Causal relationship between circulating vitamin C and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and common mental disorders-a Mendelian randomization study

Mental disorders seriously affect people’s health and social stability.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study was designed to investigate the causal relationship between circulating vitamin C(VC)or 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D)levels and mental disorders.The data used for the MR analysis were derived from the summary genome-wide association studies(GWAS)database for VC and 25(OH)D and from the Finn Gen consortium for fourteen mental disorders.Based on the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method,we found a potential causal association between circulating VC and anxiety disorders(IVW:OR=1.139,95%CI:1.023-1.269,P=0.018).However,no causal association was found between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders(P>0.05).In the reverse MR analysis,individuals with Alzheimer’s disease was causally associated with higher concentrations of circulating VC(P=0.012),while individuals with anxiety disorders had a negative association between the concentrations of 25(OH)D(P=0.012).However,the current evidence does not support a causal relationship between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders.In addition,there was no causal association between circulating VC and 25(OH)D(P>0.05).Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms of potential causality.

Causal association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and cataract development:A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Vitamin deficiencies are linked to various eye diseases,and the influence of vitamin D on cataract formation has been noted in prior research.However,detailed investigations into the causal relationship between 25-(OH)D status and cataract development remain scarce.AIM To explore a possible causal link between cataracts and vitamin D.METHODS In this study,we explored the causal link between 25-(OH)D levels and cataract development using Mendelian randomization.Our analytical approach included inverse-variance weighting(IVW),MR-Egger,weighted median,simple mode,and weighted mode methods.The primary analyses utilized IVW with random effects,supplemented by sensitivity and heterogeneity tests using both IVW and MR-Egger.MR-Egger was also applied for pleiotropy testing.Additionally,a leave-one-out analysis helped identify potentially impactful single-nucleotide polymorphisms.RESULTS The analysis revealed a positive association between 25-(OH)D levels and the risk of developing cataracts(OR=1.11,95%CI:1.00-1.22;P=0.032).The heterogeneity test revealed that our IVW analysis exhibited minimal heterogeneity(P>0.05),and the pleiotropy test findings confirmed the absence of pleiotropy within our IVW analysis(P>0.05).Furthermore,a search of the human genotype-phenotype association database failed to identify any potentially relevant risk-factor single nucleotide polymorphisms.CONCLUSION There is a potential causal link between 25-(OH)D levels and the development of cataracts,suggesting that greater 25-(OH)D levels may be a contributing risk factor for cataract formation.Further experimental research is required to confirm these findings.

Cyberspace Security Using Adversarial Learning and Conformal Prediction

This paper advances new directions for cyber security using adversarial learning and conformal prediction in order to enhance network and computing services defenses against adaptive, malicious, persistent, and tactical offensive threats. Conformal prediction is the principled and unified adaptive and learning framework used to design, develop, and deploy a multi-faceted?self-managing defensive shield to detect, disrupt, and deny intrusive attacks, hostile and malicious behavior, and subterfuge. Conformal prediction leverages apparent relationships between immunity and intrusion detection using non-conformity measures characteristic of affinity, a typicality, and surprise, to recognize patterns and messages as friend or foe and to respond to them accordingly. The solutions proffered throughout are built around active learning, meta-reasoning, randomness, distributed semantics and stratification, and most important and above all around adaptive Oracles. The motivation for using conformal prediction and its immediate off-spring, those of semi-supervised learning and transduction, comes from them first and foremost supporting discriminative and non-parametric methods characteristic of principled demarcation using cohorts and sensitivity analysis to hedge on the prediction outcomes including negative selection, on one side, and providing credibility and confidence indices that assist meta-reasoning and information fusion.

