bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave field diversification using multiple frequency bands for compressive ultrasound imaging
Authors: Han Aiguo
Published: December 2020

Ultrasound image reconstruction as an inverse program is often ill-conditioneddue to the uniformity of the ultrasonic wave field. Recently, a hologram approach has been introduced to break the uniformity of the wave field, enabling compressive ultrasound imaging using a single-element transducer. In this approach, the surface of a single-element transducer is covered by an acoustic hologram, a thin layer of a coded plastic mask, to scramble the phase of the wave field. Mechanical translation or rotation of the hologram has been used to further increase wave field diversity. However, mechanical control of the hologram could potentially limit the practical application of the method. In this study, we propose to increase wave diversity by dynamically changing the frequency band, without hologram translation or rotation. Computer simulations were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The 3-D wave fields were simulated for a single-element transducer covered by a randomly generated acoustic hologram. The frequency band of the transmitted pulse was varied. The spatial-temporal wave field diversity was evaluated in terms of spatial variance and pixel-pixel correlation. The simulation results showed that multiple frequency bands increased the wave field diversity desirable in compressive ultrasound imaging. (NIH Support: R01CA226528, R01DK106419, R01HD089935)
Acousto-optic imaging using focused and plane wave ultrasound pulses
Authors: Nowak Lukasz J. , Steenbergen Wiendelt
Published: December 2020

Acousto-optic imaging exploits the effects of modulation of light by acoustic waves propagating in an optically scattering medium to determine its optical properties. The imaging resolution is determined by the acoustic pressure field distribution inside the sample. In the ideal case, this distribution should be limited to a relatively small, strictly defined volume within which the light modulation occurs. Practical applications of this technique impose specific requirements on transducers configuration which constitute additional limitations on shaping the acoustic pressure field characteristics. We investigate the possibilities of improving performance of an acousto-optic imaging system utilizing a linear ultrasound array by comparing results obtained using plane wave and focused pulses and different apodization patterns. Acoustic pressure field distributions were determined numerically and with hydrophone measurements. We introduce an ultrasound focus quality coefficient in order to describe and compare the confinement of the expected light modulation volume. Acousto-optic images were obtained experimentally by measuring contrast decrease of the interference patterns of a laser light transmitted through samples and recorded by a camera. The results show that for focused pulses the off-focal pressure field components have significant influence on the determined values, and that this issue can be mitigated by using plane wave imaging.
An experimental capability to capture azimuthal variation of high-frequency noise in automotive centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Sriganesh Pranav , Dehner Rick , Selamet Ahmet
Published: December 2020

Stringent emission and fuel economy standards have led to the widespread use of turbocharged spark-ignition internal combustion engines in light-duty cars and trucks. However, advancements in impeller design and casing treatments to improve compressor performance and efficiency have introduced high-frequency noise. In particular, the elevation in tonal noise at the blade pass frequency (BPF) has become a significant contributor to the total sound pressure level in some of the modern automotive compressors. Due to high compressor rotational speeds, BPF noise occurs at relatively high frequencies where sound may propagate as multi-dimensional acoustic waves within the compressor ducting. The present work describes a compact experimental setup to examine the azimuthal non-uniformity of noise with the help of a rotating compressor inlet duct on a steady flow turbocharger gas stand. The rotating duct houses dynamic pressure transducers to capture time-resolved, in-duct acoustic pressure at different azimuthal locations. This experimental setup thereby facilitates the comparison of acoustic pressures at these angular locations for identical compressor steady flow operating conditions, while also scanning the compressor map of a contemporary turbocharger.
Infrasound characteristics of nontornadic and tornadic thunderstorms using high-resolution simulations
Authors: Coffer Brice , Parker Matthew
Published: December 2020

There has been increased interest in improving severe weather detection by supplementing NOAA's WSR-88D radar network with an infrasound observation network, which may be able to detect distinct sub-audible signatures from tornadic thunderstorms. While there is evidence that tornadic thunderstorms exhibit observable infrasound signals, what is not well-understood is whether these infrasound signals are unique to tornadic storms compared to nontornadic storms or whether there is any useful signal prior to tornadogenesis (which would be most relevant to NWS forecasters). In this presentation, we will present the results of high-resolution simulations of severe thunderstorms, specifically tailored to represent acoustic wave propagation with frequencies of 0.1 to 1 Hz. The spectral analysis of pressure perturbations generated by a nontornadic and tornadic supercell thunderstorm will be compared against each other. Two additional sensitivity tests that employ different microphysics schemes (i.e., the representation of precipitation within the storm) will be discussed, since prior work has indicated that the melting of precipitation is a dominant contributor to infrasound generation in thunderstorms. So far, preliminary results suggest that there are no discernible differences in infrasound observed in the vicinity of tornadic versus nontornadic supercell thunderstorms prior to tornadogenesis.
Phonon manipulation with valley-Hall junctions
Authors: Ma Jihong , Sun Kai , Gonella Stefano
Published: December 2020

