bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic status, remoteness and tracking of nutritional status from childhood to adulthood in an Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort: the ABC study
Authors: Sjöholm Pauline , Pahkala Katja , Davison Belinda , Juonala Markus , Singh Gurmeet
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To determine prevalences of underweight and overweight as well as low and high waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in three prospective follow-ups and to explore tracking of these measures of nutritional status from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. The influence of socioeconomic status, remoteness, maternal body mass index (BMI) and birth weight on weight status was assessed.

Design

Longitudinal birth cohort study of Indigenous Australians.

Setting

Data derived from three follow-ups of the Aboriginal Birth Cohort study with mean ages of 11.4, 18.2 and 25.4 years for the participants.

Participants

Of the 686 Indigenous babies recruited to the study between 1987 and 1990, 315 had anthropometric measurements for all three follow-ups and were included in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

BMI categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity),WHtR categories (low and high), sex, areal socioeconomic disadvantage as defined by the Indigenous Relative Socioeconomic Outcomes index, urban/remote residence, maternal BMI and birth weight. Logistic regression was used to calculate ORs for belonging to a certain BMI category in adolescence and adulthood according to BMI category in childhood and adolescence.

Results

Underweight was common (38% in childhood and 24% in adulthood) and the prevalence of overweight/obesity increased with age (12% in childhood and 35% in adulthood). Both extremes of weight status as well as low and high WHtR tracked from childhood to adulthood. Underweight was more common and overweight was less common in remote and more disadvantaged areas. Birth weight and maternal BMI were associated with later weight status. There were significant sex differences for prevalences and tracking of WHtR but not for BMI.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic factors, remoteness and gender must be addressed when assessing nutrition-related issues in the Indigenous communities due to the variation in nutritional status and its behaviour over time within the Indigenous population.
Genetic landscape of prostate cancer conspicuity on multiparametric MRI: a protocol for a systematic review and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Norris Joseph M , Simpson Benjamin S , Parry Marina A , Allen Clare , Ball Rhys , Freeman Alex , Kelly Daniel , Kirkham Alex , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Whitaker Hayley C , Emberton Mark
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The introduction of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has enabled enhanced risk stratification for men at risk of prostate cancer, through accurate prebiopsy identification of clinically significant disease. However, approximately 10%–20% of significant prostate cancer may be missed on mpMRI. It appears that the genomic basis of lesion visibility or invisibility on mpMRI may have key implications for prognosis and treatment. Here, we describe a protocol for the first systematic review and novel bioinformatic analysis of the genomic basis of prostate cancer conspicuity on mpMRI.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases will be conducted. Screening, data extraction, statistical analysis and reporting will be performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included papers will be full text articles, written between January 1980 and December 2019, comparing molecular characteristics of mpMRI-visible lesions and mpMRI-invisible lesions at the DNA, DNA-methylation, RNA or protein level. Study bias and quality will be assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa score. Additionally, we will conduct a novel bioinformatic analysis of supplementary material and publicly available data, to combine transcriptomic data and reveal common pathways highlighted across studies. To ensure methodological rigour, this protocol is written in accordance with the PRISMA Protocol 2015 checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required, as this is an academic review of published literature. Findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019147423.
TGF-β2 silencing to target biliary-derived liver diseases
Authors: Dropmann Anne , Dooley Steven , Dewidar Bedair , Hammad Seddik , Dediulia Tatjana , Werle Julia , Hartwig Vanessa , Ghafoory Shahrouz , Woelfl Stefan , Korhonen Hanna , Janicot Michel , Wosikowski Katja , Itzel Timo , Teufel Andreas , Schuppan Detlef , Stojanovic Ana , Cerwenka Adelheid , Nittka Stefanie , Piiper Albrecht , Gaiser Timo , Beraza Naiara , Milkiewicz Malgorzata , Milkiewicz Piotr , Brain John G , Jones David E J , Weiss Thomas S , Zanger Ulrich M , Ebert Matthias , Meindl-Beinker Nadja M
Published: January 2020

Objective

TGF-β2 (TGF-β, transforming growth factor beta), the less-investigated sibling of TGF-β1, is deregulated in rodent and human liver diseases. Former data from bile duct ligated and MDR2 knockout (KO) mouse models for human cholestatic liver disease suggested an involvement of TGF-β2 in biliary-derived liver diseases.

Design

As we also found upregulatedTGFB2in liver tissue of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), we now fathomed the positive prospects of targeting TGF-β2 in early stage biliary liver disease using the MDR2-KO mice. Specifically, the influence ofTgfB2silencing on the fibrotic and inflammatory niche was analysed on molecular, cellular and tissue levels.

