bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine mapping and cloning of the major seed protein quantitative trait loci on soybean chromosome 20
Authors: Fliege Christina E. , Ward Russell A. , Vogel Pamela , Nguyen Hanh , Quach Truyen , Guo Ming , Viana João Paulo Gomes , dos Santos Lucas Borges , Specht James E. , Clemente Tom E. , Hudson Matthew E. , Diers Brian W.
Published: January 2022

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a unique crop species because it has high levels of both protein and oil in its seed. Of the many quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling soybean seed protein content, alleles of the cqSeed protein‐003 QTL on chromosome 20 exert the greatest additive effect. The high‐protein allele exists in both cultivated and wild soybean (Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc.) germplasm. Our objective was to fine map this QTL to enable positional‐based cloning of its underlying causative gene(s). Fine mapping was achieved by developing and testing a series of populations in which the chromosomal region surrounding the segregating high‐ versus low‐protein alleles was gradually narrowed, using marker‐based detection of recombinant events. The resultant 77.8 kb interval was directly sequenced from a G. soja source and compared with the reference genome to identify structural and sequence polymorphisms. An insertion/deletion variant detected in Glyma.20G85100 was found to have near‐perfect +/− concordance with high/low‐protein allele genotypes inferred for this QTL in parents of published mapping populations. The indel structure was concordant with an evolutionarily recent insertion of a TIR transposon into the gene in the low‐protein lineage. Seed protein was significantly greater in soybean expressing an RNAi hairpin downregulation element in two independent events relative to control null segregant lineages. We conclude that a transposon insertion within the CCT domain protein encoded by the Glyma.20G85100 gene accounts for the high/low seed protein alleles of the cqSeed protein‐003 QTL.
Enhanced visibility through microbubble-induced photoacoustic fluctuation imaging
Authors: Inzunza-Ibarra Marco A. , Navarro-Becerra J. Angel , Narumanchi Venkatalakshmi , Bottenus Nick , Murray Todd W. , Borden Mark A.
Published: January 2022

A photoacoustic contrast mechanism is presented based on the photoacoustic fluctuations induced by microbubbles flowing inside a micro-vessel filled with a continuous absorber. It is demonstrated that the standard deviation of a homogeneous absorber mixed with microbubbles increases non-linearly as the microbubble concentration and microbubble size is increased. This effect is then utilized to perform photoacoustic fluctuation imaging with increased visibility and contrast of a blood flow phantom.
Modelling suppression and comodulation masking release using the dual-resonance nonlinear filter
Authors: Gottschalk Martin , Verhey Jesko L
Published: January 2022

Although comodulation masking release (CMR) is commonly associated with across-channel processes, it was often argued that part of the effect may be explained by processing within an auditory filter. One peripheral mechanism for such within-channel process is cochlear suppression. Using the dual-resonance nonlinear filter model with different sets of model parameters, the present study shows that the simulated CMR is associated with the simulated two-tone suppression. A modification of the model parameters results in a more accurate prediction of suppression and thus, is also more accurate in predicting the contribution of suppression to CMR.
Increasing Azithromycin Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Due to NG-MAST 12302 Clonal Spread in Canada, 2015 to 2018
Authors: Sawatzky Pam , Demczuk Walter , Lefebvre Brigitte , Allen Vanessa , Diggle Mathew , Hoang Linda , Van Caeseele Paul , Haldane David , Minion Jessica , Mulvey Michael R. , Martin Irene
Published: January 2022

Azithromycin-resistant (AZIR) gonorrhea has been steadily increasing in Canada over the past decade, which is cause for alarm, as azithromycin (AZI) has been part of the combination therapy recommended by the Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections (CGSTI) since 2012.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
with AZI MICs ≥1 mg/L collected between 2015 and 2018 as part of the Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program-Canada underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing, and whole-genome sequencing. Regional, demographic, and clinical isolation site comparisons were made to aid in our understanding of AZI susceptibility trending.
Fluorine Modifications Contribute to Potent Antiviral Activity against Highly Drug-Resistant HIV-1 and Favorable Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration Property of Novel Central Nervous System-Targeting HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors
In Vitro
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Yedidi Ravikiran S. , Salcedo-Gómez Pedro Miguel , Hayashi Hironori , Hasegawa Kazuya , Martyr Cuthbert D. , Ghosh Arun K. , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: January 2022

