bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State Estimation of a Robotic Vehicle With Six In-Wheel Drives Using Kalman Filter
Authors: Ali Hussein F. M. , Oh Se-Woong , Kim Youngshik
Published: September 2020

This paper describes an estimation algorithm for a robotic vehicle with articulated suspension (RVAS) to estimate the vehicle velocity and acceleration states, and the tire forces. The RVAS is an unmanned ground vehicle based on a skid steering using an independent in-wheel motor at each wheel. The estimation algorithm consists of five parts. In the first part, a wheel state estimator estimates the wheel rotational speed and its angular acceleration using Kalman filter, which is used to estimate the longitudinal tire force distribution in the second part. The third part is to estimate respective longitudinal, lateral, and vertical speeds of the vehicle and wheels. Based on these speeds, the slip ratio and slip angle are estimated in the fourth part. In the fifth part, the vertical tire force is then estimated. For a simulation test environment, the RVAS dynamic model is developed using Matlab and Simulink. The RVAS model consists of five main parts which include in-wheel motor model, wheel dynamic model, Fiala tire model, arm dynamic model, and the sprung mass dynamic model. The estimation algorithm is then validated using the vehicle test data and different test scenarios. It is found from simulation results that the proposed estimation algorithm can estimate the vehicle states, longitudinal tire forces, and vertical tire forces efficiently.
A Low Power Smart Security Surveillance System for Vehicles
Authors: Xiong Shaomin , Hirano Toshiki , Jones Neale
Published: September 2020

Vehicle break-ins have reached an epidemic level in recent years in some urban areas. This criminal activity which typically involves breaking vehicle windows and stealing personal properties inside the vehicle only takes a few seconds to complete. However, it can cause a significant property loss and identity theft. In this paper, a parking mode security surveillance system that deters and records the vehicle break-ins is proposed. This system takes advantage of state of the art of internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, making it perform more proactively than traditional shock sensor-based or motion detection-based vehicle security alarm. A low-cost and low-power consumptive RISC-V system which contains basic video/audio signal neural network processing units can serve well in this application.
Sound transmission through annular cylindrical apertures using rapidly converging expansion series
Authors: Rdzanek Wojciech P. , Szemela Krzysztof , Ligezka Pawel
Published: September 2020

The problem of sound transmission through an annular aperture with perfectly rigid walls and located in a hard infinite baffle was solved analytically. The three separated regions with suitable boundary conditions were considered. There are two regions for the upper and the lower half spaces and one for the aperture. The solutions to the Helmholtz equation in each region and the continuity conditions were satisfied. The rigorous formulations describing the acoustic pressure and the transmitted and scattered acoustic powers were obtained. The obtained solutions resulted in the derivation of the modal coupling coefficients in the form of infinite integrals. The spectral mapping technique based on the Zernike circle polynomials was adopted for the annular geometry. The modal coupling impedances were presented in the form of a rapidly convergent expansion series. Finally, high accuracy and time efficiency were achieved. The problem of sound scattering and transmission through a circular aperture could be generalized for the annular aperture.
Tissue-specific genetic features inform prediction of drug side effects in clinical trials
Authors: Duffy Áine , Verbanck Marie , Dobbyn Amanda , Won Hong-Hee , Rein Joshua L. , Forrest Iain S. , Nadkarni Girish , Rocheleau Ghislain , Do Ron
Published: September 2020

Tissue-specific genetic features in multiple tissues can inform prediction of drug side effects in clinical trials.
Census experts fear rush to finish tally will yield flawed data
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

Mounting fears of massive U.S. undercount spur push for independent oversight, more time to complete 2020 count.
Massive project reveals complexity of gene regulation
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Data from tissues around the body boost search for genetic basis of disease.
Listen up
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: September 2020

Flush with money and a hard-won respectability, alien hunters are deploying new telescopes and tactics.
The custom transcriptome
Authors: Zahn Laura M.
Published: September 2020

Unraveling tissue-specific genomics
Systemic equity in education
Authors: Barabino Gilda A.
Published: September 2020

Too often in higher education, the legacy of laws, policies, and practices that have systematically denied educational opportunities to Blacks is ignored, thereby perpetuating racial inequities. In the United States, higher education is a key route to career success and upward socioeconomic mobility. Unfortunately, this path is increasingly becoming most accessible to privileged communities. As the new president of Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, and as a woman of color, I am in a position to help unburden higher education from systemic racism and promote positive change that extends beyond academic boundaries.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamic Target Assessment of Antofloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus in a Neutropenic Murine Pneumonia Model
Authors: Zhou Yu-Feng , Liu Ping , Dai Shu-He , Sun Jian , Liu Ya-Hong , Liao Xiao-Ping
Published: September 2020

We determined
in vivo
efficacy and target PK/PD exposures of antofloxacin against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and
Staphylococcus aureus
in the murine pneumonia model. The mean plasma free drug area under the concentration-time curve/MIC (
f
AUC/MIC) targets associated with stasis and 1-log
10
and 2-log
10
kill effects were 8.93, 19.2, and 48.1, respectively, for
S. pneumoniae
, whereas they were 30.
Ethanol in Combination with Oxidative Stress Significantly Impacts Mycobacterial Physiology
Authors: Patel Yesha , Rai Deepika , Das Kishore , Dhandayuthapani Subramanian , Mehra Sarika
Published: September 2020

