bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes in human HLA‐DRA gene expression and Th cell subsets in sepsis: Indications of immunosuppression and associated outcomes
Authors: Xu Jianqiao , Li Jia , Xiao Kun , Zou Sifan , Yan Peng , Xie Xiaowei , Xie Lixin
Published: August 2019

Background

Sepsis is a life‐threatening disease that is an immune disorder response that causes multiple organ dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the dynamic changes in mRNA expression of HLA‐DRA gene and the specific transcription factor of helper T cell subsets to explore long‐term immunophenotyping and its relationship with prognosis.

Methods

Seventy‐eight sepsis patients and twelve healthy controls were recruited in this study. Blood samples were collected at eight‐time points during their septic course and were assayed for the gene expression of HLA‐DRA and T helper cell subset‐specific transcription factors (T‐bet: Th1, GATA3: Th2, Foxp3: Treg, RORC: Th17).

Results

The levels of HLA‐DRA in survivors gradually increased but were maintained at lower levels in non‐survivors. The specific transcription factor of Th1 and Th2 cells, T‐bet and GATA‐3 were significantly lower in sepsis patients than in normal controls, and the non‐survivors showed significantly lower levels than the survivors (P < .05). RORC and FOXP3, the specific transcription factor of Treg and Th17 were significantly higher in survivors than in non‐survivors and normal controls (P < .05). T‐bet and GATA‐3 had a linear correlation with HLA‐DRA expression (P < .01).

Conclusions

The dynamic changes in HLA‐DRA expression in peripheral blood could accurately reflect the immune status of sepsis patients, and the reduction in HLA‐DRA may be an important reason for abnormal T cell differentiation. The sustained low levels of the Th cell subsets (Th1 and Th2) suggest the suppression of adaptive immunity, and this persistent immunosuppression may be the leading cause of death in septic patients.
Unraveling the Complex Web of Associations Between Easy Access to Firearms and Premature Mortalities
Authors: Feigelman William , Rosen Zohn , Cerel Julie
Published: August 2019

Objective

We investigated whether high school students reporting easy access to guns were more likely to die prematurely from either suicide, homicide, or an accidental death.

Method

Based upon the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we contrasted those reporting easy access to guns, n = 5,185, 25%, with the remaining 75% (n = 15,589) on various sociodemographic characteristics, behaviors, and premature mortalities.

Results

We found higher rates of suicides, homicides, and accidental deaths among those reporting easy access to guns at Wave 1 or Wave 2. This was only true for males. Those with easy access to guns were more likely to share common sociodemographic characteristics, came from two‐parent homes where children had strong and close relationships with parents, where children were more likely to get into fights, do delinquent misdeeds, and engage in other risk‐taking behaviors such as increased drinking, drug use, and riding motorcycles. Logistic regression analysis showed easy access to guns remained a significant predictor of premature mortalities when sex, family income differences, risk‐taking, and delinquency were used as covariates.

Conclusions

This study supports previous research and carves out new ground showing easy access to guns acts synergistically with other lifestyle differences to diminish youth life chances.
Choice and control in social care: Experiences of older self‐funders in England
Authors: Baxter Kate , Heavey Emily , Birks Yvonne
Published: August 2019

This paper considers the experiences of older self‐funders in England in the context of policies promoting choice and control. Self‐funders are people who are not state‐funded; they pay for social care from their own resources. Choice and control have been operationalized through personal budgets, based on the assumption that managing resources enhances ability to access appropriate care and support. This paper uses data from 40 qualitative interviews with self‐funders and their relatives, and 19 with professionals. It explores the impact of the financial and social capital that self‐funders are assumed to have and asks how older self‐funders experience choice and control. The study found that older self‐funders drew on personal experiences, family, and friends for information; were reluctant to spend their wealth on care due to competing priorities; and felt they had more control over the timing of decisions than people who were state‐funded. Personal wealth appears to be perceived differently to funds “gifted” to people through cash for care schemes.
Who Are Conspiracy Theorists? A Comprehensive Approach to Explaining Conspiracy Beliefs
Authors: Enders Adam M. , Smallpage Steven M.
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study disentangles the known correlates of conspiracy beliefs—such as the general predisposition toward conspiratorial thinking, authoritarianism, and partisan and ideological predispositions—in order to better understand the psychological antecedents of such beliefs and answer the question: Who are conspiracy theorists?

Methods

We use classification and regression tree models to explain individual beliefs in specific conspiracy theories, employing a large set of known correlates of conspiratorial thinking.

Results

Depending on the characteristics of the conspiracy theory employed on the survey, we find that political orientations and conspiratorial thinking provide the most analytical leverage in predicting individual conspiracy beliefs. Furthermore, paranormal beliefs were more predictive than previous literature suggests, while psychological biases demonstrated very limited predictive utility.

