bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Model with Multi-Level Code Representation for Multi-Label Code Smell Detection (077)
Authors: Li Yichen , Liu An , Zhao Lei , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: December 2022

Code smell is an indicator of potential problems in a software design that have a negative impact on readability and maintainability. Hence, detecting code smells in a timely and effective manner can provide guides for developers in refactoring. Fortunately, many approaches like metric-based, heuristic-based, machine-learning-based and deep-learning-based have been proposed to detect code smells. However, existing methods, using the simple code representation to describe different code smells unilaterally, cannot efficiently extract enough rich information from source code. In addition, one code snippet often has several code smells at the same time and there is a lack of multi-label code smell detection based on deep learning. In this paper, we present a large-scale dataset for the multi-label code smell detection task since there is still no publicly sufficient dataset for this task. The release of this dataset would push forward the research in this field. Based on it, we propose a hybrid model with multi-level code representation to further optimize the code smell detection. First, we parse the code into the abstract syntax tree (AST) with control and data flow edges and the graph convolution network is applied to get the prediction at the syntactic and semantic level. Then we use the bidirectional long-short term memory network with attention mechanism to analyze the code tokens at the token-level in the meanwhile. Finally, we get the fusion prediction result of the models. Experimental results illustrate that our proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art methods not only in single code smell detection but also in multi-label code smell detection.
Flat-top and broadband supercontinuum generation in CCl4-filled circular photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Thi Thuy Nguyen , Trong Duc Hoang , Tran Bao Tran Le , Van Lanh Chu
Published: December 2022

In this work, a flat-top and broadband supercontinuum (SC) generation in photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) infiltrated with carbon tetrachloride ([Formula: see text] with different air hole diameters in the cladding has been introduced. The optical properties of the fundamental mode are analyzed by numerical simulation. Based on the obtained results, two optimized PCFs with small dispersion are proposed and verified against SC generation in detail. The first fiber has an all-normal dispersion of −9.376[Formula: see text]ps.nm[Formula: see text].km[Formula: see text] at the pump wavelength of 0.98[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, generating broadband of 768[Formula: see text]nm and flat-top with only 0.3[Formula: see text]nJ of input energy and time duration of 90[Formula: see text]fs. In the meantime the dispersion property of the second fiber is anomalous, which equals 1.105[Formula: see text]ps[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]nm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]km[Formula: see text] at 1.3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m pump wavelength. The second fiber generates a SC spectrum of 1,751.1[Formula: see text]nm with input energy and time duration of 0.55[Formula: see text]nJ and 55[Formula: see text]fs, respectively. Proposed fibers are suitable for all-fiber SC sources which could lead to new low-cost all-fiber optical systems.
Convergence of nonlinear filtering for multiscale systems with correlated Lévy noises
Authors: Qiao Huijie
Published: December 2022

The work concerns nonlinear filtering problems of multiscale systems with Lévy noises in two cases-correlated noises and correlated sensor noises. First of all, we prove that the slow part of the origin system converges to the average system in the uniform mean square sense. Then based on the convergence result, in two cases of correlated Lévy noises and correlated Gaussian noises, we prove that the nonlinear filtering of the slow part converges to that of the average system in the weak sense and the [Formula: see text] sense, respectively. Finally, in the case of correlated sensor Gaussian noises, the nonlinear filtering for the slow part is shown to approximate that of the average system in the [Formula: see text] sense.
Geometry of paracontact metric as an almost Yamabe solitons
Authors: Kumara H. Aruna , Venkatesha V. , Fasihi-Ramandi Gh. , Naik Devaraja Mallesha
Published: December 2022

In this offering exposition, we intend to study paracontact metric manifold [Formula: see text] admitting almost Yamabe solitons. First, for a general paracontact metric manifold, it is proved that [Formula: see text] is Killing if the vector field [Formula: see text] is an infinitesimal contact transformation and that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-paracontact if [Formula: see text] is collinear with Reeb vector field. Second, we proved that a [Formula: see text]-paracontact manifold admitting a Yamabe gradient soliton is of constant curvature [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and for [Formula: see text], the soliton is trivial and the manifold has constant scalar curvature. Moreover, for a paraSasakian manifold admitting a Yamabe soliton, we show that it has constant scalar curvature and [Formula: see text] is Killing when [Formula: see text]. Finally, we consider a paracontact metric [Formula: see text]-manifold with a non-trivial almost Yamabe gradient soliton. In the end, we construct two examples of paracontact metric manifolds with an almost Yamabe soliton.
Research on path planning of mobile robot based on improved genetic algorithm
Authors: Li Dongdong , Wang Lei , Cai Jingcao , Wang Anheng , Tan Tielong , Gui Jingsong
Published: December 2022

