bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy Logic in Hole Drilling of Composites
Authors: Thadani Aditya , Soni Athamaram H.
Published: March 2021

Experimental and theoretical research data was utilized in building a Fuzzy Logic Controller model applied to simulate the drilling process of composite materials. The objective is to have a better understanding and control of delamination of composites during the drilling process and at the same time to improve the hole finish by controlling fraying and splintering. By controlling the main issues in the drilling process such as feed rate, cutting speed, thrust force, and torque generated in addition to the tool geometry, it is possible to optimize the drilling process avoiding the conventionally encountered problems.
Approximate Degree Reduction of NURBS Curves and Surfaces: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Varanasi Srinivasa P. , Soni Athamaram H.
Published: March 2021

Data exchange between different CAD systems usually requires conversion between different representations of free-form curves and surfaces. Also, trimmed surfaces give rise to high degree boundary curves. Accurate conversion of these forms becomes necessary for reliable data transfer. Also important is the issue of shape control, specially in the aircraft industry. The objective of this paper is to investigate conversion methods and effect of shape control on the design and choice of such methods.
Research and Development Needs for Flexible Forging Systems
Authors: Clark R. K. , Avasarala Pantulu V. , Soni Athamaram H.
Published: March 2021

In recent years there has been considerable advances in the furnace technology in the form of rapid heating furnace. This new technology is not well known to the forging industry or very skeptical about its performance. To prove its usefulness, and to identify the future research issues it is necessary to identify the current industrial practices and sate of the art technology used by the forging industries. A forging industry survey is conducted to find the current industrial practices and a three furnace forging simulation model is developed to prove the usefulness of rapid heating furnace. The results of the survey and simulation model are discussed in this paper.
Quasi-Static Modelling and Computer Simulation of Hanging Cables on Robots
Authors: Yang Li-Ping , Song Shin-Min
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a computer method to simulate the quasi-static motion of hanging cables on robots. The shape of the flexible cable is changing during motion and the finite segment method is applied to determine its configuration. The cable is modeled as a series of rigid segments segments connected together through revolute joints in 2-D case and spherical joints in 3-D case. The elasticity of cable is represented by torsional springs at the joints. In both cases, a set of highly nonlinear equations are derived based on force equilibrium and the Newton-Raphson method is applied to calculate the solution. In order to assure convergence and improve computational efficiency, the parameter perturbation method is applied together with the Newton-Raphson method. Also, some computational strategies are developed to simplify the three dimensional problem. Finally, the developed methods are demonstrated in displaying the motion of a hanging cable which is attached to a revolute joint, a prismatic joint and a three degrees of freedom robot.
Force-Based Reasoning in Assembly Planning
Authors: Lee Sukhan , Yi Chunsik
Published: March 2021

A new approach to assembly planning based on force-based reasoning of decomposable subassemblies is presented. By decomposable subassemblies, we mean those clusters of parts that are naturally broken apart from an assembly by decomposition forces. The key feature of the proposed approach is that decomposable subassemblies can be identified from the minimal cut-sets of force-flow networks constructed by assigning bidirectional flow capacity to individual part mating. The flow capacity between two mating parts is defined here as the maximum amount as force that one can exert against its mating part (hypothesized fixed in space) in a chosen direction. Finally, the assemblability of decomposable subassemblies is verified by testing, through force-flow networks, whether the decomposed subassemblies can be reassembled by the mating forces opposite to the decomposition forces. The proposed force-based approach is advantageous due to the polynomial time complexity of a max-flow/min-cut algorithm, as well real-world application.
Characterization of Process Constraints and Exceptions in a Manufacturing Environment
Authors: Chadha Bipin , Fulton Robert E.
Published: March 2021

Constraints and exceptions form an integral part of information integration. In the absence of constraint and exception integration the shared data can lose consistency and will often raise exceptions that cannot be efficiently handled. In this paper the IDEF0 methodology is used to capture the process constraints (workflows) and a specification language is provided to map the IDEF0 models to a control network of process constraints suitable for knowledge based implementation. Semantics of ECA (Event Condition Action) rules is extended to support these constraints. IDEF0 methodology has been extended to model exceptions in the process. A specification language is provided to describe the semantics of exceptions, and an information model has been developed to support the specification language. The languages developed provide a mechanism for providing constraint and exception management in an integrated environment and for providing optimization and analysis capabilities for the manufacturing process. Such capabilities are critical for continuous process improvement initiatives.
A Critique of Conceptual Data Modelling Notions Relative to the Machine Design Domain
Authors: Zhang W. J. , van der Werff K.
Published: March 2021

