bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sample Pooling for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Nasopharyngeal Swab and Saliva Samples with the Idylla SARS-CoV-2 Test
Authors: Hofman Paul , Allegra Maryline , Salah Myriam , Benzaquen Jonathan , Tanga Virginie , Bordone Olivier , Fayada Julien , Long-Mira Elodie , Lassalle Sandra , Lanteri Elisabeth , Lespinet-Fabre Virginie , Brest Patrick , Mograbi Baharia , Maniel Charlotte , Boutros Jacques , Leroy Sylvie , Heeke Simon , Hofman Véronique , Marquette Charles-Hugo , Ilié Marius
Published: November 2021

To control outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to avoid reagent shortages, testing strategies must be adapted and maintained for the foreseeable future. We analyzed the feasibility of pooling NPS and saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing with the Idylla SARS-CoV-2 test, and we found that sensitivity was dependent on the pool size.
Role of the Filifactor alocis Hypothetical Protein FA519 in Oxidative Stress Resistance
Authors: Aja Ezinne , Mishra Arunima , Dou Yuetan , Fletcher Hansel M.
Published: November 2021

Filifactor alocis
is an emerging member of the periodontal community and is now proposed to be a diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease. However, due to the lack of genetic tools available to study this organism, not much is known about its virulence attributes.
Epinephrine before defibrillation in patients with shockable in-hospital cardiac arrest: propensity matched analysis
Authors: Evans Erin , Swanson Morgan B , Mohr Nicholas , Boulos Nassar , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary , Chan Paul S , Girotra Saket
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine the use of epinephrine (adrenaline) before defibrillation for treatment of in-hospital cardiac arrest due to a ventricular arrhythmia and examine its association with patient survival.

Design

Propensity matched analysis.

Setting

2000-18 data from 497 hospitals participating in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation registry.

Participants

Adults aged 18 and older with an index in-hospital cardiac arrest due to an initial shockable rhythm treated with defibrillation.

Interventions

Administration of epinephrine before first defibrillation.

Main outcome measures

Survival to discharge; favorable neurological survival, defined as survival to discharge with none, mild, or moderate neurological disability measured using cerebral performance category scores; and survival after acute resuscitation (that is, return of spontaneous circulation for >20 minutes). A time dependent, propensity matched analysis was performed to adjust for confounding due to indication and evaluate the independent association of epinephrine before defibrillation with study outcomes.

Results

Among 34 820 patients with an initial shockable rhythm, 7054 (20.3%) were treated with epinephrine before defibrillation, contrary to current guidelines. In comparison with participants treated with defibrillation first, participants receiving epinephrine first were less likely to have a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure, but more likely to have renal failure, sepsis, respiratory insufficiency, and receive mechanical ventilation before in-hospital cardiac arrest (standardized differences >10% for all). Treatment with epinephrine before defibrillation was strongly associated with delayed defibrillation (median 4 minutesv0 minutes). In propensity matched analysis (6569 matched pairs), epinephrine before defibrillation was associated with lower odds of survival to discharge (22.4%v29.7%; adjusted odds ratio 0.69; 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.74; P<0.001), favorable neurological survival (15.8%v21.6%; 0.68; 0.61 to 0.76; P<0.001) and survival after acute resuscitation (61.7%v69.5%; 0.73; 0.67 to 0.79; P<0.001). The above findings were consistent in a range of sensitivity analyses, including matching according to defibrillation time.

Conclusions

Contrary to current guidelines that prioritize immediate defibrillation for in-hospital cardiac arrest due to a shockable rhythm, one in five patients are treated with epinephrine before defibrillation. Use of epinephrine before defibrillation was associated with worse survival outcomes.
How often will midwives and obstetricians experience obstetric emergencies or high-risk deliveries: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Høgh Stinne , Thellesen Line , Bergholt Thomas , Rom Ane Lilleøre , Johansen Marianne , Sorensen Jette Led
Published: November 2021

Objective

To estimate how often midwives, specialty trainees and doctors specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology are attending to specific obstetric emergencies or high-risk deliveries (obstetric events).

Design

A national cross-sectional study.

Setting

All hospital labour wards in Denmark.

Participants

Midwives (n=1303), specialty trainees (n=179) and doctors specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology (n=343) working in hospital labour wards (n=21) in Denmark in 2018.

Methods

Categories of obstetric events comprised of Apgar score <7/5 min, eclampsia, emergency caesarean sections, severe postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, umbilical cord prolapse, vaginal breech deliveries, vaginal twin deliveries and vacuum extraction. Data on number of healthcare professionals were obtained through the Danish maternity wards, the Danish Health Authority and the Danish Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. We calculated the time interval between attending each obstetric event by dividing the number of events occurred with the number of healthcare professionals.

Outcome measures

The time interval between attending a specific obstetric event.

Results

The average time between experiencing obstetric events ranged from days to years. Emergency caesarean sections, which occur relatively frequent, were attended on average every other month by midwives, every 9 days for specialty trainees and every 17 days by specialist doctors. On average, rare events like eclampsia were experienced by midwives only every 42 years, every 6 years by specialty trainees and every 11 years by specialist doctors.