The basic genetic algorithm usually has the following problems when solving robot path planning problems. First, the chromosome (path) of the first generation is randomly generated, so its fitness is often too high, resulting in too slow convergence speed and even unable to obtain the global optimal solution. Second, in the crossover operator, the selection of crossover points is often random, which cannot ensure that the fitness of cross generated offspring is better than that of their parents. Finally, in the mutation stage, because the traditional mutation strategy is to replace the selected mutation node in the individual chromosome with a random node, the offspring path generated by the mutation operator is likely to be discontinuous, so it cannot reflect the effectiveness of the mutation operator. Based on the mentioned contents, some improved strategies are proposed for the discussed three shortcomings of the basic genetic algorithm. First, a new generation mechanism of the first generation is constructed by simulating the path finding rules of ants in ant colony optimization, which greatly improves the quality of the first generation. Second, during crossover operator, the chromosomes of the two parents are disconnected at the same node, and the optimal chromosome fragments in each segment are combined based on greed, so as to gather all the excellent gene fragments of the parents in an individual as much as possible, improve the quality of the offspring after crossover operator, and speed up the convergence speed. Finally, a new mutation strategy is proposed to eliminate redundant sections and the number of corners, so that the individuals always can be mutated in a good direction. A large number of simulation results show that the improved genetic algorithm is effective in solving the robot path planning problem, and the overall performance is better than the basic genetic algorithm and some other improved genetic algorithms. Finally, by modeling and simulating the real enterprise factory environment based on the ROS platform, the experimental results also verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the improved genetic algorithm.
A Decision-Making Model for Autonomous Vehicles at Intersections Based on Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Chen Xue-Mei , Xu Shu-Yuan , Wang Zi-Jia , Zheng Xue-Long , Han Xin-Tong , Liu En-Hao
Published: December 2022

By aiming at addressing the left-turning problem of an autonomous vehicle considering the oncoming vehicles at an urban unsignallized intersection, a hierarchical reinforcement learning is proposed and a two-layer model is established to study behaviors of left-turning driving. Compared with the conventional decision-making models with a fixed path, the proposed multi-paths decision-making algorithm with horizontal and vertical strategies can improve the efficiency of autonomous vehicles crossing intersections while ensuring safety.
The Effect of Ex-Vivo Hyaluronic Acid on Myofibroblast and Collagen in Dupuytren Disease
Authors: SINACI Cem Berkay , ÇİÇEK Çağla , FİLİNTE Gaye , GÜVEN Ülkügül
Published: December 2022

Background: Dupuytren disease (DD) is characterised by increased myofibroblast/fibroblast activity and type3/type1 collagen ratios. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is major component of the extracellular matrix and some studies have showed that HA limits myofibroblast activity and decreases type3/type1 collagen ratio. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the ex-vivo application of HA on cultured fibroblasts obtained from normal and diseased tissue from patients with DD. This is the initial step towards defining the use of HA as a new approach for medical treatment of DD.

Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from both healthy forearm (C) and unhealthy palmar (D) fascia of patients undergoing surgery for DD. Tissue samples were cultured and divided into four groups depending on the addition of HA [C(HA−), C(HA+), D(HA−) and D(HA+)]. The tissues were evaluated using Western blot to detect effect of HA on myofibroblast (by measuring alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA) and on the ratio of type3/type1 collagen by measuring collagen type1 alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1) and collagen type3 alpha 1 Chain (COL3A1).

Results: The rate of the average α-SMA value in the D(HA+) group was significantly lower compared to that of the D(HA−) group. The average ratio of type3/type1 collagen in the D(HA+) group was significantly lower compared to the D(HA−) group.

Conclusions: The ex-vivo application of HA on cultured fibroblasts obtained from patients with DD resulted in a decrease in myofibroblast/fibroblast activity and type3/type1 collagen ratios. This may pave the way for clinical application of HA in the treatment of DD.
Use of Triceps Tendon and Paratenon Composite Graft for Extensor Tendon Reconstruction in the Hand: A Case Report
Authors: SHIBATA Ryutaro , TAKEDA Shinsuke , YAMAUCHI Ken-ichi , HIRATA Hitoshi
Published: December 2022

An extensor tendon defect in the hand requires reconstruction to restore extension. We report a 44-year-old woman with a 24-mm extensor tendon defect of the middle finger over the dorsum of the hand that was reconstructed using a composite graft consisting of the triceps tendon and paratenon. This composite graft from the posterior aspect of the distal arm is simple, safe and may be considered in extensor tendon reconstruction.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Engineering Electrical and Thermal Attributes of Two-Dimensional Graphene Reinforced Copper/Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites for Smart Electronics
Authors: Khanna Virat , Singh Kamaljit , Kumar Santosh , Bansal Suneev Anil , Channegowda Manjunatha , Kong Ing , Khalid Mohammad , Chaudhary Vishal
Published: December 2022

