bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Clinicopathologic Variables in Breast Cancer Overall Survival Using Biogeography-Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chuang Li-Yeh , Chen Guang-Yu , Moi Sin-Hua , Ou-Yang Fu , Hou Ming-Feng , Yang Cheng-Hong
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is considered a major public health concern worldwide. Biogeography-based optimization (BBO) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm. This study analyzed the relationship between the clinicopathologic variables of breast cancer using Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression on the basis of the BBO algorithm. The dataset is prospectively maintained by the Division of Breast Surgery at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. A total of 1896 patients with breast cancer were included and tracked from 2005 to 2017. Fifteen general breast cancer clinicopathologic variables were collected. We used the BBO algorithm to select the clinicopathologic variables that could potentially contribute to predicting breast cancer prognosis. Subsequently, Cox PH regression analysis was used to demonstrate the association between overall survival and the selected clinicopathologic variables. C-statistics were used to test predictive accuracy and the concordance of various survival models. The BBO-selected clinicopathologic variables model obtained the highest C-statistic value (80%) for predicting the overall survival of patients with breast cancer. The selected clinicopathologic variables included tumor size (hazard ratio [HR] 2.372, p = 0.006), lymph node metastasis (HR 1.301, p = 0.038), lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.606, p = 0.096), perineural invasion (HR 1.546, p = 0.168), dermal invasion (HR 1.548, p = 0.028), total mastectomy (HR 1.633, p = 0.092), without hormone therapy (HR 2.178, p = 0.003), and without chemotherapy (HR 1.234, p = 0.491). This number was the minimum number of discriminators required for optimal discrimination in the breast cancer overall survival model with acceptable prediction ability. Therefore, on the basis of the clinicopathologic variables, the survival prediction model in this study could contribute to breast cancer follow-up and management.
Adult Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction and Intermittent Catheterisation in a Community Setting: Risk Factors Model for Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Kennelly Michael , Thiruchelvam Nikesh , Averbeck Márcio Augusto , Konstatinidis Charalampos , Chartier-Kastler Emmanuel , Trøjgaard Pernille , Vaabengaard Rikke , Krassioukov Andrei , Jakobsen Birte Petersen
Published: April 2019

A risk factor model for urinary tract infections in patients with adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction performing clean intermittent catheterisation was developed; it consists of four domains, namely, (1) general (systemic) conditions in the patient, (2) individual urinary tract conditions in the patient, (3) routine aspects related to the patient, and (4) factors related to intermittent catheters per se. The conceptual model primarily concerns patients with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, or cauda equina where intermittent catheterisation is a normal part of the bladder management. On basis of several literature searches and author consensus in case of lacking evidence, the model intends to provide an overview of the risk factors involved in urinary tract infections, with specific emphasis to describe those that in daily practice can be handled and modified by the clinician and so come to the benefit of the individual catheter user in terms of fewer urinary tract infections.
Experimental Assessment of RC Beam‐Column Connections with Internal and External Strengthening Techniques
Authors: Ercan Emre , Arisoy Bengi , Ertem Omer Burak
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the performance of reinforced concrete beam‐column connections strengthened with carbon fiber‐reinforced plastic (CFRP) sheets externally and steel bars internally. The work emphasized joint behavior under reverse cyclic loading to assess deformation capacity and strength. The study aims the existing buildings designed inadequately in joint sections. For experimental analysis, an exterior joint application was used. In strengthening, four different strengthening configurations were used. Each configuration was designed to illustrate the effect of strengthening at joint sections of the samples. Cyclic performance of the retrofitted samples compared to the control sample satisfies the current building code requirements. Test results indicated that bearing capacity and ductility of the connections were closely related to the original condition of the element and strengthening application.
The Emerging Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Vascular Calcification
Authors: Xie Changming , Ouyang Liu , Chen Jie , Zhang Huanji , Luo Pei , Wang Jingfeng , Huang Hui
Published: April 2019

