bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak on heart and lung transplant: A patient‐perspective survey
Authors: Bennett David , De Vita Elda , Ventura Vittoria , Bernazzali Sonia , Fossi Antonella , Paladini Piero , Luzzi Luca , Maccherini Massimo , Valente Serafina , Bargagli Elena , Frediani Bruno , Sestini Piersante
Published: August 2020

Background

The risk of COVID‐19 is expected to be higher among solid organ transplant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of COVID‐19 and the impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak on the personal hygiene and expectations in heart and lung transplant recipients.

Methods

A telephone survey of heart (n = 69) and lung (n = 41) transplant patients and a group of controls (n = 41) was conducted concerning personal hygiene before and after the outbreak; the impact on subjective expectations regarding graft outcome; symptoms possibly associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; and diagnosis of COVID‐19.

Results

Seventy nine percent of the patients declared they increased the use of face masks and handwash. Behavior at home regarding self‐isolation did not change. About half the patients said they were afraid of the virus. A higher percentage of Lung transplant (LTX) were convinced that SARS‐CoV‐2 could have a negative impact on the outcome of their graft. 28% declared that they were afraid to come to the hospital for routine examinations and asked to postpone. Nine LTX and five Heart transplant (HTX) patients experienced symptoms that could have been associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, but none of them underwent a nasopharyngeal swab. Only one LTX was diagnosed with the infection.

Conclusions

In our study, we observed a low incidence of COVID‐19 in heart and lung transplant patients (0.9%), similar to that of the general population of our Region. Isolation measures were already observed before the pandemic and were further strengthened in most cases. Particular attention should also be paid to new psychological and physical complications indirectly linked to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Use of a rapid electronic survey methodology to estimate blood donors' potential exposure to emerging infectious diseases: Application of a statistically representative sampling methodology to assess risk in US blood centers
Authors: Whitaker Barbee I. , Walderhaug Mark , Hinkins Susan , Steele Whitney R. , Custer Brian , Kessler Debra , Leparc German , Gottschall Jerome L. , Bialkowski Walter , Stramer Susan L. , Dodd Roger Y. , Crowder Lauren , Vahidnia Farnaz , Shaz Beth H. , Kamel Hany , Rebosa Mark , Stern Michael , Anderson Steven A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Risk assessments of transfusion‐transmitted emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are complicated by the fact that blood donorsʼ demographics and behaviors can be different from the general population. Therefore, when assessing potential blood donor exposure to EIDs, the use of general population characteristics, such as U.S. travel statistics, may invoke uncertainties that result in inaccurate estimates of blood donor exposure. This may, in turn, lead to the creation of donor deferral policies that do not match actual risk.

Study Design and Methods

This article reports on the development of a system to rapidly assess EID risks for a nationally representative portion of the U.S. blood donor population. To assess the effectiveness of this system, a test survey was developed and deployed to a statistically representative sample frame of blood donors from five blood collecting organizations. Donors were directed to an online survey to ascertain their recent travel and potential exposure to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV).

Results

A total of 7128 responses were received from 54 256 invitations. The age‐adjusted estimated total number of blood donors potentially exposed to MERS‐CoV was approximately 15 640 blood donors compared to a lower U.S. general population‐based estimate of 9610 blood donors.

Conclusion

The structured donor demographic sample–based data provided an assessment of blood donorsʼ potential exposure to an emerging pathogen that was 63% larger than the U.S. population–based estimate. This illustrates the need for tailored blood donor–based EID risk assessments that provide more specific demographic risk intelligence and can inform appropriate regulatory decision making.
Improving seismic remote sensing of typhoon with a three-dimensional Earth model
Authors: Fang Sunke , Lin Jianmin , Ni Sidao , Li Xiaofeng , Xu Xiaoqing , Zheng Hong , Xu Wen
Published: August 2020

Typhoon-induced P-wave microseisms can be observed using seismological arrays and analyzed for the seismic monitoring of ocean storms. This paper presents a frequency-domain beamforming (FB) method that integrates a three-dimensional (3-D) Earth model to better capture the heterogeneities in the subsurface structure, and therefore yield more accurate ray-tracing and travel-time predictions. This method is applied to the Super Typhoon Lupit (2009) using seismological array observations from the Northeast China Extended Seismic Array (NECESSArray) and high-sensitivity seismograph network in Japan (Hi-net). The results show that the localized P-wave microseism source regions based on the 3-D model are in better agreement with the theoretical source regions and typhoon centers than those based on a conventional one-dimensional (1-D) model. The significance of using a 3-D model instead of a 1-D model in the FB method is further investigated by comparing the consistency of the localization results for the two different arrays, with the localized source regions being more mutually concordant when using the 3-D model. The results demonstrate that integrating the 3-D model into the FB method improves the accuracy of locating the typhoon-induced P-wave microseism source regions.
Effect of fixation place on airborne sound in cartilage conduction
Authors: Nishimura Tadashi , Hosoi Hiroshi , Saito Osamu , Akasaka Sakie , Shimokura Ryota , Yamanaka Toshiaki , Kitahara Tadashi
Published: August 2020

