bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a systematic review
Authors: Dawson Alan G. , Kutywayo Kudzayi , Mohammed Seid B. , Fennell Dean A. , Nakas Apostolos
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cytoreductive surgery has been used a part of multimodality treatment in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The residual microscopic disease that remains will lead to disease progression in the majority of patients. Delivery of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy at the time of surgery has been used to address this microscopic disease, however it’s effect and place in the multimodality treatment sphere is unknown. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy in patients with MPM on overall survival and disease-free interval.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from database inception through to June 2021. Studies reporting overall survival and/or disease-free interval in patients with MPM undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy were considered. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A narrative review was performed.

Results

Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion comprising 598 patients. Surgery with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy was associated with a median overall survival and disease-free interval ranging from 11 to 75 months and 7.2 to 57 months, respectively. These appeared to be superior to patients not receiving hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (overall survival: 5–36 months and disease-free interval: 12.1–21 months). A higher dose of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy was associated with an improvement in overall survival compared with a lower dose: 18–31 months versus 6–18 months, respectively. The most common morbidity was atrial fibrillation followed by renal complications.

Conclusion

Surgery with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy offers a safe and effective therapy with an improvement in disease-free interval and overall survival, particularly when hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy is administered at a higher dose.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019129002.
Tracking of lung function from 10 to 35 years after being born extremely preterm or with extremely low birth weight
Authors: Bårdsen Tonje , Røksund Ola Drange , Benestad Merete Røineland , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Clemm Hege Havstad , Mikalsen Ingvild Bruun , Øymar Knut , Markestad Trond , Halvorsen Thomas , Vollsæter Maria
Published: April 2022

Background

Lifelong pulmonary consequences of being born extremely preterm or with extremely low birth weight remain unknown. We aimed to describe lung function trajectories from 10 to 35 years of age for individuals born extremely preterm, and address potential cohort effects over a period that encompassed major changes in perinatal care.

Methods

We performed repeated spirometry in three population-based cohorts born at gestational age ≤28 weeks or with birth weight ≤1000 g during 1982–85, 1991–92 and 1999–2000, referred to as extremely preterm-born, and in term-born controls matched for age and gender. Examinations were performed at 10, 18, 25 and 35 years. Longitudinal data were analysed using mixed models regression, with the extremely preterm-born stratified by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Results

We recruited 148/174 (85%) eligible extremely preterm-born and 138 term-born. Compared with term-born, the extremely preterm-born had lower z-scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at most assessments, the main exceptions were in the groups without BPD in the two youngest cohorts. FEV1trajectories were largely parallel for the extremely preterm- and term-born, also during the period 25–35 years that includes the onset of the age-related decline in lung function. Extremely preterm-born had lower peak lung function than term-born, but z-FEV1values improved for each consecutive decade of birth (p=0.009). More extremely preterm—than term-born fulfilled the spirometry criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 44/148 (30%) vs 7/138 (5%), p<0.001.

Conclusions

Lung function after extremely preterm birth tracked in parallel, but significantly below the trajectories of term-born from 10 to 35 years, including the incipient age-related decline from 25 to 35 years. The deficits versus term-born decreased with each decade of birth from 1980 to 2000.
Proposed revision to Canadian System of Soil Classification: broaden taxonomic criteria for applying LFH horizons to include nonforest soils
Authors: Miller J.J. , Chanasyk D.S. , McNeil R.L.
Published: April 2022

In the first edition (1974) of Canadian System of Soil Classification (CSSC), the taxonomic criteria for LFH organic horizons allowed application to any soil and land use developed under imperfectly to well-drained conditions. However, in the third edition (1998) of CSSC, the narrower taxonomic criteria for LFH horizons restricted application to only forest soils. A limited survey was conducted of some soil scientists across Canada to ask them if they had observed LFH horizons in nonforest soils. Distinct LFH horizons were observed across Canada under agriculture such as in no-till fields, tame and native pastures, and in reclaimed soils. They have also been observed in urban areas such as golf courses and grass-recreation fields. LFH horizons could also potentially develop under other nonforest land uses across Canada. Since no-till and native and tame pastures are most dominant in the prairies, the potential for LFH horizons is greatest in this region than elsewhere. However, they may occur anywhere in Canada where accumulation exceeds decomposition of organic material and they contain more than 17% organic carbon by weight or 30% organic matter. Therefore, we propose that the taxonomic criteria for applying LFH horizons be revised and broadened to include nonforest soils and be applicable to any soil order (where relevant) within Canada, and be at the discretion of the field pedologist. It is critical to identify and monitor LFH horizons over time because they are important for soil health, climate change, greenhouse gases, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, soil erosion, and hydrology.
Inter-nucleosomal potentials from nucleosomal positioning data
Authors: Li Kunhe , Oiwa Nestor Norio , Mishra Sujeet Kumar , Heermann Dieter W.
Published: April 2022