Vascular calcification (VC), characterized by hydroxyapatite crystal depositing in the vessel wall, is a common pathological condition shared by many chronic diseases and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Recently, VC is regarded as an active, dynamic cell-mediated process, during which calcifying cell transition is critical. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with a multidirectional differentiation ability and great potential for clinical application, play a duplex role in the VC process. MSCs facilitate VC mainly through osteogenic transformation and apoptosis. Meanwhile, several studies have reported the protective role of MSCs. Anti-inflammation, blockade of the BMP2 signal, downregulation of the Wnt signal, and antiapoptosis through paracrine signaling are possible mechanisms. This review displays the evidence both on the facilitating role and on the protective role of MSCs, then discusses the key factors determining this divergence.
Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B or C by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Hako René , Kristian Pavol , Jarčuška Peter , Haková Ivana , Hockicková Ivana , Schréter Ivan , Janičko Martin
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim. To develop a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for evaluation of liver fibrosis. We evaluate the utility of hepatocyte-phase Gadoxetate disodium–enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in staging hepatic fibrosis and compare it with histological analysis as the reference standard (liver biopsy). Methods. Prospective cohort of 78 patients, who received Gadoxetate disodium dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), were divided into three groups. The first group (n=19) was a control group of healthy individuals without liver injury and remaining 59 subjects were chronic hepatitis B and C patients who underwent liver biopsy. These patients were divided into the mild fibrosis F1-F2 (n=32) and advanced fibrosis F3-F4 (n=27) groups. Patients were examined by generated DCE-MRI in 20th minute. Variables such as liver surface changes, homogeneities, and quantitative contrast liver/spleen ratio-Q-LSCR were evaluated and these results were consequently compared between the three groups. Results. Gd-EOB-DTPA contrast-enhanced dynamic liver MRI examination (DCE-MRI) can in the 20th minute differentiate mild stage of liver fibrosis (F1-F2) from severe stage of liver fibrosis (F3-F4) on the basis of liver surface changes, homogeneities, and quantitative contrast liver/spleen ratio-Q-LSCR. Diagnostic MRI criteria were created and named MRI Triple test. This test correctly identified 96% of patients with F3-F4 fibrosis and 91% of patients with the F1-F2 fibrosis in the liver biopsy. This test correctly identified 42,1% of patients in the control group (presumed F0 fibrosis without liver disease). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r = 0,86, P < .001) confirmed high agreement of biopsy and MR Triple test. MR Triple test’s sensitivity was 96.30% (95%CI 81.03% to 99.91%), specificity 90.62% (95%CI 74.98% to 98.02%), positive predictive value 89.66% (95%CI 74.64% to 96.23%), and negative predictive value 96.67% (95%CI 80.86% to 99.50%) for discrimination between F3-4 and F1-2 fibrosis on liver biopsy. Conclusions. Gd-EOB-DTPA contrast-enhanced MRI liver examination in 20th minute is able to reliably differentiate mild stage of liver fibrosis (F1-F2) from severe stage fibrosis (F3-F4) on the basis of Triple test (liver surface changes, homogeneities, and quantitative contrast liver/spleen ratio-Q-LSCR).
Analysis of the Earned Value Management and Earned Schedule Techniques in Complex Hydroelectric Power Production Projects: Cost and Time Forecast
Authors: Urgilés P. , Claver J. , Sebastián M. A.
Published: April 2019

All projects take place within a context of uncertainty. That is especially noticeable in complex hydroelectric power generation projects, which are affected by factors such as the large number of multidisciplinary tasks to be performed in parallel, long execution times, or the risks inherent in various fields like geology, hydrology, and structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering, among others. Such factors often lead to cost overruns and delays in projects of this type. This paper analyzes the efficiency of the Earned Value Management technique and its Earned Schedule extension, as means of forecasting costs and deadlines when applied to complex hydroelectric power production projects. It is worth noting that this analysis was based on simulation models applied to real‐life projects. The results showed that cost forecasting becomes very accurate over time, whereas duration forecasting is not reliably accurate.
Design and Vibration Isolation Performance of Truss‐Type CFRP Raft Frame
Authors: Wen Xianglong , Li Wenhu , Fang Yuan , Song Chunsheng , Zhang Jinguang
Published: April 2019

Traditional raft frame is single in the form of materials and structures. To give full play to its vibration isolation performance, a truss‐type CFRP (carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics) raft frame was designed and prepared. Based on the composite material mechanics and damping strain energy model, a method combining the finite element simulation and experiment was used to calculate the damping of the designed CFRP truss structure. The modal harmonic response analysis of CFRP truss structure was carried out by virtue of the ABAQUS finite element software to explore the influence of structure parameters on the vibration transmission characteristics of CFRP truss structure and provide reference for the design of a truss‐type CFRP raft frame. The truss‐type CFRP floating raft vibration isolation platform was established. Given different excitation sources, the truss‐type CFRP raft frame designed in this paper was demonstrated to have good vibration isolation effect in most frequency bands by analyzing the acceleration‐vibration level differences.
Self-Assembly Investigations of Sulfonated Poly(methyl methacrylate-block-styrene) Diblock Copolymer Thin Films
Authors: Piñón-Balderrama Claudia , Leyva-Porras César , Olayo-Valles Roberto , Revilla-Vázquez Javier , Schubert Ulrich S. , Guerrero-Sanchez Carlos , Bonilla-Cruz José
Published: April 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate-block-styrene) block copolymers (BCs) of low dispersity were selectively sulfonated on the styrenic segment. Several combinations of degree of polymerization and volume fraction of each block were investigated to access different self-assembled morphologies. Thin films of the sulfonated block copolymers were prepared by spin-coating and exposed to solvent vapor (SVA) or thermal annealing (TA) to reach equilibrium morphologies. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed for characterizing the films, which exhibited a variety of nanometric equilibrium and nonequilibrium morphologies. Highly sulfonated samples revealed the formation of a honeycomb-like morphology obtained in solution rather than by the self-assembly of the BC in the solid state. The described morphologies may be employed in applications such as templates for nanomanufacturing and as cover and binder of catalytic particles in fuel cells.
Determination of Varying Group Sizes for Pooling Procedure
Authors: Xiong Wenjun , Lu Hongyu , Ding Juan
Published: April 2019

