bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Management System Modeling and Simulation of a Full-Powered Fuel Cell Vehicle
Authors: Wang Yiping , Li Jing , Tao Qi , Bargal Mohamed H. S. , Yu Mengting , Yuan Xiaohong , Su Chuqi
Published: November 2019

Thermal management is an important factor in securing the safe and effective operation of a fuel cell vehicle (FCV). A parameterized stack model of a 100 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is constructed by matlab/Simulink to design and asses the thermal management characteristics of a 100 kW full-powered FCV. The cooling components model, with parameters obtained by theoretical calculation based on the cooling requirement, is developed in the commercial solver GT-COOL. A thermal management simulation platform is constructed by coupling the stack model and cooling components. The accuracy of the modeling method for the stack is validated by comparing with the experimental data. The relationship between the operating temperature and output performance of the fuel cell stack is revealed based on the simulation model. The simulation results show that the operating temperature has a considerable influence on stack performance under high-current operation, and the inlet and outlet temperatures of the stack change nearly linearly with the increasing environmental temperature. The heat dissipation potential of the thermal management system under the high-load condition is also verified. The temperatures and coolant flow of core components, including the stack, DC/DC, air compressor, and driving motor, can meet the cooling requirements.
Estimating the size of Earth's umbral shadow using sky brightness light curves during a lunar eclipse
Authors: Birriel Jennifer J. , Adkins J. Kevin
Published: November 2019

We present a simple method to estimate the size of Earth's umbral shadow in a classroom setting. The method uses the published sky brightness curves obtained during a total lunar eclipse and requires only a conceptual understanding of lunar eclipses and simple geometric considerations. It is suitable for use in introductory and upper level astronomy courses.
Acoustic wave propagation in effective graded fully anisotropic fluid layers
Authors: Cavalieri Théo , Boulvert Jean , Schwan Logan , Gabard Gwénaël , Romero-Garcìa Vicent , Groby Jean-Philippe , Escouflaire Marie , Mardjono Jacky
Published: November 2019

This work deals with the sound wave propagation modeling in anisotropic and heterogeneous media. The considered scattering problem involves an infinite layer of finite thickness containing an anisotropic fluid whose properties can vary along the layer depth. The specular transmission and reflection of an acoustic plane wave by such a layer is modeled through the state vector formalism for the acoustic fields. This is solved using three different numerical techniques, namely, the transfer matrix method, Peano series, and transfer Green's function. These three methods are compared to demonstrate the convergence of the numerical solutions. Moreover, the implemented numerical procedures allow the authors to retrieve the internal acoustic fields and show their dependency along with the fluid anisotropic properties. Results are presented to illustrate the changes in absorption that can be achieved by tuning the fluid anisotropy as well as the variation of these properties across the depth of the layer. The results presented are in very good agreement across the different methods. Given that many porous materials can be modeled as equivalent fluids, the results presented show the potential offered by such numerical techniques, and can further give more insight into inhomogeneous anisotropic porous materials.
Introduction: The Quest to Control The Powerful Meanings of Bicycle Racing
Authors: de Wilde Ari
Published: November 2019

The bicycle has a unique status as a moniker of several things: a practical piece of transportation, a sporting tool, the imprimatur of modernity, and, relevant to this special issue, a symbol of gender and class equity. But the racing of bicycles by women has been oddly absent from the literature in sport history. Women have been part of the bicycle’s experience since the bicycle’s inception in the mid-nineteenth century. Yet until recently, one would be hard pressed to know of this lengthy tradition of women in cycling and, especially of, women’s racing. This special issue seeks to rectify this situation.
Multiple Megaplasmids Confer Extremely High Levels of Metal Tolerance in
Alteromonas
Strains
Authors: Cusick Kathleen D. , Polson Shawn W. , Duran Gabriel , Hill Russell T.
Published: November 2019

Copper is commonly used as an antifouling agent on ship hulls.
Alteromonas
spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paint, but their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. Sequencing of
A. macleodii
strains isolated from copper test materials for marine ships indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids. Plasmids serve as key vectors in horizontal gene transfer and confer traits such as metal resistance, detoxification, ecological interaction, and antibiotic resistance. Bioinformatic analysis identified many metal resistance genes and genes associated with mobility. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and capacity for gene transfer within marine biofilms provides a platform for the development of novel antifouling solutions targeting genes involved in copper tolerance and biofilm formation.
Screen of traditional soup broths with reported antipyretic activity towards the discovery of potential antimalarials
Authors:   Children of Eden Primary School, Straschil Ursula , Witmer Kathrin , Delves Michael J , Marks Stephen D , Baum Jake
Published: November 2019

Objective

The global impact of artemisinin-based combination therapies on malaria-associated mortality and their origins in ancient Chinese medicine has heightened interest in the natural discovery of future antimalarials.

Methods

A double-blind study to identify potential ingredients with antimalarial activity from traditional remedies with reported antipyretic properties. Recipes of clear broths, passed down by tradition in families of diverse ethnic origin, were sourced by school children. Broths were then tested for their ability to arrest malaria parasite asexual growth or sexual stage development in vitro. Clear broth extract was incubated with in vitro cultures ofPlasmodium falciparumasexual or mature sexual stage cultures and assayed for parasite viability after 72 hours.

