bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Cellular Components to the Stability of Concentrated Lactic Streptococcus Cultures at -17 C
Authors: Gilliland S. E. , Speck M. L.
Published: December 2020

Concentrated cultures of lactic streptococci varied with respect to survival at -17 C. Cells of each strain grown at pH 6.0 were more stable to freezing than were those grown statically. The lipid fraction of the cells from static cultures was important in preventing death during freezing. As the percentage of octadecenoic acid in the cellular lipids from different cultures increased, the percentage of survivors decreased. Capsular material associated with cells from cultures grown both statically and at pH 6.0 was also important in protecting the cells at -17 C. The amount of capsular material, measured as percentage of cellular glucose, varied among the cultures tested. Cultures containing larger amounts of the capsular material were more resistant to the stress of freezing than those containing low levels.
Inactivation of Baceriophage T
3
in Aerosols: Effect of Prehumidification on Survival After Spraying from Solutions of Salt, Peptone, and Saliva
Authors: Trouwborst T. , Kuyper Sjoukje
Published: December 2020

Coliphage T
3
was inactivated by a factor of 10
3
to 10
4
within 30 min after spraying from solutions of NaCl. Addition of peptone to the spray medium protected against inactivation at high relative humidity (RH), presumably by preventing surface inactivation. Prehumidification of the sample before collection had no effect on recovery if sprayed from solutions of NaCl, with or without peptone. If only peptone was present in the spray medium, prehumidification of the aerosol sample increased the recovery by a factor of 1,000 at low RH and by a factor of 5 at high RH. In aerosols sprayed from saliva, inactivation was nearly equal to that in peptone, with an increase of recovery after prehumidification by a factor of 1,000.
Isolation of
Chlamydia trachomatis
by Use of 5-Iodo-2-Deoxyuridine—Treated Cells
Authors: Wentworth Berttina B. , Alexander E. Russell
Published: December 2020

Irradiated McCoy cells have provided a useful technique for the isolation of
Chlamydia trachomatis
strains, among which are found the etiological agents of trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis, and lymphogranuloma venereum. Because irradiation is not always readily available, 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (IUDR) treatment of cells was investigated as a substitute procedure. IUDR-treated cells were found to be as sensitive to
C. trachomatis
infection as were irradiated McCoy cells. Stock chlamydial strains gave similar titers of iodine-stained inclusions in either system. When cells treated with IUDR were compared with irradiated cells for the isolation of
C. trachomatis
from clinical specimens, 5 of 138 specimens yielded isolates in IUDR-treated cells not found in irradiated ones, and one isolate was obtained from irradiated but not from IUDR-treated cells. In those 56 cases where inclusions were seen in both systems, there were significantly more inclusions in IUDR-treated than in irradiated cells. Although this series of cultures is too small to determine whether IUDR-treated cells are superior to irradiated ones for the isolation of
C. trachomatis
, the data indicate that IUDR treatment is at least equally effective.
Comparison of Two Commercial Formulations of the MacConkey Agar Test for Mycobacteria
Authors: Kubica George P. , Vitvitsky Jack
Published: December 2020

Recent evaluations of the MacConkey agar test for differentiation of rapidly growing mycobacteria have revealed that certain strains of
Mycobacterium fortuitum
and
M. chelonei
that were expected to grow on MacConkey agar failed to do so. Investigation of two formulations of MacConkey agar showed that these two species grew better on the medium when the crystal violet dye was omitted. Several possible reasons for this difficulty are discussed. It is recommended that clinical laboratories engaged in differential identification of mycobacteria utilize commercial MacConkey agar without crystal violet when testing rapidly growing species of this genus.
Enrichment of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in a Simple Medium
Authors: Chun Doki , Chung Jae Kyu , Seol Sung Yong
Published: December 2020

A medium which contained 3% NaCl and 0.2% Teepol in 1/15 M phosphate buffer was prepared and was evaluated to be a useful enrichment medium for the isolation of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in marine specimens. Glucose salt Teepol broth produced a poorer result than direct culture.
Plaque Assay of Rickettsiae in a Mammalian Cell Line
Authors: Cory J. , Yunker C. E. , Ormsbee R. A. , Peacock M. , Meibos H. , Tallent G.
Published: December 2020

Clear-cut and repeatable plaque assays were obtained for three rickettsiae of the spotted fever group (
Rickettsia rickettsi, R. conori
, and
R. montana
) in Vero cells used in a manner similar to that for arboviruses. In addition, three typhus group agents (
R. typhi, R. canada, R. prowazeki
) induced plaques in these cells. In preliminary tests
Coxiella burneti
(Nine Mile strain) failed to produce plaques. Comparable results were obtained in plastic flasks and plastic culture trays incubated in ambient air with or without addition of
N
-2-hydroxyethyl-piperazine-
N
′-2-ethanesulfinic acid buffer. Larger and more well defined
R. rickettsi
plaques were produced when cultures were overlaid with Leibovitz (L15) medium than with either medium 199 or Eagle medium. Phosphate-buffered saline containing bovine plasma albumin (fraction V), in contrast to brain heart infusion broth, as a diluent for preparing inocula consistently permitted development of larger and more numerous plaques with three agents:
R. rickettsi, R. conori, and R. montana
. When
R. rickettsi
and
R. typhi
were assayed in parallel in primary chicken embryo cultures and Vero cells, comparable results were obtained, but with
R. canada
results in Vero cells were superior. In contrast,
R. prowazeki
produced inconsistent results in Vero cells.
Serum Agglutinins in Disease Caused by
Mycobacterium intracellulare
Authors: Dawson David J. , Abrahams E. W. , Blacklock Zeta M.
Published: December 2020

