bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Taxonomy of Social Errors in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Tian Leimin , Oviatt Sharon
Published: February 2021

Robotic applications have entered various aspects of our lives, such as health care and educational services. In such Human-robot Interaction (HRI), trust and mutual adaption are established and maintained through a positive social relationship between a user and a robot. This social relationship relies on the perceived competence of a robot on the social-emotional dimension. However, because of technical limitations and user heterogeneity, current HRI is far from error-free, especially when a system leaves controlled lab environments and is applied to in-the-wild conditions. Errors in HRI may either degrade a user’s perception of a robot’s capability in achieving a task (defined as
performance errors
in this work) or degrade a user’s perception of a robot’s socio-affective competence (defined as
social errors
in this work). The impact of these errors and effective strategies to handle such an impact remains an open question. We focus on social errors in HRI in this work. In particular, we identify the major attributes of perceived socio-affective competence by reviewing human social interaction studies and HRI error studies. This motivates us to propose a taxonomy of social errors in HRI. We then discuss the impact of social errors situated in three representative HRI scenarios. This article provides foundations for a systematic analysis of the social-emotional dimension of HRI. The proposed taxonomy of social errors encourages the development of user-centered HRI systems, designed to offer positive and adaptive interaction experiences and improved interaction outcomes.
Metabolism in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Xu Weiling , Janocha Allison J. , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by impaired regulation of pulmonary hemodynamics and vascular growth. Alterations of metabolism and bioenergetics are increasingly recognized as universal hallmarks of PAH, as metabolic abnormalities are identified in lungs and hearts of patients, animal models of the disease, and cells derived from lungs of patients. Mitochondria are the primary organelle critically mediating the complex and integrative metabolic pathways in bioenergetics, biosynthetic pathways, and cell signaling. Here, we review the alterations in metabolic pathways that are linked to the pathologic vascular phenotype of PAH, including abnormalities in glycolysis and glucose oxidation, fatty acid oxidation, glutaminolysis, arginine metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, the reducing and oxidizing cell environment, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as the effects of PAH-associated nuclear and mitochondrial mutations on metabolism. Understanding of the metabolic mechanisms underlying PAH provides important knowledge for the design of new therapeutics for treatment of patients.
Electrochemical Determination of Ipragliflozin in Pure Form and in Spiked Human Plasma on a Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Elhassan Manar M. , Mahmoud Amr M. , Hegazy Maha A. , Mowaka Shereen
Published: February 2021

Ipragliflozin, a highly potent and selective sodium glucose cotransporter II inhibitor, is an effective blood glucose lowering drug in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by promoting urinary glucose excretion. The present work represents the first electrochemical determination of ipragliflozin that depends on the oxidation of sulfur atom present in its structure. Cyclic wave and differential pulse voltammetry were applied by scanning potential over range of 0 to 2.8 V vs the reference electrode Ag/Ag+in non-aqueous medium. The method was developed and validated in accordance with the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH). With a detection limit of 1.98 × 10–6M, the method was considered to be linear in the range of 7.5 × 10–6–1 × 10–3M. The method was then efficiently applied for the determination of ipragliflozin in spiked human plasma. The method proved to be an excellent green analysis according to analytical eco-scale for greenness assessment.
Relationship of motor mechanisms to gastroparesis symptoms: toward individualized treatment
Authors: Camilleri Michael
Published: February 2021

Following a classical paper by Dr. Keith A. Kelly published in this journal, and over the past 40 years, there has been increased understanding of the functions of different regions of the stomach, specifically the fundus, antrum, and pylorus. Several of the important physiological principles were based on in vivo animal studies that led to the appreciation of regional function and control mechanisms. These include the roles of the extrinsic parasympathetic vagal innervation, the gastric enteric nervous system and electrical syncytium consisting of pacemaker cells and smooth muscle cells, and duodenogastric reflexes providing feedback regulation following the arrival of food and hydrogen ions stimulating the release of hormones and vagal afferent mechanisms that inhibit gastric motility and stimulate pyloric contractility. Further insights on the role of regional motor functions in gastric emptying were obtained from observations in patients following diverse gastric surgeries or bariatric procedures, including fundoplication, Billroth I and sleeve gastrectomy, and sleeve gastroplasty. Antropyloroduodenal manometry and measurements of pyloric diameter and distensibility index provided important assessments of the role of antral hypomotility and pylorospasm, and these constitute specific targets for individualized treatment of patients with gastroparesis. Moreover, in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis, the availability of measurements of gastric accommodation and pharmacological agents to reduce gastric sensitivity or enhance gastric accommodation provide additional specific targets for individualized treatment. It is anticipated that, in the future, such physiological measurements will be applied in patients to optimize choice of therapy, possibly including identifying the best candidate for pyloric interventions.
Adhatoda vasica rescues the hypoxia-dependent severe asthma symptoms and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Gheware Atish , Panda Lipsa , Khanna Kritika , Bhatraju Naveen Kumar , Jain Vaibhav , Sagar Shakti , Kumar Manish , Singh Vijay Pal , Kannan Sadasivam , Subramanian Venkatesan , Mukerji Mitali , Agrawal Anurag , Prasher Bhavana
Published: February 2021

