bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training host-pathogen protein–protein interaction predictors
Authors: Basit Abdul Hannan , Abbasi Wajid Arshad , Asif Amina , Gull Sadaf , Minhas Fayyaz Ul Amir Afsar
Published: May 2018

Detection of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) plays a vital role in molecular biology. Particularly, pathogenic infections are caused by interactions of host and pathogen proteins. It is important to identify host–pathogen interactions (HPIs) to discover new drugs to counter infectious diseases. Conventional wet lab PPI detection techniques have limitations in terms of cost and large-scale application. Hence, computational approaches are developed to predict PPIs. This study aims to develop machine learning models to predict inter-species PPIs with a special interest in HPIs. Specifically, we focus on seeking answers to three questions that arise while developing an HPI predictor: (1) How should negative training examples be selected? (2) Does assigning sample weights to individual negative examples based on their similarity to positive examples improve generalization performance? and, (3) What should be the size of negative samples as compared to the positive samples during training and evaluation? We compare two available methods for negative sampling: random versus DeNovo sampling and our experiments show that DeNovo sampling offers better accuracy. However, our experiments also show that generalization performance can be improved further by using a soft DeNovo approach that assigns sample weights to negative examples inversely proportional to their similarity to known positive examples during training. Based on our findings, we have also developed an HPI predictor called HOPITOR (Host-Pathogen Interaction Predictor) that can predict interactions between human and viral proteins. The HOPITOR web server can be accessed at the URL: http://faculty.pieas.edu.pk/fayyaz/software.html#HoPItor .
Development of User Element Routine (UEL) for Cell-Based Smoothed Finite Element Method (CSFEM) in Abaqus
Authors: Kumbhar Pramod Y. , Francis A. , Swaminathan N. , Annabattula R. K. , Natarajan S.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we discuss the implementation of a cell-based smoothed finite element method (CSFEM) within the commercial finite element software Abaqus. The salient feature of the CSFEM is that it does not require an explicit form of the derivative of the shape functions and there is no need for isoparametric mapping. This implementation is accomplished by employing the user element subroutine (UEL) feature in Abaqus. The details on the input data format together with the proposed user element subroutine, which forms the core of the finite element analysis are given. A few benchmark problems from linear elastostatics in both two and three dimensions are solved to validate the proposed implementation. The developed UELs and the associated input files can be downloaded from https://github.com/nsundar/SFEM_in_Abaqus .
Historical study of geosciences and engineering in the oilfields of the Emilia-Romagna region in the socio-economic context of post-Unitarian Italy (1861–1914)
Authors: Gerali Francesco , Macini Paolo , Mesini Ezio
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this paper is to frame selected episodes in the establishment and development of the modern oil and gas industry in the Northern Apennines (Emilia-Romagna region), Italy. The research spans between the political unification of the Italian peninsula into the Kingdom of Italy (1861), and the outbreak of World War I (1914). In the attempt to delve into the socio-economic scenario of those times, we look to contextualize and describe the work of the geologists and engineers who contributed to developing the early scientific knowledge of practical utility on the oil-bearing formations of the Northern Apennines.

The history of the Emilia-Romagna oil industry was influenced and shaped by several episodes, and this paper discusses in particular two events that occurred during 1911. The first is an important and political act: the promulgation from the Italian authorities of the first regulation aimed at fostering the national oil industry, including the generous and criticized subsidies to support oil well drilling. The second is a technical–scientific landmark: the publication by Enrico Camerana and Bartolomeo Galdi (both engineers in the Royal Corps of Mines in Bologna) of the treatise
I giacimenti petroleiferi dell'Emilia
[
The Oilfields of the Emilia Region
], thanks to which Italian oil expertise made an important step forward. This seminal study on the state of the art of geological exploration of the oilfields of northern Italy represents the point of fracture between the empirical knowledge concerning oil and gas exploration and production and the development of the first national original research in the field of geosciences, to be fully developed in the decades to come.
An Improved MOEA/D Based on Reference Distance for Software Project Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Xiao Jing , Li Jing-Jing , Hong Xi-Xi , Huang Min-Mei , Hu Xiao-Min , Tang Yong , Huang Chang-Qin
Published: May 2018

As it is becoming extremely competitive in software industry, large software companies have to select their project portfolio to gain maximum return with limited resources under many constraints. Project portfolio optimization using multiobjective evolutionary algorithms is promising because they can provide solutions on the Pareto‐optimal front that are difficult to be obtained by manual approaches. In this paper, we propose an improved MOEA/D (multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition) based on reference distance (MOEA/D_RD) to solve the software project portfolio optimization problems with optimizing 2, 3, and 4 objectives. MOEA/D_RD replaces solutions based on reference distance during evolution process. Experimental comparison and analysis are performed among MOEA/D_RD and several state‐of‐the‐art multiobjective evolutionary algorithms, that is, MOEA/D, nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA2), and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA3). The results show that MOEA/D_RD and NSGA2 can solve the software project portfolio optimization problem more effectively. For 4‐objective optimization problem, MOEA/D_RD is the most efficient algorithm compared with MOEA/D, NSGA2, and NSGA3 in terms of coverage, distribution, and stability of solutions.
Novel Diagonal Reloading Based Direction of Arrival Estimation in Unknown Non-Uniform Noise
Authors: Zhou Hao , Hu Guoping , Shi Junpeng , Feng Ziang
Published: May 2018

