bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in association with cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents: the China Child and Adolescent Cardiovascular Health (CCACH) study
Authors: Yan Yinkun , Liu Junting , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Cheng Hong , Huang Guimin , Mi Jie
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the association of abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents.

Research design and methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 8460 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years from Chinese urban areas who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and had metabolic risk factors measured.

Results

In multivariate analysis adjusted for region, family income, age, puberty development, physical activity, and smoking, VAT and SAT were significantly associated with all metabolic risk factors for both sexes (all p<0.01). After additional adjustment for fat mass index, most of these associations remain significantly positive. In boys, SAT had greater ORs for all risk factors compared with VAT; in girls, however, SAT had greater odds for high triglycerides, smaller odds for high low-density lipid cholesterol, and similar odds for other risk factors compared with VAT. In addition, boys had greater magnitude of associations of SAT with high total cholesterol, high low-density lipid cholesterol, and low high-density lipid cholesterol compared with girls; no sex differences for VAT were observed.

Conclusions

Both abdominal VAT and SAT have adverse impacts on most of the cardiometabolic risk factors in youth. However, their relative contributions differ between sexes.
In vivo investigation of the tissue response to commercial Teflon insulin infusion sets in large swine for 14 days: the effect of angle of insertion on tissue histology and insulin spread within the subcutaneous tissue
Authors: Eisler Gabriella , Kastner Jasmin R , Torjman Marc C , Khalf Abdurizzagh , Diaz David , Dinesen Alek R , Loeum Channy , Thakur Mathew L , Strasma Paul , Joseph Jeffrey I
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study investigated the effects of the inflammatory tissue response (ITR) to an insulin infusion set (IIS) on insulin bolus spread over wear time, as well as the effect of cannula insertion angle on the ITR, bolus shape, and pump tubing pressure.

Research design and methods

Angled or straight IISs were inserted every other day for 14 days into the subcutaneous tissue of 11 swine and insulin was delivered continuously. Prior to euthanasia, a 70 µL bolus of insulin/X-ray contrast agent was infused while recording a pressure profile (peak tubing pressure, pmax; area under the pressure curve, AUC), followed by the excision of the tissue-catheter specimen. Bolus surface area (SA) and volume (V) were assessed via micro-CT. Tissue was stained to analyze total area of inflammation (TAI) and inflammatory layer thickness (ILT) surrounding the cannula.

Results

A bolus delivered through an angled IIS had a larger mean SA than a bolus delivered through a straight cannula (314.0±84.2 mm2vs 229.0±99.7 mm2, p<0.001) and a larger volume (198.7±66.9 mm3vs 145.0±65.9 mm3, p=0.001). Both decreased significantly over wear time, independent of angle. There was a significant difference in TAI (angled, 9.1±4.0 mm2vs straight, 14.3±8.6 mm2, p<0.001) and ILT (angled, 0.7±0.4 vs straight, 1.2±0.7 mm, p<0.001). pmax(p=0.005) and AUC (p=0.014) were lower using angled IIS. As ILT increased, pmaxincreased, while SA and V decreased.

Conclusions

The progression of the ITR directly affected bolus shape and tubing pressure. Although straight insertion is clinically preferred, our data suggest that an angled IIS elicits lower grades of ITR and delivers a bolus with lower tubing pressure and greater SA and V. The subcutaneous environment plays a crucial role in IIS longevity, and the insertion angle needs to be considered in future IIS designs and clinical trials.
Testing the effectiveness of a weight loss intervention to enhance self-regulation in adults who are obese: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Frie Kerstin , Hartmann-Boyce Jamie , Jebb Susan A , Aveyard Paul
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Previous trials finding an effect of self-monitoring on weight loss have considered the effect to be mediated by self-regulatory processes. However, a qualitative think-aloud study asking people to record thoughts and feelings during weighing showed that self-regulation occurs only rarely without further instruction. The aim of this trial is to test a novel intervention guiding people through the self-regulatory processes to see whether it facilitates weight loss.

Methods and analyses

A parallel group, randomised controlled trial will be conducted to test the concept that a self-regulation intervention for weight loss increases weight loss compared with daily self-weighing without further support. One hundred participants with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2will be randomised to either the control or intervention group. The control group will be asked to weigh themselves daily for 8 weeks, the intervention group will be encouraged to follow the self-regulation intervention. They will be prompted to weigh daily, track their weight using an app, plan daily actions for weight loss and reflect on their action plans on a weekly basis. This self-regulation cycle will allow them to experiment with different weight loss strategies and identify effective and sustainable actions. Primary and process outcomes will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks’ follow-up. Linear regression analysis of the primary outcome, weight change, will assess the early effectiveness of the intervention. The process outcomes liking, perceived effectiveness, as well as usage and barriers with regard to the self-regulation intervention, will be assessed through qualitative analysis of follow-up interviews and quantitative analysis of adherence rates and responses to a final questionnaire.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was reviewed and approved by the NHS National Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority (reference number: 18/SC/0482). The findings of the trial will be published in peer reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14148239, prerecruitment.

