bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Packer identification method based on byte sequences
Authors: Jung ByeongHo , Bae Seong Il , Choi Chang , Im Eul Gyu 
Published: November 2018

SummaryWith the growing number of malware, malware analysis technologies need to be advanced continuously. Malware authors use various packing techniques to hide their code from malware detection tools and techniques. The packing techniques are generally used to compress and encrypt executable code in executable files, and the unpacking code is usually embedded in the executable files. Therefore, packed executable files can be executed by itself, and the information associated with packing can be used to analyze and detect malware. Since different packing tools will generate different packed executable files, packing tools can be identified by analyzing packed executable files, and packer identification can reduce malware‐analyzing overheads, and the executable files can even be unpacked. However, most previous studies focused on packing detection using signatures of unpacking code, and these approaches can be avoided by placing unpacking code in other locations or by distributing unpacking code in multiple locations. In this paper, we propose a new packer identification method by analyzing only code sections to extract features of malware generated by different packing tools. Experimental results show that our approach can identify different packing tools with the accuracy of 91.6% on average. Considering packer identification is the harder problem than packing detection, we argue that our approach can contribute to reducing overheads of malware analysis.
A new DOA estimation approach for QPSK Alamouti STBC using ICA technique‐based PSO algorithm
Authors: Alrufaiaat Sameer Abdul Kadhim , Althahab Awwab Qasim Jumaah 
Published: November 2018

SummaryAlamouti space time block code (STBC) has been a revolutionary technology in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) wireless communication since it provides full transmission diversity. To reduce a multi‐path effect and a consumed power, the dynamic beam‐forming technique should be used to enable antennas focusing on a particular area. The aim of this paper is how to reduce the computational complexities of independent component analysis (ICA) and speed up the algorithm used in estimating the direction of arrival (DOA) angles. First, we derive a simple formula to reduce the number of unknown DOA to be one only. Then, real‐imaginary (Re‐Im) decomposition for MIMO system is used to reduce the computational complexities of ICA algorithm. The novel criteria used in this paper is that the kurtosis measuring for the extracted source will be minimum at one of the unknown values of DOA angles. Finally, particle swarm optimization (PSO) will be used as an effective tool to locate the DOA angle positions that minimize the kurtosis measuring.Performance analysis of the proposed approach with QPSK Alamouti STBC in MIMO channel was implemented using MATLAB. The validated criterions for the new approach were first examined. Then, root‐mean‐square‐error (RMSE) was employed to test the proposed approach at different SNR levels. The main parameters that influence on this approach were evaluated. It was found that superior performance could be obtained at ∆DOA > 100 when antenna spacing set to be λ/2 using at least 103 snapshots. The important point observed during simulations was computational complexity (and latency) of the proposed approach was reduced to the minimum by employing Re‐Im decomposition model and PSO algorithm. Consequently, this approach is very efficient for hardware implementations.
The pathological outcome of ThinPrep Pap tests diagnosed as glandular cell abnormalities alone versus combined glandular and squamous abnormalities
Authors: Harbhajanka Aparna , Chahar Satyapal , Michael Claire W. 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundAlthough the incidence of glandular cell abnormalities (GCA) on cervical cytology is low, the clinical and histologic findings are often significant. A combined diagnosis of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and GCA indicates concern for either two distinct lesions or single entity. The goal of this study is to evaluate the outcome of the diagnosis of GCA alone or in combination with squamous abnormality (SqA).MethodsFrom January 2012‐June 2017, our laboratory processed 162 088 ThinPrep Pap tests. 998 (0.61%) cases were reported as GCA. Histologic follow‐up was available in 569 cases after excluding adenocarcinoma, NOS and atypical endometrial cells. HPV results were available in 429 (67.2%) cases.ResultsThe surgical follow‐up on 271 cases with GCA alone diagnosis revealed negative/benign lesions in 183 (67.5%) cases, glandular lesions in 40 (14.8%) cases; SqA in 47 (17.3%) cases; combined in 1 (0.4%) case. Surgical follow‐up on 298 cases with dual interpretation revealed negative/benign lesions in 108 (36.2%) cases, SqA in 159 (53.4%) cases, GCA in 21 (7.0%) cases and only 10 (3.4%) cases were combined lesions. The mean age was 44 ±13.36 years. The overall hrHPV‐positive rate was 36.2%. Endometrial carcinoma was most common abnormality in patients >65 years (71.4%) especially with hrHPV‐negative results. CIN 1‐3 was the most common finding in patients <30 years (50%).ConclusionA cytological diagnosis of GCA has a higher risk of glandular abnormality on surgical follow‐up especially in the older and hrHPV‐negative group (P < .0001) while a combined diagnosis has a higher risk of a squamous lesion especially in <30 years (P < .0001). The combination of cytology, hrHPV‐status and patient age can significantly aid in the stratification of the patient into high risk for glandular/squamous lesions which results in appropriate management.