Conclusions

Some obstetric events occur extremely rarely, hindering the ability to obtain and maintain the clinical skills to manage them through clinical practice alone. By assessing the frequency of a healthcare professionals attending an obstetric emergency, our study contributes to assessing the need for supplementary educational initiatives and interventions to learn and maintain clinical skills.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing brain tumour resections: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Dexiang , Li Ruowen , Li Shu , Wang Juan , Zeng Min , Dong Jia , Liu Xiaoyuan , Lin Nan , Peng Yuming
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication. The incidence of POD is about 25% in non-cardiac surgery and ranges from 10% to 30% in neurological procedures. A lot of trials show that dexmedetomidine might help to reduce the incidence of delirium in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. However, the impact of dexmedetomidine on POD for patients undergoing craniotomy and tumour resections remains unclear.

Methods and analysis

The study is a prospective, single-centre, randomised, double-blinded, paralleled-group controlled trial. Patients undergoing elective frontotemporal tumour resections will be randomly assigned to the dexmedetomidine group and the control group. After endotracheal intubation, patients in the dexmedetomidine group will be administered with a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0.6 µg/kg in 10 min followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 0.4 µg/kg/hour until the start of dural closure. In the control group, patients will receive the identical volume of normal saline in the same setting. The primary outcome will be the cumulative incidence of POD within 5 days. The delirium assessment will be performed by using the confusion assessment method in the first 5 consecutive days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include the pain severity assessed by Numerical Rating Scale pain score, quality of postoperative sleep assessed by the Richards Campbell sleep questionnaire and postoperative quality of recovery from anaesthesia by the Postoperative Quality Recovery Scale.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol (V.1.0, 10 November 2020) has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (number ChiECRCT-20200436). The findings of the study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and at a scientific conference.

Trial registration number

NCT04674241.
Longitudinal Outcomes of Gender Identity in Children (LOGIC): study protocol for a retrospective analysis of the characteristics and outcomes of children referred to specialist gender services in the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: Kennedy Eilis , Lane Chloe , Stynes Hannah , Ranieri Veronica , Spinner Lauren , Carmichael Polly , Omar Rumana , Vickerstaff Victoria , Hunter Rachael , Senior Robert , Butler Gary , Baron-Cohen Simon , de Graaf Nastasja , Steensma Thomas D , de Vries Annelou , Young Bridget , King Michael
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Specialist gender services for children and young people (CYP) worldwide have experienced a significant increase in referrals in recent years. As rates of referrals increase, it is important to understand the characteristics and profile of CYP attending these services in order to inform treatment pathways and to ensure optimal outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective observational study of clinical health records from specialist gender services for CYP in the UK and the Netherlands. The retrospective analysis will examine routinely collected clinical and outcome measures data including demographic, clinical, gender identity-related and healthcare resource use information. Data will be reported for each service and also compared between services. This study forms part of a wider programme of research investigating outcomes of gender identity in children (the Longitudinal Outcomes of Gender Identity in Children study).

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study has been approved by the Health Research Authority and London—Hampstead Research Ethics Committee as application 19/LO/0181. The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at both conferences and stakeholder events.
Adaptive augmented torque control of a quadcopter with an aerial manipulator
Authors: Sumathy Vidya , Ghose Debasish
Published: November 2021

A quadcopter manipulator system is an aerial robot consisting of a quadcopter with a robotic arm attached to it. The system has coupled nonlinear dynamics with uncertain time-varying parameters. The work in this paper focuses on designing an adaptive nonlinear controller to facilitate the uncertain system’s trajectory tracking and stability. The novelty of the proposed work is the design and implementation of an adaptive feedback linearization controller, called adaptive augmented torque (AAT) control, for the aerial robot. The control law is based on a feedback linearization controller with model reference adaptive controller and a tracking error-based augmented term. Using the input-to-state stability concept, a bound on the parameter estimation error is also developed. In the presented methodology, the controller uses estimated values of system parameters obtained from the adaptive mechanism and the tracking error to compute the control input using the AAT control law. An adaptive law for estimating unknown parameters is obtained using the strictly positive real-Lyapunov method. The asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed via the Lyapunov theory. Simulations implemented in MATLAB and ROS/Gazebo and preliminary hardware experiments are presented to validate the theoretical results and to corroborate the performance of the AAT control law.
Machine Learning with Data Science-Enabled Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Classification Using Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Vishwa Kiran S. , Kaur Inderjeet , Thangaraj K. , Saveetha V. , Kingsy Grace R. , Arulkumar N.
Published: November 2021

