bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Can Different Polishing Timing Influence Methacrylate and Dimethacrylate Bulk Fill Composites? Evaluation of Chemical and Physical Properties
Authors: Monterubbianesi Riccardo , Tosco Vincenzo , Sabbatini Simona , Orilisi Giulia , Conti Carla , Özcan Mutlu , Orsini Giovanna , Putignano Angelo
Published: January 2020

The polishing procedure is commonly performed after direct composite restorations, and little information exists regarding the right timing during which it should be performed on bulk fill composites. This study investigated the effect of polishing timing on the degree of conversion (DC), Vickers microhardness (VMH), and surface morphology of a methacrylate‐ (MET‐) and dimethacrylate‐ (DMET‐) based bulk fill composite, by using FT‐NIR, microhardness tester, and SEM. Composite samples were divided as follows: in Group I (immediate), samples were polished immediately after curing (t0); in Group D (delayed), samples were polished after 24 h from curing (t24), whereas the unpolished samples were considered as controls (Group C). The DC and VMH values were evaluated before and after polishing, at t0 and t24. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level set at p < 0.05. At t0, DC increased after polishing in both tested composites (p < 0.05), while at t24, Group I and Group D were not different. By considering VMH, in the case of MET, all groups were not different both at t0 and t24. On the other hand, at t0, VMH values of DMET increased after polishing. At t24, DMET Group I and DMET Group D were not different. Qualitative evaluations of scanning electron micrographs showed that the surface morphology of MET presented a more irregular aspect than the DMET one. In summary, since the immediate polishing of MET can improve the DC, without negatively affecting VMH, but showing an irregular surface, it is suggested to wait 24 hours before proceeding with polishing. Otherwise, for DMET, the immediate polishing could definitively be recommended, since it improves both DC and VMH, also producing a regular surface. Therefore, clinicians may always safely polish a restoration performed using DMET‐based bulk fill composites in one‐chair appointment, avoiding a second appointment.
Practices of Adults in a Periurban Community of the Ho Municipality on Prevention of Hypertension
Authors: Konlan Kennedy Diema , Baku Elizabeth Aku , Japiong Milipaak , Konlan Kennedy Dodam , Doat Abdul Razak , Suuk Amos Nawunimali , Amoah Roberta Mensima
Published: January 2020

Background. Hypertension remains a rising health threat among developing countries and it is due to poor knowledge and lifestyles. Integrated knowledge and practices are central towards the control of hypertension, especially in the developing world. Objectives. This study assessed the practices of adults in a periurban community in the Ho Municipality of the Volta region on the prevention of hypertension. Methodology. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was carried out in a periurban community in the Volta region. Adults were recruited using a systematic sampling technique in the Ahoe community. Pretested questionnaires were used to collect information on sociodemographic, knowledge, and lifestyle practices regarding hypertension prevention. The data were entered into Microsoft excel 2013 spreadsheet, cleaned, and transported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software for analyses. The data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results. In this study, 49.3% explained that hypertension means the increased force of blood through the blood vessels as 90.8% indicated that taking antihypertensive medications can control hypertension. In describing the associated effects of hypertension, adults in the Ahoe community described the effects of hypertension as stroke (89.8%), heart attack (84.0%), diabetes (56.5%), and heart failure (82.3%). Also, 54.1% described hypertension as a lifelong disease while 55.8% indicated hypertension can be cured. Also, 92.2% identified exercising as an important factor in controlling hypertension as 32.7% use herbal preparations to control hypertension. Only 3.7% of adults in the Ahoe community were smokers and 54.5% smoked less than a year. The majority (61.6%) of the respondents did not drink alcohol as 69.7% engage in active exercises. Conclusion. Education on hypertension should be intensified, and emphasis should be laid on regular exercised and strict dietary restrictions that ensure reduction in hypertension risk. Healthcare authorities should engage hypertensive clients to desist from the intake of herbal medications whose actual composition has not been scientifically determined.
Minimal Length Effect on Thermodynamics and Weak Cosmic Censorship Conjecture in Anti-de Sitter Black Holes via Charged Particle Absorption
Authors: Mu Benrong , Tao Jun , Wang Peng
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we investigate the minimal length effects on the thermodynamics and weak cosmic censorship conjecture in a RN-AdS black hole via charged particle absorption. We first use the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) to investigate the minimal length effect on the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. After the deformed Hamilton-Jacobi equation is derived, we use it to study the variations of the thermodynamic quantities of a RN-Ads black hole via absorbing a charged particle. Furthermore, we check the second law of thermodynamics and the weak cosmic censorship conjecture in two phase spaces. In the normal phase space, the second law of thermodynamics and the weak cosmic censorship conjecture are satisfied in the usual and GUP-deformed cases, and the minimal length effect makes the increase of entropy faster than the usual case. After the charge particle absorption, the extremal RN-AdS black hole becomes nonextremal. In the extended phase space, the black hole entropy can either increase or decrease. When T>2Pr+, the second law is satisfied. When T<2Pr+, the second law of thermodynamics is violated for the extremal or near-extremal black hole. Finally, we find that the weak cosmic censorship conjecture is legal for extremal and near-extremal RN-Ads black holes in the GUP-deformed case.
The Horizontal Bearing Capacity of Composite Concrete‐Filled Steel Tube Piles
Authors: Dong Yunxiu , Feng Zhongju , Hu Haibo , He Jingbin , Zhang Qilang , Wang Fuchun
Published: January 2020