Results

TgfB2-induced expression of fibrotic genes in cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cellswas detected.TgfB2expression in MDR2-KO mice was blunted usingTgfB2-directed antisense oligonucleotides (AON). Upon AON treatment, reduced collagen deposition, hydroxyproline content and αSMA expression as well as inducedPparGexpression reflected a significant reduction of fibrogenesis without adverse effects on healthy livers. Expression analyses of fibrotic and inflammatory genes revealed AON-specific regulatory effects onCcl3,Ccl4,Ccl5,Mki67andNotch3expression. Further, AON treatment of MDR2-KO mice increased tissue infiltration by F4/80-positive cells including eosinophils, whereas the number of CD45-positive inflammatory cells decreased. In line,TGFB2and CD45 expression correlated positively in PSC/PBC patients and localised in similar areas of the diseased liver tissue.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest a new mechanistic explanation for amelioration of fibrogenesis by TGF-β2 silencing and provide a direct rationale for TGF-β2-directed drug development.
Psychological distress and mortality among US adults: prospective cohort study of 330 367 individuals
Authors: Yang Lili , Zhao Min , Magnussen Costan G , Veeranki Sreenivas P , Xi Bo
Published: January 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings on the association between psychological distress and risk of mortality. This study aimed to address this inconsistent association using a large US population-based cohort.

Methods

This study used data from 1997 to 2009 US National Health Interview Survey, which were linked with National Death Index through 31 December 2011. Psychological distress was measured using Kessler-6 scale and was categorised into six groups based on scores as 0, 1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12 and ≥13. Main outcomes were all-cause, cancer-specific and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality. Analyses were completed in 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between psychological distress and mortality.

Results

A total of 330 367 participants aged ≥18 years were included. During a mean follow-up of 8.2 years, 34 074 deaths occurred, including 8320 cancer-related and 8762 CVD-related deaths. There was a dose–response association between psychological distress and all-cause mortality. Compared with the 0 score category, adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for other categorical psychological distress scores, that is, 1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12 and ≥13, were 1.09 (1.05 to 1.12), 1.22 (1.17 to 1.27), 1.38 (1.31 to 1.46), 1.49 (1.40 to 1.59) and 1.57 (1.47 to 1.68), respectively. Corresponding values for cancer-specific mortality were 1.06 (0.99 to 1.12), 1.13 (1.04 to 1.23), 1.27 (1.14 to 1.42), 1.38 (1.22 to 1.57) and 1.32 (1.15 to 1.51), respectively; those for CVD-specific mortality were 1.11 (1.05 to 1.18), 1.22 (1.12 to 1.32), 1.30 (1.17 to 1.45), 1.38 (1.20 to 1.58), and 1.46 (1.27 to 1.68), respectively.

Conclusions

We found a dose–response relationship between psychological distress and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, emphasising the need for early prevention strategies among individuals with potential psychological distress.
State, religion and the marginalisation of traditional healing in Gwadar, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Shakir , Guoqiang He , Khan Usman , Niazi Komal
Published: January 2020

This ethnographic encounter explores suppression and domination faced by traditional health seekers in Gwadar, Pakistan. The study aimed to provide an insight into the ways in which practicing traditional healthcare becomes a challenge when it conflicts with the assimilationist project of the state. Qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, were used to collect data on the encounters of traditional health seekers with the state and dominant religion. The findings show that traditional health seeking behaviour was stereotyped as non-civilised and archaic by medical staff, and labelled as non-religious, and thus, suppressed by radical Islamist groups and other state apparatuses. This situation has further negative effects on the health of traditional health seekers as the national healthcare system does not efficiently provide the services required by this population. State laws, a general environment of fear, and threats have led this population to legal consciousness and contextual awareness; they have further adopted multiple resistance strategies to navigate and circumvent oppressive laws and domination in order to follow their traditional healthcare practices. This study suggests that national cosmopolitan healthcare services provided to the fishing community should be tailored to and not suppress the culturally specific health needs of that population. Members of the fishing community should not be compelled to abstain from their traditional healthcare and health-seeking behaviours; traditional healthcare practices should be merged with cosmopolitan ones in order to address the sociocultural issues and meet the health needs of this marginalised population.
Assessing the sensitivity to change of the OMERACT ultrasound structural gout lesions during urate-lowering therapy
Authors: Christiansen Sara Nysom , Østergaard Mikkel , Slot Ole , Keen Helen , Bruyn George A W , D'Agostino Maria Antonietta , Terslev Lene
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the sensitivity to change of ultrasound structural gout lesions, as defined by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) ultrasound group, in patients with gout during urate-lowering therapy (ULT).

Methods

Ultrasound (28 joints, 26 tendons) was performed in patients with microscopically verified gout initiating or increasing ULT and repeated after 3 and 6 months. Joints and tendons were evaluated by ultrasound for presence of the OMERACT structural gout lesions—double contour sign (DC), tophus, aggregates and erosion—scored binarily. A sum score was calculated at patient and lesion level. Changes at 3 and 6 months in patient sum scores and lesion scores at different locations were evaluated.

Results

50 patients (48 men), mean age 68.9 (range, 30–88) years, were included. Ultrasound showed a statistically significant decrease in DC and tophus sum scores from 0 months (3.16 and 2.68, respectively) to 3 months (2.33 and 2.43) and 6 months (1.34 and 1.83) (all p<0.002). The aggregate sum score only decreased significantly from 3 to 6 months (6.02 to 5.02, p=0.002), whereas erosion sum score remained almost unchanged. All four structural lesions were most commonly found in metatarsophalangeal (MTP) 1 joints (>1 lesions bilaterally), and furthermore MTP2–4 and knee joints were common sites especially for DC. Likewise, these regions were the locations with most pronounced changes in scores.

