bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior Inference From Bio-Logging Sensors: A Systematic Approach for Feature Generation, Selection and State Classification
Authors: Zhang Ding , Shorter K. Alex , Rocho-Levine Julie , van der Hoop Julie , Moore Michael , Barton Kira
Published: November 2018

Bio-logging technology is becoming an ever more common tool for persistent monitoring of people and animals in their natural environment. As a result, the volume and type of information collected by these embedded sensing systems continues to increase, making algorithms that can accurately and efficiently classify and parameterize behavior from sensor data essential. How best to extract information from multiple sensors remains an open question. The problem becomes more challenging in cases where only sparse concurrent human observations of the behavioral states are available to train the algorithm. In this work, the authors present a systematic method to perform feature generation, feature selection and state classification from representative data collected from an example species — bottlenose dolphins. This approach includes methods for evaluating window size selection during feature generation and the identification of specific feature sets that maximize classification performance. Additionally, the proposed framework incorporates information about state transition probabilities to further improve classification accuracy. Bio-logging sensor and video data for the analysis are collected from free-swimming dolphins at Dolphin Quest Oahu. The concurrent video data is scored by a human expert to create a set of observed behaviors. Results demonstrate that the algorithm is able to classify behavior with a high level of accuracy (> 90 percent) with 16 features and a window size of 0.6 seconds. Robustness of the proposed approach is evaluated by reducing the training data by 80 percent. The resulting classification accuracy is still above 87 percent. These results serve as the foundation for classification algorithms that can be used with data collected from animals where behavioral states can only be observed sporadically.
Multi-Physics Design and Modeling of 3D Printed Hydraulically Amplified Dielectric Elastomer Actuators With Large Actuation Strokes
Authors: Zamanian Amir Hosein , Porter Daniel Allen , Krueger Paul , Richer Edmond
Published: November 2018

This study presents the design and multi-physics finite element analysis of a novel hydraulically amplified dielectric elastomer actuator (HADEA). The design was optimized for additive manufacturing and consists of a hyper-elastic silicone toroidal shell enclosing a dielectric liquid filled chamber and a pair of elastic annular electrodes partially covering the opposing actuator surfaces. Application of voltage on electrodes leads the central region of the HADEA to be compressed due to the induced Maxwell stress. Consequently, the peripheral region of the HADEA is axially expanded by the pressurized dielectric liquid.

The finite element modeling and analysis that couples the structural, electrostatic, and fluid-structure interaction effects in the model is presented. We investigated the effect of two geometric parameters, the electrode size relative to the actuator diameter and the height of the actuator, on the actuation stroke of HADEAs. Numerical results showed actuation strains up to 63.1% while maintaining the electrodes’ voltage in instrument range. The proposed design shows promising potential for the application of HADEAs in bio-mechanical systems, soft robots, and co-robots capable of human interaction.
Weighted-Least Squares Optimization Method for Control and Shape Design of an Adaptive Blade Twist Distribution to Increase Wind Capture
Authors: Mou Fuzhao , Nejadkhaki Hamid Khakpour , Estes Aaron , Hall John
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a novel wind turbine blade with an actively adaptable twist angle. A weighted-least square technique is proposed to design and control the blade in its application. Controlling the twist distribution provides new capabilities that may not be achievable with blade pitch or rotor torque control. An adaptive twist angle can reduce fatigue loads and improve the efficiency of wind energy conversion. Our previous work established the theoretical blade twist distribution that maximizes wind capture during partial load operation. The twist distribution changes continuously as a function of wind speed. In practice, it is a challenge to design and control the blade to adapt to this range of transformation. Accordingly, a blade concept and engineering design method are proposed to achieve this task. The blade is constructed from additively manufactured sections that are assumed to have tunable stiffness. The sections are mounted on a centralized spar that provides stiffness. The sections are actuated at each end and have two zones of stiffness. A mathematical framework prescribes (1) length of each blade section and (2) the relative stiffness between a pair of compliant shells. Establishing the section length effectively sets the points of actuation, while the relative stiffness establishes a nonlinear twist. These design selections determine the twist distribution. The method employing weighted-least squares is employed to optimize these selections. The approach biases the shape design and control towards the theoretical twist distribution at a range of designated wind speed. This enables a customized solution that maximizes the wind capture based on the wind conditions at a given installation site.
Configuration and Control Design for a Passive SCR System With NOx Storage Capability
Authors: Lin Qinghua , Chen Pingen , Prikhodko Vitaly Y. , Parks James E.
Published: November 2018

