bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governing Proliferation Risks: An Evolutionary Approach to an Uncertain World
Authors: Fiorentini Enrico
Published: August 2018

Technological risks are human‐driven and dynamic. Governing them involves the design of adaptive procedures that fill the gaps between what is known and unknown. Courses of action must be devised to level off inherent risk‐embedded features, that is, time uncertainty, issue complexity, political friction, information asymmetry, and rule ambiguity. Building on novel theorizing about European Union governance, this paper analyzes the prospects under which proliferation risks can be governed through innovative forms of governance. The essay unfolds in three parts. In the first, the overarching traits of proliferation risks are spelled out. By following Scharf's distinction between “input‐ and output‐oriented legitimization,” the second section assesses their respective limitations with regard to non‐proliferation (1999). Given the hurdles in applying a front‐ or back‐end understanding of legitimacy to regional and global settings, this section explores the extent to which a process‐based understating of legitimacy makes up for deficiencies in democratic inputs and effective outputs. As argued in the third section, promising instances of dealing with seemingly intractable issues in creative ways are emerging. Preliminary empirical evidence drawn from documentary analysis, participant observation, and interviews tend to support the case. Finally, the last section offers remarks on the ways in which proliferation risks can be tackled legitimately and effectively.
Trade secrets and innovation: Evidence from the “inevitable disclosure” doctrine
Authors: Contigiani Andrea , Hsu David H. , Barankay Iwan
Published: August 2018

Research Summary: Does heightened employer‐friendly trade secrecy protection help or hinder innovation? By examining U.S. state‐level legal adoption of a doctrine allowing employers to curtail inventor mobility if the employee would “inevitably disclose” trade secrets, we investigate the impact of a shifting trade secrecy regime on individual‐level patenting outcomes. Using a difference‐in‐differences design taking unaffected U.S. inventors as the comparison group, we find strengthening employer‐friendly trade secrecy adversely affects innovation. We then investigate why. We do not find empirical support for diminished idea recombination from suppressed inventor mobility as the operative mechanism. While shifting intellectual property protection away from patenting into trade secrecy has some explanatory power, our results are consistent with reduced individual‐level incentives to signaling quality to the external labor market.

Managerial Summary: While managers often list trade secrecy protection as their most important appropriation mechanism form and basis of competitive advantage (even more often than formal intellectual property protection), researchers have a hard time studying the effect of such secrets. We use a changing trade secrecy legal environment in some U.S. states (the introduction of the inevitable disclosure doctrine [IDD]) to study its effect on inventor‐level innovation. We find that a strengthened employer‐friendly trade secrecy regime adversely affects inventor‐level innovation. While part of the effect is due to substituting trade secrecy protection for patents, we also find that inventors’ diminished external labor market prospects may dampen their innovation output. Consequently, while employers may wish for strengthened trade secrecy protections, the results may paradoxically be against their innovation interests.
Glucose suppresses IL‐1β‐induced MMP‐1 expression through the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP‐1 signaling pathways
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Ju , Lin Chih‐Yang , Tsai Chun‐Hao , Huang Yuan‐Li , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: August 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects the synovial joint and is characterized by degradation of articular cartilage. Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity plays a major role in this degradation. Dextrose (D‐glucose) prolotherapy has shown promising activity in the treatment of different musculoskeletal disorders, including OA. However, little is known about the role of glucose on MMP inhibition in OA therapy. We found that stimulating chondrocytes with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) increased the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13. Glucose reduced this increase in MMP‐1 expression, but had no effect upon MMP‐3 or MMP‐13 expression. Analyses using a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor, MEK inhibitors (U0126 and PD98059), an ERK inhibitor, AP‐1 inhibitors (curcumin and tanshinone), or siRNAs demonstrated that the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP‐1 pathways mediate IL‐1β‐induced increases in MMP‐1 expression. Glucose antagonized IL‐1β‐promoted phosphorylation of FAK, MEK, ERK, and c‐Jun. Thus, glucose decreased IL‐1β‐induced MMP‐1 expression through the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP‐1 signaling cascades. These findings may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of prolotherapy on inhibiting MMP expression.
Anti‐carcinogenic effect of hesperidin against renal cell carcinoma by targeting COX‐2/PGE2 pathway in Wistar rats
Authors: Siddiqi Aisha , Saidullah Bano , Sultana Sarwat
Published: August 2018

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of hesperidin, a flavonoid on DEN initiated and Fe‐NTA promoted renal carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Renal cancer was initiated by a single i.p. injection of DEN (200 mg/kg b.wt.) and promoted with Fe‐NTA (9 mg Fe/kg b.wt. i.p.) twice a week for 16 weeks. Rats were simultaneously administered with hesperidin (100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt.) for 16 consecutive weeks. The chemopreventive effect of hesperidin was assessed in terms of antioxidant activities, renal function, PGE2 level, and the expressions of COX‐2 and VEGF. Hesperidin decreased the DEN and Fe‐NTA induced lipid peroxidation, improved the renal function (by decreasing the levels of BUN, creatinine, and KIM‐1) and restored the renal antioxidant armory (GSH, GPx, GR, SOD, and catalase). Hesperidin was also found to decrease the level of PGE2 and downregulate the expressions of COX‐2 and VEGF. Histological findings further revealed the protective effects of hesperidin against DEN and Fe‐NTA induced kidney damage. The result of our present findings suggest that hesperidin may be a promising modulator in preventing renal cancer possibly by virtue of its ability to alleviate oxidative stress and inhibit COX‐2/PGE2 pathway.
In vitro evaluation of the toxicity and underlying molecular mechanisms of Janus Fe3O4‐TiO2 nanoparticles in human liver cells
Authors: Su Hong , Li Zhou , Lazar Lissy , Alhamoud Yasmin , Song Xin , Li Juan , Wang Yafei , Fiati kenston Samuel Selorm , Lqbal Muhammad Zubair , Wu Aiguo , Li Zhen , Hua Qihang , Ding Min , Zhao Jinshun
Published: August 2018

