bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abelian Integrals from an Unfolding of Codimension-3 Singularities with Nilpotent Linear Part
Authors: Sun Yangjian
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study the maximum number of limit cycles for the unfolding of codimension-3 planar singularities with nilpotent linear parts. In [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 499 (2017)], the authors proved that when parameter [Formula: see text] is rational, the corresponding problem could be transformed to solving semi-algebraic systems. At the same time, it is pointed out that when [Formula: see text], the logarithmic function will appear according to the method, which makes it impossible to solve the problem. In this paper, we use some techniques to avoid the occurrence of logarithmic function, and get the corresponding system to produce at most two limit cycles.
Photodynamic therapy, priming and optical imaging: Potential co-conspirators in treatment design and optimization — a Thomas Dougherty Award for Excellence in PDT paper
Authors: De Silva Pushpamali , Saad Mohammad A. , Thomsen Hanna C. , Bano Shazia , Ashraf Shoaib , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: September 2020

Photodynamic therapy is a photochemistry-based approach, approved for the treatment of several malignant and non-malignant pathologies. It relies on the use of a non-toxic, light activatable chemical, photosensitizer, which preferentially accumulates in tissues/cells and, upon irradiation with the appropriate wavelength of light, confers cytotoxicity by generation of reactive molecular species. The preferential accumulation however is not universal and, depending on the anatomical site, the ratio of tumor to normal tissue may be reversed in favor of normal tissue. Under such circumstances, control of the volume of light illumination provides a second handle of selectivity. Singlet oxygen is the putative favorite reactive molecular species although other entities such as nitric oxide have been credibly implicated. Typically, most photosensitizers in current clinical use have a finite quantum yield of fluorescence which is exploited for surgery guidance and can also be incorporated for monitoring and treatment design. In addition, the photodynamic process alters the cellular, stromal, and/or vascular microenvironment transiently in a process termed photodynamic priming, making it more receptive to subsequent additional therapies including chemo- and immunotherapy. Thus, photodynamic priming may be considered as an enabling technology for the more commonly used frontline treatments. Recently, there has been an increase in the exploitation of the theranostic potential of photodynamic therapy in different preclinical and clinical settings with the use of new photosensitizer formulations and combinatorial therapeutic options. The emergence of nanomedicine has further added to the repertoire of photodynamic therapy’s potential and the convergence and co-evolution of these two exciting tools is expected to push the barriers of smart therapies, where such optical approaches might have a special niche. This review provides a perspective on current status of photodynamic therapy in anti-cancer and anti-microbial therapies and it suggests how evolving technologies combined with photochemically-initiated molecular processes may be exploited to become co-conspirators in optimization of treatment outcomes. We also project, at least for the short term, the direction that this modality may be taking in the near future.
High School Teachers’ Self-efficacy in Teaching Computer Science
Authors: Zhou Ninger , Nguyen Ha , Fischer Christian , Richardson Debra , Warschauer Mark
Published: September 2020

Self-efficacy is an important construct for CS teachers’ professional development, because it can predict both teaching behaviors as well as student outcomes. Research has shown that teachers’ self-efficacy can be as influential as their actual level of knowledge and abilities. However, there has been very limited research on CS teachers’ self-efficacy. This study describes the development and implementation of an instrument that measures secondary school teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching computer science. Teachers attended a nine-week hybrid professional development program and completed the computer science teaching self-efficacy instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the self-efficacy instrument, which can be potentially used in other CS education settings. The results also indicated that teachers’ self-efficacy in the content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge dimensions of teaching computer science significantly increased from participating in the professional development program.
How a Vocational Center Changed its Way to Train Adults: A Case Study on Computer-Based Learning and Vocational Training
Authors: Messier Yves
Published: September 2020

EFFA (Ecole de Formation Funéraire Alyscamps), through a seven years development plan, introduced an offer including blended learning, 100% e-learning solutions, and virtual classroom. Our happy students are adults from 18 to 65 years old who have now the option to choose how they want to attend their training based on their availability and learning possibilities. Three project phases allowed us to integrate new pedagogical technique and to develop a framework for teachers to introduce new ways to teach, to handle a virtual classroom, and to redefine the own teacher's role and self-image. This case study explains how EFFA completed first an analysis to understand if our way of teaching, our goals, and our offer were still aligned with society and the labor market; and then we worked on deciding and implementing what was required to provide our clients with the best skills possible to gain employment and remain in the labor market. This case study also describes the concerns we have encountered (pedagogy, efficiency of online learning, client-tracking, and comparison with traditional learning) and how we dealt with them to transform our training center. These changes also helped to maintain EFFA's position as an innovative vocational center. The decisions were taken to challenge the social and economic developments by shifting away from traditional teaching (classroom, teacher, and students) to electronic learning (e-learning and virtual classrooms). This transformation could not be done without identifying, first, the concerns of our clients and by maintaining the confidence they have on EFFA. Our clients trust us to follow the learning path we propose to them so they can develop new professional skills, which are opening doors for new job opportunities. We also consider key, for the adoption of the new learning methods, to be always monitoring and ready to address any need for clarification about any topic concerning electronic learning. Our purpose, with this case study, is to provide useful and proven strategies relevant to any other training center wanting to provide to their students a new learning offer adapted to a digital era. Dedicated to funeral services, EFFA is a part of the main Funeral Services Association in France, Confederation des Professionels du Funéraire et de la Marbrerie. Located in Paris, EFFA is engaged in a "lifelong learning" approach, meaning continuous adaptation is our purpose. Our clients come from anywhere in France, which has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Today, our country has a multicultural society practicing different religions and with people from different cultural backgrounds. Also, even though it is a small percentage, part of the French population lives in the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, and North America French overseas territories.
Effects of Attitude, Motivation, and Eagerness for Physical Activity among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Gu Dongxiao , Liang Changyong , Rashid Rao Muhammad , Akter Monira
Published: September 2020

