bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Adapted Basketball Exercises on the Development of Non-Oral Communication Skills of Autistic Children
Authors: Alp Hulusi , Akın Sinan
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adapted basketball exercises on the development of nonverbal communication skills of autistic children. Among the single-subject research models, multiple-polling inter-polling behavior was used. The population of the study consists of children with mild autism spectrum disorder in the special education center in which autistic children are educated in Isparta. The sample of the study was determined by using simple random sampling method for two (2) mildly autistic children of ten (10) years. Written consent was obtained from the parents for the selected children to participate in the study. The aim of the study is to teach selected children the skills of non-verbal communication, to the other person, to shake hands and to shake hands with the other person. The study lasted a total of seventeen (17) weeks, one week of observation and sixteen weeks of application. The same program was applied to both children during the study. The content of the program consists of teaching basic technical skills specific to basketball. These skills include ball holding, right and left hand bouncing, right and left hand dribbling, chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass and smash techniques. The skills were adapted to the readiness levels of both children. In order to record the data, video camera, entry level data recording form and teaching process data recording forms were used. The data obtained at the end of the application were analyzed by showing on the graph. Since the number of participants was two (2), the data obtained during the seventeen (17) week period were converted to point points in accordance with the scale protocol and converted to line graphs to reveal the change. When the findings of the study were evaluated, it was seen that there were positive changes in the development of non-verbal communication skills of autistic children who extended their hands, squeezed their hands and shook hands with the other person.
Principals as Indelible Leaders in the Context of School Culture
Authors: Cetin Munevver , Dogruyol-Aladak K. Begum
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to determine the views of teachers on the leadership characteristics of school principals who leave marks in the context of school culture. For this purpose, the focus is on exploring the opinions of teachers based on the components of the school culture and the theory of indelible leadership which constitutes the theoretical framework of this study. With this purpose; the study was conducted as a phenomenological qualitative research design. Criterion sampling was used to access rich knowledge and experience and eight teachers who met the criteria were involved in the study. The data were collected through interviews with a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher. The descriptive analysis approach was used to analyze the data of the study. As a result of the descriptive analysis; three themes have been identified: “The Characteristics of Indelible Leaders”, “The Process of Being Indelible to Create School Culture” and “Suggestions.” By examining the characteristics of the leader who leaves marks; it is concluded that as a continuous learner, the leader is both essential and dispensable, supports teacher learning and sees a student as a change agent. Besides, in this study, it can be said that according to teacher opinions, the school principal's ability to create and reshape organizational culture can be shown as a trait of principals as indelible leaders.
Numerical Study of a Single-Sided Vibro-Impact Track Nonlinear Energy Sink Considering Horizontal and Vertical Dynamics
Authors: Li Wenke , Wierschem Nicholas E. , Li Xinhui , Yang Tiejun , Brennan Michael J.
Published: September 2019

In this paper, the single-sided vibro-impact track nonlinear energy sink (SSVI track NES) is studied. The SSVI track NES, which is attached to a primary structure, has nonlinear behavior caused by the NES mass moving on a fixed track and impacting on the primary structure at an impact surface. Unlike previous studies of the SSVI track NES, both the horizontal and vertical dynamics of the primary structure are considered. A numerical study is carried out to investigate the way in which energy is dissipated in this system. Assuming a track shape with a quartic polynomial, an optimization procedure that considers the total energy dissipated during a time period is carried out, to determine the optimum NES mass and track parameter. It is found that there is dynamic coupling between the horizontal and vertical directions caused by the SSVI track NES motion. The vibrational energy, originally in the structure in the horizontal direction, is transferred to the vertical motion of the structure where it is dissipated. Considering that many civil and mechanical systems are particularly vulnerable to extreme loads in the horizontal direction, this energy transformation can be beneficial to prevent or limit damage to the structure. The effect on energy dissipation of the position of the impact surface in the SSVI track NES and the ratio of the vertical to horizontal stiffness in the primary structure are discussed. Numerical results demonstrate a robust and stable performance of the SSVI track NES over a wide range of stiffness ratios.
Scalable Electro-Osmotic Thruster for Stealthy, Extreme Condition Underwater Propulsion
Authors: Hansen Thomas E. , Stern Aaron , Thuppul Anirudh , Diez Francisco J.
Published: September 2019

The concept, design, and testing of an electric thruster for underwater propulsion based on the electro-osmotic principle are presented. A unique feature of the proposed electro-osmotic thruster (EOT) is the absence of dynamic components, enabling robust, stealthy operation, and the potential for application in extreme underwater conditions. Furthermore, the EOT is unaffected by magnetic fields as it does not require metallic components. In a particularly extreme environment test, a small EOT was immersed in an ultrasonic bath and demonstrated normal operation. In another test, multiple EOTs were aligned to work in parallel to increase packing efficiency. In a large-scale test the EOT successfully propelled a small 5 kg unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) at 2.2 cm/s. This experiment was performed using a fraction of the EOT's maximum potential thrust that could be available if it were to be mounted to a large-scale autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platform, such as a REMUS 100. The EOT described in this paper is the first underwater thruster to continue the abandoned work of magneto-hydrodynamics in finding low-wake steady-state propulsion.
Measurement of Adhesive Bonding Strength With an EMAT in the Resonant Mode
Authors: Liu Tianhao , Zhou Haiqiang , Pei Cuixiang , Chen Zhenmao
Published: September 2019