In recent times, the healthcare industry has been generating a significant amount of data in distinct formats, such as electronic health records (EHR), clinical trials, genetic data, payments, scientific articles, wearables, and care management databases. Data science is useful for analysis (pattern recognition, hypothesis testing, risk valuation) and prediction. The major, primary usage of data science in the healthcare domain is in medical imaging. At the same time, lung cancer diagnosis has become a hot research topic, as automated disease detection poses numerous benefits. Although numerous approaches have existed in the literature for lung cancer diagnosis, the design of a novel model to automatically identify lung cancer is a challenging task. In this view, this paper designs an automated machine learning (ML) with data science-enabled lung cancer diagnosis and classification (MLDS-LCDC) using computed tomography (CT) images. The presented model initially employs Gaussian filtering (GF)-based pre-processing technique on the CT images collected from the lung cancer database. Besides, they are fed into the normalized cuts (Ncuts) technique where the nodule in the pre-processed image can be determined. Moreover, the oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF (ORB) technique is applied as a feature extractor. At last, sunflower optimization-based wavelet neural network (SFO-WNN) model is employed for the classification of lung cancer. In order to examine the diagnostic outcome of the MLDS-LCDC model, a set of experiments were carried out and the results are investigated in terms of different aspects. The resultant values demonstrated the effectiveness of the MLDS-LCDC model over the other state-of-the-art methods with the maximum sensitivity of 97.01%, specificity of 98.64%, and accuracy of 98.11%.
Population-specific adaptation in malaria-endemic regions of asia
Authors: Gusareva Elena S. , Lorenzini Paolo Alberto , Binte Ramli Nurul Adilah , Ghosh Amit Gourav , Kim Hie Lim
Published: November 2021

Evolutionary mechanisms of adaptation to malaria are understudied in Asian endemic regions despite a high prevalence of malaria in the region. In our research, we performed a genome-wide screening for footprints of natural selection against malaria by comparing eight Asian population groups from malaria-endemic regions with two non-endemic population groups from Europe and Mongolia. We identified 285 adaptive genes showing robust selection signals across three statistical methods, iHS, XP-EHH, and PBS. Interestingly, most of the identified genes (82%) were found to be under selection in a single population group, while adaptive genes shared across populations were rare. This is likely due to the independent adaptation history in different endemic populations. The gene ontology (GO) analysis for the 285 adaptive genes highlighted their functional processes linked to neuronal organizations or nervous system development. These genes could be related to cerebral malaria and may reduce the inflammatory response and the severity of malaria symptoms. Remarkably, our novel population genomic approach identified population-specific adaptive genes potentially against malaria infection without the need for patient samples or individual medical records.
Impact of Metallic, Quantum Dots and Carbon-Based Nanoparticles on Quality and Storage of Albumin Products for Clinical Use
Authors: Mehrizi Tahereh Zadeh
Published: November 2021

Albumin is the most versatile carrier protein in plasma, possessing multiple functions; a reduced amount of albumin in the body is associated with different kinds of diseases such as hypovolemia and hypoproteinemia. The demand for albumin increased for various indications in shocks, burns, cardiopulmonary bypass, acute liver failure and research applications. Several potential problems associated with the preparation and administration of this substance arise from purity, sterilization process and vascular membrane permeability. The present review discusses the potential of metallic, quantum dots and carbon-based nanocarriers to improve the quality of blood products and the effect of these nanoparticles on albumin products. The effects of these nanoparticles on albumin products with a focus on toxicity aspects, structural alteration, stressing conditions, stabilizing agents and unwanted leakage are highlighted. Our literature review indicated the enhanced efficiency of AuNPs in metallic nanoparticles and better performance of negatively charged QDs on albumin products, which provided important information for possible safe use in medical applications. Moreover, among carbon-based nanoparticles, GO had relatively improved effects on albumin unwanted leakage and fibrillation. This review suggests an agenda for scientists to use and design nanoparticles to improve albumin products for various applications.
Enhanced Photocatalytic H2-Production Activity of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Modified Using a MnOx Cocatalyst
Authors: Li Likun , Chen Junfu , Gao Haitao , Li Qi , Liu Fengmei , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2021

Herein, we have designed and synthesized a series of MnOx/g-C3N4 composite photocatalysts via a one-step heat treatment method using a mixture of melamine and manganese acetate precursors. The as-prepared MnOx/g-C3N4 composite photocatalysts show high photocatalytic H2 production activity, and an optimal loading of 1.8[Formula: see text]wt.% MnOx can enhance the H2 production by approximately 2.7 times than that with pure g-C3N4. The high photocatalytic H2-production activity can be attributed to the hole trapping and absorbing ability of the MnOx cocatalyst, which can significantly inhibit the recombination rate of the photogenerated electrons and holes. This work not only shows a simple way to enhance the photocatalytic H2-production activity of g-C3N4 but also demonstrates that MnOx can be used as an efficient and low-cost cocatalyst for the photocatalytic production of H2.
Exploring the growth of MAPbI3 under different preparation methods for mesoporous perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jin Liguo , Wang Yuwen , Wu Jing , Zhao LiPing , Zhou Hong , Xu Huanyan
Published: November 2021