Pooling is an attractive strategy in screening infected specimens, especially for rare diseases. An essential step of performing the pooled test is to determine the group size. Sometimes, equal group size is not appropriate due to population heterogeneity. In this case, varying group sizes are preferred and could be determined while individual information is available. In this study, we propose a sequential procedure to determine varying group sizes through fully utilizing available information. This procedure is data driven. Simulations show that it has good performance in estimating parameters.
Preparation of LDHs Based on Bittern and Its Flame Retardant Properties in EVA/LDHs Composites
Authors: Li Long , Qian Yi , Qiao Peng , Han Haoyue , Zhang Haiming
Published: April 2019

Bittern, as a byproduct of salt manufacture, is abundant in China. The researches and developments for seawater bittern have mainly focused on the reuse of magnesium, calcium, lithium, and boron. However, the utilization rate is less than 20%. The large amount of unused bittern has become a challenge that attracts much attention in academic and industry areas. In this paper, three kinds of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized from bittern using a coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD results showed that the three kinds of LDHs(MgAl-LDHs, MgFe-LDHs and MgAlFe-LDHs) were successfully synthesized. Then, the flame retardant properties and thermal properties of the three LDHs in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/LDHs composites had been tested by cone calorimeter test (CCT), limiting oxygen index (LOI), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-IR). The CCT results showed that the heat release rate (HRR) of all three kinds of EVA/LDHs composites significantly decreased compared with that of pure EVA, and the EVA/MgAl-LDHs composites had the lowest PHRR value of 222.65 kW/m2. The LOI results showed that EVA/MgAl-LDHs composites had the highest LOI value of 29.8%. The SDT results indicated that MgAl-LDHs were beneficial to smoke suppression. TG-IR results showed that EVA/MgAl-LDHs composites had a better thermal stability.
Study of Bridge Demolition DOT Survey and Available Standard Specifications
Authors: Rezaei Nazanin , Garber David
Published: April 2019

There are many damaged bridges in the United States which are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete and require replacement or rehabilitation, many using accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques. Before a bridge is replaced or rehabilitated, the old structure or component needs to first be demolished. Although the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification presents minimum bridge design requirements, there is limited information about bridge demolition available for designers and contractors in this field. More study is required to determine best practices in demolition administration and avoid further unintentional events. This study presents the results from a survey prepared and disseminated through a research effort under the Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC‐UTC). This survey was sent out to all State Departments of Transportation (DOTs). The results of the survey reveal the need for additional guidance in bridge demolition administrations at a national level. According to the results of this study, contractors are the most important part of bridge demolition projects from injuries, fatalities, and responsibility point of view.
Blood Pressure Measurements with Different Currently Available Methods in Elderly Hypertensive Hospitalized Patients: A Real World Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Del Giorno Rosaria , Heiniger Pascal Simon , Balestra Lorenzo , Gabutti Luca
Published: April 2019

Background. The reliability of blood pressure (BP) measurement in hospitalized patients is a topic of debate and the therapeutic implication of the routinely collected BP profiles is probably overestimated. When measurements are performed in elderly patients, further potential sources of misinterpretation occur. Methods. We conducted a subanalysis of a previous study including 79 over 80-year-old hypertensive patients, hospitalized in an internal medicine ward. Five modalities of BP evaluations (measurement by physicians and nurses, self-measurement by patients, Finometer® beat-to-beat finger monitoring, and 24h monitoring) were analyzed, considering agreement and accuracy. Results. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 86.9±4.9 years (50% women). Patients’ self-measurements of both systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) did not differ significantly from daytime 24-hour monitoring (D24hBPM) (mean difference -1.52, SE 1.71; p: ns and -0.58, SE 1.19 mmHg; p: ns). Conversely, SBP and DBP registered by nurses did significantly differ (mean difference -7.34, SE 1.42; p=0.007 and -4.7, SE 1.05 mmHg; p=0.003). SBP and DBP measured by patients also showed the better concordance, with lowest biases, and narrowest limits of agreements (LoA) and for SBP higher Kappa statistic values (bias 1.5, LoA -28.9 to 31.9; κ 0.563 and bias 0.6, LoA -20.4 to 21.5 mmHg; κ 0.412). The patients’ sensitivity and specificity in predicting hypertensive systolic D24hBPM were 84.8% and 69.7%, respectively. Conclusions. In elderly hospitalized patients an alternative to 24hBPM, self-measurements by patients offer the better agreement and reliability in detecting hypertensive values.
Experimental Quantification of Local Pressure Loss at a 90° Bend in Low-Pressure Dilute-Phase Pneumatic Conveying of Coarse Particles
Authors: Zhu Rui , Luo Chunsheng , Li Xin , Yan Fei
Published: April 2019