Conclusions

The psychological antecedents of conspiracy beliefs used to explain those beliefs vary considerably by the stimuli or events at the center of a given conspiracy theory. Therefore, disproportionately favoring one type of conspiracy theory on one's survey may result in inferences about conspiracy theorists that do not translate across studies. Furthermore, though we are not yet capable of fully determining who conspiracy theorists are, conspiratorial thinking, paranormal beliefs, and political orientations are more predictive of particular conspiracy beliefs than other attitudes, predispositions, and orientations.
Medical training in private and public
Authors: Phillips Stephanie , Xia Vivianne , Zhuang Donna , Klein Linda
Published: August 2019

Background

Globally, the need for medical student training to be undertaken in the private sector is likely to increase. In Australia, it has increased by 250 per cent in the last decade. Effective clinical education is highly dependent on the attitudes and willingness to participate of both patients and medical staff. We aimed to examine these attitudes in both private and public hospitals.

Methods

Patients and medical staff at a private and a public hospital in Sydney were surveyed during December 2016 and January 2017 to investigate attitudes to medical student training. Attitudes were compared between hospitals. We also compared recent attitudes in the private hospital with those obtained in 2012.

Results

Patients at the public hospital were significantly more likely to want a student present at a consultation than those at a private hospital. Public hospital doctors had more positive attitudes towards medical students than their private colleagues. The negative financial impact of teaching was more significant for those in private practice. Since 2012, attitudes of private hospital patients towards medical students became significantly more positive whereas doctors’ attitudes became less positive.

The expansion of clinical education into the private sector is likely to increase globally

Discussion

The willingness of patients to participate in medical student training in both public and private hospitals is encouraging for future expansion into the private sector. The reduced willingness amongst private hospital medical staff over time and, in comparison to public hospital staff, suggests a need to address barriers for staff in the private sector.
Subcellular dynamics of proteins and metabolites under abiotic stress reveal deferred response of the Arabidopsis thaliana hexokinase‐1 mutant gin2‐1 to high light
Authors: Küstner Lisa , Fürtauer Lisa , Weckwerth Wolfram , Nägele Thomas , Heyer Arnd G.
Published: August 2019

Stress responses in plants imply spatio‐temporal changes in enzymes and metabolites, including subcellular compartment‐specific re‐allocation processes triggered by sudden changes in environmental parameters. To investigate interactions of primary metabolism with abiotic stress, the gin2‐1 mutant, defective in the sugar sensor hexokinase 1 (HXK1) was compared with its wildtype Landsberg erecta (Ler) based on time resolved, compartment‐specific metabolome and proteome data obtained over a full diurnal cycle. The high light sensitive gin2‐1 mutant was substantially delayed in subcellular re‐distribution of metabolites upon stress, and this correlated with a massive reduction in proteins belonging to the ATP producing electron transport chain under high light, while fewer changes occurred in the cold. In the wildtype, compounds specifically protecting individual compartments could be identified, e.g., maltose and raffinose in plastids, myo‐inositol in mitochondria, but gin2‐1 failed to recruit these substances to the respective compartments, or responded only slowly to high irradiance. No such delay was obtained in the cold. At the whole cell level, concentrations of the amino acids, glycine and serine, provided strong evidence for an important role of the photorespiratory pathway during stress exposure, and different subcellular allocation of serine may contribute to the slow growth of the gin2‐1 mutant under high irradiance.
Metabolic impact of red blood cell exchange with rejuvenated red blood cells in sickle cell patients
Authors: Gehrke Sarah , Shah Nirmish , Gamboni Fabia , Kamyszek Reed , Srinivasan Amudan J. , Gray Alan , Landrigan Matthew , Welsby Ian , D'Alessandro Angelo
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell exchange (RCE) transfusions are a mainstay in the treatment of sickle cell anemia (SCA), and allow a temporary restoration of physiological parameters with respect to erythrocyte oxygen carrying capacity and systems metabolism. Recently, we noted that 1) RCE significantly impacts recipients' metabolism in SCA; 2) fresh and end‐of‐storage red blood cell (RBC) units differently impact systems of metabolism in healthy autologous recipients; and 3) phosphate/inosine/pyruvate/adenine (PIPA) solution reverses the metabolic age of stored RBCs. Therefore, we hypothesized that RCE with PIPA‐treated RBC units could further increase the metabolic benefits of RCE in SCA patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Circulating plasma and erythrocytes were collected from patients with SCA before and after RCE, with either conventional or PIPA‐treated RBC units, prior to metabolomics analyses.

RESULTS

Consistent with prior work, RCE significantly decreased circulating levels of markers of systemic hypoxemia (lactate, succinate) and decreased plasma levels of acyl‐carnitines and amino acids. However, PIPA‐treated exchanges were superior to untreated RCEs, with a higher energy state and an increased capacity to activate the pentose phosphate pathway and glutamine metabolism. In addition, RBCs and plasma from recipients of PIPA‐treated RBC units resulted in significantly decreased levels of post‐transfusion plasticizers, though at the expense of higher circulating levels of oxidized purines (hypoxanthine, xanthine, and the antioxidant urate).

