bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Nonlinear Error Caused by Motions of Rotation Axes for Five-Axis Machine Tools with Orthogonal Configuration
Authors: Geng Cong , Wu Yuhou , Qiu Jian
Published: June 2018

Since a nonlinear relationship exists between the position coordinates of the rotation axes and components of the tool orientation, the tool will deviate from the required plane, resulting in nonlinear errors and deterioration of machining accuracy. Few attempts have been made to obtain a general formula and common rules for nonlinear error because of the existence of various kinematic structures of machine tools with orthogonal configuration. This paper analyzes the relationship between the deviation of cutter location points and motion of tool orientations. Five-axis CNC machine tools are divided into two groups according to the configuration of the two rotational joints and the home position. Motions of the tool are regarded as a combination of translation and rotation. A model for error calculation is then built. The maximum deviation of the tool with respect to the reference plane generated by the initial and the final orientation is used to quantify the magnitude of the errors. General formulas are derived and common change rules are analyzed. Finally, machining experiment is conducted to validate the theoretical analysis. The research has important implications on the selection of a particular kinematic configuration that may achieve higher accuracy for a specific machining task.
Study on the Sound Quality of Steady and Unsteady Exhaust Noise
Authors: Zeng Falin , Sun Sunmin
Published: June 2018

In order to predict and study the sound quality of automobile exhaust noise, Zwicker steady-state and time-varying method were applied to calculate the psychoacoustic objective parameter values in terms of the exhaust noise of sample cars at uniform velocity and accelerated velocity; Thereby, a prediction model of GA-BP sound quality based on psychoacoustic objective parameters was established. At the same time, wavelet analysis was used to decompose the accelerated signal; in order to overcome the shortcomings such as Heisenberg uncertainty, the RNR (regularization nonstationary regression technique) was applied to compute the WVD distribution (RNR-WVD), therefrom obtaining the coefficient matrices of different-band signals after wavelet decomposition, and then A weighting was carried out on the coefficient matrices, so as to establish a new sound quality parameter SQP-WRW (sound quality parameter base on wavelet and then proceed to RNR-WVD) as the input of GA-BP model, and therefrom a sound quality prediction model was established. The results indicate that the model based on SQP-WRW has higher precision for predicting the sound quality of acceleration signal, and it can better reflect the characteristics of acceleration signal and sound quality.
Multiclass Motor Imagery Recognition of Single Joint in Upper Limb Based on NSGA- II OVO TWSVM
Authors: Guan Shan , Zhao Kai , Wang Fuwang
Published: June 2018

In the study of the brain computer interface (BCI) system, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals induced by different movements of the same joint are hard to distinguish. This paper proposes a novel scheme that combined amplitude-frequency (AF) information of intrinsic mode function (IMF) with common spatial pattern (CSP), namely, AF-CSP to extract motor imagery (MI) features, and to improve classification performance, the second generation nondominated sorting evolutionary algorithm (NSGA-II) is used to tune hyperparameters for linear and nonlinear kernel one versus one twin support vector machine (OVO TWSVM). This model is compared with least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM), back propagation (BP), extreme learning machine (ELM), particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM), and grid search OVO TWSVM (GS OVO TWSVM) on our dataset; the recognition accuracy increased by 5.92%, 22.44%, 22.65%, 8.69%, and 5.75%. The proposed method has helped to achieve higher accuracy in BCI systems.
A Diversified Spectrometric and Molecular Docking Technique to Biophysical Study of Interaction between Bovine Serum Albumin and Sodium Salt of Risedronic Acid, a Bisphosphonate for Skeletal Disorders
Authors: Manjushree M. , Revanasiddappa Hosakere D.
Published: June 2018

The binding interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium salt of risedronic acid (RSN) was studied by using the FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared), UV-Vis (ultraviolet–visible), fluorescence (emission and synchronous), CD (circular dichroism) spectrometric, and computational (molecular docking) techniques at 289, 297, and 305 K temperatures with physiological buffer of pH 7.40. The conformational and secondary structural changes observed for BSA from CD spectra and by curve fitting procedure were applied to Fourier self-deconvolution in FT-IR spectra. The formation of a BSA-RSN complex was confirmed from UV-Vis spectroscopy. The static type of quenching shown for RSN to BSA was verified from Stern–Volmer and modified Stern–Volmer equations. The binding constant of order 105 was obtained to be confirming that there exists a strong binding interaction between BSA and RSN. Synchronous fluorescence shows that the microenvironment of tryptophan was altered, not tyrosine of BSA; in addition to this, the distance between tryptophan of BSA and RSN was found out from Forster’s theory of nonradiation energy transfer. The interaction between BSA and RSN mainly occurred as a result of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, the process is exothermic and spontaneous, and it was achieved through van ’t Hoff equation. This interaction was affected by the presence of biologically active Fe2+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cd2+ ions and was also studied. The subdomain IIIA of BSA involved with RSN interaction was authenticated from molecular docking analysis.
A Compact, Low-Profile Log-Periodic Meandered Dipole Array Antenna with an Artificial Magnetic Conductor
Authors: Kwon Oh Heon , Lee Sungwoo , Lee Jong Min , Hwang Keum Cheol
Published: June 2018