Protocol version

Version 1.1, 7 December 2018.
Prospective cohort study to investigate the burden and transmission of acute gastroenteritis in care homes: epidemiological results
Authors: Inns Thomas , Pulawska-Czub Anna , Harris John P , Vivancos Roberto , Beeching Nicholas J , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , O'Brien Sarah J
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of gastroenteritis in individuals in care homes.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Five participating care homes in North West England, UK.

Participants

Residents and staff present at the five study care homes between 15 August 2017 and 30 May 2019 (n=268).

Outcome measures

We calculated incidence rates for all gastroenteritis cases per 1000 person-years at risk and per 1000 bed-days at risk. We also calculated the incidence rate of gastroenteritis outbreaks per 100 care homes per year.

Results

In total 45 cases were reported during the surveillance period, equating to 133.7 cases per 1000 person-years at risk. In residents the incidence rate was 0.62 cases per 1000 bed-days. We observed seven outbreaks in all care homes included in surveillance, a rate of 76.4 outbreaks per 100 care homes per year. 15 stool samples were tested; three were positive for norovirus, no other pathogens were detected.

Conclusions

We found that surveillance of infectious gastroenteritis disease in care homes based on outbreaks, the current general approach, detected a majority of cases of gastroenteritis. However, if policymakers are to estimate the burden of infectious gastroenteritis in this setting using only routine outbreak surveillance data and not accounting for non-outbreak cases, this study implies that the total burden will be underestimated.
Republished: Primary intraventricular haemorrhage due to rupture of giant varix of the basal vein of Rosenthal in a patient with long-standing direct CCF: angiographic features and treatment considerations
Authors: Nagesh Chinmay P , Mohimen Aneesh , Kannath Santhosh K , Rajan Jayadevan E
Published: December 2019

Direct carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are often detected early and treated promptly resulting in a paucity of literature regarding its long-term evolution. We present a case of high flow post-traumatic direct CCF that was neglected for over 6 years and presented with a rare manifestation of primary intraventricular haemorrhage. Occlusions of the primary venous outlets likely resulted in engorgement of the deep venous system. The segmental anatomy of the shunting basal vein is critical to the clinical presentation and may range from basal ganglia or brainstem oedema/infarctions to uniquely, as in our case, isolated intraventricular haemorrhage secondary to variceal rupture. Treatment in such chronic cases requires a consideration of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome necessitating deconstructive techniques with subsequent anticoagulation to avoid accelerated thrombosis of the venous varices.
Is Fisheries and Oceans Canada policy receptive to a new Pacific salmon health perspective?
Authors: Wittrock Julie , Anholt Michele , Lee Michael , Stephen Craig
Published: December 2019

The concept of health permeates priorities and policies for managing wild Pacific salmon ( Oncorynchus spp.). Regulatory agencies rely largely on salmon abundance and (or) the absence of pathogens to declare if a population is healthy. Our goal was to determine if there was a receptive policy environment within Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to adopt a cumulative effects perspective of health. We used a previously developed health model along with a multiple streams framework and a narrative review of DFO policy to see how fish health was situated in DFO’s salmon management problems, policy, and politics. We discovered that a cumulative effects perspective was consistent with policy goals and priorities. DFO’s guiding principles and responsibilities for aquatic animal health were spread across multiple policies and regulations. There were no processes or people responsible for integrating information and activities. The use of the word health in policies and planning without a consistent definition meant that DFO could not explicitly assess if it has reached its management target of healthy salmon. An option for transitioning to cumulative effects perspective is to adopt a healthy public policy perspective and processes to integrate the diverse information linked to social and environmental determinants of health.
Design and simulation of quantum image binarization using quantum comparator
Authors: Xia Hai-Ying , Zhang Han , Song Shu-Xiang , Li Haisheng , Zhou Yi-Jie , Chen Xiao
Published: December 2019

Compared with classical image processing, quantum image processing provides a possible solution for faster image processing, which has been widely concerned. Quantum image binarization is a basic operation and plays an important role in image processing. Hence, we proposed an efficient design of quantum image binarization using quantum comparator. To reduce quantum cost and quantum delay, the comparator was optimized by rearranging the quantum gates. Then, a complete circuit implementation of quantum image binarization was designed using the comparator. Furthermore, we analyzed the performance of our design in terms of quantum cost, quantum delay and ancillary bits. Finally, the simulation verifies the correctness of our design.
On the quantization of a neutron star
Authors: Ulhoa S. C. , Spaniol E. P. , Gonzalez H. G. V. , Amorim R. G. G.
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with quantum gravitation applied to a simple neutron star model. For the quantization process, we use the Weyl prescription that can be used for functions that are not defined in the phase space. The Weyl quantization is applied to the expression of gravitational energy defined in the context of Teleparallelism Equivalent to General Relativity (TEGR). From this, a quantum equation is obtained whose observable is the classical energy. As a consequence, we obtained discretizations for the mass of the star and its angular momentum.
A 4-Stage Pipelined Architecture for Point Multiplication of Binary Huff Curves
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Imran Malik , Jafri Atif Raza , Mehmood Zahid
Published: December 2019

