bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Analysis of Multi-Omics Data Based on Blockwise Sparse Principal Components
Authors: Park Mira , Kim Doyoen , Moon Kwanyoung , Park Taesung
Published: November 2020

The recent development of high-throughput technology has allowed us to accumulate vast amounts of multi-omics data. Because even single omics data have a large number of variables, integrated analysis of multi-omics data suffers from problems such as computational instability and variable redundancy. Most multi-omics data analyses apply single supervised analysis, repeatedly, for dimensional reduction and variable selection. However, these approaches cannot avoid the problems of redundancy and collinearity of variables. In this study, we propose a novel approach using blockwise component analysis. This would solve the limitations of current methods by applying variable clustering and sparse principal component (sPC) analysis. Our approach consists of two stages. The first stage identifies homogeneous variable blocks, and then extracts sPCs, for each omics dataset. The second stage merges sPCs from each omics dataset, and then constructs a prediction model. We also propose a graphical method showing the results of sparse PCA and model fitting, simultaneously. We applied the proposed methodology to glioblastoma multiforme data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The comparison with other existing approaches showed that our proposed methodology is more easily interpretable than other approaches, and has comparable predictive power, with a much smaller number of variables.
Instability of Acylcarnitines in Stored Dried Blood Spots: The Impact on Retrospective Analysis of Biomarkers for Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: van Rijt Willemijn J. , Schielen Peter C. J. I. , Özer Yasemin , Bijsterveld Klaas , van der Sluijs Fjodor H. , Derks Terry G. J. , Heiner-Fokkema M. Rebecca
Published: November 2020

Stored dried blood spots (DBS) can provide valuable samples for the retrospective diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism, and for validation studies for newborn blood spot screening programs. Acylcarnitine species are subject to degradation upon long-term storage at room temperature, but limited data are available on the stability in original samples and the impact on acylcarnitine ratios. We analysed complete acylcarnitine profiles by flow-injection tandem mass spectrometry in 598 anonymous DBS stored from 2013 to 2017, at +4 °C during the first year and thereafter at room temperature. The concentrations of C2-, C3-, C4-, C5-, C6-, C8-, C10:1-, C10-, C12:1-, C12-, C14:1-, C14-, C16:1-, C16-, C18:2-, C18:1-, C18-, C5OH+C4DC-, C18:1OH-, and C16DC-carnitine decreased significantly, whereas a positive trend was found for free carnitine. Only the C4/C8-, C8/C10-, C14:1/C10- and C14:1/C16-carnitine ratios appeared robust for the metabolite instability. The metabolite instability may provoke the wrong interpretation of test results in the case of retrospective studies and risk the inaccurate estimation of cut-off targets in validation studies when only stored control DBS are used. We recommend including control DBS in diagnostic, retrospective cohort studies, and, for validation studies, we recommend using fresh samples and repeatedly re-evaluating cut-off targets.
Perceptions and Misperceptions of Smartphone Use: Applying the Social Norms Approach
Authors: McAlaney John , Almourad Mohamed Basel , Powell Georgina , Ali Raian
Published: November 2020

The social norms approach is an established technique to bring about behaviour change through challenging misperceptions of peer behaviour. This approach is limited by a reliance on self-report and a lack of interactivity with the target population. At the same time, excessive use of digital devices, known as digital addiction, has been recognized as an emergent issue. There is potential to apply the social norms approach to digital addiction and, in doing so, address some of the limitations of the social norms field. In this study, we trialled a social norms intervention with a sample of smartphone users (n = 94) recruited from the users of a commercial app designed to empower individuals to reduce their device usage. Our results indicate that most of the sample overestimated peer use of smartphone apps, demonstrating the existence of misperceptions relating to smartphone use. Such misperceptions are the basis for the social norms approach. We also document the discrepancy between self-report and smartphone usage data as recorded through data collected directly from the device. The potential for the application of the social norms approach and directions for future research are discussed.
Deep Learning Model for Industrial Leakage Detection Using Acoustic Emission Signal
Authors: Rahimi Masoumeh , Alghassi Alireza , Ahsan Mominul , Haider Julfikar
Published: November 2020

Intelligent fault diagnosis methods have replaced time consuming and unreliable human analysis, increasing anomaly detection efficiency. Deep learning models are clear cut techniques for this purpose. This paper’s fundamental purpose is to automatically detect leakage in tanks during production with more reliability than a manual inspection, a common practice in industries. This research proposes an inspection system to predict tank leakage using hydrophone sensor data and deep learning algorithms after production. In this paper, leak detection was investigated using an experimental setup consisting of a plastic tank immersed underwater. Three different techniques for this purpose were implemented and compared with each other, including fast Fourier transform (FFT), wavelet transforms, and time-domain features, all of which are followed with 1D convolution neural network (1D-CNN). Applying FFT and converting the signal to a 1D image followed by 1D-CNN showed better results than other methods. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and the superiority of the proposed methodology for detecting real-time leakage inaccuracy.
Preparing for Sea-Level Rise through Adaptive Managed Retreat of a New Zealand Stormwater and Wastewater Network
Authors: Kool Rick , Lawrence Judy , Drews Martin , Bell Robert
Published: November 2020

