bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing and Characterization on aThree-Dimensional Random Resonator of Porous Silicon/TiO2 Nanowires for Continuous Light Pumping Lasing of Perovskite Quantum Dots
Authors: Mu Yining , Zhang Tuo , Chen Tianqi , Tang Fanqi , Yang Jikai , Liu Chunyang , Chen Zhangxiaoxiong , Zhao Yiming , Du Peng , Fan Haibo , Zhu Yan , Liu Guozhen , Li Ping
Published: December 2019

In recent years, all inorganic bismuth lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals [CsPbX3 (X[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Cl, Br, I)] have received extensive attention due to their high performance in fluorescence quantum yield, narrow emission spectrum, and adjustable emission range. However, the disadvantages of high cost and poor stability have greatly limited the development prospects of the material. Here, in order to develop a perovskite quantum dot lasing cavity with high chemical stability, high quality factor and low fabrication cost, we have successfully fabricated a 3D random cavity device based on porous silicon/TiO2 nanowires. A TiO2 nanowire is grown on the porous silicon to form a 3D resonant cavity, and a perovskite quantum dot is spin-coated on the surface of the 3D resonant cavity to form a novel 3D complex film. The novel structure enhances the chemical stability and lasing quality factor of the resonant cavity while the fluorescence generated by the large quantum dots in the spatial interference structure constitutes the feedback loop, which will provide favorable support for the development of information optics.
Preparation of CuS/SiO2 Composite Modified Aerogel and Its Superoleophobic and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Yang Ke-Cheng , Xu Li-Hui , Pan Hong , Wang Li-Ming , Shen Yong , Ding Ying
Published: December 2019

In this study, CuS/SiO2 composite modified aerogel was prepared by the incorporation of hollow spherical CuS into methyltrimethoxysilane-based SiO2 sol and modification with hexadecafluorodecyltriethoxysilane via acid-base catalyzed sol–gel reaction and drying under ambient pressure. The CuS/SiO2 composite modified aerogel was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscope (SEM), nitrogen gas adsorption and desorption and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The effects of CuS and fluorosilane concentration on density and porosity of aerogel, oleophobic and photocatalytic properties were evaluated. The results showed that structure and physical properties of aerogel had some effect by introducing CuS and fluorosilane, and the CuS/SiO2 composite modified aerogel with density of 0.146[Formula: see text]g/cm3 and specific surface area of 241[Formula: see text]m2/g achieved super-oleophobicity with oil contact angle of 152.8∘ and sliding angle of 10∘, and good photocatalytic properties for methylene blue.
Toward Scalable Measures of Quality of Interaction
Authors: Förster Frank , Dautenhahn Kerstin , Nehaniv Chrystopher L.
Published: December 2019

Motor resonance, the activation of an observer’s motor control system by another actor’s movements, has been claimed to be an indicator for quality of interaction. Motor interference as one of the consequences of the presence of resonance can be detected by analyzing an actor’s spatial movements. It has therefore been used as an indicator for the presence of motor resonance. Unfortunately, the experimental paradigm in which motor interference has been shown to be detectable is ecologically implausible both in terms of the types of movements employed and the number of repetitions required. In the presented experiment, we tested whether some of these experimental constraints can be relaxed or modified toward a more naturalistic behavior without losing the ability to detect the interference effect. In the literature, spatial variance has been analytically quantified in many different ways. This study found these analytical variations to be nonequivalent by implementing them. Back-and-forth transitive movements were tested for motor interference; the effect was found to be more robust than with left-right movements, although the direction of interference was opposite to that reported in the literature. We conclude that motor interference, when measured by spatial variation, lacks promise for embedding in naturalistic interaction scenarios because the effect sizes were small.
Confident Privacy Decision-Making in IoT Environments
Authors: Lee Hosub , Kobsa Alfred
Published: December 2019

Researchers are building Internet of Things (IoT) systems that aim to raise users’ privacy awareness, so that these users can make informed privacy decisions. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the practical implications of informed privacy decision-making in IoT. To gain deeper insights into this question, we conducted an online study (
N
= 488) of people’s privacy decision-making as well as their levels of privacy awareness toward diverse IoT service scenarios. Statistical analysis on the collected data confirmed that people who are well aware of potential privacy risks in a scenario tend to make more conservative and confident privacy decisions. Machine learning (ML) experiments also revealed that individuals overall privacy awareness is the most important feature when predicting their privacy decisions. We verified that ML models trained on privacy decisions made with confidence can produce highly accurate privacy recommendations for users (area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 87%). Based on these findings, we propose functional requirements for privacy-aware systems to facilitate well-informed privacy decision-making in IoT, which results in conservative and
confident
decisions that enjoy high consistency.
D
ESEN
Authors: Kafali Özgür , Ajmeri Nirav , Singh Munindar P.
Published: December 2019

