bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time multislice MRI during continuous positive airway pressure reveals upper airway response to pressure change
Authors: Chen Weiyi , Gillett Emily , Khoo Michael C.K. , Davidson Ward Sally L. , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To determine if a real‐time magnetic resonance imaging (RT‐MRI) method during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be used to measure neuromuscular reflex and/or passive collapsibility of the upper airway in individual obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects.

Materials and Methods

We conducted experiments on four adolescents with OSA and three healthy controls, during natural sleep and during wakefulness. Data were acquired on a clinical 3T scanner using simultaneous multislice (SMS) RT‐MRI during CPAP. CPAP pressure level was alternated between therapeutic and subtherapeutic levels. Segmented airway area changes in response to rapid CPAP pressure drop and restoration were used to estimate 1) upper airway loop gain (UALG), and 2) anatomical risk factors, including fluctuation of airway area (FAA).

Results

FAA significantly differed between OSA patients (2–4× larger) and healthy controls (Student's t‐test, P < 0.05). UALG and FAA measurements indicate that neuromuscular reflex and passive collapsibility varied among the OSA patients, suggesting the presence of different OSA phenotypes. Measurements had high intrasubject reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient r > 0.7).

Conclusion

SMS RT‐MRI during CPAP can reproducibly identify physiological traits and anatomical risk factors that are valuable in the assessment of OSA. This technique can potentially locate the most collapsible airway sites. Both UALG and FAA possess large variation among OSA patients.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1400–1408.
Development of the curvilinear coordinate method for the computation of quasi‐static fields induced by an eddy current probe scanning a 3D conductor of complex shape characterized by an arbitrary 2D surface
Authors: Prémel D. , Granet G.
Published: February 2017

This paper deals with the development of a semi‐analytical model for the fast computation of the quasi‐static field induced by any eddy current probe in a 3D conductor of complex shape. The workpiece is considered as a planar half‐space mock‐up with an interface air conductor characterized by an arbitrary 2D surface a(x, y). The curvilinear coordinate method consists in introducing a change of coordinates to be able to write analytically and easily the boundary conditions at the interface air‐metal. Due to the novel generalized metric space, the covariant form of Maxwell equations must be considered. The curvilinear coordinate method is widely used in the optical community for the analysis the diffraction phenomenon on gratings. The method has been applied recently for eddy current calculations in the planar case for 2.5D configurations characterized by a 3D eddy current probe and a 2D layered stratified conducting media. By an extension to 3D problems, this work constitutes the preliminary task for the development of a complete numerical model, which has the capability to address very complex eddy current nondestructive testing configurations such as a stratified layered media constituted by a set rough interfaces. For that purpose, the modal formalism is described for the first time in the 3D case, and several numerical experiments show the validity and the efficiency of the fast numerical model in comparison to the finite element method.
Varved sediment responses to early Holocene climate and environmental changes in Lake Meerfelder Maar (Germany) obtained from multivariate analyses of micro X‐ray fluorescence core scanning data
Authors: Martin‐Puertas Celia , Tjallingii Rik , Bloemsma Menno , Brauer Achim
Published: February 2017

We present an early Holocene record from Lake Meerfelder Maar in Germany for in‐depth interpretation of depositional changes in annually laminated lake sediments as proxies for climatic and local environmental changes. We characterized the compositional changes in the sediment record using Ward's clustering analyses of the micro X‐ray fluorescence core scanning data and linked these to microfacies descriptions. The down‐core distribution of the clusters allowed us to define boundaries that represent variations of a comprehensive element assemblage occurring at 11 555, 11 230, 10 650, 10 515 and 9670 varve a BP. Our main results show that during the Early Holocene the long‐term vegetation reorganization and evolution of the lake's catchment played a predominant role for sediment deposition. Abrupt shifts occurred at the Younger Dryas/Holocene and the Preboreal/Boreal biostratigraphical boundaries. We do not observe clear signals corresponding to known short‐term climatic oscillations described in the North Atlantic region such as the Preboreal Oscillation. A unique and intriguing episode in the history of the lake of predominantly organic deposition and very low amounts of allochthonous sediments occurred between 10 515 and 9670 varve a BP and is related to hydrological thresholds.
Analysis of standard chromaticity gamut area metrics
Authors: Masaoka Kenichiro
Published: February 2017

It is herein proposed to measure display gamut sizes by employing the International Telecommunication Union—Radiocommunication Sector Recommendation BT.2020 (Rec. 2020) area‐coverage ratios in the xy chromaticity diagram rather than the standard gamut area metrics that use the horseshoe‐shaped spectrum chromaticity area as the target in the u′v′ chromaticity diagram. It is more reasonable to use the Rec. 2020 gamut than the spectrum gamut as the target because the Rec. 2020 area‐coverage ratios in the xy diagram are better correlated than the spectrum area‐coverage ratios with the volume‐coverage ratios of object color gamuts that are visually significant in displaying natural scenes.
Super multi‐view 3D displays reduce conflict between accommodative and vergence responses
Authors: Mizushina Haruki , Nakamura Junya , Takaki Yasuhiro , Ando Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