Severe asthma is a chronic airway disease that exhibits poor response to conventional asthma therapies. Growing evidence suggests that elevated hypoxia increases the severity of asthmatic inflammation among patients and in model systems. In this study, we elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanistic basis of Adhatoda vasica (AV) aqueous extract on mouse models of acute allergic as well as severe asthma subtypes at physiological, histopathological, and molecular levels. Oral administration of AV extract attenuates the increased airway resistance and inflammation in acute allergic asthmatic mice and alleviates the molecular signatures of steroid (dexamethasone) resistance like IL-17A, KC (murine IL-8 homologue), and HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α) in severe asthmatic mice. AV inhibits HIF-1α levels through restoration of expression of its negative regulator—PHD2 (prolyl hydroxylase domain-2). Alleviation of hypoxic response mediated by AV is further confirmed in the acute and severe asthma model. AV reverses cellular hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in human bronchial epithelial cells—evident from bioenergetic profiles and morphological analysis of mitochondria. In silico docking of AV constituents reveal higher negative binding affinity for C and O—glycosides for HIF-1α, IL-6, Janus kinase 1/3, TNF-α, and TGF-β—key players of hypoxia inflammation. This study for the first time provides a molecular basis of action and effect of AV whole extract that is widely used in Ayurveda practice for diverse respiratory ailments. Further, through its effect on hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, the study highlights its potential to treat severe steroid-resistant asthma.
Efference copy in kinesthetic perception: a copy of what is it?
Authors: Latash Mark L.
Published: February 2021

A number of notions in the fields of motor control and kinesthetic perception have been used without clear definitions. In this review, we consider definitions for efference copy, percept, and sense of effort based on recent studies within the physical approach, which assumes that the neural control of movement is based on principles of parametric control and involves defining time-varying profiles of spatial referent coordinates for the effectors. The apparent redundancy in both motor and perceptual processes is reconsidered based on the principle of abundance. Abundance of efferent and afferent signals is viewed as the means of stabilizing both salient action characteristics and salient percepts formalized as stable manifolds in high-dimensional spaces of relevant elemental variables. This theoretical scheme has led recently to a number of novel predictions and findings. These include, in particular, lower accuracy in perception of variables produced by elements involved in a multielement task compared with the same elements in single-element tasks, dissociation between motor and perceptual effects of muscle coactivation, force illusions induced by muscle vibration, and errors in perception of unintentional drifts in performance. Taken together, these results suggest that participation of efferent signals in perception frequently involves distorted copies of actual neural commands, particularly those to antagonist muscles. Sense of effort is associated with such distorted efferent signals. Distortions in efference copy happen spontaneously and can also be caused by changes in sensory signals, e.g., those produced by muscle vibration.
Synchronous spiking associated with prefrontal high γ oscillations evokes a 5-Hz rhythmic modulation of spiking in locus coeruleus
Authors: Totah Nelson K. , Logothetis Nikos K. , Eschenko Oxana
Published: February 2021

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is thought to control activity in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC). Prior anatomical and prefrontal stimulation studies demonstrated the potential for PFC-LC interactions; however, it is unknown what types of PFC activity affect the LC. Here, we show that transient increases in PFC high γ power and associated changes in PFC unit-pair synchrony are a potential sign of top-down control over the LC.
Gastrointestinal Nematodes among Residents in Melong, Moungo Division, Littoral Region, Cameroon
Authors: Cedric Yamssi , Nadia Noumedem Anangmo Christelle , Payne Vincent Khan , Sabi Bertrand M. , Romeo Ngangnang Ghislain
Published: February 2021

Background. Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections worldwide. The present study was undertaken to provide baseline information on the status of gastrointestinal nematodes in Melong Subdivision, Moungo Division, Littoral Region, Cameroon. Material and Methods. Seven hundred and eighty‐eight stool samples were collected in randomly selected quarters in the community of Melong. These stool samples were brought to the Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology in the University of Dschang for analysis using the qualitative (simple flotation) and quantitative (Mc Master count) technique. Results. The nematodes identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Capillaria hepatica with respective prevalences and intensities of infection of 2.2% and 3691.12 ± 3898.47, 1.4% and 940.91 ± 1825.90, 1.0% and 193.75 ± 227.47, and 0.4%and 50 ± 00. The data on the prevalence of nematodes with respect to sex and age showed that females (6.0%) were more infected than males (2.76%) with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Furthermore, with respect to age, adults were more infected than children. The percentage of educational level showed a reduction in the number of parasites in the higher educational level. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides between localities showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) with “Quarter 1” harboring most of the nematodes. Cases of double (Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris trichiura) and triple (Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris trichiura + hookworm) parasitism were encountered with both having a prevalence of 0.3%. According to the fecal concentration of eggs, 63.89% of the infections were light, 5.56% moderate, and 30.56% heavy. Conclusion. A relatively low overall prevalence was obtained in our study, showing that the national deworming campaign is proving effective, but more effort is needed to completely eradicate these parasites for a single infected individual can cause havoc.
Improved Butterfly Optimizer‐Configured Extreme Learning Machine for Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Yu Helong , Yuan Kang , Li Wenshu , Zhao Nannan , Chen Weibin , Huang Changcheng , Chen Huiling , Wang Mingjing
Published: February 2021

