bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broccoli yield and dry matter partitioning in response to application of sediment from post-harvest washing of mussels
Authors: Sharifi Mehdi , Owen Josée , Hajiaghaei-Kamrani Monireh , Hammermeister Andrew M.
Published: September 2020

The response of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., ‘Arcadia’) yield to application rates of mussel sediment (MS) from post-harvest washing as source of nitrogen (N) was evaluated in a 2 yr (2011–2012) study in Bouctouche, NB, Canada. Treatments in 2011 included a control (no amendment or fertilizer), three rates of MS (28 000, 42 000, and 56 000 L·ha−1 equivalent to 14.7, 22.0, and 29.4 kg N·ha−1) and an inorganic N fertilizer (135 kg N·ha−1). In 2012, all plots were split, with just half of each plot receiving a repeat treatment application. Fertilizer and MS increased total fresh yields by 115% and 29%, respectively, compared with the control, with no significant differences between MS application rates. Total dry matter yield followed the same order as total fresh yield, but only at P < 0.10 in either years. Marketable yield was not affected by treatments in 2011 or by their residual effect in 2012, while it was greater in fertilizer compared with other treatments after 2 yr repeated application. The greatest head compactness and the lowest yellow-eye were measured in fertilizer treatment in both years, while no differences among MS treatments and the control were observed. The effect of treatments on total dry biomass and its partitioning in the broccoli plant was significant (P < 0.05) in both years. Yield and biomass data revealed that 42 000 L MS·ha−1 application rate plus supplemental N sources can be recommended under the soil and climate conditions of the Canadian Maritimes. The concentration of salts in MS is an application rate limiting factor.
Identification of key genes and pathways associated with duck (Anas platyrhynchos) embryonic skin development using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Yuan Xiaoya , Guo Qixin , Bai Hao , Jiang Yong , Zhang Yi , Liang Wenshuang , Wang Zhixiu , Xu Qi , Chang Guobin , Chen Guohong
Published: September 2020

Skin and feather follicle morphogenesis are important processes for duck development; however, the mechanisms underlying morphogenesis at the embryonic stage remain unclear. To improve the understanding of these processes, we used transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analyses to identify the critical genes and pathways involved in duck skin development. Five modules were found to be the most related to five key stages in skin development that span from embryonic day 8 (E8) to postnatal day 7 (D7). Using STEM software, 6519 genes from five modules were clustered into 10 profiles to reveal key genes. Above all, we obtained several key module genes including WNT3A, NOTCH1, SHH, BMP2, NOG, SMAD3, and TGFβ2. Furthermore, we revealed that several pathways play critical roles throughout the skin development process, including the Wnt pathway and cytoskeletal rearrangement-related pathways, whereas others are involved in specific stages of skin development, such as the Notch, Hedgehog, and TGF-beta signaling pathways. Overall, this study identified the pathways and genes that play critical roles in skin development, which may provide a basis for high-quality down-type meat duck breeding.
Shadows and photon spheres with spherical accretions in the four-dimensional Gauss–Bonnet black hole
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Xiong , Zhang Hai-Qing , Zhang Hongbao
Published: September 2020

We investigate the shadows and photon spheres of the four-dimensional Gauss–Bonnet black hole with the static and infalling spherical accretions. We show that, for both cases, there always exist shadows and photon spheres. The radii of the shadows and photon spheres are independent of the profiles of accretion for a fixed Gauss–Bonnet constant, implying that the shadow is a signature of the spacetime geometry and it is hardly influenced by accretion. Because of the Doppler effect, the shadows of the infalling accretion are found to be darker than in the static case. We also investigate the effect of the Gauss–Bonnet constant on the shadow and photon spheres, and we find that the larger the Gauss–Bonnet constant is, the smaller the radii of the shadow and photon spheres will be. In particular, the observed specific intensity increases as the Gauss–Bonnet constant grows.
Masses of fully heavy tetraquarks $$QQ {\bar{Q}} {\bar{Q}}$$ in an extended relativized quark model
Authors: Lü Qi-Fang , Chen Dian-Yong , Dong Yu-Bing
Published: September 2020

Inspired by recent measurement of possible fully charmed tetraquarks in LHCb Collaboration, we investigate the mass spectra of fully heavy tetraquarks $$QQ {\bar{Q}} {\bar{Q}}$$

Q
Q

Q

¯

Q

¯

in an extended relativized quark model. Our estimations indicate that the broad structure around 6.4 GeV should contain one or more ground states for $$cc {\bar{c}} {\bar{c}}$$

c
c

c

¯

c

¯

tetraquarks, while the narrow structure near 6.9 GeV can be categorized as the first radial excitation of $$cc {\bar{c}} {\bar{c}}$$

c
c

c

¯

c

¯

system. Moreover, with the wave functions of the tetraquarks and mesons, the strong decays of tetraquarks into heavy quarkonium pair are qualitatively discussed, which can be further checked by the LHCb and CMS Collaborations.
On the Theory and Design of Cold Resistors
Authors: Song Jiaao , Kish Laszlo B.
Published: September 2020

