bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion properties of generalized inverses in semiprime rings
Authors: Lee Tsiu-Kwen
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a semiprime ring, not necessarily with unity, with extended centroid [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] (respectively [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) denote the set of all outer (respectively inner, reflexive) inverses of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In the paper, we study the inclusion properties of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Among other results, we prove that for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] von Neumann regular, [Formula: see text] (respectively [Formula: see text]) if and only if [Formula: see text] (respectively [Formula: see text]). Here, [Formula: see text] is the smallest idempotent in [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. This gives a common generalization of several known results.
1-Connected character-graphs of finite groups with non-bipartite complement
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahdi , Khatami Maryam , Mirzaei Zohreh
Published: January 2020

For a finite group [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the character-graph which is built on the set of irreducible complex character degrees of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we wish to determine the structure of finite groups [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-connected with nonbipartite complement. Also, we classify all [Formula: see text]-connected graphs with nonbipartite complement that can occur as the character-graph [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text].
Commuting automorphisms of finite 2-groups of almost maximal class, II
Authors: Azimi Shahrabi N. , Akhavan-Malayeri M.
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite [Formula: see text]-group. In our recent paper, it was shown that in a finite [Formula: see text]-group of almost maximal class, the set of all commuting automorphisms, [Formula: see text] is a subgroup of [Formula: see text]. Also, we proved that the minimum coclass of a non-[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-group is equal to 3. Using these results, in this paper, we will take of the task of determining when the group of all commuting automorphisms of all finite [Formula: see text]-groups of almost maximal class are equal to the group of all central automorphisms. This determination is not easy. We will prove they are equal, except only for five ones. We show that the minimum order of a [Formula: see text]-group which it’s group of all commuting automorphisms is not equal to it’s group of all central automorphisms is [Formula: see text]. Also, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a finite [Formula: see text]-group in which [Formula: see text], then the subgroup of right 2-Engel elements of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], coincides with the second term of upper central series of [Formula: see text].
Microscopic foundation of the second law of thermodynamics within nonunitary Newtonian gravity
Authors: Filippo Sergio De , Maimone Filippo , Naddeo Adele , Scelza Giovanni
Published: January 2020

The quest for a microscopic foundation of thermodynamics is addressed within the Nonunitary Newtonian Gravity (NNG) model through the study of a specific closed system, namely, a three-dimensional harmonic nanocrystal. A numerical calculation of the nanocrystal von Neumann entropy as a function of time is performed, showing a sharp monotonic increase, followed by a stabilization at late times. This behavior is consistent with the emergence of a microcanonical ensemble within the initial energy levels, signaling, in this way, the establishment of a nonunitary gravity-induced thermal equilibrium.
Some characterization theorems on GCR-lightlike warped product submanifolds of indefinite nearly Kaehler manifolds
Authors: Kumar Sangeet
Published: January 2020

It is shown that for a proper Generalized Cauchy–Riemann ([Formula: see text])-lightlike submanifold of an indefinite nearly Kaehler manifold such that [Formula: see text] defines a totally geodesic foliation in [Formula: see text], there does not exist any warped product [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold of the type [Formula: see text]. Then, the existence of [Formula: see text]-lightlike warped product submanifolds of the type [Formula: see text] in indefinite nearly Kaehler manifolds is obtained by establishing a characterization in terms of the shape operator. Further, we prove that for a proper [Formula: see text]-lightlike warped product submanifold of an indefinite nearly Kaehler manifold, the induced connection [Formula: see text] can never be a metric connection. Finally, we derive some characterizations in terms of the canonical structures [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on a [Formula: see text]-lightlike submanifold of an indefinite nearly Kaehler manifold enabling it to be a [Formula: see text]-lightlike warped product.
Torsion of rational elliptic curves over different types of cubic fields
Authors: Jeon Daeyeol , Schweizer Andreas
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be an elliptic curve defined over [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be the torsion group [Formula: see text] for some cubic field [Formula: see text] which does not occur over [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine over which types of cubic number fields (cyclic cubic, non-Galois totally real cubic, complex cubic or pure cubic) [Formula: see text] can occur, and if so, whether it can occur infinitely often or not. Moreover, if it occurs, we provide elliptic curves [Formula: see text] together with cubic fields [Formula: see text] so that [Formula: see text].
Scientific and Technological Challenges in RoboCup
Authors: Asada Minoru , von Stryk Oskar
Published: January 2020

