bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical modeling and simulation on lateral mechanical characteristics of high-speed train traction motor hanging leaf spring
Authors: Yu Yuewei , Zhao Leilei , Zhou Changcheng
Published: May 2019

In this paper, using the theoretical analysis method, according to the actual structure of the hanging leaf spring of the traction motor mounted on the frame, the lateral force model of the hanging leaf spring of the traction motor was established. Then, through theoretical deduction, the deformation analytical calculation formula and the stress analytical calculation formula of the hanging leaf spring were established. The correctness of the leaf spring’s lateral force model was established and its deformation and stress analytical formulae were verified using ANSYS finite element analysis software. Based on this, according to the deformation analytical formula and the stress analytical formula of the leaf spring established, the influence of the main structural parameters on the mechanical characteristics of the leaf spring was discussed, and the reliability of the analytical analysis method of the lateral mechanical characteristics of the traction motor hanging leaf spring was verified by the loading–unloading test. The results show that the deformation and the load of the leaf spring change linearly. The changes of leaf spring’s stress at different positions can be considered as being composed of three sections: a linear change section in the root, a nonlinear change section in the middle, and a nonlinear change section in the end. In the structural parameters, the end thickness [Formula: see text] has the greatest influence on the stiffness and the stress of the leaf spring, and the maximum thickness of the leaf spring eye [Formula: see text] has the least influence on the stiffness and the stress of the leaf spring. The influence degree of other parameters on the stiffness of the leaf spring is [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in order, and the influence degree on the stress of the leaf spring is [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in order. In addition, when the root thickness [Formula: see text] is greater than a certain value, the maximum stress point of the leaf spring appears at the end position [Formula: see text]. This study can provide a useful reference for the intelligent forward design and the rapid analysis of the mechanical characteristics of high-speed train traction motor hanging leaf spring.
Piezo-catalytic degradation of Havriliak–Negami type
Authors: Wang C. L.
Published: May 2019

Two sets of experimental data of piezo-catalytic degradations are adapted to fit with three-parameter Mittag–Leffler functions. One set is degradation on methyl orange (MO) using catalysis of nano-sized barium titanates, and another set is on Rhodamine-B (RhB) using molybdenum disulfide nano-flowers as catalysts. The fitting results suggest that these piezo-catalytic degradations can be described either as Davidson–Cole type response function or Havriliak–Negami type of dielectric relaxation. This work confirms completely the universality in chemical reaction kinetics, which can be described by fractional differential equations with Mittag–Leffler functions as their solutions.
Research for practice
Authors: Lipton Zachary C. , Steinhardt Jacob
Published: May 2019

Some ML papers suffer from flaws that could mislead the public and stymie future research.
And then, there were three
Authors: Monroe Don
Published: May 2019

How long can the silicon foundry sector continue to adapt, as physical limits make further shrinkage virtually impossible?
Heterogeneous Von Neumann/dataflow microprocessors
Authors: Nowatzki Tony , Gangadhar Vinay , Sankaralingam Karthikeyan
Published: May 2019

General-purpose processors (GPPs), which traditionally rely on a Von Neumann-based execution model, incur burdensome power overheads, largely due to the need to dynamically extract parallelism and maintain precise state. Further, it is extremely difficult to improve their performance without increasing energy usage. Decades-old
explicit-dataflow
architectures eliminate many Von Neumann overheads, but have not been successful as stand-alone alternatives because of poor performance on certain workloads, due to insufficient control speculation and communication overheads.

We observe a synergy between out-of-order (OOO) and explicit-dataflow processors, whereby dynamically switching between them according to the behavior of program phases can greatly improve performance and energy efficiency. This work studies the potential of such a paradigm of heterogeneous execution models, by developing a specialization engine for explicit-dataflow (SEED) and integrating it with a standard out-of-order (OOO) core. When integrated with a dual-issue OOO, it becomes both faster (1.33x) and dramatically more energy efficient (1.70x). Integrated with an in-order core, it becomes faster than even a dual-issue OOO, with twice the energy efficiency.
Multikinase Networks: Two-Component Signaling Networks Integrating Multiple Stimuli
Authors: Francis Vanessa I. , Porter Steven L.
Published: May 2019

Bacteria depend on two-component systems to detect and respond to threats. Simple pathways comprise a single sensor kinase (SK) that detects a signal and activates a response regulator protein to mediate an appropriate output. These simple pathways with only a single SK are not well suited to making complex decisions where multiple different stimuli need to be evaluated. A recently emerging theme is the existence of multikinase networks (MKNs) where multiple SKs collaborate to detect and integrate numerous different signals to regulate a major lifestyle switch, e.g., between virulence, sporulation, biofilm formation, and cell division. In this review, the role of MKNs and the phosphosignaling mechanisms underpinning their signal integration and decision making are explored.
Optical and Physical Probing of Thermal Processes in Semiconductor and Plasmonic Nanocrystals
Authors: Diroll Benjamin T. , Kirschner Matthew S. , Guo Peijun , Schaller Richard D.
Published: May 2019