This work has proposed a 4-stage pipelined architecture to achieve an optimized throughput over area ratio for point multiplication (PM) computation in binary huff curves (BHC) cryptography. The original mathematical formulation of BHC is revisited with an objective to reduce the required area. Consequently, a simplified formulation of BHC is obtained with 43% reduction in the hardware resources. As far as the throughput is concerned, it is improved first by reducing the critical path and second by minimizing the number of clock cycles (CCs) required to compute one PM. The critical path is reduced through the placement of pipeline registers, whereas the number of required CCs are minimized through an efficient scheduling of computations. These two factors i.e., the area reduction and throughput optimizations, have resulted in maximizing the throughput over area ratio. The proposed pipelined architecture is implemented over [Formula: see text] field, using standard NIST curve parameters. The architecture is modeled in Verilog and synthesized using Xilinx (ISE 14.7) design tool on Virtex 7 FPGA. The implementation results show that 17% improvement in clock frequency, 13% reduction in the time required to compute one PM and 2.6% improvement in throughput/area are achieved when compared with the most recent state of the art solutions.
Investigation of proton emission using deformed relativistic mean field densities
Authors: Sahoo T. , Kaur Manpreet , Panda R. N. , Das Piyush R. , Patra S. K.
Published: December 2019

The proton emission in neutron deficient nuclei with [Formula: see text] has been investigated within the framework of axially deformed relativistic mean field (RMF) theory using NL3 and density-dependent DD-ME1 and DD-ME2 parameters. The quasi-bound states from which the proton emission is probable are determined. The RMF densities are folded with the M3Y effective nucleon–nucleon interaction to obtain the nuclear potential. The total interaction potential consisting of nuclear, Coulomb and centrifugal potentials is used to calculate the proton decay half-lives using the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation. For this, we have used the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] being the single-particle energy of the decaying proton near the Fermi surface. The calculated proton decay half-lives for different nuclei are in consonance with experimental data.
Lie superalgebras with a set grading
Authors: Khalili Valiollah
Published: December 2019

This paper studies Lie superalgebras graded by an arbitrary set [Formula: see text] (set grading). We show that the set-graded Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] decomposes as the sum of well-described set-graded ideals plus a certain linear subspace. Under certain conditions, the simplicity of [Formula: see text] is characterized and it is shown that the above decomposition is exactly the direct sum of the family of its minimal set-graded ideals, each one being a simple set-graded Lie superalgebra.
Non-solvable groups each of whose character degrees has at most two prime divisors
Authors: Miraali Babak , Robati Sajjad M.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we determine all almost simple groups each of whose character degrees has at most two distinct prime divisors. More generally, we show that a finite non-solvable group [Formula: see text] with this property is an extension of an almost simple group [Formula: see text] by a solvable group and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the set of all primes dividing some character degree of [Formula: see text].
Combination of Hardware and Control to Reduce Humanoids Fall Damage
Authors: Chen Xuechao , Ding Wenpeng , Yu Zhangguo , Meng Libo , Ceccarelli Marco , Huang Qiang
Published: December 2019

Most existing motion control methods for humanoids aim at avoiding falling. However, the humanoid is generally an unstable system that cannot completely avoid falling and it is difficult to cope with the sudden fall of a robot. This paper designs a planning method of fall protection for humanoids according to the human falling motion. This method changes the impact position between the robot and ground by adjusting the motion of the robot as it falls. To further reduce damage to the robot, an appropriate cushioning material is installed at the point of impact to buffer the robot. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified for a BHR6P humanoid robot falling in simulations and experiments.
Supramolecular chirogenesis in zinc porphyrins: Complexation with enantiopure thiourea derivatives, binding studies and chirality transfer mechanism
Authors: Konrad Nele , Meniailava Darya , Osadchuk Irina , Adamson Jasper , Hasan Mohammed , Clot Eric , Aav Riina , Borovkov Victor , Kananovich Dzmitry
Published: December 2019

Complexation of three (1[Formula: see text],2[Formula: see text]-2-aminocyclohexyl arylthioureas (aryl [Formula: see text] 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; phenyl; 3,5-dimethylphenyl) as the guests to ZnTPP and ZnOEP hosts has been studied by means of UV-vis, CD spectroscopies and computational simulation. The complexation proceeds via coordination of the primary amino group to the zinc ion of the metalloporphyrin and induces a moderate circular dichroism signal in the Soret band of the porphyrins. The association constants increase with larger electron-withdrawing properties of the porphyrin host and larger electron-donating ability of the guest, indicating predominantly electrostatic (Lewis acid-base) character of the complexation. Computational study of the (1[Formula: see text],2[Formula: see text]-2-aminocyclohexyl-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thiourea and ZnTPP complex revealed slight asymmetric distortion of the porphyrin plane caused by the chiral guest and additional [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] interactions between the host and guest molecules. The calculated CD spectrum for the same system reproduces the experimentally observed one.
Cuprum Metal-Organic-Framework and Polyacrylonitrile-Derived Cu-N-C Electrocatalyst for Application in Zinc-Air Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Chen Jintao , Li Xiaorui , Zhang Jiaqing , Li Yanan , Zhao Yajun , Cao Liye , Jin Xiaoshi
Published: December 2019