Serum from each of five persons with pulmonary mycobacteriosis due to
Mycobacterium intracellulare
contained agglutinins specific for the serotype of the causative organism. The findings suggest that the direct agglutination test may prove useful in diagnostic mycobacteriology.
Immunofluorescent Cell-Counting Assay for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus
Authors: Webster Janice M. , Kirk B. E.
Published: December 2020

A quantitative assay for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was developed and standardized. The assay is based on direct immunofluorescent staining of infected L-929 cell monolayers and enumeration of cells containing fluorescent viral antigens. Maximal adsorption of virus to cells occurred within 1 h. Observations on the sequential development of viral antigens within cells showed that specific cytoplasmic fluorescence appeared within 10 h. The optimal time for enumerating fluorescent cells was from 18 to 20 h after addition of virus. A linear relationship was demonstrated between the number of infected cells and the relative virus concentration. Fluorescent cells were distributed randomly in infected cover slip cell monolayers. The immunofluorescent cell-counting assay for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was highly precise and reproducible.
Use of Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate in the Preparation of 5% Sheep Blood Agar Plates
Authors: Wasilauskas Benedict L. , Floyd Julia , Roberts T. Richard
Published: December 2020

An alternative method to defibrinating sheep blood for use in bacteriological media is described. The new procedure incorporates sodium polyanethol sulfonate in a concentration of 0.05% (vol/vol). In testing 117 bacterial and fungal isolates, no significant differences were found with respect to adequate growth, pigment production, hemolytic reactions, and other physical attributes. Further tests demonstrate that the sodium polyanethol sulfonate in sheep blood agar plates does not cause any aberrations in zone sizes around disks used in antibiotic susceptibility tests. Consequently, the method represents a suitable alternative to the use of defibrinated sheep blood in the preparation of bacteriological media.
Characterization and Differentiation of 59 Strains of
Moraxella urethralis
from Clinical Specimens
Authors: Riley P. S. , Hollis D. G. , Weaver R. E.
Published: December 2020

The biochemical characteristics of 59 strains of
Moraxella urethralis
from clinical specimens, primarily from urine and the female genital tract, were studied. The characteristics included (i) the inability to acidify carbohydrate substrates, (ii) the ability to produce phenylalanine deaminase, (iii) the ability to reduce nitrite, (iv) the lack of urease activity, and (v) the ability of most strains to alkalinize citrate. A means of differentiating
M. urethralis
from
Moraxella osloensis
and
Moraxella phenylpyruvica
was determined.
Clostridium botulinum
Type E Toxin: Effect of pH and Method of Purification on Molecular Weight
Authors: Sacks Henry S. , Covert Scott V.
Published: December 2020

The toxin of
Clostridium botulinum
type E was isolated from intact cells and from toxic culture filtrates by column chromatography at three pH values, 4.5, 5.3, and 6.0. At pH 6.0 and 5.3, the isolated toxin was in a form with a molecular weight (MW) of 86,000. This toxin was homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration and had an optical density ratio, 280 nm/260 nm, greater than 2.0. It did not dissociate at higher pH levels, but was dissociated into nontoxic components of approximately 12,000 MW when reduced and alkylated in the presence of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. At pH 4.5, smaller amounts of an impure toxic moiety with a MW of 12,000 were found. After storage for 6 months, the 86,000-MW moiety had lost 60% of its lethality. Gel filtration revealed that the bulk of the toxicity was associated with a component having a MW of 150,000. Toxic components with MW of 12,000 and over 200,000 were also found. The toxin appears to polymerize or aggregate when in a pure form, so that most, if not all, of the MW previously reported for the toxin may belong to different polymers of a monomer with a MW of 12,000 or less. Treatment of the 86,000-MW toxin with trypsin resulted in an 18- to 128-fold increase in lethality, but no detectable change in MW.
Determination of Genome Size of Selected Typing Bacteriophages of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pariza Michael W. , Iandolo John J.
Published: December 2020

The molecular weights of six representative typing bacteriophages were determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Genome size appeared to be related to the size of the phage head.
Epstein-Barr Virus from P3HR-1 Cells Grown in Chemically Defined Medium
Authors: Nagle Stanley C. , Brown Bruce L.
Published: December 2020