Nested array can expand the degrees of freedom (DOF) from difference coarray perspective, but suffering from the performance degradation of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in unknown non-uniform noise. In this paper, a novel diagonal reloading (DR) based DOA estimation algorithm is proposed using a recently developed nested MIMO array. The elements in the main diagonal of the sample covariance matrix are eliminated; next the smallest MN-K eigenvalues of the revised matrix are obtained and averaged to estimate the sum value of the signal power. Further the estimated sum value is filled into the main diagonal of the revised matrix for estimating the signal covariance matrix. In this case, the negative effect of noise is eliminated without losing the useful information of the signal matrix. Besides, the degrees of freedom are expanded obviously, resulting in the performance improvement. Several simulations are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Theoretical Study on the Photoelectric Properties of a Class of Copolymers Based on Benzodithiophene for Solar Cells
Authors: Xie Xiao-Hua , Zhao Xin-Wei , Li Ming
Published: May 2018

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of PBDTTBT are comprehensively studied by density functional theory to rationalize the experimentally observed properties. Periodic boundary conditions method is employed to simulate the polymer block and calculate effective charge mass from the band structure calculation to describe charge transport properties. Moreover, both time-dependent density functional theory and a set of multidimensional visualization techniques are used to characterize the exciton dissociation ability in the PCBM: PBDTTBT interface. These theoretical methods and calculation techniques not only promote deep understanding of the connection between chemical structures and optical and electronic properties of the donor-acceptor system but also can be used to rationally design a novel donor-acceptor system. Based on the same calculated methods as PBDTTBT, four copolymers PBDTTTP, PBDTTTO, PBDTTTPD, and PBDTTFPD are designed to study their potentials as donors in polymer BHJ. The results indicate that PBDTTBT’s well conjugation benefits its good stability, and its wide and strong absorption spectra in the range of visible light, appropriate FMO levels, well charge transport, and favorable exciton dissociation lead to its photovoltaic performance. Furthermore, through comparing the four designed polymers with PBDTTBT, we conclude that the four designed polymers have stronger exciton dissociation ability and larger open-circuit voltage and external quantum efficiencies. Consequently, the four designed copolymers are promising candidates for polymer BHJ solar cells.
Processing Optimization of Typed Resources with Synchronized Storage and Computation Adaptation in Fog Computing
Authors: Song Zhengyang , Duan Yucong , Wan Shixiang , Sun Xiaobing , Zou Quan , Gao Honghao , Zhu Donghai
Published: May 2018

Wide application of the Internet of Things (IoT) system has been increasingly demanding more hardware facilities for processing various resources including data, information, and knowledge. With the rapid growth of generated resource quantity, it is difficult to adapt to this situation by using traditional cloud computing models. Fog computing enables storage and computing services to perform at the edge of the network to extend cloud computing. However, there are some problems such as restricted computation, limited storage, and expensive network bandwidth in Fog computing applications. It is a challenge to balance the distribution of network resources. We propose a processing optimization mechanism of typed resources with synchronized storage and computation adaptation in Fog computing. In this mechanism, we process typed resources in a wireless‐network‐based three‐tier architecture consisting of Data Graph, Information Graph, and Knowledge Graph. The proposed mechanism aims to minimize processing cost over network, computation, and storage while maximizing the performance of processing in a business value driven manner. Simulation results show that the proposed approach improves the ratio of performance over user investment. Meanwhile, conversions between resource types deliver support for dynamically allocating network resources.
Renal Tubular Complement 3 Deposition in Children with Primary Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Wang Fengying , Li Xiaozhong , Zhu Xueming , Chen Qing , Jiang Lu , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: May 2018

Background. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of complement 3 (C3) deposition in renal tubules of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS).Methods. The clinical and pathological characteristics of PNS were retrospectively reviewed in 99 PNS pediatric patients, who were divided into the C3 deposition and the non-C3 deposition groups.Results. A total of 39 patients (39.39%) had renal tubule C3 deposition. In the C3 deposition group, the ratios of urine N-acetylglucosaminidase/creatinine (UNAG/Cr), urineβ2 microglobulin/creatinine (Uβ2MG/Cr), and urine transferrin/creatinine (UTRF/Cr) were significantly higher than those of the non-C3 deposition group. The patients of the C3 deposition group had lower serum total protein and albumin, higher cholesterol and D-dimer (DD), lower proportion of CD3+CD8+ cells, and higher proportion of CD19+CD23+ cells. The number of the patients with interstitial fibrosis, renal cell vacuolar degeneration, renal tubular immunoglobulin deposition, and severe tubulointerstitial injury in the C3 deposition group was higher than that of the non-C3 deposition group. The C3 deposition intensity was positively correlated with the number of recurrences.Conclusion. PNS pediatric patients with C3 deposition in renal tubules have more severe disease condition, tubulointerstitial injury, and recurrence suggesting a worse long-term prognosis.
Method for Calculating the Bending Angle of Puncture Needle in Preoperative Planning for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portal Systemic Shunt (TIPS)
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Ran Zhao , Li Wanci , Wang Wansheng , Zhu Kangshun , Huang Wensou , Gao Xin
Published: May 2018

