bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calorimetry Technique for Observing the Evolution of Dispersed Droplets of Concentrated Water-in-Oil (W/O) Emulsion during Preparation, Storage and Destabilization
Authors: Wardhono Endarto Yudo , Pinem Mekro Permana , Wahyudi Hadi , Agustina Sri
Published: December 2019

In this work, the evolution of dispersed droplets in a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion during formation, storage, and destabilization was observed using a calorimetry technique. The emulsion was prepared by dispersing drop by drop an aqueous phase into an oil continuous phase at room temperature using a rotor-stator homogenizer. The evolution of droplets during (1) preparation; (2) storage; and (3) destabilization was observed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The samples were gently cooled-down below its solid-liquid equilibrium temperature then heated back above the melting point to determine its freezing temperature. The energy released during the process was recorded in order to get information about the water droplet dispersion state. The mean droplet size distribution of the sample emulsion was correlated to its freezing temperature and the morphology was followed by optical microscopy. The results indicated that the calorimetry technique is so far a very good technique of characterization concentrated W/O emulsions.
Influence of the Polarity of the Electric Field on Electrorheometry
Authors: García-Ortiz J. , Sadek Samir , Galindo-Rosales Francisco
Published: December 2019

Uniaxial extensional flow is a canonical flow typically used in rheological characterization to provide complementary information to that obtained by imposing simple shear flow. In spite of the importance of having a full rheological characterization of complex fluids, publications on the rheological characterization of mobile liquids under extensional flow have increased significantly only in the last 20 years. In the case of the rheological characterization of electrorheological fluids, the situation is even more dramatic, as the ERFs have been exclusively determined under simple shear flow, where an electrorheological cell is attached to the rotational rheometer generating an electric field perpendicular to the flow direction and that does not allow for inverting the polarity. The very recent work published by Sadek et al., who developed a new electrorheological cell to be used with the commercial Capillary Breakup Extensional Rheometer (CaBER), allows for the very first time performing electrorheometry under extensional flow. By means of the same experimental setup, this study investigates the influence of the polarity of the imposed electric field on the filament thinning process of a Newtonian and an electrorheological fluid. Results show that a polarity against the gravity results in filament thinning processes that live longer or reach a stable configuration at lower intensities of the applied electric field.
New Satellite Selection Approach for GPS/BDS/GLONASS Kinematic Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Yang Liu , Gao Jingxiang , Li Zengke , Li Fangchao , Chen Chao , Wang Yifan
Published: December 2019

With the development of global satellite navigation systems, kinematic Precise Point Positioning (PPP) is facing the increasing computational load of instantaneous (single-epoch) processing due to more and more visible satellites. At this time, the satellite selection algorithm that can effectively reduce the computational complexity causes us to consider its application in GPS/BDS/GLONASS kinematic PPP. Considering the characteristics of different systems and satellite selection algorithms, we proposed a new satellite selection approach (NSS model) which includes three different satellite selection algorithms (maximum volume algorithm, fast-rotating partition satellite selection algorithm, and elevation partition satellite selection algorithm). Additionally, the inheritance of ambiguity was also proposed to solve the situation of constantly re-estimated integer ambiguity when the satellite selection algorithm is used in PPP. The results show that the NSS model had a centimeter-level positioning accuracy when the original PPP and optimal dilution of precision (DOP) algorithm solution were compared in kinematic PPP based on the data at five multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) stations. It can also reduce a huge amount of computation at the same time. Thus, the application of the NSS model is an effective method to reduce the computational complexity and guarantee the final positioning accuracy in GPS/BDS/GLONASS kinematic PPP.
Distributed and Localized Hub-Based Hierarchical Information Transmission Control in Large-Scale Wireless Cloud Networks
Authors: Noh Wonjong
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a virtual infrastructure-based hierarchical information transmission scheme consisting of two phases, macroscopic transmission and local transmission controls. The macroscopic transmission control builds a hub-node-based virtual infrastructure and then finds the optimal hub route that satisfies the stochastic end-to-end delay constraint. Each node determines whether it belongs to a hub node by itself in a distributed manner. The local transmission control builds a robust local path between hub nodes by using the synchronized redundancy concept; this minimizes the effects of transmission failure by reducing the control traffic overhead and time to reconfigure transmission paths without rediscovery of the transmission path from the source node. Simulations confirmed that, as the network size increased, the performance of the proposed transmission scheme increased in terms of packet delivery ratio and control packet overhead. The scheme can be applied to mobile ad hoc cloud computing systems based on self-organizing vehicular networks or drone networks as a key control.
A Hybrid Machine Learning and Population Knowledge Mining Method to Minimize Makespan and Total Tardiness of Multi-Variety Products
Authors: Qiu Yongtao , Ji Weixi , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, the production model of many enterprises is multi-variety customized production, and the makespan and total tardiness are the main metrics for enterprises to make production plans. This requires us to develop a more effective production plan promptly with limited resources. Previous research focuses on dispatching rules and algorithms, but the application of the knowledge mining method for multi-variety products is limited. In this paper, a hybrid machine learning and population knowledge mining method to minimize makespan and total tardiness for multi-variety products is proposed. First, through offline machine learning and data mining, attributes of operations are selected to mine the initial population knowledge. Second, an addition–deletion sorting method (ADSM) is proposed to reprioritize operations and then form the rule-based initial population. Finally, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) hybrid with simulated annealing is used to obtain the Pareto solutions. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, three other types of initial populations were considered under different iterations and population sizes. The experimental results demonstrate that the new approach has a good performance in solving the multi-variety production planning problems, whether it is the function value or the performance metric of the acquired Pareto solutions.
Adaptive Linear Neural Network Approach for Three-Phase Four-Wire Active Power Filtering under Non-Ideal Grid and Unbalanced Load Scenarios
Authors: Hoon Yap , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Al-Ogaili Ali Saadon
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the enhancements performed on the adaptive linear neuron (ADALINE) technique so that it can be applied for active power filtering purposes in a three-phase four-wire system. In the context of active power filtering, the ADALINE technique which was initially developed for a single-phase two-wire system has been further expanded to suit three-phase three-wire system. For both systems, ADALINE techniques have been reported to be effective even when the grid voltage is distorted and/or unbalanced. However, further works that study the possibility to apply ADALINE technique in a three-phase four-wire system which invariably carries unbalanced loads, are rather limited. Hence, in this work, a control algorithm (named as enhanced-ADALINE) which combines the strength of highly selective filter (HSF), ADALINE concept and averaging function is proposed, to manage harmonics mitigation by shunt active power filter (SAPF) under non-ideal grid and unbalanced load scenarios. MATLAB-Simulink software is utilized to conduct an exhaustive simulation study which includes circuit connection of SAPF in a three-phase four-wire system, design of control algorithms, and performance assessments. Benchmarking with the existing algorithm is performed to examine the benefits of using the proposed algorithm. From the analysis, simulation findings are presented and thoroughly discussed to verify design concept, capability, and relevance of the proposed algorithm.
Human Balance in Response to Continuous, Predictable Translations of the Support Base: Integration of Sensory Information, Adaptation to Perturbations, and the Effect of Age, Neuropathy and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ghai Shashank , Nardone Antonio , Schieppati Marco
Published: December 2019

