bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle weakness and functional disability in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Vinge Lotte , Jakobsen Johannes , Andersen Henning
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Muscle weakness and functional disability have not been evaluated in a population‐based study of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: All patients with MG in a well‐defined catchment area were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Of the 175 eligible patients, 90 participated and were studied using MG‐specific scales, isometric dynamometry, and functional tests. Fifty age‐ and sex‐matched subjects served as controls. Results: Muscle strength was reduced by 13%, 21%, and 12% for shoulder abduction, knee extension, and ankle extension, respectively (P < 0.05). Chair stand and 400‐meter walking were impaired by 24% and 23%, respectively (P < 0.05). Muscle strength and functional performances were related to MG‐specific scales. Discussion: MG patients have moderately reduced isometric muscle strength and impaired physical performance. Muscle weakness and functional tests relate closely to MG‐specific scales, suggesting that dynamometry and functional tests can be used to monitor MG patients and as efficacy parameters in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 59:218–223, 2019
Etiology of nocturia response in men with diminished bladder capacity
Authors: Epstein Matthew R. , Monaghan Thomas , Weiss Jeffrey P.
Published: October 2018

Aims

To test the hypothesis that patients with nocturia owing to diminished global or nocturnal bladder capacity improve via increased bladder capacity.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of voiding diaries completed at a VA urology clinic between 2008–2017. Inclusion required patients aged at least 18 years, male, undergoing treatment for nocturia, and having completed at least two 24‐hour voiding diaries ≥1 month apart. Patients were divided into two cohorts: responders (any decline in nocturia) and non‐responders (no change or any increase in nocturia). Patients were further sub‐stratified as having low global bladder capacity (maximum voided volume [MVV] <200 mL) versus low nocturnal bladder capacity (nocturnal maximum voided volume [NMVV] <200 mL and MVV ≥200 mL). Wilcoxon rank‐sum was applied with a Bonferroni correction to test significance.

Results

Forty pre‐ and post‐treatment diaries from 27 patients, and 19 pre‐ and post‐treatment diaries from 17 patients were identified as having low global and low nocturnal bladder capacity, respectively. Nocturia responders with low global bladder capacity demonstrated significant decline compared to non‐responders in nocturnal urine volume (NUV) (−140 vs +75, P < 0.01) and nocturnal bladder capacity index (NBCi) (−0.59 vs +0.23, P < 0.01). Patients with low nocturnal bladder capacity similarly demonstrated decreased NUV (−30 vs +160, P = 0.04) and NBCi (−1.4 vs +0.33, P < 0.01). There was no significant change in MVV or NMVV for either group.

Conclusions

Treatment directed at lowering nocturnal urine production and enabling patients to consistently void at capacity is a rational strategy to treat nocturia in patients with low bladder capacity.
Evaluation and treatment of female stress urinary incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Dobberfuhl Amy D.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with both acute and chronic voiding dysfunction. A review of the success and complications of surgical treatments for female stress urinary incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy has not been summarized in the published literature.

Methods

A systematic review of female stress urinary incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy was conducted using MeSH terminology (1988‐2018).

Results

There is limited published literature on the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women following pelvic radiotherapy. Long term indwelling urethral catheter should be avoided in all women given the risk of iatrogenic hypospadias. Surgical treatments can be classified into those for the intact versus failed outlet. Urethral bulking injections have been studied in a prospective fashion specifically in women with stress urinary incontinence after radiotherapy and although not randomized, have the highest level of evidence. Patients should be screened for a history of prior radiotherapy before considering sling placement. Artificial urinary sphincter is associated with a high rate of erosion after prior radiotherapy. The role of Burch colposuspension in patients with prior radiotherapy is poorly defined. Urinary diversion should be considered for patients with a devastated outlet.

Conclusions

Since the long‐term effects of radiotherapy on lower urinary tract voiding function are typically irreversible and progressive, further research is needed to mitigate the adverse effects of irradiation and identify more durable treatment options for women with radiation induced bladder dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence.
Risk of prolapse and urinary complications in adult spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor using clean intermittent catheterization versus Valsalva voiding
Authors: El Akri Mehdi , Brochard Charlène , Hascoet Juliette , Jezequel Magali , Alimi Quentin , Khene Zine‐eddine , Richard Claire , Bonan Isabelle , Kerdraon Jacques , Gamé Xavier , Manunta Andrea , Siproudhis Laurent , Peyronnet Benoit
Published: October 2018

Aims

To assess the relative risks of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary complications in adult spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor voiding with Valsalva versus those using clean‐intermittent catheterization (CIC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis including all spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months. Patients were then divided in two groups according to their bladder management: voiding with Valsalva versus CIC. The primary endpoint was any de novo or worsened rectal and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) diagnosed during follow‐up. The secondary outcome was urinary complications defined as febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) and/or urolithiasis and/or renal failure.

