bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Order statistics and random matrix theory of multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIn a multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) protocol, the information is granulated into Gaussian subcarrier CVs and the physical Gaussian link is divided into Gaussian sub‐channels. Here, we propose a combined mathematical framework of order statistics and random matrix theory for multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution. The analysis covers the study of the distribution of the sub‐channel transmittance coefficients in the presence of a Gaussian noise and the utilization of the moment generation function (MGF) in the error analysis. We reveal the mathematical formalism of sub‐channel selection and formulation of the transmittance coefficients and show a reduced complexity progressive sub‐channel scanning method. We define a framework to evaluate the statistical properties of the information flowing processes in multicarrier CVQKD protocols. Using random matrix theory, we express the achievable secret key rates and study the efficiency of the adaptive multicarrier quadrature division‐multiuser quadrature allocation (AMQD‐MQA) multiple‐access multicarrier CVQKD. The proposed combined framework is particularly convenient for the characterization of the physical processes of experimental multicarrier CVQKD.
Hypoxic conditions interrupt flood‐response movements of three lowland river fish species: Implications for flow restoration in modified landscapes
Authors: Thiem Jason D. , Wooden Ian J. , Baumgartner Lee J. , Butler Gavin L. , Taylor Matthew D. , Watts Robyn J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMovement and migration of freshwater fish for the purpose of feeding, dispersal, and spawning are essential life history components often linked to river flows. Understanding movement responses to abiotic stimuli such as river flows is crucial to inform effective management, especially considering that river regulation is contributing to global population declines. We examined the flow‐related movements of three species of lowland river fish endemic to eastern Australia (golden perch Macquaria ambigua, Murray cod Maccullochella peelii, and silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus) over an 18‐month period in a large anabranch system of the Murray River, south‐eastern Australia. The telemetry study encompassed periods of extreme low river discharge, moderate discharge rates within the normal regulated operating range for this system, and a large overbank flood event that created hypoxic blackwater conditions and led to significant fish kill events. Movement of all three species was strongly affected by discharge rates, and although the direction and magnitude of responses varied by species, river discharge in general had a significant positive effect on the scale of movement. All species initiated large‐scale directional movements in response to flooding, and some emigration occurred; however, hypoxia‐induced mortality ultimately killed a large proportion of the tagged fish. The results of the current study highlight the significant challenges of managing flow restoration in highly modified landscapes that are prone to hypoxic conditions. We reiterate the value of connectivity, especially where it enables fish to access suitable refuges during periods of poor water quality and subsequently recolonize when conditions improve.
Functional quality evaluation and shelf life study of synbiotic yacon juice
Authors: Dahal Sagar , Ojha Pravin , Karki Tika Bahadur 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe research aimed to utilize the prebiotic potential of yacon fruit by preparation of synbiotic yacon juice containing probiotic microorganism Lactobacillus acidophilus (La5) and studying the changes in physicochemical properties during storage. The fresh juice extracted was added with probiotic microorganism and was subjected for storage at refrigerated (4°C) and room condition (25°C) along with control (nonfermented) juice. The viability of probiotic strains in the juice was found to be at the satisfactory level (106 CFU/ml) for 27 and 15 days, respectively, in refrigerated and room condition. Total soluble solid, pH, acidity, bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, carotenoid content, and total phenol), and antioxidant capacity of the products were evaluated. Total soluble solid of the prepared synbiotic juice stored at refrigerated and nonrefrigerated conditions decreased from 7.8 ± 0.05 to 5.5 ± 0.26 and 5.3 ± 0.10 while the acidity increased from 0.067 ± 0.05 to 0.80 ± 0.06 and 1.02 ± 0.04 after 27 and 15 days of storage, respectively. Similarly, yeast and mold count, total plate count, and the coliform count were determined during the storage period. The low amount of yeast and mold count and absence of coliform in the synbiotic juice even after 27 and 15 days of storage indicated that the synbiotic juice can be continued to be consumed as a normal juice even after the viability decreased below the satisfactory level. Ascorbic acid, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were higher in fermented juice when compared to control juice stored at the refrigerated conditions for the same period (p < .05). High therapeutic properties and numerous health benefits of yacon, when combined with the health benefits of probiotic bacteria, could lead to the development of commercial beverages with high health and nutritional values.
PANDA: Prioritization of autism‐genes using network‐based deep‐learning approach
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Yuanzhu , Hu Ting 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic background of complex diseases and disorders plays an essential role in the promising precision medicine. The evaluation of candidate genes, however, requires time‐consuming and expensive experiments given a large number of possibilities. Thus, computational methods have seen increasing applications in predicting gene‐disease associations. We proposed a bioinformatics framework, Prioritization of Autism‐genes using Network‐based Deep‐learning Approach (PANDA). Our approach aims to identify autism‐genes across the human genome based on patterns of gene–gene interactions and topological similarity of genes in the interaction network. PANDA trains a graph deep learning classifier using the input of the human molecular interaction network and predicts and ranks the probability of autism association of every node (gene) in the network. PANDA was able to achieve a high classification accuracy of 89%, outperforming three other commonly used machine learning algorithms. Moreover, the gene prioritization ranking list produced by PANDA was evaluated and validated using an independent large‐scale exome‐sequencing study. The top 10% of PANDA‐ranked genes were found significantly enriched for autism association.