No systematic method exists to derive inter-nucleosomal potentials between nucleosomes along a chromosome consistently across a given genome. Such potentials can yield information on nucleosomal ordering, thermal as well as mechanical properties of chromosomes. Thus, indirectly, they shed light on a possible mechanical genomic code along a chromosome. To develop a method yielding effective inter-nucleosomal potentials between nucleosomes, a generalized Lennard-Jones potential for the parameterization is developed based on nucleosomal positioning data. This approach eliminates some of the problems that the underlying nucleosomal positioning data have, rendering the extraction difficult on the individual nucleosomal level. Furthermore, patterns on which to base a classification along a chromosome appear on larger domains, such as hetero- and euchromatin. An intuitive selection strategy for the noisy optimization problem is employed to derive effective exponents for the generalized potential. The method is tested on the Candida albicans genome. Applying k-means clustering based on potential parameters and thermodynamic compressibilities, a genome-wide clustering of nucleosome sequences is obtained for C. albicans. This clustering shows that a chromosome beyond the classical dichotomic categories of hetero- and euchromatin is more feature-rich.
TCA: Telecom Credit Assessment Assisted by Edge Intelligence
Authors: Hu Hao , Du Xu , Qiu Feier , Wang Shiwei
Published: April 2022

With China’s economic transformation into a high-quality development stage, the importance of credit system construction has become increasingly prominent. The problems existing in the current telecom credit system include: (1) insufficient coverage of credit features; (2) traditional credit assessment models are difficult to reflect user credit status objectively, comprehensively and timely; (3) user demand for credit management and credit services are ignored. Due to these deficiencies, a new multi-level credit system is necessary to meet the rapid development of market economy. Telecom operators have large amount of precious data, with the advantages of large-scale, high-precision and data-diversity, which can provide new ideas for the construction of credit system. This work focuses on the current problems and conducts research as follows: design a Telecom Credit Assessment Model based on Boosting and Stacking ensemble techniques, called TCAMBS, to improve the evaluation accuracy, and to select the best model according to the experimental results. On the one hand, this work can promote the innovation of telecom credit assessment models and provide new ideas for the construction of the credit system. On the other hand, this work will also help telecom operations to improve the quality of telecom credit services.
A multiscale stochastic criminal behavior model and the convergence to a piecewise-deterministic-Markov-process limit
Authors: Cai Yiru , Wang Chuntian , Zhang Yuan
Published: April 2022

Ever since the pioneering human–environment interaction model of criminal behavior [M. B. Short, M. R. DOrsogna, V. B. Pasour, G. E. Tita, P. J. Brantingham, A. L. Bertozzi and L. B. Chayes, A statistical model of criminal behavior, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 18 (2008) 1249–1267] was published, many mathematical agent-based residential burglary models have been proposed. In order to reach an improved balance among model accuracy, analysis simplicity and real-world data fitting tractability, we introduce in this paper a multi-scale hybrid interacting-particle-system model of criminal behavior in a discrete setting. We assume that agents’ actions are governed by independent Poisson clocks, while the environment variable evolves on a separate finer discrete spatial-temporal scale. Furthermore, as we refine the second scale to its scaling limit, the hybrid system converges to a piecewise deterministic Markov process (PDMP). Through a martingale approach and infinitesimal generator analysis, we provide a formal derivation for the convergence. Computer simulations of coupled hybrid and PDMP systems both exhibit spatio-temporal aggregates of crime and show excellent agreement between the two, which supports our theoretical derivation of the scaling limit. The methodology and results we develop here indicate a way to establish connections for the proposed crime models.
A BEHAVIORAL CHANGE MODEL TO ASSESS VACCINATION-INDUCED RELAXATION OF SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING AN EPIDEMIC
Authors: BUONOMO BRUNO , DELLA MARCA ROSSELLA , SHARBAYTA SILESHI SINTAYEHU
Published: April 2022

The success of mass vaccination campaigns may be jeopardized by human risky behaviors. For example, high level of vaccination coverage may induce early relaxation of social distancing. In this paper, we focus on the mutual influence between the decline in prevalence, due to the rise in the overall immunization coverage, and the consequent decrease in the compliance to social distancing measures. We consider an epidemic model where both the vaccination rate and the disease transmission rate are influenced by human behavior, which in turn depends on the current and past information about the spread of the disease. We highlight the impact of the information-related parameters on the transient and asymptotic behavior of the system that is on the early stage of the epidemic and its final outcome. Among the main results, we evidence that sustained oscillations may be triggered by the behavioral memory in the prevalence-dependent vaccination rate. However, the relaxation of social distancing may induce a switch from a cyclic regime to damped oscillations.
Intrusion Detection System Model for IoT Networks Using Ensemble Learning
Authors: Ahad Umaira , Singh Yashwant , Anand Pooja , Sheikh Zakir Ahmad , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: April 2022