In the development of a software environment for integrated design and manufacturing of machines, the relevance of conceptual data modelling becomes apparent. This paper presents an analysis of the applicability of some notions of conceptual data modelling in the current literature, based on our experience in modelling for CAD of machines. The notions to be examined are: object relativity, object reliability, object convertibility, Functional dependency, derived attribute and composite object. Some notes and proposals for extending those notions to meet new requirements from engineering design are also presented. To stimulate the application of database technology in engineering the examples have been taken from the machine design domain as much as possible. The paper may also provide some guidelines For conceptual data modelling.
Nonuniform Late Pleistocene glacier fluctuations in tropical Eastern Africa
Authors: Groos Alexander R. , Akçar Naki , Yesilyurt Serdar , Miehe Georg , Vockenhuber Christof , Veit Heinz
Published: March 2021

Mountain glaciers in tropical Eastern Africa responded in a nonuniform way to Late Pleistocene climatic changes.
Lowering apolipoprotein CIII protects against high-fat diet–induced metabolic derangements
Authors: Valladolid-Acebes Ismael , Åvall Karin , Recio-López Patricia , Moruzzi Noah , Bryzgalova Galyna , Björnholm Marie , Krook Anna , Alonso Elena Fauste , Ericsson Madelene , Landfors Fredrik , Nilsson Stefan K. , Berggren Per-Olof , Juntti-Berggren Lisa
Published: March 2021

Diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes are prevented by lowering apoCIII.
Highly anisotropic and flexible piezoceramic kirigami for preventing joint disorders
Authors: Hong Ying , Wang Biao , Lin Weikang , Jin Lihan , Liu Shiyuan , Luo Xiaowei , Pan Jia , Wang Wenping , Yang Zhengbao
Published: March 2021

A functional piezoelectric kirigami monitors the joint motions for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
The transcription factor Bcl11b promotes both canonical and adaptive NK cell differentiation
Authors: Holmes Tim D. , Pandey Ram Vinay , Helm Eric Y. , Schlums Heinrich , Han Hongya , Campbell Tessa M. , Drashansky Theodore T. , Chiang Samuel , Wu Cheng-Ying , Tao Christine , Shoukier Moneef , Tolosa Eva , Von Hardenberg Sandra , Sun Miao , Klemann Christian , Marsh Rebecca A. , Lau Colleen M. , Lin Yin , Sun Joseph C. , Månsson Robert , Cichocki Frank , Avram Dorina , Bryceson Yenan T.
Published: March 2021

Epigenetic and functional analyses of human NK cells identify a role for Bcl11b in canonical and adaptive NK cell differentiation.
Natural Transformation in a Classical-Biotype Vibrio cholerae Strain
Authors: Lloyd Cameron J. , Mejia-Santana Adrian , Dalia Triana N. , Dalia Ankur B. , Klose Karl E.
Published: March 2021

Natural transformation (uptake of exogenous DNA) in
Vibrio cholerae
has contributed to the evolution of these human pathogens. Classical biotype
V. cholerae
strains were responsible for the first six cholera pandemics but were replaced by El Tor biotype
V. cholerae
in the current pandemic.
Immunoreactive Proteins of Dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cells
Authors: Trutneva K. A. , Avdienko V. G. , Demina G. R. , Shleeva M. O. , Shumkov M. S. , Salina E. G. , Kaprelyants A. S.
Published: March 2021

The protein profile of dormant Mtb obtained after the gradual acidification of Mtb culture was studied to find antigenic proteins for humans that are expressed by M. tuberculosis (Mtb) cells in vitro under conditions close to the situation of persistence in vivo. According to 2D electrophoresis, a significant diversity of proteins in dormant cells was found. However, the representation of individual proteins in dormant versus active cells differed substantially. Immunoblotting in different protein fractions of dormant cells revealed ten proteins that are able to bind antibodies in pooled sera of TB patients. Two proteins (Rv2018 and Rv0341) are new immunogenics that were not previously found in other studies. Four proteins (Rv0341, Rv2018, Rv1509, Rv2986) with the maximal structural specificity for Mtb due to their unique extended domains were selected for further analysis. These proteins were expressed in E. coli cells and studied via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the immunogenicity of individual sera of TB patients and healthy donors. All proteins were found to have the ability to react with individual sera of TB patients. In TB patients, 5–45% (depending on the particulate protein) have a titer that is higher than the average titers of healthy donors +SD; the most immunogenic was protein Rv2986. Thus, the application of phenotypically changed (dormant) Mtb cells makes it possible to identify a specific repertoire of immunodominant proteins that could be used in the construction of polypeptides that are useful for the serodiagnosis of active/latent TB.
Ambulatory Cardiology Telemedicine: A Large Academic Pediatric Center Experience
Authors: Phillips Aaron A , Sable Craig A , Atabaki Shireen M , Waggaman Christina , Bost James E , Harahsheh Ashraf S
Published: March 2021

