bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Portmanteau Test for Smooth Transition Autoregressive Models
Authors: Xia Qiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Keung Li Wai
Published: December 2019

This article investigates a portmanteau test statistic for checking model adequacy of smooth transition autoregressive (STAR) models. The asymptotic distribution of residual autocorrelations and the least‐squares estimators are also derived. Hence, the correct asymptotic standard errors for residual autocorrelations are also obtained facilitating model diagnostic checking. Through the graphical display of the simulation results concerning the size and power, for commonly used nominal sizes (), the portmanteau test appears to be more advantageous than the Lagrange multiplier tests in checking serial independence for the errors of STAR models.
Analysis of viscosity measurements obtained using the short back extrusion method. Part 1: Theory of short back extrusion in viscometry
Authors: Hoshino Takayoshi
Published: December 2019

The back extrusion (BE) method is a well‐known translational concentric cylinder viscometry that can analyze viscosity from the force–time curve of a cylindrical plunger pushed into a cylindrical cup filled with a sample fluid. It can analyze Newtonian, power‐law, and Herschel–Bulkley flows. However, the plunger must be moved 100 mm or more from the sample surface toward the cup bottom, any sample fluid adhering to the plunger must be removed. Moreover, given the complexity of the calculation steps, the BE method is not as widely. The short back extrusion (SBE) method proposed in this study is an improved immersed‐type BE method. By setting the measurement position inside the sample, the upflow in the annular space is smooth even over a short distance (5–15 mm). Measurement over a short distance decreases the amount of sample adhered to the plunger, mitigating the need to remove any sample from the plunger after each measurement, thereby facilitating repeated measurements. A program automatically determines flow type and, using novel mathematical formulas, it calculates the measured characteristics of the flow. In addition, the greatest advantage of the SBE method is that it can measure samples containing solids. It can be measured in a state in which a person usually eats, because the larger the stress required for the flow, the wider the gap. Moreover, its measurement accuracy is comparable to cone‐plate analysis, and the linear region of the analysis area is wide with less destructive movement.
Bimaxillary transverse constriction in adults: Short‐term follow‐up of non‐surgical arch expansion
Authors: Handelman Chester S. , Balakrishnan Meenakshi , BeGole Ellen A. , Viana Grace C.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Concurrent maxillary and mandibular expansion is a treatment option for patients with maxillary and mandibular transverse constriction. These patients do not present with crossbite but require expansion due to narrow arches and associated crowding, dark buccal corridors and decreased anterior arch contour. The objective of the study is to first establish Bimaxillary Transverse Constriction as an under‐recognized malocclusion and second to evaluate whether in adults the maxillary and mandibular arches can be successfully and safely expanded.

Setting and Sample Population

Pre‐ and post‐treatment study models and lateral cephalograms of 31 adults with Bimaxillary Transverse Constriction expanded non‐surgically were analysed. Thirty adult orthodontic patients who did not require expansion served as a control. Expanders were turned no more frequently than every other day in the maxilla and every third day in the mandible.

Materials and Methods

Measurements in both arches made on OrthoCAD models were transarch widths, molar and premolar axial angulation, clinical crown height of posterior teeth and cuspids, and mandibular divergence. Retrospective comparison of the 2 groups used independent Student's t tests for mean differences between groups.

Results

At pre‐treatment, the expansion group demonstrated significant transverse constriction compared with the control. Increased widths were achieved in the expansion group (4 mm in the maxilla and 2.5 mm in the mandible), while the control group was unchanged. The mandibular plane was unchanged. There was no buccal attachment loss.

Conclusion

Non‐surgical expansion in the maxilla and mandible is a viable treatment option for adult patients with Bimaxillary Transverse Constriction.
Isolation and functional analysis of the zmARM4 locus in a novel maize (Zea mays) grain‐filling mutant
Authors: Kong Mengsi , Qiao Qiao , Ma Xiaolin , Tao Yongsheng , Maharjan Raj Pushpa , Zhen Wenchao
Published: December 2019

Maize grain filling (GF) and grain weight (GW) are closely associated with grain yield. In our study, the ZmARM4 locus affecting GF and GW was identified using a reverse genetics screen of UniformMutator (Mu). First, MutatorDR‐flanking sequence (MuDRFs) was isolated from the mutant by the MuDR‐amplified fragment length polymorphism method, and it was verified by cosegregation (between MuDRFs and phenotype) and linkage analyses. Second, the target gene of the MuDRFs was found to encode the Armadillo domain of the repeat protein gene families and has high expression in the GF stage. Third, association mapping between SNPs in the ZmARM4 region and the GW of 489 maize lines indicated that ZmARM4 is a functional gene that is closely related to GW. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis suggested that ZmARM4 may be relevant for the activity of sucrose transport or the number of cell divisions in endosperm cells. Therefore, ZmARM4 may be used as an important locus for maize GW in molecular breeding.
Tranexamic Acid Cream Protects Ultraviolet B‐induced Photoaging in Balb/c Mice Skin by Increasing Mitochondrial Markers: Changes Lead to Improvement of Histological Appearance
Authors: Eltania Fransiska , Lesmana Ronny , Sudigdoadi Sunaryati , Sudigdoadi Sudigdoadi , Khairani Astrid Feinisa , Goenawan Hanna , Citrawan Andrew , Armina Yuniarti Rina , Wahyudianingsih Roro , Gunadi Julia Windi , Supratman Unang
Published: December 2019

