bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A digital output MEMS DRG on-chip temperature compensation method based on virtual sensor
Authors: Wang Yihang , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Yufeng , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2020

A digital output Disk Resonator Gyroscope (DRG) on-chip temperature compensation method based on virtual sensor is proposed in this paper. DRG is a combination of solid wave gyroscope and MEMS gyroscope, it has become the research emphasis of high precision gyroscope. In practical application, the ambient temperature changing will cause several problems such as the change of scale factor, zero drift and so on. To increase the environmental adaptability of DRG, the DRG temperature characteristics are analyzed, the temperature compensation models of scale factor and zero output are established in this paper. The concept of virtual temperature sensor is introduced to solve the lead or lag problem caused by integrated temperature sensor. Based on the trend of AC drive amplitude changing with temperature, the temperature measurement is converted into AC voltage amplitude measurement. The virtual temperature sensor is used to complete the on-chip temperature compensation of the DRG angular velocity output, the second-order compensation realizes the scale factor change of 40 ppm/[Formula: see text]C and zero output change of 27[Formula: see text]/h over the full temperature range varying from [Formula: see text] to 60[Formula: see text]C according to the simulation result.
Andreev conductance through a triangular-shaped quantum dot structure hosting Majorana bound states
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Cheng Xiao Feng , Liu Long , Li Yu-Xian
Published: September 2020

The Andreev conductance in [Formula: see text]-shaped quantum dots (QDs) system coupled with Majorana bound states (MBSs) is studied and resulting conductance spectrum displays resonant and non-resonant processes. These fluctuated resonances render features like insulating band, bonding (antibonding) in the low-bias region due to non-trivial role of interdot coupling [Formula: see text] and dots-MBSs coupling [Formula: see text]. On comparing QD levels [Formula: see text], and the coupling between the MBSs, coherent oscillating dynamics of an electron between the nanowire and the QDs can be portrayed. The insulating band is robust against [Formula: see text], but highly sensitive to [Formula: see text], which causes to increase (decrease) the conductance. We can claim that under finite bias voltage, transport can facilitate the researchers to expose the essential features of the Majorana fermion in such closed systems composed of MBSs.
Optimal temperature estimation for a XXZ spin-1 2 chain coupled locally to independent thermal baths
Authors: Wang Chao-Quan
Published: September 2020

Temperature as an environmental parameter influences the evolution of an open quantum system. In detail, temperature lies in Lindblad operator of quantum master equation that the evolution of an open quantum system follows. Hence, one can implement a temperature estimation of thermal baths through a measurement of quantum Fisher information about temperature brought from quantum states. Such a method by calculating quantum Fisher information about a parameter to estimate its value avoids measuring the parameter directly and it does not change the value of the parameter due to making measurements. In this paper, we consider a model consisting of a XXZ spin-[Formula: see text] chain coupled locally to independent thermal baths with different temperature. Based on the model, we investigate optimal temperature estimation for thermal baths with respect to an open quantum system subjected to non-steady states. We first study optimal probe time for temperature estimation in the case of non-steady states and find that the optimal time shows different features for different types of system variables. It proves that in a certain duration there exists a tradeoff between the trial times and the attaining amount of Fisher information in each trial. In addition, we pay attention to an issue on optimal probe states. We demonstrate that in many cases the optimal states are not always the maximally entangled states and even maybe the separable states, which is related with the measuring time, system couplings.
Effect of the oscillations in the photon distribution of a squeezed field on the fluorescence spectrum of the Jaynes–Cummings model
Authors: Villanueva-Vergara L. , Soto-Eguibar F. , Moya-Cessa H. M.
Published: September 2020

Following the scheme proposed by Eberly and Wodkiewicz for the physical spectrum, we calculate the fluorescence spectrum of the Jaynes–Cummings model when the two-level system interacts with an electromagnetic field that initially is in a squeezed coherent state. We show the appearing of “ringing lines” in the fluorescence spectrum that are echoes of the oscillations in the photon distribution of the compressed field. These ringing lines may be a similar effect as the ringing revivals of the atomic inversion that are a signature of squeezed states.
Efficient exponential time differencing methods with Padé approximations for the semilinear space-time-fractional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Liang Xiao
Published: September 2020

The semilinear space-time-fractional Schrödinger equation is solved numerically using one-step and two-step exponential time differencing methods in time, and a fractional centered difference scheme in space. The two-parametric Mittag–Leffler function arising in the time integral is computed with Padé approximations, which improves the efficiency of the scheme markedly. Numerical experiments for well-known models from literature are performed to show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods.
Bloom Formation and Turing Patterns in an Infochemical Mediated Multitrophic Plankton Model
Authors: Al-Karkhi Tahani A. S. , Kusdiantara Rudy , Susanto Hadi , Codling Edward A.
Published: September 2020