Sea-level rise increasingly affects low-lying and exposed coastal communities due to climate change. These communities rely upon the delivery of stormwater and wastewater services which are often co-located underground in coastal areas. Due to sea-level rise and associated compounding climate-related hazards, managing these networks will progressively challenge local governments as climate change advances. Thus, responsible agencies must reconcile maintaining Levels of Service as the impacts of climate change worsen over the coming decades and beyond. A critical question is whether such networks can continue to be adapted/protected over time to retain Levels of Service, or whether eventual retreat may be the only viable adaptation option? If so, at what performance threshold? In this paper, we explore these questions for stormwater and wastewater, using a dynamic adaptive pathway planning (DAPP) approach designed to address thresholds and increasing risk over time. Involving key local stakeholders, we here use DAPP to identify thresholds for stormwater and wastewater services and retreat options, and for developing a comprehensive and area-specific retreat strategy comprising pathway portfolios, retreat phases, potential land use changes, and for exploring pathway conflicts and synergies. The result is a prototype for an area near Wellington, New Zealand, where a managed retreat of water infrastructure is being considered at some future juncture. Dynamic adaptive strategies for managed retreats can help to reduce future disruption from coastal flooding, signal land use changes early, inform maintenance, and allow for gradual budget adjustments by the agencies that can manage expenditure over time. We present this stepwise process in a pathway form that can be communicated spatially and visually, thereby making a retreat a more manageable, sequenced, adaptation option for water agencies, and the communities they serve.
Ballast Contamination Mechanisms: A Criterial Review of Characterisation and Performance Indicators
Authors: Bassey Daniel , Ngene Ben , Akinwumi Isaac , Akpan Victor , Bamigboye Gideon
Published: November 2020

Across the world, ballasted railway tracks are utilised extensively due to their cost efficiency, ease of drainage, and capacity to withstand cyclic imposed loadings from heavy trains. In spite of these benefits, the ballast is often considered as a flexible medium; as such, its continuous deterioration is largely disregarded. Geotechnical challenges such as ballast contamination in the form of particle fragmentation, deposition of weathered materials, upward pumping of clay and fines from underlayers, and coal intrusion have led to differential settlements and reduced drainability of tracks, thereby exacerbating track maintenance costs. This study reviews existing works of literature to expound on the mechanisms for ballast contamination and to highlight the fundamental parameters that guide the characterisation and performance evaluation of railway ballasts. The study shows that ballast fragmentation accounts for about 76% of commonly recorded contaminations, while it is also observed as the most critical to track stability. As such, a variety of indices and specifications for ballast gradation have been established worldwide to guide practice in ballast characterisation and performance evaluation. However, the mechanisms of ballast fragmentation and deterioration require further research to guide the improvement of contemporary guidelines, and mitigate the risk of abrupt track failures, especially in developing countries.
The HYLAN M Study: Efficacy of 0.15% High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan Fluid in the Treatment of Severe Dry Eye Disease in a Multicenter Randomized Trial
Authors: van Setten Gysbert-Botho , Baudouin Christophe , Horwath-Winter Jutta , Böhringer Daniel , Stachs Oliver , Toker Ebru , Al-Zaaidi Sultan , Benitez-del-Castillo Jose M. , Beck Ria , Al-Sheikh Osama , Seitz Berthold , Barabino Stefano , Reitsamer Herbert A. , Müller-Lierheim Wolfgang G.K.
Published: November 2020

The aim of the HYLAN M study was to investigate if symptoms and/or signs of patients suffering from severe dry eye disease (DED) can be improved by substituting individually optimized artificial tear therapy by high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMWHA) eye drops. In this international, multicenter study, patients with symptoms of at least ocular surface disease index (OSDI) 33 and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) of at least Oxford grade 3 were included. A total of 84 per-protocol patients were randomized in two study arms. The control group continued to use their individual optimum artificial tears over the study period of eight weeks; in the verum group, the artificial tears were substituted by eye drops containing 0.15% HMWHA. At the week 8 visit, the average OSDI of the verum group had improved by 13.5 as compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had improved by 0.04 logMAR (p = 0.033). CFS, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I, lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE), mucocutaneous junction (Yamaguchi score), and tear osmolarity were not significantly different between the verum and control groups (p > 0.050). We conclude that for most patients with severe DED, 0.15% HMWHA eye drops provide excellent improvement of symptoms without impairment of dry eye signs.
Methylene Blue—Current Knowledge, Fluorescent Properties, and Its Future Use
Authors: Cwalinski Tomasz , Polom Wojciech , Marano Luigi , Roviello Giandomenico , D’Angelo Alberto , Cwalina Natalia , Matuszewski Marcin , Roviello Franco , Jaskiewicz Janusz , Polom Karol
Published: November 2020

