bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time skin chromophore estimation from hyperspectral images using a neural network
Authors: Gevaux Lou , Gierschendorf Jordan , Rengot Juliette , Cherel Marie , Séroul Pierre , Nkengne Alex , Robic Julie , Trémeau Alain , Hébert Mathieu
Published: July 2020

Background

Hyperspectral imaging for in vivo human skin study has shown great potential by providing non‐invasive measurement from which information usually invisible to the human eye can be revealed. In particular, maps of skin parameters including oxygen rate, blood volume fraction, and melanin concentration can be estimated from a hyperspectral image by using an optical model and an optimization algorithm. These applications, relying on hyperspectral images acquired with a high‐resolution camera especially dedicated to skin measurement, have yielded promising results. However, the data analysis process is relatively expensive in terms of computation cost, with calculation of full‐face skin property maps requiring up to 5 hours for 3‐megapixels hyperspectral images. Such a computation time prevents punctual previewing and quality assessment of the maps immediately after acquisition.

Methods

To address this issue, we have implemented a neural network that models the optimization‐based analysis algorithm. This neural network has been trained on a set of hyperspectral images, acquired from 204 patients and their corresponding skin parameter maps, which were calculated by optimization.

Results

The neural network is able to generate skin parameter maps that are visually very faithful to the reference maps much more quickly than the optimization‐based algorithm, with computation times as short as 2 seconds for a 3‐megapixel image representing a full face and 0.5 seconds for a 1‐megapixel image representing a smaller area of skin. The average deviation calculated on selected areas shows the network's promising generalization ability, even on wide‐field full‐face images.

Conclusion

Currently, the network is adequate for preview purposes, providing relatively accurate results in a few seconds.
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Continuous Training on Galectin-3 Gene Expression in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Keyhani Diana , Tartibian Bakhtyar , Dabiri Arezou , Teixeira Ana Maria Botelho
Published: July 2020

Galectin-3 is a pro-inflammatory biomarker associated with the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). Physical-activity reduces the risk of heart-failure by modification of inflammation and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity aerobic continuous training on a predictive factor of HF in postmenopausal women. Thirty sedentary postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group performed the HIIT program at 60%–90%, and the second group performed an exercise program at 50%–65% of HR reserve. The control group maintained their normal daily regular physical activity level. The gene expressions of galectin-3 and lipid profiles were measured at the baseline and the end of Week 8. The HIIT and moderate-intensity aerobic continuous training attenuated the gene expression of galectin-3, serum low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations and enhanced high-density lipoprotein concentrations. These changes were considerably higher in the HIIT group. Our results show that HIIT is superior to moderate-intensity aerobic continuous training in improving the decrease in HF risk in postmenopausal women.
De novo rational design of a freestanding, supercharged polypeptide, proton-conducting membrane
Authors: Ma Chao , Dong Jingjin , Viviani Marco , Tulini Isotta , Pontillo Nicola , Maity Sourav , Zhou Yu , Roos Wouter H. , Liu Kai , Herrmann Andreas , Portale Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Innovative bio-inspired device based on supercharged spider silk nanostructures engineered to efficiently transport protons.
Assessing the impact of coordinated COVID-19 exit strategies across Europe
Authors: Ruktanonchai N. W. , Floyd J. R. , Lai S. , Ruktanonchai C. W. , Sadilek A. , Rente-Lourenco P. , Ben X. , Carioli A. , Gwinn J. , Steele J. E. , Prosper O. , Schneider A. , Oplinger A. , Eastham P. , Tatem A. J.
Published: July 2020

Better relaxing lockdown together

Even during a pandemic, all countries—even islands—are dependent in one way or another on their neighbors. Without coordinated relaxation of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) among the most closely connected countries, it is difficult to envisage maintaining control of infectious viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Ruktanonchai
et al.
used mobility data from smartphones to estimate movements between administrative units across Europe before and after the implementation of NPIs for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Modeling disease dynamics under alternative scenarios of countries releasing NPIs, in particular stay-at-home orders, showed that if countries do not coordinate their NPIs when they relax lockdown, resurgence of disease occurs sooner. Coordination of on-off NPIs would significantly increase their effectiveness at reducing transmission across Europe.

Science
, this issue p.
1465
Structural basis for translational shutdown and immune evasion by the Nsp1 protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Thoms Matthias , Buschauer Robert , Ameismeier Michael , Koepke Lennart , Denk Timo , Hirschenberger Maximilian , Kratzat Hanna , Hayn Manuel , Mackens-Kiani Timur , Cheng Jingdong , Straub Jan H. , Stürzel Christina M. , Fröhlich Thomas , Berninghausen Otto , Becker Thomas , Kirchhoff Frank , Sparrer Konstantin M. J. , Beckmann Roland
Published: July 2020

A viral block on host protein synthesis

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause devastation, scientists race to increase their understanding of the disease-causing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Once inside host cells, not only does the virus hijack the cells' translational machinery to make viral proteins, but the virulence factor nonstructural protein 1 (Nsp1) also shuts down translation of host messenger RNA. Thoms
et al.
determined a 2.6-angstrom resolution cryo–electron microscopy structure of a reconstituted complex of Nsp1 bound to the human 40
S
ribosomal subunit and showed that Nsp1 blocks the messenger RNA entry tunnel. A structural inventory of native Nsp1-ribosome complexes from human cells confirms this mechanism. Cellular studies show that the translational shutdown almost completely inhibits the innate immune response. The binding pocket on the ribosome may be a target for drugs to treat COVID-19.

