bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review on machine learning for fall detection system
Authors: Rastogi Shikha , Singh Jaspreet
Published: April 2021

Fall is a major threat to the health and life of the elders. A Fall Detection System (FDS) assist the elders by identifying the fall and save their life. Machine Learning‐ (ML) based FDS has turned into a major research area due to its capability to assist the elders automatically. The efficiency of a FDS depends on its strength to identify the fall from nonfall accurately. The initial fall detection scheme depends on the threshold‐based classification to classify the fall from the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) but this classification method has failed to reduce the false alarm rate, which raises a question on the efficiency of the technique. This review work identifies the problems in threshold‐based classification from existing works and finds the need for an efficient ML‐based classification technique to accurately identify the fall. Then, presents a comprehensive literature review on various ML‐based classification in fall detection. Moreover, the scrutiny investigates the shortcomings associated with the ML‐based techniques for future research. This study finds that present ML‐based FDS has not addressed problems like data preprocessing and data dimensionality reduction techniques even though ML‐based techniques are far superior to threshold‐based techniques. The study concludes that Self‐Adaptive‐based FDS, as well as the complexity reduction of ML‐based models, should be concentrated in future research.
Whose intentions? What consequences? Interrogating “Intended Consequences” for conservation with environmental biotechnology
Authors: Barnhill‐Dilling S. Kathleen , Delborne Jason A.
Published: April 2021

Novel genetic interventions may offer innovative solutions to environmental conservation challenges, but they also represent new kinds of risks and concerns for diverse publics. Yet, by focusing on potential negative outcomes of emerging technologies like gene editing, their potential utility in species protection could lead to overblown fears of unknown and unanticipated consequences. In response, Revive and Restore organized a workshop in June 2020 entitled, “Intended Consequences,” to highlight conservation successes in the discourse and governance of genomic interventions. This article argues that if we seek to emphasize Intended Consequences to embolden innovative conservation efforts, we must simultaneously query whose intentions are included and what consequences are considered to ensure that environmental goals are accompanied by the goals of responsibility, democracy, and justice. These questions reveal that the governance and management of conservation interventions always rest upon value judgements. Inspired and informed by the Responsible Research and Innovation framework, we encourage anticipation of potential outcomes, reflection on assumptions and intentions, inclusion of diverse stakeholders and perspectives, and a commitment to responding thoughtfully to concerns and preferences of communities and broader publics.
Children's Strategies for Giving Voice to Needs Consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Authors: Zumbach Jelena , Saini Michael , Koglin Ute
Published: April 2021

In this exploratory study, we analyze strategies presented by young children in the context of having their voices heard. We elicit first‐hand accounts of N = 113 5‐year‐old children's responses to rights‐based scenarios to identify their will‐expression strategies. We assess developmental factors including, emotional competence, social competence, IQ, and parenting style. Results indicate that the most common tactics involve verbal expression, followed by behavior‐avoiding strategies. Cluster analysis revealed that children who were more flexible in naming strategies were more advanced in socio‐emotional development but not in cognitive development.
Bending properties of titanium lattice structures produced by electron beam melting process
Authors: Bellini Costanzo , Borrelli Rosario , Di Cocco Vittorio , Franchitti Stefania , Iacoviello Francesco , Sorrentino Luca
Published: April 2021

Lattice structures are characterized by good mechanical efficiency because their particular geometry confers high strength and stiffness coupled to lightweight. These structures can be produced using a wide range of technologies, but the additive manufacturing ones are the most promising. In this work, the flexural properties of titanium alloy lattice structure made by means of electron beam melting process were investigated through the three‐point bending test, carried out with three different span lengths. It was found that the span length influenced the load–displacement trend; moreover, the lower skin failure was observed in all the test conditions considered, but for the shortest span, the indentation of upper skin was found, too. The scanning electron microscope analysis showed the presence of dimples on the fracture surface, denoting a ductile fracture behavior.
Two classic OBPs modulate the responses of female Holotrichia oblita to three major ester host plant volatiles
Authors: Wei H.‐s. , Qin J.‐h. , Cao Y.‐z. , Li K.‐b. , Yin J.
Published: April 2021

Insects possess a fairly sophisticated olfactory system in their antennae to detect odorants essential for their survival and reproduction. Among them, insect first perceives odour sources by odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) to locate host‐plants. Methyl salicylate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate are major volatile components of Ulmus pumila and Ricinus communis and elicit strong responses of the scarab beetle Holotrichia oblita adults. However, olfactory perception of the scarab beetle to these odorant compounds is unclear. In the current study, we cloned the OBP6 and OBP7 of H. oblita. The expression pattern shows that the two genes were highly expressed in the antennae of female beetles. Binding assays verified that the HoblOBP6 had a better binding affinity to methyl salicylate, and so did HoblOBP7 to (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate. The effect on the responses of female beetles to the three compounds was decreased significantly after these two genes were silenced by RNA interference. These results indicate that HoblOBP6 and HoblOBP7 are essential for female H. oblita perception of methyl salicylate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate. Our study provides important insights into the olfactory mechanism of female H. oblita to ester plant volatiles and could facilitate the development of potential pest control strategies in the field.
The Children's Action‐Reaction Assessment Tool (CARAT) as an observational technique for assessing symptom management: An initial validation study with children aged 3–7 years undergoing needle procedures
Authors: Karlsson Katarina , Johnson Ensa , Nilsson Stefan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

For many children, needle procedures are fearful events that are often painful. The first step in symptom management is to assess the child's pain and fear, and the next step is to use coping strategies to provide symptom relief for children who experience or feel pain and fear during procedures. The Children's Action–Reaction Assessment Tool (CARAT) is built on action–reaction strategies. This study aimed to determine the inter‐rater reliability of the CARAT when used during needle procedures with 3‐ to 7‐year‐old children.