The capacity to identify breaches and malicious activity inside the Internet of Things (IoT) networks is important for network infrastructure resilience as the dependence on IoT devices and services grows. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) are basic components of network security. IDSs monitor and analyze the activity of a system in a network to identify intrusions. Existing intrusion detection systems (IDS) gather and utilize large amounts of data with irrelevant, unnecessary, and unsuitable characteristics, resulting in long detection times and low accuracy. In this paper, we present an IDS model based on a Random Forest (RF) classifier. NSL-KDD dataset is used to test the performance of the model and the satisfying performance is obtained in terms of accuracy, detection rate, and false alarm rate. The proposed model has attained an average accuracy of 99.3% and 98% for binary classification and multiclass classification, respectively. To demonstrate the efficacy of the suggested model, its accuracy was compared with some existing approaches that utilize other models such as AIDS, ELM and PCA, MapReduce-based hybrid architecture, and DRNN.
Model Updating of a Prestressed Concrete Rigid Frame Bridge Using Multiple Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method and Differential Evolution
Authors: Liu G. , Jiang W.
Published: April 2022

Model updating is a widely adopted method to minimize the error between test results from the real structure and outcomes from the finite element (FE) model for obtaining an accurate and reliable FE model of the target structure. However, uncertainties from the environment, excitation and measurement variability can reduce the accuracy of predictions of the updated FE model. The Bayesian model updating method using multiple Markov chains based on differential evolution adaptive metropolis (DREAM) algorithm is explored, which runs multiple chains simultaneously for a global exploration, and it automatically tunes the scale and orientation of the proposal distribution during the evolution of the posterior distribution. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated numerically with a beam model and a three-span rigid frame bridge. Results show that the DREAM algorithm is capable for updating the FE model in civil engineering. It extends the Bayesian model updating method to multiple Markov chains scenario, which provides higher accuracy than single chain algorithm such as the delayed rejection adaptive metropolis-hastings (DRAM) method. Moreover, results from both examples indicate that the proposed method is insensitive to values of initial parameters, which avoid errors resulting from inappropriate prior knowledge of parameters in the FE model updating.
Structural Similitude for Nonlinear Buckling of Discrete Orthogonally Stiffened Cylindrical Shells Subjected to External Pressure by Energy Approach
Authors: Li Zheng Liang , Wang Jingchao , Yu Wei
Published: April 2022

The body of the new typical dry gasholder is a large stiffened cylindrical shell. Under the constraints of experimental and economic conditions, buckling characteristics of the body of gasholder are generally studied by scaled model experiments. Taking discrete orthogonally [Formula: see text]-shaped stiffened cylindrical shells as the research object, generalized similitude requirements and scaling laws of the structure under external pressure are presented based on discrete stiffened theory and energy method. For partial scaled models with dimple/eigen-mode imperfection and material properties, partial similitude for nonlinear buckling of discrete stiffened cylindrical shells under external pressure is mainly investigated. The results show that using scaling laws for nonlinear buckling of stiffened cylindrical shells under external pressure, scaled models can accurately predict nonlinear buckling characteristic of prototypes. As the deviation of Poisson’s ratio between materials of the model and the prototype increases, the deviation of nonlinear buckling characteristic between the predicted prototype and its prototype increases gradually. At the same time, scaled generalized similitude requirements and scaling laws can provide useful reference for the model design and experimental verification of nonlinear buckling of discrete orthogonally stiffened cylindrical shells with initial geometrical imperfection under external pressure.
Factors Associated with Timing of Syndactyly Release in the United States
Authors: SLEVIN Omer , BEUTEL Bryan G. , OHANA Nissim , MARASCALCHI Bryan , MELAMED Eitan
Published: April 2022

Background: Syndactyly is one of the commonly encountered congenital hand anomalies. However, there are no strict guidelines regarding the timing of surgical release. The aim of this study was to investigate the age and factors associated with syndactyly release in the United States.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the California and Florida State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases for patients aged 18 years or younger who underwent syndactyly release surgery between 2005 and 2011 was performed. Demographic data that included the age at release, gender, race and primary payor (insurance) was collected. A sub-analysis was performed to compare the demographic characteristics between those patients undergoing syndactyly release before 5 years of age (‘Early Release’) and at (of after) 5 years (‘Late Release’).

Results: A total of 2,280 children (68% male, 43% Caucasian) were identified. The mean age of syndactyly release was 3.6 years, and 72.9% of patients underwent release before the age of 5 years. A significantly larger proportion of females (p = 0.002), and Hispanics and African Americans (p = 0.024), underwent late release compared to early release. Additionally, a significantly higher percentage of patients undergoing late release utilised private insurance (p = 0.005). However, the actual differences in gender, race and primary payor were small.

