bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An FPGA‐based pipeline for micropolarizer array imaging
Authors: Lapray Pierre‐Jean , Gendre Luc , Foulonneau Alban , Bigué Laurent
Published: May 2018

The enhancement of current camera performances, in terms of framerate, image resolution, and pixel width, has direct consequences on the amount of resources needed to process video data. Stokes imaging permits to estimate polarization of light and create multiple polarization descriptors of the scene. Therefore, such video cameras need fast processing for critical applications like overseeing, defect detection or surface characterization. A field‐programmable gate array hardware implementation of Stokes processing is presented here that embeds dedicated pipeline for micropolarizer array sensors. An optimized fixed‐point pipeline is used to compute polarimetric images, ie, Stokes vector, degree of polarization, and angle of polarization. Simulation and experimental studies are done. The hardware design contains parallel processing, low latency, and low power and could meet actual real‐time and embeddable requirements for smart camera systems.
One‐cycle controlled quadratic buck converter
Authors: Wang Tao , Li JiKun , He Xiang
Published: May 2018

The quadratic DC‐DC converter can broaden the voltage conversion ratio, which meets the requirements of wide input voltage. However, large‐scale variation of input voltage puts forward harsh requirements on ability to resist input disturbance of control strategy. Quadratic buck converter (QBC) is pulsed nonlinear dynamic systems, so the one‐cycle control strategy based on robustness principle may provide better rejection of power source than the linear feedback control. But the traditional one‐cycle controlled QBC (TOCCQBC) suffers from poor ability against load disturbance and steady‐state error. To overcome aforementioned shortages, an improved OCCQBC is proposed by adding inductor current to diode voltage as integral variable and introducing feedback of output voltage. The paper first introduces the working principle of the QBC, and second, the OCCQBC is presented. Then, a mathematical model using small signal analysis of the OCCQBC is established, and an experimental prototype with a power of 6 W is set up. Simulation and experimental results verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the strategy.
A 1‐Gbps reference‐less burst‐mode CDR with embedded TDC in a 65‐nm CMOS process
Authors: Wang Yuan , Jiang Mengying , Liu Baoguang , Jia Song , Zhang Xing
Published: May 2018

A reference‐less all‐digital burst‐mode clock and data recovery circuit (CDR) is proposed in the paper. The burst‐mode CDR includes a coarse and a fine time‐to‐digital converter (TDC) with embedded phase generator. A low‐power current‐starved inverter is employed as the delay unit of the fine TDC to acquire the high measurement resolution. A calibration method to diminish the inherent delay is used to reduce the quantization error of the recovery clock. The proposed CDR is fabricated in a 65‐nm CMOS process. Experiment results show that the CDR operates from 0.9 to 1.1 Gbps and have a 13‐bit consecutive identical digits (CIDs) tolerance.
Prenatal predatory stress in a wild species of subterranean rodent: Do ecological stressors always have a negative effect on the offspring?
Authors: Brachetta Valentina , Schleich Cristian E. , Cutrera Ana P. , Merlo Julieta L. , Kittlein Marcelo J. , Zenuto Roxana R.
Published: May 2018

In pregnant females, a failed predatory event not only induces individual responses but also represents a significant change in the developmental environment of the offspring, which may lead to modifications in their phenotype that may persist at different stages of life. We evaluate whether prenatal exposure to predatory cues affects anxiety behavior, behavioral response to predator cues, stress response to immobilization, and immune response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in juveniles of the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. We found that prenatal predator stress (PPS) (1) increased juvenile anxiety‐like behaviors and the appearance of antipredator behaviors, (2) did not affect the response of offspring to predatory stressors, and (3) did not influence the physiological response of juveniles to stressors (immobilization) nor the immunological responses to SRBC and PHA challenges. This work shows the influence of PPS on the development of behavioral responses in the offspring, whom displayed a state of anxiety and behavioral changes associated with decreased locomotor activity and avoidance behaviors. Thus, these individuals prenatally exposed to predatory cues show behavioral adaptations that may contribute to avoid predators in the adult life.
Enantiomeric resolution of methylamphetamine and ephedrine: Does this affect the δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H stable isotope ratios of the product?
Authors: Grzechnik Alexandra K. , George Adrian V. , Mitchell Linda , Collins Michael , Salouros Helen
Published: May 2018

The use of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) as a profiling tool for methylamphetamine has evolved over the last decade. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and hydrogen (δ2H) of methylamphetamine are useful in determining the precursor used to manufacture methylamphetamine, and in many cases the synthetic origin of the methylamphetamine precursor. More recently, samples of seized methylamphetamine show that a resolution step is being employed in the manufacturing process. We sought to determine whether the δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H values were affected by either a resolution performed on racemic methylamphetamine or a resolution on racemic ephedrine, a commonly used precursor to methylamphetamine. We found that for the types of resolution studied, IRMS is still able to provide useful information on the provenance of a methylamphetamine sample.
The bone marrow is not only a primary lymphoid organ: The critical role for T lymphocyte migration and housing of long‐term memory plasma cells
Authors: Pabst Reinhard
Published: May 2018

