bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetabular Debonding: An Investigation of Porous Coating Delamination in Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty
Authors: Robinson Eric , Gaillard-Campbell Dani , Gross Thomas P.
Published: November 2018

Background.To date, there have been no published investigations on the cause of acetabular debonding, a rare failure phenomenon in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing where the acetabular porous coating delaminates from the implant while remaining well fixed to the pelvic bone.Purposes.This study aims to summarize the current understanding of acetabular debonding and to investigate the discrepancy in rate of debonding between two implant systems.Patients and Methods.To elucidate potential causes of debonding, we retrospectively analyzed a single-surgeon cohort of 839 hip resurfacing cases. Specifically, we compared rate of debonding and manufacturing processes between two implant systems.Results.Group 1 experienced significantly more cases of debonding than Group 2 cases (4.0% versus 0.0%, p value<0.0001). Implant manufacturing processes differed in surface coating, heat treatment, postmanufacturing treatment, and apex thickness. Debonded implants were more likely to have missed RAIL guidelines (p=0.04).Conclusions.We identified implant system, postoperative time, and acetabular component placement as variables contributing to rate of debonding. We recommend minimizing acetabular inclination angle according to RAIL guidelines. Further, we evaluated manufacturing differences between the two implant systems but did not have access to proprietary data to identify the cause of debonding. Both implants met ASTM standards, yet only the Group 1 implant debonded. This suggests the second implant had greater fatigue shear strength. Because the Group 2 implant achieved a more durable interface that did not debond, we suggest the ASTM F1160 standard for fatigue shear strength be increased to that achieved by its manufacturer.Level of Evidence II. A retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data.
Evidence of Negative Effects of Defect Size and Older Patient Age by Quantitative CT-Based 3D Image Analysis in Ultraporous Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Grafted Extremity Bone Defects at One Year
Authors: Damron Timothy A. , Mann Kenneth A.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Synthetic bone graft materials are commonly used to fill defects after curettage of benign bone lesions. Ultraporous beta tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a popular synthetic compound used in this situation. Prior clinical studies based on plain X-ray analysis suggest incorporation of TCP is incomplete, even when combined with bone marrow (BMA). Purpose. The purpose was to analyze volumetric CT-based changes in defects grafted with TCP with/without BMA in a completed prospective RCT to objectively determine (1) relationship between size and age versus TCP incorporation and (2) whether there is an advantage to addition of BMA. Methods. Twenty-one patients with CT scans at ≥1 year follow-up available for digital analysis (TCP=10, TCP w/BMA =11) form the study population. CT image stacks were evaluated by creating volumetric masks using MIMICS imaging software for total defect, graft remaining, and graft incorporated volumes graft incorporation endpoints. Results. Overall, there was significant (p=0.0029) negative correlation (r2 = 0.38) between defect size and ratio of incorporated bone to defect size. This relationship remained strong (r2 = 0.56) particularly for defects > 20 cc but not for smaller defects. Bone width was also a significantly related factor (r2 = 0.94), with less graft incorporation in larger bone sites, in part likely due to the linear relationship between defect size and bone width. Relationship with age was complex and closely tied to defect volume. For larger defect volumes, younger patients were more successful at graft incorporation. Although age itself was not an independently significant factor, as defect volume increased, advanced age more negatively impacted new bone formation. Conclusions. Larger size defect and affected bone and advancing age appear to be important negative factors in synthetic graft incorporation. Results showed no advantage to addition of BMA to TCP.
The Relationship between Colonization by Moraxella catarrhalis and Tonsillar Hypertrophy
Authors: Prates Mirela C. M. , Tamashiro Edwin , Proenca-Modena José L. , Criado Miriã F. , Saturno Tamara H. , Oliveira Anibal S. , Buzatto Guilherme P. , Jesus Bruna L. S. , Jacob Marcos G. , Carenzi Lucas R. , Demarco Ricardo C. , Massuda Eduardo T. , Aragon Davi , Valera Fabiana C. P. , Arruda Eurico , Anselmo-Lima Wilma T.
Published: November 2018

We sought to investigate the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in secretions and tonsillar tissues of children with chronic adenotonsillitis hypertrophy compared to controls. Prospective case-control study comparing patients between 2 and 12 years old who underwent adenotonsillectomy due to chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy to children without disease. We compared detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis by real-time PCR in palatine tonsils, adenoids, and nasopharyngeal washes obtained from 37 children with and 14 without adenotonsillar hypertrophy. We found high frequency (>50%) of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both groups of patients. Although different sampling sites can be infected with more than one bacterium and some bacteria can be detected in different tissues in the same patient, adenoids, palatine tonsils, and nasopharyngeal washes were not uniformly infected by the same bacteria. Adenoids and palatine tonsils of patients with severe adenotonsillar hypertrophy had higher rates of bacterial coinfection. There was good correlation of detection of Moraxella catarrhalis in different sampling sites in patients with more severe tonsillar hypertrophy, suggesting that Moraxella catarrhalis may be associated with the development of more severe hypertrophy, that inflammatory conditions favor colonization by this agent. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are frequently detected in palatine tonsils, adenoids, and nasopharyngeal washes in children. Simultaneous detection of Moraxella catarrhalis in adenoids, palatine tonsils, and nasopharyngeal washes was correlated with more severe tonsillar hypertrophy.
Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (DDA) in Computer Games: A Review
Authors: Zohaib Mohammad
Published: November 2018