Conclusion: The majority of syndactyly releases were performed before school age, which is the primary goal in the management of syndactyly. While gender and racial disparities in the surgical treatment of syndactyly may exist, the differences in the present study were relatively small.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Mid-term Outcomes of Treatment of Fracture Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint with Gexfinger®–A New Dynamic External Fixator
Authors: BOUVET Cindy , BEAULIEU Jean-Yves , LIU Kun , VAN AAKEN Jan
Published: April 2022

Background: Fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) are challenging injuries and a dynamic external fixator frame is often used. We devised a dynamic external fixator device called the Gexfinger® that allows greater control of the degree of traction. The aim of this study is to report the mid-term outcomes of this device.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with fracture dislocation of the PIPJ who were treated with the Gexfinger® over a 3-year period. Clinical data with regard to the patient, the injury, treatment and period of follow-up were recorded. The outcome measures included time to return to work, arc of motion at the interphalangeal joints, grip strength, visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, patient satisfaction and complications.

Results: We studied 26 patients (17 men and 9 women) with an average age of 38 years. The average articular surface involvement was 56%. The mean period between injury and surgery was 6 days and the frames were maintained for 5.5 weeks on average. The mean follow-up period was 8.5 weeks. All patients returned to work at an average of 7 weeks. The mean arc of motion at the PIPJ and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) were 82° and 65°, respectively and the mean grip strength was 83% of the contralateral side. 22 patients reported no pain at the final follow-up. Fifteen patients were very satisfied, 8 satisfied and 3 unsatisfied. Two patients had stiffness of the PIPJ.

Conclusions: The mid-term outcomes of the Gexfinger® are similar to other methods of dynamic traction described in literature. It is modular, easy to assemble and allows a greater control of the degree of traction. In combination with additional screws and/or K-wires, it has allowed us to treat a wide spectrum of PIPJ fracture dislocations with good outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
The Impact of Dupuytren Disease on Recovery of Motion at the Knee after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: VAN NUFFEL Maarten , VANDENNEUCKER Hilde , KELLENS Sebastiaan , RUMES Nanou , DEGREEF Ilse
Published: April 2022

Background: Arthrofibrosis is a complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that can lead to poor outcome. Idiopathic arthrofibrosis and Dupuytren disease (DD) have similar histological appearance. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of DD on the recovery of motion after TKAy.

Methods: Patients older than 50 who underwent a TKA for primary osteoarthritis were examined 1 year later for the presence of DD. They were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of DD. The groups were compared to each other with regard to arc of motion (AOM) of the operated knee at 6 weeks and 1 year; the need for additional measures to improve the AOM, and the effect of obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 30].

Results: The study included 61 patients of which 25 (41%) had DD. There was no difference in AOM at 6 weeks or 1 year between the two groups. Patients in the DD group required a greater number of additional measures to improve AOM. Also, non-obese patients (BMI < 30) in the DD group had lower AOM at 1 year.

Conclusions: Patients in the DD group needed additional physiotherapy or manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) to achieve the same AOM. This might indicate a possible connection between DD and post-operative stiffness of the knee. Identifying patients with DD in the pre-operative period may help recognise patients who may have difficulty in regaining AOM after TKA.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Comparison of Wrist Motion and Grip Strength between Normal Caucasian, Southern Chinese and Japanese Populations
Authors: WOLLSTEIN Ronit , TSUSUKAMATO Yoshihiro , HUANG Shengnan , HO Pak-cheong , MAK Michael Chu-kay , IKEGUCHI Ryosuke
Published: April 2022

Background: Differences in structure and function of the hand and wrist between distinct populations affect our approach to treatment, expectations and functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare wrist motion and grip strength in Caucasian, Chinese and Japanese populations.

Methods: A total of 424 normal wrists were evaluated that included 99 Japanese, 139 Caucasian and 186 Southern Chinese. Demographic information collected included age, gender, hand dominance and occupation. Evaluation included measurement of active motion and grip strength. Motion was measured using a goniometer. Grip strength was evaluated using a JAMAR dynamometer. Demographic information and evaluation was compared among the three cohorts using statistical tests. Multivariate mixed-effect model was further used to assess the racial impact on each evaluation controlling for demographic factors as well as two-hand measurements of everyone.

Results: There was no difference in global wrist motion between the cohorts. We did find significant differences between the cohorts in all discrete measurements.

Conclusions: Differences in wrist motion and grip strength between normal Japanese, Chinese and Caucasian populations may be due to bony structure rather than soft tissue properties. Knowledge of these disparities can provide references for personalised wrist examination, diagnosis, treatment and comparison of outcomes between different cohorts.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic)
Surgical Treatment of Camptodactyly with Malek Cutaneous Approach and Stepwise Release: A Retrospective Multi-centre Study
Authors: CORAIN Massimo , LANDO Mario , PANTALEONI Filippo , POZZA Paolo , GIARDINI Mattia , ADANI Roberto
Published: April 2022

Background: Clinical manifestations of camptodactyly are varied and no official consensus on the etiopathogenesis or best treatment is available. Conservative treatment is generally preferred and, in refractory patients, surgery might be considered. However, reported results of surgery are often unsatisfactory and it is difficult to compare outcomes as different classification systems are adopted. We reported the outcomes of surgical treatment of camptodactyly with the Malek cutaneous approach and stepwise release, assessed using the Siegert classification.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of paediatric patients (≥1 and ≤18 years) with congenital camptodactyly refractory to conservative management (flexion contracture >30°), treated with Malek cutaneous approach and stepwise release surgery between June 2009 and June 2019 with at least 1 year of follow-up was performed. Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiographic assessments were evaluated for degrees of flexion contractures and early (<30 days) or late (>30 days) complications were recorded.

