bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classifying Obstacles and Exploiting Class Information for Humanoid Navigation Through Cluttered Environments
Authors: Regier Peter , Milioto Andres , Stachniss Cyrill , Bennewitz Maren
Published: January 2020

Humanoid robots are often supposed to share their workspace with humans and thus have to deal with objects used by humans in their everyday life. In this article, we present our novel approach to humanoid navigation through cluttered environments, which exploits knowledge about different obstacle classes to decide how to deal with obstacles and select appropriate robot actions. To classify objects from RGB images and decide whether an obstacle can be overcome by the robot with a corresponding action, e.g., by pushing or carrying it aside or stepping over or onto it, we train and exploit a convolutional neural network (CNN). Based on associated action costs, we compute a cost grid containing newly observed objects in addition to static obstacles on which a 2D path can be efficiently planned. This path encodes the necessary actions that need to be carried out by the robot to reach the goal. We implemented our framework in the Robot Operating System (ROS) and tested it in various scenarios with a Nao robot as well as in simulation with the REEM-C robot. As the experiments demonstrate, using our CNN, the robot can robustly classify the observed obstacles into the different classes and decide on suitable actions to find efficient solution paths. Our system finds paths also through regions where traditional motion planning methods are not able to calculate a solution or require substantially more time.
Improving Synergy in Strategic Planning: Enablers and Synchronization Assessment Framework (SAF)
Authors: Vinayavekhin Sukrit , Phaal Robert
Published: January 2020

Synchronization plays an important role in strategic planning, especially for large multi-business firms, in avoiding parallel duplicate efforts and improving synergies. The focus is on (technology) roadmapping as it is a simple, flexible, and popular method that covers three core dimensions relating to synchronization in strategic planning: function (horizontal), system hierarchy (vertical), and time. This research aims to identify the enablers of the synchronization process, and to develop, test and refine a Synchronization Assessment Framework (SAF). The adopted methodology is a process approach, consisting of three phases: development (literature review), improvement (in-dept case study), and validation (case studies). As a result, five groups and 13 enablers or critical factors of synchronization processes were identified, and a SAF was developed, leveraging the identified enablers and the roadmapping structure (know-why, know-what and know-know), leading to practical guidelines for a company.
Pseudo generalization of Ginsparg–Wilson algebra on the fuzzy EAdS2 including gauge fields
Authors: Lotfizadeh M. , Nouri Asl Ebrahim
Published: January 2020

Using the gauged pseudo-Hermitian fuzzy Ginsparg–Wilson algebra, pseudo fuzzy Dirac and chirality operators on the fuzzy [Formula: see text] have been studied. Also, the spectrum of the gauged pseudo fuzzy Dirac operator in the instanton sector has been studied.
Self-dual formulation of gravity in topological M-theory
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Marciano Antonino
Published: January 2020

Inspired by the low wave-length limit of topological M-theory, which re-constructs the theory of 3 + 1D gravity in the self-dual variables’ formulation, and by the realization that in Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) the holonomy of a flat connection can be non-trivial if and only if a non-trivial (space-like) line defect is localized inside the loop, we argue that non-trivial gravitational holonomies can be put in correspondence with space-like M-branes. This suggests the existence of a new duality, which we call [Formula: see text] duality, interconnecting topological M-theory with LQG. We spell some arguments to show that fundamental S-strings are serious candidates to be considered in order to instantiate this correspondence to classes of LQG states. In particular, we consider the case of the holonomy flowers in LQG, and show that for this type of states the action of the Hamiltonian constraint, from the M-theory side, corresponds to a linear combination of appearance and disappearance of a SNS1-strings. Consequently, these processes can be reinterpreted, respectively, as enucleations or decays into open or closed strings.
INNOVATION-ORIENTATED TECHNOLOGY ASSIMILATION STRATEGY AND KOREAN SMES’ ENHANCING INNOVATION CAPABILITY, COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE
Authors: RHEE MUNSUNG , STEPHENS AARON RAE
Published: January 2020

This research explores the effects of innovation-orientated technology assimilation strategy on Korean SMEs’ enhancing innovation capability, competitive advantage and firm performance. The results of this paper demonstrate that an innovation-orientated technology assimilation strategy enables SMEs to cultivate innovation capability, a crucial capability for catching-up to advanced firms and developing new products. In addition, innovation-orientated technology assimilation strategy significantly contributes to SMEs’ developing competitive advantages, leading to enhanced market share and sales growth. This study provides empirical evidence of SMEs employing innovation-orientated technology assimilation strategy to enhance innovation capability and to gain competitive advantage, and provides an empirical measurement for the execution of an innovation-orientated technology assimilation strategy.
Deformation Analysis of Variable Thickness Rotating Disks Using an Improved Adomian Decomposition Technique
Authors: Mert Kutsal Servet , Coşkun Safa Bozkurt
Published: January 2020

