bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Settlement of Funing Natural Clays under 14‐Year Embankment Loads: A Case Study
Authors: Wang Heng , Zeng Ling-Ling , Ding Jian-Wen , Hong Zhen-Shun
Published: May 2019

The settlement behavior of soft natural clays under a 14‐year embankment load is investigated by obtaining the high‐quality undisturbed samples of soft natural clays beneath a constructed embankment. It is found that the conditional way of determining the settlement by combining the layerwise summation method of calculating settlement, the Osterberg method of determining the embankment load‐induced stress in subsoil, and the compression parameters determined from high‐quality undisturbed samples overestimates the settlement, compared with the field observations. The key cause is that the Osterberg method overestimates the vertical superimposed stress in this case. The modified method of determining the vertical stress in subsoil suggested by the authors is adopted for improving the accuracy of vertical superimposed stress calculated. The balance among errors in the settlement calculation model, determination of vertical superimposed stress induced by embankment loads, and measurement of compression parameters are also discussed.
Detection of Dummy Trajectories Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Pan Jiaji , Liu Yining , Zhang Weiming
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, privacy in trajectory is an important issue in the coming big data era. In order to provide better protection for trajectory privacy, a number of solutions have been proposed in the literature, and the dummy trajectory method has attracted great interests in both academia and industry recently due to the following advantages: (1) neither a third-party server nor other parties’ cooperation is necessary; (2) location-based services are not influenced; and (3) its algorithm is relatively simple and efficient. However, most of trajectory privacy generations usually consider the geometric shape of the trajectory; meanwhile the real human mobility feature is usually neglected. In fact, the real trajectory is not the product of random probability. In this paper, convolutional neural network (CNN) is used as the learning machine to train with lots of the real trajectory and the generated dummy trajectory sets. Then, the trained classifier is used to distinguish the dummy from the real trajectory. Experiments demonstrate that the method using CNN is very efficient, and more than 90% of dummy trajectories can be detected. Moreover, the real trajectory erroneous judgment rate is below 10% for most of real trajectories.
A Prediction Rule for Overall Survival in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients with a Pathological Tumor Size Less Than 30 mm
Authors: Zhu Wang-Yu , Fang Ke-xin , He Jian-ying , Cui Ri , Zhang Yong-Kui , Le Han-bo
Published: May 2019

We sought to develop and validate a clinical nomogram model for predicting overall survival (OS) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with resected tumors that were 30 mm or smaller, using clinical data and molecular marker findings. We retrospectively analyzed 786 NSCLC patients with a pathological tumor size less than 30 mm who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2017 at our institution. We identified and integrated significant prognostic factors to build the nomogram model using the training set, which was subjected to the internal data validation. The prognostic performance was calibrated and evaluated by the concordance index (C-index) and risk group stratification. Multivariable analysis identified the pathological tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and Ki-67 expression as independent prognostic factors, which were entered into the nomogram model. The nomogram-predicted probabilities of OS at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years posttreatment represented optimal concordance with the actual observations. Harrell’s C-index of the constructed nomogram with the training set was 0.856 (95% CI: 0.804-0.908), whereas TNM staging was 0.814 (95% CI: 0.742-0.886, P=5.280221e−13). Survival analysis demonstrated that NSCLC subgroups showed significant differences in the training and validation sets (P<0.001). A nomogram model was established for predicting survival in NSCLC patients with a pathological tumor size less than 30 mm, which would be further validated using demographic and clinicopathological data. In the future, this prognostic model may assist clinicians during treatment planning and clinical studies.
Does Whole-Blood Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Stratify Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients?
Authors: Cuartero M. , Betbesé A. J. , Núñez K. , Baldirà J. , Ordonez-Llanos J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose. To analyse the capacity of whole-blood NGAL (wbNGAL) to stratify AKI in critically ill patients with and without sepsis. Methods. Whole-blood NGAL was measured with a point-of-care device at admission and 48 hours later in patients admitted to a general ICU. Patients were classified by the AKIN and KDIGO classifications at admission and 24 and 48 hours. We performed an ROC curve analysis. wbNGAL values at admission were compared in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Results. The study included 100 consecutively admitted patients (40 female) with mean age 59.1±17.8 years. Thirty-three patients presented AKI at admission, and 10 more developed it in the next 48 h. Eighteen patients had AKI stage 3, 14 of them at admission. Nine patients required renal replacement therapy. According to KDIGO at admission, wbNGAL values were 78 μg/L (60-187) in stage 0 (n=67), 263 μg/L (89-314) in stage 1 (n=8), 484 μg/L (333-708) in stage 2 (n=11), and 623 μg/L (231-911) in stage 3 (n=14), p=0.0001 for trend. Ten patients did not complete 48 hours of study: 6 of 10 were discharged (initial wbNGAL 130 μg/L (60-514)) and 4 died (773 μg/L (311-1010)). The AUROC curve of wbNGAL to predict AKI was 0.838 (95% confidence interval 0.76-0.92, p=0.0001), with optimal cut-off value of 178 μg/L (sensitivity 76.7%, specificity 78.9%, p<0.0001). At admission, twenty-nine patients had sepsis, of whom 20 were in septic shock. wbNGAL concentrations were 81 μg/L (60-187) in patients without sepsis, 481 (247-687) in those with sepsis, and 623.5 μg/L (361-798) in the subgroup of septic shock (p<0.0001). Conclusions. Whole-blood NGAL concentration at ICU admission was a good stratifier of AKI in critically ill patients. However, wbNGAL concentrations were higher in septic patients irrespective of AKI occurrence.
Effect of Xylocarpus granatum Bark Extract on Amelioration of Hyperglycaemia and Oxidative Stress Associated Complications in STZ-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Das Swagat Kumar , Prusty Arpita , Samantaray Dibyajyoti , Hasan Mojeer , Jena Srikanta , Patra Jayanta Kumar , Samanta Luna , Thatoi Hrudayanath
Published: May 2019

