bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the intact forest landscape concept in the Canadian boreal forest: its history, value, and measurement
Authors: Venier L.A. , Walton R. , Thompson I.D. , Arsenault A. , Titus B.D.
Published: July 2018

Loss of global forest, and in particular forest that has little human disturbance, is a standard against which we measure progress to conserve Earth’s forests. The value of intact forest landscapes has taken hold in the global psyche. We provide a brief history of the intact forest landscape concept and discuss how this has moved to an operational definition used as a global and regional metric of forest conservation. We distinguish between a conceptual intact forest landscape and an operational definition. For the purposes of this paper we will use the term IFL to mean the operational definition and intact forest landscapes to mean the conceptual idea. We provide an overview of the science that supports the value of intact forest landscapes in a Canadian boreal context and analyse issues with using a standard operationalized IFL definition to both measure and promote conservation of forests at global and regional scales. We found many arguments for protecting large, intact forest landscapes that are relevant to the Canadian boreal forest, including conservation of biodiversity, ecological processes and ecosystem services, existence values, application of the precautionary principle, and the need for scientific benchmarks. But it is clear that the standard operational IFL size threshold of 50 000 ha in the boreal forest is inadequate to meet these broad conservation objectives. However, the concept of intact forest being large enough to allow for all natural processes and biodiversity is likely not logistically feasible in Canada’s managed boreal forest. The scale at which the most extensive processes (e.g., fire and insects) occur and species (e.g., woodland caribou) function is likely too large. Management options incorporating local knowledge of conservation needs and the specifics of ecosystem function and composition are more likely to be effective in conservation than rigid IFL requirements. A standardized approach is useful for global tracking of IFLs but it is not the best approach to meet more regional forest conservation goals. Intact forest landscapes have exceptional value but should be managed in the context of integrated land use planning that includes protected areas, sustainable forest management, species at risk management, and ecosystem restoration.
Pixel- and object-based multispectral classification of forest tree species from small unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Franklin Steven E.
Published: July 2018

Forest inventory, monitoring, and assessment requires accurate tree species identification and mapping. Recent experiences with multispectral data from small fixed-wing and rotary blade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) suggest a role for this technology in the emerging paradigm of enhanced forest inventory (EFI). In this paper, pixel-based and object-based image analysis (OBIA) methods were compared in UAV-based tree species classification of nine commercial tree species in mature eastern Ontario mixedwood forests. Unsupervised clustering and supervised classification of tree crown pixels yielded approximately 50%–60% classification accuracy overall; OBIA with image segmentation to delineate tree crowns and machine learning yielded up to 80% classification accuracy overall. Spectral response patterns and tree crown shape and geometric differences were interpreted in context of their ability to separate tree species of interest with these classification methods. Accuracy assessment was based on field-based forest inventory tree species identification. The paper provides a brief summary of future research issues that will influence the growth of this geomatics innovation in forest tree species classification and forest inventory.
Hydrokinetic turbine array modeling for performance analysis and deployment optimization
Authors: Bourget Sébastien , Gauvin-Tremblay Olivier , Dumas Guy
Published: July 2018

The promising preliminary results of an ongoing investigation aimed at developing a turbine array optimization tool are presented. This tool uses three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (3D RANS) CFD simulations of free-surface flows to capture blockage effects and turbine-wake interactions present in dense river arrays. Turbines are represented individually into the river model using actuating regions inside which momentum source terms are distributed non-uniformly and scaled with turbine force coefficients (defined with regards to a local velocity scale). These data are derived from a high-fidelity CFD simulation of the specific turbine operating near maximum power extraction.
Gear-tolerance optimization based on a response surface method
Authors: Xu Rui , Huang Kang , Guo Jun , Yang Lei , Qiu Mingming , Ru Yan
Published: July 2018

To address the low efficiency of gear-tolerance analysis and optimization, a gear-tolerance optimization method based on a response surface method (RSM) and optimization algorithm is presented. A gear-tolerance mathematical model, including profile deviation, pitch deviation, and geometric deviation, was developed by combining traditional profile modeling with a small displacement torsor (SDT) method. Based on this mathematical model, a tooth-contact analysis method, which takes a variety of deviations into account, and a program to compute transmission error were developed. Using the RSM and a genetic algorithm, a gear-tolerance optimization model was created to consider a variety of gear tolerances as design variables and process cost as an optimization objective. An example of gear-tolerance optimization was analyzed, and the result indicates that the method presented in this paper may help improve the efficiency of gear-tolerance optimization and is practicable for precision gear design.
A Review of Recent Techniques in Mixed-Criticality Systems
Authors: Chai Hongxia , Zhang Gongxuan , Sun Jin , Vajdi Ahmadreza , Hua Jing , Zhou Junlong
Published: July 2018