Steel casings (SCs) are extensively and increasingly used to stabilize the borehole wall in the construction of bridge pile foundations. Steel casings (SCs), together with reinforced concrete piles (RCPs), form composite concrete‐filled steel tube piles (CCFSTPs), which differ significantly from ordinary RCPs in horizontal bearing capacity. In this study, based on the characteristics of CCFSTPs, the horizontal bearing capacity of a CCFSTP was examined through a centrifugal model test with the length of the steel casing (LSC) and the modulus of the soil mass in the steel casing soil compaction zone (ESCSC_zone) as variables. Pile‐side soil resistance, load‐displacement curves, and pile moment curves were obtained for the CCFSTP. The results show that increasing LSC within a range of 12 cm significantly increases the ultimate horizontal bearing capacity of the CCFSTP, and further increasing LSC beyond 12 cm produces a continuous increase in the ultimate horizontal bearing capacity of the CCFSTP but only to an insignificant extent. In addition, increasing ESCSC_zone increases the ultimate horizontal bearing capacity of the CCFSTP, but to a relatively small extent. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the design and construction of CCFSTPs.
Analytical Study of Operational Properties of a Plate Shock Absorber of a Sucker-Rod String
Authors: Velychkovych Andrii , Petryk Ivan , Ropyak Liubomyr
Published: January 2020

Sucker-rod pump plant operation is accompanied by inertial and shock loads, affecting the fatigue strength of sucker rods and causing possible accidents. This work proposes the original design of a shock absorber of a sucker-rod string. The peculiarity of the proposed design is the usage of thin plate packages as a bearing elastic element of the shock absorber. This approach to the elastic element’ design provides the shock absorber to be easy to manufacture and operate. Sucker-rod string protection from extra load will increase the sucker-rod pump plant efficiency in general. This study aims at developing shock absorber’s design and studying its most important performance options—strength and rigidity. A mechanical and mathematical model of a shock absorber’s elastic element was developed in order to specify its deformation. A package of thin plates was modelled as an equivalent solid plate with a cylindrical rigidity providing equal properties of the solid model and the plate package. This model makes possible to describe analytically the stress-strain state of the shock absorber bearing elements. The work presents the final expressions of the shock absorber’s strength and rigidity assessing in a convenient form for engineering practice. The numerical approbation of the obtained analytical results was carried out as the case of a plate elastic element. The authors give recommendation on the bearing unit’s design of the shock absorber.
Coordination and Coupling of Active and Passive Energy Optimization in Public Institutions: A Case Study of Hunnan District, Shenyang in China
Authors: Yu Shui , Yang Jianghui , Gao Qixiang
Published: January 2020

Taking Hunnan District of Shenyang City as an example, this paper investigates 32 government agencies, 17 tertiary first-class hospitals, and 15 colleges and universities in Hunnan region and analyzes the energy consumption characteristics of three types of public institutions. Through the use of DeST energy consumption software to simulate the energy consumption of three types of public institutions, combined with the load density method to predict the total energy demand of hospitals, universities, and government agencies in Hunnan area and the MARKAL model coupling mechanism, the coupling model of active and passive energy suitable for public institutions is presented. According to the forecast results of energy demand, combined with the energy consumption structure and energy conversion efficiency, the energy supply of each subitem of the public institution was solved and the energy supply of the public institutions in Hunnan District was optimized in accordance with the relevant constraints. Through calculation, it is found that by 2020, the passive energy supply of public institutions in Hunnan District will account for 19.79% and active energy sources such as coal and petroleum will still be the main type of energy used by public institutions. Based on the research on the active and passive energy coupling supply of public institutions in Hunnan District, the active and passive energy coupling model and algorithm of public institutions constructed can provide a reference basis for the active and passive energy coupling utilization of public institutions in China.
Dynamics of Duopoly Models with Undecided Clients under Decentralized Affine Feedback Advertising Policies
Authors: Aliaga Walter , Bhaya Amit , Kaszkurewicz Eugenius
Published: January 2020

This paper extends the Deal-Vidal-Wolfe and Lanchester models of duopoly dynamics, which involve two populations, by explicitly introducing a third population of undecided users. An analysis of these extended models establishes conditions for the existence of equilibria, as well as their stability properties under different classes of advertising policies. This analysis also leads to the surprising result that the extended Vidale–Wolfe and Lanchester models, despite having different dynamics, under the general class of decentralized affine feedback advertising policies have equilibria in identical locations, with the same stability properties.
A Novel Dual-Band Binary Branch Fractal Bionic Antenna for Mobile Terminals
Authors: Ran Xiaoying , Yu Zhen , Xie Tangyao , Li Yao , Wang Xiuxia , Huang Peng
Published: January 2020

