bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A de novo mutation in KRT5 in a crossbred calf with epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Authors: Jacinto Joana G. P. , Häfliger Irene M. , Veiga Inês M. B. , Drögemüller Cord , Agerholm Jørgen S.
Published: November 2020

A 6‐day‐old Belgian Blue‐Holstein calf was referred because of a syndrome resembling epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). The clinical phenotype included irregular and differently sized erosions and ulcerations spread over the body, in particular on the limbs and over bone prominences, as well as in the nasal planum and oral mucosa. Blisters were easily induced by rubbing the skin. The skin lesions displayed a clear dermal‐epidermal separation at the level of the basal cell layer. Post mortem examination revealed erosions in the pharynx, proximal esophagus, and rumen. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed a heterozygous disruptive in‐frame deletion variant in KRT5 (c.534_536delCAA). Genotyping of both parents confirmed the variant as de novo mutation. Clinicopathological and genetic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of KRT5‐related EBS providing the second example of a spontaneous mutation causing epidermolysis bullosa in cattle.
CHH DNA methylation increases at 24‐PHAS loci depend on 24‐nt phased small interfering RNAs in maize meiotic anthers
Authors: Zhang Mei , Ma Xuxu , Wang Chunyu , Li Qing , Meyers Blake C. , Springer Nathan M. , Walbot Virginia
Published: November 2020

Plant phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) contribute to robust male fertility; however, specific functions remain undefined. In maize (Zea mays), male sterile23 (ms23), necessary for both 24‐nt phasiRNA precursor (24‐PHAS) loci and Dicer‐like5 (Dcl5) expression, and dcl5‐1 mutants unable to slice PHAS transcripts lack nearly all 24‐nt phasiRNAs.

Based on sequence capture bisulfite‐sequencing, we find that CHH DNA methylation of most 24‐PHAS loci is increased in meiotic anthers of control plants but not in the ms23 and dcl5 mutants.

Because dcl5‐1 anthers express PHAS precursors, we conclude that the 24‐nt phasiRNAs, rather than just activation of PHAS transcription, are required for targeting increased CHH methylation at these loci.

Although PHAS precursors are processed into multiple 24‐nt phasiRNA products, there is substantial differential product accumulation. Abundant 24‐nt phasiRNA positions corresponded to high CHH methylation within individual loci, reinforcing the conclusion that 24‐nt phasiRNAs contribute to increased CHH methylation in cis.
Differential nucleosome occupancy modulates alternative splicing in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Jabre Ibtissam , Chaudhary Saurabh , Guo Wenbin , Kalyna Maria , Reddy Anireddy S. N. , Chen Weizhong , Zhang Runxuan , Wilson Cornelia , Syed Naeem H.
Published: November 2020

Alternative splicing (AS) is a major gene regulatory mechanism in plants. Recent evidence supports co‐transcriptional splicing in plants, hence the chromatin state can impact AS. However, how dynamic changes in the chromatin state such as nucleosome occupancy influence the cold‐induced AS remains poorly understood.

Here, we generated transcriptome (RNA‐Seq) and nucleosome positioning (MNase‐Seq) data for Arabidopsis thaliana to understand how nucleosome positioning modulates cold‐induced AS.

Our results show that characteristic nucleosome occupancy levels are strongly associated with the type and abundance of various AS events under normal and cold temperature conditions in Arabidopsis. Intriguingly, exitrons, alternatively spliced internal regions of protein‐coding exons, exhibit distinctive nucleosome positioning pattern compared to other alternatively spliced regions. Likewise, nucleosome patterns differ between exitrons and retained introns, pointing to their distinct regulation.

Collectively, our data show that characteristic changes in nucleosome positioning modulate AS in plants in response to cold.
Comparing Pain Neuroscience Education Followed by Motor Control Exercises With Group‐Based Exercises for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rabiei Pouya , Sheikhi Bahram , Letafatkar Amir
Published: November 2020

Background

Different individualized interventions have been used to improve chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, their superiority over group‐based interventions has yet to be elucidated. We compared an individualized treatment involving pain neuroscience education (PNE) plus motor control exercise (MCE) with group‐based exercise (GE) in patients with CLBP.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients with CLBP were randomly assigned into the PNE plus MCE group (n = 37) and GE group (n = 36). Both PNE plus MCE and GE were administered twice weekly for 8 weeks. Pain intensity (as measured using the VAS), disability (as measured using the Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire), fear‐avoidance beliefs (as measured using the Fear‐Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire), and self‐efficacy (as measured using the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks post‐intervention. A 2 × 2 variance analysis (treatment group × time) with a mixed‐model design was applied to statistically analyze the data.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvements in all the outcome measures, with a large effect size (P < 0.001, partial eta squared [ηp2] = 0.66 to 0.81) after the intervention. The PNE plus MCE group showed greater improvements, with a moderate effect size in pain intensity (P = 0.041, ηp2 = 0.06) and disability (P = 0.021, ηp2 = 0.07) compared to the GE group. No significant difference was found in fear‐avoidance beliefs during physical activity and work, and self‐efficacy (P > 0.05) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

