bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of the association between MHC class I downregulation and PD-L1 upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Yoo Shin Hye , Keam Bhumsuk , Ock Chan-Young , Kim Sehui , Han Buhm , Kim Ji-Won , Lee Keun-Wook , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Chung Eun-Jae , Kwon Seong Keun , Ahn Soon-Hyun , Sung Myung-Whun , Heo Dae Seog
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A total of 158 patients with HNSCC were evaluated retrospectively. The expression of MHC class I and PD-L1 was analyzed in tumor specimens using immunohistochemistry. The association between MHC class I/PD-L1 expression and clinical outcome was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Among 158 patients, 103 (65.2%) showed positive PD-L1 expression, and 20 (12.7%) showed no detectable expression of MHC class I. The frequency of PD-L1 positive expression with concomitant MHC class I loss was 7.0%. In the PD-L1-positive group, MHC class I loss was associated with a significantly worse survival compared with MHC class I positivity (median overall survival 39.3 months vs. not reached; P = 0.005), whereas MHC class I status provided no prognostic impact in the PD-L1 negative group. Neither PD-L1 nor MHC class I alone showed a significant difference in overall survival. The loss of MHC class I expression in PD-L1-positive HNSCC was associated with a poor clinical outcome. This suggested that MHC class I expression status might be useful for the prognosis of tumor progression in HNSCC when combined with PD-L1 expression status. External validation with enough numbers of participants in such subgroup should be needed for validation.
Solvent-tailored Pd3P0.95 nano catalyst for amide–nitrile inter-conversion, the hydration of nitriles and transfer hydrogenation of the CO bond
Authors: Sharma Alpesh K. , Joshi Hemant , Bhaskar Renu , Singh Ajai K.
Published: May 2019

First synthesis of Pd3P0.95 QDs via solvent-controlled SSP and their three applications as catalysts (1–2 mol% of Pd) for substrates >10 are reported.
Improved quantification of the cyanobacteria metabolite, β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) using HPLC-MS/MS detection of its dansyl chloride derivative referenced to a15N-labeled internal standard
Authors: Dyer Stuart W. , Needoba Joseph A. , Peterson Tawnya D.
Published: May 2019

Historic disagreement regarding the prevalence and abundance of BMAA may be due in part to false-negative results arising from deuterated internal standards and the derivatization conditions used in prior studies.
Simultaneous determination of cyanide and thiocyanate in swine plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection based on a novel D–π–A carbazole-based turn-on fluorescence labeling reagent
Authors: Luo Pengjie , Yu Yanxin , Wu Di , Li Xiuting , Dai Chunji , Chen Xuefeng , Li Guoliang , Wu Yongning
Published: May 2019

The goal of the current work was to develop a simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with the fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) method for the fluorescence turn-on determination of cyanide and thiocyanate in swine plasma.
Improving photocatalytic free radical polymerization with hydrochloric acid
Authors: Zhou Yulan , Liao Wanfeng , Ni Xiuyuan
Published: May 2019

Improving photocatalytic free radical polymerization of vinyl acetate with hydrochloric acid.
Enhanced activity of selenocyanate-containing transition metal chalcogenides supported by nitrogen-doped carbon materials for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Jhong Huan-Ping , Chang Sun-Tang , Huang Hsin-Chih , Wang Kai-Chin , Lee Jyh-Fu , Yasuzawa Mikito , Wang Chen-Hao
Published: May 2019

The SeCN− containing transition metal chalcogenides supported by nitrogen-doped carbon catalyzes the ORR activity.
Electromagnetic interactions of dye molecules surrounding a nanosphere
Authors: Auguié Baptiste , Darby Brendan L. , Le Ru Eric C.
Published: May 2019

Dipole–dipole interactions near a nanoparticle lead to strong spectral modifications, that depend crucially on surface coverage and relative orientations.
Robust two-dimensional ferroelectricity in single-layer γ-SbP and γ-SbAs
Authors: Shen Shiying , Liu Chang , Ma Yandong , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying
Published: May 2019

Currently, two-dimensional ferroelectricity has attracted considerable attention due to its fascinating properties and promising applications.
Predicting two-dimensional semiconducting boron carbides
Authors: Tian Xinxin , Xuan Xiaoyu , Yu Meng , Mu Yuewen , Lu Hai-Gang , Zhang Zhuhua , Li Si-Dian
Published: May 2019

Carbon and boron can mix to form numerous two-dimensional (2D) compounds with strong covalent bonds, yet very few possess a bandgap for functional applications.
Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to syngas over Ag nanoparticle modified p-Si nanowire arrays
Authors: Wei Longfu , Lin Jinchi , Xie Shunji , Ma Wenchao , Zhang Qinghong , Shen Zebin , Wang Ye
Published: May 2019

Syngas with tunable H2/CO distribution is produced from the photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 and H2O over Ag/SiNWs by controlling Ag sizes.
Latest progress in constructing solid-state Z scheme photocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Xia Xinyuan , Song Mengjiao , Wang Hua , Zhang Xiangtong , Sui Ning , Zhang Qingbo , Colvin Vicki L. , Yu William W.
Published: May 2019

