bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and lessons learned introducing an evolving open source technology into an established legacy Ada and C++ program
Authors: Kleinke Brian
Published: April 2021

When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) initiative, the FAA had the goal of using the same portable, open infrastructure across all participating systems in the National Airspace System (NAS). Around 2008 for SWIM Segment 1, the FAA chose Iona Software's Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) based bundle, which was known and supported under the Fuse brand. The FAA obtained the licenses used by programs, including EnRoute Automation Modernization (ERAM), through Iona, which was later acquired by Progress and RedHat.
Vectorization Challenges in Digital Signal Processing
Authors: Garrido Jorge , Pisonero David , Zamorano Juan , de la Puente Juan A.
Published: April 2021

The paper analyses the support for vectorization that can be found in some programming languages, and the ways it could also be used in Ada. A proposal for an Ada extension for enhanced vectorization support is included.
Effect of Argon Plasma on the Shear Bond Strength of Y-TZP Zirconia Ceramic Resin Interface
Authors: Karakış Duygu , Akay Canan , Pat Suat
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate zirconia surface energy and shear bond strength after application of different argon plasma irradiation time. The zirconia blocks are divided into four groups. The surface of the specimens was coated by argon plasma with different irradiation times (2.5–15–20 min). The contact angles of specimens were measured with formamide to quantify surface hydrophobicity. Experimental groups were divided into two subgroups; in the first subgroups specimens were cemented with using ceramic primer and the second subgroups were cemented with resin cement without primer. After cementation, the shear bond strength test was realized. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant. The highest mean shear bond strength (SBS) values were recorded in the application of 20 min laser irradiation time (Group A1: 28.45 ± MPa and Group A2: 24.69 ± 5.08 MPa). In the application of primer plus to Ar-plasma, SBS of all groups showed increased values however, only Group B (15 min plasma duration) and Group C (2.5 min plasma duration) revealed statistically significant different higher values. Zirconia surface energy increased with argon plasma application. In this way, the bond strength between zirconia and cement is strengthened.
Tribo-Electrochemistry of Post-CMP Cleaning: Results for Co and Cu Wafer Films Brushed in Different Solutions
Authors: Johnson C. A. , Liu J. , White M. L. , Roy D.
Published: April 2021

Optimization and evaluation of post chemical mechanical planarization cleaning (PCMPC) solutions rely on adequately understanding the electrochemical details of the cleaning interface. The present work addresses some of the essential facets of this task with laboratory scale tribo-electrochemical measurements using a selected set of solutions designed to post-CMP clean Cu (wiring) and Co (diffusion barriers/contacts) wafer films. The experiments employ an exploratory PCMPC formulation using citric acid, and two commercial solutions. The measurements, performed in a custom-built cell, both with and without brushing of the metal samples, yield detailed results for open circuit potential transients, corrosion currents/potentials, as well as the characteristic impedance parameters indicating surface cleaning efficiencies. The citrate data help to set up a comprehensive analytical framework for PCMPC characterization, which is further extended to assess the two commercial solutions. A comparative analysis of the data collected for brushed and unbrushed wafer films brings out the individual and synergistic cleaning functions of surface chemistry and tribology. The role of tribology is clearly observed as the cleaning efficiencies (determined using impedance spectroscopy) of all three solutions increase with the incorporation of brushing.
On Complex-Valued Triple Controlled Metric Spaces and Applications
Authors: Mlaiki Nabil , Abdeljawad Thabet , Shatanawi Wasfi , Aydi Hassen , Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: April 2021

