bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing and Wear Behaviour of 3D Printed PLA Reinforced with Biogenic Carbon
Authors: Ertane Ertan G. , Dorner-Reisel Annett , Baran Ozlem , Welzel Thomas , Matner Viola , Svoboda Stefan
Published: August 2018

For the first time, biocarbon reinforced polylactide (PLA) filaments were available for the 3D printing. Biocarbon is the carbon obtained from trees, plants, and soils to naturally absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One of the most important features is renewability. Because of this, it has been decided to reinforce PLA with biocarbon to obtain 100% recyclable material. Although PLA has been used in 3D printing for a long time, more applications like housings or structural interior of automobiles or other vehicles can be realised, if the mechanical and tribological properties are improved. Because the new PLA/biocarbon reinforced composites are degradable, they can be used as soil improvement after end of life as a structural material. The filaments were produced by compounding the biocarbon with polylactide granulate. Biocarbon was produced by pyrolysis of wheat stems at 800°C. The biomass were collected from different regions in Germany, Europe. As shown by Raman spectroscopy, the in-plane crystallite size of pyrolysed wheat stems from different regions is almost similar and amounts to 2.35 ±0.02 nm. Biocarbon particles were successfully integrated into the polylactide. Filaments of 1.75 mm diameter were produced for 3D (3-dimensional) printing. Filaments with 5 vol.-%, 15 vol.-%, and 30 vol.-% biocarbon were extruded. The fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing process was slightly hindered at higher biocarbon loading. Based on optical and scanning electron microscopy, a very homogeneous particle distribution can be observed. Single carbon particles stick out of the filament surface, which may be a reason for enhanced nozzle wear during 3D printing. Friction is more stable for 30 vol.-% reinforced PLA in comparison to unreinforced PLA and composites with lower particle fraction. This effect could be caused by some topographical effects due to void generation at the surface of PLA with 30 vol.-% biocarbon. In general, the tribological resistance increases with higher volume fraction of biocarbon.
High Embedding Capacity Data Hiding Algorithm for H.264/AVC Video Sequences without Intraframe Distortion Drift
Authors: Nguyen Dinh-Chien , Nguyen Thai-Son , Chang Chin-Chen , Hsueh Huan-Sheng , Hsu Fang-Rong
Published: August 2018

Data hiding is a technique that allows secret data to be delivered securely by embedding the data into cover digital media. In this paper, we propose a new data hiding algorithm for H.264/advanced video coding (AVC) of video sequences with high embedding capacity. In the proposed scheme, to embed secret data into the quantized discrete cosine transform (QDCT) coefficients of I frames without any intraframe distortion drift, some embeddable coefficient pairs are selected in each block, and they are divided into two different groups, i.e., the embedding group and the averting group. The embedding group is used to carry the secret data, and the averting group is used to prevent distortion drift in the adjacent blocks. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme can avoid intraframe distortion drift and guarantee low distortion of video sequences. In addition, the proposed scheme provides enhanced embedding capacity compared to previous schemes. Moreover, the embedded secret data can be extracted completely without the requirement of the original secret data.
Survey on Complex Optimization and Simulation for the New Power Systems Paradigm
Authors: Soares João , Pinto Tiago , Lezama Fernando , Morais Hugo
Published: August 2018

This survey provides a comprehensive analysis on recent research related to optimization and simulation in the new paradigm of power systems, which embraces the so‐called smart grid. We start by providing an overview of the recent research related to smart grid optimization. From the variety of challenges that arise in a smart grid context, we analyze with a significance importance the energy resource management problem since it is seen as one of the most complex and challenging in recent research. The survey also provides a discussion on the application of computational intelligence, with a strong emphasis on evolutionary computation techniques, to solve complex problems where traditional approaches usually fail. The last part of this survey is devoted to research on large‐scale simulation towards applications in electricity markets and smart grids. The survey concludes that the study of the integration of distributed renewable generation, demand response, electric vehicles, or even aggregators in the electricity market is still very poor. Besides, adequate models and tools to address uncertainty in energy scheduling solutions are crucial to deal with new resources such as electric vehicles or renewable generation. Computational intelligence can provide a significant advantage over traditional tools to address these complex problems. In addition, supercomputers or parallelism opens a window to refine the application of these new techniques. However, such technologies and approaches still need to mature to be the preferred choice in the power systems field. In summary, this survey provides a full perspective on the evolution and complexity of power systems as well as advanced computational tools, such as computational intelligence and simulation, while motivating new research avenues to cover gaps that need to be addressed in the coming years.
A Formulation of L-Isothermic Surfaces in Three-Dimensional Minkowski Space
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: August 2018

The Cartan structure equations are used to study space-like and time-like isothermic surfaces in three-dimensional Minkowski space in a unified framework. When the lines of curvature of a surface constitute an isothermal system, the surface is called isothermic. This condition serves to define a system of one-forms such that, by means of the structure equations, the Gauss-Codazzi equations for the surface are determined explicitly. A Lax pair can also be obtained from these one-forms for both cases, and, moreover, a nonhomogeneous Schrödinger equation can be associated with the set of space-like surfaces.
Sensor Placement Strategies for the Seismic Monitoring of Complex Vaulted Structures of the Modern Architectural Heritage
Authors: Lenticchia Erica , Ceravolo Rosario , Antonaci Paola
Published: August 2018

