bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Syndrome Classification of Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer Based on Data of Tongue and Pulse with Machine Learning
Authors: Shi Yu-lin , Liu Jia-yi , Hu Xiao-juan , Tu Li-ping , Cui Ji , Li Jun , Bi Zi-juan , Li Jia-cai , Xu Ling , Xu Jia-tuo
Published: August 2021

Objective. To explore the data characteristics of tongue and pulse of non‐small‐cell lung cancer with Qi deficiency syndrome and Yin deficiency syndrome, establish syndrome classification model based on data of tongue and pulse by using machine learning methods, and evaluate the feasibility of syndrome classification based on data of tongue and pulse. Methods. We collected tongue and pulse of non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients with Qi deficiency syndrome (n = 163), patients with Yin deficiency syndrome (n = 174), and healthy controls (n = 185) using intelligent tongue diagnosis analysis instrument and pulse diagnosis analysis instrument, respectively. We described the characteristics and examined the correlation of data of tongue and pulse. Four machine learning methods, namely, random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, and neural network, were used to establish the classification models based on symptom, tongue and pulse, and symptom and tongue and pulse, respectively. Results. Significant difference indices of tongue diagnosis between Qi deficiency syndrome and Yin deficiency syndrome were TB‐a, TB‐S, TB‐Cr, TC‐a, TC‐S, TC‐Cr, perAll, and the tongue coating texture indices including TC‐CON, TC‐ASM, TC‐MEAN, and TC‐ENT. Significant difference indices of pulse diagnosis were t4 and t5. The classification performance of each model based on different datasets was as follows: tongue and pulse < symptom < symptom and tongue and pulse. The neural network model had a better classification performance for symptom and tongue and pulse datasets, with an area under the ROC curves and accuracy rate which were 0.9401 and 0.8806. Conclusions. It was feasible to use tongue data and pulse data as one of the objective diagnostic basis in Qi deficiency syndrome and Yin deficiency syndrome of non‐small‐cell lung cancer.
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Underwater Acoustic Communication System with Environmental Cognition Ability
Authors: Wu Jinqiu , Qi Xiaofei , Guo Kang , Zhou Jiaqiong , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2021

In UWAC (underwater acoustic communication), UWA (underwater acoustic) channels change rapidly due to varying environment conditions. AMC (adaptive modulation and coding) is an efficient technique to improve system efficiency by changing transmission parameters according to channel conditions in UWA channels. In this paper, we propose an environmental cognition orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) UWAC system and compare it with AMC algorithm with six transmission modes together with three threshold detection algorithms. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed system. The system will play an important role in future communication networks which can significantly improve the efficiency of the system.
Exploring Mentorship as a Novel Approach to Improving Quality of Life in Sarcoma Survivors: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Våde Lotta , Hompland Ivar , Fauske Lena
Published: August 2021

Backgrounds. To investigate whether a formal mentoring program involving mentors from the business community could improve the quality of life (QoL) of sarcoma survivors struggling with the late effects of treatment. Methods. Seven former sarcoma patients participated in an eight-month formal mentoring program. The program was assessed through a qualitative study involving a phenomenological approach that utilized a hermeneutical design. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with the mentees after the intervention and six months later. The mentors were interviewed after the program was over. The gathered data were interpreted using a thematic analysis. Results. The program facilitated dialogue between the mentors and mentees as well as between the mentees. Afterwards, the mentees were more willing to accept the challenges they faced following cancer treatment. During the program, the mentees were pushed out of their comfort zone, which led to mastery and personal growth in them all. However, the program also revealed some additional challenges, including unfulfilled expectations in two mentor-mentee relationships. Conclusions. The mentoring program facilitated the mentees’ reorientation and enhanced their QoL. Its eight-month duration appeared important in terms of allowing the mentees to go through a long-lasting process with continued support. The program could serve as the basis for larger studies involving other cancer survivors.
Identification of Potential Bioactive Ingredients and Mechanisms of the Guanxin Suhe Pill on Angina Pectoris by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wang Mingmin , Yang Shuangjie , Shao Mingyan , Zhang Qian , Wang Xiaoping , Lu Linghui , Gao Sheng , Wang Yong , Wang Wei
Published: August 2021

The Guanxin Suhe pill (GSP), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat angina pectoris (AP) in Chinese clinical practice. However, research on the bioactive ingredients and underlying mechanisms of GSP in AP remains scarce. In this study, a system pharmacology approach integrating gastrointestinal absorption (GA) evaluation, drug-likeness (DL) evaluation, target exploration, protein-protein-interaction analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, network construction, and molecular docking was adopted to explore its potential mechanisms. A total of 481 ingredients from five herbs were collected, and 242 were qualified based on GA and DL evaluation. Target exploration identified 107 shared targets between GSP and AP. Protein-protein interaction identified VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2), FN1 (fibronectin 1), MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), PTGS2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), IL10 (interleukin 10), CXCL8 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8), IL6 (interleukin 6), and INS (insulin) as hub targets for GSP, which were involved in the inflammatory process, ECM proteolysis, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism. GO enrichment identified top pathways in the biological processes, molecular functions, and cell components, explaining GSP’s potential AP treatment mechanism. Positive regulation of the nitric oxide biosynthetic process and the response to hypoxia ranked highest of the biological processes; core targets that GSP can regulate in these two pathways were PTGS2 and NOS2, respectively. Molecular docking verified the interactions between the core genes in the pathway and the active ingredients. The study lays a foundation for further experimental research and clinical application.
Preliminary Study of Nondestructive Testing of the Polymer Cutoff Wall Based on Vibration Theory
Authors: Zhang Shu , Xue Binghan , Wang Jing , Gao Jianglin , Wang Chaojie , Li Wenzhong
Published: August 2021

