bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization behaviors of coupled systems composed of hidden attractors
Authors: Zhang Ge , Wu Fuqiang , Wang Chunni , Ma Jun
Published: May 2017

Based on a class of chaotic system composed of hidden attractors, in which the equilibrium points are described by a circular function, complete synchronization between two identical systems, pattern formation and synchronization of network is investigated, respectively. A statistical factor of synchronization is defined and calculated by using the mean field theory, the dependence of synchronization on bifurcation parameters discussed in numerical way. By setting a chain network, which local kinetic is described by hidden attractors, synchronization approach is investigated. It is found that the synchronization and pattern formation are dependent on the coupling intensity and also the selection of coupling variables. In the end, open problems are proposed for readers’ extensive guidance and investigation.
Three-component pillared phononic crystal plate containing viscoelastic material
Authors: Zhao Haojiang , Wang Gang , Qi Lili , Wang Lei , Ma Lie
Published: May 2017

Three-component pillared phononic crystal plates (PPCPs) usually contain viscoelastic materials. The influence of viscoelasticity on the band structures cannot be ignored. Based on the finite element method (FEM) and the standard linear solid model, this paper proposes a method to obtain the band structures of three-component PPCP containing viscoelastic rubber. The influence of the rubber storage modulus shifting along with frequency on the vibration band gaps is investigated, and the band structures of loss factor under different relaxation time are obtained.
Relaxation of the electric resistance in YBa2Cu3O7−x single crystals at room temperature
Authors: Boiko Y. I. , Bogdanov V. V. , Vovk R. V. , Kamchatnaya S. N. , Goulatis I. L. , Chroneos A.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the relaxation of the electrical resistance of a YBa[Formula: see text]Cu[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] single crystal that is kept for a long time at room temperature in air atmosphere is investigated. It is shown that with increasing time of keeping, relaxation of the electrical resistivity at room temperature is observed, controlled by a single channel and the classical oxygen ion diffusion mechanisms. The faster transport of oxygen ions in the initial stage of the implantation process can take place along one-dimensional nonstoichiometric vacancies in a single-file diffusion mode. The final stage of oxygen transport in this compound is described by an ordinary classical diffusion mechanism.
COEXISTENCE OF THREE OSCILLATORY MODES OF INSULIN SECRETION: MATHEMATICAL MODELING AND RELEVANCE TO GLUCOSE REGULATION
Authors: KANG HYUK , HAN KYUNGREEM , GOH SEGUN , CHOI MOOYOUNG
Published: May 2017

Insulin secretion in pancreatic [Formula: see text]-cells exhibits three oscillatory modes with distinct period ranges, called fast, slow, and ultradian modes. To unveil the mechanism underlying such oscillatory behaviors and their roles in blood glucose regulation, we propose a combined model for the glucose–insulin regulation system, incorporating both the cell-level insulin secretion mechanism and inter-organ interactions in the blood glucose regulation. Special emphasis is placed on the identification of the mechanism of the slow oscillation and its role associated with the whole-body glucose regulation. Via extensive numerical simulations, we obtain macroscopic behaviors of the three types of insulin/glucose oscillations in the whole-body as well as microscopic behaviors of the membrane potential and the calcium concentration in the [Formula: see text]-cell. Finally, optimal regulatory strategies for the blood glucose level are discussed on the basis of the quantitative information obtained from the mathematical modeling and numerical simulations.
On graded special radicals of graded rings
Authors: Ilić-Georgijević Emil
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a graded ring is a ring which is the direct sum of a family of its additive subgroups indexed by a nonempty set under the assumption that the product of homogeneous elements is again homogeneous. We study graded special radicals and special radicals of graded rings, but which contain the corresponding Jacobson radicals. There are two versions of this graded radical, which we name the graded over-Jacobson and the large graded over-Jacobson radical. We establish several characterizations of the graded over-Jacobson radical of a graded ring and also prove that the largest homogeneous ideal contained in the corresponding classical radical of a graded ring coincides with the large graded over-Jacobson radical of that ring.
Fabrication of Millimeters-Sized Poly(Divinylbenzene) Foam Shells from Controllable Double Emulsion in Microfluidic Device
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Zhu Jiayi , Shao Ting , Luo Xuan , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2017

A geometrically confined dripping was employed to enable precise control over the dimension and structure of millimeters-sized double-emulsion precursors of poly(divinylbenzene) foam shells in a new kind of double Y-shaped compound channels. Due to the 3D axial-symmetric microfluidic device, a more stable and robust flow field was maintained to obtain a continuous and regular emulsification. Various factors were systematically investigated for the precise size control of dripping in confined channel geometry, such as outlet channel size, fluid properties and flow rates. It was seen that phase properties and synergistic effects of main factors played key roles in determining droplet size. Thus, we used the optimized microfluidic approach to fabricate predetermined size foams to satisfy inertial fusion energy experiments, ranging from 4 to 4.6[Formula: see text]mm in diameter with a 50–300[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m wall thickness and a coefficient of variation [Formula: see text]%. The results presented in this work provided a practical guideline for creating size-desired polymersome from comparable double emulsions.
Withania somniferaphytochemicals confer neuroprotection by selective inhibition of nNos: Anin silicostudy to search potent and selective inhibitors for human nNOS
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Paliwal Pankaj , Patnaik Nishant , Patnaik Ranjana
Published: May 2017

