bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning Detection During Gait: Algorithm Validation and Influence of Sensor Location and Turning Characteristics in the Classification of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rehman Rana Zia Ur , Klocke Philipp , Hryniv Sofia , Galna Brook , Rochester Lynn , Del Din Silvia , Alcock Lisa
Published: September 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder resulting in a range of mobility deficits affecting gait, balance and turning. In this paper, we present: (i) the development and validation of an algorithm to detect turns during gait; (ii) a method to extract turn characteristics; and (iii) the classification of PD using turn characteristics. Thirty-seven people with PD and 56 controls performed 180-degree turns during an intermittent walking task. Inertial measurement units were attached to the head, neck, lower back and ankles. A turning detection algorithm was developed and validated by two raters using video data. Spatiotemporal and signal-based characteristics were extracted and used for PD classification. There was excellent absolute agreement between the rater and the algorithm for identifying turn start and end (ICC ≥ 0.99). Classification modeling (partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)) gave the best accuracy of 97.85% when trained on upper body and ankle data. Balanced sensitivity (97%) and specificity (96.43%) were achieved using turning characteristics from the neck, lower back and ankles. Turning characteristics, in particular angular velocity, duration, number of steps, jerk and root mean square distinguished mild-moderate PD from controls accurately and warrant future examination as a marker of mobility impairment and fall risk in PD.
Selection and Optimization of the Parameters of the Robotized Packaging Process of One Type of Product
Authors: Borys Szymon , Kaczmarek Wojciech , Laskowski Dariusz
Published: September 2020

The article presents the results of computer simulations related to the selection and optimization of the parameters of robotic packing process of one type of product. Taking the required performance of the robotic production line as a basis, we proposed its configuration using the RobotStudio environment for offline robot programming and virtual controller technology. Next, a methodology for the validation of the adopted assumptions was developed, based on a wide range of input data and a precise representation of the applicable conditions in the packaging process of one type of product. This methodology included test scenarios repeated an appropriate number of times in order to obtain the result data with the desired reliability and repeatability. The main element of the research was a computer simulation of the station based on the Picking PowerPac package. It was assumed that the products on the technological line are generated pseudo-randomly, thus reflecting the real working conditions. The result of the conducted works is the optimal operating speed of industrial robots and conveyors. The developed methodology allows for multifaceted analyses of the key parameters of the technological process (e.g., the number of active robots and their load, speed of conveyors, and station efficiency). We paid special attention to the occurrence of anomalies, i.e., emergency situations in the form of “halting” the operation of chosen robots and their impact on the obtained quality of the industrial process. As a result of the simulations, numerical values were obtained, maximum efficiency, with regard to maximum overflow of items of 5%, for LB algorithm was equal to 1188 completed containers per hour, with conveyors speeds of 270 mm/s and 165 mm/s. This efficiency was possible at robot speeds R1 = 6450 mm/s, R2 = 7500 mm/s, R3 = 6500 mm/s, R4 = 6375 mm/s, R5 = 5500 mm/s, R6 = 7200 mm/s. The ATC algorithm reached efficiency of 1332 containers per hour with less than 5% overflown items, with conveyor speeds of 310 mm/s and 185 mm/s. This efficiency was possible at robot speeds R1 = 7500 mm/s, R2 = 7500 mm/s, R3 = 7200 mm/s, R4 = 7000 mm/s, R5 = 6450 mm/s, R6 = 6300 mm/s. Tests carried out for emergency situations showed that the LB algorithm does not allow for automatic continuation of the process, while the ATC algorithm assured production efficiency of 94% to 98% of the maximum station efficiency.
Strength Characteristics of Sand–Silt Mixtures Subjected to Cyclic Freezing-Thawing-Repetitive Loading
Authors: Lee Jong-Sub , Yu Jung-Doung , Han Kyungsoo , Kim Sang Yeob
Published: September 2020

Daily freezing-thawing-repetitive loading is a critical factor affecting soil stability. This study assesses the strength of sand–silt mixtures with various silt fractions (SFs) subjected to cyclic freezing-thawing-repetitive loading. Specimens with SF of 0–100% were prepared with a fixed relative density of 60%. The number of repetitive loadings (N) was 1, 100, and 1000 for each specimen with different SFs. After three cycles of freezing-thawing-repetitive loading, the specimens were frozen at −5 °C for the uniaxial compression test. Test results show that the change in relative density (∆Dr) increases with the increase in SF up to 30% and decreases as SF increases beyond 30% owing to the change in the void ratio. The volumetric unfrozen water content (θu) increases with the increase in both SF and N owing to the effect of the physicochemical characteristics of soils on small voids. Unconfined compressive strength of sand-dominant mixtures (SF ≤ 30%) is reinforced by ∆Dr. By contrast, for silt-dominant mixtures (SF > 30%), the unconfined compressive strength decreases with the increase in θu and N due to lubricant role and sands dispersion. Thus, the effects of SF and N should be considered for sand–silt mixtures that have a probability to undergo cyclic freezing-thawing-repetitive loading.
Polarization-Sensitive and Wide Incidence Angle-Insensitive Fabry–Perot Optical Cavity Bounded by Two Metal Grating Layers
Authors: Hwang Jehwan , Ku Zahyun , Jeon Jiyeon , Kim Yeongho , Kim Deok-Kee , Kim Eun Kyu , Lee Sang Jun
Published: September 2020

