bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for multiple bulbar and higher brain circuits processing sensory inputs from the respiratory system in humans
Authors: Farrell Michael J. , Bautista Tara G. , Liang Emma , Azzollini Damian , Egan Gary F. , Mazzone Stuart B.
Published: October 2020

Key points

Unpleasant respiratory sensations contribute to morbidity in pulmonary disease. In rodents, these sensations are processed by nodose and jugular vagal sensory neurons, two distinct cell populations that differentially project to the airways and brainstem.

Whether similar differences exist in bronchopulmonary sensory pathways in humans is unknown.

We use functional magnetic resonance imaging during inhalation of capsaicin and ATP, showing that airway nodose pathways project centrally to the nucleus of the solitary tract, whereas jugular pathways input into the trigeminal brainstem nuclei.

We also show differences between the efficacy of nodose and jugular stimuli to evoke cough and activity in motor control regions of the brain.

Our data suggest that humans have two distinct vagal sensory neural systems governing airway sensations and this may have implications for the development of new antitussive therapies.

In rodents, nodose vagal sensory neurons preferentially innervate the distal airways and terminate centrally in the nucleus of the solitary tract. By contrast, jugular vagal sensory neurons preferentially innervate the proximal airways and terminate in the paratrigeminal nucleus in the dorsolateral medulla. This differential organization suggests distinct roles for nodose and jugular pathways in respiratory sensory processing. However, it is unknown whether bronchopulmonary afferent pathways are similarly arranged in humans. We set out to investigate this using high resolution brainstem and whole brain functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy human participants when they were inhaling stimuli known to differentially activate nodose and jugular pathways. Inhalation of capsaicin or ATP evoked respiratory sensations described as an urge‐to‐cough, although ATP was significantly less effective compared to capsaicin at evoking the motor act of coughing. The nodose and jugular neuron stimulant capsaicin increased blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signals extending across the dorsomedial and dorsolateral medulla, encompassing regions containing both the nucleus of the solitary tract and the paratrigeminal nucleus. By contrast, at perceptually comparable stimulus intensities, the nodose‐selective stimulant ATP resulted in BOLD signal intensity changes that were confined to the area of the nucleus of the solitary tract. During whole brain imaging, capsaicin demonstrated a wider distributed network of activity compared to ATP, with significantly increased activity in regions involved with motor control functions. These data suggest that functional and neuroanatomical differences in bronchopulmonary nodose and jugular sensory pathway organization are conserved in humans and also that this has implications for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning cough.
Dynamic Modeling of a Ball-Screw Drive and Identification of Its Installation Parameters
Authors: Hu Yu-Jia , Wang Yaoyu , Zhu Weidong , Li Haolin
Published: October 2020

Parametric expressions of equivalent stiffnesses of a ball-screw shaft are obtained by derivation of its geometric parameters, the finite element method (FEM), and data fitting based on a modified probability density function of log-normal distribution. A dynamic model of a ball-screw drive that considers effects of bearing stiffnesses, the mass of the nut, and the axial pretension is established based on equivalent stiffnesses of its shaft. With the dynamic model and modal experimental results obtained by Bayesian operational modal analysis (BOMA), installation parameters of the ball-screw drive are identified by a genetic algorithm (GA) with a new comprehensive objective function that considers natural frequencies, mode shapes, and flexibility of the ball-screw drive. The effectiveness of the methodology is experimentally validated.
Modeling Pulse Wave Propagation Through a Stenotic Artery With Fluid Structure Interaction: A Validation Study Using Ultrasound Pulse Wave Imaging
Authors: Gatti Vittorio , Nauleau Pierre , Karageorgos Grigorios M. , Shim Jay J. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: October 2020

Pulse wave imaging (PWI) is an ultrasound-based method that allows spatiotemporal mapping of the arterial pulse wave propagation, from which the local pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be derived. Recent reports indicate that PWI can help the assessment of atherosclerotic plaque composition and mechanical properties. However, the effect of the atherosclerotic plaque's geometry and mechanics on the arterial wall distension and local PWV remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of a finite element (FE) fluid–structure interaction (FSI) approach to predict the velocity of a pulse wave propagating through a stenotic artery with an asymmetrical plaque, as quantified with PWI method. Experiments were designed to compare FE-FSI modeling of the pulse wave propagation through a stenotic artery against PWI obtained with manufactured phantom arteries made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material. FSI-generated spatiotemporal maps were used to estimate PWV at the plaque region and compared it to the experimental results. Velocity of the pulse wave propagation and magnitude of the wall distension were correctly predicted with the FE analysis. In addition, findings indicate that a plaque with a high degree of stenosis (>70%) attenuates the propagation of the pulse pressure wave. Results of this study support the validity of the FE-FSI methods to investigate the effect of arterial wall structural and mechanical properties on the pulse wave propagation. This modeling method can help to guide the optimization of PWI to characterize plaque properties and substantiate clinical findings.
A frequency band constrained filtered–x least mean square algorithm for feedback active control systems
Authors: Zhou Chaohui , Zou Haishan , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