Results

Of the 56 broths tested, 5 were found to give >50% in vitro growth inhibition againstP. falciparumasexual blood stages, with 2 having comparable inhibition to that seen with dihydroartemisinin, a leading antimalarial. Four other broths were found to have >50% transmission blocking activity, preventing male parasite sexual stage development. After unblinding, two active broths were found to be from siblings from different classes, who had brought in the same vegetarian soup, demonstrating assay robustness.

Conclusions

This screening approach succeeded in finding broths with activity against malaria parasitein vitrogrowth, arising from complex vegetable and/or meat-based broths. This represented a successful child education exercise, in teaching about the interface between natural remedies, traditional medicine and evidence-based drug discovery.
Twenty-four-month outcomes of inflammatory choroidal neovascularisation treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors: a comparison between two treatment regimens
Authors: Invernizzi Alessandro , Pichi Francesco , Symes Richard , Zagora Sophia , Agarwal Aniruddha Kishandutt , Nguyen Phuc , Erba Stefano , Xhepa Alba , De Simone Luca , Cimino Luca , Gillies Mark C , McCluskey Peter J
Published: November 2019

Background and aim

There is still no established treatment regimen for eyes with inflammatory choroidal neovascularisation (iCNV) treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. This study compared the 24-month outcomes of two treatment regimens of anti-VEGF injections in eyes with iCNV.

Methods

Eyes with iCNV treated with anti-VEGF injections were divided into two groups: eyes treated with a loading phase of 3 monthly injections and then re-treated as needed (LOADING group) and eyes treated as needed from the beginning (PRN group). Visual acuity (VA), number of injections and iCNV recurrences at 24 months were compared between the groups.

Results

Eighty-two eyes were included, 42 in the LOADING and 40 in the PRN group. Baseline VA (mean(SD)) was 57.3 (15.8) letters in the LOADING vs 60.7 (15.6) letters in the PRN group (p=0.32). The VA (mean (95% CI)) increased at 3 months (+14.8 (10.6 to 18.9) and +11.2 (6.4 to 16) letters in the LOADING and PRN group, respectively) and remained significantly higher than baseline over the entire follow-up in both groups (all p<0.001). At 24 months, there was no difference in VA between the LOADING and PRN group (72.3 (14.0) vs 74.7 (11.3) letters, p=0.36) but the LOADING group received significantly more injections (median (Q1–Q3)) than the PRN (4.5 (3–7) vs 2.5 (2–3.2), p<0.0001). The iCNV recurrences were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

iCNV responded well to anti-VEGF with significant and sustained VA improvement. The loading phase did not confer any advantage in terms of outcomes. PRN regimen from the beginning was as effective as more intensive treatment.
Emergency department front-end split-flow experience: ‘physician in intake’
Authors: Michael Sean S , Bickley Daniel , Bookman Kelly , Zane Richard , Wiler Jennifer L
Published: November 2019

Background

Emergency department (ED) crowding is a critical problem in the delivery of acute unscheduled care. Many causes are external to the ED, but antiquated operational traditions like triage also contribute. A physician intake model has been shown to be beneficial in a single-centre study, but whether this solution is generalisable is not clear. We aimed to characterise the current state of front-end intake models in a national sample of EDs and quantify their effects on throughput measures.

Methods

We performed a descriptive mixed-method analysis of ED process changes implemented by a cross section of self-selecting institutions who reported 2 years of demographic/operational data and structured process descriptions of any ‘new front-end processes to replace traditional nurse-based triage’.

Results

Among 25 participating institutions, 19 (76%) provided data. While geographically diverse, most were urban, academic adult level 1 trauma centres. Thirteen (68%) reported implementing a new intake process. All were run by attending emergency physicians, and six (46%) also included advanced practice providers. Daily operating hours ranged from 8 to 16 (median 12, IQR 10.25–15.85), and the majority performed labs, imaging and medication administration and directly discharged patients. Considering each site’s before-and-after data as matched pairs, physician-driven intake was associated with mean decreases in arrival-to-provider time of 25 min (95% CI 13 to 37), ED length of stay 36 min (95% CI 12 to 59), and left before being seen rate 1.2% (95% CI 0.6% to 1.8%).

Conclusions

In this cross section of primarily academic EDs, implementing a physician-driven front-end intake process was feasible and associated with improvement in operational metrics.
Mental health of parents of children with a developmental disability in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Marquis Sandra Maureen , McGrail Kimberlyn , Hayes Michael
Published: November 2019

Background

There is evidence in the literature that parents of children who have a developmental disability experience an increased risk of mental health problems.

Methods

This study used population-level administrative data from the Ministry of Health, British Columbia, Canada, to assess the mental health of parents of children who have a developmental disability compared with the mental health of parents of children who do not have a developmental disability. Population-level and individual explanatory variables available in the data were included in the models.

Results

At a population level, the study found strong evidence that parents of children who have a developmental disability experience higher odds of depression or other mental health diagnoses compared with parents of children who do not have a developmental disability. Age of the parent at birth of the child, income and location of healthcare services were all associated with outcomes.

