bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isotropic volumetric behaviour of compacted unsaturated soils within specific volume, specific water volume, mean net stress (v, vw, p) space
Authors: Abeyrathne Arunodi , Sivakumar Vinayagamoothy , Kodikara Jayantha
Published: January 2019

A detailed description of the volumetric behaviour of compacted unsaturated soils is essential for modelling compacted soil behaviour. It is more complex than when the soil is saturated, as unsaturated soils exhibit a range of responses, such as yielding under loading, swelling and collapse under wetting, and shrinkage and cracking during drying. In unsaturated modelling, (v, s, p) or (v, s, p′) is commonly used as the state space to describe volumetric behaviour, where v (= 1 + void ratio, e) is the specific volume; s is the soil suction; and p and p′ are the mean net and mean effective or skeleton stress, respectively. An alternative approach is to use (v, vw, p) space to describe volumetric behaviour, where vw is specific water volume. In either case, coupled water retention behaviour is needed to describe the overall macroscopic process more completely by including the fourth state variable (vw or degree of saturation, Sr, for the former and s for the latter). Following from work undertaken under one-dimensional conditions, the current paper presents the volumetric behaviour of compacted kaolin in (v, vw, p) space. A series of state path tests comprising various loading, unloading, and (or) wetting paths with nondecreasing degrees of saturation was carried out. The results show that a state boundary surface that is also the virgin compaction surface depicting the loosest state of soil takes control of the volumetric behaviour in (v, vw, p) space, which can be used as a more practical approach to modelling compacted soil behaviour, especially for analysing major wetting events.
Unraveling high-energy hadron structures with lattice QCD
Authors: Zhao Yong
Published: January 2019

Parton distribution functions are key quantities for us to understand the hadronic structures in high-energy scattering, but they are difficult to calculate from lattice QCD. Recent years have seen fast development of the large-momentum effective theory which allows extraction of the x-dependence of parton distribution functions from a quasi-parton distribution function that can be directly calculated on lattice. The extraction is based on a factorization formula for the quasi-parton distribution function that has been derived rigorously in perturbation theory. A systematic procedure that includes renormalization, perturbative matching, and power corrections has been established to calculate parton distribution functions. Latest progress from lattice QCD has shown promising signs that it will become an effective tool for calculating parton physics.
A Transformation Methodology of Normal Nonlinear Resistors/Conductors to Inverses
Authors: Sánchez-López C. , Carbajal-Gómez V. H. , Carrasco-Aguilar M. A. , Morales-López F. E.
Published: January 2019

This work proposes a simple transformation methodology of normal nonlinear resistors/conductors to their inverted topologies in their floating and grounded versions (NNR/C). It is demonstrated that inverted topologies can also be configured as incremental or decremental nonlinear resistors/conductors. The main fingerprints of an NNR/C are holding up after the transformation and it is demonstrated that an inverse nonlinear resistor/conductor becomes a linear resistor/conductor when the operating frequency of the signal source decreases, inverse behavior in comparison with one memristor. Illustrative examples are given for floating and grounded nonlinear resistors and in both configurations. HSPICE simulation results are provided confirming the theory. Moreover, the normal and inverses resistors can be reconfigured in order to be used in future applications such as programmable analog circuits.
A Novel Dual-Band Concurrent Asymmetric Doherty Power Amplifier for Wireless Communications
Authors: Borjlu Shaban Rezaei , Dousti Massoud
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a different dual-band asymmetric Doherty power amplifier (ADPA) with a novel dual-band bandpass filter (DBBPF) with quad-section stepped impedance resonators (SIRs) is presented. This specific DBBPF rejects the annoying frequencies of the second and third harmonics in the dual-band and contributes considerably to performance improvement of ADPA. This structure is confirmed with the design, simulation, implementation and testing of a 10 W GaN-based ADPA for global system for mobile communications (GSM) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications at 1.84 and 3.5[Formula: see text]GHz, respectively. In the measurement results, the ADPA defines a drain efficiency (DE) of 63.7% with an output power of 35[Formula: see text]dBm and power gain is 14.2[Formula: see text]dB, and a DE of 47.5% with an output power of 34.5[Formula: see text]dBm and power gain is 10.4[Formula: see text]dB at the 9[Formula: see text]dB output power back-off (OBO) from the saturated output power in the two frequency bands. Linearity effects, applying 10[Formula: see text]MHz 16 QAM signal and a 5[Formula: see text]MHz WiMAX signal, display an adjacent channel leakage ratio of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc with the average output power of 36.8/36[Formula: see text]dBm at 1.84/3.5[Formula: see text]GHz, respectively.
Developing Self-Adaptive Service-Oriented Mobile Applications: A Framework Based on Dynamic Deployment
Authors: Passini William Filisbino , Affonso Frank José
Published: January 2019