We address the problem of engineering a sociotechnical system (STS) with respect to its stakeholders’ requirements. We motivate a two-tier STS conception composed of a technical tier that provides control mechanisms and describes what actions are allowed by the software components, and a social tier that characterizes the stakeholders’ expectations of each other in terms of norms. We adopt agents as computational entities, each representing a different stakeholder. Unlike previous approaches, our framework, D
ESEN
, incorporates the social dimension into the formal verification process. Thus, D
ESEN
supports agents potentially violating applicable norms—a consequence of their autonomy. In addition to requirements verification, D
ESEN
supports refinement of STS specifications via design patterns to meet stated requirements. We evaluate D
ESEN
at three levels. We illustrate how D
ESEN
carries out refinement via the application of patterns on a hospital emergency scenario. We show via a human-subject study that a design process based on our patterns is helpful for participants who are inexperienced in conceptual modeling and norms. We provide an agent-based environment to simulate the hospital emergency scenario to compare STS specifications (including participant solutions from the human-subject study) with metrics indicating social welfare and norm compliance, and other domain dependent metrics.
Six-Year Real-World Outcomes of Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Monotherapy and Combination Therapy for Various Subtypes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Yang Jingyuan , Yuan Mingzhen , Xia Song , Chen Youxin
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare 6-year visual outcomes of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy and initial combination therapy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-VEGF therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a Chinese population and to investigate imaging biomarkers associated with visual outcomes. Forty-eight treatment-naive PCV eyes of 46 patients were reviewed retrospectively, which underwent anti-VEGF monotherapy or initial combination therapy. PCV was classified into 2 subtypes. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using logarithm of minimal angle resolution and imaging morphological features was compared. No significant differences of mean BCVA changes were noticed between anti-VEGF monotherapy and combination therapy in either subtype 1 PCV or subtype 2 PCV during 6-year period (all P values >0.05). Compared with BCVA at baseline, the mean BCVA at 72 months deteriorated significantly in eyes with subtype 1 PCV (P<0.001), while the mean BCVA at 72 months remained stable in eyes with subtype 2 PCV (P=0.941). In subtype 2 PCV eyes with continuous retina pigment epithelium, the mean changes of BCVA in eyes treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy were better than those in eyes treated with combination therapy (P=0.020). Anti-VEGF monotherapy and combination therapy for various subtypes of PCV had comparable long-term visual outcomes in most cases in real world. Imaging biomarkers which correlate with visual outcomes and treatment response should be included in the classification of PCV and validated in real world.
Adsorption of Bisphenol A on Peanut Shell Biochars: The Effects of Surfactants
Authors: Wang Fang , Zeng Qiang , Su Wenting , Zhang Min , Hou Lei , Wang Zhong-Liang
Published: December 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical endocrine-disrupting chemical. The removal of BPA has raised much concerns in recent years. This paper examined the adsorption behavior of BPA to biochars and the different effects of cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants. The results indicated that peanut shell biochars prepared at 300°C (BC300), 500°C (BC500), and 700°C (BC700) showed strong adsorption affinity for BPA, and the adsorption affinity of biochars increased with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. The range of log Kd values was 2.83∼3.71, 2.91∼4.57, and 3.24∼5.50 for BC300, BC500, and BC700, respectively. Both the type of surfactants and the properties of biochars could affect the adsorption behavior of BPA. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) showed negligible effect on the adsorption of BPA on BC300, and the inhibition effect of CTAB was stronger with the increase of biochar pyrolysis temperature. Tween 20 and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) showed stronger inhibition effect than CTAB, especially on BC300. This is likely because the inhibition effect caused by competition of CTAB may be counterbalanced by the enhancement caused by the partitioning effect by adsorbed CTAB and the bridge effect between the –NH4+ group of CTAB and the phenol group on BPA/O-functional groups of biochars, whereas Tween 20 and SDBS do not have this bridge effect advantage. This study could provide insightful information for the application of biochars in removal of BPA.
Enhancing Ikeda Time Delay System by Breaking the Symmetry of Sine Nonlinearity
Authors: Gao Xiaojing
Published: December 2019

In the present contribution, an asymmetric central contraction mutation (ACCM) model is proposed to enhance the Ikeda time delay system. The modified Ikeda system model is designed by introducing a superimposed tanh function term into the sine nonlinearity term. Stability and Hopf bifurcation characteristics of the system are analyzed theoretically. Numerical simulations, carried out in terms of bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents spectrum, phase portraits, and two‐parameter (2D) largest Lyapunov exponent diagrams are employed to highlight the complex dynamical behaviors exhibited by the enhanced system. The results indicate that the modified system has rich dynamical behaviors including limit cycle, multiscroll hyperchaos, chaos, and hyperchaos. Moreover, as a major outcome of this paper, considering the fragile chaos phenomenon, the ACCM‐Ikeda time delay system has better dynamical complexity and larger connected chaotic parameter spaces (connectedness means that there is no stripe corresponding to nonchaotic dynamics embedded in the chaos regions).
Parametric Methodologies for Detecting Changes in Maximum Temperature of Tlaxco, Tlaxcala, México
Authors: Herrera Cortés Silvia , Juárez Hernández Bulmaro , Vázquez Guevara Victor Hugo , Cruz Suárez Hugo Adán
Published: December 2019

