bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Inflammation and Altered Gut Microbiota Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Render Mice Susceptible to Clostridioides difficile Colonization and Infection
Authors: Abernathy-Close Lisa , Barron Madeline R. , George James M. , Dieterle Michael G. , Vendrov Kimberly C. , Bergin Ingrid L. , Young Vincent B.
Published: June 2021

The incidence of
C. difficile
infection (CDI) has increased significantly among patients with IBD, independently of antibiotic use, yet the relationship between IBD and increased risk for CDI remains to be understood. Our study sought to describe and utilize an antibiotic-independent mouse model to specifically explore the relationship between the IBD-associated gut and susceptibility to
C. difficile
colonization and CDI development.
Isolated cortical vein thrombosis in a young male adult
Authors: Pentareddy Lourdu Sireesha , Nava Suarez Corina Cristina , Caesario Darell , Jesmajian Stephen
Published: June 2021

Isolated cortical vein thrombosis (ICVT) is a rare entity and accounts for only 6.3% of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis. ICVT is an uncommon cause of seizures in young adults. We present a 27-year-old man with no medical history who presented with dizziness, loss of consciousness and a seizure-like episode. The patient was found to have an elevated D-dimer and brain imaging revealed ICVT. The patient was started on anticoagulation and antiseizure medications. A high index of suspicion for uncommon aetiologies for new-onset seizure, especially in the young, is key to accurate diagnosis of ICVT. Evaluation and work-up should include detailed physical examination, along with appropriate brain imaging and testing for other conditions that predispose venous thrombosis. In the setting of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, testing for COVID-19 may also be warranted. Rapid diagnosis and full anticoagulation can help avoid debilitating complications and long-term sequelae.
Bladder leiomyoma masquerading as a ureterocele
Authors: Grice Peter , O'Dowd Sophie , Parkinson Richard , Bazo Alvaro
Published: June 2021

We present a unique case of bladder leiomyoma that was mistakenly diagnosed as a ureterocele. The delay in diagnosis meant ongoing significant voiding lower urinary tract symptoms, which could have been avoided. This was eventually successfully treated by transurethral resection. Leiomyoma is the most common benign bladder mass and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a smooth mass with normal overlying mucosa is seen on cystoscopy or a homogeneous, low density bladder mass is seen on cross-sectional imaging. Despite the benign nature of the lesion, leiomyoma can convey significant morbidity to the patient.
Coexistence of diabetic ketoacidosis and thyrotoxicosis: a jeopardy of two endocrine emergencies
Authors: Ahmad Soban , Yousaf Amman , Muhammad Shoaib , Ghaffar Fariha
Published: June 2021

Simultaneous occurrences of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm have long been known, but only a few cases have been reported to date. Both these endocrine emergencies demand timely diagnosis and management to prevent adverse outcomes. Due to the similarities in their clinical presentation, DKA can mask the diagnosis of thyroid storm and vice versa. This case report describes a patient with Graves’ disease who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He was found to have severe DKA without an explicit history of diabetes mellitus. Further evaluation revealed that the patient also had a concomitant thyroid storm that was the likely cause of his DKA. Early recognition and appropriate management of both conditions resulted in a favourable outcome. This paper emphasises that a simultaneous thyroid storm diagnosis should be considered in patients with DKA, especially those with a known history of thyroid disorders.
Quality of care for people with multimorbidity: a focus group study with patients and their relatives
Authors: Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Schulze Josefine , Hoeflich Charlotte , Glassen Katharina , Breckner Amanda , Szecsenyi Joachim , Lühmann Dagmar , Scherer Martin
Published: June 2021

Background

Prevalence of people with multimorbidity rises. Multimorbidity constitutes a challenge to the healthcare system, and treatment of patients with multimorbidity is prone to high-quality variations. Currently, no set of quality indicators (QIs) exists to assess quality of care, let alone incorporating the patient perspective. We therefore aim to identify aspects of quality of care relevant to the patients’ perspective and match them to a literature-based set of QIs.

Methods

We conducted eight focus groups with patients with multimorbidity and three focus groups with patients’ relatives using a semistructured guide. Data were analysed using Kuckartz’s qualitative content analysis. We derived deductive categories from the literature, added inductive categories (new quality aspects) and translated them into QI.

Results

We created four new QIs based on the quality aspects relevant to patients/relatives. Two QIs (patient education/self-management, regular updates of medication plans) were consented by an expert panel, while two others were not (periodical check-ups, general practitioner-coordinated care). Half of the literature-based QIs, for example, assessment of biopsychosocial support needs, were supported by participants’ accounts, while more technical domains regarding assessment and treatment regimens were not addressed in the focus groups.

