bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Platform Expansion of the Virtual Human Toolkit: Ubiquitous Conversational Agents
Authors: Hartholt Arno , Fast Ed , Reilly Adam , Whitcup Wendy , Liewer Matt , Mozgai Sharon
Published: November 2020

We present an extension of the Virtual Human Toolkit to include a range of computing platforms, including mobile, web, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The Toolkit uses a mix of in-house and commodity technologies to support audio-visual sensing, speech recognition, natural language processing, nonverbal behavior generation and realization, text-to-speech generation and rendering. It has been extended to support computing platforms beyond Windows by leveraging microservices. The resulting framework maintains the modularity of the underlying architecture, allows re-use of both logic and content through cloud services, and is extensible by porting lightweight clients. We present the current state of the framework, discuss how we model and animate our characters, and offer lessons learned through several use cases, including expressive character animation in seated VR, shared space and navigation in room-scale VR, autonomous AI in mobile AR, and real-time user performance feedback leveraging mobile sensors in headset AR.
Emergent Languages from Pretrained Embeddings Characterize Latent Concepts in Dynamic Imagery
Authors: Kubricht James R. , Santamaria-Pang Alberto , Devaraj Chinmaya , Chowdhury Aritra , Tu Peter
Published: November 2020

Recent unsupervised learning approaches have explored the feasibility of semantic analysis and interpretation of imagery using Emergent Language (EL) models. As EL requires some form of numerical embedding as input, it remains unclear which type is required in order for the EL to properly capture key semantic concepts associated with a given domain. In this paper, we compare unsupervised and supervised approaches for generating embeddings across two experiments. In Experiment 1, data are produced using a single-agent simulator. In each episode, a goal-driven agent attempts to accomplish a number of tasks in a synthetic cityscape environment which includes houses, banks, theaters and restaurants. In Experiment 2, a comparatively smaller dataset is produced where one or more objects demonstrate various types of physical motion in a 3D simulator environment. We investigate whether EL models generated from embeddings of raw pixel data produce expressions that capture key latent concepts (i.e. an agent’s motivations or physical motion types) in each environment. Our initial experiments show that the supervised learning approaches yield embeddings and EL descriptions that capture meaningful concepts from raw pixel inputs. Alternatively, embeddings from an unsupervised learning approach result in greater ambiguity with respect to latent concepts.
Comparison between two tritrophic food chain models with multiple delays and anti-predation effect
Authors: Sahoo Debgopal , Samanta G. P.
Published: November 2020

Exploring the predator–prey linkage in food chain system is the most familiar research work in population biology. Recently, some research experiments show that predator–prey interaction not only governed by direct hunting but also influenced by some indirect effect such as fear effect (felt by prey) that may change the physiological behavior of prey. Based upon this fact, we consider a tritrophic food chain model incorporating with anti-predation response (fear effect) and multiple time delays for biomass conversion from prey to middle predator and middle to top predator. We analyze the resulting delay differential equations and explore how the anti-predation response level affects the population dynamics. We also investigate the effect of delay parameters, for which the model system switches its stability through Hopf-bifurcation. We compare all of our results between two different food chain models consisting of two different functional responses. Some numerical simulations are performed to validate the effectiveness of the derived theoretical results.
Total colorings of circulant graphs
Authors: Geetha J. , Somasundaram K. , Fu Hung-Lin
Published: November 2020

The total chromatic number [Formula: see text] is the least number of colors needed to color the vertices and edges of a graph [Formula: see text] such that no incident or adjacent elements (vertices or edges) receive the same color. Behzad and Vizing proposed a well-known total coloring conjecture (TCC): [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the maximum degree of [Formula: see text]. For the powers of cycles, Campos and de Mello proposed the following conjecture: Let [Formula: see text] denote the graphs of powers of cycles of order [Formula: see text] and length [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. Then, [Formula: see text] In this paper, we prove the Campos and de Mello’s conjecture for some classes of powers of cycles. Also, we prove the TCC for complement of powers of cycles.
Prediction of diabetes and hypertension using multi-layer perceptron neural networks
Authors: Bani-Salameh Hani , Alkhatib Shadi M. , Abdalla Moawyiah , Al-Hami Mo’taz , Banat Ruaa , Zyod Hala , Alkhatib Ahed J.
Published: November 2020

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are two of the commonest diseases in the world. As they unfavorably affect people of different age groups, they have become a cause of concern and must be predicted and diagnosed well in advance.

Objective: This research aims to determine the effectiveness of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in predicting diabetes and blood pressure diseases and to point out the factors which have a high impact on these diseases.

Sample: This work used two online datasets which consist of data collected from 768 individuals. We applied neural network algorithms to predict if the individuals have those two diseases based on some factors. Diabetes prediction is based on five factors: age, weight, fat-ratio, glucose, and insulin, while blood pressure prediction is based on six factors: age, weight, fat-ratio, blood pressure, alcohol, and smoking.

Method: A model based on the Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP) was implemented. The inputs of the network were the factors for each disease, while the output was the prediction of the disease’s occurrence. The model performance was compared with other classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). We used performance metrics measures to assess the accuracy and performance of MLP. Also, a tool was implemented to help diagnose the diseases and to understand the results.