Recent studies show that Janus Fe3O4‐TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have potential applications as a multifunctional agent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. However, little work has been done on their biological effects. To evaluate the toxicity and underlying molecular mechanisms of Janus Fe3O4‐TiO2 nanoparticles, an in vitro study using a human liver cell line HL‐7702 cells was conducted. For comparison, the Janus Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs parent material TiO2 NPs was also evaluated. Results showed that both Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs and TiO2 NPs decreased cell viability and ATP levels when applied in treatment, but increased malonaldehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mitochondria JC‐1 staining assay showed that mitochondrial membrane permeability injury occurred in both NPs treated cells. Cell viability analysis showed that TiO2 NPs induced slightly higher cytotoxicity than Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs in HL7702 cells. Western blotting indicated that both TiO2 NPs and Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs could induce apoptosis, inflammation, and carcinogenesis related signal protein alterations. Comparatively, Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs induced higher signal protein expressions than TiO2 NPs under a high treatment dose. However, under a low dose (6.25 μg/cm2), neither NPs had any significant toxicity on HL7702 cells. In addition, our results suggest both Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs and TiO2 NPs could induce oxidative stress and have a potential carcinogenetic effect in vitro. Further studies are needed to elaborate the detailed mechanisms of toxicity induced by a high dose of Fe3O4‐TiO2 NPs.
Effects of novel brominated flame retardant TBBPA on human airway epithelial cell (A549) in vitro and proteome profiling
Authors: Wu Shijin , Wu Mei , Qi Mengting , Zhong Li , Qiu Lequan
Published: August 2018

The cellular toxicity response of human airway epithelial cells (A549) to tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) was assessed in vitro. Cell viability, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and caspase‐3 activity were determined after A549 treated with varying concentrations of TBBPA. A comparative proteomic analysis was performed in cells treated with different concentrations of TBBPA (0, 10, and 40 μg/mL). Two‐way anova analysis showed that cell viability was significantly decreased after treatment by TBBPA with a concentration of 16 μg/mL for 48 hr, however, the caspase‐3 activities, ROS generation, and MDA content increased. Ultrastructural observation revealed that the cell was morphological damaged after exposure to 64 μg/mL TBBPA, with mitochondria seriously injured and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilated. There was a good correlation between ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Seventeen differentially expressed proteins involved in various biological processes were identified. These findings provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms of cell dysfunction and perturbation of antioxidant status induced by additive flame retardant on airway epithelial cells.
Characteristics of Medical Malpractice Litigation in Thailand: Cases from Government‐Run Hospitals
Authors: Patanavanich Roengrudee , Suriyawongpaisal Paibul , Aekplakorn Wichai
Published: August 2018

Current malpractice policy debates have been contentious in Thailand for years. There is a lack of a national database for malpractice claims to provide comprehensive information to policymakers; therefore, the development of policy related to malpractice has been prolonged. This study uses the best available data to create a database and describe characteristics of medical malpractice cases in Thailand during 1996–2016. Like many countries, cases related to pregnancy and childbirth are the most common cause of malpractice lawsuits. Unlike other countries, general practice physicians in Thailand are sued the most. The proportions of wrongful death claims were higher in community hospitals, among physician interns, and on weekends. Moreover, a no‐fault provision appears to help settling claims out of court. To develop a success policy, Thailand needs to establish a national database for malpractice claims. Furthermore, expanding the no‐fault provision to all types of health insurance could be a desirable policy.
On the universality of late-time correlators in semi-classical 2d CFTs
Authors: Banerjee Souvik , Bryan Jan-Willem , Vos Gideon
Published: August 2018