Xylocarpus granatum is a medicinal mangrove plant, traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhoea, cholera, fever, dyslipidaemia, inflammation, etc. The present study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic (α-glucosidase inhibition assay) and antioxidant (ABTS scavenging and metal chelating assay) activities of ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts of leaves and barks of X. granatum followed by in vivo antidiabetic and antioxidant evaluation of ethanol bark extracts in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice. The in vitro evaluation revealed higher α-amylase inhibition and ABTS scavenging activities in ethanol bark extracts of X. granatum (XGEB). Administration of XGEB at 100 and 200 mg/kg BW doses to STZ-induced diabetic mice resulted in significant decrease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transminase (SGPT), and urea levels in the serum of the extract administered groups as compared to diabetic control group. The levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST in liver along with LPx, SOD, GST, and GR activities in brain tissues were found to be ameliorated in XGEB treated diabetic mice. Histopathological alternations of liver tissues were also found to be restored in XGEB treated diabetic groups. The HPLC fingerprint analysis of XGEB revealed the presence of simple polyphenols, isoflavone, and flavonol-like compounds. The DSC and UV-VIS analysis also confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in XGEB. The GC-MS analysis of XGEB showed the presence of a number of bioactive compounds. These results demonstrated the beneficial effect of XGEB in controlling hyperglycaemia and ameliorating oxidative stress associated complications associated with diabetes.
Colorimetric Detection of Sulfide Anions via Redox-Modulated Surface Chemistry and Morphology of Au-Hg Nanorods
Authors: Zhu Xiaotian , Liu Chang , Liu Jie
Published: May 2019

A new colorimetric assay for the detection of sulfide anions with high sensitivity and selectivity is reported, utilizing Au-Hg alloy nanorods (Au-HgNRs) as probe. Au-HgNRs were prepared by modifying gold nanorods (AuNRs) with reducing agent and mercury ions. In an aqueous solution with sulfide anions, the formation of mercuric sulfide due to redox reaction between the amalgams and sulfide anions greatly changed the surface chemistry and morphology of the Au-HgNRs, leading to a red shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption peak, accompanied by a change in colorimetric response. A good linear relationship was obtained between the LSPR peak wavelength shift and concentration of sulfide anion in the range of 1 × 10−5−1 × 10−4 mol/L. The selectivity of this method has been investigated by other anions. The colorimetric sensing system successfully detected sulfide in wastewater from leather industry.
First Principle Study of the Attachment of Graphene onto Different Terminated Diamond (111) Surfaces
Authors: Zhao S. , Larsson K.
Published: May 2019

The adhesion of a graphene monolayer onto terminated or 2x1-reconstructed diamond (111) surfaces has in the present study been theoretically investigated by using a Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. H, F, O, and OH species were used for the surface termination. The generalized gradient spin density approximation (GG(S)A) with the semiempirical dispersion corrections were used in the study of the Van der Waals interactions. There is a weaker interfacial bond (only of type Wan-der-Waals interaction) at a distance around 3 Å (from 2.68 to 3.36 Å ) for the interfacial graphene//diamond systems in the present study. The strongest binding of graphene was obtained for the H-terminated surface, with an adhesion energy of -10.6 eV. In contrast, the weakest binding of graphene was obtained for F-termination (with an adhesion energy of -2.9 eV). For all situations in the present study, the graphene layer was found to retain its aromatic character. In spite of this, a certain degree of electron transfer was observed to take place from graphene toOontop-,Obridge-, and OH-terminated diamond surface. In addition, graphene attached toOontop-terminated surface showed a finite band gap.
Association between Dental Caries and Obesity in Children and Young People: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alshihri Abdulmonem A. , Rogers Helen J. , Alqahtani Mohammed A. , Aldossary Mohammed S.
Published: May 2019

