bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating CsPbBr3Nanocrystals into Porous AlO(OH) Matrices to Improve their Stability in Backlit Displays
Authors: Zhou Jiangcong , Lai Yiqing , Lin Na , Huang Xiaotian , Chen Yu , Yao Yao , Wang Bo
Published: November 2019

Currently, the poor stability of inorganic perovskite CsPbX3([Formula: see text], Br, I) nanocrystals restricts their practical application in optoelectronic devices. Therefore, improving the stability of this material remains an urgent task for most researchers. In this study, incorporation of CsPbBr3nanocrystals into porous AlO(OH) matrices through simple in situ synthesis was demonstrated to be an efficient approach for improving the nanocrystal stability. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the as-obtained product was composed of cubic CsPbBr3nanocrystals and orthorhombic AlO(OH) compounds. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the CsPbBr3nanocrystals were successfully encapsulated by AlO(OH) matrices. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area was 234.96[Formula: see text]m2g[Formula: see text] for AlO(OH) and 60.08[Formula: see text]m2g[Formula: see text] for the CsPbBr3@AlO(OH) composites. The decrease in surface area could be attributed to the filling of the AlO(OH) pores by the CsPbBr3nanocrystals. Further, the as-prepared composites showed red-shifted emission at 522[Formula: see text]nm and a larger full width at half-maximum (FWHM) as 26[Formula: see text]nm, compared with those of the CsPbBr3nanocrystals with the emission at 517[Formula: see text]nm and FWHM as 17[Formula: see text]nm. More importantly, the emission intensity preserved 67% of the original value after a storage time of 120[Formula: see text]h, but bare CsPbBr3nanocrystals rapidly degraded within only 1[Formula: see text]h in the polar ethanol solution. Finally, a light-emitting diode (LED) device was fabricated by coating the CsPbBr3@AlO(OH) composites and red commercial K2SiF6:Mn[Formula: see text] phosphors on the surface of a blue InGaN chip, covering 96% of National Television Standards Committee. The results indicate that the obtained composites could be promising luminescent materials for backlit displays.
Preparation of Microporous Supercapacitor Electrode Based on the Triple Networks of Disposable Sheet Mask
Authors: Jiao Shasha , Li Tiehu , Xiong Chuanyin , Tang Chen , Dang Alei , Li Hao , Zhao Tingkai
Published: November 2019

In this study, a three-dimensional hybrid was synthesized via depositing of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) particles on the abandoned disposable sheet mask fabric, followed by the polymerization of polypyrrole (PPY). The as-prepared nanocomposite shows superior electrochemical performances when it was used for the material for the flexible supercapacitor electrode. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of CNTs, Fe3O4 and PPY in such a porous structure, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements indicated that the as-prepared hybrid possessed a good reversibility and high specific capacity at various scanning rates. It turned out that the as-prepared electrode demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 221.7[Formula: see text]F/g at the scanning rate of 50[Formula: see text]mV/s and long-life cycling stability of 88.2% after 10[Formula: see text]000 cycles. Besides, the electrode composite had good flexibility after repeated bending times of 3000. With the exception of improved electrochemical properties, this hybrid electrode material also showed many advantages, including facile preparation, flexibility and cost savings. These results will provide new ideas and solutions to design and fabricate the flexible supercapacitors, which has great prospect in the development of energy storage devices.
Transgression in bounded cohomology and a conjecture of Monod
Authors: Ott Andreas
Published: November 2019

We develop an algebro-analytic framework for the systematic study of the continuous bounded cohomology of Lie groups in large degree. As an application, we examine the continuous bounded cohomology of [Formula: see text] with trivial real coefficients in all degrees greater than two. We prove a vanishing result for strongly reducible classes, thus providing further evidence for a conjecture of Monod. On the cochain level, our method yields explicit formulas for cohomological primitives of arbitrary bounded cocycles.
Some spherical functions on hyperbolic groups
Authors: Boyer Adrien
Published: November 2019

We investigate properties of some spherical functions defined on hyperbolic groups using boundary representations on the Gromov boundary endowed with the Patterson–Sullivan measure class. We prove sharp decay estimates for spherical functions as well as spectral inequalities associated with boundary representations. This point of view on the boundary allows us to view the so-called property RD (also called Haagerup’s inequality) as a particular case of a more general behavior of spherical functions on hyperbolic groups. We also prove that the family of boundary representations studied in this paper, which can be regarded as a one parameter deformation of the boundary unitary representation, are slow growth representations acting on a Hilbert space admitting a proper [Formula: see text]-cocycle.
A New Algorithm for Fast Generalized DFTs
Authors: Hsu Chloe Ching-Yun , Umans Chris
Published: November 2019

We give an new arithmetic algorithm to compute the generalized Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) over finite groups
G
. The new algorithm uses
O
(∣
G
∣

ω /2 +
o
(1)

) operations to compute the generalized DFT over finite groups of Lie type, including the linear, orthogonal, and symplectic families and their variants, as well as all finite simple groups of Lie type. Here ω is the exponent of matrix multiplication, so the exponent ω/2 is optimal if ω = 2.