Effective diagnostic and monitoring systems are highly needed in the building and infrastructure sector, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the structural health state and improve the maintenance and restoration planning. Vibration‐based techniques, and especially ambient vibration testing, have proved to be particularly suitable for both periodic and continuous monitoring of existing structures. As a general requirement, permanent systems must include a sensing network able to run a continuous surveillance and provide reliable analyses based on different information sources. The variability in the environmental and operating conditions needs to be accounted for in designing such a sensor network, but it is mainly the structural typology that governs the optimal sensor placement strategy. Architectural heritage consists of a great variety of buildings and monuments that significantly differ from each other in terms of typology, historic period, construction techniques, and materials. In this paper, the main issues regarding seismic protection and analysis of the modern architectural heritage are introduced and applied to one of the vaulted structures built by Pier Luigi Nervi in the Turin Exhibition Centre. The importance of attaining an adequate level of knowledge in historic structures is also highlighted. After an overview of the Turin Exhibition Centre and its construction innovations, this paper focuses on Hall B, describing the structural design conceived by Pier Luigi Nervi. A seismic assessment of the structures of Hall B is then presented, considering the potential seismic damage to nonstructural elements. Subsequently, the application of an optimal sensor placement strategy is described with reference to two different scenarios: the first one corresponding to the undamaged structure and the second one that considers a possible damage to the infill walls. Finally, a novel damage‐scenario‐driven sensor placement strategy based on a combination of the two above mentioned is proposed and discussed. One of the major conclusions drawn from the analyses performed is that nonstructural elements undergoing seismic damage or degradation may significantly affect the global dynamic response and consequently the optimal sensing configurations.
An Improved Defogging Algorithm Based on Dark Color Theory Combined with Self-Adaptive Threshold Mechanism
Authors: Li Aixing , Fang Zhou , Mi Bo
Published: August 2018

Defogging algorithms based on dark channel prior have color shift in light color areas because of inaccurate estimation of transmittance. To resolve this problem, a novel improved image clearness method is proposed. Based on the dark channel prior, the essential causes of color shift are analyzed, with two important factors summarized. Then, transmission map is calculated by using 3⁎3 fixed region, and the restoration module based on self-adaptive threshold mechanism for transmission map is provided. Some experiments are carried out to determine parameters in restoration module to correct the transmission map. According to the corrected transmission map, a transmission restoration algorithm is constructed based on the self-adaptive threshold mechanism to improve the performance of the fog-free image. The experiment results show that this method can resolve the color shift in light color areas effectively and guarantee the overall framework of defogging method based on dark color theory unchanged.
Forecasting Financial Crashes: Revisit to Log‐Periodic Power Law
Authors: Dai Bingcun , Zhang Fan , Tarzia Domenico , Ahn Kwangwon
Published: August 2018

We aim to provide an algorithm to predict the distribution of the critical times of financial bubbles employing a log‐periodic power law. Our approach consists of a constrained genetic algorithm and an improved price gyration method, which generates an initial population of parameters using historical data for the genetic algorithm. The key enhancements of price gyration algorithm are (i) different window sizes for peak detection and (ii) a distance‐based weighting approach for peak selection. Our results show a significant improvement in the prediction of financial crashes. The diagnostic analysis further demonstrates the accuracy, efficiency, and stability of our predictions.
Study on the Deformation Mechanism of Soft Rock Roadway under Blasting Disturbance in Baoguo Iron Mine
Authors: Jing Hong-di , Li Yuan-hui , Li Kun-meng
Published: August 2018

In order to study the deformation mechanism of soft rock roadway in underground mines, it is necessary not only to study the influence of the dynamic disturbance caused by the cyclic mining blasting vibration on the stability of the soft rock roadway but also to study the degradation of the roadway surrounding rock itself and other factors. The paper presented a synthetic research system to investigate the factors that influence roadway rock structure deterioration in Baoguo Iron Mine. Firstly, the stability of rock mass was analyzed from the perspective of the physical and structural characteristics of the rock mass. Afterwards, according to monitoring data of mining blasting vibration, a suitable safety blasting prediction model for Baoguo Iron Mine was determined. And then, combining the results of mining blasting vibration monitoring and deformation monitoring, the effect of cyclic mining blasting on the stability of the soft rock roadway was obtained. By systematically studying the intrinsic factors of rock quality degradation and external environmental disturbances and their interactions, this paper comprehensively explores the deformation mechanism of soft rock roadway and provides the support for fundamentally solving the large deformation problems of soft rock roadway in underground mines.
Effect of Curing Conditions on the Shrinkage of Ultra High‐Performance Fiber‐Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Han Song , Cui Yefu , Huang Hanfeng , An Mingzhe , Yu Ziruo
Published: August 2018