Objectives. To explore the association between obesity and dental caries in children and adolescents. Furthermore, to consider the possible reasons behind this relationship. Methods. A database search for papers published between January 2015 and May 2018, inclusive, addressing the association between obesity and dental caries was conducted. A review and critical appraisal of all included studies was performed. Results. Twenty-six studies were included in this review from different populations worldwide. Eight studies assessed the primary dentition, nine studies were conducted on permanent dentition, and remaining nine studies on both dentitions. The results regarding the association between obesity and dental caries were conflicting and inconsistent. Nine studies concluded that there was no relationship between obesity and dental caries. A positive association was reported in five studies, while the inverse association was reported in eleven studies. Studies included in this review had significant variations in methodology and the investigated cofactors. Possible explanations of the controversial association between obesity and dental caries are discussed in this review. Conclusion. Both obesity and dental caries are multifactorial diseases, and their association is far more complex that can be explained by a single common risk factor, presenting evidence for the complexity of this association.
Does the Harvesting Site Influence the Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Authors: Nguyen Van Thi , Tessaro Irene , Marmotti Antonio , Sirtori Camilla , Peretti Giuseppe M. , Mangiavini Laura
Published: May 2019

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents one of the commonest surgical procedures in the orthopedic field. Osteointegration of the implant with native bone is essential for an optimal result; thus, the quality of the patient’s bone surrounding the implant (i.e., the bone stock) is crucial. However, in some cases, the bone stock is insufficient and needs to be improved with autologous grafts rich in multipotent cells (i.e., from the iliac crest, from the head of the femur, or from the subchondral bone harvested from the acetabulum) or allogenic frozen bone. It is not known if the harvesting site may influence the osteogenic potential of these cells. Thus, our aim was to characterize and compare multipotent cells collected from the bone marrow, acetabular subchondral bone, and trabecular bone on the femoral head with a focus on osteogenic differentiation. The cells from three sources had a fibroblast-like phenotype and expressed surface antigens CD73, CD90, and CD105 and are negative to CD11b, CD34, and CD45. Although all these cells could be induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes, they displayed different differentiation potentials. In osteogenic differentiation condition, the cells from the acetabulum had the lowest accumulation of calcium deposit while the cells originated from the bone marrow and femur created a considerably increased amount of the deposit. These findings were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In chondrogenic and adipogenic conditions, bone marrow cells possessed a predominant differential capacity compared with the others, illustrated by high collagen type II expression together with a cartilage-like lacuna structure and the presence of fat-specific markers, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing and demonstrating that the progenitor cells obtained from diverse surgical sites in hip replacement procedure share common characteristics of MSC but differ about plasticity and may provide rational for clinical application in cell therapy and bone grafting. The project number L1033 is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03369457.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Gaseous Nitrogen Losses from the Concentrated Liquid Fraction of Pig Slurries
Authors: Velthof G. L. , Rietra R. P. J. J.
Published: May 2019

Processed manure can be an alternative source of nutrients for untreated manure and mineral fertilizers. Mineral concentrates (MCs) are derived from reversed osmosis of the liquid fraction of separated pig slurries. The emissions of ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from different (processed) manures and fertilizers were tested in an incubation experiment and a greenhouse experiment with grass as a test crop. Dry matter yields and nitrogen (N) uptake were also determined in the greenhouse experiment. Incorporation into the soil decreased on NH3 emission but increased N2O emission for all nitrogen products (mineral fertilizer, untreated slurry, MC, and solid fraction of separated slurry). Incorporation of both MC, slurries, and mineral fertilizers increased N2O emission in the incubation experiment. The lowest apparent N recovery (ANR) in the pot experiment with grass was obtained for incorporated pig slurry (30–39%) and surface-applied MC (33–38%), while the highest ANRs were obtained for liquid ammonium nitrate (45–53%) and acidified MC (43–55%). It is concluded that MCs have a similar N fertilizer value as mineral N fertilizers if NH3 emission is reduced by incorporation or acidification.
A Case Study on Field Monitoring Analysis of Deep Foundation Pit in Soft Soils
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshuang , Zhang Xiuchuan , Han Yunshan
Published: May 2019

Field monitoring in the process of excavation of foundation pit is an important measure to reduce the risk. This paper describes a case study of the filed monitoring data during the process of deep foundation pit excavation in soft soil areas. The displacements of the diaphragm wall top were analysed and found that the horizontal displacement showed the convex shape, while the vertical displacement showed the concave shape. Based on the field monitoring data, the deformation mode of lateral displacement of the diaphragm wall belonged to the composite mode. The relationship between maximum lateral displacement and excavation depth showed a strong linear correlation. The horizontal displacements of bracing pillar decreased with the increasing of bracing stiffness, while the effect of bracing stiffness on vertical displacements of bracing pillar could be ignored. The settlement profile computed using the method of Hsieh and Ou was in good agreement with the field observations and better described the development trend of the ground surface settlement. The ratio of the maximum ground surface settlement (δvm) to the maximum lateral displacement of the diaphragm wall (δhm) was in the range of 0.74∼0.88, belonging to the range of 0.5∼1.0 proposed by Hsieh and Ou. This paper provides a reference basis and related guidance for similar projects.
Spatial Characteristics of Wideband Channels Using Leaky Coaxial Cables in Tunnel Scenario
Authors: Saleem Asad , Wang Min , Zheng Guoxin , Yin Xiaoyu
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the spatial domain and propagation characteristics of different wideband channels using leaky coaxial cables (LCXs) for underground environment at 1.8GHz corresponding to the Long Term Evolution for Metro (LTE-M) standards. Angular dispersion of the signal significantly affects the channel capacity, and it can be exactly predicted in both the near and far fields for underground environments by means of a multimode waveguide. A ray tracing phenomenon was exploited to visualize the wave propagation for different transmitter and receiver antenna distances by using the time domain approach for both the horizontally and vertically polarized LCXs. In order to achieve this goal, we characterized the power azimuth spectrum (PAS) and power angle profile (PAP) for different tunnel dimensions and found that the PAS can be demonstrated by a zero-mean Gaussian distribution whose angular spread (AS) is dependent on the transmitter-receiver distances and the tunnel dimensions. The results demonstrate that the horizontally polarized LCX has higher angular spread values than the vertically polarized one, and the correlation coefficient follows the decreasing function with the increment of angular spread.
Simulation and Experimental Study on the Discontinuous Dynamic Impact on Unidirectional Confined Coal‐Rock Damage
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Hongbao , Li Yang , Zhang Huan , Ju Nansong
Published: May 2019