This article reviews thermal properties of semiconductor and emergent plasmonic nanomaterials, focusing on mechanisms through which hot carriers and phonons are produced and dissipated as well as the related impacts on optoelectronic properties. Elevated equilibrium temperatures, of particular relevance for implementation of nanomaterials in devices, affect absorptive and radiative transitions as well as emission efficiency that can present reversible and irreversible changes with temperature. In noble metal or doped semiconductor/insulator nanomaterials, hot carriers and lattice heating can substantially influence localized surface plasmon resonances and yield large ultrafast changes in transmission or strongly oscillatory coherences. Transient optical and diffraction characterizations enable nonequilibrium investigations of phonon dynamics and cooling such as lattice expansion and crystal phase stability. Timescales of nanoparticle thermalization with surroundings and transport of heat within films of such materials are also discussed.
Effect of portal glucose sensing on incretin hormone secretion in a canine model
Authors: Edgerton Dale S. , Kraft Guillaume , Smith Marta S. , Moore Lindsey M. , Farmer Ben , Scott Melanie , Moore Mary C. , Nauck Michael A. , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: May 2019

It is unknown whether activation of hepato-portal vein (PV) glucose sensors plays a role in incretin hormone amplification of oral glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). In previous studies, PV glucose infusion increased GSIS through unknown mechanisms, perhaps neural stimulation of pancreatic β-cells and/or stimulation of gut incretin hormone release. Thus, there could be a difference in the incretin effect when comparing GSIS with portal rather than leg vein (LV) glucose infusion. Plasma insulin and incretin hormones were studied in six overnight-fasted dogs. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered, and then 1 and 2 wk later the arterial plasma glucose profile from the OGTT was mimicked by infusing glucose into either the PV or a LV. The arterial glucose levels were nearly identical between groups (AUCs within 1% of each other). Oral glucose administration increased arterial GLP-1 and GIP levels by more than sixfold, whereas they were not elevated by PV or LV glucose infusion. Oral glucose delivery was associated with only a small incretin effect (arterial insulin and C-peptide were 21 ± 23 and 24 ± 17% greater, respectively, during the 1st hour with oral compared with PV glucose and 14 ± 37 and 13 ± 35% greater, respectively, in oral versus LV; PV versus LV responses were not significantly different from each other). Thus, following an OGTT incretin hormone release did not depend on activation of PV glucose sensors, and the insulin response was not greater with PV compared with LV glucose infusion in the dog. The small incretin effect points to species peculiarities, which is perhaps related to diet.
Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic, and Neurobehavioral Effects of a Leaf Extract of Avicennia marina on Autoimmune Diabetic Mice
Authors: Okla Mohammad K. , Alamri Saud A. , Alatar Abdulrahman A. , Hegazy Ahmed K. , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah A. , Ajarem Jamaan S. , Faisal Mohammad , Abdel-Salam Eslam M. , Ali Hayssam M. , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A.
Published: May 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that can affect the central nervous system and behavioral traits in animals. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease. The aim of the current study was to determine whether supplementation with the alcoholic extract of Avicennia marina leaves could improve diabetes-associated pathological changes. The animals were divided into four groups: a control group (A), an A. marina receiving nondiabetic group (B), a diabetic group (C), and a DM group orally supplemented with A. marina alcoholic leaf extract (D). The DM group of animals receiving the alcoholic extract of A. marina leaves had reduced blood glucose levels, improved blood picture, and organ functions. This group also showed improvement in locomotory behavior. The results of this study showed that supplementation with the alcoholic extract of A. marina leaves reduced oxidative stress and blood sugar levels, protected the liver, and improved the neurobehavioral changes associated with diabetes in mice. Introducing alcoholic leaf extract of A. marina to diabetic mice decreased inflammatory cells aggregation, vacuolation, and hemorrhage. Additionally, a positive effect of the alcoholic leaf extract on the histopathological changes was observed in the testicular tissue of treated mice.
Modeling of the Tail Slap for an Underwater Projectile within Supercavitation
Authors: Zhao Xuefeng , Lyu Xujian , Li Da
Published: May 2019

Detailed process of the tail slap for an underwater projectile in supercavitation is studied in this paper. Firstly, the horizontal equation of motion for the projectile and a dynamic model of the projectile’s tail slap are introduced through a mathematical derivation, including a simple harmonic motion model of the projectile within the supercavitation layer and the tail slap reflection movement model inside the cavity. Subsequently, the MATLAB software package is used to model the projectile’s motion. Characteristics for force from the projectile tail on the water layer during a single tail slap and the behavior of the projectile’s angular motion as well as the characteristics of projectile tail motion through multiple tail slaps are investigated. It is found that the force magnitude of the water on the projectile tail decreases gradually while the relative motion angle of the projectile tail into the water layer and the contact time increase obviously as the projectile repeatedly slaps the cavity interface. When the projectile velocity decreases into a certain range, i.e., less than 50 m/s, the contact time of the tail in the water layer increases dramatically, and the supercavitation can tend to collapse and lead to unstable projectile motion. With increasing lateral deviation and angular velocity of the projectile tail, the number of tail slaps and the angle of reflection both increase significantly. In the case of supercavitation, the parameters of different tail slap points tend to be stable with time.
Laparoscopic Removal of Angelchik Prosthesis Followed by Interval Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Afridi Faryal G. , Johnson Morgan , Musgrove Kelsey A. , Abunnaja Salim , Tabone Lawrence E. , Borgstrom David C. , Szoka Nova
Published: May 2019

