bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistorless Current-Mode First-Order All-Pass Filter with Electronic Tuning Employing Low-Voltage CBTA and Grounded Capacitor
Authors: Herencsar Norbert , Koton Jaroslav , Lahiri Abhirup , Ayten Umut E. , Sagbas Mehmet
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a new realization of a current-mode first-order all-pass filter (APF) using a single active building block (ABB) and one grounded capacitor is presented. As the ABB, the current backward transconductance amplifier (CBTA) is used, which is one of the most recently reported active elements in the literature. The theoretical results are in detail verified by numerous SPICE simulations using a new low-voltage implementation of CBTA. In the design, the PTM 90[Formula: see text]nm level-7 CMOS process BSIM3v3 parameters with [Formula: see text]0.45[Formula: see text]V supply voltages were used. The proposed resistorless CBTA-C APF provides easy electronic tuning of the pole frequency in the frequency range from 763[Formula: see text]kHz to 17.6[Formula: see text]MHz, which is more than one decade. Maximum power dissipation of the circuit is 828[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W at bias current 233[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A. Nonideal, parasitic effects, sensitivity analyses, temperature and noise variation, current swing capability, and Monte Carlo analysis results are also provided. Compared to prior state-of-the-art works, the proposed CBTA-C APF has achieved the highest figure of Merit value, which proves its superior performance.
Power Analysis Approach for NoC-based Homogeneous Stacked 3D ICs
Authors: Durrani Yaseer Arafat
Published: July 2017

Low-power consumption in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D IC) design is becoming an important concern that cannot be neglected. The multiple layers/dies are stacked in 3D IC and communicate with each other through-silicon-vias (TSVs) to work as a single device in order to achieve high performance with minimum power dissipation. This paper demonstrates high-level power modeling approach for the power estimation of homogenous integration of Network-on-Chip (NoC)-based mesh architecture in 3D IC design. The preliminary experimental work of power model is divided into two major parts of the design. The first part estimates the power of NoC architecture on each stack separately and the second estimates the power dissipation of the uniformly distributed TSVs and input/output (I/O) pads. The model uses a linear function to estimate the average power dissipation. For an entire IC design, the average power is extracted by simple addition of all power estimation results of the model. The design is operated with multiple frequencies to find the most appropriate frequency to minimize power dissipation. In experiments, the average maximum error is estimated 18.03%.
An Irregular Topology Generation Using Power-Interference Co-Optimization for Hybrid Application-Specific Wireless NoC
Authors: Li Jianhua , Wu Ning , Hu Yongliang , Wu Gaobiao
Published: July 2017

Aiming at the efficient topology design of upper-layer network in hybrid application-specific wireless Network-on-Chip (NoC), we propose a new design method of power-interference collaborative optimization (PICO) after analyzing the potential factors of high power consumption and interference, and establishing relevant mathematical model. The design method is used for generating optimal irregular topology of ultralow power-interference using effective wireless link placement and channel assignment based on heuristic search algorithm under certain signal-to-interference plus noise ratio and strict resource constraints, such as the available number of wireless links and silicon area. In addition, the traffic balance between channels is carefully considered in the topology optimization. The theoretical calculation and cycle-accurate simulation results demonstrate that the resulting irregular topology generated by the co-optimization design method outperforms the conventional counterparts in terms of achievable throughput, power efficiency and bandwidth.
Low Power Synthesis of Finite State Machines — State Assignment Decomposition Algorithm
Authors: Kajstura Krzysztof , Kania Dariusz
Published: July 2017

A new method for reducing power consumption in finite state machines (FSMs) is proposed. Probabilistic description of the FSMs is the theoretical background of power-oriented state assignment. The algorithm of state assignment is based on a decomposition strategy of coding. This idea uses a binary tree in which nodes are created by sharing a finite state machine. The algorithm has been applied to the LGSynth91 benchmark and has also been compared to other approaches. The experiments showed that the proposed method leads to a reduction in power consumption compared to the state encoding algorithms that have already been developed. Reduction of the circuits’ area is also observed.
Tangle functors from semicyclic representations
Authors: Druivenga Nathan , Frohman Charles , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text]th root of unity where [Formula: see text] is odd. Let [Formula: see text] denote the quantum group with large center corresponding to the Lie algebra [Formula: see text] with generators [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. A semicyclic representation of [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-dimensional irreducible representation [Formula: see text], so that [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We construct a tangle functor for framed homogeneous tangles colored with semicyclic representations, and prove that for [Formula: see text]-tangles coming from knots, the invariant defined by the tangle functor coincides with Kashaev’s invariant.
Smoothed Boundary Method for Diffusion-Related Partial Differential Equations in Complex Geometries
Authors: Poulsen S. O. , Voorhees P. W.
Published: July 2017

