bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian estimation of vocal function measures using laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy and glottal airflow estimates: An in vivo case study
Authors: Alzamendi Gabriel A. , Manríquez Rodrigo , Hadwin Paul J. , Deng Jonathan J. , Peterson Sean D. , Erath Byron D. , Mehta Daryush D. , Hillman Robert E. , Zañartu Matías
Published: May 2020

This study introduces the in vivo application of a Bayesian framework to estimate subglottal pressure, laryngeal muscle activation, and vocal fold contact pressure from calibrated transnasal high-speed videoendoscopy and oral airflow data. A subject-specific, lumped-element vocal fold model is estimated using an extended Kalman filter and two observation models involving glottal area and glottal airflow. Model-based inferences using data from a vocally healthy male individual are compared with empirical estimates of subglottal pressure and reference values for muscle activation and contact pressure in the literature, thus providing baseline error metrics for future clinical investigations.
Poorer Visual Acuity is Independently Associated With Impaired Balance and Step Length But Not Overall Physical Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Sorbello Shanelle , Quang Do Vu , Palagyi Anna , Keay Lisa
Published: May 2020

This study examined the association between varying levels of visual acuity (VA) and physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery) in older adults. A cross-sectional analysis of participants aged ≥50 years with a clinical diagnosis of vision loss across two studies was undertaken. Of 434 (96%) participants with available VA data, 74% (320/434) had nil, 7% (32/434) had mild, 8% (33/434) had moderate, and 11% (49/434) had severe visual impairment. Poorer VA of both better and worse eye was found to be significantly associated with poorer standing balance (p = .006 and p = .004, respectively); worse VA of the better eye was significantly associated with increased number of steps per meter (p = .005). Mean total Short Physical Performance Battery score of this study population was lower than published normative data for this age group. Physical activity programs for older people with reduced VA should be targeted at improving balance and gait skills to reduce falls risk.
SARS-CoV-2 infection protects against rechallenge in rhesus macaques
Authors: Chandrashekar Abishek , Liu Jinyan , Martinot Amanda J. , McMahan Katherine , Mercado Noe B. , Peter Lauren , Tostanoski Lisa H. , Yu Jingyou , Maliga Zoltan , Nekorchuk Michael , Busman-Sahay Kathleen , Terry Margaret , Wrijil Linda M. , Ducat Sarah , Martinez David R. , Atyeo Caroline , Fischinger Stephanie , Burke John S. , Slein Matthew D. , Pessaint Laurent , Van Ry Alex , Greenhouse Jack , Taylor Tammy , Blade Kelvin , Cook Anthony , Finneyfrock Brad , Brown Renita , Teow Elyse , Velasco Jason , Zahn Roland , Wegmann Frank , Abbink Peter , Bondzie Esther A. , Dagotto Gabriel , Gebre Makda S. , He Xuan , Jacob-Dolan Catherine , Kordana Nicole , Li Zhenfeng , Lifton Michelle A. , Mahrokhian Shant H. , Maxfield Lori F. , Nityanandam Ramya , Nkolola Joseph P. , Schmidt Aaron G. , Miller Andrew D. , Baric Ralph S. , Alter Galit , Sorger Peter K. , Estes Jacob D. , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark G. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: May 2020

Immunity from reinfection

One of the many open questions about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is whether an individual who has cleared the virus can be infected a second time and get sick. Chandrashekar
et al.
and Deng
et al.
generated rhesus macaque models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and tested whether natural SARS-CoV-2 infection could result in immunity to viral rechallenge. They found that animals indeed developed immune responses that protected against a second infection. Although there are differences between SARS-CoV-2 infection in macaques and in humans, these findings have key implications for public health and economic initiatives if validated in human studies.

Science
, this issue p.
812
, p.
818
Selective inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3α corrects pathophysiology in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome
Authors: McCamphill Patrick K. , Stoppel Laura J. , Senter Rebecca K. , Lewis Michael C. , Heynen Arnold J. , Stoppel David C. , Sridhar Vinay , Collins Katie A. , Shi Xi , Pan Jen Q. , Madison Jon , Cottrell Jeffrey R. , Huber Kimberly M. , Scolnick Edward M. , Holson Edward B. , Wagner Florence F. , Bear Mark F.
Published: May 2020

Selective inhibition of GSK3α corrects diverse impairments in theFmr1−/ymouse model of fragile X syndrome.
Evaluation of Serological Tests for Detection of Antibodies against Lumpy Skin Disease Virus
Authors: Krešić Nina , Šimić Ivana , Bedeković Tomislav , Acinger-Rogić Žaklin , Lojkić Ivana
Published: May 2020

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging, transboundary viral pox disease affecting cattle of all ages and breeds. The serological assay for monitoring immunity following vaccination is a virus neutralization test (VNT/OIE) that determines the neutralization index (NI). The first validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; IDVet) has become commercially available, facilitating large-scale serosurveillance for LSD. Although the VNT is labor intensive and time consuming, it is still the recommended test by the OIE.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Psychrotolerant Bacterium
Methylobacterium
sp. Strain BTF04, Isolated from Freshwater in Antarctica
Authors: Cho Ahnna , Cho Yong-Joon , Kim Soyeon , Kim Ok-Sun
Published: May 2020