In this study, axisymmetric elastic deformation analysis of rotating disks with variable thickness is conducted using an improved Adomian decomposition method (IADM). Variation of thickness is assumed as hyperbolic and different variations are employed for each case considered. Several analytical approximate solutions in different orders are obtained for radial stress, tangential stress, radial displacement and are compared with exact solutions. Results show that IADM can effectively be used in the deformation analysis of rotating variable thickness disks providing the solution as an analytical continuous function in the solution domain.
Bending, Buckling and Free Vibration Analysis of Size-Dependent Nanoscale FG Beams Using Refined Models and Eringen’s Nonlocal Theory
Authors: Sayyad Atteshamuddin S. , Ghugal Yuwaraj M.
Published: January 2020

In this study, a theoretical unification of twenty-one nonlocal beam theories are presented by using a unified nonlocal beam theory. The small-scale effect is considered based on the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen. The present unified theory satisfies traction free boundary conditions at the top and bottom surface of the nanobeam and hence avoids the need of shearing correction factor. Hamilton’s principle is employed to derive the equations of motion. The present unified nonlocal formulation is applied for the bending, buckling and free vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) nanobeams. The elastic properties of FG material vary continuously by gradually changing the volume fraction of the constituent materials in the thickness direction. Closed-form analytical solutions are obtained by using Navier’s solution technique. Non-dimensional displacements, stresses, natural frequencies and critical buckling loads for FG nanobeams are presented. The numerical results presented in this study can be served as a benchmark for future research.
Influences of Morphology Parameters on the Contact Behavior of a Steel Interface
Authors: Fan L. F. , Zhao L. , Liu X. M.
Published: January 2020

The surface roughness induced by geometric irregularities (asperities) has substantial influence on the contact stiffness, which further affects the working performance and service life of mechanical equipment. In this study, an elastic–plastic contact law between a sinusoidal asperity and a rigid smooth flat is first studied, which is then applied on a statistical model to simulate the contact behavior of a pair of 18CrMo4 steel surfaces to investigate the influences of morphology parameters on the contact stiffness. The analysis shows that smaller shape ratios [Formula: see text] and larger wavelengths [Formula: see text] induce larger normal contact stiffness [Formula: see text] for surfaces with identical roughness, wherein the roughness is defined by the mean value of asperity heights [Formula: see text] and the standard deviation of asperity heights [Formula: see text]. The normal contact stiffness increases as [Formula: see text] decreases under the same loading conditions, while the normal contact stiffness increases as [Formula: see text] decreases for surfaces with a fixed [Formula: see text]. Besides, the normal pressure and normal contact stiffness derived from the proposed contact model are validated. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed model in contact design due to its ability of establishing the relations between the normal contact stiffness and surface morphology parameters.
A Finite Element Framework for Magneto-Actuated Large Deformation and Instability of Slender Magneto-Active Elastomers
Authors: Liu Yin , Chen Shoue , Tan Xiaobo , Cao Changyong
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present an efficient finite element framework for modeling the finite deformations of slender magneto-active elastomers (MAE) under applied magnetic fields or currents. For the convenience of numerical modeling, magnetic field is defined at fixed spatial coordinates in the background space rather than in the elastic MAEs using material coordinates. The magnetic field will vary with free or localized currents while the spatial distribution of the magnetic field will evolve with the motion or deformation of the MAE materials, which is actuated by the surface or body forces induced by external magnetic fields or equivalent currents. A staggered strategy and a Riks method are introduced to solve the strongly coupled governing equations of the magnetic field and displacement field using finite element method. The mesh distortion along the interfaces between MAE domain and free-space domain is resolved by considering concurrent deformation of the mesh in these two domains. A few 2D numerical examples demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the developed model for simulating large deformation of MAE with non-uniform spatial magnetic field under different actuation sources such as free currents, magnetization or external magnetic field. This framework offers a new solution strategy for modeling mechano-magneto problems of MAEs and will help rational design and analysis of MAE-based actuators and soft robotics in the future.
An edge-based model for non-Markovian sexually transmitted infections in coupled network
Authors: Luo Xiaofeng , Yang Junyuan , Jin Zhen , Li Jia
Published: January 2020

In this paper, allowing for general transmission and recovery times distributions, we proposed an edge-based age-structured-like compartmental model for STIs (EBACMS) in a coupled network. We considered sexual transmissions between men with also heterosexual contacts. Mathematically, we gave the general approach of proving the nonnegativity of solutions for the system coupling ordinary and partial differential equations, which can be applied to all edge-based compartment models. We then analyzed the epidemic threshold [Formula: see text] with different distributions which couples the thresholds of the single-layer and bipartite networks in the percolation theory. We also studied the global stability of disease-free equilibrium with [Formula: see text] and the final epidemic size [Formula: see text] (the proportion of the population experiencing infection during the epidemic) with [Formula: see text]. In addition, numerical simulations indicated that given a fixed exponential transmission distribution, a higher variance (with same mean) in general recovery distribution gives smaller [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Sensitivity analysis on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in terms of the parameters illustrated that male-to-male transmission routes have a greater impact on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] than the heterosexual transmission routes for the Markovian transmission process and arbitrary recovery process. The results provide a good theoretical guideline to consider the distributions of real-world STIs.
Total coloring of the prismatic graphs
Authors: Mohan S. , Somasundaram K.
Published: January 2020