Science
, this issue p.
1249
An
In Vitro
Model of Nonattached Biofilm-Like Bacterial Aggregates Based on Magnetic Levitation
Authors: Domnin Pavel , Arkhipova Anastasiya , Petrov Stanislav , Sysolyatina Elena , Parfenov Vladislav , Karalkin Pavel , Mukhachev Andrey , Gusarov Alexey , Moisenovich Mikhail , Khesuani Yusef , Ermolaeva Svetlana
Published: July 2020

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that chronic infections are associated with nonattached biofilm-like aggregates formed by pathogenic bacteria. These aggregates differ from biofilms because they form under low-shear conditions within the volume of biological fluids and they do not attach to surfaces. Here, we describe an
in vitro
model that provides nonattached aggregate formation within the liquid volume due to magnetic levitation. Using this model, we demonstrated that despite morphological and functional similarities of nonattached aggregates and biofilms, strains that exhibit good biofilm formation might exhibit poor nonattached aggregate formation, suggesting that mechanisms underlying the formation of biofilms and nonattached aggregates are not identical. The magnetic levitation approach can be useful for
in vitro
studies of nonattached aggregate formation and simulation of bacterial behavior in chronic infections.
A
Bacillus
Spore-Based Display System for Bioremediation of Atrazine
Authors: Hsieh Hsin-Yeh , Lin Chung-Ho , Hsu Shu-Yu , Stewart George C.
Published: July 2020

Atrazine is one of the most widely applied herbicides in the U.S. midwestern states. The long environmental half-life of atrazine has contributed to the contamination of surface water and groundwater by atrazine and its chlorinated metabolites. The toxic properties of ATR have raised public health and ecological concerns. However, remediation of ATR by conventional approaches has proven to be costly and inefficient. We developed a novel
B. thuringiensis
spore platform system that is capable of long-term persistence in soil and can be engineered to surface express a high density of enzymes useful for bioremediation purposes. The enzymes are stably attached to the surface of the spore exosporium layer. The spore-based system will likely prove useful for remediation of other environmental pollutants as well.
Rap-Phr Systems from Plasmids pAW63 and pHT8-1 Act Together To Regulate Sporulation in the Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar kurstaki HD73 Strain
Authors: Cardoso Priscilla , Fazion Fernanda , Perchat Stéphane , Buisson Christophe , Vilas-Bôas Gislayne , Lereclus Didier
Published: July 2020

The life cycle of
Bacillus thuringiensis
in insect larvae is regulated by quorum-sensing systems of the RNPP family. After the toxemia caused by Cry insecticidal toxins, the sequential activation of these systems allows the bacterium to trigger first a state of virulence (regulated by PlcR-PapR) and then a necrotrophic lifestyle (regulated by NprR-NprX); ultimately, sporulation is controlled by the Rap-Phr systems. Our study describes a new
rap-phr
operon carried by a
B. thuringiensis
plasmid and shows that the Rap protein has a moderate effect on sporulation. However, this system, in combination with another plasmidic
rap-phr
operon, provides effective control of sporulation when the bacteria develop in the cadavers of infected insect larvae. Overall, this study highlights the important adaptive role of the plasmid Rap-Phr systems in the developmental fate of
B. thuringiensis
and its survival within its ecological niche.
Bilateral primary renal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a rare presentation of paediatric renal disease mimicking juvenile nephronophthisis
Authors: Bruce Gordon , Chaudhury Shahzya , Reynolds Ben
Published: July 2020

A 12-year-old boy presented with a prolonged history of headache, fatigue and hypertension. Initial investigations were consistent with presumed non-oliguric end-stage renal disease, leading to a provisional diagnosis of juvenile nephronophthisis. Subsequent imaging demonstrated bilaterally enlarged kidneys without cystic change. Mutation analysis was negative for nephronophthisis, causing diagnostic uncertainty which prompted renal biopsy. Histology revealed a primary renal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma which was highly responsive to chemotherapy, including the anti-CD20 monoclonal agent, rituximab. Renal function improved during lymphoma treatment, with residual chronic kidney disease stage 3a once chemotherapy was completed. Atypical diagnostic features should always prompt re-evaluation of a patient. In this case, the delayed malignancy diagnosis did not have an adverse effect on patient survival or morbidity. The outcome for primary renal lymphoma (PRL) has improved markedly following the introduction of rituximab.
Ossified proximal patellar tendon rupture
Authors: Hosur Ravishankar Vishwas , El Abed Khaldoun , Ahmad Riaz
Published: July 2020