Abstract

In the framework of the AdS3/ CFT2 correspondence, we present a systematic analysis of the late time thermalization of a two dimensional CFT state created by insertion of small number of heavy operators on the vacuum. We show that at late Lorentzian time, the universal features of this thermalization are solely captured by the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix corresponding to the solutions of the uniformization equation. We discuss two different ways to extract the monodromy eigenvalues while bypassing the need for finding explicitly the full monodromy matrix - first, using a monodromy preserving diffeomorphism and second using Chen-Simons formulation of gravity in AdS3. Both of the methods yield the same precise relation between the eigenvalues and the final black hole temperature at late Lorentzian time.
B−L as a gauged Peccei-Quinn symmetry
Authors: Ibe Masahiro , Suzuki Motoo , Yanagida Tsutomu T.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The gauged Peccei-Quinn (PQ) mechanism provides a simple prescription to embed the global PQ symmetry into a gauged U(1) symmetry. As it originates from the gauged PQ symmetry, the global PQ symmetry can be protected from explicit breaking by quantum gravitational effects once appropriate charge assignment is given. In this paper, we identify the gauged PQ symmetry with the B − L symmetry, which is obviously attractive as the B − L gauge symmetry is the most authentic extension of the Standard Model. As we will show, a natural B − L charge assignment can be found in a model motivated by the seesaw mechanism in the SU(5) Grand Unified Theory. As a notable feature of this model, it does not require extra SU(5) singlet matter fields other than the right-handed neutrinos to cancel the self and the gravitational anomalies.
Fidaxomicin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in at-risk patients with inflammatory bowel disease, fulminant CDI, renal impairment or hepatic impairment: a retrospective study of routine clinical use (ANEMONE)
Authors: Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Taori Surabhi , Goldenberg Simon D. , Thalhammer Florian , Bouza Emilio , van Oene Joop , Wetherill Graham , Georgopali Areti
Published: August 2018

Information is limited or lacking on fidaxomicin treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, fulminant or life-threatening CDI, severe renal impairment, moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment and pregnancy. The ANEMONE study investigated fidaxomicin use in a routine clinical setting, focusing on these medical conditions of specific interest (MCSIs). This retrospective, post-authorisation study reviewed hospital records from Austria, Germany, Spain and the UK (June 2012–June 2015), collecting data from hospital admission to 30 days after last fidaxomicin dose. The primary objective was to identify the proportion of fidaxomicin-treated patients with MCSIs. Secondary objectives were to describe 30-day mortality, changes in ECG and laboratory parameters, fidaxomicin exposure and CDI response (resolution of diarrhoea; 30-day recurrence). 45.3% (261/576) of patients had ≥ 1 MCSI. Thirty-day mortality (post-first dose) was 17.0% (98/576) in the total population and slightly higher (24.6–27.6%) in patients with fulminant CDI or severe renal impairment. 29.6% (24/81) deaths of known cause were attributable to CDI. Of changes in laboratory parameters or ECG findings, only a decrease in leucocyte counts appeared associated with fidaxomicin, consistent with a positive treatment response. Diarrhoea resolved in 78.0% (404/518) of treatment episodes; diarrhoea resolution was lowest in patients with fulminant CDI (investigator-defined, 67.5%, 56/88) and severe renal impairment (68.0%, 68/100). Thirty-day recurrence (18.8%, 79/420) was similar across MCSI subgroups. Although almost half of fidaxomicin-treated patients had ≥ 1 MCSI, the majority of patients in all subgroups had positive responses to treatment, and no particular safety concerns were identified.
Correction to: Rational design of engineered microbial cell surface multi-enzyme co-display system for sustainable NADH regeneration from low-cost biomass
Authors: Han Lei , Liang Bo , Song Jianxia , Liu Aihua
Published: August 2018

In the original publication, the author group has been published incorrectly. All authors have agreed to add Aihua Liu as co-author of this article, since the original idea for the experiments, the experimental expertise and some of the plasmids originated from him.
Tolnaftate–graphene composite-loaded nanoengineered electrospun scaffolds as efficient therapeutic dressing material for regimen of dermatomycosis
Authors: Misra Shashi Kiran , Ramteke Pramod W. , Patil Sandip , Pandey Avinash C. , Pandey Himanshu
Published: August 2018

Graphene “The novel carbon nano-trope” tailors auspicious platform for designing antimicrobial regimen by virtue of its conspicuous molecular interaction with the microorganism. In this work, Tolnaftate (Tf), an antifungal drug, was mingled with Graphene nanoplatelets (Gn) to develop composite (Tf–Gn) via the wet chemical route, embedded in a biocompatible polymeric blend of Eudragit RL100/Eudragit RS100 (EuRL100/EuRS100) and subjected to electrospinning to obtain nonwoven nanoengineered scaffolds (nanofibers) for enhanced anti-dermatophytic virtue. Pursuing cluster of optimization experiments, 20% w/v EuRL100/EuRS 100 was found to be adequate for formation of smooth, defect-free, and regular fibers. Field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) acknowledged zestfully fabrication of smooth, shiny, nano-range, and mesh-like architecture, comprising distinct pockets within their structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) conceded formation of the composite Tf–Gn, its physical compatibility with polymers, and improved thermal behavior. Exceptional swelling capacity, significant hydrophilicity, and immense drug entrapment efficiency were obtained of nanofibers fabricated from 3:1 ratio of EuRL100/EuRS100 polymers blend owing to relatively higher permeability which gratified essential benchmark for fabrication of nanofibrous scaffold to alleviate fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. In vitro drug release interpreted controlled liberation of Tf in dissolution media, following Korsmeyer–Peppas model kinetics, and suggested a diffusion-based mechanism. Microdilution broth method was performed for in vitro antifungal efficacy against extremely devastating dermatophytes, i.e., anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum and zoophilic Microsporum canis, exhibited preeminent growth inhibition against T.rubrum and scanty for M.canis. Findings revealed the superior antifungal activity of Tf–Gn-loaded nanofibers as compared to Tf-loaded nanofibers and recommended potential dressing materials for an effective regimen of dermatomycosis.
Derivation of cutoffs for the Elecsys® amyloid β (1–42) assay in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shaw Leslie M. , Waligorska Teresa , Fields Leona , Korecka Magdalena , Figurski Michal , Trojanowski John Q. , Eichenlaub Udo , Wahl Simone , Quan Marian , Pontecorvo Michael J. , Lachno D. Richard , Talbot Jayne A. , Andersen Scott W. , Siemers Eric R. , Dean Robert A.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