A chemically defined medium, designated FCRC-1, supports the growth of P3HR-1 cells and concomitant replication of infectious Epstein-Barr virus.
Production of Patulin by
Penicillium expansum
Authors: Sommer Noel F. , Buchanan Jack R. , Fortlage Robert J.
Published: December 2020

Twenty-seven isolates of
Penicillium expansum
Lk. ex Thom obtained from Europe, Australia, and North America from seven different fruit hosts all produced patulin in culture. Six isolates were essentially nonpathogenic in apple fruits. In culture, patulin generally accumulated to much higher levels than in apple fruits. At all temperatures permitting fungus growth, patulin was produced. However, only small amounts were observed near the maximal temperature for growth (30 C). At 0 C, patulin accumulated but slowly in culture. Modified atmospheres suppressed both fungus growth and patulin accumulation in apples. After varying incubation periods to obtain similar total growth, the patulin concentration was low in modified atmospheres and high in air.
Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on Growth and Viability of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Schwarz J. R. , Colwell R. R.
Published: December 2020

Six strains of marine bacteria, including three strains of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
, two
Vibrio
spp isolated from coastal regions, and the deep ocean isolate
Pseudomonas bathycetes
, were examined for ability to survive and grow at deep ocean hydrostatic pressures.
V. parahaemolyticus
and the coastal
Vibrio
spp. were unable to survive or grow at 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1,000 atm of pressure. In contrast, the deep ocean isolate
P. bathycetes
was capable of survival and growth at these pressures. The evidence strongly supports the neritic or estuarine origin and habitat for
V. parahaemolyticus
.
Simple Process for the Reduction in the Nucleic Acid Content in Yeast
Authors: Zee J. A. , Simard R. E.
Published: December 2020

A simple one-step process for the nucleic acid reduction in
Rhodotorula glutinis
is described. The process consists of submitting the yeast cells to a heat treatment in an acidic (pH 2) spent medium. The optimal temperature for pH 2 medium is 90 C and the final nucleic acid content in treated yeasts was 1.2%. Heat treatment at acidic pH is preferred to that at alkaline pH because it offers a better protection for amino acids and crude protein, while being more efficient in lowering the nucleic acid level. The new process is economic and rapid and could be easily used for industrial application.
Adsorption of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
onto Chitin and Copepods
Authors: Kaneko Tatsuo , Colwell Rita R.
Published: December 2020

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
was observed to adsorb onto chitin particles and copepods. The efficiency of adsorption was found to be dependent on pH and on the concentration of NaCl and other ions found in seawater. Highest efficiency was observed in water samples collected from Chesapeake Bay and lowest in water from the open sea.
V. parahaemolyticus
was found to adsorb onto chitin with the highest efficiency of the several bacterial strains tested.
Escherichia coli
and
Pseudomonas fluorescens
did not adsorb onto chitin. The adsorption effect is considered to be one of the major factors determining the distribution of this species and affecting the annual cycle of
V. parahaemolyticus
in the estuarine system.
Bacterial Flora of the Hemolymph of the Blue Crab,
Callinectes sapidus
: Most Probable Numbers
Authors: Tubiash Haskell S. , Sizemore Ronald K. , Colwell Rita R.
Published: December 2020

The hemolymph of 290 freshly collected blue crabs from Chincoteague Bay, Va., was sampled over a 15-month period from August 1968 through November 1969 and most probable numbers of bacteria were determined by tube dilution. The hemolymph of 18% of all crabs sampled was found to be sterile, with 16% sterility in summer and 23% in winter samples. Despite individual variations, male crabs as a group had a higher bacterial hemolymph burden than females, and among both sexes summer counts were higher than winter. The hemolymph of crabs with missing appendages had significantly higher counts than uninjured crabs. The annual mean hemolymph most probable numbers per ml was 2,756 for males, 1,300 for females, and 1,876 for both sexes. The higher bacterial levels found in the hemolymph of male crabs may, in part, be explained by the fact that males, which predominated in the summer samples, had a higher incidence of injury and missing appendages than did females.
Effects of Bicarbonate on Growth of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
: Replacement of Gaseous CO
2
Atmosphere
Authors: Talley Richard S. , Baugh Clarence L.
Published: December 2020

The effect of NaHCO
3
on the growth of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
cultures was studied in a liquid and a semisolid growth medium. With a broth culture, NaHCO
3
(0.009 M) greatly reduced the lag phase and also increased the total growth. The same concentration of bicarbonate supported rapid growth when added to the semisolid medium if the plates were individually incubated in sealed plastic bags. In a container with a large air space, a higher concentration of NaHCO
3
was necessary to support growth. The assimilation of
14
C-labeled NaHo
3
by growing cultures was also investigated.
Improved Membrane Filter Method for Fecal Coliform Analysis
Authors: Rose Robert E. , Geldreich Edwin E. , Litsky Warren
Published: December 2020