PNE and MCE seem to be better at reducing pain intensity and disability compared to GE, while no significant differences were observed for fear‐avoidance beliefs and self‐efficacy between the 2 groups in patients with CLBP. With regard to the superiority of individualized interventions over group‐based ones, more studies are warranted.
When Triple‐A Supply Chains Meet Digitalization: The Case of JD.com's C2M Model
Authors: Mak Ho‐Yin , Max Shen Zuo‐Jun
Published: November 2020

The Triple‐A supply chain (Lee 2004) has become one of the most influential concepts for practitioners and researchers in supply chain management. It stipulates that supply chains should strive to improve along the dimensions of agility, adaptability, and alignment, as opposed to focusing exclusively on cost and efficiency improvements. While various strategies have since been adopted across different industries to foster the Triple‐A, the digitalization movement poses both new challenges and opportunities for developing Triple‐A supply chains. In this article, we shall discuss an emerging mode of supply chain innovation, known as the consumer‐to‐manufacturer (C2M) model, and how it enables new possibilities for achieving Triple‐A “digital” supply chains. C2M establishes digital links between end consumers and upstream manufacturers and product designers, and provides a variety of tactics to shorten the information flow process of the supply chain. Our discussion focuses on the implementation of C2M at JD.com, a leading online retailer in China.
Dynamic Survival Prediction Combining Landmarking with a Machine Learning Ensemble: Methodology and Empirical Comparison
Authors: Tanner Kamaryn T. , Sharples Linda D. , Daniel Rhian M. , Keogh Ruth H.
Published: November 2020

Dynamic prediction models provide predicted survival probabilities that can be updated over time for an individual as new measurements become available. Two techniques for dynamic survival prediction with longitudinal data dominate the statistical literature: joint modelling and landmarking. There is substantial interest in the use of machine learning methods for prediction; however, their use in the context of dynamic survival prediction has been limited. We show how landmarking can be combined with a machine learning ensemble—the Super Learner. The ensemble combines predictions from different machine learning and statistical algorithms with the goal of achieving improved performance. The proposed approach exploits discrete time survival analysis techniques to enable the use of machine learning algorithms for binary outcomes. We discuss practical and statistical considerations involved in implementing the ensemble. The methods are illustrated and compared using longitudinal data from the UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry. Standard landmarking and the landmark Super Learner approach resulted in similar cross-validated predictive performance, in this case, outperforming joint modelling.
What Good is the Canon for a Diversified and Decolonized Curriculum?
Authors: Cooper Gabriel
Published: November 2020

In the interest of fostering a socially critical and inclusive German Studies, this article urges instructors to pursue curricular reforms to diversify and decolonize German curricula at colleges and universities. While the literary canon's centrality to the German major has tended to leave monolithic impressions of “Germany” and “Germanness” on students, and thus presents an obstacle to such efforts, the canon's function might be reconceived so that the “good” it has to offer can serve different pedagogical ends. Using a German program at a liberal arts college as an example, this article presents strategies – from departmental and course learning goals to curricular structure and course design – for how to decenter the canon in the German curriculum in order to foreground social justice concerns and facilitate encounters with diverse perspectives.
Long‐term outcomes with conventional fractionated and stereotactic radiotherapy for suspected heart‐base tumours in dogs
Authors: Hansen Katherine S. , Théon Alain P. , Willcox Jennifer L. , Stern Joshua A. , Kent Michael S.
Published: November 2020