Tranexamic acid (TSA) is widely used as an antiaging treatment for reducing melasma and wrinkles. There are various mechanisms for wrinkle formation, and one of them is due to damage of the mitochondria. Research on mitochondria in the skin is very limited, so we are interested to see the changes that occur after application of TSA cream. We explored the effect of TSA on mitochondrial protein levels (PGC1α, Tom20, COX IV), which had affected to skin histological structure. Thirty male, 6‐week‐old, Balb/C mice were divided into five groups (negative control, positive control, TSA 3%, TSA 4% and TSA 5%). After 10 days of acclimatization, four groups of mice were exposed to UVB light, of which three groups were given TSA cream for 10 weeks. The skin tissue was excised for protein and histological studies. H&E staining was performed for evaluating histological changes in epidermal thickness and dermal elastosis. TSA treatment on the mice skin increased mitochondrial marker levels and epidermal thickness while decreasing dermal elastosis for all the treatment groups. Topical application of TSA significantly increased mitochondrial biogenesis which may cause alteration in epidermal thickness and reduced dermal elastosis in the histology of mice skin.
Technological Distribution in Uganda: Information and Communications Technology and the State in an Eastern African Nation
Authors: Bowman Warigia M.
Published: December 2019

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) include old technologies—such as the radio and the television—as well as newer technologies—such as the Internet and wireless telephony. This study considers the process that the government of Uganda has used to adopt and implement ICT policy. This study also considers the techniques which the government of Uganda has used to distribute ICTS in public locations such as government offices, schools, and hospitals. In particular, this study attempts to consider the political motivations for distribution. The Ugandan government's attempt to distribute this technology reflects strengths in the area of distribution of artefacts, particularly to rural areas. Information and communications technologies are an important part of the Ugandan economy. In addition, ICTs strengthen the ability of citizens to communicate with each other across regional and language borders through shared access points. Methodologically, this paper uses the case study method. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with politicians, policy makers, civil society activists, citizens, academics, medical personnel, regional government officials, and business people. This paper argues that politicians use ICTs as a component of a basket of goods and services that they can distribute to witnessing publics. This paper argues that ICT should be viewed as a type of infrastructure, and that as a public good, it can be used as a “club” good or “pork.” Although several authors discuss the potential of ICTs as democratizing, this paper documents that the Ugandan government has employed ICTs in oppressive ways, including for the surveillance of opposition leaders, and for social control.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of paraoxonase‐1 and butyrylcholinesterase activities compared with acute‐phase proteins in septic dogs and stratified by the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score
Authors: Torrente Carlos , Manzanilla Edgar G. , Bosch Luis , Villaverde Cecilia , Pastor Josep , de Gopegui Rafael Ruiz , Tvarijonaviciute Asta
Published: December 2019

Background

Sepsis is a complex syndrome that involves an increased oxidative stress status and dysregulation of cholinergic neurotransmission. Paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities have been identified as significant biomarkers to monitor such disorders in human septic patients.

Objective

We aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of PON‐1 and BChE vs other traditional acute‐phase proteins such as albumin (ALB) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in septic dogs.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 20 dogs with a diagnosis of sepsis, 27 with low‐grade systemic inflammation (LGSI), and 10 healthy dogs that served as controls. Plasma samples were obtained from all dogs for analysis on admission, and then every 24‐48 hours until discharge or death in the septic group.

Results

Dogs with sepsis had lower PON‐1 activity compared with dogs in the LGSI group (1.1 ± 0.10 vs 1.6 ± 0.08 U/mL, P = .002), but no differences in BChE activity were detected between the groups. PON‐1, ALB, and CRP could successfully discriminate healthy animals from those with sepsis looking at the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristics curves (ROCs), which were 0.828, 0.903 and 1.000, respectively. Finally, although no differences were found among the groups for PON‐1 or BChE activity, the nonsurvivor septic dogs had higher CRP (P = .002), lower ALB (P = .025) levels, and tended to have lower PON‐1 (P = .082) activities than the survivors at patient death or discharge.