Focusing on the insufficient estimation of the local pressure loss at a 90° horizontal-vertical bend in low-pressure pneumatic conveying of coarse particles, experiments are conducted in a 80 mm inner diameter test bend by using polyethylene particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of 4.00 mm. The influences of the local pressure loss versus the gas flow Reynolds number, the solid-gas ratio, and the bending radius ratio are investigated. Based on the additional pressure theory of Barth, an empirical formula estimating the local pressure loss is obtained using dimensional and nonlinear regression analysis. Summarizing the experiments and literature, the results expound on the local gas flow pressure loss coefficient decreases with increasing Reynolds number, and first decreases and then increases with increasing bending radius ratios from 0.5 to 7. The additional solid flow pressure loss coefficient decreases with the increasing Reynolds number and bending radius ratio in the dilute phase, and linearly increases with increasing solid-gas ratio. Compared with the estimated values with the experimental values, the calculated standard deviation is below 4.11%, indicating that the empirical formula can be used to predict local pressure loss at the bend in the low-pressure dilute-phase pneumatic conveying.
Certain Subclasses of Bi-Close-to-Convex Functions Associated with Quasi-Subordination
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Singh Gurcharanjit , Singh Gagandeep
Published: April 2019

In the present investigation, we introduce certain new subclasses of the class of biunivalent functions in the open unit disc U=z:z<1 defined by quasi-subordination. We obtained estimates on the initial coefficients a2 and a3 for the functions in these subclasses. The results present in this paper would generalize and improve those in related works of several earlier authors.
Characterization of Spirulina-Alginate Beads Formed Using Ionic Gelation
Authors: Rajmohan Deepak , Bellmer Danielle
Published: April 2019

Spirulina (blue-green algae) is one of the cheapest sources of protein and essential vitamins. However, bitterness and bad flavor of spirulina protein may limit its use in food products. In this study, spirulina was encapsulated using ionic gelation to facilitate protein delivery. The objective was to study the effects of different types of gelation methods on particle size, texture, morphology, and crude protein content of the beads. Spirulina protein was encapsulated in alginate using both internal and external gelation methods and varying concentrations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride. A total of six different treatments were evaluated, and characterization of the beads included crude protein content, hardness measured using a texture analyzer, and thickness and width of the beads. The morphology was also studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results from the texture analysis show that the hardness of the external gelation beads is three times that of the internal gelation beads, and an increase in the alginate percentage in both gelation methods increased the firmness of the beads. The crude protein content was significantly higher with the beads formed using external gelation than with internal gelation. The SEM micrographs also show that the surface morphology of the beads produced with internal gelation has a more heterogeneous structure. Overall, the beads formed with external gelation were superior to those formed with internal gelation methods. Results from this study suggest that alginate is suitable for encapsulation of spirulina protein and these hydrogel beads could be used to enhance the protein delivery and facilitate the design of foods with alternative sources of protein.
Study on the Changing Rules of Silty Clay’s Pore Structure under Freeze‐Thaw Cycles
Authors: Chen Zongfang , Chen Huie , Li Jinfeng , Li Hui , Ma Wenliang
Published: April 2019

For engineering construction in seasonally frozen regions, when the soil below the frost depth without freeze‐thaw effect was exposed or reclaimed after excavation, long‐term freeze‐thaw will change soil skeleton and porous characteristics, thereby leading to the deterioration of soil engineering properties. This study focused on seasonally frozen silty clay from Changchun, China, and conducted different freeze‐thaw cyclic tests on remoulded soil samples, during which both freezing temperature and the number of freeze‐thaw cycles were varied. The related data of pore structures under different test conditions were acquired through mercury injection porosimetry (MIP) tests, and the effects of the number of freeze‐thaw cycles and freezing temperature on the change of the soil’s pore structure were investigated in detail in combination with fractal theory. The variation rules of pores in the soil after freeze‐thaw cycles were investigated from a microperspective so as to essentially analyze the mechanism of the deteriorating effect of freeze‐thaw on a soil’s engineering properties.
Unsolved Questions in Salvage TIPSS: Practical Modalities for Placement, Alternative Therapeutics, and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Bouzbib Charlotte , Sultanik Philippe , Thabut Dominique , Rudler Marika
Published: April 2019

Salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) has proven its efficacy to treat refractory variceal bleeding for patients with cirrhosis. However, this procedure is associated with very poor outcomes. As it is used as a last resort to treat a severe complication of cirrhosis, it seems essential to improve our practice, with the aim of optimizing management of those patients. Somehow, many questions are still unsolved: which stents should be used? Should a concomitant embolization be systematically considered? Is there any alternative therapeutic in case of recurrent bleeding despite TIPSS? What are the long-term outcomes on survival, liver transplantation, and hepatic encephalopathy after salvage TIPSS? Is this procedure futile in some patients? Is prognosis with salvage TIPSS nowadays as bad as earlier, despite the improvement of prophylaxis for variceal bleeding? The aim of this review is to summarize those data and to identify the lacking ones to guide further research on salvage TIPSS.
Asymptotic Analysis of Impulsive Dispersal Predator-Prey Systems with Markov Switching on Finite-State Space
Authors: Liu Guodong , Chang Zhengbo , Meng Xinzhu
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the stochastic dynamics of two dispersal predator-prey systems perturbed by white noise, impulsive effect, and regime switching. For the system just interrupted by white noise, we first prove that the stochastic impulsive system has a nontrivial positive periodic solution. Then the sufficient conditions for persistence in mean and extinction of the system are obtained. For the system with Markov regime switching, we verify it is ergodic and has a stationary distribution. And conditions for extinction of the prey species are established. Finally, we provide a series of numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
Research on Failure Mechanism and Strengthening of Broken Roadway Affected by Upper Coal Pillar
Authors: He Fulian , Zheng Zheng , Zhu Hengzhong , Yang Bo
Published: April 2019

The principal stress difference is introduced as a new evaluation index in order to better understand the failure mechanism of roadways affected by upper coal pillars and characterize failure of rock mass. Compared with traditional methods, it facilitates quantitative analysis. Moreover, we combine the semiplane theory and we obtain the stress distribution on the coal pillar’s bedrock and the strengthening control area from the “change point” position along a 21 m horizontal line. The influence of multiple stresses induced from mining on a roadway is analyzed. It is found that rock failure is most likely while mining the 051606 working face, followed by mining the 051604 working face, and the stress influence on the upper pillar has the lowest failure probability. In addition, based on the asymmetry of the surrounding rock stress distribution, this study proposes strengthening control technology of surrounding rock on the basis of a highly stressed bolting support and anchor cable, adding to the steel ladder beam, steel mesh, and shed support’s protective function to the roadway’s roof and ribs. Finally, through field observations, it is concluded that the roadway deformation is within the controllable range.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Progression in the Gastric Precancerous Process in a Population from a Developing Country Who Underwent a Gastroscopy for Dyspeptic Symptoms
Authors: Thapa Susan , Fischbach Lori A. , Delongchamp Robert , Faramawi Mohammed F. , Orloff Mohammed S.
Published: April 2019

Background. Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Morbidity and mortality from gastric cancer may be decreased by identification of those that are at high risk for progression in the gastric precancerous process so that they can be monitored over time for early detection and implementation of preventive strategies. Method. Using machine learning, we developed prediction models for gastric precancerous progression in a population from a developing country with a high rate of gastric cancer who underwent gastroscopies for dyspeptic symptoms. In the data imputed for completeness, we divided the data into a training and a validation test set. Using the training set, we used the random forest method to rank potential predictors based on their predictive importance. Using predictors identified by the random forest method, we conducted best subset linear regressions with the leave-one-out cross-validation approach to select predictors for overall progression and progression to dysplasia or cancer. We validated the models in the test set using leave-one-out cross-validation. Results. We observed for all models that complete intestinal metaplasia and incomplete intestinal metaplasia were the strongest predictors for further progression in the precancerous process. We also observed that a diagnosis of no gastritis, superficial gastritis, or antral diffuse gastritis at baseline was a predictor of no progression in the gastric precancerous process. The sensitivities and specificities were 86% and 79% for the general model and 100% and 82% for the location-specific model, respectively. Conclusion. We developed prediction models to identify gastroscopy patients that are more likely to progress in the gastric precancerous process, among whom routine follow-up gastroscopies can be targeted to prevent gastric cancer. Future external validation is needed.
Degradation State Recognition of Rolling Bearing Based on K‐Means and CNN Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Qicai , Shen Hehong , Zhao Jiong , Liu Xingchen , Xiong Xiaolei
Published: April 2019

Accurate degradation state recognition of rolling bearing is critical to effective condition based on maintenance for improving reliability and safety. In this work, a new architecture is proposed to recognize the degradation state of the rolling bearing. Firstly, the time‐domain features including RMS, kurtosis, skewness and RMSEE, and Mel‐frequency cepstral coefficients features are extracted from bearing vibration signals, which are then used as the input of k‐means algorithm. These unlabeled features are clustered by k‐means in order to define the different categories of the bearing degradation state. In this way, the original vibration signals can be labeled. Then, the convolutional neural network recognition model is built, which takes the bearing vibration signals as input, and outputs the degradation state category. So, interference brought by human factors can be eliminated, and further, the bearing degradation can be grasped so as to make maintenance plan in time. The proposed method was tested by bearing run‐to‐failure dataset provided by the Center for Intelligent Maintenance System, and the result proved the feasibility and reliability of the methodology.
Looking for Accurate Forecasting of Copper TC/RC Benchmark Levels
Authors: Díaz-Borrego Francisco J. , Miras-Rodríguez María del Mar , Escobar-Pérez Bernabé
Published: April 2019