The effect of curing conditions on the early age and long‐term shrinkage of ultra high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) was systematically studied. The shrinkage of the early age (0–168 h) and long‐term age (0–90 d) of UHPFRC material was measured based on three kinds of humidity conditions (dry, sealed, and soaked) and curing temperatures (25°C, 40°C, and 75°C), respectively. In this paper, the hydration degree of different shrinkage stages was studied in combination with chemical‐bound water experiment. Meanwhile, the influencing mechanism of curing condition on the shrinkage of UHPFRC was analyzed. The results show that the early shrinkage rate of UHPFRC is accelerated with the increase of temperature, and the rate of shrinkage development at the latter stage is suppressed with the increase of temperature. With the increase of humidity, the early age shrinkage of UHPFRC and its increasing rate gradually decrease, which means drying condition > sealing condition > soaking condition. According to the long‐term shrinkage results, increasing temperature has very significant inhibiting effect on the UHPFRC shrinkage in the sealed condition. Due to the majority of the in‐site components of UHPFRC cured in the sealed condition, high‐temperature curing has evident inhibition of early age shrinkage of UHPFRC. Therefore, promoting curing temperature is fairly effective at inhibiting the early age shrinkage of UHPFRC for the in‐site structures.
A Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach Based on Fuzzy AHP with Intuitionistic 2-Tuple Linguistic Sets
Authors: Faizi Shahzad , Rashid Tabasam , Zafar Sohail
Published: August 2018

In the modern literature related to linguistic decision-making, the 2-tuple linguistic representation model and its useful applications in various fields have been extensively studied and used during the last decade. Recently, some useful multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been introduced based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for 2-tuple linguistic representation model. By keeping in mind the importance of this linguistic model, in this paper, we introduce a fuzzy AHP methodology for intuitionistic 2-tuple linguistic sets (I2TLSs) which is a useful extension of the 2-tuple linguistic representation model. This study is comprised of four stages. In the first stage, we define some operational laws for I2TL elements (I2TLEs) and prove some related important properties. In the second stage, intuitionistic 2-tuple linguistic preference relation (I2TLPR) and multiplicative I2TLPR are defined using I2TLSs. In the 3rd stage, a transformation mechanism is introduced which can transform an I2TLPR to a corresponding intuitionistic preference relation (IPR) and vice versa. In the fourth stage, an approach is proposed for checking the consistency of an I2TLPR and presented a method to repair the inconsistent one by using the proposed transformation mechanism. Finally, a numerical example is given and comparative analysis is carried out with the TOPSIS method to verify the validity of the proposed method.
The Anti-Inflammatory Mediator, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Modulates the Differentiation and Function of Th Subsets in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Villanueva-Romero Raúl , Gutiérrez-Cañas Irene , Carrión Mar , Pérez-García Selene , Seoane Iria V. , Martínez Carmen , Gomariz Rosa P. , Juarranz Yasmina
Published: August 2018

Genetic background, epigenetic modifications, and environmental factors trigger autoimmune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several pathogenic infections have been related to the onset of RA and may cause an inadequate immunological tolerance towards critical self-antigens leading to chronic joint inflammation and an imbalance between different T helper (Th) subsets. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a mediator that modulates all the stages comprised between the arrival of pathogens and Th cell differentiation in RA through its known anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions. This “neuroimmunopeptide” modulates the pathogenic activity of diverse cell subpopulations involved in RA as lymphocytes, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), or macrophages. In addition, VIP decreases the expression of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) such as toll-like receptors (TLRs) in FLS from RA patients. These receptors act as sensors of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) connecting the innate and adaptive immune system. Moreover, VIP modulates the imbalance between Th subsets in RA, decreasing pathogenic Th1 and Th17 subsets and favoring Th2 or Treg profile during the differentiation/polarization of naïve or memory Th cells. Finally, VIP regulates the plasticity between theses subsets. In this review, we provide an overview of VIP effects on the aforementioned features of RA pathology.
PID Control for Electric Vehicles Subject to Control and Speed Signal Constraints
Authors: Dantas Amanda Danielle O. da S. , Dantas André Felipe O. de A. , Campos João Tiago L. S. , de Almeida Neto Domingos L. , Dórea Carlos Eduardo T.
Published: August 2018

A PID control for electric vehicles subject to input armature voltage and angular velocity signal constraints is proposed. A PID controller for a vehicle DC motor with a separately excited field winding considering the field current constant was tuned using controlled invariant set and multiparametric programming concepts to consider the physical motor constraints as angular velocity and input armature voltage. Additionally, the integral of the error, derivative of the error constraints, and λ were considered in the proposed algorithm as tuning parameters to analyze the DC motor dynamic behaviors. The results showed that the proposed algorithm can be used to generate control actions taking into account the armature voltage and angular velocity limits. Also, results demonstrate that a controller subject to constraints can improve the electric vehicle DC motor dynamic; and at the same time it protects the motor from overvoltage.
Health-Related Quality of Life Subdomains in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of Gender
Authors: Ophey Anja , Eggers Carsten , Dano Richard , Timmermann Lars , Kalbe Elke
Published: August 2018