The electromagnetic acoustic resonance (EMAR) method with shear wave is sensitive to boundary conditions and plate thickness. In this paper, a new noncontact ultrasonic testing method based on the electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) in the resonant mode is proposed for the bonding strength evaluation in metal-based adhesive structures. Different from the conventional pulse-echo method using short-burst excitation for bonding inspection, the attenuation coefficient feature of the resonant ultrasonic signal with long-burst excitation is applied to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and detecting sensitivity of the EMAT for adhesive bonding strength evaluation. A theoretical model for adhesive bonding testing with EMAT signals in the resonant mode is established. To extract the signal feature representing the reflection coefficient, the time-domain signal was processed by Hilbert transformation and exponential curve fitting. Through the simulation on the received signal, the correlation between the attenuation coefficient of the exponent fitted curve and the strength on the adhesive imperfect interface were confirmed. Finally, the proposed correlation is verified by an experiment on stainless steel plates bonded with polymethyl methacrylate plates by epoxy adhesion via a permanent magnetic EMAT.
Chromosomal Recombination Targets in
Chlamydia
Interspecies Lateral Gene Transfer
Authors: Suchland Robert J. , Carrell Steven J. , Wang Yibing , Hybiske Kevin , Kim Debbie B. , Dimond Zoe E. , Hefty P. Scott , Rockey Daniel D.
Published: September 2019

Genome sequence analysis has demonstrated that there is widespread lateral gene transfer among strains within the species
C. trachomatis
and with other closely related
Chlamydia
species in laboratory experiments. This is in contrast to the complete absence of foreign DNA in the genomes of sequenced clinical
C. trachomatis
strains. There is no understanding of any mechanisms of genetic transfer in this important group of pathogens. In this report, we demonstrate that interspecies genetic exchange can occur but that the nature of the fragments exchanged is different than those observed in intraspecies crosses. We also generated a large hybrid strain library that can be exploited to examine important aspects of chlamydial disease.
Comprehensive Mutagenesis of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Genome Identifies UL42 as an Inhibitor of Type I Interferon Induction
Authors: Chapon Maxime , Parvatiyar Kislay , Aliyari Saba Roghiyh , Zhao Jeffrey S. , Cheng Genhong
Published: September 2019

This work is the first to report the use of a high-throughput mutagenesis method to study the genome of HSV-1. We report three novel viral proteins potentially involved in regulating the host type I interferon response. We describe a novel mechanism by which the viral protein UL42 is able to suppress the production of beta interferon. The tool we introduce in this study can be used to study the HSV-1 genome in great detail to better understand viral gene functions.
Quorum Sensing and Metabolic State of the Host Control Lysogeny-Lysis Switch of Bacteriophage T1
Authors: Laganenka Leanid , Sander Timur , Lagonenko Alexander , Chen Yu , Link Hannes , Sourjik Victor
Published: September 2019

The dynamics of microbial communities are heavily shaped by bacterium-bacteriophage interactions. But despite the apparent importance of bacteriophages, our understanding of the mechanisms controlling phage dynamics in bacterial populations, and particularly of the differences between the decisions that are made in the dormant lysogenic and active lytic states, remains limited. In this report, we show that enterobacterial phage T1, previously described as a lytic phage, is able to undergo lysogeny. We further demonstrate that the lysogeny-to-lysis decision occurs in response to changes in the density of the bacterial population, mediated by interspecies quorum-sensing signal AI-2, and in the metabolic state of the cell, mediated by cAMP receptor protein. We hypothesize that this strategy enables the phage to maximize its chances of self-amplification and spreading in bacterial population upon induction of the lytic cycle and that it might be common in phage-host interactions.
Introducing SPeDE: High-Throughput Dereplication and Accurate Determination of Microbial Diversity from Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption–Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Data
Authors: Dumolin Charles , Aerts Maarten , Verheyde Bart , Schellaert Simon , Vandamme Tim , Van der Jeugt Felix , De Canck Evelien , Cnockaert Margo , Wieme Anneleen D. , Cleenwerck Ilse , Peiren Jindrich , Dawyndt Peter , Vandamme Peter , Carlier Aurélien
Published: September 2019