An efficient intelligent fault diagnosis model was proposed in this paper to timely and accurately offer a dependable basis for identifying the rolling bearing condition in the actual production application. The model is mainly based on an improved butterfly optimizer algorithm‐ (BOA‐) optimized kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) model. Firstly, the roller bearing’s vibration signals in the four states that contain normal state, outer race failure, inner race failure, and rolling ball failure are decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition based on adaptive noise (CEEMDAN). Then, the amplitude energy entropies of IMFs are designated as the features of the rolling bearing. In order to eliminate redundant features, a random forest was used to receive the contributions of features to the accuracy of results, and subsets of features were set up by removing one feature in the descending order, using the classification accuracy of the SBOA‐KELM model as the criterion to obtain the optimal feature subset. The salp swarm algorithm (SSA) was introduced to BOA to improve optimization ability, obtain optimal KELM parameters, and avoid the BOA deteriorating into local optimization. Finally, an optimal SBOA‐KELM model was constructed for the identification of rolling bearings. In the experiment, SBOA was validated against ten other competitive optimization algorithms on 30 IEEE CEC2017 benchmark functions. The experimental results validated that the SBOA was evident over existing algorithms for most function problems. SBOA‐KELM employed for diagnosing the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings obtained improved classification performance and higher stability. Therefore, the proposed SBOA‐KELM model can be effectively used to diagnose faults of rolling bearings.
A Case of Epistaxis as the First Sign of Acute Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Tajima Shori , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Anzai Takashi , Hara Satoshi , Suzuki Yo , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: February 2021

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired thrombocytopenia caused by the action of autoantibodies against platelet antigens. It is traditionally defined by a platelet count of less than 10 × 104/μL. Most patients with ITP are asymptomatic; however, symptoms have been confirmed in some cases. Conversely, it is very rare to find epistaxis as the first sign of ITP. We report the case of an 84-year-old man who came to the ear, nose, and throat department with severe and repeated epistaxis. We decided to keep him hospitalized as it was very difficult to stop the nasal bleeding. A full blood count showed a platelet level of only 1000/μL. Hematologic results confirmed the diagnosis of ITP. The patient underwent treatment with intravenous gamma-globulin, platelet transfusions, and romiplostim with a favorable response.
Road Traffic Injuries and Related Safety Measures: A Multicentre Analysis at Military Hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yagoub Umar , Saiyed Nasrin S. , Rahim Bahaa-eldin E. A. , Musawa Nizar , Al Zahrani Attiya Mohammed
Published: February 2021

Background. Road traffic injuries are one of the major public safety issues around the world, as they put a great burden on countries’ economies. Saudi Arabia has a good road transportation system, but still, road-related fatalities are higher in this country. The main purpose of this study was to determine the association between the severity of injuries caused by road traffic collision and safety measures taken by the drivers admitted to the emergency departments at two military hospitals in Tabuk, a city in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A total of 342 male drivers who had injuries due to road traffic collision took part in this multicentre, cross-sectional study. The research sites were King Salman Armed Forces Hospital and King Khalid Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using a common protocol and a self-reported questionnaire with the help of convenience sampling approach. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 23. Results. Nearly 62.0% of the male drivers were aged less than 36 years. About 90% of the drivers were from low- and middle-income groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that drivers who had road traffic collision and used mobile phones while driving were four times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 3.89; 95% CI (2.53, 5.95)), those who drove the vehicle at an excessive speed limit were three times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 2.71; 95% CI (1.01, 4.97)), and those who attempted to overtake another vehicle were two times more likely to have severe injuries (OR = 1.85; 95% CI (1.24, 3.77)). Conclusion. Based on the results of the present study, the most important safety measures which contributed the most to road traffic collision were use of mobile phones while driving the vehicle, driving at an excessive speed limit, irregularity in maintaining the vehicle, attempt to pass other vehicles, and not following the traffic rules. All the safety measures are protective, but if care is not taken, they will risk the life. There is an urgent need to spread traffic safety awareness in this region.
An Investigation of Moroccan Vinegars: Their Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Ousaaid Driss , Imtara Hamada , Laaroussi Hassan , Lyoussi Badiaa , Elarabi Ilham
Published: February 2021