Rising demands for reliable thermally and electrically conductive and stable, lightweight, and mechanically enduring materials in architecting smart electronics have accelerated the research in engineering metal-matrix composites (MMCs). Amongst all, copper (Cu) and aluminium (Al) based MMCs are popular owing to high electrical conductivity, but large heat dissipation in compact electronic gadgets is still challenging. The reinforcement of Cu/Al with graphene caters to problems of heat dissipation, strengthens mechanical endurance, and optimizes electronic and thermal conductivities as per the device architect and application. The present report systematically reviews the state-of-the-art Cu/Al MMCs using graphene reinforcement with enhanced electrical, thermal and mechanical attributes for smart electronics manufacturing. It discusses the fundamentals for optimising the electrical and thermal charge transport in Cu/Al MMCs through graphene reinforcement. Besides it discusses challenges, alternate solutions, and advanced prospects of graphene reinforced Cu/Al MMCs for smart electronics manufacturing.
COVID-19-Induced Fatal Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Healthy Young Patient
Authors: Pereira Mariana Codevila Buere , Ruschel Bruna , Schneider Bruna , de Melgar Vitor Salomão Gonçalves Melo , Rech Tatiana Helena
Published: December 2022

Since the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, findings indicate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) might induce autoimmune disorders. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a devastating disease if not emergently treated. It presents with severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and neurologic findings with or without renal insufficiency. The antibody-mediated reduced activity of the disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) induces the accumulation of ultrahigh-molecular-weight multimers of von Willebrand factor, leading to platelet aggregation and thrombosis. TTP can be an unusual presentation of COVID-19 disease mediated by the virus-induced immune response. We report a case of a healthy young patient presenting with the classic TTP pentad a few days after a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. The patient was initially treated with high-dose methylprednisolone and fresh frozen plasma until she was transferred to a tertiary care facility and plasma exchange was available. She evolved with a malignant ischemic vascular accident and was declared brain-dead 24 hours after the first plasma exchange section.
Detection of Marine Oil Spills Based on HOG Feature and SVM Classifier
Authors: Li Kai , Yu Hongliang , Xu Yiqun , Luo Xiaoqing
Published: December 2022

Oil spill accidents have gradually increased due to the continuous development of marine transportation and petroleum processing industries. Monitoring and managing marine oil spills present important economic, social, and practical implications in preventing offshore oil pollution and maintaining ecological balance. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has become a suitable carrier for low-altitude oil spill detection because of their fast deployment and low cost. Thermal infrared remote sensing images are used as the research object in this study. A method around histogram of gradient (HOG) features combined with a support vector machine (SVM) is proposed for identifying oil spills at sea to improve the accuracy of offshore low-altitude oil spill recognition and realize all-weather monitoring of offshore oil spills in offshore waters. Steps for extracting HOG features and basic principles of the SVM classification are first investigated. Image preprocessing is then performed on collected thermal infrared image data to produce samples. HOG features of samples are extracted, and the radial basis function is selected as the kernel function for training the SVM classifier. HOG features of the infrared image to be tested are calculated and then sent to the classifier for identifying the oil spills. In addition, the proposed method is compared with the back propagation(BP) neural network method and local binary pattern (LBP) combined with the SVM classification method for analysis. The results show that the oil film recognition method based on the HOG feature and SVM has a recognition accuracy of 91.3% in the environment of small infrared oil film samples, which is significantly better than the BP and LBP-SVM recognition methods, and obtains a shorter training time. The method proposed in this study has obvious advantages in terms of small sample size and processing efficiency, can meet the requirements of all-weather inspection of oil film pollutants by UAV in offshore port areas, and has great application potential in the field of maritime supervision informatization in the future.
Reduction of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen May Be More Significant in PEGylated Interferon-Alpha Therapy Combined with Nucleotide Analogues than Combined with Nucleoside Analogues in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Xie Yiran , Zhu Haoxiang , Guo Yifei , Ma Zhenxuan , Qi Xun , Yang Feifei , Mao Richeng , Zhang Jiming
Published: December 2022

Background. Nucleotide analogues (NTs) monotherapy may have a more significant effect on reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) than nucleoside analogues (NSs) due to their immunomodulatory function. However, this superiority remains unknown when combined with PEGylated interferon α (PegIFNα). Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether NTs have more significant antiviral effects than NSs in combination therapy with PegIFNα. Methods. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with PegIFNα plus nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) were retrospectively recruited. Efficacy and the predictors of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction >1 log10 IU/mL after 48 weeks were analyzed. Results. A total of 95 patients were included and divided into the PegIFNα + NTs group and the PegIFNα + NSs group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. The PegIFNα + NTs group had a greater reduction of HBsAg (−3.52 vs. −2.33 log10 IU/mL,

P
=
0.032

) and a higher proportion of patients with HBsAg reduction >1 log10 IU/mL (100.0% vs. 72.2%,

