bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The models of transit cosmology along with observational constriction in f(Q,T) gravity
Authors: Pradhan Anirudh , Dixit Archana
Published: June 2021

Xu et al. (Eur. Phys. J. C 79 (2019) 708) have anticipated the theory of Gravity. The modified study of [Formula: see text] is elucidated here as Cosmological model. In it the action holds a role as a capricious arbitrary function [Formula: see text]. At this juncture [Formula: see text] functions as non-metricity and for matter fluid, [Formula: see text] outlines as energy-momentum tensor. The function [Formula: see text] quadratic in [Formula: see text] and linear in [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] has been taken as our research in which [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] stand as model parameters, induced by [Formula: see text] gravity. A range of cosmological parameters have been attained by us such as in Universe viz. Hubble parameter [Formula: see text], Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker (FLRW), deceleration parameter [Formula: see text], etc. in terms of scale-factor and in terms of redshift [Formula: see text] by confining to the law of energy-conservation. The fittest values of the model parameters have been acquired by us as the observational constrictions on the model, by utilizing the accessible data sets like Hubble data sets [Formula: see text], union [Formula: see text] compilation of SNe Ia data sets and Joint Light Curve Analysis (JLA) data sets. We have applied [Formula: see text]-test formula. The values of various observational parameters have been premeditated by us viz. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and state finder parameters [Formula: see text]. They are absolutely very close to the standard cosmological models. It has also been observed by us that the deceleration parameter [Formula: see text] exhibits signature-flipping (transition) point within the range [Formula: see text]. It is observed that it changes its phase from decelerated to accelerated expanding universe with equation of state (EoS) [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Civilizational Perspectives of the Belt and Road Initiative: A Critical Testing of Huntington’s Thesis of the Clash of Civilizations in the BRI Context
Authors: He Baogang
Published: June 2021

In recent years, a civilizational perspective as a part of geopolitical analysis is deployed to fuel geopolitical concern. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been viewed as a case of the clash of civilizations between the West and China. This paper scrutinizes the civilization-based geopolitical approach and analysis. It tests the “civilizational-clash” thesis beyond the Sinic–West relations through the cases of the Sinic–Islamic and Sinic–Hindu relations. An examination and comparison of different civilizational responses to the BRI helps us to develop a critical perspective to investigate the problems in the BRI, in particular the potential civilizational fault-lines along the BRI route. The paper rejects the simplistic version of civilization-based geopolitical analysis as insufficient, problematic, and even misleading. It has sought to refine and nurture a more sophisticated and rigorous approach to the complex connection between the BRI and civilization.
Study of ground investigation data along the Brunei Temburong Bridge alignment
Authors: Visvanathan Yogerej , Gödeke Stefan Herwig
Published: June 2021

The Brunei Temburong Bridge is an iconic project connecting the Brunei Muara and Temburong districts in Brunei over a length of 30 km. The bridge crosses from Brunei Muara across Brunei Bay to Temburong. A key aim of the Brunei Temburong Bridge project was the development of Temburong district, which was previously a more isolated district as it did not have a direct land link to Brunei Muara. This study reviews the geology of soil materials and sedimentary rocks along the bridge alignment based on 164 boreholes drilled for ground investigation. Standard penetration test, rock quality designation and fracture index data were evaluated to interpret soil materials and sedimentary rocks along the alignment. Borehole data were used to generate lithological cross-sections along the alignment providing an overview of geology. The geology encountered is extremely heterogeneous, with low-strength sediments encountered at depth of up to 80 m and more (e.g. at the Temburong section). Rock quality designation versus fracture index did not show a strong correlation, probably owing to the extreme heterogeneity, in particular for the Brunei Bay and Temburong sections. The study demonstrates the importance of a closely spaced investigative drilling and sampling programme for major construction programmes, which was successfully achieved for this project. Other investigative techniques such as geophysical methods could be highly useful for future projects. Considering economic and environmental reasons these techniques could be very useful to map the top of the bedrock even under highly heterogeneous ground conditions.
Three Decades of Climate Mitigation: Why Haven't We Bent the Global Emissions Curve?
Authors: Stoddard Isak , Anderson Kevin , Capstick Stuart , Carton Wim , Depledge Joanna , Facer Keri , Gough Clair , Hache Frederic , Hoolohan Claire , Hultman Martin , Hällström Niclas , Kartha Sivan , Klinsky Sonja , Kuchler Magdalena , Lövbrand Eva , Nasiritousi Naghmeh , Newell Peter , Peters Glen P. , Sokona Youba , Stirling Andy , Stilwell Matthew , Spash Clive L. , Williams Mariama
Published: June 2021