Conclusion

Parents of children who have a developmental disability may be in need of programmes and services that support their mental health.
Effect of exercise referral schemes upon health and well-being: initial observational insights using individual patient data meta-analysis from the National Referral Database
Authors: Wade Matthew , Mann Steven , Copeland Rob J , Steele James
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To examine if exercise referral schemes (ERSs) are associated with meaningful changes in health and well-being in a large cohort of individuals throughout England, Scotland, and Wales from the National Referral Database.

Methods

Data were obtained from 23 731 participants from 13 different ERSs lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. Changes from pre- to post-ERS in health and well-being outcomes were examined including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)), resting heart rate (RHR), short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Exercise Related Quality of Life scale (ERQoL), and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Two-stage individual patient data meta-analysis was used to generate effect estimates.

Results

Estimates (95% CIs) revealed statistically significant changes occurred compared with point nulls for BMI (−0.55 kg.m2(−0.69 to −0.41)), SBP (−2.95 mmHg (−3.97 to −1.92)), SWEMWBS (2.99 pts (1.61 to 4.36)), WHO-5 (8.78 pts (6.84 to 10.63)), ERQoL (15.26 pts (4.71 to 25.82)), and ESES (2.58 pts (1.76 to 3.40)), but not RHR (0.22fc(−1.57 to 1.12)) or DBP (−0.93 mmHg (−1.51 to −0.35)). However, comparisons of estimates (95% CIs) against null intervals suggested the majority of outcomes may not improve meaningfully.

Conclusions

We considered whether meaningful health and well-being changes occur in people who are undergoing ERSs. These results demonstrate that, although many health and well-being outcomes improved, the changes did not achieve meaningful levels. This suggests the need to consider the implementation of ERSs more critically to discern how to maximise their effectiveness.
PLOD2 promotes aerobic glycolysis and cell progression in colorectal cancer by upregulating HK2
Authors: Du Wenwu , Liu Ning , Zhang Yafeng , Liu Xi , Yang Yuanhong , Chen Wei , He Yi
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression of procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2), a membrane-bound homodimeric enzyme that specifically hydroxylates lysine in the telopeptide of procollagens, and assess the clinical significance of PLOD2 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our results show that PLOD2 is highly expressed in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Next, we found that PLOD2 was positively correlated with tumor grade (P = 0.001), T stage (P = 0.001), N stage (P < 0.001), and an advanced TNM stage (P < 0.001). Knockdown of PLOD2 attenuated CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, in vitro. Our analysis of the mechanism behind the effects of PLOD2 suggests that PLOD2 affected glycolysis by regulating the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2). HK2 reverses the inhibitory effects of PLOD2 knockdown in CRC. Furthermore, the data suggest that PLOD2 regulates the expression of HK2 via the STAT3 signaling pathway. Survival analysis revealed that high expression levels of PLOD2 (HR = 3.800, P < 0.001) and HK2 expression (HR = 10.222, P < 0.001) correlated with the overall survival rate. After analyzing their expression and correlation, PLOD2 positively correlated with HK2 (r = 0.590, P < 0.001). Our findings have revealed that PLOD2 is a novel regulatory factor in glucose metabolism, exerted via controlling HK2 expression in CRC cells, suggesting PLOD2 as a promising therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
NAT black holes
Authors: Gürses Metin , Heydarzade Yaghoub , Şentürk Çetin
Published: November 2019

We study some physical properties of black holes in Null Aether Theory (NAT) – a vector-tensor theory of gravity. We first review the black hole solutions in NAT and then derive the first law of black hole thermodynamics. The temperature of the black holes depends on both the mass and the NAT “charge” of the black holes. The extreme cases where the temperature vanishes resemble the extreme Reissner–Nordström black holes. We also discuss the contribution of the NAT charge to the geodesics of massive and massless particles around the NAT black holes.
Analytical studies on the hoop conjecture in charged curved spacetimes
Authors: Peng Yan
Published: November 2019

Recently, with numerical methods, Hod clarified the validity of Thorne hoop conjecture for spatially regular static charged fluid spheres, which were considered as counterexamples against the hoop conjecture. In this work, we provide an analytical proof on Thorne hoop conjecture in the spatially regular static charged fluid sphere spacetimes.
Elemental characterization of food and beverages carried out at Ion Implantation Laboratory: a review
Authors: Debastiani Rafaela , Amaral Livio , Dias Johnny Ferraz
Published: November 2019

In this work, we present a review of the research developed by the PIXE Group of Ion Implantation Laboratory (Porto Alegre, Brazil) for the elemental characterization of food and beverages in general. Samples of coffee, wine, wine stoppers, mate tea leaves (Ilex paraguariensis) and tuna fish were analyzed using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) in order to determine their elemental compositions. Elements ranging from atomic number 11 to 82 were detected, and it was possible to observe differences in the elemental composition among different brands of wine and tuna fish. Moreover, the influence of water volume on the leaching of elements in the mate tea as well as the inhomogeneity of coffee beans and wine stoppers were studied.
Elemental characterization of gold-plated costume jewelry using particle-induced X-ray emission
Authors: Debastiani Rafaela , da Silveira Almansa Ivanessa , Boufleur Liana Appel , Ferrari Tatiele Martins , Telles de Souza Cláudia , de Vila Bauer Deiverti , Amaral Livio , Dias Johnny Ferraz
Published: November 2019

