bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroadaptive quantized PID sliding‐mode control for heterogeneous vehicular platoon with unknown actuator deadzone
Authors: Guo Xianggui , Wang Jianliang , Liao Fang , Teo Rodney Swee Huat 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThis paper focuses on the problem of neuroadaptive quantized control for heterogeneous vehicular platoon when the follower vehicles suffer from external disturbances, mismatch input quantization, and unknown actuator deadzone. The PID‐based sliding‐mode (PIDSM) control technique is used due to its superior capability to reduce spacing errors and to eliminate the steady‐state spacing errors. Then, a neuroadaptive quantized PIDSM control scheme with minimal learning parameters is designed not only to guarantee the string stability of the whole vehicular platoon and ultimate uniform boundedness of all adaptive law signals but also to attenuate the negative effects caused by external disturbance, mismatch input quantization, and unknown actuator deadzone. Furthermore, optimizing the interspacing between consecutive vehicles is very important to reduce traffic congestion on highways, and a new modified constant time headway policy is proposed to not only increase traffic density but also address the negative effect of nonzero initial spacing, velocity, and acceleration errors. Compared with most existing methods, the proposed method does not linearize the system model and neither requires precise knowledge of the system model. Finally, the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed method are demonstrated by comparative simulation studies.
Global state control for a class of inherently higher‐order parameterized nonlinear time‐delay systems based on homogeneous domination approach
Authors: Chai Lin , Wang Pan , Fei Shumin 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThis paper addresses the problem of global state feedback stabilization for a class of inherently higher‐order parameterized nonlinear systems subject to time delay. By using the homogeneous domination approach, we construct a homogeneous state feedback controller with an adaptive strategy. A constructive design method is developed based an effective coupling of the inductive method and a sign function, leading to adaptive regulators with minimal parameterization. With the aid of a homogeneous Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, the closed‐loop systems can be asymptotically stabilized globally.
Output control design and separation principle for a class of port‐Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Yaghmaei Abolfazl , Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad 
Published: November 2018

