bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cayley graphs of graded rings
Authors: Mahmoudi Saadoun , Mehry Shahram , Safakish Reza
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a subset of a commutative graded ring [Formula: see text]. The Cayley graph [Formula: see text] is a graph whose vertex set is [Formula: see text] and two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text]. The Cayley sum graph [Formula: see text] is a graph whose vertex set is [Formula: see text] and two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the set of homogeneous elements and [Formula: see text] be the set of zero-divisors of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study [Formula: see text] (total graph) and [Formula: see text]. In particular, if [Formula: see text] is an Artinian graded ring, we show that [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a Hamming graph and conversely any Hamming graph is isomorphic to a subgraph of [Formula: see text] for some finite graded ring [Formula: see text].
Buchsbaumness of the second powers of edge ideals
Authors: Hoang Do Trong , Trung Tran Nam
Published: June 2017

We graph-theoretically characterize the class of graphs [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] are Buchsbaum.
Descent and Galois theory for Hopf categories
Authors: Caenepeel S. , Fieremans T.
Published: June 2017

Descent theory for linear categories is developed. Given a linear category as an extension of a diagonal category, we introduce descent data, and the category of descent data is isomorphic to the category of representations of the diagonal category, if some flatness assumptions are satisfied. Then Hopf–Galois descent theory for linear Hopf categories, the Hopf algebra version of a linear category, is developed. This leads to the notion of Hopf–Galois category extension. We have a dual theory, where actions by dual linear Hopf categories on linear categories are considered. Hopf–Galois category extensions over groupoid algebras correspond to strongly graded linear categories.
Quantum chemistry study on the oxidation of NO catalyzed by ZSM5 supported Mn/Co–Al/Ce
Authors: Wen Zhengcheng , Du Mengmeng , Li Yuan , Wang Zhihua , Xu Jiangrong , Cen Kefa
Published: June 2017

The detailed mechanism of NO oxidation catalyzed by ZSM5 supported Mn/Co–Al/Ce is investigated and revealed by Quantum Chemistry Calculation. A three-step catalytic mechanism for NO oxidation is proposed and studied. Theoretical results show that, the activate energies of reactions catalyzed by ZSM-5 supported Mn/Co (71.1[Formula: see text]kJ/mol/80.6[Formula: see text]kJ/mol) are much lower than that obtained from the direct NO oxidation. This indicates that the ZSM-5 supported Mn/Co has an obvious catalytic effect. When the active center Si is replaced by Al and Ce, the activation energies are further decreased to about 40[Formula: see text]kJ/mol. This indicates that the doping of Al and Ce can obviously improve the catalytic effect. The theoretical study illustrates that the catalysts for NO oxidation not only relate to the supported transition metal such as Co and Mn, but also highly relate to the activity centers such as Al and Ce.
Recurrent neural network-based modeling of gene regulatory network using elephant swarm water search algorithm
Authors: Mandal Sudip , Saha Goutam , Pal Rajat Kumar
Published: June 2017

Correct inference of genetic regulations inside a cell from the biological database like time series microarray data is one of the greatest challenges in post genomic era for biologists and researchers. Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is one of the most popular and simple approach to model the dynamics as well as to infer correct dependencies among genes. Inspired by the behavior of social elephants, we propose a new metaheuristic namely Elephant Swarm Water Search Algorithm (ESWSA) to infer Gene Regulatory Network (GRN). This algorithm is mainly based on the water search strategy of intelligent and social elephants during drought, utilizing the different types of communication techniques. Initially, the algorithm is tested against benchmark small and medium scale artificial genetic networks without and with presence of different noise levels and the efficiency was observed in term of parametric error, minimum fitness value, execution time, accuracy of prediction of true regulation, etc. Next, the proposed algorithm is tested against the real time gene expression data of Escherichia Coli SOS Network and results were also compared with others state of the art optimization methods. The experimental results suggest that ESWSA is very efficient for GRN inference problem and performs better than other methods in many ways.
DISINCENTIVES TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ON THE NAVAJO NATION
Authors: YONK RYAN M. , HOFFER SIERRA , STEIN DEVIN
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we explore the underdevelopment of the business sector on the Navajo reservation. We explore why the Navajo reservation continues to be economically depressed and find that formal and informal institutions unique to the reservation create barriers that disincentivize entrepreneurship. Our examination begins by first conducting a literature review on general barriers to entrepreneurship. Second, we conduct an institutional analysis of the Navajo reservation to understand how formal and informal institutions affect potential entrepreneurs. We then use a comparative case study to analyze how the Navajo reservation’s institutions affect one town on the reservation compared to a similar town outside the reservation’s borders. We conclude there are three main barriers that discourage entrepreneurship. First, a dual bureaucracy and a complicated business license application process disincentivize new business development in the formal economy. Second, the federally held reservation land trust limits how entrepreneurs can access and develop land. Third, the Navajo reservation lacks access to lending opportunities, restricting the capital necessary to start a business. These barriers combine to create a vicious cycle of underdevelopment and poverty.
Carbon Quantum Dots Derived N-Doped Porous Carbon Frameworks with High Electrocatalytic for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Xuelian , Xue Xuming , Fu Yongsheng
Published: June 2017