In immunology and anatomy textbooks the bone marrow is described as a typical “primary lymphoid organ” producing lymphoid cells independent of antigens. The hematopoietic bone marrow is largely age‐dependent organ with great anatomical and functional differences among various species. There are estimates that about 12% of all lymphoid cells in the human body are found in the bone marrow at any given time (2% in the peripheral blood). Enormous numbers of T lymphocytes migrate to the bone marrow and partly return later to the blood. Many of these lymphocytes are memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. A few days after immunization a wave of plasma cells and their precursors migrate to the bone marrow where they lose their migratory response to CXCL‐12 and CXCL9. There is a relative enrichment of CD19+ B cells in the bone marrow outnumbering those in the blood and secondary lymphoid organs. This is not due to local production. The proliferation and migration kinetics of these lymphoid cells in the bone marrow have to be studied in more detail as this is of major clinical relevance.
Structure and Properties of a BEDT‐TTF‐Based Organic Conductor with a Ferrocene‐Based Magnetic Anion Octamethylferrocenedisulfonate
Authors: Akutsu Hiroki , Hashimoto Ryuichiro , Yamada Jun‐ichi , Nakatsuji Shin'ichi , Turner Scott S. , Nakazawa Yasuhiro
Published: May 2018

The structure and properties of a new semiconducting BEDT‐TTF‐based charge‐transfer salt containing the magnetic monoanion octamethylferrocenedisulfonate [–O3S‐C5(CH3)4Fe+C5(CH3)4‐SO3– (ofds)], α‐(BEDT‐TTF)5(ofds)2 is described [BEDT‐TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene]. The salt is a semiconductor with ρRT = 5.6 × 103 Ω cm and Ea = 0.11 eV. There are two types of spins not only on the ferrocenyl parts but also on the 2D donor layers. The former and latter spins obey the Curie–Weiss (C = 0.721 emu K mol–1 and θ = –5.5 K) and 2D Heisenberg (J2DH = –80.3 K) models, respectively.
Adenine Derivatives: Promising Candidates for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Figueiredo Pedro , Costa Marta , Pontes Olívia , Baltazar Fátima , Proença Fernanda
Published: May 2018

The cascade reaction of N‐aryl‐5‐{[(dimethylamino)methylene]amino}‐4‐cyanoimidazoles with primary aromatic amines, under reflux in acetic acid, proved to be a general and efficient method for the regioselective synthesis of 6‐arylaminopurines. A selection of these compounds was tested in breast cancer cell models MCF‐7 and Hs578t and five compounds proved to be highly active and non‐toxic to the non‐neoplastic cell line MCF‐10A. Furthermore, the compounds demonstrated apoptosis‐inducing capacity in the cancer cells.
Illness as a Crisis of Meaning
Authors: Hauskeller Michael
Published: May 2018

In Phenomenological Bioethics: Medical Technologies, Human Suffering, and the Meaning of Being Alive, the Swedish philosopher Fredrik Svenaeus aims to show how the continental tradition of phenomenology can enrich bioethical debates by adding important but often‐ignored perspectives, namely, that of lived experience. Phenomenology focuses not on supposedly objective, scientifically validated facts, but on the “life world” of the individuals affected by a situation. Individuals' life worlds consist of their experience of their own lived bodies (or Leiber) and the meaning structures of their everyday worlds. A phenomenologically informed and oriented bioethics would seek to take those life worlds into account when considering what should be done in a particular ethically challenging situation.Svenaeus reminds us that there is generally more to an illness than just a malfunction of the body that can be causally explained and treated accordingly. The fundamental insight that Svenaeus develops in his new book is that our illnesses are often, if not always, crises of meaning.
An inhibitory antibody targeting carbonic anhydrase XII abrogates chemoresistance and significantly reduces lung metastases in an orthotopic breast cancer model in vivo
Authors: von Neubeck Bettina , Gondi Gabor , Riganti Chiara , Pan Chenchen , Parra Damas Arnaldo , Scherb Hagen , Ertürk Ali , Zeidler Reinhard
Published: May 2018

Carbonic anhydrase XII (CAXII) is a membrane‐tethered ectoenzyme involved in intracellular pH regulation and overexpressed across various types of human cancer. Because CAXII inhibition shows antitumor activity in vitro, it is thought that the enzyme is mandatory for maximum tumor growth, above all under hypoxic conditions. Recently, it has been shown that CAXII is co‐expressed along with the P‐glycoprotein (P‐GP) on many tumor cells and that both proteins physically interact. Of interest, blocking CAXII activity also decreases P‐GP activity in cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Previously, we have reported on the development of a monoclonal antibody, termed 6A10, which specifically and efficiently blocks human CAXII activity. Here, we demonstrate that 6A10 also indirectly reduces P‐GP activity in CAXII/P‐GP double‐positive chemoresistant cancer cells, resulting in enhanced chemosensitivity as revealed by enhanced accumulation of anthracyclines and increased cell death in vitro. Even more important, we show that mice carrying human triple‐negative breast cancer xenografts co‐treated with doxorubicin (DOX) and 6A10 show a significantly reduced number of metastases. Collectively, our data provide evidence that the inhibition of CAXII with 6A10 is an attractive way to reduce chemoresistance of cancer cells and to interfere with the metastatic process in a clinical setting.
Accuracy of visual inspection performed by community health workers in cervical cancer screening
Authors: Driscoll Susan D. , Tappen Ruth M. , Newman David , Voege‐Harvey Kathi
Published: May 2018

Background

Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer and mortality in low‐resource areas with healthcare personnel shortages. Visual inspection is a low‐resource alternative method of cervical cancer screening in areas with limited access to healthcare.