Bacterial response to a combination of stresses can be unexpected and very different compared with that of an individual stress treatment. This study explores the physiological and transcriptional response of mycobacteria in response to the combinatorial treatment of an oxidant with the commonly used solvent ethanol. The presence of a subinhibitory concentration of organic peroxide increases the effectiveness of ethanol by inducing reactive peroxides that destroy the membrane integrity of cells in a significantly short time span. Our work elucidates a mechanism of targeting the complex mycobacterial membrane, which is its primary source of intrinsic resistance. Furthermore, it also demonstrates the importance of exploring the effect of various stress conditions on inducing bacterial clearance.
Lobe of sound: prosthetic rehabilitation of partial auriculectomy defect
Authors: Sebastian Ashmi , Patil Sanjayagouda B , Sundararajan Anantha N , Ganiger Lakkappa S
Published: September 2020

Loss of facial organs in an individual may be due to congenital anomalies or acquired causes. The missing parts of the face like ear, eyes and nose are considered as maxillofacial defects that can be rehabilitated by a prosthesis and/or cosmetic surgeries. This frontier of science has developed into a more reliable and predictable process due to the ever-increasing development of materials and equipments used in this procedure. The fabrication of an ear prosthesis is considered by many prosthetists to be one of the most difficult replacements in maxillofacial reconstruction. The severe undercuts and pronounced convolutions of the ear present a challenge in simulating a naturally proportioned prosthesis. Proper assessment of the disfigured facial organs and a feasible approach to rehabilitating them has for long been the target of clinical maxillofacial prosthodontics. This report describes a simple and engrossing technique to rehabilitate a patient with a partial auricular defect in the most aesthetic and economical manner using medical-grade room temperature vulcanising silicone.
Near-fatal negative pressure pulmonary oedema successfully treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation performed in the hybrid emergency room
Authors: Matsumura Kazuki , Toyoda Yukitoshi , Matsumoto Shokei , Funabiki Tomohiro
Published: September 2020

We report a rare case of negative pressure pulmonary oedema (NPPE), a life-threatening complication of tracheal intubation. A 41-year-old obese man was admitted to a previous hospital for neck surgery. After extubation, he developed respiratory distress followed by haemoptysis and desaturation. The patient was reintubated and brought to our hospital where we introduced venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to prevent cardiac arrest, which is an unusual clinical course for NPPE. He returned to his routine without any sequelae. This is the first case report of NPPE successfully resolved with venovenous ECMO in the hybrid emergency room (hybrid ER), which is a resuscitation room equipped with interventional radiology features and a sliding CT scanner. Since the hybrid ER serves as a single move for patients where all necessary procedures are performed, it has the potential to lower the incidence of cannulation complications, beyond the delay in ECMO initiation.
Successful IVF outcome after repeat laparoscopic ovarian drilling in a case of resistant PCOS
Authors: Mahey Reeta , Gupta Monica , Bansiwal Reeta , Sethi Ankita
Published: September 2020

Ovulation induction (OVI) is the first-line treatment option for infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We report a case of resistant PCOS who responded to OVI after laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) but suffered miscarriages in first trimester on three occasions, had late-onset moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in one cycle and recurrent anovulation. She underwent one in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle but it resulted in poor oocyte yield (four oocytes) and failed conception. Second LOD followed by IVF resulted in successful outcome in terms of good oocyte yield and successful live birth as well as supernumerary embryos frozen for future use. Repeat LOD may be considered in selected PCOS patients who fail to have successful pregnancy outcome despite multiple OVI cycles, have chronic anovulation, persistently raised serum antimullerian hormone and luteinising hormone, history of OHSS during OVI and prior poor response in IVF cycle.
Angioedema, ACE inhibitor and COVID-19
Authors: Grewal Ekjot , Sutarjono Bayu , Mohammed Ibbad
Published: September 2020

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, binds to the ACE2 receptors. ACE2 is thought to counterbalance ACE in the renin-angiotensin system. While presently it is advised that patients should continue to use ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, questions still remain as to whether adverse effects are potentiated by the virus. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old man, unknowingly with COVID-19, who presented to the emergency department with tongue swelling, shortness of breath and difficulty in speaking following 4 months taking benazepril, an ACE inhibitor. Finally, we also describe possible pathways that exist for SARS-CoV-2 to interact with the mechanism behind angioedema.
Decrease in Choroidal Vascularity Index of Haller’s layer in diabetic eyes precedes retinopathy
Authors: Foo Valencia Hui Xian , Gupta Preeti , Nguyen Quang Duc , Chong Crystal Chun Yuen , Agrawal Rupesh , Cheng Ching-Yu , Yanagi Yasuo
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The study aimed to evaluate Choroidal Vascularity Index (CVI) of Haller’s and Sattler’s layers and their relationships with choroidal and retinal thickness, volumes measured on enhanced depth imaging–optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in the eyes of patients without diabetes, patients with diabetes with no diabetic retinopathy (DR) and patients with diabetes and DR.