The smoothed boundary method has emerged as an attractive method for solving partial differential equations in domains of complex morphology. In the current work, we present two schemes for incorporating Dirichlet boundary conditions on complex domains into partial differential equations through an energy penalty formulation of the smoothed boundary method, which may be straightforwardly combined with, e.g., variational phase-field methods. Convergence to the exact solution is guaranteed in a certain limit, and it is shown how parameters of the smoothed boundary method should be chosen to minimize error, and avoid additional error introduced by poor spatial resolution during numerical solution. An example demonstrating the simplicity of the implementation of the methods is presented, and the scheme believed to have most general merit is determined.
Chaos Amplification Process Can Be Described by the GKSL Master Equation
Authors: Furusho K. , Iriyama S. , Ohya M.
Published: July 2017

In 2000, Ohya et al. proposed a quantum algorithm with the amplification process of success probability, so-called chaos amplifier. They defined the process based on the logistic map, and its chaos behaviour amplifies the probability very fast. In this paper, we construct the chaos amplifier using a lifting map, a master equation and a partial trace. We also calculate the condition on the Lindblad operators in the GKSL master equation to achieve an effective amplification.
A multirate DSP structure for the identification of protein-coding regions
Authors: Hota Malaya Kumar , Srivastava Vinay Kumar
Published: July 2017

The identification of protein-coding regions in DNA sequence using digital signal processing methods is one of the central issues in bioinformatics. In this paper, a multirate structure is proposed for the identification of protein-coding regions whose input sampling rate is same as output sampling rate. The multirate structure consists of cascade combination of decimation filter, kernel filter and interpolation filter. The decimation filter is a complex filter, the kernel filter is an FIR lowpass filter and the interpolation filter isa moving average filter. Polyphase decomposition is applied on both decimation filter and interpolation filter for computationally efficient implementation. The potential of the proposed method is evaluated in comparison with existing methods using standard datasets. The results show that the proposed method improves the identification accuracy of protein-coding regions to a great extent compared to its counterparts.
Optimization of the Water Spray Nozzle, Refrigerant Charge Amount and Expansion Valve Opening for a Unitary Ice Maker Using R-404A
Authors: Kim Nae-Hyun
Published: July 2017

R-502, which had long been used as the refrigerant of a unitary ice maker, has been replaced by R-404A due to ozone depletion. In this study, the refrigeration cycle of a unitary ice maker was optimized using R-404A. The optimization was accomplished through a search for the proper refrigerant charge amount and the opening of the expansion valve. For the present ice maker having 24 ice cups, the optimum charge amount was 580[Formula: see text]g and the optimum valve opening was “0”. At this configuration, the ice making time was 12[Formula: see text]min 55[Formula: see text]sec, ice production was 4.46[Formula: see text]kg/h and COP was 0.439. After the initial start-up period, both condensation and evaporation temperature gradually decrease with time. As ice builds up in the cup, the heat transfer performance of the evaporator decreases, which results in the decrease of the evaporation and condensation temperature. Through CFD and relevant experiments, optimum nozzle slit width and nozzle to cup distance were obtained.
Cheating after the test: who does it and how often?
Authors: Ottaway Kristine , Murrant Coral , Ritchie Kerry
Published: July 2017

Self-reports suggest >50% of university students cheat at some point in their academic career (Christensen Hughes JM, McCabe DL. Can J High Educ 36: 49–63, 2006), although objective values of academic misconduct (AM) are difficult to obtain. In a physiology-based department, we had a concern that students were altering written tests and resubmitting them for higher grades; thereby compromising the integrity of our primary assessment style. Therefore, we directly quantified the prevalence of AM on written tests in 11 courses across the department. Three thousand six hundred and twenty midterms were scanned, and any midterm submitted for regrading was compared with its original for evidence of AM. Student characteristics, test details, and course information were recorded. On a department level, results show that this form of AM was rare: prevalent on 2.2% of all tests written. However, of the tests submitted for regrading, 17.4% contained AM (range: 0–26%). The majority of AM was conducted by high-achieving students, (60% of offenders earned >80%), and there was a trend toward women being more likely to commit AM ( P = 0.056). While our results objectively show that this type of AM is low, we highlight that large competitive courses face significantly higher prevalence, and high-achieving students may have gone underreported in previous literature. Vigilance should be employed by all faculty who accept tests for regrading.
Tubuloglomerular feedback responses in offspring of dexamethasone-treated ewes
Authors: Turner Anita J. , Brown Russell D. , Brandon Amanda E. , Persson A. Erik G. , Gibson Karen J.
Published: July 2017

