bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Tracking Control Of The Variable Stiffness Actuator Based On The Lever Mechanism
Authors: Guo Jishu , Tian Guohui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the design of a robust adaptive tracking control scheme for a class of variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) based on the lever mechanisms. For these VSAs based on the lever mechanisms, the AwAS‐II developed at Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is chosen as the study object, and it is an enhanced version of the original realization AwAS (actuator with adjustable stiffness). Firstly, for the dynamic model of the AwAS‐II system in the presence of parametric uncertainties, unknown bounded friction torques, unknown bounded external disturbance and input saturation constraints, by using the coordinate transformations and the static state feedback linearization, the state space model of the AwAS‐II system with composite disturbances and input saturation constraints is transformed into an uncertain multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) linear system with lumped disturbances and input saturation constraints. Subsequently, a combination of the feedback linearization, disturbance observer, sliding mode control and adaptive input saturation compensation law is adopted for the design of the robust tracking controller that simultaneously regulates the position and stiffness of the AwAS‐II system. Under the proposed controller, the semi‐global uniformly ultimately bounded stability of the closed‐loop system has been proved via Lyapunov stability analysis. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed robust adaptive tracking control scheme.
Invariant Kalman Filter for Correlated Wide Band Noises
Authors: Bashirov Agamirza E. , Abuassba Kanda 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKalman filtering is a powerful estimation method. One of its weaknesses is related to the white or coloured nature of the disturbing noises in the Kalman filtering model. At the same time, real noises are rarely white or coloured. They are mostly wide band. In this regard, white or coloured noise Kalman filtering makes concessions on adequacy. This pushes system scientists to develop mathematical methods of estimation for systems corrupted by wide band noises. In applications, wide band noises are detected by their autocovariance and cross‐covariance functions, which do not allow to model them uniquely. Therefore, it becomes important to develop estimation methods which are independent of a class of wide band noises, but dependent on the unique autocovariance and cross‐covariance functions. Such results are called invariant results. In this paper, we prove a complete set of invariant equations for Kalman type filter for a linear signal‐observation system corrupted by correlated wide band noises. This filter has a ready form to be used in applications, just respective numerical methods must be developed.
Exponential Stabilization of Stochastic Memristive Recurrent Neural Networks Under Periodically Intermittent State Feedback Control
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Fang Jian‐an , Li Huiyuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the exponential stabilization problem is investigated for a class of memristive time‐varying delayed neural networks with stochastic disturbance via periodically intermittent state feedback control. First, a periodically intermittent state feedback control rule is designed for the exponential stabilization of stochastic memristive time‐varying delayed neural networks. Then, by adopting appropriate Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals in light of the Lyapunov stability theory, some novel stabilization criteria are obtained to guarantee exponential stabilization of stochastic memristive time‐varying delayed neural networks via periodically intermittent state feedback control. Compared with existing results on stabilization of stochastic memristive time‐varying delayed neural networks, the obtained stabilization criteria in this paper are not difficult to verify. Finally, an illustrative example is given to illustrate the validity of the obtained results.
Cost-effectiveness of revascularization in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Djerf H , Falkenberg M , Jivegård L , Lindgren H , Svensson M , Nordanstig J 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Revascularization is a treatment option for patients with intermittent claudication. However, there is a lack of evidence to support its long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of revascularization and best medical therapy (BMT) with that of BMT alone.

Methods
Data were used from the IRONIC (Invasive Revascularization Or Not in Intermittent Claudication) RCT where consecutive patients with mild-to-severe intermittent claudication owing to aortoiliac or femoropopliteal disease were allocated to either BMT alone (including a structured, non-supervised exercise programme) or to revascularization together with BMT. Inpatient and outpatient costs were obtained prospectively over 24 months of follow-up. Mean improvement in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) was calculated based on responses to the EuroQol Five Dimensions EQ-5D-3 L™ questionnaire. Cost-effectiveness was assessed as the cost per QALY gained.