Research design and methods

Retrospective analysis of 165 eyes from 84 Singapore Indian Eye Study-2 study participants (group 1: no diabetes, group 2: diabetes with no DR and group 3: with DR). Groups 1 and 2 were matched by age and gender from group 3.

Results

In the eyes of patients with diabetes without DR, the macular CVI of Haller’s but not Sattler’s layer was significantly reduced compared with eyes of patients without diabetes. Eyes with >5 years of diabetes have significantly decreased CVI of Sattler’s layers (mean difference=0.06 ± 0.10, p=0.04) and also decreased subfoveal choroidal volume (mean difference=0.89 ± 0.16 mm3, p=0.02), compared with those with ≤5 years of diabetes.

Conclusion

Diabetic eyes without DR had significantly lower CVI of macular Haller’s layer than those of healthy controls. With a longer duration of diabetes, CVI of subfoveal Sattler’s layer and choroidal volume continue to decrease, irrespective of diabetic control, suggesting that early diabetic choroidopathy mainly affects larger choroidal veins initially before medium-sized arterioles. The CVI of macular Haller’s layer could potentially be used as a marker on spectral domain OCT imaging in newly diagnosed patients with diabetes for the onset of DR and as a possible prognostication tool in diabetic eyes. Future prospective longitudinal studies in diabetic eyes would be useful in establishing the relationship between CVIs of Haller’s and Sattler’s layer with visual acuity as a marker of photoreceptor health and visual prognosis.
The cost-effectiveness of hypertension management in low-income and middle-income countries: a review
Authors: Kostova Deliana , Spencer Garrison , Moran Andrew E , Cobb Laura K , Husain Muhammad Jami , Datta Biplab Kumar , Matsushita Kunihiro , Nugent Rachel
Published: September 2020

Hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is largely undiagnosed and uncontrolled, representing an untapped opportunity for public health improvement. Implementation of hypertension control strategies in low-resource settings depends in large part on cost considerations. However, evidence on the cost-effectiveness of hypertension interventions in LMICs is varied across geographical, clinical and evaluation contexts. We conducted a comprehensive search for published economic evaluations of hypertension treatment programmes in LMICs. The search identified 71 articles assessing a wide range of hypertension intervention designs and cost components, of which 42 studies across 15 countries reported estimates of cost-effectiveness. Although comparability of results was limited due to heterogeneity in the interventions assessed, populations studied, costs and study quality score, most interventions that reported cost per averted disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) were cost-effective, with costs per averted DALY not exceeding national income thresholds. Programme elements that may reduce cost-effectiveness included screening for hypertension at younger ages, addressing prehypertension, or treating patients at lower cardiovascular disease risk. Cost-effectiveness analysis could provide the evidence base to guide the initiation and development of hypertension programmes.
Population impact and effectiveness of sequential 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate and monovalent rotavirus vaccine introduction on infant mortality: prospective birth cohort studies from Malawi
Authors: King Carina , Bar-Zeev Naor , Phiri Tambosi , Beard James , Mvula Hazzie , Crampin Amelia , Heinsbroek Ellen , Hungerford Dan , Lewycka Sonia , Verani Jennifer , Whitney Cynthia , Costello Anthony , Mwansambo Charles , Cunliffe Nigel , Heyderman Rob , French Neil
Published: September 2020

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine (RV) are key tools for reducing common causes of infant mortality. However, measurement of population-level mortality impact is lacking from sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated mortality impact and vaccine effectiveness (VE) of PCV13 introduced in November 2011, with subsequent RV1 roll-out in October 2012, in Malawi.

Methods

We conducted two independent community-based birth cohort studies. Study 1, in northern Malawi (40000population), evaluated population impact using change-point analysis and negative-binomial regression of non-traumatic 14–51-week infant mortality preintroduction (1 January 2004 to 31 September 2011) and postintroduction (1 October 2011 to 1 July 2019), and against three-dose coverage. Study 2, in central Malawi (465 000 population), was recruited from 24 November 2011 to 1 June 2015. In the absence of preintroduction data, individual three-dose versus zero-dose VE was estimated using individual-level Cox survival models. In both cohorts, infants were followed with household visits to ascertain vaccination, socioeconomic and survival status. Verbal autopsies were conducted for deaths.

Results

Study 1 included 20 291 live births and 216 infant deaths. Mortality decreased by 28.6% (95% CI: 15.3 to 39.8) post-PCV13 introduction. A change point was identified in November 2012. Study 2 registered 50 731 live births, with 454 deaths. Infant mortality decreased from 17 to 10/1000 live births during the study period. Adjusted VE was 44.6% overall (95% CI: 23.0 to 59.1) and 48.3% (95% CI: −5.9 to 74.1) against combined acute respiratory infection, meningitis and sepsis-associated mortality.

