bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IoT-Based Wearable Sensors and Bidirectional LSTM Network for Action Recognition of Aerobics Athletes
Authors: Ye Jing , Wang Hui , Li MeiJie , Wang Ning
Published: July 2021

Aerobics is the fusion of gymnastics, dance, and music; it is a body of a sports project, along with the development of the society. The growing demand for aerobics inevitably increases the demand for aerobics coach and teacher and has opened elective aerobics class which is an effective way of cultivating professional talents relevant to aerobics. Aerobics has extended fixed teaching mode and cannot conform to the development of the times. The motion prediction of aerobics athletes is a new set of teaching aid. In this paper, a motion prediction model of aerobics athletes is built based on the wearable inertial sensor of the Internet of Things and the bidirectional long short term memory (BiLSTM) network. Firstly, a wireless sensor network based on ZigBee was designed and implemented to collect the posture data of aerobics athletes. The inertial sensors were used for data collection and transmission of the data to the cloud platform through Ethernet. Then, the movement of aerobics athletes is recognized and predicted by the BiLSTM network. Based on the BiLSTM network and the attention mechanism, this paper proposes to solve the problem of low classification accuracy caused by the traditional method of directly summing and averaging the updated output vectors corresponding to each moment of the BiLSTM layer. The simulation experiment is also carried out in this paper. The experimental results show that the proposed model can recognize aerobics effectively.
Integrated Analysis of Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Identifying Six Genes as Novel Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Liu Nanyang , Wei Wei , Zhang Zhen , Li Hao
Published: July 2021

Background. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease; however, there are no comprehensive therapeutic interventions. Therefore, this study is aimed at identifying novel molecular targets that may improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AD. Methods. In our study, GSE5281 microarray dataset from the GEO database was collected and screened for differential expression analysis. Genes with a P value of <0.05 and ∣log2FoldChange | >0.5 were considered differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We further profiled and identified AD‐related coexpression genes using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analysis was performed to determine the characteristics and pathways of the key modules. We constructed an AD‐related model based on hub genes by logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses, which was also verified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. In total, 4674 DEGs were identified. Nine distinct coexpression modules were identified via WGCNA; among these modules, the blue module showed the highest positive correlation with AD (r = 0.64, P = 3e − 20), and it was visualized by establishing a protein–protein interaction network. Moreover, this module was particularly enriched in “pathways of neurodegeneration—multiple diseases,” “Alzheimer disease,” “oxidative phosphorylation,” and “proteasome.” Sixteen genes were identified as hub genes and further submitted to a LASSO regression model, and six genes (EIF3H, RAD51C, FAM162A, BLVRA, ATP6V1H, and BRAF) were identified based on the model index. Additionally, we assessed the accuracy of the LASSO model by plotting an ROC curve (AUC = 0.940). Conclusions. Using the WGCNA and LASSO models, our findings provide a better understanding of the role of biomarkers EIF3H, RAD51C, FAM162A, BLVRA, ATP6V1H, and BRAF and provide a basis for further studies on AD progression.
Study on the Friction and Wear Performance of Lightly Loaded Reciprocating Carbon/Aramid‐Based Composites
Authors: Zhao Yangyang , Zhang Guoyuan , Liang Maotan , Zeng Qunfeng
Published: July 2021

The preparation methods of T300 carbon cloth‐ and aramid cloth‐reinforced epoxy resin and cyanate ester were proposed, and four kinds of composite samples were obtained. The friction coefficient and wear rate under different test times and loads were obtained using a reciprocating pin‐disk tribology tester. The tribology pairs included pins or sliding blocks made from different metals (45 steel and brass) and the disk samples of the composites. The test results showed that the friction coefficients of the T300 carbon cloth‐ (T300/4211 and T300/BS‐4) and aramid cloth‐ (aramid/4211 and aramid/BS‐4) reinforced epoxy resin or cyanate ester changed from 0.09 to 0.3 and were low under dry friction conditions. Under 75 N, aramid/BS‐4 coupled with 45 steel pins was the lowest friction coefficient, which was 0.09. In particular, the friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite‐reinforced cyanate ester were the lowest, which meant that this composite may be more suitable for use under lightly loaded and reciprocating running conditions in space engineering. By comparing the surface morphologies of composites before and after the test, the wear mechanism of the composites was discussed and the lower friction coefficient and wear rate may originate from the abrasive wear effects occurring between the tribology pairs. The research results have important engineering significance for guiding the use of composites in the deployable mechanisms used in space engineering.
Discrete‐Time Sliding Mode Control Coupled with Asynchronous Sensor Fusion for Rigid‐Link Flexible‐Joint Manipulators
Authors: Xue Guangyue , Ren Xuemei , Xing Kexin , Chen Qiang
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a novel discrete‐time terminal sliding mode controller (DTSMC) coupled with an asynchronous multirate sensor fusion estimator for rigid‐link flexible‐joint (RLFJ) manipulator tracking control. A camera is employed as external sensors to observe the RLFJ manipulator’s state which cannot be directly obtained from the encoders since gear mechanisms or flexible joints exist. The extended Kalman filter‐ (EKF‐) based asynchronous multirate sensor fusion method deals with the slow sampling rate and the latency of camera by using motor encoders to cover the missing information between two visual samples. In the proposed control scheme, a novel sliding mode surface is presented by taking advantage of both the estimation error and tracking error. It is proved that the proposed controller achieves convergence results for tracking control in the theoretical derivation. Simulation and experimental studies are included to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Applications of Multimodal Imaging in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Evaluation
Authors: Ho Mary , Li Gabriel , Mak Andrew , Ng Danny , Iu Lawrence , Lai Frank
Published: July 2021