Methylobacterium
sp. strain BTF04, a pink-pigmented psychrotolerant bacterium, was isolated from freshwater on Barton Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Here, we report the assembled draft genome sequence of
Methylobacterium
sp. strain BTF04.
Genome Sequences of Burkholderia thailandensis Strains E421, E426, and DW503
Authors: Mageeney Catherine M. , Sinha Anupama , Williams Kelly P. , Branda Steven S.
Published: May 2020

We present the draft genome sequences of three
Burkholderia thailandensis
strains, E421, E426, and DW503. E421 consists of 90 contigs of 6,639,935 bp and 67.73% GC content. E426 consists of 106 contigs of 6,587,853 bp and 67.73% GC content. DW503 consists of 102 contigs of 6,458,767 bp and 67.64% GC content.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterobacter asburiae UFMG-H9, Isolated from Urine from a Healthy Bovine Heifer (Gyr Breed)
Authors: Giannattasio-Ferraz Silvia , Maskeri Laura , Oliveira André Penido , Barbosa-Stancioli Edel F. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Enterobacter asburiae
is part of the
Enterobacter cloacae
complex, related to nosocomial opportunistic infections in humans. Here, we report the draft genome of
E. asburiae
strain UFMG-H9, an isolate from urine from a healthy Gyr heifer.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus jensenii UMB0836, Isolated from the Female Bladder
Authors: Rivera Isaac , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Lactobacillus jensenii
is a frequent member of both the vaginal and urinary microbiota. Here, we present the draft genome sequence for
L. jensenii
UMB0836, isolated from catheterized urine obtained from a pregnant female. The genome is 1,648,234 bp long, assembled in 40 contigs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus anginosus UMB7768, Isolated from a Woman with Recurrent UTI Symptoms
Authors: Miller Sarah , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Streptococcus anginosus
recently was implicated as a pathogen involved in urinary tract infections. A strain of
S. anginosus
was isolated from the female urogenital tract. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
S. anginosus
strain UMB7768.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Strains Isolated from the InSight Spacecraft and Associated Surfaces Using Oxford Nanopore- and Illumina-Based Sequencing
Authors: Vera Daniel L. , Seuylemezian Arman , Landry Kyle S. , Hendrickson Ryan
Published: May 2020

Whole-genome sequencing and annotation have allowed planetary protection engineers to assess the functional capabilities of microorganisms isolated from spacecraft hardware and associated surfaces. Here, we report draft genomes of six strains isolated from the InSight mission, determined using Oxford Nanopore- and Illumina-based sequencing.
Genome Sequences of Two Putative Streptogramin Producers,
Streptomyces
sp. Strains TÜ 2975 and TÜ 3180, from the Tübingen Strain Collection
Authors: Hennrich Oliver , Handel Franziska , Ort-Winklbauer Regina , Mast Yvonne
Published: May 2020

Streptomyces
sp. TÜ 2975 and TÜ 3180 are two strains from the Tübingen
Actinomycetes
strain collection. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of TÜ 2975 and TÜ 3180, with sizes of 7.62 Mb and 8.63 Mb, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vibrio rotiferianus Strain AM7
Authors: Miyazaki Kentaro , Wiseschart Apirak , Pootanakit Kusol , Kitahara Kei
Published: May 2020

We isolated the novel strain
Vibrio rotiferianus
AM7 from the shell of an abalone. In this article, we report the complete genome sequence of this organism, which was obtained by combining Oxford Nanopore long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing data.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension secondary to implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead thrombus in a patient with Brugada syndrome: a rare complication requiring a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Alegria Sofia , Ferreira Filipa , Repolho Débora , Loureiro Maria José
Published: May 2020

We report the case of a 57-year-old male patient with prior syncope associated with sustained ventricular tachycardia in the setting of Brugada syndrome, who was submitted to implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator for secondary prevention. During follow-up, he presented a significant increase in lead impedance, and a transthoracic echocardiogram showed a mass attached to the lead. He was started on oral anticoagulation after infective endocarditis was excluded but nevertheless suffered repeated episodes of pulmonary embolism that led to severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. After heart team discussion, he was referred to pulmonary endarterectomy and replacement of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator with a subcutaneous device. This led to significant improvement of functional class and normalisation of pulmonary haemodynamics. More recently, he suffered syncope in the setting of ventricular fibrillation with appropriate shocks and was started on quinidine without further recurrence of arrhythmic episodes.
Determinants of lamina cribrosa depth in healthy Asian eyes: the Singapore Epidemiology Eye Study
Authors: Tun Tin A , Wang Xiaofei , Baskaran Mani , Nongpiur Monisha Esther , Tham Yih Chung , Nguyen Duc Quang , Strouthidis Nicholas G , Aung Tin , Cheng Ching-Yu , Boote Craig , Girard Michael J A
Published: May 2020

Aim

To investigate the determinants of lamina cribrosa depth (LCD) in healthy eyes of Chinese and Indian Singaporean adults.

Methods

The optic nerve head (ONH) of the right eye of 1396 subjects (628 Chinese and 768 Indian subjects) was imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT, Spectralis, Heidelberg, Germany). LCD was defined as the distance from the Bruch’s membrane opening (LCD-BMO) or the peripapillary sclera (LCD-PPS) reference plane to the laminar surface. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between the LCD and its determinants.

