bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The case for investing in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: an economic evaluation
Authors: Elmusharaf Khalifa , Grafton Daniel , Jung Johanna S , Roberts Emily , Al-Farsi Yahya , Al Nooh Ameera Ali , Bin Belaila Buthaina , ElShamy Amin , Al-Zuabi Hamoud , Al Mutawa Kholood Ateeq , Alraisi Shadha , Al Lawat Najla , Gharbal Ali , Alomary Shaker , Kulikov Alexey , Pourghazian Nasim , Slama Slim , Tarlton Dudley , Banatvala Nicholas
Published: June 2022

Background

While the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) has surged over the past decades, the costs and return on investment (ROI) of implementing cost-effective, WHO-recommended NCD interventions have not been established.

Methods

We performed an economic analysis to estimate the ROI from scaling up four sets of NCD interventions over 15 years. We estimated the direct costs of the four main NCDs (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases) using a prevalence-based, bottom-up cost-of-illness approach. We estimated indirect costs based on productivity loss due to absenteeism, presenteeism and premature deaths. We costed the scaling up of interventions using the WHO Costing Tool and assessed the health impact of interventions using the OneHealth Tool. We calculated ROI by comparing productivity and social benefits with the total costs of implementing the interventions.

Results

The four main NCDs cost the GCC economy nearly US$50 billion in 2019, equal to 3.3% of its gross domestic product. The indirect costs are estimated at US$20 billion or 40% of the total burden. Implementing the four modelled intervention packages in the six GCC countries over 15 years will cost US$14 billion, with an ROI of US$4.9 for every US$1 invested and significant health and social benefits, including 290 000 averted premature deaths.

Conclusion

Based on the results of these six investment cases, we recommend actions to scale up current WHO-recommended cost-effective interventions, strengthen whole-of-government action, drive the NCD legislative agenda, build out the evidence base, generate additional advocacy material, and increase regional collaboration and data-sharing to establish best practices and monitor impact.
Use of behavioural activation to manage pain: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Walsh Sandra , Moseley G Lorimer , Gray Richard John , Gillam Marianne , Gunn Kate M. , Barker Trevor , Tran Kham , Eshetie Tesfahun , Jones Martin
Published: June 2022

Background

Behavioural activation (BA) is an effective treatment for depression; however, it is unclear if it can be used to manage pain.

Objectives

To conduct a scoping review of primary research that reported using BA to support people living with chronic pain to understand how BA had been used in relation to pain. In addition, we wanted to understand whether there were any reported changes in that pain, and how and who delivered BA.

Eligibility criteria

Primary research published in English.

Sources of evidence

We searched seven databases MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science, for primary research. No initial date limit was used with the date the searches were conducted used as the end date limit (1 July 2021).

Charting methods

A customised data extraction table was developed, piloted and used.

Results

551 papers were screened for inclusion, with 15 papers included in our review. Studies were conducted in North America and in Canada. These included three case studies, nine uncontrolled trials and three randomised controlled trials. Only two studies reported pain as the primary outcome. BA was applied across a range of pain related conditions. The dose of BA ranged from 3 to 16 sessions. Duration of treatment was 3 weeks to 12 months. Most studies reported reductions in pain following exposure to BA.

Conclusion

BA has the potential to reduce pain. Caution needs to be exercised in the interpretation of these findings as a high risk of bias was observed in most studies. High-quality research is required to test if BA is an effective intervention for chronic pain.
Association of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with cervical atypia in adolescent women with short-term or long-term use of oral contraceptives: a longitudinal study in HPV vaccinated women
Authors: Adhikari Indira , Eriksson Tiina , Harjula Katja , Hokkanen Mari , Apter Dan , Nieminen Pekka , Luostarinen Tapio , Lehtinen Matti
Published: June 2022

Objective

We assessed the relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis infection, duration of oral contraceptive (OC) use and cervical atypia among young adult Finnish women.

Design

A longitudinal study.

Setting and participants

Women who were included in this study participated in a community-randomised trial on the effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and C. trachomatis screening at ages 18.5 and 22 years in Finland. They completed questionnaires on both visits about sexual behaviours. The cytology test results at age 18.5 and 22 years were also available for those women. The total number of participants in this study at 18.5 years of age were 11 701 and at 22 years of age were 6618.

Main outcome measure

ORs with 95% CIs using univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the association between C. trachomatis infection, duration of OC and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL).

Results

There were 940 cytological SIL cases at the first screening visit and 129 cytological SIL cases at the second screening visit. Among the 22 years old, more than fourfold adjusted risk of SIL was associated with C. trachomatis positivity. The HPV16/18, condom use, smoking and number of sexual partners adjusted joint effect of prolonged OC use and C. trachomatis was significantly increased (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 12.8) in the 22-year-old women. This observed joint effect was 1.6 times higher than expected on a multiplicative scale. On additive scale, the observed relative excess risk from interaction was 1.8.