The polymer cutoff wall offers the benefits of causing little disturbance to the dam body, being convenient and economical to construct and practical to use, and possessing good resistance to seismic shocks and cracks. It has been widely used to prevent seepage and to reinforce dikes and dams. However, the polymer cutoff wall is a concealed underground structure, and nondestructive testing methods to ensure its integrity are not yet mature. This paper describes a modal analysis of polymer cutoff wall models with different damage scenarios to investigate the feasibility of nondestructive testing of the polymer cutoff wall based on vibration theory. The dynamic characteristics of the first three natural frequencies of the wall and their mode shapes show that horizontal direction damage and centrally located partial damage have a noticeable impact on the dynamic characteristics of the wall, indicating that nondestructive testing based on vibration theory is useful to test for horizontal damage and moderate damage located centrally in the wall.
Development of the Electromagnetic Calculation Software Package for a Synchronous Motor Based on the Field‐Circuit Combination Algorithm
Authors: Chen Feng , Gan Qingquan , Yu Boyi
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, domestic motor manufacturers often use high‐speed circuit and magnetic circuit parameters in engine models. In addition, the calculation accuracy is low and cannot fully meet the requirements of a modern engine design. The field‐circuit combination algorithm is based on electric field analysis, which avoids many rough assumptions and empirical formulas; its calculations are more accurate and reliable than traditional algorithms. It is used to analyze and calculate the steady‐state operating conditions and characteristics of motors, which can effectively improve the design level of China’s boss synchronous motors. This article mainly introduces software algorithms and auxiliary FDTD methods. In this article, we use the field‐circuit coupling algorithm to develop an electromagnetic calculation software package for synchronous motors and establish a mathematical model for the potential field‐circuit coupling algorithm. We use the cassette electromagnetic calculation program to solve the model, evaluate the synchronous motor, and use historical data to modify the model and improve the accuracy of the development‐state evaluation of the electromagnetic calculation software package for the synchronous motor based on the motor electromagnetic circuit coupling algorithm. The experimental results of this article show that the field circuit combination algorithm increases the development of the electromagnetic calculation software package for synchronous motors by 55% and reduces the false alarm rate and false alarm rate. Finally, by comparing the phases of traditional algorithms, we analyzed the excitation circuit combination algorithm to calculate the parameters and performance of the synchronous motor.
Antiamnesic and Neuroprotective Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae) on Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairments in Rats
Authors: Djeuzong Etienne , Kandeda Antoine K. , Djiogue Séfirin , Stéphanie Lewale , Nguedia Danide , Ngueguim Florence , Djientcheu Jean P. , Kouamouo Jonas , Dimo Théophile
Published: August 2021

Background. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that affects about 44 million people worldwide. The available treatments target symptoms rather than the underlying causes. Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae) is widely used in traditional Cameroonian medicine to treat diabetes, pain, infections, and dementia. Previous studies reported that Z. jujuba aqueous macerate improves working memory impairment, but no study on the antiamnesic effect of a concoction of Z. jujuba in rats has been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antiamnesic and neuroprotective effects of an aqueous extract of Z. jujuba on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in rats. Methods. Learning and memory impairments were induced in rats by administering scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) to 58 rats for 15 days. Rats that developed learning and memory impairments in Morris water maze and Y-maze paradigms were divided into 7 groups (8 rats each) and treated daily for 15 days as follows: the normal control group received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), the negative control group received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), positive control groups either received donepezil (1.2 mg/kg, p.o.) or tacrine (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and the three test groups were given the extract (29, 57, and 114 mg/kg, p.o.). At the end of treatments, learning and memory impairments were determined using the same paradigms. Animals were then euthanized, and biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were analyzed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Results. On the 4th day of the acquisition phase in the Morris water maze, Z. jujuba (29 and 114 mg/kg) reduced (

p
<
0.001

) the latency to reach the platform, while in the retention phase, Z. jujuba (57 and 114 mg/kg) decreased (

p
<
0.001

) the time to reach the platform and increased the time in the target quadrant (

p
<
0.05

) compared to control. Surprisingly, the extract failed to affect spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze. Furthermore, the extract (29, 57, and 114 mg/kg) reversed (

p
<
0.001

) scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This was supported by the reduction of neuronal alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Conclusions. Compared to donepezil, a standard drug against Alzheimer’s disease, these findings suggest that Z. jujuba extract possesses antiamnesic and neuroprotective effects, and these effects are mediated in part through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. These findings help to explain its use in treating psychiatric disorders in Cameroon’s folk medicine.
Publicly Traceable Attribute-Based Anonymous Authentication and Its Application to Voting
Authors: Li Peng , Lai Junzuo , Wu Yongdong
Published: August 2021