The control of the perovskite growth morphology plays an extremely critical role in mesoporous perovskite solar cells. In this paper, anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with high crystallinity were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and the thickness of the TiO2 mesoporous film (TiO2-MT) was adjusted with concentration of TiO2-NP slurry by controlling ethanol. The perovskite layers were prepared by the traditional two-step (TTS) method, and the improved two-step (ITS) method was used. It is proved that different preparation processes of the perovskite light-absorbing layers have a certain influence on the photoelectric performance of the cell device, but also, the thickness of the TiO2mesoporous film affects the electron transport efficiency at the TiO2/MAPbI3 interface and the suppression of electron–hole recombination through [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] positive and negative scanning, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and dark state [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curve analysis of the device. By optimizing the thickness of the TiO2 mesoporous film, the short-circuit photocurrent density ([Formula: see text] of mesoporous perovskite solar cells (M-PSCs) based on the TiO2 mesoporous electron transporting layer of 400 nm thickness is 23.85 mA/cm2, and the optimal photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) is 15.38%.
Kunming Summit on the Convention on Biological Diversity and China’s Environmental Diplomacy
Authors: Yu Hongyuan , Zhu Yunjie
Published: November 2021

Beijing’s environmental diplomacy has gained growing momentum in recent years, reflecting China’s activism in a shifting global political and economic landscape. The upcoming 15th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming in southwestern China will be the first biodiversity-themed event Beijing will host since it signed up for global biodiversity governance in the early 1990s, offering another opportunity for Beijing to contribute its proposals and perspective to the global response to another slow-moving but deepening crisis. Despite the raised international expectations about the conference and the strategic action plan it is expected to produce, the focus of global biodiversity governance should be on delivering real results on existing pledges by addressing the major institutional shortcomings and building up national capabilities.
Stratigraphic and sedimentological characterization of the Late Cretaceous post-rift intra Lange Sandstones of the Gimsan Basin and Grinda Graben (Halten Terrace, Norwegian Sea)
Authors: Chiarella Domenico , Joel Daniel
Published: November 2021

Deep-marine gravity-driven deposits represent one of the more investigated depositional systems owing to their potential interest as targets for exploration and carbon capture and storage activities, as well as an important record of the depositional history of a basin through time. Although the Halten Terrace (Norwegian Sea) is one of the main successful exploration areas, we still have poor understanding of the post-rift Cretaceous interval. Here, 3D seismic reflection and borehole data are integrated to investigate the stratigraphic distribution and sedimentological characteristics of the Cenomanian–Turonian intra Lange Sandstones in the Gimsan Basin and Grinda Graben. The Lange Fm records the deposition in a deep-marine environment of a 1000 m-thick shale unit punctuated by gravity-driven coarse-grained sandstone intervals that are tens of metres-thick and sourced from the Norwegian mainland. The presence of gravity-driven deposits and the deep-marine setting are supported by seismic interpretation, architectural elements and the facies analysis of cored material acquired within the studied stratigraphic interval. Borehole data indicate the presence of both turbidites and hybrid-event beds rich in mud content. The results of this study have implications for understanding the distribution and reservoir potentiality of the Late Cretaceous Lange Fm in the Halten Terrace.
Predictive Analytics of Energy Usage by IoT-Based Smart Home Appliances for Green Urban Development
Authors: Shorfuzzaman Mohammad , Hossain M. Shamim
Published: November 2021

Green IoT primarily focuses on increasing IoT sustainability by reducing the large amount of energy required by IoT devices. Whether increasing the efficiency of these devices or conserving energy, predictive analytics is the cornerstone for creating value and insight from large IoT data. This work aims at providing predictive models driven by data collected from various sensors to model the energy usage of appliances in an IoT-based smart home environment. Specifically, we address the prediction problem from two perspectives. Firstly, an overall energy consumption model is developed using both linear and non-linear regression techniques to identify the most relevant features in predicting the energy consumption of appliances. The performances of the proposed models are assessed using a publicly available dataset comprising historical measurements from various humidity and temperature sensors, along with total energy consumption data from appliances in an IoT-based smart home setup. The prediction results comparison show that LSTM regression outperforms other linear and ensemble regression models by showing high variability (

R
2

) with the training (96.2%) and test (96.1%) data for selected features. Secondly, we develop a multi-step time-series model using the
auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA)
technique to effectively forecast future energy consumption based on past energy usage history. Overall, the proposed predictive models will enable consumers to minimize the energy usage of home appliances and the energy providers to better plan and forecast future energy demand to facilitate green urban development.
Loss of aryl hydrocarbon receptor suppresses the response of colonic epithelial cells to IL22 signaling by upregulating SOCS3
Authors: Han Huajun , Davidson Laurie A. , Fan Yang-Yi , Landrock Kerstin K. , Jayaraman Arul , Safe Stephen H. , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: November 2021

AhR is a key transcription factor controlling expression of IL22 in gut immune cells. In this study, we show for the first time that AhR signaling also regulates IL22 response in colonic epithelial cells by modulating SOCS3 expression.
Positive allosteric modulation of endogenous delta opioid receptor signaling in the enteric nervous system is a potential treatment for gastrointestinal motility disorders
Authors: DiCello Jesse J. , Carbone Simona E. , Saito Ayame , Pham Vi , Szymaszkiewicz Agata , Gondin Arisbel B. , Alvi Sadia , Marique Kiliana , Shenoy Priyank , Veldhuis Nicholas A. , Fichna Jakub , Canals Meritxell , Christopoulos Arthur , Valant Celine , Poole Daniel P.
Published: November 2021