Conclusion

Ultrasound assessment of the OMERACT structural gout lesions scored binarily seems to be a useful tool for monitoring urate depositions during ULT. Particularly DC and tophus showed sensitivity to change after only 3 months of treatment.
Optimal Design of Online Sequential Buy-Price Auctions with Consumer Valuation Learning
Authors: Li Ao , Wan Zhaoman , Wan Zhong
Published: January 2020

Buy-price auction has been successfully used as a new channel of online sales. This paper studies an online sequential buy-price auction problem, where a seller has an inventory of identical products and needs to clear them through a sequence of online buy-price auctions such that the total profit is maximized by optimizing the buy price in each auction. We propose a methodology by dynamic programming approach to solve this optimization problem. Since the consumers’ behavior affects the seller’s revenue, the consumers’ strategy used in this auction is first investigated. Then, two different dynamic programming models are developed to optimize the seller’s decision-making: one is the clairvoyant model corresponding to a situation where the seller has complete information about consumer valuations, and the other is the Bayesian learning model where the seller makes optimal decisions by continuously recording and utilizing auction data during the sales process. Numerical experiments are employed to demonstrate the impacts of several key factors on the optimal solutions, including the size of inventory, the number of potential consumers, and the rate at which the seller discounts early incomes. It is shown that when the consumers’ valuations are uniformly distributed, the Bayesian learning model is of great efficiency if the demand is adequate.
Elucidation of ion motion in quadrupole mass spectrometer by Bloch function
Authors: Fujita Shin
Published: January 2020

In the optimization of the quadrupole mass spectrometer (QP-MS), the understanding of ion motion in terms of the phase space (the combined representation of the trajectory coordinate and momentum) is useful. The phase space representation gives an “ensemble” behavior of ions inside the filter. Even though each ion trajectory does not have the RF periodicity of the applied field, the phase space evolution does. It is only when appropriate ensemble ions are considered together that a proper QP filter characterization is possible. We here report a new framework for the phase space calculation of the QP-MS. The Mathieu–Hill equation is first solved for “complex eigen-trajectory” that has pseudo RF periodicity (the Bloch function). It is then shown that the acceptance phase space can be derived from the Bloch function without a need to calculate each ion trajectory. The ensemble behavior of ions can be estimated from a single Bloch function by expressing the trajectory phase space point by the complex amplitude (coefficient) of the Bloch function. The application of the Bloch function method to the auxiliary (pre-rod) field reveals that the ion injection efficiency may significantly be improved by optimizing the number of RF periods the ions spend in the pre-rod section.
Experience with online modeling tools during the CBETA fractional arc test and single pass commissioning
Authors: Gulliford C. , Sagan D. , Bartnik A. , Dobbins J. , Berg J. S. , Nunez-Delprado Antonett
Published: January 2020

The Cornell-Brookhaven CBETA machine is a four-pass Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) with a Non-scaling Fixed-Field Alternating gradient (NS-FFA) arc. For online modeling of single particle dynamics in CBETA, a customized version of the Tao program, which is based upon the Bmad toolkit, has been developed. This online program, called CBETA-V, is interfaced to CBETA’s EPICS control system. This work describes the online modeling system and initial experience during machine running, as well as subsequent developments since its first implementation.
Undoing decomposition
Authors: Sharpe Eric
Published: January 2020

In this paper we discuss gauging one-form symmetries in two-dimensional theories. The existence of a global one-form symmetry in two dimensions typically signals a violation of cluster decomposition — an issue resolved by the observation that such theories decompose into disjoint unions, a result that has been applied to, for example, Gromov–Witten theory and gauged linear sigma model phases. In this paper we describe how gauging one-form symmetries in two-dimensional theories can be used to select particular elements of that disjoint union, effectively undoing decomposition. We examine such gaugings explicitly in examples involving orbifolds, nonsupersymmetric pure Yang–Mills theories, and supersymmetric gauge theories in two dimensions. Along the way, we learn explicit concrete details of the topological configurations that path integrals sum over when gauging a one-form symmetry, and we also uncover “hidden” one-form symmetries.
a1-meson-baryon coupling constants in the framework of soft-wall and hard-wall AdS/QCD models
Authors: Huseynova Narmin , Mamedov Shahin
Published: January 2020

