OH)D levels. Results. The mean serum 25(OH)D levels in patients and controls were 43.62 ± 19.23 and 67.87 ± 19.45 nmol/L, respectively. The rate of deficient in patients and controls are 14.9% and 2%, respectively. There was significant difference between the 2 groups. Significant differences also existed on different ages comparing serum vitamin D levels of patients with controls ( P < .001). Age was an independent factor affecting 25(OH)D level ( P = .032). Two (1.8%) and 4 (3.5%) of children with vitiligo have comorbid autoimmune diseases and family history, respectively. There was no correlation between sex, duration of disease, type of vitiligo, skin lesion location, stage, family history, and comorbid autoimmune diseases with 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion. Serum vitamin D level was associated with onset vitiligo children. More sunshine and vitamin D fortified foods are necessary among children with age. The rates of children vitiligo with family history has decreased in China.
The transition to part-time: How professionals negotiate ‘reduced time and workload’ i-deals and craft their jobs
Authors: Gascoigne Charlotte , Kelliher Clare
Published: October 2017

For professionals working in demanding environments, the negotiation of part-time or workload reduction idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) may be challenging, with negative consequences for career progression. Yet there are few studies of part-time i-deals specifically, or empirical studies of their development process. This article examines the process of achieving a part-time i-deal, drawing on interviews with 39 part-time professionals in two organizations, each located in the UK and the Netherlands. The article makes two contributions to i-deal theory: first, it defines the four elements of a new category of ‘reduced time and workload’ i-deal for professionals (perceived suitability of the work, schedule, workload, and career impact); and second, it refines Rousseau’s model of the development process, by adding an initial ‘private consideration’ of options stage, where the feasibility of working part-time is evaluated against alternatives including remaining full-time, or leaving the organization. Third, it identifies as structural constraints two work practices designed for full-time professional work in demanding environments: the routine expectation of unpredictability, and the absence of substitutability in resourcing. Fourth, it shows how, post-negotiation, professionals use informal job crafting, both individual and collaborative, to try to overcome these constraints. The implications for achieving flexible and sustainable careers are discussed.
In search of smart public governance: the case of Lithuania
Authors: Šiugždinienė Jurgita , Gaulė Eglė , Rauleckas Rimantas
Published: October 2017

Faced with rapidly changing economic and societal pressures and complex public policy problems, governments must respond proactively to new challenges. It is just one of the characteristics of being smart. This article analyses the recently introduced concept of smart public governance, a concept that requires better conceptualization. This article defines the characteristics and criteria of smart public governance and suggests an instrument for its assessment. Piloting of the methodology at the central government level in Lithuania suggests that the Lithuanian system of public governance cannot yet be considered a smart social system. Some characteristics of smartness are already well expressed, and some positive examples do exist. However, smart public governance is not yet a part of Lithuania’s government culture.

Points for practitioners

The article advances the concept of smart public governance by discussing and refining key dimensions of this construct and attempts to operationalize these dimensions and various sub-dimensions using empirically testable indicators. To demonstrate the potential of the proposed framework, we present empirical results based on an expert survey of top public executives in Lithuania. These results, first, provide a theoretically grounded assessment of smart public governance within the Lithuanian system of central government and, second, point to those areas of public governance that need to be strengthened.
Do Medicare Beneficiaries Living With HIV/AIDS Choose Prescription Drug Plans That Minimize Their Total Spending?
Authors: Desmond Katherine A. , Rice Thomas H. , Leibowitz Arleen A.
Published: October 2017

This article examines whether California Medicare beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS choose Part D prescription drug plans that minimize their expenses. Among beneficiaries without low-income supplementation, we estimate the excess cost, and the insurance policy and beneficiary characteristics responsible, when the lowest cost plan is not chosen. We use a cost calculator developed for this study, and 2010 drug use data on 1453 California Medicare beneficiaries with HIV who were taking antiretroviral medications. Excess spending is defined as the difference between projected total spending (premium and cost sharing) for the beneficiary’s current drug regimen in own plan vs spending for the lowest cost alternative plan. Regression analyses related this excess spending to individual and plan characteristics. We find that beneficiaries pay more for Medicare Part D plans with gap coverage and no deductible. Higher premiums for more extensive coverage exceeded savings in deductible and copayment/coinsurance costs. We conclude that many beneficiaries pay for plan features whose costs exceed their benefits.
Using Factorial Survey Experiments to Measure Attitudes, Social Norms, and Fairness Concerns in Developing Countries
Authors: Liebe Ulf , Moumouni Ismaïl M. , Bigler Christine , Ingabire Chantal , Bieri Sabin
Published: October 2017