Forecasting copper prices has been the objective of numerous investigations. However, there is a lack of research about the price at which mines sell copper concentrate to smelters. The market reality is more complex since smelters obtain the copper that they sell from the concentrate that mines produce by processing the ore which they have extracted. It therefore becomes necessary to thoroughly analyse the price at which smelters buy the concentrates from the mines, besides the price at which they sell the copper. In practice, this cost is set by applying discounts to the price of cathodic copper, the most relevant being those corresponding to the smelters’ benefit margin (Treatment Charges-TC and Refining Charges-RC). These discounts are agreed upon annually in the markets and their correct forecasting will enable making more adequate models to estimate the price of copper concentrates, which would help smelters to duly forecast their benefit margin. Hence, the aim of this paper is to provide an effective tool to forecast copper TC/RC annual benchmark levels. With the annual benchmark data from 2004 to 2017 agreed upon during the LME Copper Week, a three‐model comparison is made by contrasting different measures of error. The results obtained indicate that the LES (Linear Exponential Smoothing) model is the one that has the best predictive capacity to explain the evolution of TC/RC in both the long and the short term. This suggests a certain dependency on the previous levels of TC/RC, as well as the potential existence of cyclical patterns in them. This model thus allows us to make a more precise estimation of copper TC/RC levels, which makes it useful for smelters and mining companies.
A New Hybrid Algorithm for Convex Nonlinear Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Hamed Eman T. , Ahmed Huda I. , Al-Bayati Abbas Y.
Published: April 2019

In this study, we tend to propose a replacement hybrid algorithmic rule which mixes the search directions like Steepest Descent (SD) and Quasi-Newton (QN). First, we tend to develop a replacement search direction for combined conjugate gradient (CG) and QN strategies. Second, we tend to depict a replacement positive CG methodology that possesses the adequate descent property with sturdy Wolfe line search. We tend to conjointly prove a replacement theorem to make sure global convergence property is underneath some given conditions. Our numerical results show that the new algorithmic rule is powerful as compared to different standard high scale CG strategies.
Design and Implementation of Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory Astronomical Data Transmission Visualization System
Authors: Ye Xinchen , Zhang Hailong , Zhu Yan , Wang Jie , Ergesh Tohtonur , Li Huijuan
Published: April 2019

With the development of astronomical observation technology, astronomical devices produce more data than ever. Astronomical telescopes are usually far away from city, so the long-distance data transmission between telescope and data center faces great challenges. Visualization system of astronomical data transmission with four-layer structure was built to manage data transmission. This visualization system has a four-layer structure: hardware layer, system layer, middle layer, and visualization layer. System function includes automatic data transmission, log recording of transmission process, and display of the transmission status in dynamic web pages. Besides, the middle layer contains an alarm subsystem that can automatically send system exceptions to administrator. We also design corresponding mechanisms to ensure the high stability of the system and to control the data transmission when the network is unstable through adaptive algorithms. In test, this visualization system can run stably for a long time in unmanned manner. This system also provides a solution for the astronomical observation bases to automatically transmit data to the data center.
Feasibility of a Polymer Foaming Agent as a Grouting Material for Broken Coal Masses
Authors: Sun Zhidong , Zhang Junxiang , Sun Yuning
Published: April 2019

A new soluble polymer foaming (PF) grouting material was developed by using hydrophilic amino resin as the base material and adding other cross‐linking, foam, foam stabilizing, toughening, and coupling agents. The PF material exhibited low viscosity, excellent adhesion, and strong penetration. The grouting reinforcement effect of the proposed PF material on broken coal masses was investigated and compared with that of traditional superfine cement (SC) through simulation experiments. Results showed that after grouting, fractures, joints, and other failure planes inside raw coal were filled and bonded, and the mechanical strength of the grout‐coal concretion improved relative to the residual strength of raw coal. The average uniaxial compressive strength of SC specimens was 6.16 MPa, whereas that of PF specimens was 10.85 MPa. Moreover, the PF specimens presented an obvious characteristic of plastic strengthening. Analyzing the reinforcement effect of the grouting materials on the basis of single structural plane theory revealed that at the critical state, the average σ3 value of SC specimens was 1.43 MPa, whereas that of PF specimens was 3.09 MPa. In addition, coordination between the lateral and axial deformations of the PF specimens during compression promoted the formation of a bearing structure that can adapt to deformation. This structure is crucial for the safe operation of coal mines.
Epoxy-Glass Microballoon Syntactic Foams: Rheological Optimization of the Processing Window
Authors: Ullas A. V. , Kumar Devendra , Roy Prasun Kumar
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we discuss the chemorheology of epoxy based syntactic foams containing glass microballoons of varying density, with an aim of establishing the effect of microballoon loading on its processability. The primary objective is to determine the maximum microballoon loading that disperses uniformly in the resin without the aid of any diluent. The viscosity and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy formulations containing varying amounts of glass microballoons were established by parallel plate rheometry. Our studies reveal that solventless processing of formulations with microballoon loading > 60% poses practical difficulties due to prohibitively high viscosities, although a packing efficiency of 74% is theoretically allowed in the case of hexagonal close packing. The presence of microballoons does not alter the curing mechanism. The mechanical properties of syntactic foams were inversely proportional to the loading and type of glass microballoons.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Silica Hybrid Particles for Biomimetic Recognition of Target Drugs
Authors: Roshan Sumaira , Mujahid Adnan , Afzal Adeel , Nisar Izzut , Ahmad Mirza Nadeem , Hussain Tajamal , Zafar Bajwa Sadia
Published: April 2019