Published radiotherapy results for suspected heart‐based tumours in dogs are limited. In this retrospective longitudinal study (3/2014‐2019), eight dogs with either clinical signs attributable to a heart‐base mass (6), or asymptomatic with a progressively larger mass on echocardiogram (2), received conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Clinical findings in symptomatic cases included one or more of the following: retching/coughing (4), exercise intolerance (2), collapse (1), pericardial effusion (2), rare ventricular premature contractions (2), abdominal effusion (1), or respiratory distress due to chylothorax (1). CFRT cases received 50 Gray (Gy) in 20 fractions and SBRT cases received 30 Gy in 5 or 24 Gy in three fractions. Two dogs received chemotherapy post‐radiation. At analysis, 7/8 dogs were deceased and one was alive 684 days post‐treatment. The estimated median overall survival (MOS) from first treatment was 785 days (95% CI 114‐868 days, [range 114‐1492 days]). Five dogs received CFRT (MOS 817 days; (95% CI 155 days‐not reached [range 155‐1492 days])). Three dogs received SBRT with one alive at analysis (MOS 414 days, (95% CI, 114 days‐not reached [range 114‐414 days])). No statistically significant difference was found between survival for CFRT and SBRT. Of the symptomatic patients, 5/6 showed improvement. Mass size reduced in 4/5 cases receiving follow‐up ultrasounds. Possible complications included asymptomatic radiation pneumonitis (4), atrial tachycardia/premature beats (4) and pericardial effusion with heart failure coincident with tumour progression (1). This study provides preliminary evidence that radiotherapy may impact clinically relevant or progressively enlarging heart‐base masses.
Pā Harakeke as a research model of practice
Authors: Watson Ange (Andrea)
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: This article will present a research study with seven Māori social workers (kaimahi) when exploring tukia (collision) of their personal, professional and cultural worlds.METHOD: Kaupapa Māori underpinned this research, and pūrākau was utilised to connect the research to Māori worldviews; however, the framework was guided by Pā Harakeke. Pā Harakeke is often used as a metaphor for whānau and a model for protection of children,whānau structure and well-being. Pā Harakeke underpinned the structure of the research and this article will unfurl how it framed the methods and methodology. The harakeke sits well in this research as the focus is on the well-being of kaimahi Māori—caring for the carers, helping the helpers and healing the healers.FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: An outcome from the Tukia research was that kaimahi shared words of wisdom (Ngā Kupu Taonga) outlining what assisted them to navigate their way through personal–professional collisions. These include self-care, use of appropriate supervision, organisational and cultural support mechanisms and growing from experiences. It is the hope that these taonga may help other kaimahi who experience Tukia in their mahi. These Ngā Kupu Taonga are presented in a Mauri Ora o te Pā Harakeke framework.
Quality social work placements for Māori social work students
Authors: Mooney Hannah , Dale Michael , Hay Kathryn
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: Māori perspectives should be genuinely represented and integrated into social work education to ensure Māori and non-Māori social work students alike are prepared for working effectively in Aotearoa New Zealand. In field education, Māori students may have particular needs and expectations that should be considered by academic staff and placement host organisations. Consequently, the placement experience for Māori students should reflect these needs and expectations.METHOD: As part of a wider research project which aimed to advance the quality of social work placements for Māori and Pasifika students, a hui was undertaken with a roopu (Māori branch) of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Work (ANZASW) in late 2014. This article focuses on their views of what constitutes a quality placement for Māori social work students. The project explored two key areas: what does a quality placement look like for Māori social work students and what can tertiary institutions do to better support Māori students to have a quality placement?FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Participants emphasised the usefulness of placement preparedness, clear expectations and open communication prior to, and during, placement. The placement should also be culturally safe and adequately challenge the student. Tertiary providers should support the student’s placement by being in regular face-to-face contact; preparing the student for the placement environment; supporting external cultural supervision; and by critically reviewing their curriculum.
Kaitiakitanga: A transformation of supervision
Authors: Webber-Dreadon Emma
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: This article explores Māori social work supervision in Aotearoa New Zealand, from cultural, iwi, hapū and whānau perspectives. It describes an emerging model of kaitiakitanga (supervision) entitled “He Maunga, He Tangata, He Tapu, He Kahu.”APPROACH: It is based on the author’s experience and tribal relationships, and proposes a model reinterpreting the supervisory relationship by first re-examining the meanings of these relationships from a Māori perspective. It explains the rationale of the model in order to clarify its origins, principles, purpose, obligations and responsibilities in the field of kaitiakitanga (supervision). The nine principles discussed, along with four overarching themes identified within Te Ao Māori, reflect the importance of integrating customary practices in to achieve the best outcomes for the people we serve and work with.IMPLICATIONS: These principles are crucial to the practice of kaimahi-a-iwi and kaitiakitanga, where it is important not only to care, protect, guide, teach, influence and encourage, but also to consider self-care, and develop safe and accountable practices for all people.
The most important things I learnt in practice
Authors: Eketone Heramaahina
Published: November 2020

From the Māori Social Work Practice and Research Symposium 2019.
The most important things I have learnt in practice, advice for social work students
Authors: Cleaver Kerri
Published: November 2020

From the Māori Social Work Practice and Research Symposium 2019.
Phage Proteins Required for Tail Fiber Assembly Also Bind Specifically to the Surface of Host Bacterial Strains
Authors: North Olesia I. , Davidson Alan R.
Published: November 2020

With the growing interest in using phages to combat antibiotic-resistant infections or manipulate the human microbiome, establishing approaches for the modification of phage host range has become an important research topic. Tfa proteins are a large family of proteins known previously to function as chaperones for the folding of phage fibers, which are crucial determinants of host range for long-tailed phages. Here, we reveal that some Tfa proteins are bi-functional, with the additional activity of binding to LPS, the surface binding receptor for many phages. This discovery opens up new potential avenues for altering phage host range through engineering of the surface binding specificity of Tfa proteins.
Antimicrobial Peptides: a New Frontier in Antifungal Therapy
Authors: Buda De Cesare Giuseppe , Cristy Shane A. , Garsin Danielle A. , Lorenz Michael C.
Published: November 2020