A compact and low-profile log-periodic meandered dipole array (LPMDA) antenna with an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is proposed. For compactness, a meander line configuration is implemented with dipole elements and optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA) to realize the LPMDA antenna. As a result, a size reduction of approximately 30% is achieved as compared to a conventional log-periodic dipole array antenna. To enhance the gain characteristics, the AMC ground plane configuration is realized with 9 × 9 unit cells for the LPMDA antenna. Two prototypes of the proposed LPMDA antennas with and without an AMC are fabricated and measured to verify its performance. The measured −10 dB reflection ratio bandwidths are 2.56 : 1 (0.85–2.18 GHz) and 2.34 : 1 (0.92–2.16 GHz) for the proposed LPMDA antennas with and without the AMC, respectively. The gain at the main beam direction within the operating frequency bandwidth is significantly improved from 3.94–7.17 dBi to 7.86–10.01 dBi by applying the AMC.
Urinary 1H‐NMR Metabolomics in the First Week of Life Can Anticipate BPD Diagnosis
Authors: Pintus Maria Cristina , Lussu Milena , Dessì Angelica , Pintus Roberta , Noto Antonio , Masile Valentina , Marcialis Maria Antonietta , Puddu Melania , Fanos Vassilios , Atzori Luigi
Published: June 2018

Despite the advancements in medical knowledge and technology, the etiopathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is not yet fully understood although oxidative stress seems to play a role, leading to a very demanding management of these patients by the neonatologist. In this context, metabolomics can be useful in understanding, diagnosing, and treating this illness since it is one of the newest omics science that analyzes the metabolome of an individual through the investigation of biological fluids such as urine and blood. In this study, 18 patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Cagliari University Hospital were enrolled. Among them, 11 patients represented the control group and 7 patients subsequently developed BPD. A sample of urine was collected from each patient at 7 days of life and analyzed through 1H‐NMR coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. The discriminant metabolites between the 2 groups noted were alanine, betaine, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide, lactate, and glycine. Utilizing metabolomics, it was possible to detect the urinary metabolomics fingerprint of neonates in the first week of life who subsequently developed BPD. Future studies are needed to confirm these promising results suggesting a possible role of microbiota and oxidative stress, and to apply this technology in clinical practice.
Ni‐Ti Shape Memory Alloy Coatings for Structural Applications: Optimization of HVOF Spraying Parameters
Authors: De Crescenzo Carmen , Karatza Despina , Musmarra Dino , Chianese Simeone , Baxevanis Theocharis , Dalla Panagiota T. , Exarchos Dimitrios A. , Dassios Konstantinos G. , Matikas Theodore E.
Published: June 2018

This work aims at contributing to the development of a revolutionary technology based on shape memory alloy (SMA) coatings deposited on‐site to large‐scale metallic structural elements, which operate in extreme environmental conditions, such as steel bridges and buildings. The proposed technology will contribute to improve the integrity of metallic civil structures, to alter and control their mechanical properties by external stimuli, to contribute to the stiffness and rigidity of an elastic metallic structure, to safely withstand the expected loading conditions, and to provide corrosion protection. To prove the feasibility of the concept, investigations were carried out by depositing commercial NiTinol Ni50.8Ti (at.%) powder, onto stainless steel substrates by using high‐velocity oxygen‐fuel thermal spray technology. While the NiTinol has been known since decades, this intermetallic alloy, as well as no other alloy, was ever used as the SMA‐coating material. Due to the influence of dynamics of spraying and the impact energy of the powder particles on the properties of thermally sprayed coatings, the effects of the main spray parameters, namely, spray distance, fuel‐to‐oxygen feed rate ratio, and coating thickness, on the quality and properties of the coating, in terms of hardness, adhesion, roughness, and microstructure, were investigated.
Establishing a Cell‐Based High‐Content Screening Assay for TCM Compounds with Anti‐Renal Fibrosis Effects
Authors: Wang Xi-ting , Sun Xue-jiao , Li Cheng , Liu Yi , Zhang Lan , Li Ya-dong , Wu Qing-hua , Li Shi-you , Li Yu
Published: June 2018

Renal fibrosis is thought to be the final common pathway leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal failure. Except for renal replacement therapy, no adequate treatment regimen is available; therefore studies on the treatment of renal fibrosis have attracted significant interest. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may represent an attractive source to produce drugs with antifibrosis effects. The aim of this study was to establish a robust cell‐based high‐content screening (HCS) approach to identify TCM compounds with antifibrosis effects in NRK49F cells following TGF‐β1 exposure. When designing the model, one of the most important steps involved the stability and reproducibility of this cell‐based model. Therefore, we initially optimized the experimental parameters. Then, our HCS model was validated using SB525334, an inhibitor of the TGF‐β1 receptor, and curcumin and emodin, two TCM compounds with well‐documented anti‐renal fibrosis activity. Subsequently, the proven reliable HCS model was used to screen a standard TCM compound library, which included 344 TCM molecules. Based on our HCS algorithm, a total of 16 compounds were identified to have prospective inhibitory activity. These compounds were further validated by verification experiments. Strikingly, eight compounds have been shown to inhibit renal fibrosis; six of them had rarely been described in the literature, namely, Ligustrazine, Glycyrrhizic acid, Astragaloside iv, Hydroxysafflor Yellow A, Crocin, and Gypenosides. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which a HCS assay was performed to identify TCM compounds with anti‐renal fibrosis effects. The HCS approach was successfully applied to screen active compounds and will be propitious to further anti‐renal fibrosis drugs discovery research. Meanwhile, it may offer possibilities for identifying lead compounds for treating other diseases from registered Chinese herbal medicines.
Blind Selected Mapping with Side Information Estimation Based on the Received Pilot Signal
Authors: Yoon Eunchul , Hwang Duckdong , Jang Chanki , Kim Janghyun , Yun Unil
Published: June 2018