In this work, we investigate experimentally the existence of in-plane valley Hall edge states in hexagonal lattices with relaxed space inversion symmetry and we exploit them to realize non-trivial backscattering-free interfaces. We propose special tessellations of lattice domains in which multiple non-trivial domain walls coalesce to form junctions, and we study how guided waves behave when they impinge on such junctions. We show that, through a proper selection of the interface types and orientations, it is possible to achieve junctions with different and exotic wave manipulation capabilities. Specifically, we discuss two applications. The first is a direction-selective splitter, which endows its host lattice with asymmetric wave transport characteristics. The second is a signal delayer that is realized by embedding in the lattice a non-trivial waveguide loop, along which the energy can be temporarily trapped and periodically released. These junctions can serve as building blocks for a new structural logic paradigm enabled by topological mechanics.
Acoustic focusing using efficient ultrasonic metagratings
Authors: Chiang Yan Kei , Quan Li , Peng Yugui , Alu Andrea , Powell David
Published: December 2020

Metagratings are periodic arrays of rationally designed elements with engineered scattering properties. In contrast to gradient meta-surfaces, a much less dense array of elements is required, and efficient refraction or reflection is possible for very large angles. Previous work at microwave frequencies has shown that they can enhance the performance of lenses with large numerical aperture, by creating a hybrid structure combining metagratings with gradient metasurfaces. However, such structures still require the fine discretization of a gradient metasurface. In this work, we demonstrate that a metagrating can act as a lens by itself, enabling scalable metalenses operating at ultrasonic frequencies. We introduce a new design principle of acoustic metalens by combining multiple metagratings, which enables us to spatially control the reflection angle along the metalens, and hence, to achieve acoustic focusing. The beam steering performance of our proposed metagrating is optimized by a genetic algorithm. A numerical model is established to study the performance of the metalens. Results demonstrate that our metalens can effectively focus the acoustic plane wave to a focal point at ultrasonic range without requiring fine discretization.
Reading fluency in mono- and multilinguals: Is there an additive effect of the number of languages spoken?
Authors: Dugaillard Beckie D.
Published: December 2020

Reading is an adequate measure of fluency since it eliminates the use of memory (Pasquarella et al., 2014). Experimental data with lexical access tasks shows reduced fluency in bilinguals compared to monolinguals (Ouzia and Folke, 2016; Sandoval et al., 2010). However, bilinguals also displayed cognitive advantages compared to monolinguals (Bialystok et al., 2012; Spinu et al., 2018, 2020), but these findings are disputed (Marzecova, 2016). The main research aims for this study are to determine whether (1) being a bi- or multilingual is associated with reduced reading fluency and (2) there is an additive effect of the number of languages spoken on reading fluency. Audio recordings of a short English paragraph were collected from 147 undergraduate students of diverse linguistic backgrounds (i.e., monolinguals, bilinguals, and trilinguals). The recordings are currently being analyzed manually for disfluencies such as hesitations, repetitions, mispronunciations / self-corrections, reading speed, and filled pauses (e.g., ‘er', ‘um', ‘ah', ‘like'). A final fluency score will be computed for each participant in order to evaluate our research questions. Our study thus expands bilingual fluency research to a reading task, adding to the body of work on multilingual cognition and the controversial phenomenon known as the bilingual advantage.
Creating Thirdspace Physical Culture for, With, and About Recent Immigrant Girls: Instagram as a Space of Marginalization and Resistance
Authors: Lee Jihyeon , Azzarito Laura
Published: November 2020

Recent reports have indicated that recent immigrant minority girls are the least physically active in the United States and are often categorized as “bodies-at-risk” for obesity and other health issues. This dominant “at-risk” discourse presents a negative image of recent immigrant minority girls and positions them as “others.” This participatory visual study thus explored how the recent immigrant minority girls co-constructed and shared their (dis)engagement in physical culture on a popular social media platform: Instagram. Results demonstrated that the use of Instagram served two interrelated functions: (a) a constructive pedagogical space in which the participants examined, learned, and expressed their knowledge related to physical activity and health and (b) an empowering tool to create “Thirdspace” in which the participants’ visual texts opened up the space of inclusion and fluidity. Despite potential risks, it was suggested that the use of Instagram was beneficial for conducting research with, for, and about marginalized youth.
Mixed-dimensional MXene-hydrogel heterostructures for electronic skin sensors with ultrabroad working range
Authors: Cai Yichen , Shen Jie , Yang Chi-Wen , Wan Yi , Tang Hao-Ling , Aljarb Areej A. , Chen Cailing , Fu Jui-Han , Wei Xuan , Huang Kuo-Wei , Han Yu , Jonas Steven J. , Dong Xiaochen , Tung Vincent
Published: November 2020