Invasive fungal infections in humans are generally associated with high mortality, making the choice of antifungal drug crucial for the outcome of the patient. The limited spectrum of antifungals available and the development of drug resistance represent the main concerns for the current antifungal treatments, requiring alternative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), expressed in several organisms and used as first-line defenses against microbial infections, have emerged as potential candidates for developing new antifungal therapies, characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates.
Unique presentation of palatal metastasis from high-grade spindle cell sarcoma of the bone
Authors: Fenech Valentina , Queen Anton , Gadve Archana , Cowie Fiona
Published: November 2020

Spindle cell sarcoma (SCS) is a rare malignant tumour which can arise in bone and accounts for 2%–5% of primary bone cancer cases. Distant metastasis occurs predominantly in the lungs. However, metastasis to the soft palate, to the best of our knowledge, has never been previously reported. In this case report, we describe a unique presentation of soft palate metastasis in a patient with a history of high-grade SCS of the bone who presented with progressive dysphagia and nausea and vomiting who underwent surgical excision for palliation of symptoms.
Management of catastrophic haemorrhage in palliative head and neck cancer: creation of a new protocol using simulation
Authors: Sooby Paul , Tarmal Abdurahman , Townsley Richard
Published: November 2020

Catastrophic haemorrhage or carotid blowout a rare but devastating consequence of head and neck cancer. In most cases, this represents a terminal event, and the patient is prescribed pre-emptive analgesia and anxiolytics. There is anecdotal evidence that due to the time taken to prepare the medications that patients do not receive these drugs prior to death. We aimed to identify the drug to patient time using simulated catastrophic haemorrhage simulations. We used the current protocol for this and also proposed a new grab-bag with preprepared anxiolytic and anagelsic medications. Each scenario was repeated 16 times. The mean time for drug administration using the current policy was 124 s compared with 48 s when the grab-bag was used (p<0.01). The new protocol also reduced the variability in the drug to patient time. We aim to implement this new protocol on the head and neck ward.
Acute interstitial nephritis, a potential predictor of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Patel Viral , Elias Roy , Formella Joseph , Schwartzman William , Christie Alana , Cai Qi , Malladi Venkat , Kapur Payal , Vazquez Miguel , McKay Renee , Pedrosa Ivan , Hannan Raquibul , Hammers Hans , Brugarolas James
Published: November 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as nivolumab and ipilimumab have improved outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients, but they are also associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). As observed in melanoma, we hypothesized that patients experiencing an autoimmune reaction directed against the tissue of origin may be more likely to benefit from ICI. Specifically, we asked whether patients with immune-related acute interstitial nephritis (irAIN) exhibited improved outcomes. Using Kidney Cancer Explorer (KCE), a data portal and i2b2-based central database for clinical, pathological and experimental genetic data, we systematically identified all patients with mRCC at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) from 2014–2018 who received at least one dose of ICI. More recent cases were identified through a provider query. We extracted creatinine (Cr) values at baseline and over the entirety of each patient ICI treatment course using KCE. Patients with ≥ 1.5-fold Cr increase over baseline were investigated. The likelihood of irAIN was determined based on the work-up (biopsy, if available), or by clinical criteria (timing of kidney injury, exclusion of other etiologies, treatment with immunosuppressants and response). We identified 177 mRCC patients who received at least one dose of ICI, 36 of whom had ≥ 1.5-fold increase in Cr over baseline while on treatment. Of those, two had biopsy-proven irAIN and one was clinically diagnosed, resulting in an incidence of 1.7%. One additional biopsy-proven case past 2018 was identified through a provider query, for a total of four patients. Two received combination nivolumab and ipilimumab in the first line, whereas the remaining received nivolumab after first line therapy. irAIN onset ranged from 1.5 to 12 months. All four patients stopped ICI with recovery of renal function, at least partially, three after receiving systemic steroids. Notably, all four patients had a deep response. In conclusion, irAIN is a rare event, but it may portend a higher likelihood of response. One possible explanation is antigenic overlap between normal renal tubular cells and tumor cells.
Experimental investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of Al6061–ZrC–B4C hybrid composites
Authors: Rajamanickam Theerkka Tharaisanan , Marimuthu Kathiresan
Published: November 2020

Aluminium metal matrix composites (ALMMCs) have been widely used because of their superior properties such as high strength to wear ratio, high wear resistance, and higher heat conduction rate. The addition of reinforcements in the form of discontinuous particles leads to an increase in the properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs). In the present study, ALMMCs were fabricated with the addition of discontinuous reinforcement particles of zirconium carbide (ZrC) and boron carbide (B4C). The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength were tested as per ASTM standards. The tribological properties were tested using a pin-on-disc setup under different loading conditions (10, 20, 30, 40 N). Moreover, the morphological characterisation of the ALMMCs was carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Furthermore, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed to find the thermal stability of the ALMMCs. The findings show that variations of reinforcement of ZrC added gave improved properties such as hardness, tensile strength, impact strength, and wear resistance.
A network theory of inter-firm labor flows
Authors: López Eduardo , Guerrero Omar A. , Axtell Robert L.
Published: November 2020

