Realization of Analog Wavelet Filter using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for On-line Epileptic Event Detection

© 2020 The Author(s). This open access work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. For more information, see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.As the evolution of traditional electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring unit for epilepsy diagnosis, wearable ambulatory EEG (WAEEG) system transmits EEG data wirelessly, and can be made miniaturized, discrete and social acceptable. To prolong the battery lifetime, analog wavelet filter is used for epileptic event detection in WAEEG system to achieve on-line data reduction. For mapping continuous wavelet transform to analog filter implementation with low-power consumption and high approximation accuracy, this paper proposes a novel approximation method to construct the wavelet base in analog domain, in which the approximation process in frequency domain is considered as an optimization problem by building a mathematical model with only one term in the numerator. The hybrid genetic algorithm consisting of genetic algorithm and quasi-Newton method is employed to find the globally optimum solution, taking required stability into account. Experiment results show that the proposed method can give a stable analog wavelet base with simple structure and higher approximation accuracy compared with existing method, leading to a better spike detection accuracy. The fourth-order Marr wavelet filter is designed as an example using Gm-C filter structure based on LC ladder simulation, whose power consumption is only 33.4 pW at 2.1Hz. Simulation results show that the design method can be used to facilitate low power and small volume implementation of on-line epileptic event detector.Peer reviewe

Design of Gm-C wavelet filter for on-line epileptic EEG detection

Copyright © 2019 The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication EngineersAnalog filter implementation of continuous wavelet transform is considered as a promising technique for on-line spike detection applied in wearable electroencephalogram system. This Letter proposes a novel method to construct analog wavelet base for analog wavelet filter design, in which the mathematical approximation model in frequency domain is built as an optimization problem and the genetic algorithm is used to find the global optimum resolution. Also, the Gm-C filter structure based on LC ladder simulation is employed to synthesize the obtained analog wavelet base. The Marr wavelet filter is designed as an example using SMIC 1V 0.35μm CMOS technology. Simulation results show that the proposed method can give a stable analog wavelet filter with higher approximation accuracy and excellent circuit performance, which is well suited for the design of low-frequency low-power spike detector.Peer reviewe

The matching rule of Panum’s limiting case and its influencing factors

IntroductionPanum’s limiting case is one of the typical configurations of monocular occlusion region. The matching rule of Panum’s limiting case is the key to understanding how monocular occlusion region produces stereopsis. There are currently two main views on the matching rule of Panum’s limiting case, namely double fusion and uniqueness constraint. This paper further discusses its matching mechanism on the basis of previous studies.MethodsIn this study, fold line Panum’s stimuli were used to study the matching rule of Panum’s limiting case. In Experiment 1, fixation position was adopted to present the stimulus in a short time to explore the matching rules in Panum’s limiting case. In Experiment 2, the effect of fixation position on Panum’s limiting case matching results was further investigated.ResultsThe results of Experiment 1 show that when stimuli are presented in a short period of time, the reported result that a single feature in one eye may be matched alternately with two features in the other eye. This matching rule is called “fast alternative matching” in this article. The results of Experiment 2 results show that the position of the fixation could affect the matching result of participants.ConclusionIn conclusion, the matching rule of Panum’s limiting case is fast alternative matching, and the matching result is related to the attention state of the participant. These results not only provide a new perspective for matching rules in Panum’s limiting case, but also show that depth perception results in stereopsis can be influenced by top-down cognitive processing. This study provides a theoretical basis for studying the formation of stereopsis in the monocular region to a certain extent. In summary, the matching rule of Panum’s limiting case is fast alternative matching. In previous studies, the perceived result of double fusion may be caused by fast alternative matching. Also, the matching results are related to the participant’s state of attention, which suggests that the depth perception results of stereopsis are influenced by top-down cognitive processing

Effects Of Simultaneous CO2 Addition To The Fuel And Oxidizer Streams On Soot Formation In Co-flow Diffusion Ethylene Flame