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a macular disease characterized by serous retinal detachment commonly involving the macular region. CSCR has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Although a significant proportion of CSCR cases are self-limiting, patients can suffer from persistent or recurrent disease, sometimes complicated with choroidal neovascularization, resulting in permanent visual loss. Multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography, has advanced the diagnosis and classification of CSCR cases. Evolution of new imaging techniques including optical coherence tomography angiography, wide-field imaging, and en face reconstruction imaging has also contributed to better understandings of the pathophysiology of CSCR. This review article summarizes the features of multimodal imaging for CSCR and discusses the application of such features in evaluating the disease.
An Improved Fractional-Order Variational Optical Flow Model Combining Structure Tensor
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wang Zhaodong , Tian Lianfang , Guo Jinmei , Wang Lingjian , Bhutto Jameel
Published: July 2021

Dealing with problems of illumination changes in optical flow estimation, an improved variational optical flow model is proposed in this paper. The local structure constancy constraint (LSCC) is applied in the data term of the traditional HS (Horn & Schunck) optical flow model to substitute the brightness constancy constraint. The fractional-order smoothness constraint (FSC) is applied in the smoothness term of the HS model. Then, the detailed calculation processes from the optical flow model to the optical flow value are explained. The structure tensor in LSCC is an image feature that is constant in the illumination changes scene. The fractional differential coefficient in FSC can fuse the local neighborhood optical flow vector into the optical flow vector of the target pixel, which can improve the integrity of the motion region with the same motion speed. Combining LSCC with FSC, our improved optical flow model can obtain an accurate optical flow field with clear outline in the illumination abnormity scene. The experimental results show that, compared with other optical flow models, our model is more suitable for the illumination changes scene and can be employed in outdoor motion detection projects.
Virtual Reality-Assisted Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Interventional Treatment of Lower-Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Authors: Zhou Ruhang , Zhai Hongyan , Yin Zhiming , Cui Jian , Hu Nan
Published: July 2021

This study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the vascular wall during virtual reality- (VR-) assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and its effect on the treatment of lower-extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEAO). In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) model and a finite-element model of arteries were constructed first, and various fluid mechanics were analyzed. Then, the virtual expansion simulation (VES) of individualized PTA was performed based on the ABAQUS/Explicit module to analyze the interaction between the balloon and the blood vessel at different times and the changes in the vascular shape and structural stress distribution. Finally, an LEAO animal model was constructed. Based on conventional PTA (PTA group) and VR-assisted PTA (VR-PTA) treatment, the morphological changes of vascular lumen of the two animal models were evaluated. The results showed that the normal, stenotic blood vessels and blood models were successfully constructed; the pressure of the stenotic blood vessel at the stenosis decreased obviously and the shear stress of blood vessel wall increased compared with that of the normal blood vessels, and there may be a blood reflux area in the poststenosis stage. The simulation results of the VES showed that the maximum principal stress value at 3 mm of the marginal vessel was much lower than that at 5 mm (about 10% lower), so the maximum principal stress change within 2 mm of the balloon-expanded vessel was the most obvious. The treatment results of the animal model showed that the VR-PTA group showed an obvious increase in the diameter of the vascular lumen, a decrease in the intima and media area, and a decrease in the thickness of the vessel wall in contrast to the PTA group

P
<
0.05

, which had an important effect on the reconstruction and expansion of the vascular lumen. The VR-PTA treatment on LEAO was realized in this study, which provided critical reference for the follow-up application of VR technology in the evaluation of surgical plan and research on biomechanical mechanisms of restenosis after PTA.
Differentially Private Attributed Network Releasing Based on Early Fusion
Authors: Wang Yuye , Yang Jing , Zhan Jianpei
Published: July 2021