An Elecsys® Amyloid β (Aβ [1–42]) immunoassay cutoff for classification of patients with Alzheimer's disease was investigated.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease were analyzed by Elecsys® immunoassays: (1) Aβ (1–42), (2) total tau, and (3) phosphorylated tau. Cutoffs (Aβ [1–42] and ratios with tau) were estimated by method comparison between AlzBio3 (n = 206), mixture modeling (n = 216), and concordance with florbetapir F 18 imaging‐based classification (n = 75).

Results

A 1065‐pg/mL (95% confidence interval: 985–1153) Elecsys® Aβ (1–42) cutoff provided 94% overall percentage agreement with AlzBio3. Comparable cutoff estimates (95% confidence interval) were derived from mixture modeling (equally weighted: 1017 [949–1205] pg/mL; prevalence weighted: 1172 [1081–1344] pg/mL) and concordance with florbetapir F 18 imaging (visual read: 1198 [998–1591] pg/mL; automated: 1198 [1051–1638] pg/mL).

Discussion

Based on three approaches, a 1100‐pg/mL Elecsys® Aβ (1–42) cutoff is suitable for clinical trials with similar populations and preanalytical handling.
Machine learning of neuroimaging for assisted diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Pellegrini Enrico , Ballerini Lucia , Hernandez Maria del C. Valdes , Chappell Francesca M. , González‐Castro Victor , Anblagan Devasuda , Danso Samuel , Muñoz‐Maniega Susana , Job Dominic , Pernet Cyril , Mair Grant , MacGillivray Tom J. , Trucco Emanuele , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Advanced machine learning methods might help to identify dementia risk from neuroimaging, but their accuracy to date is unclear.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature, 2006 to late 2016, for machine learning studies differentiating healthy aging from dementia of various types, assessing study quality, and comparing accuracy at different disease boundaries.

Results

Of 111 relevant studies, most assessed Alzheimer's disease versus healthy controls, using AD Neuroimaging Initiative data, support vector machines, and only T1‐weighted sequences. Accuracy was highest for differentiating Alzheimer's disease from healthy controls and poor for differentiating healthy controls versus mild cognitive impairment versus Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment converters versus nonconverters. Accuracy increased using combined data types, but not by data source, sample size, or machine learning method.

Discussion

Machine learning does not differentiate clinically relevant disease categories yet. More diverse data sets, combinations of different types of data, and close clinical integration of machine learning would help to advance the field.
Is the incidence of anaplastic thyroid cancer increasing: A population based epidemiology study
Authors: Janz Tyler A. , Neskey David M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To provide an understanding of the incidence of anaplastic thyroid cancer within the United States.

Methods

Patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included from 1973 to 2014 based on a diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer using ICD O‐3 codes. Patients were categorized into cohorts based on their year of diagnosis.

Results

1527 patients were diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer within the SEER 18 registries. The age‐adjusted incidence rate was 0.2 per 1,000,000 people (95% CI: 0.0–0.5) in 1973 and was 1.2 per 1,000,000 people (95% CI: 0.8–1.6) in 2014 (average annual percent change: 3.0% [95% CI: 2.2%–3.7%]). Patients tended to be of older age (mean age: 70.5 [range 15.0–102.0]), of female sex (62.8%), and Caucasian (81.1%). Finally, survival over time remained the same, as median disease specific survival months was 4.00 (95% CI: 2.26–5.74) from 1995 to 1999 and 4.00 (95% CI: 3.26–4.74) from 2010 to 2014.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of anaplastic thyroid cancer has increased from 1973 to 2014. Interestingly, median survival in months did not greatly change overtime. Based on this increasing incidence, physicians must act appropriately to identify patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer as it possesses a high morbidity and mortality.

Level of evidence

4.
Indonesia
Authors: Davidson Jamie S.
Published: August 2018

This Element argues that after twenty years of democratization, Indonesia has performed admirably. This is especially so when the country's accomplishments are placed in comparative perspective. However, as we analytically focus more closely to inspect Indonesia's political regime, political economy, and how identity-based mobilizations have emerged, it is clear that Indonesia still has many challenges to overcome, some so pressing that they could potentially erode or reverse many of the democratic gains the country has achieved since its former authoritarian ruler, Soeharto, was forced to resign in 1998.
First Spacecraft to Touch the Sun Awaiting Launch
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: August 2018

The Parker Solar Probe will study the Sun’s corona and its electric and magnetic fields, as well as the mechanisms that drive the solar wind, all from behind an advanced protective heat shield.
Signatures of the Solar Transient Disturbances Over the Low Latitude Ionosphere During 6 to 8 September 2017
Authors: Bagiya Mala S. , Thampi Smitha V. , Hui Debrup , Sunil A. S. , Chakrabarty D. , Choudhary R. K.
Published: August 2018