Methylene blue is a fluorescent dye discovered in 1876 and has since been used in different scientific fields. Only recently has methylene blue been used for intraoperative fluorescent imaging. Here, the authors review the emerging role of methylene blue, not only as a dye used in clinical practice, but also as a fluorophore in a surgical setting. We discuss the promising potential of methylene blue together with the challenges and limitations among specific surgical techniques. A literature review of PubMed and Medline was conducted based on the historical, current and future usage of methylene blue within the field of medicine. We reviewed not only the current usage of methylene blue, but we also tried to grasp its’ function as a fluorophore in five main domains. These domains include the near-infrared imaging visualization of ureters, parathyroid gland identification, pancreatic tumors imaging, detection of breast cancer tumor margins, as well as breast cancer sentinel node biopsy. Methylene blue is used in countless clinical procedures with a relatively low risk for patients. Usage of its fluorescent properties is still at an early stage and more pre-clinical, as well as clinical research, must be performed to fully understand its potentials and limitations.
CAD-Based Automated Design of FEA-Ready Cutting Tools
Authors: Tzotzis Anastasios , García-Hernández César , Huertas-Talón José-Luis , Kyratsis Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

The resources of modern Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software provide engineers with powerful mechanisms that can be used to investigate numerous machining processes with satisfying results. Nevertheless, the success of a simulation, especially in three dimensions, relies heavily on the accuracy of the cutting tool models that are implemented in the analyses. With this in mind, the present paper presents an application developed via Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programming that enables the automated design of accurate cutting tool models that can be used in 3D turning simulations. The presented application was developed with the aid of the programming resources of a commercially available CAD system. Moreover, the parametric design methodology was employed in order to design the tools according to the appropriate standards. Concluding, a sample tool model was tested by performing a number of machining simulations based on typical cutting parameters. The yielded results were then compared to experimental values of the generated machining force components for validation. The findings of the study prove the functionality of the tool models since a high level of agreement occurred between the acquired numerical results and the experimental ones.
Effects of Oceanic Turbulence on Orbital Angular Momenta of Optical Communications
Authors: Zhai Shuang , Zhu Yun , Zhang Yixin , Hu Zhengda
Published: November 2020

The propagation properties of Laguerre-Gaussian beams in oceanic turbulence are investigated for both single-photon and biphoton cases. For single-photon communication, the channel capacity and trace distance are employed, both of which effectively reveal the communication performance via different viewpoints. For the biphoton case, we consider distributions of quantum resources including entanglement and quantum coherence. Turbulence conditions with a larger inner-scale and anisotropic factors, higher dissipation rate of kinetic energy, lower dissipation rate of the mean-squared temperature, and lower temperature-salinity contribution ratio combined with longer wavelength and an appropriate range of optimal beam width are beneficial to communication performances. Our results provide theoretical significance to improve the orbital-angular-momentum communication via oceanic turbulence.
Formulation of Ice Resistance in Level Ice Using Double-Plates Superposition
Authors: Li Liang , Gao Qingfei , Bekker Alexander , Dai Hongzhe
Published: November 2020

The estimation of ship resistance in ice is a fundamental area of research and poses a substantial challenge for the design and safe use of ships in ice-covered waters. In order to estimate the ice resistance with greater reliability, we develop in this paper an improved Lindqvist formulation for the estimation of bending resistance in level ice based on the superposition of double-plates. In the developed method, an approximate model of an ice sheet is firstly presented by idealizing ice sheeta as the combination of a semi-infinite elastic plate and an infinite one resting on an elastic foundation. The Mohr–Coulomb criterion is then introduced to determine the ice sheet’s failure. Finally, an improved Lindqvist formulation for estimation of ice resistance is proposed. The accuracy of the developed formulation is validated using full-scale test data of the ship KV Svalbard in Norway, testing the model as well as the numerical method. The effect of ice thickness, stem angle and breadth of bow on ship resistance is further investigated by means of the developed formulation.
Long-Term Observations of Beach Variability at Hasaki, Japan
Authors: Banno Masayuki , Nakamura Satoshi , Kosako Taichi , Nakagawa Yasuyuki , Yanagishima Shin-ichi , Kuriyama Yoshiaki
Published: November 2020

Long-term beach observation data for several decades are essential to validate beach morphodynamic models that are used to predict coastal responses to sea-level rise and wave climate changes. At the Hasaki coast, Japan, the beach profile has been measured for 34 years at a daily to weekly time interval. This beach morphological dataset is one of the longest and most high-frequency measurements of the beach morphological change worldwide. The profile data, with more than 6800 records, reflect short- to long-term beach morphological change, showing coastal dune development, foreshore morphological change and longshore bar movement. We investigated the temporal beach variability from the decadal and monthly variations in elevation. Extremely high waves and tidal anomalies from an extratropical cyclone caused a significant change in the long-term bar behavior and foreshore slope. The berm and bar variability were also affected by seasonal wave and water level variations. The variabilities identified here from the long-term observations contribute to our understanding of various coastal phenomena.
Determinants of German Direct Investment in CEE Countries
Authors: Becker Niklas , Cieślik Andrzej
Published: November 2020