A conflict between accommodation and vergence is one possible cause of visual fatigue and discomfort while viewing conventional three‐dimensional displays. Previous studies have proposed the super multi‐view (SMV) display technique to solve the vergence–accommodation conflict, in which two or more parallax images enter the pupil of the eye with highly directional rays. We simultaneously measured accommodative, vergence, and pupillary responses to SMV three‐dimensional displays to examine whether they can reduce the conflict. For comparison, responses to two‐view stereo images and real objects were also measured. The results show that the range of the accommodative response was increased by the SMV images compared with the two‐view images. The slope of the accommodation–vergence response function for the SMV images was similar to that for the real objects rather than the two‐view images. We also found that enhancement of the accommodative range by the SMV images is noticeable with binocular viewing, indicating that vergence‐induced accommodation plays an important role in viewing SMV displays. These results suggest that SMV displays induced a more natural accommodative response than did conventional, two‐view stereo displays. As a result, SMV displays reduced the vergence–accommodation conflict.
The current status of human laryngeal transplantation in 2017: A state of the field review
Authors: Krishnan Giri , Du Charles , Fishman Jonathan M. , Foreman Andrew , Lott David G. , Farwell Gregory , Belafsky Peter , Krishnan Suren , Birchall Martin A.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Human laryngeal allotransplantation has long been contemplated as a surgical option following laryngectomy, but there is a paucity of information regarding the indications, surgical procedure, and patient outcomes. Our objectives were to identify all human laryngeal allotransplants that have been undertaken and reported in the English literature and to evaluate the success of the procedure.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Current Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Scopus, and the Gray literature.

Review Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken across multiple databases. Inclusion criteria were case reports of patients who had undergone human laryngeal allotransplantation. Information regarding indications, operative techniques, complications, graft viability, and functional outcomes were extracted.

Results

A total of 5,961 articles, following removal of duplicates, matched the search criteria and were screened, with five case reports relating to two patients, ultimately fulfilling the entry criteria.

Conclusions

Two laryngeal transplants have been reported in the medical literature. Although both patients report improved quality of life relating to their ability to communicate with voice, further research is necessary to shape our understanding of this complicated operation, its indications, and its functional outcomes. Laryngoscope, 127:1861–1868, 2017
Laboratory assessment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A case‐control study
Authors: Fasano Tommaso , Pertinhez Thelma A. , Tribi Lorenzo , Lasagni Daniela , Pilia Annalisa , Vecchia Luigi , Baricchi Roberto , Bianchin Giovanni
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is an otologic emergency that affects five to 30 subjects per 100,000/year. The cause of SSHL remains unknown or uncertain in 70% to 90% of cases, and treatment decisions are usually made without knowing the etiology.

Study Design

Prospective case‐control study.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐one idiopathic SSHL patients were recruited from January 2014 to June 2015 in concordance with the Statements of Clinical Practice Guideline and divided into groups according to the disease severity. A clinical laboratory assessment was completed on blood samples collected from SSHL patients and control subjects. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between laboratory data and SSHL basis.

Results

Only a few SSHL patients were positive for autoimmunity or viral infection. Statistically significant (P < .05) higher levels of blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), lipoprotein (a), and factor VIII were found in SSHL patients compared to controls. Furthermore, blood glucose, HbA1C, uric acid, factor VIII, and homocysteine were significantly associated to disease severity.

Conclusions

Gluco‐metabolic, lipidic, and coagulative laboratory data support the vascular hypothesis for SSHL and its severity.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 127:2375–2381, 2017
Can contaminated water be rendered safe for nasal saline irrigations?
Authors: Ordemann Allison G. , Stanford James K. , Sullivan Donna C. , Reed J. Mark
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare sterile water to three methods of sterilization (carbon filtration, boiling, and ultraviolet [UV] light) for preparation of nasal saline irrigants free of bacterial and amebic contaminants.

Study Design

Bench‐top translational research and cost comparison.

Methods

Sterile water was compared to common sterilization methods. Sterile water was contaminated with known concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Moraxella catarrhalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila, and Naegleria fowleri. Test samples were subjected to boiling, carbon filtration, or ultraviolet light (UV) and then cultivated on appropriate media. Controls included samples of sterile water (negative control) and untreated test samples (positive control).

Results

Carbon filtration reduced but did not eliminate the number of organisms present in test samples. Boiling test samples for 5 minutes and UV light treatment resulted in sterilization of all organisms. Negative (sham contaminated) samples produced no growth, whereas positive (untreated) samples grew numerous organisms as expected. A cost comparison between bottled water and UV water sterilization (with SteriPEN Ultra) became equal in less than 2 years of consistent use.

