bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential alternative polyadenylation of homoeologous genes of allohexaploid wheat ABD subgenomes during drought stress response
Authors: Ma Hui , Lin Juncheng , Mei Fangming , Mao Hude , Li Qingshun Q.
Published: February 2023

Because allohexaploid wheat genome contains ABD subgenomes, how the expression of homoeologous genes is coordinated remains largely unknown, particularly at the co‐transcriptional level. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an important part of co‐transcriptional regulation, which is crucial in developmental processes and stress responses. Drought stress is a major threat to the stable yield of wheat. Focusing on APA, we used poly(A) tag sequencing to track poly(A) site dynamics in wheat under drought stress. The results showed that drought stress led to extensive APA involving 37–47% of differentially expressed genes in wheat. Significant poly(A) site switching was found in stress‐responsive genes. Interestingly, homoeologous genes exhibit unequal numbers of poly(A) sites, divergent APA patterns with tissue specificity and time‐course dynamics, and distinct 3′‐UTR length changes. Moreover, differentially expressed transcripts in leaves and roots used different poly(A) signals, the up‐ and downregulated isoforms had distinct preferences for non‐canonical poly(A) sites. Genes that encode key polyadenylation factors showed differential expression patterns under drought stress. In summary, poly(A) signals and the changes in core poly(A) factors may widely affect the selection of poly(A) sites and gene expression levels during the response to drought stress, and divergent APA patterns among homoeologous genes add extensive plasticity to this responsive network. These results not only reveal the significant role of APA in drought stress response, but also provide a fresh perspective on how homoeologous genes contribute to adaptability through transcriptome diversity. In addition, this work provides information about the ends of transcripts for a better annotation of the wheat genome.
Spatial distribution and drivers of throughfall beneath shrub canopies in a semi‐arid desert steppe
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Chen Lin , Yang Xinguo , Li Minlan , Song Naiping
Published: February 2023

The spatial distribution of water is mainly controlled by the vegetation canopy, which determines the partitioning of rainfall into interception, throughfall (TF) and stemflow. TF is known to be a critical component of hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. Spatiotemporal patterns of TF have been studied in different ecosystems, although the majority of studies focused on forests. Few reports on small‐scale TF variability and drivers in semi‐arid desert steppes have been published. Herein, we investigated the variability of TF of two morphologically distinct artificial revegetation shrubs (Caragana liouana and Salix psammophila) within a semi‐arid desert steppe, synthesized the data and analysed the characteristics of TF distribution and drivers at the rainfall event scales. We found that (1) morphological differences were sufficient to generate significant (p < 0.05) differences in TF between the two shrub species under the same rainfall and meteorological conditions, with a TF percentage of 70.22% for C. liouana and 79.87% for S. psammophila; (2) a linear outward radical increase in TF was identified with increasing distance from the base of the isolated shrubs. Wind speed had a greater effect on the distribution of TF beneath the shrub structure for C. liouana, whereas the distribution of TF beneath the shrub structure for S. psammophila was more affected by wind direction; and (3) canopy architecture, in particular the stem angle and canopy base area, which affected the openness of the canopy and played an important role in the distribution of TF in the two shrubs. The results reveal the key factors driving water use under rainfall during revegetation and the TF utilization mechanism in semi‐arid areas and highlight the complementary effect of different species on ecosystem hydrological functions.
Responses of a Strongly Forced Mathieu Equation—Part 1: Cyclic Loading
Authors: Ramakrishnan Venkatanarayanan , Feeny Brian F.
Published: February 2023

This work concerns the response of a damped Mathieu equation with hard cyclic excitation at the same frequency as the parametric excitation. A second-order perturbation analysis using the method of multiple scales unfolds resonances and stability. Superharmonic and subharmonic resonances are analyzed and the effect of different parameters on the responses are examined. While superharmonic resonances of order two have been captured by a first-order analysis, the second-order analysis improves the prediction of the peak frequency. Superharmonic resonances of order three are captured only by the second-order analysis. The order-two superharmonic resonance amplitude is of order ε0, and the order-three superharmonic amplitude is of order ε. As the parametric excitation level increases, the superharmonic resonance amplitudes increase. An nth-order multiple-scales analysis will indicate conditions of superharmonic resonances of order n + 1. At the subharmonic of order one-half, there is no steady-state resonance, but known subharmonic instability is unfolded consistently. Analytical expressions for resonant responses are presented and compared with numerical results for specific system parameters. The behavior of this system could be relevant to applications such as large wind-turbine blades and parametric resonators.
Gender Differences in Coaching Behaviors Supportive of Positive Youth Sports Experience
Authors: McCleery Julie , Tereschenko Irina , Li Longxi , Copeland Nicholas
Published: February 2023

