bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do Swiss dog owners visiting a dog exhibition understand feed labels?
Authors: Gerstner Kerstin , Liesegang Annette
Published: February 2020

While teaching, the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the University of Zurich (IANZ) noticed that veterinary students, veterinarians and pet owners have significant difficulties in reading and understanding pet food labels (PFL). The authors hypothesized that if PFL are easy to read and understand, 90% of those dog owners (n = 43) polled at a dog exhibition are able to answer a questionnaire after reading an exemplary PFL modified from existing products.

About 30.2% of the participants were able to compare the protein content of a canned diet versus a dry diet. About 34.9% were able to estimate and compare the carbohydrate content of two dry diets by reading the composition. About 32.6% identified which of the two dry diets was potentially a complete diet by reading the listed ingredients. The results show that a majority of the participants was overwhelmed with the task of reading and understanding the exemplary PFL. An improvement of public education on the basics of product labelling or additional simplified information on the labels might be helpful.
The dynamic relationship between daily caffeine intake and sleep duration in middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Hu Yueqin , Stephenson Katelyn , Klare Dalton
Published: February 2020

The effect of caffeine on sleep has been well documented. However, most studies examined this relationship in laboratories or used a cross‐sectional design analysing between‐person differences. This study investigated the within‐person relationship between caffeine intake and sleep duration at home. In a national database, 377 participants (aged 35–85 years) completed a 7‐day diary study. Sleep duration was measured by Actigraphy and caffeine intake was self‐reported in sleep logs. Three analytic strategies were used. The average sleep duration and the average caffeine intake were not significantly correlated. Multilevel regressions using daytime caffeine intake to predict night‐time sleep, and using night‐time sleep to predict next day caffeine intake, also did not detect any significant effect. Then dynamical systems analysis was performed, where the daily change rate and change tendency of caffeine and sleep were estimated, and the relationship among these momentums was examined. Results revealed a significant effect of sleep duration on the change tendency of caffeine use: a shorter sleep duration predicted a stronger tendency to consume caffeine, and this phenomenon was only found in middle‐aged adults (aged 35–55 years) not in older adults (aged 55+). This study did not detect any effect of daily caffeine intake on sleep duration, implying that habitual use of caffeine in real life may not coincide with laboratory findings, and that using caffeine to compensate for sleep loss is the habit of middle‐aged adults, not the elderly. The advantage of using a dynamic approach to analyse interrelated processes with uncertain time lags is also highlighted.
A test of the riverine barrier hypothesis in the largest subtropical river basin in the Neotropics
Authors: Kopuchian Cecilia , Campagna Leonardo , Lijtmaer Darío A. , Cabanne Gustavo S. , García Natalia C. , Lavinia Pablo D. , Tubaro Pablo L. , Lovette Irby , Di Giacomo Adrián S.
Published: February 2020

The riverine barrier hypothesis proposes that large rivers represent geographical barriers to gene flow for terrestrial organisms, leading to population differentiation and ultimately allopatric speciation. Here we assess for the first time if the subtropical Paraná–Paraguay River system in the Del Plata basin, second in size among South American drainages, acts as a barrier to gene flow for birds. We analysed the degree of mitochondrial and nuclear genomic differentiation in seven species with known subspecies divided by the Paraná–Paraguay River axis. Only one species showed genetic differentiation concordant with the current river channel, but another five species have an east/west genetic split broadly coincident with the Paraná River's dynamic palaeochannel, suggesting this fluvial axis has had a past role in shaping present‐day genetic structure. Moreover, dating analyses show that these splits have been asynchronous, with species responding differently to the riverine barrier. Comparisons informed by the geological history of the Paraná River and its influence on the ecological and climatic differences among ecoregions in the study area further bolster the finding that responses to this geographical barrier have been species‐specific.
Reduction in lumen area is associated with the δ18O exchange between sugars and source water during cellulose synthesis
Authors: Szejner Paul , Clute Timothy , Anderson Erik , Evans Michael N. , Hu Jia
Published: February 2020

High temporal resolution measurements of wood anatomy and the isotopic composition in tree‐rings have the potential to enhance our interpretation of climate variability, but the sources of variation within the growing season are still not well understood.

Here we test the response of wood anatomical features in Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii, including cell‐wall thickness (CWT) and lumen area (LA), along with the oxygen isotopic composition of α‐cellulose (δ18Ocell) to shifts in relative humidity (RH) in two treatments, one from high–low RH and the second one form low–high RH.

We observed a significant decrease in LA and a small increase in CWT within the experimental growing season in both treatments. The measured δ18Ocell along the ring was responsive to RH variations in both treatments. However, estimated δ18Ocell did not agree with measured δ18Ocell when the proportion of exchangeable oxygen during cellulose synthesis (Pex) was kept constant.