Conclusion

The risk of SIL in HPV vaccinated women is significantly increased if they are C. trachomatis positive and have used OC for 5 or more years. The biological basis may be lack of condom facilitated protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Trial registration number

NCT00534638.
Socioeconomic risk factors of hypertension and blood pressure among persons aged 15–49 in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Joshi Sushant , Thapa Bishnu Bahadur
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study estimated the prevalence of hypertension, in accordance with the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association’s 2017 guidelines, and examined the association between various socioeconomic factors and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension.

Setting and design

We used nationally representative data from the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Multivariate analysis was used to study the association of hypertension with socioeconomic factors: logistic regression was used for hypertension and linear regression was used for DBP and SBP.

Participants

Our sample consisted of 9827 adults between the ages of 15 and 49 years.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 36%. The mean DBP and SBP were 76.4 and 111.5, respectively. Janjatis (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.34, CI: 1.12 to 1.59), Other Terai castes (AOR: 1.38, CI: 1.03 to 1.84), Muslim and other ethnicities (AOR: 1.64, CI: 1.15 to 2.33) and Dalits (AOR: 1.26, CI: 1.00 to 1.58) had higher odds of hypertension. Individuals employed in professional, technical and managerial professions collectively (AOR: 1.62; CI: 1.18 to 2.21) also had higher odds of hypertension. Moderately food insecure household had lower odds of hypertension (AOR: 0.84; CI: 0.72 to 0.99) compared with households with no issue of food insecurity. Results were similar for SBP and DBP. When stratified by sex, there were differences mainly in terms of occupation and ethnicity.

Conclusion

There are substantial disparities in hypertension prevalence in Nepal. These disparities extend across ethnic groups, occupational status and food security status. Differences also persist across different provinces. As hypertension continues to be increasingly more significant, more research is needed to better understand the disparities and gradients that exist across various socioeconomic factors.
Symptom control in advanced chronic liver disease: integrating anticipatory palliative and supportive care
Authors: Wright Mark , Woodland Hazel , Hudson Ben
Published: June 2022

The number of patients coming to hospital with liver disease is increasing. There was a worrying trend before the pandemic, and this has intensified. Despite improvements in the management of patients with advanced cirrhosis many patients will die within 6–12 months of first presentation, and, despite this, the field of palliative and supportive care in liver disease is still in its infancy. This is a narrative review. Evidence is often thin in this field. Where it exists it is cited, but much of the commentary here is based on the authors own experience and readers are free to consider it and debate it. Most patients who die of liver disease receive palliative care very late in their illness (if at all). There are many barriers to supportive and palliative care in liver disease which are discussed. Symptom control is often poor because of these barriers. Before symptomatic control can be established, patients in need of it must to be identified and conversations had about the severity of their situation and what their wishes would be. Interest in palliative and supportive care for patients liver disease is growing as is the number of hepatologists and palliative care clinicians within the UK with an interest. It is important that this enthusiasm and interest can be rolled out and scaled up across the UK so that all patients, wherever they are, can benefit. The aims of these articles are first to highlight and bring into focus the unmet need for palliative and supportive care in liver disease and second to provide suggestions for its integration into liver services. Ask yourself the question: where would I start in my hospital to help these patients?
Clinical characteristics and social determinants of health associated with 30-day hospital readmissions of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Wiley Zanthia , Kulshreshtha Ambar , Li Dong , Kubes Julianne , Kandiah Sheetal , Leung Serena , Kobaidze Ketino , Shin Sangmin Ryan , Moanna Abeer , Perkins Jonathan , Hogan Matthew , Sims Kanika M , Amzat Tolu , Cantos Valeria D , Elutilo-Ayoola Temitope , Hanna Jasmah , Harris Nadine M , Henry Tracey L , Iheaku Onyinye , Japaridze Mariam , Lanka Vaishnavi , Johnson Theresa A , Mbaezue Nkechi , Rebolledo Paulina A , Sexton Mary Elizabeth , Surapaneni Phani Keerthi , Franks Nicole
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 readmissions are associated with increased patient mortality and healthcare system strain. This retrospective cohort study of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 positive adults (>18 years) hospitalized and readmitted within 30 days of discharge from index admission was performed at eight Atlanta hospitals from March to December 2020. The objective was to describe COVID-19 patient-level demographics and clinical characteristics, and community-level social determinants of health (SDoH) that contribute to 30-day readmissions. Demographics, comorbidities, COVID-19 treatment, and discharge disposition data were extracted from the index admission. ZIP codes were linked to a demographic/lifestyle database interpolating to community-level SDoH. Of 7155 patients with COVID-19, 463 (6.5%) had 30-day, unplanned, all-cause hospital readmissions. Statistically significant differences were not found in readmissions stratified by age, sex, race, or ethnicity. Patients with a high-risk Charlson Comorbidity Index had higher odds of readmission (OR 4.8 (95% CI: 2.1 to 11.0)). Remdesivir treatment and intensive care unit (ICU) care were associated with lower odds of readmission (OR 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4 to 0.8) and OR 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4 to 0.7), respectively). Patients residing in communities with larger average household size were less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5 to 0.9). In this cohort, patients who received remdesivir, were cared for in an ICU, and resided in ZIP codes with higher proportions of residents with increased social support had lower odds of readmission. These patient-level factors and community-level SDoH may be used to identify patients with COVID-19 who are at increased risk of readmission.
Serum neurofilament as a predictor of 10-year grey matter atrophy and clinical disability in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lie Ingrid Anne , Kaçar Sezgi , Wesnes Kristin , Brouwer Iman , Kvistad Silje S , Wergeland Stig , Holmøy Trygve , Midgard Rune , Bru Alla , Edland Astrid , Eikeland Randi , Gosal Sonia , Harbo Hanne F , Kleveland Grethe , Sørenes Yvonne S , Øksendal Nina , Varhaug Kristin N , Vedeler Christian A , Barkhof Frederik , Teunissen Charlotte E , Bø Lars , Torkildsen Øivind , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Vrenken Hugo
Published: June 2022