Unlike traditional embedded systems that almost have only one criticality level, many complex embedded systems nowadays are mixed-critical and are more and more widely used. There has been a lot of research on mixed-criticality (MC) systems. In this paper, we present a survey on the MC systems on these research. First, we discuss the exaltation of the schedulability of MC systems. As improving schedulability may lead to quality-of-service (QoS) reduction of MS systems. Therefore, we investigate the approaches to solve this problem. Improving QoS of MS systems may inevitably increase the energy consumption. Then, we introduce the researches that take the energy efficiency as a design requirement of MC systems. Few MC systems regard fault-tolerance as the design requirement, thus, we extensively investigate fault-tolerance of MC systems. In addition, we introduce some of the main applications for MC systems.
Degenerations of the generic square matrix, the polar map and the determinantal structure
Authors: Cunha Rainelly , Ramos Zaqueu , Simis Aron
Published: July 2018

One studies certain degenerations of the generic square matrix over a field [Formula: see text] along with its main related structures, such as the determinant of the matrix, the ideal generated by its partial derivatives, the polar map defined by these derivatives, the Hessian matrix and the ideal of the submaximal minors of the matrix. The main tool comes from commutative algebra, with emphasis on ideal theory and syzygy theory. The structure of the polar map is completely identified and the main properties of the ideal of submaximal minors are determined. Cases where the degenerated determinant has non-vanishing Hessian determinant show that the former is a factor of the latter with the (Segre) expected multiplicity, a problem envisaged by Landsberg–Manivel–Ressayre by geometric means. Another byproduct is an affirmative answer to a question of F. Russo concerning the codimension in the polar image of the dual variety to a hypersurface.
Exploring Knowledge Gaps and Financial Exclusion in Ghanaian Monetary Transitions
Authors: Dzokoto Vivian A. , Aggrey John Kojo , Houngbeke Hortance , Mensah Edwin Clifford
Published: July 2018

The successful evolution of money and payment platforms in today’s world requires consumer adoption, which in turn requires access to knowledge about developing financial products. This is particularly the case in developing country contexts where the participation in publicly accessible financial payment platforms has been lauded as a means through which low income people can access financial resources, save, and build wealth. Using a qualitative approach and the knowledge gap hypothesis as a conceptual framework, the current study explores knowledge patterns and knowledge gaps in the context of two financial transitions in Ghana, West Africa. While general patterns in acquired knowledge were observed, income levels appeared to shape observed levels of knowledge. Implications for financial inclusion are discussed.
New characterizations of g-frames and g-Riesz bases
Authors: Li Dongwei , Leng Jinsong , Huang Tingzhu
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we give some new characterizations of g-frames, g-Bessel sequences and g-Riesz bases from their topological properties. By using the Gram matrix associated with the g-Bessel sequence, we present a sufficient and necessary condition under which the sequence is a g-Bessel sequence (or g-Riesz basis). Finally, we consider the excess of a g-frame and obtain some new results.
Magnetoelectric anisotropy in laminate composite for detecting magnetic field
Authors: Lv Li , Yao Xi , Gan Lin , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhou Jian-Ping
Published: July 2018

Magnetoelectric anisotropy was researched in a disc laminate composite. The magnetoelectric coefficient exhibits a cosine characteristic with the angle between the direction of dc bias magnetic field [Formula: see text] and small ac sine magnetic signal [Formula: see text], no matter how [Formula: see text] rotates. Correspondingly, there are only two values of phase shift when the angle varies from 0 to 360[Formula: see text]. These two phase shifts only depend on [Formula: see text] mapping on [Formula: see text], i.e., sign of dot product of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Sgn([Formula: see text])], implying that [Formula: see text]cos[Formula: see text] produces charge through the magnetoelectric effect. Then, a simple device was proposed to detect the magnitude and direction of ac magnetic field.
Performance Evaluation of Solar Energy Driven Diffusion Absorption Refrigeration Cycle Using Inorganic Fluid Pair
Authors: Singh Kishan Pal , Singh Onkar
Published: July 2018

In the present era, the refrigeration and air conditioning have become essential requirements, and consume significant portion of energy available. The refrigeration requirements are severe in the hot and humid countries and, the refrigeration systems based upon solar energy are desirable. This study focuses on the thermodynamic modelling of ammonia water diffusion absorption refrigeration cycle with helium as pressure equalizing gas. The performance of the cycle is investigated parametrically by computer simulation based on thermodynamic modeling. It is found that the performance shows a loss of 37.36% at 110[Formula: see text]C while only 23.52% at 140[Formula: see text]C a generator temperature in the range of 120 to 150[Formula: see text]C is best suited for ammonia concentration range of 0.25–0.45 to get optimum performance.
Effect of carbon on major element analysis of carbonaceous silicate rocks by WD-XRF: An evaluation of error and its correction
Authors: Singhal Saurabh , Mukherjee P.K. , Saini N.K. , Dutt Som , Kumar Rakesh
Published: July 2018

Geological and environmental silicate samples, such as soils and sediments, often contain high total carbon (carbonaceous) that poses difficulty in the precise analysis by certain XRF techniques. The presence of carbon in the matrix in excess of
c.
2–3% results in pronounced enhancements of fluorescent X-ray intensities of analytes leading to overestimation by as much as >5% depending upon carbon content of the sample. In order to quantify this overestimation and its matrix dependence, XRF measurements were performed on reference silicate standards by doping with varying amounts (2–20%) of carbon. Precise measurement of carbon X-rays is commonly not used in routine analysis of silicate rock samples, which limits the use of internal matrix correction for carbon. The enhancement effect is found to be more serious on high-Z elements compared to lighter elements. The error of estimation exhibits a linear correlation with the carbon content of the sample. External correction factors, therefore, derived from this linear relationship were applied to the test samples that reasonably improved the accuracies of estimation to within an acceptable limit.

