bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feature optimization and hybrid classification for malicious web page detection
Authors: Deng Weiping , Peng Yan , Yang Fan , Song Jun
Published: July 2020

The security threats from malicious web pages have become a hot topic for cyber security. One goal pursued by current research is to identify malicious web pages quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Considering the high detection costs and potential dimensionality curse of malicious webpage detection, in this article, we proposes a detection framework based on feature optimization and hybrid classification. It provides three properties: more new malicious webpage features, information gain‐based feature selection method, and integrating multiple machine learning method. A comprehensive experimental evaluation demonstrates that the proposed framework has remarkable advantages in aspects of detection accuracy and detection performance.
A new interval native Bayes uncertain fault diagnosis method based on the firefly algorithm
Authors: Chen Yongqi , Dai Qinge , Chen Yang
Published: July 2020

Traditional fault diagnosis methods assume that the rolling bearing fault samples are precise data. However, this assumption may be wrong when there are problems of measurement uncertainty etc. Due to this, this paper proposes an interval native Bayes uncertain fault diagnosis method based on the firefly algorithm. First, the interval fault vibration signals are decomposed by intrinsic time scale decomposition, and several proper rotation components (PRC) are obtained. Features of PRC, such as interval kurtosis etc., are extracted as fault samples. Then, an interval native Bayes uncertain fault diagnosis method is designed for these uncertain rolling bearing interval features. Conventionally, the fault diagnosis method utilizes the same interval features to distinguish different fault types. However, each type of fault has its own distinctive classification accuracy for different features. Thus, this paper uses the firefly algorithm to extract different optimal interval fault features for different fault types. Experimental results show: (i) the proposed interval native Bayes method can be effectively applied in the interval fault diagnosis of rolling bearing under measurement uncertainty conditions. (ii) Compared with two traditional methods which extract the same fault features for all fault types, the new method can obtain higher classification accuracy.
Time‐domain ringing noise analysis induced in transmission lines using the common and normal mode concepts
Authors: Jinno Souma , Kitora Shuji , Toki Hiroshi , Abe Masayuki
Published: July 2020

In circuit design, it is important to understand the effect of circuit structure on the generation of electromagnetic noise. Analyses of ringing noise induced in three transmission lines connected to lumped‐parameter electronics are presented experimentally and theoretically. Four types of circuits classified with structures of lumped‐ and distributed‐parameter circuits are investigated. Symmetrical relations of three line positions and lumped‐parameter electronics suppress ringing noise, whereas asymmetry of either of the distributed‐ and lumped‐parameter circuits induces ringing noise, even the impedance matching condition is imposed in the normal mode. We analytically elucidate the origin of various behaviors of ringing noise caused by the circuit structures using the concept of the normal and common modes.
Affinin and hexahydroaffinin: Chemistry and toxicological profile
Authors: de la Rosa‐Lugo Vianey , Déciga‐Campos Myrna , Ríos María Yolanda , Navarrete‐Herrera Diana Saray , López‐Muñoz Francisco Javier
Published: July 2020

The present work aimed to determine the safety parameters of two new alkamides, affinin and hexahydroaffinin, with antinociceptive activity. To predict the preliminary acute toxicity, we used the acute and subchronic toxicity (50 mg/kg, orally [po]) in Swiss Webster mice. Genotoxicity assayed via analysis of cell micronuclei of the femoral bone marrow in mice; at the same time, metabolic parameters determined from peripheral blood samples. Furthermore, to discard the neuropharmacological effects, we assessed the ambulatory activity in mice to determine the possible effects in the central nervous system. Finally, we used capsaicin as a positive control of alkamides. According to our results, hexahydroaffinin (LD50 ≥ 5,000 mg/kg, po) is significantly less noxious than affinin (LD50 = 1,442.2 mg/kg, po) or capsaicin (LD50 = 489.9 mg/kg, po). In subchronic administration, we did not observe any changes in hematological or biochemical parameters in any compound analyzed from peripheral blood samples. Finally, the data from the genotoxicity assay showed micronuclei formation in 28%, 5%, and 3% of mice in the capsaicin, affinin, and hexahydroaffinin groups, respectively. With the results obtained in the present investigation, we suggest that affinin and hexahydroaffinin are not only useful candidates for possible new drugs but also safe compounds.
The formation of multiple pituitary pouches from the oral ectoderm causes ectopic lens development in hedgehog signaling‐defective avian embryos
Authors: Taira Yuki , Ikuta Yuya , Inamori Sachiko , Nunome Mitsuo , Nakano Mikiharu , Suzuki Takayuki , Matsuda Yoichi , Tsudzuki Masaoki , Teramoto Machiko , Iida Hideaki , Kondoh Hisato
Published: July 2020

Background

Hedgehog signaling has various regulatory functions in tissue morphogenesis and differentiation. To investigate its involvement in anterior pituitary precursor development and the lens precursor potential for anterior pituitary precursors, we investigated Talpid mutant Japanese quail embryos, in which hedgehog signaling is defective.