When a transducer is placed on aural cartilage, relatively loud sound becomes audible in a conduction form termed cartilage conduction (CC). Previous studies have revealed the acoustical differences between CC and conventional air or bone conduction. This study elucidates the working principle of CC through measurements of threshold shifts by water injection into the ear canal under various fixation place conditions. Seven volunteers with normal hearing participated. A lightweight transducer was fixed for three CC conductions (on the tragus, antitragus, and intertragal incisure), and two non-CC conditions (on the pre-tragus and mastoid). Thresholds were measured at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the 0%-, 40%-, and 80%-water injection conditions. Results for the three CC conditions revealed unique features different from those for the non-CC conditions. For the CC conditions, the thresholds increased by the 40%-water injection at all frequencies. However, with additional water injection (80%-water injection), the thresholds decreased at 500 and 1000 Hz; in particular, dramatically at 500 Hz. The results suggest that a direct vibration of the aural cartilage is important to obtaining the significant contribution of airborne sound to hearing above 1000 Hz. Fixation place results in no significant difference in acoustic features among CC conditions.
Decreased Incidence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Intensive Care Units: a 10-Year Clinical, Microbiological, and Genotypic Analysis in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Kim Haein , Kim Eun Sil , Lee Seung Cheol , Yang Eunmi , Kim Hee Sueng , Sung Heungsup , Kim Mi-Na , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Yang Soo , Chong Yong Pil
Published: August 2020

There are limited long-term data on the trends in incidence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteremia (MRSAB) in intensive care units (ICUs) in which infection control measures have been adopted. We evaluated the trend of incidence and changes in characteristics of MRSA bacteremia in ICUs at a tertiary-care hospital over 10 years using prospective cohort data. ICU-acquired bacteremia was defined as
S. aureus
bacteremia (SAB) that occurred 48 h or more after ICU admission.
Localization of the Interaction Site of Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein D (gD) on the Membrane Fusion Regulator, gH/gL
Authors: Cairns Tina M. , Atanasiu Doina , Saw Wan Ting , Lou Huan , Whitbeck J. Charles , Ditto Noah T. , Bruun Birgitte , Browne Helena , Bennett Lucas , Wu Chun , Krummenacher Claude , Brooks Benjamin D. , Eisenberg Roselyn J. , Cohen Gary H.
Published: August 2020

Key to developing a human HSV vaccine is an understanding of the virion glycoproteins involved in entry. HSV employs multiple glycoproteins for attachment, receptor interaction, and membrane fusion. Determining how these proteins function was resolved, in part, by structural biology coupled with immunological and biologic evidence. After binding, virion gD interacts with a receptor to activate the regulator gH/gL complex, triggering gB to drive fusion. Multiple questions remain, one being the physical location of each glycoprotein interaction site. Using protective antibodies with known epitopes, we documented the long-sought interaction between gD and gH/gL, detailing the region on gD important to create the gD-gH/gL triplex. Now, we have identified the corresponding gD contact sites on gH/gL. Concurrently we discovered a novel mechanism whereby gH/gL antibodies stabilize the complex and inhibit fusion progression. Our model for the gD-gH/gL triplex provides a new framework for studying fusion, which identifies targets for vaccine development.
The First Nonmammalian Pegivirus Demonstrates Efficient
In Vitro
Replication and High Lymphotropism
Authors: Wu Zhen , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhang Wei , Merits Andres , Simmonds Peter , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhang ShaQiu , Huang Juan , Ou Xumin , Mao Sai , Liu YunYa , Zhang Ling , Yu YanLing , Tian Bin , Pan Leichang , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Chen Shun , Cheng Anchun
Published: August 2020

Members of the
Pegivirus
genus, family
Flaviviridae
, widely infect humans and other mammals, but are described as causing persistent infection and lacking pathogenicity. The efficiency of
in vitro
replication systems for pegivirus is poor, thus limiting investigation into viral replication steps. Because of that, the pathogenesis, cellular tropism, route of transmission, biology, and epidemiology of pegiviruses remain largely uncovered. Here, we report a phylogenetically distinct goose pegivirus (GPgV) that should be classified as a new species. GPgV proliferated in cell culture in a species- and cell-type-specific manner. Animal experiments show GPgV lymphotropism and promote goose parvovirus clinical manifestations. This study provides the first cell culture model for pegivirus, opening new possibilities for studies of pegivirus molecular biology. More importantly, our findings stand in contrast to the lack of identified pathogenicity of previously reported pegiviruses, which sheds lights on the pathobiology of pegivirus.
Defects in the Ferroxidase That Participates in the Reductive Iron Assimilation System Results in Hypervirulence in
Botrytis Cinerea
Authors: Vasquez-Montaño Esteban , Hoppe Gustavo , Vega Andrea , Olivares-Yañez Consuelo , Canessa Paulo
Published: August 2020