A novel two-iteration binary tree fractal bionic structure antenna is proposed for the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), WLAN, and Bluetooth wireless applications in the paper, which is based on the principles of conventional microstrip monopole antenna and resonant coupling technique, combined with the advantages of fractal geometry. A new fractal structure was presented for antenna radiator, similar to the tree in nature. The proposed antenna adapted two iterations on a fractal structure radiator, which covers mobile applications in two broad frequency bands with a bandwidth of 44.2% (1.85–2.9 GHz) for TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, CDMA2000, LTE33-41, and Bluetooth frequency bands, and 11.5% (4.9–5.5 GHz) for WLAN frequency band. The proposed antenna was fabricated on a G10/FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and a size of 50 × 40 mm2. The good agreement between the measurement results and the simulation results validate that the proposed design approach meet the requirements for various wireless applications.
Oxidative Modifications in Advanced Atherosclerotic Plaques: A Focus on In Situ Protein Sulfhydryl Group Oxidation
Authors: Lepedda Antonio Junior , Formato Marilena
Published: January 2020

Although oxidative stress has been long associated with the genesis and progression of the atherosclerotic plaque, scanty data on its in situ effects on protein sulfhydryl group modifications are available. Within the arterial wall, protein sulfhydryls and low-molecular-weight (LMW) thiols are involved in the cell regulation of both Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) levels and are a target for several posttranslational oxidative modifications that take place inside the atherosclerotic plaque, probably contributing to both atherogenesis and atherosclerotic plaque progression towards complicated lesions. Advanced carotid plaques are characterized by very high intraplaque GSH levels, due to cell lysis during apoptotic and/or necrotic events, probably responsible for the altered equilibrium among protein sulfhydryls and LMW thiols. Some lines of evidence show that the prooxidant environment present in atherosclerotic tissue could modify filtered proteins also by protein-SH group oxidation, and demonstrate that particularly albumin, once filtered, represents a harmful source of homocysteine and cysteinylglycine inside the plaque. The oxidative modification of protein sulfhydryls, with particular emphasis to protein thiolation by LMW thiols and its association with atherosclerosis, is the main topic of this review.
Image Retrieval Using the Intensity Variation Descriptor
Authors: Wei Zhao , Liu Guang-Hai
Published: January 2020

Variations between image pixel characteristics contain a wealth of information. Extraction of such cues can be used to describe image content. In this paper, we propose a novel descriptor, called the intensity variation descriptor (IVD), to represent variations in colour, edges, and intensity and apply it to image retrieval. The highlights of the proposed method are as follows. (1) The IVD combines the advantages of the HSV and RGB colour spaces. (2) It can simulate the lateral inhibition mechanism and orientation-selective mechanism to determine an optimal direction and spatial layout. (3) An extended weighted L1 distance metric is proposed to calculate the similarity of images. It does not require complex operations such as square or square root and leads to good performance. Comparative experiments on two Corel datasets containing 15,000 images show that the proposed method performs better than the SoC-GMM, CPV-THF, and STH methods and provides good matching of texture, colour, and shape.
Tuberculous Arthritis of the Knee with Rice Body Formation: A Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Hung Truong Nguyen Khanh , Duong Tran Binh , Binh Tran Phuoc , Tu Dao Thanh , Hau Huynh Phuoc , Tin Truong Trong , Thi Cao , Van Tuan Le
Published: January 2020

In this report, we present the case of a 53-year-old man with rice body formation in the right knee caused by tuberculous arthritis (TB arthritis). The patient visited our hospital in January 2018 with a seven-month history of swelling and pain in the right knee. He had no previous history of tuberculosis, and the results of the routine laboratory tests were within normal limits; he also tested negative for rheumatoid factor. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed multiple rice bodies in the right knee, measuring 5-8 mm. He underwent an arthroscopic operation in the right knee in January 2018 and received antituberculosis polytherapy for 6 months. He was followed-up for more than 01 year. The patient regained good function of the operated knee with no evidence of recurrence during the last follow-up in February 2019. Conclusion. The biggest challenge in diagnosing tuberculosis arthritis is the consideration of its possibility in the differential diagnosis, not only in endemic countries where tuberculosis is frequent. A high level of suspicion for TB should be maintained for every infection of the knee joint, particularly in the case of intra-articular rice bodies.
Dynamic Response of a Casting Crane Rigid‐Flexible Coupling System to High Temperature
Authors: Xin Yunsheng , Dong Qing , Qi Qisong , Shi Qinglu
Published: January 2020

To determine the influence of temperature on the mechanical properties of crane metal structures, three Q355 alloy steel samples were processed and their elastic moduli were tested at different temperatures using a metal tension test bed. The constitutive equation for the elastic modulus of Q355 alloy steel at different temperatures was predicted using test data and a neural network algorithm. Based on crane structural characteristics and the principle of system dynamics, a coupling vibration model was established that included the crane flexible girder, cabin, trolley, crane, and temperature. System motion equations were established according to the Lagrange equation, and the approximate solution of nonlinear system vibration was solved by the direct integration method (the Newmark method). The dynamic characteristics of the main beam and cabin were analyzed at different temperatures, as well as safety during service. The results show that, with increasing temperature, the maximum midspan displacement of the main beam increases gradually, by 14.3%, 21.4%, and 57.1% at temperatures of 300°C, 400°C, and 600°C, respectively. The cabin vibration displacement increases with temperature, by up to 32.5% at 600°C, but the influence of temperature on cabin vibration acceleration is not obvious. It was concluded that the influence of temperature on the dynamic characteristics of the main beam must be considered during the design stage of cranes. The proposed model and analysis method provide a theoretical basis for the design of casting cranes according to temperature.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater in the Luan River Catchment within the North China Plain
Authors: Liu Yu , Ma Rong
Published: January 2020