Results

Fifty‐five patients (50.9% were males) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria: 28 voiding with Valsalva and 27 performing CIC. At baseline, the rates of vaginal prolapse (44.4% vs 50%; P = 0.99), and rectal prolapse/intussusception (25.9% vs 21.4%; P = 0.76) were similar in both groups. After a median follow‐up of 80.6 and 65.6 months, respectively (P = 0.29), the rate of de novo or worsened rectal prolapse/intussusception was higher in the Valsalva voiding group than in the CIC group (32.1% vs 3.7%; P = 0.01). De novo or worsened vaginal prolapses were also more common in the Valsalva voiding group, but it did not reach statistical significance (33.3% vs 11.1%; P = 0.29).

Conclusions

Valsalva voiding might be harmful in adult spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor as it may increase the risk of rectal prolapse/intussusception. Overall, the prevalence of POP and rectal prolapse was high in both groups.
Mirabegron as a treatment for overactive bladder symptoms in men (MIRACLE study): Efficacy and safety results from a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel comparison phase IV study
Authors: Shin Dong Gil , Kim Hyeon Woo , Yoon Sang Jin , Song Sang Hoon , Kim Young Ho , Lee Young Goo , Joo Kwan Joong , Bae Jae Hyun , Kang Taek Won , Jeong Seong Jin , Woo Seung Hyo , Yoo Eun Sang , Son Hwancheol , Koo Kyo Chul , Kim Soo Woong
Published: October 2018

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron in males with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Methods

In total, 464 males with OAB symptoms were enrolled from 14 institutes and were sorted into either the mirabegron 50 mg (n = 310) or placebo (n = 154) groups. The change in (i) the mean number of 24‐h micturition episodes; (ii) OAB Symptom Scale (OABSS); and (iii) International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) from baseline to 12 weeks of treatment were compared between the two groups. Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events, blood pressure, pulse rate, postvoid residual volume, and maximum urinary flow rate. After 12 weeks, the study was extended for 14 additional weeks by administering mirabegron 50 mg to both groups.

Results

The reduction in the mean number of 24‐h micturition episodes from baseline to 12 weeks of treatment was similar between the two groups. However, significantly greater changes from baseline to 12 weeks were observed in total OABSS, OABSS urgency incontinence score (Q4), IPSS storage subscore (Q2 + Q4 + Q7), and IPSS urgency score (Q4) in the mirabegron group (P = 0.01 for all). According to the extended study, the changes of all efficacy variables from baseline to 26 weeks were similar between both groups. The safety assessment results were also similar between the two groups at 12 and 26 weeks.

Conclusion

A daily 50 mg dose of mirabegron for 12 weeks reduced OAB symptoms in men, and no significant adverse events compared to the placebo group were noted.
Prevalence and predictors of anal incontinence 6 years after first delivery
Authors: Johannessen Hege H. , Stafne Signe N. , Falk Ragnhild S. , Stordahl Arvid , Wibe Arne , Mørkved Siv
Published: October 2018

Aims

The main aim of the present study, was to explore prevalence and predictors of anal incontinence (AI) experienced 6 years after first delivery.

Methods

In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, participants in a previous study answered questions about AI 6 years after first delivery using postal or digital questionnaires. Prevalence of AI was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied.

Results

A total of 731 (48%) of the original participants who gave birth to their first child between May 2009 and December 2010 responded 6 years after first delivery. There was a significant reduction in reports of one or more AI symptoms from late pregnancy (33%; 95%CI: 30.3, 37.2) to 6 years after first delivery (21%; 95%CI:18.4, 24.4, P = 0.028). Older age at first delivery, BMI (≥35), active bowel disease, and previous problems with bowel evacuation and urgency when going to the toilet predicted AI at 6 years. Long‐term AI was also associated with instrumental first delivery (Odds ratio (OR):1.8; 95%CI:1.1, 2.8) and sustaining a perianal tear grade three or four at first delivery (OR:3.0; 95%CI:1.3, 6.8).

Conclusions

Prevalence of AI was significantly reduced from late pregnancy, still 21% experienced AI 6 years after first delivery. Findings from the present study indicate that an added focus on modifiable risk factors for AI such as BMI, OASIS and history of PFDs increase the risk of AI in the long term, may be beneficial in reducing incontinence problems the short‐ and long‐term.
Recommendations for conducting invasive urodynamics for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Qualitative interview findings from a large randomized controlled trial (UPSTREAM)
Authors: Selman Lucy E. , Ochieng Cynthia A. , Lewis Amanda L. , Drake Marcus J. , Horwood Jeremy
Published: October 2018

Aims

To capture in‐depth qualitative evidence regarding attitudes to and experiences of urodynamic testing among men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at each end of the clinical pathway.