Supplementary material:
Reproducibility test data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4157654
Major and trace elements in meimechites – rarely occurring volcanic rocks: developing optimal analytical strategy
Authors: Pashkova Galina V. , Panteeva Svetlana V. , Ukhova Natalia N. , Chubarov Victor M. , Finkelshtein Alexandr L. , Ivanov Alexei V. , Asavin Alexey M.
Published: July 2018

The determination of the chemical composition of meimechites – which are unique and rarely occurring ultra-high MgO igneous rocks – can be complicated due to their porphyric structure, the presence of acid-insoluble minerals, and wide variation of major and trace element contents. In the present study the optimal analytical strategy based on a combination of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods was suggested for the determination of the elemental composition of meimechites. The preparation of glass beads using a lithium tetraborate and metaborate mixture proved to be suitable for the XRF determination of major oxides.

A comparative study of the sample decomposition procedures for the determination of trace elements by ICP-MS clearly showed that fusion with lithium metaborate was the most appropriate sample preparation technique for complete digestion of meimechites. The open beaker HF-HNO
3
-HClO
4
acid digestion was insufficient because the results for Nb, Ta, V, Zr, Cr and Hf were underestimated by 20–80% compared to those determined using the fusion method due to the presence in the rock samples of acid-resistant accessory minerals. It is shown that using analytical data from acid digestion may lead to erroneous interpretation of geochemical data.

Supplementary material:
Comparing the results obtained by ‘wet chemistry’ and XRF methods; ICP-MS data for meimechite samples; ICP-MS analysis of reference materials are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4226786
Petrogenesis of the early Silurian Dashuang high-Mg basalt–andesite–dacite in eastern South China: origin from a palaeosubduction-modified mantle
Authors: Wang Yuejun , He Huiying , Gan Chengshi , Zhang Yuzhi
Published: July 2018

The early Paleozoic Kwangsian event, the first compressive orogeny after the Rodinia assemblage in the South China Block (SCB), is characterized by the angular unconformity between the Devonian and pre-Devonian sequences and widespread granitoids and small-volume mafic rocks. However, the mechanism triggering this event is highly debated and the associated mantle source is poorly known. Our recent investigations identified the occurrence of early Silurian high-Mg basalt–andesite–dacite in the Dashuang area along the northwestern Yunkai Domain in the SCB. This study presents a set of new zircon U–Pb geochronological, whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data for these volcanic rocks. They yield weighted mean
206
Pb/
238
U ages of
c.
430–443 Ma, similar to the age-peaks of early–middle Paleozoic magmatism and metamorphism in the SCB. These volcanic rocks have high MgO, Cr and Ni contents and Mg-numbers. They also exhibit arc-like geochemical affinities with crustal-like Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, similar to the Neoproterozoic high-Mg basalt–andesite in the eastern SCB. Such signatures, combined with other geological observations, suggest that the Dashuang high-Mg rocks were derived from an ancient (probably early Neoproterozoic) mantle wedge source. The early Paleozoic intra-continental reactivation in response to late-orogenic extension triggered the melting of this palaeosubduction-modified mantle, which led to the formation of these volcanic rocks.
Cytoplasmic Intermediate Filaments in Cell Biology
Authors: Etienne-Manneville Sandrine
Published: July 2018

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are one of the three major elements of the cytoskeleton. Their stability, intrinsic mechanical properties, and cell type–specific expression patterns distinguish them from actin and microtubules. By providing mechanical support, IFs protect cells from external forces and participate in cell adhesion and tissue integrity. IFs form an extensive and elaborate network that connects the cell cortex to intracellular organelles. They act as a molecular scaffold that controls intracellular organization. However, IFs have been revealed as much more than just rigid structures. Their dynamics is regulated by multiple signaling cascades and appears to contribute to signaling events in response to cell stress and to dynamic cellular functions such as mitosis, apoptosis, and migration.
The Application of Dynamic Models to the Exploration of β1-AR Overactivation as a Cause of Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Zhao Min , Wang Xiaoqiang , Li Shuping , Cao Ning , Liu Huirong
Published: July 2018