We performed a retrospective study of cardiology telemedicine visits at a large academic pediatric center between 2016 and 2019 (pre COVID-19). Telemedicine patient visits were matched to data from their previous in-person visits, to evaluate any significant differences in total charge, insurance compensation, patient payment, percent reimbursement and zero reimbursement. Miles were measured between patient's home and the address of previous visit. We found statistically significant differences in mean charges of telemedicine versus in-person visits (2019US$) (172.95 vs 218.27, p=0.0046), patient payment for telemedicine visits versus in-person visits (2019US$) (11.13 vs 62.83, p≤0.001), insurance reimbursement (2019US$) (65.18 vs 110.85, p≤0.001) and insurance reimbursement rate (43% vs 61%, p=0.0029). Rate of zero reimbursement was not different. Mean distance from cardiology clinic was 35 miles. No adverse outcomes were detected. This small retrospective study showed cost reduction and a decrease in travel time for families participating in telemedicine visits. Future work is needed to enhance compensation for telemedicine visits.
Dobutamine stress testing for the evaluation of atrial and diastolic ventricular function in Fontan patients
Authors: van der Ven Jelle P G , Bossers Sjoerd S M , van den Bosch Eva , Dam Niels , Kuipers Irene M , van Iperen Gabrielle G , Kroft Lucia J M , Kapusta Livia , ten Harkel Arend D J , Helbing Willem A
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the atrial and ventricular diastolic function response to dobutamine stress in Fontan patients, and to relate these measurements to exercise capacity and events during the follow-up.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional multicentre study of Fontan patients with intra-atrial lateral tunnel (ILT) or extracardiac conduit (ECC) modification. Subjects underwent cardiac MRI during rest and low-dose dobutamine stress, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Atrial and diastolic ventricular function parameters were derived from volume-time curves.

Medical records were abstracted for a composite end-point of death, listing for transplant, arrhythmia and reintervention. Spearman’s r correlation tests and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relation between the dobutamine response for atrial and diastolic ventricular function and outcomes, including exercise capacity.

Results

We included 57 patients (26 ECC; 31 ILT) aged 12.8 (IQR (10.3–15.5)) years. During dobutamine stress atrial cyclic volume change increased (3.0 (0.4–5.9) mL/m2, p<0.001), as did early (1.9 (−1.6 to 3.6) mL/m2, p=0.001) and late emptying volume (2.2 (0.2–4.4) mL/m2, p<0.001).

Ventricular early filling decreased (−1.6 (−5.7 to 0.7) mL/m2,p=0.046) and ventricular late filling increased (1.0 (−0.4 to 3.4) mL/m2,p<0.001) while stroke volume remained similar.

Only for patients with the ECC modification, atrial early emptying volume increase correlated with peak oxygen uptake (ρ=0.66,p=0.002). No other parameter related to exercise capacity.

During a median 7.1-year follow-up, 22 patients reached the composite endpoint. No parameter predicted events during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Dobutamine stress augmented atrial reservoir and pump function for Fontan patients. Atrial early emptying reserve related to exercise capacity in ECC patients. No other atrial or diastolic ventricular function parameter related to outcomes.
Laparoscopic approach for intermittent hydronephrosis caused by primary ureteral fibroepithelial polyps in children
Authors: Chu Han , Cao Yongsheng , Deng Qifei
Published: March 2021

Objective

To summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience of children with intermittent hydronephrosis caused by ureteral fibroepithelial polyp (UFP).

Methods

From 2017 to 2020, cases of hydronephrosis caused by ureteral polyp in Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital were retrospectively enrolled for investigation. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, operation details, pathology and outcomes were collected from patients’ medical data for analysis.

Results

All seven cases of UFP were boys, including six cases on the left side of the ureter and one case on the right side, at the median age of 7.1 years (3–14 years), with abdominal intermittent pain as the first symptom. All cases underwent laparoscopic pyeloureteroplasty. All the operations were completed successfully; postoperative pathology indicated the presence of primary UFP. Postoperative follow-ups of 1–30 months showed satisfactory recovery and relief from hydronephrosis.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic pyeloureteroplasty or ureteroureterostomy is one of the optimal treatments for ureteral polyp at present. The surgical method should be determined according to the number of polyps, the length and the diameter of the affected ureter, and also the status of renal function of the patients.
The characteristic analysis of continuous light diodes
Authors: Huseynov I. T.
Published: March 2021

Photoluminescence (PL) spectra, light flux, color temperatures and color coordinates of white light emitting diodes that are based on CaGa2S4:Eu[Formula: see text]–CaS:Eu[Formula: see text] composite solution and industrial phosphor were analyzed. The study was carried out continuously for a 1000 h with two white LEDs which based on an exciting InGaN wavelength of 450 nm with a power of 10 W. Luminous flux and color temperatures were investigated during 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 h. All experiments were carried out for both CaGa2S4:Eu[Formula: see text]–CaS:Eu[Formula: see text] and industrial phosphor and comparatively analyzed. Consequently, the application perspectives of CaGa2S4:Eu[Formula: see text]–CaS:Eu[Formula: see text] composite solution in the white LEDs technologies are presented.
Dynamics of a stochastic rabies epidemic model with Markovian switching
Authors: Peng Hao , Zhang Xinhong , Jiang Daqing
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we analyze a stochastic rabies epidemic model which is perturbed by both white noise and telegraph noise. First, we prove the existence of the unique global positive solution. Second, by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, we establish a sufficient condition for the existence of a unique ergodic stationary distribution of the positive solutions to the model. Then we establish sufficient conditions for the extinction of diseases. Finally, numerical simulations are introduced to illustrate our theoretical results.
Serum galactomannan level for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Meta-analysis
Authors: Wuniqiemu Tulake , Nabijan Mohammadtursun , Cui Jie , Teng Fangzhou , Lv Zexi , Wei Ying , Dong Jingcheng
Published: March 2021

Background: The serum galactomannan (GM) assay is used to diagnose invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the overall accuracy of the serum GM test for detecting IPA in critically ill COPD patients.