Vinegar is a natural product rich in bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and organic acids. Several factors affect the quality of vinegars such as apple origin, environmental conditions, production methods, processing, and storage conditions. We investigated the quality of apple vinegars as well as their physicochemical properties and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of vinegars collected from different areas in Morocco. For physicochemical properties, the outcomes showed the following values: pH (3.18–3.83), electrical conductivity (2.11–2.90), acidity (0.24–5.6), Brix (3.25–6), and density (1.0123–1.0233). The polyphenols content of samples was 68.91 mg AG/100 mL in sample S6 as the minimum value and 147.54 mg AG/100 mL in sample S2 as the maximum value. The best ability to scavenge the DPPH radical was observed in sample S3 (IC50 = 0.45 ± 0.013 µL/mL). Sample S2 showed moderate antibacterial effect against microorganisms tested with MICs ranging from 0.78 µL/mL to 1.125 µL/mL and with a diameter of inhibition ranging from 15.65 mm to 27.65 mm. In addition, a strong correlation was observed between the antibacterial activity of vinegars and physicochemical parameters (pH and total acidity). These outcomes have shown that our vinegar samples are an excellent source of bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant and antibacterial potentials.
Role of BDNF-mTORC1 Signaling Pathway in Female Depression
Authors: An Xianquan , Yao Xiaoxiao , Li Bingjin , Yang Wei , Cui Ranji , Zhao Guoqing , Jin Yang
Published: February 2021

Depression is a common psychological and mental disorder, characterized by low mood, slow thinking and low will, and even suicidal tendencies in severe cases. It imposes a huge mental and economic burden on patients and their families, and its prevention and treatment have become an urgent public health problem. It is worth noting that there is a significant gender difference in the incidence of depression. Studies have shown that females are far more likely to suffer from depression than males, confirming a close relationship between estrogen and the onset of depression. Moreover, recent studies suggest that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor- (BDNF-) mammalian target of rapamycin complex-1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is a crucial target pathway for improving depression and mediates the rapid antidepressant-like effects of various antidepressants. However, it is not clear whether the BDNF-mTORC1 signaling pathway mediates the regulation of female depression and how to regulate female depression. Hence, we focused on the modulation of estrogen-BDNF-mTORC1 signaling in depression and its possible mechanisms in recent years.
Study on Deformation Law of Subway Construction under Passing Existing Line in Short Distance
Authors: Luo Cong-Shuang , Cheng Yi-Hong , Bai Zhe , Shen Tong , Wu Xu-Yang , Wang Qing-Guo
Published: February 2021

With the large‐scale development and utilization of underground space projects, the subway‐led Rail Transit Project is developing vigorously, and the safety and stability of subway under passing existing projects have become a key issue for the future. In this paper, the deformation law of subway tunnel under the existing track is studied by using the method of ROCSCIENCE software and field measurement, which is based on the construction of a new double‐tunnel shield‐driven subway tunnel under the existing city of pile rapid track project. In the crossing area, the distance between the top of the tunnel and the pile foundation is 6.2 m and the distance between the tunnel and the existing track surface is 19.6 m. It is required that the settlement of track caused by the new tunnel construction should not exceed 2 mm. The results show that the settlement of the existing track is greatly influenced by the new tunnel without reinforcement and grouting, and the maximum settlement is more than 9.92 mm. The settlement of the existing track can be controlled to 1.93 mm by adjusting the construction parameters of the shield machine and grouting reinforcement at different stages during construction.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Transmitochondrial Cybrids Protected from Cellular Damage and Death by Human Retinal Progenitor Cells (hRPCs)
Authors: Yu Jeffrey J. , Azzam Daniel B. , Chwa Marilyn , Schneider Kevin , Cho Jang-Hyeon , Hsiang Chinhui , Klassen Henry , Kenney M. Cristina , Yang Jing
Published: February 2021

Purpose. One of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disorder leading to retinal degeneration. While several treatment options exist for the exudative form of AMD, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments for the more common nonexudative (atrophic) form. Mounting evidence suggests that mitochondrial damage and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell death are linked to the pathogenesis of AMD. Human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) have been studied as a potential restorative therapy for degenerative conditions of the retina; however, the effects of hRPC treatment on retinal cell survival in AMD have not been elucidated. Methods. In this study, we used a cell coculture system consisting of hRPCs and AMD or age-matched normal cybrid cells to characterize the effects of hRPCs in protecting AMD cybrids from cellular and mitochondrial damage and death. Results. AMD cybrids cocultured with hRPCs showed (1) increased cell viability; (2) decreased gene expression related to apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and antioxidant pathways; and (3) downregulation of mitochondrial replication genes compared to AMD cybrids without hRPC treatment. Furthermore, hRPCs cocultured with AMD cybrids showed upregulation of (1) neuronal and glial markers, as well as (2) putative neuroprotective factors, responses not found when hRPCs were cocultured with age-matched normal cybrids. Conclusion. The current study provides the first evidence that therapeutic benefits may be obtainable using a progenitor cell-based approach for atrophic AMD. Our results suggest that bidirectional interactions exist between hRPCs and AMD cybrids such that hRPCs release trophic factors that protect the cybrids against the cellular and mitochondrial changes involved in AMD pathogenesis while, conversely, AMD cybrids upregulate the release of these neuroprotective factors by hRPCs while promoting hRPC differentiation. These in vitro data provide evidence that hRPCs may have therapeutic potential in atrophic AMD.
Research on the Formation Mechanism of Loess Vertical Joints
Authors: Wang Chenxing , Jiang Ruijun , Wang Hong , Li Tonglu , Kang Haiwei , Hou Xiaokun
Published: February 2021