Today’s society is increasingly dependent on the use of mobile or smart devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, hybrid devices, smart-TVs, smart-watches, among others), which have changed over these last 10 years the way people perform their daily tasks. In parallel, Internet of Things (IoT) systems have played a prominent position in this scenario, since they enable to exchange information among different types of devices and services (e.g. physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, sensors, among others). This scenario has boosted the demand for development of high-quality Mobile Applications (MobApps), which can be pre-installed on such devices during manufacturing platforms, or delivered as applications by the mobile stores or third parties. According to [1–3], mobile devices have some physical limitations (e.g. processing and storage) compared to personal computers. Thus, service-oriented MobApps have been a feasible alternative to overcome such limitations, improving the efficiency of the development life cycle of these applications with adoption of third-party components (e.g. software components, web services, and other mobile applications). In another perspective, it is also been noted a change in the user behavior of MobApps, which demand applications capable of operating in adverse conditions, maintaining their integrity of execution. Considering the relevance of such applications, this paper reports the extension of a framework to support the development of Self-adaptive Services-oriented MobApps (Self-MobApps), which enables modification of services at runtime [4] by means of a deployment dynamic approach. To show the feasibility of our framework, a case study for a smart restaurant was conducted in a mobile environment. The results of this study enable us to create a positive perspective on the contribution of our framework to the research communities involved.
Experimental Evaluation of Redundancy in Android Mutation Testing
Authors: Deng Lin , Offutt Jeff
Published: January 2019

Because of the widespread usage of Android devices, the Android ecosystem has the highest numbers of users, developers, and app downloads. Researchers find that many Android apps are not sufficiently tested, which may lead to crashes, incorrect behaviors, and security vulnerabilities. Mutation testing is a syntax-based software testing technique that is very effective at designing high-quality tests and evaluating pre-existing tests. Our prior research designed and implemented Android mutation testing technique, and then used experiments to assess its strength. However, the high computational cost of Android mutation testing possibly limits its industrial application. This paper presents an experimental evaluation that investigates redundant mutation operators in Android mutation analysis. While maintaining the test quality, our goal is to reduce the cost by excluding redundant mutation operators or improving their design and implementation. In our evaluation, we first generate mutants and design mutation-adequate tests for each mutation operator. Then, we compute redundancy scores for each pair of mutation operators. Our evaluation results indicate that three operators (AODU, AOIU, and LOI) are redundant in Android mutation analysis. Other three operators (FOB, TVD, and ORL) are very hard to kill. One operator (MDL) needs improvement in its design to eliminate trivial mutants. We also identity subsumption relationships among operators (BWS subsumes BWD, ODL subsumes CDL, COD, and VDL).
Object-Oriented Modeling with Ontologies Around: A Survey of Existing Approaches
Authors: Baset Selena , Stoffel Kilian
Published: January 2019

Despite the many integration tools proposed for mapping between OWL ontologies and the object-oriented paradigm, developers are still reluctant to incorporate ontologies into their code repositories. In this paper we survey existing approaches for OWL-to-OOP mapping trying to identify reasons for this shy adoption of ontologies among conventional software developers. We present a classification of the surveyed approaches and tools based on their technical characteristics and their resulting artifacts. We discuss further potential reasons beyond what have been addressed in the literature before finally providing our own reflection and outlook.
Influence Factors in Software Productivity — A Tertiary Literature Review
Authors: Oliveira Edson , Conte Tayana , Cristo Marco , Valentim Natasha
Published: January 2019

Software organizations need to increase their productivity to stay competitive. Although there is a lot of research on productivity in software development, software organizations still do not know what are the most significant productivity factors in which they should invest. This paper presents a Tertiary Literature Review (TLR) that aims to identify and analyze Systematic Literature Reviews (SLR) on the influence factors of software productivity reported in the scientific literature. We extracted and classified the influence factors into organizational factors (organizational-dependent factors) and human factors (people-dependent factors). The relevance of the factors was extracted according to the amount of references found in the secondary studies. Using this information, software organizations can improve the productivity of their projects by evaluating the influence factors that best fit their context.
[2+1] Additions of (n,0)(n=6−10) single-walled carbon nanotubes with di-vacancies based on defect curvature: A first-principles study
Authors: Li Lei , Fan Hongwei , Wei Hezhuan , An Shengli , Jia Guixiao
Published: January 2019

Binding energies ([Formula: see text], geometric and electronic structures for [[Formula: see text]](O/[[Formula: see text]]) additions of O atom on ([Formula: see text])([Formula: see text] − 10) single-walled carbon nanotubes with di-vacancies are studied using a GGA-PBE method, and defect curvature ([Formula: see text]) is used to predict reactivities of different C—C bonds at defect area. Calculated results show that the C—C bonds can be divided into two types: broken C—C bonds corresponding to adducts with a C—O—C configuration structure and unbroken C—C bonds corresponding to adducts with a closed-3MR structure. [Formula: see text] of O/[[Formula: see text]] additions for the adduct with the C—O—C configuration structure monotonously increases with the increase of [Formula: see text] in any ([Formula: see text],0)([Formula: see text]) tube and decreases with the increase of [Formula: see text] in ([Formula: see text],0)([Formula: see text], 7, 10) tubes. Besides the fact that [Formula: see text] value is mainly determined by the defect curvature, it is also affected by band gaps, bonding characteristic of C—C bonds in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and geometric structures. The study would provide a theoretical basis for surface modifications of carbon nanotubes with atomic vacancy defects.
Vibration and Buckling of Functionally Graded Sandwich Micro-Plates Based on a New Size-Dependent Model
Authors: Yang Zihao , He Dan
Published: January 2019