CONCLUSION

Transfusion of PIPA‐treated RBCs further increases the metabolic benefits of RCE to patients with SCA, significantly reducing the levels of post‐transfusion plasticizers.
Prevalence of Babesia in Canadian blood donors: June–October 2018
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , O'Brien Sheila F. , Grégoire Yves , Proctor Melanie C. , Drews Steven J. , Delage Gilles , Fearon Margaret A. , Brès Vanessa , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The erythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia microti, the cause of human babesiosis, is transmitted not only by tick bites but also via blood transfusion. B. microti is endemic in the northeastern/upper midwestern United States, where partial screening of blood donations has been implemented. In Canada, a 2013 study of approximately 14,000 donors found no B. microti antibody‐positive samples, suggesting low risk at that time.

METHODS

Between June and October 2018, 50,752 Canadian donations collected from sites near the US border were tested for Babesia nucleic acid by transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA). Reactive donations were tested for B. microti by IgG immunofluorescence assay and polymerase chain reaction. A subset of 14,758 TMA nonreactive samples was also screened for B. microti antibody. Donors who tested reactive/positive were deferred, asked about risk factors, and were requested to provide a follow‐up sample for supplemental testing.

RESULTS

One sample from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was TMA and antibody reactive. Of the 14,758 TMA‐nonreactive donations tested for antibody, four reactive donations were identified from southwestern Ontario near Lake Erie. None of the interviewed donors remembered any symptoms, likely tick exposure, or relevant travel within Canada or the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest B. microti prevalence study performed in Canada. The results indicate very low prevalence, with only one TMA‐confirmed‐positive donation of 50,752 tested. This donor was from the only region in Canada where autochthonous infection has been reported. Seropositive donations in southwestern Ontario suggest low prevalence; travel should not be ruled out given the proximity to the US border.
Effects of acellular equine amniotic allografts on the healing of experimentally induced full‐thickness distal limb wounds in horses
Authors: Fowler Alexander W. , Gilbertie Jessica M. , Watson Victoria E. , Prange Timo , Osborne Jason A. , Schnabel Lauren V.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To characterize the growth factors contained in equine amniotic membrane allograft (eAM; StemWrap scaffold and StemWrap+ injection) and to evaluate the effect of eAM on equine distal limb wound healing.

Study design

Prospective experimental controlled study.

Sample population

Eight adult horses.

Methods

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations in StemWrap+ were assessed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Two full‐thickness 6.25‐cm2 skin wounds were created on each metacarpus. On one forelimb, one wound was treated with eAM, and the other was left untreated (eAM control). On the contralateral limb, one wound was treated with a silicone dressing, and the other served as negative control. Three‐dimensional images were obtained to determine wound circumference and surface area analyses at each bandage change until healed. Excessive granulation tissue was debrided once weekly for 4 weeks. Biopsy samples were taken to evaluate quality of wound healing via histologic and immunohistochemistry assays.

Results

StemWrap+ contained moderate concentrations of TGF‐β1 (494.10 pg/mL), VEGF (212.52 pg/mL), and PGE2 (1811.61 pg/mL). Treatment of wounds with eAM did not affect time to healing or histologic quality of the healing compared with other groups but was associated with increased granulation tissue production early in the study, particularly on day 7.

Conclusion

Application of eAM resulted in increased granulation tissue production while maintaining appropriate healing of experimental wounds.

Clinical significance

Use of eAM is likely most beneficial for substantial wounds in which expedient production of large amounts of granulation tissue is desirable.
On Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for S-Phi_preinvex functions by using Riemann-Liouville fractional integrals
Authors: Kılınç Seda , Akkurt Abdullah , Yıldırım Hüseyin
Published: August 2019

In this study, we have obtained some Hermite-Hadamard type integral inequalities for S_phi_preinvex functions. These inequalities are a generalization of some of the results in the literature.
Disruption of SynGAP–dopamine D1 receptor complexes alters actin and microtubule dynamics and impairs GABAergic interneuron migration
Authors: Su Ping , Lai Terence K. Y. , Lee Frankie H. F. , Abela Andrew R. , Fletcher Paul J. , Liu Fang
Published: August 2019

Interaction between a synaptic GTPase and a dopamine receptor facilitates interneuron development.
Complementary Antibacterial Effects of Bacteriocins and Organic Acids as Revealed by Comparative Analysis of
Carnobacterium
spp. from Meat
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Gänzle Michael , Yang Xianqin
Published: August 2019

The results of this study demonstrated that both bacteriocins and organic acids are important factors contributing to the antibacterial activities of
Carnobacterium
from vacuum-packaged (VP) meats. This study demonstrated that formate and acetate are the key organic acids produced by
Carnobacterium
and demonstrated their association with the inhibitory activity of carnobacteria under VP meat-relevant storage conditions. The role of lactate, on the other hand, may not be as important as previously believed in the antimicrobial activities of
Carnobacterium
spp. on chilled VP meats. These findings advance our understanding of the physiology of
Carnobacterium
spp. to better explore their biopreservative properties for chilled VP meats.
Intranasal Inoculation of Cryptococcus neoformans in Mice Produces Nasal Infection with Rapid Brain Dissemination
Authors: Coelho Carolina , Camacho Emma , Salas Antonio , Alanio Alexandre , Casadevall Arturo
Published: August 2019