A total coloring of a graph is an assignment of colors to all the elements of the graph such that no two adjacent or incident elements receive the same color. A graph [Formula: see text] is prismatic, if for every triangle [Formula: see text], every vertex not in [Formula: see text] has exactly one neighbor in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove the total coloring conjecture (TCC) for prismatic graphs and the tight bound of the TCC for some classes of prismatic graphs.
Thermodynamic Modeling and Performance Optimization of a Solar-Assisted Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System (SAVARS)
Authors: Huirem Boris , Sahoo Pradeepta Kumar
Published: January 2020

A thermodynamic steady-state model for a single-effect lithium bromide–water (LiBr-H2O)-based vapor absorption refrigeration system of 17.5[Formula: see text]kW capacities has been presented using the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The mass, energy and exergy balance equations in each component of the vapor absorption cycle have been fitted into a computer program to carry out the calculation using the thermo-physical properties of the working fluid. The performance parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), exergy coefficient of performance (ECOP), total exergy destruction (TED), etc. have been evaluated considering different temperatures in generator and evaporator, different LiBr concentrations in the weak and strong LiBr-H2O solution and different solution heat exchanger effectiveness. The model evaluated the optimum performance parameters like COP, ECOP, TED, etc. of the vapor absorption system by using Design Expert-12 software for an application like on-farm cooling or transit storage of fruits and vegetables.
U.S.-China Relations Under the Trump Administration: Changes and Challenges
Authors: Arežina Sanja
Published: January 2020

The beginning of the 21st century witnessed remarkable changes in the distribution of global power. The lack of strategic vision by the United States has resulted in a power crisis, which in turn accelerates the trends of new multipolarity with several power centers in the world. Since President Trump took office in January 2017, the United States has been challenging the established norms of international relations on many fronts and, in particular, shifting its policy toward China to one that trumpets geopolitical rivalry amid their economic interdependence. The ever increasing anxiety of the United States has undermined multilateralism and globalization, generating profound consequences and impacts on major-power relations around the world. In the future, Washington and Beijing must seek common goals that can bring them together to resolve disagreements and set boundaries for potential conflicts. The U.S. leadership should always keep in mind that China is an important partner; and if the two powers fail to cooperate, there will be devastating implications for the whole world. In the meantime, Washington and Beijing need to be aware that an acute conflict of any kind between two high-tech countries may substantially change the world for all.
Use of Distal Hypothenar Perforator Free Flaps for Pulp Defects
Authors: Kodaira Satoshi , Fukumoto Keizo
Published: January 2020

Background: A hypothenar perforator free flap, which is harvested from the palm, is suitable for reconstruction of a finger pulp skin defect, but this flap has rarely been reported, and most of these flaps in previous published reports were designed on the proximal zone of the hypothenar area. In the present report, hypothenar perforator free flaps on the distal zone, namely distal hypothenar perforator free flaps, including two sensate flaps, were used for four cases with pulp defects.

Methods: Four distal hypothenar perforator free flaps were used for four patients with skin defects of the finger pulp, including one thumb, two index fingers, and one little finger. The average period from the injury to reconstruction was 30.3 days (range 21 to 47 days). The age of the patients ranged from 49 to 68 years, and the flap size ranged from 18 × 30 to 25 × 45 mm2. Two cutaneous branches of the ulnar palmar digital nerve of the little finger were harvested for the sensate flaps. At final follow-up, sensory restoration of the flap was measured using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the static two-point discrimination test.

Results: All donor sites were closed directly, and all flaps survived totally. The average postoperative period was 12 months (range 5 to 15 months). The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was all blue (3.61, 3.22, 3.61) for the three flaps followed-up for more than 12 months, including two sensate flaps and one insensate flap. The surgical scars were inconspicuous, and there were no donor site complications.

Conclusions: We consider that a distal hypothenar perforator free flap has a high degree of usability for a medium-sized defect such as the whole finger pulp. In the future, whether sensory nerve branches of this flap should be sutured will need to be clarified.
Analysis of Self-Inflicted Lacerations to the Wrist: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Treating
Authors: Jeong Seong-Ho , Gu Ja Hea , Kim Woo-Kyung
Published: January 2020

Background: Self-inflicted wrist lacerations have the potential to lead to crippling sequelae and repeated suicidal attempt. To obtain good results, we have treated self-inflicted wrist lacerations using a multidisciplinary team - emergency, hand surgery, psychiatry, and rehabilitation. This study aims to review features of this type of injuries and suggest multidisciplinary team approach as an optimal treatment.

Methods: Our multidisciplinary approach can be summarized as follows: initial evaluation, psychological interview, surgery, and rehabilitation. The medical records including wound features, injured structures and psychological data were reviewed retrospectively. Assessment of functional outcomes, and comparative analysis of various psychological parameters were conducted.