Design and Methods

We used a quantitative approach in which 21 children were observed by two independent observers during needle procedures to evaluate the inter‐rater reliability of the CARAT. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, and the observation scores were calculated with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test on SPSS for Windows, version 25.

Results

The completed CARAT indicated the use of action–reaction strategies. Neither action nor reaction strategies were frequently used. The parents were seldom involved in the procedure. The inter‐rater reliability showed a sufficient correlation between the observers.

Practice Implications

This study showed promising results for the inter‐rater reliability of the CARAT, which can be used to facilitate care for children. The observational tool can be used to assess the use of action–reaction strategies in conjunction with needle procedures in children aged 3–7 years.
En bloc enucleation technique during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: An analysis of its efficiency
Authors: Whiting Danielle , Penev Branimir , Ijaaz Anam , Guest Katherine , Cynk Mark
Published: April 2021

Objective

Despite the acknowledgment that holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a safe, efficacious procedure with benefits over traditional treatments, it is not widely adopted. Its steep learning curve is considered responsible, and the new en bloc technique (EBT) aims to improve this.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 268 consecutive patients (215 lobe technique [LT] and 53 EBT) who underwent HoLEP between May 2016 and April 2020 was performed. Data were collected on patient demographics, prostate volume, enucleation time, prostatic weight, and length of stay.

Results

There was no difference in mean prostate volume and enucleated prostatic weight between the LT and EBT (99.2 mL vs 98.5 mL, P = .95216, and 71.7 g vs 69.3 g, P = .92034, respectively). There was a reduction in mean enucleation time with the EBT to 37.7 minutes compared with 53.3 minutes (LT) (P < .00001). This translated to an improved operative efficiency of 1.84 g/min (EBT) compared to 1.33 g/min (LT) (P < .00001). The EBT demonstrated a continuous improvement in operative efficiency with increasing prostate size unlike the LT where efficiency plateaus.

Conclusions

The EBT for HoLEP demonstrates a significant improvement in operative efficiency which has the potential to reduce the surgeons’ learning curve and lead to more widespread adoption.
Mid‐ to Long‐Term Outcomes of Cementless Modular, Fluted, Tapered Stem for Massive Femoral Bone Loss in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Zheng Kai , Li Ning , Zhang Weicheng , Zhu Yi , Zhou Jun , Xu Yaozeng , Geng Dechun
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate mid‐ to long‐term results of revision total hip arthroplasty for massive femoral bone loss using a cementless modular, fluted, tapered stem.

Methods

This is a retrospective study performed at a single hospital. During the period of January 2007 to January 2015, 33 patients (34 hips) underwent primary revision surgery with cementless modular, fluted, tapered stems due to femoral bone loss. Sixteen men and 17 women were included in the study, with an average age of 63.9 ± 11.7 years (range, 27 to 88 years). Operative data including operative duration, length of incision, drainage volume and duration, blood loss and transfusion, cases of bone graft and extended trochanteric osteotomy were recorded. Clinical evaluation was performed using Harris hip score (HHS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and patients' satisfaction. Radiographic data including femoral stem fixation, subsidence, integrin of allograft bone, and leg length discrepancy were assessed. Complications and survivorship were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival rate.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 9.1 ± 2.5 years (range, 5–13 years). The Harris hip score was 43.6 ± 11.5 preoperatively and maintained at 86.5 ± 6.6 at the time of latest follow‐up (P < 0. 05). The X‐ray showed bone ingrowth fixation in 30 hips (88%), fibrous stable fixation in three hips (9%), and instability in one hip (3%). The average stem subsidence was 3.9 ± 2.2 mm (range, 1 to 10 mm). The mean difference in leg length in our study was 3.3 ± 2.7 mm (range, 0 to 10 mm), and the leg length discrepancy in 28 (82%) patients was within 5 mm. No case of junction fracture was observed. Seven (21%) intraoperative fractures occurred in our study. Three (9%) cases with infection were observed after revision. Six (18%) patients had lower limb vein thrombosis. The survivorship of prostheses with re‐revision for any reason was 95% (95% CI, 12.0 to 13.0) at the 10‐year follow‐up. Three (9%) re‐revisions were needed, including one for aseptic loosening, one for dislocation, and one for infection.