Estimation of the operational isolation units present in a MALDI-TOF mass spectral data set involves an essential dereplication step to identify redundant spectra in a rapid manner and without sacrificing biological resolution. We describe SPeDE, a new algorithm which facilitates culture-dependent clinical or environmental studies. SPeDE enables the rapid analysis and dereplication of isolates, a critical feature when long-term storage of cultures is limited or not feasible. We show that SPeDE can efficiently identify sets of similar spectra at the level of the species or strain, exceeding the taxonomic resolution of other methods. The high-throughput capacity, speed, and low cost of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and SPeDE dereplication over traditional gene marker-based sequencing approaches should facilitate adoption of the culturomics approach to bacterial isolation campaigns.
Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen
Authors: Liao Jiaying , Musbahi Aya , Dasgupta Kaushik , Thibaut Herwig , Gopinath Bussa
Published: September 2019

The authors described a case of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the spleen (SANT) in a 50-year-old woman presented with persistent neutrophilia and unintentional weight loss. An incidental splenic mass was initially found on abdominal ultrasound. It was found to be progressive in size and with high likelihood of central necrosis on further CT of abdomen and pelvis. The patient subsequently underwent an uneventful laparoscopic splenectomy. The splenic specimens were sent for laboratory analysis and the histopathological findings were highly suggestive of SANT. The patient then had routine surgical follow-ups and was eventually discharged with no further clinical concern.
Development of a patient safety culture scale for maternal and child health institutions in China: a cross-sectional validation study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Han Hui , Qiu Liqian , Liu Chaojie , Wang Yan , Liu Weiwei
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study aimed to develop a patient safety culture (PSC) scale for maternal and child healthcare (MCH) institutions in China.

Methods

A theoretical framework of PSC for MCH institutions was proposed through in-depth interviews with MCH workers and patients and Delphi expert consultations. The reliability and validity of the PSC scale were tested in a cross-sectional survey of 1256 MCH workers from 14 MCH institutions in Zhejiang province of China. The study sample was randomly split into half for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, respectively. Test–retest reliability was assessed through a repeated survey of 63 voluntary participants 2 weeks apart.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis extracted 10 components: patient engagement in patient safety (six items), managerial response to patient safety risks (four items), perceived management support (five items), staff empowerment (four items), staffing and workloads (four items), reporting of adverse events (three items), defensive medical practice (three items), work commitment (three items), training (two items) and transfer and handoff (three items). A good model fit was found in the confirmatory factor analysis: χ2/df=1.822, standardised root mean residual=0.048, root mean square error of approximation=0.038, comparative fit index=0.921, Tucker-Lewis index=0.907. The PSC scale had a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.89 (0.59–0.90 for dimensional scales) and a test–retest reliability of 0.81 (0.63–0.87 for dimensional reliability), respectively. The intracluster correlation coefficients confirmed a hierarchical nature of the data: individual health workers nested within MCH institutions.

Conclusion

The PSC scale for MCH institutions has acceptable reliability and validity. Further studies are needed to establish benchmarking in a national representative sample through a multilevel modelling approach.
Biallelic mutations inCFAP65cause male infertility with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella in humans and mice
Authors: Li Weiyu , Wu Huan , Li Fuping , Tian Shixiong , Kherraf Zine-Eddine , Zhang Jintao , Ni Xiaoqing , Lv Mingrong , Liu Chunyu , Tan Qing , Shen Ying , Amiri-Yekta Amir , Cazin Caroline , Zhang Jingjing , Liu Wangjie , Zheng Yan , Cheng Huiru , Wu Yingbi , Wang Jiajia , Gao Yang , Chen Yujie , Zha Xiaomin , Jin Li , Liu Mingxi , He Xiaojin , Ray Pierre F , Cao Yunxia , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2019

Background

Male infertility is a prevalent issue worldwide, mostly due to the impaired sperm motility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) present aberrant spermatozoa with absent, short, coiled, bent and irregular-calibre flagella resulting in severely decreased motility. Previous studies reported several MMAF-associated genes accounting for approximately half of MMAF cases.

Methods and result

We conducted genetic analysis using whole-exome sequencing in 88 Han Chinese MMAF probands.CFAP65homozygous mutations were identified in four unrelated consanguineous families, andCFAP65compound heterozygous mutations were found in two unrelated cases with MMAF. All theseCFAP65mutations were null, including four frameshift mutations (c.1775delC [p.Pro592Leufs*8], c.3072_3079dup [p.Arg1027Profs*41], c.1946delC [p.Pro649Argfs*5] and c.1580delT [p.Leu527Argfs*31]) and three stop-gain mutations (c.4855C>T [p.Arg1619*], c.5270T>A [p.Leu1757*] and c.5341G>T [p.Glu1781*]). Additionally, two homozygousCFAP65variants likely affecting splicing were identified in two MMAF-affected men of Tunisian and Iranian ancestries, respectively. These biallelic variants ofCFAP65were verified by Sanger sequencing and were absent or very rare in large data sets aggregating sequence information from various human populations.CFAP65, encoding the cilia and flagella associated protein 65, is highly and preferentially expressed in the testis. Here we also generated a frameshift mutation in mouse orthologueCfap65using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Remarkably, the phenotypes ofCfap65-mutated male mice were consistent with human MMAF.