Dynamic difficulty adjustment (DDA) is a method of automatically modifying a game’s features, behaviors, and scenarios in real-time, depending on the player’s skill, so that the player, when the game is very simple, does not feel bored or frustrated, when it is very difficult. The intent of the DDA is to keep the player engrossed till the end and to provide him/her with a challenging experience. In traditional games, difficulty levels increase linearly or stepwise during the course of the game. The features such as frequency, starting levels, or rates can be set only at the beginning of the game by choosing a level of difficulty. This can, however, result in a negative experience for players as they try to map a predecided learning curve. DDA attempts to solve this problem by presenting a customized solution for the gamers. This paper provides a review of the current approaches to DDA.
A Conceptual Approach to Complex Model Management with Generalized Modelling Patterns and Evolutionary Identification
Authors: Kovalchuk Sergey V. , Metsker Oleg G. , Funkner Anastasia A. , Kisliakovskii Ilia O. , Nikitin Nikolay O. , Kalyuzhnaya Anna V. , Vaganov Danila A. , Bochenina Klavdiya O.
Published: November 2018

Complex systems’ modeling and simulation are powerful ways to investigate a multitude of natural phenomena providing extended knowledge on their structure and behavior. However, enhanced modeling and simulation require integration of various data and knowledge sources, models of various kinds (data‐driven models, numerical models, simulation models, etc.), and intelligent components in one composite solution. Growing complexity of such composite model leads to the need of specific approaches for management of such model. This need extends where the model itself becomes a complex system. One of the important aspects of complex model management is dealing with the uncertainty of various kinds (context, parametric, structural, and input/output) to control the model. In the situation where a system being modeled, or modeling requirements change over time, specific methods and tools are needed to make modeling and application procedures (metamodeling operations) in an automatic manner. To support automatic building and management of complex models we propose a general evolutionary computation approach which enables managing of complexity and uncertainty of various kinds. The approach is based on an evolutionary investigation of model phase space to identify the best model’s structure and parameters. Examples of different areas (healthcare, hydrometeorology, and social network analysis) were elaborated with the proposed approach and solutions.
Adhesion Characteristics of Tire‐Asphalt Pavement Interface Based on a Proposed Tire Hydroplaning Model
Authors: Zheng Binshuang , Huang Xiaoming , Zhang Weiguang , Zhao Runmin , Zhu Shengze
Published: November 2018

In order to study the adhesion between tire and asphalt pavement, we established a finite element model of a hydroplaning, inflatable, patterned tire based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method and then validated the model’s applicability. We numerically calculated tire‐pavement adhesion curves for three types of pavement: asphalt concrete (AC), stone mastic asphalt (SMA), and open‐graded friction course (OGFC). In accordance with adhesion characteristic theory with regard to tires and asphalt pavements, we analyzed the influential factors that affect the adhesion characteristics of the tire‐asphalt pavement interface in an antilock braking system and under damp conditions. The results show that the adhesion between tire and pavement is related to the movement of the tire. In this study, the longitudinal adhesion coefficient for the tire‐pavement interface initially increased with an increase in the slip rate and then decreased. Once the slip rate was about 20 percent, the longitudinal adhesion reached its maximum value. In addition, we found that a deep surface macrotexture improved the hydroplaning speed of the tire when the water film was not too thick and the inflation pressure was high. Also, dry pavement led to better adhesion than a wet state in terms of specific mean profile depth. With the same water film thickness, the adhesion coefficient decreased with an increase in driving velocity. The OGFC pavement offered better skid resistance than both AC pavement and SMA pavement.
Determining Causal Factors of Severe Crashes on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana
Authors: Nazneen Sahima , Rezapour Mahdi , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: November 2018