Conclusion

The mid‐ to long‐term results of revision total hip arthroplasty with the cementless modular, fluted, tapered stems are encouraging for massive femoral bone loss.
Deep‐learning approach in the study of skin lesions
Authors: Filipescu Stefan‐Gabriel , Butacu Alexandra‐Irina , Tiplica George‐Sorin , Nastac Dumitru‐Iulian
Published: April 2021

Background

Medical technology is far from reaching its full potential. An area that is currently expanding is that of precision medicine. The aim of this article is to present an application of precision medicine—a deep‐learning approach to computer‐aided diagnosis in the field of dermatology.

Materials and Methods

The main dataset was proposed in the edition of the ISIC Challenge that took place in 2019 and included 25 331 dermoscopic images from eight different categories of lesions—three of them were malignant and five benign. The behavior of the model was also tested on a dataset collected from the second Department of Dermatology, of the Colentina Clinical Hospital.

Results

The overall accuracy of the model was 78.11%. Of the total 5031 samples included in the test subset, 3958 were correctly classified. The accuracy of the model on the clinical dataset is lower than that obtained in the first instance.

Conclusion

The architecture of the model can be considered of general use, being able to be adapted in an optimal way for a wide range of classifications. The model has achieved performance within the expected limits but can be further improved by new methods.
The Norwegian experience with nationwide implementation of fetal RHD genotyping and targeted routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis
Authors: Sørensen Kirsten , Bævre Mette S. , Tomter Geir , Llohn Abid Hussain , Hagen Kristin G. , Espinosa Aurora , Jacobsen Barbora , Arsenovic Mirajana Grujic , Sørvoll Ingvild Hausberg , Ulvahaug Aud Norunn , Sundic Tatjana , Akkök Çiğdem Akalın
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To reduce the risk of RhD alloimmunization during the last trimester of pregnancy, a targeted routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis (RAADP) programme was implemented in Norway in 2016. Here, we present and discuss our experience with the nationwide implementation of the programme, and report sample uptake and preliminary data of de novo anti‐D in pregnancy.

Background

The targeted RAADP was advised by the academic community and evaluated by the health authorities. A National Working Group has conducted the implementation in the transfusion services and contributed to organise the administration of the antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis. Fetal RhD type is determined by non‐invasive prenatal testing at gestational week 24, and anti‐D prophylaxis is administrated at gestational week 28 only to women with RhD positive fetuses.

Methods

We describe the implementation process of targeted RAADP in Norway. The sample uptake is calculated by comparing the number of fetal RHD screens with the expected number of samples.

Results

The sample uptake shows regional variations: 88%–100% after 3 years. Promising decrease in de novo anti‐D detected during pregnancy is observed.

Conclusions

Nationwide targeted RAADP is implemented and included in the Norwegian maternity care programme. Compliance to sample uptake should further improve in some regions. A remaining issue to fulfil is the documentation of the accuracy of the fetal RHD‐typing at all sites. Post‐natal prophylaxis will then be guided by the fetal RHD result. Dedicated registries will ensure data to evaluate the expected reduction in pregnancy‐related RhD immunisations, which is the final success criterion of the programme.
Platelet CD36 deficiency is present in 2.6% of Arabian individuals and can cause NAIT and platelet refractoriness
Authors: Flesch Brigitte K. , Scherer Vanessa , Opitz Andreas , Ochmann Oswin , Janson Anne , Steitz Monika , Zeiler Thomas
Published: April 2021

Background

CD36 isoantibodies are capable of inducing neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) and platelet refractoriness. As to now the CD36 type I deficiency has been reported in East Asian and African individuals. However, it is virtually unknown in Caucasians. The aim of this study was to display the prevalence of the CD36 deficiency within parts of the Arabian population in Germany. Secondly, we are presenting the case of a newborn suffering from NAIT which was induced by CD36 antibody.

Methods

Platelet (p) CD36 was determined by flow cytometry on 1328 samples mainly from individuals of Arabian origin and a family with a neonate affected by NAIT. DNA sequencing was performed on all pCD36‐negative samples.

Results

Thirty‐five (2.64%) of all donor samples were pCD36 negative, 19 (1.43%) had a weak expression. Including only individuals from the Arabian peninsula, frequencies were 3.39% and 1.75%, respectively. CD36 type I deficiency on both platelets and monocytes combined with a CD36 isoantibody were detected in the mother of the NAIT baby. The baby was successfully transfused with two HPA‐unselected platelet concentrates. In case of need, two platelet units with a weak pCD36 expression were on hand. A total of 45 different CD36 mutations were detected within pCD36‐negative individuals, some being homozygous, most of them only present on one allele.

Conclusion

The CD36‐negative phenotype is present in a significant number of individuals of Arabian origin and enables CD36 isoimmunization in NAIT or refractoriness. Blood transfusion services should be aware of such cases.
Diagnostic imaging in acute interstitial pneumonia in foals: High variability of interpretation of chest radiographs and good conformity between ultrasonographic and post‐mortem findings
Authors: Punsmann Sophia , Hellige Maren , Hoppe Judith , Freise Fritjof , Venner Monica
Published: April 2021

Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) in foals is a rare but challenging syndrome. Diagnostic imaging is crucial for its diagnosis. While there are some reports on radiographic findings, ultrasound is sparsely described. Variability in the evaluation of radiographs in AIP has been well described in human literature. Part one of this study is a prospective, observational, observer agreement study investigating inter‐ and intraobserver agreement in the assessment of thoracic radiographs. Part two is a prospective, controlled, descriptive study on thoracic ultrasonography in foals with AIP. Eighteen foals with AIP were examined daily by thoracic ultrasound. Thoracic radiographs were taken on three successive occasions. Blinded radiographs were assessed by three observers based on two semi‐quantitative scores (pattern recognition, subjective evaluation). Foals that died underwent postmortem examination (n = 9); postmortem findings were compared to ultrasound findings on the day of death. Ultrasonographic findings were consistent with postmortem findings. Comet tail scores in foals with AIP were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than in control foals. Interrater agreement for the assessment of radiographs was none to moderate (κ = 0.07–0.65) for pattern recognition and weak to moderate (κ = 0.58–0.62) for subjective scoring. Intrarater agreement varied from minimal to strong (κ = 0.30–0.80) for pattern recognition but was strong (κ = 0.83) for subjective scoring. In conclusion, the diagnostic value of thoracic ultrasound in foals with AIP is high due to good conformity with postmortem findings. The evaluation of thoracic radiographs showed high variability in inter‐ and intra‐agreement.
Exercise acutely increases vitamin D receptor expression in T lymphocytes in vitamin D‐deficient men, independent of age
Authors: Lithgow Hannah , Florida‐James Geraint , Ross Mark , Duncan Gary , Leggate Melanie
Published: April 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does exercise affect vitamin D receptor expression in T lymphocytes in young, middle‐aged and older adults?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Moderate‐intensity cycling exercise increases vitamin D receptor expression in vitamin D‐deficient men, independent of age, presenting a strategy to combat the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D plays a key role in the modulation of the immune system, mediated through the intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR). Exercise has been shown to influence the activity and availability of the VDR. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on basal immune cell (T‐lymphocyte) VDR expression and the subsequent effect of acute aerobic exercise to modulate VDR expression in peripheral T cells. Thirty‐five men were included in the study (mean ± SD: age 44 ± 17 years and body mass index 25.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2), separated into three age groups: 18–30 (n = 12), 31–45 (n = 11) and 60–75 years (n = 12). Participants completed two trials [control (CON) and aerobic exercise (AE)], with blood samples collected pre‐ and postexercise (0, 1 and 3 h). Peripheral blood T cells were isolated and analysed for VDR expression by flow cytometry. The results show that advanced age is associated with lower VDR expression in T cells (882 ± 274, 796 ± 243 and 594 ± 174 geomean in the 18–30, 31–45 and 60–75 year age groups, respectively). Acute AE was successful at acutely increasing VDR expression in T cells, irrespective of age. Advanced age corresponds to a lower T‐cell VDR expression, which might be responsible for age‐associated development of chronic conditions and autoimmunity. Exercise was successful in increasing VDR expression in T cells irrespective of age and independent of exercise‐induced T‐cell mobilization.
Gate spacers etching of Si3N4 using cyclic approach for 3D CMOS devices
Authors: Bacquié Valentin , Tavernier Aurélien , Boulard François , Pollet Olivier , Possémé Nicolas
Published: April 2021

In this work, we optimize a CH3F/O2/He/SiCl4 chemistry to etch silicon nitride gate spacers for 3D CMOS devices in a 300 mm inductively coupled plasma reactor. The chemistry has high directivity and high selectivity to Si and SiO2. A cyclic approach, which alternates this chemistry with a CH2F2/O2/CH4/He plasma, is investigated. Using quasi in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry measurements, etching mechanisms are proposed to explain the results obtained. As a result of process optimization, silicon nitride spacers with vertical profile and a small critical dimension loss of 3 nm as well as complete spacers removal on sidewalls of the active area are obtained on 3D patterns, confirming the advantages of this approach.
Myeloid cell–derived HOCl is a paracrine effector that trans-inhibits IKK/NF-κB in melanoma cells and limits early tumor progression
Authors: Liu Tracy W. , Gammon Seth T. , Yang Ping , Fuentes David , Piwnica-Worms David
Published: April 2021

MPO in host myeloid cells has antitumor effects during the early stages of melanoma growth.
Physiological Responses of Aspergillus niger Challenged with Itraconazole
Authors: Poulsen Jan Struckmann , Madsen Anne Mette , White John Kerr , Nielsen Jeppe Lund
Published: April 2021

Aspergillus niger
is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. An environmental isolate of
A. niger
from a pig farm was resistant to itraconazole, and in-depth investigations were conducted to better understand cellular responses that occur during growth when this pathogen is exposed to an antifungal.
Rational Engraftment of Quaternary-Interactive Acidic Loops for Anti-HIV-1 Antibody Improvement
Authors: Liu Qingbo , Zhang Peng , Miao Huiyi , Lin Yin , Kwon Young Do , Kwong Peter D. , Rikhtegaran-Tehrani Zahra , Seaman Michael S. , DeVico Anthony L. , Sajadi Mohammad M. , Lusso Paolo
Published: April 2021