Objectives

To assess accuracy of visual inspection performed by community health workers (CHWs) and licensed providers, and the effect of provider training on visual inspection accuracy.

Search strategy

Five databases and four websites were queried for studies published in English up to December 31, 2015. Derivations of “cervical cancer screening” and “visual inspection” were search terms.

Selection criteria

Visual inspection screening studies with provider definitions, colposcopy reference standards, and accuracy data were included.

Data collection and analysis

A priori variables were extracted by two independent reviewers. Bivariate linear mixed‐effects models were used to compare visual inspection accuracy.

Main results

Provider type was a significant predictor of visual inspection sensitivity (P=0.048); sensitivity was 15 percentage points higher among CHWs than physicians (P=0.014). Components of provider training were significant predictors of sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Community‐based visual inspection programs using adequately trained CHWs could reduce barriers and expand access to screening, thereby decreasing cervical cancer incidence and mortality for women at highest risk and those living in remote areas with limited access to healthcare personnel.
Renewal during functional communication training
Authors: Saini Valdeep , Sullivan William E. , Baxter Emily L. , DeRosa Nicole M. , Roane Henry S.
Published: May 2018

Functional communication training (FCT) is one of the most commonly prescribed interventions for the treatment of severe destructive behavior exhibited by individuals with intellectual disabilities. Although highly effective, FCT has been shown to fail in some cases when treatment is introduced into the child's typical environment. Basic and translational research on renewal provides a model for studying the relapse of destructive behavior following successful response to treatment in clinic settings using FCT. In the present study, we evaluated whether relapse of destructive behavior could be attributed to the discriminative control of the home context, which was historically correlated with reinforcement for destructive behavior. We implemented baseline contingencies in the home setting with caregivers acting as interventionists (i.e., Context A). We then implemented FCT in a treatment clinic with trained therapists (i.e., Context B). Finally, we introduced FCT in the home setting with caregivers implementing the treatment procedures (i.e., return to Context A). For three of four participants we observed the relapse of destructive behavior consistent with operant renewal. We discuss the implications of these findings with respect to strategies designed to promote generalization of FCT across settings during the treatment of severe destructive behavior.
Species differences in bile acids I. Plasma and urine bile acid composition
Authors: Thakare Rhishikesh , Alamoudi Jawaher Abdullah , Gautam Nagsen , Rodrigues A. David , Alnouti Yazen
Published: May 2018

Maintenance of bile acid (BA) homeostasis is essential to achieve their physiologic functions and avoid their toxic effects. The marked differences in BA composition between preclinical safety models and humans may play a major role in the poor prediction of drug‐induced liver injury using preclinical models. We compared the composition of plasma and urinary BAs and their metabolites between humans and several animal species. Total BA pools and their composition varied widely among different species. Highest sulfation of BAs was observed in human and chimpanzee. Glycine amidation was predominant in human, minipig, hamster and rabbit, while taurine amidation was predominant in mice, rat and dogs. BA profiles consisted primarily of tri‐OH BAs in hamster, rat, dog and mice, di‐OH BAs in human, rabbit and minipig, and mono‐OH BA in chimpanzee. BA profiles comprised primarily hydrophilic and less toxic BAs in mice, rat, pig and hamster, while it primarily comprised hydrophobic and more toxic BAs in human, rabbit and chimpanzee. Therefore, the hydrophobicity index was lowest in minipig and mice, while it was highest in rabbit, monkey and human. Glucuronidation and glutathione conjugation were low in all species across all BAs. Total concentration of BAs in urine was up to 10× higher and more hydrophilic than plasma in most species. This was due to the presence of more tri‐OH, amidated, sulfated and primary BAs, in urine compared to plasma. In general, BA profiles of chimpanzee and monkeys were most similar to human, while minipig, rat and mice were most dissimilar to human.
Schisantherin A protects renal tubular epithelial cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Gong Jiachuan , Wang Xuezhen
Published: May 2018