Conclusions

Our experimental observations performed on both human subjects and onCfap65-mutated mice demonstrate that the presence of biallelic mutations inCFAP65causes the MMAF phenotype and impairs sperm motility.
Echocardiographic evaluation of four giant Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
Authors: Campolo Marco , Oricco Stefano , Cavicchio Paolo , Piga Sara , Ulivi Valentina , Poggi Marco , Zanatta Renato , Iannaccone Maddalena
Published: September 2019

Objectives

In recent years echocardiography has become a good diagnostic tool in Zoo Medicine but in some cases, it is still a challenge. In Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) the big size of animals and the few individuals hosted in Zoo are critical points for the application of this diagnostic technique.

The purposes of this research were: to evaluate the feasibility of the diagnostic imaging technique on big‐sized turtles; to define the echographic parameters for this species; and to describe the morphofunctional and physiological echographic characteristics of their cardiovascular system.

Design

Repeated measures in vivo.

Setting

Ultrasonography systematic description and Doppler analysis of the cardiovascular system of Aldabra giant tortoise were carried out; B‐mode examination allowed the evaluation of the kinetics of the ventricle, the atria and the atrioventricular valves.

Participants

4 Aldabra giant tortoises (two adult males and two young females) hosted in two zoological gardens.

Interventions

Echocardiography was performed placing the animals in ventral on a restraining platform raised from the floor, to provide adequate accessibility to the thoracic windows where the probe was placed. No chemical restraint was used.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Heart rate, systolic and diastolic areas and volumes, vessel diameters and blood flow velocity were measured.

Results

Heart rate was 21±4 bpm (range 14–25 bpm). The averages of the diastolic and systolic area indexes linked to the subject weight were: 21±3 cm2 and 9±1 cm2.

The aortic annulus diameter in female specimens measured 11.2±0.8 mm, while it measured 21.5±0.3 mm in male species.

Conclusion

Results confirm the effectiveness of echocardiography as a means to study and evaluate the cardiovascular system of this species even if more studies on a bigger number of patients would be necessary to develop the echocardiography technique.
Transport of marine microplastic particles: why is it so difficult to predict?
Authors: Khatmullina Liliya , Chubarenko Irina
Published: September 2019

Marine microplastic particles (MPs, <5 mm) exhibit wide ranges of densities, sizes, and shapes, so that the entire MPs “ensemble” at every time instant can be characterized by continuous distributions of these parameters. Accordingly, this community of particles demonstrates distributions of dynamical properties, such as sinking or rising velocity, critical shear stress, and the re-suspension threshold. Moreover, all the MPs’ properties vary significantly with the time spent in marine environment and with particular conditions experienced by the particle on its journey. A brief review of the present-day numerical efforts towards prediction of MPs transport shows the prevalence of the Lagrangian particle tracking approach, especially for floating litter. In a broader context, the present practice of MPs transport modelling follows the “selective” strategy (e.g., only a certain sub-class of MPs, or specific processes, are considered, sometimes in only one- or two-dimensional setting). The heterogeneous nature of MPs, their enormous longevity and movability in marine environment, and the wide spectrum of the involved environmental processes suggest further integration (or coupling) of different models in future, as well as application of other types of models (ensemble modeling, chaos theory approaches, machine learning, etc.) to the problems of MPs transport and fate in the marine environment.
Isoflavone does not promote additional effects on heart rate variability of postmenopausal women performing combined exercise training: a clinical, controlled, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Mariano Igor Moraes , de Freitas Victor Hugo , Dechichi Juliene Gonçalves Costa , Batista Jaqueline Pontes , de Souza Tállita Cristina Ferreira , Amaral Ana Luiza , Rodrigues Mateus de Lima , Carrijo Victor Hugo Vilarinho , Puga Guilherme Morais
Published: September 2019

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ingesting isoflavones associated with combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on heart rate variability (HRV) indices in postmenopausal women. Twenty-eight healthy postmenopausal women performed 10 weeks of combined exercise training associated with isoflavone (n = 16) or placebo (n = 12) supplementation. The RR intervals (RRi) were collected for 20 min using a heart rate monitor. Analysis of HRV was performed in time (mean squared difference of successive RRi (RMSSD), standard deviation of all normal RRi (SDNN), and percentage of adjacent RRi differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50)), frequency (low-frequency percentage (LF%), high-frequency percentage (HF%), and low-/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF)), and nonlinear domains (standard deviation of the instantaneous variability of the beat-to-beat interval (SD1), long-term variability of the continuous RRi (SD2), and their ratio (SD2/SD1)). Student’s t test did not show differences between groups in any general baseline characteristic variables. The results of the generalized estimating equation tests did not demonstrate interaction or group effects for any HRV indices. However, the results reported time effects for mean RR (p < 0.001), RMSSD (p = 0.044), and SD1 (p = 0.044), with increases in these indices in response to exercise training. There were no time effects for LF%, HF%, LF/HF, SDNN, pNN50, SD2, or SD2/SD1. In conclusion, isoflavone supplementation did not promote additional effects on HRV indices of postmenopausal women subjected to 10 weeks of combined exercise training.