Background

The predictive value of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) on long-term prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear.

Objective

Investigate the relation between sNfL levels over a 2-year period in patients with relapsing-remitting MS, and clinical disability and grey matter (GM) atrophy after 10 years.

Methods

85 patients, originally enrolled in a multicentre, randomised trial of ω−3 fatty acids, participated in a 10-year follow-up visit. sNfL levels were measured by Simoa quarterly until month 12, and then at month 24. The appearance of new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions was assessed monthly between baseline and month 9, and then at months 12 and 24. At the 10-year follow-up visit, brain atrophy measures were obtained using FreeSurfer.

Results

Higher mean sNfL levels during early periods of active inflammation (Gd+ lesions present or recently present) predicted lower total (β=−0.399, p=0.040) and deep (β=−0.556, p=0.010) GM volume, lower mean cortical thickness (β=−0.581, p=0.010) and higher T2 lesion count (β=0.498, p=0.018). Of the clinical outcomes, higher inflammatory sNfL levels were associated with higher disability measured by the dominant hand Nine-Hole Peg Test (β=0.593, p=0.004). Mean sNfL levels during periods of remission (no Gd+ lesions present or recently present) did not predict GM atrophy or disability progression.

Conclusion

Higher sNfL levels during periods of active inflammation predicted more GM atrophy and specific aspects of clinical disability 10 years later. The findings suggest that subsequent long-term GM atrophy is mainly due to neuroaxonal degradation within new lesions.
Risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide study
Authors: Hegazy Hatem , Folke Fredrik , Coronel Ruben , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H , Eroglu Talip E
Published: June 2022

Aim

Inflammatory cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) directly affect cardiac electrophysiology by inhibiting cardiac potassium currents, leading to delay of cardiac repolarisation and QT-prolongation. This may result in lethal arrhythmias. We studied whether RA increases the rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the general population.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control in a cohort of individuals between 1 June 2001 and 31 December 2015. Cases were OHCA patients from presumed cardiac causes, and were matched with non-OHCA-controls based on age, sex and OHCA date. Cox-regression with time-dependent covariates was conducted to assess the association between RA and OHCA by calculating the HR and 95% CI. Stratified analyses were performed according to sex and presence of cardiovascular diseases. Also, the association between OHCA and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with RA was studied.

Results

We included 35 195 OHCA cases of whom 512 (1.45%) had RA, and 351 950 non-OHCA controls of whom 3867 (1.10%) had RA. We found that RA was associated with increased rate of OHCA after adjustment for cardiovascular comorbidities and use of QT-prolonging drugs (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.34). Stratification by sex revealed that increased OHCA rate occurred in women (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.50) but not in men (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.28; P value interaction=0.046). OHCA rate of RA was not further increased in patients with cardiovascular disease. Finally, in patients with RA, use of NSAIDs was not associated with OHCA.

Conclusion

In the general population, RA is associated with increased rate of OHCA in women but not in men.
Overexpression of the global regulator FnVeA upregulates antitumor substances in endophytic Fusarium nematophilum
Authors: Qin Min , Li Yongjie , Cai Lu , Yin Xuemin , He Zhangjiang , Kang Jichuan
Published: June 2022

The special niche of endophytic fungi promotes their potential to produce antitumor compounds with novel structure and significant bioactivity for screening of new antitumor drugs. In our previous studies, we isolated a Fusarium strain from the roots of the medicinal plant Nothapodytes pittosporoides and identified it as Fusarium nematophilum. We found that the crude extract of F. nematophilum had significant antitumor activity on A549 cancer cells, and overexpressing the global regulatory factor FnVeA (the VeA gene of the fungus F. nematophilum) resulted in a significant increase in the antitumor activity, which was approximately fivefold higher than wild strain for relative inhibition rate. In FnVeAOE, the accumulation of indole, alkene, alkaloid, steroid, and flavonoid metabolites with potential antitumor activity was significantly upregulated compared with wild type via metabolomic analysis. Moreover, the transcriptome analysis showed that 134 differential genes were considered to be closely related to the biosynthesis of antitumor substances, of which 59 differential genes were considered as candidate key genes, and related to tryptophan dimethylallyltransferase, cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, polyketide synthases, and transcription factors. Taken together, we suggest that FnVeA may regulate the biosynthesis of antitumor substances by mediating the expression of genes related to secondary metabolic pathways in F. nematophilum.
Aerodynamics effect of holes in UAV wings modified for VTOL capability
Authors: Sawaqed Laith S. , Bani Younes Ahmad H. , Aldalal’ah Mohammad I.
Published: June 2022