The deformation and the damage characteristics of coal and rock under different restraint static load and different impact velocity were studied with the FEM software LS‐DYNA. Based on this, the influence of impact load on the damage of coal rock under one‐dimensional constraint condition was studied by using the self‐developed constrained pendulum impact dynamic loading test device and ultrasonic testing device. The results show that the deformation of coal and rock increases with the increase of impact velocity and decreases firstly and then remains constant with the increase of constraint static load; when the constraint static load exceeds the compression strength, the displacement increases rapidly and the coal collapses at a strike; the damage quantity of coal and rock has a cumulative effect, and the damage quantity increases with the increase of impact number; when the constraint static load is identical, the increase of impulse contributes to microcrack propagation, and the damage quantity of coal and rock accelerates with the increase of single impact impulse; when the impulse is identical, the constraint static load restrains the microcrack propagation, and the damage quantity of coal and rock decelerates with the increase of constraint static load; the complete damage quantity range of coal and rock is 0.65∼0.75. In order to fully destroy the coal and rock, if the single horizontal impulse is greater, the number of shocks needed is less; if the constrained static load is greater, the more impact times are needed.
Usefulness of qSOFA and ECOG Scores for Predicting Hospital Mortality in Postsurgical Cancer Patients without Infection
Authors: Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A. , Joachin-Sánchez Emerson , Joffre-Torres Aranza , Córdova-Sánchez Bertha M. , Ferrer-Burgos Guadalupe , González-Chon Octavio , Herrera-Gomez Angel
Published: May 2019

Background. The quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group (ECOG) scale are simple and easy parameters to measure because they do not require laboratory tests. The objective of this study was to compare the discriminatory capacity of the qSOFA and ECOG to predict hospital mortality in postsurgical cancer patients without infection. Methods. During the period 2013–2017, we prospectively collected data of all patients without infection who were admitted to the ICU during the postoperative period, except those who stayed in the ICU for <24 hours or patients under 18 years. The ECOG score during the last month before hospitalization and the qSOFA performed during the first hour after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) were collected. The primary outcome for this study was the in-hospital mortality rate. Results. A total of 315 patients were included. The ICU and hospital mortality rates were 6% and 9.2%, respectively. No difference was observed between the qSOFA [AUC=0.75 (95% CI = 0.69-0.79)] and the ECOG scores [AUC=0.68 (95%CI =0.62-0.73)] (p=0.221) for predicting in-hospital mortality. qSOFA greater than 1 predicted in-hospital mortality with a high sensitivity (100%) but low specificity (38.8%); positive predictive value of 26.3% and negative predictive value of 93.1% compared to 74.4% of specificity, 55.1% of sensitivity%; positive predictive value of 18% and negative predictive value of 94.2% for an ECOG score greater than 1. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified two independent predicting factors of in-hospital mortality, which included ECOG score during the last month before hospitalization (HR: 1.46; 95 % CI: 1.06-2.00); qSOFA calculated in the first hours after ICU admission (OR: 3.17; 95 % CI: 1.79–5.63). Conclusion. No difference was observed between the qSOFA and ECOG for predicting in-hospital mortality. The qSOFA score performed during the first hour after admission to the ICU and ECOG scale during the last month before hospitalization were associated with in-hospital mortality in postsurgical cancer patients without infection. The qSOFA and ECOG score have a potential to be included as early warning tools for hospitalized postsurgical cancer patients without infection.
Comparison of Fatal Injuries Resulting from Tractor and High Speed Motorcycle Accidents in Turkey: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Eraybar Suna , Atmaca Serhat , Nennicioglu Yasemin , Torun Gokhan , Aydin Okan , Varisli Behçet , Sandal Nuran , Buyukyilmaz Tunç , Seyit Murat , Yildirim Harun , Armagan Erol
Published: May 2019