The most frequently used instrument to assess health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39). However, both the dimensionality of the eight PDQ-39 subscales and their summary score recently faced criticism. Furthermore, data on disease-related and neuropsychological determinants and the role of gender on HrQoL in PD are inconclusive yet. Therefore, our aim was to reevaluate the PDQ-39 structure and to further explore determinants of HrQoL in PD. 245 PD patients (age: M = 69.64, SD = 8.43; 62.9% male; H&Y: Md = 3.00; cognitive assessment with PANDA: M = 24.82, SD = 3.57) from the baseline database of the Cologne Parkinson Network were used to reevaluate the dimensionality of the PDQ-39 with a principal component analysis (PCA). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to clarify general and domain-specific relationships between clinical, (neuro)psychological, and sociodemographic variables, gender in particular, and HrQoL. The PCA identified three HrQoL domains: physical-functioning, cognition, and socioemotional HrQoL. Depressive symptoms were identified as the most important determinant of HrQoL across all models. Disease-related HrQoL determinants (UPDRS-III, H&Y stage, and LEDD) were less strong and consistent HrQoL determinants than nonmotor symptoms. Analyses did not reveal a global gender effect; however, female gender was a negative predictor for physical-functioning and socioemotional HrQoL, whereas male gender was a negative predictor for cognition HrQoL. Our analyses suggest the consideration of a reevaluation of the PDQ-39. Only the full understanding of HrQoL, its determinants, and their interrelationships will allow the development of PD intervention strategies focusing on what matters the most for patients’ HrQoL. Gender is one relevant variable that should be considered in this context.
Reliability and Validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale in Italian Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Massai Perla , Colalelli Francesca , Sansoni Julita , Valente Donatella , Tofani Marco , Fabbrini Giovanni , Fabbrini Andrea , Scuccimarri Michela , Galeoto Giovanni
Published: August 2018

Introduction. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is commonly used to assess depressive symptoms, but its psychometric properties have never been examined in Italian people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this study was to study the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the GDS in a sample of PD patients. Methods. The GDS was administered to 74 patients with PD in order to study its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct, and discriminant validity. Results. The internal consistency of GDS was excellent (α = 0.903), as well as the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.941 [95% CI: 0.886–0.970]). GDS showed a strong correlation with instruments related to the depression (ρ = 0.880) in PD (ρ = 0.712) and a weak correlation with generic measurement instruments (−0.320 < ρ <−0.217). An area under the curve of 0.892 (95% CI 0.809–0.975) indicated a moderate capability to discriminate depressed patients to nondepressed patient, with a cutoff value between 15 and 16 points that predicts depression (sensitivity = 87%; specificity = 82%). Conclusion. The GDS is a reliable and valid tool in a sample of Italian PD subjects; this scale can be used in clinical and research contexts.
Some New Discrete Gronwall-Bellman Type Inequalities with Three Independent Variables and Applications
Authors: Liu Weihua , Huang Haisong
Published: August 2018

Some new discrete Gronwall-Bellman type inequalities with three independent variables which generalize some existing results and can be used as handy tools in the study of qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of certain classes of difference equation are presented. As applications, some difference equations with the initial boundary conditions are also considered.
A Power Control Algorithm Based on Outage Probability Awareness in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wu Xintong , Sun Shanlin , Li Yun , Tan Zhicheng , Huang Wentao , Yao Xing
Published: August 2018

This paper addresses the problem of adaptive power control based on outage probability minimization in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs), called a Power Control Algorithm Based on Outage Probability Awareness (PC-OPA). Unlike most of the existing works, our power control method aims at minimizing the outage probability and then is subject to the density of nodes in certain area. To fulfill power control, cumulative interference is assumed to be available at the transmitter of each terminal. The transmitters sent data by maximum power and then get the cumulative interference-aware outage probability. Furthermore, we build the interference model by stochastic geometric theory and then derive the expression between outage probability and cumulative interference. According to the expression, we adjust the transmitter power and optimize the outage probability. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power control strategies. It is shown that the PC-OPA can achieve a significant performance gain in terms of the outage probability and throughputs. Comparing MPC (Maximum Power Control algorithm) and WFPC (Water-Filled Power Control algorithm), the proposed PC-OPA decreased by 23% in terms of the outage probability and increased by 25% in terms of throughputs.
Horizontal Subzone Characteristics and Methane Seepage Properties of the Gas Flowing Fracture Zone above the Gob
Authors: Qin Wei , Xu Jialin
Published: August 2018

Gas flowing fracture zone (GFFZ) is an active zone in the gob where pressure‐relieved methane can move freely. However, there are very few research findings on the horizontal development characteristics and internal methane seepage properties of GFFZs. In this paper, based on the development height of a GFFZ above the gob, the GFFZ was horizontally divided into the following: a lateral fracture subzone, an O‐ring fracture subzone, and a compacted subzone. The identification criteria for all of these horizontal subzones were given by analyzing the influence of the stress in the coal rock mass on the development of mining‐induced fractures. A numerical simulation study was conducted to determine the influences of the mining height and mining depth on the morphological development of all horizontal subzones of the GFFZ, and the simulation results showed that the mining height was the main factor influencing the development characteristics of horizontal subzones of the GFFZ. Both the maximum distance of the lateral fracture subzone beyond the mining boundary and the width of the O‐ring fracture subzone increased with the increase of mining height. A physical simulation experiment was performed for extraction of gob methane through a surface borehole, and the experimental results showed that the gas flow state was laminar within the range of the lateral fracture subzone and the compacted subzone but that the gas flow state was turbulent, not following Darcy’s law, within the range of the O‐ring fracture subzone.
Allergies and Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case–Control Study and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wallace Amelia D. , Francis Stephen S. , Ma Xiomei , McKean-Cowdin Roberta , Selvin Steve , Whitehead Todd P. , Barcellos Lisa F. , Kang Alice Y. , Morimoto Libby , Moore Theodore B. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Metayer Catherine
Published: August 2018