Developing low-cost, high-performance metal-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for fuel cells is highly desirable but still full of challenges. In this study, nitrogen-doped three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon frameworks (NCFs) derived from zero-dimensional carbon quantum dots have been prepared by a simple one-step self-assembly technique. The resultant NCF-800 (carbonized at 800[Formula: see text]C) possesses unique 3D porous framework architecture, large specific surface area (171[Formula: see text]cm2g[Formula: see text] and abundant defect sites. As a catalyst for ORR, the optimized NCF-800 displays a positive onset potential at 0.87[Formula: see text]V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode), which is roughly 60[Formula: see text]mV more negative than that of Pt/C (0.93[Formula: see text]V). Additionally, the NCF-800 exhibits long-term stability and strong endurance to methanol in alkaline electrolyte, which is much superior to those of Pt/C. Considering the outstanding activity of NCF-800, it can be worked as a prospective metal-free ORR catalyst for fuel cells in the future.
Polymeric Vectors for Strategic Delivery of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Dunn Andrew , Shi Donglu
Published: June 2017

Genomic modification through nucleic acid delivery is a frequently applied method in fundamental biological studies and offers a potent therapeutic strategy for disease treatment and biological research. Delivery of nucleic sequences is therefore an attractive facet of biological nanotechnology as highly specific, efficient, and nonantagonistic delivery is necessary for in vivo and clinical use. Previous vectors have suffered from immunogenic responses, serum dependent inactivation, and cytotoxicity, hindering their translational applicability. Current research in polymeric-based nucleotide delivery strives to offer a highly biocompatible, broad use vector through the utilization of polypeptide and polyamine conjugation that can be easily tailored for specific targeting or wide dissemination. Cross-linking low molecular weight polyamines and lipophilic derivatization for amphiphile creation has lead to improved biocompatibility and transfection efficiency compared to higher molecular weight polyamines. Derivatization of hyperbranched and dendritic polyamido- and polyamines has allowed for the formation of efficient in vivo transfection vectors; ring opening synthesis of N-carboxyanhydride amino acids have led to controlled peptide architectures for improved transfection while simultaneously providing convenient primary amines useful in functionalization. Polymer libraries of poly(ß-amino esters) have provided insights into useful architectures for in vitro and in vivo gene delivery. Grafting small molecules to polyamines, such as folate and galactose, for enhanced interaction with cell surface receptors for selective targeting of specific cell types has proven to be encouraging and remains a prominent aspect in biological nanotechnology.
Prostaglandin E2Produced by Alginate-Encapsulated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Modulates the Astrocyte Inflammatory Response
Authors: Stucky Elizabeth C. , Erndt-Marino Joshua , Schloss Rene S. , Yarmush Martin L. , Shreiber David I.
Published: June 2017

Astroglia are well known for their role in propagating secondary injury following brain trauma. Modulation of this injury cascade, including inflammation, is essential to repair and recovery. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated as trophic mediators in several models of secondary CNS injury, however, there has been varied success with the use of direct implantation due to a failure to persist at the injury site. To achieve sustained therapeutic benefit, we have encapsulated MSCs in alginate microspheres and evaluated the ability of these encapsulated MSCs to attenuate neuro-inflammation. In this study, astroglial cultures were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and immediately co-cultured with encapsulated or monolayer human MSCs. Cultures were assayed for the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-[Formula: see text] produced by astroglia, MSC-produced prostaglandin E2, and expression of neurotrophin-associated genes. We found that encapsulated MSCs significantly reduced TNF-[Formula: see text] produced by LPS-stimulated astrocytes more effectively than monolayer MSCs, and this enhanced benefit commences earlier than that of monolayer MSCs. Furthermore, in support of previous findings, encapsulated MSCs constitutively produced high levels of PGE2, while monolayer MSCs required the presence of inflammatory stimuli to induce PGE2production. The early, constitutive presence of PGE2significantly reduced astrocyte-produced TNF-[Formula: see text], while delayed administration had no effect. Finally, MSC-produced PGE2was not only capable of modulating inflammation, but appeared to have an additional role in stimulating astrocyte neurotrophin production. Overall, these results support the enhanced benefit of encapsulated MSC treatment, both in modulating the inflammatory response and providing neuroprotection.
Mechanical constraints on kink band and thrust development in the Appalachian Plateau, USA
Authors: Gillespie Paul , Kampfer Günther
Published: June 2017

The internal deformation of the Appalachian Plateau décollement sheet has a distinctive style involving kink bands and thrusts. In areas where the décollement sheet is underlain by thin salt, the dominant structures are thrusts developed at shallow levels, underlain by a series of steep kink bands that terminate downwards at the Silurian salt décollement. Where the salt is thick, large asymmetrical anticlines developed with hinterland-verging kinks on their back-limbs that deformed the entire supra-salt sequence. In order to understand the constraints on deformation, we have used analytical mechanical modelling based on the maximum strength theorem. The simplified model consists of three layers: two are fluids and the third, intervening layer is a stratified competent material. The model is compressed horizontally and the predictions made are based on the kinematic approach of classical limit analysis. Two modes of deformation are investigated: the thrust and the kink band. The modelling shows that kink bands dominate deformation at large burial depth. At shallower depth and small regional bedding dip, the dominant mode is thrusting. In areas of open folding it is predicted that through-going hinterland-verging kink bands will form at a critical limb dip angle of about 10°.

