bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silica‐free sealing glass for sodium‐beta alumina battery
Authors: Manthina Venkata , Song Gyuho , Singh Prabhakar , Mahapatra Manoj K.
Published: August 2018

A CaO‐Bi2O3‐Al2O3‐B2O3 glass system was studied as a sealant for sodium‐sulfur battery. The thermal properties such as thermal expansion coefficient, glass transition, and softening temperature were determined by dilatometry and differential scanning calorimetry. Selected glasses, based on the thermal properties, were bonded with α‐alumina substrate followed by aging in air at 400°C for 100 hours and in sodium vapor at 350°C for 100 hours. The interfacial compatibility and resistance to sodium vapor corrosion of the bonded and aged samples were evaluated by structural and microstructural analysis using X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) attached with energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS). Helium leakage test was performed at room temperature to examine the sealing ability of the select glass. It is found that Bi2O3 increases the thermal expansion coefficient, decreases the glass transition and softening temperature, shows excellent interfacial compatibility and thermal cycling resistance, improves sealing ability, and degrades sodium corrosion resistance.
Influence of PbO content on the dielectric failure of Nb‐doped {100}‐oriented lead zirconate titanate films
Authors: Zhu Wanlin , Borman Trent , DeCesaris Kory , Truong Bo , Lieu Michelle M. , Ko Song Won , Mardilovich Peter , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: August 2018

A series of niobium‐doped, {100} textured, “gradient free,” lead zirconate titanate (PNZT) films with different PbO contents were fabricated by the chemical solution deposition method. The films’ PbO content was controlled by changing the average PbO content in the solution from 114.7 to 117 at.%. During the dielectric breakdown process of 1.5 μm thick PNZT films with Pt top and bottom electrodes, two phenomena were observed: cracking and thermal breakdown of the piezoelectric film. At 150°C, with an applied 400 kV/cm electric field, the crack density of PNZT films induced by electromechanical failure increased from 0.060/μm to 0.090/μm as the solution's PbO content increased from 114.7% to 117%. In addition, the films showed higher crack densities and more frequent thermal breakdown events when the electric field was oriented downward (from top to bottom electrode) compared with an upward oriented electric field (from bottom to top electrode). The films with higher PbO content had a lower breakdown strength. Also, all films showed lower breakdown strength when measured in the field down direction. The Schottky barrier height (SBH) decreased from 0.82 ± 0.06 to 0.68 ± 0.04 eV in the field up direction measurement as the PbO content increased. The SBH value did not show significant change in the field down direction measurement. This suggests that the asymmetry in the film/electrode interfaces is a function of the PbO content in the original solution.
Structural studies on Ca3Al4MgO10 (C3A2M)—A ternary phase in the system CaO–Al2O3–MgO
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker , Albrecht Richard , Schmidmair Daniela , Krüger Hannes , Krüger Biljana , Tribus Martina , Pauluhn Anuschka
Published: August 2018

In a sequence of temperature‐dependent solid‐state reactions in the system CaO–Al2O3–MgO the formation of the ternary phase Ca3Al4MgO10 or C3A2M has been studied. Whereas the compound could not be prepared at 1200°C, a yield of 85 wt.‐% of Ca3Al4MgO10 was obtained at 1320°C (incongruent melting point: 1330°C). Powder diffraction data compare well with results of previous investigations from the 1960s. Single crystals of Ca3Al4MgO10 could be retrieved from the sinter‐pellets. Basic crystallographic data are as follows: orthorhombic symmetry, space group Pbcm, a = 5.14073(8), b = 16.7576(2), c = 10.70977(16) Å, V = 922.61(2) Å3, Z = 4. Using synchrotron diffraction data it was possible to solve the crystal structure. Least‐squares refinements resulted in a residual of R(|F|) = 0.021 for 1000 independent observed reflections with I > 2σ(I) and 97 parameters. The structure contains [TO4]‐tetrahedra (T=Al,Mg) forming a three‐dimensional (3‐D) framework whose topological characteristics have been determined. Al‐Mg distributions on the different T‐sites have been studied. The calcium cations are located in voids of the network. More than 50 years after its first observation our investigation clarifies the crystal structure of a compound belonging to a system that is of relevance for several fields of materials science.
Towards a sustainable fabrication of cryomagnets: Melting‐driving approaches for recycling failed REBa2Cu3Ox bulks
Authors: Liang Kun , Huang Simin , Qian Jun , Xiang Hui , Liu Yan , Yao Xin
Published: August 2018