Indian reservations have been struggling with the highest rate of crashes that lead to fatal and incapacitating injuries across the United States for decades. The US government has been striving to improve roadway safety on Indian reservations to reduce such crashes. However, the rustic nature of the reservations, issues of jurisdictional coordination and collaboration, inadequate resources, and limited crash data make it challenging for the tribes to reduce the number of severe crashes. Determining factors associated with crashes is one of the most efficient and effective ways to select appropriate countermeasures for improving roadway safety and reducing crashes. Due to the unique nature of each of the reservations, factors contributing to crashes vary across the reservations as well as across the different roadways within the reservations. Only a few researches have investigated factors contributing to crashes on Indian reservations, and no studies have determined the factors separately for different roadways within the reservations. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the contributory factors to fatal and injury crashes in the Fort Peck Indian Reservation (FPIR). The crash database covering a ten-year period from 2005 to 2014 was obtained from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). During this period, 940 crashes occurred on state, county, city, and tribally owned roads. Binary logistic regression models were developed to determine the factors associated with fatal and injury crashes for all roads within the FPIR and separately for the roads maintained by different agencies. The analysis identified unique contributory factors to fatal or injury crashes for different roadways, which justified separating crashes based on different road types. Impaired driving, adverse weather condition, collision with a ditch/embankment, pedestrian involvement, and overturn/rollover crashes were some of the factors that significantly contribute to increasing the risk associated with fatal and injury crashes. Impaired driving was found to be the most significant factor contributing to crash severity in all three roadways. Indian reservation roads were found to be possessing the highest risk of fatal and injury crashes due to impaired driving among the three roadway systems. The results of the study provide the Fort Peck Tribes with the opportunity to determine the countermeasures for safety improvements on their roadway systems efficiently.
Development of a Methodology for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Cajá-Manga Pulp (Spondias dulcisL.) Using Solid-Liquid Extraction with Low-Temperature Partitioning
Authors: Santana Escarlet T. D. , Soares Dayane F. , Faria Anizio M.
Published: November 2018

Emergent fruits with functional properties and sui generis flavours are increasingly gaining international market, mainly due to the pleasant taste and its nutritional properties. However, methodologies for determination of pesticide residues in these fruits are still incipient or nonexistent. In this work, a simple, rapid, and accessible methodology to small laboratories was developed, optimized, and validated for the determination of four pesticide residues in the cajá-manga pulp: chlorpyrifos, thiabendazole, carboxin, and difenoconazole. The extraction of pesticides from the cajá-manga pulp was performed by the liquid-solid extraction with low-temperature partitioning, achieving efficiency in the range of 75.3–129.3% with limits of quantification between 170 and 430 ng·g−1for all compounds. The methodology was validated according to the SANTE/11813/2017 document, demonstrating good detectability, selectivity, precision, and accuracy with limits of quantification within the range of the maximum residual limits preconized for the compounds. The quantification was performed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection which, although it does not present the best detectability for the compounds, is a lower cost instrumentation and is available in several analysis laboratories in Brazil, making the method more accessible to evaluate the pesticide residues in fruit pulp. Thus, in this work, a methodology for the determination of pesticides in the cajá-manga pulp is available for the monitoring of pesticide residues in fruit pulp, in an efficient and accessible way.
Composites Based on Polypropylene and Talc: Processing Procedure and Prediction Behavior by Using Mathematical Models
Authors: Racca Laiza Marinho , Pacheco Elen Beatriz Acordi Vasques , Bertolino Luiz Carlos , Campos Cristiane Xavier da Silva , Andrade Monica Calixto de , de Sousa Ana Maria Furtado , Silva Ana Lúcia Nazareth da
Published: November 2018

iPP/Talc composites were produced, with different methods of filler addition in iPP matrix. Two different grades of Talc were used for comparison. The tensile tests results showed that talc particles promoted an improvement in composite rigidity, indicating the reinforcing effect of the talc particles in the iPP matrix. However, PP/talc-based composites that were prepared from a masterbatch and with talc grade with smaller particle size showed a better efficiency on dispersion/distribution of particle filler on the thermoplastic matrix, resulting in an improvement in Young’s modulus property, even with higher filler contents. SEM analyses evaluated the composite morphologies and different mathematical models were used as a tool on prediction of mechanical behaviour of the materials. It was observed that the results of Young’s modulus of the composites can be adjusted by different models, depending on the talc characteristics and the mixing procedure used.
Safety Evaluation of the Wear Life of High‐Speed Railway Bridge Bearings by Monitoring Train‐Induced Dynamic Displacements
Authors: Wang Gaoxin , Ding Youliang , Guo Hui , Zhao Xinxin
Published: November 2018

Bridge bearings experience numerous small‐amplitude displacements under environmental loads. The continuous cyclic accumulations of these small‐amplitude displacements will result in severe wear on the poly‐tetra‐fluoro‐ethylene (PTFE) plates in the bridge bearings, which seriously endangers the service life of bearings. Traditional method directly uses the linear wear rate of cumulative displacements in a short period to evaluate the wearing life, but the linear wear rate only in a short period such as several days may not represent the characteristics in the whole bridge service life. Hence, this research takes the spherical steel bearings of the Nanjing Dashengguan Yangtze River Bridge as a study object. The cumulative dynamic displacement (CDD) under the action of a single train and the cumulative bearing travel (CBT) under the continual actions of many trains are studied using the monitored longitudinal displacement data from spherical steel bearings. Furthermore, the probability statistics and the Monte Carlo sampling simulation for CDD are studied, and the safety evaluation method for bearing wear life in the real environment is proposed using a reliability index regarding the failure probability of monitored CBT over the wear limit during service lifetime. In addition, safety evaluation on the bearing wear life was performed to assess the condition of spherical steel bearings in the real service environment. The results can provide an important reference for analysis on the bearing wear life of long‐span railway bridge structures.
Vibration Analysis and Optimization of a Rectangular Plate with Flanging Hyperellipse Cutout
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Deng Sier , Zhang Song , Geng Da
Published: November 2018