This study assesses the use of positive allosteric modulation as a pharmacological approach to enhance opioid receptor signaling in the enteric nervous system. We demonstrate that selective modulation of endogenous delta opioid receptor signaling can suppress colonic motility without causing constipation. We propose that allosteric modulation of opioid receptor signaling may be a therapeutic strategy to normalize gastrointestinal motility in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
A Compact Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm in the Application of the Mobile Sensor Localization
Authors: Zheng Wei-Min , Liu Ning , Chai Qing-Wei , Chu Shu-Chuan
Published: November 2021

The mobile sensor network can sense and collect the data information of the monitored object in real time in the monitoring area. However, the collected information is meaningful only if the location of the node is known. This paper mainly optimizes the Monte Carlo Localization (MCL) in mobile sensor positioning technology. In recent years, the rapid development of heuristic algorithms has provided solutions to many complex problems. This paper combines the compact strategy into the adaptive particle swarm algorithm and proposes a compact adaptive particle swarm algorithm (cAPSO). The compact strategy replaces the specific position of each particle by the distribution probability of the particle swarm, which greatly reduces the memory usage. The performance of cAPSO is tested on 28 test functions of CEC2013, and compared with some existing heuristic algorithms, it proves that cAPSO has a better performance. At the same time, cAPSO is applied to MCL technology to improve the accuracy of node localization, and compared with other heuristic algorithms in the accuracy of MCL, the results show that cAPSO has a better performance.
Reparameterization Invariant Model of a Supersymmetric System: BRST and Supervariable Approaches
Authors: Tripathi A. , Chauhan B. , Rao A. K. , Malik R. P.
Published: November 2021

We carry out the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) quantization of the one

0
+
1

-dimensional (1D) model of a free massive spinning relativistic particle (i.e., a supersymmetric system) by exploiting its classical infinitesimal and continuous reparameterization symmetry transformations. We use the modified Bonora-Tonin (BT) supervariable approach (MBTSA) to BRST formalism to obtain the nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations of the target space variables and the (anti-)BRST invariant Curci-Ferrari- (CF-) type restriction for the 1D model of our supersymmetric (SUSY) system. The nilpotent (anti-)BRST symmetry transformations for other variables of our model are derived by using the (anti-)chiral supervariable approach (ACSA) to BRST formalism. Within the framework of the latter, we have shown the existence of the CF-type restriction by proving the (i) symmetry invariance of the coupled Lagrangians and (ii) the absolute anticommutativity property of the conserved (anti-)BRST charges. The application of the MBTSA to a physical SUSY system (i.e., a 1D model of a massive spinning particle) is a novel result in our present endeavor. In the application of ACSA, we have considered only the (anti-)chiral super expansions of the supervariables. Hence, the observation of the absolute anticommutativity of the (anti-)BRST charges is a novel result. The CF-type restriction is universal in nature as it turns out to be the same for the SUSY and non-SUSY reparameterization (i.e., 1D diffeomorphism) invariant models of the (non-)relativistic particles.
Data Integrity Time Optimization of a Blockchain IoT Smart Home Network Using Different Consensus and Hash Algorithms
Authors: Kairaldeen Ammar Riadh , Abdullah Nor Fadzilah , Abu-Samah Asma , Nordin Rosdiadee
Published: November 2021

Data security is a major issue for smart home networks. Yet, different existing tools and techniques have not been proven highly effective for home networks’ data security. Blockchain is a promising technology because of the distributed computing infrastructure network that makes it difficult for hackers to intrude into the systems through the use of cryptographic signatures and smart contracts. In this paper, an architecture for smart home networks that could guarantee data integrity, robust security, and the ability to protect the validity of the blockchain transactions has been investigated. The system model is tested using various sizes of realistic datasets (30, 3 k, and 30 k to represent a small, medium, and large number of transactions, respectively). Four different consensus algorithms were considered, the conventional schemes concatenated hash transactions (CHT) and Merkle hash tree (MHT), as well as the newly proposed odd and even modified MHT (O&E MHT) and modified MHT (MMHT). Moreover, 15 hash functions were also examined and compared to understand the effects of each consensus algorithms on the data integrity verification check execution time and the time optimization provided by the proposed MMHT algorithm. The results show that even though the CHT algorithm gives the lowest execution time, it is impractical for a blockchain implementation due to the requirement to copy the entire blockchain ledger in real time. Meanwhile, the O&E MHT does not give any tangible benefit in the execution time. However, the proposed MMHT offers a minimum of 30% gain in time optimization than the conventional MHT algorithm typically used in blockchains. This work shows that the proposed MMHT consensus algorithm not only can identify malicious codes but has an improved data integrity check performance in smart homes, all while ensuring network stability.
Construction of 2-Peakon Solutions and Nonuniqueness for a Generalized mCH Equation
Authors: Yu Hao , Chen Aiyong , Zhang Kelei
Published: November 2021