Infrared (IR) polarimetric imaging has attracted attention as a promising technology in many fields. Generally, superpixels consisting of linear polarizer elements at different angles plus IR imaging array are used to obtain the polarized target signature by using the detected polarization-sensitive intensities. However, the spatial arrangement of superpixels across the imaging array may lead to an incorrect polarimetric signature of a target, due to the range of angles from which the incident radiation can be collected by the detector. In this article, we demonstrate the effect of the incident angle on the polarization performance of an alternative structure where a dielectric layer is inserted between the nanoimprinted subwavelength grating layers. The well-designed spacer creates the Fabry–Perot cavity resonance, and thereby, the intensity of transverse-magnetic I-polarized light transmitted through two metal grating layers is increased as compared with a single-layer metal grating, whereas transverse-electric (TE)-transmitted light intensity is decreased. TM-transmittance and polarization extinction ratio (PER) of normally incident light of wavelength 4.5 μm are obtained with 0.49 and 132, respectively, as the performance of the stacked subwavelength gratings. The relative change of the PERs for nanoimprint-lithographically fabricated double-layer grating samples that are less than 6% at an angle of incidence up to 25°, as compared to the normal incidence. Our work can pave the way for practical and efficient polarization-sensitive elements, which are useful for many IR polarimetric imaging applications.
Negentropy-Based Sparsity-Promoting Reconstruction with Fast Iterative Solution from Noisy Measurements
Authors: Zhao Yingxin , Huang Yingjie , Wu Hong , Zhang Ming , Liu Zhiyang , Ding Shuxue
Published: September 2020

Compressed sensing provides an elegant framework for recovering sparse signals from compressed measurements. This paper addresses the problem of sparse signal reconstruction from compressed measurements that is more robust to complex, especially non-Gaussian noise, which arises in many applications. For this purpose, we present a method that exploits the maximum negentropy theory to promote the adaptability to noise. This problem is formalized as a constrained minimization problem, where the objective function is the negentropy of measurement error with sparse constraint ℓp(0<p<1)-norm. On the minimization issue of the problem, although several promising algorithms have been proposed in the literature, they are very computationally demanding and thus cannot be used in many practical situations. To improve on this, we propose an efficient algorithm based on a fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm that can converge fast. Both the theoretical analysis and numerical experiments show the better accuracy and convergent rate of the proposed method.
Specific Motor and Cognitive Performances Predict Falls during Ward-Based Geriatric Rehabilitation in Patients with Dementia
Authors: Hauer Klaus , Dutzi Ilona , Gordt Katharina , Schwenk Michael
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to identify in-hospital fall risk factors specific for multimorbid hospitalized geriatric patients with dementia (PwD) during hospitalization. Geriatric inpatients during ward-based rehabilitation (n = 102; 79.4% females; 82.82 (6.19) years of age; 20.26 (5.53) days of stay) were included in a comprehensive fall risk assessment combining established clinical measures, comprehensive cognitive testing including detailed cognitive sub-performances, and various instrumented motor capacity measures as well as prospective fall registration. A combination of unpaired t-tests, Mann–Whitney-U tests, and Chi-square tests between patients with (“in-hospital fallers”) and without an in-hospital fall (“in-hospital non-fallers”), univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the best set of independent correlates and to evaluate their predictive power. In-hospital fallers (n = 19; 18.63%) showed significantly lower verbal fluency and higher postural sway (p < 0.01 to 0.05). While established clinical measures failed in discriminative as well as predictive validity, specific cognitive sub-performances (verbal fluency, constructional praxis, p = 0.01 to 0.05) as well as specific instrumented balance parameters (sway area, sway path, and medio-lateral displacement, p < 0.01 to 0.03) significantly discriminated between fallers and non-fallers. Medio-lateral displacement and visuospatial ability were identified in multivariate regression as predictors of in-hospital falls and an index combining both variables yielded an accuracy of 85.1% for fall prediction. Results suggest that specific cognitive sub-performances and instrumented balance parameters show good discriminative validity and were specifically sensitive to predict falls during hospitalization in a multimorbid patient group with dementia and an overall high risk of falling. A sensitive clinical fall risk assessment strategy developed for this specific target group should include an index of selected balance parameters and specific variables of cognitive sub-performances.
Detection of Pre-Impact Falls from Heights Using an Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor
Authors: Kim Youngho , Jung Haneul , Koo Bummo , Kim Jongman , Kim Taehee , Nam Yejin
Published: September 2020