The Luan River catchment within the North China plain has been famous for the development of its iron mineral resources since the 1950s. At the same time, it is also the main grain-producing area, known as the granary of eastern Hebei Province. Groundwater plays an important role in this region, and thus, it is imperative for us to improve our understanding of the heavy metal groundwater contamination in this catchment. Therefore, a total of 144 groundwater samples were collected for chemical analysis from 16 operational private wells of local residents in the study area, over eight consecutive periods from December 2016 to May 2017. Each shallow groundwater sample was analyzed for 39 heavy metals including among others, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn. However, subsequent analyses only focused on three heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Ni) that exceeded the Groundwater Quality Standard III. Spatial and temporal variations of Cd, Cr, and Ni in the shallow groundwater were analyzed. Cr was found to have the highest concentrations, followed by Ni and Cd. A human health risk assessment was conducted where carcinogenic risks and Hazard Quotients (HQs) were evaluated separately. The results indicate that both the carcinogenic risks and HQs of Ni and Cr are higher than the recommended standard value. Therefore, the prevention and control of heavy metal contamination in the Luan River catchment should focus on Ni and Cr.
Multiblock SBP-SAT Methodology of Symmetric Matrix Form of Elastic Wave Equations on Curvilinear Grids
Authors: Sun Cheng , Yang Zai-Lin , Jiang Guan-Xi-Xi , Yang Yong
Published: January 2020

A stable and accurate finite-difference discretization of first-order elastic wave equations is derived in this work. To simplify the origin and proof of the formulas, a symmetric matrix form (SMF) for elastic wave equations is presented. The curve domain is discretized using summation-by-parts (SBP) operators, and the boundary conditions are weakly enforced using the simultaneous-approximation-term (SAT) technique, which gave rise to a provably stable high-order SBP-SAT method via the energy method. In addition, SMF can be extended to wave equations of different types (SH wave and P-SV wave) and dimensions, which can simplify the boundary derivation process and improve its applicability. Application of this approximation can divide the domain into a multiblock context for calculation, and the interface boundary conditions of blocks can also be used to simulate cracks and other structures. Several numerical simulation examples, including actual elevation within the area of Lushan, China, are presented, which verifies the viability of the framework present in this paper. The applicability of simulating elastic wave propagation and the application potential in the seismic numerical simulation of this method are also revealed.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Marine Rotor System Coupled with Air Bag-Floating Raft Subjected to the Basement Excitations in Lateral Directions
Authors: Zhao Wen , Li Ming , Liu Yuanbo
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an investigation into the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of the mechanical isolation system coupled with air-bag and floating-raft subject to basement excitation in lateral directions. First, the coupling effects between the excitation source and isolation system are considered. Also, the mechanical isolation model under basic excitation and its motion equation are deduced, and then the dynamic responses are mainly investigated by using the techniques of displacement response, frequency spectrum, rotor orbit, Poincaré maps, and the bifurcation diagram. Last, the bifurcations of the mechanical isolation system with different parameters are analyzed through numerical methods, especially the effect of excitation frequency and amplitude. The result predicts that period-5 is mainly performed, with the increase of rotor speed, and the system moves into quasi-bifurcation. However, the system stays in chaos state at high rotor speed, and the vibration amplitude rises rapidly until against bearing bush. Furthermore, the effects of basement excitation on the mechanical isolation system are mainly concentrated on the stage of lower rotor speed, but with the increasing speed, the effects become weak and at the same time the vibration amplitude reduces significantly. The points projected on the Poincaré section are five, three, or two solitary attractors, in which the system stays in periodic motion. Above all, the dynamic characteristics can provide the theoretic supporting for the dynamic, vibration control and its parametric optimization of the marine mechanical isolation system coupled with air-bag and floating-raft.
Modeling Periodic HFMD with the Effect of Vaccination in Mainland China
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhao Hongyong , Wu Daiyong
Published: January 2020

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), associated with more than 20 disease-causing enteroviruses, is one of the major public health problems in mainland China, and the unique vaccine available is for enterovirus 71 (EV71). In this paper, we propose a new epidemic model to investigate the effect of EV71 vaccination on the spread of HFMD with multiple pathogenic viruses in mainland China. In addition, suitable periodic transmission functions are designed, with a two-year period and taking into consideration the effects of opening and closing of schools. After defining the basic reproduction number R0, we prove that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if R0<1, and there exists at least one positive periodic solution and the disease is uniformly persistent if R0>1. We use the model to simulate the HFMD reported data in mainland China from January 2008 to June 2019. The numerical experiments show that increasing the vaccinated rate can effectively control the spread of HFMD in mainland China, yet the disease does not become extinct. Moreover, if we can control the baseline contact rate of infectious individuals and the recovery rate of symptomatic infectious individuals under certain conditions, which can be achieved by improving protective measures and medical conditions, then the disease will be eliminated.
Study on Underground Utility Tunnel Fire Characteristics under Sealing and Ventilation Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Zhao Yufei
Published: January 2020

