bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weapon Detection Using YOLO V3 for Smart Surveillance System
Authors: Narejo Sanam , Pandey Bishwajeet , Esenarro vargas Doris , Rodriguez Ciro , Anjum M. Rizwan
Published: May 2021

Every year, a large amount of population reconciles gun-related violence all over the world. In this work, we develop a computer-based fully automated system to identify basic armaments, particularly handguns and rifles. Recent work in the field of deep learning and transfer learning has demonstrated significant progress in the areas of object detection and recognition. We have implemented YOLO V3 “You Only Look Once” object detection model by training it on our customized dataset. The training results confirm that YOLO V3 outperforms YOLO V2 and traditional convolutional neural network (CNN). Additionally, intensive GPUs or high computation resources were not required in our approach as we used transfer learning for training our model. Applying this model in our surveillance system, we can attempt to save human life and accomplish reduction in the rate of manslaughter or mass killing. Additionally, our proposed system can also be implemented in high-end surveillance and security robots to detect a weapon or unsafe assets to avoid any kind of assault or risk to human life.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Determine Response to SLC7A11 Inhibition
Authors: Sharbeen George , McCarroll Joshua A. , Akerman Anouschka , Kopecky Chantal , Youkhana Janet , Kokkinos John , Holst Jeff , Boyer Cyrille , Erkan Mert , Goldstein David , Timpson Paul , Cox Thomas R. , Pereira Brooke A. , Chitty Jessica L. , Fey Sigrid K. , Najumudeen Arafath K. , Campbell Andrew D. , Sansom Owen J. , Ignacio Rosa Mistica C. , Naim Stephanie , Liu Jie , Russia Nelson , Lee Julia , Chou Angela , Johns Amber , Gill Anthony J. , Gonzales-Aloy Estrella , Gebski Val , Guan Yi Fang , Pajic Marina , Turner Nigel , Apte Minoti V. , Davis Thomas P. , Morton Jennifer P. , Haghighi Koroush S. , Kasparian Jorjina , McLean Benjamin J. , Setargew Yordanos F. , Phillips Phoebe A.
Published: May 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are major contributors to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression through protumor signaling and the generation of fibrosis, the latter of which creates a physical barrier to drugs. CAF inhibition is thus an ideal component of any therapeutic approach for PDAC. SLC7A11 is a cystine transporter that has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in PDAC cells. However, no prior study has evaluated the role of SLC7A11 in PDAC tumor stroma and its prognostic significance. Here we show that high expression of SLC7A11 in human PDAC tumor stroma, but not tumor cells, is independently prognostic of poorer overall survival. Orthogonal approaches showed that PDAC-derived CAFs are highly dependent on SLC7A11 for cystine uptake and glutathione synthesis and that SLC7A11 inhibition significantly decreases CAF proliferation, reduces their resistance to oxidative stress, and inhibits their ability to remodel collagen and support PDAC cell growth. Importantly, specific ablation of SLC7A11 from the tumor compartment of transgenic mouse PDAC tumors did not affect tumor growth, suggesting the stroma can substantially influence PDAC tumor response to SLC7A11 inhibition. In a mouse orthotopic PDAC model utilizing human PDAC cells and CAFs, stable knockdown of SLC7A11 was required in both cell types to reduce tumor growth, metastatic spread, and intratumoral fibrosis, demonstrating the importance of targeting SLC7A11 in both compartments. Finally, treatment with a nanoparticle gene-silencing drug against SLC7A11, developed by our laboratory, reduced PDAC tumor growth, incidence of metastases, CAF activation, and fibrosis in orthotopic PDAC tumors. Overall, these findings identify an important role of SLC7A11 in PDAC-derived CAFs in supporting tumor growth.

Significance:

This study demonstrates that SLC7A11 in PDAC stromal cells is important for the tumor-promoting activity of CAFs and validates a clinically translatable nanomedicine for therapeutic SLC7A11 inhibition in PDAC.
Protein Kinase D–Dependent Downregulation of Immediate Early Genes through Class IIA Histone Deacetylases in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Sun Guangyan , Shvab Anna , Leclerc Guy J. , Li Bin , Beckedorff Felipe , Shiekhattar Ramin , Barredo Julio C.
Published: May 2021

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents, and cure rates for relapsed/refractory ALL remain dismal, highlighting the need for novel targeted therapies. To identify genome-wide metabolic-stress regulated genes, we used RNA-sequencing in ALL cells treated with AICAR, an AMPK activator. RNA-sequencing identified the immediate early genes (IEGs) as a subset of genes downregulated by AICAR. We show that AICAR-induced IEGs downregulation was blocked by an adenosine uptake inhibitor indicating AICAR was responsible for IEGs reprogramming. Using pharmacologic and genetic models we established this mechanism was AMPK-independent. Further investigations using kinase assays, PKD/PKC inhibitors and rescue experiments, demonstrated that AICAR directly inhibited PKD kinase activity and identified PKD as responsible for IEGs downregulation. Mechanistically, PKD inhibition suppressed phosphorylation and nuclear export of class IIa HDACs, which lowered histone H3 acetylation and decreased NFκB(p65) recruitment to IEGs promoters. Finally, PKD inhibition induced apoptosis via DUSP1/DUSP6 downregulation eliciting a DNA damage response. More importantly, ALL patient cells exhibited the same PKD-HDACs-IEGs–mediated mechanism. As proof of principle of the therapeutic potential of targeting PKD, we established the in vivo relevance of our findings using an NSG ALL mouse model. In conclusion, we identified a previously unreported PKD-dependent survival mechanism in response to AICAR-induced cellular stress in ALL through regulation of DUSPs and IEGs' expression.