Results: Most patients resulted in excellent or good functional outcomes. Five patients reattempted wrist cutting with suicidal intent during follow-up. Only 21.3% patients had a suicidal intent and it was not associated with injury severity and functional recovery. Alcohol ingestion and presence of associated injuries was significant different between severity groups. Presence of suicidal intent was irrelevant to injury severity and functional recovery, but relevant to alcohol ingestion, presence of associated injuries and presence of psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusions: In order to minimize catastrophic disability and repeated suicide attempts, a balanced multidisciplinary approach is one of the best methods to obtain excellent functional outcomes and prevent repeated injuries in patients with self-inflicted wrist lacerations.
Electrophysiological Evaluation and Clinical Implication of Martin-Gruber Anastomosis in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Hefny Mohamed , Sallam Asser , Abdellatif Maii , Okasha Shaimaa , Orabi Marwa
Published: January 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Martin-Gruber Anastomosis (MGA) in healthy Egyptian subjects, and to discuss the available literature regarding MGA subtypes and their clinical implications.

Methods: An electrophysiological study was conducted in both forearms of 140 healthy subjects. This included the ulnar and median nerves. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded from abductor pollicis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, and first dorsal interosseous muscles. Other measurements included the compound motor action potential amplitude and its innervation ratio.

Results: MGA was found in 56 of the 280 forearms. This included 20 men and 36 women. Type II MGA subtype was the most frequent in both genders. The MGA was bilateral in 6 subjects and more frequent on the right side. The highest mean amplitude and innervation ratio were recorded at first dorsal interosseus muscle.

Conclusions: The prevalence of MGA in the studied sample of the Egyptian population is 20%. It is important for Hand, Orthopaedic and Neurosurgeons to be aware of this anatomic variation in order to explain paradoxical motor and sensory loss in patients.
Radial Reference Points for Measuring Palmar Tilt and Ulnar Variance on Lateral Wrist Radiographs
Authors: Arik Atilla , Tanrikulu Seval , Demiray Taylan , Leblebicioglu Gursel
Published: January 2020

Background: Palmar tilt and ulnar variance are crucial parameters for evaluating the distal radius. Identifying suitable reference points for these parameters on lateral wrist radiographs remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to establish reference points for measuring palmar tilt and ulnar variance on lateral wrist radiographs and to evaluate the reliability of these two parameters using the newly defined reference points.

Methods: The distal articular surfaces of 25 cadaver radii were marked at four different locations using thin wires. These bones were radiographed and constant landmarks were recorded. The reliability of the palmar tilt and ulnar variance measurements was assessed using the new reference points and two serial measurements recorded by three observers on 27 standardized lateral wrist radiographs.

Results: The reference points for palmar tilt on lateral radiograph were the dorsal and volar end points of the subchondral line. The subchondral line was connected to two of five metaphyseal cortical lines. The reference point for lateral ulnar variance was easily defined on the midpoint of the proximal aspect of the subchondral line. The corresponding posteroanterior central reference point for ulnar variance was at the ulnar corner of the subchondral line. Inter- and intra-observer reliabilities were overall good for the palmar tilt measurements, and excellent for the ulnar variance measurements.

Conclusions: Palmar tilt can be determined accurately with a good understanding of the radiographic landmarks on lateral radiographs, and by addressing the problems caused by ulnar inclination of the articular surface of the distal radius. Lateral wrist radiographs can provide a complete picture of the ulnar border of the radius for measuring ulnar variance.
Knocking ’em Dead: Pore-Forming Proteins in Immune Defense
Authors: Liu Xing , Lieberman Judy
Published: January 2020

Immune cells use a variety of membrane-disrupting proteins [complement, perforin, perforin-2, granulysin, gasdermins, mixed lineage kinase domain–like pseudokinase (MLKL)] to induce different kinds of death of microbes and host cells, some of which cause inflammation. After activation by proteolytic cleavage or phosphorylation, these proteins oligomerize, bind to membrane lipids, and disrupt membrane integrity. These membrane disruptors play a critical role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Here we review our current knowledge of the functions, specificity, activation, and regulation of membrane-disrupting immune proteins and what is known about the mechanisms behind membrane damage, the structure of the pores they form, how the cells expressing these lethal proteins are protected, and how cells targeted for destruction can sometimes escape death by repairing membrane damage.
Autonomous Vehicles and Public Health
Authors: Rojas-Rueda David , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Khreis Haneen , Frumkin Howard
Published: January 2020

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to shape urban life and significantly modify travel behaviors. “Autonomous technology” means technology that can drive a vehicle without active physical control or monitoring by a human operator. The first AV fleets are already in service in US cities. AVs offer a variety of automation, vehicle ownership, and vehicle use options. AVs could increase some health risks (such as air pollution, noise, and sedentarism); however, if proper regulated, AVs will likely reduce morbidity and mortality from motor vehicle crashes and may help reshape cities to promote healthy urban environments. Healthy models of AV use include fully electric vehicles in a system of ridesharing and ridesplitting. Public health will benefit if proper policies and regulatory frameworks are implemented before the complete introduction of AVs into the market.
Integrated Cathode Air Flow Management for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Authors: Harenbrock Michael , Korn Alexander , Weber Andreas , Hallbauer Eva
Published: January 2020