This research investigates the possibility of modifying the X8 Skywalker from a fixed-wing unoccupied aerial vehicle into a convertiplane to utilize the advantages of vertical take-off and landing and maintain the benefits of fixed-wing design. In this study two configurations were tested; the first one includes sharp holes embedded in the wings for the propellers and the second one has filleted holes. The purpose of the study is to analyze the new configurations’ ability to generate enough lift after reducing the wings area. The aerodynamic coefficients are calculated through computational fluid dynamics. Simulation results were validated experimentally by using the wind tunnel. Even though the holes reduced the wing area by about 20%, the proposed modifications could lead to a lift to drag ratio around 7. The results showed that the new configurations can generate five times the lift compared to the drag, while the maximum lift to drag ratio dropped by 50% compared to the original design. At the same time, the filleted hole configuration showed less drag and turbulence effects, especially at a low angle of attack, compared to the sharp hole configuration.
Distance sensitivity of thermal light second-order interference beyond spatial coherence
Authors: Pepe Francesco V. , Scala Giovanni , Chilleri Gabriele , Triggiani Danilo , Kim Yoon-Ho , Tamma Vincenzo
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate the distance sensitivity of thermal light second-order interference beyond spatial coherence. This kind of interference, emerging from the measurement of the correlation between intensity fluctuations on two detectors, is sensitive to the distances separating a remote mask from the source and the detector, even when such information cannot be retrieved by first-order intensity measurements. We show how the sensitivity to such distances is intimately connected to the degree of correlation of the measured interference pattern in different experimental scenarios and independently of the spectral properties of light. Remarkably, in specific configurations, sensitivity to the distances of remote objects can be preserved even in the presence of turbulence. Unlike in previous schemes, such a distance sensitivity is reflected in the fundamental emergence of new critical parameters which benchmark the degree of second-order correlation, describing the counterintuitive emergence of spatial second-order interference not only in the absence of (first-order) coherence at both detectors but also when first-order interference is observed at one of the two detectors.
The coevolving behavior of games and strategies under different network structures
Authors: Chen Liang
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study the coevolving behavior of mixed games when agents have a relationship represented by a fully connected network or a square lattice. Under the imitation update rule, whether the system will evolve to a state of pure game or mixed games and what the level of cooperation of the population will finally be are dependent on the initial fraction of mixed games, the game parameters and the network structures. We find that agents prefer to afford the prisoner’s dilemma (PD) game than the snowdrift game in the full connected network or in the square lattice and thus the cooperation is greatly suppressed. When the PD game mixes with the stag hunt game initially, they will coexist during evolution and a bistable phenomenon is observed. Meanwhile, the fraction of cooperation is enhanced when agents compete in a square lattice by comparison with the case of a fully connected network. If the PD game mixes with the harmony game (HG) initially, which one will dominate the other is related to the game parameters. The cooperation prevails in the population if the HG dominates the PD game. We also analyze the case of a fully connected network by a theory and the theoretical results are in good agreement with the simulation data.
Lightlike singular hypersurfaces in quadratic gravity
Authors: Berezin Victor A. , Ivanova Inna D.
Published: June 2022

Using the principle of least action, the motion equations for a singular hypersurface of arbitrary type in quadratic gravity are derived. Equations containing the “external pressure” and the “external flow” components of the surface energy–momentum tensor together with the Lichnerowicz conditions serve to find the hypersurface itself, while the remaining ones define arbitrary functions that arise due to the implicit presence of the delta function derivative. It turns out that neither double layers nor thin shells exist for the quadratic Gauss–Bonnet term. It is shown that there is no “external pressure” for null singular hypersurfaces. The Lichnerowicz conditions imply the continuity of the scalar curvature in the case of spherically symmetric null singular hypersurfaces. These hypersurfaces must be thin shells if the Lichnerowicz conditions are necessary. It is shown that for this particular case the Lichnerowicz conditions can be completely removed therefore a spherically symmetric null double layer exists. Spherically symmetric null singular hypersurfaces in conformal gravity are explored as application.
PROBABILISTIC FRAMEWORK FOR LOSS DISTRIBUTION OF SMART CONTRACT RISK
Authors: JEVTIĆ PETAR , LANCHIER NICOLAS
Published: June 2022

