bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGFR1copy number in breast cancer: associations with proliferation, histopathological grade and molecular subtypes
Authors: Bofin Anna M , Ytterhus Borgny , Klæstad Elise , Valla Marit
Published: March 2021

Aims

FGFR1is located on 8p11.23 and regulates cell proliferation and survival. Increased copy number ofFGFR1is found in several cancers including cancer of the breast.ZNF703is located close toFGFR1at 8p11-12 and is frequently expressed in the luminal B subtype of breast cancer. Using tissue samples from a well-described cohort of patients with breast cancer with long-term follow-up, we studied associations betweenFGFR1copy number in primary breast cancer tumours and axillary lymph node metastases, and proliferation status, molecular subtype and prognosis. Furthermore, we studied associations between copy number increase ofFGFR1and copy number ofZNF703.

Methods

We used fluorescence in situ hybridisation forFGFR1and the chromosome 8 centromere applied to tissue microarray sections from a series of 534 breast cancer cases.

Results

We found increased copy number (≥4) ofFGFR1in 74 (13.9%) of tumours. Only 6 of the 74 cases with increased copy number were non-luminal. IncreasedFGFR1copy number was significantly associated with high Ki-67 status, high mitotic count and high histopathological grade, but not with prognosis. Forty-two (7.9%) cases had mean copy number ≥6. Thirty of these showedZNF708copy number ≥6.

Conclusions

Our results show thatFGFR1copy number increase is largely found among luminal subtypes of breast cancer, particularly luminal B (HER2−). It is frequently accompanied by increased copy number ofZNF703. FGFR1copy number increase is associated with high histopathological grade and high proliferation. However, we did not discover an association with prognosis.
Decrease in incidence of sexually transmitted infections symptoms in men who have sex with men enrolled in a quarterly HIV prevention and care programme in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324—Expertise France)
Authors: Yaya Issifou , Diallo Fodié , Kouamé Malan Jean-Baptiste , Agboyibor Mawuényégan Kouamivi , Traoré Issa , Coulibaly Alou , Maiga Kader , Mora Marion , Palvadeau Pamela , Dah Elias Ter Tiero , Mensah Ephrem , Anoma Camille , Dembélé Keita Bintou , Spire Bruno , Laurent Christian
Published: March 2021

Objective

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of STI, their access to tailored healthcare services remains limited in West Africa. We assessed the change in STI symptoms incidence over time among MSM enrolled in a quarterly HIV prevention and care programme in four cities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Togo.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study in MSM followed up between 2015 and 2019. Men aged over 18 who reported anal sex with another man within the previous 3 months were offered quarterly syndromic diagnosis and treatment for STI, as well as HIV testing, peer-led counselling and support. Condoms and lubricants were also provided. The change in STI symptoms incidence during follow-up was investigated using a non-parametric trend test and mixed-effect Poisson regression models.

Results

816 participants were followed for a total duration of 1479 person-years. 198 participants (24.3%) had at least one STI symptom during follow-up. Overall, STI symptoms incidence was 20.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI 18.4 to 22.6), ranging from 15.3 in Abidjan to 33.1 in Ouagadougou (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 2.39, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.69, p<0.001). STI symptoms incidence was 16.8 and 23.0 per 100 person-years in HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants, respectively (aIRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04, p=0.087). STI symptoms incidence decreased significantly from 29.9 per 100 person-years in the first 6 months to 8.6 at 30–35 months of follow-up (aIRR per 6-month increase 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.92, p<0.001).

Conclusion

STI symptoms incidence decreased over time but the overall burden of STI appeared to be very high in MSM followed up in West Africa. STI services including counselling, diagnosis and treatment should be reinforced. Laboratory tests that allow accurate diagnosis of STI are required. Strengthening STI services will be critical for controlling the HIV and STI epidemics in this vulnerable population and in the general population.

Trial registration number

NCT02626286.
‘95% less harmful’? Exploring reactions to quantitative modified risk claims for snus and e-cigarettes
Authors: Wackowski Olivia A , O'Connor Richard J , Diaz Destiny , Rashid Mariam , Lewis M Jane , Greene Kathryn
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Studies examining perceptions of ‘modified risk tobacco product’ (MRTP) messages for e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco have indicated consumers want statistics and quantification of harm reduction. However, limited research exists on reactions to quantitative MRTP messages.

Design

We conducted 12 focus groups in the USA in 2019—6 focused on e-cigarette messages and 6 on snus messages. Eight groups were with current smokers (ages 21–66) and four with young adult (ages 18–25) non-smokers (n=57). Participants discussed messages stating that use of snus and vaping products have been estimated by scientists to be about 90% and 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes, respectively.