The generalized leaky filtered–x least mean square (GLFxLMS) algorithm can reduce the noise amplification caused by the waterbed effect in feedback active control systems effectively; however, it suffers from a high computation complexity. Hence, a frequency band constrained filtered–x least mean square algorithm is proposed to reduce the computation complexity of the GLFxLMS algorithm by replacing the penalty term containing a symmetric Toeplitz matrix in the cost function with the mean square of a penalty signal. The simulation results based on the measured transfer functions of an active headrest system show that the proposed algorithm has the same performance as the GLFxLMS algorithm, but with much lower computation complexity.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for resonant mixing of plane waves in elastic solids with quadratic nonlinearity
Authors: Gao Xiang , Qu Jianmin
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the interactions of two plane waves in elastic solids with quadratic nonlinearity. In particular, the necessary and sufficient conditions for resonant mixing of two plane waves are derived. It is shown that the conventional resonance condition for resonant mixing of plane waves is only a necessary condition, not sufficient. Based on the newly derived necessary and sufficient conditions, resonant mixing of various types of plane waves are investigated and specific conditions for generating a resonant mixed wave are obtained for each case. These results are useful for developing nonlinear ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation techniques using the wave mixing method.
Sport Injuries in Elite Paralympic Judokas: Findings From the 2018 World Championship
Authors: Gutiérrez-Santiago Alfonso , Prieto-Lage Iván , Martín Arturo , Ayán Carlos
Published: October 2020

Background: To provide information regarding injury incidence, injury pattern, and associated injury risk factors in elite Paralympic judokas.Methods: Participants in this observational research were elite judokas taking part in the IBSA 2018 World Judo Championship. The entire championship was videotaped, and all injuries were prospectively documented using an all-complaints definition.Results: The tournament featured 267 judokas, (B1 = 58; B2 = 105; B3 = 104). The injury proportion was estimated at 18.9 injuries/100 fighters (B1 = 13.8; B2 = 22.3; B3 = 18.5). A total of 745 athletic exposures were registered. The overall injury rate was 68.5 (95% CI, 52.5–89.2); 62.5 (95% CI, 32–122.3); 79.6 (95% CI, 53.8–17.8); and 61.2 (95% CI, 40–93.5) for the total sample, B1, B2, and B3 judokas, respectively. When only injuries resulting in medical attention were analyzed, the overall injury rate was calculated to be 22.8 (95% CI, 14.3–36.5), and the injury proportion was estimated at 6.3 injuries/100 fighters. No significant differences were found for sex, weight, and visual class regarding injury proportion and injury rates.Conclusion: Paralympic judokas show a high injury rate. However, when only injuries that needed medical attention were taken into account, the proportion of athletes injured was low. The degree of visual impairment was not considered as an injury risk factor.
Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-8 in Adolescents
Authors: Holman Mackenzie , Casanova Madeline P. , Baker Russell T.
Published: October 2020

Context: Patient-reported outcomes are widely used in health care. The Disablement in the Physically Active (DPA) Scale Short Form-8 (SF-8) was recently proposed as a valid scale for the physically active population. However, further psychometric testing of the DPA SF-8 has not been completed, and scale structure has not been assessed using a sample of adolescent athletes. Objective: To assess scale structure of the DPA SF-8 in a sample of adolescent high-school athletes. Main Outcome Measure(s): Adolescent athletes (n = 289) completed the DPA SF-8. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. Results: The CFA of the DPA SF-8 indicated that the model exceeded recommended fit indices (Comparative Fit Index = .976, Tucker–Lewis Index = .965, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .061, and Bollen’s Incremental Fit Index = .976). All factor loadings were significant and ranged from .62 to .86. Modification indices did not suggest that meaningful cross-loadings were present or additional specifications that could further maximize fit or parsimony. Conclusions: The CFA of the DPA SF-8 met contemporary model fit recommendations in the adolescent athlete population. The results confirmed initial findings supporting the psychometric properties of the DPA SF-8 as well as the uniqueness of the quality-of-life and physical summary factors in an adolescent population. Further research (eg, reliability, invariance between groups, minimal clinically important differences, etc) is warranted to inform scale use in clinical practice and research.
Bright carbonate veins on asteroid (101955) Bennu: Implications for aqueous alteration history
Authors: Kaplan H. H. , Lauretta D. S. , Simon A. A. , Hamilton V. E. , DellaGiustina D. N. , Golish D. R. , Reuter D. C. , Bennett C. A. , Burke K. N. , Campins H. , Connolly H. C. , Dworkin J. P. , Emery J. P. , Glavin D. P. , Glotch T. D. , Hanna R. , Ishimaru K. , Jawin E. R. , McCoy T. J. , Porter N. , Sandford S. A. , Ferrone S. , Clark B. E. , Li J.-Y. , Zou X.-D. , Daly M. G. , Barnouin O. S. , Seabrook J. A. , Enos H. L.
Published: October 2020