Soot formation in a co-flow diffusion ethylene flame with the addition of CO2 to the fuel (the CO2-F), oxidizer (the CO2-O), and fuel/oxidizer (the CO2-F/O) streams was numerically and experimentally investigated in this study. The effects of different CO2 addition ways on soot inception, soot condensation, H-abstraction-C2H2-addition (HACA) and oxidation by O2/OH processes, were quantitatively analyzed by introducing the integrated reaction rates over the whole computational domain. The simulated and experimental results showed that the CO2-F/O was the most effective in inhibiting soot formation and flame temperature, followed by the CO2-O, and the CO2-F. Compared with the CO2-F, the suppression effect of the CO2-O on soot inception was weaker due to the higher concentration of benzo(ghi) fluoranthene (BGHIF). Since the rate of C4H2 formation via C2H4 → C2H3 → C2H2 → C4H2 was inhibited by the CO2-O, lowering the consumption rate of acenaphthalene (A2R5) via C4H2 + A2R5=\u3eA4, more A2R5 converted to BGHIF via A2R5 → A2- → A2 → BGHIF. The suppression effects of different ways of CO2 addition on HACA surface growth and soot condensation were identical: CO2-F \u3c CO2-O \u3c CO2-F/O. The decrease of benzo(a)pyrene (BAPYR) mole fraction accounted for the decline of soot condensation rate, and the decreases of H and OH mole fractions were responsible for the drop of HACA surface growth rate. Compared with the CO2-F, the CO2-O and the CO2-F/O had stronger suppression effects on the soot oxidation by O2 process due to the lower concentration of O2 in the oxidizer stream. Whichever CO2 addition ways were adopted, the soot oxidation by O2 process was more sensitive than the soot oxidation by OH process with the CO2 addition

Iris volume change with physiologic mydriasis to identify development of angle closure: the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial

AIMS: To assess dynamic change of iris area (Iarea) and volume (VOL) with physiologic pupil dilation for progression of primary angle closure suspects. METHODS: Participants underwent baseline examinations including gonioscopy and anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) as part of the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial. The AS-OCT images were obtained both in the dark and light. Progression was defined as development of primary angle closure or an acute angle closure attack. Static ocular biometrics and dynamic changes were compared between progressors and non-progressors and multivariable logistic regression was developed to assess risk factors for progression. RESULTS: A mean 16.8% decrease in Iarea and a mean 6.26% decrease in VOL occurred with pupil dilation, while 22.96% non-progressors and 40% progressors presented VOL increases with pupil dilation. Iarea in light and dark and VOL in light were significantly smaller in progressors. In a multivariable logistic model, older age (p=0.008), narrower horizontal angle opening distance (AOD) 250 µm from the scleral spur (AOD250, p=0.001), flatter iris curvature (IC, p=0.006) and lower loss of iris volume (ΔVOL, p=0.04) were significantly associated with progression. With receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for ΔVOL alone was 0.621, while that for the combined index (age, AOD250, IC and ΔVOL) was 0.824. Eyes with elevated intraocular pressure had less VOL loss compared with progressors developing peripheral anterior synechiae alone (p=0.055 for ΔVOL adjusted for pupil enlargement). CONCLUSION: A smaller change in ΔVOL is an additive risk factor to identify eyes more likely to develop angle closure disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN45213099

Cataract progression after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspect eyes

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is performed in primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) eyes to prevent acute angle-closure attacks. However, accelerated cataractogenesis is a potential risk of the procedure that may result in decreased visual acuity. We aimed to assess the long-term impact of LPI on cataract formation in Chinese PACS. METHODS: In the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial, eligible bilateral PACS participants received LPI in one randomly selected eye, while the fellow eye remained untreated. Cataract was graded using the Lens Opacity Classification System III, and progression was defined as an increase in grade by at least two units in any category or cataract surgery. RESULTS: In total, 889 participants were randomly assigned to LPI in one eye only (mean age 59±5 years, 83% female). At 72 months, treated eyes had slightly higher average nuclear grades (p<0.001). However, there were no differences between eyes for predefined cataract progression (cumulative probability at 72 months: 21.2% in LPI vs 19.4% in control, p=0.401) or cataract surgery (1% for both). While LPI-treated eyes had a 10% higher risk of progression over 6 years (HR=1.10 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.36)), this was not statistically significant. Visual acuity at 72 months was similar in treated and untreated eyes (p=0.43). CONCLUSION: Although lenses were graded on average as slightly more opaque in laser-treated eyes, prophylactic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet LPI did not cause significant cataract progression. Our results suggest that LPI treatment of asymptomatic narrow angles does not increase the risk of developing clinically meaningful cataract worsening over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN45213099

Toll family members bind multiple Spatzle proteins and activate antimicrobial peptide gene expression in Drosophila