Modified Nanopillar Arrays for Highly Stable and Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Huang Lanyan , Meng Qingguo , Shang Chaoqun , Jin Mingliang , Shui Lingling , Zhang Yongguang , Zhang Zhang , Chen Zhihong , Yuan Mingzhe , Wang Xin , Kempa Krzysztof , Zhou Guofu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAtomically modified graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (QDs), characterized by strongly increased reactivity and stability, are developed. These are deposited on arrays of TiO2 nanopillars used as a photoanode for the photoelectrochemical water splitting. This photoanode shows excellent stability, with 111 h of continuous work without any performance loss, which outperforms the best‐reported results by a factor of 10. Remarkably, our photoanode produces hydrogen even at zero bias. The excellent performance is attributed to the enhancement of photoabsorption, as well as to the promotion of charge separation between TiO2 nanopillars and the QDs.
Geochemistry, zircon U–Pb, and molybdenite Re–Os geochronology of the Mo deposit in Fengning region, Hebei Province, China
Authors: Sun Zhenjun , Wang Zongqi , Yu Henan , Song Weiyu , Wang Chengyang , Liu Guanghu 
Published: November 2018

The Dacaoping and Sadaigoumen Mo deposits were recently discovered along the northern margin of the North China Craton. The newly determined Re–Os isochronous age of molybdenite from the Dacaoping Mo deposit is ca. 147 Ma, and the Re–Os model age of molybdenite from the Sadaigoumen Mo deposit is ca. 248 Ma, which represents two of their respective mineralization stages. Combined with previous data, we suggest four phases of mineralization in the Dacaoping and Sabagaogoumen Mo deposits; these phases are 248, 236, 147, and 140 Ma. The Early Triassic monzogranite and Early Cretaceous granodiorite in the Dacaoping Mo deposit and the Middle Triassic monzogranite in the Sabagaogoumen Mo deposit are I‐type granite with similar geochemical characteristics. The Triassic granites formed in a collisional–post‐collisional setting between the North China Plate and the Siberian Plate, and the Cretaceous granodiorite formed from the rapid thinning of the lithosphere. The partial melting of the lower crust is the main reason for their formation, and small amounts of mantle‐derived components were added. Compared to other Mo deposits in the region, we can further divide these Mo deposits into three phases, namely, (a) Triassic (ca. 248–223 Ma), (b) Early–Middle Jurassic (ca. 187–165 Ma), and (c) Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (ca. 155–130 Ma), which are consistent with the times of magmatic activity. These activities occurred during the collision and post‐collision between the North China Plate and the Siberian Plate after the Paleo‐Asian Ocean's closure, intracontinental orogeny, and rapid thinning of the lithosphere, respectively.
How robust are reference pricing studies on outpatient medical procedures? Three different preprocessing techniques applied to difference‐in differences
Authors: Brown Timothy Tyler , Atal Juan Pablo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe evaluation of policies that are not randomly assigned on outcomes generated by nonlinear data generating processes often requires modeling assumptions for which there is little theoretical guidance. This paper revisits previously published difference‐in‐differences results of an important example, the introduction of reference pricing to common outpatient procedures, to assess the robustness of the estimated impacts by using different matching, and reweighting techniques to preprocess the data. These techniques improve covariate balance and reduce model dependence. Specifically, we examine the robustness of the effect of reference pricing on patient site‐of‐care choice, total expenditures, and complication rates. We apply three preprocessing methods: propensity score reweighting, exact matching, and genetic matching. Propensity score reweighting is a technique for achieving covariate balance but does not balance higher‐order moments and may lead to bias and inefficiency in estimating treatment effects in the context of nonlinear data generating processes. In contrast, exact matching and genetic matching are designed to balance higher‐order moments. We find that although the use of the preprocessing techniques is a valuable robustness check showing that some results are sensitive to the method used, the three approaches generally yield results that do not statistically differ from the published results.
Availability and prescription of misoprostol for medical abortion in community pharmacies and associated factors in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Ganle John K. , Busia Nana T. , Maya Ernest 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess misoprostol availability at community pharmacies and determine factors affecting misoprostol prescription for medical abortion.MethodsA cross‐sectional quantitative survey of randomly sampled community pharmacies and their corresponding pharmacists/pharmacy workers was conducted in the city of Accra, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to collect data between May 1 and July 28, 2016. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) and bivariate and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.ResultsOf the 165 community pharmacies surveyed, approximately half (83 [50.3%]) stocked misoprostol. Availability of misoprostol however decreased when moving from first class to third class residential areas. 44 (26.7%) of the respondents had prescribed the drug at some time for medical abortion, but 140 (84.6%) indicated they would not prescribe the drug for medical abortion in future. Factors that significantly predicted misoprostol prescription for medical abortion included sex of the pharmacist/pharmacy worker, demand, and availability of misoprostol.ConclusionsDemand for misoprostol for medical abortion was found to be high but only half of community pharmacies stocked it, and most pharmacy workers did not wish to prescribe the drug. If community pharmacies are to effectively contribute to expanding access to safe abortion services in Ghana, the disparity between misoprostol provision and demand needs to be addressed.
