bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Plasmid Transfer Promotes the Dissemination of Asian Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease and Provides a Novel Mechanism for Genetic Exchange and Environmental Adaptation
Authors: Fu Songzhe , Wei Dawei , Yang Qian , Xie Guosi , Pang Bo , Wang Yongjie , Lan Ruiting , Wang Qingyao , Dong Xuan , Zhang Xiaojun , Huang Jie , Feng Jie , Liu Ying
Published: March 2020

Global outbreaks of shrimp acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) caused by
V. parahaemolyticus
represent an urgent issue for the shrimp industry. This study revealed that the transmission mode of AHPND consists of two steps, the transregional dissemination of
V. parahaemolyticus
and the horizontal transfer of an AHPND-associated plasmid. Surprisingly, the introduction of the AHPND-associated plasmid also offers a novel mechanism of genetic exchange mediated by insertion sequences, and it improved the fitness of
V. parahaemolyticus
in a harsh environment. The results presented herein suggest that current shrimp farming practices promote genetic mixture between endemic and oceanic
V. parahaemolyticus
populations, which introduced the plasmid and accelerated bacterial adaptation by the acquisition of ecologically important functions. This entails a risk of the emergence of new virulent populations both for shrimp and humans. This study improves our understanding of the global dissemination of the AHPND-associated plasmid and highlights the urgent need to improve biosecurity for shrimp farming.
Global health training in Canadian family medicine residency programmes
Authors: Jalan Divyanshi , Morakis Helene , Arya Neil , Tcholakov Yassen , Carpenter Jennifer , Cherniak William
Published: March 2020

Objective

Canadian family medicine (FM) residency programmes are responding to the growing demand to provide global health (GH) education to their trainees; herein, we describe the various GH activities (GHAs) offered within Canadian FM programmes.

Design

A bilingual online survey was sent out to all 17 Canadian FM program directors (PDs) and/or an appointed GH representative.

Setting

Online survey via Qualtrics

Participants

All 17 Canadian FM PDs and/or an appointed GH representative.

Results

The response rate was 100% and represented 3250 first-year and second-year FM residents across English and French Canada. All schools stated that they participate in some form of GHAs. There was variation in the level of organisation, participation and types of GHAs offered. Overall, most GHAs are optional, and there is a large amount of variation in terms of resident participation. Approximately one third of programmes receive dedicated funding for their GHAs, and two thirds wish to increase the scope/variety of GHAs.

Conclusion

These results suggest nationwide interest in developing a workforce trained in GH, but show great discrepancies in training, implementation and education.
Compound kushen injection relieves tumor-associated macrophage-mediated immunosuppression through TNFR1 and sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Mayu , Yao Wenbo , Wang Feng , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Wei , Li Jingquan , Gao Zhihu , Qiu Lin , You Rongli , Yang Chenghua , Ba Qian , Wang Hui
Published: March 2020

Background

There is an urgent need for effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunotherapy is promising especially when combined with traditional therapies. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory function of an approved Chinese medicine formula, compound kushen injection (CKI), and its anti-HCC efficiency in combination with low-dose sorafenib.

Methods

Growth of two murine HCC cells was evaluated in an orthotopic model, a subcutaneous model, two postsurgical recurrence model, and a tumor rechallenge model with CKI and low-dose sorafenib combination treatment. In vivo macrophage or CD8+T cell depletion and in vitro primary cell coculture models were used to determine the regulation of CKI on macrophages and CD8+T cells.

Results

CKI significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of sorafenib at a subclinical dose with no obvious side effects. CKI and sorafenib combination treatment prevented the postsurgical recurrence and rechallenged tumor growth. Further, we showed that CKI activated proinflammatory responses and relieved immunosuppression of tumor-associated macrophages in the HCC microenvironment by triggering tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1 (TNFR1)-mediated NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling cascades. CKI-primed macrophages significantly promoted the proliferation and the cytotoxic ability of CD8+T cells and decreased the exhaustion, which subsequently resulted in apoptosis of HCC cells.

Conclusions

CKI acts on macrophages and CD8+T cells to reshape the immune microenvironment of HCC, which improves the therapeutic outcomes of low-dose sorafenib and avoids adverse chemotherapy effects. Our study shows that traditional Chinese medicines with immunomodulatory properties can potentiate chemotherapeutic drugs and provide a promising approach for HCC treatment.
A homozygousUBA5pathogenic variant causes a fatal congenital neuropathy
Authors: Cabrera-Serrano Macarena , Coote David Joseph , Azmanov Dimitar , Goullee Hayley , Andersen Erik , McLean Catriona , Davis Mark , Ishimura Ryosuke , Stark Zornitza , Vallat Jean-Michel , Komatsu Masaaki , Kornberg Andrew , Ryan Monique , Laing Nigel G , Ravenscroft Gina
Published: March 2020

Background

UBA5 is the activating enzyme of UFM1 in the ufmylation post-translational modification system. Different neurological phenotypes have been associated withUBA5pathogenic variants including epilepsy, intellectual disability, movement disorders and ataxia.