Results

Several participants agreed the messages strongly communicated that the products are less harmful than cigarettes, were attention getting and could be ‘convincing’. However, participants expressed scepticism about the source and accuracy of the stated figures, and some noted the claims could be misleading and attractive to young people. Comments also reflected some claim misunderstandings (eg, that e-cigarettes only pose a 5% chance of harm). Participants also agreed that stating e-cigarette risks ‘are unlikely to exceed 5% of cigarette smoking harms’ was confusing and less impactful than the ‘95% less harmful’ wording.

Conclusions

Quantitative claims suggesting high levels of reduced risk when comparing e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco/snus relative to cigarettes may be successful in gaining attention and being persuasive for some audiences, particularly, if from more credible sources. However, message developers, users and evaluators should be mindful of message limitations and aim to mitigate unintended consequences.
Food and initial size influence overwinter survival and condition of a juvenile marine fish (age-0 Atlantic cod)
Authors: Geissinger Emilie A. , Gregory Robert S. , Laurel Benjamin J. , Snelgrove Paul V.R.
Published: March 2021

In subarctic Newfoundland, age-0 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) settle into coastal habitats in several summer–autumn pulses, resulting in broad length-frequency distributions before winter. Low winter temperatures and potential decreases in food availability pose challenges for young-of-year fish. To examine how size variation affects overwintering success under contrasting food scenarios, we conducted 114-day laboratory feeding trials at ambient overwinter sea temperatures, using demersal age-0 cod collected from Newman Sound, Newfoundland. We reared two size classes of juvenile cod under four daily ration levels (starvation, low, medium, high). We used Fulton’s K condition factor to interpret effects of food availability and fish size on survival over winter. We showed that small amounts of consumed food (<1% BW·day−1) maximized winter growth and condition potential of juvenile cod in Newfoundland waters. With no food, survival of small cod dropped below 80% on Day 47, whereas survival of large juveniles remained >80% until Day 74. Therefore, we expect higher survival of earlier settlers and increased size-selective mortality in age-0 cod during either unproductive or protracted winters, when food abundance is often low.
Evaluation of the lignite biotransformation capacity of Fusarium sp. NF01 cultured on different growth substrates
Authors: Niu Xian , Zhang Jianbin , Wang Cuiyan , Jia Xiaoqian , Fu Jilagamazhi , Suo Yonglu
Published: March 2021

The screening and studying the lignite solubilization/degradation capacities of indigenous microorganisms are key to exploring the in-situ biotransformation of lignite. Herein, a fungus was isolated from in-situ lignite samples and identified as Fusarium sp. NF01. This isolate was then cultured on four different carbon sources to evaluate its lignite-transformation capacity. When cultured on a solid agar medium containing sodium gluconate or sodium glutamate, Fusarium sp. NF01 completely liquefied 0.5 g of lignite within 6 days, and when cultured in a liquid medium containing sodium gluconate, the weight of lignite decreased by 28.4% within 7 days. Elemental analysis showed that the rate of lignite biodegradation was inversely proportional to the C:O ratio of the residual lignite samples. Additionally, a 5.9% biodesulfurization rate was achieved when Fusarium sp. NF01 was cultured in the presence of sodium gluconate. Finally, Fourier-transform infrared analysis of the residual lignite samples revealed relatively weak signal intensities of the signature peaks representing the following: aromatic ring side chains; ether, ester, and alcohol bonds; aromatic ring carbon–carbon double bonds; and aliphatic methyl and methylene. The results show that Fusarium sp. NF01 degrades lignite in a carbon-dependent manner and could be thus used for the bioconversion of subsurface coalbeds.
Particles, conformal invariance and criticality in pure and disordered systems
Authors: Delfino Gesualdo
Published: March 2021

The two-dimensional case occupies a special position in the theory of critical phenomena due to the exact results provided by lattice solutions and, directly in the continuum, by the infinite-dimensional character of the conformal algebra. However, some sectors of the theory, and most notably criticality in systems with quenched disorder and short-range interactions, have appeared out of reach of exact methods and lacked the insight coming from analytical solutions. In this article, we review recent progress achieved implementing conformal invariance within the particle description of field theory. The formalism yields exact unitarity equations whose solutions classify critical points with a given symmetry. It provides new insight in the case of pure systems, as well as the first exact access to criticality in presence of short range quenched disorder. Analytical mechanisms emerge that in the random case allow the superuniversality of some critical exponents and make explicit the softening of first-order transitions by disorder.

