bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of a Dissipation System with Time Delay
Authors: Hoyos Velasco Carlos Ildefonso , Hoyos Velasco Fredy Edimer , Londoño Monsalve Julian M.
Published: June 2018

This work is concerned with the bifurcational analysis of nonlinear dissipative systems affected by time delay. This issue typically arises when testing highly nonlinear energy dissipation devices, commonly used in vibration control of civil structures, and carried out experimentally via a hybrid technique known as Real-Time Dynamic Substructuring (RTDS) simulation. Unfortunately, the RTDS simulation is affected by time delay in the control feedback loop due to the actuator response, sensor reading and numerical processing. In essence, this paper focuses on studying the nonlinear dynamics induced by the interaction of a dynamical system with the nonlinear damper affected by the presence of time delay. Given the complexity of the system, numerical analysis is carried out in the context of bifurcational behavior, and bifurcation diagrams are computed using a continuation method. The bifurcational analysis presented here, provides a characterization of delay-induced nonlinear phenomena created by the interaction of the dynamical system with a delayed nonlinear response of the dissipation device. Nonlinear dynamics are also identified and characterized for different damper types when varying the damper model parameters, leading to the identification of system conditions at which the testing arrangement and test specimens can exhibit undesired dynamics.
DETECTION AND DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN ALPHA PARTICLES AND PROTONS BASED ON PHONONIC CRYSTALS MATERIALS
Authors: MEHANEY AHMED , EISSA MOSTAFA F. , ALY ARAFA H.
Published: June 2018

Ionizing particles detection based on phonons counting are considered as a growing research point of great interest. Phononic crystal (PnC) detectors have a higher resolution than other detectors. In the present work, we shall prepare a setup of a radiation detector based on a 1D PnC. The PnC detector can be used in detection and discrimination between protons and alpha particles with incident energy 1[Formula: see text]MeV. We have proposed a model capable of filtering the energies of two different ionizing particles (proton and alpha particle) of specific lattice frequencies in steps. Firstly, the high probability of phonons production was found at transmitted energy 5[Formula: see text]KeV from the whole path of protons and alpha particles through a vertical thin sheet made from Mylar and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), respectively. The outgoing elastic waves are subjected to propagate through the proposed PnCs structure (Teflon-Polyethylene)2 that shows the different transmission percentage to each particle. Therefore, the detection and discrimination between ionizing ions were achieved.
Assemblies of porphyrin and phthalocyanine derivatives studied by STM
Authors: Qian Yuxin , Liu Bo , Duan Wubiao , Zeng Qingdao
Published: June 2018

Porphyrins and phthalocyanines are currently a prevalent topic with great potential due to their abundant photonic/electronic properties. The study of porphyrin or phthalocyanine supramolecular architectures on solid surfaces is laying the foundation for the further development of molecular electronics or other structures in applications. Above all, the invention of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has opened a new path to explore these concepts on surfaces. Self-assemblies on solid surfaces can be probed with STM at submolecular resolutions to disclose the conformations and arrangements of molecules on an individual molecule basis. In this paper, the progress of STM research on porphyrin and phthalocyanine derivatives over past ten years is reviewed. We introduce the self-assembled structures of different porphyrins or phthalocyanines. Throughout the review, the structures, thermodynamics, and dynamics have been emphasized, which are essential current and future research themes.
A Technical Overview of Recent Progresses on Stochastic Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Shen Dong
Published: June 2018

This paper contributes to a technical overview of recent progresses on stochastic iterative learning control (ILC), where stochastic ILC implies the learning control for systems with various random signals and factors such as stochastic noises, random data dropouts and inherent random asynchronism. The fundamental principles of ILC are first briefed with emphasis on the system formulations and typical analysis methods. Then the recent progresses on stochastic ILC are reviewed in three parts: additive randomness case, multiplicative randomness case, and coupled randomness case, respectively. Three major approaches, i.e., expectation-based method, Kalman filtering-based method, and stochastic approximation-based method, are clarified. Promising research directions are also presented for further investigation.
Mathematical Modeling in Improving Cancer Treatments
Authors: Li Xuefang
Published: June 2018

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and the major exhausting factor for social resources in healthcare, medical treatment, and the loss of working force. Therefore, developing cancer therapy methods and appropriate prognosis or assessment for cancer therapies are of critical importance. Due to the high cost in exploration and assessment of cancer therapy methods, mathematical modeling of the immune system is viewed as a potentially powerful tool in the development of improved treatment regimens and prediction of disease progression. In the present work, several general principles in mathematical modeling of immune–tumor interactions and cancer therapies are summarized first. Secondly, the acquisition of the parameter values and model calibration are discussed according to mathematical techniques in qualitative analysis. Moreover, various therapy strategies are tested on the constructed mathematical model, from which constructive suggestions for developing new clinical treatment methods are provided. Additionally, some general guidance for new therapies are also discussed by analyzing the sensitivity of the system parameters. In the end, we also discuss essential difficulties in building the mathematical model for cancer patients.
Computing Where Perturbations Affect the Acoustic Impulse Response in the Ocean
Authors: Spiesberger John L. , Mikhin Dmitry Yu
Published: June 2018