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS or NOS1) is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of various neurological diseases. A major challenge faced in the design of nNOS inhibitors emphasizes on potency in humans and selectivity over other NOS isoforms — eNOS and iNOS. The present structural-based in silico study was carried out to search potent and selective inhibitor for human nNOS from a set of 40 Withania somnifera phytochemicals structure. Ten phytochemicals appear as dual-selective inhibitors of nNOS over both iNOS and eNOS. Here we report five potent and selective human nNOS inhibitors, namely, Chlorogenic Acid, Withanolide B, Withacnistin Pelletierine, and Calystegine B2 based on their selectivity, binding energy and nNOS active site residues interaction profile. These phytochemicals have nNOS selectivity higher than 4-methyl-6-(2-(5-(3-(methylamino)propyl)pyridin-3-yl)-ethyl)pyridin-2-amine inhibitor and have potential as an oral neurotherapeutic agent to combat neurological disorders mediated by nNOS activation.
Characterizations of special time-like curves in Lorentzian plane 𝕃2
Authors: Mağden Abdullah , Yılmaz Süha , Ünlütürk Yasin
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we first obtain the differential equation characterizing position vector of time-like curve in Lorentzian plane [Formula: see text] Then we study the special curves such as Smarandache curves, circular indicatrices, and curves of constant breadth in Lorentzian plane [Formula: see text] We give some characterizations of these special curves in [Formula: see text]
3-Leibniz bialgebras (3-Lie bialgebras)
Authors: Rezaei-Aghdam A. , Sedghi-Ghadim L.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to extend the notion of Leibniz bialgebra (and Lie bialgebra) to [Formula: see text]-Leibniz bialgebra (and [Formula: see text]-Lie bialgebra) by use of the cohomology complex of [Formula: see text]-Leibniz algebras. Some theorems about Leibniz bialgebras are extended and proved in the case of [Formula: see text]-Leibniz bialgebras ([Formula: see text]-Lie bialgebras). Moreover, a new theorem on the correspondence between [Formula: see text]-Leibniz bialgebra and its associated Leibniz bialgebra is proved. Finally, some examples are discussed in detail.
A Central Point-Based Discrete Shear Gap Method for Plates and Shells Analysis Using Triangular Elements
Authors: Cui X. Y. , Tian L.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, discrete shear gap method (DSG)-based central point of the three-node triangular element (CP-DSG3) is presented for both linear and geometrically nonlinear analysis of plates and shells. A fictitious central point is introduced as the base point of the DSG to overcome the anisotropy of the formerly proposed formulation. In the CP-DSG3, the discrete shear gap at each field node is deduced using rotations of all three nodes in local coordinate system, which makes it an isotropic triangular plate and shell element. At the same time, the CP-DSG3 inherits the advantages of shear-locking-free from the DSG. Moreover, a series of numerical examples consisting of standard patch test, linear and geometrically nonlinear problems have been investigated and the results demonstrate the excellent performance and accuracy of the proposed CP-DSG3.
A Study of the Flexoelectric Effect on the Electroelastic Fields of a Cantilevered Piezoelectric Nanoplate
Authors: Wang Xining , Zhang Rui , Jiang Liying
Published: May 2017

Flexoelectricity, a spontaneous polarization in linear response to strain gradients or non-uniform deformation, is believed to contribute to the size-dependent electromechanical coupling of piezoelectric materials at the nanoscale. In the current work, the flexoelectric effect upon the static bending behaviors of a cantilevered piezoelectric nanoplate (PNP) is studied. Based on the Kirchhoff plate model and the extended linear piezoelectric theory, the non-conventional governing equations and the boundary conditions of the PNP under both mechanical and electrical loads are derived with the incorporation of the flexoelectric effect. Finite difference method (FDM) is performed to get the numerical solution for the electroelastic fields of the plate. Simulation results show that the flexoelectric effect is more prominent for the thinner plates with smaller thickness. It is also found that the flexoelectric effect upon the electroelastic responses of the clamped PNP is also sensitive to some other factors, including the boundary conditions, the plate geometric ratio, and the applied mechanical and electrical loads. This work aims to provide an increased understanding of the size-dependent electromechanical coupling properties of a piezoelectric plate structure.
Direct Electrodeposition to Fabricate Vertically-Oriented Graphene Nanosheets Modified Electrode and its Application for Determination of Levodopa in the Presence of Uric Acid and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Wu Yanju , Song Huijun , Lu Kui , Ye Yong , Lv Mingxiu , Zhao Yufen
Published: May 2017

The electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film with preferred vertical orientation was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode by using pulse potential method in a graphene oxide solution. The rGO film was applied in developing a high-sensitive electrochemical sensor for detection of levodopa (L-dopa). The new electrochemical sensor displayed a significant response to L-dopa because of its excellent electric conductivity and large specific surface area. Moreover, the determination of L-dopa on this modified electrode was not interfered by the coexistence of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Under the selective conditions, the modified electrode showed a linear voltammetric response to L-dopa within a certain concentration ranging from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] mol L[Formula: see text], with the detection limit of [Formula: see text] mol L[Formula: see text]. Besides, the modified electrode also exhibited an excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility and repeatability.
Single-Layer and Double-Layer Microwave Absorbers Based on Graphene Nanosheets/Epoxy Resin Composite
Authors: Min Dandan , Zhou Wancheng , Qing Yuchang , Luo Fa , Zhu Dongmei
Published: May 2017

Graphene nanosheets/epoxy resin (GN/EP) composites with enhanced microwave absorption properties were prepared. The influence of GNs content on the electromagnetic and microwave-absorbing properties of single-layer GN/EP composites was investigated in the frequency range of 2–18[Formula: see text]GHz. A novel double-layer microwave absorber by combining absorbers with different contents of graphene was designed to achieve absorbers with wide absorption band and optimal microwave absorption. The calculated microwave absorption properties indicated that broader absorption band was obtained by the double-layer GN/EP composites. Reflection loss (RL) values below [Formula: see text]5[Formula: see text]dB can be obtained in the frequency range of 4.4–18[Formula: see text]GHz by the double-layer GN/EP composites at thickness of 3.9[Formula: see text]mm.
A 60-year international history of Antarctic subglacial lake exploration
Authors: Siegert Martin J.
Published: May 2017

In January 2013, the US WISSARD programme measured and sampled Lake Whillans, a subglacial water body at the edge of West Antarctica, in a clean and environmentally sensitive manner, proving the existence of microbial life beneath this part of the ice sheet. The success of WISSARD represented a benchmark in the exploration of Antarctica, made possible by a rich and diverse history of events, discoveries and discussions over the past 60 years, ranging from geophysical measurement of subglacial lakes to the development of scientific hypotheses concerning these environments and the engineering solutions required to test them. In this article, I provide a personal account of this history, from the published literature and my own involvement in subglacial lake exploration over the last 20 years. I show that our ability to directly measure and sample subglacial water bodies in Antarctica has been made possible by a strong theme of international collaboration, at odds with the media representation of a scientific ‘race’ between nations. I also consider plans for subglacial lake exploration and discuss how such collaboration is likely to be key to success of future research in this field.
Computational steering for geosimulations
Authors: Shashidharan Ashwin
Published: May 2017

Geosimulations using computer simulation models provide researchers an effective way to study complex geographic phenomena and their outcomes. These simulations allow for scenario based exploration by capturing spatial and temporal relationships between various geographic processes in a region. However, current approaches to geosimulation limit manipulating model input and exploring alternative scenarios by controlling the simulation model at runtime. This paper proposes a computational steering system for geosimulation models and presents a prototype,
tFUTURES
, developed for the FUTURES Urban Growth Model (UGM). By allowing tangible inputs and implementing mechanisms to control model execution, this system solves the problem of lack of user-interactivity experienced at runtime. We develop a web interface and leverage the WMS, WFS-t and WPS OGC services to help visualize, modify and execute geosimulations. We define new
steering controls
within this interface and implement
application checkpointing
, allowing a user to provide new
steering input
and execute
steering actions
that can
pause, advance
or
rollback
a geosimulation and display the model outcomes in near real-time.
Perceived Self-Efficacy, Poverty, and Economic Development
Authors: Wuepper David , Lybbert Travis J.
Published: May 2017

Traditionally focused on external constraints, economists are increasingly recognizing the importance of internal constraints that reflect perceptions as much as reality. Perceived self-efficacy (PSE)—individuals’ perception of their domain-specific capabilities—fundamentally shapes these internal constraints and thereby drives economic behavior. Without sufficient PSE, individuals have little reason to invest greater effort or attempt anything new. Individuals with higher PSE set more ambitious goals, try harder, and persist more diligently. Such proactive engagement in perceiving and creating possibilities is often either ignored or implicitly assumed in simple optimization models. Growing evidence from psychology and economics suggests that PSE deserves greater attention. We review the theoretical and empirical literature on PSE with a focus on its relevance to poverty and economic development. We discuss promising avenues for future research at the interface of PSE and poverty as part of the broader frontier of behavioral development economics.
β-Adrenergic receptor stimulation inhibits proarrhythmic alternans in postinfarction border zone cardiomyocytes: a computational analysis
Authors: Tomek Jakub , Rodriguez Blanca , Bub Gil , Heijman Jordi
Published: May 2017