Novelty Combined training improves heart rate variability in postmenopausal women. Isoflavone supplementation did not promote additional effects on heart rate variability in postmenopausal women.
𝔸1-contractibility of affine modifications
Authors: Dubouloz Adrien , Pauli Sabrina , Østvær Paul Arne
Published: September 2019

We introduce Koras–Russell fiber bundles over algebraically closed fields of characteristic zero. After a single suspension, this exhibits an infinite family of smooth affine [Formula: see text]-contractible [Formula: see text]-folds. Moreover, we give examples of stably [Formula: see text]-contractible smooth affine [Formula: see text]-folds containing a Brieskorn–Pham surface, and a family of smooth affine [Formula: see text]-folds with a higher-dimensional [Formula: see text]-contractible total space.
Target Molecular-Based Neuroactivity Screening and Analysis of Panax ginseng by Affinity Ultrafiltration, UPLC-QTOF-MS and Molecular Docking
Authors: Yu Lide , Wei Feiting , Liang Jian , Ren Gang , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Chong-Zhi , Yuan Jinbin , Zeng Jinxiang , Luo Yun , Bi Yi , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: September 2019

Panax ginseng exerts good neuroprotective activity at the cell and animal level, but the specific bioactive compounds and action mechanism are needed to be investigated, verified, and confirmed. In this work, affinity ultrafiltration (AUF), UPLC-QTOF-MS, and molecular docking were integrated into one strategy to screen, identify, and evaluate the bioactive compounds in ginseng at the molecular level. Three biological macromolecules (AChE, MAO-B, and NMDA receptor) were selected as the target protein for AUF-MS screening for the first time, and 16 potential neuroactive compounds were found with suitable binding degree. Then, the bioactivity of ginseng and its components were evaluated by AChE-inhibitory test and DPPH assay, and the data indicate that ginseng extract and the screened compounds have good neuroactivity. The interaction between the three targets and the screened compounds was further analyzed by molecular docking, and the results were consistent with a few discrepancies in comparison with the AUF results. Finally, according to the corresponding relation between component-target-pathway, the action mechanism of ginseng elucidated that ginseng exerts a therapeutic effect on AD through multiple relations of components, targets, and pathways, which is in good accordance with the TCM theory.
Ex anteandEx postSubcontracting between Two Competing Bidders
Authors: Deng Sijing , Xu Jiayan
Published: September 2019

We consider a first-price sealed-bid procurement auction between two capacity constrained bidders. Either bidder, due to the capacity constraint, is unable to fulfill the auctioned project from a buyer. We consider two formats of capacity cooperation between the two competing bidders: ex ante subcontracting and ex post subcontracting. In the former case, two bidders first bargain over the capacity cooperation contract and then compete with each other by bidding for the buyer’s project. In the latter case, two bidders first submit bids to the buyer and then bargain over the capacity cooperation contract. With ex ante or ex post subcontracting, two bidders have the so-called co-opetition relationship: they compete to win the auction but cooperate through subcontracting. We find that bidders’ subcontract timing has a fundamental impact on their competitive bidding behavior and profits. Both bidders will benefit from the ex ante subcontracting, and submit higher equilibrium bid prices, compared to the case without subcontracting. The ex post subcontracting, however, will lower the equilibrium bid price and may hurt the bidder with capacity advantage when bidders’ relative bargaining power is not consistent with the relative capacity advantage.
Relativistic gravastar configurations in which the interior matter distribution is modeled through a Chaplygin fluid
Authors: Errehymy Abdelghani , Daoud Mohammed
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we investigate gravastar configurations in which the interior of the compact object is modeled through a Chaplygin fluid. This is motivated by the fact that Chaplygin fluid and the associated exotic equation of state, have often been used as models for the dark energy sector. We derive the relativistic equations of the stellar structure for non-rotating configurations. A special focus is denoted in particular to the mass-radius function and the equation of state for the shell of the gravastars, for which we derive the analytical expressions.
Congruence preserving expansions of nilpotent algebras
Authors: Aichinger Erhard , Horváth Gábor
Published: September 2019

We characterize those algebras that have infinitely many polynomially inequivalent expansions among all finite nilpotent algebras of finite type in congruence modular varieties that are direct products of algebras of prime power order.
Dynamical cosmologies in Eddington-inspired-Born–Infeld theory
Authors: Cruz N. M. Jiménez , Escamilla-Rivera Celia
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we study the cosmological evolution of the universe filled with a perfect fluid in the Eddington-inspired-Born–Infeld gravity. Applying an alternative method in which the evolution of the scale factor for this theory is linked to the cosmographic parameters, we obtain a dynamical dark energy solution where the singularity (through a regular bounce or a loitering phase) still can be avoided for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. For the range [Formula: see text], the results lead us to universes that experience an unlimited rate of expansion with finite density. Also, we obtain a possible maximum value of [Formula: see text] at the cosmic bounce point.
Business Process Model Abstraction Based on Fuzzy Clustering Analysis
Authors: Wang Nan , Sun Shanwu , Liu Ying , Zhang Senyue
Published: September 2019