Cryptococcus neoformans
causes an estimated 181, 000 deaths each year, mostly associated with untreated HIV/AIDS.
C. neoformans
has a ubiquitous worldwide distribution. Humans become infected from exposure to environmental sources, after which the fungus lays dormant within the human body. Upon AIDS-induced immunosuppression or therapy-induced immunosuppression (required for organ transplant recipients or those suffering from autoimmune disorders), cryptococcal disease reactivates and causes life-threatening meningitis and pneumonia. This study showed that upon contact with the host,
C. neoformans
can quickly (a few hours) reach the host brain and also colonizes the nose of infected animals. Therefore, this work paves the way to better knowledge of how
C. neoformans
travels through the host body. Understanding how
C. neoformans
infects, disseminates, and survives within the host is critically required so that we can prevent infections and the disease caused by this deadly fungus.
Activation of the Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factor σ
P
by β-Lactams in Bacillus thuringiensis Requires the Site-2 Protease RasP
Authors: Ho Theresa D. , Nauta Kelsie M. , Müh Ute , Ellermeier Craig D.
Published: August 2019

The discovery of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections has had a dramatic and positive impact on human health. However, shortly after the introduction of a new antibiotic, bacteria often develop resistance. The bacterial cell envelope is essential for cell viability and is the target of many of the most commonly used antibiotics, including β-lactam antibiotics. Resistance to β-lactams is often dependent upon β-lactamases. In
B. cereus
,
B. thuringiensis
, and some
B. anthracis
strains, the expression of some β-lactamases is inducible. This inducible β-lactamase expression is controlled by activation of an alternative σ factor called σ
P
. Here, we show that β-lactam antibiotics induce σ
P
activation by degradation of the anti-σ factor RsiP.
Chronic and recurrent non-infectious paediatric-onset uveitis: a French cohort
Authors: Morelle Guillaume , Gueudry Julie , Uettwiller Florence , Wouters Carine , Bader-Meunier Brigitte , Robert Mathieu P , Monnet Dominique , Bodaghi Bahram , Grall-lerosey Martine , Quartier Pierre
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate the demographics, aetiologies, complications, treatments and visual prognoses of chronic and recurrent non-infectious paediatric-onset uveitis in France.

Methods

Descriptive, retrospective and bicentric study in patients whose disease started before 17 and who were followed up in two centres from January 2010 to May 2017.

Results

We included 147 patients with 268 affected eyes. Eighty-two had juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated chronic uveitis, 58 were antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive and 24 were ANA negative, 36 had idiopathic uveitis, 9 had enthesitis-related arthritis-associated uveitis, 9 had sarcoidosis-associated uveitis and 11 had other inflammatory aetiologies. These patients cumulated 161 complications: ocular hypertension, cataract, band keratopathy, macular oedema, optic disk oedema and decreased visual acuity, including permanent visual loss for 31 patients. The most used treatments were corticosteroid (CS) eye drops (82%), systemic CSs (34%), methotrexate (58%) and biologics (38%). At the latest follow-up, 45 patients had achieved remission of uveitis without any treatment, 56 had inactive uveitis on topical steroids and 48 still had active uveitis.

Conclusion

Paediatric-onset uveitis are associated with a high rate of complications. However, following the introduction of biologics and particularly antitumour necrosis factor alpha antibodies, a significant proportion of uveitis became inactive on or even off treatment.
Development of an acute care surgery service in Rwanda
Authors: Abahuje Egide , Sibomana Isaie , Rwagahirima Elisee , Urimubabo Christian , Munyaneza Robert , Rickard Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Background

Acute care surgery (ACS) encompasses trauma, critical care, and emergency general surgery. Due to high volumes of emergency surgery, an ACS service was developed at a referral hospital in Rwanda. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of ACS and understand the impact of an ACS service on patient outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of ACS patients before and after introduction of an ACS service. χ2test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to describe the epidemiology and compare outcomes before (pre-ACS)) and after (post-ACS) implementation of the ACS service.

Results

Data were available for 120 patients before ACS and 102 patients after ACS. Diagnoses included: intestinal obstruction (n=80, 36%), trauma (n=38, 17%), appendicitis (n=31, 14%), and soft tissue infection (n=17, 8%) with no difference between groups. The most common operation was midline laparotomy (n=138, 62%) with no difference between groups (p=0.910). High American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (ASA ≥3) (11% vs. 40%, p<0.001) was more common after ACS. There was no difference in intensive care unit admission (8% vs. 8%, p=0.894), unplanned reoperation (22% vs. 13%, p=0.082), or mortality (10% vs. 11%, p=0.848). The median length of hospital stay was longer (11 days vs. 7 days, p<0.001) before ACS.