We found that Pex increased throughout the ring as LA decreased. Based on this varying Pex within an annual ring, we propose a targeted sampling strategy for different hydroclimate signals: earlier season cellulose is a better recorder of RH while late‐season cellulose is a better recorder of the source water.
Labour Supply after Inheritances and the Role of Expectations
Authors: Doorley Karina , Pestel Nico
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the effect of inheritances on labour supply, distinguishing between unanticipated and anticipated inheritances. We use household and individual level micro‐data for Germany to investigate the effect of inheritances on a number of labour market outcomes. Women are less likely to work full‐time after an inheritance and their desired and actual hours of work decrease by 1–2 per week, on average. The magnitude of the effect is found to be larger and more precisely estimated for households without children and liquidity constrained households. Other margins such as time use outside the labour market and satisfaction are also found to be affected by inheritance receipt.
Peri‐implantation urinary hormone monitoring distinguishes between types of first‐trimester spontaneous pregnancy loss
Authors: Foo Lin , Johnson Sarah , Marriott Lorrae , Bourne Tom , Bennett Phillip , Lees Christoph
Published: February 2020

Background

Lutenising hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone are useful biochemical markers to indicate ovulation and embryonic implantation, respectively. We explored “point‐of‐care” LH and hCG testing using a digital home‐testing device in a cohort trying to conceive.

Objective

To determine conception and spontaneous pregnancy loss rates, and to assess whether trends in LH‐hCG interval which are known to be associated with pregnancy viability could be identified with point‐of‐care testing.

Methods

We recruited healthy women aged 18‐44 planning a pregnancy. Participants used a home monitor to track LH and hCG levels for 12 menstrual cycles or until pregnancy was conceived. Pregnancy outcomes (viable, clinical miscarriage, or biochemical pregnancy loss) were recorded. Monitor data were analysed by a statistician blinded to pregnancy outcome.

Results

From 387 recruits, there were 290 pregnancies with known outcomes within study timeline. Adequate monitor data for analysis were available for 150 conceptive cycles. Overall spontaneous first‐trimester pregnancy loss rate was 30% with clinically recognised miscarriage rate of 17%. The difference to LH‐hCG interval median had wider spread for biochemical losses (0.5‐8.5 days) compared with clinical miscarriage (0‐5 days) and viable pregnancies (0‐6 days). Fixed effect hCG profile change distinguished between pregnancy outcomes from as early as day‐2 post‐hCG rise from baseline.

Conclusions

The risk of first‐trimester spontaneous pregnancy loss in our prospective cohort is comparable to studies utilising daily urinary hCG collection and laboratory assays. A wider LH‐hCG interval range is associated with biochemical pregnancy loss and may relate to late or early implantation. Although early hCG changes discriminate between pregnancies that will miscarry from viable pregnancies, this point‐of‐care testing model is not sufficiently developed to be predictive.
Objective assessment of automatic language comprehension mechanisms in the brain: Novel E/MEG paradigm
Authors: Hyder Rasha , Højlund Andreas , Jensen Mads , Østergaard Karen , Shtyrov Yury
Published: February 2020

Assessing the brain activity related to language comprehension is required in a range of situations. Particularly in cases when subjects’ cooperation with instructions cannot be guaranteed (e.g., in neurological patients), a protocol is needed that could be independent from attention and behavioral tasks. In this study, we aimed at designing a novel approach for neuromagnetic recordings of brain activity which could allow for probing the neural foundations underpinning three key levels of speech comprehension: lexical, semantic, and (morpho)syntactic, without requiring active attention on speech input or any active task, while keeping the recording session duration as short as possible. To this end, we designed two different auditory paradigms using the same set of single word‐based lexical, semantic, and syntactic contrasts: a modified version of the multifeature oddball paradigm and an equiprobable design. Combined magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography data were recorded form young, healthy participants, presented with these stimuli while watching a silent movie. Data from the equiprobable design yielded significant activations in temporal and inferior frontal areas associated with the lexical, semantic, and morphosyntactic contrasts. In turn, neural dissociations observed in the multifeature paradigm emerged mainly in temporal cortices, and were confined to the lexical and semantic conditions with a striking lack of any statistically significant effects for syntactic violations. Our findings indicate that, by employing the equiprobable design, a comprehensive range of key linguistic processes could be assessed in a passive, attention‐free manner within a relatively short time (here, ~27 min), thus making this paradigm a time‐efficient and patient‐friendly tool.
Screening for autoantibody targets in post‐vaccination narcolepsy using proteome arrays
Authors: Lind Alexander , Eriksson Daniel , Akel Omar , Ramelius Anita , Palm Lars , Lernmark Åke , Kämpe Olle , Elding Larsson Helena , Landegren Nils
Published: February 2020