The concept of using special electrical circuit design to realize “cold resistors”, i.e., an active resistor circuitry with lower effective noise temperature, was first introduced about 80 years ago. Later on, various kinds of artificial resistors were applied in different research areas, such as gravitational wave detection, photo-amplifiers and quartz oscillators. Their proofs of concepts were experimentally proved. Unfortunately, the complete theory was not found even though several attempts had been published, sometimes with errors. In this paper, we describe a correct and complete circuit theoretical model of a cold resistor system. The results are confirmed by computer simulations. A design tool for this circuit is also shown.
PROSPECT – A precision reactor oscillation and spectrum experiment
Authors: Bowden N. S.
Published: September 2020

PROSPECT is a reactor antineutrino experiment whose primary goals are to search for short-baseline neutrino oscillations and perform a precise measurement of the [Formula: see text]U reactor antineutrino energy spectrum. Since March 2018, PROSPECT has operated a 4 ton antineutrino detector less than 10 m from the 85 MW High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Operating in this environment with tight space constraints and limited overburden to attenuate cosmic ray backgrounds is a significant technical challenge. The PROSPECT detector design uses efficient optical segmentation and a 6Li-doped liquid scintillator with good light yield and pulse-shape discrimination properties to achieve excellent energy reconstruction and background rejection in a compact, space efficient system. Initial results from PROSPECT have demonstrated the ability to detect 100 s of antineutrino events per day with good signal-to-background in this aboveground location and perform precise measurements of the HFIR antineutrino energy spectrum.
Mechanical engineering, design and structural health monitoring at the ESS facility to enable science
Authors: Gazis Nikolaos , Tanke Eugene , Lindroos Mats , Tacklind Magnus , Radahl Peter , Jonsdottir Karen
Published: September 2020

The European Spallation Source (ESS), which is established as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), is a multi-disciplinary research facility that is currently under construction. ESS has as vision to develop to a world class facility, enabling scientific breakthroughs in research related to materials, energy, health and the environment. The ESS facility is built by a collaboration of some 100 research institutes and universities.

With its 5 MW average beam power, its linac will be the most powerful linac of all neutron spallation sources. Neutrons are obtained by delivering 2 GeV protons at a repetition rate of 14 Hz to the He-cooled solid tungsten rotating target. The Accelerator is built with a high percentage of In-Kind Contributions (IKC) with major accelerator systems being designed, prototyped and built outside ESS. The first major accelerator elements are now being assembled and tested with their first parts being installed. Future similar large-scale projects could likely be IKC-based, which is a powerful model. Within ESS, the Mechanical Engineering & Technology (MET) section is responsible for developing and maintaining mechanical engineering and design throughout the facility. The mechanical design is consolidated in the master model and available under the ESS Plant Layout, including all In-Kind Contributions as well as other related mechanical engineering content. Consequently, the MET section is also responsible for the design, development and supervision of the proton accelerator and tungsten target in terms of civil and infrastructure design for the physical plant. In parallel, ESS has set stringent goals for high availability and reliability on the machines during operations. In order to deliver these goals and monitor the aging status of critical parts of the machines, prototypes and one-of-a-kinds, the MET section has developed and currently implements Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) program on the accelerator primarily and other machines for Operations. The innovative strategy and application of Non-Destructive Testing for Machines (NDTM) is under development by the MET section with the leading benefit of utilizing the technology of Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS). Both reference and irradiated samples undergo RUS measurements to obtain spectral responses of the dedicated materials, for machine reliability and operations availability purposes.
Photocathode study of the CompactLight Collaboration for a novel XFEL development
Authors: Gazis Nikolaos , Tanke Eugene , Trachanas Emmanuil , Apostolopoulos Theodoros , Karagiannaki Angeliki , Pramatari Katerina , Telali Irini , Tzanetou Katerina , Gazis Evangelos
Published: September 2020

The latest generation of light sources, the Free Electron Lasers that are capable of delivering high-intensity photon beams of unprecedented brilliance and quality, provide a substantially novel way to probe matter with a very high, largely unexplored potential for science and innovation. The CompactLight Collaboration intends to design a hard X-ray FEL facility beyond today’s state of the art using the latest concepts for bright electron photoinjectors, very high-gradient X-band structures at 12 GHz, and innovative compact short-period undulators. When compared to existing facilities, the proposed facility will benefit from a lower electron beam energy, due to the enhanced undulator performance, will be significantly more compact with a smaller footprint, as a consequence of both the lower energy and the high-gradient X-band structures, and will have a much lower electrical power demand. This paper gives an overview of different candidate photocathode materials for use in conjunction with a laser and presents the proposed design of the photocathode and the related laser. Also presented are the e-gun with solenoid selection and design, together with relevant simulation results.
New ideas on prospective low energy threshold detectors for dark matter searches
Authors: Calabrese Roberto , Guarise Marco , Khanbekyan Alen , Luppi Eleonora , Tomassetti Luca , Braggio Caterina , Carugno Giovanni , Chiossi Federico , Dainelli Antonio , Poggi Marco , Mariotti Emilio ,   DEMIURGOS Collaboration
Published: September 2020