This paper studies the determinants of German direct investment in the Central and Eastern European countries during the period 1996–2016 using the augmented Knowledge Capital model to identify the main reasons for foreign direct investment (FDI). The empirical results show increasing multinational enterprise (MNE) activity with growth in country-size and with growing similarities of countries, which supports the horizontal reason for FDI; while the difference in the share of skilled labor force associated with the vertical reason has no effect. Furthermore, the estimation results show unimportance of trade costs to the foreign market and the significance of the distance between source and host countries.
Urban Land Regulation and Heterogeneity of Housing Conditions of Inter-Provincial Migrants in China
Authors: Cao Yuting , Liu Ran , Qi Wei , Wen Jin
Published: November 2020

The relation between urban land regulation and migrants’ access to decent housing is a fascinating topic in developing countries. Land-use conflicts emerge when entrepreneurial pursuits (for example, the exchange value of land) affect the fortunes of low-wage migrant workers using the destination city to settle down (through the use value of land). Land-use disputes and housing opportunity inequality (between the “land scarcity with migrant explosion” areas and the “land-abundant but migration-inactive” areas) is apparent across different kinds of cities. This article reviews the relationship between China’s urban land supply and regulation system and the migrant housing-condition problem. Our spatial analysis attests to the areal variance of migrant housing conditions (overcrowding and shortages of basic amenities such as toilet and kitchen facilities) across 301 Chinese cities. The analysis results explain the relationship between the inferior housing conditions in the coastal metropolises and the strict management of land uses in China’s first-tier cities. Using micro household data from the national 1% population sampling survey (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2015), this research provides a vivid case study at a large national scale to compare migrant housing amenity across different cities. This empirical study can advance understanding of the land-use disputes (exchange value vs. use value of urban land), which are an important structural root of housing inequality among different kinds of host cities (not merely among migrant workers themselves or across neighborhood scales). This macro-level variance of land demand, supply, and the regulation system proves the key challenge to achieving social harmony. Beyond a top-down land and housing system in China today, some more bottom-up and participatory migrant housing supply means (such as informal housing schemes such as “urban villages”) could be another way to address the above housing challenge. In this sense, we have mapped the migrants’ housing conditions in the Chinese top-down and marketization context, which can be contrasted with the informal and participatory housing supply in some other country contexts.
Influence of Electrostatic Precipitator Ash “Zolest-Bet” and Silica Fume on Sulfate Resistance of Portland Cement
Authors: Barabanshchikov Yury , Usanova Kseniia , Akimov Stanislav , Uhanov Aleksandr , Kalachev Andrej
Published: November 2020

The influence of the electrostatic precipitator ash “Zolest-bet” and silica fume on the sulfate resistance of Portland cement was studied. The evaluation criteria were the expansion, strength, density, and appearance of the samples, hardened in a 5% Na2SO4 solution starting from 3 days of age for 192 days at a temperature of 20 °C and 148 days at 40 °C. The mixture with the silica fume additive had the minimum expansion under the Na2SO4 action, and the mixture with the fly ash “Zolest-bet” additive had the greatest expansion. Zolest-bet ash in pure water shrank the mixture by 0.19 mm/m by the end of the hardening period, and it gave a linear expansion of 0.23 mm/m in a Na2SO4 solution after hardening. The mixture can be considered sulfate resistant at a given value of linear expansion. Despite the greatest expansion, the compressive strength of the samples with the Zolest-bet additive was found to be the highest at hardening in both environments. The flexural strength was found to be the highest after being in Na2SO4 solution. The sulfate resistance of the mixture with silica fume was higher than that of the mixture based on sulfate-resistant cement. This mixture did not have expansion in comparison with the initial length, instead it shrank, while the expansion of sulfate-resistant cement was 0.006% over the control period. The compressive strength of the mixture with the silica fume additive was slightly inferior to the strength of the mixture with Zolest-bet ash.
Estimation of Dense Plasma Temperature Formed under Shock Wave Cumulation
Authors: Sobolev Valerii , Cabana Edgar Caseres , Howaniec Natalia , Dychkovskyi Roman , Jura Bartłomiej , Bąk Andrzej , Iwaszenko Sebastian , Smoliński Adam
Published: November 2020

