bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Consumption Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis for Deep-Argo Otarriinae Profiling Float
Authors: Si Weiwei , Xue Yifan , Liu Yanjun , Li Zhitong , Xue Gang
Published: July 2020

Deep-Argo Otarriinae profiling float is a new type of Argo profiling float that has a maximum diving depth of more than 4,000 m. It can collect ocean scientific data all-weather and uninterruptedly, which provides reliable data support for the global ocean scientific research. The working time of Deep-Argo profiling float is an important indicator of its practicality and economy, and it is clear that the energy consumption is a key factor in determining its working time. In this paper, the single profile energy consumption model with 19 parameters of Deep-Argo Otarriinae is established and the main effect indices and total effect indices of the energy consumption parameters to energy consumption are calculated using Sobol’ sensitivity analysis method, aiming to find the parameters that have the greatest impact on energy consumption. The results show that the gliding angle, the diving depth, and the gliding speed have a significant impact on energy consumption of Deep-Argo Otarriinae. The results of simulation have a good match with the actual application and have certain reference significance for the determination of the design parameters and the selection of the navigation parameters. This paper also provides a new idea of multiparameter energy consumption modeling for underwater equipment using buoyancy regulation.
Size‐Specific Dose Estimates of Radiation Based on Body Weight and Body Mass Index for Chest and Abdomen‐Pelvic CTs
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Xiangquan , Yang Panfeng , Luo Kuangnan , He Xiaolong
Published: July 2020

Background. To correlate body weight, body mass index (BMI), and water‐equivalent diameter (dw) and to assess size‐specific dose estimates (SSDEs) based on body weight and BMI for chest and abdomen‐pelvic CT examinations. Methods. An in‐house program was used to calculate dw, size‐dependent conversion factor (f), and SSDE for 1178 consecutive patients undergoing chest and abdomen‐pelvic CT examinations. Associations among body weight, BMI, and dw were determined, and linear equations were generated using linear regression analysis of the first 50% of the patient population. SSDEs (SSDEweight and SSDEBMI) were calculated based on body weight and BMI as dw surrogates on the second 50% of the patient population. Mean root‐mean‐square errors of SSDEweight and SSDEBMI were computed with SSDE from the axial images as reference values. Results. Both body weight and BMI correlated strongly with dw for the chest (r = 0.85, 0.87, all p < 0.001) and abdomen‐pelvis (r = 0.85, 0.86, all p < 0.001). Mean values of SSDEweight and SSDEBMI based on the linear equations for body weight, BMI, and dw were in close agreement with SSDE from the axial images, with overall mean root‐mean‐square errors of 0.62 mGy (6.10%) and 0.57 mGy (5.65%), for chest, and 0.76 mGy (5.61%) and 0.71 mGy (5.22%), for abdomen‐pelvis, respectively. Conclusions. Both body weight and BMI, serving as dw surrogates, can be used to calculate SSDEs in the chest and abdomen‐pelvis CT examinations, providing values comparable to SSDEs from the axial images, with an overall mean root‐mean‐square error of less than 0.76 mGy or 6.10%.
Sensorless Control of Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Generator with Nonlinear Loads for Stand-Alone Power Generation Systems
Authors: Liu Wantai , Xie Weicai , Lv Yunong , Zhou Zhan
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a sensorless control scheme for the stand-alone brushless doubly fed induction generator (BDFIG) feeding nonlinear loads. The fundamental and harmonic components of the distorted power winding (PW) voltage caused by the nonlinear loads are extracted and controlled separately. A rotor speed observer is employed to estimate the speed based on the PW voltage and control winding (CW) current without the need of any other machine parameters except for the number of pole pairs. Since the d- and q-axis references of the CW current from the PW voltage control loop contain both dc and ac components, which cannot be tracked easily by conventional PI controllers, a CW predictive current controller is designed to regulate the CW current. Finally, the performance of the proposed control scheme is verified by comprehensive experiments on a 35-kVA prototype BDFIG.
Assessing the Impact of Optimal Health Education Programs on the Control of Zoonotic Diseases
Authors: Mhlanga A.
Published: July 2020

To better understand the dynamics of zoonotic diseases, we propose a deterministic mathematical model to study the dynamics of zoonotic brucellosis with a focus on developing countries. The model contains all the relevant biological details, including indirect transmission by the environment. We analyze the essential dynamic behavior of the model and perform an optimal control study to design effective prevention and intervention strategies. The sensitivity analysis of the model parameters is performed. The aim of the controls is tied to reducing the number of infected humans, through health promotional programs within the affected communities. The Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle is used to characterize the optimal level of the controls, and the resulting optimality system is solved numerically. Overall, the study demonstrates that through health promotional programs on zoonotic diseases among villagers, it is vital that they should be conducted with high efficacy.
Game Models for Closed-Supply Chain with Different Competition-Cooperation Relationships under Fairness Preference
Authors: Nian Zhang , Bin Li , Kun Wei , Mengxue Wang
Published: July 2020