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic sleep disorder caused by a specific loss of hypocretin‐producing neurons. The incidence of NT1 increased in Sweden, Finland and Norway following Pandemrix®‐vaccination, initiated to prevent the 2009 influenza pandemic. The pathogenesis of NT1 is poorly understood, and causal links to vaccination are yet to be clarified. The strong association with Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQB1*06:02 suggests an autoimmune pathogenesis, but proposed autoantigens remain controversial. We used a two‐step approach to identify autoantigens in patients that acquired NT1 after Pandemrix®‐vaccination. Using arrays of more than 9000 full‐length human proteins, we screened the sera of 10 patients and 24 healthy subjects for autoantibodies. Identified candidate antigens were expressed in vitro to enable validation studies with radiobinding assays (RBA). The validation cohort included NT1 patients (n = 39), their first‐degree relatives (FDR) (n = 66), population controls (n = 188), and disease controls representing multiple sclerosis (n = 100) and FDR to type 1 diabetes patients (n = 41). Reactivity towards previously suggested NT1 autoantigen candidates including Tribbles homolog 2, Prostaglandin D2 receptor, Hypocretin receptor 2 and α‐MSH/proopiomelanocortin was not replicated in the protein array screen. By comparing case to control signals, three novel candidate autoantigens were identified in the protein array screen; LOC401464, PARP3 and FAM63B. However, the RBA did not confirm elevated reactivity towards either of these proteins. In summary, three putative autoantigens in NT1 were identified by protein array screening. Autoantibodies against these candidates could not be verified with independent methods. Further studies are warranted to identify hypothetical autoantigens related to the pathogenesis of Pandemrix®‐induced NT1.
Tissue‐specific isolation of Arabidopsis/plant mitochondria – IMTACT (isolation of mitochondria tagged in specific cell types)
Authors: Boussardon Clément , Przybyla‐Toscano Jonathan , Carrie Chris , Keech Olivier
Published: February 2020

Plant cells contain numerous subcompartments with clearly delineated metabolic functions. Mitochondria represent a very small fraction of the total cell volume and yet are the site of respiration and thus crucial for cells throughout all developmental stages of a plant's life. As such, their isolation from the rest of the cellular components is a basic requirement for numerous biochemical and physiological experiments. Although procedures exist to isolate plant mitochondria from different organs (i.e. leaves, roots, tubers, etc.), they are often tedious and do not provide resolution at the tissue level (i.e. phloem, mesophyll or pollen). Here, we present a novel method called IMTACT (isolation of mitochondria tagged in specific cell types), developed in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) that involves biotinylation of mitochondria in a tissue‐specific manner using transgenic lines expressing a synthetic version of the OM64 (Outer Membrane 64) gene combined with BLRP and the BirA biotin ligase gene. Tissue specificity is achieved with cell‐specific promoters (e.g. CAB3 and SUC2). Labeled mitochondria from crude extracts are retained by magnetic beads, allowing the simple and rapid isolation of highly pure and intact organelles from organs or specific tissues. For example, we could show that the mitochondrial population from mesophyll cells was significantly larger in size than the mitochondrial population isolated from leaf companion cells. To facilitate the applicability of this method in both wild‐type and mutant Arabidopsis plants we generated a set of OM64–BLRP one‐shot constructs with different selection markers and tissue‐specific promoters.
Confusion surrounding trauma resuscitation and opportunities for clarification
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Yazer Mark H.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

In the absence of low‐titer group O whole blood, conventional components are often transfused to hemorrhaging trauma patients in a ratio designed to replicate whole blood. However, there is still confusion surrounding how conventional components should be used to support traumatically injured bleeding patients, particularly concerning how platelets should be counted in a ratio‐based approach and when the resuscitation can switch from a ratio‐based to a laboratory‐guided approach.

CASE REPORT

A traumatically injured patient, who was resuscitated with 10 units of red blood cells (RBCs), 6 units of plasma, 2 units of apheresis platelets, and 5 pools of cryoprecipitate is described. After hemostasis was achieved, and in the setting of an international normalized ratio of 1.2, the clinical team requested 4 additional units of plasma because “the patient was not resuscitated with a 1:1 ratio of RBCs to plasma.” This case illustrates that misconceptions surrounding resuscitation with conventional components may lead to unnecessary transfusions in patients with normal laboratory values who have achieved hemostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

This report provides clarification as to how conventional components can be used for trauma resuscitation and why there is no need to transfuse additional plasma‐containing components to achieve a desired ratio when the patient is no longer bleeding and laboratory values are within normal limits. Furthermore, each dose of platelets is suspended in roughly the equivalent of 1 additional unit of plasma that should also be considered in the cumulative dose of plasma administered when using a ratio‐based approach.
A Supervised Machine Learning Approach for Intelligent Process Automation in Container Logistics
Authors: Bricher David , Müller Andreas
Published: February 2020