Previously, “exponent one” algorithms were known for supersolvable groups and the symmetric and alternating groups. No exponent one algorithms were known, even under the assumption ω = 2, for families of linear groups of fixed dimension, and indeed the previous best-known algorithm for SL
2
(F
q
) had exponent 4/3 despite being the focus of significant effort. We unconditionally achieve exponent at most 1.19 for this group and exponent one if ω = 2.

Our algorithm also yields an improved exponent for computing the generalized DFT over general finite groups
G
, which beats the longstanding previous best upper bound for any ω. In particular, assuming ω = 2, we achieve exponent √ 2, while the previous best was 3/2.
Using Event Representations to Generate Robot Semantics
Authors: Gärdenfors Peter
Published: November 2019

Most semantic models employed in human-robot interactions concern how a robot can understand commands, but in this article the aim is to present a framework that allows dialogic interaction. The key idea is to use events as the fundamental structures for the semantic representations of a robot. Events are modeled in terms of conceptual spaces and mappings between spaces. It is shown how the semantics of major word classes can be described with the aid of conceptual spaces in a way that is amenable to computer implementations. An event is represented by two vectors, one force vector representing an action and one result vector representing the effect of the action. The two-vector model is then extended by the thematic roles so an event is built up from an agent, an action, a patient, and a result. It is shown how the components of an event can be put together to semantic structures that represent the meanings of sentences. It is argued that a semantic framework based on events can generate a general representational framework for human-robot communication. An implementation of the framework involving communication with an iCub will be described.
Algorithms to Approximate Column-sparse Packing Problems
Authors: Brubach Brian , Sankararaman Karthik A. , Srinivasan Aravind , Xu Pan
Published: November 2019

Column-sparse packing problems arise in several contexts in both deterministic and stochastic discrete optimization. We present two unifying ideas,
(non-uniform) attenuation
and
multiple-chance algorithms
, to obtain improved approximation algorithms for some well-known families of such problems. As three main examples, we attain the integrality gap, up to lower-order terms, for known LP relaxations for
k
-column-sparse packing integer programs (Bansal et al.,
Theory of Computing
, 2012) and stochastic
k
-set packing (Bansal et al.,
Algorithmica
, 2012), and go “half the remaining distance” to optimal for a major integrality-gap conjecture of Füredi, Kahn, and Seymour on hypergraph matching (
Combinatorica
, 1993).
Solving the Sigma-Tau Problem
Authors: Sawada Joe , Williams Aaron
Published: November 2019

Knuth assigned the following open problem a difficulty rating of 48/50 in
The Art of Computer Programming Volume 4A
:

For odd
n
≥ 3, can the permutations of { 1,2,… ,
n
} be ordered in a cyclic list so that each permutation is transformed into the next by applying either the operation σ, a rotation to the left, or τ, a transposition of the first two symbols?

The Sigma-Tau problem is equivalent to finding a Hamilton cycle in the directed Cayley graph generated by σ = (1 2 ⋅
n
) and τ = (1 2). In this article, we solve the Sigma-Tau problem by providing a simple
O
(
n
)-time successor rule to generate successive permutations of a Hamilton cycle in the aforementioned Cayley graph.
Robust Design and Validation of Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Sood Surinder , Malik Avinash , Roop Partha
Published: November 2019

Co-simulation--based validation of hardware controllers adjoined with plant models, with continuous dynamics, is an important step in model-based design of controllers for Cyber-physical Systems (CPS). Co-simulation suffers from many problems, such as timing delays, skew, race conditions, and so on, making it unsuitable for checking timing properties of CPS. In our approach to validation of controllers, synthesised from their models, the
synthesised
controller is adjoined with a
synthesised
hardware plant unit. The synthesised plant and controller are then executed synchronously and Metric Interval Temporal Logic (MITL) properties are validated on the closed-loop system. The clock period is chosen, using robustness estimates, such that all timing properties that hold on the controller guiding the discretised plant model also hold on the original case of the continuous-time plant model guided by the controller. Benchmark results show that real-time MITL properties that are vacuously satisfied or violated due to co-simulation artefacts hold correctly in the proposed closed-loop validation framework.
More Logarithmic-factor Speedups for 3SUM, (median,+)-convolution, and Some Geometric 3SUM-hard Problems
Authors: Chan Timothy M.
Published: November 2019

This article presents an algorithm that solves the 3SUM problem for
n
real numbers in
O
((
n
2
/ log
2
n
)(log log
n
)

O
(1)

) time, improving previous solutions by about a logarithmic factor. Our framework for shaving off two logarithmic factors can be applied to other problems, such as (median,+)-convolution/matrix multiplication and algebraic generalizations of 3SUM. This work also obtains the first subquadratic results on some 3SUM-hard problems in computational geometry, for example, deciding whether (the interiors of) a constant number of simple polygons have a common intersection.
Distributed Edge Coloring and a Special Case of the Constructive Lovász Local Lemma
Authors: Chang Yi-Jun , He Qizheng , Li Wenzheng , Pettie Seth , Uitto Jara
Published: November 2019

The complexity of distributed edge coloring depends heavily on the
palette size
as a function of the maximum degree Δ. In this article, we explore the complexity of edge coloring in the LOCAL model in different palette size regimes. Our results are as follows.