A two-species predator–prey plankton model is studied, where the grazing pressure of microzooplankton on phytoplankton is controlled through external infochemical mediated predation. The system stability is analyzed in order to explain the conditions for phytoplankton bloom formation and to explore system bifurcations. The interplay between the level of infochemical-mediated external predation and the phytoplankton carrying capacity is considered over a range of parameter values and the resultant system dynamics is illustrated. The model is extended to include a spatial diffusion term leading to a reaction–diffusion system that is investigated by determining the Turing space of the model. Thereafter, the bifurcation analysis of specific time-independent patterns is explored. Through time integration, the system is also shown to exhibit the potential for temporally varying spatial patterns.
A New 4D Chaotic System with Coexisting Hidden Chaotic Attractors
Authors: Gong Lihua , Wu Rouqing , Zhou Nanrun
Published: September 2020

A new 4D chaotic system with infinitely many equilibria is proposed using a linear state feedback controller in the Sprott C system. Although the new 4D chaotic system has only two nonlinear terms, it has rich dynamic characteristics, such as hidden attractors and coexisting attractors. Besides, the freedom of offset boosting of a variable is achieved by adjusting a controlled constant. The dynamic characteristics of the new chaotic system are fully analyzed from the aspects of phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré maps. The corresponding analogue electronic circuit is designed and implemented to verify the new 4D chaotic system. By taking advantage of the complex dynamic properties of the new chaotic system, a random number generator algorithm is proposed.
Dynamic Evolution, Synchronization and Multistability in an Advertising Game Model with Homogeneous Products and Spillover Effect
Authors: Wang Wenrui , Zhou Wei , Xia Libin
Published: September 2020

Advertising competition among firms may give rise to very complex dynamical behaviors. In this article, under the assumption of spillover effects, a two-stage dynamical Cournot game of advertising competition between two firms, which produce homogeneous products, is developed. Then, the local stability of the equilibrium points is discussed, and stability conditions of the equilibrium points are obtained. In order to reveal the complex dynamical behaviors of the model, both analytical and numerical methods are employed. The research results show that the two coordinate axes and the diagonal of the system are invariant manifolds, and one can obtain the dynamical behaviors on the invariant manifolds by analyzing the Logistic map. In addition, it is found that the advertising efforts of these two firms may be synchronized, even if the system is in a chaotic state. Multistability is another topic of focus. It is found that not only two attractors but also three attractors can coexist in the phase space, and contact bifurcation can also occur during the evolution of the attracting basins. Finally, the impact of corporate advertising efforts on corporate profits is analyzed. It is found that too much advertising effort is harmful to the firms, and a firm with low adjustment speed can even earn more when the system is chaotic.
Memory-Induced Bifurcation and Oscillations in the Chemical Brusselator Model
Authors: Deng Qiqi , Zhou Tianshou
Published: September 2020

Previous studies assumed that the reaction processes in the chemical Brusselator model are memoryless or Markovian. However, as long as a reactant interacts with its environment, the reaction kinetics cannot be described as a memoryless process. This raises a question: how do we predict the behavior of the chemical Brusselator system with molecular memory characterized by nonexponential waiting-time distributions? Here, a novel technique is developed to address this question. This technique converts a non-Markovian question to a Markovian one by introducing effective transition rates that explicitly decode the memory effect. Based on this conversion, it is analytically shown that molecular memory can induce bifurcations and oscillations. Moreover, a set of sufficient conditions are derived, which can guarantee that the system of the rate equations for the Markovian reaction system generates oscillations via memory index-induced bifurcation. In turn, these conditions can guarantee that the original non-Markovian reaction system generates stochastic oscillations. Numerical simulation verifies the theoretical prediction. The overall analysis indicates that molecular memory is not a negligible factor affecting a chemical system’s behavior.
Stochastic Spiking-Bursting Excitability and Transition to Chaos in a Discrete-Time Neuron Model
Authors: Bashkirtseva Irina , Nasyrova Venera , Ryashko Lev
Published: September 2020

The randomly forced Rulkov neuron model with the discontinuous 2D-map is considered. We study the phenomena of the stochastic excitement: (i) noise-induced spiking in the parametric zone where the equilibrium is a single attractor; (ii) stochastic generation of the spiking in bistability zone; (iii) noise-induced bursting in the parametric zone where the deterministic model exhibits the tonic spiking. These stochastic effects are investigated numerically by means of probability density functions and mean values of interspike (interburst) intervals. For the parametric study of these noise-induced transformations, we suggest an analytical approach taking into account the stochastic sensitivity of attractors and peculiarities of deterministic phase portraits. In this analysis, we study the mutual arrangement of confidence domains and superthreshold zones near deterministic attractors. This approach gives a prediction of the onset of the noise-induced excitement in the form of the transitions quiescence-spiking or spiking-bursting. A relationship of these phenomena with the order-chaos transformations are discussed.
Permutation Entropy of State Transition Networks to Detect Synchronization
Authors: Shahriari Zahra , Small Michael
Published: September 2020