The complex history of Bennu's surface

The near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu is a carbon-rich body with a rubble pile structure, formed from debris ejected by an impact on a larger parent asteroid. The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft is designed to collect a sample of Bennu's surface and return it to Earth. After arriving at Bennu, OSIRIS-REx performed a detailed survey of the asteroid and reconnaissance of potential sites for sample collection. Three papers present results from those mission phases. DellaGiustina
et al.
mapped the optical color and albedo of Bennu's surface and established how they relate to boulders and impact craters, finding complex evolution caused by space weathering processes. Simon
et al.
analyzed near-infrared spectra, finding evidence for organic and carbonate materials that are widely distributed across the surface but are most concentrated on individual boulders. Kaplan
et al.
examined more detailed data collected on the primary sample site, called Nightingale. They identified bright veins with a distinct infrared spectrum in some boulders, which they interpreted as being carbonates formed by aqueous alteration on the parent asteroid. Together, these results constrain Bennu's evolution and provide context for the sample collected in October 2020.

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Fifteen-minute consultation: To prescribe or not to prescribe in ADHD,
that is the question
Authors: Swanepoel Annie
Published: October 2020

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is fraught with
controversy. Some clinicians believe it is a biological neurodevelopmental
disorder which should be treated with medication. Others are adamant that
ADHD is a social construct in which children, who have suffered
developmental trauma, are medicalised. Evolutionary science may help us find
a solution to this dichotomy by seeing ADHD as an example of an evolutionary
mismatch in which children with ADHD are caught in a school environment that
does not suit their natures. By considering how to improve the ‘goodness of
fit’ between the child and their environment, clinicians can be more
flexible in finding solutions that are ethically sound.
Do components of adult height predict body composition and cardiometabolic risk in a young adult South Asian Indian population? Findings from a hospital-based cohort study in Pune, India: Pune Children’s Study
Authors: Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Joshi Suyog M , Di Gravio Chiara , Lubree Himangi , Joglekar Charudatta , Bhat Dattatray , Kinare Arun , Bavdekar Ashish , Bhave Sheila , Pandit Anand , Osmond Clive , Yajnik Chittaranjan , Fall Caroline
Published: October 2020

Objectives

We investigated whether the relationship between components of height and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk may be explained by body composition. We also examined relationships between parental heights and offspring CVD risk.

Design

A cohort study using cross-sectional data.

Setting

A secondary care hospital setting in Pune, India.

Participants

We studied 357 young adults and their parents in the Pune Children’s Study. Primary and secondary outcomes: we measured weight, total height, leg length, sitting height, plasma glucose, insulin and lipids, and blood pressure (BP). Total and regional lean and fat mass were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Leg length was inversely related, and sitting height was directly related to BMI. Total height and leg length were directly related to lean mass, while sitting height was directly related to both lean and fat mass. Leg length was inversely related to systolic BP and 120 min glucose, independent of lean and fat mass. Sitting height was directly related to systolic BP and triglycerides; these relationships were attenuated on adjustment for lean and fat mass. When examined simultaneously, greater leg length was protective and greater sitting height was associated with a more detrimental CVD risk profile.

Conclusions

Shorter adult leg length and greater sitting height are associated with a more adverse CVD risk factor profile. The mechanisms need further study, but our findings suggest a role for lean and fat mass.
Association between objectively measured physical activity and longitudinal changes in body composition in adolescents: the Tromsø study fit futures cohort
Authors: Aars Nils Abel , Beldo Sigurd , Jacobsen Bjarne Koster , Horsch Alexander , Morseth Bente , Emaus Nina , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Grimsgaard Sameline
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Physical activity may be important in deterring the obesity epidemic. This study aimed to determine whether objectively measured physical activity in first year of upper secondary high school predicted changes in body composition over 2 years of follow-up in a cohort of Norwegian adolescents (n=431).

Design

A longitudinal study of adolescents (mean age of 16 (SD 0.4) at baseline, 60.3% girls) participating in the Fit Futures studies 1 (2010–2011) and 2 (2012–2013).

Setting

All eight upper secondary high schools in two municipalities in Northern Norway.