Supplementary material:
Technical details of the mechanical theory behind this article are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3799492
Experimental Assessment of Aggregation Principles in Argumentation-Enabled Collective Intelligence
Authors: Awad Edmond , Bonnefon Jean-François , Caminada Martin , Malone Thomas W. , Rahwan Iyad
Published: June 2017

On the Web, there is always a need to aggregate opinions from the crowd (as in posts, social networks, forums, etc.). Different mechanisms have been implemented to capture these opinions such as Like in Facebook, Favorite in Twitter, thumbs-up/-down, flagging, and so on. However, in more contested domains (e.g., Wikipedia, political discussion, and climate change discussion), these mechanisms are not sufficient, since they only deal with each issue independently without considering the relationships between different claims. We can view a set of conflicting arguments as a graph in which the nodes represent arguments and the arcs between these nodes represent the defeat relation. A group of people can then collectively evaluate such graphs. To do this, the group must use a rule to aggregate their individual opinions about the entire argument graph. Here we present the first experimental evaluation of different principles commonly employed by aggregation rules presented in the literature. We use randomized controlled experiments to investigate which principles people consider better at aggregating opinions under different conditions. Our analysis reveals a number of factors, not captured by traditional formal models, that play an important role in determining the efficacy of aggregation. These results help bring formal models of argumentation closer to real-world application.
Spatio-Temporal Scheduling of Preemptive Real-Time Tasks on Partially Reconfigurable Systems
Authors: Saha Sangeet , Sarkar Arnab , Chakrabarti Amlan
Published: June 2017

Reconfigurable devices that promise to offer the twin benefits of flexibility as in general-purpose processors along with the efficiency of dedicated hardwares often provide a lucrative solution for many of today’s highly complex real-time embedded systems. However, online scheduling of dynamic hard real-time tasks on such systems with efficient resource utilization in terms of both space and time poses an enormously challenging problem. We attempt to solve this problem using a combined offline-online approach. The offline component generates and stores various optional feasible placement solutions for different sub-sets of tasks that may possibly be co-mapped together. Given a set of periodic preemptive real-time tasks that requires to be executed at runtime, the online scheduler first carries out an admission control procedure and then produces a schedule, which is guaranteed to meet all timing constraints provided it is spatially feasible to place designated subsets of these tasks at specified scheduling points within a future time interval. These feasibility checks are done and actual placement solutions are obtained through a low overhead search of the statically precomputed placement solutions. Based on this approach, we have proposed a periodic preemptive real-time scheduling methodology for runtime partially reconfigurable devices. Effectiveness of the proposed strategy has been verified through simulation based experiments and we observed that the strategy achieves high resource utilization with low task rejection rates over various simulation scenarios.
Test Modification for Reduced Volumes of Fail Data
Authors: Pomeranz Irith , Amyeen M. Enamul , Venkataraman Srikanth
Published: June 2017

As part of a yield improvement process, fail data is collected from faulty units. Several approaches exist for reducing the tester time and the volume of fail data that needs to be collected based on the observation that a subset of the fail data is sufficient for accurate defect diagnosis. This article addresses the volume of fail data by considering the test set that is used for collecting fail data. It observes that certain faults from a set of target faults produce significantly larger numbers of faulty output values (and therefore significantly larger volumes of fail data) than other faults under a given test set. Based on this observation, it describes a procedure for modifying the test set to reduce the maximum number of faulty output values that a target fault produces. When defects are considered in a simulation experiment, and a defect diagnosis procedure is applied to the fail data that they produce, two effects are observed: the maximum and average numbers of faulty output values per defect are reduced significantly with the modified test set, and the quality of diagnosis is similar or even improved with the modified test set.
4th International Workshop on Conducting Empirical Studies in Industry (CESI 2016)
Authors: Duarte Carlos Henrique C. , Jedlitschka Andreas , Bener Ayse
Published: June 2017

Few would deny today the importance of empirical studies in the field of Software Engineering. An increasing number of studies are being conducted involving the software industry, but, while literature abounds on idealistic empirical procedures, relatively little is known about the dynamics and complexity of conducting empirical studies in the software industry. How research results are put into action in industrial settings and how much cross company learning takes place through replication of empirical studies in different contexts? What are the impediments when attempting to follow prescriptive procedures in the organizational setting and how to best handle them? These drivers underly the organization of the fourth in a series of workshops, CESI 2016, held on 17th May, 2016 at ICSE 2016. This report summarizes the workshop details and the proceedings of the day.
Computing Dynamic Slices of Feature--Oriented Programs Using Execution Trace File
Authors: Sahu Madhusmita , Mohapatra Durga Prasad
Published: June 2017