Recycling failed REBa2Cu3Ox (RE123 or REBCO, RE: rare earth elements) bulks is a matter of significant importance in the manufacture of superconducting cryomagnets for practical applications. However, bulks with high solid fraction and high Tp (peritectic temperature) are difficult to recycle. In order to solve this problem, we first gave a comprehensive classification of failed bulks based on their macrostructures, determined by the volume ratio between poly‐crystalline grains (PCG) and solidified liquid phase (SLP) of the bulks, which is positively correlated with the difficulty level of melting the bulks. Furthermore, particularly for hard‐to‐melt samples, we developed a novel melting‐driving recycling process, in which an additional step, high‐temperature remelting plus quenching, was employed before a normal regrowing step. As a result, we succeeded in recycling the failed SmBCO bulks featuring high Tp and structures of fully‐grown PCG, which demonstrated comparable superconducting performance to ones prepared by normal top‐seeded melt‐growth. This study opens a new direction of recycling all kinds of failed RE123 bulks and other ceramic materials, making their industrial applications more sustainable and economic.
Influence of glass composition on photoluminescence from Ge2+ or Ag nano‐cluster in germanate glasses for white light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Zhao Jingyuan , Yang Zhengwen , Yu Chengye , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: August 2018

Germanium glass has attracted much interest because of its potential application as the optical waveguides and communication devices. In this work, germanium glass was prepared, exhibiting the blue luminescence at the 410 nm from the Ge2+. The influence of SiO2 addition in the germanate glass on the 410 nm luminescence of the Ge2+ was observed. The SiO2 addition promoted the formation of Ge2+, which is because the Si4+ ions can deprive the O2− ions from the Ge4+ ion caused by the lower optical basicity of Si4+ ions than Ge4+ ion. The germanium glasses containing the Ag nano‐clusters were prepared using ion‐exchange method. The influence of SiO2 concentration on the size of Ag nano‐clusters was observed, which stabilize the size distribution and lead to the miniaturization of Ag nano‐clusters. The Ag nano‐clusters size dependence of their photoluminescence was observed in germanate glasses, and the tunable photoluminescence of Ag nano‐clusters was obtained by controlling the size of Ag nano‐clusters. It is noticed that the Ag nano‐clusters formed in the germanate glass showed the white light emission characteristic excited at the blue chip, exhibiting the practical application as the blue converted white light‐emitting diodes.
Bradykinin‐mediated Ca2+ signalling regulates cell growth and mobility in human cardiac c‐Kit+ progenitor cells
Authors: Li Gang , Che Hui , Wu Wei‐Yin , Jie Ling‐Jun , Xiao Guo‐Sheng , Wang Yan , Li Gui‐Rong
Published: August 2018

Our recent study showed that bradykinin increases cell cycling progression and migration of human cardiac c‐Kit+ progenitor cells by activating pAkt and pERK1/2 signals. This study investigated whether bradykinin‐mediated Ca2+ signalling participates in regulating cellular functions in cultured human cardiac c‐Kit+ progenitor cells using laser scanning confocal microscopy and biochemical approaches. It was found that bradykinin increased cytosolic free Ca2+ () by triggering a transient Ca2+ release from ER IP3Rs followed by sustained Ca2+ influx through store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channel. Blockade of B2 receptor with HOE140 or IP3Rs with araguspongin B or silencing IP3R3 with siRNA abolished both Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx. It is interesting to note that the bradykinin‐induced cell cycle progression and migration were not observed in cells with siRNA‐silenced IP3R3 or the SOCE component TRPC1, Orai1 or STIM1. Also the bradykinin‐induced increase in pAkt and pERK1/2 as well as cyclin D1 was reduced in these cells. These results demonstrate for the first time that bradykinin‐mediated increase in free via ER‐IP3R3 Ca2+ release followed by Ca2+ influx through SOCE channel plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and migration via activating pAkt, pERK1/2 and cyclin D1 in human cardiac c‐Kit+ progenitor cells.
Signalling mechanisms that regulate metabolic profile and autophagy of acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Pereira Olga , Teixeira Alexandra , Sampaio‐Marques Belém , Castro Isabel , Girão Henrique , Ludovico Paula
Published: August 2018

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) comprises a heterogeneous group of hematologic neoplasms characterized by diverse combinations of genetic, phenotypic and clinical features representing a major challenge for the development of targeted therapies. Metabolic reprogramming, mainly driven by deregulation of the nutrient‐sensing pathways as AMPK, mTOR and PI3K/AKT, has been associated with cancer cells, including AML cells, survival and proliferation. Nevertheless, the role of these metabolic adaptations on the AML pathogenesis is still controversial. In this work, the metabolic status and the respective metabolic networks operating in different AML cells (NB‐4, HL‐60 and KG‐1) and their impact on autophagy and survival was characterized. Data show that whereas KG‐1 cells exhibited preferential mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation metabolism with constitutive co‐activation of AMPK and mTORC1 associated with increased autophagy, NB‐4 and HL‐60 cells displayed a dependent glycolytic profile mainly associated with AKT/mTORC1 activation and low autophagy flux. Inhibition of AKT is disclosed as a promising therapeutical target in some scenarios while inhibition of AMPK and mTORC1 has no major impact on KG‐1 cells’ survival. The results highlight an exclusive metabolic profile for each tested AML cells and its impact on determination of the anti‐leukaemia efficacy and on personalized combinatory therapy with conventional and targeted agents.
From fever to immunity: A new role for IGFBP‐6?
Authors: Liso Arcangelo , Capitanio Nazzareno , Gerli Roberto , Conese Massimo
Published: August 2018