Blind selected mapping (BSLM) is a technique to reduce the peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of OFDM by using a set of scrambling sequences. Since the side information (SI) on the scrambling sequence selected by the transmitter is not directly sent to the receiver in BSLM, the SI needs to be estimated by the receiver. In this paper, a BSLM scheme that applies a new SI estimation approach is proposed. The proposed BSLM scheme estimates the SI by selecting the minimum of the candidate metrics that are computed with the received pilot signal, the pilot symbol sequence, and the scrambling sequences. It is shown by simulation that the proposed BSLM scheme yields better SI error rate (SIER) and bit error rate (BER) performance and lower implementation complexity than four traditional BSLM schemes.
Semidefinite Relaxation Algorithm for Multisource Localization Using TDOA Measurements with Range Constraints
Authors: Jia Changgui , Yin Jiexin , Wang Ding , Wang Yunlong , Zhang Li
Published: June 2018

Multiple sources localization based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements is investigated in this paper. Different from the traditional methods, a novel and practical multisource localization algorithm is proposed by adopting a priori information of relative distance among emitting sources. Since the maximum likelihood (ML) cost function for multisource estimation is highly nonconvex, the semidefinite relaxation (SDR) is utilized to reformulate the ML cost function. A robust estimator is obtained, which can be solved by semidefinite programming (SDP). Moreover, the constrained Cramér‐Rao bound is also derived as a benchmark by considering the range constraints between sources. Simulation results verify the superior performance of the proposed algorithm over the traditional methods.
A Tutorial on Nonorthogonal Multiple Access for 5G and Beyond
Authors: Aldababsa Mahmoud , Toka Mesut , Gökçeli Selahattin , Kurt Güneş Karabulut , Kucur Oğuz
Published: June 2018

Today’s wireless networks allocate radio resources to users based on the orthogonal multiple access (OMA) principle. However, as the number of users increases, OMA based approaches may not meet the stringent emerging requirements including very high spectral efficiency, very low latency, and massive device connectivity. Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) principle emerges as a solution to improve the spectral efficiency while allowing some degree of multiple access interference at receivers. In this tutorial style paper, we target providing a unified model for NOMA, including uplink and downlink transmissions, along with the extensions to multiple input multiple output and cooperative communication scenarios. Through numerical examples, we compare the performances of OMA and NOMA networks. Implementation aspects and open issues are also detailed.
Molecular Profiling of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: Initial Results from the Know Your Tumor Initiative
Authors: Pishvaian Michael J. , Bender Robert J. , Halverson David , Rahib Lola , Hendifar Andrew E. , Mikhail Sameh , Chung Vincent , Picozzi Vincent J. , Sohal Davendra , Blais Edik M. , Mason Kimberly , Lyons Emily E. , Matrisian Lynn M. , Brody Jonathan R. , Madhavan Subha , Petricoin Emanuel F.
Published: June 2018

Purpose: To broaden access to and implementation of precision medicine in the care of patients with pancreatic cancer, the Know Your Tumor (KYT) program was initiated using a turn-key precision medicine system. Patients undergo commercially available multiomic profiling to determine molecularly rationalized clinical trials and off-label therapies.

Experimental Design: Tumor samples were obtained for 640 patients from 287 academic and community practices covering 44 states. College of American Pathologists/Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–accredited laboratories were used for genomic, proteomic, and phosphoprotein-based molecular profiling.

Results: Tumor samples were adequate for next-generation sequencing in 96% and IHC in 91% of patients. A tumor board reviewed the results for every patient and found actionable genomic alterations in 50% of patients (with 27% highly actionable) and actionable proteomic alterations (excluding chemopredictive markers) in 5%. Actionable alterations commonly found were in DNA repair genes (BRCA1/2 or ATM mutations, 8.4%) and cell-cycle genes (CCND1/2/3 or CDK4/6 alterations, 8.1%). A subset of samples was assessed for actionable phosphoprotein markers. Among patients with highly actionable biomarkers, those who received matched therapy (n = 17) had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (PFS) than those who received unmatched therapy [n = 18; PFS = 4.1 vs. 1.9 months; HR, 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24–0.94; Padj = 0.03].