This short narrative review article moves from early papers that described the behaviour of healthy subjects balancing on a motorized platform continuously translating in the antero-posterior direction. Research from the laboratories of two of the authors and related investigations on dynamic balancing behaviour are briefly summarized. More recent findings challenging time-honoured views are considered, such as the statement that vision plays a head-in-space stabilizing role. The time interval to integrate vision or its withdrawal in the balancing pattern is mentioned as well. Similarities and differences between ageing subjects and patients with peripheral or central disorders are concisely reported. The muscle activities recorded during the translation cycles suggest that vision and amplitude changes of the anticipatory postural activities play a predominant role in controlling dynamic balance during prolonged administration of the predictable perturbation. The potential of this paradigm for rehabilitation of balance problems is discussed.
Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Color Halftone Images with High Capacity
Authors: Sun Yu-Xia , Yan Bin , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Yang Hong-Mei , Chen Na
Published: December 2019

In recent years, reversible data hiding (RDH) has become a research hotspot in the field of multimedia security that has aroused more and more researchers’ attention. Most of the existing RDH algorithms are aiming at continuous-tone images. For RDH in encrypted halftone images (RDH-EH), the original cover image cannot be recovered losslessly after the watermark is extracted. For some application scenarios such as medical or military images sharing, reversibility is critical. In this paper, a reversible data hiding scheme in encrypted color halftone images (RDH-ECH) is proposed. In the watermark embedding procedure, the cover image is copied into two identical images to increase redundancy. We use wet paper code to embed the watermark into the image blocks. Thus, the receiver only needs to process the image blocks by the check matrices in order to extract the watermarks. To increase embedding capacity, we embed three layers in the embedding procedure and combine the resulting images into one image for convenience of transmission. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that the original image can be restored entirely after the watermarks are extracted. Besides, for marked color halftone images, our algorithm can implement high embedding capacity and moderate visual quality.
Monsters of Military Might: Elephants in Hellenistic History and Art
Authors: van Oppen de Ruiter Branko
Published: December 2019

Elephants were first deployed in warfare by Indian and Persian armies. The Greco-Macedonian troops first encountered these fearsome creatures in battle during the campaign of Alexander the Great. Subsequently, the Successors and later Hellenistic rulers similarly used elephants in battle. From this time, the animal began to appear in Greco-Roman art. Tracing the appearance of the elephant in Hellenistic history and art, I suggest that the elephant not only continued to be associated with its Asian and African origins and came to symbolize military triumph over exotic foes, it retained religious and mythic proportions as a fearsome, fabulous monster connected with the martichora and unicorn, griffon and sphinx, dragon and hippocampus. In particular, I re-examined the posthumous portrait of Alexander the Great in which he wears an elephant scalp as a headdress, similar to Heracles’ lion scalp. This deified portraiture not only depicts Alexander as descendant of Heracles and Dionysus, both sons of Zeus, but also—through connections with Ammon and Indra—as the legitimate ruler of the three continents of the known world, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells by a Novel HDAC8 Inhibitor
Authors: Chiu Chang-Fang , Chin Hsien-Kuo , Huang Wei-Jan , Bai Li-Yuan , Huang Hao-Yu , Weng Jing-Ru
Published: December 2019