In the youth sports domain, few coaches are women, masculine ideologies permeate the culture, and coaching practices do not always align with behaviors supportive of positive youth sports experience. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in men’s and women’s coaching behaviors associated with creating positive youth sports experience, including behaviors that create a safe and fun participation environment, a mastery motivational climate, and autonomy-supportive coaching. A total of 219 youth and high school coaches across different sports in one county in a western state responded to the survey—29% of them women. Along with the overall dearth of women in coaching, we found differences between men and women in the types of coaching positions they hold and the behaviors they bring to their coaching. Female coaches were more likely to be paid, primarily part-time, and they were also less likely to have children. Using a multivariate analysis of variance, significant mean vectors were found between female and male coaches in the four coaching behaviors measured. Women’s ratings were significantly higher on individual measures for autonomy and safety. As the coaching field comes to better understand the approaches that lead to positive youth sports experience, these findings raise important questions about why women and mothers are not a larger proportion of the coaching landscape and how that might change.
Material Substrate Physical Properties Control Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Architecture
Authors: Cont Alice , Vermeil Joseph , Persat Alexandre
Published: February 2023

The biofilm lifestyle is the most widespread survival strategy in the bacterial world.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms cause chronic infections and are highly recalcitrant to antimicrobials. The genetic requirements allowing
P. aeruginosa
to grow into biofilms are known, but not the physical stimuli that regulate their formation.
TgTKL4 Is a Novel Kinase That Plays an Important Role in
Toxoplasma
Morphology and Fitness
Authors: Montano Hilary , Anandkrishnan Ramu , Carruthers Vern B. , Gaji Rajshekhar Y.
Published: February 2023

Toxoplasma gondii
is a protozoan parasite that can cause life-threatening disease in mammals; hence, identifying key factors required for parasite growth and pathogenesis is important to develop novel therapeutics. In this study, we identified and characterized another member of the newly described TKL family, TgTKL4, a cell cycle-regulated kinase.
Environmental Selection and Biogeography Shape the Microbiome of Subsurface Petroleum Reservoirs
Authors: Gittins Daniel A. , Bhatnagar Srijak , Hubert Casey R. J.
Published: February 2023

This comprehensive analysis showcases how environmental selection and geographic distance influence the microbiome of subsurface petroleum reservoirs. We reveal substantial differences in the taxonomy of the inhabiting microbes but shared metabolic function between reservoirs with different
in situ
temperatures and between reservoirs separated by large distances.
Host Factors Associated with Gut Mycobiome Structure
Authors: Szóstak Natalia , Handschuh Luiza , Samelak-Czajka Anna , Tomela Katarzyna , Schmidt Marcin , Pruss Łukasz , Milanowska-Zabel Kaja , Kozlowski Piotr , Philips Anna
Published: February 2023

The human gut is inhabited by many organisms, including bacteria and fungi, that may affect human health. However, research on human gut mycobiome is still rare.
Stimulation of Surface Polysaccharide Production under Aerobic Conditions Confers Aerotolerance in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Kim Jinshil , Park Myungseo , Ahn Eunbyeol , Mao Qingqing , Chen Chi , Ryu Sangryeol , Jeon Byeonghwa
Published: February 2023

Oxygen-sensitive foodborne pathogens must withstand oxygen toxicity in aerobic environments during transmission to humans.
C. jejuni
is a major cause of gastroenteritis, accounting for 400 million to 500 million infection cases worldwide per year. As an obligate microaerophile,
C. jejuni
is sensitive to air-level oxygen.
Metagenomic Insight into Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistance Genes of High Clinical Concern in Urban and Rural Hospital Wastewater of Northern India Origin: a Major Reservoir of Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Talat Absar , Blake Kevin S. , Dantas Gautam , Khan Asad U.
Published: February 2023

There is a paucity of research on detailed antibiotic resistome and microbiome diversity of Indian hospital wastewater. This study reports the predominance of clinically concerning ARGs such as the beta-lactamases
bla
NDM
and
bla
OXA
and the colistin resistance gene
mcr
and their association with the microbiome in six different Indian hospital wastewaters of both urban and rural origin.
Erratum to: Structure of the Brain of the Smallest Coleoptera
Authors: Makarova A. A. , Polilov A. A.
Published: February 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1607672955340036
Drink and injection spiking: how to approach an increase in presentations?
Authors: Blandamer Tess , Daniels Jo , Dear James , Birse Fraser , Carlton Edward , Burgess Kate , Roberts Tom
Published: February 2023