Results

Talpid mutants develop multiple pituitary precursor‐like pouches of variable sizes from the oral ectoderm (OE). The ectopic pituitary pouches initially express the pituitary‐associated transcription factor (TF) LHX3 similarly to Rathke's pouch, the genuine pituitary precursor. The pouches coexpress the TFs SOX2 and PAX6, a signature of lens developmental potential. Most Talpid mutant pituitary pouches downregulate LHX3 expression and activate the lens‐essential TF PROX1, leading to the development of small lens tissue expressing α‐, β‐, and δ‐crystallins. In contrast, mutant Rathke's pouches express a lower level of LHX3, which is primarily localized in the cytoplasm, and activate the lens developmental pathway.

Conclusions

Hedgehog signaling in normal embryos regulates the development of Rathke's pouch in two steps. First, by confining Rathke's pouch development in a low hedgehog signaling region of the OE. Second, by sustaining LHX3 activity to promote anterior pituitary development, while inhibiting ectopic lens development.
Age‐related variation in the trophic characteristics of a marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii
Authors: Bell Olivia , Jones Menna E. , Ruiz‐Aravena Manuel , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Bearhop Stuart , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: July 2020

Age‐related changes in diet have implications for competitive interactions and for predator–prey dynamics, affecting individuals and groups at different life stages. To quantify patterns of variation and ontogenetic change in the diets of Tasmanian devils Sarcophilus harrisii, a threatened marsupial carnivore, we analyzed variation in the stable isotope composition of whisker tissue samples taken from 91 individual devils from Wilmot, Tasmania from December 2014 to February 2017. Both δ13C and δ15N decreased with increasing age in weaned Tasmanian devils, indicating that as they age devils rely less on small mammals and birds, and more on large herbivores. Devils <12 months old had broader group isotopic niches, as estimated by Bayesian standard ellipses (SEAB mode = 1.042) than devils from 12 to 23 months old (mode = 0.541) and devils ≥24 months old (mode = 0.532). Devils <24 months old had broader individual isotopic niches (SEAB mode range 0.492–1.083) than devils ≥24 months old (mode range 0.092–0.240). A decrease in δ15N from the older whisker sections to the more recently grown sections in devils <24 months old likely reflects the period of weaning in this species, as this pattern was not observed in devils ≥24 months old. Our data reveal changes in the isotopic composition of devil whiskers with increasing age, accompanied by a reduction in isotopic variation both among population age classes and within individuals, reflecting the effect of weaning in early life, and a likely shift from an initially diverse diet of small mammals, birds, and invertebrates towards increasing consumption of larger herbivores in adulthood.
Trophic level and basal resource use of soil animals are hardly affected by local plant associations in abandoned arable land
Authors: Salamon Jörg‐Alfred , Wissuwa Janet , Frank Thomas , Scheu Stefan , Potapov Anton M.
Published: July 2020

Plants provide resources and shape the habitat of soil organisms thereby affecting the composition and functioning of soil communities. Effects of plants on soil communities are largely taxon‐dependent, but how different functional groups of herbaceous plants affect trophic niches of individual animal species in soil needs further investigation. Here, we studied the use of basal resources and trophic levels of dominating soil meso‐ and macrofauna using stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in arable fallow systems 3 and 14–16 years after abandonment. Animals were sampled from the rhizosphere of three plant species of different functional groups: a legume (Medicaco sativa), a nonlegume herb (Taraxacum officinale), and a grass (Bromus sterilis). We found virtually no consistent effects of plant identity on stable isotope composition of soil animals and on thirteen isotopic metrics that reflect general food‐web structure. However, in old fallows, the carbon isotope composition of some predatory macrofauna taxa had shifted closer to that of co‐occurring plants, which was particularly evident forLasius, an aphid‐associated ant genus. Trophic levels and trophic‐chain lengths in food webs were similar across plant species and fallow ages. Overall, the results suggest that variations in local plant diversity of grassland communities may little affect the basal resources and the trophic level of prey consumed by individual species of meso‐ and macrofauna belowground. By contrast, successional changes in grassland communities are associated with shifts in the trophic niches of certain species, reflecting establishment of trophic interactions with time, which shapes the functioning and stability of soil food webs.
Seasonal variations on endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation in adults with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic adults with hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia who perform regular exercise
Authors: Honda Hiroto , Igaki Makoto , Komatsu Motoaki , Tanaka Shin‐ichiro
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery often changes seasonally. We aimed to examine the association between the seasonal variation on FMD and regular exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nondiabetic adults with hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia (non‐T2D).

Methods

This retrospective study included 14 T2D and 17 non‐T2D adults, who started to perform moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise for 30‐40 min/d at a hospital gym in 2006‐2010 and maintained exercise performance at least 2 d/wk until the end of the observation period. We observed and analysed the data for 5 years (from March 2011 to February 2016). FMD, cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) and metabolic outcomes were compared among seasons in the T2D and non‐T2D groups.