Results: A total of 59 patients underwent surgery, of whom 38 (64%), including 42 fingers, were enrolled; mean patient age was 8 years (range 1–18). Post-operative mean flexion contracture was significantly improved (p > 0.001) and no infections were recorded. Mean follow-up was 6 years (range 1–10) and proximal interphalangeal joint extension deficits were rated according to Siegert classification as excellent (69%), good (12%), or fair (9.5%) and poor (9.5%).

Conclusions: The Malek cutaneous approach and stepwise release of the retracting soft tissues allow prompt evaluation of the anatomical structures involved in the deformity and seem to be an effective surgical correction in the long term.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Open Foveal Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears Associated with Symptomatic Ulnar Styloid Non-union
Authors: LEE Kyoung Hwan , SHIM Bum Jin , GONG Hyun Sik
Published: April 2022

Background: Symptomatic ulnar styloid non-union can be treated by excision of the ulnar styloid fragment. For combined triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, several repair techniques such as arthroscopic repair, open repair to the fracture site or reconstruction using a tendon graft have been introduced. This study reports the technique and outcomes of open foveal repair of the TFCC with excision of the ulnar styloid fragment in patients with symptomatic ulnar styloid non-union and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.

Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic ulnar styloid non-union with TFCC tears and DRUJ instability who underwent excision of the ulnar styloid fragment and open foveal repair of the TFCC were retrospectively reviewed. After excising the ulnar styloid fragment, a capsular window was created between the triquetrum and TFCC, followed by attaching the TFCC to the fovea using three sutures through a bone tunnel from the ulnar cortex to the fovea. Additional ulnar shortening osteotomies were performed in patients with positive ulnar variance and ulnar impaction test. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of DRUJ stability and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores.

Results: In total, 21 patients with a mean age of 40 were enrolled in the study. All patients demonstrated DRUJ stability at a mean follow-up duration of 14 months. The mean Quick DASH score significantly improved from 18.9 ± 11.7 to 2.5 ± 4.1 (p < 0.05). Eleven patients underwent combined ulnar shortening osteotomies, and no difference in the Quick DASH score was found between patients who underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy and those who did not.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that open foveal repair of the TFCC with ulnar styloid fragment excision is an effective strategy to surgically treat patients with symptomatic ulnar styloid non-union with TFCC tear and DRUJ instability.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Outcomes of Multiple Digit Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Swanson Arthroplasty Done at a Single Operation
Authors: HOURSTON George , BEGUM Rumina , SARKER Shahrier , CHOJNOWSKI Adrian
Published: April 2022

Background: Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthroplasty using a Swanson implant is commonly used for the treatment of PIPJ arthritis despite newer implants being available. Many patients develop arthritis in more than one digit and some tend to have multiple digits operated on in their lifetime. There is paucity of literature on the outcomes of multiple PIPJ arthroplasty in one sitting. The aim of this study is to determine the outcomes of PIPJ arthroplasty using a Swanson implant done for multiple digits at one sitting.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of multiple Swanson PIPJ arthroplasty during a single operation from 2008 to 2018 in 13 patients (43 arthroplasties). We compared pre- and post-operative results of flexion/extension arcs, grip and pinch strength and questionnaires subsequently compared QuickDASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) scores. Data were analysed with a Mann–Whitney U test.

Results: Patients on average attended 5.6 hand therapy sessions over 5.1 months post-operatively. Average flexion/extension arc improved from 31.9° pre-operatively to 37.2° post-operatively. Average grip strength increased from 7.2 kg to 10.2 kg. The QuickDASH, PEM and VAS scores improved in keeping with the reported literature. There were no implant failures.

Conclusion: We demonstrate similar outcomes for multi-digit Swanson PIPJ arthroplasty compared to the literature for single digit Swanson PIPJ arthroplasty. We conclude that multi-digit arthroplasty in a single operation is safe and effective.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Haunted House: Physical Smart Home Event Verification in the Presence of Compromised Sensors
Authors: Birnbach Simon , Eberz Simon , Martinovic Ivan
Published: April 2022

In this article, we verify physical events using data from an ensemble of smart home sensors. This approach both protects against event sensor faults and sophisticated attackers.

To validate our system’s performance, we set up a “smart home” in an office environment. We recognize 22 event types using 48 sensors over the course of two weeks. Using data from the physical sensors, we verify the event stream supplied by the event sensors to detect both masking and spoofing attacks.