Using detailed administrative microdata for two countries, we build a modeling framework that yields new explanations for the origin of firm sizes, the firm contributions to unemployment, and the job-to-job mobility of workers between firms. Firms are organized as nodes in networks where connections represent low mobility barriers for workers. These labor flow networks are determined empirically, and serve as the substrate in which workers transition between jobs. We show that highly skewed firm size distributions are predicted from the connectivity of firms. Further, our model permits the reconceptualization of unemployment as a local network phenomenon related to both a notion of firm-specific unemployment and the network vicinity of each firm. We find that firm-specific unemployment has a highly skewed distribution. In coupling the study of job mobility and firm dynamics the model provides a new analytical tool for industrial organization and makes it possible to synthesize more targeted policies managing job mobility.
Quantizing derived mapping stacks
Authors: Grady Ryan E.
Published: November 2020

In this paper we discuss several topological and geometric invariants obtained by quantizing [Formula: see text]-models. More precisely, we do not quantize the entire mapping stack of fields, but rather only the substack of low energy fields. The theory restricted to this substack can be presented Lie theoretically and the problem is reduced to perturbative gauge theory. Throughout, we make extensive use of derived symplectic geometry and the BV formalism of Costello and Gwilliam. Finally, we frame the AJ conjecture in knot theory as a question of quantizing character stacks.
Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau oscillator in the presence of a cosmic screw dislocation
Authors: Zare Soroush , Hassanabadi Hassan , de Montigny Marc
Published: November 2020

We examine the behavior of spin-zero bosons in an elastic medium which possesses a screw dislocation, which is a type of topological defect. Therefore, we solve analytically the Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau (DKP) oscillator for bosons in the presence of a screw dislocation with two types of potential functions: Cornell and linear-plus-cubic potential functions. For each of these functions, we analyze the impact of screw dislocations by determining the wave functions and the energy eigenvalues with the help of the Nikiforov–Uvarov method and Heun function.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF AN ELECTRODYNAMIC TRANSDUCER CONTROL OF INSULIN PROVISION IN THE BERGMAN’S AND THE CHENG’S MODELS FOR THE DYNAMICS OF THE COUPLE GLUCOSE-INSULIN IN DIABETICS
Authors: ESSAMBA MAH URSULE , WOAFO PAUL
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the numerical simulation of a model of blood glucose level control of a diabetic person using an electrodynamic transducer. Two mathematical models describing the dynamics of the couple glucose–insulin are used: the Bergman’s and the Cheng’s models. First, the adaptive control is applied on the dynamics of a reservoir opener by an electrodynamic transducer. Then it is applied on the two models of the glucose–insulin dynamics. It is found that the control of the reservoir opener and that of the glycemia of a diabetic patient are efficient for some values of the control parameters.
THE LUCK IN “TALENT VERSUS LUCK” MODELING
Authors: ELVIDGE SEAN
Published: November 2020

This paper further investigates the Talent versus Luck (TvL) model described by [Pluchino et al. Talent versus luck: The role of randomness in success and failure, Adv. Complex Syst. 21 (2018) 1850014] which models the relationship between ‘talent’ and ‘luck’ on the impact of an individuals career. It is shown that the model is very sensitive to both random sampling and the choice of value for the input parameters. Running the model repeatedly with the same set of input parameters gives a range of output values of over 50% of the mean value. The sensitivity of the inputs of the model is analyzed using a variance-based approach based upon generating Sobol sequences of quasi-random numbers. When using the model to look at the talent associated with an individual who has the maximum capital over a model run it has been shown that the choice for the standard deviation of the talent distribution contributes to 67% of the model variability. When investigating the maximum amount of capital returned by the model the probability of a lucky event at any given epoch has the largest impact on the model, almost three times more than any other individual parameter. Consequently, during the analysis of the model results one must keep in mind the impact that only small changes in the input parameters can have on the model output.
Unsupervised Learning of Depth and Ego-Motion from Cylindrical Panoramic Video with Applications for Virtual Reality
Authors: Sharma Alisha , Nett Ryan , Ventura Jonathan
Published: November 2020