Conclusion

Septic dogs showed lower plasma PON‐1 and higher BChE activities, but only PON‐1 activity correlated with disease severity. Further studies are warranted to describe the usefulness of these new biomarkers of sepsis progression and recovery in dogs.
A Comparison of Hole-filling Methods for 3D Medical Data Reconstruction and Visualization
Authors: Vei Siang Chan , Mohamed Farhan
Published: December 2019

3D medical imaging can help the physicians to understand the patient anatomy, such as 3D ultrasound and 3D CT scan. In the case of 3D ultrasound reconstruction, the pixel nearest neighbour is one of the popular methods used. The hole-filling method in pixel nearest neighbour can fill in the empty voxel data which is not captured by the ultrasound. Thus, this paper studied the various hole-filling methods in the pixel nearest neighbour method to reconstruct the missing voxels. Besides that, an alternative method is also introduced based on the modified butterfly interpolation scheme. The experiment setup is designed to test the efficiency of the hole-filling method for 3D medical data visualisation by using mean absolute error as well as qualitatively compare the visualization of the reconstruction results. The proposed method can extract smooth skin from the reconstruction volume, although it has a high average MAE result.
Evaluation of the Performance of Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks Routing Protocols under High-density Network
Authors: Ismail Nasarudin , Mohamad Mohd Murtadha
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, research and development of Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) widely supporting various available application such as oil/gas monitoring system, tsunami monitoring, disaster prevention, and environmental monitoring has become increasingly popular among academicians and industries. However, to develop efficient communication in UWSNs is a difficult duty due to the irregular nature of the underwater environment. In our previous review [14], we did an elaborate theoretical survey on UWSNs routing protocols. In this work, we are going to evaluate the performance of some of the UWSNs routing protocols under high-density network condition. To simulate a high-density UWSNs, we are placing hundreds of underwater nodes in a small three-dimensional topographical area and study the behavior of the routing protocol and the network. We have chosen to evaluate some of the frequently addressed underwater routing protocols such as Underwater Flooding (UWFlooding), Vector-Based Forwarding (VBF), and Hop by Hop Vector-Based Forwarding (HH-VBF) under this high-density network scenarios. The result of our study shows that VBF and HH-VBF perform better in term of the number of packets received, dropped packets and PDR, while UWFlooding performs better in term of cumulative delay.
Concept of Blockchain Technology
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Anwar , Abd Latiff Muhammad Shafie , Madni Syed Hamid Hussain , Raja Mohd Rasi Raja Zuraidah , Othman Mohd Fairuz Iskandar
Published: December 2019

Blockchain, Bitcoin's core technology, and spinal cord have received enthusiastic attention since the last couple of decades. The Blockchain serves as a paradigm for distributed and unchangeable computations for bitcoins and cryptocurrencies. The key features behind this technology are to create a reliable, secure, transparent, decentralized, and reliable autonomous ecosystem. It is useful for a variety of applications, especially for legacy devices, resources, and infrastructure. In this article, we presented a technical overview, its application, and the challenges associated with blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. This study aims to provide a ground-breaking overview and future research direction and promising importance of Blockchain.
Mobile Application Dictionary for Hearing Impaired Students
Authors: Mohd Suhaimi Nur Raihan , Megat Mohd Zainuddin Norziha , Ahmad Hayatunnufus , Maarop Nurazean , Ibrahim Roslina , Wan Hassan Wan Azlan
Published: December 2019

Mobile applications have been acknowledged by societies as a support tool that can be accessed everywhere via smartphone or any handheld device. The use of technology nowadays is not only limited to normal people; it can also be used by the disable community. Hearing-impaired people usually receive education via sign language and the dictionary is one tool used in schools to teach hearing-impaired students. There are several issues related to sign language dictionary such as the thickness of dictionary which makes it difficult to bring anywhere. Besides, teachers and students need to take longer time to access the targeted information. This research is conducted based on two main aspects: development of mobile application for the dictionary for the hearing-impaired and evaluation involving experts in the related research. This mobile application has been developed based on the Software Development Model of Mobile Application Dictionary. This model consists of five phases, which are analysis, design, development, prototyping and evaluation. The evaluation on mobile application for the dictionary involved four experts who have evaluated the interface design and learning design. The human computer interaction for mobile principles, dual coding theory, cognitive load theory, and multimedia theory have been used in the development of the dictionary. Based on the experts’ review, it is found that the value of content validity index is 0.91 for the features of interface design and 0.83 for learning design. Hence, this shows the value of content validity index is acceptable. The research aim is to improve the quality of sign language learning for hearing-impaired students and community related to them.
Waste to Energy and Polygeneration Systems Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Rokni Marvin M.
Published: December 2019

This study presents a new sustainable polygeneration system (power, heat, cool, and freshwater) based on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system integrated with an absorption chiller and freshwater desalination system. The proposed system is based on the idea of gasifying the municipal waste, producing syngas serving as fuel for the polygeneration system. Such advanced waste to energy systems when improved is self-sustainable, less disposal to sanitary landfills, saving large municipal fields for other human activity and considerable less environmental impact. The study shows that for a plant with about 130 kW net power, the energy efficiency may be more than 92% including electricity, cooling, and freshwater production. If water desalination and absorption chiller are connected in parallel as a bottoming cycle for the fuel cell plant then cooling and freshwater productions will be about 129 kW and 174 l/h, respectively.
Study on Thermal Control Behavior by Using BaTiO3-Based PTC Materials With Room Temperature Curie Point
Authors: Aimei Yu , Qiang Li
Published: December 2019