We compute accurate maps of oceanic perturbations affecting transient acoustic signals propagating from source to receiver. The technological advance involves coupling the one-way wave equation (OWWE) propagation model with the theory for the Differential Measure of Influence (DMI) yielding the map. The DMI requires two finite-frequency solutions of the acoustic wave equation obeying reciprocity: from source to receiver and vice versa. OWWE satisfies reciprocity at basin-scales with sound speed varying horizontally and vertically. At infinite frequency, maps of the DMI collapse into rays. Mapping the DMI is useful for understanding measurements of acoustic perturbations at finite frequencies.
Influence of Relaxation Frequency on Acoustic Wave in Unconsolidated Sands and Acoustic Logging Simulation
Authors: Yue Chongwang , Yue Xiaopeng
Published: June 2018

Apart from consolidated rocks, the effect of relaxation on acoustic propagation in unconsolidated sands cannot be neglected. In this paper, we study the influence of relaxation frequency on the propagation of acoustic waves. We compute the frequency-dependent velocities and attenuation of P1-wave, P2-wave, and S-wave at different bulk or shear relaxation frequency for plane wave. In addition, we derive the integral solutions of acoustic field equations in cylindrical coordinate system to simulate acoustic logging. The reflected acoustic waveforms in a borehole are calculated at different bulk or shear relaxation frequency. Calculation results show that the increase of bulk relaxation frequency will cause the velocity of P1-wave to decrease slightly, and the velocity of P2-wave to decrease substantially. The change of bulk relaxation frequency has no effect on the velocity of S-wave. The increase of bulk relaxation frequency will cause the attenuation of P1-wave or P2-wave to decrease or increase in different wave frequency range. The change of bulk relaxation frequency has no effect on the attenuation of S-wave. The increase of shear relaxation frequency will cause the velocity of P1-wave to increase slightly, and the velocity of P2-wave or S-wave to decrease substantially. The increase of the shear relaxation frequency will cause the attenuation of P1-wave, P2-wave or S-wave to decrease. For acoustic field in a borehole surrounded by unconsolidated sands, the effect of bulk or shear relaxation frequency on the velocity of reflected waves in a borehole is negligible at the dimension of the distance from a logging source. The increase of bulk or shear relaxation frequency will cause the amplitude of the reflected waveforms from the borehole wall to increase.
Shear-zone hosted gold mineralization of the Arabian–Nubian Shield: devolatilization processes across the greenschist–amphibolite-facies transition
Authors: Abu-Alam Tamer , Abd El Monsef Mohamed , Grosch Eugene
Published: June 2018

Orogenic gold ores of the Arabian–Nubian Shield are structurally controlled by the Najd Fault System. The Najd Fault System controlled the exhumation of the metamorphic complexes and, as such, there is a genetic relationship between the metamorphism and the formation of the orogenic gold ores. In order to constrain this genetic relationship, field observations, petrography, geochemistry and fluid inclusions of four mines from the Egyptian side of the shield are presented. The studied gold-bearing dykes and veins are structurally controlled where the gold-bearing fluid precipitated in pre-existing second-order and third-order extensional faults of the major NW–SE Najd Fault System. Fluid inclusions indicate that the gold was precipitated at shallow- to medium-crustal levels, equivalent to a temperature range of 250–350°C, and from low salinity metamorphic fluids, possibly mixed with magmatic/meteoric water. Thermodynamic modelling suggests that gold-bearing fluids were generated due to metamorphic devolatilization processes across the greenschist–amphibolite-facies transition of ophiolitic and metasedimentary source rocks. The Najd Fault System enables the vertical transport of gold-bearing fluids from the source region to the depositional sites. Decreasing the temperature of the fluid is required to precipitate the gold. However, the gold precipitation process needs to be buffered by Fe-bearing wall rocks.
Robust and Probabilistic Failure-Aware Placement
Authors: Korupolu Madhukar , Rajaraman Rajmohan
Published: June 2018

Motivated by the growing complexity and heterogeneity of modern data centers, and the prevalence of commodity component failures, this article studies the
failure-aware placement problem
of placing tasks of a parallel job on machines in the data center with the goal of increasing availability. We consider two models of failures: adversarial and probabilistic. In the adversarial model, each node has a weight (higher weight implying higher reliability) and the adversary can remove any subset of nodes of total weight at most a given bound
W
and our goal is to find a placement that incurs the least disruption against such an adversary. In the probabilistic model, each node has a probability of failure and we need to find a placement that maximizes the probability that at least
K
out of
N
tasks survive at any time.