Feature-Oriented Programming (FOP) is a general paradigm for synthesizing programs in software product lines. A family of software systems constitutes a software product line (SPL). The unique characteristics of feature-oriented programs such as mixin layers, refinements of classes, refinements of constructors, constants, refinements, etc. pose special difficulties in the slicing of these programs. This paper proposes a dynamic slicing algorithm for feature-oriented programs. The algorithm is named Execution Trace File Based Feature-Oriented Dynamic Slicing (ETBFODS) algorithm. The ETBFODS algorithm uses a dependence based representation called Dynamic Feature Composition Dependence Graph (DFCDG) and an execution trace file to store execution history of the program for a given input. The dynamic slice is computed by traversing the DFCDG in breadth--first or depth-first wise and then mapping the resultant traversed vertices to the program statements.
Guest Column
Authors: Arunachalam Srinivasan , de Wolf Ronald
Published: June 2017

This paper surveys quantum learning theory: the theoretical aspects of machine learning using quantum computers. We describe the main results known for three models of learning: exact learning from membership queries, and Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) and agnostic learning from classical or quantum examples.
Archaeal Diversity and CO2Fixers in Carbonate-/Siliciclastic-Rock Groundwater Ecosystems
Authors: Lazar Cassandre Sara , Stoll Wenke , Lehmann Robert , Herrmann Martina , Schwab Valérie F. , Akob Denise M. , Nawaz Ali , Wubet Tesfaye , Buscot François , Totsche Kai-Uwe , Küsel Kirsten
Published: June 2017

Groundwater environments provide habitats for diverse microbial communities, and although Archaea usually represent a minor fraction of communities, they are involved in key biogeochemical cycles. We analysed the archaeal diversity within a mixed carbonate-rock/siliciclastic-rock aquifer system, vertically from surface soils to subsurface groundwater including aquifer and aquitard rocks. Archaeal diversity was also characterized along a monitoring well transect that spanned surface land uses from forest/woodland to grassland and cropland. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes showed that only a few surface soil-inhabiting Archaea were present in the groundwater suggesting a restricted input from the surface. Dominant groups in the groundwater belonged to the marine group I (MG-I) Thaumarchaeota and the Woesearchaeota. Most of the groups detected in the aquitard and aquifer rock samples belonged to either cultured or predicted lithoautotrophs (e.g., Thaumarchaeota or Hadesarchaea). Furthermore, to target autotrophs, a series of13CO2stable isotope-probing experiments were conducted using filter pieces obtained after filtration of 10,000 L of groundwater to concentrate cells. These incubations identified the SAGMCG Thaumarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota as groundwater autotrophs. Overall, the results suggest that the majority of Archaea on rocks are fixing CO2, while archaeal autotrophy seems to be limited in the groundwater.
A Hybrid Method for Truss Mass Minimization considering Uncertainties
Authors: Gomes Herbert M. , Corso Leandro L.
Published: June 2017

In real‐world structural problems, a number of factors may cause geometric imperfections, load variability, or even uncertainties in material properties. Therefore, a deterministic optimization procedure may fail to account such uncertainties present in the actual system leading to optimum designs that are not reliable; the designed system may show excessive safety or sometimes not sufficient reliability to carry applied load due to uncertainties. In this paper, we introduce a hybrid reliability‐based design optimization (RBDO) algorithm based on the genetic operations of Genetic Algorithm, the position and velocity update of the Particle Swarm Algorithm (for global exploration), and the sequential quadratic programming, for local search. The First‐Order Reliability Method is used to account uncertainty in design and parameter variables and to evaluate the associated reliability. The hybrid method is analyzed based on RBDO benchmark examples that range from simple to complex truss parametric sizing optimizations with stress, displacements, and frequency deterministic and probabilistic constraints. The proposed final problem, which cannot be handled by single loop RBDO algorithms, highlights the importance of the proposed approach in cases where the discrete design variables are also random variables.
Dynamics of a Duopoly Game with Two Different Delay Structures
Authors: Jiang Shumin , Xu Fei , Ding Zhanwen , Yang Chen , Liu Huanhuan
Published: June 2017

Two different time delay structures for the dynamical Cournot game with two heterogeneous players are considered in this paper, in which a player is assumed to make decision via his marginal profit with time delay and another is assumed to adjust strategy according to the delayed price. The dynamics of both players output adjustments are analyzed and simulated. The time delay for the marginal profit has more influence on the dynamical behaviors of the system while the market price delay has less effect, and an intermediate level of the delay weight for the marginal profit can expand the stability region and thus promote the system stability. It is also shown that the system may lose stability due to either a period-doubling bifurcation or a Neimark-Sacker bifurcation. Numerical simulations show that the chaotic behaviors can be stabilized by the time-delayed feedback control, and the two different delays play different roles on the system controllability: the delay of the marginal profit has more influence on the system control than the delay of the market price.
E. coli Sepsis: Red Flag for Colon Carcinoma—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Patel Hiren G. , Tabassum Seme , Shaikh Sohail
Published: June 2017