Background. Although physical activity (PA) is a noninvasive and cost-effective method of improving the quality of health, global statistics show that only a few middle-aged and older adults engage in the recommended PAs. This is due to a lack of motivation and companionship. Objective. This study analyses the attitudes and self-determined motivation of Chinese middle-aged and older adults for PAs and their eagerness to participate in PAs such as sports, exercise, and recreational and cultural activities (RCAs), from attitudinal, eagerness, and motivational objectives of PAs perspective. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 840 middle-aged (35–54 years) and older adults (55+ years). To determine their attitude, eagerness, and self-determined motivation for PA, we used attitudinal, Eagerness for Physical Activity Scale (EPAS), and Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS). The data were analyzed with SPSS 23.0. Results. The results show that 39.1% of the participants were not satisfied with PAs. Compared with females, males reported a less positive attitude towards PAs. Moreover, a positive attitude decreases with age. Participants’ motivation and eagerness in activities such as RCAs, exercise, and sports are decreasing. Regarding self-determined motivation, there are gender differences in RCAs, but there is none for exercise and sports participation. Conclusion. The findings show the importance of RCAs and the support of family and friends enhancing the eagerness, attitude, and motivation to participate in PAs. Furthermore, the findings can help to create more effective PA programs for middle-aged and older adults. By engaging in RCAs, participants can reap the benefits of PAs. Participating in RCAs can lead to social equity in health.
Effect of Long-Term Moderate Physical Exercise on Irisin between Normal Weight and Obese Men
Authors: Rashid Farah A. , Abbas Hamid Jaddoa , Naser Naser Ali , Addai Ali Hana'a
Published: September 2020

Background. Irisin is a myokine that has a beneficial effect on obesity and glucose metabolism by increasing energy expenditure. This study aims to investigate the effect of long-term moderate physical exercise on irisin levels and its correlations with body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), and metabolic parameters in normal weight and obese males. Material and method. A follow-up case-control study of sixty male participants, comprised of thirty normal weight and thirty obese, who had undergone supervised long-term moderate physical exercises for six months. Serum irisin levels, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and β-cell function (HOMA-B2) were assessed. Results. Long-term moderate exercise induced elevation of the irisin level significantly (P<0.0001) with significant reduction of the BMI, WC, fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B2 levels (P<0.0001) in comparison between obese and normal weight groups. There are significant differences for each parameter in each obese and normal weight group before and after physical exercise with exception of the BMI and WC in the normal group. Significant negative correlations were shown between irisin and blood glucose and insulin and HOMA-IR levels in the obese group and normal weight group. Conclusion. Irisin improves glucose homeostasis after long-term moderate physical exercises, suggesting that irisin could have regulatory effect on glucose, insulin resistance, and obesity and it could be used as a potential therapy for obesity and insulin resistance.
Potential of Highly Automated Vehicles for Monitoring Fatigued Drivers and Explaining Traffic Accidents on Motorway Sections
Authors: Chang Hyun-ho , Yoon Byoung-jo
Published: September 2020

