bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fault‐tolerant control of discrete‐time LPV systems using virtual actuators and sensors
Authors: Tabatabaeipour S. Mojtaba , Stoustrup Jakob , Bak Thomas 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThis paper proposes a new fault‐tolerant control (FTC) method for discrete‐time linear parameter varying (LPV) systems using a reconfiguration block. The basic idea of the method is to achieve the FTC goal without redesigning the nominal controller by inserting a reconfiguration block between the plant and the nominal controller. The reconfiguration block is realized by an LPV virtual actuator and an LPV virtual sensor. Its goal is to transform the signals from the faulty system such that its behavior is similar to that of the nominal system from the viewpoint of the controller. Furthermore, it transforms the output of the controller for the faulty system such that the stability and performance goals are preserved. Input‐to‐state stabilizing LPV gains of the virtual actuator and sensor are obtained by solving LMIs. We show that separate design of these gains guarantees the input‐to‐state stability (ISS) of the closed‐loop reconfigured system. Moreover, we obtain performances in terms of the ISS gains for the virtual actuator, the virtual sensor, and their interconnection. Minimizing these performances is formulated as convex optimization problems subject to LMI constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is demonstrated via a numerical example and stator current control of an induction motor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guess who is listening in to the board meeting: on the use of mobile device applications as roving spy bugs
Authors: Anwar Zahid , Khan Waqas Ahmad 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCovert listening devices—a combination of a miniature radio transmitter and a microphone—have been used as key espionage instruments as early as the mid‐20th century. More recently, hackers have started exploiting inherent weaknesses in current mobile platforms allowing them to remotely convert a victim's smartphone device into a roving spy bug without his knowledge. The goal of this paper is to illustrate with the aid of an Android mobile platform application that permissions gained in a legitimate way can be used to evade the integrity and privacy of the mobile device and install malware that remains completely hidden. When the attacker makes a call to the victim's phone, he is able to listen in to the victim's surroundings transforming the mobile phone into a sophisticated covert listening device. This communication‐level attack goes undetected by current detection mechanisms. An anomaly‐based detection feature set is another contribution of this paper to mitigate the proposed attack. As more and more mobile devices are being rapidly integrated into enterprises with the increase in bring‐your‐own‐device model in many organizations, without a rigorous security screening policy, this weakness tends to facilitate corporate espionage by presumably allowing as many spy bugs in the board meeting as there are attendees with mobiles. This work provides a demonstration of a dangerous espionage attack targeting smartphones whereby an attacker can, with the aid of an Android mobile platform application, make a call to the victim's phone and listen in to the victim's surroundings transforming the mobile phone into a sophisticated covert listening device. It also proposes and evaluates a defense technique to detect and mitigate the attack where existing security mechanisms fall short. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A privacy preserving authentication scheme for roaming services in global mobility networks
Authors: Zhang Gefei , Fan Dan , Zhang Yuqing , Li Xiaowei , Liu Xuefeng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTo provide secure roaming services for mobile users in Global Mobility Networks, many schemes have been proposed in recent years. However, most of them focus only on authentication and fail to satisfy many practical security requirements such as user anonymity and untraceability. To address this problem, we propose a privacy‐preserving authentication scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography. The proposed scheme is provably secure under a formal model that satisfies all practical security requirements. Compared with existing authentication schemes, ours enjoys better performance in terms of computation cost and security. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Privacy enhancement in anonymous network channels using multimodality injection
Authors: Nia Mehran Alidoost , Atani Reza Ebrahimi , Ruiz‐Martínez Antonio 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe increase of the capacity of processing units and the growth of distributed computing make easy to collect and process information of Internet traffic flows. This information, however, can be used to perform attacks in anonymous communications that could compromise privacy. With the aim of preventing these attacks, we propose a scheme that implements a multimodal behavior using the random walk theory and crypto‐types. The random walk mechanism is responsible for generating network patterns, and the cryptotype performs the micro‐encryption tasks using series of quantum‐resistant cryptography methods through the anonymous channel. The result shows that using this technique, we can prevent network analysis attacks by means of the generation of a different pattern in each execution for the same set of data. Namely, the experiments we have developed indicate that the average rate of true detections of application behaviors made by intruders does not exceed 24%. Thus, this multimodal pattern gives a high level of immunity against data analysis attacks because the intruders could consider the generated patterns as the typical patterns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study and toolkit of CHECK‐THEN‐ACT idioms of Java concurrent collections
Authors: Lin Yu , Dig Danny 
Published: February 2015