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portal Systemic Shunt is a comprehensive interventional therapy for portal hypertension. During this intervention, puncturing from hepatic vein into portal vein is a difficult step. Selecting puncture needle with a proper bending angle is vital to accurate puncture. Thus, this prospective study provides a method to calculate the angle of the puncture needle using preinterventional contrast-enhanced CT imaging. According to the geometrical characteristics of puncture needle, Bezier curve equation was adopted to describe its bending part. By testing whether each point in a specific region satisfied the equation set of Bezier curves, the possible position of needle tip was obtained. Then, the bending angle of puncture needle was obtained by calculating curvature. The method was evaluated in 13 patients from 2 centers showing now a success rate of 100% and a duration of the procedure of 141 and 161 minutes. The method based on Bezier curve equation for calculating a proper bending angle of puncture needle was proven to be effective. And the clinical study is preliminary and additional work for clinical evaluation is necessary.
A New Way to Calculate Flow Pressure for Low Permeability Oil Well with Partially Penetrating Fracture
Authors: Ping Xiong , Hailong Liu , Haixia Hu , Guan Wang
Published: May 2018

In order to improve the validity of the previous models on calculating flow pressure for oil well with partially perforating fracture, a new physical model that obeys the actual heterogeneous reservoir characteristics was built. Different conditions, including reservoir with impermeable top and bottom borders or the reservoir top which has constant pressure, were considered. Through dimensionless transformation, Laplace transformation, Fourier cosine transformation, separation of variables, and other mathematical methods, the analytical solution of Laplace domain was obtained. By using Stephenson numerical methods, the numerical solution pressure in a real domain was obtained. The results of this method agree with the numerical simulations, suggesting that this new method is reliable. The following sensitivity analysis showed that the pressure dynamic linear flow curve can be divided into four flow streams of early linear flow, midradial flow, advanced spherical flow, and border controlling flow. Fracture length controls the early linear flow. Permeability anisotropy significantly affects the midradial flow. The degree of penetration and fracture orientation dominantly affect the late spherical flow. The boundary conditions and reservoir boundary width mainly affect the border controlling flow. The method can be used to determine the optimal degree of opening shot, vertical permeability, and other useful parameters, providing theoretical guidance for reservoir engineering analysis.
Analysis of Heat and Smoke Flow according to Platform Screen Door and Fan Conditions on Fire in Underground Platform
Authors: Jung Ju-Yeong , Kang Seung-Gu , Yoon Hyuk-Jin , Shin Kwang-Bok , Lee Jong-Kwang
Published: May 2018

In this study, a three‐dimensional flow analysis of underground subway station was conducted by applying ventilation mode in operation and platform screen door (PSD) opening and closing conditions on fire in underground platform. In order to analyze optimal smoke control and heat removal conditions, the whole underground subway station was set as a model, and a total of eight cases were analyzed by changing the operating conditions of fans for each area under the opening and closing conditions of the PSDs. The analysis results confirmed that the operation mode of supply fan in platform E and I areas located at the third floor underground is more effective than that of exhaust fan in the event of a fire in underground subway station when the PSD is closed. The amount of CO entering a waiting room increased, and the overall CO distribution in the underground subway station was also increased when the PSD is opened. In addition, the CO distributions due to the opening and closing of the PSD were similar to one another when a fire occurred on the platform, which suggests that the operating conditions of the fan affects the formation of CO distribution in the underground subway station rather than the discharge of CO.
State-Based Switching for Optimal Control of Computer Virus Propagation with External Device Blocking
Authors: Zhu Qingyi , Loke Seng W. , Zhang Ye
Published: May 2018

The rapid propagation of computer virus is one of the greatest threats to current cybersecurity. This work deals with the optimal control problem of virus propagation among computers and external devices. To formulate this problem, two control strategies are introduced: (a) external device blocking, which means prohibiting a fraction of connections between external devices and computers, and (b) computer reconstruction, which includes updating or reinstalling of some infected computers. Then the combination of both the impact of infection and the cost of controls is minimized. In contrast with previous works, this paper takes into account a state-based cost weight index in the objection function instead of a fixed one. By using Pontryagin’s minimum principle and a modified forward-backward difference approximation algorithm, the optimal solution of the system is investigated and numerically solved. Then numerical results show the flexibility of proposed approach compared to the regular optimal control. More numerical results are also given to evaluate the performance of our approach with respect to various weight indexes.
Contactless Modal Phenomena Based Approach to Detecting, Identifying, and Diagnosing of Electrical Connections
Authors: Orlov Pavel , Gazizov Talgat
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a unified description of a new approach for contactless detection, identification, and diagnostics of electrical connections and describes an idea and principles of using modal probing for these tasks. Simulation and experimental results on pulsed signal propagation through flat cables demonstrate the modal decomposition of a pulsed signal, which varies depending on the state of the probed wire. It is shown that the presented tasks can be solved by modal probing. The article also considers the analysis of modal distortions in frequency domain and gives the formula for its practical use. This formula can be useful when the pulse duration time is longer than the minimum of mode delay difference. In conclusion, we present further development ideas of the modal probing.
Inadvertent Traumatic Fracture of Central Venous Catheter during Procurement, Transmitted Through Solid Organ Transplant
Authors: Obaid Thaer , Cricco Corinne , Simka Ani , Fine Richard , Ramamoorthy Saravanan , Zaki Radi
Published: May 2018