Low latitude ionospheric behavior during solar transient disturbances of solar flares and storm time penetrating electric fields comprises an important part of the Earth's space weather. The flares enhance the electron density of the sunlit ionosphere by supplying excess solar radiation. However, the degree of these density changes is subjective if a geomagnetic storm persists simultaneously. The present case study addresses the ionospheric variations over the Indian longitudes under the combined effects of the solar flares and a geomagnetic storm during 6 to 8 September 2017 and probably the first of its kind in delineating the effects of these two over the low latitude ionosphere. The X9.3 class flare of 6 September, which occurred during non‐storm conditions, produced an intense E region ionization (~500% over the ambient). However, the total electron content response to this flare was comparatively weak. The flares on 7 and 8 September occurred during the 7–8 September geomagnetic storm. Though the 8 September flare occurred with higher intensity (M8.1) and early in local time compared to the flare of 7 September (M7.3), the equatorial electrojet current enhancement was lesser on 8 September (~75% over the ambient) than that of 7 September (~110% over the ambient). This aspect is discussed in view of the storm time convection effects over the low latitudes during 7–8 September storm. The total electron content did not respond to the flares of 7 and 8 September. This behavior is attributed to the varying center‐to‐limb distance of the solar active region 12673 during this period.
The Distribution of Two Flapping Types of Magnetotail Current Sheet: Implication for the Flapping Mechanism
Authors: Gao J. W. , Rong Z. J. , Cai Y. H. , Lui A. T. Y. , Petrukovich A. A. , Shen C. , Dunlop M. W. , Wei Y. , Wan W. X.
Published: August 2018

Flapping motion of the current sheets of planetary magnetotails is a common dynamic phenomenon. Previous studies of the Earth's magnetotail suggest that its flapping motion has two forms, that is, kink‐like flapping that can propagate as waves toward both flanks and steady flapping that moves up and down but does not propagate. Although some models have been proposed to explain the kink‐like flapping, its mechanism remains unclear. This paper surveys 87 flapping events statistically with respect to their flapping types, using the multipoint measurements of Cluster. The statistical results show that the up‐down steady flapping events tend to occur around the midnight region, and the kink‐like flapping events tend to occur near both flanks of the magnetotail. Thus, we propose that kink‐like flapping motion is causally related to steady flapping motion; that is, the up and down motion of steady flapping around the midnight region induces kink‐like flapping waves, which propagate toward both flanks of the magnetotail.
Application of Machine Learning to Classification of Volcanic Deformation in Routinely Generated InSAR Data
Authors: Anantrasirichai N. , Biggs J. , Albino F. , Hill P. , Bull D.
Published: August 2018

Recent improvements in the frequency, type, and availability of satellite images mean it is now feasible to routinely study volcanoes in remote and inaccessible regions, including those with no ground‐based monitoring. In particular, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data can detect surface deformation, which has a strong statistical link to eruption. However, the data set produced by the recently launched Sentinel‐1 satellite is too large to be manually analyzed on a global basis. In this study, we systematically process >30,000 short‐term interferograms at over 900 volcanoes and apply machine learning algorithms to automatically detect volcanic ground deformation. We use a convolutional neutral network to classify interferometric fringes in wrapped interferograms with no atmospheric corrections. We employ a transfer learning strategy and test a range of pretrained networks, finding that AlexNet is best suited to this task. The positive results are checked by an expert and fed back for model updating. Following training with a combination of both positive and negative examples, this method reduced the number of interferograms to ∼100 which required further inspection, of which at least 39 are considered true positives. We demonstrate that machine learning can efficiently detect large, rapid deformation signals in wrapped interferograms, but further development is required to detect slow or small deformation patterns which do not generate multiple fringes in short duration interferograms. This study is the first to use machine learning approaches for detecting volcanic deformation in large data sets and demonstrates the potential of such techniques for developing alert systems based on satellite imagery.
RPS3A positively regulates the mitochondrial function of human periaortic adipose tissue and is associated with coronary artery diseases
Authors: Tang Yan , He Yi , Li Chen , Mu Wenjuan , Zou Ying , Liu Conghui , Qian Shuwen , Zhang Fuchuang , Pan Jiabao , Wang Yina , Huang Haiyan , Pan Dongning , Yang Pengyuan , Mei Ju , Zeng Rong , Tang Qi-qun
Published: August 2018