Since its inception in 1997, RoboCup has developed into a truly unique and long-standing research community advancing robotics and artificial intelligence through various challenges, benchmarks, and test fields. The main purposes of this article are to evaluate the research and development achievements so far and to identify new challenges and related new research issues. Unlike other robot competitions and research conferences, RoboCup eliminates the boundaries between pure research activities and the development of full system designs with hardware and software implementations at a site open to the public. It also creates specific scientific and technological research and development challenges to be addressed. In this article, we provide an overview of RoboCup, including its league structure and related research issues. We also review recent studies across several research categories to show how participants (called RoboCuppers) address the research and development challenges before, during, and after the annual competitions. Among the diversity of research issues, we highlight two unique aspects of the challenges: the platform design of the robots and the game evaluations. Both of these aspects contribute to solving the research and development challenges of RoboCup and verifying the results from a common perspective (i.e., a more objective view). Finally, we provide concluding remarks and discuss future research directions.
Prison Culture, Management, and In-Prison Violence
Authors: Wooldredge John
Published: January 2020

Academic attention to violence and other forms of in-prison misconduct is on the rise, although most research continues to be framed within now stale perspectives. A broader framework is needed that builds on the more contemporary aspects of these perspectives and incorporates other elements of prison culture and management that potentially influence violent offending and victimization in prison. This article begins with an overview of cumulative knowledge on prison culture to highlight relevant ideas on inmate adaptation to confinement and how violence might manifest from (mal)adaptation. How prison management shapes and reflects culture is also discussed with an emphasis on how prison officers affect inmate safety. A bi-level framework is presented that brings together the piecemeal contributions of research to date to provide a more comprehensive understanding of offending and victimization that should facilitate crime prevention in prison while improving the humanity of the prison experience.
Neonatal T Cells: A Reinterpretation
Authors: Rudd Brian D.
Published: January 2020

Neonatal CD4+and CD8+T cells have historically been characterized as immature or defective. However, recent studies prompt a reinterpretation of the functions of neonatal T cells. Rather than a population of cells always falling short of expectations set by their adult counterparts, neonatal T cells are gaining recognition as a distinct population of lymphocytes well suited for the rapidly changing environment in early life. In this review, I will highlight new evidence indicating that neonatal T cells are not inert or less potent versions of adult T cells but instead are a broadly reactive layer of T cells poised to quickly develop into regulatory or effector cells, depending on the needs of the host. In this way, neonatal T cells are well adapted to provide fast-acting immune protection against foreign pathogens, while also sustaining tolerance to self-antigens.
Model-Based Analysis of the Limiting Mechanisms in the Gas-Phase Oxidation of HCl Employing an Oxygen Depolarized Cathode
Authors: Bechtel Simon , Vidaković-Koch Tanja , Weber Adam Z. , Sundmacher Kai
Published: January 2020

The electrochemical oxidation of HCl to Cl2 plays an important role in the production of polycarbonates and polyurethanes. Recently, the gas-phase oxidation of HCl proved to be significantly more efficient than the current state-of-the-art process based on the oxidation of hydrochloric acid. In experimental investigations of this gas-phase reactor, a limiting current can be observed that is so far not understood but impedes the overall reactor performance. In the present work, a nonisothermal multiphase agglomerate model is developed to investigate the underlying reasons for this limiting behavior in more detail. It is shown that the thermal management of the cell plays a significant role and that minor changes to its thermal resistance lead to the limiting behavior being caused by either flooding of the cathode or dehydration of the membrane and anode. An optimization of operational and structural parameters of the cell based on these insights leads to an increase in the limiting current by more than 90%. Interestingly, under these conditions a third phenomenon, the rate determining Tafel step in the microkinetic reaction mechanism of the HCl oxidation, limits the overall reactor performance. These insights harbor the potential for enormous energetic savings in this industrially highly relevant process.
Review—Metal Oxides: Application in Exhaled Breath Acetone Chemiresistive Sensors
Authors: Masikini Milua , Chowdhury Mahabubur , Nemraoui Ouassini
Published: January 2020

Human breath investigation offers a non-invasive and quick strategy for recognizing different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are markers for various diseases. Scientists have shown that breath acetone is a successful biomarker of Type 2 diabetes which is the most common type of diabetes. The generation of acetone is a consequence of the body processing fats as an alternative of glucose to produce energy. Thus, detection of breath acetone can be a rapid, viable, and patient compliant alternative to the conventional methods of blood glucose determination. To achieve this goal, metal oxide nanostructures with various shapes through different synthesis routes in the nanometer scale, can be used. Owing to its properties such as high surface-to-volume ratios and subsequently large number of surface sites exposed to acetone gas, metal oxide nanostructures facilitate a well-built gas-sensing layer interaction and consequently compared to conventional materials, present a higher sensitivity. This work, presents the progress in metal oxides nanostructures (semiconductor nanomaterials) as gas sensing materials for the exhaled acetone detection, which offers the possibility to help people living with diabetes to screen their disease. The different types of metal oxides materials used in Breath acetone sensors, their limitations and future perspectives have been highlighted.
Review—Voltammetric Sensors with Laterally Placed Working Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Porada Radosław , Jedlińska Katarzyna , Lipińska Justyna , Baś Bogusław
Published: January 2020