High titer of β1-adrenoreceptor autoantibodies (β1-AA) has been reported to appear in heart failure patients. It induces sustained β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) activation which leads to heart failure (HF), but the mechanism is as yet unclear. In order to investigate the mechanisms causing β1-AR non-desensitization, we studied the beating frequency of the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) under different conditions (an injection of isoprenaline (ISO) for one group and β1-AA for the other) and established three dynamic models in order to best describe the true relationships shown in medical experiments; one model used a control group of healthy rats; then in HF rats one focused on conformation changes in β1-AR; the other examined interaction between β1-AR and β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR). Comparing the experimental data and corresponding Akaike information criterion (AIC) values, we concluded that the interaction model was the most likely mechanism. We used mathematical methods to explore the mechanism for the development of heart failure and to find potential targets for prevention and treatment. The aim of the paper was to provide a strong theoretical basis for the clinical development of personalized treatment programs. We also carried out sensitivity analysis of the initial concentration β1-AA and found that they had a noticeable effect on the fitting results.
Anticancer Properties of Graviola (Annona muricata): A Comprehensive Mechanistic Review
Authors: Rady Islam , Bloch Melissa B. , Chamcheu Roxane-Cherille N. , Banang Mbeumi Sergette , Anwar Md Rafi , Mohamed Hadir , Babatunde Abiola S. , Kuiate Jules-Roger , Noubissi Felicite K. , El Sayed Khalid A. , Whitfield G. Kerr , Chamcheu Jean Christopher
Published: July 2018

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a small deciduous tropical evergreen fruit tree, belonging to the Annonaceae family, and is widely grown and distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The aerial parts of graviola have several functions: the fruits have been widely used as food confectionaries, while several preparations, especially decoctions of the bark, fruits, leaves, pericarp, seeds, and roots, have been extensively used in traditional medicine to treat multiple ailments including cancers by local communities in tropical Africa and South America. The reported therapeutic benefits of graviola against various human tumors and disease agents in in vitro culture and preclinical animal model systems are typically tested for their ability to specifically target the disease, while exerting little or no effect on normal cell viability. Over 212 phytochemical ingredients have been reported in graviola extracts prepared from different plant parts. The specific bioactive constituents responsible for the major anticancer, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other health benefits of graviola include different classes of annonaceous acetogenins (metabolites and products of the polyketide pathway), alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, and others. This review summarizes the current understanding of the anticancer effects of A. muricata and its constituents on diverse cancer types and disease states, as well as efficacy and safety concerns. It also includes discussion of our current understanding of possible mechanisms of action, with the hope of further stimulating the development of improved and affordable therapies for a variety of ailments.
Outcome of Initial Endodontic Treatment Performed, by One Specialist, in 122 Tunisian Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Berrezouga Latifa , Bouguezzi Adel , Belkhir Mohamed Semir
Published: July 2018

Objective. To assess the 6- to 24-month outcome of endodontic treatments performed, by one specialist, and to identify prognostic factors that may influence initial endodontic treatment outcome (IETO).Methods. One hundred and forty-six patients out of 163 were included. A number of 201 teeth were endodontically treated, and an overall number of 408 canals were obturated. Of these, 165 teeth received initial endodontic treatment (IET). The criteria of the European Society of Endodontology were used to assess the IETO. The level of significance was set atp<0.05%.Results. Apical periodontitis (AP) was present in 42.5% of all cases, with a PAI >3 in 28.5%. The success rate (SR) was 91.5%. It was significantly higher in vital teeth (97%) than in devital teeth (87.7%) (p=0.04); however, a lower SR was recorded in teeth with AP (p=0.02). The lesion healed in 60 teeth (85.7%), decreased in size in 4 teeth (5.7%), and increased in size in 6 teeth (8.5%). A higher SR was obtained when a permanent restoration was present (94%) than absent (68.7%) (p=0.005).Conclusion. Within the limitations of the study, pulp and periapical status and permanent restoration are found to be strong outcome predictors.
Developing Small Molecule Therapeutics for the Initial and Adjunctive Treatment of Snakebite
Authors: Bulfone Tommaso C. , Samuel Stephen P. , Bickler Philip E. , Lewin Matthew R.
Published: July 2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added snakebite envenoming to the priority list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). It is thought that ~75% of mortality following snakebite occurs outside the hospital setting, making the temporal gap between a bite and antivenom administration a major therapeutic challenge. Small molecule therapeutics (SMTs) have been proposed as potential prereferral treatments for snakebite to help address this gap. Herein, we discuss the characteristics, potential uses, and development of SMTs as potential treatments for snakebite envenomation. We focus on SMTs that are secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitors with brief exploration of other potential drug targets on venom molecules.
Malignancy Risk and Related Factors of Atypia of Undetermined Significance/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance in Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Hong So-hyeon , Lee Hyejin , Cho Min-Sun , Lee Jee Eun , Sung Yeon-Ah , Hong Young Sun
Published: July 2018

Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) in thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a challenging category. The malignancy risk is different by multiple factors and subsequent management strategy is inconclusive. Therefore, we analyzed the malignancy risk of AUS/FLUS according to radiological and clinical features. A total of 687 nodules that had been initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS were retrospectively reviewed from 6365 thyroid FNAs between 2011 and 2014. The ultrasonographic (US) features were categorized using the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System. Radiological and clinical features were compared according to the second FNA results or histologically confirmed results from surgery. Repeat FNA was performed on 248 (36%) nodules, and 49 (7%) nodules underwent immediate surgery. Among the 248 nodules subjected to repeated FNA, 49 (20%) nodules were diagnosed again as AUS/FLUS, 123 (50%) were found to be benign, and 47 (19%) were diagnosed as follicular neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy or malignant. Among histologically confirmed nodules, the US features were more unfavorable in malignant nodules, and hypo- or anechogenicity was associated with a higher risk of malignancy after adjusting for age, size, and other US features (P<0.01). In conclusion, we observed that malignant nodules tended to show unfavorable US features, especially hypo- or anechogenicity. Age, sex, and thyroid function were not significantly associated with malignancy risk. We also found out that malignancy risk was not different between the group which underwent immediate operation following the AUS/FLUS diagnosis and the group which underwent repeated FNA after the initial diagnosis.
Large-Deformation Image Registration of CT-TEE for Surgical Navigation of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Gou Shuiping , Chen Linlin , Gu Yu , Huang Liyu , Huang Meiping , Zhuang Jian
Published: July 2018

The surgical treatment of congenital heart disease requires navigational assistance with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE); however, TEE images are often difficult to interpret and provide very limited anatomical information. Registering preoperative CT images to intraoperative TEE images provides surgeons with richer and more useful anatomical information. Yet, CT and TEE images differ substantially in terms of scale and geometry. In the present research, we propose a novel method for the registration of CT and TEE images for navigation during surgical repair of large defects in patients with congenital heart disease. Valve data was used for the coarse registration to determine the basic location. This was followed by the use of an enhanced probability model map to overcome gray-level differences between the two imaging modalities. Finally, the rapid optimization of mutual information was achieved by migrating parameters. This method was tested on a dataset of 240 images from 12 infant, children (≤ 3 years old), and adult patients with congenital heart disease. Compared to the “bronze standard” registration, the proposed method was more accurate with an average Dice coefficient of 0.91 and an average root mean square of target registration error of 1.2655 mm.
Decomposition of the Methylene Blue Dye Using Layered Manganese Oxide Materials Synthesized by Solid State Reactions
Authors: Becerra M. E. , Suarez A. M. , Arias N. P. , Giraldo O.
Published: July 2018

The modulation in the synthesis parameters of layered manganese oxides allowed us to produce materials with different AC conductivities. These conductivities were correlated with the catalytic performance of the materials in the decomposition of methylene blue, as a model of electron transfer reactions. The manganese oxides were prepared by thermal reduction of KMnO4 at 400°C and 800°C where one sample was heated at 1°C/min and the other was heated at 10°C/min. The materials were characterized by atomic absorption, average oxidation states of manganese, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that, by increasing the synthesis temperature, both the lamellar arrangement and the crystal size increased, while the Mn4+ amount in the material decreased. Furthermore, it was observed that as the conductivity increases for the materials, the catalytic performance also increases. Therefore, a direct correlation between the conductivity and catalytic performance can be established. For example, the layered manganese oxides material synthesized at 400°C, using a heating rate of 10°C/min, showed the highest AC conductivity and had the best performance in the degradation of methylene blue. Finally, we propose a general mechanism for understanding how manganese oxides behave as catalysts that produce oxidizing species from H2O2 which degrades methylene blue. Our proposed mechanism takes into consideration the state of aggregation of the catalyst, the availability of Mn4+, and the electrical conductivity.
An Integer‐Order Memristive System with Two‐ to Four‐Scroll Chaotic Attractors and Its Fractional‐Order Version with a Coexisting Chaotic Attractor
Authors: Zhou Ping , Ke Meihua
Published: July 2018

First, based on a linear passive capacitor C, a linear passive inductor L, an active‐charge‐controlled memristor, and a fourth‐degree polynomial function determined by charge, an integer‐order memristive system is suggested. The proposed integer‐order memristive system can generate two‐scroll, three‐scroll, and four‐scroll chaotic attractors. The complex dynamics behaviors are investigated numerically. The Lyapunov exponent spectrum with respect to linear passive inductor L and the two‐scroll, three‐scroll, and four‐scroll chaotic attractors are yielded by numerical calculation. Second, based on the integer‐order memristive chaotic system with a four‐scroll attractor, a fractional‐order version memristive system is suggested. The complex dynamics behaviors of its fractional‐order version are studied numerically. The largest Lyapunov exponent spectrum with respect to fractional‐order p is yielded. The coexisting two kinds of three‐scroll chaotic attractors and the coexisting three‐scroll and four‐scroll chaotic attractors can be found in its fractional‐order version.
Stimulation Strategies for Tinnitus Suppression in a Neuron Model
Authors: Paffi Alessandra , Camera Francesca , Carocci Chiara , Apollonio Francesca , Liberti Micaela
Published: July 2018