Smart contract risk can be defined as a financial risk of loss due to cyber attacks on or contagious failures of smart contracts. Its quantification is of paramount importance to technology platform providers as well as companies and individuals when considering the deployment of this new technology. That is why, as our primary contribution, we propose a structural framework of aggregate loss distribution for smart contract risk under the assumption of a tree-stars graph topology representing the network of interactions among smart contracts and their users. To our knowledge, there exist no theoretical frameworks or models of an aggregate loss distribution for smart contracts in this setting. To achieve our goal, we contextualize the problem in the probabilistic graph-theoretical framework using bond percolation models. We assume that the smart contract network topology is represented by a random tree graph of finite size, and that each smart contract is the center of a random star graph whose leaves represent the users of the smart contract. We allow for heterogeneous loss topology superimposed on this smart contract and user topology and provide analytical results and instructive numerical examples.
How Can Incentive Mechanisms and Blockchain Benefit with Each Other? A Survey
Authors: Han Rong , Yan Zheng , Liang Xueqin , Yang Laurence T.
Published: June 2022

In a blockchain-based system, the lack of centralized control requires active participation and cooperative behaviors of system entities to ensure system security and sustainability. However, dynamic environments and unpredictable entity behaviors challenge the performances of such systems in practice. Therefore, designing a feasible incentive mechanism to regulate entity behaviors becomes essential to improve blockchain system performance. The prosperous characteristics of blockchain can also contribute to an effective incentive mechanism. Unfortunately, current literature still lacks a thorough survey on incentive mechanisms related to the blockchain to understand how incentive mechanisms and blockchain make each other better. To this end, we propose evaluation requirements in terms of the properties and costs of incentive mechanisms. On the one hand, we provide a taxonomy of the incentive mechanisms of blockchain systems according to blockchain versions, incentive forms, and incentive goals. On the other hand, we categorize blockchain-based incentive mechanisms according to application scenarios and incentive goals. During the review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of state-of-the-art incentive mechanisms based on the proposed evaluation requirements. Through careful review, we present how incentive mechanisms and blockchain benefit with each other, discover a number of unresolved issues, and point out corresponding potential directions for future research.
Multi-Label Annotation and Classification of Arabic Texts Based on Extracted Seed Keyphrases and Bi-Gram Alphabet Feed Forward Neural Networks Model
Authors: Elghannam Fatma
Published: June 2022

In natural language processing, text classification is a fundamental problem. Multi-label classification of textual data is a challenging topic in text classification where an instance can be associated with more than one label. This paper presents a multi-label annotation and classification methodology for Arabic text data that is not currently classified as multi-label, aiming to analyze and compare the performance of various multi-label learning approaches. The current work includes two phases: The first involves automatic annotation of hotel reviews with more than one label based on the aspects found in the reviews. In this phase, review data instances were automatically annotated as multi-label based on the extracted seed keyphrases clusters. The second phase involves experiments to compare the performance of various multi-label classification learning methods. In this phase, we introduced different models including a feed-forward networks model that learns a vector representation based on the bi-gram alphabet rather than the commonly used bag-of-words model. The bi-gram alphabet vector representation model has the advantage of having reduced feature dimensions and not requiring natural language processing tools. The results indicated that employing the bi-gram alphabet vector representation feed forward neural network is a competitive solution for the multi-label text classification problem. It has achieved an accuracy of about 75.2%, and standard deviation (0.062).
Interest Flooding Attacks in Named Data Networking: Survey of Existing Solutions, Open Issues, Requirements, and Future Directions
Authors: Benmoussa Ahmed , Kerrache Chaker Abdelaziz , Lagraa Nasreddine , Mastorakis Spyridon , Lakas Abderrahmane , Tahari Abdou El Karim
Published: June 2022

Named Data Networking (NDN) is a prominent realization of the vision of Information-Centric Networking. The NDN architecture adopts name-based routing and location-independent data retrieval. Among other important features, NDN integrates security mechanisms and focuses on protecting the content rather than the communications channels. Along with a new architecture come new threats, and NDN is no exception. NDN is a potential target for new network attacks such as Interest Flooding Attacks (IFAs). Attackers take advantage of IFA to launch (D)DoS attacks in NDN. Many IFA detection and mitigation solutions have been proposed in the literature. However, there is no comprehensive review study of these solutions that has been proposed so far. Therefore, in this article, we propose a survey of the various IFAs with a detailed comparative study of all the relevant proposed solutions as counter-measures against IFAs. We also review the requirements for a complete and efficient IFA solution and pinpoint the various issues encountered by IFA detection and mitigation mechanisms through a series of attack scenarios. Finally, in this survey, we offer an analysis of the open issues and future research directions regarding IFAs.
Enabling New Flexibility in the SUNDIALS Suite of Nonlinear and Differential/Algebraic Equation Solvers
Authors: Gardner David J. , Reynolds Daniel R. , Woodward Carol S. , Balos Cody J.
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the SUite of Nonlinear and DIfferential/ALgebraic equation Solvers (SUNDIALS) has been redesigned to better enable the use of application-specific and third-party algebraic solvers and data structures. Throughout this work, we have adhered to specific guiding principles that minimized the impact to current users while providing maximum flexibility for later evolution of solvers and data structures. The redesign was done through the addition of new linear and nonlinear solvers classes, enhancements to the vector class, and the creation of modern Fortran interfaces. The vast majority of this work has been performed “behind-the-scenes,” with minimal changes to the user interface and no reduction in solver capabilities or performance. These changes allow SUNDIALS users to more easily utilize external solver libraries and create highly customized solvers, enabling greater flexibility on extreme-scale, heterogeneous computational architectures.
Bao
Authors: Marcus Ryan , Negi Parimarjan , Mao Hongzi , Tatbul Nesime , Alizadeh Mohammad , Kraska Tim
Published: June 2022