Aim. Injuries are among the main causes of mortality and morbidity all over the world, and effective initial triage of these patients can determine the thin line between death and life. Tractor accidents and related injuries are significant problems particularly in rural areas. However, major trauma classification systems do not include tractor accidents as a criterion for trauma team activation or transportation of the patients to a trauma center. This study evaluated the general characteristics and outcomes of tractor accidents in comparison to motorcycle accidents, which are considered as a comparison criterion for major trauma. Materials and Methods. This is a multicenter study conducted in 6 emergency departments in 4 cities over a six month period. All cases over 18 years of age who were admitted to emergency service due to tractor or motorcycle accidents and meet the criteria were included in the study. The general characteristics and outcomes of both trauma types were compared to determine whether tractor accident should be considered as major traumas. Results. Eighty-eight patients had a tractor accident, and 339 patients had a motorcycle accident. The tractor accident victims were significantly younger (p<0.001), and the proportion of females was higher in this group (p=0.001). Glasgow coma score (p=0.062), revised trauma score (p=0.201), duration from incident to admission (p=0.481), and route of admission (p=0.810) were similar between both accident types. The rates of thoracic traumas (42% versus 23%, p<0.001) and spinal injuries (17% versus 5.9%, p=0.002) were significantly higher in tractor accidents. The hospitalization rates of the patients were significantly higher in tractor accidents (p=0.008). Conclusion. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that tractor accidents should be included in the criteria of ATLS major trauma classification system and trauma team activation procedures.
Identification of Macrophage Genotype and Key Biological Pathways in Circulating Angiogenic Cell Transcriptome
Authors: Everaert Bert R. , Van Laere Steven J. , Lembrechts Robrecht , Hoymans Vicky Y. , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , Vrints Christiaan J.
Published: May 2019

Background. Circulating angiogenic cells (CAC) have been identified as important regulators of vascular biology. However, there is still considerable debate about the genotype and function of CAC. Methods and Results. Data from publicly available gene expression data sets were used to analyse the transcriptome of in vitro cultured CAC (CACiv). Genes and pathways of interest were further evaluated using qPCR comparing CACiv versus CD14+ monocytic cells. The CACiv transcriptome strongly related to tissue macrophages, and more specifically to regulatory M2c macrophages. The cytokine expression profile of CACiv was predominantly immune modulatory and resembled the cytokine expression of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Pathway analysis revealed previously unrecognized biological processes in CACiv, such as riboflavin metabolism and liver X receptor (LXR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) pathways. Analysis of endothelial-specific genes did not show evidence for endothelial transdifferentiation. Conclusions. CACiv are genotypically similar to regulatory M2c macrophages and lack signs of endothelial differentiation.
A Server-Side JavaScript Security Architecture for Secure Integration of Third-Party Libraries
Authors: van Ginkel Neline , De Groef Willem , Massacci Fabio , Piessens Frank
Published: May 2019

The popularity of the JavaScript programming language for server-side programming has increased tremendously over the past decade. The Node.js framework is a popular JavaScript server-side framework with an efficient runtime for cloud-based event-driven architectures. One of its strengths is the presence of thousands of third-party libraries which allow developers to quickly build and deploy applications. These very libraries are a source of security threats as a vulnerability in one library can (and in some cases did) compromise an entire server. In order to support the secure integration of libraries, we developed NODESENTRY, the first security architecture for server-side JavaScript. Our policy enforcement infrastructure supports an easy deployment of web hardening techniques and access control policies on interactions between libraries and their environment, including any dependent library. We discuss the design and implementation of NODESENTRY and present its performance and security evaluation.
Influence of Personality on Shape-Based Design Activities
Authors: Filippi Stefano , Barattin Daniela
Published: May 2019

As the literature demonstrates, designers’ personality influences design activities like different ways to represent environments and/or products, technological advances, etc.. Nevertheless, an exhaustive analysis on the influence of personality on design activities involving different representations is missing. This research explores this gap by studying this influence on specific design activities, the shape-based ones (i.e., analysis of specific shapes and highlighting of functions suggested by them). People showing different personalities undergo tests where they carry out design activities exploiting several representations. The results confirm the influence of personality on shape-based design activities and allow highlighting different keys to interpret and exploit these results. Thanks to the results of this study, researchers can increase their knowledge about subjective aspects of design as well as about how these aspects coexist with classic and emerging representations. As well, designers can try to maximize the effectiveness of their efforts by selecting the best combinations of personality, representations, and characteristics of the expected design results time by time.
Electromagnetic-Thermal Integration Design of Permanent Magnet Motor for Vehicles
Authors: Chen Shijun , Zhang Qi , Huang Surong
Published: May 2019

To more efficiently design high performance vehicular permanent magnet motor, an electromagnetic-thermal integration design method is presented, which considers both the electromagnetic properties and the temperature rise of motor winding when determining the main dimensional parameters of the motor. Then a 48-slot and 8-pole vehicular permanent magnet motor is designed with this method. The thermomagnetic coupling design is simulated and validated on the basis of multiphysical domain on finite element analysis. Then the prototype is analyzed and tested on a newly built motor experiment platform. It is shown that the simulation results and experimental results are consistent, which validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the new design method. Also this method is proved to well improve the efficiency of permanent magnet motor design.
Analyzing Reliability of the Communication for Secure and Highly Available GOOSE-Based Logic Selectivity
Authors: Jafary Peyman , Supponen Antti , Salmenperä Mikko , Repo Sami
Published: May 2019