Vibration analysis and optimization of a rectangular plate with a flanging hyperellipse cutout is investigated in this paper, numerically. In the analysis, finite element method (FEM) is applied to perform parametric studies on various plates in different boundary conditions, addressing the influence of different cutout parameters (area, shape, flanging height, position, and rotation) on the first‐ and second‐order natural frequencies of the rectangular plate and providing references for the optimum frequency design. Then, maximization of frequency or the difference of two consecutive frequencies of the rectangular plate is carried out using Multi‐island Genetic Algorithm, aiming to achieve the best dynamic characteristics. The results show that different cutout parameters have great influence on vibration performance of the plate, the existing of the flanging increases the out‐of‐plane stiffness of the plate. Additionally, the nature frequency of the plate has been improved obviously for different models with the optimal design of the cutout.
Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue and Crystal Violet onto Micro-Mesoporous Zr3O/Activated Carbon Composite: A Joint Experimental and Statistical Modeling Considerations
Authors: Ait Ahsaine H. , Anfar Z. , Zbair M. , Ezahri M. , El Alem N.
Published: November 2018

Zirconium oxide/activated carbon (Zr3O/AC) composite was synthesized to remove methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) from the aqueous medium. The Zr3O/AC sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), BET surface area, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD profiles confirmed the successful synthesis of the zirconium oxide/activated carbon composite. SEM images showed multideveloped walls with irregular particle size with channel arrays. The nitrogen physisorption combines I and IV types with a calculated BET surface area of 1095 m2/g. Raman spectrum illustrated a disorder of both crystalline structure and the graphitic structure. The adsorption was better fitted to the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model. Langmuir model fitted better the experimental results of MB adsorption, whereas the CV was better consistent with the Freundlich model. The obtained results suggested that the MB and CV adsorption might be influenced by the mass transfer that involves multiple diffusion steps. The maximum adsorption capacities are 208.33 and 204.12 mg/g for MB and CV, respectively. The MB and CV removal mechanisms were proposed, and statistical optimization was performed using central composite design combined with the response surface methodology.
Body Mass Index at Pediatric Leukemia Diagnosis and the Risks of Relapse and Mortality: Findings from a Single Institution and Meta-analysis
Authors: Saenz Ashleigh M. , Stapleton Stacie , Hernandez Raquel G. , Hale Greg A. , Goldenberg Neil A. , Schwartz Skai , Amankwah Ernest K.
Published: November 2018

High body mass index (BMI) is associated with relapse of certain adult cancers, but limited knowledge exists on its association with pediatric leukemia relapse. We evaluated the association between overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 85thpercentile) at pediatric leukemia diagnosis and relapse or mortality. A meta-analysis combining our findings with those of previous studies was also performed. The study included 181 pediatric leukemia patients. Sporadic missing data were multiply imputed, and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard. Age- and sex-adjusted analysis for patients ≥10 years showed a trend towards increased risk of relapse for overweight/obese patients (HR = 2.89, 95% CI = 0.89–9.36,p=0.08) that was not evident among children<10 years (HR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.08–3.54,p=0.49). We observed a statistically significant association between mortality and obesity status in unadjusted models (imputed: HR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.15–5.60,p=0.021; complete set: HR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.26–5.91,p=0.011) that was not statistically significant in both age- and sex-adjusted and multivariable adjusted analyses. The pooled estimate of our finding and previous studies showed an association between overweight/obese and increased risk of mortality for ALL (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.16–1.46) and AML (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.32–2.04). Although our study did not observe statistically significant associations due to a small sample size, the meta-analyses revealed an increased risk of mortality for overweight/obese patients. The findings of our study suggest an association of obesity status with relapse in children ≥10 years. However, our study was based on a small sample size from a single institution, and this association needs to be investigated in larger, multicenter studies.
Adjusting Neural Network to a Particular Problem: Neural Network-Based Empirical Biological Model for Chlorophyll Concentration in the Upper Ocean
Authors: Krasnopolsky Vladimir , Nadiga Sudhir , Mehra Avichal , Bayler Eric
Published: November 2018