Introduction. The Angelchik prosthesis (AP) is a historic antireflux device which consists of a C-shaped silicone ring placed around the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and secured by Dacron tape. We present a rare experience with an AP and its impact on bariatric surgical outcomes. Case. Our patient is a 66-year-old woman who had an open antireflux procedure with an AP in 1987. She presented to a bariatric clinic for consideration of bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity and associated comorbidities. She also reported significant problems with reflux and dysphagia. After an appropriate work-up, an AP was identified at her GEJ. She was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic removal with planned interval laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Intraoperatively, the AP was identified around the GEJ; after extensive adhesiolysis, the prosthesis was removed. Postoperatively, in order to determine if the AP had caused any lasting esophageal motility problems, the patient underwent a high-resolution esophageal manometry which demonstrated normal esophageal motility. Interval laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed safely 9 weeks later. Conclusion. Although rarely used, it is still possible to encounter an Angelchik prosthesis in practice. General and bariatric surgeons need to be aware of this rare device and understand how to manage its related complications.
Transient Asystole after Sugammadex Administration for Immediate Reversal of Deep Blockade while on Dexmedetomidine Infusion in a Super Obese Patient
Authors: Gajewski Michal , Esochaghi Sorochi
Published: May 2019

Sugammadex is increasingly used to reverse aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents. Dosing is calculated based on actual body weight, even for those who are obese. We report a case where a super obese patient (BMI 58.5 kg/m2) developed asystole, following coadministration with dexmedetomidine, for rapid reversal after deep blockade. Although 16mg/kg of actual body weight is recommended for prompt reversal of deep blockade, dosing adjustments may be prudent in the obese population, especially when used in conjunction with other negative chronotropic agents.
Functional Properties of Polyphenols in Grains and Effects of Physicochemical Processing on Polyphenols
Authors: Tian Shuangqi , Sun Yue , Chen Zhicheng , Yang Yingqi , Wang Yanbo
Published: May 2019

Phenolic compounds are important products of secondary metabolism in plants. They cannot be synthesized in the human body and are mainly taken from food. Cereals, especially whole grains, are important sources of dietary polyphenols. Compared with vegetables and fruits, the content and biological activities of polyphenols in cereals have long been underestimated. Polyphenols in whole grains are non-nutritive compounds, which are distributed in all structural areas of cereal substances, mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignans. In recent years, the health effects of whole grains are closely related to their phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities. Now, different physicochemical processing treatments and their effects have been summarized in order to provide the basis for promoting the development and utilization of food. The various functions of whole grains are closely related to the antioxidant effect of polyphenols. As the basic research on evaluating the antioxidant effect of active substances, in vitro antioxidant tests are faster and more convenient.
PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ Genes Are Suitable for Normalization of mRNA Expression in Long-Term Expanded Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jeon Ryoung-Hoon , Lee Won-Jae , Son Young-Bum , Bharti Dinesh , Shivakumar Sharath Belame , Lee Sung-Lim , Rho Gyu-Jin
Published: May 2019

Long-term expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under defined culture conditions is necessary in human stem cell therapy. However, it alters the characteristics of MSCs. Since quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is widely used as one of the key analytical methods for comparative characterization, the validation of reference genes (RGs) for normalization under each experimental condition is important to achieve reliable qRT-PCR results. Therefore, the most stable RGs for long-term expanded bone marrow- and umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs and UCB-MSCs) under defined culture conditions for up to 20 passages were evaluated. The more apparent alterations in characteristics such as differentiation capacity, proliferation, senescence, and the expression of RGs were noted in BM-MSCs than UCB-MSCs during long-term expansion. The RG validation programs (GeNorm and NormFinder) suggested that PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ were suitable for normalization in qRT-PCR regardless of MSC types and long-term culture expansion, and the traditional RGs (ACTB and GAPDH) were less stable in long-term expanded MSCs. In addition, the use of these RGs for normalization of OCT4 expression in long-term expanded BM-MSCs showed that a less stable RG (GAPDH) showed contrasting data compared to other RGs. Therefore, the use of RGs such as PPIA, HPRT1, and YWHAZ for normalization in qRT-PCR experiments is highly recommended for long-term expanded MSCs to generate accurate and reliable data.
Physician Perceptions about the Barriers to Prompt Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Judge Davneet , Roberts Jenna , Khandker Rezaul , Ambegaonkar Baishali , Black Christopher M.
Published: May 2019