Despite three decades of political efforts and a wealth of research on the causes and catastrophic impacts of climate change, global carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise and are 60% higher today than they were in 1990. Exploring this rise through nine thematic lenses—covering issues of climate governance, the fossil fuel industry, geopolitics, economics, mitigation modeling, energy systems, inequity, lifestyles, and social imaginaries—draws out multifaceted reasons for our collective failure to bend the global emissions curve. However, a common thread that emerges across the reviewed literature is the central role of power, manifest in many forms, from a dogmatic political-economic hegemony and influential vested interests to narrow techno-economic mindsets and ideologies of control. Synthesizing the various impediments to mitigation reveals how delivering on the commitments enshrined in the Paris Agreement now requires an urgent and unprecedented transformation away from today's carbon- and energy-intensive development paradigm.
Development of Resonant Density Meter and Its Application in Tailings Backfilling
Authors: Cheng Xiaozhou
Published: June 2021

To solve the problems of low measurement accuracy, poor safety, and stability of the traditional pipeline liquid density meter, a MIMR‐XZ6 pipeline liquid density meter was designed based on the vibration mathematical model of fluid flowing through the pipeline. The pipeline liquid densitometer mainly consisted of a vibration tube for the liquid passing by, a distributed inductance encircled around the inner wall of the vibration tube, a resistor, and a capacitor, respectively, connected to both ends of the inductance, and the inductor, resistor, and capacitor formed the RLC series resonant circuit; an excitation signal source which could generate an alternating current (AC) voltage signal in different frequencies was applied to both ends of the RLC series resonant circuit, and the AC voltage signal was connected to the series branch formed by the inductance and the capacitor to capture the electrical signals. In view of the practical application of this liquid pipe densitometer in tailings backfilling, the installation method of the liquid pipe densitometer is flexible, and the slurry flows in a fluent and stable manner, meeting the measuring requirement of the resonant concentration analyzer. The MIMR‐XZ6 pipeline liquid densitometer was used for online detection of ore pulp density, and the precision of this densitometer met the needs of industrial applications.
Hybrid Biocomposites Based on Used Coffee Grounds and Epoxy Resin: Mechanical Properties and Fire Resistance
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Quang Tung
Published: June 2021

Studies on using biomaterials hybridized with other materials to produce biomaterials have been paid more attention due to their low cost, abundance, renewability, and degradability. Therefore, these materials are ecofriendly and nontoxic to humans. A large number of used coffee grounds (SCGs) are often discarded and replacements are necessary for dealing with environmental problems. This work developed sustainable materials by reusing SCGs. Used coffee grounds were mixed with epoxy resin at different amounts: 30 wt %, 40 wt %, 50 wt %, and 60 wt %. SCGs were treated with 0.5 N NaOH, at SCGs/NaOH ratio of 1 : 2. SEM images showed that the material with 30 wt % SCGs has good compatibility without phase division on the SCGs-epoxy interface. Results of mechanical properties of epoxy composites with 30 wt % SCGs are as follows: tensile strength of 44.81 ± 10 MPa, flexural strength of 80.07 ± 0.16 MPa, compressive strength of 112.56 ± 0.11 MPa, and Izod strength and impact of 8.21 ± 0.19 kJ/m2. In terms of flame-retardant properties, the oxygen index is limited to 20.8% ± 0.20 and the burning rate according to UL94HB is 27.02 ± 0.29 mm/min. The obtained results indicate that it is possible to produce biohybrid composites from epoxy resin and SCGs. This work offers an ecofriendly alternative method to use the waste of the coffee industry. It contributes to improvements of the general characteristics of composites such as mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties. This work proved that SCGs have a high potential to be used in a wide range of composite materials for civil engineering applications.
White Lupin as a Promising Source of Antioxidant Phenolics for Functional Food Production
Authors: Vollmannova Alena , Lidikova Judita , Musilova Janette , Snirc Marek , Bojnanska Tatiana , Urminska Dana , Tirdilova Ivana , Zetochova Erika
Published: June 2021