We present an atypical case of newly diagnosed colon cancer and provide insight into the infectious predispositions of E. coli bacteremia to the development of colon adenocarcinoma. A 66-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with one-week symptoms of subjective fevers, chills, and lower back pain. Upon initial evaluation, her temperature was 101 degrees Fahrenheit with a white count of 12,000 K/mm3. Initial septic workup was positive for E. coli bacteremia. The patient was started on Aztreonam. Repeat blood culture 48 hours later was negative for any growth. However, later during hospital stay blood culture was repeated due to SIRS, which was positive again for E. coli. CT scan of the chest/abdomen/pelvis with contrast revealed no signs of colitis. Without clear etiology for recurrent E. coli bacteremia ultimately colonoscopy was performed which showed an ulcerated mass in the cecum. Biopsy showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. E. coli strains B2 and D produce cyclomodulin toxins as part of their virulence, which interferes with the cell cycle regulation, promoting chromosomal instability, and increasing susceptibility to cancer. In patients with recurrent E. coli bacteremia with an unknown source, colonoscopy should be done to look for colon cancer.
Phase Transitions and Magnetocaloric Properties in MnCo1−xZrxGe Compounds
Authors: Aryal Anil , Quetz Abdiel , Pandey Sudip , Dubenko Igor , Stadler Shane , Ali Naushad
Published: June 2017

The structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of MnCo1-xZrxGe (0.01≤x≤0.04) have been studied through X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and magnetization measurements. Results indicate that the partial substitution of Zr for Co in MnCo1-xZrxGe decreases the martensitic transition temperature (TM). For x = 0.02, TM was found to coincide with the ferromagnetic transition temperature (TC) resulting in a first-order magnetostructural transition (MST). A further increase in zirconium concentration (x = 0.04) showed a single transition at TC. The MST from the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic state results in magnetic entropy changes (-ΔSM) of 7.2 J/kgK for ΔH = 5 T at 274 K for x = 0.02. The corresponding value of the relative cooling power (RCP) was found to be 266 J/kg for ΔH = 5 T. The observed large value of MCE and RCP makes this system a promising material for magnetic cooling applications.
A Numerical-Experimental Method for Drop Impact Analysis of Composite Landing Gear
Authors: Guan Yongliang , Xue Zhipeng , Li Ming , Jia Hongguang
Published: June 2017

The special material performance, manufacturing process, machining behavior, and operating condition of composite materials cause uncertainties to inevitably appear in the mechanical properties of composite structures. Therefore, variability in mechanical properties must be considered in a mechanical response analysis of composite structures. A method is proposed in this paper to predict the dynamic performance of composite landing gear with uncertainties using experimental modal analysis data and nonlinear static test data. In this method, the nonlinear dynamic model of the composite landing gear is divided into two parts, the linear and the nonlinear parts. An experimental modal analysis is employed to predict the linear parameters with a frequency response function, and the nonlinear parameters caused by large deflection are identified by a nonlinear static test with the nonlinear least squares method. To check the accuracy and practicability of the method, it is applied to drop impact simulations and tests of composite landing gear. The results of the simulations are in good agreement with the test results, which shows that the proposed method is perfectly suited for the dynamic analysis of composite landing gear.
Hole-Transporting Layer Treatment of Planar Hybrid n-Si/PEDOT:PSS Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiency up to 14.5%
Authors: Zhang Chenxu , Zhang Yuming , Guo Hui , Zhang Zeyulin , Zhang Chunfu
Published: June 2017

A systematical investigation was carried out into the effects of the hole-transporting layer treatment of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on the performance of planar hybrid n-Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cells. Triton X-100 and ethylene glycol (EG) were chosen to improve the conductivity and surface morphology of the PEDOT:PSS film. It was found that the annealing temperature has a great influence on the PEDOT:PSS material properties and the corresponding device performance. By optimizing the annealing temperature, the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film doped with Triton X-100 and EG could be enhanced by a factor of more than three orders. And the corresponding device also shows record power conversion efficiency as high as 14.5% with an open circuit voltage of 0.627 V, a short circuit current of 32.6 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 70.7%.
Filtering Reordering Table Using a Novel Recursive Autoencoder Model for Statistical Machine Translation
Authors: Kong Jinying , Yang Yating , Wang Lei , Zhou Xi , Jiang Tonghai , Li Xiao
Published: June 2017

In phrase‐based machine translation (PBMT) systems, the reordering table and phrase table are very large and redundant. Unlike most previous works which aim to filter phrase table, this paper proposes a novel deep neural network model to prune reordering table. We cast the task as a deep learning problem where we jointly train two models: a generative model to implement rule embedding and a discriminative model to classify rules. The main contribution of this paper is that we optimize the reordering model in PBMT by filtering reordering table using a recursive autoencoder model. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, we performed it on public corpus to measure its reordering ability. The experimental results show that our approach obtains high improvement in BLEU score with less scale of reordering table on two language pairs: English‐Chinese (+0.28) and Uyghur‐Chinese (+0.33) MT.
NXP-2 Positive Dermatomyositis: A Unique Clinical Presentation
Authors: Butt Zeeshan , Patel Leeza , Das Manash K. , Mecoli Christopher A. , Ramji Alim
Published: June 2017