The versatility of the neural network (NN) technique allows it to be successfully applied in many fields of science and to a great variety of problems. For each problem or class of problems, a generic NN technique (e.g., multilayer perceptron (MLP)) usually requires some adjustments, which often are crucial for the development of a successful application. In this paper, we introduce a NN application that demonstrates the importance of such adjustments; moreover, in this case, the adjustments applied to a generic NN technique may be successfully used in many other NN applications. We introduce a NN technique, linking chlorophyll “a” (chl-a) variability—primarily driven by biological processes—with the physical processes of the upper ocean using a NN-based empirical biological model for chl-a. In this study, satellite-derived surface parameter fields, sea-surface temperature (SST) and sea-surface height (SSH), as well as gridded salinity and temperature profiles from 0 to 75m depth are employed as signatures of upper-ocean dynamics. Chlorophyll-a fields from NOAA’s operational Visible Imaging Infrared Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) are used, as well as Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) chl-a concentrations. Different methods of optimizing the NN technique are investigated. Results are assessed using the root-mean-square error (RMSE) metric and cross-correlations between observed ocean color (OC) fields and NN output. To reduce the impact of noise in the data and to obtain a stable computation of the NN Jacobian, an ensemble of NN with different weights is constructed. This study demonstrates that the NN technique provides an accurate, computationally cheap method to generate long (up to 10 years) time series of consistent chl-a concentration that are in good agreement with chl-a data observed by different satellite sensors during the relevant period. The presented NN demonstrates a very good ability to generalize in terms of both space and time. Consequently, the NN-based empirical biological model for chl-a can be used in oceanic models, coupled climate prediction systems, and data assimilation systems to dynamically consider biological processes in the upper ocean.
SW and GB (N) ARQ Protocols under Markovian Interruptions
Authors: Dashdondov Khongorzul , Kim Yong-Ki , Kim Mi-Hye
Published: November 2018

This paper discusses packet data multiplexing using stop‐and‐wait (SW) and go‐back‐N (GBN) automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocols under Markovian interruption. The Markov process shows the output channel by examining the Markovian interruption using inactive and active states. We assume that whenever the voice signal is active the output link is used and will be blocked for the data packet, and data traffic input is exponentially distributed in increments via the Poisson process, with each data packet transmitted within an individual time slot. Active and inactive periods of the original voice signal are geometrically distributed with their unique parameters. The study introduces the concept of average service time and average queueing delay to simplify the analysis and shows that data multiplexers using SW and GBN ARQ schemes exhibit queueing behaviour when the interruption signal follows a Markov process. Moreover, we derived the effective capacity that features the average arrival rate at the transmitter queue under the quality of service (QoS) constraints. Also from the results system stability depends on the error probability and Markovian interruptions occurrence. Simulation results verify the theoretical analysis.
Investigation of the Spatial Clustering Properties of Seismic Time Series: A Comparative Study from Shallow to Intermediate‐Depth Earthquakes
Authors: Ma Ke , Guo Long , Liu Wangheng
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a size‐independent modification of the general detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) method is introduced. With this modified DFA, seismic time series (m ≥ 4.5) pertaining to most seismically active regions of the world from the year 1972 up to the year 2016 are comparatively analyzed. An eminent homogeneity of spatial clustering behaviors in worldwide range is detected and DFA scaling exponents coincide with previous results for local regions. Furthermore, universal nontrivial spatial clustering behaviors are revealed from shallow to intermediate‐depth earthquakes by varying the depth of the hypocenter: in shallow earthquakes, the depth range corresponding to the minimum spatial clustering is first verified to be spatiotemporal and identical; in intermediate‐depth earthquakes, strong weakening long‐range correlations compared to shallow earthquakes are unveiled to strengthen the recent findings in seismology. Our work aims to suggest a possible statistical approach to explore the dynamic mechanisms implied in the seismicity as well as in other analogous dynamic evolution processes.
Finite Element Modeling of FRP‐Strengthened RC Beam under Sustained Load
Authors: Jiang Shiyong , Yao Weilai , Chen Jin , Cai Tao
Published: November 2018

External bonding of FRP laminates to the tension soffit of concrete members has become a popular method for flexural strengthening. However, the long‐term field performance of FRP‐strengthened RC members under service conditions is still a concern, and more work needs to be done. Based on concrete smeared‐crack approach, this paper presents a finite‐element (FE) model for predicting long‐term behavior of FRP‐strengthened RC beam, which considers the time‐dependent properties of all components including the aging effect of concrete. According to the comparison between theoretical predictions and test results, the validity of the FE model is verified. The interfacial edge stresses in adhesive layer were determined through appropriate mesh refinement near the plate end, and their time‐dependent characteristics were investigated. The results show that creep of concrete and epoxy resin cause significant variations of the edge stresses with time. According to the research in this paper, the FE approach is found to be able to properly simulate the long‐term behavior of the FRP‐strengthened beam and help us better understand the complex changes in the stress state occurring over time.
Higher-Order Commutators of Parametric Marcinkiewicz Integrals on Herz Spaces with Variable Exponent
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Yan Dunyan
Published: November 2018

LetΩ∈Ls(Sn-1)fors⩾1be a homogeneous function of degree zero andbbe BMO functions. In this paper, we obtain some boundedness of the parametric Marcinkiewicz integral operatorμΩρand its higher-order commutator[bm,μΩρ]on Herz spaces with variable exponent.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Tracking Control for Unmanned Autonomous Helicopters Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Wan Min , Chen Mou , Yan Kun
Published: November 2018