A two-layer agar method has been developed which consistently yields higher recovery of fecal coliforms on membrane filters when compared to the existing membrane fecal coliform procedure. This method has been evaluated by three laboratories using samples of raw and chlorinated waste water, and reservoir, river, and marine waters. Verification of 1,013 fecal coliform colonies isolated from 61 water samples averaged 92% on this proposed procedure. Comparison with the Standard Methods membrane fecal coliform procedure revealed the two-layer agar method had an overall increased sensitivity to fecal coliform detection in these waters. It is therefore proposed that this procedure be evaluated as an alternative to the Standard Methods fecal coliform membrane Filter test in the examination of chlorinated secondary effluents, marine waters, and any natural waters that may contain pollutants with heavy metal ions.
Microflora and Invert Sugars in Juice from Healthy Tissue of Stored Sugarbeets
Authors: Bugbee W. M. , Cole D. F. , Nielsen G.
Published: December 2020

Bacterial populations increased in juice of healthy tissue of sugarbeet roots stored at 5 C. Average counts showed a sixfold increase after 150 days of storage. Invert sugar levels increased over threefold in “American 4 Hybrid A” and remained fairly constant in “Mono-Hy D-2.” The former cultivar also had significantly higher bacterial colony counts than the latter before 90 days of storage. Of 36 isolates identified, 16 were
Pseudomonas
spp. including
P. chlororaphis
; 6
Bacillus
spp. including
B. subtilis
; 5
Arthrobacter
spp. including
A. globiformis
; 4 yeasts; 2
Erwinia
spp.; 2
Flavobacterium
spp. including
F. aquatile
; and
Streptomyces longisporus
. Isolates of all genera except
S. longisporus
were able to hydrolyze sucrose in vitro.
An Evaluation of β-Propiolactone for the Sterilization of Fermentation Media
Authors: Himmelfarb Philip , Read R. B. , Litsky Warren
Published: December 2020

Twenty-five bacterial species were cultured in basal broth plus 1 of 19 different carbohydrates which were sterilized by Seitz filtration, autoclaving (112 C, 10 min), or exposure to 0.2% β-propiolactone (BPL). No significant differences were found either in the visual observations for acid and gas, pH, or titrable acidity determinations after 3 days of incubation with any of the three preparations tested. An effort was made to further determine the effect of BPL and heat on carbohydrates by assaying for glucose before and after treatment. Results indicated that glucose was not degraded by 0.2% BPL, however, it was shown that autoclave temperatures caused extensive degradation. Statistical treatment of the results from Warburg studies indicated that BPL-treated glucose showed no appreciable toxic effects, although the actual oxygen uptake was not as great as with Seitz- or autoclave-treated glucose. The application of the BPL sterilization process was discussed.
Supplemental Material: Cretaceous to Oligocene magmatic and tectonic evolution of the western Alaska Range: Insights from U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Authors: III J.V. Jones , al. et
Published: December 2020

Complete descriptions of all U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar analytical methods together with detailed analytical data for all samples.
Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for cancer-related pain: prospective multimodal outcomes evaluation
Authors: Doyle Aimee , Sharma Manohar Lal , Gupta Manish , Goebel Andreas , Marley Kate
Published: December 2020

Background

Percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) offers pain relief to patients with unilateral treatment-refractory cancer-related pain. There is insufficient evidence about any effects of this intervention on patients’ quality of life.

Method

Comprehensive multimodal assessment to determine how PCC affects pain, analgesic intake and quality of life of patients with medically refractory, unilateral cancer-related pain.This study was set in a multidisciplinary, tertiary cancer pain service. Patient outcomes immediately following PCC were prospectively recorded. Patients were also followed up at 4 weeks.

Results

Outcome variables collected included: background and breakthrough pain numerical rating scores before PCC, at discharge and 4 weeks postprocedure; oral morphine equivalent opioid dose changes, Patient’s Global Impression of Change, Eastern Cooperative oncology group performance status and health related quality of life score, that is, EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level (EQ-5D).

Conclusions

Despite significant improvement in pain and other standard outcomes sustained at 4 weeks, there was little evidence of improvement in EQ-5D scores. In patients with terminal cancer, improved pain levels following cordotomy for cancer-related pain does not appear to translate into improvements in overall quality of life as assessed with the generic EQ-5D measure.
Deep Learning for EEG Seizure Detection in Preterm Infants
Authors: O’Shea Alison , Ahmed Rehan , Lightbody Gordon , Pavlidis Elena , Lloyd Rhodri , Pisani Francesco , Marnane Willian , Mathieson Sean , Boylan Geraldine , Temko Andriy
Published: December 2020

EEG is the gold standard for seizure detection in the newborn infant, but EEG interpretation in the preterm group is particularly challenging; trained experts are scarce and the task of interpreting EEG in real-time is arduous. Preterm infants are reported to have a higher incidence of seizures compared to term infants. Preterm EEG morphology differs from that of term infants, which implies that seizure detection algorithms trained on term EEG may not be appropriate. The task of developing preterm specific algorithms becomes extra-challenging given the limited amount of annotated preterm EEG data available.

This paper explores novel deep learning (DL) architectures for the task of neonatal seizure detection in preterm infants. The study tests and compares several approaches to address the problem: training on data from full-term infants; training on data from preterm infants; training on age-specific preterm data and transfer learning. The system performance is assessed on a large database of continuous EEG recordings of 575[Formula: see text]h in duration.