Conclusions

Carbon filtration reduces contamination but does not sterilize water and is thus unsafe for preparation of nasal saline irrigant. Boiling and UV treatment resulted in sterilization and are equivalent to purchased sterile water. Ultraviolet treatment was found to be safe, convenient, and a cost‐effective alternative to purchased sterile water.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:1513–1519, 2017
Impacts of disease severity on postoperative complications in children with sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Kang Kun‐Tai , Chang I‐Sheng , Tseng Chia‐Chen , Weng Wen‐Chin , Hsiao Tzu‐Yu , Lee Pei‐Lin , Hsu Wei‐Chung
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the effects of diseases severity on postoperative complications following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Children aged <18 years were enrolled and underwent T&A for treating SDB. Polysomnography was used to classify the disease severity: primary snoring (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] <1), mild (AHI = 1–5), moderate (AHI = 5–10), and severe obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] (AHI ≥10). Postoperative bleeding was graded using a severity scale (level I, self‐reported bleeding; level II, requiring inpatient admission; level III, requiring reoperation). Primary bleeding is defined as hemorrhage occurring within the initial 24 postoperative hours. Perioperative respiratory complications are defined as oxygen saturation of less than 90%, 92%, or 95% in the recovery room. Major respiratory complications include laryngospasm, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and intubation at recovery stage.

Results

A total of 610 children were included, of whom 42 (6.9%), eight (1.3%), and six (1.0%) children showed levels I, II, and III postoperative bleeding, respectively. Only one child had primary bleeding. The incidence and timing of postoperative bleeding did not differ significantly for children with different OSA severities. The rate of perioperative respiratory complications ranged from 1.6% to 14.3% on the basis of their definitions. The Cochran‐Armitage test supported the trend that perioperative respiratory complications increase with the AHI. Six children developed major respiratory complications, which were not significantly associated with OSA severity.

Conclusions

Children with severe OSA have increased risks of perioperative respiratory complications. However, OSA severity does not influence major respiratory complications or postoperative bleeding in children.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2646–2652, 2017
Direct measurements of the light dependence of gross photosynthesis and oxygen consumption in the ocean
Authors: Bailleul Benjamin , Park Jisoo , Brown Christopher M. , Bidle Kay D. , Lee Sang Hoon , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: February 2017

We measured the light dependence of gross photosynthesis and oxygen uptake rates by membrane inlet mass spectrometry in two open ocean regions: the Amundsen Sea (Antarctica), dominated by Phaeocystis antarctica, and the North Atlantic, dominated by Emiliania huxleyi. In the North Atlantic, respiration was independent of irradiance and was higher than the gross photosynthetic rate at all irradiances. In contrast, in the Amundsen Sea, oxygen uptake processes were light dependent; dark respiration was one order of magnitude lower than the maximal gross photosynthetic rate, but the oxygen uptake rate increased by 10 fold at surface irradiances. Our results suggest the light dependence of oxygen uptake in Amundsen Sea has two sources: one is independent of photosynthesis, and is possibly associated with the photo‐reduction of O2 mediated by dissolved organic matter; the second reflects the activity of an oxidase fueled in the light with photosynthetic electron flow. Our results highlight the importance of improving our understanding of oxygen consuming reactions in the euphotic zone.
Rigid spine syndrome associated with sensory‐motor axonal neuropathy resembling Charcot–Marie‐Tooth disease is characteristic of Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene‐3 gene mutations even without cardiac involvement
Authors: Noury Jean‐Baptiste , Maisonobe Thierry , Richard Pascale , Delague Valérie , Malfatti Edoardo , Stojkovic Tanya
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene‐3 (BAG3) mutations have been described in rare cases of rapidly progressive myofibrillar myopathies. Symptoms begin in the first decade with axial involvement and contractures and are associated with cardiac and respiratory impairment in the second decade. Axonal neuropathy has been documented but usually not as a key clinical feature. Methods: We report a 24‐year‐old woman with severe rigid spine syndrome and sensory‐motor neuropathy resembling Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT). Results: Muscle MRI showed severe fat infiltration without any specific pattern. Deltoid muscle biopsy showed neurogenic changes and discrete myofibrillar abnormalities. Electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography results were normal. Genetic analysis of a panel of 45 CMT genes showed no mutation. BAG3 gene screening identified the previously reported c.626C>T, pPro209Leu, mutation. Discussion: This case indicates that rigid spine syndrome and sensory‐motor axonal neuropathy are key clinical features of BAG3 mutations that should be considered even without cardiac involvement. Muscle Nerve, 57: 330–334, 2018
A carpal tunnel grading system including combined sensory index‐diagnosed mild cases: Relation to presenting features and outcomes
Authors: Zeidman Lawrence A. , Pandey Dilip K.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Prior studies have demonstrated superiority of the combined sensory index (CSI) algorithm in diagnosing mild carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and have compared presenting symptoms to CTS grade. However, CTS symptoms, signs, and outcomes, including CSI‐diagnosed cases, have not been compared with CTS grade. Methods: We retrospectively studied 294 CTS hands from 2010 to 2013; stratified them into mild, moderate, and severe grades; and analyzed the association between CTS grade and presenting symptoms/signs and outcomes. Results: Sensorimotor symptoms (P = 0.017) and signs (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with CTS grade. Regardless of CTS grade, 94% of hands improved with surgery compared with 42% with conservative treatment (P < 0.001). Even in mild CTS, 100% improved with surgery vs. 33% with conservative management (P = 0.011). Discussion: These results corroborate prior studies that compared symptoms to CTS grade and suggest that more objective signs associate even better. CTS grades associate with outcomes, but additional studies are required. Muscle Nerve 57: 45–48, 2018
Fourth‐order compact and energy conservative scheme for solving nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation
Authors: Luo Yuesheng , Li Xiaole , Guo Cui
Published: February 2017