Graphic abstract
May the four be with you: novel IR-subtraction methods to tackle NNLO calculations
Authors: Torres Bobadilla W. J. , Sborlini G. F. R. , Banerjee P. , Catani S. , Cherchiglia A. L. , Cieri L. , Dhani P. K. , Driencourt-Mangin F. , Engel T. , Ferrera G. , Gnendiger C. , Hernández-Pinto R. J. , Hiller B. , Pelliccioli G. , Pires J. , Pittau R. , Rocco M. , Rodrigo G. , Sampaio M. , Signer A. , Signorile-Signorile C. , Stöckinger D. , Tramontano F. , Ulrich Y.
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, we report the outcome of the topical workshop: paving the way to alternative NNLO strategies (https://indico.ific.uv.es/e/WorkStop-ThinkStart_3.0), by presenting a discussion about different frameworks to perform precise higher-order computations for high-energy physics. These approaches implement novel strategies to deal with infrared and ultraviolet singularities in quantum field theories. A special emphasis is devoted to the local cancellation of these singularities, which can enhance the efficiency of computations and lead to discover novel mathematical properties in quantum field theories.
Collision of particles near a three-dimensional rotating Hořava AdS black hole
Authors: Bécar Ramón , González P. A. , Vásquez Yerko
Published: March 2021

We consider a three-dimensional rotating AdS black hole, which is a solution of Hořava gravity in the low-energy limit that corresponds to a Lorentz-violating version of the BTZ black hole, and we analyze the effect of the breaking of Lorentz invariance on the possibility that the black hole can act as a particle accelerator by analyzing the energy in the center-of-mass (CM) frame of two colliding particles in the vicinity of its horizons. We find that the critical angular momentum of particles increases when the Hořava parameter $$\xi $$
ξ
increases and when the aether parameter b increases. Also, the particles can collide on the inner horizon with arbitrarily high CM energy if one of the particles has a critical angular momentum, possible for the BSW process. Here it is essential that, while for the extremal BTZ black hole the particles with critical angular momentum only can exist on the degenerate horizon, for the Lorentz-violating version of the BTZ black hole the particle with critical angular momentum can exist in a region away from the degenerate horizon. It is worth mentioning that the results exposed in this manuscript can be applied for the covariant version of Hořava gravity, where the covariant definition of the center-of-mass energy is well defined.
Inertial sensing with quantum gases: a comparative performance study of condensed versus thermal sources for atom interferometry
Authors: Hensel T. , Loriani S. , Schubert C. , Fitzek F. , Abend S. , Ahlers H. , Siemß J.-N. , Hammerer K. , Rasel E. M. , Gaaloul N.
Published: March 2021

Quantum sensors based on light pulse atom interferometers allow for measurements of inertial and electromagnetic forces such as the accurate determination of fundamental constants as the fine structure constant or testing foundational laws of modern physics as the equivalence principle. These schemes unfold their full performance when large interrogation times and/or large momentum transfer can be implemented. In this article, we demonstrate how interferometry can benefit from the use of Bose–Einstein condensed sources when the state of the art is challenged. We contrast systematic and statistical effects induced by Bose–Einstein condensed sources with thermal sources in three exemplary science cases of Earth- and space-based sensors.

Graphic abstract
A Monoparametric Family of Piecewise Linear Systems to Generate Scroll Attractors via Path-Connected Set of Polynomials
Authors: López-Rentería J. A. , Campos-Cantón E. , Aguirre-Hernández B. , Fernández-Anaya G.
Published: March 2021

In this work, we present a monoparametric family of piecewise linear systems to generate multiscroll attractors through a polynomial family defined by path curves that connect to the roots. The idea is to define path curves where the roots of a polynomial can take values by determining an initial and a final polynomial. As a consequence, structural stability and bifurcation of the system can be obtained. Structural stability is obtained by preserving the same stability of the initial and final polynomials. However, the system bifurcates by changing the stability of the final polynomial with respect to the initial polynomial. The aim is achieved by the design of a piecewise linear controller that is applied to affine linear systems. Our results are mathematically proved and numerical examples are also provided to illustrate the approach.
Design and Smartphone Implementation of Chaotic Duplex H.264-Codec Video Communications
Authors: Chen Baoju , Yu Simin , Zhang Zeqing , Li David Day-Uei , Lü Jinhu
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a chaotic duplex H.264-codec-based secure video communication scheme is designed and its smartphone implementation is also carried out. First, an improved self-synchronous chaotic stream cipher algorithm equipped with a sinusoidal modulation, a multiplication, a modulo operation and a round down operation (SCSCA-SMMR) is developed. Using the sinusoidal modulation and multiplication, the improved algorithm can resist the divide-and-conquer attack by traversing multiple nonzero component initial conditions (DCA-TMNCIC). Meanwhile, also by means of the round down operation and modulo operation, on the premise that the DCA-TMNCIC does not work, the original keys cannot be further deciphered only by the known-plaintext attack, the chosen-plaintext attack and the chosen-ciphertext attack, respectively. Then, the Android low-level multimedia support infrastructure MediaCodec class is used to access low-level media encoder/decoder components and the H.264 hardware encoding/decoding is performed on real-time videos, so the chaotic video encryption and decryption can be realized in real-time by smartphones. Security analysis and smartphone experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Complex Dynamics of an Eco-Epidemic System with Disease in Prey Species
Authors: Shaikh Absos Ali , Das Harekrishna , Ali Nijamuddin
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study is to investigate the complex dynamics of an eco-epidemic predator–prey system where disease is transmitted in prey species and predator population is being provided with alternative food. Holling type-II functional response is taken into consideration for interaction of predator and prey species. The half saturation constant for infected prey, the growth rate of susceptible prey and force of infection play a significant role to create complex dynamics in this predator–prey system where alternative food is present. It is seen that healthy disease-free system is possible here. The system shows some important dynamics viz. stable coexistence, Hopf bifurcation, period-doubling bifurcation and chaos. The analytical results obtained from the model are justified numerically.
COMPLEXITY-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE ALTERATIONS IN THE STRUCTURE OF CORONAVIRUSES
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , SELAMAT ALI , KREJCAR ONDREJ
Published: March 2021