Biomimetic hybrid particles based on amlodipine-imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (MIP) are developed by free radical polymerization of the monomers and crosslinkers in the presence of silica nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy is used to study the distribution and surface morphology of MIP-silica hybrid particles. The responsive properties are studied by exposing the synthesized MIP-silica hybrid material to standard amlodipine drug solution and consequently monitoring the decrease in drug concentration. The control material, i.e., nonimprinted polymer- (NIP-) silica hybrid particles, exhibits much lower response during the drug rebinding assay suggesting the lack of functionality due to the absence of imprinting effects. The selectivity of MIP-silica hybrid particles is evaluated by examining the aspirin uptake that shows lower absorbance shifts for aspirin solution compared to amlodipine. It indicates a higher sensitivity of MIP-silica hybrid particles toward targeted pharmaceutical drug recognition and also exhibits their potential for drug assay in multiplex biological samples. Furthermore, MIP-silica hybrid particles used in the drug rebinding assay can be recovered and regenerated for subsequent tests without losing recognition properties.
Influence of Specific Health Guidance on the Consultation Rate of Metabolic-Related Diseases
Authors: Tamaki Yoh , Okamoto Etsuji , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Kumakawa Toshiro
Published: April 2019

In Japan, national health expenditure is increasing each year. In particular, medical care costs for the elderly is growing at the rate of about 9% annually alongside the rapid increase of the aging population. In Japan, the specific health checkup and specific health guidance were implemented in 2008 to reduce medical costs in the medium to long term by preventing metabolic syndrome. To evaluate the influence of Specific Health Guidance on medical costs for metabolic-related or other diseases, we conducted propensity score matching and compared between those who received the Health Guidance and those who did not. The two groups were extracted from those with zero outpatient medical expenses for the five months prior to the checkup. The following were selected as variables for matching: gender, age, BMI, abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, urinary protein, smoking/nonsmoking, hoping/not hoping for Health Guidance, and willing/not willing to improve one’s lifestyle habits. Finally, 50 one-to-one matches were performed between the intervention and control groups. The results of the Tobit regression analysis showed that Health Guidance significantly lowered metabolic-related medical expenses for the 26 months. However, for other diseases, no significant difference for medical expenses was evident between the two groups. The consultation rate of the intervention group after 12 months was 28% and 46% for the control group. The results suggest that the Specific Health Guidance in Japan reduced outpatient consultation for metabolic-related diseases.
Going Beyond the Sequences: TCR Binding Patterns at the Service of Cancer Detection
Authors: Zoete Vincent , Coukos George
Published: April 2019

Deep sequencing of T-cell receptors enables the comprehensive profiling of lymphocyte populations and the characterization of the repertoire of T-cell responses against tumors, which could be applied to diagnose cancers. Ostmeyer and colleagues introduce a novel approach to characterize TCR patterns correlating with antigen recognition. By projecting the large TCR sequence space into a handful of biophysicochemical descriptors for key residues and seeking TCRs with similar antigen-binding capabilities even in the absence of identical amino acids, this approach presents several advantages over current methods.

See related article by Ostmeyer et al., p. 1671
Regorafenib Promotes Antitumor Immunity via Inhibiting PD-L1 and IDO1 Expression in Melanoma
Authors: Wu Rui-Yan , Kong Peng-Fei , Xia Liang-Ping , Huang Yun , Li Zhi-Ling , Tang Yun-Yun , Chen Yu-Hong , Li Xuan , Senthilkumar Ravichandran , Zhang Hai-Liang , Sun Ting , Xu Xue-Lian , Yu Yan , Mai Jia , Peng Xiao-Dan , Yang Dong , Zhou Li-Huan , Feng Gong-Kan , Deng Rong , Zhu Xiao-Feng
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy induces durable tumor regressions in a minority of patients with cancer. In this study, we aimed to identify kinase inhibitors that were capable of increasing the antimelanoma immunity.

Experimental Design:

Flow cytometry–based screening was performed to identify kinase inhibitors that can block the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in melanoma cells. The pharmacologic activities of regorafenib alone or in combination with immunotherapy in vitro and in vivo were determined. The mechanisms of regorafenib were explored and analyzed in melanoma patients treated with or without anti–PD-1 using The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets.