In 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of reported drink spiking incidents across the UK. The new phenomenon of spiking via injection also emerged, which gained significant media attention. Campaigns encouraged potential spiking victims to attend an ED for testing. However, there is limited published research on drink spiking and no published studies on injection spiking. One UK guideline for the management of spiking exists, advising testing ‘if clinically indicated’ and is likely underused. Therefore, patients are often managed without drug testing, psychological support or a clear onward referral pathway. This practice review will explore the background of spiking, discuss drug testing options and highlight the psychological sequelae of spiking. An example guideline for the management of spiking incidents is attached.
Gut virome-colonisingOrthohepadnavirusgenus is associated with ulcerative colitis pathogenesis and induces intestinal inflammationin vivo
Authors: Massimino Luca , Palmieri Orazio , Facoetti Amanda , Fuggetta Davide , Spanò Salvatore , Lamparelli Luigi Antonio , D'Alessio Silvia , Cagliani Stefania , Furfaro Federica , D'Amico Ferdinando , Zilli Alessandra , Fiorino Gionata , Parigi Tommaso Lorenzo , Noviello Daniele , Latiano Anna , Bossa Fabrizio , Latiano Tiziana , Pirola Alessandra , Mologni Luca , Piazza Rocco Giovanni , Abbati Danilo , Perri Francesco , Bonini Chiara , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Malesci Alberto , Jairath Vipul , Danese Silvio , Ungaro Federica
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. Gut virome dysbiosis is fundamental in UC progression, although its role in the early phases of the disease is far from fully understood. Therefore, we sought to investigate the role of a virome-associated protein encoded by theOrthohepadnavirusgenus, the hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), in UC aetiopathogenesis.

Design

HBx positivity of UC patient-derived blood and gut mucosa was assessed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing and correlated with clinical characteristics by multivariate analysis. Transcriptomics was performed on HBx-overexpressing endoscopic biopsies from healthy donors.

C57BL/6 mice underwent intramucosal injections of liposome-conjugated HBx-encoding plasmids or the control, with or without antibiotic treatment. Multidimensional flow cytometry analysis was performed on colonic samples from HBx-treated and control animals. Transepithelial electrical resistance measurement, proliferation assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay with sequencing and RNA-sequencing were performed onin vitromodels of the gut barrier. HBx-silencing experiments were performedin vitroandin vivo.

Results

HBx was detected in about 45% of patients with UC and found to induce colonic inflammation in mice, while its silencing reverted the colitis phenotypein vivo. HBx acted as a transcriptional regulator in epithelial cells, provoking barrier leakage and altering both innate and adaptive mucosal immunityex vivoandin vivo.

Conclusion

This study described HBx as a contributor to the UC pathogenesis and provides a new perspective on the virome as a target for tailored treatments.
Immune response and barrier dysfunction-related proteomic signatures in preclinical phase of Crohn’s disease highlight earliest events of pathogenesis
Authors: Leibovitzh Haim , Lee Sun-Ho , Raygoza Garay Juan Antonio , Espin-Garcia Osvaldo , Xue Mingyue , Neustaeter Anna , Goethel Ashleigh , Huynh Hien Q , Griffiths Anne M , Turner Dan , Madsen Karen L , Moayyedi Paul , Steinhart A Hillary , Silverberg Mark S , Deslandres Colette , Bitton Alain , Mack David R , Jacobson Kevan , Cino Maria , Aumais Guy , Bernstein Charles N , Panaccione Remo , Weiss Batia , Halfvarson Jonas , Xu Wei , Turpin Williams , Croitoru Kenneth
Published: February 2023

Objective

The measure of serum proteome in the preclinical state of Crohn’s disease (CD) may provide insight into biological pathways involved in CD pathogenesis. We aimed to assess associations of serum proteins with future CD onset and with other biomarkers predicting CD risk in a healthy at-risk cohort.

Design

In a nested case–control study within the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Genetics Environment Microbial Project (CCC-GEM) cohort, which prospectively follows healthy first-degree relatives (FDRs), subjects who developed CD (n=71) were matched with four FDRs remaining healthy (n=284). Using samples at recruitment, serum protein profiles using the Olink Proximity Extension Assay platform was assessed for association with future development of CD and with other baseline biomarkers as follows: serum antimicrobial antibodies (AS: positive antibody sum) (Prometheus); faecal calprotectin (FCP); gut barrier function using the fractional excretion of lactulose-to-mannitol ratio (LMR) assay.

Results

We identified 25 of 446 serum proteins significantly associated with future development of CD. C-X-C motif chemokine 9 (CXCL9) had the highest OR with future risk of CD (OR=2.07 per SD, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.73, q=7.9e-5), whereas matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein had the lowest OR (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.66, q=0.02). Notably, CXCL9 was the only analyte significantly associated with all other CD-risk biomarkers with consistent direction of effect (FCP: OR=2.21; LMR: OR=1.67; AS: OR=1.59) (q<0.05 for all).

Conclusion

We identified serum proteomic signatures associated with future CD development, reflecting potential early biological processes of immune and barrier dysfunction.
Clonal expansion of resident memory T cells in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancer during immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment
Authors: Kim Hyunsu , Park Sehhoon , Han Kyoung-Yeon , Lee Naeun , Kim Hyemin , Jung Hyun Ae , Sun Jong-Mu , Ahn Jin Seok , Ahn Myung-Ju , Lee Se-Hoon , Park Woong-Yang
Published: February 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an essential treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, the tumor-related intrinsic factors in response to ICIs have mostly been elucidated in tissue samples. However, tissue immune status and changes in the immune microenvironment can also be reflected and monitored through peripheral blood.

