bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact Model for Incompressible Neo-Hookean Materials Under Finite Spherical Indentation
Authors: Guo Zaoyang , Lyu Qihui , Jiang Li , Chen Yang , Dong Leiting , Zhang Han
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a contact model is proposed to predict the contact response of an incompressible neo-Hookean half-space under finite spherical indentations. The axisymmetric finite element (FE) model is created to simulate the contact behaviors. Inspired by the numerical results, the radius of the contact circle is derived. The contact force is then obtained by modifying the radius of the contact circle of the Hertz model. The format of the distribution of the contact pressure is also developed according to the Hertz model. A parameter, determined by fitting the numerical results, is introduced to characterize the effect of the indentation depth on the shape of the distribution function of the contact pressure. The newly proposed contact model is numerically validated to predict well the contact behaviors, including the contact force, the radius of the contact circle, and the distribution of the contact pressure, for the incompressible neo-Hookean half-space under spherical indentation up to the indenter radius. However, the Hertz model is verified to offer acceptable predictions of the contact behaviors for the incompressible neo-Hookean materials within the indentation depth of 0.1 times of the indenter radius.
Modeling Backlash-Like Hysteresis of Tendon Sheath Mechanism-Pair
Authors: Hong Junho , Hong Dahie , Kim Byung Gon
Published: January 2020

Tendon sheath mechanism (TSM) is an effective power transmission system to access remote locations through tortuous channels, and it is widely used in endoscopic surgical robots. However, owing to deformation of TSM during power transmission, the input–output hysteresis is expressed in the form of backlash-like hysteresis. This paper is premised on the idea that sheath deformation can occur if the sheath is fixed only at certain points rather than being fully fixed at all points. Based on our hypothesis, a new TSM-pair backlash-like hysteresis model was derived, which considers the deformation property of the sheath. Experimental setups were designed to validate the new model, and its mechanical parameters were identified. The experimental results revealed that the sheath significantly deforms and that such deformation produces backlash-like hysteresis together with the tendon deformation. This model can be used to provide accurate prediction and control of TSM.
Al-rich AlGaN based transistors
Authors: Baca Albert G. , Armstrong Andrew M. , Klein Brianna A. , Allerman Andrew A. , Douglas Erica A. , Kaplar Robert J.
Published: January 2020

Research results for AlGaN-channel transistors are reviewed as they have progressed from low Al-content and long-channel devices to Al-rich and short-channel RF devices. Figure of merit (FOM) analysis shows encouraging comparisons relative to today’s state-of-the-art GaN devices for high Al-content and elevated temperatures. Critical electric field (EC), which fuels the AlGaN transistor FOM for high Al-composition, is not measured directly, but average gate-drain electric field at breakdown is substantially better in multiple reported AlGaN-channel devices compared to GaN. Challenges for AlGaN include the constraints arising from relatively low room temperature mobility dominated by ternary alloy scattering and the difficulty of making low-resistivity Ohmic contacts to high Al-content materials. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made recently in the formation of low-resistivity Ohmic contacts to Al-rich AlGaN by using reverse compositional grading in the semiconductor, whereby a contact to a lower-Al alloy (or even to GaN) is made. Specific contact resistivity (ρc) approaching ρc ∼ 2 × 10−6 Ω cm2 to AlGaN devices with 70% Al-content in the channel has been reported. Along with scaling of the channel length and tailoring of the threshold voltage, this has enabled a dramatic increase in the current density, which has now reached 0.6 A/mm. Excellent ION/IOFF current ratios have been reported for Schottky-gated structures, in some cases exceeding 109. Encouraging RF performance in Al-rich transistors has been reported as well, with fT and fmax demonstrated in the tens of gigahertz range for devices with less than 150 nm gates. Al-rich transistors have also shown lesser current degradation over temperature than GaN in extreme high-temperature environments up to 500 °C, while maintaining ION/IOFF ratios of ∼106 at 500 °C. Finally, enhancement-mode devices along with initial reliability and radiation results have been reported for Al-rich AlGaN transistors. The Al-rich transistors promise to be a very broad and exciting field with much more progress expected in the coming years as this technology matures.
Atmospheric pressure microwave plasma for aluminum surface cleaning
Authors: Bónová Lucia , Zhu Weikun , Patel Dhruval K. , Krogstad Daniel V. , Ruzic David N.
Published: January 2020

An atmospheric pressure, 2.45 GHz microwave plasma operating in ambient air was used to clean and activate aluminum surfaces. The effect of processing parameters on surface chemistry of aluminum has been studied to determine the minimal power and time needed to create clean surfaces. The contact angle measurements showed that the hydrophilicity greatly increases with increasing power and decreasing substrate speed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that oxidative and thermal degradation is present during the plasma cleaning process. The authors’ system using atmospheric pressure air plasma proves to be an efficient method for cleaning and activating metal surfaces without generating chemical waste and can be used to increase the adhesion of subsequent protective coatings.
Particle-in-cell simulations and passive bulk model of collisional capacitive discharge
Authors: Kawamura Emi , Lieberman Michael A. , Lichtenberg Allan J. , Chabert Pascal
Published: January 2020