Schisantherin A (SchA), a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan isolated from the fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera, was reported to possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its protective effect against renal ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in human renal tubular epithelial cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) has never been studied. Thus, herein, we investigated the effect of SchA on renal I/R injury in vitro. Our results demonstrated that SchA pretreatment significantly improved HK‐2 cell viability exposed to H/R. Pretreatment with SchA markedly inhibited the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, as well as suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6 in H/R‐stimulated HK‐2 cells. In addition, SchA also suppressed H/R‐induced HK‐2 cell apoptosis. Furthermore, this protective effect of SchA was mediated through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HK‐2 cells. These findings showed that SchA may exert a protective effect on renal tubular epithelial cells against H/R injury through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Effect of 2.94 µm Er: YAG laser on the chemical composition of hard tissues
Authors: Aljdaimi Abtesam , Devlin Hugh , Dickinson Mark , Alfutimie Abdullatif
Published: May 2018

The aim was to investigate the effect of the Er‐YAG laser radiation on morphology and chemical composition of enamel, dentin, and bone. The specimens of the three groups were irradiated with a very long pulse mode (VLP) of 2.94 µm Er‐YAG laser with 100 mJ pulse energy and energy density of 8.42 J/
for 30 s, at a repetition rate of 15 Hz. The organic and inorganic content of the samples were investigated by Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphological characteristics were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis (calcium and phosphorus) with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). FTIR data were analyzed with a One‐Way ANCOVA test and EDX data with the independent sample t‐test. Following the laser radiation, FTIR showed a significant decrease in the organic content of all tissues. The weight percentage (wt %) calcium content of dentin and bone increased significantly following irradiation with a p‐value of .002 for both tissues, but the wt % of phosphorus content was not influenced significantly. The morphological alterations expressed signs of fusion in all the samples.
Explicating the Synergies of Self‐Determination Theory, Ethical Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Lumpkin Angela , Achen Rebecca M.
Published: May 2018

Using self‐determination theory as a foundation, the current study examined ethical leadership, servant leadership, and emotional intelligence to ascertain any shared characteristics contributing to effective leadership. Self‐determination theory espouses the centrality of autonomy, competence, and relatedness to human motivation. Servant leadership emphasizes serving and caring for others. Ethical leaders consistently make morally reasoned decisions. Emotionally intelligent leaders are self‐aware and self‐regulating, nurture motivation, and stress empathy and social skill. An analysis of the literature revealed 10 shared characteristics connecting the three components of self‐determination theory, including awareness, empathy, fairness, integrity, moral values, motivation, trust, relationship management, respect, and self‐management. Synergies among ethical leadership, servant leadership, and emotional intelligence to leadership in a variety of settings emerged. Effective leaders use awareness, empathy, fairness, integrity, moral values, motivation, trust, relationship management, respect, and self‐management contributing to needs satisfaction in followers’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In conclusion, leadership effectiveness can increase when leaders demonstrate integrity, trust, and respect, serve others with empathy and fairness, and are personally and socially competent.
Detergent‐assisted sample preparation for MALDI‐MS: Investigation of octylglucoside and docecylmaltoside for matrix crystallization, on‐plate digestion, and trypsin activity
Authors: Rühl Michael , Schönborn Stefan , Karas Michael
Published: May 2018

We show an easy and fast method for improved detection of lipophilic peptides with MALDI‐MS utilizing the nonionic detergents n‐octylglucoside and n‐dodecylmaltoside (laurylmaltoside). Investigations comprised on‐plate digestion of proteins with trypsin, detergent effects on the protease trypsin, and the changes in MALDI matrix crystallization. Investigations also exhibited a higher tryptic activity in trypsin activity assay of 139% when using laurylmaltoside as supplement. Crystallization changed toward a more homogeneous crystal distribution and especially trypsinized insulin spectra recorded with MALDI‐MS showed improved detectability of lipophilic peptides.
Morphomic Malnutrition Score: A Standardized Screening Tool for Severe Malnutrition in Adults
Authors: Lee Christopher , Raymond Erica , Derstine Brian A. , Glazer Joshua M. , Goulson Rebecca , Rajasekaran Avinash , Cherry‐Bukowiec Jill , Su Grace L. , Wang Stewart C.
Published: May 2018

Background

Granular diagnostic criteria for adult malnutrition are lacking.

Objective

This study uses analytic morphomics to define the Morphomic Malnutrition Score (MMS), a robust screening tool for severe malnutrition.

Methods

The study population (n = 643) consisted of 2 cohorts: 1) 124 emergency department patients diagnosed with severe malnutrition by a registered dietitian (RD) and an available computed tomography (CT) scan within 2 days of RD evaluation, and 2) 519 adult kidney donor candidates to represent a healthy cohort. Body composition markers of muscle area and abdominal adiposity were measured from patient CT scans using analytic morphomic assessment, and then converted to sex‐ and age‐adjusted percentiles using the Reference Analytic Morphomics Population (RAMP). RAMP consists of 6000 patients chosen to be representative of the general population. The combined cohort was then randomly divided into training (n = 453) and validation (n = 190) sets. MMS was derived using logistic regression. The model coefficients were transformed into a score, normalized from 0 to 10 (10 = most severe).