Although white lupin is the oldest known legume in the history, it has been forgotten for many years. Now, the interest of food producers concerning white lupin is increased again. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and the content of selected phenolics in 11 white lupin cultivars. The determined TPC was in the interval 4260–5663 mg GAE/kg DM and the values of AA determined using DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP methods were in the ranges 0.993–1.878, 5.496–7.924, and 1.328–1.741 μmol TE/g DM, respectively. Individual phenolics content (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, trans-p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, and genistein) were determined, too. Caffeic acid (442.9–766.2 mg/kg DM) and myricetin (11.2–21.2 mg/kg DM) are the dominant phenolics in the investigated lupin cultivars. Statistically significant differences in all investigated variables were observed between the tested cultivars except for quercetin. The obtained results show that the Astra and Nelly cultivars are a rich source of phenolic acids.
The Effect of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills on Beclin‐1 and LC3B Transcript Levels in Ovarian Endometrioma
Authors: Waiyaput Wanwisa , Bovornsakulvong Ongarj , Lertvikool Srithean , Sophonsritsuk Areepan
Published: June 2021

Background. Autophagy is likely altered in patients with endometriosis. Ovarian steroid hormones seem to affect this changing of the autophagic process. Objective. To study the effect of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills on the expression of autophagic‐related gene BECN1 and LC3B in the ectopic and eutopic endometria of patients with endometriosis. Material and Methods. The present quasiexperimental study recruited 36 women (18–45 years old) with endometrioma and nonendometrioma who were scheduled for surgery. Patients with endometrioma were randomly assigned to either a no‐treatment group (n = 12) or a COC group (n = 12). The COC group was prescribed a daily oral pill composed of 3 mg drospirenone and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol for 6 weeks before surgery. The control group (n = 12) was composed of women without endometrioma. Ectopic endometriotic and endometrium tissues were collected from the no‐treatment and COC groups, whereas the only endometrium was collected from the control group. These tissues were used for real‐time PCR to measure the expression of the BECN1 and LC3B genes. Results. The baseline demographic data were not different among the three groups. The BECN1 gene expression in endometrium tissue in the COC group was significantly less than that in the no‐treatment and control groups (P = 0.011 and 0.029, respectively). No significant difference of endometriotic cyst BECN1 and LC3B gene expression was found between COC and no treatment. Conclusions. Oral COC pills for 6 weeks continuously before surgery decreased the eutopic endometrial expression (mRNA) of the BECN1 gene compared to those from healthy normal women and nontreated patients with an endometriotic cyst. The change in the expression of autophagy‐related genes was more distinct in eutopic than ectopic endometria. This trial is registered with TCTR20170720002. Registered and enrolled the first patient on 20 July 2017.
Protective Effects of Estrogen on Cardiovascular Disease Mediated by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Xiang Du , Liu Yang , Zhou Shujun , Zhou Encheng , Wang Yanfeng
Published: June 2021

Perimenopause is an important stage of female senescence. Epidemiological investigation has shown that the incidence of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women is lower than that in men, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women is significantly higher than that in men. This phenomenon reveals that estrogen has a definite protective effect on the cardiovascular system. In the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress is considered important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, myocardial dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and myocardial ischemia. From the perspective of oxidative stress, estrogen plays a regulatory role in the cardiovascular system through the estrogen receptor, providing strategies for the treatment of menopausal women with cardiovascular diseases.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Hospitalised COPD Exacerbations in Malta
Authors: Farrugia Yvette , Spiteri Meilak Bernard Paul , Grech Neil , Asciak Rachelle , Camilleri Liberato , Montefort Stephen , Zammit Christopher
Published: June 2021

Introduction and Aims. The first COVID-19 case in Malta was confirmed on the 7th of March 2020. This study is aimed at investigating a significant difference between the number of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) admissions and their inpatient outcome at Mater Dei Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to the same period in 2019. Furthermore, we aim to determine predictors of mortality in AECOPD inpatients. Method. Data was collected retrospectively from electronic hospital records during the periods 1st March until 10th May in 2019 and 2020. Results. There was a marked decrease in AECOPD admissions in 2020, with a 54.2% drop in admissions (

n
=
119

in 2020 vs.