Highly efficient cathode air filters are required to enable the required fuel cell system´s lifetime, especially under severe operating conditions. In addition, components like water separators, compressors, air ducts, coolers, humidifiers, sensors etc. are essential to supply cathode air at the right cleanliness, pressure, and temperature. The paper focuses on cathode air flow management on the stack inlet and outlet side. The approach to system design is holistic, meaning that not individual components are optimized independently, but on system level. Special emphasis is given to transferring state-of-the-art technology and products from internal combustion engine vehicle´s air intake systems to the cathode air path. Adaption of these components to the operating conditions of fuel cells and combining them with fuel cell-specific components yield intake and outlet systems with cost-, energy- and acoustically optimized functionality.
Study on Fabrication of Anodes for SOFCs with 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Miyamoto Kotaro , Koga H , Izumi M , Mizui M , Nishiguchi H
Published: January 2020

The porous structure of anodes in SOFCs is the key factor to improve its performance and the manufacturing method to control its design needs to be established. Additive manufacturing, so-called 3D printing technology can be a prospective method for the fabrication of electrodes of SOFCs. In this experiment, stereolithography, which is a form of 3D printing technology using UV-light with approximately 365nm wavelength and photo-curable resin, is applied. The UV-light that goes through pinholes enables the production of multiple cylindrical objects at once. As a result, the objects and the empty spaces between them make the porous structure. Moreover, by changing the size and the number of holes and distance between them, the fabrication of an anode with the desired microstructure can be expected.
Critical Review—The Versatile Plane Parallel Electrode Geometry: An Illustrated Review
Authors: Arenas L. F. , Ponce de León C. , Walsh F. C.
Published: January 2020

The features of the plane parallel geometry are reviewed since this cell geometry occupies a prominent position, both in the laboratory and in industry. The simple parallel plate can be enhanced by inclusion of porous, 3D electrodes, structured surfaces and bipolar electrical connections, with adequate attention to the reaction environment. Unit cells are often arranged in a modular, filter-press format. Scale-up is achieved by increasing the size of each electrode, the number of electrodes in a stack or the number of stacks in a system. The use of turbulence promoters in the flow channel, textured (including nanostructured) and porous electrodes as well as cell division by an ion exchange membrane can considerably widen the scope of the plane parallel geometry. Features of plane parallel cell designs are illustrated by selected examples from our laboratories and industry, including a fuel cell, an electrosynthesis cell and hybrid redox flow cells for energy storage. Recent trends include the development of microflow cells for electrosynthesis, 3D printing of fast prototype cells and a range of computational models to simulate reaction environment and rationalise performance. Future research needs are highlighted.
Review—Recent Advances in Carbon Nanomaterials as Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Kour Ravinder , Arya Sandeep , Young Sheng-Joue , Gupta Vinay , Bandhoria Pankaj , Khosla Ajit
Published: January 2020

In the last three decades, a lot of scientific research has been carried out in the field of Carbon nanomaterials all over the world due to their significant electronic, optical, mechanical, chemical and thermal properties. The zero, one, two and three dimensional Carbon nanomaterials (i.e. fullerenes, Carbon nanotubes, Graphene, Carbon quantum dots, Carbon Nanohorns, Nanodiamonds, Carbon Nanofibres and Carbon black) have exhibited such inherent features that can be easily exploited in the development of advanced technology for sensing applications. The employment of nanomaterials within sensors has paved new way and opportunities for the detection of analytes or target molecules. Carbon nanomaterials based electrochemical biosensors have reported biocompatibility, better sensitivity, better selectivity and lower limits of detection to detect a wide range of chemical to biological molecules. In this paper, a comprehensive review has been made to cover recent developments in the field of Carbon based nanomaterials as electrochemical biosensors. The characteristic features of a variety of nanomaterials like fullerenes, Carbon nanotubes, Graphene, Carbon quantum dots, Carbon Nanohorns, Carbon Nanodiamonds, Carbon Nanofibres, Carbon black etc. have been discussed along with their synthesis methods. The recent application of all these nanomaterials as electrochemical biosensors for the detection of various biomolecules have been highlighted; the future prospects and possibilities in this field have been outlined.
Antithrombotic effects of heme-degrading and heme-binding proteins
Authors: Nath Karl A. , Grande Joseph P. , Belcher John D. , Garovic Vesna D. , Croatt Anthony J. , Hillestad Matthew L. , Barry Michael A. , Nath Meryl C. , Regan Raymond F. , Vercellotti Gregory M.
Published: January 2020