Conclusion

We show that focus groups with patients and relatives adding relevant aspects in QI development should be incorporated by default in QI development processes and constitute a reasonable addition to traditional QI development. Our QI set constitutes a framework for assessing the quality of care in the German healthcare system. It will facilitate implementation of treatment standards and increase the use of existing guidelines, hereby helping to reduce overuse, underuse and misuse of healthcare resources in the treatment of patients with multimorbidity.

Trial registration number

German clinical trials registry (DRKS00015718), Pre-Results.
Public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines: cross-national evidence on levels and individual-level predictors using observational data
Authors: Lindholt Marie Fly , Jørgensen Frederik , Bor Alexander , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The management of the COVID-19 pandemic hinges on the approval of safe and effective vaccines but, equally importantly, on high vaccine acceptance among people. To facilitate vaccine acceptance via effective health communication, it is key to understand levels of vaccine scepticism and the demographic, psychological and political predictors. To this end, we examine the levels and predictors of acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Design, setting and participants

We examine the levels and predictors of acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine in large online surveys from eight Western democracies that differ in terms of the severity of the pandemic and their response: Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Italy, UK and USA (total N=18 231). Survey respondents were quota sampled to match the population margins on age, gender and geographical location for each country. The study was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021, allowing us to assess changes in acceptance and predictors as COVID-19 vaccine programmes were rolled out.

Outcome measure

The outcome of the study is self-reported acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine approved and recommended by health authorities.

Results

The data reveal large variations in vaccine acceptance that ranges from 83% in Denmark to 47% in France and Hungary. Lack of vaccine acceptance is associated with lack of trust in authorities and scientists, conspiratorial thinking and a lack of concern about COVID-19.

Conclusion

Most national levels of vaccine acceptance fall below estimates of the required threshold for herd immunity. The results emphasise the long-term importance of building trust in preparations for health emergencies such as the current pandemic. For health communication, the results emphasise the importance of focusing on personal consequences of infections and debunking of myths to guide communication strategies.
Immune landscape and subtypes in primary resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma: prognostic significance and predictive of therapeutic response
Authors: Diao Pengfei , Jiang Yue , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Xiang , Li Jin , Zhou Chen , Jiang Lei , Zhang Wei , Yan Enshi , Zhang Ping , Ding Xu , Wu Heming , Yuan Hua , Ye Jinhai , Song Xiaomeng , Wan Linzhong , Wu Yunong , Jiang Hongbing , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: June 2021

Background

Immune landscape of cancer has been increasingly recognized as a key feature affecting disease progression, prognosis and therapeutic response. Here, we sought to comprehensively characterize the patterns of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIs) in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and develop immune features-derived models for prognostication and therapeutic prediction.

Methods

A total number of 392 patients with OSCC receiving ablative surgery at three independent centers were retrospectively enrolled and defined as training, testing and validation cohorts. Detailed features of 12 types of TIIs at center of tumor and invasive margin were assessed by immunohistochemistry coupled with digital quantification. TIIs abundance in OSCC was also estimated by bioinformatics approaches using multiple publicly available data sets. Prognostic models based on selected immune features were trained via machine learning approach, validated in independent cohorts and evaluated by time-dependent area under the curves and concordance index (C-index). Immune types of OSCC were further identified by consensus clustering and their associations with genetic, molecular features and patient survival were clarified.

Results

Patterns of TIIs infiltration varied among patients and dynamically evolved along with tumor progression. Prognostic models based on selected TIIs were identified as efficient and sensitive biomarkers to stratify patients into subgroups with favorable or inferior survival as well as responders or non-responders to postoperative radiotherapy or immunotherapy. These models outperformed multiple conventional biomarkers and immune-related scores in prognostic prediction. Furthermore, we identified two main immune subtypes of OSCC (immune-hot and immune-cold) which harbored characteristic TIIs infiltrations and genomic and molecular features, and associated with patient survival.

Conclusions

Our results delineated immune landscape and subtypes in OSCC, consolidated their clinical values as robust biomarkers to predict patient survival and therapeutic benefits and reinforced key roles of TIIs and tumor-immune interactions underlying oral tumorigenesis, ultimately facilitating development of tailed immunotherapeutic strategies.
Pan-cancer analysis of CD274 (PD-L1) mutations in 314,631 patient samples and subset correlation with PD-L1 protein expression
Authors: Huang Richard S.P. , Decker Brennan , Murugesan Karthikeyan , Hiemenz Matthew , Mata Douglas A. , Li Gerald , Creeden James , Ramkissoon Shakti H. , Ross Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2021

Background

The effects of non-amplification short variant (SV) mutations in CD274 (programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)) on PD-L1 protein expression and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) therapy are unknown. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of CD274 mutations detected by comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and correlate these results with tumor-cell PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based expression assessment to better understand the relationship between mutations and protein expression of PD-L1.