For the generalized mCH equation, we construct a 2-peakon solution on both the line and the circle, and we can control the size of the initial data. The two peaks at different speeds move in the same direction and eventually collide. This phenomenon is that the solution at the collision time is consistent with another solitary peakon solution. By reversing the time, we get two new solutions with the same initial value and different values at the rest of the time, which means the nonuniqueness for the equation in Sobolev spaces

H

s

is proved for

s
<
3
/
2

.
El dilema del derecho a reparar (DAR) en la tecnología
Authors: Jimenez-Montecinos Alejandro
Published: November 2021

El derecho a la reparación (DAR) es un conjunto de procesos que permiten al consumidor extender la duración y funcionalidad de sus productos mediante actividades de mejora, mantenimiento y corrección. En teoría, el DAR se opone a la cultura del desecho y extiende el ciclo de vida de los productos, mejora su seguridad y contribuye a un entorno más sustentable. Varias legislaciones en el mundo han comenzado a implementar normativas que garantizan a sus consumidores el DAR. La mayoría de las discusiones se centran en los derechos del consumidor y no consideran la perspectiva del productor. El siguiente artículo, explora algunas implicancias del DAR desde el punto de vista del productor y su impacto en el diseño de productos y la propiedad intelectual
Cómo la creación de valor y la sustentabilidad convergen: El gran desafío de la empresa actual
Authors: Muñoz Víctor , Geldes Cristian
Published: November 2021

En los últimos años se ha instalado la discusión del rol de las empresas en nuestra sociedad. Este debate ha sido impulsado por casos de colusión, corrupción, daño medioambiental y nuevas exigencias de los consumidores. Se han desprestigiado algunas empresas y se ha cuestionado la legitimidad del sistema económico. Lo anterior, a pesar del innegable desarrollo y bienestar que se ha logrado en las últimas décadas. Por supuesto, las causas de las diferencias entre las expectativas sociales y los resultados económicos son múltiples. En este artículo, planteamos que uno de los orígenes de esta dicotomía radica en la concepción de valor que ha guiado a las actividades empresariales.
Sodium Thiosulfate Ameliorates Renovascular Hypertension-Induced Renal Dysfunction and Injury in Rats
Authors: Chou Pei-Li , Chen Yin-Shian , Chung Shiu-Dong , Lin Sam-Chi , Chien Chiang-Ting
Published: November 2021

Background/Aims: Arterial stenosis activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system subsequently resulting in renovascular hypertension (RVHT) and renal oxidative injury. We explored the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS, Na2S2O3), a developed antioxidant in clinical trial, on RVHT-induced hypertension and renal oxidative injury in rats. Methods: We induced RVHT in male Wistar rats with bilaterally partial ligation of renal arteries in the 2-kidney 2-clip model. We evaluated the STS effect on RVHT-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis by a chemiluminescence amplification method, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found STS displayed a dose-dependent antioxidant H2O2 activity and adapted the maximal scavenging H2O2 activity of STS at the dosage of 0.1 g/kg intraperitoneally 3 times/week for 4 weeks in RVHT rats. RVHT induced a significant elevation of arterial blood pressure, blood reactive oxygen species amount, neutrophil infiltration, 4-HNE and NADPH oxidase gp91 expression, Bax/Bcl-2/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-mediated apoptosis formation, blue Masson-stained fibrosis, and urinary protein level. STS treatment significantly reduced hypertension, oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration, fibrosis, and Bax/Bcl-2/PARP-mediated apoptosis formation and depressed the urinary protein level in the RVHT models. Conclusion: Our results suggest that STS treatment could ameliorate RVHT hypertension and renal oxidative injury through antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.
Imaging versus Intervention in Managing Small Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Veet Clark A. , Capone Stephen , Panczykowski David , Parekh Natasha , Smith Kenneth J. , Kim Dong H. , Choi H. Alex , Blackburn Spiros L.
Published: November 2021

Objective: Current guidelines recommend active surveillance with serial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for management of small, asymptomatic unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms (UIAs). We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of active surveillance compared to immediate surgery. Methods: We developed a Markov cost-effectiveness model simulating patients with small (<7 mm) UIAs managed by active surveillance via MRA, immediate surgery, or watchful waiting. Inputs for the model were abstracted from the literature and used to construct a comprehensive model following persons from diagnosis to death. Outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime medical costs (2015 USD), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Cost-effectiveness, deterministic, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Immediate surgical treatment was the most cost-effective management strategy for small UIAs with ICER of USD 45,772 relative to active surveillance. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated immediate surgery was the preferred strategy, if rupture rate was >0.1%/year and if the diagnosis age was <70 years, while active surveillance was preferred if surgical complication risk was >11%. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that at a willingness-to-pay of USD 100,000/QALY, immediate surgical treatment was the most cost-effective strategy in 64% of iterations. Conclusion: Immediate surgical treatment is a cost-effective strategy for initial management of small UIAs in patients <70 years of age. While more costly than MRA, surgical treatment increased QALY. The cost-effectiveness of immediate surgery is highly sensitive to diagnosis age, rupture rate, and surgical complication risk. Though there are a wide range of rupture rates and complications associated with treatment, this analysis supports the treatment of small, unruptured anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms in patients <70 years of age.
Emerging Insights Into Chronic Renal Disease Pathogenesis in Hypertension From Human and Animal Genomic Studies
Authors: Dhande Isha S. , Braun Michael C. , Doris Peter A.
Published: November 2021