Methods: The web of science, Pubmed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, Weipu (VIP) Science China databases were searched for all the eligible studies, including randomized controlled trials and prospective studies up to February 2019. We selected and assessed articles that reported diagnostic data related to serum GM for diagnosis of invasive fungal disease in hospitalized COPD patients. Additionally, pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), false negative (FN) were estimated for summarizing overall test performance.

Results: Of 1104 articles screened, 14 studies were involved in the meta-analysis with 1127 patients in the COPD serum sample. The pooled serum GM assay results with cutoff value of 0.5 were as follows: DOR: 15 (95% CI, 6–38), sensitivity: 0.57 (95% CI, 0.37–0.75), specificity: 0.92 (95%,CI, 0.85–0.96), and the SROC was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86–0.91). When the cutoff value was 1, the results were as follows: DOR: 33 (95% CI, 15–70), sensitivity: 0.57 (95% CI, 0.39–0.73), specificity: 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93–0.98), and SROC was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96).

Conclusion: Serum GM can be used to assist in diagnosis of IPA in critically ill COPD patients. When cutoff value was set as 1, serum GM had better diagnostic value compared to those with cutoff of 0.5.
Shudi Pingchan Decoction combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with sleep disorders
Authors: Ye Qing , Chen Xiqun , Hu Yuqing , Zhou Jie , Gao Chen , Liu Zhenguo
Published: March 2021

Objective: To investigate the effects of “Shudi Pingchan Decoction” combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sleep disorders in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods: A randomized, single-blind, placebo/sham-controlled trial was performed on 144 PD patients with sleep disorders. Participants were randomized into rTMS (rTMS with placebo decoction), Chinese medicine (Shudi Pingchan Decoction with sham stimulation), or Shudi Pingchan Decoction combined with rTMS group over a 12-month course. The efficacy was evaluated by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I–IV scores, cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) sleep quality assessment, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA).

Results: (1) After 12 weeks of treatment, rTMS treatment group showed markedly improved UPDRS I score, whereas Chinese medicine treatment group reported improved UPDRS II and UPDRS III scores than rTMS. At the same time, combined therapy improved the UPDRS I–III scores. (2) CPC sleep quality assessment showed that compared with baseline before treatment, sleep latency was significantly shortened after 12 weeks of Chinese medicine treatment. In the rTMS group, the scores of sleep awakening period were significantly decreased after six weeks and 12 weeks of treatment. The total sleep time was significantly extended after six weeks and 12 weeks of treatment in both groups. The sleep-improving effect was stronger in combined treatment group than the single treatment groups after 12 weeks of treatment. (3) Compared with baseline before treatment, the HAMD scores of rTMS group were significantly lower at six weeks and 12 weeks, the HAMA scores of Chinese medicine treatment group were significantly lower at 12 weeks, and the combined treatment resulted in stronger effects.

Conclusion: The combined treatment of “Shudi Pingchan Decoction” with rTMS has significant curative effect on PD complicated with sleep disorders, and the combined therapy has complementary advantages.
Italian operators' response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Candela Massimo , Prado Antonio
Published: March 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments introduced several social restrictions. As of 18 March 2020, more than 250 million people were in lockdown in Europe. This drastically increased the number of online activities. Due to this unprecedented situation, some concerns arose about the suitability of the Internet network to sustain the increased usage.

Italy was severely hit by the first wave of the pandemic and various regions underwent a lockdown before the main country-wide one. The Italian network operators started sharing information about improvements carried out on the network and new measures adopted to support the increase in Internet usage. In this report, by means of a questionnaire, we collect information and provide a quantitative overview of the actions undertaken by network operators in Italy. The attitude of Italian operators was synergic and proactive in supporting the changed market conditions caused by the public health emergency.
Dendritic Cell Regulation of T Helper Cells
Authors: Yin Xiangyun , Chen Shuting , Eisenbarth Stephanie C.
Published: March 2021