Passive selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems have been considered as a promising technology for reducing NOx emissions for highly-efficient lean burn gasoline engines. Since passive SCR requires intermittent rich operation for self-generating ammonia (NH3) for NOx reduction in the lean phase, the fuel penalty associated with NH3 generation may be significant. To address this issue, a new prototype passive SCR system with NOx storage capability was recently investigated. The three-way catalyst (TWC) with added NOx storage capability is able to enhance NH3 production rate by utilizing pre-stored NOx and thus reduce the fuel cost related to NH3 production. The main purpose of this study is to reduce the ammonia generation cost by: 1) proposing a new passive SCR system architecture that includes two TWC stages; and 2) developing and optimizing a novel non-uniform cylinder-to-cylinder combustion (NUCCC) control. Optimization results based on the experimental data from a physical engine platform, demonstrate that the new passive SCR system (with NOx storage components on TWCs), in conjunction with optimized NUCCC control, is capable of reducing ammonia specific fuel consumption (ASFC) by 30.2%, when compared to a uniform cylinder-to-cylinder combustion (UCCC)-controlled baseline passive SCR system. Such a novel NUCCC control and innovative passive SCR configuration, will be very instrumental in creating cost-effective lean NOx emission control solutions for lean-burn engines in the future.
Simultaneous Optimization of Configuration and Control for a Passive SCR System
Authors: Chen Pingen , Lin Qinghua
Published: November 2018

The configuration and control of aftertreatment systems have a significant impact on their functionalities and emission control performance. The traditional aftertreatment system configurations, i.e., connections from one aftertreatment subsystem to another subsystem in series, are simple but generally do not yield the optimal aftertreatment system performance. New aftertreatment configurations, in conjunction with new engine and aftertreatment control, can significantly improve engine efficiency and emission reduction performance. However, new configuration design requires human intuition and in-depth knowledge of engine and aftertreatment system design and control. The purpose of this study is to develop a general systematic and computationally-efficient method which enables automated and simultaneous optimization of passive selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system architectures and the associated non-uniform cylinder-to-cylinder combustion (NUCCC) controls based on a newly proposed highly reconfigurable passive SCR model structure and integer partition theory. The proposed method is general enough to account for passive SCR systems with two or more TWC stages. We demonstrate through this case study that the optimized passive SCR configuration, in conjunction with the optimized NUCCC control, can reduce the NH3 specific fuel consumption by up to 21.90%.
Auditory attention switching with listening difficulty: Behavioral and pupillometric measures
Authors: McCloy Daniel R. , Larson Eric , Lee Adrian K. C.
Published: November 2018

Pupillometry has emerged as a useful tool for studying listening effort. Past work involving listeners with normal audiological thresholds has shown that switching attention between competing talker streams evokes pupil dilation indicative of listening effort [McCloy, Lau, Larson, Pratt, and Lee (2017). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 141(4), 2440–2451]. The current experiment examines behavioral and pupillometric data from a two-stream target detection task requiring attention-switching between auditory streams, in two participant groups: audiometrically normal listeners who self-report difficulty localizing sound sources and/or understanding speech in reverberant or acoustically crowded environments, and their age-matched controls who do not report such problems. Three experimental conditions varied the number and type of stream segregation cues available. Participants who reported listening difficulty showed both behavioral and pupillometric signs of increased effort compared to controls, especially in trials where listeners had to switch attention between streams, or trials where only a single stream segregation cue was available.
Identifying and Predicting Novelty in Microbiome Studies
Authors: Su Xiaoquan , Jing Gongchao , McDonald Daniel , Wang Honglei , Wang Zengbin , Gonzalez Antonio , Sun Zheng , Huang Shi , Navas Jose , Knight Rob , Xu Jian
Published: November 2018

We introduce two concepts to quantify the novelty of a microbiome. The first, the microbiome novelty score (MNS), allows identification of microbiomes that are especially different from what is already sequenced. The second, the microbiome attention score (MAS), allows identification of microbiomes that have many close neighbors, implying that considerable scientific attention is devoted to their study. By computing a microbiome focus index based on the MNS and MAS, we objectively track and compare the novelty and attention scores of individual microbiome samples and projects over time and predict future trends in the field; i.e., we work toward yielding fundamentally new microbiomes rather than filling in the details. Therefore, MNS, MAS, and MFI can serve as “alt-metrics” for evaluating a microbiome project or prospective developments in the microbiome field, both of which are done in the context of existing microbiome big data.
Drivers and Dynamics of Methicillin-Resistant Livestock-Associated Staphylococcus aureus CC398 in Pigs and Humans in Denmark
Authors: Sieber Raphael N. , Skov Robert L. , Nielsen Jens , Schulz Jana , Price Lance B. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Larsen Anders R. , Stegger Marc , Larsen Jesper
Published: November 2018