We consider three threat models: a zero-effort attacker, an opportunistic attacker, and a sensor-compromise attacker who can arbitrarily modify live sensor data. For spoofed events, we achieve perfect classification for 9 out of 22 events and achieve a 0% false alarm rate at a detection rate exceeding 99.9% for 15 events. For 11 events the majority of masking attacks can be detected without causing any false alarms. We also show that even a strong opportunistic attacker is inherently limited to spoofing few select events and that doing so involves lengthy waiting periods. Finally, we demonstrate the vulnerability of a single-classifier system to compromised sensor data and introduce a more secure approach based on sensor fusion.
Fast Concurrent Data Sketches
Authors: Rinberg Arik , Spiegelman Alexander , Bortnikov Edward , Hillel Eshcar , Keidar Idit , Rhodes Lee , Serviansky Hadar
Published: April 2022

Data sketches are approximate succinct summaries of long data streams. They are widely used for processing massive amounts of data and answering statistical queries about it. Existing libraries producing sketches are very fast, but do not allow parallelism for creating sketches using multiple threads or querying them while they are being built. We present a generic approach to parallelising data sketches efficiently and allowing them to be queried in real time, while bounding the error that such parallelism introduces. Utilising relaxed semantics and the notion of strong linearisability, we prove our algorithm’s correctness and analyse the error it induces in some specific sketches. Our implementation achieves high scalability while keeping the error small. We have contributed one of our concurrent sketches to the open-source data sketches library.
Joinable Parallel Balanced Binary Trees
Authors: Blelloch Guy , Ferizovic Daniel , Sun Yihan
Published: April 2022

In this article, we show how a single function,
join
, can be used to implement parallel
balanced binary search trees
(
BSTs
) simply and efficiently. Based on
join
, our approach applies to multiple balanced tree data structures, and a variety of functions for ordered sets and maps. We describe our technique as an algorithmic framework called
join-based algorithms
. We show that the
join
function fully captures what is needed for rebalancing trees for a variety of tree algorithms, as long as the balancing scheme satisfies certain properties, which we refer to as
joinable
trees. We discuss four balancing schemes that are joinable: AVL trees, red-black trees, weight-balanced trees, and treaps. We present a variety of tree algorithms that apply to joinable trees, including
insert
,
delete
,
union
,
intersection
,
difference
,
split
,
range
,
filter
, and so on, most of them also parallel. These algorithms are generic across balancing schemes. Many algorithms are optimal in the comparison model, and we provide a general proof to show the efficiency in work for joinable trees. The algorithms are highly parallel, all with polylogarithmic span (parallel dependence). Specifically, the set-set operations
union
,
intersection
, and
difference
have work

\( O(m\log (\frac{n}{m}+1)) \)

and polylogarithmic span for input set sizes

\( n \)

and

\( m\le n \)

.

We implemented and tested our algorithms on the four balancing schemes. In general, all four schemes have quite similar performance, but the weight-balanced tree slightly outperforms the others. They have the same speedup characteristics, getting around 73

\( \times \)

speedup on 72 cores (144 hyperthreads). Experimental results also show that our implementation outperforms existing parallel implementations, and our sequential version achieves close or much better performance than the sequential merging algorithm in C++ Standard Template Library (STL) on various input sizes.
In Situ XAS Investigation of K4Fe(CN)6·xH2O and K3Fe(CN)6 Redox Activity in Solid-State Supercapacitors
Authors: Mansour Azzam N. , Ko Jonathan K. , Zhou Xiangyang , Wang Yuchen , Qiao Xiaoyao , Yan Zhiwei , Akin Mert , Zhang Chen , Balasubramanian Mahalingam
Published: April 2022

We examined the redox activity of commercially obtained K4Fe(CN)6·xH2O and K3Fe(CN)6 incorporated in an asymmetric solid-state supercapacitors (SCs) using combined cyclic voltammetry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) under in situ conditions. The cyclic voltammetry measurements were done at 10 mV s−1 between −2 and + 2 V while the XAS measurements were conducted in transmission mode at the Advanced Photon Source. The asymmetric SCs were constructed with one electrode containing activated carbon (AC) and another electrode containing a mixture of AC and K4Fe(CN)6·xH2O or K3Fe(CN)6 sandwiched between a PVDF/LiTFS membrane. We show that K4Fe(CN)6·xH2O is stable while Fe(III) in K3Fe(CN)6 is reduced to Fe(II) as a result of the electrode synthesis procedures. The complete reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) in K3Fe(CN)6 during the synthesis procedures is believed to be due to the interaction with lithium from the LiTFS salt and the formation of LiK3Fe(CN)6. Based on the energy shifts in the XANES data, about 50% of the Fe in both K4Fe(CN)6·xH2O and the reduced form of K3Fe(CN)6 is oxidized and reduced between Fe(III) and Fe(II) during electrochemical cycling between −2 and +2 V. The associated changes in the coordination distances and disorders of the first (Fe-C) and second (Fe-N) shells were also quantified and discussed.
Electrochemically Fabricated SrGa2S4:Eu/ZnO-Vertical Nanowire Bilayer Scintillator for X-ray Imaging
Authors: Ohara Hikaru , Wakazuki Sachiko , Khoo Pei Loon , Kobayashi Masakazu , Nakanishi Azusa , Nakamura Masashi , Watase Seiji , Shinozaki Jun-ichi , Izaki Masanobu
Published: April 2022