Results

Both LCDs were significantly different between the two races (LCD-BMO: 421.95 (95% CI 365.32 to 491.79) µm in Chinese vs 430.39 (367.46–509.81) µm in Indians, p=0.021; and LCD-PPS: 353.34 (300.98–421.45) µm in Chinese vs 376.76 (313.39–459.78) µm in Indians, p<0.001). In the multivariable regression analysis, the LCD-PPS of the whole cohort was independently associated with females (β=−31.93, p<0.001), Indians subjects (β=21.39, p=0.004) (Chinese as the reference), axial length (Axl) (β=−6.68, p=0.032), retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) (β=0.71, p=0.019), choroidal thickness (ChT) (β=0.41, p<0.001), vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) (β=24.42, p<0.001) and disc size (β=−60.75, p=0.001). For every 1 year older in age, the LCD-PPS was deeper on average by 1.95 µm in Chinese subjects (p=0.01) but there was no association in Indians subjects (p=0.851).

Conclusions

The LCD was influenced by age, gender, race, Axl, RNFL, ChT, VCDR and disc size. This normative LCD database may facilitate a more accurate assessment of ONH cupping using OCT in Asian populations.
Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Fulchand Shivali
Published: May 2020

Guideline: Diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease during the covid-19 pandemic

Published by the European Society of Cardiology.

This summary is based on the version published on 21 April 2020 (https://www.escardio.org/Education/COVID-19-and-Cardiology/ESC-COVID-19-Guidance)
Prior HIV testing behaviour is associated with HIV testing results among men, trans women and trans men who have sex with men in the United States
Authors: Grov Christian , Westmoreland Drew , Golub Sarit A , Nash Denis
Published: May 2020

Background

Among those at high risk for HIV, it is important to examine the ways in which someone who has recently tested for HIV might differ from someone who has not.

Methods

In 2017–2018, a total of 5001 men, trans women and trans men who have sex with men from across the United States completed an online survey about their recent testing behaviour as well as self-collected oral samples for HIV testing.

Results

In total, 3.8% tested HIV-positive and—among those with positive results—35% were recent HIV infections (ie, self-reported an HIV-negative test result within the 12 months prior to enrollment). Those with HIV-positive results—regardless of how recent their HIV test was prior to enrollment—differed from those with negative results in ways that are known to be associated with HIV risk: racial and income disparities, housing instability, recent transactional sex and recent methamphetamine use. Among those with HIV-positive results at enrollment, only having a primary care physician distinguished those who recently tested negative prior to enrollment versus not. Among those with HIV-negative results, there were numerous differences between those who had recently tested for HIV prior to enrollment, versus not, such that those who had not recently tested were significantly more likely to report being at higher risk for HIV.

Conclusion

Strategies aimed at improving more frequent HIV testing among HIV-negative persons at high risk for HIV should address other needs including stable housing, transactional sex, access to a primary care provider and methamphetamine use.
COVID-19 and lung cancer: risks, mechanisms and treatment interactions
Authors: Addeo Alfredo , Obeid Michel , Friedlaender Alex
Published: May 2020

Cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to rise worldwide. To date, there is no effective treatment. Clinical management is largely symptomatic, with organ support in intensive care for critically ill patients. The first phase I trial to test the efficacy of a vaccine has recently begun, but in the meantime there is an urgent need to decrease the morbidity and mortality of severe cases. It is known that patients with cancer are more susceptible to infection than individuals without cancer because of their systemic immunosuppressive state caused by the malignancy and anticancer treatments. Therefore, these patients might be at increased risk of pulmonary complications from COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 could in some case induce excessive and aberrant non-effective host immune responses that are associated with potentially fatal severe lung injury and patients can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cytokine release syndrome and viral ARDS result from uncontrolled severe acute inflammation. Acute lung injury results from inflammatory monocyte and macrophage activation in the pulmonary luminal epithelium which lead to a release of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These cytokines play a crucial role in immune-related pneumonitis, and could represent a promising target when the infiltration is T cell predominant or there are indirect signs of high IL-6-related inflammation, such as elevated C-reactive protein. A monoclonal anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab has been administered in a number of cases in China and Italy. Positive clinical and radiological outcomes have been reported. These early findings have led to an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial in China and Italy. While data from those trials are eagerly awaited, patients’ management will continue to rely for the vast majority on local guidelines. Among many other aspects, this crisis has proven that different specialists must join forces to deliver the best possible care to patients.
COVID-19 and immune checkpoint inhibitors: initial considerations
Authors: Sullivan Ryan J , Johnson Douglas B , Rini Brian I , Neilan Tomas G , Lovly Christine M , Moslehi Javid J , Reynolds Kerry L
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 infections are characterized by inflammation of the lungs and other organs that ranges from mild and asymptomatic to fulminant and fatal. Patients who are immunocompromised and those with cardiopulmonary comorbidities appear to be particularly afflicted by this illness. During pandemic conditions, many aspects of cancer care have been impacted. One important clinical question is how to manage patients who need anticancer therapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) during these conditions. Herein, we consider diagnostic and therapeutic implications of using ICI during this unprecedented period of COVID-19 infections. In particular, we consider the impact of ICI on COVID-19 severity, decisions surrounding continuing or interrupting therapy, diagnostic measures in patients with symptoms or manifestations potentially consistent with either COVID-19 or ICI toxicity, and resumption of therapy in infected patients. While more robust data are needed to guide clinicians on management of patients with cancer who may be affected by COVID-19, we hope this commentary provides useful insights for the clinical community.
‘There is a lot of good in knowing, but there is also a lot of downs’: public views on ethical considerations in population genomic screening
Authors: Smit Amelia K , Reyes-Marcelino Gillian , Keogh Louise , Cust Anne E , Newson Ainsley J
Published: May 2020