Results

The FMD values were lower in winter than in other seasons in both groups (all P < .01). The annual range of FMD was larger by 31% in the T2D group than in the non‐T2D group (P < .05). The systolic blood pressure (BP) values were higher in winter than in other seasons in both groups (all P < .01), and the diastolic BP values were higher in winter than in summer in both groups (T2D: P < .05; non‐T2D: P < .01). CAVI and other outcomes did not change seasonally.

Conclusions

Flow‐mediated vasodilation showed seasonal variation in T2D adults, even if they performed exercise regularly for a long period of time. Additionally, we found that the annual range of FMD might increase with the presence of T2D.
Repot: Real‐time and privacy‐preserving online task assignment for mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Xia Yaobo , Zhao Bowen , Tang Shaohua , Wu Hao‐Tian
Published: July 2020

Recently, the development of Internet of Things and mobile sensor technology has facilitated mobile crowdsensing (MCS) as a popular data collection paradigm. In MCS, requesters publish tasks to the sensing platform, and then the sensing platform assigns tasks to workers who carry mobile sensing devices. In general, the sensing platform matches tasks and workers according to the location and time attributes of tasks and workers. However, most current studies rarely consider location and time attributes, simultaneously. In previous work, it is difficult to achieve real‐time task assignment while protecting worker's location privacy. To tackle the above problem, in this article, we propose a real‐time and privacy‐preserving online task assignment scheme, named Repot. In Repot, the location privacy of workers is protected by using geoindistinguishability. And we design a probabilistic method to quantify the reachability between the obfuscated worker and the task. In addition, the worker‐based distance comparison mechanism and the task‐based distance comparison mechanism are designed to reduce the overall distance of workers in Repot, respectively. The experimental evaluation is performed on a real‐world data set and the results show the feasibility and effectiveness of Repot.
Quality of experience‐driven resource allocation in vehicular cloud long‐term evolution networks
Authors: Wu Guilu , Li Zhengquan , Jiang Huilin
Published: July 2020

To improve user experience and allocate reasonably spectrum resources, the quality of experience (QoE) for user is introduced as an indicator to express the user's satisfaction with the service provided. The QoE‐driven resource allocation optimization algorithm for orthogonal frequency‐division multiple is designed to maximize the user's QoE and optimize resource allocation in vehicular cloud (VC) long‐term evolution (LTE) networks. Therein, a novel QoE model which reflects delay, transmission rate, and service price by mean opinion score (MOS) is proposed to identify different services. Furthermore, the characteristics of delay, transmission rate, and service price are also analyzed specifically at different time slots, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed resource allocation algorithm could achieve a better QoE in the field of user satisfaction and throughput compared with other traditional algorithms, especially when the number of vehicles is greater than 30 or 22, respectively. Meanwhile, the impact of fairness on QoE and throughput are also improved apparently when the number of vehicles is small. In end, the QoE‐mode brings performance improvements on delay, transmission rate, and service price compared with other single X mode.
Rethinking Ethical Categories in the Age of Technology
Authors: Wolpe Paul Root
Published: July 2020

Over time, ethical judgments evolve, but so do the phenomena they are applied to. For example, plagiarism is a modern concept. Before the early eighteenth century, works did not generally have references or acknowledgments, and ideas were freely exchanged. As writing became an occupation, copying others' words became “unethical.” As cut and paste, music mash‐up, and other technological forms of exchange make copying the works of others simple, the idea of plagiarism is eroding, and perhaps will eventually even be discarded. The same may be true with privacy. As with plagiarism, it was not really until the eighteenth century that our modern idea of privacy was established. To younger generations, raised on social media, online life is predicated on trading personal information for access. The undermining of former standards of privacy may suggest that privacy may also eventually become an outmoded concept.
Primary care competition and quality of care: Empirical evidence from Medicare
Authors: Brunt Christopher S. , Hendrickson Joshua R. , Bowblis John R.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we explore the effects of primary care physician (PCP) practice competition on five distinct quality metrics directly tied to screening, follow‐up care, and prescribing behavior under Medicare Part B and D. Controlling for physician, practice, and area characteristics as well as zip code fixed effects, we find strong evidence that PCP practices in more concentrated areas provide lower quality of care. More specifically, PCPs in more concentrated areas are less likely to perform screening and follow‐up care for high blood pressure, unhealthy bodyweight, and tobacco use. They are also less likely to document current medications. Furthermore, PCPs in more concentrated areas have a higher amount of opioid prescriptions as a fraction of total prescriptions.
Evaluation and analysis of different regression models for estimation of ECe from EC1:5—With a case study from Buin‐Zahra, Iran*
Authors: Hassannia Mehrdad , Nazari Bijan , Kaviani Abbas , Sotoodehnia Abbas
Published: July 2020