In an electrical distribution network, Logic Selectivity significantly reduces both the number and duration of outages. Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) have a key role in the decision-making process of substation protection devices using GOOSE-based Logic Selectivity. GOOSE messages are exchanged between remote protection devices over the communication network. Secured communication with low latency and high reliability is therefore required in order to ensure reliable operation as well as meeting real-time requirement of the Logic Selectivity application. There is thus a need to evaluate feasibility of the selected communication network technology for Logic Selectivity use cases. This paper analyzes reliability of cellular 4G/LTE Internet for GOOSE communication in a Logic Selectivity application. For this purpose, experimental lab set-ups are introduced for different configurations: ordinary GOOSE communication, secured GOOSE communication by IPsec in Transport mode, and redundant GOOSE communication using the IEC 62439-3 Parallel Redundancy Protocol. In each configuration, the GOOSE retransmissions are recorded for a period of three days and the average GOOSE transmission time is measured. Furthermore, the measured data is classified into histograms and a probability value for communication reliability, based on the transmission time, is calculated. The statistical analysis shows that 4G Internet satisfies the real-time and reliability requirements for secure and highly available GOOSE-based Logic Selectivity.
Multiple Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Exfoliation Syndrome in the Uygur Population
Authors: Ma Yi-Nu , Xie Ting-Yu , Chen Xue-Yi
Published: May 2019

Background. Our previous data suggested that three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1048661, rs3825942, and rs2165241, of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 gene (LOXL1) are significantly associated with exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and exfoliation glaucoma (XFG). The following study investigated other SNPs that potentially effect XFS/XFG. Methods. A total of 216 Uygur patients diagnosed with XFS/XFG, and 297 Uygur volunteers were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital at Xinjiang Medical University between January 2015 and October 2017. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture. Alleles and genotypes of LOXL1, TBC1D21, ATXN2, APOE, CLU, AFAP1, TXNRD2, CACNA1A, ABCA1, GAS7, and CNTNAP2 were analyzed by direct sequencing. Results. The allele G of rs41435250 of LOXL1 was a risk allele for XFS/XFG (P<0.001), whereas the allele G of rs893818 of LOXL1 was a protective allele for XFS/XFG (P<0.001). After adjusting all data for age and gender, the following results were obtained: the frequency of genotype CC for rs7137828 of ATXN2 was significantly higher in XFS/XFG patients than in controls (P=0.027), while no significance was found with reference to the frequency of genotype TT. The frequency of genotype GG for rs893818 of LOXL1 (P<0.001) and the frequency of genotype AA were both significantly higher in XFS/XFG groups compared to the control group (P<0.001). In addition, the frequency of genotype TT for rs41435250 of LOXL1 was higher in XFS/XFG patients than in controls (P=0.003), while no significant difference was found with reference to the frequency of genotype GG after adjusting for age and gender. In addition, the haplotypes G-A/T-G/G-G for rs41435250 and rs893818 were significantly associated with XFS/G. Conclusions. With reference to LOXL1, the rs41435250 resulted as a risk factor and rs893818 as a protective factor for XFS/XFG in the Uygur populations. Meanwhile, the rs16958445 of TBC1D21 and the rs7137828 of ATXN2 have also shown to be associated with pathogenesis of XFS/XFG.
Distribution, Characteristics, and Regulatory Potential of Long Noncoding RNAs in Brown-Rot Fungi
Authors: Borgognone Alessandra , Sanseverino Walter , Aiese Cigliano Riccardo , Castanera Raúl
Published: May 2019

Long noncoding RNAs have been thoroughly studied in plants, animals, and yeasts, where they play important roles as regulators of transcription. Nevertheless, almost nothing is known about their presence and characteristics in filamentous fungi, especially in basidiomycetes. In the present study, we have carried out an exhaustive annotation and characterization of lncRNAs in two lignin degrader basidiomycetes, Coniophora puteana and Serpula lacrymans. We identified 2,712 putative lncRNAs in the former and 2,242 in the latter, mainly originating from intergenic locations of transposon-sparse genomic regions. The lncRNA length, GC content, expression levels, and stability of the secondary structure differ from coding transcripts but are similar in these two species and resemble that of other eukaryotes. Nevertheless, they lack sequence conservation. Also, we found that lncRNAs are transcriptionally regulated in the same proportion as genes when the fungus actively decomposes soil organic matter. Finally, up to 7% of the upstream gene regions of Coniophora puteana and Serpula lacrymans are transcribed and produce lncRNAs. The study of expression trends in these gene-lncRNA pairs uncovered groups with similar and opposite transcriptional profiles which may be the result of cis-transcriptional regulation.
On the Implementation of a Dynamic Direction Modulation System with Vector Modulators
Authors: Cabrera-Hernández Edith Annette , Parron Josep , Tennant Alan
Published: May 2019