Uncommon tumors of temporomandibular joint: An institutional experience and review
Authors: Hamza Ameer , Gidley Paul W. , Learned Kim O. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Bell Diana 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) harbors a myriad of pathologic alterations including arthritides and benign and malignant neoplasms.MethodsHerein, we describe our institutional experience of some uncommon and unusual synovial pathologies of the TMJ along with a review of literature. We searched through the archives of department of pathology and institutional electronic medical record for specimens of TMJ between 1999 and 2019. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed and data (final diagnosis, age, gender, clinical presentation, tumor size, treatment modality, recurrence, and vital status) were collected.ResultsA total of seven cases were identified including four cases of synovial chrondromatosis; and one case each of tenosynovial giant cell tumor, localized type, tenosynovial giant cell tumor, diffuse type, and synovial sarcoma.ConclusionsThe article emphasizes on the clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and molecular features of these uncommon entities. The differential diagnosis of each entity is also discussed. Current updates in the management are also reviewed.
Artspace: Enabling young women’s recovery through visual arts: A qualitative study
Authors: Brooks Miriam , Hooker Claire , Barclay Lesley 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIssue addressedThis article reports the qualitative evaluation of “Artspace,” an innovative clinical program combining creative arts with physical and mental health care for young women. The program, provided since 2004, comprises weekly visual arts sessions alongside a youth health clinic offering drop‐in appointments with a nurse, GP and counsellor.MethodsA qualitative evaluation of Artspace was conducted between 2016 and 2017.ResultsThe evaluation showed that Artspace was particularly beneficial for those clients who had considerable exposure to social adversity and trauma, and were experiencing related serious health impacts. Artspace facilitated their recovery by enabling equitable access facilitation, social inclusion, creating a “holding” environment, and through the directly therapeutic benefits of artist‐led arts processes.ConclusionsOur study highlights the positive impact of artist‐led programs such as Artspace. It also attests to the importance of long‐term sustainability of services, to allow the time needed for young people to experience genuine and sustained recovery, and to reduce the otherwise likely disadvantages associated with mental and physical health problems, as they move into their adult lives.So what?Youth health researchers have been recommending arts programs at health services as a means of engaging young people in health care for over 15 years, however, it remains an underutilised approach in primary care settings. Our evaluation affirms the effectiveness of art programs for this, and also demonstrates that art programs can be a key contributor to recovery from the serious health impacts of adversity and trauma.
Administrative effectiveness in the production of maternal health services in four Mexican states
Authors: Serván‐Mori Edson , Bravo‐Ruiz María Lilia , Gómez‐Dantés Octavio 
Published: February 2020

SummaryObjectiveTo generate evidence on the influence of good management of resources in the delivery of maternal health services in Mexico.Material and methodsWe studied the managerial processes involved in the provision of maternal health services in four states of Mexico exhibiting differences in maternal mortality, maternal health service coverage, and maternal health expenditure. Analysis was based on five analytical dimensions of the cyclic process model designed by the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy in Mexico. We describe the processes, identify areas of opportunity, and discuss opinions concerning the relevance, timeliness, and sufficiency of human and material resources employed in the delivery of maternal health services.ResultsManagerial performance in the four entities was very heterogeneous. In most of the analyzed entities, implementation of the processes was rated from “average” to “very good.”ConclusionIn order to contribute to universal coverage of maternal health services, managerial processes at the state level need to ensure an adequate, timely, and sufficient supply of resources.
The new poor person's bankruptcy: Comparative perspectives
Authors: Ramsay Iain 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA significant policy issue in personal insolvency concerns the debtor with little income and few assets who may be unable to afford bankruptcy in those jurisdictions which require payment to access the individual bankruptcy system. The challenge of addressing the situation of these debtors is one experienced both by long standing personal insolvency systems and newer system in emerging markets. This article introduces a special issue of the International Insolvency Review which considers the responses of several common law, civil law and mixed regimes to this policy topic. The article discusses the background to the English Debt Relief Order enacted in 2009 as a procedure for low‐income debtors, outlines salient issues raised by its implementation and discusses research themes related to the existence of the “No‐Income‐No Asset” debtor, including the structure and financing of the bankruptcy system, the contribution of NINA procedures to access to justice, the role of intermediaries in the bankruptcy system and the political economy of bankruptcy reform.