In this paper, comparison results of parametric methodologies of change points, applied to maximum temperature records from the municipality of Tlaxco, Tlaxcala, México, are presented. Methodologies considered are likelihood ratio test, score test, and binary segmentation (BS), pruned exact linear time (PELT), and segment neighborhood (SN). In order to compare such methodologies, a quality analysis of the data was performed; in addition, lost data were estimated with linear regression, and finally, SARIMA models were adjusted.
Polycythemia with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Normal Erythropoietin Level
Authors: Kopel Jonathan , Sharma Pranav , Warriach Irfan , Swarup Sriman
Published: December 2019

A 61-year-old obese Caucasian male with past medical history of smoking, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea presented to the hematology clinic with polycythemia. Despite the newly-diagnosed polycythemia, the patient denied any significant symptoms or history of blood clots. Further evaluation with computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasound showed a large renal mass suspicious for renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney. An incidental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) measuring was also appreciated on imaging. Subsequent histological sections of the tumor showed cell renal cell carcinoma. Though previously reported, the concomitant finding of an AAA with renal cell carcinoma with a normal erythropoietin levels is surprising. Given the surgical complications associated with concomitant conditions with renal cell carcinoma, further investigation into paraneoplastic syndromes secondary to renal cell carcinoma remains open to investigation.
Adenosine Generated by Regulatory T Cells Induces CD8+T Cell Exhaustion in Gastric Cancer through A2aR Pathway
Authors: Shi Linsen , Feng Min , Du Shangce , Wei Xu , Song Hu , Yixin Xu , Song Jun , Wenxian Guan
Published: December 2019

Background. Adenosine, derived from the degradation of ATP via ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, is a critical immunosuppressive metabolite in the hypoxic microenvironment of tumor tissue. Adenosine signaling via A2aR can inhibit the antitumor immune response of CD8+T cells. CD39 and CD73 high-expressing Tregs play a critical role in tumor immune evasion of gastric cancer (GC). The present study investigated the underlying mechanism by which Tregs suppress antitumor immune responses in GC.Materials and Methods. Fifty-two GC samples were collected, and the frequency of FoxP3+Tregs and CD8+T cells and density ratios of A2aR+/CD8+T cells, CD39+/FoxP3+Tregs, and CD73+/FoxP3+Tregs in GC were assessed with multiplex immunofluorescence. The expression of FoxP3 and A2aR in GC tissues was also detected by the immunoblotting assay. We next investigated the relationship between density of FoxP3+Tregs, ratio of A2aR+/CD8+T cells, and clinicopathological parameters. At the same time, Tregs and CD8+T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of five GC patients, and the antagonists of CD39 and CD73 were used to assess the ability of Tregs to decompose ATP into adenosine. In addition, we cocultured CD8+T cells and Tregs with antagonists of A2aR and A2bR in order to examine the alterations in immune function of CD8+T cells.Results. The density of both FoxP3+Tregs and A2aR+/CD8+T cells was higher in GC tissue compared to peritumoral normal tissue and significantly correlated with the TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis of GC. The process of Treg hydrolysis of ATP into adenosine was blocked by the antagonists of CD39 and CD73. In addition, Tregs could induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of CD8+T cells, while this effect could be obviously reduced by applying the antagonist of A2aR or A2aR+A2bR. Moreover, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and perforin generated by CD8+T cells could also be inhibited through the adenosine A2aR pathway.Conclusions. The FoxP3+Tregs and A2aR+/CD8+T cells were excessively infiltrated in GC tissue. Tregs from GC can decompose ATP to adenosine and in turn induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of CD8+T cells through the A2aR pathway, further leading to immune escape of GC.
Identification of a Novel ACTN4 Gene Mutation Which Is Resistant to Primary Nephrotic Syndrome Therapy
Authors: Meng Lingzhang , Cao Shan , Lin Na , Zhao Jingjie , Cai Xulong , Liang Yonghua , Huang Ken , Lin Mali , Chen Xiajing , Li Dongming , Wang Junli , Yang Lijuan , Wei Aibo , Li Genliang , Lu Qingmei , Guo Yuxiu , Wei Qiuju , Tan Junhua , Huang Meiying , Huang Yuming , Wang Jie , Liu Yunguang
Published: December 2019

ACTN4, a gene which codes for the protein α-actinin-4, is critical for the maintenance of the renal filtration barrier. It is well known that ACTN4 mutations can lead to kidney dysfunction, such as familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common cause of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). To elucidate whether other mutations of ACTN4 exist in PNS patients, we sequenced the ACTN4 gene in biopsies collected from 155 young PNS patients (≤16 years old). The patients were classified into five groups: FSGS, minimal change nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, and those without renal puncture. Ninety-eight healthy people served as controls. Samples were subjected to Illumina’s next generation sequencing protocols using FastTarget target gene capture method. We identified 5 ACTN4 mutations which occurred only in PNS patients: c.1516G > A (p.G506S) on exon 13 identified in two PNS patients, one with minimal change nephropathy and another without renal puncture; c.1442 + 10G > A at the splice site in a minimal change nephropathy patient; c.2191-4G > A at the cleavage site, identified from two FSGS patients; and c.1649A > G (p.D550G) on exon 14 together with c.2191-4G > A at the cleavage sites, identified from two FSGS patients. Among these, c.1649A > G (p.D550G) is a novel ACTN4 mutation. Patients bearing the last two mutations exhibited resistance to clinical therapies.
Circulating Tumour Cells, Circulating Tumour DNA and Circulating Tumour miRNA in Blood Assays in the Different Steps of Colorectal Cancer Management, a Review of the Evidence in 2019
Authors: Christou Niki , Meyer Jeremy , Popeskou Sotirios , David Valentin , Toso Christian , Buchs Nicolas , Liot Emilie , Robert Joan , Ris Frederic , Mathonnet Muriel
Published: December 2019