Methods and results

We describe a large multigenerational consanguineous family presenting with a severe congenital neuropathy causing early death in infancy. Whole exome sequencing and linkage analysis identified a novel homozygousUBA5NM_024818.3 c.31C>T (p.Arg11Trp) mutation. Protein expression assays in mouse tissue showed similar levels of UBA5 in peripheral nerves to the central nervous system. CRISPR-Cas9 edited HEK (human embrionic kidney) cells homozygous for the UBA5 p.Arg11Trp mutation showed reduced levels of UBA5 protein compared with the wild-type. The mutant p.Arg11Trp UBA5 protein shows reduced ability to activate UFM1.

Conclusion

This report expands the phenotypical spectrum of UBA5 mutations to include fatal peripheral neuropathy.
Lupus patient decisions about clinical trial participation: a qualitative evaluation of perceptions, facilitators and barriers
Authors: Arriens Cristina , Aberle Teresa , Carthen Fredonna , Kamp Stan , Thanou Aikaterini , Chakravarty Eliza , James Judith A , Merrill Joan T , Ogunsanya Motolani E
Published: March 2020

Objective

Although SLE disproportionately affects minority racial groups, they are significantly under-represented in clinical trials in the USA. This may lead to misleading conclusions in race-based subgroup analyses. We conducted focus groups to evaluate the perceptions of diverse patients with lupus about clinical trial participation.

Methods

A qualitative research design employed three 90 min focus groups led by a trained moderator and guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Open-ended questions about trial participation included advantages and disadvantages (behavioural beliefs), approving and disapproving significant others (normative beliefs), and participation enhancers and barriers (control beliefs). Discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify emerging themes.

Results

Patients with SLE (n=23) aged 21–72, with increased proportion of minority groups (65%), participated. Reported advantages of trial participation included altruism and personal benefit. Disadvantages included uncertainties, disappointment, information burden, and life–health balance. Although some patients had discussed research participation with approving or disapproving family or friends, self-approval superseded external approval. Barriers included logistics and time, and facilitators included flexibility in scheduling, advance notice of studies, streamlined forms, and hope for SLE improvement.

Conclusions

Knowledge about potential benefits of clinical trial participation was high. Minority patients demonstrated confidence in making their own informed decisions, but major barriers for all participants included burdensome forms, travel, childcare, and work. These suggest a major impact on minority and all recruitment from behavioural and control aspects, which should be considered in the logistics of trial design. This does not minimise the potential importance of improved access and education about clinical research.
Impact of preinterventional tricuspid regurgitation on outcome of MitraClip therapy in patients with severely reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Gyoten Takayuki , Messroghli Daniel , Schenk Soeren , Rochor Kristin , Grimmig Oliver , Just Soeren , Fritzsche Dirk
Published: March 2020

Aim

To evaluate the impact of preinterventional moderate-to-severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) on early outcome after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (pMVR) with MitraClip procedures for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

From January 2013 to December 2017, 80 patients with HFrEF (ejection fraction 22%±5.3%) and FMR (grade 3.0±0.36) underwent successful pMVR. The 3-year actuarial survival was 58%. However, 73% (n=22) of non-survivors died of cardiac failure within 1 year. Patients were categorised into none-to-mild (n=36) and moderate-to-severe (n=44) postinterventional FTR groups according to pre-MitraClip tricuspid regurgitation grade. Cox regression analysis on 1-year survival demonstrated an impact of FTR severity (HR=1.8, 95% CI 1.01% to 3.09%, p=0.047), preoperative New York Heart Association class (HR=2.8, 95% CI 1.2% to 6.5%, p=0.015) and peripheral artery disease (HR=5.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 18, p=0.0054). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 1-year cardiac death was higher in the moderate-to-severe FTR group (p=0.048). In our study, 77% of pre-MitraClip moderate-to-severe FTR cannot be significantly reduced. Post-MitraClip moderate-to-severe FTR grade was related to lower survival (p<0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with HFrEF treated with MitraClip for FMR, moderate-to-severe FTR was an independent predictor of cardiac death within 1 year. To improve survival, additional therapy to residual FTR should be considered in early phase after MitraClip therapy.
Surgical Complexity and Outcome of Patients Undergoing Re-do Aortic Valve Surgery
Authors: Greco Renata , Muretti Mirko , Djordjevic Jasmina , Jin Xu Yu , Hill Elaine , Renna Maurizio , Petrou Mario
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Re-do aortic valve surgery carries a higher mortality and morbidity compared with first time aortic valve replacement (AVR) and often requires concomitant complex procedures. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an option for selective patients. The aim of this study is to present our experience with re-do aortic valve procedures and give an insight into the characteristics of these patients and their outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of 80 consecutive re-do aortic valve procedures.