The near-future deployment of high-level automation vehicles (AVs) can render promising opportunities to solve ongoing hindrances in modern safety-related research. Monitoring fatigued drivers on any road section is one of these challenges. Vehicle trajectory big data, monitored through AVs, include key information with which to monitor fatigued drivers on roads. To mine this upcoming opportunity, a new data-driven approach which allows the direct monitoring of fatigued drivers on road segments is proposed here for the first time. A feasible study was conducted using big vehicle trajectory data and real-life traffic accident data. The results showed that fatigued drivers on a target road section can be successfully surveyed using the driving durations from departure locations to the target road section. It was found that, with a statistical correlation of 0.90, an index for fatigued drivers has strong explanatory power about the traffic accident rate. This finding indicates that the proposed method will be a promising means by which to monitor fatigued drivers at road locations in the upcoming era of autonomous vehicles. In addition, the method is immediately practicable if vehicle trajectory data are available.
Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Cortical and Subcortical Features from MRI T1 Brain Images Utilizing Four Different Types of Datasets
Authors: Toshkhujaev Saidjalol , Lee Kun Ho , Choi Kyu Yeong , Lee Jang Jae , Kwon Goo-Rak , Gupta Yubraj , Lama Ramesh Kumar
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative illnesses (dementia) among the elderly. Recently, researchers have developed a new method for the instinctive analysis of AD based on machine learning and its subfield, deep learning. Recent state-of-the-art techniques consider multimodal diagnosis, which has been shown to achieve high accuracy compared to a unimodal prognosis. Furthermore, many studies have used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure brain volumes and the volume of subregions, as well as to search for diffuse changes in white/gray matter in the brain. In this study, T1-weighted structural MRI was used for the early classification of AD. MRI results in high-intensity visible features, making preprocessing and segmentation easy. To use this image modality, we acquired four types of datasets from each dataset’s server. In this work, we downloaded 326 subjects from the National Research Center for Dementia homepage, 123 subjects from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) homepage, 121 subjects from the Alzheimer’s Disease Repository Without Borders homepage, and 131 subjects from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center homepage. In our experiment, we used the multiatlas label propagation with expectation–maximization-based refinement segmentation method. We segmented the images into 138 anatomical morphometry images (in which 40 features belonged to subcortical volumes and the remaining 98 features belonged to cortical thickness). The entire dataset was split into a 70 : 30 (training and testing) ratio before classifying the data. A principal component analysis was used for dimensionality reduction. Then, the support vector machine radial basis function classifier was used for classification between two groups—AD versus health control (HC) and early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (EMCI) versus late MCI (LMCI). The proposed method performed very well for all four types of dataset. For instance, for the AD versus HC group, the classifier achieved an area under curve (AUC) of more than 89% for each dataset. For the EMCI versus LMCI group, the classifier achieved an AUC of more than 80% for every dataset. Moreover, we also calculated Cohen kappa and Jaccard index statistical values for all datasets to evaluate the classification reliability. Finally, we compared our results with those of recently published state-of-the-art methods.
Multiview Active Learning for Scene Classification with High-Level Semantic-Based Hypothesis Generation
Authors: Yao Tuozhong , Wang Wenfeng , Gu Yuhong , Zhu Qiuguo
Published: September 2020

Multiview active learning (MVAL) is a technique which can result in a large decrease in the size of the version space than traditional active learning and has great potential applications in large-scale data analysis. This paper made research on MVAL-based scene classification for helping the computer accurately understand diverse and complex environments macroscopically, which has been widely used in many fields such as image retrieval and autonomous driving. The main contribution of this paper is that different high-level image semantics are used for replacing the traditional low-level features to generate more independent and diverse hypotheses in MVAL. First, our algorithm uses different object detectors to achieve local object responses in the scenes. Furthermore, we design a cascaded online LDA model for mining the theme semantic of an image. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed theme modeling strategy fits the large-scale data learning, and our MVAL algorithm with both high-level semantic views can achieve significant improvement in the scene classification than traditional active learning-based algorithms.
A New Solution of Time-Fractional Coupled KdV Equation by Using Natural Decomposition Method
Authors: Elbadri Mohamed , Ahmed Shams A. , Abdalla Yahya T. , Hdidi Walid
Published: September 2020

In this article, we applied a new technique for solving the time-fractional coupled Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. This method is a combination of the natural transform method with the Adomian decomposition method called the natural decomposition method (NDM). The solutions have been made in a convergent series form. To demonstrate the performances of the technique, two examples are provided.
CPR Compression Rotation Every One Minute Versus Two Minutes: A Randomized Cross-Over Manikin Study
Authors: Pechaksorn Nutthapong , Vattanavanit Veerapong
Published: September 2020

Background. The current basic life support guidelines recommend two-minute shifts for providing chest compressions when two rescuers are performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, various studies have found that rescuer fatigue can occur within one minute, coupled with a decay in the quality of chest compressions. Our aim was to compare chest compression quality metrics and rescuer fatigue between alternating rescuers in performing one- and two-minute chest compressions. Methods. This prospective randomized cross-over study was conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand. We enrolled sixth-year medical students and residents and randomly grouped them into pairs to perform 8 minutes of chest compression, utilizing both the one-minute and two-minute scenarios on a manikin. The primary end points were chest compression depth and rate. The secondary end points included rescuers’ fatigue, respiratory rate, and heart rate. Results. One hundred four participants were recruited. Compared with participants in the two-minute group, participants in the one-minute group had significantly higher mean (standard deviation, SD) compression depth (mm) (45.8 (7.2) vs. 44.5 (7.1), P=0.01) but there was no difference in the mean (SD) rate (compressions per min) (116.1 (12.5) vs. 117.8 (12.4), P=0.08), respectively. The rescuers in the one-minute group had significantly less fatigue (P<0.001) and change in respiratory rate (P<0.001), but there was no difference in the change of heart rate (P=0.59) between the two groups. Conclusion. There were a significantly higher compression depth and lower rescuer fatigue in the 1-minute chest compression group compared with the 2-minute group. This trial is registered with TCTR20170823001.
Physical and Cup Quality Attributes of Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Varieties Grown in Highlands of Amhara Region, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wale Mengistu Melese , Alemayehu Workie Melkamu , Sualeh Mohammed Abrar
Published: September 2020