Nine gold-plated costume jewelries bought in the street market of Porto Alegre and from Chinese websites were investigated through Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) in order to verify their elemental composition and distribution. The analyzed costume jewelries were made of Cu-based alloys with Ni, Zn, Sn and Al. Elements such as Ag, Al, Bi, Cd, Co and Fe were found in minor amounts in some particular samples. Through RBS, it was possible to distinguish the bulk from the gold-plated layer. Toxic elements as Ni and Cd were found in at least one sample. The high concentration of Ni comes from the bulk Cu-alloy below the Au layer. In this case, the Au acts as a protective layer separating the Ni from the user’s skin.
The quantitative relationships among alkali elements and the availability of Rb as a substitute for radioactive Cs in Lentinula edodes
Authors: Terakawa A. , Hirakata Y. , Kikuchi K. , Fujita A. , Matsuyama T. , Ishii K. , Sera K.
Published: November 2019

We performed particle-induced X-ray emission analysis to determine the quantitative relationships among alkali elements including radioactive Cs in Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom). The shiitake mushrooms were cultivated using radioactive Cs-contaminated hardwood logs, with Rb and stable Cs added to evaluate their concentrations by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis, as well as to measure the spatial distribution of radioactive Cs in the mushroom sample using an autoradiographic method. Radioactive Cs were strongly concentrated in the peripheral region of the mushroom pileus, whereas K, Rb, and stable Cs highly accumulated in the same region as radioactive Cs. We confirmed that the concentrations of K and Rb were basically proportional to that of stable Cs. In particular, a clear linear correlation was observed between the Rb and Cs concentrations. The results of this study indicate the availability of Rb as a substitute for Cs to study the accumulation of radioactive Cs in mushrooms.
Neimark–Sacker Bifurcation and Stability of a Certain Class of Host-Parasitoid Models with Host Refuge Effect
Authors: Bešo Emin , Kalabušić Senada , Mujić Naida , Pilav Esmir
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we consider the dynamics of a certain class of host-parasitoid models, where some hosts are completely free from parasitism either with or without a spatial refuge and the host population is governed by the Beverton–Holt equation. We assume that, in each generation, a constant portion of the host population may find a refuge and be safe from the attack by parasitoids. We derive some criteria for the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. Then, we apply the developed theory to the three well-known cases: [Formula: see text] model, Hassel and Varley model, and parasitoid–parasitoid model. Intensive numerical calculations suggest that the last two models undergo a supercritical Neimark–Sacker bifurcation.
Predictions of α decay half-lives for even–even superheavy nuclei with 104 ≤ Z ≤ 128 based on two-potential approach within cluster-formation model
Authors: Liu Hong-Ming , Xu Jun-Yao , Deng Jun-Gang , He Biao , Li Xiao-Hua
Published: November 2019

In this work, we systematically study the [Formula: see text] decay half-lives of 170 even–even nuclei with [Formula: see text] within the two-potential approach while the [Formula: see text] decay preformation factor [Formula: see text] is obtained by the cluster-formation model. The calculated results can well reproduce the experimental data. In addition, we extend this model to predict the [Formula: see text] decay half-lives of 64 even–even nuclei with [Formula: see text] whose [Formula: see text] decay is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified. For comparison, the two famous models i.e., SemFIS proposed by Poenaru et al. [Europhys. Lett. 77 (2007) 62001] and UDL proposed by Qi et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 (2009) 072501] are used. The predicted results of these models are basically consistent. At the same time, through analyzing the changing trend of [Formula: see text] decay energy [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and 128 isotopes nuclei with the increasing of neutron number N and that of [Formula: see text] decay preformation factor [Formula: see text] of those isotopes even–even nuclei with the increasing of neutron number N, [Formula: see text] may be a new neutron magic number.
An Effective Stock Classification Method Via MDS Based on Modified Mutual Information Distance
Authors: Jiang Jun , Shang Pengjian , Li Xuemei
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes a multidimensional scaling (MDS) method based on modified mutual information distance (M-MDS) to analyze stock market data. To better describe the relativity of financial data, it is worthwhile to point out that the commonly used proximity matrix in MDS is replaced with modified mutual information distance (M-MI-D) matrix. Refer to M-MI-D, a higher dissimilarity leads to a larger distance. In order to demonstrate the stability and accuracy of M-MDS, logistic time series are used in simulation experiments. In addition, a comparison of this new M-MDS method with classical MDS is given using the stock market data. It is noted that the new M-MDS method shows better stability than that of classical MDS method. Moreover, not only the stocks in the same US stock block, but also the stocks in different blocks have been discussed to illustrate the efficiency of M-MDS method.
A Correction to the Uniqueness of a Partial Perfect Locality over a Frobenius P-Category
Authors: Puig Lluis
Published: November 2019