The dynamic behavior of many physical, biological, and other systems, are organized according to the synchronization of chaotic oscillators. In this paper, we have proposed a new method with low sensitivity to noise for detecting synchronization by mapping time series to complex networks, called the ordinal partition network, and calculating the permutation entropy of that structure. We show that this method can detect different kinds of synchronization such as complete synchronization, phase synchronization, and generalized synchronization. In all cases, the estimated permutation entropy decreases with increased synchronization. This method is also capable of estimating the topology of the network graph from the time series, without knowledge of the dynamical equations of individual nodes. This approach has been applied for the two identical and nonidentical coupled Rössler systems, two nonidentical coupled Lorenz systems, and a ring of coupled Lorenz96 oscillators.
EXTENSIONS OF THE SHANNON ENTROPY AND THE CHAOS GAME ALGORITHM TO HYPERBOLIC NUMBERS PLANE
Authors: TÉLLEZ-SÁNCHEZ G. Y. , BORY-REYES J.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we provide extensions to hyperbolic numbers plane of the classical Chaos game algorithm and the Shannon entropy. Both notions connected with that of probability with values in hyperbolic number, introduced by Alpay et al. [Kolmogorov’s axioms for probabilities with values in hyperbolic numbers, Adv. Appl. Clifford Algebras 27(2) (2017) 913–929]. Within this context, particular attention has been paid to the interpretation of the hyperbolic valued probabilities and the hyperbolic extension of entropy as well.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF NOVEL COVID-19 UNDER FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVE WITH CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIA
Authors: ALI ZEESHAN , RABIEI FARANAK , SHAH KAMAL , KHODADADI TOURAJ
Published: September 2020

In this paper, new model on novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with four compartments including susceptible, exposed, infected, and recovered class with fractal-fractional derivative is proposed. Here, Banach and Leray–Schauder alternative type theorems are used to establish some appropriate conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the solution. Also, stability is needed in respect of the numerical solution. Therefore, Ulam–Hyers stability using nonlinear functional analysis is used for the proposed model. Moreover, the numerical simulation using the technique of fundamental theorem of fractional calculus and the two-step Lagrange polynomial known as fractional Adams-Bashforth (AB) method is proposed. The obtained results are tested on real data of COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia from 25 January till 10 May 2020. The numerical simulation of the proposed model has performed in terms of graphs for different fractional-order [Formula: see text] and fractal dimensions [Formula: see text] via number of considered days of disease spread in Malaysia. Since COVID-19 transmits rapidly, perhaps, the clear understanding of transmission dynamics of COVID-19 is important for countries to implement suitable strategies and restrictions such as Movement Control Order (MCO) by the Malaysian government, against the disease spread. The simulated results of the presented model demonstrate that movement control order has a great impact on the transmission dynamics of disease outbreak in Malaysia. It can be concluded that by adopting precautionary measures as restrictions on individual movement the transmission of the disease in society is reduced. In addition, for such type of dynamical study, fractal-fractional calculus tools may be used as powerful tools to understand and predict the global dynamics of the mentioned disease in other countries as well.
Highly efficient Co(II) porphyrin catalysts for the extractive oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene in fuel oils under mild conditions
Authors: Tripathi Deependra , Yadav Inderpal , Negi Himani , Singh Raj K. , Srivastava Vimal C. , Sankar Muniappan
Published: September 2020

Co(II) porphyrins have been utilized as efficient and selective catalysts for the extractive oxidative desulfurization reaction on the refractory dibenzothiophene (DBT) in [Formula: see text]-dodecane (model middle distillate fuel oil). The acetonitrile was taken as extracting polar solvent and H2O2 was used as oxidant. The reaction optimization was done with respect to DBT:catalyst molar ratio; DBT:H2O2 molar ratio; extracting solvent: CH3CN/[Formula: see text]-dodecane volume ratio; reaction temperature and time. Under the optimized conditions, a maximum of [Formula: see text]98% DBT removal was achieved by using the meso-tetrakis(4[Formula: see text] methoxyphenyl)porphyrinatocobalt(II) as catalyst under mild conditions at 50[Formula: see text]C.
Synthesis of axially disubstituted silicon phthalocyanines and investigation of theirin vitrocytotoxic/phototoxic anticancer activities
Authors: Yurt Fatma , Saka Ece Tugba , Biyiklioglu Zekeriya , Tunçel Ayça , Ozel Derya , Ocakoglu Kasim
Published: September 2020