Intermediate pressure (0.2–6.0 Torr), radio frequency capacitive discharges are of increasing importance in the thin film processing industry. However, existing low pressure (<0.1Torr) discharge models are often used beyond their applicability in this pressure range. The authors performed one-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of a capacitive 2.5 cm gap argon discharge driven at 13.56 MHz with current density amplitude J0=50A/m2 over a wide range of gas pressures pg=0.04–20 Torr. For intermediate pressures, the PIC results showed that most of the ionization occurs near the plasma-sheath edges with very little occurring within the central bulk region. This led us to develop a “passive bulk” model of the discharge in which bulk electron heating does not contribute to ionization, and all the ionization is due solely to the sheath-heated electrons. The model assumes a constant ion-neutral mean free path λi in the plasma bulk and either constant λi or constant ion mobility μi in the sheaths. The model is solved using an electron temperature iteration scheme. The PIC scalings of the discharge equilibrium parameters (e.g., electron density and temperature, sheath width, and voltage) with the input parameters pg and J0 showed good agreement with those of the passive bulk model. A constant μi sheath model showed the best agreement with the PIC results in the intermediate pressure regime of interest, but a constant λi model is simpler to implement and showed reasonable agreement over a wide pressure range.
Investigating multidimensional characteristics of noise signals with tones from building mechanical systems and their effects on annoyance
Authors: Lee Joonhee , Wang Lily M.
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates multidimensional characteristics of tonal noise from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, besides loudness and tonality, to improve prediction of annoyance. Two studies were conducted: multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis to determine what other perceptual signal characteristics are important and perceptual weight analysis (PWA) to understand the impact of multiple tones in a signal. In the MDS study, paired comparison tasks were conducted to gather similarity and annoyance data. Results show that the latent perceptual dimensions are related to the signal's tonality, loudness, sharpness, and roughness. Including metrics for these perceptions, except roughness, improves the performance of earlier annoyance prediction models. Including both sharpness and tonal audibility does not further improve prediction performance, though. In the PWA study, noise stimuli with five-tone complexes between 125 Hz and 2 kHz were generated for subjective testing to obtain a perceptual weighting function. The levels of each tone were randomly adjusted for every trial, and both harmonic and inharmonic tone complexes were utilized. The PWA result was applied as a spectral weighting function to calculate a proposed weighted-sum tonal audibility metric. Utilizing the proposed metric instead of the traditional tonal audibility metric improves annoyance prediction to a similar degree as including sharpness.
Transparency on trial
Authors: Piller Charles
Published: January 2020

Many clinical trial results aren't posted publicly, as U.S. law requires—and a promised crackdown has fizzled.
Decay of the coronal magnetic field can release sufficient energy to power a solar flare
Authors: Fleishman Gregory D. , Gary Dale E. , Chen Bin , Kuroda Natsuha , Yu Sijie , Nita Gelu M.
Published: January 2020

Magnetic energy release in a solar flare

Solar flares are bright flashes and associated eruptions of plasma from the Sun that are thought to be powered by violent rearrangement of the magnetic fields near sunspots. Fleishman
et al.
observed a bright solar flare with a microwave interferometer, allowing them to map the magnetic field in the solar corona and monitor how it changed during the flare. They found a large drop in the local field strength over 2 minutes, releasing enough magnetic energy to power the entire solar flare. Determining the origin of this energy will help to predict how strong future solar flares may be and their potential space weather impacts on Earth.

Science
, this issue p.
278
On impact and volcanism across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary
Authors: Hull Pincelli M. , Bornemann André , Penman Donald E. , Henehan Michael J. , Norris Richard D. , Wilson Paul A. , Blum Peter , Alegret Laia , Batenburg Sietske J. , Bown Paul R. , Bralower Timothy J. , Cournede Cecile , Deutsch Alexander , Donner Barbara , Friedrich Oliver , Jehle Sofie , Kim Hojung , Kroon Dick , Lippert Peter C. , Loroch Dominik , Moebius Iris , Moriya Kazuyoshi , Peppe Daniel J. , Ravizza Gregory E. , Röhl Ursula , Schueth Jonathan D. , Sepúlveda Julio , Sexton Philip F. , Sibert Elizabeth C. , Śliwińska Kasia K. , Summons Roger E. , Thomas Ellen , Westerhold Thomas , Whiteside Jessica H. , Yamaguchi Tatsuhiko , Zachos James C.
Published: January 2020

An impact with a dash of volcanism

Around the time of the end-Cretaceous mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs, there was both a bolide impact and a large amount of volcanism. Hull
et al.
ran several temperature simulations based on different volcanic outgassing scenarios and compared them with temperature records across the extinction event. The best model fits to the data required most outgassing to occur before the impact. When combined with other lines of evidence, these models support an impact-driven extinction. However, volcanic gases may have played a role in shaping the rise of different species after the extinction event.