Low energy threshold detectors are necessary in many frontier fields of experimental physics. In particular, these are extremely important for probing possible dark matter (DM) candidates. We present a novel detection approach that exploits the energy levels of atoms maintained at cryogenic temperature. We exploit laser-assisted transitions that are triggered by the absorption of the incident particle in the material and lead to the emission of a fluorescent photon or an electron. In this approach, the incident particle will in fact excite the first low-lying energy level that is then up-converted using an opportune narrow-band laser system. Two different detection schemes are thus possible in our active material: one is based on a photon signal while the other takes advantage of high efficiency in-vacuum charge detection.
Stratigraphy and structure of regionally-isolated hydrocarbon occurrences in the Azua Basin, south-central Dominican Republic (Northeastern Caribbean)
Authors: Mann Paul , Pierce Stephen
Published: September 2020

Oil seeps and small-production oilfields in south-central Hispaniola are regionally isolated from much larger hydrocarbon provinces in the circum-Gulf of Mexico and northern South America. In this study, we evaluate the tectonic, stratigraphic and structural setting of these hydrocarbon occurrences. The zone of late Miocene to Recent oblique convergence includes the Bahamas Platform, Cretaceous and Paleogene arc rocks in Hispaniola, and the Cretaceous Caribbean oceanic plateau. Twentieth-century hydrocarbon exploration in Hispaniola has been concentrated on the elongate, NW- to WNW-trending, thrust- and strike-slip fault-bounded Cibao, San Juan–Azua and Enriquillo basins. Analyses of Cretaceous to Neogene rocks in the Dominican Republic have revealed that most rocks contain poor to marginal total organic carbon values. In the Azua Basin, a shallow marine, basin-edge facies of the middle Miocene Sombrerito Formation underlies the area of natural oil seeps and limited historical oil production and exhibits good to excellent total organic carbon values greater than 1%. Structural traps for oil at the Maleno and Higuerito oilfields of the Dominican Republic are large anticlines formed in post-late Miocene time. Reservoir rock for oil at the Maleno and Higuerito oilfields of the Dominican Republic is submarine fan-deposited sandstone of the late Miocene Trinchera Formation.
Opioids and the Criminal Justice System: New Challenges Posed by the Modern Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Caulkins Jonathan P. , Gould Anne , Pardo Bryce , Reuter Peter , Stein Bradley D.
Published: September 2020

The traditional US heroin market has transformed into a broader illegal opioid market, dominated first by prescription opioids (PO) and now also by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids (FOSO). Understanding of opioid-use disorder (OUD) has also transformed from being seen as a driver of crime to a medical condition whose sufferers deserve treatment. This creates new challenges and opportunities for the criminal justice system (CJS). Addressing inmates’ OUD is a core responsibility, including preventing overdose after release. Treatment can be supported by diversion programs (e.g., drug courts, among others) and by providing medication-assisted treatment in prison, not only as a crime-control strategy but also because of ethical and legal responsibilities to provide appropriate healthcare. The CJS also has opportunities to alter supply that were not relevant in the past, including deterring pill-mill doctors and disrupting web sites used to distribute FOSO.
The Origins of Social Knowledge in Altricial Species
Authors: Faust Katerina M. , Carouso-Peck Samantha , Elson Mary R. , Goldstein Michael H.
Published: September 2020

Human infants are altricial, born relatively helpless and dependent on parental care for an extended period of time. This protracted time to maturity is typically regarded as a necessary epiphenomenon of evolving and developing large brains. We argue that extended altriciality is itself adaptive, as a prolonged necessity for parental care allows extensive social learning to take place. Human adults possess a suite of complex social skills, such as language, empathy, morality, and theory of mind. Rather than requiring hardwired, innate knowledge of social abilities, evolution has outsourced the necessary information to parents. Critical information for species-typical development, such as species recognition, may originate from adults rather than from genes, aided by underlying perceptual biases for attending to social stimuli and capacities for statistical learning of social actions. We draw on extensive comparative findings to illustrate that, across species, altriciality functions as an adaptation for social learning from caregivers.
Vascular endothelial growth factor B promotes transendothelial fatty acid transport into skeletal muscle via histone modifications during catch-up growth
Authors: Lu Xiaodan , Hu Shengqing , Liao Yunfei , Zheng Juan , Zeng Tianshu , Zhong Xueyu , Liu Geng , Gou Luoning , Chen Lulu
Published: September 2020