The research was carried out by means of implosion plasma generators with conical and hemispherical compression chambers to conduct a quantitative assessment of the boundary temperature of super dense plasma jets. It was proved experimentally that nuclear transformations in metals are caused by the impact of super dense plasma jets (11, ..., 12) × 103 kg/m3. The boundary temperature of these jets was evaluated. It was estimated that the nominal boundary temperature of the studied implosion plasma generators is 106 К. The pressure in the target at the penetration of the super dense jet (~12,000 kg/m3) at the speed of 28,000 m / sec is more than 30 ТPa. The boundary temperature was estimated and proved to depend on the pre-determined values only slightly. It was experimentally established that stable isotopes of manganese Mn55 (up to 27%) are formed in iron targets as a result of high temperature plasma jet penetration. The appearance of manganese must be related to iron transformation into stable isotopes Fe56 and Fe54. The obtained results may be applied for investigating structural changes in metals under the conditions of impulsive super high temperatures and pressures. This method can be also used as a testing ground for studying the physical conditions of forming chemical elements as well as super dense plasma jets.
Topologically Stable Chain Recurrence Classes for Diffeomorphisms
Authors: Lee Manseob
Published: November 2020

Let f:M→M be a diffeomorphism of a finite dimension, smooth compact Riemannian manifold M. In this paper, we demonstrate that if a diffeomorphism f lies within the C1 interior of the set of all chain recurrence class-topologically stable diffeomorphisms, then the chain recurrence class is hyperbolic.
Asymptotic Properties of MSE Estimate for the False Discovery Rate Controlling Procedures in Multiple Hypothesis Testing
Authors: Palionnaya Sofia , Shestakov Oleg
Published: November 2020

Problems with analyzing and processing high-dimensional random vectors arise in a wide variety of areas. Important practical tasks are economical representation, searching for significant features, and removal of insignificant (noise) features. These tasks are fundamentally important for a wide class of practical applications, such as genetic chain analysis, encephalography, spectrography, video and audio processing, and a number of others. Current research in this area includes a wide range of papers devoted to various filtering methods based on the sparse representation of the obtained experimental data and statistical procedures for their processing. One of the most popular approaches to constructing statistical estimates of regularities in experimental data is the procedure of multiple testing of hypotheses about the significance of observations. In this paper, we consider a procedure based on the false discovery rate (FDR) measure that controls the expected percentage of false rejections of the null hypothesis. We analyze the asymptotic properties of the mean-square error estimate for this procedure and prove the statements about the asymptotic normality of this estimate. The obtained results make it possible to construct asymptotic confidence intervals for the mean-square error of the FDR method using only the observed data.
Identification Problem for Nonlinear Gao Beam
Authors: Radová Jana , Machalová Jitka , Burkotová Jana
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the identification of coefficients in the nonlinear beam model which was first introduced by D. Y. Gao in 1996. For the identification of coefficients, an optimal control approach is used. The unknown coefficients are material parameters of the beam and play the role of the control variables. The existence of at least one solution of the optimal control problem is proved. For the studied problem the finite element approximation is provided. Finally some illustrative examples are introduced.
On the Accuracy of the Exponential Approximation to Random Sums of Alternating Random Variables
Authors: Shevtsova Irina , Tselishchev Mikhail
Published: November 2020

Using the generalized stationary renewal distribution (also called the equilibrium transform) for arbitrary distributions with a finite non-zero first moment, we prove moment-type error-bounds in the Kantorovich distance for the exponential approximation to random sums of possibly dependent random variables with positive finite expectations, in particular, to geometric random sums, generalizing the previous results to alternating and dependent random summands. We also extend the notions of new better than used in expectation (NBUE) and new worse than used in expectation (NWUE) distributions to alternating random variables in terms of the corresponding distribution functions and provide a criteria in terms of conditional expectations similar to the classical one. As corollary, we provide simplified error-bounds in the case of NBUE/NWUE conditional distributions of random summands.
Every Planar Graph with the Distance of 5−-Cycles at Least 3 from Each Other Is DP-3-Colorable
Authors: Zhao Yueying , Miao Lianying
Published: November 2020

DP-coloring was introduced by Dvořák and Postle [J. Comb. Theory Ser. B 2018, 129, 38–54]. In this paper, we prove that every planar graph in which the 5−-cycles are at distance of at least 3 from each other is DP-3-colorable, which improves the result of Montassier et al. [Inform. Process. Lett. 2008, 107, 3–4] and Yin and Yu [Discret. Math. 2019, 342, 2333–2341].
Garch Model Test Using High-Frequency Data
Authors: Deng Chunliang , Zhang Xingfa , Li Yuan , Xiong Qiang
Published: November 2020

This work is devoted to the study of the parameter test for the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model. Based on the daily GARCH model, using the parameter estimator obtained by intraday high-frequency data, the adjusted Likelihood Ratio test statistic and Wald test statistic are provided. Asymptotic distributions of the two adjusted test statistics are deducted and a way to select the optimal sampling frequency is also discussed. Simulation studies show that the proposed test statistics have better size and power than traditional ones (without using intraday high-frequency data). An empirical study is given to illustrate the potential applications of the proposed tests. The results show the idea of this article is of certain superiority and it can be extended to other GARCH type models.
The G-Convexity and the G-Centroids of Composite Graphs
Authors: Veeraraghavan Prakash
Published: November 2020

