bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skills Gaps in the Industry
Authors: Akdur Deniz
Published: July 2021

Many practitioners in the software-intensive embedded industry often face difficulties after beginning their careers due to misalignment of the skills learned at the university with what is required in the workplace. Companies spend crucial resources to train personnel whose academic backgrounds are not only based on “computing disciplines” but also on non-computing ones. Analyzing the gap between the software industry and academia is important for three reasons: (1) for employers, hiring properly trained practitioners allows them to spend less time in training them while incorporating them more efficiently into the workforce; (2) for practitioners, knowing the most important skillset is helpful to increase their chance of employability; and (3) for academia, understanding the necessary skillset is critical to making curriculum changes. To achieve these objectives, we conducted a survey that yielded responses from 659 software professionals working worldwide in different roles. In this study, we only included the responses of 393 embedded software practitioners whose undergraduate degree was completed in Turkey, working in 10 countries. This article sheds light on the most important skills in the embedded software industry by presenting various cross-factor analyses. Understanding the coverage of these skills in the curriculum (mostly in Turkish universities) helps bridge the gaps, which can and should be achieved through more Industry Academia Collaborations (IACs).
Influence of Nitrogen on the Luminescence Properties of Ce-Doped SiOxNy
Authors: Gao Yuxuan , Khatami Zahra , Mascher Peter
Published: July 2021

We report wideband photoluminescent emission from cerium-doped silicon oxynitride (Ce-doped SiOxNy) thin films deposited using electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (ECR-PECVD). The in situ doping with Cerium (Ce) was performed using a volatile metal organic powder, (Ce[tmhd]4). Oxygen was gradually substituted by nitrogen to produce SiOxNy thin films with varying nitrogen to oxygen ratio, to explore the effect of nitrogen on the photoluminescence (PL) of the thin films. Thin film composition and optical constants were determined using Rutherford back scattering and ellipsometry techniques, respectively. Samples subjected to post-deposition thermal annealing yielded considerably stronger blue/white PL emission than as-deposited ones, due to the formation of Ce-containing clusters at a temperature of 1000 °C and above. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed no crystalline structure in samples annealed at elevated temperatures. The optimum layer composition and annealing condition to produce SiOxNy thin films with maximized Ce3+ emission was determined. Besides, hydrogen fluoride etching along with hydrogen passivation demonstrated the enhancement of the PL emission of the thin films.
Left ventricular dyssynchrony and post-systolic shortening in young bodybuilders using anabolic-androgenic steroids
Authors: Grandperrin Antoine , Schuster Iris , Rupp Thomas , Izem Omar , Obert Philippe , Nottin Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Illicit androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) use is widespread, but data on LV dyssynchrony are lacking, although it could be increased by a higher prevalence of myocardial fibrosis reported in this population. In AAS users, the decrease in LV strain was predominantly observed in interventricular segments. All dyssynchrony indices were higher in AAS users and several segments exhibited post-systolic shortening. These results showed an association between AAS consumption, LV remodeling, and dyssynchrony.
An Incentive and Reputation Mechanism Based on Blockchain for Crowd Sensing Network
Authors: Noshad Zainib , Khan Asad Ullah , Abbas Shahid , Abubaker Zain , Javaid Nadeem , Shafiq Muhammad , Choi Jin-Ghoo
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, sensors inserted in mobile applications are used for gathering data for an explicit assignment that can effectively save cost and time in crowd sensing networks (CSNs). The true value and essence of gathered statistics depend on the participation level from all the members of a CSN, i.e., service providers, data collectors, and service consumers. In comparison with the centralized conventional mechanisms that are susceptible to privacy invasion, attacks, and manipulation, this article proposes a decentralized incentive and reputation mechanism for CSN. The monetary rewards are used to motivate the data collectors and to encourage the participants to take part in the network activities. Whereas the issue of privacy leakage is dealt with using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES128) technique. Additionally, a reputation system is implemented to tackle issues like data integrity, fake reviews, and conflicts among entities. Through registering reviews, the system encourages data utilization by providing correct, consistent, and reliable data. Furthermore, simulations are performed for analyzing the gas consumed by smart contracts. Similarly, the encryption technique is ratified by comparing its execution time with other techniques that are previously used in literature. Lastly, the reputation system is inspected through analyzing the gas consumption and mining time of input string length.
XEN Glaucoma Implant for the Management of Operated Uncontrolled Glaucoma: Results and Complications during a Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Lewczuk Katarzyna , Konopińska Joanna , Jabłońska Joanna , Rudowicz Jacek , Laszewicz Patrycja , Mariak Zofia , Rękas Marek
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to analyze the surgical and refractive outcomes of XEN glaucoma implant (Allergan, an Abbvie company, Irvine, CA, USA), a minimally invasive surgical device for the treatment of operated uncontrolled glaucoma. Eyes that received XEN Gel Stent placement from December 2014 to October 2019 were retrospectively investigated. Intraocular pressure (IOP) change, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in glaucoma medications, frequency of slit lamp revision procedures, and frequency of secondary glaucoma surgeries were the primary outcomes. Seventy-two eyes of 72 subjects were included in the study: 32 (44%) men and 40 (56%) women. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 50 months (median, 26.13 months). The mean IOP before surgery was 24.82 ± 8.03 mmHg and decreased to 17.45 ± 5.84 mmHg at the end of the study (mean difference [MD] = −7.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.04, −4.93;