Caloric restriction (CR) followed by refeeding, a phenomenon known as catch-up growth (CUG), results in excessive lipid deposition and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent reports have suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) controls muscle lipid accumulation by regulating endothelial fatty acid transport. Here, we found continuous activation of VEGF-B signaling and increased lipid uptake in skeletal muscle from CR to refeeding, as well as increased lipid deposition and impaired insulin sensitivity after refeeding in the skeletal muscle of CUG rodents. Inhibiting VEGF-B signaling reduced fatty acid uptake in and transport across endothelial cells. Knockdown of Vegfb in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of CUG mice significantly attenuated muscle lipid accumulation and ameliorated muscle insulin sensitivity by decreasing lipid uptake. Furthermore, we showed that aberrant histone methylation (H3K9me1) and acetylation (H3K14ac and H3K18ac) at the Vegfb promoter might be the main cause of persistent VEGF-B upregulation in skeletal muscle during CUG. Modifying these aberrant loci using their related enzymes [PHD finger protein 2 (PHF2) or E1A binding protein p300 (p300)] could regulate VEGF-B expression in vitro. Collectively, our findings indicate that VEGF-B can promote transendothelial lipid transport and lead to lipid overaccumulation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle during CUG, which might be mediated by histone methylation and acetylation.
Mitochondrial transformations in the aging human placenta
Authors: Bartho Lucy A. , Fisher Joshua J. , Cuffe James S. M. , Perkins Anthony V.
Published: September 2020

Mitochondria play a key role in homeostasis and are central to one of the leading hypotheses of aging, the free radical theory. Mitochondria function as a reticulated network, constantly adapting to the cellular environment through fusion (joining), biogenesis (formation of new mitochondria), and fission (separation). This adaptive response is particularly important in response to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and aging, when mitochondria are selectively removed through mitophagy, a mitochondrial equivalent of autophagy. During this complex process, mitochondria influence surrounding cell biology and organelles through the release of signaling molecules. Given that the human placenta is a unique organ having a transient and somewhat defined life span of ∼280 days, any adaption or dysfunction associated with mitochondrial physiology as a result of aging will have a dramatic impact on the health and function of both the placenta and the fetus. Additionally, a defective placenta during gestation, resulting in reduced fetal growth, has been shown to influence the development of chronic disease in later life. In this review we focus on the mitochondrial adaptions and transformations that accompany gestational length and share similarities with age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the role of such changes in regulating placental function throughout gestation, the etiology of gestational complications, and the development of chronic diseases later in life.
RNA-Seq profiling of microdissected glomeruli identifies potential biomarkers for human IgA nephropathy
Authors: Park Sehoon , Yang Seung Hee , Jeong Chang Wook , Moon Kyung Chul , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Lee Jae Wook , Lee Hajeong
Published: September 2020

Few studies have examined gene expression changes occurring in the glomeruli of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) using a sensitive transcriptomic profiling method such as RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). We collected glomeruli from biopsy specimens from patients with IgAN with relatively preserved kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 mL·min−1·1.73 m−2and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio < 3 g/g) and from normal kidney cortexes by hand microdissection and performed RNA-Seq. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and gene ontology term annotation and pathway analysis were performed. Immunohistochemical labeling and primary mesangial cell cultures were performed to confirm the findings of RNA-Seq analysis. Fourteen patients with IgAN and ten controls were included in this study. Glomerulus-specific genes were highly abundant. Principal component analysis showed clear separation between the IgAN and control groups. There were 2,497 differentially expressed genes, of which 1,380 were upregulated and 1,117 were downregulated (false discovery rate < 0.01). The enriched gene ontology terms included motility/migration, protein/vesicle transport, and immune system, and kinase binding was the molecular function overrepresented in IgAN. B cell signaling, chemokine signal transduction, and Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis were the canonical pathways overrepresented. In vitro experiments confirmed that spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), reported as upregulated in the IgAN transcriptome, was also upregulated in glomeruli from an independent set of patients with IgAN and that treatment with patient-derived IgA1 increased the expression of SYK in mesangial cells. In conclusion, transcriptomic profiling of the IgAN glomerulus provides insights in the intraglomerular pathophysiology of IgAN before it reaches profound kidney dysfunction. SYK may have a pathogenetic role in IgAN.
Non-purine selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor ameliorates glomerular endothelial injury in InsAkita diabetic mice
Authors: Itano Seiji , Kadoya Hiroyuki , Satoh Minoru , Nakamura Takashi , Murase Takayo , Sasaki Tamaki , Kanwar Yashpal S. , Kashihara Naoki
Published: September 2020