Soil salinity is an important parameter in irrigation, drainage, and environmental studies. Determining the electrical conductivity of soil saturated paste extract (ECe) is a well‐known method, but its use is limited because its production process is time‐consuming and difficult. The 1:5 solution electrical conductivity (EC1:5) is an alternative simplified method. The aim of this study was to evaluate ECe‐from‐EC1:5 conversion models. A total of 123 samples from 3 soil layers were analysed. The research was planned in two phases: 1) model evaluation in soil layers, 2) model evaluation in ECe categorized data. Results show that the linear model was the best model in the second layer (R2 = .66, mean absolute percentage error [MAPE] = 0.058), and the exponential model was the best in the other layers (R2 = .65 to 0.67, MAPE = 0.085 to 0.060). Also, exponential and linear regressions were the best ECe estimation models in the ECe < 4 and ECe > 4 categories, respectively. In addition, the conversion factor (f) for converting ECe and EC1:5 was obtained as 3.7–13.9, 2.8–5.0, and 3.4–5.8 for three soil layers, respectively. Results show that the use of general recommendation tables for f will lead to considerable error, and the factor must be determined specifically for each region.
Quaternary ammonium hydroxide‐functionalized g‐C3N4 catalyst for aerobic hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to phenols
Authors: Muhammad Ibrahim , Mannathan Subramaniyan , Sasidharan Manickam
Published: July 2020

A new and efficient metal‐free approach toward the synthesis of phenols via an aerobic hydroxylation of arylboronic acids by using a novel quaternary ammonium hydroxide g‐C3N4 catalyst has been described. The functionalized quaternary ammonium hydroxide (g‐C3N4‐OH) has been prepared from graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) scaffold by converting the residual –NH2 and –NH groups to quaternary methyl ammonium iodide by performing a methylation reaction with methyl iodide followed by ion‐exchange with 0.1 N KOH or anion exchange resin Amberlyst A26 (OH‐ form) by post‐synthetic modification. The resultant g‐C3N4‐OH was characterized by XRD, FTIR, field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and acid–base titration. Tested as solid‐base catalysts, the g‐C3N4‐OH showed excellent catalytic activity in the aerobic hydroxylation reaction by converting a variety of arylboronic acids to the corresponding phenols in high yields. More importantly, the g‐C3N4‐OH solid‐base has been successfully reused four times with the minor loss of initial catalytic activity (10.5%).
Hydroxyl‐assisted nitrogen‐containing group modified persimmon tannin with enhanced recovery capacity for Mo(VI) in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Ren Fuqiang , Lou Zhenning , Shan Weijun , Wang Yuejiao , Xiong Ying
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Persimmon tannin, extracted from young astringent persimmons, is a cheap waste biomass material. The abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups in persimmon tannin are known to display excellent affinity to Mo(VI). In addition, ligands containing N donor atoms, as brilliant adsorption groups, can strongly interact with Mo(VI) when the groups are protonated under acidic conditions. Therefore, the introduction of nitrogen‐containing groups in persimmon tannin may be an effective method to improve the recovery capacity of biosorbent for Mo(VI) in aqueous solution. In this work, a series of adsorbents were prepared by immobilizing ethylenediamine or methylamine on the surface of persimmon tannin.

RESULTS

Due to the abundant nitrogen‐containing groups and hydroxyl groups, the ethylenediamine modified persimmon tannin exhibited excellent maximum uptake capacity to Mo(VI) (478.02 mg·g−1), which was superior to that of methylamine modified persimmon tannin. Further, the results of XPS and FT‐IR confirmed that Mo(VI) was adsorbed on the hydroxyl‐assisted nitrogen‐containing group modified persimmon tannin via coordination and electrostatic interaction.

CONCLUSION

Furthermore, 99% of Mo(VI) was selectively recovered from coexisting ions by en‐CPT under appropriate acidic conditions (pH 1). Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model best represented the adsorption process of Mo(VI) onto the en‐CPT. The adsorption equilibrium was achieved in a relatively short time (no more than 1 h). High recovery efficiency and excellent selective adsorption made the en‐CPT an ideal candidate for Mo(VI) recovery in practical applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
An update on cellular and molecular determinants of Parkinson's disease with emphasis on the role of the retromer complex
Authors: Macías‐Calvio Vania , Fuentealba Luz‐María , Marzolo María‐Paz
Published: July 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative condition. The disease involves the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Among late‐onset, familial forms of Parkinson are cases with mutations in the PARK17 locus encoding the vacuolar protein sorting 35 (Vps35), a subunit of the retromer complex. The retromer complex is composed of a heterotrimeric protein core (Vps26‐Vps35‐Vps29). The best‐known role of retromer is the retrieval of cargoes from endosomes to the Golgi complex or the plasma membrane. However, recent literature indicates that retromer performs roles associated with lysosomal and mitochondrial functions and degradative pathways such as autophagy. A common point mutation affecting the retromer subunit Vps35 is D620N, which has been linked to the alterations in the aforementioned cellular processes as well as with neurodegeneration. Here, we review the main aspects of the malfunction of the retromer complex and its implications for PD pathology. Besides, we highlight several controversies still awaiting clarification.
Novel mapping algorithm during catheter ablation for ventricular parasystole originating from left anterior fascicle
Authors: Kawajiri Kohei , Kitamura Takeshi , Hojo Rintaro , Fukamizu Seiji
Published: July 2020