p
<
0.001

). The mean decrease from baseline was 23%. BCVA before surgery was 0.38 ± 0.30, and that at the end of the follow-up period improved to 0.47 ± 0.37, MD = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.13;

p
<
0.001

. Additional procedures (fluorouracil injection and bleb needling) were performed in 11/72 patients (15%). Further glaucoma surgery was necessary for 23.9% of the patients. XEN Gel Stent implantation is both safe and reasonably effective for lowering IOP in operated uncontrolled glaucoma patients.
Recent Advances in Dimensionality Reduction Modeling and Multistability Reconstitution of Memristive Circuit
Authors: Zhang Yunzhen , Ping Yuan , Zhang Zhili , Zhao Guangzhe
Published: July 2021

Due to the introduction of memristors, the memristor‐based nonlinear oscillator circuits readily present the state initial‐dependent multistability (or extreme multistability), i.e., coexisting multiple attractors (or coexisting infinitely many attractors). The dimensionality reduction modeling for a memristive circuit is carried out to realize accurate prediction, quantitative analysis, and physical control of its multistability, which has become one of the hottest research topics in the field of information science. Based on these considerations, this paper briefly reviews the specific multistability phenomenon generating from the memristive circuit in the voltage‐current domain and expounds the multistability control strategy. Then, this paper introduces the accurate flux‐charge constitutive relation of memristors. Afterwards, the dimensionality reduction modeling method of the memristive circuits, i.e., the incremental flux‐charge analysis method, is emphatically introduced, whose core idea is to implement the explicit expressions of the initial conditions in the flux‐charge model and to discuss the feasibility and effectiveness of the multistability reconstitution of the memristive circuits using their flux‐charge models. Furthermore, the incremental integral transformation method for modeling of the memristive system is reviewed by following the idea of the incremental flux‐charge analysis method. The theory and application promotion of the dimensionality reduction modeling and multistability reconstitution are proceeded, and the application prospect is prospected by taking the synchronization application of the memristor‐coupled system as an example.
Comparative Analysis of Clavien–Dindo Grade and Risk Factors of Complications after Dual-Port Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy and Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Gastrectomy
Authors: Jin Haihao , Geng Jianshan
Published: July 2021

Objective. To compare the Clavien–Dindo grade and risk factors of complications after dual-port laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (DPLDG) and hand-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy (HALG). Methods. The clinical data of 775 patients who underwent DPLDG or HALG in our hospital from May 2016 to May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients were divided into the DPLDG group (n = 386) and HALG group (n = 389) according to the surgical method to explore the risk factors of postoperative complications by grading their postoperative complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification system and single-factor and multivariate analysis of the association between variables in clinical data and complications. Results. Compared with the HALG group, the DPLDG group had significantly shorter surgical time, less intraoperative blood loss, and better postoperative exhaust time

p
<
0.05

, with no significant difference in other clinical indicators between the two groups

p
>
0.05

; the postoperative complication incidence rate of DPLDG group was significantly lower than that of the HALG group; it was shown in the single-factor analysis that the age, tumor length, intraoperative blood loss, pathological stages, and surgical method were related to the postoperative complications, and the results of multivariate analysis indicated that DPLDG was the protective factor for reducing postoperative complications, while age no less than 60 years old and intraoperative blood loss no less than 180 ml were the independent risk factors leading to complications; after surgery, the PNI level values at T1, T2, and T3 of DPLDG group were significantly higher than those of the HALG group

p
<
0.05

; and at 1 month after surgery, both groups obtained significantly higher GLQI scores than before, and the GLQI score of the DPLDG group was significantly higher in the between-group comparison

p
<
0.05

. Conclusion. The DPLDG has lower postoperative complication incidence rate than the HALG, but age no less than 60 years old and intraoperative blood loss not less than 180 ml are the independent risk factors for postoperative complications, so advanced prevention measures shall be taken to lower the incidence of complications.
Design and Research of Interactive Animation of Immersive Space Scene Based on Computer Vision Technology
Authors: Wu Shan , Liu Hubin , Xu Qi , Liu Yulong
Published: July 2021