Let p be a prime, P a finite p-group and [Formula: see text] a Frobenius P-category. In [Existence, uniqueness and functoriality of the perfect locality over a Frobenius P-category, Algebra Colloq. 23 (2016) 541–622], we claimed the uniqueness of the partial perfect locality [Formula: see text] over any up-closed set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-selfcentralizing subgroups of P, but recently Bob Oliver exhibits some counter-examples, demanding some revision of our arguments. In this note we show that, up to replacing the perfect localities by the extendable perfect localities over any up-closed set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-selfcentralizing subgroups of P, our arguments are correct, still proving the existence and the uniqueness of the perfect [Formula: see text]-locality, since it is extendable. We take advantage of this revision to simplify some of our arguments.
A Characterization of PSL(2, q), q = 5, 7
Authors: Tărnăuceanu Marius
Published: November 2019

In this short note we prove that the finite non-abelian simple groups PSL(2, q), where q = 5, 7, are determined by their posets of classes of isomorphic subgroups. Several interesting open problems are also formulated.
The Braided Monoidal Structure on the Category of Comodules of Bimonads
Authors: Shen Bingliang , Zou Xiaoguang
Published: November 2019

We investigate how the category of comodules of bimonads can be made into a monoidal category. It suffices that the monad and comonad in question are bimonads, with some extra compatibility relation. On a monoidal category of comodules of bimonads, we construct a braiding and get the necessary and sufficient conditions making it a braided monoidal category. As an application, we consider the category of comodules of corings and the category of entwined modules.
Quantum Torus Lie Algebra in the q-Deformed Kadomtsev–Petviashvili System
Authors: Li Chuanzhong , Li Xinyue , Li Fushan
Published: November 2019

Based on the W∞ symmetry of the q-deformed Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (q-KP) hierarchy, which is a q-deformation of the KP hierarchy, we construct the quantum torus symmetry of the q-KP hierarchy, which further leads to the quantum torus constraint of its tau function. Moreover, we generalize the system to a multi-component q-KP hierarchy that also has the well-known ghost symmetry.
Biomass-Based Synthesis of Green and Biodegradable Molecularly Imprinted Membranes for Selective Recognition and Separation of Tetracycline
Authors: Xing Wendong , Wu Yilin , Lu Jian , Lin Xinyu , Yu Chao , Dong Zeqing , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: November 2019

Aggravating environmental problems have driven the unprecedented development of sustainable materials. Treatments of environmental pollutants with biomass-based sustainable materials are catching attention of more researchers. In the present work, a biomass-based strategy was developed to prepare sustainable molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membranes (S-MINMs). Based on this strategy, biomass-activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) as the porous filler were integrated into the porous cellulose acetate (CA)/chitosan (CS) hybrid membranes to synthesize renewable and easy degradable basal membranes. The specific recognition sites were fabricated from simple free radical polymerization method, and using methacrylic acid (MAA) and acrylamide (Am) as functional monomers, we obtain improved adsorption capacity on tetracycline (TC, template molecule). Performance of S-MINMs was evaluated by adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics, perm-selectivity, reusability and biodegradability. Results indicated that the as-prepared S-MINMs not only exhibited desirable biodegradability, but also possess superior adsorption and separation performance toward TC (15.99[Formula: see text]mg g[Formula: see text] for adsorption capacity and 4.91 for perms-selectivity factor). The method developed here shows great potential for development of sustainable membranes for selective separation of various pollutants.
Robots Learning to Say “No”
Authors: Förster Frank , Saunders Joe , Lehmann Hagen , Nehaniv Chrystopher L.
Published: November 2019

“No” is one of the first ten words used by children and embodies the first form of linguistic negation. Despite its early occurrence, the details of its acquisition remain largely unknown. The circumstance that “no” cannot be construed as a label for perceptible objects or events puts it outside the scope of most modern accounts of language acquisition. Moreover, most symbol grounding architectures will struggle to ground the word due to its non-referential character. The presented work extends symbol grounding to encompass affect and motivation. In a study involving the child-like robot iCub, we attempt to illuminate the acquisition process of negation words. The robot is deployed in speech-wise unconstrained interaction with participants acting as its language teachers. The results corroborate the hypothesis that affect or volition plays a pivotal role in the acquisition process. Negation words are prosodically salient within prohibitive utterances and negative intent interpretations such that they can be easily isolated from the teacher’s speech signal. These words subsequently may be grounded in negative affective states. However, observations of the nature of prohibition and the temporal relationships between its linguistic and extra-linguistic components raise questions over the suitability of Hebbian-type algorithms for certain types of language grounding.
Dynamic Watermarking-based Defense of Transportation Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Ko Woo-Hyun , Satchidanandan Bharadwaj , Kumar P. R.
Published: November 2019