In this article, a fourth‐order compact and conservative scheme is proposed for solving the nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation. The equation is discretized using the integral method with variational limit in space and the multidimensional extended Runge‐Kutta‐Nyström (ERKN) method in time. The conservation law of the space semidiscrete energy is proved. The proposed scheme is stable in the discrete maximum norm with respect to the initial value. The optimal convergent rate is obtained at the order of in the discrete ‐norm. Numerical results show that the integral method with variational limit gives an efficient fourth‐order compact scheme and has smaller error, higher convergence order and better energy conservation for solving the nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation compared with other methods under the same condition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1283–1304, 2017
Acid‐Responsive N‐Heteroacene‐Based Material Showing Multi‐Emission Colors
Authors: Isoda Kyosuke
Published: February 2017

An acid‐responsive N‐heteroacene‐based material has been prepared, which shows a blue emission color in a film. The protonation of this material in a thin film gives rise to remarkable changes in luminescent color compared to that in solution states. As the protonation of N‐heteroacene molecules in films gradually occurs, their emission color can be tuned by adjusting the exposure time of the thin films to HCl vapor.
Evaluation of fundamental viscoelastic functions by a nonlinear viscoelastic model
Authors: Spathis Gerasimos , Katsourinis Stylianos , Kontou Evagelia
Published: February 2017

In this work, a new constitutive equation for the description of the nonlinear viscoelastic response of polymeric materials is presented, by proposing modifications on a model developed in previous works. This time‐dependent equation has been derived on the basis of transient model, and a new assumption regarding the kinetics of active molecular chains due to the imposed deformation. The present treatment was proved to be more flexible, given that it contains a relaxation function that has been derived by considering, instead of first‐order kinetics, a fractional derivative that controls the rate of molecular chain detachment from their junctions. It has been further explored that the potential of this equation to be employed for the evaluation of the dynamic modulus master curve, once the experimental data of the compliance modulus of a polymeric structure have been matched. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1389–1395, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforcement effect of cellulose nanocrystals in thermoplastic polyurethane matrices characterized by different soft/hard segment ratio
Authors: Fortunati E. , Luzi F. , Janke A. , Häußler L. , Pionteck J. , Kenny J.M. , Torre L.
Published: February 2017

Commercial polyurethanes, characterized by different soft/hard segment ratios, were used as matrices for the production of TPU/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanocomposite films. TPU have excellent mechanical properties, chemical stability, easy processing, and can be used in some different application fields as biomedical sector. The selected grades exhibit excellent abrasion resistance, toughness, transparency, hydrolytic stability, and fungus resistance. In this context, the main objective was to understand how CNC interact with the different structures and composition of commercial TPU and to analyze its effect on the final mechanical, thermal, morphological, and water absorption properties of TPU/CNC systems. The results for morphological investigations underlined that CNC were well individualized and dispersed in TPU matrices. They were able to act as nucleation agents and as mechanical reinforcement phases in the thermoplastic matrices with an evident increase of Young's modulus and the tensile strength induced by the presence of CNC that offered a tailored reinforcement effect in both the elastic and plastic region. The interaction of all systems with water proved that all the materials saturated after 24 h and maintained their original shape, suggesting applicability also in high humidity environmental conditions of the proposed formulations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:521–530, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Identification of interacting proteins of the TaFVE protein involved in spike development in bread wheat
Authors: Zheng Yong‐Sheng , Lu Yu‐Qing , Meng Ying‐Ying , Zhang Rong‐Zhi , Zhang Han , Sun Jia‐Mei , Wang Mu‐Mu , Li Li‐Hui , Li Ru‐Yu
Published: February 2017

WD‐40 repeat‐containing protein MSI4 (FVE)/MSI4 plays important roles in determining flowering time in Arabidopsis. However, its function is unexplored in wheat. In the present study, coimmunoprecipitation and nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to MS/MS were used to identify FVE in wheat (TaFVE)‐interacting or associated proteins. Altogether 89 differentially expressed proteins showed the same downregulated expression trends as TaFVE in wheat line 5660M. Among them, 62 proteins were further predicted to be involved in the interaction network of TaFVE and 11 proteins have been shown to be potential TaFVE interactors based on curated databases and experimentally determined in other species by the STRING. Both yeast two‐hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay showed that histone deacetylase 6 and histone deacetylase 15 directly interacted with TaFVE. Multiple chromatin‐remodelling proteins and polycomb group proteins were also identified and predicted to interact with TaFVE. These results showed that TaFVE directly interacted with multiple proteins to form multiple complexes to regulate spike developmental process, e.g. histone deacetylate, chromatin‐remodelling and polycomb repressive complex 2 complexes. In addition, multiple flower development regulation factors (e.g. flowering locus K homology domain, flowering time control protein FPA, FY, flowering time control protein FCA, APETALA 1) involved in floral transition were also identified in the present study. Taken together, these results further elucidate the regulatory functions of TaFVE and help reveal the genetic mechanisms underlying wheat spike differentiation.
Smokeless GAP‐RDX Composite Rocket Propellants Containing Diaminodinitroethylene (FOX‐7)
Authors: Jensen Tomas L. , Unneberg Erik , Kristensen Tor E.
Published: February 2017