Result: The model predicted the two diseases with correct classification rate (CCR) of 77.6% for diabetes and 68.7% for hypertension. The results indicate that MLP correctly predicts the probability of being diseased or not, and the performance can be significantly increased compared with both SVM and KNN. This shows MLPs effectiveness in early disease prediction.
Do Women Directors Improve Firm Performance and Risk in India?
Authors: El-Khatib Rwan , Joy Nishi
Published: November 2020

We examine board diversity in India following a 2013 law requiring all public companies to have at least one female board member. Our results indicate that having women on the board of directors improves firm performance and reduces firm bankruptcy risk. Using data on directors’ backgrounds and social connections, we find that important factors include female directors’ independence, social network size, committee memberships, and graduate education. Our results hold after addressing endogeneity using instrumental variable (IV) and difference-in-differences (DID) approaches.
Prediction of the Half Metallicity in Ferromagnetic Germanium Telluride (GeTe) Doped with Titanium
Authors: Abdelli Zeyneb , Meddour Athmane , Bourouis Chahrazed
Published: November 2020

This research work studies the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Ge[Formula: see text]TixTe (for [Formula: see text], 0.50, 0.75, 1) compounds in rock-salt structure based on first-principles spin-polarized density functional theory. As it is implemented in WIEN2k code, the full-potential augmented plane-wave method was used in the investigation. To evaluate the structural properties of compounds, the exchange-correlation term is estimated using PBE-GGA approximation. For the other properties such as the electronic structures, densities of states and local moments, the generalized gradient approximation PBE-[Formula: see text] is used. The analysis of spin-polarized density of states has shown the half-metallic ferromagnetic character when [Formula: see text] and 0.75; while at [Formula: see text], we obtained near half-metallic behavior. In order to validate the effects resulting from exchange splitting process, we calculated the exchange constants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For Ti atomics sites, the value of total magnetic moment has been estimated equal to [Formula: see text] in all studied compounds. We have found that the local magnetic moment of Ti is reduced and small local magnetic moments on nonmagnetic atomics sites of Ge and Te were created by the p-d hybridization effect.
Beyond the portal
Authors: Thakkar Divy , Kumar Neha , Sambasivan Nithya
Published: November 2020

This is a forum for perspectives on designing for marginalized communities worldwide. Articles will discuss design methods, theoretical/conceptual contributions, and participatory interventions with underserved communities.
--- Nithya Sambasivan, Editor
Designing AI systems that make organizational knowledge actionable
Authors: Wilkins Denise , Lindley Siân , Meijer Max , Banks Richard , Burlin Britta
Published: November 2020

This forum provides a space to engage with the challenges of designing for intelligent algorithmic experiences. We invite articles that tackle the tensions between research and practice when integrating AI and UX design. We welcome interdisciplinary debate, artful critique, forward-looking research, case studies of AI in practice, and speculative design explorations.
--- Juho Kim and Henriette Cramer, Editors
Novel Information Discovery and Collaborative Filtering to Support Group Creativity
Authors: Jenkin Tracy A. , Skillicorn David B. , Chan Yolande E.
Published: November 2020

Teams that innovate encounter challenges in divergent and convergent thinking processes related to the need to: 1) leverage diverse internal and external knowledge, and 2) produce something that is both novel and valuable. Integrating the extant literature, we describe these challenges and propose a new approach to solving issues related to divergent and convergent thinking in groups in an innovation context. Specifically, we design group processes to support divergent and convergent thinking, including the use of several information technology (IT) tools to support them: 1) a novel-information discovery tool to foster computer-supported divergent thinking and sensemaking, and 2) a collaborative-filtering tool to foster computer-supported convergent thinking and sensegiving. Findings indicate that the novel-information discovery tool increases efficiency and effectiveness in the divergent thinking process and that the collaborative-filtering tool supports convergent thinking by focusing the group's attention on ideas that might otherwise be neglected. Combining these two IT tools with group processes for divergent and convergent thinking has important implications for both research and practice.
The Philosopher's Corner
Authors: Alter Steven
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the idea of knowledge object as the basis of a new way to think about knowledge in IS. An imagined 'epistemology for use' defines science in terms of creating and improving collections of knowledge objects. A taxonomy of knowledge objects identifies different types, but recognizes that terms such as theory and model are sometimes seen as overlapping with other terms in the taxonomy. Major parts of the taxonomy are discussed in separate sections related to non-abstract versus abstract knowledge objects, concepts, generalizations, methods and practices, and buzzwords. A discussion section looks at aspects of a deep understanding of any specific knowledge object, starting with the definition and including domain, synonyms, value-in-use, history, source, degree of abstraction, and degree of specificity. A brief concluding section suggests next steps for further development of the paper's ideas.
Implications of Aqueous Processing for High Energy Density Cathode Materials: Part II. Water-Induced Surface Species on LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2
Authors: Hofmann Michael , Kapuschinski Martina , Guntow Uwe , Giffin Guinevere A.
Published: November 2020