The transportation sector is on the threshold of a revolution as advances in real-time communication, real-time computing, and sensing technologies have brought to fruition the capability to build Transportation Cyber-Physical Systems (TCPS) such as self-driving cars, unmanned aerial vehicles, adaptive cruise control systems, truck platoons, and so on. While there are many benefits that TCPSs have to offer, a major challenge that needs to be addressed to enable their proliferation is their vulnerability to cyber attacks. In this article, we demonstrate, using laboratory prototypes of TCPSs, how the approach of Dynamic Watermarking can secure them from arbitrary sensor attacks. Specifically, we consider two TCPSs of topical interest: (i) an adaptive cruise control system and (ii) a system of self-driving vehicles tracking given trajectories. In each of these systems, we first show how cyber attacks on sensors can compromise safety and cause collisions between vehicles in spite of the presence of a collision avoidance module in the system. We then apply the approach of Dynamic Watermarking and demonstrate that it detects attacks with “low” delay. Once an attack is detected, the controller can take appropriate control actions to prevent collisions, thereby guaranteeing safety in the sense of collision freedom.
The Precompression Processing of LMS Algorithm in Noise Elimination
Authors: Lin Pengfei , Lin Chunsheng , Zhang Ning , wu Xingya
Published: November 2019

In this study, the authors propose a novel precompression processing (PCP) of the least mean squares (LMS) algorithm based on a regulator factor. The novelty of the PCP algorithm is that the compressed input signals vary from each other on different components at each iteration. The input signal of the improved LMS algorithm is precompressed based on the regulator factor. The precompressed input signal is not only related to the regulator factor α and the current value of the input signal at each iteration but also related to the amplitude of the input signal before this iteration. The improved algorithm can eliminate the influence of input signal mutation on the filter performance. In the numerical simulations, we compare the improved LMS algorithm and NLMS algorithm in the cases of normal input signal and input signal with mutation and the influence of different regulator factors on the noise elimination. Results show that the PCP algorithm has good noise elimination effect when the input signal changes abruptly and the regulator factor α = 0.01 can meet the requirements.
Long-Term Potable Effects of Alkalescent Mineral Water on Intestinal Microbiota Shift and Physical Conditioning
Authors: Yahiro Takaaki , Hara Takao , Matsumoto Takashi , Ikebe Emi , Fife-Koshinomi Nichole , Xu Zhaojun , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Iha Hidekatsu , Inomata Masafumi
Published: November 2019

Background. An alkalescent (pH 8.3) mineral water (AMW) of Hita basin, located in the northwestern part of Kyushu island in Japan, has been recognized for the unique quality of ingredients including highly concentrated silicic acid, sodium, potassium, and hydrogen carbonate. The biological effects of AMW intake were evaluated with a particular focus on its “antiobesity” properties through its modulation of the gut microbiota population. Methods. Two groups of C57BL6/J mice (8-week-old male) were maintained with a standard diet and tap water (control: TWC group) or AMW (AMW group) for 6 months and the following outputs were quantitated: (1) food and water intake, (2) body weight (weekly), (3) body fat measurements by CT scan (monthly), (4) sera biochemical values (TG, ALT, AST, and ALP), and (5) UCP-1 mRNA in fat tissues (terminal point). Two groups of ICR mice (7-week-old male) were maintained with the same method and their feces were collected at the 0, 1st, 3rd, and 6th month at which time the population rates of gut microbiota were quantitated using metagenomic sequencing analysis of 16S-rRNA. Results. Among all antiobesity testing items, even though a weekly dietary consumption was increased (p=0.012), both ratios of weight gain (p=1.21E−10) and visceral fat accumulation (p=0.029) were significantly reduced in the AMW group. Other criteria including water intake (p=0.727), the amounts of total (p=0.1602), and subcutaneous fat accumulation (p=0.052) were within the margin of error and UCP-1 gene expression level (p=0.171) in the AMW group was 3.89-fold higher than that of TWC. Among 8 major gut bacteria families, Lactobacillaceae (increased, p=0.029) and Clostridiaceae (decreased, p=0.029) showed significant shift in the whole population. Conclusion. We observed significantly reduced (1) weight gaining ratio (average −1.86%, up to −3.3%), (2) visceral fat accumulation ratio (average −4.30%, up to −9.1%), and (3) changes in gut microbiota population. All these consequences could support the “health benefit” functionality of AMW.
Energy‐Based Seismic Design Method for EBFs Based on Hysteretic Energy Spectra and Accumulated Ductility Ratio Spectra
Authors: Ma Cuiling
Published: November 2019

In the case of far field earthquakes, structural failure often results from accumulated damage caused by cyclic effects and gradual accumulation of energy. This paper proposes an energy‐based seismic design method for steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) with two shear links at every story according to the energy balance concept. The proposed method is theoretically supported by hysteretic energy spectra and accumulated ductility ratio spectra according to the Chinese soil classification. Furthermore, the method can be used to clarify the relationship between cumulative hysteretic energy and one‐way pushover energy. For developing the method, it is assumed that all the hysteretic energy is dissipated by the shear links, column bases, and beam ends of the frames at both sides. Therefore, the parts outside the links, including beam segments, braces, and columns, are specially designed to perform elastically during an earthquake. Furthermore, a V‐scheme steel EBF with ten stories and three spans is designed. The seismic performances of the designed structure, such as story drift and energy dissipation, are evaluated by nonlinear static analysis and time‐history analysis. Finally, the reliability and accuracy of the proposed seismic design method are validated.
Determination of Technological Features of a Solar Photovoltaic Cell Made of Monocrystalline Silicon P+PNN+
Authors: Fluieraru Cristian-Petre , Predușcă Gabriel , Andrei Horia , Diaconu Emil , Cotfas Petru Adrian , Cotfas Daniel Tudor
Published: November 2019