Process control in manufacturing industries usually lacks flexibility and adaptability. The process planning is traditionally pursued within the production scheduling and then remains unchanged until a major overhaul is necessary. Consequently, no process knowledge acquired by the machine operators is used to adapt, and thus improve, the process control. In this paper, a fully automated process control solution for container logistics is proposed, which is based on deep neural networks and has been trained from process steering decisions made by employees. Further, a fully automated framework for the labeling of container images is introduced, making use of inherent properties of the logistic process. This allows to automatically generate data sets without the need for manual labeling by an operator.
Investigation on Ultrashort Pulse Laser Welding of Dissimilar Metallic Materials Expending Phase-Lag Influence
Authors: Bag Swarup , Amin M. Ruhul
Published: February 2020

When the femtosecond laser pulse is comparable to the electron relaxation time, the hyperbolic effect cannot be neglected in heat transfer analysis. The non-Fourier effect is considered for heat transfer analysis assuming finite delay in the development of temperature within the body. This delay is represented in terms of two relaxation times connected to heat flux and temperature gradient. In the present work, a 3D finite element-based heat transfer model is developed using a dual-phase-lag effect. Since the experimental basis of transient temperature distribution in ultrashort pulse laser is extremely difficult or nearly impossible, the model results have been validated with the literature reported results. Furthermore, the simulation of dissimilar fusion welding system treated by an ultrashort pulse laser is demonstrated. The typical characteristic of thermal behavior with the application of femtosecond fiber laser on welding of dissimilar aluminum alloy and stainless steel is presented. The model results in the form of computed isotherm are compared with the literature reported weld pool geometry for dissimilar materials. The feasibility of characteristic parameters like pulse frequency, pulse width, and relaxation times are assessed in this study. A clear guideline of the geometric shape and size of weld pool geometry and the peak temperature of the welding system corresponding to predictable laser parameters is the effective output from this study. Peak temperature reached in a very short interval of time (∼ nanosecond) is analogous to a high rate of heating or cooling that affects the microstructural changes, specifically the formation of intermetallic for dissimilar welding.
Vacuum-sealed field emission electron gun
Authors: Bachmann Michael , Düsberg Felix , Langer Christoph , Herdl Florian , Bergbreiter Lukas , Dams Florian , Miyakawa Natuski , Eggert Tobias , Pahlke Andreas , Edler Simon , Prommesberger Christian , Ławrowski Robert , Hausladen Matthias , Schreiner Rupert
Published: February 2020

A compact vacuum-sealed field emission electron gun with an operation voltage below 5 kV is presented. With a 150 nm thick pyrolytic carbon membrane, a transmission of 40% at 5 kV is obtained. For more than 2500 h of continuous operation at an emission current of 100 nA, no significant increase (<50V) and almost no degradation were found. From this measurement, a lifetime of more than 10 000 h at continuous operation with approximately a linear increase of the extraction voltage from about 545 V to about 730 V is predicted. This electron source enables application of field emitter arrays in poor vacuum or even ambient pressure.
Simulation of humpback whale bubble-net feeding models
Authors: Bryngelson Spencer H. , Colonius Tim
Published: February 2020

Humpback whales can generate intricate bubbly regions, called bubble nets, via blowholes. Humpback whales appear to exploit these bubble nets for feeding via loud vocalizations. A fully-coupled phase-averaging approach is used to model the flow, bubble dynamics, and corresponding acoustics. A previously hypothesized waveguiding mechanism is assessed for varying acoustic frequencies and net void fractions. Reflections within the bubbly region result in observable waveguiding for only a small range of flow parameters. A configuration of multiple whales surrounding and vocalizing towards an annular bubble net is also analyzed. For a range of flow parameters, the bubble net keeps its core region substantially quieter than the exterior. This approach appears more viable, though it relies upon the cooperation of multiple whales. A spiral bubble net configuration that circumvents this requirement is also investigated. The acoustic wave behaviors in the spiral interior vary qualitatively with the vocalization frequency and net void fraction. The competing effects of vocalization guiding and acoustic attenuation are quantified. Low void fraction cases allow low-frequency waves to partially escape the spiral region, with the remaining vocalizations still exciting the net interior. Higher void fraction nets appear preferable, guiding even low-frequency vocalizations while still maintaining a quiet net interior.
Structured silicon for revealing transient and integrated signal transductions in microbial systems
Authors: Gao Xiang , Jiang Yuanwen , Lin Yiliang , Kim Kyoung-Ho , Fang Yin , Yi Jaeseok , Meng Lingyuan , Lee Hoo-Cheol , Lu Zhiyue , Leddy Owen , Zhang Rui , Tu Qing , Feng Wei , Nair Vishnu , Griffin Philip J. , Shi Fengyuan , Shekhawat Gajendra S. , Dinner Aaron R. , Park Hong-Gyu , Tian Bozhi
Published: February 2020

Optically actuated silicon structures reveal rapid calcium signal propagation in biofilms.
Spontaneous self-intercalation of copper atoms into transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Liu Xiao-Chen , Zhao Shuyang , Sun Xueping , Deng Liangzi , Zou Xiaolong , Hu Youcheng , Wang Yun-Xiao , Chu Ching-Wu , Li Jia , Wu Jingjie , Ke Fu-Sheng , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: February 2020