Implications:

PKD mediates early transcriptional responses in ALL cells as an adaptive survival mechanism to overcome cellular stress.
RNA-Seq Analysis for Exploring the Pathogenesis of Retinitis Pigmentosa in P23H Knock-In Mice
Authors: Li Jiarui , Du Wei , Xu Ningda , Tao Tianchang , Tang Xin , Huang Lvzhen
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Mechanisms contributing to the progression of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) due to the P23H rhodopsin mutation are complex and diverse. Previous studies showed that mechanisms like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, pyroptosis, and oxidative stress were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the roles and relationships of different mechanisms are not precisely known. In this study, we aimed to evaluate certain mechanisms and find novel genes involved in P23H-related adRP. Methods: Total RNA extracted at postnatal day (PN) 14, PN21, and PN35 was used for RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analyses were conducted for RNA-seq data. Additionally, data from the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screening library and the RNA-seq data of several mechanisms were used for generating custom gene sets for gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Next, we obtained the intersection of the aforementioned gene sets and our RNA-seq data to identify candidate genes, which were verified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results: Functional enrichment analyses were consistent with disease phenotypes. All time points observed pyroptosis. In the results of GSEA, ER stress, pyroptosis, and oxidative stress were observed at PN14. ER stress and pyroptosis were shown on PN35. A total of 22 candidate genes were identified. The expression levels of selected genes verified by qPCR were concordant with the RNA-seq data. Conclusions: In our study, we conclude that pyroptosis and ER stress might play a central role in RP progression. We also identified differentially expressed gene clusters related to ER stress and pyroptosis, which deserve further study. These findings provide a novel perspective for the investigation of P23H-related adRP.
Desempenho e percepção sobre modelos de rotulagem nutricional frontal no Brasil
Authors: Bandeira Luisete Moraes , Pedroso Jéssica , Toral Natacha , Gubert Muriel Bauermann
Published: May 2021

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho e a percepção de cinco modelos de rotulagem nutricional frontal (RNF) entre consumidores brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com aplicação de questionário online a 2.400 indivíduos, alocados de forma aleatória em seis grupos de estudo, sendo um controle e cinco expostos a modelos de RNF (octógono, triângulo, círculo, lupa e semáforo), aplicados a nove alimentos. Foi avaliado o entendimento do conteúdo nutricional, a percepção de saudabilidade, a intenção de compra e a percepção dos consumidores brasileiros sobre os modelos. RESULTADOS: Todos os modelos de RNF aumentaram o entendimento do conteúdo nutricional e reduziram a percepção de saudabilidade e a intenção de compra, quando comparados ao grupo controle (41,3%). Os modelos de RNF de advertência - octógono (62,4%), triângulo (61,9%) e círculo (61,8%) - apresentaram desempenho significativamente superior ao semáforo (55,0%) quanto ao entendimento do conteúdo nutricional. O desempenho do modelo da lupa (59,5%) não diferiu dos outros quatro modelos testados, inclusive do semáforo (55,0%), para o entendimento do conteúdo nutricional. A análise individual dos alimentos sugere melhor desempenho das advertências em relação à lupa e ao semáforo para a percepção de saudabilidade e a intenção de compra. Os consumidores manifestam-se favoráveis à presença da RNF, percebendo-a como confiável para aumentar o entendimento das informações nutricionais. CONCLUSÃO: A RNF deve ser implementada nos rótulos dos alimentos no Brasil, considerando que aumenta o entendimento nutricional, reduz a percepção de saudabilidade e a intenção de compra de alimentos com nutrientes críticos. As advertências apresentaram melhor desempenho quando comparadas aos demais modelos.
First record of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Vietnam with description of a new species
Authors: LE DZUNG TRUNG , SITTHIVONG SALY , TRAN TUNG THANH , GRISMER L. LEE , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , LE MINH DUC , ZIEGLER THOMAS , LUU VINH QUANG
Published: May 2021