Scintillators, which convert high-energy rays such as X-rays and positrons into visible and ultraviolet light, are incorporated as radiation detectors in X-ray computer tomography (X-ray CT) and positron emission tomography (PET), which system performances highly depends on the characteristics of the scintillator used. In this study, SrGa2S4:Eu/ZnO vertical nanowires (ZnO-vnws) bilayer scintillators were fabricated by electrodeposition of ZnO-vnws followed by electrophoresis deposition of SrGa2S4:Eu particles, and their structure, optical properties, and scintillator characteristics were evaluated. The ZnO-vnws were composed of vertically aligned ZnO nanowires with an excellent (001) out-of-plane orientation, and the SrGa2S4:Eu layer was composed of particles adhered to the ZnO-vnws. The SrGa2S4:Eu/ZnO-vnws bilayer scintillators emitted visible light at a wavelength of 533 nm with a lifetime of 0.389 μs and functioned as a scintillator for X-ray irradiation. The resolution and luminescence intensity of the SrGa2S4:Eu/ZnO-vnws bilayer scintillators were improved by the introduction of the ZnO-vnws layer, when compared with those of the ZnO-vnws-free-SrGa2S4:Eu layer, when the thickness ratio of SrGa2S4:Eu layer to ZnO-nws length were 1.1 ∼1.3. The SrGa2S4:Eu/ZnO-vnws bilayer scintillator revealed a spatial resolution of 6.8 μm, which was slightly larger than 5.4 μm of a ready-made LuAG single-crystal scintillator.
CTRP14 inactivation alters physical activity and food intake response to fasting and refeeding
Authors: Sarver Dylan C. , Xu Cheng , Aja Susan , Wong G. William
Published: April 2022

CTRP14 is a secreted protein whose function in the peripheral tissues is largely unknown. We show that the expression of Ctrp14 in peripheral tissues is regulated by metabolic and nutritional state. We generated mice lacking CTRP14 and show that CTRP14 deficiency alters physical activity and food intake in response to fasting and refeeding. Our data has provided new and valuable information on the physiological function of CTRP14.
The Aerial Parts of Bupleurum Chinense DC. Aromatic Oil Attenuate Kainic Acid‐Induced Epilepsy‐Like Behavior and Its Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Li Xiaomao , Liu Yan , Wang Siyi , Jiang Yikai , Algradi Adnan Mohammed , Zhou Yuanyuan , Pan Juan , Guan Wei , Kuang Haixue , Yang Bingyou
Published: April 2022

The aerial parts of Bupleurum Chinense DC. aromatic oil (BAO) were a well‐known Chinese herbal medicine plant extract used to treat epilepsy. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of BAO on kainic acid‐ (KA‐) induced epileptic rats and the possible mechanism of its antiepileptic effect. The composition and content of BAO were analyzed by GC‐MS, and BAO was administered orally to alleviate the epileptic behavior induced by KA brain injection. The behavior of epileptic rats was determined by Racine grading criteria. And hematoxylin‐eosin staining (HE), Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, Elisa, Western blot, and other methods were used to study the antiepileptic mechanism of BAO, and the possible mechanism was verified by the epileptic cell model of hippocampal neurons induced by the low‐Mg2+ extracellular fluid. BAO was mainly composed of terpenoids and aliphatic compounds. And BAO could improve KA‐induced epilepsy‐like behavior, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter abnormalities in the hippocampus. Furthermore, BAO could regulate the expression of GABA, NMDAR1, Notch1, and MAP2 to improve the symptoms of epilepsy. These results were also validated at the cellular level. These results indicated that BAO could alleviate the epilepsy‐like behavior through the action of the Notch/NMDAR/GABA pathway.
Role of Family Ownership in the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Performance
Authors: Setiawan Doddy , Asrihapsari Andi , Brahmana Rayenda Khresna , Rizky Harumi Puspa , Widawati Mega Wahyu
Published: April 2022

This study examines the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm performance in Indonesia. Most Indonesian companies are family‐owned; therefore, it is important to consider the family ownership’s role in the relationship between CSR and firm performance. The study sample consists of 285 Indonesian listed firms for the period 2015–2019. Our results show that CSR positively affects performance. Companies that conduct more CSR activities perform better, indicating their importance. Further, the interaction between family ownership and CSR negatively affects firm performance. Therefore, family ownership weakens the positive effects of CSR. Family owners have significant disincentives for the CSR’s positive effect in improving firm performance.
The Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Diamond Joined-Wing Morphing Aircraft
Authors: Miao Shuai , Ma Xiaoyong , Chen Cheng , He Binhua , Huang Yong
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a new-concept aircraft with a diamond joined-wing morphing configuration, which simultaneously adjusts the sweep angles of both the front wing and rear wings by a telescopic support rod. The compressible Navier-Stokes equations in the conservative form are solved to analyze the configuration characteristics and the aerodynamic benefits of this aircraft with different values of sweep angle (15°, 60°) and Mach number. The maximum lift-to-drag ratio is about 13.5 at