Thermal management has become an important issue to be solved in the miniaturization and weight reduction of electronic equipment, especially in the aerospace field. The doped BaTiO3, as a self-regulating heating material, exhibits an attractive application perspective on the thermal control of electrical devices, resulting from its positive temperature coefficient (PTC) property. However, the Curie temperature of most of the doped BaTiO3 material at present is much higher than the operating temperature of the electrical equipment. On this basis, this paper focuses on the controlling of the Curie temperature and thermal control performance of the BaTiO3-based heating component. The polycrystalline Ba1-xSrxTiO3 was synthesized by solid solution reaction. The Curie temperature is tuned by the content of the strontium element, simultaneously the elements Y and Mn are doped to reduce the room temperature resistivity and improve the PTC effect. The X-ray diffraction demonstrates that the bulk phase of the Ba1-xSrxTiO3 generates in the presintering process, while the crystallization of composition has completed during the sintering. Importantly, the Curie temperature of doped Ba1-xSrxTiO3 for x = 0.3 with average particle size of 4.86 μm has shifted to around 38°C, beyond that exhibiting a 2.8-orders magnitude of PTCR jump.

Results of the thermal control experiment show that, in contrast to the ordinary resistor heater, the heating element based on the BaTiO3 PTC material can achieve lower equilibrium temperature without any auxiliary control methods. Compared to the traditional thermal control system composed by the ordinary resistor, sensor and controller, the novel thermal control system based on PTC heating unit possesses simple structure, lightweight and excellent reliability.
Flow Boiling Characteristics of R410A in Horizontal Annuli of Enhanced Surface Tubes
Authors: Sun Zhi-chuan , Li Wei , Ma Xiang , Lin Yuansheng , Ke Zhiwu , Ke Hanbing
Published: December 2019

An experimental study on the flow boiling heat transfer in a horizontal annular passage outside the single tube using R410A. The tested tubes contain a smooth tube, a 1EHT tube (dimpled tube) and a herringbone micro-fin tube with the same outside diameter of 12.70 mm. Tests were carried out at a saturation temperature of 6 °C for a mass flux range of 8∼107 kg/m2s with a fixed inlet quality of 0.1 and three different outlet qualities (0.4, 0.6, 0.8). Changes in vapor quality and annular gap size are found to have a significant impact on boiling heat transfer in the concentric annulus. For tests in the annuli with a 25.4-mm-ID outer tube, the HTC of the herringbone micro-fin tube is highest together with the largest pressure drop. Both the annulus of 1EHT tube and the annulus of herringbone micro-fin tube show a higher boiling HTC at an outlet quality of 0.6. The larger penalty factor is found at an outlet quality of 0.8. For flow boiling in the annuli having different annular gap sizes, it is found that the heat transfer enhancement ratio decreases sharply with the increasing average quality. When the inner diameter of outer tube is 19.0 mm, HTC decreases at first and then rises slowly. The huge bubbles occurred at the low mass fluxes and the scouring effect on the heated annulus walls of high-speed flow may be responsible.
Experimental Study on Oscillating Heat Pipe With Hydraulic Diameter Far Exceeding the Maximum Hydraulic Diameter
Authors: Chu Lilin , Ji Yulong , Yu Chunrong , Li Yantao , Ma Hongbin , Guo Yang
Published: December 2019

In order to understand the heat transfer performance, startup and fluid flow condition of oscillating heat pipe (OHP) with hydraulic diameter far exceeding the maximum hydraulic diameter (MHD), an experimental investigation on heat transfer performance and visualization was conducted. From the experimental performance, it is found that the OHP can still work well with ethanol as the working fluid when the tube diameter has exceeded the MHD of 91.6%. In addition, the detailed flow patterns of the OHP were recorded by a highspeed camera for vertical and horizontal orientation to understand its physical mechanism. In the vertical orientation, initially working fluid generates small bubbles, and then the small bubbles coalesce and grow to vapor plugs, the vapor plugs finally pushes the liquid slugs to oscillate in the tube. In the horizontal orientation, the working fluid surface fluctuates due to the vapors flow from the evaporator to the condenser and bubbles burst in the evaporator. When the peak of liquid wave reaches the upper surface of tube, a liquid slug has been formed, and then the steam flow pushes the liquid slugs to oscillate in the tube.
Mechanisms of Heat and Mass Transfer for Thin-Film Evaporation With Velocity Slip and Temperature Jump
Authors: Xiao Xiu , Yan Chunji , Ji Yulong
Published: December 2019

Velocity slip and temperature jump at the solid-liquid interface are important phenomena in microchannel heat transfer. A comprehensive mathematical model considering both velocity slip condition and temperature jump at the solid-liquid interface is developed to understand the mechanisms of heat and mass transfer during thin-film evaporation in this paper. The model structure is established based on the lubrication theory, Clausius-Clapeyron equation and Young-Laplace equation. To better formulate the film evaporation process, three dimensionless parameters representing the effects of slip length coefficient, temperature jump and wall superheat degree respectively, are introduced in the present model. The analytical solution provides insight of film thickness and heat transfer characteristics for the evaporating thin film. It shows that as the slip length and temperature jump coefficient decrease, the length of evaporating thin film region is shortened and the location of maximum heat flux moves closer to the initial evaporating point. The effect of slip condition on heat flux is small, but the increase of temperature jump can reduce the peak heat flux significantly. Furthermore, the analysis on the three thermal resistances which are caused by temperature jump, conduction through liquid film and evaporation on liquid-vapor interface result in a better understanding for effective heat transfer during thin-film evaporation.
Effect of Surface Temperature on Rarefied Flow Past a Circular Micro-Cylinder
Authors: Gu X. J. , Emerson D. R.
Published: December 2019