In the murine venous thrombosis model induced by ligation of the inferior vena cava (IVCL), genetic deficiency of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) increases clot size. This study examined whether induction of HO-1 or administration of its products reduces thrombosis. Venous HO-1 upregulation by gene delivery reduced clot size, as did products of HO activity, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide. Induction of HO-1 by hemin reduced clot formation, clot size, and upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) that occurs in the IVCL model, while leaving urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) expression unaltered. The reductive effect of hemin on clot size required HO activity. The IVCL model exhibited relatively high concentrations of heme that peaked just before maximum clot size, then declined as clot size decreased. Administration of hemin decreased heme concentration in the IVCL model. HO-2 mRNA was induced twofold in the IVCL model (vs. 40-fold HO-1 induction), but clot size was not increased in HO-2−/− mice compared with HO-2+/+ mice. Hemopexin, the major heme-binding protein, was induced in the IVCL model, and clot size was increased in hemopexin−/− mice compared with hemopexin+/+ mice. We conclude that in the IVCL model, the heme-degrading protein HO-1 and HO products inhibit thrombus formation, as does the heme-binding protein, hemopexin. The reductive effects of hemin administration require HO activity and are mediated, in part, by reducing PAI-1 upregulation in the IVCL model. We speculate that HO-1, HO, and hemopexin reduce clot size by restraining the increase in clot concentration of heme (now recognized as a procoagulant) that otherwise occurs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides conclusive evidence that two proteins, one heme-degrading and the other heme-binding, inhibit clot formation. This may serve as a new therapeutic strategy in preventing and treating venous thromboembolic disease.
MitoQ regulates redox-related noncoding RNAs to preserve mitochondrial network integrity in pressure-overload heart failure
Authors: Kim Seulhee , Song Jiajia , Ernst Patrick , Latimer Mary N. , Ha Chae-Myeong , Goh Kah Yong , Ma Wenxia , Rajasekaran Namakkal-Soorappan , Zhang Jianhua , Liu Xiaoguang , Prabhu Sumanth D. , Qin Gangjian , Wende Adam R. , Young Martin E. , Zhou Lufang
Published: January 2020

Evidence suggests that mitochondrial network integrity is impaired in cardiomyocytes from failing hearts. While oxidative stress has been implicated in heart failure (HF)-associated mitochondrial remodeling, the effect of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, such as mitoquinone (MitoQ), on the mitochondrial network in a model of HF (e.g., pressure overload) has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, the mechanism of this regulation is not completely understood with an emerging role for posttranscriptional regulation via long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). We hypothesized that MitoQ preserves mitochondrial fusion proteins (i.e., mitofusin), likely through redox-sensitive lncRNAs, leading to improved mitochondrial network integrity in failing hearts. To test this hypothesis, 8-wk-old C57BL/6J mice were subjected to ascending aortic constriction (AAC), which caused substantial left ventricular (LV) chamber remodeling and remarkable contractile dysfunction in 1 wk. Transmission electron microscopy and immunostaining revealed defective intermitochondrial and mitochondrial-sarcoplasmic reticulum ultrastructure in AAC mice compared with sham-operated animals, which was accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and suppressed mitofusin (i.e., Mfn1 and Mfn2) expression. MitoQ (1.36 mg·day−1·mouse−1, 7 consecutive days) significantly ameliorated LV dysfunction, attenuated Mfn2 downregulation, improved interorganellar contact, and increased metabolism-related gene expression. Moreover, our data revealed that MitoQ alleviated the dysregulation of an Mfn2-associated lncRNA (i.e., Plscr4). In summary, the present study supports a unique mechanism by which MitoQ improves myocardial intermitochondrial and mitochondrial-sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ultrastructural remodeling in HF by maintaining Mfn2 expression via regulation by an lncRNA. These findings underscore the important role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of HF and the potential of targeting them for effective HF treatment.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have shown that MitoQ improves cardiac mitochondrial network integrity and mitochondrial-SR alignment in a pressure-overload mouse heart-failure model. This may be occurring partly through preventing the dysregulation of a redox-sensitive lncRNA-microRNA pair (i.e., Plscr4-miR-214) that results in an increase in mitofusin-2 expression.
Soluble Fas affects erythropoiesis in vitro and acts as a potential predictor of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chiloff Daniela Mendes , de Almeida Danilo Candido , Dalboni Maria A. , Canziani Maria Eugênia , George Sunil K. , Morsi Alshaimaa Mahmoud , El-Akabawy Nadia , Porada Christopher D. , Durao Marcelino Souza , Zarjou Abolfazl , Almeida-Porada Graca , Goes Miguel Angelo
Published: January 2020

Serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are associated with erythropoietin (Epo) hyporesponsiveness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether sFas could predict the need for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) usage and its influence in erythropoiesis remain unclear. We evaluated the relation between sFas and ESA therapy in patients with CKD with anemia and its effect on erythropoiesis in vitro. First, we performed a retrospective cohort study with 77 anemic patients with nondialysis CKD. We performed in vitro experiments to investigate whether sFas could interfere with the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood and incubated with recombinant sFas protein in a dose-dependent manner. Serum sFas positively correlated with Epo levels ( r = 0.30, P = 0.001) but negatively with hemoglobin ( r = −0.55, P < 0.001) and glomerular filtration rate ( r = −0.58, P < 0.001) in patients with CKD at baseline. Elevated sFas serum levels (4,316 ± 897 vs. 2,776 ± 749, P < 0.001) with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (26.2 ± 10.1 vs. 33.5 ± 14.3, P = 0.01) and reduced hemoglobin concentration (11.1 ± 0.9 vs. 12.5 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) were identified in patients who required ESA therapy compared with patients with non-ESA. Afterward, we detected that the sFas level was slight correlated with a necessity of ESA therapy in patients with nondialysis CKD and anemia. In vitro assays demonstrated that the erythroid progenitor cell frequency negatively correlated with sFas concentration ( r = −0.72, P < 0.001). There was decreased erythroid colony formation in vitro when CD34+HSCs were incubated with a higher concentration of sFas protein (1.56 ± 0.29, 4.33 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that sFas is a potential predictor for ESA therapy in patients with nondialysis CKD and that elevated sFas could affect erythropoiesis in vitro.
Inhibition of DNA Repair Protein Ku70 in High‐Glucose Environment Aggravates the Neurotoxicity Induced by Bupivacaine in SH‐SY5Y Cells
Authors: Ji Zhong-Hua , Zhou Yu , Wang Hui , Li Shuang , Liang Gen-qiang , Mao Jun
Published: January 2020