In this manuscript, we introduce the concept of complex-valued triple controlled metric spaces as an extension of rectangular metric type spaces. To validate our hypotheses and to show the usability of the Banach and Kannan fixed point results discussed herein, we present an application on Fredholm-type integral equations and an application on higher degree polynomial equations.
Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty for Distal Femur Fracture with Lateral Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kaneko Takao , Igarashi Tadashi , Yoshizawa Shu , Takada Kazutaka , Ikegami Hiroyasu , Musha Yoshiro
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of compound fractures around the knee in elderly patient raise concerns about long-term postoperative external fixation and complications. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been proposed as an alternative solution. We report a case where robotic-assisted (RA) TKA was used to treat lateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) with distal femur fracture. Case Presentation. A 90-year-old female visited our hospital with complications of sustained knee pain after a fall at home. Fracture line from the trochlea to the intercondylar notch was diagnosed on plain radiographs, and prior to this injury, the patient was receiving conservative treatment for lateral OA. We selected a conventional TKA over ORIF because the latter is associated with residual pain and the need for long-term immobilization, which can lead to other complications. However, the fracture site was the entry point for intramedullary rod, and there was concern that the fracture site would be displaced by conventional TKA. Therefore, the unique aspect of the case is that the technique utilized involved robotic milling using the Navio system while temporarily stabilizing the fracture using two tracker pins. RA TKA could determine osteotomy and implant placement by predicting the postoperative patient’s soft tissue balance for no medial loosening and lateral contracture. The arthritic cartilage and bone were then methodically removed using the handheld sculptor. After immobilizing the fracture site with a bone grasper before removing the pin tracker, reaming of the femur and insertion of a stem prosthesis with semiconstrained were performed. Primary RA TKA is a viable option for intra-articular fractures in elderly patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.
Threats and Corrective Measures for IoT Security with Observance of Cybercrime: A Survey
Authors: Rani Sita , Kataria Aman , Sharma Vishal , Ghosh Smarajit , Karar Vinod , Lee Kyungroul , Choi Chang
Published: April 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is the utmost assuring framework to facilitate human life with quality and comfort. IoT has contributed significantly to numerous application areas. The stormy expansion of smart devices and their credence for data transfer using wireless mechanics boost their susceptibility to cyberattacks. Consequently, the cybercrime rate is increasing day by day. Hence, the study of IoT security threats and possible corrective measures can benefit researchers in identifying appropriate solutions to deal with various challenges in cybercrime investigation. IoT forensics plays a vital role in cybercrime investigations. This review paper presents an overview of the IoT framework consisting of IoT architecture, protocols, and technologies. Various security issues at each layer and corrective measures are also discussed in detail. This paper also presents the role of IoT forensics in cybercrime investigation in various domains like smart homes, smart cities, automated vehicles, and healthcare. The role of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, edge computing, fog computing, and blockchain technology in cybercrime investigation is also discussed. Lastly, various open research challenges in IoT to assist cybercrime investigation are explained to provide a new direction for further research.
Impact of Bleaching before or after Veneer Preparation on Color Masking Ability of Laminate Veneers: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Dalloo Gollshang Ahmad Mhammed , Faraj Bestoon Mohammed , Al-Zahawi Abdulsalam Rasheed
Published: April 2021

Purpose. This study evaluates the effect of bleaching before or after veneer preparation and the depth of preparation on color masking ability of laminate veneers. Methods. Sixty extracted premolars were artificially stained to vita shade A4, verified by digital spectrophotometer (Vita Easy Shade V), and then divided into three groups: NB = nonbleached, BBP = bleaching before preparation, and BAP = bleaching after preparation. Based on the preparation depths, each group was further divided into two subgroups: S1 = 0.5 mm and S2 = 1.0 mm. BBP and BAP were subjected to one session of in‐office bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide. IPS e‐max CAD veneers of 0.5 and 1.0 mm thickness (corresponding to the preparation depths) of the same shade and translucency (HT A1) were cemented immediately to the bleached surfaces. Immediately after cementation, the color change ΔE between the baseline (after staining) and the resulted shades was measured using the Vita Easy Shade V digital spectrophotometer and CIELab color system. Results. Bleached groups exhibited a significant ΔE value compared to the nonbleached group (p < 0.05). BAP showed the highest ΔE value. No significant difference was found between BBP and BAP. S2 revealed a significant ΔE value than S1 (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between S1of BAP and S2 of NB, BBP, and BAP (p > 0.05). Regarding the color coordinates, the difference between the tested groups was highly significant in lightness (ΔL∗) (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found in green/red value (Δa∗) and yellow/blue value (Δb∗) (p > 0.05). Conclusions. In cases of severe tooth discoloration, one session of in‐office bleaching before or after veneer preparation and the preparation depth do not influence the color masking ability of laminate veneers.
Experimental Study on an Innovative Shear Connector in Steel‐UHPC Composite Structure
Authors: Liu Yang , Zeng Dan , Cao Lei , Lu Naiwei
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the stiffness and shear bearing capacity of steel‐UHPC composite bridge, an innovative shear connector named arc‐shaped reinforcement shear connector was proposed and compared with the stud and perforated bar steel plate shear connector using the static push‐out test. Considering shear connector diameter, a total of ten push‐out specimens for five groups were designed. The results indicated that the failure modes and failure mechanism of the arc‐shaped reinforcement shear connectors were significantly different from stud shear connector and perforated bar steel plate. Obvious failure characteristics such as crack and reinforcement were not observed for the arc‐shaped reinforcement specimens except for fine cracks on the top of one specimen, but these were observed for the others two types of shear connector. The relative slip value of arc‐shaped reinforcement shear connector at the maximum load was the smallest and less than 1 mm in three types of shear connectors. The stiffness and shear bearing capacity of arc‐shaped reinforcement were higher than those of stud and perforated bar steel plate under the same diameter. Increasing arc‐shaped reinforcement diameter could improve significantly static behavior of shear connector. When the diameter of arc‐shape reinforcement was increased from 8 mm to 12 mm, the ductility factor, stiffness, and shear bearing capacity of arc‐shaped reinforcement shear connector were improved by 174.32%, 214.76%, and 54.2%, respectively. A calculation method of shear bearing capacity was proposed by the least square method and multiple regression analysis and agreed well with the test result.
The Comparative Analyses of Six Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Morphologically Diverse Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) Collected in Korea
Authors: Park Jongsun , Min Juhyeon , Kim Yongsung , Chung Youngjae
Published: April 2021