Conclusion

These data provide population-level evidence of infant mortality reduction following sequential PCV13 and RV1 introduction into an established immunisation programme in Malawi. These data support increasing coverage of vaccine programmes in high-burden settings.
Sex and gender differences in childhood obesity: contributing to the research agenda
Authors: Shah Bindra , Tombeau Cost Katherine , Fuller Anne , Birken Catherine S , Anderson Laura N
Published: September 2020

Childhood obesity is a major public health challenge and its prevalence continues to increase in many, but not all, countries worldwide. International data indicate that the prevalence of obesity is greater among boys than girls 5–19 years of age in the majority of high and upper middle-income countries worldwide. Despite this observed sex difference, relatively few studies have investigated sex-based and gender-based differences in childhood obesity. We propose several hypotheses that may shape the research agenda on childhood obesity. Differences in obesity prevalence may be driven by gender-related influences, such as societal ideals about body weight and parental feeding practices, as well as sex-related influences, such as body composition and hormones. There is an urgent need to understand the observed sex differences in the prevalence of childhood obesity; incorporation of sex-based and gender-based analysis in all childhood obesity studies may ultimately contribute to improved prevention and treatment.
Acceptability of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in a public health care setting before and after COVID-19: a prospective patient questionnaire survey
Authors: Shah Vishal , Naderi Khayam , Maubon Laura , Jameel Ashmal , Patel Darshak S , Gormley Jack , Heemraz Sanjeev , Azan Elodie , Verma Seema , Low Sancy , O'Brart David
Published: September 2020

Objective

To ascertain patient acceptance of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in the National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

A survey was devised using a 5-point Likert scale for questions related to ISBCS, which patients undertook during their cataract outpatient appointment pre-COVID-19 lockdown and by telephone during the lockdown.

Results

Questionnaires were completed for 267 patients. Most respondents were aged over 71 (51%) and were female individuals (60%). Forty-five per cent agreed/strongly agreed with opting for ISBCS. A positive correlation was identified between opting for ISBCS and convenience to the patient (r=0.76, p<0.01) and family/carer/partner (r=0.71, p<0.01) and wanting to limit numbers of hospital visits (r=0.57, p<0.01). Fifty per cent agreed/strongly agreed that they were worried about the risk of simultaneous bilateral ocular complications, with this correlating with being less likely to opt for ISBCS (r=−0.49, p<0.01) and being scared of ISBCS (r=0.67, p<0.01). During COVID-19 lockdown, patients were less likely to want to minimise the time taken off work (p<0.05) and less intolerant of a prolonged hospital visit (p<0.05). Only 23% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they had familiarity with ISBCS.

Conclusions

ISBCS was acceptable to 45% of our sampled population, suggesting limited routine implementation in the NHS is possible. Convenience and reduction in hospital visits appeared to contribute to this acceptance. Half of the patients expressed concern regarding bilateral complications and such concerns need addressing. Some attitudes did appear to change during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The familiarity of the concept of ISBCS is low suggesting the need for patient education.
New fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based device for measuring small and large radial strains in triaxial apparatus
Authors: Chen Wen-Bo , Feng Wei-Qiang , Yin Jian-Hua , Qin Jie-Qiong
Published: September 2020

In triaxial tests, it is of great importance to accurately measure the radial strain of a specimen. However, devices for radial strain measurement are relatively fewer than the ones for vertical strain measurement. In this study, a new measurement device based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) was developed to determine the small and large radial strains of a soil specimen. The new device includes two yokes and two compass-type mechanisms, which are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the specimen. Metal strips bonded with FBG sensors were chosen as sensing elements and installed at two ends of two legs of a compass-type mechanism so that the small deformation of the specimen could be amplified by a constant ratio to a more detectable value with a higher signal–noise ratio. Considering the temperature sensitivity of FBG and the real working environment, the new device was carefully calibrated underwater. Validation tests on an intact triaxial specimen demonstrated that the new device can work reliably and accurately under both static and cyclic loadings.
Diffractive $$\gamma \gamma $$ production in pp collisions at the LHC
Authors: Gonçalves V. P. , Martins D. E. , Rangel M. S.
Published: September 2020

In this letter we estimate the contribution of the double diffractive processes for the diphoton production inppcollisions at the large hadron collider (LHC). The acceptance of the central and forward LHC detectors is taken into account and predictions for the invariant mass, rapidity and, transverse momentum distributions are presented. A comparison with the predictions for the light-by-light (LbL) scattering and exclusive diphoton production is performed. We demonstrate that the events associated to double diffractive processes can be separated and its study can be used to constrain the behavior of the diffractive parton distribution functions.
Probing cosmic opacity with the type Ia supernovae and Hubble parameter
Authors: Xu Bing , Zhang Kaituo , Huang Qihong
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we probe the cosmic opacity with the newest Pantheon type Ia supernovae (SNIa) and the observational Hubble parameter $$\left( H(z)\right) $$

H
(
z
)

data based on the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM and wCDM models with or without spatial curvature. In the analysis, we marginalize the likelihood function of SNIa data over the pertinent nuisance parameter $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
, a combination of the absolute magnitude of SNIa $$M_{\mathrm{B}}$$

M
B

and the Hubble constant $$H_0$$

H
0

, with a flat prior. Two parameterizations of the optical depth $$\tau (z)$$

τ
(
z
)

associated to the cosmic absorption, namely $$\tau (z)=2\varepsilon z$$

τ
(
z
)
=
2
ε
z

and $$\tau (z)= (1+z)^{2\varepsilon }-1$$

τ

(
z
)