Fever is a fundamental response to infection and a hallmark of inflammatory disease, which has been conserved and shaped through millions of years of natural selection. Although fever is able to stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, the very nature of all the molecular thermosensors, the timing and the detailed mechanisms translating a physical trigger into a fundamental biological response are incompletely understood. Here we discuss the consequence of hyperthermic stress in dendritic cells (DCs), and how the sole physical input is sensed as an alert stimulus triggering a complex transition in a very narrow temporal window. Importantly, we review recent findings demonstrating the significant and specific changes discovered in gene expression and in the metabolic phenotype associated with hyperthermia in DCs. Furthermore, we discuss the results that support a model based on a thermally induced autocrine signalling, which rewires and sets a metabolism checkpoint linked to immune activation of dendritic cells. Importantly, in this context, we highlight the novel regulatory functions discovered for IGFBP‐6 protein: induction of chemotaxis; capacity to increase oxidative burst and degranulation of neutrophils, ability to induce metabolic changes in DCs. Finally, we discuss the role of IGFBP‐6 in autoimmune disease and how novel mechanistic insights could lead to exploit thermal stress‐related mechanisms in the context of cancer therapy.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides restore adverse structural remodelling and cardiac contractile dysfunction induced by overexpression of microRNA‐1
Authors: Zhang Rong , Xu Yi , Niu Huifang , Tao Ting , Ban Tao , Zheng Linyao , Ai Jing
Published: August 2018

MicroRNA‐1 (miR‐1) stands out as the most prominent microRNA (miRNA) in regulating cardiac function and has been perceived as a new potential therapeutic target. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are major active constituents of the traditional Chinese medicine based on L. barbarum. The purpose of this study was to exploit the cardioprotective effect and molecular mechanism of LBPs underlying heart failure. We found that LBPs significantly reduced the expression of myocardial miR‐1. LBPs improved the abnormal ECG and indexes of cardiac functions in P‐V loop detection in transgenic (Tg) mice with miR‐1 overexpression. LBPs recovered morphological changes in sarcomeric assembly, intercalated disc and gap junction. LBPs reversed the reductions of CaM and cMLCK, the proteins targeted by miR‐1. Similar trends were also obtained in their downstream effectors including the phosphorylation of MLC2v and both total level and phosphorylation of CaMKII and cMyBP‐C. Collectively, LBPs restored adverse structural remodelling and improved cardiac contractile dysfunction induced by overexpression of miR‐1. One of the plausible mechanisms was that LBPs down‐regulated miR‐1 expression and consequently reversed miR‐1‐induced repression of target proteins relevant to myocardial contractibility. LBPs could serve as a new, at least a very useful adjunctive, candidate for prevention and therapy of heart failure.
Modeling the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sevoflurane using compartment models in children and adults
Authors: Cortínez Luis Ignacio , Anderson Brian J.
Published: August 2018

Background

Sevoflurane pharmacokinetics have been traditionally described using physiological models, while pharmacodynamics employed the use of minimal alveolar concentration.

Aims

The integrated pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic relationship of sevoflurane in both adults and children was reviewed using compartment models. We wished to delineate age‐related changes in both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Methods

The bispectral index and sevoflurane endtidal concentration were continuously measured in 50 patients, aged 3‐71 years, scheduled for minor surgery. During maintenance of anesthesia and after stable bispectral index values of 60‐65 were obtained, the inspired concentration of sevoflurane was increased to 5 vol % for 5 minutes or until BIS 40 and then decreased. Data were analyzed using mammillary compartments with nonlinear mixed effects population modeling. The covariate effects of age and size were investigated.

Results

A three‐compartment PK model adequately described sevoflurane pharmacokinetics. Size standardization using allometry explained clearance and volume changes with age. The equilibration half‐time (1.48 minutes) increased with age, but could be predicted using allometry in those under 40 years. The effect site concentration eliciting half the maximum response at age 40 years was 1.3% (95%CI 1.22, 1.42) decreased with age from 1.6% at 3 years to 1.1% at 70 years.

Conclusion

Pharmacokinetic compartment models offer an alternative method to describe inhalation anesthetic drug disposition and effects.
Clinical and echocardiographic risk factors for extubation failure in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Schroeder Lukas , Reutter Heiko , Gembruch Ullrich , Berg Christoph , Mueller Andreas , Kipfmueller Florian
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Infants after surgical correction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia are at high risk for extubation failure, but little is known about contributing factors. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze clinical and echocardiographic parameters.

Materials and Methods

Data of 34 infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated at our department (July 2013‐December 2015) were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were: presence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and echocardiography performed within 48 hours before the first, and, in case of reintubation, the final extubation attempt. Infants were allocated to group A (extubation failure) and group B (extubation successful).