Coffee is the second most traded commodity worldwide after oil both in terms of volume and value. The study was therefore initiated to evaluate the quality of highland coffee varieties grown in the region. For this purpose, coffee bean samples of the varieties Merdacheriko, Yachi, Wush Wush, Buno wash, 741, 7440, Ababuna, and Ageze were collected from trees which were grown in Adet and Woramit Agricultural Research Centers in RCBD with three replications. Physical (length and width of coffee beans, 100 bean weight, screen sizes, and raw quality) and cup quality (aromatic intensity, aromatic quality, acidity, astringency, bitterness, body, flavor, overall standard, and total cup quality) parameters, as well as total coffee quality, were evaluated by a team of certified panelists at Jimma Agricultural Research Center. The results depicted significant variations in physical quality parameters of coffee varieties, while the cup and total qualities of coffee varieties in WARC and in AARC were similar. In WARC, Buno wash, Wush Wush, and Ababuna coffee varieties showed better physical quality in terms of 100 bean weight, bean length, bean width, and screen size, while varieties Buno wash and Wush Wush showed better physical quality only in terms of 100 bean weight and bean length in AARC. Cup quality of coffee varieties grown in WARC ranged from 48.16% to 51.33% while that of coffees grown in AARC ranged from 45.00% to 50.83%. Total coffee quality in WARC was at the range from 85.50 to 89.33% while in AARC from 81.66 to 87.83%, which is within the standard of Ethiopian Commodity Exchange for coffee. All the tested varieties of Arabica coffee can be therefore used to produce coffee in both study areas and areas with similar agroecology of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Further research on the yield performance of the coffee varieties is also recommended.
High-Sensitivity Biosensor-Based Enhanced SPR by ZnO/MoS2 Nanowires Array Layer with Graphene Oxide Nanosheet
Authors: Guo Shiliang , Wu Xiaogang , Li Zhiquan , Tong Kai
Published: September 2020

A novel SPR biosensor that can achieve a high sensitivity is proposed; therefore, a new prism coupling structure based on metal nanowires array layer is designed in this paper. The thickness of each medium layer for the structure is analyzed to obtain the optimal SPR spectrum, by the finite element method, so that the sensitivity is able to be enhanced greatly. The optimal thicknesses of each medium layer are given, and the sensitivity of the SPR biosensor can reach as high as 210.75°/RIU for the refractive index of the sensing medium, from 1.30 to 1.38.
Global Distribution of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) in the Light of the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI): A Preliminary Perspective of a Rare Disease
Authors: Weifenbach Niels , Schneckenburger Annalena A. C. , Lötters Stefan
Published: September 2020

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), although the most common primary immunodeficiency in humans, is a rare disease. We explored the spatial global distribution and country-wise prevalence of CVID, based on published data and those available from databases. As a country’s medical progress is linked to its technological and socio-economic developmental status, we expected that observed CVID prevalence was linked to human wellbeing. To assess this, we examined the correlation of observed CVID prevalence and the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI), which is a key measure of human development. Seventy-four data sets from 47 countries were available (most of them no older than 10 years). Analyses revealed that observed CVID prevalence ranged from 0.001 to 3.374 per 100,000 (mean 0.676±0.83) and was highest in “high” HDI countries (Spearman’s rho=0.757). Observed prevalence was particularly high in countries where immunodeficiencies are systematically documented in registers. In “low” and “middle” HDI countries, CVID awareness is extremely poor. Assuming that true CVID prevalence does not differ among countries, this study, though preliminary, provides evidence that the discrepancy between observed and (unknown) true prevalence can be clearly linked to the countries’ developmental status. As a potential alternative explanation, we briefly discuss the possibility that variation in CVID prevalence is related to human genetic lineage.
Physicochemical Quality Characteristics of Southeastern Anatolia Honey, Turkey
Authors: Gürbüz Semra , Çakıcı Neslihan , Mehmetoğlu Serdar , Atmaca Hilal , Demir Tahsin , Arıgül Apan Mukaddes , Atmaca Ömer Faruk , Güney Fazıl
Published: September 2020