Background: Allergic disease is suspected to play a role in the development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Studies conducted over the last several decades have yielded mixed results.

Methods: We examined the association between allergy, a common immune-mediated disorder, and ALL in the California Childhood Leukemia Study (CCLS), a case–control study of 977 children diagnosed with ALL and 1,037 matched controls (1995–2015). History of allergies in the first year of life was obtained from interviews, mainly reported by mothers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for birth order, daycare attendance, and mode of delivery. In addition, we conducted meta-analyses with data from the CCLS and 12 published studies and employed a new method to estimate between-study heterogeneity (R_b).

Results: Overall, no associations were observed between childhood ALL risk and specific allergy phenotypes or any allergy, as a group. However, having any allergy was associated with an increased risk of ALL among the youngest study participants. In the meta-analysis random-effects models, reduced odds of ALL were associated with hay fever (metaOR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47–0.90); however, restricting the analysis to studies that used medical records for assessment of allergy or recently published studies led to null or attenuated results.

Conclusions: Overall, our findings do not support a clear association between allergy and childhood ALL.

Impact: The degree to which epidemiologic studies can inform the relationship between allergies and risk of childhood ALL is limited by R_b. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1142–50. ©2018 AACR.
Anti-Folate Receptor Alpha–Directed Antibody Therapies Restrict the Growth of Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheung Anthony , Opzoomer James , Ilieva Kristina M. , Gazinska Patrycja , Hoffmann Ricarda M. , Mirza Hasan , Marlow Rebecca , Francesch-Domenech Erika , Fittall Matthew , Dominguez Rodriguez Diana , Clifford Angela , Badder Luned , Patel Nirmesh , Mele Silvia , Pellizzari Giulia , Bax Heather J. , Crescioli Silvia , Petranyi Gyula , Larcombe-Young Daniel , Josephs Debra H. , Canevari Silvana , Figini Mariangela , Pinder Sarah , Nestle Frank O. , Gillett Cheryl , Spicer James F. , Grigoriadis Anita , Tutt Andrew N.J. , Karagiannis Sophia N.
Published: August 2018

Purpose: Highly aggressive triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) lack validated therapeutic targets and have high risk of metastatic disease. Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is a central mediator of cell growth regulation that could serve as an important target for cancer therapy.

Experimental Design: We evaluated FRα expression in breast cancers by genomic (n = 3,414) and IHC (n = 323) analyses and its association with clinical parameters and outcomes. We measured the functional contributions of FRα in TNBC biology by RNA interference and the antitumor functions of an antibody recognizing FRα (MOv18-IgG1), in vitro, and in human TNBC xenograft models.

Results: FRα is overexpressed in significant proportions of aggressive basal like/TNBC tumors, and in postneoadjuvant chemotherapy–residual disease associated with a high risk of relapse. Expression is associated with worse overall survival. TNBCs show dysregulated expression of thymidylate synthase, folate hydrolase 1, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, involved in folate metabolism. RNA interference to deplete FRα decreased Src and ERK signaling and resulted in reduction of cell growth. An anti-FRα antibody (MOv18-IgG1) conjugated with a Src inhibitor significantly restricted TNBC xenograft growth. Moreover, MOv18-IgG1 triggered immune-dependent cancer cell death in vitro by human volunteer and breast cancer patient immune cells, and significantly restricted orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft growth.

Conclusions: FRα is overexpressed in high-grade TNBC and postchemotherapy residual tumors. It participates in cancer cell signaling and presents a promising target for therapeutic strategies such as ADCs, or passive immunotherapy priming Fc-mediated antitumor immune cell responses. Clin Cancer Res; 24(20); 5098–111. ©2018 AACR.
Interim PET Analysis in First-Line Therapy of Multiple Myeloma: Prognostic Value of ΔSUVmax in the FDG-Avid Patients of the IMAJEM Study
Authors: Bailly Clément , Carlier Thomas , Jamet Bastien , Eugene Thomas , Touzeau Cyrille , Attal Michel , Hulin Cyrille , Facon Thierry , Leleu Xavier , Perrot Aurore , Garderet Laurent , Macro Margaret , Caillot Denis , Moreau Philippe , Kraeber-Bodéré Françoise , Bodet-Milin Caroline
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To assess the prognostic value of interim 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET analysis using decrease in maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) versus visual analysis in patients with multiple myeloma.