Considering the complex problem of competition and cooperation among enterprises in the process of product selling and recycling, different coopetition game models of closed-loop supply chain with the fairness preference of a manufacturer and retailers are constructed according to the actual investigation. Then, this study primarily used fairness preference theory and game theory to analyze the impact of fairness preference on the pricing decision, recycling and remanufacturing strategy, and coopetition model selection. The results show that (1) enterprises’ fairness preference would increase the wholesale price and retail price, and the stronger the degree of fairness preference is, the more obvious the trend is; (2) enterprises’ fairness preference is not conducive to recycling and remanufacturing, and the higher level of fairness preference is associated with the lower recycling rate of waste products; (3) enterprises’ fairness preference would not affect the model selection but would benefit the overall profit.
Image Defogging Algorithm Based on Sparse Representation
Authors: Fan Di , Guo Xinyun , Lu Xiao , Liu Xiaoxin , Sun Bo
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the problems of low contrast and low definition of fog degraded image, this paper proposes an image defogging algorithm based on sparse representation. Firstly, the algorithm transforms image from RGB space to HSI space and uses two-level wavelet transform extract features of image brightness components. Then, it uses the K-SVD algorithm training dictionary and learns the sparse features of the fog-free image to reconstructed I-components of the fog image. Using the nonlinear stretching approach for saturation component improves the brightness of the image. Finally, convert from HSI space to RGB color space to get the defog image. Experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively improve the contrast and visual effect of the image. Compared with several common defog algorithms, the percentage of image saturation pixels is better than the comparison algorithm.
Chromosome 20p Partial De Novo Duplication Identified in a Female Paediatric Patient with Characteristic Facial Dysmorphism and Behavioural Anomalies
Authors: Khattak Shahzaib , Jan Meryam , Warsi Sara , Khattak Sohail
Published: July 2020

Copy number variations (CNVs) involving the JAG1 gene are rare and infrequently reported in the scientific literature. Recently, a generally healthy young patient presenting with a history of behavioural concerns was referred to us. Herein, we discuss the patient, a 7-year-old female possessing a 0.797 Mb microduplication within the short arm of chromosome 20 at band 12.2. The patient generates considerable curiosity due to the rarity of her case, which includes a de novo partial duplication involving the JAG1 gene. The patient exhibits a wide range of symptoms including facial dysmorphism (dolichocephaly, round face, tented philtrum, anteverted nares, and micrognathia), clinodactyly, and an inborn congenital heart defect. She presented with behavioural concerns including ADHD-I, SPD, motor clumsiness, and poor self-regulation. Deletions in JAG1 are often linked to Alagille Syndrome; however, complete duplications have not been specifically identified as disease-causing. JAG1 mutations are reported alongside various clinical features including facial dysmorphology, heart defects, vertebral abnormalities, and ocular dysmorphic features (strabismus, epicanthal folds, and slanted palpebral fissures). This particular microduplication is rare, and thus, limited data exist regarding its significance. To our knowledge, most reported duplications are larger than 0.797 Mb. This may define a critical region causing phenotypical changes in some patient cases.
The Role of Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Tao Ye , Wang Ningning , Qiu Tianming , Sun Xiance
Published: July 2020

Liver fibrosis is an intrinsic repair process of chronic injury with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. As an early stage of various liver diseases, liver fibrosis is a reversible pathological process. Therefore, if not being controlled in time, liver fibrosis will evolve into cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It has been demonstrated that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in the formation of liver fibrosis. In particular, the activation of HSCs is a key step for liver fibrosis. Recent researches have suggested that autophagy and inflammasome have biological effect on HSC activation. Herein, we review current studies about the impact of autophagy and NOD‐like receptors containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome on liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.
Cross-Modal Search for Social Networks via Adversarial Learning
Authors: Zhou Nan , Du Junping , Xue Zhe , Liu Chong , Li Jinxuan
Published: July 2020

Cross-modal search has become a research hotspot in the recent years. In contrast to traditional cross-modal search, social network cross-modal information search is restricted by data quality for arbitrary text and low-resolution visual features. In addition, the semantic sparseness of cross-modal data from social networks results in the text and visual modalities misleading each other. In this paper, we propose a cross-modal search method for social network data that capitalizes on adversarial learning (cross-modal search with adversarial learning: CMSAL). We adopt self-attention-based neural networks to generate modality-oriented representations for further intermodal correlation learning. A search module is implemented based on adversarial learning, through which the discriminator is designed to measure the distribution of generated features from intramodal and intramodal perspectives. Experiments on real-word datasets from Sina Weibo and Wikipedia, which have similar properties to social networks, show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art cross-modal search methods.
A Novel Intelligent System for Brain Tumor Diagnosis Based on a Composite Neutrosophic‐Slantlet Transform Domain for Statistical Texture Feature Extraction
Authors: Wady Shakhawan H. , Yousif Raghad Z. , Hasan Harith R.
Published: July 2020

Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is often implemented by an iterative filter bank; hence, a lake of optimization of a discrete time basis is observed with respect to time localization for a constant number of zero moments. This paper discusses and presents an improved form of DWT for feature extraction, called Slantlet transform (SLT) along with neutrosophy, a generalization of fuzzy logic, which is a relatively new logic. Thus, a novel composite NS‐SLT model has been suggested as a source to derive statistical texture features that used to identify the malignancy of brain tumor. The MR images in the neutrosophic domain are defined using three membership sets, true (T), false (F), and indeterminate (I); then, SLT was applied to each membership set. Three statistical measurement‐based methods are used to extract texture features from images of brain MRI. One‐way ANOVA has been applied as a method of reducing the number of extracted features for the classifiers; then, the extracted features are subsequently provided to the four neural network classification techniques, Support Vector Machine Neural Network (SVM‐NN), Decision Tree Neural Network (DT‐NN), K‐Nearest Neighbor Neural Network (KNN‐NN), and Naive Bayes Neural Networks (NB‐NN), to predict the type of the brain tumor. Meanwhile, the performance of the proposed model is assessed by calculating average accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is quite accurate and efficient for diagnosing brain tumors when the Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) features derived from the composite NS‐SLT technique is used.
Acidic Phospholipase A2‐Peptide Derivative Modulates Oxidative Status and Microstructural Reorganization of Scar Tissue after Cutaneous Injury
Authors: García Estefanny Ruiz , Barros Edvaldo , Stransky Stephanie , Chávez-Olórtegui Carlos , Freitas Mariella Bontempo , Novaes Rômulo Dias , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela
Published: July 2020

From in vitro and in vivo models, the proliferative and healing potential of an acidic phospholipase A2 (LAPLA2) from Lachesis muta venom was investigated. The LAPLA2 proliferative activity was evaluated on fibroblasts and keratinocytes cultured, and the antioxidant and regenerative potential of LAPLA2 was analyzed in a murine model. The animal study consisted of four groups: C (negative control): 0.9% NaCl; SS (positive control): 1% silver sulfadiazine; L1 group: 0.5% LAPLA2; and L2 group: 0.25% LAPLA2. Wounds were topically treated daily for 12 days, and scar tissue samples were collected every 4 days. In vitro, LAPLA2 stimulated marked time‐dependent cell proliferation. In vivo, it increased the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein (CP) levels in scar tissue treated with LAPLA2 at 0.5%. This peptide was effective in stimulating cellular proliferation, neoangiogenesis, type I and III collagen deposition, and maturation in a time‐dependent‐way, reducing the time required for wound closure. Our results indicated that LAPLA2 presented a remarkable potential in improving the oxidative status and microstructural reorganization of the scar tissue by stimulation of cellularity, angiogenesis, colagenogenesis, and wound contraction, suggesting that the peptide could be a potential candidate for a new healing drug.
On Multivalued Hybrid Contractions with Applications
Authors: Alansari Monairah , Mohammed Shehu Shagari , Azam Akbar , Hussain Nawab
Published: July 2020

Recently, a notion of b-hybrid contraction for single-valued mappings in the framework of b-metric spaces which unify and improve several significant existing results in the corresponding literature was introduced. This paper presents a multivalued generalization for such contraction. Moreover, one of our obtained results is applied to analyze some solvability conditions of Fredholm-type integral inclusions. Nontrivial examples are also provided to support the assertions of our theorems.
Increment of Lysosomal Biogenesis by Combined Extracts of Gum Arabic, Parsley, and Corn Silk: A Reparative Mechanism in Mice Renal Cells
Authors: Helmy Aya , El-Shazly Mohamed , Omar Nesreen , Rabeh Mohamed , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Tash Reham , Salem Mohammad Alaraby , Samir Ahmed , Elshamy Ali , Singab Abdel Nasser B.
Published: July 2020

Gum Arabic (GA), parsley, and corn silk have been traditionally used for renal failure patients worldwide. This study aimed at probing the mechanism of the combined extracts, namely, GA (3 g/kg/day), parsley (1 g/kg/day), and corn silk (200 mg/kg/day), as nephroprotective agents in mice after amikacin (1.2 g/kg) single dose through exploration of their action on G‐protein coupled receptors (GPR) 41 and 43 and the ensuing lysosomal biogenesis. Western blotting was employed for renal levels of bcl‐2‐associated X protein (BAX) and cytosolic cathepsin D; cell death markers, nuclear transcription factor EB (TFEB), and lysosomal associated membrane protein‐1 (LAMP‐1); and lysosomal biogenesis indicators. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) and docking were also employed. After amikacin treatment, BAX and cathepsin D levels were upregulated while LAMP‐1 and nuclear TFEB levels were inhibited. The combined extracts inhibited BAX and cytosolic cathepsin D but upregulated LAMP‐1 and nuclear TFEB levels. Docking confirmed GPR modulatory signaling. The combined extracts showed GPR signal modulatory properties that triggered lysosome synthesis and contributed to reversing the adverse effects of amikacin on renal tissues.
Progressive Deformity of the Lower Limbs in a Patient with KID (Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness) Syndrome
Authors: Kozhevnikov Oleg , Kralina Svetlana , Yurasova Yulia , Kenis Vladimir , Kircher Susanne Gerit , Al Kaissi Ali
Published: July 2020