The most prominent Business Process Model Abstraction (BPMA) use case is a construction of a process “quick view” for rapidly comprehending a complex process. Researchers propose various process abstraction methods to aggregate the activities most of which are based on [Formula: see text]-means hard clustering. This paper focuses on the limitation of hard clustering, i.e. it cannot identify the special activities (called “edge activities” in this paper) and each activity must be classified to some subprocess. A new method is proposed to classify activities based on fuzzy clustering which generates a fuzzy matrix by computing the possibilities of activities belonging to subprocesses. According to this matrix, the “edge activities” can be located. Considering the structure correlation feature of the activities in subprocesses, an approach is provided to generate the initial clusters based on the close connection characteristics of subprocesses. A hard partition algorithm is proposed to classify the edge activities and it evaluates the generated abstract models according to a new index designed by control flow order preserving requirement and the evaluation results guide the edge activities to be classified to the optimal hard partition. The proposed method is applied to a process model repository in use. The results verify the validity of the measurement based on the virtual document to generating fuzzy matrix. Also it mines the threshold parameter in the real world process model collection enriched with human designed subprocesses to compute the fuzzy matrix. Furthermore, a comparison is made between the proposed method and the [Formula: see text]-means clustering and the results show our approach more closely approximating the decisions of the involved modelers to cluster activities and it contributes to the development of modeling support for effective process model abstraction.
Dynamic Behavior of Slab Induced by Pedestrian Traffic
Authors: Gao Yan-An , Yang Qing-Shan , Dong Yun , Chen Chao , Ye Tao-Ping
Published: September 2019

This study comprehensively explores the dynamic behavior of a slender slab due to the excitation of pedestrian traffic. Three kinds of excitation models are adopted to describe the vibration of the slab induced by pedestrians. A comparison of the structural responses shows that the bipedal model results in larger vibrations than the mass–spring–damper or pseudo-excitation models. Further research indicates that the pedestrians evidently alter the dynamic properties of the slab by affecting its frequency and damping capacity. The slab tends to be more flexible at a lower frequency as the pedestrian walks across its surface while its damping capacity is improved. In contrast, the slab can increase the frequency, while decreasing the damping of the pedestrian model. Thus, the slab also alters the properties of the pedestrians. In addition, an investigation of the bipedal model parameters indicates that the variations of the leg stiffness, damping, and body mass have distinct effects on the slab characteristics and vibrations. In order to assess the response of the slab to a crowd, a new simplified theory is introduced to describe the dynamic properties of the slab under multi-layout excitations, including human influences resulting from different body properties. The results of this study provide potential ways for understanding the vibratory mechanisms of slender structures such as footbridges, grandstands, or stations under crowd excitations.
Identification of Structural Parameters and Unknown Inputs Based on Revised Observation Equation: Approach and Validation
Authors: He Jia , Zhang Xiaoxiong , Xu Bin
Published: September 2019

The identification of parameters of linear or nonlinear systems under unknown inputs and limited outputs is an important but still challenging topic in the context of structural health monitoring. Time-domain analysis methodologies, such as extend Kalman filter (EKF), have been actively studied and shown to be powerful for parameter identification. However, the conventional EKF is not applicable when the input is unknown or unmeasured. In this paper, by introducing a projection matrix in the observation equation, a time-domain EKF-based approach is proposed for the simultaneous identification of structural parameters and the unknown excitations with limited outputs. A revised version of observation equation is presented. The unknown inputs are identified using the least squares estimation based on the limited observations and the estimated structural parameters at the current time step. Particularly, an analytical recursive solution is derived. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach is first demonstrated via several numerical examples. Then it was validated by the shaking table tests on a five-story building model for the robustness in application to real structures. The results show that the proposed approach can satisfactorily identify the parameters of linear or nonlinear structures under unknown inputs.
Invariants of the symbolic powers of edge ideals
Authors: Chakraborty Bidwan , Mandal Mousumi
Published: September 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph and [Formula: see text] be its edge ideal. When [Formula: see text] is the clique sum of two different length odd cycles joined at single vertex then we give an explicit description of the symbolic powers of [Formula: see text] and compute the Waldschmidt constant. When [Formula: see text] is complete graph then we describe the generators of the symbolic powers of [Formula: see text] and compute the Waldschmidt constant and the resurgence of [Formula: see text]. Moreover for complete graph we prove that the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity of the symbolic powers and ordinary powers of the edge ideal coincide.
J-Noetherian Bezout domain which is not of stable range 1
Authors: Zabavsky Bohdan , Romaniv Oleh
Published: September 2019