Prior studies have identified numerous barriers to the prompt diagnosis of patients with suspected Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the study was to evaluate physician’s perceptions of the importance of previously identified barriers to diagnosis, but with a specific focus on the presentation of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may be indicative of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. A second aim was to evaluate how the perspective of primary care physicians (PCPs) may differ from that of specialists. A cross-sectional online survey of PCPs and specialists who routinely manage patients with complaints of age-related cognitive impairment was conducted. Participants were asked to identify barriers to prompt diagnosis from prespecified lists of known diagnostic challenges categorized into 4 domains: patient-related, physician-related, setting-related, and those relating to the clinical profile of AD. Physicians report a range of barriers when attempting to diagnose MCI and AD. Major themes included patients seeing cognitive decline as a normal part of aging and not disclosing symptoms, long waiting lists, and a lack of treatment options and definitive biomarker tests. Generally, PCPs and specialists showed broad agreement; however, PCPs were more likely to identify burdens on the healthcare system, such as long waiting lists and inadequate time to evaluate patients. Substantial barriers continue to hinder early diagnosis of MCI and AD. There are numerous areas where improvements might be made but the implementation of potential interventions will likely be associated with financial strain for many healthcare systems.
Investigation of Unsteady Aerodynamic Excitation on Rotor Blade of Variable Geometry Turbine
Authors: Liu Jian , Qiao Wei-Yang , Duan Wen-Hua
Published: May 2019

To investigate the aerodynamic excitations in variable geometry turbines, the full three-dimensional viscous unsteady numerical simulations were performed by solving N-S equations based on SAS SST method. The aerodynamic excitations at varied expansion ratios with six different vane stagger angles that cause the unsteady pressure fluctuation on the rotor blade surface are phenomenologically identified and quantitatively analyzed. The blade pressure fluctuation levels for turbines with different vane stagger angles in the time and frequency domain are analyzed. As the results suggest, the blade excitation mechanisms are directly dependent on the operating conditions of the stage in terms of vane exit Mach numbers for all test cases. At subsonic vane exit Mach numbers the blade pressure fluctuations are simply related to the potential filed and wake propagation; at transonic conditions, the vane trailing edge shock causes additional disturbance and is the dominating excitation source on the rotor blade, and the pressure fluctuation level is three times of the subsonic conditions. The pressure fluctuation energy at subsonic condition concentrates on the first vane passing period; pressure fluctuation energy at higher harmonics is more prominent at transonic conditions. The variation of the aerodynamic excitations on the rotor blade at different vane stagger angles is caused by the varied expansion with stator and rotor passage. The aerodynamic excitation behaviors on the rotor blade surface for the VGT are significantly different at varied vane stagger angle. Spanwise variation of the pressure fluctuation patterns on is also observed, and the mechanism of the excitations at different spans is not uniform.
Effect of Hypoxia-Induced MicroRNA-210 Expression on Cardiovascular Disease and the Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Guan Yinuo , Song Xianjing , Sun Wei , Wang Yiran , Liu Bin
Published: May 2019

Cardiovascular diseases have high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, and their treatment and prevention are challenging. MicroRNAs are a series of noncoding RNAs with highly conserved sequences and regulate gene expression by inhibiting mRNA transcription or degrading targeting proteins. MicroRNA-210 is significantly upregulated during hypoxia and plays a protective role by inhibiting apoptosis and regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, mitochondrial metabolism, and angiogenesis in hypoxic cells. MicroRNA-210 expression is altered in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, preeclampsia, aortic stenosis, and heart failure, and overexpression of microRNA-210 in some of these diseases exerts protective effects on target organs. Furthermore, chronically upregulated miR-210 potentially plays a marked pathogenic role in specific situations. This review primarily focuses on the upstream pathways, downstream targets, clinical progress in cardiovascular disease, and potential applications of microRNA-210.
Toll-Like Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Abarca-Merlin D. M. , Maldonado-Bernal C. , Alvarez-Arellano L.
Published: May 2019

In recent years, progress has been made in understanding the pathological, genetic, and molecular heterogeneity of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. However, improvements in risk classification, prognosis, and treatment have not been sufficient. Currently, great importance has been placed to the tumor microenvironment and the immune system, which are very important components that influence the establishment and development of tumors. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immunite system sensors of a wide variety of molecules, such as those associated with microorganisms and danger signals. TLRs are expressed on many cells, including immune cells and nonimmune cells such as neurons and cancer cells. In the tumor microenvironment, activation of TLRs plays dual antitumoral (dendritic cells, cytotoxic T cells, and natural killer cells activation) and protumoral effects (tumor cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapy) and constitutes an area of opportunities and challenges in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Several clinical trials have been carried out, and others are currently in process; however, the results obtained to date have been contradictory and have not led to a definitive position about the use of TLR agonists in adjuvant therapy during the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. In this review, we focus on recent advances in TLR agonists as immunotherapies for treatment of CNS tumors.
Endodontic Retreatment of Maxillary Second Molar with Four Roots
Authors: Magnucki Gabriel
Published: May 2019