For adversarial failures, we first show that (i) the problems are in Σ
2
, the second level of the polynomial hierarchy; (ii) a variant of the problem that we call R
obust
F
ap
(for Robust Failure-Aware Placement) is co-NP-hard; and (iii) an all-or-nothing version of R
obust
F
ap
is Σ
2
-complete. We then give a polynomial-time approximation scheme (PTAS) for R
obust
F
ap
, a key ingredient of which is a solution that we design for a fractional version of R
obust
F
ap
. We then study H
ier
R
obust
F
ap
, which is the fractional R
obust
F
ap
problem over a hierarchical network, in which failures can occur at any subset of nodes in the hierarchy, and a failure at a node can adversely impact all of its descendants in the hierarchy. To solve H
ier
R
obust
F
ap
, we introduce a notion of
hierarchical max-min fairness
and a novel
Generalized Spreading
algorithm, which is simultaneously optimal for every upper bound
W
on the total weight of nodes that an adversary can fail. These generalize the classical notion of
max-min fairness
to work with nodes of differing capacities, differing reliability weights, and hierarchical structures. Using randomized rounding, we extend this to give an algorithm for integral H
ier
R
obust
F
ap
.

For the probabilistic version, we first give an algorithm that achieves an additive ϵ approximation in the failure probability for the single level version, called P
rob
F
ap
, while giving up a (1 + ϵ) multiplicative factor in the number of failures. We then extend the result to the hierarchical version, H
ier
P
rob
F
ap
, achieving an ϵ additive approximation in failure probability while giving up an (L + ϵ) multiplicative factor in the number of failures, where
L
is the number of levels in the hierarchy.
Interspecific Gene Exchange as a Driver of Adaptive Evolution in Fungi
Authors: Feurtey Alice , Stukenbrock Eva H.
Published: June 2018

Throughout evolutionary history in the kingdom Fungi, taxa have exchanged genetic information among species, as revealed in particular by analyses of genome sequences. In fungi, hybridization can occur by sexual mating or by fusion of vegetative structures giving rise to new species or leaving traces of introgression in the genome. Furthermore, gene exchange can occur by horizontal gene transfer between species and can even include organisms outside the kingdom Fungi. In several cases, interspecific gene exchange has been instrumental in rapid adaptive evolution of fungal species and has notably played a role in the emergence of new pathogens. Here we summarize mechanisms and examples of gene exchange in fungi with a particular focus on the genomic context. We emphasize the need for and potential of applying population genetic approaches to better understand the processes and the impact of interspecific gene exchange in rapid adaptive evolution and species diversification. The broad occurrence of gene exchange among fungal species challenges our species concepts in the kingdom Fungi.
Increase in slow-wave vasomotion by hypoxia and ischemia in lowlanders and highlanders
Authors: Salvi Paolo , Faini Andrea , Castiglioni Paolo , Brunacci Fausto , Montaguti Luca , Severi Francesca , Gautier Sylvie , Pretolani Enzo , Benetos Athanase , Parati Gianfranco
Published: June 2018

The physiological relevance of slow-wave vasomotion is still unclear, even though it has been hypothesized that it could be a compensatory mechanism for enhancing tissue oxygenation in conditions of reduced oxygen supply. The aim of our study was to explore the effects of hypoxia and ischemia on slow-wave vasomotion in microcirculation. Peripheral oxygen saturation and forearm microcirculation flow (laser-Doppler flowmetry) were recorded at baseline and during postocclusive reactive hyperemia in the Himalaya region from 8 European lowlanders (6 men; aged 29–39 yr) at 1,350, 3,400, and 5,050 m and from 10 Nepalese male highlanders (aged 21–39 yr) at 3,400 and 5,050 m of altitude. The same measurements were also performed at sea level in 16 healthy volunteers (aged 23–61 yr) during a short-term exposure to normobaric hypoxia. In lowlanders, exposure to progressively higher altitude under baseline flow conditions progressively increased 0.06–0.15 Hz vasomotion amplitude [power spectral density % was expressed as geometric means (geometric standard deviation) = 14.0 (3.6) at 1,350 m; 87.0(2.3) at 3,400 m and 249.8 (3.6) at 5,050 m; P = 0.006 and P < 0.001 vs. 1,350 m, respectively]. In highlanders, low frequency vasomotion amplitude was similarly enhanced at different altitudes [power spectral density % = 183.4 (4.1) at 3,400 m vs. 236.0 (3.0) at 5,050 m; P = 0.139]. In both groups at altitude, it was further increased after ischemic stimulus ( P < 0.001). At baseline, acute short lasting normobaric hypoxia did not induce low frequency vasomotion, which was conversely induced by ischemia, even under normal oxygenation and barometric pressure. This study offers the demonstration of a significant increase in slow-wave vasomotion under prolonged hypobaric-hypoxia exposure at high altitude, with a further enhancement after ischemia induction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study offers the demonstration in humans of the occurrence of enhanced slow-wave vasomotion in microcirculation induced by exposure to hypobaric hypoxia, ischemia, and their combination. This phenomenon, where vasomotion can be hypothesized to behave as a “peripheral heart,” may represent a compensating adaptive change aimed at improving peripheral flow and tissue oxygenation in conditions of reduced oxygen supply, such as altitude-induced hypobaric hypoxia and postocclusion ischemia.
Magnetic Monopoles in Multivector Boson Theories
Authors: Kobayashi Koichiro , Kan Nahomi , Shiraishi Kiyoshi
Published: June 2018