Lower Bounds:
First, we simplify the
round elimination
technique of Brandt et al. [16] and prove that (2Δ −2)-edge coloring requires Ω (log
Δ
log
n
) time with high probability and Ω (log
Δ
n
) time deterministically,
even on trees
. Second, we show that a natural approach to computing (Δ +1)-edge colorings (Vizing’s theorem), namely, extending an arbitrary partial coloring by iteratively recoloring subgraphs, requires Ω (Δ log
n
) time.

Upper Bounds on General Graphs:
We give a randomized edge coloring algorithm that can use palette sizes as small as Δ + Õ(√Δ), which is a natural barrier for randomized approaches. The running time of our (1+ϵ)Δ-edge coloring algorithm is usually dominated by
O
(\log ϵ
−1
) calls to a distributed Lovász local lemma (LLL) algorithm. For example, using the Chung-Pettie-Su LLL algorithm, we compute a (1+ϵ)Δ-edge coloring in
O
(log
n
) time when ϵ ≥ (log
3
Δ) / √ Δ , or
O
(log
Δ
n
) + (log log
n
)

3 +
o
(1)

time when ϵ = Ω (1). When Δ is sublogarithmic in
n
the performance is improved with the Ghaffari-Harris-Kuhn LLL algorithm.

Upper Bounds on Trees:
We show that the Ω (log
Δ
log
n
) lower bound can be nearly matched on trees. To establish this result, we develop a new distributed Lovász local lemma algorithm for
tree-structured dependency graphs
, which arise naturally from
O
(1)-round probabilistic algorithms run on trees. Specifically, our (1+ϵ)Δ-edge coloring algorithm for trees takes
O
(log (1 / ϵ)) ⋅ max { log log
n
\ log log log
n
, log
log Δ
log
n
} time when ϵ ≥ (log
3
Δ) / √ Δ, or
O
(max { log log
n
\ log log log
n
, log
Δ
log
n
}) time when ϵ = Ω (1).
A Time- and Message-Optimal Distributed Algorithm for Minimum Spanning Trees
Authors: Pandurangan Gopal , Robinson Peter , Scquizzato Michele
Published: November 2019

This article presents a randomized (Las Vegas) distributed algorithm that constructs a minimum spanning tree (MST) in weighted networks with optimal (up to polylogarithmic factors) time and message complexity. This algorithm runs in Õ(
D
+ √
n
) time and exchanges Õ(
m
) messages (both with high probability), where
n
is the number of nodes of the network,
D
is the hop-diameter, and
m
is the number of edges. This is the
first
distributed MST algorithm that matches
simultaneously
the time lower bound of Ω
˜
(
D
+ √
n
) [10] and the message lower bound of Ω (
m
) [31], which both apply to randomized Monte Carlo algorithms.

The prior time and message lower bounds are derived using two completely different graph constructions; the existing lower-bound construction that shows one lower bound does not work for the other. To complement our algorithm, we present a new lower-bound graph construction for which any distributed MST algorithm requires both Ω
˜
(
D
+ √
n
) rounds and Ω (
m
) messages.
Approximation Schemes for Low-rank Binary Matrix Approximation Problems
Authors: Fomin Fedor V. , Golovach Petr A. , Lokshtanov Daniel , Panolan Fahad , Saurabh Saket
Published: November 2019

We provide a randomized linear time approximation scheme for a generic problem about clustering of binary vectors subject to additional constraints. The new constrained clustering problem generalizes a number of problems and by solving it, we obtain the first linear time-approximation schemes for a number of well-studied fundamental problems concerning clustering of binary vectors and low-rank approximation of binary matrices. Among the problems solvable by our approach are L
ow
GF(2)-R
ank
A
pproximation
, L
ow
B
oolean
-R
ank
A
pproximation
, and various versions of B
inary
C
lustering
. For example, for L
ow
GF(2)-R
ank
A
pproximation
problem, where for an
m
×
n
binary matrix
A
and integer
r
> 0, we seek for a binary matrix
B
of GF(2) rank at most
r
such that the ℓ
0
-norm of matrix A−B is minimum, our algorithm, for any ϵ > 0 in time
f
(
r
,ϵ)⋅
n
⋅
m
, where
f
is some computable function, outputs a (1+ϵ)-approximate solution with probability at least (1−1\
e
). This is the first linear time approximation scheme for these problems. We also give (deterministic) PTASes for these problems running in time
n

f
(
r
)1\ϵ
2
log 1\ϵ

, where
f
is some function depending on the problem. Our algorithm for the constrained clustering problem is based on a novel sampling lemma, which is interesting on its own.
Conservation and Management of Salmon in the Age of Genomics
Authors: Waples Robin S. , Naish Kerry A. , Primmer Craig R.
Published: November 2019

Salmon were among the first nonmodel species for which systematic population genetic studies of natural populations were conducted, often to support management and conservation. The genomics revolution has improved our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of salmon in two major ways: ( a) Large increases in the numbers of genetic markers (from dozens to 104–106) provide greater power for traditional analyses, such as the delineation of population structure, hybridization, and population assignment, and ( b) qualitatively new insights that were not possible with traditional genetic methods can be achieved by leveraging detailed information about the structure and function of the genome. Studies of the first type have been more common to date, largely because it has taken time for the necessary tools to be developed to fully understand the complex salmon genome. We expect that the next decade will witness many new studies that take full advantage of salmonid genomic resources.
The Stratigraphy of Mass Extinctions and Recoveries
Authors: Holland Steven M.
Published: November 2019