The pathogenic links between elevated blood pressure and chronic kidney disease remain obscure. This article examines progress in population genetics and in animal models of hypertension and chronic kidney disease. It also provides a critique of the application of genome-wide association studies to understanding the heritability of renal function. Emerging themes identified indicate that heritable risk of chronic kidney disease in hypertension can arise from genetic variation in (1) glomerular and tubular protein handling mechanisms; (2) autoregulatory capacity of the renal vasculature; and (3) innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Increased prevalence of hypertension-associated chronic kidney disease that occurs with aging may reflect amplification of heritable risks by normal aging processes affecting immunity and autoregulation.
Association of Diabetes With Atrial Fibrillation Phenotype and Cardiac and Neurological Comorbidities: Insights From the Swiss‐AF Study
Authors: Bano Arjola , Rodondi Nicolas , Beer Jürg H. , Moschovitis Giorgio , Kobza Richard , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Baretella Oliver , Muka Taulant , Stettler Christoph , Franco Oscar H. , Conte Giulio , Sticherling Christian , Zuern Christine S. , Conen David , Kühne Michael , Osswald Stefan , Roten Laurent , Reichlin Tobias ,   of the Swiss‐Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

Diabetes is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it remains unclear whether individual AF phenotype and related comorbidities differ between patients who have AF with and without diabetes. This study investigated the association of diabetes with AF phenotype and cardiac and neurological comorbidities in patients with documented AF.

Methods and Results

Participants in the multicenter Swiss‐AF (Swiss Atrial Fibrillation) study with data on diabetes and AF phenotype were eligible. Primary outcomes were parameters of AF phenotype, including AF type, AF symptoms, and quality of life (assessed by the European Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions Questionnaire [EQ‐5D]). Secondary outcomes were cardiac (ie, history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure) and neurological (ie, history of stroke and cognitive impairment) comorbidities. The cross‐sectional association of diabetes with these outcomes was assessed using logistic and linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. We included 2411 patients with AF (27.4% women; median age, 73.6 years). Diabetes was not associated with nonparoxysmal AF (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.81–1.27). Patients with diabetes less often perceived AF symptoms (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59–0.92) but had worse quality of life (β=−4.54; 95% CI, −6.40 to −2.68) than those without diabetes. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have cardiac (hypertension [OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.19–4.22], myocardial infarction [OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.18–2.03], heart failure [OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.57–2.51]) and neurological (stroke [OR, 1.39, 95% CI, 1.03–1.87], cognitive impairment [OR, 1.75, 95% CI, 1.39–2.21]) comorbidities.

Conclusions

Patients who have AF with diabetes less often perceive AF symptoms but have worse quality of life and more cardiac and neurological comorbidities than those without diabetes. This raises the question of whether patients with diabetes should be systematically screened for silent AF.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT02105844.
Early Growth Response‐1, an Integrative Sensor in Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Khachigian Levon M.
Published: November 2021

Early growth response‐1 (Egr‐1) is a master regulator and transcriptional sensor in vascular dysfunction and disease. This article reviews recent developments in our understanding of the regulatory roles this zinc finger protein and product of an immediate‐early gene plays in a range of cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Egr‐1 can amplify pathologic signals from the extracellular environment by serving as a molecular conduit in the inducible expression of proliferative, migratory and proinflammatory genes driving disease progression. Strategies targeting Egr‐1 may provide therapeutic benefit in cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders.
Radiographic Characteristics of Mild Ischemic Stroke Patients With Visible Intracranial Occlusion: The INTERRSeCT Study
Authors: Lau H. Lee , Gardener Hannah , Coutts Shelagh B. , Saini Vasu , Field Thalia S. , Dowlatshahi Dar , Smith Eric E. , Hill Michael D. , Romano Jose G. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Menon Bijoy K. , Asdaghi Negar
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

Early neurological deterioration occurs in one-third of mild strokes primarily due to the presence of a relevant intracranial occlusion. We studied vascular occlusive patterns, thrombus characteristics, and recanalization rates in these patients.

Methods:

Among patients enrolled in INTERRSeCT (Identifying New Approaches to Optimize Thrombus Characterization for Predicting Early Recanalization and Reperfusion With IV Alteplase and Other Treatments Using Serial CT Angiography), a multicenter prospective study of acute ischemic strokes with a visible intracranial occlusion, we compared characteristics of mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, ≤5) to moderate/severe strokes.

