bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
City Gas Distribution Challenges: Challenges Faced by CGD, IGL — A Case Study With Solutions Adopted
Authors: Dhyani Ritesh
Published: July 2019

There are some issues and concerns that need urgent attention. Chief among these are delays in securing multiple clearances, lack of well-defined market potential, entry barriers, deficient pipeline connectivity and uncertainty regarding domestic gas supply. The challenges during the reward of license revolve around issues affecting project Internal Rate of Return (IRR), project investment rate of return, market exclusivity, gas allocation, gas availability issues, logistic and manpower issues. With the formation of PNGRB, the safety practices and guidelines were looked into and framed. But once allocation process is over and operation is in progress, there are still several challenges that are being faced as:

• Safety Management

• Space Constraint for CNG station facilities

• Queue Management

• GIS for CGD network

• Third party damages

• Coordination with other utility Companies

• Compliance of emission norms

• Equipment Availability

• Customer satisfaction (Services, Metering, billing)

• Threat of alternate energy solutions

• Embrace digital technology in conjunction with analytics intervention.

• Compliance of stringent targets by the ministry.

For IGL, being into the operation at the capital of the nation the major concern with CGD is safety, customer friendly operation and on-time solutions. This paper will discuss in detail the work adopted by IGL to cater the problem of space constraint, queue management and external threats. Apart from this, it also covers the various technologies and automation strategies adopted towards safety system, metering, billing, equipment availability etc.

CGD companies must embrace digital technology in conjunction with analytics intervention to enjoy technology renaissance. It will help in achieving improvements and address issues in PNG, CNG and management of assets, among others. Emphasis will be given to provide a few such initiatives in detail, mentioned above, such as the pilot project going for HCNG plant, SCADA system for online monitoring of equipment, GIS system for pipeline integrity, automation of safety system and customer satisfaction.
Ambient air, by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Patel Dhananjay I. , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

Near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at 2500 Pa or higher. With NAP-XPS, XPS can analyze moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. Because of the relatively high working pressure of NAP-XPS, the components of ambient air may be present in the analytical chamber during data acquisition. In this submission, we show survey, O 1s, N 1s, valence band, oxygen Auger (KLL), and nitrogen Auger (KLL) NAP-XPS spectra from ambient air, a material that could not be analyzed at moderate pressures by conventional XPS.
Tailoring commensurability of hBN/graphene heterostructures using substrate morphology and epitaxial growth conditions
Authors: Pennachio Daniel J. , Ornelas-Skarin Chance C. , Wilson Nathaniel S. , Rosenberg Samantha G. , Daniels Kevin M. , Myers-Ward Rachael L. , Gaskill D. Kurt , Eddy Charles R. , Palmstrøm Christopher J.
Published: July 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) thin films were grown by plasma-enhanced chemical beam epitaxy (PE-CBE) on epitaxial graphene (EG) on macrostepped 4°-offcut 4H-SiC(0001) substrates. The choice of growth conditions in this system allowed for two prominent in-plane hBN/EG rotational alignments: a direct alignment of the hBN and EG lattices or a 30° in-plane rotational twist such that the ⟨112¯0⟩hBN and ⟨101¯0⟩EG directions are parallel. The use of nitrogen plasma in conjunction with borazine at growth temperatures of 1450 °C increased the crystallinity of the few-monolayer-thick films relative to films grown by CBE without plasma exposure. In vacuo x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that films grown with nitrogen plasma exposure were stoichiometric to nitrogen-rich, depending on growth conditions, and exhibited no bonding indicative of additional phase formation. This PE-CBE process was shown to produce films with atomically abrupt interfaces between the hBN and EG lattices, as determined by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Annular dark field and bright field scanning TEM paired with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed that the EG persisted throughout this deposition and no intercalative growth of hBN under the EG was detected. Higher PE-CBE growth rates produced hBN domains that nucleated uniformly across the substrate with little preferred orientation of their edges. In comparison, lower growth rates appeared to cause preferential nucleation on the macrostep edges with a 30° in-plane rotation relative to the EG, as confirmed by cross-sectional TEM. By correlating the hBN nuclei shape in AFM to the atomic registry of the hBN to the substrate, it was found that the triangular, macrostep-edge nuclei were arm-chair edge terminated. The ability to select different rotational alignments by changing epitaxial growth conditions may be used in future wafer-scale growth of hBN/graphene heterostructures to achieve varying degrees of graphene band structure modulation.
Comparison of two microphone array geometries for surface impedance estimation
Authors: Richard Antoine , Fernandez-Grande Efren
Published: July 2019

This study examines the estimation of the surface impedance of an absorber with microphone arrays. Two array geometries are compared—a rigid spherical array and a double layer planar array. The impedance is estimated via reconstructing the sound field (pressure and particle velocity) on the absorber's surface, using a plane wave expansion. The comparison is carried out by studying the numerical properties of the two arrays as well as through experimental tests.
Scientific seminars equip judges to counter opioid crisis
Authors: Cohen Adam D.
Published: July 2019