Three-dimensional(3D)parametric measurements of individual gravels in the Gobi region using point cloud technique

Gobi spans a large area of China,surpassing the combined expanse of mobile dunes and semi-fixed dunes.Its presence significantly influences the movement of sand and dust.However,the complex origins and diverse materials constituting the Gobi result in notable differences in saltation processes across various Gobi surfaces.It is challenging to describe these processes according to a uniform morphology.Therefore,it becomes imperative to articulate surface characteristics through parameters such as the three-dimensional(3D)size and shape of gravel.Collecting morphology information for Gobi gravels is essential for studying its genesis and sand saltation.To enhance the efficiency and information yield of gravel parameter measurements,this study conducted field experiments in the Gobi region across Dunhuang City,Guazhou County,and Yumen City(administrated by Jiuquan City),Gansu Province,China in March 2023.A research framework and methodology for measuring 3D parameters of gravel using point cloud were developed,alongside improved calculation formulas for 3D parameters including gravel grain size,volume,flatness,roundness,sphericity,and equivalent grain size.Leveraging multi-view geometry technology for 3D reconstruction allowed for establishing an optimal data acquisition scheme characterized by high point cloud reconstruction efficiency and clear quality.Additionally,the proposed methodology incorporated point cloud clustering,segmentation,and filtering techniques to isolate individual gravel point clouds.Advanced point cloud algorithms,including the Oriented Bounding Box(OBB),point cloud slicing method,and point cloud triangulation,were then deployed to calculate the 3D parameters of individual gravels.These systematic processes allow precise and detailed characterization of individual gravels.For gravel grain size and volume,the correlation coefficients between point cloud and manual measurements all exceeded 0.9000,confirming the feasibility of the proposed methodology for measuring 3D parameters of individual gravels.The proposed workflow yields accurate calculations of relevant parameters for Gobi gravels,providing essential data support for subsequent studies on Gobi environments.

A comparison of the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations,alone,and in combination,on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:The aim of this study is to compare the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations,alone,and in combination,on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women who were referred to the Kowsar gynecological clinics of Shahid Motahari Hospital of Urmia University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods:A double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 112 women with dysmenorrhea who were randomly allocated into the four study groups.Finally,100 women complete the study and received capsules containing a placebo(n=25),1000 IU of Vitamin D(n=25),400 mg of Vitamin E(n=25),and 1000 IU of Vitamin D+400 mg of Vitamin E(n=25)every 24 h for 2 consecutive months at the beginning of the menstrual period.The pain intensity and duration among groups were compared before and after the intervention.Results:The mean menstrual pain duration in all three experimental groups(Vitamin E,Vitamin D,and the combination of them)was lower than the placebo group(all P<0.05),and the mean pain intensity scores in all three experimental groups were significantly lower than the placebo group(all P<0.05).The results(means)for all of the drugs administered at the end of the 2nd month were better than the 1st month(all P<0.01).Conclusions:Vitamin E and Vitamin D,as well as their combination,are recommended as an effective and safe treatment for the management of the complications of dysmenorrhea.

Structural plane recognition from three-dimensional laser scanning points using an improved region-growing algorithm based on the robust randomized Hough transform

The staggered distribution of joints and fissures in space constitutes the weak part of any rock mass.The identification of rock mass structural planes and the extraction of characteristic parameters are the basis of rock-mass integrity evaluation,which is very important for analysis of slope stability.The laser scanning technique can be used to acquire the coordinate information pertaining to each point of the structural plane,but large amount of point cloud data,uneven density distribution,and noise point interference make the identification efficiency and accuracy of different types of structural planes limited by point cloud data analysis technology.A new point cloud identification and segmentation algorithm for rock mass structural surfaces is proposed.Based on the distribution states of the original point cloud in different neighborhoods in space,the point clouds are characterized by multi-dimensional eigenvalues and calculated by the robust randomized Hough transform(RRHT).The normal vector difference and the final eigenvalue are proposed for characteristic distinction,and the identification of rock mass structural surfaces is completed through regional growth,which strengthens the difference expression of point clouds.In addition,nearest Voxel downsampling is also introduced in the RRHT calculation,which further reduces the number of sources of neighborhood noises,thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the calculation.The advantages of the method have been verified by laboratory models.The results showed that the proposed method can better achieve the segmentation and statistics of structural planes with interfaces and sharp boundaries.The method works well in the identification of joints,fissures,and other structural planes on Mangshezhai slope in the Three Gorges Reservoir area,China.It can provide a stable and effective technique for the identification and segmentation of rock mass structural planes,which is beneficial in engineering practice.

