bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage-Mitigating Predictive Control of Airfoil Flutter for a General Hypersonic Flight Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Yuhui , Feng Xingkai , Hou Siyuan
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to investigate the airfoil flutter damage-mitigating problem in hypersonic flow. A new adaptive robust nonlinear predictive control law is designed in this paper to mitigate the damage during airfoil flutter of a generic hypersonic flight vehicle. A three-degrees-of-freedom airfoil dynamic motion model is established, in which the third piston theory is employed to derive the unsteady aerodynamics. Then, the complicated responses of the hypersonic airfoil flutter model are analyzed. In order to mitigate the damage of the airfoil, a predictive controller is designed by introducing an adaptive predictive period, and asymptotical stability analysis of the robust nonlinear predictive controller is performed. Subsequently, based on the nonlinear aerodynamics of the airfoil and damage accumulation model, the damage of the airfoil is observed online. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Measured relationship between thermodynamic pressure and refractivity for six candidate gases in laser barometry
Authors: Egan Patrick F. , Stone Jack A. , Scherschligt Julia K. , Harvey Allan H.
Published: April 2019

Laser refractometers are approaching accuracy levels where gas pressures in the range 1Pa<p<1MPa inferred by measurements of gas refractivity at a known temperature will be competitive with the best existing pressure standards and sensors. Here, the authors develop the relationship between pressure and refractivity p=c1⋅(n−1)+c2⋅(n−1)2+c3⋅(n−1)3+⋯, via measurement at T=293.1529(13)K and λ=632.9908(2)nm for p≤500kPa. The authors give values of the coefficients c1,c2,c3 for six gases: Ne, Ar, Xe, N2, CO2, and N2O. For each gas, the resulting molar polarizability AR≡2RT3c1 has a standard uncertainty within 16×10−6⋅AR. In these experiments, pressure was realized via measurements of helium refractivity at a known temperature: for He, the relationship between pressure and refractivity is known through calculation much more accurately than it can presently be measured. This feature allowed them to calibrate a pressure transducer in situ with helium and subsequently use the transducer to accurately gage the relationship between pressure and refractivity on an isotherm for other gases of interest.
An experimental study of trailing edge noise from a pitching airfoil
Authors: Zhou Teng , Sun Yuhao , Fattah Ryu , Zhang Xin , Huang Xun
Published: April 2019

In this study, the far-field noise from a pitching NACA 0012 airfoil was measured at a Reynolds number of 6.6 × 104. The pitching motion was in sinusoidal functions with a mean incident angle of 0°. Cases with the pitching amplitude varying from 7.5° to 15° and frequency from 3 to 8 Hz were tested, corresponding to the reduced frequency from 0.094 to 0.25. A microphone was placed in the far-field and the particle image velocimetry technique was utilized to study the flow structures near the trailing edge. The short-time Fourier transformation results of the noise signals revealed that a high-level narrow-band noise hump occurred at a specific angle of attack in a pitching cycle. At the corresponding moment, a coherent vortex street convecting on the airfoil surface was observed, and the vortex shedding frequency was in good agreement with the central frequency of the noise hump. The occurrence of the noise humps was attributed to the laminar boundary layer separation. In one pitching period, the moment when the narrow-band noise hump occurs is independent from the pitching amplitude and it is delayed as the pitching frequency increases. Larger pitching frequency or amplitude results in lower peak level of the noise humps.
Inverse estimation of the vocal tract shape based on a vocal tract mapping interface
Authors: Ogata Kohichi , Kodama Tayuto , Hayakawa Tomohiro , Aoki Riku
Published: April 2019

This paper describes the inverse estimation of the vocal tract shape for vowels by using a vocal tract mapping interface. In prior research, an interface capable of generating a vocal tract shape by clicking on its window was developed. The vocal tract shapes for five vowels are located at the vertices of a pentagonal chart and a different shape that corresponds to an arbitrary mouse-pointer position on the interface window is calculated by interpolation. In this study, an attempt was made to apply the interface to the inverse estimation of vocal tract shapes based on formant frequencies. A target formant frequency data set was searched based on the geometry of the interface window by using a coarse to fine algorithm. It was revealed that the estimated vocal tract shapes obtained from the mapping interface were close to those from magnetic resonance imaging data in another study and to lip area data captured using video recordings. The results of experiments to evaluate the estimated vocal tract shapes showed that each subject demonstrated unique trajectories on the interface window corresponding to the estimated vocal tract shapes. These results suggest the usefulness of inverse estimation using the interface.
Application of CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genome Editing in Studying the Mechanism of Pandrug Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Sun Qiaoling , Wang Yu , Dong Ning , Shen Lingwei , Zhou Hongwei , Hu Yanyan , Gu Danxia , Chen Sheng , Zhang Rong , Ji Quanjiang
Published: April 2019