Dermatomyositis (DM), a myopathy associated with inflammation and muscle weakness, has historically been difficult to diagnose. Recently, nuclear matrix protein (NXP-2) antibodies have been described as a myositis-specific antibody that may aid in the diagnostic evaluation. We present the case of a 21-year-old, previously healthy, African American male with DM. He presented to our outpatient clinic with periorbital swelling and a rash, for which he was started on prednisone by an ophthalmologist. Towards the end of the prednisone taper, he began to experience muscle weakness, a worsening rash, and dysphagia to solids with a resultant loss of 60 pounds within a month. He was transferred to a tertiary care hospital where he was further evaluated and ultimately diagnosed with dermatomyositis, supported by skin and muscle biopsies, and was found to be positive for NXP-2. He was given intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high-dose steroids with improvement.
HMGB1 and Extracellular Histones Significantly Contribute to Systemic Inflammation and Multiple Organ Failure in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Yang Runkuan , Zou Xiaoping , Tenhunen Jyrki , Tønnessen Tor Inge
Published: June 2017

Acute liver failure (ALF) is the culmination of severe liver cell injury from a variety of causes. ALF occurs when the extent of hepatocyte death exceeds the hepatic regenerative capacity. ALF has a high mortality that is associated with multiple organ failure (MOF) and sepsis; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. Emerging evidence shows that ALF patients/animals have high concentrations of circulating HMGB1, which can contribute to multiple organ injuries and mediate gut bacterial translocation (BT). BT triggers/induces systemic inflammatory responses syndrome (SIRS), which can lead to MOF in ALF. Blockade of HMGB1 significantly decreases BT and improves hepatocyte regeneration in experimental acute fatal liver injury. Therefore, HMGB1 seems to be an important factor that links BT and systemic inflammation in ALF. ALF patients/animals also have high levels of circulating histones, which might be the major mediators of systemic inflammation in patients with ALF. Extracellular histones kill endothelial cells and elicit immunostimulatory effect to induce multiple organ injuries. Neutralization of histones can attenuate acute liver, lung, and brain injuries. In conclusion, HMGB1 and histones play a significant role in inducing systemic inflammation and MOF in ALF.
Parasite Killing of Leishmania (V) braziliensis by Standardized Propolis Extracts
Authors: Rebouças-Silva Jéssica , Celes Fabiana S. , Lima Jonilson Berlink , Barud Hernane S. , de Oliveira Camila I. , Berretta Andresa A. , Borges Valéria M.
Published: June 2017

Treatments based on antimonials to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) entail a range of toxic side effects. Propolis, a natural compound widely used in traditional medical applications, exhibits a range of biological effects, including activity against infectious agents. The aim of this study was to test the potential leishmanicidal effects of different propolis extracts against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes in vitro. Stationary‐phase L. (V) braziliensis promastigotes were incubated with medium alone or treated with dry, alcoholic, or glycolic propolis extract (10, 50, or 100 μg/mL) for 96 h. Our data showed that all extracts exhibited a dose‐dependent effect on the viability of L. (V) braziliensis promastigotes, while controlling the parasite burden inside infected macrophages. Dry propolis extract significantly modified the inflammatory profile of murine macrophages by downmodulating TGF‐β and IL‐10 production, while upmodulating TNF‐α. All three types of propolis extract were found to reduce nitric oxide and superoxide levels in activated L. braziliensis‐infected macrophages. Altogether, our results showed that propolis extracts exhibited a leishmanicidal effect against both stages of L. (V) braziliensis. The low cell toxicity and efficient microbicidal effect of alcoholic or glycolic propolis extracts make them candidates to an additive treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
5-HT Drives Mortality in Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture in Mice
Authors: Zhang Jingyao , Bi Jianbin , Liu Sushun , Pang Qing , Zhang Ruiyao , Wang Shun , Liu Chang
Published: June 2017

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection with a high mortality. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is an important regulatory factor in inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of 5-HT on cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis in the mouse model. CLP was performed on C57B/6 wild-type (WT) mice and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) knockout (KO) mice. The results showed that the 5-HT-sufficient group mice had a significantly lower survival rate than the 5-HT-deficient group in CLP-induced sepsis and septic shock. The KO-CLP sepsis group received a lower clinical score than the WT-CLP sepsis group. Meanwhile, the body temperature of mice in the KO-CLP sepsis group was higher than that in the WT-CLP sepsis group and was much closer to the normal body temperature 24 hours after CLP. The tissue histopathology analysis revealed that 5-HT markedly exacerbated histological damages in the peritoneum, lung, liver, kidney, intestinal tissue, and heart in sepsis. Moreover, significant lower levels of TNF-α, IL-6, bacterial loads, MPO, and ROS were discovered in the KO-CLP sepsis group in contrast to the WT-CLP sepsis group. In conclusion, 5-HT drives mortality and exacerbates organ dysfunction by promoting serum cytokines and bacterial loads as well as facilitating oxidative stress in the process of sepsis.
Modelling the Effects of Parking Charge and Supply Policy Using System Dynamics Method
Authors: Mei Zhenyu , Lou Qifeng , Zhang Wei , Zhang Lihui , Shi Fei
Published: June 2017