P
=
0.003

) even after PSM. However, HBsAg and hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) loss rates, HBeAg seroconversion rates, degree of HBeAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA decline, HBV DNA undetectable rates, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rates showed no significant differences. Subgroup analyses showed the difference in the reduction of HBsAg was particularly evident in HBeAg-positive and the “add-on” subgroups. PegIFNα plus NTs (OR = 36.667, 95% CI = 3.837–350.384) was an independent predictor for HBsAg reduction >1 log10 IU/mL after 48 weeks. Conclusion. This study suggests that PegIFNα plus NTs may lead to more HBsAg reduction, especially in HBeAg-positive and “add-on” patients.
Research on the Frequency Regulation Strategy of Large-Scale Battery Energy Storage in the Power Grid System
Authors: He Bin , Ren YongFeng , Xue Yu , Fang ChenZhi , Hu ZhiShuai , Dong XiaoLing
Published: December 2022

Driven by the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality target, the large-scale grid-connected of renewable energy such as wind and solar has increased, and the volatility and randomness have posed new challenges to the stability of the power grid frequency. In this case, battery energy storage is a grid auxiliary resource with fast response and adjustable parameters, which can provide frequency support for the grid system in a short period. This paper studies the frequency regulation strategy of large-scale battery energy storage in the power grid system from the perspectives of battery energy storage, battery energy storage station, and battery energy storage system, respectively. First of all, the droop control based on logistic function and the virtual inertia control based on piecewise function are proposed for battery energy storage frequency regulation, which improves the performance of battery energy storage power output effectively. Second, the weighting factor is set according to the current battery charge to achieve the most optimal distribution of frequency regulation power for each battery pack in the battery energy storage station. In the end, a control framework for large-scale battery energy storage systems jointly with thermal power units to participate in system frequency regulation is constructed, and the proposed frequency regulation strategy is studied and analyzed in the EPRI-36 node model. The results of the study show that the proposed battery frequency regulation control strategies can quickly respond to system frequency changes at the beginning of grid system frequency fluctuations, which improves the stability of the new power system frequency including battery energy storage. In addition, this paper also provides a certain reference for the construction of the new power system dispatching that integrates “Generation-Grid-Load-Storage” in the future.
Prediction of the Antibacterial Activity of the Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Gram Negative and Positive Bacteria by using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Saadat Afshin , Dehghani Varniab Asma , Madani Seyyed Mohammad
Published: December 2022

With the appearance and growth of microbial organisms resistant to various antibiotics, as well as the need to reduce the cost of care of health, the production of antimicrobials at lower costs has become an inescapable necessity for today’s human societies. Recently, the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology has developed widely. One of the applications of nanobiotechnology is the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for new solutions in the treatment of microbial infections. AgNPs have unique properties which help in molecular diagnostics, therapies, and also in devices that are used in several medical procedures. In this field, machine learning algorithms have been used with hopeful results. One of the branches of artificial intelligence (AI) is machine learning (ML) that focuses on data and shows the power of the data. Machine learning techniques are taking considerable attention because of their obvious successes in a broad range of predictive tasks. In this work, we studied machine learning technique to predict the antibacterial activity of AgNPs against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Here, we reviewed 100 articles for completing the data, highlighting the recently used different plants for the synthesis of highly efficient antimicrobial green AgNPs, which consist of key experimental conditions (amount of plant extract, volume of plant extract, volume of solvent, volume of AgNO3 solution, reaction temperature, reaction time, concentration of precursors, and nanoparticle size). The results showed that nanoparticles size and concentration of AgNPs are key factors in predicting the antibacterial effect of AgNPs.
Antimelanogenesis Effect of Methyl Gallate through the Regulation of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Cheng Zhi Jiao , Dai Guo Fong , Hsu Jue Liang , Lin Jen Jie , Wu Wen Tung , Su Ching Chyuan , Wu Yu Jen
Published: December 2022

Methyl gallate is a polyphenolic compound found in many plants, and its antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects have been extensively studied. More recently, antidepressant-like effects of methyl gallate have been demonstrated in some studies. In the present study, we examined the effects of methyl gallate on melanogenesis, including the tyrosinase inhibitory effect, the melanin content, and the molecular signaling pathways involved in this inhibition. The results showed that methyl gallate inhibited tyrosinase activity and significantly downregulated the expressions of melanin synthesis-associated proteins, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, dopachrome tautomerase (Dct), and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1). In conclusion, our findings indicated that activation of MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt promoted by methyl gallate caused downregulation of MITF and triggered its downstream signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the production of melanin. In summary, methyl gallate showed significant inhibitory activity against melanin formation, implying that it may be a potential ingredient for application in skin-whitening cosmetics.
Xuesaitong Combined with Dexmedetomidine Improves Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Activating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling and Mitophagy in Hippocampal Tissue
Authors: Han Guo-Jie , Min Xiang-Zhen , Ma Shuang-Shuang , Ding Chuan , Wang Xiu-Qin
Published: December 2022