In this study, a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing method was used to study the functions of the
mgrB
,
tetA
, and
ramR
genes in mediating colistin and tigecycline resistance in carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP). Inactivation of the
tetA
or
ramR
gene or the
mgrB
gene by CRISPR/Cas9 affected bacterial susceptibility to tigecycline or colistin, respectively.
Body Surface Area-Based Dosing Regimen of Caspofungin in Children: a Population Pharmacokinetics Confirmatory Study
Authors: Yang Xin-Mei , Leroux Stephanie , Storme Thomas , Zhang Dao-Lun , de Beaumais Tiphaine Adam , Shi Hai-Yan , Yang Yi-Lei , Wang Xiao-Ling , Zhao Wei , Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne
Published: April 2019

We evaluated the population pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in children (2 to 12 years of age). The real-world data from 48 children were best fit by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination.
Bacteriophage φEf11 ORF28 Endolysin, a Multifunctional Lytic Enzyme with Properties Distinct from All Other Identified Enterococcus faecalis Phage Endolysins
Authors: Zhang Hongming , Buttaro Bettina A. , Fouts Derrick E. , Sanjari Salar , Evans Bradley S. , Stevens Roy H.
Published: April 2019

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has brought increasing attention to the urgent need for the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. One such alternative to conventional antibiotics employs lytic enzymes (endolysins) that are produced by bacteriophages in the course of lytic infection. During lytic infection by a bacteriophage, these enzymes hydrolyze the cell wall peptidoglycan, resulting in the lysis of the host cell. However, external endolysin application can result in lysis from without. In this study, we have cloned, expressed, purified, and characterized an endolysin produced by a bacteriophage infecting strains of
Enterococcus faecalis
. The lysin is broadly active against most of the tested
E. faecalis
strains and exhibits multifunctional enzymatic specificities that differ from all other characterized endolysins produced by
E. faecalis
bacteriophages.
Fundamental Contribution and Host Range Determination of ANP32A and ANP32B in Influenza A Virus Polymerase Activity
Authors: Zhang Haili , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Yujie , Wang Meiyue , Wang Xuefeng , Zhang Xiang , Ji Shuang , Du Cheng , Chen Hualan , Wang Xiaojun
Published: April 2019

The key host factors involved in the influenza A viral polymerase activity and RNA replication remain largely unknown. We provide evidence here that ANP32A and ANP32B from different species are powerful factors in the maintenance of viral polymerase activity. Human ANP32A and ANP32B contribute equally to support human influenza viral RNA replication. However, unlike avian ANP32A, the avian ANP32B is evolutionarily nonfunctional in supporting viral replication because of a mutation at sites 129 and 130. These sites play an important role in ANP32A/ANP32B and viral polymerase interaction and therefore determine viral replication, suggesting a novel interface as a potential target for the development of anti-influenza strategies.
Senecavirus-Specific Recombination Assays Reveal the Intimate Link between Polymerase Fidelity and RNA Recombination
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Haiwei , Shi Jiabao , Yang Decheng , Zhou Guohui , Chang Jitao , Cameron Craig E. , Woodman Andrew , Yu Li
Published: April 2019

Recent evidence has emphasized the importance of SVA recombination on virus evolution
in vivo
. We describe the first assays to study Senecavirus A recombination. The results show that the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in recombination and that recombination can impact the fitness of SVA in cell culture. Further, SVA polymerase fidelity is closely related to recombination efficiency. The results provide key insights into the role of recombination in positive-strand RNA viruses.
Two Pathways of p27Kip1Degradation Are Required for Murine Lymphoma Driven by Myc and EBV Latent Membrane Protein 2A
Authors: Sora Richard P. , Ikeda Masato , Longnecker Richard
Published: April 2019

BL is a cancer that primarily affects children. The side effects of chemotherapy highlight the need for better BL treatments. Many BL tumors contain EBV, and our goal is to determine what makes EBV-positive BL different from EBV-negative BL. This may lead to more specific treatments for both types. All cases of BL require overexpression ofMYC. Mice engineered to express EBV LMP2A along withMYC(LMP2A/λ-MYCmice) develop tumors much more quickly than mice only expressingMYC(λ-MYCmice). Blocking degradation of the cell cycle inhibitor protein p27Kip1in LMP2A/λ-MYCmice causes tumors to develop later than in λ-MYCmice, showing that p27Kip1degradation may play a larger role in EBV-positive BL than EBV-negative BL. Furthermore, our studies suggest the cell cycle is an attractive target as a treatment option for LMP2A-positive cancers in humans.
Adipose Tissue Regulates Pulmonary Pathology during TB Infection
Authors: Ayyappan Janeesh Plakkal , Ganapathi Usha , Lizardo Kezia , Vinnard Christopher , Subbian Selvakumar , Perlin David S. , Nagajyothi Jyothi F.
Published: April 2019

Although the lungs are the port of entry and the predominant site of TB disease manifestation, we and others have demonstrated that
M. tuberculosis
also persists in adipose tissue of aerosol-infected animals and directly or indirectly alters adipose tissue physiology, which in turn alters whole-body immuno-metabolic homeostasis. Our present report demonstrates a direct effect of loss of adipocytes (fat cells) on promoting the severity of pulmonary pathogenesis during TB, advancing our understanding of the pathogenic interactions between wasting and TB activation/reactivation.
A Dopamine-Responsive Signal Transduction Controls Transcription of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Virulence Genes
Authors: Yang Dezhi , Kong Ying , Sun Wei , Kong Wei , Shi Yixin
Published: April 2019