Results

Extubation failure occurred in 12/34 infants (35%). Infants in group A had a higher proportion of intrathoracic liver herniation (P = 0.001, OR 17 [2.8/104.5]) and lower rates of the lung‐to‐head ratio (P = 0.042, 95% CI [−0.4/20]), even as higher rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P = 0.001, 95% CI [2.7/80.9]). The oxygenation index and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio differed significantly between both groups (both P = 0.000; 95% CI [−11/−4.1] and [79/215], respectively). The mean airway pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen prior to extubation was significantly higher in group A (P = 0.008; 95% CI [−3.9/−1.4]; P = 0.000; 95% CI [−0.6/−0.2], respectively). In addition, the respiratory severity score was higher in group A (P = 0.000; 95% CI [−7.3/−2.6]). In group A, administration of sildenafil and the vasoactive inotropic score were significantly higher (P = 0.037; OR 9 [0.9/88.6] and P = 0.013; 95% CI [−14/−1.8], respectively). More infants in group A had need for a surgical patch repair of the diaphragm (P = 0.017; OR 7.2 [1.3/41.1]) and showed higher rates of relevant pleural effusions prior the extubation (P = 0.021; OR 6 [1.2/29.5]). The total duration of the ventilation and the length of hospital stay were longer in group A (P = 0.004; 95% CI [−915/−190] and P = 0.000; 95% CI [−110/−39], respectively). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension was more frequent in group A (P = 0.012; OR 12 [1.3/114]), the time to peak velocity in the main pulmonary artery was significantly lower in group A (P = 0.024; 95% CI [2/25.6]), and these infants suffered more often from cardiac dysfunction (P = 0.007; OR 10 [1.6/63.1]).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that extubation failure in infants with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is associated with several clinical and echocardiographic risk factors.
Policy Disruption Through Regulatory Delay in the Trump Administration
Authors: Thrower Sharece
Published: August 2018

Newly elected presidents frequently want to repeal previous administrations’ policies but face significant legislative and judicial barriers. Alternatively, they can delay the implementation of regulations promulgated by outgoing presidents to stall unfavorable outcomes. This article explores the political and organizational influences behind such delay by examining every economically significant final rule promulgated by the Obama administration during its closing year to answer whether, when, and why it was postponed under Trump. Overall, both factors are important determinants of regulatory delay, yielding mutually reinforcing effects. These findings provide insights into another dimension of presidential influence in the policy‐making process, beyond policy creation.
Theory of pressure acoustics with viscous boundary layers and streaming in curved elastic cavities
Authors: Bach Jacob S. , Bruus Henrik
Published: August 2018

The acoustic fields and streaming in a confined fluid depend strongly on the viscous boundary layer forming near the wall. The width of this layer is typically much smaller than the bulk length scale set by the geometry or the acoustic wavelength, which makes direct numerical simulations challenging. Based on this separation in length scales, the classical theory of pressure acoustics is extended by deriving a boundary condition for the acoustic pressure that takes viscous boundary-layer effects fully into account. Using the same length-scale separation for the steady second-order streaming, and combining it with time-averaged short-range products of first-order fields, the usual limiting-velocity theory is replaced with an analytical slip-velocity condition on the long-range streaming field at the wall. The derived boundary conditions are valid for oscillating cavities of arbitrary shape and wall motion, as long as both the wall curvature and displacement amplitude are sufficiently small. Finally, the theory is validated by comparison with direct numerical simulation in two examples of two-dimensional water-filled cavities: The well-studied rectangular cavity with prescribed wall actuation, and a more generic elliptical cavity embedded in an externally actuated rectangular elastic glass block.
The Effects of Expecting to Teach and Actually Teaching on Motor Learning
Authors: Rhoads Jence A. , Daou Marcos , Lohse Keith R. , Miller Matthew W.
Published: August 2018

Expecting to teach and (actually) teaching has been shown to enhance learning academic information, possibly due to increased motivation and engagement. Recently, expecting to teach has been shown to augment motor learning. The present study investigated whether expecting to teach and teaching enhances motor learning, and whether motivation or engagement could explain this effect. Two groups studied/practiced golf putting with the expectation of teaching the skill via video demonstration at the end of practice, while the other two groups studied/practiced without this expectation. Following studying/practice, half of the participants who expected to teach performed a 2-min video demonstration of golf putting (Expect/Teach group). The other participants who expected to teach simply practiced for an additional 2-min (Expect/No Teach group). Similarly, half of the participants who did not expect to teach performed a 2-min video demonstration (No Expect/Teach group), while the other half engaged in additional practice (No Expect/No Teach group). Next, all participants self-reported their motivation and engagement. One day later participants were tested on their putting skills. Results did not reveal an effect of expecting to teach, teaching, or an interaction between these variables. However, exploratory analyses revealed motivation and engagement predicted motor learning, irrespective of group.
Relative Age Effects in Women’s Ice Hockey: Contributions of Body Size and Maturity Status
Authors: Geithner Christina A. , Molenaar Claire E. , Henriksson Tommy , Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine , Gilenstam Kajsa
Published: August 2018