Heterogeneous integration of robust hydrogel and soft MXene shows multifunctional sensing.
On the shuttling across the blood-brain barrier via tubule formation: Mechanism and cargo avidity bias
Authors: Tian Xiaohe , Leite Diana M. , Scarpa Edoardo , Nyberg Sophie , Fullstone Gavin , Forth Joe , Matias Diana , Apriceno Azzurra , Poma Alessandro , Duro-Castano Aroa , Vuyyuru Manish , Harker-Kirschneck Lena , Šarić Anđela , Zhang Zhongping , Xiang Pan , Fang Bin , Tian Yupeng , Luo Lei , Rizzello Loris , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Tubule formation acts as cargo transport across the blood-brain barrier.
Serotonergic projections to the orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortices differentially modulate waiting for future rewards
Authors: Miyazaki Katsuhiko , Miyazaki Kayoko W. , Sivori Gaston , Yamanaka Akihiro , Tanaka Kenji F. , Doya Kenji
Published: November 2020

Serotonergic projections to the orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortices modulate waiting for future rewards differently.
Touch-induced seedling morphological changes are determined by ethylene-regulated pectin degradation
Authors: Wu Qingqing , Li Yue , Lyu Mohan , Luo Yiwen , Shi Hui , Zhong Shangwei
Published: November 2020

Mechanical force–repressed pectin degradation alters cell wall mechanics in control of cell growth and tissue morphogenesis.
Robust inference of positive selection on regulatory sequences in the human brain
Authors: Liu Jialin , Robinson-Rechavi Marc
Published: November 2020

A new method provides evidence that evolution of gene activity in the human brain was driven by natural selection.
Shiga toxin suppresses noncanonical inflammasome responses to cytosolic LPS
Authors: Havira Morena S. , Ta Atri , Kumari Puja , Wang Chengliang , Russo Ashley J. , Ruan Jianbin , Rathinam Vijay A. , Vanaja Sivapriya Kailasan
Published: November 2020

Shiga toxin, a phage-encoded bacterial virulence factor, inhibits caspase-11–mediated inflammasome responses.
Menière’s disease
Authors: Kutlubaev Mansur Amirovich , Pyykko Ilmari , Hardy Todd A , Gürkov Robert
Published: November 2020

Menière’s disease causes paroxysmal rotatory vertigo, due to endolymphatic hydrops, an accumulation of endolymph in the endolymphatic space of the labyrinth. Its major symptoms are attacks of rotatory vertigo lasting minutes to hours, with unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness. As the disease progresses, attacks happen less often, but hearing loss and tinnitus gradually become permanent. Neuro-otological complications may develop, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular drop attacks and bilateral vestibulopathy. The diagnosis of Menière’s disease is based on the typical clinical picture and typical findings on the audiogram. Furthermore, it is now possible to diagnose it by MR of the inner ear. Long-term management has several steps, including diet, diuretics, intratympanic injection of corticosteroid or gentamicin and surgery (endolymphatic sac surgery, grommet insertion, surgical labyrinthectomy).
Theoretical cluster decay predictions for the nuclei 245−260Md with different nuclear potentials
Authors: Izadpanah A. M. , Hosseini S. S. , Zanganeh V.
Published: November 2020

We have studied systematically the alpha decay and cluster radioactivity half-life of heavy [Formula: see text]Mendelevium ([Formula: see text]) isotopes. The alpha decays from Md isotopes have been studied within the framework of Coulomb and proximity potential model using 14 different versions of nuclear potentials. Also, we have studied the half-lives of alpha decay of Md nuclei within the nuclear potentials generalized liquid drop model (GLDM) and also within GLDM with modified different nuclear potentials, namely proximity potential 2010, 1977, 1988, 2000 and 2002. Moreover, the half-lives of the [Formula: see text]-decay and cluster radioactivity calculated using the Universal formula for cluster decay (UNIV) of Poenaru et al., the Universal decay law (UDL) of Qi et al. and the Unified formula of half-lives for both the [Formula: see text]-decay and cluster radioactivity (UFADCR) of Ni et al. and found to be in good agreement. Our results have been compared with experimental data and demonstrate the acceptability of the approach. Among the different proximity potentials, GLDM with proximity 1977 version (GLDM[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]P77) ([Formula: see text]) provides the best description for alpha decay studies with low deviation.
Identification of the one-mode quadratic Heisenberg group with the projective group PSU(1,1) and holomorphic representation
Authors: Rebei Habib , Rguigui Hafedh , Riahi Anis , Alhussain Ziyad Ali
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we provide a new reformulation of the quadratic analogue of the Weyl relations. Especially, we offer some adjustments [10] on these relations and the corresponding group law, i.e., the quadratic Heisenberg group law. We provide a much more transparent description of the underlying manifold and we give a connection with the projective group PSU(1,1). Finally, we deduce such a holomorphic realization of the quadratic Heisenberg group.
Performance Enhancement of AlGaN/GaN HEMT by Optimization of Device Parameters Considering Nanometer Barrier Layer Thickness
Authors: Verma Yogesh Kumar , Mishra Varun , Gupta Santosh Kumar
Published: November 2020