Endothelial dysfunction represents a predominant early feature of diabetes, rendering patients with diabetes prone to renal complications, e.g., proteinuria. Recent studies have indicated a possible role for xanthine oxidase (XO) in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunctions associated with diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of XO activation on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in a mouse model using selective XO inhibitors. Male Ins2Akita heterozygous mice were used with wild-type mice as controls. Akita mice were treated with topiroxostat (Topi) or vehicle for 4 wk. Serum uric acid levels were significantly reduced in Akita + Topi mice compared with Akita + vehicle mice. The Akita + Topi group had a significant reduction in urinary albumin excretion compared with the Akita + vehicle group. Mesangial expansion, glomerular collagen type IV deposition, and glomerular endothelial injury (assessed by lectin staining and transmission electron microscopy) were considerably reduced in the Akita + topi group compared with the Akita + vehicle group. Furthermore, glomerular permeability was significantly higher in the Akita + vehicle group compared with the wild-type group. These changes were reduced with the administration of Topi. We conclude that XO inhibitors preserve glomerular endothelial functions and rescue compromised glomerular permeability, suggesting that XO activation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
A Lightweight Attribute-Based Security Scheme for Fog-Enabled Cyber Physical Systems
Authors: Junejo Aisha Kanwal , Komninos Nikos
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a lightweight attribute-based security scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is proposed for fog-enabled cyber physical systems (Fog-CPS). A novel aspect of the proposed scheme is that the communication between Fog-CPS entities is secure even when the certification authority (CA) is compromised. This is achieved by dividing the attributes into two sets, namely, secret and shared, and subsequently generating two key pairs, referred to as the partial and final key pairs, for each entity of the Fog-CPS system. Unlike existing attribute-based encryption (ABE) and identity-based encryption schemes, in the proposed scheme, each entity calculates the final public key of the communicating CPS devices without the need of generating and transmitting digital certificates. Moreover, the proposed security scheme considers an efficient and secure key pair update approach in which the calculation overhead is limited to one group element. To show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, we have calculated and compared the memory and processing complexity with other bilinear and elliptic curve schemes. We have also implemented our scheme in a Raspberry Pi (3B+ model) for CPS simulations. The proposed scheme guarantees the confidentiality, integrity, privacy, and authenticity in Fog-CPS systems.
Antimicrobial Resistance Phenotype of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Isolates Obtained from Meat in the Formal and Informal Sectors in South Africa
Authors: Jaja Ishmael Festus , Jaja Chinwe-Juliana Iwu , Chigor Nnamdi Vincent , Anyanwu Madubuike Umunna , Maduabuchi Ezealisiji Kenneth , Oguttu James Wabwire , Green Ezekiel
Published: September 2020

Background. Foodborne diseases (FBD) caused by resistant pathogens are a global public health problem. One main driver of the increasing FBD incidence is the transfer of pathogenic organisms from animal guts to carcasses during processing and subsequent transfer from meat products to consumers. Methods. In this study, meat samples from abattoirs in the formal meat sector (FMS) (n = 140) and slaughter points in the informal meat sector (IMS) (n = 104) were collected for microbial detection and phenotypic AMR determination using polymerase chain reaction. Results. The antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus isolates revealed that resistance to clindamycin (74.3%) and ampicillin (59.5%) was highest in the FMS, while resistance to penicillin (83.8%) and tetracycline (82.1%) was highest in the IMS. Escherichia coli isolates show significant resistance to chloramphenicol (90.7%) and tetracycline (82.3%) in the FMS. Likewise, resistance to tetracycline (92.3%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (87.5%) was highest in the IMS. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) for S. aureus and E. coli ranged from 0.3 to 0.8 and 0.2 to 0.5, respectively. Conclusion. This study suggests high‐level contamination of meat with resistant pathogens and highlights the public health consequences associated with consuming such unhygienic products.
Experimental Demonstration of Zadoff–Chu Matrix Transform Precoding for MIMO-OFDM Visible Light Communications
Authors: Guo Xinyue , Wang Chuxian , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

Visible light communication (VLC) based on a light-emitting diode (LED) is considered to be a potential candidate for the next-generation communication. In this paper, a novel Zadoff–Chu matrix transform (ZCT) precoding is proposed to improve the performance of the traditional space-time block coding- (STBC-) based multiple-input multiple-output and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) system. Compared with the existing orthogonal circulant matrix transform (OCT) precoding scheme, the proposed ZCT precoding achieves a much lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) while maintaining the advantage of the uniform signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which reduces the performance loss caused by LED nonlinearity. To study the system performance further, we set up an experimental demonstration to verify performance improvement under the condition of different driving peak-to-peak voltages (Vpps) and direct current (DC) offsets. Experimental results show that ZCT precoding gains the best bit error rate (BER) performance compared with the traditional and the OCT precoding MIMO-OFDM systems, whose BER is always below the 7% pre-forward error correction (pre-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3.
Improved Cloud-Assisted Privacy-Preserving Profile-Matching Scheme in Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Zou Ying , Chai Yanting , Shi Sha , Wang Lei , Peng Yunfeng , Ping Yuan , Wang Baocang
Published: September 2020

Due to the transparency of the wireless channel, users in multiple-key environment are vulnerable to eavesdropping during the process of uploading personal data and re-encryption keys. Besides, there is additional burden of key management arising from multiple keys of users. In addition, profile matching using inner product between vectors cannot effectively filter out users with ulterior motives. To tackle the above challenges, we first improve a homomorphic re-encryption system (HRES) to support a single homomorphic multiplication and arbitrarily many homomorphic additions. The public key negotiated by the clouds is used to encrypt the users’ data, thereby avoiding the issues of key leakage and key management, and the privacy of users’ data is also protected. Furthermore, our scheme utilizes the homomorphic multiplication property of the improved HRES algorithm to compute the cosine result between the normalized vectors as the standard for measuring the users’ proximity. Thus, we can effectively improve the social experience of users.
Determinants of Diabetic Nephropathy among Diabetic Patients in General Public Hospitals of Tigray, Ethiopia, 2018/19
Authors: Mariye Zemicheal Teklewoini , Bahrey Tadesse Degena , Tasew Atalay Hagos , Teklay Weldesamuel Girmay , Gebremichael Gebrewahd Bezabh , Tesfay Haben Nuguse , Haile Teklehaimanot Gereziher
Published: September 2020