Epigenetic therapy has been demonstrated to be a viable strategy for breast cancer treatment. In this study, we report the anti-tumor activity of a hydroxamate-based histone deacetylase (HDAC)8-selective inhibitor, HMC, in breast cancer cells. MTT assays showed that HMC inhibited cell viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 7.7 μM and 9.5 μM, respectively. HMC induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, which was associated with its ability to modulate a series of cell survival-related signaling effectors, including Akt, mTOR, Bax, Mcl-1, and Bcl-2. Additionally, HMC was capable of activating PPARγ, which was accompanied by reduced expression of PPARγ target gene products, such as cyclin D1 and CDK6. HMC increased the production of ROS in MCF-7 cells, which could be partially reversed by the cotreatment with a ROS scavenger (N-acetylcysteine or glutathione). Furthermore, HMC induced autophagy, as characterized by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles and autophagic biomarkers including LC3B-II and Atg5. Notably, pharmacological blockade of autophagy by 3-MA or CQ could attenuate HMC-induced apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy played a self-protective role in HMC-induced cell death. Together, these data suggest the translational potential of HMC to be developed into a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer therapy.
Creating Positive Work Experiences Through Task Self-Redesign
Authors: Hornung Severin , Höge Thomas , Seubert Christian , Glaser Jürgen , Rousseau Denise M.
Published: December 2019

Complementing the traditional focus in work design on “top-down” organizational interventions, research into proactive work behavior suggests that “bottom-up” processes, based on the “micro-emancipatory” actions employees engage in, create more rewarding and meaningful work experiences. Based on current theorizing, this study tests a tripartite model of task self-redesign and positive work-related states of meaning, affective commitment, and work–home enrichment. The interactive effects of three modes of task influence are postulated: (a) the active use of existing potentials for task autonomy; (b) job crafting, as unauthorized and self-organized modifications of task features; (c) the individual renegotiation of tasks through idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) with superiors. Survey data from an occupationally heterogeneous convenience sample of N = 279 German-speaking employees were analyzed, using confirmatory factor analysis and moderated linear regression. The regression results confirmed that task i-deals consistently related to positive experiences, whereas autonomy only related to one, and task crafting had no significant main effect. A significant two-way interaction between i-deals and crafting was found only in relation to affective commitment. Supporting the suggested tripartite model, significant (synergistic) three-way interactions explained the additional variance in all three examined outcomes. These results offer some preliminary insights into the interplay of organizationally designed, individually crafted, and interpersonally negotiated work activities. Task autonomy, task-directed job crafting, and task i-deals appear to fulfill complementary roles in the self-directed creation of positive work experiences. Methodological limitations and further research needs are discussed.
The Adipose Stem Cell as a Novel Metabolic Actor in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Progression: Evidence from an In Vitro Tumor Microenvironment Crosstalk Model
Authors: Armignacco Roberta , Cantini Giulia , Poli Giada , Guasti Daniele , Nesi Gabriella , Romagnoli Paolo , Mannelli Massimo , Luconi Michaela
Published: December 2019