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of cerebrovascular disease with high mortality and poor prognosis, and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injury is the main murderer. Here, we attempted to explore the effects and mechanism of Xuesaitong (XST) combined with dexmedetomidine (Dex) on CI/R injury in rats. First, a rat model of CI/R injury was constructed via the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method and treated with XST and Dex alone or in combination. Then, on the 5th and 10th days of treatment, the neurological impairment was assessed using the modified neurological severity scores (mNSS), the 8-arm radial maze test (8ARMT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and fear conditioning test (FCT). H&E staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of the hippocampus. ELISA and related kits were used to assess the monoamine neurotransmitters and antioxidant enzyme activities in the hippocampus. The ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential levels, and qRT-PCR of genes related to mitochondrial function were determined to assess mitochondrial functions in the hippocampus and western blot to determine Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and mitophagy-related protein expression. The results showed that XST combined with Dex significantly reduced mNSS, improved spatial memory and learning deficits, and enhanced fear memory and cognitive memory ability in CI/R rats, which was superior to single-drug treatment. Moreover, XST combined with Dex treatment improved hippocampal histopathological damage; significantly increased the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, ATP, and mitochondrial membrane potential; and upregulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of mitophagy-related proteins in the hippocampus of CI/R rats. XST combined with Dex treatment also activated the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling and upregulated the protein expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQ. Altogether, this study showed that a combination of XST and Dex could activate the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling and mitophagy to protect rats from CI/R-related neurological impairment.
Self‐Healing Effect of Various Capsule‐Core Materials on Asphalt Materials
Authors: Chen Suhua , Liu Qi , Bi Yanqiu , Yu Bin , Zhang Jiupeng
Published: December 2022

To further investigate the self‐healing mechanism of microcapsules and exclude the interference of capsule‐wall materials, a bi‐plate test and a molecular model of asphalt and capsule‐core materials were established using dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Firstly, the models of asphalt‐rejuvenator‐asphalt and asphalt‐epoxy resin‐asphalt were established to simulate the interface of asphalt and capsule‐core materials. The cross‐linking between poxy resin and curing agent, and tensile tests were then simulated through Perl scripts. Finally, the bi‐plate DSR test was applied to reveal the different action mechanisms between core materials and asphalt materials. The results showed that the cohesive energy of the epoxy resin and asphalt is greater than that of the rejuvenator at the same simulation time. Meanwhile, the maximum stresses generated after stretching for the two models were 69.9 and 34.68 MPa, respectively. The healing indexes HI1 and HI2 have a sound linear correlation with the maintenance time. The HI1 value of the epoxy resin is greater than that of the rejuvenator, and the maximum value exceeds 1. This implies that the capsule core of epoxy resin can recover the strength of damaged asphalt in a short time. Epoxy resin should be considered for asphalt cracks caused by heavy‐load shear.
An Optimization Method of Active Distribution Network Considering Time Variations in Load and Renewable Distributed Generation
Authors: Wen Juan , Qu Xing , Lin Siyu , Ding Lin , Jiang Lin
Published: December 2022

Network optimization is one of an effective ways to enhance the performance of an active distribution network (ADN). Aiming to improve the operation and power quality of the ADN considering time variations in load and renewable distributed generation (RDG) power, a multi-time period optimization model and its dynamic solution method are proposed. Considering the real time load demand and power generation variation of RDG versus input parameters like wind speed and solar irradiance, the time variation models of load and RDG power output are developed. The minimum power loss and maximum absorption of RDG power are served as the optimization indexes to construct the dynamic muti-time period optimization model. A hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) algorithm is presented based on integer coding and random coding technique, which can find the most satisfactory solutions for the proposed dynamic model. Considering the time variation of load and RDG power of ADN, the optimal network structure and RDG allocation scheme at any time interval are determined by analyzing the obtained solutions. Additionally, two ADNs with time variation in load and RDG are tested to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed dynamic optimization model and HPSO algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed method can improve the operation performance and RDG optimal utilization of the ADNs through muti-time period dynamic optimization.
BQ-Chem: A Quantum Software Program for Chemistry Simulation Based on the Full Quantum Eigensolver Algorithm
Authors: Li Hang , Gao Pan , Zhang Jiang , Liu Zhiyuan , Wei Hai , Wen Kai , Wei Shijie , Long Gui-Lu
Published: December 2022