Extensor mechanism injuries are not uncommon in young active individuals. Patellar tendon is a part of extensor mechanism of the knee which is commonly ruptured due to forced eccentric contraction against flexed knee. There have been reports of pathological changes in the patellar tendon which eventually lead to the rupture. The common pathologies include hypoxic tendinopathy, mucoid degeneration, calcific tendinopathy and tendolipomatosis. We report a rare case of ossified proximal patellar tendon rupture in a fit and active skittle player, who sustained indirect injury to knee while playing soccer. The rupture was confirmed on examination and radiographs. We discovered intraoperatively that the ruptured proximal patellar tendon was ossified which was sequentially repaired with two Krackow sutures, JuggerKnot suture anchor and finally augmented with Leeds Keio tape. Postoperatively, a knee brace was used to immobilise in knee extension with progressive increase in range of motion. This report supports the pool of evidence suggestive of patellar tendon pathology in causing ruptures.
Pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: an unusual presentation and literature review
Authors: Todhe Pandi , Sharma Nishant , Shetty Ajay , Ochieng Pius
Published: July 2020

Cystic lung disease is a group of heterogeneous pulmonary diseases resulting from hereditary/congenital disorders, systemic disorders and infectious causes among others. Pulmonary mucinous cystic neoplasia is a spectrum of neoplastic cystic diseases with abundant mucin, of which pulmonary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (PMC) is a rare malignant subtype. We present a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with dyspnoea, cough, fatigue and weight loss. Imaging of his chest showed numerous cavitary lesions, and the diagnosis of PMC was made based on lung biopsy. He received palliative chemotherapy and died 1 year later. We present a literature review of PMC based on 26 reported cases, including our own.
Coats retinopathy with pachychoroid and central serous chorioretinopathy in the fellow eye
Authors: Reddy Subhakar , Singh Sumit Randhir , Pathengay Avinash , Rani Padmaja Kumari
Published: July 2020

A 37-year-old man presented with blurring of vision and scotoma in the left eye since last 2 weeks and has a history of poor vision in his right eye since childhood. On examination, his best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was counting finger 1 m and 20/20, N/12 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed features of Coats disease in the right eye and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in the left eye. He was given intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in the right eye for reducing subretinal exudation. Simultaneously, focal laser photocoagulation was done to the CSCR leaks in the left eye to prevent the possible worsening of CSCR due to steroid injection in the fellow eye. He underwent cryotherapy to the retinal telangiectatic vessels 3 weeks after steroid injection in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of both eyes showed pachy vessels with a compression of overlying choriocapillaries. After 1 month, the condition of the right eye was unchanged and the CSCR in the left eye was completely resolved with the recovery of near visual acuity.
Prognostic factors for local recurrence and survival and impact of local treatments on survival in lacrimal gland carcinoma
Authors: Ford Joshua Richard , Rubin Maria Laura , Frank Steven Jay , Ning Jing , Debnam James Matthew , Bell Diana , El-Naggar Adel , Ferrarotto Renata , Esmaeli Bita
Published: July 2020

Background/aims

To identify prognostic factors for local recurrence, distant metastasis and disease-specific survival (DSS) for lacrimal gland carcinoma.

Methods

All consecutive patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma treated from January 1998 through December 2018 were included. Log-rank tests and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to study risk factors and survival.

Results

Overall, 55 patients were included in this study, and 5 patients were excluded from the survival analysis. Median age was 46 years (range: 10–76). 43 patients (78%) had adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). 31 patients (56%) had T2 disease at presentation. 28 patients (51%) underwent orbital exenteration with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation, 26 (47%) underwent eye-sparing surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation, and 1 received palliative chemoradiation. 11 patients (22%) experienced local recurrence; 14 (29%) experienced distant metastasis. Five- and 10-year local-recurrence-free survival rates were 0.71 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.88), and 5- and 10-year distant-metastasis-free survival rates were 0.67 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.85) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.81), respectively. There was no significant difference in risks of local recurrence, distant metastasis or DSS between ACC patients who had orbital exenteration and those who had eye-sparing surgery. Perineural invasion was negatively associated with local-recurrence-free survival (p=0.02). Among patients with ACC, basaloid/solid histologic type was associated with significantly worse DSS than non-basaloid/solid histologic type (p<0.01).