To date, there are no specific treatment regimens for HIV-1-related central nervous system (CNS) complications, such as HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Here, we report that two newly generated CNS-targeting HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitors (PIs), GRL-08513 and GRL-08613, which have a P1-3,5-
bis
-fluorophenyl or P1-
para
-monofluorophenyl ring and P2-tetrahydropyrano-tetrahydrofuran (
Tp
-THF) with a sulfonamide isostere, are potent against wild-type HIV-1 strains and multiple clinically isolated HIV-1 strains (50% effective concentration [EC
50
]: 0.0001 to ∼0.0032 μM).
Is the Success of Cefazolin plus Ertapenem in Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Based on Release of Interleukin-1 Beta?
Authors: Smelter Dan , Hayney Mary , Sakoulas George , Rose Warren
Published: January 2022

Cefazolin and ertapenem have been shown to be an effective salvage regimen for refractory methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia. Our findings suggest cefazolin plus ertapenem
in vitro
stimulates interleukin-1β release from peripheral blood monocytes both with and without
S. aureus
presence.
Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with treated spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Chengbin , Ma Yongjie , Tian An , Yu Jiaxing , Chen Sichang , Peng Chao , Yang Kun , Li Guilin , He Chuan , Ye Ming , Hong Tao , Bian Lisong , Wang Zhichao , Ling Feng , Zhang Hongqi
Published: January 2022

Objective

To define the pattern of long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs).

Desgin

Prospective cohort study based on constantly recruiting patients with SDAVFs in two medical centres in China.

Setting

Patients with SDAVFs were recruited consecutively between March 2013 and December 2014 in two referral centres.

Participants

A prospective cohort of 94 patients with SDAVFs was included in this study, and 86 patients (mean age 53.0 years, 71 men) completed the study. Patients who had previously undergone endovascular or neurosurgical treatment or had neurological dysfunction caused by other diseases or refused treatment were excluded.

Interventions

All patients underwent neurosurgery or endovascular embolisation. These patients were evaluated with the modified Aminoff and Logue’s Scale (mALS) 1 day before and 3, 6, 12 and 72 months after treatments.

Results

The duration of symptoms ranged from 0.5 to 66 months (average 12.8 months). The location of SDAVFs was as follows: 33.7% above T7, 50.0% between/include T7 and T12% and 16.3% below T12. 75 patients (87.2%) underwent neurosurgical treatment, and 9 patients (10.5%) underwent endovascular treatment. 58 patients (67.4%) exhibited an improvement in mALS of one point or greater at 72 months. Patients with less disability were more likely to improve at 72 months (p<0.05). 48 patients (55.8%) showed deterioration at 72 months compared with 12 months. 61% of the patients suffered numbness, and 22% had pain before treatment. However, 81% of patients had numbness, and 28% had pain after treatment. This deterioration was related to 1-year mALS and age.

Conclusion

Nearly two-thirds of the patients experienced clinical improvement at 72 months, and preoperative (1 day before treatment) mALS was the strongest predictor of clinical improvement. However, 55.8% of patients showed deterioration after temporary recovery. All patients with SDAVFs should accept treatment as soon as possible.
ACCEPTANCE: protocol for a feasibility study of a multicomponent physical activity intervention following treatment for cervical cancer
Authors: Millet Nessa , McDermott Hilary J , Munir Fehmidah , Edwardson Charlotte L , Moss Esther L
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Cervical cancer treatment can have life changing sequelae and be associated with poor short-term and long-term quality of life. Physical activity (PA; that is, bodily movement) is known to improve health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors, both physically and psychologically. To date, no interventions to increase PA following cervical cancer have been evaluated. This study aims to (1) determine the feasibility of conducting a PA intervention after cervical cancer and (2) to explore the acceptability of the programme and evaluation measures.

Methods and analysis

The design is a pre study and post study design. Thirty participants aged between 18 and 60 years from the Midlands region, UK, who have completed primary treatment for cervical cancer at least 6 months previously and do not meet the national PA guidelines will be recruited. Identification of potential participants will take place through the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust. Participants will receive an intervention focused on increasing PA through the provision of education, action planning, goal setting, problem solving and self-monitoring of PA behaviour, particularly steps per day. Device assessed PA and questionnaires will be completed at baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 24. Feasibility will be assessed in terms of recruitment, retention, attrition, completion of measures and intervention compliance, for which specific feasibility criteria have been established. The process evaluation will explore the experiences and acceptability of the intervention components and evaluation measures.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1 for this study. Results will inform intervention refinement for the design of a definitive pilot trial. These results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and international conferences while input from a patient and public involvement (PPI) group will inform effective ways to circulate results among the wider community.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16349793, Registered 30 September 2020.
Low length/weight growth trajectories of early-term infants during the first year: evidence from a longitudinal study in China
Authors: Chen Kai , Song Lulu , Liu Bingqing , Wu Mingyang , Liu Yunyun , Wang Lulin , Bi Jianing , Liu Qing , Zhang Yiming , Tang Zezhong , Wang Youjie , Yang Rong
Published: January 2022

Objective

To identify common length, weight and body mass index (BMI) growth trajectories of term infants during infancy, and to determine their association with early-term infants.