Many safety accidents can occur in industrial sites. Among them, falls from heights (FFHs) are the most frequent accidents and have the highest fatality rate. Therefore, some existing studies have developed personal wearable airbags to mitigate the damage caused by FFHs. To utilize these airbags effectively, it is essential to detect FFHs before collision with the floor. In this study, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor attached to the seventh thoracic vertebrae (T7) was used to develop an FFH detection algorithm. The vertical angle and vertical velocity were calculated using the inertial data obtained from the IMU sensor. Forty young and healthy males were recruited to perform non-FFH and FFH motions. In addition, experiments using a human mannequin and dynamics simulations were performed to obtain FFH data at heights above 2 m. The developed algorithm achieved 100% FFH detection accuracy and provided sufficient lead time such that the airbags could be inflated completely before collision with the floor.
Biomechanical Signals of Varied Modality and Location Contribute Differently to Recognition of Transient Locomotion
Authors: Kazemimoghadam Mahdieh , Fey Nicholas P.
Published: September 2020

Intent recognition in lower-limb assistive devices typically relies on neuromechanical sensing of an affected limb acquired through embedded device sensors. It remains unknown whether signals from more widespread sources such as the contralateral leg and torso positively influence intent recognition, and how specific locomotor tasks that place high demands on the neuromuscular system, such as changes of direction, contribute to intent recognition. In this study, we evaluated the performances of signals from varying mechanical modalities (accelerographic, gyroscopic, and joint angles) and locations (the trailing leg, leading leg and torso) during straight walking, changes of direction (cuts), and cuts to stair ascent with varying task anticipation. Biomechanical information from the torso demonstrated poor performance across all conditions. Unilateral (the trailing or leading leg) joint angle data provided the highest accuracy. Surprisingly, neither the fusion of unilateral and torso data nor the combination of multiple signal modalities improved recognition. For these fused modality data, similar trends but with diminished accuracy rates were reported during unanticipated conditions. Finally, for datasets that achieved a relatively accurate (≥90%) recognition of unanticipated tasks, these levels of recognition were achieved after the mid-swing of the trailing/transitioning leg, prior to a subsequent heel strike. These findings suggest that mechanical sensing of the legs and torso for the recognition of straight-line and transient locomotion can be implemented in a relatively flexible manner (i.e., signal modality, and from the leading or trailing legs) and, importantly, suggest that more widespread sensing is not always optimal.
A Survey on Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks: Requirements, Taxonomy, Recent Advances, and Open Research Challenges
Authors: Fattah Salmah , Gani Abdullah , Ahmedy Ismail , Idris Mohd Yamani Idna , Targio Hashem Ibrahim Abaker
Published: September 2020

The domain of underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) had received a lot of attention recently due to its significant advanced capabilities in the ocean surveillance, marine monitoring and application deployment for detecting underwater targets. However, the literature have not compiled the state-of-the-art along its direction to discover the recent advancements which were fuelled by the underwater sensor technologies. Hence, this paper offers the newest analysis on the available evidences by reviewing studies in the past five years on various aspects that support network activities and applications in UWSN environments. This work was motivated by the need for robust and flexible solutions that can satisfy the requirements for the rapid development of the underwater wireless sensor networks. This paper identifies the key requirements for achieving essential services as well as common platforms for UWSN. It also contributes a taxonomy of the critical elements in UWSNs by devising a classification on architectural elements, communications, routing protocol and standards, security, and applications of UWSNs. Finally, the major challenges that remain open are presented as a guide for future research directions.
Analysis of the Antenna Array Orientation Performance of the Interferometric Microwave Radiometer (IMR) Onboard the Chinese Ocean Salinity Satellite
Authors: Li Yan , Lin Mingsen , Yin Xiaobin , Zhou Wu
Published: September 2020

The Chinese Ocean Salinity Satellite is designed to monitor global sea-surface salinity (SSS). One of the main payloads onboard the Chinese Ocean Salinity Satellite, named the Interferometric Microwave Radiometer (IMR), is a two-dimensional interferometric radiometer system with an L-band, Y-shaped antenna array. The comparison of two different array orientations is analyzed by an end-to-end simulation based on the configuration of the IMR. Simulation results of the different array orientations are presented and analyzed, including the brightness temperature (TB) images, the distribution of the incidence angles in the field of view, the TB radiometric resolutions, the spatial resolutions, the number of measurements in the Earth grid and the expected SSS accuracy. From the simulations we conclude that one of the array orientations has better performance for SSS inversion than the other one. The advantages mainly result in wider swath and better SSS accuracy at the edge of the swath, which then improve the accuracy of the monthly SSS after averaging. The differences of the Sun’s effects for two different array orientations are also presented. The analysis in this paper provides the guidance and reference for the in-orbit design of the array orientation for the IMR.
Upgraded Kalman Filtering of Cutting Forces in Milling
Authors: Totis Giovanni , Dombovari Zoltan , Sortino Marco
Published: September 2020