Conclusions

For lacrimal gland carcinoma, orbital exenteration with adjuvant therapy and eye-sparing surgery with adjuvant therapy are associated with similar recurrence outcomes. Eye-sparing surgery is associated with better DSS. Perineural invasion is a risk factor for local recurrence. ACC with basaloid/solid subtype correlates with worse DSS.
Associations between social network properties and metabolic syndrome and the mediating effect of physical activity: findings from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center (CMERC) Cohort
Authors: Kim Kwanghyun , Jung Sun Jae , Baek Jong Min , Yim Hyeon Woo , Jeong Hyunsuk , Kim Dae Jung , Park Sungha , Youm Yoosik , Kim Hyeon Chang
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Social isolation and loneliness are positively associated with metabolic syndrome. However, the mechanisms by which social isolation affects metabolic syndrome are not well understood.

Research design and methods

This study was designed as a cross-sectional study of baseline results from the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center (CMERC) Cohort. We included 10 103 participants (8097 community-based low-risk participants, 2006 hospital-based high-risk participants) from the CMERC Cohort. Participants aged 65 years or older were excluded. Multiple imputation by chained equations was applied to impute missing variables. The quantitative properties of social networks were assessed by measuring the ‘size of social networks’; qualitative properties were assessed by measuring the ‘social network closeness’. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess association between social network properties and metabolic syndrome. The mediating effects of physical inactiveness, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and depressive symptoms were estimated. Age-specific effect sizes were estimated for each subgroup.

Results

A smaller social network was positively associated with higher prevalences of metabolic syndrome in all subgroups, except the high-risk male subgroup. There was no clear association between social network closeness and metabolic syndrome. In community-based participants, an indirect effect through physical activity was detected in both sexes; however, in hospital-based participants, no indirect effects were detected. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and depression did not mediate the association. Age-specific estimates showed that the indirect effect through physical activity had a greater impact in older participants.

Conclusions

A smaller social network is positively associated with metabolic syndrome. This trend could be partially explained by physical inactivity, especially in older individuals.
Interrogating the immune-modulating roles of radiation therapy for a rational combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors in treating pancreatic cancer
Authors: Fujiwara Kenji , Saung May Tun , Jing Hao , Herbst Brian , Zarecki MacKenzie , Muth Stephen , Wu Annie , Bigelow Elaine , Chen Linda , Li Keyu , Jurcak Neolle , Blair Alex B , Ding Ding , Wichroski Michael , Blum Jordan , Cheadle Nathan , Koenitzer Jennifer , Zheng Lei
Published: July 2020

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) has the potential to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors, which has dramatically altered the landscape of treatments for many cancers, but not yet for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our prior studies demonstrated that PD ligand-1 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) were induced on tumor epithelia of PDACs following neoadjuvant therapy including RT, suggesting RT may prime PDAC for PD-1 blockade antibody (αPD-1) or IDO1 inhibitor (IDO1i) treatments. In this study, we investigated the antitumor efficacy of the combination therapies with radiation and PD-1 blockade or IDO1 inhibition or both.

Methods

We developed and used a mouse syngeneic orthotopic model of PDAC suitable for hypofractionated RT experiments.

Results

The combination therapy of αPD-1 and RT improved survival. The dual combination of RT/IDO1i and triple combination of RT/αPD-1/IDO1i did not improve survival compared with RT/αPD-1, although all of these combinations offer similar local tumor control. RT/αPD-1 appeared to result in the best systemic interferon-γ response compared with other treatment groups and the highest local expression of immune-activation genes, includingCd28andIcos.

Conclusion

Our RT model allows examining the immune-modulatory effects of RT alone and in combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors in the pancreas/local microenvironment. This study highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate immune-modulatory agents to be combined with RT to tip the balance toward antitumor adaptive immune responses.
Nondecoupling in multi-Higgs doublet models
Authors: Faro Francisco , Romão Jorge C. , Silva João P.
Published: July 2020

We consider models with any number of Higgs doublets and study the conditions for decoupling. We show that, under very general circumstances, all the quadratic coefficients of the scalar potential must be present, except in special cases, which include terms related to directions of vanishing vacuum expectation values. We give a few examples. Moreover, we show that the decoupling of all charged scalars implies the decoupling of all extra neutral scalars and vanishing $$\mathcal {CP}$$CP violation in scalar-pseudoscalar mixing.
Quaternion Spiking and Quaternion Quantum Neural Networks: Theory and Applications
Authors: Bayro-Corrochano Eduardo , Solis-Gamboa Samuel , Altamirano-Escobedo Guillermo , Lechuga-Gutierres Luis , Lisarraga-Rodriguez Jorge
Published: July 2020

Biological evidence shows that there are neural networks specialized for recognition of signals and patterns acting as associative memories. The spiking neural networks are another kind which receive input from a broad range of other brain areas to produce output that selects particular cognitive or motor actions to perform. An important contribution of this work is to consider the geometric processing in the modeling of feed-forward neural networks. Since quaternions are well suited to represent 3D rotations, it is then well justified to extend real-valued neural networks to quaternion-valued neural networks for task of perception and control of robot manipulators. This work presents the quaternion spiking neural networks which are able to control robots, where the examples confirm that these artificial neurons have the capacity to adapt on-line the robot to reach the desired position. Also, we present the quaternionic quantum neural networks for pattern recognition using just one quaternion neuron. In the experimental analysis, we show the excellent performance of both quaternion neural networks.
Dynamics Analysis on Planar Articulated Trusses Considering Cubic Nonlinearity of Joints
Authors: Bai Zhengfeng , Jiang Xin
Published: July 2020