Despite many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), its incidence and mortality rates continue to make an impact worldwide and in some countries rates are mounting. Over the past decade, liquid biopsies have been the object of fundamental and clinical research with regard to the different steps of CRC patient care such as screening, diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up, and therapeutic response. They are attractive because they are considered to encompass both the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of tumours. They are easily accessible and can be applied to large-scale settings despite the cost. However, liquid biopsies face drawbacks in detection regardless of whether we are testing for circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), or miRNA. This review highlights the different advantages and disadvantages of each type of blood-based biopsy and underlines which specific one may be the most useful and informative for each step of CRC patient care.
Feedback Arc Number and Feedback Vertex Number of Cartesian Product of Directed Cycles
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Wu Baoyindureng
Published: December 2019

For a digraph D, the feedback vertex number τD, (resp. the feedback arc number τ′D) is the minimum number of vertices, (resp. arcs) whose removal leaves the resultant digraph free of directed cycles. In this note, we determine τD and τ′D for the Cartesian product of directed cycles D=Cn1→□Cn2→□…Cnk→. Actually, it is shown that τ′D=n1n2…nk∑i=1k1/ni, and if nk≥…≥n1≥3 then τD=n2…nk.
An Analytical Approach to Wet Cooling Towers Based on Functional Analysis
Authors: Qianjian Guo , Qi Xiaoni , Wei Zheng , Sun Peng
Published: December 2019

An analytical solution for computing the temperature distribution of air and water over the height through the cooling tower is so complex that finding the exact solution takes too much time. The purpose of this paper is to present efficient and accurate analytical expressions for the heat and mass transfer model in cooling towers. Based on the method of functional analysis, we derived an analytical solution for temperature distribution of water and air by using the method of solving linear differential equations. The error estimation, the existence, and uniqueness of the solution are given by using Banach contraction mapping theorem. The basic equation of the model on the basis of the additional assumptions on the cooling tower is solved, and the outlet parameters are also obtained.
Microbiological Safety of Leafy Vegetables Produced at Houeyiho and Sèmè-Kpodji Vegetable Farms in Southern Benin: Risk Factors for Campylobacter spp.
Authors: Kougblénou Sylvain Daton , Jerrold Agbankpé Alidéhou , Béhanzin Justin Gbèssohélé , Victorien Dougnon Tamègnon , Aniambossou Alidah Victonie , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Sourou Bankolé Honoré
Published: December 2019

Foodborne infections, mainly those attributable to Campylobacter, are one of the most common causes of intestinal diseases, of bacterial origin in humans. Although the vehicle of transmission is not always identified, the most common vehicles are poultry, poultry products, and contaminated water. In Southern Benin, an excessive use of poultry manure as fertilizer in vegetable farms was noted. This survey aimed to determine the prevalence and concentration of Campylobacter spp., especially Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, in selected environmental samples (poultry manure, and irrigation water) and freshly harvested leafy vegetables in two (Houeyiho and Sèmè-Kpodji) vegetable farms in southern Benin. To achieve this objective, we analyzed 280 samples, including 224 samples of leafy vegetables (Solanum macrocarpon and Lactuca sativa capita), 28 samples of irrigation water, and 28 samples of poultry manure. The analysis of the samples taken was carried out according to the modified NF EN ISO 10272-1 standard. Of the 280 samples analyzed in this survey, 63 were positive for Campylobacter contamination. For leafy vegetable samples analyzed in this survey, the contamination rate was of 15.63%. 60.71% of poultry manure samples analyzed were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. and 39.29% of irrigation water samples were contaminated. The statistical analysis of these results showed that there is a correlation between the contamination of leafy vegetables, poultry manure, and irrigations (p<0.01). Campylobacter jejuni (53.97%) was more involved in contaminations than Campylobacter coli (36.57%). This study has shown that there is a real risk of food poisoning by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli among consumers of leafy vegetables in southern Benin. The origin of contamination of these leafy vegetables is poultry manure used as fertilizer in vegetable gardens and irrigation water used.
Point and Interval Predictions for Tanjiahe Landslide Displacement in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Wang Yankun , Tang Huiming , Wen Tao , Ma Junwei , Zou Zongxing , Xiong Chengren
Published: December 2019