Aqueous electrode manufacturing of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials poses a significant challenge due to their high water sensitivity. LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2(NCA) has been shown to be particularly sensitive not only to water during processing, but also ambient air. In an effort to further clarify the processes that occur when NCA is in contact with water, the active material was investigated after different durations of water exposure. The results show that a differentiation has to been made between the surface impurities already present on NCA in the pristine state, water-induced surface species and water-induced leached species. The results demonstrate that the water-induced surface species can be mainly attributed to chemisorbed CO2, nickel carbonate and NiOOH-like species but also smaller amounts of newly-formed aluminum and cobalt compounds. The water-induced leached species were assigned to lithium and aluminum-containing species. Water-induced surface species lead to a severe deterioration of the cells due to the resistive nature of these moieties and their involvement in side reactions during cycling. It is essential to find ways to suppress the formation of these species for the successful implementation of aqueous processing for NCA and likely nickel-rich cathode materials in general.
High Charge and Discharge Rate Limitations in Ordered Macroporous Li-ion Battery Materials
Authors: O’Hanlon Sally , McNulty David , Tian Ruiyuan , Coleman Jonathan , O’Dwyer Colm
Published: November 2020

Adding porosity to battery electrodes is sometimes useful for accommodating volumetric expansion, electrolyte access to active materials, or mitigating poor high-rate performance for thicker electrodes. Ordered macroporous electrode such as inverse opals, are a good model system: binder and conductive additive-free, interconnected electrically, have defined porosity consistent with thickness, good electrolyte wettability and surprisingly good behavior in half-cells and some Li-battery cells at normal rates. We show that at high charge and discharge rates, charge storage in macroporous electrode materials can be completely supressed, and then entirely recovered at low rates. Using a model system of inverse opal V2O5 in a flooded Li-battery three-electrode cell electrodes store almost no charge at rates >10 C, but capacity completely recovers when the rate is reduced to <1 C. We show how the IO material is modified under lithiation using X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering and electron microscopy. Chronoamperometric measurements together with a model to fit rate-dependent capacity decay suggests a dependence on the intrinsic out-of-plane conductivity of the electrode. The data show that electrodes with nanoscale dimensions and macroscale porosity are fundamentally limited for high-rate performance if the intrinsic electronic conductivity is poor, even when fully soaked with electrolyte.
Estetrol prevents Western diet–induced obesity and atheroma independently of hepatic estrogen receptor α
Authors: Buscato Mélissa , Davezac Morgane , Zahreddine Rana , Adlanmerini Marine , Métivier Raphaël , Fillet Marianne , Cobraiville Gael , Moro Cedric , Foidart Jean-Michel , Lenfant Françoise , Gourdy Pierre , Arnal Jean-François , Fontaine Coralie
Published: November 2020

Estetrol prevents obesity, steatosis, and atherosclerosis in mice fed a Western diet. Hepatic ERα is necessary for the prevention of steatosis, but not of obesity and atherosclerosis
Silencing of the lncRNA TUG1 attenuates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells by sponging miR-141-3p via regulating β-catenin
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhao Chengguang , Hou Ling , Wu Yubin
Published: November 2020

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The lncRNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 ( TUG1) participates in EMT in several cancers; however, the effect and underlying mechanism of TUG1 in RIF-related EMT remain unclear. Here, we explored the mechanisms by which TUG1 modulates RIF. An in vivo model of renal fibrosis was established by unilateral ureteral obstruction in Balb/c mice. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were used to induce the in vitro model. Morphological changes and TUG1 expression were assessed. HK-2 cells were transfected with siRNA to silence TUG1. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, cell proliferation, and migration assays were performed to examine TGF-β1-induced changes in EMT markers and EMT-like cell behaviors. TUG1 and β-catenin ( CTNNB1) levels were significantly upregulated, whereas miR-141-3p was significantly downregulated, during EMT in vitro and in vivo. TUG1 knockdown or miR-141-3p overexpression supported the epithelioid morphology of HK-2 cells while enhancing the downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and β-catenin levels in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. TUG1 knockdown promoted the proliferation and decreased the migration of HK-2 cells and enhanced the downregulation of miR-141-3p levels in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. TUG1 directly targeted miR-141-3p, and miR-141-3p was directly bound to CTNNB1. Downregulation of miR-141-3p inhibited TUG1 silencing-induced suppression of EMT. In conclusion, TUG1 promotes EMT in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells via upregulation of β-catenin levels by sponging miR-141-3p, suggesting a novel therapeutic candidate for RIF.
A uropathogenic E. coli UTI89 model of prostatic inflammation and collagen accumulation for use in studying aberrant collagen production in the prostate
Authors: Ruetten Hannah , Sandhu Jaskiran , Mueller Brett , Wang Peiqing , Zhang Helen L. , Wegner Kyle A. , Cadena Mark , Sandhu Simran , L. Abler Lisa , Zhu Jonathan , O’Driscoll Chelsea A. , Chelgren Britta , Wang Zunyi , Shen Tian , Barasch Jonathan , Bjorling Dale E. , Vezina Chad M.
Published: November 2020