Metabolic interplay between the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells is a potential target for novel anti-cancer approaches. Among stromal components, adipocytes and adipose precursors have been shown to actively participate in tumor progression in several solid malignancies. In adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare endocrine neoplasia with a poor prognosis, cancer cells often infiltrate the fat mass surrounding the adrenal organ, enabling possible crosstalk with the adipose cells. Here, by using an in vitro co-culture system, we show that the interaction between adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and the adrenocortical cancer cell line H295R leads to metabolic and functional reprogramming of both cell types: cancer cells limit differentiation and increase proliferation of ASCs, which in turn support tumor growth and invasion. This effect associates with a shift from the paracrine cancer-promoting IGF2 axis towards an ASC-associated leptin axis, along with a shift in the SDF-1 axis towards CXCR7 expression in H295R cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that adipose precursors, as pivotal components of the ACC microenvironment, promote cancer cell reprogramming and invasion, opening new perspectives for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches.
Promising Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers for Precision Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Turano Mimmo , Delrio Paolo , Rega Daniela , Cammarota Francesca , Polverino Alessia , Duraturo Francesca , Izzo Paola , De Rosa Marina
Published: December 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been ranked as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Indeed, it represents 10.2% of all cancer cases. It is also the second most common cause of cancer mortality, and accounted for about 9.2% of all cancer deaths in 2018. Early detection together with a correct diagnosis and staging remains the most effective clinical strategy in terms of disease recovery. Thanks to advances in diagnostic techniques, and improvements of surgical adjuvant and palliative therapies, the mortality rate of CRC has decreased by more than 20% in the last decade. Cancer biomarkers for the early detection of CRC, its management, treatment and follow-up have contributed to the decrease in CRC mortality. Herein, we provide an overview of molecular biomarkers from tumor tissues and liquid biopsies that are approved for use in the CRC clinical setting for early detection, follow-up, and precision therapy, and of biomarkers that have not yet been officially validated and are, nowadays, under investigation.
SerpinB3 Differently Up-Regulates Hypoxia Inducible Factors -1α and -2α in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms Revealing Novel Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Cannito Stefania , Foglia Beatrice , Villano Gianmarco , Turato Cristian , Delgado Teresa C , Morello Elisabetta , Pin Fabrizio , Novo Erica , Napione Lucia , Quarta Santina , Ruvoletto Mariagrazia , Fasolato Silvano , Zanus Giacomo , Colombatto Sebastiano , Lopitz-Otsoa Fernando , Fernández-Ramos David , Bussolino Federico , Sutti Salvatore , Albano Emanuele , Martínez-Chantar Maria Luz , Pontisso Patrizia , Parola Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Background: SerpinB3 (SB3) is a hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α-dependent cysteine-protease inhibitor up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), released by cancer cells and able to stimulate proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition. Methods: In the study we employed transgenic and knock out SerpinB3 mice, liver cancer cell line, human HCC specimens, and mice receiving diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN) administration plus choline-deficient L-amino acid refined (CDAA) diet (DEN/CDAA protocol). Results: We provide detailed and mechanistic evidence that SB3 can act as a paracrine mediator able to affect the behavior of surrounding cells by differentially up-regulating, in normoxic conditions, HIF-1α and HIF-2α. SB3 acts by (i) up-regulating HIF-1α transcription, facilitating cell survival in a harsh microenvironment and promoting angiogenesis, (ii) increasing HIF-2α stabilization via direct/selective NEDDylation, promoting proliferation of liver cancer cells, and favoring HCC progression. Moreover (iii) the highest levels of NEDD8-E1 activating enzyme (NAE1) mRNA were detected in a subclass of HCC patients expressing the highest levels of HIF-2α transcripts; (iv) mice undergoing DEN/CDAA carcinogenic protocol showed a positive correlation between SB3 and HIF-2α transcripts with the highest levels of NAE1 mRNA detected in nodules expressing the highest levels of HIF-2α transcripts. Conclusions: These data outline either HIF-2α and NEDDylation as two novel putative therapeutic targets to interfere with the procarcinogenic role of SerpinB3 in the development of HCC.
Assessing the Concordance of Genomic Alterations between Circulating-Free DNA and Tumour Tissue in Cancer Patients
Authors: Jahangiri Leila , Hurst Tara
Published: December 2019

Somatic alterations to the genomes of solid tumours, which in some cases represent actionable drivers, provide diagnostic and prognostic insight into these complex diseases. Spatial and longitudinal tracking of somatic genomic alterations (SGAs) in patient tumours has emerged as a new avenue of investigation, not only as a disease monitoring strategy, but also to improve our understanding of heterogeneity and clonal evolution from diagnosis through disease progression. Furthermore, analysis of circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) in the so-called “liquid biopsy” has emerged as a non-invasive method to identify genomic information to inform targeted therapy and may also capture the heterogeneity of the primary and metastatic tumours. Considering the potential of cfDNA analysis as a translational laboratory tool in clinical practice, establishing the extent to which cfDNA represents the SGAs of tumours, particularly actionable driver alterations, becomes a matter of importance, warranting standardisation of methods and practices. Here, we assess the utilisation of cfDNA for molecular profiling of SGAs in tumour tissue across a broad range of solid tumours. Moreover, we examine the underlying factors contributing to discordance of detected SGAs between cfDNA and tumour tissue.
GLUL Ablation Can Confer Drug Resistance to Cancer Cells via a Malate-Aspartate Shuttle-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Muthu Magesh , Kumar Ranjeet , Syed Khaja Azharuddin Sajid , Gilthorpe Jonathan D. , Persson Jenny L. , Nordström Anders
Published: December 2019

Glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) is important for acid-base homeostasis, ammonia detoxification, cell signaling, and proliferation. Here, we reported that GLUL ablation conferred resistance to several anticancer drugs in specific cancer cell lines while leaving other cell lines non-resistant to the same drugs. To understand the biochemical mechanics supporting this drug resistance, we compared drug-resistant GLUL knockout (KO) A549 non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells with non-resistant GLUL KO H1299 NSCLC cells and found that the resistant A549 cells, to a larger extent, depended on exogenous glucose for proliferation. As GLUL activity is linked to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle via reversed glutaminolysis, we probed carbon flux through both glycolysis and TCA pathways by means of 13C5 glutamine, 13C5 glutamate, and 13C6 glucose tracing. We observed increased labeling of malate and aspartate in A549 GLUL KO cells, whereas the non-resistant GLUL KO H1299 cells displayed decreased 13C-labeling. The malate and aspartate shuttle supported cellular NADH production and was associated with cellular metabolic fitness. Inhibition of the malate-aspartate shuttle with aminooxyacetic acid significantly impacted upon cell viability with an IC50 of 11.5 μM in resistant GLUL KO A549 cells compared to 28 μM in control A549 cells, linking resistance to the malate-aspartate shuttle. Additionally, rescuing GLUL expression in A549 KO cells increased drug sensitivity. We proposed a novel metabolic mechanism in cancer drug resistance where the increased capacity of the malate-aspartate shuttle increased metabolic fitness, thereby facilitating cancer cells to escape drug pressure.
Efficacy and Adverse Events in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Combination BRAF Plus MEK Inhibitors Versus BRAF Inhibitors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Greco Austin , Safi Danish , Swami Umang , Ginader Tim , Milhem Mohammed , Zakharia Yousef
Published: December 2019

We reviewed the literature to assess the efficacy and risk of constitutional, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and dermatological toxicities of combined BRAF plus MEK inhibitors versus BRAF inhibitors alone in patients with metastatic melanoma with BRAF mutations. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google scholar, ASCO, Scopus, and EMBASE for reports published from January 2010 through March 2019. Efficacy, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, were assessed by hazard ratio (HR); objective response rates (ORR) were assessed by odds ratio (OR). The randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with comparison to vemurafenib monotherapy were included to determine constitutional, gastrointestinal, cardiac, and dermatological toxicities using PRISMA statistical analysis with relative risk (RR) for equal comparison to avoid inclusion bias. Five RTCs comprising 2307 patients were included to assess efficacy, while three of the five RCTs comprising 1776 patients were included to assess adverse events. BRAF plus MEK inhibitor combination therapy demonstrated overall better efficacy compared to BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. Combination therapies appear to have favorable dermatologic side effect profiles, similar constitutional and cardiac profiles, and slightly worse gastrointestinal profiles compares to monotherapy regimens.
Deleterious and Oncogenic Mutations in the IL7RA
Authors: Campos Lívia Weijenborg , Pissinato Leonardo Granato , Yunes José Andrés
Published: December 2019

Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a critical cytokine that plays a fundamental role in B- and T-cell development and in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its receptor (IL7R) is a transmembrane heterodimer formed by the IL7Rα and the IL2Rγ chain (γc). The IL7R signals through the JAK/STAT pathway. Loss-of-function mutations and some polymorphisms of the IL7Rα were associated to immunodeficiency and inflammatory diseases, respectively. Gain-of-function mutations were described in T-cell ALL and in high risk precursor B-cell ALL. Most confirmed loss-of-function mutations occur in the extracellular part of the IL7Rα while oncogenic mutations are exclusively found in the extracellular juxtamembrane (EJM) or transmembrane regions. Oncogenic mutations promote either IL7Rα/IL7Rα homodimerization and constitutive signaling, or increased affinity to γc or IL-7. This work presents a review on IL7Rα polymorphisms/mutations and attempts to present a classification based on their structural consequences and resulting biological activity.
CD157: From Myeloid Cell Differentiation Marker to Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yakymiv Yuliya , Augeri Stefania , Fissolo Giulia , Peola Silvia , Bracci Cristiano , Binaschi Monica , Bellarosa Daniela , Pellacani Andrea , Ferrero Enza , Ortolan Erika , Funaro Ada
Published: December 2019

Human CD157/BST-1 and CD38 are dual receptor-enzymes derived by gene duplication that belong to the ADP ribosyl cyclase gene family. First identified over 30 years ago as Mo5 myeloid differentiation antigen and 10 years later as Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 1 (BST-1), CD157 proved not to be restricted to the myeloid compartment and to have a diversified functional repertoire ranging from immunity to cancer and metabolism. Despite being a NAD+-metabolizing ectoenzyme anchored to the cell surface through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety, the functional significance of human CD157 as an enzyme remains unclear, while its receptor role emerged from its discovery and has been clearly delineated with the identification of its high affinity binding to fibronectin. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the immunoregulatory functions of human CD157/BST-1 in physiological and pathological conditions. We then focus on CD157 expression in hematological tumors highlighting its emerging role in the interaction between acute myeloid leukemia and extracellular matrix proteins and its potential utility for monoclonal antibody targeted therapy in this disease.
Optical Fiber Refractometer Based Metal Ion Sensors
Authors: Tan Rex Xiao , Ibsen Morten , Tjin Swee Chuan
Published: December 2019