Bulk Cu transforms into Cu atoms that spontaneously self-intercalate into specific 2D layer TMDs under ambient conditions.
Trump's new budget cuts all but a favored few science programs
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

NIH, NSF, NASA, and energy research again take hits in 2021 request, but "industries of the future" on the rise.
Labs scramble to produce new coronavirus diagnostics
Authors: Cohen Jon , Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: February 2020

Lack of antibody tests obscures impact of the novel virus.
AI shortcuts speed up simulations by billions of times
Authors: Hutson Matthew
Published: February 2020

With little training, neural networks create accurate emulators for physics, astronomy, and earth science.
When health tech companies change their terms of service
Authors: Roberts Jessica L. , Hawkins Jim
Published: February 2020

Consumers may have limited control over their data
Marching to another clock
Authors: Brown Steven A. , Sato Miho
Published: February 2020

Robust daily rhythms of RNA and protein expression occur in “clockless” cells
Proteomic Characterization of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes Secreted by the Insect-Associated Fungus
Daldinia decipiens
oita, Isolated from a Forest in Northern Japan
Authors: Hori Chiaki , Song Ruopu , Matsumoto Kazuki , Matsumoto Ruy , Minkoff Benjamin B. , Oita Shuzo , Hara Hideho , Takasuka Taichi E.
Published: February 2020

Recent studies show the potential impacts of insect symbiont microbes on biofuel application with regard to their degradation capability of a recalcitrant plant cell wall. In this study, we describe a novel fungal isolate,
D. decipiens
oita, as a single symbiotic fungus from the
Xiphydria
woodwasp found in the northern forests of Japan. Our detailed secretome analyses of
D. decipiens
oita, together with activity measurements, reveal that this insect-associated fungus exhibits high and broad activities for plant cell wall material degradation, suggesting potential applications within the biomass conversion industry for plant mass degradation.
Multiple and Overlapping Functions of Quorum Sensing Proteins for Cell Specialization in
Bacillus
Species
Authors: Verdugo-Fuentes Abel , Gastélum Gabriela , Rocha Jorge , de la Torre Mayra
Published: February 2020

In bacterial populations, quorum sensing (QS) systems participate in the regulation of specialization processes and regulate collective behaviors that mediate interactions and allow survival of the species. In Gram-positive bacteria, QS systems of the RRNPP family (
R
gg,
R
ap,
N
prR,
P
lcR, and
P
rgX) consist of intracellular receptors and their cognate signaling peptides. Two of these receptors, Rap and NprR, have regained attention in
Bacillus subtilis
and the
Bacillus cereus
group.
Spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery
Authors: Afonso Catarina , Pereira Jorge , Gil-Agostinho Alfredo , Casimiro Carlos
Published: February 2020

Spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery is exceptionally rare. It can be complicated by haemothorax, haematoma and/or retroperitoneal haemorrhage, which contributes to its morbidity and mortality. The authors report a case of a 76-year-old patient who was referred to the emergency department for pain associated with the appearance of a mass with progressive growth for 2 days in the right subscapular region. The patient had no previous history of trauma, ecchymosis or noticeable skin changes. History included the use of acetylsalicylic acid and a history of heart failure, as well as haemodialysis due to stage 5 chronic renal disease. CT scan showed an active haemorrhage from an artery in the fifth intercostal space. Embolisation was performed with microspheres and microcoils. No complications or recurrent bleeding was observed. Spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery is rare, but it is an emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and intervention.
Diabetes mellitus is not a risk factor for osteoarthritis
Authors: Khor Andrew , Ma Cheryl-Ann , Hong Cassandra , Hui Laura Li-Yao , Leung Ying Ying
Published: February 2020

Background

Association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and risk of osteoarthritis (OA) can be confounded by body mass index (BMI), a strong risk factor for both conditions. We evaluate the association between DM or hyperglycaemia with OA using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases in English for studies that gave information on the association between DM and OA. Two meta-analysis models were conducted to address: (1) risk of DM comparing subjects with and without OA and (2) risk of OA comparing subjects with and without DM. As far as available, risk estimates that adjusted for BMI were used.