Conclusions: A comprehensive precision medicine system can be implemented in community and academic settings, with highly actionable findings observed in over 25% of pancreatic cancers. Patients whose tumors have highly actionable alterations and receive matched therapy demonstrated significantly increased PFS. Our findings support further prospective evaluation of precision oncology in pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(20); 5018–27. ©2018 AACR.
Targeting Colon Luminal Lipid Peroxidation Limits Colon Carcinogenesis Associated with Red Meat Consumption
Authors: Martin Océane C.B. , Naud Nathalie , Taché Sylviane , Debrauwer Laurent , Chevolleau Sylvie , Dupuy Jacques , Chantelauze Céline , Durand Denis , Pujos-Guillot Estelle , Blas-Y-Estrada Florence , Urbano Christine , Kuhnle Gunter G.C. , Santé-Lhoutellier Véronique , Sayd Thierry , Viala Didier , Blot Adeline , Meunier Nathalie , Schlich Pascal , Attaix Didier , Guéraud Françoise , Scislowski Valérie , Corpet Denis E. , Pierre Fabrice H.F.
Published: June 2018

Red meat is probably carcinogenic to humans (WHO/IARC class 2A), in part through heme iron-induced lipoperoxidation. Here, we investigated whether red meat promotes carcinogenesis in rodents and modulates associated biomarkers in volunteers, speculating that an antioxidant marinade could suppress these effects via limitation of the heme induced lipid peroxidation. We gave marinated or non-marinated beef with various degrees of cooking to azoxymethane-initiated rats, Min mice, and human volunteers (crossover study). Mucin-depleted foci were scored in rats, adenoma in Min mice. Biomarkers of lipoperoxidation were measured in the feces and urine of rats, mice, and volunteers. The organoleptic properties of marinated meat were tested. Fresh beef increased colon carcinogenesis and lipoperoxidation in rats and mice and lipoperoxidation in humans. Without an adverse organoleptic effect on meat, marinade normalized peroxidation biomarkers in rat and mouse feces, reduced peroxidation in human feces and reduced the number of Mucin-depleted foci in rats and adenoma in female Min mice. This could lead to protective strategies to decrease the colorectal cancer burden associated with red meat consumption. Cancer Prev Res; 11(9); 569–80. ©2018 AACR.
Chikungunya Virus Interacts with Heat Shock Cognate 70 Protein to Facilitate Its Entry into Mosquito Cell Line
Authors: Ghosh Ayushman , Desai Anita , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Narayanappa Gayathri , Tyagi Brij Kishore
Published: June 2018

Aim: The study was designed to identify putative Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) receptor/s on C6/36 cells that facilitate viral entry. Methods: The virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA) was adopted to identify CHIKV-interacting bands present in C6/36 cell membrane and identity of the protein was established by mass spectrometry. The role of this protein as a putative CHIKV receptor on C6/36 cells was confirmed by infection inhibition assay. Cell surface localization of the identified protein was studied by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on nonpermeabilized cells and by flow cytometry. Interaction between this protein and CHIKV was confirmed by co-immunoprecipation (Co-IP) and Western blotting. The effect of depletion of the identified protein by quercetin was demonstrated by infection inhibition assay. Results: A 70-kDa protein was identified as a CHIKV-interacting protein by VOPBA. MALDI-TOF analysis followed by homology search revealed that this protein could be heat shock cognate 70 (HSC 70). Anti-HSC 70 antibodies blocked CHIKV entry into C6/36 cells in a dose-dependent manner. IFA and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated HSC 70 localization on C6/36 cell surface. Co-IP experiments confirmed the interaction between HSC 70 and CHIKV envelope. Quercetin- and YM-01-treated C6/36 cells exhibited dose-dependent infection inhibition. Conclusion: HSC 70 serves as a putative CHIKV receptor on C6/36 cells.
Efficacy of End-Tidal Capnography Monitoring during Flexible Bronchoscopy in Nonintubated Patients under Sedation: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ishiwata Tsukasa , Tsushima Kenji , Terada Jiro , Fujie Mai , Abe Mitsuhiro , Ikari Jun , Kawata Naoko , Tada Yuji , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: June 2018

Background: Although appropriate sedation is recommended during flexible bronchoscopy (FB), patients are at risk for hypoventilation due to inadvertent oversedation. End-tidal capnography is expected as an additional useful monitor for these patients during FB. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of additional end-tidal capnography monitoring in reducing the incidence of hypoxemia during FB in patients under sedation. Methods: Patients undergoing FB under moderate sedation without tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to receive standard monitoring including pulse oximetry or additional capnography monitoring. Bronchoscopy examiners for the only capnography group were informed of apnea events by alarms and display of the capnography monitor. Results: A total of 185 patients were enrolled. Patient characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. Hypoxemia (at least one episode of pulse oximeter oxygen saturation [SpO2] < 90%) was observed in 27 out of 94 patients in the capnography group (29%) and in 42 out of 91 patients in the control group (46%; p = 0.014), resulting in an absolute risk difference of −17.4% (95% confidence interval, −31.1 to −3.7). In the capnography group, hypoxemia duration was shorter (20.4 vs. 41.7 s, p = 0.029), severe hypoxemic events (SpO2 < 85%) were observed less frequently (16 [17%] vs. 29 [32%], p = 0.019), and the mean lowest SpO2 value was higher (90.5 vs. 87.6%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: End-tidal capnography monitoring can reduce the incidence and duration of hypoxemia during FB in nonintubated patients under sedation.
Immunohistochemical Features of Primary Pure Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Thyroid: An Autopsy Case
Authors: Koyama Satoshi , Fujiwara Kazunori , Nosaka Kanae , Fukuhara Takahiro , Morisaki Tsuyoshi , Miyake Naritomo , Kitano Hiroya , Takeuchi Hiromi
Published: June 2018