We calculate the [Formula: see text]-meson-nucleon ([Formula: see text]-baryon) coupling constant in the framework of soft-wall and hard-wall AdS/QCD models. Interaction Lagrangian in the bulk of AdS space was written for a minimal gauge coupling, a magnetic type coupling and a triple coupling of bulk fields. Applying AdS/CFT correspondence from the bulk interaction Lagrangian, we obtain holographic expressions for the [Formula: see text]-axial-vector meson-nucleon ([Formula: see text]-baryon) coupling constant in the boundary QCD theory. Numerical results for the [Formula: see text] coupling constant in the framework of both models are close to the known phenomenological estimates. The [Formula: see text]-axial-vector meson-[Formula: see text]-baryon coupling constant was considered in the framework of hard-wall model.
A color image encryption method based on memristive hyperchaotic system and DNA encryption
Authors: Ouyang Xue , Luo Yuling , Liu Junxiu , Cao Lvchen , Liu Yunqi
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a color image encryption method using the memristive hyperchaotic system and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encryption is proposed. First, the pseudo-random sequences are generated by a keystream generation mechanism based on a memristive hyperchaotic system and the plain image. Due to this, the memristive hyperchaotic system has a complex dynamical behavior and is highly sensitive to initial conditions, the proposed keystream generation mechanism is highly random which is also dependent on the plain images. Second, a permutation based on the cycle-shift operation is designed to eliminate the correlations between adjacent pixels in the plain images. Then, the scrambled sequences are processed by DNA encryption to increase the system ability to defense the brute force attacks. Finally, the cipher image is obtained after the diffusion and interaction among red, green and blue components. Experimental analysis and performance comparisons show that the proposed method has high security, good efficiency and strong robustness under different attacks.
Dynamics of G-processes
Authors: Jung W. , Lee K. , Morales C.A.
Published: January 2020

A G-process is briefly a process ([A. N. Carvalho, J. A. Langa and J. C. Robinson, Attractors for Infinite-Dimensional Non-Autonomous Dynamical Systems, Applied Mathematical Sciences, Vol. 182 (Springer, 2013)], [C. M. Dafermos, An invariance principle for compact processes, J. Differential Equations 9 (1971) 239–252], [P. E. Kloeden and M. Rasmussen, Nonautonomous Dynamical Systems, Mathematical Surveys and Monographs, Vol. 176 (Amer. Math. Soc., 2011)]) for which the role of evolution parameter is played by a general topological group [Formula: see text]. These processes are broad enough to include the [Formula: see text]-actions (characterized as autonomous [Formula: see text]-processes) and the two-parameter flows (where [Formula: see text]). We endow the space of [Formula: see text]-processes with a natural group structure. We introduce the notions of orbit, pseudo-orbit and shadowing property for [Formula: see text]-processes and analyze the relationship with the [Formula: see text]-processes group structure. We study the equicontinuous [Formula: see text]-processes and use it to construct nonautonomous [Formula: see text]-processes with the shadowing property. We study the global solutions of the [Formula: see text]-processes and the corresponding global shadowing property. We study the expansivity (global and pullback) of the [Formula: see text]-processes. We prove that there are nonautonomous expansive [Formula: see text]-processes and characterize the existence of expansive equicontinuous [Formula: see text]-processes. We define the topological stability for [Formula: see text]-processes and prove that every expansive [Formula: see text]-process with the shadowing property is topologically stable. Examples of nonautonomous topologically stable [Formula: see text]-processes are given.
Antibacterial Chitosan Hybrid Films with N-Halamine-Functionalized Graphene Oxide
Authors: Zuo Mengdi , Pan Nengyu , Huang Tung-Shi , Kim Ick Soo , Ren Xuehong
Published: January 2020

Graphene, a single layer of two-dimensional carbon material, has attracted much attention due to its excellent comprehensive properties including high mechanical strength, antibacterial property, excellent thermal and electrical conductivities, high specific surface area, impermeability, etc. In this study, 3-epoxypropyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (GH), as a precursor of [Formula: see text]-halamine, was synthesized and attached onto graphene oxide (GO) for enhanced antibacterial activity. The synthesized GO–GH was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After chlorination treatment by household bleach solution, the chlorinated graphene oxide-3-epoxypropyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (GO–GH–Cl) possessed great antibacterial efficacy. The synthesized GO–GH–Cl was added to chitosan (CS) solution to produce GO–GH–Cl/CS hybrid films via a solution casting method. The as-prepared antimicrobial hybrid films showed excellent antibacterial activity and could kill 100% of S. aureus and 100% of E. coli O157:H7 within 10[Formula: see text]min and 30[Formula: see text]min of contact time, respectively.
The Structure and Release Kinetics of Ca–Al Layered Double Hydroxide by Intercalating with Diclofenac Sodium
Authors: Ma Yingying , Zhang Shuhua , Wang Yu , Jiang Zhenlin , Fu Nengshuo , Yang Zhuo , Mao Yongjun
Published: January 2020

Diclofenac sodium (DS) is an aryl acetic acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is widely used in various types of chronic bone and joint pains, but its terminal plasma half life is short, often accompanied with gastrointestinal side effects. We try to find an inexpensive and effective drug carrier to prolong the administration interval, maintain a stable blood concentration and reduce side effects. In our work, DS had been intercalated into a layered inorganic host, Ca–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) by co-precipitation under a nitrogen atmosphere to control the release. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to investigate the change of chemical structure and morphological structure when DS was inserted into the interlayer of LDH. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) were employed to characterize the electron binding energy of calcium and aluminum cations both on the surface and in the bulk of the samples. The results of absorption peaks, morphologies and the basal spacing increased from 8.6[Formula: see text]Å to 29.59[Formula: see text]Å gave the evidences for the intercalation of DS into the interlayer of CaAl-LDH. The results of XPS and XANES spectra revealed the complexation of –OH and [Formula: see text] with Ca[Formula: see text] and Al[Formula: see text] were both were affected by the loading of DS with CaAl-LDH, but no new chemical bonds were formed. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis showed the dissolving process of Ca and Al ions from CaAl-LDH in the solution. In addition, the results of the drug release profile and release kinetic of intercalated LDHs showed that release behavior of DS from intercalated compounds was well controlled.
Adsorption of Ni2+ and Cu2+ from Aqueous Solution by Polyethylenimine Impregnation of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Dan , Xiao Xinfeng , Han Bo , Ni Weiming , Gao Yu , Li Lin , Xue Jianliang
Published: January 2020