Research on relative age effects (RAEs) in women’s ice hockey is lacking data on participant characteristics, particularly body size and maturity status. The purposes of our study were to investigate RAEs in women’s ice hockey players from two countries, and to determine whether RAE patterns could be explained by chronological age, body size, and maturity status. Participants were 54 Swedish elite and 63 Canadian university players. Birthdates were coded by quartiles (Q1–Q4). Weight and height were obtained, and body mass index and chronological age were calculated for each player. Players recalled age at menarche, and maturity status was classified as early, average, or late relative to population-specific means. Chi-square (χ2), odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and effect sizes (Cohen’s w) were calculated using population data across quartiles and for pairwise comparisons between quartiles. Descriptive statistics and MANOVAs were run by quartile and by country. Significant RAEs were found for Canadian players across quartiles (p < .05), along with a Q2 phenomenon (Q2: Q3, Q2: Q4, p < .05). Swedish players were overrepresented in Q3 (Q3: Q4, p < .05). Q4 was significantly underrepresented in both countries (p < .05). The oldest, earliest maturing, and shortest players in both countries were clustered in Q2, whereas the next oldest and latest maturing Swedish players were found in Q3. Age, physical factors, and interactions may contribute to overrepresentations in Q2 and Q3. These findings do not suggest the same bias for greater relative age and maturity found in male ice hockey.
Origami and 4D printing of elastomer-derived ceramic structures
Authors: Liu Guo , Zhao Yan , Wu Ge , Lu Jian
Published: August 2018

The breakthroughs on origami and 4D printing of ceramics could turn a new page for structural application of ceramics.
In Vitro
Susceptibility Testing of a Novel Benzimidazole, SPR719, against Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Rubio Aileen , Wallace Richard J.
Published: August 2018

Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are increasing globally. The
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) and
Mycobacterium abscessus
are the most frequently encountered NTM among clinical laboratories, and treatment options are extremely limited.
Recommendations for management of diabetes and its complications during Hajj (Muslim pilgrimage)
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud , Abdelaziz Sulaf I , Abu Almagd Megahed , Alarouj Monira , Annabi Firas A , Armstrong David G , Ba-Essa Ebtesam , Ben Nakhi Abdullah , Boudjenah Nadia , Fischl Amy Hess , Hassan Al Ghomari , Masood Shabeen Naz , Misha’l Aly A , Shera A Samad , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Umpierrez Guillermo E
Published: August 2018

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a must-do for all adult Muslims once in their life provided they are able to do it. Considering the 8.8% global prevalence of diabetes, coupled with the number of Muslims performing Hajj (~2.5 million adult Muslims), it could be estimated that Muslims with diabetes performing Hajj may exceed 220 000 per year. According to Islamic rules, Hajj should not cause severe difficulties for Muslims. The Holy Qur’an specifically exempts from this duty Muslims who are unable physically or financially if it might lead to harmful consequences for the individual. This should be applicable to subjects with diabetes considering its severe and chronic complications. During the Hajj, diet, amount of fluid intake and physical activity may be altered significantly. This exemption from the duty is usually not considered a simple permission; Muhammad the Prophet of Islam mentioned, ‘God likes his permission to be fulfilled, as he likes his will to be executed’. However, most Muslims with diabetes prefer to do the Hajj duty, and this may cause major medical challenges for Muslims with diabetes and their healthcare providers. So it is very important that healthcare providers are aware of the possible risks that could happen during the Hajj. People with diabetes may face many health hazards during the Hajj, including but not limited to the ‘killer triad’: hypoglycemia, foot injury and infections. Many precautions are necessary in the prevention and treatment of possible serious complications. Risk stratification, medication adjustments, proper clinical assessment, and education before doing the Hajj are crucial.
Comparison of the moisture damage of bituminous binder coupled with glass and limestone substrate using pull-off test
Authors: Lachance-Tremblay Éric , Vaillancourt Michel , Perraton Daniel , Di Benedetto Hervé
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the moisture susceptibility of different bituminous binders with two substrates (glass and limestone) was investigated. To that end, the tensile strength of different combinations of bituminous binder–substrate bond was measured using a pull-off test. This test was adapted from the pneumatic adhesion tensile testing instrument (PATTI) test to improve repeatability. Samples were tested in dry condition and after a 7-day conditioning in hot water bath (60 °C). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the test results. Overall, the results show that in dry condition, the pull-off strength is a function of the bituminous binder type rather than of the substrate type. After water conditioning, an increase in the pull-off strength was observed for the bituminous binder without polymers and coupled with glass substrate. This was associated with an increase in binder stiffness. For the limestone substrate, the effect of water conditioning was significant only for one type of binder.
Vaalbara Palaeomagnetism
Authors: Evans Michael E. , Muxworthy Adrian R.
Published: August 2018

Vaalbara is the name given to a proposed configuration of continental blocks—the Kaapvaal craton (southern Africa) and the Pilbara craton (north-western Australia)—thought to be the Earth’s oldest supercraton assemblage. Its temporal history is poorly defined, but it has been suggested that it was stable for at least 400 million years, between 3.1 and 2.7 Ga. Here, we present an updated analysis that shows that the existence of a single supercraton between ∼2.9 and ∼2.7 Ga is inconsistent with the available palaeomagnetic data.
Majorana Fermions and representations of the braid group
Authors: Kauffman Louis H.
Published: August 2018