On Generalized Multivalued Random Variational-Like Inclusions

In this paper, we posed a random iterative algorithm for generalized multivalued random variational like inclusions. We define the random relaxed Lipschitz and relaxed monotone mappings and prove the existence and convergence of solutions of the random iterative sequences generated by a random iterative algorithm.

Multi-Value Sequence Generated over Sub Extension Field and Its Properties

Pseudo-random sequences with long period, low correlation, high linear complexity, and uniform distribution of bit patterns are widely used in the field of information security and cryptography. This paper proposes an approach for generating a pseudo-random multi-value sequence (including a binary sequence) by utilizing a primitive polynomial, trace function, and k-th power residue symbol over the sub extension field. All our previous sequences are defined over the prime field, whereas, proposed sequence in this paper is defined over the sub extension field. Thus, it’s a new and innovative perception to consider the sub extension field during the sequence generation procedure. By considering the sub extension field, two notable outcomes are: proposed sequence holds higher linear complexity and more uniform distribution of bit patterns compared to our previous work which defined over the prime field. Additionally, other important properties of the proposed multi-value sequence such as period, autocorrelation, and cross-correlation are theoretically shown along with some experimental results.

Permutation and Complementary Algorithm to Generate Random Sequences for Binary Logic

Randomness number generation plays a key role in network, information security and IT applications. In this paper, a permutation and complementary algorithm is proposed to use vector complementary and permuta-tion operations to extend n-variable Logic function space from 22n functions to 22n * 2n! configurations for variant logic framework. Each configuration contains 2n functions can be shown in a 22n-1*22n-1 matrix. A set of visual results can be represented by their symmetric properties in W, F and C codes respec-tively to provide the essential support on the variant logic framework.

Sequential Analysis in the Identification of 3rd Order System Tract in the Abidjan Margin

The use of sequential stratigraphy concept, based on well logs, sedimentology, and biostratigraphy, has shed light on the complex mechanisms controlling sedimentary accumulations. Consequently, identifying these mechanisms allows us to predict the hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks. In the Ivorian offshore sedimentary basin, certain studies have contributed to understanding and characterizing the petroleum system. However, these previous works did not integrate biostratigraphic data to highlight sedimentary facies. This study, conducted on two wells in the Abidjan margin, is crucial as it helps us comprehend the geometry of fossil sediments in relation to sea level variations. It will also aid in reconstructing the basin-filling history and predicting the distribution of rocks capable of trapping oil, determining lowstand systems tracts (reservoir rocks), transgressive systems tracts, and highstand systems tracts (cap rocks). Lithological analysis revealed predominantly clayey sedimentation with sandy layers. Well log data facilitated the delineation of formation boundaries and highlighted reservoirs consisting of sands, sandstones, limestones, and occasionally intercalated shales. Integrating these analysis results with biostratigraphic interpretations based on foraminifera and palynomorphs revealed that the traversed formations were deposited in a transitional environment ranging from Coniacian to Maastrichtian ages. Applying sequential stratigraphy concept from well logging resolved dating issues encountered in microfossil-poor or microfossil-free zones. The results of the Coniacian-Maastrichtian age sequential subdivision were aligned with the chart.