Interpretations of the tempo of mass extinctions and recoveries often rely on the distribution of fossils in a stratigraphic column. These interpretations are generally compromised when they are not based on a knowledge of marine ecological gradients and sequence-stratigraphic architecture. Crucially, last and first occurrences of species do not record times of extinction and origination. A face-value interpretation of the stratigraphic record leads to incorrect inferences of pulsed extinction, underestimates of the duration of mass extinction, and overestimates of local recovery times. An understanding of the processes of extinction and recovery is substantially improved by knowledge of the distribution of species along marine environmental gradients, interpreting sequence-stratigraphic architecture to show how those gradients are sampled through time, and sampling along regional transects along depositional dip. Doing so suggests that most ancient mass extinctions were substantially longer and local recoveries substantially shorter than generally thought. ▪  The concepts that let geologists find petroleum allow paleontologists to reinterpret ancient mass extinctions and their recoveries. ▪  Most ancient mass extinctions were longer than the fossil record suggests, lasting hundreds of thousands of years to a few million years. ▪  Ancient recoveries from mass extinctions were shorter than thought and likely overlapped with extinction during a period of turnover.
The Acidic Tumor Microenvironment as a Driver of Cancer
Authors: Boedtkjer Ebbe , Pedersen Stine F.
Published: November 2019

Acidic metabolic waste products accumulate in the tumor microenvironment because of high metabolic activity and insufficient perfusion. In tumors, the acidity of the interstitial space and the relatively well-maintained intracellular pH influence cancer and stromal cell function, their mutual interplay, and their interactions with the extracellular matrix. Tumor pH is spatially and temporally heterogeneous, and the fitness advantage of cancer cells adapted to extracellular acidity is likely particularly evident when they encounter less acidic tumor regions, for instance, during invasion. Through complex effects on genetic stability, epigenetics, cellular metabolism, proliferation, and survival, the compartmentalized pH microenvironment favors cancer development. Cellular selection exacerbates the malignant phenotype, which is further enhanced by acid-induced cell motility, extracellular matrix degradation, attenuated immune responses, and modified cellular and intercellular signaling. In this review, we discuss how the acidity of the tumor microenvironment influences each stage in cancer development, from dysplasia to full-blown metastatic disease.
Genetics of COPD
Authors: Silverman Edwin K.
Published: November 2019

Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk is strongly influenced by cigarette smoking, genetic factors are also important determinants of COPD. In addition to Mendelian syndromes such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, many genomic regions that influence COPD susceptibility have been identified in genome-wide association studies. Similarly, multiple genomic regions associated with COPD-related phenotypes, such as quantitative emphysema measures, have been found. Identifying the functional variants and key genes within these association regions remains a major challenge. However, newly identified COPD susceptibility genes are already providing novel insights into COPD pathogenesis. Network-based approaches that leverage these genetic discoveries have the potential to assist in decoding the complex genetic architecture of COPD.
Sufficient Conditions for Hamiltonicity of Graphs with Respect to Wiener Index, Hyper-Wiener Index, and Harary Index
Authors: Jiang Guisheng , Ren Lifang , Yu Guidong
Published: November 2019

In this paper, with respect to the Wiener index, hyper-Wiener index, and Harary index, it gives some sufficient conditions for some graphs to be traceable, Hamiltonian, Hamilton-connected, or traceable for every vertex. Firstly, we discuss balanced bipartite graphs with δG≥t, where δG is the minimum degree of G, and gain some sufficient conditions for the graphs to be traceable or Hamiltonian, respectively. Secondly, we discuss nearly balanced bipartite graphs with δG≥t and present some sufficient conditions for the graphs to be traceable. Thirdly, we discuss graphs with δG≥t and obtain some conditions for the graphs to be traceable or Hamiltonian, respectively. Finally, we discuss t-connected graphs and provide some conditions for the graphs to be Hamilton-connected or traceable for every vertex, respectively.
Malaria-Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Guinea
Authors: Touré Almamy Amara , Doumbouya Abdoulaye , Diallo Abdourahamane , Loua Gaspard , Cissé Abdourahim , Sidibé Sidikiba , Beavogui Abdoul Habib
Published: November 2019