Science
, this issue p.
266
Correlative three-dimensional super-resolution and block-face electron microscopy of whole vitreously frozen cells
Authors: Hoffman David P. , Shtengel Gleb , Xu C. Shan , Campbell Kirby R. , Freeman Melanie , Wang Lei , Milkie Daniel E. , Pasolli H. Amalia , Iyer Nirmala , Bogovic John A. , Stabley Daniel R. , Shirinifard Abbas , Pang Song , Peale David , Schaefer Kathy , Pomp Wim , Chang Chi-Lun , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Kirchhausen Tom , Solecki David J. , Betzig Eric , Hess Harald F.
Published: January 2020

Visualizing whole cells at many scales

Cells need to compartmentalize thousands of distinct proteins, but the nanoscale spatial relationship of many proteins to overall intracellular ultrastructure remains poorly understood. Correlated light and electron microscopy approaches can help. Hoffman
et al.
combined cryogenic super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and focused ion beam–milling scanning electron microscopy to visualize protein-ultrastructure relationships in three dimensions across whole cells. The fusion of the two imaging modalities enabled identification and three-dimensional segmentation of morphologically complex structures within the crowded intracellular environment. The researchers observed unexpected relationships within a variety of cell types, including a web-like protein adhesion network between juxtaposed cerebellar granule neurons.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaz5357
Patterns, statistics, and the stars
A Scheme of Heaven: The History of Astrology and the Search for Our Destiny in Data
Alexander Boxer
Norton, 2020. 349 pp.
Authors: Vanden Broecke Steven
Published: January 2020

Highlights from the history of astrology reveal the origins of our quest to find meaning in data
Soft biohybrid morphing wings with feathers underactuated by wrist and finger motion
Authors: Chang Eric , Matloff Laura Y. , Stowers Amanda K. , Lentink David
Published: January 2020

A soft biohybrid aerial robot with underactuated feathers shows how birds can steer by morphing their wings with wrists and fingers.
Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance Associated with Increased
bla
KPC-3
Gene Copy Number Mediated by pKpQIL Plasmid Derivatives in Sequence Type 258
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Coppi Marco , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Monaco Francesco , Giani Tommaso , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: January 2020

This study reports on the characterization of two ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA)-resistant KPC-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains (KP-14159 and KP-8788) sequentially isolated from infections occurred in a patient never treated with CZA. Whole-genome sequencing characterization using a combined short- and long-read sequencing approach showed that both isolates belonged to the same ST258 strain, had altered outer membrane porins (a truncated OmpK35 and an Asp137Thr138 duplication in the L3 loop of OmpK36), and carried novel pKpQIL plasmid derivatives (pIT-14159 and pIT-8788, respectively) harboring two copies of the Tn
4401a
KPC-3-encoding transposon.
Hydrogen Peroxide-Generating Electrochemical Scaffold Activity against Trispecies Biofilms
Authors: Raval Yash S. , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Song James , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Beyenal Haluk , Patel Robin
Published: January 2020

The antibiofilm activity of a hydrogen peroxide-generating electrochemical scaffold (e-scaffold) was determined against mono- and trispecies biofilms of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
, multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Candida albicans
. Significant time-dependent decreases were found in the overall CFU of biofilms of all three monospecies and the trispecies forms. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed dramatic reductions in fluorescence intensities of biofilm matrix protein and polysaccharide components of e-scaffold-treated biofilms.
Dissemination of Quinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli in the Norwegian Broiler and Pig Production Chains and Possible Persistence in the Broiler Production Environment
Authors: Kaspersen Håkon , Sekse Camilla , Zeyl Fiskebeck Eve , Slettemeås Jannice Schau , Simm Roger , Norström Madelaine , Urdahl Anne Margrete , Lagesen Karin
Published: January 2020

Since antimicrobial usage is low in Norwegian animal husbandry, Norway is an ideal country to study antimicrobial resistance in the absence of selective pressure from antimicrobial usage. In particular, the usage of quinolones is very low, which makes it possible to investigate the spread and development of quinolone resistance in natural environments. Comparison of quinolone-resistant
E. coli
(QREC) isolates from livestock and wild animals in light of this low quinolone usage provides new insights into the development and dissemination of QREC in both natural and production environments. With this information, preventive measures may be taken to prevent further dissemination within Norwegian livestock and between other animals, thus maintaining the favorable situation in Norway.
Rapid plastic changes in brain morphology in response to acute changes in predation pressure in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and northern redbelly dace (Phoxinus eos)
Authors: Joyce Brendan J. , Brown Grant E.
Published: January 2020

Teleosts exhibit inter- and intra-specific variation in the size and shape of their brains. Interpopulation differences in gross brain morphology among numerous teleost fish species have been observed and have been partially attributed to plastic changes in response to their environment, including predation. These differences manifest themselves macroscopically, potentially because teleosts retain the capacity for active neuroproliferation into adulthood. Building on previous work, showing chronic exposure to predation can affect brain morphology, we sought to determine whether these differences manifest themselves on a time scale shown to induce phenotypically plastic behavioural changes. In separate trials, we held northern redbelly dace (Phoxinus eos (Cope, 1861) = Chrosomus eos Cope, 1861) and juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758) in semi-natural conditions and exposed them to conspecific skin extract as a proxy for predation risk over 2 weeks. After exposure, their brains were excised, photographed, and analyzed for size (multivariate ANOVA) and shape (Procrustes ANOVA). Despite their brief exposure to simulated predation pressure, subjects from both species developed significantly different brain morphologies. Compared with controls, the Atlantic salmon exhibited a different brain shape and smaller optic tecta, whereas the northern redbelly dace had larger brains with more developed olfactory bulbs and optic tecta. Our results highlight the rapidity with which external environment can alter patterns of growth in the brain.
Resonant emission of hard gamma-quanta at scattering of ultrarelativistic electrons on a nucleus within the external light field
Authors: Dubov Alexander , Dubov Victor V. , Roshchupkin Sergei P.
Published: January 2020