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the thyroid is extremely rare and has been reported in < 1% of all thyroid cancer cases. Primary SCC in the thyroid was thought to be a transitional form derived from adenocarcinomas; therefore, the majority of reported cases have focused on the conjunction with other histological adenocarcinomas. A 73-year-old male presented to our hospital with bilateral vocal fold palsy and an anterior neck mass. Ultrasound sonography revealed a bulky tumor in the thyroid and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. We performed fine-needle aspiration cytology from the thyroid tumor, which revealed SCC. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed distant metastases in the lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and vertebra. We diagnosed the patient as having stage IVC SCC in the thyroid and administered weekly paclitaxel. Four and a half months after treatment initiation, the tumor progression resulted in aspiration pneumonia, which proved fatal. We performed an autopsy in accordance with the patient’s wishes. Pathological findings revealed that all carcinomas in the thyroid, cervical lymph nodes, and lungs were pure SCCs. Immunohistochemical examinations for PAX8, thyroglobulin, and TTF-1 were all negative. Differentiated thyroid carcinomas have 3 major positive markers – PAX8, thyroglobulin, and TTF-1 –, and PAX8 is also sometimes positive for SCC in the thyroid. PAX8 positivity of SCC in the thyroid might, however, be associated with conjunction with other histological adenocarcinomas such as papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma; therefore, pure SCC in the thyroid might be negative for PAX8.
Sirolimus in Infants with Multiple Cardiac Rhabdomyomas Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Lucchesi Maurizio , Chiappa Enrico , Giordano Flavio , Mari Francesco , Genitori Lorenzo , Sardi Iacopo
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Cardiac rhabdomyomas represent a frequent manifestation of tuberous sclerosis. Tumor growth, mainly prenatally, can result in intrauterine fetal or neonatal deaths in almost 10% of patients. Case Report: We treated 3 consecutive infants aged less than 12 months with sirolimus, an oral mTOR inhibitor. All patients achieved significant reductions in cardiac rhabdomyomas. A complete response was documented in 2 patients, while a partial response with tumor debulking greater than 50% was seen in the other one. The median time to best cardiac response was 1.9 months in all patients, and 3.3 months in those with complete response. The side effects profile was acceptable. Conclusion: Sirolimus may have a significant role in promoting natural regression of cardiac rhabdomyomas. Prospective clinical trials are needed.
Schisantherin A Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Activated Microglia: Role of Nrf2 Activation Through ERK Phosphorylation
Authors: Li Chuwen , Chen Tongkai , Zhou Hefeng , Zhang Chao , Feng Yu , Tang Fan , Hoi Maggie Pui-Man , He Chengwei , Zheng Ying , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: In the present study, we investigated whether schisantherin A (StA) had anti-inflammatory effects under neuroinflammatory conditions. Methods: The effects of StA and its underlying mechanisms were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglial cells by ELISA, qPCR, EMSA, Western blot, and IHC. Results: Firstly, we found that StA inhibited the inflammatory response in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia. Secondly, we found that StA suppressed LPS-induced activation of NF-κB via interfering with degradation of IκB and phosphorylation of IκB, IKK, PI3K/Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK. Thirdly, StA conferred indirect antioxidative effects via quenching ROS and promoted expression of antioxidant enzymes, including HO-1 and NQO-1, via stimulating activation of Nrf2 pathways. Finally, we demonstrated that anti-neuroinflammatory actions of StA were dependent on ERK phosphorylation-mediated Nrf2 activation. Conclusion: StA induced ERK phosphorylation-mediated Nrf2 activation, which contributed to its anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. The anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of StA may show preventive therapeutic potential for various neuroinflammatory disorders.
Bird diversity and conservation in the southern coast of Santa Catarina state, Brazil
Authors: Just João Paulo Gava , Rosoni Jonas Rafael Rodrigues , Romagna Rafael Spilere , Zocche Jairo José
Published: June 2018

Coastal lagoons and their surrounding habitats often harbour high biodiversity and some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. However, in the Neotropics the biodiversity is often poorly described, lacking even inventories of species which therefore limits the assessment of threats and the stablishment of efficient conservation measures. We present here lists of bird species recorded at ten sites along the under-studied coastal lagoons of southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, collected mainly from October 2012 to March 2018. We present quantitative data for endemic and threatened species, identify migratory status and highlight distributional novelties. In total, we recorded 229 species encompassing 63 families, including twelve species of conservation concern, 11 endemic to the Atlantic Forest or Pampas zoogeographical provinces and 38 migrants. We provide new records of seven rare species in Santa Catarina (Larus atlanticus, Calidris pusilla, Aramides ypecaha, Bubo virginianus, Limnornis curvirostris, Phacellodomus ferrugineigula and Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris) and report the first evidence of occurrence of Schoeniophylax phryganophilus for the State. Based on our findings, we discuss the regional diversity and conservation of the avifauna.
Errata: The Herpetofauna of the Serra do Urubu mountain range: a key biodiversity area for conservation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Roberto Igor Joventino , Oliveira Cícero Ricardo de , Araújo Filho João Antonio De , Oliveira Herivelto Faustino de , Ávila Robson Waldemar
Published: June 2018