Methods

Semi‐structured interview study conducted within the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery: Randomized Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM) trial, which randomized men to a care pathway including urodynamics or routine non‐invasive tests from 26 secondary care urology sites across England. Men were interviewed after assessments but prior to treatment, or after surgery for LUTS. Men were purposively sampled to include those who had urodynamics and those who did not, and diversity in demographic characteristics and symptom burden. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Forty‐one men participated (25 pre‐treatment, 16 post‐surgery), ages 52‐89. The 16 men who had not previously experienced urodynamics said they would accept the test in their assessment, but some were apprehensive or wanted more information. The 25 men who had experienced urodynamics all found it acceptable, though some reported pain, infection, or embarrassment. Embarrassment was minimized by informing patients what the procedure would be like, and ensuring privacy. Urodynamics was valued for its perceived diagnostic insight. Information deficits were reported before, during, and after the test. How and when results were explained and the adequacy of explanations varied.

Conclusions

Urodynamics is acceptable to men with LUTS and generally well‐tolerated. To ensure patients are prepared and informed, good communication before and during the procedure is essential. Privacy should be prioritized, and test results discussed promptly and in sufficient detail. Staff require training and guidance in these areas.
Dominant vibration modes for broadband frequency analysis of multiscale structures with numerous local vibration modes
Authors: Ezvan Olivier , Zeng Xiaoshu , Ghanem Roger , Gencturk Bora
Published: October 2018

In this paper, an extension of modal analysis in linear computational structural dynamics is presented to deal with complex structures characterized by the presence of numerous local vibration modes and for which the high modal density leads to high‐dimension reduced‐order models. These local modes consist of isolated vibrations that are dissociated from the global vibrations of the structure skeleton and that turn out to often be of negligible contribution to the global dynamics. Therefore, an automatic mode sorting procedure is proposed to extract the dominant modes that represent the global dynamics of the skeleton. Next, an alternative filtering methodology based on a modified eigenvalue problem is presented, which allows to build, a priori, a small‐dimension reduced‐order basis of dominant global modes. The two methods are compared to classic modal analysis using three applications, namely, a heterogeneous plate, a simplified nuclear fuel assembly, and a detailed boiling water reactor fuel assembly.
Finite element approximations for near‐incompressible and near‐inextensible transversely isotropic bodies
Authors: Rasolofoson F. , Grieshaber B. J. , Reddy B. D.
Published: October 2018

This work comprises a detailed theoretical and computational study of the boundary value problem for transversely isotropic linear elastic bodies. General conditions for well‐posedness are derived in terms of the material parameters. The discrete form of the displacement problem is formulated for conforming finite element approximations. The error estimate reveals that anisotropy can play a role in minimising or even eliminating locking behaviour for moderate values of the ratio of Young's moduli in the fibre and transverse directions. In addition to the standard conforming approximation, an alternative formulation, involving under‐integration of the volumetric and extensional terms in the weak formulation, is considered. The latter is equivalent to either a mixed or a perturbed Lagrangian formulation, analogously to the well‐known situation for the volumetric term. A set of numerical examples confirms the locking‐free behaviour in the near‐incompressible limit of the standard formulation with moderate anisotropy, with locking behaviour being clearly evident in the case of near‐inextensibility. On the other hand, under‐integration of the extensional term leads to extensional locking‐free behaviour, with convergence at superlinear rates.
Preparation of 4‐Methylaniline Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polyaniline Composite by One‐pot Method: The Effect of Aniline Amount on the Microstructure and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Chen Nali , Zhang Feifei , Ren Yapeng , Tan Lin , Feng Huixia , Luo Yongchun
Published: October 2018

In this study, reduced graphene oxide (GO)/polyaniline composites (GP) were successfully fabricated through a novel one‐pot synthesis route with 4‐methylaniline as a reductant for GO followed by in‐situ polymerization of aniline. The results of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy revealed that GO was successfully reduced by 4‐methylaniline. Meanwhile, the effect of aniline amount on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of the as‐prepared GP was optimized by tuning the feed ratios of aniline to GO. The results demonstrated that the feed ratio of aniline to GO played a very significant role in constructing the nano‐structure of GP, and furthermore determined their electrochemical performance. GP displayed a layer‐like structure evenly covered by polyaniline (PANI) nanowires with the feed ratio of aniline to GO of 30/1 (m/m). Under this condition, the composite exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 530.4 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, remarkably higher than that of unitary PANI (367.9 F g−1), and showed an excellent rate performance (411.1 F g−1 at 20 A g−1) as well. Moreover, the composite delivered good cycling stability with less than 8% decrease in the specific capacitance after 2000 cycles at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1, which was a great improvement over the unitary PANI (69.1%). POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E877–E885, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology and mechanical properties of Acrylonitrile‐styrene‐acrylate toughened plastics with block copolymer chain structure
Authors: Huang Jie , Luo Yingwu , Gao Xiang
Published: October 2018