Monoclonal antibodies represent one of the most important recent innovations in the fight against infectious diseases. Although potent antibodies can be cloned from infected individuals, various strategies can be employed to improve their activity or pharmacological features.
TLR5-Mediated Reactivation of Quiescent Ranavirus FV3 in
Xenopus
Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Samanta Mrinal , Yim Jinyeong , De Jesús Andino Francisco , Paiola Matthieu , Robert Jacques
Published: April 2021

This study in the amphibian
Xenopus laevis
provides new evidence of the critical role of macrophages in the persistence of ranaviruses in a quiescent state as well as in the reactivation of these pathogens into a virulent infection. Among the multiple microbial sensors expressed by macrophages, our data underscore the preponderant involvement of TLR5 stimulation in triggering the reactivation of quiescent FV3 in resident peritoneal macrophages, unveiling a mechanistic connection between the reactivation of persisting ranavirus infection and bacterial coinfection.
ApoA1 Neutralizes Proinflammatory Effects of Dengue Virus NS1 Protein and Modulates Viral Immune Evasion
Authors: Coelho Diego R. , Carneiro Pedro H. , Mendes-Monteiro Lucas , Conde Jonas N. , Andrade Iamara , Cao Thu , Allonso Diego , White-Dibiasio Michael , Kuhn Richard J. , Mohana-Borges Ronaldo
Published: April 2021

DENV is one of the most relevant mosquito-transmitted viruses worldwide, infecting more than 390 million people every year and leading to more than 20 thousand deaths. Although a DENV vaccine has already been approved, its potential side effects have hampered its use in large-scale immunizations.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Enhances Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in a Ciprofloxacin-Treated Defined-Microbiota Piglet Model of Human Rotavirus Infection
Authors: Michael Husheem , Paim Francine C. , Langel Stephanie N. , Miyazaki Ayako , Fischer David D. , Chepngeno Juliet , Amimo Joshua , Deblais Loic , Rajashekara Gireesh , Saif Linda J. , Vlasova Anastasia N.
Published: April 2021

Rotavirus (RV) is a primary cause of malabsorptive diarrhea in children and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. The use of antibiotics exacerbates intestinal microbial imbalance and results in the persistence of RV-induced diarrhea.
Forest edges negatively influence daily nest survival rates of a grassland Tinamou, the Spotted Nothura (Nothura maculosa)
Authors: Colombo M.A. , Segura L.N.
Published: April 2021

Grassland degradation and fragmentation produced by land use have globally impacted biodiversity. In the Neotropics, the Pampas Grasslands have been greatly altered by agriculture and the introduction of exotic trees. To evaluate the effects of changing habitat features on indigenous grassland fauna, we studied a breeding population of a ground-nesting bird, the Spotted Nothura (Nothura maculosa (Temminck, 1815)), in a natural grassland under cattle grazing in central-east Argentina. We estimated daily nest survival rate (DSR) and modeled it as a function of habitat (distance to habitat edges, cattle density, and nest concealment) and temporal factors. Of the 80 nests found, 64 (80%) failed, predation being the principal cause of failure. DSR was 0.874, estimating a cumulative survival of only 6.8% throughout egg laying and incubation. DSR increased with distance to continuous forests and decreased with nest age. Nests located near forest edges could have increased predation risk because they are potentially exposed to forest-dwelling predators in addition to grassland-dependent predators. Considering the low success found and the ongoing invasion of exotic trees in the region, we encourage governments to protect large areas of grassland to ensure adequate nest success for Tinamous and other ground-nesting birds.
THRESHOLD EFFECTS OF POPULATION AGING ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Authors: PARK HAIL , SON JONG CHIL
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates the threshold effects of population aging on economic growth using country-level panel data covering 98 countries from 1970 to 2015. The overall estimation results indicate significant nonlinear effects on economic growth of the share of the elderly in the total population, with the estimated threshold between 10.1% and 10.9%. Beyond the threshold, deeper population aging begins to have negative effects on economic growth. Second, most of the threshold effects comes from the group of non-OECD countries, i.e., low-income countries, while the insignificant and delayed threshold effects are found in OECD countries, i.e., high- and middle-income countries. Third, as net capital inflows grow, particularly by the debt type, they can increase long-run economic growth in OECD countries, while they overall cause to deteriorate it in non-OECD countries. And finally, for the OECD countries, the positive impacts of capital inflows on growth are partially cancelled out as heightening in degree of population aging. These findings are overall robust to alternative measure of population aging, old-age dependency ratio and alternative country groups such as using US$7,000 in GDP per capita 1990 as reference income level. These results suggest that sufficient human capital investment, adoption of high technologies, and development of economic institutions including financial and foreign exchange markets are recommended in response to upcoming negative effects of population aging on economic growth especially for low-income country.
A CMOS Adaptive 433/900 MHz Differential RF Power Harvester with Wide-Dynamic Range for Wireless Powering
Authors: Alhoshany Abdulaziz
Published: April 2021