The graph centroids defined through a topological property of a graph called g-convexity found its application in various fields. They have classified under the “facility location” problem. However, the g-centroid location for an arbitrary graph is NP-hard. Thus, it is necessary to devise an approximation algorithm for general graphs and polynomial-time algorithms for some special classes of graphs. In this paper, we study the relationship between the g-centroids of composite graphs and their factors under various well-known graph operations such as graph Joins, Cartesian products, Prism, and the Corona. For the join of two graphs G1 and G2, the weight sequence of the composite graph does not depend on the weight sequences of its factors; rather it depends on the incident pattern of the maximum cliques of G1 and G2. We also characterize the structure of the g-centroid under various cases. For the Cartesian product of G1 and G2 and the prism of a graph, we establish the relationship between the g-centroid of a composite graph and its factors. Our results will facilitate the academic community to focus on the factor graphs while designing an approximate algorithm for a composite graph.
Hydromagnetic Dissipative and Radiative Graphene Maxwell Nanofluid Flow Past a Stretched Sheet-Numerical and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Hussain Syed M. , Sharma Rohit , Mishra Manas R. , Alrashidy Sattam S.
Published: November 2020

The key objective of this analysis is to examine the flow of hydromagnetic dissipative and radiative graphene Maxwell nanofluid over a linearly stretched sheet considering momentum and thermal slip conditions. The appropriate similarity variables are chosen to transform highly nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) of mathematical model in the form of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE). Further, these transformed equations are numerically solved by making use of Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg algorithm along with the shooting scheme. The significance of pertinent physical parameters on the flow of graphene Maxwell nanofluid velocity and temperature are enumerated via different graphs whereas skin friction coefficients and Nusselt numbers are illustrated in numeric data form and are reported in different tables. In addition, a statistical approach is used for multiple quadratic regression analysis on the numerical figures of wall velocity gradient and local Nusselt number to demonstrate the relationship amongst heat transfer rate and physical parameters. Our results reveal that the magnetic field, unsteadiness, inclination angle of magnetic field and porosity parameters boost the graphene Maxwell nanofluid velocity while Maxwell parameter has a reversal impact on it. Finally, we have compared our numerical results with those of earlier published articles under the restricted conditions to validate our solution. The comparison of results shows an excellent conformity among the results.
Author Identification Using Chaos Game Representation and Deep Learning
Authors: Stoean Catalin , Lichtblau Daniel
Published: November 2020

An author unconsciously encodes in the written text a certain style that is often difficult to recognize. Still, there are many computational means developed for this purpose that take into account various features, from lexical and character-based attributes to syntactic or semantic ones. We propose an approach that starts from the character level and uses chaos game representation to illustrate documents like images which are subsequently classified by a deep learning algorithm. The experiments are made on three data sets and the outputs are comparable to the results from the literature. The study also verifies the suitability of the method for small data sets and whether image augmentation can improve the classification efficiency.
The Influence of Probiotics on the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio in the Treatment of Obesity and Inflammatory Bowel disease
Authors: Stojanov Spase , Berlec Aleš , Štrukelj Borut
Published: November 2020

The two most important bacterial phyla in the gastrointestinal tract, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, have gained much attention in recent years. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio is widely accepted to have an important influence in maintaining normal intestinal homeostasis. Increased or decreased F/B ratio is regarded as dysbiosis, whereby the former is usually observed with obesity, and the latter with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Probiotics as live microorganisms can confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. There is considerable evidence of their nutritional and immunosuppressive properties including reports that elucidate the association of probiotics with the F/B ratio, obesity, and IBD. Orally administered probiotics can contribute to the restoration of dysbiotic microbiota and to the prevention of obesity or IBD. However, as the effects of different probiotics on the F/B ratio differ, selecting the appropriate species or mixture is crucial. The most commonly tested probiotics for modifying the F/B ratio and treating obesity and IBD are from the genus Lactobacillus. In this paper, we review the effects of probiotics on the F/B ratio that lead to weight loss or immunosuppression.
Colistin Update on Its Mechanism of Action and Resistance, Present and Future Challenges
Authors: Andrade Ferdinando F. , Silva Daniela , Rodrigues Acácio , Pina-Vaz Cidália
Published: November 2020