Chenopodium album sensu stricto belonging to C. album aggregate is an annual cosmopolitan weed displaying the diversity of morphologies. We completed the six chloroplast genomes of C. album s. str. collected in Korea to understand the relationship between the diversity of chloroplast genomes and their morphological variations. All six C. album chloroplast genomes have a typical quadripartite structure with length ranging from 151,906 bp to 152,199 bp, similar to the previously sequenced C. album chloroplast genome (NC_034950). In total, 56 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 26 insertion and deletion (INDEL) regions (308 bp in total) were identified from the six chloroplast genomes, presenting a low level of intraspecific variations in comparison to the other angiosperm species. 376 normal simple sequence repeats were identified in all seven C. album chloroplast genomes. The phylogenetic analysis based on all available complete Amaranthaceae chloroplast genomes presents phylogenetic positions of six C. album samples as well as correlation with one of C. album morphological features. Our results provide the way to investigate intraspecific features of C. album chloroplast genomes and also the insights of understanding various intraspecific characteristics including morphological features.
Fractional Birkhoffian Mechanics Based on Quasi-Fractional Dynamics Models and Its Noether Symmetry
Authors: Jia Yun-Die , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2021

This paper focuses on the exploration of fractional Birkhoffian mechanics and its fractional Noether theorems under quasi-fractional dynamics models. The quasi-fractional dynamics models under study are nonconservative dynamics models proposed by El-Nabulsi, including three cases: extended by Riemann–Liouville fractional integral (abbreviated as ERLFI), extended by exponential fractional integral (abbreviated as EEFI), and extended by periodic fractional integral (abbreviated as EPFI). First, the fractional Pfaff–Birkhoff principles based on quasi-fractional dynamics models are proposed, in which the Pfaff action contains the fractional-order derivative terms, and the corresponding fractional Birkhoff’s equations are obtained. Second, the Noether symmetries and conservation laws of the systems are studied. Finally, three concrete examples are given to demonstrate the validity of the results.
On a Flow-Shop Scheduling Problem with Fuzzy Pentagonal Processing Time
Authors: Alharbi Majed G. , El-Wahed Khalifa Hamiden Abd
Published: April 2021

Scheduling involves planning and arranging jobs across a coordinated set of events to satisfy the customer’s demands. In this article, we present a simple approach for the flow-shop (FS) scheduling problem under fuzzy environment in which processing time of jobs are represented by pentagonal fuzzy numbers. This study is intended to reduce the rental cost of the machine in compliance with the rental policy. The fuzzy FS scheduling problem is solved without converting the processing time into its equivalent crisp numbers using a robust ranking technique and a fuzzy arithmetic pentagonal fuzzy numbers. A numerical illustration indicates that the approach is workable, accurate, and relevant.
Salvia miltiorrhiza and the Volatile of Dalbergia odorifera Attenuate Chronic Myocardial Ischemia Injury in a Pig Model: A Metabonomic Approach for the Mechanism Study
Authors: Lin Rui , Mu Fei , Li Yao , Duan Jialin , Zhao Meina , Guan Yue , Liu Kedi , Bai Yang , Wen Aidong , Wei Peifeng , Wang Jingwen , Xi Miaomiao
Published: April 2021

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) coupled with Dalbergia odorifera (DO) has been used to relieve cardiovascular diseases in China for many years. Our previous studies have integrated that SM—the volatile oil of DO (SM‐DOO)—has a cardioprotective effect on chronic myocardial ischemia based on a pharmacological method, but the cardioprotective mechanism has not been elucidated completely in the metabonomic method. In the present study, a metabonomic method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) was performed to evaluate the effects of SM‐DOO on chronic myocardial ischemia induced by an ameroid constrictor, which was placed on the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) of pigs. Pigs were divided into three groups: sham, model, and SM‐DOO group. With multivariate analysis, a clear cluster among the different groups was obtained and the potential biomarkers were recognized. These biomarkers were mainly related to energy metabolism, glucose metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, the protein expressions of phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase (p‐AMPK) and glucose transporter‐4 (GLUT4) were significantly upregulated by SM‐DOO. The result indicated that SM‐DOO could regulate the above biomarkers and metabolic pathways, especially energy metabolism and glucose metabolism. By analyzing and verifying the biomarkers and metabolic pathways, further understanding of the cardioprotective effect of SM‐DOO with its mechanism was evaluated. Metabonomic is a reliable system biology approach for understanding the cardioprotective effects of SM‐DOO on chronic myocardial ischemia and elucidating the mechanism underlying this protective effect.
[Retracted] Construction of Social Security Fund Cloud Audit Platform Based on Fuzzy Data Mining Algorithm
Authors: Huai Yangting , Zhang Qianxiao
Published: April 2021