Results

Severely malnourished patients had lower amounts of muscle and fat than kidney donors, specifically for dorsal muscle group area at the twelfth thoracic vertebral level (P < 0.001), psoas muscle area at the fourth lumbar vertebral level (P < 0.001), and subcutaneous fat area at the third lumbar vertebral level (P < 0.001)—all parameters in MMS. MMS for severely malnourished patients was higher than kidney donors (7.7 ± 2.2 vs 3.8 ± 2.0, respectively; P‐value < 0.001). An MMS > 6.1 was accurate in determining nutrition diagnosis (82.1% sensitivity; 88.3% specificity; 85.2% balanced accuracy).

Conclusions

MMS provides an evidence‐based, granular assessment to distinguish severely malnourished adults from a healthy population.
Active matrix field sequential color electrically suppressed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal for high resolution displays
Authors: Shi Liangyu , Srivastava Abhishek Kumar , Cheung Alex , Hsieh Chia‐Ting , Hung Ching‐Lang , Lin Ching‐Hsiang , Lin Ching‐Huan , Sugiura Norio , Kuo Chia‐Wei , Chigrinov Vladimir G. , Kwok Hoi Sing
Published: May 2018

In this article, we disclose a 3‐inch 250ppi active matrix field sequential color (FSC) display based on electrically suppressed ferroelectric liquid crystal (ESHFLC). ESHFLC's ultra‐fast response time (~10 μs at 6.67 V/μm) enables the display resolution to be tripled via FSC technique. The photo‐alignment technology provides ESHFLC with optimal anchoring energy that contributes to a high contrast ratio over 10 K:1 on single pixel level measurement. A specific 3T1C pixel circuit is designed to generate continuous gray scale from FLC binary switching by utilizing the pulse width modulation concept. The low temperature poly silicon thin‐film transistor array has been used to fabricate the FSC ESHFLC display panel. We achieved an 8‐bit gray level for each color subframe, that is, R, G, and B colors that results in 24‐bit color images. We believe, because of the good optical quality and cost‐effective fabrication, this display may replace in‐plane switching or fringe‐field switching in the near future for the portable device market. Moreover, high resolution FSC ESHFLCs can find applications in the emerging virtual reality displays.
Adults with Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Opioid Use Disorder: The Effectiveness of Modified Prolonged Exposure
Authors: Peck Kelly R. , Schumacher Julie A. , Stasiewicz Paul R. , Coffey Scott F.
Published: May 2018

Opioid use disorders (OUDs) are a growing problem in the United States. When OUDs co‐occur with problematic drinking and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), negative drug‐related mental and physical health outcomes may be exacerbated. Thus, it is important to establish whether PTSD treatments with established efficacy for dually diagnosed individuals also demonstrate efficacy in individuals who engage in problematic drinking and concurrent opioid misuse. Adults who met DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for PTSD and alcohol dependence were recruited from a substance use treatment facility and were randomly assigned to receive either modified prolonged exposure (mPE) therapy for PTSD or a non‐trauma‐focused comparison treatment. Compared to adults in a non‐OUD comparison group (n = 74), adults with OUD (n = 52) were younger, reported more cravings for alcohol, were more likely to use amphetamines and sedatives, were hospitalized more frequently for drug‐ and alcohol‐related problems, and suffered from more severe PTSD symptomatology, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, standardized mean differences = 0.36–1.81. For participants with OUD, mPE was associated with large reductions in PTSD symptomatology, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, ds = 1.08–2.56. Moreover, participants with OUD reported decreases in alcohol cravings that were significantly greater than those reported by the non‐OUD comparison group, F(1, 71.42) = 6.37, p = .014. Overall, our findings support the efficacy of mPE for PTSD among individuals who engage in problematic drinking and concurrent opioid misuse, despite severe baseline symptoms.
In the eye of the beholder: Reconciling interpretations of forest landscape restoration
Authors: Mansourian Stephanie
Published: May 2018

Although forest restoration is not a new concept, it has recently gained in popularity. Forest landscape restoration (FLR) in particular may be said to have acted as an ambassador for the wider restoration cause. Yet how different communities and disciplines interpret this complex term has implications for their implementation decisions. Although the term FLR is used widely, it signifies different things to different people. Ambiguity may prove to be both an asset and a liability. The objective of this article is to understand how different disciplines interpret FLR. I first review the diversity of terms and definitions related to the broad concept of restoration and then identify the interpretations different groups make of the term ‘forest landscape restoration’. Five constructs are proposed based on these interpretations. The ultimate aim is to facilitate FLR implementation by raising awareness among practitioners and policymakers of the variety of interpretations of FLR, associated with different disciplines and communities of practice, and to facilitate the identification of common ground so that implementation can proceed. I conclude that there are significant divergences on the objectives of the term FLR and propose opportunities for collaboration, including through the sustainable development goals, to scale up restoration in the face of such divergences.
Effect of Melt‐Memory on the Crystal Polymorphism in Molded Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Gohn Anne M. , Rhoades Alicyn M. , Okonski David , Androsch René
Published: May 2018