Acrylonitrile‐styrene‐acrylate (ASA) toughened plastics based on block copolymers are successfully preparedviaRAFT emulsion polymerization and various molecular structures are designed to have different morphologies in order to investigate the relationship between morphologies and mechanical properties. All materials prepared by blending exhibit sea‐island morphology. Promoting particles dispersion and increasing spherical particle size shorten surface‐to‐surface interparticle distance and help to improve tensile properties of materials. Enlarging particles through crosslinked structures are found to be a more effective method to improve tensile toughness, at the cost of a slight reduction in tensile yield strength. Larger spherical particles with crosslinked structures are found to help improving the Izod notched impact strength of materials. However, the existence of a SAN core decreases the material's ability to withstand impact. Compared to blended samples, triblock copolymer materials display higher flexural strength with equal flexural modulus. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:389–395, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Accurate control and characterization of Cu depletion layer for highly efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Nishimura Takahito , Sugiura Hiroki , Nakada Kazuyoshi , Yamada Akira
Published: October 2018

The unintentional formation of a Cu depletion layer (CDL) on the surface of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 was observed in 1993, and CDLs have been expected to improve the performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells. However, methods of controlling CDLs have hitherto been unavailable. For the first time, we succeeded in controlling a uniform CDL on a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 surface by introducing irradiation with Se into the typical three‐stage growth process of Cu(In,Ga)Se2. We discuss the characterization and effects on device performance of CDLs. A uniform, smooth CDL with a thickness of 200 nm was formed at a Se irradiation time of 5 minutes, whereas the CDL formed at an irradiation time of 10 minutes was rough and non‐uniform. A maximum efficiency of 19.8% was achieved at an irradiation time of 5 minutes via the formation of a complete CDL. This simple, unique method may help to maximize efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.
Effects of depressive symptomatology on cancer‐related symptoms during oral oncolytic treatment
Authors: Decker Veronica , Sikorskii Alla , Given Charles W. , Given Barbara A. , Vachon Eric , Krauss John C.
Published: October 2018

Objective

This manuscript assesses association between depressive symptoms and symptoms from cancer and its treatment during the first 12 weeks of a new oral oncolytic treatment.

Methods

This secondary analysis used data from a recently completed trial of an intervention to improve adherence to oral oncolytic treatment and manage symptoms. Following the initiation of the new oral oncolytic medication, 272 patients were interviewed at intake and weeks 4, 8, and 12 to assess depressive symptoms, and symptoms from cancer and its treatment. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression (CES‐D20). The summed index of 18 cancer‐related and treatment‐related symptoms as well as the number of symptoms above threshold at intake, weeks 4, 8, and 12 were related to intake and time‐varying CES‐D20 using linear mixed effects models.

Results

Depressive symptomatology was a significant predictor of cancer‐related and treatment‐related symptoms at all‐time points, but the strength of this relationship was greatest at the time of oral oncolytic agent initiation and at week 4. The strength of this relationship was the same for both summed symptom severity index and the number of symptoms above threshold, and using either intake or time‐varying CES‐D20.

Conclusion

Introducing strategies to treat and manage symptoms of depression along with other symptoms might have added benefits among patients who start a new oral oncolytic treatment and report modest to higher levels of depressive symptoms. Assessments for the impact of strategies to lower depressive symptoms can be taken within the first 4 weeks.
Balance exercise facilitates everyday life for people with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Carling Anna , Nilsagård Ylva , Forsberg Anette
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the experience and perceived effects on everyday life for people with multiple sclerosis after participating in a balance exercise programme focusing on core stability, dual tasking, and sensory strategies (the CoDuSe programme).

Methods

A qualitative approach was chosen, using face‐to‐face interviews analysed with content analysis. Twenty‐seven people with multiple sclerosis (20 women, 7 men) who had participated in the CoDuSe programme were included. All could walk 20 m with or without walking aids but could not walk further than 200 m. The CoDuSe programme was given twice weekly during a 7‐week period.

Results

The analysis revealed five categories. Learning to activate the core muscles described how the participants gained knowledge of using their core muscles and transferred this core muscle activation into everyday life activities. Improved bodily confidence covered narratives of being more certain of the ability to control their bodies. Easier and safer activities showed how they could now perform activities in everyday life more safely and easily. Increased independence and participation involved the participants' improved ability and self‐confidence to execute activities by themselves, as well as their increased participation in activities in daily living. Experiences of the balance exercise programme revealed that they found the programme novel and challenging.

The overall theme was balance exercise facilitates everyday life.