As the professional antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, dendritic cells (DCs) sense the microenvironment and shape the ensuing adaptive immune response. DCs can induce both immune activation and immune tolerance according to the peripheral cues. Recent work has established that DCs comprise several phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous subsets that differentially regulate T lymphocyte differentiation. This review summarizes both mouse and human DC subset phenotypes, development, diversification, and function. We focus on advances in our understanding of how different DC subsets regulate distinct CD4+T helper (Th) cell differentiation outcomes, including Th1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper, and T regulatory cells. We review DC subset intrinsic properties, local tissue microenvironments, and other immune cells that together determine Th cell differentiation during homeostasis and inflammation.
Interfacial Leveler-Accelerator Interactions in Cu Electrodeposition
Authors: Bandas Christopher D. , Rooney Ryan T. , Kirbs Andreas , Jäger Cornelia , Schmidt Ralf , Gewirth Andrew A.
Published: March 2021

We investigate the effect of amine-based leveler additives on the catalytic function of the accelerator at the Cu-electrolyte interface. In the presence of the bis-(sodium sulfopropyl)-disulfide (SPS) accelerator, chronopotentiometric measurements show the potential changes from inhibition of the levelers increased with molecular weight and were greater to those of glycol-based suppressors. In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) revealed significant conformational changes of the surface-adsorbed SPS in the presence of the amine-based levelers. This leveler-induced conformational perturbation of SPS diminishes the activity of SPS. SERS also revealed decreased coverages of surface-adsorbed SPS in the presence of the high molecular weight amine-based levelers at negative potentials, indicating that the leveler limits direct contact of SPS with the surface. Decreased coverages were also found for adsorbed chloride in the presence of all levelers considered, likely contributing to the deactivation of the accelerative effect of SPS. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis of Cu electrodeposited from solutions comprised of a linear polyethyleneimine (PEI), SPS, and Cl– show increased S, Cl, and C content in the deposit relative to solutions absent PEI, indicating the presence of PEI results in co-incorporation of these additives. This leveler-assisted incorporation of SPS and Cl– also serves to mitigate SPS acceleration.
Impact of hyperleptinemia during placental ischemia-induced hypertension in pregnant rats
Authors: Palei Ana C. , Martin Hunter L. , Wilson Barbara A. , Anderson Christopher D. , Granger Joey P. , Spradley Frank T.
Published: March 2021

Ours is the first study to examine the impact of hyperleptinemia on the development of placental ischemia-induced hypertension using an experimental animal model.
Effect of endothelial glycocalyx on water and LDL transport through the rat abdominal aorta
Authors: Kang Hongyan , Yang Jiali , Zhang Weichen , Lu Jinyan , Ma Xuejiao , Sun Anqiang , Deng Xiaoyan
Published: March 2021

A 42% degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx by hyaluronidase of the isolated rat abdominal aorta facilitated water and LDL transport across the vessel wall, suggesting endothelial glycocalyx as a transport barrier. A 24-h shear exposure increased LDL mean maximum infiltration distance, and enhanced EC apoptosis, which could be both inhibited by hyaluronidase treatment, suggesting endothelial glycocalyx may also act as a mechanosensor of shear to regulate EC apoptosis, thus affecting leaky junctions and regulating LDL transport.
Inhibition of Allogeneic and Autologous T Cell Proliferation by Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Kuca-Warnawin Ewa , Plebańczyk Magdalena , Bonek Krzysztof , Kontny Ewa
Published: March 2021

Background. In ankylosing spondylitis (AS), accompanied by chronic inflammation, T cell expansion plays a pathogenic role; the immunoregulatory properties of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are impaired, while functional characteristics of their adipose tissue-derived counterparts are (ASCs) unknown. Methods. We evaluated the antiproliferative activity of AS/ASCs, obtained from 20 patients, towards allogeneic and autologous T lymphocytes, using ASCs from healthy donors (HD/ASCs) as the reference cell lines. The PHA-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cocultured in cell-cell contact and transwell conditions with untreated or TNF + IFNγ- (TI-) licensed ASCs, then analyzed by flow cytometry to identify proliferating and nonproliferating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The concentrations of kynurenines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and IL-10 were measured in culture supernatants. Results. In an allogeneic system, HD/ASCs and AS/ASCs similarly decreased the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and acted mainly via soluble factors. The concentrations of kynurenines and PGE2 inversely correlated with T cell proliferation, and selective inhibitors of these factors synthesis significantly restored T cell response. AS/ASCs exerted a similar antiproliferative impact also on autologous T cells. Conclusion. We report for the first time that despite chronic in vivo exposure to inflammatory conditions, AS/ASCs retain the normal capability to restrain expansion of allogeneic and autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, act primarily via kynurenines and PGE2, and thus may have potential therapeutic value. Some distinctions between the antiproliferative effects of AS/ASCs and HD/ASCs suggest in vivo licensing of AS/ASCs.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Stratified Sloshing in a Tank under Horizontal Excitation
Authors: Luo Maojun , Xue Mi-An , Yuan Xiaoli , Zhang Feng , Xu Zhi
Published: March 2021