SummaryConcurrent collections are widely used in concurrent programs. However, programmers can misuse these concurrent collections when composing two operations where a check on the collection (e.g., collection contains an element) precedes an action (e.g., inserting an element). Unless the whole composition is atomic, the program contains an atomicity violation bug. This paper presents an extensive empirical study of CHECK‐THEN‐ACT idioms of Java (Oracle Corporation, Redwood, CA, USA) concurrent collections. We analyze 28 widely used open‐source Java projects (comprising 6.4 million lines of code) that use Java concurrent collections. We study the correct and incorrect use of idioms and the evolution of the programs with respect to idioms. Our tool, CTADETECTOR, detects and corrects misused idioms. CTADETECTOR discovered 60 bugs that were confirmed and fixed by developers. This shows that CHECK‐THEN‐ACT idioms are commonly misused in practice, and correcting them is important. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical evaluation of a new composite approach to the coverage criteria and reachability testing of concurrent programs
Authors: Souza S. R. S. , Souza P. S. L. , Brito M. A. S. , Simao A. S. , Zaluska E. J. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryTesting is a key activity to assure the quality of concurrent applications. In recent years, a variety of different mechanisms have been proposed to test concurrent software. However, a persistent problem is the high testing cost because of the large number of different synchronization sequences that must be tested. When structural testing criteria are adopted, a large number of infeasible synchronization sequences is generated, increasing the testing cost. Although the use of reachability testing reduces the number of infeasible combination (because only feasible synchronization sequences are generated), many synchronization combinations are also generated, and this again results in a testing cost with exponential behavior. This paper presents a new composite approach that uses reachability testing to guide the selection of the synchronization sequences tests according to a specific structural testing criterion. This new composite approach is empirically evaluated in the context of message‐passing concurrent programs developed with MPI. The experimental study evaluates both the cost and effectiveness of proposed composite approach in comparison with traditional reachability testing and structural testing. The results confirm that the use of the new composite approach has advantages for testing of concurrent applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical condition and fetal cerebral Doppler as determinants of adverse perinatal outcome after labor induction for late‐onset small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Garcia‐Simon R. , Figueras F. , Savchev S. , Fabre E. , Gratacos E. , Oros D. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo estimate the combined value of fetal cerebral Doppler examination and Bishop score for predicting perinatal outcome after labor induction for small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses in the presence of normal umbilical artery Doppler recordings.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study in two tertiary centers, including 164 women with normal umbilical artery Doppler recordings who underwent induction of labor because of an estimated fetal weight < 10th percentile. The fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were obtained in all cases within 24 h before induction. Cervical condition was assessed at admission using the Bishop score. A predictive model for perinatal outcomes was constructed using a decision‐tree analysis algorithm.ResultsBoth a very unfavorable cervix, defined as a Bishop score < 2, (odds ratio (OR), 3.18; 95% CI, 1.28–7.86) and an abnormal CPR (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.18–5.61) were associated with an increased likelihood of emergency Cesarean section for fetal distress, but only the latter was significantly associated with the need for neonatal admission (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.28–4.59). In the decision‐tree analysis, both criteria significantly predicted the likelihood of Cesarean section for fetal distress.ConclusionCombined use of the Bishop score and CPR improves the ability to predict overall Cesarean section (for any indication), emergency Cesarean section for fetal distress, and neonatal admission after labor induction for late‐onset SGA in the presence of normal umbilical artery Doppler recordings. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Improvement in Outcomes and Similar Cost
Authors: Martin Robert C. G. , Mbah Nsehniitooh A , Hill Randy St , Kooby David , Weber Sharon , Scoggins Charles R. , Maithel Shishir K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo compare outcomes of laparoscopic versus open hepatic resection (OHR) exclusively for hepatocellular carcinoma in terms of morbidity and cost.BackgroundLaparoscopic hepatic resection (LHR) has become more prevalent with recent improvements in instrumentation and surgeon experience.MethodsA review of multicenter, prospectively collected hepatobiliary databases from three institutions was performed from 12/1990 to 12/2009. Prospective evaluation of all patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular cancer was performed.ResultsA total of 354 patients who had resections for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were analyzed, 100 were performed laparoscopically. The two groups were similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities. Evaluation of outcomes showed significantly higher intraoperative estimated blood loss although postoperative transfusion rates were similar. The incidence of any complication (44 vs 44 %, p = 0.23) and 90‐day mortality (6 vs 6 %, p = 0.8) were similar between the two groups, with a similar reoperation rate (4.0 vs. 2.4 %; p = 0.9). Using Cox regression analysis, the laparoscopic approach had no effect on disease‐free interval (OR 1.4, CI 0.31–6.3, p = 0.66) or overall survival (HR 1.2, CI 0.59–2.5 p = 0.6). Length of stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group 6.2 vs. 9.3 days (p = 0.001). Adjusted operative charges ($41 vs. $39 k, p = 0.601) and adjusted total hospital charges ($71 vs. $82 k, p = 0.368) were similar in LHR versus OHR.ConclusionOur study confirms previous literature showing comparable perioperative outcomes and recurrence. We further show comparable cost with laparoscopic versus open liver resection for HCC.