Introduction. Malaria is the leading cause of consultation in Guinea health facilities. During pregnancy, it remains a major health concern causing considerable risks for mother, fetus, and newborn. However, little is known about the epidemiology of malaria among pregnant women in Guinea. We aimed to provide information on malaria-associated factors in parturients. Methods. It was a cross-sectional survey in two regional hospitals and two district hospitals. 1000 parturients and their newborns were surveyed. All patients were interviewed, and thick and thin blood smears were examined. To determine the predictive factors of malaria in parturients, the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) was first performed by using peripheral and placental malaria as dependent variables and sociodemographic and antenatal characteristics as independent variables; then, explanatory profile variables or clusters from these trees were included in the logistic regression models. Results. We found 157 (15.8%) and 148 (14.8%) cases of peripheral and placental malaria, respectively. The regular use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) before delivery was 53.8%, and only 35.5% used sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses ≥3. Factors significantly associated with malaria were as follows: women from Forécariah and Guéckédou who did not regularly use LLINs and accomplished less than four antenatal care visits (ANC <4) and primigravid and paucigravid women who did not regularly use LLINs. Similarly, the odds of having malaria infection were significantly higher among women who had not regularly used LLINs and among primigravid and paucigravid women who had regularly used LLINs compared to multigravida women who had regularly used LLINs. Conclusion. This study showed that pregnant women remain particularly vulnerable to malaria; therefore, strengthening antenatal care visit strategies by emphasizing on promoting the use of LLINs and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, sexual education about early pregnancies, and family or community support during first pregnancies might be helpful.
Tensile Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Incorporating Nanomaterials after Exposure to Elevated Temperature
Authors: Truong Gia Toai , Tran Hai Van , Choi Kyoung-Kyu
Published: November 2019

This study experimentally examined the effect of nanomaterial on the tensile behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), and short multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized COOH (S-MWCNT-COOH) with 1% by weight were used as the primary test parameters. In the present test, S-MWCNT-COOH was more effective than the others in improving the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness of the CFRP composites. The use of S-MWCNT-COOH increased the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness of the CFRP composites by 20.7, 45.7, and 73.8%, respectively. In addition, tensile tests were carried out for CFRP composites with S-MWCNT-COOH after subjection to elevated temperatures ranging from 50 to 200°C. The test results showed that the tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness were significantly reduced with increasing temperature. At a temperature level of 100°C, the reduction of the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness was 36.5, 37.1, and 60.0%, respectively. However, for the specimens subjected to the elevated temperatures ranging from 100 to 200°C, the tensile behavioral properties were constantly maintained. Finally, various analytical models were applied to predict the tensile strength of the CFRP composites with S-MWCNT-COOH. By using the calibrated parameters, the tensile strengths predicted by the models showed good agreement with the experimental results.
Advances in Hemodynamic Analysis in Cardiovascular Diseases Investigation of Energetic Characteristics of Adult and Pediatric Sputnik Left Ventricular Assist Devices during Mock Circulation Support
Authors: Pugovkin Alexander A. , Markov Aleksandr G. , Selishchev Sergey V. , Korn Leonie , Walter Marian , Leonhardt Steffen , Bockeria Leo A. , Bockeria Olga L. , Telyshev Dmitry V.
Published: November 2019

The need to simulate the operating conditions of the human body is a key factor in every study and engineering process of a bioengineering device developed for implantation. In the present paper, we describe in detail the interaction between the left ventricle (LV) and our Sputnik left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This research aims to evaluate the influence of different rotary blood pumps (RBPs) on the LV depending on the degree of heart failure (HF), in order to investigate energetic characteristics of the LV-LVAD interaction and to estimate main parameters of left ventricular unloading. We investigate energetic characteristics of adult Sputnik 1 and Sputnik 2 LVADs connected to a hybrid adult mock circulation (HAMC) and also for the Sputnik pediatric rotary blood pump (PRBP) connected to a pediatric mock circulation (PMC). A major improvement of the LV unloading is observed during all simulations for each particular heart failure state when connected to the LVAD, with sequential pump speed increased within 5000–10000 rpm for adult LVADs and 6000–13000 rpm for PRBP with 200 rpm step. Additionally, it was found that depending on the degree of heart failure, LVADs influence the LV in different ways and a significant support level cannot be achieved without the aortic valve closure. Furthermore, this study expands the information on LV-LVAD interaction, which leads to the optimization of the RBP speed rate control in clinics for adult and pediatric patients suffering from heart failure. Finally, we show that the implementation of control algorithms using the modulation of the RBP speed in order to open the aortic valve and unload the LV more efficiently is necessary and will be content of further research.
Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis due to Streptococcus constellatus in an Immunocompromised Male Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Potsios Charalampos , Xaplanteri Panagiota , Zoitopoulos Vasileios , Patrinos Panagiotis , Giannakopoulou Iro Ioanna , Tzivaki Ilektra , Kafentzi Theodora , Samanta Konstantina , Filioti Konstantina , Sideris Panagiotis , Letsas Konstantinos , Koukios Konstantinos
Published: November 2019

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a primary infection of the intervertebral disc and is a rare entity. Here, we describe the case of a 64-year-old male patient, a professional breeder, who attended the Emergency Department with sciatica and back pain that was worsening for a week. The patient had no history of surgery or trauma. The patient had poor oral hygiene. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed lumbar spondylodiscitis, and blood cultures revealed Streptococcus constellatus. The patient was initially treated with vancomycin but due to renal failure deterioration, the treatment was changed to daptomycin for 8 weeks. During hospitalization, he endured renal injury and nosocomial respiratory tract infection. The patient was discharged with no further complications. Follow-up revealed improvement of neurological signs. In our case, it seems that poor oral hygiene was the cause of bacteremia, which underlies the importance of a good oral health status in immunocompromised patients not only to prevent but also to successfully eliminate any dental source of infection. S. constellatus is an extremely rare pathogen and to our knowledge only two other cases of pyogenic spondylodiscitis are reported in the literature. Early diagnosis is very important for the prognosis of these patients.
Clinical Evolution of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Human Carcinomas
Authors: Navas Tony , Kinders Robert J. , Lawrence Scott M. , Ferry-Galow Katherine V. , Borgel Suzanne , Hollingshead Melinda G. , Srivastava Apurva K. , Alcoser Sergio Y. , Makhlouf Hala R. , Chuaqui Rodrigo , Wilsker Deborah F. , Konaté Mariam M. , Miller Sarah B. , Voth Andrea Regier , Chen Li , Vilimas Tomas , Subramanian Jyothi , Rubinstein Lawrence , Kummar Shivaani , Chen Alice P. , Bottaro Donald P. , Doroshow James H. , Parchment Ralph E.
Published: November 2019