Vertex attributes exert huge impacts on the analysis of social networks. Since the attributes are often sensitive, it is necessary to seek effective ways to protect the privacy of graphs with correlated attributes. Prior work has focused mainly on the graph topological structure and the attributes, respectively, and combining them together by defining the relevancy between them. However, these methods need to add noise to them, respectively, and they produce a large number of required noise and reduce the data utility. In this paper, we introduce an approach to release graphs with correlated attributes under differential privacy based on early fusion. We combine the graph topological structure and the attributes together with a private probability model and generate a synthetic network satisfying differential privacy. We conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate that our approach could meet the request of attributed networks and achieve high data utility.
Perspectives on Drug Development in Multiple Myeloma—Looking Forward to 2025
Authors: Voorhees Peter M. , Jakubowiak Andrzej J. , Kumar Shaji K. , Kanapuru Bindu , Baines Andrea C. , Bhatnagar Vishal , Ershler Rachel , Theoret Marc R. , Gormley Nicole J. , Pazdur Richard
Published: July 2021

The multiple myeloma treatment landscape has evolved considerably over the last 20 years with the development of multiple therapies with novel mechanisms of action and new combination regimens. However, the recent failure of several large phase III trials, coupled with an increased understanding of the mutational landscape of multiple myeloma has provided opportunities to explore optimal strategies for future multiple myeloma drug development. The Office of Oncologic Diseases at the FDA held an educational symposium, “Drug Development in MM-Project 2025,” in November 2019. The symposium brought together select U.S.-based academic thought leaders in the field of multiple myeloma to explore issues relevant to regulatory science in the field, including considerations for trial design, combination strategies, control arms, and precision medicine. This article summarizes the highlights of this educational symposium held at the FDA, including discussions on the future development of novel drugs and drug combinations and biomarker-directed therapies for patients with multiple myeloma.
A Grant-Based Experiment to Train Clinical Investigators: The AACR/ASCO Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop
Authors: Von Hoff Daniel D. , Clark Gary M. , Coltman Charles A. , Disis Mary L. , Eckhardt S.G. , Ellis Lee M. , Foti Margaret , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Gönen Mithat , Hidalgo Manuel , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Littlefield John H. , LoRusso Patricia M. , Lyerly H. Kim , Meropol Neal J. , Patel Jyoti D. , Piantadosi Steven , Post Dean A. , Regan Meredith M. , Shyr Yu , Tempero Margaret A. , Tepper Joel E. , Von Roenn Jamie , Weiner Louis M. , Young Donn C. , Vu Nu V.
Published: July 2021

To address the need for clinical investigators in oncology, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) established the Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop (MCCRW). The workshop's objectives were to: (i) provide training in the methods, design, and conduct of clinical trials; (ii) ensure that clinical trials met federal and international ethical guidelines; (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop; and (iv) create networking opportunities for young investigators with mentoring senior faculty. Educational methods included: (i) didactic lectures, (ii) Small Group Discussion Sessions, (iii) Protocol Development Groups, and (iv) one-on-one mentoring. Learning focused on the development of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-ready protocol, which was submitted on the last day of the workshop. Evaluation methods included: (i) pre- and postworkshop tests, (ii) students' workshop evaluations, (iii) faculty's ratings of protocol development, (iv) students' productivity in clinical research after the workshop, and (v) an independent assessment of the workshop. From 1996 to 2014, 1,932 students from diverse backgrounds attended the workshop. There was a significant improvement in the students' level of knowledge from the pre- to the postworkshop exams (P < 0.001). Across the classes, student evaluations were very favorable. At the end of the workshop, faculty rated 92% to 100% of the students' protocols as ready for IRB submission. Intermediate and long-term follow-ups indicated that more than 92% of students were actively involved in patient-related research, and 66% had implemented five or more protocols. This NCI-sponsored MCCRW has had a major impact on the training of clinicians in their ability to design and implement clinical trials in cancer research.
A Vision-Saving Straw in a Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient
Authors: Wang Lijun , Li Jianqing , Ren Chi , Lu Peirong
Published: July 2021

We report a case of binocular retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with completely different visual acuity between 2 eyes, which may be contributed by the presence of cilioretinal arteries (CRAs) in 1 eye. A 66-year-old female patient complained of blurred vision after binocular cataract surgeries. Examinations revealed her right eye had 20/25 central visual acuity, but the fellow eye only had light perception. Subsequent fundus photography of both eyes firmed the diagnosis of binocular RP. However, there were some significant differences in retinal vessels, which were attenuated in her left eye in contrast to several spared retinal arterioles in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed that the spared vessels might be CRAs. Our case provides an evidence that macular blood flow may contribute to the survival of cone cells in RP.
Vision Impairment and Adverse Health Conditions in Congolese Older People: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Gbessemehlan Antoine , Edjolo Arlette , Helmer Catherine , Delcourt Cécile , Mbelesso Pascal , Ndamba-Bandzouzi Bébène , Samba Harielle , Kehoua Gilles , Dartigues Jean-François , Houinato Dismand , Preux Pierre-Marie , Guerchet Maëlenn
Published: July 2021