Via developmental programming, prenatal perturbations, such as exposure to glucocorticoids and maternal malnutrition alter kidney development and contribute to the development of hypertension. To examine the possibility that alterations in tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) contribute to the development of hypertension in offspring following maternal dexamethasone treatment (Dex) in early gestation, studies were conducted in fetal sheep and lambs. Pregnant ewes were infused with dexamethasone (0.48 mg/h) at 26–28 days gestation. No differences were observed in mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate. or electrolyte excretion rates between the Dex and Untreated fetuses or lambs. Gestational exposure to Dex markedly enhanced TGF sensitivity, as the turning point in Dex-treated fetuses was significantly lower (12.9 ± 0.9 nl/min; P < 0.05) compared with Untreated fetuses (17.0 ± 1.0 nl/min). This resetting of TGF sensitivity persisted after birth ( P < 0.01). TGF reactivity did not differ between the groups in fetuses or lambs. In response to nitric oxide inhibition, TGF sensitivity increased (the turning point decreased) and reactivity increased in Untreated fetuses and lambs, but these effects were blunted in the Dex-treated fetuses and lambs. Our data suggest that an altered TGF response may be an underlying renal mechanism contributing to the development of hypertension in the Dex model of fetal programming. The lower tonic level of NO production in these dexamethasone-exposed offspring may contribute to the development of hypertension as adults.
Exposure to intermittent hypoxia and sustained hypercapnia reduces therapeutic CPAP in participants with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: El-Chami Mohamad , Sudan Sukhesh , Lin Ho-Sheng , Mateika Jason H.
Published: July 2017

Our purpose was to determine whether exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia leads to a reduction in the therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure required to eliminate breathing events. Ten male participants were treated with twelve 2-min episodes of hypoxia ([Formula: see text] ≈50 mmHg) separated by 2-min intervals of normoxia in the presence of [Formula: see text] that was sustained 3 mmHg above baseline. During recovery from the last episode, the positive airway pressure was reduced in a stepwise fashion until flow limitation was evident. The participants also completed a sham protocol under normocapnic conditions, which mimicked the time frame of the intermittent hypoxia protocol. After exposure to intermittent hypoxia, the therapeutic pressure was significantly reduced (i.e., 5 cmH2O) without evidence of flow limitation (103.4 ± 6.3% of baseline, P = 0.5) or increases in upper airway resistance (95.6 ± 15.0% of baseline, P = 0.6). In contrast, a similar decrease in pressure was accompanied by flow limitation (77.0 ± 1.8% of baseline, P = 0.001) and an increase in upper airway resistance (167.2 ± 17.5% of baseline, P = 0.01) after the sham protocol. Consistent with the initiation of long-term facilitation of upper airway muscle activity, exposure to intermittent hypoxia reduced the therapeutic pressure required to eliminate apneic events that could improve treatment compliance. This possibility, coupled with the potentially beneficial effects of intermittent hypoxia on comorbidities linked to sleep apnea, suggests that mild intermittent hypoxia may have a multipronged therapeutic effect on sleep apnea.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our new finding is that exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia reduced the therapeutic pressure required to treat sleep apnea. These findings are consistent with previous results, which have shown that long-term facilitation of upper muscle activity can be initiated following exposure to intermittent hypoxia in humans.
Potential involvement of lactate and interleukin-6 in the appetite-regulatory hormonal response to an acute exercise bout
Authors: Islam Hashim , Townsend Logan K. , McKie Greg L. , Medeiros Philip J. , Gurd Brendon J. , Hazell Tom J.
Published: July 2017

High-intensity exercise suppresses appetite partly through changes in peripheral appetite-regulating hormones. Lactate and IL-6 mediate the release of these hormones in animal/cell models and may provide a mechanistic link between exercise intensity and appetite regulation. The current study examined changes in appetite-regulating hormones, lactate, and IL-6 after different intensities of running. Eight males completed four experimental sessions: 1) moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 65% V̇o2max); 2) vigorous-intensity continuous training (VICT; 85% V̇o2max); 3) sprint interval training (SIT; repeated “all-out” sprints); and 4) Control (CTRL; no exercise). Acylated ghrelin, active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), total peptide YY (PYY), lactate, IL-6, and appetite perceptions were measured pre-, immediately postexercise, 30 min postexercise, and 90 min postexercise. Energy intake was recorded over 3 days. VICT and SIT suppressed ghrelin ( P < 0.001), although SIT elicited a greater ( P = 0.016 vs. MICT) and more prolonged ( P < 0.001 vs. all sessions) response. GLP-1 increased immediately after MICT ( P < 0.001) and 30 min after VICT ( P < 0.001) and SIT ( P < 0.002), while VICT elicited a greater postexercise increase in PYY vs. MICT ( P = 0.027). Postexercise changes in blood lactate and IL-6 correlated with the area under the curve values for ghrelin ( r = −0.60, P < 0.001) and GLP-1 ( r = 0.42, P = 0.017), respectively. Appetite was suppressed after exercise ( P < 0.001), although more so after VICT ( P < 0.027) and SIT ( P < 0.001) vs. MICT, and energy intake was reduced on the day after VICT ( P < 0.017 vs. MICT and CTRL) and SIT ( P = 0.049 vs. MICT). These findings support an intensity-dependent paradigm for appetite regulation following exercise and highlight the potential involvement of lactate and IL-6.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study examines the involvement of two potential mechanisms (lactate and IL-6) that may explain the intensity-dependent effects of acute exercise on appetite-related parameters. Our findings support a clear intensity-dependent paradigm for appetite regulation following exercise, as highlighted by the change in acylated ghrelin and the suppression of appetite and energy intake after vigorous exercise (continuous and intermittent). Further, our findings extend previous work in animal/cell models by providing evidence for the potential role of lactate and IL-6 in mediating changes in appetite-related parameters following exercise in humans.
Dynamic hyperinflation and exercise limitations in obese asthmatic women
Authors: Ferreira Palmira Gabriele , Freitas Patrícia Duarte , Silva Aline Grandi , Porras Desidério Cano , Stelmach Rafael , Cukier Alberto , Fernandes Frederico Leon Arrabal , Martins Milton Arruda , Carvalho Celso R. F.
Published: July 2017