Purpose. Progressive deformity of the lower limbs can be encountered in a long list of syndromic associations. The baseline tool in the management of such disorders is to approach to a definite diagnosis. Methods. We describe a 4-year-old girl who presented with the clinical phenotype and genotype of congenital erythrokeratoderma, keratosis, and sensorineural hearing loss (keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome) (KID syndrome). She manifested progressive contractures of the knees associated with talipes equinovarus of the feet. The latter deformities were the main reasons behind her severe retardation in acquiring the normal locomotor functions. Results. The analysis revealed mutations in intron 1 of the GJB2 gene of C.32G>A (p.Gly11Glu) and c.35delG in the compound heterozygous state. The presence in the genotype of the “dominant” mutation c.32G>A (p.Glu11Glu) was compatible with the clinical phenotype of KID syndrome. Conclusion. Surgical interventions through the extension of the hamstring tendons have been performed successfully via the application of an external distraction apparatus, namely, Volkov- Oganesyan. The latter procedures resulted in total release of her awkward knee contractures. Eventually, the child was able to regain the physiological alignment of her lower limbs and resume walking. To the best of our knowledge, the overall management of this child could be the first in the literature.
Advanced Skeletal Muscle Mass Reduction (Sarcopenia) Secondary to Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Pesola G. R. , Terla V. , Pradhan M.
Published: July 2020

We describe a young male patient chronically on a ventilator secondary to decreased mobility from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He had both a tracheostomy for breathing and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for feeding. Using 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion data, we calculated an estimate of skeletal muscle (SM) mass. SM mass was indexed to height and weight to obtain the SM index. The SM index is used as a determinant to define sarcopenia. From the data, we found that this patient had the smallest SM index ever recorded at 2.2 kg/m2, consistent with extremely advanced sarcopenia. As a comparison, “severe” sarcopenia in a male is defined as a SM index≤8.5 kg/m2. This method can be used in ICU patients to evaluate for sarcopenia which is a predictive marker for mortality.
Mycobacterium mageritense Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Caravedo Martinez Maria A. , Blanton Lucas S.
Published: July 2020

Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) complicate up to 2% of arthroplasties and are usually caused by typical bacterial agents (e.g., staphylococci and streptococci). Although an infrequent cause of PJI, mycobacterial species are difficult to eradicate, as they adhere to hardware, form biofilms, and have high rates of antimicrobial resistance. Mycobacterium mageritense is a rapidly growing Mycobacterium that has been infrequently described as a cause of surgical and device-related infections. We herein described a case of prosthetic knee infection due to M. mageritense. The patient was treated with removal of hardware, antimicrobials, and prosthetic knee reimplantation with a good outcome. To our knowledge, M. mageritense has not been previously described as a cause of PJI in the medical literature.
The Relationship between Agricultural Teaching Approaches and Food Security in Kenya
Authors: Njura Hellen Joseph , Kubai Kaberia Isaac , Taaliu Simon Thuranira , Shem Khakame Kakai
Published: July 2020

The continued food insecurity, despite the teaching of agriculture amidst the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), is a major global concern especially in Africa. There is food shortage in Africa and Kenya in particular despite the teaching of agriculture as a major subject in secondary schools. Many youth who have graduated from Kenyan secondary schools cannot adequately employ the agricultural skills developed during and after school for food security. The teaching approaches employed in secondary school agriculture should be able to develop skills of students on the aspects of food production, its accessibility, food safety, and nutrition as well as production economics. Towards this direction, this paper investigates the relationship between the agricultural teaching approaches employed in secondary schools and food security in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey design where data were collected using an Agriculture Teachers’ Interview Schedule, a Students’ Focus Group Discussion Guide, and a Parent’s Questionnaire and were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research findings established that the lecture method, class discussions, class projects, problem solving, and tours and field trips were the common methods in agriculture classes. Though recommended in the literature review section, digital learning was hardly mentioned as a teaching approach for this study. A major conclusion for this study is that there is statistically insignificant relationship between the teaching approaches and food security. There are other factors not in the scope of this study that could be affecting food security and can be tackled at secondary school level. This paper makes a contribution to the growing body of knowledge by highlighting research gaps worth investigation on the relationship between the agricultural teaching approaches and food security that were beyond the scope of the study.
Rapid Analytical Method to Characterize the Freshness of Olive Oils Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometric Algorithms
Authors: El Orche Aimen , Bouatia Mustapha , Mbarki Mohamed
Published: July 2020