Bacterial infection is one known etiology of prostatic inflammation. Prostatic inflammation is associated with prostatic collagen accumulation and both are linked to progressive lower urinary tract symptoms in men. We characterized a model of prostatic inflammation using transurethral instillations of Escherichia coli UTI89 in C57BL/6J male mice with the goal of determining the optimal instillation conditions, understanding the impact of instillation conditions on urinary physiology, and identifying ideal prostatic lobes and collagen 1a1 prostatic cell types for further analysis. The smallest instillation volume tested (50 µL) distributed exclusively to the bladder, 100- and 200-µL volumes distributed to the bladder and prostate, and a 500-µL volume distributed to the bladder, prostate, and ureter. A threshold optical density of 0.4 E. coli UTI89 in the instillation fluid was necessary for significant ( P < 0.05) prostate colonization. E. coli UTI89 infection resulted in a low frequency, high volume spontaneous voiding pattern. This phenotype was due to exposure to E. coli UTI89, not catheterization alone, and was minimally altered by a 50-µL increase in instillation volume and doubling of E. coli concentration. Prostate inflammation was isolated to the dorsal prostate and was accompanied by increased collagen density. This was partnered with increased density of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C+, procollagen type I-α1+ copositive cells and decreased density of α2-smooth muscle actin+, procollagen type I-α1+ copositive cells. Overall, we determined that this model is effective in altering urinary phenotype and producing prostatic inflammation and collagen accumulation in mice.
Bacteria on Medical Professionals’ White Coats in a University Hospital
Authors: Mishra Shyam Kumar , Maharjan Sabindra , Yadav Santosh Kumar , Sah Niranjan Prasad , Sharma Sangita , Parajuli Keshab , Sherchand Jeevan Bahadur
Published: November 2020

The transient contamination of medical professional’s attires including white coats is one of the major vehicles for the horizontal transmission of microorganisms in the hospital environment. This study was carried out to determine the degree of contamination by bacterial agents on the white coats in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Sterilized uniforms with fabric patches of 10 cm × 15 cm size attached to the right and left pockets were distributed to 12 nurses of six different wards of a teaching hospital at the beginning of their work shift. Worn coats were collected at the end of the shifts and the patches were subjected for total bacterial count and identification of selected bacterial pathogens, as prioritized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Fifty percent of the sampled swatches were found to be contaminated by pathogenic bacteria. The average colony growth per square inch of the patch was 524 and 857 during first and second workdays, respectively, indicating an increase of 63.6% in colony counts. The pathogens detected on patches were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter sp. Additional bacteria identified included Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). The nurses working in the maternity department had their white coats highly contaminated with bacteria. On the other hand, the least bacterial contamination was recorded from the nurses of the surgery ward. One S. aureus isolate from the maternity ward was resistant to methicillin. This study showed that pathogens belonging to the WHO list of critical priority and high priority have been isolated from white coats of nurses, thus posing the risk of transmission to patients. White coats must be worn, maintained, and washed properly to reduce bacterial contamination load and to prevent cross-contamination of potential superbugs. The practice of wearing white coats outside the healthcare zone should be strictly discouraged.
High Prevalence of Poststroke Depression in Ischemic Stroke Patients in Ethiopia
Authors: Tsehayneh Fikru , Tafesse Abenet
Published: November 2020

Background. There is limited information and research carried out regarding the prevalence of poststroke depression (PSD) in the study area. Psychiatric disorders complicate a significant proportion of patients suffering from stroke. This of course have a great negative impact on our knowledge about poststroke depression in Ethiopia, and poststroke depression complicates a significant number of stroke patients and their rehabilitation. Methods. A cross-sectional study on all patients aged above 18 years and diagnosed with stroke in the past two years who attended the neurology follow-up clinics of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and Zewditu Memorial Hospital (ZMH) was done by using a structured questionnaire containing Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression screening tool. Result. Of 84 patients who were eligible for the study, 32.2% of patients have depressive symptoms. Women (OR 0.001, 95% CI 0.12–0.87) and aphasic patients (OR 0.034, 95% CI 0.19–1.27) were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Conclusion. Depressive symptoms after stroke are common in Ethiopian patients. Our study demonstrates female and aphasic patients are more likely to screen positive for PSD. Hence, screening all poststroke patients with different screening tools is practical, and further studies are needed to assess the validity of these screening tools and also to assess PSD as a predictor of stroke outcome.
Preparation of Graphene-Modified Anticorrosion Coating and Study on Its Corrosion Resistance Mechanism
Authors: Wang Peng , Cai Dayong
Published: November 2020