AAAS lectures explore neuroscience of addiction, evidence-based responses, and more
A rice gene that confers broad-spectrum resistance to β-triketone herbicides
Authors: Maeda Hideo , Murata Kazumasa , Sakuma Nozomi , Takei Satomi , Yamazaki Akihiko , Karim Md. Rezaul , Kawata Motoshige , Hirose Sakiko , Kawagishi-Kobayashi Makiko , Taniguchi Yojiro , Suzuki Satoru , Sekino Keisuke , Ohshima Masahiro , Kato Hiroshi , Yoshida Hitoshi , Tozawa Yuzuru
Published: July 2019

A double-edged rice paddy herbicide

A useful herbicide kills weeds but spares the crop of interest. For many rice paddies, the herbicide benzobicyclon (BBC) serves this purpose. But some rice strains are susceptible to BBC, which diminishes its value in weed control. Maeda
et al.
uncovered the genetic cause controlling the response to the herbicide: resistant rice cultivars have an oxidase that detoxifies BBC herbicides. Susceptible rice varieties carried genetic mutations that disabled the oxidase. The gene
HPPD INHIBITOR SENSITIVE 1
, which encodes the oxidase, may be useful for developing BBC-resistant crops.

Science
, this issue p.
393
Loss of RNA Chaperone Hfq Unveils a Toxic Pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hill Ian T. , Tallo Thomas , Dorman Matthew J. , Dove Simon L.
Published: July 2019

Here we show that the conserved RNA chaperone Hfq is important for the growth of the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. We found that the growth defect of
hfq
mutant cells is dependent upon the expression of genes that are under the control of the transcription regulator MexT. These include a gene that we refer to as
hilR
, which we show is negatively regulated by Hfq and encodes a small protein that can be toxic when ectopically produced in wild-type cells. Thus, Hfq can influence the growth of
P. aeruginosa
by limiting the toxic effects of MexT-regulated genes, including one encoding a previously unrecognized small protein. We also show that MexT activity depends on an enzyme that synthesizes glutathione.
‘I’m here to save my life’: a qualitative study of experiences navigating a cryotherapy referral system for human papillomavirus-positive women in western Kenya
Authors: Huchko Megan , Adewumi Konyin , Oketch Sandra , Saduma Ibrahim , Bukusi Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Background

We sought to understand the beliefs, social norms and logistical factors that affect human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women’s uptake of cryotherapy treatment as part of a two-part cervical cancer screening strategy in rural Kenya.

Methods

In-depth interviews within a parent cluster-randomised trial.

Setting

Government-run county hospital in western Kenya.

Participants

273 of 372 (73.4%) HPV-positive women who underwent cryotherapy

Results

Many women feared that an HPV infection meant they would develop cancer. Almost all women reported initial fear of the treatment procedure, followed by a more positive experience than anticipated. Lacking funds for transportation to the treatment site was the most common barrier. Women felt that decentralised treatment would be the most important facilitator of greater access. Spousal encouragement and financial support were key facilitators of treatment access, however many women felt that other husbands in the community would not be supportive. Women described successfully acquiring treatment as empowering, and almost all would recommend seeking cryotherapy to other women who test HPV-positive. Most felt eager to share their own experiences with others to encourage treatment.

Conclusions

The main facilitators of treatment access were understanding of the health risks and sense of empowerment. A decentralised treatment model or transportation support may facilitate access, along with improved health messaging about HPV infection, cancer and the treatment process. Focusing on women’s personal feelings of empowerment may further improve uptake and satisfaction. These data will be used to design a strategy to improve linkage to treatment.

Trial Registration

NCT02124252.
Curricula and learning objectives in nurse practitioner programmes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ljungbeck Birgitta , Forss Katarina Sjogren , Finnbogadóttir Hafrún , Carlson Elisabeth
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Globally, nurse practitioner (NP) has become an important nursing role in the pursuit of a more efficient healthcare, possessing the necessary expert skills to work as autonomous practitioners. Nevertheless, there are barriers in the implementation of this role. One barrier concerns the different levels of education required for NPs. Previous studies demonstrate the importance of acting for a uniform international education. The aim of the scoping review was to compile research about education to become an NP, focusing on the content of curricula and learning objectives.

Methods and analysis

The six-stage methodological framework by Arksey and O’Malley will guide the scoping review through the following stages: identifying the research questions; identifying relevant studies; study selection; charting the data; collating, summarising and reporting the results; and consultation. The research questions are as follows: What is the content of curricula in NP programmes? What are the learning objectives in NP programmes? The literature searches will be conducted between March and June 2019 in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL and ERIC, followed by hand searching reference lists of key studies. Grey literature will be searched in Google Scholar, Libsearch, existing networks and relevant organisations. Two researchers will screen titles and abstracts. Included full-text articles will be screened by three researchers and assessed for their methodological quality by the use of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. The PreferredReporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram will be used to demonstrate included and excluded articles. The findings will be presented through a numerical summary of the included articles, followed by a thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required for a scoping review. The scoping review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, the findings will be disseminated to stakeholders representing political, educational, professional and union organisations through a Delphi study as part of the consultation stage of the Arksey and O’Malleys framework.
Patterns of opioid use (codeine, morphine or meperidine) in the Canadian population over time: analysis of the Longitudinal National Population Health Survey 1994–2011
Authors: Canizares Mayilee , Power J Denise , Rampersaud Y Raja , Badley Elizabeth M
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate cohort effects in selected opioids use and determine whether cohort differences were associated with changes in risk factors for use over time.