The present communication describes the endodontic retreatment of a rare four-rooted maxillary second molar. A 25-year-old patient was referred to our dental practice requesting an apicoectomy because of continuous and permanent pain reaction six months after the first endodontic treatment. The sent radiograph demonstrated three filled root canals (one mesial, two distal) and four radiographically superimposing roots (two mesial, two distal). Due to the diagnosed chronic apical periodontitis and based on the visible untreated root canal, we decided to endodontically re-treat the quadrangular tooth against the referred apicoectomy. In the first session, only the previously untreated mesiopalatal root canal was mechanically prepared and filled with a corticosteroid- and tetracycline-containing paste. After two symptom-free weeks, the gutta-percha was removed from the other canals and calcium hydroxide was applied. Another two weeks later, the four root canals, whose orifices were “irregular quadrilateral” shaped on the pulp chamber floor representing Versiani Type A, were obturated. After the verification of this rare anatomy by cone beam computed tomography, the tooth was classified as Christie’s radicular type II. One characteristic of this type is parallel running buccal and palatal roots, which caused a radiographic superimposition and probably led to the endodontic mistreatment in the first case.
Investigation of the Specific Retention Volume of the Probe Volume and the Effects on the Polymer-Probe System by Inverse Gas Chromatography
Authors: Karagöz Mustafa Hamdi
Published: May 2019

In this study, the effects of probe quantities on retention volume and the physical and thermodynamic results of polymer-probe systems were investigated. For this purpose, by using inverse gas chromatographic method. Alcohols and alkanes with different chemical and physical properties were injected as probes on homopolymer (2-cyclohexylidene-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl-methyl methacrylate) (CHMMA). Probe quantities of 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 μl were selected, and an injection was made at every 10°C between 40 and 150°C. In addition, 3 μl volume probes were tried but reproducible results were not obtained in these volumes and the detector was observed to be out of order after several injections. It has been observed that the specific retention volume of alcohols and alkanes partially increased by increasing the injection amount. A linear relationship was observed between probe quantities and specific retention volume. This linear relationship is apparent from the specific retention volume values, where the probes are independent of the physical and chemical structures. It was observed that the results obtained in all three injections were close to each other and within acceptable limits. The glass transition temperature of the polymer was determined to be a Tg of 60°C. The thermodynamic data calculated for the injection of different amounts of probes were close to each other.
Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 Correlates with Decreased M2 Macrophage Infiltration and Favorable Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Yuan Jingping , Yan Honglin , Liu Huan , Yin Shuai
Published: May 2019

Aim. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of chemokine receptor CXCR3 with M2 macrophage infiltration, various clinicopathological features, and prognosis in patients diagnosed with gastric cancer (GC). Methods. Expression of CXCR3 protein and M2 macrophage was evaluated in 156 GC patients and corresponding paracancerous tissues by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Results. In our study, 59 (37.82%) showed high expression of CXCR3 protein in 156 GC tissues. Expression of CXCR3 protein was significantly increased in tumor tissues compared with corresponding paracancerous tissues (P < 0.001). Overexpression of CXCR3 protein correlated with decreased M2 macrophage infiltration (P = 0.001). By analyzing the association between expression of CXCR3 protein and clinicopathological factors of GC patients, we found that high level of CXCR3 protein was significantly correlated with better differentiation (P =0.017), I/II TNM stage (P = 0.02), and smaller invasion depth (P = 0.003). Moreover, we found through Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test that GC patients with high expression of CXCR3 protein and low M2 macrophage infiltration had better overall survival (OS) and low mortality rate (P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively). The multivariate survival analysis showed that high expression of CXCR3 protein could serve as a favorable independent biomarker for prognosis in GC patients [hazard ratio (HR): 0.342 (0.204-0.571); P < 0.001]. Conclusion. Our study indicates that overexpression of CXCR3 protein in GC is associated with decreased M2 macrophage infiltration and improved OS and thus can be further exploited as a biomarker in GC.
Direct CP Violation from Isospin Symmetry Breaking Effects for the Decay Process B-s→P(V)π0 in PQCD
Authors: Lü Gang , Zhi Qin-Qin
Published: May 2019

We investigate the direct CP violation for the decay process of B-s→P(V)π0 (P,V refer to the pseudoscalar meson and vector meson, resp.) via isospin symmetry breaking effects from the π0-η-η′ mixing mechanism in PQCD factorization approach. Isospin symmetry breaking arises from the electroweak interaction and the u-d quark mass difference by the strong interaction, which are known to be tiny. However, we find that isospin symmetry breaking at the leading order shifts the CP violation due to the new strong phases.
Intrafat Sequestration of Artemisinin Disguised as a Purulent Collection during a Posterolateral Hip Approach
Authors: Walla Atchi , Bakoma Batomayena , Egbohou Pilakimwé
Published: May 2019

The posterolateral hip approach is the oldest and most used way to implant total hip arthroplasty. The anterior part of the oblique portion of this posterolateral approach corresponds more or less to the superolateral quadrant of the buttock in which the intramuscular injection of various drugs, including the compounds derived from artemisinin, is carried out. Thus, in a malarial endemic area where gluteal injections of the compounds derived from artemisinin are not rare, poor performance of an injection by the deposition of the product in the fat and not deeply in the muscle can be at the origin of the sequestration of the drug in adipose tissue and give the macroscopic appearance of a pus. The authors present a case of intrafat sequestration of artemisinin taken for purulent collection during a posterolateral hip approach for total hip arthroplasty.
Simultaneous Functional and Morphological Assessment of Left Atrial Appendage by 3D Virtual Models
Authors: Vivoli Giorgia , Gasparotti Emanuele , Rezzaghi Marco , Cerone Elisa , Mariani Massimiliano , Landini Luigi , Berti Sergio , Positano Vincenzo , Celi Simona
Published: May 2019