Results

Mean patients’ age was 51.80±18.73 years. Aortic regurgitation (AR) was present in 51 (65.4%) patients and aortic stenosis (AS) in 38 (48.7%). Indications for reoperation were: infective endocarditis (IE) (23.8%), bioprosthetic degeneration (12.5%), mechanical valve dysfunction (5%), paravalvular leak (6.2%), patient–prosthesis mismatch (3.8%), native valve disease (25%), aortic aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm and dissection (35%), aortic root/homograft degeneration (27.5%). Forty-one (51.2%) patients underwent re-do AVR, 39 (48.8%) re-do complex aortic valve surgery (28 root, 23 ascending aorta and 6 hemiarch procedures) and 37.5% concomitant procedures. A bioprosthesis was implanted in 43.8%, a mechanical valve in 37.5%, a composite graft in 2.5%, a Biovalsalva graft in 6.2% and a homograft in 10% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 3.8% and incidence of major complications was low.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients were young (61%<60 y), required complex aortic procedures (49%) or presented with contraindications for TAVR (mechanical valve, AR, IE, proximal aortic disease, need for concomitant surgery). Re-do aortic surgery remains the only treatment for such challenging cases and can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity in a specialised aortic centre.
Advances in endovascular aneurysm management: coiling and adjunctive devices
Authors: Campos Jessica K , Lien Brian V , Wang Alice S , Lin Li-Mei
Published: March 2020

Endovascular coil embolisation continues to evolve and remains a valid modality in managing ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Technological advances in coil properties, adjunctive devices and interventional techniques continue to improve long-term aneurysm occlusion rates. This review elaborates on the latest advances in next-generation endovascular coils and adjunctive coiling techniques for treating cerebral aneurysms.
Malignant trigeminal nerve Schwannoma diagnosed via biopsy of the infraorbital nerve in a dog
Authors: James Matthew , Pumarola Marti , Targett Mike , vanLelyveld Shirley , Lowrie Mark
Published: March 2020

A 12‐year old, female neutered English Pointer presented with right‐sided temporalis muscle atrophy and facial irritation over 2 weeks. Neurolocalisation was consistent with a right trigeminal neuropathy. MRI revealed a severely enlarged trigeminal nerve with involvement of the infraorbital nerve, which was palpable as a firm swelling over the maxilla. Incisional biopsy of the infraorbital nerve was performed and histopathological diagnosis was a malignant Schwannoma. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated. Two months following diagnosis the owner reported that the dog was doing well. This is the first report of a trigeminal nerve sheath tumour diagnosed via biopsy of the infraorbital nerve in a dog. Consideration should be given to evaluating the infraorbital nerve on clinical examination as well as MRI in cases of trigeminal neuropathy.
Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional and health status of boxer dogs
Authors: Marelli Stefano Paolo , Fusi Eleonora , Giardini Alberto , Martino Piera Anna , Polli Michele , Bruni Natascia , Rizzi Rita
Published: March 2020

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain on nutritional status and faecal and microbiological parameters in a group of purebred boxers.

Methods

Forty healthy adult boxer dogs were randomly assigned to a treated (LACTO) group receiving a commercial diet supplemented with L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) to a final concentration of 5.0 x 109 colony‐forming unit/kg of food, and a control (CTR) group receiving the same diet but without the probiotic (placebo). Nutritional status (body weight, skinfold thickness, body condition score) and faecal quality parameters were analysed.

Results

No differences in body weight and skin thickness were found during the whole experimental period. Dogs in the LACTO group showed a significantly higher body condition score than those in the CTR group (4.86±0.55 v 4.65±0.65), and no significant differences were recorded in body weight and skinfold thickness. The LACTO group showed a significantly lower faecal moisture (in per cent) compared with the CTR group (0.67±0.007 v 0.69±0.007). Faecal hardness (in kg) was higher in the LACTO group than in the CTR group (0.86±0.047 v 0.70±0.051), and faecal score also improved in the LACTO group (3.78±0.95 v 4.25±0.91). A significant difference in total Escherichia coli counts as well as in lactobacilli counts between the CTR and LACTO groups was only detected at 28 days.

Conclusion

Supplementation of L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) significantly improved the nutritional status and faecal parameters of dogs.
Comparison of a continuous indwelling glucometer with a point‐of‐care device in healthy adult horses
Authors: Cunneen Alexandra , Wood Kelly A , Mathison Kylie , Herndon Aaron M , Bertin Francois R
Published: March 2020

Background

Blood glucose is tightly regulated in horses; however, since hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia are associated with poor prognosis, close monitoring is warranted. This study aimed at evaluating a continuous indwelling glucometer (CIG) by comparing performance with a point‐of‐care glucometer (POC).

Methods

Ten horses were equipped with CIG and an intravenous catheter. Interstitial glucose concentrations were determined by CIG every 5 min at rest, during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia and dextrose‐induced hyperglycaemia, and compared with blood glucose determined by POC. Glucose concentrations were compared by two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and weighted kappa with Bland‐Altman plots to determine agreement between assays.