Results
A total of 158 patients were randomized, 79 to each group. The mean cost per patient in the BMT group was €1901, whereas it was €8280 in the group treated with revascularization in addition to BMT, with a cost difference of €6379 (95 per cent c.i. €4229 to 8728) per patient. Revascularization in addition to BMT resulted in a mean gain in QALYs of 0·16 (95 per cent c.i. 0·06 to 0·24) per patient, giving an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €42 881 per QALY.

Conclusion
The costs associated with revascularization together with BMT in patients with intermittent claudication were about four times higher than those of BMT alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of revascularization was within the accepted threshold for public willingness to pay according to the Swedish National Guidelines, but exceeded that of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
Liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of (RS)‐etodolac using (S)‐levofloxacin and determination of absolute configuration of the diastereomeric derivatives
Authors: Singh Manisha 
Published: October 2018

Abstract(RS)‐Etodolac was isolated from commercial tablets and was purified and characterized to be used as racemic standard. A pair of diastereomeric derivatives was synthesized using (S)‐levofloxacin as a chiral derivatizing reagent. The derivatization reaction was carried out under conditions of stirring at room temperature (30°C for 1.5 h) as well as under microwave irradiation; the derivatives obtained by the two methods were compared. Reaction conditions for derivatization were optimized with respect to mole ratio of chiral derivatizing reagent and (RS)‐etodolac. No racemization was observed throughout the study. Separation of diastereomeric derivatives was successful using C18 column and a binary mixture of methanol and triethyl ammonium phosphate buffer of pH 4.5 (80:20, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1 and UV detection at 223 nm. An efficient approach for recognizing chirality and determining the absolute configuration of the diastereomeric derivatives of (RS)‐etodolac is described, which in turn is a measure of the enantiomeric purity of (RS)‐etodolac since the diastereomeric derivatives were separated and isolated using preparative thin‐layer chromatography.
Proposition of zinc supplementation during levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel treatment
Authors: Matsuyama Hirofumi , Matsuura Keita , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Hirata Yoshinori , Kato Natsuko , Niwa Atsushi , Narita Yugo , Tomimoto Hidekazu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesLevodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion is a useful therapy for the wearing‐off phenomenon of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Recently, we found three PD patients that may have had a zinc deficiency after the LCIG infusion, possibly due to the zinc‐chelating action of levodopa. This study aims to evaluate changes in serum zinc levels in three patients that received LCIG treatment and to determine possible remedies for zinc deficiency during treatment.Materials and MethodsWe performed a prospective blood analysis of serum zinc levels before, when possible, and after LCIG treatment in our three PD patients.ResultsThe serum zinc levels of the first patient before treatment and 4 months after beginning LCIG treatment were 69 and 58 μg/dl, respectively. For the second patient, serum zinc levels before treatment and two months after starting LCIG treatment were 87 and 46 μg/dl, respectively. The baseline serum zinc level for the third patient was not examined, but was 48 μg/dl 5 months after starting the LCIG infusion.ConclusionsLevodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel infusion might have caused a zinc deficiency through levodopa zinc chelation. Zinc deficiency with LCIG infusion has not yet been reported, though preventing zinc deficiency may be an important factor in future LCIG treatment strategies.