Patients and Methods: We evaluated the prognostic value of FDG-PET after three cycles of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVD) in patients with FDG-avid multiple myeloma included in the French prospective multicenter IMAJEM study. All images were centrally reviewed and interpreted using visual criteria and maximal standardized uptake value reduction (ΔSUVmax). Known prognostic factors, such as the revised International Staging System and biochemical response after three cycles of chemotherapy, were also evaluated.

Results: In the multivariate analysis, only ΔSUVmax [P < 0.001, HR = 5.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.96–15.81] and biochemical response after three cycles of RVD (P = 0.025, HR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.1–0.85) appeared as independent prognostic factors, with a more discriminative HR for ΔSUVmax. ΔSUVmax analysis (>–25% vs. ≤–25%) identified patients with improved median progression-free survival (22.6 months and not reached, respectively).

Conclusions: ΔSUVmax appears to be a powerful tool for the prediction of long-term outcome in patients with FDG-avid multiple myeloma. Other prospective studies are needed to further validate this prognostic biomarker. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5219–24. ©2018 AACR.
SPOP-Mutated/CHD1-Deleted Lethal Prostate Cancer and Abiraterone Sensitivity
Authors: Boysen Gunther , Rodrigues Daniel N. , Rescigno Pasquale , Seed George , Dolling David , Riisnaes Ruth , Crespo Mateus , Zafeiriou Zafeiris , Sumanasuriya Semini , Bianchini Diletta , Hunt Joanne , Moloney Deirdre , Perez-Lopez Raquel , Tunariu Nina , Miranda Susana , Figueiredo Inês , Ferreira Ana , Christova Rossitza , Gil Veronica , Aziz Sara , Bertan Claudia , de Oliveira Flavia M. , Atkin Mark , Clarke Matthew , Goodall Jane , Sharp Adam , MacDonald Theresa , Rubin Mark A. , Yuan Wei , Barbieri Christopher E. , Carreira Suzanne , Mateo Joaquin , de Bono Johann S.
Published: August 2018

Purpose: CHD1 deletions and SPOP mutations frequently cooccur in prostate cancer with lower frequencies reported in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We monitored CHD1 expression during disease progression and assessed the molecular and clinical characteristics of CHD1-deleted/SPOP-mutated metastatic CRPC (mCRPC).

Experimental Design: We identified 89 patients with mCRPC who had hormone-naive and castration-resistant tumor samples available: These were analyzed for CHD1, PTEN, and ERG expression by IHC. SPOP status was determined by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). We studied the correlations between these biomarkers and (i) overall survival from diagnosis; (ii) overall survival from CRPC; (iii) duration of abiraterone treatment; and (iv) response to abiraterone. Relationship with outcome was analyzed using Cox regression and log-rank analyses.

Results: CHD1 protein loss was detected in 11 (15%) and 13 (17%) of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) and CRPC biopsies, respectively. Comparison of CHD1 expression was feasible in 56 matched, same patient HSPC and CRPC biopsies. CHD1 protein status in HSPC and CRPC correlated in 55 of 56 cases (98%). We identified 22 patients with somatic SPOP mutations, with six of these mutations not reported previously in prostate cancer. SPOP mutations and/or CHD1 loss was associated with a higher response rate to abiraterone (SPOP: OR, 14.50 P = 0.001; CHD1: OR, 7.30, P = 0.08) and a longer time on abiraterone (SPOP: HR, 0.37, P = 0.002, CHD1: HR, 0.50, P = 0.06).

Conclusions: SPOP-mutated mCRPCs are strongly enriched for CHD1 loss. These tumors appear highly sensitive to abiraterone treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5585–93. ©2018 AACR.
Treg Fragility: A Prerequisite for Effective Antitumor Immunity?
Authors: Overacre-Delgoffe Abigail E. , Vignali Dario A.A.
Published: August 2018

Inhibitory checkpoint blockade has significantly improved patient response rate across numerous tumor types. However, most patients remain unresponsive to immunotherapy, suggesting that unappreciated mechanisms of resistance exist. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is unique and composed of many suppressive cell populations that inhibit antitumor immune responses, including regulatory T cells (Tregs). The TME is nutrient poor, acidic, and hypoxic, creating a challenging microenvironment for immune cells to function and survive. Tregs suppress a wide variety of cell populations through multiple mechanisms and are tasked with limiting tissue damage. Tregs are now considered to be a barrier to effective antitumor immunity. Systemic Treg depletion is not favored because of their critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. Reducing Treg function specifically within the TME may provide a more effective, targeted approach to limit the immunosuppressive environment within the tumor without inducing systemic adverse consequences. Targeting molecules that cause Treg instability, characterized by loss of critical Treg transcription factors such as Foxp3, could result in conversion into cells that cause immune pathology, tissue damage, and subsequent autoimmune side effects. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) can cause intratumoral Treg “fragility,” which results in loss of suppressive activity and increased IFNγ production without loss of Foxp3 expression and gross Treg “identity.” We reviewed the impact Tregs have on the TME and vice versa, and their implications for responsiveness to cancer immunotherapy. We propose that the extent to which intratumoral Tregs develop a “fragile” phenotype following immunotherapy will predict and dictate responsiveness. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(8); 882–7. ©2018 AACR.
“Like a Throne of Glory:” The Apotropaic Potential of Ṣîṣîṯ in the Hebrew Bible and Early Rabbinic Literature
Authors: Kosior Wojciech
Published: August 2018