Participants

Students participating in both studies and under the age of 18 at baseline and with valid measurement of physical activity at baseline and body composition in both surveys.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Change in objectively measured body mass index and waist circumference and change in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measured fat mass index, lean mass index (LMI) and appendicular LMI (aLMI) between baseline and follow-up.

Results

At baseline, boys had significantly higher physical activity volume (p=0.01) and spent on average of 6.4 (95% CI 2.1 to 10.6) more minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than girls (p<0.01). In girls, multivariate regression analyses showed that more sedentary time was negatively associated with changes in LMI (p<0.01) and aLMI (p<0.05), whereas more light activity had opposite effects on these measures (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). No significant associations between measures of baseline physical activity and changes in body composition parameters were observed in boys.

Conclusions

In this cohort of Norwegian adolescents, sedentary and light physical activity was associated with changes in LMI and aLMI in girls, but not boys. Minutes spent in MVPA in first year of upper secondary high school was not associated with changes in measures of body composition in neither sex after 2 years.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhou Hao , Ding Songyi , Zhang Da , Lian Daoshi , Chen Xingliang , Wang Chao
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a distressing symptom. There are many ways to treat RAS, such as pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid and doxycycline and laser therapy, but these take a long time to produce positive effects and compliance is low. Previous reviews of acupuncture treatment for RAS has been growing, but a systematic review is not available. To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the management of RAS.

Methods and analysis

The following databases will be searched from their inception to 1 February 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang. The randomised controlled trials in English or Chinese associated with acupuncture for patients with RAS will be included. Eligible study conference abstracts and reference lists of manuscripts will also be searched. Two reviewers will select the studies, extract data independently. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the risk of bias for the studies. According to heterogeneity testing, data will be synthesised using a random-effects model. A meta-analysis will be performed using Rev Man V.5.3.5 statistical software for each outcome. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis are planned according to clinical evidence. Mean difference or standardised mean difference for continuous data and risk ratio for dichotomous data will be calculated.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required. This protocol will not involve individual patient information and endangering participant rights. The results will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

OSF registration number

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QASUY.
Prospective single-centre clinical observational study on electronically monitored medication non-adherence, its psychosocial risk factors and lifestyle behaviours after heart transplantation: a study protocol
Authors: Lieb Marietta , Weyand Michael , Seidl Margot , Erim Yesim
Published: October 2020

Introduction

In heart transplant recipients (HTRs), non-adherence (NA) to immunosuppressive (IS) medication and to recommended lifestyle behaviours are a common phenomenon and associated with higher risk of allograft rejection, organ loss and mortality. Risk factors for NA are highly diverse and still insufficiently researched. Precise measures of NA and an accurate understanding of its aetiology are of undisputable importance to detect patients at risk and intervene accordingly. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and concordance of different measures for NA as well as to determine potential risk factors.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre prospective observational trial. HTRs who are at least aged 18 are no less than 6 months post-transplant and receive tacrolimus (Prograf or Advagraf), cyclosporine (Sandimmun) or everolimus (Certican) as their prescribed IS medication are eligible for participation. We only include patients during the phase of medication implementation. At study enrolment, we assess depression, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, social support, attachment, experiences and attitudes towards IS medication, emotional responses after transplantation, satisfaction with information about IS medication and perceptions and beliefs about medications. We further ask patients to rate their lifestyle behaviours concerning alcohol, smoking, diet, physical activity, sun protection and appointment keeping via questionnaires. Three different measurement methods for NA are applied at T0: self-reports, physician’s estimates and IS trough levels. NA is monitored prospectively using an electronic multicompartment pillbox (MEMS, VAICA) over a 3-month period. Meanwhile, participants receive phone calls every second week to obtain additional self-reports, resulting in a total of seven measurement points.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Clinical Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Erlangen (Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nürnberg). Written informed consent is attained from all participants. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

DRKS00020496.
Epidemiological investigation of the first 5685 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Qatar, 28 February–18 April 2020
Authors: Al Kuwari Hanan M , Abdul Rahim Hanan F , Abu-Raddad Laith J , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Al Kanaani Zaina , Al Khal Abdullatif , Al Kuwari Einas , Al Marri Salih , Al Masalmani Muna , Al Romaihi Hamad E , Al Thani Mohamed H , Coyle Peter V , Latif Ali N , Owen Robert , Bertollini Roberto , Butt Adeel Ajwad
Published: October 2020

Objective

To define the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 in Qatar and determine factors associated with severe or critical illness.

Design

Case series of first 5685 COVID-19 cases in Qatar.

Setting and participants

All confirmed COVID-19 cases in the State of Qatar between 28 February and 18 April 2020.