Results:

Through screening of a kinase inhibitor library, we found approximately 20 agents that caused more than half reduction of cell surface PD-L1 level, and regorafenib was one of the most potent agents. Furthermore, our results showed that regorafenib, in vitro and in vivo, strongly promoted the antitumor efficacy when combined with IFNγ or ICB. By targeting the RET–Src axis, regorafenib potently inhibited JAK1/2–STAT1 and MAPK signaling and subsequently attenuated the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 and IDO1 expression without affecting MHC-I expression much. Moreover, RET and Src co-high expression was an independent unfavorable prognosis factor in melanoma patients with or without ICB through inhibiting the antitumor immune response.

Conclusions:

Our data unveiled a new mechanism of alleviating IFNγ-induced PD-L1 and IDO1 expression and provided a rationale to explore a novel combination of ICB with regorafenib clinically, especially in melanoma with RET/Src axis activation.
Adoptive Immunotherapy with Antigen-Specific T Cells Expressing a Native TCR
Authors: Leung Wingchi , Heslop Helen E.
Published: April 2019

Although T cells genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors became the first immune effector product to obtain FDA approval, T-cell products that recognize their antigenic targets through their native receptors have also produced encouraging responses. For instance, T cells recognizing immunogenic viral antigens are effective when infused in immunosuppressed patients. A large number of tumor antigens are also expressed on nonviral tumors, but these antigens are less immunogenic. Many tumors can evade a transferred immune response by producing variants, which have lost the targeted antigens, or inhibitory molecules that recruit suppressive cells, impeding persistence and function of immune effectors. Nevertheless, infusion of antigen-specific T cells has been well-tolerated, and clinical responses have been consistently associated with immune activity against tumor antigens and epitope spreading. To overcome some of the obstacles mentioned above, current research is focused on defining ex vivo culture conditions that promote in vivo persistence and activity of infused antigen-specific T cells. Combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors or epigenetic modifiers to improve T-cell activity are also being evaluated in the clinic. Antigen-specific T cells may also be manufactured to overcome tumor evasion mechanisms by targeting multiple antigens and engineered to be resistant to inhibitory factors, such as TGFβ, or to produce the cytokines that are essential for T-cell expansion and sustained antitumor activity. Here, we discuss the use of T cells specific to tumor antigens through their native receptors and strategies under investigation to improve antitumor responses.
A Cabeça Branca da Hidra e seus pântanos
Authors: Varga István Van Deursen
Published: April 2019

Em 2013, os Gamela, até então considerados extintos, iniciaram várias manifestações para pressionar o Estado brasileiro a reconhecer sua identidade indígena e, assim, assumir a responsabilidade de proteger seus território e direitos específicos. Vários aspectos da história, da etnohistória e do processo de etnogênese dos Gamela abordados neste artigo ensejam reflexões significativas e ainda atuais sobre as relações interraciais e interétnicas na Amazônia, mais especialmente sobre as alianças e conflitos envolvendo comunidades quilombolas, indígenas e camponesas. Apresento, aqui, informações colhidas em projetos de extensão e pesquisa que atualizam e trazem novos subsídios a referências disponíveis a respeito.
ACRA Perfusion Study
Authors: van Leeuwen Maarten A.H. , van der Heijden Dirk J. , Hollander Maurits R. , Mulder Mark J. , van de Ven Peter M. , Ritt Marco J.P.F. , Kiemeneij Ferdinand , van Mieghem Nicolas M. , van Royen Niels
Published: April 2019

Background:

Transradial intervention (TRI) may impair digital perfusion with hand dysfunction as a result. However, the effect of TRI on digital perfusion has never been investigated, including the influence of variations of the collateral arterial network and the effect on hand dysfunction.

Methods and Results:

We investigated the effect of TRI on digital perfusion by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was performed at baseline, during radial access, TR band application, and at discharge. We compared tissue perfusion of the homolateral thumb (access site) with the contralateral thumb (comparator) during radial access as primary outcome. The hand circulation was assessed with angiography. Upper extremity function was evaluated with the validated QuickDASH questionnaire at baseline and follow-up. A significant reduction of tissue perfusion was observed during radial access and TR band application in the homolateral thumb (−32%, −32%, respectively) and contralateral thumb (−34%, −21%, respectively). We detected no perfusion difference between the homolateral and contralateral thumb during radial access (217; interquartile range, 112–364 versus 209; interquartile range, 99–369 arbitrary flux units;
P
=0.59). Reduced perfusion of the thumb during radial access was not associated with incompleteness of the superficial palmar arch (
P
=0.13). Digital perfusion improved at discharge, though it remained below baseline levels (homolateral −11% and contralateral −14%). Hand dysfunction at 18 months was not associated with TRI-induced perfusion reduction (
P
=0.54).

Conclusions:

TRI is safe. Digital perfusion is reduced in both hands during radial access and TR band application but is not associated with future loss of hand function and variations of the arterial hand supply.