A 17‐year‐old woman presented with frequent palpitations and shortness of breath and was diagnosed with drug‐refractory ventricular parasystole. We predicted that the parasystole originated from the left anterior fascicle (LAF). Detailed activation maps of both conduction systems, including the LAF, during sinus rhythm and ventricular parasystole were obtained using a parallel mapping system. We confirmed the earliest fascicular potential of the parasystole and performed catheter ablation with no complications. This novel mapping algorithm for simultaneous acquisition of multiple maps aided effective treatment of ventricular parasystole originating from the LAF.
The interaction of sediments with the archeological iron remains from the recovery shipwreck of Urbieta (Gernika, North of Spain)
Authors: Estalayo Estefania , Aramendia Julene , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Garcia Laura , Garcia‐Camino Iñaki , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: July 2020

Cultural heritage often brings to mind elements like sculptures, paintings, monuments, and buildings as well as archeological objects. Today, underwater heritage and its surrounding environment are also considered part of cultural heritage because communities identify themselves with the natural landscape. This study is focused on a shipwreck belonging to the second half of the 15th century that was discovered in 1998 by chance in the sediments of the Urdaibai estuary, in Urbieta (Gernika, Basque Country), at 4 m underground. A scientific study presented in this work was performed, as this archeological site was absolutely out of context and in need of a preservation and conservation procedure. Therefore, our aim was to shed light on the origin of the shipwreck and to assess the conservation state to develop a precise conservation plan. Pursuing this objective, a first analysis on three selected groups of iron nails was performed, looking at the raw materials and degradation patterns through the knowledge of the alteration compounds. By means of nondestructive analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence, the presence of iron, zinc, and silicon was detected in the outer layer of the iron samples. The analysis of the nails and wood of the shipwreck confirmed that the presence of zinc in the pieces indicates an important impact of the contaminated sediments deposited in the last 80 years on the upper part of the burial in which the shipwreck was located.
Formulation of a Biodegradable Detergent for Cleaning Oily Residues Generated during Industrial Processes
Authors: Rocha e Silva Nathália Maria P. , Almeida Fabíola Carolina G. , Rocha e Silva Fernanda Cristina P. , Luna Juliana M. , Sarubbo Leonie A.
Published: July 2020

The use of toxic petroleum‐based heavy oils is common in industrial processes. The cleaning of machines, equipment, and other surface covered in these oils is achieved with expensive products that are often also toxic and harmful to both the health of workers and the environment. The present paper proposes the development of a sustainable biodetergent made from plant‐based materials. Tests were performed to determine the properties of the biodetergent in terms of its surfactant and emulsifying capacities, stability, toxicity, and the removal of heavy oil from glass plates and metallic surfaces. The formulation was composed of a natural solvent (cottonseed oil), a plant‐based surfactant agent (saponin), and two natural stabilizers (carboxymethylcellulose and glycerine). The formulation was stable, nontoxic, and highly efficient, removing 100% of the heavy oil from glass and metallic surfaces. This solution developed in this study could be used in diverse industries with the need to clean machines and parts encrusted with oil and grease as well as the cleaning of floors covered with petroleum‐based residues. A preliminary analysis of the economic feasibility of using the detergent was carried out at a Brazilian power plant. Besides the reduction in environmental impact due to the use of a nontoxic, biodegradable product as well as the reduction in health risks to workers associated with toxic cleaning products, this new product can have a considerable impact on the market as an environmentally friendly solution.
Carioca bean starch upon synergic modification: characteristics and films properties
Authors: do Evangelho Jarine A , Biduski Barbara , da Silva Wyller M F , de Mello El Halal Shanise L , Lenhani Gabriela C , Zanella Pinto Vânia , Dias Alvaro R G , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra
Published: July 2020

Background

The use of damaged beans for starch isolation comprises an end‐use alternative for a product that is not accepted by the consumer. For that reason, isolation and modification of Carioca bean starch should be explored and evaluated as a suitable source for biodegradable material. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergism of physical and chemical modifications on Carioca bean starch with respect to improving the properties of biodegradable films. A heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) followed by oxidation by sodium hypochlorite was performed and vice versa.

Results

Synergism was noted in the starch properties compared to the single modification. When the oxidation was applied first, a higher amylose and carbonyl content was noted. HMT, isolated and as a second modification, caused a more pronounced effect on viscosity profile than the oxidized starch, with an increase in paste temperature and a decrease in viscosity, breakdown and final viscosity.