Dynamic directional modulation (DDM) has already proven to be an efficient technique to achieve physical layer security in wireless communications. System architectures based on vector modulators provide a flexible framework to implement synthesis methods that allow us to obtain increased security and/or independent multichannel transmissions. However, the implementation of DDM with vector modulators requires an accurate calibration (amplitude and phase) of every component in the RF path. In this contribution, we study the sensitivity of the response of a DDM system based on commercial vector modulators showing how to correct the nonideal behavior of all the components thanks to the flexibility provided by the vector modulator.
Estimates of Upper Bound for a Function Associated with Riemann-Liouville Fractional Integral viah-Convex Functions
Authors: Wu Shan-He , Awan Muhammad Uzair
Published: May 2019

A new identity involving Riemann-Liouville fractional integral is proposed. The result is then used to obtain some estimates of upper bound for a function associated with Riemann-Liouville fractional integral viah-convex functions. An application for establishing the inequalities related to special means is also considered.
The Small GTPase ARF6 Activates PI3K in Melanoma to Induce a Prometastatic State
Authors: Yoo Jae Hyuk , Brady Samuel W. , Acosta-Alvarez Lehi , Rogers Aaron , Peng Jingfu , Sorensen Lise K. , Wolff Roger K. , Mleynek Tara , Shin Donghan , Rich Coulson P. , Kircher David A. , Bild Andrea , Odelberg Shannon J. , Li Dean Y. , Holmen Sheri L. , Grossmann Allie H.
Published: May 2019

Melanoma has an unusual capacity to spread in early-stage disease, prompting aggressive clinical intervention in very thin primary tumors. Despite these proactive efforts, patients with low-risk, low-stage disease can still develop metastasis, indicating the presence of permissive cues for distant spread. Here, we show that constitutive activation of the small GTPase ARF6 (ARF6Q67L) is sufficient to accelerate metastasis in mice with BRAFV600E/Cdkn2aNULL melanoma at a similar incidence and severity to Pten loss, a major driver of PI3K activation and melanoma metastasis. ARF6Q67L promoted spontaneous metastasis from significantly smaller primary tumors than PTENNULL, implying an enhanced ability of ARF6-GTP to drive distant spread. ARF6 activation increased lung colonization from circulating melanoma cells, suggesting that the prometastatic function of ARF6 extends to late steps in metastasis. Unexpectedly, ARF6Q67L tumors showed upregulation of Pik3r1 expression, which encodes the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K. Tumor cells expressing ARF6Q67L displayed increased PI3K protein levels and activity, enhanced PI3K distribution to cellular protrusions, and increased AKT activation in invadopodia. ARF6 is necessary and sufficient for activation of both PI3K and AKT, and PI3K and AKT are necessary for ARF6-mediated invasion. We provide evidence for aberrant ARF6 activation in human melanoma samples, which is associated with reduced survival. Our work reveals a previously unknown ARF6-PI3K-AKT proinvasive pathway, it demonstrates a critical role for ARF6 in multiple steps of the metastatic cascade, and it illuminates how melanoma cells can acquire an early metastatic phenotype in patients.

Significance:

These findings reveal a prometastatic role for ARF6 independent of tumor growth, which may help explain how melanoma spreads distantly from thin, early-stage primary tumors.
Thrombin Signaling Promotes Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma through PAR-1–Dependent Immune Evasion
Authors: Yang Yi , Stang Amanda , Schweickert Patrick G. , Lanman Nadia A. , Paul Erin N. , Monia Brett P. , Revenko Alexey S. , Palumbo Joseph S. , Mullins Eric S. , Elzey Bennett D. , Janssen Edith M. , Konieczny Stephen F. , Flick Matthew J.
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with robust activity of the coagulation system. To determine mechanisms by which clotting factors influence PDAC tumor progression, we generated and characterized C57Bl/6-derived KPC (KRasG12D, TRP53R172H) cell lines. Tissue factor (TF) and protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) were highly expressed in primary KPC pancreatic lesions and KPC cell lines similar to expression profiles observed in biopsies of patients with PDAC. In allograft studies, tumor growth and metastatic potential were significantly diminished by depletion of TF or Par-1 in cancer cells or by genetic or pharmacologic reduction of the coagulation zymogen prothrombin in mice. Notably, PAR-1–deleted KPC cells (KPC-Par-1KO) failed to generate sizable tumors, a phenotype completely rescued by restoration of Par-1 expression. Expression profiling of KPC and KPC-Par-1KO cells indicated that thrombin–PAR-1 signaling significantly altered immune regulation pathways. Accordingly, KPC-Par-1KO cells failed to form tumors in immune-competent mice but displayed robust tumor growth comparable to that observed with control KPC cells in immune-compromised NSG mice. Immune cell depletion studies indicated that CD8 T cells, but not CD4 cells or natural killer cells, mediated elimination of KPC-Par-1KO tumor cells in C57Bl/6 mice. These results demonstrate that PDAC is driven by activation of the coagulation system through tumor cell–derived TF, circulating prothrombin, and tumor cell–derived PAR-1 and further indicate that one key mechanism of thrombin/PAR-1–mediated tumor growth is suppression of antitumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment.