Obese individuals and patients with asthma can develop dynamic hyperinflation (DH) during exercise; however, no previous study has investigated DH as a factor associated with reduced exercise capacity in obese asthmatic women. The aim of the present study was to examine the occurrence of DH and exercise limitations in obese asthmatics. Obese grade II [obese group (Ob-G); BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2; n=36] and nonobese [nonobese group (NOb-G); BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2; n=18] asthmatic patients performed a cardiopulmonary test to quantify peak V̇o2 and a submaximal exercise test to assess DH. Anthropometric measurements, quadriceps endurance, and lung function were also evaluated. A forward stepwise regression was used to evaluate the association between exercise tolerance (wattage) and limiting exercise factors. Fifty-four patients completed the protocol. The Ob-G ( n = 36) presented higher peak V̇o2 values but lower power-to-weight ratio values than the NOb-G ( P <0 .05). DH was more common in the Ob-G (72.2%) than in the NOb-G (38.9%, P < 0.05). The Ob-G had a greater reduction in the inspiratory capacity (−18 vs. −4.6%, P < 0.05). Exercise tolerance was associated with quadriceps endurance ( r = 0.65; p<0.001), oxygen pulse ( r = 0.52; p=0.001), and DH ( r = −0.46, P = 0.005). The multiple regression analysis showed that the exercise tolerance could be predicted from a linear association only for muscular endurance ( r = 0.82 and r2 = 0.67). This study shows that dynamic hyperinflation is a common condition in obese asthmatics; they have reduced fitness for activities of daily living compared to nonobese asthmatics. However, peripheral limitation was the main factor associated with reduced capacity of exercise in these patients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate the occurrence of dynamic hyperinflation (DH) in obese asthmatics. Our results demonstrate that obese asthmatics present a higher frequency and intensity of DH than nonobese asthmatics. We also show that physical deconditioning in this population is linearly associated with cardiac (O2 pulse), respiratory (DH), and peripheral muscle (resistance) limitation. However, multiple linear regression demonstrated that peripheral muscle limitation may explain the exercise limitation in this population.
Use of theAplysiafeeding network to study repetition priming of an episodic behavior
Authors: Cropper Elizabeth C. , Jing Jian , Perkins Matthew H. , Weiss Klaudiusz R.
Published: July 2017

Many central pattern generator (CPG)-mediated behaviors are episodic, meaning that they are not continuously ongoing; instead, there are pauses between bouts of activity. This raises an interesting possibility, that the neural networks that mediate these behaviors are not operating under “steady-state” conditions; i.e., there could be dynamic changes in motor activity as it stops and starts. Research in the feeding system of the mollusk Aplysia californica has demonstrated that this can be the case. After a pause, initial food grasping responses are relatively weak. With repetition, however, responses strengthen. In this review we describe experiments that have characterized cellular/molecular mechanisms that produce these changes in motor activity. In particular, we focus on cumulative effects of modulatory neuropeptides. Furthermore, we relate Aplysia research to work in other systems and species, and develop a hypothesis that postulates that changes in response magnitude are a reflection of an efficient feeding strategy.
Inhibition of Fibrinolysis by Coagulation Factor XIII
Authors: Rijken Dingeman C. , Uitte de Willige Shirley
Published: July 2017

The inhibitory effect of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) on fibrinolysis has been studied for at least 50 years. Our insight into the underlying mechanisms has improved considerably, aided in particular by the discovery that activated FXIII cross-linksα2-antiplasmin (α2AP) to fibrin. In this review, the most important effects of different cross-linking reactions on fibrinolysis are summarized. A distinction is made between fibrin-fibrin cross-links studied in purified systems and fibrin-α2AP cross-links studied in plasma or whole blood systems. While the formation ofγchain dimers in fibrin does not affect clot lysis, the formation ofαchain polymers has a weak inhibitory effect. Only strong cross-linking of fibrin, associated with high molecular weightαchain polymers and/orγchain multimers, results in a moderate inhibition fibrinolysis. The formation of fibrin-α2AP cross-links has only a weak effect on clot lysis, but this effect becomes strong when clot retraction occurs. Under these conditions, FXIII preventsα2AP being expelled from the clot and makes the clot relatively resistant to degradation by plasmin.
An Analytical Method for Determining the Load Distribution of Single-Column Multibolt Connection
Authors: Konkong Nirut , Phuvoravan Kitjapat
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of geometric variables on the bolt load distributions of a cold-formed steel bolt connection. The study was conducted using an experimental test, finite element analysis, and an analytical method. The experimental study was performed using single-lap shear testing of a concentrically loaded bolt connection fabricated from G550 cold-formed steel. Finite element analysis with shell elements was used to model the cold-formed steel plate while solid elements were used to model the bolt fastener for the purpose of studying the structural behavior of the bolt connections. Material nonlinearities, contact problems, and a geometric nonlinearity procedure were used to predict the failure behavior of the bolt connections. The analytical method was generated using the spring model. The bolt-plate interaction stiffness was newly proposed which was verified by the experiment and finite element model. It was applied to examine the effect of geometric variables on the single-column multibolt connection. The effects were studied of varying bolt diameter, plate thickness, and the plate thickness ratio (t2/t1) on the bolt load distribution. The results of the parametric study showed that thet2/t1ratio controlled the efficiency of the bolt load distribution more than the other parameters studied.
MABC: Power-Based Location Planning with a Modified ABC Algorithm for 5G Networks
Authors: Sachan Ruchi , Muhammad Zahid , Jeong Jaehoon (Paul) , Ahn Chang Wook , Youn Hee Yong
Published: July 2017