A classical solution for a magnetic monopole is found in a specific multivector boson theory. We consider the model whose [SU(2)]N+1 gauge group is broken by sigma model fields (à la dimensional deconstruction) and further spontaneously broken by an adjoint scalar (à la triplet Higgs mechanism). In this multivector boson theory, we find the solution for the monopole whose mass is MN~(4πv/g)N+1, where g is the common gauge coupling constant and v is the vacuum expectation value of the triplet Higgs field, by using a variational method with the simplest set of test functions.
Detection and Positioning of Pipes and Columns with Autonomous Multicopter Drones
Authors: Guerra Edmundo , Munguía Rodrigo , Bolea Yolanda , Grau Antoni
Published: June 2018

A multimodal sensory array to accurately position aerial multicopter drones with respect to pipes has been studied, and a solution exploiting both LiDAR and vision sensors has been proposed. Several challenges, including detection of pipes and other cylindrical elements in sensor space and validation of the elements detected, have been studied. A probabilistic parametric method has been applied to segment and position cylinders with LIDAR, while several vision-based techniques have been tested to find the contours of the pipe, combined with conic estimation cylinder pose recovery. Multiple solutions have been studied and analyzed, evaluating their results. This allowed proposing an approach that combines both LiDAR and vision to produce robust and accurate pipe detection. This combined solution is validated with real experimental data.
On Individual Repositioning Distance along Platform during Train Waiting
Authors: Leurent Fabien , Xie Xiaoyan
Published: June 2018

Out of waiting times spent in rail stations on boarding platforms, some part can be reinvested by the trip-makers to optimize their positions of boarding and save on travel time for the rest of their trips. This paper provides a stochastic model, in which user’s journey is decomposed into phases of, successively, walking in the access station, platform positioning, waiting for boarding, train riding, and walking in the egress station. Walking speed and target position are modeled as individual factors, and in-station distances as random variables. Service timetable is exogenous. This makes egress times and exit instants random variables that are characterized by distribution and mass probability functions under closed-forms, for both single and distributed walking speeds. Specific statistical distributions are shown to ease computation. The resulting PDF formulae make likelihood functions of the model parameters. Maximum likelihood estimation is proposed and applied to a case study of commuter rail line in Paris: journeys between stations Vincennes and La Défense along line A of the Regional Express Railways. Based on data from Automated Fare Collection and Automatic Vehicle Location systems and pertaining to an individual user, satisfactory results were obtained.
Integrating Systemic Therapies into the Multimodality Treatment of Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Omar , Cheung Winson Y.
Published: June 2018

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. A considerable proportion of CRC patients may present with metastatic disease either at upfront presentation (synchronous with the primary) or following diagnosis and treatment of the primary tumor (metachronous). Management of CRC liver metastases is a challenging endeavor which frequently necessitates proper assessment of patient- and disease-related factors. There is an opportunity within the management of CRC liver metastases to incorporate multiple treatment modalities (including surgery, other locoregional treatments, and systemic therapy). The current review aims to provide an updated overview on the optimal management strategy for CRC patients with liver metastases with a specific focus on the integration of systemic and/or locoregional treatments among patients with resectable or potentially resectable disease.
Comparison of Transferred Deep Neural Networks in Ultrasonic Breast Masses Discrimination
Authors: Xiao Ting , Liu Lei , Li Kai , Qin Wenjian , Yu Shaode , Li Zhicheng
Published: June 2018

This research aims to address the problem of discriminating benign cysts from malignant masses in breast ultrasound (BUS) images based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The biopsy-proven benchmarking dataset was built from 1422 patient cases containing a total of 2058 breast ultrasound masses, comprising 1370 benign and 688 malignant lesions. Three transferred models, InceptionV3, ResNet50, and Xception, a CNN model with three convolutional layers (CNN3), and traditional machine learning-based model with hand-crafted features were developed for differentiating benign and malignant tumors from BUS data. Cross-validation results have demonstrated that the transfer learning method outperformed the traditional machine learning model and the CNN3 model, where the transferred InceptionV3 achieved the best performance with an accuracy of 85.13% and an AUC of 0.91. Moreover, classification models based on deep features extracted from the transferred models were also built, where the model with combined features extracted from all three transferred models achieved the best performance with an accuracy of 89.44% and an AUC of 0.93 on an independent test set.
A Vendor-Neutral Unified Core for Cryptographic Operations in GF(p) and GF(2m) Based on Montgomery Arithmetic
Authors: Schramm Martin , Dojen Reiner , Heigl Michael
Published: June 2018

In the emerging IoT ecosystem in which the internetworking will reach a totally new dimension the crucial role of efficient security solutions for embedded devices will be without controversy. Typically IoT-enabled devices are equipped with integrated circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs to achieve highly specific tasks. Such devices must have cryptographic layers implemented and must be able to access cryptographic functions for encrypting/decrypting and signing/verifying data using various algorithms and generate true random numbers, random primes, and cryptographic keys. In the context of a limited amount of resources that typical IoT devices will exhibit, due to energy efficiency requirements, efficient hardware structures in terms of time, area, and power consumption must be deployed. In this paper, we describe a scalable word-based multivendor-capable cryptographic core, being able to perform arithmetic operations in prime and binary extension finite fields based on Montgomery Arithmetic. The functional range comprises the calculation of modular additions and subtractions, the determination of the Montgomery Parameters, and the execution of Montgomery Multiplications and Montgomery Exponentiations. A prototype implementation of the adaptable arithmetic core is detailed. Furthermore, the decomposition of cryptographic algorithms to be used together with the proposed core is stated and a performance analysis is given.
Detection of Anomalies in Water Networks by Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Millán-Roures Laura , Epifanio Irene , Martínez Vicente
Published: June 2018