Advanced piezoelectric dynamometers with a wide frequency bandwidth are required for cutting force measurement in high-speed milling and micromilling applications. In many applications, the signal bandwidth is limited by the dynamic response of the mechanical system, thus compensation techniques are necessary. The most effective compensation techniques for a full 3D force correction require an accurate and complex identification phase. Extended Kalman filtering is a better alternative for input force estimation in the presence of unknown dynamic disturbances. The maximum bandwidth that can be currently achievable by Kalman filtering is approximately 2 kHz, due to crosstalk disturbances and complex dynamometer’s dynamics. In this work, a novel upgraded Kalman filter based on a more general model of dynamometer dynamics is conceived, by also taking into account the influence of the force application point. By so doing, it was possible to extend the frequency bandwidth of the device up to more than 5 kHz along the main directions and up to more than 3 kHz along the transverse directions, outperforming state-of-the-art methods based on Kalman filtering.
Detecting of the Crack and Leakage in the Joint of Precast Concrete Segmental Bridge Using Piezoceramic Based Smart Aggregate
Authors: Wang Jianqun , Fan Zhe
Published: September 2020

Precast concrete segmental bridges (PCSBs) have been widely used in bridge engineering due to their numerous competitive advantages. The structural behavior and health status of PCSBs largely depend on the performance of the joint between the assembled segments. However, due to construction errors and dynamic loading conditions, some cracks and leakages have been found at the epoxy joints of PCSBs during the construction or operation stage. These defects will affect the joint quality, negatively impacting the safety and durability of the bridge. A structural health monitoring (SHM) method using active sensing with a piezoceramic-based smart aggregate (SA) to detect the crack and leakage in the epoxy joint of PCSBs was proposed and the feasibility was studied by experiment in the present work. Two concrete prisms were prefabricated with installed SAs and assembled with epoxy joint. An initial defect was simulated by leaving a 3-cm crack at the center of the joint without epoxy. With a total of 13 test cases and the different lengths of cracks without water and filled with water were simulated and tested. Time-domain analysis, frequency-domain analysis and wavelet-packet-based energy index (WPEI) analysis were conducted to evaluate the health condition of the structure. By comparing the collected voltage signals, Power Spectrum Density (PSD) energy and WPEIs under different healthy states, it is shown that the test results are closely related to the length of the crack and the leakage in the epoxy joint. It is demonstrated that the devised approach has certain application value in detecting the crack and leakage in the joint of PCSBs.
Deformation Detection Method of Mine Tunnel Based on Mobile Detection System
Authors: Sun Jian , Sun Haili , Zhong Ruofei , Han Yulong
Published: September 2020

Subway structure safety detection is an important method to ensure the safe operation of trains. Efficient, high-precision, and automatic tunnel clearance detection is the key to ensure safe operations. This study introduces a mobile tunnel scanning system that integrates a scanner, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a rail car. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time and system hardware calibration are used to synchronize time and space information of the system; the attitude and speed are corrected using the control points from the tunnel to improve the accuracy of absolute positioning. The section coordinate system is converted using the control points and system calibration parameters to complete the tunnel clearance inspection, and the distance between the nearest point of the section and the clear height of the vault is given. Taking Fengxi Road’s Bashan tunnel section of Chongqing Metro Line 5 as an example, the overall system accuracy was tested. The accuracy of chord line measurements was within 1 mm, the internal coincidence accuracy of repeated measurements of the vault clear height was 1.1 mm, the internal coincidence accuracy of repeated measurements of the closest gauge point was 4.8 mm, and the system calibration accuracy was approximately 2 mm. Compared with the existing scheme, the system combines absolute measurement and relative measurement mode to judge the structural safety of tunnel section from multiple angles, high precision, and high efficiency.
Impacts of Local Effects and Surface Loads on the Common Mode Error Filtering in Continuous GPS Measurements in the Northwest of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Keliang , Wang Yuebing , Gan Weijun , Liang Shiming
Published: September 2020