In this study, MarR family regulator EmrR is identified as a novel virulence factor of enteric bacteria, here exemplified by
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and
Yersinia pestis
. EmrR exerts an essential effect as a transcription activator for expression of virulence determinants, including
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 2 genes and a set of horizontally acquired genetic loci that formed divergent operons. EmrR senses the neurotransmitter dopamine and is subsequently released from target promoters, resulting in downregulation of the virulence gene expression. Through this action on EmrR, dopamine can weaken
Salmonella
resistance against host defense mechanisms. This provides an explanation for the previous observation that dopamine inhibits bacterial infection in animal gastrointestinal tracts. Our findings provide evidence that this neurotransmitter can modulate bacterial gene expression through interaction with virulence regulator EmrR.
Probiotic
Bifidobacterium lactis
V9 Regulates the Secretion of Sex Hormones in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients through the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Zhang Jiachao , Sun Zhihong , Jiang Shuaiming , Bai Xiaoye , Ma Chenchen , Peng Qiannan , Chen Kaining , Chang Haibo , Fang Tuanyu , Zhang Heping
Published: April 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age worldwide. Through a two-phase clinical experiment, we first revealed an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome of PCOS patients. By binning and annotating shotgun metagenomic sequences into metagenomic species (MGS), 61 MGSs were identified as potential PCOS-related microbial biomarkers. In the second stage, we monitored the impact of the probiotic
Bifidobacterium lactis
V9 on the intestinal microbiota, metabolic parameters, gut-brain mediators, and sex hormones of PCOS patients. Notably, we observed that the PCOS-related clinical indices and the intestinal microbiotas of the participating patients exhibited an inconsistent response to the intake of the
B. lactis
V9 probiotic. Therefore, effective host gut colonization of the probiotic was crucial for its ability to function as a probiotic. Finally, we propose a potential mechanism by which
B. lactis
V9 regulates the levels of sex hormones by manipulating the intestinal microbiome in PCOS patients.
Occlusion of a mural type vein of Galen malformation in a 10-month-old boy with three Woven EndoBridge (WEB 17) and two coils
Authors: Runck Frank , Maurer Christoph J , Bode Markus , Lochbihler Harald , Kuršumović Adisa , Berlis Ansgar
Published: April 2019

We report the case of a 10-month-old boy with an enlarged head circumference and severe motor developmental delay. MRI showed a vein of Galen malformation (VGAM) with a heavily dilated median prosencephalic vein. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed a mural type VGAM with three feeding arteries arising from the posterior cerebral arteries. Due to the short length of the feeding arteries and the high flow, occlusion of the feeding vessels with detachable coils was not possible because of repeated coil dislocation into the dilated vein. Embolization of the three feeding vessels was then performed with a Woven EndoBridge single layer device (WEB SL17). In two arteries complete occlusion was accomplished with the WEB alone and in one artery additional deployment of two coils was necessary. Follow-up imaging at day 1 after treatment as well as 3 and 9 months after embolization showed persistent occlusion.
Neglected doughnut pessary in the uterine cavity
Authors: Asumpinwong Chutimon , Leerasiri Pichai , Hengrasmee Pattaya
Published: April 2019

Vaginal pessary is a practical and effective tool for pelvic organ prolapse management. Nevertheless, serious complications can occur in neglected patients such as vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula, erosion and impaction in adjacent structures. We report a case of neglected pessary found in the uterine cavity. The patient was treated with abdominal hysterectomy with in situ doughnut pessary. Proper pessary care and regular follow-up should be emphasised among patients, caregivers and related healthcare personnel to early detect as well as to avoid complications.
Osteomyelitis in limb amputated by amniotic band sequence
Authors: Mantoo Mohsin Raj , Priyadarshi Mayank , Verma Ankit , Thukral Anu
Published: April 2019

A preterm (30+2week) neonate with below-knee amputation (right lower limb), constriction rings and syndactyly, subsequent to amniotic band sequence, developed pus discharge from the right tibial stump. The neonate did not have clinical features of systemic sepsis. Blood culture was sterile. The pus culture, however, grew methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and bone scan was suggestive of osteomyelitis of right proximal tibial stump. Osteomyelitis was likely caused by the contiguous spread of infection from the exposed stump. Neonate was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 4 weeks and discharged on oral feeds.
Randomised cross-over trial evaluating the short-term effects of non-invasive ventilation as an adjunct to airway clearance techniques in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Stanford Gemma , Parrott Helen , Bilton Diana , Agent Penny , Banya Winston , Simmonds Nicholas
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is used in cystic fibrosis (CF) to support airway clearance techniques (ACTs) by augmenting tidal volumes and reducing patient effort. However, the evidence base for this is limited. We hypothesised that NIV, in addition to usual ACT, would increase sputum clearance. In addition, we investigated ease of sputum clearance (EoC), work of breathing (WoB) and NIV tolerability.