Publics are key stakeholders in population genomic screening and their perspectives on ethical considerations are relevant to programme design and policy making. Using semi-structured interviews, we explored social views and attitudes towards possible future provision of personalised genomic risk information to populations to inform prevention and/or early detection of relevant conditions. Participants were members of the public (n=30) who had received information on their personal genomic risk of melanoma as part of a research project. The focus of the analysis presented here is participants’ views regarding ethical considerations relevant to population genomic screening more generally. Data were analysed thematically and four key themes related to ethical considerations were identified: (i) personal responsibility for health: ‘forewarned is forearmed’; (ii) perceptions of, and responses to, genetic fatalism; (iii) implications for parenting and reproduction; (iv) divided views on choosing to receive genomic risk information. Ethical considerations underlying these themes include the valorisation of information and choice, paternalism, non-directiveness and increasing responsibilisation of individuals in health and healthcare. These findings arguably indicate a thin public conceptualisation of population genomic testing, which draws heavily on how these themes tend to be described in existing social discourses. Findings suggest that further public engagement is required to increase complexity of debate, to consider (for example) the appropriate place of individual and social interests in population genomic testing. Further discernment of relevant ethical approaches, drawing on ethical frameworks from both public health and clinical settings, will also assist in determining the appropriate implementation of population genomic screening for complex conditions.
DCTN1-related Parkinson-plus disorder (Perry syndrome)
Authors: Richardson Daniel , McEntagart Meriel M , Isaacs Jeremy D
Published: May 2020

Dynactin-1 (DCTN1)-related Parkinson-plus disorder (Perry syndrome) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterised by levodopa-resistant parkinsonism, weight loss, mood change and central hypoventilation. Ventilatory insufficiency is the predominant cause of death. It has been previously described in 87 people from 20 families with a worldwide distribution. It is now recognised as a distinct TDP-43 proteinopathy caused by a pathological mutation in DCTN1. Its rarity and clinical overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases increase the risk of delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Ventilatory support can improve life expectancy but this depends upon its recognition; overall its prognosis remains poor. We report a patient with DCTN1-related Parkinson-plus disorder, in whom genetic confirmation came only after death.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes for paediatric patients admitted with congenital or acquired syphilis: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Brock Robert , Edwards Brett , Lu Shengjie , Chu Angel , Somayaji Ranjani
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Paediatric congenital and acquired syphilis cases have been increasing since 2012 in the USA. Potential differences in associated hospitalisation trends and healthcare utilisation between the two syphilis entities have not yet been assessed. We sought to compare these entities and describe their clinical characteristics, distribution and impact in the USA.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study using the 2016 Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) to identify and characterise syphilis-associated hospitalisations among paediatric patients (age 0–21 years) in the USA during the year of 2016. Length of stay and hospitalisation costs for patients with congenital and acquired syphilis were compared in multivariable models.

Results

A total of 1226 hospitalisations with the diagnosis of syphilis were identified. Of these patients, 958 had congenital syphilis and 268 were acquired cases. The mean cost of care for congenital syphilis was $23 644 (SD=1727), while the treatment of a patient with acquired syphilis on average cost $10 749 (SD=1966). Mean length of stay was 8 days greater and mean total costs were $12 895 (US dollars) higher in the congenital syphilis cohort compared with the acquired syphilis cohort. In congenital syphilis, there were greater frequency of cases in the Southern and Western regions of the USA (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Congenital syphilis was associated with greater healthcare-related expenditure than acquired syphilis in paediatric patients. In addition to improving patient outcomes, congenital syphilis prevention efforts may significantly reduce healthcare utilisation burden and cost.
Peripheral eosinophilia and eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in a dog with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Stilwell Cecilia Alexandra , Florey Jessica
Published: May 2020

An eight‐year‐old, male neutered, crossbreed dog presented for evaluation of exercise intolerance, tachypnoea and cough. Initial haematology revealed moderate lymphocytosis (8.58 × 109/l, reference interval (RI) 1.0–4.8) and eosinophilia (2.74 × 109/l, RI 0.1–1.2). Thoracic radiographs revealed a generalised interstitial pattern with several ill‐defined nodules. Cytology of the nodules identified a mixed inflammatory population consisting of 60 per cent eosinophils. In the absence of an underlying cause, a diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) was made. Five weeks after the introduction of prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day), repeated haematology revealed persistent lymphocytosis (6.89 × 109/l). Blood flow cytometry was consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Chlorambucil (6 mg/m2/day) was introduced and the haematological abnormalities and clinical signs resolved. The dog was euthanased 15 months after diagnosis due to acute clinical deterioration. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of concurrent eosinophilia and EBP in a dog with CLL. The possibility of a paraneoplastic peripheral eosinophilia and EBP was considered.
Current status and advancement suggestions of ice-jam flood hazard and risk assessment
Authors: Das Apurba , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich
Published: May 2020