Within the framework of re-modified couple stress theory, the Refined Zigzag Theory is added to the vibration and buckling analysis of sandwich micro-plates embedding functionally graded layers. The disparity between the scale effects along two orthogonal directions is considered through two orthogonal material length scale parameters (MLSPs). Meanwhile, the solutions of natural frequencies and buckling loads show an improved predictive capability through comparing the results with exact and quasi-3D solutions. Two types of functionally graded sandwich micro-plates with simply supported boundary conditions are taken as the illustrative examples, namely, an isotropic functionally grade sandwich micro-plate with a power law and an orthotropic one with an exponential law. The numerical results indicate that the present model can capture the varying scale effects along two orthogonal directions, particularly when the geometric size of the micro-plates is comparable to the MLSPs. When microscopic isotropy is observed, the present model can also make accurate predictions on those kinds of micro-structures by setting the two orthogonal MLSPs equal to each other. In addition, the scale effects are less obvious as the functionally graded sandwich micro-plate is getting thinner and harder; the grading index also has an influence on the scale effects, but this influence is simultaneously depending on the side-to-thickness ratio of the micro-plate.
Ground Flutter Simulation Test Based on Reduced Order Modeling of Aerodynamics by CFD/CSD Coupling Method
Authors: Wang Binwen , Fan Xueling
Published: January 2019

Flutter is an aeroelastic phenomenon that may cause severe damage to aircraft. Traditional flutter evaluation methods have many disadvantages (e.g., complex, costly and time-consuming) which could be overcome by ground flutter test technique. In this study, an unsteady aerodynamic model is obtained using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code according to the procedure of frequency domain aerodynamic calculation. Then, the genetic algorithm (GA) method is adopted to optimize interpolation points for both excitation and response. Furthermore, the minimum-state method is utilized for rational fitting so as to establish an aerodynamic model in time domain. The aerodynamic force is simulated through exciters and the precision of simulation is guaranteed by multi-input and multi-output robust controller. Finally, ground flutter simulation test system is employed to acquire the flutter boundary through response under a range of air speeds. A good agreement is observed for both velocity and frequency of flutter between the test and modeling results.
AN EQUILIBRIUM MODEL FOR AN OTC DERIVATIVE MARKET UNDER A COUNTERPARTY RISK CONSTRAINT
Authors: TAKINO KAZUHIRO
Published: January 2019

In this study, we develop an equilibrium pricing model for an option contract with a counterparty risk, a collateral agreement, a counterparty risk constraint, and a threshold. Since we consider the option market to be an example of the derivatives market, we suppose that the buyer of an option has only countertparty risk of a seller defaulting. In addition, we consider a model where the buyer is allowed to enter into an option contract within an allocated amount of risk capital for counterparty risk, and requires (cash) collateral to the seller if the exposure exceeds the threshold. The counterparty risk is measured as a credit valuation adjustment. We provide an equilibrium pricing rule and an equilibrium volume formula by solving participants’ static utility-maximization problems. Based on numerical simulations, we verify the mechanisms through which collateralization, risk capital, and the threshold affect the size of the over-the-counter (OTC) option market. Finally, we analyze the influence of the buyer’s risk-aversion on the market, without collateralization. The results imply that the risk constraint might be a proxy for an investor’s attitude towards risk.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STOCK RETURN SKEWNESS AND BANK FEATURES
Authors: BRESSAN SILVIA , WEISSENSTEINER ALEX
Published: January 2019

This paper studies to what extent bank-specific characteristics relate to stock return skewness. The main finding is that stock return skewness decreases significantly in bank size, measured in terms of total assets, i.e stocks of large banks are less skewed than those of small banks. This result holds for backward-looking skewness computed using the past stock returns, as well as for forward-looking skewness extracted from stock options. We interpret the empirical evidence by arguing that bank size increases the likelihood to have severe losses, to the point that investors expect to be compensated by receiving higher expected returns.
Summit
Authors: Alarabi Louai
Published: January 2019

MapReduce frameworks, e.g., Hadoop, have been used extensively in different applications that include machine learning, and spatial processing. In meantime, huge volumes of spatio-temporal trajectory data are coming from different sources over sometime, raised the demand to exploit the efficiency of Hadoop, coupled with the flexibility of the MapReduce framework, in trajectory data processing. This work describes Summit; a full-fledged MapReduce framework with native support for trajectory data.
Centroid-amenities
Authors: Qian Jazreel Siew Xue , Ming Sean Koh Jia
Published: January 2019

Planning for civic amenities in a fast-changing urban setting such as Singapore is never an easy task. And as urban planners look toward more data-driven approaches toward urban planning, so grows the demand for more flexible geospatial analytics tools to facilitate a more iterative and granular approach toward urban planning [1].