Design

This study presents secondary analyses of a longitudinal survey panel of the general population that collected data biannually.

Setting

Data from the Canadian Longitudinal National Population Health Survey 1994–2011.

Population

This study included 12 542 participants from the following birth cohorts: post-World War I (born 1915–1924), pre-World War II (born 1925–1934), World War II (born 1935–1944), Older Baby Boom (born 1945–1954), Younger Baby Boom (born 1955–1964), Older Generation X (born 1965–1974) and Younger Generation X (born 1975–1984).

Main outcome

Responses to a single question asking about the use of codeine, morphine or meperidine in the past month (yes/no) were examined.

Results

Over and above age and period effects, there were significant cohort differences in selected opioids use: each succeeding recent cohort had greater use than their predecessors (eg, Gen Xers had greater use than younger baby boomers). Selected opioids use increased significantly from 1994 to 2002, plateauing between 2002 and 2006 and then declining until 2011. After accounting for cohort and period effects, there was a decline in use of these opioids with increasing age. Although pain was significantly associated with greater selected opioids use (OR=3.63, 95% CI 3.39 to 3.94), pain did not explain cohort differences. Cohort and period effects were no longer significant after adjusting for the number of chronic conditions. Cohort differences in selected opioids use mirrored cohort differences in multimorbidity. Use of these opioids was significantly associated with taking antidepressants or tranquillisers (OR=2.52, 95% CI 2.27 to 2.81 and OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.46 to 1.75, respectively).

Conclusions

The findings underscore the need to consider multimorbidity including possible psychological disorders and associated medications when prescribing opioids (codeine, morphine, meperidine), particularly for recent birth cohorts. Continued efforts to monitor prescription patterns and develop specific opioid use guidelines for multimorbidity appear warranted.
You shall bury him: burial, suicide and the development of Catholic law and theology
Authors: Dine Ranana Leigh
Published: July 2019

Whether physician-assisted dying should be legalised is a major debate in medical ethics and much has been written on it from both secular and religious perspectives. Less, however, has been written on one of the potential consequences of legalised physician-assisted death: whether those who undergo this procedure will be given funerals by religious groups who oppose the practice. This article investigates the Catholic Church’s attitude to the burial of suicides, and how Catholic canon law has approached the question of ecclesiastic funerals for suicides throughout its history. From the sixth through the late 20th century, the Church technically did not bury anyone who willfully committed suicide. Broad shifts in the cultural attitude towards suicide, due in large part to new understandings of mental illness as disease, had a powerful effect on Catholic thought and practice in modernity, and the Church eventually dropped the ban on funerals for suicides from its law code altogether in the 1980s. The legalisation of physician-assisted death, however, raises again the possibility of a prohibition on funerals. The Church was able to drop its restrictions on funerals since suicide was seen as an act beyond the control of the deceased and thus worthy of mercy and compassion. In cases of physician-assisted dying, the patient must have consciously and willingly agreed to the procedure, undermining this understanding of suicide. The history of canon law on suicide funerals reveals the complexity of the Catholic attitude towards suicide and provides an important context to the current debate around physician-assisted death, and conflicts between medicine and religion more broadly.
Influencing factors of various combinations of abrasion, cavitation, and corrosion caused by multiphase flow impact
Authors: Liang Liang , Pang Youxia , Zhu Zongming , Tang Yong , Xiang Yanghui
Published: July 2019

The surface of ships and other marine transportation equipment is abraded by sandy seawater when under operation. And with a change in speed, cavitation erosion will occur. Seawater has a corrosive effect on metal materials, and the form of damage to the surface materials of ships is the combined erosion of abrasion, cavitation, and corrosion. To study the influencing factors of various forms of erosion, an experimental device for combined erosion was developed. The effects of sand concentration, sand size, salt concentration, and impact speed on the various combinations of abrasion, cavitation, and corrosion of 0.45% C steel specimens are studied experimentally. The results showed that the degree of wear of the combined erosion of abrasion, cavitation, and corrosion was stronger than the combined erosion of abrasion and cavitation or single corrosion erosion. Abrasion, cavitation, and corrosion promote each other, which aggravates the wear of materials and accelerates the loss of material. Under the conditions of low sand concentration and low salt concentration, the mass loss of metal materials for various combinations of abrasion, cavitation, and corrosion was proportional to the sand concentration, sand size, salt concentration, and impact speed. The greatest factor of metal degradation was impact speed.
Entry and Stay in the Informal Economy: Qualitative Findings from a Least Developed Country
Authors: Abdallah Gorah K. , Eijdenberg Emiel L.
Published: July 2019