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
clonal complex CC398 (LA-MRSA CC398) is resistant to nearly all β-lactams and several non-β-lactam antimicrobials. Over the last decade, it has become widespread in pig farms across Europe and is now an important cause of human infections in countries with previously low levels of MRSA, such as the Netherlands and Denmark. The hitherto uncontrolled spread of LA-MRSA CC398 underscores an urgent need to understand its epidemiology in order to develop evidence-based interventions. This study demonstrates that pig movements between farms in combination with increased bacterial resistance to specific antibiotics and heavy metals were important drivers of the rapid spread of LA-MRSA CC398 in the Danish pig production system. These findings should be taken into consideration when researchers and policy makers evaluate and decide on actions and policies to limit the spread of LA-MRSA CC398 and other pathogens in food animals.
Temperature, by Controlling Growth Rate, Regulates CRISPR-Cas Activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Høyland-Kroghsbo Nina Molin , Muñoz Katrina Arcelia , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: November 2018

P. aeruginosa
is a soil dwelling bacterium and a plant pathogen, and it also causes life-threatening infections in humans. Thus,
P. aeruginosa
thrives in diverse environments and over a broad range of temperatures. Some
P. aeruginosa
strains rely on the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system as a phage defense mechanism. Our discovery that low temperatures increase CRISPR adaptation suggests that the rarely occurring but crucial naive adaptation events may take place predominantly under conditions of slow growth, e.g., during the bacterium’s soil dwelling existence and during slow growth in biofilms.
Cerebral tuberculomas in a 6-year-old girl causing central diabetes insipidus
Authors: Chellen Shavindra , Whittaker Elizabeth , Eisenhut Michael , Grandjean Louis
Published: November 2018

A 6-year-old girl presented acutely with worsening frontal headaches. She had a 3-month history of lethargy, reduced appetite, weight loss, cough and intermittent fevers. A chest X-ray showed a left upper lobe consolidation, and a CT head showed multiple enhancing lesions with significant surrounding oedema in both cerebral hemispheres. Due to the strong suspicion of tuberculosis (TB), she was admitted and treated with anti-TB therapy and steroids. Following this, pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by a positive PCR from induced sputum. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analysis was normal and tested negative for M. tuberculosis on PCR. During her first week of treatment, she developed polyuria, nocturia and polydipsia and was diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus. She was started on desmopressin which rapidly improved her symptoms, and she was continued on desmopressin for 3 months. Currently, she remains well and has shown a good response to TB treatment.
Comparing responses to differently framed and formatted persuasive messages to encourage help-seeking for depression in Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study with 2-month follow-up
Authors: Suka Machi , Yamauchi Takashi , Yanagisawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2018

Objective

To examine audience’s responses to differently framed and formatted persuasive messages in the context of developing depression help-seeking messages.

Design

Cross-sectional followed by 2-month follow-up study.

Setting and participants

A web-based survey was conducted in July 2017 among Japanese adults aged 35–45 years. There were 1957 eligible respondents without psychiatric history. Of these, 1805 people (92.2%) completed the 2-month follow-up questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Six depression help-seeking messages were prepared with three frames (neutral, loss and gain framed)×2 formats (formatted and unformatted). Participants were asked to rate one of the messages in terms of comprehensibility, persuasiveness, emotional responses, design quality and intended future use. Help-seeking intention for depression was measured using vignette methodology before and after exposure to the messages. Subsequent 2-month help-seeking action for their own mental health (medical service use) was monitored by the follow-up survey.

Results

The loss-framed messages more strongly induced negative emotions (surprise, fear, sadness and anxiety), while the gain-framed messages more strongly induced a positive emotion (happiness). The message formatting applied the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Clear Communication Index, enhanced the emotional responses and increased the likelihood that the message will be read. The loss-framed formatted message alone had a significantly greater OR of having help-seeking intention for depression compared with the neutral-framed unformatted message as a reference group. All messages had little impact on maintaining help-seeking intention or increasing help-seeking action.

Conclusion

Message framing and formatting may influence emotional responses to the depression help-seeking message, willingness to read the message and intention to seek help for depression. It would be recommendable to apply loss framing and formatting to depression help-seeking messages, to say the least, but further studies are needed to find a way to sustain the effect of messaging for a long time.
Is length of time in a stroke unit associated with better outcomes for patients with stroke in Australia? An observational study
Authors: Busingye Doreen , Kilkenny Monique F , Purvis Tara , Kim Joosup , Middleton Sandy , Campbell Bruce C V , Cadilhac Dominique A
Published: November 2018

Objective

Spending at least 90% of hospital admission in a stroke unit (SU) is a recommended indicator of receiving high-quality stroke care. However, whether this makes a difference to patient outcomes is unknown. We aimed to investigate outcomes and factors associated with patients with acute stroke spending at least 90% of their admission in an SU, compared with those having less time in the SU.

Design

Observational study using cross-sectional data.