We describe a quantum chemistry simulation software program BQ-Chem, which can calculate the low-energy spectrum and potential energy surface of molecules on a quantum computer. BQ-Chem is based on the full quantum eigensolver (FQE), which is implemented with a quantum gradient descent algorithm. Benefiting from FQE, BQ-Chem can perform all the calculations on a quantum computer. Compared with the classical optimization methods which encounter the optimization difficulty of high-dimensional and multivariable functions in dealing with multielectron orbitals of macromolecules, FQE provides an exponential speedup. FQE works fully on a quantum computer; thus, BQ-Chem can be smoothly transited to future large-scale quantum computers.
Quercetin Zinc and Iron Metal Complexes Protect against Sodium Arsenite Intoxication in the Hepato-Renal System of Wistar Rats via the Oxidative Stress Pathway
Authors: Ojo Oluwatoyin O. , Fatokun Deborah I. , Ejidike Ikechukwu P. , Awolope Rachel U. , Sanni Saheed O.
Published: December 2022

Background. Chronic exposure to arsenic is a major health concern consequent upon generation of excessive reactive oxygen species. The safety of treatment with chelating agents has not been well established; therefore, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to management of arsenic toxicity. Bioflavonoids are known to influence redox homeostasis in cells; the study therefore investigates the efficacy of quercetin and its zinc and iron metal complexes on sodium arsenite (NaAr)-intoxication in rats. Methods. Spectroscopic study of quercetin hydrate and its metal complexes was performed using UV-Vis and FT-IR spectrometer. Furthermore, twenty male Wistar rats were obtained and equally divided into four groups, treated orally and daily for 28 days with 10 mg/kg NaAr, 30 mg/kg quercetin, quercetin-zinc, and quercetin-iron separately. Five more rats were used as control. Plasmatic aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and total protein (TP) were estimated. Levels of kidney and liver lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. Histology was used to view the lesions. Results. Treatment of arsenic-toxicity with quercetin and its complexes decreased the activities of ALT, AST, CREA, TP, CAT, and GST and concentration of LPO and GSH. Quercetin-zn treatment showed a better result than quercetin-iron in the liver. Histology results showed absence of lesions in quercetin zinc and iron treatment in both the kidney and the liver. Conclusion. Quercetin zinc and iron increased the bioavailability of quercetin and therefore could be relevant as adjuvants in arsenic poisoning.
Acceptance of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Associated Factors among Girls in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Ukumo Eshetu Y. , Weldehawariat Feleke G. , Dessalegn Samuel A. , Minamo Desta M. , Weldehawaryat Haymanot N.
Published: December 2022

Background. Cervical cancer is Ethiopia’s second biggest cause of cancer-related death among women. The introduction of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is expected to have a significant impact on the burden of cervical cancer. In Ethiopia, particularly in our study area, little is known regarding girls’ acceptance of HPV vaccination. Therefore, this study has assessed the acceptance of HPV vaccination and associated factors among girls in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted on January 1, 2020. Based on convenience, Arba Minch town was purposefully selected. Stratification was done to stratify private and public schools, then simple random sampling to select sample schools from each, and finally, a proportional allocation of sample size to each school. The determinants and independent variables that influence the acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccination were determined using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results. This study’s overall acceptance rate for study participants was 50.4% (95% CI) (45.9–55.2). Girls’ age (

AOR
=
2.93

, 95% CI (1.57_5.47),

P

value 0.001), mothers’ educational level (secondary and more than secondary,

AOR
=
2.40

, 95% CI (1.01_5.73),

P

value 0.048, and 3.64, 95% CI (1.61_8.25),

P

value 0.002, respectively), positive attitude (

AOR
=
5.22

, 95% CI (2.96_9.19),

P

value
≤
0.001

), good knowledge (

AOR
=
2.49

, 95% CI (1.19_5.24),

P

value 0.001), and receiving childhood immunization (

AOR
=
14.85

, 95% CI (8.58_25.72),

P

value
≤
0.001

) were factors associated with girls’ acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccination. Conclusions and Recommendation. Only half of the study participants accepted HPV vaccination. Therefore, Arba Minch town health institutions should better boost the acceptance of HPV vaccination by improving the knowledge and attitudes of girls. Factors associated with girls’ acceptance of HPV vaccination were age, mothers’ educational status, positive attitude, knowledge of HPV vaccination, and receiving childhood immunization.
Illumination on Chemical Compounds from Qufeng Zhitong Capsule and Its Potential Pharmacological Mechanism against Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS Combined with Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Xue Mengjie , Zhang Lihua , Zhao Yuting , Mu Qixuan , Cui Ying , Qian Ke , Chai Xin
Published: December 2022