The popular occurrence of vertical joints in loess formation aggravates the anisotropism of loess and contributes to various geohazards (e.g., slope failures and soil erosion). To alleviate the geohazards caused by the vertical joints, researches need to be carried out to investigate the formation mechanism of these vertical joints. However, the theoretical analysis of the vertical joints’ formation mechanism is limited up to now. In this study, we conducted a laboratory column experiment to observe joint development. Furthermore, using the unsaturated soil theory, we proposed a theoretical model to investigate the tensile stress that contributes to the formation of the loess vertical joint. In the experiment, the air‐dried and crushed soil was sifted into the column, which simulates the free fall deposition process of the natural loess in China and contributes to a uniform state. 2500 ml of water was added at the top of the column. The topsoil experienced a wetting‐drying process. During desaturation, 9 similar vertical joints were developed with similar horizontal distance. A theoretical model that calculates the interparticle force or tensile force between two adjacent particles was proposed based on the force balance equations. The theoretical model elucidates the phenomena in a laboratory experiment well and provides an insight into the formation mechanism of vertical joints in a uniform soil. The results highlight the generation of vertical joints in the initial deposition stage of loess with a uniform particle arrangement. Besides, the tensile force that contributes to the joint formation arises from the matric suction and surface tension of the solid‐water‐air contractile film.
A BP Neural Network Method for Grade Classification of Loose Damage in Semirigid Pavement Bases
Authors: Zhang Bei , Liu Jianyang , Zhong Yanhui , Li Xiaolong , Hao Meimei , Li Xiao , Zhang Xu , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: February 2021

This study aims to address the problem that loose damage of the pavement base course cannot currently be quantitatively identified, and thus the classification and recognition of the extent of looseness mainly rely on empirical judgments. Based on the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method, a backpropagation (BP) neural network identification method for loose damage of a semirigid base is presented. The FDTD method is used to simulate a semirigid base road model numerically with different degrees of looseness, and the eigenvalue parameters for recognition of the presence and extent of the looseness of the base layer are obtained. Then, a BP neural network identification method is used to classify and identify the loose damage of the base course. The results show that the classification and recognition of simulated electromagnetic waves have an accuracy of over 90%; the classification and recognition of radar data from an actual project have a recognition accuracy of over 80%. The good agreement between the classification and recognition results for the simulated data and measured data verifies the feasibility of the classification and recognition method, which can provide a new method for the use of ground‐penetrating radar to detect loose damage and the extent of looseness in the base.
KPDR : An Effective Method of Privacy Protection
Authors: Shen Zihao , Zhen Wei , Li Pengfei , Wang Hui , Liu Kun , Liu Peiqian
Published: February 2021

To solve the problem of user privacy disclosure caused by attacks on anonymous areas in spatial generalization privacy protection methods, a K and P Dirichlet Retrieval (KPDR) method based on k‐anonymity mechanism is proposed. First, the Dirichlet graph model is introduced, the same kind of information points is analyzed by using the characteristics of Dirichlet graph, and the anonymous set of users is generated and sent to LBS server. Second, the relationship matrix is generated, and the proximity relationship between the user position and the target information point is obtained by calculation. Then, the private information retrieval model is applied to ensure the privacy of users’ target information points. Finally, the experimental results show that the KPDR method not only satisfies the diversity of l(3/4), but also increases the anonymous space, reduces the communication overhead, ensures the anonymous success rate of users, and effectively prevents the disclosure of user privacy.
Human Motion Gesture Recognition Based on Computer Vision
Authors: Ma Rui , Zhang Zhendong , Chen Enqing
Published: February 2021

Human motion gesture recognition is the most challenging research direction in the field of computer vision, and it is widely used in human‐computer interaction, intelligent monitoring, virtual reality, human behaviour analysis, and other fields. This paper proposes a new type of deep convolutional generation confrontation network to recognize human motion pose. This method uses a deep convolutional stacked hourglass network to accurately extract the location of key joint points on the image. The generation and identification part of the network is designed to encode the first hierarchy (parent) and the second hierarchy (child) and show the spatial relationship of human body parts. The generator and the discriminator are designed as two parts in the network, and they are connected together in order to encode the possible relationship of appearance and, at the same time, the possibility of the existence of human body parts and the relationship between each part of the body and its parental part coding. In the image, the key nodes of the human body model and the general body posture can be identified more accurately. The method has been tested on different data sets. In most cases, the results obtained by the proposed method are better than those of other comparison methods.
Energy Efficiency Optimization of Cognitive UAV‐Assisted Edge Communication for Semantic Internet of Things
Authors: Gu Yilong , Huang Yangchao , Hu Hang , Gao Weiting , Pan Yu
Published: February 2021