The border zone (BZ) of the viable myocardium adjacent to an infarct undergoes extensive autonomic and electrical remodeling and is prone to repolarization alternans-induced cardiac arrhythmias. BZ remodeling processes may promote or inhibit Ca2+ and/or repolarization alternans and may differentially affect ventricular arrhythmogenesis. Here, we used a detailed computational model of the canine ventricular cardiomyocyte to study the determinants of alternans in the BZ and their regulation by β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation. The BZ model developed Ca2+ transient alternans at slower pacing cycle lengths than the control model, suggesting that the BZ may promote spatially heterogeneous alternans formation in an infarcted heart. β-AR stimulation abolished alternans. By evaluating all combinations of downstream β-AR stimulation targets, we identified both direct (via ryanodine receptor channels) and indirect [via sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load] modulation of SR Ca2+ release as critical determinants of Ca2+ transient alternans. These findings were confirmed in a human ventricular cardiomyocyte model. Cell-to-cell coupling indirectly modulated the likelihood of alternans by affecting the action potential upstroke, reducing the trigger for SR Ca2+ release in one-dimensional strand simulations. However, β-AR stimulation inhibited alternans in both single and multicellular simulations. Taken together, these data highlight a potential antiarrhythmic role of sympathetic hyperinnervation in the BZ by reducing the likelihood of alternans and provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms controlling Ca2+ transient and repolarization alternans.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We integrated, for the first time, postmyocardial infarction electrical and autonomic remodeling in a detailed, validated computer model of β-adrenergic stimulation in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Here, we show that β-adrenergic stimulation inhibits alternans and provide novel insights into underlying mechanisms, adding to a recent controversy about pro-/antiarrhythmic effects of postmyocardial infarction hyperinnervation.

Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/%CE%B2-ar-stimulation-and-alternans-in-border-zone-cardiomyocytes/ .
Chronic hypoxia attenuates the vasodilator efficacy of protein kinase G in fetal and adult ovine cerebral arteries
Authors: Thorpe Richard B. , Hubbell Margaret C. , Silpanisong Jinjutha , Williams James M. , Pearce William J.
Published: May 2017

Long-term hypoxia (LTH) attenuates nitric oxide-induced vasorelaxation in ovine middle cerebral arteries. Because cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is an important mediator of NO signaling in vascular smooth muscle, we tested the hypothesis that LTH diminishes the ability of PKG to interact with target proteins and cause vasorelaxation. Prominent among proteins that regulate vascular tone is the large-conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ (BK) channel, which is a substrate for PKG and is responsive to phosphorylation on multiple serine/threonine residues. Given the influence of these proteins, we also examined whether LTH attenuates PKG and BK channel protein abundances and PKG activity. Middle cerebral arteries were harvested from normoxic and hypoxic (altitude of 3,820 m for 110 days) fetal and adult sheep. These arteries were denuded and equilibrated with 95% O2-5% CO2 in the presence of N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) to inhibit potential confounding influences of events upstream from PKG. Expression and activity of PKG-I were not significantly affected by chronic hypoxia in either fetal or adult arteries. Pretreatment with the BK inhibitor iberiotoxin attenuated vasorelaxation induced by 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate in normoxic but not LTH arteries. The spatial proximities of PKG with BK channel α- and β1-proteins were examined using confocal microscopy, which revealed a strong dissociation of PKG with these proteins after LTH. These results support our hypothesis that hypoxia reduces the ability of PKG to attenuate vasoconstriction in part through suppression of the ability of PKG to associate with and thereby activate BK channels in arterial smooth muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using measurements of contractility, protein abundance, kinase activity, and confocal colocalization in fetal and adult ovine cerebral arteries, the present study demonstrates that long-term hypoxia diminishes the ability of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) to cause vasorelaxation through suppression of its colocalization and interaction with large-conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ (BK) channel proteins in cerebrovascular smooth muscle. These experiments are among the first to demonstrate hypoxic changes in BK subunit abundances in fetal cerebral arteries and also introduce the use of advanced methods of confocal colocalization to study interaction between PKG and its targets.
Role of thiosulfate in hydrogen sulfide-dependent redox signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Leskova Anna , Pardue Sibile , Glawe John D. , Kevil Christopher G. , Shen Xinggui
Published: May 2017

Recent reports have revealed that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts critical actions to promote cardiovascular homeostasis and health. Thiosulfate is one of the products formed during oxidative H2S metabolism, and thiosulfate has been used extensively and safely to treat calcific uremic arteriopathy in dialysis patients. Yet despite its significance, fundamental questions regarding how thiosulfate and H2S interact during redox signaling remain unanswered. In the present study, we examined the effect of exogenous thiosulfate on hypoxia-induced H2S metabolite bioavailability in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Under hypoxic conditions, we observed a decrease of GSH and GSSG levels in HUVECs at 0.5 and 4 h as well as decreased free H2S and acid-labile sulfide and increased bound sulfide at all time points. Treatment with exogenous thiosulfate significantly decreased the ratio of GSH/GSSG to total sulfide of HUVECs under 0.5 h of hypoxia but significantly increased this ratio in HUVECs under 4 h of hypoxia. These responses reveal that thiosulfate has different effects at low and high doses and under different O2 tensions. In addition, treatment with thiosulfate also diminished VEGF-induced cystathionine-γ-lyase expression and reduced VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. These results indicate that thiosulfate can modulate H2S metabolites and signaling under various culture conditions that impact angiogenic activity. Thus, thiosulfate may serve as a unique sulfide donor to modulate endothelial responses under pathophysiological conditions involving angiogenesis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This report provides new evidence that different levels of exogenous thiosulfate dynamically change discrete sulfide biochemical metabolite bioavailability in endothelial cells under normoxia or hypoxia, acting in a slow manner to modulate sulfide metabolites. Moreover, our findings also reveal that thiosulfate surprisingly inhibits VEGF-dependent endothelial cell proliferation associated with a reduction in cystathionine-γ-lyase protein levels.
A novel, de novo mutation in the PRKAG2 gene: infantile-onset phenotype and the signaling pathway involved
Authors: Xu Yanchun , Gray A. , Hardie D. Grahame , Uzun Alper , Shaw Sunil , Padbury James , Phornphutkul Chanika , Tseng Yi-Tang
Published: May 2017

