bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of collateralisation to a concomitant chronic total occlusion in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a subanalysis of the EXPLORE randomised controlled trial
Authors: van Dongen Ivo M , Elias Joëlle , van Houwelingen K Gert , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Claessen Bimmer E P M , Hoebers Loes P , Ouweneel Dagmar M , Scheunhage Esther M , Delewi Ronak , Piek Jan J , Råmunddal Truls , Laanmets Peep , Eriksen Erlend , Bax Matthijs , Suttorp Maarten J , van der Schaaf René J , Tijssen Jan G P , Henriques José P S
Published: July 2018

Objective

The impact on cardiac function of collaterals towards a concomitant chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been investigated yet. Therefore, we have evaluated the impact of well-developed collaterals compared with poorly developed collaterals to a concomitant CTO in STEMI.

Methods and results

In the EXPLORE trial, patients with STEMI and a concomitant CTO were randomised to either CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or no-CTO PCI. Collateral grades were scored angiographically using the Rentrop grade classification. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) at 4 months were measured using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Well-developed collaterals (Rentrop grades 2–3) to the CTO were present in 162 (54%) patients; these patients had a significantly higher LVEF at 4 months (46.2±11.4% vs 42.1±12.7%, p=0.004) as well as a trend for a lower LVEDV (208.2±55.7 mL vs 222.6±68.5 mL, p=0.054) when compared with patients with poorly developed collaterals to the CTO. There was no significant difference in the total amount of scar in the two groups. Event rates were statistically comparable between patients with well-developed collaterals and poorly developed collaterals to the CTO at long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

In patients with STEMI and a concomitant CTO, the presence of well-developed collaterals to a concomitant CTO is associated with a better LVEF at 4 months. However, this effect on LVEF did not translate into improvement in clinical outcome. Therefore, the presence of well-developed collaterals is important, but should not solely guide in the clinical decision-making process regarding any additional revascularisation of a concomitant CTO in patients with STEMI.

Clinical trial registration

NTR1108.
Intramuscular fibre conduction velocity and muscle fascicle length in human vastus lateralis
Authors: Methenitis Spyridon , Stasinaki Angeliki-Nikoletta , Zaras Nikolaos , Spengos Konstantinos , Karandreas Nikolaos , Terzis Gerasimos
Published: July 2018

Muscle fascicle length and muscle fibre conduction velocity (MFCV) are thought to be important parameters for power performance. It might be expected that faster muscle fibre conduction velocities would compensate for longer fascicle lengths to increase the speed of action potential propagation along the elongated fibres. However, the relationship between muscle fascicle length and MFCV remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between average vastus lateralis MFCV and average fascicle length. In 17 moderately trained, healthy, male, physical education students (age, 23.4 ± 3.1 years; body height, 178 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 82.7 ± 6.9 kg; body mass index, 24.6 ± 1.5 kg·m−2) resting MFCV was measured with intramuscular microelectrodes while muscle architecture was evaluated with ultrasonography. Fascicle length was highly correlated with total MFCV (r = 0.923, p = 0.000), maximum MFCV (r = 0.949, p = 0.000), and MFCV of the fastest (r = 0.709, p = 0.001), but not of the slowest fibres (r = 0.131, p = 0.616). No significant correlations were also found between vastus lateralis thickness or fascicle angle with any of MFCV parameters (r = 0.145–0.430; R2 < 0.130; p > 0.05). These data indicate that average MFCV is associated with average fascicle length in vastus lateralis muscle in different individuals. It seems that participants with longer fascicle lengths have also higher MFCVs.
Stand age versus tree diameter as a driver of forest carbon inventory simulations in the northeastern U.S.
Authors: Ma Wu , Woodall Christopher W. , Domke Grant M. , D’Amato Anthony W. , Walters Brian F.
Published: July 2018

Estimating the current status and future trends of carbon (C) stocks and stock changes in forests of the northeastern United States is desired by policy makers and managers as these forests can mitigate climate change through sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). We developed C flux matrix models using tree and stand variables by tree diameter class and stand age class to compare size-structured models with age-structured models in their capacity to predict forest C dynamics that are central to policy decisions. The primary control variables for the C flux matrix models (diameter at breast height, stand basal area, stem density, and stand age) were all statistically significant at the α ≤ 0.05 level. Through comparing the simulation results and root mean square error of C flux matrix models by tree diameter class and stand age class, we found that tree diameter class more accurately predicted C stock change status across the broad compositional and structural conditions in the spatial and temporal domain. An uncertainty analysis revealed that predictions of aboveground C and soil C would be distinctively different whether using tree diameter class or stand age class with high certainty. Overall, this work may enable better integration of forest inventory data and remotely sensed data for the purpose of strategic-scale forest C dynamic simulations.
What a scientist looks like: Portraying gender in the scientific media
Authors: Loverock Becky , Hart Miranda M.
Published: July 2018