In many northern rivers, ice-jam flooding can be more severe than open-water flooding, leading to human casualties, damages to property and infrastructure, and adverse impacts on the ecology. Consequently, ice jam related flooding is a major concern for many riverside communities, water authorities, insurance companies, and government agencies. Ice-jam flood hazard delineation and risk analysis are important measures for flood preparation, mitigation, and management strategies. Although methodologies and techniques for open-water flood hazard and risk assessment are well established, methodologies and techniques for ice-jam flood hazard and risk assessment are often unavailable or less developed. In addition to this, a considerable number of studies have been conducted in the context of flood management, but a very limited number of studies have been carried out in real-time flood risk analysis during operational flood forecasting. In this paper, the current status of ice-jam flood hazard delineation and risk analysis is discussed. A framework for real-time risk analysis for operational flood forecasting is also discussed. Finally, current limitations and future requirements for developing effective ice-jam flood hazard delineation and risk analysis methodologies are provided.
HEPfit: a code for the combination of indirect and direct constraints on high energy physics models
Authors: de Blas J. , Chowdhury D. , Ciuchini M. , Coutinho A. M. , Eberhardt O. , Fedele M. , Franco E. , di Cortona G. Grilli , Miralles V. , Mishima S. , Paul A. , Peñuelas A. , Pierini M. , Reina L. , Silvestrini L. , Valli M. , Watanabe R. , Yokozaki N.
Published: May 2020

is a flexible open-source tool which, given the Standard Model or any of its extensions, allows to (i) fit the model parameters to a given set of experimental observables; (ii) obtain predictions for observables. can be used either in Monte Carlo mode, to perform a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis of a given model, or as a library, to obtain predictions of observables for a given point in the parameter space of the model, allowing to be used in any statistical framework. In the present version, around a thousand observables have been implemented in the Standard Model and in several new physics scenarios. In this paper, we describe the general structure of the code as well as models and observables implemented in the current release.
Dyon in the SU(2) Yang–Mills theory with a gauge-invariant gluon mass toward quark confinement
Authors: Nishino Shogo , Kondo Kei-Ichi
Published: May 2020

In the previous paper, we have shown the existence of magnetic monopoles in the pure SU(2) Yang–Mills theory with a gauge-invariant mass term for the gluon field being introduced. In this paper, we extend our previous construction of magnetic monopoles to obtain dyons with both magnetic and electric charges. In fact, we solve under the static and spherically symmetric ansatz the field equations of the SU(2) “complementary” gauge-scalar model, which is the SU(2) Yang–Mills theory coupled to a single adjoint scalar field whose radial degree of freedom is eliminated. We show that the novel dyon solution can be identified with the gauge field configuration of a dyon with a minimum magnetic charge in the massive Yang–Mills theory. Moreover, we compare the dyon of the massive Yang–Mills theory obtained in this way with the Julia–Zee dyon in the Georgi–Glashow gauge-Higgs scalar model and the dyonic extension of the Wu–Yang magnetic monopole in the pure Yang–Mills theory. Finally, we identify the novel dyon solution found in this paper with a dyon configuration on $$S^1 \times {\mathbb {R}}^3$$S1×R3 space with nontrivial holonomy and propose to use it to understand the confinement/deconfinement phase transition in the Yang–Mills theory at finite temperature, instead of using the dyons constituting the Kraan–van Baal–Lee–Lu caloron.
Herwig 7.2 release note
Authors: Bellm Johannes , Bewick Gavin , Ferrario Ravasio Silvia , Gieseke Stefan , Grellscheid David , Kirchgaeßer Patrick , Loshaj Frashër , Masouminia Mohammad R. , Nail Graeme , Papaefstathiou Andreas , Plätzer Simon , Podskubka Radek , Rauch Michael , Reuschle Christian , Richardson Peter , Schichtel Peter , Seymour Michael H. , Siódmok Andrzej , Webster Stephen
Published: May 2020

A new release of the Monte Carlo event generator Herwig (version 7.2) is now available. This version introduces a number of improvements over the major version 7.0, notably: multi-jet merging with the dipole shower at LO and NLO QCD; spin correlations in both the dipole and angular-ordered parton showers; an improved choice of evolution variable in the angular-ordered parton shower; improvements to mass effects and top decays in the dipole shower, improvements to the simulation of multiple-parton interactions, including diffractive processes; a new model for baryonic colour reconnection; improvements to strangeness production; as well as a new tune of the hadronisation parameters and support for generic Lorentz structures in BSM models. This article illustrates new features of versions 7.1 and 7.2.
Triangle singularity in $$B^-\rightarrow K^-X(3872);X\rightarrow \pi ^0\pi ^+\pi ^-$$ and the X(3872) mass
Authors: Molina Raquel , Oset Eulogio
Published: May 2020

We evaluate the contribution to the X(3872) width from a triangle mechanism in which the X decays into $$D^{*0}{\bar{D}}^0 -cc$$