Guided by the theories of system theory, synergetic theory, and other disciplines and based on fuzzy data mining algorithm, this article constructs a three‐tier social security fund cloud audit platform. Firstly, the article systematically expounds the current situation of social security fund and social security fund audit, such as the technical basis of cloud computing and data mining. Combined with the actual work, the necessity and feasibility of building a cloud audit platform for social security funds are analyzed. This article focuses on the construction of the cloud audit platform for social security funds. The general idea of using fuzzy data mining algorithm to build the social security fund audit cloud platform is to compress the knowledge contained in a large number of data into the weights between nodes and optimize the weights through the learning of the neural network system. Through the optimization function, the information contained in the neural network is stored in a few weights as far as possible. The main information is further highlighted by network clipping and removing weights that have little impact on the output.
Antibacterial Activity of Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Mann Riti , Mitsidis Dimitrios , Xie Zhirun , McNeilly Oliver , Ng Yun Hau , Amal Rose , Gunawan Cindy
Published: April 2021

The increasing biological use of graphene-based materials has prompted research inquiries on their effects on microorganisms. The work herein reported different types of microbiological activity of reduced graphene oxide (RGO). At relatively high concentrations (200 and 400 μg/mL), RGO exhibited antibacterial activity on the model bacterium Escherichia coli, while at lower concentrations (10 and 50 μg/mL), interestingly, no antibacterial effect was observed. Instead, an increase in the viable population after exposure at lower concentrations was observed, verified by colony counting and fluorescence microscopy. Further investigation ruled out the possibility of nutrient release from RGO being responsible for this growth-enhancing effect, whereby a comparable number of viable cells were found in the particle-free RGO leachate systems relative to the control. A before and after exposure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the RGO detected less presence of C-C bond on the particle surface, suggesting the ability of the bacterium for the use of the carbon-based materials for growth. This potential RGO-cell interaction is further supported by the observed emergence of C-N bond on the particle surface, the nitrogen moieties most likely of bacterial (cell envelope) origins. Although still an early evidence, such RGO-cell interactions could explain the viable cell increase observed at the lower concentration RGO systems. The present study highlights the concentration-dependent microbiological effects of RGO, clarifying the contradicting reports on the growth enhancing versus antibacterial effect of graphene-based materials. The knowledge is important not only for the antibacterial formulation of carbon-based materials but also when assessing their environmental impact.
Different Patterns of Bacterial Species and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Diabetic Foot Syndrome with and without Coexistent Ischemia
Authors: Małecki Rafał , Klimas Kamil , Kujawa Aleksandra
Published: April 2021

Aims. Infection in diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) represents serious medical problem, and the annual risk of DFS in diabetic patients is 2.5%. More than half of the patients with DFS have symptoms of extremity ischemia (peripheral arterial disease (PAD)). The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency of particular bacterial strains in people with DFS, analyze the impact of arterial ischemia on the occurrence of a given pathogen, and evaluate the antibacterial treatment based on the results of bacterial culture. Methods. The analysis included 844 bacterial strains obtained from 291 patients with DFS hospitalized in the Department of Angiology in years 2016–2019. Results. The most common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Nearly 20% of the species were found to have at least one resistance mechanism. In patients with PAD, Gram-negative species were isolated more commonly than in people without PAD. The most useful drugs in DFS in hospitalized patients are penicillins with beta-lactamase inhibitors, 3rd- to 5th-generation cephalosporins (with many exceptions), carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and tigecycline. Conclusions. Bacterial strains isolated from ischemic DFS are more resistant to commonly used antibacterial agents, i.e., penicillins (including penicillins with beta-lactamase inhibitors), cephalosporins (except for the 4th and 5th generations), glycopeptides, and linezolid. When planning treatment of hospitalized patients with DFS, the presence of ischemia in DFS should always be taken into consideration. It determines the occurrence of particular bacterial species and the choice of antibacterial agent and may determine the rate of treatment success.
[Retracted] Anomaly Detection of Highway Vehicle Trajectory under the Internet of Things Converged with 5G Technology
Authors: Deng Ketao
Published: April 2021