A functional data analysis (FDA) based methodology for detecting anomalous flows in urban water networks is introduced. Primary hydraulic variables are recorded in real-time by telecontrol systems, so they are functional data (FD). In the first stage, the data are validated (false data are detected) and reconstructed, since there could be not only false data, but also missing and noisy data. FDA tools are used such as tolerance bands for FD and smoothing for dense and sparse FD. In the second stage, functional outlier detection tools are used in two phases. In Phase I, the data are cleared of anomalies to ensure that data are representative of the in-control system. The objective of Phase II is system monitoring. A new functional outlier detection method is also proposed based on archetypal analysis. The methodology is applied and illustrated with real data. A simulated study is also carried out to assess the performance of the outlier detection techniques, including our proposal. The results are very promising.
Scale Analysis and Correlation Study of Wildfire and the Meteorological Factors That Influence It
Authors: Lu Jiazheng , Zhou Tejun , Li Bo , Wu Chuanping
Published: June 2018

Wildfire is a large-scale complex system. Insight into the mechanism that drives wildfires can be revealed by the distribution of the wildfire over a large time scale, which is one of the important topics in wildfire research. In this study, the scaling properties of four meteorological factors (relative humidity, daily precipitation, daily average temperature, and maximum wind speed) that can affect wildfires (number of wildfires per day) were investigated by using the detrended fluctuation analysis method. The results showed that the time series for these meteorological factors and wildfires have similar power exponents and turning points for the power exponents curve. The five types of time series have a lasting and steady long-range power law correlation over a certain time scale range, where the corresponding exponents were 0.6484, 0.5724, 0.8647, 0.7344, and 0.6734, respectively. They also have a reversible long-range power law correlation beyond a certain time scale, where the corresponding exponents are 0.3862, 0.2218, 0.1372, 0.2621, and 0.2678. The multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis results showed that the wildfire time series were multifractal. The results of the research based on the detrended cross-correlation analysis and the multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis showed that relative humidity and daily precipitation have a considerable impact on the wildfire time series, while the impacts of daily average temperature and the maximum wind speed are relatively small. This study showed that identifying the factors causing the inherent volatility in the wildfire time series can improve understanding of the dynamic mechanism controlling wildfires and the meteorological parameters. These results can also be used to quantify the correlation between wildfire and the meteorological factors investigated in this study.
Outcome of Nonsurgical Management of Extra-Abdominal, Trunk, and Abdominal Wall Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: A Population-Based Study in the Netherlands
Authors: van Broekhoven Danique L. M. , Verschoor Arie J. , van Dalen Thijs , Grünhagen Dirk J. , den Bakker Michael A. , Gelderblom Hans , Bovee Judith V. M. G. , Haas Rick L. M. , Bonenkamp Han J. , van Coevorden Frits , ten Oever Diederik , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Flucke Uta E. , Pras Elisabeth , Reyners Anna K. L. , Westermann Anneke M. , Oldenburger Foppe , Verhoef Cornelis , Steeghs Neeltje
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Nonsurgical management of patients with desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is increasing. This study tries to provide insight on type, usage, and outcome of first-line nonsurgical management strategies. Patients and Methods. From the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA), patients with extra-abdominal or trunk/abdominal wall DF, diagnosed between 1993 and 2013, were identified. First-line treatment was analyzed. Best response (BR) using RECIST criteria from start of treatment/surveillance until change of treatment or last follow-up was analyzed. Results. Ninety-one of the 1141 identified patients had first-line nonsurgical management. The percentage of patients treated nonsurgically increased from 0.6% in 1993–1998 to 12.8% in 2009–2013. Thirty-seven patients had surveillance (41%), 35 radiotherapy (38%), and 19 systemic treatment (21%). BR for surveillance was complete response (CR) in 2/37, partial response (PR) in 4/37, stable disease (SD) in 21/37, progressive disease (PD) in 5/37, and unknown in 5/37 patients. BR for radiotherapy was CR in 4/35, PR in 11/35, SD in 16/35, and unknown in 4/35. BR for systemic treatment was CR in 1/19, PR in 1/19, SD in 10/19, PD in 2/19, and unknown in 5/19. Totally, 91% of patients did not progress. Discussion. Given the low percentage (9%) of PD of nonsurgical management, these data can be used in shared decision making with the patient regarding optimal treatment.
Symmetrical Workspace of 6-UPS Parallel Robot Using Tilt and Torsion Angles
Authors: Liu Yanli , Wu Hongtao , Yang Yuxuan , Zou Shangyuan , Zhang Xuexiang , Wang Yaoyao
Published: June 2018