Design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Wuhan, China.

Patients

A total of 4308 term infants (born at 37–41 weeks of gestation) were included. All term infants were single live birth with no defects and birth weight ≥2500 g, and their mothers were permanent residents of Wuhan for more than 2 years. After excluding 887 infants, a total of 3421 term infants (1028 early-term infants born at 37–38 weeks of gestation and 2393 full-term infants born at 39–41 weeks of gestation) entered the statistical analysis stage.

Main outcome measures

Patterns of length, weight and BMI growth trajectories by using group-based trajectory modelling.

Results

Three distinct physical growth trajectories were identified as follows: length: low stable (1056, 30.9%), moderate stable (1887, 55.2%) and high increasing (477, 13.9%); weight: low stable (1031, 30.1%), moderate stable (1884, 55.1%) and high increasing (505, 14.8%); BMI: low stable (689, 20.1%), moderate stable (2167, 63.4%) and high increasing (564, 16.5%). Compared with the full-term infants, early-term infants were more likely to remain at low-stable trajectory in length (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.66) and weight (OR:1.29; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.53). These associations were still statistically significant after adjusting potential confounders and were more evident among girls in the stratified analysis. There was no statistical association between BMI trajectory patterns and gestational age categories.

Conclusion

Our results suggested the heterogeneity of term infants existed in length, weight and BMI growth trajectories of early childhood. Compared with full-term birth, early-term birth was related to low length and weight trajectories rather than BMI trajectory. Further research is needed to evaluate the duration of these low trajectories and their possible long-term health effects.
Service use, clinical outcomes and user experience associated with urgent care services that use telephone-based digital triage: a systematic review
Authors: Sexton Vanashree , Dale Jeremy , Bryce Carol , Barry James , Sellers Elizabeth , Atherton Helen
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate service use, clinical outcomes and user experience related to telephone-based digital triage in urgent care.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for literature published between 1 March 2000 and 1 April 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies of any design investigating patterns of triage advice, wider service use, clinical outcomes and user experience relating to telephone based digital triage in urgent care.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted data and conducted quality assessments using the mixed methods appraisal tool. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse findings.

Results

Thirty-one studies were included, with the majority being UK based; most investigated nurse-led digital triage (n=26). Eight evaluated the impact on wider healthcare service use following digital triage implementation, typically reporting reduction or no change in service use. Six investigated patient level service use, showing mixed findings relating to patients’ adherence with triage advice. Evaluation of clinical outcomes was limited. Four studies reported on hospitalisation rates of digitally triaged patients and highlighted potential triage errors where patients appeared to have not been given sufficiently high urgency advice. Overall, service users reported high levels of satisfaction, in studies of both clinician and non-clinician led digital triage, but with some dissatisfaction over the relevance and number of triage questions.

Conclusions

Further research is needed into patient level service use, including patients’ adherence with triage advice and how this influences subsequent use of services. Further evaluation of clinical outcomes using larger datasets and comparison of different digital triage systems is needed to explore consistency and safety. The safety and effectiveness of non-clinician led digital triage also needs evaluation. Such evidence should contribute to improvement of digital triage tools and service delivery.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020178500.
Estimands: bringing clarity and focus to research questions in clinical trials
Authors: Clark Timothy Peter , Kahan Brennan C , Phillips Alan , White Ian , Carpenter James R
Published: January 2022

Precise specification of the research question and associated treatment effect of interest is essential in clinical research, yet recent work shows that they are often incompletely specified. The ICH E9 (R1) Addendum on Estimands and Sensitivity Analysis in Clinical Trials introduces a framework that supports researchers in precisely and transparently specifying the treatment effect they aim to estimate in their clinical trial. In this paper, we present practical examples to demonstrate to all researchers involved in clinical trials how estimands can help them to specify the research question, lead to a better understanding of the treatment effect to be estimated and hence increase the probability of success of the trial.
Prospective longitudinal study of ‘Sleepless in Lockdown’: unpacking differences in sleep loss during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK
Authors: Falkingham Jane C , Evandrou Maria , Qin Min , Vlachantoni Athina
Published: January 2022

Objectives

COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups and women. Concern over direct and indirect effects may also impact on sleep. We explore the levels and social determinants of self-reported sleep loss among the UK population during the pandemic, focusing on ethnic and gender disparities.

Setting

This prospective longitudinal study analysed data from seven waves of the Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study collected from April 2020 to January 2021 linked to prepandemic data from the 2019 mainstage interviews, providing baseline information about the respondents prior to the pandemic.