In this paper, an adaptive sliding mode tracking control scheme is developed for the medium‐scale unmanned autonomous helicopter with system uncertainties and external unknown disturbances. A simplified mathematical model is established, which is divided into position subsystem and attitude subsystem. The uncertainty term of the system is handled by the inherent approximation ability of the neural network. The sliding model control scheme under the backstepping frame is developed for tackling disturbances. The stability of the simplified system is proved by using the Lyapunov theory, and the tracking errors are guaranteed to be uniformly bounded. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed control strategy is effective.
Clinically Amyopathic Dermatomyositis Caused by a Tattoo
Authors: Han Bing , Guo Qiang
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) is a rare disease with unknown origin. It is characterized by the specific skin lesions of dermatomyositis (DM) without clinical or laboratory evidence of myopathy. Previous studies indicated that tattoo may induce immune response. Case Report. A 22-year-old male who tattooed butterfly on the left chest with blue and red ink. Then, he gradually had typical Gottron rash and interstitial lung disease (ILD) without weakness of the muscle. The clinical presentation and laboratory test represent the diagnosis of CADM. According to the history, CADM was induced by the tattoo five months before admission. Discussion. We first reported the CADM induced by a tattoo. However, further studies are still needed to approach the specific substances within the tattoo that trigger immune response.
An Adaptive Fish Swarm‐Based Mobile Coverage in WSNs
Authors: Qin Ningning , Xu Jian
Published: November 2018

Swarm intelligent algorithms are embedded into sensor networks to achieve perfect coverage with minimal cost. However, these methods are often highly complex and easily fall into the local optimum when balancing coverage and resource consumption. We introduce adaptive improved fish swarm optimization (AIFS) that extricates each node from the local optimum and reduces overlap and overflow coverage. Drawing on the habits of fish, AFIS ensures node mobility with respect to the food concentration at a certain point. Node dispersion shows good compromise under coordination by two presented parameters, namely, food concentration and crowd density. In addition to inheriting properties from traditional fish swarm, the initial random nodes become dispersed without overflow in assisting the proposed jumping and dodging behavior. The resulting network avoids potential local optima and improves the network boundary coverage efficiency. The convergence speed and efficiency of AIFS are verified. Extensive simulation experiments reveal that an improved coverage gain is obtained, and computation cost and overflow waste are reduced.
Study of SCA‐Induced Rock Crack Propagation under Different Stress Conditions Using a Modified Cohesive Element Method
Authors: Wang Shen , Mitri Hani , Li Huamin , Li Dongyin , Wang Wen
Published: November 2018

When inducing cracks, soundless cracking agents (SCAs) do not generate vibration, harmful gas, dust, nor flying rock fragment, making them suitable for hard rock roof breaking, rock burst prevention, oil or gas reservoir stimulation, and building demolition. In this study, SCA‐induced crack initiation and propagation in different stress conditions were modelled using a modified cohesive element method. A new traction‐separation law for describing rock compressive shear strength was proposed. The crack length and direction in bidirectional isobaric and unequal stress fields were analyzed in detail. The crack initiation pressure and the incremental ratio of crack length to SCA expansion pressure were proposed as two indicators to evaluate the difficulty in rock breaking in deep underground. Results indicate that (1) the modified cohesive element method used in this study is feasible to model crack propagation in deep rocks; (2) the maximum expansion pressure of SCAs depends on rock elastic modulus and geostress field and should be measured under a condition similar to deep underground prior to SCA borehole spacing design; when using the SCAs with a maximum expansion pressure of 100 MPa in 600 m underground, the suggested borehole spacing is less than 220 mm; and (3) σ3 dominates the crack initiation pressure while the principal stress ratio σ3/σ1 and notch direction control the direction of crack propagation.
Consensus of Multi‐Integral Fractional‐Order Multiagent Systems with Nonuniform Time‐Delays
Authors: Liu Jun , Chen Wei , Qin Kaiyu , Li Ping
Published: November 2018