n
=
259

in 2019). There was no significant difference in patient demographics or medical comorbidities. In 2020, there was a significantly lower number of patients with AECOPD who received nebulised medications during admission (60.4% in 2020 vs. 84.9% in 2019;

p
≤
0.001

). There were also significantly lower numbers of AECOPD patients admitted in 2020 who received controlled oxygen via venturi masks (69.0% in 2020 vs. 84.5% in 2019;

p
=
0.006

). There was a significant increase in inpatient mortality in 2020 (19.3% [

n
=
23

] and 8.4% [

n
=
22

] for 2020 and 2019, respectively,

p
=
0.003

). Year was found to be the best predictor of mortality outcome (

p
=
0.001

). The lack of use of SABA pre-admission treatment (

p
=
0.002

), active malignancy (

p
=
0.003

), and increased length of hospital stay (

p
=
0.046

) were also found to be predictors of mortality for AECOPD patients; however, these parameters were unchanged between 2019 and 2020 and therefore could not account for the increase in mortality. Conclusions. There was a decrease in the number of admissions with AECOPD in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when compared to 2019. The year 2020 proved to be a significant predictor for inpatient mortality, with a significant increase in mortality in 2020. The decrease in nebuliser and controlled oxygen treatment noted in the study period did not prove to be a significant predictor of mortality when corrected for other variables. Therefore, the difference in mortality cannot be explained with certainty in this retrospective cohort study.
Adsorptive Removal of Malachite Green Dye onto Coal-Associated Soil and Conditions Optimization
Authors: Sundararaman T. R. , Saravanan A. , Kumar P. Senthil , Mabel M. Millicent , Hemavathy R. V. , Karishma S. , Jeevanantham S. , Hemavathi R. , Ishwariya A. , Kowsalya S.
Published: June 2021

The present research was investigated to eliminate the cationic dye (malachite green (MG)) from the water environment using coal-associated soil. The adsorbent material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) analyses. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the different factors which affect the adsorption study. The maximum percentage removal of MG dye was attained as follows: adsorbent dose of 1.0 g/L (0.2 to 1.6 g/L), solution pH of 6.0 (2.0 to 9.0), temperature of 30°C (30 to 60°C), time contact of 60min (10 to 90 min), and dye’s concentration of 25 mg/L (25 to 150 mg/L). The adsorption isotherm was studied with four different isotherm models and results showed that the Freundlich isotherm model gave the best fit than the other nonlinear models to designate the isotherm behaviours with [Formula: see text] value of 0.9568, and the maximum adsorption capacity of coal-associated soil for MG dye adsorption is 89.97 mg/g. The evaluation of kinetic studies was performed by using three different kinetic models, where it exposed that pseudofirst order providing the best fit with [Formula: see text] value of 0.96 (25 to 150 mg/L). The thermodynamic parameters Gibbs free energy ( ΔG°), entropy ( ΔS°), and enthalpy ( ΔH°) were endorsing that the present adsorption system was exothermic. Thus, the experimental results state that coal-associated soil could be an alternative material for the exclusion of dyes from water.
Relevant SARS‐CoV‐2 Genome Variation through Six Months of Worldwide Monitoring
Authors: Hakmaoui Abdelmalek , Khan Faisal , Liacini Abdelhamid , Kaur Amanjot , Berka Yacine , Machraoui Safaa , Soualhine Hafid , Berka Noureddine , Rais Hanane , Admou Brahim
Published: June 2021