Conclusion

Participating in the CoDuSe programme was perceived to facilitate everyday life for people with multiple sclerosis. Taking part in the balance exercise programme taught the participants how to activate and use the core muscles, which increased their bodily confidence. Having increased bodily confidence helped them to perform everyday life activities with more ease and safety, which increased their independence and participation. The participants described the CoDuSe programme as novel and challenging, yet feasible.
Distinctive structural motifs co‐ordinate the catalytic nucleophile and the residues of the oxyanion hole in the alpha/beta‐hydrolase fold enzymes
Authors: Dimitriou Polytimi S. , Denesyuk Alexander I. , Nakayama Toru , Johnson Mark S. , Denessiouk Konstantin
Published: October 2018

The alpha/beta‐hydrolases (ABH) are among the largest structural families of proteins that are found in nature. Although they vary in their sequence and function, the ABH enzymes use a similar acid–base‐nucleophile catalytic mechanism to catalyze reactions on different substrates. Because ABH enzymes are biocatalysts with a wide range of potential applications, protein engineering has taken advantage of their catalytic versatility to develop enzymes with industrial applications. This study is a comprehensive analysis of 40 ABH enzyme families focusing on two identified substructures: the nucleophile zone and the oxyanion zone, which co‐ordinate the catalytic nucleophile and the residues of the oxyanion hole, and independently reported as critical for the enzymatic activity. We also frequently observed an aromatic cluster near the nucleophile and oxyanion zones, and opposite the ligand‐binding site. The nucleophile zone, the oxyanion zone and the residue cluster enriched in aromatic side chains comprise a three‐dimensional structural organization that shapes the active site of ABH enzymes and plays an important role in the enzymatic function by structurally stabilizing the catalytic nucleophile and the residues of the oxyanion hole. The structural data support the notion that the aromatic cluster can participate in co‐ordination of the catalytic histidine loop, and properly place the catalytic histidine next to the catalytic nucleophile.
Crushing Behavior of Graded Auxetic Structures Built from Inverted Tetrapods under Impact
Authors: Novak Nejc , Borovinšek Matej , Vesenjak Matej , Wormser Maximilian , Körner Carolin , Tanaka Shigeru , Hokamoto Kazuyuki , Ren Zoran
Published: October 2018

In this study, the crushing behavior of auxetic structures built from inverted tetrapods with linearly graded porosity under impact is analyzed both experimentally and computationally. The auxetic samples with linearly graded porosity are fabricated from Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy powder by the selective electron‐beam melting method. A detailed geometrical analysis of the fabricated samples based on micro computed tomography (microCT) scans is performed to determine the variation of strut thickness and other fabrication imperfections. The samples are subjected to high strain rate compression loading in two specimen orientations (specimens with low or high porosity facing the impacting plate) using the powder gun. Appropriate computational models are later developed and validated to provide a more detailed insight into the crushing mechanism of auxetic structures during impact. The experimental and computational results show dependency of the plateau stress inclination (progressive/regressive) on the gradation of the auxetic cellular structures (specimens with low or high porosity in front). These initial results prove that it is possible to tailor the mechanical behavior of a porous structure with introduction of graded porosity, especially in the case of high strain rate impact, where the main deformation occurs at the impacting front.
Robust adaptive vibration control for a string with time‐varying output constraint
Authors: He Wei , Jing Zhe , He Xiuyu , Liu Jin‐Kun , Sun Changyin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present the vibration control design for a string with the boundary time‐varying output constraint. The dynamics of the string is a distributed parameter system described by a partial differential equation and two ordinary differential equations. A barrier Lyapunov function with a logarithmic function is adopted to prevent the time‐varying constraint violations. Adaptive control is designed to handle the system parametric uncertainties. Stability analysis and the solvability of the inequality equations are provided. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design.
Data‐driven, robust output regulation in finite time for LTI systems
Authors: de Carolis Giovanni , Galeani Sergio , Sassano Mario
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a novel data‐driven approach is proposed to obtain output regulation for linear systems in finite time, requiring only limited information about the plant and the exosystem. The resulting regulator is robust because it does not rely on the knowledge of perturbed or even nominal plant parameters. Finite‐time regulation is achieved, combining the use of the external‐model technique with the deadbeat controller design. The core of the method lies in an error‐feedback reset logic for the state of the external model to compensate for the contribution of the exosystem on the plant output response, then an ancillary control law is introduced to steer the error to zero in a preassigned time interval, trading‐off between convergence rate, and control effort.
Unknown input observer‐based robust adaptive funnel motion control for nonlinear servomechanisms
Authors: Wang Shubo , Na Jing , Ren Xuemei , Yu Haisheng , Yu Jinpeng
Published: October 2018