D

∗
0

D

¯

0

-
c
c

, then the $$D^{*0} ({\bar{D}}^{*0})$$

D

∗
0

(

D

¯

∗
0

)

decays into $$D^0 \pi ^0$$

D
0

π
0

($${\bar{D}}^0 \pi ^0$$

D

¯

0

π
0

) and the $$D^0 {\bar{D}}^0$$

D
0

D

¯

0

fuse to produce $$\pi ^+ \pi ^-$$

π
+

π
-

. This mechanism produces an asymmetric peak from a triangle singularity in the $$\pi ^+ \pi ^-$$

π
+

π
-

invariant mass with a shape very sensitive to the X mass. We evaluate the branching ratios for a reaction where this effect can be seen in the $$B^- \rightarrow K^- \pi ^0 \pi ^+ \pi ^-$$

B
-

→

K
-

π
0

π
+

π
-

reaction and show that the determination of the peak in the invariant mass distribution of $$\pi ^+ \pi ^-$$

π
+

π
-

is all that is needed to determine the X mass. Given the present uncertainties in the X mass, which do not allow to know whether the $$D^{*0} {\bar{D}}^0$$

D

∗
0

D

¯

0

state is bound or not, measurements like the one suggested here should be most welcome to clarify this issue.
Chrysanthemum indicum L.: A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Shao Yanhao , Sun Yunda , Li Ding , Chen Yiping
Published: May 2020

Chrysanthemum indicum L. (C. indicum L.), a member of the Compositae family, is a perennial plant that has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 2000 years in China and is widely used for the treatment of Pemphigus, swelling, pain, and scrofula. To date, more than 190 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from this plant, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and phenolic acids. Numerous modern studies have shown that extracts or monomeric compounds from C. indicum L. have several pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory anti-oxidation, antipathogenic microorganism, anticancer, immune regulation, and hepatoprotective effects. However, resource availability, the research on the mechanism, and quality control are still insufficient, which deserves further efforts. In this paper, the advances in botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of C. indicum L were reviewed. We hope that this review can provide important information for traditional Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, synthetic and medicinal chemistry researchers for making full use of C. indicum L. resource.
Ginsenoside Rb2 Ameliorates LPS-Induced Inflammation and ER Stress in HUVECs and THP-1 Cells via the AMPK-Mediated Pathway
Authors: Sun Jaw Long , Abd El-Aty A.M. , Jeong Ji Hoon , Jung Tae Woo
Published: May 2020

Inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress have been documented to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside Rb2 has been reported to exhibit antidiabetic effects. However, the effects of Rb2 on atherosclerotic responses such as inflammation and ER stress in endothelial cells and monocytes remain unclear. In this study, the expression of inflammation and ER stress markers was determined using a Western blotting method. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF[Formula: see text]) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in culture media were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and apoptosis was evaluated by a cell viability assay and a caspase-3 activity measurement kit. We found that exposure of HUVECs and THP-1 monocytes to Rb2 attenuated inflammation and ER stress, resulting in amelioration of apoptosis and THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) condition. Increased AMPK phosphorylation and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression, including GPR120 expression were observed in Rb2-treated HUVECs and THP-1 monocytes. Downregulation of both, AMPK phosphorylation and HO-1expression rescued these observed changes. Furthermore, GPR120 siRNA mitigated Rb2-induced AMPK phosphorylation. These results suggest that Rb2 inhibits LPS-mediated apoptosis and THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs by GPR120/AMPK/HO-1-associated attenuating inflammation and ER stress. Therefore, Rb2 can be used as a potential therapeutic molecule for treatment of atherosclerosis.
A New Side-Channel Attack on Reduction of RSA-CRT Montgomery Method Based
Authors: Kaedi S. , Doostari M. A. , Ghaznavi-Ghoushchi M. B. , Yusefi H.
Published: May 2020

RSA-CRT is one of the most common algorithms in the digital signature. Several side-channel attacks have been presented on the implementation of RSA-CRT. One of the most important side-channel attacks on RSA-CRT is Modular Reduction on Equidistant Data (MRED). The implementation of RSA-CRT has too many challenges in the multiplications when the key size is too long (e.g. 2048 bits). Montgomery multiplication is one of the common methods for executing the RSA multiplication, which has many implementation problems and side-channel leakage challenges. This article first implements an RSA-CRT algorithm based on the Montgomery multiplication with the high-speed and low area hardware. The implementation is named RSA-CRT-MMB (Montgomery Method Based). Next, a new power analysis side-channel attack on RSA-CRT-MMB is presented. We name our attack MRED on MMB. The attack utilizes new side-channel leakage information about the CRT reduction algorithm implemented by the MMB, for the first time. The previous articles do not investigate the MRED attack on Montgomery multiplication in RSA-CRT. Finally, a new countermeasure is presented to prevent the MREDM attack. The countermeasure does not have any overload in the hardware area or running time of the RSA algorithm. The correctness of our scheme, the 2048-bit RSA-CRT-MMB, is investigated by the implementation of the scheme on the SASEBO-W board in our DPA laboratory. The total running time of 2048-bit RSA is 250[Formula: see text]ms and the RSA algorithm occupies only 23% of LUT slice on Spartan-6 FPGA. The proposed countermeasures are also verified by practical experiments.
Real algebraic links in S3 and braid group actions on the set of n-adic integers
Authors: Bode Benjamin
Published: May 2020