Numerous anonymous authentication schemes are designed to provide efficient authentication services while preserving privacy. Such schemes may easily neglect access control and accountability, which are two requirements that play an important role in some particular environments and applications. Prior designs of attribute-based anonymous authentication schemes did not concentrate on providing full anonymity while at the same time holding public traceability. To address this problem, we formally define and present a new primitive called traceable attribute-based anonymous authentication (TABAA) which achieves (i) full anonymity, i.e., both registration and authentication cannot reveal user’s privacy; (ii) reusable credential, i.e., a registered credential can be repeatedly used without being linked; (iii) access control, i.e., only when the user’s attribute satisfies the access policy can the user be involved in authentication; and (iv) public traceability, i.e., anyone, without help from the trusted third party, can trace a misbehaving user who has authenticated two messages corresponding to a common address. Then, we formally define the security requirements of TABAA, including unforgeability, anonymity, and accountability, and give a generic construction satisfying the security requirements. Furthermore, based on TABAA, we propose the first attribute-based, decentralized, fully anonymous, publicly traceable e-voting, which enables voters to engage in a number of different voting activities without repeated registration.
Assessment of the Cytotoxic Activity of Triphala: A Semisolid Traditional Formulation on HepG2 Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Sahragard Ali , Alavi Zohreh , Abolhassanzadeh Zohreh , Moein Mahmoodreza , Mohammadi-Bardbori Afshin , Omidi Mahmoud , Zarshenas Mohammad M.
Published: August 2021

Cancer chemotherapies may result in resistance, and therefore, contemporary treatments including natural products may find an increasing consideration. As per Persian medicine (PM), many natural products have been used for malignant and chronic diseases. Triphala, with a combination of Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica Retz., Phyllanthus emblica L., and honey, is a multi‐ingredient traditional formulation attributed to anticancer activities in PM. This study is aimed at evaluating the cytotoxic activity of this preparation on HepG2, the human liver cancer cell line. Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared from the formulation and its components. Compared with the control and Cisplatin, the extracts were tested using MTT assay at different concentrations. All concentrations of the preparation, as well as Cisplatin, were effective significantly against HepG2 cells. All extract preparations at multiple concentrations were significantly effective as evidenced by MTT assay when compared to the control group. The IC50 level for Triphala extract was 77.63 ± 4.3 μg/ml. Based on the results, Triphala and its components have cytotoxic activity on the HepG2 cancer cell line and they can reduce the survival rate significantly.
Hybrid Strategy of Multiple Optimization Algorithms Applied to 3‐D Terrain Node Coverage of Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhang Li-Gang , Fan Fang , Chu Shu-Chuan , Garg Akhil , Pan Jeng-Shyang
Published: August 2021

The key to the problem of node coverage in wireless sensor networks (WSN) is to deploy a limited number of sensors to achieve maximum coverage. This paper studies the hybrid strategies of multiple evolutionary algorithms, and applies them to the problem of WSN node coverage. We first proposed the hybrid algorithm SFLA‐WOA (SWOA) based on Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm (SFLA) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The SWOA algorithm combines the advantages of SFLA and WOA; that is, it retains the unique evolution model of WOA and also has the excellent co‐evolution capability of SFLA. Secondly, using the mutation, crossover and selection operations of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm to further optimize this hybrid algorithm, the SWOA‐based SFLA‐WOA‐DE (SWOAD) algorithm is proposed. In addition, the performance of SWOA and SWOAD has been tested by 30 benchmark functions in the CEC 2017 test set. Experimental results show that the optimization effects of these two algorithms are very outstanding. Finally, the simulation results show that the optimization algorithm proposed in this paper has a good effect on improving the signal coverage of WSN under the actual three‐dimensional terrain.
The Influence of Different Surface Cleansing Agents on Shear Bond Strength of Contaminated Lithium Disilicate Ceramic: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Charasseangpaisarn Taksid , Krassanairawiwong Pattarawadee , Sangkanchanavanich Chanidapa , Kurjirattikan Atima , Kunyawatyuwapong Kanyarak , Tantivasin Natlada
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose. Contamination of the lithium disilicate (LDS) during the try-in procedure is unavoidable and may weaken the bond strength of restoration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of different surface cleansing agents on the shear bond strength (SBS) of contaminated LDS. Materials and Methods. Seventy LDS specimens were randomly divided into seven groups. The first group was noncontaminated surface (PC). The six other groups were contaminated with the saliva and silicone disclosing medium and treated with no surface cleansing agent (NC); phosphoric acid (PO); Ivoclean (IV); sodium hydroxide solution (NA); Restorative Cleansing Agent (RC); and hydrofluoric acid (HF). Then, LDS specimens were cementated with Panavia V5 to resin composite rod. Each specimen was subjected to an SBS test. The modes of failure was inspected under light microscope. The surface element of each group was examined by SEM-EDS. Results. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tamhane’s T2. The mean SBS value of NC was significantly lower than others (p<0.05), and HF was significantly higher than others (p<0.05). However, PC, PO, IV, NA, and RC were not significantly different from each other (p>0.05). The mode of failure was mostly adhesive failure in every group. The surface showed similar amount of elements in every group. Conclusions. The SBS of LDS was reduced by saliva and silicone disclosing medium contamination which can be restored using acid- and alkaline-based surface cleansing agents before the cementation procedure.
Vehicle Detection in Remote Sensing Image Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Zhou Liming , Zheng Chang , Yan Haoxin , Zuo Xianyu , Qiao Baojun , Zhou Bing , Fan Minghu , Liu Yang
Published: August 2021