Investigations on the mechanism of progesterone in inhibiting endometrial cancer cell cycle and viability via regulation of long noncoding RNA NEAT1/microRNA‐146b‐5p mediated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Huang Xiaohui , Zhong Rui , He Xiukui , Deng Qingshan , Peng Xiuhong , Li Jieming , Luo Xiping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractProgesterone is often used to protect the endometrium and prevent endometrial cancer. An intensive study on its molecular mechanism in endometrial cancer would contribute to the development of more promising therapies. Relevant lncRNAs and mRNAs expression data in endometrial cancer cell line Ishikawa pretreated and post‐treated with progesterone were derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (accession no. GSE29435), and then we analyzed long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs with differential expressions in two different conditions. The Cytoscape software, TargetScan, miRanda, and Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD) websites were employed. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to determine related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways alteration in Ishikawa cells treated with progesterone. In addition to bioinformatics analysis, Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were performed. The impact of progesterone on cell propagation and cell cycle was testified by colony formation and flow cytometry analysis. LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was the most significantly downregulated lncRNA in endometrial cancer cells treated with progesterone. Lymphoid enhancing factor 1 (LEF1) was positively associated with NEAT1, and eventually hsa_miR‐146b‐5p was validated to target both LEF1 and NEAT1. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway was identified to involve in endometrial cancer. NEAT1 or LEF1 was overexpressed in endometrial cancer cells while downregulated following post‐treatment with progesterone. Conversely, miR‐146b‐5p was notably decreased in Ishikawa cells while upregulated after treatment with progesterone. Downstream gene c‐myc or MMP9 regulated by upstream gene LEF1 in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway was remarkably increased in Ishikawa cells and positively related with NEAT1. Progesterone inhibited cell cycle and viability through regulating NEAT1/miR‐146b‐5p axis via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Progesterone exerted suppressive influence on endometrial cancer progression via regulation of lncRNA NEAT1/miR‐146b‐5p‐mediated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which might reveal new strategies for developing more effective therapeutics. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):223–234, 2019
Silencing of ADAM33 restrains proliferation and induces apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells in ovalbumin‐induced asthma model
Authors: Zhou Jing , Bai Wei , Liu Qin , Cui Jian , Zhang Wei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA defibrinogen and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) was reported to play an important role in asthma. Furthermore, ADAM33 may play a possible role in airway remodeling due to its high expression in myo‐/fibroblasts, epithelium, as well as the airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Thus, the study is supposed to investigate the effect of the downregulation of ADAM33 on the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs in allergic asthma. An ovalbumin‐induced asthma model in rats was established for investigating the function of the silencing of ADAM33. ASMCs were cultured and divided into four groups after transfection. The messenger RNA and protein expressions of ADAM33 were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was tested by cell counting kit‐8 and cell apoptosis by TdT‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling. The allergic asthma rats showed a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, airway smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and increased WA
t, WA
m, and numbers of bronchial smooth muscle nucleus. Additionally, increased numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils, expressions of immunoglobulin E and interleukin‐4, content of airway air pressure, and NO, although decreased in expression of interferon‐γ, were exhibited in rats with allergic asthma. In our study, upregulated ADAM33 was found, and after the silencing of ADAM33, decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of ASMCs were observed. The study evidences that silencing of ADAM33 can decrease the proliferation and increase the apoptosis of ASMCs in a rat model of allergic asthma, suggesting ADAM33 represents a potential investigative focus target aiding allergic asthma.
Key pathway and gene alterations in the gastric mucosa associated with obesity and obesity‐related diabetes
Authors: Wen Xin , Qian Chunhua , Zhang Yi , Wu Ruijin , Lu Liesheng , Zhu Cuiling , Cheng Xiaoyun , Cui Rai , You Hui , Mei Fangyun , Gao Jingyang , Li Feng , Bu Le , Qu Shen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe stomach plays an important role in obesity and obesity‐related diabetes; yet, little is known about key pathways in the gastric mucosa associated with obesity and diabetes.MethodsWe performed gene microarray and real time‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) on gut mucosa samples from control subjects (CON), patients with simple obesity (OB), and patients with obesity and comorbid diabetes (OD) (n = 3 per group). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to predict the functional significance of differentially expressed genes.ResultsIn total, 262 genes were upregulated and 265 genes were downregulated in the OB group whereas 1756 genes were upregulated and 1053 genes were downregulated in the OD group compared with the CON group. Of these, 23 were co‐regulated in both comparisons. Seven differentially expressed genes were validated by RT‐PCR (NRIP3, L1CAM, TPO, P2RY1, OR8A1, ADAMTS19, and ASIC3). A functional analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed between the OB or OD and CON groups played crucial roles in metabolic, T cell, and G‐protein coupled receptor biological processes, and primarily participated in the PI3K‐Akt and AGE‐RAGE signaling pathways.ConclusionsObesity and obesity‐related diabetes are associated with important gene expression and pathway alterations in the stomach.