Methods

CGP was performed on hybridization-captured, adaptor ligation-based libraries using DNA and/or RNA extracted from 314,631 tumor samples that were sequenced for up to 406 cancer-related genes and select gene rearrangements. PD-L1 IHC was performed on a subset of cases (n=58,341) using the DAKO 22C3 PD-L1 IHC assay and scored with the tumor proportion score (TPS).

Results

Overall, the prevalence of CD274 SV mutations was low (0.3%, 1081/314,631) with 577 unique variants. The most common CD274 SV mutations were R260H (n=51), R260C (n=18), R125Q (n=12), C272fs*13 (n=11), R86W (n=10), and R113H (n=10). The prevalence of CD274 mutations varied depending on tumor type with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (1.9%, 19/997), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (1.6%, 14/868), endometrial adenocarcinoma (1.0%, 36/3740), unknown primary melanoma (0.9%, 33/3679), and cutaneous melanoma (0.8%, 32/3874) having the highest frequency of mutations. Of the R260H cases concurrently tested with PD-L1 IHC, most (81.8%, 9/11) had no PD-L1 expression, which contrasts to the five E237K cases where most (80%, 4/5) had PD-L1 expression. In addition, we saw a significantly lower level of PD-L1 expression in samples with a clonal truncating variant (nonsense or frameshift indel) when compared with samples with a subclonal truncating variants (mean: TPS=1 vs TPS=38; p<0.001), and also in clonal versus subclonal missense mutations (mean: TPS=11 vs TPS=22, respectively; p=0.049)

Conclusions

We defined the landscape of CD274 mutations in a large cohort of tumor types that can be used as a reference for examining CD274 mutations as potential resistance biomarkers for ICPI. Furthermore, we presented novel data on the correlation of CD274 mutations and PD-L1 protein expression, providing important new information on the potential functionality of these mutations and can serve as a basis for future research.
E-cigarette manufacturers’ compliance with clinical trial reporting expectations: a case series of registered trials by Juul Labs
Authors: DeVito Nicholas J , Drysdale Henry , McKee Martin , Goldacre Ben
Published: June 2021

Background

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a frequently debated topic in public health. It is essential that clinical trials examining e-cigarettes are fully and accurately reported, especially given long-standing concerns about tobacco industry research. We assess the reporting of clinical trials sponsored by Juul Labs, the largest e-cigarette company in the USA, against accepted reporting standards.

Methods

We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for all trials sponsored by Juul Labs and determined those with registry data consistent with coverage by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act 2007 (FDAAA). For trials with a primary completion date more than 1 year earlier, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov, the academic literature and a Juul-funded research database (JLI Science) for results. For located results, we compared reported outcomes with registered outcomes in line with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) reporting guidelines.

Results

We located five registered trials sponsored by Juul Labs that appeared covered by the FDAAA 2007 in the public data. All five trials did not have results available on ClinicalTrials.gov. We found one publication and four poster presentations reporting results for four of the five covered trials outside of ClinicalTrials.gov. Of 61 specified outcomes, 28 were CONSORT compliant. Specific outcome reporting issues are detailed.

Discussion

Our findings raise substantial concerns regarding these trials. Clinicians, public health professionals, and the public cannot make informed choices about the benefits or hazards of e-cigarettes if the results of clinical trials are not completely and transparently reported. Clarification and potential enforcement of reporting laws may be required.
Gynogenetic diploids, tetraploids, or octoploids, and a path to polyploidy in anuran amphibians
Authors: Bogart James P.
Published: June 2021

Unreduced gametes have been implicated in the evolution of polyploid species of plants and animals and are normally produced by female anuran amphibians. Such eggs may initiate the evolution of polyploid species that have arisen independently in several anuran families. Polyploid females could also produce unreduced eggs that might lead to species with higher ploidy levels, or their eggs may develop gynogenetically to reduce the ploidy level. Diploid Hyla chrysoscelis (2n = 24) and tetraploid H. versicolor (4n = 48) are sibling cryptic species of North American grey treefrogs. Artificial crosses using H. versicolor females and genetically distant diploid males were performed to produce haploid H. versicolor and to assess the production of unreduced eggs in this tetraploid species. Gynogenetic diploid (haploid H. versicolor), allotriploid, gynogenetic tetraploid, allopentaploid, autohexaploid, and gynogenetic octoploid tadpoles were confirmed using chromosome counts from tadpole tail tip squashes. The transformation and survival of different ploidies varied. Gynogenetic diploids transformed but expressed aspects of haploid syndrome and died before or shortly after transformation.
REVISITING POVERTY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: AMORÓS JOSÉ ERNESTO , RAMÍREZ LIZBETH MARTÍNEZ , RODRÍGUEZ-ACEVES LUCÍA , RUIZ LINDA ELIZABETH
Published: June 2021