Real‐time genome monitoring of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic outbreak is of utmost importance for designing diagnostic tools, guiding antiviral treatment and vaccination strategies. In this study, we present an accurate method for temporal and geographical comparison of mutational events based on GISAID database genome sequencing. Among 42523 SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes analyzed, we found 23202 variants compared to the reference genome. The Ti/Tv (transition/transversion) ratio was used to filter out possible false‐positive errors. Transition mutations generally occurred more frequently than transversions. Our clustering analysis revealed remarkable hotspot mutation patterns for SARS‐CoV‐2. Mutations were clustered based on how their frequencies changed over time according to each geographical location. We observed some clusters showing a clear variation in mutation frequency and continuously evolving in the world. However, many mutations appeared in specific periods without a clear pattern over time. Various important nonsynonymous mutations were observed, mainly in Oceania and Asia. More than half of these mutations were observed only once. Four hotspot mutations were found in all geographical locations at least once: T265I (NSP2), P314L (NSP12), D614G (S), and Q57H (ORF3a). The current analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes provides valuable information on the geographical and temporal mutational evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Internal Carotid Dissection as the Cause of Stroke in Childhood
Authors: Cinelli Giulia , Loizzo Vitaliana , Montanari Lisa , Filareto Ilaria , Caramaschi Elisa , Predieri Barbara , Iughetti Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is a cause of stroke, but it is often underdiagnosed in children. ICAs’ risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood, and the treatment is still empirical. We report the case of a previously healthy 9-year-old girl who presented with involuntary hypertonic closure of the right hand associated with transient difficulty for both fine movements of the right arm and speech. She had a history of minor cervical trauma occurring 20 days prior to our observation without other associated risk factors. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography showed ischemic lesions due to the left ICA dissection. Treatment with both acetylsalicylic acid and levetiracetam allowed recanalization of the ICA associated with the resolution of clinical signs. Our clinical case suggests that the ICA dissection must be suspected early whenever a child manifests mild neurologic deficits after a cervical trauma, especially if they are associated with headache and/or cervical pain. Moreover, the management of ICA dissection must be improved.
Parameter Estimation for the One-Term (Multiterm) Fractional-Order SEIAR Models of Norovirus Outbreak
Authors: Li Tianzeng , Wang Yu , Pan Weiqiu
Published: June 2021

In the paper, we use the Caputo fractional derivative to consider general single-term and multiterm fractional-order SEIAR models for the outbreak of Norovirus. Then, the inverse problem about parameter estimation for these fractional-order SEIAR models of the Norovirus outbreak is studied firstly. To provide the numerical solution of the single-term (or multiterm) fractional-order nonlinear differential equation, the GMMP scheme and Newton method are introduced. Then, we make use of the modified hybrid Nelder-Mead simplex search and particle swarm optimization (MH-NMSS-PSO) algorithm to obtain the fractional orders and parameters for these fractional-order SEIAR models of Norovirus outbreak. To guarantee the correctness and effectiveness of the methods, the data of a 2007 Norovirus outbreak in a middle school in one city is used as the real data to solve the inverse problem of the parameter estimation. With the new parameters, all numerical studies illustrate that the numerical solutions fit very well with the real data, which reveals that the single-term and multiterm fractional-order SEIAR models of Norovirus outbreak all can predict the number of the infectious people accurately. And it also shows that the GMMP scheme and the MH-NMSS-PSO method are efficient and valid for estimating the parameters of the single-term (or multiterm) fractional-order nonlinear equations. Then, we research the impact of changes in each parameter on the amount of infected humans

I

t

when the remaining parameters are unchanged. All results of numerical simulation reveal that the single-term and multiterm fractional-order SEIAR model of Norovirus can provide better results than other models. And we also study the effect of the isolation on different days. The conclusion is obtained that the earlier the isolation is taken, the less the infected people are. Hence, for a fractional-order application in the SEIAR model of Norovirus outbreak, we establish the effective parameter estimation methods.
Effect of Omega‐3 or Omega‐6 Dietary Supplementation on Testicular Steroidogenesis, Adipokine Network, Cytokines, and Oxidative Stress in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Moustafa Amira
Published: June 2021

This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of omega‐3 and omega‐6 supplementation on the levels of different adipokines and cytokines, as well as the antioxidant system, in relation to male reproductive hormones and testicular functions. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were daily gavaged with either physiological saline (control group), sunflower oil (omega 6 group; 1 mL/kg body weight), or fish oil (omega‐3 group; 1000 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks. The administration of omega‐3 or omega‐6 resulted in decreased serum concentrations of kisspeptin 1, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and testosterone. In addition, it downregulated the mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic genes. The intratesticular levels of apelin, adiponectin, and irisin were elevated while chemerin, leptin, resistin, vaspin, and visfatin were declined following the administration of either omega‐3 or omega‐6. The testicular concentration of interleukin 10 was increased while interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nuclear factor kappa B were decreased after consumption of omega‐3 or omega‐6. In the testes, the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase 1, and the total antioxidant capacity were improved. In conclusion, the administration of omega‐3 or omega‐6 adversely affects the process of steroidogenesis but improves the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory status of the reproductive system via modulating the levels of testicular adipokines.
Identifying Prognostic Significance of RCL1 and Four-Gene Signature as Novel Potential Biomarkers in HCC Patients
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Shan-Qiang , Chen Jing , Li Zhi-Bin , Chen Jia-Xi , Lu Qi-Qi , Han Yu-Shuai , Dai Wenjie , Xie Chongwei , Li Ji-Cheng
Published: June 2021