Accurate landslide displacement prediction has great practical significance for mitigating geohazards. Traditional deterministic forecasting methods can provide only a single point value and cannot give the degree of uncertainty associated with the forecast, thereby failing to provide information on predictive confidence. This study applied interval prediction for landslide displacement. Taking the Tanjiahe landslide of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area as an example and considering the impact of seasonal variations in reservoir level and rainfall, the uncertainties associated with landslide displacement prediction were quantified into prediction intervals (PIs) by a bootstrapped least-square support vector machine (LSSVM) method (B-LSSVM). The proposed method consists of three steps: First, the LSSVM and bootstrapping were combined to estimate the true regression means of landslide displacement and the variance with respect to model misspecification uncertainties. Second, a new LSSVM model optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA) was implemented to estimate the noise variance. Finally, the point prediction was derived from the regression means, and the PIs were constructed by combining the regression mean, the model variance, and the noise variance. We applied the proposed method to predict the displacement of four GPS monitoring points of the Tanjiahe landslide, and we comprehensively compared the prediction accuracy and the quality of the constructed PIs with benchmark methods. A simulation and performance comparison showed that the proposed method is a promising technique for providing accurate and reliable prediction results for landslide displacement.
Simulation of Carbon Nanotube-Based Enhancement of Cellular Electroporation under Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Mi Yan , Liu Quan , Li Pan , Xu Jin
Published: December 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with large aspect ratios and excellent electrical properties can enhance the killing effect of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) on tumor cells, which can improve the electrical safety of nsPEF during tumor treatment. To study the mechanism of the CNT-enhanced killing effect of a nsPEF on tumor cells, a spherical, single-cell, five-layer dielectric model containing randomly distributed CNTs was established using COMSOL and MATLAB, and then, the effects of the addition of CNTs on the electric field and the electroporation effect on the inner and outer membranes were analyzed. The results showed that CNTs can enhance the local electric field strength due to a lightning rod effect, and the closer the CNT tip was to the cell, the greater the electric field strength was around the cell. This increase in the local electric field strength near the cells enhanced the electroporation effects, including pore density, pore area, and pore flux. The simulation results presented in this paper provide theoretical guidance for subsequent development of nsPEF combined with CNTs for use in both cell and tissue experiments.
Integrin β4–Targeted Cancer Immunotherapies Inhibit Tumor Growth and Decrease Metastasis
Authors: Ruan Shasha , Lin Ming , Zhu Yong , Lum Lawrence , Thakur Archana , Jin Runming , Shao Wenlong , Zhang Yalei , Hu Yangyang , Huang Shiang , Hurt Elaine M. , Chang Alfred E. , Wicha Max S. , Li Qiao
Published: December 2019

Integrin β4 (ITGB4) has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of cancer stem cells (CSC). Immune targeting of ITGB4 represents a novel approach to target this cell population, with potential clinical benefit. We developed two immunologic strategies to target ITGB4: ITGB4 protein–pulsed dendritic cells (ITGB4-DC) for vaccination and adoptive transfer of anti-CD3/anti-ITGB4 bispecific antibody (ITGB4 BiAb)–armed tumor-draining lymph node T cells. Two immunocompetent mouse models were utilized to assess the efficacy of these immunotherapies in targeting both CSCs and bulk tumor populations: 4T1 mammary tumors and SCC7 head and neck squamous carcinoma cell line. Immunologic targeting of ITGB4 utilizing either ITGB4-DC or ITGB4 BiAb-T cells significantly inhibited local tumor growth and metastases in both the 4T1 and SCC7 tumor models. Furthermore, the efficacy of both of these ITGB4-targeted immunotherapies was significantly enhanced by the addition of anti–PD-L1. Both ITGB4-targeted immunotherapies induced endogenous T-cell cytotoxicity directed at CSCs as well as non-CSCs, which expressed ITGB4, and immune plasma–mediated killing of CSCs. As a result, ITGB4-targeted immunotherapy reduced not only the number of ITGB4high CSCs in residual 4T1 and SCC7 tumors but also their tumor-initiating capacity in secondary mouse implants. In addition, treated mice demonstrated no apparent toxicity. The specificity of these treatments was demonstrated by the lack of effects observed using ITGB4 knockout 4T1 or ITGB4-negative CT26 colon carcinoma cells. Because ITGB4 is expressed by CSCs across a variety of tumor types, these results support immunologic targeting of ITGB4 as a promising therapeutic strategy.

Significance: This study identifies a novel mechanism of resistance to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy mediated by HPV E5, which can be exploited using the HPV E5 inhibitor rimantadine to improve outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.
Swift Spontaneous Regression of a Pediatric Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Koppen Hille , Arkink Enrico , Nordbeck Anna , Sie Lilian , van der Gaag Niels
Published: December 2019