The plant-pathogenic fungus
B. cinerea
causes enormous economic losses, estimated at anywhere between $10 billion and $100 billion worldwide, under both pre- and postharvest conditions. Here, we present the characterization of a loss-of-function mutant in a component involved in iron acquisition that displays hypervirulence. While in different microbial systems iron uptake mechanisms appear to be critical to achieve full pathogenic potential, we found that the absence of the ferroxidase that is part of the reductive iron assimilation system leads to hypervirulence in this fungus. This is an unusual and rather underrepresented phenotype, which can be modulated by iron levels in the plant and provides an unexpected link between iron acquisition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and pathogenesis in the
Botrytis
-plant interaction.
Coevolutionary Analysis Reveals a Conserved Dual Binding Interface between Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factors and Class I Anti-σ Factors
Authors: Casas-Pastor Delia , Diehl Angelika , Fritz Georg
Published: August 2020

In the bacterial world, extracytoplasmic function σ factors (ECFs) are the most widespread family of alternative σ factors, mediating many cellular responses to environmental cues, such as stress. This work uses a computational approach to investigate how these σ factors interact with class I anti-σ factors—the most abundant regulators of ECF activity. By comprehensively classifying the anti-σs into phylogenetic groups and by comparing this phylogeny to the one of the cognate ECFs, the study shows how these protein families have coevolved to maintain their interaction over evolutionary time. These results shed light on the common contact residues that link ECFs and anti-σs in different phylogenetic families and set the basis for the rational design of anti-σs to specifically target certain ECFs. This will help to prevent the cross talk between heterologous ECF/anti-σ pairs, allowing their use as orthogonal regulators for the construction of genetic circuits in synthetic biology.
Privatization of Biofilm Matrix in Structurally Heterogeneous Biofilms
Authors: Otto Simon B. , Martin Marivic , Schäfer Daniel , Hartmann Raimo , Drescher Knut , Brix Susanne , Dragoš Anna , KovÁcs Ákos T.
Published: August 2020

Biofilms are communities of bacteria protected by a self-produced extracellular matrix. The detrimental effects of nonproducing individuals on biofilm development raise questions about the dynamics between community members, especially when isogenic nonproducers exist within wild-type populations. We asked ourselves whether phenotypic nonproducers impact biofilm robustness, and where and when this heterogeneity of matrix gene expression occurs. Based on our results, we propose that the matrix remains partly privatized by the producing subpopulation, since producing cells stick together when exposed to shear stress. The important role of linkage proteins in robustness and development of the structurally heterogeneous biofilm provides an entry into studying the privatization of common goods within isogenic populations.
Microbial Metabolic Redundancy Is a Key Mechanism in a Sulfur-Rich Glacial Ecosystem
Authors: Trivedi Christopher B. , Stamps Blake W. , Lau Graham E. , Grasby Stephen E. , Templeton Alexis S. , Spear John R.
Published: August 2020

A unique environment at Borup Fiord Pass is characterized by a sulfur-enriched glacial ecosystem in the low-temperature Canadian High Arctic. BFP represents one of the best terrestrial analog sites for studying icy, sulfur-rich worlds outside our own, such as Europa and Mars. The site also allows investigation of sulfur-based microbial metabolisms in cold environments here on Earth. Here, we report whole-genome sequencing data that suggest that sulfur cycling metabolisms at BFP are more widely used across bacterial taxa than predicted. From our analyses, the metabolic capability of sulfur oxidation among multiple community members appears likely due to functional redundancy present in their genomes. Functional redundancy, with respect to sulfur-oxidation at the BFP sulfur-ice environment, may indicate that this dynamic ecosystem hosts microorganisms that are able to use multiple sulfur electron donors alongside other metabolic pathways, including those for carbon and nitrogen.
Incidence and costs of cardiovascular events in Spanish patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comparison with general population, 2015
Authors: Jodar Esteban , Artola Sara , Garcia-Moll Xavier , Uría Estefany , López-Martínez Noemí , Palomino Rosa , Martín Virginia
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Cardiovascular (CV) disease affects a high percentage of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the hospital setting, impacting on mortality, complications, quality of life and use of health resources. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, mean length of hospital stay (LOHS) and costs attributable to hospital admissions due to CV events in patients with T2DM versus patients without diabetes mellitus (non-DM) in Spain.

Research design and methods

Retrospective observational study based on the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database for 2015. Hospital admissions for patients aged ≥35 years with a diagnosis of CV death, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI), non-fatal stroke, unstable angina, heart failure and revascularization were evaluated. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (250.x0 or 250.x2) coding was used to classify records of patients with T2DM. For each CV complication, the hospital discharges of the two groups, T2DM and non-DM, were precisely matched and the number of hospital discharges, patients, LOHS and mean cost were quantified. Additional analyses assessed the robustness of the results.