Conclusions

An ACS service can be implemented in a low-resource setting. In Rwanda, ACS patients are young with few comorbidities, but high rates of mortality and morbidity. In spite of more patients who are critically ill in the post-ACS period, implementation of an ACS service resulted in decreased length of hospital stay with no difference in morbidity and mortality.

Level of evidence

Prognostic and epidemiologic study type, level III.
Events
Authors: Rovatsos Michael
Published: August 2019

This section features information about upcoming events relevant to the readers of AI Matters, including those supported by SIGAI. We would love to hear from you if you are are organizing an event and would be interested in cooperating with SIGAI, or if you have announcements relevant to SIGAI. For more information about conference support visit sigai.acm.org/activities/requesting_sponsorship.html.
What metrics should we use to measure commercial AI?
Authors: Hughes Cameron , Hughes Tracey
Published: August 2019

In AI Matters Volume 4, Issue 2, and Issue 4, we raised the notion of the possibility of an AI Cosmology in part in response to the "AI Hype Cycle" that we are currently experiencing. We posited that our current machine learning and big data era represents but one peak among several previous peaks in AI research in which each peak had accompanying "Hype Cycles". We associated each peak with an epoch in a possible AI Cosmology. We briefly explored the logic machines, cybernetics, and expert system epochs. One of the objectives of identifying these epochs was to help establish that we have been here before. In particular we've been in the territory where some application of AI research finds substantial commercial success which is then closely followed by AI fever and hype. The public's expectations are heightened only to end in disillusionment when the applications fall short. Whereas it is sometimes somewhat of a challenge even for AI researchers, educators, and practitioners to know where the reality ends and hype begins, the layperson is often in an impossible position and at the mercy of pop culture, marketing and advertising campaigns. We suggested that an AI Cosmology might help us identify a single standard model for AI that could be the foundation for a common shared understanding of what AI is and what it is not. A tool to help the layperson understand where AI has been, where it's going, and where it can't go. Something that could provide a basic road map to help the general public navigate the pitfalls of AI Hype.
Crosswords
Authors: Botea Adi
Published: August 2019

Across: 1)
French city by the Straight of Dover
6)
Go through a printed paper
12)
A point in time
13)
Protected with a concrete defense
14)
A.C ___, from Saved by the Bell
16)
Seas at a raised level
17)
___ Braxton, American singer
18)
Undesired spot
20)
Gear tooth
21)
Be indebted
22)
Mine in France
23)
Ireland in the local language
24)
Buckingham guard attire (2 wds.)
26)
Summation circuit
27)
Crying out loud
29)
Follow up actively (2 wds.)
32)
Said more formally
36)
Nominated as a fellow
37)
Continuous pain
38)
Output of a mining procedure
39)
Verb invoked with ability
40)
Legal argument
41)
Old tourist attraction
42)
Unpleasant experience
44)
Clothes area
46)
___ Wonder from the world of music
47)
Person hired to help
48)
Unexcitingly
49)
Present on the list of requirements
Spatial pattern matching
Authors: Li Yun , Fang Yixiang , Cheng Reynold , Zhang Wenjie
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study the spatial pattern matching (SPM) query. Given a set D of spatial objects (e.g., houses and shops), each with a textual description, we aim at finding all combinations of objects from D that match a user-defined spatial pattern P. A pattern P is a graph whose vertices represent spatial objects, and edges denote distance relationships between them. The SPM query returns the instances that satisfy P. An example of P can be "a house within 10-minute walk from a school, which is at least 2km away from a hospital". The SPM query can benefit users such as house buyers, urban planners, and archaeologists. We first formally formulate the SPM problem, and then propose efficient query algorithms. We also develop an online system, called SpaceKey, which is based on the SPM query, to support some real applications such as property searching. Finally, we point out a list of possible research directions for future work.
Generating traffic data for any city using SMARTS simulator
Authors: Xie Hairuo , Tanin Egemen , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri , Karunasekera Shanika , Kulik Lars , Zhang Rui , Qi Jianzhong
Published: August 2019

We have recently developed a flexible traffic simulator called Scalable Microscopic Adaptive Road Traffic Simulator (SMARTS) [13]. Among many important features of SMARTS in this article, we focus on traffic generation, which is key in analyzing and understanding traffic. SMARTS is a fully distributed simulator that can run on a computer cluster, enabling it to perform large-scale simulations faster than real time. SMARTS has a number of features that empower users to build realistic simulations. For example, users can download road map data for an arbitrarily chosen area for traffic simulation.
ACM SIGSPATIAL cup 2018 - identifying upstream features in large spatial networks
Authors: Oliver Dev , Xu Bo , Pao Yuanyuan
Published: August 2019

ACM SIGSPATIAL Cup 2018 was the 7th GIS-focused algorithm contest hosted by the 26th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM SIGSPATIAL 2018). The contest explored the problem of analyzing large spatial networks (e.g., utility networks) in order to find
upstream
features from a given set of starting points (a feature is considered to be upstream if it is on a simple path between a starting point and a controller).
Report on the First ACM Global Computing Education Conference (CompEd)
Authors: Zhang Ming , Cooper Stephen , Luxton-Reilly Andrew
Published: August 2019