Bupivacaine, a common local anesthetic, causes serious nerve injury, especially in diabetic patients, as high glucose has been reported to enhance bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity. However, the key regulator for synergism remains unknown. To our surprise, the expression of repair protein Ku70 is suppressed, while the high‐glucose environment induces DNA oxidative damage in neurons. Here, we aim to investigate whether the inhibition of Ku70 by high‐glucose conditions aggrandized bupivacaine‐induced DNA damage. Consistent with previous results, bupivacaine induced reactive oxygen species production and upregulated Ku70 and cleaved caspase‐3 expressions at both transcript and protein levels and ultimately caused nucleic acid damage and apoptosis in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells. High‐glucose treatment inhibited the expression of Ku70 and enhanced bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity. In contrast, the overexpression of Ku70 mitigated DNA damage and apoptosis triggered by bupivacaine and high glucose. In conclusion, our data indicated that local anesthetics may aggravate nerve toxicity in a high‐glucose environment.
Multichannel Deep Attention Neural Networks for the Classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Neuroimaging and Personal Characteristic Data
Authors: Niu Ke , Guo Jiayang , Pan Yijie , Gao Xin , Peng Xueping , Li Ning , Li Hailong
Published: January 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that impacts more than 1.6% of children aged 8 across the United States. It is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as by a restricted repertoire of activity and interests. The current standardized clinical diagnosis of ASD remains to be a subjective diagnosis, mainly relying on behavior-based tests. However, the diagnostic process for ASD is not only time consuming, but also costly, causing a tremendous financial burden for patients’ families. Therefore, automated diagnosis approaches have been an attractive solution for earlier identification of ASD. In this work, we set to develop a deep learning model for automated diagnosis of ASD. Specifically, a multichannel deep attention neural network (DANN) was proposed by integrating multiple layers of neural networks, attention mechanism, and feature fusion to capture the interrelationships in multimodality data. We evaluated the proposed multichannel DANN model on the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) repository with 809 subjects (408 ASD patients and 401 typical development controls). Our model achieved a state-of-the-art accuracy of 0.732 on ASD classification by integrating three scales of brain functional connectomes and personal characteristic data, outperforming multiple peer machine learning models in a k-fold cross validation experiment. Additional k-fold and leave-one-site-out cross validation were conducted to test the generalizability and robustness of the proposed multichannel DANN model. The results show promise for deep learning models to aid the future automated clinical diagnosis of ASD.
3D Intelligent Scissors for Dental Mesh Segmentation
Authors: Yang Shuai , Wang Ruikun , Zhao Wenjie , Ke Yongzhen
Published: January 2020

Teeth segmentation is a crucial technologic component of the digital dentistry system. The limitations of the live-wire segmentation include two aspects: (1) computing the wire as the segmentation boundary is time-consuming and (2) a great deal of interactions for dental mesh is inevitable. For overcoming these disadvantages, 3D intelligent scissors for dental mesh segmentation based on live-wire is presented. Two tensor-based anisotropic metrics for making wire lie at valleys and ridges are defined, and a timesaving anisotropic Dijkstra is adopted. Besides, to improve with the smoothness of the path tracking back by the traditional Dijkstra, a 3D midpoint smoothing algorithm is proposed. Experiments show that the method is effective for dental mesh segmentation and the proposed tool outperforms in time complexity and interactivity.
Modelling and Analysis of a Magnetorheological Damper with Nonmagnetized Passages in Piston and Minor Losses
Authors: Li Guojie , Yang Ze-Biao
Published: January 2020