Such specific tools however, are not always readily available as plugins for traditional desktop GIS software, as numerous customizations must be made to model specific temporal planning scenarios for quick analysis, which could prove both costly and time-consuming. Hence, to address this need, open-source tools such as R Shiny could be used to rapidly prototype and test urban planning models, in an iterative fashion.

To demonstrate how this could be done, we developed a proof-of-concept that aims to provide urban planners with an open-source, interactive geospatial analytics tool to help optimize the placement of amenities and services through K-means clustering, making them as accessible as possible to the city residents they serve. The platform also allows planners to compare the accessibility of the existing amenities and services, against a suggested set of optimized amenity locations, using the Hansen Accessibility Score as a measure of accessibility. This allows planners a tangible grasp on how much of an impact and improvement a relocation of amenities could make for the residents served.

This paper details our research and development efforts to design and implement an open-source web-based geospatial tool for supporting the analysis of the accessibility of amenities and services.
EM-GIS2018 workshop report the 4th ACM SIGSPATIAL international workshop on safety and resilience
Authors: Zhang Hui , Huang Yan , Thill Jean-Claude , Guo Danhuai , Liu Yi , Chen Bin , Xu Wei
Published: January 2019

Safety is crucial for people, and emergency management helps keep people safe. Emergency management involves four stages: Planning and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery. Geospatial applications (including GIS) have been extensively used in each stage of emergency management. Decision-makers can utilize the geospatial information to develop planning and mitigation strategies. GIS models and simulation capabilities are used to exercise response and recovery plans during non-disaster times. They help the decision-makers understand near real-time possibilities during an event. Once disaster occurs, GIS will take effect in real time response and recovery activities
Early radiomics experiences in predicting CyberKnife response in acoustic neuroma
Authors: D'Amico Natascha Claudia , Sicilia Rosa , Cordelli Ermanno , Valbusa Giovanni , Grossi Enzo , Zanetti Isa Bossi , Fazzini Deborah , Scotti Giuseppe , Beltramo Giancarlo , Iannello Giulio , Soda Paolo
Published: January 2019

Vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas, are benign primary intracranial tumor of the myelin-forming cells of the 8th cranial nerve. Stereotactic radiosurgery is one of the available therapies that can effectively control tumor growth, and it can be performed using the CyberKnife robotic device. However, this therapy may have side effects and its efficacy should be assessed up to two years. In this respect, being able to forecast the treatment response using the data collected during the initial and routinely MR images could be a valuable support when planning a personalised therapy. This manuscript therefore introduces a machine learning-based radiomics approach that first computes quantitative biomarkers from MR images and then predicts the treatment response, taking also into consideration the dataset class skewness.
Real-time and energy efficiency in Linux
Authors: Scordino Claudio , Abeni Luca , Lelli Juri
Published: January 2019

The recent changes made in the Linux kernel aimed at achieving better energy efficiency through a tighter integration between the CPU scheduler and the frequency-scaling subsystem. However, in the original implementation, the frequency scaling mechanism was used only when there were no realtime tasks in execution. This paper shows how the deadline scheduler and the cpufreq subsystem have been extended to relax this constraint and implement an energy-aware realtime scheduling algorithm. In particular, we describe the design issues encountered when implementing the GRUB-PA algorithm on a real operating system like Linux. A set of experimental results on a multi-core ARM platform validate the effectiveness of the proposed implementation, which has been recently merged into the official Linux kernel.
OOlong
Authors: Castegren Elias , Wrigstad Tobias
Published: January 2019

We present OOlong, an object calculus with interface inheritance, structured concurrency and locks. The goal of the calculus is extensibility and reuse. The semantics are therefore available in a version for L
A
T
E
X typesetting (written in Ott), a mechanised version for doing rigorous proofs in Coq, and a prototype interpreter (written in OCaml) for typechecking an running OOlong programs.
The Association of Oxidative Stress Status with Open-Angle Glaucoma and Exfoliation Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Binghua , Li Shengjie , Cao Wenjun , Sun Xinghuai
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To systematically evaluate the associations between oxidative stress status and different types of glaucoma. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science for randomized controlled trials written in the English language between January 1, 1990, and November 30, 2016. A random effects model was used to estimate oxidative stress status along with weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test were performed to assess potential publication bias. Main outcome measures. Oxidative stress status was abnormal and different in patients with OAG (open-angle glaucoma) and EXG (exfoliation glaucoma). Results. Blood TAS (total antioxidant status) was lower in the OAG group than in the control group, with a mean difference of 0.580 mmol/L (p<0.0001, 95% CI = −0.668 to −0.492). The aqueous humor SOD (superoxide dismutase), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), and CAT (catalase) levels were higher in the OAG group than in the control group, with mean differences of 17.989 U/mL (p<0.0001, 95% CI = 14.579–21.298), 12.441 U/mL (p<0.0001, 95% CI = 10.423–14.459), and 1.229 fmol/mL (p=0.042, 95% CI = 0.043–2.414), respectively. Blood TAS was lower in the EXG group than in the control group, with a mean difference of 0.262 mmol/L (p<0.0001, 95% CI = −0.393 to −0.132). However, there were no differences in blood TOS and aqueous humor TOS between the EXG group and the control group. Conclusions. This meta-analysis indicates that OAG patients had a lower TAS in the blood and higher levels of SOD, GPX, and CAT in the aqueous humor, while EXG patients only had a decreased TAS in the blood.
Novel Role of Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane in Healing of Denuded Ureter in Robot-Assisted Excision of Endometriosis
Authors: Hasan Osamah , Johnson Grant S. , Siegert James J. , Garcini Francisco , Nguyen Thai T.
Published: January 2019