Currently, the economic effect of entrepreneurship research has been highly associated with opportunity entrepreneurship, while necessity entrepreneurship has a lower effect. This manuscript revisits the relationship between poverty and entrepreneurial activity, mainly necessity-driven, analyzed by Amorós and Cristi (2011). We hypothesize that countries with a high pursuit of entrepreneurial activities reduce poverty, even if necessity-motivated entrepreneurship is developed. We test our hypothesis using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data and the UN-UNDP, Human Development Index from 2010–2019. Our results reconfirm that total and necessity-motivated early-stage entrepreneurship both, have a positive effect on countries’ poverty reduction trends, especially in developing countries. We discuss the relevance of entrepreneurship activities on development beyond pure economic effects and highlight the importance of entrepreneurship in the pandemic situation caused by COVID-19, which is pushing more people into poverty situations.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of stibium and bismuth co-doped SnTe via melt spinning
Authors: Cao Xuefeng , Cheng Han , Bai Yuqiu , Zhou Zhaosen , Zhou Yang , Zhang Xiao , Gong Xiangnan
Published: June 2021

In this work, the thermoelectric (TE) performance of [Formula: see text]-type SnTe based on melt spinning (MS) technology is comprehensively researched. Elements of Sb and Bi are introduced to significantly improve the electrical transport properties. Along with the fine grains, SnTe-based ribbons can be obtained in a short time by MS method. It indicates that the MS technology improves the sample preparation efficiency and reduces the lattice thermal conductivity. The melt-spun one reveals that the lowest lattice thermal conductivity of Sn[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te is 0.87 W m[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text]at 323 K. To optimize the ZT (where [Formula: see text] is the figure of merit and [Formula: see text] is Kelvin temperature) of SnTe, Sb and Bi are codoped in SnTe matrix, as a result of the enhancement of the power factor (PF) value and decreasing the thermal conductivity and electronic thermal conductivity simultaneously. Finally, the highest ZT of 1.01 at 823 K and an average ZT of 0.57 is obtained over a broad temperature range from 323 K to 823 K in Sn[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te. It is worth noting that the remarkable improvement on the TE performance of pristine SnTe sample is achieved, with the highest ZT of 0.55 at 823 K and an average ZT of 0.18. It shows the potential for following research on the performance of lead-free SnTe-based TE materials.
Flexible ball-milled Bi0.4 Sb1.6 Te3/methyl cellulose thermoelectric films fabricated by screen-printing method
Authors: Li Xiang , Du Yong , Meng Qiufeng
Published: June 2021

Flexible Bi[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]Te3 (BST)/methyl cellulose (MC) thermoelectric composite films were prepared by a two-step process: BST powders were successfully prepared via a ball milling method, and then BST/MC composite films with different volume fractions of BST were screen printed on flexible mixed cellulose esters membrane. As the contents of BST powders increased, the electrical conductivity was significantly improved, while the Seebeck coefficient was nearly unchanged, and a room temperature power factor (PF) of 2.32 [Formula: see text]W m[Formula: see text] K[Formula: see text] was achieved when the volume fraction of BST was 80%. After the cold-pressing treatment, both the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were improved, and a highest PF of 10.07 [Formula: see text]W m[Formula: see text] K[Formula: see text] was obtained at room temperature for the film with 80 vol.% BST, which was [Formula: see text]4.3 times higher than that of the pristine sample (2.32 [Formula: see text]W m[Formula: see text] K[Formula: see text] at room temperature). The tendency of thermoelectric performance varying with BST proportion was explained by the percolation threshold theory. This work shows the great potential of screen-printing technology in flexible and wearable electronics.
Algebraic Relations among Four Types of Right Semi-Tensor Product
Authors: Chen Nating , Lin Menglei , Li Yiliang
Published: June 2021

In this paper, algebraic relations among four kinds of right semi-tensor product (STP) are discussed. Firstly, this paper provides definitions of right STPs, consisting of the first right matrix-matrix STP, the second right matrix-matrix STP, the first right matrix-vector STP, and the second right matrix-vector STP. Secondly, relations among these right STPs are proposed. Finally, the main results show the convertibility of these right STPs.
Anonymous Multireceiver Identity-Based Encryption against Chosen-Ciphertext Attacks with Tight Reduction in the Standard Model
Authors: Tseng Yi-Fan , Fan Chun-I
Published: June 2021

Multireceiver identity-based encryption is a cryptographic primitive, which allows a sender to encrypt a message for multiple receivers efficiently and securely. In some applications, the receivers may not want their identities to be revealed. Motivated by this issue, in 2010, Fan et al. first proposed the concept of anonymous multireceiver identity-based encryption (AMRIBE). Since then, lots of literature studies in this field have been proposed. After surveying the existing works, however, we found that most of them fail to achieve provable anonymity with tight reduction. A security proof with tight reduction means better quality of security and better efficiency of implementation. In this paper, we focus on solving the open problem in this field that is to achieve the ANON-IND-CCA security with tight reduction by giving an AMRIBE scheme. The proposed scheme is proven to be IND-MID-CCA and ANON-MID-CCA secure with tight reduction under a variant of the DBDH assumption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scheme proven with tight reducible full CCA security in the standard model.
Effect of the Boron Powder on Surface AISI W2 Steel: Experiments and Modelling
Authors: Doñu Ruiz Marco Antonio , Sánchez Huitron David , Garcia Bustos Ernesto David , Cortés Suárez Víctor Jorge , López Perrusquia Noé
Published: June 2021