A wide-dynamic range high-efficiency differential RF-to-DC power converter for wireless power transfer (WPT) applications is presented. The architecture offers high power conversion efficiency (PCE) over a wide range of input powers by employing cross-coupled high-threshold rectifying devices with stacking diodes. The proposed rectifier uses the adaptive biasing technique to control the rectifying devices’ conduction and minimizes the leakage current of the feedback diodes by utilizing the dynamic body biasing. Compared to the conventional cross-coupled rectifier, the proposed rectifier has a [Formula: see text] dynamic range. A prototype of the proposed rectifier is implemented in 65-nm CMOS technology and occupies an area of 0.0148[Formula: see text]mm2. The rectifier achieves [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBm sensitivity for 1[Formula: see text]V output and a 79.4% peak PCE. A dynamic range of 17.3[Formula: see text]dB is achieved at the 433[Formula: see text]MHz in the Industrial Scientific Medical band (ISM band) with a 100-K[Formula: see text] load. Furthermore, the proposed design offers a peak PCE of 62.6% and a wide dynamic range of 16.1[Formula: see text]dB at the UHF 900[Formula: see text]MHz band with a load resistance of 100-K[Formula: see text].
Applying Class Distance to Decide Similarity on Information Models for Automated Data Interoperability
Authors: Wang Lan , Hayashi Shinpei , Saeki Motoshi
Published: April 2021

In the world of the Internet of Things (IoT), heterogeneous systems and devices need to be connected and exchange data with others. How data exchange can be automatically realized becomes a critical issue. An information model (IM) is frequently adopted and utilized to solve the data interoperability problem. Meanwhile, as IoT systems and devices can have different IMs with different modeling methodologies and formats such as UML, IEC 61360, etc., automated data interoperability based on various IMs is recognized as an urgent problem. In this paper, we propose an approach to automate the data interoperability, i.e. data exchange among similar entities in different IMs. First, similarity scores among entities are calculated based on their syntactic and semantic features. Then, in order to precisely get similar candidates to exchange data, a concept of class distance calculated with a Virtual Distance Graph (VDG) is proposed to narrow down obtained similar properties for data exchange. Through analyzing the results of a case study, the class distance based on VDG can effectively improve the precisions of calculated similar properties. Furthermore, data exchange rules can be generated automatically. The results reveal that the approach of this research can efficiently contribute to resolving the data interoperability problem.
Search for Compatible Source Code
Authors: Cai Fuqi , Wang Changjing , Huang Qing , Zuo Zhengkang , Liao Yunyan
Published: April 2021

Third-party libraries always evolve and produce multiple versions. Lucene, for example, released ten new versions (from version 7.7.0 to 8.4.0) in 2019. These versions confuse the existing code search methods to retrieve the source code that is not compatible with local programming language. To solve this issue, we propose DCSE, a deep code search model based on evolving information (i.e. evolved code tokens and evolution description). DCSE first deeply excavates evolved code tokens and evolution description in the code evolution process; then it takes evolved code tokens and evolution description as one feature of source code and code description, respectively. With such fuller representation, DCSE embeds source code and its code description into a high-dimensional shared vector space, and makes the cosine distance of their vectors closer. For the ever-evolving third-party libraries like Lucene, the experimental results show that DCSE could retrieve the source code that is compatible with local programming language, it outperforms the state-of-the-art methods (e.g. CODEnn) by 56.9–60.9[Formula: see text] in RFVersion. For the rarely-evolving third-party libraries, DCSE outperforms the state-of-the-art methods (e.g. CODEnn) by 4–11[Formula: see text] in Precision.
EFFECTS OF HYBRID FIBER-REINFORCED GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE STABILIZED WITH GYPSEOUS SOIL-EXPERIMENTAL AND SIMULATION APPROACH
Authors: RAO SEETA KAMALAKAR , KUMAR SANJEET
Published: April 2021

Geopolymer concrete is established to have brilliant designing properties with a decreased carbon impression. Geopolymer with fibers has gained prevalence in recent years for use in concrete, for the most part, inferable from their low cost and outstanding individuality. In this examination, Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete (FRGPC) is utilized as a binder with the impacts of the intrinsic sulfate solution in Gypseous Soil. GPC blend is included with alkaline activators, for example, NaOH and KOH with molarities [M. Z. N. Khan, Y. Hao, H. Hao and F. U. A. Shaikh, Cem. Concr. Compos.85 (2018) 133; P. Sukontasukkul, P. Pongsopha, P. Chindaprasirt and S. Songpiriyakij, Constr. Build. Mater. 161 (2018) 37; Y. Alrefaei and J.-G. Dai, Constr. Build. Mater. 184 (2018) 419] and hybrid fibers (steel and polypropylene) with the fiber content of 0–0.16%. Fibers are added to upgrade the strength to the concrete to meet given functionality necessities. The Gypseous Soil is taken with the percentage of G13,G25,G54, to assess the effects, compressive strength, ductility, collapsibility potential, and coefficient of penetrability tests were performed with a soaked and unsoaked solution. These outcomes are validated with the assistance of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) optimization algorithm. The validation results played out that ideal precision and high strength of the activated solution. At long last, the simulated outcomes give better execution compared with existing papers.
Discrete uncertainty principle in quaternion setting and application in signal reconstruction
Authors: Yang Yan , Kou Kit Ian , Zou Cuiming
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a novel discrete uncertainty principle associated with discrete Quaternion Fourier transform is established to give the relationship between the nonzero numbers of the discrete quaternion-valued signals and their Quaternion Fourier transforms. We obtain that the product of the numbers of nonzero elements of a sequence [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and its Quaternion Fourier transform is no less than [Formula: see text] and the result is sharp. Then we extend the uncertainty principle of discrete signals proved by Donoho and Starkin to two dimensional case. It suggests how sparsity helps in the recovery of missing frequency. The experimental results on the recovery of Lena also demonstrate the necessity of the two-dimensional discrete uncertainty principle associated with Quaternion Fourier transforms.
The Use of Contravariant Tensors to Model Anisotropic Soft Tissues
Authors: Basak Arthesh , Rajagopal Amirtham , Basappa Umesh , Hossain Mokarram
Published: April 2021