We report the case of a 4-year-old girl with acute subdural hematoma who presented to the emergency department after an unwitnessed fall of the balcony. The hematoma was hyperdense along the left convexity of 9 mm thickness with a consequent mass effect with obliteration of the adjacent sulci, left lateral ventricle compression and a midline shift of 7 mm. During her stay in the emergency department while waiting for transfer to the children intensive care unit elsewhere she slightly deteriorated neurologically. Repeat CT scan of the brain 4 h after initial presentation remarkably showed that the subdural hematoma had now largely disappeared, with a decrease in volume and density. Consequently, the mass effect diminished with a near normalization of the midline shift.
Bortezomib- and Lenalidomide-Based Treatment of Refractory Plasmablastic Lymphoma
Authors: Ando Koji , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Yuji , Niino Daisuke , Hourai Makio , Sato Shinya , Sawayama Yasushi , Hata Tomoko , Ohshima Koichi , Miyazaki Yasushi
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma for which no optimal treatment has been established and prognosis remains poor. Here, we describe a human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected patient with PBL that was refractory to conventional chemotherapies but was successfully controlled with a bortezomib-based regimen followed by a lenalidomide-based regimen. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old man suffered from nasal bleeding and occlusion. Whole-body computed tomography results revealed a large lesion occupying his nasal cavity. He was diagnosed with PBL based on a tumor biopsy and was treated with two lines of conventional chemotherapy. A dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (EPOCH) regimen and an ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) regimen were ineffective, but the bortezomib-based regimen CyBorD (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide orally, and dexamethasone orally) provided a clinical response. Due to peripheral neuropathy, the patient was then treated with a lenalidomide-based regimen (Ld; lenalidomide and dexamethasone). Although a complete response was not achieved, the Ld regimen was tolerated and was continued with a partial response (PR) for over 2 years. Discussion/Conclusion: In the present case, PBL that was refractory to conventional chemotherapies responded to the CyBorD regimen and a long-term Ld-based regimen without severe adverse effects. This strategy provided and maintained a PR for over 2 years. Despite not resulting in tumor reduction and only maintaining a PR, continued Ld treatment contributed to long-term survival of the present patient with PBL.
Heart Failure End Points in Cardiovascular Outcome Trials of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Butler Javed , Packer Milton , Greene Stephen J. , Fiuzat Mona , Anker Stefan D. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Carson Peter E. , Cooper Lauren B. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Januzzi James L. , Jessup Mariell , Kalyani Rita R. , Kaul Sanjay , Kosiborod Mikhail , Lindenfeld JoAnn , McGuire Darren K. , Sabatine Marc S. , Solomon Scott D. , Teerlink John R. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Yancy Clyde W. , Stockbridge Norman , O’Connor Christopher M.
Published: December 2019

Following regulatory guidance set forth in 2008 by the US Food and Drug Administration for new drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus, many large randomized, controlled trials have been conducted with the primary goal of assessing the safety of antihyperglycemic medications on the primary end point of major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. Heart failure (HF) was not specifically mentioned in the US Food and Drug Administration guidance and therefore it was not a focus of these studies when planned. Several trials subsequently showed the impact of antihyperglycemic drugs on HF outcomes, which were not originally specified as the primary end point of the trials. The most impressive finding has been the substantial and consistent risk reduction in HF hospitalization seen across 4 trials of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. However, to date, these results have not led to regulatory approval of any of these drugs for a HF indication or a recommendation for use by US HF guidelines. It is therefore important to explore to what extent persuasive treatment effects on nonprimary end points can be used to support regulatory claims and guideline recommendations. This topic was discussed by researchers, clinicians, industry sponsors, regulators, and representatives from professional societies, who convened on the US Food and Drug Administration campus on March 6, 2019. This report summarizes these discussions and the key takeaway messages from this meeting.
Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase and Cardiovascular Disease: MESA
Authors: Hall Kathryn T. , Battinelli Elisabeth , Chasman Daniel I. , Ridker Paul M , Psaty Bruce M. , Rotter Jerome I. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Tracy Russell P. , Wassel Christina L. , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Genetic variation in catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (

COMT

), a key enzyme in estrogen and catecholamine metabolism, has plausible physiological links to cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) and its risk factors. In
WHS
(Women's Health Study),

COMT

variants rs4818 and rs4680 were associated with a lower risk of
CVD
among women receiving placebo but not aspirin, suggesting a possible role of

COMT

in thrombosis.

Methods and Results

To evaluate potential pathways linking

COMT

with
CVD
, and

COMT

effect modification of aspirin in prevention, we examined

COMT

association with
CVD
risk and subclinical measures, coronary artery calcium, and carotid intima‐media thickness in MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). In 65 957 person‐years of follow‐up, during which 498 events occurred,

COMT

rs4818 was associated with lower
CVD
risk (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74–0.97 [
P
=0.02]). This association remained virtually unchanged after adjusting for common
CVD
risk factors. Fibrinogen was the only risk factor associated with rs4818 (β, −3.65;
SE
, 1.35 mg/
dL
[
P
=0.007]). Results were directionally similar but not significant for rs4680. Adjusted hazard ratios for

COMT

rs4818
CVD
association were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65–0.95;
P
=0.02) among individuals who used aspirin <3 days per week and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.71–1.13;
P
=0.34) among more frequent users (
P
interaction
=0.39). Neither intima‐media thickness nor coronary artery calcium was associated with

COMT

.