Purpose. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is responsible for thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation. The evaluation of both LAA function and morphology is crucial for the patient characterization and the preprocedural planning of LAA closure intervention. Despite the availability of 3D imaging modalities, the current standard image analysis is based on manual delineation of the LAA contours on 2D views. Methods. In this study, a comprehensive approach based on a full 3D analysis of the tomographic dataset by surface extraction and processing (3D-S) is presented. The proposed method allows extracting functional and morphologic information in the entire cardiac cycle by minimalizing manual user interaction. The proposed methodology has been validated on ten computer tomography datasets. Results. The proposed 3D-S method was feasible in all cases. Reproducibility was improved with respect to the reference 2D manual procedure (2D-S) (coefficient of variation 2.9 vs. 4.1% for diastolic ostium area; 3.8 vs. 6.1% for systolic ostium area; 2.4 vs. 5.3% for diastolic LAA volume; 2.7 vs. 5.9% for systolic LAA volume; and 7.7 vs. 17.1% for LAA ejection fraction). No significant differences were found between 2D-S and 3D-S measurements. Conclusions. In this study, we introduced a fully 3D approach for LAA characterization, allowing the simultaneous assessment of LAA function and geometry. The proposed approach could be used to improve the patient selection and the best sizing of the device for LAA closure and to allow a patient-specific 3D printing.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Self-Adhesive Dual-Cured Resin Cement Polymerized Beneath Three Different Cusp Inclinations of Zirconia
Authors: Zhang Chang-Yuan , Cheng Yi-Ling , Tong Xin-Wen , Yu Hao , Cheng Hui
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of self-adhesive dual-cured resin cement (SADRC) polymerized beneath three different cusp inclinations of zirconia with different light curing time. A commercial SADRC (Multilink Speed) was polymerized beneath zirconia (ZrO2) with three different cusp inclinations (0°, 20°, and 30°) for 20 s or 40 s. After being stored in light-proof box for 24 h, the ZrO2-SADRC specimens were immersed in DMEM for 72 h and then we got the extract solution, cultured the human gingival fibroblasts (HGF, 8 × 103 per well) with 100% or 50% concentrations of the extract solution for 24 h, 72 h, and 120 h, respectively, and evaluated cytotoxicity of the polymerized SADRC with CCK-8 assay in optical density (OD) values, relative growth rates (RGR), and cytotoxicity grades. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Student–Newman–Keuls test. The OD values varied from 0.8930 to 3.2920, the RGR varied from 33.93% to 98.68%, and the cytotoxicity grades varied from 0 to 2. There was significant difference in the OD values among the different cusp inclinations of zirconia (P < 0.001), and there was significant difference in the OD values between the different light curing times in some situations (P < 0.05). The cusp inclination of zirconia affects the in vitro cytotoxicity of SADRC. Prolonging the light curing time from 20 s to 40 s can reduce the in vitro cytotoxicity of SADRC when the cusp inclination of zirconia is smaller than 20°.
Mobile Edge Assisted Live Streaming System for Omnidirectional Video
Authors: Hu Xinjue , Quan Wei , Guo Tao , Liu Yu , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2019

As a popular form of virtual reality (VR) media, omnidirectional video (OV) has been continuously developed in recent years. OV contains the view of the scene in every direction, which will ask for around 120 Mbps with 8k resolution and 25 fps (frames per second). Although there has been a lot of work to optimize the transmission for on-demand of OV, the research on the live streaming of OV is still very lacking. Another big challenge for the OV live streaming system is the huge demand for computing resources. The existing terminal devices are difficult to completely carry tasks such as stitching, encoding, and rendering. This paper proposes a mobile edge assisted live streaming system for omnidirectional video (MELiveOV); the MELiveOV can intelligently offload the processing tasks to the edge computing enabled 5G base stations. The MELiveOV consists of an omnidirectional video generation module, a streaming module, and a viewpoint prediction module. A prototype system of MELiveOV is implemented to prove its complete end-to-end OV live streaming service. Evaluation result demonstrates that compared with the traditional solution, MELiveOV can reduce the network bandwidth requirement by about 50% and the transmission delay of more than 70% while ensuring the quality of the user’s experience.
Resonance Suppression for Hydraulic Servo Shaking Table Based on Adaptive Notch Filter
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Wan Zhenshuai , Zhao Yue , Yu Jie , Qian Chen , Fu Yu
Published: May 2019