Ureteral injury is an uncommon but potentially morbid complication following any open or endoscopic pelvic procedure. Gynecologic surgeries alone make up 50 percent of nonurologic ureteral injuries leading to prolonged hospital stays, secondary interventions, and potential loss of renal function. The use of AmnioFix ® a processed dehydrated, immunologically privileged cellular amniotic membrane allograft has been well established in urologic and gynecologic procedures. These allografts contain human extracellular matrix components, growth factors, and cytokines that mediate inflammation and facilitate would healing. We report the first application of AmnioFix on a denuded ureter during a case of robotic-assisted excision of endometriosis. We include a literature review and discussion on the management outcomes of iatrogenic injury to the ureters.
Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration Related to C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion
Authors: Babić Leko Mirjana , Župunski Vera , Kirincich Jason , Smilović Dinko , Hortobágyi Tibor , Hof Patrick R. , Šimić Goran
Published: January 2019

Two clinically distinct diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), have recently been classified as two extremes of the FTD/ALS spectrum. The neuropathological correlate of FTD is frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), characterized by tau-, TDP-43-, and FUS-immunoreactive neuronal inclusions. An earlier discovery that a hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene causes ALS and FTD established a special subtype of ALS and FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (C9FTD/ALS). Normal individuals carry 2–10 hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeats in the C9orf72 gene, while more than a few hundred repeats represent a risk for ALS and FTD. The proposed molecular mechanisms by which C9orf72 repeat expansions induce neurodegenerative changes are C9orf72 loss-of-function through haploinsufficiency, RNA toxic gain-of-function, and gain-of-function through the accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat proteins. However, many more cellular processes are affected by pathological processes in C9FTD/ALS, including nucleocytoplasmic transport, RNA processing, normal function of nucleolus, formation of membraneless organelles, translation, ubiquitin proteasome system, Notch signalling pathway, granule transport, and normal function of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Although the exact molecular mechanisms through which C9orf72 repeat expansions account for neurodegeneration have not been elucidated, some potential therapeutics, such as antisense oligonucleotides targeting hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeats in mRNA, were successful in preclinical trials and are awaiting phase 1 clinical trials. In this review, we critically discuss each proposed mechanism and provide insight into the most recent studies aiming to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of C9FTD/ALS.
A Test Scenario Automatic Generation Strategy for Intelligent Driving Systems
Authors: Gao Feng , Duan Jianli , He Yingdong , Wang Zilong
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a methodology of automatic generation of test scenarios for intelligent driving systems is proposed, which is based on the combination of the test matrix (TM) and combinatorial testing (CT) methods together. With a hierarchical model of influence factors, an evaluation index for scenario complexity is designed. Then an improved CT algorithm is proposed to make a balance between test efficiency, condition coverage, and scenario complexity. This method can ensure the required combinational coverage and at the same time increase the overall complexity of generated scenarios, which is not considered by CT. Furthermore, the way to find the best compromise between efficiency and complexity and the bound of scenario number has been analyzed theoretically. To validate the effectiveness, it has been applied in the hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) test of a lane departure warning system (LDW). The results show that the proposed method can ensure required coverage with a significantly improved scenario complexity, and the generated test scenario can find system defects more efficiently.
Ultimate Strength of Pit Corrosion Damnification on Pressure‐Resistant Shells of Underwater Glider
Authors: Su Shaojuan , Wang Tianlin , Zhen Chunbo , Zhang Fan
Published: January 2019

The ultimate strength of the pressure‐resistant shells is degraded due to corrosion pit on the surface of the shells. The underwater glider is prone to pit corrosion damage after working in the water for a long time. This study is aimed at development of an assessing formula for ultimate strength of pressure‐resistant shells with pit damage. Firstly, a parameterized geometry model of the pit is determined under the assumption that the pits are elliptical. Secondly, a finite element numerical simulation model is established and the numerical simulation results are analyzed to find that the effect of pit damage on the pressure‐resistant shell is obvious. Thirdly, the influences of some parameters (relative length, relative width, and relative depth) of pit on the ultimate strength are studied. The regular curve of the influence of geometric parameters on ultimate strength is drawn. Lastly, the ultimate strength assessment formula of pressure‐resistant shells was obtained from the data by nonlinear FEM based on the regression function of multiple nonlinear regression analysis by nonlinear regression analysis function regress which can provide the foundation to assess the ultimate strength of damaged pressure‐resistant shells.
Effect of Chemotherapeutics and Tocopherols on MCF-7 Breast Adenocarcinoma and KGN Ovarian Carcinoma Cell LinesIn Vitro
Authors: Figueroa Daniela , Asaduzzaman Mohammad , Young Fiona
Published: January 2019

