bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of apremilast in psoriasis at 52 weeks: a retrospective, observational, multicentre study by the Spanish Psoriasis Group
Authors: del Alcázar E. , Suárez‐Pérez J.A. , Armesto S. , Rivera R. , Herrera‐Acosta E. , Herranz P. , Martín I. , Montesinos E. , Hospital M. , Vilarrasa E. , Ferran M. , Ruiz‐Villaverde R. , Sahuquillo‐Torralba A. , Ruiz‐Genao D.P. , Pérez‐Barrio S. , Muñoz C. , Llamas M. , Valentí F. , Mitxelena M.J. , López‐Ferrer A. , Carretero G. , Vidal D. , Mollet J. , Belinchón I. , Carrascosa J.M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Little has been published on the real‐world effectiveness and safety of apremilast in psoriasis.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and drug survival of apremilast at 52 weeks in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or palmoplantar psoriasis in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentre study of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or palmoplantar psoriasis treated with apremilast from March 2016 to March 2018.

Results

We studied 292 patients with plaque psoriasis and 85 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis. The mean (SD) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was 10.7 (7.0) at baseline and 3.0 (4.2) at 52 weeks. After 12 months of treatment, 73.6% of patients had a PASI score of 3 or less. In terms of relative improvement by week 52, 49.7% of patients achieved PASI‐75 (≥75% reduction in PASI score) and 26.5% achieved PASI‐90. The mean physician global assessment score for palmoplantar psoriasis fell from 4.2 (5.2) at baseline to 1.3 (1.3) at week 52. Overall drug survival after 1 year of treatment with apremilast was 54.9 %. The main reasons for treatment discontinuation were loss of efficacy (23.9%) and adverse events (15.9%). Almost half of the patients in our series (47%) experienced at least one adverse event. The most common events were gastrointestinal problems.

Conclusions

Apremilast may be a suitable alternative for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and palmoplantar psoriasis. Although the drug has a good safety profile, adverse gastrointestinal effects are common.
Stem rot of eucalyptus cuttings caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp. in Brazil
Authors: Santos Gizeli S. , Mafia Reginaldo G. , Aguiar Aurélio M. , Zarpelon Talyta G. , Damacena Michelle B. , Barros Aline F. , Ferreira Maria A.
Published: April 2020

In Brazil, the fungus Neopestalotiopsis (= Pestalotiopsis) is known to cause disease in eucalyptus cuttings. However, although it occurs relatively frequently in cutting nurseries, the pathogenic species have yet to be identified. Thus, the aim of the present work was to perform a morphological and phylogenetic characterization to identify the aetiological agent. For this purpose, the isolates were subjected to a multilocus analysis using the two gene regions β‐tubulin (TUB) and the translation elongation factor (TEF). Based on the genomic sequences, two known species and one new species of the pathogen were identified. After confirmation of their pathogenicity, N. australis was confirmed as a new report in eucalyptus. Neopestalotiopsis rosae failed to differ from the control, however, showed internal and external lesion in eucalyptus stem. In addition, in this study, a new species called N. eucalypti was described, causing disease in hybrids eucalyptus. Morphological characterization allowed for the confirmation of the N. australis and N. rosae isolates, primarily based on differences in the size and shape of the conidia. For N. eucalypti, no morphological marker was found that separated it from the other species within the genus. The results confirm the existence of at least three Neopestalotiopsis species as aetiological agents of leaf spot and stem rot in eucalyptus cuttings in Brazil.
Validation of scoring system predicting permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Shivamurthy Poojita , Vejpongsa Pimprapa , Gurung Sidhanta , Jacob Robin , Zhao Yelin , Anderson H. Vernon , Balan Prakash , Nguyen Tom C , Estrera Anthony L , Dougherty Anne H , Smalling Richard W , Dhoble Abhijeet
Published: April 2020

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is being increasingly performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Despite newer generation valves, atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbance is a common complication, necessitating permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation in about 10% of patients. Hence, it is imperative to improve periprocedural risk stratification to predict PPM implantation after TAVR. The objective of this study was to externally validate a novel risk‐stratification model derived from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database that predicts risk of PPM from TAVR.

Methods

Components of the score included pre‐TAVR left and right bundle branch block, sinus bradycardia, second‐degree AV block, and transfemoral approach. The scoring system was applied to 917 patients undergoing TAVR at our institution from November 2011 to February 2017. We assessed its predictive accuracy by looking at two components: discrimination using the C‐statistic and calibration using the Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness of fit test.

Results

Ninety patients (9.8%) required PPM. The scoring system showed good discrimination with C‐statistic score of 0.6743 (95% CI: 0.618‐0.729). Higher scores suggested increased PPM risk, that is, 7.3% with score ⩽3, 19.23% with score 4‐6, and 37.50% with score ≥7. Patients requiring PPM were older (81.4 versus 78.7 years, P = .002). Length of stay and in‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in PPM group.