In this study, two SiPcs have been selected and the photodynamic therapy potentials were evaluated of the Pcs. Synthesis of Axially 2-decyn-1-oxy disubstituted Es-SiPc-2 was newly synthesized by the reaction of SiPcCl2with 2-decyn-1-ol in the presence of NaH in toluene. Furthermore, their nuclear imaging potentials were evaluated in human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) and human lung fibroblast cell (WI-38) cell lines. The uptake results have indicated that Es-SiPc labeled with [Formula: see text]I radionuclide ([Formula: see text]I-Es-SiPc) was approximately 2-fold higher in the HT-29 cell line than the WI-38 cell line. In other words, the target/non-target tissue ratio is defined as two in the HT-29/WI-38 cell lines. Besides, the uptake values of [Formula: see text]I-Es-SiPc were found to be higher than [Formula: see text]I-Es-SiPc-2. [Formula: see text]I-Es-SiPc and [Formula: see text]I-Es-SiPc-2 are promising for imaging or treating colon adenocarcinoma. In vitrophotodynamic therapy (PDT) studies have shown that both compounds are suitable and can be used in this field. Also, Es-SiPc has been shown to have higher phototoxicity than Es-SiPc-2.
Learning and education in HCI
Authors: Pammer-Schindler Viktoria , Harpstead Erik , Xie Benjamin , DiSalvo Betsy , Kharrufa Ahmed , Slovak Petr , Ogan Amy , Williams Joseph Jay , Lee Michael J.
Published: September 2020

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
Intersectionality in HCI
Authors: Rankin Yolanda A. , Thomas Jakita O. , Joseph Nicole M.
Published: September 2020

In this forum we explore different perspectives for how to apply intersectionality as a critical framework for design across multiple contexts.
--- Yolanda A. Rankin
and
Jakita O. Thomas, Editors
Measuring and Modeling Single-Cell Heterogeneity and Fate Decision in Mouse Embryos
Authors: Fiorentino Jonathan , Torres-Padilla Maria-Elena , Scialdone Antonio
Published: September 2020

Cellular heterogeneity is a property of any living system; however, its relationship with cellular fate decision remains an open question. Recent technological advances have enabled valuable insights, especially in complex systems such as the mouse embryo. In this review, we discuss recent studies that characterize cellular heterogeneity at different levels during mouse development, from the two-cell stage up to gastrulation. In addition to key experimental findings, we review mathematical modeling approaches that help researchers interpret these findings. Disentangling the role of heterogeneity in cell fate decision will likely rely on the refined integration of experiments, large-scale omics data, and mathematical modeling, complemented by the use of synthetic embryos and gastruloids as promising in vitro models.
Regulation and Function of RNA Pseudouridylation in Human Cells
Authors: Borchardt Erin K. , Martinez Nicole M. , Gilbert Wendy V.
Published: September 2020

Recent advances in pseudouridine detection reveal a complex pseudouridine landscape that includes messenger RNA and diverse classes of noncoding RNA in human cells. The known molecular functions of pseudouridine, which include stabilizing RNA conformations and destabilizing interactions with varied RNA-binding proteins, suggest that RNA pseudouridylation could have widespread effects on RNA metabolism and gene expression. Here, we emphasize how much remains to be learned about the RNA targets of human pseudouridine synthases, their basis for recognizing distinct RNA sequences, and the mechanisms responsible for regulated RNA pseudouridylation. We also examine the roles of noncoding RNA pseudouridylation in splicing and translation and point out the potential effects of mRNA pseudouridylation on protein production, including in the context of therapeutic mRNAs.
Clinical Pharmacology and Interplay of Immune Checkpoint Agents: A Yin-Yang Balance
Authors: Geraud Arthur , Gougis Paul , Vozy Aurore , Anquetil Celine , Allenbach Yves , Romano Emanuela , Funck-Brentano Elisa , Moslehi Javid J. , Johnson Douglas B. , Salem Joe-Elie
Published: September 2020

T cells have a central role in immune system balance. When activated, they may lead to autoimmune diseases. When too anergic, they contribute to infection spread and cancer proliferation. Immune checkpoint proteins regulate T cell function, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). These nodes of self-tolerance may be exploited pharmacologically to downregulate (CTLA-4 agonists) and activate [CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists, also called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)] the immune system.CTLA-4 agonists are used to treat rheumatologic immune disorders and graft rejection. CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 antagonists are approved for multiple cancer types and are being investigated for chronic viral infections. Notably, ICIs may be associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can be highly morbid or fatal. CTLA-4 agonism has been a promising method to reverse such life-threatening irAEs. Herein, we review the clinical pharmacology of these immune checkpoint agents with a focus on their interplay in human diseases.
Estimating Designers’ Performance considering Personal Characteristics and External Factors Together
Authors: Filippi Stefano
Published: September 2020