Preoperative 11C‐Methionine PET/CT Enables Focussed Parathyroidectomy in MIBI‐SPECT Negative Parathyroid Adenoma
Authors: Lenschow Christina , Gassmann Peter , Wenning Christian , Senninger Norbert , Colombo‐Benkmann Mario 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrecise preoperative localization is essential for focussed parathyroidectomy. The imaging standard consists of cervical ultrasonography (cUS) and 99mTc‐MIBI‐SPECT (MIBI‐SPECT). 11C‐methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Met‐PET/CT) is a promising method for localizing parathyroid adenomas. The objective of our study was to elucidate whether additional Met‐PET/CT increases the rate of focussed parathyroidectomy.MethodsFourteen patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and three patients with tertiary HPT underwent cUS and MIBI‐SPECT. Met‐PET/CT was carried out in patients with negative MIBI results. Subsequent surgical strategy was adapted according to imaging results.ResultscUS localized a single parathyroid adenoma in 10/17 patients (59 %), while MIBI‐SPECT/CT identified 11/17 single adenomas (65 %). In the remaining six patients, Met‐PET/CT identified five single adenomas. This step‐up approach correctly identified single adenomas in 16/17 patients (94 %).ConclusionMet‐PET/CT raises the rate of correctly localized single parathyroid adenomas in patients with negative cUS and MIBI‐SPECT/CT and increases the number of focussed surgical approaches.
Engineered Serratia marcescens for efficient (3R)-acetoin and (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol production
Authors: Bai Fangmin , Dai Lu , Fan Jiying , Truong Ngoctu , Rao Ben , Zhang Liaoyuan , Shen Yaling 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
(3R)-Acetoin and (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol are important pharmaceutical intermediates. However, until now, the quantity of natural microorganisms with the ability to produce single configuration of optically pure (3R)-acetoin and (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol is rare. In this study, a meso-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase encoded by the slaC gene from Serratia marcescens MG1 was identified for meso-2,3-butanediol and (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol biosynthesis. Inactivation of the slaC gene could significantly decrease meso-2,3-butanediol and (2S,3S)-2,3-butanediol and result in a large quantity of (3R)-acetoin accumulation. Furthermore, a (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase encoded by the bdhA gene from Bacillus subtilis 168 was introduced into the slaC mutant strain of Serratia marcescens MG1. Excess (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase could accelerate the reaction from (3R)-acetoin to (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol and lead to (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol accumulation. In fed-batch fermentation, the excess (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase expression strain could produce 89.81 g/l (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol with a productivity of 1.91 g/l/h at 48 h. These results provided potential applications for (3R)-acetoin and (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol production.
Changes in CSF cholinergic biomarkers in response to cell therapy with NGF in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Karami Azadeh , Eyjolfsdottir Helga , Vijayaraghavan Swetha , Lind Göran , Almqvist Per , Kadir Ahmadul , Linderoth Bengt , Andreasen Niels , Blennow Kaj , Wall Anders , Westman Eric , Ferreira Daniel , Kristoffersen Wiberg Maria , Wahlund Lars‐Olof , Seiger Åke , Nordberg Agneta , Wahlberg Lars , Darreh‐Shori Taher , Eriksdotter Maria 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe extensive loss of central cholinergic functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain is linked to impaired nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling. The cardinal cholinergic biomarker is the acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which has recently been found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The purpose of this study was to see if EC‐NGF therapy will alter CSF levels of cholinergic biomarkers, ChAT, and acetylcholinesterase.MethodEncapsulated cell implants releasing NGF (EC‐NGF) were surgically implanted bilaterally in the basal forebrain of six AD patients for 12 months and cholinergic markers in CSF were analyzed.ResultsActivities of both enzymes were altered after 12 months. In particular, the activity of soluble ChAT showed high correlation with cognition, CSF tau and amyloid‐β, in vivo cerebral glucose utilization and nicotinic binding sites, and morphometric and volumetric magnetic resonance imaging measures.DiscussionA clear pattern of association is demonstrated showing a proof‐of‐principle effect on CSF cholinergic markers, suggestive of a beneficial EC‐NGF implant therapy.