Results

Of the 276 925 hospital discharges analyzed, 34.71% corresponded to patients with T2DM. A higher incidence was observed in all the CV complications studied in the T2DM population, with a relative risk exceeding 2 in all cases. The mean LOHS (days) was longer in the T2DM versus the non-DM group for: non-fatal AMI (7.63 vs 7.02, p<0.001), unstable angina (5.11 vs 4.78, p=0.009) and revascularization (7.96 vs 7.57, p<0.001). The mean cost per hospital discharge was higher in the T2DM versus the non-DM group for non-fatal AMI (€6891 vs €6876, p=0.029) and unstable angina (€3386 vs €3304, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with T2DM had a higher incidence and number of hospital admissions per patient due to CV events versus the non-DM population. This generates a significant clinical and economic burden given the longer admission stay and higher costs associated with some of these complications.
Impact of body composition on outcomes from anti-PD1 +/− anti-CTLA-4 treatment in melanoma
Authors: Young Arissa C , Quach Henry T , Song Haocan , Davis Elizabeth J , Moslehi Javid J , Ye Fei , Williams Grant R , Johnson Douglas B
Published: August 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed treatment for melanoma, but identifying reliable biomarkers of response and effective modifiable lifestyle factors has been challenging. Obesity has been correlated with improved responses to ICI, although the association of body composition measures (muscle, fat, etc) with outcomes remains unknown.

Methods

We performed body composition analysis using Slice-o-matic software on pretreatment CT scans to quantify skeletal muscle index (SMI=skeletal muscle area/height2), skeletal muscle density (SMD), skeletal muscle gauge (SMG=SMI × SMD), and total adipose tissue index (TATI=subcutaneous adipose tissue area + visceral adipose tissue area/height2) of each patient at the third lumbar vertebrae. We then correlated these measures to response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

Among 287 patients treated with ICI, body mass index was not associated with clinical benefit or toxicity. In univariable analyses, patients with sarcopenic obesity had inferior PFS (HR 1.4, p=0.04). On multivariable analyses, high TATI was associated with inferior PFS (HR 1.7, p=0.04), which was particularly strong in women (HR 2.1, p=0.03). Patients with intermediate TATI and high SMG had the best outcomes, whereas those with low SMG/high TATI had inferior PFS and OS (p=0.02 for both PFS and OS).

Conclusions

Body composition analysis identified several features that correlated with improved clinical outcomes, although the associations were modest. As with other studies, we identified sex-specific associations that warrant further study.
Biallelic mutations in theTOGARAM1gene cause a novel primary ciliopathy
Authors: Morbidoni Valeria , Agolini Emanuele , Slep Kevin C , Pannone Luca , Zuccarello Daniela , Cassina Matteo , Grosso Enrico , Gai Giorgia , Salviati Leonardo , Dallapiccola Bruno , Novelli Antonio , Martinelli Simone , Trevisson Eva
Published: August 2020

Background

Dysfunction in non-motile cilia is associated with a broad spectrum of developmental disorders characterised by clinical heterogeneity. While over 100 genes have been associated with primary ciliopathies, with wide phenotypic overlap, some patients still lack a molecular diagnosis.

Objective

To investigate and functionally characterise the molecular cause of a malformation disorder observed in two sibling fetuses characterised by microphthalmia, cleft lip and palate, and brain anomalies.

Methods

A trio-based whole exome sequencing (WES) strategy was used to identify candidate variants in theTOGARAM1gene. In silico, in vitro and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans) studies were carried out to explore the impact of mutations on protein structure and function, and relevant biological processes.

Results

TOGARAM1encodes a member of the Crescerin1 family of proteins regulating microtubule dynamics. Its orthologue inC. elegans,che-12, is expressed in a subset of sensory neurons and localises in the dendritic cilium where it is required for chemosensation. Nematode lines harbouring the corresponding missense variant inTOGARAM1were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Although chemotaxis ability on a NaCl gradient was not affected,che-12point mutants displayed impaired lipophilic dye uptake, with shorter and altered cilia in sensory neurons. Finally, in vitro analysis of microtubule polymerisation in the presence of wild-type or mutant TOG2 domain revealed a faster polymerisation associated with the mutant protein, suggesting aberrant tubulin binding.

Conclusions

Our data are in favour of a causative role ofTOGARAM1variants in the pathogenesis of this novel disorder, connecting this gene with primary ciliopathy.
Assessment of patient decision-making capacity in the context of voluntary euthanasia for psychic suffering caused by psychiatric disorders: a qualitative study of approaches among Belgian physicians
Authors: Schweitser Frank , Stuy Johan , Distelmans Wim , Rigo Adelheid
Published: August 2020

Objective

In Belgium, people with an incurable psychiatric disorder can file a request for euthanasia claiming unbearable psychic suffering. For the request to be accepted, it has to meet stringent legal criteria. One of the requirements is that the patient possesses decision-making capacity. The patient’s decision-making capacity is assessed by physicians.

The objective of our study is to provide insight in the assessment of decision-making capacity in the context of euthanasia for patients with psychic suffering caused by a psychiatric disorder.