This study explores the factors determining the entry and stay of entrepreneurs in the informal economy in a Least Developed Country (LDC): Tanzania. Qualitative data from a focus group with six experts, and individual interviews with two experts and 15 entrepreneurs from the informal economy, were analysed. The results show that (1) necessity motivations are important for the entry and stay of entrepreneurs, as well as (2) the unattractive factors of the formal economy (e.g. degree of excessive regulations regarding high taxes)/attractive factors of the informal economy (e.g. little procedures, low capital requirements) and (3) low levels of education possessed by entrepreneurs, emerged as essential. This study enriches the literature with personal narratives of entrepreneurial activities from the micro level. Therefore, many detailed factors are revealed of the lives of entrepreneurs and experts, dealing in one way or the other with the informal economy.
Implementation and application of FRET–FLIM technology
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Shen Binglin , Ren Sheng , Zhao Yihua , Zhang Silu , Qu Junle , Liu Liwei
Published: July 2019

With the development of the new detection methods and the function of fluorescent molecule, researchers hope to further explore the internal mechanisms of organisms, monitor changes in the intracellular microenvironment, and dynamic processes of molecular interactions in cells. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) describes the energy transfer process between donor fluorescent molecules and acceptor fluorescent molecules. It is an important means to detect protein–protein interactions and protein conformation changes in cells. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) enables noninvasive measurement of the fluorescence lifetime of fluorescent particles in vivo. The FRET–FLIM technology, which is use FLIM to quantify and analyze FRET, enables real-time monitoring of dynamic changes of proteins in biological cells and analysis of protein interaction mechanisms. The distance between donor and acceptor and their respective fluorescent lifetime, which are of great importance for studying the mechanism of intracellular activity can be obtained by data analysis and algorithm fitting.
Modeling the impact of banking sector credit on growth performance: An empirical evidence of credit to household and enterprise in Pakistan
Authors: Majeed Sadaf , Iftikhar Syed Faizan , Atiq Zeeshan
Published: July 2019

This paper attempts to distinguish the role of banking sector credit to enterprise and household in economic growth of Pakistan for the period from 1982 to 2017. Using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound technique to cointegration, our results confirm that enterprise credit has a positive and significant impact on the economic growth of Pakistan for the sample period. In contrast, the other component of private credit, i.e., household credit is not a positive driver of economic growth. CUSUM test finds that the parameters of the model with enterprise and household credit are stable. It is recommended therefore that the central bank should modify the credit policy for household sector and support enterprise credit in the context to achieve sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.
An Algorithm for Road Closure Detection from Vehicle Probe Data
Authors: Pietrobon Davide , Lewis Andrew P. , Heverly-Coulson Gavin S.
Published: July 2019

We developed an algorithm for automatically detecting road closures by monitoring vehicle probe data. The algorithm applies to a large class of roads and in the implementation presented was optimized for lower-volume roads. It is suitable for batch as well as real-time applications, the latter class being the most valuable to guarantee a continuously up-to-date traffic product. The algorithm compares the likelihood that every road segment meeting certain requirements is closed or open, and it triggers an alert whenever the likelihood of the observed probe activity is too small given a historical model. We implemented the algorithm and tested it on 12 metro areas in Western Europe. After optimizing parameters for performance on lower-volume roads, we obtained a precision of 92% on those roads and of 80% overall.
A response to fake news as a response to
Citizens United
Authors: Van Alstyne Marshall W.
Published: July 2019

How boundaries on speech could free the market for speech.
MUST and MUST NOT
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: July 2019

On writing documentation.
Artificial Intelligence in Resource-Constrained and Shared Environments
Authors: Krishnan Sanjay , Elmore Aaron J. , Franklin Michael , Paparrizos John , Shang Zechao , Dziedzic Adam , Liu Rui
Published: July 2019

The computational demands of modern AI techniques are immense, and as the number of practical applications grows, there will be an increasing burden on shared computing infrastructure. We envision a forthcoming era of "AI Systems" research where reducing resource consumption, reasoning about transient resource availability, trading off resource consumption for accuracy, and managing contention on specialized hardware will become the community's main research focus. This paper overviews the history of AI systems research, a vision for the future, and the open challenges ahead.
Privacy Accounting and Quality Control in the Sage Differentially Private ML Platform
Authors: Lècuyer Mathias , Spahn Riley , Vodrahalli Kiran , Geambasu Roxana , Hsu Daniel
Published: July 2019