In this paper we study unitary braid group representations associated with Majorana Fermions. Majorana Fermions are represented by Majorana operators, elements of a Clifford algebra. The paper recalls and proves a general result about braid group representations associated with Clifford algebras, and compares this result with the Ivanov braiding associated with Majorana operators. The paper generalizes observations of Kauffman and Lomonaco and of Mo-Lin Ge to show that certain strings of Majorana operators give rise to extraspecial 2-groups and to braiding representations of the Ivanov type.
A survey of prediction-based resource scheduling techniques for physics-based scientific applications
Authors: Kaur Gurleen , Bala Anju
Published: August 2018

The state-of-the-art physics alliances have augmented various opportunities to solve complex real-world problems. These problems require both multi-disciplinary expertise as well as large-scale computational experiments. Therefore, the physics community needs a flexible platform which can handle computational challenges such as volume of data, platform heterogeneity, application complexity, etc. Cloud computing provides an incredible amount of resources for scientific users on-demand, thus, it has become a potential platform for executing scientific applications. To manage the resources of Cloud efficiently, it is required to explore the resource prediction and scheduling techniques for scientific applications which can be deployed on Cloud. This paper discusses an extensive analysis of scientific applications, resource predictions and scheduling techniques for Cloud computing environment. Further, the trend of resource prediction-based scheduling and the existing techniques have also been studied. This paper would be helpful for the readers to explore the significance of resource prediction-based scheduling techniques for physics-based scientific applications along with the associated challenges.
Entangled and dark stationary states of excitation energy transport models in quantum many-particle systems and photosynthesis
Authors: García J. C. , Gliouez S. , Guerrero-Poblete F. , Quezada R.
Published: August 2018

We characterize the stationary states of an excitation energy transfer model in quantum many-particle systems [Y. Aref’eva, I. Volovich and S. Kozyrev, Stochastic limit method and interference in quantum many-particles systems, Theor. Math. Phys. 183(3) (2015) 782–799] as well as the stationary states of a quantum photosynthesis model [S. Kozyrev and I. Volovich, Dark states in quantum photosynthesis, arXiv:1603.07182v1 [physics.bio-ph]] in terms of a transport operator. It turns out that, apart from the ground state, all invariant states of the excitation energy transport model are entangled. For the photosynthesis model, any invariant state in the commutant of the system Hamiltonian is a mixed bright–dark state in the sense of [S. Kozyrev and I. Volovich, Dark states in quantum photosynthesis, arXiv:1603.07182v1 [physics.bio-ph]] and it is pure dark if and only if the bright vector belongs to the kernel of this state.
Finiteness of inverse moments of (m,n,β)-Laguerre matrices
Authors: Kumari Sushma
Published: August 2018

Wishart matrices are one of the fundamental matrix models in multivariate statistics. The classical Wishart ensemble has been generalized to [Formula: see text]-Laguerre ensemble for the values of [Formula: see text]. Many properties such as eigenvalue densities, moments and inverse moments of [Formula: see text]-Laguerre matrices are important in various fields of mathematics and physics. The moments and inverse moments of Wishart matrices have been studied rigorously and the explicit formulas were given in [P. Graczyk, G. Letac and H. Massam, Ann. Statist. 31 (2003) 287–309; S. Matsumoto, General moments of the inverse real Wishart distribution and orthogonal Weingarten functions, J. Theoret. Probab. 25 (2012) 798–822]. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of finite inverse moments of the [Formula: see text]-Laguerre matrix. Moreover, we extend our result for inverse compound Wishart matrices for the values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
OKO-SVM: Online kernel optimization-based support vector machine for the incremental learning and classification of the sentiments in the train reviews
Authors: Thakur Rashmi K. , Deshpande Manojkumar V.
Published: August 2018

Online incremental learning is one of the emerging research interests among the researchers in the recent years. The sentiment classification through the online incremental learning faces many challenges due to the limitations in the memory and the computing resources available for processing the online reviews. This work has introduced an online incremental learning algorithm for classifying the train reviews. The sentiments available in the reviews provided for the public services are necessary for improving the quality of the service. This work proposes the online kernel optimization-based support vector machine (OKO-SVM) classifier for the sentiment classification of the train reviews. This paper is the extension of the previous work kernel optimization-based support vector machine (KO-SVM). The OKO-SVM classifier uses the proposed fuzzy bound for modifying the weight for each incoming review database for the particular time duration. The simulation uses the standard train review and the movie review database for the classification. From the simulation results, it is evident that the proposed model has achieved a better performance with the values of 84.42%, 93.86%, and 74.56% regarding the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity while classifying the train review database.
Does Racial Bias Affect NCI-Funded PIs' Willingness to Mentor Prospective Graduate Students?
Authors: Robinson Jeffrey D. , Dieckmann Nathan , Withers Elizabeth , Hassouneh Dena , Thomas Charles R.
Published: August 2018