Although at first glanceṣîṣîṯmeet the definitional criteria of an amulet, there are just three passages in the early rabbinic literature that only indirectly suggest such an interpretation. Yet, as it turns out, the tassels feature strong connections with the priestly clothes, and given the protective role played by the latter inside the Tabernacle,ṣîṣîṯcan be interpreted as a lay functional equivalent of the sacerdotal garment. The present paper has three main purposes: first, to scrutinize the passages from B. Men. (41a, 43b and 44a) that are often taken as witnessing to the apotropaic function of fringes; second, to contextualize tassels in the network of the priestly objects:teḵēlęṯ, ša‘aṭnēzandṣîṣ; third, to advance a hypothesis regarding the implicit apotropaic potential ofṣîṣîṯ.
A Genizah Fragment of Bavli Eruvin 53b–54a, 64b
Authors: Zur Uri
Published: August 2018

This article presents a Genizah fragment related to B Eruv. 53b–54a, 64b, identified as Cambridge UL T-S F1 (2) 114. The article begins with a description of the fragment, including paleographic and calligraphic description. The fragment then is compared to the printed version of the text and major manuscripts of Eruvin, including graphic comments of the commentators in the margins of the page in the printed text.
Roger Ward Crosskey—The Life and Contributions of an Entomologist par Excellence (1930–2017)
Authors: ADLER PETER H.
Published: August 2018

The life of Roger Ward Crosskey stands as a paragon of scholarly dedication to the profession of entomology. His early interests in natural history prepared him for a diverse entomological career of about 65 years. He began as a medical entomologist working on the onchocerciasis problem with the Colonial Service in Northern Nigeria, and officially transitioned to dipterology, first studying the Tachinidae as a taxonomist with the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, and later the Simuliidae as a Senior Principal Scientific Officer (Merit) with The Natural History Museum in London. His contributions to the fight against onchocerciasis (river blindness) and to the study of Diptera, particularly the Simuliidae, are an enduring legacy. An indexed chronological listing of his 247 publications is provided, in addition to lists of the taxa that he named and the taxa named in his honor.
Allogynaspis flechtmanni, a new genus and species of the subfamily Macrochelinae (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macrochelidae) from southeastern Brazil, with comments on cheliceral dentition, reproductive strategies, and postepigynal platelets
Authors: KRANTZ G.W.
Published: August 2018

Allogynaspis flechtmanni n. gen., n. sp. is described from litter bordering a stream in a forested area of Itatiaia National Park in southeastern Brazil. Although it shares a number of traits with the free-living macrochelid genera Nothrholaspis and Macrholaspis, the new species presents a unique combination of characters that argues against its inclusion in either genus, or in any other recognised macrochelid genus. A dichotomous key that distinguishes Allogynaspis from related macrocheline genera is included in the text.
A new species of the genus Xya Latreille, 1809 from Shandong, China (Orthoptra, Tridctyloidea, Tridactylidae)
Authors: ZHANG DA-PENG , YIN HAI-XIANG , YIN ZHAN
Published: August 2018

The genus Xya Latreille, 1808 obtains 56 known species in the world, among them 20 species distributed in Asia and 7 species in China only i.e. Xya japonica (Haan, 1842); Xya nitobei (Shiraki, 1911); Xya manchurei Shiraki, 1936; Xya apicicornis (Chopard, 1928); Xya riparia (Saussure, 1877); Xya leshanensis Cao et al, 2017 and Xya sichuanensis Cao et al, 2018, [Haan, 1844; Walker, 1871; Saussure, 1877, 1896; Brunner von Wattenwyl. 1893; Bolivar, 1900(1899); Shiraki, 1911, 1936; Chopard, 1928, 1936, 1968; Bey-Bienko, 1967; Günther, 1974. 1980; Ingrisch, 1987; Yin et al, 1996; Murai, 2005; Yin et al, 2013; Heads & Hollier, 2016; Kuravova & Kocarek, 2016; Zhang et al, 2017; Cao et al, 2017; Cao et al, 2018; Cigliano et al, 2018]. In the present paper, we describe a new species of the genus from Junan county, Shandong province, China. The new species Xya shandongensis sp. nov. is similar to Xya japonica (Haan, 1842), but differs from latter by antennae near moniliform, length of segment 1.2 times maximum width, median and lateral ocelli placed median part of eyes, pronotum with larger yellow stripe on hind apical part of both sides, hind femur black, upper side with a yellowish-white spot at the base of 1/3 place, hind wing long, reaching the base of epiproct. Type specimens are deposited in the College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China.
Can ENSO-Like Convection Force an ENSO-Like Extratropical Response on Subseasonal Time Scales?
Authors: Goss Michael , Lee Sukyoung , Feldstein Steven B. , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: August 2018