A large number of joints that make possible the smooth deployment of an articulated truss may lead to the unexpected variation of the whole dynamic characteristics of the truss. In this paper, attention is focused on exploring the joint characteristics and their effects not strictly following the conventional linear assumption. Particularly, the effects of cubic nonlinear characteristics of joints on the dynamic behavior of articulated trusses are investigated. First, the equivalent dynamic model of the truss cell in the frequency domain is developed for enhancing the computational efficiency. With the employment of the describing function method (DFM), the frequency responses of the planar articulated truss considering the cubic nonlinearity of joints are obtained analytically. Moreover, the transient responses of the articulated truss under external shock loads are obtained numerically. Subsequently, the variations in frequency obtained by the fast Fourier transformation (FFT) of the numerical results show consistent tendency compared with those obtained by the equivalent dynamic model of the planar articulated truss. Finally, several conclusions are presented at the end.
Skew braces of squarefree order
Authors: Alabdali Ali A. , Byott Nigel P.
Published: July 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a squarefree integer, and let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be two groups of order [Formula: see text]. Using our previous results on the enumeration of Hopf–Galois structures on Galois extensions of fields of squarefree degree, we determine the number of skew braces (up to isomorphism) with multiplicative group [Formula: see text] and additive group [Formula: see text]. As an application, we enumerate skew braces whose order is the product of three distinct primes, in particular proving a conjecture of Bardakov, Neshchadim and Yadav on the number of skew braces of order [Formula: see text] for primes [Formula: see text].
Logically automorphically equivalent knowledge bases models
Authors: Aladova Elena , Plotkin Tatjana
Published: July 2020

We study knowledge bases as a certain algebraic and model-theoretical structure. Algebraic model of a knowledge base allows to distinguish some algebraic and logical invariants of knowledge bases. In particular, our interest is to find out how these invariants are related to the informational equivalence of knowledge bases.
The Influence of Social Interactions and Subjective Norms on Social Media Postings
Authors: Arpaci Ibrahim
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the influence of social interactions and subjective norms on individuals’ social media postings. The study developed a theoretical model by extending the Theory of Reasoned Action with social interactions. A CB-SEM analysis was conducted to test the hypothesised relationships based on the data collected from 312 social media users. Results indicated that social interactions (i.e. likes, shares, comments and follows) were significantly related to the attitude towards the selfie-posting behaviour. Further, the attitude and subjective norms were significantly related to behavioural intentions, which together accounted for a significant amount of variance in the actual behaviour. The findings contributed to literature by introducing the significant role of “social interactions” in predicting the attitude towards the selfie-posting behaviour.
Unambiguous discrimination between linearly dependent symmetric states with multiple copies
Authors: Zhang Shi-Jun , Zhang Wen-Hai
Published: July 2020

We investigate the unambiguous discrimination (UD) among three linearly dependent (LD) symmetric states with [Formula: see text] copies. The optimal discrimination probability is derived. Our result shows that a set of linearly dependent symmetric states can be perfectly discriminated as the number of copies goes to infinity.
Application of a Chaotic Quantum Bee Colony and Support Vector Regression to Multipeak Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Method Under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Gao Xiangming , Ding Diankuan , Yang Shifeng , Huang Mingkun
Published: July 2020

In view of the multipeak characteristics of a photovoltaic (PV) array P–V curve under local shadow conditions and that the traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm cannot effectively track the maximum power point of the curve, a multipeak MPPT algorithm based on a chaotic quantum bee colony and support vector regression (SVR) is proposed. By constructing and analyzing the mathematical model of a photovoltaic array under a local shadow, the P–V characteristic equation of the photovoltaic array is obtained. The improved strategy of the artificial bee colony algorithm is studied, and the improved chaotic quantum bee colony algorithm (CQABC) is applied to the optimization of SVR parameters; this application improves the accuracy and generalization performance of the maximum power point prediction model based on SVR. The calculation process of the multipeak MPPT algorithm based on CQABC-SVR is given, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by simulation and testing. The experimental results show that the algorithm can accurately track the global maximum power point under uniform illumination or local shadow conditions, effectively overcoming the problem of traditional MPPT algorithms easily falling into local extrema.
Application of Deep Learning Technique in an Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Saraeian Shideh , Golchi Mahya Mohammadi
Published: July 2020