Results

Horses tolerated CIG well; however, five devices had to be replaced. There were no statistically significant differences between assays at rest or during hyperglycaemia; however, during hypoglycaemia, glucose concentrations determined by CIG were significantly higher (P=0.01). The mean bias (95% limits of agreement) between assays ranged from −0.03 (−2.46 to 2.52) mmol/l (hyperglycaemia) to 0.97 (−1.23 to 3.16) mmol/l (hypoglycaemia). Assay agreement was ‘good’ with observed agreements of 87.04% (κ=0.67).

Conclusions of the study

CIG has acceptable accuracy in horses as compared with POC but overestimates glucose concentrations during hypoglycaemia and requires frequent replacement, limiting its clinical application.
Prolonged static stretching causes acute, nonmetabolic fatigue and impairs exercise tolerance during severe-intensity cycling
Authors: Colosio Alessandro L. , Teso Massimo , Pogliaghi Silvia
Published: March 2020

We tested the hypothesis that static stretching, an acute, nonmetabolic fatiguing intervention, reduces exercise tolerance by increasing muscle activation and affecting muscle bioenergetics during cycling in the “severe” intensity domain. Ten active men (age, 24 ± 2 years; body mass, 74 ± 11 kg; height, 176 ± 8 cm) participated in identical constant-load cycling tests of equal intensity, of which 2 tests were carried out under control conditions and 2 were done after stretching. This resulted in a 5% reduction of maximal isokinetic sprinting power output. We measured (i) oxygen consumption, (ii) electromyography, (iii) deoxyhemoglobin, (iv) blood lactate concentration; (v) time to exhaustion, and (vi) perception of effort. Finally, oxygen consumption and deoxyhemoglobin kinetics were determined. Force reduction following stretching was accompanied by augmented muscle excitation at a given workload (p = 0.025) and a significant reduction in time to exhaustion (p = 0.002). The time to peak oxygen consumption was reduced by stretching (p = 0.034), suggesting an influence of the increased muscle excitation on the oxygen consumption kinetics. Moreover, stretching was associated with a mismatch between O2 delivery and utilization during the isokinetic exercise, increased perception of effort, and blood lactate concentration; these observations are all consistent with an increased contribution of the glycolytic energy system to sustain the same absolute intensity. These results suggest a link between exercise intolerance and the decreased ability to produce force.

Novelty We provided the first characterization of the effects of prolonged stretching on the metabolic response during severe cycling. Stretching reduced maximal force and augmented muscle activation, which in turn increased the metabolic response to sustain exercise.
A case for adding an inspection level related to structural health monitoring (SHM) for bridge evaluation
Authors: Mufti Aftab , Raeisi Farnaz , Khalid Huma , Horosko Andy , Bakht Baidar
Published: March 2020

The Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) uses the concept of a target reliability index for evaluating the load carrying capacity of existing bridges. This index, which is based on risk to human life, relates to three aspects of uncertainties inherent in a bridge: (a) element behaviour, (b) system behavior, and (c) inspection level, where the inspection level currently refers to only manual inspections. Citing examples of tests on many instrumented bridges, the paper proposes an additional inspection level for inspections done with the help of electronic instruments and tests under controlled vehicle loads. The paper proposes simple additions to clauses of the CHBDC, for use when determining the optimum load carrying capacities of existing bridges where structural health monitoring information is available.
A review of Canadian Arctic killer whale (Orcinus orca) ecology
Authors: Lefort K.J. , Matthews C.J.D. , Higdon J.W. , Petersen S.D. , Westdal K.H. , Garroway C.J. , Ferguson S.H.
Published: March 2020

The killer whale (Orcinus orca (Linnaeus, 1758)) is a widely distributed marine predator with a broad ecological niche at the species level with evidence of specialization and narrow ecological niches among populations. Their occurrence in Canadian Arctic waters is limited by sea ice and it has been suggested that climate warming, which has caused increases in the area of ice-free water and duration of the ice-free season, has led to an increased killer whale presence during the open-water period. In this review, we summarize our knowledge of Canadian Arctic killer whale demographics and ecology, synthesizing published and previously unpublished information in a single document. More specifically, we summarize our knowledge of killer whale population size and trends, distribution and seasonality (including results from recent satellite-tracking studies), feeding ecology, and threats, and identify research priorities in the Canadian Arctic. Despite increased research efforts during the past decade, our demographic and ecological knowledge remains incomplete. An improved ecological understanding is necessary for effective management of killer whales and their prey, species of ecological, economic, and cultural importance to Canadian Inuit and the marine ecosystem. This knowledge will allow us to better understand the ecological consequences of a changing Arctic climate.
Trajectory via-point generation for autonomous mobile manipulation using 3D LiDAR data
Authors: Wrock Michael R. , Nokleby Scott B.
Published: March 2020