With the development of the underground utility tunnel in China, the safety evaluation during facility operation inside tunnels is increasingly important after construction. In contrast to fixed fire source in the traffic tunnel, the fire characteristics of the electric cable compartment of the utility tunnel with different ventilation modes are studied. Firstly, the thermal physical parameters of cable material are determined by experiment and numerical simulation. Different fire sealing and ventilation conditions are established according to the practical utility tunnel engineering in FDS. The maximum temperature and smoke gas concentrations are obtained, as well as the heat release rate. The results show that the utility tunnel fire has obvious differences compared with road tunnel fire, where the maximum ceiling temperature and the distributions of smoke is related to fire sealing and ventilation mode. Some suggestions related to evaluation and firefighting are provided for practical purposes.
Identification of Wiener Model with Internal Noise Using a Cubic Spline Approximation-Bayesian Composite Quantile Regression Algorithm
Authors: Pan Tianhong , Guo Wei , Song Ying , Yin Fujia
Published: January 2020

A cubic spline approximation-Bayesian composite quantile regression algorithm is proposed to estimate parameters and structure of the Wiener model with internal noise. Firstly, an ARX model with a high order is taken to represent the linear block; meanwhile, the nonlinear block (reversibility) is approximated by a cubic spline function. Then, parameters are estimated by using the Bayesian composite quantile regression algorithm. In order to reduce the computational burden, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm is introduced to calculate the expectation of parameters’ posterior distribution. To determine the structure order, the Final Output Error and the Akaike Information Criterion are used in the nonlinear block and the linear block, respectively. Finally, a numerical simulation and an industrial case verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Lessons Learned from Experimental Human Model of Zinc Deficiency
Authors: Prasad Ananda S.
Published: January 2020

Zinc is an essential element for humans, and its deficiency was documented in 1963. Nutritional zinc deficiency is now known to affect over two billion subjects in the developing world. Conditioned deficiency of zinc in many diseases has also been observed. In zinc-deficient dwarfs from the Middle East, we reported growth retardation, delayed sexual development, susceptibility to infections, poor appetite, and mental lethargy. We never found a zinc-deficient dwarf who survived beyond the age of 25 y. In an experimental model of human mild zinc deficiency, we reported decreased thymulin (a thymopoietic hormone) activity in Th1 cells, decreased mRNAs of IL-2 and IFN-gamma genes, and decreased activity of natural killer cells (NK) and T cytotoxic T cells. The effect of zinc deficiency on thymulin activity and IL-2 mRNA was seen within eight to twelve weeks of the institution of zinc-deficient diet in human volunteers, whereas lymphocyte zinc decreased in 20 weeks and plasma zinc decreased in 24 weeks after instituting zinc-deficient diet. We hypothesized that decreased thymulin activity, which is known to proliferate Th1 cells, decreased the proliferation differentiation of Th1 cells. This resulted in decreased generation of IL-2 and IFN-gamma. We observed no effect in Th2 cell function; thus, zinc deficiency resulted in an imbalance of Th1 to Th2 function resulting in decreased cell-mediated immunity. Zinc therapy may be very useful in many chronic diseases. Zinc supplementation improves cell-mediated immunity, decreases oxidative stress, and decreases generation of chronic inflammatory cytokines in humans. Development of sensitive immunological biomarkers may be more sensitive than an assay of zinc in plasma and peripheral blood cells for diagnosis of marginal zinc deficiency in human.
Global Bounded Classical Solutions for a Gradient-Driven Mathematical Model of Antiangiogenesis in Tumor Growth
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Lu Bo
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we consider a gradient-driven mathematical model of antiangiogenesis in tumor growth. In the model, the movement of endothelial cells is governed by diffusion of themselves and chemotaxis in response to gradients of tumor angiogenic factors and angiostatin. The concentration of tumor angiogenic factors and angiostatin is assumed to diffuse and decay. The resulting system consists of three parabolic partial differential equations. In the present paper, we study the global existence and boundedness of classical solutions of the system under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions.
Dynamic Stress around a Cylindrical Nano-Inclusion with an Interface in a Right-Angle Plane under SH-Wave
Authors: Wu Hongmei , Ou Zhiying
Published: January 2020

Based on the surface elasticity theory, the scattering of shear wave (SH-wave) by a cylindrical nano-inclusion with an interface in a right-angle plane is studied using the method of complex variable function. The dynamic stress concentration factor along the interface of inclusion by the SH-wave and scattering cross section are derived and numerically evaluated. The surface effect, the incident wave’s frequency, the shear modulus, and the distances from the center of nano-inclusion to the right-angle boundaries show the different degrees effects on the DSCF. Our results can aid in analyzing the mechanical properties of nonuniform nanocomposites. The proposed method can better solve the scattering problem of the holes/inclusions on noninfinite elastic substrates.
Design of Low-Profile Frequency-Selective Rasorbers Based on Three-Legged Loaded Element
Authors: Qiang Yu , Zhou Dongfang , Liu Qikun , Yao Zhenning
Published: January 2020