Comprehensive development of computer networks causes the increment of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These types of attacks can easily restrict communication and computing. Among all the previous researches, the accuracy of the attack detection has not been properly addressed. In this study, deep learning technique is used in a hybrid network-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to detect intrusion on network. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated on the NSL-KDD and ISCXIDS 2012 datasets. We performed traffic visual analysis using Wireshark tool and did some experimentations to prove the superiority of the proposed method. The results have shown that our proposed method achieved higher accuracy in comparison with other useful machine learning techniques.
Enhanced Forecasting Accuracy of Fuzzy Time Series Model Based on Combined Fuzzy C-Mean Clustering with Particle Swam Optimization
Authors: Tinh Nghiem Van
Published: July 2020

Over the past 25 years, numerous fuzzy time series forecasting models have been proposed to deal the complex and uncertain problems. The main factors that affect the forecasting results of these models are partition universe of discourse, creation of fuzzy relationship groups and defuzzification of forecasting output values. So, this study presents a hybrid fuzzy time series forecasting model combined particle swarm optimization (PSO) and fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) for solving issues above. The FCM clustering is used to divide the historical data into initial intervals with unequal size. After generating interval, the historical data is fuzzified into fuzzy sets with the aim to serve for establishing fuzzy relationship groups according to chronological order. Then the information obtained from the fuzzy relationship groups can be used to calculate forecasted value based on a new defuzzification technique. In addition, in order to enhance forecasting accuracy, the PSO algorithm is used for finding optimum interval lengths in the universe of discourse. The proposed model is applied to forecast three well-known numerical datasets (enrolments data of the University of Alabama, the Taiwan futures exchange —TAIFEX data and yearly deaths in car road accidents in Belgium). These datasets are also examined by using some other forecasting models available in the literature. The forecasting results obtained from the proposed model are compared to those produced by the other models. It is observed that the proposed model achieves higher forecasting accuracy than its counterparts for both first—order and high—order fuzzy logical relationship.
2n-by-2n symplectic completions of matrices of order 2n − 1
Authors: Caalim Jonathan , John de la Cruz Ralph
Published: July 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a field. Set [Formula: see text]. A matrix [Formula: see text] is symplectic if [Formula: see text]. We say that a matrix [Formula: see text] has a symplectic completion of order [Formula: see text] if there exist [Formula: see text] and a scalar [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is symplectic. If [Formula: see text] is nonsingular, we give necessary and sufficient conditions such that [Formula: see text] has a symplectic completion of order [Formula: see text]. We give an implicit characterization of all matrices of order 3 which have symplectic completions of order 4.
A study on performance evaluation of equity mutual funds schemes in India
Authors: Arora Ruchi , Raman T. V.
Published: July 2020

Mutual Funds give a platform for everyone to participate within the Indian capital market with skilled fund management no matter the number endowed. In the past few years, among the various financial products in India, Mutual Funds have emerged as the favorite. There is no doubt that acceptance of mutual funds as an investment vehicle has certainly increased among investors as many investors are earning from mutual fund — as result of increase in information and awareness among investors. Smaller amount of risk is associated with mutual fund investment than directly investing in stocks. Fund manager needs to provide returns in order to construct a diversified portfolio. They take into account numerous factors like, fund size, scheme type, returns, risk, etc. The paper attempts to analyze portfolio evaluation of selected equity diversified schemes using volatility measures such as quantitative factors like Standard Deviation, Beta and the ratios such as Sharpe, Treynor, Jensen’s Alpha, Information ratio, Fama’s Measure, Expense ratio measures. Data for research are collected from the secondary data sources and selected from 30 Mutual Fund schemes 10 AMCs.
A novel optimization model for integrating carbon constraint with demand response and real-time pricing
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Hoa
Published: July 2020

Since the global warming has recently become more severe causing many serious changes on the weather, economy, and society worldwide, lots of efforts have been put forward to prevent it. As one of the most important energy sectors, improvements in electric power grids are required to address the challenge of suppressing the carbon emission during electric generation especially when utilizing fossil-based fuels, while increasing the use of renewable and clean sources. This paper hence presents a novel optimization model for tackling the problems of optimal power scheduling and real-time pricing in the presence of a carbon constraint while taking into account a demand response possibility, which may provide a helpful method to limit the carbon emission from conventional generation while promoting renewable generation. The critical aspects include explicitly integrating the cost of emission with the total generation cost of conventional generation and combining it with the consumer satisfaction function. As such, conventional generation units must carefully schedule their power generation for their profits, while consumers, with the help from renewable energy sources, are willing to adjust their consumption to change the peak demand. Overall, a set of compromised solution called the Pareto front is derived upon which the conventional generating units choose their optimal generation profile to satisfy a given carbon constraint.
Unexplainability and Incomprehensibility of AI
Authors: Yampolskiy Roman V.
Published: July 2020