Pericardial adipose tissue, which comprises both epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and paracardial adipose tissue (PAT), has recently been recognized as a novel factor in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease (CAD). The goal of this study was to evaluate differences in the brown-like characteristic and proteome among human EAT, PAT, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) to identify candidate molecules causing CAD. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) and other brown-related proteins were highly expressed in pericardial adipose tissue but was weakly expressed in SAT from the same non-CAD patient. Moreover, pericardial adipose tissues displayed a higher thermogenesis than SAT. However, brown-related genes were lower in CAD pericardial fat. Remarkably, there were lower levels of metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid metabolism in pericardial adipose tissues of CAD. EAT is an organ adjacent to aortic root without anatomy barriers, which differs from PAT. We found that the expression of ribosomal protein S3A (RPS3A) was decreased in human EAT as well as in mouse perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). Knockdown of RPS3A significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation in preadipocytes and impaired the function of mitochondria in mature adipocytes. Moreover, RPS3A knockdown in mouse periaortic adipose tissue impaired browning of PVAT, accelerated vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis progression. Mechanistically, RPS3A can migrate to the mitochondria to maintain the function of brown adipocytes. These findings provide compelling evidence that RPS3A was a key factor for modulating the brown fat-specific gene UCP-1 and carbon metabolic enzymes in EAT for preventing CAD.
A sensitive aptasensor for the detection of β-amyloid oligomers based on metal–organic frameworks as electrochemical signal probes
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Li Congming , Li Xiaoqiao , Zhu Xu , Ye Baoxian , Xu Maotian
Published: August 2018

In this study, we developed a novel and facile electrochemical aptasensor for β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomer detection based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as signal probes.
Theoretical prediction of LiScO2 nanosheets as a cathode material for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Liu Zhixiao , Deng Huiqiu , Zhang Shiguo , Hu Wangyu , Gao Fei
Published: August 2018

The electrochemical reaction producing crystalline LiO2 on the LiScO2 nanosheet can deliver a high discharge voltage of 3.50 V.
Computing vibration–rotation-tunnelling levels of HOD dimer
Authors: Wang Xiao-Gang , Carrington Tucker
Published: August 2018

Using an accurate 6D water dimer potential energy surface, we compute vibration–rotation-tunnelling levels of HOD dimer, by assuming that the two monomers are rigid.
Reduction of NO with NH3 over ferric oxide nanocrystals: the crystallographic facet-induced catalytic enhancement
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Du Yueyao , Zhang Jie , Wu Xiaomin , Shen Huazhen , Qian Yuhao , Jing Guohua
Published: August 2018

The {001} surface of the Fe2O3 hexagon-shaped catalyst is particularly active for NO removal, which is of major environmental interest for air pollution control.
Multifunctional fluorescent carbon dots inhibit the invasiveness of lung cancer cells
Authors: Lin Xiao Juan , Fan Xiao Qing , Xiao Sai Jin , He Yan , Qi Wen Jing , Hu Ping Ping , Tan Qun You , Tong Xiao Yong , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: August 2018

A new type of carbon dot (CD) is proposed, which has great potential to be an excellent fluorescent probe for bioimaging in vivo.
Impact of cesium on the phase and device stability of triple cation Pb–Sn double halide perovskite films and solar cells
Authors: Tosado Gabriella A. , Lin Yi-Yu , Zheng Erjin , Yu Qiuming
Published: August 2018

Csx(MA0.17FA0.83)1−xPb1−ySny(I0.83Br0.17)3 perovskites with cubic-phase morphologies were deployed in solar cells, achieving high efficiencies and improved stability for high Sn-containing devices.
Bacteria cell templated porous polyaniline facilitated detoxification and recovery of hexavalent chromium
Authors: Gong Kedong , Guo Siyuan , Zhao Yue , Hu Qian , Liu Hu , Sun Dezhi , Li Min , Qiu Bin , Guo Zhanhu
Published: August 2018

Increased porosity and H+ storage capacity by the bacteria templated-PANI facilitate improved Cr(vi) detoxification and subsequent recovery.
Real-time tracking of the autophagy process in living cells using plasmonically enhanced Raman spectroscopy of fucoidan-coated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Jang Hongje , Kang Kyungtae , El-Sayed Mostafa A.
Published: August 2018

Fucoidan-coated gold nanoparticle mediated autophagy triggering and PERS monitoring provide molecular level insight on a biological event.
A photostable vitrified film based on a terbium(iii) β-diketonate complex as a sensing element for reusable luminescent thermometers
Authors: Lapaev Dmitry V. , Nikiforov Victor G. , Lobkov Vladimir S. , Knyazev Andrey A. , Galyametdinov Yury G.
Published: August 2018

A highly efficient sensing element based on a photostable vitrified film of the terbium(iii) β-diketonate complex for reusable luminescent thermometers suitable for long-term monitoring in the range of 143–253 K.
Extremely low-efficiency roll-off of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes at high brightness based on acridine heterocyclic derivatives
Authors: Chen Minyu , Yang Jiali , Ye Zhonghua , Wang Shuanglong , Tang Zhenyu , Chen Guo , Zheng Yanqiong , Shi Ying , Wei Bin , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: August 2018

Optimal limited roll-off PhOLEDs are achieved based on acridine heterocyclic derivatives.
Phototunable full-color emission of dynamic luminescent materials
Authors: Shi Chen , Zhu Yanan , Zhu Gaofeng , Shen Xiuyu , Ge Mingqiao
Published: August 2018

A smart strategy for the fabrication of dynamically controllable luminescent materials through simple blending of three different persistent phosphors.
Quantitative Analysis of Agrammatism in Agrammatic Primary Progressive Aphasia and Dominant Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Tetzloff Katerina A. , Utianski Rene L. , Duffy Joseph R. , Clark Heather M. , Strand Edythe A. , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The aims of the study were to assess and compare grammatical deficits in written and spoken language production in subjects with agrammatic primary progressive aphasia (agPPA) and in subjects with agrammatism in the context of dominant apraxia of speech (DAOS) and to investigate neuroanatomical correlates.