PRKAG2 encodes the γ2-subunit isoform of 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a heterotrimeric enzyme with major roles in the regulation of energy metabolism in response to cellular stress. Mutations in PRKAG2 have been implicated in a unique hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) characterized by cardiac glycogen overload, ventricular preexcitation, and hypertrophy. We identified a novel, de novo PRKAG2 mutation (K475E) in a neonate with prenatal onset of HCM. We aimed to investigate the cellular impact, signaling pathways involved, and therapeutic options for K475E mutation using cells stably expressing human wild-type (WT) or the K475E mutant. In human embryonic kidney-293 cells, the K475E mutation induced a marked increase in the basal phosphorylation of T172 and AMPK activity, reduced sensitivity to AMP in allosteric activation, and a loss of response to phenformin. In H9c2 cardiomyocytes, the K475E mutation induced inhibition of AMPK and reduced the response to phenformin and increases in the phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Primary fibroblasts from the patient with the K475E mutation also showed marked increases in the phosphorylation of p70S6K and 4E-BP1 compared with those from age-matched, nondiseased controls. Moreover, overexpression of K475E induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cells, which was effectively reversed by treatment with rapamycin. Taken together, we have identified a novel, de novo infantile-onset PRKAG2 mutation causing HCM. Our study suggests the K475E mutation induces alteration in basal AMPK activity and results in a hypertrophy phenotype involving the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway, which can be reversed with rapamycin.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We identified a novel, de novo PRKAG2 mutation (K475E) in the cystathionine β-synthase 3 repeat, a region critical for AMP binding but with no previous reported mutation. Our data suggest the mutation affects AMP-activated protein kinase activity, activates cell growth pathways, and results in cardiac hypertrophy, which can be reversed with rapamycin.
Keyboard: A Novel Bayesian Toxicity Probability Interval Design for Phase I Clinical Trials
Authors: Yan Fangrong , Mandrekar Sumithra J. , Yuan Ying
Published: May 2017

The primary objective of phase I oncology trials is to find the MTD. The 3+3 design is easy to implement but performs poorly in finding the MTD. A newer design, such as the modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI) design, provides better accuracy to identify the MTD but tends to overdose patients. We propose the keyboard design, an intuitive Bayesian design that conducts dose escalation and de-escalation based on whether the strongest key, defined as the dosing interval that most likely contains the current dose, is below or above the target dosing interval. The keyboard design can be implemented in a simple way, similar to the traditional 3+3 design, but provides more flexibility for choosing the target toxicity rate and cohort size. Our simulation studies demonstrate that compared with the 3+3 design, the keyboard design has favorable operating characteristics in terms of identifying the MTD. Compared with the mTPI design, the keyboard design is safer, with a substantially lower risk of treating patients at overly toxic doses, and has the better precision to identify the MTD, thereby providing a useful upgrade to the mTPI design. Software freely available at http://www.trialdesign.org facilitates the application of the keyboard design. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 3994–4003. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Paoletti et al., p. 3977
Dna barcoding, population genetics, and phylogenetics of the illegally hunted Philippine Duck Anas luzonica (Aves: Anseriformes: Anatidae)
Authors: Licuanan Ardea Mingoa , Duya Mariano RoyMartin , Ong Perry Sim , Fontanilla Ian Kendrich Carandang
Published: May 2017

DNA barcoding is extensively used as a species identification and delineation tool.  The aim of this study was to generate a barcode profile for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) in the Philippine Duck Anas luzonica, a dabbling duck species endemic to the Philippines that is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (BirdLife International 2016).  COI barcodes were successfully obtained using muscle tissue samples from 46 A. luzonica individuals confiscated from illegal hunters in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.  Analysis of TrN+Γ+I distances among the Anas luzonica COI sequences and those of 25 other Anas species revealed that COI barcodes cannot generally delineate hybridizing species.  While Anas luzonica was differentiated from other species it is known to hybridize with and formed a monophyletic group in the neighbor-joining tree generated, sampling from areas of sympatry is needed since individuals were obtained from only one sampling site.  The population structure of the Anas luzonica population was also examined using mitochondrial DNA control region and COI sequences.  The population had high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity, an indication that a bottleneck event had occurred, which is likely due to extreme hunting pressures and habitat destruction.  The population under study exhibited high genetic diversity.  Given that the samples for this study came from a single locality, sampling from other localities is required to determine whether other populations are facing the risk of reduced fitness (inbreeding depression).
Euphorbia royleana Boiss., (Euphorbiaceae) a new record for the Eastern Ghats, India
Authors: Sarojinidevi N. , Venkataraju Rudraraju Reddi
Published: May 2017