We prove that in any [Formula: see text]-Noetherian Bezout domain which is not of stable range 1, there exists a nonunit adequate element (element of almost stable range 1).
Generalized Weyl algebras and diskew polynomial rings
Authors: Bavula V. V.
Published: September 2019

The aim of the paper is to extend the class of generalized Weyl algebras (GWAs) to a larger class of rings (they are also called GWAs) that are determined by two ring endomorphisms rather than one as in the case of ‘old’ GWAs. A new class of rings, the diskew polynomial rings, is introduced that is closely related to GWAs (they are GWAs under a mild condition). Simplicity criteria are given for GWAs and diskew polynomial rings.
Abelian model structures on categories of quiver representations
Authors: Dalezios Georgios
Published: September 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be an abelian model category (in the sense of Hovey). For a large class of quivers, we describe associated abelian model structures on categories of quiver representations with values in [Formula: see text]. This is based on recent work of Holm and Jørgensen on cotorsion pairs in categories of quiver representations. An application on Ding projective and Ding injective representations of quivers over Ding–Chen rings is given.
A Theoretical Analysis of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis of Nanoparticles in Wall Shear Flow
Authors: Bai Fan , Sun Ren
Published: September 2019

This study theoretically investigates receptor–ligand-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles (NPs) in wall shear flow. The endocytosis is modeled as a birth–death process and relationships between coefficients in the model and the wall shear rate have been derived to deal with the effects of the shear flow. Model predictions show that flow-induced alteration in bond formation rates does not affect the endocytosis significantly, and the suppression of hydrodynamic load on endocytosis is eminent only when diameters of NPs are large (around 700[Formula: see text]nm) and the shear rate is sufficiently high. In the latter case, it is shown that the hydrodynamic load suppresses the initial attachment of NPs to cells more than the following internalization. The model also predicts that shear-promoted expression of certain ligands can lead to observable increase in the number of endocytozed NPs in typical flow-chamber experiments, and the promotion can also cause selective endocytosis of NPs by cells at high shear rate regions if the ligand surface density on NPs or the original expression of receptors on cells in the absence of flow is low.
Some results for the two disjoint connected dominating sets problem
Authors: Liu Xianliang , Yang Zishen , Wang Wei
Published: September 2019

As a variant of minimum connected dominating set problem, two disjoint connected dominating sets (DCDS) problem is to ask whether there are two DCDS [Formula: see text] in a connected graph [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and if not, how to add an edge subset with minimum cardinality such that the new graph has a pair of DCDS. The two DCDS problem is so hard that it is NP-hard on trees. In this paper, if the vertex set [Formula: see text] of a connected graph [Formula: see text] can be partitioned into two DCDS of [Formula: see text], then it is called a DCDS graph. First, a necessary but not sufficient condition is proposed for cubic (3-regular) graph to be a DCDS graph. To be exact, if a cubic graph is a DCDS graph, there are at most four disjoint triangles in it. Next, if a connected graph [Formula: see text] is a DCDS graph, a simple but nontrivial upper bound [Formula: see text] of the girth [Formula: see text] is presented.
Characterization by Photoluminescence and Raman Spectroscopy of the Oxide Scales Grown on the PM2000 at High Temperatures
Authors: Hakkar Samiha , Achache Sofiane , Sanchette Frederic , Mekhalif Zineb , Kamoun Najoua , Boumaza Abdecharif
Published: September 2019

The microstructural change of a thermal oxidation on a PM2000 superalloy was investigated after a 48 h isothermal heat-treatment. The oxides (transitions aluminas, [Formula: see text]-alumina and mixed oxides) were characterized using the Raman spectroscopy, the Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, MEB observations and the X-ray diffraction for temperatures between 600°C and 1200°C. The X-ray diffraction results under conventional incidence conditions make it possible to estimate the crystallites size and the specific surfaces of the [Formula: see text]-alumina. The PL analyses at various excitation wavelengths (200[Formula: see text]nm, 234[Formula: see text]nm, 326[Formula: see text]nm and 532[Formula: see text]nm) provide important information on the existing defects (intrinsic and extrinsic) according to the oxidation temperature. The Raman spectroscopy ([Formula: see text].18[Formula: see text]nm) gives the various signatures of the various alumina generated ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-Al2O3).
Efficient Cache Reconfiguration Using Machine Learning in NoC-Based Many-Core CMPs
Authors: Charles Subodha , Ahmed Alif , Ogras Umit Y. , Mishra Prabhat
Published: September 2019