A daily El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index is developed based on precipitation rate and is used to investigate subseasonal time-scale extratropical circulation anomalies associated with ENSO-like convective heating. The index, referred to as the El Niño precipitation index (ENPI), is anomalously positive when there is El Niño–like convection. Conversely, the ENPI is anomalously negative when there is La Niña–like convection. It is found that when precipitation becomes El Niño–like (La Niña–like) on subseasonal time scales, the 300-hPa geopotential height field over the North Pacific and western North America becomes El Niño–like (La Niña–like) within 5–10 days. The composites show a small association with the MJO. These results are supported by previous modeling studies, which show that the response over the North Pacific and western North America to an equatorial Pacific heating anomaly occurs within about one week. This suggests that the mean seasonal extratropical response to El Niño (La Niña) may in effect simply be the average of the subseasonal response to subseasonally varying El Niño–like (La Niña–like) convective heating. Implications for subseasonal to seasonal forecasting are discussed.
Changes in Characteristics of Rapidly Intensifying Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones Related to Climate Regime Shifts
Authors: Zhao Haikun , Duan Xingyi , Raga G. B. , Klotzbach Philip J.
Published: August 2018

A significant increase in the proportion of tropical cyclones undergoing rapid intensification at least once during their lifetime (RITCs) over the western North Pacific (WNP) is observed since 1998 when an abrupt climate regime shift occurred. Changes of large-scale atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting TC activity are compared between two subperiods: one before and one since 1998. Results suggest that both a significant decrease in the number of TCs and a nearly unchanged number of RITCs since 1998 caused a significant increase in the frequency of RITCs. The decrease in TC numbers is likely driven by considerably increased vertical wind shear and decreased low-level vorticity. In contrast, the unchanged RITC counts and thus increased ratio of RITCs during the recent decades are largely attributed to the dominance of a more conducive ocean environment with increased TC heat potential and warmer sea surface temperature anomalies. These associated decadal changes are closely associated with the recent climate regime shift. During the recent decades with a mega–La Niña–like pattern, stronger easterly trade winds have caused increased vertical wind shear and a weakened monsoon trough, thus hampering TC formation ability over the WNP. In addition, a steeper thermocline slope that hampered the eastward migration of warm water along the equatorial Pacific has generated a more favorable thermodynamic environment supporting TC rapid intensification over the WNP.
Afro-Eurasian Intermediate-Frequency Teleconnection and Modulation by ENSO
Authors: He Shan , Yang Song , Lu Mengmeng , Li Zhenning
Published: August 2018

The Afro-Eurasian intermediate-frequency atmospheric teleconnection conveys meteorological signals zonally, leads to various atmospheric variations, and causes extreme events along its path. This study, aimed at demonstrating the characteristics of the teleconnection, reveals that the teleconnection accounts for nearly half of the atmospheric variability and significantly influences different meteorological fields. With the propagation of signals associated with the teleconnection, local weather varies from prolonged dry and warm days to extended wet and cold days. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modulates the interannual variation of the teleconnection: it becomes more active and its downstream pattern shifts southward during El Niño events. Two responsible mechanisms are proposed for the ENSO modulation: the eddy-to-eddy interaction that leads to the change in the activeness of the teleconnection and the waveguide effect that accounts for the shift of the teleconnection. First, the El Niño–related Atlantic anomalies of the Rossby wave train and storm track amplify the Atlantic disturbances of the intermediate frequency and thus the activeness of the teleconnection. Second, during El Niño years, the East Asian jet stream shifts southward, resulting in the southward shifts of the downstream waveguide effect and thus the downstream pattern. This study also demonstrates that when investigating an atmospheric mode or its impacts, the signals of different time scales should be separated and the cross-frequency interactive systems necessitate examinations.
Role of Regulatory Agencies in India’s Governance
Authors: Datta Prabhat Kumar , Majumdar Susanta
Published: August 2018

Independent regulatory agencies( IRAs) in a democratic system of government are designed to ensure and promote their independence and autonomous functioning. It is rooted in the concept of regulatory state. Developing countries like India stepped into this direction in the 1990s. In this article, an attempt has been made to analyse the working of IRAs with special reference to the electricity sector. The article demonstrates how the rollout of the agencies brought into light the difficulties of achieving functional independence and operational effectiveness. The discretionary authority is limited from within and without although the institutional space for regulatory policy is slowly but certainly becoming more open. The study seeks to identify some of the weaknesses of this new institutional arrangement that have become evident over the last few years.
The Impact of Housing Assistance on the Mental Health of Children in the United States
Authors: Fenelon Andrew , Slopen Natalie , Boudreaux Michel , Newman Sandra J.
Published: August 2018

Housing assistance policies may lead to improved mental health for children and adolescents by improving housing quality, stability, and affordability. We use a unique data linkage of the National Health Interview Survey and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administrative data to examine the impact of housing assistance on parent-reported mental health outcomes for children ages 2 to 17 (N = 1,967). We account for selection into housing assistance using a pseudo-waitlist method that compares children receiving assistance to those who will enter housing assistance within two years of their interview. Compared to those in the pseudo-waitlist group, we find that children living in public housing have better mental health outcomes. We do not find similar benefits for children receiving vouchers. Our results suggest that housing assistance policies can have a positive impact on mental health among disadvantaged children.