Central venous catheters play a pivotal role in the perioperative support of critically ill patients. They are used for administration of fluids, vasopressors, blood products, and various medications; however, their use may be associated with serious complications, such as catheter fracture and embolization. While most data on catheter fracture embolization consist of isolated case reports, only a few studies have examined patients with central venous catheter embolism. We report a traumatic inadvertent transection of central venous catheter that migrated through a donor transplanted liver and was found to be lodged in the recipient’s right ventricle. The catheter was retrieved under fluoroscopy using a trilobed snare device.
Acoustical Enrichment during Early Development Improves Response Reliability in the Adult Auditory Cortex of the Rat
Authors: Bureš Zbyněk , Pysanenko Kateryna , Lindovský Jiří , Syka Josef
Published: May 2018

It is well known that auditory experience during early development shapes response properties of auditory cortex (AC) neurons, influencing, for example, tonotopical arrangement, response thresholds and strength, or frequency selectivity. Here, we show that rearing rat pups in a complex acoustically enriched environment leads to an increased reliability of responses of AC neurons, affecting both the rate and the temporal codes. For a repetitive stimulus, the neurons exhibit a lower spike count variance, indicating a more stable rate coding. At the level of individual spikes, the discharge patterns of individual neurons show a higher degree of similarity across stimulus repetitions. Furthermore, the neurons follow more precisely the temporal course of the stimulus, as manifested by improved phase-locking to temporally modulated sounds. The changes are persistent and present up to adulthood. The results document that besides basic alterations of receptive fields presented in our previous study, the acoustic environment during the critical period of postnatal development also leads to a decreased stochasticity and a higher reproducibility of neuronal spiking patterns.
Immunosuppression with Antitumour Necrosis Factor Therapy Leading to Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome
Authors: Khaliq Muhammad Farhan , Ihle Rayan E. , Perry James
Published: May 2018

Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic parasitic infection that can remain asymptomatic for years, but it can cause death in immunosuppressed individuals. Here, we present a case of Strongyloides hyperinfection in a 75-year-old male secondary to sepsis and chronic immunosuppression due to TNF-α inhibitors. Despite aggressive treatment including broad-spectrum antibiotics and antihelminths, his respiratory failure worsened and he died after palliative extubation. S. stercoralis infection remains a diagnostic challenge. Presentation with Strongyloides is often nonspecific, and eosinophilia is absent in hyperinfection. Diagnosis can be delayed, especially in low-prevalence areas where suspicion is low. Strongyloides should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the presence of risk factors including immunosuppressive therapy, and a travel history should be carefully obtained. Patients with recurrent enterobacterial sepsis or respiratory failure with diffuse infiltrates in the setting of eosinophilia should undergo testing for Strongyloides. A multidisciplinary approach can result in earlier diagnosis and favorable outcomes.
The Epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis in Ghana: A Five-Year Single Urban Site Parallel Population-Based Analysis vis-à-vis the Sentinel Survey
Authors: Osei-Yeboah James , Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Ussher Francis Abeku , Orish Verner Ndudiri , Hamid Abdul-Wahab Mawuko , Dakorah Mavis Puopelle , Ntoni Tibemponi , Nani Emmanuel Agbeko , Ayroe Felix , Adigbli Daniel
Published: May 2018

The study was aimed at comparing the estimation of the burden and trends (2012–2016) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis infections by the national Sentinel Survey vis-à-vis the use of population-based studies at a single urban site (Municipal Hospital) in Ho, the Volta Region of Ghana. Using blood donors as a proxy of the asymptomatic adult population, a retrospective analysis of secondary data on HIV and Syphilis testing was conducted using Ho Municipal Hospital’s archives comprising 4,180 prospective blood donors. Published reports from the National Sentinel Survey for the Ho Sentinel Site comprising 2,452 pregnant women from 2012 to 2016 were used. The cumulative prevalence of HIV and Syphilis infections in the population-based survey was 4.78% and 2.58% while the epidemiology was estimated at 2.75% and 0.24% by the Sentinel Survey for the five-year under review. The new HIV and Syphilis infections were 3.78% and 2.46% in the population-based survey compared to 2.64% and 0.23% in the Sentinel Survey. Gender cumulative prevalence and the yearly trend was found to be higher in the general population compared to the pregnant women. The use of pregnant women to estimate the HIV and Syphilis epidemiology might not be representative of the general population.
Human MLL-AF9 Overexpression Induces Aberrant Hematopoietic Expansion in Zebrafish
Authors: Tan Jiaqi , Zhao Lei , Wang Gaoxiang , Li Tongjuan , Li Dan , Xu Qian , Chen Xing , Shang Zhen , Wang Jue , Zhou Jianfeng
Published: May 2018