With the consolidation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the unmanned aerial vehicle‐ (UAV‐) based IoT has attracted much attention in recent years. In the IoT, cognitive UAV can not only overcome the problem of spectrum scarcity but also improve the communication quality of the edge nodes. However, due to the generation of massive and redundant IoT data, it is difficult to realize the mutual understanding between UAV and ground nodes. At the same time, the performance of the UAV is severely limited by its battery capacity. In order to form an autonomous and energy‐efficient IoT system, we investigate semantically driven cognitive UAV networks to maximize the energy efficiency (EE). The semantic device model for cognitive UAV‐assisted IoT communication is constructed. And the sensing time, the flight speed of UAV, and the coverage range of UAV communication are jointly optimized to maximize the EE. Then, an efficient alternative algorithm is proposed to solve the optimization problem. Finally, we provide computer simulations to validate the proposed algorithm. The performance of the joint optimization scheme based on the proposed algorithm is compared to some benchmark schemes. And the simulation results show that the proposed scheme can obtain the optimal system parameters and can significantly improve the EE.
Periodic Motion and Transition of a Vibro‐Impact System with Multilevel Elastic Constraints
Authors: Ding Jie , Wang Chao , Ding Wangcai
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a single-degree-of-freedom vibroimpact system with multilevel elastic constraints is taken as the research object. By constructing the Poincaré map of the system and calculating the Lyapunov exponent spectrum of the system, the stability of the system is determined. Using the multiparameter collaborative numerical simulation method, the parameter domains of various periodic motions are determined, and the diversity and transition characteristics of periodic motions are revealed. At the same time, combined with the cell mapping method, the coexistence of attractors induced due to grazing bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation, and boundary crisis is studied. Finally, the influence of system parameters on periodic motion distribution is analyzed, which provides a scientific basis for system parameter optimization.
Investigation of the Optimization of Unloading Mining Scheme in Large Deep Deposit Based on Vague Set Theory and Its Application
Authors: Sheng Jia , Wan Wen , Liu Dongrui , Jiang Feifei , Li Xiangdong , Zhang Haiyun
Published: February 2021

With the development of shallow surface mineral resources in metal mines, it is gradually turning to the stage of deep mining. According to the current mining depth and the average annual depth, during the period of “14th Five‐Year Plan,” one‐third of the underground metal mines will reach or exceed the mining depth of 1,000 m, with the deepest being 2,000 m. In the stage of deep mining, mines will face the conditions of high stress, high temperature, high well depth, and strong mining disturbance, which will greatly increase the difficulty of large‐scale deep mining. Among them, the high ground stress environment is the principal problem of many technical problems in deep mining. The selection of mining method has become a prerequisite for solving the problem of efficient and safe mining of deep deposits. In this paper, the vague set theory was introduced into the selection of mining methods and a vague set model for deep unloading mining schemes was established. Taking the Jinchuan No. 2 mining area as the engineering background, four unloading schemes for deep mining were proposed, and the Vague set model was used for optimization. It is concluded that the mining approach with large‐section unloading is the optimal unloading mining plan. The application shows that it has the advantages of high unloading efficiency, large production capacity, and low loss index. It has been fully promoted in the deep mining of the mining area. It is feasible and effective to use the vague set theory in the selection of deep unloading mining schemes, which provides a proper approach in the selection of deep unloading mining schemes.
Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Detecting Biventricular Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zaher Nathan , Shereef Hammam , Al Hussain Rashid , Dawdy John , Levine Diane , Alraies M. Chadi
Published: February 2021

Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is a rare variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a low prevalence in the general population. ApHCM with right ventricular involvement (BiApHCM) is largely unreported and may not be detected with conventional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) alone. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has been demonstrated to be a proficient imaging modality to diagnose BiApHCM. We present a case of BiApHCM that was diagnosed with TTE and further characterized by CMR. This imaging modality may be utilized more in the future to help diagnose and detect the prevalence of BiApHCM.
Validity of Psychiatric Evaluation of Asylum Seekers through Telephone
Authors: Yang Samuel , Baronia Regina , Ibrahim Yasin
Published: February 2021