This study was performed to investigate the physicochemical quality characteristics of honey produced in Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey. A total of 68 honey samples collected from different beekeepers were analyzed for sugar components, moisture, pH, HMF, electrical conductivity, free acidity, proline values, and diastase number using the methods recommended by the International Honey Commission. The color value was determined by the Hanna HI 96785 color identification device using the Pfund scale. The mean values of fructose + glucose, fructose/glucose ratio, sucrose, and maltose were 70.97 ± 3.27%, 1.21 ± 0.15, 0.90 ± 1.35%, and 2.88 ± 1.42%, respectively. The moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, diastase number, proline, and HMF values were 15.91 ± 1.05%, 4.10 ± 0.73, 0.21 ± 0.04 mS/cm, 14.94 ± 6.81 meq/kg, 10.68 ± 4.61, 420±, 174 mg/kg, and 18.5 ± 31.43 mg/kg, respectively. All of the samples met the international standards and legal limits set in Turkey for fructose + glucose, sucrose, moisture, electrical conductivity, and free acidity, whereas 20.58%, 25%, 10.29%, and 8.82% of the samples did not meet the standards and legal limits for the diastase number, proline value, HMF value, and fructose/glucose ratio, respectively. It has been considered to be important to raise awareness of the producer about good production practices and to ensure continuity of inspections for high-quality honey production.
Giant Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma with Atypical Histological Presentation and Long-Term Recurrence-Free Follow-Up after Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: AlKindi Mohammed , Ramalingam Sundar , Hakeem Lujain Abdulmajeed , AlSheddi Manal A.
Published: September 2020

Salivary gland tumors (SGT) comprise 3% of all head and neck tumors, are mostly benign, and arise frequently in the parotid gland. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the commonest SGT, representing 60-70% of all benign parotid tumors. Clinically, parotid PA presents as irregular, lobulated, asymptomatic, slow-growing preauricular mass, involving both superficial and deep lobes, and could grow to gigantic proportions. Histologically, PA has epithelial and mesenchymal elements in chondromyxoid matrix and is managed surgically. Based on a review of 43 cases reported in English literature since 1995, giant parotid PA is reported as large as 35 cm (diameter) and 7.3 kg (resected weight). Although rare, 10 cases of malignant transformation were reported in the review. Surgical management included extracapsular dissection (ECD), superficial parotidectomy, and total parotidectomy for benign tumors, and adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy for malignant tumors. We further present the case of a 36-year-old healthy male with slow-growing and asymptomatic giant parotid PA, of 4-year duration. The patient presented with firm, lobulated preauricular swelling, provisionally diagnosed as PA based on radiographic and cytological findings. The tumor was resected through ECD, and the patient had uneventful postoperative recovery and a 7-year recurrence-free follow-up period. Histological examination revealed epimyoepithelial proliferation punctuated by chondromyxoid areas, with extensive squamous metaplasia and keratin cysts. To the best of knowledge from indexed literature, giant parotid PA is rarely reported in Saudi Arabia. In addition to its rarity, this case is reported for its benign nature despite atypical histological presentation, successful surgical management without complications, and long-term recurrence-free follow-up. Based on this report, clinicians must be aware of atypical histological presentations associated with PA and plan suitable surgical management and follow-up to avoid morbidity. Nevertheless, attempts must be made to diagnose and manage these lesions at an early stage and before they reach gigantic proportions.
Cochlear Implantation in a Patient with a Novel POU3F4 Mutation and Incomplete Partition Type-III Malformation
Authors: Chao Xiuhua , Xiao Yun , Zhang Fengguo , Luo Jianfen , Wang Ruijie , Liu Wenwen , Wang Haibo , Xu Lei
Published: September 2020

Aims. This study is aimed at (1) analyzing the clinical manifestations and genetic features of a novel POU3F4 mutation in a nonsyndromic X-linked recessive hearing loss family and (2) reporting the outcomes of cochlear implantation in a patient with this mutation. Methods. A patient who was diagnosed as the IP-III malformation underwent cochlear implantation in our hospital. The genetic analysis was conducted in his family, including the whole-exome sequencing combined with Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Clinical features, preoperative auditory and speech performances, and postoperative outcomes of cochlear implant (CI) were assessed on the proband and his family. Results. A novel variant c.400_401insACTC (p.Q136LfsX58) in the POU3F4 gene was detected in the family, which was cosegregated with the hearing loss. This variant was absent in 200 normal-hearing persons. The phylogenetic analysis and structure modeling of Pou3f4 protein further confirmed that the novel mutation was pathogenic. The proband underwent cochlear implantation on the right ear at four years old and gained greatly auditory and speech improvement. However, the benefits of the CI declined about three and a half years postoperation. Though the right ear had been reimplanted, the outcomes were still worse than before. Conclusion. A novel frame shift variant c.400_401insACTC (p.Q136LfsX58) in the POU3F4 gene was identified in a Chinese family with X-linked inheritance hearing loss. A patient with this mutation and IP-III malformation could get good benefits from CI. However, the outcomes of the cochlear implantation might decline as the patient grows old.
Susceptibility to Ventricular Arrhythmias Resulting from Mutations in FKBP1B, PXDNL, and SCN9A Evaluated in hiPSC Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Barajas-Martinez Hector , Smith Maya , Hu Dan , Goodrow Robert J. , Puleo Colleen , Hasdemir Can , Antzelevitch Charles , Pfeiffer Ryan , Treat Jacqueline A. , Cordeiro Jonathan M.
Published: September 2020