Consensus of fractional‐order multiagent systems (FOMASs) with single integral has been wildly studied. However, the dynamics with multiple integral (especially double integral to sextuple integral) also exist in FOMASs, and they are rarely studied at present. In this paper, consensus problems for multi‐integral fractional‐order multiagent systems (MIFOMASs) with nonuniform time‐delays are addressed. The consensus conditions for MIFOMASs are obtained by a novel frequency‐domain method which properly eliminates consensus problems of the systems associated with nonuniform time‐delays. Besides, the method revealed in this paper is applicable to classical high‐order multiagent systems which is a special case of MIFOMASs. Finally, several numerical simulations with different parameters are performed to validate the correctness of the results.
Output Consensus of Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems with Physical and Communication Graphs
Authors: Wang Junwei , Chen Kairui , Liu Qiuli
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with the output consensus problem of heterogeneous networks in a leader‐follower manner that are interconnected by a physical coupling graph. The network under consideration consists of linear agents with different dynamics/dimensions. Both the state‐feedback and output‐feedback control protocols based upon information flow prescribed by a separate communication graph are developed, using the internal model principle and relative outputs of neighboring agents. With the small‐gain theorem, we convert the consensus problem into a H∞ control problem of decoupled linear systems having the same dimensions as a single agent, where the disturbance attenuation constraints depend on the largest singular value related to the global information of physical and communication graphs. Then, we provide local synthesis procedures for control gains in terms of feasible solutions of algebraic Riccati equations. Finally, simulation examples are presented to verify the performance of the theoretical results.
Multiattribute Group Decision‐Making Based on Linguistic Pythagorean Fuzzy Interaction Partitioned Bonferroni Mean Aggregation Operators
Authors: Lin Mingwei , Wei Jiuhan , Xu Zeshui , Chen Riqing
Published: November 2018

The partitioned Bonferroni mean (PBM) operator can efficiently aggregate inputs, which are divided into parts based on their interrelationships. To date, it has not been used to aggregate linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (LPFNs). In this paper, we extend the PBM operator and partitioned geometric Bonferroni mean (PGBM) operator to the linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy sets (LPFSs) and use them to develop a novel multiattribute group decision‐making model under the linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy environment. We first define some novel operational laws for LPFNs, which take into consideration the interactions between the membership degree (MD) and nonmembership degree (NMD) from two different LPFNs. Based on these novel operational laws, we put forward the interaction PBM (LPFIPBM) operator, the weighted interaction PBM (LPFWIPBM) operator, the interaction PGBM (LPFIPGBM) operator, and the weighted interaction PGBM (LPFWIPGBM) operator. Then, we study some properties of these proposed operators and discuss their special cases. Based on the proposed LPFWIPBM and LPFWIPGBM operators, a novel multiattribute group decision‐making model is developed to process the linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy information. Finally, some illustrative examples are introduced to compare our proposed methods with the existing ones.
Multiobjective Optimization of Tool Geometric Parameters Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Du Maohua , Cheng Zheng , Zhang Yanfei , Wang Shensong
Published: November 2018

Tool geometric parameters have a huge impact on tool wear. Up to now, there are only a few researches on tool geometric parameters and optimization, and the single objective function of parameter optimization used by researchers during high‐speed machining (HSM) mainly is the minimum cutting force. However, the elevated cutting temperature also greatly affects tool wear due to the numerous cutting heat generation. Thus, to reduce tool wear, it is the most fundamental approach to taking into account the comprehensive control of the cutting force and cutting temperature because they are the two most important physical quantities in metal cutting processes. This work proposes a new optimization idea of the cutting‐tool’s multi geometric parameters (three main parameters: rake angle, clearance angle, and cutting edge radius) with two objective functions (the cutting force and the temperature). Based on the response surface method (RSM), we have established the modified functional relation models of the influence of tool geometric parameters on the cutting force and temperature according to the finite element simulation results in high‐speed cutting of Ti6Al4V. Then the models are solved by using a genetic algorithm, and the optimal tool geometric parameters values that can concurrently control the two objectives in their minimum values are obtained. The advantages lie in the strategy of the separate models of the cutting force and cutting temperature owing to their different dimensions and the solution of the models through giving the cutting force and cutting temperature different weight coefficients. The optimal results are verified by experiments, which shows that the optimal tool geometric parameters are very effective and vital for ensuring both the cutting force and the cutting temperature not too high. This work is of great significance to the cutting tool design theory and its manufacturing for reducing tool wear.
Inhibition of HIF1α Signaling: A Grand Slam for MDS Therapy?
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Steidl Ulrich
Published: November 2018

Summary: The recent focus on genomics in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has led to important insights and revealed a daunting genetic heterogeneity, which is presenting great challenges for clinical treatment and precision oncology approaches in MDS. Hayashi and colleagues show that multiple mutations frequently found in MDS activate HIF1α signaling, which they also found to be sufficient to induce overt MDS in mice. Furthermore, both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of HIF1α suppressed MDS development with only mild effects on normal hematopoiesis, implicating HIF1α signaling as a promising therapeutic target to tackle the heterogeneity of MDS. Cancer Discov; 8(11); 1355–7. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Hayashi et al., p. 1438.
Untangling the Role of Polycomb Complexes in Chemotherapy Resistance
Authors: Duy Cihangir , Melnick Ari
Published: November 2018