Significance:

The tissue factor–thrombin–PAR-1 signaling axis in tumor cells promotes PDAC growth and disease progression with one key mechanism being suppression of antitumor immunity in the microenvironment.
An Electropalatographic Study of Variability in Arrernte Consonant Production
Authors: Tabain Marija
Published: May 2019

Arrernte is a language with a relatively large consonant inventory, and a relatively small vowel inventory. In this study, electropalatography is used to examine lingual consonant production according to lexical stress, in the context of the two most common vowels in the language, the central vowels /a/ and /ə/. The consonants examined are /t̪ n̪ l̪ t n l ʈ ɳ ɭ ɻ c ɲ ʎ j k ŋ w/. Data are for two female speakers and are taken from a large database of read texts. Results show very little articulatory variation in consonant production depending on the contexts examined. Although consonants before a stressed vowel have greater duration than consonants before an unstressed vowel, there is no consistent difference in tongue-palate contact patterns between the two prosodic contexts. The main exception to this pattern is the retroflex stop, nasal and lateral, which show a more posterior contact before an unstressed vowel: it is suggested that this is because the preceding stressed vowel contains the primary cues to retroflex place of articulation.
Seizures Are Associated with Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in a Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Goasdoue Kate , Chand Kirat Kishore , Miller Stephanie Melita , Lee Kah Meng , Colditz Paul Bernard , Wixey Julie Anne , Bjorkman Stella Tracey
Published: May 2019

Seizures in the neonatal period are most often symptomatic of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction and the most common cause is hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Seizures are associated with poor long-term outcomes and increased neuropathology. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and inflammation may contribute to seizures and increased neuropathology but are incompletely understood in neonatal HIE. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of seizures on BBB integrity in a preclinical model of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) injury. Piglets (age: <24 h) were subjected to a 30-min HI insult followed by recovery to 72 h post-insult. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) was performed and seizure burden and background aEEG pattern were analysed. BBB disruption was evaluated in the parietal cortex and hippocampus by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot. mRNA and protein expression of tight-junction proteins (zonula-occludens 1 [ZO1], occludin [OCLN], and claudin-5 [CLDN5]) was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. In addition, mRNA from genes associated with BBB disruption vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) as well as inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was assessed with qPCR. Piglets that developed seizures following HI (HI-Sz) had significantly greater injury, as demonstrated by poorer aEEG background pattern scores, lower neurobehavioural scores, and greater histopathology. HI-Sz animals had severe IgG extravasation into brain tissue and uptake into neurons as well as significantly greater levels of IgG in both brain regions as assessed by Western blot. IgG protein in both brain regions was significantly associated with seizure burden, aEEG pattern scores, and neurobehavioural scores. There was no difference in mRNA expression of the tight junctions, however a significant loss of ZO1 and OCLN protein was observed in the parietal cortex. The inflammatory genes TGFβ, IL1β, IL8, IL6, and TNFα were significantly upregulated in HI-Sz animals. MMP2 was significantly increased in animals with seizures compared with animals without seizures. Increasing our understanding of neuropathology associated with seizure is vital because of the association between seizure and poor outcomes. Investigating the BBB is a major untapped area of research and a potential avenue for novel treatments.
Spontaneous Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in a Human in vitro Model of Renal Fibrosis Is Mediated by αV Integrins
Authors: Bon Hélène , Hales Paul , Lumb Simon , Holdsworth Gill , Johnson Tim , Qureshi Omar , Twomey Breda M.
Published: May 2019

Background: Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a key feature of chronic kidney diseases leading to renal failure. It is characterised by the infiltration of fibroblasts and aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which are associated with progressive loss of renal function. Integrins play a major role in fibrosis, but the mechanisms through which they do this are not fully understood. Objective: Using a complex cell system, we test the hypothesis that integrins are pro-fibrotic via regulation of functional interactions between tubular epithelial cells and renal fibroblasts. Method: Contact co-culture of human primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cells and renal fibroblasts promoted the spontaneous accumulation of a mature ECM rich in interstitial collagens, which was considerably in excess of that seen in the individual mono-cultures. Both cell types persisted throughout the culture and were capable of expressing multiple ECM components. Results: While ECM accumulation was inhibited by the clinically proven anti-fibrotic, nintedanib, and was partially abrogated by transforming growth factor β neutralisation, its levels did not return to basal, indicating additional pathways were implicated in the pro-ECM response. Application of anti-integrin blocking antibodies and small molecules demonstrated a major role of the αV integrins in the ECM accumulation during fibroblast: epithelial cell interactions. Conclusion: Integrin-mediated pathways can facilitate the spontaneous accumulation of ECM during fibroblast: epithelial cell interactions, and this direct renal co-culture assay system could provide a translational in vitro assay for investigating novel pathways involved in the pro-ECM response and the screening of renal anti-fibrotic agents.