Methods

Single-cell RNA and T cell receptor (scTCR) sequencing were conducted using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 60 patients with stage IV NSCLC. Those samples were prospectively acquired from patients treated with anti-PD(L)-1 therapy for advanced lung cancer. Based on the clinical outcomes, samples were classified as durable clinical benefit (DCB) and non-durable clinical benefit (NCB). The samples constituted paired longitudinal samples, consisting of pre-treatment and on-treatment. Additionally, PBMC samples from 60 healthy donors from the Asian Immune Diversity Atlas project were used as a control.

Results

The dynamic changes in major cell types between pre-treatment and on-treatment PBMCs were associated with an increase in proliferating T cells and NK cells in both DCB and NCB groups. Among T cell subtypes, effector memory CD8+T cells (CD8+TEM_GZMK_PDCD1) were increased after ICI treatment in both DCB and NCB. From the lineage trajectory analysis, effector memory CD8+T cells resided at the bifurcation point, which has the potential to differentiate into lineages with precursor exhausted CD8+T cells (CD8+TCMcells) assumed to be related to the ICI response. From the scTCR-seq, effector memory CD8+T cells along with T cells recognizing unknown antigen expanded and composed of novel clones skewed toward dysfunctional status, especially in on-treatment samples of the DCB group. The extent of immunophenotype conversion capabilities of the TCR with effector memory CD8+T cells showed remarkable variation in the on-treatment sample in the DCB group.

Conclusion

A transitioning T cell subtype identified in PBMCs might be related to the prolonged ICI response. From our study, expansion of effector memory CD8+T cells with novel TCRs in PBMCs after ICI treatment could contribute to a better clinical outcome in patients with NSCLC. This proof-of-concept research strengthens the use of non-invasive PBMCs in studying systemic changes of immune reactions related to the ICI treatment.
Risks of mortality and severe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outcomes in patients with or without systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bruera Sebastian , Lei Xiudong , Zhao Hui , Yazdany Jinoos , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Giordano Sharon H , Suarez-Almazor Maria E
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We compared the outcomes of patients with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and evaluated factors within patients with SLE associated with severe outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the deidentified Optum COVID-19 electronic health record dataset to identify patients with COVID-19 from 1/1/2020 to 31/12/2020. Cases with SLE were matched with general controls at a ratio of 1:10 by age, sex, race and ethnicity and COVID-19 diagnosis date. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospitalisation and intensive care unit admission. We evaluated the relationship between COVID-19-related outcomes and SLE using multivariable logistic regression. In addition, within SLE cases, we examined factors associated with COVID-19 related outcomes, including disease activity and SLE therapy.

Results

We included 687 patients matched with 6870 controls. Unadjusted rates of outcomes for patients with SLE were significantly worse than for matched controls including mortality (3.6% vs 1.8%), mechanical ventilation (6% vs 2.5%) and hospitalisation (31% vs 17.7%) (all p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, patients with SLE had increased risks of mechanical ventilation (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.82) and hospitalisation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.65). Among patients with SLE, severe disease activity was associated with increased risks of mechanical ventilation (OR 5.83, 95% CI 2.60 to 13.07) and hospitalisation (OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.37 to 6.65). Use of glucocorticoids, mycophenolate and tacrolimus before COVID-19 was associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE had increased risk of severe COVID-19-related outcomes compared with matched controls. Patients with severe SLE disease activity or prior use of corticosteroids experienced worse outcomes.
A novel short pile foundation system bonded to highly cemented layers for settlement control
Authors: Stone Richard C. , Farhangi Visar , Fatahi Behzad , Karakouzian Moses
Published: February 2023

While design methods of deep foundations are mainly developed for homogenous soil deposits, the presence of highly cemented layers could lead to underestimation of resistance and overestimation of settlement of pile foundations. This study presents a novel approach using competent caliche layers bonded to the top and bottom of a continuous flight auger (CFA) pile as a new composite foundation system named caliche stiffened pile (CSP). The key objective is to optimize the required pile length in a cost-effective approach without ameliorating soil properties. Settlements of the CSP foundation for a high-rise building were monitored and full-scale tests were conducted to measure piles’ capacity. Finite element back analyses were performed to avoid adverse effect of sample disturbance in settlement calculations. A back calculation of a test fill embankment was performed to determine soil stiffness parameters by simulating an unscheduled imposed load to the structure. Impacts of the CSP on controlling the settlement of pile foundation and optimizing the required pile length are investigated using finite element analysis and a parametric study. The proposed CSP foundation can reduce the CFA pile settlement significantly in the presence of caliche layers with thickness equal or greater than a pile diameter at CFA pile head and toe, where the CSP is located.
Logarithmic corrections to O(a) and O($$a^2$$) effects in lattice QCD with Wilson or Ginsparg–Wilson quarks
Authors: Husung Nikolai
Published: February 2023