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, many older people experience vision impairment (VI) and its adverse health outcomes. In this study, we examined separately the association between VI and each adverse health conditions (cognitive disorders, vision-related quality of life [VRQoL], and daily functioning interference [DFI]) among Congolese older people. We also explored whether VI had a significant effect on VRQoL components in our population. Method: We performed cross-sectional analyses on data from 660 Congolese people aged ≥65 years who participated in the 2013 survey of the EPIDEMCA population-based cohort study. VI was defined as having a near visual acuity <20/40 (assessed at 30 cm using a Parinaud chart). Cognitive disorders were assessed using neuropsychological tests and neurological examinations. VRQoL was assessed using a reduced version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-22) and DFI using 11 items of participation restrictions and activity limitations. Regarding our main objective, each association was explored separately using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Additionally, the effects of VI on each VRQoL components were explored using univariable linear regression models. Results: VI was not associated with cognitive disorders after adjustment for residence area (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6; 4.7), but it was associated with a low VRQoL score (adjusted β = −12.4; 95% CI: −17.5; −7.3) even after controlling for several covariates. An interaction between VI and age (p = 0.007) was identified, and VI was associated with DFI only among people aged >73 years (adjusted β = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2; 0.8). Our exploratory analysis showed that all components of VRQoL decreased with a decrease in visual acuity (corrected p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: VI was associated with poor VRQoL and high DFI. Residence area seems to play a confounding role in the association between VI and cognitive disorders. Our findings suggest that targeting interventions on vision could reduce DFI among older people and improve their well-being.
Comparative Safety and Efficacy of Therapeutic Options in Resectable and Advanced/Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Indirect Comparison
Authors: Kharat Aditi , Brendle Madeline , Chhibber Anindit , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Biskupiak Joseph
Published: July 2021

Objectives: FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (gem-nab/P), and gemcitabine-capecitabine (gem-cap) demonstrated superiority over gemcitabine monotherapy for pancreatic cancer (PC). It is still unclear which chemotherapy regimen is the most optimal. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review (SR) and indirect comparison to compare safety and efficacy of FOLFIRINOX versus gem-nab/P and gem-cap in PC. Methods: An SR was conducted in several databases from inception to November 2020. RCTs investigating resectable or advanced PC were included. Primary outcomes including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS)/progression-free survival (PFS)/relapse-free survival (RFS), and grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were pooled using a random effects model. Indirect comparisons were done to compare FOLFIRINOX versus gem-cap and gem-nab/P. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Results: Nine studies were identified involving 6,564 patients. Indirect comparisons showed FOLFIRINOX had significantly better OS (resectable: HR 0.78 [0.61–0.99]; advanced: HR 0.71 [0.60–0.85]) and RFS/DFS/PFS (resectable: HR 0.67 [0.55–0.82]; advanced: HR 0.65 [0.57–0.74]) compared to gem-cap as well as OS (resectable: HR 0.78 [0.61–1.00]; advanced: HR 0.73 [0.54–0.98]) and DFS/PFS (resectable: HR 0.66 [0.53–0.82]; advanced: HR 0.64 [0.49–0.83]) compared to gem-nab/P. FOLFIRINOX increased grade 3/4 AE risk compared to gem-cap and gem-nab/P. Conclusions: FOLFIRINOX is associated with significant survival benefits compared to gem-nab/P and gem-cap. However, it is important to consider the increased grade 3/4 AE risk associated with FOLFIRINOX.
Remission of Alopecia Universalis after 1 Year of Treatment with Dupilumab in a Patient with Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Romagnuolo Maurizio , Barbareschi Mauro , Tavecchio Simona , Angileri Luisa , Ferrucci Silvia Mariel
Published: July 2021

Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease with a relapsing-remitting course, represents the second cause of non­scarring alopecia worldwide and is associated with several comorbidities, notably atopic dermatitis (AD). In particular, AD is related to its more severe forms alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) [Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17011]. Considering that AA has been classified as T helper 1-driven disease, whereas AD is the prototypical T helper 2 (Th2)-driven skin disorder, recent studies suggest that these forms may underlie a different chemokine expression resulting in a Th2 skewing as a key pathomechanism that could explain this association [JAMA Dermatol. 2015 May;151(5):522–8]. Several reports showed that dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin 4α receptor and thus downregulating Th2 response, led to an improvement of AA associated with AD; most of these patients were females with AT or AU, early-onset AD, and atopic comorbidities [Exp Dermatol. 2020 Aug;29(8):726–32]. We report here a case to further support this hypothesis.
Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Score and Anthropometric Indices: A Population-Based Study in Older Adults of Amerindian Ancestry
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M.
Published: July 2021