We present Sage, the first ML platform that enforces a global differential privacy (DP) guarantee across all models produced from a sensitive data stream. Sage extends the Tensorflow-Extended ML platform with novel mechanisms and DP theory to address operational challenges that arise from incorporating DP into ML training processes. First, to avoid the typical problem with DP systems of "running out of privacy budget" after a pre-established number of training processes, we develop block composition. It is a new DP composition theory that leverages the time-bounded structure of training processes to keep training models endlessly on a sensitive data stream while enforcing event-level DP on the stream. Second, to control the quality of ML models produced by Sage, we develop a novel iterative training process that trains a model on increasing amounts of data from a stream until, with high probability, the model meets developer-configured quality criteria.
Monophasic action potential amplitude for substrate mapping
Authors: Chinyere Ikeotunye Royal , Hutchinson Mathew , Moukabary Talal , Lancaster Jordan , Goldman Steven , Juneman Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Although radiofrequency ablation has revolutionized the management of tachyarrhythmias, the rate of arrhythmia recurrence is a large drawback. Successful substrate identification is paramount to abolishing arrhythmia, and bipolar voltage electrogram’s narrow field of view can be further reduced for increased sensitivity. In this report, we perform cardiac mapping with monophasic action potential (MAP) amplitude. We hypothesize that MAP amplitude (MAPA) will provide more accurate infarct sizes than other mapping modalities via increased sensitivity to distinguish healthy myocardium from scar tissue. Using the left coronary artery ligation Sprague-Dawley rat model of ischemic heart failure, we investigate the accuracy of in vivo ventricular epicardial maps derived from MAPA, MAP duration to 90% repolarization (MAPD90), unipolar voltage amplitude (UVA), and bipolar voltage amplitude (BVA) compared with gold standard histopathological measurement of infarct size. Numerical analysis reveals discrimination of healthy myocardium versus scar tissue using MAPD90 ( P = 0.0158) and UVA ( P < 0.001, n = 21). MAPA and BVA decreased between healthy and border tissue ( P = 0.0218 and 0.0015, respectively) and border and scar tissue ( P = 0.0037 and 0.0094, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, BVA mapping performed most accurately regarding quantifying infarct size. MAPA mapping may have high spatial resolution for myocardial tissue characterization but was quantitatively less accurate than other mapping methods at determining infarct size. BVA mapping’s superior utility has been reinforced, supporting its use in translational research and clinical electrophysiology laboratories. MAPA may hold potential value for precisely distinguishing healthy myocardium, border zone, and scar tissue in diseases of disseminated fibrosis such as atrial fibrillation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Monophasic action potential mapping in a clinically relevant model of heart failure with potential implications for atrial fibrillation management.
Chemical Forms of Important Fission Products in Primary Circuit of HTR-PM under Conditions of Normal Operation and Overpressure and Water Ingress Accidents: A Study with a Chemical Thermodynamics Approach
Authors: Li Chuan , Li Wenqian , Sun Lifeng , Xing Haoyu , Fang Chao
Published: July 2019

The chemical forms of important fission products (FPs) in the primary circuit are essential to the source term analysis of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors because the volatility, transfer, and diffusion of these radionuclides are significantly influenced by their chemical forms. Through chemical reactions with gaseous impurities in the primary circuit, these FPs exist in diverse chemical forms, which vary under different operational conditions. In this paper, the chemical forms of cesium (Cs), strontium (Sr), silver (Ag), iodine (I), and tritium in the primary circuit of the Chinese pebble-bed modular high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTR-PM) under normal conditions and accident conditions (overpressure and water ingress accident) are studied with chemical thermodynamics. The results under normal conditions show that Cs exists mainly in the form of Cs2CO3 at 250°C and gaseous form at 750°C, and for I and Ag, Ag3I3 and Ag convert to gaseous CsI and AgO, respectively, with increasing temperature, while SrCO3 is the only main kind of compound for Sr. It is also observed that new compounds are generated under accidents: I exists in HI form when a water ingress accident occurs. Regarding tritium, the chemical forms of FPs change little, but compounds need higher temperature to convert. Furthermore, hazard of some FPs in different chemical forms is also discussed comprehensively in this paper. This study is significant for understanding the chemical reaction mechanisms of FPs in an HTR-PM, and furthermore it may provide a new point of view to analyze the interaction between FPs and structural materials in reactor as well as their hazards.
Axial‐Swept Influence on Inner Flow Performance of HP Steam Turbine Based on CFD
Authors: Feng Zi-Ming , Guo Chenhao , Wei Bingkun , Cui Wei , Gu Huibin , Zhang Jindong
Published: July 2019

Swept blade technology was used to redesign the supercritical steam turbine sets that could improve the inner‐efficiency of turbine sets and decrease the consumption of coal the noxious gas such as NOx. The eighth high‐pressure stages, including static and rotor cascades, were selected as tested prototypes that were blew in the low‐velocity wind tunnel. We used the five‐hole ball head needle to measure the aerodynamic parameters distribution along the width and span direction of the high‐pressure stage cascades. With the inkblot display technology, the limit flow spectrums were displaced in the blade surface and the endwalls. These tested data could be used to check the simulation results of CFD software. To improve the efficiency of the steam turbine high‐pressure (HP) stage, we selected the supercritical steam turbine HP stage cascade blade as the prototype to research into its inner flow performance of the axial‐swept blade by the CFD software. Two different redesigned blades, with ±20°, swept angle, and 30% swept height, named axial fore‐swept and axial aft‐swept, were built up. The stage passages flow field of the prototype blade, and the two redesigned swept blades were simulated using CFD software with stage interface planes between the stages. The CFD simulation results indicated that the leading edge of swept blades influenced the inlet flow field; the pressure in aft‐swept blade stage in both endwalls was higher than in the middle and was beneficial to improve the passage flow properties of HP stage. But for the fore‐swept HP stage, its pressure distribution was lower in both endwalls than in the middle and not beneficial to passage flow.
Modeling and Simulation of a Moving Yarn Segment: Based on the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation
Authors: Li Shujia , Wang Yongxing , Ma Xunxun , Wang Shengze
Published: July 2019