In this paper, an unknown input observer is proposed for servomechanisms with unknown dynamics (eg, nonlinear friction, parameter uncertainties, and external disturbance). An unknown input observer is developed by introducing auxiliary filtered variables in terms of first‐order low‐pass filters, where only one constant (filter parameter) needs to be tuned. A modified funnel variable is developed by using the tracking error to replace the scaling factor to improve the transient and steady‐state performance of the control systems. Then, a sliding mode surface with the new transformed error is defined and used to design a funnel nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller to achieve finite‐time convergence. In addition, the proposed funnel nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller method avoids the singularity problem in the conventional sliding mode control via modifying the terminal sliding manifold. Finally, experimental results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested control scheme.
Iterative learning control for noninstantaneous impulsive fractional‐order systems with varying trial lengths
Authors: Liu Shengda , Wang JinRong , Shen Dong , O'Regan D.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose five iterative learning control (ILC) schemes for noninstantaneous impulsive fractional‐order systems with randomly varying trial lengths. We introduce a domain alignment operator to establish a rigorous convergence analysis for nonlinear fractional‐order systems. This operator guarantees that the input, state, output, and tracking error are constrained in a function space that is designed in advance. Moreover, with the help of this operator, we extend the conventional ILC scheme from discrete systems to continuous and algebraic systems with incorporating redundant tracking information. In addition, nonlinear ILC schemes are also presented with a geometric analysis concept. All proposed schemes are shown to be convergent to the desired tracking trajectory. Two illustrative examples are provided to verify the theoretical results.
Event‐triggered state‐dependent switching rule design for switched linear systems
Authors: Li Dandan , Zuo Zhiqiang , Wang Yijing
Published: October 2018

This paper is devoted to the synthesis problem of switched linear systems. We come up with a novel state‐dependent switching rule in terms of an event‐triggered mechanism. This switching rule is able to expand the degree of freedom of bilinear matrix inequality where the synthesis problem is constructively formulated. It is overwhelmingly critical that the number of decision variables, which determines the conservativeness of our results under the proposed event‐triggered state‐dependent switching rule, is larger than the previous ones when a switched system consisted of three or more subsystems. The implementation complexity of a switching law is greatly reduced, as well as the number of switchings. Finally, two examples illustrate that the proposed synthesis procedure is valid.
Static output feedback fault tolerant control using control allocation scheme
Authors: Argha Ahmadreza , Su Steven W. , Celler Branko G.
Published: October 2018

This paper describes two novel schemes for fault tolerant control using robust suboptimal static output feedback design methods. These schemes can also be employed as actuator redundancy management for overactuated uncertain linear systems. In contrast to many existing methods in the literature that assume the control input matrix (i) is not of full‐rank such that it can be factorized into two matrices and (ii) it does not involve uncertainty, these schemes can be applied to systems whose control input matrix cannot be factorized and/or involve uncertainty. The so‐called virtual control, in these schemes, is calculated using suboptimal
‐based static output feedback design schemes constructed to be robust against uncertainties emanating from inherent input matrix uncertainty and visibility of the control allocator to the controller. Then, using two proposed control allocation schemes (fixed and on‐line), the obtained virtual control signal is redistributed among remaining (redundant or nonfaulty) set of actuators. As the proposed schemes are modular‐based, they can be employed as real‐time fault tolerant control schemes with no need to reconfigure the controller in the case of actuator faults or failures. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is discussed and compared with numerical examples.
Stability and stabilization for stochastic Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks with impulse control and noise‐induced control
Authors: Guo Yingxin , Cao Jinde
Published: October 2018

By applying the It
formula, the Gronwall inequality, and the law of large numbers technique, a new simple sufficient inequality condition is presented for the almost surely exponential stability of the stochastic Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks with impulse control and time‐varying delays. Moreover, a new result is also given for the existence of unique states of the systems. An impulsive controller and a suitable noise controller are also given at the same time. The condition contains and improves some of the previous results in the earlier references.
Methods to improve the estimation of time‐to‐event outcomes when data is de‐identified
Authors: Caetano Samantha‐Jo , Dawe David , Ellis Peter , Earle Craig C. , Pond Gregory R.
Published: October 2018

Technological advancements in recent years have sparked the use of large databases for research. The availability of these large databases has administered a need for anonymization and de‐identification techniques, prior to publishing the data. This de‐identification alters the data, which in turn can impact the results derived post de‐identification and potentially lead to false conclusions. The objective of this study is to investigate if alterations to a de‐identified time‐to‐event data set may improve the accuracy of the estimates. In this data set, a missing time bias was present among censored patients as a means to preserve patient confidentiality. This study investigates five methods intended to reduce the bias of time‐to‐event estimates. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of each method in reducing bias. In situations where there was a large number of censored patients, the results of the simulation showed that Method 4 yielded the most accurate estimates. This method adjusted the survival times of censored patients by adding a random uniform component such that the modified survival time would occur within the final year of the study. Alternatively, when there was only a small number of censored patients, the method that did not alter the de‐identified data set (Method 1) provided the most accurate estimates.
An automated functional testing approach for virtual reality applications
Authors: Corrêa Souza Alinne C. , Nunes Fátima L. S. , Delamaro Márcio E.
Published: October 2018