One of the most important issues in the field of quality assurance of olive oils is the detection of the freshness of olive oil. In this study, 400 nm laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was used with supervised and unsupervised multivariate analysis methods to develop a rapid method able to discriminate between freshly produced olive oils and oil that has been stored for a period of time ranging from 12 to 24 months. The fluorescence spectral data were firstly processed by the PCA. This method shows strong discrimination of the three oil classes using the first three components which present 96% of the total variability of the initial data, and then supervised classification models were constructed using the discriminant partial least square regression PLS-DA, support vector machine SVM, and linear discriminant analysis LDA. These methods show a high capacity in the classification of the three classes of olive oil. The validation of these classification models by external samples shows a high capacity of classification of the samples in their class with an accuracy of 100%. This study demonstrated the feasibility of the fluorescence spectroscopy fingerprint (routine technique) for the classification of olive oils according to their freshness and storage time.
Numerical Simulation on Heat Transfer Characteristics of Water Flowing through the Fracture of High-Temperature Rock
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Wang Zhaolun , Sun Yanhua , Zhu Chun , Xiong Feng , Tang Qiongqiong
Published: July 2020

Deep geothermal resources are becoming an increasingly important energy source worldwide. To achieve the optimal efficiency of this resource, the heat transfer characteristics between flowing water and rock need to be further studied. Using the stereotopometric scanning system 3D CaMega, the fracture geometry data of five cuboid granite rocks were obtained to determine the effects of fracture roughness on the heat transferability of rock. A 3-D model was built based upon the scanned geometry data to assess the effects of rock temperature, water velocity, and roughness, and aperture size of fracture surface on the heat transfer coefficient. The simulation tests show that water velocity has the most noticeable effect, followed by aperture size and rock roughness. On the other hand, the initial rock temperature has the least influence. A new heat transfer coefficient was proposed considering aperture size, water flow velocity, and rock fracture roughness. The calculated values of Reynolds, Prandtl, and Nusselt numbers obtained using this coefficient are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results. This study provides a reference for enhancing the heat transfer coefficient to benefit the exploitation of heat energy of hot dry rock.
Superresolution Reconstruction of Video Based on Efficient Subpixel Convolutional Neural Network for Urban Computing
Authors: Shen Jie , Xu Mengxi , Du Xinyu , Xiong Yunbo
Published: July 2020

Video surveillance is an important data source of urban computing and intelligence. The low resolution of many existing video surveillance devices affects the efficiency of urban computing and intelligence. Therefore, improving the resolution of video surveillance is one of the important tasks of urban computing and intelligence. In this paper, the resolution of video is improved by superresolution reconstruction based on a learning method. Different from the superresolution reconstruction of static images, the superresolution reconstruction of video is characterized by the application of motion information. However, there are few studies in this area so far. Aimed at fully exploring motion information to improve the superresolution of video, this paper proposes a superresolution reconstruction method based on an efficient subpixel convolutional neural network, where the optical flow is introduced in the deep learning network. Fusing the optical flow features between successive frames can compensate for information in frames and generate high-quality superresolution results. In addition, in order to improve the superresolution, a superpixel convolution layer is added after the deep convolution network. Finally, experimental evaluations demonstrate the satisfying performance of our method compared with previous methods and other deep learning networks; our method is more efficient.
A Rare Case of Proximal Junctional Failure with Delayed Infection after Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Iwami Takuro , Yagi Mitsuru , Okada Eijiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Watanabe Kota , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio
Published: July 2020

Proximal junctional failure (PJF) is one of the most devastating complications that develop after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Here, we report 2 rare cases of PJF accompanied by delayed infection after ASD surgery with a review of the relevant literatures. Late-onset infection is an infrequent complication despite acute postoperative infection is common after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Among them, delayed onset pyogenic spondylitis of the adjacent vertebra to the instrumented vertebrae is an extremely rare phenomenon. We do not have a clear explanation for this pathology. Since the delayed infections developed not in the fused segments but in the adjacent vertebra, the cause of the first case can be speculated as stimulation of low-virulent organisms to fester and hematogenous seeding and that of the second case as metal fretting and a sterile inflammatory response causing hematogenous microbial seeding, respectively. Additional studies on this phenomenon are warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis of this complication.
Study on Three Sarcocapnos Species as Potential Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Relation between Phenolic Content and Bioactivity by Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Fernández-Poyatos María del Pilar , Zengin Gökhan , Salazar-Mendías Carlos , Ruiz-Medina Antonio , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Llorent-Martínez Eulogio J.
Published: July 2020

In this work, we report the phenolic composition and bioactivity of the aerial parts of three species of Sarcocapnos (S. enneaphylla, S. pulcherrima, and S. saetabensis) to study their potential as sources of bioactive compounds to revalorize them and contribute to the conservation of these plant species. Samples were collected in different locations in the province of Jaén (southeast of Spain), and qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometry detection. S. enneaphylla presented the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (58 mg/g DE). The most abundant compound in S. enneaphylla and S. saetabensis was rutin (35 mg/g DE and 11.7 mg/g DE, respectively), whereas isorhamnetin-O-rutinoside was dominant in S. pulcherrima (11.5 mg/g DE). Several assays were performed to evaluate the potential bioactivity of the three species of Sarcocapnos. These assays included antioxidant and radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP), phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating, and enzyme inhibitory activity (acetylcholinesterase, amylase, butyrylcholinesterase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase). In general, all methanolic extracts presented the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the highest radical scavenging, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties. This relationship between phenolics and bioactivity was confirmed by multivariate analysis.
Identifying Capsule Defect Based on an Improved Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhou Junlin , He Jiao , Li Guoli , Liu Yongbin
Published: July 2020