The influence of γ‐quinacridone as a β‐crystal nucleating agent in injection molded isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is discussed. Samples are injection molded and characterized via polarized‐light optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Mold‐filling simulation is used to understand the shear and cooling processes during sample preparation. The cooling rate associated with the quench near the mold wall is estimated to be greater than 600 K s−1 using simulation, confirming previous studies that β‐crystal growth is not supported at that cooling rate. The non‐nucleated samples form β‐crystals at a distance of 100–300 µm from the skin and in the core of the sample, which is not expected based on quiescent cooling data. Since the mold‐filling simulation does not predict shear in the core, the formation of the β‐crystals formed in this region is attributed to shear‐induced crystallization effects in the injection unit of the molding machine that are not modeled in flow simulation, as they are typically excluded from any molding simulation analysis. This “melt‐memory” effect has shown to be significant, and it is suggested that the prediction of final properties of injection moldings requires understanding and knowledge of the entire shear history of the material including that of the injection unit.
Functional Carbon Nanofibers with Semi‐Embedded Titanium Oxide Particles via Electrospinning
Authors: Chang Guoqing , Ullah Wajid , Hu Yunfeng , Lin Liwei , Wang Xu , Li Chang‐Zhi
Published: May 2018

The formulation of optoelectronic components into 1D nanostructures allows the promotion of new materials with multifunctionalities. In this work, it is demonstrated that new synthesis of photocatalytic carbon nanofiber decorated with semi‐embedded titanium oxide (TiO2), namely, TiO2@carbon fiber, is conveniently accessed through the electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile polymer and TiO2 particle comixture, and then followed by photon‐activated self‐erosion to expose the embedded TiO2 and carbonization. The hybrid nanofibers are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activities of the resultant fibers are tested with photodegradation of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution, which reveals that the carbon nanofiber with semi‐embedded TiO2 drastically improved catalytic efficiency and recyclability, comparing to those fibers without or with embedded TiO2.
Degradable Polymers and Nanoparticles Built from Salicylic Acid
Authors: Akkad Saeed , Serpell Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

As more evidence emerges supporting the possibility that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, especially aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), might have a role in the prevention and management of certain types of cancer, there have been several attempts to fabricate salicylic acid‐based polymers that can be employed in the targeted therapy of tumors. The primary disadvantage so far has been in use of nontherapeutic polymeric backbones that constitute the majority of the therapeutic particle's size. The focus of this research is the creation of a biodegradable polymer consisting only of salicylic acid, and its use as the main building block in targeted nanotherapeutics that would consequently provide both high local dose and sustained release of the active moiety. This work demonstrates the synthesis and degradation of polysalicylates, and modulation of their size and hydrolytic stability through the formation of nanostructures.
Quasi‐3D‐Structured Interfaces by Polymer Brushes
Authors: Benetti Edmondo M.
Published: May 2018

The fabrication of polymer brushes via surface‐initiated controlled radical polymerizations has progressively developed beyond a simple surface functionalization technique, enabling the design of complex polymer interfaces with a quasi‐3D molecular organization. The modulation of polymer brush structure has led to an extremely broad tuning potential for technologically relevant interfacial, physicochemical properties, allowing one to precisely tune swelling, nanomechanical, and nanotribological characteristics of polymer films. In addition, the synthesis of multilayer brush interfaces with hierarchical architecture has been exploited to control biological phenomena on modified platforms, such as cell adhesion and settlement, or to fully prevent biological contamination from bacteria. In this feature article, the most recent developments in the synthesis and application of quasi‐3D structured polymer brushes are summarized, placing particular attention on how the tuning of grafted‐polymer architecture could translate into a variation of interfacial characteristics.
Metabolism within the tumor microenvironment and its implication on cancer progression: An ongoing therapeutic target
Authors: Ocaña Ma Carmen , Martínez‐Poveda Beatriz , Quesada Ana R. , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2018

Since reprogramming energy metabolism is considered a new hallmark of cancer, tumor metabolism is again in the spotlight of cancer research. Many studies have been carried out and many possible therapies have been developed in the last years. However, tumor cells are not alone. A series of extracellular components and stromal cells, such as endothelial cells, cancer‐associated fibroblasts, tumor‐associated macrophages, and tumor‐infiltrating T cells, surround tumor cells in the so‐called tumor microenvironment (TME). Metabolic features of these cells are being studied in deep in order to find relationships between metabolism within the TME and tumor progression. Moreover, it cannot be forgotten that tumor growth is able to modulate host metabolism and homeostasis, so that TME is not the whole story. Importantly, the metabolic switch in cancer is just a consequence of the flexibility and adaptability of metabolism and should not be surprising. Treatments of cancer patients with combined therapies including antitumor agents with those targeting stromal cell metabolism, antiangiogenic drugs, and/or immunotherapy are being developed as promising therapeutics.
Exact controllability for a kind of linear hyperbolic systems with vertical characteristics
Authors: Yu Lixin
Published: May 2018