Artificial Z scheme photocatalysis has been considered as a promising strategy for producing a clean energy source of hydrogen gas.
Investigating the detection limit of subsurface holes under graphite with atomic force acoustic microscopy
Authors: Yip Kevin , Cui Teng , Sun Yu , Filleter Tobin
Published: May 2019

The subsurface imaging capabilities of atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM) was investigated by imaging graphite flakes suspended over holes in a silicon dioxide substrate.
Tuning PNIPAm self-assembly and thermoresponse: roles of hydrophobic end-groups and hydrophilic comonomer
Authors: Ohnsorg Monica L. , Ting Jeffrey M. , Jones Seamus D. , Jung Seyoung , Bates Frank S. , Reineke Theresa M.
Published: May 2019

Systematic study of hydrophobic and hydrophilic modifications to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) elucidates design rules for control over cloud point and aqueous self-assembly.
Triethyl borane-regulated selective production of polycarbonates and cyclic carbonates for the coupling reaction of CO2 with epoxides
Authors: Chen Zheng , Yang Jia-Liang , Lu Xin-Yu , Hu Lan-Fang , Cao Xiao-Han , Wu Guang-Peng , Zhang Xing-Hong
Published: May 2019

The copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides bearing phenyl group is achieved by the combination of Lewis bases and excess triethyl borane that decides the selectivity.
Cost-effective preparation of microporous polymers from formamide derivatives and adsorption of CO2 under dry and humid conditions
Authors: Zhang Biao , Yan Jun , Li Gen , Wang Zhonggang
Published: May 2019

Nitrogen-rich microporous polymers are prepared via a catalyst-free polymerization reaction using formamide derivatives as monomers, which exhibit outstandingly high CO2/N2 selectivity up to 151 and 173 at 273 K under dry and humid conditions, respectively.
Functional materials generated by allying cyclodextrin-based supramolecular chemistry with living polymerization
Authors: Seidi Farzad , Shamsabadi Ahmad Arabi , Amini Mojtaba , Shabanian Meisam , Crespy Daniel
Published: May 2019

Cyclodextrin molecules are cyclic oligosaccharides that display a unique structure including an inner side and two faces on their outer sides.
Supramolecular step-growth polymerization kinetics of pre-assembled triblock copolymer micelles
Authors: Lu Yingqing , Gao Liang , Lin Jiaping , Wang Liquan , Zhang Liangshun , Cai Chunhua
Published: May 2019

Pre-assembled copolymer micelles were found to “polymerize” into hierarchical nanowires, induced by the structural defects on the micelle surfaces.
Residue-specific identification of phase separation hot spots of Alzheimer's-related protein tau
Authors: Ambadipudi Susmitha , Reddy Jithender G. , Biernat Jacek , Mandelkow Eckhard , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: May 2019

Visualizing liquid–liquid phase separation by NMR spectroscopy: LLPS of the Alzheimer's-related protein tau involves aggregation-prone hexapeptides and activity regulating KXGS motifs.
Construction of a flexible electrochemiluminescence platform for sweat detection
Authors: Chen Miao-Miao , Cheng Shi-Bo , Ji Kailun , Gao Jingwen , Liu Yan-Ling , Wen Wei , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu , Huang Wei-Hua
Published: May 2019

Flexible and wearable electrochemiluminescence sensor was successfully designed and fabricated for non-invasively monitoring the metabolism products in sweat.
A SrGeO3 inorganic electron-transporting layer for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ye Qing-Qing , Wang Zhao-Kui , Femi Igbari , Wang Kai-Li , Zhang Yue , Ma Xing-Juan , Zhuo Ming-Peng , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: May 2019

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is usually used as an ETL in n–i–p structure PSCs. It requires high temperature preparation, which limits the commercialization of PSCs.
A nanosized SnSb alloy confined in N-doped 3D porous carbon coupled with ether-based electrolytes toward high-performance potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Dong Kangze , Wang Dan , Luo Shaohua , Liu Yanguo , Wang Qing , Zhang Yahui , Hao Aimin , Shi Chunsheng , Zhao Naiqin
Published: May 2019

High-performance potassium-ion batteries achieved via nano-sized SnSb alloy confined in N-doped 3D porous carbon coupled with ether-based electrolytes.
Boosting the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells to 17.7% with an indolo[3,2-b]carbazole dopant-free hole transporting material by improving its spatial configuration
Authors: Cai Bin , Yang Xichuan , Jiang Xiaoqing , Yu Ze , Hagfeldt Anders , Sun Licheng
Published: May 2019

Three-step synthesis and facile modification of an indolo[3,2-b]carbazole based dopant-free hole transporting material resulted in a power conversion efficiency of 17.7% in perovskite solar cells.
The effect of frontier orbital distribution of the core structure on the photophysics and device performances of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters
Authors: Jung Mina , Lee Kyung Hyung , Hong Wan Pyo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: May 2019

The effect of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) distribution of the core structure on the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) behavior of the TADF emitters was investigated.
Dendrimer-conjugated podophyllotoxin suppresses DENA-induced HCC progression by modulation of inflammatory and fibrogenic factors
Authors: Sharma Supriya , Mehak Mehak , Chhimwal Jyoti , Patial Vikram , Sk Ugir Hossain
Published: May 2019