Voltammetric sensors with laterally placed working electrode are an interesting alternative to classic electrodes since they offer enhanced performance in electroanalysis. Their characteristics include easier preparation for measurement, removal of interferences and gas bubbles, amplification of mass-transport, and possibility of miniaturization and automation. In this review, construction and characteristics of the custom-designed in our team cyclically renewable, silver, gold, bismuth, glassy carbon, ceramic and amalgam annular band, bi-band, ring, and multidisc electrodes are discussed in detail. They represent the current trends in electroanalysis, aimed at reducing of amount of the used toxic electrode materials, like mercury and its compounds, and organic solvents used for a sample preparation, and are coherent with the concept of Green Chemistry. For each sensor type available strategies for mechanical and electrochemical surface renovation/activation before measurement are elucidated and evaluated on the basis of interpretation of voltammetric and tensammetric curves. Particular attention is put on electrochemical characteristics of the described sensors and their application for determination of trace amounts of metal ions and their complexes, organic compounds, and surface-active substances by means of tensammetry, and anodic, cathodic, adsorptive and catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry. Final considerations are addressed to the possibility of measurement automation and related future prospects.
Nanoformulated SOD1 ameliorates the combined NASH and alcohol-associated liver disease partly via regulating CYP2E1 expression in adipose tissue and liver
Authors: Gopal Thiyagarajan , Kumar Narendra , Perriotte-Olson Curtis , Casey Carol A. , Donohue Terrence M. , Harris Edward N. , Talmon Geoffrey , Kabanov Alexander V. , Saraswathi Viswanathan
Published: January 2020

Enhanced free fatty acid (FFA) flux from adipose tissue (AT) to liver plays an important role in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). We determined the effectiveness of nanoformulated superoxide dismutase 1 (Nano) in attenuating liver injury in a mouse model exhibiting a combination of NASH and AALD. Male C57BL6/J mice were fed a chow diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HF) for 10 wk followed by pair feeding of the Lieber-DeCarli control (control) or ethanol (ET) diet for 4 wk. Nano was administered once every other day for the last 2 wk of ET feeding. Mice were divided into 1) CD + control diet (CD + Cont), 2) high-fat diet (HF) + control diet (HF + Cont), 3) HF + Cont + Nano, 4) HF + ET diet (HF + ET), and 5) HF + ET + Nano. The total fat mass, visceral AT mass (VAT), and VAT perilipin 1 content were significantly lower only in HF + ET-fed mice but not in HF + ET + Nano-treated mice compared with controls. The HF + ET-fed mice showed an upregulation of VAT CYP2E1 protein, and Nano abrogated this effect. We noted a significant rise in plasma FFAs, ALT, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in HF + ET-fed mice, which was blunted in HF + ET + Nano-treated mice. HF + ET-induced increases in hepatic steatosis and inflammatory markers were attenuated upon Nano treatment. Nano reduced hepatic CYP2E1 and enhanced catalase levels in HF + ET-fed mice with a concomitant increase in SOD1 protein and activity in liver. Nano was effective in attenuating AT and liver injury in mice exhibiting a combination of NASH and AALD, partly via reduced CYP2E1-mediated ET metabolism in these organs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increased free fatty acid flux from adipose tissue (AT) to liver accompanied by oxidative stress promotes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcohol-associated liver injury (AALD). Obesity increases the severity of AALD. Using a two-hit model involving a high-fat diet and chronic ethanol feeding to mice, and treating them with nanoformulated superoxide dismutase (nanoSOD), we have shown that nanoSOD improves AT lipid storage, reduces CYP2E1 in AT and liver, and attenuates the combined NASH/AALD in mice.
Myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A synergistically mediate actin cytoskeletal-dependent inhibition of liver fibrogenesis
Authors: Shi Zengdun , Ren Mudan , Rockey Don C.
Published: January 2020

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), characterized by development of a robust actin cytoskeleton and expression of abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as type 1 collagen (COL.1), is a central cellular and molecular event in liver fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that HSCs express both myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A). However, the biological effects of myocardin and MRTF-A on HSC activation and liver fibrosis, as well as the molecular mechanism under the process, remain unclear. Here, we report that myocardin and MRTF-A’s expression and nuclear accumulation are prominently increased during the HSC activation process, accompanied by robust activation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Targeting myocardin and MRTF-A binding and function with a novel small molecule, CCG-203971, led to dose-dependent inhibition of HSC actin cytoskeleton dynamics and abrogated multiple functional features of HSC activation (i.e., HSC contraction, migration and proliferation) and decreased COL.1 expression in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, blocking the myocardin and MRTF-A nuclear translocation pathway with CCG-203971 directly inhibited myocardin/MRTF-A-mediated serum response factor (SRF), and Smad2/3 activation in the COL.1α2 promoter and indirectly abrogated actin cytoskeleton-dependent regulation of Smad2/3 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation and their nuclear accumulation. Finally, there was no effect of CCG-203971 on markers of inflammation, suggesting a direct effect of the compound on HSCs and liver fibrosis. These data reveal that myocardin and MRTF-A are two important cotranscriptional factors in HSCs and represent entirely novel therapeutic pathways that might be targeted to treat liver fibrosis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) are upregulated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in vivo, closely associated with robustly increased actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Targeting myocardin and MRTF-A by CCG-203971 leads to actin cytoskeleton-dependent inhibition of HSC activation, reduced cell contractility, impeded cell migration and proliferation, and decreased COL.1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Dual expression of myocardin and MRTF-A in HSCs may represent novel therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis.
Correction Method for Hydraulic Conductivity Measurements Made Using a Fixed Wall Permeameter
Authors: Luo Qiang , Liu Mengshi , Wang Tengfei , Wu Peng
Published: January 2020