It is shown that the accuracy of a validated term-trained EEG seizure detection algorithm, based on a support vector machine classifier, when tested on preterm infants falls well short of the performance achieved for full-term infants. An AUC of 88.3% was obtained when tested on preterm EEG as compared to 96.6% obtained when tested on term EEG. When re-trained on preterm EEG, the performance marginally increases to 89.7%. An alternative DL approach shows a more stable trend when tested on the preterm cohort, starting with an AUC of 93.3% for the term-trained algorithm and reaching 95.0% by transfer learning from the term model using available preterm data. The proposed DL approach avoids time-consuming explicit feature engineering and leverages the existence of the term seizure detection model, resulting in accurate predictions with a minimum amount of annotated preterm data.
Theoretical studies of structure, mechanics and electronic structures of four structures for CaSi2 under high pressure
Authors: Guo Ying , Wang Yuze , Xia Dezhu , Li Jun
Published: December 2020

In this work, detailed DFT calculations of the structural, mechanical and electronic properties of crystalline CaSi2 with four different structures in the pressure range of 0–50 GPa are performed by GGA-PBE. It is found that the Enthalpy differences imply that the R[Formula: see text]m phase [Formula: see text] I41/amd phase [Formula: see text] P6/mmm phase transition in CaSi2 occur at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa by using the XC of GGA, which is consistent with previous experiments and theoretical conclusions. Besides, the elastic stability criterion is used to study the change of the elastic constant of CaSi2 under pressures. In particular, the bulk modulus [Formula: see text], shear modulus [Formula: see text], Young’s modulus [Formula: see text], sound velocity [Formula: see text] and brittleness and toughness properties of CaSi2 under pressures are comprehensively studied for the first time. Finally, the changes of the anisotropy factor of CaSi2 are studied under different pressures, and the electronic structure is studied in detail.
Search for rare and lepton-flavor violating decays of the Higgs boson with the ATLAS detector
Authors: Mlynáriková Michaela
Published: December 2020

The Standard Model predicts several rare Higgs boson decays, which have not yet been observed, but that could be enhanced in theories beyond the Standard Model. Among these are decays to light leptons, e.g. [Formula: see text]. In addition, theories beyond the Standard Model may predict lepton-flavor violating decays of the Higgs boson. Results for these searches based on LHC [Formula: see text] collision data recorded at 13 TeV by the ATLAS experiment will be presented.
Application and Storage-Aware Data Placement and Job Scheduling for Hadoop Clusters
Authors: Li Tao , He Shuibing , Chen Ping , Yang Siling , Yin Yanlong , Xu Cheng
Published: December 2020

As one of the most popular frameworks for large-scale analytics processing, Hadoop is facing two challenges: both applications and storage devices become heterogeneous. However, existing data placement and job scheduling schemes pay little attention to such heterogeneity of either application I/O requirements or I/O device capability, thus can greatly degrade system efficiencies. In this paper, we propose ASPS, an Application and Storage-aware data Placement and job Scheduling approach for Hadoop clusters. The idea is to place application data and schedule application tasks considering both application I/O requirements and storage device characteristics. Specifically, ASPS first introduces novel metrics to quantify I/O requirements of applications. Then, based on the quantification, ASPS places data of different applications to the preferred storage devices. Finally, ASPS tries to launch jobs with high I/O requirements on the nodes with the same type of faster devices to improve system efficiency. We have implemented ASPS in Hadoop framework. Experimental results show that ASPS can reduce the completion time of a single application by up to 36% and the average completion time of six concurrent applications by 27%, compared to existing data placement policies and job scheduling approaches.
Low Complexity Parallel FIR Filter Circuit Design by Exploiting Signal Correlation in Multimedia Applications
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Masud Shahid
Published: December 2020

A low complexity parallel filter architecture for image processing applications is presented. The proposed approach makes use of the transposition and custom poly-phase sub-filters design in ‘Fast FIR’ filter implementation technique to exploit the correlation among input samples by processing the intermediate signals depicting low entropy through low complexity multipliers. Despite lower complexity, the proposed approximate design performs very close to the corresponding full precision implementation as evident from the provided experimental results. The experimental evidence shows that other related efforts reported in the literature are extremely sensitive to the approximation and yields unusable results due to the propagation of error without bounds. The proposed approximate design, on the other hand, limits the inclusion of error to as low as 4% of the data samples with high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) values on average. This has been achieved through design of custom polyphase sub-filters without recursive stage and proved to be feasible irrespective of the number of kernel taps. The design efficiently maps on a Xilinx Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and conserves chip resources by at least 6% for kernels with asymmetric fixed coefficients and 29% for symmetric ones.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF COCONUT OIL WITH NANOBORIC ACID DURING MILLING OF INCONEL 625 USING TAGUCHI-GREY RELATIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: MOHANRAJ T. , RAGAV P. , GOKUL E. S. , SENTHIL P. , ANANDH K. S. RAGHUL
Published: December 2020