Methods

Adults with CF (16+ years) at the end of hospitalisation for a pulmonary exacerbation were randomised to a cross-over trial of NIV-supported ACT or ACT alone in two consecutive days. No other changes to standard care were made. The primary outcome was the total 24-hour expectorated sputum wet weight after the intervention. Spirometry was completed pre-treatment and post-treatment. Oxygen saturations were measured pre-treatment, during treatment and post-treatment. EoC and WoB were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale.

Results

14 subjects completed the study (7 male, mean age 35 [SD 17] years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] 49 [20] % predicted). The difference between treatment regimens was −0.98 g sputum (95% CI −11.5 to 9.6, p=0.84) over 24 hours. During treatment oxygen saturations were significantly higher with NIV-supported ACT (mean difference 2.0, 95% CI 0.9 to 2.6, p=0.0004). No other significant differences were found in post-treatment FEV1, EoC, WoB, oxygen saturations or subject preference.

Conclusions

There was no difference in treatment effect between NIV-supported ACT and ACT alone, although the study was underpowered. Oxygen saturations were significantly higher during NIV-supported ACT, but with no effect on post-treatment saturations. NIV was well tolerated.

Trial registration number

NCT01885650.
Botryotrichum domesticumsp. nov., a new hyphomycete from an indoor environment
Authors: Schultes Neil P. , Strzalkowski Noelle , Li De-Wei
Published: April 2019

Here we report on a fungus that is new to science and was isolated from a swab sample collected in a Massachusetts (USA) residence. Morphological characters of the fungus were studied and DNA sequences generated from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) ribosomal loci and from rpb2 and tub2 loci were used to establish a proper phylogenetic relationship with allied genera. The fungus was named Botryotrichum domesticum. The newly named species has thick-walled conidia globose to subglobose, 17.7 μm ± 2.6 μm × 17.3 μm ± 2.5 μm, developing on both aerial and immersed hyphae, with an absence of setae.
Derivative-Free Feasible Backtracking Search Methods for Nonlinear Multiobjective Optimization with Simple Boundary Constraint
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhu Detong , Song Yufeng
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a derivative-free linear feasible direction models with backtracking search technique is considered for solving nonlinear multiobjective optimization problems subject to simple boundary constraint. The algorithm is designed to build linear interpolation models for each function of problem [Formula: see text]. We build the linear programming subproblem using linear interpolation function without the second-order derivative information. The new backtracking search step size function is given in our algorithm which guarantees both the monotone descent property of each function and the feasibility of the iterative point. Under reasonable assumptions, we prove that the algorithm converges to a weakly Pareto critical point of problem. The results of numerical experiments are reported to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Surface-activity of anionic–nonionic surfactants and the dispersibility of TiO2 particles in aqueous solution
Authors: Lai Chiu-Chun , Lo Hao-Wen , Wu Chang-Mou , Lee Kuei-Chi , Kuo Yu-Lin , Huang Ching-Nan
Published: April 2019

This study synthesizes the anionic–nonionic surfactants by reacting tripropylene glycol, maleic anhydride, polyoxyethylenated stearyl ether and fumaric acid. The properties of a series of anionic–nonionic surfactants that feature hydrophilic groups with different lengths of chains are measured. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) value for these surfactants decreases as the length of the polyoxyethylene chain increases. This shows that long polyoxyethylene chains promote pre-micelle formation in the aqueous phase and adsorption at the interface surrounding the aqueous phase. The dispersion of a particle suspension of [Formula: see text] is also determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that when anionic–nonionic surfactants are added into a [Formula: see text] suspension, it prevents the precipitation of solid particles of [Formula: see text] and allows greater de-aggregation of the nanoparticles. DLS data show that when the concentration of the anionic–nonionic surfactants is increased, the distribution range narrows and it becomes more uniform. The larger specific surface area of the surfactant results in greater dispersion of the suspension. The SEM results show that when anionic–nonionic surfactants feature hydrophilic groups with a shorter chain, a [Formula: see text] suspension is more effectively dispersed.
Survey on Classic and Latest Textual Sentiment Analysis Articles and Techniques
Authors: Shi Yong , Zhu Luyao , Li Wei , Guo Kun , Zheng Yuanchun
Published: April 2019

Text is a typical example of unstructured and heterogeneous data in which massive useful knowledge is embedded. Sentiment analysis is used to analyze and predict sentiment polarities of the text. This paper provides a survey and gives comparative analyses of the latest articles and techniques pertaining to lexicon-based, traditional machine learning-based, deep learning-based, and hybrid sentiment analysis approaches. These approaches have their own superiority and get the state-of-the-art results on diverse sentiment analysis tasks. Besides, a brief sentiment analysis example in the tourism domain is displayed, illustrating the entire process of sentiment analysis. Furthermore, we create a large table to compare the pros and cons of different types of approaches, and discuss some insights with respect to research trends. In addition, a lot of important sentiment analysis datasets are summarized in this survey.
Study on Water Resources Efficiency with the Regional Water Resources Carrying Capacity into Consideration
Authors: WANG Xifeng
Published: April 2019