The two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the heterointerface of AlGaN and GaN is a complicated transcendental function of gate voltage, so an analytical charge control model for AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) is presented accounting for all the three regions of operation (i.e., sub-threshold, moderate, and strong-inversion region). In addition to it, the performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMT is highly dependent on the device geometry. Therefore, to get the optimum performance of the device it is advisable to optimize the parameters governing the device geometry. Accordingly, the output and transfer characteristics, threshold voltage, ON current, OFF current, and transconductance are calculated using numerical computations. The present design is tested to calculate the voltage transfer characteristics (VTC) and transient characteristics of the invertor circuit, after the optimization of the device parameters.
A Framework for the Interaction of Active Audiences and Influencers on Twitter: The Case of Zika Virus
Authors: Shakeri Shadi
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we investigate communication among Twitter users in the context of the 2016 Zika crisis, to understand how influencers and audiences contribute to agenda setting in health crisis communication. We analyse the content of 146,953 Zika-related tweets posted between April and September 2016 and examine how discussion topics vary by network community and user involvement over time. We argue that audiences adopt a broad view of health crisis-related issues and advocate for long-term solutions drawn from theories of active audiences and agenda-setting. Based on our observations on the Zika crisis case, we propose a framework for the dynamics in health crisis communication, which suggests a shift of discourse from a short-term perspective on specific issues to a long-term perspective on broader issues. The research contributes to the KM literature by suggesting a new method for converting individual tacit knowledge to collective explicit knowledge. Applying the framework to the coronavirus pandemic conversations can offer significant insights into the crisis.
Reconstruction of quintessence field for the THDE with swampland correspondence in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Sharma Umesh Kumar
Published: November 2020

In the present work, we construct the Tsallis holographic quintessence model of dark energy in [Formula: see text] gravity with Hubble horizon as infrared (IR) cut-off. In a flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) background, the correspondence among the energy density of the quintessence model with the Tsallis holographic density permits the reconstruction of the dynamics and the potentials for the quintessence field. The suggested Hubble horizon IR cut-off for the Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) density acts for two specific cases: (i) THDE 1 and (ii) THDE 2. We have reconstructed the Tsallis holographic quintessence model in the region [Formula: see text] for the equation of state (EoS) parameter for both the cases. we investigate the behavior of several well-known statefinder quantities, like the deceleration parameter, the jerk and the parameter [Formula: see text]. In addition, the quintessence phase of the THDE models is analyzed with swampland conjecture to describe the accelerated expansion of the Universe.
Fourier transform from momentum space to twistor space
Authors: Note Jun-ichi
Published: November 2020

Several methods use the Fourier transform from momentum space to twistor space to analyze scattering amplitudes in Yang–Mills theory. However, the transform has not been defined as a concrete complex integral when the twistor space is a three-dimensional complex projective space. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to define it as well as its inverse in terms of a concrete complex integral. In addition, our study is the first to show that the Fourier transform is an isomorphism from the zeroth Čech cohomology group to the first one. Moreover, the well-known twistor operator representations in twistor theory literature are shown to be valid for the Fourier transform and its inverse transform. Finally, we identify functions over which the application of the operators is closed.
Spherical kinematics in 3-dimensional generalized space
Authors: Ata Erhan , Savci Ümit Ziya
Published: November 2020

In this study, we obtained generalized Cayley formula, Rodrigues equation and Euler parameters of an orthogonal matrix in 3-dimensional generalized space [Formula: see text]. It is shown that unit generalized quaternion, which is defined by the generalized Euler parameters, corresponds to a rotation in [Formula: see text] space.We found that the rotation in matrix equation forms using matrix form of the generalized quaternion product. Besides, in [Formula: see text] space, we obtained the rotations determined by the unit quaternions and unit split quaternions, which are special cases of generalized quaternions for [Formula: see text] in 3-dimensional Eulidean space [Formula: see text] in 3-dimensional Lorentzian space [Formula: see text] respectively.
A method of removing retardance induced by scattering of collagenous fiber bundles
Authors: Gao Wanrong , Liu Siyu
Published: November 2020

In this work, we report a method of removing scattering induced retardance in polarization sensitive full field optical coherence tomography (PS-FFOCT). First, the Mueller matrix that describes its operation is derived. The thickness invariant retardance induced by the scattering of collagenous fiber bundles is then used to find the accurate values of the birefringence of the layers that consist collagenous fibers. Finally, the initial en face birefringent images of in vitro beef tendon samples are presented to demonstrate the capability of our method.
A construction of timelike ruled surfaces in Minkowski three-space 𝔼13
Authors: Alluhaibi Nadia , Mofarreh Fatemah
Published: November 2020

In this work, by using the E. Study map, we construct timelike ruled surfaces with constant Disteli-axis based upon the curvature theory of dual hyperbolic (respectively, Lorentzian) spherical curves which match to timelike ruled surfaces in Minkowski 3-space [Formula: see text]. Meanwhile, some well-known formulae of surfaces theory into line space and their geometrical explanations are investigated.
Nonlinear preservers problem of complex symmetric operators
Authors: Amara Zouheir , Oudghiri Mourad
Published: November 2020