The 11q23 of the mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) gene plays a crucial role in early embryonic development and hematopoiesis. The MLL-AF9 fusion gene, resulting from chromosomal translocation, often leads to acute myeloid leukemia with poor prognosis. Here, we generated a zebrafish model expressing the human MLL-AF9 fusion gene. Microinjection of human MLL-AF9 mRNA into zebrafish embryos resulted in enhanced hematopoiesis and the activation of downstream genes such as meis1 and hox cluster genes. Embryonic MLL-AF9 expression upregulated HSPC and myeloid lineage markers. Doxorubicin and MI-2 (a menin inhibitor) treatments significantly restored normal hematopoiesis in MLL-AF9-expressing animals. This study provides insight into the role of MLL-AF9 in zebrafish hematopoiesis and establishes a robust and efficient in vivo model for high-throughput drug screening.
Approach and Treatment of Giant Luminal Unicystic Ameloblastoma
Authors: de Freitas George Borja , de Andrade Evelyne Pedroza , Neves Riedel Frota Sá Nogueira , dos Santos Stefanny Torres , da Costa Araújo Daniella Cristina , Montalli Victor Ângelo
Published: May 2018

Unicystic ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor that affects mainly young patients and usually involves the posterior region of the mandible. In this article, we report on the case a 12-year-old girl presenting with an 8-month history of facial swelling in her lower right quadrant. Radiographic examination revealed a unilocular radiolucent lesion extending from the body of the mandible through to the angle and ascending ramus. An incisional biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of luminal unicystic ameloblastoma was made based on clinicopathological features. The lesion was treated in two stages, namely, an initial conservative approach via decompression and subsequent excision. The patient has been followed up for 6 months without clinical and radiographic evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, conservative timely intervention combined with a conservative surgical approach has proven efficacious in the treatment of ameloblastoma in this young patient.
A Damage Constitutive Model for the Effects of CO2-Brine-Rock Interactions on the Brittleness of a Low-Clay Shale
Authors: Lyu Qiao , Long Xinping , Ranjith P. G. , Tan Jingqiang , Kang Yong , Luo Wenbin
Published: May 2018

CO2 is a very promising fluid for drilling and nonaqueous fracturing, especially for CO2-enhanced shale gas recovery. Brittleness is a very important characteristic to evaluate the drillability and fracability. However, there is not much relevant research works on the influence of CO2 and CO2-based fluids on shale’s brittleness been carried out. Therefore, a series of strength tests were conducted to obtain the stress-strain characteristics of shale soaked in different phases of CO2 including subcritical or supercritical CO2 with formation of water for different time intervals (10 days, 20 days, and 30 days). Two damage constitutive equations based on the power function distribution and Weibull distribution were established to predict the threshold stress for both intact and soaked shale samples. Based on the results, physical and chemical reactions during the imbibition cause reductions of shales’ peak axial strength (20.79%~61.52%) and Young’s modulus (13.14%~62.44%). Weibull distribution-based constitutive model with a damage threshold value of 0.8 has better agreement with the experiments than that of the power function distribution-based constitutive model. The energy balance method together with the Weibull distribution-based constitutive model is applied to calculate the brittleness values of samples with or without soaking. The intact shale sample has the highest BI value of 0.9961, which is in accordance with the high percentage of brittleness minerals of the shale samples. The CO2-NaCl-shale interactions during the imbibition decrease the brittleness values. Among the three soaking durations, the minimum brittleness values occur on samples with 20 days’ imbibition in subcritical and supercritical CO2 + NaCl solutions and the reductions of which are 2.08% and 2.49%, respectively. Subcritical/supercritical CO2 + NaCl imbibition has higher effect on shale’s strength and Young’s modulus than on the brittleness. The low-clay shale still keeps good fracture performance after imbibition.
Effect of Melt Temperature on the Effectiveness of the Grain Refining in Al‐Si Castings
Authors: Samuel A. M. , Mohamed S. S. , Doty H. W. , Valtierra S. , Samuel F. H.
Published: May 2018

The results inferred from the present work show that Al3Ti phase has a strong affinity to react with silicon (Si) in the molten alloy leading to formation of (Al,Si)3Ti phase instead. This reaction is independent of the grain refiner type. The molten liquid temperature would change its morphology from platelets at 750°C into dendritic structure at 950°C. It has also been observed that (Al,Si)3Ti phase platelets precipitate within the α‐aluminum dendrites, whereas TiB2 or AlB2 particles are released into the surrounding interdendritic regions. Introduction of the grain refiner, regardless its type, would cause change in the α‐aluminum dendrite morphology from an elongated to a more rounded form. The results also reveal that addition of 100 ppm B will reduce the initial grain size by ∼85% which is more than the effect of addition of 0.2%Ti in the form of Al‐10%Ti (about 65%). Elimination of undercooling is important to obtain the maximum grain refining effect.
OFFDTAN: A New Approach of Offline Dynamic Taint Analysis for Binaries
Authors: Wang Xiajing , Ma Rui , Dou Bowen , Jian Zefeng , Chen Hongzhou
Published: May 2018