The contemporary theoretical investigation researches the resonant emission of high-energy gamma-quanta within the process of scattering of ultrarelativistic electrons on a nucleus in the external electromagnetic field. With implementation of the resonant conditions under the field ambience the particle in the intermediate state re-modulates into the real form. Therefore, the phenomenon examination determines the functional splitting of the second order process into a pair of first-order effects that possess a possibility to develop within two reaction channels. Consequently, the first channel characterizes the kinematics of electron scattering by a nucleus and following radiation of a spontaneous gamma-quantum. The second channel delineates the spontaneous gamma-quantum radiation by an electron with subsequent scattering on a nucleus. It is important to emphasize that within a specific range of observation the calculations derive three discrete magnitudes for the resonant frequency dependency on the angle of spontaneous photon radiation. As a result, the work represents an estimation of the resonant differential scattering cross-section in ratio to the scattering cross-section computed without the external field. In conclusion, various scientific facilities may verify the project data simulation (SLAC, FAIR, XFEL, ELI, XCELS).
Resonant Breit-Wheeler process in an external electromagnetic field
Authors: Pustyntsev Alexander A. , Dubov Victor V. , Roshchupkin Sergei P.
Published: January 2020

The contemporary research scrutinizes the resonant Breit-Wheeler process in the field of a plane monochromatic electromagnetic wave. Implementing the weak external field condition the processes of electron-positron pair production advances pre-eminently with participation of restrictively two field photons. Thus, within the resonant state the represented process effectively splits into two first-order processes with respect to the fine-structure constant. In details, the effect indicates the single photon pair production with consequent absorption of gamma quantum by an electron (positron) in the field of the wave. We analyze the resonance kinematics precisely. The study determines specific regions in which the interference of resonant amplitudes is absent. Additionally, the computation obtains a resonant differential cross section for the described areas. The corresponding resonant differential cross section significantly exceeds the correlating Breit-Wheeler cross-section without an external field. Various scientific facilities of pulsed laser radiation may experimentally verify the results of these calculations (SLAC, FAIR, XFEL, ELI, XCELS).
Kinetics of the vacuum e−e+ plasma in a strong electric field and problem of radiation
Authors: Smolyansky S. A. , Fedotov A. M. , Dmitriev V. V.
Published: January 2020

We consider a quantum kinetic equation for [Formula: see text] plasma created from vacuum under the action of a strong time-dependent linearly polarized electric field. Simplification of the collision integral for photon emission along the polarization direction of the field is discussed.
Fermi energy in the q-deformed quantum mechanics
Authors: Chung Won Sang , Hassanabadi Hassan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we use the q-derivative emerging in the non-extensive statistical physics to formulate the q-deformed quantum mechanics. We find the algebraic structure related to this deformed theory and investigate some properties of the q-deformed elementary functions. Using this mathematical background, we formulate the q-deformed Heisenberg algebra and q-deformed time-dependent Schrödinger equation. As an example, we deal with the infinite potential well and compute the Fermi energy in the q-deformed theory.
“乾坤含疮痍，忧虞何时毕”： 大动荡前夜《南洋商报》副刊中的新诗书写
Authors: 李 佳
Published: January 2020

1937年日本悍然发动全面侵略中国的战争，从而拉开了第二次世界大战在亚洲的序幕。战争爆发之前，南洋诗坛对于当时隐伏在平静表面下的各种社会矛盾都有着忠实的反映。特别是民族矛盾、劳资矛盾、侨民意识与马华本土性意识之间的观念冲突、五四新思潮与落后封建思想间的矛盾，都有诗人付诸笔端予以表现，而以民族和阶级矛盾占主要篇幅。笔者从《南洋商报》1930年代所刊载的新诗入手，运用社会历史批评的分析方式，同时以“诗史”为角度，将历史融入到文学的研究范畴，分析这些新诗中所反映出的现实矛盾以及由此带来的多元社会心态。与此同时探讨南洋文坛与中国五四新文学之间的联系，说明当时南洋文坛正是继承了五四思想解放的武器，以文学的形式对现实社会进行反戈一击。
SIGCSE members named distinguished ACM members
Authors: Decker Adrienne
Published: January 2020

ACM announced the 2019 Distinguished Members class at https://awards.acm.org/ distinguished-members.
SIGCSE technical symposium 2020 travel award winners
Authors: Settle Amber , Davis Karen
Published: January 2020