The effect of boron powder on surface AISI W2 steel and growth kinetic of the boride layer is studied. Boron powder mixture was used in the powder pack boriding; this process was carried out in the temperature range from 1173 to 1273 K with exposure times ranging from 2 to 8 h. The presence of boride was confirmed by optical microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and the distribution of alloy elements in boride layers with energy‐dispersive spectrometry using scanning electron microscopy. A mathematical model of the growth kinetics of the single layer was proposed and boron diffusion coefficient was determined by mass balance equation. The morphology of Fe2B layer was smooth and boron activation energy in W2 steel was estimated as 187.696 kJ·mol−1. The kinetic model was validated with two experimental conditions, a contour diagram describing the evolution of Fe2B layer as a function of time and temperature parameters for industrial application.
Durability Evaluation of Concrete with Multiadmixtures under Salt Freeze‐Thaw Cycles Based on Surface Resistivity
Authors: Luo Shibin , Liang Wei , Wang Hua , Wang Wensheng , Zou Rongjun
Published: June 2021

According to the climatic characteristics of seasonal frozen area in northeast China, the concrete strength tests, surface resistivity, rapid chloride permeability, and freeze‐thaw test under salt solution were carried out to study the influences of mineral admixtures and air content on the conventional properties and salt freeze‐thaw resistance of concretes. Then, the correlation analysis of surface resistivity with strength and rapid chloride permeability were further investigated. Subsequently, the changes of cumulative mass loss and relative dynamic elastic modulus varying with salt freeze‐thaw cycles were analyzed to study the influences of mineral admixtures and air content on salt freeze‐thaw resistance of concrete. The test results showed that fly ash (FA) was not conducive to improve the strength and salt freeze‐thaw resistance of concrete. However, blast furnace slag (BFS) and silica fume (SF) could improve the compressive and flexural strength of concrete, in which SF can improve its strength more significantly. Increasing the air content of concrete will lead to the reduction of its compressive strength, and the flexural strength first increased and then decreased. Nevertheless, the addition of air‐entrainment agent (AEA) has the best effect on improving the salt freeze‐thaw resistance of concrete. Moreover, surface resistivity of concrete has a good exponential function relationship with strength and a good power function relationship with rapid chloride permeability. Therefore, it is of great significance for engineering quality control and quickly and nondestructive testing.
Eliciting and Understanding Primary Care and Specialist Mental Models of Cirrhosis Care: A Cognitive Task Analysis Study
Authors: Barber Tanya , Toon Lynn , Tandon Puneeta , Green Lee A.
Published: June 2021

Background. Gaps in coordination and transitions of care for liver cirrhosis contribute to high rates of hospital readmissions and inadequate quality of care. Understanding the differences in the mental models held by specialty and primary care physicians may help to identify the root causes of problems in the coordination of cirrhosis care. Aim. To compare and identify differences in the mental models of cirrhosis care held by primary and specialty care physicians and nurse practitioners that may be addressed to improve coordination and transitions. Methods. Cross-sectional formal elicitation of mental models using Cognitive Task Analysis. Purposive and chain-referral sampling to select family physicians (n = 8), specialists (n = 9), and cirrhosis-dedicated nurse practitioners (n = 2) across Alberta. Results. Family physicians do not maintain rich mental models of cirrhosis care. They see cirrhosis patients relatively infrequently, rebuilding their mental models when required (knowledge on demand). They have reactive and patient-need-focused, rather than proactive and system-of-care, mental models. Specialists’ mental models are rich but vary widely between patient-centered and task-centered and in the degree to which they incorporate responsibility for addressing system gaps. Nurse practitioners hold patient-centered mental models like specialists but take responsibility for addressing gaps in the system. Conclusions. Improving the coordination of cirrhosis care will require infrastructure to design care pathways and work processes that will support family physicians’ knowledge-on-demand needs, facilitate primary care-specialist relationships, and deliberately work toward building a shared mental model of responsibilities for addressing medical care and social determinants of health.
Obfuscated Tor Traffic Identification Based on Sliding Window
Authors: Xu Wenliang , Zou Futai
Published: June 2021