Podophyllotoxin has been explored as an anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial agent; however, its low water solubility and toxicity limit its use.
Efficient spherical near‐field antenna measurement using CS method with sparsity estimation
Authors: Behjoo HamidReza , Pirhadi Abbas , Asvadi Reza
Published: May 2019

Spherical near‐field antenna measurement requires the acquisition of many points, which makes the measurement process time‐consuming. Since the antenna radiation pattern has a sparse representation on the basis of vector spherical harmonics, compressive sensing (CS) can be used to reduce the number of sampling points in the near‐field antenna measurement. CS requires knowledge of sparsity in advance to determine the number of sampling points. The phase transition diagram is usually used to determine the number of measurements, which is again time‐consuming and requires a large number of computing data. In this study, the method for sparsity level estimation is used to estimate the sparsity level of an arbitrary antenna's near field. Using this sparsity estimation method is a novel antenna measurement which has many applied advantages. As a case in point, it estimates the sparsity level of a radiation pattern with a few numbers of measurements, which makes the CS method efficient and affordable in the near‐field measurement technique. To confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, a standard horn antenna is investigated.
Sidelobe reduction and gain enhancement in higher order TM30 and TM70 mode rectangular patch antennas via partial notch loading
Authors: Ahmed Zubair , Ahmed Muhammad Mansoor
Published: May 2019

A partial notch loading technique for E‐plane sidelobe reduction and gain enhancement of higher order TM30 and TM70 mode rectangular patch antennas is proposed. In this technique, out of phase surface current distribution regions of higher order mode patch antennas are partially removed to create new radiating edges. It is shown that superposition of radiated fields of these additional radiating edges and that of unperturbed mode can be used to achieve sidelobe reduction and gain enhancement in single‐layer configuration. Two novel single layer, easy to fabricate higher order mode patch antennas, namely, notch loaded TM30 mode patch antenna (Antenna 1) and notch loaded TM70 mode patch antenna (Antenna 2), are presented. Antenna 1 shows a measured gain of 12.9 dBi and E‐plane sidelobe levels (SLL) of −10.5 dB, whereas Antenna 2 shows a measured gain of 16 dBi and SLL of −12.8 dB. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the highest reported antenna gain for single‐layer TM70 mode rectangular patch antenna. Due to their high gain, proposed antennas are suitable for short range point to point communication applications.
Apprentissage par projets à l’INSA ROUEN-NORMANDIE : Etude, réalisation et simulation d’amplificateurs « vintage » à lampes
Authors: Grisel Richard
Published: May 2019

Le département Sciences et Techniques pour l’Ingénieur (STPI) de l’INSA ROUEN NORMANDIE permet à ses étudiants de deuxième année du cycle ingénieur (Bac+2) de préparer pendant 14 séances un projet par groupes de 6 ou 7 étudiants à raison d’une heure et demi encadrée par semaine. Cette séquence pédagogique permet aux étudiants de découvrir une première approche de travail par groupes. Depuis 2015 deux de ces projets concernent l’étude, la réalisation, la simulation et la vérification d’amplificateurs à lampes choisis comme étant des reproductions d’amplificateurs à lampes mythiques des années 1960. Le but de cette présentation est d’expliquer la démarche effectuée et de présenter l’ensemble des résultats obtenus.
A Primer to Understanding the Elements of Medical Malpractice
Authors: Hill Gregory Q. , Ryu Robert K.
Published: May 2019

According to a 2017 survey of 4,000 physicians across 25 different specialties in the United States, 55% of respondents report having been sued at least once, with nearly half of them having been sued multiple times. In addition, procedural specialists are far more likely to be sued. As a procedural-driven specialty, interventional radiology (IR) practitioners are subject to these statistics. While the focus of all IR practices is providing the highest quality care safely and efficiently, medical errors and complications are unavoidable. Understanding the process of medical malpractice litigation is necessary to develop strategies on how best to avoid and mitigate the hardships of the process.
A Surgical Approach to Treat Painful Neuromas of the Supraorbital and Supratrochlear Nerves with Implantation of the Proximal Stump into the Orbit
Authors: Hanwright Philip , Yang Robin , Chopra Karan , Dorafshar Amir , Dellon A. Lee , Williams Eric
Published: May 2019

Frontal neuralgia causally related to trauma to the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves remains a difficult problem to resolve. A peripheral nerve approach to this problem would involve neuroma resection and relocation of the proximal nerve stump to a location away from the vulnerable supraorbital ridge. A retrospective chart review was done to identify patients with frontal pain related to supraorbital trauma who underwent operative interventions to solve this problem by neuroma resection and relocation of the proximal stumps into the orbit. Eight patients were identified for inclusion in this study. At a mean of 16 months after surgery, there was a significant change in the visual analog score from a mean of 9.4 to 2.8 ( p < 0.05), with 88% of the patients reporting a >50% reduction in pain postoperatively. There was one treatment failure. There were no postoperative complications. The strategy of relocating the proximal end of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves into the posterior orbit after resecting the painful neuromas can successfully manage posttraumatic craniofacial pain related to these injured nerves.
Light radiation from surface plasmon polaritons in a structure of nanometal film on a subwavelength dielectric grating
Authors: Zhao Tao , Wu Zhenhua , Hu Min , Zhong Renbin , Liu Diwei , Gong Sen , Liu Shenggang
Published: May 2019