Research into optical fiber refractometers yielded remarkable results over the past decade. Numerous sensing schemes were proposed and demonstrated, which possessed different advantages while facing unique limitations. On top of their obvious applications in measuring refractive index changes of the ambient environment, several studies reported advanced applications of such sensors in heavy metal ion detection by means of surface coating of the refractometers with heavy metal ion sensitive materials. This paper surveys the effort these optical fiber metal ion sensors based on surface coated optical fiber refractometer, discusses different technologies and methods involved, and highlights recent notable advancements.
Lagrangian Drifter to Identify Ocean Eddy Characteristics
Authors: Chu Peter C. , Fan Chenwu
Published: December 2019

Deterministic–stochastic empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is used to obtain low-frequency (non-diffusive; i.e., background velocity) and high-frequency (diffusive; i.e., eddies) components from a Lagrangian drifter‘s trajectory. Eddy characteristics are determined from the time series of eddy trajectories from individual Lagrangian drifters such as eddy radius, eddy velocity, eddy Rossby number, and the eddy–current kinetic energy ratio. A long-term dataset of the Sound Fixing and Ranging (RAFOS) float time series obtained near the California coast by the Naval Postgraduate School from 1992 to 2004 at depth between 150 and 600 m is used as an example to demonstrate the capability of the deterministic–stochastic EMD.
Three-Stage Sequential Estimation of the Inverse Coefficient of Variation of the Normal Distribution
Authors: Yousef Ali , Hamdy Hosny
Published: December 2019

This paper sequentially estimates the inverse coefficient of variation of the normal distribution using Hall’s three-stage procedure. We find theorems that facilitate finding a confidence interval for the inverse coefficient of variation that has pre-determined width and coverage probability. We also discuss the sensitivity of the constructed confidence interval to detect a possible shift in the inverse coefficient of variation. Finally, we find the asymptotic regret encountered in point estimation of the inverse coefficient of variation under the squared-error loss function with linear sampling cost. The asymptotic regret provides negative values, which indicate that the three-stage sampling does better than the optimal fixed sample size had the population inverse coefficient of variation been known.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Active Compounds of Sanguisorbae Radix In Macrophages and in Vivo Toxicity Evaluation in Zebrafish
Authors: Jang Young-Ah , Hur Yong , Lee Jin-Tae
Published: December 2019

Sanguisorbae Radix (SR) is the root of the Sanguisorba officinalis L., a plant native to Asian countries and used in traditional medicine. We isolated the active components of SR and investigated their anti-inflammatory potential. Quercetin (QC), (+)-catechin (CC), and gallic acid (GA) were isolated from acetone extracts of SR. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which these compounds suppress inflammation, we analyzed the transcriptional up-regulation of inflammatory mediators, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and its target genes, inducible NOS (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Notably, QC, CC, and GA were found to inhibit the production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and prostaglandin in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results indicate that the compounds decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Furthermore, the compounds decreased phosphorylation of IKK, IκB, ERK, p-38, and JNK proteins in LPS-induced cells. The results support the notion that QC, CC, and GA can potently inhibit the inflammatory response, with QC showing the highest anti-inflammatory activity. In in vivo toxicity studies in zebrafish (Danio rerio), QC showed no toxicity up to 25 μg/mL. Therefore, QC has non-toxic potential as a skin anti-inflammatory biomaterial.
A High-Pressure Investigation of the Synthetic Analogue of Chalcomenite, CuSeO3∙2H2O
Authors: Gonzalez-Platas Javier , Rodriguez-Hernandez Placida , Muñoz Alfonso , Rodríguez-Mendoza U. R. , Nénert Gwilherm , Errandonea Daniel
Published: December 2019

Synthetic chalcomenite-type cupric selenite CuSeO3∙2H2O has been studied at room temperature under compression up to pressures of 8 GPa by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and density-functional theory. According to X-ray diffraction, the orthorhombic phase undergoes an isostructural phase transition at 4.0(5) GPa with the thermodynamic character being first-order. This conclusion is supported by Raman spectroscopy studies that have detected the phase transition at 4.5(2) GPa and by the first-principles computing simulations. The structure solution at different pressures has provided information on the change with pressure of unit–cell parameters as well as on the bond and polyhedral compressibility. A Birch–Murnaghan equation of state has been fitted to the unit–cell volume data. We found that chalcomenite is highly compressible with a bulk modulus of 42–49 GPa. The possible mechanism driving changes in the crystal structure is discussed, being the behavior of CuSeO3∙2H2O mainly dominated by the large compressibility of the coordination polyhedron of Cu. On top of that, an assignation of Raman modes is proposed based upon density-functional theory and the pressure dependence of Raman modes discussed. Finally, the pressure dependence of phonon frequencies experimentally determined is also reported.
The Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Serum Biomarkers among Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Modic Changes in Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Koivisto Katri , Karppinen Jaro , Haapea Marianne , Järvinen Jyri , Kyllönen Eero , Tervonen Osmo , Niinimäki Jaakko , Alini Mauro , Lotz Jeffrey , Dudli Stefan , Samartzis Dino , Risteli Juha , Majuri Marja-Leena , Alenius Harri , Grad Sibylle
Published: December 2019