The density‐stratified liquids horizontal sloshing was tested on a vibration table, and a series of laboratory experiments have been performed to analyze the influence of the excitation frequency on density‐stratified liquids sloshing in a partially filled rectangular tank. The MultiphaseInterFOAM solver in OpenFOAM was employed to simulate two‐layer fluids sloshing problems. The numerical results of dynamic pressure were validated against the experimental data, showing that the employed model can accurately simulate the stratified liquids sloshing phenomenon. Effects of two‐layer fluids liquid depth ratio and total liquid depth on stratified sloshing characteristics were discussed in detail. The response law of the maximum interfacial wave elevation to external excitation frequency was presented in this study. The evolution of the velocity field of density‐stratified liquids sloshing is also studied.
Hydraulic Pump Fault Diagnosis Method Based on EWT Decomposition Denoising and Deep Learning on Cloud Platform
Authors: Jiang Wanlu , Li Zhenbao , Zhang Sheng , Wang Teng , Zhang Shuqing
Published: March 2021

An axial piston pump fault diagnosis algorithm based on empirical wavelet transform (EWT) and one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1D‐CNN) is presented. The fault vibration signals and pressure signals of axial piston pump are taken as the analysis objects. Firstly, the original signals are decomposed by EWT, and each signal component is screened and reconstructed according to the energy characteristics. Then, the time‐domain features and the frequency‐domain features of the denoised signal are extracted, and features of time domain and frequency domain are fused. Finally, the 1D‐CNN model was deployed to the WISE‐Platform as a Service (WISE‐PaaS) cloud platform to realize the real‐time fault diagnosis of axial piston pump based on the cloud platform. Compared with ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD), the results show that the axial piston pump fault diagnosis algorithm based on EWT and 1D‐CNN has higher fault identification accuracy.
Effects of Water Immersion on the Long-Term Bearing Characteristics of Crushed Gangue in Goaf
Authors: Jiang Ning , Yin Dawei , Ma Junbiao , Han Liu , Pan Haiyang , Yin Qian
Published: March 2021

To study the long-term bearing characteristics of crushed gangue in goaf under water immersion conditions, the creep test of the crushed gangue in the water immersion state was performed by using the self-developed large-scale deformation-seepage test system of crushed rock. The effects of the rock lithology, axial stress, and grain composition on the long-term bearing deformation characteristics and fractal characteristics of crushed gangue under water immersion were analysed. The results show that under certain conditions of axial stress and grain composition of the gangue, a greater uniaxial compressive strength of water-saturated rock corresponds to a greater deformation resistance of the rock, smaller strain and crushing expansion in the corresponding creep stage, and greater fractal dimension increments of the crushed gangue after compression, and the gangue will have more serious crushing. With identical grain compositions and with the increase in the axial stress in the creep stage, the strain increases, the crushing expansion decreases, the fractal dimension increments of the crushed gangue after compression increase, and the gangue will have more serious crushing. Under identical axial stress conditions, when the Talbol power index

n

is 0.5, the differentials of the strain and crushing expansion for the crushed sandstone sample in the creep stage are minimal. When

n

is 0.3 or 0.7, these quantities are basically equal. With the increase in the Talbol power index, the fractal dimension increments of the crushed sandstone sample during compression gradually increase, and the crushed sandstone sample will have more serious crushing.
Distributed Functional Signature with Function Privacy and Its Application
Authors: Liu Muhua , Wang Lin , Wu Qingtao , Song Jianqiang
Published: March 2021

We introduce a novel notion of distributed functional signature. In such a signature scheme, the signing key for function

f

will be split into

n

shares

sk

f
i

and distributed to different parties. Given a message

m

and a share

sk

f
i

, one can compute locally and obtain a pair signature

f

i

m

,

σ

i

. When given all of the signature pairs, everyone can recover the actual value

f

m

and corresponding signature

σ

. When the number signature pairs are not enough, nobody can recover the signature

f

m

,
σ

. We formalize the notion of function privacy in this new model which is not possible for the standard functional signature and give a construction from standard functional signature and function secret sharing based on one-way function and learning with error assumption. We then consider the problem of hosting services in multiple untrusted clouds, in which the verifiability and program privacy are considered. The verifiability requires that the returned results from the cloud can be checked. The program privacy requires that the evaluation procedure does not reveal the program for the untrusted cloud. We give a verifiable distributed secure cloud service scheme from distributed functional signature and prove the securities which include untrusted cloud security (program privacy and verifiability) and untrusted client security.
Unusual Cases of Syncope in the Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Bhalla Riti , Soobhanath Chantal , Celebi Sarah , Chhabra Manoj , Narula Pramod
Published: March 2021

Syncope is common in the pediatric population and occurs in up to 15 percent of children prior to the end of adolescence. While the etiology of syncope in children is often benign and the majority of cases can be explained by isolated changes in vasomotor tone, a thorough evaluation is warranted to rule out more serious, life-threatening causes of syncope. Here, we present three atypical cases of syncope: a young judo player with recurrent syncope and dizziness, a teenage boy with syncopal episodes always preceded by stretching, and a child who experienced urticaria before losing consciousness. Herein, we review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of syncope in children and adolescents.
Abstract P01: Development of a TMB classifier on NSCLC H&E images
Authors: Jerusalmi Alan
Published: March 2021