Given a conjugation [Formula: see text] on a separable complex Hilbert space [Formula: see text], a bounded linear operator [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] is said to be [Formula: see text]-symmetric if [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study some nonlinear preserving problems concerning [Formula: see text]-symmetric operators and diagonal operators, as a result, we also describe those nonlinear preservers of the lattice of invariant subspaces.
On non-split abelian extensions II
Authors: Snanou Noureddine
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a group acting on an abelian group [Formula: see text] via a homomorphism [Formula: see text] and let a 2-cocycle [Formula: see text]. By Schreier’s theorem, the pair [Formula: see text] determines a group [Formula: see text] which can arise as a non-split extension of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text] and called the perturbed semidirect product of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text] under [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we classify the perturbed semidirect products and give some of their properties. Furthermore, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for two perturbed semidirect products to be isomorphic.
Crystallization and sodium-ion conduction properties of glass-ceramic solid solutions of Na5FeSi4O12 and Na4ZrSi4O12
Authors: Kawada Koji , Yamashita Kimihiro , Okura Toshinori
Published: November 2020

This study focused on the effect of Zr-inclusion on Na[Formula: see text] conduction properties of the newly developed glass–ceramic solid solutions of Na5FeSi4[Formula: see text] and Na4ZrSi4[Formula: see text]. We experimentally confirmed formation of an all proportional solid solution in the range of [Formula: see text]= 0 and 1.0 with the composition Na[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Si4[Formula: see text]. Glass–ceramic with a fast Na[Formula: see text]-conducting Na5YSi4[Formula: see text]-type single phase was obtained in all the solid solutions. The conduction properties of the glass–ceramics were improved with increasing content of Zr, and Na4ZrSi4[Formula: see text] was the most conductive glass–ceramic. The ionic conductivities were as high as 1.9 × 10[Formula: see text] S cm[Formula: see text] and 9.3 × 10[Formula: see text] S cm[Formula: see text] at temperatures of 25∘C and 300 ∘C, respectively. The improved conductivity was attributed to the expansion of the conduction path by larger Zr ions replacing FeO6 octahedra.
Co–Mo–Se ternary chalcogenide thin film coatedp-Si photocathode for efficient solar hydrogen production
Authors: Kuru Cihan
Published: November 2020

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting holds a great promise for clean and sustainable hydrogen production. In this study, the PEC performance of Co–Mo–Se ternary chalcogenide thin film coated Si photocathodes is investigated. The Co–Mo–Se films with various Co/Mo atomic ratios were prepared by thermal selenization of sputter deposited Co–Mo alloy films. Among the photocathodes, the Co–Mo–Se (3:10)/[Formula: see text]-Si surpasses the PEC performance of the MoSe2/[Formula: see text]-Si with an onset potential of +124 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), a photocurrent density of −22.68 mA/cm2at zero overpotential and good stability over 6 h period of test. The superior performance of the Co–Mo–Se (3:10)/[Formula: see text]-Si is ascribed to the high catalytic activity of the film in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and efficient collection of photogenerated charge carriers. Such ternary chalcogenide thin films offer exciting opportunities for many applications in which the physicochemical properties can be tuned by changing the relative amount of the solute atoms.
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Lu , Li Shuang , Xu Jun , Xu Jie , Lou Wangzouyang , Cheng Liangbin , Zhang Chizhi
Published: November 2020

Acupuncture is widely used in the clinical treatment of liver cirrhosis (LC) in China. However, the efficacy of acupuncture on LC has not been fully confirmed by systematic analysis. This current meta-analysis evaluated the impact effect of acupuncture on patients with LC. We conducted a systematic literature search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Database (SinoMed), VIP medicine information system, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. Further, we used Review Manager 5.3 software for the analysis of the data and Stata 14.0 software for the Egger test to assess publication bias. Fifteen studies involving 1066 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the efficacy rate of acupuncture therapy. The secondary outcomes were impact on acupuncture on liver function grading assessment and lab tests related to liver functions. The result suggested that acupuncture is an effective treatment option for patients with LC as a complementary therapy. However, the recommendation is weak due to some limitations of the included studies.
IL-33 Mediates Lung Inflammation by the IL-6-Type Cytokine Oncostatin M
Authors: Botelho Fernando , Dubey Anisha , Ayaub Ehab A. , Park Rex , Yip Ashley , Humbles Allison , Kolbeck Roland , Richards Carl D.
Published: November 2020

The interleukin-1 family member IL-33 participates in both innate and adaptive T helper-2 immune cell responses in models of lung disease. The IL-6-type cytokine Oncostatin M (OSM) elevates lung inflammation, Th2-skewed cytokines, alternatively activated (M2) macrophages, and eosinophils in C57Bl/6 mice in vivo. Since OSM induces IL-33 expression, we here test the IL-33 function in OSM-mediated lung inflammation using IL-33-/- mice. Adenoviral OSM (AdOSM) markedly induced IL-33 mRNA and protein levels in wild-type animals while IL-33 was undetectable in IL-33-/- animals. AdOSM treatment showed recruitment of neutrophils, eosinophils, and elevated inflammatory chemokines (KC, eotaxin-1, MIP1a, and MIP1b), Th2 cytokines (IL-4/IL-5), and arginase-1 (M2 macrophage marker) whereas these responses were markedly diminished in IL-33-/- mice. AdOSM-induced IL-33 was unaffected by IL-6-/- deficiency. AdOSM also induced IL-33R+ ILC2 cells in the lung, while IL-6 (AdIL-6) overexpression did not. Flow-sorted ILC2 responded in vitro to IL-33 (but not OSM or IL-6 stimulation). Matrix remodelling genes col3A1, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 were also decreased in IL-33-/- mice. In vitro, IL-33 upregulated expression of OSM in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Taken together, IL-33 is a critical mediator of OSM-driven, Th2-skewed, and M2-like responses in mouse lung inflammation and contributes in part through activation of ILC2 cells.
Random-Parameter Multivariate Negative Binomial Regression for Modeling Impacts of Contributing Factors on the Crash Frequency by Crash Types
Authors: Wang Chenzhu , Chen Fei , Cheng Jianchuan , Bo Wu , Zhang Ping , Hou Mingyu , Xiao Feng
Published: November 2020