Participants

The analytical sample included 8163 respondents aged 16 and above who took part in all seven waves with full information on sleep loss, defined as experiencing ‘rather more’ or ‘much more’ than usual sleep loss due to worry, providing 57 141 observations.

Primary outcome measures

Self-reported sleep loss. Mixed-effects regression models were fitted to consider within-individual and between-individual differences.

Results

Women were more likely to report sleep loss than men (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 2.4) over the 10-month period. Being female, having young children, perceived financial difficulties and COVID-19 symptoms were all predictive of sleep loss. Once these covariates were controlled for, the bivariate relationship between ethnicity and sleep loss (1.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.4) was reversed (0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.8). Moreover, the strength of the association between gender and ethnicity and the risk of sleep loss varied over time, being weaker among women in July (0.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7), September (0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.8), November (0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0) and January 2021 (0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9) compared with April 2020, but positively stronger among BAME individuals in May (1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1), weaker only in September (0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0).

Conclusions

The pandemic has widened sleep deprivation disparities, with women with young children, COVID-19 infection and BAME individuals experiencing sleep loss, which may adversely affect their mental and physical health.
Review of novel therapeutics in cardiac arrest (ReNTICA): systematic review protocol
Authors: Murphy Travis W , Snipes Garrett , Chowdhury Muhammad Abdul Baker , McCall-Wright Patti , Aleong Elizabeth , Taylor Noelle , Messina Maiya-Mari , Carrazana Gabriela , Maciel Carolina B , Becker Torben K
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Cardiac arrest remains a common and devastating cause of death and disability worldwide. While targeted temperature management has become standard of care to improve functional neurologic outcome, few pharmacologic interventions have shown similar promise.

Methods/analysis

This systematic review will focus on prospective human studies from 2015 to 2020 available in PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE with a primary focus on impact on functional neurologic outcome. Prospective studies that include pharmacologic agents given during or after cardiac arrest will be included. Study selection will be in keeping with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. If sufficient data involving a given agent are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted and compared with current evidence for therapies recommended in international practice guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval will not be required as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation and lay press.

PROSPERO registration number

International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (CRD42021230216).
‘We have a plan for that’: a qualitative study of health system resilience through the perspective of health workers managing antenatal and childbirth services during floods in Cambodia
Authors: Saulnier Dell D , Thol Dawin , Por Ir , Hanson Claudia , von Schreeb Johan , Alvesson Helle Mölsted
Published: January 2022

Objective

Health system resilience can increase a system’s ability to deal with shocks like floods. Studying health systems that currently exhibit the capacity for resilience when shocked could enhance our understanding about what generates and influences resilience. This study aimed to generate empirical knowledge on health system resilience by exploring how public antenatal and childbirth health services in Cambodia have absorbed, adapted or transformed in response to seasonal and occasional floods.

Design

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis and informed by the Dimensions of Resilience Governance framework.

Setting

Public sector healthcare facilities and health departments in two districts exposed to flooding.

Participants

Twenty-three public sector health professionals with experience providing or managing antenatal and birth services during recent flooding.

Results

The theme ‘Collaboration across the system creates adaptability in the response’ reflects how collaboration and social relationships among providers, staff and the community have delineated boundaries for actions and decisions for services during floods. Floods were perceived as having a modest impact on health services. Knowing the boundaries on decision-making and having preparation and response plans let staff prepare and respond in a flexible yet stable way. The theme was derived from ideas of (1) seasonal floods as a minor strain on the system compared with persistent, system-wide organisational stresses the system already experiences, (2) the ability of the health services to adjust and adapt flood plans, (3) a shared purpose and working process during floods, (4) engagement at the local level to fulfil a professional duty to the community, and (5) creating relationships between health system levels and the community to enable flood response.

Conclusion

The capacity to absorb and adapt to floods was seen among the public sector services. Strategies that enhance stability and flexibility may foster the capacity for health system resilience.
Sirolimus versus tacrolimus for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment: results from a real-world CSTAR cohort study
Authors: Jiang Nan , Li Mengtao , Zhang Hongfeng , Duan Xinwang , Li Xiaofeng , Fang Yongfei , Li Hongbin , Yang Pingting , Luo Hui , Wang Yanhong , Peng Liying , Zhao Jiuliang , Wu Chanyuan , Wang Qian , Tian Xinping , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: January 2022

Objective

The effectiveness and safety of sirolimus for SLE treatment have been shown in some uncontrolled studies. However, a comparison of sirolimus with other classic immunosuppressants has not been reported. We conducted the study to compare the effectiveness and safety of sirolimus versus tacrolimus for SLE treatment.