Composite rocket propellants prepared from nitramine fillers (RDX or HMX), glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) binder and energetic plasticizers are potential substitutes for smokeless double‐base propellants in some rocket motors. In this work, we report GAP‐RDX propellants, wherein the nitramine filler has been partly or wholly replaced by 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7). These smokeless propellants, containing 60% energetic solids and 15% N‐butyl‐2‐nitratoethylnitramine (BuNENA) energetic plasticizer, exhibited markedly reduced shock sensitivity with increasing content of FOX‐7. Conversely, addition of FOX‐7 reduced the thermochemical performance of the propellants, and samples without nitramine underwent unsteady combustion at lower pressures (no burn rate catalyst was added). The mechanical characteristics were quite modest for all propellant samples, and binder‐filler interactions improved slightly with increasing content of FOX‐7. Overall, FOX‐7 remains an attractive, but less than ideal, substitute for nitramines in smokeless GAP propellants.
Effect of thickness and microstructure of TiO2 shell on photocatalytic performance of magnetic separable Fe3O4/SiO2/mTiO2 core‐shell composites
Authors: Wang Dandan , Yang Jinghai , Li Xiuyan , Wang Jian , Zhai Hongju , Lang Jihui , Song Hang
Published: February 2017

Here, unique Fe3O4/SiO2/mTiO2 (FST) composites were fabricated, which are composed of a Fe3O4 core with a strong response to magnetic field, an intermediate SiO2 layer as an electronic barrier, and an outer mesoporous TiO2 (mTiO2) as the active layer for degradation of organic contaminants. The distinctive approach involved TiO2 shell coating on the surface of Fe3O4/SiO2 (FS) particle using a sol–gel method, followed by the crystallization and mesopore‐formation of TiO2 through solvothermal treatment. By changing the dosage of tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT), the thickness and microstructure of TiO2 layer were regulated. Among all as‐prepared FST composites, the FST composite that was prepared with 0.6 ml TBOT (FST‐0.6) possessed a good microstructure and a large specific surface area, and exhibited superior photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution. Moreover, recovered FST‐0.6 composite with the help of an appropriate magnetic field maintained the activity without significant decline during multiple photocatalytic tests. Accordingly, a rational mechanism was proposed to explain why the FST‐0.6 composite showed excellent photocatalytic performance.
Sliding mode fault‐tolerant control of uncertain system: A delta operator approach
Authors: Gao Yabin , Wu Ligang , Shi Peng , Li Hongyi
Published: February 2017

This paper is concerned with the sliding mode control of uncertain nonlinear systems against actuator faults and external disturbances based on delta operator approach. The nonlinearity, actuator fault, and external disturbance are considered in this study, and the bounds of Euclidean norms of the nonlinearity and the specific lower and upper bounds of the actuator faults and the disturbances are unknown knowledge. Our attention is mainly focused on designing a sliding mode fault‐tolerant controller to compensate the effects from the nonlinearity, unknown actuator fault, and external disturbance. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, a novel‐adaptive fault‐tolerant sliding mode control law is deigned such that the resulting closed loop delta operator system is finite‐time convergence and the actuator faults can be tolerated, simultaneously. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control design scheme. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Neural Progenitor Transplantation Rescues Behavior and Reduces α-Synuclein in a Transgenic Model of Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Goldberg Natalie R.S. , Marsh Samuel E. , Ochaba Joseph , Shelley Brandon C. , Davtyan Hayk , Thompson Leslie M. , Steffan Joan S. , Svendsen Clive N. , Blurton-Jones Mathew
Published: February 2017

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders sharing the common feature of misfolding and accumulation of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) into insoluble aggregates. Within this diverse group, Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is characterized by the aberrant accumulation of α-syn in cortical, hippocampal, and brainstem neurons, resulting in multiple cellular stressors that particularly impair dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission and related motor and cognitive function. Recent studies show that murine neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation can improve cognitive or motor function in transgenic models of Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, and DLB. However, examination of clinically relevant human NSCs in these models is hindered by the challenges of xenotransplantation and the confounding effects of immunosuppressant drugs on pathology and behavior. To address this challenge, we developed an immune-deficient transgenic model of DLB that lacks T-, B-, and NK-cells, yet exhibits progressive accumulation of human α-syn (h-α-syn)-laden inclusions and cognitive and motor impairments. We demonstrate that clinically relevant human neural progenitor cells (line CNS10-hNPCs) survive, migrate extensively and begin to differentiate preferentially into astrocytes following striatal transplantation into this DLB model. Critically, grafted CNS10-hNPCs rescue both cognitive and motor deficits after 1 and 3 months and, furthermore, restore striatal dopamine and glutamate systems. These behavioral and neurochemical benefits are likely achieved by reducing α-syn oligomers. Collectively, these results using a new model of DLB demonstrate that hNPC transplantation can impact a broad array of disease mechanisms and phenotypes and suggest a cellular therapeutic strategy that should be pursued.
A collaborative approach on host and network level android malware detection
Authors: Bae Chanwoo , Shin Seungwon
Published: February 2017