Background. Diabetic nephropathy is real damage resulting from having uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Unmanaged diabetic nephropathy is one of the most leading causes of kidney failure. There is a scarcity of information on the determinants of diabetic nephropathy among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia. Identification of the determinants can help devise a strategy to properly address the disease and its consequences. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the determinants of diabetic nephropathy among diabetes mellitus patients. Methods. Unmatched case-control study design with 168 cases and 672 controls with a mean age of 45.18 and 62.12, respectively, participated in the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was employed for data collection, and a systematic sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were entered into Epi data and exported to SPSS for data clarification and analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to check the level of association between diabetic nephropathy and the independent variables. Results. Comorbidity (AOR: 4.96 at 95 CI: 1.77–13.87), hypertension (AOR: 6.33, 95% CI: 2.51–16.02), poor glycemic control (AOR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.31, 8.21), age (AOR: 1.14, 95%: 1.09–1.19), duration with diabetes mellitus since diagnosis (AOR: 1.83, 95 CI: 1.62–2.06), and nonadherence to diabetic medication (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.34, 8.15), diet (AOR: 5.96, 95%: 1.92–18.54), and exercise (AOR: 5.60, 95% CI: 1.94–16.21) were the determinants of diabetic nephropathy. Conclusion. Adherence to medication, diet, and exercise should be empowered to achieve glycemic control and to prevent diabetic nephropathy. More attention has to be also given for old aged diabetic patients, long duration since diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other comorbidities.
Measurement of Bone Mineral Density in Children with Cerebral Palsy from an Ethical Issue to a Diagnostic Necessity
Authors: Nurković Jasmin S. , Petković Pavle , Tiosavljević Danijela , Vojinović Radiša
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Due to concerns about cumulative radiation exposure in the pediatric population, it is not standard practice to perform dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis in the diagnostic process of musculoskeletal disorders, such as cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) in children with CP and the ethical justification of applying DXA analysis in these children. Material and Methods. In this monocentric retrospective analysis, data were collected from children and adolescents with CP who were treated for a primary illness for three years. A clinical examination, which included a DXA analysis, recommended by the multidisciplinary team, was performed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 scans remained for statistical analysis. BMD and Z‐scores for the lumbar spine (LS), and hip right and left femoral neck (RFN and LFN, respectively), and total hip (TH) were recorded. Results. The average age of children with CP when DXA analysis was first performed was about 7 years. The BMD (mean ± SD) at LS (LS‐BMD) of all patients was 0.612 ± 0.12, at RFN 0.555 ± 0.11, at LFN 0.572 ± 0.1, and at TH (TH‐BMD) 0.581 ± 0.13. The values of the Z‐score (mean ± SD) at LS of all patients were −2.5 ± 0.22, at RFN −2.2 ± 0.21, at LFN ‐2.25 (SD = 0.2), and at TH ‐2.3 (SD = 0.23). There was no statistical significance between age and gender; however, BMI, walking ability, fracture history, and pattern of CP had a significant impact on BMD and Z‐score values of these children. Conclusion. The results of our study clearly indicate that children with CP have a higher risk of low BMD, osteoporosis, and bone fractures, which makes it ethically justifiable to perform the DXA analysis in these children.
Metasurface-Based Cylindrical Lenses and Their Antenna Gain Enhancement
Authors: Shang Yuping , Zhou Wenjun , Liao Cheng
Published: September 2020

Electromagnetic metasurface lenses with the characteristic of being conformal to a cylindrical geometry are presented in this study. Based on the formulated principle of the cylindrical metasurface lens operating with transmission or reflection mode, the transmission or reflection phase gradient varying along the circumferential direction of a cylinder is implemented. A focused beam is observed at the objective focal point for each lens illuminated by a plane electromagnetic wave with transverse magnetic or transverse electric polarization. A coaxial-fed microstrip patch antenna element is used as a feeding of cylindrical metasurface lenses and positioned at their focal points, so as to evaluate their application in the enhancement of antenna gain along the boresight direction. By virtue of the focusing ability of presented lenses, effectively enhanced boresight gain from the cylindrical metasurface lens antennas are obtained, in comparison with the freestanding feeding antenna. The agreement between simulation and measurement validates the designs. Conformal integration or embedment of the electromagnetic lens into a certain platform skin with cylindrical characteristics is therefore potentially demonstrated, which implies an enhancement of boresight gain without obviously disturbing the local shape of the skin by apparent weight or drag.
Identification of Key Genes in Gastric Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Chong Xinyu , Peng Rui , Sun Yan , Zhang Luyu , Zhang Zheng
Published: September 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system with few genetic markers for its early detection and prevention. In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using GEO2R from GSE54129 and GSE13911 of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, gene enrichment analysis, protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and topological analysis were performed on the DEGs by the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, STRING, and Cytoscape. Finally, we performed survival analysis of key genes through the Kaplan‐Meier plotter. A total of 1034 DEGs were identified in GC. GO and KEGG results showed that DEGs mainly enriched in plasma membrane, cell adhesion, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Subsequently, the PPI network with 44 nodes and 333 edges was constructed, and 18 candidate genes in the network were focused on by centrality analysis and module analysis. Furthermore, data showed that high expressions of fibronectin 1(FN1), the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and versican (VCAN) were related to poor overall survivals in GC patients. In summary, this study suggests that FN1, TIMP1, SPP1, APOE, and VCAN may act as the key genes in GC.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differential Immunocyte Infiltration and Potential ceRNA Networks Involved in the Development of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wu Jiafeng , Deng Huiming , Chen Qianghua , Wu Qiang , Li Xiaolong , Jiang Siwei , Wang Fengxin , Ye Fuyin , Ou Langhui , Gao Hong
Published: September 2020