Genetic Diversity and Species Identification of Cultivar Species in Subtribe Cucumerinae (Cucurbitaceae) Using RAPD and SCAR Markers

DNA polymorphism in the cultivar species;Cucumis sativus L., C. melo L. and Benincasa hispida Cogn. of subtribe Cucumerinae (Cucurbitaceae) in the four northeastern provinces of Thailand was examined by using RAPD technique. Twenty 10-mer primers were produced 212 RAPD fragments, ranging from approximately 120 to 2531 bp. The genetic similarities were estimated from banding profiles using a NTSYS* version 2.1 as a basis for dendrogram construction via the UPGMA method. Cluster analysis divided the taxa under study into 2 clades. Moreover, a RAPD marker: Cm (OPJ11700) was specified to C. melo, and this marker was converted into sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker: Cm (SCJ11516). A pair of sequence-specific primer of clones Cm (OPJ11700) amplified a distinct single band of the same size as the RAPD clones. The SCAR marker was developed successfully to identify C. melo genotype.

Variant Map System to Simulate Complex Properties of DNA Interactions Using Binary Sequences

Stream cipher, DNA cryptography and DNA analysis are the most important R&D fields in both Cryptography and Bioinformatics. HC-256 is an emerged scheme as the new generation of stream ciphers for advanced network security. From a random sequencing viewpoint, both sequences of HC-256 and real DNA data may have intrinsic pseudo-random properties respectively. In a recent decade, many DNA sequencing projects are developed on cells, plants and animals over the world into huge DNA databases. Researchers notice that mammalian genomes encode thousands of large noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), interact with chromatin regulatory complexes, and are thought to play a role in localizing these complexes to target loci across the genome. It is a challenge target using higher dimensional visualization tools to organize various complex interactive properties as visual maps. The Variant Map System (VMS) as an emerging scheme is systematically proposed in this paper to apply multiple maps that used four Meta symbols as same as DNA or RNA representations. System architecture of key components and core mechanism on the VMS are described. Key modules, equations and their I/O parameters are discussed. Applying the VM System, two sets of real DNA sequences from both sample human (noncoding DNA) and corn (coding DNA) genomes are collected in comparison with pseudo DNA sequences generated by HC-256 to show their intrinsic properties in higher levels of similar relationships among relevant DNA sequences on 2D maps. Sample 2D maps are listed and their characteristics are illustrated under controllable environment. Visual results are briefly analyzed to explore their intrinsic properties on selected genome sequences.

The joint limiting distribution of maxima with random indexes and sums of normal sequence

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Influence of Vertical Load on Lateral-Loaded Monopiles by Numerical Simulation

Monopiles are the most common foundation form of offshore wind turbines,which bear the vertical load,lateral load and bending moment.It remains uncertain whether the applied vertical load increases the lateral deflection of the pile.This paper investigated the influence of vertical load on the behaviour of monopiles installed in the sand under combined load using three-dimensional numerical methods.The commercial software PLAXIS was used for simulations in this paper.Monopiles were modelled as a structure incorporating linear elastic material behaviour and soil was modelled using the Hardening-Soil(HS)constitutive model.The monopiles under vertical load,lateral load and combined vertical and lateral loads were respectively studied taking into account the sequence of load application and pile slenderness ratio(L/D;L and D are the length and diameter of the pile).Results suggest that the sequence of load application plays a major role in how vertical load affects the deflection behaviour of the pile.Specifically,when L/D ratios obtained by lengthening the pile while keeping its diameter constant are 3,5 and 8,the relationships between lateral load and the deflection behaviour of the pile under the effect of vertical load demonstrate a similar trend.Furthermore,the cause of increased lateral capacity of the pile under the action of applied vertical load in the common practical application case and in the VPL case was analyzed by studying the variation law of soil stress along the pile embedment.Results confirm that the confining effect of vertical load increases means effective stress of the soil around the pile,thus increasing soil stiffness and pile capacity.