Biological tissues have been shown to behave isotropically at lower strain values, while at higher strains the fibers embedded in the tissue straighten and tend to take up the load. Thus, the anisotropy induced at higher loads can be mathematically modeled by incorporating the strains experienced by the fibers. From histological studies on soft tissues it is evident that for a wide range of tissues the fibers have an oblique mean orientation about the physiological loading directions. Thus, we require a mathematical framework of tensors defined in nonorthogonal basis to capture the direction-dependent response of fibers under high induced loads. In this work, we propose a novel approach to determine the fiber strains with the aid of the contravariant tensors defined in an oblique coordinate system. To determine the fiber strains, we introduce a fourth-order contravariant fiber orientation transformation tensor. The approach helps us successfully in determining the fiber strains, for a family of symmetrically and asymmetrically oriented fibers, with the aid of a single anisotropic invariant. The proposed model was fitted with the experimental data from literature to determine the corresponding material parameters.
In-Situ Preparation of High-Performance CNS/Cu Composites with Molten Salt Route
Authors: Leng Ling , You Xin , Yi Jianhong , Li Caiju , Liu Yichun , Zeng Taofang , Fang Dong
Published: April 2021

Carbon nanosheets (CNSs) reinforced copper composites are obtained with a molten salt route for uniform distribution of carbon in the copper matrix. The structures and properties of the composite are thoroughly characterized and tested. The mechanical properties of the composite are greatly improved compared to pure copper. The effects of annealing temperatures and carbon contents on the mechanical properties of composites are investigated and discussed. When the annealing temperature is 800∘C, the composite has excellent comprehensive properties. Its yield strength is 283 MPa, which is 3.14 times that of pure copper, and its hardness is 78[Formula: see text]HV, which is 1.77 times of pure copper. The simple and low-cost preparation process opens up a novel route for the preparation of high-performance copper-based composites.
Density in partial semigroups
Authors: Ghosh Arpita
Published: April 2021

This short note deals with a result in partial semigroups. We introduce a notion of density in partial semigroups and verify that under a certain condition on a partial semigroup [Formula: see text], this density of a central set in [Formula: see text] is positive and also, the density of a [Formula: see text]-thick subset of [Formula: see text] is always a unit.
Improved ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 ceramics via sintering in low oxygen partial pressure atmosphere and adding LiF
Authors: Li Bing-Yu , Chen Xiao-Ming , Liu Mei-Dan , Yu Zi-De , Lian Han-Li , Zhou Jian-Ping
Published: April 2021

Dense ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]NbO3 lead-free ceramics with the simple composition were prepared via sintering in low oxygen partial pressure (pO2, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] atm) atmosphere and adding LiF. All the ceramics have pure orthorhombic structure. Compared to the LiF-added ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]NbO3 ceramics sintered in air and the low pO2-sintered pure ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]NbO3 ceramics without LiF addition, the present ceramics exhibit improved piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. The piezoelectric constant [Formula: see text] is 125 pC/N, and the converse piezoelectric constant [Formula: see text]* is 186 pm/V. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the ceramics at room temperature and 1 kHz are 451 and 0.03, respectively. Under the measured electric field of 70 kV/cm, the remanent polarization is 25.9 [Formula: see text]C/cm2 and the coercive field is 13.9 kV/cm. Furthermore, if the base metals such as Cu and Ni powders were mixed into the green pellets and sintered in the low pO2 atmosphere, the base metals cannot be oxidized, suggesting possibility of using base metals as electrodes.
Oscillometry of the respiratory system: a translational opportunity not to be missed
Authors: Lundblad Lennart K. A. , Robichaud Annette
Published: April 2021

Airway oscillometry has become the de facto standard for quality assessment of lung physiology in laboratory animals and has demonstrated its usefulness in understanding diseases of small airways. Nowadays, it is seeing extensive use in daily clinical practice and research; however, a question that remains unanswered is how well physiological findings in animals and humans correlate? Methodological and device differences are obvious between animal and human studies. However, all devices deliver an oscillated airflow test signal and output respiratory impedance. In addition, despite analysis differences, there are ways to interpret animal and human oscillometry data to allow suitable comparisons. The potential with oscillometry is its ability to reveal universal features of the respiratory system across species, making translational extrapolation likely to be predictive. This means that oscillometry can thus help determine if an animal model displays the same physiological characteristics as the human disease. Perhaps more importantly, it can also be useful to determine whether an intervention is effective as well as to understand if it affects the desired region of the respiratory system, e.g., the periphery of the lung. Finally, findings in humans can also inform preclinical scientists and give indications as to what type of physiological changes should be observed in animal models to make them relevant as models of human disease. The present article will attempt to demonstrate the potential of oscillometry in respiratory research, an area where the development of novel therapies is plagued with a failure rate higher than in other disease areas.
Forecasting the Number of the Wounded after an Earthquake Disaster Based on the Continuous Interval Grey Discrete Verhulst Model
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Tongyuan , Chang Jianpeng , Gou Yan
Published: April 2021