The gradual increase in the density of highway vehicles and traffic flow makes the abnormal driving state of vehicles an indispensable tool for assisting traffic dispatch. Intelligent transportation systems can detect and track vehicles in real time, acquire characteristics such as vehicle traffic, vehicle speed, vehicle flow density, and vehicle trajectory, and further perform advanced tasks such as vehicle trajectory. The detection of abnormal vehicle trajectory is an important content of vehicle trajectory understanding. And the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology has led to a continuous increase in the rate of data information circulation. The “Internet of Vehicles” generated based on the practice of 5G communication technology constitutes a vehicle abnormal trajectory detection system, which has very high feasibility and safety and stability. Therefore, this research is aimed at the needs of preventing major accidents and forensic analysis during highway vehicles. Based on the integration of the Internet of Things 5G communication technology, a trajectorial anomaly detection of highway vehicle trajectory based on the integration of the Internet of Things 5G is proposed. By accurately sensing unsafe events at the perception layer, network layer, and application layer, the vehicle driving trajectory state is divided into several simple semantic representations. The semantic representation is analyzed, and then the moving target detection and moving target tracking algorithms needed to extract the vehicle trajectory are introduced. Through video detection and tracking of moving vehicle targets, the driving trajectory of the vehicle is obtained, and the movement characteristics of the vehicle in each frame of image are extracted. According to the relationship between the trajectory of the vehicle and the lane line, the vehicle trajectory analysis is realized, and then it is judged whether the vehicle has abnormal trajectory. Compared with the traditional method of manually detecting the driving condition of the vehicle, the abnormal trajectory detection of the vehicle based on the integration of the Internet of Things and 5G can quickly detect the abnormal trajectory of the vehicle in the traffic monitoring video.
COX-2 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells through CDC27
Authors: Hu Yang , Fu Nian , Chen Li Xian , Xiao Jian Hua , Yang Xue Feng
Published: April 2021

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), which can be upregulated by various stimuli. COX-2 has been shown to be involved in the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis by regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in previous studies. The aims of the study are to study the mechanism of how COX-2 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs and to provide new targets for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. A short hairpin RNA targeting COX-2 was constructed, and the changes in proliferation and apoptosis of liver tissue cells and HSCs were observed, respectively. COX-2-shRNA-1 significantly suppressed the proliferation of HSCs in vivo. Moreover, knockdown of COX-2 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and accelerated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. Among those differential genes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis, CDC27 and Sh3kbp1 were upregulated, but Plcd4 was suppressed. Mechanistically, the influence of COX-2 on HSCs partly depends on upregulating CDC27. Our results demonstrated that COX-2 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells through the CDC27 pathway. This study contributes to our understanding of the effect of COX-2 for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Cancer Cells Retrace a Stepwise Differentiation Program during Malignant Progression
Authors: Saghafinia Sadegh , Homicsko Krisztian , Di Domenico Annunziata , Wullschleger Stephan , Perren Aurel , Marinoni Ilaria , Ciriello Giovanni , Michael Iacovos P. , Hanahan Douglas
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) comprise two molecular subtypes, relatively benign islet tumors (IT) and invasive, metastasis-like primary (MLP) tumors. Until now, the origin of aggressive MLP tumors has been obscure. Herein, using multi-omics approaches, we revealed that MLP tumors arise from IT via dedifferentiation following a reverse trajectory along the developmental pathway of islet β cells, which results in the acquisition of a progenitor-like molecular phenotype. Functionally, the miR-181cd cluster induces the IT-to-MLP transition by suppressing expression of the Meis2 transcription factor, leading to upregulation of a developmental transcription factor, Hmgb3. Notably, the IT-to-MLP transition constitutes a distinct step of tumorigenesis and is separable from the classic proliferation-associated hallmark, temporally preceding accelerated proliferation of cancer cells. Furthermore, patients with PanNET with elevated HMGB3 expression and an MLP transcriptional signature are associated with higher-grade tumors and worse survival. Overall, our results unveil a new mechanism that modulates cancer cell plasticity to enable malignant progression.

Significance:

Dedifferentiation has long been observed as a histopathologic characteristic of many cancers, albeit inseparable from concurrent increases in cell proliferation. Herein, we demonstrate that dedifferentiation is a mechanistically and temporally separable step in the multistage tumorigenesis of pancreatic islet cells, retracing the developmental lineage of islet β cells.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2355
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Nocturnal Hypoxemia in Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension: Prevalence, Pathophysiological Determinants, and Clinical Consequences
Authors: Spiesshoefer Jens , Herkenrath Simon , Harre Katharina , Kahles Florian , Florian Anca , Yilmaz Ali , Mohr Michael , Naughton Matthew , Randerath Winfried , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Regmi Binaya , Dreher Michael , Boentert Matthias , Giannoni Alberto
Published: April 2021