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant disease, and it is characterized by rapid progression and low five-year survival rate. At present, there are no effective methods for monitoring the treatment and prognosis of HCC. Methods. The transcriptome and gene expression profiles of HCC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program, International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The random forest method was applied to construct a four-gene prognostic model based on RNA terminal phosphate cyclase like 1 (RCL1) expression. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of RCL1, long noncoding RNAs (AC079061, AL354872, and LINC01093), and four-gene signature (SPP1, MYBL2, TRNP1, and FTCD). We examined the relationship between RCL1 expression and immune cells infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Results. The results of multiple databases indicated that the aberrant expression of RCL1 was associated with clinical outcome, immune cells infiltration, TMB, and MSI in HCC patients. Meanwhile, we found that long noncoding RNAs (AC079061, AL354872, and LINC01093) and RCL1 were significantly coexpressed in HCC patients. We also confirmed that the four-gene signature was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. Ferroptosis potential index, immune checkpoint molecules, and clinical feature were found to have obvious correlations with risk score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for the model were 0.7–0.8 in the training set and the validation set, suggesting high robustness of the four-gene signature. We then built a nomogram for facilitating the use in clinical practice. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that RCL1 and a novel four-gene signature can be used as prognostic biomarkers for predicting clinical outcome in HCC patients; and this model may assist in individualized treatment monitoring of HCC patients in clinical practice.
Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles against Clinical Biofilms from Patients with and without Dental Caries
Authors: Jiménez-Ramírez Alondra Jaqueline , Martínez-Martínez Rita Elizabeth , Ayala-Herrera José Luis , Zaragoza-Contreras Erasto Armando , Domínguez-Pérez Rubén Abraham , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny , Donohue-Cornejo Alejandro , Cuevas-González Juan Carlos , Silva-Benítez Erika L. , Espinosa-Cristóbal León Francisco
Published: June 2021

Dental caries is an infectious oral disease originated by the presence of different microorganisms from well-defined biofilms. Many treatments for dental caries have been demonstrated to be successful protocols; however, incidence and prevalence remain still high. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown excellent antimicrobial properties, even against different oral bacteria, there is no available scientific information that has evaluated the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against oral biofilms from subjects with active dental caries. The objective of this research was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of AgNPs in dental biofilms from subjects with and without dental caries. Two sizes of AgNPs were prepared and characterized. Dental plaque samples were collected from 30 subjects with dental caries and 30 subjects with no dental caries. Microbiological analysis was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles, and the presence and distribution of microbial strains were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. AgNPs had significant antimicrobial effects against all samples of dental plaque; however, the physical properties of AgNPs, as well as specific sociodemographic and clinical conditions from patients, were also associated with bacterial growth inhibition of Ag particles (

p
<
0.05

). PCR confirmed the presence of oral bacteria associated with dental caries, such as S. mutans and S. sobrinus strains, principally. The AgNPs exhibited great potential to be used as an antimicrobial therapy for the control and prevention of dental caries.
Fuzzy Random Characterization of Pore Structure in Frozen Sandstone: Applying Improved Niche Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ya-feng Yao , Jian Lin , Jian Ge , Shi-long Peng , Jian-chao Yin , Li-na Ouyang
Published: June 2021