Audit studies suggest that racial discrimination disadvantages black individuals in educational/professional advancement. We hypothesized that prospective black male doctoral students would experience greater disparity in responses when seeking access to National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded principal investigators (PI) compared with prospective white males. Primary aim was to explore response and acceptance rates for black versus white men seeking cancer research mentorship. Identical e-mails were sent to 1,028 randomly selected PIs affiliated with 65 NCI-designated cancer centers from “Lamar Washington” (black; n = 515) or “Brad Anderson” (white; n = 513). Primary outcomes: (i) responses within one week; and (ii) type of response. We used logistic regression to examine effects of condition (black/white) on primary outcomes. Approximately 48.3% and 50.0% of the sample responded to “Lamar” and “Brad,” respectively. For responders, 40.9% and 43.7% and “agreed” to meet with Lamar and Brad, respectively. This design did not detect bias by PIs against black prospective male students. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4809–11. ©2018 AACR.
Abstract A004: Developing ovarian cancer xenograft in mouse model to see FSHR-mediated anticancer effect of Moringa oleifera root extract
Authors: Basu Chinmay Kumar
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Sex hormones play an important role in ovarian cancer as novel redirected T-cell-based immunotherapy targeting human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)is tried. Moringa olifera root extract has shown efficacy in cancer cell as well as in hormonal milieu of ovary and reproductive organ. Hence, the aim of the present study was to study the anticancer effect of Moringa oleifera on human OAW 42 & MCF-7 cell line through its putative FSHR antagonistic role. Methods: The colorimetric MTT metabolic activity assay was used to see cell viability. Western blot analysis was performed to check its effect in apoptosis. Clonogenic assay was carried out to see the effect of Moringa root extract on cancer cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis was done based on incorporation of Propidium Iodide into DNA (BD Cycletest™ Plus DNA Kit). Analyses of the samples were carried out flow cytometrically using BD LSRFortessaTM SORP (San Jose, CA) cell analyzer and BD FACSDiva v8.0.1 software.On day 35, mice were sacrificed and histopathologic analysis of the ovaries was carried out following standard protocol followed by IHC for detection of FSHR. Result: The dose-dependent analysis on viability of OAW-42 and MCF-7 cells by MTT assay showed 50% lethal toxicity (IC-50) of MRE (Moringa root extract) to be 250µg/ml and 200µg/ml, respectively, with synergestic effect of Moringa extract with both cisplatin and paclitaxol in OAW-42 cell line. Moringa extract at its IC-50 value showed visible effect in case of cleaved caspase-9. In clonogenic assay approximately 40% reduction of colony formation was observed. Flow cytometric data showed that after 24 hours and 48 hours of treatment with MOL root extract at its IC-50 dose, DNA content progressively increased in the sub G0 phase. However, approximately 3% upregulation and 11.4% downgulation of PI intensity at G0/G1 phase was also observed. Profuse expression of FSHR and its downstream target cMyc in the stroma of carcinoma control mice compared to control or Moringa-treated mice. Conclusion: We can conclude that MRE is a promising candidate for treatment of ovarian cancer by an FSHR-mediated pathway either alone or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic drugs like cisplatin and paclitaxol at a sublethal dose of their toxicity.

Citation Format: Chinmay Kumar Basu. Developing ovarian cancer xenograft in mouse model to see FSHR-mediated anticancer effect of Moringa oleifera root extract [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A004.
Abstract A007: Establishment and characterization of the MDA-MB-175 breast tumor xenograft model
Authors: Wick Michael J. , Groves Megan , Moriarty Alyssa , Guerra Marcus , Rundle Melissa , Rasco Drew , Patnaik Amita , Tolcher Anthony W. , Papadopoulos Kyriakos P.
Published: August 2018

Background: The MDA-MB-175 cell line is widely used in vitro for targeted drug development in breast cancers with ERBB 2/3 receptor and heregulin signaling. However, lack of an accessible, matched xenograft has limited in vivo analysis of potential therapies. To better utilize this cell line as a tool for receptor targeting drug development, we established the MDA-MB-175 xenograft model in athymic nude mice. The resulting model was characterized and compared with the parent line using immunohistochemistry and genomic analysis. In vivo studies were performed using the xenograft model comparing various ERBB2 and ERBB3-targeting agents. Materials and Methods: The MDA-MB-175 xenograft model was established and serially passaged in athymic nude mice for in vivo studies. Receptor expression was determined using immunohistochemistry and RNA in-situ hybridization and compared with the parent line. For the in vivo study of ERBB2/3 targeting therapies, trastuzumab, lapatinib, pertuzumab, T-DM1, and neratinib were evaluated as monotherapies, along with a trastuzumab/lapatinib combination group. Dosing was initiated on Day 0 and continued for four weeks at which time tumor regrowth was followed. The study was ended on Day 60 and drug response reported at Day 28 and Day 60 as %T/C values and %Tumor Regressions (%TR). Results: Immunohistochemistry on the cell line and model reported intensity values of (2+) for ERBB2 and ERBB3 receptor expression. In vivo the following %T/C were reported on Day 28: trastuzumab=50%,lapatinib=62%, pertuzumab= -96% (100% TR), T-DM1=-19% (50% TR), neratinib=-88% (100% TR) and trastuzumab/lapatinib=72%. Day 60 results reported regrowth in neratinib and T-DM1 groups. Conclusion: We have established a reproducible xenograft model of the MDA-MB-175 cell line that is sensitive to pertuzumab, T-DM1, and neratinib, but neither trastuzumab nor lapatinib alone or in combination in vivo.