We construct an infinite tower of covering spaces over the configuration space of [Formula: see text] distinct nonzero points in the complex plane. This results in an action of the braid group [Formula: see text] on the set of [Formula: see text]-adic integers [Formula: see text] for all natural numbers [Formula: see text]. We study some of the properties of these actions such as continuity and transitivity. The construction of the actions involves a new way of associating to any braid [Formula: see text] an infinite sequence of braids, whose braid types are invariants of [Formula: see text]. We present computations for the cases of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and use these to show an infinite family of braids close to real algebraic links, i.e. links of isolated singularities of real polynomials [Formula: see text].
Twisted spectral correspondence and torus knots
Authors: Chuang Wu-Yen , Diaconescu Duiliu-Emanuel , Donagi Ron , Nawata Satoshi , Pantev Tony
Published: May 2020

Cohomological invariants of twisted wild character varieties as constructed by Boalch and Yamakawa are derived from enumerative Calabi–Yau geometry and refined Chern–Simons invariants of torus knots. Generalizing the untwisted case, the present approach is based on a spectral correspondence for meromorphic Higgs bundles with fixed conjugacy classes at the marked points. This construction is carried out for twisted wild character varieties associated to [Formula: see text] torus knots, providing a colored generalization of existing results of Hausel, Mereb and Wong as well as Shende, Treumann and Zaslow.
Random Characteristics of Vehicle-Bridge System Vibration by an Optimized Pseudo Excitation Method
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Li Yongle
Published: May 2020

The pseudo excitation method (PEM) is improved for its efficiency by incorporating the self-adaptive Gauss integration (SGI) technology as a new combining integration. The PEM can transform the random rail irregularities into some pseudo harmonic excitation, which is a mature approach to deal with the random excitation for vehicle–bridge systems. The SGI was used to distinguish the significant from the insignificant parts of an integral section for the random excitation frequency on the stochastic response of the system, thereby reducing the computational effort required for the random vibration analysis of the system. Also, the SGI can intelligently handle the recognized integral section, by subdividing the important sections into several necessary frequency points, making rough decomposition, and allowing the unimportant regions to be eliminated. Based on selected frequency points, the deterministic pseudo harmonic excitations were generated, and then the standard deviation (SD) of the time history for the system was calculated by the PEM. The vehicle subsystem was simulated as a 23-degree of freedom model, and the bridge subsystem as a three-dimensional finite element model. The time-varying power spectral density (PSD) plots of the system were presented. Besides, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the response was calculated using Poisson’s crossing assumption. The random characteristics for the vehicle–bridge vibrations for different speeds and rail irregularities were calculated.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY FEATURE ENHANCEMENT BASED ON ELECTRODE ACTIVITY RATIO FOR IDENTIFICATION
Authors: ALBASRI AHMED , ABDALI-MOHAMMADI FARDIN , FATHI ABDOLHOSSEIN
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Selecting the proper electrodes to capture EEG signals is a critical issue that affects overall classification accuracy. Using the pre-selected electrodes is impractical due to the variety of responses to a stimulus among individuals. Thus, discarding electrodes may lead to a loss of useful information. Methods: In this work, a novel algorithm is proposed to help address this problem by manipulating the feature values of each electrode individually according to its activity ratio. Plus, to improve EEG feature vectors that correspond to the electrodes’ energetic levels, the algorithm amplifies or dampens the feature values according to the energy ratio of each electrode individually. The algorithm was examined using a public dataset and statistical features. The test was performed using two different groups of electrodes: the first in a more specific area over the motor cortex with seven channels and the second in the area over and close to the motor cortex with twenty-one channels to prove the existence of useful information in adjacent electrodes. Further, the proposed method was tested using 109 subjects and various kinds of stimuli. Results: The algorithm enhanced the identification accuracy to approximately 10.4% in eye-opened and 7.8% in eye-closed stimuli in all frequency bands. Conclusions: The experiments revealed that using pre-selected electrodes may lead to a loss of valuable information that exists in discarded electrodes. It also showed that each electrode has its unique activity level, hence processing all the electrodes equally are impractical.
An efficient novel color image encryption algorithm based on 3D Lü chaotic dynamical system and SHA-512
Authors: Sundara Krishnan K. , Jaison B. , Raja S. P.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, an efficient novel dual permutation–substitution structure-based color image encryption algorithm is proposed. Initially, the Secure Hash Algorithm-512 (SHA-512) is applied to the input image to generate the initial values for the Lü system dynamically. In the first stage of permutation, inter-color-component pixel shuffling is carried out with a circular pixel-swapping mechanism. In the second stage, intra-color-component pixel shuffling is executed, based on pseudorandom positions generated by the Lü chaotic system. Pixel values are changed in the substitution stage, based on float-valued chaotic sequences generated by the Lü system. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated with metrics such as key space, key sensitivity, histograms, correlation coefficients (vertical, horizontal and diagonal), information entropy, number of pixel changes rate (NPCR), unified average changing intensity (UACI), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), mean absolute error (MAE), contrast analysis, encryption time and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-22 (NIST SP 800-22) statistical test. The experimental results obtained and performance assessment show that the proposed scheme has produced good results.
Quantum enhanced metrology of Hamiltonian parameters beyond the Cramèr–Rao bound
Authors: Seveso Luigi , Paris Matteo G. A.
Published: May 2020