Setting

Data from hospitals which participated in the 2015 Stroke Foundation National Audit: Acute Services (Australia) and had an SU. This audit includes an organisational survey and retrospective medical record audit of approximately 40 admissions from each hospital.

Participants

Patients admitted to an SU during their acute admission were included.

Outcome measures

Hospital-based patient outcomes included length of stay, independence on discharge, severe complications and discharge destination. Patient, organisational and process indicators were included in multilevel logistic modelling to determine factors associated with spending at least 90% of their admission in an SU.

Results

Eighty-eight hospitals with an SU audited 2655 cases (median age 76 years, 55% male). Patients who spent at least 90% of their admission in an SU experienced: a length of stay that was 2 days shorter (coefficient −2.77, 95% CI −3.45 to –2.10), fewer severe complications (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.60, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.84) and were less often discharged to residential aged care (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94) than those who had less time in the SU. Patients admitted to an SU within 3 hours of hospital arrival were three times more likely to spend at least 90% of their admission in an SU.

Conclusion

Spending at least 90% of time in an SU is a valid measure of stroke care quality as it results in improved patient outcomes. Direct admission to SUs is warranted.
Is there a correlation between an eGFR slope measured over a 5-year period and incident cardiovascular events in the following 5 years among a Flemish general practice population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Van Pottelbergh Gijs , Mamouris Pavlos , Opdeweegh Nele , Vaes Bert , Goderis Geert , Van Den Akker Marjan
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To examine if the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope over a 5-year period is related to incident cardiovascular (CV) events in the following 5 years.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

All patients aged ≥50 years with at least four eGFR measurements between 01 January 2006 and 31 December 2010 were included in the study.

Outcome measures

During the follow-up period (01 January 2011 until 31 December 2015), CV events (acute myocardial infarction, stroke (cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/transient ischemic attack (TIA)), peripheral arterial disease and acute heart failure) were identified.

Methods

The slope was calculated by the least square method (in mL/min/year). The following slope categories were considered: (−1 to 1), (−3 to −1) (−5 to −3), ≤−5, (1 to 3), (3 to 5) and ≥5.00 mL/min/year. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between eGFR slope and incidence of CV events. Survival probability from CV events was estimated per slope category.

Results

19 567 patients had at least four eGFR measurements, of whom 52% was female. 12% of the ≤−5 slope category developed a new CV event in comparison to 7.8% of the reference group and 5.4% of the ≥5 slope category. Survival rates were worst in those with a slope ≤−5. Patients with a slope of (−5 to −3) and ≤−5 had an adjusted HR of 1.37 and 1.55, respectively. Most patients with a slope <−3 mL/min had an eGFR still >60 mL/min.

Conclusions

Negative eGFR slopes of at least 3 mL/min/year give irrespectively of the eGFR itself a higher risk of CV events compared with patient groups with stable or improved kidney function. So the eGFR slope identifies an easy to define group of patients with a high risk for developing CV events.
Mechanical thrombectomy in children and adolescents: report of five cases and literature review
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Hellstern Victoria , AlMatter Muhammad , Ganslandt Oliver , Bäzner Hansjörg , Aguilar Pérez Marta , Henkes Hans
Published: November 2018

Background

Paediatric arterial ischaemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among children. Currently, there are no recommendations regarding mechanical thrombectomy in children despite overwhelming evidence of improved outcomes in adults. Therefore, the need for individual case reports and case series is important to highlight potential advantages and disadvantages in this approach.

Case descriptions

We retrospectively searched our prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for ischaemic stroke. We describe five children, aged between 7 and 17, who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke. We provide an account of their clinical presentations, operative treatment and postoperative outcome.

Discussion

Mechanical thrombectomy in children, especially older children, can be performed safely and with existing devices. Although a randomised controlled trial would provide compelling evidence of the potential advantages to this technique, the lack of this should not prevent the use of this procedure by trained neurointerventionists.
An improvement in heat transfer for rotating flow of hybrid nanofluid: a numerical study
Authors: Hayat Tanzila , Nadeem S.
Published: November 2018

The present study examines the comparison of heat transfer properties of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) rotating traditional nanofluid with that of developing hybrid nanofluid. A new kind of standard fluid, “hybrid nanofluid” is used to improve heat transfer in boundary layer flow. Silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) nano-size particles are considered to constitute our desired hybrid nanofluid. The rotation of nanofluid is accomplished about the vertical axis so that “angular velocity”, ω∗, is constant. The system of nonlinear and coupled ordinary differential equations is handled using numerical approach BVP-4C with shooting procedure. From the present research, it is noticed that, even in the presence of magnetic field, the rate of heat transfer of hybrid nanofluid (Ag–CuO/water) is higher than that of ordinary nanofluid (CuO/water). In hybrid nanofluid, the required rate of heat transfer can be accomplished by picking distinctive and suitable nanoparticle extents.
Unusual view of the Schwarzian theory
Authors: Belokurov Vladimir V. , Shavgulidze Evgeniy T.
Published: November 2018