Hydraulic conductivity measurement through a fixed wall permeameter is a common practice to obtain the fluid transmissibility characteristics of soil matrix; however, sidewall leakage due to rigid wall effect may significantly influence the observed values for coarse-grained soils. In this study, the boundary flow error was identified through characterizing the geometrical properties of voids adjacent to the sidewall, and a parameter known as the boundary void ratio (eb) was proposed to account for this effect. The findings suggest that a fixed wall cell containing coarse soils would unavoidably generate extra voids at the interface between soil grains and inner rigid wall, contributing to a larger eb at the wall than void ratio within the soil bed; the measured hydraulic conductivity is increased primarily due to the apparatus-induced error. A two-dimensional geometric model was then established to estimate the eb value for uniformly sized coarse soils confined by a rigid permeameter wall, based on which a method was obtained for eliminating the boundary flow error from a fixed wall cell. The mathematical method was finally validated against experimental data from existing literature. It can be concluded that the boundary condition at sidewall featuring unwanted gaps lead to overestimation of the coefficient of permeability; however, the proposed correction method could adequately eliminate the boundary flow error for uniformly sized coarse-grained soils tested within a rigid wall cell.
Doubly Degenerate Parabolic Equation with Time-Dependent Gradient Source and Initial Data Measures
Authors: Deng Lihua , Shang Xianguang
Published: January 2020

This paper is devoted to the Cauchy problem for a class of doubly degenerate parabolic equation with time-dependent gradient source, where the initial data are Radon measures. Using the delicate a priori estimates, we first establish two local existence results. Furthermore, we show that the existence of solutions is optimal in the class considered here.
Extracellular Vesicles with Possible Roles in Gut Intestinal Tract Homeostasis and IBD
Authors: Chang Xin , Wang Shu-Ling , Zhao Sheng-Bing , Shi Yi-Hai , Pan Peng , Gu Lun , Yao Jun , Li Zhao-Shen , Bai Yu
Published: January 2020

The intestinal tract consists of various types of cells, such as epithelial cells, Paneth cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which constitute the intestinal immune system and play a significant role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis by producing antimicrobial materials and controlling the host-commensal balance. Various studies have found that the dysfunction of intestinal homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As a novel mediator, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as effective communicators, not only between cells but also between cells and the organism. In recent years, EVs have been regarded as vital characters for dysregulated homeostasis and IBD in either the etiology or the pathology of intestinal inflammation. Here, we review recent studies on EVs associated with intestinal homeostasis and IBD and discuss their source, cargo, and origin, as well as their therapeutic effects on IBD, which mainly include artificial nanoparticles and EVs derived from microorganisms.
Three-Dimensional Coprime Array for Massive MIMO: Array Configuration Design and 2D DOA Estimation
Authors: Gong Pan , Ahmed Tanveer , Li Jianfeng
Published: January 2020

In massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, it is critical to obtain the accurate direction of arrival (DOA) estimation. Conventional three-dimensional array mainly focuses on the uniform array. Due to the dense arrangement of the sensors, the array aperture is limited and severe mutual coupling effects arise. In this paper, a coprime cubic array (CCA) configuration design is presented, which is composed of two uniform cubic subarrays and can extend the interelement spacing with a selection of three pairs of coprime integers. Compared with uniform cubic array (UCA), CCA achieves the larger array aperture and less MC effects. And the analytical expression of Cramer–Rao Bound (CRB) for CCA is derived which verifies that the proposed CCA geometry outperforms the conventional UCA in two-dimensional (2D) DOA estimation performance in massive MIMO systems. Meanwhile, we propose a computationally efficient 2D DOA estimation algorithm with high accuracy for CCA. Specifically, we utilize array mapping to extract two uniform arrays from the nonuniform array by exploiting the relation derived from the signal subspace and the two directional matrices. Then, we operate a reduced dimension process on the uniform arrays and convert the 2D spectrum peak searching (SPS) problem into one-dimensional (1D) one, which significantly reduces the computational complexity. In addition, we employ the polynomial root finding technique with a lower complexity instead of 1D SPS to further relieve the computational complexity. Simultaneously, with coprime property, the phase ambiguity problem is solved, which results from the large interelement spacing. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is very computationally efficient without degradation of DOA estimation performance.
Topping‐Off Technology versus Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Xiangyao , Zhang Tongtong , Sun Siyuan , Kong Chao , Lu Shibao
Published: January 2020