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology provides an innovative method employed in detecting the porous structures in frozen rock and soil masses. On the basis of NMR relaxation theory, fuzzy random characteristics of the NMR T2 spectrum and pore structure are deeply analyzed in accordance with the complex and uncertain distribution characteristics of the underground rock and soil structure. By studying the fuzzy random characteristics of the NMR T2 spectrum, the fuzzy random conversion coefficient and conversion method of the T2 spectrum and pore size distribution are generated. Based on the niche principle, the traditional genetic algorithm is updated by the fuzzy random method, and the improved niche genetic algorithm is proposed. Then, the fuzzy random inversion of the conversion coefficient is undertaken by using the improved algorithm. It in turn makes the conversion curve of the T2 spectrum and pore size distribution align with the mercury injection test curve in diverse pore apertures. Compared with the previous least square fitting method, it provides a more accurate approach in characterizing complicated pore structures in frozen rock and soil masses. In addition, the improved niche genetic algorithm effectively overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional genetic algorithm, such as low effectiveness, slow convergence, and weak controllability, which provides an effective way for parameter inversion in the section of frozen geotechnical engineering. Finally, based on the T2 spectrum test of frozen sandstone, the fuzzy random characterization of frozen sandstone pore distribution is carried out by using this transformation method. The results illustrate that the conversion coefficient obtained through the improved algorithm indirectly considers the different surface relaxation rates of different pore sizes and effectively reduces the diffusion coupling effects, and the pore characteristics achieved are more applicable in engineering practices than previous methods.
[Retracted] N‐Acetylcysteine Improves Inflammatory Response in COPD Patients by Regulating Th17/Treg Balance through Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1α Pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Hu Zhixiong , Zhou Haiying
Published: June 2021

Introduction. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the change of Th17/Treg cytokine imbalance. Material and Methods. A total of 121 patients with stable COPD at the stage of C or D were consecutively enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in the treatment group received NAC granules (0.2 g × 10 bags, 0.4 g each time, 3 times/d) for half a year. The control group was treated with the same amount of placebo therapy. The peripheral blood of the patient was collected and the cytokine, T lymphocyte subsets were detected. Results. We found the oral administration of NAC could regulate Th17/Treg balance to resist inflammation in COPD patients. Serum testing showed that the proportion of Treg in CD4+ T cells has increased and the Th17/Treg ratio has decreased during the NAC treatment. In vitro studies, we found that NAC regulated Th17/Treg balance through Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1α pathway. Conclusions. Our result could provide new diagnosis and treatment for elderly patients with COPD from the perspective of immunity ideas.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) Induced by Dynamic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy via P13K‐AKT‐FOXO3a in Rat Models
Authors: He Lianli , Long Xiaoqin , Yu Nixiao , Li Yajun , Liu Xiaoyun , Cheng Xiaoju
Published: June 2021

This study is aimed to investigate the mechanisms of radiation‐induced mouse models of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Wistar female rats were grouped into the control, 3.2 Gy, 4.0 Gy, and 4.8 Gy groups. Overall ovarian functions were assessed with the H&E staining and ELISA. Proinflammatory cytokine secretion was analyzed ELISA, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed with immunohistochemistry. Protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The 4.0 Gy and 4.8 Gy groups had significantly lower ovarian weight coefficients than the control and 3.2 Gy groups (after only one irradiation therapy). The 3.2 Gy radiation group induced periodic disturbance and hormone change at 4 weeks after radiation. In the 4.0 Gy and 4.8 Gy groups, the preantral follicles and antral follicles were decreased, while Atresia follicles were increased. E2 was decreased, while FSH and LH secretions were increased. The ovaries in the 4.0 Gy group were not completely atrophied, and some preantral follicles remained. Ovarian atrophy and follicular Atresia were found in the 4.8 Gy group. Inflammatory and oxidative markers were upregulated. PI3K and AKT were downregulated in the 4.0 Gy and 4.8 Gy groups, while FOXO3a was upregulated. Ovarian injuries may lead to oxidative damages and inflammatory injuries, downregulate the expression of P13k and Akt, upregulate the expression of FOXO3a, and lead to follicular atresia in the ovary.
Some Chemistry Indices of Clique‐Inserted Graph of a Strongly Regular Graph
Authors: Kan Chun-Li , Tan Ying-Ying , Liu Jia-Bao , Xing Bao-Hua
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we give the relation between the spectrum of strongly regular graph and its clique‐inserted graph. The Laplacian spectrum and the signless Laplacian spectrum of clique‐inserted graph of strongly regular graph are calculated. We also give formulae expressing the energy, Kirchoff index, and the number of spanning trees of clique‐inserted graph of a strongly regular graph. And, clique‐inserted graph of the triangular graph T(t), which is a strongly regular graph, is enumerated.
Research on Vibration Reduction Characteristics of Continuum and Noncontinuum System on Coupling for High‐Power Gear Transmission Based on Particle Damping Materials
Authors: Xiao Wangqiang , Xu Zhanhao , Wang Sheng , Yu Shaowei , Qin Kai , Hu Dike
Published: June 2021