This study is based on Taguchi’s design of experiments along with grey relational analysis (GRA) to optimize the milling parameters to minimize surface roughness, tool wear, and vibration during machining of Inconel-625 while using coconut oil as cutting fluid (CF). The experiments were conducted based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array (OA). Taguchi’s S/N was used for identifying the optimal cutting parameter for individual response. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to analyze the outcome of individual parameters on responses. The surface roughness was mostly influenced by feed. Flank wear was influenced by speed and the vibration was mostly influenced by the depth of cut as well as speed. The multi-response optimization was done through GRA. From GRA, the optimal parameters were identified. Further, nanoboric acid of 0.5 and 0.9[Formula: see text]wt.% was mixed with coconut oil to enhance lubricant properties. Coconut oil with 0.5[Formula: see text]wt.% of nanoboric acid minimizes the surface roughness and flank wear by 3.92% and 6.28% and reduces the vibration in the [Formula: see text]-axis by 4.85%. The coconut oil with 0.5[Formula: see text]wt.% of nanoboric acid performs better than coconut oil with 0.9[Formula: see text]wt.% of nano boric acid and base oil.
Biprojectivity of generalized module extension and second dual of Banach algebras
Authors: Essmaili M. , Rejali A. , Salehi Marzijarani A.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study biprojectivity of generalized module extension Banach algebras and second dual of Banach algebras. As a main result, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a contractible closed ideal of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is biprojective, then [Formula: see text] is biprojective. As a consequence, we give some results on biprojectivity of generalized module extension Banach algebras. Indeed, this is a generalization of results in [A. Ebaddian and A. Jabbari, Biprojectivity and biflatness of amalgamated duplication of Banach algebras, J. Algebra Its Appl. 19(7) (2020) 2050132 (15 pp.)]. Moreover, we show that if [Formula: see text] is biprojective and [Formula: see text] is a two-sided ideal of [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] is biprojective. This fact generalizes some known results in [M. S. Moslehian and A. Niknam, Biflatness and biprojectivity of second dual of Banach algebras, Southeast Asian Bull. Math 27(1) (2003) 129–133].
Theory of Robot Communication: I. The Medium is the Communication Partner
Authors: Hoorn Johan F.
Published: December 2020

When people use electronic media for their communication, Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) theories describe the social and communicative aspects of people’s interpersonal transactions. When people interact via a remote-controlled robot, many of the CMC theses hold. Yet, what if people communicate with a conversation robot that is (partly) autonomous? Do the same theories apply? This paper discusses CMC theories in confrontation with observations and research data gained from human–robot communication. As a result, I argue for an addition to CMC theorizing when the robot as a medium itself becomes the communication partner. In view of the rise of social robots in coming years, I define the theoretical precepts of a possible next step in CMC, which I elaborate in a second paper.
Low energy consequences of loop quantum gravity
Authors: Wani Salman Sajad , Pourhassan Behnam , faizal Mir , Jellal Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Using the loop quantum gravity, based on polymer quantization, we will argue that the polymer length (like string length) can be several orders larger than the Planck length, and this can have low energy consequences. We will demonstrate that a short distance modification of a quantum system by polymer quantization and by string theoretical considerations can produce similar behavior. Moreover, it will be demonstrated that a family of different deformed Heisenberg algebras can produce similar low energy effects. We will analyze such polymer correction to a degenerate Fermi gases in a harmonic trap, and its polymer corrected thermodynamics.
Solid-state electrolytes: Advances and perspectives
Authors: He Linchun , Oh Jin An Sam , Chua Jun Jie Jason , Zhou Henghui
Published: December 2020

All-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLiBs) that use solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to replace liquid organic electrolytes are considered as promising next-generation energy storage devices because of their wide electrochemical potential windows, high safety, and high energy density. Therefore, ASSLiBs have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In this review, we focus on the main challenges on the synthesis and the electrochemical properties of the SSEs including (i) crystal structures and modification of kinetics of Li-ion migration through doping technology, (ii) synthesis technologies and its effect on the electrochemical performances of the SSEs, and (iii) ambient condition stability and degration of SSEs. Finally, perspectives of future researches on the SSEs are presented.
Storing Hypergraph-Based Data Models in Non-Hypergraph Data Storage and Applications for Information Systems
Authors: Molnár Bálint , Béleczki András , Sarkadi-Nagy Bence
Published: December 2020

Data structures and especially the relationship among the data entities have changed in the last couple of years. The network-like graph representations of data-model are becoming more and more common nowadays, since they are more suitable to depict these, than the well-established relational data-model. The graphs can describe large and complex networks — like social networks — but also capable of storing rich information about complex data. This was mostly of relational data-model trait before. This also can be achieved with the use of the knowledge representation tool called “hypergraphs”. To utilize the possibilities of this model, we need a practical way to store and process hypergraphs. In this paper, we propose a way by which we can store hypergraphs model in the SAP HANA in-memory database system which has a “Graph Core” engine besides the relational data model. Graph Core has many graph algorithms by default however it is not capable to store or to work with hypergraphs neither are any of these algorithms specifically tailored for hypergraphs either. Hence in this paper, besides the case study of the two information systems, we also propose pseudo-code level algorithms to accommodate hypergraph semantics to process our IS model.
Technique for Retraction of the Fourth Compartment Tendons in Approach to the Wrist Joint
Authors: Kumar Kannan Karuppiah
Published: December 2020