We suggest a collaborative approach for revealing malicious behaviors on Android smartphones by which monitoring four observable parts: (i) network usages (ii) network connections, (iii) APIs and (iv) permissions. Therefore, we have designed a detection system which consists of four engines: network behavior analysis engine, host domain reputation analysis engine, critical API call pattern analysis engine, and Android permissions use analysis engine. Each of them monitors its specific part from Android apps and independently detects malicious behavior and, given the information from four engines, the correlator determines a final decision. Finally, to show efficiency, we have evaluated our system with real world 1,621 apps. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Cinema
Authors: Forbes Jill , Street Sarah
Published: February 2017

‘The publication of European Cinema: An Introduction comes as a shower of rain in the desert…The editors Jill Forbes and Sarah Street and their contributors have written a text that helps to fill a yawning gap and offers an accessible, well-written and stimulating account for a wide range of readers.’ – Steve Brewer, European Journal of Communication
Incremental bounded model checking for embedded software
Authors: Schrammel Peter , Kroening Daniel , Brain Martin , Martins Ruben , Teige Tino , Bienmüller Tom
Published: February 2017

Program analysis is on the brink of mainstream usage in embedded systems development. Formal verification of behavioural requirements, finding runtime errors and test case generation are some of the most common applications of automated verification tools based on bounded model checking (BMC). Existing industrial tools for embedded software use an off-the-shelf bounded model checker and apply it iteratively to verify the program with an increasing number of unwindings. This approach unnecessarily wastes time repeating work that has already been done and fails to exploit the power of incremental SAT solving. This article reports on the extension of the software model checker C
BMC
to support
incremental BMC
and its successful integration with the industrial embedded software verification tool BTC E
MBEDDED
TESTER
. We present an extensive evaluation over large industrial embedded programs, mainly from the automotive industry. We show that incremental BMC cuts runtimes by
one order of magnitude
in comparison to the standard non-incremental approach, enabling the application of formal verification to large and complex embedded software. We furthermore report promising results on analysing programs with arbitrary loop structure using incremental BMC, demonstrating its applicability and potential to verify general software beyond the embedded domain.
Timed runtime monitoring for multiparty conversations
Authors: Neykova Rumyana , Bocchi Laura , Yoshida Nobuko
Published: February 2017

We propose a dynamic verification framework for protocols in real-time distributed systems. The framework is based on Scribble, a tool-chain for design and verification of choreographies based on multiparty session types, which we have developed with our industrial partners. Drawing from recent work on multiparty session types for real-time interactions, we extend Scribble with clocks, resets, and clock predicates in order to constrain the times in which interactions occur. We present a timed API for Python to program distributed implementations of Scribble specifications. A dynamic verification framework ensures the safe execution of applications written with our timed API: we have implemented dedicated runtime monitors that check that each interaction occurs at a correct timing with respect to the corresponding Scribble specification. To demonstrate the practicality of the proposed framework, we express and verify four categories of widely used temporal patterns from use cases in literature. We analyse the performance of our implementation via benchmarking and show negligible overhead.
Estudios de rendimiento en las empresas de familia. Una nueva perspectiva
Authors: Molina Parra Paula Andrea , Botero Botero Sergio , Montoya Restrepo Alexandra
Published: February 2017

Este artículo tiene como objetivo sistematizar y analizar los estudios empíricos existentes sobre la relación entre la participación de la familia en las empresas familiares y sus rendimientos financieros. Para esto se realiza una revisión sistemática de artículos, seleccionados con criterios claramente definidos en las bases de datos más relevantes en las ciencias sociales, con el fin de comprobar si esta relación es positiva o negativa. A partir de lo anterior, se obtienen tres tendencias de los estudios realizados: relación positiva, relación negativa y relación neutra. Con los resultados tan heterogéneos se concluye que las relaciones entre la empresa familiar y su rendimiento son complejas y muy probablemente moderadas o intervenidas por factores que no han sido incluidos en estos análisis.
Early clinical predictors and correlates of long-term morbidity in bipolar disorder
Authors: Serra G. , Koukopoulos A , De Chiara L. , Koukopoulos A.E. , Sani G. , Tondo L. , Girardi P. , Reginaldi D. , Baldessarini R.J.
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

Identifying factors predictive of long-term morbidity should improve clinical planning limiting disability and mortality associated with bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods:

We analyzed factors associated with total, depressive and mania-related long-term morbidity and their ratio D/M, as %-time ill between a first-lifetime major affective episode and last follow-up of 207 BD subjects. Bivariate comparisons were followed by multivariable linear regression modeling.