Main outcome measures

Number of total and daily new COVID-19 infections; demographic characteristics and comorbidity burden and severity of infection; factors associated with severe or critical illness.

Results

Between 28 February and 18 April 2020, 5685 cases of COVID-19 were identified. Median age was 34 (IQR 28–43) years, 88.9% were male and 8.7% were Qatari nationals. Overall, 83.6% had no concomitant comorbidity, and 3.0% had three or more comorbidities. The overwhelming majority (90.9%) were asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms, with 2.0% having severe or critical illness. Seven deaths were observed during the time interval studied. Presence of hypertension or diabetes was associated with a higher risk of severe or critical illness, but age was not. The epidemiological curve indicated two distinct patterns of infection, a larger cluster among expatriate craft and manual workers and a smaller one among Qatari nationals returning from abroad during the epidemic.

Conclusion

COVID-19 infections in Qatar started in two distinct clusters, but then became more widespread in the population through community transmission. Infections were mostly asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms and associated with very low mortality. Severe/critical illness was associated with presence of hypertension or diabetes but not with increasing age.
Delayed presentation to regular Dutch paediatric care in COVID-19 times: a national survey
Authors: Jansen Danielle E M C , Illy Károly E
Published: October 2020

We explored the collateral harm in Dutch children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from experience of paediatricians via an open question distributed via the website of the Dutch Paediatric Society. From the end of March till the first week of July, we received 51 reports of collateral harm involving mostly very young children with mainly acute physical problems but also social problems. In older children, several cases of diabetic ketoacidosis were reported. Our results show that delaying care can lead to seriously ill children, life-threatening situations and that in some cases it can even lead to death. If we want to avoid such a delay at a possible second peak of Corona, general care providers and paediatricians have to join forces and find new ways of working. Systematic data collection of collateral harm in children is needed to be able to intervene adequately.
Oophorectomy in NMDA receptor encephalitis and negative pelvic imaging
Authors: Anderson Dustin , Nathoo Nabeela , Henry Monica , Wood George , Smyth Penelope , McCombe Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Ovarian teratomas are found in one-third of females presenting with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. When a teratoma is detected on imaging, its removal is first-line therapy. Even with multiple imaging modalities, occasionally, the teratoma is found only on subsequent imaging, long after initial presentation. Very rarely, patients have undergone oophorectomy despite negative imaging, with pathology demonstrating teratoma, and resulting clinical improvement. We present a patient in whom removal of a teratoma, not visible on conventional imaging, resulted in marked clinical improvement. Such cases present a major clinical challenge, needing to consider the risks of oophorectomy, including sterilisation and early menopause, versus the possibility of death in the absence of response to first-line (eg, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin), second-line (eg, rituximab) and third-line (eg, bortezomib) immunosuppression. This decision is made more difficult as patients are usually females of childbearing age who at the time lack capacity to make medical decisions. This case also highlights the lack of consensus and guidelines for imaging modalities used to detect teratoma and when to pursue oophorectomy.
Comparing metabarcoding and morphological approaches to identify phytoplankton taxa associated with harmful algal blooms
Authors: Esenkulova Svetlana , Sutherland Ben J.G. , Tabata Amy , Haigh Nicola , Pearce Christopher M. , Miller Kristina M.
Published: October 2020

Molecular techniques are expected to be highly useful in detecting taxa causing harmful algal blooms (HABs). This is the first report in Canada evaluating HABs-related species identification using a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. Microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and metabarcoding with multiple markers (i.e., 16S, 18S-dinoflagellate and 18S-diatom, large subunit (28S) rDNA) were applied on samples ( n = 54) containing suspected harmful algae (e.g., Alexandrium spp., Chattonella sp., Chrysochromulina spp., Dictyocha spp., Heterosigma akashiwo, Protoceratium reticulatum, Pseudochattonella verruculosa, Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Pseudopedinella sp.). Owing to methodology limitations, qPCR result interpretation was limited, although good detectability occurred using previously published assays for Alexandrium tamarense, H. akashiwo, and P. verruculosa. Overall, the multiple-marker metabarcoding results were superior to the morphology-based methods, with the exception of taxa from the silicoflagellate group. The combined results using both 18S markers and the 28S marker together closely corresponded with morphological identification of targeted species, providing the best overall taxonomic coverage and resolution. The most numerous unique taxa were identified using the 18S-dinoflagellate amplicon, and the best resolution to the species level occurred using the 28S amplicon. Molecular techniques are therefore promising for HABs taxa detection but currently depend on deploying multiple markers for metabarcoding.
Gut microbiome-mediated epigenetic regulation of brain disorder and application of machine learning for multi-omics data analysis
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Singh Yuvraj , Singh Surjeet , Singh Raja B.
Published: October 2020