The general theory of exact boundary controllability for general first‐order hyperbolic systems requires that the system does not have vertical characteristics. This paper considers a kind of first‐order linear hyperbolic systems with vertical characteristics. We first give a necessary and sufficient condition on the initial and final values for the exact boundary controllability. Then, under the case that the necessary and sufficient condition does not hold, the exact boundary controllability can be realized by suitable internal control and boundary controls.
Models for Miridae, a cocoa insect pest. Application in control strategies
Authors: Djoukwe Tapi M. , Bagny Beilhe L. , Bowong S. , Dumont Y.
Published: May 2018

Cocoa mirid, Sahlbergella singularis, is one of the major pests of cocoa in West Africa. It is responsible of several damages in plots. In this paper, we study the dynamics of this pest. Based on biological and ecological partial knowledge, we develop 2 cooperative mathematical models that aim to describe the time dynamics of the cocoa mirids. We first develop a cooperative stage‐structured model, derived some qualitative results, and a sensitivity analysis study in order to determine the most important parameters. Assuming that all parameters are or not periodic, we obtain conditions that allow the persistence or not of the population. We highlight the influence of cocoa pods variation along the year on the time evolution of the population. Then, we derive a 2‐stage cooperative time‐delay model, with 2 delays, that takes into account the eggs' development time and the females' maturation time. We illustrate our theoretical results with some simulations and show that the delayed system provides the best results compared with real observations. Finally, we focus on chemical control that is commonly used in Cameroon and compare it to a new biological control, mixing mating disrupting and trapping. We discuss the results and provide future perspectives based on this work.
Mathematics of FIV and BTB dynamics in buffalo and lion populations at Kruger National Park
Authors: Garba Deen L. , Garba Salisu M. , Gumel Abba B. , Sharomi Oluwaseun
Published: May 2018

A new deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in lion‐buffalo population is designed and used to gain insight into the transmission dynamics of the two diseases in the population. The model is shown to undergo a backward bifurcation (a dynamic phenomenon characterized by the coexistence of the stable disease‐free equilibrium and a stable endemic equilibrium when the associated reproduction number of the model is less than unity). Two sources for this dynamic phenomenon, namely, the BTB reinfection of exposed buffalos and the BTB‐FIV co‐infection of lions, have been identified. It is shown that, for the special case of the model when backward bifurcation does not occur, the disease‐free equilibrium of the resulting model is globally‐asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. Numerical simulations of the model, using initial and demographic data relevant to the BTB‐FIV dynamics in Kruger National Park, show that control strategies, such as the isolation of lions with FIV symptoms or the treatment of lions and buffalos with BTB symptoms, can lead to the effective control or elimination of the disease in the lion‐buffalo population if their effectiveness level is high enough. The time to elimination of any of the two diseases is significantly reduced if the strategies are combined.
Position dependent mass Scarf Hamiltonians generated via the Riccati equation
Authors: Cruz y Cruz S , Santiago‐Cruz C
Published: May 2018

The construction of position dependent mass Scarf Hamiltonians of the trigonometric as well as the hyperbolic types is addressed by means of the factorization method and the Riccati equation. These Hamiltonians are shown to be independent of the ordering parameter of the kinetic term. Additionally, new families of Hamiltonians with the Scarf spectrum are also determined by supersymmetry. Some examples for masses with and without singularities are considered to illustrate our results.
Early childhood diets on the Nile: δ13C and δ15N in serial samples of permanent first molars in an elite Meroitic population from Sai Island, Sudan
Authors: Eerkens Jelmer W. , de Voogt Alex , Dupras Tosha L. , Francigny Vincent , Greenwald Alexandra M.
Published: May 2018

We explore early childhood dietary patterns in a Late Meroitic (first–fourth century CE) population (N = 11) from Sai Island, Sudan, using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in serial samples from permanent first molar dentin. Results suggest an average age of weaning of 2.7 years, but with significant interindividual variation in the timing of weaning, with evidence for a later age at weaning for two females (average 3.5 years) compared with four males (average 2.3 years). Isotopic results support significant input of C4 plant‐derived protein in the weanling and postweaning diets (20–50%), perhaps in the form of plant‐rich gruels, but no significant difference in the composition of diet by sex. We observe the highest interindividual variation in diets immediately postweaning (ca. 4–5 years), with increasing homogeneity in diet thereafter. Together, the results provide new insight into the early dietary histories of the elite Meroites along this part of the Nile.
Translating Dispositional Resistance to Change to the Culture Level: Developing A Cultural Framework of Change Orientations
Authors: Oreg Shaul , Sverdlik Noga
Published: May 2018

A fundamental societal challenge is to balance the desire for growth, development, and progress on the one hand and the need for stability and maintenance of the status quo on the other. To better understand how societies deal with this challenge we employ the personality trait of dispositional resistance to change to conceptualize and empirically establish the concept of cultural change orientation. With data from individuals in 27 countries ( N = 6487), we identify three culture–level change orientation dimensions (routine seeking, affective reactance, and cultural rigidity) and interpret their meaning through their relationships with established cultural frameworks (e.g. GLOBE, Hofstede, Inglehart, and Schwartz). We thus propose a new culture–level framework and test hypotheses about relationships between change orientation dimensions and national indexes of economic, technological, social, and environmental change. Our findings demonstrate meaningful differential relationships between the three change orientation dimensions and these societal outcomes. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Immunopeptidomic Profiling of HLA‐A2‐Positive Triple Negative Breast Cancer Identifies Potential Immunotherapy Target Antigens
Authors: Ternette Nicola , Olde Nordkamp Marloes J. M. , Müller Julius , Anderson Amanda P. , Nicastri Annalisa , Hill Adrian V. S. , Kessler Benedikt M. , Li Demin
Published: May 2018