SIGCSE successfully held the first ACM Global Computing Education Conference (CompEd) May 17-19, 2019, in Chengdu, China. Details are available at the conference web site, https://www.acmcomped.org/. At the intersection of computing and the learning sciences, CompEd seeks to promote global computing education development. Moving forward, the conference will be held every other year in different locations around the world, but not in North America or Europe where SIGCSE already has annual conferences.
Subglacial Plumes
Authors: Hewitt Ian J.
Published: August 2019

Buoyant plumes form when glacial ice melts directly into the ocean or when subglacial meltwater is discharged to the ocean at depth. They play a key role in regulating heat transport from the ocean to the ice front, and in exporting glacial meltwater to the open ocean. This review summarizes current understanding of the dynamics of these plumes, focusing on theoretical developments and their predictions for submarine melt rates. These predictions are sensitive to ocean temperature, the magnitude and spatial distribution of subglacial discharge, the ambient stratification, and, in the case of sub–ice shelf plumes, the geometry of the ice shelf. However, current understanding relies heavily on parameterizations of melting and entrainment, for which there is little in the way of validation. New observational and experimental constraints are needed to elucidate the structure of the plumes and lend greater confidence to the models.
eV-Scale Sterile Neutrinos
Authors: Giunti Carlo , Lasserre Thierry
Published: August 2019

We address the phenomenology of light sterile neutrinos, with an emphasis on short-baseline neutrino oscillations. After reviewing the observed short-baseline neutrino oscillation anomalies, we discuss the global fit of the data and the current appearance–disappearance tension. We also review briefly the effects of light sterile neutrinos in β decay, neutrinoless double-β decay, and cosmology. Finally, we discuss future perspectives of the search for the effects of eV-scale sterile neutrinos.
(Inverse) Agonists of Retinoic Acid–Related Orphan Receptor γ: Regulation of Immune Responses, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Jetten Anton M. , Cook Donald N.
Published: August 2019

Retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) functions as a ligand-dependent transcription factor that regulates multiple proinflammatory genes and plays a critical role in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Various endogenous and synthetic RORγ (inverse) agonists have been identified that regulate RORγ transcriptional activity, including many cholesterol intermediates and oxysterols. Changes in cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism can therefore have a significant impact on the generation of oxysterol RORγ ligands and, consequently, can control RORγt activity and inflammation. These observations contribute to a growing literature that connects cholesterol metabolism to the regulation of immune responses and autoimmune disease. Loss of RORγ function in knockout mice and in mice treated with RORγ inverse agonists results in reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17A/F, and increased resistance to autoimmune disease in several experimental rodent models. Thus, RORγt inverse agonists might provide an attractive therapeutic approach to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases.
Dynamic Analysis of a Fractional‐Order Model for Hepatitis B Virus with Holling II Functional Response
Authors: Shi Ruiqing , Lu Ting , Wang Cuihong
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a fractional‐order model is constructed to describe the transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions are proved. Secondly, the basic reproduction number and the sufficient conditions for the existence of two equilibriums are obtained. Thirdly, the stability of equilibriums are analyzed. After that, some numerical simulations are performed to verify the theoretical prediction. Finally, a brief discussion is presented.
The Modulatory Effect of Cerebrovascular Burden in Response to Cognitive Stimulation in Healthy Ageing and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Bentham Charlotte , De Marco Matteo , Venneri Annalena
Published: August 2019

Background. Cerebrovascular burden is a common pathology in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with an additive impact on cognitive functioning. Despite being proposed as a potential moderator of cholinesterase inhibiting drug therapy, there is a paucity of evidence investigating the impact of cerebrovascular pathology on responsiveness to cognitive interventions. Method. The current study uses neuropsychological, neurostructural, and functional connectivity indices to characterise response to a cognitive stimulation paradigm in 25 healthy ageing and 22 MCI participants, to examine the hypothesised detrimental effects of concurrent vascular pathology. Results. In both healthy ageing and MCI, increased levels of vascular pathology limited the potential for a neuroplastic response to cognitive stimulation. In healthy ageing, participants with lower levels of vascular burden had greater functional connectivity response in the target posterior default mode network. Those with low levels of vascular pathology in the MCI cohort had increased functional connectivity of the right insula and claustrum within the salience network. Burden did not, however, predict cognitive or neuroanatomical changes. Conclusions. The current research evidences the modulatory effect of cerebrovascular pathology in interventions aimed at re-establishing network connectivity to prevent cognitive deterioration and delay the transition to the dementia stage of AD. Examination of co-occurring vascular pathology may improve precision in targeting treatment to MCI candidates who may respond optimally to such cognitive interventions.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease: Towards Wide-Scale Screening and Serology-Based Criteria?
Authors: Popp Alina , Kivelä Laura , Fuchs Valma , Kurppa Kalle
Published: August 2019