Conclusions

The NIS database derived PPM risk prediction model was successfully validated in our database with acceptable discriminative and gradation capacity. It is a simple but valuable tool for patient counseling pre‐TAVR and in identifying high‐risk patients.
Association genetics identifies a specifically regulated Norway spruce laccase gene, PaLAC5, linked to Heterobasidion parviporum resistance
Authors: Elfstrand Malin , Baison John , Lundén Karl , Zhou Linghua , Vos Ingrid , Capador Hernan Dario , Åslund Matilda Stein , Chen Zhiqiang , Chaudhary Rajiv , Olson Åke , Wu Harry X. , Karlsson Bo , Stenlid Jan , García‐Gil María Rosario
Published: April 2020

It is important to improve the understanding of the interactions between the trees and pathogens and integrate this knowledge about disease resistance into tree breeding programs. The conifer Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an important species for the forest industry in Europe. Its major pathogen is Heterobasidion parviporum, causing stem and root rot.

In this study, we identified 11 Norway spruce QTLs (Quantitative trait loci) that correlate with variation in resistance to H. parviporum in a population of 466 trees by association genetics. Individual QTLs explained between 2.1 and 5.2% of the phenotypic variance. The expression of candidate genes associated with the QTLs was analysed in silico and in response to H. parviporum hypothesizing that (a) candidate genes linked to control of fungal sapwood growth are more commonly expressed in sapwood, and; (b) candidate genes associated with induced defences are respond to H. parviporum inoculation. The Norway spruce laccase PaLAC5 associated with control of lesion length development is likely to be involved in the induced defences. Expression analyses showed that PaLAC5 responds specifically and strongly in close proximity to the H. parviporum inoculation. Thus, PaLAC5 may be associated with the lignosuberized boundary zone formation in bark adjacent to the inoculation site.
Doubly guaranteed mechanism for pollination and fertilization in Ipomoea purpurea
Authors: Liu C.-C. , Gui M.-Y. , Sun Y.-C. , Wang X.-F. , He H. , Wang T.-X. , Li J.-Y.
Published: April 2020

Flowers, the reproductive organs of angiosperms, show a high degree of diversity in morphological structure and flowering habit to ensure pollination and fertilization of the plants. Effect of flower movement on pollination and fertilization was investigated in Ipomoea purpurea (Convolvulaceae) in this study.

Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the germination of pollen grains at different temperatures.

From 04:00 to 06:00 h, the stigma was taller than the filaments, so that self‐pollination could not occur, and cross‐pollination was carried out by insects. Pollen grains germinated rapidly after falling on the stigma; the pollen tube reached the ovule to complete fertilization after 2–3 h. From 07:00 to 09:00 h, filaments of two stamens grew rapidly and reached the same height as the stigma, thus allowing self‐crossing. But at this time, the ambient temperature was already high and was not conducive to the germination of pollen grains. The corolla closed, forming an inverted bell shape, where the inner microenvironment ensured completion of pollen germination and fertilization.

Preferential cross‐pollination and delayed self‐crossing of I. purpurea provided a doubly guaranteed mechanism for pollination and fertilization, facilitating its adaptation to a high temperature climate.
Explaining fiscal decentralization and the role of ethnic Diversity
Authors: Pickard Harry
Published: April 2020

This paper considers the causes of fiscal decentralization with a specific focus on the role of ethnic diversity. To do so, I employ an instrument for ethnic diversity based on the origin of anatomically modern human life. Using two measures of decentralization that capture decision making autonomy and accounting for the depth of divisions between ethno‐linguistic groups using the structure of language trees, I find that ethnic diversity has a positive effect on the degree of decentralization. It is the amount of fractionalization towards the leaves of the trees, where groups are more numerous and less distinct, that drive decentralization.
Older adults show elevated intermuscular coherence in eyes‐open standing but only young adults increase coherence in response to closing the eyes
Authors: Walker S. , Piitulainen H. , Manlangit T. , Avela J. , Baker S. N.
Published: April 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can a 14‐week strength‐training programme modify intermuscular coherence levels during bipedal standing tasks with eyes open and eyes closed and reduce age‐related differences?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Older adults had more prominent common input over 4–14 Hz with eyes open, but during the eyes‐closed task the young adults were able to further enhance their common input at 6–36 Hz. This indicates that young adults are better at modulating common input in different motor tasks.

Understanding neural control of standing balance is important to identify age‐related degeneration and design interventions to maintain function. Here, intermuscular coherence between antagonist muscle pairs around the ankle‐joint during standing balance tasks was investigated before and after strength training. Ten young (18–31 years; YOUNG) and nine older adults (66–73 years; OLDER) stood on a force plate for 120 s with eyes open followed by 120 s with eyes closed before and after 14 weeks of strength training. Postural sway was quantified from centre‐of‐pressure displacement based on 3‐D force moments. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), soleus (SOL) and tibilais anterior (TA) muscles of the right leg. Coherence between rectified EMG pairs (GM–TA, SOL–TA) was calculated for each 120 s epoch separately. Postural sway was lower in YOUNG compared to OLDER in eyes‐open (6.8 ± 1.3 vs. 10.3 ± 4.7 mm s−1, P = 0.028) and eyes‐closed (10.9 ± 3.1 vs. 24.4 ± 18.3 mm s−1, P = 0.032) tasks. For both muscle pairs, OLDER had more prominent common input over 4–14 Hz with eyes open, but when the proprioceptive demand was enhanced in the eyes‐closed task the YOUNG were able to further enhance their common input at 6–36 Hz (P < 0.05). Strength training reduced the instability from closing the eyes in OLDER but did not alter coherence. This may highlight a greater functional reserve in YOUNG than in OLDER and possible emerging proprioceptive degeneration in OLDER. However, the findings question the functional role of coherence for balance.
High temperature operation to 500 °C of AlGaN graded polarization-doped field-effect transistors
Authors: Carey Patrick H. , Ren Fan , Armstrong Andrew M. , Klein Brianna A. , Allerman Andrew A. , Douglas Erica A. , Baca Albert G. , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