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Thoracic Aorta Calcification and Noncardiovascular Disease–Related Mortality
Authors: Thomas Isac C. , Thompson Caroline A. , Yang Mingan , Allison Matthew A. , Forbang Nketi I. , Michos Erin D. , McClelland Robyn L. , Budoff Matthew J. , Criqui Michael H.
Published: June 2018

Objective—

Arterial calcification is highly correlated with underlying atherosclerosis. Arterial calcification of the thoracic aorta is evident in many older individuals at high susceptibility to aging-related diseases and non-cardiovascular disease (CVD)–related mortality. In this study, we evaluated the association of thoracic aorta calcification (TAC) with non-CVD morbidity and mortality.

Approach and Results—

We analyzed data from participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a prospective cohort study of subclinical atherosclerosis, in which participants underwent cardiac computed tomography at baseline and were followed longitudinally for incident CVD events and non-CVD events. Using modified proportional hazards models accounting for the competing risk of CVD death and controlling for demographics, CVD risk factors, coronary artery calcium, and CVD events, we evaluated whether TAC was independently associated with non-CVD morbidity and mortality. Among 6765 participants (mean age, 62 years), 704 non-CVD deaths occurred for a median follow-up of 12.2 years. Compared with no TAC, the highest tertile of TAC volume was associated with a higher risk of non-CVD mortality (hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–1.97), as well as several non-CVD diagnoses, including hip fracture (2.14; 1.03–4.46), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.06; 1.29–3.29), and pneumonia (1.79; 1.30–2.45), with magnitudes of association that were larger than for those of coronary artery calcium.

Conclusions—

TAC is associated with non-CVD morbidity and non-CVD mortality, potentially through a pathway that is unrelated to atherosclerosis. TAC may be a general marker of biological aging and an indicator of increased risk of non-CVD and death.
Frequency of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities in a Half Million Adults
Authors: Khurshid Shaan , Choi Seung Hoan , Weng Lu-Chen , Wang Elizabeth Y. , Trinquart Ludovic , Benjamin Emelia J. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Lubitz Steven A.
Published: June 2018

Background:

The frequency of cardiac rhythm abnormalities and their risk factors in community-dwelling adults are not well characterized.

Methods:

We determined the frequency of rhythm abnormalities in the UK Biobank, a national prospective cohort. We tested associations between risk factors and incident rhythm abnormalities using multivariable proportional hazards regression.

Results:

Of 502 627 adults (median age, 58 years [interquartile range, 13]; 54.4% women), 2.35% had a baseline rhythm abnormality. The prevalence increased with age with 4.84% of individuals aged 65 to 73 years affected. During 3 368 332 person-years of follow-up, 15 906 new rhythm abnormalities were detected (4.72 per 1000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.65–4.80). Atrial fibrillation (3.11 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI: 3.05–3.17), bradyarrhythmias (0.89 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI: 0.86–0.92), and conduction system diseases (1.06 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09) were more common than supraventricular (0.51 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI: 0.48–0.53) and ventricular arrhythmias (0.57 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI: 0.55–0.60). Older age (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.35 per 10-year increase; 95% CI: 2.29–2.41;
P
<0.01), male sex (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.76–1.89;
P
<0.01), hypertension (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.44–1.54;
P
<0.01), chronic kidney disease (HR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.67–2.27;
P
<0.01), and heart failure (HR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.76–2.26;
P
<0.01) were associated with new rhythm abnormalities.

Conclusions:

The frequency of rhythm abnormalities in middle-aged to older community-dwelling adults is substantial. Atrial fibrillation, bradyarrhythmias, and conduction system diseases account for most rhythm conditions.
Southern Agency: Navigating Local and Global Imperatives in Climate Research
Authors: Borland Ralph , Morrell Robert , Watson Vanessa
Published: June 2018

Researchers in the Global South are geopolitically distant from the places and people influencing global climate change debates. Their contribution in terms of academic publication is not large. Yet, by examining a South African research center, we show that these researchers negotiate their marginalization, optimize their local advantage, and navigate between national and global imperatives. Climate change requires global action and is a site of activism for Southern countries, which also face urgent developmental challenges requiring applied research. Climate change mitigation has to be addressed with attention to inequality. Our Southern soft-funded research center valued applied research and immediate policy impact over conventional peer-reviewed journal outputs. Impact assessment that relies on research metrics, such as citation counts, may miss some of the accomplishments of Southern institutions such as this one. These Southern researchers actively make choices and pursue agendas and are not just the victims of inadequate resourcing and Northern domination.
Theta Phase Synchronization between the Human Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex Increases during Encoding of Unexpected Information: A Case Study
Authors: Gruber Matthias J. , Hsieh Liang-Tien , Staresina Bernhard P. , Elger Christian E. , Fell Juergen , Axmacher Nikolai , Ranganath Charan
Published: June 2018