SummaryUsing a structure preserving observer, a dynamic output controller is proposed for a class of port‐Hamiltonian systems. The core of this method is based on the notion of contractive port‐Hamiltonian systems. The proposed method utilizes an extended form of IDA‐PBC (interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control), a well‐known controller design method for port‐Hamiltonian systems and paves the way for using IDA‐PBC in output control design of challenging control objectives, such as output tracking for underactuated mechanical systems. In the line of output control design, a useful separation principle for a class of port‐Hamiltonian systems is achieved, which is valuable in the field of nonlinear systems. Some simulations on magnetic levitation and ball on wheel testbeds show the potency and applicability of the proposed method.
On mean‐square H∞ control for discrete‐time nonlinear stochastic systems with (x, u, v)‐dependent noises
Authors: Sheng Li , Wang Zidong , Shen Bo , Gao Ming 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this paper, the H∞ control problem is investigated for a general class of discrete‐time nonlinear stochastic systems with state‐, control‐, and disturbance‐dependent noises (also called (x, u, v)‐dependent noises). In the system under study, the system state, the control input, and the disturbance input are all coupled with white noises, and this gives rise to considerable difficulties in the stability and H∞ performance analysis. By using the inequality techniques, a sufficient condition is established for the existence of the desired controller such that the closed‐loop system is mean‐square asymptotically stable and also satisfies H∞ performance constraint for all nonzero exogenous disturbances under the zero‐initial condition. The completing square technique is used to design the H∞ controller with hope to reduce the resulting conservatism, and a special algebraic identity is employed to deal with the cross‐terms induced by (x, u, v)‐dependent noises. Several corollaries with simplified conditions are presented to facilitate the controller design. The effectiveness of the developed methods is demonstrated by two numerical examples with one concerning the multiplier‐accelerator macroeconomic system.
Robotic pipeline wall thickness evaluation for dense nondestructive testing inspection
Authors: Valls Miro Jaime , Ulapane Nalika , Shi Lei , Hunt Dave , Behrens Michael 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper addresses automated mapping of the remaining wall thickness of metallic pipelines in the field by means of an inspection robot equipped with nondestructive testing (NDT) sensing. Set in the context of condition assessment of critical infrastructure, the integrity of arbitrary sections in the conduit is derived with a bespoke robot kinematic configuration that allows dense pipe wall thickness discrimination in circumferential and longitudinal direction via NDT sensing with guaranteed sensing lift‐off (offset of the sensor from pipe wall) to the pipe wall, an essential barrier to overcome in cement‐lined water pipelines. A tailored covariance function for pipeline cylindrical structures within the context of a Gaussian Processes has also been developed to regress missing sensor data incurred by a sampling strategy folllowed in the field to speed up the inspection times, given the slow response of the pulsed eddy current electromagnetic sensor proposed. The data gathered represent not only a visual understanding of the condition of the pipe for asset managers, but also constitute a quantative input to a remaining‐life calculation that defines the likelihood of the pipeline for future renewal or repair. Results are presented from deployment of the robotic device on a series of pipeline inspections which demonstrate the feasibility of the device and sensing configuration to provide meaningful 2.5D geometric maps.
HDAC8, A Potential Therapeutic Target, Regulates Proliferation and Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Xiao Tao , Fu Yu , Zhu Weiwen , Xu Rongyao , Xu Ling , Zhang Ping , Du Yifei , Cheng Jie , Jiang Hongbing 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFibrous dysplasia (FD) is a disease of postnatal skeletal stem cells caused by activating mutations of guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha-stimulating activity polypeptide (GNAS). FD is characterized by high proliferation and osteogenesis disorder of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), resulting in bone pain, deformities, and fractures. The cAMP-CREB pathway, which is activated by GNAS mutations, is known to be closely associated with the occurrence of FD. However, so far there is no available targeted therapeutic strategy for FD, as a critical issue that remains largely unknown is how this pathway is involved in FD. Our previous study revealed that histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via epigenetic regulation. Here, compared with normal BMSCs, FD BMSCs exhibited significantly high proliferation and weak osteogenic capacity in response to HDAC8 upregulation and tumor protein 53 (TP53) downregulation. Moreover, inhibition of cAMP reduced HDAC8 expression, increased TP53 expression and resulted in the improvement of FD phenotype. Importantly, HDAC8 inhibition prevented cAMP-induced cell phenotype and promoted osteogenesis in nude mice that were implanted with FD BMSCs. Mechanistically, HDAC8 was identified as a transcriptional target gene of CREB1 and its transcription was directly activated by CREB1 in FD BMSCs. In summary, our study reveals that HDAC8 associates with FD phenotype and demonstrates the mechanisms regulated by cAMP-CREB1-HDAC8 pathway. These results provide insights into the molecular regulation of FD pathogenesis, and offer novel clues that small molecule inhibitors targeting HDAC8 are promising clinical treatment for FD. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:148&14
Early Observations from Monitoring a Reintroduction Program: Return of Sockeye Salmon to a Nursery Lake of Historical Importance
Authors: Matala Andrew P. , Narum Shawn R. , Saluskin Brian P. , Johnston Mark V. , Newell Jeremiah E. , Fast David E. , Galbreath Peter F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe historical distribution of Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in the Columbia River basin has been constrained by the species’ dependence on nursery lakes for juvenile rearing. Several productive lake systems were impounded by dams during the last century leading to the extirpation of Sockeye Salmon from many nursery lakes in the region. Recent efforts to re‐establish populations in historically natal areas are exemplified by the Cle Elum Lake reintroduction program. The program is founded on outplanting adult fish from two middle Columbia River donor populations with different adaptive potentials. We used genetic stock identification methods to differentiate stock origins between Osoyoos Lake (OSO) and Lake Wenatchee (WEN) donor stocks and to evaluate the relative productivity from two brood years (2011 and 2012) of natural spawning in the novel environment. Spawning ground surveys revealed assortative mating between earlier‐spawning WEN fish that were more abundant farthest upstream and later‐spawning OSO fish that were concentrated (82%) downstream nearest the lake. Hybrids accounted for only 5% of sampled smolts and 4% of adult returns. Smolts rearing in Cle Elum Lake were significantly larger overall (OSO, 140 mm; WEN, 129 mm) than smolts in either donor population (84 mm). However, the average size of OSO smolts varied among emigration years, and relative smolt abundances favored the WEN stock (70% overall), indicative of a rearing survival advantage. In relation, the WEN stock exhibited a better average rate of replacement (0.80) in adult‐to‐adult escapement compared with the OSO stock (0.17). Continued monitoring will focus on trends in productivity and potential demographic shifts that may arise in the Cle Elum Lake population and will provide managers with information concerning limiting factors in the environment that might affect similar approaches to reintroductions in other lake systems.
Doppler changes in umbilical artery and ductus venosus during fetoscopic prenatal surgical repair of myelomeningocele