Long noncoding RNA STXBP5‐AS1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via preventing the PI3K/AKT against STXBP5 expression in non–small‐cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Huang Jingyu , Xie Nianlin , Huang Hu , Yao Jie , Hu Weidong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs participate in carcinogenesis and tumor progression in non–small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), but the mechanisms underlying NSCLC tumorigenesis remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we reported the functional role and potential mechanism of long noncoding RNA syntaxin‐binding protein 5‐antisense RNA 1 (STXBP5‐AS1) in NSCLC. First, our data revealed that the expression levels of STXBP5‐AS1 in 31 NSCLC tissues were lower than in adjacent tissues using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and its expression was significantly associated with tumor metastasis of NSCLC patients. Moreover, CCK‐8, scratch wound healing and transwell assay suggested that upregulation of STXBP5‐AS1 repressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion in A549, NCI‐H292, and NCI‐H460 cells. To explore the potential mechanism of STXBP5‐AS1 in NSCLC, we first investigated the relationship among STXBP5‐AS1, STXBP5, and AKT1 in A549 cells. Results indicated that STXBP5‐AS1 was negatively related with STXBP5 and AKT1 at messenger RNA expression level using qPCR. In addition, we observed that STXBP5‐AS1 had reverse effects on the protein levels of STXBP5 and phosphorylated AKT1 (p‐AKT1) in A549 cells via Western blot assay, despite no significant effects on AKT1. Subsequently, LY294002, as the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway inhibitor, was used to further confirm the regulatory mechanism of STXBP5‐AS1, which showed that knockdown of STXBP5‐AS1 could rescue the expression of STXBP5 and p‐AKT1 protein expression levels in A549 cells. Taken together, our results suggested that STXBP5‐AS1, as a tumor suppressor, inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by preventing the PI3K/AKT against STXBP5 expression in NSCLC.
LncRNA CASC2 inhibits proliferation and migration of adenocarcinoma cells via miR‐4735‐3p and mTOR
Authors: Luo Meng , Kong Demiao , Pei Dengke , Jin Xing , Liu Di 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLung adenocarcinoma is a major form of non–small‐cell lung cancer that frequently strikes nonsmokers. The disease is often diagnosed at a late stage and the 5‐year survival rate is very low. Although previous studies found many somatic alterations associated with lung adenocarcinoma, the molecular basis of the development and progression of the disease is not well understood. We found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2), a putative tumor suppressor, was downregulated in both patient adenocarcinoma tissues and cultured lung cancer cells. Its tumor suppression function seemed to be dependent on its binding to miR‐4735‐5p. Changing the levels of CASC2 and miR‐4735‐3p in the cultured adenocarcinoma cells could affect the malignant phenotypes as well as growth of tumors derived from the cells injected into nude mice. Furthermore, the lncRNA and miR‐4735‐3p interplay likely the suppressed tumor growth through the downstream mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. The results have revealed molecular details that may be critical for the development of lung adenocarcinoma, opening opportunities for the development of novel, and therapeutic tools.
IL‐28β gene polymorphism determines virological response to PEGylated interferon therapy in hepatitis C virus genotype 4 Egyptian patients
Authors: El‐Khazragy Nashwa , El Sayed Naglaa , Salem Ahmed M. , Hassan Nahla S. , Abdelmoeaz Amal Tohamy , Maher Amany M. , Mansy Azza El‐Sayed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPEGylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) in combination with ribavirin is the gold standard for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). The majority of patients received PEG‐IFN/ribavirin achieve a sustained viral response (SVR), but few cases failed to respond. It was evident that host genetic factors determine the treatment‐induced viral clearance as well as spontaneous response. In the current study, the rs12979860 polymorphism of IL28β gene was analyzed and its association with the virological response to PEG‐IFN treatment was determined.MethodsOne hundred and fifty Egyptian patients with HCV genotype 4 treated with PEG‐IFN/ribavirin were assessed at 12 and 24 weeks of therapy, the rs12979860 genotype was determined using TaqMan‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAlthough the CC genotype was the most frequent (58%), the higher SVR was achieved for patients with favorable CC genotype (93%) in contrast to CT and TT genotypes.Conclusionwe conclude that IL28B polymorphism is highly associated with SVR to therapy in the Egyptian population infected with HCV genotype 4 and patients who carry CC genotype have a higher chance of SVR.