A number of immunotherapy treatments in cancer can be guided by a patient’s tumor mutation burden (TMB) status. However typical TMB determination is performed via next generation sequencing which is problematic due to its high cost, low availability worldwide and operational challenges. The ability to screen patients for TMB determination using alternative methodologies is of interest, particularly in the use of H&E slides which are readily available for most cancer patients. Bio-AI Health has developed a machine learning (ML) classifier model capable of identifying TMB status in patients using H&E slides only. Our automated model is unique in that it uses an enriched signal from samples consisting of tumor region only while generating unique visualizers that provide an insight into the performance and mode of action of the model itself. This visualizer allows the pathologist a unique view into the ML performance therefore eliminating the black box concept and providing a crucial QC step to ensure proper algorithm performance. This test can increase the sensitivity of detection providing significant clinical utility. The dataset for model development was obtained from TCGA cohort and TMB status was calculated using whole exome sequencing data. We further developed automated ML segmentation models to accurately segment the tissue into multiple compartments and filter our all necrotic and non-neoplastic tissue regions. Taking into account only tumor regions, the classifier ML model uses an ensemble approach which integrates the prediction of multiple convolutional network probabilities and achieves an accuracy of 0.76 with a sensitivity of .79 and F1 score of .82 towards the classification of the tissue as TMB high or Low.

Citation Format: Alan Jerusalmi. Development of a TMB classifier on NSCLC H&E images [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P01.
Abstract P06: Anticancer agent 3-deazauridine has the potential to be effective against COVID-19 due to its inhibition of replication of RNA viruses
Authors: Momparler Richard
Published: March 2021

3-Deazauridine (3DU) is a nucleoside analogue that was investigated for its antineoplastic activity in cancer patients. 3DU after its phosphorylation in cells to its 5’-triphosphate is a potent inhibitor of CTP synthetase. Inhibition of this enzyme results in a reduction in cellular CTP and inhibition of RNA synthesis. This action of 3DU can also inhibit RNA synthesis since the viral RNA polymerase requires CTP for replication of RNA. 3DU was reported to inhibit the in vitro replication of the RNA influenza virus at concentrations in the range of 40 µM (1) and should also have the potential to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2. In a pilot clinical study, we treated a patient with acute lymphoid leukemia with 3DU at doses ranging from 120 to 360 mg/kg using a continuous intravenous infusion ranging from 40 to 72 hr. (2). The objective of the study was to determine if 3DU could enhance the antileukemic action of the inhibitor of DNA methylation, decitabine, and overcome the problem of drug resistance to this deoxycytidine analogue. Partial responses were observed indicating that pharmacological action of 3DU could accomplish this objective. There were minimal signs of toxicity in this clinical study on 3DU which exhibited plasma concentrations of this analogue in the range that inhibit RNA virus replication. This observation suggests that it would be safe to use 3DU in patients with COVID-19. 3DU has a rapid onset of action with a significant sign of antineoplastic action observable after a 4 h in vitro treatment of human leukemic cells. This pharmacological property rapid action of 3DU may be very important in patients with advanced COVID-19 to inhibit the virus is during its rapid replication phase and prevent progression of the disease to acute lung inflammation. It would be interesting to test this hypothesis in advanced COVID-19 patients at high risk for disease progression. For an initial pilot study I recommend a 36 h infusion of 3DU at a total dose of 120 mg/kg. It is possible that therapy with 3DU may have the potential to rescue patients with advance COVID-19. References 1. Shannon, W.M., Arnett, G., Schabel, F.M., Jr., 1972. 3-Deazauridine: inhibition of ribonucleic acid virus-induced cytopathogenic effects in vitro. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2, 159–163. 2. Raynal, N.J., Momparler, L.F., Rivard, G.E., Momparler, R.L., 2011. 3-Deazauridine enhances the antileukemic action of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and targets drug-resistance due to deficiency in deoxycytidine kinase. Leuk. Res. 35, 10-118.

Citation Format: Richard Momparler. Anticancer agent 3-deazauridine has the potential to be effective against COVID-19 due to its inhibition of replication of RNA viruses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P06.
Abstract P07: Inhibition of androgen-regulated TMPRSS2 and lipogenic enzymes in prostate and lung carcinoma cell lines by a cisplatin prodrug
Authors: Guin Subham , Surnar Bapurao , Basu Uttara , Dhar Shanta
Published: March 2021