Authors: Kassir E. , Belfort M. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Sanz Cortes M. , Whitehead W. E. , Espinoza J. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveCardiac dysfunction has been described in 60% of fetuses undergoing open myelomeningocele (MMC) repair. Routine Doppler evaluation of the umbilical artery (UA) and ductus venosus (DV) is challenging during fetal surgery. The aim of this study was to describe Doppler changes in the UA and DV in a cohort of fetuses during fetoscopic MMC repair.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of fetuses that underwent fetoscopic repair of MMC at a single institution between 2014 and 2017. Ultrasound images taken intraoperatively were analyzed to describe the changes in Doppler parameters of the UA and DV during fetoscopic MMC repair. The timing of Doppler changes was matched with the phase of surgery to determine whether a pattern to their appearance could be ascertained.ResultsOf the thirty‐five cases of fetoscopic MMC repair performed during the study period, Doppler data were available for 15. Of these, UA Doppler data were obtained in 12 cases, and DV Doppler data were obtained in 13 cases. Of the 12 cases for which there were UA data, nine (75%) showed transient absence of end‐diastolic flow (EDF), with five (41.7%) of them progressing to reversal of EDF. Of the 13 cases for which there were DV data, nine had elevated pulsatility index; however, none of them had absent or reversed blood flow during atrial contraction. Of the nine cases with absent EDF in the UA, this abnormality first appeared during fetoscopic repair in five (55.6%), after uterus exteriorization but before CO2 insufflation in two (22.2%), after uterus replacement but before skin closure in one (11.1%) and after CO2 insufflation but before the start of the MMC repair in one (11.1%). Doppler abnormalities in four fetuses with reversed EDF and in three with absent EDF resolved during surgery. Follow‐up examination 1 day after surgery demonstrated resolution of UA and DV Doppler abnormalities in all fetuses.ConclusionTransient Doppler abnormalities of the UA, without significant changes in the DV, can be seen during fetoscopic MMC repair. The clinical significance of these Doppler findings remains unclear due to their transient and intermittent nature. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Learning curve for ultrasonographic diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis using structured offline training program
Authors: Guerriero S. , Pascual M. A. , Ajossa S. , Rodriguez I. , Zajicek M. , Rolla M. , Rams Llop N. , Yulzari V. , Bardin R. , Buonomo F. , Comparetto O. , Perniciano M. , Saba L. , Mais V. , Alcazar J. L. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the learning curves of trainees during a structured offline/hands‐on training program for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).MethodsFour trainees (all Ob/Gyn postgraduates with at least 5 years' experience in ultrasonography in obstetrics and gynecology, but with no experience of sonographic examination of DIE) participated in the study. They underwent a 2‐week training program with a single trainer. Day 1  was devoted to theoretical issues and guided offline analysis of 10 three‐dimensional ultrasound volumes. During the following days, four sessions of real‐time sonographic examinations were performed in a DIE referral center ultrasound unit. In between these sessions, the trainees analyzed four datasets offline, each containing 25 volumes. At the end of each set, misinterpreted volumes were reassessed with the trainer. Presence or absence of DIE at surgery was considered the gold standard. The trainees' learning process was evaluated by learning‐curve cumulative summation (LC‐CUSUM) and the deviations of the trainees' level of performance at the control stage was assessed by CUSUM (standard CUSUM), for different locations of DIE.ResultsThe trainees reached competence after an average of 17 (range, 14–21) evaluations for bladder, 40 (range, 30–60) for rectosigmoid, 25 (range, 14–34) for forniceal, 44 (range, 25–66) for uterosacral ligament (USL) and 21 (range, 14–43) for rectovaginal septum (RVS) locations of DIE, and then kept the process under control, with error levels of less than 4.5% until the end of the test. The overall accuracy for each trainee in diagnosis of DIE at the different locations ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 for bladder DIE, from 0.80 to 0.94 for rectosigmoid DIE, from 0.90 to 0.94 for forniceal DIE, from 0.79 to 0.82 for USL DIE and from 0.89 to 0.98 for RVS DIE.ConclusionsThe suggested 2‐week training program, based on a mixture of offline and live scanning sessions, is feasible and apparently provides effective training for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of DIE. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Left ventricular mechanics in late second trimester of healthy pregnancy
Authors: Meah V. L. , Backx K. , Cockcroft J. R. , Shave R. E. , Stöhr E. J. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanics in the second trimester of healthy pregnancy and to determine the influence of underpinning hemodynamics (heart rate (HR), preload and afterload) on LV mechanics during gestation.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 18 non‐pregnant, 14 nulliparous pregnant (22–26 weeks' gestation) and 13 primiparous postpartum (12–16 weeks after delivery) women. All pregnant and postpartum women had uncomplicated, singleton gestations. Cardiac structure and function were assessed using echocardiography. LV mechanics, specifically longitudinal strain, circumferential strain and twist/untwist, were measured using speckle‐tracking echocardiography. Differences between groups were identified using ANCOVA, with age, HR, end‐diastolic volume (EDV) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as covariates. Relationships between LV mechanics and hemodynamics were examined using Pearson's correlation.ResultsThere were no significant differences in LV structure and traditional measurements of systolic and diastolic function between the three groups. Pregnant women, compared with non‐pregnant ones, had significantly higher resting longitudinal strain (–22 ± 2% vs –17 ± 3%; P = 0.002) and basal circumferential strain (–23 ± 4% vs –16 ± 2%; P = 0.001). Apical circumferential strain and LV twist and untwist mechanics were similar between the three groups. No statistically significant relationships were observed between LV mechanics and HR, EDV or SBP within the groups.ConclusionsCompared to the non‐pregnant state, pregnant women in the second trimester of a healthy pregnancy have significantly greater resting systolic function, as assessed by LV longitudinal and circumferential strain. Contrary to previous work, these data show that healthy pregnant women should not exhibit reductions in resting systolic function between 22 and 26 weeks' gestation. The enhanced myocardial contractile function during gestation does not appear to be related to hemodynamic load and could be the result of other physiological adaptations to pregnancy. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
From Some to None? Fertility Expectation Dynamics of Permanently Childless Women
Authors: Gemmill Alison 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Permanent childlessness is increasingly acknowledged as an outcome of a dynamic, context-dependent process, but few studies have integrated a life course framework to investigate the complex pathways leading to childlessness. This study focuses on an understudied yet revealing dimension of why individuals remain childless: stated fertility expectations over the life course. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort, I use a combination of sequence analysis, data-driven clustering techniques, and multivariable regression models to identify and describe groups of permanently childless women who follow similar trajectories of stated fertility expectations. Results indicate that a little more than one-half (56 %) of eventually childless women fall into a cluster where childlessness is expected before age 30. Women in the remaining clusters (44 %) transition to expecting childlessness later in the life course but are differentiated by the types of trajectories that precede the emergence of a childless expectation. Results from multivariable regression show that several respondent characteristics, including race/ethnicity, education, and marital history, predict cluster membership. Taken together, these findings add to a growing body of literature that provides a more nuanced description of permanently childless women and motivates further research that integrates interdependencies between life course domains and fertility expectations and decision-making of those who remain childless.
Purulent Inflatable Penile Prostheses Can Be Safely Immediately Salvaged in Insulin-Dependent Diabetics
Authors: Peters Chloe E. , Carlos Evan C. , Lentz Aaron C. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Historically, contra-indications for immediate salvage of an infected penile prosthesis have included purulence on the device, purulent infections in diabetic patients, and severe diabetes. These clinical principles are from the 1990s to early 2000s and based on limited retrospective series or expert opinion. Since the publication of these contra-indications there have been improvements in device design, surgical technique, corporal washout protocols, and perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis that allow us to re-evaluate whether we can broaden the criteria for immediate salvage of an infected penile prosthesis.