The treatment effects of topping‐off technique were still controversial. This study compared all available data on postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes of topping‐off technique and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were systematically reviewed. Variations included radiographical adjacent segment disease (RASD), clinical adjacent segment disease (CASD), global lumbar lordosis (GLL), visual analogue scale (VAS) of back (VAS‐B) and leg (VAS‐L), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, duration of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), reoperation rates, and complication rates. Sixteen studies, including 1372 cases, were selected for the analysis. Rates of proximal RASD (P = 0.0004), distal RASD (P = 0.03), postoperative VAS‐B (P = 0.0001), postoperative VAS‐L (P = 0.02), EBL (P = 0.007), and duration of surgery (P = 0.02) were significantly lower in topping‐off group than those in PLIF group. Postoperative ODI after 3 years (P = 0.04) in the topping‐off group was significantly less than that in the PLIF group. There was no significant difference in the rates of CASD (P = 0.06), postoperative GLL (P = 0.14), postoperative ODI within 3 years (P = 0.24), and postoperative JOA (P = 0.70) and in reoperation rates (P = 0.32) and complication rates (P = 0.27) between topping‐off group and PLIF. The results confirmed that topping‐off technique could effectively prevent ASDs after lumbar internal fixation. However, this effect is effective in preventing RASD. Topping‐off technique is more effective in improving the subjective feelings of patients rather than objective motor functions compared with PLIF. With the development of surgical techniques, both topping‐off technique and PLIF are safe.
A Novel Method for Broiler Abnormal Sound Detection Using WMFCC and HMM
Authors: Liu Longshen , Li Bo , Zhao Ruqian , Yao Wen , Shen Mingxia , Yang Ji
Published: January 2020

Broilers produce abnormal sounds such as cough and snore when they suffer from respiratory diseases. The aim of this research work was to develop a method for broiler abnormal sound detection. The sounds were recorded in a broiler house for one week (24/7). There were 20 thousand white feather broilers reared on the floor in a building. Results showed that the developed recognition algorithm, using wavelet transform Mel frequency cepstrum coefficients (WMFCCs), correlation distance Fisher criterion (CDF), and hidden Markov model (HMM), provided an average accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 of 93.8%, 94.4%, 94.1%, and 94.2%, respectively, for broiler sound samples. The results indicate that sound analysis can be used in broiler respiratory assessment in a commercial broiler farm.
Learning from Demonstrations and Human Evaluative Feedbacks: Handling Sparsity and Imperfection Using Inverse Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Mourad Nafee , Ezzeddine Ali , Nadjar Araabi Babak , Nili Ahmadabadi Majid
Published: January 2020

Programming by demonstrations is one of the most efficient methods for knowledge transfer to develop advanced learning systems, provided that teachers deliver abundant and correct demonstrations, and learners correctly perceive them. Nevertheless, demonstrations are sparse and inaccurate in almost all real-world problems. Complementary information is needed to compensate these shortcomings of demonstrations. In this paper, we target programming by a combination of nonoptimal and sparse demonstrations and a limited number of binary evaluative feedbacks, where the learner uses its own evaluated experiences as new demonstrations in an extended inverse reinforcement learning method. This provides the learner with a broader generalization and less regret as well as robustness in face of sparsity and nonoptimality in demonstrations and feedbacks. Our method alleviates the unrealistic burden on teachers to provide optimal and abundant demonstrations. Employing an evaluative feedback, which is easy for teachers to deliver, provides the opportunity to correct the learner’s behavior in an interactive social setting without requiring teachers to know and use their own accurate reward function. Here, we enhance the inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) to estimate the reward function using a mixture of nonoptimal and sparse demonstrations and evaluative feedbacks. Our method, called IRL from demonstration and human’s critique (IRLDC), has two phases. The teacher first provides some demonstrations for the learner to initialize its policy. Next, the learner interacts with the environment and the teacher provides binary evaluative feedbacks. Taking into account possible inconsistencies and mistakes in issuing and receiving feedbacks, the learner revises the estimated reward function by solving a single optimization problem. The IRLDC is devised to handle errors and sparsities in demonstrations and feedbacks and can generalize different combinations of these two sources expertise. We apply our method to three domains: a simulated navigation task, a simulated car driving problem with human interactions, and a navigation experiment of a mobile robot. The results indicate that the IRLDC significantly enhances the learning process where the standard IRL methods fail and learning from feedbacks (LfF) methods has a high regret. Also, the IRLDC works well at different levels of sparsity and optimality of the teacher’s demonstrations and feedbacks, where other state-of-the-art methods fail.
Failure Process and Stability Analysis of Rock Blocks in a Large Underground Excavation Based on a Numerical Method
Authors: Chen Shijie , Xiao Ming , Chen Juntao
Published: January 2020