When aluminum alloy is present in a Cl−-rich environment, the surface oxide film is easily damaged, resulting in faster dissolution of the substrate. The application of graphene-modified anticorrosion coating can effectively prevent the occurrence of corrosion. In this study, to explore the corrosion resistance of graphene-modified anticorrosion coating on the surface of aluminum alloy, we prepared graphene-modified anticorrosion coating on the surface of aluminum alloy and investigated the corrosion resistance mechanism. Epoxy resin primer and polyurethane top coat were modified by predispersed reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectrum were used to investigate the microstructure of graphene-modified anticorrosion coating, and it was found that the addition of rGO could effectively improve the porosity defect of epoxy resin primer. Electrochemical workstation was used to quickly characterize the corrosion resistance of graphene-modified anticorrosion coating, and the change of the electrochemical curve during soaking in 3.5% NaCl was investigated every 5 hours. It was found that the application of rGO to modify the anticorrosion coating could improve the corrosion resistance of the anticorrosion coating, and as the soaking time increased, the corrosion resistance of graphene-modified anticorrosion coating changed regularly. The study results indicated that when the content of rGO was 0.4%, the porosity of epoxy coating decreased from 1.54% to 0.33%, the porosity dropped by an order of magnitude, and the self-corrosion voltage was relatively positive (-0.72434 V). The self-corrosion current density was the lowest (

1.948
×

10

−
6

 
A
/
c

m

2

), and at the low frequency, the impedance modulus was the highest (103). After the equivalent circuit fitting, the dispersion index was relatively high, the dispersion effect was relatively weak, and the corrosion resistance of the coating was improved. For graphene-modified anticorrosion coating, in the early stage of corrosion protection, the existence of pores and other defects in the coating might increase the dispersion effect, resulting in greatly decreased corrosion resistance of the coating. In the middle stage of corrosion protection, the pores in the coating would be completely filled by corrosive ions, resulting in a weakened dispersion effect. Therefore, the decrease in the corrosion resistance of the coating was slowed down and became stable.
Managing Uncertainty in Geological Scenarios Using Machine Learning-Based Classification Model on Production Data
Authors: Kang Byeongcheol , Lee Kyungbook
Published: November 2020

Training image (TI) has a great influence on reservoir modeling as a spatial correlation in the multipoint geostatistics. Unlike the variogram of the two-point geostatistics that is mathematically defined, there is a high degree of geological uncertainty to determine a proper TI. The goal of this study is to develop a classification model for determining the proper geological scenario among plausible TIs by using machine learning methods: (a) support vector machine (SVM), (b) artificial neural network (ANN), and (c) convolutional neural network (CNN). After simulated production data are used to train the classification model, the most possible TI can be selected when the observed production responses are put into the trained model. This study, as far as we know, is the first application of CNN in which production history data are composed as a matrix form for use as an input image. The training data are set to cover various production trends to make the machine learning models more reliable. Therefore, a total of 800 channelized reservoirs were generated from four TIs, which have different channel directions to consider geological uncertainty. We divided them into training, validation, and test sets of 576, 144, and 80, respectively. The input layer comprised 800 production data, i.e., oil production rates and water cuts for eight production wells over 50 time steps, and the output layer consisted of a probability vector for each TI. The SVM and CNN models reasonably reduced the uncertainty in modeling the facies distribution based on the reliable probability for each TI. Even though the ANN and CNN had roughly the same number of parameters, the CNN outperformed the ANN in terms of both validation and test sets. The CNN successfully classified the reference model’s TI with about 95% probability. This is because the CNN can grasp the overall trend of production history. The probabilities of TI from the SVM and CNN were applied to regenerate more reliable reservoir models using the concept of TI rejection and reduced the uncertainty in the geological scenario successfully.
Layout Optimization of Campus Bike-Sharing Parking Spots
Authors: Guo Tangyi , Yang Jie , He Liu , Tang Kun
Published: November 2020

The rapid development of bike sharing has posed some challenges to the traffic management on campus. The bike sharing on campus has problems such as messy parking, and some buildings in the peak hours have no bikes to borrow. Thus, alternative parking spots are proposed based on the layout principle of parking spots for bicycles. An optimization model of the layout of campus bike-sharing parking spots with travel time and construction cost as the optimization goal is established, and the branch and bound algorithm is used to solve the model. Finally, the study analysis is carried out by optimizing the layout of the bike-sharing parking spot of Nanjing University of Science and Technology. The results show that, after optimizing the layout of parking spots, the average travel time of users is reduced by 6.0%, and the total construction cost is reduced by 27.3%. While being convenient for campus bike-sharing users, it also provides scientific decision-making support for the campus traffic management.
Efficient Encryption System for Numerical Image Safe Transmission
Authors: Gafsi Mohamed , Hajjaji Mohamed Ali , Malek Jihene , Mtibaa Abdellatif
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose an efficient cryptosystem for digital image encryption and authentication. The cryptosystem is a hybrid scheme that uses symmetric and asymmetric approaches. The first one is used to encrypt the host image by utilizing a chaos-based key generator. The second one is used to encrypt the initial secret key and the owner’s signature that permit authentication. The algorithm is evaluated and validated by its application on several types of standard images and tools such as the statistical analysis, the key, and the performance analysis. The results indicate that the proposed cryptosystem provides high performance and enhanced security. The NIST 800-22 is used for testing the pseudorandom numbers generation (PRNG). The obtained simulation results are better than those cited in the recent works in terms of execution time and security level and low computational complexity.
The Influence of Saliva pH on the Fracture Resistance of Three Complete Denture Base Acrylic Resins
Authors: Sá Juliana de , Vieira Francisca , Aroso Carlos Manuel , Cardoso Mónica , Mendes José Manuel , Silva António Sérgio
Published: November 2020