Recent efforts applying machine learning techniques to query optimization have shown few practical gains due to substantive training overhead, inability to adapt to changes, and poor tail performance. Motivated by these difficulties, we introduce Bao (the Bandit optimizer). Bao takes advantage of the wisdom built into existing query optimizers by providing per-query optimization hints. Bao combines modern tree convolutional neural networks with Thompson sampling, a well-studied reinforcement learning algorithm. As a result, Bao automatically learns from its mistakes and adapts to changes in query workloads, data, and schema. Experimentally, we demonstrate that Bao can quickly learn strategies that improve end-to-end query execution performance, including tail latency, for several workloads containing longrunning queries. In cloud environments, we show that Bao can offer both reduced costs and better performance compared with a commercial system.
Review—Lab-in-a-Mouth and Advanced Point-of-Care Sensing Systems: Detecting Bioinformation from the Oral Cavity and Saliva
Authors: Moonla Chochanon , Lee Don Hui , Rokaya Dinesh , Rasitanon Natcha , Kathayat Goma , Lee Won-Yong , Kim Jayoung , Jeerapan Itthipon
Published: June 2022

Cavitas sensors and point-of-need sensors capable of providing physical and biochemical information from the oral cavity and saliva have attracted great attention because they offer remarkable advantages for noninvasive sensing systems. Herein, we introduce the basic anatomy and physiology of important body cavities to understand their characteristics as it is a pivotal foundation for the successful development of in-mouth devices. Next, the advanced development in lab-in-a-mouth sensors and point-of-need sensors for analyzing saliva are explained. In addition, we discuss the integrations of artificial intelligence and electronic technologies in smart sensing networks for healthcare systems. This review ends with a discussion of the challenges, future research trends, and opportunities in relevant disciplines. Mouthguard-based sensors and conventional salivary sensing devices will continue to be significant for the progress in the next-generation sensing technologies and smart healthcare systems.
Perspective— Powerful Micro/Nano-Scale Heat Engine: Thermoelectric Converter on Chip
Authors: Wu Zhenhua , Hu Zhiyu
Published: June 2022

As heat engines, thermoelectric converters can utilize a large amount of free low-grade thermal energy in the environment to generate electricity cleanly and quietly, contributing to a sustainable low-carbon life. They can also act as refrigerators and sensors based on their special ability to reversibly convert heat to electricity. Attractively, thermoelectric converters fabricated by microelectromechanical system technology exhibit more powerful potential when reaching the micro/nano-scale owing to the characteristics of electrons and phonons transport, with cost-effective mass manufacturing advantages. Thermoelectric converters will play an increasingly important role in extensive fields with a bright future.
Chondrocyte-specific response to stiffness-mediated primary cilia formation and centriole positioning
Authors: Williantarra Ivanna , Leung Sophia , Choi Yu Suk , Chhana Ashika , McGlashan Sue R.
Published: June 2022

Mechanical stress and the stiffness of the extracellular matrix are key drivers of tissue development and homeostasis. Aberrant mechanosensation is associated with a wide range of pathologies, including osteoarthritis. Matrix (or substrate) stiffness plays a major role in cell spreading, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. However, how specific cells sense substrate stiffness still remains unclear. The primary cilium is an essential cellular organelle that senses and integrates mechanical and chemical signals from the extracellular environment. We hypothesized that the primary cilium dynamically alters its length and position to fine-tune cell mechanosignaling based on substrate stiffness alone. We used a hydrogel system of varying substrate stiffness to examine the role of stiffness on cilia frequency, length, and centriole position as well as cell and nuclei area over time. Contrary to other cell types, we show that chondrocyte primary cilia shorten on softer substrates, demonstrating tissue-specific mechanosensing that is aligned with the tissue stiffness the cells originate from. We further show that stiffness determines centriole positioning to either the basal or apical membrane during attachment and spreading, with centrioles positioned toward the basal membrane on stiffer substrates. These phenomena are mediated by force generation actin-myosin stress fibers in a time-dependent manner. Finally, we show on stiff substrates that primary cilia are involved in tension-mediated cell spreading. We propose that substrate stiffness plays a role in cilia positioning, regulating cellular responses to external forces, and maybe a key driver of mechanosignaling-associated diseases.
Human skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptor gene expression in elderly males performing heavy resistance exercise
Authors: Soendenbroe Casper , Heisterberg Mette F. , Schjerling Peter , Kjaer Michael , Andersen Jesper L. , Mackey Abigail L.
Published: June 2022