Citation Format: Michael J. Wick, Megan Groves, Alyssa Moriarty, Marcus Guerra, Melissa Rundle, Drew Rasco, Amita Patnaik, Anthony W. Tolcher, Kyriakos P. Papadopoulos. Establishment and characterization of the MDA-MB-175 breast tumor xenograft model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A007.
Abstract A009: Evaluation of hormonal therapy in a panel of prostate patient-derived xenograft models and comparison to standard cell line models
Authors: Papadopoulou Nektaria , Woolley Louise , Wainwright Louise , Harris Lucy , Wrigley Jane , King Jason , Collins Anne , Kumari Rajendra
Published: August 2018

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide for males, and the fourth most common cancer overall, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed. However, progress toward understanding the biology of prostate cancer and the development of new therapies has been hampered by the lack of in vivo models that adequately represent the spectrum of benign, latent, aggressive, and metastatic forms of the human disease. Here we report the validation of a panel of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and their utilization in preclinical studies alongside cell line models of prostate cancer that are routinely used. Methods: Prostate cancer samples obtained from patients undergoing surgery were collected with ethical consent, disaggregated, and established subcutaneously in Rag-2 knockout mice (The Jackson Laboratory) to generate PDX models. Tumor material was diagnosed on the basis of operative histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC for PSA, androgen receptor expression). Subcutaneous tumor growth of prostate models was evaluated 3 times a week by measuring the tumor in two dimensions using electronic calipers for the duration of the study, and tumor volumes were estimated. For orthotopic PC3M, tumor growth was checked once weekly by bioluminescent imaging (BLI). Briefly, the mice were injected (s.c.) with 150mg/kg D-Luciferin prior to imaging, anesthetized following administration of D-Luciferin, and placed into the imaging chamber (Spectrum CT) and imaged for luminescence (ventral view). Results: We have established a bank of transplantable prostate cancer PDX. Two models were reported to be hormone sensitive and 2 models represented castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), one of which has a TMPRSS-ETS fusion. In comparison, cell-derived LNCaP requires testosterone to grow whereas the bioluminescent PC3M CRPC orthotopic model develops metastasis in the liver, lungs, lumbar lymph nodes, fore limbs, and hind limbs, representing the late stage of cancer. The tumor response to standard-of-care agents such as docetaxel, abiraterone, and enzalutamide will be reported. Conclusions: We have characterized both cell- and patient-derived prostate cancer xenograft models that will provide a clinically relevant platform spanning the different stages of the disease for preclinical drug evaluation.

Citation Format: Nektaria Papadopoulou, Louise Woolley, Louise Wainwright, Lucy Harris, Jane Wrigley, Jason King, Anne Collins, Rajendra Kumari. Evaluation of hormonal therapy in a panel of prostate patient-derived xenograft models and comparison to standard cell line models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A009.
Abstract B008: PD-1/PDL-1 blockade remarkably regulates abundance of gut commensal microbiota in a murine syngeneic tumor model
Authors: Yang WenQing , Ding Jian , Gu Xiangchao , Chen Fei , Zhang Juan , Shi Qian
Published: August 2018

Microbiota has been linked to immune surveillance of tumor progression and tumor growth in cancer patients as well as in cancer mouse models. Recent research reveals that gut microbiota has the potential to act as a biomarker to predict responders or even as an alternative treatment approach. Therefore, several gut microbes discovered in this invention (e.g., Akkermansia, Adlercreutzia, Coprococcus) could possibly be used as a biomarker to predict PD-1 antibody efficacy or could combine with PD-1 antibody in preclinical and clinical settings. Considering the complexity of intestinal microorganisms, a larger panel or wider spectrum of microbiota species may be involved in this process. The current study was designed to explore the possibilities of identifying multiple strains of intestinal microbiota that may be involved in antitumor effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, using preclinical tumor models. Gut microbiota changes were determined before and after a series of anti-PD-1 mAb treatments had been administered. Sixteen-S (16S) rRNA-seq was performed using feces collected at 4 time points. The results indicate that significant antitumor activity was found to be associated with gut microbiota changes of a large panel of microbiota, including a few strains with robust upregulation or downregulation. Upon further characterization and confirmation, these findings could lead to identification of one or more microbiota strains that could have biomarker potentials for cancer immunotherapy.

Citation Format: WenQing Yang, Jian Ding, Xiangchao Gu, Fei Chen, Juan Zhang, Qian Shi. PD-1/PDL-1 blockade remarkably regulates abundance of gut commensal microbiota in a murine syngeneic tumor model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B008.