We derive the asymptotic lattice spacing dependence $$a^n[2b_0\bar{g}^2(1/a)]^{\hat{\Gamma }_i}$$

a
n

[
2

b
0

g

¯

2

(
1
/
a
)

]

Γ
^

i

relevant for spectral quantities of lattice QCD, when using Wilson, $$\textrm{O}(a)$$

O
(
a
)

improved Wilson or Ginsparg–Wilson quarks. We give some examples for the spectra encountered for $$\hat{\Gamma }_i$$

Γ
^

i

including the partially quenched case, mixed actions and using two different discretisations for dynamical quarks. This also includes maximally twisted mass QCD relying on automatic $$\textrm{O}(a)$$

O
(
a
)

improvement. At $$\textrm{O}(a^2)$$

O
(

a
2

)

, all cases considered have $$\min _i\hat{\Gamma }_i\gtrsim -0.3$$

min
i

Γ
^

i

≳
-
0.3

if $$N_{\textrm{f}}\le 4$$

N
f

≤
4

, which ensures that the leading order lattice artifacts are not severely logarithmically enhanced in contrast to the O(3) non-linear sigma model (Balog et al. in Nucl Phys B 824:563–615, 2010; Balog et al. in Phys Lett B 676:188–192, 2009). However, we find a very dense spectrum of these leading powers, which may result in major pile-ups and cancellations. We present in detail the computational strategy employed to obtain the 1-loop anomalous dimensions already used in Husung et al. (Phys Lett B 829:137069, 2022).
Irreversibility analysis of a convective nanofluid flow over a rotating cone in a permeable media with Cattaneo–Christov heat flux and surface-catalyzed reaction
Authors: Gul Hina , Ramzan Muhammad , Ghazwani Hassan Ali S. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abbas Mohamed , Saleel C. Ahamed , Kadry Seifedine
Published: February 2023

This study aims to analyze the two-dimensional incompressible, steady MHD-mixed convective nanofluid flow with homogenous–heterogeneous (hh) reaction and Cattaneo–Christov heat flux (CCHF) past a rotating cone. The uniqueness of the presented model is the consideration of the surface-catalyzed reaction while considering the hh reactions on the surface of the cone in the existence of a permeable medium. Owing to this supposition, the rate of reaction is provoked in the least possible time. Moreover, irreversibility analysis is also performed for the suggested mathematical model in the wake of the second law of thermodynamics. The impacts of slip conditions and heat sink/source are also assessed here. The numerical model of these governing equations is solved using the MATLAB bvp4c package that addresses the system of ODES extracted from the governing PDEs. Graphs are used to evaluate the important consequences of the main arising parameters versus the concerned fields. The results revealed that in the presence of a high magnetic field, the temperature is enhanced. Moreover, the Entropy generation is boosted for magnetic and diffusion parameters. The results presented for this model are also corroborated by associating them with the published study.
Chair's Letter
Authors: Palamidessi Catuscia
Published: February 2023

Dear SIGLOG Members,

Happy New Year 2023! May the New Year fulfill your plans and dreams, and bring you success in your professional and personal life.
Security and Privacy Column
Authors: Kremer Steve
Published: February 2023

Differential privacy is nowadays considered the "gold standard" when releasing information, e.g., statistics, on sensitive data. To avoid leaking too much sensitive data noise-adding mechanisms may be used. ϵ-differential privacy measures the amount of privacy ϵ that such a mechanism ensures. Of course, adding too much noise results into useless, random information, while adding not enough may lead to privacy violations. This problem is known as the privacy-utility trade-off and raises a natural optimality question: how can we maximise utility for a given amount of privacy ϵ.
Quantitative Information Flow Techniques for Studying Optimality in Differential Privacy
Authors: Fernandes Natasha
Published: February 2023

Universal optimality for differential privacy seeks to characterise the "best" mechanisms, which are the ones that provide the most utility to some class of consumers whilst simultaneously satisfying a fixed ε-differential privacy constraint. The study of universal optimality was initiated in 2009 in two important papers: the first by Ghosh et al., who discovered a universally optimal mechanism for a large class of consumers within the differential privacy constraint context of "counting queries" on statistical datasets; the second by Brenner and Nissim who found that outside of this context, no such universally optimal mechanisms exist. Since those remarkable results, there have been few advances in this field. In this article we detail some recent work which sheds new light on these results using Quantitative Information Flow (QIF), a mathematical framework for quantifying information leaks under a Bayesian adversarial model. Using standard QIF reasoning we show how the earlier results can be both generalised and extended, opening up new avenues for exploring optimality in a wide variety of differential privacy contexts.
SIGLOG Monthly 233
Authors: Purser David
Published: February 2023