Software testing is regarded as an important method for fault revealing. Despite this advantage, it has been poorly used within the scope of virtual reality (VR) applications because they are highly complex and have peculiar features. Most testing performed of this VR applications are usability, which is conducted manually and only at final of the development process. Although some works try to propose criteria for this domain, there are no approaches that automatize the generation of test data from requirements specification in the VR domain. This paper proposes an approach called virtual reality—requirements specification and testing (VR‐ReST) to assist the requirements specification through a semiformal language and uses structural test criteria to generate test requirements and test data automatically for VR applications using scene graph concepts. The paper also examines the empirical results concerning the cost‐effectiveness of the approach for three different VR applications through two experiments. Mutation testing was used to evaluate effectiveness. We found that the approach achieved a high mutation score outperforming random testing, by 20%, on average. Our results also demonstrate that the approach is promising since it assists in writing and validating the requirements, as well as in reducing the risks of requirement specification by adopting a semiformal language.
Cyclic behavior of ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete beam‐column joint
Authors: Sarmiento Patricia A. , Torres Benjamín , Ruiz Daniel M. , Alvarado Yezid A. , Gasch Isabel , Machuca Andrés F.
Published: October 2018

Ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is a unique class of fiber‐reinforced concrete featuring ultra‐high compressive strength and ductile tensile strain hardening behavior, accompanied by multiple narrow cracking. Although many studies have confirmed its superior mechanical and damage tolerance properties under monotonic or blast loading, limited research has been carried out on the cyclic performance of UHPFRC structural members. This paper proposes the use of UHPFRC to improve the cyclic performance of structural elements. An experimental program was carried out on a large number of UHPFRC beam‐column joint specimens under a cyclic lateral load. After the cyclic loading test, the following results were obtained: (a) hysterical performance, (b) maximum load, (c) maximum displacement, (d) the maximum energy dissipation (measured by hysteresis cycles), (e) stiffness degradation, (f) the cracking pattern, and (g) the cracking area. The analysis showed that UHPFRC specimens have at least 157% higher energy dissipation than nonfiber conventional reinforced concrete (RC). The initial stiffness of UHPFRC specimens without fibers (NF) was at least 23% higher than the RC specimen. For UHPFRC with fiber, initial stiffness was at least 45% higher than RC specimen.
Kampo pharmaceutical products in the Japanese health‐care system: Legal status and quality assurance
Authors: Arai Ichiro , Kawahara Nobuo
Published: October 2018

Objective

To accurately present the current situation regarding traditional Japanese medicines (kampo medicines), especially their legal status and quality assurance, and to resolve the misunderstanding regarding kampo medicine.

Legal status

Kampo medicines have been approved as official medicines by the Japanese government; they are covered by national health insurance and are used regularly in the standard health‐care system in Japan. Kampo medicines accounted for approximately 2.4% of Japan's total pharmaceutical sales in 2015, and the majority were dry extract products for prescription. Currently, 148 of ethical Kampo formulations are covered by the national insurance system, and the official approval standards for over‐the‐counter kampo products have been established for 294 formulations.

Quality assurance

The Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) contains monographs on almost all the crude drugs that are the raw materials for kampo medicines. The quality of kampo extract products is ensured through the equivalence of dry extract and two or more marker components with decoction (standard decoction). The JP also contains monographs on formulation extracts that have high sales volumes. For manufacturing, kampo good manufacturing practice (GMP), the self‐imposed standard of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Associations of Japan, has been instituted in addition to the standard GMP for conventional medicines. The quantity of pesticide residues, heavy metals and arsenic, and microorganisms in Kampo products and crude drugs is controlled by the JP and manufacturers' voluntary standards.

Conclusion

Kampo medicines are approved as a legal pharmaceutical product of Japan and their quality is highly assured by Japanese authorities and each manufacturer.
Cover Image, Volume 8, Issue 6
Authors: Mai Sebastian , Marquetand Philipp , González Leticia
Published: October 2018

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Nonadiabatic dynamics: The SHARC approach by Sebastian Mai et al., DOI: 1002/wcms.1370. Illustration Credit: S. Mai, P. Marquetand and L. González.

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Cell migration in the Xenopus gastrula
Authors: Huang Yunyun , Winklbauer Rudolf
Published: October 2018

Xenopus gastrulation movements are in large part based on the rearrangement of cells by differential cell‐on‐cell migration within multilayered tissues. Different patterns of migration‐based cell intercalation drive endoderm and mesoderm internalization and their positioning along their prospective body axes. C‐cadherin, fibronectin, integrins, and focal contact components are expressed in all gastrula cells and play putative roles in cell‐on‐cell migration, but their actual functions in this respect are not yet understood. The gastrula can be subdivided into two motility domains, and in the vegetal, migratory domain, two modes of cell migration are discerned. Vegetal endoderm cells show ingression‐type migration, a variant of amoeboid migration characterized by the lack of locomotory protrusions and by macropinocytosis as a mechanism of trailing edge resorption. Mesendoderm and prechordal mesoderm cells use lamellipodia in a mesenchymal mode of migration. Gastrula cell motility can be dissected into traits, such as cell polarity, adhesion, mobility, or protrusive activity, which are controlled separately yet in complex, combinatorial ways. Cells can instantaneously switch between different combinations of traits, showing plasticity as they respond to substratum properties.