With the development of computational simulation technology, the need for stable and immersive display effects of space scene animation in the field of life experience and visual art has gradually increased. In this case, the requirements for immersive characteristics of space scene animation have also been strengthened. The existing 3D space scene animation has a limited degree of stereoscopic display model and data visualization. However, the current space scene interactive animation adopts a plane layout as a whole, and the size of the view interface is generally fixed, including the size of virtual elements. However, the immersion in this paper interactive animation of spatial scene can effectively solve the problems of incomplete display of 3D effects and unstable view simulation in 3D effects. This paper takes immersive space scene animation as the research object and studies the 3D and characteristics of space scene animation based on computer parallel computing in different immersive space scenes and different virtual space technologies, as well as the animation effects of different scene transformations and art forms. The result of research shows that, with the continuous increase of the degree of virtuality within a certain range, the immersive effect of spatial scene interactive animation gradually becomes better. When the color of the space scene animation is below 15, the virtual immersive effect changes less. When the space scene is in the range of 15–20, the space scene will make people feel the atmosphere of a beautiful and mysterious illusion.
Activation of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR-α/γ) and the Fatty Acid Metabolizing Enzyme Protein CPT1A by Camel Milk Treatment Counteracts the High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: AlNafea Haifa M. , Korish Aida A.
Published: July 2021

Camel milk (CM) has a unique composition rich in antioxidants, trace elements, immunoglobulins, insulin, and insulin-like proteins. Treatment by CM demonstrated protective effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat cholesterol-rich diet (HFD-C) in rats. CM dampened the steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning degeneration of the hepatocytes. It also counteracted hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance (IR), glucose intolerance, and oxidative stress. The commencement of NAFLD triggered the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1 (CPT1A), and fatty acid-binding protein-1 (FABP1) and decreased the PPAR-γ expression in the tissues of the animals on HFD-C. This was associated with increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and leptin and declined levels of the anti-inflammatory adiponectin. Camel milk treatment to the NAFLD animals remarkably upregulated PPARs (α, γ) and the downstream enzyme CPT1A in the metabolically active tissues involved in cellular uptake and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The enhanced lipid metabolism in the CM-treated animals was linked with decreased expression of FABP1 and suppression of IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin release with augmented adiponectin production. The protective effects of CM against the histological and biochemical features of NAFLD are at least in part related to the activation of the hepatic and extrahepatic PPARs (α, γ) with consequent activation of the downstream enzymes involved in fat metabolism. Camel milk treatment carries a promising therapeutic potential to NAFLD through stimulating PPARs actions on fat metabolism and glucose homeostasis. This can protect against hepatic steatosis, IR, and diabetes mellitus in high-risk obese patients.
Mitochondrial Protection and Against Glutamate Neurotoxicity via Shh/Ptch1 Signaling Pathway to Ameliorate Cognitive Dysfunction by Kaixin San in Multi‐Infarct Dementia Rats
Authors: Li Xiaoqiong , Wen Wen , Li Ping , Fu Ying , Chen Hao , Wang Fushun , Dai Yuan , Xu Shijun
Published: July 2021

Multi‐infarct dementia (MID), a prominent subtype of vascular dementia (VD), is responsible for at least 15 to 20 percent of dementia in the elderly. Mitochondrial dysfunctions and glutamate neurotoxicity due to chronic hypoperfusion and oxidative stress were regarded as the major risk factors in the pathogenesis. Kaixin San (KXS), a classic prescription of Beiji Qianjin Yaofang, was applied to treatment for “amnesia” and has been demonstrated to alleviate the cognitive deficit in a variety of dementias, including MID. However, little is known whether mitochondria and glutamate are associated with the protection of KXS in MID treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of KXS in improving the cognitive function of MID rats through strengthening mitochondrial functions and antagonizing glutamate neurotoxicity via the Shh/Ptch1 signaling pathway. Our data showed that KXS significantly ameliorated memory impairment and hippocampal neuron damage in MID rats. Moreover, KXS improved hippocampal mitochondrial functions by reducing the degree of mitochondrial swelling, increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and elevating the energy charge (EC) and ATP content in MID rats. As expected, the concentration of glutamate and the expression of p‐NMDAR1 were significantly reduced by KXS in the brain tissue of MID rats. Furthermore, our results showed that KXS noticeably activated the Shh/Ptch1 signaling pathway which was demonstrated by remarkable elevations of Ptch1, Smo, and Gli1 protein levels in the brain tissue of MID rats. Intriguingly, the inhibition of the Shh signaling pathway with cyclopamine significantly inhibited the protective effects of KXS on glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. To sum up, these findings suggested that KXS protected MID rats from memory loss by rescuing mitochondrial functions as well as against glutamate neurotoxicity through activating Shh/Ptch1 signaling pathway.
A Novel Hadoop Security Model for Addressing Malicious Collusive Workers
Authors: Sauber Amr M. , Awad Ahmed , Shawish Amr F. , El-Kafrawy Passent M.
Published: July 2021