Celiac disease is one of the most common food-related chronic disorders in children. Unfortunately, this multifaceted disease is challenging to recognize and remains markedly underdiagnosed. Screening of either known at-risk groups or even the whole population could increase the suboptimal diagnostic yield substantially. Many recent guidelines recommend screening of at least selected risk groups, but more wide-scale screening remains controversial. The increasing prevalence of celiac disease and the development of autoantibody assays have also led to a gradual shift in the diagnostics towards less invasive serology-based criteria in a subgroup of symptomatic children. The main open questions concern whether these criteria are applicable to all countries and clinical settings, as well as to adult patients. On the other hand, widening screening and the mistaken practice of initiating a gluten-free diet before the appropriate exclusion of celiac disease increase the number of borderline seropositive cases, which may also challenge the classical histopathological diagnostics. Sophisticated diagnostic methods and a deeper understanding of the natural history of early developing celiac disease may prove useful in these circumstances.
Prevalence, Spectrum, and Outcomes of Single Coronary Artery Detected on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA)
Authors: Al Umairi Rashid , Al-khouri Maryam
Published: August 2019

Background. Single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare congenital anomaly in which there is an isolated coronary artery that arises from a single coronary ostium and provides coronary blood supply to the entire myocardium. SCA is classified into different types based on the origin, branching pattern, and course. Although the majority of patients with SCA are asymptomatic, some patients can present with life-threatening symptoms. Aim. To examine the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and outcome of the single coronary artery anomaly detected on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in a single center in Oman. Methods. Retrospectively, we reviewed 4,445 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography between September 2012 and August 2018 at the National Heart Center, Muscat, Oman. We identified patients with a single coronary artery, and we evaluated the origin, course, and outcome of SCA. Results. We found 12 patients with single coronary artery among 4,445 patients with a mean age of 56.4 years (age range: 34 to 71 years; male : female ratio: 5 : 7). The most common class was RIII-C seen in 4 patients. Other SCA included RII-C, RII-A, and RII-S, two in each class. One patient had RI and one had LII-P. Two patients had coronary artery bypass graft. No major adverse cardiac events were reported over a mean follow-up of 25.3 months. Conclusion. Single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare congenital anomaly classified into different types. In our study, the prevalence of SCA was 0.27% that is higher than the figures from previous reports.
Experimental Analysis of Eccentric Compression Performance of Larch Wood‐Steel Composite Columns
Authors: Wang Junren , Duan Shaowei , He Jiewei , Wang Zhifeng
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a new steel‐wood composite column with an H‐shaped section was proposed. In order to form an H‐shaped cross section, a larch board is fixed on the outer surface of the left and right edges of a hot‐rolled H‐beam by using physical connection. When the eccentricity is the same, eccentric compression tests were carried out on two types of columns by changing the thickness of the larch board, cross‐sectional area of the hot‐rolled H‐beam, and slenderness ratio in composite columns. Therefore, type A is joined by structural glue only with the larch board and hot‐rolled H‐beam, and type B is joined by both structural glue and bolts. With the variation of strain and deflection, failure process and failure modes of the hot‐rolled H‐beam and larch from composite columns under various loads were observed, and the ultimate bearing capacity and stability of composite columns were studied. The test results showed that the overall working performance of the hot‐rolled H‐beam and larch board was good, and the stability of the hot‐rolled H‐beam column could be effectively improved. With the increase of wood thickness, cross‐sectional area of the hot‐rolled H‐beam, slenderness ratio of composite columns, and the bearing capacity of the specimens were increased. Moreover, a simplified formula was proposed by the superposition principle. The theoretical analysis accorded with the experimental results, thus providing a reference basis for further study and application of similar steel‐wood composite columns.
Circulating Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and PD-1 Levels in Patients with Brucellosis
Authors: Zheng Rongjiong , Xie Songsong , Zhang Qiong , Cao Ling , Niyazi Shaniya , Lu Xiaobo , Sun Lihua , Zhou Yan , Zhang Yuexin , Wang Kai
Published: August 2019

Brucella is an intracellular infection bacterium; the pathogenesis of Brucella and chronicity of infection may be related to the immune response of T cells. T lymphocytes mainly participate in cellular immune response. The extent of different T cell subsets imbalanced and their function dysregulated in patients with brucellosis remain not explicit. We grouped patients at different stages (acute, chronic, and convalescent). The frequencies of Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) in peripheral blood were examined by flow cytometry, and the expressions of T lymphocyte cytokines in serum were detected by cytometric bead array. Th1, Th17, and Treg cell immunity was predominant in the acute stage, while Th2, Th17, and Treg cell immunity was predominant in the chronic stage. The expressions of PD-1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were significantly different in acute and chronic patients. The percentages of Th1 cells in convalescent patients were still higher than those in healthy controls within one year after withdrawal. The expression of T lymphocyte cytokines in serum was different in patients at different stages. These results indicate that peripheral T lymphocyte immunity was involved in patients with brucellosis and represents a target for the preclinical and clinical assessment of novel immunomodulating therapeutics. The patients’ immune function had not completely recovered in a short period of time during convalescence, so long-term follow-up of convalescent patients is needed.
New Exact Solutions and Modulation Instability for the Nonlinear (2+1)-Dimensional Davey-Stewartson System of Equation
Authors: Boateng Kwasi , Yang Weiguo , Apeanti Wilson Osafo , Yaro David
Published: August 2019