A numerical analysis method for block failure is proposed that is based on continuum mechanics. First, a mesh model that includes marked blocks was established based on the grid-based block identification method. Then, expressions of the contact force under various contact states were derived based on the explicit contact force algorithm, and a contact simulation method between blocks and the surrounding rock was proposed. The safety factors of the blocks were calculated based on the strength reduction method. This numerical analysis method can simulate both the continuous deformation of the surrounding rock and the discontinuous failure processes of the blocks. A simple example of a sliding block was used to evaluate the accuracy and rationality of the numerical method. Finally, combined with a deep underground excavation project under complex geological conditions, the stability of the blocks and rock were analyzed. The results indicate that the key blocks are damaged after excavation, the potentially dangerous blocks loosen and undergo large deformations, and the cracks between the blocks and the rock gradually increase as the excavation proceeds. The safety factors of the blocks change during the excavation. The numerical results demonstrate the influence of the surrounding rock on the failure process and on the stability of the blocks, and an effective analysis method is provided for the stability analysis of blocks under complex geological conditions.
Effects of the Proactive Interdisciplinary Self-Management (PRISMA) Program on Online Care Platform Usage in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: du Pon Esther , Kleefstra Nanne , Cleveringa Frits , van Dooren Ad , Heerdink Eibert R. , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: January 2020

Online care platforms can support patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in managing their health. However, in the use of eHealth, a low participation rate is common. The Proactive Interdisciplinary Self-Management (PRISMA) program, aimed at improving patients’ self-management skills, was expected to encourage patients to manage their disease through the use of an online platform. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate whether a group education program can improve the use of an online care platform in patients with T2DM treated by primary care providers in the Netherlands. In a randomized controlled trial, patients with T2DM received either PRISMA with usual care or usual care only. During a six-month follow-up period in 2014-2015, usage (number of log-ons and time spent per session) of an online care platform (e-Vita) aimed at improving T2DM self-management was assessed. A training about the functionalities of e-Vita was offered. The sample consisted of 203 patients. No differences were found between the intervention and control groups in the number of patients who attended the platform training (interested patients) (X21=0.58; p=0.45), and the number of patients who logged on at least once (platform users) (X21=0.46; p=0.50). In addition, no differences were found between the groups in the type of users—patients who logged on twice or more (active users) or patients who logged on once (nonactive users) (X21=0.56; p=0.45). The PRISMA program did not change platform usage in patients with T2DM. In addition, only a small proportion of the patients logged on twice or more. Patients probably need other encouragements to manage their condition using an online platform.
Measurement of Objective Video Quality in Social Cloud Based on Reference Metric
Authors: Karim Sajida , He Hui , Junejo A. R. , Sattar Mariyam
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the objective of the present video quality analysis (VQA) and measures the full reference metrics keeping in view the quality degradation. During the research work, we conduct experiments on different social clouds (SCs) and low-quality videos. Selected videos are uploaded to SC to assess differences in video service and quality. WeChat shows that the average of all videos (Avg = 100), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), has no impact on other indicators. Therefore, we believe that WeChat provides the best video quality and multimedia services to their users to meet Quality of Service (QoS)/Quality of Experience (QoE).
Effects of Eplerenone on Blood Pressure and Echocardiographic and Serum Biochemical Variables in Five Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Arita Shinji , Arita Noboru , Hikasa Yoshiaki
Published: January 2020

Eplerenone (EP), an aldosterone antagonist, is reported to produce renal and cardiac protective effects in noncanine species. However, there are no detailed reports available on cardiovascular effects of EP in dogs. This study aimed to determine effect of EP on echocardiographic parameters, blood pressures, and biochemical variables in healthy dogs. Five healthy Beagle dogs were randomly divided and repeatedly used in each of 3 dose groups, receiving 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg BW EP orally q24 h for 4 wks. Serum biochemical test, blood pressure, and Doppler echocardiography measurements were performed before EP administration and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after EP administration. Treatment with EP reduced mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner and significantly (but in a dose-independent manner) decreased left atrium/aorta ratio, early diastolic transmitral flow, early diastolic transmitral flow/late diastolic transmitral flow, peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion, left ventricle and right ventricle Tei indices, stroke volume, cardiac output, and mid systole myocardial velocity gradient 1 to 4 weeks after administration. Deceleration time of early diastolic transmitral flow significantly increased after EP administration. No significant changes were observed in serum biochemical variables. The results indicated that EP might reduce preload, thereby decreasing left atrial size. In addition, reduction of left ventricular stiffness may have theoretically taken place but this could not be tested using the present study design. It is suggested that EP administration within the dose range used in this study is safe for administration to healthy dogs. Further studies are needed to explore both safety and efficacy, as well as to seek a recommended dose range of EP treatment in client-owned dogs with heart disease.
DPAEG: A Dependency Parse-Based Adversarial Examples Generation Method for Intelligent Q&A Robots
Authors: Xue Mingfu , Yuan Chengxiang , Wang Jian , Liu Weiqiang
Published: January 2020