Dynamic taint analysis is a powerful technique for tracking the flow of sensitive information. Different approaches have been proposed to accelerate this process in an online or offline manner. Unfortunately, most of these approaches still have performance bottlenecks and thus reduce analytical efficiency. To address this limitation, we present OFFDTAN, a new approach of offline dynamic taint analysis for binaries. OFFDTAN can be described in terms of four stages: dynamic information acquisition, vulnerability modeling, offline analysis, and backtrace analysis. It first records program runtime information and models the stack buffer overflow vulnerabilities and controlled jump vulnerabilities. Then it performs offline analysis and backtrace analysis to locate vulnerabilities. We implement OFFDTAN on the basis of QEMU virtual machine and apply it to off-the-shelf applications. In order to illustrate how our approach works, we first employ a case study. Furthermore, six applications have been verified so as to evaluate our approach. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach is correct and effective. Compared with other offline analysis tools, OFFDTAN has much lower application runtime overhead.
Predicting Operating Speeds at Urban Multilane Roundabouts in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Almoarawi Mohammad , Dabbour Essam
Published: May 2018

There are more than 460 multilane roundabouts located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, and its surrounding areas. Most of those roundabouts have three entry/circulatory/exit lanes with large radii, which resulted in the majority of drivers exceeding the speed limits for those roundabouts. Those excessive operating speeds, along with lack of drivers’ awareness of the proper rules of driving at roundabouts, have resulted in increased collision frequencies at Abu Dhabi roundabouts. In this paper, operating speeds were measured at 12 roundabouts in Abu Dhabi and those collected speed observations were used to calibrate regression models to predict the 85th percentile operating speeds at roundabouts in Abu Dhabi. Predicting operating speed at a roundabout, during its design stage, is necessary to ensure that the expected operating speed and capacity will meet the design expectations. Three models were calibrated to predict the entry, circulating, and exit speeds, respectively. The calibrated models were validated with data not used in calibration and they were found to be stable and robust. The findings of this research study will help engineers when designing new roundabouts in Abu Dhabi or other cities with similar characteristics. This research study also provides a methodological framework for other researchers when conducting similar speed studies for roundabouts in other cities or metropolitan areas around the world.
A Case Report of Pulmonary Exacerbation after Initiation of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor Therapy in a CF Female with Complicated Lung Disease
Authors: Hatziagorou Elpis , Kouroukli Eleana , Georgopoulou Vasiliki , Tsanakas John
Published: May 2018

Novel targeted treatments for Cystic Fibrosis give rise to new hope for an ever-growing number of CF patients with various mutations. However, very little evidence and guidelines exist to steer clinical decisions regarding patients whose illness takes an unexpected course. In such cases, the benefits and risks of discontinuing these treatments must be carefully and individually weighed, since their long-term effects remain mainly uncharted territory. In this report we document the case of a homozygous F508del CF patient with severe lung disease who presented with a pulmonary exacerbation shortly after the beginning of treatment with lumacaftor/ivacaftor and the complicated initial phase of therapy, which was followed by significant improvements.
A Pilot Study on Characteristics of Metabolomics and Lipidomics according to Sasang Constitution
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Lee Da-Hye , Ahn Jiyun , Ha Tae-Youl , Jang Young Jin , Do Eunju , Jung Chang Hwa
Published: May 2018

Although classification of an individual’s Sasang constitution is a key step in the prescription of traditional Korean medicine, the classifying process is complex and not objective. Identification of metabolic‐based biomarkers could allow the development of a reliable and sensitive classification technique and even therapeutic management. Our pilot study investigated whether metabolites in plasma are characteristic of Sasang constitutions. Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry‐based metabolic analysis was conducted against 15 Soyangin (SY), 15 Taeeumin (TE), and 18 Soeumin (SE) individuals, as classified according to the Questionnaire for Sasang Constitution Classification II (QSCC II) and specialist diagnosis. Metabolomics data showed that the TE group was significantly separated from the SY and SE groups. Nine canonical pathways related to constitution; phenylalanine metabolism, aminoacyl‐tRNA, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis were activated in the TE group as compared with the other groups. Similar to the results of the metabolomics analysis, the TE group was also significantly separated from the other two groups by lipidomic analysis. On the other hand, the intensity of lipid metabolites was higher in the SY group than in the other groups. Our findings suggest that the combined analysis of metabolomics and lipidomics can provide useful information for characteristics of Sasang constitutions.
Triaxial Wetting Test on Rockfill Materials under Stress Combination Conditions of Spherical Stress p and Deviatoric Stress q
Authors: Zhang Yan-yi , Xu Ze-ping , Deng Gang , Wen Yan-feng , Yu Shu , Wang Xiao-hui
Published: May 2018