In this work, an approach to generating a set of via points for use in manipulator trajectory path planning is presented. The approach was developed for use on a robotic underground mining system, particularly for the task of autonomous application of a sprayable concrete called shotcrete. A LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scanner on a nodding head produces point clouds that are used as the input for the via-point selection algorithm. The algorithm generates a set of position and orientation via points that the manipulator must follow to perform the shotcreting task. The developed algorithm has been successfully tested on an autonomous mobile-manipulator system in a scaled mock-up of an underground mine. The main advantage of this algorithm is the ability to generate via points for any section of an underground mine in any position relative to the robot.
Phase structures emerging from holography with Einstein-gravity-dilaton models at finite temperature
Authors: Zöllner R. , Kämpfer B.
Published: March 2020

Asymptotic AdS Riemann space-times in five dimensions with a black brane (horizon) sourced by a fully back-reacted scalar field (dilaton) offer—via the holographic dictionary—various options for the thermodynamics of the flat four-dimensional boundary theory, uncovering Hawking–Page, first-order, and second-order phase transitions up to a cross-over or featureless behavior. The relation of these phase structures to the dilaton potential is clarified and illustrating examples are presented. Having in mind applications to QCD, we study probe vector mesons with the goal to figure out conditions for forming Regge-type series of radial excitations and address the issue of meson melting.
Introduction to the BV-BFV formalism
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto S. , Moshayedi Nima
Published: March 2020

These notes give an introduction to the mathematical framework of the Batalin–Vilkovisky and Batalin–Fradkin–Vilkovisky formalisms.
A criterion for discrete branching laws for Klein four symmetric pairs and its application to E6(−14)
Authors: He Haian
Published: March 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a noncompact connected simple Lie group, and [Formula: see text] a Klein four-symmetric pair. In this paper, we show a necessary condition for the discrete decomposability of unitarizable simple [Formula: see text]-modules for Klein for symmetric pairs. Precisely, if certain conditions hold for [Formula: see text], there does not exist a unitarizable simple [Formula: see text]-module that is discretely decomposable as a [Formula: see text]-module. As an application, for [Formula: see text], we obtain a complete classification of Klein four symmetric pairs [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] noncompact, such that there exists at least one nontrivial unitarizable simple [Formula: see text]-module that is discretely decomposable as a [Formula: see text]-module and is also discretely decomposable as a [Formula: see text]-module for some nonidentity element [Formula: see text].
Some new theoretical and computational results around the Jacobian conjecture
Authors: Truong Tuyen Trung
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study a so-called Condition C1 on square matrices with complex coefficients and a weaker Condition C2. For Druzkowski maps Condition C2 is equivalent to the Jacobian conjecture. We show that these conditions satisfy many good properties and in particular are satisfied by a dense subset of the set of square matrices of a given rank [Formula: see text]. Based on this, we propose a heuristic argument for the truth of the Jacobian conjecture. We propose some new equivalent formulations and some generalizations of the Jacobian conjecture, and some approaches (including computer algebra and numerical methods) toward resolving it. We show that some of these equivalent formulations are automatically satisfied by generic Druzkowski matrices. Applications and experimental results are included.
Effects of mixing processes on the property of the LiFePO4/C cathode material via high-temperature ball milling route
Authors: Li Xuetian , Yu Lina , Shao Hongmei , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2020

[Formula: see text] samples were obtained via high-temperature ball milling route with different mixing processes. Ultrasonic radiation and wet mechanical agitation were used as mixing processes, respectively. The effects of different mixing processes on the structure and electrochemical performance of [Formula: see text] were investigated. The results exhibited that [Formula: see text] prepared by high-temperature ball milling with ultrasonic irradiation as mixing processes displayed the best rate capability and cycle stability among all the samples: it delivered discharge capacities of [Formula: see text] (0.1 C), [Formula: see text] (5.0 C) and [Formula: see text] (10 C) [Formula: see text], respectively. The discharge capacity was [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] at 0.5 C-rate over 100 cycles with capacity retention of 95.0%. It is concluded that ultrasonic irradiation is an effective mixing process for the preparation of [Formula: see text] cathode material via high-temperature ball milling route.
Video Stream Gender Classification Using Shallow CNN
Authors: Gorokhovatskyi Oleksii , Peredrii Olena
Published: March 2020

This paper describes the investigation results about the usage of shallow (limited by few layers only) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to solve the video-based gender classification problem. Different architectures of shallow CNN are proposed, trained and tested using balanced and unbalanced static image datasets. The influence of diverse voting over confidences methods, applied for frame-by-frame gender classification of the video stream, is investigated for possible enhancement of the classification accuracy. The possibility of the grouping of shallow networks into ensembles is investigated; it has been shown that the accuracy may be more improved with the further voting of separate shallow CNN classification results inside an ensemble over a single frame or different ones.
The October 10, 1912 solar eclipse expeditions and the first attempt to measure light bending by the Sun
Authors: Crispino Luís C. B.
Published: March 2020