The SIGCSE Board is pleased to introduce the selections for the 2020 Travel Grant Program awards. We asked each awardee to tell us about their roles in CS education and what they are most looking forward to about attending the Technical Symposium.
New from csteachingtips.org
Authors: Lewis Colleen
Published: January 2020

Have you ever frozen - not knowing what to say - when you heard a comment or question about diversity in CS? Inspired by the Critical Listening Guide from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT; www.ncwit.org/resources/critical-listening-guide), I created Microaggressions: The Game! The game invites players to respond to challenging scenarios related to subtle and not-so-subtle bias. Each scenario appears on a card, and players discuss how they would respond.
Ischemic Risk in Collodion Baby: An Orthopaedic Perspective
Authors: Besonhe Pauline , Docquier Pierre-Louis
Published: January 2020

Collodion baby is a rare condition in which the baby is born surrounded by membranes called collodion membranes. The evolution of these membranes is towards cracking and peeling. Sometimes, retraction leads to hypoperfusion or ischemia (especially of fingers and toes). In case of acute ischemia, surgery is necessary. We report the case of a newborn in which surgery was necessary to free both fingers and toes from constrictive bands responsible for ischemia. In the absence of surgery, the constrictive bands can lead to amputation (pseudoainhum). The purpose of this case report is to expose the management and the role of an orthopaedic surgeon in the treatment of a collodion baby.
Histological, Histomorphometrical, and Biomechanical Studies of Bone‐Implanted Medical Devices: Hard Resin Embedding
Authors: Maglio M. , Salamanna F. , Brogini S. , Borsari V. , Pagani S. , Nicoli Aldini N. , Giavaresi G. , Fini M.
Published: January 2020

The growing incidence of degenerative musculoskeletal disorders as well as lifestyle changes has led to an increase in the surgical procedures involving implanted medical devices in orthopedics. When studying implant/tissue interface in hard materials (i.e., metals or dense plastics) and/or in large bone segments, the hard plastic embedding of the intact undecalcified tissue envelope with the implant in situ is needed. The aim of this work is to describe the advances and the possibilities of high‐temperature methyl methacrylate (MMA) embedding for the histological, histomorphometrical, and biomechanical assessment of bone‐implanted medical devices. Unlike routine techniques, undecalcified bone processing histology, using high‐temperature MMA, requires a complex and precise sample processing methodology and the availability of sophisticated equipment and software for both sample preparation and analyses. MMA embedding permits the evaluation of biological responses to the presence of implanted medical devices without implant removal, allowing simultaneous qualitative and quantitative histological evaluation, both static and dynamic histomorphometry, and biomechanical analyses not possible with tissue decalcification. MMA embedding, despite being a demanding procedure, is still preferred to other kinds of resin‐based embedding because of its peculiar characteristics, which allow the study of samples of big dimensions also implanted with hard materials without reducing the sample or removing the material. Dynamic measurements are allowed together with biomechanical investigations at the bone‐biomaterial interface, obtaining a comprehensive and precise evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of medical devices for orthopedic regenerative, reconstructive, and reparative surgery.
Analysis of the Mechanism of Zhichuanling Oral Liquid in Treating Bronchial Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Ruiyin , Lin Jiangtao
Published: January 2020

Zhichuanling oral liquid (ZOL) as a preparation of traditional Chinese medicine is widely used for the treatment of asthma in China; therefore, it is necessary to systematically clarify bioactive chemical ingredients and the mechanism of action of ZOL. Information on ZOL ingredients and asthma‐related targets was collected, and we used the latest systematic pharmacological methods to construct protein‐protein interaction network and compound‐target network and then visualized them. Finally, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was conducted through the clusterProfiler package in the R software. The results showed that 58 bioactive ingredients and 42 potential targets of ZOL related to asthma were identified, following six important components and nine hub genes screened. Further cluster and enrichment analysis suggested that NF‐κB signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, IL‐17 signaling pathway, Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway might be core pathways of ZOL for asthma. Our work successfully predicted the active ingredients and potential targets of ZOL and provided the explanation for the mechanism of action of ZOL for asthma through the systematic analysis, which suggested that ZOL played a major role in many ways including reducing airway inflammation and inhibiting airway remodeling and mucus secretion. Moreover, ZOL combined with glucocorticoids may have some effects on severe asthma.
CAR-T Cell Therapy in Cancer: Tribulations and Road Ahead
Authors: Zhang Qingyang , Ping Jieming , Huang Zirui , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhou Jingyi , Wang Gangyang , Liu Shaoyang , Ma Jianjun
Published: January 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor- (CAR-) T cell therapy is one of the most recent innovative immunotherapies and is rapidly evolving. Like other technologies, CAR-T cell therapy has undergone a long development process, and persistent explorations of the actions of the intracellular signaling domain and make several improvements have led to the superior efficacy when anti-CD19 CAR-T cell treatments in B cell cancers. At present, CAR-T cell therapy is developing rapidly, and many clinical trials have been established on a global scale, which has great commercial potential. This review mainly describes the toxicity of CAR-T cell therapy and the challenges of CAR-T cells in the treatment of solid tumors, and looks forward to future development and opportunities for immunotherapy and reviews major breakthroughs in CAR-T cell therapy.
Thyroid-Like Low-Grade Nasopharyngeal Papillary Adenocarcinoma with Biphasic Histology
Authors: Mirza Rusella , Dela Cruz Nestor , Herrera Guillermo A.
Published: January 2020