This is a tutorial aimed at illustrating some recent developments in quantum parameter estimation beyond the Cramèr–Rao bound, as well as their applications in quantum metrology. Our starting point is the observation that there are situations in classical and quantum metrology where the unknown parameter of interest, besides determining the state of the probe, is also influencing the operation of the measuring devices, e.g. the range of possible outcomes. In those cases, nonregular statistical models may appear, for which the Cramèr–Rao theorem does not hold. In turn, the achievable precision may exceed the Cramèr–Rao bound, opening new avenues for enhanced metrology. We focus on quantum estimation of Hamiltonian parameters and show that an achievable bound to precision (beyond the Cramèr–Rao) may be obtained in a closed form for the class of so-called controlled energy measurements. Examples of applications of the new bound to various estimation problems in quantum metrology are worked out in some details.
Quantifying consciousness using quantum uncertainty in the brain
Authors: Faizal Mir
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we will argue that even though we cannot define consciousness, we can quantify it using free will, and quantum uncertainty is in turn a good measure of such a free will. We will also demonstrate that this quantum uncertainty increases with coupling, and thus with neurological complexity. Thus, we will be able to quantify consciousness using quantum uncertainty, and show that the higher amount of consciousness for complex organism would be a direct product of enhanced quantum uncertainty in brain.
Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of Multicomponent Conductive-Nanocarbon Additives for LFP Battery
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chen Hui , Gan He , Chen Yuxi , Li Run , Liu Hongbo
Published: May 2020

The conductive additives are often used to improve the conductivity of the electrode in lithium iron phosphate battery. In this work, a series of carbon-based conductive slurries of acetylene black, carbon nanotubes and graphene were obtained by the ball milling method and applied to the cathodes of lithium iron phosphate batteries. The conductivity of the ternary conductive slurry reaches 11.98[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and the result of Zeta potential indicates that the ternary conductive slurry has the best deposit stability. The average discharge capacity of lithium batteries with ternary conductive additive is 111.3[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at the current density of 10C, which is 1.9 times higher than that of acetylene black conductive additive batteries widely used nowadays. The specific capacity of the battery is 129.2[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 200 cycles at the current density of 5C, and the capacity retention rate is 99.7%. The ternary conductive materials can form a continuous “point-line-surface” conductive network, increase the contact sites between lithium iron phosphate particles and conductive materials and provide a more efficient transmission path.
In Situ XRD Studies During Synthesis of Single-Crystal LiNiO2, LiNi0.975Mg0.025O2, and LiNi0.95Al0.05O2 Cathode Materials
Authors: Weber Rochelle , Li Hongyang , Chen Weifeng , Kim Chang-Yong , Plucknett Kevin , Dahn J. R.
Published: May 2020

High-nickel, cobalt-free, single-crystal positive electrode materials could provide the ultimate intersection of high-specific capacity, low cost, and long-lifetime in lithium-ion batteries. In this work, the synthesis of LiNiO2, LiNi0.975Mg0.025O2, and LiNi0.95Al0.05O2 is studied by dynamic XRD during heating, in order to guide improvements in synthesis procedures. A comparison of Li2CO3 and LiOH·H2O lithium sources shows that either can be used to prepare these materials, but Li2CO3 requires a higher temperature. Mg doping is shown to be beneficial in lowering the temperature required to get fully lithiated, crystalline material. Additional experiments show that synthesis with a 480 °C preheat step, or synthesis directly from individual metal hydroxides (without a precursor), could be used as potentially viable alternative synthesis methods.
TNFα and IL-17 alkalinize airway surface liquid through CFTR and pendrin
Authors: Rehman Tayyab , Thornell Ian M. , Pezzulo Alejandro A. , Thurman Andrew L. , Romano Ibarra Guillermo S. , Karp Philip H. , Tan Ping , Duffey Michael E. , Welsh Michael J.
Published: May 2020

The pH of airway surface liquid (ASL) is a key factor that determines respiratory host defense; ASL acidification impairs and alkalinization enhances key defense mechanisms. Under healthy conditions, airway epithelia secrete base ([Formula: see text]) and acid (H+) to control ASL pH (pHASL). Neutrophil-predominant inflammation is a hallmark of several airway diseases, and TNFα and IL-17 are key drivers. However, how these cytokines perturb pHASL regulation is uncertain. In primary cultures of differentiated human airway epithelia, TNFα decreased and IL-17 did not change pHASL. However, the combination (TNFα+IL-17) markedly increased pHASL by increasing [Formula: see text] secretion. TNFα+IL-17 increased expression and function of two apical [Formula: see text] transporters, CFTR anion channels and pendrin Cl−/[Formula: see text] exchangers. Both were required for maximal alkalinization. TNFα+IL-17 induced pendrin expression primarily in secretory cells where it was coexpressed with CFTR. Interestingly, significant pendrin expression was not detected in CFTR-rich ionocytes. These results indicate that TNFα+IL-17 stimulate [Formula: see text] secretion via CFTR and pendrin to alkalinize ASL, which may represent an important defense mechanism in inflamed airways.