Target detection in remote sensing images is very challenging research. Followed by the recent development of deep learning, the target detection algorithm has obtained large and fast growth. However, in the application of remote sensing images, due to the small target, wide range, small texture, and complex background, the existing target detection methods cannot achieve people’s hope. In this paper, a target detection algorithm named IR‐PANet for remote sensing images of an automobile is proposed. In the backbone network CSPDarknet53, SPP is used to strengthen the learning content. Then, IR‐PANet is used as the neck network. After the upper sampling, depthwise separable convolution is used to greatly avoid the lack of small target feature information in the convolution of the shallow network and increase the semantic information in the high‐level network. Finally, Gamma correction is used to preprocess the image before image training, which effectively reduces the interference of shadow and other factors on training. The experiment proves that the method has a better effect on small targets obscured by shadows and under the color similar to the background of the picture, and the accuracy is significantly improved based on the original algorithm.
Knockdown of Salusin‐β Improves Cardiovascular Function in Myocardial Infarction‐Induced Chronic Heart Failure Rats
Authors: Xu Yu , Pan Yan , Wang Xingxing , Chen Aidong , Tang Xinyu , Liu Xuanxuan , Han Ying
Published: August 2021

Salusin‐β is a biologically active peptide with 20 amino acids that exerts several cardiovascular activity‐regulating effects, such as regulating vascular endothelial function and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the regulatory effects of salusin‐β in myocardial infarction‐induced chronic heart failure (CHF) are still unknown. The current study is aimed at investigating the effects of silencing salusin‐β on endothelial function, cardiac function, vascular and myocardial remodeling, and its underlying signaling pathways in CHF rats induced by coronary artery ligation. CHF and sham‐operated (Sham) rats were subjected to tail vein injection of adenoviral vectors encoding salusin‐β shRNA or a control‐shRNA. The coronary artery (CA), pulmonary artery (PA), and mesenteric artery (MA) were isolated from rats, and isometric tension measurements of arteries were performed. Compared with Sham rats, the plasma salusin‐β, leptin and visfatin levels and the salusin‐β protein expression levels of CA, PA, and MA were increased, while the acetylcholine‐ (ACh‐) induced endothelium‐dependent vascular relaxation of CA, PA, and MA was attenuated significantly in CHF rats and was improved significantly by salusin‐β gene knockdown. Salusin‐β knockdown also improved cardiac function and vascular and myocardial remodeling, increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and decreased NAD(P)H oxidase activity, NOX‐2 and NOX‐4 expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in arteries in CHF rats. The effects of salusin‐β knockdown in CHF rats were attenuated significantly by pretreatment with the NOS inhibitor L‐NAME. These results indicate that silencing salusin‐β contributes to the improvement of endothelial function, cardiac function, and cardiovascular remodeling in CHF by inhibiting NAD(P)H oxidase‐ROS generation and activating eNOS‐NO production.
An Improved K‐Means Clustering Intrusion Detection Algorithm for Wireless Networks Based on Federated Learning
Authors: Xie Bin , Dong Xinyu , Wang Changguang
Published: August 2021

The existing wireless network intrusion detection algorithms based on supervised learning confront many challenges, such as high false detection rate, difficulty in finding unknown attack behaviors, and high cost in obtaining labeled training data sets. This paper presents an improved k‐means clustering algorithm for detecting intrusions on wireless networks based on Federated Learning. The proposed algorithm allows multiple participants to train a global model without sharing their private data and can expand the amount of data in the training model and protect the local data of each participant. Furthermore, the cosine distance of multiple perspectives is introduced in the algorithm to measure the similarity between network data objects in the improved k‐means clustering process, making the clustering results more reasonable and the judgment of network data behavior more accurate. The AWID, an open wireless network attack data set, is selected as the experimental data set. Its dimensionality reduces by the method of principal component analysis (PCA). Experimental results show that the improved k‐means clustering intrusion detection algorithm based on Federated Learning has better performance in detection rate, false detection rate, and detection of unknown attack types.
Predictive Immunological, Virological, and Routine Laboratory Markers for Critical COVID-19 on Admission
Authors: García-Gasalla Mercedes , Ferrer Juana M. , Fraile-Ribot Pablo A. , Ferre-Beltrán Adrián , Rodríguez Adrián , Martínez-Pomar Natalia , Ramon-Clar Luisa , Iglesias Amanda , Losada-López Inés , Fanjul Francisco , Pou Joan Albert , Llompart-Alabern Isabel , Toledo Nuria , Pons Jaime , Oliver Antonio , Riera Melchor , Murillas Javier
Published: August 2021