Thyroid-like low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma (TL-LGNPPA) is a rare primary adenocarcinoma of nasopharynx. The immunohistochemical pattern of this tumor is similar to that of papillary thyroid carcinoma making this neoplasm a challenging diagnosis. A case of TL-LGNPPA with biphasic morphology is presented. The removed tumor from the nasopharynx exhibited a polypoid appearance. Microscopically, it was composed of papillary structures admixed with a few solid areas of spindle cells. The papillae were lined by columnar epithelium. Both the epithelium and the spindle cells were strongly positive for TTF-1 and CK19 and negative for CK5/6, S-100, and thyroglobulin. Cellular atypia, necrosis, and high mitotic rate were absent. Ki67 was less than 2% in the neoplastic cells. No local recurrence or distant metastasis was reported after 12 months of follow-up. Caution should be taken to differentiate TL-LGPPA from other TTF-1-positive neoplasms, especially papillary thyroid carcinoma, as the prognosis for these two tumors is entirely different.
Processing Technology Based on Radar Signal Design and Classification
Authors: Ou Jianping , Zhang Jun , Zhan Ronghui
Published: January 2020

It is well known that the application of radar is becoming more and more popular with the development of the signal technology progress. This paper lists the current radar signal research, the technical progress achieved, and the existing limitations. According to radar signal respective characteristics, the design and classification of the radar signal are introduced to reflect signal’s differences and advantages. The multidisciplinary processing technology of the radar signal is classified and compared in details referring to adaptive radar signal process, pulse signal management, digital filtering signal mode, and Doppler method. The transmission process of radar signal is summarized, including the transmission steps of radar signal, the factors affecting radar signal transmission, and radar information screening. The design method of radar signal and the corresponding signal characteristics are compared in terms of performance improvement. Radar signal classification method and related influencing factors are also contrasted and narrated. Radar signal processing technology is described in detail including multidisciplinary technology synthesis. Adaptive radar signal process, pulse compression management, and digital filtering Doppler method are very effective technical means, which has its own unique advantages. At last, the future research trends and challenges of technologies of the radar signals are proposed. The conclusions obtained are beneficial to promote the further promotion applications both in theory and practice. The study work of this paper will be useful for choosing more reasonable radar signal processing technology methods.
Telemonitoring Interventions in COPD Patients: Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Li Xuanlin , Xie Yang , Zhao Hulei , Zhang Hailong , Yu Xueqing , Li Jiansheng
Published: January 2020

Objective. The role of telemonitoring interventions (TIs) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been studied in many systematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses (MAs), but robust conclusions have not been reached due to wide variations in scopes, qualities, and outcomes. The aim of this overview was to determine the effectiveness of TIs on COPD patients. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for all reviews on the topic of TI in treating COPD from inception to July 8, 2019, without restrictions on language. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the retrieved literature studies were screened to select SRs and MAs of randomized control trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of TIs in COPD patients. The methodological quality of SRs and MAs was assessed with the AMSTAR‐2 tool, and the strength of evidence was assessed with the grades of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) system for concerned outcomes in terms of mortality, quality of life (SGRQ total scores), exercise capacity (6MWD), and exacerbation‐related outcomes (hospitalizations, exacerbation rate, and emergency room visits). Results. Our overview included eight SRs and MAs published in 2011 to 2019, from 95 RCTs involving 10632 participants. After strict evaluation by the AMSTAR‐2 tool, 75% of the SRs and MAs in this overview had either low or critically low methodological quality. The effects of TIs for COPD on mortality, quality of life, exercise capacity, and exacerbation‐related outcomes are limited, and all of these outcomes scored either low or very low quality of evidence on the GRADE system. Conclusions. There might be insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of TIs for COPD currently, but the results of this overview should be interpreted dialectically and prudently, and the role of TIs in COPD needs further exploration.
Security and Privacy in Vehicular Ad Hoc Network and Vehicle Cloud Computing: A Survey
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Sameer , Liang Jun , Wang Wensong
Published: January 2020