High levels of serum glypican‐1 indicate poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Cong‐ya , Dong Yi‐ping , Sun Xiao , Sui Xin , Zhu Hong , Zhao Ya‐qin , Zhang Yuan‐yuan , Mason Clifford , Zhu Qing , Han Su‐xia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCarbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) fails to demonstrate the predictive value for early detection pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Glypican‐1 (GPC1+) exosomes may serve as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to detect early stages of PDAC. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the serum GPC1 levels and determine whether serum GPC1 serves as a novel biomarker for PDAC patients. Blood samples were collected from 156 patients with PDAC, 199 non‐cancer controls, and 240 patients with other cancers. Serological levels of GPC1 were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, a 5‐year follow‐up was monitored to evaluate the correlation between serum GPC1 levels and overall survival in 156 patients with PDAC. The results suggested that levels of serum GPC1 and CA19‐9 were higher in PDAC patients than that of controls (P < 0.05). Serum GPC1 levels in PDAC were different from those in gallbladder carcinoma (P < 0.001), colorectal carcinoma (P < 0.001), gastric carcinoma (P < 0.001), and prostate cancer (P < 0.001), but not hepatocellular carcinoma (P = 0.395) and cholangiocarcinoma (P = 0.724). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that serum CA19‐9 was significantly better than serum GPC1 in distinguishing PDAC patients from the controls (AUC, 95% CI: 0.908, 0.868‐0.947 vs 0.795, 0.749‐0.841, respectively). The serum GPC1 cannot be used as a serum diagnostic biomarker for PDAC patients. The level of serum GPC1 decreased 2 days after surgery (P = 0.001), which were not different from serum GPC1 levels in healthy control (P = 0.381). The overall survival rate was shorter in patients with high levels of serum GPC1 compared to those with low levels of serum GPC1 (log‐rank = 5.16, P = 0.023). Taken together, the results indicate that high levels of serum GPC1 predict poor prognosis in PDAC patients. Serum GPC1 may be a prognosis factor for PDAC patients.
Expression of CD81 and CD117 in plasma cell myeloma and the relationship to prognosis
Authors: Chen Fang , Hu Yanping , Wang Xiaohui , Fu Shuang , Liu Zhuogang , Zhang Jihong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, the immunophenotype was retrospectively analyzed in 131 patients who received initial treatment for plasma cell myeloma (PCM) and the relationships of CD81 and CD117 with the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis were further evaluated. The Kaplan and Meier method and Cox regression survival analysis model were used to determine whether CD117 and CD81 were factors affecting the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of PCM patients. CD117 and CD81 positivity was demonstrated in 35.88% and 40.46% of the 131 patients, respectively. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that CD117 and CD81 were potential predictors of a patient's prognosis. Specifically, CD117(+) patients had longer PFS (P = 0.033) and OS (P = 0.002), while CD81(+) patients had shorter PFS (P = 0.001) and OS (P = 0.002). CD117(+) and CD81(−) patients had the longest PFS [P = 0.0183 compared to the CD117(−)CD81(−)/CD117(+)CD81(+) group;P = 0.0007 compared to the CD117(−)CD81(+) group] and the longest OS [P = 0.0331 compared to the CD117(−)CD81(−)/CD117(+)CD81(+) group;P = 0.0005 compared to the CD117(−)CD81(+) group]. Our results show that CD81 is an independent factor affecting the OS and PFS of PCM patients, and CD117 is an independent factor affecting the OS of PCM patients. CD117‐positive and CD81‐negative patients with PCM have a better prognosis.
Albocycline‐type Macrolides with Antibacterial Activities from Streptomyces sp. 4205
Authors: Gu Cheng‐Zhen , Yuan Sheng‐Hao , Lü Jing , Qiao Yi‐Jun , Song Yuan‐Yuan , Abdalla Elzaki Mohammed Esmail , Yang Chong‐Ren , Zhang Ying‐Jun , Zeng Ren‐Sen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe actinomycete genus Streptomyces is characterized by producing bioactive secondary metabolites, including antibiotics. In this study, chemical and biological investigations were carried out on Streptomyces strain 4205 isolated from the paddy soil, leading to the identification and characterization of 10 albocycline‐type macrolides, among which 4 compounds were new, namely albocyclines A–D (1–4). The structures of 1–10 were identified according to the 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic data. Furthermore, compounds 1–10 were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Compounds 5–7 displayed antimicrobial activities against Candidaalbicans ATCC 90028 with the same MIC value of 10.0 mg/mL and the IC50 values of 1.5, 1.0, and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. Thus, the research on Streptomyces sp. is of vital significance for developing new antibiotic agents.
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence with concomitant otosclerosis—A literature review and case discussion
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Handzel Ophir , Cavel Oren , Oron Yahav 
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical MassageComputed tomography scan should be performed as a routine before every stapes surgery, in order to exclude concomitant superior semicircular canal dehiscence, since no other clinical, audiological, or electro‐physiological criteria are available to exclude concomitant superior semicircular canal dehiscence in the otosclerotic temporal bone.