How men and women are portrayed in the media informs societal attitudes towards gender. Although this is true for all media, the scientific media has received little scrutiny, despite known gender biases inherent in scientific culture. We asked whether the top scientific journals, Nature and Science, represented men and women equally as authors, subjects, and objects in photographs. Overwhelmingly, women were underrepresented in these magazines, an effect that was apparent even in advertisements and stock photographs. Clearly, gender bias in science exists at many levels.
A parametric study of energy extraction from vortex-induced vibrations
Authors: Paré-Lambert Olivier , Olivier Mathieu
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a parametric investigation of an oscillating-cylinder turbine concept based on vortex-induced vibrations. The parametric space includes four parameters: the Reynolds number, the mass ratio, the dimensionless stiffness, and the dimensionless damping. The damping–stiffness space is explored for four different mass ratios at a fixed Reynolds number of 200. Also, the influence of the parameters on the amplitude of cylinder displacement and on the efficiency of power harnessing is discussed. Vortex-shedding patterns observed within the parametric space are investigated. The 2S, 2P, and C(2S) wake modes are observed and are related to turbine performance. Preliminary results show a maximum efficiency of 10.6%, which is obtained with low mass ratios.
Integrable lifts for transitive Lie algebroids
Authors: Androulidakis Iakovos , Antonini Paolo
Published: July 2018

Inspired by the work of Molino, we show that the integrability obstruction for transitive Lie algebroids can be made to vanish by adding extra dimensions. In particular, we prove that the Weinstein groupoid of a non-integrable transitive and abelian Lie algebroid is the quotient of a finite-dimensional Lie groupoid. Two constructions as such are given: First, explaining the counterexample to integrability given by Almeida and Molino, we see that it can be generalized to the construction of an “Almeida–Molino” integrable lift when the base manifold is simply connected. On the other hand, we notice that the classical de Rham isomorphism provides a universal integrable algebroid. Using it we construct a “de Rham” integrable lift for any given transitive Abelian Lie algebroid.
Analysis and modeling of quantum capacitance on graphene single electron transistor
Authors: Hosseini Vahideh Khadem , Dideban Daryoosh , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Ismail Razali
Published: July 2018

Graphene single electron transistor (SET) as a coulomb blockade (CB) device operates based on the quantum mechanical effect. Its desired current is achieved by overcoming the CB energy that depends on the total capacitance of SET. Therefore, small size of graphene quantum capacitance is suitable for SET structure because it plays a dominant role in the total capacitance. In this paper, the density of state (DOS) model of graphene SET is suggested because of its important effect on many physical properties. Furthermore, carrier concentration as a key factor in quantum capacitance is modeled. Finally, the quantum capacitance of graphene SET based on the fundamental parameters is modeled and compared to the experimental data, so an acceptable agreement between them is reported. As a result, silicon SET can be replaced with graphene SET because of its lower quantum capacitance and also higher operation speed than the silicon one.
Stability and mechanical properties of high-La content La–Ni phases by first-principles study
Authors: Wang Xiao , Yu Xiaohua , Zhong Yi , Rong Ju , Li Xiaoyu , Feng Jing , Zhan Zhaolin
Published: July 2018

The structural stability, mechanical properties and Debye temperatures of La-rich La–Ni (LaNi, La2Ni3 and LaNi2) phases were studied by a first-principles method. The formation enthalpy indicates that the La-rich phase is stable. As the La content increases, the enthalpy of formation decreases. The bonding of La–Ni is covalent and metallic. The La-d and Ni-d orbitals contribute mainly at the Fermi level. The mechanical properties indicate that the La-rich La–Ni phases are brittle. La2Ni3 has the most prominent anisotropy. The hardness of LaNi, La2Ni3 and LaNi2 are 37.62 GPa, 41.61 GPa and 65.06 GPa, respectively. Those phases have the potential to form a superhard material. LaNi2 has the highest Debye temperature (232.88 K). LaNi2 is the most stable among these phases.
Image De-Hazing Via Gradient Optimized Adaptive Forward-Reverse Flow-Based Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Nnolim U. A.
Published: July 2018

In this study, we propose a modified partial differential equation (PDE)-based algorithm for image de-hazing. The algorithm possesses relatively low computational complexity and the core function of the PDE is easily amenable to hardware implementation. New contributions include the optimization and automated processing for dark and hazy images, avoiding manual parameter tuning. Additionally, the regularization parameter is computed adaptively from the binary mask of the input image. This is combined with a gradient-based metric for optimization to automatically determine stopping time of the algorithm for both types of images. The proposed scheme is fast and utilizes spatial or frequency domain filters to achieve illumination and reflectance component estimation without resorting to logarithms. Moreover, there is absence of halos in de-hazed images compared to previous work. Extensive experiments indicate that the proposed approach yields results comparable to or better than several works from the literature.
A Thermal Mitigation Algorithm Based on the Power Characteristics of Mobile Application Processors
Authors: Eun Chang Min , Cho Hyun Hak , Jeong Ok Hyun
Published: July 2018