A new finite element dynamic model of a moving yarn segment has been proposed in this paper based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). Apart from taking into account the elastic properties of the yarn in three dimensions, the model also considers the viscosity in the longitudinal direction and takes into account the effect of gravity and air resistance. In this paper, the simulation described the movement of the yarn segment that is pulled by the fixer on the guideway. Then, a corresponding experiment was proposed to evaluate the theoretical model. The theoretical and experimental comparisons of the motion tracing exhibited good agreement, demonstrating that the new model could predict the actual moving trace of the yarn segment. Moreover, another simulation of the spatial motion of the yarn segment was presented, to elucidate the role of the model in predicting the movement of the yarn segment. After considering the parameters of the actual process and its constraints, the authors established that the proposed model could be used to predict the trajectory of a yarn segment in the actual production process, which is vital when fabricating textile products.
Peutz-Jeghers Type Polyp of the Appendix with Review of Literature
Authors: Jedrzkiewicz Jolanta , Quencer Keith , Matynia Anna P. , Morrow Ellen , Pletneva Maria , Barraza Gonzalo
Published: July 2019

Hamartomatous polyps of Peutz-Jeghers type are strongly associated with Peutz-Jeghers polyposis syndrome and are predominantly encountered in the small intestine. Sporadic cases are uncommonly reported. We report a case of a polyp identified incidentally in the appendix of a patient undergoing diagnostic imaging due to a history of hepatitis C infection. Histopathologic evaluation after appendectomy showed a polyp with bands of muscularis mucosae bundles with arborizing architecture and variable amounts of inspissated mucin, morphologically indistinguishable from Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp. A family or personal history of abdominal cancers was not reported by the patient, suggesting a sporadic occurrence. Next generation sequencing revealed only two pathogenic low-level STK11 mutations, presumed to be somatic. In conclusion, this is an unusual case of a sporadic Peutz-Jeghers type polyp occurring in the appendix.
Bearing Behavior of the Fly Ash Deposits on Expressway
Authors: Cui Chun-yu , Wang Shu-jian , Cui Wei , Zheng Xiao
Published: July 2019

The reinforcement treatment for embankment using the fly ash deposits as the filling material for roadbed was clarified in this paper. Studies have shown that fly ash can be used as the filling material for embankment, but the subgrade bearing capacity from the original fly ash deposits cannot meet the requirements for operating. Fly ash has a good condition to run the dynamic consolidation for meeting the requirements of embankment compaction. The modulus of resilience and the California bearing ratio (CBR) of fly ash is close to that of general filling material for embankment. Fly ash also has the engineering properties of high void ratio and low cohesion. The maximum level of compaction of the fly ash deposits can be 93% and the bear capacity can be about twice over before after the treatment.
A Nomogram Predicting Microvascular Invasion Risk in BCLC 0/A Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Resection
Authors: Gao Shuai-Xiang , Liao Rui , Wang Hua-Qiang , Liu Dan , Luo Fang
Published: July 2019

Background. Numerous studies have shown that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without microvascular invasion (MVI) may have better outcomes. This study established a preoperative MVI risk nomogram mainly incorporating three related risk factors of MVI in BCLC 0/A HCC after surgery. Methods. Independent predictors for the risk of MVI were investigated, and an MVI risk nomogram was established based on 60 patients in the training group who underwent curative hepatectomy for BCLC 0/A HCC and validated using a dataset in the validation group. Results. Univariate analysis in the training group showed that hepatitis viral B (HBV) DNA (P=0.034), tumor size (P<0.001), CT value in the venous phase (P=0.039), CT value in the delayed phase (P=0.017), peritumoral enhancement (P=0.013), visible small blood vessels in the arterial phase (P=0.002), and distance from the tumor to the inferior vena cava (IVC) (DTI, P=0.004) were risk factors significantly associated with the presence of MVI. According to multivariate analysis, the independent predictive factors of MVI, including tumor size (P=0.002), CT value in the delayed phase (P=0.018), and peritumoral enhancement (P=0.057), were incorporated in the corresponding nomogram. The nomogram displayed an unadjusted C-index of 0.851 and a bootstrap-corrected C-index of 0.832. Calibration curves also showed good agreement on the presence of MVI. ROC curve analyses showed that the nomogram had a large AUC (0.851). Conclusions. The proposed nomogram consisting of tumor size, CT value in the delayed phase, and peritumoral enhancement was associated with MVI risk in BCLC 0/A HCC following curative hepatectomy.
Pik3ip1 Is a Negative Immune Regulator that Inhibits Antitumor T-Cell Immunity
Authors: Chen Yichen , Wang Jun , Wang Xi , Li Xinye , Song Jingjing , Fang Juan , Liu Xiangqi , Liu Tao , Wang Dikan , Li Qunxing , Wen Shuqiong , Ma Da , Xia Juan , Luo Liqun , Zheng Song Guo , Cui Jun , Zeng Gucheng , Chen Lieping , Cheng Bin , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Multiple negative regulators restrict the ability of T cells to attack tumors. This work demonstrates the role of PI3K-interacting protein 1 (Pik3ip1) in restraining T-cell responses and antitumor immunity.