Results

31 studies with a pooled population size of 295 100 subjects were reviewed. 16 and 15 studies reported positive associations and null/ negative associations between DM and OA. 68.8% of positive studies had adjusted for BMI, compared with 93.3% of null/negative studies. In meta-analysis model 1, there was an increase prevalence of DM in subjects with OA compared with those without (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.89). In meta-analysis model 2, there was no increased risk of OA (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.33) in subjects with DM compared with those without, regardless of gender and OA sites. Comparing subjects with DM to those without, an increased risk of OA was noted in cross-sectional studies, but not in case-control and prospective cohort studies.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis does not support DM as an independent risk factor for OA. BMI was probably the most important confounding factor.
Quantum-based Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) approach for digital forensic reports
Authors: Jain Jaishree , Singh Ajit
Published: February 2020

Cloud computing is a model that permits usage of a distributed resource for cloud users using the pay-as-you-use method. It offers many advantages to users and companies, in terms of various resources and applications as a service. In spite of the existence of these advantages, there are a few limitations that place constraints on the utilization of a cloud computing environment. Security is an important concern in a cloud computing environment as it probes various security attacks. Therefore, in this work, a novel quantum-based Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) model is proposed for encryption of forensic reports during storage or data sharing on clouds. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a suitable simulation environment is designed for a multi-cloud environment. Experimental results reveal the proposed approach can efficiently encrypt and store data on multiple clouds without introducing potential overheads. Therefore, the proposed approach is more efficient for real-time applications.
Minimization of Common-Mode Voltage of Three-Phase Five-Level NPC Inverter Using 3D Space Vector Modulation
Authors: Ramasamy Palanisamy , Krishnasamy Vijayakumar
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a three-dimensional Space Vector Modulation (3D SVM) is implemented for minimization of Common-Mode Voltage (CMV) of five-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) inverter. The 3D SVM control includes all merits of 2D SVM and provides better control compared to other PWM strategies. The switching state vectors are selected based on the nearest vector Switching State Vector (NSV); it selects the switching vectors which are having the minimum CMV level. It leads to minimization of the bearing voltage and protection of the drive from the damage; also this system reduces the total harmonic distortion. The switching time is calculated by reference vector identification with large and small subcubes tracking and prisms tracking in 3D cubic region. The CMV level with 3D SVM scheme is compared with other PWM methods. The simulation and hardware results are verified using Matlab Simulink and FPGA processor.
Transition to Chaos: From Small to Large Systems in the Nikolaevskiy Model
Authors: Richters-Finger Steffen , Hartmann Simon , Linz Stefan J.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the dynamics and the transitions to spatiotemporal chaos observed in a partial differential equation known as Nikolaevskiy equation in the regime of small domains while applying periodic boundary conditions. In contrast to generic chaotic solutions in large domains called soft-mode turbulence, the Nikolaevskiy model exhibits a rich variety of different chaotic and nonchaotic dynamics if the considered domain size is constrained to only a few characteristic wavelengths. Extending the work by Tanaka, we provide (i) an in-depth numerical analysis including maps of solution types for several parameter subspaces and (ii) results from the numerical continuation of selected types of regular dynamics. Doing this, we detect and classify the highly elaborate scenario of different transitions from regular dynamics to chaos that occur if the system size is varied. Due to the model’s simplicity, we expect those results to be adaptable in similar partial differential equations.
Platanus Fruit-Like Nickel Cobalt Ammonium Phosphate/MWCNTs Composite Grown on Nickel Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Yong , Mei Han-Xin , Yang Jing , Wang Shi-Wen , Gao Hai-Li , Jia Xiao-Dong , Cao Yang , Yan Ji , Luo He-Wei , Zhang Ai-Qin , Gao Ke-Zheng
Published: February 2020

Platanus fruit-like nickel cobalt ammonium phosphate/MWCNTs composites for high-performance supercapacitors were successfully prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method using NiSO[Formula: see text]6H2O, CoSO[Formula: see text]7H2O, (NH4)H2PO4 and MWCNTs as raw materials, respectively. The effects of MWCNTs addition on the structure and properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that when the doped amount of MWCNTs is 7.3[Formula: see text]wt.%, the as-prepared NCAP/M7.3 composite presented an obvious platanus fruit likeness, its surface is rough and porous with a diameter of 3–5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. Compared with the other MWCNTs contents, the NCAP/M7.3 electrode obtained under this condition showed the best capacitive performance. The discharge specific capacity was up to 1270[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at current density of 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], which remains to be 902[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] even at a high density of 10[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The results show that the target sample can be the ideal electrode material for supercapacitor.
Welcome to AI matters 5(4)
Authors: McGovern Amy , Leite Iolanda , Karpatne Anuj
Published: February 2020

Welcome to the fourth issue of the fifth volume of the AI Matters Newsletter.

This issue is full of great new articles and stories! In our regular articles, we open with an event report by Louise Dennis on recent conferences relevant to SIGAI organized around the world. Louise Dennis then provides a summary of upcoming AI events. In the policy column, Larry Medsker covers recent policies on national strategy for AI laid down by the U.S. government, implications of AI on workplace transitions, President Trump's executive order on re-establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), and more. Our final regular column is our AI crosswords from Adi Botea. Enjoy!