An annual award, called the Alonzo Church Award for Outstanding Contributions to Logic and Computation, was established in 2015 by the ACM Special Interest Group for Logic and Computation (SIGLOG), the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science (EATCS), the European Association for Computer Science Logic (EACSL), and the Kurt Goedel Society (KGS). The award is for an outstanding contribution represented by a paper or by a small group of papers published within the past 25 years. This time span allows the lasting impact and depth of the contribution to have been established. The award can be given to an individual, or to a group of individuals who have collaborated on the research. For the rules governing this award, see https://siglog.org/alonzo-church-award/, https://www.eatcs.org/index.php/church-award/, and https://www.eacsl.org/alonzo-church-award/.
Glycine as an Efficient Corrosion Inhibitor for TiN Oxidation Environments
Authors: Cheng Yuanshen , Wang Shengli , Wang Chenwei , Yang Dexin
Published: February 2023

In this study, the inhibition effect of glycine on TiN corrosion in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution was studied through polishing experiments, static corrosion tests and electrochemical tests. According to the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), 3 wt% glycine exhibited an inhibition efficiency of more than 78% for TiN corrosion due to the greatly increased charge transfer resistance at the TiN/solution interface after its addition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis provided evidence that glycine molecules adsorbed on the TiN surface to form a protective film to prevent corrosion. Adsorption isotherm studies demonstrate that spontaneous, mixed physical and chemical adsorption occurs, which follows the Temkin model. The corrosion inhibition mechanism was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that glycine molecules can prevent TiN from being oxidized to titanium oxide, thus reducing the corrosion intensity. This study is of importance in solving the problem of a too fast corrosion rate of TiN in an oxidizing environment.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in an Adolescent with Mixed-Dissociative Disorder: A Case Study
Authors: Hussain Ershad
Published: February 2023

Dissociation is a psychopathological condition with a range of alterations or changes in the normally integrated mental functions such as identity, consciousness, or memory and can manifest in various types such as depersonalization, trance states, derealisation, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder (Waller et al., 1996). From an etiological perspective, past experience of trauma plays a major role as a precipitating factor in dissociation, wherein dissociation is conceptualized as a reaction to trauma as a way to distance oneself from the traumatic situation and events related to it (Lanius et al., 2015). Initially understood as a coping mechanism, the persistent manifestation of dissociation hinders the overall psychological functioning and interferes with the daily activities of the individual. Therefore, the focus of the various treatment modalities of dissociative disorders is mostly focused on enhancing the coping skills of the patient. The current case study demonstrates the manifestation of dissociation in a 16 years old adolescent with a history of trauma. Furthermore, it documents the efficacy of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Statistical Manual of Mental (Cohen et al., 2017).
A 0.9 V, 8T2R nvSRAM Memory Cell with High Density and Improved Storage/Restoration Time in 28 nm Technology Node
Authors: Yin Jiayu , Liao Wenli , Chen Chengying
Published: February 2023

Combining with a static random-access memory (SRAM) and resistive memory (RRAM), an improved 8T2R nonvolatile SRAM (nvSRAM) memory cell is proposed in this study. With differential mode, a pair of 1T1R RRAM is added to 6T SRAM storage node. By optimizing the connection and layout scheme, the power consumption is reduced and the data stability is improved. The nvSRAM memory cell is realized with UMC CMOS 28 nm 1p9m process. When the power supply voltage is 0.9 V, the static noise/read/write margin is 0.35 V, 0.16 V, and 0.41 V, respectively. The data storage/restoration time is 0.21 ns and 0.18 ns, respectively, with an active area of 0.97 μm2.
Joint Task Offloading and Resource Allocation in Vehicular Edge Computing Networks for Emergency Logistics
Authors: Li Rui , Ling Darong , Wang Yisheng , Zhao Shuang , Wang Jun
Published: February 2023

As a special form of multiaccess edge computing (MEC), vehicular edge computing (VEC) plays an important role in emergency logistics by providing real‐time and low‐latency services for vehicles. The solution of the joint task offloading and resource allocation problem (JTORA) is the key to improving VEC efficiency. This study formulates a special model according to the multistage characteristics of the computational task in vehicular edge computing networks (VECNs) for emergency logistics. First, the JTORA problem is decomposed into three computational steps, each of which includes a task offload (TO) problem and a resource allocation (RA) problem. Then, a hybrid solution is proposed which uses a simulated annealing process to optimize the genetic algorithm (GA) and cooperate with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, called the genetic simulated annealing and particle swarm optimization (GSA‐PSO) algorithm. Furthermore, a simulation experiment is designed and the effectiveness of the GSA‐PSO is verified.
Phonological Verbal Fluency Test for Russian-Speaking Children
Authors: Mironets Sofia , Deviaterikova Alena , Glebova Elena , Kasatkin Vladimir
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Verbal fluency tasks are mainly used for assessment of verbal fluency and have proven useful for differential diagnosis. The first objective of the study was to provide normative data on phonemic verbal fluency (for letters “Π” [p], “O” [o], “C” [s]) in children population. The second objective of the study was to establish diagnostic validity of the present task and to collect normative data on participants who survived posterior fossa tumor (PFT) and participants with treated hemoblastosis. Method: For diagnostics, we used verbal fluency test. The normative sample consisted of 746 participants aged 7–16 years. A linear multiple regression analysis was implemented for each dependent variable with age, gender, disease for all participants and academic achievement as predictors in normative sample. The performance of 746 healthy participants was compared to the performance of 118 participants who survived PFT and 492 participants who survived hemoblastosis using one-way ANOVA analysis. Results: Healthy children have better verbal fluency than their peers who survived cancer. In the group of healthy children, we assessed the relationship between verbal fluency and school performance. A significant correlation with the “Russian language” subject (r = 0.127; p < 0.001) emerged. In all three groups of children, age and gender turned out to be significant factors that affected the characteristics of verbal fluency. Conclusion: Our data will contribute to increasing the accuracy of verbal fluency deficit detection in Russian speakers and will be useful for differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment for children who have survived oncological diseases of various geneses.
Shark evacuation from Mo’orea island in 2002
Authors: Porcher Ila France
Published: February 2023