The combination of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide commonly used to treat breast cancer can cause premature ovarian failure and infertility.α-Tocopherol is a potent antioxidant whereasγ-tocopherol causes apoptosis in a variety of cancer modelsin vitroincluding breast cancer. We hypothesised that the combination of doxorubicin (Dox) and 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-Cyc) would be more cytotoxicin vitrothan each agent alone, and thatα-tocopherol would reduce andγ-tocopherol would augment the cytotoxicity of the combined chemotherapeutics. Human MCF-7 breast cancer and KGN ovarian cells were exposed to Dox, 4-Cyc, combined Dox and 4-Cyc,α-tocopherol,γ-tocopherol, or a combination of Dox and 4-Cyc withα-tocopherol orγ–tocopherol. Cell viability was assessed using a crystal violet assay according to four schedules: 24h exposure, 24h exposure + 24h culture in medium, 24h exposure + 48h culture in medium, or 72h continuous exposure. Supernatants from each separate KGN culture experiment (n=3) were examined using an estradiol ELISA. Dox was cytotoxic to both MCF-7 and KGN cells, but 4-Cyc only killed MCF-7 cells.γ-Tocopherol significantly decreased MCF-7 but not KGN cell viability. The combined chemotherapeutics andγ-tocopherol were more cytotoxic to MCF-7 than KGN cells, andα-tocopherol reduced the cytotoxicity of the combined chemotherapeutics towards KGN ovarian cells, but not MCF-7 cells. The addition of bothγ-tocopherol andα-tocopherol to the chemotherapeutic combination of Dox and cyclophosphamide has the potential to increasein vitrochemotherapeutic efficacy against breast cancer cells whilst decreasing cytotoxicity towards ovarian granulosa cells.
Enduring Clinical Value of Copaxone® (Glatiramer Acetate) in Multiple Sclerosis after 20 Years of Use
Authors: Wynn Daniel R.
Published: January 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone®) was the first disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS successfully tested in humans (1977) and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 1996. Since then, there have been numerous developments in the MS field: advances in neuroimaging allowing more rapid and accurate diagnosis; the availability of a range of DMTs including immunosuppressant monoclonal antibodies and oral agents; a more holistic approach to treatment by multidisciplinary teams; and an improved awareness of the need to consider a patient’s preferences and patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life. The use of GA has endured throughout these advances. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the important developments in the MS field during the 20 years since GA was approved and to review clinical data for GA in MS, with the aim of understanding the continued and widespread use of GA. Both drug-related (efficacy versus side-effect profile and monitoring requirements) and patient factors (preferences regarding mode of administration and possible pregnancy) will be explored.
Effect of Er:YAG Laser for Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Lin Kun-Ling , Chou Shih-Hsiang , Long Cheng-Yu
Published: January 2019

Purpose. The aim of our study is to assess efficacy of noninvasive erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser (Er:YAG laser) for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Methods. Forty-one women with SUI were included in the study and scheduled for vaginal Er:YAG laser treatment. The procedure was performed with a 2940 nm, Er:YAG laser (Fotona Smooth ™ XS, Fotona, Ljubljana, Slovenia), designed to heat up the vaginal mucosa to around 60°C. All subjects had a baseline and 6 months’ posttreatment assessment that included perineal sonography and lower urinary tract symptoms. Results. Significant improvements in both urinary frequency and incontinence were found 6 months after Er:YAG laser treatment when compared to the baseline results (p<0.001). The battery of questionnaires administered to patients, including the UDI-6, IIQ-7, OABSS, and POPDI-6, all showed significant improvement posttreatment (P < 0.001). The treatment efficacy for the vaginal Er:YAG laser for SUI at 6 months posttreatment was 75.5% (31/41). Bladder neck mobility by perineal ultrasonography decreased significantly (16.1 ± 6.4 mm to 10.5 ± 4.6 mm) after treatment (p=0.039). No permanent adverse events were found. Conclusions. The Er:YAG vaginal laser seems to be a safe and efficacious treatment for women with mild to moderate SUI, this being partly related to the decrease of bladder neck mobility following laser treatment.
Osteoarthritic Synovial Fluid Modulates Cell Phenotype and Metabolic BehaviorIn Vitro
Authors: de Sousa Eduardo Branco , dos Santos Junior Gilson Costa , Aguiar Ramon Pinheiro , da Costa Sartore Rafaela , de Oliveira Ana Carolina Leal , Almeida Fabio Ceneviva Lacerda , Neto Vivaldo Moura , Aguiar Diego Pinheiro
Published: January 2019