The coronavirus has influenced the lives of many people since its identification in 1960. In general, there are seven types of coronavirus. Although some types of this virus, including 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, cause mild to moderate illness, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 have shown to have severer effects on the human body. Specifically, the recent known type of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has affected the lives of many people around the world since late 2019 with the disease named COVID-19. In this paper, for the first time, we investigated the variations among the complex structures of coronaviruses. We employed the fractal dimension, approximate entropy, and sample entropy as the measures of complexity. Based on the obtained results, SARS-CoV-2 has a significantly different complex structure than SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. To study the high mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2, we also analyzed the long-term memory of genome walks for different coronaviruses using the Hurst exponent. The results demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 shows the lowest memory in its genome walk, explaining the errors in copying the sequences along the genome that results in the virus mutation.
Medical food development by dietetic management of the endocannabinoid system through dietary sources of β-caryophyllene
Authors: Chiruta Victor
Published: March 2021

Objective: To research the biological impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) from dietary sources of [Formula: see text]-caryophyllene (BCP). This will encompass pre-clinical and clinical research for BCP. The bioavailability of BCP will be explored, focusing on bioavailability improvement. This research will establish if there is justification to warrant the development of a medical food for supporting the ECS through dietetic supplementation of BCP.

Methods: Research and review papers were identified through the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Main keywords included [Formula: see text]-caryophyllene, endocannabinoid system, dietary cannabinoids, cannabinoid type-2 receptor, and bioavailability.

Results: The human body is limited in the digestion of BCP from food. This is because BCP is poorly absorbed in the gut. Everyone has different underlying endocannabinoid efficiency and most people do not have the full potential of supporting their ECS through diet.

Conclusion: A medical food can be developed to use BCP with a delivery system, so that the bioactive food cannabinoid is readily absorbed. This will deliver dietary support to the ECS, that otherwise would be available from food.

This review provides insight into the efficacy of using BCP in medical foods as dietary support for the ECS. Supporting the ECS can assist in maintaining homeostasis, regulating immune function, pain intensity, inflammatory markers, sleep patterns, mood, appetite, and stress susceptibility.
New vauxiid sponges from the Chengjiang Biota and their evolutionary significance
Authors: Wei Fan , Zhao Yang , Chen Ailin , Hou Xianguang , Cong Peiyun
Published: March 2021

Aspiculate demosponges are rarely described in geological history due to the absence of spicules that are stable and resistant to degradation. One exception is the exquisite preservation of sponges without any mineralized skeletons discovered in Lagerstätten (e.g. the Burgess Shale). The Chengjiang Biota, an early example of a Burgess Shale-type biota in South China (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3), is one of the only examples of convincing aspiculate sponges until now. Here, we describe
Vauxia pregracilenta
sp. nov. and
V. paraleioia
sp. nov., as well as two poorly preserved vauxiid specimens (
Vauxia
sp.) in open nomenclature, from the Chengjiang Biota
. Vauxia pregracilenta
has a fan-like holdfast and branches in various sizes, as well as a typical two-layered net-like skeleton, without spicules. The endosomal layer is hexagonal, while the dermal layer is sub-rectangular.
Vauxia paraleioia
is characterized by a two-layered subconical skeleton, with the dermal layer ornamented with vertical surface grooves. The openings of the dermal and endosomal layers of
V. paraleioia
are both hexagonal but of different sizes. These newly discovered
Vauxia
species indicate that the aspiculate sponges were diversified in the early Cambrian. Partial silicification of the fibres of aspiculate
Vauxia
are confirmed from the Chengjiang Biota.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Advances in the Cambrian Explosion collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/advances-cambrian-explosion
Building a multilingual Wikipedia
Authors: Vrandečić Denny
Published: March 2021

Seeking to develop a multilingual Wikipedia where content can be shared among language editions.
The SolarWinds hack, and a grand challenge for CS education
Authors: Arquilla John , Guzdial Mark
Published: March 2021

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

John Arquilla analyzes the latest in a long line of cyber intrusions, while Mark Guzdial considers how to prepare CS students for professional decision making.
From remote work to working from anywhere
Authors: Sako Mari
Published: March 2021

Tracing temporary work modifications resulting in permanent organizational changes.
Effect of Synthesis Parameters on Zirconia Phases: Tetragonal or Monoclinic?
Authors: Najafi Shadi , Soltanali Saeed , Nazemi Ali Hekmat
Published: March 2021