Cu-N-C electrocatalyst was successfully prepared with Cu-BTC and polyacrylonitrile as templates by electrospinning and in-situ growth method. The effect of various [Formula: see text]-doped content on the electrochemical performance of the catalyst were investigated and the Cu-N-C-0.25 exhibited the best OER/ORR catalytic activities. When it was applied to the cathode of the zinc-air batteries, the power density of Cu-N-C-0.25 was 209.1[Formula: see text]mW[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], which exceeded that of the commercial Pt/C[Formula: see text]IrO2 hybrid catalyst (157[Formula: see text]mW[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]). The excellent electrochemical performance may be attributed to large number of active sites and high specific surface area on Cu-N-C electrocatalyst. It will be a promising alternative to precious metal catalysts containing Pt, Ir or Ru and their oxides.
2-Distance chromatic number of some graph products
Authors: Ghazi Ghazale , Rahbarnia Freydoon , Tavakoli Mostafa
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the 2-distance chromatic number of some graph product. A coloring of [Formula: see text] is 2-distance if any two vertices at distance at most two from each other get different colors. The minimum number of colors in the 2-distance coloring of [Formula: see text] is the 2-distance chromatic number and denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we obtain some upper and lower bounds for the 2-distance chromatic number of the rooted product, generalized rooted product, hierarchical product and we determine exact value for the 2-distance chromatic number of the lexicographic product.
From the Geological Committee of Russia to the Russian Geological Research Institute: solving problems of state geological mapping
Authors: Petrov Oleg V.
Published: December 2019

This paper provides a brief overview of the long history of the A.P. Karpinsky Geological Committee and Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI) in the development of the Geological Survey and reinforcement of the mineral resource base of Russia. The status of state geological mapping in the country is highlighted. The issues, challenges and future prospects for state geological mapping in Russia are outlined.
Transforming Pairwise Duplicates to Entity Clusters for High-quality Duplicate Detection
Authors: Draisbach Uwe , Christen Peter , Naumann Felix
Published: December 2019

Duplicate detection algorithms produce clusters of database records, each cluster representing a single real-world entity. As most of these algorithms use pairwise comparisons, the resulting (transitive) clusters can be inconsistent: Not all records within a cluster are sufficiently similar to be classified as duplicate. Thus, one of many subsequent clustering algorithms can further improve the result.

We explain in detail, compare, and evaluate many of these algorithms and introduce three new clustering algorithms in the specific context of duplicate detection. Two of our three new algorithms use the structure of the input graph to create consistent clusters. Our third algorithm, and many other clustering algorithms, focus on the edge weights, instead. For evaluation, in contrast to related work, we experiment on true real-world datasets, and in addition examine in great detail various pair-selection strategies used in practice. While no overall winner emerges, we are able to identify best approaches for different situations. In scenarios with larger clusters, our proposed algorithm, Extended Maximum Clique Clustering (EMCC), and Markov Clustering show the best results. EMCC especially outperforms Markov Clustering regarding the precision of the results and additionally has the advantage that it can also be used in scenarios where edge weights are not available.
Help communities solve real-world problems with AI
Authors: Chklovski Tara
Published: December 2019

Join other AI professionals as a mentor in Technovation's AI program for families. Share your expertise with adults and children who are curious about artificial intelligence and how it can be used to address real issues in their communities. Help people all around the world learn to not only use AI, but to create solutions with AI that improve their lives and their communities.
AI policy matters
Authors: Medsker Larry
Published: December 2019

AI Policy Matters is a regular column in
AI Matters
featuring summaries and commentary based on postings that appear twice a month in the
AI Matters
blog (https://sigai.acm.org/aimatters/blog/). We welcome everyone to make blog comments so we can develop a rich knowledge base of information and ideas representing the SIGAI members.
AI fun matters
Authors: Botea Adi
Published: December 2019

Across: 1)
Well recovered after effort.
7)
Covered with water.
12)
Small room extension.
13)
___ Artois, Belgian beer.
14)
Identical copies (e.g., of a git repo).
15)
Harry ___, the fictional wizard.
16)
Country next to UK, in the local language.
17)
Hastily prepare for an exam.
19)
Object-oriented language.
20)
John ___, British mathematician, Whitehead Prize recipient.
21)
Being in the past.
22)
Oil platforms.
23)
Body twists?
25)
Buenos ___, host of IJCAI 2015.
28)
Theorem for conditional probabilities, popular in AI.
31)
Modified.
35)
Ways to utilize.
36)
Pinot ___, a type of wine.
37)
___, Longoria, American actress.
38)
Greek letter, symbol of Pearson's correlation.
39)
___ Ginsberg, AI scientist.
40)
The termination of a person in their teens.
41)
Painted in pessimistic shades.
43)
A type of a function defined on the fly.
45)
International agreement.
46)
Tighter as a deadline.
47)
Dispatches to a destination.
48)
Tire patterns.
Plagiarism in Programming Assessments
Authors: Albluwi Ibrahim
Published: December 2019

This article is a systematic review of work in the computing education literature on plagiarism. The goal of the review is to summarize the main results found in the literature and highlight areas that need further work. Despite the the large body of work on plagiarism, no systematic reviews have been published so far.