A total of 590 older adults of Amerindian ancestry living in rural Ecuador received anthropometric measurements and a brain magnetic resonance imaging to estimate the total cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) score. A fully adjusted ordinal logistic regression model, with categories of the total cSVD score as the dependent variable, disclosed significant associations between the waist circumference, the waist-to-hip, and the waist-to-height ratios – but not the body mass index (BMI) – and the cSVD burden. Indices of abdominal obesity may better correlate with severity of cSVD than the BMI in Amerindians. Phenotypic characteristics of this population may account for these results.
A 3D Quantitative MRC Modeling Images Detected Case of Intrahepatic Biliary Stricture Diseases
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Komi Masanori , Mavar Marija , Ferreira Carlos , O’Donoghue Paul , Goldfinger Marc , Langford Caitlin , Imamura Naoya
Published: July 2021

In the future, the application of quantitative imaging and computational analysis will reduce the burden on radiologists. We herein report 8 pilot cases both with and without intrahepatic biliary stricture (IHBS) diseases which have been analyzed with the novel analytical system MRCP+ (Perspectum Ltd., Oxford, UK). The colored and well-visualized 3D models of the entire biliary trees could be obtained in all 8 cases. Three representative cases did not show dilated regions in the intrahepatic bile ducts. Cases diagnosed as a pancreatico-biliary maljunction showed slightly increased dilated visualization in the extrahepatic duct. Except in a case with severe stenosis resulting from hepatolithiasis, the number of visualized intrahepatic bile ducts tended to be decreased and the volume of biliary tree and the total length of stricture and dilatation were also decreased. However, the number of IHBS or dilatation was unchanged. The number of strictures obtained by MRCP+ and the subjective counts of stenosis from a radiologist was not found to be correlated. In a case of severe stenosis at the left lateral bile duct, the number of intrahepatic biliary dilatations was increased. The latest computerized 3D modeling technology was found to be useful in visualizing the alteration of intraluminal diameter of the entire biliary trees at a glance, which can provide the automatic diagnosis of IHBS diseases at an earlier phase.
CART Peptides Differently Regulate Firing Rates and GABAergic Synaptic Inputs of DMV Neurons Innervating the Stomach Antrum and Cecum of Adult Male Rats
Authors: Liang Shu-Ling , Tong Yong-Sheng , Hwang Ling-Ling , Huang Ying-Zu , Chen Chih-Yen
Published: July 2021

Background/Aim: Central administration of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides (CARTp) alters gastrointestinal motility and reduces food intake in rats. Since neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) receive GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs and innervate the smooth muscle of gastrointestinal organs, we hypothesized that CARTp acts on the DMV or presynaptic neurons. Methods: We used 3,3′-dioctadecyloxa-carbocyanine perchlorate (DiO) retrograde tracing with electrophysiological methods to record DMV neurons innervating the stomach antrum or cecum in brainstem slices from adult rats. Results: DiO application did not change the electrophysiological properties of DMV neurons. CART55–102 had no effect on the basal firing rates of neurons in either the stomach antrum-labeled group (SLG) or cecum-labeled group (CLG). When presynaptic inputs were blocked, CART55–102 further increased the firing rates of the SLG, suggesting a direct excitatory effect. Spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) occurred at a higher frequency in SLG neurons than in CLG neurons. CART55–102 reduced the amplitude and the frequency of sIPSCs in SLG neurons dose-dependently, with higher doses also reducing spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). Higher doses of CART55–102 reduced sIPSC and sEPSC amplitudes in CLG neurons, suggesting a postsynaptic effect. In response to incremental current injections, the SLG neurons exhibited less increases in firing activity. Simultaneous applications of current injections and CART55–102 decreased the firing activity of the CLG. Therefore, stomach antrum-projecting DMV neurons possess a higher gating ability to stabilize firing activity. Conclusion: The mechanism by which CARTp mediates anorectic actions may be through a direct reduction in cecum-projecting DMV neuron excitability and, to a lesser extent, that of antrum-projecting DMV neurons, by acting on receptors of these neurons.
Vibration harvesting integrated into vehicle suspension and bodywork
Authors: Touairi Souad , Mabrouki Mustapha
Published: July 2021

This work proposes a new piezoelectric transducer system with four freedoms of movement modelled and evaluated by mechatronic techniques. The proposed modelling techniques (finite element and bond graph) were performed in a 20-Sim framework attached to the ANSYS software. The established harvester system has the ability to increase the driver's comfort when travelling on several types of road surfaces. The piezoelectric harvester is designed to investigate and provide the health requirement and ride comfort of the vehicle's drives on random road surfaces. The simulation results affirm that the improved piezoelectric transducer arrangement is more productive for various aspects. The power recovery is significantly enhanced as well as the driving comfort on the three road categories. Finally, the harvestable power amount is highlighted and is graphically discussed for several specific applications.
Measuring the accuracy of LSTM and BiLSTM models in the application of artificial intelligence by applying chatbot programme
Authors: Anki Prasnurzaki , Bustamam Alhadi
Published: July 2021