Conclusion

The results obtained in the present study reflect a decrease in water vapor permeability, although a higher tensile strength was noted when oxidation was applied, as a single and as a first modification. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Results of a RCT assessing saline and xylitol nasal irrigation for CRS and fatigue in Gulf War illness
Authors: Rabago David , Kille Tony , Mundt Marlon , Obasi Chidi
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy of saline nasal irrigation (S‐NI) and xylitol nasal irrigation (X‐NI) for chronic rhinosinusitis in participants with Gulf War illness (GWI).

Methods

This 26 week, 3‐arm (1:1:1) randomized controlled trial examined veterans meeting criteria for GWI with moderate‐to‐severe chronic rhinosinusitis and fatigue symptoms. All participants received standard of care for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); additionally, S‐NI or X‐NI participants added twice‐daily NI using 2% saline or 5% xylitol solutions. Outcomes included disease‐specific quality of life (primary; sino‐nasal outcome test [SNOT‐20]; 0‐100 points), overall quality of life (Short‐Form 36), and fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Index). Outcome assessors were blind to allocation group. Intention‐to‐treat analysis used repeated measures modeling; statistical significance was evaluated at the two‐sided α level of .05.

Results

Randomization (N = 40) produced three similar groups regarding sex (male, 80%), age (53.8 ± 7.8 years), duration (19.8 ± 7.7 years), and illness severity (48.5 ± 12.7 SNOT‐20 points). Age‐ and gender‐adjusted between‐group comparison showed that X‐NI participants, compared with control, reported improved SNOT‐20 scores at 8 weeks (13.5 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] −27.9 to 0.9) and at 26 weeks (15.4 points, 95% CI −30.1 to −0.6). S‐NI participants improved by 13.4 points (95% CI −28.8, 2.1) at 26 weeks compared with control.

The improvement in both NI groups approached minimal clinical important difference compared to control for the SNOT‐20 in the general population. Secondary outcomes were not different between groups. Satisfaction in both irrigation groups was high.

Conclusions

This randomized controlled trial suggests that NI with saline or xylitol improves chronic sinus symptoms among participants with GWI with improvement scores similar to those in the general population.

Level of Evidence

1b, individual randomized controlled trial.
EXERCISING GRIT IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Authors: Polson Shannon Huffman
Published: July 2020

The author begins with an anecdote about the first time she flew an Army Apache helicopter, and the counterintuitive lessons she drew from it that became part of her work as the founder and chief executive officer of The Grit Institute, a leadership development organization. She describes her conceptualization of grit and contrasts it with that of the well‐known grit author/researcher Angela Duckworth. Approaches to risk are discussed: training to push through the places where we feel uncomfortable for any reason requires taking smaller risks, sometimes in other areas. Not only surviving, but thriving through challenges is a dance of reconnecting to foundational principles and being willing to act confidently with only partial information, and take that action with certainty and grounded optimism. Three areas are explored in detail: (1) setting your anchor, (2) leading with audacity, and (3) staying adaptable. For the adaptable leader, grit is still required. But adaptability requires grit as well as confidence and creativity. When faced with obstacles, a leader can shut down or be resigned to circumstance, or a leader can look for opportunity, look for other ways to accomplish goals.
A new method for the solution of hybrid analog digital beamforming problems
Authors: Amini Ebrahim , Reza Marzban Hamid , Rastegari Mahdi
Published: July 2020

By going to millimeter wave (mmWave) we can use large scale MIMO due to short mmWave wavelength to overcome path loss by using beamforming to focus power of signal to the receiver. System structure of mmWave band is different with conventional MIMO because of large scale MIMO which is leading to use many RF‐chains. For this reason Hybrid structure have been proposed for large Scale MIMO. By going to Hybrid structure a new issue has been created with phase shifter constraint. In this paper we propose a novel solution to make a hybrid precoding and combing to reach high spectral efficiency. Our problem includes a maximizing Frobenius norm of multiplying five complex matrices. As constraints, all elements of some matrices must have unit norm, and also the multiplication of some matrices must have a specific Frobenius norm. A novel solution is proposed for the problem, which is gained in two steps. At the first step, we propose a new decomposition usable for kind of complex matrices which could lead to reduce the dimension of the objective function, and eliminating constraints completely and in the second step, we propose an iterated algorithm for the resulting problem. By proposing another novel technique, we show that in each iteration, the optimal problem is equivalent to a quadratic optimal problem with limitations on the vector norm, and as a result, an optimal problem is obtained quickly. Moreover, some other real examples are included to demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Investigation into the dynamic molecular and conductivity mechanisms of piezoelectric ceramics Pb[ZrxTi1−x]O3/epoxy piezocomposites
Authors: Hammami Helmi , Fakhfakh Slim , Lagache Manuel , Kallel Ali
Published: July 2020