Colistin has been extensively used since the middle of the last century in animals, particularly in swine, for the control of enteric infections. Colistin is presently considered the last line of defense against human infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms such as carbapenemase-producer Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumanni, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Transferable bacterial resistance like mcr-genes was reported in isolates from both humans and animals. Researchers actively seek strategies to reduce colistin resistance. The definition of guidelines for colistin therapy in veterinary and human medicine is thus crucial. The ban of colistin use in swine as a growth promoter and for prophylactic purposes, and the implementation of sustainable measures in farm animals for the prevention of infections, would help to avoid resistance and should be encouraged. Colistin resistance in the human–animal–environment interface stresses the relevance of the One Health approach to achieve its effective control. Such measures should be addressed in a cooperative way, with efforts from multiple disciplines and with consensus among doctors, veterinary surgeons, and environment professionals. A revision of the mechanism of colistin action, resistance, animal and human use, as well as colistin susceptibility evaluation is debated here.
Sedimentation of the Kimmeridge Clay Formation in the Cleveland Basin (Yorkshire, UK)
Authors: Atar Elizabeth , Aplin Andrew C. , Lamoureux-Var Violaine , März Christian , Wagner Thomas
Published: November 2020

Fine-grained sedimentary successions contain the most detailed record of past environmental conditions. High-resolution analyses of these successions yield important insights into sedimentary composition and depositional processes and are, therefore, required to contextualise and interpret geochemical data which are commonly used as palaeoclimate proxies. The Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF) is a 500 m-thick mudstone succession deposited throughout the North Sea in the Late Jurassic and records environmental conditions through this time. Here, we present petrographic analyses (on 36 thin sections) on a 50 m section of a KCF core from the Cleveland Basin (Yorkshire, UK) to investigate controls on sedimentation in this region during the Tithonian, Late Jurassic. Facies descriptions demonstrate that deposition took place in a hydrodynamically variable environment in which the sediment origins, sediment dispersal mechanisms, and redox conditions fluctuated on the scale of thousands of years. Petrographic analyses show that the sediment comprises marine (algal macerals, calcareous fossils), detrital (quartz, clay, feldspar), and diagenetic (dolomite and authigenic kaolinite) components and that several sediment dispersal mechanisms influenced deposition and facilitated both the supply and preservation of terrestrial and marine organic material. This work provides a framework for the interpretation of geochemical palaeoclimate proxies and reinforces the importance of looking at the rock when interpreting whole-rock geochemical data.
Comparison of the Retention and Separation Selectivity of Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Polar Groups in RP-HPLC Systems with Different Stationary Phases and Eluents
Authors: Klimek-Turek Anna , Misiołek Beata , Dzido Tadeusz H.
Published: November 2020

In this manuscript, the retention of aromatic hydrocarbons with polar groups has been compared for systems with various nonpolar columns of the types from C3 to C18 and different mobile phases composed of methanol, acetonitrile, or tetrahydrofuran as modifiers. The selectivity separation of the solutes in systems with different adsorbents, when one eluent modifier is swapped by another, has been explained, taking into account molecular interactions of the solutes with components of the stationary phase region (i.e., extracted modifier depending on the chain length of the stationary phase).
Carbonation and Chloride Ions’ Penetration of Alkali-Activated Materials: A Review
Authors: Zhang Xuanhan , Long Kaidi , Liu Wei , Li Lixiao , Long Wu-Jian
Published: November 2020

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are widely recognized as potential alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to their lower carbon footprint. However, like OPC, AAMs can also generate some durable problems when exposed to aggressive environments and the mechanisms and possible improvements are still not fully clear in existing investigations. Furthermore, the corrosion mechanisms of AAMs are different from OPC due to the discrepant reaction products and pore structures. Thus, this study’s aim is to review the chemical reaction mechanisms, factors, and mitigation methods when AAMs are attacked by carbonation and chloride ions, along with a summative discussion regarding instructive insights to durable problems of AAMs.
NMR and EPR Study of Homolysis of Diastereomeric Alkoxyamines
Authors: Cherkasov Sergey , Parkhomenko Dmitriy , Genaev Alexander , Salnikov Georgii , Edeleva Mariya , Morozov Denis , Rybalova Tatyana , Kirilyuk Igor , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Bagryanskaya Elena
Published: November 2020

Three alkoxyamines based on imidazoline radicals with a pyridine functional group—potential initiators of nitroxide-mediated, controlled radical polymerization—were synthesized. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) measurements reveal biexponential kinetics for the thermolysis for diastereomeric alkoxyamines and monoexponential kinetics for an achiral alkoxyamine. For comparison, the thermolysis of all three alkoxyamines was studied by NMR in the presence of three different scavengers, namely tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO), thiophenol (PhSH), and β-mercaptoethanol (BME), and detailed analysis of products was performed. NMR differentiates between N-inversion, epimerization, and homolysis reactions. The choice of scavenger is crucial for making a reliable and accurate estimate of the true homolysis rate constant.
Nutrition in Cancer Therapy in the Elderly—An Epigenetic Connection?
Authors: Blasiak Janusz , Chojnacki Jan , Pawlowska Elzbieta , Szczepanska Joanna , Chojnacki Cezary
Published: November 2020