The reviewed papers were categorized and analyzed using a theoretical framework from the field of Fraud Deterrence named the
Fraud Triangle
. According to this framework, fraudulent behavior occurs when the person is under
pressure
, perceives the availability of an
opportunity
to commit fraud, and
rationalizes
the fraudulent behavior in a way that makes it seem
not
unethical to him or her.

The review found the largest amount of the reviewed papers to discuss ways for reducing the
opportunity
to plagiarize, as well as tools for detecting plagiarism. However, there is a clear lack of empirical work evaluating the deterrent efficacy of these strategies and tools. The reviewed papers also included mentions of a wide range of rationalizations used by computing students when justifying plagiarism, the most important of which are rationalizations that stem from confusion about what constitutes plagiarism. Finally, work on the relationship between
pressure
in computing courses and plagiarism was found to be very scarce and incommensurate with the significant contribution of this factor to plagiarism.
Cyber Resiliency Overview
Authors: Bodeau Deborah
Published: December 2019

What Is Cyber Resiliency? Cyber Resiliency: The ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on cyber resources
Tool Support for Confidentiality-by-Construction
Authors: Runge Tobias , Schaefer Ina , Knüppel Alexander , Cleophas Loek , Kourie Derrick , Watson Bruce W.
Published: December 2019

In many software applications, it is necessary to preserve confidentiality of information. Therefore, security mechanisms are needed to enforce that secret information does not leak to unauthorized users. However, most language-based techniques that enable information flow control work post-hoc, deciding whether a specific program violates a confidentiality policy. In contrast, we proposed in previous work a refinement-based approach to derive programs that preserve confidentiality-by-construction. This approach follows the principles of Dijkstra's correctness-by-construction. In this extended abstract, we present the implementation and tool support of that refinement-based approach allowing to specify the information flow policies first and to create programs in a simple while language which comply to these policies by construction. In particular, we present the idea of confidentiality-by-construction using an example and discuss the IDE C-CorC supporting this development approach.
Programming Languages for Security
Authors: Chong Stephen
Published: December 2019

PDF of Powerpoint Slides
SPARK by Example
Authors: Creuse Léo , Huguet Joffrey , Garion Christophe , Hugues Jérôme
Published: December 2019

This paper presents SPARK by Example [10], a guide for people wanting to get involved in formal verification of SPARK programs. SPARK by Example is inspired by ACSL by Example, a similar effort for C/ACSL programs, and provides detailed specification, implementation and proof of classic algorithms (array manipulation, sorting, heap etc). A comparison between ACSL and SPARK is done in the light of proof performance and ease of use.
Minimal Specifications for Detecting Security Vulnerabilities
Authors: Berns Andrew , Curbow James , Hilliard Joshua , Jorkeh Sheriff , Sanders Miho
Published: December 2019

Computers are nearly ubiquitous in modern society with uses from maintaining friendships and monitoring homes to managing money and coordinating health care. As the roles of a computer continue to expand, so to does the threat posed by cyberattacks. An important challenge for today's software engineers is to build secure software and help neutralize these threats. Formal methods have long been suggested as an excellent way to build secure software but have not been widely adopted for this purpose. The "conventional wisdom" has suggested several reasons for this slow adoption, including a steep learning curve, difficulty in augmenting existing systems, and lack of tools with security-specific abstractions. Our hypothesis, however, is that applying a small and easy to learn subset of the techniques available today could significantly decrease software vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. In this paper, we discuss the motivation for our hypothesis and discuss our ongoing experiment to test it.
Cephalopod Biology: At the Intersection Between Genomic and Organismal Novelties
Authors: Albertin Caroline B. , Simakov Oleg
Published: December 2019

Cephalopods are resourceful marine predators that have fascinated generations of researchers as well as the public owing to their advanced behavior, complex nervous system, and significance in evolutionary studies. Recent advances in genomics have accelerated the pace of cephalopod research. Many traditional areas focusing on evolution, development, behavior, and neurobiology, primarily on the morphological level, are now transitioning to molecular approaches. This review addresses the recent progress and impact of genomic and other molecular resources on research in cephalopods. We outline several key directions in which significant progress in cephalopod research is expected and discuss its impact on our understanding of the genetic background behind cephalopod biology and beyond.
How Is Precursor Messenger RNA Spliced by the Spliceosome?
Authors: Wan Ruixue , Bai Rui , Zhan Xiechao , Shi Yigong
Published: December 2019