This study is aimed at identifying potential molecular mechanisms and candidate biomarkers in the left atrial regions for the diagnosis and treatment of valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF). Multibioinformatics methods, including linear models for microarray analysis (LIMMA), an SVA algorithm, CIBERSORT immune infiltration, and DNA methylation analysis, were employed. In addition, the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), and molecular pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) or differential methylation regions were constructed. In all, compared with the normal rhythm group, 243 different mRNAs (29 downregulated and 214 upregulated) and 26 different lncRNAs (3 downregulated and 23 upregulated) were detected in the left atrium (LA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, and the neutrophil and CD8+ T cell were infiltrated. Additionally, 199 different methylation sites (107 downregulated and 92 upregulated) were also identified based on DNA methylation analysis. After integration, ELOVL2, CCR2, and WEE1 were detected for differentially methylated and differentially transcribed genes. Among them, WEE1 was also a core gene identified by the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network that included WEE1‐KRBOX1‐AS1‐hsa‐miR‐17‐5p, in VAF left atrial tissue. We combined the DNA methylation and transcriptional expression differential analysis and found that WEE1 (cg13365543) may well be a candidate gene regulated by DNA methylation modification. Moreover, KRBOX1‐AS1 and WEE1 can compete endogenously and may mediate myocardial tissue infiltration into CD8+ T cells and participate in the AF process.
Therapeutic HL-Contact Lens versus Standard Bandage Contact Lens for Corneal Edema: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover Study
Authors: Daphna Ofer , Mimouni Michael , Keshet Yariv , Ben Ishai Meydan , Barequet Irina S. , Knyazer Boris , Mrukwa-Kominek Ewa , Zarnowski Tomasz , Chen-Zion Malca , Marcovich Arie
Published: September 2020

Introduction. To compare the safety and efficacy of the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens versus a standard bandage contact lens (PureVision B&L) for chronic corneal edema. Methods. Prospective, multicenter, randomized, crossover study. Chronic corneal edema patients were randomized to one of two arms. The first arm was fitted with the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens while the second arm was fitted with a standard soft bandage contact lens. Both arms were treated with 5% sodium chloride 6 times a day. After a 7-day treatment period, there was a 7-day washout period, after which the arms were crossed over. Patients were evaluated at days 0 (baseline), 7 (following first treatment allocation), 14 (following washout), and 21 (following second treatment allocation). The primary outcomes were 3 lines of BCVA (best corrected visual acuity) improvement. Results. In total, 49 patients were enrolled. There was significantly greater BCVA improvement rate >3 lines (30.4% versus 17.4%, P=0.04) in the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens group. The mean change in BCVA lines was significantly greater for the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens (3.4 ± 6.7 versus 0.9 ± 2.3, P=0.02). Conclusions. The Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens was associated with a higher chance for significant visual acuity improvement when compared to a standard bandage contact lens combined with 5% sodium chloride. This trial is registered with NCT02660151.
Effect of Subway Excavation with Different Support Pressures on Existing Utility Tunnel in Xi’an Loess
Authors: Yang Min , Li Hongru , Li Ning , Yang Shun
Published: September 2020

The interaction between two shield tunnels and the integrated pipe corridor is complicated and still lacks understanding. This paper investigated the influence of the double‐track subway construction on the deformation characteristics of the existing comprehensive pipe corridor based on numerical simulation on a case history in Xi’an, China. First, loess is a special kind of clayed soil. In the theoretical calculation of overburden earth pressure of shield tunnel, the loose earth pressure theory under the incomplete soil arching effect can be used for calculation when considering the soil arching effect. Then, in the loess area of Xi’an, the existing comprehensive pipe corridor is affected by the construction disturbance. The vertical displacement of the existing pipe corridor utility tunnel affected by different support pressures which considers the soil arch effect or not was extracted from the FEM. The results indicated that, in the case where the left and right lines are constructed at different times, the vertical displacement of the pipe gallery is affected by different support pressures. If the support pressure is small, the settlement will be large, and the uplift will be diminutive. According to the construction methods and supporting pressures of this article, shield tunnel construction will not damage the safety of the comprehensive pipe corridor.
The Retinal Inner Plexiform Synaptic Layer Mirrors Grey Matter Thickness of Primary Visual Cortex with Increased Amyloid β Load in Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jorge Lília , Canário Nádia , Martins Ricardo , Santiago Beatriz , Santana Isabel , Quental Hugo , Ambrósio Francisco , Bernardes Rui , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: September 2020