AlGaN polarization-doped field-effect transistors were characterized by DC and pulsed measurements from room temperature to 500 °C in ambient. DC current-voltage characteristics demonstrated only a 70% reduction in on-state current from 25 to 500 °C and full gate modulation, regardless of the operating temperature. Near ideal gate lag measurement was realized across the temperature range that is indicative of a high-quality substrate and sufficient surface passivation. The ability for operation at high temperature is enabled by the high Schottky barrier height from the Ni/Au gate contact, with values of 2.05 and 2.76 eV at 25 and 500 °C, respectively. The high barrier height due to the insulatorlike aluminum nitride layer leads to an ION/IOFF ratio of 1.5 × 109 and 6 × 103 at room temperature and 500 °C, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the stability of the heterostructure even after an extended high-temperature operation with only minor interdiffusion of the Ni/Au Schottky contact. The use of refractory metals in all contacts will be key to ensure a stable extended high-temperature operation.
Shape optimization of acoustic horns using the multimodal method
Authors: Dong Hao , Shen Yong , Gao Hao
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a method for the shape optimization of an acoustic horn with respect to the impedance matching property based on the discrete multimodal method. The method models the horn as a series of short cylinders and takes mode coupling across the discontinuities into account. The optimization employs a gradient-based algorithm, and allows for analytical derivation of the objective function and its gradient in a numerically workable manner. A case study followed with an experimental validation is presented. With appropriate parameter settings, the method is capable of rapidly finding a smooth and convex horn design that behaves like a high-pass radiator with near-ideal wideband transmission in small dimensions.
Epigenetic tinkering with neurotransmitters
Authors: Girault Jean-Antoine
Published: April 2020

Some neurotransmitters modify chromatin and modulate gene expression
Supplemental Material: Divide mobility controls knickpoint migration on the Roan Plateau (Colorado, USA)
Authors: Schwanghart Wolfgang , Scherler Dirk
Published: April 2020

Supplementary methods and supplementary figures.
Beyond cycle lanes and large-scale infrastructure: a scoping review of initiatives that groups and organisations can implement to promote cycling for the Cycle Nation Project
Authors: Kelly Paul , Williamson Chloë , Baker Graham , Davis Adrian , Broadfield Sarah , Coles Allison , Connell Hayley , Logan Greig , Pell Jill P , Gray Cindy M , Gill Jason MR
Published: April 2020

Background/objectives

Cycling has well-established positive relationships with health. Evidence suggests that large-scale infrastructure and built-environment initiatives to promote cycling are likely to be necessary but not sufficient to maximise cycling participation. Smaller-scale initiatives that can be implemented by organisations (eg, employers) and groups (eg, community groups) are therefore also important, but the full range of feasible activities to promote cycling is not known. We aimed to scope the literature and map organisational, social and individual level activities to increase cycling.

Methods

Design: Scoping review following an established five-stage process.

Eligibility criteria: Studies or publicly available reports describing cycling promotion initiatives deemed feasible for organisations or groups to implement.

Sources of evidence and selection: (i) online databases (Ovid (Medline), Ovid (Embase), SportDISCUS (Ebscohost), ProQuest, Web of Science), (ii) existing systematic reviews, (iii) expert stakeholder consultation.

Results

We extracted data from 129 studies and reports, from 20 different countries, identifying 145 cycling promotion initiatives. From these initiatives we identified 484 actions within 93 action types within 33 action categories under the nine intervention functions described by Michieet al. Environmental restructuring (micro-level), enablement, education and persuasion were the functions with the most action types, while coercion, modelling and restriction had the fewest action types.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive map to summarise the broad range of action types feasible for implementation within organisation/group-based cycling promotion initiatives. The map will be a critical tool for communities, employers, practitioners and researchers in designing interventions to increase cycling.
Comparative evaluation of a low cost direct ophthalmoscope (Arclight) for red reflex assessment among healthcare workers in Malawi
Authors: Dooley Eleanor , Kousha Obaid , Msosa Joseph , Ndaule Eric , Abraham Carl , Parr Jennifer , O'Hare Bernadette , Blaikie Andrew
Published: April 2020