The Toll signaling pathway in Drosophila melanogaster regulates several immune-related functions, including the expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes. The canonical Toll receptor (Toll-1) is activated by the cytokine Spatzle (Spz-1), but Drosophila encodes eight other Toll genes and five other Spz genes whose interactions with one another and associated functions are less well understood. Here, we conducted in vitro assays in the Drosophila S2 cell line with the Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) homology domains of each Toll family member to determine if they can activate a known target of Toll-1, the promoter of the antifungal peptide gene drosomycin. All TIR family members activated the drosomycin promoter, with Toll-1 and Toll-7 TIRs producing the highest activation. We found that the Toll-1 and Toll-7 ectodomains bind Spz-1, -2, and -5 and also vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) virions, and that Spz-1, -2, -5, and VSV all activated the promoters of drosomycin and several other AMP genes in S2 cells expressing full-length Toll-1 or Toll-7. In vivo experiments indicated that Toll-1 and Toll-7 mutants could be systemically infected with two bacterial species (Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans and VSV with different survival in adult females and males compared with wild-type fly survival. Our results suggest that all Toll family members can activate several AMP genes. Our results further indicate that Toll-1 and Toll-7 bind multiple Spz proteins and also VSV, but differentially affect adult survival after systemic infection, potentially because of sex-specific differences in Toll-1 and Toll-7 expression

Domestic Value Added of Chinese Brand Mobile Phones

In this paper, we evaluate the domestic value added of Chinese brand mobile phones using the teardown data of two sample phones: Xiaomi MIX 2 and OPPO R11s. For calculation of the distribution of value added by country, we adopt two benchmarks: production cost and retail price. In terms of the production cost of the sample phones, which consists of bill of materials, manufacturing cost and royalty, Chinese domestic value added embedded in the MIX 2 is 15.4% and 16.7% in the R11s. The teardown analysis reveals that no indigenous Chinese firms are involved in the manufacture of the printed circuit board assembly, which explains the relatively low Chinese domestic value added. Using retail price to measure total value added, we find that the domestic value added of the MIX 2 to be 41.7% while that of the R11s to be 45.3%. The cost of retail services and gross marginal profits contribute most to the increase, which implies that nurturing mobile phone brands has not only enabled the Chinese mobile phone industry to move up ladder of value chains, but also to improve domestic value added.JEL Classification Codes: L63, F23http://www.grips.ac.jp/list/jp/facultyinfo/xing_yuqing

Functional Polymorphisms of CTLA4 Associated with Aggressive Periodontitis in the Chinese Han Population

Background/Aims: CTLA4 has been identified functioning as a protein receptor which functions as an immune checkpoint, downregulating the immune system. Susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is influenced by gene polymorphisms related to the immune response. In this study, we focused on SNPs in the 3’-UTR of CTLA4 among Chinese AgP patients, and investigated any further relationships between the SNPs and miRNAs. Methods: This case–control study included 120 AgP patients and 150 healthy controls. Genotyping was used to detect allele distribution. Cell transfection and the dual luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate the potential functions of SNPs located in the 3’UTR of CTLA4. Results: The data show that patients with a history of smoking were more susceptible compared to controls, exhibiting deeper probing depth, greater attachment loss and more sites of bleeding on probing. The results of genotyping analysis revealed that individuals with the GA and AA genotypes, and with the A carrier had a decreased risk (P = 0.015, P = 0.03). Furthermore, patients with the G allele might be regulated by miR-105, which caused a down-regulation of CTLA4. The carriers of the GG genotype exhibited the worst results of attachment loss and bleeding on probing. Conclusion: These findings show that rs56102377 in the 3’-UTR of CTLA4 may act as a protective factor by disrupting the regulatory role of miR-105 in CTLA4 expression. Thus, our study highlighted a potential role of these polymorphisms as genetic susceptibility biomarkers of periodontitis in Chinese Han populations

Changes in DNA methylation assessed by genomic bisulfite sequencing suggest a role for DNA methylation in cotton fruiting branch development

Cotton plant architecture, including fruit branch formation and flowering pattern, influences plant light exploitation, cotton yield and planting cost. DNA methylation has been widely observed at different developmental stages in both plants and animals and is associated with regulation of gene expression, chromatin remodelling, genome protection and other functions. Here, we investigated the global epigenetic reprogramming during the development of fruiting branches and floral buds at three developmental stages: the seedling stage, the pre-squaring stage and the squaring stage. We first identified 22 cotton genes which potentially encode DNA methyltransferases and demethylases. Among them, the homologous genes of CMT, DRM2 and MET1 were upregulated at pre-squaring and squaring stages, suggesting that DNA methylation is involved in the development of floral buds and fruit branches. Although the global methylation at all of three developmental stages was not changed, the CHG-type methylation of non-expressed genes was higher than those of expressed genes. In addition, we found that the expression of the homologous genes of the key circadian rhythm regulators, including CRY, LHY and CO, was associated with changes of DNA methylation at three developmental stages