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from Dien Bien Province, northwestern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular data. Cyrtodactylus ngati sp. nov. can be distinguished from remaining congeners by the following combination of characters: maximum SVL 69.3 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of six dark irregular transverse bands between limb insertions; inter-supranasals one; dorsal tubercles present on occiput, body, hind limbs and on first half of tail; 17–22 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody; lateral folds clearly defined, with interspersed tubercles; 32–38 ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; 13 precloacal pores separated by a diastema of 5/5 poreless scales from a series of 7/7 femoral pores in enlarged femoral scales; precloacal and femoral pores absent in females; 1–3 postcloacal tubercles on each side; transversely enlarged median subcaudal scales absent. In the molecular analyses, the new species is shown to be the sister taxon to C. interdigitalis from Thailand. This is the 47th species of the genus Cyrtodactylus and the first member of the C. brevipalmatus species group recorded from Vietnam.
Policing and the Legacies of Wartime State Predation: Evidence from a Survey and Field Experiment in Liberia
Authors: Blair Robert A. , Morse Benjamin S.
Published: May 2021

How does violence during civil war shape citizens’ willingness to trust and rely on state security providers in the post-conflict period? Can post-conflict security sector reform restore perceptions of state security forces among victims of wartime state predation? Using a survey and field experiment in Liberia, we show that rebel-perpetrated violence is strongly positively correlated with trust and reliance on the police after conflict is over, while state-perpetrated violence is not. Victims of wartime state predation are, however, more likely to update their priors about the police in response to positive interactions with newly reformed police officers. We also show that abuses committed by police officers in the post-conflict period are negatively correlated with citizens’ perceptions of the police, potentially counteracting the positive effects of security sector reform. We corroborate our quantitative findings with detailed qualitative observations of interactions between civilians and police officers in the field.
Printable PICN Composite Mechanically Compatible with Human Teeth
Authors: Sodeyama M.K. , Ikeda H. , Nagamatsu Y. , Masaki C. , Hosokawa R. , Shimizu H.
Published: May 2021

Polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) composites are mechanically compatible with human enamel, and are therefore promising dental restorative materials. Fabrication technology for PICN composites used in tooth restorative material has been established through computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling, however, to date, has not been successfully developed using 3-dimensional (3D) printing. This study aimed to develop a 3D-printable PICN composite as a restorative material. The PICN composite was fabricated using a specific method based on 3D printing. A 3D-printable precursor slurry containing a high concentration of silica nanoparticles was produced and 3D-printed using stereolithography (SLA). The 3D-printed object was sintered to obtain a nano-porous object, and subsequently infiltrated and polymerized with resin monomer. Three different fabrication condition combinations were used to produce the 3D-printed PICN composites, which were characterized based on microstructure, mechanical properties, inorganic content, physicochemical properties, and overall shrinkage. The 3D-printed PICN composites were also compared to 2 commercially available CAD/CAM composite blocks, namely a PICN composite and a dispersed-filler composite. The 3D-printed PICN composites exhibited a nano-sized dual-network structure comprising a silica skeleton with infiltrated resin. The 3D-printed PICN composite exhibited a similar Vickers hardness to enamel, and a similar elastic modulus to dentin. The 3D-printed PICN composite exhibited comparable flexural strength (>100 MPa) to the CAD/CAM block, and acceptable water sorption and solubility for practical use. Further, the 3D-printed model-crown underwent isotropic shrinkage during sintering without fatal deformation. Overall, the potential of this 3D-printable PICN composite as a restorative material with similar mechanical properties to human teeth was successfully demonstrated.
The Effects of Language Contact on Non-Native Vowel Sequences in Lexical Borrowings: The Case of Media Lengua
Authors: Onosson Sky , Stewart Jesse
Published: May 2021

Media Lengua (ML), a mixed language derived from Quichua and Spanish, exhibits a phonological system that largely conforms to that of Quichua acoustically. Yet, it incorporates a large number of vowel sequences from Spanish which do not occur in the Quichua system. This includes the use of mid-vowels, which are phonetically realized in ML as largely overlapping with the high-vowels in acoustic space. We analyze and compare production of vowel sequences by speakers of ML, Quichua, and Spanish through the use of generalized additive mixed models to determine statistically significant differences between vowel formant trajectories. Our results indicate that Spanish-derived ML vowel sequences frequently differ significantly from their Spanish counterparts, largely occupying a more central region of the vowel space and frequently exhibiting markedly reduced trajectories over time. In contrast, we find only one case where an ML vowel sequence differs significantly from its Quichua counterpart—and even in this case the difference from Spanish is substantially greater. Our findings show how the vowel system of ML successfully integrates novel vowel sequence patterns from Spanish into what is essentially Quichua phonology by markedly adapting their production, while still maintaining contrasts which are not expressed in Quichua.
Body surface area-based equivalent dose calculation in tree shrew
Authors: Xia Wei , Huang Zong-Jian , Feng Yi-Wei , Tang An-Zhou , Liu Lei
Published: May 2021

Tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) is a promising experimental animal in biomedical research, but the equivalent doses of drugs between tree shrew and human and other animals has not been explored, which hinders its further application in a wider scope. The main objective of this article is to provide a method of equivalent dose conversion between tree shrews and other species based on body surface area (BSA). BSA of tree shrews were measured by Image J software, and then the average Km value of tree shrews was figured out based on the body weights and BSA, then the conversion coefficients of equivalent dose among tree shrew and other species of experimental animals were calculated based known data. The Km value of tree shrews was 0.105 ± 0.001. Through BSA conversion, the equivalent dose for tree shrews (D-ts) relative to rats was obtained by formula: D-ts = 1.36 × D-a (rats weighing 200 g as example), and the error was less than 10% when the BW of the tree shrew was 0.09 kg–0.15 kg. The coefficients of equivalent dose transferring from tree shrews to human and other species were calculated in article. These parameters could be used to determine a suitable dosing strategy for tree shrew studies.
Effect of masterbatch drying methods on the properties of rubber reinforced with renewable hydrophilic filler
Authors: Jong L
Published: May 2021

Hydrophilic fillers contain functional groups capable of forming hydrogen and/or ionic bonds. Many recent developments with biobased fillers are masterbatch process with rubber latex. The effect of the different process influences the characteristics of filler network and therefore rubber properties. In this study, the rubbers reinforced with hydrophilic filler, soy protein particles, and carbon black processed in two different methods, casting and freeze-drying methods, are investigated using crosslink density, dynamic mechanical properties, stress softening effect, stress relaxation, tensile properties, and thermal degradation. Stress softening effect is analyzed with the Kraus model and shows that the characteristic strains shifted to smaller strains for the rubbers prepared by a casting process. Stress relaxation of the reinforced rubber prepared from the two different processes shows that the rubbers from the casting process have slower relaxation rates because of higher crosslink density and modulus. Overall, the rubber composites prepared by casting method have higher crosslink density, greater softening effect, slower rate of stress relaxation, and higher moduli attributed to greater interactions between hydrophilic components in the reinforced rubber.
Individual differences in emotional intelligence skills of people with visual impairment and loneliness amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kim Hyung Nam , Sutharson Sam Jotham
Published: May 2021

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, public health interventions such as social distancing and stay-at-home orders have widely been implemented, which is anticipated to contribute to reducing the spread of COVID-19. On the contrary, there is a concern that the public health interventions may increase the level of loneliness. Loneliness and social isolation are public health risks, closely associated with serious medical conditions. As COVID-19 is new to us today, little is known about emotional well-being among people with visual impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the knowledge gap, this study conducted phone interviews with a convenience sample of 31 people with visual impairment. The interview incorporated the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (version 3) and the trait meta-mood scale (TMMS) to measure loneliness and emotional intelligence skills, respectively. This study found that people with visual impairment were vulnerable to the feeling of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic and showed individual differences in emotional intelligence skills by different degrees of loneliness. Researchers and health professionals should consider offering adequate coping strategies to those with visual impairment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiparametric MRI-based radiomics analysis: differentiation of subtypes of cervical cancer in the early stage
Authors: Wang Wei , Jiao YiNing , Zhang LiChi , Fu Caixia , Zhu XiaoLi , Wang Qian , Gu Yajia
Published: May 2021

Background

There are significant differences in outcomes for different histological subtypes of cervical cancer (CC). Yet, it is difficult to distinguish CC subtypes using non-invasive methods.

Purpose

To investigate whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics analysis can differentiate CC subtypes and explore tumor heterogeneity.

Material and Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 96 patients with CC (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] = 50, adenocarcinoma [AC] = 46) who underwent pelvic MRI before surgery. Radiomics features were extracted from the tumor volumes on five sequences (sagittal T2-weighted imaging [T2SAG], transverse T2-weighted imaging [T2TRA], sagittal contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging [CESAG], transverse contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging [CETRA], and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]). Clustering and logistic regression were used to examine the distinguishing capabilities of radiomics features extracted from five different MR sequences.

Results

Among the 105 extracted radiomics features, there were 51, 38, 37, and 2 features that showed intergroup differences for T2SAG, T2TRA, ADC, and CESAG, respectively (all P < 0.05). AC had greater textural heterogeneity than SCC ( P < 0.05). Upon unsupervised clustering of significantly different features, T2SAG achieved the highest accuracy (0.844; sensitivity = 0.920; specificity = 0.761). The largest area under the curve (AUC) for classification ability was 0.86 for T2SAG. Hence, the radiomics model from five combined MR sequences (AUC = 0.89; accuracy = 0.81; sensitivity = 0.67; specificity = 0.94) exhibited better differentiation ability than any MR sequence alone.