Most procedures that require exposure of the wrist joint requires us to go through the third and fourth compartment. This is followed by dividing the septum between the 3rd and 4th compartments and retracting the EDC tendons ulnarwards. This can be done by various techniques. Using a form of self-retaining retractor is cumbersome and has to be repeatedly repositioned as the tendons keep slipping out. We describe a novel method to maintain this retraction throughout any wrist procedure.
Treatment of Intra-Articular Distal Phalanx Fractures in Baseball Players by Joint Distraction and Early Mobilization Using a New Dynamic External Finger Fixator
Authors: Kodama Akira , Sunagawa Toru , Shinomiya Rikuo , Nakashima Yuko , Ochi Mitsuo , Adachi Nobuo
Published: December 2020

In baseball players, a high degree of functional recovery is required for the treatment of fractures in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, especially on the throwing side. While dynamic external fixation is a useful treatment option to restore the joint function, existing external fixators are too large for use on DIP joints. Three cases of DIP joint intra-articular comminuted fractures in baseball players treated using the new dynamic external finger fixator which we developed are reported. The external fixator was kept attached for four weeks. The patients returned to play baseball 7–8 weeks after surgery. The total arc of the DIP joint was 90–100% of the contralateral side. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated that joint congruity had been reacquired. This technique was adaptive in the treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the DIP joint and resulted in a near-normal range of joint motion and remodeling of the joint surface.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis: The Potential Role of Romosozumab
Authors: So Jacqueline , Mok Chi Chiu
Published: December 2020

Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a major problem in patients with rheumatic diseases. The deleterious effect of GC on bone turnover is rapid and dose-dependent, with a predilection on the trabecular bone, resulting in vertebral fractures. Early recognition and prompt treatment of GIOP helps prevent bone loss and reduce fractures. There are pitfalls in current assessment tools for GIOP by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) estimation formula. In this review, we evaluate different assessment methods for GIOP and summarize current therapies of GIOP, including the antiresorptive and anabolic agents. The potential role of newer anti-osteoporosis agent romosozumab, an anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibody, is also discussed.
Polarizability of Pyruvate Anion in Small Water Clusters
Authors: Ruan Victor , Sharma Arun K.
Published: December 2020

Pyruvate anion is important in a broad array of physicochemical processes ranging from glucose homeostasis to atmospheric reactions. However, the electronic polarizability of the moiety has not been investigated extensively. We present theoretical results from electronic structure calculations on the static and dynamic polarizability of microhydrated pyruvate anions. These investigations were carried out with the CH3COCOO[Formula: see text]n H2O clusters ([Formula: see text]–9) to mimic microhydration conditions. These density functional theory calculations were carried out at the B3LYP/aug-cc-PVTZ level to uncover the optimal geometry of the anion water cluster. Sadlej basis set functions with the B3LYP functional were used to calculate the static and dynamic polarizabilities. Multiple simulated annealing simulations were carried out to discover additional low-lying minima. It is observed that the electronic polarizability varies linearly with the size of the hydrated cluster. Expressions that describe the relationship between the dynamic polarizability and the field frequency are provided for each cluster.
MobilityDB
Authors: Zimányi Esteban , Sakr Mahmoud , Lesuisse Arthur
Published: December 2020

Despite two decades of research in moving object databases and a few research prototypes that have been proposed, there is not yet a mainstream system targeted for industrial use. In this article, we present MobilityDB, a moving object database that extends the type system of PostgreSQL and PostGIS with abstract data types for representing moving object data. The types are fully integrated into the platform to reuse its powerful data management features. Furthermore, MobilityDB builds on existing operations, indexing, aggregation, and optimization framework. This is all made accessible via the SQL query interface.
Anomaly Detection in Road Traffic Using Visual Surveillance
Authors: Santhosh K. K. , Dogra D. P. , Roy P. P.
Published: December 2020

Computer vision has evolved in the last decade as a key technology for numerous applications replacing human supervision. Timely detection of traffic violations and abnormal behavior of pedestrians at public places through computer vision and visual surveillance can be highly effective for maintaining traffic order in cities. However, despite a handful of computer vision–based techniques proposed in recent times to understand the traffic violations or other types of on-road anomalies, no methodological survey is available that provides a detailed insight into the classification techniques, learning methods, datasets, and application contexts. Thus, this study aims to investigate the recent visual surveillance–related research on anomaly detection in public places, particularly on road. The study analyzes various vision-guided anomaly detection techniques using a generic framework such that the key technical components can be easily understood. Our survey includes definitions of related terminologies and concepts, judicious classifications of the vision-guided anomaly detection approaches, detailed analysis of anomaly detection methods including deep learning–based methods, descriptions of the relevant datasets with environmental conditions, and types of anomalies. The study also reveals vital gaps in the available datasets and anomaly detection capability in various contexts, and thus gives future directions to the computer vision–guided anomaly detection research. As anomaly detection is an important step in automatic road traffic surveillance, this survey can be a useful resource for interested researchers working on solving various issues of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
SDN Controllers
Authors: Zhu Liehuang , Karim Md M. , Sharif Kashif , Xu Chang , Li Fan , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen
Published: December 2020