Splicing of the precursor messenger RNA, involving intron removal and exon ligation, is mediated by the spliceosome. Together with biochemical and genetic investigations of the past four decades, structural studies of the intact spliceosome at atomic resolution since 2015 have led to mechanistic delineation of RNA splicing with remarkable insights. The spliceosome is proven to be a protein-orchestrated metalloribozyme. Conserved elements of small nuclear RNA (snRNA) constitute the splicing active site with two catalytic metal ions and recognize three conserved intron elements through duplex formation, which are delivered into the splicing active site for branching and exon ligation. The protein components of the spliceosome stabilize the conformation of the snRNA, drive spliceosome remodeling, orchestrate the movement of the RNA elements, and facilitate the splicing reaction. The overall organization of the spliceosome and the configuration of the splicing active site are strictly conserved between human and yeast.
Statistical Mechanics of Deep Learning
Authors: Bahri Yasaman , Kadmon Jonathan , Pennington Jeffrey , Schoenholz Sam S. , Sohl-Dickstein Jascha , Ganguli Surya
Published: December 2019

The recent striking success of deep neural networks in machine learning raises profound questions about the theoretical principles underlying their success. For example, what can such deep networks compute? How can we train them? How does information propagate through them? Why can they generalize? And how can we teach them to imagine? We review recent work in which methods of physical analysis rooted in statistical mechanics have begun to provide conceptual insights into these questions. These insights yield connections between deep learning and diverse physical and mathematical topics, including random landscapes, spin glasses, jamming, dynamical phase transitions, chaos, Riemannian geometry, random matrix theory, free probability, and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Indeed, the fields of statistical mechanics and machine learning have long enjoyed a rich history of strongly coupled interactions, and recent advances at the intersection of statistical mechanics and deep learning suggest these interactions will only deepen going forward.
Downregulation of PTEN promotes podocyte endocytosis of lipids aggravating obesity-related glomerulopathy
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Wang Chen , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Li Yafeng , Ma Yuehong , Zhang Rui , Li Rongshan
Published: December 2019

With the increasing prevalence of obesity in adults worldwide, the incidence of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) has increased yearly, becoming one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. Studies have demonstrated significant correlations between hyperlipidemia and impaired renal function in patients with ORG, indicating that hyperlipidemia causes damage in kidney cells. In podocytes, the endocytosis of lipids triggers an intracellular oxidative stress response that disrupts cellular integrity, resulting in proteinuria and glomerular sclerosis. However, the specific molecular mechanisms through which podocytes endocytose lipids remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated the enhanced endocytosis of lipids by podocytes from patients with ORG. This response was associated with decreased expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). In vitro silencing of PTEN promoted the endocytosis of low-density lipoprotein in mouse podocytes. Conversely, overexpression of PTEN inhibited the endocytosis of lipoproteins in podocytes. PTEN directly dephosphorylates and activates the actin-depolymerizing factor cofilin-1, leading to depolymerization of filamentous actin (F-actin), which is necessary for endocytosis. Notably, inhibition of PTEN resulted in the phosphorylation and inactivation of cofilin-1, leading to F-actin formation that enhanced the endocytosis of lipoproteins in podocytes. When hyperlipidemia was induced in mice with podocyte-specific deletion of PTEN, these mice recapitulated the major pathophysiological features of ORG. Thus, PTEN downregulation in podocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of ORG.
Hypertension-causing cullin 3 mutations disrupt COP9 signalosome binding
Authors: Cornelius Ryan J. , Yang Chao-Ling , Ellison David H.
Published: December 2019

The discovery of new genetic mutations that cause hypertension has illuminated previously unrecognized physiological pathways. One such regulatory pathway was identified when mutations in with no lysine kinase (WNK)4, Kelch-like 3 ( KLHL3), and cullin 3 ( CUL3) were shown to cause the disease familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt). Mutations in all three genes upregulate the NaCl cotransporter (NCC) due to an impaired ability to degrade WNK protein through the cullin-RING-ligase (CRL) ubiquitin-proteasome system. The CUL3 FHHt mutations cause the most severe phenotype, yet the precise mechanism by which these mutations cause the disease has not been established and current proposed models are controversial. New data have identified a possible novel mechanism involving dysregulation of CUL3 activity by the COP9 signalosome (CSN). The CSN interaction with mutant CUL3 is diminished, causing hyperneddylation of the CRL. Recent work has shown that direct renal CSN impairment mimics some aspects of the CUL3 mutation, including lower KLHL3 abundance and activation of the WNK-NCC pathway. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies of CSN inhibition have shown selective degradation of CRL substrate adaptors via auto-ubiquitination, allowing substrate accumulation. In this review, we will focus on recent research that highlights the role of the CSN role in CUL3 mutations that cause FHHt. We will also highlight how these results inform other recent studies of CSN dysfunction.
The Relation of Cytotoxin-Associated Gene-A Seropositivity with Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Helicobacter pylori-Positive Patients
Authors: Ulasoglu Celal , Temiz Hatice Esin , Sağlam Zuhal Aydan
Published: December 2019