The main causative agent for the global pandemic of COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Developing therapeutic strategies to stop the virus is the hour of need. According to the recent clinical reports, it is seen that an androgen-regulated host cell serine protease TMPRSS2 acts on the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which interacts with the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and enters the host cell to cause the infection. Reports also suggest that TMPRSS2 is regulated by androgen present in prostate cells and it is highly expressed in PCa patients. Our lab has recently synthesized a new cisplatin prodrug which is a conjugate of lauric acid and cisplatin that potentially works very effectively in various androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer (PCa) cells. The cisplatin prodrug unlike other conventional platinum drugs is involved in inhibition of one of the major metabolic pathways of the PCa cells. Preliminary results show that, the prodrug in combination with the anti-androgen bicalutamide has an increased inhibition on the expression of TMPRSS2 in androgen dependent PCa and lung carcinoma cells along with down-regulation of some the lipogenic enzymes in-vitro. Here, we propose that the prodrug inhibits one of the mitochondrial metabolic pathways making the PCa cells sensitive towards cisplatin-based chemotherapy along with reducing the expression of TMPRSS2. Once completed, our work will provide an inside story of cisplatin prodrug mediated alteration of lipogenesis of cells in PCa tumor microenvironment resulting in a platform that has the potential to reduce the burden of cancer aggressiveness in both androgen dependent and independent PCa and also can be used as a potent chemotherapeutic agent against COVID-19.

Citation Format: Subham Guin, Bapurao Surnar, Uttara Basu, Shanta Dhar. Inhibition of androgen-regulated TMPRSS2 and lipogenic enzymes in prostate and lung carcinoma cell lines by a cisplatin prodrug [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P07.
Abstract P20: Continuity of oncology clinical trials during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 pandemic in Korea
Authors: Ahn Hee Kyung , Lee Soohyeon , Jang Seon-A , Kim Ji-Yeon , Ahn Jin Seok , Park Yeon Hee
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus-19 outbreak caused concern of lowering performance of clinical trials, including delays in initiation, lower enrollment, or more frequent deviations related with visit schedule change. Korea, with the sixth largest number of industry-sponsored interventional drug trials in the world, has been controlling COVID-19 outbreak rather successfully and maintaining daily medical practice in most areas of the country. We investigated performance of oncology clinical trials before and after COVID-19 in Korea. We retrospectively identified and reviewed the files, notes, and source documents of ongoing breast cancer clinical trials during January to May 2019 and January to May 2020 in a single cancer center conducting oncology trials in Korea. Number of enrolled patients, drop-outs, protocol deviations including study visit delay or visit omission were measured. We investigated 77 ongoing studies from January to May 2020, and 67 from the same period in 2019. The numbers of newly initiated trials and new enrollment were not decreased during COVID-19 outbreak period. After outbreak of COVID-19, number of onsite monitoring was decreased, however total number of monitoring was maintained as remote monitoring was increased. Remote monitoring comprised 44% of all monitoring visit in 2020, and found 30%(15/50) of protocol deviations detected by all monitoring visit. Of the 26 study visit related protocol deviations during February to May 2020, 10(38%) cases were COVID-19 related. Thirteen percent(3/24) of study drop out cases were COVID-19 related, from subjects’ demand due to fear of visiting hospital. Although monitoring access was limited, vigorous countermeasures successfully maintained performance of oncology clinical trials during COVID-19 outbreak in Korea. Remote monitoring visits successfully complemented restricted onsite monitoring. COVID-19 related protocol deviations and drop-out cases were noted, mostly from subjects’ concerns about travel. Future regulations and guidelines should pursue developing alternatives of face-to-face contact visit as needed.

Citation Format: Hee Kyung Ahn, Soohyeon Lee, Seon-A Jang, Ji-Yeon Kim, Jin Seok Ahn, Yeon Hee Park. Continuity of oncology clinical trials during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 pandemic in Korea [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P20.
Abstract P22: A high-throughput anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing platform for COVID-19
Authors: Du Jinwei , Chu Eric , Zhang Dayu , Lu Chuanyi M. , Zhang Aiguo , Sha Michael
Published: March 2021

Background: Serology tests for detecting the antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can identify previous infection and help to confirm the presence of current infection. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of a newly developed high throughput immunoassay for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody detection. Results: Clinical agreement studies were performed in 77 COVID-19 patient serum samples and 226 negative donor serum/plasma samples. Positive percent agreement (PPA) was 46.15% (95% CI: 19.22% ~74.87%), 61.54% (95% CI: 31.58% ~86.14%), and 97.53% (95% CI: 91.36% ~99.70%) for samples collected on 0-7 days, 8-14 days, and ≥15 days from symptom onset, respectively. Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) was 98.23% (95% CI: 95.53% ~99.52%). No cross-reactivity was observed to patient samples positive for IgG antibodies against the following pathogens: HIV, HAV, HBV, RSV, CMV, EBV, Rubella, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Hemoglobin (200 mg/dL), bilirubin (2 mg/dL) and EDTA (10 mM) showed no significant interfering effect on this assay. Conclusion: An anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay with high sensitivity and specificity has been developed. With the high throughput, this assay will speed up the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing.

Citation Format: Jinwei Du, Eric Chu, Dayu Zhang, Chuanyi M. Lu, Aiguo Zhang, Michael Sha. A high-throughput anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing platform for COVID-19 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P22.