A polar decomposition of the Wiener measure based on its quasi-invariance under the group of diffeomorphisms is proposed. As a result, functional integrals in the Schwarzian theory can be written as the Fourier transform of the functional integrals in the quantum oscillator model with the Calogero potential.
Viscous Ricci dark energy and generalized second law of thermodynamics in modified f(R, T) gravity
Authors: Singh C. P. , Kumar Ajay
Published: November 2018

The motivation of this paper is to study the bulk viscosity effect in Ricci dark energy (RDE) model within the framework of modified f(R, T) gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar and T is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. As most studies assume that the universe is filled with a perfect fluid, viscosity is expected to present at least during some stages, especially in the early stage of the evolution of the universe but it could still become significant in the future. We assume the universe is filled with viscous RDE and pressureless dark matter. We consider the total bulk viscous coefficient is in the form of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]H, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the constants. We obtain the solutions to the modified field equations by assuming a form f(R, T) = R [Formula: see text] T, where [Formula: see text] is a constant. We find the scale factor and deceleration parameter, and classify all possible evolutions of the universe. We briefly discuss the future finite-time singularity and show that the Big Rip singularity appears in viscous RDE model. We investigate two geometrical diagnostics, statefinder parameter and Om to analyze the dynamics of evolution of the universe. The trajectories of statefinder parameter reveal that the model behaves like quintessence for small [Formula: see text], and for large [Formula: see text] it shows the Chaplygin gas-like. However, in late time both the models approach [Formula: see text]CDM. The model shows a transition from decelerated phase to accelerated phase. Similarly, the Om analysis reveals that the model behaves like quintessence for small [Formula: see text] and phantom-like for large [Formula: see text]. We extend our study to analyze the time evolution of the total entropy and generalized second law of thermodynamics of viscous RDE model in f(R, T) theory inside the apparent horizon. Our study shows that the generalized second law of thermodynamics always preserves in viscous RDE model in a region enclosed by the apparent horizon under the suitable constraints of viscous coefficients.
Theoretical simulation of hydrogen glow discharge in the positive column of plasma sources
Authors: Yu Ang-Yang
Published: November 2018

Direct current (DC) glow discharge positive column has played an important role in the field of plasma material surface modification. In this kinetic study of hydrogen glow discharge in the positive column, it is found that electron energy distribution function (EEDF) obviously departs from Maxwell distribution. The EEDF tail moves to higher energy when the ratio between electric field E and density of neutral species N (E/N) increases and the tail moves toward higher energy if hydrogen atom proportion increases at the same E/N. It is also shown that electron temperature augments with the increase of E/N. Additionally, the dissociation ratio percentage of H2 rises with the increase of E/N.
A GPU-Based Automatic Approach for Guide Wire Tracking in Fluoroscopic Sequences
Authors: Chen Ken , Wang Cheng , Xie Yaoqin , Zhou Shoujun
Published: November 2018

Guide wire tracking in fluoroscopic images has done a significant task in assisting the physicians during radiology-aided interventions. Many groups have tried to detect the guide wire from the fluoroscopic images based on the image properties. The main challenge is that manual intervention is required during the detection. Other groups try to introduce localizers to track guide wires during intervention, which requires additional hardware equipment, and may intervene with the traditional clinical routines. Machine learning methods are also exploited. Although such methods may provide accurate tracking, they often require large amount of data and training time.

In this paper, we propose a GPU-based fast and automatic approach to track guide wires in fluoroscopic sequences. We propose a multi-scale filtering and gradient vector field-based real-time tracking method for guide wire tracking from fluoroscopic images. To improve calculation efficiency and meet real-time application requirement, we propose a GPU-based acceleration scheme, and also a Bayesian filter-like motion tracking method to limit the guide wire tracking to a smaller range to improve calculation efficiency.