A series of UiO-66-PEI materials were obtained by impregnating UiO-66 with different amounts of polyethylenimine (PEI) with UiO-66 as the basic skeleton material. The materials were used as adsorbents to remove Ni[Formula: see text] and Cu[Formula: see text] from water. The prepared UiO-66-PEI-30 had good adsorption capacity on Ni[Formula: see text] and Cu[Formula: see text] at 30% PEI. The adsorption of Ni[Formula: see text] and Cu[Formula: see text] with UiO-66-PEI-30 was further studied. The role of eluent types, elution time, concentration and volume on the effect of Cu[Formula: see text] elution was investigated. The adsorption of Ni[Formula: see text] and Cu[Formula: see text] by UiO-66-PEI-30 followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption model. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained by Langmuir fitting for Ni[Formula: see text] and Cu[Formula: see text] were 11.54[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and 24.87[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], respectively. After four desorption/adsorption experiments, UiO-66-PEI-30 still showed good adsorption performance. UiO-66 impregnated with PEI was an adsorbent with adsorption potential.
Preparation of Stainless Steel Mesh-Supported MnO2/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites as Binder-Free Electrode for Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Liang , Peng Xiaolei , Wan Junning , Cui Qiang , Chu Xuefeng , Suo Hui , Zhao Chun , He Dong
Published: January 2020

Designing and preparation of excellent energy storage electrodes are of significance for supercapacitor. In this work, a self-supported electrode was successfully fabricated by electrodepositing MnO2 and polypyrrole (PPy) on stainless steel mesh (SSM) via amperometric measurements in different monomer solution. The electrode presented a specific capacitance of 239 F g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 1 A g[Formula: see text] and 86.7% capacitance retention after 10[Formula: see text]000 cycles. The in situ growth of MnO2 and PPy on SSM led to greater stability, higher conductivity and better robustness, which ensured the achievement of excellent electrochemical performance of the electrode accompanied with the synergetic effect between MnO2 and PPy to improve the electron transfer and take fully advantage of active materials.
Surface potential uniformity and sensitivity of large-area PTFE electret discs of different thicknesses produced by a modified corona poling rotating system for dosimetry applications
Authors: Komeijani A. , Bagheri H. , Shekarchi B.
Published: January 2020

In this study, large-area (6-cm diameter) Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) discs of different thicknesses (0.2-, 0.5- and 1 -mm) were negatively and positively charged by using the “modified single point-to-plane corona poling rotating system”. The effects of some crucial parameters of the PTFE disc as well as the modified corona poling rotating system on the PTFE surface potential uniformity such as: (a) PTFE disc thickness, (b) PTFE disc polarity and (c) needle-to-PTFE disc distance were successfully reported. Accordingly, closer needle-to-PTFE disc distance, positive charging mode and thinner PTFE disc provided a better PTFE surface potential uniformity. However, the effects of PTFE charge polarity and needle distance on the electrostatic charge potential uniformity were much more remarkable in comparison with the effects of PTFE thickness. Additionally, the surface potential distribution profiles of charged PTFE discs were totally flat and independent of the PTFE thickness at 5- and 13-[Formula: see text]mm needle distances for the negative and positive charging modes, respectively. At the optimized charging conditions, large-area PTFE electret disc (0.5-mm-thick) with positive uniform surface charge potential especially at the edges up to [Formula: see text] 1.8[Formula: see text]kV with stability up to 77 days studied was produced by applying a new multiple heat treatment protocol to the PTFE disc for radon dosimetry. As also observed in this study, the sensitivity of PTFE electret dosimeters to a defined radon gas concentration increases as the PTFE thickness increases. Meanwhile, 0.5-mm-thick PTFE electret disc produced was selected to be used as a high quality electret dosimeter with acceptable and superior parameters for different applications in particular medium-term radiation dosimetry in both low and high dose rate ionizing radiation fields.
Viscoacoustic Wave Numerical Simulation Method in an Auxiliary System for Irregular Surface Topography based on a Hybrid Spatial Partial Derivative Scheme
Authors: Qu Yingming , Li Jinli , Li Zhenchun
Published: January 2020