The goal of the psychiatric assessment of asylum seekers is to evaluate the asylum seeker’s mental health and credibility. The shortage of mental health providers trained in this particular type of evaluation makes in-person evaluation not always feasible. Telephonic interview has been occasionally utilized to fill this void. The validity of such evaluations in assessing credibility has yet to be fully established. In the case of telephonic interviews, evaluators are limited with no access to facial or body language cues that can indicate deception or honesty. We will present a case of a client evaluated via telephone that was deemed credible and eventually released to pursue asylum in the US. Assessment of credibility relied solely on cues obtained from the client’s narrative, reported symptoms, and their style of interaction with the evaluator. We will highlight the findings from the client’s interview that supported credibility in the case and discuss the challenges of assessing asylum seeker’s credibility via telephonic interview. Telephonic evaluation of credibility can be considered a valid method despite major challenges, but psychiatric evaluators should be aware of the limitations of telephonic evaluations given the high possibility of secondary gains and deception.
Impact of Buses, Taxis, Passenger Cars, and Traffic Infrastructure on Average Travel Speed
Authors: Carrillo-González José Gerardo , López-Ortega Jorge , Sandoval-Gutiérrez Jacobo , Perez-Martinez Francisco
Published: February 2021

It is known that many variables influence traffic, yet very little is known about the weight of each factor in the dynamics of traffic in cities of developing countries, in many cases due to their peculiar traffic regulations. In this work, we search for the variables that have the most significant impact on the average travel speed of three distinct types of vehicles: passenger cars, taxis, and buses. First, we developed a tool featuring algorithms that simulate ordinary overtaking and car-following behaviors, along with controls for setting vehicles’ actions, particularly buses’ and taxis’ stops. Then, we chose a particular zone to study, based on its common geometry and the particular traffic infrastructure (speed bumps, traffic lights, and bus stops) inside it. Later on, three experiments were carried out, with the following results. (1) Both the buses’ arrival frequency and curbside bus stops affect the passenger cars’ average travel speed. The buses’ response was affected by the bus bay and curbside bus stops. The buses’ speed tendency influenced neither the passenger cars’ nor buses’ response. (2) Taxis’ arrival frequency, stopping frequency, and speed tendency were found to influence the passenger cars’ response. Taxis’ response was altered by taxis’ speed tendency, while buses’ response was affected by taxis’ arrival frequencies. (3) The number of speed bumps, the arrival frequency of passenger cars, and their speed conditions (homogeneous and heterogeneous) affect the passenger cars’ response. We expect that the findings presented in this study, along with the recommendations made from the results, may pave the way for better road design public policies.
PP2A-activating Drugs Enhance FLT3 Inhibitor Efficacy through AKT Inhibition–Dependent GSK-3β–Mediated c-Myc and Pim-1 Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Scarpa Mario , Singh Prerna , Bailey Christopher M. , Lee Jonelle K. , Kapoor Shivani , Lapidus Rena G. , Niyongere Sandrine , Sangodkar Jaya , Wang Yin , Perrotti Danilo , Narla Goutham , Baer Maria R.
Published: February 2021

Fms-like tyrosine-like kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) is present in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 30% of patients and is associated with short disease-free survival. FLT3 inhibitor efficacy is limited and transient but may be enhanced by multitargeting of FLT3-ITD signaling pathways. FLT3-ITD drives both STAT5-dependent transcription of oncogenic Pim-1 kinase and inactivation of the tumor-suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and FLT3-ITD, Pim-1, and PP2A all regulate the c-Myc oncogene. We studied mechanisms of action of cotreatment of FLT3-ITD–expressing cells with FLT3 inhibitors and PP2A-activating drugs (PADs), which are in development. PADs, including FTY720 and DT-061, enhanced FLT3 inhibitor growth suppression and apoptosis induction in FLT3-ITD–expressing cell lines and primary AML cells in vitro and MV4-11 growth suppression in vivo. PAD and FLT3 inhibitor cotreatment independently downregulated c-Myc and Pim-1 protein through enhanced proteasomal degradation. c-Myc and Pim-1 downregulation was preceded by AKT inactivation, did not occur in cells expressing myristoylated (constitutively active) AKT1, and could be induced by AKT inhibition. AKT inactivation resulted in activation of GSK-3β, and GSK-3β inhibition blocked downregulation of both c-Myc and Pim-1 by PAD and FLT3 inhibitor cotreatment. GSK-3β activation increased c-Myc proteasomal degradation through c-Myc phosphorylation on T58; infection with c-Myc with T58A substitution, preventing phosphorylation, blocked downregulation of c-Myc by PAD and FLT3 inhibitor cotreatment. GSK-3β also phosphorylated Pim-1L/Pim-1S on S95/S4. Thus, PADs enhance efficacy of FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-ITD–expressing cells through a novel mechanism involving AKT inhibition–dependent GSK-3β–mediated increased c-Myc and Pim-1 proteasomal degradation.
Preclinical Evaluation of the Stealth Autoguide Robotic Guidance Device for Stereotactic Cranial Surgery: A Human Cadaveric Study
Authors: Brandman David , Hong Murray , Clarke David B.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Stereotactic procedures are routinely performed for brain biopsies, deep brain stimulation, and placement of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes for epilepsy. The recently developed Stealth Autoguide (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) device does not require patients to don a stereotactic frame. In this preclinical study, we sought to quantitatively compare the Stealth Autoguide robotic system to 2 devices commonly used in clinical practice: the Navigus biopsy system (Medtronic) and the Leksell stereotactic frame (Elekta Ltd., Stockholm, Sweden). Methods: In the first experimental setup, we compared target accuracy of the Stealth Autoguide to the Navigus system by using phantom heads filled with gelatin to simulate the brain tissue. In the second experimental setup, we inserted SEEG electrodes to targets within cadaveric heads in a simulated operating room environment. Results: Using a homogeneous gelatin-filled phantom 3D reconstruction of a human head, we found that using the Stealth Autoguide system, while maintaining accuracy, was faster to use than the Navigus system. In our simulated operating room environment using nonliving human cadaveric heads, we found the accuracy of the Stealth Autoguide robotic device to be comparable to that of the Leksell frame. Discussion/Conclusion: These results compare the use of the Stealth Autoguide robotic guidance system with commonly used stereotactic devices, and this is the first study to compare its use and accuracy with the Leksell frame. These findings provide mounting evidence that Stealth Autoguide will have potential clinical uses in various stereotactic neurosurgical procedures.
Lipid Metabolic Events Underlying the Formation of the Corneocyte Lipid Envelope
Authors: Wertz Philip W.
Published: February 2021