Tinnitus is a debilitating perception of sound in the absence of external auditory stimuli. It may have either a central or a peripheral origin in the cochlea. Experimental studies evidenced that an electrical stimulation of peripheral auditory fibers may alleviate symptoms but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this work, a stochastic neuron model is used, that mimics an auditory fiber affected by tinnitus, to check the effects, in terms of firing reduction, of different kinds of electric stimulations, i.e., continuous wave signals and white Gaussian noise. Results show that both white Gaussian noise and continuous waves at tens of kHz induce a neuronal firing reduction; however, for the same amplitude of fluctuations, Gaussian noise is more efficient than continuous waves. When contemporary applied, signal and noise exhibit a cooperative effect in retrieving neuronal firing to physiological values. These results are a proof of concept that a combination of signal and noise could be delivered through cochlear prosthesis for tinnitus suppression.
The LPS Responsiveness in BN and LEW Rats and Its Severity Are Modulated by the Liver
Authors: Fang Haoshu , Jin Hao , Hua Chuanfeng , Liu Anding , Song Zichen , Chen Xulin , Dirsch Olaf , Dahmen Uta
Published: July 2018

Differences in LPS responsiveness influence the outcome of patients with sepsis. The intensity of the response is highly variable in patients and strain dependent in rodents. However, the role of the liver for initiating the LPS response remains ill defined. We hypothesize that hepatic LPS uptake is a key event for initiating the LPS response. In the present study, the severity of the LPS-induced inflammatory response and the hepatic LPS uptake was compared in two rat strains (Lewis (LEW) rats and Brown Norway (BN) rats). Using a transplantation model, we demonstrated the decisive role of the liver. The expression of hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA levels in BN rats was significantly lower than that in LEW rats. LEW rats were sensitized to LPS via G-CSF pretreatment. Sensitization caused by G-CSF pretreatment induced severe liver injury and mortality in LEW rats, but not in BN rats (survival rate: 0% (LEW) versus 100% (BN), p<0.01). LEW rats presented with higher liver enzymes, more alterations in histology, and higher expression of caspase 3 and higher cytokines levels. One of the reasons could be the increased hepatic LPS uptake, which was only observed in LEW but not in BN livers. Using the transplantation model revealed the decisive role of the LPS responsiveness of the liver. Injection of LPS to the high-responding LEW recipient before transplantation of a low-responder BN liver resulted in a 50% survival rate. In contrast, injecting the same dose of LPS into the high-responding LEW recipient after transplanting the low-responding BN liver resulted in a 100% survival rate. The severity of inflammatory response in different strains might be related to the differences in hepatic LPS uptake. This observation suggests that the liver plays a genetically defined decisive role in modulating the inflammatory severity.
Strain Analysis of the Nuozhadu High Rockfill Dam during Initial Impoundment
Authors: Lv Xiaolong , Chi Shichun
Published: July 2018

The safety of rockfill dams during initial impoundment has always been an issue of interest for regulatory agencies. Specifically, it is necessary to identify potential tensile strain zones and shear strain concentration zones in which cracks may form. In this paper, a meshless smoothing method is proposed to construct the strain field of a prototype dam based on monitoring displacement data. For verification, this method is applied to calculate the strain field of the Nuozhadu core wall rockfill dam. The results show that the proposed method can provide regulatory agencies with an effective tool for dam inspection during initial impoundment.
Acceleration Response First Passage Failure Probability Analysis Method for Nonlinear Package
Authors: Zhu Dapeng
Published: July 2018

The acceleration response first passage failure problem of the nonlinear package base excited by Gaussian white noise is analyzed. The model correction factor method (MCFM) is implemented in conjunction with the first‐order reliability method (FORM) to analyze the first passage failure probability of the nonlinear package. The white noise is discretized in standard normal space, and an iterative algorithm is proposed to find the design point of the packaging system. On the design point, the hypersurface representing the limit‐state function of the nonlinear package is replaced approximately by a hyperplane representing the limit‐state function of an equivalent linear system, and the FORM is employed to calculate the failure probability of the packaging system. The accuracy of this method is verified by crude Monte Carlo simulations. Numerical simulations are carried out to observe the effects of system parameters variations on failure probability which can be used for the improvement of packaging design.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Improve Tenogenic Commitment of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Potential Strategy for Tendon Repair—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Marmotti Antonio , Peretti Giuseppe Maria , Mattia Silvia , Mangiavini Laura , de Girolamo Laura , Viganò Marco , Setti Stefania , Bonasia Davide Edoardo , Blonna Davide , Bellato Enrico , Ferrero Giovanni , Castoldi Filippo
Published: July 2018

Tendon repair is a challenging procedure in orthopaedics. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in tendon regeneration is still investigational. In this perspective, MSCs isolated from the human umbilical cord (UC) may represent a possible candidate for tendon tissue engineering. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of low-frequency PEMF on tenogenic differentiation of MSCs isolated from the human umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) in vitro. 15 fresh UC samples from women with healthy pregnancies were retrieved at the end of caesarean deliveries. UC samples were manually minced into small fragments (less than 4 mm length) and cultured in MSC expansion medium. Part of the UC-MSCs was subsequently cultured with PEMF and tenogenic growth factors. UC-MSCs were subjected to pulsed electromagnetic fields for 2 h/day, 4 h/day, or 8 h/day. UC-MSCs cultured with FGF-2 and stimulated with PEMF showed a greater production of collagen type I and scleraxis. The prolonged exposure to PEMF was also related to the greatest expression of tenogenic markers. Thus, the exposure to PEMF provides a positive preconditioning biophysical stimulus, which may enhance UC-MSC tenogenic potential.
The Effect of Temperatures on the Synergistic Effect between a Magnetic Field and Functionalized Graphene Oxide-Carbon Nanotube Composite for Pb2+ and Phenol Adsorption
Authors: Jiang Li-li , Yu Hai-Tao , Pei Lie-fei , Hou Xin-gang
Published: July 2018