=

(
1
+
z
)

2
ε

-
1

, are adopted. We find that the results are not sensitive to the fiducial cosmological models, the spatial curvature and parameterizations of $$\tau (z)$$

τ
(
z
)

. Moreover, the results from the Pantheon data alone are consistent with a transparent universe ($$\varepsilon =0$$

ε
=
0

). And once the H(z) data is combined, $$\varepsilon =0$$

ε
=
0

falls within the 68% confidence level (CL) of the best fit when a flat $$H_0$$

H
0

prior or the distance priors are used, while it falls within the 95% CL when a Gaussian distribution prior of $$H_0=74.03\pm 1.42$$

H
0

=
74.03
±
1.42

km $$\mathrm {s}^{-1}\, \mathrm {Mpc}^{-1}$$

s

-
1

Mpc

-
1

is used.
Targeted Modulation of FAK/PI3K/PDK1/AKT and FAK/p53 Pathways by Cucurbitacin B for the Antiproliferation Effect Against Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Klungsaeng Sirinapha , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Prawan Auemduan , Kongpetch Sarinya , Senggunprai Laddawan
Published: September 2020

Inadequate responses to traditional chemotherapeutic agents in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) emphasize a requirement for new effective compounds for the treatment of this malignancy. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative property of cucurbitacin B on KKU-100 CCA cells. The determination of underlying molecular mechanisms was also carried out. The results revealed that cucurbitacin B suppressed growth and replicative ability to form colonies of CCA cells, suggesting the antiproliferative effect of this compound against the cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the interfering effect of cucurbitacin B on the CCA cell cycle at the G2/M phase was accountable for its antiproliferation property. Accompanied with cell cycle disruption, cucurbitacin B altered the expression of proteins involved in the G2/M phase transition including downregulation of cyclin A, cyclin D1, and cdc25A, and upregulation of p21. Additional molecular studies demonstrated that cucurbitacin B suppressed the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) which consequently resulted in inhibition of its kinase-dependent and kinase-independent downstream targets contributing to the regulation of cell proliferation including PI3K/PDK1/AKT and p53 proteins. In this study, the transient knockdown of FAK using siRNA was employed to ascertain the role of FAK in CCA cell proliferation. Finally, the effect of cucurbitacin B on upstream receptor tyrosine kinases regulating FAK activation was elucidated. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin B on FAK activation in CCA cells is mediated via interference of EGFR and HER2 expression. Collectively, cucurbitacin B might be a promising drug for CCA treatment by targeting FAK protein.
Non-Kähler deformed conifold, ultraviolet completion and supersymmetric constraints in the baryonic branch
Authors: Dasgupta Keshav , Elituv Jake , Emelin Maxim , Trinh Anh-Khoi
Published: September 2020

Gravity duals for a class of UV complete minimally supersymmetric nonconformal gauge theories require deformed conifolds with fluxes. However these manifolds do not allow for the standard Kähler or conformally Kähler metrics on them, instead the metrics are fully non-Kähler. We take a generic such configuration of a non-Kähler deformed conifold with fluxes and ask what constraints do supersymmetry impose in the baryonic branch. We study the supersymmetry conditions and show that for the correct choices of the vielbeins and the complex structure all the equations may be consistently solved. The constraints now lead not only to the known cases in the literature but also to some new backgrounds. We also show how geometric features of these backgrounds, including the overall warp-factor and the resolution parameters, can be seen on the field theory side from perturbative “probe-brane” type calculations by Higgsing the theory and studying one-loop 4-point functions of vector and chiral multiplets. Finally we discuss how UV completions of these gauge theories may be seen from our setup, both from type IIB as well as from the T-dual type IIA brane constructions.
Sensitivity Analysis of Composite Cellular Beams to Constitutive Material Models and Concrete Fracture
Authors: Ferreira Felipe Piana Vendramell , Martins Carlos Humberto , De Nardin Silvana
Published: September 2020

Composite cellular beams are an advantageous solution that can be used to reduce floor height by solving service ducts problems. In the previous literature, there is little information on numerical modeling that considers sensitivity analysis in composite cellular beams, varying the constitutive models of steel and concrete materials. The concrete, when submitted by external loading, undergoes volume variations caused by inelastic deformations. The parameter that measures dilatancy is known as the dilation angle. This work aims to analyze the sensitivity of the computed response of composite cellular beams to the constitutive models of steel and concrete materials, and the parameters that constitute concrete damage plasticity (CDP). Geometrical nonlinear analyses are performed based on tests, considering solid elements for the composite slab and shear connectors, and shell elements for the cellular beam. It was concluded that the flexural behavior was not sensitive to dilation angles, unlike structures in which the resistance is governed by shear forces. For a dilation angle equal to [Formula: see text], a better post-peak behavior was observed in the load-displacement relationship. It was found that by varying the viscosity parameter (or relaxation time), the load-displacement behavior relationship is not affected.
Laplacian spectra of Coprime Graph of finite cyclic and Dihedral groups
Authors: Banerjee Subarsha
Published: September 2020