The modernization of smart devices has emerged in exponential growth in data traffic for a high-capacity wireless network. 5G networks must be capable of handling the excessive stress associated with resource allocation methods for its successful deployment. We also need to take care of the problem of causing energy consumption during the dense deployment process. The dense deployment results in severe power consumption because of fulfilling the demands of the increasing traffic load accommodated by base stations. This paper proposes an improved Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm which uses the set of variables such as the transmission power and location of each base station (BS) to improve the accuracy of localization of a user equipment (UE) for the efficient energy consumption at BSes. To estimate the optimal configuration of BSes and reduce the power requirement of connected UEs, we enhanced the ABC algorithm, which is named a Modified ABC (MABC) algorithm, and compared it with the latest work on Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA) and Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm. The proposed algorithm not only determines the optimal coverage of underutilized BSes but also optimizes the power utilization considering the green networks. The performance comparisons of the modified algorithms were conducted to show that the proposed approach has better effectiveness than the legacy algorithms, ABC, RCGA, and DE.
Flavonoids as Putative Inducers of the Transcription Factors Nrf2, FoxO, and PPARγ
Authors: Pallauf Kathrin , Duckstein Nils , Hasler Mario , Klotz Lars-Oliver , Rimbach Gerald
Published: July 2017

Dietary flavonoids have been shown to extend the lifespan of some model organisms and may delay the onset of chronic ageing‐related diseases. Mechanistically, the effects could be explained by the compounds scavenging free radicals or modulating signalling pathways. Transcription factors Nrf2, FoxO, and PPARγ possibly affect ageing by regulating stress response, adipogenesis, and insulin sensitivity. Using Hek‐293 cells transfected with luciferase reporter constructs, we tested the potency of flavonoids from different subclasses (flavonols, flavones, flavanols, and isoflavones) to activate these transcription factors. Under cell‐free conditions (ABTS and FRAP assays), we tested their free radical scavenging activities and used α‐tocopherol and ascorbic acid as positive controls. Most of the tested flavonoids, but not the antioxidant vitamins, stimulated Nrf2‐, FoxO‐, and PPARγ‐dependent promoter activities. Flavonoids activating Nrf2 also tended to induce a FoxO and PPARγ response. Interestingly, activation patterns of cellular stress response by flavonoids were not mirrored by their activities in ABTS and FRAP assays, which depended mostly on hydroxylation in the flavonoid B ring and, in some cases, extended that of the vitamins. In conclusion, the free radical scavenging properties of flavonoids do not predict whether these molecules can stimulate a cellular response linked to activation of longevity‐associated transcription factors.
Threshold Dynamics of a Stochastic SIR Model with Vertical Transmission and Vaccination
Authors: Miao Anqi , Zhang Jian , Zhang Tongqian , Pradeep B. G. Sampath Aruna
Published: July 2017

A stochastic SIR model with vertical transmission and vaccination is proposed and investigated in this paper. The threshold dynamics are explored when the noise is small. The conditions for the extinction or persistence of infectious diseases are deduced. Our results show that large noise can lead to the extinction of infectious diseases which is conducive to epidemic diseases control.
Effects of Ultrasound Irradiation on the Preparation of Ethyl Cellulose Nanocapsules Containing Spirooxazine Dye
Authors: Volmajer Valh Julija , Vajnhandl Simona , Škodič Lidija , Lobnik Aleksandra , Turel Matejka , Vončina Bojana
Published: July 2017

This article presents the influence of low frequency, high intensity ultrasonic irradiation on the characteristics (average size, polydispersity index) of ethyl cellulose nanocapsules encapsulating a photochromic dye. Photochromic nanocapsules were prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The acoustic densities entering the system were systematically studied with respect to their abilities to modify and reduce the average sizes and polydispersity indexes of the nanocapsules. Scanning electron microscope, confocal laser microscope, and dynamic light scattering were utilised to characterise the structure, shape, size, and polydispersity of ethyl cellulose photochromic nanocapsules. We were able to tailor the size of the photochromic nanocapsules simply by varying the acoustic densities entering the system. At an acoustic density of 1.5 W/mL and 60 s of continuous irradiation, we were able to prepare an almost monodispersed population of the nanocapsules with an average size of 193 nm.
Pyrrolidone Modifying Gold Nanocatalysts for Enhanced Catalytic Activities in Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols and Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Song Yingji , Chu Xuefeng , Lin Yingzi , Yang Xiaotian
Published: July 2017