In 1911, Einstein proposed that light bending by the Sun’s gravitational field could be measured during a total solar eclipse. The first opportunity in which this measurement would be tried was during the total solar eclipse of October 10, 1912. We report about the expeditions sent to Brazil to observe this eclipse, including the one from the Córdoba Observatory, from Argentina, which aimed to measure this Einstein’s effect.
ION BEAM IRRADIATION EFFECTS ON SURFACE MORPHOLOGY AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO/PVA COMPOSITES
Authors: ATTA A. , ABDEL REHEEM A. M. , ABDELTWAB E.
Published: March 2020

Polymer nanocomposites composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)-doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix have been synthesized using solvent casting preparation method. The ZnO/PVA polymer nanocomposite films are irradiated with different argon ion beam fluences using broad-beam ion source. The prepared films are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–visible spectroscopy. The XRD shows that ZnO NPs are successfully formed on PVA polymer and the mean size of ZnO NPs is 31.2[Formula: see text]nm. The FTIR peaks indicate that ZnO NPs are attached to the polymer chains, whereas the SEM analysis shows that ZnO NPs are homogeneously dispersed into the PVA polymer surface. The optical bandgap, band tail width and number of carbon atoms in cluster are obtained and discussed using UV–visible spectroscopy. The transmittance is shown with low transmittance intensity in the UV region with the addition of ZnO NPs and ion beam irradiation. The optical bandgap [Formula: see text] showed significant decrease from 5.25[Formula: see text]eV for pristine PVA to 3.10[Formula: see text]eV by adding ZnO and from 3.10[Formula: see text]eV for un-irradiated ZnO/PVA to 2.98[Formula: see text]eV after being irradiated by [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]. The number of carbon atoms in cluster [Formula: see text] is increased by ZnO addition, whereas the Urbach energy [Formula: see text] is decreased. These results confirmed that there are significant modifications in PVA polymer, and the produced flexible ZnO/PVA is a good polymer nanocomposite film for technological applications.
A Process Migration Oriented Multi-Shop Integrated Scheduling Algorithm for Double Objectives
Authors: Xie Zhiqiang , Pei Lirong , Jia Qing , Yu Xu
Published: March 2020

The characteristic of multi-shop scheduling is that the processing equipment is scattered in multiple workshops in different geographical locations. To solve this problem, a multi-shop comprehensive scheduling algorithm considering migration dual-objective is proposed of migration of a single complex product in multi-shop equipment, and the workpiece is migrated from one device to another during the processing. The algorithm first uses the leaf nodes of the process tree as a set of schedulable operations; second, the pre-scheduled operation set is determined according to the long path first strategy and the short time strategy; third, the actual scheduling set of the same idle equipment is determined according to the same equipment procedure selection strategy in the workshop; finally, considering the migration time and cost of the process to be processed, a two-objective optimization strategy for process shop selection is proposed. The example results show that the algorithm in this paper consumes less time and cost during the migration process, and can obtain a relatively compromised solution of the total time and total cost of product scheduling.
MARKET MAKING WITH ALPHA SIGNALS
Authors: CARTEA ÁLVARO , WANG YIXUAN
Published: March 2020

We show how a market maker employs information about the momentum in the price of the asset (i.e. alpha signal) to make decisions in their liquidity provision strategy in an order-driven electronic market. The momentum in the midprice of the asset depends on the execution of liquidity taking orders and the arrival of news. Buy market orders (MOs) exert a short-lived upward pressure on the midprice, whereas sell MOs exert a short-lived downward pressure on the midprice. We employ Nasdaq high-frequency data to estimate model parameters and to illustrate the performance of the market making strategy. The market maker employs the alpha signal to minimise adverse selection costs, execute directional trades in anticipation of price changes, and to manage inventory risk. As the market maker increases their tolerance to inventory risk, the expected profits that stem from the alpha signal increase because the strategy employs more speculative MOs and performs more roundtrip trades with limit orders.
Towards the signs of new physics through the spectral action
Authors: Sitarz Andrzej
Published: March 2020

We review recent results obtained by using the spectral action applied to some simple physical models built in the noncommutative geometry framework. The first result, based on the generalization of the spectral action principle to the case of the fermionic action leads to the lowest order corrections that can possibly explain the huge difference between the electron and neutrino masses. In the second case, the extension of the family of Dirac operators for the product of finite geometry with the Riemannian manifold but without a product metric leads to a theory with two metrics that is similar to the models of bimetric gravity.
Development of Simulation-Based Approach Using Frame Models Generated From GIS Features and BIM Data for Application to City Seismic Response Analysis of Low- to Mid-Rise RC Structures in Metro Manila
Authors: Quinay Pher Errol B. , Soliman John Michael M. , Fader Aileen Rachelle F.
Published: March 2020