Reasonable parking charge and supply policy are essential for the regular operation of the traffic in city center. This paper develops an evaluation model for parking policies using system dynamics. A quantitative study is conducted to examine the effects of parking charge and supply policy on traffic speed. The model, which is composed of three interrelated subsystems, first summarizes the travel cost of each travel mode and then calibrates the travel choice model through the travel mode subsystem. Finally, the subsystem that evaluates the state of traffic forecasts future car speed based on bureau of public roads (BPR) function and generates new travel cost until the entire model reaches a steady state. The accuracy of the model is verified in Hangzhou Wulin business district. The related error of predicted speed is only 2.2%. The results indicate that the regular pattern of traffic speed and parking charge can be illustrated using the proposed model based on system dynamics, and the model infers that reducing the parking supply in core area will increase its congestion level and, under certain parking supply conditions, there exists an interval of possible pricing at which the service reaches a level that is fairly stable.
A Combined Markov Chain Model and Generalized Projection Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Approach for Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Yuguang Niu , Shilin Wang , Ming Du
Published: June 2017

The presence of sets of incomplete measurements is a significant issue in the real‐world application of multivariate statistical process monitoring models for industrial process fault detection. Since the missing data in the incomplete measurements are usually correlated with some of the available variables, these measurements can be used if an efficient algorithm is presented. To resolve the problem, a novel method combining Markov chain model and generalized projection nonnegative matrix factorization (MCM‐GPNMF) is proposed to detect and diagnose the faults in industrial process. The basic idea of the approach is to use MCM‐GPNMF to extract the dominant variables from incomplete process data and to combine them with statistical process monitoring techniques. and SPEG statistics are defined as online monitoring quantities for fault detection and corresponding contribution plots are also considered for fault isolation. The proposed method is applied to a 1000 MW unit boiler process. The simulation results clearly illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method.
Role of Epigenetic Histone Modifications in Diabetic Kidney Disease Involving Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Yangwei , Cui Wenpeng , Lou Yan , Sun Guangdong , Zhang Dongmei , Miao Lining
Published: June 2017

One of the commonest causes of end-stage renal disease is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Renal fibrosis, characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in glomerular basement membranes and the tubulointerstitium, is the final manifestation of DKD. The TGF-βpathway triggers epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays a key role in the accumulation of ECM proteins in DKD. DCCT/EDIC studies have shown that DKD often persists and progresses despite glycemic control in diabetes once DKD sets in due to prior exposure to hyperglycemia called “metabolic memory.” These imply that epigenetic factors modulate kidney gene expression. There is evidence to suggest that in diabetes and hyperglycemia, epigenetic histone modifications have a significant effect in modulating renal fibrotic and ECM gene expression induced by TGF-β1, as well as its downstream profibrotic genes. Histone modifications are also implicated in renal fibrosis through its ability to regulate the EMT process triggered by TGF-βsignaling. In view of this, efforts are being made to develop HAT, HDAC, and HMT inhibitors to delay, stop, or even reverse DKD. In this review, we outline the latest advances that are being made to regulate histone modifications involved in DKD.
Global Autorecognition and Activation of Complement by Mannan-Binding Lectin in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Axelgaard Esben , Østergaard Jakob Appel , Haxha Saranda , Thiel Steffen , Hansen Troels Krarup
Published: June 2017

Increasing evidence links mannan-binding lectin (MBL) to late vascular complications of diabetes. MBL is a complement-activating pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system that can mediate an inflammation response through activation of the lectin pathway. In two recent animal studies, we have shown that autoreactivity of MBL is increased in the kidney in diabetic nephropathy. We hypothesize that long-term exposure to uncontrolled high blood glucose in diabetes may mediate formation of neoepitopes in several tissues and that MBL is able to recognize these structures and thus activate the lectin pathway. To test this hypothesis, we induced diabetes by injection of low-dose streptozotocin in MBL double-knockout (MBL/DKO) mice. Development of diabetes was followed by measurements of blood glucose and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Fluorophore-labelled recombinant MBL was injected intravenously in diabetic and nondiabetic mice followed by ex vivo imaging of several organs. We observed that MBL accumulated in the heart, liver, brain, lung, pancreas, and intestines of diabetic mice. We furthermore detected increased systemic complement activation after administration of MBL, thus indicating MBL-mediated systemic complement activation in these animals. These new findings indicate a global role of MBL during late diabetes-mediated vascular complications in various tissues.
Use of Integrative Medicine in the United States Military Health System
Authors: Madsen Cathaleen , Vaughan Megan , Koehlmoos Tracey Pérez
Published: June 2017