A high-order moment method is employed to study the effect of the wall temperature on gas flow past a stationary circular cylinder in terms of the size of the vortices behind the cylinder and the drag coefficient. When the wall temperature is lower than the free stream temperature, flow separation occurs at a lower Reynolds number and the vortex length is elongated with a corresponding reduction in the drag coefficient. Conversely, increasing the wall temperature above the free stream temperature delays the onset of flow separation and increases the drag coefficient.
High Throughput Fabrication of Microdroplets Using Needle Based Microfluidic System
Authors: Lian Zheng , Ren Yong , Koh Kai Seng , He Jun , Chen George Zheng , Yang Xiaogang
Published: December 2019

Needle-based microfluidic system that comprised of needle-based microfluidic devices (NBMD) in parallel connection was employed to generate polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdroplets using oil-in-water (O/W) single emulsion template. The parallel-connection could be simply realized by multiple single NBMD connected via flow diverting devices. The versatile flow diverting devices could not only avoid the additional use of injection pumps for introducing fluids into the microfluidic system, but also enhance the yields of microdroplets. The entire production rate of the system has been raised to 535 drops per minute compared with that using a single NBMD which yields to 133 drops per minute. All the microdroplets were produced under dripping flow regime. If identical flow conditions and channel diameters were applied, the generated microdroplets from the each microchannel could have high monodispersity. Despite of several parameters that could affect the droplet sizes, for example, flow rate exerted on each channel and the channel size which depended on the selection of various needle combinations of the inlet and outlet needles, the inter-needle distance between those two needles may significantly influence the size of droplets. Thus, it shall be controlled carefully to remain the same distance in terms of achieving high monodispersity of the droplet sizes. On the other hand, one can vary the sizes of needles applied in the same batch of production or by adjusting the inter-needle distance in order to realize the production of microdroplets with various sizes. Moreover, diverse types of microdroplets could be produced simultaneously through different channels by NBMD. In this research, sugar and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were utilized as dopants mixing with PDMS precursor as the dispersed phase to produce PDMS-S and PDMS-CNTs microdroplets. The droplets could be collected and thermally solidified off-site for other applications. This platform does not require sophisticated equipment and is very cost-effective compared with conventional microfluidic devices such as PDMS devices or glass capillary devices. Hence, the system has great potential to produce microdroplets at a large scale.
A Conserved Regulatory Circuit Controls Large Adhesins in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Kitts Giordan , Giglio Krista M. , Zamorano-Sánchez David , Park Jin Hwan , Townsley Loni , Cooley Richard B. , Wucher Benjamin R. , Klose Karl E. , Nadell Carey D. , Yildiz Fitnat H. , Sondermann Holger
Published: December 2019

Vibrio cholerae
, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera, benefits from a sessile biofilm lifestyle that enhances survival outside the host but also contributes to host colonization and infectivity. The bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP has been identified as a central regulator of biofilm formation, including in
V. cholerae
; however, our understanding of the pathways that contribute to this process is incomplete. Here, we define a conserved signaling system that controls the stability of large adhesion proteins at the cell surface of
V. cholerae
, which are important for cell attachment and biofilm formation. Insight into the regulatory circuit underlying biofilm formation may inform targeted strategies to interfere with a process that renders this bacterium remarkably adaptable to changing environments.
Molecular Signatures Related to the Virulence of Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato, a Leading Cause of Devastating Endophthalmitis
Authors: Yuan Jian , Li Yu-Yu , Xu Yi , Sun Bian-Jin , Shao Jiao , Zhang Die , Li Kai , Fan Dan-Dan , Xue Zheng-Bo , Chen Wei-Hua , Pak Clara , Lou Yong-Liang , Su Jian-Zhong , Zheng Mei-Qin
Published: December 2019