Background and Aim. As a worldwide infectious bacterium, H. pylori leads to stomach pathologies such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, MALToma, and various extragastric manifestations. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12 level and cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA) seropositivity, which is one of the virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Method. This study has been conducted on 289 patients who have met the inclusion criteria. Within these patients, 213 of them were H. pylori positive and 76 were negative. Vitamin B12 and CagA-IgG levels were assessed in consecutive dyspeptic patients undergoing upper endoscopy. Results. Out of 289 patients, 51.9% were women (n = 150) and H. pylori was detected in 213 (73.7%) patients. Histopathological evaluation with modified Sydney classification revealed lymphocyte infiltration in 66.8% (n = 193), activation in 46% (n = 133), metaplasia in 11.4% (n = 33), atrophy in 11.4% (n = 33), and lymphoid follicles in 21.1% (n = 61) of the patients. Within H. pylori-positive patients, the ratio of CagA positivity was 57.3% (n = 122). Low B12 vitamin level was significantly correlated with existence of H. pylori (p=0.02), CagA (p=0.002), lymphocyte (p=0.006), metaplasia (p=0.001), atrophy (p=0.001), and lymphoid follicles (p=0.006). Positivity of CagA has been detected to be statistically corelated with lymphocyte (p=0.001) and activation (p=0.005); however, the same relation was not present with atrophy (p=0.236). Conclusion. In conclusion, B12 deficiency was positively correlated with CagA positivity and gastric inflammatory activity.
An Efficient Cryptosystem for Video Surveillance in the Internet of Things Environment
Authors: Hamza Rafik , Hassan Alzubair , Huang Teng , Ke Lishan , Yan Hongyang
Published: December 2019

Surveillance systems paradigm envisions the pervasive interconnection and cooperation of interactive devices over the Internet infrastructure. Nevertheless, dissemination and processing of surveillance video amid the Internet of Things (IoT) applications become a susceptible issue due to the large volume and the significant information of these data. Moreover, surveillance devices on IoT have very limited resources such as memory and storage. The actual security methods are not quite appropriate for surveillance IoT systems. Thus, a particular cryptosystem technique is required for surveillance data security. In this paper, we propose an efficient cryptosystem to secure IoT‐based surveillance systems. The proposed cryptosystem framework contains three parts. First, a lightweight automatic summarization technique based on a fast histogram‐clustering approach is used to extract the keyframes from the surveillance video. Then, we employ a discrete cosine transform (DCT) technique to compress the extracted data size. Finally, the proposed framework performs an efficient image encryption algorithm by employing a discrete fractional random transform (DFRT). The testing results and analysis confirm the features of the proposed cryptosystem on surveillance systems. The proposed framework is fast and ensures secure and efficient real‐time processing by minimizing the transmission cost and storage.
Associated Factors with Low Birth Weight in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sema Alekaw , Tesfaye Firehiwot , Belay Yalelet , Amsalu Bezabh , Bekele Desalegn , Desalew Assefa
Published: December 2019

Background. Low Birth Weight (LBW) is a serious public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, 20 million, an estimated 15% to 20% of babies were born with LBW, and, of these, 13% were in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the World Health Assembly targeted to reduce LBW by 30% by the end of 2025, little has been done on and known about LBW. To meet the goal successfully and efficiently, more research studies on the problem are vital. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of LBW in Dire Dawa city, eastern Ethiopia.Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of low birth weight in Dire Dawa City, eastern Ethiopia, 2017.Method. A cross-sectional study designed was conducted, and using a systematic sampling technique, 431 mothers who gave birth in the public hospitals in Dire Dawa city from July 01 to August 30, 2018, were selected. Stillbirth and infants with birth defects were excluded from the study. Well-trained data collectors collected the data using a structured questionnaire which was pretested. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22.0. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied in multivariate logistic regression models, andpvalue less than 0.05 was considered as statistical significant.Result. The prevalence of low birth weight was 21%. Not received nutritional counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.06), preterm birth (AOR = 18.48, 95% CI: 6.51, 52.42), maternal smoking (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.59, 9.88), and height of the mother less than 150 cm (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.07, 11.76) were significantly associated with Low birth weight.Conclusion. There was a high prevalence of low birth weight in the study area. Effective dietary counseling and additional diet, implementing proven strategies to prevent preterm birth and avoid smoking during pregnancy might decrease the low birth weight and then enhance child survival.
Clinical Features, Outcomes, and Risk Factors of Bloodstream Infections due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in a Tertiary-Care Hospital of China: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Chen Yibing , Suo Jijiang , Du Mingmei , Chen Liangan , Liu Yunxi , Wang Leili , Liang Zhixin
Published: December 2019