A nanoscale light radiation source based on the diffraction radiation mechanism is proposed. In this mechanism, tunable and highly directional light emission from visible to ultraviolet frequency regime can be generated from surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excited by a moving electron beam above a nanometal film embedded on a subwavelength dielectric grating. The light emits in both the free-space and the dielectric substrate in specific directions. The radiation frequencies can be widely tuned by adjusting the beam energy or structure parameters. A remarkable enhancement (up to three orders of magnitude) of the radiation power density is found. The origin of the enhancement is the strong local field. Furthermore, an interesting physical phenomenon of radiation interference in the dielectric substrate is found. The physical origin of the interference is uncovered and discussed. With advances of miniature size, compatible on-chip integration, high power density, well directionality and wavelength tunability, our result has potential applications in electronic-photonic and nanophotonic systems as on-chip light sources, or in electron-emitter displays building into large-area array.
“Estamos hoy en un siglo / fatal para los discretos”
Authors: Mata Induráin Carlos
Published: May 2019

José Joaquín Benegasi y Luján (1707–1770) es un escritor de la época postbarroca inclinado a la literatura jocoseria cuya producción teatral (una comedia burlesca y cinco piezas breves) continúa modelos dramáticos del Siglo de Oro. En este trabajo, tras ofrecer unas breves notas sobre su fortuna crítica, se aporta una edición anotada de su baile entremesado El ingenio apurado.
Simulation of the Store Separation from Internal Weapons Bay Using M_SST DES Model
Authors: Gong Junfeng , Wang Fang
Published: May 2019

The internal carriage of stores on an aircraft’s merit is especially importance for attack aircraft. For the safe carriage and separation of stores, it is important to know the flow field environment the store experiences during flight. A CFD investigation was conducted to determine cavity flow characteristics. M-SST DES Method are used as numerical simulate method. Compared with the wind tunnel test results, the open cavity flows are studied. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the wind tunnel test results, thus verifying the credibleness of the M-SST DES Method. As a typical research model, AEDC’s ‘Wing-Pylon-Finned Store’ wind tunnel test model is computed in this paper. Last, this paper investigates the store’s separation characteristic, which is internal carriage on and release from aircraft. Those results are also indicated that the DES method of numerical simulation flow-filed can embody the unsteady aerodynamic random factors of the store separation from internal weapons bay.
Research on Automatic Tool Delivery for CNC Workshop of Aircraft Equipment Manufacturing
Authors: Zeng Ping , Wu Fei , Zhi Tongxing , Xiao Le , Zhu Shaowei
Published: May 2019

Aiming at the inefficiency of tool distribution in CNC workshop of aircraft equipment manufacturing, and adapting to the particularity of distribution without large network environment, The solution of intelligent tool delivery using AGV based on machine vision and QR Code navigation is proposed. Image processing of AGV path ribbon, path navigation error analysis and QR Code position calibration are studied in the planned path to achieve machine vision plus QR Code redundant navigation positioning. The AGV can complete the accurate loading and unloading tool of the robot library through the QR Code interaction mode with the machine tool. To realize automatic distribution of tool in CNC workshop of aircraft equipment manufacturing.
CFD Simulation of Unsteady Interaction Between Rotor and Fuselage for Canard Rotor Wing in Hovering Using Overset Grids
Authors: Chao Pang , Zhenghong Gao
Published: May 2019

Different from the traditional helicopter, there would be a severe interaction between rotor and fuselage with canard and horizontal tail during hovering for canard rotor wing (CRW) aircraft. The un-steady RANS (URANS) equations discretized on overset grid are solved in this paper to simulate this kind of aerodynamic interaction. A UH60-A rotor hovering case is used to validate the numerical method. Subsequently, the numerical method is employed on two configurations, i.e., Isolated rotor configuration and Full CRW configuration under numerous collective pitch angle. The force and moment coefficients for different parts with respect to different collective pitch angles are obtained. The result shows that downwash of rotor has a stronger impact on fuselage than canard wing and horizontal tail. Compared with isolated rotor, fuselage with canard wing and horizontal tail has a slight impact on the trust and torque of the rotor in full CRW aircraft configuration.
An Alternative Tuning Scheme for Simple Adaptive Flight Control System
Authors: Orlando C , Esposito A , Alaimo A
Published: May 2019

The occurrence of system failure or of external disturbances are problem that must be considered in the design of safe flight control systems. Adaptive control schemes show the ability to handle such issues without any a priori knowledge about the fault or disturbance. The main condition for obtaining a stable adaptive controller is the passivity of the plant but most real system do not satisfy this condition. The use of properly defined Parallel Feedforward Compensator (PFC) can allow the augmented system to meet the passivity requirements. An alternative design approach for tuning the PFC and the invariant gains of the Simple Adaptive Controller (SAC) is presented in this work. The tuning procedures is a modification of the PSO and is called Population Decline Swarm Optimization (PDSO) since it takes into account a decline demographic model to speed up the tuning steps. The method is applied to adaptively control the pitch response of an aeroplane during level flight. Tuning results are presented along with flight mechanics simulation taking into account different command laws.
A Static Friction Model for Elastic-plastic Contacting Surfaces Using Statistically Homogenized Technique
Authors: Zheng Xiaoya , Yu yuanfeng
Published: May 2019