The retina may serve as putative window into neuropathology of synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we investigated synapse-rich layers versus layers composed by nuclei/cell bodies in an early stage of AD. In addition, we examined the associations between retinal changes and molecular and structural markers of cortical damage. We recruited 20 AD patients and 17 healthy controls (HC). Combining optical coherence tomography (OCT), magnetic resonance (MR), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we measured retinal and primary visual cortex (V1) thicknesses, along with V1 amyloid β (Aβ) retention ([11C]-PiB PET tracer) and neuroinflammation ([11C]-PK11195 PET tracer). We found that V1 showed increased amyloid-binding potential, in the absence of neuroinflammation. Although thickness changes were still absent, we identified a positive association between the synapse-rich inner plexiform layer (IPL) and V1 in AD. This retinocortical interplay might reflect changes in synaptic function resulting from Aβ deposition, contributing to early visual loss.
A Comprehensive Method for Assessing Meat Freshness Using Fusing Electronic Nose, Computer Vision, and Artificial Tactile Technologies
Authors: Weng Xiaohui , Luan Xiangyu , Kong Cheng , Chang Zhiyong , Li Yinwu , Zhang Shujun , Al-Majeed Salah , Xiao Yingkui
Published: September 2020

The traditional methods cannot be used to meet the requirements of rapid and objective detection of meat freshness. Electronic nose (E-Nose), computer vision (CV), and artificial tactile (AT) sensory technologies can be used to mimic humans’ compressive sensory functions of smell, look, and touch when making judgement of meat quality (freshness). Though individual E-Nose, CV, and AT sensory technologies have been used to detect the meat freshness, the detection results vary and are not reliable. In this paper, a new method has been proposed through the integration of E-Nose, CV, and AT sensory technologies for capturing comprehensive meat freshness parameters and the data fusion method for analysing the complicated data with different dimensions and units of six odour parameters of E-Nose, 9 colour parameters of CV, and 4 rubbery parameters of AT for effective meat freshness detection. The pork and chicken meats have been selected for a validation test. The total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) assays are used to define meat freshness as the standard criteria for validating the effectiveness of the proposed method. The principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM) are used as unsupervised and supervised pattern recognition methods to analyse the source data and the fusion data of the three instruments, respectively. The experimental and data analysis results show that compared to a single technology, the fusion of E-Nose, CV, and AT technologies significantly improves the detection performance of various freshness meat products. In addition, partial least squares (PLS) is used to construct TVB-N value prediction models, in which the fusion data is input. The root mean square error predictions (RMSEP) for the sample pork and chicken meats are 1.21 and 0.98, respectively, in which the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.91 and 0.94. This means that the proposed method can be used to effectively detect meat freshness and the storage time (days).
Dynamics and Control of Tethered Satellite System in Elliptical Orbits under Resonances
Authors: Pang Zhaojun , Du Zhonghua , Cheng Chun , Wang Qingtao
Published: September 2020

This paper studies resonance motions of a tethered satellite system (TSS) in elliptical orbits. A perturbation analysis is carried out to obtain all possible resonance types and corresponding parameter relations, including internal resonances and parametrically excited resonances. Besides, a resonance parametric domain is given to provide a reference for the parameter design of the system. The bifurcation behaviors of the system under resonances are studied numerically. The results show that resonant cases more easily enter chaotic motion than nonresonant cases. The extended time-delay autosynchronization (ETDAS) method is applied to stabilize the chaotic motion to a periodic one. Stability analysis shows that the stable domains become smaller in resonance cases than in the nonresonance case. Finally, it is shown that the large amplitudes of periodic solutions under resonances are the main reason why the system is difficult to control.
Low-Shot Wall Defect Detection for Autonomous Decoration Robots Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zeng Fanyu , Cai Xi , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: September 2020

Wall defect detection is an important function for autonomous decoration robots. Object detection methods based on deep neural networks require a large number of images with the handcrafted bounding box for training. Nonetheless, building large datasets manually is impractical, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this work, we solve this issue to propose the low-shot wall defect detection algorithm using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for autonomous decoration robots. Our algorithm first utilizes the attention proposal network (APN) to generate attention regions and applies AlexNet to extract the features of attention patches to further reduce computation. Finally, we train our method with deep reinforcement learning to learn the optimal detection policy. The experiments are implemented on a low-shot dataset in which images are collected from real decoration environments, and the experimental results show the proposed method can achieve fast convergence and learn the optimal detection policy for wall defect images.