Summary: In this issue, Maganti and colleagues described an epigenetic link between reduced abundance of Polycomb-related protein MTF2 and chemotherapy resistance in refractory acute myeloid leukemia. MTF2 deficiency impaired expression of the PRC2 complex and deposition of H3K27me3 at many genes, including the key target gene MDM2, leading to increased MDM2 expression that in turn depleted p53 and thereby conferred chemoresistance. Cancer Discov; 8(11); 1348–51. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Maganti et al., p. 1376.
Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of the Urotensin-II Receptor Antagonist Palosuran in Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Sidharta Patricia N. , van Giersbergen Paul L.M. , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To investigate the multiple-dose pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and tolerability of palosuran, a selective, potent antagonist of the human UT receptor. Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Three dose levels were investigated for PKs, PDs, and safety in sequential groups of 8 subjects each. Results: The plasma concentration-time profile is characterized by rapid absorption and 2 peaks after drug administration. The apparent terminal half-life was approximately 25 h. Steady-state concentrations were reached after 4–5 days of dosing. The accumulation factor was approximately 2.5. With increasing doses, a more than dose proportional increase in AUCτ and Cmax was observed. Urinary excretion of unchanged palosuran was below 3%. No consistent effect was found on any of the PD variables. Palosuran was well tolerated in multiple doses up to 500 mg b.i.d. Conclusion: Palosuran after multiple-dosing is a well-tolerated drug in healthy subjects, but this finding warrants further investigation in patients.
Accelerated Small-World Property of Structural Brain Networks in Preterm Infants at Term-Equivalent Age
Authors: Lee Joo Young  , Park Hyun-Kyung , Lee Hyun Ju
Published: November 2018

Background: The prediction of neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants is one of the clinical challenges of pediatrics. Despite the recent interest in brain development and white matter connectivity using a network-based analysis, very little is known about the brain network of at term-equivalent age in preterm infants. Objective: We aimed to investigate the structural brain network using diffusion MRI following preterm delivery at term-equivalent age compared with term infants and explored the influence of gestational age (GA) and clinical factors. Method: Diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired prospectively from 55 preterm neonates without apparent brain abnormalities (mean gestational age: 29.43 weeks) and 21 full-term infants at term-equivalent age. The global structural brain networks were produced by probabilistic white matter tractography in combination with the Johns Hopkins University neonate atlas to quantify connectivity between different cortical regions. Results: Compared with full-term infants, preterm infants had significantly lower global efficiency (p = 0.048) and increased small worldness (p = 0.012) after correcting for sex and age at MRI scan. The increased small worldness in the brain network at term-equivalent age was significantly linearly correlated with lower GA after adjusting for sex and the effects of postmenstrual age at MRI scan on the data in preterm infants (β = –0.020, p = 0.037). In multivariate analysis, infants with chronic lung disease had significantly decreased changes in clustering (p = 0.014) and local efficiency (p = 0.027). Conclusion: The accelerated small worldness in preterm infants suggests that the structural brain network after preterm birth is reorganized in maximizing integrated and segregated processing, implying resilience against prematurity-associated pathology.
A Case of Multiple Myeloma Presenting as Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis with Candida auris Fungemia
Authors: Noginskiy Ilya , Samra Abraham , Nielsen Kendra , Kalavar Madhumati R.
Published: November 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell neoplasm, has a typical presenting pattern consisting of bone pain, renal failure, anemia, and/or hypercalcemia. Even though MM is a cancer that impairs the immune system, rarely is a systemic infection the first sign of disease. In this case report, our patient presented with altered mental status due to meningitis and was later diagnosed with MM. Furthermore, we display a case of a rare but emerging and serious fungus, Candida auris, that the patient developed during his inpatient stay. This is the first such record of C. auris in an MM patient.
Factors Affecting Therapeutic Effects in 17 Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Were Treated with Sorafenib for More than 12 Months
Authors: Katayama Kazuhiro , Kiyota Ryosuke , Imai Toshihiro , Abe Yutaro , Nawa Tadatoshi , Wada Hiroshi , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: November 2018

Background and Objective: Sorafenib is recommended for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. However, it is frequently discontinued because of adverse events, which greatly affects its therapeutic effects. Furthermore, because patients treated with sorafenib for a long period can presumably tolerate adverse events, this study aimed to identify their characteristics and analyze factors affecting the therapeutic effects of the drug. Subjects and Methods: Seventeen patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received sorafenib for 12 months or longer at our hospital between January 2009 and October 2015 were included. In these 17 patients, factors affecting the time to untreatable progression were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model, Kaplan-Meier curve, and log-rank test. Results: In the 17 patients, the mean sorafenib dose was 433 mg/day. The drug was discontinued in 12 patients, 9 (75%) of whom discontinued it because of progressive disease. The median time to untreatable progression was 23.1 months. The contributors to favorable therapeutic effects included administration of at least two sessions of concomitant therapy after initiating sorafenib therapy, a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and a decreased total bilirubin level. Conclusion: Achieving favorable therapeutic effects of sorafenib requires strict dose adjustment that allows better control of adverse events and long-term administration of the drug. Furthermore, combining sorafenib with other therapies, a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and a decreased total bilirubin level are useful predictors of favorable effects.