An improved static friction model is developed for elastic-plastic contacting surfaces. Two random variables of asperity height and curvature for Gaussian isotropic contacting surfaces are assumed to govern asperities distribution and they satisfy a joint probability distribution function. Based on the contact parametric representation of the KE model proposed by Kogut and Etsion, the expected macroscopic values of normal stress and shear stress are obtained by using statistically homogenized technique. Then the effect of roughness, the energy of adhesion and material properties on static friction coefficients are studied and the results show similar trend with literatures. A comparison of the present model with the SV friction model proposed by Sista and Vemaganti shows that the adhesion force has a more significant effect for smoother surface and SV model is more suitable for heavily loaded contacts. The static friction coefficient is related to the ratio of hardness to elastic modulus H/E. At the same roughness and normal load, lower H/E leads to lower critical interference ω

c
, higher plasticity index ψ, and smaller static friction coefficient.
Error Compensation for 3D Digital Laser Scanning Data Based on the Surface of Aluminum Coated F-12 Aramid Plain Weave Fabric and a Test of Configuration for Large Balloon
Authors: Shen Yong Zheng , Lin Guo Chang , Tan Hui Feng
Published: May 2019

The measurement of the configuration parameters for the large balloon is an important content, including volume, surface area and specific size under a certain internal pressure. Non-contact measurement techniques using laser scanning have the advantage of fast acquiring large numbers of points. However, compared to their contact-based counterparts, these techniques are known to be less accurate. Furthermore, this accuracy depends on different parameters such as materials properties, surface texture, product color, etc. The large balloon is made by aluminum coated F-12 aramid plain weave fabric pieces. The digitizing errors for high-speed 3D digital laser scanning data based on the surface of F12 fabric material are analyzed and characterized in this paper. With error characterisation, an empirical model is obtained relating the errors to the influencing factor. Establishing a reasonable test scheme and using the technology of laser scanning, the spatial information of the surface for large balloon can be obtained quickly. The empirical formula is used to compensate for 3D laser scanning data of large balloon. The problem of compensation for 3D laser scanning data for improved test accuracy is addressed. The more accurate parameters of the configuration for large balloon are quickly obtained. This provides a method for the rapid, high-efficiency and high-precision test of configuration for large balloon.
Numerical Investigation on Flow Fields of SVC Nozzle with Bypass Injection
Authors: Shi J W , Wang Z X , Zhou L
Published: May 2019

Shock vector control (SVC) is one typical fluidic thrust vectoring technology. It has simple working principle and wide working range, but not high enough vector efficiency. In the paper, a bypass injection concept was proposed on the SVC technology to improve the vector efficiency and vector angle. The flow mechanism of SVC nozzle with bypass injection was investigated numerically after the turbulence model was validated by experimental data. The enhanced performance of SVC nozzle was estimated and the influence of critical affecting parameters, bypass injection angle ( θ.ad.) and bypass injection position (Xj.ad.) on vector performance were studied. Results show that, the vector efficiency was increased from 1.21 °/%-ω to 1.93 °/%-ω by adopting bypass injection, and the vector angle has an increase by about 58.9%. The vector performance increased with the increase of bypass injection angle when induced shock wave did not interacted with the opposite wall. The better vector performance was achieved with the configuration of the bypass injection slot was upstream of secondary injection slot when SPR is less than 1.0. In wide working ranges, a vector angle of 16°-20°, a vector efficiency larger than 2.0 ° / %-ω were obtained while thrust coefficient of a SVC nozzle kept larger than 0.90.
Mechanical feedback enables catch bonds to selectively stabilize scanning microvilli at T-cell surfaces
Authors: Pullen Robert H. , Abel Steven M.
Published: May 2019

T-cells use microvilli to search the surfaces of antigen-presenting cells for antigenic ligands. The active motion of scanning microvilli provides a force-generating mechanism that is intriguing in light of single-molecule experiments showing that applied forces increase the lifetimes of stimulatory receptor–ligand bonds (catch-bond behavior). In this work, we introduce a theoretical framework to explore the motion of a microvillar tip above an antigen-presenting surface when receptors on the tip stochastically bind to ligands on the surface and dissociate from them in a force-dependent manner. Forces on receptor-ligand bonds impact the motion of the microvillus, leading to feedback between binding and microvillar motion. We use computer simulations to show that the average microvillar velocity varies in a ligand-dependent manner; that catch bonds generate responses in which some microvilli almost completely stop, while others move with a broad distribution of velocities; and that the frequency of stopping depends on the concentration of stimulatory ligands. Typically, a small number of catch bonds initially immobilize the microvillus, after which additional bonds accumulate and increase the cumulative receptor-engagement time. Our results demonstrate that catch bonds can selectively slow and stabilize scanning microvilli, suggesting a physical mechanism that may contribute to antigen discrimination by T-cells.
Functional genomics of simian malaria parasites and host–parasite interactions
Authors: Galinski Mary R
Published: May 2019