Method

Twenty-two semistructured interviews with psychiatrists and neurologists were analysed with NVivo, a qualitative analysis software to code and organise transcribed data.

Results

Different views and approaches regarding decision-making capacity in the context of euthanasia emerged from the data.

Most of the physicians have some knowledge of the cognitive ability approach on decision-making capacity. According to this approach, four abilities constitute decision-making capacity: communication, understanding, appreciation and reasoning. We observed differences in the way these abilities are valued in relation to competence. Some physicians take additional elements into consideration when assessing decision-making capacity.

Physicians acquired their knowledge on the subject in many different ways. Most of the physicians reported that decision-making capacity was not part of their training.

Conclusion

We conclude that physicians assess decision-making capacity in different ways and that personal values and beliefs influence their approach. As such, a common approach in assessing the decision-making capacity of a patient among the interviewed physicians is lacking. Less arbitrariness could be obtained by consistently implementing the cognitive ability approach.
Decrease in cross-border tobacco purchases despite intensification of antitobacco policies in France
Authors: Gomajee Ramchandar , Torregrossa Hugo , Bolze Camille , Melchior Maria , El-Khoury Lesueur Fabienne
Published: August 2020

Background

Recently, France has intensified tobacco control policies which included gradual increase in tobacco product price and the introduction of plain packaging. However, there has been suggestion that cross-border tobacco purchases from neighbouring countries, with lower tobacco prices, will increase. We examine trends in cross-border tobacco purchases among smokers concurrent with the implementation of tobacco control measures between 2016 and 2017.

Methods

Description des Perceptions, Images, et Comportements liés au Tabagisme is a two-wave cross-sectional national telephone survey of French adults aged 18–64 years, which recruited a total of 2167 smokers (2016: n=1238; 2017: n=929). Data were weighted to be representative of the French adult population. The association between study wave and cross-country tobacco purchases was examined across study waves using a multivariable logistic regression model (adjusted ORs: ORa(95% CI)).

Results

Less than half (38.5%) of smokers declared cross-border tobacco purchases in the last year, which were mostly done on occasional basis: 22.6% purchased tobacco cross-border once or twice yearly. In 2017, as compared with 2016, cross-border tobacco purchases by French smokers decreased (ORa=0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98). Other factors associated with cross-border tobacco purchases included sex, and driving distance to a border.

Conclusion

In France, the increase in tobacco product price and the introduction of plain packaging did not contribute to increasing rates of out-of-country purchases of tobacco products, probably due to the overall decrease in smoking levels. However, a harmonisation of tobacco product prices and plain packaging policies across Europe might further improve tobacco control throughout the continent.
Endothelin receptor heteromerization inhibits β-arrestin function in HEK293 cells
Authors: Zrein Adel , Bagher Amina M. , Young Alexander P. , Denovan-Wright Eileen M. , Kelly Melanie E.M.
Published: August 2020

The endothelin receptor A (ETA) and endothelin receptor B (ETB) are G protein-coupled receptors that are co-expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates endothelin receptors to cause microvascular vasoconstriction. Previous studies have shown that heteromerization between ETA and ETB prolongs Ca2+ transients, leading to prolongation of Gαq-dependent signaling and sustained vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that these effects are in part mediated by the resistance of ETA/ETB heteromers to β-arrestin recruitment and subsequent desensitization. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer 2 (BRET2), we found that ETB has a relatively equal affinity to form either homomers or heteromers with ETA when co-expressed in the human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. When co-expressed, activation of ETA and ETB by ET-1 caused a heteromer-specific reduction and delay in β-arrestin-2 recruitment with a corresponding reduction and delay in ET-1-induced ETA/ETB co-internalization. Furthermore, the co-expression of ETA and ETB inhibited ET-1-induced β-arrestin-1-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation while prolonging ET-1-induced Gαq-dependent ERK phosphorylation. ETA/ETB heteromerization mediates the long-lasting vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 by the prolongation of Gαq-dependent signaling and inhibition of β-arrestin function.
Exponential synchronization and anti-synchronization of nonautonomous chaotic systems with uncertain parameters via adaptive control
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Liu Bingyue , Liu Huizhao
Published: August 2020

The exponential synchronization and anti-synchronization of nonautonomous chaotic systems with uncertain parameters are studied. The adaptive controller is designed and analytic expression of the controller and the adaptive laws of parameters are given. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the exponential stability of the error system is proved. Numerical simulations of two nonautonomous chaotic systems with uncertain parameters are presented to illustrate the ability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
DOES GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON EDUCATION AFFECT PROVINCIAL INCOME INEQUALITY IN VIETNAM?
Authors: MINH HO CHI , THAI-THUONG LE QUAN , THE VO ANH , HONG VO DUC , THI-THIEU HA DAO
Published: August 2020