Earthquake disaster causes serious casualties, so the prediction of casualties is conducive to the reasonable and efficient allocation of emergency relief materials, which plays a significant role in emergency rescue. In this paper, a continuous interval grey discrete Verhulst model based on kernels and measures (CGDVM-KM), different from the previous forecasting methods, can help us to efficiently predict the number of the wounded in a very short time, that is, an “S-shape” curve for the numbers of the sick and wounded. That is, the continuous interval sequence is converted into the kernel and measure sequences with equal information quantity by the interval whitening method, and it is combined with the classical grey discrete Verhulst model, and then the grey discrete Verhulst models of the kernel and measure sequences are presented, respectively. Finally, CGDVM-KM is developed. It can effectively overcome the systematic errors caused by the discrete form equation for parameter estimation and continuous form equation for simulation and prediction in classical grey Verhulst model, so as to improve the prediction accuracy. At the same time, the rationality and validity of the model are verified by examples. A comparison with other forecasting models shows that the model has higher prediction accuracy and better simulation effect in forecasting the wounded in massive earthquake disasters.
Evaluation of Different Machine Learning Models for Predicting Soil Erosion in Tropical Sloping Lands of Northeast Vietnam
Authors: Vu Dinh Tuan , Hoang Nhat-Duc , Tran Xuan-Linh
Published: April 2021

Soil erosion induced by rainfall under prevailing conditions is a prominent problem to farmers in tropical sloping lands of Northeast Vietnam. This study evaluates possibility of predicting erosion status by machine learning models, including fuzzy k-nearest neighbor (FKNN), artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), least squares support vector machine (LSSVM), and relevance vector machine (RVM). Model evaluation employed a historical dataset consisting of ten explanatory variables and soil erosion featured four different land use managements on hillslopes in Northwest Vietnam. All 236 data samples representing soil erosion/nonerosion events were randomly prepared (80% for training and 20% for testing) to assess the robustness of the five models. This subsampling process was repeatedly carried out by 30 rounds to eliminate the issue of randomness in data selection. Classification accuracy rate (CAR) and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC) were used to evaluate performance of the five models. Significant difference between different algorithms was verified by the Wilcoxon test. Results of the study showed that RVM model achieves the best outcomes in both training (CAR = 92.22% and AUC = 0.98) and testing phases (CAR = 91.94% and AUC = 0.97). Four other learning algorithms also demonstrated good performance as indicated by their CAR values surpassing 80% and AUC values greater than 0.9. Hence, these results strongly confirm the efficacy of applying machine learning models for soil erosion prediction.
Clinical Acquired Resistance to KRASG12C Inhibition through a Novel KRAS Switch-II Pocket Mutation and Polyclonal Alterations Converging on RAS–MAPK Reactivation
Authors: Tanaka Noritaka , Lin Jessica J. , Li Chendi , Ryan Meagan B. , Zhang Junbing , Kiedrowski Lesli A. , Michel Alexa G. , Syed Mohammed U. , Fella Katerina A. , Sakhi Mustafa , Baiev Islam , Juric Dejan , Gainor Justin F. , Klempner Samuel J. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Siravegna Giulia , Bar-Peled Liron , Hata Aaron N. , Heist Rebecca S. , Corcoran Ryan B.
Published: April 2021

Mutant-selective KRASG12C inhibitors, such as MRTX849 (adagrasib) and AMG 510 (sotorasib), have demonstrated efficacy in KRASG12C-mutant cancers, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, mechanisms underlying clinical acquired resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors remain undetermined. To begin to define the mechanistic spectrum of acquired resistance, we describe a patient with KRASG12C NSCLC who developed polyclonal acquired resistance to MRTX849 with the emergence of 10 heterogeneous resistance alterations in serial cell-free DNA spanning four genes (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, MAP2K1), all of which converge to reactivate RAS–MAPK signaling. Notably, a novel KRASY96D mutation affecting the switch-II pocket, to which MRTX849 and other inactive-state inhibitors bind, was identified that interferes with key protein–drug interactions and confers resistance to these inhibitors in engineered and patient-derived KRASG12C cancer models. Interestingly, a novel, functionally distinct tricomplex KRASG12C active-state inhibitor RM-018 retained the ability to bind and inhibit KRASG12C/Y96D and could overcome resistance.

Significance:

In one of the first reports of clinical acquired resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors, our data suggest polyclonal RAS–MAPK reactivation as a central resistance mechanism. We also identify a novel KRAS switch-II pocket mutation that impairs binding and drives resistance to inactive-state inhibitors but is surmountable by a functionally distinct KRASG12C inhibitor.

See related commentary by Pinnelli and Trusolino, p. 1874.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1861