Modern mobile devices suffer from severe power and thermal issues due to the adoption of high-frequency multi-core processors. However, methods of resolving the thermal problems in mobile environments are restricted due to their size, semiconductor process technology, and battery limitations. Mobile devices generally rely on a software framework called the Thermal Management Model (TMM). However, conventional TMMs suffer from inevitable performance degradation due to the thermal response. We propose a new Thermal Mitigation Algorithm (TMA) to optimize performance and thermal mitigation by considering the multi-core power curve of a mobile CPU which is experimentally derived using a typical smartphone and thus resolve this issue. Our proposed scheme aims to reduce thermal problems and enhance system performance by limiting the usage of power-inefficient frequencies when operating on a multi-core. We evaluate the proposed algorithm on a real system using a typical smartphone and conduct the performance measurement using the AnTuTu benchmark v4.5.1. In addition, we use the on-chip temperature sensors of CPU cores and a crystal oscillator embedded in the Application Processor (AP) to monitor the temperature of the mobile device. The result shows that our scheme, respectively reduce the average temperatures of CPU cores and a crystal oscillator by 6.61% and 5.02% while improving system performance by 3.24%. In conclusion, we reduce the thermal problems and enhance performance simultaneously using the proposed TMA.
FRACTAL CALCULUS AND ITS APPLICATION TO EXPLANATION OF BIOMECHANISM OF POLAR BEAR HAIRS
Authors: WANG QINGLI , SHI XIANGYANG , HE JI-HUAN , LI Z. B.
Published: July 2018

The polar bear hairs have special hierarchical structure with fractal dimensions of golden ratio, which endows the creature with remarkable cool prevention. Fractal calculus is adopted in this paper to reveal its thermal properties, and a fractal derivative model of one-dimensional heat conduction along the hair is established and solved, the results reveal that there is an optimal hair length for the cool prevention. This paper sheds a new light on bio-inspired fabrics for fire-protection clothing and clothing for extreme environment.
A PERMEABILITY MODEL FOR WATER–GAS PHASE FLOW IN FRACTAL FRACTURE NETWORKS
Authors: MIAO TONGJUN , CHEN AIMIN , XU YAN , CHENG SUJUN , WANG KEDONG
Published: July 2018

Flow mechanism of water–gas phase is of significant importance to accurately understand and predict the fluid flow behavior in many fields, such as water and oil exploration, hot dry rock development and optimization of fuel cells. In this work, a novel relative permeability (RP) model for two-phase flow in fracture networks is proposed based on the fractal theory. The proposed model is expressed as a nonlinear function of saturation of water and gas with no empirical parameter. A stronger interference between water and gas phases than that of the X-model is found. The proposed model may provide a better understanding of the fundamental mechanism of water–gas phase flow in fracture network.
FRACTAL-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE VARIATIONS OF CUTTING FORCES ALONG DIFFERENT AXES IN END MILLING OPERATION
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , FARID ALI AKHAVAN , CHANG TECK SENG
Published: July 2018

Analysis of cutting forces in machining operation is an important issue. The cutting force changes randomly in milling operation where it makes a signal by plotting over time span. An important type of analysis belongs to the study of how cutting forces change along different axes. Since cutting force has fractal characteristics, in this paper for the first time we analyze the variations of complexity of cutting force signal along different axes using fractal theory. For this purpose, we consider two cutting depths and do milling operation in dry and wet machining conditions. The obtained cutting force time series was analyzed by computing the fractal dimension. The result showed that in both wet and dry machining conditions, the feed force (along [Formula: see text]-axis) has greater fractal dimension than radial force (along [Formula: see text]-axis). In addition, the radial force (along [Formula: see text]-axis) has greater fractal dimension than thrust force (along [Formula: see text]-axis). The method of analysis that was used in this research can be applied to other machining operations to study the variations of fractal structure of cutting force signal along different axes.
PARAMETERS OF MULTIFRACTAL SPECTRUM FOR DESCRIBING GROWTH STATE OF SOYBEAN LEAVES
Authors: CHEN HUIPING , CHEN HUIXUAN
Published: July 2018

We studied soybean leaves of the main soybean cultivars and their mutants from Shanxi Province, China, using multifractal spectrum analysis of transmission scanned gray scale images of excised leaves. We demonstrate that the parameters of multifractal spectra correlate with the biological status of the plant. The width [Formula: see text] of the multifractal spectrum, a parameter of the transmission scanned gray scale image, is a good indicator of the metabolic state and growth rate of a soybean leaf. In general, the larger the value of [Formula: see text], the more exuberant the metabolism and the faster the growth rate of the leaf. [Formula: see text] is a parameter related with the distribution of chlorophyll in leaf, it reflects the concentration degree of chlorophyll; the smaller the value of [Formula: see text], the higher the concentration degree of chlorophyll in the leaf. [Formula: see text] is a parameter related with the distribution of water in the leaf, it reflects the concentration degree of water; the larger the value of [Formula: see text], the higher the concentration degree of water in the leaf. In order to reduce the impact of errors in the calculation of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we introduced three new parameters — the characteristic width [Formula: see text], the characteristic [Formula: see text] and the characteristic [Formula: see text]. We compare the values of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] among the different leaves qualitatively by replacing [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. In research of soybean leaf growth, stress resistance of soybean cultivars and the breeding of excellent varietals, [Formula: see text] is shown here to be a new and useful indicator for analysis.
Estimates for parabolic equations with measure data in generalized Morrey spaces
Authors: Zhang Chao
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we prove the optimal generalized Morrey estimates for the spatial gradient of the solutions obtained by limits of approximations (SOLA) for a class of parabolic problems with right-hand side measure in a very general irregular domain. The nonlinearity is assumed to be merely measurable only in the time variable [Formula: see text] and belongs to the small bounded mean oscillation (BMO) class as functions of the spatial variable [Formula: see text].
A continuous time tug-of-war game for parabolic p(x,t)-Laplace-type equations
Authors: Heino Joonas
Published: July 2018