Enhancing the catalytic activity of supported metal nanoparticle is a great demand but extremely challenging to make. We reported a simple strategy for enhancing the activities by employing the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) additive, where a series of supported Au nanoparticle catalysts including Au/C, Au/BN, Au/TiO2, and Au/SBA-15 exhibited significantly higher activities in the oxidation of various alcohols and carbon monoxide by molecular oxygen after adding PVP to the reaction system. The XPS study indicates that PVP could electronically interact with Au to form high active Au sites for molecular oxygen, thus causing improved activities for the various oxidation reactions.
Deep Learning- and Transfer Learning-Based Super Resolution Reconstruction from Single Medical Image
Authors: Zhang YiNan , An MingQiang
Published: July 2017

Medical images play an important role in medical diagnosis and research. In this paper, a transfer learning- and deep learning-based super resolution reconstruction method is introduced. The proposed method contains one bicubic interpolation template layer and two convolutional layers. The bicubic interpolation template layer is prefixed by mathematics deduction, and two convolutional layers learn from training samples. For saving training medical images, a SIFT feature-based transfer learning method is proposed. Not only can medical images be used to train the proposed method, but also other types of images can be added into training dataset selectively. In empirical experiments, results of eight distinctive medical images show improvement of image quality and time reduction. Further, the proposed method also produces slightly sharper edges than other deep learning approaches in less time and it is projected that the hybrid architecture of prefixed template layer and unfixed hidden layers has potentials in other applications.
Road Surface State Recognition Based on SVM Optimization and Image Segmentation Processing
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Wu Hongqiang , Chen Liangliang
Published: July 2017

Adverse road condition is the main cause of traffic accidents. Road surface condition recognition based on video image has become a central issue. However, hybrid road surface and road surface under different lighting environments are two crucial problems. In this paper, the road surface states are categorized into 5 types including dry, wet, snow, ice, and water. Then, according to the original image size, images are segmented; 9-dimensional color eigenvectors and 4 texture eigenvectors are extracted to construct road surface state characteristics database. Next, a recognition method of road surface state based on SVM (Support Vector Machine) is proposed. In order to improve the recognition accuracy and the universality, a grid searching algorithm and PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) algorithm are used to optimize the kernel function factor and penalty factor of SVM. Finally, a large number of actual road surface images in different environments are tested. The results show that the method based on SVM and image segmentation is feasible. The accuracy of PSO algorithm is more than 90%, which effectively solves the problem of road surface state recognition under the condition of hybrid or different video scenes.
Lateral Subtalar Dislocation with Tarsometatarsal Dislocation: A Case Report of a Rare Injury
Authors: Banerjee Samik , Abousayed Mostafa M. , Vanderbrook Douglas J. , Bagchi Kaushik
Published: July 2017

Dislocation of the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints in conjunction with lateral subtalar dislocation is a rare occurrence. Little is known about the mechanism of injury, the appropriate treatment for this condition, and its ultimate prognosis. In this report, we describe this atypical presentation in a middle aged, otherwise healthy male who sustained a trivial twisting injury to the ankle when he slipped and fell on ice. Open reduction and K-wire fixation were necessary to affix the lateral tarsometatarsal and talonavicular joints. At one year postoperatively, he was able to return to his preinjury occupation with mild to moderate pain with prolonged walking. His Foot and Ankle Disability Index and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were 64 and 65 points, respectively. Surgical intervention resulted in a stable plantigrade foot; however, the patient had early radiographic evidence of posttraumatic arthritis in the midfoot joints at one-year follow-up.
Tranquilizing and Allaying Excitement Needling Method Affects BDNF and SYP Expression in Hippocampus
Authors: Zheng Peng , Xu Xiaohong , Zhao Hongyan , Lv Tingting , Song Bailin , Wang Fuchun
Published: July 2017

Sleep disorder is a state of sleep loss caused by various reasons, which leads to a series of changes, such as emotion, learning and memory, and immune function. “Tranquilizing and allaying excitement” was widely used in clinical treatment of insomnia; however, the mechanism was still not very clear. We randomly divided rats into three groups: control group, sleep deprivation group, and acupuncture treatment group. We observed BDNF and SYP expression in hippocampus in these three groups. Both protein contents and mRNA contents of BDNF and SYP were measured by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and RT‐PCR analysis. The sleep deprivation model was established using modified multiple platform sleep deprivation method (MMPM). Our study explored the BDNF and SYP abnormality in hippocampus caused by sleep deprivation and “tranquilizing and allaying excitement” intervention regulated the abnormal expression of BDNF and SYP caused by sleep deprivation on the short run and the long run. Our study provided a molecular evidence that “tranquilizing and allaying excitement” treatment in rats with sleep disorder affects learning and memory ability.
Differential Cloud Particles Evolution Algorithm Based on Data-Driven Mechanism for Applications of ANN
Authors: Li Wei
Published: July 2017