Many cities in the Philippines are situated near fault systems that can generate large magnitude of earthquakes. This paper describes the development of a city seismic response analysis approach for Metro Manila’s low- to mid-rise RC structures using frame models which are generated from GIS feature or BIM data. To create the three-dimensional (3D) models, features and structural details from BIM are used. Finite element method was used to discretize the models with mesh of line elements. Validations of generated models were conducted by comparing the results with those obtained using solid finite element model, commercial software and experimental test. The developed approach was applied to a scenario earthquake analysis wherein the causative fault is the West Valley Fault. Two cities within Metro Manila, that vary in distribution of low- and mid-rise building and site condition, were analyzed. The results of statistical analysis show that the variations in distribution of maximum interstory drift (ISD) between cities and between floor levels, are influenced by the height and floor plan area of the structures. Visualizations in both city-level and building-level reveal the areas that are critical for the considered scenario earthquake. Analysis of the computation costs shows that using frame models for response analysis of each city in Metro Manila leads to million-order degrees-of-freedom (DoF) to solve, and necessitates the implementation of data partitioning and high performance computing techniques.
Low- and high-field electromechanical responses of relaxor-based multicomponent ceramics for application in multiregime actuators
Authors: Talanov M. V. , Pavelko A. A. , Reznichenko L. A.
Published: March 2020

The electromechanical responses of multicomponent solid solutions [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]([Formula: see text][Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]([Formula: see text][Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]([Formula: see text][Formula: see text])[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O3in low and high electric fields were studied. In both cases, significant electromechanical responses are observed. In particular, the maximum values of the large-signal piezoelectric coefficient [Formula: see text] reach 1600[Formula: see text]m/V at very low values of the electric field ([Formula: see text]5[Formula: see text]kV/cm). The observed features of the electromechanical responses of the studied ceramics are advantages in terms of their possible application in actuators.
The Reliability of Modern File Systems in the face of SSD Errors
Authors: Jaffer Shehbaz , Maneas Stathis , Hwang Andy , Schroeder Bianca
Published: March 2020

As solid state drives (SSDs) are increasingly replacing hard disk drives, the reliability of storage systems depends on the failure modes of SSDs and the ability of the file system layered on top to handle these failure modes. While the classical paper on IRON File Systems provides a thorough study of the failure policies of three file systems common at the time, we argue that 13 years later it is time to revisit file system reliability with SSDs and their reliability characteristics in mind, based on modern file systems that incorporate journaling, copy-on-write, and log-structured approaches and are optimized for flash. This article presents a detailed study, spanning ext4, Btrfs, and F2FS, and covering a number of different SSD error modes. We develop our own fault injection framework and explore over 1,000 error cases. Our results indicate that 16% of these cases result in a file system that cannot be mounted or even repaired by its system checker. We also identify the key file system metadata structures that can cause such failures, and, finally, we recommend some design guidelines for file systems that are deployed on top of SSDs.
NIST Reference Materials: Utility and Future
Authors: Choquette Steven J. , Duewer David L. , Sharpless Katherine E.
Published: March 2020

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly the National Bureau of Standards, was established by the US Congress in 1901 and charged with establishing a measurement foundation to facilitate US and international commerce. This broad language provides NIST with the ability to establish and implement its programs in response to changes in national needs and priorities. This review traces some of the changes in NIST's reference material programs over time and presents the NIST Material Measurement Laboratory's current approach to promoting accuracy and metrological traceability of chemical measurements and validation of chemical measurement processes.
Exploring Uncharted Territories of Plant Specialized Metabolism in the Postgenomic Era
Authors: Jacobowitz Joseph R. , Weng Jing-Ke
Published: March 2020

For millennia, humans have used plants for food, raw materials, and medicines, but only within the past two centuries have we begun to connect particular plant metabolites with specific properties and utilities. Since the utility of classical molecular genetics beyond model species is limited, the vast specialized metabolic systems present in the Earth's flora remain largely unstudied. With an explosion in genomics resources and a rapidly expanding toolbox over the past decade, exploration of plant specialized metabolism in nonmodel species is becoming more feasible than ever before. We review the state-of-the-art tools that have enabled this rapid progress. We present recent examples of de novo biosynthetic pathway discovery that employ various innovative approaches. We also draw attention to the higher-order organization of plant specialized metabolism at subcellular, cellular, tissue, interorgan, and interspecies levels, which will have important implications for the future design of comprehensive metabolic engineering strategies.
A Comprehensive Review on Schisandrin B and Its Biological Properties
Authors: Nasser M. I. , Zhu Shuoji , Chen Chen , Zhao Mingyi , Huang Huanlei , Zhu Ping
Published: March 2020