Experimental Design:

An anti-Pik3ip1 mAb was generated to identify the Pik3ip1 expression pattern of hematopoietic cells. Pik3ip1−/− mice and a Pik3ip1 fusion protein were generated to investigate the effect of Pik3ip1 on T-cell–mediated antitumor immunity in MC38 and B16-F10 tumor models. Immunoblotting and confocal microscopy were used to identify inhibitory effects of Pik3ip1 on T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Pik3ip1 expression was quantified, and its impact on T-cell function in human tumors was measured.

Results:

We demonstrated that Pik3ip1 was predominantly expressed on T cells and served as an essential rheostat for T-cell–mediated immunity. A Pik3ip1 genetic deficiency led to enhanced T-cell responsiveness upon immunization with a neoantigen. Pik3ip1−/− mice exhibited a marked increase in antitumor immunity and were resistant to tumor growth. Furthermore, Pik3ip1 extracellular domain fusion protein enhanced MC38 tumor growth was observed. Mechanistically, we found that Pik3ip1 inhibited TCR signaling by mediating the degradation of SLP76 through Pik3ip1 oligomerization via its extracellular region. Consistent with the results from the mouse models, PIK3IP1 expression correlated with T-cell dysfunction in human tumors.

Conclusions:

Our data reveal a critical role for Pik3ip1 as a novel inhibitory immune regulator of T-cell responses and provide a potential molecular target for cancer immunotherapy.
Preclinical Development of U3-1784, a Novel FGFR4 Antibody Against Cancer, and Avoidance of Its On-target Toxicity
Authors: Bartz René , Fukuchi Keisuke , Ohtsuka Toshiaki , Lange Tanja , Gruner Katrin , Watanabe Ichiro , Hayashi Shinko , Oda Yoko , Kawaida Reimi , Komori Hironobu , Kashimoto Yoshinori , Wirtz Peter , Mayer Jan-Peter A. , Redondo-Müller Mauricio , Saito Shuntaro , Takahashi Mizuki , Hanzawa Hiroyuki , Imai Emi , Martinez Alberto , Hanai Masaharu , Häussinger Dieter , Chapman Roger W. , Agatsuma Toshinori , Bange Johannes , Abraham Reimar
Published: July 2019

The FGFR4/FGF19 signaling axis is overactivated in 20% of liver tumors and currently represents a promising targetable signaling mechanism in this cancer type. However, blocking FGFR4 or FGF19 has proven challenging due to its physiological role in suppressing bile acid synthesis which leads to increased toxic bile acid plasma levels upon FGFR4 inhibition. An FGFR4-targeting antibody, U3-1784, was generated in order to investigate its suitability as a cancer treatment without major side effects.

U3-1784 is a high-affinity fully human antibody that was obtained by phage display technology and specifically binds to FGFR4. The antibody inhibits cell signaling by competing with various FGFs for their FGFR4 binding site thereby inhibiting receptor activation and downstream signaling via FRS2 and Erk. The inhibitory effect on tumor growth was investigated in 10 different liver cancer models in vivo. The antibody specifically slowed tumor growth of models overexpressing FGF19 by up to 90% whereas tumor growth of models not expressing FGF19 was unaffected. In cynomolgus monkeys, intravenous injection of U3-1784 caused elevated serum bile acid and liver enzyme levels indicating potential liver damage. These effects could be completely prevented by the concomitant oral treatment with the bile acid sequestrant colestyramine, which binds and eliminates bile acids in the gut. These results offer a new biomarker-driven treatment modality in liver cancer without toxicity and they suggest a general strategy for avoiding adverse events with FGFR4 inhibitors.
The Involvement of Neuroinflammation in Dengue Viral Disease: Importance of Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Niranjan Rituraj , Muthukumaravel Subramanian , Jambulingam Purushothaman
Published: July 2019

Neuroinflammation (inflammation in brain) has been known to play an important role in the development of dengue virus disease. Recently, studies from both clinical and experimental models suggest the involvement of neuroinflammation in dengue viral disease. Studies in clinical setup demonstrated that, microglial cells are actively involved in the patients having dengue virus infection, showing involvement of innate immune response in neuroinflammation. It was further proved that, clinical isolates of dengue-2 virus were able to initiate the pathologic response when injected in the mice brain. Natural killer cells were also found to play a crucial role to activate adaptive immune response. Notably, CXCL10/IFN-inducible protein 10 and CXCR3 are involved in dengue virus-mediated pathogenesis and play an important role in the development of dengue virus-mediated paralysis. In a latest report, it was seen that intracranial injection of dengue virus increases the CD8+ T-cell infiltration in brain, showing an important mechanism of neuroinflammation during the dengue virus infection. A similar study has described that, when DENV-3 is injected into the mice, it enhances the infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells as well as neutrophils. Cells immune-reactive against NS3 antigen were found throughout the brain. In conclusion, we focus on the various molecular mechanisms which contribute to the basic understanding about the role of neuroinflammation in dengue fever. These mechanisms will help in better understanding dengue pathophysiology and thus help in the development of possible therapeutics.
Microscope-Assisted ab externo Surgery for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment – New Tech Meets Old Art
Authors: Frisina Rino , Forlini Matteo , Date Purva , Meduri Alessandro , Pinackatt Joseph Sajish , Sborgia Luigi , Besozzi Gianluca , Parolini Barbara
Published: July 2019