Capsules are commonly used as containers for most pharmaceuticals, and capsule quality is closely related to human health. Given the actual demand for capsule production, this study proposes a capsule defect detection and recognition method based on an improved convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. The algorithm is used for defect detection and classification in capsule production. Defective and qualified capsule images in the actual production are collected as samples. Then, a deep learning model based on the improved CNN is designed to train and test a capsule image dataset and identify defective capsules. The improved CNN algorithm is based on regularization and the Adam optimizer (RACNN), on which a dropout layer and L2_regularization are added between the full connection and the output layer to solve the overfitting problem. The Adam optimizer is introduced to accelerate model training and improve model convergence. Then, cross entropy is used as a loss function to measure the prediction performance of the model. By comparing the results of RACNN with different parameters, a detection method based on the optimal parameters of the RACNN model is finally selected. Results show a 97.56% recognition accuracy of the proposed method. Hence, this method could be used for the automatic identification and classification of defective capsules.
A Steep Increase in the HeartLogic Index Predicts COVID-19 Disease in an Advanced Heart Failure Patient
Authors: Heggermont Ward , Nguyen Pham Anh Hong , Lau Chirik-Wah , Tournoy Kurt
Published: July 2020

We present a patient with severe nonischemic cardiomyopathy in whom the HeartLogic algorithm was activated on her Boston Scientific cardioverter defibrillator. She had an out-of-alert state for several months and had clinically “stable” heart failure with no hospitalizations in the last 6 months. A sudden and fast increase of the HeartLogic index preceded her presentation in the emergency ward by several days. The detailed readout of HeartLogic however had some atypical features for heart failure decompensation. The patient presented at the emergency department with an increased dyspnea and a dry cough. Clinical exam showed desaturation and was suggestive for an acute respiratory infection. Subsequent imaging with CT thorax and nasopharyngeal real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 viral pneumonia (COVID-19). This case illustrates that a timely and detailed analysis of HeartLogic alerts could help in the early differentiation of disease in patients with severe heart failure.
Passive Suppression of Panel Flutter Using a Nonlinear Energy Sink
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xu Minglong , Xia Wei
Published: July 2020

A nonlinear energy sink (NES) is used to suppress panel flutter. A nonlinear aeroelastic model for a two-dimensional flat panel with an NES in supersonic flow is established using the Galerkin method. First-order piston aerodynamic theory is adopted to build the aerodynamic load. The effects of NES parameters on flutter boundaries of the panel are investigated using Lyapunov’s indirect method. The mechanism of the NES suppression of panel flutter is studied through energy analysis. Effects of NES parameters on aeroelastic responses of the panel are obtained, and a design technique is adopted to find a suitable combination of parameter values of the NES that suppresses the panel flutter effectively. Results show that the NES can increase or reduce the onset dynamic pressure of the panel flutter and it can reduce the aeroelastic response amplitude effectively within a certain range of dynamic pressure behind the onset dynamic pressure. The installation position of the NES depends on the direction of the airflow. The robust characteristics should be considered to find the suitable combination of parameter values of the NES.
Central DOA Estimation Method for Exponential-Type Coherent Distributed Source Based on Fourth-Order Cumulant
Authors: Li Hao , Cui Weijia , Ba Bin , Xu Haiyun , Zhang Yankui
Published: July 2020

The performance of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation for sparse arrays applied to the distributed source is worse than that applied to the point source model. In this paper, we introduce the coprime array with a large array aperture into the DOA estimation algorithm of the exponential-type coherent distributed source. In particular, we focus on the fourth-order cumulant (FOC) of the received signal which can provide more useful information when the signal is non-Gaussian than when it is Gaussian. The proposed algorithm extends the array aperture by combining the sparsity of array space domain with the fourth-order cumulant characteristics of signals, which improves the estimation accuracy and degree of freedom (DOF). Firstly, the signal-received model of the sparse array is established, and the fourth-order cumulant matrix of the received signal of the sparse array is calculated based on the characteristics of distributed sources, which extend the array aperture. Then, the virtual array is constructed by the sum aggregate of physical array elements, and the position set of its maximum continuous part array element is obtained. Finally, the center DOA estimation of the distributed source is realized by the subspace method. The accuracy and DOF of the proposed algorithm are higher than those of the distributed signal parameter estimator (DSPE) algorithm and least-squares estimation signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (LS-ESPRIT) algorithm when the array elements are the same. Complexity analysis and numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
Generalized p,q-Gamma-type operators
Authors: Cheng Wen-Tao , Cai Qing-Bo
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, the generalized p,q-gamma-type operators based on p,q-calculus are introduced. The moments and central moments are obtained, and some local approximation properties of these operators are investigated by means of modulus of continuity and Peetre K-functional. Also, the rate of convergence, weighted approximation, and pointwise estimates of these operators are studied. Finally, a Voronovskaja-type theorem is presented.
Low-Cost Experimental Methodology for the Dynamic Model Approximation of Multirotor Actuators
Authors: Mayorga-Macías Walter A. , González-Jiménez Luis E. , Meza-Aguilar Marco A. , Luque-Vega Luis F.
Published: July 2020