Design team performance evaluation can occur in different ways, all of them requiring considerations on interactions among team members; in turn, these considerations should count on as many pieces of information as possible about individuals. The literature already explains how personal characteristics and/or external factors influence designers' performance; nevertheless, a way to evaluate performance considering several personal characteristics and external factors together is missing. This research tries to fill the gap by developing the Designer’s Performance Estimator (DPE), a ready-to-use tool for researchers and practitioners who need to make information about team members as richer as possible.
Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Sepsis: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Jatsho Jimba , Nishizawa Yoriko , Pelzom Dorji , Sharma Ragunath
Published: September 2020

Background. Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. With a dearth of data on neonatal sepsis in our country, this study was conducted to determine the incidence of clinical neonatal sepsis and evaluate the clinical, bacteriological, and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of organisms. Material and Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neonatal Unit of the National Hospital from 1st January to 31st December 2016. All neonates admitted with suspected clinical sepsis were included. Sepsis screens and cultures were sent under aseptic conditions. Data was analyzed using STATA™ version 12. Clinical features and neonatal and maternal risk factors were analyzed using chi-squared test. Bacteriological profile was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results. During the study period, incidence of culture positive neonatal sepsis was 19 per 1000 admissions with a blood culture positivity rate of 14%. 54.5% had culture-positive early-onset sepsis (EOS). Prematurity (p=0.012), APGAR<6 (p=0.018), low birth weight (p<0.001), and maternal intrapartum antibiotics (p=0.031) significantly increased risk for culture-positive EOS. Prematurity (p<0.001), low birth weight (p=0.001), and parental nutrition (p=0.007) were significantly associated with increased risk of culture-positive late-onset sepsis. A positive screen had sensitivity of 81.8% and negative predictive value of 87.7%. Gram-negative organisms were most commonly isolated (64.6%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (31%) were the commonest isolate followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (27%) and Acinetobacter (18.8%). Ninety percent of Acinetobacter were carbapenem resistant. Gram-negative sepsis had mortality of 88.9%. Conclusion. Preterm, low birth weight, low APGAR scores, intrapartum antibiotics, and parental nutrition were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter were the principal causative organisms. Gram-negative organisms had high resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Degradation of Norfloxacin in an Aqueous Solution by the Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron-Activated Persulfate Process
Authors: Zhang Yanchang , Zhao Lin , Yang Yongkui , Sun Peizhe
Published: September 2020

In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was synthesized and used to activate persulfate (PS) for the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR). The nZVI/PS system exhibited a high reactivity towards NOR, and the degradation efficiency of NOR (100 mg/L) reached 93.8% with 0.1 g/L nZVI, 12 mM PS, and an initial pH of 7.0 within 7 min. The NOR degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the effects of parameters such as nZVI dosage, PS concentration, initial pH, and temperature were investigated systematically. Overloading of nZVI lowered the degradation efficiency owing to the quenching effect of excessive Fe2+. The higher PS concentration and temperature favored the degradation of NOR. The influence of pH was not obvious, and the degradation was effective in a wide pH range. In addition, the radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) indicated that both sulfate radical (SO4⋅-) and hydroxyl radical (OH⋅) were the dominant radicals in the degradation process, in which the latter played a more important role. Finally, three degradation pathways were proposed based on the result of intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Overall, this study indicated that the nZVI/PS system could provide a promising alternative for NOR wastewater treatment.
A Robust Control Scheme for a PVTOL System Subject to Wind Disturbances
Authors: Merlo-Zapata Carlos Alejandro , Aguilar-Ibanez Carlos , Gutiérrez-Frías Octavio , Antonio-Cruz Mayra , Márquez-Sánchez Celso , Suarez-Castanon Miguel S.
Published: September 2020

In this study, a control scheme that allows performing height position regulation and stabilization for an unmanned planar vertical take-off and landing aerial vehicle, in the presence of disturbance due to wind, is presented. To this end, the backstepping procedure together with nested saturation function method is used. Firstly, a convenient change of coordinates in the aerial vehicle model is carried out to dissociate the rotational dynamics from the translational one. Secondly, the backstepping procedure is applied to obtain the height position controller, allowing the reduction of the system and expressing it as an integrator chain with nonlinear disturbance. Therefore, the nested saturation function method is used to obtain a stabilizing controller for the horizontal position and roll angle. The corresponding stability analysis is conducted via the Lyapunov second method. In addition, to estimate the disturbance due to wind, an extended state observer is used. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is assessed through numerical simulations, from which convincing results have been obtained.
The Influence of Inhibition of Return and Level-Priming on the Global Precedence Effect
Authors: Wu Yan , Li Qi , Liu Yuanzi
Published: September 2020