Dynamic cache reconfiguration (DCR) is an effective technique to optimize energy consumption in many-core architectures. While early work on DCR has shown promising energy saving opportunities, prior techniques are not suitable for many-core architectures since they do not consider the interactions and tight coupling between memory, caches, and network-on-chip (NoC) traffic. In this article, we propose an efficient cache reconfiguration framework in NoC-based many-core architectures. The proposed work makes three major contributions. First, we model a distributed directory based many-core architecture similar to Intel Xeon Phi architecture. Next, we propose an efficient cache reconfiguration framework that considers all significant components, including NoC, caches, and main memory. Finally, we propose a machine learning--based framework that can reduce the exploration time by an order of magnitude with negligible loss in accuracy. Our experimental results demonstrate 18.5% energy savings on average compared to base cache configuration.
Leptin enhances ICAM-1 expression, induces migration and cytokine synthesis, and prolongs survival of human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Suzukawa Maho , Koketsu Rikiya , Baba Shintaro , Igarashi Sayaka , Nagase Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Masao , Matsutani Noriyuki , Kawamura Masafumi , Shoji Shunsuke , Hebisawa Akira , Ohta Ken
Published: September 2019

There is rising interest in how obesity affects respiratory diseases, since epidemiological findings indicate a strong relationship between the two conditions. Leptin is a potent adipokine produced mainly by adipocytes. It regulates energy storage and expenditure and also induces inflammation. Previous studies have shown that leptin is able to activate inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes and granulocytes, but little is known about its effect on lung structural cells. The present study investigated the effects of leptin on human airway epithelial cells by using human primary airway epithelial cells and a human airway epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. Flow cytometry showed enhanced ICAM-1 expression by both of those cells in response to leptin, and that effect was abrogated by dexamethasone or NF-κB inhibitor. Flow cytometry and quantitative PCR showed that airway epithelial cells expressed leptin receptor (Ob-R), whose expression level was downregulated by leptin itself. Multiplex cytokine analysis demonstrated enhanced production of CCL11, G-CSF, VEGF, and IL-6 by BEAS-2B cells stimulated with leptin. Furthermore, transfection of Ob-R small interference RNA decreased the effect of leptin on CCL11 production as assessed by quantitative PCR. Finally, leptin induced migration of primary airway epithelial cells toward leptin, suppressed BEAS-2B apoptosis induced with TNF-α and IFN-γ, and enhanced proliferation of primary airway epithelial cells. In summary, leptin was able to directly activate human airway epithelial cells by binding to Ob-R and by NF-κB activation, resulting in upregulation of ICAM-1 expression, induction of CCL11, VEGF, G-CSF, and IL-6 synthesis, induction of migration, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of proliferation.
Wnt1 Promotes EAAT2 Expression and Mediates the Protective Effects of Astrocytes on Dopaminergic Cells in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wei Lei , Chen Chuan , Ding Li , Mo Mingshu , Zou Jing , Lu Zhenze , Li Haiyan , Wu Haotian , Dai Yongqiang , Xu Pingyi , Lu Zhengqi
Published: September 2019

Background. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to exert cytoprotective effects in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Glutamate excitotoxicity has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of PD, and excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) play a predominant role in clearing excessive glutamate. EAAT2 is mainly expressed in astrocytes, which are an important source of Wnt signaling in the brain. Methods. Wnt1-overexpressing U251 astrocytes were indirectly cocultured with dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Cell toxicity was determined by cell viability and flow cytometric detection. Glutamate level in the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of Wnt1, β-catenin, and EAAT2. Immunofluorescence was used to display the expression and translocation of NF-κB p65. Results. 6-OHDA treatment significantly decreased cell viability in both U251 cells and SH-SY5Y cells, inhibited the expression of Wnt1, β-catenin, and EAAT2 in U251 cells, and increased the glutamate level in the culture medium. Coculture with Wnt1-overexpressing U251 cells attenuated 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of Wnt1 decreased the glutamate level in the culture media, upregulated β-catenin, EAAT2, and NF-κB levels, and promoted the translocation of NF-κB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in U251 cells. Conclusion. Wnt1 promoted EAAT2 expression and mediated the cytoprotective effects of astrocytes on dopaminergic cells. NF-κB might be involved in the regulation of EAAT2 by Wnt1.
A Rare Occurrence of Three Primary Malignancies of the Rectum, Breast, and Kidney in the Same Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Basnayake Oshan , Wijerathne Pradeep , Jayasinghe Jayan , Samarasekera Dharmabandhu N. , Seneviratne Sanjeewa
Published: September 2019

An increasing number of patients with multiple primary cancers are encountered due to improved cancer detection, widespread cancer screening, and better cancer treatment. Here, we report such a patient without a family history of malignancies or a known genetic predisposition developing three primary malignancies of the rectum, breast, and kidney. A 63-year-old female who underwent an anterior resection for rectal cancer was detected to have an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level during a routine follow-up, 8 years after the initial surgery. Clinical examination revealed a left breast lump which was confirmed as invasive ductal carcinoma (pT3 pN0 cM0). Imaging and colonoscopy excluded a local recurrence. However, a right renal lesion suggestive of a renal cell carcinoma was detected (pT1a). She underwent left mastectomy with a sentinel lymph node biopsy and a right partial nephrectomy with a curative intent. Postoperatively, CEA levels declined to normal limits. Management of multiple primary malignancies poses a major challenge. A multidisciplinary approach and tailored decision-making for the individual patient help with the optimum outcome.