For the fast and efficient closed-loop real-time feedback control of 6-UPS parallel robot (6-UPS), a novel high efficiency calculation of the workspace is proposed and investigated. As a typical Nearly General Platform (NGP), 6-UPS has good symmetries. The symmetries effectively reduce computational cost and improve computational efficiency in the kinematics, singularity, dynamics, and optimization. To scrupulously demonstrate the symmetries of workspace, a novel algorithm is proposed. The modified Euler angles (T&T angles) are employed to represent the orientation matrix of 6-UPS, the inverse kinematics is analyzed, and the workspace of 6-UPS is obtained using the discretization algorithm. Meanwhile, the symmetries of the total orientation workspace are also proved. Compared with the traditional methods, the total orientation workspace reduces 5/6 computation cost, which means that the corresponding computation efficiency is increased by 6 times. Through theoretical and numerical calculations, the symmetries of the total orientation workspace of 6-UPS are verified. The proof of the symmetries lays a solid foundation for improving the computational efficiency of kinematics, dynamics, and control of 6-UPS.
Inelastic Parametric Analysis of Seismic Responses of Multistorey Bidirectional Eccentric Structure
Authors: Kuang Yu-ping , Jiang Xin-liang , Jiang Nan
Published: June 2018

This paper conducts a parametric study on the seismic response of multistorey bidirectional eccentric structures from elastic stage to inelastic stage. Based on a simplified multistorey bidirectional eccentric model composed of bidirectional lateral load‐resisting members, a general law is proposed for three‐stage natural frequency variation behaviour from elastic stage to inelastic stage of eccentric frame structures with different layers. Different simplification treatments are conducted on each stage and the three stable parameter analysis stages are defined. The corresponding dynamic stiffness matrices and motion equations in different loading stages are derived. On this basis, a parametric analysis of seismic response of a three‐storey bidirectional regular eccentric structure from elastic stage to inelastic stage is conducted. Effects of the uncoupled torsion to lateral frequency ratios (Ω) and bidirectional eccentricities on the seismic responses are investigated. The results reveal that as Ω increases, translational displacement in the load direction first decreases and then increases; meanwhile, the displacement perpendicular to load direction and torsion displacement first rise and then decrease sharply. When Ω = 1.1, the coupling effect between the translation in the load direction and the torsion is at its strongest condition. Increasing the eccentricities leads to a decrease in the displacement in the load direction as well as an increase in the displacement perpendicular to load direction and torsion displacement. Variation regularity of inelastic seismic response is remarkably different from that in elastic stage. The lateral‐torsional coupling effect of the bidirectional eccentric structure is closely related to both the period ratio and the bidirectional eccentricities.
Effect of Processing on Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenols, and Total Flavonoids of Pigmented Heirloom Beans
Authors: Garretson Lisa , Tyl Catrin , Marti Alessandra
Published: June 2018

While extensive research has been performed on the composition and cooking quality of commodity beans, relatively little is known about pigmented heirloom varieties and the effects of processing on their antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of soaking and cooking on antioxidants in four heirloom bean varieties compared to Pinto. Water absorption kinetics, soaking and cooking time, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined in raw, soaked, and cooked samples. Heirlooms required less time to hydrate compared to Pinto, whereas cooking times were similar. The effect of soaking on antioxidant capacity and flavonoids was minimal compared to cooking, which led to losses of up to 57%. Each pigmented heirloom bean had specific characteristics, and three of them had equal or higher amounts of antioxidants or antioxidant activity than Pinto at every processing step. Among heirlooms, Koronis Purple and Jacob’s Cattle had the highest antioxidant activity and Jacob’s Cattle and Tiger’s Eye the highest amount of flavonoids, even after cooking.
Extended Oligopolies with Pollution Penalties and Rewards
Authors: Matsumoto Akio , Szidarovszky Ferenc , Takizawa Hirokazu
Published: June 2018

An extended n-firm oligopoly with product differentiation is considered. It is assumed that the government selects an emission standard for the industry and based on the output and technology of each firm it selects a maximum allowed amount of emission for each firm. If the actual amount is higher than the allowed maximum, then the firm has to pay a constant multiple of the excess to the government; otherwise it is rewarded similarly based on the saved emission amount. The existence of the unique interior equilibrium is first proved, and then the effect of the level of penalty or reward and that of the emission standard on the industry output and therefore on the total emission level is also examined. Time delay is introduced into the penalties the firms have to pay and into the rewards the firms receive. In analyzing the stability of the equilibrium both discrete and continuous time scales are considered. For mathematical simplicity the case of symmetric firms is analyzed. In the discrete case the various values of the delay length are examined. The equilibrium is stable if either the total industry output is sufficiently large or the common speed of adjustment of the firms is sufficiently small. In the continuous case, either the equilibrium is always stable or stability occurs if the delay is sufficiently small and at the critical value Hopf bifurcation occurs.
Assessing the Proteomic Activity of the Venom of the AntEctatomma tuberculatum(Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ectatomminae)
Authors: Silva Juliana Rocha da , Souza Aline Zanotelli de , Pirovani Carlos Priminho , Costa Helena , Silva Aline , Dias João Carlos Teixeira , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , Fontana Renato
Published: June 2018