Conventional finite-difference or pseudo-spectral viscoacoustic modeling methods use uniform, rectangular grids to simulate wave propagation, leading to severe spurious diffractions at the surface topography. To overcome the problem, we mesh the velocity and quality factor [Formula: see text] models into curvilinear grids and map the models and the first-order velocity-stress viscoacoustic equation into an auxiliary system. However, when imaging viscoacoustic media, the first-order velocity-stress viscoacoustic equation has difficulty in compensating the energy loss and correcting the phase effects because of the memory variables. To overcome the problem, we apply the first-order equation in the auxiliary coordinates to derive a second-order viscoacoustic quasi-differential equation without memory variables in the same system, with an attenuated term and a dispersion term separately. A new hybrid spatial partial derivative method is proposed to solve the equation. Error analysis, using a homogeneous model with different grids, demonstrates the accuracy and validity of our methods. The numerical examples on two models with topographic surfaces indicate that our method can obtain more stable and improving results for modeling the wave propagation in viscoacoustic media including surface topography.
Letter from SIGecom executive committee
Authors: Immorlica Nicole , Kominers Scott Duke , Ligett Katrina
Published: January 2020

Dear SIGecom community,

We, the new SIGecom executives, are honored to be serving as your representatives. First, we'd like to heap praise and thanks on the outgoing executives --- Kevin Leyton-Brown, Michal Feldman, and Jenn Wortman Vaughan --- for their boundless energy, engagement, and wisdom in their four years of leadership. We have a lot to live up to.
Multi-dimensional mechanism design via random order contention resolution schemes
Authors: Adamczyk Marek , Włodarczyk Michał
Published: January 2020

Already in 1981 Myerson gave a characterization of the optimal mechanism for a single parameter Bayesian mechanism design. However, till today we have no idea for how such a characterization for the multi-dimensional setting could even look like. Moreover, it wasn't until no that long time ago that we could not develop mechanisms for such setting with any reasonable and provable performance guarantees. The seminal work of [Chawla et al. 2009] on sequential posted pricing mechanisms gave us an approach for approximately solving the Bayesian multi-parameter unit-demand mechanism design problem (BMUMD). The paper left open the question on how to obtain a constant approximation for the matroid setting. Two mathematically beautiful results from combinatorial optimization under uncertainty where devised in order to answer this question. First, Kleinberg and Weinberg in 2011 extended the classical Prophet Inequality result into the matroid setting to give a 2-approximation for BMUMD for a single matroid setting. Second, Feldman, Svensson and Zenklusen in 2016 adapted the Contention Resolution Scheme framework for online settings. We add to this line of work by considering the Contention Resolution Scheme framework in the random order setting. The most impressive implication of this research are the new algorithms for BMUMD which improve the previous results in the multimatroid setting. Although the range of implications of the CR Scheme framework in the random order is reasonably wide, we shall focus in this letter on presenting only the single matroid setting and how it is connected to BMUMD.
Human-competitive results awards - "Humies" 2019 - announces winners at GECCO
Authors: Goodman Erik
Published: January 2020

The Sixteenth Annual Humies Competition, which awards $10,000 in cash prizes for computational results deemed to be competitive with results produced by human beings, but are generated automatically by computer, was held as part of the GECCO-2019 program, the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference, held July 13--17 in Prague, Czech Republic. The awards, sponsored by John Koza (who is widely acknowledged as the "Father of Genetic Programming") annually solicit newly published papers that describe work fulfilling one or more of eight criteria, including such features as winning a regulated competition against humans or other programs, producing results that are publishable in their own right, not because they were created by a computer program, patentability, and several others, described fully on the competition's website, www.human-competitive.org.
MetAP2 inhibitor treatment of high-fat and -fructose-fed dogs: impact on the response to oral glucose ingestion and a hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemic clamp
Authors: Moore Mary Courtney , Coate Katie C. , Scott Melanie , Kraft Guillaume , Vath James E. , Hughes Thomas E. , Farmer Ben , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: January 2020

We examined the methionine aminopeptidase 2 inhibitor fumagillin in dogs consuming a high-fat and -fructose diet (HFFD). In pilot studies (3 dogs that had consumed HFFD for 3 yr), 8 wk of daily treatment with fumagillin reduced food intake 29%, weight 6%, and the glycemic excursion during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 44%. A second group of dogs consumed the HFFD for 17 wk: pretreatment ( weeks 0–4), treatment with fumagillin (FUM; n = 6), or no drug (Control, n = 8) ( weeks 4–12), washout period ( weeks 12–16), and fumagillin or no drug for 1 wk ( week 17). OGTTs were performed at 0, 4, 11, and 16 wk. A hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemic clamp was performed in week 12; 4 chow-fed dogs underwent identical clamps. Kilocalories per day intake during the treatment period was 2,067 ± 50 (Control) versus 1,824 ± 202 (FUM). Body weights (kg) increased 1.9 ± 0.3 vs. 2.7 ± 0.8 (0–4 wk) and 1.2 ± 0.2 vs. −0.02 ± 0.9 (4–12 wk) in Control versus fumagillin. The OGTT glycemic response was 30% greater in Control versus fumagillin at 11 wk. Net hepatic glucose uptake (NHGU; mg·kg−1·min−1) in the Chow, Control, and fumagillin dogs was ~1.5 ± 0.6, −0.1 ± 0.1, and 0.3 ± 0.4 (with no portal glucose infusion) and 3.1 ± 0.6, 0.5 ± 0.3, and 1.5 ± 0.5 (portal glucose infusion at 4 mg·kg−1·min−1), respectively. Fumagillin improved glucose tolerance and NHGU in HFFD dogs, suggesting methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) inhibitors have the potential for improving glycemic control in prediabetes and diabetes.
Detection and Segmentation of Cement Concrete Pavement Pothole Based on Image Processing Technology
Authors: Gao Mingxing , Wang Xu , Zhu Shoulin , Guan Peng
Published: January 2020