Aim and Background. The absorption of fluids by denture base materials diminishes the mechanical properties such as hardness, strength, and fatigue limit due to the plasticizing effect of water. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of oral pH on the fracture resistance of prosthetic bases made of three different heat-polymerizable acrylic resin brands: RS Vertex®, Triplex Hot®, and Megacryl®. The strength needed to fracture the resins and the resistance to fracture each resin were evaluated. Methods. Ten prosthesis bases prepared with each brand of resin were subjected to neutral and low pH conditions (pH 7 and pH 4) by submerging them in artificial saliva for 30 days. After exposure, the fatigue resistance of the resins was tested using a Dental CS® Testing Machine. Statistical Analysis Test. The data sets were described quantitatively in terms of mean (M) and standard deviation (SD). Shapiro–Wilk tests and unilateral analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed and complemented by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. The effect size (η2), whose cohort points followed Cohen’s recommendations: 0.01 (low), 0.06 (medium), and 0.14 (high), was calculated. The results were considered significant if

p
<
0.05

and marginally significant if

p
<
0.10

. Results. One-way ANOVA showed that Megacryl® had the highest fracture resistance at pH 7 (52.23 Kgf), compared with Triplex Hot® (

p
<
0.001

) and RS Vertex® (

p
=
0.034

). Two-way ANOVA confirmed the interaction between brand and pH (

p
=
0.022

), also revealing that brands comparison is significant or marginally significant, when pH is not considered (Megacryl® versus Triplex Hot®,

p
<
0.001

, and RS Vertex®,

p
=
0.058

; Triplex Hot® versus RS Vertex®,

p
=
0.051

), and pH 7 results were significantly higher (

p
=
0.003

), even when brands are not considered. Hence, Megacryl® at pH 7 was found to have the highest fracture resistance, detached from other brands and pH values. Conclusion. It can be concluded within the limitations of this study that there are differences in the fracture resistance among the three brands of acrylic resin. Megacryl® was found to have the highest fracture resistance, and Triplex Hot® was the lowest. The results also show that exposure to a low pH environment decreases the fracture resistance of the Megacryl® and RS Vertex® resins.
Intraperitoneal Oil Application Causes Local Inflammation with Depletion of Resident Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Alsina-Sanchis Elisenda , Mülfarth Ronja , Moll Iris , Mogler Carolin , Rodriguez-Vita Juan , Fischer Andreas
Published: November 2020

Oil is frequently used as a solvent to inject lipophilic substances into the peritoneum of laboratory animals. Although mineral oil causes chronic peritoneal inflammation, little is known whether other oils are better suited. We show that olive, peanut, corn, or mineral oil causes xanthogranulomatous inflammation with depletion of resident peritoneal macrophages. However, there were striking differences in the severity of the inflammatory response. Peanut and mineral oil caused severe chronic inflammation with persistent neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, expansion of the vasculature, and fibrosis. Corn and olive oil provoked no or only mild signs of chronic inflammation. Mechanistically, the vegetal oils were taken up by macrophages leading to foam cell formation and induction of cell death. Olive oil triggered caspase-3 cleavage and apoptosis, which facilitate the resolution of inflammation. Peanut oil and, to a lesser degree, corn oil, triggered caspase-1 activation and macrophage pyroptosis, which impair the resolution of inflammation. As such, intraperitoneal oil administration can interfere with the outcome of subsequent experiments. As a proof of principle, intraperitoneal peanut oil injection was compared with its oral delivery in a thioglycolate-induced peritonitis model. The chronic peritoneal inflammation due to peanut oil injection impeded the proper recruitment of macrophages and the resolution of inflammation in this peritonitis model. In summary, the data indicate that it is advisable to deliver lipophilic substances, like tamoxifen, by oral gavage instead of intraperitoneal injection.

Implications:

This work contributes to the reproducibility of animal research by helping to understand some of the undesired effects observed in animal experiments.
Pembrolizumab-Induced Delayed-Onset Hepatitis
Authors: Kanaoka Kensuke , Moriizumi Kazunori , Okada Hideyasu , Iwahashi Kiyoshi , Tsuji Hiromi , Yasuoka Hironao , Minami Seigo
Published: November 2020