We have three contributed articles in our current issue. In the first article, Sharad Sinha and Clint George provide a summary of the events and activities of a recent workshop conducted in India on AI for high school students. In the second article, Trevor Watkins describes the Cosmology of Artificial Intelligence Project (CAIP) that uses innovative visualization techniques to present the evolution of the field of AI. In the third article, Virginia Dignum discusses how AI is progressively trending to become a multi-disciplinary field of reseach and the implications of this trend on the future of AI.
Conference reports
Authors: Dennis Louise A.
Published: February 2020

This section features brief reports from recent events sponsored or run in cooperation with ACM SIGAI.
AI policy matters
Authors: Medsker Larry
Published: February 2020

AI Policy Matters is a regular column in
AI Matters
featuring summaries and commentary based on postings that appear twice a month in the
AI Matters
blog (https://sigai.acm.org/aimatters/blog/). We welcome everyone to make blog comments so we can develop a rich knowledge base of information and ideas representing the SIGAI members.
A Peak Prediction Method for Subflow in Hybrid Data Flow
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Liu Qiuwen , Chen Ligong , Wang Pengwei
Published: February 2020

Subflow prediction is required in resource active elastic scaling, but the existing single flow prediction methods cannot accurately predict the peak variation of subflow in hybrid data flow. These do not consider the correlation between subflows. The difficulty is that it is hard to calculate the correlation between different data flows in hybrid data flow. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a new method DCCSPP (subflow peak prediction of hybrid data flow based on delay correlation coefficients) to predict the peak value of hybrid data flow. Firstly, we establish a delay correlation coefficient model based on the sliding time window to determine the delay time and delay correlation coefficient. Next, based on the model, a hybrid data flow subflow peak prediction model and algorithm are established to achieve accurate peak prediction of subflow. Experiments show that our prediction model has achieved better results. Compared with LSTM, our method has decreased the MAE about 18.36% and RMSE 13.50%. Compared with linear regression, MAE and RMSE are decreased by 27.12% and 25.58%, respectively.
Defects of CTLA-4 Are Associated with Regulatory T Cells in Myasthenia Gravis Implicated by Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
Authors: Xu Wenhua , Ren Mingshan , Ghosh Swagata , Qian Kai , Luo Zhaofeng , Zhang Aimei , Zhang Cuiping , Cui Jiajun
Published: February 2020

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a CD4+ T cell-dependent autoimmune disease resulting from aberrant immune response mediated by circulating autoantibodies at the neuromuscular junction. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is an expensive and commonly used immunotherapeutic approach to treat patients with MG. The mechanisms of actions involved in IVIg treatment, however, remain to be investigated. In an effort to examine the roles of various subsets of CD4+ T cells in the periphery blood of MG and uncover the mechanisms that contribute to the therapeutical effects of IVIg, we first demonstrated that a subset of CD4+ T cells, CTLA-4-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells, were underrepresented and functionally defective in MG patients. The dynamic profiling during the IVIg therapy course further revealed an inverse relationship between the frequency of CTLA-4+ Treg and the quantitative MG (QMG) score that represents disease severity. Our mechanistic studies indicated that IVIg expands CTLA-4-Treg cells via modulating antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs). To determine the molecular defects of CTLA-4 in abnormities of Treg in MG patients, we demonstrated hypermethylation at -658 and -793 CpGs of CTLA-4 promoter in MG Tregs. Interestingly, IVIg therapy significantly reduced the methylation level at these two sites in MG patients. Overall, our study may suggest a role of CTLA-4 in functionally defected Treg cells in MG and its actions involved in IVIg therapy.
Clinical, Paraclinical, and Evolutionary Profiles of Kidney Failure in Gold Miners Hospitalized in a Nephrological Service in a Sub-Saharan African Country
Authors: Coulibaly Gérard , Sanou Gaoussou , Sanon Moumouni , Lengani Aïda H. Y. , Bonzi Juste Y. , Semde Aoua
Published: February 2020

Introduction. The purpose of this preliminary study is to describe the clinical, paraclinical, and evolutionary profiles of gold miner patients with kidney failure hospitalized in the nephrology and haemodialysis service in the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou (CHU-YO). Patients and Methods. This was a longitudinal and descriptive study with a retrospective collection of data for the period from February 1, 2013, to March 31, 2018. Included were all gold miner patients who stayed and worked at an artisanal gold mining site for at least three months and who were diagnosed with acute or chronic kidney failure during hospitalization in the nephrology service. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical variables at admission and then three months later. Results. We included 50 patients; all were male and the average age was 29.4 ± 7.7 years. All patients were exposed to mercury and/or cyanide for an average of 4.5 ± 2.8 years. The average consultation/referral time for patients at the CHU-YO was 25.4 ± 14.9 days. The average of creatininemia was 2338.0 ± 791.4 μmol/L. Kidney failure was acute in five cases (10%) and chronic in the remaining 45 cases or 90%. Extrarenal purification was indicated in 43 cases (86%). It was not performed in nine of the 43 cases due to lack of financial resources for patients (six cases) or death prior to the onset of haemodialysis (three cases). Thirty-two of the 50 patients in the study (64% of cases) died. Conclusion. Chronic kidney failure in gold miners appears to be common and late-managed. A prospective study of kidney disease and its causes at gold mining sites and surrounding areas will assess the extent of the problem in the country and better clarify the prevention of these diseases in our country.
Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone Enhances Odonto/Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells from the Apical Papilla via JNK and P38 MAPK Pathways
Authors: Pang Xiyao , Zhuang Ying , Li Zehan , Jing Shuanglin , Cai Qin , Zhang Fengge , Xue Changao , Yu Jinhua
Published: February 2020