In dynamic structure test, the specimen of hydraulic servo shaking table contains not only inertia load but also elastic load. The specimen herein is simplified as a spring‐mass‐damping system, and the mathematical model of the hydraulic servo shaking table is established by theoretical analysis. The coupling between specimen’s elastic load and shaking table itself produces resonance phenomenon in the required bandwidth when the elastic load is not negligible, which deteriorates the system’s dynamic performance and even leads to the instability of the control system. Also, the time‐varying resonance frequency further aggravates the control performance of the system in the shaking test. In this paper, an adaptive notch filter based on least mean square (LMS) error principle is employed to identify the resonance frequencies online and real‐time adjust the parameters of the notch filter. Simulation and experiment results show the effectiveness of frequency identification and resonance mode suppression. Compared with the existing resonance suppression scheme, the proposed method can suppress the appeared resonance mode adaptively.
Arginine Starvation and Docetaxel Induce c-Myc–Driven hENT1 Surface Expression to Overcome Gemcitabine Resistance in ASS1-Negative Tumors
Authors: Prudner Bethany C. , Rathore Richa , Robinson Anthony M. , Godec Abigail , Chang Samuel F. , Hawkins William G. , Hirbe Angela C. , Van Tine Brian A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

The response to acute and long-term arginine starvation results in a conditional adaptive metabolic reprogramming that can be harnessed for therapeutic opportunities in ASS1-negative tumors. Here, we investigate the underlying biology of priming ASS1− tumors with arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) before treatment with gemcitabine (GEM) and docetaxel (DTX) in sarcoma, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma cell lines.

Experimental Design:

ASS1− tumor cell lines were treated to create LTAT (long-term ADI treated) cell lines (ASS1+) and used for drug combination studies. Protein expression of ASS1, dCK, RRM2, E2F1, c-MYC, and hENT1 was measured. c-MYC activity was determined, live-cell immunofluorescent studies for hENT1, uptake assays of FITC-cytosine probe, and rescue studies with a c-MYC inhibitor were all determined in the presence or absence of the ADI-PEG20:GEM:DTX.

Results:

In examining modulations within the pyrimidine pathway, we identified that the addition of DTX to cells treated with ADI-PEG20 resulted in translocation of stabilized c-Myc to the nucleus. This resulted in an increase of hENT1 cell-surface expression and rendered the cells susceptible to GEM. In vivo studies demonstrate that the combination of ADI-PEG20:GEM:DTX was optimal for tumor growth inhibition, providing the preclinical mechanism and justification for the ongoing clinical trial of ADI-PEG20, GEM, and DTX in sarcoma.

Conclusions:

The priming of tumors with ADI-PEG20 and DTX results in the stabilization of c-MYC potentiating the effect of GEM treatment via an increase in hENT1 expression. This finding is applicable to ASS1-deficient cancers that are currently treated with GEM.
Targeting the YB-1/PD-L1 Axis to Enhance Chemotherapy and Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Tao Zhen , Ruan Hailong , Sun Lin , Kuang Dong , Song Yongchun , Wang Qi , Wang Tao , Hao Yi , Chen Ke
Published: May 2019

Tumor cells can escape immune destruction in tumor chemoresistance, but the mechanism for this phenomenon remains unclear. Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1), which is upregulated in chemoresistant tumor cells, plays a role in the acquisition of multidrug resistance. Here, we demonstrate that chemotherapy induced an immunosuppressive microenvironment in the tumor and induced immune evasion through YB-1–mediated programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) upregulation. Examination of the YB-1 protein and mRNA showed an increase in YB-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High YB-1 expression negatively correlated with the overall survival of HCC patients. YB-1 expression positively correlated with PD-L1, and YB-1 induced PD-L1 expression by binding a PD-L1 promoter motif. YB-1 expression was upregulated in chemoresistant HCC cells, and YB-1 knockdown reversed chemoresistance via T-cell activation in the tumor microenvironment due to blocked PD-L1 expression. We also found that inhibition of the tumor immunosuppressive environment and immune evasion was accompanied by proliferation of functional cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in the tumor environment. Our data indicate that targeting the YB-1 signaling axis, which simultaneously reverses both tumor immune evasion and multidrug resistance, may improve the antitumor response. This finding suggests a treatment modality against tumor chemoresistance.
An Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cell Delivering 11 Immune Molecules Expands Tumor Antigen–Specific CTLs in Ex Vivo and In Vivo Murine Melanoma Models
Authors: Zhang Lei , Song Shilong , Jin Xiaoxiao , Wan Xin , Shahzad Khawar Ali , Pei Weiya , Zhao Chen , Shen Chuanlai
Published: May 2019