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI-based radiomics models may be a promising method to differentiate AC and SCC. AC showed more heterogeneous features than SCC.
Derivation of the differential continuity equation in an introductory engineering fluid mechanics course
Authors: Wahba EM
Published: May 2021

The differential continuity equation is elegantly derived in advanced fluid mechanics textbooks using the divergence theorem of Gauss, where the surface integral of the mass flux flowing out of a finite control volume is replaced by the volume integral of the divergence of the mass flux within the control volume. To avoid the need for introducing the Gauss divergence theorem in an introductory fluid mechanics course, introductory textbooks in fluid mechanics have opted to use a more simple approach, which depends on the consideration of an infinitesimal control volume and the use of Taylor series expansion. This approach, however, involves a first order truncation of the Taylor series expansion and the use of approximate equality signs which may imply to undergraduate students that the derived continuity equation is an approximate equation. The present study proposes an alternative derivation of the differential continuity equation using a finite control volume and is based on the simple concept of the antiderivative function and the fundamental theorem of calculus. The proposed derivation eliminates the need to formally introduce the Gauss divergence theorem in an introductory engineering fluid mechanics course while avoiding the use of truncated Taylor series expansion and approximate equality signs, hence providing a more simple and sound understanding of the derivation of the differential continuity equation to undergraduate engineering students.
Synchronized Entry-Traffic Flow Prediction for Regional Expressway System Based on Multidimensional Tensor
Authors: Gao Hong , Wang Zengjie , Yan Zhenjun , Yu Zhaoyuan , Luo Wen , Yuan Linwang
Published: May 2021

Predicting entry-traffic flows synchronously could enable inferences about the changing trends and spatial structure of dynamic traffic flows in an expressway network. This research develops a synchronized entry-traffic flow prediction method for regional expressway systems. The new method first organizes numerous entry-traffic flows as a three-dimensional (time slots, spatial locations, and vehicle types) tensor, then applies tensor decomposition to extract their temporally changing features. After forecasting the temporally changing features, predicted values of entry-traffic flows can be calculated synchronously by tensor reconstruction. Data from hourly entry-traffic flows involving nine vehicle types and 201 spatial locations in a regional expressway system of China are used to discuss the performance of this new method. The results show that the new method could obtain prediction results with high overall accuracy. Comparative experiments indicate that the new method and existing methods (autoregressive integrated moving average, or ARIMA, and Holt-Winters) could generate prediction results with similar accuracy. However, the proposed method has the advantage of reducing the number of time series that need to be handled in the prediction of numerous entry-traffic flows for regional expressway systems. This method might be helpful for administrators to guide and manage vehicles so that they enter the expressway system effectively.
Screening and Priority-Setting to Determine Home- and Community-Based Aging Services for Older Floridians
Authors: Schonfeld Lawrence , Bell Jesse , Goldsworthy Mary , Kip Kevin , Gum Amber M. , Conner Kyaien O. , Green Ohad , Wagoner Frank , Parkinson Katie , Melling Kristina A. , Markwood Sandy
Published: May 2021

The National Aging Network serves millions of older Americans seeking home- and community-based services, but places others on waitlists due to limited resources. Little is known about how states determine service delivery and waitlists. We therefore conducted a process evaluation and analyzed data from one five-county Area Agency on Aging in Florida, where an algorithm calculates clients’ priority scores for service delivery. From 23,225 screenings over 5.5 years, clients with higher priority scores were older, married, living with caregivers, and had more health problems and needs for assistance. Approximately 51% received services (e.g., meals/nutrition, case management, caregiver support), 11% were eligible/being enrolled, and 38% remained on waitlists. Service status was complex due to multiple service enrollments and terminations, funding priorities, and transfers to third-party providers. More research is needed regarding how other states determine eligibility and deliver services, potentially informing national standards that promote optimal health in older Americans.
Research on lateral and longitudinal correction method of automobile nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Hsin Guan , Fei He , Li-zeng Zhang , Xin Jia
Published: May 2021

In view of the large calibration workload of existing models, this paper proposes a compound correction method based on the principle of compound correction control; this method takes open-loop correction as the main body, which represents the driver’s mastery of vehicle dynamics characteristics; on this basis, a closed-loop correction is added to describe driver’s compensation and correction capabilities. Considering the complexity of the longitudinal force of the vehicle, based on the analysis of the longitudinal force of the vehicle, considering the actual situation of the actual driver’s foot switching between the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, a longitudinal dynamics split-phase correction method is proposed. In addition, this paper proposes a fast calibration method of the inverse model of the main characteristics of vehicle dynamics, which mainly studies the fast calibration method of the main characteristics of braking dynamics and lateral dynamics in order to reduce the time cost. The simulation shows that the compound correction model proposed in this paper not only has a small calibration workload and high control accuracy, but also has a certain adaptive ability to the nonlinear characteristics of vehicle dynamics; the main characteristics of braking dynamics and lateral dynamics proposed in this paper has high accuracy.
Semi-empirical modeling and optimization of process parameters on overcut during MFAPM-EDM of Al6061 alloy
Authors: Rouniyar Arun Kumar , Shandilya Pragya
Published: May 2021