While seasonal hydrological mass loading, derived from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) measurements, shows coherent spatial patterns and is an important source for the common mode error (CME) in continuous global positioning system (cGPS) measurements in Yunnan, it is a challenge to quantify local effects and detailed changes in daily GPS measurements by using GRACE data due to its low time and spatial resolutions. In this study, we computed and compared two groups of CMEs for nine cGPS sites in the northwest Yunnan province; rCMEs were computed with the residual cGPS time series having high inter-station correlations, while oCMEs were computed with all the GPS time series. The rCMEs-filtered time series had smaller variances and larger root mean square (RMS) reductions than those that were oCMEs-filtered, and when the stations local effects were not removed, spurious transient-like signals occurred. Compared with hydrological mass loading (HYDL), its combination with non-tidal atmosphere pressure and ocean mass reached a better agreement with the CME in the vertical component, with the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) increasing from 0.28 to 0.55 and the RMS reduction increasing from 15.19% to 33.4%, respectively. Our results suggest that it is necessary to evaluate the inter-station correlation and remove the possible noisy stations before conducting CME filtering, and that one should carefully choose surface loading models to correct the raw cGPS time series if CME filtering is not conducted.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Stimulation Upregulates Transport of Temozolomide across the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Theofanis Thana N. , Rochani Ankit K. , Schmidt Richard F. , Lang Michael J. , Stricsek Geoffrey P. , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Sharan Ashwini D. , Kaushal Gagan , Iacovitti Lorraine
Published: September 2020

Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) stimulation has been shown to reversibly alter blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. It is widely used for the treatment of cluster headaches in Europe and is well tolerated in humans. The therapeutic potential for SPG stimulation in other central nervous system (CNS) diseases has yet to be explored. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) remains one of the most difficult primary CNS neoplasms to treat, with an average survival of approximately 18 months at the time of diagnosis. Since 2004, the gold standard of treatment for GBM in the United States includes surgery followed by treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation. We sought to determine if SPG stimulation could increase chemotherapy concentrations in rodent brains with an intact BBB. Here, we show a statistically significant (p = 0.0006), five-fold upregulation of TMZ crossing the BBB and reaching brain parenchyma in rats receiving low-frequency (LF, 10 Hz) SPG stimulation. All the measurements were performed using a highly sensitive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) method that was developed for quantitation of TMZ in plasma and brain tissue. Our treatment paradigm shows novel delivery route by which we could more effectively and safely deliver TMZ in a targeted manner, to minimize systemic toxicity and maximize action at the target tissue.
Impact of Future Design on Workshop Participants’ Time Preferences
Authors: Nishimura Naoko , Inoue Nobuhiro , Masuhara Hiroaki , Musha Tadahiko
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we examine the impact of Future Design (FD) on public workshops organized in Matsumoto city, Japan, for its city hall renovation plan. We ran an FD workshop and an ordinary workshop as a control, and the participants were randomly assigned to one of the two workshops. We identified the SVO (social value orientation) type (pro-social, pro-self, and other) and elicited time preference of each participant using simple questionnaires that were independent of the context of the workshops. We found that pro-self individuals tend to have shorter time perspectives than pro-social individuals before the workshops. While the pro-self individuals who went through the ordinary workshop became even more myopic, we did not detect such adverse effects in the FD workshop. This contrast between the ordinary and FD workshops is consistent with the qualitative differences in the policy outcomes between the two workshops. The discussions in the ordinary workshop tended to focus on the resolution of today’s needs, such as acquiring more rooms and more services, etc., while the discussions in the FD workshop focused on the more fundamental functions of the city hall that will be needed in the future, thereby leading to more constructive policy proposals. Such demand-based discussions in the ordinary workshop may have been a result of the growing myopia within the pro-self participants, who insisted on ensuring their current needs.
US Dollar/Turkish Lira Exchange Rate Forecasting Model Based on Deep Learning Methodologies and Time Series Analysis
Authors: Yasar Harun , Kilimci Zeynep Hilal
Published: September 2020

Exchange rate forecasting has been an important topic for investors, researchers, and analysts. In this study, financial sentiment analysis (FSA) and time series analysis (TSA) are proposed to form a predicting model for US Dollar/Turkish Lira exchange rate. For this purpose, the proposed hybrid model is constructed in three stages: obtaining and modeling text data for FSA, obtaining and modeling numerical data for TSA, and blending two models like a symmetry. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature that uses social media platforms as a source for FSA and blends them with TSA methods. To perform FSA, word embedding methods Word2vec, GloVe, fastText, and deep learning models such as CNN, RNN, LSTM are used. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt in terms of performing the FSA by using the combinations of deep learning models with word embedding methods for both Turkish and English texts. For TSA, simple exponential smoothing, Holt–Winters, Holt’s linear, and ARIMA models are employed. Finally, with the usage of the proposed model, any user who wants to make a US Dollar/Turkish Lira exchange rate forecast will be able to make a more consistent and strong exchange rate forecast.
Stuck Knots
Authors: Bataineh Khaled
Published: September 2020