Aim
To report whether patients with severe diabetes can safely have a purulent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) immediately salvaged.

Methods
We considered a “severe diabetic” as a patient whose disease has progressed past diet control and oral medications and, therefore, has insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (IDDM II). We retrospectively reviewed 6 consecutive patients with IDDM II and a purulent IPP who had been immediately salvaged from July 2011 to November 2017. In addition to immediate exchange, each received catheter-directed anti-microbial intracorporal irrigation and device culture. All patients were discharged home the next day with oral antibiotics.

Main Outcome Measure
Outcomes included repeat penile prosthesis infection or any other complication following immediate salvage.

Results
All 6 patients have healed well and remained infection free at their 6- to 8-week post-operative follow-up appointment. 15–39 months after salvage, no patients have had a repeat infection or any other complication. 5 patients received a malleable replacement device and 1 patient was electively converted to an IPP 7 months after his salvage procedure. 1 patient received an IPP during salvage per patient preference. All patients are currently pleased with either their malleable penile prosthesis or IPP.

Clinical Implications
Immediate salvage attenuates the morbidity associated with an infected penile prosthesis such as irreversible penile shortening and corporal fibrosis. Our findings suggest that more patients than originally thought may be a candidate for immediate salvage.

Strength & Limitations
To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating outcomes after immediate salvage of a purulent IPP in patients with advanced diabetes. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and retrospective nature.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that those with IDDM II who have a purulent penile prosthesis may be candidates for safe and effective immediate salvage.