We test our proposed method on two test data sets of fluoroscopic sequences of 102 frames and 72 frames. We achieve an average guide wire detection rate of 96.7%, a false detection rate of 0.0011% and an error distance measure of 0.83 pixels for the first sequence, and 98.8%, 0.000069% and 0.85 pixels, respectively, for the second sequence. With the proposed acceleration method, we finish calculation for the first sequence in nine seconds, thus, efficiency is enhanced by 100 times with the unaccelerated algorithm.
An Optimized Approach for Tracing Pre- and Post-Buckling Equilibrium Paths of Space Trusses
Authors: Habibi Alireza , Bidmeshki Shaahin
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a novel optimization-based method is proposed to analyze steel space truss structures undergoing large deformations. The geometric nonlinearity is considered using the total Lagrangian formulation. The nonlinear solution is obtained by introducing and minimizing an objective function subjected to the displacement-type constraints. The proposed approach can fully follow the equilibrium path of the geometrically nonlinear space truss structures not only before the limit point, but also after it, namely, including both the pre- and post-buckling paths. Moreover, a direct estimation of the buckling loads and their corresponding displacements is possible by using the method. Particularly, it has been shown that the equilibrium path of a structure with highly nonlinear behavior, multiple limit points, snap-through, and snap-back phenomena can be traced via the proposed algorithm. To demonstrate the accuracy, validity, and robustness of the proposed procedure, four benchmark truss examples are analyzed and the results compared with those by the modified arc-length method and those reported in the literature.
A Multi-Scale Model of Soft Imperfect Interface with Nonlocal Damage
Authors: Ali Maitlo Asghar , Lebon Frédéric , Bauzet Caroline
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to propose a model of bonded interface including nonlocal damage and unilateral conditions. The model is derived from the problem of a composite structure made by two adherents and a thin adhesive. The adhesive is damaged at microscopic level and is subjected to two regimes, one in traction and one in compression. The model of interface is derived by matched asymptotic expansions. In this paper, two cases corresponding to the two regimes are discussed. Moreover, this model can be considered as a model of contact with adhesion and unilateral constraint. At the end of the paper, a simple numerical example is presented to show the evolution of the model.
Meeting Global Feed Protein Demand: Challenge, Opportunity, and Strategy
Authors: Kim Sung Woo , Less John F. , Wang Li , Yan Tianhai , Kiron Viswanath , Kaushik Sadasivam J. , Lei Xin Gen
Published: November 2018

Feed protein supplements are one of the most expensive and limiting feed ingredients. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of how the expected expansion of animal production, driven by the rising world population and living standards for more animal-sourced foods, is creating a global shortage of feed protein supply. Because ruminants, chickens, and pigs contribute to 96% of the global supply of animal protein and aquaculture is growing fast, means of meeting the feed protein requirements of these species are elaborated. Geographic variation and interdependence among China, Europe, and North America in the demand and supply of feed protein are compared. The potential and current state of exploration into alternative feed proteins, including microalgae, insects, single-cell proteins, and coproducts, are highlighted. Strategic innovations are proposed to upgrade feed protein processing and assessment, improve protein digestion by exogenous enzymes, and genetically select feed-efficient livestock breeds. An overall successful and sustainable solution in meeting global feed protein demands will lead to a substantial net gain of human-edible animal protein with a minimal environmental footprint.
Integrated Scheduling of Reheating Furnace and Hot Rolling Based on Improved Multiobjective Differential Evolution
Authors: Li Kun , Tian Huixin
Published: November 2018

In the hot rolling mill, a cold slab is reheated in reheating furnace and then rolled into thin coils through hot rolling process. Traditional research on hot rolling mill generally takes the two processes as two separate single‐objective scheduling problems, though they are closely connected and their optimization objectives are conflicting with each other. In this paper, the integrated scheduling of the reheating furnace and hot rolling is investigated in the view of multiobjective optimization. A mixed‐integer programming model with two objectives is formulated for this problem, and a multiobjective differential evolution (MODE) algorithm is developed to solve this model. To make it easy for algorithm design, a hot rolling schedule (i.e., a sequence of slabs) is used to represent a solution and for a given solution, a heuristic with consideration of energy consumption minimization is presented to obtain the schedule of reheating furnace. To achieve the balance of exploration and exploitation, a novel mutation operator with adaptive leader selection, a crossover operator with feasibility consideration, and a guided multiobjective local search are designed. Computational results based on simulated data illustrate that the integrated scheduling is superior to the traditional two‐phase scheduling method used in practice and literature. Further results illustrate that the proposed MODE algorithm is effective and superior to some other multiobjective evolutionary algorithms.
Comparison between Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy versus Alcohol-Assisted Photorefractive Keratectomy in Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism
Authors: Bakhsh Ashraf M. , Elwan Shaaban A. M. , Chaudhry Ahsan A. , El-Atris Tamer M. , Al-Howish Taghleb M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose. The aim of the study was to compare visual acuity, refractive results, safety, and efficacy of TPRK with AAPRK as primary outcomes and surgical time, pain scores, haze levels, and healing time as secondary outcomes in TPRK and AAPRK groups.Setting. Security Forces Hospital, Ophthalmology Department, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Design. Prospective, nonrandomized case-control comparative study.Methods. A total of 200 eyes of 100 consecutive patients were included. One hundred eyes underwent TPRK in the right eye (study group), and 100 eyes underwent AAPRK in the left eye (control group). Ablations were performed with the Schwind Amaris excimer LASER750S. Clinical outcomes during 6 months’ follow-up were compared.Results. The mean age of patients was 28.3 ± 6.3, 77 were females and 23 males. The mean surgical time was 162.17 ±  14.827 s and 243.24  ±  98.69 s, respectively. At day 1, the UDVA mean was 0.7 in 87% of eyes in the TPRK group while it was 0.5 in 45% of eyes in AAPRK; at week 1, it was 0.9 in 88% of eyes in the TPRK group and 0.6 in 60% of eyes in AAPRK. The mean pain scores were less and lower incidence of corneal haze in the TPRK. Complete epithelial healing time was shorter in TPRK, 3.20 ± 0.686 and 4.60 ± 1.969 days, respectively.Conclusions. TPRK and AAPRK produce similar results 6 months postoperatively. However, in the early postoperative period, there were significant differences in UDVA, pain score, level of haze, and complete epithelial healing time. The pain scores were lower, level of haze was less, and healing time was shorter in the TPRK group which provided patient better felling and comfort in this period. Both of procedures are effective and safe for correction of myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. This trial is registered withNCT03569423.
Approximate Method to Evaluate Reliability of Complex Networks
Authors: Caşcaval Petru
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with the issue of reliability evaluation in complex networks, in which both link and node failures are considered, and proposes an approximate method based on the minimal paths between two specified nodes. The method requires an algorithm for transforming the set of minimal paths into a sum of disjoint products (SDP). To reduce the computation burden, in the first stage, only the links of the network are considered. Then, in the second stage, each term of the set of disjoint link‐products is separately processed, taking into consideration the reliability values for both links and adjacent nodes. In this way, a reliability expression with a one‐to‐one correspondence to the set of disjoint products is obtained. This approximate method provides a very good accuracy and greatly reduces the computation for complex networks.
On the RCCA Security of Hybrid Signcryption for Internet of Things
Authors: Dai Honglong , Wang Ding , Chang Jinyong , Xu Maozhi
Published: November 2018