We introduce a convolutional neural network model for unsupervised learning of depth and ego-motion from cylindrical panoramic video. Panoramic depth estimation is an important technology for applications such as virtual reality, 3D modeling, and autonomous robotic navigation. In contrast to previous approaches for applying convolutional neural networks to panoramic imagery, we use the cylindrical panoramic projection which allows for the use of the traditional CNN layers such as convolutional filters and max pooling without modification. Our evaluation of synthetic and real data shows that unsupervised learning of depth and ego-motion on cylindrical panoramic images can produce high-quality depth maps and that an increased field-of-view improves ego-motion estimation accuracy. We create two new datasets to evaluate our approach: a synthetic dataset created using the CARLA simulator, and Headcam, a novel dataset of panoramic video collected from a helmet-mounted camera while biking in an urban setting. We also apply our network to the problem of converting monocular panoramas to stereo panoramas.
On the Cortex of the Groups 𝕋n ⋉ ℍn
Authors: Rahali Aymen
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Heisenberg group and let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-dimensional torus acting on [Formula: see text] by automorphisms. We consider the semidirect product group [Formula: see text] The cortex, [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the set of all unitary irreducible representations [Formula: see text] in the unitary dual [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] that cannot be Hausdorff separated from the identity representation [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] In this paper, we describe explicitly the cortex ([Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text] using the coadjoint orbits of the group.
Semi-dynamic algorithms for strongly chordal graphs
Authors: Rahman Md Zamilur , Mukhopadhyay Asish
Published: November 2020

Within the broad ambit of algorithm design, the study of dynamic graph algorithms continues to be a thriving area of research. Commensurate with this interest is an extensive literature on the topic. Not surprisingly, dynamic algorithms for all varieties of shortest path problems, in view of their practical importance, occupy a preeminent position. Relevant to this paper are fully dynamic algorithms for chordal graphs. Surprisingly, to the best of our knowledge, there seems to be no reported results for the problem of dynamic algorithms for strongly chordal graphs. To redress this gap, in this paper, we propose a semi-dynamic algorithm for edge-deletions and a semi-dynamic algorithm for edge-insertions in a strongly chordal graph, [Formula: see text]. The query complexity of an edge-deletion is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the degrees of the vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the candidate edge [Formula: see text], while the query complexity of an edge-insertion is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the number of vertices of [Formula: see text].
Verification of numerical homogenization approach in predicting thermal conductivities of fiber reinforced composites with voids and randomly distributed fibers
Authors: Mahesh C. , Govindarajulu K. , Balakrishna Murthy V.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this paper is to establish the homogenization approach that eliminates the difficulties encountered by the conventional numerical methods in analyzing thermal behavior of the multi-material component systems with minimum computational resources. Analysis of problems with intricacies or larger domains can be made simpler through finite element assisted homogenization approach. In this paper, applicability of homogenization approach is verified by considering two cases (i) composite with voids and (ii) composite with fibers distributed randomly. Fiber randomness case is investigated by Digital Image-Based (DIB) modeling technique in association with MATLAB’S image processing module. Also effect of transverse fiber crack on the effective thermal conductivity of the composite is studied. Results of homogenization approach compared with micro-mechanics approach yielded maximum percentage deviation of 1.72% for voids case and 1.49% for fiber randomness case.
Wave Scattering from Step Discontinuities in a Water Pipeline Waveguide: Analytical Modeling and Discontinuity Material Influence
Authors: Li Zhao
Published: November 2020

Step discontinuities, which are formed in pipeline repair and maintenance, will introduce additional wave scattering in the pipeline diagnosing work. Therefore, an analytical model is established in this paper to investigate the longitudinal wave scattering from a step discontinuity and the influence of discontinuity material on the scattering characteristics in water pipelines. In the model, axial wavenumber, displacement and stress profiles of the unblemished pipeline and discontinuity sections are calculated by a multi-layered cylindrical waveguide model. To concatenate these sections and predict the overall influences of the discontinuity, the mode matching method is applied by enforcing the flexible axial boundary conditions with an extended bi-orthogonality relation. Based on the established model, numerical calculations are carried out to investigate the reflection/transmission characteristics when discontinuity material and attenuation are considered. Both finite element method (FEM) software and laboratory experiments are also conducted for modeling verification: the maximum root mean square errors of the predicted reflection and transmission coefficients are 0.01 and 0.1 compared with FEM and experiment results, respectively. It indicates the proposed model is accurate in predicting the wave scattering from a step discontinuity in a water pipeline with the influence of discontinuity material accounted for. In addition, this pure analytical model introduces advantages in computational cost when modeling long pipelines compared with existing FEM packages.
Uncommon Method Bias
Authors: Stafford Tom
Published: November 2020

As we prepare to administer comprehensive exams for our doctoral students, the insistence of colleagues on Common Method Bias (CMB) questioning as part of the exam corpus got me thinking about the pragmatic principles of paradigmatic practicality in the review process. Say that three times fast!
Review—Direct Electrochemical Synthesis of Metal Organic Frameworks
Authors: M. V. Varsha , Nageswaran Gomathi
Published: November 2020