Conclusions

In a multiethnic prospective cohort of men and women, the

COMT

rs4818G allele was associated with lower
CVD
risk and lower fibrinogen levels but not with radiographic measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. These results suggest a plausible role of

COMT

in the latter stages of
CVD
.
AĞIZ VE DİŞ SAĞLIĞI HASTANELERİ VE AĞIZ VE DİŞ SAĞLIĞI MERKEZLERİNİN ETKİNLİKLERİNİN VERİ ZARFLAMA ANALİZİ İLE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: YILMAZ FARUK , ŞENEL İLHAN KEREM , İNCE ÖZGÜR
Published: December 2019

Kaynakların
kıtlığı ekonominin bir gerçeği olarak kaynak dağıtımı kararlarının verilmesi
yanında aynı zamanda mevcut kaynakların etkin kullanımını da gerektirmektedir. Bu
yönüyle Türkiye’de son yıllarda ağız ve diş sağlığı hizmeti sunan kurumların
mevcut talebi karşılamada yetersiz olması bu kurumların niceliğini artırmaya yönelik
kaynakların tahsisi ile sonuçlanmıştır. Bu bağlamda uzun vadede yeni kaynak
tahsisi ile sağlanacak faydanın yanı sıra, kısa vadede mevcut kaynakların ne
ölçüde etkin kullanıldığı değerlendirilerek fayda sağlamakta mümkündür. Bu bakışla araştırmada Ankara, İstanbul ve İzmir illerinde
faaliyet gösteren Sağlık Bakanlığı’na bağlı ağız ve diş sağlığı merkezleri
(ADSM) ile ağız ve diş sağlığı hastanelerinin (ADSH) etkinlikleri
değerlendirilmiştir. Belirtilen sağlık tesislerinin etkinlik değerlendirilmesinde
parametrik olmayan bir yöntem olan Veri Zarflama Analizi (VZA) kullanılmıştır.
Analizde girdi
değişkeni olarak diş üniti sayısı, toplam diş hekimi sayısı ve diğer sağlık
hizmetleri personeli sayısı; çıktı değişkeni olarak poliklinik (muayene) sayısı, diş çekimi sayısı, cerrahi müdahale sayısı,
kanal (endodontik) ve dolgu (konservatif) tedavi sayısı ve toplam protez sayısı belirlenmiştir. Ölçeğe
göre sabit getiri ve ölçeğe göre değişken getiri varsayımları altında yapılan analiz
sonucunda 36 sağlık
tesisinden 23’ünün (%63,9) teknik etkin, 13’ünün (%36,1) toplam etkin ve 14’ünün
(38,9) ölçek etkin olduğu saptanmıştır. Analizde sağlık tesislerinin
özellikle teknik etkinlik skoru ortalaması (0,937) oldukça yüksek bulunmakla
birlikte, teknik etkin olmadığı saptanan sağlık tesislerinin etkin olabilmesi
için referans grubu belirlenerek etkinlik hedefleri oluşturulmuştur.
Police Presence, Rapid Response Rates, and Crime Prevention
Authors: Weisburd Sarit
Published: December 2019

This paper estimates the impact of police presence on crime using a unique database that tracks the exact location of Dallas Police Department patrol cars throughout 2009. To address the concern that officer location is often driven by crime, my instrument exploits police responses to calls outside their allocated coverage beat. This variable provides a plausible shift in police presence within the abandoned beat that is driven by the police goal of minimizing response times. I find that a 10% decrease in police presence at that location results in a 7% increase in crime. This result sheds light on the black box of policing and crime and suggests that routine changes in police patrol can have a significant impact on criminal behavior.
Natural history and conservation of the rediscovered Hula painted frog, Latonia nigriventer
Authors: Bina Perl R.G. , Gafny Sarig , Malka Yoram , Renan Sharon , Woodhams Douglas C. , Rollins-Smith Louise , Pask James D. , Bletz Molly C. , Geffen Eli , Vences Miguel
Published: December 2019

Dramatic global amphibian declines have recently led to an increased concern for many species of this animal class. The enigmatic Hula painted frog (Latonia nigriventer), the first amphibian to be declared extinct but unexpectedly rediscovered in 2011, has remained one of the rarest and most poorly understood amphibians worldwide. Gathering basic biological information on this species, along with an understanding of its disease-related threats remains fundamental for developing risk assessments and conservation strategies. Our surveys in recent years confirmed that L. nigriventer is a localised species with elusive habits. The species appears to follow an opportunistic breeding phenology and has a tadpole morphology similar to its well-studied sister group Discoglossus. However, the adults’ extended annual presence in the aquatic habitat is a major difference from species of Discoglossus. We detected the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), in northern Israel and on Hula painted frogs but did not observe any signs of chytridiomycosis in this species. Our preliminary data on aspects of the innate immunity of L. nigriventer suggest that the skin mucosome of this species contains antimicrobial peptides and a bacterial community differing from other syntopic frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae). The combined knowledge of both natural history and innate immunity of L. nigriventer provides valuable insights to direct future research and conservation management of this critically endangered frog species.
A possible 150 million years old cirripede crustacean nauplius and the phenomenon of giant larvae
Authors: Nagler Christina , Høeg Jens T. , Haug Carolin , Haug Joachim T.
Published: December 2019