We formulate a stochastic differential game in continuous time that represents the unique viscosity solution to a terminal value problem for a parabolic partial differential equation involving the normalized [Formula: see text]-Laplace operator. Our game is formulated in a way that covers the full range [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we prove the uniqueness of viscosity solutions to our equation in the whole space under suitable assumptions.
Nijenhuis operators on pre-Lie algebras
Authors: Wang Qi , Sheng Yunhe , Bai Chengming , Liu Jiefeng
Published: July 2018

First we use a new approach to define a graded Lie algebra whose Maurer–Cartan elements characterize pre-Lie algebra structures. Then using this graded Lie bracket, we define the notion of a Nijenhuis operator on a pre-Lie algebra which generates a trivial deformation of this pre-Lie algebra. There are close relationships between [Formula: see text]-operators, Rota–Baxter operators and Nijenhuis operators on a pre-Lie algebra. In particular, a Nijenhuis operator “connects” two [Formula: see text]-operators on a pre-Lie algebra whose any linear combination is still an [Formula: see text]-operator in certain sense and hence compatible [Formula: see text]-dendriform algebras appear naturally as the induced algebraic structures. For the case of the dual representation of the regular representation of a pre-Lie algebra, there is a geometric interpretation by introducing the notion of a pseudo-Hessian–Nijenhuis structure which gives rise to a sequence of pseudo-Hessian and pseudo-Hessian–Nijenhuis structures. Another application of Nijenhuis operators on pre-Lie algebras in geometry is illustrated by introducing the notion of a para-complex structure on a pre-Lie algebra and then studying para-complex quadratic pre-Lie algebras and para-complex pseudo-Hessian pre-Lie algebras in detail. Finally, we give some examples of Nijenhuis operators on pre-Lie algebras.
Local Hölder regularity for a doubly singular PDE
Authors: Henriques Eurica
Published: July 2018

We establish the local Hölder continuity for the nonnegative bounded weak solutions of a certain doubly singular parabolic equation. The proof involves the method of intrinsic scaling and the parabolic version of De Giorgi’s iteration method.
Aerodynamic Optimal Design for Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Airfoil Using Integrated Optimization Method
Authors: Le-Duc Thang , Nguyen Quoc-Hung
Published: July 2018

In this work, a new approach for aerodynamic optimization of horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) airfoil is presented. This technique combines commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes with differential evolution (DE), a reliable gradient-free global optimization method. During the optimization process, commercial CFD codes are used to evaluate aerodynamic characteristics of HAWT airfoil and an improved DE algorithm is utilized to find the optimal airfoil design. The objective of this research is to maximize the aerodynamic coefficients of HAWT airfoil at the design angle of attack (AOA) with specific ambient environment. The airfoil shape is modeled by control points which their coordinates are design variables. The reliability of CFD codes is validated by comparing the analytical results of a typical HAWT airfoil with its experimental data. Finally, the optimal design of wind turbine airfoil is evaluated about aerodynamic performance in comparison with existing airfoils and some discussions are performed.
Low-temperature solution-processing high quality Nb-doped SnO2 nanocrystals-based electron transport layers for efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Song Jing , Xu Xiaoxia , Wu Jihuai , Lan Zhang
Published: July 2018

Low-temperature solution-processing method is a kind of low-energy-consuming and simple methodology for preparing cost-effective planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To achieve high-effciency planar PSCs, the quality of electron-transporting layers (ETLs) play a key role. The solvothermal-synthesized organic ligands capped semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) not only have high crystallinity but also show excellent film-formation. Nevertheless, the biggest problem is that these organic ligands will form insulating barriers around the NCs, which will seriously hinder electronic coupling and limit performance of the corresponding devices. Therefore, the stripping treatment for organic ligands, which is not only complex but also has destructive influence on the quality of films, is traditionally used for achieving good performance. Here, we select high crystalline oleic acid-capped SnO2 NCs to prepare ETLs with low-temperature solution-processed methodology without complex ligand stripping step. We use Nb[Formula: see text] doping route to further enhance photovoltaic performance of the planar PSCs. The champion PSC based on Nb-doped SnO2 NCs ETL achieves a power conversion efficiency of 20.07%.
Influence of Zn content on heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalytic performance of Zn-doped Fe3O4 for degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Cen Huoshi , Nan Zhaodong
Published: July 2018