Methods

A real-world cohort study was conducted. Patients with clinically active SLE who were prescribed sirolimus or tacrolimus were enrolled. Propensity score matching was used to ensure equivalent disease conditions and background medications. SLE disease activity indices, serological parameters, steroid doses, modification of other immunosuppressants, renal effectiveness and adverse events were compared between the two groups at 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month follow-up visits.

Results

Data from 52 patients in each of the sirolimus and tacrolimus groups were analysed. Indices regarding the effectiveness of sirolimus, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores, physician’s global assessment (PhGA) scores, and proportion of patients with SLEDAI-2K reduction of ≥4 and PhGA increase of <0.3, were equivalent to those of tacrolimus at all follow-up timepoints (all p≥0.05). Greater improvements in complement levels were observed in the sirolimus group at 3 and 6 months. Higher percentages of patients with prednisone doses ≤7.5 mg/day were observed in the sirolimus group at all timepoints. Seventeen adverse events in the sirolimus group were recorded. None was severe or led to drug discontinuation.

Conclusions

Overall, sirolimus was as effective as tacrolimus in the treatment of SLE. Sirolimus had better effects on serological improvement and glucocorticoid tapering. Sirolimus was well tolerated in patients with SLE.
Analysis of fabrics and metal threads from two Andalusian liturgical vestments from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: a multitechnical approach
Authors: Durán Adrián , Pérez-Rodríguez José Luis
Published: January 2022

This manuscript provided one of the first scientific studies performed on ancient Spanish liturgical vestments by using a multitechnical physicochemical approach. The interlining and lining fabrics were done by cotton and the core of threads by silk. Silver, gold and little amounts of copper were detected. The highest values of gold were found in the metal threads of the cope and the gallon of the chasuble. Two layers were identified: the internal composed by silver and the external by silver and gold. The fibers were proved to be degraded and also the surface of the metal, where scratches and silver-based compounds were detected due to environmental and anthropogenic actions. Indigo was employed as dye in the blue and green fabrics. Wax was detected in the yellow fibers, although other dyes could not be discarded. The materials used in the restoration processes were of minor quality.
A holistic review on advanced bi-directional EV charging control algorithms
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Sun Chenxi , Bi Suzhi , Wang Shuoyao , Zhang Angela Yingjun
Published: January 2022

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has promised a next-generation transportation system with reduced carbon emission. The fast development of EVs and charging facilities is driving the evolution of Internet of Vehicles (IoV) to Internet of Electric Vehicles (IoEV). IoEV benefits from both smart grid and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies which provide advanced bi-directional charging services and real-time data processing capability, respectively. The major design challenges of the IoEV charging control lie in the randomness of charging events and the mobility of EVs. In this article, we present a holistic review on advanced bi-directional EV charging control algorithms. For Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V), we introduce the charging control problem in two scenarios: 1) Operation of a single charging station and 2) Operation of multiple charging stations in coupled transportation and power networks. For Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), we discuss how EVs can perform energy trading in the electricity market and provide ancillary services to the power grid. Besides, a case study is provided to illustrate the economic benefit of the joint optimization of routing and charging scheduling of multiple EVs in the IoEV. Last but not the least, we will highlight some open problems and future research directions of charging scheduling problems for IoEVs.
Automated generation of models for demand side flexibility using machine learning
Authors: Förderer Kevin , Hagenmeyer Veit , Schmeck Hartmut
Published: January 2022

Flexibility in consumption and production provided by distributed energy resources (DERs) is a key to the integration of renewable energy sources into the energy system. However, even for identical DERs, the flexibility can vary widely, based on local constraints and circumstances. Therefore, handcrafting models can be labor-intensive and automating the generation of models could help increasing the volume of controllable flexibility in smart grids. Depending on the underlying mechanism for controlling demand side flexibility, there are various ways how an automation can be achieved. In this paper, we discuss fundamental concepts relevant to the automated generation of models for demand side flexibility, give an overview of different approaches, and point out fundamental differences. The main focus lies on model generation by means of machine learning techniques.
An Interview with Dr. Shipeng Yu, Winner of ACM SIGKDD 2021 Service Award
Authors: Yu Shipeng
Published: January 2022

Shipeng Yu, Ph.D. is the recipient of the 2021 ACM SIGKDD Service Award, which is the highest service award in the field of knowledge discovery and data mining. Conferred annually on one individual or group in recognition of outstanding professional services and contributions to the field of knowledge discovery and data mining, Dr. Yu was honored for his years of service and many accomplishments as general chair of KDD 2017 and currently as sponsorship director for SIGKDD. Dr. Yu is Director of AI Engineering, Head of the Growth AI team at LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network. He sat down with SIGKDD Explorations to discuss how he first got involved in the KDD conference in 2006, the benefits and drawbacks of virtual conferences, his work at LinkedIn, and KDD's place in the field of machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence.
Review of The Age of Algorithms by Serge Abiteboul and Gilles Dowek
Authors: Nagaraj S.V.
Published: January 2022