Background and objective: The clinical relevance and interrelation of sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypoxemia in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not fully understood. Methods: Seventy-one patients with PH (age 63 ± 15 years, 41% male) and 35 matched controls were enrolled. Patients with PH underwent clinical examination with assessment of sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy, lung function, hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR; by rebreathing technique), amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and cardiac MRI (n = 34). Results: Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was 68% in patients with PH (34% mild, apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥5 to <15/h; 34% moderate to severe, AHI ≥15/h) versus 5% in controls (p < 0.01). Only 1 patient with PH showed predominant central sleep apnea (CSA). Nocturnal hypoxemia (mean oxygen saturation [SpO2] <90%) was present in 48% of patients with PH, independent of the presence of OSA. There were no significant differences in mean nocturnal SpO2, self-reported sleep quality, 6MWD, HCVR, and lung and cardiac function between patients with moderate to severe OSA and those with mild or no OSA (all p > 0.05). Right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic (r = −0.39; p = 0.03) and end-systolic (r = −0.36; p = 0.04) volumes were inversely correlated with mean nocturnal SpO2 but not with measures of OSA severity or daytime clinical variables. Conclusion: OSA, but not CSA, is highly prevalent in patients with PH, and OSA severity is not associated with nighttime SpO2, clinical and functional status. Nocturnal hypoxemia is a frequent finding and (in contrast to OSA) relates to structural RV remodeling in PH.
Saving Lives and Livelihoods in the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned, Particularly from Asia?
Authors: Kok Derek Qi Ren , Woo Wing Thye
Published: April 2021

The key practices in successful government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic are (1) early border controls to contain the initial spread of the virus from abroad; (2) rapidly increasing the capacity of national health systems in terms of mobilizing staff, securing supplies (e.g., protective equipment and respiratory devices), and optimizing space (e.g., ensuring adequate numbers of acute and intensive care beds) to scale up testing-tracing-treating infrastructure; (3) promoting individual hygienic behavior such as social distancing and face mask use, which requires, respectively, active government enforcement of regulations against holding spreader events, and strong government intervention in the market to ensure adequate supplies; (4) fiscal measures to extend disaster relief to workers, businesses, and vulnerable populations; and (5) clear, concise, and consistent communications from leaders and authorities.

International cooperation must have a key role in the fight against the pandemic. So far, a global response to the crisis has been glaringly absent. Although it is understandable that countries prioritize their own needs, it must be understood that no country is safe until every other country is also safe. Global access to future vaccines, supplies, tests, and treatments is the only way to ensure the virus is truly eradicated within a country. The richer countries should establish a global fund to provide the poor countries with the needed vaccine, and to enhance their efforts in testing, tracing, and treating COVID-19 cases.
Decontextualization: Making Sentences Stand-Alone
Authors: Choi Eunsol , Palomaki Jennimaria , Lamm Matthew , Kwiatkowski Tom , Das Dipanjan , Collins Michael
Published: April 2021

Models for question answering, dialogue agents, and summarization often interpret the meaning of a sentence in a rich context and use that meaning in a new context. Taking excerpts of text can be problematic, as key pieces may not be explicit in a local window. We isolate and define the problem of sentence decontextualization: taking a sentence together with its context and rewriting it to be interpretable out of context, while preserving its meaning. We describe an annotation procedure, collect data on the Wikipedia corpus, and use the data to train models to automatically decontextualize sentences. We present preliminary studies that show the value of sentence decontextualization in a user-facing task, and as preprocessing for systems that perform document understanding. We argue that decontextualization is an important subtask in many downstream applications, and that the definitions and resources provided can benefit tasks that operate on sentences that occur in a richer context.
Legal Guarantees for the Safety of China’s Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities: Status, Defects and Countermeasures
Authors: Cheng Shihui
Published: April 2021

The safety of offshore oil and gas facilities is a deep concern in relation to the security of China’s fossil energy supply. At present, there are a series of international law protection systems with the offshore facility safety zone system as the core. Most of world’s major maritime countries have established offshore oil and gas facilities protection systems in the form of domestic legislation in accordance with relevant international law, and some of them have adopted measures expanding the scope of their safety zones to strengthen protection. However, there remain some defects in the existing international law system. Therefore, the Chinese government needs to promptly clarify its position on issues related to the offshore facilities safety zone system, and propose the formulation of a specialised convention.
Males of the genus Sericostoma Latreille 1825 in Turkey (Trichoptera, Sericostomatidae)
Authors: SİPAHİLER FÜSUN
Published: April 2021

The males of the genus Sericostoma Latreille 1825 in Turkey were studied and the following new species are described and illustrated: Sericostoma dimcay sp. n., S. alakir sp. n., S. taskent sp. n., S. pinargozu sp. n., and S. yuvarlakcay sp. n. Sericostoma mesopotamicum McLachlan 1898 is accepted as a valid species, and a detailed description of the male of this species is given and illustrated. Sericostoma flavicorne Schneider 1845, S. grusiense Martynov 1913, and S. ida SİPAHİLER 2000 are also described and figured. The known species of the genus Sericostoma in Turkey have reached nine with the addition of these new species.
Taxonomic revision of Phaesticus Uvarov and synonymy with Flatocerus Liang & Zheng syn. nov. (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)
Authors: ZHA LING-SHENG , SKEJO JOSIP , MAO BEN-YONG , DING JIAN-HUA
Published: April 2021