With the daily increase of data production and collection, Hadoop is a platform for processing big data on a distributed system. A master node globally manages running jobs, whereas worker nodes process partitions of the data locally. Hadoop uses MapReduce as an effective computing model. However, Hadoop experiences a high level of security vulnerability over hybrid and public clouds. Specially, several workers can fake results without actually processing their portions of the data. Several redundancy‐based approaches have been proposed to counteract this risk. A replication mechanism is used to duplicate all or some of the tasks over multiple workers (nodes). A drawback of such approaches is that they generate a high overhead over the cluster. Additionally, malicious workers can behave well for a long period of time and attack later. This paper presents a novel model to enhance the security of the cloud environment against untrusted workers. A new component called malicious workers’ trap (MWT) is developed to run on the master node to detect malicious (noncollusive and collusive) workers as they convert and attack the system. An implementation to test the proposed model and to analyze the performance of the system shows that the proposed model can accurately detect malicious workers with minor processing overhead compared to vanilla MapReduce and Verifiable MapReduce (V‐MR) model [1]. In addition, MWT maintains a balance between the security and usability of the Hadoop cluster.
Application of Multigroup Technology in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome
Authors: Ma Guan-Jun , Qian Xiang , Chen Zhuo , Chen Sha-Sha , Zhang Ai-Qin
Published: July 2021

Objective. To explore the basic characteristics of intestinal flora, metabolomics, and proteomics of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Methods. Twelve NSCLC patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were selected for the QZXY group and 15 healthy volunteers were selected for the control group. Fecal samples from the two groups were collected to evaluate intestinal microecology using the 16s rDNA technique. Serum samples were collected to compare the differences in metabolomics and proteomics between the two groups using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Another 34 NSCLC patients with other syndromes were selected for the nQZXY group and their serum samples were collected. Metabolomics differences between the QZXY and nQZXY groups were compared using LC-MS, and four metabolites with the most obvious differences were selected for receiver operation characteristic curve representation. Finally, multigroup results were analyzed using the WGCNA software. Results. There were two significantly different types of bacteria (Aerococcaceae and Abiotrophia), 11 different proteins (six upregulated and five downregulated), and 38 different metabolites (nine upregulated, 29 downregulated) between the QZXY and control groups. There was a correlation between differential bacteria, proteins, and metabolites. The conjoint analysis found that the different substances were related to MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Ras signaling pathway, cancer pathways, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. There were four significant differences in metabolites (Pseudouridine, phenlacetyl-C0A, L-glutamic, and phospho-anandamide) between the QZXY and nQZXY groups. Conclusions. NSCLC with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome had specific intestinal flora and protein and metabolites, which were closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors.
Spectroscopic Analysis for Harnessing the Quality and Potential of Gemstones for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Serbaya Suhail H. , Rizwan Ali , Mehmood Malik Sajjad
Published: July 2021

Introduction of modern technologies and methods and quality analysis for the gemstone industry are the main strategic initiatives of the Small and Medium Development Authority (SMEDA) of Pakistan. In this regard, four natural gemstones Quartz, Pyrope-Almandine Garnet, Black tourmaline, and Amethyst brought from Hunza valley Pakistan were analyzed by state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques including EDX, UV-VIS, and FTIR spectroscopy. EDX revealed the traces of Fe, Mg, and Ca in Pyrope-Almandine garnet, Mg and Fe in Black tourmaline, Au and Ca in Amethyst. UV-VIS data revealed the values of Urbach energies 520, 210, 460, and 430 meV, and the values of direct bandgap energies 5.14, 6.12, 5.54, 5.74 eV, respectively. The higher structural disorder due to the presence of Fe and other impurities in stones except Quartz was attributed to the higher values of Urbach energies and decrease in band gaps: FTIR data Fe-O and Si-O stretching vibration in Pyrope-Almandine garnet, Si-O bending vibrations and O-H stretching vibration in Quartz, Si-O-Si bending and stretching vibrations and C=O stretching vibrations in Black tourmaline, Ca-O stretching vibrations and Si-OH weak-vibrations in Amethyst. Photoluminescence results also showed useful information in investigating the properties of gemstones.
Numerical Method for a System of PIDEs Arising in American Contingent Claims under FMLS Model with Jump Diffusion and Regime-Switching Process
Authors: Fan Congyin , Chen Peimin
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates a numerical method for solving fractional partial integro-differential equations (FPIDEs) arising in American Contingent Claims, which follow finite moment log-stable process (FMLS) with jump diffusion and regime switching. Mathematically, the prices of American Contingent Claims satisfy a system of

d

problems with free-boundary values, where

d

is the number of regimes of the market. In addition, an optimal exercise boundary is needed to setup with each regime. Therefore, a fully implicit scheme based on the penalty term is arranged. In the end, numerical examples are carried out to verify the obtained theoretical results, and the impacts of state variables in our model on the optimal exercise boundary of American Contingent Claims are analyzed.
Global Vision Localization of Indoor Service Robot Based on Improved Iterative Extended Kalman Particle Filter Algorithm
Authors: Hu Bingshan , Yu Qingxiao , Yu Hongliu
Published: July 2021