The aim of the current study was to compare changes in serum biomarkers, including inflammatory mediators, signaling molecules, growth factors and markers of bone turnover after a single intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid (ZA, a long-acting bisphosphonate; n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) among patients with Modic changes (MC) and chronic low back pain in a randomized controlled design. The MCs were classified into M1, predominating M1, predominating M2, and M2. We measured the serum concentrations of 39 biomarkers at baseline, and one month and one year after treatment. After Benjamini–Hochberg (B–H) correction, we observed significant differences in three biomarkers over one year: Interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP-10) had risen in the ZA group (p = 0.005), whereas alkaline phosphatase (AFOS) and intact procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (iPINP) had significantly decreased in the ZA group, but had not changed in the placebo group (p < 0.001 for both). Change in iPINP correlated with change in the volume of all MC and M1 lesions. ZA downregulated bone turnover markers as expected and, surprisingly, increased the chemokine IP-10 relative to placebo treatment. This adds to our knowledge of the effects of ZA on MC and the biomarkers that signal this process.
Optimization of Condition Monitoring Decision Making by the Criterion of Minimum Entropy
Authors: Raza Ahmed , Ulansky Vladimir
Published: December 2019

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is a promising technique for a wide variety of deteriorating systems. Condition-based maintenance’s effectiveness largely depends on the quality of condition monitoring. The majority of CBM mathematical models consider perfect inspections, in which the system condition is assumed to be determined error-free. This article presents a mathematical model of CBM with imperfect condition monitoring conducted at discrete times. Mathematical expressions were derived for evaluating the probabilities of correct and incorrect decisions when monitoring the system condition at a scheduled time. Further, these probabilities were incorporated into the equation of the Shannon entropy. The problem of determining the optimal preventive maintenance threshold at each inspection time by the criterion of the minimum of Shannon entropy was formulated. For the first time, the article showed that Shannon’s entropy is a convex function of the preventive maintenance threshold for each moment of condition monitoring. It was also shown that the probabilities of correct and incorrect decisions depend on the time and parameters of the degradation model. Numerical calculations show that the proposed approach to determining the optimal preventive maintenance threshold can significantly reduce uncertainty when deciding on the condition of the monitoring object.
The Interdependence of Autonomous Human-Machine Teams: The Entropy of Teams, But Not Individuals, Advances Science
Authors: Lawless W. F.
Published: December 2019

Key concepts: We review interdependence theory measured by entropic forces, findings in support, and several examples from the field to advance a science of autonomous human-machine teams (A-HMTs) with artificial intelligence (AI). While theory is needed for the advent of autonomous HMTs, social theory is predicated on methodological individualism, a statistical and qualitative science that neither generalizes to human teams nor HMTs. Maximum interdependence in human teams is associated with the performance of the best teams when compared to independent individuals; our research confirmed that the top global oil firms maximize interdependence by minimizing redundant workers, replicated for the top militaries in the world, adding that impaired interdependence is associated with proportionately less freedom, increased corruption, and poorer team performance. We advanced theory by confirming that the maximum interdependence in teams requires intelligence to overcome obstacles to maximum entropy production (MEP; e.g., navigating obstacles while abiding by military rules of engagement requires intelligence). Approach: With a case study, we model as harmonic the long-term oscillations driven by two federal agencies in conflict over closing two high-level radioactive waste tanks, ending when citizens recommended closing the tanks. Results: While contradicting rational consensus theory, our quasi-Nash equilibrium model generates the information for neutrals to decide; it suggests that HMTs should adopt how harmonic oscillations in free societies regulate human autonomy to improve decisions and social welfare.
A Survey on Using Kolmogorov Complexity in Cybersecurity
Authors: S. Resende João , Martins Rolando , Antunes Luís
Published: December 2019

Security and privacy concerns are challenging the way users interact with devices. The number of devices connected to a home or enterprise network increases every day. Nowadays, the security of information systems is relevant as user information is constantly being shared and moving in the cloud; however, there are still many problems such as, unsecured web interfaces, weak authentication, insecure networks, lack of encryption, among others, that make services insecure. The software implementations that are currently deployed in companies should have updates and control, as cybersecurity threats increasingly appearing over time. There is already some research towards solutions and methods to predict new attacks or classify variants of previous known attacks, such as (algorithmic) information theory. This survey combines all relevant applications of this topic (also known as Kolmogorov Complexity) in the security and privacy domains. The use of Kolmogorov-based approaches is resource-focused without the need for specific knowledge of the topic under analysis. We have defined a taxonomy with already existing work to classify their different application areas and open up new research questions.
Why Child Allowances Fail to Solve the Pension Problem of Aging Societies
Authors: Stauvermann Peter J. , Wernitz Frank
Published: December 2019

The aim of the paper is to investigate how child allowances affect population growth and pension benefits of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pension systems in small open and closed economies. We apply an overlapping-generations (OLG) model in its canonical form, where we consider endogenous fertility and growth generated by human capital accumulation. From the analysis, we conclude that in a small open economy, child allowances increase the number of children, yet decrease pension benefits over the long run. If we consider a closed economy, the effect of child allowances on fertility is ambiguous and remains negative on pension benefits over the long run.
Sliceable BVT Evolution Towards Programmable Multi-Tb/s Networking
Authors: Svaluto Moreolo Michela , Fàbrega Josep M. , Nadal Laia
Published: December 2019