We compared the diagnostic performance and ease of use of a new solar powered low-cost Arclight direct ophthalmoscope (AO) to a more expensive traditional direct ophthalmoscope (TDO) (Keeler Professional V.2.8) in detecting abnormal red reflexes in simulated eyes. Both devices were used by 19 optometry students and 17 paediatric doctors based in the Kamuzu Central Hospital Campus in Lilongwe, Malawi. Participants examined four normal and four abnormal red reflexes using the two devices in random order. We scored the participants on their ability to identify clinical signs and make a diagnosis. Participants scored each device for ‘ease of use’. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic performance or ‘ease of use’ between the AO and the TDO when attempting to detect abnormal red reflexes in simulated eyes. We conclude that AO is an inexpensive yet equally effective alternative to the TDO in detecting red reflexes and due to its low cost, portability and consumable independence is well suited for use in low-income and middle-income countries.
Management of mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: van Gils Anne , Stone Jon , Welch Killian , Davidson Louise R , Kerslake Dean , Caesar Dave , McWhirter Laura , Carson Alan
Published: April 2020

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common and associated with a range of diffuse, non-specific symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, hypersomnolence, attentional difficulties, photosensitivity and phonosensitivity, irritability and depersonalisation. Although these symptoms usually resolve within 3 months, 5%–15% of patients are left with chronic symptoms. We argue that simply labelling such symptoms as ‘postconcussional’ is of little benefit to patients. Instead, we suggest that detailed assessment, including investigation, both of the severity of the ‘mild’ injury and of the individual symptom syndromes, should be used to tailor a rehabilitative approach to symptoms. To complement such an approach, we have developed a self-help website for patients with mild TBI, based on neurorehabilitative and cognitive behavioural therapy principles, offering information, tips and tools to guide recovery:www.headinjurysymptoms.org.
Laser ablation and management of a retropharyngeal abscess caused byCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisin a ram
Authors: Copeland Adam , Speckels Amanda , Merkatoris Paul , Breuer Ryan M , Schleining Jennifer A , Smith Joseph
Published: April 2020

A one‐year‐old crossbred ram presented for acute respiratory distress. Initial diagnostics revealed compression of the pharynx by a spherical, avascular mass. The ram was initially managed with a tracheostomy, antimicrobials and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatories. Advanced imaging confirmed a pharyngeal abscess which was lanced via endoscopic‐guided laser procedure. While synergistic haemolysin inhibition (SHI) testing was negative,Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosiswas cultured from the exudate, indicating a false negative result by the SHI test and the potential for a lack of reliability of this test in sheep with internal abscessation. Clinicians should be aware of the utility of diagnostic imaging as well as the use of endoscope‐guided laser procedures in areas where traditional surgical approaches are challenging, such as the upper airway of sheep.
Preventing protein-energy malnutrition after cortical stroke enhances recovery of symmetry in forelimb use during spontaneous exploration
Authors: Matwee Larisa K. , Alaverdashvili Mariam , Muir Gillian D. , Farthing Jonathan P. , Bater Sarah A. , Paterson Phyllis G.
Published: April 2020

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) commonly arises after stroke. We investigated the effects of preventing PEM on spontaneous recovery of forelimb use, infarct size, and the acute phase response in the chronic post-stroke period. Male, adult, Sprague–Dawley rats were acclimatized to control diet (12.5% protein), tested for pre-stroke forelimb use symmetry in the cylinder test, and exposed to photothrombotic cortical stroke or sham surgery. Food intake was monitored daily, and body weight weekly. Forelimb use was tested on day 4 after surgery, before assignment to control diet or PEM (0.5% protein), with subsequent testing on days 16 and 29. Blood, brain, and liver were collected on day 30. The low protein diet resulted in PEM, measured by decreased body weight (p < 0.001) and food intake (p = 0.016) and increased liver lipid (p < 0.001). Stroke (p = 0.016) and PEM (p = 0.001) independently elicited increases in serum α-2-macroglobulin concentration, whereas PEM alone decreased albumin (p < 0.001). PEM reduced recovery of forelimb use symmetry during exploration on days 16 (p = 0.024) and 29 (p = 0.013) but did not influence infarct size (p = 0.775). Stroke reduced reliance on the stroke-affected forelimb to initiate exploration up until day 29 (p < 0.001); PEM had no influence (p ≥ 0.463). Preventing post-stroke PEM appears to yield direct benefits for certain types of motor recovery.

Novelty Preventing post-stroke malnutrition benefits certain types of motor recovery. An acute phase response may contribute to the poorer recovery with malnutrition.
Gravitational waves in braneworlds after multi-messenger events
Authors: García-Aspeitia Miguel A. , Escamilla-Rivera Celia
Published: April 2020