Synovial fluid holds a population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that could be used for clinical treatment. Our goal was to characterize the inflammatory and metabolomic profile of the synovial fluid from osteoarthritic patients and to identify its modulatory effect on synovial fluid cells. Synovial fluid was collected from non-OA and OA patients, which was centrifuged to isolate cells. Cells were cultured for 21 days, characterized with specific markers for MSC, and exposed to a specific cocktail to induce chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. Then, we performed a MTT assay exposing SF cells from non-OA and OA patients to a medium containing non-OA and OA synovial fluid. Synovial fluid from non-OA and OA patients was submitted to ELISA to evaluate BMP-2, BMP-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 concentrations and to a metabolomic evaluation using1H-NMR. Synovial fluid cells presented spindle-shaped morphologyin vitro. Samples from OA patients formed a higher number of colonies than the ones from non-OA patients. After 21 days, the colony-forming cells from OA patients differentiated into the three mesenchymal cell lineages, under the appropriated induction protocols. Synovial fluid cells increased its metabolic activity after being exposed to the OA synovial fluid. ELISA assay showed that OA synovial fluid samples presented higher concentration of IL-10 and TGF-β1 than the non-OA, while the NMR showed that OA synovial fluid presents higher concentrations of glucose and glycerol. In conclusion, SFC activity is modulated by OA synovial fluid, which presents higher concentration of IL-10, TGF-β, glycerol, and glucose.
Photochemical Surface Modification of Titanium Dioxide Nanotube-Coated Surfaces by Ag-Hydroxyapatite Compositions
Authors: Rashwan Khaled , Meyerink Jevin , Sereda Grigoriy , Crawford Grant
Published: January 2019

Silver-hydroxyapatite coatings prepared from Ag3PO4 microcrystals have been deposited on titanium dioxide nanotubes supported by titanium disks by photodecomposition of predeposited Ag3PO4 microcrystals or their coprecipitate with hydroxyapatite. The SEM-EDS characterization has confirmed excellent film uniformity and consistent deposition over the surface, which is essential for improving osseointegration of tunable antibacterial bone implants.
Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Cemented Paste Backfill under Different Gradations of Aggregate Particles and Types and Contents of Cementing Materials
Authors: Wu Jiangyu , Feng Meimei , Han Guansheng , Ni Xiaoyan , Chen Zhanqing
Published: January 2019

Obtaining the optimal gradation of aggregate particles is beneficial for improving the strength of cemented paste backfill (CPB). Consequently, the uniaxial compression tests with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring were performed on CPB, for which the aggregate particles satisfied the Talbot grading theory. The effects of the Talbot indices of aggregate particles and types and contents of cementing materials on the mechanical properties of CPB were analyzed. The AE characteristics and stress-strain behaviors of CPB were discussed. The results show that the specific Talbot index reflected the optimal strength and deformation properties of CPB is 0.45, and the maximum UCS is 7.6 MPa. The mechanical properties of CPB also can be optimized by changing the type of cementing material and increasing the content of cementing material. The effects of the Talbot indices of aggregate particles and types and contents of cementing materials on the crack damages reflected by the AE signals of CPB are mainly observed in the oa stage and ab stage during the loading process.
H∞ Control for Discrete‐Time Networked T‐S Fuzzy Systems with Packet Loss Based on Event‐Triggered Mechanism
Authors: Chen Huiying , Xu Dongqin , Li Zuxin , Wang Yanfeng
Published: January 2019

The H∞ state feedback control problem for a class of nonlinear networked control systems with data packet loss is studied using an event‐triggered scheme. The data packet loss is described as an independent and homogeneous Bernoulli process. Under an event‐triggered scheme, the nonlinear networked control system with packet loss is modeled as a Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy system, based on which sufficient conditions on the existence of event‐triggered state feedback controllers are derived such that the closed‐loop system is mean‐square stable with a desired H∞ performance index. The simulation results show that the presented event‐triggered scheme can not only ensure the closed‐loop performance but also effectively reduce the data transmission rate.
Population Health Assessment in NCI-Designated Cancer Center Catchment Areas
Authors: Blake Kelly D. , Ciolino Henry P. , Croyle Robert T.
Published: January 2019

In May 2016, the NCI announced supplemental funding for NCI-Designated Cancer Centers to conduct research to better characterize populations within cancer center catchment areas. The initiative was intended to support primary data collection efforts to better define and describe cancer center catchment areas using a multilevel population health framework. The long-term goal was to facilitate collaborations in which researchers, providers, public health practitioners, and nonprofit organizations could utilize the data to develop or expand applied cancer control research, planning, and implementation, with an emphasis on local health disparities and communication inequalities. This CEBP Focus issue on “Population Health Assessment in Cancer Center Catchment Areas” highlights the results from those catchment area data collection efforts. Articles highlight research from surveys conducted to define and describe cancer center catchment areas using both probability and nonprobability designs and a variety of sampling techniques, survey modes, and data linkages. Some articles report pooled analyses of data collected by multiple cancer centers to highlight local versus national comparisons based on standardized behavioral and demographic measures. Others examine rural–urban differences in measures relevant to cancer prevention and control. The studies published in this Focus will provide the field with a myriad of methodologic approaches for defining and describing cancer center catchment areas.
The Predictive Value of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Irradiation-Dependent Growth Hormone Deficiency in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Cattoni Alessandro , Clarke Enrico , Albanese Assunta
Published: January 2019