Vehicular networks are becoming a prominent research field in the intelligent transportation system (ITS) due to the nature and characteristics of providing high-level road safety and optimized traffic management. Vehicles are equipped with the heavy communication equipment which requires a high power supply, on-board computing device, and data storage devices. Many wireless communication technologies are deployed to maintain and enhance the traffic management system. The ITS is capable of providing services to the traffic authorities and precautionary measures to the drivers and passengers. Several methods have been proposed for discussing the security and privacy issues for the vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) and vehicular cloud computing (VCC). They receive a great deal of attention from researchers around the world since they are new technologies, and they can improve road safety and enhance traffic flow by utilizing the vehicles resources and communication system. Firstly, the VANETs are presented, including the basic overview, characteristics, threats, and attacks. The location privacy methodologies are elaborated, which can protect the confidential information of the vehicle, such as the location detail and driver information. Secondly, the trust management models in the VANETs are comprehensively discussed, followed by the comparison of the cryptography and trust models in terms of different kinds of attacks. Then, the simulation tools and applications of the VANETs are discussed, and the evolution is presented from the VANETs to VCC in the vehicular network. Thirdly, the VCC is discussed from its architecture and the security and privacy issues. Finally, several research challenges on the VANETs and VCC are presented. In sum, this survey comprehensively covers the location privacy and trust management models of the VANETs and discusses the security and privacy issues in the VCC, which fills the gap of existing surveys. Also, it indicates the research challenges in the VANETs and VCC.
Assessing Access Control Risk for mHealth: A Delphi Study to Categorize Security of Health Data and Provide Risk Assessment for Mobile Apps
Authors: Moura Pedro , Fazendeiro Paulo , Inácio Pedro R. M. , Vieira-Marques Pedro , Ferreira Ana
Published: January 2020

Background. Smartphones can tackle healthcare stakeholders’ diverse needs. Nonetheless, the risk of data disclosure/breach can be higher when using such devices, due to the lack of adequate security and the fact that a medical record has a significant higher financial value when compared with other records. Means to assess those risks are required for every mHealth application interaction, dependent and independent of its goals/content. Objective. To present a risk assessment feature integration into the SoTRAACE (Socio-Technical Risk-Adaptable Access Control) model, as well as the operationalization of the related mobile health decision policies. Methods. Since there is still a lack of a definition for health data security categorization, a Delphi study with security experts was performed for this purpose, to reflect the knowledge of security experts and to be closer to real-life situations and their associated risks. Results. The Delphi study allowed a consensus to be reached on eleven risk factors of information security related to mobile applications that can easily be adapted into the described SoTRAACE prototype. Within those risk factors, the most significant five, as assessed by the experts, and in descending order of risk level, are as follows: (1) security in the communication (e.g., used security protocols), (2) behavioural differences (e.g., different or outlier patterns of behaviour detected for a user), (3) type of wireless connection and respective encryption, (4) resource sensitivity, and (5) device threat level (e.g., known vulnerabilities associated to a device or its operating system). Conclusions. Building adaptable, risk-aware resilient access control models into the most generalized technology used nowadays (e.g., smartphones) is crucial to fulfil both the goals of users as well as security and privacy requirements for healthcare data.
Evaluating the Intention and Behaviour of Private Sector Participation in Healthcare Service Delivery via Public-Private Partnership: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Jie , Song Lingchuan , Yao Xiaoyi , Cheng Qian , Cheng Zichao , Xu Ke
Published: January 2020

Private sector participation in the healthcare market via public-private partnership (PPP) could be considered an available approach to narrow down the medical resource gap and improve the operational efficiency of healthcare facilities. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the influence and relative importance among critical factors for the intention and behaviour of the private sector towards participation in Chinese healthcare market (CHM) via PPP. We defined five hypotheses from previous literature and built a theoretical model based on modified theory of planned behaviour. Then, covariance-based structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the questionnaires provided by 248 respondents from construction companies, real estate developers, pharmaceutical companies, private hospitals, asset management companies, and medical industry property investment companies in China. Results indicated that attitude towards behaviour (β = 0.466, P<0.001), subjective norm (β = 0.167, P<0.05), perceived behavioural control (β = 0.231, P<0.01), and facilitating conditions (β = 0.305, P<0.001) are positively significant to behavioural intention; behavioural intention also shows a strong linkage with behaviour (β = 0.931, P<0.001). Findings provide reference for governments and public authorities to exert additional efforts in implementing appropriate measures that will stimulate the private sector’s motivation to participate in CHM via PPP.
First Reported Case of Candida dubliniensis Endocarditis Related to Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Authors: Merza Nooraldin , Lung John , Bainum Taryn B. , Mohammedzein Assad , James Shanna , Saadaldin Mazin , Naguib Tarek
Published: January 2020

A 36-year-old male presented to the ED with acute chronic hyponatremia found on routine weekly lab work with one-week history of generalized weakness, confusion, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient has nonischemic cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology diagnosed in his teens with an AICD device placed 8 years ago and receiving milrinone infusion 3 years ago via peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Two sets of blood cultures grew Candida dubliniensis. The patient was started on micafungin and the PICC line was removed and replaced with a central line. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TEE) showed findings consistent with AICD lead involvement. The patient was continued on treatment for fungal infective endocarditis and transferred to another hospital where he had successful AICD lead extraction. Blood cultures upon transfer back to our facility were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). This bacteremia was thought to be secondary to right-sided internal jugular (IJ) central line and resolved with line removal and initiation of intravenous (IV) cefazolin. The patient was discharged on IV cefazolin and IV micafungin. He had a LifeVest® until completion of his antibiotic course and a new AICD was placed.
Improve the Resilience of Multilayer Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Xia Hui
Published: January 2020