Magnetic field assisted powder mixed electrical discharge machining (MFAPM-EDM) process is a hybrid process machining process which improves the machining characteristics and stability of process using assistive magnetic field and dielectric admixed powder. In this article, study on overcut has been performed on MFAPM-EDM machined Aluminium 6061 alloy. Discharge current, powder concentration, pulse on duration, pulse off duration, and magnetic field strength as process parameters have been varied during experimentation. Box Behnken design approach was employed for experimental design to carry out the experiments. Suitable Semi-empirical model was formulated using dimensional analysis for predicting the overcut. The empirical model developed was also compared with RSM model and was found better in predicting the response. Optimum process parameters for minimal overcut was conducted desirability function approach of RSM. Experimental results divulged discharge current as the most important parameters for overcut as compared to other process parameters on account of higher F-value. Confirmatory experiments revealed good correlation between optimum and experimental results.
Interaction of tacrolimus through hedgehog signaling pathway: An in vitro evaluation using rat hepatocytes
Authors: Fatima N , Sheikh N , Satoskar AR , Jha BK , Akhtar T , Tayyeb A , Ashfaq I
Published: May 2021

Tacrolimus (TAC) is the drug of choice in immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation; however, adverse effects are still a major concern. The current study aims to decipher the short-term exposure of TAC on rat hepatocytes in relation to activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Time dependent study was conducted using primary rat hepatocytes treated with TAC (36 µM) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Western blot analysis was performed using cell lysate in order to analyze the regulation of HH pathway proteins including HHIP, SMO, PTCH, IHH, SHH, and GLI transcription factors. The study revealed change in protein expression of HH signaling molecules with activation of HH pathway, due to downregulation of HHIP, and enrichment of HH ligands with activation of SMO and GLI transcription factors. It is therefore, concluded that short term TAC exposure leads to upregulation of HH pathway in liver, which may initially act to repair the liver damage but can worsen the condition in case of prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. This insight could lead to understand association of off target effects of immunosuppressive drugs and occurrence of other liver diseases in transplant patients when it comes to long term immunosuppressive therapy. These findings also illuminate a novel direction that use of HH inhibitor might provide a therapeutic strategy for immune suppression related liver disorders.
Lupus-like membranous nephropathy. Is it lupus? Report of 5 cases in a reference hospital in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Gómez Luis Manuel , Ruiz-Leija Ivette , Martínez-Galla David , Borjas-García Jaime Antonio , Abud-Mendoza Carlos ,   LUNPOS Group
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Lupus nephritis requires antinuclear antibodies as classification criteria. There is a group of patients with nephrotic syndrome and conclusive histopathological findings for lupus nephritis, without classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or extrarenal manifestations. These groups of patients have been described as “lupus-like” nephritis or “renal-limited lupus nephritis”.

Methods

Renal biopsy with histopathological evaluation with “full-house” immune-reactants in patients with negative antinuclear antibodies.

Results

We report four cases with nephrotic syndrome and one with hematuria-proteinuria syndrome: two with impaired glomerular filtration rate and three with preserved renal function; urinary sediment with hematuria without dysmorphia and without extrarenal manifestations for autoimmune disease, negative antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA); normal C3 and C4 complement levels. Renal biopsy in all cases was consistent for lupus nephritis class V. All patients received treatment as lupus nephritis protocol; only one case received induction with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone boluses, the rest received mycophenolic acid and prednisone as induction and maintenance. Two of the cases induced with mycophenolic acid relapsed, requiring cyclophosphamide for 6 months, achieving complete remission. All patients received renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and hydroxychloroquine. At follow-up, 4 cases still have negative antibodies and are without extrarenal manifestations for SLE classification criteria. The other case, during pregnancy several years after initial diagnosis, had preeclampsia with nephrotic proteinuria and a new determination of positive ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies, complement levels below normal limits.

Conclusion

The follow-up of patients with membranous glomerulopathy must be close; lupus like nephritis may be the first manifestation of the disease.
Bridging Development and Heritage: Expert Gaze, Local Discourses, and Visual Aesthetic Crisis at Hampi World Heritage Site
Authors: Rajangam Krupa
Published: May 2021

In this article, I explore the complex trajectory of two bridges that were proposed for construction across the River Tungabhadra in the early 1990s at locations that now fall within the boundary of Hampi, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site (WHS) in India. The proposed bridges were considered improper forms of infrastructure development in the visual context of a WHS, and the site was placed on the World Heritage in Danger List in the late 1990s. Popular media framed the controversy as a ‘classic clash’ between heritage and development where conservation goals and developmental needs opposed one another. Heritage experts, agencies, and activists read the crisis as one of ‘heritage or development’, normatively typecasting residents north of the river as ‘uneducated, ignorant locals’ wanting development at the cost of heritage. However, drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and archival material covering nearly three decades, I demonstrate that residents wanted the bridges not as physical infrastructure towards some obscure development goals, but as the means to link their overlooked contributions to the founding of the Vijayanagara Empire, the capital region and its contemporary remaking as a WHS. In this instance, the binary opposition lay in the ‘expert gaze’, not in local discourses. It was experts, rather than ‘local people’, who saw conservation and development as inherently opposed to each other. I explicate how various views on what constitutes heritage and development intersect with each other, and suggest that dissonance need not be the inevitable result but may be built into the gaze of expertise.
Outward Bound Instructors’ Experience of Stress: Storms, Students, and Role Strain
Authors: McGovern Gina
Published: May 2021