Zn-doped Fe3O4 has been employed as a catalyst for the photo-Fenton process. At the present study, the influence of Zn content in the Zn-doped Fe3O4 on the catalytic activity for the photo-Fenton process was studied. Monodispersed ZnxFe[Formula: see text]O4 particles were facilely synthesized with higher surface area and several nm of diameter, where [Formula: see text], 0.4 and 1.0. Rhodamine B (Rh B), as one of the positive dyes, was selected as a model pollutant. The decolorization efficiency of the Fe3O4 ([Formula: see text]) for Rh B reached about 90% in 120[Formula: see text]min under visible light. The Zn content increase in the Zn-doped Fe3O4 inhibited the Fenton process. The higher molar ratio of Fe[Formula: see text] to Fe[Formula: see text], smaller band-gap, and more negative zeta potential of the Fe3O4 induced the most excellent photo-Fenton performance for the Rh B degradation.
Bias Correction in Monthly Records of Satellite Soil Moisture Using Nonuniform CDFs
Authors: Wang Shan , Shan Huiling , Zhang Chi , Wang Yuexing , Shi Chunxiang
Published: July 2018

It is important to eliminate systematic biases in the field of soil moisture data assimilation. One simple method for bias removal is to match cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of modeled soil moisture data to satellite soil moisture data. Traditional methods approximate numerical CDFs using 12 or 20 uniformly spaced samples. In this paper, we applied the Douglas–Peucker curve approximation algorithm to approximate the CDFs and found that three nonuniformly spaced samples can achieve the same reduction in standard deviation. Meanwhile, the matching results are always closely related to the temporal and spatial availability of soil moisture observed by automatic soil moisture station (ASM). We also applied the new nonuniformly spaced sampling method to a shorter time series. Instead of processing a whole year of data at once, we divided it into 12 datasets and used three nonuniformly spaced samples to approximate the model data’s CDF for each month. The matching results demonstrate that NU-CDF3 reduced the SD, improved R, and reduced the RMSD in over 70% of the stations, when compared with U-CDF12. Additionally, the SD and RMSD have been reduced by over 4% with R improved by more than 9%.
A Provably Secure Anonymous Authenticated Key Exchange Protocol Based on ECC for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Ke , Xu Kai , Wei Fushan
Published: July 2018

In wireless sensor networks, users sometimes need to retrieve real‐time data directly from the sensor nodes. Many authentication protocols are proposed to address the security and privacy aspects of this scenario. However, these protocols still have security loopholes and fail to provide strong user anonymity. In order to overcome these shortcomings, we propose an anonymous authenticated key exchange protocol based on Elliptic Curves Cryptography (ECC). The novel protocol provides strong user anonymity such that even the gateway node and the sensor nodes do not know the real identity of the user. The security of the proposed protocol is conducted in a well‐defined security model under the CDH assumption. Compared with other related protocols, our protocol is efficient in terms of communication and enjoys stronger security. The only disadvantage is that our protocol consumes more computation resources due to the usage of asymmetric cryptography mechanisms to realize strong anonymity. Consequently, our protocol is suitable for applications which require strong anonymity and high security in wireless sensor networks.
Carotid Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamic Responses to Acute Cycling Intervention at Different Times during 12-Week Supervised Exercise Training Period
Authors: Liu Hai-Bin , Yuan Wen-Xue , Wang Qing-Yong , Wang Yan-Xia , Cao Hou-Wen , Xu Jian , Qin Kai-Rong
Published: July 2018

This paper studied the alterations in arterial stiffness and hemodynamic responses during resting state and immediately following acute cycling intervention at different times across 12-week supervised exercise training. Twenty-six sedentary young males participated in the exercise training program at moderate intensity. Arterial stiffness and hemodynamic variables of the right common carotid artery were measured and computed during resting state and immediately following acute cycling intervention at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Across the 12-week exercise training, carotid arterial stiffness was decreased at weeks 8 and 12 and hemodynamic variables were improved at week 12 during resting state. In response to acute cycling intervention, carotid arterial stiffness exhibited an acute increase foremost at 8 weeks, and arterial maximal and mean diameters showed acute decreases at weeks 0 and 4. Despite significant differences in arterial stiffness and hemodynamic variables between resting state and immediately after acute intervention for each time period, these differences presented a progressive decrease across the 12-week exercise training. In conclusion, long-term exercise training not only improved carotid arterial stiffness and hemodynamic alterations when at rest but also negated the acute responses of carotid arterial stiffness and hemodynamic variables to acute cycling intervention.
Radial Head Resection versus Arthroplasty in Unrepairable Comminuted Fractures Mason Type III and Type IV: A Systematic Review
Authors: Catellani Francesco , De Caro Francesca , De Biase Carlo F. , Perrino Vincenzo R. , Usai Luca , Triolo Vito , Ziveri Giovanni , Fiorentino Gennaro
Published: July 2018