Hepatitis is one of the serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, delayed-onset hepatitis induced by immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is rare, and the histopathological features remain to be clarified. A 65-year-old woman with advanced lung adenocarcinoma in the right upper lobe (cT4N3M1c, c-stage IVB) received four courses of pembrolizumab. Her hepatic and biliary tract enzyme levels started increasing 2 months after the final administration of pembrolizumab, and the elevated levels of these enzymes prolonged. Liver biopsy revealed panlobular infiltration of inflammatory cells, and most of the infiltrating inflammatory cells were lymphocytes; however, there were a small number of neutrophils, eosinophils, and plasma cells. There was no confluent necrosis. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses proved that infiltrating lymphocytes were predominantly CD3-positive (CD3+) and CD8+, and few CD20+ and CD4+ lymphocytes were observed. Based on these findings, she was diagnosed with a case of hepatitis as an irAE. Administration of prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day) as well as the addition of azathioprine failed to suppress the deterioration. However, an increase in the dose of prednisolone (up to 1 mg/kg/day) enabled us to control hepatitis. This case showed that hepatitis can occur even after discontinuation of ICIs, and that liver biopsy may be useful in the diagnosis. Clinicians should not hesitate to perform liver biopsy for confirmation of the diagnosis.
The Role of Dementia as Cause of Death: Certifiers’ Opinions versus Automated Coding
Authors: Harteloh Peter
Published: November 2020

Background: Dementia is a major cause of death in many countries today. The way in which countries code causes of death determines the occurrence of dementia in statistics. The change over from manual to automated coding is accompanied by a 7–19% increase in the occurrence of dementia as the underlying cause of death. Because of this sudden change, researchers, physicians, policy makers, and press question the validity of the outcome of automated coding. Therefore, the role of dementia as a cause of death was investigated. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 700 certifiers who mentioned “dementia” on a death certificate in the second half of 2017. They were asked questions about the role of dementia as a cause of death. For each certificate, the opinion of the certifier was compared with the outcome of automated coding. Results: A response of 65% (n = 446) was obtained. The automated coding system selected dementia as the underlying cause of death 9.5% points (95% CI: 5.8–14.4%) more often than the certifier would do. This finding in the sample corresponded to an overestimation of dementia in the cause-of-death statistics with 22.7% (95% CI: 18–28%). Main reason for this overestimation was the selection of dementia as the underlying cause of death by the automated coding system, while it was noted as the contributory cause of death on part 2 of the death certificate by the certifier. Conclusion: For international comparisons of data on dementia as a cause of death, the outcome of automated coding can be used as the system adheres to international (ICD-10) guidelines and reduces coding variations in and between countries. However, for interpreting the local (national) impact of dementia as a cause of death, the opinion of the certifier should be taken into account.
Hohe Myopie und Innenschielen: ein Update zum Heavy-Eye-Syndrom
Authors: Heede Santa , Linke Stephan Johannes
Published: November 2020

Heavy eye syndrome is an important type of myopia-induced strabismus. We provide an overview of heavy eye syndrome, from its history to its most salient features. The theory of the orbital and rectus muscle pulley system as it relates to heavy eye syndrome and the prevailing theories on the pathophysiology of heavy eye syndrome in the current literature are discussed. We also highlight the presentation of heavy eye syndrome, its typical features on imaging, and differential diagnosis. Finally, we provide an overview on the management of heavy eye syndrome, including a description of several current surgical techniques.
Digitalisierung in der Medizin während der COVID-19-Pandemie – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Teledermatologie
Authors: Lang Estefania , Martin Alice , Frank Jorge
Published: November 2020

Bei Hautkrankheiten handelt es sich initial oft um Blickdiagnosen. Daher bieten sich dermatologische Fragestellungen für telemedizinische Konsultationen an. Die Ergebnisse zahlreicher internationaler Studien weisen darauf hin, dass die Teledermatologie sowohl von den Patienten als auch den Ärzten in zunehmendem Maße angenommen wird. Nach der Lockerung des Verbots der ausschließlichen Fernbehandlung durch den Ärztetag im Jahr 2018 können Ärzte ihre Patienten auch ohne vorherigen persönlichen Erstkontakt ausschließlich telefonisch oder per Internet behandeln. Durch die Zulassung und den Ausbau der telemedizinischen Tätigkeit in verschiedenen deutschen Bundesländern wurde und wird die Teledermatologie insbesondere während der COVID-19-Pandemie erfolgreich eingesetzt.
A Covid-19 Patient with Complement-Mediated Coagulopathy and Severe Thrombosis
Authors: Showers Christopher R. , Nuovo Gerard J. , Lakhanpal Amit , Siegel Caroline H. , Aizer Juliet , Elreda Lauren , Halevi Alexandra , Lai Andrew R. , Erkan Doruk , Magro Cynthia M.
Published: November 2020

We report a patient with severe Covid-19-associated coagulopathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus who tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Analysis of skin specimens suggested direct SARS-CoV-2 viral-induced and complement-mediated vascular injury and thrombosis, consistent with prior reports. Serial aPL testing demonstrated high levels of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) that declined to insignificant levels over a period of 5 weeks. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasopharyngeal swab specimens on serial assays performed over the same 5-week period, though it was not detected thereafter. We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 viral-induced aPL contributed to severe Covid-19-associated coagulopathy in this patient.
Daily Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation in Experimental Hypertensive and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Aibara Yoshiki , Nakashima Ayumu , Kawano Ki-ichiro , Yusoff Farina Mohamad , Mizuki Fumitaka , Kishimoto Shinji , Kajikawa Masato , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Higashi Yukihito
Published: November 2020