Explainability and comprehensibility of AI are important requirements for intelligent systems deployed in real-world domains. Users want and frequently need to understand how decisions impacting them are made. Similarly, it is important to understand how an intelligent system functions for safety and security reasons. In this paper, we describe two complementary impossibility results (Unexplainability and Incomprehensibility), essentially showing that advanced AIs would not be able to accurately explain some of their decisions and for the decisions they could explain people would not understand some of those explanations.
Quantification of effects of mean blood pressure and left ventricular mass on noninvasive fast fractional flow reserve
Authors: Zhang Jun-Mei , Chandola Gaurav , Tan Ru-San , Chai Ping , Teo Lynette L. S. , Low Ris , Allen John Carson , Huang Weimin , Fam Jiang Ming , Chin Chee Yang , Wong Aaron Sung Lung , Low Adrian F. , Kassab Ghassan S. , Chua Terrance , Tan Swee Yaw , Lim Soo Teik , Zhong Liang
Published: July 2020

While brachial mean blood pressure (MBP) and left ventricular mass (LVM) measured from CTCA are the two CFD simulation input parameters, their effects on noninvasive fractional flow reserve (FFRB) have not been systematically investigated. We demonstrate that inaccurate MBP and LVM inputs differing from patient-specific values could result in misclassification of borderline ischemic lesions. This is important in the clinical application of noninvasive FFR in coronary artery disease diagnosis.
Desmin is essential for the structure and function of the sinoatrial node: implications for increased arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Mavroidis Manolis , Athanasiadis Nikolaos C. , Rigas Pavlos , Kostavasili Ioanna , Kloukina Ismini , Te Rijdt Wouter P. , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Chaniotis Dimitris , van Tintelen J. Peter , Skaliora Irini , Davos Constantinos H.
Published: July 2020

The sinoatrial node exhibits high amounts of desmin and desmoplakin in structures we call “lateral intercalated disks,” connecting side-by-side adjacent cardiomyocytes. These structures are diminished in desmin-deficient mouse models. Misregulation of T-type Ca2+ current and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated K+ channel 1 was proved along with prolonged interatrial conduction and cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Bone Metastases Pattern in Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Real‐World Analysis in the SEER Database
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Ren Hanru , Yu Weiwei , Li Hongling , Yang Xinmiao , Fu Jie
Published: July 2020

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence rate and survival situation of bone metastases in initial nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and the hazard and forecast elements of bone metastases NPC patients. Patients and Methods. The data collected from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between 2010 and 2016 were evaluated. Univariate and multivariable logistic analysis and the Cox regression were carried out to estimate predictors and elements of the being of bone metastases at diagnosis, respectively. The overall survival of different subgroups were appraised by log‐rank tests and the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results. Factors including male sex, higher N stage, presence of liver, and brain or lung metastases were largely related to the occurrence of bone metastases. The median survival time for bone metastasis NPC patients was 14.0 months. A factor of more than one primary sequence number predicted worse survival. Conclusion. The data offer corresponding risks and prognostic indicators of bone metastases for NPC patients.
Curcumin Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating miR‐21/TIMP3 Axis
Authors: Li Jingtao , Wei Hailiang , Liu Yonggang , Li Qian , Guo Hui , Guo Yingjun , Chang Zhanjie
Published: July 2020

Background/Aim. Curcumin exhibits anticancer effects against various types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). miR‐21 has been reported to be involved in the malignant biological properties of HCC. However, whether miR‐21 plays a role in curcumin‐mediated treatment of HCC is unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the potential functions and mechanisms of miR‐21 in curcumin‐mediated treatment of HCC. Methods. The anticancer effects of curcumin were assessed in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism of miR‐21 in curcumin‐mediated treatment of HCC was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR), western blot, and Dual‐Luciferase Reporter assays. Results. The present study revealed that curcumin suppressed HCC growth in vivo and inhibited HCC cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. Meanwhile, the curcumin treatment can downregulate miR‐21 expression, upregulate TIMP3 expression, and inhibit the TGF‐β1/smad3 signaling pathway. miR‐21 inhibition enhanced the effect of curcumin on cell proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, and TGF‐β1/smad3 signaling pathway inhibition in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. It demonstrated that TIMP3 was a direct target gene of miR‐21. Interestingly, the effect of miR‐21 inhibition on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and TGF‐β1/smad3 signaling pathway in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells exposed to curcumin was attenuated by TIMP3 silencing. Conclusion. Taken together, the present study suggests that miR‐21 is involved in the anticancer activities of curcumin through targeting TIMP3, and the mechanism possibly refers to the inhibition of TGF‐β1/smad3 signaling pathway.
PCOI: Packet Classification‐Based Optical Interconnect for Data Centre Networks
Authors: Nawaz Jadoon Rab , Fayyaz Mohsin , Zhou WuYang , Khan Muhammad Amir , Mujtaba Ghulam
Published: July 2020