Novel metabolic signatures of compound heterozygous Szt2 variants in a case of early‐onset of epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Uittenbogaard Martine , Gropman Andrea , Brantner Christine A. , Chiaramello Anne 
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical MessageOur study reports the case of a patient with early onset of epileptic encephalopathy harboring compound heterozygous Szt2 variants. We provide the first evidence that these Szt2 variants impair mitochondrial energy metabolism. Our results shed light on their pathogenic molecular mechanism and clinical implications for brain development and disease progression.
Oxidative Dehydrogenation on Nanocarbon: Revealing the Reaction Mechanism via In Situ Experimental Strategies
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Wei , Wei Shimeng , Su Dangsheng , Qi Wei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractClassical mechanistic analysis strategy, including active site chemical titration, kinetic measurement and corresponding isotopic effect and surface reaction of single reactant etc., were performed in oxidative dehydrogenation reactions on nanocarbon. The detailed reaction mechanism for non‐metallic carbon catalytic process was revealed via in situ experimental methods, which sheds light on the accurate quantitative description and structure‐function relations for carbon catalysis.
Boosting the Performance of BiVO4 Prepared through Alkaline Electrodeposition with an Amorphous Fe Co‐Catalyst
Authors: Saada Hiba , Abdallah Rawa , Fabre Bruno , Floner Didier , Fryars Stéphanie , Vacher Antoine , Dorcet Vincent , Meriadec Cristelle , Ababou‐Girard Soraya , Loget Gabriel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBiVO4 is a promising n‐type semiconductor for water‐splitting photoelectrochemical cells. We report here a new method to prepare BiVO4 photoanodes that is based on an alkaline electrodeposition process, which avoids chemical etching of Bi. In addition, we present a simple and general method to prepare coatings of amorphous FeOx that behave as a co‐catalyst on our BiVO4 material, improving the water splitting photocurrent.
Effectiveness and cost of multilayered colorectal cancer screening promotion interventions at federally qualified health centers in Washington State
Authors: Kemper Kathryn E. , Glaze Becky L. , Eastman Casey L. , Waldron Roxane C. , Hoover Sonja , Flagg T’Ronda , Tangka Florence K. L. , Subramanian Sujha 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIt has been demonstrated that fecal immunochemical test (FIT) mailing programs are effective for increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The objectives of the current study were to assess the magnitude of uptake that could be achieved with a mailed FIT program in a federally qualified health center and whether such a program can be implemented at a reasonable cost to support sustainability.MethodsThe Washington State Department of Health’s partner HealthPoint implemented a direct‐mail FIT program at 9 medical clinics, along with a follow‐up reminder letter and automated telephone calls to those not up‐to‐date with recommended screening. Supplemental outreach events at selected medical clinics and a 50th birthday card screening reminder program also were implemented. The authors collected and analyzed process, effectiveness, and cost measures and conducted a systematic assessment of the short‐term cost effectiveness of the interventions.ResultsOverall, 5178 FIT kits were mailed with 4009 follow‐up reminder letters, and 8454 automated reminder telephone calls were made over 12 months. In total, 1607 FIT kits were returned within 3 months of the end of the implementation period: an overall return rate of 31% for the mailed FIT program. The average total intervention cost per FIT kit returned was $39.81, and the intervention implementation cost per kit returned was $18.76.ConclusionsThe mailed FIT intervention improved CRC screening uptake among HealthPoint’s patient population. This intervention was implemented for less than $40 per individual successfully screened. The findings and lessons learned can assist other clinics that serve disadvantaged populations to increase their CRC screening adherence.