In this study, we provided a detailed and comprehensive clinicopathological and pathogenic report of
Bacillus
endophthalmitis over the 8 years of the study period. We first reported the whole-genome sequence of
Bacillus
spp. causing devastating endophthalmitis and found that
Bacillus toyonensis
is able to cause endophthalmitis. Finally, we revealed significant endophthalmitis-associated virulence genes involved in hemolysis, immunity inhibition, and pathogenesis. Overall, as more sequencing data sets become available, these data will facilitate comparative research and will reveal the emergence of pathogenic “ocular bacteria.”
Nivolumab-induced adrenalitis
Authors: Iqbal Iqra , Khan Muhammad Atique Alam , Ullah Waqas , Nabwani Dina
Published: December 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an evolving class of drugs for the treatment of various cancers; for example, their use is recommended as a second-line chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. With the expanding use of ICIs, we are discovering their unique side effects, called immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can impair gastrointestinal, hepatic, dermatological, endocrine and other systems. Nivolumab is an ICI that blocks the human programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) on T cells to prevent the interaction between the receptor, PD-1, and human programmed death ligand-1 expressed on tumour cells. Here, we report a case of a 65-year-old woman with recurrent lung adenocarcinoma who was treated with nivolumab and developed immune-related adrenalitis, which was managed with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. This case highlights the importance of understanding the irAEs of ICIs to allow prompt recognition and management of life-threatening complications of the treatment.
Lifetime, 5-year and past-year prevalence of homelessness in Europe: a cross-national survey in eight European nations
Authors: Taylor Owen , Loubiere Sandrine , Tinland Aurelie , Vargas-Moniz Maria , Spinnewijn Freek , Manning Rachel , Gaboardi Marta , Wolf Judith R L M , Bokszczanin Ana , Bernad Roberto , Kallmen Hakan , Toro Paul , Ornelas Jose , Auquier Pascal
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To examine the lifetime, 5-year and past-year prevalence of homelessness among European citizens in eight European nations.

Design

A nationally representative telephone survey using trained bilingual interviewers and computer-assisted telephone interview software.

Setting

The study was conducted in France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Participants

European adult citizens, selected from opt-in panels from March to December 2017. Total desired sample size was 5600, with 700 per country. Expected response rates of approximately 30% led to initial sample sizes of 2500 per country.

Main outcome measures

History of homelessness was assessed for lifetime, past 5 years and past year. Sociodemographic data were collected to assess correlates of homelessness prevalence using generalised linear models for clustered and weighted samples.

Results

Response rates ranged from 30.4% to 33.5% (n=5631). Homelessness prevalence was 4.96% for lifetime (95% CI 4.39% to 5.59%), 1.92% in the past 5 years (95% CI 1.57% to 2.33%) and 0.71% for the past year (95% CI 0.51% to 0.98%) and varied significantly between countries (pairwise comparison difference test, p<0.0001). Time spent homeless ranged between less than a week (21%) and more than a year (18%), with high contrasts between countries (p<0.0001). Male gender, age 45–54, lower secondary education, single status, unemployment and an urban environment were all independently strongly associated with lifetime homelessness (all OR >1.5).

Conclusions

The prevalence of homelessness among the surveyed nations is significantly higher than might be expected from point-in-time and homeless service use statistics. There was substantial variation in estimated prevalence across the eight nations. Coupled with the well-established health impacts of homelessness, medical professionals need to be aware of the increased health risks of those with experience of homelessness. These findings support policies aiming to improve health services for people exposed to homelessness.
Mobility of dry granular flows of varying collisional activity quantified by smart rock sensors
Authors: Coombs S.P. , Apostolov A. , Take W.A. , Benoît J.
Published: December 2019

Highly instrumented particles (i.e., “smart rocks”) were included in monodisperse dry granular landslide experiments to quantify the collisional nature of such flows and to investigate the influence of collisional flow on the mobility of landslides. The total number of particles comprising a constant source volume of 0.4 m3 was varied by filling the volume with monodisperse particles of nominal diameters of 3, 6, 13 or 25 mm. Successively raising the total particle count resulted in flows that were increasingly thick relative to the respective particle size. Raw resultant acceleration data from the embedded smart rock sensors indicate that for each increase in grain size, there were increases in both the magnitude and frequency of particle collisions. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-generated point clouds of the landslide deposits indicated that increases in mobility and spreading, compared using differences in travel angle, were directly proportional to increases in collisional activity. By changing the size of the landslide particles from 3 to 25 mm, the travel angle at the gravity centre (αg) was observed to decrease from 27.8° to 25.3° (Δαg = −9.0%) and the Fahrböschung angle (α) was observed to decrease from 25.0° to 21.4° (Δα = −14.4%).
Modeling hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen depletion using monitoring data
Authors: Yuan Lester L. , Jones John R.
Published: December 2019

Eutrophication increases hypoxia in lakes and reservoirs, causing deleterious effects on biological communities. Quantitative models would help managers develop effective strategies to address hypoxia issues, but most existing models are limited in their applicability to lakes with temporally resolved dissolved oxygen data. We describe a hierarchical Bayesian model that predicts dissolved oxygen in lakes based on a mechanistic understanding of the factors that influence the development of hypoxia during summer stratification. These factors include the days elapsed since stratification, dissolved organic carbon concentration, lake depth, and chlorophyll concentration. We demonstrate that the model can be fit to two datasets: one in which temporally resolved dissolved oxygen profiles were collected from 20 lakes in a single state and one in which single profiles were collected from 381 lakes across the United States. Analyses of these two datasets yielded similar relationships between volumetric oxygen demand and chlorophyll concentration, suggesting that the model structure appropriately represented the effects of eutrophication on oxygen depletion. Combining both datasets in a single model further improved the precision of predictions.
Synchrotron spectroscopy of the CSH-bending and CH3-rocking bands of methyl mercaptan
Authors: Lees R.M. , Reid E.M , Xu Li-Hong , Billinghurst B.E.
Published: December 2019