Background. We report an inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome consisting of Brugada and Early Repolarization Syndrome associated with variants in SCN9A, PXDNL, and FKBP1B. The proband inherited the 3 mutations and exhibited palpitations and arrhythmia-mediated syncope, whereas the parents and sister, who carried one or two of the mutations, were asymptomatic. Methods and Results. We assessed the functional impact of these mutations in induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) derived from the proband and an unaffected family member. Current and voltage clamp recordings, as well as confocal microscopy analysis of Ca2+ transients, were evaluated in hiPSC-CMs from the proband and compared these results with hiPSC-CMs from undiseased controls. Genetic analysis using next-generation DNA sequencing revealed heterozygous mutations in SCN9A, PXDNL, and FKBP1B in the proband. The proband displayed right bundle branch block and exhibited episodes of syncope. The father carried a mutation in FKBP1B, whereas the mother and sister carried the SCN9A mutation. None of the 3 family members screened developed cardiac events. Action potential recordings from control hiPSC-CM showed spontaneous activity and a low upstroke velocity. In contrast, the hiPSC-CM from the proband showed irregular spontaneous activity. Confocal microscopy of the hiPSC-CM of the proband revealed low fluorescence intensity Ca2+ transients that were episodic in nature. Patch-clamp measurements in hiPSC-CM showed no difference in INa but reduced ICa in the proband compared with control. Coexpression of PXDNL-R391Q with SCN5A-WT displayed lower INa density compared to PXDNL-WT. In addition, coexpression of PXDNL-R391Q with KCND3-WT displayed significantly higher Ito density compared to PXDNL-WT. Conclusion. SCN9A, PXDNL, and FKBP1B variants appeared to alter spontaneous activity in hiPSC-CM. Only the proband carrying all 3 mutations displayed the ERS/BrS phenotype, whereas one nor two mutations alone did not produce the clinical phenotype. Our results suggest a polygenic cause of the BrS/ERS arrhythmic phenotype due to mutations in these three gene variants caused a very significant loss of function of INa and ICa and gain of function of Ito.
Secure Framework Enhancing AES Algorithm in Cloud Computing
Authors: Awan Ijaz Ahmad , Shiraz Muhammad , Hashmi Muhammad Usman , Shaheen Qaisar , Akhtar Rizwan , Ditta Allah
Published: September 2020

The tremendous growth of computational clouds has attracted and enabled intensive computation on resource-constrained client devices. Predominantly, smart mobiles are enabled to deploy data and computational intensive applications by leveraging on the demand service model of remote data centres. However, outsourcing personal and confidential data to the remote data servers is challenging for the reason of new issues involved in data privacy and security. Therefore, the traditional advanced encryption standard (AES) algorithm needs to be enhanced in order to cope with the emerging security threats in the cloud environment. This research presents a framework with key features including enhanced security and owner’s data privacy. It modifies the 128 AES algorithm to increase the speed of the encryption process, 1000 blocks per second, by the double round key feature. However, traditionally, there is a single round key with 800 blocks per second. The proposed algorithm involves less power consumption, better load balancing, and enhanced trust and resource management on the network. The proposed framework includes deployment of AES with 16, 32, 64, and 128 plain text bytes. Simulation results are visualized in a way that depicts suitability of the algorithm while achieving particular quality attributes. Results show that the proposed framework minimizes energy consumption by 14.43%, network usage by 11.53%, and delay by 15.67%. Hence, the proposed framework enhances security, minimizes resource utilization, and reduces delay while deploying services of computational clouds.
Comparative Analysis of Understorey Floristic Diversity and Carbon Stocks in Poorly and Intensively Managed Tectona grandis Plantations
Authors: Asare A. , Asante W. A. , Owusu-Prempeh N. , Opuni Frimpong E. , Adusu D.
Published: September 2020