Metal-organic frameworks, a class of highly crystalline porous materials, have gained intense research interest in material science in the last decade due to its intriguing chemistry and unique properties which lead to diverse applications. There are different methods for the development of MOF thin film in lab scale and its fabrication in electronic devices. However, the harsh reaction conditions, prolonged synthesis time, complex experimental setup etc. limit its application. Here, the electrochemical synthesis offers the advantages of mild reaction conditions, real time tuning of applied potential, short reaction time etc. which make the selective deposition of MOF on various conducting substrates facile. In this review, we focus on the direct electrochemical synthesis of MOF with emphasis on anodic and cathodic electrodeposition. The two different synthetic methods are explained in detail with a detailed review on its progress since its development. The electrosynthesis of MOF is still in its infancy stage and therefore the challenges and future perspectives associated with it are also discussed.
Bond Synergy Model for Bond Energies in Alloy Oxides
Authors: Chien Szu-Chia , Windl Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

In this work we introduce a metal-oxide bond-energy model for alloy oxides based on pure-phase bond energies and bond synergy factors that describe the effect of alloying on the bond energy between cations and oxygen, an important quantity to understand the formation of alloy oxides and their composition. This model is parameterized for binary cation-alloy oxides using density-functional theory energies and is shown to be directly transferable to multi-component alloy oxides. We parameterized the model for alloy oxide energies with metal cations that form the basis of corrosion resistant alloys, including Fe, Ni, Cr, Mo, Mn, W, Co, and Ru. We find that isoelectronic solutes allow quantification of pure-phase bond energies in oxides and the calculated bond energy values give sensible results compared to common experience, including the role of Cr as the passive-layer former in Fe–Ni–Cr alloys for corrosion applications. Additionally, the bond synergy factors give insights into the mutual strengthening and weakening effects of alloying on cation-oxygen bonds and can be related to enthalpy of mixing and charge neutrality constraints. We demonstrate how charge neutrality can be identified and achieved by the oxidation states that the different cations assume depending on alloy composition and the presence of defects.
Optimal Combination of Currency Assets and Algorithm Simulation under Exchange Rate Risk
Authors: Wei Jun
Published: November 2020

The excess money supply did not lead to a rapid rise in the price index, which in turn triggered inflation. In this case, the redetermination of the demand for money is particularly important. At the same time, with the continuous expansion of the capital market and the rapid development of the virtual economy, the virtual economy is gradually deviating from the real economy. When selecting assets, microentities often incorporate virtual economic assets into investment considerations. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a money demand model that considers the impact of virtual economic assets. This paper uses the asset selection of microentities as the microfoundation to establish a money demand model to explain its economic significance. And based on the money demand model established, a dynamic equilibrium model of the money market was established, and the stability of the dynamic equilibrium point of the money market was verified through mathematical deduction. Based on the dynamic equilibrium model of the money market, the impact of money supply was analyzed. In order to verify the correctness of the aforementioned theory, this paper conducts an empirical analysis. Through cointegration analysis and the vector error correction model (VECM model), the correctness and applicability of the established money demand model are verified, and money demand, total social wealth, spreads between expected stock returns and interest rates, and real estate expectations are found. There is a long-term equilibrium relationship between the rate of return and the interest rate. The total amount of social wealth, the expected rate of return on stocks, and the interest rate spread will have an impact on the demand for money in the short term.
Hydrogeochemical Evolution and Control Mechanism of Underground Multiaquifer System in Coal Mine Area
Authors: Ju Qiding , Liu Yu , Hu Youbiao , Wang Yuquan , Liu Qimeng , Wang Zitao
Published: November 2020

Mining activities interfere into the natural groundwater chemical environment, which may lead to hydrogeochemical changes of aquifers and mine water inrush disasters. The study of hydrogeochemical evolution processes of underground aquifers is helpful to the prevention and control of mine water inrush. The results show that the study area is mainly impacted by four hydrogeochemical processes: dissolution, cation exchange, desulfurization and reduction, and pyrite oxidation. The Cenozoic aquifers are dominated by carbonate dissolution and desulfurization. The Permian aquifers are impacted mainly by cation exchange and sulfate dissolution, followed by pyrite oxidation. The Carboniferous aquifers are mainly impacted by dissolving sulfate, followed by pyrite oxidation and cation exchange. The hydrogeochemical evolution of the aquifers was controlled by mining activities and tectonic changes, and a certain regularity in space. For the Cenozoic aquifers, sulfate dissolution and cation exchange increase from west to east, and desulfurization weakens. For the Permian aquifers, cation exchange and sulfate dissolution are stronger near synclines and faults, pyrite oxidation is enhanced, and desulfurization decreases from the middle to the east of the mining area. For the Carboniferous aquifers, there is a higher dissolution of rock salt, pyrite oxidation, and cation exchange from west to east, and the desulfurization effect weakens.
Pure Uterine Lipoma and Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver: Concurrence of a Rare Tumor and Another Incidental Finding
Authors: Anbardar Mohammad Hossein , Soleimani Neda , Malek-Hosseini Seyed Ali , Moradmand Shirin
Published: November 2020