Background. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia (SMB) is the most perilous situation as compared to other types of S. maltophilia infection. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical features, distribution, drug resistance, and predictors of survival of SMB in a tertiary-care hospital of China. Methods. SMB that occurred in a tertiary-care hospital in Beijing, China, within 9 years (2010–2018) was investigated in a retrospective study. Demographics, incidence, commodities, drug resistance, mortality, as well as antibiotics administration were summarized according to the electronic medical records. The risk factors for survival were analyzed by Chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression. Results. A total of 76 episodes of SMB were analyzed. The overall incidence of SMB fluctuated from 3.4 to 15.4 episodes per 1000 admissions over 9 years. Malignancy was the most common comorbidity. High in vitro sensitivity was observed to minocycline (96.1%), levofloxacin (81.6%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (89.5%). Central venous catheter (CVC) (p=0.004), mechanical ventilation (MV) (p=0.006), hemodialysis (p=0.024), and septic shock (p=0.016) were significantly different between survival and death group. The 30-day mortality was 34.2% within 30 days after confirmation of blood culture. Factors such as hemodialysis (OR 0.287, 95% CI: 0.084–0.977, p=0.046), T-tube (OR 0.160, 95% CI: 0.029–0.881, p=0.035), and septic shock (OR 0.234, 95% CI: 0.076–0.719, p=0.011) were associated with survival. Conclusions. S. maltophilia is the major nosocomial blood stream infectious pathogenic bacteria. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and minocycline are optimal antibiotics for the treatment of SMB. T-tube, hemodialysis, and septic shock were the risk factors associated with survival of SMB patients.
Tranexamic Acid Reduces Total Blood Loss and Inflammatory Response in Computer-Assisted Navigation Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wu Kuan-Ting , Siu Ka-Kit , Ko Jih-Yang , Chou Wen-Yi , Kuo Shu-Jui , Hsu Ya-Hung
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an effective blood salvage agent that reduces perioperative blood loss in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). As computer-assisted surgery for TKA (CAS-TKA) results in a lower perioperative blood loss than conventional TKA, the additional effect of blood conservation by TXA might be mitigated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in CAS-TKA. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 222 consecutive patients who underwent CAS-TKA. Intravenous TXA was administered in 103 patients (TXA group) at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 15 min before deflation of the tourniquet. The other 119 patients did not receive TXA (control group). Patient demographic data including age, gender, BMI, DM, and hypertension were collected. The primary outcomes were the estimated total blood loss (ETBL) and perioperative data, including tourniquet duration, preoperative and postoperative day 1 (POD1) and day 3 (POD3) serum D-dimer, CRP, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) levels. Secondary outcomes including transfusion rate and 90-day complications were recorded. Results. The ETBL was lower in the TXA group on both POD1 (404.34 ± 234.77 vs. 595.47 ± 279.04, p<0.001) and POD3 (761.39 ± 260.88 vs. 987.79 ± 326.58, p<0.001). The TXA group also demonstrated a lower level of CRP on POD1 (p=0.02) and lower levels of CRP and serum D-dimer on POD3 (p=0.008 and p<0.001). Consumption of fibrinogen was higher in the control group on both POD1 (p=0.013) and POD3 (p<0.001). Length of hospital stay was lower in the TXA group (5.42 ± 1.21 vs. 6.25 ± 1.49, p<0.001). The transfusion rate and perioperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion. Administration of TXA is not only effective in reducing perioperative blood loss and length of hospital stay but also exerts an anti-inflammatory effect following CAS-TKA without causing major complications.
Nephrolepis exaltata Herbal Mask Increases Nasal IgA Levels and Pulmonary Function in Textile Factory Workers
Authors: Prasetyo Awal , Adi Rahardja Arindra , Tsuroya Azzahro Dhiva , Pawitra Miranti Ika , Saraswati Indah , Nur Kholis Fathur
Published: December 2019

Background. Chronic occupational exposure in textile workers lowers the pulmonary function and levels of sinonasal IgA. A Nephrolepis exaltata herbal mask can protect the respiratory tract. This study aims to understand the effect of this herbal mask on the IgA levels and pulmonary function in textile workers. Thirty employees were selected for this study. Methods. The pre- and post-test randomized experimental control trials were conducted in a garment industry of Bawen, Semarang, Indonesia. The subjects that qualified to participate (n = 30) fulfilled the inclusion criteria i.e., 20–35 years old, healthy, and willing to be a research subject; and exclusion criteria i.e., having history of alcohol consumption, smoking, history of liver disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, pulmonary and heart disease and/or being pregnant. The subjects were then divided randomly into control group (n = 15), who used regular mask that was rewashed and changed every month for eight weeks, and treatment group (n = 15), who used Nephrolepis exaltata mask that was changed every two days for eight weeks. Pulmonary function tests were carried out using MIR Spirolab III before and after the experiment. IgA levels were measured by nasal wash method using ELISA. Results. IgA levels of the treatment group before and after usage of mask were significantly different (p<0.001) compared to the control group. There were significant difference in FVC of the control group, but no significant difference was observed for FEV1 (p=0.507) and PEF (p=0.001). In the treatment group, all three parameters showed significant differences [FVC (p=0.038), FEV1 (p=0.004), and PEF (p=0.001)]. The means of ΔFVC, ΔFEV1, and ΔPEF were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treatment group with OR = 5.1 for higher IgA levels. Conclusions. The herbal mask is better in increasing IgA and improving the pulmonary function compared to the regular mask.