Resumption of postpartum sexual activity and menses among HIV‐infected women on lifelong antiretroviral treatment compared to HIV‐uninfected women in Africa
Authors: Dadabhai Sufia , Makanani Bonus , Hua Nan , Kawalazira Rachel , Taulo Frank , Gadama Luis , Taha Taha E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine time from delivery to resumption of sexual activity and menses among HIV‐infected women on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and HIV‐uninfected women.MethodsHIV‐infected women on ART and HIV‐uninfected women were recruited from five health facilities at delivery and followed prospectively for a maximum of 1 year in Blantyre, Malawi from January 2016 to September 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at delivery and 1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Descriptive, time to event Kaplan‐Meier, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted.ResultsData on 878 women (460 [52.4%] HIV‐uninfected and 418 [47.6%] HIV‐infected, P=0.156) who attended at least one follow‐up visit were analyzed. Among HIV‐uninfected compared to HIV‐infected women, respectively, the median number of days to resumption of sexual activity was 180 vs 181; to irregular menses was 82 vs 71; and to regular menses was 245 vs 366. In multivariable models, being married was associated with early resumption of sexual activity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.91, P<0.001), and being HIV‐infected and use of an effective method of family planning were associated with later start of regular menses (HR<1.0, P<0.050).ConclusionCounseling of women on reproductive intentions should start early irrespective of HIV infection or use of ART.
Circ‐HOMER1 enhances the inhibition of miR‐1322 on CXCL6 to regulate the growth and aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhao Mingyu , Dong Guanglong , Meng Qingyu , Lin Shusen , Li Xichun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy worldwide accompanying with the high rate of recurrence. Accumulating reports have documented the significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in carcinogenesis and development of HCC. This study aimed to establish the mechanism underlying circ‐HOMER1 involvement in HCC. To this end, we identified a binding site for miR‐1322 via bioinformatics, quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and dual‐luciferase reporter assays providing evidence of a direct link between circ‐HOMER1 and miR‐1322. Similarly, the target gene of miR‐1322 was investigated. Moreover, we determined the specific function of circ‐HOMER1 in HCC with the aid of qRT‐PCR based on patient clinical records, Cell Counting Kit‐8, acridine orange/ethidium bromide double fluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and wound‐healing and transwell assays. Notably, circ‐HOMER1 was upregulated in both HCC cells and tissues. This aberrant expression pattern was closely correlated with larger tumor size, higher tumor‐node‐metastasis stage, and poorer prognosis for the patients with HCC. Moreover, silenced circ‐HOMER1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion concomitant with the promotion of apoptosis in HCC cells, and vice versa. Mechanistically, circ‐HOMER1 enhanced the inhibition of miR‐1322 on CXCL6 in HCC. Furthermore, we found that circ‐HOMER1 promoted HCC cell growth and aggressiveness by miR‐1322/CXCL6 axis. This study may provide a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
The existence of large set of symmetric partitioned incomplete latin squares
Authors: Shen Cong , Cao Haitao , Ji Lijun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the existence of large sets of symmetric partitioned incomplete latin squares of type gu (LSSPILSs) which can be viewed as a generalization of the well‐known golf designs. Constructions for LSSPILSs are presented from some other large sets, such as golf designs, large sets of group divisible designs, and large sets of Room frames. We prove that there exists an LSSPILS(gu) if and only if u ≥ 3, g(u − 1) ≡ 0 (mod 2), and (g, u) ≠ (1, 5).
Mesenchymal stem cells alter the frequency and cytokine profile of natural killer cells in abortion‐prone mice
Authors: Rezaei Kahmini Fatemeh , Shahgaldi Shahab , Moazzeni Seyed Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNatural killer cells, which play a pivotal role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy, are the most abundant leukocytes at the fetomaternal interface that their subsets frequencies and cytokine profile are influential factors in the preservation of the decidual tolerogenic microenvironment. Any imbalance in NK cells' frequency and functions could be associated with pregnancy failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are shown to have immunomodulatory effects on NK cells and their cytokine profile. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of MSCs therapy on the cytokine profiles and subpopulations of NK cells in a murine model of recurrent pregnancy loss. Adipose‐derived MSCs were injected intraperitoneally to the abortion‐prone mice on Day 4.5 of gestation. The abortion rate was determined after MSCs administration and the frequency and cytokine profiles of the different subsets of NK cells were determined using the flow cytometry. Our results showed that, in abortion‐prone mice, the frequency of CD49b+ NK cells was significantly higher than normal pregnant mice that decreased after therapy. We also demonstrated that MSCs downregulated the production of IFN‐γ and upregulated IL‐4 and IL‐10 production by uNK cells. These findings indicate that MSCs can decrease the infiltration of CD49b+ NK cells to the fetomaternal interface and modulate the cytokine profile of NK cells from inflammatory to tolerogenic profile and thereby improve the tolerogenic microenvironment at the fetomaternal interface in benefit of pregnancy maintenance.