Events that violate predictions are thought to not only modulate activity within the hippocampus and PFC but also enhance communication between the two regions. Scalp and intracranial EEG studies have shown that oscillations in the theta frequency band are enhanced during processing of contextually unexpected information. Some theories suggest that the hippocampus and PFC interact during processing of unexpected events, and it is possible that theta oscillations may mediate these interactions. Here, we had the rare opportunity to conduct simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from the human hippocampus and PFC from two patients undergoing presurgical evaluation for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Recordings were conducted during a task that involved encoding of contextually expected and unexpected visual stimuli. Across both patients, hippocampal–prefrontal theta phase synchronization was significantly higher during encoding of contextually unexpected study items, relative to contextually expected study items. Furthermore, the hippocampal–prefrontal theta phase synchronization was larger for contextually unexpected items that were later remembered compared with later forgotten items. Moreover, we did not find increased theta synchronization between the PFC and rhinal cortex, suggesting that the observed effects were specific to prefrontal–hippocampal interactions. Our findings are consistent with the idea that theta oscillations orchestrate communication between the hippocampus and PFC in support of enhanced encoding of contextually deviant information.
An updated phylogeny and morphological study of the Phymaturus vociferator clade (Iguania: Liolaemidae)
Authors: TRONCOSO-PALACIOS JAIME , FERRI-YÁÑEZ FRANCISCO , LASPIUR ALEJANDRO , AGUILAR CÉSAR
Published: June 2018

Species delimitation in Phymaturus has been a difficult task due to the highly conserved morphological and ecological features present in this genus. Almost all species of Phymaturus have been described without DNA data or lacking statistical analyses which makes even more difficult to compare species. Although two molecular phylogenetic studies have been recently published, here we provide the first multilocus phylogenetic reconstruction including all Chilean species, with samples from all type localities and some previously unsampled populations. We also estimate pairwise distances among the Chilean species of Phymaturus (P. vociferator and P. mallimaccii clades) and compare our results with the P. payuniae clade, where previous studies have used multiple lines of evidence. Additionally, we performed univariate and multivariate morphological analyses and skeletal comparisons (clavicle) for the species of the P. vociferator clade. As a result of this integrative approach, we describe a new species.
A new species of the genus Entomogonus Solier, 1848 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Eastern Anatolia
Authors: NABOZHENKO MAXIM , ÖZGEN INANÇ , IVANUSHENKO YULIYA
Published: June 2018

A new species Entomogonus (Delonurops) doguanatolicus Nabozhenko, sp. n. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is described from Diyarbakır (Turkey). It differs from all members of the subgenus Delonurops Reitter, 1922 in the flattened lateral sides of pronotum. The newly described species is similar to E. clavimanus Reitter, 1903, E. makovskyi Nabozhenko et Tichý, 2011 and E. bialookii Nabozhenko et Tichý, 2011 from which it also differs by a more robust body, structure of pro- and mesotibiae, pro- and mesotarsi and elytral apex. A key to species (based on males) of the subgenus Delonurops of Eastern Anatolia is given.
The Dark Side of Hurricane Matthew: Unique Perspectives from the VIIRS Day/Night Band
Authors: Miller Steven D. , Straka William C. , Yue Jia , Seaman Curtis J. , Xu Shuang , Elvidge Christopher D. , Hoffmann Lars , Azeem Irfan
Published: June 2018

Hurricane Matthew (28 September–9 October 2016) was perhaps the most infamous storm of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, claiming over 600 lives and causing over $15 billion (U.S. dollars) in damages across the central Caribbean and southeastern U.S. seaboard. Research surrounding Matthew and its many noteworthy meteorological characteristics (e.g., rapid intensification into the southernmost category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin on record, strong lightning and sprite production, and unusual cloud morphology) is ongoing. Satellite remote sensing typically plays an important role in the forecasting and study of hurricanes, providing a top-down perspective on storms developing over the remote and inherently data-sparse tropical oceans. In this regard, a relative newcomer among the suite of satellite observations useful for tropical cyclone monitoring and research is the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB), a sensor flying on board the NOAA–NASA Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite. Unlike conventional instruments, the DNB’s sensitivity to extremely low levels of visible and near-infrared light offers new insight into storm properties and impacts. Here, we chronicle Matthew’s path of destruction and peer through the DNB’s looking glass of low-light visible observations, including lightning connected to sprite formation, modulation of the atmospheric nightglow by storm-generated gravity waves, and widespread power outages. Collected without moonlight, these examples showcase the wealth of unique information present in DNB nocturnal low-light observations without moonlight, and their potential to complement traditional satellite measurements of tropical storms worldwide.
Understanding and Improving the Scale Dependence of Trigger Functions for Convective Parameterization Using Cloud-Resolving Model Data
Authors: Song Fengfei , Zhang Guang J.
Published: June 2018