This study is conducted to examine the effect on income inequality of government spending on education across 63 provinces in Vietnam. The generalized method of moments (GMM) regression technique is used to address potential endogeneity in the model caused by income inequality and inequality in government spending on education. Income inequality is proxied by both the Gini coefficient and the Theil index. Inequality in government spending on education in Vietnam is estimated using a novel entropic approach, which decomposes the inequality into two components: “within-province” inequality and “between-province” inequality. Data for the period from 2010 to 2016 are used. Our empirical findings are summarized as follows. First, “within-province” inequality accounts for a substantial portion of inequality in government spending on education. This means that although the Vietnamese national government has done well in terms of allocating spending on education across 63 provinces, inequality in education spending appears across districts within provinces. Second, both total inequality of government spending on education and its two components are positively associated with income inequality across provinces. As such, reducing differences in government spending on education across provinces and across districts within provinces is an effective mechanism for reducing income inequality across provinces and across districts within provinces in Vietnam.
Atom-molecule conversion with quantum manipulations
Authors: Wei Bolin , Cao Zhong , Cui Bo
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we investigate quantum manipulations in an open atom-molecule conversion system. Through the transformation for the basis of the system, a set of time-dependent equations are derived under mean field approximation. We find that transitions between different dynamic areas of the system can be realized through manipulating an external rotating magnetic field, which corresponds to the tunneling rate in the equation. Through investigating the phase space of the system, we design an efficient method to combine pure cold molecule and pure molecular state so that it can be reached with much shorter time. Furthermore, manipulation of laser signal modulation, external diving and the distance-selective diffusion are also discussed in this paper.
Highly reliable electromagnetic MOEMS scanning grating mirror based on folded torsion beam with fillet corners
Authors: Chen Liang , Gu Wenwen , Wen Quan , Li Dongling , Lei Hongjie , Huang Jie
Published: August 2020

To overcome the problems of poor structural reliability, high driving voltage and small scanning angle, a novel electromagnetic MOEMS scanning grating mirror (SGM) with folded torsion beam is reported in this work. Compared with the conventional straight torsion beam, the folded torsion beam has better elastic torsion property and can effectively improve the structural reliability of the MOEMS SGM. Furthermore, the fillet structure is added to the folded torsion beam to prevent stress concentration. The stress analysis and impact resistance of the proposed MOEMS SGM are simulated by FEM (ANSYS 18.2), and the simulation results are compared with that of the MOEMS SGM without fillet structure. The stress simulation is carried out under different fillet radius of 40–70 [Formula: see text]m, the maximum stress can be reduced to 85[Formula: see text] and the stress is redistributed uniformly. Meanwhile, in the impact resistance simulation, the impact displacement can be reduced by 10.1[Formula: see text]. A prototype is fabricated and tested, it has a large mirror area of 6 mm ×7 mm. The MOEMS SGM can reach the maximum scanning half angle of [Formula: see text] at 7.63 V under resonance (@602.1 Hz), which means that the full mechanical scanning angle of the MOEMS SGM can reach [Formula: see text].
Designing of Improved Series Resonant Inverter with FPGA Controller for Heating Applications
Authors: Dhayanandh S. , Manoharan S.
Published: August 2020

Intensive utilization of Induction Heating (IH) innovations can be seen in numerous areas such as manufacturing industries, domestic or house hold and medicinal applications. The development of high switching frequency switches has encouraged the structure of high frequency inverters which are the key component of IH technology. Controlling the power output in a high frequency inverter for IH application is relatively complicated. This paper focuses on designing and developing a typical series resonance inverter and control it by FPGA-based controller. A MOSFET switch-based DC to AC converter is designed and Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS)-based switching strategy is accomplished to acquire less stress on switching devices and greater conversion efficiency. In this technique, secondary switched capacitor cell was proposed for resonant inverter of high frequency. To optimize the performance of the proposed inverter, the FPGA-based control system is implemented. Higher power density is the greatest advantage of this topology. The experimental and simulation model of the proposed series resonant inverter (SRI) for heating applications is developed and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software.
Stationary Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes equations for the diffuse interface model of compressible flows
Authors: Liang Zhilei , Wang Dehua
Published: August 2020

A system of partial differential equations for a diffusion interface model is considered for the stationary motion of two macroscopically immiscible, viscous Newtonian fluids in a three-dimensional bounded domain. The governing equations consist of the stationary Navier–Stokes equations for compressible fluids and a stationary Cahn–Hilliard type equation for the mass concentration difference. Approximate solutions are constructed through a two-level approximation procedure, and the limit of the sequence of approximate solutions is obtained by a weak convergence method. New ideas and estimates are developed to establish the existence of weak solutions with a wide range of adiabatic exponent.
On the existence of small antichains for definable quasi-orders
Authors: Carroy Raphaël , Miller Benjamin D. , Vidnyánszky Zoltán
Published: August 2020

We generalize Kada’s definable strengthening of Dilworth’s characterization of the class of quasi-orders admitting an antichain of a given finite cardinality.
Automatic Seeded Region Growing Image Segmentation for Medical Image Segmentation: A Brief Review
Authors: Shrivastava Neeraj , Bharti Jyoti
Published: August 2020