Python programme contains a question and answer system that derived from data sets that have used and implemented the chatbot in this modern era. where the data collected is in the form of corpuses containing extensive metadata-rich fictional conversations derived from extracted film scripts, commonly called cornell movie dialogue corpus. The various models have been used chatbots in python programmes, and LSTM and BiLSTM models were specifically used in this study. Where the form of accuracy will be reported as a result of the implementation of LSTM and BiLSTM models in the chatbot programme. The programme performance will be influenced by the data from the model selection, because the level of accuracy is determined by the target programme being taken. So this is the main factor that determines which model to choose. Based on considerations required for choosing the programme model, in the end the LSTM and the BiLSTM models are chosen and will be applied to the programme. Based on the LSTM and BiLSTM chatbot programmes that have been tested, it can be concluded that the best parameters come from a pair of BiLSTM chatbots using the BiLTSM model with an average accuracy value of 0.995217.
ROI-based features for classification of skin diseases using a multi-layer neural network
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Hai , Ngo Ba-Viet
Published: July 2021

Skin diseases have a serious impact on human life and health. This article aims to represent the classification accuracy of skin diseases for supporting the physicians’ correct decision on patients for early treatment. In particular, 100 images in each type of five skin diseases from ISIC database are used for balanced datasets related to the classification accuracy. In addition, this paper focuses on processing images for extracting six optimal types of eleven features of skin disease image for higher classification performance and also this takes less time for training. Therefore, skin disease images are filtered and segmented for separating region of interests (ROIs) before extracting optimal features. First, the skin disease images are processed by normalizing sizes, removing noises, segmenting to separate region of interests (ROIs) showing skin disease signs. Next, a gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method is applied for texture analysis to extract eleven features. With the optimal six features chosen, the high classification accuracy of skin diseases is about 92% evaluated using a matrix confusion. The result showed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, this method can be developed for other medical datasets for supporting in disease diagnosis.
Logistics tracking system based on decentralized IoT and blockchain platform
Authors: El Midaoui Marouane , Ben Laoula El Mehdi , Qbadou Mohammed , Mansouri Khalifa
Published: July 2021

Most of supply chain networks have encountered difficulties when trying to integrate all components and stakeholders (Customers, warehouse, transportation, and raw material production. Etc...), which make supply chain management system suffering from a lack of efficiency and transparency that make a steady increase in good’s falsification and consumer’s disappointment. All information about good’s production, storage and transportation should flow clearly during all stages of the supply chain by tracking and authenticating to avoid product’s contamination or fraud in the network. Current tracking IoT-based systems are built on top of centralized architecture and this leaves a gap for tampering and false information especially in urban area, but also the exsiting solutions cannot allow the information to be shared with authority or consumers. To effectively assess and assure traceability and transparency this paper propose an approach using a distributed ledger (blockchain) besides a configuable IoT-based system to take into account all needed data including specific case of urban area, with an opendata platform at the disposal of stockholders, authority and consumers.
Invasive Multimodal Neuromonitoring in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Veldeman Michael , Albanna Walid , Weiss Miriam , Park Soojin , Hoellig Anke , Clusmann Hans , Helbok Raimund , Temel Yasin , Alexander Schubert Gerrit
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a devastating disease leaving surviving patients often severely disabled. Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) has been identified as one of the main contributors to poor clinical outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The objective of this review is to summarize existing clinical evidence assessing the diagnostic value of invasive neuromonitoring (INM) in detecting DCI and provide an update of evidence since the 2014 consensus statement on multimodality monitoring in neurocritical care.

Methods:

Three invasive monitoring techniques were targeted in the data collection process: brain tissue oxygen tension (p
ti
O
2
), cerebral microdialysis, and electrocorticography. Prospective and retrospective studies as well as case series (≥10 patients) were included as long as monitoring was used to detect DCI or guide DCI treatment.

Results:

Forty-seven studies reporting INM in the context of DCI were included (p
ti
O
2
: N=21; cerebral microdialysis: N=22; electrocorticography: N=4). Changes in brain oxygen tension are associated with angiographic vasospasm or reduction in regional cerebral blood flow. Metabolic monitoring with trend analysis of the lactate to pyruvate ratio using cerebral microdialysis, identifies patients at risk for DCI. Clusters of cortical spreading depolarizations are associated with clinical neurological worsening and cerebral infarction in selected patients receiving electrocorticography monitoring.

Conclusions:

Data supports the use of INM for the detection of DCI in selected patients. Generalizability to all subarachnoid hemorrhage patients is limited by design bias of available studies and lack of randomized trials. Continuous data recording with trend analysis and the combination of INM modalities can provide tailored treatment support in patients at high risk for DCI. Future trials should test interventions triggered by INM in relation to cerebral infarctions.
Design Trade-Offs Under Power Asymmetry: COPs and Flexibility Clauses
Authors: Morin Jean-Frédéric , Tremblay-Auger Benjamin , Peacock Claire
Published: July 2021