Background. Fatty uterine tumors, especially pure uterine lipoma, are very rare, but clinically and radiologically, they can mimic other primary benign and malignant uterine neoplasms. Case Report. A multipara 61-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding for 3 months. Assessment by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperechoic mass in the uterine corpus. Furthermore, during radiologic investigation, there was an incidental isoechoic mass in the left lobe of the liver. Pure uterine lipoma and hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia were diagnosed. Conclusion. Pure lipoma of the uterus, even though rare, has to be kept in the differential diagnosis of uterine neoplasms, especially in postmenopausal women. Till now, just a few concurrent tumors have been reported with pure uterine lipoma, and among them, FNH is the first extragenital tumor.
Viral Immunity and Vaccines in Hematologic Malignancies: Implications for COVID-19
Authors: Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Dhodapkar Kavita M. , Ahmed Rafi
Published: November 2020

Patients with hematologic malignancies have increased susceptibility to viral infections and suboptimal immunologic responses to current vaccines due to both disease-associated and therapy-related immune dysfunction. These considerations may impact the efficacy of emerging COVID-19 vaccines in this patient population as well and warrant the need to systematically study natural and vaccine-induced virus-specific immunity in these patients.
Asymptomatic Colonic Anisakiasis: Is It So Rare?
Authors: Takasaki Tetsuro , Yamada Toru , Kinoshita Junji , Motomura Yasuaki
Published: November 2020

Most cases of anisakiasis occur in the stomach. Colonic anisakiasis, especially when asymptomatic, is extremely rare. We report a case of asymptomatic colonic anisakiasis and present a literature review of cases of colonic anisakiasis. A 52-year-old man underwent colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. Although no colorectal neoplasm was found, an Anisakis larva was detected in the transverse colon and the larva was removed by grasping forceps. Our review of PubMed revealed that 40% of cases of colonic anisakiasis are asymptomatic. We conclude that asymptomatic colonic anisakiasis may not be as rare as conventionally assumed.
A Metabolically Unhealthy Phenotype Is Associated with ADIPOQ Genetic Variants and Lower Serum Adiponectin Levels
Authors: Torres-Castillo Nathaly , Campos-Perez Wendy , Rodriguez-Echevarria Roberto , Rodriguez-Reyes Sarai Citlalic , Martinez-Lopez Erika
Published: November 2020

Background: Even though excessive adipose tissue is related to chronic metabolic disturbances, not all subjects with excess weight (EW) display metabolic alterations, and not all normal-weight (NW) subjects have a metabolically healthy (MH) phenotype, probably due to gene-environment interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of ADIPOQ and PPARG genetic variants in NW and EW individuals with different metabolic phenotypes. Methods: Data on 345 adults from western Mexico were analyzed. The individuals were classified into NW and EW groups according to body mass index, and were categorized as MH or metabolically unhealthy (MUH), considering homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) cut-off points for glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure. Subjects with ≤1 altered parameter were classified as MH. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) –11377C>G, –11391G>A, +45T>G, and +276G>T for ADIPOQ and Pro12Ala for PPARG were analyzed by allelic discrimination. High-molecular-weight adiponectin isoform levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Lower serum adiponectin levels were associated with the MUH phenotype in EW subjects. NW subjects with the GG or TG genotype for the +45T>G SNP had reduced odds of the MUH phenotype. Individuals who carried two copies of the GG haplotype at the –11391G>A and –11377C>G SNPs for ADIPOQ had lower serum adiponectin levels than those with zero copies. Conclusion: In this population, lower serum adiponectin levels were found in the EW-MUH phenotype, and no differences were observed between the NW-MH and the EW-MH phenotype. In addition, the +45T>G SNP was associated with reduced odds of the MUH phenotype.
Publicly Available hiPSC Lines with Extreme Polygenic Risk Scores for Modeling Schizophrenia
Authors: Dobrindt Kristina , Zhang Hanwen , Das Debamitra , Abdollahi Sara , Prorok Tim , Ghosh Sulagna , Weintraub Sarah , Genovese Giulio , Powell Samuel K. , Lund Anina , Akbarian Schahram , Eggan Kevin , McCarroll Steven , Duan Jubao , Avramopoulos Dimitrios , Brennand Kristen J.
Published: November 2020

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder with limited effective treatment options. Although highly heritable, risk for this polygenic disorder depends on the complex interplay of hundreds of common and rare variants. Translating the growing list of genetic loci significantly associated with disease into medically actionable information remains an important challenge. Thus, establishing platforms with which to validate the impact of risk variants in cell-type-specific and donor-dependent contexts is critical. Towards this, we selected and characterized a collection of 12 human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines derived from control donors with extremely low and high SZ polygenic risk scores (PRS). These hiPSC lines are publicly available at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The suitability of these extreme PRS hiPSCs for CRISPR-based isogenic comparisons of neurons and glia was evaluated across 3 independent laboratories, identifying 9 out of 12 meeting our criteria. We report a standardized resource of publicly available hiPSCs on which we hope to perform genome engineering and generate diverse kinds of functional data, with comparisons across studies facilitated by the use of a common set of genetic backgrounds.