Localization is the primary problem of mobile robot navigation. Monte Carlo localization based on particle filter has better accuracy and is easier to implement, but there is also the problem of particle degradation. In this paper, the iterative extended Kalman filter is optimized by the Levenberg‐Marquardt optimization method. An improved particle filter algorithm based on the upon optimized iterative Kalman filter is proposed, and the importance probability density function of the particle filter is generated by the maximum posterior probability estimation of the improved iterative Kalman filter. Simulation results of the improved particle filter algorithm show that the algorithm can approximate the state posterior probability distribution more closely with fewer sampled particles under the premise of ensuring sufficient state estimation accuracy. Meanwhile, the computation is reduced and the real‐time performance is enhanced. Finally, the algorithm is validated on the indoor mobile service robot. The experimental results show that the localization algorithm’s accuracy meets requirement for real‐time localizing of the restaurant service robot.
[Retracted] Effect of Grey and White Portland Cement Fillers on Flexural and Shear Strength of GFRP Composite Material
Authors: Vardhan D. Harsha , Sai Chaithanya Kishore D. , Santhosh Kumar Reddy Y. , Manohar Reddy K. , Raghavendra Gujjala , Rudrapati Ramesh
Published: July 2021

The mechanical behaviour of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite depends on the type of matrix, filler, and fiber architecture. In order to develop high‐strength polymer matrix composites, the composites containing 5%, 10%, and 15% each of Portland grey and white cement filler are prepared by uniformly mixing the epoxy and filler materials, followed by casting by hand layup technique. The flexural and shear test is performed in accordance with ASTM 790 and ASTM D5379, respectively. It has been found that the values of shear strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity vary with the increasing amount of cement component in the polymer. In addition, for a given percentage of the components of the cementitious filler, the values of the mechanical strength of the composites that contain white cement are higher than those of the composites that contain grey cement filler. Damage to composites has been found to involve fiber breakage and delamination primarily.
A Size‐Perimeter Discrete Growth Model for Percolation Clusters
Authors: Bak Bendegúz Dezső , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás
Published: July 2021

Cluster growth models are utilized for a wide range of scientific and engineering applications, including modeling epidemics and the dynamics of liquid propagation in porous media. Invasion percolation is a stochastic branching process in which a network of sites is getting occupied that leads to the formation of clusters (group of interconnected, occupied sites). The occupation of sites is governed by their resistance distribution; the invasion annexes the sites with the least resistance. An iterative cluster growth model is considered for computing the expected size and perimeter of the growing cluster. A necessary ingredient of the model is the description of the mean perimeter as the function of the cluster size. We propose such a relationship for the site square lattice. The proposed model exhibits (by design) the expected phase transition of percolation models, i.e., it diverges at the percolation threshold pc. We describe an application for the porosimetry percolation model. The calculations of the cluster growth model compare well with simulation results.
Hopf Bifurcation for a FitzHugh–Nagumo Model with Time Delay in a Network
Authors: Wang Suxia
Published: July 2021

A reaction diffusion system is used to study the interaction between species in a population dynamic system. It is not only used in a population dynamic system with the diffusion phenomenon but also used in physical chemistry, medicine, and animal and plant protection. It has been studied by more and more scholars in recent years. The FitzHugh–Nagumo model is one of the most famous reaction‐diffusion models. This article takes a deeper look at a FitzHugh–Nagumo model in a network with time delay. Firstly, we studied the linear stability of the equilibrium, then the existence of Hopf bifurcation is given, and finally, the stability of the Hopf bifurcation is introduced.
Numerical Solution of Fractional Order Anomalous Subdiffusion Problems Using Radial Kernels and Transform
Authors: Taufiq Muhammad , Uddin Marjan
Published: July 2021

By coupling of radial kernels and localized Laplace transform, a numerical scheme for the approximation of time fractional anomalous subdiffusion problems is presented. The fractional order operators are well suited to handle by Laplace transform and radial kernels are also built for high dimensions. The numerical computations of inverse Laplace transform are carried out by contour integration technique. The computation can be done in parallel and no time sensitivity is involved in approximating the time fractional operator as contrary to finite differences. The proposed numerical scheme is stable and accurate.
Fast Policy Interpretation and Dynamic Conflict Resolution for Blockchain‐Based IoT System
Authors: Fang Yaozheng , Jian Zhaolong , Jin Zongming , Xie Xueshuo , Lu Ye , Li Tao
Published: July 2021

Although the blockchain‐based Internet of Things (BC‐IoT) has been applied in many fields, it still faces many security attacks due to lacking policy‐based security management (PbSM). Previous PbSM is usually time‐consuming, which is difficult to integrate into BC‐IoT directly. The high‐latency policy conflict resolving in traditional PbSM cannot meet the BC‐IoT’s low‐latency requirement. Moreover, the conflict resolution rate is low as the PbSM usually neglects the runtime information. Therefore, it is challenging that achieving an efficient PbSM for BC‐IoT and overcomes both time and resource consumption. To address the problem, we propose a novel PbSM for BC‐IoT named FPICR to realize fast policy interpretation and dynamic conflict resolution efficiently. We first present policy templates based on system log to interpret policy in high speed in BC‐IoT. Benefiting from matching the characteristics of the system processing, FPICR supports interpreting a policy into the smart contract directly without complex content parsing. We then propose a weighted directed policy graph (WDPG) to evaluate the importance of the deployed policies more accurately. To improve the policy conflict resolution rate, we implement the resolution algorithm through reconstructing the WDPG. Taking the traits of these properties, FPICR thus can also remove the redundant data to compress storage space by the WDPG. Experiment results highlight that FPICR outperforms the baseline in all measure metrics. Especially, compared with the state‐of‐the‐art method, the speedup of interpretation in FPICR is about up to 2.1×. The conflict resolution rate in FPICR can be improved by 6.2% on average and achieve up to 96.1%.
The Antioxidant Resveratrol Protects against Chondrocyte Apoptosis by Regulating the COX‐2/NF‐κB Pathway in Created Temporomandibular Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Wen , Hu Shiyu , Chen Xuepeng , Shi Jiejun
Published: July 2021