Qufeng Zhitong capsule (QZC), a Chinese patent medicine officially approved in China for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other diseases, possesses the primary effects of dispelling wind, relieving pain, and promoting blood circulation, whose clinical applications have been confined owing to the incomplete elucidation of its chemical compositions and the underlying molecular mechanism for the treatment of RA. In this study, 61 compounds including 16 phenylpropanoids, 15 organic acids, 13 alkaloids, seven flavonoids, six iridoids, one saccharide, two aldehydes, and one saponin in QZC were simultaneously identified and traced to their herbal origins by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem Q-Exactive Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS), where 31 of them were unambiguously identified by reference compounds, and the other 30 were tentatively characterized. Besides, all these compounds were proven to have potential pharmacological activity in the treatment of RA based on network pharmacology analysis. In conclusion, this study first investigated the chemical composition and potential pharmacological effects of the main chemical compounds in QZC, which will contribute to the revelation of bioactive compounds in QZC and provide evidence for clinical application.
The Characteristics of Diverticular Disease in Caribbean Population: A Control Group Study
Authors: Gelu-Simeon Moana , Schnee Matthieu , Lafrance Marie-Josée , Plazy-Chabrand Pauline , Schneck Anne-Sophie , Saint-Georges Georgette , Alexis Marceline , Delumeau Stéphanie , Montigny Philippe , Faroux Roger , Dimet Jérome , Saillard Eric
Published: December 2022

Background. Diverticulosis is not well characterized in the Caribbeans. Our aim was to compare the anatomical presentation of colonic diverticulosis in African Caribbeans (group AC) versus Europeans (group E) and severity. Methods. We conducted a prospective controlled study involving 274 patients admitted for lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage (LGIH) in France (center 1: Guadeloupe; center 2: La Roche-sur-Yon); 179 cases with diverticular haemorrhage, including 129 in group AC and 40 in group E. Exploration of the colon included a detailed assessment of diverticula using a dedicated endoscopic grid. Results. AC and E had similar characteristics in terms of age, gender, previous history of LGIH, body mass index, dietary habits, and medications, but AC had significantly poorer hemodynamic parameters at admission and required more blood transfusions (66.7% vs. 42.5%;

p
=
0.01

) during hospitalization. Out of the 169 patients included in the study, a complete exploration of the colon was achieved in 81% (N = 137) (AC, n = 106; E, n = 31), and revealed right-side diverticulosis in AC (in 90.6%, included into a pancolonic form in 73.6% vs. 35.5%;

p
=
0.0002

) and left-side diverticulosis in E (in 96.8%, isolated form in 58.1% vs. 9.4%,

p
=
0.0002

). These data were confirmed by a sensitivity analysis using an endoscopic grid in 92 patients, achieving a higher frequency and larger size of diverticula in AC. Conclusion. Our study has shown that diverticulosis was pancolonic in AC and more frequently associated with more severe haemorrhage than the left-sided diverticulosis of Europeans. This anatomical presentation may be driven by the genetic background more than the environment and diet.
Tolerance Analysis of Cylindrical Roller Bearing under Combined Radial and Axial Loads
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Lv Xue , Song Jiawei
Published: December 2022

In order to analyze the influence of tolerance values of key parameters for cylindrical roller bearings under combined axial and radial loads, a coupled model, incorporating a dynamic model of cylindrical roller bearings, contact model, and fatigue life model, is developed to investigate the effect of flange angle, roller-end radius, interval of roller length gauge, and roller profile on contact performance and fatigue life. The results show that the grouping design of flange angle and roller-end radius in the tolerance range was helpful for reducing contact ellipse truncation. The difference of the roller length would change the axial load distribution of the bearings. For the longest roller located in the bottom position, the bigger the difference, the bigger the roller tilt angle and carried-axial load. The (0, +2.5 μm) tolerance range of the crown drop can limit the difference of the fatigue life within 20% in the current analysis.
Traffic Sign Detection: Appropriate Data Augmentation Method from the Perspective of Frequency Domain
Authors: Li Qingchuan , Zheng Jiangxing , Tan Wenfeng , Wang Xingshu , Zhao Yingwei
Published: December 2022

This study introduces a challenge faced by CNN in the task of traffic sign detection: how to achieve robustness to distributional shift. At present, all kinds of CNN models rely on strong data augmentation methods to enrich samples and achieve robustness, such as Mosaic and Mixup. In this study, we note that these methods do not have similar effects on combating noise. We explore the performance of augmentation strategies against disturbance in different frequency bands and provide understanding from the Fourier analysis perspective. This understanding can provide a guidance for selecting data augmentation strategies for different detection tasks and benchmark datasets.
Serum Soluble Fas Levels and Incidence of Liver Cancer in Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Adachi Yasushi , Nojima Masanori , Mori Mitsuru , Kubo Toshiyuki , Akutsu Noriyuki , Sasaki Yasushi , Nakase Hiroshi , Lin Yingsong , Kurozawa Youichi , Wakai Kenji , Tamakoshi Akiko ,   for the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study
Published: December 2022

Background:

Soluble Fas (sFas) plays various roles in carcinogenesis and tumor dissemination by preventing apoptosis via binding to Fas ligand. We analyzed associations of serum sFas levels with the incidence of liver cancer in a prospective case–control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study.

Methods:

A baseline survey was conducted from 1988, with blood samples obtained from 39,242 subjects. Patients diagnosed with liver cancer were regarded as cases. Two or three controls were selected and matched for sex, age, and geographic area. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ORs for cancer incidence associated with sFas.