The aim of the reported experiment was to investigate the effects of inhibition of return (IOR) and level-priming on the global precedence effect (GPE). The classical hierarchical stimuli combined with IOR and the level-priming paradigm were used. The participants selectively attended to the global or local features of compound numerals. The results showed that IOR inhibited the response to the global and local features; moreover, the inhibition effect on the perception of the global features was stronger than that of the local features in the stage of inhibitory processing, resulting in the disappearance of GPE. However, level-priming promoted the response to global and local features, and the promotion effect was stronger on local features, leading to the disappearance of GPE as well. These findings suggested that hierarchical processing was affected by IOR and level-priming, which were correlated with selective attention. Thus, it indicated that global precedence could be involved in attentional mechanisms.
The Association of General and Central Obesity with Dietary Patterns and Socioeconomic Status in Adult Women in Botswana
Authors: Motswagole Boitumelo , Jackson Jose , Kobue-Lekalake Rosemary , Maruapula Segametsi , Mongwaketse Tiyapo , Kwape Lemogang , Thomas Tinku , Swaminathan Sumathi , Kurpad Anura V. , Jackson Maria
Published: September 2020

Dietary patterns and their association with general and central obesity among adult women were studied using a cross-sectional survey with multistage cluster sampling in urban and rural areas nationwide in Botswana. The participants in the study were adult women (N = 1019), 18–75 years old. The dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis, and their associations with the body mass index and the weight-for-height ratio were examined. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify six dietary patterns (fast foods, refined carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits, fish and nuts, Botswana traditional foods, and organ and red meat dietary pattern). Overall, 24.5% of the women were overweight (BMI 25.0–29.99 kg/m2) and 24.5% were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). A waist-to-height ratio greater than 0.5 was observed for 42.2% of the women. With adjustment for age and education, individuals in the highest tertile of the Botswana traditional food pattern had a significantly higher risk of general obesity (RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07–1.84) and central obesity (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.97–1.48). With respect to the fish and nut pattern, a significant association was observed with central obesity only (RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18–1.72). The Botswana traditional food pattern, characterised by a high carbohydrate intake, was found to be associated with a high risk of obesity in this study. However, more research is required to assess other factors contributing to obesity in women so that appropriate intervention programs can be put in place to help control this epidemic.
Direct Healthcare Costs Associated with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at a Single Center
Authors: Thakral Amit , Pinto Daniel , Miller Michael , Curran Megan L. , Klein-Gitelman Marisa , French Dustin D.
Published: September 2020

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common disease in pediatric rheumatology. The management of oligoarticular JIA can result in a considerable economic burden. This study is a four-year, retrospective cost identification analysis performed to determine the annual direct cost of care for patients with oligoarticular JIA and possible predictive clinical factors. Direct healthcare costs were defined as those associated with office visits, laboratory studies, hospital admissions, joint injections, medications, infusions, radiology tests, and emergency room visits. Disease characteristics and patient information included ANA status, gender, age at diagnosis, duration from diagnosis to initial visit during the study period, and whether uveitis had been diagnosed. We identified 97 patients with oligoarticular JIA eligible for the study. The median age of diagnosis was 4.3 years. Positive ANA were noted in 75% of patients. 34% of patients received at least one intra-articular steroid injection. 32% of patients were prescribed a biologic during the study period, predominantly with other medications, while 23% of patients received only NSAIDs. 20% of patients were prescribed oral steroids. The average total direct medical cost in this study per year for an oligoarticular JIA patient was $3929±6985. Medications accounted for 85% of annual direct medical costs. Clinic visits and laboratory testing accounted for 8% and 5%, respectively. Patient characteristics and demographics were tested for association with direct medical costs by the Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Patients who were ANA positive had increased annual costs compared to patients who are ANA negative. ANA-positive patients were found to have statistically significant costs, particularly, in laboratory tests, procedural costs, radiology costs, and medication costs. The results reported here provide information when allocating healthcare resources and a better understanding of the economic impact oligoarticular JIA has on the United States healthcare system.
Global Transcriptome and Correlation Analysis Reveal Cultivar-Specific Molecular Signatures Associated with Fruit Development and Fatty Acid Determination in Camellia oleifera Abel
Authors: Peng Shaofeng , Lu Jia , Zhang Zhen , Ma Li , Liu Caixia , Chen Yongzhong
Published: September 2020