Highways provide the basis for safe and efficient driving. Road geometry plays a critical role in dynamic driving systems. Contributing factors such as plane, longitudinal alignment, and traffic volume, as well as drivers’ sight characteristics, determine the safe operating speed of cars and trucks. In turn, the operating speed influences the frequency and type of crashes on the highways. Methods. Independent negative binomial and Poisson models are considered as the base approaches to modeling in this study. However, random-parameter models reduce unobserved heterogeneity and obtain higher dimensions. Therefore, we propose the random-parameter multivariate negative binomial (RPMNB) model to analyze the influence of the traffic, speed, road geometry, and sight characteristics on the rear-end, bumping-guardrail, other, noncasualty, and casualty crashes. Subsequently, we compute the goodness-of-fit and predictive measures to confirm the superiority of the proposed model. Finally, we also calculate the elasticity effects to augment the comparison. Results. Among the significant variables, black spots, average annual daily traffic volume (AADT), operating speed of cars, speed difference of cars, and length of the present plane curve positively influence the crash risk, whereas the speed difference of trucks, length of the longitudinal slope corresponding to the minimum grade, and stopping sight distance negatively influence the crash risk. Based on the results, several practical and efficient measures can be taken to promote safety during the road design and operating processes. Moreover, the goodness-of-fit and predictive measures clearly highlight the greater performance of the RPMNB model compared to standard models. The elasticity effects across all the models show comparable performance with the RPMNB model. Thus, the RPMNB model reduces the unobserved heterogeneity and yields better performance in terms of precision, with more consistent explanatory power compared to the traditional models.
Effects of 16‐Form Wheelchair Tai Chi on the Autonomic Nervous System among Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Qi Yan , Xie Haixia , Shang Yunlin , Wang Lejun , Wang Ce , He Yalin , Niu Wenxin , Shi Dongliang
Published: November 2020

Objective. This study aims to investigate the effects of 16‐form Wheelchair Tai Chi (WCTC16) on the autonomic nervous system among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods. Twenty patients with chronic complete thoracic SCI were recruited. Equivital life monitoring system was used to record and analyze heart rate variability (HRV) of patients for five minutes before and after five consecutive sets of WCTC16, respectively. The analysis of HRV in the time domain included RR intervals, the standard deviation of all normal RR intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of the differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD). The analysis of HRV in the frequency domain included total power (TP), which could be divided into very‐low‐frequency area (VLFP), low‐frequency area (LFP), and high‐frequency area (HFP). The LF/HF ratio as well as the normalized units of LFP (LFPnu) and HFP (HFPnu) reflected the sympathovagal balance. Results. There was no significant difference in RR interval, SDNN, RMSSD, TP, HEP, VLFP, and LFP of SCI patients before and after WCTC16 exercise (P > 0.05). LFPnu and HF peak decreased, while HFPnu and LF/HF increased in SCI patients after WCTC16 exercise. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion. WCTC16 can enhance vagal activity and decrease sympathetic activity so that patients with chronic complete thoracic SCI can achieve the balanced sympathovagal tone.
Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis as Overlapping Syndromes
Authors: Bozek A. , Zajac M. , Krupka M.
Published: November 2020