Due to the increasingly complex and dynamic features of global supply chain networks, it is challenging to provide high supply availability and network connectivity under unexpected disruptions. In this paper, we investigate how to improve the topology resilience of the supply chain network from its multilayer nature. We firstly conduct the study on the connectedness in the supply chain network from a topological perspective and adopt the t-core method to decompose the network into multiple layers. Then, we propose a layer-based rewiring algorithm to recover the network from disruptions. The experimental results in the real supply chain network show that our design greatly improves the network resilience under both random and targeted disruptions.
Measuring Passenger Car Equivalents (PCE) for Heavy Vehicle on Two Lane Highway Segments Operating Under Various Traffic Conditions
Authors: Lu Pan , Zheng Zijian , Tolliver Denver , Pan Danguang
Published: January 2020

Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) is essential for transportation engineering to assess heavy vehicles’ (HV) impact on highway operations and capacity planning. Highway Capacity Manual 2010 (HCM 2010) used PCE values and percent of heavy vehicles to account the impacts on both highway planning and operation, however, PCE values in the latest version of HCM derived based on the steady and balanced two-lane-two-way (TLTW) traffic flows. The objective of the study is to identify PCE values for TLTW highway at various traffic volume with an emphasis on congestion conditions. This study introduces an analytical model, combining a headway-based and a delay-based algorithms, for estimating PCEs of HV on a TLTW highway. This study contributes to the literature by providing relationships among PCE, the traffic volume level (TVL) of both lanes, and the TVL duration on a TLTW highway. Traffic volume was categorized into five levels: TVL A (<250 pc/h), TVL B (250–375 pc/h), TVL C (375–600 pc/h), TVL D (600–850 pc/h), and TVL E (>850 pc/h). The results indicate that on a TLTW highway, the TVLs of both lanes and their durations have significant impact on PCE values. In general, PCE values increase as TVL duration increases. Trucks have much higher impacts on operation under unbalanced conditions of TVL A with D, TVL B with C, and TVL D with B, when duration time is greater than one hour. When both lanes are saturated, trucks’ effect on capacity diminishes over time, and PCE values are approaching to 1.0.
Location Fixing and Fingerprint Matching Fingerprint Map Construction for Indoor Localization
Authors: Alakhras Marwan , Hussein Mousa , Oussalah Mourad
Published: January 2020

Building the fingerprint map for indoor localization problems is a labour-intensive and time-consuming process. However, due to its direct influence on the location estimation accuracy, finding a proper mechanism to construct the fingerprint map is essential to enhance the position estimation accuracy. Therefore, in this work, we present a fingerprint map construction technique based on location fix determination and fingerprint matching motivated by the availability of advanced sensing capabilities in smartphones to reduce the time and labour cost required for the site survey. The proposed Location Fixing and Finger Matching (LFFM) method use a landmark graph-based localization approach to automatically estimate the location fixes for the Reference Points and matching the collected fingerprints, without requiring active user participation. Experimental results show that the proposed LFFM is faster than the manual fingerprint map construction method and remarkably improves the positioning accuracy.
Assessing the Performance of Daily Intake of a Homotaurine, Carnosine, Forskolin, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and Magnesium Based Food Supplement for the Maintenance of Visual Function in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Rolle Teresa , Dallorto Laura , Rossatto Stefania , Curto Daniela , Nuzzi Raffaele
Published: January 2020

Background. Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy, which causes a continuous loss of retinal ganglion cells. Given the neurodegenerative nature of glaucoma, the necessity for neuroprotective intervention still arises, to be added alongside hypotonic therapy. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of daily intake of a homotaurine, carnosine, forskolin, vitamins B1, B2, and B6, folic acid, and magnesium based supplement (GANGLIOLIFE®) on the progression rates of the visual field in patients with progressive POAG despite good tonometric compensation and to assess the most suitable dosage. Methods. This is a monocentric nonrandomized experimental clinical study. Patients with mean deviation (MD) ranging from −2 dB to −15 dB with MD progression ≥1 dB in the previous year and IOP values of ≤18 mm Hg were included. All the patients underwent supplement therapy for a period of 6 months. For the first 2 months, they took 2 tablets a day, and for the following 4 months, 1 tablet a day. The patients were assessed before the start of treatment, time 0 (T0), after 2 months (T1), and after 6 months (T2) of therapy. At each check-up, patients were given a full eye test including perimetry, RNFL, and GCC using FD-OCT, PERG, contrast sensitivity, and QoL evaluation using the Glaucoma Symptom Scale questionnaire and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25. Results. 31 patients with a mean age of 70.80 ± 8.77 were included. At T1 and T2, the mean values of MD were lessened (MD = −5.37 ± −2.91, P<0.01, and MD = −5.48 ± 3.15, P<0.05, respectively) compared to T0 (MD = -5.98 ± 2.83). Patients also demonstrated a significant reduction in IOP (P<0.01), improved light sensitivity (P<0.01) and contrast sensitivity (P<0.05), and a better quality of life (P<0.05). Conclusions. Treatment with a supplement which includes homotaurine, carnosine, forskolin, vitamins B1, B2, and B6, folic acid, and magnesium has been shown to be able to slow down the rate of progression of functional damage and improve visual function after 2 and 6 months of daily intake. Quality of life showed significant improvement.