M
=
0.5

and

α
=

4

°

, 12.8 at

M
=
0.75

and

α
=

4

°

, and 3.4 at

M
=
1.5

and

α
=

6

°

, respectively. Compared with traditional morphing aircraft, the main advantages of this configuration include better transonic and supersonic performance, better lift characteristics in the state of a high-aspect ratio, and lower zero-lift drag in the supersonic state. The lift ratio of the front and rear wings shows a good similarity at different Mach numbers, especially for the 15° model, and the value eventually tends to be 1.3 at

α
=

12

°

. Meanwhile, the flow field characteristics and interference characteristics of the front and rear wings are studied. The increase in the angle of attack, incoming flow velocity, and distance between the front and rear wings can reduce the interference between front and rear wings. The influence from upstream components is proven to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the rear wing, especially at

α
=

8

°

.
Studying the Coupling and Coordination of Regional Economic and University Development Levels Based on a Deep Learning Model
Authors: Bai Yongfeng , Song Zaixun , Cui Weimiao
Published: April 2022

Universities are not only an important foundation of China's education but also have an important role in promoting the development of the local economy. The interaction between local universities and regional economic development is very significant, and the two promote each other and develop symbiotically. This paper designs a coupled coordination model based on autoencoder (AE) for the development level of regional economy and higher education institutions, and this paper analyses the mutual needs between local universities and regional economy in terms of talent demand, technology research, and material base puts forward the potential advantages of symbiosis, points out the weaknesses and shortcomings in the current symbiotic development, provides a basis for the symbiotic development of the two, and provokes thoughts to promote the symbiosis and win-win situation between the two.
Research on Evaluation Algorithm of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Effect of College Graduates Based on DL
Authors: Jing Guo
Published: April 2022

In recent years, there have been more than 7 million college graduates in China every year. Management, teachers, teaching, family, and society. Finally, a summary of the whole article is made. Deep learning (DL) emphasizes the understanding, application, and creation of knowledge and forms a natural close relationship with the cultivation of innovation and entrepreneurship. DL with thinking training, knowledge migration, the flexible use of the learning method, learning state of balance and other characteristics, to improve college students’ knowledge absorptive capacity, knowledge integration capability, knowledge conversion capability, and knowledge application ability, improve students’ ability of knowledge creation, and then improve the ability of innovative undertaking. Therefore, the cultivation of college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship ability (EA) based on DL should start with the construction of teaching design, the reform of teaching methods and methods, and the innovation of teaching assessment methods. Deepening the reform of innovation and entrepreneurship education is an important way for universities to put students first, improve the talent training system, and improve the talent training level. It is the key content for universities to further promote the reform of innovation and entrepreneurship education to create specialized courses, build high-quality courses in innovation and entrepreneurship education, improve the teaching effectiveness of innovation and entrepreneurship education, and realize more effective learning for students.
Contrast Enhancement in Mammograms Using Convolution Neural Networks for Edge Computing Systems
Authors: Hashmi Adeel , Juneja Abhinav , Kumar Naresh , Gupta Deepali , Turabieh Hamza , Dhingra Grima , Jha Ravi Shankar , Bitsue Zelalem Kiros
Published: April 2022

A good contrast is significant for analysis of medical images, and if the images have poor contrast, then some methods of contrast enhancement can be of much benefit. In this paper, a convolution neural network-based transfer learning approach is utilized for contrast enhancement of mammographic images. The experiments are conducted on ISP and MIAS datasets, where ISP dataset is used for training and MIAS dataset is used for testing (contrast enhancement). Experimental comparison of the proposed technique is done with the most popular direct and indirect contrast enhancement techniques such as CLAHE, BBHE, RMSHE, and contrast stretching. A qualitative comparison is done using mean square error (MSE), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR). It is observed that the proposed technique outperforms the other techniques HE, RMSHE, CLAHE, BBHE, and contrast stretching.
The Significance of Three-Dimensional Team Management in the Medical Community Model for Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes
Authors: Lu Xiaoli , Tang Hualiang , Xu Tan , Song Xuehui , Jiang Fei , Zheng Xie , Li Yang
Published: April 2022

Diabetes and hypertension are the most common diseases and often coexist. Currently, hypertension is the most widespread chronic disease in China. To explore the value of three-dimensional team management in improving the effect of the management of primary diabetes and hypertension in patients in the medical community model, the expert team at the Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology of Anji County People’s Hospital is selected to train 59 community general practitioners in the medical community model (the study group adopts the three-dimensional team management model in the medical community model), and another 59 community medical general practitioners adopts the conventional training method (the control group). The two groups of doctors managed patients with diabetes and hypertension who are registered in the jurisdiction (200 patients per group) as per the respective training methods. The three-dimensional management of the team under the medical community model significantly improves the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of grassroot general practitioners to better control patients’ diabetes and hypertension levels.