Unrepairable comminuted fractures of the radial head Mason type III or type IV have poor outcomes when treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Radial head resection has been proposed as good option for surgical treatment, while in the last decades, the development of technology and design in radial head prosthesis has increased efficacy in prosthetic replacement. The present review was conducted to determine the best surgical treatment for comminuted radial head when ORIF is not possible. Better outcomes are reported for radial head arthroplasty in terms of elbow stability, range of motion, pain, and fewer complications compared to radial head excision. Nevertheless, radial head resection still can be considered an option of treatment in isolated radial head fractures with no associated ligament injuries lesion of ligaments or in case of older patients with low demanding function.
Effect of TIPA on Chloride Immobilization in Cement‐Fly Ash Paste
Authors: Ma Baoguo , Zhang Ting , Tan Hongbo , Liu Xiaohai , Mei Junpeng , Jiang Wenbin , Qi Huahui , Gu Benqing
Published: July 2018

Utilization of sea sands and coral aggregate for concrete in ocean construction is increasingly attracting the attention all over the world. However, the potential risk of steel corrosion resulting from chloride in these raw materials was one of the most concerned problems. To take this risk into account, chloride transporting to the surface of steel should be hindered. The formation of Friedel’s salt in hydration process is widely accepted as an effective manner for this hindrance. In this study, an attempt to hasten the formation of Friedel’s salt by adding triisopropanolamine (TIPA) was done in the cement‐fly ash system, with intention to chemical bind chloride, and the chloride‐binding capacity at 60 d age was examined. The results show that TIPA can enhance the chloride‐binding capacity of cement‐fly ash paste at 60 d age, and the reason is that the formation of Friedel’s salt can be accelerated with addition of TIPA. The mechanism behind is revealed as follows: on the one hand, the accelerated cement hydration provides more amount of calcium hydroxide to induce the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash, which can hasten the dissolution of aluminum into liquid phase; on the other hand, TIPA can directly hasten the dissolution of aluminum in fly ash, offering more amounts of aluminum in liquid phase. In this case, the aluminum/sulfate (Al/S) ratio was obviously increased, benefiting the formation of Friedel’s salt in hydration products. Such results would expect to provide useful experience to promote the chloride‐binding capacity of cement‐fly ash system.
Mixed H2/H∞ Fault Detection Filter for Markovian Jump Linear Systems
Authors: de Paula Carvalho Leonardo , Marcorin de Oliveira André , Costa Oswaldo Luiz do Valle
Published: July 2018

We tackle the mixed H2/H∞ fault detection filter problem for a Markov jump linear system (MJLS) in the discrete-time domain. We present three distinct formulations: the first one is to minimize an upper bound on the H2 subject to a given upper value on the H∞ norm; the second one is the opposite situation; that is, we minimize an upper bound on H∞, subject to a given restriction on the H2 norm; and the third one is the minimization of a weighted combination of the upper bound of both the H2 and H∞ norms. We present new conditions in the form of linear matrices inequalities (LMI) that provide the design of the fault detection filter. We also present results for the so-called mode-independent case and the design of robust H∞ filters in the sense that the system matrices are uncertain. In order to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approaches, a numerical example is presented.
Dynamic Multiaircraft Cooperative Suppression Interference Array Optimization by Dynamic MOPSO Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Huan , Yang Rennong , Sun Changyue
Published: July 2018

Dynamic multiaircraft cooperative suppression interference array (MACSIA) optimization problem is a typical dynamic multiobjective optimization problem. In this paper, the sum of the distance between each jamming aircraft and the enemy air defense radar network center and the minimum width of the safety area for route planning are taken as the objective functions. The dynamic changes in the battlefield environment are reduced to two cases. One is that the location of the enemy air defense radar is mobile, but the number remains the same. The other is that the number of the enemy air defense radars is variable, but the original location remains unchanged. Thus, two dynamic multiobjective optimization models of dynamic MACSIA are constructed. The dynamic multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the two models, respectively. The optimal dynamic MACSIA schemes which satisfy the limitation of the given suppression interference effect and ensure the safety of the jamming aircraft themselves are obtained by simulation experiments. And then verify the correctness of the constructed dynamic multiobjective optimization model, as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of the dynamic multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithm in solving dynamic MACSIA problem.
An Evaluation of the Genotoxicity and Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Synthetic Curcumin
Authors: Damarla Sreenivasa Rao , Komma Rajesh , Bhatnagar Upendra , Rajesh Navin , Mulla Sadik Mohmad Abdulhamid
Published: July 2018

A battery of toxicological studies was conducted in accordance with international guidelines to investigate the genotoxicity and repeated-dose oral toxicity in rats of synthetic curcumin (VEAMIN 99, >99% purity). There was no evidence of mutagenicity in a bacterial reverse mutation test, whereas an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test was positive for induction of chromosomal aberrations which is in line with results reported for natural curcumin. There was no evidence of genotoxicity in an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test. Synthetic curcumin did not cause mortality or toxic effects in a 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study at daily doses of 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day (administered by gavage in a split dose). The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) determined from the 90-day study was 1000 mg/kg bw/day for both male and female Wistar rats.
Effect of Shear Displacement on the Directivity of Permeability in 3D Self-Affine Fractal Fractures
Authors: Liu Richeng , Huang Na , Jiang Yujing , Jing Hongwen , Li Bo , Xia Yuxuan
Published: July 2018