The GW170817 event opened a new window to test modifications to General Relativity with the aim of discard or impose strong constraints in extra dimension theories of gravity. Concerning these theories, the Randall–Sundrum brane-world theory – 4+1 spacetime model where its covariant Einstein field equations are composed with new extra terms that comes from extra dimensions – is begin tested in the multi-messenger astronomy field. In the same context, the aim of this paper is to impose new constrictions through measurements of the time-delay between the gravitational and electromagnetic signals: GW170817 and the recent S190425z, over the free cosmological parameters of this modified model. We assume that Gravitational Waves travel along a shortcut on the extra dimension. In addition, we consider the standard $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM model and perform a likelihood analysis in order to study effects like the $$H_0$$H0 tension in comparison to this extra-dimensional theory, obtaining a reduced $$H_0$$H0 value of the order of $$0.2\%$$0.2% in the low energy limit of this theory.
Quantum entanglement and violation of Bell’s inequality in dipolar interaction system under Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interaction
Authors: Habiballah Nabil , Salah Ahmed , Jebli Larbi , Amazioug Mohamed , El Qars Jamal , Nassik Mostafa
Published: April 2020

The Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya (DM) interaction contributes to some unusual and interesting magnetic properties in real materials, thus playing an important role in the degree of quantum entanglement in Heisenberg quantum spin models. In [C. S. Castro, O. S. Duarte, D. P. Pires, D. O. Soares-Pinto and M. S. Reis, Phys. Lett. A 380, 1571 (2016)], it has been investigated about the non-locality and the thermal entanglement in a dipolar spin thermal system without DM interaction. In this work, we study the entanglement in the thermal state of inhomogeneous Heisenberg coupling under the presence of the DM interaction along the [Formula: see text]-axis. More precisely, we analyze the effect of the DM interaction on non-locality phenomena and quantum entanglement as measured by negativity and Von Neumann entropy. We show that by comparing with [C. S. Castro, O. S. Duarte, D. P. Pires, D. O. Soares-Pinto and M. S. Reis, Phys. Lett. A 380, 1571 (2016)], the local quantum states become more pronounced, when the DM interaction is taken into account. This fact is well confirmed by noting that Von Neumann entropy is destroyed in the presence of the DM interaction. It can be deduced that the Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya (DM) interaction makes the thermal states less correlated.
Study of the Mechanical Performance of the Improved Multi-Layer Composites Under Drop Weight Impact Loads
Authors: Ali Saima , Liu Xuemei , Fawzia Sabrina , Thambiratnam David
Published: April 2020

This study attempts to propose innovative multi-layer cement-based composites to have high impact resistance which could be used for runway. In this paper, the performances of two innovative multi-layer composite runway pavements using asphalt concrete-high strength concrete-cement-treated aggregate and asphalt concrete-high strength concrete-cement mortar in surface-base-subbase layer were evaluated under impact loads. ABAQUS/Explicit software was used to simulate loading condition and nonlinear stabilized runway pavement layers characteristics. In addition, a detailed parametric study was also carried out to explore the effects of the selected materials and load-related parameters in changing the performance of multi-layer composites. The findings of the study will be helpful to introduce protective multi-layer composite runway pavement and consequently to reduce the maintenance work of runway pavement.
Passive Control Analysis and Design of Twin-Tower Structure with Chassis
Authors: Wu Qiaoyun , Feng Hai , Xiao Shiye , Zhu Hongping , Bai Xixuan
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a symmetrical twin-tower structure with chassis connected with passive dampers is coupled as 2-DOF (degree of freedom) model. Using the stationary white noise as seismic excitation, the frequency–response function and the vibration energy expression of the symmetrical twin-tower structure are established based on the simplified 2-DOF model. Furthermore, based on the principle of minimum energy, the analytical expressions of the optimization parameters of two kinds of passive dampers are deduced, and the effectiveness of the dampers with optimized coefficients on structural control is verified by numerical examples of 2-DOF and MDOF (multi-degree-of-freedom) systems, respectively. Finally, the control effects of the two kinds of dampers under different control strategies on the responses of displacement of the top, base shear, structural vibration energy, and maximum inter-story drift of the symmetrical twin-tower structure are discussed through three-dimensional finite element numerical examples. It is verified that the analytical expressions of optimum parameters of the two kinds of dampers proposed based on the 2-DOF model are also beneficial to reduce the responses of the MDOF systems and actual engineering.
Image Privacy Prediction Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Tonge Ashwini , Caragea Cornelia
Published: April 2020

Images today are increasingly shared online on social networking sites such as Facebook, Flickr, and Instagram. Image sharing occurs not only within a group of friends but also more and more outside a user’s social circles for purposes of social discovery. Despite that current social networking sites allow users to change their privacy preferences, this is often a cumbersome task for the vast majority of users on the Web, who face difficulties in assigning and managing privacy settings. When these privacy settings are used inappropriately, online image sharing can potentially lead to unwanted disclosures and privacy violations. Thus, automatically predicting images’ privacy to warn users about private or sensitive content before uploading these images on social networking sites has become a necessity in our current interconnected world.