A novel low-profile dual-polarization frequency-selective rasorber (FSR) with a transmissive window in the absorption band is proposed in this paper. Based on the equivalent circuit model (ECM), the principles of the impedance design are theoretically derived. Then, a two-layer structure model is constructed. The top layer is composed of a lossy three-legged loaded element (TLLE), and the bottom layer is composed of a square ring bandpass frequency-selective surface (FSS). Furthermore, the strips are folded to reduce the unit cell size to stabilize the angular response. The maximum stable response angle increases from 20 to 40° due to the miniaturized design under both TE and TM polarization. The experimental results of the prototype are in good agreement with the simulation results, which validates the rationality of our design.
Predictive Blood-Based Biomarkers in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Treated with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel with or without Bevacizumab: Results from GOG-0218
Authors: Alvarez Secord Angeles , Bell Burdett Kirsten , Owzar Kouros , Tritchler David , Sibley Alexander B. , Liu Yingmiao , Starr Mark D. , Brady J. Chris , Lankes Heather A. , Hurwitz Herbert I. , Mannel Robert S. , Tewari Krishnansu S. , O'Malley David M. , Gray Heidi , Bakkum-Gamez Jamie N. , Fujiwara Keiichi , Boente Matthew , Deng Wei , Burger Robert A. , Birrer Michael J. , Nixon Andrew B.
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

GOG-0218, a double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial, compared carboplatin and paclitaxel with placebo, bevacizumab followed by placebo, or bevacizumab followed by bevacizumab in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Results demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS), but no overall survival (OS) benefit with bevacizumab. Blood samples were collected for biomarker analyses.

Experimental Design:

Plasma samples were analyzed via multiplex ELISA technology for seven prespecified biomarkers [IL6, Ang-2, osteopontin (OPN), stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1), VEGF-D, IL6 receptor (IL6R), and GP130]. The predictive value of each biomarker with respect to PFS and OS was assessed using a protein marker by treatment interaction term within the framework of a Cox proportional hazards model. Prognostic markers were identified using Cox models adjusted for baseline covariates.

Results:

Baseline samples were available from 751 patients. According to our prespecified analysis plan, IL6 was predictive of a therapeutic advantage with bevacizumab for PFS (P = 0.007) and OS (P = 0.003). IL6 and OPN were found to be negative prognostic markers for both PFS and OS (P < 0.001). Patients with high median IL6 levels (dichotomized at the median) treated with bevacizumab had longer PFS (14.2 vs. 8.7 months) and OS (39.6 vs. 33.1 months) compared with placebo.

Conclusions:

The inflammatory cytokine IL6 may be predictive of therapeutic benefit from bevacizumab when combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Aligning with results observed in patients with renal cancer treated with antiangiogenic therapies, it appears plasma IL6 may also define those patients with EOC more or less likely to benefit from the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy.
Targeting the Complement Alternative Pathway Permits Graft Versus Leukemia Activity while Preventing Graft Versus Host Disease
Authors: Nguyen Hung , Alawieh Ali , Bastian David , Kuril Sandeepkumar , Dai Min , Daenthanasanmak Anusara , Zhang Mengmeng , Iamsawat Supinya , Schutt Steven D. , Wu Yongxia , Sleiman M. Mahdi , Shetty Akshay , Atkinson Carl , Sun Shaoli , Varela Juan Carlos , Tomlinson Stephen , Yu Xue-Zhong
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Application of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients with hematologic disorders is limited by the development of GVHD. Separation of GVHD and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) remains a great challenge in the field. We investigated the contribution of individual pathways involved in the complement cascade in GVH and GVL responses to identify specific targets by which to separate these two processes.

Experimental Design:

We used multiple preclinical murine and human-to-mouse xenograft models involving allo-HCT recipients lacking components of the alternative pathway (AP) or classical pathway (CP)/lectin pathway (LP) to dissect the role of each individual pathway in GVHD pathogenesis and the GVL effect. For translational purposes, we used the AP-specific complement inhibitor, CR2-fH, which localizes in injured target organs to allow specific blockade of complement activation at sites of inflammation.

Results:

Complement deposition was evident in intestines of mice and patients with GVHD. In a preclinical setting, ablation of the AP, but not the CP/LP, significantly improved GVHD outcomes. Complement activation through the AP in host hematopoietic cells, and specifically dendritic cells (DC), was required for GVHD progression. AP deficiency in recipients decreased donor T-cell migration and Th1/Th2 differentiation, while increasing the generation of regulatory T cells. This was because of decreased activation and stimulatory activity of recipient DCs in GVHD target organs. Treatment with CR2-fH effectively prevented GVHD while preserving GVL activity.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the AP as a new therapeutic target to prevent GVHD and tumor relapse after allo-HCT. Targeting the AP by CR2-fH represents a promising therapeutic approach for GVHD treatment.
Circadian Regulator CLOCK Recruits Immune-Suppressive Microglia into the GBM Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Peiwen , Hsu Wen-Hao , Chang Andrew , Tan Zhi , Lan Zhengdao , Zhou Ashley , Spring Denise J. , Lang Frederick F. , Wang Y. Alan , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: January 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor containing a subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSC). Pan-cancer analyses have revealed that stemness of cancer cells correlates positively with immunosuppressive pathways in many solid tumors, including GBM, prompting us to conduct a gain-of-function screen of epigenetic regulators that may influence GSC self-renewal and tumor immunity. The circadian regulator CLOCK emerged as a top hit in enhancing stem-cell self-renewal, which was amplified in about 5% of human GBM cases. CLOCK and its heterodimeric partner BMAL1 enhanced GSC self-renewal and triggered protumor immunity via transcriptional upregulation of OLFML3, a novel chemokine recruiting immune-suppressive microglia into the tumor microenvironment. In GBM models, CLOCK or OLFML3 depletion reduced intratumoral microglia density and extended overall survival. We conclude that the CLOCK–BMAL1 complex contributes to key GBM hallmarks of GSC maintenance and immunosuppression and, together with its downstream target OLFML3, represents new therapeutic targets for this disease.

Significance:

Circadian regulator CLOCK drives GSC self-renewal and metabolism and promotes microglia infiltration through direct regulation of a novel microglia-attracting chemokine, OLFML3. CLOCK and/or OLFML3 may represent novel therapeutic targets for GBM.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 327
Can the Help Match the Hype? KRASG12C-Specific Inhibitors and Beyond
Authors: Klempner Samuel J. , Hata Aaron N.
Published: January 2020

Hallin and colleagues demonstrate the preclinical activity of the KRASG12C-specific inhibitor MRTX849 in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies with supporting pilot clinical efficacy. Variable responsiveness despite effective KRASG12C inhibition highlights both the promise and potential need for combinatorial strategies to optimally target KRASG12C-driven cancers.

See related article by Hallin et al., p. 54.
Lessons from the A2A Adenosine Receptor Antagonist–Enabled Tumor Regression and Survival in Patients with Treatment-Refractory Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Sitkovsky Michail V.
Published: January 2020

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Fong and colleagues describe the encouraging observations of tumor regression, disease control, and survival of patients with otherwise refractory renal cell cancer with progressive disease after treatment with the conceptually novel oral antagonist of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR), ciforadenant. A2AR antagonists may represent the until now missing but critically important part of more effective immunotherapies of cancer, because they prevent the inhibition of tumor-reactive T and natural killer cells by blocking the immunosuppressive hypoxia–A2A–adenosinergic signaling, which represents an emerging immunosuppressive hallmark of tumors that are the most resistant to therapies.

See related article by Fong et al., p. 40.
Does the Timing of Surgery after Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients Affect the Outcome?
Authors: Suleman Kausar , Almalik Osama , Haque Emaan , Mushtaq Ali , Badran Ahmed , Alsayed Adher , Ajarim Dahish , Al-Tweigeri Taher , Jastaniyah Noha , Elhassan Tusneem , Alkhayal Wafa
Published: January 2020

Background:There is a paucity of literature examining the impact of timing of surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Objective:This study aimed to analyze the impact of the time taken to initiate surgical treatment following completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on patients’ outcomes by evaluating their pathological response, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Methods:This is a retrospective review of 611 patients diagnosed with stage II and III breast cancer that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery between January 2004 and December 2014. The data was collected from a prospectively gathered registry. The patients were stratified into three cohorts according to the time of surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: <4 weeks, 4–7 weeks, or ≥8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves, and the variables were compared using log-rank statistics. Results:The 5-year OS rate was 89.6% and the 5-year DFS rate was 74%. OS and DFS were not significantly different when stratified according to timing of surgery; however, the trends of OS and DFS were poor when surgery was delayed for ≥8 weeks. Median OS and median DFS have not yet been reached. Of the 17% of patients that had surgery after ≥8 weeks, 12.9% had pathological complete response (pCR), while among those that received surgery 4–7 weeks and <4 weeks after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 26% and 21% had pCR, respectively (p = 0.02). ER+/HER-2+ patients had a statistically significant decrease in pCR if surgery was performed after ≥8 weeks. Conclusion:Our patients showed improved pCR if surgery was performed within 8 weeks, especially for ER+/HER-2+ patients. All patients had better OS and DFS trends if surgery was performed between 4 and 7 weeks after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Two Cases of Very-Late-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) in Patients over the Age of 80
Authors: Fujiwara Shunya , Manabe Yasuhiro , Morihara Ryuta , Yunoki Taijun , Kono Syoichiro , Narai Hisashi , Abe Koji
Published: January 2020

We report two cases of very-late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in patients over the age of 80 with transverse myelopathy as the initial manifestation. In both cases, the patients presented with paraplegia and sensory, bladder, and rectal disturbances. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed longitudinal high-intensity signals on a T2-weighted image. The patients received high-dose methylprednisolone. Their serum was positive for anti-AQP4 antibody (cell-based assay) during the clinical course. They were diagnosed with NMOSD and treated with immunoadsorption, plasmapheresis, and followed up with daily prednisolone. Very-late-onset NMOSD in patients over the age of 80 has only rarely been reported. The present cases suggest that NMOSD should be considered for elderly patients presenting with transverse myelitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Carlos A. Scolari
Authors: Sá Fernanda Pires de
Published: January 2020