The development in the field of semiconductor materials and electronic devices has a great impact on systems with renewable energy sources. Determination of the functional parameters of photovoltaic solar cells is essential for the subsequent usage of these semiconductor devices. Research was made on type P+PNN+ monocrystalline silicon wafers. Crystallographic measurements of the photovoltaic solar cell were made by means of FESEM-FIB Auriga Workstation. Initial data were selected from the study of models found in the specialized literature. The experimental results were compared to classical mathematical models. Measurements made on the photovoltaic solar cell were realised in laboratory conditions on the NI-ELVIS platform produced by National Instruments.
Simulation Analysis of Various Applications of a Combined Photovoltaic Panel with a Single-Channel Natural Flow Heat Collector
Authors: Komilov Asliddin
Published: November 2019

The present article presents simulation results of a combined photovoltaic panel (PV) with natural flow single-channel thermal collector device (PV/T) for different thermal performance modes. The efficiencies of the PV/T and the same size photovoltaic panel are compared. Stress analysis was performed to realize the system’s limitation and resistibility to hydrostatic pressure. At different modes of operation, the photovoltaic efficiency was 6-15% higher for PV/T than for PV. The photovoltaic efficiency of PV/T was less influenced by insulation than that of PV, and combined thermal and photovoltaic efficiency was higher in insulated PV/T. Because of the hydrostatic pressure of water, the proposed design PV/T can use only limited existing PV panels which is a big disadvantage compared to other designs.
Developer Design of Hybrid Plasmonic Nano Patch Antenna with Metal Insulator Metal Multilayer Construction
Authors: Shaaban Raed M. , Mudhafer A. , Malallah Ra’ed
Published: November 2019

Hybrid plasmonic nanopatch antenna with metal-insulator-metal (HMIM) multilayer has been investigated for operation at the frequency of 125–250 THz using the finite element method (FEM) implemented in Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). The proposed antenna exhibits a wide bandwidth of 49.5 THz (151.5 THz–201 THz) for the slots thicknesses Wg = 50 nm and Ws = 100 nm and dual bandwidth for Ws = 20 nm. The obtained results show the input impedance of 50.3 Ω input resistance (real part) and 2.3 Ω reactance (imaginary part) occurring at (near) the operation frequency. The maximum gain of 23.98 dB has been observed for resonant frequencies of 176 THz, and the maximum directivity remains above 6.73 dB and 7.46 dB at resonant frequencies of 170 THz and 190 THz, respectively. Our proposed antenna performance is compared to previously reported designs. The copolar and cross-polar radiation patterns are simulated at different resonant frequencies of 160 THz and 197 THz for planes Φ=90° and Φ=0°. The arrays of a proposed antenna are designed in one and two dimensions in order to appropriate high-gain applications.
Undertreatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration after 10 Years of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in the Real World: The Need for A Change of Mindset
Authors: Monés Jordi , Singh Rishi P. , Bandello Francesco , Souied Eric , Liu Xin , Gale Richard
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To assess the gap between visual acuity (VA) outcomes with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies in clinical trials and real-world practice, and explore the reasons for this gap. Methods: The literature was searched from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2018, for studies reporting VA gains and injection frequencies in clinical trials and real-world practice. Results: Clinical trials of anti-VEGF agents and their extension studies demonstrated initial VA gains maintained at 4 years and beyond (up to 7 years) with continuous proactive treatment. Visual outcomes correlated with injection frequency. In real-world practice, patients are usually undertreated, accounting for the VA decline over time. Reasons for undertreatment include the burden of injections and monitoring visits imposed on patients/caregivers. However, another primary reason is the general mindset in the ophthalmological community that sustained benefits with treatment are not possible, leading to poor compliance and creating a vicious circle. Conclusions: Initial VA gains can be maintained with more intensive/proactive approaches. Promising new treatments requiring less frequent injections/monitoring will help in the near future; meanwhile, better results could be achieved by changing the community mindset that contributes to undertreatment.
Waist-to-Height Ratio Is a Better Predictor of Hyperuricemia than Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in Chinese
Authors: Huang Zhi-pei , Huang Bi-xia , Zhang Hui , Zhu Ming-fan , Zhu Hui-lian
Published: November 2019