The effect of shear displacement on the directivity of permeability in fractures is studied in this paper. The studied fracture surface has 3D self-affine fractal characteristics that are created using the modified successive random addition (SRA) method. Fluid flow through the fracture is simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics code based on the finite element method (FEM) by changing the angle between the shear direction and macroscopic flow direction. The evolutions of the aperture distribution and flow paths with changes in shear displacement are investigated, and the change in the equivalent permeability is evaluated. The results show that the mean aperture and its deviation for rough fractures increase as the shear displacement increases, and this change is accompanied by an increase in void spaces and decreasing contact areas between the upper and lower fracture surfaces. The flow paths become more tortuous, and the channeling flow effect occurs during the shear process. The equivalent permeability of the fractures varies as the inclination between the shear direction and macroscopic flow direction changes. The permeability with the largest magnitude exists in the direction perpendicular to the shear direction, and the permeability with the smallest magnitude exists in the direction parallel to the shear direction. The equivalent permeability of the fractures at other inclinations varies between the smallest and greatest values. Notably, larger inclinations correspond to higher permeability magnitudes. The ratio of the directional permeability to the permeability in the direction parallel to the shear direction varies between 1.03 and 2.71. This ratio tends to decrease as the shear displacement and JRC increase, which indicates that the directivity of the permeability is more obvious for fractures with smaller JRCs and smaller shear displacement.
The Cytochrome P450 Slow Metabolizers CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 Directly Regulate Tumorigenesis via Reduced Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Production
Authors: Sausville Lindsay N. , Gangadhariah Mahesha H. , Chiusa Manuel , Mei Shaojun , Wei Shouzuo , Zent Roy , Luther James M. , Shuey Megan M. , Capdevila Jorge H. , Falck John R. , Guengerich F. Peter , Williams Scott M. , Pozzi Ambra
Published: July 2018

Increased expression of cytochrome P450 CYP2C9, together with elevated levels of its products epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EET), is associated with aggressiveness in cancer. Cytochrome P450 variants CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 encode proteins with reduced enzymatic activity, and individuals carrying these variants metabolize drugs more slowly than individuals with wild-type CYP2C9*1, potentially affecting their response to drugs and altering their risk of disease. Although genetic differences in CYP2C9-dependent oxidation of arachidonic acid (AA) have been reported, the roles of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 in EET biosynthesis and their relevance to disease are unknown. Here, we report that CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 metabolize AA less efficiently than CYP2C9*1 and that they play a role in the progression of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via impaired EET biosynthesis. When injected into mice, NSCLC cells expressing CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 produced lower levels of EETs and developed fewer, smaller, and less vascularized tumors than cells expressing CYP2C9*1. Moreover, endothelial cells expressing these two variants proliferated and migrated less than cells expressing CYP2C*1. Purified CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 exhibited attenuated catalytic efficiency in producing EETs, primarily due to impaired reduction of these two variants by NADPH-P450 reductase. Loss-of-function SNPs within CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 were associated with improved survival in female cases of NSCLC. Thus, decreased EET biosynthesis represents a novel mechanism whereby CYPC29*2 and CYP2C9*3 exert a direct protective role in NSCLC development.

Significance: These findings report single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human CYP2C9 genes, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3, exert a direct protective role in tumorigenesis by impairing EET biosynthesis. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4865–77. ©2018 AACR.
Activation of NKT Cells in an Anti-PD-1–Resistant Tumor Model Enhances Antitumor Immunity by Reinvigorating Exhausted CD8 T Cells
Authors: Bae Eun-Ah , Seo Hyungseok , Kim Byung-Seok , Choi Jeongwon , Jeon Insu , Shin Kwang-Soo , Koh Choong-Hyun , Song Boyeong , Kim Il-Kyu , Min Byung Soh , Han Yoon Dae , Shin Sang Joon , Kang Chang-Yuil
Published: July 2018

PD-1–based cancer immunotherapy is a successful example of immune checkpoint blockade that provides long-term durable therapeutic effects in patients with cancer across a wide spectrum of cancer types. Accumulating evidence suggests that anti-PD-1 therapy enhances antitumor immunity by reversing the function of exhausted T cells in the tumor environment. However, the responsiveness rate of patients with cancer to anti-PD-1 therapy remains low, providing an urgent need for optimization and improvement. In this study, we designed an anti-PD-1–resistant mouse tumor model and showed that unresponsiveness to anti-PD-1 is associated with a gradual increase in CD8 T-cell exhaustion. We also found that invariant natural killer T cell stimulation by the synthetic ligand α-galactosylceramide (αGC) can enhance the antitumor effect in anti-PD-1–resistant tumors by restoring the effector function of tumor antigen–specific exhausted CD8 T cells. IL2 and IL12 were among the cytokines produced by αGC stimulation critical for reinvigorating exhausted CD8 T cells in tumor-bearing mice and patients with cancer. Furthermore, we observed a synergistic increase in the antitumor effect between αGC-loaded antigen-presenting cells and PD-1 blockade in a therapeutic murine tumor model. Our study suggests NKT cell stimulation as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with anti-PD-1–resistant cancer.