Background. Early identification of COVID-19 patients at risk of critical illness is a challenging endeavor for clinicians. We aimed to establish immunological, virological, and routine laboratory markers, which, in combination with clinical information, may allow identifying such patients. Methods. Blood tests to measure neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and levels of ferritin, CRP, D-dimer, complement components (C3 and C4), cytokines, and lymphocyte subsets, as well as SARS-Cov-2 RT-PCR tests, were performed in COVID-19-confirmed cases within 48 hours of admission. RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values from oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swabs were determined on the day of admission. Symptom severity was categorized as mild (grade 1), severe (grade 2), or critical (grade 3). Results. Of 120 patients who were included, 49 had mild, 32 severe, and 39 critical COVID-19. Levels of ferritin >370 ng/mL (OR 16.4, 95% CI 5.3–50.8), D-dimer >440 ng/mL (OR 5.45, 95% CI 2.36–12.61), CRP >7.65 mg/dL (OR 11.54, 95% CI 4.3–30.8), NLR >3.77 (OR 13.4, 95% CI 4.3–41.1), IL-6 >142.5 pg/mL (OR 8.76, 95% CI 3.56–21.54), IL-10 >10.8 pg/mL (OR 16.45, 95% CI 5.32–50.81), sIL-2rα (sCD25) >804.5 pg/mL (OR 14.06, 95% CI 4.56–43.28), IL-1Ra >88.4 pg/mL (OR 4.54, 95% CI 2.03–10.17), and IL-18 >144 pg/mL (OR 17.85, 95% CI 6.54–48.78) were associated with critical COVID-19 in the univariate age-adjusted analysis. This association was confirmed in the multivariate age-adjusted analysis only for ferritin, CRP, NLR, IL-10, sIL-2rα, and IL-18. T, B, and NK cells were significantly decreased in critical patients. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in blood except in 3 patients who had indeterminate results. RT-PCR Ct values from oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swabs on admission were not related to symptom severity. Conclusion. Ferritin, D-dimer, CRP, NLR, cytokine (IL-18 and IL-10), and cytokine receptor (IL-6, IL1-Ra, and sCD25) test results combined with clinical data can contribute to the early identification of critical COVID-19 patients.
CNN and DCGAN for Spectrum Sensors over Rayleigh Fading Channel
Authors: Mu Junsheng , Tan Youheng , Xie Dongliang , Zhang Fangpei , Jing Xiaojun
Published: August 2021

Spectrum sensing (SS) has attracted much attention in the field of Internet of things (IoT) due to its capacity of discovering the available spectrum holes and improving the spectrum efficiency. However, the limited sensing time leads to insufficient sampling data due to the tradeoff between sensing time and communication time. In this paper, deep learning (DL) is applied to SS to achieve a better balance between sensing performance and sensing complexity. More specifically, the two‐dimensional dataset of the received signal is established under the various signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) conditions firstly. Then, an improved deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN) is proposed to expand the training set so as to address the issue of data shortage. Moreover, the LeNet, AlexNet, VGG‐16, and the proposed CNN‐1 network are trained on the expanded dataset. Finally, the false alarm probability and detection probability are obtained under the various SNR scenarios to validate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. Simulation results state that the sensing accuracy of the proposed scheme is greatly improved.
A Time‐Overlapping Multiplex VLC System for End‐Edge Data Transmission
Authors: Fu Tingting , Zhu Huanghong , Hai Han , Lao Haksrun
Published: August 2021

Communication is one of the most important foundations in the Internet of Things. Although some cutting‐edge technologies, such as 5G, have greatly empowered edge computing, electromagnetic interference and pollution make them impracticable in many environments. The visible light communication (VLC) is a new type of wireless communication technology with appealing benefits not presented in radio communications. VLC allows a lamp or other light source to not only serve as illumination but also simultaneously transmit data. Although traditional VLC multiplexing technologies have been able to achieve a high‐speed data transmission rate, they require all receivers to use the same modulation means. In many scenarios, various‐type receivers coexist; it is costly to incorporate multiple senders to implement adaptive content distribution in on‐demand services. In this paper, we propose a new type of VLC multiplexing system, which realizes end‐edge data transmission through pulse position modulation (PPM), pulse width modulation (PWM), and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) simultaneously. Therefore, one edge server can serve multiple types of end‐users without interference. In order to evaluate the performance of the system, we conduct experiments with different settings of communication distance, communication angle, and different environmental light conditions. For three modulations, the proposed system can achieve a transmission speed three times as that for a single modulation, and reach the accuracy rate of up to 99% within the proper communication range.
Bistable Nonlinear Energy Sink Using Magnets and Linear Springs: Application to Structural Seismic Control
Authors: Chen Y. Y. , Zhao W. , Shen C. Y. , Qian Z. C.
Published: August 2021

Nonlinear energy sink (NES) has proven to be very effective in reducing the vibration response of structures. In this paper, a magnetic bistable nonlinear energy sink (BNES) that composed of a guided moving mass attached with linear springs and permanent magnets is proposed. To assess the seismic control performance of the proposed BNES, a shear frame model equipped with the proposed BNES is compared with the same shear frame model equipped with an optimized cubic NES and with a linear tuned mass damper (TMD) system. The results show that, in the idealized situation, where the mass and stiffness is clearly defined (no uncertainty), the BNES can achieve similar performance as a thoroughly in‐tuned TMD system. Moreover, in the detuned condition, due to broadband high internal resonance capability, the proposed BNES can outperform the linear TMD and the cubic NES. The study demonstrates that the proposed BNES can be used as an efficient passive vibration absorber for structural seismic control.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Resulting in Genital Tract Obstruction and Sexual Dysfunction: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Seidu Anwar Sadat , Osman Haruna Danamiji , Bimpong Kingsley Appiah , Afriyie Kwame
Published: August 2021