Muscle fiber denervation is a major contributor to the decline in muscle mass and function during aging. Heavy resistance exercise is an effective tool for increasing muscle mass and strength, but whether it can rescue denervated muscle fibers remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of heavy resistance exercise to modify indices of denervation in healthy elderly individuals. Thirty-eight healthy elderly men (72 ± 5 yr) underwent 16 wk of heavy resistance exercise, whereas 20 healthy elderly men (72 ± 6 yr) served as nonexercising sedentary controls. Muscle biopsies were obtained pre and post training, and midway at 8 wk. Biopsies were analyzed by immunofluorescence for the prevalence of myofibers expressing embryonic myosin [embryonic myosin heavy chain (MyHCe)], neonatal myosin [neonatal myosin heavy chain (MyHCn)], nestin, and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), and by RT-qPCR for gene expression levels of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunits, MyHCn, MyHCe, p16, and Ki67. In addition to increases in strength and type II fiber hypertrophy, heavy resistance exercise training led to a decrease in AChR α1 and ε subunit messenger RNA (mRNA; at 8 wk). Changes in gene expression levels of the α1 and ε AChR subunits with 8 wk of heavy resistance exercise supports the role of this type of exercise in targeting stability of the neuromuscular junction. The number of fibers positive for NCAM, nestin, and MyHCn was not affected, suggesting that a longer timeframe is needed for adaptations to manifest at the protein level.
Prehension kinematics in humans and macaques
Authors: Yan Yuke , Sobinov Anton R. , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: June 2022

Macaques have been a dominant animal model to study the neural mechanisms of human dexterity because they exhibit complex manual behavior. We show that the kinematics of prehension - a critical dexterous behavior - are largely similar in humans and macaques. However, human pre-shaping postures are more object-specific and the movement of human digits are less correlated with each other. The thumb, index, and wrist are major driver of these interspecies differences.
Assessing corticospinal excitability and reaching hand choice during whole body motion
Authors: Oostwoud Wijdenes Leonie , Wynn Syanah C. , Roesink Béla S. , Schutter Dennis J. L. G. , Selen Luc P. J. , Medendorp W. Pieter
Published: June 2022

Full body-motion biases decisions of hand choice. We examined the signatures of this bias in hand preference in corticospinal excitability before a reach target was presented. Our results show that behavior and corticospinal excitability modulate depending on the state of the body in motion. This suggests that information about body motion penetrates deeply within the motor system.
Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Inflammation-Related Tumorigenesis via Modulating Macrophages
Authors: Fu Yanxia , Li Jun , Li Mengdi , Xu Junfeng , Rong Zheng , Ren Fangli , Wang Yinyin , Sheng Jianqiu , Chang Zhijie
Published: June 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been documented to be effective for the therapy of inflammation-related diseases but raised concerns on possible tumorigenic effects. Since most of the tumors are induced or promoted by chronic inflammation, one could expect that MSCs might be beneficial for the cancer therapy because of their potent roles on inhibiting inflammation. This study is aimed at performing a safety evaluation and evaluating the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on tumorigenesis. We found that HUC-MSCs cultured within 20 generations had no significant changes in proliferation, cell cycle, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers. HUC-MSCs were unable to form any tumor in immunodeficiency or normal mice with or without inflammatory stimulation. Intriguingly, we observed that HUC-MSCs inhibited tumorigenesis in B16-derived or AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer models. We reasoned that the effect of HUC-MSCs on tumorigenesis might be through regulating the inflammatory response. Indeed, HUC-MSCs dramatically ameliorated the disease symptoms and pathological changes of DSS-induced colitis mice. We deciphered the mechanism that HUC-MSCs inhibited tumorigenesis through reducing the proportion of macrophages, which were decreased in the mice suffered from AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer. Correspondingly, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6, which were secreted by macrophages, were significantly decreased in the plasma of colon cancer and colitis mice after injection of HUC-MSCs. This study revealed the role of inhibiting macrophages and shed light on the therapeutic application of HUC-MSCs in inflammation-induced tumorigenesis.
K‐Space Data Reconstruction Algorithm‐Based MRI Diagnosis and Influencing Factors of Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Chang Rui , Chen Angang , Li Xiang , Song Xiaoqiang , Zeng Benqiang , Zhang Liping , Deng Wanying
Published: June 2022