Gene expression patterns determine the differential numbers of dorsocentral macrochaetes between Musca domestica and Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Liang Qing , Peng Tingting , Sun Boyuan , Tu Jianbo , Cheng Xingyi , Tian Yuanliangzi , Fan Xiaolan , Yang Deying , Gaur Uma , Yang Mingyao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe evolutionary differences in sensory bristle patterns on the thorax of dipterans are an excellent model for studying the patterns of evolutionary development. We observed that Drosophila melanogaster has two pairs of the large bristles, called macrochaetes, in the dorsocentral (DC) region of the notum, while Musca domestica retains six DC macrochaetes. To explore possible mechanism by which these two dipteran species have different numbers of DC bristles, we compared the corresponding protein sequences, the gene expression levels and the spatial expression patterns of five genes (scute, pnr, ush, hairy, and emc) for bristle development between two species. We also checked the overexpression of scute and emc in transgenic flies. The results demonstrated a strong conservation of five protein sequences between these two species. The mRNA expression of the five genes differed significantly between D. melanogaster and M. domestica. The gene expression patterns exhibited a species‐specific pattern during the larval development stage. It suggests that the function of these genes has been conserved in regulating the development of macrocheates between housefly and fruit fly, whereas the gene expression levels, especially spatial expression patterns lead to species‐specificity in DC bristles.
Social environment affects the transcriptomic response to bacteria in ant queens
Authors: Viljakainen Lumi , Jurvansuu Jaana , Holmberg Ida , Pamminger Tobias , Erler Silvio , Cremer Sylvia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSocial insects have evolved enormous capacities to collectively build nests and defend their colonies against both predators and pathogens. The latter is achieved by a combination of individual immune responses and sophisticated collective behavioral and organizational disease defenses, that is, social immunity. We investigated how the presence or absence of these social defense lines affects individual‐level immunity in ant queens after bacterial infection. To this end, we injected queens of the ant Linepithema humile with a mix of gram+ and gram− bacteria or a control solution, reared them either with workers or alone and analyzed their gene expression patterns at 2, 4, 8, and 12 hr post‐injection, using RNA‐seq. This allowed us to test for the effect of bacterial infection, social context, as well as the interaction between the two over the course of infection and raising of an immune response. We found that social isolation per se affected queen gene expression for metabolism genes, but not for immune genes. When infected, queens reared with and without workers up‐regulated similar numbers of innate immune genes revealing activation of Toll and Imd signaling pathways and melanization. Interestingly, however, they mostly regulated different genes along the pathways and showed a different pattern of overall gene up‐regulation or down‐regulation. Hence, we can conclude that the absence of workers does not compromise the onset of an individual immune response by the queens, but that the social environment impacts the route of the individual innate immune responses.
Disturbance shapes avian communities on a grassland–sagebrush ecotone
Authors: Duchardt Courtney J. , Porensky Lauren M. , Augustine David J. , Beck Jeffrey L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEcotones, or transitional zones between ecosystems, are often hotspots for biodiversity and targets for conservation. Where the Great Plains meet the sagebrush (Artemisiaspp.) steppe, an opportunity exists to conserve habitat for the two most imperiled avian guilds in North America, grassland and shrub‐steppe birds. This ecotone creates a unique challenge with respect to the management of disturbance processes, such as fire and grazing, because grassland and sagebrush‐shrubland birds respond quite dissimilarly to disturbance. To address this management challenge and maximize conservation opportunities, we examined the responses of grassland and sagebrush bird communities to disturbance at a grassland–sagebrush ecotone in northeast Wyoming,USA. Specifically, we surveyed bird communities on active black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies and burned areas, as well as on paired undisturbed points in 2016 and 2017. Bird community structure varied in response to both the presence and type of disturbance. Although alpha diversity of avian species was highest on undisturbed sites and burned areas, only prairie dog colonies provided breeding habitat for the imperiled shortgrass‐obligate mountain plover (Charadrius montanus), and species turnover (beta diversity) was greatest between on‐colony and off‐colony points. Furthermore, bird communities were shaped by both disturbance‐dependent (e.g., disturbance age) and disturbance‐independent (e.g., topography and soils) landscape features. Managers must balance the benefits of high species diversity in undisturbed sagebrush with habitat requirements of other imperiled species like the mountain plover. This may entail prioritizing the amount and distribution of disturbances in relation to population goals for species of conservation concern while simultaneously maintaining a mosaic of all three patch types in this landscape.