The estimated morbidity rate of chronic kidney disease is 8% to 16% worldwide, and many patients with chronic kidney disease eventually develop renal failure. Thus, the development of new therapeutic strategies for preventing renal failure is crucial. In this study, we assessed the effects of daily low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy on experimental hypertensive nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy. Unilateral nephrectomy and subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin II via osmotic mini-pumps were used to induce hypertensive nephropathy in mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that daily LIPUS treatment ameliorated renal fibrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells induced by angiotensin II. A similar therapeutic effect was also observed in mice with angiotensin II-induced hypertensive nephropathy in which splenectomy was performed. In addition, LIPUS treatment significantly decreased systolic blood pressure after 21 days. Subsequently,
db/db
mice with unilateral nephrectomy developed proteinuria; daily LIPUS treatment significantly reduced proteinuria after 42 days. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed that renal fibrosis was significantly ameliorated by LIPUS treatment. Finally, LIPUS stimulation suppressed TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1)-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in HK-2 (human proximal tubular cell line) cells. LIPUS treatment may be a useful therapy for preventing the progression of renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease.
HECT (Homologous to the E6-AP Carboxyl Terminus)-Type Ubiquitin E3 Ligase ITCH Attenuates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Goto Jun , Otaki Yoichiro , Watanabe Tetsu , Kobayashi Yuta , Aono Tomonori , Watanabe Ken , Wanezaki Masahiro , Kutsuzawa Daisuke , Kato Shigehiko , Tamura Harutoshi , Nishiyama Satoshi , Arimoto Takanori , Takahashi Hiroki , Shishido Tetsuro , Watanabe Masafumi
Published: November 2020

The HECT (homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl terminus)-type ubiquitin E3 ligase ITCH is an enzyme that plays an important role in ubiquitin-proteasomal protein degradation. Disheveled proteins (Dvl1 [disheveled protein 1], Dvl2, and Dvl3) are the main components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is involved in cardiac hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to examine the role of ITCH during development of cardiac hypertrophy. Thoracic transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was performed in transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of ITCH (ITCH-Tg) and wild-type mice. Cardiac hypertrophy after TAC was attenuated in ITCH-Tg mice, and the survival rate was higher for ITCH-Tg mice than for wild-type mice. Protein interaction between ITCH and Dvls was confirmed with immunoprecipitation in vivo and in vitro. Expression of key molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (Dvl1, Dvl2, GSK3β [glycogen synthase kinase 3β], and β-catenin) was inhibited in ITCH-Tg mice compared with wild-type mice. Notably, the ubiquitination level of Dvl proteins increased in ITCH-Tg mice. Protein and mRNA expression levels of ITCH increased in response to Wnt3a stimulation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Knockdown of ITCH using small-interfering RNA increased cardiomyocyte size and augmented protein expression levels of Dvl proteins, phospho-GSK3β, and β-catenin after Wnt3a stimulation in cardiomyocytes. Conversely, overexpression of ITCH attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and decreased protein expression levels of Dvl proteins, phospho-GSK3β and β-catenin. In conclusion, ITCH targets Dvl proteins for ubiquitin-proteasome degradation in cardiomyocytes and attenuates cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Novel Blood Cytokine‐Based Model for Predicting Severe Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Chen Zhongli , Chen Liang , Yao Guangyu , Yang Wenbo , Yang Ke , Xiong Chenglong
Published: November 2020

Background

Alterations in serum creatinine levels delay the identification of severe cardiac surgery‐associated acute kidney injury. To provide timely diagnosis, novel predictive tools should be investigated.

Methods and Results

This prospective observational study consists of a screening cohort (n=204) and a validation cohort (n=198) from 2 centers from our hospital. Thirty‐two inflammatory cytokines were measured via a multiplex cytokine assay. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was conducted to select the cytokine signatures of severe cardiac surgery‐associated acute kidney injury. Afterwards, the significant candidates including interferon‐γ, interleukin‐16, and MIP‐1α (macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha) were integrated into the logistic regression model to construct a predictive model. The predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated in these 2 cohorts. The cytokine‐based model yielded decent performance in both the screening (C‐statistic: 0.87, Brier 0.10) and validation cohorts (C‐statistic: 0.86, Brier 0.11). Decision curve analysis revealed that the cytokine‐based model had a superior net benefit over both the clinical factor‐based model and the established plasma biomarker‐based model for predicting severe acute kidney injury. In addition, elevated concentrations of each cytokine were associated with longer mechanical ventilation times, intensive care unit stays, and hospital stays. They strongly predicted the risk of composite events (defined as treatment with renal replacement therapy and/or in‐hospital death) (OR of the fourth versus the first quartile [95% CI]: interferon‐γ, 27.78 [3.61–213.84], interleukin‐16, 38.07 [4.98–291.07], and MIP‐1α, 9.13 [2.84–29.33]).

Conclusions

Our study developed and validated a promising blood cytokine‐based model for predicting severe acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery and identified prognostic biomarkers for assisting in outcome risk stratification.