Two simian malaria parasite species, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi, cause zoonotic infections in Southeast Asia, and they have therefore gained recognition among scientists and public health officials. Notwithstanding, these species and others including Plasmodium coatneyi have served for decades as sources of knowledge on the biology, genetics and evolution of Plasmodium, and the diverse ramifications and outcomes of malaria in their monkey hosts. Experimental analysis of these species can help to fill gaps in knowledge beyond what may be possible studying the human malaria parasites or rodent parasite species. The genome sequences for these simian malaria parasite species were reported during the last decade, and functional genomics research has since been pursued. Here research on the functional genomics analysis involving these species is summarized and their importance is stressed, particularly for understanding host–parasite interactions, and potentially testing novel interventions. Importantly, while Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax can be studied in small New World monkeys, the simian malaria parasites can be studied more effectively in the larger Old World monkey macaque hosts, which are more closely related to humans. In addition to ex vivo analyses, experimental scenarios can include passage through Anopheline mosquito hosts and longitudinal infections in monkeys to study acute and chronic infections, as well as relapses, all in the context of the in vivo host environment. Such experiments provide opportunities for understanding functional genomic elements that govern host–parasite interactions, immunity and pathogenesis in-depth, addressing hypotheses not possible from in vitro cultures or cross-sectional clinical studies with humans.
PSI-Sigma: a comprehensive splicing-detection method for short-read and long-read RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Lin Kuan-Ting , Krainer Adrian R
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Percent Spliced-In (PSI) values are commonly used to report alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) changes. Previous PSI-detection tools were limited to specific AS events and were evaluated by in silico RNA-seq data. We developed PSI-Sigma, which uses a new PSI index, and we employed actual (non-simulated) RNA-seq data from spliced synthetic genes (RNA Sequins) to benchmark its performance (i.e. precision, recall, false positive rate and correlation) in comparison with three leading tools (rMATS, SUPPA2 and Whippet).

Results

PSI-Sigma outperformed these tools, especially in the case of AS events with multiple alternative exons and intron-retention events. We also briefly evaluated its performance in long-read RNA-seq analysis, by sequencing a mixture of human RNAs and RNA Sequins with nanopore long-read sequencers.

Availability and implementation

PSI-Sigma is implemented is available at https://github.com/wososa/PSI-Sigma.
Variation in Immune Defense Shapes Disease Outcomes in Laboratory and Wild Daphnia
Authors: Stewart Merrill Tara E , Hall Spencer R , Merrill Loren , Cáceres Carla E
Published: May 2019

Host susceptibility may be critical for the spread of infectious disease, and understanding its basis is a goal of ecological immunology. Here, we employed a series of mechanistic tests to evaluate four factors commonly assumed to influence host susceptibility: parasite exposure, barriers to infection, immune responses, and body size. We tested these factors in an aquatic host–parasite system (Daphnia dentifera and the fungal parasite, Metschnikowia bicuspidata) using both laboratory-reared and field-collected hosts. We found support for each factor as a driver of infection. Elevated parasite exposure, which occurs through consumption of infectious fungal spores, increased a host’s probability of infection. The host’s gut epithelium functioned as a barrier to infection, but in the opposite manner from which we predicted: thinner anterior gut epithelia were more resistant to infectious spores than thick epithelia. This relationship may be mediated by structural attributes associated with epithelial cell height. Fungal spores that breached the host’s gut barrier elicited an intensity-dependent hemocyte response that decreased the probability of infection for some Daphnia. Although larger body sizes were associated with increased levels of spore ingestion, larger hosts also had lower frequencies of parasite attack, less penetrable gut barriers, and stronger hemocyte responses. After investigating which mechanisms underlie host susceptibility, we asked: do these four factors contribute equally or asymmetrically to the outcome of infection? An information-theoretic approach revealed that host immune defenses (barriers and immune responses) played the strongest roles in mediating infection outcomes. These two immunological traits may be valuable metrics for linking host susceptibility to the spread of infectious disease.
Digital Transformation and the Battle for Hearts and Minds
Authors: Gillespie Carole
Published: May 2019

Carole Gillespie, founder of business relationships consultancy, People Buy from People, and author of Flying Start: How to make your own luck at work, explains why relationships still matter, even in our digital age.
Virus-Dependent and -Independent Responses of Sitobion avenae (Homoptera: Aphididae) Feeding on Wheat Infected by Transmitted and Nontransmitted Viruses at Transcriptomic Level
Authors: Li Dandan , Su Dan , Tong Zeqian , Zhang Chi , Zhang Gaisheng , Zhao Huiyan , Hu Zuqing
Published: May 2019