This book is about algorithms and their enormous influence on people in the current age. Algorithms are precise sets of rules to solve problems. They are ubiquitous and have a great effect on the lives of contemporary people, primarily due to technological advancement. A common example is searching for information using an Internet search engine such as Google. This book is not technical in nature and was first published in French as Le Temps des Algorithmes, by ´ Editions Le Pommier in 2020. The authors Serge Abiteboul and Gilles Dowek are computer scientists, with Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), Rocquencourt and ´ Ecole Normale Sup´erieure, Paris respectively. They believe that algorithms have made life easier, nevertheless, they dread that algorithms may subjugate humans. This book is intended to serve as an eye-opener on the impact of algorithms on daily life.
Technical Report Column
Authors: Kelley Dean
Published: January 2022

Welcome to the Technical Reports Column. If your institution publishes technical reports that you'd like to have included here, please contact me at the email address above.
27 Open Problems in Kolmogorov Complexity
Authors: Romashchenko Andrei , Shen Alexander , Zimand Marius
Published: January 2022

This formula can be informally read as follows: the ith messagemi brings us log(1=pi) "bits of information" (whatever this means), and appears with frequency pi, so H is the expected amount of information provided by one random message (one sample of the random variable). Moreover, we can construct an optimal uniquely decodable code that requires about H (at most H + 1, to be exact) bits per message on average, and it encodes the ith message by approximately log(1=pi) bits, following the natural idea to use short codewords for frequent messages. This fits well the informal reading of the formula given above, and it is tempting to say that the ith message "contains log(1=pi) bits of information." Shannon himself succumbed to this temptation [46, p. 399] when he wrote about entropy estimates and considers Basic English and James Joyces's book "Finnegan's Wake" as two extreme examples of high and low redundancy in English texts. But, strictly speaking, one can speak only of entropies of random variables, not of their individual values, and "Finnegan's Wake" is not a random variable, just a specific string. Can we define the amount of information in individual objects?
Distributed Computing Column 84
Authors: Alistarh Dan
Published: January 2022

Overview. In this column, we combine traditional content for the December edition, namely a perspective on the paper which received the 2021 Dijkstra Award, but we also depart of from tradition, by not having our traditional articles covering the PODC and/or DISC proceedings.
Deep Learning-Based Analysis of Efficiency and Surgical Timing for Patients with Cervical Insufficiency Using Transvaginal Ultrasound Images
Authors: Ye Xuekui , Zhang Li , Liu Rongxia , Liu Yongjuan , Jiang Guowei
Published: January 2022

Objective. This work aims to analyze the surgical timing and clinical efficacy of transvaginal cervical ring ligation based on the ultrasound image focus detection of patients with cervical insufficiency (CIC) under the ultrasound image theme generation model. Methods. 134 CIC patients who came to the hospital for ultrasound imaging diagnosis were collected. Observation group was treated with cervical cerclage (CC) and the pregnancy outcome was followed up. Control group was treated conservatively. Results. For patients in the control group, average gestational age was 21.12 ± 2.18 weeks, average cervical length (CL) was 15.54 ± 0.42 mm, and average uterine opening width was 3.06 ± 0.63 mm. In the observation group, average gestational age was 24.45 ± 4.12 weeks, average CL was 17.32 ± 4.09 mm, and average uterine opening width was 0.21 mm. There were significant differences between the two groups (

P
<
0.05

). There were also significant differences in the degree of uterine orifice dilation between the two groups (

P
<
0.05

). Pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared, and χ2 and

P
<
0.05

indicated significant differences. Conclusion. Convolution neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory model (LSTM) algorithm were used to classify patients' ultrasound images, which could effectively improve diagnosis and treatment efficiency. Surgical success rate, clinical outcomes, neonatal survival rate, and clinical effect of observation group were better than those of control group. Cervical ligation was best performed before 17 weeks of pregnancy in CIC.
Exploring “Intersectoral Collaboration” towards the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge into Adult Education Programs in North Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Yalalem
Published: January 2022