Reef sharks, including blackfins (Carcharhinus melanopterus) reside in the lagoons and on the outer slopes of the barrier reefs of Mo’orea Island, French Polynesia. In general the lagoons are shallow enough to permit underwater observation, while dive clubs hold shark dives at different sites in the lagoons and in the ocean. Thus, the presence of blackfin sharks especially, and other species at times, is confirmed daily. Between about 21 July and 2 August 2002, all blackfin reef sharks under observation, and possibly some of the other species, left their lagoon and ocean ranges and disappeared from human view, a unique evacuation for which no explanation was found. The event suggests an unknown pattern or influence at work which was perceived by sharks, but was not apparent to those investigating.
3. The Governance of Education Systems
Authors: Gomendio Montserrat , Wert José Ignacio
Published: February 2023

In Chapter 3 we investigate how different governance arrangements can facilitate or hinder education reforms. We explain the decentralisation process that has recently taken place in many countries in order to allow education systems to become more responsive to local needs. We argue that to be successful, decentralisation first requires capacity-building (so that regional governments or local authorities are empowered to make sound decisions) and musy go hand-in-hand with accountability measures to ensure that student outcomes benefit from the new governance arrangements. We also argue that the responsibilities of central government and subnational governments must be clearly defined, in order to avoid endless conflicts about the degree of power that each holds. We pay particular attention to the fact that in most countries the funding is raised largely by central government through taxes, while it is spent by subnational governments, and consider the tensions that this asymmetry creates. We devote a specific section to the rather unique governance arrangements of vocational, education and training systems.
Prediction of Intermonth Modes of Winter Air Temperature over China
Authors: Yang Hongqing , Fan Ke , Dai Haixia
Published: February 2023

The features and causes of the leading intermonth modes of winter surface air temperature anomalies (SATA) over China are investigated, and associated prediction models are developed. The first three intermonth modes of winter SATA over China are obtained by extended empirical orthogonal function (i.e., EEOF1–3) analysis. The results show that EEOF1 represents consistent variations in the whole winter, with a variance contribution of 32.3%, whereas EEOF2 and EEOF3 show spatiotemporally inconsistent changes, and their variance contributions are 16.9% and 12.5%, respectively. EEOF2 has out-of-phase variations between December and January–February, and EEOF3 exhibits a temporal warm–cold alternating pattern, with spatially reversing changes over northwestern and southern China. However, the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2) presents a limited prediction skill for winter SATA over China and their intermonth modes. Further investigations indicate that the September sea ice over the Barents–Laptev Seas, the November snow cover over western Europe and East Asia, and the November northern Atlantic sea surface temperature can be, respectively, adopted to develop prediction schemes for the consistent mode (EEOF1 scheme) and two inconsistent modes (EEOF2 and EEOF3 schemes) based on specific mechanisms. These schemes show effective performances in predicting both individual modes and the reconstruction field of SATA over China. The temporal correlation coefficients (TCCs) between cross-validation results and observations are 0.48, 0.51, and 0.31 for the EEOF1–3 modes, respectively (the 90% confidence level is 0.27). For the reconstruction field, the TCCs are 0.40, 0.27, and 0.45 in December, January, and February, respectively, which are much higher than those of the CFSv2 outputs (0.23, −0.16, and −0.09).
Robert James Graves (1796-1853), The Irish School of Medicine, and Graves’ Disease
Authors: Feliciano David V. , DuBose Joseph J.
Published: February 2023