Samples of ZrO2 were prepared by different procedures in order to figure out the most active tetragonal phase. Preparation methods differed in factors such as pH, precipitation temperature, calcination temperature, and the kind of zirconium salt (ZrOCl2 or ZrCl4). The products were characterized by XRD. It was found that the two types of salts show adverse results under the same preparation conditions. Contrary to the sample prepared using zirconium oxychloride, which showed a better result in pH between 9 and 10, the zirconium chloride samples showed a weak tetragonal peak in pH 9. In addition, Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) was carried out to investigate the optical absorption properties. DRS analysis showed a strong absorption peak at about 220–230 nm and the estimated optical band gap was around 5 eV in most samples. The surface morphology of ZrO2 samples was analyzed by FESEM. The size of crystals did not change significantly with variations in calcination temperature.
Improved Reliability of 278 nm Deep Ultraviolet AlGaN-Based Flip-Chip Light Emitting Diodes by Using ITO/Al Contact
Authors: Yum Woong-Sun , Lee Sang-Youl , Lim Hyun-Soo , Choi Rak-Jun , Oh Jeong-Tak , Jeong Hwan-Hee , Seong Tae-Yeon
Published: March 2021

We investigated the electrical and optical performance and reliability of 278 nm deep ultraviolet (DUV) AlGaN-based flip-chip light-emitting diodes (FCLEDs) fabricated with ITO/Al and reference Ni/Au contacts. The DUV FCLEDs with the Ni/Au and ITO/Al contacts yielded forward voltages of 6.52 and 6.65 V at 50 A cm−2 and light output of 6.36 and 10.06 mW at 50 A cm−2, respectively. The ITO/Al-based FCLEDs produced higher Wall plug efficiency (WPE) (3.04% at 50 A cm−2) than the Ni/Au-based samples (1.96%). The ITO/Al-based FCLEDs revealed 55% higher WPE at 50 A cm−2 than the Ni/Au-based sample. For both of the samples, the output power decreased with increasing operation time at 100 A cm−2. For example, after 2000 h, the Ni/Au and ITO/Al-based FCLEDs showed a reduction in the output power by 37% and 22%, respectively. Despite the good output characteristics, the ITO/Al contact-based FCLEDs exhibited higher forward bias voltages than the Ni/Au-based sample. Based on the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) depth profiles, high-angle annular dark field (HAADF), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) results, reason for the increase in the forward voltage of ITO/Al-based FCLEDs is described and discussed.
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hyperfunction contributes to d-serine-mediated renal insufficiency
Authors: Tseng Yi-Shiou , Liao Chun-Hou , Wu Wen-Bin , Ma Ming-Chieh
Published: March 2021

Ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are not only present in the nervous system but also expressed in the kidney. Overstimulation of renal NMDARs leads to oxidative stress via the signal pathway of calcium/protein kinase C/NADPH oxidase in d-serine-mediated tubular cell damage. Intervention of NMDAR blockade may prevent acute renal injury caused by d-serine.
Rapid development of vasopressin resistance in dietary K+ deficiency
Authors: Al-Qusairi Lama , Grimm P. Richard , Zapf Ava M. , Welling Paul A.
Published: March 2021

This study shows that aquaporin-2 regulation is disrupted by a small fall in plasma potassium levels and the response is influenced by sexual dimorphism in renal potassium handling. The findings provided new insights into the mechanisms by which water balance is altered in dietary potassium deficiency and support defining the disorder as “potassium-dependent nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.”
Eco-Efficiency of Industrial Investment and Its Influencing Factors in China Based on a New SeUo-SBM-DEA Model and Tobit Regression
Authors: Zhu Chuanjin , Zhu Nan , Shan Wasi Ul Hassan
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, eco-efficiency is one of the most widely used comprehensive indicators in many fields and sectors. Understanding eco-efficiency is of great significance to implement sustainable socioeconomic development for decision makers. To assess the comprehensive performance of industrial investment, the eco-efficiency of industrial investment (EEII) is constructed under the comprehensive perspective of economic benefits, energy consumption, and environmental impact in this paper. Then, a new superefficient undesirable-output slack-based measure DEA (SeUo-SBM-DEA) model is proposed and applied to assess the EEII of 30 provinces in China from 2015 to 2017, and its influencing factors are analyzed using the Tobit regression. The empirical results show the following: (1) the eco-efficiency of China’s industrial investment is generally low (0.613), and there exists a significant regional disparity; namely, the average value of EEII was the highest in the eastern regions (0.838), followed by the central regions (0.6) and western regions (0.397). (2) R&D expenditure, economic development level, and foreign direct investment all had a significant positive effect on the eco-efficiency of industrial investment, while investment in treatment of industrial pollution sources and total education funds all had a significant negative effect. Finally, this paper puts forward some suggestions to promote sustainable development of industrial investment based on our findings.
Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi Decoction Alleviates Inflammatory Response in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model Rats through Modulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liao Jiabao , Xie Xuehua , Gao Jinmei , Zhang Zhaiyi , Qu Fei , Cui Huantian , Cao Yongjun , Han Xue , Zhao Jie , Wen Weibo , Wang Hongwu
Published: March 2021