Cornified cells of the stratum corneum have a monolayer of an unusual lipid covalently attached to the outer surface. This is referred to as the corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE). It consists of a monolayer of ω-hydroxyceramides covalently attached to the outer surface of the cornified envelope. The CLE is essential for proper barrier function of the skin and is derived from linoleate-rich acylglucosylceramides synthesized in the viable epidermis. Biosynthesis of acylglucosylceramide and its conversion to the cornified envelope is complex. Acylglucosylceramide in the bounding membrane of the lamellar granule is the precursor of the CLE. The acylglucosylceramide in the limiting membrane of the lamellar granule may be oriented with the glucosyl moiety on the inside. Conversion of the acylglucosylceramide to the CLE requires removal of the glucose by action of a glucocerebrosidase. The ester-linked fatty acid may be removed by an as yet unidentified esterase, and the resulting ω-hydroxyceramide may become ester linked to the outer surface of the cornified envelope through action of transglutaminase 1. Prior to removal of ester-linked fatty acids, linoleate is oxidized to an epoxy alcohol through action of 2 lipoxygenases. This can be further oxidized to an epoxy-enone, which can spontaneously attach to the cornified envelope through Schiff’s base formation. Mutations of genes coding for enzymes involved in biosynthesis of the CLE result in ichthyosis, often accompanied by neurologic dysfunction. The CLE is recognized as essential for barrier function of skin, but many questions about details of this essentiality remain. What are the relative roles of the 2 mechanisms of lipid attachment? What is the orientation of acylglucosylceramide in the bounding membrane of lamellar granules? Some evidence supports a role for CLE as a scaffold upon which intercellular lamellae unfold, but other evidence does not support this role. There is also controversial evidence for a role in stratum corneum cohesion. Evidence is presented to suggest that covalently bound ω-hydroxyceramides serve as a reservoir for free sphingosine that can serve in communicating with the viable epidermis and act as a potent broad-acting antimicrobial at the skin surface. Many questions remain.
COVID-19 and Its Symptoms’ Panoply: A Case-Control Study of 919 Suspected Cases in Locked-Down Ovar, Portugal
Authors: Sá Regina , Pinho-Bandeira Tiago , Queiroz Guilherme , Matos Joana , Ferreira João Duarte , Rodrigues Pedro Pereira
Published: February 2021

Background: Ovar was the first Portuguese municipality to declare active community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with total lockdown decreed on March 17, 2020. This context provided conditions for a large-scale testing strategy, allowing a referral system considering other symptoms besides the ones that were part of the case definition (fever, cough, and dyspnea). This study aims to identify other symptoms associated with COVID-19 since it may clarify the pre-test probability of the occurrence of the disease. Methods: This case-control study uses primary care registers between March 29 and May 10, 2020 in Ovar municipality. Pre-test clinical and exposure-risk characteristics, reported by physicians, were collected through a form, and linked with their laboratory result. Results: The study population included a total of 919 patients, of whom 226 (24.6%) were COVID-19 cases and 693 were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Only 27.1% of the patients reporting contact with a confirmed or suspected case tested positive. In the multivariate analysis, statistical significance was obtained for headaches (OR 0.558), odynophagia (OR 0.273), anosmia (OR 2.360), and other symptoms (OR 2.157). The interaction of anosmia and odynophagia appeared as possibly relevant with a borderline statistically significant OR of 3.375. Conclusion: COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Of the myriad described, the present study highlights anosmia itself and calls for additional studies on the interaction between anosmia and odynophagia. Headaches and odynophagia by themselves are not associated with an increased risk for the disease. These findings may help clinicians in deciding when to test, especially when other diseases with similar symptoms are more prevalent, namely in winter.