The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a biochemical link that connects the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). Clinical and experimental evidence suggests gut microbiota as a key regulator of the GBA. Microbes living in the gut not only interact locally with intestinal cells and the ENS but have also been found to modulate the CNS through neuroendocrine and metabolic pathways. Studies have also explored the involvement of gut microbiota dysbiosis in depression, anxiety, autism, stroke, and pathophysiology of other neurodegenerative diseases. Recent reports suggest that microbe-derived metabolites can influence host metabolism by acting as epigenetic regulators. Butyrate, an intestinal bacterial metabolite, is a known histone deacetylase inhibitor that has shown to improve learning and memory in animal models. Due to high disease variability amongst the population, a multi-omics approach that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze and integrate omics data is necessary to better understand the role of the GBA in pathogenesis of neurological disorders, to generate predictive models, and to develop precise and personalized therapeutics. This review examines our current understanding of epigenetic regulation of the GBA and proposes a framework to integrate multi-omics data for prediction, prevention, and development of precision health approaches to treat brain disorders.
Point de référence pour la planification de trajectoires d’UAV à voilure fixe
Authors: Allaire François Charles Joseph , Labonté Gilles , Roberge Vincent , Tarbouchi Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Les revues étendues de la littérature sur la planification de trajectoires s’entendent toutes sur un point commun : le manque d’un point de référence pour permettre de comparer les différentes mises-en-œuvre dans ce domaine. Ce travail présente une fonction d’évaluation de trajectoires de véhicules aériens sans pilote (UAV) à voilure fixe qui couvrent quatre critères de volabilité essentiels et trois critères d’optimisation qui peuvent être applicables à une grande variété de mission tout en étant adaptables à l’ajout de critères supplémentaires. Ce travail présente aussi une série de 20 scénarios permettant de couvrir une grande variété de conditions possibles pour permettre de caractériser la qualité des trajectoires planifiées pour un UAV à voilure fixe. Ce travail propose de combiner ces deux éléments pour constituer un environnement de test détaillé comme point de référence pour les futurs travaux sur la planification de trajectoires d’UAV à voilure fixe.
Noise Removal from EMG Signal Using Adaptive Enhanced Squirrel Search Algorithm
Authors: Nagasirisha B. , Prasad V. V. K. D. V.
Published: October 2020

Electromyogram (EMG) signals are mostly affected by a large number of artifacts. Most commonly affecting artifacts are power line interference (PLW), baseline noise and ECG noise. This work focuses on a novel attenuation noise removal strategy which is concentrated on adaptive filtering concepts. In this paper, an enhanced squirrel search (ESS) algorithm is applied to remove noise using adaptive filters. The noise eliminating filters namely adaptive least mean square (LMS) filter and adaptive recursive least square (RLS) filters are designed, which is correlated with an ESS. This novel algorithm yields better performance than other existing algorithms. Here the performances are measured in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in decibel, maximum error (ME), mean square error (MSE), standard deviation, simulation time and mean value difference. The proposed work has been implemented at the MATLAB simulation platform. Testing of their noise attenuation capability is also validated with different evolutionary algorithms namely squirrel search, particle swarm optimization (PSO), artificial bee colony (ABC), firefly, ant colony optimization (ACO) and cuckoo search (CS). The proposed work eliminates the noises and provides noise-free EMG signal at the output which is highly efficient when compared with existing methodologies. Our proposed work achieves 4%, 40%, 4%, 7%, 9% and 70% better performance than the literature mentioned in the results.
Man in the Middle and Current Injection Attacks Against the KLJN Key Exchanger Compromised by DC Sources
Authors: Melhem M. Y. , Kish L. B.
Published: October 2020

This study addresses a new question regarding the security of the Kirchhoff-Law-Johnson-Noise (KLJN) scheme compromised by DC sources at Alice and Bob: What is the impact of these parasitic sources on active attacks, such as the man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, or the current injection attack if Alice and Bod did not eliminate these sources? The surprising answer is that the parasitic DC sources actually increase the security of the system because, in the case of the MITM attack, they make easier to uncover the eavesdropping than the ideal situation. In some of the cases, Eve can fix this deficiency but then the problem gets reduced to the original MITM attack to which the KLJN scheme is immune, it is already proven earlier.
Critical spatiotemporal gait parameters for individuals with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chiaramonte Rita , Cioni Matteo
Published: October 2020