Results:

Total % of months ill during follow-up was greater in 96 BD-II (40.2%) than 111 BD-I subjects (28.4%; P = 0.001). Time in depression averaged 26.1% in BD-II and 14.3% in BD-I, whereas mania-related morbidity was similar in both, averaging 13.9%. Their ratio D/M was 3.7-fold greater in BD-II than BD-I (5.74 vs. 1.96; P < 0.0001). Predictive factors independently associated with total %-time ill were: [a] BD-II diagnosis, [b] longer prodrome from antecedents to first affective episode, and [c] any psychiatric comorbidity. Associated with %-time depressed were: [a] BD-II diagnosis, [b] any antecedent psychiatric syndrome, [c] psychiatric comorbidity, and [d] agitated/psychotic depressive first affective episode. Associated with %-time in mania-like illness were: [a] fewer years ill and [b] (hypo)manic first affective episode. The long-term D/M morbidity ratio was associated with: [a] anxious temperament, [b] depressive first episode, and [c] BD-II diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Long-term depressive greatly exceeded mania-like morbidity in BD patients. BD-II subjects spent 42% more time ill overall, with a 3.7-times greater D/M morbidity ratio, than BD-I. More time depressed was predicted by agitated/psychotic initial depressive episodes, psychiatric comorbidity, and BD-II diagnosis. Longer prodrome and any antecedent psychiatric syndrome were respectively associated with total and depressive morbidity.
Atypical sensory profiles as core features of adult ADHD, irrespective of autistic symptoms
Authors: Bijlenga D. , Tjon-Ka-Jie J.Y.M. , Schuijers F. , Kooij J.J.S.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Abnormal sensory sensitivity is a feature of autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), but is also reported in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In many cases, ADHD and ASD are comorbid. This study investigated the prevalence of sensory hyper- and hyposensitivity among adults with ADHD, controlling for autistic symptoms.

Method:

One hundred and sixteen adults diagnosed with ADHD completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile-NL (AASP-NL) and the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaires. Prevalences of hyper- and hyposensitivity and autism-spectrum symptoms were compared to norm values. Multivariate binary logistic regressions were used to determine the association of autistic symptoms, age, gender, ADHD subtype, self-reported severity of ADHD symptoms, comorbid disorders, and use of medication on the sensory hypo- and hypersensitivity in adults with ADHD.

Results:

Adults with ADHD had more autistic symptoms, and they had both more hyper- and hyposensitivity compared to norm groups. This was especially apparent in the Activity level and Auditory sensory modalities. Sensory hypo- and hypersensitivity were both related to an increased ADHD score, even showing a dose-response relationship, but not to any autistic symptom or comorbid disorder. As much as 43% of the females with ADHD reported sensory hypo- and/or hypersensitivity, compared to 22% of the men.

Conclusions:

Sensory hypo- and hypersensitivity may be viewed as key features of adult ADHD, especially in females, regardless of any autistic symptoms. Future research should be directed at the implications of this sensory dysregulation for the understanding of the pathophysiology of (female) ADHD, and on the usefulness of assessment of atypical sensory profiles in the diagnostic procedure of ADHD in adults.
Business Ethics: A Kantian Perspective
Authors: Bowie Norman E.
Published: February 2017

It is more important than ever that a business must be both ethical and profitable. In this thoroughly revised and updated second edition, Norman E. Bowie shows that by applying Kant's three formulations of the categorical imperative, and by doing the right thing for the right reason, a business can achieve success in both of these fields. Bowie uses examples such as building trust, transparency through open book management, and respecting employees by providing a living wage and meaningful work. This new edition, for graduates and academic researchers in the field of business ethics, has been heavily revised to include the newest scholarship on Kantian ethics, with a new emphasis on Kant's later moral and political theory, a workable account of Kantian capitalism, and additional accounts on corporate social responsibility, Kantianism and human rights, corporate moral agency, and the Kantian theory of meaningful work.
Successful Hospital Evacuation After the Kumamoto Earthquakes, Japan, 2016
Authors: Nagata Takashi , Himeno Shinkichi , Himeno Akihiro , Hasegawa Manabu , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Hashizume Makoto , Maehara Yoshihiko , Ishii Masami
Published: February 2017

Two major earthquakes struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan in April 2016. Disaster response was immediately provided, including disaster medical services. Many hospitals were damaged and patients needed immediate evacuation to alternative facilities. The hospital bed capacity of Kumamoto Prefecture was overwhelmed, and transportation of more than 100 patients was needed. Hospital evacuation was carried out smoothly with the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies. The overall operation was deemed a success because patients were transported in a timely manner without any significant adverse events. Upon repair of facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture, patients were returned safely to their previous facilities. The management of inpatients after this natural disaster in Kumamoto Prefecture can serve as a model for hospital evacuation with multi-agency coordination in the future. Future efforts are needed to improve interfacility communications immediately following a natural disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:517–521)
Modified Johnson-Cook Plasticity Model with Damage Evolution: Application to Turning Simulation of 2XXX Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Ijaz H. , Zain-ul-abdein M. , Saleem W. , Asad M. , Mabrouki T.
Published: February 2017