Most of the existing studies on regional water resources efficiency only consider the total regional water use while ignoring the regional endowment. Therefore, it is essential to introduce the water resources carrying capacity into the study. Given that data envelopment analysis (DEA) cannot compare the time series of a single decision-making unit, we employ the DEA-window analysis to study China’s water resources efficiency during 2005–2012 with the regional carrying capacity being considered, and analyze the spatiotemporal evolution. The study shows that such efficiency has increased from 0.71 in 2005 to 0.79 in 2012. High water resources efficiency is observed in Liaoning, Tibet, Yunnan, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Sichuan, where the output levels and utilization ratios of water resources are positively correlated. Low water resources efficiency is observed in Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia and Xinjiang which feature high-level utilization and low carrying capacity of water resources. As for regional water resources efficiency, eastern and southern coastal regions rank first, followed by Northeast China and northern coastal regions, southwest and northwest regions of China and lastly the middle reaches of the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Therefore, policy-makers should not only accord the regional development with carrying capacity, but also enhance cross-regional industrial cooperation for coordinated development.
Major Challenges and Remedies in Building the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor
Authors: Islam Md. Safiqul , Ailian Huang , Jie Zhang
Published: April 2019

Although the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) has the potential to enhance economic and geo-strategic benefits of the four participating countries in the long run, its building process has often been stagnated due to India’s lingering concern about the implications of the Corridor for its national security and, more importantly, to the growing competition among major countries including China, the United States and India. Moreover, there remains ethnic insurgency in Northeast India and Myanmar as well as the Rohingya issue between Bangladesh and Myanmar, which poses lasting security threats to the building of the Corridor. By analyzing the nature of those challenges, this article shows that the emerging Indo-U.S. strategic coalition for checking China’s influence and India’s reluctant stance in building the BCIM-EC are the biggest challenges, whereas neither the ethnic insurgency nor the Rohingya issue can affect BCIM-EC building substantially. Therefore, it is concluded that the BCIM-EC cannot succeed unless China and India can both fully commit to the building process while enhancing all-round cooperation based on their mutual strategic trust.
A Semi-Boosted Nested Model With Sensitivity-Based Weighted Binarization for Multi-Domain Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Mikhail Joseph W. , Fossaceca John M. , Iammartino Ronald
Published: April 2019

Effective network intrusion detection techniques are required to thwart evolving cybersecurity threats. Historically, traditional enterprise networks have been researched extensively in this regard. However, the cyber threat landscape has grown to include wireless networks. In this article, the authors present a novel model that can be trained on completely different feature sets and applied to two distinct intrusion detection applications: traditional enterprise networks and 802.11 wireless networks. This is the first method that demonstrates superior performance in both aforementioned applications. The model is based on a one-versus-all binary framework comprising multiple nested sub-ensembles. To provide good generalization ability, each sub-ensemble contains a collection of sub-learners, and only a portion of the sub-learners implement boosting. A class weight based on the sensitivity metric (true-positive rate), learned from the training data only, is assigned to the sub-ensembles of each class. The use of pruning to remove sub-learners that do not contribute to or have an adverse effect on overall system performance is investigated as well. The results demonstrate that the proposed system can achieve exceptional performance in applications to both traditional enterprise intrusion detection and 802.11 wireless intrusion detection.
Fast Adjustable NPN Classification Using Generalized Symmetries
Authors: Zhou Xuegong , Wang Lingli , Mishchenko Alan
Published: April 2019

NPN classification of Boolean functions is a powerful technique used in many logic synthesis and technology mapping tools in both standard cell and FPGA design flows. Computing the canonical form is the most common approach of Boolean function classification. This article proposes two different hybrid NPN canonical forms and a new algorithm to compute them. By exploiting symmetries under different phase assignment as well as higher-order symmetries, the search space of NPN canonical form computation is pruned and the runtime is dramatically reduced. Nevertheless, the runtime for some difficult functions remains high. Fast heuristic method can be used for such functions to compute semi-canonical forms in a reasonable time. The proposed algorithm can be adjusted to be a slow exact algorithm or a fast heuristic algorithm with lower quality. For exact NPN classification, the proposed algorithm is 40× faster than state-of-the-art. For heuristic classification, the proposed algorithm has similar performance as state-of-the-art with a possibility to trade runtime for quality.
The MMR Vaccine and Autism
Authors: DeStefano Frank , Shimabukuro Tom T.
Published: April 2019

Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. A report published in 1998, but subsequently retracted by the journal, suggested that measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism. However, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that has a strong genetic component with genesis before one year of age, when MMR vaccine is typically administered. Several epidemiologic studies have not found an association between MMR vaccination and autism, including a study that found that MMR vaccine was not associated with an increased risk of autism even among high-risk children whose older siblings had autism. Despite strong evidence of its safety, some parents are still hesitant to accept MMR vaccination of their children. Decreasing acceptance of MMR vaccination has led to outbreaks or resurgence of measles. Health-care providers have a vital role in maintaining confidence in vaccination and preventing suffering, disability, and death from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Novel Use of Joint Replacement in a Thumb Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: McKee Desirae , Domingo-Johnson E. L.
Published: April 2019