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is the practice of cutting parts of the female external genitalia in fulfillment of sociocultural obligations and in some cases for nonmedical reasons. It is classified into 4 main types depending on the extent of cutting. Some forms of FGM/C are common in at least 29 countries globally, mainly in Africa. The overall prevalence of FGM/C in Ghana is approximately 4%. The motivation for this practice varies from community to community but includes the fulfillment of cultural values, uplifting the girl child, and, according to some reports, reducing sexual desire and promiscuity. The objective of this article is to illustrate how FGM/C resulted in sexual dysfunction in a young woman married for 2 years. We present a 19-year-old female who was subjected to female genital cutting in her formative years who presented with apareunia for 2 years in her marriage. We illustrated how FGM/C led to a genital tract obstruction with resultant sexual dysfunction. Examination revealed a Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) with almost complete occlusion of the genital tract. She underwent a successful defibulation and resumed sexual activity with her husband within 6 weeks of the procedure.
Kinobead Profiling Reveals Reprogramming of BCR Signaling in Response to Therapy within Primary CLL Cells
Authors: Linley Adam J. , Karydis Laura I. , Mondru Anil K. , D'Avola Annalisa , Al Shmrany Humood , Cicconi Silvia , Griffin Rebecca , Forconi Francesco , Pettitt Andrew R. , Kalakonda Nagesh , Rawstron Andrew C. , Hillmen Peter , Steele Andrew J. , MacEwan David J. , Packham Graham , Prior Ian A. , Slupsky Joseph R.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is critical for the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), promoting both malignant cell survival and disease progression. Although vital, understanding of the wider signaling network associated with malignant BCR stimulation is poor. This is relevant with respect to potential changes in response to therapy, particularly involving kinase inhibitors. In the current study, we describe a novel high-resolution approach to investigate BCR signaling in primary CLL cells and track the influence of therapy on signaling response.

Experimental Design:

A kinobead/mass spectrometry–based protocol was used to study BCR signaling in primary CLL cells. Longitudinal analysis of samples donated by clinical trial patients was used to investigate the impact of chemoimmunotherapy and ibrutinib on signaling following surface IgM engagement. Complementary Nanostring and immunoblotting analysis was used to verify our findings.

Results:

Our protocol isolated a unique, patient-specific signature of over 30 kinases from BCR-stimulated CLL cells. This signature was associated with 13 distinct Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and showed significant change in cells from treatment-naïve patients compared with those from patients who had previously undergone therapy. This change was validated by longitudinal analysis of clinical trials samples where BCR-induced kinome responses in CLL cells altered between baseline and disease progression in patients failing chemoimmunotherapy and between baseline and treatment in patients taking ibrutinib.

Conclusions:

These data comprise the first comprehensive proteomic investigation of the BCR signaling response within CLL cells and reveal unique evidence that these cells undergo adaptive reprogramming of this signaling in response to therapy.
Comparative Assessment of Diagnostic Homologous Recombination Deficiency–Associated Mutational Signatures in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sztupinszki Zsofia , Diossy Miklos , Borcsok Judit , Prosz Aurel , Cornelius Nanna , Kjeldsen Maj K. , Mirza Mansoor R. , Szallasi Zoltan
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Homologous recombination (HR) deficiency (HRD) is one of the key determinants of PARP inhibitor response in ovarian cancer, and its accurate detection in tumor biopsies is expected to improve the efficacy of this therapy. Because HRD induces a wide array of genomic aberrations, mutational signatures may serve as a companion diagnostic to identify PARP inhibitor–responsive cases.

Experimental Design:

From the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) whole-exome sequencing (WES) data, we extracted different types of mutational signature–based HRD measures, such as the HRD score, genome-wide LOH, and HRDetect trained on ovarian and breast cancer–specific sequencing data. We compared their performance to identify BRCA1/2-deficient cases in the TCGA ovarian cancer cohort and predict survival benefit in platinum-treated, BRCA1/2 wild-type ovarian cancer.

Results:

We found that the HRD score, which is based on large chromosomal alterations alone, performed similarly well to an ovarian cancer–specific HRDetect, which incorporates mutations on a finer scale as well (AUC = 0.823 vs. AUC = 0.837). In an independent cohort these two methods were equally accurate predicting long-term survival after platinum treatment (AUC = 0.787 vs. AUC = 0.823). We also found that HRDetect trained on ovarian cancer was more accurate than HRDetect trained on breast cancer data (AUC = 0.837 vs. AUC = 0.795; P = 0.0072).

Conclusions:

When WES data are available, methods that quantify only large chromosomal alterations such as the HRD score and HRDetect that captures a wider array of HRD-induced genomic aberrations are equally efficient identifying HRD ovarian cancer cases.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of HER2 Expression in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Results from the UK/ANZ DCIS Randomized Trial
Authors: Thorat Mangesh A. , Levey Pauline M. , Jones J. Louise , Pinder Sarah E. , Bundred Nigel J. , Fentiman Ian S. , Cuzick Jack
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

HER2 is overexpressed more frequently in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) than in invasive breast cancer but its prognostic significance and predictive role for radiotherapy has not been clearly established. We investigated the prognostic and predictive value of HER2 overexpression in DCIS.