In this article, we explore learning models to automatically predict appropriate images’ privacy as
private
or
public
using carefully identified image-specific features. We study deep visual semantic features that are derived from various layers of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as well as textual features such as user tags and deep tags generated from deep CNNs. Particularly, we extract deep (visual and tag) features from four pre-trained CNN architectures for object recognition, i.e., AlexNet, GoogLeNet, VGG-16, and ResNet, and compare their performance for image privacy prediction. The results of our experiments obtained on a Flickr dataset of 32,000 images show that ResNet yeilds the best results for this task among all four networks. We also fine-tune the pre-trained CNN architectures on our privacy dataset and compare their performance with the models trained on pre-trained features. The results show that even though the overall performance obtained using the fine-tuned networks is comparable to that of pre-trained networks, the fine-tuned networks provide an improved performance for the private class. The results also show that the learning models trained on features extracted from ResNet outperform the state-of-the-art models for image privacy prediction. We further investigate the combination of user tags and deep tags derived from CNN architectures using two settings: (1) Support Vector Machines trained on the bag-of-tags features and (2) text-based CNN. We compare these models with the models trained on ResNet visual features and show that, even though the models trained on the visual features perform better than those trained on the tag features, the combination of deep visual features with image tags shows improvements in performance over the individual feature sets. We also compare our models with prior privacy prediction approaches and show that for private class, we achieve an improvement of ≈ 10% over prior CNN-based privacy prediction approaches. Our code, features, and the dataset used in experiments are available at https://github.com/ashwinitonge/deepprivate.git.
Novel In Situ Gas Formation Analysis Technique Using a Multilayer Pouch Bag Lithium Ion Cell Equipped with Gas Sampling Port
Authors: Schmiegel Jan-Patrick , Leißing Marco , Weddeling Franz , Horsthemke Fabian , Reiter Jakub , Fan Quan , Nowak Sascha , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: April 2020

Parasitic gas evolution in lithium ion battery (LIB) cells especially occurs within the first charge cycle, but can also take place during long-term cycling and storage, thereby, negatively affecting the cell performance. Gas formation is influenced by various factors, such as the cell chemistry and operating conditions, thus, demanding fundamental studies in terms of interphase and gas formation (gas volume and composition) and electrolyte consumption. Gas analyses in terms of mass spectrometry of gaseous products are regularly performed, however, usually using custom-made cell designs with a high excess of electrolyte. Here, a gas sampling port (GSP) is incorporated in a commercial small-scale multilayer pouch cell in a simple post-production process and systematically evaluated as proof-of-principle approach towards effective electrolyte additive research under practically relevant conditions, i.e., when applying a limited amount of electrolyte per cell capacity. The GSP-based LIB pouch cell design allows the voltage-dependent identification and separation of formed gases, while a clear correlation between electrolyte reduction peaks, observed in differential capacity profiles, and the onset of gas evolution is demonstrated. In summary, the novel GSP-based pouch cell setup benefits from the possibility of multiple time-, cell voltage- or state-of-charge-dependent gas measurements, without significantly influencing the original cell performance.
Investigation of the Ionic Conduction Mechanism of Polyether/Li7La3Zr2O12 Composite Solid Electrolytes by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kato Masaki , Hiraoka Koji , Seki Shiro
Published: April 2020

Polyether-based polymer/cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) composite solid electrolytes were prepared by dispersing LLZO powder in a lithium (Li) conductive polyether-based solid polymer electrolyte. [SUS ∣ electrolyte ∣ SUS] (SUS: stainless steel) and [Li ∣ electrolyte ∣ Li] symmetrical cells were fabricated, and the ionic conductivity, Li/electrolyte interfacial resistance, and Li-cation transport number of the electrolytes were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polyether-based polymer/LLZO composite solid electrolytes showed relatively high ionic conductivity of over 10−4 S cm−1 at 333.15 K, along with high electrochemical stability and low interfacial resistance to Li metal electrodes. Remarkable changes of Cole-Cole plots were observed with the variation of LLZO content, which was attributed to the formation of local percolation pathways between LLZO grains in the polymer matrix. Li-ion conduction was faster in the LLZO phase than in the polymer phase. The Li-cation transport number of the polymer/LLZO composite solid electrolytes was almost constant value regardless of LLZO content because of the rate-limiting ionic transport in the polymer phase with a low Li-cation transport number.
Polyaniline Electrode Activation in Li Cells
Authors: Charlton Michael , Hatchard T. D. , Obrovac M. N.
Published: April 2020

Polyaniline (PANi) can be used as an electroactive organic cathode material in Li-cells with multiple redox states. The theoretical specific capacity of the emeraldine base (PEB) is 150 mAh g−1. In this study, we show how the specific capacity of PEB90−xCBxPVDF10 cathodes is dependent upon the mass percentage of PEB and carbon black (CB) in the potential range of 2.0–4.0 V. The capacity of PEB90−xCBxPVDF10 cathodes is initially very low, steadily increasing during initial cycling. A constant capacity is eventually reached with continued cycling. Microscopic imaging and elemental analysis of cycled electrodes reveals how the electrode composition and morphology of PEB90−xCBxPVDF10 cathodes plays an integral role in the magnitude of the specific capacity during the initial and steady state cycles. We propose a diffusion-limited model as an attempt to elucidate the differences in the total specific capacity among PEB90−xCBxPVDF10 cathodes. From our findings, we propose that increasing CB content provides more ion-diffusion channels throughout the PEB90−xCBxPVDF10 cathodes. This model is consistent with our findings in that more CB content reduces the amount of cycles required to reach steady state cycling and increases the magnitude of the specific capacity at steady state.
Ex vivo aortic stiffness in mice with different eNOS activity
Authors: Leloup Arthur J. A. , Van Hove Cor E. , De Moudt Sofie , De Keulenaer Gilles W. , Fransen Paul
Published: April 2020