Arthrodesis of the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb is widely acknowledged as the indicated treatment for trauma and osteoarthritis of this joint. Joint replacement was offered to a young patient as an alternative treatment after traumatic joint loss of the IP joint in her thumb. This allowed her to maintain motion of the joint as she did not wish to move forward with fusion. In the present case, a Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) was utilized in an off-label manner and placed into the interphalangeal joint of the patient’s thumb. The patient did well postoperatively with reasonable pain-free range of motion of the interphalangeal joint with an arc of 40 degrees. We propose that joint replacement is a viable alternative to arthrodesis in select patients who do not wish to be fused. We believe this represents the first thumb IP joint replacement using a semiconstrained joint presented in the medical literature.
Improved Specificity and False Discovery Rates for Multiplex Analysis of Changes in Strain-Specific Anti-Influenza IgG
Authors: Li Dongmei , Wang Jiong , Treanor John J. , Zand Martin S.
Published: April 2019

We describe a statistical approach to compare absolute antibody concentrations, both within and across subjects, derived from a multidimensional measurement of IgG binding to the influenza surface receptor hemagglutinin (HA). This approach addresses a fundamental problem in the field of vaccine immunology: how to accurately compare the levels of antibodies against multiple influenza strains. The mPlex-Flu assay can simultaneously measure the concentration of IgG antibodies against up to 50 influenza strains with only≤10  μlof serum. It yields mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) over a 4-log range with low inter- and intrasample variability. While comparison of IgG binding to a single HA between subjects is straightforward, variations in binding behavior across influenza strains, coupled with reagent variations, make quantifying and comparing binding between multiple HA subtypes within subjects challenging. In this paper, we first treat such HA variations as an independent antigen and calculate each subtype antibody concentration using its own standard curve, normalizing variations in HA binding. We applied this method to the analyses of data from an H5 influenza clinical vaccine study. The results demonstrated that there are differences in coefficient estimates and in results of “comparing groups” between those with versus those without consideration of subtype antibody variations. Then, we used simulation studies to show the importance of taking the subtype antibody variations into account in HA strain antibody data analysis. Using a common standard curve for all subtype antibodies resulted in both inflated type I error and lowered specificity when comparing different treatment groups. Our results suggest that using individual standard curves for each influenza HA strain, and independently calculating anti-HA IgG concentrations, allows for adjustment of influenza HA subtype variations in treatment group comparisons in clinical vaccine studies. This method facilitates the direct comparison of serum anti-HA IgG concentrations against different influenza HA subtypes for multiplex assays.
Scheimpflug Camera and Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Pachymetry Evaluation of Diabetic Patients
Authors: Krysik Katarzyna , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Stanienda-Sokół Karolina , Wylegala Edward A. , Lyssek-Boron Anita
Published: April 2019

Aim. The comparative analysis of the central and peripheral corneal thicknesses using two different imaging systems: Scheimpflug camera and swept-source OCT was performed to investigate the differences in corneal thickness analysis in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods. The study group consisted of the 147 eyes of 107 diabetic patients who were examined and compared with 138 eyes of 89 nondiabetic cataract patients. The inclusion criteria for the study group was diabetes mellitus type II identified no less than 10 years ago, with NPDR not requiring prior laser treatment. The control group was recruited from nondiabetic patients. Measurements were obtained on the Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging system and Casia swept-source OCT. All study parameters from anterior chamber images were processed for five different zones, the central zone and four peripherals—superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal. A fit zone diameter of 4 mm was applied for both instruments. Results. The Pentacam system overestimated corneal measurements in the DM group when compared with the Casia OCT in superior corneal zone (p=0.04), inferior corneal zone (p=0.02), nasal corneal zone (p<0.001), and temporal corneal zone (p=0.01). In the control group, there were also statistically significant differences between the Pentacam and Casia OCT measured values in inferior corneal zone (p=0.001), nasal corneal zone (p=0.04), and temporal corneal zone (p<0.001). Conclusion. Scheimpflug camera pachymetry measurements showed statistically higher CCT values when compared with swept-source OCT measurements.
Antipruritic Effect of Qingpeng Ointment on the Localized Nonexudative Eczema
Authors: Li Yan , Xu Wei , Li Linfeng , Zhang Ruina
Published: April 2019

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Qingpeng ointment on eczema-associated pruritus. Trial Design and Method. This single center randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial enrolled 60 patients with nonexudative eczema, who were randomized at 1:1 ratio to the Qingpeng ointment and placebo control groups (n=30 in each group). The investigational and control ointment were applied on lesions twice daily for two weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and pruritus symptom scores were used to assess pruritus severity, frequency, and duration. Eczema lesions were evaluated by eczema area and severity index (EASI) and lesion morphology scores. Subjects were evaluated after the first treatment and at the end of the first and second week. Results. The average age and disease duration were 50.1±13.5 years and 30.9±16.0 weeks, respectively. Baseline EASI and VAS scores were similar between the two groups. VAS scores of the Qingpeng ointment group were significantly lower than those of the placebo control group at 10 minutes and 30 minutes after the first treatment and the first and second week follow-up (all P < 0.05). The scores of pruritus severity, frequency, and duration were significantly lower in the Qingpeng ointment group than in the control group at the end of week 1 and week 2 of the study (all P < 0.05). The scores of lesion morphology at the end of week 1 of the study were not significantly different between the two groups, but the Qingpeng ointment group showed significantly lower score than the placebo control group at the end of week 2 of the study. No adverse event was observed in the study. Conclusion. Qingpeng ointment can effectively alleviate pruritus and reduce skin lesions in patients with nonexudative eczema. The antipruritic effects occurred early and at a greater magnitude than the effects on lesion attenuation.
The Relationship between Cold Hypersensitivity in the Hands and Feet and Health-Related Quality of Life in Koreans: A Nationwide Population Survey
Authors: Bae Kwang-Ho , Lee Youngseop , Go Ho-Yeon , Kim Su-Jung , Lee Si-woo
Published: April 2019