The CSH-bending and CH3-rocking infrared bands of CH3SH have been investigated in Fourier transform spectra recorded at 0.001 cm−1 resolution employing synchrotron radiation at the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon. The relative band strengths and structures are quite different from those of the CH3OH methanol analogue, with the CSH bend being very weak and both the in-plane and out-of-plane CH3 rocks being strong with intensities greater than the C–S stretch. The CSH bend has parallel a-type character with no detectable b-type component. The out-of-plane CH3 rock is a purely c-type perpendicular band, whereas the in-plane rock is of mixed a/b character. Sub-bands have been assigned for A and E torsional species up to about K = 10 for each vibrational mode, providing upper-state term values from which K-reduced substate origins were determined. For the CSH bend, the origins follow the customary oscillatory torsional pattern as a function of K with a sharply reduced amplitude of 0.362 cm−1 compared to the 0.653 cm−1 for the ground state. The torsional energy curves for the out-of-plane rock are also well-behaved but have inverted ordering of the A–E torsional splitting components and a larger amplitude of 1.33 cm−1. In contrast, the substate origins for the in-plane rock are scattered over a range of about 2 cm−1 without clear oscillatory structure. Several instances of coupling among the lower modes and the ground state via resonances between accidentally near-degenerate levels have been observed and characterized. Ab initio calculations are found to give a good representation of the frequency and relative intensity patterns for the lower vibrational modes.
Anti-Apoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Edible Fresh Water Algae Prasiola japonica in UVB-Irradiated Skin Keratinocytes
Authors: Choi Eunju , Yi Young-Su , Lee Jongsung , Park Sang Hee , Kim Sunggyu , Hossain Mohammad Amjad , Jang SeokGu , Choi Young Im , Park Kyung Ja , Kim Dong Sam , Kim Jong-Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: December 2019

Skin is the outer tissue layer and is a barrier protecting the body from various external stresses. The fresh water green edible algae Prasiola japonica has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties; however, few studies of its effects on skin-protection have been reported. In this study, Prasiola japonica ethanol extract (Pj-EE) was prepared, and its skin-protective properties were investigated in skin keratinocytes. Pj-EE inhibited ROS production in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells without cytotoxicity. Pj-EE also suppressed the apoptotic death of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells by decreasing the generation of apoptotic bodies and the proteolytic activation of apoptosis caspase-3, -8, and -9. Moreover, Pj-EE downregulated the mRNA expression of the inflammatory gene cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes interleukin (IL)-1[Formula: see text], IL-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text], and interferon (IFN)-[Formula: see text], and the tissue remodeling genes matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -3, and -9. The Pj-EE-induced anti-inflammatory effect was mediated by suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) signaling pathway in the UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Pj-EE exerts skin-protective effects through anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities in skin keratinocytes.
Data Stream Classification by Dynamic Incremental Semi-Supervised Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Casalino Gabriella , Castellano Giovanna , Mencar Corrado
Published: December 2019

A data stream classification method called DISSFCM (Dynamic Incremental Semi-Supervised FCM) is presented, which is based on an incremental semi-supervised fuzzy clustering algorithm. The method assumes that partially labeled data belonging to different classes are continuously available during time in form of chunks. Each chunk is processed by semi-supervised fuzzy clustering leading to a cluster-based classification model. The proposed DISSFCM is capable of dynamically adapting the number of clusters to data streams, by splitting low-quality clusters so as to improve classification quality. Experimental results on both synthetic and real-world data show the effectiveness of the proposed method in data stream classification.
The Automated Risk Estimation for the Navigation of Autonomous Ships by Learning with Navigation Feature
Authors: Chian Tan Wei , Hian Chua Kie , Wu Yanling
Published: December 2019

This work presents a data-driven approach for the automated risk estimation of the voyage of a vessel or ship. While the industry is moving from a compliance-based framework with existing rules to a risk-based one, there is also a need to monitor the risk of a vessel from the perspective of the navigation. This is of even higher importance for the case of autonomous ships. Built based on the state-of-the-art mathematical representation, the navigation feature, each existing voyage is transformed into a corresponding series of points in [Formula: see text]-dimensional space. During the stage of pre-processing, given a set of historical Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, those records that belong to the same vessel within a certain period of time are taken as a voyage and mapped to the corresponding space of the navigation feature. After the pre-processing and during the online monitoring, the current trajectory of the vessel is transformed into the corresponding representation in the same way. Based on a nearest-neighbor search scheme, the distance from the nearest neighbor is taken as the risk of the current voyage. In other words, the deviation from the closest route in the historical data is taken as the risk. The developed method has demonstrated encouraging performance on a set of challenging historical AIS data from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, covering three regions in the Australian territory, namely, the Bass Strait, the Great Australian Bight and the North West.
Viscous fluid holographic bounce
Authors: Brevik I. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: December 2019