Background: Outward Bound (OB) provides experiential outdoor learning programs where students grow through overcoming challenges. Instructors leading these wilderness courses face numerous demands and situational conditions which may create stress. Purpose: This study sought to describe instructors’ experience of stress on OB courses with adolescents. Methodology/Approach: In semi-structured interviews, 31 OB instructors from two sites provided in-depth guided narratives of highly stressful course situations, which were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Findings/Conclusions: Findings indicated that instructors were stressed by unsafe and unpredictable situations (e.g., adverse weather, dangerous terrain, medical concerns) and student behavior, thoughts, and feelings (e.g., conflict, oppositional behavior, distress). Analysis also suggested that the internalization of role demands—for student safety, student learning, and control—intensified experiences of stress. Self-perceptions of failure to meet these role demands led to role strain. In addition, stress affected instructors’ functioning and their interactions with students. Implications: This study suggested several recommendations for OB and other youth-serving organizations. These include assessing the amount and types of stress instructors are experiencing on a regular basis and examining how these stressors might be reduced or mitigated by actors at multiple levels in the organization.
Impact of Hospital Characteristics on Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Outcomes Among Patients With Pierre Robin Sequence Utilizing a National Inpatient Database
Authors: Marston Alexander P. , Patel Terral , Pecha Phayvanh P. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Discolo Christopher M.
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

This study collected national inpatient data to investigate the impact of hospital specialty and size on patient outcomes following mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO).

Design:

Kids’ Inpatient Database was used to identify patients less than 12 months of age with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) who underwent MDO in one of the following years: 2006, 2009, and 2012.

Setting:

Inpatient database from the United States.

Participants:

Two hundred seventy-six patients with PRS underwent MDO with 134 (48.6%) identified as nonsyndromic and 142 (51.4%) as syndromic.

Interventions:

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Main Outcome Measures:

Length of hospital stay, adjunct airway and nutritional interventions and disposition.

Results:

The average length of stay was 24 and 30 days for patients with nonsyndromic and syndromic PRS, respectively ( P = .066). Patients with a syndromic as compared to nonsyndromic diagnosis had a higher incidence of gastrostomy tube placement (21.8 vs 12.7%, P = .045). Univariate analysis showed that a lower proportion of patients at children’s hospitals as compared to non-children’s hospitals necessitated 1 or more airway or nutrition-related intervention (19/148 [12.8%] vs 31/127 [24.4%]; P = .012) and had a lower incidence of a nonroutine discharge (transfer or patient death; 7.4% vs 40.0% nonroutine; P < .001). Multivariable analysis additionally revealed that patients at children’s hospitals were less likely to discharge nonroutine (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.32).

Conclusions:

Results from this national cohort demonstrated that at children-specific hospitals patients with PRS were less likely to require additional airway and nutritional procedures and more likely to discharge to home.
Study on dynamics responses and applications of non-uniform beam structure under crosswind
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Nan , Luo Haitao , Sun Zhili
Published: May 2021

This article studies the dynamic responses of the nonuniform beam structure under the action of the crosswind and its applications on vibration control and utilization (energy harvesting based on the piezoelectric beam). First, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the nonuniform beam are solved by Adomian decomposition method and then the beam vibration deflections and piezoelectric charges are derived. Furthermore, from the theoretical model and solutions, the influences of different taper ratios and outer diameters on the deflections of nonuniform beam structures with the same mass are studied. The deflections of nonuniform same mass beam structures with positive and negative exponential profiles are also compared. It is demonstrated that the deflections of the beam decrease with the increase of taper ratios and increase with the increase of outer diameters. Under the wind velocity ranges of 10 m/s to 26 m/s, the deflection of the nonuniform beam with a negative exponent profile is less than the one with a positive exponent profile. Through this study, the optimal nonuniform beam structure with either small deflection or high piezoelectric charge output can be designed according to different wind velocities and demands.
Bending analysis of functionally graded porous nanocomposite beams based on a non-local strain gradient theory
Authors: Merzouki Tarek , Ahmed Houari Mohammed Sid , Bessaim Aicha , Haboussi Mohamed , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: May 2021