Potholes are the most common form of distress on cement concrete pavements, which can compromise pavement safety and ridability. Thus, timely and accurate pothole detection is an important task in developing proper maintenance strategies and ensuring driving safety. This paper proposes a method of integrating the processing of grayscale and texture features. This method mainly combines industrial camera to realize rapid and accurate detection of pothole. Image processing techniques including texture filters, image grayscale, morphology, and extraction of the maximum connected domain are used synergistically to extract useful features from digital images. A machine learning model based on the library for support vector machine (LIBSVM) is constructed to distinguish potholes from longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, and complex cracks. The method is validated using data collected from agricultural and pastoral areas of Inner Mongolia, China. The comprehensive experiments for recognition of potholes show that the recall, precision, and F1-Score achieved are 100%, 97.4%, and 98.7%, respectively. In addition, the overlap rate between the extracted pothole region and the original image is estimated. Images with an overlap rate greater than 90% accounted for 76.8% of the total image, and images with an overlap rate greater than 80% accounted for 94% of the total image. A comparison discloses that the proposed approach is superior to the existing method not only from the perspective of the accuracy of pothole detection but also from the perspective of the segmentation effect and processing efficiency.
Therapeutic Effect of Xuebijing, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Injection, on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Shutong , Wang Hongxing , Sun Qinbao , Liu Bin , Chang Xiaotian
Published: January 2020

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine considers that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by blood stasis, heat, and toxins. Xuebijing (XBJ), a traditional Chinese medicine compound injection, activates blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis, eliminating pathogenic heat from the blood and degrading toxins. XBJ was approved by the China FDA to treat for many years. This study examined the potential therapeutic effects of XBJ on RA and rat collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Methods. XBJ was cultured with the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients. XBJ was also injected into CIA rats. Changes in Treg and Th17 cell levels in the peripheral blood (PB), SF, and spleen and changes in Th1/Th2 and cytokine levels in PB were detected using flow cytometry. Four RA patients were treated using XBJ based on Chinese medical theory and Chinese medicine indications. Results. Following culture with XBJ, the proportion of Treg cells (P = 0.007) was significantly increased in RA SF, while the Th1/Th2 ratio remained unchanged. After XBJ treatment, CIA in rats was significantly relieved (P < 0.001). The Treg cell proportion was significantly increased in the PB, SF, and spleen in the treated rats, while the number of Th17 cells decreased. The ratio of Th1/Th2 remained unchanged in PB, and the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17A, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α decreased (P = 0.031, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). After XBJ treatment, the disease activity score‐28 (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, Th17 cell number, and Th1/Th2 cell ratio in the four RA patients were significantly decreased, while the Treg cell proportion was increased. Conclusion. XBJ can restore the immune balance to treat RA and CIA. Therefore, XBJ could be a potential therapeutic drug for RA.
Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma Presenting with Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Systemic Emboli due to Tumor Thrombus and Invasion of the Left Atrium
Authors: Dotson Jennifer , Urella Madhulika , Shenouda Mina , Abu-Hashyeh Ahmad , Lebowicz Yehuda
Published: January 2020

Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma is an uncommon entity in the adult population. Cardiac metastases or local invasion of a tumor into the heart is a known but also infrequent occurrence for most malignancies. We present a case of a patient with a history of extraosseous Ewing sarcoma who presented to the emergency room with chest pain and was found to have an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction and systemic emboli and was found to have recurrence of sarcoma invading the left atrium.
High-Biofidelity Biomodel Generated from Three-Dimensional Imaging (Cone-Beam Computed Tomography): A Methodological Proposal
Authors: Hernández-Vázquez Rosa Alicia , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo , Marquet-Rivera Rodrigo Arturo , Romero-Ángeles Beatriz , Mastache-Miranda Octavio Alejandro , Vázquez-Feijoo Juan Alejandro , Urriolagoitia-Calderón Guillermo
Published: January 2020