The sliceable bandwidth variable transceiver (S-BVT) is a key element in addressing the challenges and evolution of optical networks, and supporting the ever-increasing traffic volume, speed, and dynamicity driven by novel and broadband services and applications. Multiple designs and configurations are possible and are evolving towards supporting multi-Tb/s networking, thanks to the adoption of advanced and more mature photonic technologies. In this work, we review and analyze alternative S-BVT design architecture options that target different network segments and applications. We specifically focus on S-BVTs based on multicarrier modulation (MCM), which provide a wide range of granularity and more flexible spectral manipulation. A detailed description of the main elements in an S-BVT and their characteristics is provided in order to give design guidelines. The performance in a real testbed network is also reported, comparing a set of S-BVT configurations that adopt different technologies. Finally, an extensive discussion of the described architecture, functionalities, and results, including programmability aspects, is provided in view of S-BVT evolution towards future optical network requirements and needs.
A Novel Structure for a Multi-Bernoulli Filter without a Cardinality Bias
Authors: Si Weijian , Zhu Hongfan , Qu Zhiyu
Published: December 2019

The original multi-target multi-Bernoulli (MeMBer) filter for multi-target tracking (MTT) is shown analytically to have a significant bias in its cardinality estimation. A novel cardinality balance multi-Bernoulli (CBMeMBer) filter reduces the cardinality bias by calculating the exact cardinality of the posterior probability generating functional (PGFl) without the second assumption of the original MeMBer filter. However, the CBMeMBer filter can only have a good performance under a high detection probability, and retains the first assumption of the MeMBer filter, which requires measurements that are well separated in the surveillance region. An improved MeMBer filter proposed by Baser et al. alleviates the cardinality bias by modifying the legacy tracks. Although the cardinality is balanced, the improved algorithm employs a low clutter density approximation. In this paper, we propose a novel structure for a multi-Bernoulli filter without a cardinality bias, termed as a novel multi-Bernoulli (N-MB) filter. We remove the approximations employed in the original MeMBer filter, and consequently, the N-MB filter performs well in a high clutter intensity and low signal-to-noise environment. Numerical simulations highlight the improved tracking performance of the proposed filter.
Radioactive Heat Production and Terrestrial Heat Flow in the Xiong’an Area, North China
Authors: Cui Yue , Zhu Chuanqing , Qiu Nansheng , Tang Boning , Guo Sasa
Published: December 2019

Herein, integrated heat production analysis in the Xiong’an area was conducted by measuring uranium, thorium, and potassium in different rock types to clarify crust heat flow contribution, simulate the conductive terrestrial heat flow, and illustrate heat source mechanisms of Xiong’an area geothermal resources. The study area was divided into three lithosphere structure types from west to east, and heat production corresponded to layer thickness and heat production with the central area having thicker crust and lower heat production than the eastern and western areas. Crustal heat production, mantle heat flow, and crust–mantle heat flow ratio reveal a ‘cold crust-hot mantle’ in the Xiong’an area.
Experimental Investigation of Productivity, Specific Energy Consumption, and Hole Quality in Single-Pulse, Percussion, and Trepanning Drilling of IN 718 Superalloy
Authors: Sarfraz Shoaib , Shehab Essam , Salonitis Konstantinos , Suder Wojciech
Published: December 2019

Laser drilling is a high-speed process that is used to produce high aspect ratio holes of various sizes for critical applications, such as cooling holes in aero-engine and gas turbine components. Hole quality is always a major concern during the laser drilling process. Apart from hole quality, cost and productivity are also the key considerations for high-value manufacturing industries. Taking into account the significance of improving material removal quantity, energy efficiency, and product quality, this study is performed in the form of an experimental investigation and multi-objective optimisation for three different laser drilling processes (single-pulse, percussion, and trepanning). A Quasi-CW fibre laser was used to produce holes in a 1 mm thick IN 718 superalloy. The impacts of significant process parameters on the material removal rate (MRR), specific energy consumption (SEC), and hole taper have been discussed based on the results collected through an experimental matrix that was designed using the Taguchi method. The novelty of this work focuses on evaluating and comparing the performance of laser drilling methods in relation to MRR, SEC, and hole quality altogether. Comparative analysis revealed single-pulse drilling as the best option for MRR and SEC as the MRR value reduces with percussion and trepanning by 99.70% and 99.87% respectively; similarly, percussion resulted in 14.20% higher SEC value while trepanning yielded a six-folds increase in SEC as compared to single-pulse drilling. Trepanning, on the other hand, outperformed the rest of the drilling processes with 71.96% better hole quality. Moreover, optimum values of parameters simultaneously minimising SEC and hole taper and maximising MRR are determined using multi-objective optimisation.