A new distributional record of Euphorbia royleana Boiss., from the Eastern Ghats is provided with photographs and relevant notes for easy identification.
New distribution records of some wild crop relatives from India
Authors: Pradheep K. , Rathi R. S. , John K. Joseph , Sultan S. M. , Abraham B. , Pandey Anjula , Nayar E. Roshini , Ahlawat S. P. , Gupta Rita
Published: May 2017

Field surveys across various parts of the country coupled with an analysis of literature and examination of herbarium specimens revealed the natural distribution of six wild relatives of crop species in various states/union territories of India, viz., Cajanus scarabaeoides (from Lakshadweep), Cucumis javanicus (from Meghalaya), Hystrix duthiei (from Jammu & Kashmir), Luffa echinata (from Haryana) and Trichosanthes pilosa (from Andhra Pradesh), which have not been reported earlier from these states.  Their descriptions, phenology, habitat and other field notes have been presented here.
Population dynamics of medium and large mammals in a West African gallery forest area and the potential effects of poaching
Authors: Hema Emmanuel M. , Ouattara Yaya , Karama Mamadou , Petrozzi Fabio , Di Vittorio Massimiliano , Guenda Wendengoudi , Luiselli Luca
Published: May 2017

Few studies are available on the population dynamics of medium and large mammals in gallery forests of the Sudan and Sahel regions of West Africa.  Line-transect studies of the abundance (estimated by KIA) of nine species of ungulates and three species of primates were carried out between 2004 and 2013 in the Comoé-Leraba protected area of Burkina Faso, West Africa.  No peer-reviewed study of population sizes of mammals in this protected area has been published, making the data presented of special relevance.  Population size trends varied significantly across years in both primates and ungulates, with some species (Papio anubis, Phacochoerus africanus, Alcelaphus busephalus and Tragelaphus scriptus) decreasing consistently.  Significant relationships were observed between poaching intensity and population oscillations in Erythrocebus patas, Kobus ellipsiprymnus, Kobus kob, Ourebia ourebi and Cephalophus rufilatus.
Effect of Sodium‐Glucose Cotransport‐2 Inhibitors on Blood Pressure in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of 43 Randomized Control Trials With 22 528 Patients
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Rezaie Peyman , Gao Hong‐Kai , Kengne Andre Pascal
Published: May 2017

Background

The sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (
SGLT
2) inhibitors are a class of oral hypoglycemic agents. We undertake a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of
SGLT
2 on blood pressure (BP) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

PubMed‐Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify trial registries evaluating the impact of
SGLT
2 on BP. Random‐effects models meta‐analysis was used for quantitative data synthesis. The meta‐analysis indicated a significant reduction in systolic BP following treatment with
SGLT
2 (weighted mean difference −2.46 mm Hg [95%
CI
−2.86 to −2.06]). The weighted mean differences for the effect on diastolic BP was −1.46 mm Hg (95%
CI
 −1.82 to −1.09). In these subjects the weighted mean difference effects on serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were −2.08 mg/dL (95%
CI
−2.51 to −1.64) and 0.77 mg/dL (95%
CI
0.33‐1.21), respectively. The weighted mean differences for the effect of
SGLT
2 on body weight was −1.88 kg (95%
CI
−2.11 to −1.66) across all studies. These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Treatment with
SGLT
2 glucose cotransporter inhibitors therefore has beneficial off‐target effects on BP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and may also be of value in improving other cardiometabolic parameters including lipid profile and body weight in addition to their expected effects on glycemic control. However, our findings should be interpreted with consideration for the moderate statistical heterogeneity across the included studies.
Redescription of the numbat tick Ixodes (Sternalixodes) myrmecobii Roberts, 1962 (Acari: Ixodidae) with descriptions of the male and nymph, and new host records
Authors: KWAK MACKENZIE L. , ASH AMANDA , ELLIOT AILEEN
Published: May 2017

Limited knowledge regarding the biology and identification of the Australian tick Ixodes myrmecobii exists with only the female described to date. Here we provide a description of the male and nymph as well as a redescription of the female. All described stages are molecularly characterised using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) loci. An updated list of hosts is presented including the first records from humans, cattle and several native species. Information on the distribution and conservation status of this species is also included.
Typhlocarcinus kerala, a new species of rhizopine crab from southwestern India, and the identity of T. craterifer Rathbun, 1914 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pilumnidae)
Authors: NG PETER K. L. , DEVI SUVARNA , KUMAR APPUKUTTANNAIR BIJU
Published: May 2017

A new species of rhizopine crab of the genus Typhlocarcinus Stimpson, 1858 (family Pilumnidae), is described from southwestern India. Typhlocarcinus kerala sp. nov. is characterised by its granular carapace with the dorsal regions well demarcated and the gastro-cardiac grooves deep, the anterolateral margin entire and prominently granulated, the posterolateral margin lacks a low granulated lobe, proportions of the ambulatory legs and shape of the female telson.
Structural Analysis Methods for Differential Algebraic Equations via Fixed-Point Iteration
Authors: Tang Juan , Wu Wenyuan , Qin Xiaolin , Feng Yong
Published: May 2017