As the resolution of global climate model increases, whether trigger functions in current convective parameterization schemes still work remains unknown. In this study, the scale dependence of undilute and dilute dCAPE, Bechtold, and heated condensation framework (HCF) triggers is evaluated using the cloud-resolving model (CRM) data. It is found that all these trigger functions are scale dependent, especially for dCAPE-type triggers, with skill scores dropping from ~0.6 at the lower resolutions (128, 64, and 32 km) to only ~0.1 at 4 km. The average convection frequency decreases from 14.1% at 128 km to 2.3% at 4 km in the CRM data, but it increases rapidly in the dCAPE-type triggers and is almost unchanged in the Bechtold and HCF triggers across resolutions, all leading to large overpredictions at higher resolutions. In the dCAPE-type triggers, the increased frequency is due to the increased rate of dCAPE greater than the threshold (65 J kg−1 h−1) at higher resolutions. The box-and-whisker plots show that the main body of dCAPE in the correct prediction and overprediction can be separated from each other in most resolutions. Moreover, the underprediction is found to be corresponding to the decaying phase of convection. Hence, two modifications are proposed to improve the scale dependence of the undilute dCAPE trigger: 1) increasing the dCAPE threshold and 2) considering convection history, which checks whether there is convection prior to the current time. With these modifications, the skill at 16 km, 8 km, and 4 km can be increased from 0.50, 0.27, and 0.15 to 0.70, 0.61, and 0.53, respectively.
A Wave-Resolving Simulation of Langmuir Circulations with a Nonhydrostatic Free-Surface Model: Comparison with Craik–Leibovich Theory and an Alternative Eulerian View of the Driving Mechanism
Authors: Fujiwara Yasushi , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Matsumura Yoshimasa
Published: June 2018

The present study performs a wave-resolving simulation of wind-driven currents under monochromatic surface gravity waves using the latest nonhydrostatic free-surface numerical model. Here, phase speed of the waves is set much greater than the current speed. Roll structures very similar to observed Langmuir circulations (LCs) appear in the simulation only when both waves and down-wave surface currents are present, demonstrating that the rolls are driven by the wave–current interaction. A vorticity analysis of simulated mean flow reveals that the rolls are driven by the torque associated with wave motion, which arises from a correlation between wave-induced vorticity fluctuation and the wave motion itself. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the wave-induced torque is very well represented by the curl of the vortex force (VF), that is, the vector product of mean vorticity and Stokes drift velocity. Therefore, it is concluded that the simulated rolls are LCs and that the wave effects are well represented by the VF expression in the present simulation. The present study further revisits the scaling assumptions made by previous studies that derived VF formulation and shows that there is disagreement among the previous studies regarding the applicability of VF formulation when the wave orbital velocity (proportional to the amplitude times the frequency) is much smaller than the mean flow velocity. The result from the present simulation shows that the VF expression is still valid even with such small wave amplitudes, as long as phase speed of the waves is much greater than the current speed.
Estimation of Wind Vector Profile Using a Hexarotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Its Application to Meteorological Observation up to 1000 m above Surface
Authors: Shimura Tomoya , Inoue Minoru , Tsujimoto Hirofumi , Sasaki Kansuke , Iguchi Masato
Published: June 2018

Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, have recently become promising tools in various fields. We investigated the feasibility of wind vector profile measurement using an ultrasonic anemometer installed on a 1-m-wide hexarotor UAV. Wind vectors measured by the UAV were compared to observations by a 55-m-high meteorological tower, over a wide range of wind speed conditions up to 11 m s−1, which is a higher wind speed range than those used in previous studies. The wind speeds and directions measured by the UAV and the tower were in good agreement, with a root-mean-square error of 0.6 m s−1 and 12° for wind speed and direction, respectively. The developed method was applied to field meteorological observations near a volcano, and the wind vector profiles, along with temperature and humidity, were measured by the UAV for up to an altitude of 1000 m, which is a higher altitude range than those used in previous studies. The wind vector profile measured by the UAV was compared with Doppler lidar measurements (collected several kilometers away from the UAV measurements) and was found to be qualitatively similar to that captured by the Doppler lidar, and it adequately represented the features of the atmospheric boundary layer. The feasibility of wind profile measurement up to 1000 m by a small rotor-based UAV was clarified over a wide range of wind speed conditions.
Comparison of Near- and Far-Field Supercell Inflow Environments Using Radiosonde Observations
Authors: Wade Andrew R. , Coniglio Michael C. , Ziegler Conrad L.
Published: June 2018

A great deal of research focuses on how the mesoscale environment influences convective storms, but relatively little is known about how supercells modify the nearby environment. Soundings from three field experiments are used to investigate differences in the near and far inflow of supercell thunderstorms. Close-range soundings in the near inflow of supercells are compared to near-simultaneous soundings released farther away (but still within inflow). Several soundings from the second field phase of the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) supplement the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX/MiniMPEX) dataset, resulting in 28 near–far inflow pairs from a wide variety of tornadic and nontornadic supercells. The focus of this study is on a comparison of a subset of 12 near–far inflow pairs taken near tornadic supercells and 16 near–far inflow pairs taken near nontornadic supercells. Similar values of 0–1-km storm-relative helicity (SRH01) are found in the far field of the tornadic and nontornadic supercells, possibly as a result of a difference in mean diurnal timing. However, SRH01 is found to increase substantially in the near field of the tornadic supercells, but not the nontornadic supercells. Differences in the thermodynamic environment include greater moisture above the ground in the far field of the tornadic supercells (despite similar near-ground moisture in both the tornadic and nontornadic subsets) and a subtle increase in static stability near the surface in the nontornadic near inflow.