In the domain of computer technology, image processing strategies have become a part of various applications. A few broadly used image segmentation methods have been characterized as seeded region growing (SRG), edge-based image segmentation, fuzzy [Formula: see text]-means image segmentation, etc. SRG is a quick, strongly formed and impressive image segmentation algorithm. In this paper, we delve into different applications of SRG and their analysis. SRG delivers better results in analysis of magnetic resonance images, brain image, breast images, etc. On the other hand, it has some limitations as well. For example, the seed points have to be selected manually and this manual selection of seed points at the time of segmentation brings about wrong selection of regions. So, a review of some automatic seed selection methods with their advantages, disadvantages and applications in different fields has been presented.
User Authentication System Based on Speech and Cascade Hybrid Facial Feature
Authors: Debnath Saswati , Roy Pinki
Published: August 2020

With the increasing demand for security in many fastest growing applications, biometric recognition is the most prominent authentication system. User authentication through speech and face recognition is the important biometric technique to enhance the security. This paper proposes a speech and facial feature-based multi-modal biometric recognition technique to improve the authentication of any system. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) is extracted from audio as speech features. In visual recognition, this paper proposes cascade hybrid facial (visual) feature extraction method based on static, dynamic and key-point salient features of the face and it proves that the proposed feature extraction method is more efficient than the existing method. In this proposed method, Viola–Jones algorithm is used to detect static and dynamic features of eye, nose, lip, Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm is used to detect some stable key-point features of face. In this paper, a research on the audio-visual integration method using AND logic is also made. Furthermore, all the experiments are carried out using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). An accuracy of 94.90% is achieved using proposed feature extraction method. The main objective of this work is to improve the authenticity of any application using multi-modal biometric features. Adding facial features to the speech recognition improve system security because biometric features are unique and combining evidence from two modalities increases the authenticity as well as integrity of the system.
Some ribbon elements for the quasi-Hopf algebra Dω(H)
Authors: Bulacu Daniel , Panaite Florin
Published: August 2020

We construct an explicit isomorphism between the quasitriangular quasi-Hopf algebra [Formula: see text] defined in [D. Bulacu and F. Panaite, A generalization of the quasi-Hopf algebra [Formula: see text], Commun. Algebra 26 (1998) 4125–4141] and a certain quantum double quasi-Hopf algebra. We give also new characterizations for a quasitriangular quasi-Hopf algebra to be ribbon and use them to construct some ribbon elements for [Formula: see text].
A new algorithm for computing idempotents of ℛ-trivial monoids
Authors: Nijholt Eddie , Rink Bob , Schwenker Sören
Published: August 2020

The authors of Berg et al. [J. Algebra 348 (2011) 446–461] provide an algorithm for finding a complete system of primitive orthogonal idempotents for [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is any finite [Formula: see text]-trivial monoid. Their method relies on a technical result stating that [Formula: see text]-trivial monoid are equivalent to so-called weakly ordered monoids. We provide an alternative algorithm, based only on the simple observation that an [Formula: see text]-trivial monoid may be realized by upper triangular matrices. This approach is inspired by results in the field of coupled cell network dynamical systems, where [Formula: see text]-trivial monoids (the opposite notion) correspond to so-called feed-forward networks. We first show that our algorithm works for [Formula: see text], after which we prove that it also works for [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an arbitrary ring with a known complete system of primitive orthogonal idempotents. In particular, our algorithm works if [Formula: see text] is any field. In this respect our result constitutes a considerable generalization of the results in Berg et al. [J. Algebra 348 (2011) 446–461]. Moreover, the system of idempotents for [Formula: see text] is obtained from the one our algorithm yields for [Formula: see text] in a straightforward manner. In other words, for any finite [Formula: see text]-trivial monoid [Formula: see text] our algorithm only has to be performed for [Formula: see text], after which a system of idempotents follows for any ring with a given system of idempotents.
BRAIN TUMOR SEGMENTATION BASED ON SUPERPIXELS AND HYBRID CLUSTERING WITH FAST GUIDED FILTER
Authors: ZHANG CHONG , SHEN XUANJING , CHEN HAIPENG
Published: August 2020

Brain tumor segmentation from magnetic resonance (MR) image is vital for both the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancers. To alleviate noise sensitivity and improve stability of segmentation, an effective hybrid clustering algorithm combined with fast guided filter is proposed for brain tumor segmentation in this paper. Preprocessing is performed using adaptive Wiener filtering combined with a fast guided filter. Then simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) is utilized for pre-segmentation to effectively remove scatter. During the clustering, K-means[Formula: see text] and Gaussian kernel-based fuzzy C-means (K[Formula: see text]GKFCM) clustering algorithm are combined to segment, and the fast-guided filter is introduced into the clustering. The proposed algorithm not only improves the robustness of the algorithm to noise, but also improves the stability of the segmentation. In addition, the proposed algorithm is compared with other current segmentation algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and recall.
Approaches to Some Induced Einstein Geometric Aggregation Operators Based on Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Numbers and Their Application
Authors: Rahman Khaista
Published: August 2020

Interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set is one of the successful extensions of the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set for handling the uncertainties in the data. Under this environment, in this paper we introduce the notion of induced interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Einstein ordered weighted geometric (I-IVPFEOWG) operator and induced interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy Einstein hybrid geometric (I-IVPFEHG) operator along with their some basic properties such as, idempotency, boundedness, commutatively, monotonicity. The main advantage of the induced aggregation operators is that, these operators are more suitable to aggregate the individual preference relations into a collective preference relation. Therefore these methods play a vigorous role in daily life problems. Furthermore, a method for multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems based on these operators was developed, and the operational procedures were explained in detail.
An Extended Speculation Game for the Recovery of Hurst Exponent of Financial Time Series
Authors: Katahira Kei , Chen Yu
Published: August 2020

The speculation game is an agent-based toy model to investigate the dynamics of the financial market. Our model has achieved the reproduction of 10 of the well-known stylized facts for financial time series. However, there is also a divergence from the behavior of real market. The market price of the model tends to be anti-persistent to the initial price, resulting in the quite small value of Hurst exponent of price change. To overcome this problem, we extend the speculation game by introducing a perturbative part to the price change with the consideration of other effects besides pure speculative behaviors.
Effects of stimulating frequency of NIR LEDs light irradiation on forehead as quantified by EEG measurements
Authors: Yao Liuye , Qian Zhiyu , Liu Yangyang , Fang Zhou , Li Weitao , Xing Lidong
Published: August 2020

Near-infrared (NIR) light has been shown to produce a range of physiological effects in humans, however, there is still no agreement on whether and how a single parameter, like the flicker frequency of NIR light, affects the brain. An 810[Formula: see text]nm NIR LED was used as the stimulator. Fifty subjects participated in this experiment. Forty subjects were randomly divided into four groups. Each group underwent a 30-minute NIR LED radiation with four different frequencies (i.e., 0[Formula: see text]Hz, 5[Formula: see text]Hz, 10[Formula: see text]Hz and 20[Formula: see text]Hz, respectively) on the forehead. The remaining 10 subjects formed the control group, in which they underwent a 30-minute rest period without light radiation. EEG signals of all subjects during each test were recorded. Gravity frequency (GF), relative energy change, and sample entropy were analyzed. The experimental groups had larger GF values compared to the control group. Higher stimulation frequency would cause larger growth of GF ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The amplitude of alpha waves relative energy increased, while theta waves decreased remarkably in the experimental groups ([Formula: see text]), and the extent of increase/decrease was larger at higher stimulation frequency, compared to that of the control. Sample entropy of electrodes in the frontal areas were much larger than those in other brain areas in the experimental groups ([Formula: see text]). Larger frequency of the NIR LED light would cause more distinct brain activities in the stimulated areas. It indicates that NIR LED light may have a positive effect on modulating brain activity. These results may help improve the design of photobiomodulation treatments in the future.
Querying Recurrent Convoys over Trajectory Data
Authors: Yadamjav Munkh-Erdene , Bao Zhifeng , Zheng Baihua , Choudhury Farhana M. , Samet Hanan
Published: August 2020

Moving objects equipped with location-positioning devices continuously generate a large amount of spatio-temporal trajectory data. An interesting finding over a trajectory stream is a group of objects that are travelling together for a certain period of time. We observe that existing studies on mining co-moving objects do not consider an important correlation between co-moving objects, which is the reoccurrence of the co-moving pattern. In this study, we propose the problem of finding recurrent co-moving patterns from streaming trajectories, enabling us to discover recent co-moving patterns that are repeated within a given time period. Experimental results on real-life trajectory data verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our method.
Learning the Vibrotactile Morse Code Alphabet
Authors: Plaisier Myrthe A. , Vermeer Daphne S. , Kappers Astrid M. L.
Published: August 2020

Vibrotactile Morse code provides a way to convey words using the sense of touch with vibrations. This can be useful in applications for users with a visual and/or auditory impairment. The advantage of using vibrotactile Morse code is that it is technically easy to accomplish. The usefulness of tactile Morse code also depends on how easy it is to learn to use without providing a visual representation of the code. Here we investigated learning of the vibrotactile the Morse code alphabet without any visual representation of the code and whether the learned letters can immediately be used to recognize words. Two vibration motors were used: one was attached to the left arm (dots) and the other to the right arm (dashes). We gave the participants a learning session of 30 minutes and determined how many letters they had learned. All participants managed to learn at least 15 letters in this time. Directly afterward, they were presented with 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-letter words consisting of only the letters they had learned. Participants were able to identify words, but correct rates decreased rapidly with word length. We can conclude that it is possible to learn vibrotactile Morse code using only a vibrotactile representation (15 to 24 letters in 30 minutes). After the learning session, it was possible to recognise words, but to increase the recognition rates extra training would be beneficial.