Let [Formula: see text] denote the Coprime Graph of a finite group [Formula: see text]. In this paper we study the Laplacian eigenvalues of the Coprime Graph of the finite cyclic group [Formula: see text] and the Dihedral group [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text]. We find the characteristic polynomial of [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text] and determine the eigenvalues of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are primes and [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. We characterize the values of [Formula: see text] for which algebraic and vertex connectivity of [Formula: see text] are equal. We also discuss about the largest and the second largest eigenvalue of [Formula: see text]. Finally, the spectra of [Formula: see text] has been determined for [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are primes and [Formula: see text] is a positive integer.
The Shibantan Lagerstätte: insights into the Proterozoic–Phanerozoic transition
Authors: Xiao Shuhai , Chen Zhe , Pang Ke , Zhou Chuanming , Yuan Xunlai
Published: September 2020

The Shibantan Lagerstätte (551–543 Ma) in the Yangtse Gorges area in South China is one of the best-known examples of terminal Ediacaran fossil assemblages preserved in marine carbonate rocks. Taxonomically dominated by benthic organisms, the Shibantan Lagerstätte preserves various photoautotrophs, biomineralizing tubular fossils, Ediacara-type macrofossils (including rangeomorphs, arboreomorphs, erniettomorphs, palaeopascichnids, a possible dickinsoniomorph, the mobile bilaterian
Yilingia
and soft-bodied tubular fossils), abundant ichnofossils and a number of problematic and dubious fossils. Shibantan fossils provide intriguing insights into ecological interactions among mobile bilaterians, sessile benthic Ediacara-type organisms and microbial mats, thus offering important data to test various hypotheses accounting for the decline of the Ediacara biota and the concurrent expansion of bilaterian bioturbation and mobility across the Proterozoic–Phanerozoic transition.
Ubiquity symposium: Evolutionary computation and the processes of life
Authors: Sekanina Lukáš
Published: September 2020

In this ninth symposium article, Lukáš Sekanina addresses evolutionary and evolvable hardware; answering the questions what it means for a physical system to be designed evolutionarily and on what kinds of computations such physical systems perform will be answered.
An Engaged and Engaging Mobile Learning Ecosystem
Authors: Cavanaugh Cathy , Hargis Jace
Published: September 2020

This synthesis interprets findings from research efforts conducted during the first six months of a college mobile education program to provide insights into key program features and outcomes. In so doing, it classifies the findings in five themes: Engaging Technology, specifically iPads as cognitive tool-boxes for learning; Engaged Pedagogy consisting of student-centered teaching practice; Engaged Faculty interpreted through their perceptions and uses of the tools and ecosystem; Engaged Community of Learners who are creating teaching and learning media with the tools; and Engaging Learning Ecosystem where learning time and space expands. The findings guided the implications for implementation that are provided.
Training Online Teachers Through A Badge Driven Course
Authors: Cozart Joe
Published: September 2020

The Georgia Virtual School is a supplemental online school that employs more than 200 teachers. Due to growth and attrition new teachers must continually be hired, which created a large burden for the school. The problem was addressed through the creation of an open online course driven by badge credentialing. Interested teachers now complete this training course prior to the hiring process. This ensures job applicants have a basic knowledge of online learning and a better understanding of the requirements to teach online, thus decreasing attrition in the first year. Course participants go through five modules and earn a badge after successfully demonstrating an understanding of the material in the respective module. The course content is free and open for any other schools to utilize.
Location-based Sentiment Analyses and Visualization of Twitter Election Data
Authors: Yaqub Ussama , Sharma Nitesh , Pabreja Rachit , Chun Soon Ae , Atluri Vijayalakshmi , Vaidya Jaideep
Published: September 2020

In this article, we perform sentiment analyses of Twitter location data. We use two case studies: US presidential elections of 2016 and UK general elections of 2017. For US elections, we plot state-wise user sentiment towards Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. For UK elections, we download two disparate datasets, using keywords and location coordinates, looking for similar tendencies in sentiment towards political candidates and parties. The overall objective of the two case studies is to evaluate similarity between sentiment of location-based tweets and on-ground public opinion reflected in election results. We discover Twitter location sentiment does indeed corroborate with the election result in both cases. We also discover similar tendencies in Twitter sentiment towards political candidates and parties regardless of the methodology adopted for data collection.
Participating in the Digital Society
Authors: Grönlund Åke
Published: September 2020

Many signs today indicate a decline of both democracy and trust in the Internet and social media. This seems to make digital democracy a hard sell. Furthermore, for digital democracy to be globally relevant, it is necessary to find ways to also make it useful in countries with less-democratic or even authoritarian regimes. This is where a majority of the world's population live and where improvements are most important for the world to become more democratic.

Drawing on the concept of “citizen participation” [Almond and Verba 1963] and the Information System Artefact model [Lee et al. 2015], we discuss how participation can be improved in countries of any regime in terms of the technology used, the information flows, and the social systems in which technology and information are used to communicate. Examples from Sweden and Uganda, countries with very different regimes, illustrate how improvements can be made everywhere, however, only with considerable effort.