Tor is an anonymous communication network used to hide the identities of both parties in communication. Apart from those who want to browse the web anonymously using Tor for a benign purpose, criminals can use Tor for criminal activities. It is recognized that Tor is easily intercepted by the censorship mechanism, so it uses a series of obfuscation mechanisms to avoid censorship, such as Meek, Format-Transforming Encryption (FTE), and Obfs4. In order to detect Tor traffic, we collect three kinds of obfuscated Tor traffic and then use a sliding window to extract 12 features from the stream according to the five-tuple, including the packet length, packet arrival time interval, and the proportion of the number of bytes sent and received. And finally, we use XGBoost, Random Forest, and other machine learning algorithms to identify obfuscated Tor traffic and its types. Our work provides a feasible method for countering obfuscated Tor network, which can identify the three kinds of obfuscated Tor traffic and achieve about 99% precision rate and recall rate.
[Retracted] Optimization of Intelligent Management System for Crafts Production Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Zhou Xiaojiang , Li Keqi
Published: June 2021

Crafts are a special kind of personalized goods that can be personalized with the help of the Internet to better meet consumers’ individuality and make them part of the personalized craft design. The development of information technology has made it possible to grasp personal information and talk to individuals, and the past practice of grasping consumers’ needs by age level has become obsolete, and providing one‐to‐one product service to customers through the Internet will become a new market growth point. The design and implementation of the system hardware are introduced by focusing on the functional circuits of various sensors of the data collection terminal, The functional circuit of the wireless communication module CC2530, the functional circuit of the microprocessor STM32, and the functional circuit of the collection terminal. In addition, this paper introduces the development environment of IAR software, the implementation of sensor acquisition function, 4 G module communication function, and coordinator network from the software point of view and provides a detailed explanation using program flowcharts. Next, by comparing the three filtering algorithms, an error optimization algorithm can be used to optimize the filtered data errors and obtain better results. By establishing an experimental platform for collecting all kinds of data, a network formation experiment is performed, and the coordinator normally forms the network, and the collected and processed data by the algorithm are matched to the MATLAB simulation platform. The Topix is compared with the exact data measured by the sensor. Finally, calculations show that two dry batteries can be used to maintain the system over 6 months. The system provides power and low‐power design is practical and effective.
Nonlinear Multi-Image Encryption Scheme with the Reality-Preserving Discrete Fractional Angular Transform and DNA Sequences
Authors: Tong Liang-Jia , Zhou Nan-Run , Huang Zhi-Jing , Xie Xin-Wen , Liang Ya-Ru
Published: June 2021

A nonlinear multi-image encryption scheme is proposed by combining the reality-preserving discrete fractional angular transform with the deoxyribonucleic acid sequence operations. Four approximation coefficients of the four images are extracted by performing the two-dimensional lifting wavelet transform. Then, the four approximation coefficients are synthesized to generate a real-valued output with the reality-preserving discrete fractional angular transform. Finally, based on the deoxyribonucleic acid operation and the Logistic-sine system, the real-valued intermedium output will be encrypted to yield the final ciphertext image. To enhance the security of the image encryption algorithm, the initial value of the chaotic system is calculated by the 256-bit binary sequence, which is obtained by taking the statistics information of the plaintext images as the input of SHA-256. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequence operations, as nonlinear processes, could help to improve the robustness of the cryptosystem. Simulation results and security analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of the image encryption algorithm and the capability of withstanding various common attacks.
A New Rapidly Growing Dome-Shaped Choroidal Lesion in an Eye with Treated Retinoblastoma
Authors: Masoomian Babak , Pefkianaki Maria , Ghassemi Fariba , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid
Published: June 2021

Background. To describe an extensive untreatable choroidal metastasis by retinoblastoma in the treated patient which was clinically indistinguishable from regular tumor recurrence. Methods. A 24-month-old girl without a family history of retinoblastoma (RB) was discovered to have group C RB in her right eye and group D in her left eye. The patient received 12 cycles of intravenous chemotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC), and intravitreal chemotherapy for the left eye and focal adjuvant therapy (laser thermotherapy and cryotherapy) for both eyes. Six months after the last treatment, fundus examination showed a regressed tumor in both eyes. Ten months after the last treatment, except for in addition to tumor recurrence, rising intraocular pressure was noticed in the left eye. While doing IAC for the left eye, a very rapid growing yellowish dome-shaped mass was found which had doubled in size in two weeks. Enucleation was considered for her. Results. Pathology evaluation of the enucleated eye revealed a very massive dome-shaped choroidal metastasis invasion with poorly differentiated RB tumor. Prophylactic systemic chemotherapy was performed for the patient. Conclusion. Choroidal metastasis in RB patients is often diagnosed based on pathology reports, but it may rarely be seen in clinical examinations especially if the pattern of tumor recurrence and growth is abnormal.
Modeling and Analysis of Data‐Driven Systems through Computational Neuroscience Wavelet‐Deep Optimized Model for Nonlinear Multicomponent Data Forecasting
Authors: Jin Xue-Bo , Zhang Jia-Hui , Su Ting-Li , Bai Yu-Ting , Kong Jian-Lei , Wang Xiao-Yi
Published: June 2021