Background/Objectives. Cooccurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PS) is not common. However, both diseases are still of interest because of their comprehensive and diverse mechanisms. This study aimed to present the clinical and immunological profiles of patients with concomitant AD and PS and compare them with those of patients with only one of the diseases. Methods. In this observational study, 38 children with concomitant AD and PS with a mean age of6.5±3.2 yrs were compared with 41 similar patients with AD only (5.3±5.1 yrs) and 28 patients with PS only (6.4±4.3 yrs). All patients underwent dermatological examinations, including determination of SCORAD and PASI scores. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, I:-33, and TARC/CCL17 were measured by ELISA according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results. Patients with concomitant AD and PS were frequently boys and overweight and had skin lesions equally distributed throughout the body. Children with concomitant AD and PS were more likely to report a family history of atopic disease than children with only AD or PS, and those with AD were more likely to report a family history of atopic disease than those with PS. Significant differences were observed in the concentration of IL-17 between patients with AD and PS and those with only AD or PS:9.1±3.7 pg/ml vs.4.8±2.9 pg/ml; and9.1±3.7 pg/ml vs.5.2±3.9 pg/ml, respectively (PD vs. AD,p=0.01; PD vs. PS,p=0.03). Conclusions. AD and PS can coexist. The role of T helper 17 cells may be more essential than believed.
Fuzzy Ideal Supra Topological Spaces
Authors: Abbas Fadhil
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we introduce the notion of fuzzy ideals in fuzzy supra topological spaces. The concept of a fuzzy s-local function is also introduced here by utilizing the s-neighbourhood structure for a fuzzy supra topological space. These concepts are discussed with a view to find new fuzzy supra topologies from the original one. The basic structure, especially a basis for such generated fuzzy supra topologies, and several relations between different fuzzy ideals and fuzzy supra topologies are also studied here. Moreover, we introduce a fuzzy set operatorΨSand study its properties. Finally, we introduce some sets of fuzzy ideal supra topological spaces (fuzzy∗-supra dense-in-itself sets, fuzzyS∗-supra closedsets, fuzzy∗-supra perfect sets, fuzzy regular-I-supra closedsets, fuzzy-I-supra opensets, fuzzy semi-I-supra opensets, fuzzy pre-I-supra opensets, fuzzyα-I-supra opensets, and fuzzyβ-I-supra opensets) and study some characteristics of these sets, and then, we introduce some fuzzy ideal supra continuous functions.
Integrated Deep Neural Networks-Based Complex System for Urban Water Management
Authors: Gao Xu , Zeng Wenru , Shen Yu , Guo Zhiwei , Yang Jinhui , Cheng Xuhong , Hua Qiaozhi , Yu Keping
Published: November 2020

Although the management and planning of water resources are extremely significant to human development, the complexity of implementation is unimaginable. To achieve this, the high-precision water consumption prediction is actually the key component of urban water optimization management system. Water consumption is usually affected by many factors, such as weather, economy, and water prices. If these impact factors are directly combined to predict water consumption, the weight of each perspective on the water consumption will be ignored, which will be greatly detrimental to the prediction accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a deep neural network-based complex system for urban water management. The essence of it is to formulate a water consumption prediction model with the aid of principal component analysis (PCA) and the integrated deep neural network, which is abbreviated as UWM-Id. The PCA classifies the factors affecting water consumption in the original data into three categories according to their correlation and inputs them into the neural network model. The results in the previous step are assigned weights and integrated into the form of fully connected layer. Finally, analyzing the sensitivity of the proposed UWM-Id and comparing its performance with a series of commonly used baseline methods for data mining, a large number of experiments have proved that UWM-Id has good performance and can be used for urban water management system.
Experimental Study of the Dynamic Tensile Mechanical Properties of a Coal Sandstone Disc with a Central Hole
Authors: Wu Jiehao , Zong Qi , Xu Ying
Published: November 2020

Deep mine rocks are often subjected to rock burst induced by dynamic load. The existence of initial holes will reduce the mechanical properties of rocks and affect the stability and safety of the tunnel excavating. In order to study the effect of the ratios of inner and outer diameter on disc specimen dynamic mechanical properties and failure modes, we use cylindrical sandstone specimens of Φ50 × 25 mm to process center holes of different diameters, and a series of dynamic splitting test were carried out with a system of split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with the diameter of Φ50 mm when the pressure is 0.15 MPa, 0.3 MPa, and 0.5 MPa. The results show that (1) the dynamic tensile stress‐time‐history curve exhibited double peak phenomena, and the second peak value is less than the first peak value, (2) the dynamic tensile stress peaks decrease nonlinearly with the increasing of the ratios of inner and outer diameter, and the dependence is more obvious when the pressure is higher, and (3) there is a tensile crack running along the loading direction in the failure modes of the five samples with the ratio of inner to outer diameter under three kinds of impact pressure. Under the same impact pressure, when the ratio of inner diameter to outer diameter is greater than the critical ratio of inner diameter to outer diameter, there is an obvious empty hole effect; that is, the sample develops secondary tensile cracks that develop from the upper and lower ends of the pore disc to the center of the inner hole. With the increase of the ratio of inner diameter to outer diameter, the width of the penetration crack increases. With the increase of impact pressure, the critical ratio of inner diameter to outer diameter decreases gradually. The research results have certain significance for understanding the mechanical properties of porous rocks.
Spontaneous Intraperitoneal Rupture of Bladder Diverticulum: A Rare Cause of Peritonitis
Authors: Ibrahimi Ahmed , Kallat Adil , Ziani Idriss , El Sayegh Hachem , Benslimane Lounis , Nouini Yassine
Published: December 2020