To support cloud services, Data Centre Networks (DCNs) are constructed to have many servers and network devices, thus increasing the routing complexity and energy consumption of the DCN. The introduction of optical technology in DCNs gives several benefits related to routing control and energy efficiency. This paper presents a novel Packet Classification based Optical interconnect (PCOI) architecture for DCN which simplifies the routing process by classifying the packet at the sender rack and reduces energy consumption by utilizing the passive optical components. This architecture brings some key benefits to optical interconnects in DCNs which include (i) routing simplicity, (ii) reduced energy consumption, (iii) scalability to large port count, (iv) packet loss avoidance, and (v) all-to-one communication support. The packets are classified based on destination rack and are arranged in the input queues. This paper presents the input and output queuing analysis of the PCOI architecture in terms of mathematical analysis, the TCP simulation in NS2, and the physical layer analysis by conducting simulation in OptiSystem. The packet loss in the PCOI has been avoided by adopting the input and output queuing model. The output queue of PCOI architecture represents an M/D/32 queue. The simulation results show that PCOI achieved a significant improvement in terms of throughput and low end-to-end delay. The eye-diagram results show that a good quality optical signal is received at the output, showing a very low Bit Error Rate (BER).
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies ELAVL1 and APP as Candidate Crucial Genes for Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Li Heli , Li Qianru , Sun Shiran , Lei Ping , Cai Xiong , Shen Guanxin
Published: July 2020

Immune imbalance and barrier destruction of intestinal mucosa are the central pathogenic factors of Crohn’s disease (CD). In this study, three independent microarray studies of CD were integrated and 9912 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed by NetworkAnalyst to screen candidate crucial genes. NetworkAnalyst identified ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1) as the most crucial upregulated gene and amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) as the most crucial downregulated gene in peripheral blood of CD patients. By computing significance with hypergeometric test based on the KEGG pathway database, upregulated DEGs highlight the pathways of T cell receptor signaling and the differentiation of T helpers. Downregulated DEGs were found enriched in pathways in multiple cancers, MAPK signaling, Rap1 signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling. Further taking all DEGs together, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) brought out the NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway which could be regulated by ELAVL1. xCell found decreased naïve and differentiated T cell proportions in the peripheral blood of CD patients suggesting T cell migration to the intestinal tissue and/or exhaustion. Further, ELAVL1 expression correlating with multiple T cell proportions suggests that ELAVL1 may regulate T cell activation. These findings illustrated that ELAVL1 and APP were candidate crucial genes in the peripheral blood of CD patients. ELAVL1 possibly acts as a key regulator of T cell activation via the NLR signaling pathway. APP might be a downstream effector of infliximab treatment connecting with MAPK signaling.
Constant Force PID Control for Robotic Manipulator Based on Fuzzy Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Dachang Zhu , Baolin Du , Puchen Zhu , Shouyan Chen
Published: July 2020

The increased demand for robotic manipulator has driven the development of industrial manufacturing. In particular, the trajectory tracking and contact constant force control of the robotic manipulator for the working environment under contact condition has become popular because of its high precision and quality operation. However, the two factors are opposite, that is to say, to maintain constant force control, it is necessary to make limited adjustment to the trajectory. It is difficult for the traditional PID controller because of the complexity parameters and nonlinear characteristics. In order to overcome this issue, a PID controller based on fuzzy neural network algorithm is developed in this paper for tracking the trajectory and contact constant force simultaneously. Firstly, the kinetic and potential energy is calculated, and the Lagrange function is constructed for a two-link robotic manipulator. Furthermore, a precise dynamic model is built for analyzing. Secondly, fuzzy neural network algorithm is proposed, and two kinds of turning parameters are derived for trajectory tracking and contact constant force control. Finally, numerical simulation results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Magnetic Circuit Design and Magnetic Field Finite Element Analysis of Converging Stepped Magnetofluid Seal with Small Clearance
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Wang Guohong , Zhang Ruibo
Published: July 2020

The stepped magnetofluid seal is an effective method for improving the pressure ability of ordinary magnetofluid seals (OMS) with large clearance. At present, the research on stepped magnetofluid seal with less than 0.4 mm small clearance has not been carried out yet. The equivalent magnetic circuit design of converging stepped magnetofluid seal (CSMS) with small clearance has been carried out and verified by magnetic field finite element method based on the CSMS theory and magnetic circuit theory. The effects of the width of the axial seal position, the height of the radial seal position, the number of the pole tooth in the axial seal position, and the number of the pole tooth in the radial seal position on the theoretical pressure ability of the CSMS are investigated by numerical simulation. The calculation results are analyzed and discussed. The results show that the magnetic flux leakage at the junction of the permanent magnet and pole piece causes the higher pressure ability of the CSMS structure designed by the equivalent magnetic circuit method than that calculated by the magnetic field finite element method. When the width of the axial seal position is greater than the height of the radial seal position and the number of pole teeth in the axial seal position is less than the number of pole teeth in the radial seal position, the CSMS has the best effect. Compared with OMS with small clearance, CSMS has greater advantages.