A methodology for the experimental modelling of the electric actuators of a multirotor is presented in this work. These actuators are usually brushless DC motors which are driven by electronic speed controllers in an open loop. The duty cycle of a PWM signal, generated by the electronic control unit, is the input of the electronic controller. However, during the control design procedure for the multirotor, it is important to account with a model of the actuators as its dynamical features define the closed-loop performance of the overall aircraft. Hence, a procedure, based on low-cost electronic components, to obtain approximated transfer functions of the actuators of a multirotor is presented. Moreover, as the proposed signal processing algorithms are simple, the computational capabilities of the required embedded system are also low. Given that different control schemes require different information from the actuator, two models were obtained: a duty cycle vs. angular velocity transfer function and a duty cycle vs. consumed current transfer function. The effectivity of the proposal is validated with experimental results on common electric actuators of a multirotor.
Amperometric Biosensor Based on Coimmobilization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Horseradish Peroxidase-Gold Nanocluster Bioconjugates for Detecting H2O2
Authors: Ren Qiong-Qiong , Yang Fen , Ren Wu , Wang Chang , Jiang Wen-Shuai , Zhao Zong-Ya , Chen Jun , Lu Xuan-Yi , Yu Yi
Published: July 2020

An enzyme-based amperometric biosensor was fabricated for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was modified using functionalized fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) via biomineralization. HRP-AuNCs were successfully immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotube- (MWCNT-) coated carbon fiber ultramicroelectrodes (CFUMEs). The AuNCs, which act as molecular electric wires, effectively promote the electron transfer between the enzyme active center and the electrode. Additionally, the HRP conjugated with the AuNCs retains its biological activity, which enables the catalytic reaction of H2O2. The HRP-AuNCs/MWCNTs/CFUMEs have been proven as excellent amperometric sensors for H2O2. The sensitivity of the H2O2 biosensor is 3.0×10−4 A/M, and the detection limit is estimated to be 443 nM. Furthermore, the biosensor exhibited long-term stability and good reproducibility. Moreover, the biosensor has been tested by determining the H2O2 concentration in calf serum samples.
Bromodomain-Selective BET Inhibitors Are Potent Antitumor Agents against MYC-Driven Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Slavish P. Jake , Chi Liying , Yun Mi-Kyung , Tsurkan Lyudmila , Martinez Nancy E. , Jonchere Barbara , Chai Sergio C. , Connelly Michele , Waddell M. Brett , Das Sourav , Neale Geoffrey , Li Zhenmei , Shadrick William R. , Olsen Rachelle R. , Freeman Kevin W. , Low Jonathan A. , Price Jeanine E. , Young Brandon M. , Bharatham Nagakumar , Boyd Vincent A. , Yang Jun , Lee Richard E. , Morfouace Marie , Roussel Martine F. , Chen Taosheng , Savic Daniel , Guy R. Kiplin , White Stephen W. , Shelat Anang A. , Potter Philip M.
Published: July 2020

Inhibition of members of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins has proven a valid strategy for cancer chemotherapy. All BET identified to date contain two bromodomains (BD; BD1 and BD2) that are necessary for recognition of acetylated lysine residues in the N-terminal regions of histones. Chemical matter that targets BET (BETi) also interact via these domains. Molecular and cellular data indicate that BD1 and BD2 have different biological roles depending upon their cellular context, with BD2 particularly associated with cancer. We have therefore pursued the development of BD2-selective molecules both as chemical probes and as potential leads for drug development. Here we report the structure-based generation of a novel series of tetrahydroquinoline analogs that exhibit >50-fold selectivity for BD2 versus BD1. This selective targeting resulted in engagement with BD-containing proteins in cells, resulting in modulation of MYC proteins and downstream targets. These compounds were potent cytotoxins toward numerous pediatric cancer cell lines and were minimally toxic to nontumorigenic cells. In addition, unlike the pan BETi (+)-JQ1, these BD2-selective inhibitors demonstrated no rebound expression effects. Finally, we report a pharmacokinetic-optimized, metabolically stable derivative that induced growth delay in a neuroblastoma xenograft model with minimal toxicity. We conclude that BD2-selective agents are valid candidates for antitumor drug design for pediatric malignancies driven by the MYC oncogene.