Antigen-presenting cells expand antigen-specific T cells ex vivo and in vivo for tumor immunotherapy, but are time-consuming to generate and, as live cells, raise biosafety concerns. An alternative is found in cell-free artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPC), but these only present two or three kinds of immune molecules. Here, we describe a multipotent artificial antigen-presenting cell (MaAPC) that delivered 11 kinds of immune moleclues. This MaAPC simulated natural APCs through the concurent coupling of target antigens (H-2Kb/TRP2180–188-Ig dimers and H-2Db/gp10025–33-Ig dimers), costimulatory molecules (anti-CD28, anti–4-1BB, and anti-CD2), and “self-marker” CD47-Fc onto surface-modified polylactic-co-glycolic acid microparticles (PLGA-MP). These PLGA-MPs also encapsulated cytokines (IL2 and IL15), a chemokine (CCL21), and checkpoint inhibitors (anti–CTLA-4 and anti–PD-1). Culture of MaAPCs with naïve T cells for 1 week elevated the frequencies of TRP2180–188–specific and gp10025–33–specific CTLs to 51.0% and 43.3%, respectively, with enhanced cytotoxicity. Three infusions of MaAPCs inhibited subcutaneous melanoma growth in a mouse model and expanded TRP2180–188 and gp10025–33–specific CTLs 59–86-fold in peripheral blood, 76–77-fold in spleen, and 205–212-fold in tumor tissue, in an antigen-specific manner. Compared with conventional aAPCs carrying two or three immune molecules, the 11-signal MaAPCs exerted greater impact on T cells, including activation, proliferation, cytotoxicity, differentiation to memory CTLs or regulatory T cells and cytokines profiles, without detected side effects. Such MaAPCs could be used to individualize tumor immunotherapy.
Subphonemic Variation and Lexical Processing: Social and Stylistic Factors
Authors: Jones Zack , Clopper Cynthia G.
Published: May 2019

Different pronunciation variants of the same word can facilitate lexical access, but they may be more or less effective primes depending on their phonological form, stylistic appropriateness, familiarity, and social prestige, suggesting that multiple phonological variants are encoded in the lexicon with varying strength. The current study investigated how subphonemic variation is encoded using a lexical decision task with cross-modal form priming. The results revealed that the magnitude of priming was mediated by stylistic and social properties of the auditory primes, including speaking style, talker dialect, and duration. These interactions provide evidence that phonetically reduced forms and forms that are not socially prestigious are not as robustly encoded in the lexicon as canonical forms and forms produced in prestigious varieties.
Phonetic Realisation and Phonemic Categorisation of the Final Reduced Corner Vowels in the Finnic Languages of Ingria
Authors: Kuznetsova Natalia , Verkhodanova Vasilisa
Published: May 2019

Individual variability in sound change was explored at three stages of final vowel reduction and loss in the endangered Finnic varieties of Ingria (subdialects of Ingrian, Votic and Ingrian Finnish). The correlation between the realisation of reduced vowels and their phonemic categorisation by speakers was studied. The correlated results showed that if V was pronounced >70%, its starting loss was not yet perceived, apart from certain frequent elements, but after >70% loss, V was not perceived any more. A split of 50/50 between V and loss in production correlated with the same split in categorisation. At the beginning of a sound change, production is, therefore, more innovative, but after reanalysis, categorisation becomes more innovative and leads the change. The vowel a was the most innovative in terms of loss, u/o were the most conservative, and i was in the middle, while consonantal palatalisation was more salient than labialisation. These differences are based on acoustics, articulation and perception.
Gran Canarian Spanish Non-Continuant Voicing: Gradiency, Sex Differences and Perception
Authors: Broś Karolina , Lipowska Katarzyna
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims:This paper examines the process of postvocalic voicing in the Spanish of Gran Canaria from the point of view of language change. A perception-production study was designed to measure the extent of variation in speaker productions, explore the degree to which production is affected by perception and identify variables that can be considered markers of sound change in progress.Methods:20 native speakers of the dialect were asked to repeat auditory input data containing voiceless non-continuants with and without voicing.Results:Input voicing has no effect on output pronunciations, but voicing is highly variable, with both phonetic and social factors involved. Most importantly, a clear lenition pattern was identified based on such indicators as consonant duration, intensity ratio, absence of burst and presence of formants, with the velar /k/ as the most affected segment. Furthermore, strong social implications were identified: voicing degrees and rates depend both on the level of education and on the gender of the speaker.Conclusion:The results of the study suggest that the interplay of external and internal factors must be investigated more thoroughly to better address the question of phonetic variation and phonologisation of contrasts in the context of language change.
The Goldilocks Zone of Perceptual Learning
Authors: Babel Molly , McAuliffe Michael , Norton Carolyn , Senior Brianne , Vaughn Charlotte
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims:
Lexically guided perceptual learning in speech is the updating of linguistic categories based on novel input disambiguated by the structure provided in a recognized lexical item. We test the range of variation that allows for perceptual learning by presenting listeners with items that vary from subtle within-category variation to fully remapped cross-category variation.
Methods:
Experiment 1 uses a lexically guided perceptual learning paradigm with words containing noncanonical /s/ realizations from s/ʃ continua that correspond to “typical,” “ambiguous,” “atypical,” and “remapped” steps. Perceptual learning is tested in an s/ʃ categorization task. Experiment 2 addresses listener sensitivity to variation in the exposure items using AX discrimination tasks.
Results:
Listeners in experiment 1 showed perceptual learning with the maximally ambiguous tokens. Performance of listeners in experiment 2 suggests that tokens which showed the most perceptual learning were not perceptually salient on their own.
Conclusion:
These results demonstrate that perceptual learning is enhanced with maximally ambiguous stimuli. Excessively atypical pronunciations show attenuated perceptual learning, while typical pronunciations show no evidence for perceptual learning. AX discrimination illustrates that the maximally ambiguous stimuli are not perceptually unique. Together, these results suggest that perceptual learning relies on an interplay between confidence in phonetic and lexical predictions and category typicality.