Survey-based experimental methods are increasingly used in the social sciences to study, among others, attitudes, norms, and fairness judgments. One of these methods is the factorial survey experiment (FSE or vignette experiment) in which respondents are confronted with various descriptions of situations that differ in a discrete number of attributes (or factors), and they are asked to evaluate those situations according to criteria such as agreement, approval, and fairness. Due to the systematic experimental variation of the presented situations, an FSE can separate effects of single situational attributes, allowing the causal influence of relevant situational attributes to be determined. This is the key advantage over simple survey items. While most studies using FSEs are carried out in developed countries in which respondents are familiar with surveys, we add further evidence that this method can also unfold its power in a developing context. Building on previous applications of FSEs in Africa, we demonstrate the usefulness of this method in four novel studies on social norms regarding the physical punishment of children and the social approval of technology adoption in Benin as well as judgments of just earnings in Rwanda. We also test for the first time the applicability of multiple vignettes per respondents in a Global South/remote area context. The results of these studies are theoretically meaningful and the overwhelming majority of respondents discriminate between vignettes. This supports the validity of FSEs. However, conducting survey experiments in developing countries is different from similar experimental research in developed countries and, therefore, we also discuss some of these differences and corresponding challenges. Last but not least, our article shows, provided a few precautions are heeded, that FSEs could be used as a vehicle to innovate social science research in a Global South/remote area context.
Design the finite-time H∞ resilient filter of a class of switched systems with uncertain parameters
Authors: Ai Qilong , Ren Chengcheng , Dong Jun , He Shuping
Published: October 2017

This paper is concerned with the problem of finite-time H∞ resilient filtering for a class of switch systems. The filtering error dynamics is constructed based on the H∞ resilient filter. The objective is to design a filter such that the finite-time H∞ gain from the unknown input to an estimation error is minimized or guaranteed to be less than or equal to a prescribed value. By selecting the proper multiple Lyapunov function and using the average dwell-time approach, sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of the desired H∞ resilient filter, which also guarantee the finite-time boundedness of the filtering error dynamic systems. The design criteria are proposed in the form of linear matrix inequalities and then described as an optimization algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed techniques.
Adaptive fault tolerant control for trajectory tracking of a quadrotor helicopter
Authors: Li Min , Zuo Zongyu , Liu Hao , Liu Cunjia , Zhu Bing
Published: October 2017

In this paper, an adaptive fault tolerant controller based on [Formula: see text] control is developed and applied to the trajectory tracking for a quadrotor helicopter. Both multiplicative and additive actuator faults are considered. The proposed design is based on nonlinear feed-forward compensations and a typical nonlinear quadrotor model with uncertain inertial parameters and external disturbances. The [Formula: see text] adaptive control design is slightly modified to adapt with the position and the attitude error dynamics. The proposed adaptive controller yields uniformly verifiable bounds on the transient and the steady-state tracking error for any designated bounded reference trajectory. In the presence of fast adaptation, the adaptive controller compensates for actuator fault and disturbances in a particular frequency range. Finally, simulation results are included to validate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Temperature trajectory control of cryogenic wind tunnel with robust L1 adaptive control
Authors: Zhu Rusong , Yin Guofu , Tang Gengsheng , Wang Hai , Zhang Shuangxi
Published: October 2017

Temperature control in a cryogenic wind tunnel is the key to realizing finely controlled Reynolds number close to true flight. This study deploys the L1 adaptive control methodology to ensure the total temperature profile of the cryogenic wind tunnel tracks a specified reference trajectory. After introducing a non-linear model of a cryogenic wind tunnel and a linear temperature model, a linear–quadratic–Gaussian (LQG) controller is implemented as the baseline controller. The L1 adaptive controller with piecewise constant adaptive law is used as an augmentation to the baseline controller to cancel the matched and unmatched uncertainties within the actuator’s bandwidth. By introducing two modifications to the standard L1 adaptive controller, which are the transportation delay modelling in the state predictor and the non-linear state dependent filter, the L1 adaptive controller improves the performance of the baseline controller in the presence of uncertainties in temperature control, guaranteeing proper stability and delay margin. The simulation results and analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control architecture. The main contribution of this paper lies in the first applications of L1 adaptive control to the wind tunnel control problem and the non-linear state dependent filter in L1 adaptive control structure.