Ectatomma tuberculatumhas one of the most toxic venoms known among ants but there is no detailed study on its characteristics. In light of this, knowing the venom’s chemical composition is of paramount importance in order to obtain information about the mechanisms of its components. Several bioactive molecules have already been identified in Hymenoptera venoms, i.e., proteins such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteinases, as well as peptides. Protein databases show that information on protein components of ant venoms has been recently growing exponentially. In this study, we have identified proteins from the venom ofEctatomma tuberculatumby means of 2D PAGE, followed by tandem nanochromatography with mass spectrometry. A total of 48 proteins were identified, of which 42 are involved in metabolic processes, transport, and structural support. Moreover, six of them show similarity with not yet characterized proteins. Nine proteins are related to the attack/defense or maintenance process of the colony (colony asepsis, conservation of venom constituents, venom diffusion on prey, paralysis of prey, alteration of homeostasis, and cellular toxicity). Our findings may contribute to the identification of new natural prototypes of molecules to be synthesized and used in several areas of pharmacology.
Extensive Cutaneous Scalp Angiosarcoma
Authors: Bhatti Zabeer , Bhatti Rameez , Brangman Sharon , Whiting Kerry , Dhamoon Amit
Published: June 2018

Angiosarcoma is a cancer that is derived from endothelial cells that line blood vessels and lymphatic channels. Cutaneous angiosarcoma can appear anywhere on the skin and the clinical presentation is highly variable. Most cases appear on the scalp and face de novo. Our case describes a 91-year-old female with cutaneous scalp angiosarcoma. Our case serves to remind physicians that an abnormal skin finding in older adults should raise their index of suspicion for angiosarcoma and an early biopsy should be performed.
Numerical Study of Stresses around Holes Drilled and Filled by Expansive Cement: Case of Isotropic Linear Elastic Block of Rock
Authors: Luc Leroy Mambou Ngueyep , Nkenwoum Chebou Gael
Published: June 2018

This work dealt with an essential problem of fragmentation of rocks with expansive cement. The redistribution and magnitude of stresses and displacement generated around holes were done by using Ansys Inc. Code which is based on finite element code. Blocks of rock with one hole, two holes, and nine holes drilled in square mesh and staggered mesh have been considered. Numerical results reveal that many factors can influence the mechanism of fragmentation of a rock by using expansive cement: hole diameter, hole spacing, panel mesh, expansive pressure applied, and the elastic properties of the massif. Stresses and displacements generated globally decrease when spacing holes increase. Normal stresses allow a better stress interaction between holes in the case of square mesh disposition. Staggered mesh disposition generates higher stresses than the square mesh disposition. But the square mesh disposition can be useful for controlled fragmentation in order to obtain block of rock with square geometry. For each expansive cement and rock, there exist suitable range of diameter and spacing hole which can generate high stresses for breaking the rock.
Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A Knockout Mice Show Progressive Hearing Loss and Sensitivity to Acoustic Trauma
Authors: Alqudah Safa , Chertoff Mark , Durham Dianne , Moskovitz Jackob , Staecker Hinrich , Peppi Marcello
Published: June 2018

Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MsrA and MsrB) protect the biological activity of proteins from oxidative modifications to methionine residues and are important for protecting against the pathological effects of neurodegenerative diseases. In the current study, we characterized the auditory phenotype of the MsrA knockout mouse. Young MsrA knockout mice showed small high-frequency threshold elevations for auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emission compared to those of wild-type mice, which progressively worsened in older MsrA knockout mice. MsrA knockout mice showed an increased sensitivity to noise at young and older ages, suggesting that MsrA is part of a mechanism that protects the cochlea from acoustic damage. MsrA mRNA in the cochlea was increased following acoustic stimulation. Finally, expression of mRNA MsrB1 was compromised at 6 months old, but not in younger MsrA knockout mice (compared to controls). The identification of MsrA in the cochlea as a protective mediator from both early onset hearing loss and acoustic trauma expands our understanding of the pathways that may induce protection from acoustic trauma and foster further studies on how to prevent the damaging effect of noise exposure through Msr-based therapy.
One-Year Results for Patients with Unilateral Hearing Loss and Accompanying Severe Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Treated with a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Ramos Macías Angel , Falcón-González Juan Carlos , Manrique Rodríguez Manuel , Morera Pérez Constantino , García-Ibáñez Luis , Cenjor Español Carlos , Coudert-Koall Chrystelle , Killian Matthijs
Published: June 2018