The role of forest plantations in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation is a topical issue among researchers and policymakers globally. This study compares understorey floristic diversity and carbon stock of a 15-year-old monoculture Tectona grandis plantation under intensive and poor management in a dry semideciduous ecological zone of Ghana. The study employed a nested plot design with twelve (12) 50 m × 50 m plots laid at 50 m intervals along a diagonal line transect on both study sites for the sampling of Tectona grandis trees. Understorey trees, shrubs, and climbers were sampled within 10 m × 10 m subplot, whilst grasses and herbs were sampled within 1 m × 1 m quadrats. The study revealed a significantly higher understorey species diversity in the intensively managed plantation (Shannon index; species richness) compared with that of the poorly managed plantation. Similarly, total biomass (189.80 ± 1.846 Mg/ha) and carbon stock (94.90 ± 0.92 Mg C/ha) in the intensively managed plantation were observed to be significantly higher than the poorly managed plantation (biomass: 138.54 ± 3.70 Mg/ha; carbon stock: 64.27 ± 1.85 Mg C/ha), whiles the species composition between the two sites was different (Sorenson’s similarity index: 0.47). The study, therefore, concludes that silvicultural forest management interventions improve the understorey floristic diversity and carbon stock in monoculture plantations. Consequently, the study recommends the adoption of silvicultural interventions in plantation management in Ghana to improve their contributions to carbon sequestration and floristic diversity conservation.
Elephant Flow Detection Mechanism in SDN-Based Data Center Networks
Authors: Tang Qian , Zhang Huan , Dong Jun , Zhang Lianming
Published: September 2020

Aiming at the problem of network congestion and unbalanced load caused by a large amount of data capacity carried in elephant flow in the data center network, an elephant flow detection method based on SDN is proposed. This method adopts the autodetect upload (ADU) mechanism. ADU is divided into two parts: ADU-Client and ADU-Server, in which ADU-Client runs in the host computer and ADU-Server runs in the SDN controller. When the host sends the elephant flow, the ADU-Client generates a packet with forged source IP address and triggers the Packet_in message of the edge switch to report the information of the elephant flow to the SDN controller and the ADU-Server completes the elephant flow identification. Experimental results show that the ADU elephant flow detection mechanism can effectively detect elephant flow in the data center network, reduce detection time, and improve network performance.
A Systematic Review of Early versus Late Closure of Loop Ileostomy
Authors: Aljorfi Ahmed A. , Alkhamis Abdulhameed H.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. A Loop ileostomy is one of the most common techniques used in colorectal surgery to establish a reversible faecal diversion and bypass the large bowels, in order to protect either a downstream colorectal anastomosis or a coloanal anastomosis. However, it is a procedure that can cause a plethora of complications including long term ones such as the psychological effects. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal time to perform closure of a loop ileostomy. Some studies suggested the early reversal of ileostomy procedure as a solution to reduce these complications. This study aims to review the available literature in order to ascertain the benefits behind early closure of loop ileostomy. Methods. The literature was searched for all studies that included a comparison between the outcomes of early and late closure of loop ileostomy in terms of morbidity, mortality, or quality of life, where available. Early closure of loop ileostomy is defined as closure less than three months and late as more than three months, in accordance with conventional literature. The resultant articles were filtered using our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, the remaining articles were assessed for quality and their results were compared to one another in order to draw our conclusions. Results and Discussion. The results were slightly inclined toward early closure of loop ileostomy. However, there were limitations of the studies reviewed, including the heterogenicity of studies, selection bias, lack of clear definition of measured outcomes, and small sample size. Taking that into consideration, the results of early closure of loop ileostomies in the selected patients were promising and require further investigation.
Abstract A004: Introducing single-cell sequencing genomic DNA copy number analysis to study cancer heterogeneity in renal cell carcinoma and its potential benefits in cancer health disparities research
Authors: Villarreal Enrique I. Velazquez , Craig David W. , Carpten John D.
Published: September 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological malignancies and is responsible for around 80 percent of all primary renal neoplasms. In the US, every year are reported approximately 74,000 new cases and almost 15,000 deaths. It has been reported significant racial disparities in survival for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between African Americans patients (AA), Hispanics and Caucasians Americans (CA) but more efforts are needed in order to have a high resolution genomic profile of the tumor. Currently, RCC has been characterized by extensive cancer heterogeneity using bulk sequencing. In order to get new insight in the study of RCC cancer heterogeneity, we applied DNA single cell sequencing since it has the potential to improve our understanding of this genetic feature by providing sub-clonal and variant information in high resolution. To this end, we studied cancer heterogeneity applying single cell copy number analysis and clonotype detection in four RCC tumors. 10x Chromium™ Technology was used for processing single cells. This technology provides 100 Kb CNV events, calling clonotypes down to 10 of 1000 cell inputs. The most representative sample resulted with more than 50% of tumor content. Analysis of the tumor cells showed variable median ploidies. In addition, regional copy number was estimated by processing our data in 20 Kb cases of reads. Multiple sub-clones were identified in sample number one where four clusters of sub-clones characterized cancer heterogeneity. By using Fast maximum-likelihood and Bayesian Information Criterion, the clustering process were implemented on the most representative sample to select the optimal clustering solution. This allowed us to provide a better insight of sub-clonal evolution. We detected copy number changes on entire chromosome arms and mutations at variant detection level. For this last, we identified previously reported VHL gene mutations that have been reported in RCC samples as signatures of clinical prognosis. The use of single cell copy number analysis has the potential to uncover and characterize the evolution of hidden sub-clones, highlighting their important uses in cancer health disparities research to identify genomic racial differences in RCC risk and progression of AA, Hispanics and CA patients.