Background. Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ), composed of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Panax notoginseng, Curcuma zedoaria, and other 9 types of herbs, has demonstrated beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms behind JGXZ’s impact on NAFLD remain unknown. Methods. In this study, a NAFLD rat model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) received oral treatment of JGXZ (8 or 16 g crude herb/kg) for 12 weeks. The therapeutic effects of JGXZ on NAFLD model rats were investigated through blood lipid levels and pathological liver changes. 16S rRNA analysis was used to study the changes in gut microbiota after JGXZ treatment. The expressions of occludin and tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) in the colon were investigated using immunostaining to study the effects of JGXZ on gut permeability. The anti-inflammatory effects of JGXZ were also studied through measuring the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and liver. Results. JGXZ treatment could decrease body weight and ameliorate dyslipidemia in NAFLD model rats. H&E and Oil Red O staining indicated that JGXZ reduced steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. 16S rRNA analysis showed that JGXZ impacted the diversity of gut microbiota, decreasing the Firmicutes–to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and increasing the relative abundance of probiotics, such as Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, and Turicibacter. Gut permeability evaluation found that the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon were increased after JGXZ treatment. Moreover, JGXZ treatment could decrease the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and liver. Conclusions. Our study illustrated that JGXZ could ameliorate NAFLD through modulating gut microbiota, decreasing gut permeability, and alleviating inflammatory response.
Carleson Measure of Harmonic Schwarzian Derivatives Associated with a Finitely Generated Fuchsian Group of the Second Kind
Authors: Hu Guangming , Liu Yutong , Sun Yu , Qian Xinjie
Published: March 2021

Let

S

H

f

be the Schwarzian derivative of a univalent harmonic function

f

in the unit disk

D

, compatible with a finitely generated Fuchsian group

G

of the second kind. We show that if

S

H

f

2

1
−

z

2

3

d
x
d
y

satisfies the Carleson condition on the infinite boundary of the Dirichlet fundamental domain

F

of

G

, then

S

H

f

2

1
−

z

2

3

d
x
d
y

is a Carleson measure in

D

.
ABSAC: Attribute-Based Access Control Model Supporting Anonymous Access for Smart Cities
Authors: Zhang Runnan , Liu Gang , Li Shancang , Wei Yongheng , Wang Quan
Published: March 2021

Smart cities require new access control models for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that preserve user privacy while guaranteeing scalability and efficiency. Researchers believe that anonymous access can protect the private information even if the private information is not stored in authorization organization. Many attribute-based access control (ABAC) models that support anonymous access expose the attributes of the subject to the authorization organization during the authorization process, which allows the authorization organization to obtain the attributes of the subject and infer the identity of the subject. The ABAC with anonymous access proposed in this paper called ABSAC strengthens the identity-less of ABAC by combining homomorphic attribute-based signatures (HABSs) which does not send the subject attributes to the authorization organization, reducing the risk of subject identity re-identification. It is a secure anonymous access framework. Tests show that the performance of ABSAC implementation is similar to ABAC’s performance.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profiles in Patients with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zheng Ruqun , Qing Peng , Han Mei , Song Jinlong , Hu Min , Ma Hongxia , Li Juan
Published: March 2021

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods. Databases, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for the relevant literature, with the retrieval deadline being February 2020. Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted the data and validated the results. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated with the risk of bias tool, and the meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3.5 software. Results. A total of 737 patients with PCOS from 10 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. A pooled analysis showed significant decreases in body mass index (mean difference (MD) = –1.47, 95% CI –2.35 to –0.58,

P

 < 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (MD = –0.04, 95% CI [–0.06, –0.02],

P

 < 0.001) in the acupuncture group along with significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose (MD = –0.38, 95% CI [–0.70, –0.07], P = 0.02), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (MD = –0.22, 95% CI [–0.41, –0.02],

P

 = 0.03), and triglycerides (MD = –0.26, 95% CI [–0.48, –0.04],

P

 = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in the Ferriman–Gallwey score, 2 h fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, 2 h fasting insulin, serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusion. Acupuncture is relatively effective and safe in improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in patients with PCOS. The included studies were generally of not bad methodological quality, but further large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodological standards are still warranted.
Time Series Classification by Shapelet Dictionary Learning with SVM‐Based Ensemble Classifier
Authors: Zhang Jitao , Shen Weiming , Gao Liang , Li Xinyu , Wen Long
Published: March 2021