Results:

Among 575 patients, 12.9% had a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 (median age, 70.5 [63–79]; 58% male; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 4 [2–4]). Demographics and vascular risk factors were similar between the two groups. As compared with those with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >5, mild patients had longer symptom onset to assessment times (onset to computed tomography [240 versus 167 minutes] and computed tomography angiography [246 versus 172 minutes]), more distal occlusions (M3, anterior cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery; 22% versus 6%), higher clot burden score (median, 9 [6–9] versus 6 [4–9]), similar favorable thrombus permeability (residual flow grades I–II, 21% versus 19%), higher collateral flow (9.1 versus 7.6), and lower intravenous alteplase treatment rates (55% versus 85%). Mild patients were more likely to recanalize (revised arterial occlusion scale score 2b/3, 45%; 49% with alteplase) compared with moderate/severe strokes (26%; 29% with alteplase). In an adjusted model for sex, alteplase, residual flow, and time between the two vessel imagings, intravenous alteplase use (odds ratio, 3.80 [95% CI, 1.11–13.00]) and residual flow grade (odds ratio, 8.70 [95% CI, 1.26–60.13]) were associated with successful recanalization among mild patients.

Conclusions:

Mild strokes with visible intracranial occlusions have different vascular occlusive patterns but similar thrombus permeability compared with moderate/severe strokes. Higher thrombus permeability and alteplase use were associated with successful recanalization, although the majority do not recanalize. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of new thrombolytics and endovascular therapy in this population.
Obesity Does Not Protect From Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Pooled Analyses of 3 Large Prospective Nordic Cohorts
Authors: Rautalin Ilari , Kaprio Jaakko , Ingebrigtsen Tor , Jousilahti Pekka , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Romundstad Pål Richard , Salomaa Veikko , Vik Anne , Wilsgaard Tom , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Sandvei Marie , Korja Miikka
Published: November 2021

Background:

Several population-based cohort studies have related higher body mass index (BMI) to a decreased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The main objective of our study was to investigate whether the previously reported inverse association can be explained by modifying effects of the most important risk factors of SAH—smoking and hypertension.

Methods:

We conducted a collaborative study of three prospective population-based Nordic cohorts by combining comprehensive baseline data from 211 972 adult participants collected between 1972 and 2012, with follow-up until the end of 2018. Primarily, we compared the risk of SAH between three BMI categories: (1) low (BMI<22.5), (2) moderate (BMI: 22.5–29.9), and (3) high (BMI≥30) BMI and evaluated the modifying effects of smoking and hypertension on the associations.

Results:

We identified 831 SAH events (mean age 62 years, 55% women) during the total follow-up of 4.7 million person-years. Compared with the moderate BMI category, persons with low BMI had an elevated risk for SAH (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.30 [1.09–1.55]), whereas no significant risk difference was found in high BMI category (HR, 0.91 [0.73–1.13]). However, we only found the increased risk of low BMI in smokers (HR, 1.49 [1.19–1.88]) and in hypertensive men (HR, 1.72 [1.18–2.50]), but not in nonsmokers (HR, 1.02 [0.76–1.37]) or in men with normal blood pressure values (HR, 0.98 [0.63–1.54]; interaction HRs, 1.68 [1.18–2.41],
P
=0.004 between low BMI and smoking and 1.76 [0.98–3.13],
P
=0.06 between low BMI and hypertension in men).

Conclusions:

Smoking and hypertension appear to explain, at least partly, the previously reported inverse association between BMI and the risk of SAH. Therefore, the independent role of BMI in the risk of SAH is likely modest.
The synergistic effect of SiC/R-GO composite on mechanical and tribological properties of thermosetting polyimide
Authors: Li Aijiao , Wang Suoxiao , Chen Zhe , Liu Hong , Wang Hongding
Published: November 2021

The effective means to solve material wear is to develop self-lubricating composite materials with excellent tribological, thermal, and mechanical properties. Herein, the composites of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) nanosheet decorated with Silicon Carbide (SiC) were facilely prepared with employing a silane coupling agent, and the corresponding r-GO/SiC/thermosetting polyimide (r-GO/SiC/TPI) nanocomposite films were obtained by in situ polymerization method. The mechanical, tribological, and thermal properties of these nanocomposite films were investigated. When the content of r-GO/SiC was at 1.0 wt%, the compression strength and compression modulus of the composite increased by 37.7% and 47.3%, respectively, which were much higher than that of TPI composites addition of r-GO or SiC alone. Furthermore, r-GO/SiC/TPI composites also exhibited the lowest wear rate and friction coefficient in these reinforced TPI nanocomposites. When the content of r-GO/SiC was 0.8 wt%, particularly, the friction coefficient and wear rate of r-GO/SiC/TPI decreased by 22.8% and 79.8% compared to pure TPI, respectively. Additionally, trace amount r-GO/SiC hybrids also significantly enhance the thermal stability of TPI matrix. Compared to the polyimide composites reinforced by common nano-scale inorganic fillers, the outstanding mechanical and tribological properties of this r-GO/SiC/PI composites could be attributed to the ball on plane structure of GO/SiC, which lead to crack reflection, strength increment. These r-GO/SiC/TPI composites demonstrate the promising potential to be used as high-performance tribological materials in industry applications.