Negotiating parties to an environmental agreement can manage uncertainty by including flexibility clauses, such as escape and withdrawal clauses. This article investigates a type of uncertainty so far overlooked by the literature: the uncertainty generated by the creation of a Conference of the Parties (COP) in a context of sharp power asymmetry. When negotiating an agreement, it is difficult for powerful states to make a credible commitment to weaker states, whereby they will not abuse their power to influence future COP decision-making. Flexibility clauses provide a solution to this credibility issue. They act as an insurance mechanism in case a powerful state hijacks the COP. Thus we expect that the creation of a collective body interacts with the degree of power asymmetry to make flexibility clauses more likely in environmental agreements. To test this argument, we draw on an original data set of several specific clauses in 2,090 environmental agreements, signed between 1945 and 2018. The results support our hypothesis and suggest that flexibility clauses are an important design feature of adaptive environmental agreements.
An enigmatic new species of Belostoma Latreille from central-western Brazil (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae: Belostomatini)
Authors: STEFANELLO FABIANO , RODRIGUES HIGOR D. D.
Published: July 2021

The new species Belostoma inusitatum is described and illustrated based on specimens from the west side of the Araguaia-Tocantins basin, in Mato Grosso state in central-western Brazil. This new species is assigned to the B. triangulum species group and compared with its congeners. A key and distribution map for the species of this group are included. The three-articulated antenna without lateral projections of B. inusitatum n. sp. is documented for the first time in Belostoma. Also, the uncommon shape of the prosternal keel, the distinct reduction of the hemelytral membrane, and the diverticulum of the phallosoma sharply incised at the posterior margin are reported for this new species. A discussion about the reduction in the number of antennal articles and the size of the hemelytral membrane in Belostoma and Abedus is presented.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Indapiodes Miroshnikov & Tichý (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae), with description of a new species
Authors: NIISATO TATSUYA , HEFFERN DANIEL
Published: July 2021

The monotypic genus Indapiodes Miroshnikov & Tichý, 2018 is reviewed. The genus and the type species are morphologically redescribed in detail. A second species is newly described from Maharashtra Province, India. Indapiodes is transferred from its original placement in the tribe Tillomorphini to the tribe Obriini.
Global compound floods from precipitation and storm surge: Hazards and the roles of cyclones
Authors: Lai Yangchen , Li Jianfeng , Gu Xihui , Liu Cancan , Chen Yongqin David
Published: July 2021

During simultaneous or successive occurrences of precipitation and storm surges, the interplay of the two types of extremes can exacerbate the impact to a greater extent than either of them in isolation. The compound flood hazards from precipitation and storm surges vary across regions of the world because of the various weather conditions. By analyzing in-situ observations of precipitation and storm surges across the globe, we found that the return periods of compound floods with marginal values exceeding the 98.5th percentile (i.e., equivalent to a joint return period of 12 years if the marginal variables are independent) are < 2 years in most areas, while those in northern Europe are > 8 years due to weaker dependence. Our quantitative assessment shows that cyclones (i.e., tropical cyclones (TCs) and extratropical cyclones (ETCs)) are the major triggers of compound floods. More than 80% of compound floods in East Asia and > 50% of those in the Gulf of Mexico and northern Australia are associated with TCs, while in northern Europe and the higher latitude coast of North America, ETCs contribute to the majority of compound floods (i.e., 80%). Weather patterns characterized by deep low pressure, cyclonic wind, and abundant precipitable water content are conducive to the occurrence of compound floods. Extreme precipitation and extreme storm surges over Europe tend to occur in different months, which explains the relatively lower probability of compound floods in Europe. The comprehensive hazard assessment of global compound floods in this study serves as an important reference for flood risk management in coastal regions across the globe.
Surgical Treatment for Intrahepatic, Peri-Hilar, and Distal Cholangiocarcinoma: 20-Single Institutional Year Experience
Authors: Istanbouli Ayah , Patel Shreya , Almerey Tariq , Li Zhuo , Stauffer John A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Surgical resection is the curative treatment for all subtypes of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), including intrahepatic, hilar/peri-hilar, and distal. This study evaluates patients with CCA who underwent surgery and determines factors that impact their survival.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients who underwent surgical resection for CCA at our institution from 1995 to 2016. Demographics, operative variables between CCA tumors, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Predictors of overall and recurrence-free survival were determined via statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 170 patients with a mean age of 61 years old underwent surgical resection of intrahepatic (n = 64, 37.6%), hilar/peri-hilar (n = 75, 44.1%), and distal (n = 31, 18.2%) CCA. Operations performed included liver resections (n = 83, 48.8%), liver transplants (n = 56, 32.9%), and pancreaticoduodenectomies (n = 31, 18.2%). The overall survival rate at 1, 5, and 10 years was 81.1%, 32.4%, and 17.2%, respectively. Low pathological stage and negative resection margins were associated with lower recurrence and higher survival rates. Tumor location and the type of operation performed were not predictive of recurrence or OS in this cohort.