The main conclusion is that democracy is not something you
have
but rather something you
do
. It has to be implemented every day, mostly in small steps and often in the context of administration rather than politics. Because such contexts occur also in authoritarian countries, technology can be used to improve participation everywhere.
Optimizing bandwidth
Authors: Fox Geoffrey , Pallickara Shrideep
Published: September 2020

An approach to high performance distributed Web brokering.
Virtual organization
Authors: Mowshowitz Abbe
Published: September 2020

Mowshowitz, Abbe.
Virtual Organization: Toward a Theory of Societal Transformation Stimulated by Information Technology.
Westport, CT: Quorum Books (Greenwood Publishing Group), 2002.
Fast Charging of Li-Ion Cells: Part IV. Temperature Effects and “Safe Lines” to Avoid Lithium Plating
Authors: Rodrigues Marco-Tulio F. , Shkrob Ilya A. , Colclasure Andrew M. , Abraham Daniel P.
Published: September 2020

Fast charging of lithium-ion batteries that does not compromise cell performance and durability is critical for wider adoption of electric vehicles. Raising cell temperature is one approach to enable fast charge; the higher temperature facilitates charge migration and lowers electrode polarization limited by the rates of diffusion and interfacial transport. In this study we examine the behavior of cells subjected to constant current and pulse current charging, at rates from 1C to 8C in the 30 °C to 55 °C range. To demonstrate safe charge conditions that averts Li metal plating on the anode, we use a microprobe reference electrode to continuously monitor the electrode potentials during tests. We then adopt a state-of-the-art multiphase electrochemical model to extrapolate the anode reference potential to the anode surface potential, which determines the overpotential for Li plating. For constant current charging, the results suggest that safe charging at 6C to 80% full capacity would be untenable for all but the thinnest electrodes. For pulse charging, the safe conditions depend on cell voltage, temperature, and the rate/duration of the pulse. The “safe lines” established in this study can help define charging protocols that enable higher charge rates, while minimizing losses in cell performance over time.
CPAP combined with oral appliance therapy reduces CPAP requirements and pharyngeal pressure swings in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Tong Benjamin K. , Tran Carolin , Ricciardiello Andrea , Donegan Michelle , Chiang Alan K. I. , Szollosi Irene , Amatoury Jason , Carberry Jayne C. , Eckert Danny J.
Published: September 2020

Combined CPAP and oral appliance therapy has been suggested as an alternative for incomplete responders to oral appliance therapy. We used a novel oral appliance incorporating an oral airway together with CPAP to show that pharyngeal pressure swings were normalized at reduced CPAP levels. Our findings demonstrate that using CPAP and oral appliance together may be a beneficial alternative for incomplete responders to oral appliance therapy and intolerant CPAP users due to high-pressure requirements.
[Retracted] LINC00511 Promotes Osteosarcoma Tumorigenesis and Invasiveness through the miR‐185‐3p/E2F1 Axis
Authors: Xu Jun , Chen Guangnan , Zhang Yiming , Huang Zhongyue , Cheng Xiangyang , Gu Huijie , Xia Jiangni , Yin Xiaofan
Published: September 2020

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that seriously threatens human health. Numerous studies have pointed out the potential of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as new therapeutic targets for various human cancers. Therefore, we mainly investigate whether there is a new type of lncRNA pathway involved in regulating the development of osteosarcoma. The present study shows the higher expression levels of LINC00511 correlates to a shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival time in patients with sarcoma. It is significantly higher in the clinical samples of osteosarcoma patients than in normal adjacent cancer tissues. We used U373 and SW1353 osteosarcoma cells to determine the effect of lncRNA on osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion by knocking down LINC00511 compared with controls. The results showed that the LINC00511 knockdown significantly suppressed osteosarcoma cell growth and metastasis. To explore the mechanisms of LINC00511 in osteosarcoma, we tested whether LINC00511 could competitively stimulate miR‐185‐3p and regulate E2F1 as a ceRNA. The results showed that LINC00511 knockdown induced the increased level of miR‐185‐3p levels; however, miR‐185‐3p overexpression suppressed LINC00511 levels. In addition, the results also demonstrated that LINC00511 knockdown or miR‐185‐3p overexpression could reduce E2F1 levels in osteosarcoma cells. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay verified the direct interaction between miR‐185‐3p and LINC00511 or E2F1. These results may offer an explanation of how the lncRNA affects the progression of osteosarcoma, and our study shows that LINC00511 can be a novel biomarker in osteosarcoma.
miR‐19 Is a Potential Clinical Biomarker for Gastrointestinal Malignancy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Xiaoxu , Li Wenyi , Shen Peng , Bai Bing , Cao Lin-Lin
Published: September 2020