The effect of temperature on scale inhibition and adsorption properties for Pb2+ and phenol was studied under the synergistic effect of the magnetic field and the adsorbent. The sulfhydryl and amino-modified graphene oxide/oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NH2-SH-GO/o-MWCNTs) were synthesized and applied as the adsorbent. Additionally, changes in pH, conductivity, molecular activation energy, the relative variation of intramolecular energy and the relative variation in the proportion of free water, and adsorption capacity of the adsorbent were studied under different temperatures of circulating water. The relative variation of the proportion of free water increased with the increasing temperatures. The above results indicated that higher temperature would be detrimental to scale inhibition. The higher the temperatures, the lower the intramolecular energies. And the more stable molecules are formed in the circulating water. Thus, the results reduced the tendency to scale formation. The increased temperatures promoted the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for Pb2+ and phenol. The adsorption process for Pb2+ and phenol conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model under the synergistic effect of magnetic field and NH2-SH-GO/MWCNTs. After five cycles, the adsorption capacities of the adsorbent for Pb2+ and phenol separately decreased by 59.86% and 76.36%. The aforementioned results reveal that temperatures can promote the adsorption process for Pb2+ and phenol, and the synergistic effect between magnetic field and the adsorbent has a potential application for water treatment.
Gestational Outcomes of Pregnant Women Who Have Had Invasive Prenatal Testing for the Prenatal Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Beksac Mehmet Sinan , Tanacan Atakan , Aydin Hakli Duygu , Orgul Gokcen , Soyak Burcu , Balci Hayta Burcu , Dincer Pervin , Topaloğlu Haluk
Published: July 2018

Aim. To show the importance of prenatal diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and to demonstrate the effect of DMD gene mutations on gestational outcomes. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 89 pregnancies in 81 individuals who were referred to Hacettepe University for prenatal diagnosis of DMD between January 2000 and December 2015. Prenatal diagnostic methods (chorionic villus sampling (CVS): 66, amniocentesis (AC): 23) were compared for test results, demographic features, and obstetric outcomes of pregnancies. The female fetuses were divided into two groups according to the DMD status (healthy or carrier) to understand the effect of DMD gene mutations on obstetric outcomes. Results. Eight prenatally diagnosed disease-positive fetuses were terminated. There was no statistically significant difference between the CVS and AC groups in terms of study variables. There were 46 male fetuses (51.6%) and 43 female fetuses (48.4%). Fifteen of the female fetuses were carriers (34.8%). Median birthweight values were statistically insignificantly lower in the carrier group. Conclusion. Pregnancies at risk for DMD should be prenatally tested to prevent the effect of disease on families and DMD carrier fetuses had obstetric outcomes similar to DMD negative female fetuses.
Pathological Response and Survival in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Carboplatin plus Docetaxel
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , López-Tarruella Sara , García-Saenz José Angel , Khan Qamar J. , Gómez Henry L. , Prat Aleix , Moreno Fernando , Jerez-Gilarranz Yolanda , Barnadas Agustí , Picornell Antoni C. , Monte-Millán María del , González-Rivera Milagros , Massarrah Tatiana , Pelaez-Lorenzo Beatriz , Palomero María Isabel , González del Val Ricardo , Cortés Javier , Fuentes-Rivera Hugo , Morales Denisse Bretel , Márquez-Rodas Iván , Perou Charles M. , Lehn Carolyn , Wang Yen Y. , Klemp Jennifer R. , Mammen Joshua V. , Wagner Jamie L. , Amin Amanda L. , O’Dea Anne P. , Heldstab Jaimie , Jensen Roy A. , Kimler Bruce F. , Godwin Andrew K. , Martín Miguel
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Prognostic value of pathologic complete response (pCR) and extent of pathologic response attained with anthracycline-free platinum plus taxane neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is unknown. We report recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) according to degree of pathologic response in patients treated with carboplatin plus docetaxel NAC.

Patients and Methods:

One-hundred and ninety patients with stage I–III TNBC were treated with neoadjuvant carboplatin (AUC6) plus docetaxel (75 mg/m2) every 21 days × 6 cycles. pCR (no evidence of invasive tumor in breast and axilla) and Residual cancer burden (RCB) were evaluated. Patients were followed for recurrence and survival. Extent of pathologic response was associated with RFS and OS using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

Median age was 51 years, and 52% were node-positive. pCR and RCB I rates were 55% and 13%, respectively. Five percent of pCR patients, 0% of RCB I patients, and 58% of RCB II/III patients received adjuvant anthracyclines. Three-year RFS and OS were 79% and 87%, respectively. Three-year RFS was 90% in patients with pCR and 66% in those without pCR [HR = 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14–0.62; P = 0.0001]. Three-year OS was 94% in patients with pCR and 79% in those without pCR (HR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10–0.63; P = 0.001). Patients with RCB I demonstrated 3-year RFS (93%) and OS (100%) similar to those with pCR. On multivariable analysis, higher tumor stage, node positivity, and RCB II/III were associated with worse RFS.