Time series classification is a basic and important approach for time series data mining. Nowadays, more researchers pay attention to the shape similarity method including Shapelet‐based algorithms because it can extract discriminative subsequences from time series. However, most Shapelet‐based algorithms discover Shapelets by searching candidate subsequences in training datasets, which brings two drawbacks: high computational burden and poor generalization ability. To overcome these drawbacks, this paper proposes a novel algorithm named Shapelet Dictionary Learning with SVM‐based Ensemble Classifier (SDL‐SEC). SDL‐SEC modifies the Shapelet algorithm from two aspects: Shapelet discovery method and classifier. Firstly, a Shapelet Dictionary Learning (SDL) is proposed as a novel Shapelet discovery method to generate Shapelets instead of searching them. In this way, SDL owns the advantages of lower computational cost and higher generalization ability. Then, an SVM‐based Ensemble Classifier (SEC) is developed as a novel ensemble classifier and adapted to the SDL algorithm. Different from the classic SVM that needs precise parameters tuning and appropriate features selection, SEC can avoid overfitting caused by a large number of features and parameters. Compared with the baselines on 45 datasets, the proposed SDL‐SEC algorithm achieves a competitive classification accuracy with lower computational cost.
E‐Commerce Logistics Path Optimization Based on a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yang Dong , Wu Peijian
Published: March 2021

Based on the problem of e‐commerce logistics and distribution network optimization, this paper summarizes the solution ideas and solutions proposed by domestic and foreign scholars and designs a method to optimize the B2C e‐commerce logistics and distribution network by taking into account the special traffic conditions in the city. The logistics network optimization model is established and solved by combining various methods. Taking into account the new target requirements constantly proposed in the modern logistics environment, the vehicle path problem under the generalized objective function is studied, and the multidimensional impact maximization problem in this type of problem is proposed and modeled. The problem follows from the path planning for emergency material delivery. Given locations, roads, and multiple classes of supplies in a map, each road allows vehicles to deliver each class of supplies with a certain probability. The goal of the problem is how to select a finite number of locations in the map as centers of supplies so that the number of locations that can be effectively covered by vehicle paths from them is maximized with the desired probability. For the first time, we used a hybrid genetic algorithm to optimize the e‐commerce logistics path, and the optimized results are more reasonable than other algorithms.
Development of Seed Butter Made with Pumpkin, Sesame, and Sunflower Seeds and the Influence of Natural Antimicrobials and Stabilizers on Its Shelf Life
Authors: Chien Yung-Hsin , Pascall Melvin A.
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacies of grape seed extract (GSE) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) against Salmonella enterica and Listeria innocua and the influence of hydrogenated rapeseed oil (HRO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) on the texture and oil separation in pumpkin/sesame/sunflower seed butter. The results showed that the 10 and 15% GSE significantly reduced both S. enterica and L. innocua. Cinnamaldehyde was effective against S. enterica but did not significantly reduce L. innocua. Hydrogenated rapeseed oil at 2 and 3% concentrations prevented hardening of the seed butter and thus facilitated its spreadability. The 3% HRO-stabilized seed butter had less oil separation and a better texture than the control. Although PKO influenced the hardness of the butter after 35 days, its effect was not as pronounced as that of HRO. The HRO was also more effective in reducing the adhesiveness and thus the stickiness of the seed butter when compared with the PKO. Both HRO and PKO did not influence cohesiveness and adhesiveness changes to the butter after 7 days, although the HRO samples showed a lower level of cohesiveness when initially added to the samples.
Numerical Simulation of Low-Permeability Reservoirs with considering the Dynamic Boundary Layer Effect
Authors: Cui Chuanzhi , Sui Yingfei , Cheng Xiangzhi , Ye Yinzhu , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2021

Surface active components, salt component, and polar molecules in the fluid may adsorb on the solid surface and form the boundary layer during low-speed flow in a porous medium, which will influence the flowing law in the porous medium. Previous studies on flowing in low-permeability reservoirs mainly focus on the effects of the threshold pressure gradient. But few of them have considered the time-varying effect of the boundary layer thickness in solving the numerical simulation. The correlation among the boundary layer thickness and pressure gradient was established by regressing the experimental data of boundary thickness versus pressure. On this basis, the mathematical model of oil-water two-phase flow which involves influence of the boundary layer was constructed, and the comparative analysis of the development effect is performed. Results demonstrated that the boundary layer thickness is sensitive to the throat radius and pressure gradient, and the boundary layer thickness decreases dynamically with the increase of pressure gradient. The displacement velocity and accumulative oil production with boundary layer effect decrease when comparing with that without the boundary layer effect. Meanwhile, the boundary layer accelerates the breakthrough of water. With the reduction of production pressure difference, the difference between accumulative oil production with and without the boundary layer effect increases, which indicate that the dynamic effect of the boundary layer is intensified.
Further Investigations on the Dynamics and Multistability Coexisted in a Memory‐Based Cobweb Model
Authors: Askar S. S.
Published: March 2021