In the present work we study the static response of functionally graded (FG) porous nanocomposite beams, with a uniform or non-uniform layer-wise distribution of the internal pores and graphene platelets (GPLs) reinforcing phase in the matrix, according to three different patterns. The finite-element approach is developed here together with a non-local strain gradient theory and a novel trigonometric two-variable shear deformation beam theory, to study the combined effects of the non-local stress and strain gradient on the FG structure. The governing equations of the problem are solved introducing a three-node beam element. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out on the bending behavior of nanocomposite beams, with a particular focus on their sensitivity to the weight fraction and distribution pattern of GPLs reinforcement, as well as to the non-local scale parameters, geometrical properties, and boundary conditions. Based on the results, it seems that the porosity distribution and GPLs pattern have a meaningful effect on the structural behavior of nanocomposite beams, where the optimal response is reached for a non-uniform and symmetric porosity distribution and GPLs dispersion pattern within the material.
Difficult cannulation of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula – Role of imaging in access management (DICAF STUDY)
Authors: Behera Manas Ranjan , John Elenjickal Elias , Thomas Athul , David Vinoi George , Alexander Suceena , Mohapatra Anjali , Valson Anna T , Jacob Shibu , Kakde Shailesh , Koshy Pradeep Mathew , Rajan Gautam , Varughese Santosh
Published: May 2021

Background:

Difficulty in cannulation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can lead to inadequate dialysis, transient to permanent loss of access and increases dependency on bridging catheters. This study aimed to analyze the causes for difficult fistula cannulation, using various imaging modalities.

Methodology:

This was a retrospective single-center observational study conducted between October 2017 and June 2018. Patients whose fistulae were difficult to cannulate were initially evaluated by physical examination followed by doppler ultrasonography or/and fistulogram as necessary. The patients were divided into two groups that is, primary difficult cannulation (within first three months of creation of fistula) or secondary difficult cannulation (after three months).

Results:

We encountered difficult cannulation in 43 patients. About 60% were primary difficult cannulations. Most common causes for difficulty in cannulation were cannulation zone (CZ) stenosis (23.3%), immature fistula (20.9%), outflow stenosis (18.6%), inflow stenosis (11.6%), anatomical abnormalities (11.6%), outflow plus CZ stenosis (9.3%) and inflow plus CZ stenosis (4.7%). Among patients with primary difficult cannulation, immature fistula (34.6%) was the most common cause, whereas CZ stenosis (47.1%) was the most common etiology for secondary difficult cannulation. Edema leading to difficult cannulation was found in 12 patients (27.9%), all of which was due to central vein stenosis. Cannulation resulted in hematoma, fistula thrombosis, failure of fistula and pseudoaneurysm in 83.7%, 27.9%, 16.3%, and 2.3% of cases respectively. Bridging temporary dialysis catheter placement was required in 67.4% patients. Ultrasound doppler had lower diagnostic value when compared to fistulogram (71.4% vs 93.9%, p = 0.014).

Conclusion:

Difficulty in cannulating the arteriovenous fistula is a common problem in hemodialysis patients. We suggest that patients whose fistulae are difficult to cannulate should undergo early radiological evaluation to decrease catheter dependency and access failure.
Beyond discrimination: Mahlangu and the use of intersectionality as a general theory of constitutional interpretation
Authors: Atrey Shreya
Published: May 2021

This case note explores the landmark decision of the South African Constitutional Court in Mahlangu and Another v. Minister of Labour and Others, which recognised intersectional discrimination under section 9(3) of the Constitution. It shows that the Court went beyond that in fact and recognised intersectionality not just as part of discrimination law, but also as part of general constitutional law, using it as a theory of constitutional interpretation in adjudication.
A Brazilian Hollywood in the making? Film, tourism and creative city discourse in the hinterland of Paraíba
Authors: Póvoa Débora , Reijnders Stijn , Martens Emiel
Published: May 2021

Originating in metropoles in the Global North, the creative cities model has increasingly been replicated in locations around the globe. However, betting on the creative industries to reinvigorate stagnant economies might not be a solution compatible with every context. To analyse this issue, this article presents the case of the small Brazilian city of Cabaceiras, which was the target of a project aimed at revitalizing its economy through film and tourism in 2007. Based on 25 interviews with residents and policy makers, we examine whether the initiative was, in their view, successful in stimulating a creative hub. We argue that the creative cities model has not yet proven feasible in Cabaceiras due to financial and infrastructural challenges that the city experiences, its positioning outside of Brazil’s cultural and creative centres and the uncertainties of investing in the audiovisual sector in the country.
Mind games: A temporal sentiment analysis of the political messages of the Internet Research Agency on Facebook and Twitter
Authors: Park Soyoung , Strover Sharon , Choi Jaewon , Schnell MacKenzie
Published: May 2021

This study examines the temporal dynamics of emotional appeals in Russian campaign messages used in the 2016 election. Communications on two giant social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter, are analyzed to assess emotion in message content and targeting that may have contributed to influencing people. The current study conducts both computational and qualitative investigations of the Internet Research Agency’s (IRA) emotion-based strategies across three different dimensions of message propagation: the platforms themselves, partisan identity as targeted by the source, and social identity in politics, using African American identity as a case. We examine (1) the emotional flows along the campaign timeline, (2) emotion-based strategies of the Russian trolls that masked left- and right-leaning identities, and (3) emotion in messages projecting to or about African American identity and representation. Our findings show sentiment strategies that differ between Facebook and Twitter, with strong evidence of negative emotion targeting Black identity.