Recently, the natural language processing- (NLP-) based intelligent question and answer (Q&A) robots have been used ubiquitously. However, the robustness and security of current Q&A robots are still unsatisfactory, e.g., a slight typo in the user’s question may cause the Q&A robot unable to return the correct answer. In this paper, we propose a fast and automatic test dataset generation method for the robustness and security evaluation of current Q&A robots, which can work in black-box scenarios and thus can be applied to a variety of different Q&A robots. Specifically, we propose a dependency parse-based adversarial examples generation (DPAEG) method for Q&A robots. DPAEG first uses the proposed dependency parse-based keywords extraction algorithm to extract keywords from a question. Then, the proposed algorithm generates adversarial words according to the extracted keywords, which include typos and words that are spelled similarly to the keywords. Finally, these adversarial words are used to generate a large number of adversarial questions. The generated adversarial questions which are similar to the original questions do not affect human’s understanding, but the Q&A robots cannot answer these adversarial questions correctly. Moreover, the proposed method works in a black-box scenario, which means it does not need the knowledge of the target Q&A robots. Experiment results show that the generated adversarial examples have a high success rate on two state-of-the-art Q&A robots, DrQA and Google Assistant. In addition, the generated adversarial examples not only affect the correct answer (top-1) returned by DrQA but also affect the top-k candidate answers returned by DrQA. The adversarial examples make the top-k candidate answers contain fewer correct answers and make the correct answers rank lower in the top-k candidate answers. The human evaluation results show that participants with different genders, ages, and mother tongues can understand the meaning of most of the generated adversarial examples, which means that the generated adversarial examples do not affect human’s understanding.
Lactobacillus rhamnosusReduces Blood Glucose Level through Downregulation of Gluconeogenesis Gene Expression in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Farida Eko , Nuraida Lilis , Giriwono Puspo E. , Jenie Betty S. L.
Published: January 2020

Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are observed to be potential probiotics with functional properties such as lowering fasting blood glucose (FBG), as a promising hyperglycemia management. This study investigated the ability and mechanism ofLactobacillus rhamnosusBSL andLactobacillus rhamnosusR23 on lowering FBG in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were orally administered withL. rhamnosusBSL andL. rhamnosusR23 by giving 1 mL cell suspension (109 CFU/mL) daily for 30 days. The body weight (BW) was recorded once in three days, and FBG was recorded once in six days. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was measured 1 week after injection with STZ and before sacrifice. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 15, and 30 for LAB population and identification, performed by PCR detecting 16S rRNA. Oral administration ofL. rhamnosusBSL andL. rhamnosusR23 decreased FBG and improved glucose tolerance via downregulation of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pc) expression by 0.57- and 0.60-fold change, respectively (P<0.05). The lipid profiles, BUN, creatinine, SGOT, and SGPT were significantly (P<0.05) different between normal and diabetic rats, but they were not significantly (P>0.05) different among diabetic rats. Both strains were effective in increasing fecal LAB population. Molecular identification of the isolated LAB from fecal sample indicated that they were able to survive and pass through the digestive tract. These results suggested that both strains have the ability to manage blood glucose level and become a promising agent to manage hyperglycemia and diabetes.
Design of a Novel Passive Wireless Integrated SAW-Based Antenna Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Dai Xuan , Fang Lili , Zhang Chuanfang , Sun Houjun
Published: January 2020

A novel passive wireless integrated SAW-based antenna sensor for strain sensing is presented in this paper. A SAW delay line scheme is proposed for signal modulation, which could distinguish the backscattered data from environmental clutter in time domain. The theoretical relationship between the antenna resonance frequency shifts, the temperature, and the applied strain was established. A multiphysical coupled simulation process is proposed to improve the simulation accuracy. By comparing the phase shift of adjacent echoed data which is generated by SAW reflective grating, the temperature information could be extracted exactly and the effect of temperature fluctuation on the resonance frequency could be compensated. A more accurate passive (battery-free) wireless strain sensing could be provided by this proposed integrated antenna sensor than the previous proposed methods. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the sensor.
Impact of Treatment with Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs on Glycemic Control in Patients with Hepatitis C and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mada Pradeep Kumar , Malus Matthew E. , Parvathaneni Arvin , Chen Bing , Castano Gabriel , Adley Sharon , Moore Maureen , Hieda Michinari , Alam Mohammed J. , Feldman Mark , King John William
Published: January 2020