Singular knots and links have projections involving some usual crossings and some four-valent rigid vertices. Such vertices are symmetric in the sense that no strand overpasses the other. In this research we introduce stuck knots and links to represent physical knots and links with projections involving some stuck crossings, where the physical strands get stuck together showing which strand overpasses the other at a stuck crossing. We introduce the basic elements of the theory and we give some isotopy invariants of such knots including invariants which capture the chirality (mirror imaging) of such objects. We also introduce another natural class of stuck knots, which we call relatively stuck knots, where each stuck crossing has a stuckness factor that indicates to the value of stuckness at that crossing. Amazingly, a generalized version of Jones polynomial makes an invariant of such quantized knots and links. We give applications of stuck knots and links and their invariants in modeling and understanding bonded RNA foldings, and we explore the topology of such objects with invariants involving multiplicities at the bonds. Other perspectives are also discussed.
Immune Checkpoints in Viral Infections
Authors: Cai Huiming , Liu Ge , Zhong Jianfeng , Zheng Kai , Xiao Haitao , Li Chenyang , Song Xun , Li Ying , Xu Chenshu , Wu Haiqiang , He Zhendan , Zhu Qinchang
Published: September 2020

As evidence has mounted that virus-infected cells, such as cancer cells, negatively regulate the function of T-cells via immune checkpoints, it has become increasingly clear that viral infections similarly exploit immune checkpoints as an immune system escape mechanism. Although immune checkpoint therapy has been successfully used in cancer treatment, numerous studies have suggested that such therapy may also be highly relevant for treating viral infection, especially chronic viral infections. However, it has not yet been applied in this manner. Here, we reviewed recent findings regarding immune checkpoints in viral infections, including COVID-19, and discussed the role of immune checkpoints in different viral infections, as well as the potential for applying immune checkpoint blockades as antiviral therapy.
Post-Processing and Evaluation of Precipitation Ensemble Forecast under Multiple Schemes in Beijiang River Basin
Authors: Chen Xinchi , Chen Xiaohong , Huang Dong , Liu Huamei
Published: September 2020

Precipitation is one of the most important factors affecting the accuracy and uncertainty of hydrological forecasting. Considerable progress has been made in numerical weather prediction after decades of development, but the forecast products still cannot be used directly for hydrological forecasting. This study used ensemble pro-processor (EPP) to post-process the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) with four designed schemes, and then integrated them to investigate the forecast accuracy in longer time scales based on the best scheme. Many indices such as correlation coefficient, Nash efficiency coefficient, rank histogram, and continuous ranked probability skill score were used to evaluate the results in different aspects. The results show that EPP can improve the accuracy of raw forecast significantly, and the scheme considering cumulative forecast precipitation is better than that only considers single-day forecast. Moreover, the scheme that considers some observed precipitation would help to improve the accuracy and reduce the uncertainty. In terms of medium- and long-term forecasts, the integrated forecast based on GEFS and CFSv2 after post-processed would be better than CFSv2 significantly. The results of this study would be a very important demonstration to remove the deviation of ensemble forecast and improve the accuracy of hydrological forecasting in different time scales.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Freshwater and Terrestrial Environment: A Review
Authors: Boyle Kellie , Örmeci Banu
Published: September 2020

This review is a critical analysis of current freshwater and terrestrial research with an emphasis on transport, behaviour, fate and subsequent ecological impacts that plastic pollution poses. The current methods of extraction and evaluation of organic-rich samples are also explored for both micro- and nanoplastics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoplastics are discussed with reference to their environmental and health implications for biota. Regulations imposed on the manufacture and distribution of plastics globally are also noted. Within the review, the current literature has been presented and knowledge gaps identified. These include the characterization and quantification of micro- and nanoplastics entering and forming within the freshwater and terrestrial environment, the fate and behaviour of micro- and nanoplastics under varying conditions and the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.
A Century of Water Supply Companies and Their Influence on the Development of Spanish Society (1842–1942)
Authors: Pérez-de-la-Cruz Francisco-Javier , Trapote-Jaume Arturo , Melgarejo-Moreno Joaquín , Chazarra-Zapata Jesús
Published: September 2020

During a certain period in the history of Spain, in the years of the Second Industrial Revolution, water companies played a very important role in managing a public service as necessary and complex as the supply of drinking water to the population. This article describes the emergence of these companies in the economic framework of the second half of the 19th century, as well as their expansion and territorial distribution, their evolution towards large companies that unified and monopolised the sector and their progressive decline in the 20th century, characterised by an increase in municipal control and influenced by different national and international war conflicts. The data collected in the different statistical yearbooks allows us to study these companies, and identify the characteristics of the modern drinking water system in Spain, together with the importance of foreign investment and the influence of these companies on the economic development of the time.
Reflections of an Authoritative State Administrator on the Late-Soviet and Post-Soviet Evolution of the State Economic Management System [About the Book by E.A. Ivanov «We Need to Search for a New Model of State Management of the Economy (and Can We Take Something from the Soviet Planning for This?)»]
Authors: Lyubinin A.B.
Published: September 2020