Objective: Our study aimed to compare the predictive value of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for hyperuricemia with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 9,206 South China residents (male/female: 4,433/4,773) aged 18–89 years recruited during years 2009–2010 and 2014–2015. Anthropometric measurements, serum uric acid, blood pressure, and plasma glucose, lipid, lipoprotein, and transferase levels were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate the predictive values of anthropometric indices for hyperuricemia. Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia increased significantly with higher quartiles of WHtR in both genders. The best cutoff points of WHtR to predict hyperuricemia are 0.52 for men and 0.49 for women and differed between different BMI and WC stratums. Although there was no significant difference between the area under the ROC curves, subjects in the top quartile of WHtR were at a highest risk of hyperuricemia (p for linear trend <0.001) and the adjusted ORs of WHtR (2.24–2.77 in men and 2.66–4.95 in women) were higher than those of BMI or WC in the multivariable regression model. Conclusions: WHtR was an independent and better predictor of hyperuricemia compared with BMI and WC.
Functional Screening of Candidate Causal Genes for Insulin Resistance in Human Preadipocytes and Adipocytes
Authors: Chen Zhifen , Yu Haojie , Shi Xu , Warren Curtis R. , Lotta Luca A. , Friesen Max , Meissner Torsten B. , Langenberg Claudia , Wabitsch Martin , Wareham Nick , Benson Mark D. , Gerszten Rob E. , Cowan Chad A.
Published: November 2019

Rationale:

Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic loci associated with insulin resistance (IR) but pinpointing the causal genes of a risk locus has been challenging.

Objective:

To identify candidate causal genes for IR, we screened regional and biologically plausible genes (16 in total) near the top 10 IR-loci in risk-relevant cell types, namely preadipocytes and adipocytes.

Methods and Results:

We generated 16 human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome preadipocyte knockout lines each with a single IR-gene knocked out by lentivirus-mediated CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 system. We evaluated each gene knockout by screening IR-relevant phenotypes in the 3 insulin-sensitizing mechanisms, including adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and insulin signaling. We performed genetic analyses using data on the genotype-tissue expression portal expression quantitative trait loci database and accelerating medicines partnership type 2 diabetes mellitus Knowledge Portal to evaluate whether candidate genes prioritized by our in vitro studies were expression quantitative trait loci genes in human subcutaneous adipose tissue, and whether expression of these genes is associated with risk of IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. We further validated the functions of 3 new adipose IR genes by overexpression-based phenotypic rescue in the Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome preadipocyte knockout lines. Twelve genes,
PPARG
,
IRS-1
,
FST
,
PEPD, PDGFC
,
MAP3K1
,
GRB14
,
ARL15
,
ANKRD55
,
RSPO3
,
COBLL1
, and
LYPLAL1
, showed diverse phenotypes in the 3 insulin-sensitizing mechanisms, and the first 7 of these genes could affect all the 3 mechanisms. Five out of 6 expression quantitative trait loci genes are among the top candidate causal genes and the abnormal expression levels of these genes (
IRS-1
,
GRB14
,
FST
,
PEPD
, and
PDGFC
) in human subcutaneous adipose tissue could be associated with increased risk of IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Phenotypic rescue by overexpression of the candidate causal genes (
FST
,
PEPD
, and
PDGFC
) in the Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome preadipocyte knockout lines confirmed their function in adipose IR.

Conclusions:

Twelve genes showed diverse phenotypes indicating differential roles in insulin sensitization, suggesting mechanisms bridging the association of their genomic loci with IR. We prioritized
PPARG
,
IRS-1
,
GRB14, MAP3K1
,
FST
,
PEPD
, and
PDGFC
as top candidate genes. Our work points to novel roles for
FST
,
PEPD
, and
PDGFC
in adipose tissue, with consequences for cardiometabolic diseases.
Intrinsic connectome organization across temporal scales: New insights from cross-modal approaches
Authors: Sadaghiani Sepideh , Wirsich Jonathan
Published: November 2019

The discovery of a stable, whole-brain functional connectivity organization that is largely independent of external events has drastically extended our view of human brain function. However, this discovery has been primarily based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The role of this whole-brain organization in fast oscillation-based connectivity as measured, for example, by electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) is only beginning to emerge. Here, we review studies of intrinsic connectivity and its whole-brain organization in EEG, MEG, and intracranial electrophysiology with a particular focus on direct comparisons to connectome studies in fMRI. Synthesizing this literature, we conclude that irrespective of temporal scale over four orders of magnitude, intrinsic neurophysiological connectivity shows spatial similarity to the connectivity organization commonly observed in fMRI. A shared structural connectivity basis and cross-frequency coupling are possible mechanisms contributing to this similarity. Acknowledging that a stable whole-brain organization governs long-range coupling across all timescales of neural processing motivates researchers to take “baseline” intrinsic connectivity into account when investigating brain-behavior associations, and further encourages more widespread exploration of functional connectomics approaches beyond fMRI by using EEG and MEG modalities.
“Quitting Nature’s Part”: The Reproductive Quest in Dryden’s Virgil
Authors: Connally Kenneth
Published: November 2019

John Dryden’s translations of Virgil’s Aeneid and Georgics engage with an early modern discourse of reproduction that encouraged maximizing production while warning against disorderly generativity. While Virgil and Dryden both had political reasons to be invested in patrilineage, their shared interest in Epicureanism, with its denial of life after death, may have driven these poets to search for an alternative form of immortality in reproduction. Dryden’s choices as a translator reveal cultural anxieties around women’s role in procreation and suggest a preference for adoption as a model for reproductive success because it allows women to be cut out of the process. Ultimately, Aeneas’ decision to identify with his deceased, adopted son rather than his living biological son in the poem’s final lines suggests a turning away from futurity and acceptance of death.