Endothelial function and NO bioavailability are important determinants of aortic biomechanics and function. With a new technique we investigated the ex vivo aortic segment biomechanics of different mouse models with altered NO signaling. Our experiments clearly show that chronic distortion of NO signaling triggered several compensatory mechanisms that reflect the organism’s attempt to maintain optimal central hemodynamics.
Strategies on Pricing, Greenness Degree, and Carbon Emission Reduction in Supply Chains under Single and Cross Distributions of Green and Nongreen Products
Authors: Lee Doo Ho
Published: April 2020

Environmental sustainability has become a critical indicator in evaluations of the success and efficiency of supply chain management. In this study, we consider a two-echelon supply chain composed of two competing manufacturers, two retailers, and one third-party logistics firm. The first manufacturer produces a green product, while the second manufacturer produces a nongreen product. Each of the two retailers can sell only a green product, only a nongreen product, or both green and nongreen products. All products are initially stored by the third-party logistics firm and delivered to the retailers. This study investigates product pricing, the degree of greenness of the first manufacturer’s product, and carbon emission reduction as carried out by the third-party logistics firm. Using a three-stage Stackelberg game framework, we present the equilibrium strategy on pricing, the degree of greenness, and carbon emission reduction for five different distribution channel structures. One of our major findings is that competition between the two manufacturers has a positive influence on the profitability of the supply chain. We also find that it is desirable for each manufacturer to choose a cross-distribution channel for its products considering the sustainability and profitability of the supply chain.
Complex PM2.5 Pollution and Hospital Admission for Respiratory Diseases over Big Data in Cloud Environment
Authors: Zhou Yi , Li Lianshui
Published: April 2020

With the establishment of China’s national air quality monitoring network, large amounts of monitoring data are available for different kinds of users. How to process and use this big data is a tough problem for users: most users have limited computing power, and new data are collected at every moment. Cloud computing may be an efficient and low-cost way to solve this problem. This paper investigates a problem of a complex system: the impact of PM2.5 on hospitalization for respiratory diseases. A change-point detection method based on grey relation analysis was used to solve this problem. Daily air pollution monitoring data and patient data were used in this study. Our results showed that (1) PM2.5 pollution showed a positive correlation on hospital admission for respiratory disease; (2) most patients went to hospital 2 days after PM2.5 pollution events; and (3) male, children, and old people were significantly affected by PM2.5 pollution. Our study is of great significance to help the government formulate suitable policies to reduce the damage caused by PM2.5 pollution and help hospitals allocate medical resources efficiently.
Sinapic Acid Promotes Browning of 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes via p38 MAPK/CREB Pathway
Authors: Bae In-Seon , Kim Sang Hoon
Published: April 2020

Sinapic acid is a plant‐derived phenolic compound, which acts as an antioxidant, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory agent. Although sinapic acid is valuable in a variety of therapeutic applications, its role in the improvement of obesity‐related metabolic disease is relatively unexplored. Brown‐like adipocytes (beige adipocytes) are characterized by a high concentration of mitochondria and high expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which has specific functions in energy expenditure and thermogenesis. This study assessed the browning effects of sinapic acid in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. We investigated the expression of beige marker genes in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with sinapic acid. Sinapic acid increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) and UCP1. Sinapic acid also promoted mitochondrial biogenesis by dose‐dependently upregulating the oxygen consumption rate and enhancing the expression of representative subunits of oxidative phosphorylation complexes. In addition, treatment with p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor and cAMP response element binding (CREB) inhibitor decreased the expressions of genes associated with thermogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. In summary, sinapic acid initiates browning 3T3‐L1 adipocytes via the p38 MAPK/CREB signaling pathway. Thus, sinapic acid may have potential therapeutic implication in obesity.
Tunneling Nanotubes and the Eye: Intercellular Communication and Implications for Ocular Health and Disease
Authors: Chinnery Holly R. , Keller Kate E.
Published: April 2020

Cellular communication is an essential process for the development and maintenance of all tissues including the eye. Recently, a new method of cellular communication has been described, which relies on formation of tubules, called tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). These structures connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells and allow the direct transport of cellular cargo between cells without the need for secretion into the extracellular milieu. TNTs may be an important mechanism for signaling between cells that reside long distances from each other or for cells in aqueous environments, where diffusion‐based signaling is challenging. Given the wide range of cargoes transported, such as lysosomes, endosomes, mitochondria, viruses, and miRNAs, TNTs may play a role in normal homeostatic processes in the eye as well as function in ocular disease. This review will describe TNT cellular communication in ocular cell cultures and the mammalian eye in vivo, the role of TNTs in mitochondrial transport with an emphasis on mitochondrial eye diseases, and molecules involved in TNT biogenesis and their function in eyes, and finally, we will describe TNT formation in inflammation, cancer, and stem cells, focusing on pathological processes of particular interest to vision scientists.
Taking Time: A Mixed Methods Study of Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Participation in Activities in Relation to Their Wellbeing
Authors: Prado Lia , Hadley Rebecca , Rose Dawn
Published: April 2020