Software-defined networks offer flexible and intelligent network operations by splitting a traditional network into a centralized control plane and a programmable data plane. The controller in the control plane is the fundamental element used to manage all operations of the data plane. Hence, the performance and capabilities of the controller itself are essential in achieving optimal performance. Furthermore, the tools used to benchmark their performance must be accurate and useful in measuring different evaluation parameters. There are dozens of controller proposals for general and specialized networks in the literature. However, there is a very limited comprehensive quantitative analysis for them. In this article, we present a comprehensive qualitative comparison of different SDN controllers, along with a quantitative analysis of their performance in different network scenarios. We categorize and classify 34 controllers and present a qualitative comparison. We also present a comparative analysis of controllers for specialized networks such as the Internet of Things, blockchain networks, vehicular networks, and wireless sensor networks. We also discuss in-depth capabilities of benchmarking tools and provide a comparative analysis of their capabilities. This work uses three benchmarking tools to compare 9 controllers and presents a detailed analysis of their performance, along with discussion on performance of specialized network controllers.
Using Social Media for Mental Health Surveillance
Authors: Skaik Ruba , Inkpen Diana
Published: December 2020

Data on social media contain a wealth of user information. Big data research of social media data may also support standard surveillance approaches and provide decision-makers with usable information. These data can be analyzed using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to detect signs of mental disorders that need attention, such as depression and suicide ideation. This article presents the recent trends and tools that are used in this field, the different means for data collection, and the current applications of ML and NLP in the surveillance of public mental health. We highlight the best practices and the challenges. Furthermore, we discuss the current gaps that need to be addressed and resolved.
The Multifaceted Role of Regulatory T Cells in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kos Kevin , de Visser Karin E.
Published: December 2020

The microenvironment of breast cancer hosts a dynamic cross talk between diverse players of the immune system. While cytotoxic immune cells are equipped to control tumor growth and metastasis, tumor-corrupted immunosuppressive immune cells strive to impair effective immunity and promote tumor progression. Of these, regulatory T cells (Tregs), the gatekeepers of immune homeostasis, emerge as multifaceted players involved in breast cancer. Intriguingly, clinical observations suggest that blood and intratumoral Tregs can have strong prognostic value, dictated by breast cancer subtype. Accordingly, emerging preclinical evidence shows that Tregs occupy a central role in breast cancer initiation and progression and provide critical support to metastasis formation. Here, Tregs are not only important for immune escape but also promote tumor progression independent of their immune regulatory capacity. Combining insights into Treg biology with advances made across the rapidly growing field of immuno-oncology is expected to set the stage for the design of more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Molecular Biology of Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Alexander Thomas B. , Mullighan Charles G.
Published: December 2020

Childhood hematological malignancies (HM) exhibit profound genetic and biological heterogeneity. Many sporadic and familial HM have a heritable predisposition. Genomic sequencing has revised the taxonomy of lymphoid and myeloid leukemias, indicating the importance of accurate molecular diagnosis in disease management. Notable examples include the identification of gene expression–based subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), identification of diverse rearrangements of NUP98 in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterization of the interplay of cell-of-origin and genomic alterations in lineage-ambiguous leukemias, and the prognostic importance of DNA methylation in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemias. These insights provide therapeutic opportunities, including kinase inhibition in Ph-like ALL, menin inhibition in KMT2A-rearranged AML, histone deacetylase inhibition in MEF2D-rearranged ALL, and FLT3 inhibition in T-lineage and myeloid leukemias. We provide an overview of the molecular foundation and classification of childhood leukemias, focusing on recent scientific advances, and discuss potential therapeutic implications.
Cancer Immunotherapy and the Nectin Family
Authors: Johnston Robert J. , Lee Peter S. , Strop Pavel , Smyth Mark J.
Published: December 2020

It is increasingly clear that the nectin family and its immunoreceptors shape the immune response to cancer through several pathways. Yet, even as antibodies against TIGIT, CD96, and CD112R advance into clinical development, biological and therapeutic questions remain unanswered. Here, we review recent progress, prospects, and challenges to understanding and tapping this family in cancer immunotherapy.
Ninety-Six Distinct Real Matrices for Representing a Quaternion Number
Authors: Ahmed W. E.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate on the number of all possible real matrices representing a quaternion number as three4×4skew-symmetric matrices plus the identity matrix of order 4, and how to determine these matrices. We establish that there are 96 distinct real matrices having this property, and by matrix row operations, we obtain these matrices.