The genus Phaesticus Uvarov, 1940 is revised here with updated generic characteristics and a key to the species. New synonyms and a new combination are proposed: 1) Phaesticus Uvarov, 1940 = Flatocerus Liang & Zheng, 1984 syn. nov.; 2) P. mellerborgi (Stål, 1855) = P. insularis (Hancock, 1907) syn. nov., = P. carinatus Zheng, 1998 syn. nov., = P. azemii Mahmood, Idris & Salmah, 2007 syn. nov., = F. brachynotus Liang, Chen & Chen, 2008 syn. nov., = P. uvarovi Storozhenko & Dawwrueng, 2015 syn. nov.; 3) P. moniliantennatus (Günther, 1940) = F. nankunshanensis Liang & Zheng, 1984 syn. nov., = F. wuyishanensis Zheng, 1991 syn. nov., = F. guizhouensis Wang, 1992 syn. nov., = F. daqingshanensis Zheng & Jiang, 1998 syn. nov., = F. dentifemura Zheng, 2003 syn. nov.; 4) P. hainanensis (Liang, 1988) comb. nov. = F. hainanensis Liang, 1988. Intraspecific variation in the lengths of the hind pronotal processes and hind wings in the family Tetrigidae are discussed in detail.
Baetis majus sp. nov., new species of mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Far East of Russia
Authors: TIUNOVA TATIANA M. , SEMENCHENKO ALEXANDER A. , TONG XIAOLI
Published: April 2021

A new species, Baetis majus Tiunova sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on larvae and reared adults discovered in the Russian Far East. The differential identification of this species was determined by the characteristics of other representatives of the genus Baetis Leach, including subgenera Baetis Leach and Tenuibaetis Kang & Yang from Eastern and Western Palaearctic, Nearctic and Oriental regions. In addition to morphological studies, DNA barcoding of the described species with average intraspecific K2P distances to nearest neighbours is documented. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of all available cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of the subgenera of Baetis and Tenuibaetis from four regions. Bayesian analysis using 47 morphological characters additional to partial COI sequences did not allow to determine the species-group of the Baetis genus to which the described species belongs.
On the settling depth of meltwater escaping from beneath Antarctic ice shelves
Authors: Arnscheidt Constantin W. , Marshall John , Dutrieux Pierre , Rye Craig D. , Ramadhan Ali
Published: April 2021

Antarctic glacial meltwater is thought to play an important role in determining large-scale Southern Ocean climate trends, yet recent modeling efforts have proceeded without a good understanding of how its vertical distribution in the water column is set. To rectify this, here we conduct new large-eddy simulations of the ascent of a buoyant meltwater plume after its escape from beneath an Antarctic ice shelf. We find that the meltwater’s settling depth is primarily a function of the buoyancy forcing per unit width of the source and the ambient stratification, consistent with the classical theory of turbulent buoyant plumes and in contrast to previous work that suggested an important role for centrifugal instability. Our results further highlight the significant role played by localized variability in stratification; this helps explain observed interannual variability in the vertical meltwater distribution near Pine Island Glacier. Because of the vast heterogeneity in mass loss rates and ambient conditions at different Antarctic ice shelves, a dynamic parameterization of meltwater settling depth may be crucial for accurately simulating high-latitude climate in a warming world; we discuss how this may be developed following this work, and where the remaining challenges lie.
A Review of Occlusion as a Tool to Assess Attentional Demand in Driving
Authors: Kujala Tuomo , Kircher Katja , Ahlström Christer
Published: April 2021

Objective

The aim of this review is to identify how visual occlusion contributes to our understanding of attentional demand and spare visual capacity in driving and the strengths and limitations of the method.

Background

The occlusion technique was developed by John W. Senders to evaluate the attentional demand of driving. Despite its utility, it has been used infrequently in driver attention/inattention research.

Method

Visual occlusion studies in driving published between 1967 and 2020 were reviewed. The focus was on original studies in which the forward visual field was intermittently occluded while the participant was driving.

Results

Occlusion studies have shown that attentional demand varies across situations and drivers and have indicated environmental, situational, and inter-individual factors behind the variability. The occlusion technique complements eye tracking in being able to indicate the temporal requirements for and redundancy in visual information sampling. The proper selection of occlusion settings depends on the target of the research.

Conclusion

Although there are a number of occlusion studies looking at various aspects of attentional demand, we are still only beginning to understand how these demands vary, interact, and covary in naturalistic driving.