The significance of the phenotypic plasticity afforded by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) for cancer progression and drug resistance remains to be fully elucidated in the clinic. We evaluated epithelial–mesenchymal phenotypic characteristics across a range of tumor histologies using a validated, high-resolution digital microscopic immunofluorescence assay (IFA) that incorporates β-catenin detection and cellular morphology to delineate carcinoma cells from stromal fibroblasts and that quantitates the individual and colocalized expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (E) and the mesenchymal marker vimentin (V) at subcellular resolution (“EMT-IFA”). We report the discovery of β-catenin+ cancer cells that coexpress E-cadherin and vimentin in core-needle biopsies from patients with various advanced metastatic carcinomas, wherein these cells are transitioning between strongly epithelial and strongly mesenchymal-like phenotypes. Treatment of carcinoma models with anticancer drugs that differ in their mechanism of action (the tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib in MKN45 gastric carcinoma xenografts and the combination of tubulin-targeting agent paclitaxel with the BCR-ABL inhibitor nilotinib in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer xenografts) caused changes in the tumor epithelial–mesenchymal character. Moreover, the appearance of partial EMT or mesenchymal-like carcinoma cells in MDA-MB-468 tumors treated with the paclitaxel–nilotinib combination resulted in upregulation of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and susceptibility to FAK inhibitor. A metastatic prostate cancer patient treated with the PARP inhibitor talazoparib exhibited similar CSC marker upregulation. Therefore, the phenotypic plasticity conferred on carcinoma cells by EMT allows for rapid adaptation to cytotoxic or molecularly targeted therapy and could create a form of acquired drug resistance that is transient in nature.

Significance:

Despite the role of EMT in metastasis and drug resistance, no standardized assessment of EMT phenotypic heterogeneity in human carcinomas exists; the EMT-IFA allows for clinical monitoring of tumor adaptation to therapy.
A Small-Molecule Inhibitor Targeting TRIP13 Suppresses Multiple Myeloma Progression
Authors: Wang Yingcong , Huang Jing , Li Bo , Xue Han , Tricot Guido , Hu Liangning , Xu Zhijian , Sun Xiaoxiang , Chang Shuaikang , Gao Lu , Tao Yi , Xu Hongwei , Xie Yongsheng , Xiao Wenqin , Yu Dandan , Kong Yuanyuan , Chen Gege , Sun Xi , Lian Fulin , Zhang Naixia , Wu Xiaosong , Mao Zhiyong , Zhan Fenghuang , Zhu Weiliang , Shi Jumei
Published: November 2019

The AAA-ATPase TRIP13 drives multiple myeloma progression. Here, we present the crystal structure of wild-type human TRIP13 at a resolution of 2.6 Å. A small-molecule inhibitor targeting TRIP13 was identified on the basis of the crystal structure. The inhibitor, designated DCZ0415, was confirmed to bind TRIP13 using pull-down, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance–binding assays. DCZ0415 induced antimyeloma activity in vitro, in vivo, and in primary cells derived from drug-resistant patients with myeloma. The inhibitor impaired nonhomologous end joining repair and inhibited NF-κB activity. Moreover, combining DCZ0415 with the multiple myeloma chemotherapeutic melphalan or the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat induced synergistic antimyeloma activity. Therefore, targeting TRIP13 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma, particularly refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma.

Significance:

These findings identify TRIP13 as a potentially new therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.
Exploitation of CD133 for the Targeted Imaging of Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Glumac Paige M. , Gallant Joseph P. , Shapovalova Mariya , Li Yingming , Murugan Paari , Gupta Shilpa , Coleman Ilsa M. , Nelson Peter S. , Dehm Scott M. , LeBeau Aaron M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC) is a nonandrogen receptor–driven form of disease that arises in men in whom standard-of-care therapies have failed. Therapeutic options for AVPC are limited, and the development of novel therapeutics is significantly hindered by the inability to accurately quantify patient response to therapy by imaging. Imaging modalities that accurately and sensitively detect the bone and visceral metastases associated with AVPC do not exist.

Experimental Design:

This study investigated the transmembrane protein CD133 as a targetable cell surface antigen in AVPC. We evaluated the expression of CD133 by microarray and IHC analysis. The imaging potential of the CD133-targeted IgG (HA10 IgG) was evaluated in preclinical prostate cancer models using two different imaging modalities: near-infrared and PET imaging.