This study was aimed at investigating the diagnostic value of MRI based on K‐space data reconstruction algorithm for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of knee joint and the influencing factors of ligament injury. 96 patients with ACL injury of knee joint were selected, and they were randomly divided into two groups: group A (arthroscopy) and group B (MRI examination), and another 96 healthy volunteers in the same period were selected as the control group. The test results of each indicator were compared. The results showed that the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of SMASH algorithm was higher than that of sum of squares (SOS) algorithm. In group A, there were 66 positive and 30 negative tests, and in group B, there were 56 positive and 40 negative tests (P < 0.05). The intercondylar fossa width, the intercondylar fossa width index, and the ratio of tibial intercondylar eminence width to intercondylar fossa width in group B were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the traditional SOS algorithm, SMASH algorithm can improve the image quality, reduce the impact of damage data on the final synthesis image, and improve the image SNR. In clinical work, the ratio of the width of tibial intercondylar eminence to the width of femoral intercondylar fossa can be measured by imaging data to evaluate the matching between tibial intercondylar eminence and femoral intercondylar fossa, so as to evaluate the risk of ACL rupture.
Concurrent Tumors Revealed by an Autopsy-A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cristian Miruna , Boșoteanu Mădălina , Așchie Mariana , Potamian Angelica , Boșoteanu Cătălin Adrian , Bălțătescu Gabriela Izabela
Published: June 2022

Introduction. Multiple primary malignant neoplasms are an uncommon phenomenon, given the very low incidence of two or more different tumors, while neoplasm may be limited to a single organ or may involve multiple separate anatomical organs. The main purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of morphological and immunohistochemical tests to distinguish the origin of the primary tumor. Case Presentation. We report the case of a 65-year-old deceased male, presenting multiple tumors in the lung, stomach, kidneys, and adrenal organs. The main symptoms presented by the patient were dyspnea with a range of 77% with oxygen saturation, fatigability, and productive cough. Histopathological examination revealed a solid and papillary lung adenocarcinoma, concurrent with tubular gastric adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical testing was mandatory by using a panel of seven monoclonal mouse antibodies (TTF-1, Napsin A, CK7, CK20, p40, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A). The pulmonary tumoral immunophenotype (positive for TTF-1, Napsin A, CK7; negative for CK20, p40, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A) confirms the diagnosis of primary lung ADC and invalidates the hypothesis of a metastasis arisen from a gastric adenocarcinoma or other forms of lung cancer. Conclusion. The importance of the ancillary test is to distinguish a primary tumor from a metastatic one.
[Retracted] Mendelian Randomization Study of Causal Relationship between Omega‐3 Fatty Acids and Risk of Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Xin , Peng Yanzhi , Tao Ru , Meng Ling , Li Xuehua
Published: June 2022

Objective. Evidence suggests that omega‐3 fatty acid intake exerts a protective effect on lung cancer, but its causal association with risk of lung cancer remains uncertain. This study attempts to clarify the causal effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on lung cancer utilizing genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data with Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods. This study acquired omega‐3 fatty acid data from the UK Biobank and data of lung cancer patients from the Consortium and International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO). Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with omega‐3 fatty acids were screened as instrumental variables (IVs) in line with the criteria of p < 5E − 8, linkage disequilibrium R2 > 0.001 and distance < 10000 kb. Through inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode, causal association between omega‐3 fatty acids and risk of lung cancer was evaluated. Cochran’s Q test was applied for a heterogeneity test. The pleiotropy and horizontal pleiotropy among IVs were evaluated via MR‐Egger regression intercept analysis. Results. Totally, 42 SNPs associated with omega‐3 fatty acids were identified as IVs. According to the results of IVW (OR (95% CI): 0.899 (0.817, 0.990), p = 0.03), MR‐Egger (OR (95% CI): 0.856 (0.750, 0.977), p = 0.026), weighted median (OR (95% CI): 0.899 (0.817, 0.990), p = 0.001), simple mode (OR (95% CI): 0.901 (‐0.678, 1.199), p = 0.478), and weighted mode (OR (95% CI): 0.859 (0.782, 0.944), p = 0.003), omega‐3 fatty acids showed a causal association with low risk of lung cancer. No genetic pleiotropy or horizontal pleiotropy was found according to MR‐Egger regression intercept analysis. Conclusion. Our findings provide sufficient evidence that omega‐3 fatty acids are causal protective factors of lung cancer. Despite this, further work is required for elucidating the potential mechanisms.
Optimal Design of Vehicle Structure Based on Computer-Aided Technology
Authors: Bai Guang
Published: June 2022

In order to improve the optimization design effect of modern automobile vehicle structure, this paper combines computer-aided technology to carry out vehicle structure optimization design, introduces the material description of the collision process, expounds the boundary conditions in the collision process, and introduces the theory of explicit integration algorithm. In the simulation process, it is necessary to deal with time step control, contact algorithm, hourglass control, etc., and analyze the optimization method of automobile collision, which is divided into experimental design and optimization method. In addition, the experimental design mainly introduces the orthogonal experimental design, which is applied to the lightweight design of automobile structures. The research verifies that computer-aided technology can play an important role in vehicle structure optimization and effectively improve the scientificity of vehicle structure design.