Aim. To assess the effect of treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) on glycemic control in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods. We performed a retrospective case-control study in a viral hepatitis ambulatory clinic in Shreveport, Louisiana, during the period 11/01/2014 to 12/31/2017. All the clinic patient ages 18 years and above with treatment-naïve/biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C and DM (hemoglobin A1C level≥6.5%) who were eligible for treatment were included in the study. Of 118 such patients, 59 were treated with oral DAAs for 8-12 weeks with the goal of achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR). A control group of 59 patients did not receive treatment for their hepatitis C and was followed in the clinic. Patients in the control group did not receive treatment either due to insurance issues or refusal of hepatitis C treatment. Results. Fifty-five of the 59 patients treated with DAAs (93%) achieved a SVR. Six months after treatment completion, their mean±SEM HbA1C level had decreased by 1.1±0.03% (P<0.0001). Four of the 59 patients treated with DAAs did not achieve a SVR. Their mean HbA1C 6 months after treatment completion had increased by 0.8±0.2%. Furthermore, there was no improvement in HbA1C levels over time in the untreated group (mean HbA1C increase, 0.2±0.05%; P<0.0001 vs. the treatment group, which had a mean HbA1C decrease of 0.9±0.2%). Conclusion. This controlled study demonstrated that treatment of chronic hepatitis C with DAAs results in statistically significant and meaningful reductions in hemoglobin A1C levels in patients with coexisting diabetic mellitus if a SVR is achieved.
Safety Evaluation of Underground Caverns Based on Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Guo Qifeng , Dong Zhihong , Cai Meifeng , Ren Fenhua , Pan Jiliang
Published: January 2020

In order to study the influence of joint fissures and rock parameters with random characteristics on the safety of underground caverns, several parameters affecting the stability of surrounding rock of underground caverns are selected. According to the Monte Carlo method, random numbers satisfying normal distribution characteristics are established. A three-dimensional model of underground caverns with random characteristics is established by discontinuous analysis software 3DEC and excavation simulations are carried out. The maximum displacement at the numerical monitoring points of arch and floor is the safety evaluation index of the cavern. The probability distribution and cumulative distribution function of the displacement at the top arch and floor are obtained, and the safety of a project is evaluated.
Application of a Bentonite Slurry Modified by Polyvinyl Alcohol in the Cutoff of a Landfill
Authors: Dai Guozhong , Sheng Yanmin , Pan Yutao , Shi Guicai , Li Shujin
Published: January 2020

Soil‐bentonite cutoff walls are usually used to contain the contaminants of landfills. The pumpability, permeability, and adsorption capability of the slurry are all crucial to the performance of the cutoff wall. In this study, the effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to improve the performance of bentonite slurry. A series of lab tests were conducted to evaluate the pumpability, permeability, and adsorption capacity with different concentrations of PVA treatment. Results show that the addition of PVA can increase the fluidity and pumpable period of slurry, which facilitates the casting and grouting during construction. The addition of PVA also helps to reduce the permeability coefficient of slurry and improve the adsorption capability which enhances the cutoff performance of the walls.
Spatial Variation of Taxi Demand Using GPS Trajectories and POI Data
Authors: Liu Xinmin , Sun Lu , Sun Qiuxia , Gao Ge
Published: January 2020

Taxi as a door-to-door, all-weather way of travel is an important part of the urban transportation system. A fundamental understanding of temporal-spatial variation and its related influential factors are essential for taxi regulation and urban planning. In this paper, we explore the correlation between taxi demand and socio-economic, transport system and land use patterns based on taxi GPS trajectory and POI (point of interest) data of Qingdao City. The geographically weighted regression (GWR) model is used to describe the influence factors of spatial heterogeneity of the taxi demand and visualize the spatial distributions of parameter estimations. Results indicate that during the peak hours, there are some differences in taxi demand between workdays and weekends. Residential density and housing prices increase the number of taxi trips. Road density, parking lot density and bus station density are positively associated with the taxi demand. It is also found that the higher of the proportion of commercial area and public service area, the greater of the taxi demand, while the proportion of residential area and the land use mix have a negative impact on taxi demand. This paper provides some references for understanding the internal urban environmental factors generating from the taxi travel demand, and provides insights for reducing the taxi vacancy rate, forecasting taxi temporal-spatial demand and urban public transportation system planning.
Activation of Leukopoiesis in Rat Blood with Trimecaine‐Based Ionic Compounds
Authors: Baktybayeva Lyailya , Yu Valentina , Zazybin Alexey , Zolotareva Darya , Dauletbakov Anuar
Published: January 2020

A study of myelostimulating activity of ionic compounds‐trimecaine alkyl iodide derivatives under the cipher BIV (BIV‐117, BIV‐118, and BIV‐119) was conducted on a model of doxorubicin pancytopenia in white laboratory rats. It was established that the compounds BIV‐117 and BIV‐119 had a pronounced leukopoiesis‐stimulating activity, exceeding the activity of the methyluracil as a comparison drug. Compounds BIV‐117 and BIV‐119 had erythropoiesis‐ and thrombocytopoiesis‐stimulating activity at the level of methyluracil.