The larval phase of metazoans can be interpreted as a discrete post-embryonic period. Larvae have been usually considered to be small, yet some metazoans possess unusually large larvae, or giant larvae. Here, we report a possible case of such a giant larva from the Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Lithographic limestones (150 million years old, southern Germany), most likely representing an immature cirripede crustacean (barnacles and their relatives). The single specimen was documented with up-to-date imaging methods (macro-photography, stereo-photography, fluorescence photography, composite imaging) and compared with modern cirripede larvae. The identification is based on two conspicuous spine-like extensions in the anterior region of the specimen strongly resembling the so-called fronto-lateral horns, structures exclusively known from cirripede nauplius larvae. Notably, at 5 mm in length the specimen is unusually large for a cirripede nauplius. We therefore consider it to be a giant larva and discuss possible ecological and physiological mechanisms leading to the appearance of giant larvae in other lineages. Further findings of fossil larvae and especially nauplii might give new insights into larval evolution and plankton composition in the past.
Taxonomic notes and validation of Oenothera acutifolia (Onagraceae)

Authors: WOŹNIAK-CHODACKA MONIKA
Published: December 2019

Oenothera Linnaeus (1753: 346) (Onagraceae) is indigenous to North America (Dietrich et al. 1997), where the great diversity of the genus is reflected by its division into 18 sections and several subsections and series (Wagner et al. 2007). At different times and circumstances, particular evening-primrose species have naturalized in other parts of the world—currently they are known from nearly all continents: North and South America, Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe as well (Cleland 1972, Dietrich et al. 1997, Rostański et al. 2004). Reaching new lands, they began to spread and hybridize with each other, which might have resulted in the origin of new species, unknown from the native area (Dietrich et al. 1997).
The Potential Vorticity Structure and Dynamics of African Easterly Waves
Authors: Russell James O. H. , Aiyyer Anantha
Published: December 2019

The dynamics of African easterly waves (AEWs) are investigated from the perspective of potential vorticity (PV) using data from global reanalysis projects. To a leading order, AEW evolution is governed by four processes: advection of the wave-scale PV by background flow, advection of background PV by the AEW, diabatic forcing due to wave-scale moist convection, and coupling between the wave and background diabatic forcing. Moist convection contributes significantly to the growth of AEWs in the midtroposphere, and to both growth and propagation of AEWs near the surface. The former is associated with stratiform clouds while the latter with deep convection. Moist convection helps maintain a more upright AEW PV column against the background shear, which makes the wave structure conducive for tropical cyclogenesis. It is also argued that—contrary to the hypothesis in some prior studies—the canonical diabatic Rossby wave model is likely not applicable to AEWs.
The Importance of Past MJO Activity in Determining the Future State of the Midlatitude Circulation
Authors: Tseng Kai-Chih , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Maloney Eric
Published: December 2019

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is one of the most important sources of predictability on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) time scales. Many previous studies have explored the impact of the present state of the MJO on the future evolution and predictability of extratropical weather patterns. What is still unclear, however, is the importance of the accumulated influence of past MJO activity on these results. In this study, the importance of past MJO activity in determining the future state of extratropical circulations is examined by using a linear baroclinic model (LBM) and one of the simplest machine learning algorithms: logistic regression. By increasing the complexity of the logistic regression model with additional information about the past activity of the MJO, it is demonstrated that the past 15 days play a dominant role in determining the state of MJO teleconnections more than 15 days into the future. This conclusion is supported by numerical LBM simulations. It is further shown that the past 15 days of additional information are only important for some MJO phases/lead times and not others, and the physical basis for this result is explored.
Assimilation of Low-Peaking Satellite Observations Using the Coupled Interface Framework
Authors: Frolov Sergey , Campbell William , Ruston Benjamin , Bishop Craig H. , Kuhl David , Flatau Maria , McLay Justin
Published: December 2019

Coupled data assimilation (DA) provides a consistent framework for assimilating satellite observations that are sensitive to several components of the Earth system. In this paper, we focus on low-peaking infrared satellite channels that are sensitive to the lower atmosphere and Earth surface temperature (EST) over both ocean and land. Our atmospheric hybrid-4DVAR system [the Navy Global Environmental Model (NAVGEM)] is extended to include the following: 1) variability in the sea surface temperature (both diurnal variability and climatological perturbations to the ensemble members), 2) the coupled Jacobians of the radiative transfer model for the infrared sensors, and 3) the coupled covariances between the EST and the atmosphere. Our coupling approach is found to improve forecast accuracy and to provide corrections to the EST that are in balance with the atmospheric analysis. The largest impact of the coupling is found on near-surface atmospheric temperature and humidity in the tropics, but the impact extends all the way to the stratosphere. The role of each coupling element on the performance of the global atmospheric circulation model is investigated. Inclusion of variability in the sea surface temperature has the strongest positive impact on the forecast quality. Additional inclusion of the coupled Jacobian and ensemble-based coupled covariances led to further improvements in scores and to modification of the corrections to the ocean boundary layer. Coupled DA had significant impact on latent and sensible heat fluxes over land, locations of western boundary currents, and along the ice edge.