This article is categorized under:

Early Embryonic Development > Gastrulation and Neurulation
Large eddy simulations of the effect of vertical staggering in large wind farms
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Arendshorst Mark G. , Stevens Richard J. A. M.
Published: October 2018

In order to study the effect of vertical staggering in large wind farms, large eddy simulations (LES) of large wind farms with a regular turbine layout aligned with the given wind direction were conducted. In the simulations, we varied the hub heights of consecutive downstream rows to create vertically staggered wind farms. We analysed the effect of streamwise and spanwise turbine spacing, the wind farm layout, the turbine rotor diameter, and hub height difference between consecutive downstream turbine rows on the average power output. We find that vertical staggering significantly increases the power production in the entrance region of large wind farms and is more effective when the streamwise turbine spacing and turbine diameter are smaller. Surprisingly, vertical staggering does not significantly improve the power production in the fully developed regime of the wind farm. The reason is that the downward vertical kinetic energy flux, which brings high velocity fluid from above the wind farm towards the hub height plane, does not increase due to vertical staggering. Thus, the shorter wind turbines are effectively sheltered from the atmospheric flow above the wind farm that supplies the energy, which limits the benefit of vertical staggering. In some cases, a vertically staggered wind farm even produced less power than the corresponding non vertically staggered reference wind farm. In such cases, the production of shorter turbines is significantly negatively impacted while the production of the taller turbine is only increased marginally.
Cover Image, Volume 10, Issue 6
Authors: Angeloni Livia , Reggente Melania , Passeri Daniele , Natali Marco , Rossi Marco
Published: October 2018

The cover image is based on the Overview Identification of nanoparticles and nanosystems in biological matrices with scanning probe microscopy by Livia Angeloni et al., DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1521.

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The dynamic RNA modification 5‐methylcytosine and its emerging role as an epitranscriptomic mark
Authors: Trixl Lukas , Lusser Alexandra
Published: October 2018

It is a well‐known fact that RNA is the target of a plethora of modifications which currently amount to over a hundred. The vast majority of these modifications was observed in the two most abundant classes of RNA, rRNA and tRNA. With the recent advance in mapping technologies, modifications have been discovered also in mRNA and in less abundant non‐coding RNA species. These developments have sparked renewed interest in elucidating the nature and functions of those “epitransciptomic” modifications in RNA. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the best understood and most frequent mark of mRNA with demonstrated functions ranging from pre‐mRNA processing, translation, miRNA biogenesis to mRNA decay. By contrast, much less research has been conducted on 5‐methylcytosine (m5C), which was detected in tRNAs and rRNAs and more recently in poly(A)RNAs. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the discovery of m5C RNA methylomes, the functions of m5C as well as the proteins installing, translating and manipulating this modification. Although our knowledge about m5C in RNA transcripts is just beginning to consolidate, it has become clear that cytosine methylation represents a powerful mechanistic strategy to regulate cellular processes on an epitranscriptomic level.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA Processing > tRNA Processing

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Numerical analyses of the interrelation between extracellular smooth muscle orientation and intracellular filament overlap in the human abdominal aorta
Authors: Haspinger Daniel Ch. , Murtada Sae‐Il , Niestrawska Justyna A. , Holzapfel Gerhard A.
Published: October 2018

Smooth muscle cells are one of the functional constituents in the human abdominal aorta, located in the medial layer, forming two helices similar to collagen fibers. During development, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, smooth muscle cells experience changes in their orientation and a reorganization of their intracellular filament structure. In order to study the so far not so well‐known interrelation between smooth muscle orientation and the intracellular filament structure in the human abdominal aorta a recently proposed mechanochemical model is modified. Two families of muscle fibers are introduced with a non‐symmetric filament overlap behavior, and the model is implemented into a finite element code. Active material parameters are obtained by fitting the model behavior to experimental data. Fitting results highlight that the non‐symmetry of the filament overlap behavior depends on the muscle fiber orientation. Modification of the smooth muscle orientations and the intracellular filament structure, and their influences on the human abdominal aortic responses are investigated using a finite element model of an aortic ring. We show how changes in the aortic wall behavior due to alterations in the smooth muscle orientation can be reduced, and even prevented by adjusting the filament overlap behavior. Thus, a modification of the intracellular filament structure could be used as a therapeutic approach in response to pathological vascular adaptation processes where changes in smooth muscle orientation are involved.