Robert James Graves, a native of Dublin, Ireland, was a physician rather than a surgeon; however, his name is well-known to all general and endocrine surgeons. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and received his BA and MB degrees from Trinity College (formerly, Dublin University). After further studies throughout Europe, he received his “licentiate” from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in 1820 and was appointed Physician to the Meath Hospital in Dublin in 1821. Graves received many honors during his career including the following: King’s Professor in the Institute of Medicine (1824); President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (1843-44); and a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS, 1849). In addition, he was a prominent member of the Irish School of Medicine which also included William Stokes (1804-1878) (Cheyne-Stokes breathing, Stokes-Adams attacks) and Dominic Corrigan (1802-1880) (Corrigan’s pulse). Graves’ description of exophthalmic goiter was in 1835, some 49 years after that of Caleb Hillier Parry (1755-1822) of Bath, England; however, Bath’s report was not published till 1825 or 3 years after his death. Graves' disease is still the eponym applied to this form of hyperthyroidism in the United States.
Apixaban for Extended Thromboprophylaxis After Oncologic Resection: Outcomes and Cost Analysis
Authors: Kelly Kathrine , Blanck Lauren M. , Lim Kelvin , Norman Alexa , Roberto Charlaine V. , Assifi M. Mura , Wright G. Paul , Chung Mathew
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients undergoing oncologic resection are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), and this can lead to increased morbidity and hospital costs. Low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended as extended thromboprophylaxis (ETP) in high-risk patients and has been shown to reduce rates of VTE.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing resection for oncologic indications at a single institution from May 2016 to May 2019. This study evaluated the use of apixaban as ETP at discharge. The primary outcomes were deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or mesenteric/portal venous thromboembolism at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperatively.

Results

A total of 600 patients were included; 449 patients received no ETP, and 151 patients received apixaban. PE occurred in 1.1, 1.6, and 2.3% of patients without ETP and 0, 0, and .7% of patients in the apixaban group (at 30, 60, and 90 days; P = .338, P = .201, and P = .306, respectively). DVT occurred in 1.8, 2.1, and 2.8% of patients without ETP and 0, 0, and 1.4% in the apixaban group ( P = .211, P = .121, and P = .535, respectively). The total cost, including ETP and readmission for VTE, per patient was US $5.51 more in the apixaban group.

Conclusion

Apixaban therapy for ETP did not produce a statistically significant reduction in VTE events in our patients. Future studies should include more patients in a prospective multicenter trial.
Jean Baptiste Lucien Bauden’s Clinique des Plaies D’Armes a Feu: The First English Translation of the First Trauma Laparotomy
Authors: Velez David Ray
Published: February 2023

Historically, abdominal trauma was managed nonoperatively with rest and local wound cares. Jean Baptiste Lucien Baudens (1804-1857) was a French military surgeon and performed the first 2 trauma laparotomies. The first patient died but the second survived. Laparotomy in trauma has since evolved, now a life-saving intervention and a fundamental tool in the management of abdominal trauma. Baudens documented these case reports in his 1836 work Clinical Reports of Gun Wounds (Clinique des Plaies D’Armes a Feu). The work of Baudens has been largely unrecognized and underappreciated in the English literature. This manuscript serves as the first translation of this event.
Hukou, Migration, Strain, and Crime: A Case of Incarcerated Population in China
Authors: Qu Jia , Liu Darui , Wu Yuning , Zhao Jihong , Fan Yupeng , Liu Weidi
Published: February 2023

Based on survey data from 1,593 prisoners in Guizhou, China, the current study examines the influence of hukou and migration status on crime involvement. Utilizing the general strain theory framework, this study tests a mediation model that hukou (urban vs. rural) and migration status (migrant vs. local) intersect to shape people’s experience of strain, which further leads to engagement in crime. Among the strain variables, victimization stands out as the most significant mediator that connects rural hukou to crime. These results suggest that the Chinese government should completely abolish the household registration system, or at least make more effective reforms that provide more equal opportunities for development and safety protection to people with rural hukou.
Administrative State in Pandemic Period: Issues and Prospects in Asian Countries
Authors: Sodhi Inderjeet Singh
Published: February 2023

A disaster like the Corona pandemic affected the functioning of administration in every country, whether democratic or communist or authoritarian/dictatorship or monarchical as well as those presidential or parliamentary form of government. The pandemic has significantly affected the process and functioning of administration. Asia, one of the biggest continents area-wise and population-wise, has also been affected. It has been observed that the concept of Administrative State propounded by Waldo (1984) is being followed in theory and practice in these countries. This article delves into emerging issues and challenges posed by the corona pandemic in Asian countries and their probable solutions in a time-bound manner on the basis of Waldo’s concept of Administrative State which always stands for rules, regulations, equality, efficiency, accountability and so on. Pandemic has certainly affected the functioning of administrative institutions in Asian countries, some largely and some at a lesser level. There are good prospects for most of the Asian countries for the growth and development in the post-pandemic period as the economy is on the trajectory and showing consistent growth. This article is based on descriptive analysis of government reports (including the health ministry) of countries, particularly from Asia, as well as reports/documents of international/regional organisations/institutions and articles/papers published by the academicians/researchers. The structure, rules and regulations of Administrative States in Asia have not much been considered, rather more focus on strategies and policy perspectives for Covid-19 have been given. Only a few Asian countries could be considered for the article for considerations of manageability.