Most plant viruses maintain complex interactions with their vector or nonvector insects and can indirectly (via host plants) or directly affect the fitness of insects. However, little is known about the genes involved in the interactions between insects and transmitted or nontransmitted viruses, particularly nontransmitted viruses. Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) is a vector of barley yellow dwarf virus GAV strains (BYDV-GAV), but not a vector of wheat dwarf virus (WDV), which is transmitted by the leafhopper [Psammotettix alienus (Dahlbom)]. In this study, S. avenae was utilized to determine the transcriptomic responses after feeding on wheat infected by each of the two viruses, respectively, using an Illumina Hiseq sequencing platform. The transcriptomic data presented 61,508 genes, of which 854 differentially expressed. Moreover, in addition to sharing 208 genes, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in S. avenae exposed to BYDV was higher (800) than that when exposed to WDV (262). The DEGs related to the immune system and fitness of S. avenae in response to BYDV-/WDV-infected plants were identified and analyzed using Gene Ontologies (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and the number of related DEGs was lower as nonvector than as vector. This study provides the baseline information to further examine molecular mechanisms of how wheat viruses affect S. avenae fitness and immune response either as a vector for BYDV-GAV or as a nonvector for WDV.
Learning common and specific patterns from data of multiple interrelated biological scenarios with matrix factorization
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Zhang Shihua
Published: May 2019

High-throughput biological technologies (e.g. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq) rapidly accelerate the accumulation of genome-wide omics data in diverse interrelated biological scenarios (e.g. cells, tissues and conditions). Integration and differential analysis are two common paradigms for exploring and analyzing such data. However, current integrative methods usually ignore the differential part, and typical differential analysis methods either fail to identify combinatorial patterns of difference or require matched dimensions of the data. Here, we propose a flexible framework CSMF to combine them into one paradigm to simultaneously reveal Common and Specific patterns via Matrix Factorization from data generated under interrelated biological scenarios. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CSMF with four representative applications including pairwise ChIP-seq data describing the chromatin modification map between K562 and Huvec cell lines; pairwise RNA-seq data representing the expression profiles of two different cancers; RNA-seq data of three breast cancer subtypes; and single-cell RNA-seq data of human embryonic stem cell differentiation at six time points. Extensive analysis yields novel insights into hidden combinatorial patterns in these multi-modal data. Results demonstrate that CSMF is a powerful tool to uncover common and specific patterns with significant biological implications from data of interrelated biological scenarios.
Galectin-1 inhibition induces cell apoptosis through dual suppression of CXCR4 and Ras pathways in human malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Shih Tsung-Chieh , Fan Yunpeng , Kiss Sophie , Li Xiaocen , Deng Xiaojun Nicole , Liu Ruiwu , Chen Xiao-Jia , Carney Randy , Chen Amanda , Ghosh Paramita M , Lam Kit S
Published: May 2019

Background

The Ras signaling pathway is commonly dysregulated in human malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). It is well known that galectin-1 (Gal-1) is essential to stabilize membrane Ras and thereby induce the activation of Ras. However, the role of Gal-1 in MPNST progression remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether Gal-1 knockdown could have an effect on the Ras signaling pathway.

Methods

Cell viability, apoptosis assay, and colony formation were performed to examine the effects of inhibition of Gal-1 in MPNST cells. We used a human MPNST xenograft model to assess growth and metastasis inhibitory effects of Gal-1 inhibitor LLS2.

Results

Gal-1 was upregulated in MPNST patients and was highly expressed in MPNST cells. Knockdown of Gal-1 by small interfering (si)RNA in Gal-1 expressing MPNST cells significantly reduces cell proliferation through the suppression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and the rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, which are important oncogenic signaling in MPNST development. Moreover, Gal-1 knockdown induces apoptosis and inhibits colony formation. LLS2, a novel Gal-1 allosteric small molecule inhibitor, is cytotoxic against MPNST cells and was able to induce apoptosis and suppress colony formation in MPNST cells. LLS2 treatment and Gal-1 knockdown exhibited similar effects on the suppression of CXCR4 and RAS/ERK pathways. More importantly, inhibition of Gal-1 expression or function by treatment with either siRNA or LLS2 resulted in significant tumor responses in an MPNST xenograft model.

Conclusion

Our results identified an oncogenic role of Gal-1 in MPNST and that its inhibitor, LLS2, is a potential therapeutic agent, applied topically or systemically, against MPNST.
Genetic variants and cognitive functions in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Correa Denise D , Satagopan Jaya , Martin Axel , Braun Erica , Kryza-Lacombe Maria , Cheung Kenneth , Sharma Ajay , Dimitriadoy Sofia , O’Connell Kelli , Leong Siok , Karimi Sasan , Lyo John , DeAngelis Lisa M , Orlow Irene
Published: May 2019

Background

Patients with brain tumors treated with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) often experience cognitive dysfunction. We reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOE, COMT, and BDNF genes may influence cognition in brain tumor patients. In this study, we assessed whether genes associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), inflammation, cholesterol transport, dopamine and myelin regulation, and DNA repair may influence cognitive outcome in this population.

Methods

One hundred and fifty brain tumor patients treated with RT ± CT or CT alone completed a neurocognitive assessment and provided a blood sample for genotyping. We genotyped genes/SNPs in these pathways: (i) LOAD risk/inflammation/cholesterol transport, (ii) dopamine regulation, (iii) myelin regulation, (iv) DNA repair, (v) blood–brain barrier disruption, (vi) cell cycle regulation, and (vii) response to oxidative stress. White matter (WM) abnormalities were rated on brain MRIs.