The continuous increase in life expectancy results in a steady increase of cancer risk, which consequently increases the population of older adults with cancer. Older adults have their age-related nutritional needs and often suffer from comorbidities that may affect cancer therapy. They frequently are malnourished and present advanced-stage cancer. Therefore, this group of patients requires a special multidisciplinary approach to optimize their therapy and increase quality of life impaired by aging, cancer, and the side effects of therapy. Evaluation strategies, taking advantage of comprehensive geriatric assessment tools, including the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), can help individualize treatment. As epigenetics, an emerging element of the regulation of gene expression, is involved in both aging and cancer and the epigenetic profile can be modulated by the diet, it seems to be a candidate to assist with planning a nutritional intervention in elderly populations with cancer. In this review, we present problems associated with the diet and nutrition in the elderly undergoing active cancer therapy and provide some information on epigenetic aspects of aging and cancer transformation. Nutritional interventions modulating the epigenetic profile, including caloric restriction and basal diet with modifications (elimination diet, supplementary diet) are discussed as the ways to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy and maintain the quality of life of older adults with cancer.
Nutrition Management in Older Adults with Diabetes: A Review on the Importance of Shifting Prevention Strategies from Metabolic Syndrome to Frailty
Authors: Tamura Yoshiaki , Omura Takuya , Toyoshima Kenji , Araki Atsushi
Published: November 2020

The increasing prevalence of older adults with diabetes has become a major social burden. Diabetes, frailty, and cognitive dysfunction are closely related to the mechanisms of aging. Insulin resistance, arteriosclerosis, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction may be common mechanisms shared by frailty and cognitive impairment. Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, obesity, vascular factors, physical inactivity, and malnutrition are important risk factors for cognitive impairment and frailty in older adults with diabetes. The impact of nutrients on health outcomes varies with age; thus, shifting diet therapy strategies from the treatment of obesity/metabolic syndrome to frailty prevention may be necessary in patients with diabetes who are over 75 years of age, have frailty or sarcopenia, and experience malnutrition. For the prevention of frailty, optimal energy intake, sufficient protein and vitamin intake, and healthy dietary patterns should be recommended. The treatment of diabetes after middle age should include the awareness of proper glycemic control aimed at extending healthy life expectancy with proper nutrition, exercise, and social connectivity. Nutritional therapy in combination with exercise, optimal glycemic and metabolic control, and social participation/support for frailty prevention can extend healthy life expectancy and maintain quality of life in older adults with diabetes mellitus.
Dietary Intakes of Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Sodium by the General Adult Population Aged 20–50 Years in Shiraz, Iran: A Total Diet Study Approach
Authors: Babaali Elham , Rahmdel Samane , Berizi Enayat , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Götz Friedrich , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad
Published: November 2020

In the present total diet study, the dietary intake of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and sodium (Na) by healthy adults in Shiraz, Iran, was estimated from the foods as consumed. A total of 580 individual food items were collected, prepared, and pooled into 129 composite samples. The metal concentration was then evaluated using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. The mean intakes of Zn (12.92 mg/d), Cu (3.80 mg/d), and Mg (412.68 mg/d) exceeded the estimated average requirements (EARs), but they were well below the upper limits. A high prevalence of inadequate intake was observed for Ca (91.6%) and P (89.7%), which was mainly due to nutritionally imbalanced diets. Sodium intake for average and high consumers (97.5th percentile) was 123.6% and 237.8% of the tolerable upper intake level of 2300 mg/d, respectively, with 70% of the participants having intakes higher than this threshold value. Nutrition education, nutritional rehabilitation, Ca supplementation, food fortification, mandatory reduction of salt content in processed foods, and discretionary salt use (in home cooking or at the table) are among the possible strategies that can be adopted to combat the health problems.
Effects of l-Carnitine Supplementation in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kuwasawa-Iwasaki Masako , Io Hiroaki , Muto Masahiro , Ichikawa Saki , Wakabayashi Keiichi , Kanda Reo , Nakata Junichiro , Nohara Nao , Tomino Yasuhiko , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: November 2020

l-carnitine is an important factor in fatty acid metabolism, and carnitine deficiency is common in dialysis patients. This study evaluated whether l-carnitine supplementation improved muscle spasm, cardiac function, and renal anemia in dialysis patients. Eighty Japanese outpatients (62 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 18 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients) received oral l-carnitine (600 mg/day) for 12 months; the HD patients further received intravenous l-carnitine injections (1000 mg three times/week) for 12 months, amounting to 24 months of treatment. Muscle spasm incidence was assessed using a questionnaire, and cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography. Baseline free carnitine concentrations were relatively low in patients who underwent dialysis for >4 years. Total carnitine serum concentration, free carnitine, and acylcarnitine significantly increased after oral l-carnitine treatment for 12 months, and after intravenous l-carnitine injection. There was no significant improvement in muscle spasms, although decreased muscle cramping after l-carnitine treatment was reported by 31% of patients who had undergone HD for >4 years. Hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly at 12 and 24 months in the HD group. Therefore, l-carnitine may be effective for reducing muscle cramping and improving hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients, especially those who have been undergoing dialysis for >4 years.