Objective. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is considered to be essential during the tooth development. Stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) are responsible for dentine formation. However, the interaction between PTH and SCAPs remains unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of PTH on odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity of SCAPs and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. Materials and Methods. Here, SCAPs were isolated and identified in vitro. Effects of PTH on the proliferation of SCAPs were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry (FCM), and EdU. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining, Western blot, and RT-PCR were carried out to detect the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of PTH-treated SCAPs as well as the participation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Results. An ALP activity assay determined that 10-8 mol/L PTH was the optimal concentration for the induction of SCAPs with no significant influence on the proliferation of SCAPs as indicated by CCK-8, FCM, and EdU. The expression of odonto/osteogenic markers was significantly upregulated in mRNA levels and protein levels. Moreover, intermittent treatment of PTH also increased phosphorylation of JNK and P38, and the differentiation was suppressed following the inhibition of JNK and P38 MAPK pathways. Conclusion. PTH can regulate the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs via JNK and P38 MAPK pathways.
A Comparative Study of Parking Occupancy Prediction Methods considering Parking Type and Parking Scale
Authors: Zhao Ziyao , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2020

Parking issues have been receiving increasing attention. An accurate parking occupancy prediction is considered to be a key prerequisite to optimally manage limited parking resources. However, parking prediction research that focuses on estimating the occupancy for various parking lots, which is critical to the coordination management of multiple parks (e.g., district-scale or city-scale), is relatively limited. This study aims to analyse the performance of different prediction methods with regard to parking occupancy, considering parking type and parking scale. Two forecasting methods, FM1 and FM2, and four predicting models, linear regression (LR), support vector machine (SVR), backpropagation neural network (BPNN), and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), were proposed to build models that can predict the parking occupancy of different parking lots. To compare the predictive performances of these models, real-world data of four parks in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Dongguan were collected over 8 weeks to estimate the correlation between the parking lot attributes and forecast results. As per the case studies, among the four models considered, SVM offers stable and accurate prediction performance for almost all types and scales of parking lots. For commercial, mixed functional, and large-scale parking lots, FM1 with SVM made the best prediction. For office and medium-scale parking lots, FM2 with SVM made the best prediction.
Studying the Optical 3D Accuracy of Intraoral Scans: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Amornvit Pokpong , Sanohkan Sasiwimol , Peampring Chaimongkon
Published: February 2020

There are various scanners available in dental practice with various accuracies. The aim of this study was to compare the 3D capturing accuracy of scans obtained from Trios 3 and Dental Wings scanner. A reference mandibular model was printed from FormLab with reference points in three axes (X, Y, and XY and Z). The printed model was scanned 5 times with 3 scans: normal scan by Trios 3 (Trios 3A), high-resolution scan by Trios 3 (Trios 3B), and normal scan by Dental Wings. After scan, the stereolithography (stl) files were generated. Then, the measurements were made from the computer software using Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino, Robert McNeel & Associates for Windows, Washington DC, USA). The measurements made with digital caliper were taken as control. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA with post hoc using Sheffe (P<0.01). Trios 3 presented higher accuracy than Dental Wings and high resolution showed better results. The Dental Wings showed less accuracy at the measurements >50 mm of length and >30 mm in width. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) of control with the Trios 3A and Trios 3B. Similarly, for the measurements in Z-axis, there was no significant difference of control with each scan (Trios 3A, Trios 3B, and Dental Wings). Accuracy of the scan is affected by the length of the scanning area and scanning pattern. It is less recommended to Dental Wings scan >3-unit prosthesis and that crosses the midline.
Dielectric Constant and Conductivity of Blood Plasma: Possible Novel Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dallé Ernest , Mabandla Musa V. , Daniels William M. U.
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex debilitating neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. The lack of reliable biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease has made the evaluation of the efficacy of new treatments difficult and reliant on only clinical symptoms. In an aged population where cognitive function may be deteriorating for other reasons, the dependence on clinical symptoms is also unreliable. However, it is well established that infusion of β-amyloid into the dorsal hippocampus of rats leads to cognitive impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the blood plasma of β-amyloid-lesioned rats exhibits a distinct variation of the dielectric constant and conductivity when compared to that of normal rats in a time-dependent manner. These two electric parameters of blood plasma may therefore act as potential biomarkers for dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. This review is aimed at highlighting evidences that support blood plasma electrical properties, e.g., dielectric constant and conductivity as possible novel biomarkers for the early development and progression of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.