Discussion

This study shows that definitive surgical resection with negative margins can result in long-term survival even at 10 years. Small tumor size and low pathological stage are predictive of higher survival rates post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment in achieving positive outcomes.
Deterrence and Restraint: Do Joint Military Exercises Escalate Conflict?
Authors: Kuo Raymond , Blankenship Brian Dylan
Published: July 2021

Multinational military exercises are among the most notable demonstrations of military cooperation and intent. On average, one is initiated every 8.9 days. But it has often been argued that joint military exercises (JMEs) increase the risk of war. Using a relational contracting approach, we claim that formal military alliances mediate the effect of JMEs. Exercises and alliances serve complementary functions: The former allows targeted responses to military provocations by adversaries, while the latter provides institutional constraints on partners and establishes a partnership’s overall strategic limitations. In combination, alliances dampen the conflict escalation effects of exercises, deterring adversaries while simultaneously restraining partners. We test this theory using a two-stage model on directed dyadic data of JMEs from 1973 through 2003. We find that JMEs in general do not escalate conflict, and that JMEs conducted with allies in particular reduce the probability of conflict escalation.
Men Exhibit Greater Pain Pressure Thresholds and Times to Task Failure but Not Performance Fatigability Following Self-Paced Exercise
Authors: Noboa Karina , Keller Joshua , Hergenrader Kipp , Housh Terry , Anders John Paul , Neltner Tyler , Schmidt Richard , Johnson Glen
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the current study was to determine if, and to what extent, sex differences in performance fatigability after a sustained, bilateral leg extension, anchored to a moderate rating of perceived exertion (RPE), could be attributed to muscle size, muscular strength, or pain pressure threshold (PPT) in young, healthy adults. Thirty adults (men: n = 15, women: n = 15) volunteered to complete a sustained leg extension task anchored to RPE = 5 (10-point OMNI scale) as well as pretest and posttest maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) trials. The fatigue-induced decline in MVIC force was defined as performance fatigability. We used muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) to quantify muscle size and a dolorimeter to assess PPT. The sustained task induced fatigue such that both men and women exhibited significant ( p < 0.05) decreases in MVIC force from pretest to posttest ( M = 113.3, SD =24.2 kg vs. M = 98.3, SD = 23.1 kg and M = 73.1, SD =14.5 kg vs. M = 64.1, SD = 16.2 kg, respectively), with no significant sex differences in performance fatigability (grand M = 12.6, SD =10.6%). Men, however, exhibited significantly ( p < 0.05) longer time to task failure (TTF) than women ( M = 166.1, SD =83.0 seconds vs. M = 94.6, SD =41.7) as well as greater PPT ( M = 5.9, SD = 2.2 kg vs. M = 3.4, SD =1.1 kg). The only significant predictor of performance fatigability was PPT. In conclusion, differences in PPT, at least in part, mediate variations in TTF during self-paced exercise anchored to a specific RPE and resulting in performance fatigability.
Effects of Tourist-to-Tourist Interactions on Experience Cocreation: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Lin Hongxia , Zhang Meng , Gursoy Dogan
Published: July 2021

This study explored the tourism experience cocreation process from the tourist-to-tourist interaction (TTI) perspective using a mixed method approach. Two categories of TTIs (verbal and nonverbal TTIs) and the dimensions of verbal TTIs (tourism information sharing and self-disclosure) were first identified through a qualitative study. Afterwards, the mechanism of how TTIs can influence tourist engagement was empirically examined. The findings showed that each type of TTI had a significant positive impact on tourists’ sense of closeness. Both tourism information sharing and nonverbal TTIs were found to positively influence tourists’ sense of control. In addition, sense of closeness and sense of control were found to significantly enhance tourist engagement. Furthermore, nonverbal TTIs were found to moderate the mediation effect of sense of closeness in the relationship between tourism information sharing and tourist engagement.
Determinants of Tourists’ Site-Specific Environmentally Responsible Behavior: An Eco-Sensitive Zone Perspective
Authors: Gupta Anil , Arora Neelika , Sharma Rakesh , Mishra Abhishek
Published: July 2021

This study examines the role of individual values, attitudes, and situational reasons for determining site-specific environmentally responsible behavior (s-ERB) at eco-sensitive zones. It deploys a mixed-methods approach that includes in-depth interviews with 25 visitors to elicit reasons for/against s-ERB, and a survey of 540 visitors to empirically validate the proposed model using structural equation modeling. The qualitative interviews evoked four reasons for s-ERB (felt responsibility, environmental knowledge, environmental sensitivity, personal norm) and three reasons against s-ERB (structural constraints, conflicting goals, tokenism). The model validation confirms that the reasons serve as an important linkage between the tourists’ biospheric values and their pro-environmental attitude and s-ERB, with no direct relation between values/attitudes and behavior. This work affirms the simultaneity of reasons for and against evoking s-ERB, and it conveys the importance of eco-sensitive zone managers activating the reasons for and suppressing the reasons against promoting s-ERB to tourists.