Throughout this work, an experimental and theoretical analysis of the molecular dynamics, correlated with the alternating current conductivity σac(ω, T),of unidirectional piezoelectric composites used as actuators and/or sensors in different systems was carried out. The 3D‐representation of the imaginary part M″(ω, T) of the electric modulus shows, apart from the presence of the classical secondary β and the primary α dipolar relaxation processes, the appearance of a new peak attributed to the Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars (MWS) interfacial polarization whose amplitude depends on the rate of reinforcement. In our case, since we are usually within the range of fragile materials, the stiffness of the 26% fiber content composite is about 4.5 times greater than that of 13.4% (via the fragility parameter D), shows a less pronounced curvature and the nature of the relaxation times is closer to the Arrhenius type. Due to the high dispersion of the conductivity with the frequency of applied electrical field in the range (1‐104 Hz), Jonscher's “universal power law” has been revised by adding a new term, which takes into account the displacement current density. The ac conductivity adjustment procedure, using the new obtained expression, turns out to be accurate and follows the experimental data reported in the low, high, and even intermediate frequency domains. This theoretical approach allowed us to determine the key parameters (∆ε, τmax,…) unique to each relaxation process, and to demonstrate the MWS interfacial polarization that is directly linked to the adhesion between the PZT fibers and the epoxy resin matrix.
Progress in hybrid non‐isocyanate polyurethanes
Authors: Lambeth Robert H
Published: July 2020

This mini review highlights recent advances in the field of non‐isocyanate polyurethanes with an emphasis on hybrid chemistries that combine cyclic carbonate aminolysis with other step‐growth and chain‐growth reactions. The origins of hybrid non‐isocyanates polyurethanes, different types of reaction chemistries and synthetic strategies are discussed. In addition, applications where combining different types of chemistries are advantageous are emphasized. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
A panoramic view on phytochemical, nutritional, and therapeutic attributes of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.: A comprehensive review
Authors: Prakash Om , Usmani Shazia , Singh Ruchi , Singh Namrata , Gupta Amresh , Ved Akash
Published: July 2020

Ziziphus mauritiana (Rhamnaceae), commonly known as Indian jujube, is a pharmacologically diverse medicinal plant. A plethora of active phytochemical constituents of this plant has been revealed so far, namely, berberine, quercetin, kaempferol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol, diosgenin, and so forth. Several studies demonstrated the exploration of pharmacological potential of various parts such as fruits, leaves, and stems of the plant as antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti‐diarrhoeal, antidepressant, immunomodulator, and hepatoprotective. This review gives a unique summary including phytochemistry, nutritional value, and significant pharmacological importance of Z. mauritiana. The literature search was carried out via search engine PubMed, Science Direct, and so on. The data were heterogeneous in terms of leaves, stem, roots, and fruits which were used for different experimental findings, which made the comparison a lengthy task. Study findings suggested that the extracts from this plant may possess numerous types of pharmacological activities. As the search for novel drugs from botanical sources continues, there is need for future investigations to isolate and characterize pharmacologically active agents that confer medicinal properties on Z. mauritiana, as well as to elucidate the structures of these agents by which they exert their healing properties and to scientifically validate the existing traditional practices concerning its health benefits.
Establishment and neural differentiation of neural crest-derived stem cells from human dental pulp in serum-free conditions
Authors: Solis-Castro Oscar O. , Boissonade Fiona M. , Rivolta Marcelo N.
Published: July 2020

The potential of obtaining cell cultures with neural crest resemblance (neural crest-derived stem cells [NCSCs]) from dental-related tissues, including human dental pulp cells (hDPCs), has been discussed in the literature. However, most reports include the use of serum-rich conditions and do not describe the potential for neural differentiation, slowing translation to the clinic. Therefore, we aimed to culture and characterize NCSCs from the human dental pulp in vitro and evaluate their ability to differentiate into neurons; we also investigated the effectiveness of the addition of BMP4 to enhance this potential. Cultures were established from a varied cohort of patient samples and grown, as monolayers, in serum, serum-free, and also under sphere-aggregation conditions to induce and identify a NCSC phenotype. hDPC cultures were characterized by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Monolayer cultures expressed stem cell, neural progenitor and neural crest-related markers. Culturing hDPCs as neurospheres (hDPC-NCSCs) resulted in an increased expression of neural crest-related genes, while the addition of BMP4 appeared to produce better NCSC characteristics and neural differentiation. The neural-like phenotype was evidenced by the expression of TUJ1, peripherin, NFH, TAU, SYN1, and GAP43. Our results describe the establishment of hDPC cultures from a large variety of patients in serum-free medium, as NCSC that differentiate into neural-like cells, as well as an important effect of BMP4 in enhancing the neural crest phenotype and differentiation of hDPCs.
Insights gained from a systematic reanalysis of a successful model‐facilitated change process in health care
Authors: Holmström Paul , Hallberg Stefan , Björk‐Eriksson Thomas , Lindberg Jesper , Olsson Caroline , Bååthe Fredrik , Davidsen Pål
Published: July 2020