Citation Format: Enrique I. Velazquez Villarreal, David W. Craig, John D. Carpten. Introducing single-cell sequencing genomic DNA copy number analysis to study cancer heterogeneity in renal cell carcinoma and its potential benefits in cancer health disparities research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A004.
Abstract A013: “You can’t escape tobacco; you have to change your environment”: Perceived barriers to and recommendations for cessation among polytobacco using urban young adults in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Le Daisy , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Atnafou Rebkha , Moran Meghan B.
Published: September 2020

Background/Purpose: Polyuse of tobacco products is increasing among urban young adults. Understanding different use profiles and the obstacles that this population faces in an attempt to quit smoking is important to inform effective cessation programs. We explored perceived barriers to tobacco cessation and recommendations for/interest in cessation programs among urban young adult polytobacco users. Methods/Approach: 17 focus groups were conducted among 97 tobacco users between the ages of 18 and 26 from Baltimore, Maryland. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis. Results/Findings: All participants reported a history of tobacco product polyuse, and 85% reported polyuse in the past 30 days. Several barriers to tobacco cessation emerged, including: influence of social network, easy access, source of stress relief (anxiety management), belief in self-control (ability to stop on own if desired), and boredom. Most participants reported little interest in or success with standard pamphlet-based and in-person cessation programs, but did view mobile-based cessation programs favorably. Discussions suggested that the ideal program would be quick, interactive, and would provide tailored prompts along the way, delivering cues to action. Conclusions/Significance: Given the higher prevalence of polyuse in comparison to single use for this population, tobacco cessation interventions targeting urban young adults may need to account for polyuse of tobacco. Results from this study indicate that this population faces multiple barriers to cessation, but that there is interest in utilizing mobile-based interventions and social media for cessation attempts, ultimately allowing them to manage cessation in their own time, and is more fitting of their lifestyle.

Citation Format: Daisy Le, Gypsyamber D'Souza, Rebkha Atnafou, Meghan B. Moran. “You can’t escape tobacco; you have to change your environment”: Perceived barriers to and recommendations for cessation among polytobacco using urban young adults in Baltimore, Maryland [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A013.
Abstract A075: Lifestyle-associated metabolites drive neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer
Authors: Knowell Ashley E. , Nogueira Lourdes M , Biotidara Taiwo , Sutton Brandon , Satterwhite Arabia , Lilly Michael , Brown Shanora , Turner Dave , Findlay Victoria
Published: September 2020

Prostate cancer affects African American (AA) men disproportionately in the US, but even more so in the state of South Carolina, with 3 times higher mortality rates for AA men when compared to European American (EA) men. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a subtype of castrate resistant prostate cancer with aggressive clinical features and poor overall survival. NEPC is associated with androgen independence and a lack of therapeutic options. Although de novo NEPC is rare, recent studies support the idea that transformation of prostate adenocarcinoma cells through a process of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) into NEPC as a mechanism of resistance to androgen receptor-directed therapies (ADT). The investigators have identified a lifestyle factor known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that promote a more aggressive prostate cancer phenotype through the induction of a specific microRNA (miR-204) and MYC (a known driver of NEPC). The role of miR-204 in prostate cancer was considered controversial with some groups reporting a tumor suppressor and others an oncogenic role. More recent studies now show that miR-204 plays an oncogenic role in AR negative cells representing NEPC and as a tumor suppressor in AR positive cells representing prostate adenocarcinoma. We show that AGEs upregulate miR-204, MYC and drive NED in vitro and drive aggressive tumor growth in vivo. Relevant as both AGEs and miR-204 are elevated in AA men, when compared to EA men, with prostate cancer. We also show that inhibition of miR-204 can inhibit the neuroendocrine phenotype, including the downregulation of MYC. This innovative study is the first to link a lifestyle factor (AGE) and a plasma biomarker (miR-204) together as drivers of racial disparities in prostate cancer aggression, and as drivers that can be clinically targeted and may be informative for novel therapeutic interventions to delay or prevent the emergence of NEPC during ADT. Work supported by NIH/NCI Project #1U54CA210963

Citation Format: Ashley E. Knowell, Lourdes M Nogueira, Taiwo Biotidara, Brandon Sutton, Arabia Satterwhite, Michael Lilly, Shanora Brown, Dave Turner, Victoria Findlay. Lifestyle-associated metabolites drive neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A075.