Significance: These findings provide mechanistic insights into the application of NKT cell stimulation as a potent adjuvant for immunotherapy against advanced cancer. Cancer Res; 78(18); 5315–26. ©2018 AACR.
Activating Transcription Factor 4 Modulates TGFβ-Induced Aggressiveness in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via SMAD2/3/4 and mTORC2 Signaling
Authors: González-González Adrián , Muñoz-Muela Esperanza , Marchal Juan A. , Cara Francisca E. , Molina Maria P. , Cruz-Lozano Marina , Jiménez Gema , Verma Akanksha , Ramírez Alberto , Qian Wei , Chen Wen , Kozielski Anthony J. , Elemento Olivier , Martín-Salvago María D. , Luque Rafael J. , Rosa-Garrido Carmen , Landeira David , Quintana-Romero María , Rosato Roberto R. , García Maria A. , Ramirez-Tortosa Cesar L. , Kim Hanna , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Sood Anil K. , Lorente Jose A. , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro , Chang Jenny C. , Granados-Principal Sergio
Published: July 2018

Purpose: On the basis of the identified stress-independent cellular functions of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), we reported enhanced ATF4 levels in MCF10A cells treated with TGFβ1. ATF4 is overexpressed in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but its impact on patient survival and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to determine ATF4 effects on patients with breast cancer survival and TNBC aggressiveness, and the relationships between TGFβ and ATF4. Defining the signaling pathways may help us identify a cell signaling–tailored gene signature.

Experimental Design: Patient survival data were determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Relationship between TGFβ and ATF4, their effects on aggressiveness (tumor proliferation, metastasis, and stemness), and the underlying pathways were analyzed in three TNBC cell lines and in vivo using patient-derived xenografts (PDX).

Results: ATF4 overexpression correlated with TNBC patient survival decrease and a SMAD-dependent crosstalk between ATF4 and TGFβ was identified. ATF4 expression inhibition reduced migration, invasiveness, mammosphere-forming efficiency, proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and antiapoptotic and stemness marker levels. In PDX models, ATF4 silencing decreased metastases, tumor growth, and relapse after chemotherapy. ATF4 was shown to be active downstream of SMAD2/3/4 and mTORC2, regulating TGFβ/SMAD and mTOR/RAC1–RHOA pathways independently of stress. We defined an eight-gene signature with prognostic potential, altered in 45% of 2,509 patients with breast cancer.

Conclusions: ATF4 may represent a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with TNBC, and we identified a cell signaling pathway–based gene signature that may contribute to the development of combinatorial targeted therapies for breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5697–709. ©2018 AACR.
IFNL4-ΔG Allele Is Associated with an Interferon Signature in Tumors and Survival of African-American Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tang Wei , Wallace Tiffany A. , Yi Ming , Magi-Galluzzi Cristina , Dorsey Tiffany H. , Onabajo Olusegun O. , Obajemu Adeola , Jordan Symone V. , Loffredo Christopher A. , Stephens Robert M. , Silverman Robert H. , Stark George R. , Klein Eric A. , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , Ambs Stefan
Published: July 2018

Purpose: Men of African ancestry experience an excessive prostate cancer mortality that could be related to an aggressive tumor biology. We previously described an immune-inflammation signature in prostate tumors of African-American (AA) patients. Here, we further deconstructed this signature and investigated its relationships with tumor biology, survival, and a common germline variant in the IFNλ4 (IFNL4) gene.

Experimental Design: We analyzed gene expression in prostate tissue datasets and performed genotype and survival analyses. We also overexpressed IFNL4 in human prostate cancer cells.

Results: We found that a distinct interferon (IFN) signature that is analogous to the previously described “IFN-related DNA damage resistance signature” (IRDS) occurs in prostate tumors. Evaluation of two independent patient cohorts revealed that IRDS is detected about twice as often in prostate tumors of AA than European-American men. Furthermore, analysis in TCGA showed an association of increased IRDS in prostate tumors with decreased disease-free survival. To explain these observations, we assessed whether IRDS is associated with an IFNL4 germline variant (rs368234815-ΔG) that controls production of IFNλ4, a type III IFN, and is most common in individuals of African ancestry. We show that the IFNL4 rs368234815-ΔG allele was significantly associated with IRDS in prostate tumors and overall survival of AA patients. Moreover, IFNL4 overexpression induced IRDS in three human prostate cancer cell lines.

Conclusions: Our study links a germline variant that controls production of IFNλ4 to the occurrence of a clinically relevant IFN signature in prostate tumors that may predominantly affect men of African ancestry. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5471–81. ©2018 AACR.