Health care is a complex system with multiprofessional staff and multiple patient care pathways. Time pressure and minimal margins for error make it challenging to implement new policies or procedures, no matter how desirable. Changes in health care also requires the participation of the staff. System dynamics (SD) simulations can lead to shared systems understanding and allows for the development and testing of new scenarios in silico before implementing solutions. However, research shows that the actual implementation rate of simulations is low. This paper presents a reanalysis of a successful change project in health care combining SD principles with basic action research (AR) premises. The analysis was done by a multidisciplinary research group using qualitative methodology and identifies that a fruitful combination of AR inquiry and SD modelling potentially can improve implementation rates.
Can operational profile coverage explain post‐release bug detection?
Authors: Andrade Lucas , Machado Patrícia , Andrade Wilkerson
Published: July 2020

To deliver reliable software, developers may rely on the fault detection capability of test suites. To evaluate this capability, they can apply code coverage metrics before a software release. However, recent research results have shown that these metrics may not provide a solid basis for this evaluation. Moreover, the fixing of a fault has a cost, and not all faults have the same impact regarding software reliability. In this sense, operational testing aims at assessing parts of the system that are more valuable for users. The goal of this work is to investigate whether traditional code coverage and code coverage merged with operational information can be related to post‐release bug detection. We focus on the scope of proprietary software under continuous delivery. We performed an exploratory case study where code branch and statement coverage metrics were collected for each version of a proprietary software together with real usage data of the system. We then measured the ability to explain the bug‐fixing activity after version release using code coverage levels. We found that traditional statement coverage has a moderate negative correlation with bug‐fixing activities, whereas statement coverage merged with the operational profile has a large negative correlation with higher confidence. Developers can consider operational information as an important factor of influence that should be analysed, among other factors, together with code coverage to assess the fault detection capability of a test suite.
Sodium hydroxide effect on the mechanical properties of flyash‐slag based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Verma Manvendra , Dev Nirendra
Published: July 2020

Geopolymer concrete is an innovative, sustainable, cementless, and eco‐friendly concrete that directly reduces the carbon footprints due to the total replacement of the cement from the concrete. A very excessive amount of CO2 produces in the production of cement. In the experimental investigation, analysis of the mechanical properties or engineering properties of the GPC of the different molarity of NaOH (8–16 M), and also different Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio (0.5–3.0) analyses in the destructive testing of the GPC. Examine the curing temperature effect on the engineering properties of the GPC. After the experimental investigation, oven‐cured specimens got a higher engineering strength compared to the ambient‐cured specimens of the same mix designs. The 14 M mix design got the optimum point for engineering strength among the various molar concentrated mix designs. In the case of the alkaline ratio, the 2.5 got the optimum point of the engineering strength among all ratios of the sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide. The highest compressive strength, splitting tensile, and flexural strength in the all mix designs got are 35.7 N/mm2, 5.2 N/mm2, and 5.6 N/mm2 respectively at 56 days after oven‐curing. Based on results, proposed the correlation equation between the splitting strength and compressive strength and equation between the flexural strength and compressive strength.
Computational Study of Desynchronization of Fast‐Spiking Interneurons at Macroscopic Gamma Oscillations
Authors: Yoshikai Yuto , Mori Fumina , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko
Published: July 2020

There are typically two distinct types of single‐neuron dynamics, known as Class I and Class II. Fast‐spiking (FS) neurons are a type of Class II neuron, which tend to exhibit periodic spikes in the gamma frequency. Although the population dynamics of Class I neurons are well elucidated with the Fokker‐Planck equation (FPE), much remains unknown about the population dynamics of Class II neurons. This is because the population model of Class II neurons typically leads to a high‐dimensional FPE that is hard to analyze. The modified theta (MT) model is one of the simplest mathematical models of Class I neurons, which possesses voltage‐dependent dynamics and has advantages in the analysis of population dynamics. In this study, we propose two approximation methods to derive a one‐dimensional FPE for FS interneurons using the framework of MT transformation. One method is mean‐field approximation of the variable related to adaptation; the other is semi‐adiabatic approximation of the variable. We confirm the firing characteristics of a single neuron in these approximated models match well to that of the original model proposed by Izhikevich. For the populational dynamics of the gamma oscillation, FPEs with these approximations make it possible to identify the region where Class II neuron firings synchronize. Bifurcation analyses of two FPEs show that semi‐adiabatic approximation fits better to the numerical results than mean‐field approximation. FPE with semi‐adiabatic approximation better illustrates the fact that a population of FS interneurons has a narrower region of gamma oscillation than that of Class I neurons. Moreover, analysis with semi‐adiabatic approximation of a population composed of both Class I and FS interneurons has a narrower region of synchronization with an increase in the FS interneuron ratio. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.