Integration of indigenous knowledge into adult education recognizes collaboration based on indigenous frameworks and methodologies and gives more attention to people’s history, politics, cultural beliefs, and philosophical views. The most important beginning phases and tasks in promoting indigenous-based learning are establishing a responsive organizational structure that helps to identify and agree on what roles and responsibilities are played by each concerned stakeholder. Considering this in mind, this study aimed to explore intersectoral coordination and their participation in the integration of indigenous knowledge into adult education. In doing so, a qualitative research approach and a case-study design were employed. The study sample was composed of adult education experts and coordinators. Data was obtained through interviews, FGD, and document analysis. Furthermore, thematic analysis was the centre of this study data analysis. As a result, the study finding revealed that stakeholders’ coordinated effort has been observed that lacks consistency in supporting indigenous-based adult education programs due to their deprived collaboration and the presence of not functional administrative structure. This makes the provision and the integration of indigenous-based knowledge systems into adult education sporadic in its coverage of indigenous learning contents and experiences.
Comparative Efficacy of Robot-Assisted and Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: A Single-Center Comparative Study
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhou Bin , Wang Tao , Hu Xiao , Ye Yongqiang , Guo Weidong
Published: January 2022

Background. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has become a routine procedure in pancreatic surgery. Although robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) has not been popularized yet, it has shown new advantages in some aspects, and exploring its learning curve is of great significance for guiding clinical practice. Methods. 149 patients who received RDP and LDP in our surgical team were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups including LDP group and RDP group. The perioperative outcomes, histopathologic results, long-term postoperative complications, and economic cost were collected and compared between the two groups. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis was used to explore the learning curve of RDP. Results. The hospital stay, postoperative first exhaust time, and first feeding time in the RDP group were better than those in the LDP group (

P
<
0.05

). The rate of spleen preservation in patients with benign and low-grade tumors in the RDP group was significantly higher than that of the LDP group (

P
=
0.002

), though the cost of operation and hospitalization was significantly higher (

P
<
0.001

). The learning curve of RDP in our center declined significantly with completing 32 cases. The average operation time, the hospital stay, and the time of gastrointestinal recovery were shorter after the learning curve node than before. Conclusion. RDP provides better postoperative recovery and is not difficult to replicate, but the high cost was still a major disadvantage of RDP.
E-Commerce Picture Text Recognition Information System Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Bin , Li WenYing , Guo Qian , Song RongRong
Published: January 2022

For the accuracy requirements of commodity image detection and classification, the FPN network is improved by DPFM ablation and RFM, so as to improve the detection accuracy of commodities by the network. At the same time, in view of the narrowing of channels in the application of traditional MWI-DenseNet network, a new GTNet network is proposed to improve the classification accuracy of commodities.The results show that at different levels of evaluation indexes, the dpFPN-Netv2 algorithm improved by DPFM + RFM fusion has higher target detection accuracy than RetinaNet-50 algorithm and other algorithms. And the detection time is 52 ms, which is significantly lower than 90 ms required for RetinaNet-50 detection. In terms of target recognition, compared with the traditional MWI-DenseNet neural network, the computation amount of the improved MWI DenseNet neural network is significantly reduced under different shunt ratios, and the recognition accuracy is significantly improved. The innovation of this study lies in improving the algorithm from the perspective of target detection and recognition, so as to change the previous improvement that only can be made in a single way.
Levetiracetam as an Adjunctive Treatment for Mania: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Keshavarzi Amir , Sharifi Aziz , Jahangard Leila , Soltanian Alireza , Brühl Annette Beatrix , Ahmadpanah Mohammad , Brand Serge
Published: January 2022

Background: Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant with a low side effect profile and favorable properties for individuals with bipolar I disorder during their manic phase. Despite initial promising results until about 2008, it appears that this track of research has not been followed-up. To counter this, we tested the influence of adjuvant levetiracetam on acute mania, compared to placebo. More specifically, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial among inpatients with bipolar disorder I during their acute phase of mania. Methods: A total of 72 inpatients (mean age: 33.98 years; 23.6% females) with diagnosed bipolar disorder I and during their acute manic phase were randomly assigned either to the adjuvant levetiracetam (250 mg to a maximum of 1,500 mg) or to the placebo condition. Standard medication was lithium at therapeutic dosages. At baseline, participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering sociodemographic information and subjective sleep. Subjective sleep was re-assessed 24 days later at the end of the study. Experts rated participants’ acute state of mania with the Young Mania Rating Scale at baseline and at day 12 and day 24. Participants’ cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and at day 24 at the end of the study. Results: Over time, mania scores significantly decreased (large effect size), but more so in the levetiracetam condition, compared to the placebo condition (medium effect size). Likewise, over time, subjective sleep improved (large effect size), but more so in the levetiracetam condition, compared to the placebo condition (large effect size). Over time, cognitive performance improved (large effect size), irrespective of the study condition. Conclusions: Compared to placebo, adjuvant levetiracetam to lithium improved symptoms of mania, as rated by experts, and subjective sleep quality. Adjuvant levetiracetam had no further favorable (or detrimental) impact on cognitive performance.
Epidemiological, Clinical, Trichoscopic, and Histopathological Features of Lupus Erythematous Mimicking Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Melo Daniel Fernandes , Müller Ramos Paulo , Iorizzo Matilde , Lima Caren dos Santos , Pinto Erica Baptista , Cortez de Almeida Rita Fernanda , Machado Carla Jorge , Starace Michela
Published: January 2022