Results:

This study contained 86 cases and 249 controls. After controlling for alcohol intake, body mass index, smoking, and hepatitis viral infection, participants with high sFas showed elevated risk of cancer (Ptrend = 0.003) and the third tertile of sFas showed a higher risk compared with the first tertile [OR, 3.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28–9.69]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, high sFas was associated with elevated risk (Ptrend < 0.001). In men and the elderly, subjects in the highest tertiles showed higher cancer risk. Limiting subjects to those followed for 3 years, high sFas was related to liver cancer risk (Ptrend = 0.033) and the third tertile showed a higher risk compared with the first (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 0.94–9.14).

Conclusions:

High serum sFas may be related to future risk of liver cancer.

Impact:

Our findings highlight this biomarker for further analysis in pooled investigations with different/larger prospective cohorts.
Exposure-Response Analyses of Tremelimumab Monotherapy or in Combination with Durvalumab in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Song Xuyang , Kelley Robin Kate , Khan Anis A. , Standifer Nathan , Zhou Diansong , Lim KyoungSoo , Krishna Rajesh , Liu Lu , Wang Kun , McCoon Patricia , Negro Alejandra , He Philip , Gibbs Megan , Kurland John F. , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

A novel single-dose regimen of 300 mg tremelimumab in combination with durvalumab [Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab (STRIDE)] has demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile in the phase I/II Study 22 (NCT02519348) and phase III HIMALAYA study (NCT03298451). This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, exposure–response, and exposure–pharmacodynamics relationships of tremelimumab in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

Patients and Methods:

A previous tremelimumab population pharmacokinetic model was validated using data from parts 2 and 3 of Study 22. Exposure–response analyses explored relationships of tremelimumab exposure with efficacy and safety. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics relationships were evaluated using linear and nonlinear regression models.

Results:

The observed pharmacokinetics of tremelimumab in uHCC were consistent with predictions; no significant covariates were identified. Tremelimumab exposure was not significantly associated with adverse events, objective response rate, or progression-free survival. Overall survival (OS) was longer for patients with tremelimumab exposure, minimum serum drug concentration (Cmin1) ≥ median versus Cmin1 < median (18.99 months vs. 10.97 months), but this exposure-survival analysis might be confounded with baseline characteristics of albumin level and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, which had a significant impact on OS (P = 0.0004 and 0.0001, respectively). The predicted Cmin1 of tremelimumab in STRIDE regimen (12.9 μg/mL) was greater than the estimated concentration of tremelimumab eliciting half-maximal increases (EC50 = 5.24 μg/mL) in CD8+Ki67+ T-cell counts.

Conclusions:

Our findings support novel insights into tremelimumab pharmacokinetics and exposure–response relationships in HCC and support the clinical utility of the STRIDE regimen in patients with uHCC.
Comparison of Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Dimer Bis-imine versus Mono-imine: DNA Interstrand Cross-linking, Cytotoxicity, Antibody–Drug Conjugate Efficacy and Toxicity
Authors: Tiberghien Arnaud C. , Vijayakrishnan Balakumar , Esfandiari Arman , Ahmed Mahammad , Pardo Raul , Bingham John , Adams Lauren , Santos Kathleen , Kang Gyoung-Dong , Pugh Kathryn M. , Afif-Rider Shameen , Vashisht Kapil , Haque Kemal , Tammali Ravinder , Rosfjord Edward , Savoca Adriana , Hartley John A. , Howard Philip W.
Published: December 2022

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) delivering pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) DNA cross-linkers are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, with encouraging results in Hodgkin and non–Hodgkin lymphomas. The first example of an ADC delivering a PBD DNA cross-linker (loncastuximab tesirine) has been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. There has also been considerable interest in mono-alkylating PBD analogs. We conducted a head-to-head comparison of a conventional PBD bis-imine and a novel PBD mono-imine. Key Mitsunobu chemistry allowed clean and convenient access to the mono-imine class. Extensive DNA-binding studies revealed that the mono-imine mediated a type of DNA interaction that is described as “pseudo cross-linking,” as well as alkylation. The PBD mono-imine ADC demonstrated robust antitumor activity in mice bearing human tumor xenografts at doses 3-fold higher than those that were efficacious for the PBD bis-imine ADC. A single-dose toxicology study in rats demonstrated that the MTD of the PBD mono-alkylator ADC was approximately 3-fold higher than that of the ADC bearing a bis-imine payload, suggesting a comparable therapeutic index for this molecule. However, although both ADCs caused myelosuppression, renal toxicity was observed only for the bis-imine, indicating possible differences in toxicologic profiles that could influence tolerability and therapeutic index. These data show that mono-amine PBDs have physicochemical and pharmacotoxicologic properties distinct from their cross-linking analogs and support their potential utility as a novel class of ADC payload.