Complex time series data exists widely in actual systems, and its forecasting has great practical significance. Simultaneously, the classical linear model cannot obtain satisfactory performance due to nonlinearity and multicomponent characteristics. Based on the data‐driven mechanism, this paper proposes a deep learning method coupled with Bayesian optimization based on wavelet decomposition to model the time series data and forecasting its trend. Firstly, the data is decomposed by wavelet transform to reduce the complexity of the time series data. The Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) network is trained as a submodel for each decomposition component. The hyperparameters of wavelet decomposition and each submodel are optimized with Bayesian sequence model‐based optimization (SMBO) to develop the modeling accuracy. Finally, the results of all submodels are added to obtain forecasting results. The PM2.5 data collected by the US Air Quality Monitoring Station is used for experiments. By comparing with other networks, it can be found that the proposed method outperforms well in the multisteps forecasting task for the complex time series.
The Crosstalk between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Macrophages in Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shin Rita Lih-Ying , Lee Chien-Wei , Shen Oscar Yuan-Jie , Xu Hongtao , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng
Published: June 2021

Bone regeneration is a complex and well-coordinated process that involves crosstalk between immune cells and resident cells in the injury site. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy to enhance bone regeneration. Growing evidence suggests that macrophages have a significant impact on osteogenesis during bone regeneration. However, the precise mechanisms by which macrophage subtypes influence bone regeneration and how MSCs communicate with macrophages have not yet been fully elucidated. In this systematic literature review, we gathered evidence regarding the crosstalk between MSCs and macrophages during bone regeneration. According to the PRISMA protocol, we extracted literature from PubMed and Embase databases by using “mesenchymal stem cells” and “macrophages” and “bone regeneration” as keywords. Thirty-three studies were selected for this review. MSCs isolated from both bone marrow and adipose tissue and both primary macrophages and macrophage cell lines were used in the selected studies. In conclusion, anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2) have significantly more potential to strengthen bone regeneration compared with naïve (M0) and classically activated macrophages (M1). Transplantation of MSCs induced M1-to-M2 transition and transformed the skeletal microenvironment to facilitate bone regeneration in bone fracture and bone defect models. This review highlights the complexity between MSCs and macrophages, providing more insight into the polarized macrophage behavior in this evolving field of osteoimmunology. The results may serve as a useful reference for definite success in MSC-based therapy based on the critical interaction with macrophages.
[Retracted] Application of Large‐Scale Cognitive Social Networks Based on Cooperative Transmission Mechanisms in Exploration of Flipped Classroom Teaching Strategy
Authors: Zeng Chen
Published: June 2021

With the deepening of the research on flipped classroom teaching theory, the flipped classroom teaching model has gradually been applied to classroom teaching at all levels and types of schools, and some beneficial results and experiences have been obtained. Due to the relatively low self‐learning ability and motivation level of students, in the implementation of flipped classrooms, the quality of preclass self‐study links is difficult to guarantee, resulting in unsatisfactory results of flipped classroom teaching in secondary vocational schools. This article aims to solve the current dilemma faced by the optimization of the flipped classroom teaching mode of programming courses by studying the course platform based on the flipped classroom teaching model. The source‐destination node distribution is constructed with a model based on node affinity to restore the actual network node distribution architecture. The change in the distribution of source‐destination nodes has led to different degrees of aggregation in the overall data flow of the network. After that, the capacity and delay performance of the primary network and the secondary network will change as the degree of data flow aggregation changes. By laying base stations in the main network, we reanalyzed the network. Through the comprehensive analysis of students’ learning status through the scores of students in class and the test situation after class, we modify the specific teaching plan of flipped classroom. Experiments have proved that the in‐class flipping model we proposed effectively avoids the inherent shortcomings of students who are not strong in autonomous learning before class, solves the problem that secondary vocational students cannot do well in autonomous learning before class, and improves students to a certain extent. The results show that the flipped classroom teaching model in class can provide more powerful value for vocational teaching to achieve this goal.
Neutral-Point Potential Balance Control Strategy on Three-Level Active Power Filters
Authors: Li Fei , Geng Na , Wang Guifeng , Li Chunjie , Liu Zhan , Xia Zhenglong
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a simplified strategy in neutral-point (NP) potential balance of the neutral-point-clamped (NPC) three-level three-wire active power filter (APF). By introducing a simplified carrier-based pulse width modulation (CB-PWM) strategy and analysing the occurrence mechanism of NP potential unbalance, we proposed a NP potential balancing control strategy based on the simplified strategy. With this strategy, the NP current in a sampling period can be calculated through the detection of compensating current of APF. The three phase’s duration time of reference voltage can also be computed through detecting the voltage fluctuation of upper and lower capacitors accurately, according to the law of charge conservation. Experiment results show that this proposed approach with simplified computation can effectively achieve NP potential balance.
Correlation Determination between COVID-19 and Weather Parameters Using Time Series Forecasting: A Case Study in Pakistan
Authors: Batool Humera , Tian Lixin
Published: June 2021