Objectives. Although many studies have shown that psychosocial interventions, such as dance classes, can improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD): few have addressed the role of, and potential benefits to, the caregivers in such activities. This mixed methods study explored the reasons for caregiver participation in a variety of activities and considered whether participation in, or abstention from these, affected the wellbeing of the caregivers. Method. Transcriptions of a focus group (two people with PD, two caregivers) and eight semistructured interviews (caregivers) were analysed using Grounded Theory (GT). To test the hypotheses derived from the GT, caregivers (n = 75) completed an online survey about activities they and the person they care for participated in, alongside the PDQ-Carer questionnaire, to establish the caregiver’s levels of wellbeing. Results. Qualitative findings suggested that caregivers tried to find a balance between caring for the person with PD and participating in activities to attend to their own needs. Reasons for participating in activities for people with PD included being able to socialise in an empathetic safe space, alongside engaging in physical activity that provided some respite distraction, such as dancing with others to music. Reasons for not participating included generating time for oneself and increasing the independence of the person with PD. Quantitative results suggested that most of the participants’ wellbeing was not compromised, although this was gendered: female caregivers reported lower wellbeing scores than male caregivers. Overall, 62% of caregivers participated in joint activities. Linear regression revealed a significant relationship between nonparticipation in daily activities and stress levels for female caregivers only, whereby the more independent the person with PD was, the lower the stress of the caregiver. Conclusion. This study suggests that caregivers of people with PD can find a healthy balance in terms of their own wellbeing by jointly participating in two-thirds of activities while ensuring the remaining third is time reserved for themselves.
Possible Future Career Challenges and Associated Factors among Dental Students and Interns
Authors: Fita Sarah , Alshuraim Faris , Almulhim Abdullah , AlHumaid Jehan , Alhareky Muhanad , Nazir Muhammad
Published: April 2020

Background. Dental students face a variety of challenges as they enter the dental profession. The study aimed at assessing dental students’ opinions about their perceived future career challenges in the dental profession and the associated factors.Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study of 637 students representing different public and private dental colleges was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The participants responded to a pretested questionnaire conducted online.Results. There were 59.7% (n = 380) of males and 40.3% (n = 257) of females, and the mean age of the students was 21.80 (±2.14) years. The majority of participants thought that they will have difficulties in establishing their private clinic (63.9%) and finding a government job (>60%). Senior students were more likely to perceive getting a government job (OR = 1.79,P=0.02), securing an admission into specialty program (OR = 2.75,P=0.001), and establishing a private dental clinic (OR = 2.51,P=0.001) as future career challenges than junior students. Similarly, female gender was associated with increased perception of challenges about finding a government job (OR = 1.911,P=0.002), getting an admission into specialty program (OR = 1.5,P=0.038), and establishing a private clinic (OR = 2.02,P=0.001). In addition, low academic score and low level of father’s education were associated with increased odds of perceiving challenges of finding a government job and getting an admission into specialty programs.Conclusions. Establishing a private clinic and getting a government job were the most common career challenges. Senior students, female students, and students with low academic scores had increased likelihood of facing employment and academic-related difficulties.
Perioperative Mortality and Long-Term Survival after Radical Cystectomy: A Population-Based Study in a Southern European Country on 4,389 Patients
Authors: Fedeli Ugo , De Paoli Angela , Corti Maria Chiara , Cacciamani Giovanni Enrico , Gill Inderbir S. , Zattoni Filiberto , Novara Giacomo , Porreca Angelo , Artibani Walter
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Population-based data on survival after radical cystectomy (RC) are lacking from Southern Europe. The aim of this study was to assess trends and determinants of perioperative mortality and long-term survival in the Veneto region (Northeastern Italy). Methods: All patients submitted to RC for bladder cancer from January 2004 to December 2016 were identified from the regional archive of hospital discharge records. Age at surgery, gender, comorbidities, hospital volume, calendar period of surgery, and type of urinary diversion were retrieved; vital status and cause of death were obtained by linkage with mortality records. Determinants of 90-day mortality were assessed by multilevel logistic regression; long-term survival was investigated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Results: Among 4,389 included patients, an increase in the share of patients aged ≥80 years (from 13% in 2004–2008 to 24% in 2013–2016, p < 0.001) and a decline in performing continent diversion (from 34.9 to 23.4%, p < 0.001) were observed across the study period. Ninety-day mortality did not change over time and was 4% for patients aged <70 years and 13.7% for those aged ≥80 years. Age- and comorbidities-adjusted mortality was significantly lower in hospitals performing >30 RCs/year (odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.93). At a median follow-up of 67 months, overall survival at 1 year and 5 years was 72 and 40%, respectively, with a higher rate among younger patients treated in high-volume hospitals. Conclusion: The population of patients treated with RC is rapidly ageing, with a high risk of perioperative and long-term mortality; this changing epidemiological scenario and better outcomes observed in high-volume hospitals support regionalization of the procedure.