This work aims to establish the mathematical model with the high effectiveness in predicting the damping force of an MR damper with nonmagnetized passages in piston. The pressure drops due to viscous loss, MR effect, and the minor losses at the inlet and outlet of passages are considered in the mathematical model. The widely reported Bingham model is adopted to describe the mechanical property of MR fluid. The mechanical behaviours of the MR damper are experimentally evaluated under different excitations and current. The yield stress of MR fluid with respect to the current applied to piston coil is obtained by finite element analysis in Ansoft Maxwell 14.0. The proposed model is validated by comparing the simulated damping characteristics with the measured data under various currents applied to the piston coil. The simulated results are also compared with those obtained from the mathematical model without the pressure drop due to the minor losses at the inlet and outlet of passages. The comparisons show that the proposed mathematical model can yield more accurate predictions of damping force. This indicates that the pressure drop due to the minor losses is significant and nonnegligible. The nonlinearity of force-velocity characteristics is discussed. In order to quantitatively explain the necessity of taking the minor losses into account for modelling the MR damper, the proportion of pressure drop due to the minor losses to the total pressure drop is investigated and discussed. Pressure drops due to the minor losses and viscous loss are also investigated and discussed. At last, the proposed mathematical model is used to analyse the working principle of nonmagnetized passages.
Three Types Generalized Zn-Heisenberg Ferromagnet Models
Authors: Zhou Yinfei , Wan Shuchao , Bai Yang , Yan Zhaowen
Published: January 2020

By taking values in a commutative subalgebra gln,C, we construct a new generalized Zn-Heisenberg ferromagnet model in (1+1)-dimensions. The corresponding geometrical equivalence between the generalized Zn-Heisenberg ferromagnet model and Zn-mixed derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation has been investigated. The Lax pairs associated with the generalized systems have been derived. In addition, we construct the generalized Zn-inhomogeneous Heisenberg ferromagnet model and Zn-Ishimori equation in (2+1)-dimensions. We also discuss the integrable properties of the multi-component systems. Meanwhile, the generalized Zn-nonlinear Schrödinger equation, Zn-Davey–Stewartson equation and their Lax representation have been well studied.
Traffic Conflict Analysis of Motor Vehicles and Nonmotor Vehicles Based on Improved Cellular Automata
Authors: Dong Chenhao , Ma Rongguo , Yin Yujie , Shi Borui , Zhang Wanting , Zhang Yidan
Published: January 2020

In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s logistics industry and urban service industry, electric bicycles have gradually become an important means of transportation in cities due to their flexibility, green technology, and low operating costs. Because electric bicycles travel though motor vehicle lanes and nonmotor vehicle lanes, the conflict between motor and nonmotor vehicles has become increasingly prominent, and the safety situation is not optimistic. However, most theories and models of mixed traffic flow are based on motor vehicles and bicycles and few involve electric bicycles. To explore the traffic safety situation in an urban mixed traffic environment, this paper first uses cellular automata (CA) to establish a three-strand mixed traffic flow model of motor vehicles, electric bicycles, and bicycles and verifies the reliability of the model by using a MATLAB simulation based on the actual survey data. Then, using the technology of traffic conflicts and the conflict rate as the index to evaluate the traffic safety situation, the change in the conflict rate with different road occupancies and different proportional coefficients of motor vehicles is studied. In the end, the conflict rate is compared between the mixed traffic flow and the setting of a physical isolation divider, which provides some suggestions on when to set a physical isolation divider to separate motor vehicles from nonmotor vehicles. The results show that in a mixed traffic environment, the conflict rate first increases and then decreases with increasing road occupancy and reaches a peak when the road occupancy is 0.6. In addition, in mixed traffic environments, the conflict rate increases with an increasing proportional coefficient of the motor vehicle. When the road occupancy rate is within the range of [0.6, 0.9] or when the proportional coefficient of motor vehicle is between [0.8, 0.9], a physical isolation divider can be set to separate motor vehicles and nonmotor vehicles from the space to improve traffic safety.
Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Rg3) Ameliorates Gastric Precancerous Lesions in Atp4a−/− Mice via Inhibition of Glycolysis through PI3K/AKT/miRNA‐21 Pathway
Authors: Liu Wei , Pan Hua-feng , Yang Liang-jun , Zhao Zi-ming , Yuan Dong-sheng , Liu Yuan-liang , Lin Li-zhu
Published: January 2020

Gastric cancer, one of the most common types of cancers, develops over a series of consecutive histopathological stages. As such, the analysis and research of the gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs) play an important role in preventing the occurrence of gastric cancer. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an herbal medicine, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various cancers. Studies have demonstrated a correlation between glycolysis and gastric cancer progression. Herein, the aim of the present study was to clarify the potential role for glycolysis pathogenesis in Rg3‐treated GPL in Atp4a−/− mice. The GPL mice model showed chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and more atypical hyperplasia in gastric mucosa. According to the results of HE and AB‐PAS staining, it could be confirmed that GPL mice were obviously reversed by Rg3. Additionally, the increased protein levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, HIF‐1α, LDHA, and HK‐II, which are crucial factors for evaluating GPL in the aspect of glycolysis pathogenesis in the model group, were downregulated by Rg3. Meanwhile, the miRNA‐21 expression was decreased and upregulated by Rg3. Furthermore, the increased gene levels of Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 were attenuated in Rg3‐treated GPL mice. In conclusion, the findings of this study imply that abnormal glycolysis in GPL mice was relieved by Rg3 via regulation of the expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, HIF‐1α, LDHA, HK‐II, and miRNA‐21. Rg3 is an effective supplement for GPL treatment and can be harnessed to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of GPL cells.