Results:

Evaluation of the patient data demonstrated that CD133 is overexpressed in a specific phenotype of AVPC that is androgen receptor indifferent and neuroendocrine differentiated. In addition, HA10 IgG was selective for CD133-expressing tumors in all preclinical imaging studies. PET imaging with [89Zr]Zr-HA10 IgG revealed a mean %ID/g of 24.30 ± 3.19 in CD133-positive metastatic lesions as compared with 11.82 ± 0.57 in CD133-negative lesions after 72 hours (P = 0.0069). Ex vivo biodistribution showed similar trends as signals were increased by nearly 3-fold in CD133-positive tumors (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to define CD133 as a targetable marker of AVPC. Similarly, we have developed a novel imaging agent, which is selective for CD133-expressing tumors, resulting in a noninvasive PET imaging approach to more effectively detect and monitor AVPC.
The YAP1 Signaling Inhibitors, Verteporfin and CA3, Suppress the Mesothelioma Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype
Authors: Kandasamy Sivaveera , Adhikary Gautam , Rorke Ellen A. , Friedberg Joseph S. , Mickle McKayla B. , Alexander H. Richard , Eckert Richard L.
Published: November 2019

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that has a poor prognosis. Tumors develop in the mesothelial lining of the pleural and peritoneal cavities in response to asbestos exposure. Surgical debulking followed by chemotherapy is initially effective, but this treatment ultimately selects for resistant cells that form aggressive and therapy-resistant recurrent tumors. Mesothelioma cancer stem cells (MCS) are a highly aggressive subpopulation present in these tumors that are responsible for tumor maintenance and drug resistance. In this article, we examine the impact of targeting YAP1/TAZ/TEAD signaling in MCS cells. YAP1, TAZ, and TEADs are transcriptional mediators of the Hippo signaling cascade that activate gene expression to drive tumor formation. We show that two YAP1 signaling inhibitors, verteporfin and CA3, attenuate the MCS cell phenotype. Verteporfin or CA3 treatment reduces YAP1/TEAD level/activity to suppress MCS cell spheroid formation, Matrigel invasion, migration, and tumor formation. These agents also increase MCS cell apoptosis. Moreover, constitutively active YAP1 expression antagonizes inhibitor action, suggesting that loss of YAP1/TAZ/TEAD signaling is required for response to verteporfin and CA3. These agents are active against mesothelioma cells derived from peritoneal (epithelioid) and patient-derived pleural (sarcomatoid) mesothelioma, suggesting that targeting YAP1/TEAD signaling may be a useful treatment strategy.

Implications:

These studies suggest that inhibition of YAP1 signaling may be a viable approach to treating mesothelioma.
Anorexia Nervosa and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Future Hopes Linked to Mucosal Immunity
Authors: Gabriel Tristan , Paul Stéphane , Berger Anne , Massoubre Catherine
Published: November 2019

Mental health is becoming a public health priority worldwide. Anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorders are 2 important types of childhood disorders with a bad prognosis. They share cognitive impairments and, in both cases, the microbiota appears to be a crucial factor. Alteration of the microbiota-gut-brain axis is an appealing hypothesis to define new pathophysiological mechanisms. Mucosal immunity plays a key role between the microbiota and the brain. The mucosal immune system receives and integrates messages from the intestinal microenvironment and the microbiota and then transmits the information to the nervous system. Abnormalities in this sensorial system may be involved in the natural history of mental diseases and might play a role in their maintenance. This review aims to highlight data about the relationship between intestinal mucosal immunity and these disorders. We show that shared cognitive impairments could be found in these 2 disorders, which both present dysbiosis. This literature review provides details on the immune status of anorexic and autistic patients, with a focus on intestinal mucosal factors. Finally, we suggest future research hypotheses that seem important for understanding the implication of the gut-brain-axis in psychiatric diseases.
Reproductive Parameters of Wild Rhinopithecus bieti
Authors: Xia Wancai , Ren Baoping , Zhou Hong , Feng Hao , He Xinming , Krzton Ali , Hu Jie , Aouititen Majda , Luan Xiaofeng , Li Dayong
Published: November 2019

Animal life activities are rhythmic and affected by seasonal periodicity. Based on 9 years of observations, we estimated the reproductive parameters of a wild, but provisioned Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) group at Xiangguqing in Baimaxueshan National Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. We observed 84 infants (43 males and 41 females) from 41 females between 2010 and 2018. We found the birth sex ratio was 1:1, the female age at first birth was 6.13 years and infant mortality was about 15.5%. Nine years of data showed that the maximum birth season lasted 126 days, and the average length per year was 98.57 ± 18.71 days. R. bieti, characterized by strictly seasonal reproduction, started giving birth on February 1, and this ended on June 7, with a peak reached from March 4 to March 11 (10th week). The mean birth date was March 20 (79.21 ± 29.54 days), and the median birth date was March 11 (71st day). The mean interbirth interval (IBI) was approximately 2 years, and the IBIs among females whose infants had survived for 1 year were found to be significantly longer than those found in females who lost their infant within 1 year. Comparing the reproduction parameters among Asian and African colobines, we concluded that Asian and African colobines tend to have an IBI of 2 years or more, females tend to give birth at the age of 5–6 years, Rhinopithecus species had a strict seasonal reproductive pattern concentrated in February to April. Seasonal changes in food resources and climatic factors may be the main reasons for the variation in reproductive parameters in intraspecific and interspecific comparisons of Asian and African colobines.
Nocturnal Hemodialysis Compared with Conventional Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment in Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Xue Cheng , Sun Bo , Ye Xiaofei , Zhou Chenchen , Yang Bo , Zhang Liming , Yu Shengqiang
Published: November 2019