Results

Multivariable linear regression analysis with Bayesian shrinkage estimation of SNP effects, adjusting for relevant demographic, disease, and treatment variables, indicated strong associations (posterior association summary [PAS] ≥ 0.95) among tests of attention, executive functions, and memory and 33 SNPs in genes involved in: LOAD/inflammation/cholesterol transport (eg, PDE7A, IL-6), dopamine regulation (eg, DRD1, COMT), myelin repair (eg, TCF4), DNA repair (eg, RAD51), cell cycle regulation (eg, SESN1), and response to oxidative stress (eg, GSTP1). The SNPs were not significantly associated with WM abnormalities.

Conclusion

This novel study suggests that polymorphisms in genes involved in aging and inflammation, dopamine, myelin and cell cycle regulation, and DNA repair and response to oxidative stress may be associated with cognitive outcome in patients with brain tumors.
The Impact of Spinal Needle Selection on Postdural Puncture Headache: A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression of Randomized Studies
Authors: Zorrilla-Vaca A. , Mathur V. , Wu C.L. , Grant M.C.
Published: May 2019

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2018;43:502–508)

As the use of neuraxial anesthesia is potentially broadening, an increased understanding and prevention of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is needed. While numerous studies have examined either needle gauge or design, there has not been a comprehensive study analyzing individual technical and patient-related factors. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between spinal needle characteristics and PDPH.
Extreme Nailing: Is It Safe to Allow Immediate Weightbearing After Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Extra-articular Distal Tibial Fractures (OTA/AO 43-A)?
Authors: Beebe Michael J. , Morwood Michael , Serrano Rafael , Quade Jonathan H. , Auston Darryl A. , Watson David T. , Sanders Roy W. , Mir Hassan R.
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

To determine whether immediate weightbearing after intramedullary (IM) fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures (OTA/AO 43-A) results in a change in alignment before healing.

Design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Intervention:

IM nailing of distal tibial fractures.

Patients/Participants:

Fifty-three patients with 54 fractures, all of whom could bear weight as tolerated postoperatively. Eighteen fractures were OTA/AO 43-A1, 20 OTA/AO 43-A2, and 16 OTA/AO 43-A3; 20 fractures were open.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Change in fracture alignment or loss of position.

Results:

Average change from initial angulation at final follow-up was 0.52 ± 1.49 degrees of valgus and 0.48 ± 3.14 degrees of extension. Final alignment was excellent in 14, acceptable in 28, and poor in 12; 2 fractures went from acceptable initial alignment to poor final alignment; and 2 fractures went from excellent to acceptable alignment. Seven fractures had an improvement in alignment over time. Two fractures required free-flap coverage and 4 required staged grafting because of bone loss. Ten fractures had an unplanned return to the operating room (5 for infected nonunion requiring implant exchange, 3 for infection requiring debridement without implant revision, and 2 for aseptic nonunion). No patient had revision for implant failure.

Conclusions:

Immediate weightbearing after IM fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures (OTA/AO 43-A) led to minimal change in alignment and seems to be safe for most patients. Complications were consistent with those reported in previous non-weightbearing cohorts.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog mRNA is differentially spliced to give five distinct isoforms: implications for melanoma therapy
Authors: Duggan Megan C. , Regan-Fendt Kelly , Olaverria Salavaggione Gonzalo N. , Howard John Harrison , Stiff Andrew R. , Sabella Julia , Latchana Nicholas , Markowitz Joseph , Gru Alejandro , Tridandapani Susheela , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , de la Chapelle Albert , Carson William E.
Published: May 2019

Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog is a commonly mutated oncogene in melanoma, and therapeutic targeting of neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog has proven difficult. We characterized the expression and phenotypic functions of five recently discovered splice isoforms of neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog in melanoma. Canonical neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (isoform-1) was expressed to the highest degree and its expression was significantly increased in melanoma metastases compared to primary lesions. Isoform-5 expression in metastases showed a significant, positive correlation with survival and tumours over-expressing isoform-5 had significantly decreased growth in a xenograft model. In contrast, over-expression of any isoform resulted in enhanced proliferation, and invasiveness was increased with over-expression of isoform-1 or isoform-2. Downstream signalling analysis indicated that the isoforms signalled differentially through the mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI3K pathways and A375 cells over-expressing isoform-2 or isoform-5 showed resistance to vemurafenib treatment in vitro. The neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog isoforms appear to play varying roles in melanoma phenotype and could potentially serve as biomarkers for therapeutic response and disease prognosis.
Jessner’s Solution with Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Peel: Optimizing Outcomes and Safety
Authors: Dayan Erez , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: May 2019

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a versatile agent, efficacious in treating a spectrum of facial rhytids and dyschrommias at varying concentrations. TCA is commonly used in a 30%–35% concentration to achieve a medium-depth peel into the upper reticular dermis. The addition of Jessner’s solution before the TCA peel application leads to partial removal of epidermis, allowing for deeper penetration of the TCA. This combination is beneficial, as lower concentrations of TCA can be used for the same depth of peel, minimizing complications such as scarring.