Objective: To show that patients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL), with one ear fulfilling cochlear implant (CI) indication criteria, and an additional severe tinnitus handicap can be treated effectively with a CI. Method: A prospective multi-centre study was conducted in five Spanish centres. Sixteen adult patients with UHL and a mean Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score of at least 58 were implanted. The study design included repeated within-subject measures of quality of life (Health Utility Index Mark 3 [HUI3]), tinnitus (THI, Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] on tinnitus loudness), hearing (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale– [SSQ]), and hyperacusis (Test de Hipersensibilidad al Sonido [THS]) up to 12 months after the initial CI fitting. Results: Group data showed significant subjective benefit from CI treatment: the preoperative HUI3 total utility score of 0.45 went up to 0.57 at 6 months and 0.63 at 12 months; the preoperative THI total score of 75 decreased to 40 at 6 months and 35 at 12 months. The preoperative tinnitus loudness VAS score of 8.2 decreased to 2.4 at 6 months and 2.2 at 12 months with the implant “On” and to 6.7 at 6 months and 6.5 at 12 months with the implant “Off.” The preoperative THS total score of 26 decreased to 17 at 12 months. The preoperative SSQ total score of 4.2 increased to 5.1 at 6 months and 6.3 at 12 months. No unanticipated adverse events were reported during the study period. At 12 months after CI activation all subjects (except 1 subject who used the device 6 days a week) wore their devices all day and every day. The primary reason for CI use was split evenly between tinnitus suppression (n = 6) and both hearing and tinnitus (n = 6). Conclusion: A CI should be considered as a treatment option in patients with UHL and a concomitant severe tinnitus handicap. However, appropriate counselling of candidates on the anticipated risks, benefits, and limitations that are inherent to cochlear implantation is imperative.
Increased Fatty Acid Oxidation in Differentiated Proximal Tubular Cells Surviving a Reversible Episode of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Bataille Aurélien , Galichon Pierre , Chelghoum Nadjim , Oumoussa Badreddine Mohand , Ziliotis Marie-Julia , Sadia Iman , Vandermeersch Sophie , Simon-Tillaux Noémie , Legouis David , Cohen Raphaël , Xu-Dubois Yi-Chun , Commereuc Morgane , Rondeau Eric , Le Crom Stéphane , Hertig Alexandre
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Fatty acid oxidation (FAO), the main source of energy produced by tubular epithelial cells in the kidney, was found to be defective in tubulo-interstitial samples dissected out in kidney biopsies from patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Experimental data indicated that this decrease was a strong determinant of renal fibrogenesis, hence a focus for therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, whether persistently differentiated renal tubules, surviving in a pro-fibrotic environment, also suffer from a decrease in FAO, is currently unknown. Methods: To address this question, we isolated proximal tubules captured ex vivo on the basis of the expression of an intact brush border antigen (Prominin-1) in C57BL6/J mice subjected to a controlled, two-hit model of renal fibrosis (reversible ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) or sham surgery, followed by angiotensin 2 administration). A transcriptomic high throughput sequencing was performed on total mRNA from these cells, and on whole kidneys. Results: In contrast to mice subjected to sham surgery, mice with a history of AKI displayed histologically more renal fibrosis when exposed to angiotensin 2. High throughput RNA sequencing, principal component analysis and clustering showed marked consistency within experimental groups. As expected, FAO transcripts were decreased in whole fibrotic kidneys. Surprisingly, however, up- rather than down-regulation of metabolic pathways (oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, glycolysis, and PPAR signalling pathway) was a hallmark of the differentiated tubules captured from fibrotic kidneys. Immunofluorescence co-staining analysis confirmed that the expression of FAO enzymes was dependent of tubular trophicity. Conclusions: These data suggest that in differentiated proximal tubules energetic hyperactivity is promoted concurrently with organ fibrogenesis.
Sonidegib, a Novel Inhibitor of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Al Mamun Bhuyan Abdulla , Sahu Itishri , Cao Hang , Lang Florian
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: The Hedgehog pathway disrupting drug sonidegib is used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Side effects of sonidegib include anemia, which could result either from impaired erythropoiesis or from loss of erythrocytes e.g. due to suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the cell surface and by cell shrinkage. Eryptosis is stimulated by cell stress, including energy depletion, hyperosmotic shock, oxidative stress and excessive increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). The present study explored, whether sonidegib exerts an effect on eryptosis. Methods: Human erythrocytes have been treated with energy depletion (glucose withdrawal for 48 hours), hyperosmotic shock (addition of 550 mM sucrose for 6 hours), oxidative stress (addition of 0.3 mM tert-butylhydroperoxide [tBOOH] for 50 min) or Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 µM for 60 min) in absence and presence of sonidegib (2-6 µg/ ml). After treatment flow cytometry was employed to quantify phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, and cell volume from forward scatter. Hemolysis was estimated from the hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. Results: In the absence of cell stress exposure to sonidegib did not significantly modify annexin-V-binding or forward scatter, but triggered hemolysis. Energy depletion, hyperosmotic shock, oxidative stress and ionomycin, all markedly and significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding erythrocytes, and decreased the forward scatter. Sonidegib significantly blunted the effect of energy depletion, hyperosmotic shock, and oxidative stress, but not of ionomycin on annexin-V-binding. Sonidegib further significantly blunted the effect of energy depletion, but not of hyperosmotic shock, oxidative stress, and ionomycin on forward scatter. Conclusions: Sonidegib is a novel inhibitor of erythrocyte cell membrane scrambling following energy depletion, hyperosmotic shock and oxidative stress.