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is characterized by chronic inflammatory degradation of mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC). Studies have found a positive correlation between inflammation and cyclooxygenase‐ (COX‐) 2 in OA pathology. NF‐κB is a crucial transcription factor of inflammatory and immune responses in the cause of TMJOA pathology. Resveratrol (RES) plays a critical role in antioxidation and anti‐inflammation. But, studies on the effects of RES on TMJOA are very limited. So, the purpose of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and protective effects of RES against MCC degradation through downregulating COX‐2/NF‐κB expression. In vitro studies, the MCC cells were divided into three groups: the NC group, OA group, and RES group. The optimum dose of RES (10 μM) was determined. The TMJOA model of mice was created by injection of collagenase. And mice were injected with RES (100 μg/10 μl) 3 times one week for 4 weeks in the RES group. The expressions of COX‐2, P65, MMP1, MMP13, COL2, and ACAN were measured by RT‐PCR. Morphological changes of MCC were studied with HE staining. The results showed that inflammation could induce MCC degradation in vitro and vivo, while RES could reverse the degradation. Meanwhile, RES could downregulate COX‐2/NF‐κB/MMP expression and increase cartilage markers in vitro and vivo studies. The results indicated that RES treatment had antioxidant effects against chondrocyte apoptosis by downregulating the COX‐2/NF‐κB pathway in created TMJOA.
Indoor PDR Positioning Assisted by Acoustic Source Localization, and Pedestrian Movement Behavior Recognition, Using a Dual‐Microphone Smartphone
Authors: Wang Mei , Duan Nan , Zhou Zou , Zheng Fei , Qiu Hongbing , Li Xiaopeng , Zhang Guoli
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the public’s demand for location services has increased significantly. As outdoor positioning has matured, indoor positioning has become a focus area for researchers. Various indoor positioning methods have emerged. Pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) has become a research hotspot since it does not require a positioning infrastructure. An integral equation is used in PDR positioning; thus, errors accumulate during long‐term operation. To eliminate the accumulated errors in PDR localisation, this paper proposes a PDR localisation system applied to complex scenarios with multiple buildings and large areas. The system is based on the pedestrian movement behavior recognition algorithm proposed in this paper, which recognises the behavior of pedestrians for each gait and improves the stride length estimation for PDR localisation based on the recognition results to reduce the accumulation of errors in the PDR localisation algorithm itself. At the same time, the system uses self‐researched hardware to modify the audio equipment used for broadcasting within the indoor environment, to locate the acoustic source through a Hamming distance‐based localisation algorithm, and to correct the estimated acoustic source estimated location based on the known source location in order to eliminate the accumulated error in PDR localisation. Through analysis and experimental verification, the recognition accuracy of pedestrian movement behavior recognition proposed in this paper reaches 95% and the acoustic source localisation accuracy of 0.32 m during movement, thus, producing an excellent effect on eliminating the cumulative error of PDR localisation.
Experimental Study on the Deformation and Permeability Characteristics of Raw Coal under the Coupling Effect of Confining Pressure and Pore Pressure
Authors: Feng Kangwu , Wang Kequan , Yang Yushun
Published: July 2021

The effects of confining pressure and pore pressure on the deformation and permeability characteristics of raw coal are studied experimentally. The deformation properties of raw coal by fracture and its permeability evolution laws under the coupling effect of confining pressure and pore pressure were further studied using a tri‐axial servo‐controlled seepage system for thermo‐fluid‐solid coupling of methane‐bearing coal. The effects of confining pressure and gas pressure on the strength, elastic modulus, and permeability of raw coal were also analyzed. From the results, it was observed that rise in the confining pressure results in reduction of the initial permeability of raw coal and simultaneously increase its strength which results in higher axial deformation upon failure. Rise in gas pressure would increase the permeability and axial strain of raw coal on the whole and reduce its peak strength. Permeability first decreased and then increased during the loading of deviator stress, following a “V‐shaped” change pattern. The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that confining pressure more significantly affected the peak strength and elastic modulus than gas pressure, while the gas pressure more significantly affected the permeability of the material than its confining pressure.
Interventional Optical Imaging Permits Instant Visualization of Pathological Zones of Ablated Tumor Periphery and Residual Tumor Detection
Authors: Kan Xuefeng , Zhou Guanhui , Zhang Feng , Ji Hongxiu , Zheng Hui , Chick Jeffrey Forris Beecham , Valji Karim , Zheng Chuansheng , Yang Xiaoming
Published: July 2021