Significance:

This study presents bromodomain-selective BET inhibitors that act as antitumor agents and demonstrates that these molecules have in vivo activity towards neuroblastoma, with essentially no toxicity.
Nitrogen Trapping as a Therapeutic Strategy in Tumors with Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Madala Hanumantha Rao , Helenius Iiro Taneli , Zhou Wen , Mills Evanna , Zhang Yiyun , Liu Yan , Metelo Ana M. , Kelley Michelle L. , Punganuru Surendra , Kim Kyung Bo , Olenchock Benjamin , Rhee Eugene , Intlekofer Andrew M. , Iliopoulos Othon , Chouchani Edward , Yeh Jing-Ruey Joanna
Published: July 2020

Under conditions of inherent or induced mitochondrial dysfunction, cancer cells manifest overlapping metabolic phenotypes, suggesting that they may be targeted via a common approach. Here, we use multiple oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)–competent and incompetent cancer cell pairs to demonstrate that treatment with α-ketoglutarate (aKG) esters elicits rapid death of OXPHOS-deficient cancer cells by elevating intracellular aKG concentrations, thereby sequestering nitrogen from aspartate through glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1). Exhaustion of aspartate in these cells resulted in immediate depletion of adenylates, which plays a central role in mediating mTOR inactivation and inhibition of glycolysis. aKG esters also conferred cytotoxicity in a variety of cancer types if their cell respiration was obstructed by hypoxia or by chemical inhibition of the electron transport chain (ETC), both of which are known to increase aspartate and GOT1 dependencies. Furthermore, preclinical mouse studies suggested that cell-permeable aKG displays a good biosafety profile, eliminates aspartate only in OXPHOS-incompetent tumors, and prevents their growth and metastasis. This study reveals a novel cytotoxic mechanism for the metabolite aKG and identifies cell-permeable aKG, either by itself or in combination with ETC inhibitors, as a potential anticancer approach.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that OXPHOS deficiency caused by either hypoxia or mutations, which can significantly increase cancer virulence, renders tumors sensitive to aKG esters by targeting their dependence upon GOT1 for aspartate synthesis.
Exploiting the Microhomology-Mediated End-Joining Pathway in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Patterson-Fortin Jeffrey , D'Andrea Alan D.
Published: July 2020

Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) is performed by two major pathways, homology-dependent repair and classical nonhomologous end-joining. Recent studies have identified a third pathway, microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ). MMEJ has similarities to homology-dependent repair, in that repair is initiated with end resection, leading to single-stranded 3′ ends, which require microhomology upstream and downstream of the DSB. Importantly, the MMEJ pathway is commonly upregulated in cancers, especially in homologous recombination-deficient cancers, which display a distinctive mutational signature. Here, we review the molecular process of MMEJ as well as new targets and approaches exploiting the MMEJ pathway in cancer therapy.
Starvation-induced lipid reserve depletion in Pratylenchus brachyurus leads to decreased infectivity in maize roots
Authors: Alves Paula S. , Terra Willian C. , Pinto Giselle B. , Pacheco Paulo V.M. , Fatobene Bárbhara J.R. , Campos Vicente P. , de Souza Jorge T.
Published: July 2020

Nematode body neutral lipid (triacylglycerol) content has been related to infectivity and has direct implications in control strategies. In this study, Pratylenchus brachyurus populations were split into two groups: i) freshly hatched second-stage juveniles (J2) containing lipids stored during embryogenesis; ii) third- and fourth-stage juveniles (J3/J4) plus females that replenished their lipid reserves by feeding on maize (Zea mays) roots. These groups were subjected to starvation to study their lipid consumption dynamics by staining with Oil Red O, which binds specifically to neutral lipids. Before starvation, freshly hatched J2 had 27% of their body area stained, whereas J3/J4 and females had 75%. Freshly hatched J2 starved for 28 days at 25°C in water lost 63.8% of the original neutral lipid content, which caused a reduction of 91% of infectivity in maize roots. By contrast, J3/J4 and females exposed to the same conditions lost 56.7% of the original neutral lipid content, which resulted in less than 50% reduction in infectivity. During the period of food deprivation, J2 had a mean daily neutral lipid consumption rate of 0.63% and the other infectious stages (J3/J4 and females) had a mean daily neutral lipid consumption rate of 1.46% per day. This study adds information on the dynamics of lipid utilisation that supports the use of longer waiting periods for planting crops after fallow in soils infested with P. brachyurus as compared to Meloidogyne spp.-infested soils.
A Conventional and Sharīʿah Analysis of Bitcoin
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Karim Mohammad Sydul , Muneezac Aishath
Published: July 2020

The contention surrounding Bitcoin’s acceptability and usage has an unsettled premise in both conventional and Sharīʿah law, although digital and cryptocurrencies reflect a lasting reality. This research analyses this contention by examining the concept of currency and/or money and the underpinning trust reposed on its issuing authority against the notion that cryptocurrencies and fiat money differ only in form but share the same substance and purport. Qualitative methodology provides an analysis from conventional as well as Sharīʿah viewpoints to examine the extent cryptocurrencies can gain admittance in contemporary conventional and Islamic finance and economy. The methodology entails non-empirical secondary data sourced from libraries and online databases comprising journal articles, textbooks, newspapers and reports subjected to doctrinal content analysis. Research outcomes show division among stakeholders, including conventional and Sharīʿah scholars, regarding Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Further research is recommended inter alia on ways to adopt Shariah-compliant cryptocurrencies worldwide.