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), a lot of sensitive information in our daily lives are now digitalized and open to remote access. The provision of security and privacy of such data would incur comprehensive cryptographic services and has raised wide concern. Hybrid signcryption schemes could achieve various kinds of cryptographic services (e.g., confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity) with much lower cost than the combination of separate traditional cryptographic schemes with each providing a single cryptographic service. Thus, hybrid signcryption schemes are very suitable for IoT environments where resources are generally very constrained (e.g., lightweight sensors and mobile phones). To ensure that the overall hybrid signcryption scheme provides adequate cryptographic service (e.g., confidentiality, integrity, and authentication), its parts of KEM (key encryption mechanism) and DEM (data encryption mechanism) must satisfy some security requirements. Chosen‐ciphertext attack (CCA) security has been widely accepted as the golden standard requirement for general encryption schemes. However, CCA security appears too strong in some conditions. Accordingly, Canetti et al. (CRYPTO 2003) proposed the notion of replayable CCA security (RCCA) for encryption schemes, which is a strictly weaker security notion than CCA security and naturally more efficient. This new security notion has proved to be sufficient for most existing applications of CCA security, e.g., encrypted password authentication. This is particularly promising for IoT environments, where security is demanding, yet resources are constrained. In this paper, we examine the RCCA security of the well‐known SKEM+DEM style hybrid signcryption scheme by Dent at ISC 2005. Meanwhile, we also examine the RCCA security of the Tag‐SKEM+DEM style hybrid signcryption scheme by Bjorstad and Dent at PKC 2006. We rigorously prove that a hybrid signcryption scheme can achieve RCCA security if both its SKEM part and its DEM part satisfy some security assumptions.
Neural Networks Based Adaptive Consensus for a Class of Fractional‐Order Uncertain Nonlinear Multiagent Systems
Authors: Bai Jing , Yu Yongguang
Published: November 2018

Due to the excellent approximation ability, the neural networks based control method is used to achieve adaptive consensus of the fractional‐order uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems with external disturbance. The unknown nonlinear term and the external disturbance term in the systems are compensated by using the radial basis function neural networks method, a corresponding fractional‐order adaption law is designed to approach the ideal neural network weight matrix of the unknown nonlinear terms, and a control law is designed eventually. According to the designed Lyapunov candidate function and the fractional theory, the systems stability is proved, and the adaptive consensus can be guaranteed by using the designed control law. Finally, two simulations are shown to illustrate the validity of the obtained results.
Spread of Entanglement in Non-Relativistic Theories
Authors: Lokhande Sagar F.
Published: November 2018