Experimental research on living beings faces several obstacles, which are more than ethical and moral issues. One of the proposed solutions to these situations is the computational modelling of anatomical structures. The present study shows a methodology for obtaining high-biofidelity biomodels, where a novel imagenological technique is used, which applies several CAM/CAD computer programs that allow a better precision for obtaining a biomodel, with highly accurate morphological specifications of the molar and tissues that shape the biomodel. The biomodel developed is the first lower molar subjected to a basic chewing simulation through the application of the finite element method, resulting in a viable model, able to be subjected to various simulations to analyse molar biomechanical characteristics, as well as pathological conditions to evaluate restorative materials and develop treatment plans. When research is focused in medical and dental investigation aspects, numerical analyses could allow the implementation of several tools commonly used by mechanical engineers to provide new answers to old problems in these areas. With this methodology, it is possible to perform high-fidelity models no matter the size of the anatomical structure, nor the complexity of its structure and internal tissues. So, it can be used in any area of medicine.
Maternal Separation Induces Long-Term Alterations in the Cardiac Oxytocin Receptor and Cystathionine γ-Lyase Expression in Mice
Authors: Wigger Daniela C. , Gröger Nicole , Lesse Alexandra , Krause Sabrina , Merz Tamara , Gündel Harald , Braun Katharina , McCook Oscar , Radermacher Peter , Bock Jörg , Waller Christiane
Published: January 2020

We recently showed that blunt chest trauma reduced the expression of the myocardial oxytocin receptor (Oxtr), which was further aggravated by genetic deletion of the H2S-producing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). Exogenous H2S supplementation restored myocardial Oxtr expression under these conditions. Early life stress (ELS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease by affecting vascular and heart structures. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that (i) ELS affects cardiac Oxtr and CSE expressions and (ii) Oxtr and CSE expression patterns depend on the duration of stress exposure. Thus, two stress paradigms were compared: long- and short-term separation stress (LTSS and STSS, respectively). Cardiac Oxtr expression was differentially affected by the two stress paradigms with a significant reduction after LTSS and a significant increase after STSS. CSE expression, which was significantly reduced in Oxtr-/- knockout hearts, was downregulated and directly related to Oxtr expression in LTSS hearts (r=0.657, p=0.012). In contrast, CSE expression was not related to Oxtr upregulation in STSS. Plasma Oxt levels were not affected by either ELS paradigm. The coincidence of LTSS-induced reduction of cardiac Oxtr and reduced CSE expression may suggest a novel pathophysiological link between early life adversities and increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disorders in adulthood.
Disparities in Sleep Health among Adolescents: The Role of Sex, Age, and Migration
Authors: Miguez Maria Jose , Bueno Diego , Perez Caroline
Published: January 2020

Background. Disparities in sleep disturbances have been described in adults; nevertheless, among adolescents, data have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, analyses of our cohort study of 500 urban, normally developed Hispanic adolescents (10–18 years), aim to determine if rates of sleep debt differ between: (a) male and female adolescents, (b) US-born Hispanics and first-generation immigrant ethnic counterparts, and (c) specific activities that these teens trade for sleep. Participants’ weekday and weekend sleep patterns, along with the reasons for sleeping less than the recommended hours were recorded. Standardized surveys were used to gather information regarding sociodemographics, migration, acculturation, and medical history. Using the criteria set forth by the National Sleep Foundation, analyses indicated that sleep deprivation is a pervasive problem, with 75% in the preadolescents and 45% of the late adolescents exhibiting sleep problems. Females slept on average at least one hour less per day than their male counterparts (7 vs. 8 hours). The sleep problems were rooted in several overlapping causes, including use of technology, video games, studying, and employment. Nevertheless, reasons for sleep loss differed by gender and by immigrant status. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that females, US-born teens, and preadolescents had higher odds of being sleep deprived. Pediatricians and sleep experts should be aware of gender-specific causes and responses of sleep problems. Cultural ecological frameworks need to be considered, and clearly indicate that findings may not generalize to youth from other cultural backgrounds.
Oxidative Stress in the Pathophysiology of Kidney Disease: Implications for Noninvasive Monitoring and Identification of Biomarkers
Authors: Gyurászová Marianna , Gurecká Radana , Bábíčková Janka , Tóthová Ľubomíra
Published: January 2020

Kidney disease represents a serious global health problem. One of the main concerns is its late diagnosis, only feasible in a progressed disease state. The lack of a clinical manifestation in the early stages and the fact that the commonly measured parameters of renal function are markedly reduced only during advanced stages of the disease are the main cause. Changes at the molecular level of the kidney tissue occur even before nitrogenous substances, such as creatinine and urea, start to accumulate in the blood. Renal proximal tubules contain a large number of mitochondria and are critical for the energy-demanding process of reabsorption of water and solutes. Mitochondria are the largest producers of oxygen radicals, which, in turn, increase the susceptibility of kidneys to oxidative stress-induced damage. Free radicals and prooxidants produced during acute or chronic kidney injury may further aggravate the course of the disease and play a role in the pathogenesis of subsequent complications. Prevention might be the solution in CKD, but patients are often reluctant to undergo preventive examinations. Noninvasive markers and the possibility to obtain samples at home might help to increase compliance. This review will provide an overview of the possible uses of markers of oxidative status in noninvasive biofluids in patients with renal disease.
On the Uniqueness of Meromorphic Functions on Annuli in terms of Deficiencies
Authors: Meng Dawei , Lu Nan , Liu Sanyang
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this article is to study the uniqueness of meromorphic functions on annuli. Under a certain condition about deficiencies, we prove some new uniqueness theorems of meromorphic functions on the annulus A=z:1/R0<z<R0, where 1<R0≤+∞.