Integrative medicine (IM) is a model of care which uses both conventional and nonconventional therapies in a “whole person” approach to achieve optimum mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health, and is increasingly popular among patients and providers seeking to relieve chronic or multifactorial conditions. The US Department of Defense (DoD) shows particular interest in and usage of IM for managing chronic conditions including the signature “polytrauma triad” of chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its beneficiaries in the Military Health System (MHS). These modalities range from conventional nondrug, nonsurgical options such as cognitive‐behavioral therapy to nonconventional options such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and mind‐body techniques. These are of particular interest for their potential to relieve symptoms without relying on opiates, which impair performance and show high potential for abuse while often failing to provide full relief. This review describes the use of IM in the MHS, including definitions of the model, common therapies and potential for use, and controversy surrounding the practice. More research is needed to build a comprehensive usage analysis, which in turn will inform sound clinical and financial practice for the MHS and its beneficiaries.
Overexpression of RCC2 Enhances Cell Motility and Promotes Tumor Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Inducing Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Pang Bo , Wu Nan , Guan Rongwei , Pang Lin , Li Xinlei , Li Su , Tang Liudi , Guo Ying , Chen Jialei , Sun Donglin , Sun Haiming , Dai Jialin , Bai Jing , Ji Guohua , Liu Peng , Liu An , Wang Qiushi , Xiao Sheng , Fu Songbin , Jin Yan
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Investigate the role of regulator of chromosome condensation 2 (RCC2) on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) metastasis.

Experimental Design: Clinical specimens were used to assess the impact of RCC2 on LUAD metastasis. Mouse models, cytobiology, and molecular biology assays were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of RCC2 in LUAD.

Results: RCC2 expression was frequently increased in LUADs (88/122, 72.13%). It was confirmed by analysis of a larger cohort of TCGA RNA-seq data containing 488 LUADs and 58 normal lung tissues (P < 0.001). Importantly, increased level of RCC2 was significantly associated with T status of tumor (P = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004), and advanced clinical stage (P = 0.001). Patients with LUAD with higher expression of RCC2 had shorter overall survival. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that RCC2 was an independent poorer prognostic factor for patients with LUAD. Moreover, forced expression of RCC2 promoted intrapulmonary metastasis in vivo and significantly enhanced LUAD cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in vitro. Further study found that RCC2 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and also stimulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, RCC2 was able to activate JNK, while inhibition of JNK suppressed the effect of RCC2 on LUAD cell migration, invasion, EMT, and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Conclusions: RCC2 plays a pivotal role in LUAD metastasis by inducing EMT via activation of MAPK–JNK signaling. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5598–610. ©2017 AACR.
Detection of Driver and Resistance Mutations in Leptomeningeal Metastases of NSCLC by Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Jiang Ben-Yuan , Li Yang-Si , Guo Wei-Bang , Zhang Xu-Chao , Chen Zhi-Hong , Su Jian , Zhong Wen-Zhao , Yang Xue-Ning , Yang Jin-Ji , Shao Yang , Huang Biao , Liu Yan-Hui , Zhou Qing , Tu Hai-Yan , Chen Hua-Jun , Wang Zhen , Xu Chong-Rui , Wang Bin-Chao , Wu Shu-Yu , Gao Cun-Yi , Zhang Xian , Wu Yi-Long
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Leptomeningeal metastases are more common in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations. The diagnosis is difficult by traditional imaging only, and leads to poor understanding of resistance mechanisms of leptomeningeal metastases.

Experimental Design: We compared the CellSearch Assay, the Thinprep cytologic test (TCT), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 21 NSCLC patients with suspected leptomeningeal metastases. Next-generation sequencing that included 416 cancer-associated genes was also performed on cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumor cells (CSFCTC) of 19 patients.

Results: Twenty-one patients were diagnosed with leptomeningeal metastases, and CSFCTCs were captured by CellSearch in 20 patients (median, 969 CSFCTCs/7.5 mL; range, 27–14,888). CellSearch had a sensitivity of 95.2% for leptomeningeal metastases diagnosis, which was higher than that of TCT (12/21, 57.1%), MRI (10/21, 47.6%), and MRI plus TCT (19/21, 90.5%), respectively. CTCs were found only in 5 of 14 patients (median, 2 CTCs/7.5 mL; range, 2–4), which was a much lower ratio than CSFCTCs. Genetic profiles of CSFCTCs were highly concordant with molecular mutations identified in the primary tumor (17/19, 89.5%). The resistance gene EGFR T790M was detected in 7 of 9 patients with extracranial lesions, but was detected in only 1 of 14 CSFCTC samples. Other potential resistant mutations, such as MET amplification and ERBB2 mutation, were also identified in CSFCTCs.

Conclusions: CSFCTCs captured by CellSearch may be a more sensitive and effective way to diagnose leptomeningeal metastases, and may serve as a liquid biopsy medium for gene profiles in NSCLC patients with leptomeningeal metastases. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5480–8. ©2017 AACR.