Genetic analysis of selected Sargassum fusiforme (Harvey) Setchell (Sargassaceae, Phaeophyta) strains with RAPD and ISSR markers

Since the 1980s,Sargassum fusiforme has been cultivated in Zhejiang,South China,and nowadays it becomes one of the important commercial seaweeds in China.With traditions of eating habits in the East Asian countries,this brown alga is used as food,because it contained functional oligo/polysaccharides and chemical components,and was regarded playing roles in antioxidant activities and regulating immunology.Through over 15 years’selection,breeding and cultivation,we obtained three strains with good traits and testified their characters during the production,which included the cultivars with high yield and other two good characters,either all the selected strains were applied in the Sargassum production.To avoid confusion during the selection and nursery,it was preferred to establish one fingerprint for distinguishing the Sargassum cultivars from different strains.Random amplified polymorphic DNA(RAPD)and inter-simple sequence repeat(ISSR)methods were adopted to analyze the genetic diversities of the selected S.fusiforme strains.With that,one fingerprint with RAPD markers was constructed,and one sequence characterized amplifi ed region(SCAR)marker to S.fusiforme was obtained.It is indicated that the applied fingerprint could be valid in S.fusiforme genetic and germplasm justification,and will be positive to molecular marker assistance in its selection and cultivation.

Hájek-Rényi-type Inequality for a Class of Random Variable Sequences and Its Applications

In this paper, we obtain the Hejek-Renyi-type inequality for a class of random variable sequences and give some applications for associated random variable sequences, strongly positive dependent stochastic sequences and martingale difference sequences which generalize and improve the results of Prakasa Rao and Soo published in Statist. Probab. Lett., 57（2002） and 78（2008）. Using this result, we get the integrability of supremum and the strong law of large numbers for a class of random variable sequences.

Investigation on the Folding Mode and Deployment Process of an Inflatable Boarding Platform for the Marine Emergency Evacuation System

Monopiles are the most common foundation form of offshore wind turbines,which bear the vertical load,lateral load and bending moment.It remains uncertain whether the applied vertical load increases the lateral deflection of the pile.This paper investigated the influence of vertical load on the behaviour of monopiles installed in the sand under combined load using three-dimensional numerical methods.The commercial software PLAXIS was used for simulations in this paper.Monopiles were modelled as a structure incorporating linear elastic material behaviour and soil was modelled using the Hardening-Soil(HS)constitutive model.The monopiles under vertical load,lateral load and combined vertical and lateral loads were respectively studied taking into account the sequence of load application and pile slenderness ratio(L/D;L and D are the length and diameter of the pile).Results suggest that the sequence of load application plays a major role in how vertical load affects the deflection behaviour of the pile.Specifically,when L/D ratios obtained by lengthening the pile while keeping its diameter constant are 3,5 and 8,the relationships between lateral load and the deflection behaviour of the pile under the effect of vertical load demonstrate a similar trend.Furthermore,the cause of increased lateral capacity of the pile under the action of applied vertical load in the common practical application case and in the VPL case was analyzed by studying the variation law of soil stress along the pile embedment.Results confirm that the confining effect of vertical load increases means effective stress of the soil around the pile,thus increasing soil stiffness and pile capacity.

SOME LIMIT THEOREMS FOR SEQUENCES OF PAIRWISE NQD RANDOM VARIABLES

In this article, the authors study some limit properties for sequences of pairwise NQD random variables, which are not necessarily identically distributed. They obtain Baum and Katz complete convergence and the strong stability of Jamison＇s weighted sums for pairwise NQD random variables, which may have different distributions. Some wellknown results are improved and extended.

Evolutionary Random Sequence Generators Based on LFSR

Random numbers play a crucial role in modern security schemes. Couple to the rapid development of cryptography, the strength of security protocols and encryption algorithms consumingly relies on the quality of random number. With simple architecture and faster speed, linear feedback shift register often is selected in many applications. However, the random sequence generated by LFSR can not meet the demand of unpredictability for secure mechanism. Genetic algorithm improves the linear property of LFSR and constructs a novel random sequence generator with longer period and complex architecture.

Strong Law of Large Numbers and Complete Convergence for Sequences of -Mixing Random Variables

We give some theorems of strong law of large numbers and complete convergence for sequences of φ-mixing random variables. In particular, Wittmann＇s strong law of large numbers and Teicher＇s strong law of large nnumbers for independent random variables are generalized to the case of φ -minxing random variables.