Aim: To report the outcomes of ab externo surgery using a surgical microscope, wide-angle viewing system, and chandelier endoilluminator (microscope-assisted ab externo surgery) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: This was a retrospective study. Consecutive charts of patients with RRD who underwent microscope-assisted ab externo surgery were analyzed. The following demographic parameters were analyzed: age (years), gender (male/female), and eye (right/left). Clinical parameters were axial length (AL) measured in millimeters (mm), preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measured in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), intraocular pressure (IOP), and lens status (phakic/pseudophakic). The parameters of RRD were number and type of retinal breaks, location of retinal breaks, extent of retinal detachment (RD) (number of detached quadrants), and macular detachment (MD), as well as retinal breaks not detected preoperatively. Use of cryopexy, circumferential or segmental scleral buckle, drainage of subretinal fluid, injection of air or gas, and duration of surgery were recorded. The postoperative parameters analyzed were BCVA, IOP and recurrence of RD and postoperative complications. Follow-up was established at 3 months. Results: A total of 213 eyes (97 right, 116 left) of 205 patients (114 males, 91 females) affected by primary RRD were included. Fifty-two eyes (24.4%) were affected by high myopia (AL >26.5 mm), and 160 patients (75.1%) were affected by RRD caused by a single retinal break and involving only one quadrant. The superior quadrant was the most frequently involved (49.3%). Forty-two eyes (19.7%) were affected by MD. In 13 eyes (11.3%), retinal breaks were not detected preoperatively. The duration of surgery was 75.5 ± 42 min. No significant BCVA changes were observed in the whole group, whereas a significant improvement of BCVA from the baseline (2.83 ± 0.87 logMAR) to each time point of follow-up was observed in the subgroup of patients affected by MD. Six eyes (2.8%) developed a recurrent RD, secondary to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (3 eyes) and secondary to a new retinal break (3 eyes). Two eyes developed a persistent vitreous hemorrhage, and one eye developed a macular hole after 1 week. PPV was performed for both. Conclusion: Microscope-assisted ab externo surgery is effective and safe, it reduces discomfort, it allows the surgeon to work with both hands free, and provides an adequate visualization of each step being performed.
Diagnostic Value of the EZH2 Immunomarker in Malignant Effusion Cytology
Authors: Ang Piao Piao , Tan Geok Chin , Karim Norain , Wong Yin Ping
Published: July 2019

Background: Differentiating reactive mesothelial cells from metastatic carcinoma in effusion cytology is a challenging task. The application of at least 4 monoclonal antibodies including 2 epithelial markers (Ber-EP4, MOC-31, CEA, or B72.3) and 2 mesothelial markers (calretinin, WT-1, CK5/6, or HBME-1) are often useful in this distinction; however, it is not readily available in many resource-limited developing countries. Aberrant immunoexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a transcriptional repressor involved in cancer progression, is observed widely in various malignancy. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic value of EZH2 as a single reliable immunomarker for malignancy in effusion samples. Methods: A total of 108 pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial effusions/washings diagnosed as unequivocally reactive (n = 41) and metastatic carcinoma (n = 67) by cytomorphology over 18 months were reviewed. Among the metastatic carcinoma cases, 54 were adenocarcinoma and others were squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), carcinosarcoma (n = 1), and carcinoma of undefined histological subtypes (n = 11). Cell block sections were immunostained by EZH2 (Cell Marque, USA). The percentages of EZH2-immunolabeled cells over the total cells of interest were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off score to define EZH2 immunopositivity. Results: A threshold of 8% EZH2-immunolabeled cells allows distinction between malignant and reactive mesothelial cells, with 95.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 93.2% negative predictive value (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.988. Conclusion: EZH2 is a promising diagnostic biomarker for malignancy in effusion cytology which is inexpensive yet trustworthy and could potentially be used routinely in countries under considerable economic constraints.
Tamoxifen Exposure during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Three More Cases
Authors: Buonomo Barbara , Brunello Antonella , Noli Stefania , Miglietta Loredana , Del Mastro Lucia , Lambertini Matteo , Peccatori Fedro Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Tamoxifen is frequently used as adjuvant treatment in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. According to guidelines, the use of nonhormonal barrier contraception is recommended during tamoxifen treatment and up to 3 months after its interruption prior to attempting conception. Nevertheless, when conception occurs inadvertently during tamoxifen treatment, the effects on the fetus and on the course of pregnancy are still not completely known. Here, we report 3 cases of young women who accidentally became pregnant while taking tamoxifen and perform a systematic review of the literature to provide more elements for better and clear multidisciplinary counselling of women facing this challenging situation.