Conclusions:

Neoadjuvant carboplatin plus docetaxel yields encouraging efficacy in TNBC. Patients achieving pCR or RCB I with this regimen demonstrate excellent 3-year RFS and OS without adjuvant anthracycline.
Sunitinib Prior to Planned Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Angiogenesis Biomarkers Predict Clinical Outcome in the Prospective Phase II PREINSUT Trial
Authors: Mauge Laetitia , Mejean Arnaud , Fournier Laure , Pereira Helena , Etienne-Grimaldi Marie-Christine , Levionnois Emeline , Caty Armelle , Abadie-Lacourtoisie Sophie , Culine Stéphane , Le Moulec Sylvestre , Linassier Claude , Théodore Christine , Ravaud Alain , Albiges Laurence , Grine Abel , Tartour Eric , Milano Gérard , Gille Anne-Sophie , Verkarre Virginie , Helley Dominique , Oudard Stéphane
Published: July 2018

Purpose: The PREINSUT study characterized factors predictive of response to sunitinib given before planned nephrectomy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Patients and Methods: This French multicenter, prospective, open-label, phase II trial (NCT00930345) included treatment-naïve patients with clear-cell mRCC. Patients received two cycles of sunitinib before nephrectomy. The primary objective was to evaluate the potential of circulating angiogenesis-related biomarkers measured before and on treatment for identifying responders based on primary renal tumor (PRT) size change. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the ability of biomarkers to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled. The median PFS was 4.5 months, and the median OS was 12.4 months. OS was significantly longer in responding patients (28.8 vs. 11.1 months; P = 0.03). Of 27 patients evaluable for PRT response, nine (33.3%) had a ≥10% decrease in PRT size. Baseline biomarkers significantly associated with outcome were endothelial progenitor cells (PRT response); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1), soluble VEGF receptors (sVEGFR)1 and 2 (PFS); and SDF-1 and sVEGFR1 (OS). During treatment, changes in biomarkers associated with outcome were SDF-1 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB (PRT response), sVEGFR2 (PFS), and SDF-1 and sVEGFR1 (OS). There was no correlation between plasma sunitinib or its active metabolite steady-state trough concentrations and clinical outcome.

Conclusions: Angiogenesis-related parameters that could reflect hypoxia seem to be associated with worse outcome in mRCC. As blood biomarkers are not subjected to tumor heterogeneity and allow longitudinal follow-up, circulating angiogenesis profile has a promising place in antiangiogenic therapy guidance. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5534–42. ©2018 AACR.
Molecular Targeted Therapies Elicit Concurrent Apoptotic and GSDME-Dependent Pyroptotic Tumor Cell Death
Authors: Lu Haijiao , Zhang Shengzhe , Wu Jie , Chen Minjiang , Cai Mei-Chun , Fu Yujie , Li Wenfeng , Wang Jing , Zhao Xiaojing , Yu Zhuang , Ma Pengfei , Zhuang Guanglei
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

The induced death signals following oncogene inhibition underlie clinical efficacy of molecular targeted therapies against human cancer, and defects of intact cell apoptosis machinery often lead to therapeutic failure. Despite potential importance, other forms of regulated cell death triggered by pharmacologic intervention have not been systematically characterized.

Experimental Design:

Pyroptotic cell death was assessed by immunoblot analysis, phase-contrast imaging, scanning electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. Tumor tissues of patients with lung cancer were analyzed using IHC. Functional impact of pyroptosis on drug response was investigated in cell lines and xenograft models.

Results:

We showed that diverse small-molecule inhibitors specifically targeting KRAS-, EGFR-, or ALK-driven lung cancer uniformly elicited robust pyroptotic cell death, in addition to simultaneously invoking cellular apoptosis. Upon drug treatment, the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic pathway was engaged and the mobilized caspase-3 protease cleaved and activated gasdermin E (GSDME, encoded by DFNA5), which permeabilized cytoplasmic membrane and executed cell-lytic pyroptosis. GSDME displayed ubiquitous expression in various lung cancer cell lines and clinical specimens, including KRAS-mutant, EGFR-altered, and ALK-rearranged adenocarcinomas. As a result, cooccurrence and interplay of apoptosis and pyroptosis were widespread in lung cancer cells, succumbing to genotype-matched regimens. We further demonstrated that pyroptotic cell death partially contributed to the drug response in a subset of cancer models.

Conclusions:

These results pinpoint GSDME-dependent pyroptosis as a previously unrecognized mechanism of action for molecular targeted agents to eradicate oncogene-addicted neoplastic cells, which may have important implications for the clinical development and optimal application of anticancer therapeutics.