Background. Oil-tea Camellia is a very important edible oil plant widely distributed in southern China. Tea oil extracted from the oil-tea Camellia seeds is beneficial to health and is considered as a health edible oil. We attempt to identify genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis in an oil-tea Camellia seed kernel, generated a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the seed kernel at different developmental stages, and explore optimal picking time of fruit. Material and Methods. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometer was used to detect the content of various fatty acids in samples. Transcriptome analysis was performed to detect gene dynamics and corresponding functions. Results. Multiple phenotypic data were counted in detail, including the oil content, oleic acid content, linoleic acid content, linolenic acid content, fruit weight, fruit height, fruit diameter, single seed weight, seed length, and seed width in different developmental stages, which indicate that a majority of indicators increased with the development of oil-tea Camellia. The transcriptomics was conducted to perform a comprehensive and system-level view on dynamic gene expression networks for different developmental stages. Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) analysis of XL106 (the 6 time points) and XL210 (8 time points) was performed to screen related fatty acid (FA) gene set, from which 1041 candidate genes related to FA were selected in XL106 and 202 related genes were screened in XL210 based on GO and KEGG enrichment. Then, candidate genes and trait dataset were combined to conduct correlation analysis, and 10 genes were found to be strongly connected with several key traits. Conclusions. The multiple phenotypic data revealed the dynamic law of changes during the picking stage. Transcriptomic analysis identified a large number of potential key regulatory factors that can control the oil content of dried kernels, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, fresh seed rate, and kernel-to-seed ratio, thereby providing a new insight into the molecular networks underlying the picking stage of oil-tea Camellia, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimal fruit picking point.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed circRNAs Reveals a Colorectal Cancer-Related ceRNA Network
Authors: Que Feng , Wang Hua , Luo Yi , Cui Li , Wei Lanfu , Xi Zhaohong , Lin Qiu , Ge Yongsheng , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

The morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) remained to be very high worldwide. Recently, circRNAs had been revealed to have a crucial role in cancer prognosis and progression. Numerous researches have shown that RNA sequencing technology and in silico method were widely used to identify pathogenic mechanisms and uncover promising targets for diagnosis and therapy. In this study, these methods were analyzed to obtain differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). We identified upregulated 316 circRNAs and reduced 76 circRNAs in CRC samples, in comparison with those in normal tissues. In addition, a competitive endogenous network of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA was established to predict the mechanisms of circRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these circRNAs participated in metabolism regulation and cell cycle progression. Of note, we observed the hub genes and miRNAs in this ceRNA network were associated with the survival time in CRC. We think this study could provide potential prognostic biomarkers and targets for CRC.
Prevalence of Dental Trauma and Receipt of Its Treatment among Male School Children in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ansari Asim , Nazir Muhammad
Published: September 2020

Background. Dental trauma is a common dental public health problem, and it affects 20% to 30% of permanent dentition worldwide.Objective. To evaluate self-reported dental trauma to permanent anterior teeth and the receipt of dental treatment among male school children.Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study included grade 7 to 9 school children in Dammam/Al-Khobar, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The participants responded to a pilot-tested self-completion questionnaire which contained questions about experience, types, place, and reasons for dental trauma and the receipt of dental treatment. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.Results. There were 258 students in the study with a mean age of 14.29 ± 1.11 years. Dental trauma was experienced by 39.5% of the participants. Tooth fracture (22.7%) was the most common type of dental trauma followed by tooth displacement (8.7%) and complete tooth removal (8%). The most common reason of dental trauma included fall (9.3%) and accidental hit by some objects (8.9). Home (19.8%), school (5%), and playground (4.2%) were reported as common places of dental trauma. Dental treatment was received by 20.5% of the samples. Most participants visited a dental clinic (10.8%) and used self-care at home (7.2%) after dental trauma. Nearly 4.7% of the participants received dental treatment immediately, 5% on the next day, and 2.7% after a month. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed a significant association of monthly family income (odds ratio = 0.44) with dental trauma (P=0.008).Conclusion. Dental trauma was highly prevalent among school children; however, few of them received care/dental treatment. Participants frequently experienced dental trauma due to a fall in their homes. Preventive measures should be taken to prevent dental trauma, reduce its burden, and improve quality of life.
Effect of Ultrafine Powderization and Solid Dispersion Formation via Hot-Melt Extrusion on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and the Human Kv1.3 Channel Inhibitory Activities of Angelica gigas Nakai
Authors: Jiang Yunyao , Piao Jingpei , Liu Nan , Hou Jincai , Liu Jianxun , Hu Weicheng
Published: September 2020

Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) was first processed by ultrafine grinding technology and hot-melt extrusion (HME). The potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of AGN with a different process were compared, and the effect on the human Kv1.3 potassium channel was detected. The process of ultrafine powderization on AGN significantly increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and DNA damage protective effect. On the contrary, AGN solid dispersion (AGN-SD) based on Soluplus® showed the highest inhibitory effect on NO production and the human Kv1.3 channel. In addition, AGN-SD inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 and intracellular reactive oxygen species and the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6. Taken together, these results suggest that ultrafine powderization and solid dispersion formation via HME can significantly improve the biological activities of AGN. The results also suggested that ultrafine powderization and HME may be developed and applied in the pharmaceutical industry.
Comparison of Effectiveness between Cobalt Chromium Rods versus Titanium Rods for Treatment of Patients with Spinal Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shega Frank D. , Zhang HongQi , Manini Daudi R. , Tang MingXing , Liu ShaoHua
Published: September 2020