A GCTS medium‐sized triaxial apparatus is used to conduct a single‐line method wetting test on three kinds of rockfill materials of different mother rocks such as mixture of sandstone and slate, and dolomite and granite, and the test stress conditions is the combination of spherical stress p and deviatoric stress q. The test results show that (1) for wetting shear strain, the effects of spherical stress p and deviatoric stress q are equivalent, and wetting shear strain and deviatoric stress q show the power function relationship preferably. (2) For wetting volumetric strain, the effect of deviatoric stress q can be neglected because it is extremely insignificant, and spherical stress p is the main influencing factor and shows the power function relationship preferably. (3) The wetting strains decrease significantly with the increase in initial water content and sample density generally, but the excessively high dry density will increase the wetting deformation. Also, the wetting strains will decrease with the increase in the saturated uniaxial compressive strength and average softening coefficient of the mother rock. Based on the test results, a wetting strain model is proposed for rockfill materials. The verification results indicate that the model satisfactorily reflects the development law of wetting deformation.
Pertinencia intercultural de la atención en salud. El camino a seguir en Leishmaniosis Tegumentaria Americana.
Authors: Bastidas Pacheco Gilberto Antonio , Baez María , Medina Tadeo , Iglesias Roman
Published: May 2018

La Leishmaniosis tegumentaria americana (LTA) es considerada un problema de salud pública por su elevada incidencia. Además, es una patología abordada en muchos países a través de programas sanitarios con estructura vertical, sin contacto social y sin considerar la cultura de los grupos poblacionales, a sabiendas que existen diferencias en cuanto a ésta en el tratamiento de la enfermedad. El objetivo es la descripción y análisis de la pertinencia cultural del proceso de atención en salud en el caso de LTA, con base en la revisión bibliográfica de literatura científica sobre esta patología y sobre el papel de la cultura sobre la misma como aporte de ideas y de conocimientos para el debate necesario en el diseño de políticas y programas sanitarios de control de patologías parasitarias.
Prospective Analysis of Adoptive TIL Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma: Response, Impact of Anti-CTLA4, and Biomarkers to Predict Clinical Outcome
Authors: Forget Marie-Andrée , Haymaker Cara , Hess Kenneth R. , Meng Yuzhong Jeff , Creasy Caitlin , Karpinets Tatiana , Fulbright Orenthial J. , Roszik Jason , Woodman Scott E. , Kim Young Uk , Sakellariou-Thompson Donastas , Bhatta Ankit , Wahl Arely , Flores Esteban , Thorsen Shawne T. , Tavera René J. , Ramachandran Renjith , Gonzalez Audrey M. , Toth Christopher L. , Wardell Seth , Mansaray Rahmatu , Patel Vruti , Carpio Destiny Joy , Vaughn Carol , Farinas Chantell M. , Velasquez Portia G. , Hwu Wen-Jen , Patel Sapna P. , Davies Michael A. , Diab Adi , Glitza Isabella C. , Tawbi Hussein , Wong Michael K. , Cain Suzanne , Ross Merrick I. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Lucci Anthony , Royal Richard , Cormier Janice N. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Radvanyi Laszlo G. , Torres-Cabala Carlos A. , Beroukhim Rameen , Hwu Patrick , Amaria Rodabe N. , Bernatchez Chantale
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has consistently demonstrated clinical efficacy in metastatic melanoma. Recent widespread use of checkpoint blockade has shifted the treatment landscape, raising questions regarding impact of these therapies on response to TIL and appropriate immunotherapy sequence.

Patients and Methods: Seventy-four metastatic melanoma patients were treated with autologous TIL and evaluated for clinical response according to irRC, overall survival, and progression-free survival. Immunologic factors associated with response were also evaluated.

Results: Best overall response for the entire cohort was 42%; 47% in 43 checkpoint-naïve patients, 38% when patients were exposed to anti-CTLA4 alone (21 patients) and 33% if also exposed to anti-PD1 (9 patients) prior to TIL ACT. Median overall survival was 17.3 months; 24.6 months in CTLA4-naïve patients and 8.6 months in patients with prior CTLA4 blockade. The latter patients were infused with fewer TIL and experienced a shorter duration of response. Infusion of higher numbers of TIL with CD8 predominance and expression of BTLA correlated with improved response in anti-CTLA4 naïve patients, but not in anti-CTLA4 refractory patients. Baseline serum levels of IL9 predicted response to TIL ACT, while TIL persistence, tumor recognition, and mutation burden did not correlate with outcome.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the deleterious effects of prior exposure to anti-CTLA4 on TIL ACT response and shows that baseline IL9 levels can potentially serve as a predictive tool to select the appropriate sequence of immunotherapies. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4416–28. ©2018 AACR.
Inhibition of EphB4–Ephrin-B2 Signaling Enhances Response to Cetuximab–Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Bhatia Shilpa , Sharma Jaspreet , Bukkapatnam Sanjana , Oweida Ayman , Lennon Shelby , Phan Andy , Milner Dallin , Uyanga Nomin , Jimeno Antonio , Raben David , Somerset Hilary , Heasley Lynn , Karam Sana D.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The clinical success of targeted therapies such as cetuximab and radiotherapy (RT) is hampered by the low response rates and development of therapeutic resistance. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of EphB4–ephrin-B2 protumorigenic signaling in mediating resistance to EGFR inhibition and RT in head and neck cancers.