Comparison of Postoperative Alignment of Total Knee Replacement Using Computer-Assisted Navigation with Conventional Guiding System in Chinese Population with Significant Coronal Femoral Bowing
Authors: Mai Chow Mei Yee , Leuk Tsang Wai , Kwan Wong Man , Bong Lee On , Ho Leung Kin 
Published: February 2015

Background/Purpose Coronal femoral bowing is common in Chinese population. This might affect the restoration of mechanical alignment in conventional total knee replacement (TKR). The aim of the study was to compare the postoperative alignment of conventional TKR with computer-assisted navigation TKR (CAN-TKR), to investigate the effect of femoral bowing on postoperative alignment in conventional TKR and to understand the role of CAN-TKR in limbs with significant femoral bowing. Methods This is a retrospective study of 331 knees that underwent TKR (either conventional or CAN-TKR) in our centre from January 2010 to June 2012. The incidence of coronal femoral bowing was measured. The postoperative alignments were compared between the two groups. Results The incidence of excessive coronal femoral bowing was 41.4%. For patients with or without significant coronal femoral bowing, the CAN-TKR group was significantly better in restoring postoperative mechanical axis and the coronal femoral angle (p < 0.05). Proportions of outliers were also much less in the CAN-TKR group. Conclusion CAN-TKR reduces outliers in all patients, and is especially superior in restoring mechanical alignments in patients with significant coronal femoral bowing.
Inadequacy of Musculoskeletal Knowledge among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Abhinav Bhatnagar , Mayur Vadhel , Vanamali Sethuraman 
Published: February 2015

Background/Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant public health problem. It has been observed that after leaving medical school, students are incapable of making a general assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Methods Accordingly, a pilot study was planned using the Freedman and Bernstein questionnaire and carried out in medical schools in India. Three hundred and twelve students at different levels were enrolled and administered the questionnaire. The correctness score for each student was obtained in each group and compared with the recommended qualifying score. Results For the sixth term and the ninth term, 44.61% and 50.71% students met the criterion, respectively, while interns showed the highest proportion of 71.42%. For the majority of the questions, the awareness level of ninth semester students and interns was better than that of sixth term students. Conclusion Compared to studies in other countries, the situation in India is not different. Medical institutions should place stress on orthopaedic education to provide better physicians.
Use of Universal Mini External Fixator in the Management of Postosteomyelitic Defects in Short Tubular Bones in the Paediatric Population
Authors: Kawoosa Altaf A. , Wani Iftikhar H. , Shah Shaika F. , Syed Baasit 
Published: February 2015

Background/Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of reconstruction of postosteomyelitic defects in short tubular bones in a paediatric population using a universal mini external fixator (UMEX). Methods This was a prospective case series based on 10 consecutive cases who were followed-up for an average period of 3.5 years. Ten patients (mean age: 10.2 years) with an average shortening of 4 cm of the corresponding digit were operated upon using soft tissue distraction by UMEX followed by interposition bone grafting from the iliac crest. The second metacarpal was involved in five patients, the first metacarpal in three patients, and the proximal phalanx of the right big toe was involved in two patients. Results All of the patients achieved union at the graft host site at an average of 12 weeks and an average of 3.8 cm lengthening of the digit was achieved. All patients had improved digit length, and function and appearance of the hand and toe. Apart from a minor pin tract infection and stiffness, there were no major complications. Final average follow-up at 3.5 years did not show any recurrence of infection or loss of correction. Conclusion We believe that UMEX is a versatile method of managing postosteomyelitic defects in short tubular bones, with fewer complications and a high union rate, even in situations in which bone fragments are small and difficult to handle with other methods.
Canadian pediatric emergency physician knowledge of concussion diagnosis and initial management
Authors: Zemek Roger , Eady Kaylee , Moreau Katherine , Farion Ken J. , Solomon Beverly , Weiser Margaret , Dematteo Carol 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis of concussion is a critical step in the appropriate management of patients following minor head trauma. The authors hypothesized that wide practice variation exists among pediatric emergency medicine physicians in the application of physical and cognitive rest recommendations following an acute concussion.MethodsThe authors developed a 35-item questionnaire incorporating case vignettes to examine pediatric emergency physician knowledge of concussion diagnosis, understanding of initial management using return-to-play/school/work guidelines, use of existing concussion protocols, and perceived barriers to protocol use. Using a modified Dillman technique, the authors distributed an online survey to members of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada, a national association of pediatric emergency physicians.ResultsOf 176 potential participants, 115 (65%) responded to the questionnaire, 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81, 0.93) of whom reported having diagnosed 20 or more concussions annually. Although 90% (95% CI: 0.83, 0.94) of respondents adequately diagnosed concussion, only 64% (95% CI: 0.54, 0.72) correctly applied graduated return-to-play guidelines. Cognitive rest recommendations were also frequently limited: 40% (95% CI: 0.31, 0.49) did not recommend school absence, 30% (95% CI: 0.22, 0.39) did not recommend schoolwork reduction, and 35% (95% CI: 0.27, 0.45) did not recommend limiting screen time. Eighty percent (95% CI: 0.72, 0.87) of respondents reported having used guidelines frequently or always to guide clinical decisions regarding concussion.ConclusionDespite a proficiency in the diagnosis of concussion, pediatric emergency physicians exhibit wide variation in recommending the graduated return to play and cognitive rest following concussion.