Method

Eight agPPA and 21 DAOS subjects performed the picture description task of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) both in writing and orally. Responses were transcribed and coded for linguistic analysis. agPPA and DAOS were compared to 13 subjects with primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) who did not have agrammatism. Spearman correlations were performed between the written and spoken variables. Patterns of atrophy in each group were compared, and relationships between the different linguistic measures and integrity of Broca's area were assessed.

Results

agPPA and DAOS both showed lower mean length of utterance, fewer grammatical utterances, more nonutterances, more syntactic and semantic errors, and fewer complex utterances than PPAOS in writing and speech, as well as fewer correct verbs and nouns in speech. Only verb ratio and proportion of grammatical utterances correlated between modalities. agPPA and DAOS both showed greater involvement of Broca's area than PPAOS, and atrophy of Broca's area correlated with proportion of grammatical and ungrammatical utterances and semantic errors in writing and speech.

Conclusions

agPPA and DAOS subjects showed similar patterns of agrammatism, although subjects performed differently when speaking versus writing. Integrity of Broca's area correlates with agrammatism.
Non‐linear model‐order reduction based on tensor decomposition and matrix product
Authors: Li Zhen , Jiang Yaolin , Xu Kangli
Published: August 2018

In this study, based on tensor decomposition and matrix product, the authors investigate two model‐order reduction (MOR) methods for the quadratic‐bilinear (QB) systems which are equivalently transformed from the non‐linear input–output systems. Since the quadratic term coefficient of the QB system can be considered as the matricisation of a tensor, they propose two computationally efficient ways to obtain the reduced system by using tensor calculus. First, the Tucker decomposition of tensors is used to deal with the quadratic term coefficient of the QB system. The transformational matrix is constructed by applying the analysis of matrix product. Then, they get the reduced QB system which can match the first several expansion coefficients of the original output. Besides, they propose another MOR method based on the CANDECOMP/PARAFAC decomposition. These two methods can avoid large computational complexity in the process of computing the reduced system. Moreover, the error estimation and stability of the authors' MOR methods are discussed. The efficiency of their MOR methods is illustrated by two numerical examples and they show their competitiveness when compared to the proper orthogonal decomposition method.
p th moment consensus of multi‐agent systems with relative state‐dependent measurement noises and time delays
Authors: Zhou Rui , Li Junmin
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the distributed consensus control problem of multi‐agent systems impacted by the combined uncertainty of measurement noises and communication delays under directed fixed topology. Each agent can only obtain the state information of its own and neighbours, which is delayed and interfered by measurement noises. The intensity of the noise is considered as a function related to the relative state of the agent. Under general networks with directed fixed topology, a distributed consensus protocol is proposed to obtain the p th moment linear ‐consensus of the multi‐agent system. The sufficient condition for the consensus of the multi‐agent system is derived under the arbitrary upper bound of the time‐delay, in which both relative state‐dependent measurement noises and time‐varying time delays are taken into account. The effectiveness of the proposed consensus protocol is shown by some simulations.
Adaptive hybrid synchronisation in uncertain Kuramoto networks with limited information
Authors: Baldi Simone , Tao Tian , Kosmatopoulos Elias B.
Published: August 2018

In this study, the authors study adaptive synchronisation in networks with Kuramoto units whose parameters are unknown and where measurements are quantised over the communication network (therefore information is limited). They show that, for an undirected connected graph, synchronisation is enabled via appropriate adaptive protocols that counteract the effect of heterogeneity, uncertainty and quantised information. In particular, to address heterogeneity and uncertainty, appropriate adaptive laws are designed to drive the network to frequency synchronisation; to address quantised information, a dynamic quantiser is introduced and embedded into the adaptive mechanism via a zooming‐based approach (therefore with hybrid dynamics). The resulting protocol ends up being an adaptive hybrid synchronisation strategy that can be distributed throughout the network: the quantiser is co‐designed with the controller, as typical for zooming‐based quantisation. The proposed integrated adaptation+quantisation protocol guarantees asymptotic synchronisation to a desired frequency, which is shown via an appropriately designed distributed Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations are also used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol.
Mixed control for discrete‐time systems with input delay
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Xu Juanjuan , Wang Wei , Zhang Huanshui
Published: August 2018

This study is concerned with the mixed control problem under an open‐loop information pattern with input delay. Compared with the delay‐free case, one of the main difficulties is the non‐causality caused by the time delay in the control input. The mixed control problem is reformulated as a leader–follower game and the Stackelberg strategy based on the maximum principle is introduced to deal with this. By introducing two co‐states to capture the future information and one new state to capture the past effects, the problem can be addressed. The controllers are designed by solving the symmetric and decoupled Riccati equations. Necessary and sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence and uniqueness of the solution are proposed in this study.
WMF reduced‐order robust estimators for multisensor descriptor systems
Authors: Ran Chenjian , Sun Shuli , Dou Yinfeng
Published: August 2018