Aim. We investigated the distribution of cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) and examined the association between CHHF and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Koreans. Methods. Stratified multistage sampling was used for random selection of 2,201 adults. HRQOL was assessed using the Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey (SF-12). Cold hypersensitivity was measured using a new self-report questionnaire to score the extent of cold sensation in their hands, feet, and abdomen using a 7-point scale. The correlation between CHHF and HRQOL was analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results. Cold hypersensitivity was present in the hands of 21.6%, the feet of 23.0%, and the abdomen in 22.5% of participants. Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet was observed in 17.9%, at least one body part (hands, feet, or abdomen) in 34.2%, and all three body regions in 12.3% of participants. The prevalence of cold hypersensitivity was significantly higher among women than among men, irrespective of the involved body part. Cold hypersensitivity scores in the hands and feet correlated negatively with body mass index, but not with age. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 were both significantly lower in women with than in those without CHHF. Among men, only the PCS was significantly lower in the CHHF group. Multiple regression analysis, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), confirmed that CHHF had negative effects on PCS and MCS. Conclusions. CHHF is more common in women and in individuals with a lower BMI. CHHF has an independent negative effect on HRQOL.
ECG Multilead QT Interval Estimation Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Cuadros Jhosmary , Dugarte Nelson , Wong Sara , Vanegas Pablo , Morocho Villie , Medina Rubén
Published: April 2019

This work reports a multilead QT interval measurement algorithm for a high-resolution digital electrocardiograph. The software enables off-line ECG processing including QRS detection as well as an accurate multilead QT interval detection algorithm using support vector machines (SVMs). Two fiducial points (Qini and Tend) are estimated using the SVM algorithm on each incoming beat. This enables segmentation of the current beat for obtaining the P, QRS, and T waves. The QT interval is estimated by updating the QT interval on each lead, considering shifting techniques with respect to a valid beat template. The validation of the QT interval measurement algorithm is attained using the Physionet PTB diagnostic ECG database showing a percent error of 2.60±2.25 msec with respect to the database annotations. The usefulness of this software tool is also tested by considering the analysis of the ECG signals for a group of 60 patients acquired using our digital electrocardiograph. In this case, the validation is performed by comparing the estimated QT interval with respect to the estimation obtained using the Cardiosoft software providing a percent error of 2.49±1.99 msec.
Autonomous Trajectory Tracking Control for a Large‐Scale Unmanned Helicopter under Airflow Influence
Authors: Chen Zhi , Tu Xiaowei , Yang Qinghua , Wang Daobo , Fu Jian
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a complete nonlinear dynamic unmanned helicopter model considering wind disturbance is proposed to achieve realistic simulations and teasing out the effect of wind on the control system. The wind velocity vector which is horizontal as seen in the inertial frame can be obtained by subtracting the airspeed measured by atmospheric data computer from the inertial speed measured by GPS. The design of the controller fully considers the existence of wind, and the wind disturbance is suppressed by the method of hierarchical control combined with the integral sliding mode control (SMC). The stability proof is given. Hardware in the loop (HIL) tool is employed as a practical engineering solution, and it is an essential step in validating the new algorithm before moving to real flight experiments.
A Combined Antijamming and Antispoofing Algorithm for GPS Arrays
Authors: Yang Qiong , Zhang Yi , Tang Chengkai , Lian Jie
Published: April 2019

The Global Positioning System (GPS), with its accurate positioning and timing information, has become a commonly used navigation instrument for many applications. However, it is susceptible to intentional interference such as jamming and spoofing. The conventional antijamming GPS receiver fails to work in a combined jamming and spoofing attack scenario. To solve the problem, a combined antijamming and antispoofing algorithm for a GPS receiver based on an antenna array is proposed. In this method, the jamming is eliminated by subspace projection, and then a compressed sensing framework is adopted to obtain the direction of arrival (DOA) of the despreading satellite navigation signal and detect the spoofing signal. According to the DOA of the authentic and spoofing signals, the receiver uses adaptive multibeamforming to concurrently achieve the undistorted reception of the authentic satellite signal and the suppression of the spoofing. We analyse three aspects of algorithmic performance: the antenna array direction diagram, the spoofing detection and the acquisition results. The simulation results and their analysis preliminarily show that the proposed method can detect and suppress GPS jamming and spoofing effectively.
Towards Exploration of Social in Social Internet of Vehicles Using an Agent‐Based Simulation
Authors: Zia Kashif , Muhammad Arshad , Khalid Abbas , Din Ahmad , Ferscha Alois
Published: April 2019

Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is turning out to be one of the first impressive examples of Internet of Things (IoT). In IoV, the factors of connectivity and interaction/information dispersion are equally important as sensing/actuating, context‐awareness, services provisioning, etc. However, most of the researches related to connectivity and interaction are constrained to physics of signaling and data science (semantics/contents), respectively. Very rapidly, the meanings of these factors are changing due to evolution of technologies from physical to social domain. For example, Social IoV (SIoV) is a term used to represent when vehicles build and manage their own social network. Hence, in addition to physical aspects, the social aspects of connectivity and information dispersion towards these systems of future should also be researched, a domain so far ignored in this particular context. In this paper, an agent‐based model of information sharing (for context‐based recommendations) of a hypothetical population of smart vehicles is presented. Some important hypotheses are tested under reasonable connectivity and data constraints. The simulation results reveal that closure of social ties and its timing impacts the dispersion of novel information (necessary for a recommender system) substantially. It is also observed that as the network evolves due to incremental interactions, the recommendations guaranteeing a fair distribution of vehicles across equally good competitors is not possible.
Evaluation of Corrosion Resistance of Corrosion Inhibitors for Concrete Structures by Electrochemical Testing in Saturated Ca(OH)2Solutions with NaCl and Na2SO4
Authors: Ryu Hwa Sung , Lim Chang Gil , Kang Tae Won , Lim Seungmin , Kim Hong Tae , Shin Sang Heon
Published: April 2019

Reinforcing steel maintains passivity in an alkaline concrete environment. However, the passive film on the steel can be destroyed as the concrete becomes acidic, which could induce the corrosion of reinforcing steel. Carbonates and sulfates destroy the concrete matrix and accelerate the penetration of hazardous ions, thereby deteriorating the structure. To alleviate the corrosion of internal reinforcing steel within concrete, corrosion inhibitors are most widely used. In this study, the effects of inorganic nitrite (lithium nitrite) and amino acid corrosion inhibitors (diethanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, and 4-aminobutyric) on corrosion resistance and the pH of the solution with various concentrations of Na2SO4(0.89, 1.77 g/L) in saturated Ca(OH)2that contained NaCl (0.98 g/L), which simulated the concrete environment, were investigated. The corrosion resistance of inhibitors was evaluated by corrosion potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic techniques. The results indicated improvement of corrosion resistance by the addition of amino acid corrosion inhibitors. It was confirmed that the inhibitor adsorbed on the surface of the specimen and passivated to reduce the corrosion reaction. In addition, the 4-aminobutyric acid corrosion inhibitors had the corrosion protection efficiency of 67.87–77.80%, which is a higher value than that of the inorganic nitrite corrosion inhibitor (lithium nitrite: 69.36–75.93%) and other amino acid corrosion inhibitors (diethanolamine: 35.69–39.91%; methyl diethanolamine: 66.07–69.09%).
Identification of the Transcriptional Networks and the Involvement in Angiotensin II-Induced Injury after CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockdown of Cyr61 in HEK293T Cells
Authors: Wang Junjie , Fu Dongdong , Senouthai Soulixay , Jiang Yan , Hu Rentong , You Yanwu
Published: April 2019

Background. The transcriptional networks of Cyr61 and its function in cell injury are poorly understood. The present study depicted the lncRNA and mRNA profiles and the involvement in angiotensin II-induced injury after Cyr61 knockdown mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 in HEK293T cells. Methods. HEK293T cells were cultured, and Cyr61 knockdown was achieved by transfection of the CRISPR/Cas9 KO plasmid. lncRNA and mRNA microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to determine biofunctions and signaling pathways. RT-PCR was used to validate the microarray results. Cells were divided into four groups: control, Cyr61 knockdown, angiotensin II (Ang II) without Cyr61 knockdown, and Ang II with Cyr61 knockdown. CCK8, western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis were carried out to dissect cellular function. Results. A total of 23184 lncRNAs and 28264 mRNAs were normalized. 26 lncRNAs and 212 mRNAs were upregulated, and 74 lncRNAs and 233 mRNAs were downregulated after Cyr61 knockdown. Analysis of cellular components, molecular functions, biological processes, and regulatory pathways associated with the differentially expressed mRNAs revealed downstream mechanisms of the Cyr61 gene. The differentially expressed genes were affected for small cell lung cancer, axon guidance, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, MAPK signaling pathway, focal adhesion, insulin resistance, and metabolic pathways. In addition, Cyr61 expression was increased in accordance with induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation induced by Ang II. Knockdown of Cyr61 in HEK293T cells promoted cell cycle procession, decreased apoptosis, and promoted cell proliferation. Conclusions. The Cyr61 gene is involved in Ang II-induced injury in HEK293T cells. Functional mechanisms of the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs as well as identification of metabolic pathways will provide new therapeutic targets for Cyr61-realated diseases.