Experimental Design: We used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC cell lines to test our hypothesis. Tumor tissues were subjected to PhosphoRTK array, and Western blotting to detect changes in EphB4–ephrin-B2 targets. mRNA sequencing and microarray data analysis were performed on PDX tumors and HNSCC cell lines, respectively, to determine differences in gene expression of molecules involved in tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival pathways. Effects on cell growth were determined by MTT assay on HNSCC cells downregulated for EphB4/ephrin-B2 expression, with and without EGFR inhibitor and radiation.

Results: Our data from locally advanced HNSCC patients treated with standard-of-care definitive chemo-RT show elevated EphB4 and ephrin-B2 levels after failure of treatment. We observed significant response toward cetuximab and RT following EphB4–ephrin-B2 inhibition, resulting in improved survival in tumor-bearing mice. Tumor growth inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of proliferation and prosurvival molecules and increased apoptosis.

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of adopting rational drug combinations to enhance therapeutic effect. Our study documenting enhanced response of HNSCC to cetuximab-RT with EphB4–ephrin-B2 blockade has the potential to translate into the clinic to benefit this patient population. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4539–50. ©2018 AACR.
In Preterm Infants, Length Growth below Expected Growth during Hospital Stay Predicts Poor Neurodevelopment at 2 Years
Authors: Simon Laure , Théveniaut Camille , Flamant Cyril , Frondas-Chauty Anne , Darmaun Dominique , Rozé Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2018

Background: In preterm infants, neonatal weight growth is associated with neurodevelopmental outcome but is a poor indicator of growth quality. Objective: The aim of this work was to measure the relationship between neonatal length growth and the 2-year neurological outcome in preterm infants. Methods: A total of 2,403 infants enrolled in the LIFT cohort with gestational age less than 34 weeks were studied. Neonatal observed length growth (OLG) was calculated as the change in length Z-score between birth and discharge. Expected length growth (ELG) was estimated based on gestational age, birth weight Z-score, birth length Z-score, gender, and observed neonatal weight growth. The difference between OLG and ELG (∆OLG-ELG) was calculated as OLG – ELG, and infants were ranked into 3 classes depending on their ∆OLG-ELG (≤–0.5, –0.49 to 0.49, ≥0.50 Z-score). We explored the relationship between ∆OLG-ELG and 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome (n = 2,036), and, in a subgroup (n = 85), between ∆OLG-ELG and body composition at discharge. Results: ELG was strongly predicted from the above-mentioned parameters (R2 = 0.73, p = 0.001). OLG correlated closely with gestational age (p = 0.001) but ∆OLG-ELG did not (p = 1.0). OLG was not associated with a 2-year nonoptimal outcome after adjustment for gestational age, but ∆OLG-ELG ≤–0.5 was; the crude and adjusted odds ratios were 1.63 and 1.56, respectively. ∆OLG-ELG correlated negatively with fat mass (R2 = 0.29, p = 0.006) before and after adjustment for gestational age. Conclusion: ∆OLG-ELG is a marker of neonatal growth that does not depend on gestational age, and may reflect quality of growth. A ∆OLG-ELG ≤–0.5 Z-score is associated with a higher risk for 2-year nonoptimal neurodevelopmental outcome.
Reliability and Validity of the Italian Version of the Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (I-OMES)
Authors: Scarponi Letizia , de Felicio Claudia Maria , Sforza Chiarella , Pimenta Ferreira Claudia Lucia , Ginocchio Daniela , Pizzorni Nicole , Barozzi Stefania , Mozzanica Francesco , Schindler Antonio
Published: May 2018

Objective: To evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Italian OMES (I-OMES). Patients and Methods: The study consisted of 3 phases: (1) internal consistency and reliability, (2) validity, and (3) responsiveness analysis. The recruited population included 27 patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) and 174 healthy volunteers. Forty-seven subjects, 18 healthy and all recruited patients with OMD were assessed for inter-rater and test-retest reliability analysis. I-OMES and Nordic Orofacial Test – Screening (NOT-S) scores of the patients were correlated for concurrent validity analysis. I-OMES scores from 27 patients with OMD and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were compared to investigate construct validity. I-OMES scores before and after successful swallowing rehabilitation in patients were compared for responsiveness analysis. Results: Adequate internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.71) and strong inter-rater and test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation = 0.97 and 0.98, respectively) were found. I-OMES and NOT-S scores significantly and inversely correlated (r = –0.38). A statistical significance (p < 0.001) was found between the pathological group and the control group for the total I-OMES score. The mean I-OMES score improved from 90 (78–102) to 99 (89–103) after myofunctional rehabilitation (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The I-OMES is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate OMD.