Modulation of the in vitro angiogenic potential of human mesenchymal stromal cells from different tissue sources
Authors: Pinto Diogo S. , Ahsan Tabassum , Serra Joana , Fernandes‐Platzgummer Ana , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , da Silva Cláudia L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely exploited for the treatment of several conditions due to their intrinsic regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. MSC have demonstrated to be particularly relevant for the treatment of ischemic diseases, where MSC‐based therapies can stimulate angiogenesis and induce tissue regeneration. Regardless of the condition targeted, recent analyses of MSC‐based clinical trials have demonstrated limited benefits indicating a need to improve the efficacy of this cell product. Preconditioning MSC ex vivo through microenvironment modulation was found to improve MSC survival rate and thus prolong their therapeutic effect. This workstudy aims at enhancing the in vitro angiogenic capacity of a potential MSC‐based medicinal product by comparing different sources of MSC and culture conditions. MSC from three different sources (bone marrow [BM], adipose tissue [AT], and umbilical cord matrix [UCM]) were cultured with xenogeneic‐/serum‐free culture medium under static conditions and their angiogenic potential was studied. Results indicated a higher in vitro angiogenic capacity of UCM MSC, compared with cells derived from BM and AT. Physicochemical preconditioning of UCM MSC through a microcarrier‐based culture platform and low oxygen concentration (2% O2, compared with atmospheric air) increased the in vitro angiogenic potential of the cultured cells. Envisaging the clinical manufacturing of an allogeneic, off‐the‐shelf MSC‐based product, preconditioned UCM MSC maintain the angiogenic gene expression profile upon cryopreservation and delivery processes in the conditions of our study. These results are expected to contribute to the development of MSC‐based therapies in the context of angiogenesis.
A mutation in the Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter‐1 leads to changes in cellular metabolism
Authors: Omer Salma , Koumangoye Rainelli , Delpire Eric 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Na‐K‐Cl cotransporter‐1 (NKCC1), by mediating the electroneutral transport of Na+, K+, and Cl− plays an important role in cell volume regulation, epithelial transport, and the control of neuronal excitability. Recently, we reported the first known human mutation in SLC12A2, the gene encoding NKCC1. The 17‐year old patient suffers from multiorgan failure. Laboratory tests conducted on muscle and liver biopsies of the patient showed abnormal increase in mitochondrial DNA copy number and increased glycogen levels, indicating the possibility that the transporter may play a role in energy metabolism. Here, we show that fibroblasts isolated from the patient demonstrate a significant increase in mitochondrial respiration, compared to fibroblasts isolated from healthy individuals. Similarly, Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐tagged mutant NKCC1 DNA demonstrated increased mitochondrial respiration when compared to MDCK cells expressing EGFP‐tagged wild‐type (WT) cotransporter. Direct inhibition of the cotransporter through addition of bumetanide did not change the rate of basal respiration, but led to increased maximal mitochondrial respiration. Fibroblasts extracted from NKCC1WT/DFX and NKCC1DFX/DFX mice also demonstrated a significant elevation in mitochondrial respiration, compared to fibroblasts isolated from their WT littermates. Expression of the mutant protein was associated with an increase in hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase activity and a decrease in messenger RNA transcript levels for protein involved in the unfolded protein response. These data reveal that cells expressing the mutant cotransporter demonstrate increased mitochondrial respiration and behave like they are experiencing a state of starvation.
miR‐212‐5p exerts tumor promoter function by regulating the Id3/PI3K/Akt axis in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Chen Fang‐fang , Sun Ning , Wang Yin , Xi Hai‐yan , Yang Yang , Yu Bai‐zeng , Li Xiao‐jun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractmicroRNAs may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes that play crucial roles in human carcinogenesis and cancer development. Growing evidence revealed that the tumor suppressor Id3 is involved in tumor progression, carcinogenesis, and the tumor microenvironment. We identified miR‐212‐5p as a negative posttranscriptional modulator of Id3. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify that Id3 is a direct target gene of miR‐212‐5p. Id3 was lowly expressed and miR‐212‐5p was highly expressed in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cells. In addition, we found that NSCLC patients having a higher level of miR‐212‐5p expression had a shorter survival time. Besides this, miR‐212‐5p could directly target Id3 and reduce its expression. miR‐212‐5p overexpression significantly accelerated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by reversing the effects of Id3. Id3 overexpression by silencing miR‐212‐5p expression suppressed phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt activity and consequently promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in lung cancer cells. Consistent with the in vitro results, a xenograft mouse model was used to validate the fact that miR‐212‐5p could promote tumorigenesis by targeting Id3 and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway in vivo as well. Taken together, the present results indicated that miR‐212‐5p may be involved in progression of NSCLC through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by targeting Id3.