We investigate bounce cosmological models in the presence of a viscous fluid, making use of generalized holographic cutoffs introduced by Nojiri and Odintsov [Covariant generalized holographic dark energy and accelerated universe, Eur. Phys. J. C 77 (2017) 528, arXiv:1703.06372 [hep-th]]. We consider both an exponential, a power-law, and a double exponential form for the scale factor. By use of these models, we calculate expressions for infrared cutoffs analytically, such that they correspond to the particle horizon at the bounce. Finally, we derive the energy conservation equation, from the holographic point of view. In that way, the relationship between the viscous fluid bounce and the holographic bounce is demonstrated.
Colorimetric H2O2 Detection Using Ag-Nanoparticle-Decorated Silica Microspheres
Authors: Zhang Zhikun , Liu Qingqing , Liu Yumin , Qi Ran , Zhou Lilong , Li Zhengjie , Yun Jimmy , Liu Runjing , Hu Yongqi
Published: December 2019

In view of the importance of convenient and rapid H2O2 detection for biological analysis, we herein propose Ag nanoparticle (NP)-decorated silica microspheres as a probe for instant and non-enzymatic on-site colorimetric detection of H2O2. The surface hydroxyl groups of silica microspheres were reacted with (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane to afford thiolated microspheres that subsequently bind Ag NPs. The oxidation of residual –SH groups on the silica surface to –S–S– moieties in the presence of H2O2 induces the aggregation of decorated microspheres and is accompanied by a color change. Sensor response is found to be proportional to H2O2 concentration in the range from 100[Formula: see text]nM to 1[Formula: see text]mM, with UV–Vis and colorimetric detection limits determined as 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, respectively. The developed platform is successfully used to detect H2O2 in simulated human urine and is, therefore, concluded to be sufficiently stable and selective for practical applications.
Inverse semimodules
Authors: Sen M. K. , Bhuniya A. K. , Maity S. K.
Published: December 2019

The author [S. M. Yusuf, Inverse semimodules, J. Natur. Sci. Math. 6 (1966) 111–117.] introduced inverse semimodules. In this paper, we introduce Clifford semimodules. The Clifford semimodules have been characterized here as a strong [Formula: see text]-semilattice of [Formula: see text]-modules. The congruences on inverse semimodules, specially, the [Formula: see text]-module congruences, have been characterized here completely.
Beta-Cyclodextrin-triggered fabrication of broccoli-like ZnO nanoaggregates with enhanced photocatalytic capability
Authors: Xiong Jinyan , Li Wei , Zhao Kai , Li Weijie , Cheng Gang
Published: December 2019

Nanocrystallite aggregates have great potential in semiconductor-based photocatalysis toward environmental pollution removal. In this work, we reported the fabrication of broccoli-like zinc oxide nanoaggregates in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin in ethylene glycol-H2O medium. The composition and structure of the as-obtained ZnO nanoaggregates were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption. It was observed that the beta-cyclodextrin played an important role in the fabrication of such broccoli-like structure. A plausible formation mechanism was discussed on the basis of the controllable experiments. The photocatalytic performance of the products was studied through the photodegradation of rhodamine B under simulated sunlight irradiation. Compared to the spherical ZnO nanoaggregates and ZnO broken spheres, the broccoli-like ZnO exhibited superior photocatalytic efficiency. Based on the photocurrent and electrochemical measurement results, the higher separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers and lower recombination efficiency of the photoinduced electron–hole pairs over the broccoli-like ZnO nanoaggregates contributed to their remarkable photocatalytic activity.
Transliteration of Arabizi into Arabic Script for Tunisian Dialect
Authors: Masmoudi Abir , Khmekhem Mariem Ellouze , Khrouf Mourad , Belguith Lamia Hadrich
Published: December 2019

The evolution of information and communication technology has markedly influenced communication between correspondents. This evolution has facilitated the transmission of information and has engendered new forms of written communication (email, chat, SMS, comments, etc.). Most of these messages and comments are written in Latin script, also called
Arabizi
. Moreover, the language used in social media and SMS messaging is characterized by the use of informal and non-standard vocabulary, such as repeated letters for emphasis, typos, non-standard abbreviations, and nonlinguistic content like emoticons. Since the Tunisian dialect suffers from the unavailability of basic tools and linguistic resources compared to Modern Standard Arabic, we resort to the use of these written sources as a starting point to build large corpora automatically. In the context of natural language processing and to benefit from these networks’ data, transliterating from Arabizi to Arabic script is a necessary step because most recently available tools for processing the Tunisian dialect expect Arabic script input. Indeed, the transliteration task can help construct and enrich parallel corpora and dictionaries for the Tunisian dialect and can be useful for developing various natural language processing applications such as sentiment analysis, opinion mining, topic detection, and machine translation. In this article, we focus on converting the Tunisian dialect text that is written in Latin script to Arabic script following the Conventional Orthography for Dialectal Arabic. Then, we propose two models to transliterate Arabizi into Arabic script for the Tunisian dialect, namely a rule-based model and a discriminative model as a sequence classification task based on conditional random fields). In the first model, we use a set of transliteration rules to convert the Tunisian dialect Arabizi texts to Arabic script. In the second model, transliteration is performed both at word and character levels. In the end, our models got a character error rate of 10.47%.