Entrevista com o pesquisador Carlos A. Scolari, abordando as temáticas recentemente estudadas por ele.
Direta transante
Authors: Santos João Guilherme Bastos dos , Chagas Viktor
Published: January 2020

Neste trabalho, analisam-se as estratégias do Movimento Brasil Livre (MBL) na internet, com base em diálogo com membros filiados, análise quantitativa de dados on-line e revisão de publicações sobre o tema. Para tanto, foi construída uma dupla linha de investigação, associando extração e análise de uma amostra representativa do conteúdo imagético publicado em redes sociais a diálogo e investigações de vertente etnográfica. Levantamos as hipóteses de que o movimento utiliza a linguagem de memes para fazer apelos constantes aos cidadãos na rede, apostando em canais de comunicação direta, incentivando narrativas pessoais sobre a política e refletindo uma agenda liberal/libertária positiva.
O papel do dualismo no discurso ambiental
Authors: Medeiros Priscila Muniz de , Gomes Isaltina Maria Azevedo de Mello
Published: January 2020

Tomando como base o conceito de formação discursiva, este estudo partiu da hipótese de que o dualismo desempenha papel central dentro do que nomeamos de formação discursiva antiagricultura industrial. Assim, analisamos a recorrência de diferentes esquemas binários compartilhados pelos seis filmes documentários que compuseram o corpus do trabalho. A análise de discurso de linha francesa foi a abordagem teórico-metodológica que norteou a pesquisa. A hipótese foi confirmada e, após a identificação de tais esquemas, percebemos que se dividiram em dois grandes grupos: os que se relacionam com a oposição arquetípica entre vida e morte e os que integram a oposição entre os princípios de liberdade e escravidão.
O Design Audiovisual como opção metodológica para a produção radiofônica
Authors: Gambaro Daniel , Becker Valdecir
Published: January 2020

Este artigo apresenta o Design Audiovisual como fluxo metodológico para a criação, produção e análise de programas de rádio. No ambiente midiático digital contemporâneo, as formas institucionalizadas do rádio estão sendo desafiadas com a introdução de novas tecnologias. As novas ferramentas, e os novos comportamentos da audiência, requerem que emissoras, produtores e pesquisadores levem em conta produções que tanto remetam à manutenção das formas características do rádio, como incorporem as possibilidades emergentes. Usando exemplos simulados e reais, este ensaio propõe o Design Audiovisual como uma ferramenta possível, e viável, para o desenvolvimento e estudo de produções de rádio interativas e orientadas à convergência midiática.
Mare nostrum, mare alienun
Authors: Felinto Erick
Published: January 2020

O tema da identidade e seus desdobramentos na cultura digital têm emergido de forma relativamente marginal nos estudos de comunicação brasileiros. Este artigo propõe explorar determinados aspectos do pensamento de Vilém Flusser a respeito de identidade e alteridade na contemporaneidade. Ao mesmo tempo, propõe-se a realizar uma leitura do imaginário dos fluxos e da liquidez que, segundo cremos, atravessa parte da obra flusseriana e encontra expressão máxima em Vampyroteuthis Infernalis. Na filosofia da ficção de Flusser, é elaborada uma ética da relação com a alteridade, que se funda no ato imaginativo de tomadas de ponto de vista e identificação com o outro. Tal ética encontra ressonância em proposições recentes nos campos da teoria cultural e da filosofia.
A televisão além de si mesma na América Latina
Authors: Orozco Guillermo , Miller Toby
Published: January 2020

Na América Latina, a televisão continua sendo um meio de comunicação importante; a história, a política, o mercado e, principalmente, toda a cultura e audiência são o que a mantêm viva. Apesar de os jovens estarem migrando para outras telas, os conteúdos da televisão continuam sendo referência nas experiências audiovisuais de todos. Com as mudanças na recepção, na produção, na programação e nos modelos de negócio, a televisão, em vez de desaparecer, explode e se amplia no televisivo como experiência múltipla e oportunidade de reinvenção de suas audiências.
Possibilidades, realidade e desafios da comunicação cidadã na web
Authors: Peruzzo Cicilia Maria Krohling
Published: January 2020

Texto sobre a participação social potencializada pelas mídias e redes sociais digitais. O objetivo é refletir sobre a apropriação do ciberespaço pelos movimentos sociais populares, atentar para as contraposições a respeito do papel das mídias e redes on-line e para suas potencialidades na articulação mobilizadora. O estudo parte de pesquisa bibliográfica e situa brevemente aspectos do debate teórico sobre tecnologias e internet, refletindo, em seguida, sobre algumas das práticas sociais efetivadas na relação entre movimentos populares e internet. Considera-se que a internet ampliou as possibilidades à comunicação popular, comunitária e alternativa, que se renova em sua linguagem, formatos, importância e alcance.