Instrumented gait analysis allows for the identification of walking parameters to predict cognitive decline and the worsening of dementia. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to better clarify which gait parameters are affected or modified with the progression of the dementia in a larger sample, as well as which gait assessment conditions (single-task or dual-task conditions) would be more sensitive to reflect the influence of dementia. Literature searches were conducted with the keywords “quantitative gait” OR “gait analysis” AND “dementia” AND “single-task” AND “dual-task,” and for “quantitative gait” OR “gait analysis” AND “dementia” AND “fall risk” on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. The results were used to perform a systematic review focussing on instrumental quantitative assessment of the walking of patients with dementia, during both single and dual tasks. The search was performed independently by two authors (C. R. and C. M.) from January 2018 to April 2020 using the PICOS criteria. Nine publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Our meta-analysis showed that during a single task, most of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait discriminated best between patients with dementia and healthy controls, including speed, cadence, stride length, stride time, stride time variability, and stance time. In dual tasks, only speed, stride length, and stride time variability discriminated between the two groups. In addition, compared with spatial parameters (e.g. stride length), some temporal gait parameters were more correlated to the risk of falls during the comfortable walking in a single task, such as cadence, stride time, stride time variability, and stance time. During a dual task, only the variability of stride time was associated with the risk of falls.
Benchmarking the performance of microservice applications
Authors: Grambow Martin , Wittern Erik , Bermbach David
Published: October 2020

Application performance is crucial for end user satisfaction. It has therefore been proposed to benchmark new software releases as part of the build process. While this can easily be done for system classes which come with a standard interface, e.g., database or messaging systems, benchmarking microservice applications is hard because each application requires its own custom benchmark and benchmark implementation due to interface heterogeneity. Furthermore, even minor interface changes will easily break an existing benchmark implementation.

In previous work, we proposed a benchmarking approach for single microservices: Assuming a REST-based microservice interface, developers describe the benchmark workload based on abstract interaction patterns. At runtime, our approach uses an interface description such as the OpenAPI specification to automatically resolve and bind the workload patterns to the concrete endpoint before executing the benchmark and collecting results. In this extended paper, we enhance our approach with the capabilities necessary for benchmarking entire microservice applications, especially the ability to resolve complex data dependencies across microservice endpoints. We evaluate our approach through our proof-of-concept prototype OpenISBT and demonstrate that it can be used to benchmark an open source microservice application with little manual effort.
A case study on using heavy-hitters in interconnect bypass fraud
Authors: Veloso Bruno , Gama João , Martins Carlos , Espanha Raphael , Azevedo Raul
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, fraudsters are continually trying to explore technical gaps in telecom companies to get some profit. The high cost of international termination rates in Telecom Companies, and mainly because of their high asymmetry property, attracts the attention of fraudsters. In this paper, we explore the application of three deterministic algorithms and one probabilistic, that combined can help to identify possible abnormal behaviors. Interconnect Bypass Fraud (IBF) is on the top three (worldwide), most common frauds in the telecommunication domain. Typically, the Telecom Companies can detect IBF by the occurrence of bursts of calls, repetitions, and mirror behaviors from specific numbers. The goal of our work is to discover as soon as possible numbers with abnormal behaviors and based on this assumption we developed: (
i
) the lossy count algorithm with fast forgetting technique; and (
ii
) the single-pass hierarchical heavy hitter algorithm that also contains a forgetting technique; as well as the application of the HyperLogLog sketches, and the application of sticky sampling algorithm. We applied the four algorithms in two real datasets and did a parameter sensitivity analysis. The results show that our two proposals (Lossy Counting with fast forgetting and the Hierarchical Heavy Hitters) can capture the most recent abnormal behaviors, faster than the baseline algorithms. Nonetheless, these four algorithms combined can make the fraud task more difficult and can complement the techniques used by the Telecom Company.
Plane Animation Simulation of the Interaction between Carbon Nanomaterials and Cell Lysosomes
Authors: Liu Wen , Qiu Feng , Zeng Xi
Published: October 2020

With the continuous development of cell dynamics, Raman scattering has become more and more common in the application of cell imaging and dynamic changes in chemical substances. This research mainly discusses the plane animation simulation process of the interaction between carbon nanomaterials and cell lysosomes. Twenty parallel HeLa cells were seeded on 40 mm imaging scaffolds. The 15% bovine placental serum cell culture cells are placed in a thermostat for 12 hours at a CO2 concentration of 6%. After washing 4 times, 20 μL of the dual control system is added to the confocal dish, and cycle optimization culture is performed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. It is incubated for 10 hours, 20 hours, and 30 hours (35°C, 6% CO2). Next, the HeLa cells were taken out and seeded on three 30 mm confocal cell culture dishes. CCl4 is added to the initial confocal Petri dish. After heating for 30 minutes, the nanoparticle system is added to the two confocal Petri dishes and circulated within an appropriate time. After washing with PBS, the SERS signal in the cells was imaged with a laser confocal Raman microscope, and the excitation channels were GFP 475 and Cy3 channels. LysoTrackerRed (2p μM) was used for local experiments of cell isotope. Deoxygen (2p μM) was used to induce cell death, and the pH changes in lysosomes in cells were imaged in real time with a confocal microscope. Two distinct peaks in the Raman spectrum were observed at 1246 cm−1 and 1543 cm−1. The research results show that the carbon nanomaterial synthesized by a simple method at room temperature has high stability and is suitable for analysis and detection of imaging with cells as the target.
High‐Throughput Sequencing‐Based Identification of Serum Exosomal Differential miRNAs in High‐Grade Glioma and Intracranial Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Shun , Xu Zhenkuan , Zhang Chao , Yu Rui , Jiang Jun , Wang Chengwei , Qu Chuncheng
Published: October 2020