Experimental Design:

HER2 expression was evaluated by IHC using the HercepTest™ in samples from UK/ANZ DCIS trial participants (n = 755) with IHC 3+ expression categorized as HER2 positive for primary analyses. Sensitivity analyses included HER2 categorization as negative (IHC 0,1+), equivocal (IHC 2+), and positive (IHC 3+) and analyses restricted to a nested case–control component where 181 cases (with recurrence) were matched to 362 controls by treatment arm and age.

Results:

Two-hundred and forty-five (34.4%) of evaluable 713 samples [181 ipsilateral breast events (IBE)] were HER2 positive. HER2 overexpression was associated with significantly increased risk of IBE [HR = 2.29; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.64–3.14; P < 0.0001] and in situ IBE (DCIS-IBE; HR = 2.90; 95% CI, 1.91–4.40; P < 0.0001), but not of invasive IBE (I-IBE; HR = 1.40; 95% CI, 0.81–2.42; P = 0.23; Pheterogeneity = 0.04). Inclusion of HER2 significantly improved [Δχ2 (1d.f.) 12.25; P = 0.0005] a prognostic model of clinicopathological and treatment variables, HER2 being an independent predictor of IBE (multivariate HR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.33–2.76; P = 0.0004). Radiotherapy benefit in preventing DCIS-IBE was significantly greater (Pheterogeneity = 0.04) in HER2-positive DCIS (HR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07–0.41) compared with HER2-negative DCIS (HR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.28–1.19).

Conclusions:

HER2 overexpression is associated with significantly increased risk of in situ recurrence and is also predictive of radiotherapy benefit, with greater reductions in in situ but not invasive recurrences in HER2-positive DCIS.
Single-Agent Ibrutinib for Rituximab-Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: Final Analysis of the Substudy of the Phase III InnovateTM Trial
Authors: Trotman Judith , Buske Christian , Tedeschi Alessandra , Matous Jeffrey V. , MacDonald David , Tam Constantine S. , Tournilhac Olivier , Ma Shuo , Treon Steven P. , Oriol Albert , Ping Jerry , Briso Eva M. , Arango-Hisijara Israel , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The first report from the open-label substudy of the phase III iNNOVATE study (PCYC-1127; NCT02165397) demonstrated that single-agent ibrutinib was efficacious and well tolerated in patients with heavily pretreated, rituximab-refractory Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Results from the final analysis are now reported.

Patients and Methods:

Ibrutinib 420 mg was administered once daily to patients (N = 31) who failed to achieve at least a minor response (MR) or who relapsed <12 months after their last rituximab-containing therapy. Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR; MR or better) per independent review committee, hemoglobin improvement, overall survival (OS), and safety; serum IgM was also assessed.

Results:

After a median follow-up of 58 months (range: 9–61), median PFS was 39 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 25–not evaluable]; 60-month PFS rate was 40%. In MYD88L265P/CXCR4WHIM and MYD88L265P/CXCR4WT subtypes, median PFS was 18 months and not reached, respectively. In all patients, ORR was 87%; responses deepened over time with major response (≥ partial response) rates increasing from 61% at 6 months to 77% at 60 months. Median OS was not reached. Seventeen of 21 patients (81%) with baseline hemoglobin ≤11.0 g/dL had sustained hemoglobin improvement. Improvements in serum IgM levels were sustained, reaching a maximum median change of −37 g/L at 54 months. Ibrutinib maintained a manageable safety profile, with no new safety signals identified. There were no events of major hemorrhage or atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions:

In the final analysis from iNNOVATE, single-agent ibrutinib continued to show sustained efficacy in patients with heavily pretreated, rituximab-refractory Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Biomarker Analysis of the Phase III NALA Study of Neratinib + Capecitabine versus Lapatinib + Capecitabine in Patients with Previously Treated Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Saura Cristina , Matito Judit , Oliveira Mafalda , Wildiers Hans , Brufksy Adam M. , Waters Simon H. , Hurvitz Sara A. , Moy Beverly , Kim Sung-Bae , Gradishar William J. , Queiroz Geraldo Silva , Cronemberger Eduardo , Wallweber Gerald J. , Bebchuk Judith , Keyvanjah Kiana , Lalani Alshad S. , Bryce Richard , Vivancos Ana , Eli Lisa D. , Delaloge Suzette
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Neratinib plus capecitabine (N+C) demonstrated significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit in NALA (NCT01808573), a randomized phase III trial comparing N+C with lapatinib + capecitabine (L+C) in 621 patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who had received ≥2 prior HER2-directed regimens in the metastatic setting. We evaluated correlations between exploratory biomarkers and PFS.