We use a simple holographic toy model to study global quantum quenches in strongly coupled, hyperscaling-violating-Lifshitz quantum field theories using entanglement entropy as a probe. Generalizing our conformal field theory results, we show that the holographic entanglement entropy of small subsystems can be written as a simple linear response relation. We use this relation to derive a time-dependent first law of entanglement entropy. In general, this law has a time-dependent term resembling relative entropy which we propose as a good order parameter to characterize out-of-equilibrium states in the post-quench evolution. We use these tools to study a broad class of quantum quenches in detail: instantaneous, power law, and periodic.
Magnitude of Anemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals of Ilu Abba Bora Zone, South West Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kenea Adamu , Negash Efrem , Bacha Lemi , Wakgari Negash
Published: November 2018

Background. Anemia is a global public health problem affecting all population particularly pregnant women. Hence, this study assessed the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among pregnant.Methods. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in three public hospitals of Ilu Aba Bora zone. The study participants were selected by proportional allocation based on the number of pregnant women that the respective health facilities contain. Semistructured questionnaire was used for data collection. Midupper arm circumference was employed to assess the nutritional status and standard mood depression assessment tool was used to assess depression. Data were centered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to see the association of different variables.Results. In this study, 31.5% of pregnant women were anemic. In addition, having family size five and above [AOR = 2.97, 95% CI (1.69, 5.27)], being rural resident [AOR=2.74, (95%CI) (2.11, 5.06)], had a higher odds of anemia. Similarly, having soil transmitted helminthes infection [AOR= 3.19, 95% CI (1.5, 6.65)] and history of malaria infection in the last one year [AOR= 3.10, 95% CI (2.10, 5.06)] had also a higher odds anemia during pregnancy. Moreover, being undernourished [AOR= 2.74 95% CI (1.34, 5.57)] was negatively associated with magnitude of anemia.Conclusions. The magnitude of anemia among pregnant women was found to be significant. Residence, family sizes, history of malaria infection during the last one year, and undernourishment were significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy.
Low Tristetraprolin Expression Is Associated with Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gerke Travis , Beltran Himisha , Wang Xiaodong , Lee Gwo-Shu Mary , Sboner Andrea , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Klein Eric A. , Davicioni Elai , Yousefi Kasra , Ross Ashley E. , Börnigen Daniela , Huttenhower Curtis , Mucci Lorelei A. , Trock Bruce J. , Sweeney Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Inflammation is linked to prostate cancer progression and is mediated by NF-κB. Tristetraprolin is a key node of NF-κB activation and we investigated its biological and prognostic role in lethal prostate cancer.

Methods:

In vitro assays assessed the function of tristetraprolin and the association between low mRNA tristetraprolin levels and lethal prostate cancer (metastatic disease or death) was assessed across independent prostatectomy cohorts: (i) nested case-control studies from Health Professionals Follow-up Study and Physicians’ Health Study, and (ii) prostatectomy samples from Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Tristetraprolin expression levels in prostatectomy samples from patients with localized disease and biopsies of metastatic castration–resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) were assessed in a Cornell University cohort.

Results:

In vitro tristetraprolin expression was inversely associated with NF-κB–controlled genes, proliferation, and enzalutamide sensitivity. Men with localized prostate cancer and lower quartile of tumor tristetraprolin expression had a significant, nearly two-fold higher risk of lethal prostate cancer after adjusting for known clinical and histologic prognostic features (age, RP Gleason score, T-stage). Tristetraprolin expression was also significantly lower in mCRPC compared with localized prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

Lower levels of tristetraprolin in human prostate cancer prostatectomy tissue are associated with more aggressive prostate cancer and may serve as an actionable prognostic and predictive biomarker.

Impact:

There is a clear need for improved biomarkers to identify patients with localized prostate cancer in need of treatment intensification, such as adjuvant testosterone suppression, or treatment de-intensification, such as active surveillance. Tristetraprolin levels may serve as informative biomarkers in localized prostate cancer.
Dietary Acrylamide Is Not Associated with Renal Cell Cancer Risk in the CPS-II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: McCullough Marjorie L. , Hodge Rebecca A. , Um Caroline Y. , Gapstur Susan M.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Acrylamide, an industrial chemical and probable human carcinogen, can be formed in primarily carbohydrate-containing foods during high-heat cooking or processing. Most epidemiologic studies show no associations of dietary acrylamide intake with most cancer outcomes, but limited prospective evidence suggests a positive association with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:

In 1999, 102,154 men and women from the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort completed a questionnaire on diet, lifestyle, and cancer risk factors and were followed through June 30, 2013. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between estimated dietary acrylamide intake and risk of RCC.

Results:

After 1,137,441 person-years of follow-up, 412 cases of invasive RCC occurred. In multivariable-adjusted models, there was no association between acrylamide intake and risk of RCC (HR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.82–1.43) for the highest versus lowest quartile of intake. Associations were not modified by sex or smoking history.

Conclusions:

We found no associations between dietary acrylamide exposure and risk of invasive RCC.

Impact:

The findings from this large, prospective analysis do not support a positive association between higher dietary acrylamide intake and RCC risk.