Optical imaging (OI) provides real-time clinical imaging capability and simultaneous molecular, morphological, and functional information of disease processes. In this study, we present a new interventional OI technique, which enables in vivo visualization of three distinct pathologic zones of ablated tumor periphery for immediate detection of residual tumors during a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) session. Rabbits with orthotopic hepatic tumors were divided into two groups (n = 8/group): incomplete RFA and complete RFA. Indocyanine green-based interventional OI was used to differentiate three pathological zones: ablated tumor, transition margin, and residual tumor or surrounding normal liver—with quantitative comparison of signal-to-background ratios among the three zones and between incompletely and completely ablated tumors. Subsequent ex vivo OI and pathologic correlation were performed to confirm the findings of interventional OI. Interventional OI could differentiate incompletely or completely ablated tumor peripheries, thus permitting identification of residual tumor. This technique may open new avenues for immediate assessment of tumor eradication during a single interventional ablation session.

Significance:

Interventional optical imaging can instantly visualize pathologic zones of ablated tumor peripheries to detect residual tumors, which could revolutionize current image-guided interventional oncologic ablation techniques.
Economic Evaluation of Web- versus Telephone-based Interventions to Simultaneously Increase Colorectal and Breast Cancer Screening Among Women
Authors: Huang Danmeng , Lairson David R. , Chung Tong H. , Monahan Patrick O. , Rawl Susan M. , Champion Victoria L.
Published: July 2021

Screening for colorectal and breast cancer is considered cost effective, but limited evidence exists on cost-effectiveness of screening promotion interventions that simultaneously target both cancers. Increasing Colorectal and Breast Cancer Screening (Project COBRA), a randomized controlled trial conducted in the community, examined the cost-effectiveness of an innovative tailored web-based intervention compared with tailored telephone counseling and usual care. Screening status at 6 months was obtained by participant surveys plus medical record reviews. Cost was prospectively measured from the patient and provider perspectives using time logs and project invoices. Relative efficiency of the interventions was quantified by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Nonparametric bootstrapping and net benefit regression analysis were used to assess statistical uncertainty of the results. The average cost per participant to implement the Phone counseling, Web-based, and Web + Phone counseling interventions were $277, $314, and $337, respectively. Comparing Phone counseling with usual care resulted in an additional cost of $300 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $283–$320) per cancer screening test and $421 (95% CI: $400–$441) per additional person screened in the target population. Phone counseling alone was more cost-effective than the Web + Phone intervention. Web-based intervention alone was more costly but less effective than the Phone counseling. When simultaneously promoting screening for both colorectal and breast cancer the Web-based intervention was less cost-effective compared with Phone and Web + Phone strategies. The results suggest that targeting multiple cancer screening may improve the cost-effectiveness of cancer screening interventions.

Prevention Relevance:

This study informs researchers, decision makers, healthcare providers, and payers about the improved cost-effectiveness of targeting multiple cancer screenings for cancer early detection programs.
Common Analgesic Use for Menstrual Pain and Ovarian Cancer Risk
Authors: Sasamoto Naoko , Babic Ana , Vitonis Allison F. , Titus Linda , Cramer Daniel W. , Trabert Britton , Tworoger Shelley S. , Terry Kathryn L.
Published: July 2021

Menstrual pain has been associated with increased ovarian cancer risk, presumably through increased inflammation, which is known to play a critical role in ovarian carcinogenesis. Analgesic medications are frequently used to treat menstrual pain, some of which lower ovarian cancer risk. In this study, we examined the association between analgesic use for menstrual pain during the premenopausal period and ovarian cancer risk among women with history of menstrual pain. We used data from the New England Case-Control Study, including 1,187 epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 1,225 population-based controls enrolled between 1998 and 2008 with detailed information on analgesic use for their menstrual pain. We used unconditional logistic regression to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between analgesic use (i.e., aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen) for menstrual pain and ovarian cancer risk. We further conducted a stratified analysis by intensity of menstrual pain (mild/moderate, severe). Among women with menstrual pain during their 20s and 30s, ever use of analgesics for menstrual pain was not significantly associated with ovarian cancer risk. However, among women with severe menstrual pain, ever use of aspirin or acetaminophen for menstrual pain was inversely associated with risk (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18–0.94 and OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21–0.88 compared with never users, respectively). No significant association was observed between analgesic use and ovarian cancer risk among women with mild/moderate menstrual pain (Pinteraction ≤ 0.03). Our results suggest that use of aspirin or acetaminophen for severe menstrual pain may be associated with lower risk of ovarian cancer.