For multisensor descriptor systems with uncertain noise variances, the weighted measurement fusion (WMF) reduced‐order robust estimators are presented. The multisensor descriptor systems with known upper bounds of uncertain noise variances are defined as the worst‐case conservative multisensor descriptor systems. For the worst‐case conservative multisensor descriptor systems, the WMF reduced‐order conservative Kalman estimators, including filter, predictor and smoother, are obtained, by applying the WMF method and the singular value decomposition method. However, the measurements of the conservative multisensor descriptor systems are unavailable. Replacing these unavailable conservative measurements by the actual and available measurements yields the actual WMF reduced‐order robust estimators. Their robustness is proven by the dynamic error variance system method, i.e. the actual estimation error variances are not greater than those of conservative systems. Two simulation examples of four‐sensor descriptor systems show the effectiveness of the presented algorithms.
Robust multi‐view representation for spatial–spectral domain in application of hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Li Yanshan , Wang Xianchen , Huang Qinghua , Hu Xiaohui , Xie Weixin
Published: August 2018

Spatial–spectral representation plays an important role in hyperspectral images (HSIs) classification. However, many of the existing local feature algorithms for HSIs are based on the two‐dimensional image and do not take full advantage of the information hidden in HSI, such as spatial–spectral locality correlation information, thereby reducing the robustness of these algorithms. In response to these problems, this study presents a robust multi‐view spatial–spectral representation method with the characteristics of HSIs. There are two key techniques in this representation method, called spatial–spectral locality constrained linear coding (SSLLC) and spatial–spectral pyramid matching model (SSPM). Firstly, SSLLC applies the locality information of the feature points and visual words and uses the discriminant information provided by the nearest‐neighbouring spatial–spectral feature points in HSIs. Secondly, SSPM works by partitioning the image into increasingly fine sub‐cubes and uses the cubes to match the local features of the HSIs. The multi‐view representation is tolerant to illumination change, image rotation, affine distortion etc. To assess the validity of authors' algorithm, the authors compared their results with several existing approaches, including a deep learning method. The experimental results show that this representation method can effectively improve the accuracy of HSIs classification.
Denoising adversarial autoencoders: classifying skin lesions using limited labelled training data
Authors: Creswell Antonia , Pouplin Alison , Bharath Anil A.
Published: August 2018

The authors propose a novel deep learning model for classifying medical images in the setting where there is a large amount of unlabelled medical data available, but the amount of labelled data is limited. They consider the specific case of classifying skin lesions as either benign or malignant. In this setting, the authors’ proposed approach – the semi‐supervised, denoising adversarial autoencoder – is able to utilise vast amounts of unlabelled data to learn a representation for skin lesions, and small amounts of labelled data to assign class labels based on the learned representation. They perform an ablation study to analyse the contributions of both the adversarial and denoising components and compare their work with state‐of‐the‐art results. They find that their model yields superior classification performance, especially when evaluating their model at high sensitivity values.
Improved power management control strategy for renewable energy‐based DC micro‐grid with energy storage integration
Authors: Senapati Manoj Kumar , Pradhan Chittaranjan , Samantaray Subhransu Ranjan , Nayak Paresh K.
Published: August 2018

This study presents an improved power management control strategy of a hybrid direct current (DC) micro‐grid (MG) system consisting of photovoltaic cell, wind turbine generator, battery energy storage (BES), fuel cell (FC), and electrolyser. Based on the voltage and state of charge of BES, FC, and electrolyser, the proposed control scheme improved the dynamics of the DC‐link voltage and contributes a better power management between each generation/source and load. A gain control technique is implemented in the grid‐side inverter controller to regulate the modulation index and improving the voltage stability of the DC‐link. Furthermore, the PI‐controller gains of BES are tuned dynamically based on the deviation in voltage and its derivative using Takagi–Sugeno‐fuzzy control to enhance the transient response of the voltage. For a reliable operation of the DC MG under standalone or prolonged islanding mode of operation, a priority‐based load shedding algorithm is proposed for maintaining proper power coordination between different energy sources and storage devices. Owing to smoother and faster voltage response, the proposed control schemes can comply with the grid code requirements of the changing configuration of the modern renewable energy integrated DC MG. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is tested by comparing the existing scheme through MATLAB/Simulink®.
Fault detection and classification in transmission lines based on a PSD index
Authors: Guillen Daniel , Paternina Mario R. Arrieta , Ortiz‐Bejar Jose , Tripathy Rajesh Kumar , Zamora‐Mendez Alejandro , Tapia‐Olvera Ruben , Tellez Eric S.
Published: August 2018

This study deals with the faults’ detection and classification in AC transmission lines based on power spectral density (PSD), introducing PSD in time and frequency for analysing transient information under faulted conditions. The discrete wavelet transform is used for scaling current signals in time–frequency at different decomposition levels by approximation and detail coefficients. Then, a wavelet‐covariance matrix is shaped with the aim to obtain its PSD, being this the key to detect and classifying faults. Results show that the proposed method attains the detection in a short time and the classification is accomplished via the Hellinger distance, whose straightforward implementation is carried out in this study. The classification process is compared adopting different classifiers to cope with a set of signals in a time frame. Finally, the proposal is extensively assessed using real and simulated signals stemming from multiple fault cases of radial and interconnected power grids.