The article is a review of the book indicated in the title, published in 2018 by «Ankil» publishing house. Analyzing the late Soviet (1985–1991) and post-Soviet (after 1991) evolution of the system of state economic management and its effectiveness, while mobilizing extensive factual and statistical material, the author of the book justifies the recommendation to the Russian leadership to stop throwing between the fear of losing «market innocence» and the practice of «smuggling» the use of non-market management methods. While agreeing with this recommendation, the reviewer also shares the opinion of E.A. Ivanov about such an indispensable prerequisite for solving the problems set in the monograph as using the potential of the Federal legislative act on strategic planning that appeared in 2014 (which does not mean that there is no need to improve the adopted specific version of the document).
Digital tax: an instructive foreign experience
Authors: Teteryatnikov K.S. , Каmolov S.G. , Blashkina D.A.
Published: September 2020

The article is meant to analyze current problems and prospects for the development of effective tax policy as part of digital transformation of Russian economy. Introduction of a digital tax and the consequences of the digital tax reforms in the EU, the USA and OECD countries are highlighted. The necessity of qualitative transformation of the tax system of the Russian Federation in response to modern challenges is substantiated, taking into account the changes of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation adopted at the end of July 2020. The authors suggested their own concept of a digital tax and the prospects for its adoption in Russia, and consider it inappropriate to impose taxes on Internet users who do not use the Internet for business. Today, the main focus should be made on creating and testing effective technologies that allow on-line monitoring the tax basis of digital economy entities, taking into account the cross-border movement or use of digital products (goods and services). In addition, it would be extremely important to provide for a potential tax exemption for part of the profits of international ICT companies that are received on the territory of the Russian Federation and reinvested in joint with Russian companies projects in the high-tech for civil purposes area.
Antiproliferative Effects of Recombinant Apoptin on Lung and Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Ezami Razliqi Masoud , Olad Gholamreaza , Dorostkar Rouhollah , Heydari Sahar , Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh Hadi
Published: September 2020

Background: Selective therapy has always been the main challenge in cancer treatments. Various non-replicative oncolytic viral systems have revealed the safety and efficacy of using viruses and these products. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of recombinant apoptin on the proliferation of lung cancer and breast cancer cell lines. Methods: The present study consisted of two steps of expression of recombinant apoptin and its anti-proliferative effects on normal and cancer cells. In the first step, following bioinformatics and optimizing apoptin gene sequencing and synthesis, it was expressed using vector PET28a and E. coli BL21 (DE3). The expressed recombinant apoptin was confirmed by analytical SDSPAGE and then purified using Ni affinity chromatography. In the second step, the antiproliferative effects of recombinant apoptin on lung cancer, breast cancer and primary cell lines were determined using MTT assay. Results: According to the results of SDS-PAGE gel assay, recombinant apoptin was visible in the 14 kDa band. Also, the MTT assay results indicated that the antiproliferative effects of recombinant apoptin in cancer cell lines was different compared with the primary cell line, and followed a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines. The highest cytotoxicity (lowest cell viability) groups were 0.2 mg/mL in lung cancer (0.32 ± 0.015) (P<0.001), and in breast cancer (0.33 ± 0.031) (P<0.001) and 0.032 mg/mL in primary cells (0.17 ± 0.004) (P<0.01), as compared to the control groups. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that recombinant apoptin can induce antiproliferative effects in lung cancer and breast cancer cell lines, but not in normal monkey kidney cell line Vero; thus, it can be introduced as a promising novel specific antitumor agent after further evaluation in clinical trials.
Risk Factors Associated with Heart Valve Thrombosis in Patients with Prosthetic Heart Valve Dysfunction
Authors: Noohi Bezanjani Feridoun , Gohari Sepehr , Bassiri Hossein Ali , Ahangar Hassan , Reshadmanesh Tara
Published: September 2020