Background: The literature contains conflicting reports on the value of low insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in predicting radiation-induced growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). These reports often involve small samples of patients who have received irradiation or mixed cohorts including non-irradiated subjects. Objective: We undertook an analysis of the predictive value of low IGF-1 in CCS at risk for GHD after cranial radiotherapy involving the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) area in a large single-centre cohort. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on 158 CCS diagnosed with GHD between January 1, 2003 and October 31, 2017 and identified 117 patients who received radiation for tumours not direct ly involving the HP area. Results: In this cohort, IGF-1 levels <–2 standard deviation scores (SDS) had a sensitivity of 31.9% for GHD; however, they were statistically more frequent (p = 0.0023) and had a higher sensitivity (45.6%) among patients with severe GHD. At final height reassessment, IGF-1 <–2 SDS had a sensitivity of 35.0% for GHD, but a positive predictive value of 100%. Finally, pretreatment IGF-1 values showed no correlation with the number of impaired pituitary hormonal axes in patients with multiple pituitary deficiencies. Conclusions: IGF-1 levels <–2 SDS showed a low sensitivity at predicting radiation-induced GHD both in childhood and in adulthood, but a high positive predictive value for GH status at final height reassessment.
5-Methylcytosine-Rich Heterochromatin in Reptiles
Authors: Schmid Michael , Steinlein Claus , Reiter Alina M. , Rovatsos Michail , Altmanová Marie , Mazzoleni Sofia , Johnson Pokorná Martina , Kratochvíl Lukáš
Published: January 2019

An experimental approach using monoclonal anti-5-methylcytosine antibodies and indirect immunofluorescence was elaborated for detecting 5-methylcytosine-rich chromosome regions in reptilian chromosomes. This technique was applied to conventionally prepared mitotic metaphases of 2 turtle species and 12 squamate species from 8 families. The hypermethylation patterns were compared with C-banding patterns obtained by conventional banding techniques. The hypermethylated DNA sequences are species-specific and are located in constitutive heterochromatin. They are highly reproducible and often found in centromeric, pericentromeric, and interstitial positions of the chromosomes. Heterochromatic regions in differentiated sex chromosomes are particularly hypermethylated.
Understanding the Evolution of Reptile Chromosomes through Applications of Combined Cytogenetics and Genomics Approaches
Authors: Deakin Janine E. , Ezaz Tariq
Published: January 2019

Studies of reptile (nonavian reptiles) chromosomes began well over a century ago (1897) with the initial report on the description of sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) chromosomes. Since then, chromosome analysis in reptiles has contributed significantly to understanding chromosome evolution in vertebrates. Reptile karyotypes are also unique, as being the only vertebrate group where the majority of the species possess variable numbers of macro- and microchromosomes, which was first reported for iguanids and teiids in 1921. In addition, many reptiles have microchromosomes as sex chromosomes, highlighting their evolutionary significance, yet very little is known about their evolutionary origin and significance in shaping amniote genomes. Advances in genomic technologies in recent years have accelerated our capacity to understand how sequences are arranged within a genome. However, genomic and cytogenetic analyses have been combined for only 3 species to provide a deeper understanding of reptile chromosome evolution and sequence organization. In this review, we highlight how a combined approach of cytogenetic analysis and sequence analysis in reptiles can help us answer fundamental questions of chromosome evolution in reptiles, including evolution of microchromosomes and sex chromosomes.
Novel Mutations and Unreported Clinical Features in KBG Syndrome
Authors: Scarano Emanuela , Tassone Martina , Graziano Claudio , Gibertoni Dino , Tamburrino Federica , Perri Annamaria , Gnazzo Maria , Severi Giulia , Lepri Francesca , Mazzanti Laura
Published: January 2019

KBG syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants within ANKRD11 or deletions of 16q24.3 which include ANKRD11. It is characterized by distinctive facial features, developmental delay, short stature, and skeletal anomalies. We report 12 unrelated patients where a clinical diagnosis of KBG was suspected and confirmed by targeted analyses. Nine patients showed a point mutation in ANKRD11 (none of which were previously reported) and 3 carried a 16q24.3 deletion. All patients presented with typical facial features and macrodontia. Skeletal abnormalities were constant, and the majority of patients showed joint stiffness. Three patients required growth hormone treatment with a significant increase of height velocity. Brain malformations were identified in 8 patients. All patients showed behavioral abnormalities and most had developmental delay. Two patients had hematological abnormalities. We emphasize that genetic analysis of ANKRD11 can easily reach a detection rate higher than 50% thanks to clinical phenotyping, although it is known that a subset of ANKRD11-mutated patients show very mild features and will be more easily identified through the implementation of gene panels or exome sequencing. Joint stiffness was reported previously in few patients, but it seems to be a common feature and can be helpful for the diagnosis. Hematological abnormalities could be present and warrant a specific follow-up.