Application

The findings of this review have methodological and theoretical implications for human factors research and for the development of distraction monitoring and in-vehicle system testing. Distraction detection algorithms and testing guidelines should consider the variability in drivers’ situational and individual spare visual capacity.
Perceived over-qualification of primary school teachers and its impact on career satisfaction—A empirical study based on the survey data
Authors: Su Yawen , Li Moyan , Chen Guofu
Published: April 2021

Based on the Personality-Job Fit Theory (PJFT), the mismatch of personality-job may cause over-qualification, and perceived over-qualification (POQ) may have a negative impact and affect career satisfaction (CS). This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 404 elementary school teachers in Fujian Province, China, and used the Two-way ANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression analysis to research primary school teachers’ POQ and the relationship between POQ and CS. The results of empirical research show that primary school teachers’ POQ is at the medium level. POQ of primary school teachers has a negative effect on CS, while professional self-identity (PSI) has the mediating effect on the relationship between POQ and CS. In addition, the study also found that new primary school teachers with high educational qualification have a relatively higher POQ, while older primary school teachers with low educational qualification have a relatively lower POQ.
Determination of fiber volume fraction in a cured laminate
Authors: Wu Qing Yang Steve , Zhang Nan , Liew Weng Heng , Lim Vincent , Ni Xiping , Zhang Lei , Russell Benjamin , Ke Lin
Published: April 2021

Propagation of ultrasonic wave in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is greatly influenced by the material’s matrix, resins and fiber volume ratio. Laser ultrasonic broadband spectral technique has been demonstrated for porosity and fiber volume ratio extraction on unidirection aligned CFRP laminates. Porosity in the matrix materials can be calculated by longitudinal wave attenuation and accurate fiber volume ratio can be derived by combined velocity through the high strength carbon fiber and the matrix material with further consideration of porosity effects. The results have been benchmarked by pulse-echo ultrasonic tests, gas pycnometer and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The potentials and advantages of the laser ultrasonic technique as a non-destructive evaluation method for CFRP carbon fiber volume fraction evaluation were demonstrated.
Translating Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Regenerative Medicine Innovations to the Clinic through Interdisciplinary Commercial Translation Architecture
Authors: Taylor D.P. , Yoshida M. , Fuller K. , Giannobile W.V. , Sfeir C.S. , Wagner W.R. , Kohn D.H.
Published: April 2021

Few university-based regenerative medicine innovations in the dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) space have been commercialized and affected clinical practice in the United States. An analysis of the commercial translation literature and National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research’s (NIDCR’s) portfolio identified barriers to commercial translation of university-based DOC innovations. To overcome these barriers, the NIDCR established the Dental Oral Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration Consortium. We provide generalized strategies to inform readers how to bridge the “valley of death” and more effectively translate DOC technologies from the research laboratory or early stage company environment to clinical trials and bring needed innovations to the clinic. Three valleys of death are covered: 1) from basic science to translational development, 2) from translational technology validation to new company formation (or licensing to an existing company), and 3) from new company formation to scaling toward commercialization. An adapted phase-gate model is presented to inform DOC regenerative medicine teams how to involve regulatory, manufacturability, intellectual property, competitive assessments, business models, and commercially oriented funding mechanisms earlier in the translational development process. An Industrial Partners Program describes how to conduct market assessments, industry maps, business development processes, and industry relationship management methods to sustain commercial translation through the later-stage valley of death. Paramount to successfully implementing these methods is the coordination and collaboration of interdisciplinary teams around specific commercial translation goals and objectives. We also provide several case studies for translational projects with an emphasis on how they addressed DOC biomaterials for tissue regeneration within a rigorous commercial translation development environment. These generalized strategies and methods support innovations within a university-based and early stage company-based translational development process, traversing the many funding gaps in dental, oral, and craniofacial regenerative medicine innovations. Although the focus is on shepherding technologies through the US Food and Drug Administration, the approaches are applicable worldwide.
Public Compliance With Social Distancing Measures and SARS-CoV-2 Spread
Authors: Liu Hongjie , Chen Chang , Cruz-Cano Raul , Guida Jennifer L. , Lee Minha
Published: April 2021

Objective

We quantified the association between public compliance with social distancing measures and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the epidemic (March–May 2020) in 5 states that accounted for half of the total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States.

Methods

We used data on mobility and number of COVID-19 cases to longitudinally estimate associations between public compliance, as measured by human mobility, and the daily reproduction number and daily growth rate during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

Results

The 5 states mandated social distancing directives during March 19-24, 2020, and public compliance with mandates started to decrease in mid-April 2020. As of May 31, 2020, the daily reproduction number decreased from 2.41-5.21 to 0.72-1.19, and the daily growth rate decreased from 0.22-0.77 to –0.04 to 0.05 in the 5 states. The level of public compliance, as measured by the social distancing index (SDI) and daily encounter-density change, was high at the early stage of implementation but decreased in the 5 states. The SDI was negatively associated with the daily reproduction number (regression coefficients range, –0.04 to –0.01) and the daily growth rate (from –0.009 to –0.01). The daily encounter-density change was positively associated with the daily reproduction number (regression coefficients range, 0.24 to 1.02) and the daily growth rate (from 0.05 to 0.26).

Conclusions

Social distancing is an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 and illustrates the role of public compliance with social distancing measures to achieve public health benefits.