The Davey-Stewartson Equation (DSE) is an equation system that reflects the evolution in finite depth of soft nonlinear packets of water waves that move in one direction but in which the waves’ amplitude is modulated in spatial directions. This paper uses the Generalized Elliptic Equation Rational Expansion (GEERE) technique to extract fresh exact solutions for the DSE. As a consequence, solutions with parameters of trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational function are achieved. To display the physical characteristics of this model, the solutions obtained are graphically displayed. Modulation instability assessment of the outcomes acquired is also discussed and it demonstrates that all the solutions built are accurate and stable.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Justicia flava: Genome Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships among Acanthaceae
Authors: Yaradua Samaila S. , Alzahrani Dhafer A. , Albokhary Enas J. , Abba Abidina , Bello Abubakar
Published: August 2019

The complete chloroplast genome of J. flava, an endangered medicinal plant in Saudi Arabia, was sequenced and compared with cp genome of three Acanthaceae species to characterize the cp genome, identify SSRs, and also detect variation among the cp genomes of the sampled Acanthaceae. NOVOPlasty was used to assemble the complete chloroplast genome from the whole genome data. The cp genome of J. flava was 150, 888bp in length with GC content of 38.2%, and has a quadripartite structure; the genome harbors one pair of inverted repeat (IRa and IRb 25, 500bp each) separated by large single copy (LSC, 82, 995 bp) and small single copy (SSC, 16, 893 bp). There are 132 genes in the genome, which includes 80 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA; 113 are unique while the remaining 19 are duplicated in IR regions. The repeat analysis indicates that the genome contained all types of repeats with palindromic occurring more frequently; the analysis also identified total number of 98 simple sequence repeats (SSR) of which majority are mononucleotides A/T and are found in the intergenic spacer. The comparative analysis with other cp genomes sampled indicated that the inverted repeat regions are conserved than the single copy regions and the noncoding regions show high rate of variation than the coding region. All the genomes have ndhF and ycf1 genes in the border junction of IRb and SSC. Sequence divergence analysis of the protein coding genes showed that seven genes (petB, atpF, psaI, rpl32, rpl16, ycf1, and clpP) are under positive selection. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Justiceae is sister to Ruellieae. This study reported the first cp genome of the largest genus in Acanthaceae and provided resources for studying genetic diversity of J. flava as well as resolving phylogenetic relationships within the core Acanthaceae.
Assessment of the SFlt-1 and sFlt-1/25(OH)D Ratio as a Diagnostic Tool in Gestational Hypertension (GH), Preeclampsia (PE), and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Authors: Walentowicz-Sadlecka Malgorzata , Domaracki Piotr , Sadlecki Pawel , Siodmiak Joanna , Grabiec Marek , Walentowicz Pawel , Moliz Maria Teresa Arias , Odrowaz-Sypniewska Grazyna
Published: August 2019

Background. Placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), an antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor, is considered an etiological factor of endothelial damage in pregnancy pathologies. An increase in the sFlt-1 level is associated with alterations of endothelial integrity. In contrast, vitamin D exerts a protective effect and low concentrations of 25(OH)D may have an adverse effect on common complications of pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of sFlt-1 in Polish women with physiological pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by GH, PE, and GDM. Moreover, we analyzed relationships between the maternal serum sFlt-1 level and the sFlt-1 to 25(OH)D ratio and the risk of GH and PE. Material and Methods. The study included 171 women with complicated pregnancies; among them are 45 with GH, 23 with PE, and 103 with GDM. The control group was comprised of 36 women with physiological pregnancies. Concentrations of sFl-1 and 25(OH)D were measured before delivery, with commercially available immunoassays. Results. Women with GH differed significantly from the controls in terms of their serum sFlt-1 levels (5797 pg/ml vs. 3531 pg/ml, p=0.0014). Moreover, a significant difference in sFlt-1 concentrations was found between women with PE and those with physiological pregnancies (6074 pg/ml vs. 3531 pg/ml, p<0.0001). GDM did not exert a statistically significant effect on serum sFlt-1 levels. Both logistic regression and ROC analysis demonstrated that elevated concentration of sFlt-1 was associated with greater risk of GH (AUC=0.70, p=0.0001) and PE (AUC=0.82, p<0.0001). Also, the sFlt-1 to 25(OH)D ratio, with the cutoff values of 652 (AUC=0.74, p<0.0001) and 653 (AUC=0.88, p<0.0001), respectively, was identified as a significant predictor of GH and PE. Conclusions. Determination of the sFlt-1/25(OH)D ratio might provide additional important information and, thus, be helpful in the identification of patients with PE and GH, facilitating their qualification for intensive treatment and improving the neonatal outcomes.