Motivated by Pryce’s structural analysis method for differential algebraic equations (DAEs), we show the complexity of the fixed-point iteration algorithm (FPIA) and propose a fixed-point iteration method with parameters. It leads to a block fixed-point iteration method (BFPIM)
which can be applied to immediately calculate the crucial canonical offsets for large-scale (coupled) DAE systems with block-triangular structure, and its complexity analysis is also given in this paper. Moreover, preliminary numerical experiments show that the time complexity of BFPIM can
be reduced by at least O(l) compared to the FPIA.
Basis Sets and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Shielding Effects for Mixing of MWBN and CNTs
Authors: Bashiz Roghieh Tarlani , Shahriari Sara , Soofi Neda Samiei , Attarikhasraghi Naime , Ahadi Maryam , Khosravi Somayeh , Esmkhani Rahim , Monajjemi Majid
Published: May 2017

Density functional theory calculations (DFT), as well as hybrid methods (B3LYP) and HF method for MWCNTs have been carried out to study structural stability. The geometry of the MWCNTs have been optimized at DFT and HF methods within CCPTZ-CCPVZ, EPR-II, EPR-II, 6-31G* and 6-31++G**
basis sets. According to GIAO method, NMR parameters have been evaluated. The Gaussian quantum chemical package is used for all calculations. The gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) approach was applied for chemical shielding calculations of (5, 5)@(10, 10), (3, 3)@(7, 7), (4, 4)@(8, 8)
DWCNTs.
Influence of Initial Stresses and Piezoelectric Constants on the Propagation Bulk Acoustic Waves in an Anisotropic Smart Material (Aluminum Nitrite)
Authors: Abd-alla Abo-el-nour N , Alshaikh Fatimah , Mechai Idir , Abbas I. A
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the effect of initial stresses on the propagation of plane waves in a general anisotropic elastic medium. Therefore, an analytical analysis supported by numerical tests to calculate the bulk acoustic wave propagation in Aluminum Nitrite (AlN) as
piezoelectric hexagonal elastic material has been presented. In addition, the Christoffel’s equation has been solved and the corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors have been obtained. Then, an explicit expressions of the waves propagation with three distinct phase velocities in anisotropic
piezoelectric material including the effect of the initial stresses have been derived. The three velocities of bulk acoustic waves (BAW) which are called quasi-longitudinal, quasi-shear vertical and quasi-shear horizontal for Aluminum Nitrite are numerically calculated. The numerical examples
are considered to illustrate graphically the effect of initial stresses on the variations of velocities of the BAW versus the angle of the propagation. The velocities of BAW change significantly with initial stresses as well as piezoelectric constants. This research is theoretically useful
in signal processing, sound system, wireless communication and for the design of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices with high performance.
Study on the Application of Data Mining Technology Based on Support Vector Machine in the Database Management of Oil Exploration and Development
Authors: Li Chuang , OuYang Dantong , Wei Wei , Wang Haiyan
Published: May 2017

Mineral resources are national industrial base, the mining is difficult, the cycle is long, and if the decision is wrong, it will bring great losses to the state and enterprises. China has abundant mineral resources and a long mining history, and with the advance of industrialization
and automation, physical and chemical indicators of each aspect are becoming increasingly sophisticated. However, how to conduct production guidance through the accumulated and ample physical and chemical indicators and to explore the potential value of the data is a major problem that should
be solved urgently by researchers and government policy makers. Among a number of physical and chemical indicators, provenance indicator plays an important instructive role in the proved rate of oil exploration and the discovery of potential exploration areas. This paper explores the provenance
of physical and chemical indicators based on the intelligent algorithm of support vector machine, determines the provenance distribution through its clustering rate and verifies the higher feasibility of the application of artificial intelligence in the development of oil field.
Intensity Based Simulation of the Temperature Prediction in the Focal Region of Liver Using MRI-Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
Authors: Revathy P , Sadasivam V , Raj T. Ajith Bosco
Published: May 2017

In this research paper a new temperature prediction method is proposed to predict the temperature in liver during thermal ablation which also takes in to account the blood flow cooling. The proposed method suggest a modification of Pennes bioheat transfer equation (PBHTE) inorder to
more accurately predict the treatment temperature. The temperature elevation by the proposed heat transfer model is compared with the PBHTE model and the other two heat continuum models by Wulff and Klinger. Appropriate temperature prediction is useful in treatment planning. This may reduce
the recurrence level of cancer. Further the reduction in treatment time increases patient safety.
Research and Stability Analysis of Active-Disturbance-Rejection-Control-Based Microgrid Controllers
Authors: Xu Xiaoning , Zhou Xuesong
Published: May 2017