Infectious diseases like COVID-19 spread rapidly and have led to substantial economic loss worldwide, including in Pakistan. The effect of weather on COVID-19 spreading needs more detailed examination, as some studies have claimed to mitigate its spread. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by WHO and has been reported in about 210 countries worldwide, including Asia, Europe, the USA, and North America. Person-to-person contact and international air travel between the nations were the leading causes behind the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from its point of origin, besides the natural forces. However, further spread and infection within the community or country can be aided by natural elements, such as the weather. Therefore, the correlation between COVID-19 and temperature can be better elucidated in countries like Pakistan, where SARS-CoV-2 has affected at least 0.37 million people. This study collected Pakistan’s COVID-19 infection and mortality data for ten months (March–December 2020). Related weather parameters, temperature, and humidity were also obtained for the same course of time. The collected data were processed and used to compare the performance of various time series prediction models in terms of mean squared error (MSE), root-mean-squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). This paper, using the time series model, estimates the effect of humidity, temperature, and other weather parameters on COVID-19 transmission by obtaining the correlation among the total infected cases and the number of deaths and weather variables in a particular region. Results depict that weather parameters hold more influence in evaluating the sum number of cases and deaths than other factors like community, age, and the total population. Therefore, temperature and humidity are salient parameters for predicting COVID-19 affected instances. Moreover, it is concluded that the higher the temperature, the lesser the mortality due to COVID-19 infection.
A Fixed, Unreducible, Unstable Medial Swivel Dislocation of the Talonavicular Joint with Associated Navicular Fracture
Authors: Layson James T. , Afsari Alan , Peterson Todd , Knesek David , Best Benjamin
Published: June 2021

A 32-year-old white male was on a second-story balcony when he fell off and landed on the cement below. With initial X-rays being read as negative on the radiology report due to the subtle nature of the injury, the patient was promptly diagnosed with a medial swivel dislocation by the orthopaedic team, which ended up being fixed, unstable, and irreducible. The patient also had acute skin compromise and needed to be taken to the operating room prior to progression of skin breakdown. This dislocation pattern is a rare variant, especially when paired with the fixed nature of the dislocation and the soft tissue compromise. In the end, open treatment was necessary in order to reduce the talonavicular joint. Because of early recognition and prompt treatment, skin breakdown was avoided. Internal screw fixation of the fractured navicular bone was needed along with K-wire insertion to hold the normal anatomy of the talonavicular joint reduced. All hardware was ultimately removed after healing, and anatomy was restored with excellent patient function. This case report highlights the orthopaedic knowledge needed to not only recognize this rare fracture-dislocation pattern but to also treat it promptly when encountered.
The Risk Assessment of Pesticide Ingestion with Fruit and Vegetables for Consumer’s Health
Authors: Jurak Gordana , Bošnir Jasna , Đikić Domagoj , Ćuić Ana Mojsović , Prokurica Iva Pavlinić , Racz Aleksandar , Jukić Tomislav , Stubljar David , Starc Andrej
Published: June 2021

Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to protect crops from pests. In addition to protection during cultivation, they are also used after harvesting to extend the shelf life of products. Postharvest control stands out, especially when it comes to products imported from distant countries, resulting in increased concentration of pesticides and risk to human health consuming such products. In this study, analyses of pesticide residues were performed on 200 samples of fruits and vegetables. Pesticide residues were identified and quantified in 30 out of 200 samples. Study results revealed imazalil to be the most frequently detected pesticide. Risk assessment was performed on the obtained results, and it was carried out separately for adults and for children under 6 years of age. Imazalil showed the highest ARfD percentage for adults (max% ARfD 251%), and these values were especially high on risk assessment for children, where they amounted up to max% ARfD 1087%. The study of imazalil impact was performed on 16 Swiss albino mice divided into two groups and 4 subgroups. Experimental group animals were treated with the corresponding NOAEL dose of imazalil (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Body weight was measured before each pesticide application on a digital electronic Sartorius scale. Peripheral blood analysis was performed after 28-day animal exposure to pesticides. Animals were anesthetized, blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture, and red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and white blood cell (WBC) count were determined by standard hematological methods. The organs for determination of imazalil concentration were extracted immediately upon animal sacrifice and stored in a freezer at -80°C until analysis. Results show difference in gain weight, and an increase in WBC count was recorded in the experimental group as compared with a control group of animals. The highest imazalil levels were recorded in adipose tissue (45.2‰) which proves tendency to accumulate.