Based on a nonlinear demand function and a market‐clearing price, a cobweb model is introduced in this paper. A gradient mechanism that depends on the marginal profit is adopted to form the 1D discrete dynamic cobweb map. Analytical studies show that the map possesses four fixed points and only one attains the profit maximization. The stability/instability conditions for this fixed point are calculated and numerically studied. The numerical studies provide some insights about the cobweb map and confirm that this fixed point can be destabilized due to period‐doubling bifurcation. The second part of the paper discusses the memory factor on the stabilization of the map’s equilibrium point. A gradient mechanism that depends on the marginal profit in the past two time steps is adopted to incorporate memory in the model. Hence, a 2D discrete dynamic map is constructed. Through theoretical and numerical investigations, we show that the equilibrium point of the 2D map becomes unstable due to two types of bifurcations that are Neimark–Sacker and flip bifurcations. Furthermore, the influence of the speed of adjustment parameter on the map’s equilibrium is analyzed via numerical experiments.
Modified Space Vector Modulation for Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter with Open-Circuit Power Cells
Authors: Truong Hoang , Mai Chung , Nguyen Cao , Vu Phuong
Published: March 2021

In this research, a new space vector modulation control algorithm is proposed to increase the reliability of the cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters in case of faulty situations, where one or several power cells do not function. Methods to detect faults ensure finding open-circuit module exactly, which is fast and easy to program. By giving a detailed analysis of the impact of the faulty power cells, optimal redundant level states are chosen such that highest possible output voltage can be achieved, while the balance of the three-phase line-to-line voltage is maintained and common-mode voltage is reduced. The proposed algorithm is generalized so that it can be applied to H-bridge inverters of any level. The validity of the method is verified by numerical simulations and experiment results with an 11-level cascaded H-bridge inverter.
Stability Analysis of Irregular Cavities in Tunnel Using Geomagic‐COMSOL Coupling Method
Authors: Sun Shangqu , Qin Chengshuai , Wang Hongbo , Li Liping , Huang Yongliang
Published: March 2021

The erosion of soluble rock and transformation of groundwater result in the high irregularity of cavities in tunnel. At present, however, karst cavities are mainly simplified as circular, rectangular, or elliptical shape in the numerical simulation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method to analyze the stability of irregular cavities. First of all, we used the drilling laser scanning method to reconstruct the three‐dimensional point clouds model of irregular cavities. Furthermore, we proposed the method of determining the point density to reduce the computational error under the premise of ensuring the accuracy in engineering scale. We also developed the Geomagic‐COMSOL coupling numerical method to conduct the stability analysis of irregular cavities. The results demonstrated that the geometrical shape of karst cavities has great effects on the deformation and mechanical properties of the surrounding rock. The displacement and equivalent plastic strain of simplified cavities exhibited symmetric characteristics, while those of irregular cavities are highly randomly distributed. We noted that a greater displacement value and more intensive plastic strain can be triggered by irregular cavities shape, compared with the simplified cavity shape. The results also showed that the larger displacement occurred at the long‐edge part, while the plastic zone was concentrated at the sharp turning angle of the irregular cavities.
Certain Classes of Operators on Some Weighted Hyperbolic Function Spaces
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed A. , Shammaky Amnah E.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, some classes of concerned multiplication operators consisting of analytic and hyperbolic functions are defined and considered. Furthermore, some properties such as boundedness and compactness of the new operators are discussed. Finally, a general class of weighted hyperbolic Bloch functions is characterized by metric spaces.
Next-Generation Digital Forensic Readiness BYOD Framework
Authors: Ali Md Iman , Kaur Sukhkirandeep
Published: March 2021

Intel’s “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) adoption quickly became popular as an alternative workplace solution strategy. It enables employees to use their personally owned devices to perform business activities, leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. However, BYOD also brought associated risks because of exponential growth in the number of cybersecurity incidents due to which business ecosystem gets disrupted and fragmented. Although several methods and mechanisms have been developed and adopted to mitigate the risk associated with BYOD, they still represent a challenge as corporate network gets exposed to inherent threats caused by the BYOD threat landscape. This work demonstrates especially two key aspects: The first focuses on how to detect and protect BYOD environment from an advanced level attack which cannot be detected by traditional tools and techniques even though available tools are quite effective. Before the attack and damage to the critical infrastructure due to BYOD threat, a strategy was indeed the key requirement for detecting attacks and protecting the environment. The second part of the research focuses on conducting forensic investigation model and developing a new approach by providing a reliable forensic investigation infrastructure to find digital evidence and detect the source of attack. This research work concluded with two different novel strategic ideas. The first part contributes to a new method of detecting and protecting against malicious activities which cannot be otherwise detected and protected by traditional security technology like IPS, IDS, AntiBot, or AntiVirus. The proposed technique compared to the existing methods led to a significant contribution to the identification of threats before an attack takes place. The second part of the research contributes to the defining of a new approach of the next-generation digital forensic readiness (NG-DFR) model in order to build a cyber forensic ecosystem so that cyber secured BYOD environment can be enabled safely.