With the rapid development of microgrid technology, the microgrid projects are no longer limited to laboratory demonstration and pilot platform. It shows greater value in practical applications. Hence, the smooth interaction between microgrid and the main grid plays a critical role.
In this paper, a control method based on active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is proposed in order to realize the seamless transition between grid-connected and islanding operation modes and stable operation with variable loads. It is verified by simulation that the proposed ADRC-based
method features better performance compared to conventional proportional-integral-differential (PID) control. Meanwhile, the stability of the third-order extended state observer (ESO) in second-order ADRC is validated by using Lyapunov stability criteria.
Feature Selection for Supervised Learning via Dependency Analysis
Authors: B Amarnath , Balamurugan S. Appavu alias
Published: May 2017

A new feature selection method based on Inductive probability is proposed in this paper. The main idea is to find the dependent attributes and remove the redundant ones among them. The technology to obtain the dependency needed is based on Inductive probability approach. The purpose
of the proposed method is to reduce the computational complexity and increase the classification accuracy of the selected feature subsets. The dependence between two attributes is determined based on the probabilities of their joint values that contribute to positive and negative classification
decisions. If there is an opposing set of attribute values that do not lead to opposing classification decisions (zero probability), the two attributes are considered independent, otherwise dependent. One of them can be removed and thus the number of attributes is reduced. A new attribute
selection algorithm with Inductive probability is implemented and evaluated through extensive experiments, comparing with related attribute selection algorithms over eight datasets such as Molecular Biology, Connect4, Soybean, Zoo, Ballon, Mushroom, Lenses and Fictional from UCI Machine Learning
Repository databases.
Several Theoretical Estimations of Tolman Length
Authors: Lv Baozhan , Wang Xiaosong , Hu Aijun
Published: May 2017

Based on an analytical formula of the Tolman length, some estimations of the Tolman length were obtained. The Tolman length is non-negative. The Tolman length of the fluid is zero while isothermal compression rate of the fluid is zero. The Tolman length is divergent at the critical
point. The curvature dependence of surface tensions of spherical droplets can be further gotten based on this analytical formula of the Tolman length. The surface tensions increase as the radii of spherical droplets increase. Two estimations of the Tolman length are obtained based on Egelstaff–Widom
formula and Sanchez’s equation. Based on the results of molecular dynamics simulations, it can be calculated that the value of dimensionless structure constant A of droplets consisted of argon molecular system is 1.9398 when the temperature is 96 K. An estimation of the Tolman
length is obtained based on a relationship between the isothermal compressibility, liquid density and speed of sound in a liquid.
The Analysis and Optimization Design of Thermal-Electrical Coupling System with Consideration of Numerical Noises
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Yu Fei , Xu Bo , Du Shipeng , Wang Qiuying
Published: May 2017

The optimization function for designing is usually not smooth or discontinuous due to numerical noises, which makes the multidisciplinary decoupling and optimization design more difficult. An global multidisciplinary optimization approach with consideration of numerical noises is proposed
in this paper. First, the decoupling problem is transferred into optimization in line with the idea of Simultaneous Analysis and Design (SAND). Kriging models are introduced as surrogate models in order to filter the numerical noises, then the location of new samples is determined with the
method of Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), in order to reduce repetitive times of decoupling analysis. Second, the multidisciplinary optimization model of coupling systems is set up using the penalty function method. Finally, the proposed model and method is verified through a typical
thermalelectrical coupling example.
Image Intelligent Detection Based on the Gabor Wavelet and the Neural Network Combined Neural Network
Authors: Xu Yajun , Liang Fengmei , Zhang Gang , Xu Huifang
Published: May 2017

This paper first analyzes the one-dimensional Gabor function and expands it to a two-dimensional one. The two-dimensional Gabor function generates the two-dimensional Gabor wavelet through measure stretching and rotation. At last, the two-dimensional Gabor wavelet transform is employed
to extract the image feature information. Based on the BP neural network model, the image intelligent test model based on the Gabor wavelet and the neural network model is built. The human face image detection is adopted as an example. Results suggest that, when the method combining Gabor
wavelet transform and the neural network is used to test the human face, it will not influence the detection results despite of complex textures and illumination variations on face images. Besides, when ORL human face database is used to test the model, the human face detection accuracy can
reach above 0.93.
Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multiple Attribute Decision Making and Their Applications to Risk Evaluation for Risk Investment Projects
Authors: Jin Hong
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the multiple attribute decision making problems about risk evaluation for risk investment projects with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy information. Then, we proposed the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric (TIFEWG) operator, triangular
intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted geometric (TIFEOWG) operator and triangular intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein hybrid geometric (TIFEHG) operator and we develop an approach to multiple attribute decision making with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy information. Finally, an illustrative
example for evaluating the risk of the risk investment projects with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy information is given to verify the developed approach.
The Optimization Design for Ship Lock Structure
Authors: Wang Peng , Bu Ding
Published: May 2017

Ship lock is one of the main methods for navigation. It usually guarantees ships go through the lock safely. Therefore, the proper design of ship lock is extraordinarily significant. This paper will set one ship lock project as an example, and discuss the ship lock structure by Abaqus
finite element analysis. And then, it will discuss the key factors which affect ship lock’s safety and stability. Finally, optimization design for ship lock structure will be provided.