Objective. At present, no effective noninvasive method is currently available for the differential diagnosis of high‐grade glioma and intracranial lymphoma. In the present study, we aimed to screen microRNA (miRNA) markers in serum exosomes for differential diagnosis of high‐grade glioma and intracranial lymphoma using high‐throughput sequencing technology. Methods. Patients with intracranial lymphoma or high‐grade glioma and healthy controls were included in this study (training cohort (n = 10) and validation cohort: intracranial lymphoma (n = 10), high‐grade glioma (n = 32), and healthy controls (n = 20)). After RNA was extracted from serum exosomes, the high‐throughput sequencing was used to determine the expression profiles of serum exosomal miRNAs and screen the differentially expressed miRNAs. RT‐qPCR was used to verify the expressions of the selected miRNAs. The differences of miRNA expressions between groups were assessed by the Kruskal‐Wallis test. The diagnostic value was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. High‐throughput sequencing demonstrated that 170 miRNAs, including 109 upregulated ones and 61 downregulated ones, were differentially expressed in serum exosomes between the patients with intracranial lymphoma and high‐grade glioma. Compared with the healthy controls, the number of differential serum exosomal miRNAs in the high‐grade glioma group and intracranial lymphoma group was 130 and 173, respectively. RT‐qPCR proved that both miR‐766‐5p and miR‐376b‐5p were significantly downregulated in high‐grade glioma and intracranial lymphoma patients compared with the healthy controls (all p < 0.001), and the expression of serum exosomal miR‐766‐5p in the intracranial lymphoma group was lower compared with the high‐grade glioma group (p < 0.05). The areas under ROC curve (AUCs) of serum exosomal miR‐766‐5p and miR‐376b‐5p for the diagnosis of glioma were 0.8883 (p < 0.001) and 0.7688 (p = 0.001), respectively, and they were 0.9271 (p < 0.001) and 0.8542 (p < 0.001), respectively, for the diagnosis of intracranial lymphoma. Moreover, the AUC value of serum exosomal miR‐766‐5p for the differential diagnosis of glioma and intracranial lymphoma was 0.7201 (p = 0.026). Conclusions. miR‐766‐5p and miR‐376b‐5p in serum exosomes might be used as auxiliary diagnostic indicators for high‐grade glioma and intracranial lymphoma, and miR‐766‐5p might be used as a differential diagnostic marker for both diseases.
Intracorneal Stromal Ring Can Affect the Biomechanics of Ectatic Cornea
Authors: Bamdad Shahram , Sedaghat Mohammad Reza , Yasemi Masoud , Maalhagh Mehrnoosh
Published: October 2020

Purpose. The biomechanical properties of ecstatic cornea undergo changes. This study evaluates the biomechanical changes of ecstatic cornea after implantation of two types of intracorneal stromal ring (ICR). Methods. For doing this prospective cross-sectional study, 32 patients with keratoconus (KCN) were randomly divided into two 16-member groups (group I: MyoRing, group II: KeraRing). The main inclusion criteria were transparent cornea with no scar in the central part, corneal thickness >450 µ in the incision region, keratometry within 48–52 diopters, and progressive course of corneal thinning. Biomechanics of the cornea was evaluated by “ORA” and “Corvis” devices. All of the data were recorded and analyzed before implantation of the rings and 6 months thereafter. Results. The mean ages of patients of groups I and II were 26 ± 6.55 and 33.86 ± 8.5, respectively. The postoperative change of sphere refraction was significant in both groups. However, reduction in the astigmatism was significant only in group I. In addition, the change of flat meridian keratometry (Kf) was significant before and after ring implantation in group I, unlike group II. The changes in CH and CRF parameters (ORA) were not significant in either group before and after the operation. Besides, only HRC parameter (Corvis) decreased significantly in both groups before and after the operation. Conclusion. Both MyoRing and KeraRings have positive effects on the biomechanics of cornea at least during the first year after implantation. Comparison of these two types of ICR did not show significant differences in Corvis and ORA parameters.