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Little is known about outcomes after in-center nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) treatment in ADPKD patients with ESRD. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in-center NHD compared with conventional hemodialysis (CHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in ADPKD. Methods: We used data of ADPKD adult patients with ESRD in the hospital database from 2000 to 2016. Propensity score matching, competing-risk regression, and Cox regression models were used for analysis. Results: A total of 170 ADPKD patients were included. The median follow-up time was 5.5 years. In the overall multivariate-adjusted analysis, no significant difference of mortality risk was found in NHD vs. CHD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33, 95% CI 0.26–6.73, p = 0.31) and PD (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.14–7.71, p = 0.55), respectively. The overall survival rate also was not significantly different among the 3 groups (p = 0.88). Based on the propensity score, 26 patients on CHD and 26 patients on PD were successfully matched to 13 NHD patients. In the matched analysis, NHD was not associated with a lower risk of mortality compared with CHD (HR 2.14, 95% CI 0.33–14.00, p = 0.31) and PD (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52–8.94, p = 0.55). The result was similar when treating renal transplantation as a competing event. However, NHD was associated with a lower rate of complications (38.5 vs. 84.6%, p = 0.003) and a higher level of serum albumin (p < 0.001) compared with PD. Conclusions: NHD may not be a better choice in survival compared with conventional dialysis modalities for ADPKD patients in this pilot study. Patients in NHD have fewer complications than PD. Future studies with large sample sizes and longer follow-up are required.
Growth and Clinical Characteristics of Children with Floating-Harbor Syndrome: Analysis of Current Original Data and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Homma Thais K. , Freire Bruna L. , Honjo Rachel , Dauber Andrew , Funari Mariana F.A. , Lerario Antonio M. , Albuquerque Edoarda V.A. , Vasques Gabriela A. , Bertola Debora R. , Kim Chong A. , Malaquias Alexsandra C. , Jorge Alexander A.L.
Published: November 2019

Background: Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare condition characterized by dysmorphic facial features, short stature, and expressive language delay. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of patients with FHS and review the literature about the response to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy. Methods: Anthropometric and laboratory data from 7 patients with FHS were described. The molecular diagnosis was established by multigene analysis. Moreover, we reviewed the literature concerning patients with FHS treated with rhGH. Results: All 7 patients were born small for gestational age. At first evaluation, 6 patients had a height standard deviation score (SDS) ≤–2 and 1 had short stature in relation to their target height. Bone age was usually delayed, which rapidly advanced during puberty. Nonspecific skeletal abnormalities were frequently noticed, and normal to elevated plasma IGF-I levels were observed in all except 1 patient with growth hormone deficiency. Information about 20 patients with FHS treated with rhGH was analyzed (4 from our cohort and 16 from the literature). The median height changes during the treatment period (approx. 2.9 years) were 1.1 SDS (range from –0.4 to 3.1). Nontreated patients had an adult height SDS of –4.1 ± 1.2 (n = 10) versus –2.6 ± 0.8 SDS (n = 7, p 0.012) for treated patients. Conclusion: We observed a laboratory profile compatible with IGF-1 insensitivity in some patients with FHS. Nevertheless, our study suggests that children with FHS may be considered as candidates for rhGH therapy. Further studies are necessary to establish the real benefit and safety of rhGH therapy in these patients.
Effects of Glycerol Test on Resonance Frequency in Patients with Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Oz Isilay , Hizal Evren , Cam Osman Halit , Ozluoglu Levent Naci
Published: November 2019

Objective: To evaluate resonance frequency (RF) values via dehydration effects in the inner ear caused by the glycerol test, which is used as a diagnostic method for Ménière’s disease (MD). Methods: Twenty adult patients with unilateral MD were included in the study. Before, and then at 1, 2, and 3 h after administration of glycerol (1 g/kg), pure-tone hearing levels (125–8,000 kHz) and multifrequency tympanometry tests were performed. As a control, the RF values of the ears of 25 healthy subjects (i.e., 50 ears) were compared to the affected and unaffected ears in the 20 MD patients. Results: There was a significant difference between the RF values of affected and healthy ears before glycerol administration (p = 0.047). The RF values before and after glycerol administration into affected ears were compared. The average RF values decreased significantly from 748.0 ± 402.1 to 808.0 ± 410.1 Hz at 1 h after glycerol intake, and this value increased during the subsequent hours. There were no statistically significant differences between the pure-tone levels before and 1 h after glycerol administration, but a significant decrease was observed at 3 h. Conclusion: We suggest that MD has different inner-ear dynamics and normal RF values when compared to healthy ears. Furthermore, decreased inner ear pressure causes reduction of the mass effect and a stiffening of the annular ligament. We conclude that pre- and post-RF tests should be added to the test battery for diagnosis of MD.