Introduction: All types of lupus erythematosus (LE) may cause hair loss. Nonscarring alopecia was correlated with systemic LE, based on its high specificity. Discoid LE can also appear as nonscarring patches in early stages. Patchy alopecia LE-specific may also mimic alopecia areata (AA) – which can co-occur with LE. The distinction is fundamental to early diagnosis and effective treatment. This study aims to analyze clinical, epidemiological, trichoscopic, and histopathological features of patients with patchy LE-specific alopecia, nonscarring type, mimicking AA. Methods: This is a multicentric retrospective study. We reviewed the medical records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of LE mimicking AA. Results: Ten patients were included (90% female) with a mean age of 45.9 years. Clinically, 60% showed erythema and 70% presented incomplete hair loss. The most common trichoscopic findings were interfollicular arborizing vessels (90%) and scattered brown discoloration (80%). On histopathology, perivascular inflammation (85.7%), peribulbar lymphocytes (85.7%), and dermal pigment incontinence (71.4%) were present in most cases. Discussion/Conclusion: Trichoscopy was found as an essential first step for the patchy alopecia diagnosis, enabling to differentiate LE from AA. Putting it mildly, trichoscopy raises the suspicion that leads to a biopsy, increasing the diagnostic accuracy with better outcome for patients.
A Prediction Model for Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Podiatry Practices
Authors: van Gulick Danique J.J. , Perry Sander I.B. , van der Leeden Marike , van Beek Jolan G.M. , Lucas Cees , Stuiver Martijn M.
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Falls are a worldwide health problem among community-dwelling older adults. Emerging evidence suggests that foot problems increase the risk of falling, so the podiatrist may be crucial in detecting foot-related fall risk. However, there is no screening tool available which can be used in podiatry practice. The predictive value of existing tools is limited, and the implementation is poor. The development of risk models for specific clinical populations might increase the prediction accuracy and implementation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and internally validate an easily applicable clinical prediction model (CPM) that can be used in podiatry practice to predict falls in community-dwelling older adults with foot (-related) problems. Methods: This was a prospective study including community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) visiting podiatry practices. General fall-risk variables, and foot-related and function-related variables were considered as predictors for the occurrence of falls during the 12-month follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used for model building, and internal validation was done by bootstrap resampling. Results: 407 participants were analyzed; the event rate was 33.4%. The final model included fall history in the previous year, unsteady while standing and walking, plantarflexor strength of the lesser toes, and gait speed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.66–0.76) in the sample and estimated as 0.65 after shrinkage. Conclusion: A CPM based on fall history in the previous year, feeling unsteady while standing and walking, decreased plantarflexor strength of the lesser toes, and reduced gait speed has acceptable accuracy to predict falls in our sample of podiatry community-dwelling older adults and is easily applicable in this setting. The accuracy of the model in clinical practice should be demonstrated through external validation of the model in a next study.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of the Experimental and Clinical Literature
Authors: Meeres Jennifer , Hariz Marwan
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Up to 30% of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially combat veterans, remain refractory to conventional treatment. For them, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been suggested. Here, we review the literature on animal models of PTSD in which DBS has been used to treat PTSD-type behavior, and we review and discuss patient reports of DBS for PTSD. Methods: A broad search was performed to find experimental animal articles and clinical reports on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO, using combinations and variations of search words pertinent to DBS and PTSD. Results: The search yielded 30 articles, 24 on DBS in rat models of PTSD, and 6 publications between 2016 and 2020 reporting on a total of 3 patients. DBS in rat models targeted 4 brain areas: medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), ventral striatum, amygdala, and hippocampus. Clinical publications reported on 2 male combat veterans who received DBS in basolateral amygdala, and 1 female with PTSD due to domestic abuse, who received DBS of mPFC. All 3 patients benefitted to various extents from DBS, at follow-ups of 4 years, 6 months, and 7 months, respectively. Conclusions: PTSD is the only potential clinical indication for DBS that shows extensive animal research prior to human applications. Nevertheless, DBS for PTSD remains highly investigational. Despite several years of government funding of DBS research in view of treating severe PTSD in combat veterans, ethical dilemmas, recruitment difficulties, and issues related to use of DBS in such a complex and heterogenous disorder remain prevalent.