Patients and Methods:

Somatic mutations were evaluated by next-generation sequencing on primary or metastatic samples. HER2 protein expression was evaluated by central IHC, H-score, and VeraTag/HERmark. p95 expression (truncated HER2) was measured by VeraTag. HRs were estimated using unstratified Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Four hundred and twenty samples had successful sequencing: 34.0% had PIK3CA mutations and 5.5% had HER2 (ERBB2) mutations. In the combined patient populations, PIK3CA mutations trended toward shorter PFS [wild-type vs. mutant, HR = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–1.03], whereas HER2 mutations trended toward longer PFS [HR = 1.69 (95% CI, 0.97–3.29)]. Higher HER2 protein expression was associated with longer PFS [IHC 3+ vs. 2+, HR = 0.67 (0.54–0.82); H-score ≥240 versus <240, HR = 0.77 (0.63–0.93); HERmark positive vs. negative, HR = 0.76 (0.59–0.98)]. Patients whose tumors had higher HER2 protein expression (any method) derived an increased benefit from N+C compared with L+C [IHC 3+, HR = 0.64 (0.51–0.81); H-score ≥ 240, HR = 0.54 (0.41–0.72); HERmark positive, HR = 0.65 (0.50–0.84)], as did patients with high p95 [p95 ≥2.8 relative fluorescence (RF)/mm2, HR = 0.66 (0.50–0.86) vs. p95 < 2.8 RF/mm2, HR = 0.91 (0.61–1.36)].

Conclusions:

PIK3CA mutations were associated with shorter PFS whereas higher HER2 expression was associated with longer PFS. Higher HER2 protein expression was also associated with a greater benefit for N+C compared with L+C.
T Cell–Mediated Antitumor Immunity Cooperatively Induced By TGFβR1 Antagonism and Gemcitabine Counteracts Reformation of the Stromal Barrier in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Li Dandan , Schaub Nicholas , Guerin Theresa M. , Bapiro Tashinga E. , Richards Frances M. , Chen Vicky , Talsania Keyur , Kumar Parimal , Gilbert Debra J. , Schlomer Jerome J. , Kim Seong-Jin , Sorber Rebecca , Teper Yaroslav , Bautista Wendy , Palena Claudia , Ock Chan-Young , Jodrell Duncan I. , Pate Nathan , Mehta Monika , Zhao Yongmei , Kozlov Serguei , Rudloff Udo
Published: August 2021

The desmoplastic stroma of pancreatic cancers forms a physical barrier that impedes intratumoral drug delivery. Attempts to modulate the desmoplastic stroma to increase delivery of administered chemotherapy have not shown positive clinical results thus far, and preclinical reports in which chemotherapeutic drugs were coadministered with antistromal therapies did not universally demonstrate increased genotoxicity despite increased intratumoral drug levels. In this study, we tested whether TGFβ antagonism can break the stromal barrier, enhance perfusion and tumoral drug delivery, and interrogated cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the tumor prevents synergism with coadministered gemcitabine. TGFβ inhibition in genetically engineered murine models (GEMM) of pancreas cancer enhanced tumoral perfusion and increased intratumoral gemcitabine levels. However, tumors rapidly adapted to TGFβ-dependent stromal modulation, and intratumoral perfusion returned to pre-treatment levels upon extended TGFβ inhibition. Perfusion was governed by the phenotypic identity and distribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) with the myelofibroblastic phenotype (myCAFs), and myCAFs which harbored unique genomic signatures rapidly escaped the restricting effects of TGFβ inhibition. Despite the reformation of the stromal barrier and reversal of initially increased intratumoral exposure levels, TGFβ inhibition in cooperation with gemcitabine effectively suppressed tumor growth via cooperative reprogramming of T regulatory cells and stimulation of CD8 T cell–mediated antitumor activity. The antitumor activity was further improved by the addition of anti–PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade to offset adaptive PD-L1 upregulation induced by TGFβ inhibition. These findings support the development of combined antistroma anticancer therapies capable of impacting the tumor beyond the disruption of the desmoplastic stroma as a physical barrier to improve drug delivery.
KITlow Cells Mediate Imatinib Resistance in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Banerjee Sudeep , Yoon Hyunho , Ting Stephanie , Tang Chih-Min , Yebra Mayra , Wenzel Alexander T. , Yeerna Huwate , Mesirov Jill P. , Wechsler-Reya Robert J. , Tamayo Pablo , Sicklick Jason K.
Published: August 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is commonly driven by oncogenic KIT mutations that are effectively targeted by imatinib (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). However, IM does not cure GIST, and adjuvant therapy only delays recurrence in high-risk tumors. We hypothesized that GIST contains cells with primary IM resistance that may represent a reservoir for disease persistence. Here, we report a subpopulation of CD34+KITlow human GIST cells that have intrinsic IM resistance. These cells possess cancer stem cell-like expression profiles and behavior, including self-renewal and differentiation into CD34+KIThigh progeny that are sensitive to IM treatment. We also found that TKI treatment of GIST cell lines led to induction of stem cell–associated transcription factors (OCT4 and NANOG) and concomitant enrichment of the CD34+KITlow cell population. Using a data-driven approach, we constructed a transcriptomic-oncogenic map (Onco-GPS) based on the gene expression of 134 GIST samples to define pathway activation during GIST tumorigenesis. Tumors with low KIT expression had overexpression of cancer stem cell gene signatures consistent with our in vitro findings. Additionally, these tumors had activation of the Gas6/AXL pathway and NF-κB signaling gene signatures. We evaluated these targets in vitro and found that primary IM-resistant GIST cells were effectively targeted with either single-agent bemcentinib (AXL inhibitor) or bardoxolone (NF-κB inhibitor), as well as with either agent in combination with IM. Collectively, these findings suggest that CD34+KITlow cells represent a distinct, but targetable, subpopulation in human GIST that may represent a novel mechanism of primary TKI resistance, as well as a target for overcoming disease persistence following TKI therapy.