Mechanical properties of the metals and their alloys are influenced by the material grain size at microscale. In the present study, the Johnson-Cook (JC) material model is modified to incorporate the effect of material's grain size along with the plasticity coupled damage model. 2D finite element (FE) simulations of turning process of an aerospace grade aluminium alloy 2024 (AA2024) were performed with different grain sizes using a commercial FE software, ABAQUS/Explicit. FE simulation results were compared with the published experimental data on turning process of AA2024. The proposed modified JC material model successfully simulated the increase in cutting force as a function of grain size refinement.
Detecting Election Fraud from Irregularities in Vote-Share Distributions
Authors: Rozenas Arturas
Published: February 2017

I develop a novel method to detect election fraud from irregular patterns in the distribution of vote-shares. I build on a widely discussed observation that in some elections where fraud allegations abound, suspiciously many polling stations return coarse vote-shares (e.g., 0.50, 0.60, 0.75) for the ruling party, which seems highly implausible in large electorates. Using analytical results and simulations, I show that sheer frequency of such coarse vote-shares is entirely plausible due to simple numeric laws and does not by itself constitute evidence of fraud. To avoid false positive errors in fraud detection, I propose a resampled kernel density method (RKD) to measure whether the coarse vote-shares occur too frequently to raise a statistically qualified suspicion of fraud. I illustrate the method on election data from Russia and Canada as well as simulated data. A software package is provided for an easy implementation of the method.
Reliability of thyroglobulin in serum compared with urinary iodine when assessing individual and population iodine nutrition status
Authors: Andersen Stig , Noahsen Paneeraq , Westergaard Louise , Laurberg Peter
Published: February 2017

The occurrence of thyroid disorders relies on I nutrition and monitoring of all populations is recommended. Measuring I in urine is standard but thyroglobulin in serum is an alternative. This led us to assess the reliability of studies using serum thyroglobulin compared with urinary I to assess the I nutrition level and calculate the number of participants needed in a study with repeated data sampling in the same individuals for 1 year. Diet, supplement use and life style factors were assessed by questionnaires. We measured thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibodies in serum and I in urine. Participants were thirty-three Caucasians and sixty-four Inuit living in Greenland aged 30–49 years. Serum thyroglobulin decreased with rising I excretion (Kendall’sτ−0·29,P=0·005) and did not differ with ethnicity. Variation in individuals was lower for serum-thyroglobulin than for urinary I (mean individual CV: 15·1v. 46·1 %;P<0·01). It required 245 urine samples to be 95 % certain of having a urinary I excretion within 10 % of the true mean of the population. For serum-thyroglobulin the same precision required 206 samples. In an individual ten times more samples were needed to depict I deficiency when using urinary I excretion compared with serum-thyroglobulin. In conclusion, more participants are need to portray I deficiency in a population when using urinary I compared with serum-thyroglobulin, and about ten times more samples are needed in an individual. Adding serum-thyroglobulin to urinary I may inform surveys of I nutrition by allowing subgroup analysis with similar reliability.
Water flow in soil from organic dairy rotations
Authors: LAMANDÉ M. , ERIKSEN J. , KROGH P. H. , JACOBSEN O. H.
Published: February 2017

Managed grasslands are characterized by rotations of leys and arable crops. The regime of water flow evolves during the leys because of earthworm and root activity, climate and agricultural practices (fertilizer, cutting and cattle trampling). The effects of duration of the leys, cattle trampling and fertilizer practice on the movement of water through sandy loam soil profiles were investigated in managed grassland of a dairy operation. Experiments using tracer chemicals were performed, with or without cattle slurry application, with cutting or grazing, in the 1st and the 3rd year of ley, and in winter rye. Each plot was irrigated for an hour with 18·5 mm of water containing a conservative tracer, potassium bromide; 24 h after irrigation, macropores >1 mm were recorded visually on a horizontal plan of 0·7 m2at five depths (10, 30, 40, 70 and 100 cm). The bromide (Br−) concentration in soil was also analysed at these depths and the density of the different earthworm species were recorded. The density of macropores was not directly influenced by the factors investigated. The abundance of anecic earthworms was larger after 3 years of ley and was not affected by grazing (trampling or dung pat deposits) or fertilizer practice. The water infiltration estimated from the Br−concentration was not influenced by fertilizer practice and was reduced after 3 years of ley due to settlement, but was greater than that for the arable phase of the rotation. As shown by Br−concentration, preferential flow was induced by the grazing regime. Infiltrating water may bypass the soil matrix under similar or more extreme conditions than in the current experiment. Such hydraulic functioning in the grazing regime is expected to reduce the risk of leaching of nitrate contained in soil water.