Background. Biomechanical properties of rods determine their ability to correct spinal deformity and prevention of postoperative sagittal and coronal changes. The selection of a proper rod material is crucial due to their specific mechanical properties that influence the surgical outcome. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of cobalt chromium rods versus titanium rods for the treatment of spinal deformity by a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched for observational and biomechanical studies comparing cobalt chromium and titanium rods in terms of correction rate, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, incidence of rod fracture, fatigue life of contoured rod, bending stiffness of rods, and occurrence of proximal junctional kyphosis. The demographic data and mean values of outcomes of interest were extracted from each group and compared by their mean difference as an overall outcome measure. The Review Manager software (RevMan 5.3) was utilized at a 95% significance level. Results. Eleven eligible studies with 641 participants for 7 observational studies and 35 samples for 4 biomechanical studies were identified. There were no significant differences between cobalt chromium and titanium rods in the correction rate of spinal deformity. Postoperative thoracic kyphosis was well restored in the cobalt chromium group with statistical significance (p value = 0.009). The incidence of rod fracture was high in titanium rods compared to cobalt chromium rods with significant difference (p value = 0.0001). Proximal junctional kyphosis occurs more in the cobalt chromium group with a significant difference (p value = 0.0009). No statistical significance between two materials in terms of lumbar lordosis, fatigue of life, and bending stiffness of rods. Conclusion. The cobalt chromium rod is better than titanium rod for effective correction of spinal deformity and postoperative stability of the spine. However, the use of cobalt chromium rods is associated with increased risk of proximal junctional kyphosis.
Reconfigurable Satellite Constellation Design for Disaster Monitoring Using Physical Programming
Authors: He Xiangyue , Li Haiyang , Yang Luyi , Zhao Jian
Published: September 2020

Data collection by satellites during and after a natural disaster is of great significance. In this work, a reconfigurable satellite constellation is designed for disaster monitoring, and satellites in the constellation are made to fly directly overhead of the disaster site through orbital transfer. By analyzing the space geometry relations between satellite orbit and an arbitrary disaster site, a mathematical model for orbital transfer and overhead monitoring is established. Due to the unpredictability of disasters, target sites evenly spaced on the Earth are considered as all possible disaster scenarios, and the optimal reconfigurable constellation is designed with the intention to minimize total velocity increment, maximum and mean reconfiguration time, and standard deviation of reconfiguration times for all target sites. To deal with this multiobjective optimization, a physical programming method together with a genetic algorithm is employed. Numerical results are obtained through the optimization, and different observation modes of the reconfigurable constellation are analyzed by a specific case. Superiority of our design is demonstrated by comparing with the existing literature, and excellent observation performance of the reconfigurable constellation is demonstrated.
Authenticator Rebinding Attack of the UAF Protocol on Mobile Devices
Authors: Li Hui , Pan Xuesong , Wang Xinluo , Feng Haonan , Shi Chengjie
Published: September 2020

We present a novel attack named “Authenticator Rebinding Attack,” which aims at the Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) Universal Authentication Framework (UAF) protocol implemented on mobile devices. The presented Authenticator Rebinding Attack rebinds the victim’s identity to the attacker’s authenticator rather than the victim’s authenticator being verified by the service in the UAF protocol, allowing the attacker to bypass the UAF protocol local authentication mechanism by imitating the victim to perform sensitive operations such as transfer and payment. The lack of effective authentication between entities in the implementations of the UAF protocol used in the actual system causes the vulnerability to the Authenticator Rebinding Attack. In this paper, we implement this attack on the Android platform and evaluate its implementability, where results show that the proposed attack is implementable in the actual system and Android applications using the UAF protocol are prone to such attack. We also discuss the possible countermeasures against the threats posed by Authenticator Rebinding Attack for different stakeholders implementing UAF on the Android platform.
Comparison of Different Analyzing Techniques in Identifying Rainfall Trends for Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Anushka , Ranasinghe Thilini , Gunathilake Miyuru , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: September 2020

Identifying rainfall trends in highly urbanized area is extremely important for various planning and implementation activities, including designing, maintaining and controlling of water distribution networks and sewer networks and mitigating flood damages. However, different available methods in trend analysis may produce comparable and contrasting results. Therefore, this paper presents an attempt in comparing some of the trend analysis methods using one of the highly urbanized areas in Sri Lanka, Colombo. Recorded rainfall data for 10 gauging stations for 30 years were tested using the MannKendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, Spearman’s rho test, and innovative graphical method. Results showcased comparable findings among three trend identification methods. Even though the graphical method is easier, it is advised to use it with a proper statistical method due to its identification difficulties when the data scatter has some outliers. Nevertheless, it was found herein that Colombo is under a downward rainfall trend in the month of July where the area receives its major rainfall events. In addition, the area has several upward rainfall trends over the minor seasons and in the annual scale. Therefore, the water management activities in the area have to be revisited for a sustainable use of water resources.