Background: Thrombotic and thromboembolic events are important causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with prosthetic heart valve. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that may contribute to prosthetic heart valve thrombosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in Rajaie Heart Center on patients with prosthetic heart valve malfunction, within a year. According to the echocardiographic and fluoroscopic findings, the patients were divided into two groups (thrombosis and non-thrombosis groups). The patients’ demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: A total of 142 patients participated in this study. Ninety-four patients (66.2%) were diagnosed with thrombosis. There was a significant relationship between thrombosis and inadequate anti-coagulation (international normalized rati [INR] <2.5) (odds ratio [OR]: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.98-9.87, P = 0.003), history of infection (OR: 12.81, 95% CI: 3.52-19.02, P<0.001), prothrombin time (PT) check interval (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.63-8.47, P = 0.019), atrial fibrillation (AF) rhythm (OR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.75-8.09, P = 0.019), and plasma fibrinogen level (OR: 6.90, 95% CI: 2.58-14.69). Conclusion: Based on this study, inadequate anti-coagulation, AF rhythm, recent infection and plasma fibrinogen level were the factors most contributing to prosthetic valve thrombosis. As there were many cases of thrombosis in patients with history of infection, this factor can be considered for risk assessment in prosthetic valve.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in a Patient with COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Sehhat Siavoush , Talebzadeh Hamid , Hakamifard Atousa , Melali Hamid , Shabib Somayeh , Rahmati Alireza , Larki-Harchegani Amir
Published: September 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents clinical manifestations similar to the influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). However, in the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), various pathological complications of high clinical significance have remained unknown. Impaired blood supply to the visceral vascular system can cause serious life-threatening acute damage. We report a case of extensive acute mesenteric ischemia associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed in a patient hospitalized in Amin Hospital – a COVID-19 referral center in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. This case highlights the importance of paying attention to serious and less common or less known clinical manifestations other than fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and myalgia.
Effect of Copper on 1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethene - A DFT Treatment
Authors: Türker Lemi
Published: September 2020

Interaction of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene which is a well known explosive called FOX-7 and copper atom is investigated computationally in the form of 1:1 composite, at the levels of UB3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) and UB3LYP/LANL2DZ within the restrictions of density functional theory. Some geometrical, spectral and quantum chemical data have been obtained and discussed. The both levels of computational approach yield geometries in accord with each other but LANL2DZ basis set produced unreasonable charges for the atoms of the composite. However, both of the methods indicate that copper atom donates some electron population to the organic component meantime the nitro groups change their conformation by twisting about the C-NO2 bonds. Thus, the push-pull character of the system varies which should affect some of the explosive properties, beside the others.
IDENTIFICATION OF MOLECULAR ALTERATIONS IN VENEZUELAN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Castro Y.C. , Utrera R.
Published: September 2020

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common neoplasm in pediatric age. In recent years, between 15 and 20% of patients failed in their treatments. Knowledge on cytogenetics and molecular biology has an important impact on the determination of the prognosis and the appropriate treatment scheme. In Venezuela there is limited knowledge regarding the molecular genetics of this onco-hematological alteration. The aim of this work was to evaluate the most frequent genetic alterations in Venezuelan patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective study was carried out from 2006 to 2014, in which the translocations ETV6/RUNX1, MLL/AF4, TCF3/PBX1, BCR/ABL1, as well as mutations in the PAX5 and FLT3 genes were evaluated through the use of different types of PCR. One hundred and thirty patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia were included in the study. Molecular alterations were identified in 56 patients (43.1%), in which we observed the presence of one or several alterations in conjunction in the same patient. The alterations identified were t(12; 21) (11.5%), t(4; 11) (8.5%), t(1; 19) (10%), t(9; 22) (20.8%), ITD-FLT3 (14.8%), P80S mutation (4.2%) and S77del (4.2%) in the PAX5 gene. The prevalence of BCR/ABL is one of the highest described so far in cases of ALL where most of the population is made up of pediatric patients. These results represent the first molecular study of ALL in Venezuela, laying the foundations for the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease in its population.

Key words: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; Translocations; ETV6/RUNX1; MLL/AF4; TCF3/PBX1; BCR/ABL1; PAX5; FLT3.
Uma análise do feminino em “A ceia”, de Lygia Fagundes Telles
Authors: Huback Sandrine Robadey , Pereira Vinicius Carvalho
Published: September 2020

Lygia Fagundes Telles posiciona-se como uma escritora-testemunha de seu tempo, assim como uma mulher do século 20 a vivenciar e defender as lutas em prol da liberdade feminina. Atenta aos paradigmas sociopolíticos vigentes, sem ignorar a natureza ficcional e estética da arte, a autora constrói uma literatura disposta a desvelar (e também subverter) o status quo em suas múltiplas nuances por meio de personagens femininas vibrantes e de temáticas como amor, casamento e traição. Considerando essas questões, propomos neste ensaio uma análise da representação do feminino no conto “A ceia”, presente na antologia Antes do baile verde, publicada pela primeira vez em 1970 pela Editora Bloch. Para tanto, discutimos como, no conto, figuram representações do feminino nas personagens Alice e Olívia, em que se revela uma tensão dialética entre as imposições sociais do patriarcado e sua subversão.
Para além do erótico e do anedótico. O himeneu, de Sylvio Back
Authors: De Lucena Suênio Campos
Published: September 2020

A resenha trata do provocativo O himeneu, do escritor, cineasta e roteirista Sylvio Back. O autor da resenha sugere um deslocamento da ideia de erotismo inicialmente – e aparentemente – presente no livro.