Objectives. To assess the expression and clinical value of miR‐19 in gastrointestinal malignancy. Setting. Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and other databases were retrieved to screen out relevant studies until December 31, 2019. Participants. Gastrointestinal cancer patients with the description of miR‐19 expression, as well as the correlation between miR‐19 and clinicopathological characteristics or prognosis. Main Outcome Measures. Pooled odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was obtained to determine miR‐19 expression in gastrointestinal malignancy and the association between miR‐19 and patients’ clinical characteristics and survival. Results. Thirty‐seven studies were included in this study. miR‐19 levels in gastrointestinal malignancy, especially in hepatocellular (OR = 4.88, 95%  CI = 2.38‐9.99), colorectal (OR = 4.81, 95%  CI = 2.38‐9.72), and pancreatic (OR = 5.12, 95%  CI = 2.43‐10.78) cancers, were significantly overexpressed, and miR‐19 was tightly related to some clinicopathological characteristics, such as lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.74, 95%  CI = 1.05‐2.86). Although gastrointestinal cancer patients with low and high miR‐19 expression had comparable OS (overall survival) and DFS (disease‐free survival), subgroup analyses showed that patients with high miR‐19 presented better DFS than those with low miR‐19 in liver cancer (HR = 0.46, 95%  CI = 0.30‐0.71). Conclusions. miR‐19 might be a potential progression and prognostic biomarker for gastrointestinal malignancy.
Reflection and Refraction of Shear Horizontal Waves in Peridynamic Medium
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Lu Yaru , Chen Liyu , Xu Zhenying
Published: September 2020

This work uses peridynamic theory to obtain the internal force density of a shear horizontal (SH) wave, which is only connected with shear modulus. We then established the reflection equation of a SH wave in peridynamic medium based on the force boundary condition of the SH wave at the virtual boundary layer. The SH wave reflection characteristic in peridynamic medium is similar to the results of traditional theory, which was verified by simulations and experiments in steel plates. The refraction characteristics of a SH wave in peridynamic medium were obtained based on the continuity of the force and the displacement at the refraction point. These features established the relationship between bonds and wave angle. The refraction and reflection characteristics of a SH wave in a peridynamic medium were also verified by numerical simulations and experiments in a welded structure.
SRCIN1 Regulated by circCCDC66/miR‐211 Is Upregulated and Promotes Cell Proliferation in Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hong Weijun , Yu Suyun , Zhuang Yaqing , Zhang Qingqing , Wang Jiqin , Gao Xiwen
Published: September 2020

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer were extremely high. The present study showed that SRCIN1 was an oncogene in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Public dataset analysis showed SRCIN1 was significantly overexpressed in NSCLC samples. Also, we found that NSCLC patients with higher SRCIN1 expression had shorter OS time by analyzing TCGA, Kaplan‐Meier Plotter, GSE30219, GSE50081, and GSE19188 databases. Overexpression or knockdown of SRCIN1 significantly induced or reduced A549 and H1299 cell proliferation. Furthermore, we found SRCIN1 was directly targeted by miR‐211. Overexpression or knockdown of miR‐211 suppressed or induced SRCIN1 levels in NSCLC. Moreover, we found that miR‐211 affected NSCLC cell proliferation through SRCIN1. Previous studies demonstrated that circRNAs could act as miRNA sponges in cancer cells. In this study, we showed that knockdown of circCCDC66 induced expression of miR‐211. Luciferase assay demonstrated that miR‐211 suppressed the activity of luciferase reporter‐contained circCCDC66 sequences. Moreover, knockdown of circCCDC66 significantly inhibited SRCIN1 levels in both A549 and H1299 cells. These results showed that circCCDC66 acted as a miRNA sponge to affect the miR‐211/SRCIN1 axis. Of note, we for the first time revealed that circCCDC66 suppression reduced cell proliferation by about 65% in A549 and by about 40% in H1299 cells. We thought this study could provide novel potential biomarkers for NSCLC.
Polypropylene-Grafted Poly(hexamethylene guanidine)/Modified Polyethylene Monofilament and Its Antimicrobial Performance
Authors: Wang Yue , Yu Wenwen , Shu Aiyan , Shi Jiangao , Zhang Min
Published: September 2020

A polypropylene-grafted poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PP-g-PHMG)/polyethylene (PE) monofilament was prepared by melt blending and spinning using PE and PP-g-PHMG. The effect of PP-g-PHMG content on the structure, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial properties of PP-g-PHMG/PE alloy monofilaments was studied. Compared with PP/PE without grafting PHMG, Tm of PP-g-PHMG/PE alloy monofilaments increased due to rigidity of PHMG grafted. In the PP-g-PHMG/PE alloy monofilaments, the total degree of crystallinity of alloy monofilaments decreased; hence, the α-relaxation associated with the crystalline region of the polymer matrix becomes weaker as PP-g-PHMG content increases. The breaking strength of PP-g-PHMG/PE alloy monofilaments decreased while the knotting strength increased by increasing PP-g-PHMG content. The antibacterial test showed that the PP-g-PHMG/PE alloy monofilament had obvious inhibitory effect on E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the PP-g-PHMG/PE alloy monofilament has the potential to make green and highly effective antifouling materials.
Fixed Point Problems in Cone Rectangular Metric Spaces with Applications
Authors: Nazam Muhammad , Arif Anam , Mahmood Hasan , Kim Sang Og
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we introduce an ordered implicit relation and investigate some new fixed point theorems in a cone rectangular metric space subject to this relation. Some examples are presented as illustrations. We obtain a homotopy result as an application. Our results generalize and extend several fixed point results in literature.