Computational scientists have designed many useful algorithms by exploring a biological process or imitating natural evolution. These algorithms can be used to solve engineering optimization problems. Inspired by the change of matter state, we proposed a novel optimization algorithm called differential cloud particles evolution algorithm based on data-driven mechanism (CPDD). In the proposed algorithm, the optimization process is divided into two stages, namely, fluid stage and solid stage. The algorithm carries out the strategy of integrating global exploration with local exploitation in fluid stage. Furthermore, local exploitation is carried out mainly in solid stage. The quality of the solution and the efficiency of the search are influenced greatly by the control parameters. Therefore, the data-driven mechanism is designed for obtaining better control parameters to ensure good performance on numerical benchmark problems. In order to verify the effectiveness of CPDD, numerical experiments are carried out on all the CEC2014 contest benchmark functions. Finally, two application problems of artificial neural network are examined. The experimental results show that CPDD is competitive with respect to other eight state-of-the-art intelligent optimization algorithms.
Alcohol Consumption Is a Risk Factor for Lower Extremity Arterial Disease in Chinese Patients with T2DM
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Wang Shuang , Yang Bo , Zheng Jinliang , Cai Yuping , Yang Zhengguo
Published: July 2017

Objective. To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and diabetic lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We evaluated 138 hospitalized patients with T2DM who consumed alcohol and 833 who did not. We used propensity score matching to reduce the confounding bias between groups. Additionally, a logistic regression analysis was performed with the matched data to evaluate the LEAD risk. Results. In total, 119 pairs of patients who did and did not consume alcohol were matched. According to the logistic regression analysis, patients who consumed >8 U of alcohol/day had a higher risk of LEAD (odds ratio (OR): 6.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.78–22.65) than patients who did not consume alcohol. Additionally, after adjusting for age, gender, region, occupation, smoking status, body mass index, weight change, and duration of diabetes, the OR of peripheral artery disease after >20 years of alcohol consumption was 3.48 (95% CI: 1.09–11.15). Furthermore, we observed a significant dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and LEAD. Conclusions. Alcohol consumption may be a risk factor of LEAD in patients with T2DM. Patients with T2DM should be advised to stop drinking, to prevent the onset of LEAD.
Fuzzy Classification of High Resolution Remote Sensing Scenes Using Visual Attention Features
Authors: Li Linyi , Xu Tingbao , Chen Yun
Published: July 2017

In recent years the spatial resolutions of remote sensing images have been improved greatly. However, a higher spatial resolution image does not always lead to a better result of automatic scene classification. Visual attention is an important characteristic of the human visual system, which can effectively help to classify remote sensing scenes. In this study, a novel visual attention feature extraction algorithm was proposed, which extracted visual attention features through a multiscale process. And a fuzzy classification method using visual attention features (FC-VAF) was developed to perform high resolution remote sensing scene classification. FC-VAF was evaluated by using remote sensing scenes from widely used high resolution remote sensing images, including IKONOS, QuickBird, and ZY-3 images. FC-VAF achieved more accurate classification results than the others according to the quantitative accuracy evaluation indices. We also discussed the role and impacts of different decomposition levels and different wavelets on the classification accuracy. FC-VAF improves the accuracy of high resolution scene classification and therefore advances the research of digital image analysis and the applications of high resolution remote sensing images.
Combination Therapy with NHS-muIL12 and Avelumab (anti-PD-L1) Enhances Antitumor Efficacy in Preclinical Cancer Models
Authors: Xu Chunxiao , Zhang Yanping , Rolfe P. Alexander , Hernández Vivian M. , Guzman Wilson , Kradjian Giorgio , Marelli Bo , Qin Guozhong , Qi Jin , Wang Hong , Yu Huakui , Tighe Robert , Lo Kin-Ming , English Jessie M. , Radvanyi Laszlo , Lan Yan
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To determine whether combination therapy with NHS-muIL12 and the anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody avelumab can enhance antitumor efficacy in preclinical models relative to monotherapies.

Experimental Design: BALB/c mice bearing orthotopic EMT-6 mammary tumors and μMt− mice bearing subcutaneous MC38 tumors were treated with NHS-muIL12, avelumab, or combination therapy; tumor growth and survival were assessed. Tumor recurrence following remission and rechallenge was evaluated in EMT-6 tumor-bearing mice. Immune cell populations within spleen and tumors were evaluated by FACS and IHC. Immune gene expression in tumor tissue was profiled by NanoString® assay and plasma cytokine levels were determined by multiplex cytokine assay. The frequency of tumor antigen–reactive IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells was evaluated by ELISpot assay.