The recent development in immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cells in the treatment of cancer has not only demonstrated the potency of utilizing T‐cell reactivity for cancer therapy, but has also highlighted the need for developing new approaches to discover targets suitable for such novel therapeutics. Here we analyzed the immunopeptidomes of six HLA‐A2‐positive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) samples by nano‐ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nUPLC‐MS2). Immunopeptidomic profiling identified a total of 19 675 peptides from tumor and adjacent normal tissue and 130 of the peptides were found to have higher abundance in tumor than in normal tissues. To determine potential therapeutic target proteins, we calculated the average tumor‐associated cohort coverage (aTaCC) that represents the percentage coverage of each protein in this cohort by peptides that had higher tumoral abundance. Cofilin‐1 (CFL‐1), interleukin‐32 (IL‐32), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), syntenin‐1 (SDCBP), and ribophorin‐2 (RPN‐2) were found to have the highest aTaCC scores. We propose that these antigens could be evaluated further for their potential as targets in breast cancer immunotherapy and the small cohort immunopeptidomics analysis technique could be used in a wide spectrum of target discovery. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD009738.
Growth hormone‐releasing hormone antagonists reduce prostatic enlargement and inflammation in carrageenan‐induced chronic prostatitis
Authors: Popovics Petra , Cai Renzhi , Sha Wei , Rick Ferenc G. , Schally Andrew V.
Published: May 2018

Background

Inflammation plays a key role in the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through multiple pathways involving the stimulation of proliferation by cytokines and growth factors as well as the induction of the focal occurrence of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). We have previously reported that GHRH acts as a prostatic growth factor in experimental BPH and in autoimmune prostatitis models and its blockade with GHRH antagonists offer therapeutic approaches for these conditions. Our current study was aimed at the investigation of the beneficial effects of GHRH antagonists in λ‐carrageenan‐induced chronic prostatitis and at probing the downstream molecular pathways that are implicated in GHRH signaling.

Methods

To demonstrate the complications triggered by recurrent/chronic prostatic inflammation in Sprague‐Dawley rats, 50 μL 3% carrageenan was injected into both ventral prostate lobes two times, 3 weeks apart. GHRH antagonist, MIA‐690, was administered 5 days after the second intraprostatic injection at 20 μg daily dose for 4 weeks. GHRH‐induced signaling events were identified in BPH‐1 and in primary prostate epithelial (PrEp) cells at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min with Western blot.

Results

Inflammation induced prostatic enlargement and increased the area of the stromal compartment whereas treatment with the GHRH antagonist significantly reduced these effects. This beneficial activity was consistent with a decrease in prostatic GHRH, inflammatory marker COX‐2, growth factor IGF‐1 and inflammatory and EMT marker TGF‐β1 protein levels and the expression of multiple genes related to EMT. In vitro, GHRH stimulated multiple pathways involved in inflammation and growth in both BPH‐1 and PrEp cells including NFκB p65, AKT, ERK1/2, EGFR, STAT3 and increased the levels of TGF‐β1 and Snail/Slug. Most interestingly, GHRH also stimulated the transactivation of the IGF receptor.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that GHRH antagonists could be beneficial for the treatment of prostatic inflammation and BPH in part by inhibiting the growth‐promoting and inflammatory effects of locally produced GHRH.
Thymol, thyme, and other plant sources: Health and potential uses
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Mishra Abhay Prakash , Shukla Ila , Sharifi‐Rad Mehdi , Contreras María del Mar , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Fathi Hannane , Nasrabadi Nafiseh Nasri , Kobarfard Farzad , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: May 2018

Thymol is a naturally occurring phenol monoterpene derivative of cymene and isomer of carvacrol. Thymol (10–64%) is one of the major constituent of essential oils of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae), a medicinal plant with several therapeutic properties. This plant, native to Mediterranean regions, is commonly used as a culinary herb and also with a long history of use for different medicinal purposes. Nowadays, thymol and thyme present a wide range of functional possibilities in pharmacy, food, and cosmetic industry. The interest in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals based on thymol is due to several studies that have evaluated the potential therapeutic uses of this compound for the treatment of disorders affecting the respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Moreover, this compound also exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenesis, anti‐inflammatory, and antispasmodic activities, as well as a potential as a growth enhancer and immunomodulator. In the present review, these bioactivities have been covered because some of them can contribute to explain the ethnopharmacology of thymol and its main source, T. vulgaris. Other important aspects about thymol are discussed: its toxicity and bioavailability, metabolism, and distribution in animals and humans.