Spontaneous rupture of acquired bladder diverticulum in an adult patient is an extremely rare pathological entity with only 15 cases reported in the available literature. Etiologies are dominated by bladder outlet obstruction, represented mainly by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in elderly men. Clinical presentation is nonspecific, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Surgical management is the standard approach for intraperitoneal rupture of bladder diverticulum. The prognosis depends on the earliness of treatment, associated comorbidity, and the nature of underlying diseases. Herein, we report a rare case of a 65-year-old male patient, who presented a spontaneous rupture of a large acquired bladder diverticulum, secondary to acute urinary retention complicating benign prostatic hypertrophy. The diagnosis was suspected in the presence of generalized peritonitis associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and was confirmed accurately and promptly by a computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis. The patient underwent a successful surgical excision of the diverticulum and bladder repair without delay. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged from the hospital without any complication.
PyRos: A State Channel-Based Access Control System for a Public Blockchain Network
Authors: Noh Siwan , Shin Sang Uk , Rhee Kyung-Hyune
Published: November 2020

Blockchain is a technology that enables the implementation of a decentralized system by replacing the role of the centralized entity with the consensus of participants in the system to solve the problem of subordination to the centralized entity. Blockchain technology is being considered for application in numerous fields; however, the scalability limitation of a public blockchain has led many researchers to consider private blockchains, which reduce the security of the system while improving scalability. A state channel represents a leading approach among several scalability solutions, intended to address public blockchain scalability challenges while ensuring the security of the blockchain network. Participants in the channel perform the process of updating the state of the channel outside the blockchain. This process can proceed very quickly because it does not require the consensus of the blockchain network, but still, like on-chain, it can guarantee features such as irreversibility. In this paper, we propose the PyRos protocol, an access control system that supports the trading and sharing of data between individuals on a public blockchain based on the state channel. As far as we know, the research using the off-chain state channel for access control has not been proposed yet, so PyRos is a new approach in this field. In PyRos, user-defined access control policies are stored off-chain, and policy updates are always rapid regardless of the performance of the blockchain network. Moreover, PyRos provides means to prevent malicious participants from arbitrarily using the channel’s previous state while resolving constraints due to scalability problems, along with privacy guarantees for the transaction content. To evaluate the efficiency and security of PyRos, we provide qualitative analysis of security requirements and analysis in terms of the performance of public blockchain platforms.
Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) Repairs Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Upregulates c‐Kit Expression in Rats with SCI‐Induced Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction
Authors: Yang Yujie , Cheng Jie , Zhang Yongni , Guo Jiabao , Xie Bin , Zhang Wenyi , Zhu Zhaojin , Zhu Yi
Published: November 2020

Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) could improve colonic transit activity in rats with neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). The function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and c‐Kit expression may play essential roles in this process. Material and Methods. Thirty‐six Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to the sham group, the SCI group, or the SCI + EA group (bilateral Zusanli, 30 min/day, 14 days). Changes in the ultrastructural morphology of ICCs were observed. The c‐Kit expression on different levels was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT‐qPCR, respectively. Results. Abnormal morphology of ICCs and downregulation of the c‐Kit expression occurred after SCI. While the number of ICCs was increased, the ultrastructural morphology was improved significantly in EA rats. They also showed better improvement in c‐Kit expression at both protein and gene levels. Conclusion. Abnormal ICCs in colon tissues and the downregulated expression of c‐Kit could be observed after SCI. EA at Zusanli (ST36) could improve the colon function by repairing the morphology and increasing the number of ICCs and upregulating c‐Kit expression.
Merleau-Ponty on the Sexed Body
Authors: Rae Gavin
Published: November 2020

This paper engages with Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s account of the sexed body in the Phenomenology of Perception. I focus on his notion of the sexual schema to show that, contrary to a number of feminist critiques, it does not (1) posit a neutral body overcoded by culturally-contingent sexual determinations or (2) erase the feminine body, but is informed by Merleau-Ponty particular version of the phenomenological reduction whereby factic determinations are “bracketed” to permit the object under study to reveal itself as it is rather than as we wish it to be or have been conditioned to think it. I subsequently defend Merleau-Ponty against the long-standing claim that entwining sexuality with existence prevents an analytic and by extension positive conception of sexuality by arguing that he rejects the monadic logic that this charge is premised on to instead challenge us to think of sexuality in terms of its integration with an individual’s entire embodied, embedded existence. The result is an analysis that emphasizes the ambiguity, afoundationalism, individuality, and open-ended immanent expressivity of sexuality.
Richard Kearney’s Relevance for Psychology: A Review Essay
Authors: DeRoo Neal
Published: November 2020

This essay argues that Richard Kearney’s philosophical work has something important to say to phenomenological psychology and, in turn, has something important to learn from it. It begins by highlighting a movement of return after deconstruction, consistent throughout Kearney’s oeuvre, that emerges clearly in the recently published Imagination Now collection—which contains some of Kearney’s most important writings. It then shows how this movement is a fundamentally therapeutic endeavor. A quick review of several recent volumes about Kearney’s work makes clear how his philosophy suggests an embodied and not simply a linguistic approach to therapy. As such, a certain phenomenological psychology is revealed as being implicitly operative in Kearney’s work. The essay then ends by highlighting three possible benefits of having phenomenological psychologists engage with Kearney’s work: a revaluation of the non-cognitive aspects of subjective constitution, a renewed look at the role of both the narrative and carnal dimensions in psychological research and psychotherapy, and an even more enhanced socio-cultural role for phenomenological psychology.