Results: NHS-muIL12 and avelumab combination therapy enhanced antitumor efficacy relative to either monotherapy in both tumor models. Most EMT-6 tumor–bearing mice treated with combination therapy had complete tumor regression. Combination therapy also induced the generation of tumor-specific immune memory, as demonstrated by protection against tumor rechallenge and induction of effector and memory T cells. Combination therapy enhanced cytotoxic NK and CD8+ T-cell proliferation and T-bet expression, whereas NHS-muIL12 monotherapy induced CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the tumor. Combination therapy also enhanced plasma cytokine levels and stimulated expression of a greater number of innate and adaptive immune genes compared with either monotherapy.

Conclusions: These data indicate that combination therapy with NHS-muIL12 and avelumab increased antitumor efficacy in preclinical models, and suggest that combining NHS-IL12 and avelumab may be a promising approach to treating patients with solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5869–80. ©2017 AACR.
Bevacizumab Induces Acute Hypoxia and Cancer Progression in Patients with Refractory Breast Cancer: Multimodal Functional Imaging and Multiplex Cytokine Analysis
Authors: Ueda Shigeto , Saeki Toshiaki , Osaki Akihiko , Yamane Tomohiko , Kuji Ichiei
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Bevacizumab, an antibody against endothelial growth factor, is a key but controversial drug in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. We, therefore, aimed to determine the intrinsic resistance to bevacizumab at the physiologic and molecular levels in advanced breast cancer using PET, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging (DOSI), and multiplex cytokine assays.

Experimental Design: In total, 28 patients diagnosed with advanced stage III/IV breast cancer receiving single-agent bevacizumab for 1 week followed by paclitaxel combined with bevacizumab underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET, 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)-PET, and MRI at both baseline and two courses after treatment initiation. Hemodynamic measurement using DOSI and blood sample collection were performed at baseline and multiple times during the first week after the initiation of single-agent bevacizumab. We distinguished nonresponders from responders by serial FDG-PET based on their glycolytic changes to chemotherapy.

Results: Nonresponders showed significantly higher hypoxic activity on FMISO-PET and less tumor shrinkage than responders. Hemodynamic parameters showed higher tumor blood volume and a remarkable decrease in the tissue oxygen level in nonresponders compared with responders after the infusion of single-agent bevacizumab. Multiplex cytokine assays revealed increased plasma levels of both proangiogenic and hypoxia-related inflammatory cytokines in nonresponders and decreased levels in responders.

Conclusions: Nonresponders exhibited a higher degree of angiogenesis with more severe hypoxia than responders during bevacizumab treatment. These findings demonstrated that the addition of bevacizumab to paclitaxel treatment under hypoxic conditions could be ineffective and may result in acute hypoxia and increased cytokine secretion associated with cancer progression. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5769–78. ©2017 AACR.
High Level of Tobacco Carcinogen–Derived DNA Damage in Oral Cells Is an Independent Predictor of Oral/Head and Neck Cancer Risk in Smokers
Authors: Khariwala Samir S. , Ma Bin , Ruszczak Chris , Carmella Steven G. , Lindgren Bruce , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Hecht Stephen S. , Stepanov Irina
Published: July 2017

Exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is recognized to play an important role in the development of oral/head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). We recently reported higher levels of TSNA-associated DNA adducts in the oral cells of smokers with HNSCC as compared with cancer-free smokers. In this study, we further investigated the tobacco constituent exposures in the same smokers to better understand the potential causes for the elevated oral DNA damage in smokers with HNSCC. Subjects included cigarette smokers with HNSCC (cases, n = 30) and cancer-free smokers (controls, n = 35). At recruitment, tobacco/alcohol use questionnaires were completed, and urine and oral cell samples were obtained. Analysis of urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and N'-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN; TSNA biomarkers), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP, a PAH), cotinine, 3′-hydroxycotinine, and the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) were performed. Cases and controls differed in mean age, male preponderance, and frequency of alcohol consumption (but not total alcoholic drinks). Univariate analysis revealed similar levels of NNN, 1-HOP, and cotinine between groups but, as reported previously, significantly higher DNA adduct formation in the cases. Multiple regression adjusting for potential confounders showed persistent significant difference in DNA adduct levels between cases and controls [ratio of geometric means, 20.0; 95% CI, 2.7–148.6). Our cohort of smokers with HNSCC demonstrates higher levels of TSNA-derived oral DNA damage in the setting of similar exposure to nicotine and tobacco carcinogens. Among smokers, DNA adduct formation may act as a predictor of eventual development of HNSCC that is independent of carcinogen exposure indicators. Cancer Prev Res; 10(9); 507–13. ©2017 AACR.

See related editorial by Johnson and Bauman, p. 489
The Path of Most Resistance: Transdifferentiation Underlies Exceptional Nonresponses to Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibition in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sinha Seema , Nelson Peter S.
Published: July 2017

Summary: In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Zou and colleagues describe a mechanism involving cellular transdifferentiation that promotes exceptional resistance to antiandrogen therapy in prostate cancer. A background of coinactivation of Trp53 and Pten increased the frequency of the transdifferentiated neuroendocrine phenotype. These findings have implications for developing approaches to repress cellular plasticity and overcome treatment resistance. Cancer Discov; 7(7); 673–4. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Zou et al., p. 736.