Nature is a vast source of bioactive molecules and has provided an active and efficient reservoir for drug discovery. Among natural compounds, one of the most promising is Schisandrin B (Sch B), isolated from Schisandra chinensis, which was documented to possess diversified pharmacokinetic propriety, among them antioxidant, anti-inflammation, cardioprotection, and neuroprotection. Due to its large biological properties, Sch B was recorded to be a potent cure for several diseases by targeting several signaling pathways. This review is aimed at emphasizing the recent data on the biological properties of Sch B among the molecular mechanism of this drug on tumoral, cardiac, and neural diseases. The data suggest that the antitumor activities of Sch B were mainly through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the diver’s stage. It is reported that Sch B could be used as effective chemotherapy, neuroprotection, and cardioprotection since it possesses a spectrum of biological activities; however, further investigations on the mechanism of its action and preclinical trials are still mandatory to further validate the potential of this natural drug candidate.
Reproductive Performance in a Selected Sample of Dairy Farms in Una-Sana Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Softic Adis , Martin Adam Dunstan , Skjerve Eystein , Fejzic Nihad , Goletic Teufik , Kustura Aida , Granquist Erik Georg
Published: March 2020

Background. The production of milk and dairy products and their placement on the market represent a constant profit for the farmers/producers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). The profitable operation of the dairy farms is influenced by the reproductive performance of the lactating animals. This study assessed individual animal reproductive characteristics in selected dairy farms and described their reproductive performance indicators. Results. The median age at first insemination was 493 days (5th–95th percentile range 429–840), while the age at first calving was 802 days (5th–95th percentile range 708–1168). The median pregnancy proportion at first insemination was 40% (5th–95th percentile range 17–62), while the cumulative pregnancy rate calculated at day-60, day-80, day-100, and day-120 showed that approximately 64% of all pregnancies happened before day-120. The calculated interservice intervals showed that approximately 69% of the repeat breeding animals came back to the oestrus in the period of 18 to 24 days. This is an indication of very good oestrus detection in selected dairy farms. The mean number of services per pregnancy was 2.61 (range 1–12). The median calving-to-first-insemination interval was 62.5 days (5th–95th percentile range 16–408). The calving-to-conception interval was 101 day (5th–95th percentile range 36–506). Finally, the calving interval was 385 days (5th–95th percentile range 329–773). Conclusions. There is a need for an organised, regular, and more comprehensive recording system for the reproduction of dairy cattle among dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton. The calculated reproductive measures indicated an undulant trend in reproductive performance among selected dairy farms in Una-Sana Canton. Knowing the apparent reproductive indicators described in this study, the farmers and veterinary authorities may identify and correct areas in their management that contribute to the reproductive underperformance.
Finite-Time Group Consensus of Distributed Multiagent Systems Based on Competition Mechanism
Authors: Yang Yize , Yang Hongyong , Liu Fei
Published: March 2020

With the development of communication technology, distributed cooperative controls of multiagent systems (MAS) have been applied in many fields. Based on the communication between the agents, multiple individual systems are composed of a distributed network. Since the function of the agents is different, the distributed network can be divided into many parts. For first-order/second-order dynamic MAS, group cooperation algorithms with the competition mechanism are proposed in this paper. By applying modern control theory and homogeneous theory, finite-time stabilities for the cooperation motion of dynamic MAS are analyzed. By studying the dynamic properties of agents, finite-time group consensus of distributed MAS based on directed topology is obtained. Finally, the system simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the conclusion.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Cerebral I/R‐Induced Inflammation through DOR‐BDNF/TrkB Pathway
Authors: Geng Yue , Chen Yeting , Sun Wei , Gu Yingmin , Zhang Yongjie , Li Mei , Xie Jiajun , Tian Xuesong
Published: March 2020

The beneficial effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shuigou (GV26) and Neiguan (PC6) on poststroke rehabilitation are critically related to the activation of the delta‐opioid receptor (DOR). The underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanisms in DOR activation and EA‐mediated neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury were investigated in the current study. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by morphological changes, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and TUNEL staining. The mRNA levels were evaluated by using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and the protein expression was measured by western blot or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in vitro. Infarct volume was examined by cresyl violet (CV) staining, neurologic recovery was assessed by neurological deficit scores, and pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were determined by immunofluorescence in vivo. DOR activation greatly ameliorated morphological injury, reduced LDH leakage and apoptosis, and increased cell viability. It reversed the oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐ (OGD/R‐) induced downregulation of DOR mRNA and protein, as well as BDNF protein. DOR activation also reduced proinflammatory cytokine gene expression, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, and at the same time, increased anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 in OGD/R challenged PC12 cells. EA significantly reduced middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion‐ (MCAO/R‐) induced infarct volume and attenuated neurologic deficit scores. It markedly increased the expression of IL‐10 and decreased IL‐1β, while sham EA did not have any protective effect in MCAO/R‐injured rats. DOR activation plays an important role in neuroprotection against OGD/R injury by inhibiting inflammation via the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin‐related kinase B (BDNF/TrkB) pathway. The neuroprotective efficacy of EA at Shuigou (GV26) and Neiguan (PC6) on cerebral I/R injury may be also related to the inhibition of inflammatory response through the DOR‐BDNF/TrkB pathway.