Prevention Relevance:

This study investigates whether analgesic use specifically for menstrual pain during the premenopausal period influences ovarian cancer risk. Our results suggest use of aspirin or acetaminophen for severe menstrual pain may be associated with lower risk of ovarian cancer among women with severe menstrual pain.
Development of a Clinically Relevant Reporter for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Expansion, Trafficking, and Toxicity
Authors: Sakemura Reona , Bansal Aditya , Siegler Elizabeth L. , Hefazi Mehrdad , Yang Nan , Khadka Roman H. , Newsom Alysha N. , Hansen Michael J. , Cox Michelle J. , Manriquez Roman Claudia , Schick Kendall J. , Can Ismail , Tapper Erin E. , Nevala Wendy K. , Adada Mohamad M. , Bezerra Evandro D. , Kankeu Fonkoua Lionel Aurelien , Horvei Paulina , Ruff Michael W. , Parikh Sameer A. , Pandey Mukesh K. , DeGrado Timothy R. , Suksanpaisan Lukkana , Kay Neil E. , Peng Kah-Whye , Russell Stephen J. , Kenderian Saad S.
Published: July 2021

Although chimeric antigen receptor T (CART)–cell therapy has been successful in treating certain hematologic malignancies, wider adoption of CART-cell therapy is limited because of minimal activity in solid tumors and development of life-threatening toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS). There is a lack of a robust, clinically relevant imaging platform to monitor in vivo expansion and trafficking to tumor sites. To address this, we utilized the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a platform to image and track CART cells. We engineered CD19-directed and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)–directed CART cells to express NIS (NIS+CART19 and NIS+BCMA-CART, respectively) and tested the sensitivity of 18F-TFB-PET to detect trafficking and expansion in systemic and localized tumor models and in a CART-cell toxicity model. NIS+CART19 and NIS+BCMA-CART cells were generated through dual transduction with two vectors and demonstrated exclusive 125I uptake in vitro. 18F-TFB-PET detected NIS+CART cells in vivo to a sensitivity level of 40,000 cells. 18F-TFB-PET confirmed NIS+BCMA-CART-cell trafficking to the tumor sites in localized and systemic tumor models. In a xenograft model for CART-cell toxicity, 18F-TFB-PET revealed significant systemic uptake, correlating with CART-cell in vivo expansion, cytokine production, and development of CRS-associated clinical symptoms. NIS provides a sensitive, clinically applicable platform for CART-cell imaging with PET scan. 18F-TFB-PET detected CART-cell trafficking to tumor sites and in vivo expansion, correlating with the development of clinical and laboratory markers of CRS. These studies demonstrate a noninvasive, clinically relevant method to assess CART-cell functions in vivo.
Atopic Dermatitis as a Paradoxical Effect of Secukinumab for the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Mendes Roncada Eduardo V. , Brambilla Victoria Romanini , Freitas Filitto Beatriz , Genta Mariana Pirajá , Morgado de Abreu Marilda Ap. M.
Published: July 2021

In the therapeutic arsenal to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, the new agents are secukinumab and ustekinumab, which are fully human monoclonal antibodies, directed against IL-17A and IL-12/23, respectively, which have been shown to be effective and safe in several studies. Their side effects are rare, and the most frequently reported side effects were infection, especially nasopharyngitis, headache, pruritus, high blood pressure, and low back pain. Unlike the side effects, the paradoxical reaction can be defined by the appearance or exacerbation of a pathological condition that usually responds to a certain class of drug. The appearance of this reaction in patients using anti-interleukins is poorly described; however, as they are new drugs, they may be more common than the literature reports. We describe a case of a paradoxical reaction, with the appearance of atopic dermatitis, after using secukinumab to treat psoriasis.
Do Serial Sonographic Assessments of Fetuses with Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Help Us Predict Survival?
Authors: Furman Yael , Gavri-Beker Ayelet , Miller Tal Elkan , Bilik Ron , Rosenblat Orgad , Avnet Hagay , Lipitz Shlomo , Yinon Yoav , Strauss Tzipora , Weisz Boaz
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of serial prenatal sonographic measurements, and specifically changes in the observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio (O/E LHR) throughout gestation and to predict survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods: Retrospective study of CDH fetuses evaluated prenatally and treated postnatally in a single tertiary center, 2008–2020. Sonographic evaluations included side of herniation, liver involvement, and O/E LHR. All data were calculated to assess ability to predict survival. Results: Overall, 94 fetuses were evaluated prenatally and delivered in our medical center. Among them, 75 had isolated CDH and 19 nonisolated. CDH was categorized as left (n = 76; 80.8%), right (n = 16; 17.0%), or bilateral (n = 2; 2.2%). Overall perinatal survival rate was 57% for all live-born infants, 68% in isolated CDH, and 40% in nonisolated (excluding 2 cases that underwent fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion and did not survive). The O/E LHR was lower in cases with perinatal death compared to survivors. In cases with multiple evaluations, the minimal O/E LHR was the most accurate predictor of survival and need for perinatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. This remained significant when excluding twin pregnancies or when evaluating only isolated left CDH. In addition to disease severity, the side of herniation and liver position was associated with preoperative mortality. Conclusion: O/E LHR is associated with perinatal survival. In cases with multiple evaluations, the minimal O/E LHR is the most accurate and significant predictor of perinatal mortality and need for ECMO support.