High‐power gears are widely used in various engineering fields. The gear transmission system is an extremely complex elastic system, which produces complex vibration under internal and external excitation. For the vibration and noise problems caused by transmission error, a discrete element and finite coupling method based on the particle filling rate is proposed. Firstly, the gear dynamic model was established, and the particle damper was installed in the gear to reduce the vibration of the gear. Secondly, through the coupling process, the contact force and contact position between the noncontinuous medium and the continuous medium were correctly transferred to the corresponding nodes of the finite element analysis model. Then, the equivalent displacement mapping of the contact loads’ node of the gear was realized, and the transformation of the local coordinate to the global coordinate was carried out. Finally, by combining theoretical analysis with experimental verification, the influence of the filling rate of damping particles on the vibration reduction effect of the gearbox under different working conditions was studied. The 2 mm tungsten particles were selected, and the particle damper had the best damping effect when the filling rate was 88%.
Determining the Degree of Characteristics for Internet of Healthcare Devices Using Fuzzy ANP
Authors: Wen Lin
Published: June 2021

With the revolution in Internet and digital technology, every organization is adopting digital things to carry out their day-to-day activities. Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that is used to connect various devices over the Internet to increase the production and quality of service, deliver a huge amount of data in seconds, and automate the processes. IoT implementation in the health sector has changed the typical setup into smart and intelligent setup. With the “smart” and “Intelligent” abilities of IoT devices such as sensors and with the collaboration of humans and computers, physical processes can be monitored and, based on the received data, optimal decisions can ultimately be taken. IoT applications in healthcare will increase flexibility, patient’s care, quality of health, and control of diseases. As the IoT combines various heterogeneous devices and the inappropriate determination of the degree of characteristics for Internet of healthcare (IoH) devices may affect the efficiency of services, this research is carried out with the use of decision support system and application of fuzzy analytic network process (fuzzy ANP) was used for optimal determination of the degree of characteristics for IoH devices based on unique properties which would greatly increase the efficiency of industry. The experimental results are efficient and show the usefulness of the approach.
Analysis and Estimation of Core Damage Frequency of Flow Blockage and Loss of Coolant Accident: A Case Study of a 10 MW Water-Water Research Reactor-PSA Level 1
Authors: Ameyaw F. , Abrefah R. , Yamoah S. , Birikorang S.
Published: June 2021

Fault trees (FT) and event trees (ET) are widely used in industry to model and evaluate the reliability of safety systems. This work seeks to analyze and estimate the core damage frequency (CDF) due to flow blockage (FB) and loss of coolant accident (LOCA) due to large rupture of primary circuit pipe with respect to a specific 10 MW Water-Water Research Reactor in Ghana using the FT and ET technique. Using FT, the following reactor safety systems: reactor protection system, primary heat removal system, isolation of the reactor pool, emergency core cooling system (ECCS), natural circulation heat removal, and isolation of the containment were evaluated for their dependability. The probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) Level 1 was conducted using a commercial computational tool, system analysis program for practical coherent reliability assessment (SAPHIRE) 7.0. The frequency of an accident resulting in severe core damage for the internal initiating event was estimated to be 2.51e − 4/yr for the large LOCA as well as 1.45e − 4/yr for FB, culminating in a total core damage frequency of 3.96e − 4/yr. The estimated values for the frequencies of core damage were within the expected margins of 1.0e − 5/yr to 1.0e − 4/yr and of identical sequence of the extent as found for similar reactors.
Vitamin D Toxicity Managed with Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Feghali Krystel , Papamarkakis Kostas , Clark Jackson , Malhotra Neha , Stoddart Lanu , Osakwe Ibitoro
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue that afflicts more than one billion children and adults worldwide. Vitamin D supplementation has increased over the years, whether through medical prescriptions, over-the-counter, or online purchasing. This is driven by a more recognized association between vitamin D sufficiency status and lower risk of cancer. In addition, more recently, it is used as a potential prophylactic and treatment for COVID-19 infection. This can lead to toxicity from overingestion. While rare, it has been reported in the literature. In this case report, we present a 75-year-old man with severe hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D toxicity managed with peritoneal dialysis. He presented with biochemical evidence of hypercalcemia, acute kidney injury, and pancreatitis. Workup for his hypercalcemia led to the diagnosis of vitamin D toxicity as shown by a level greater than 200 ng/dL (Ref: 20–50 ng/mL) was confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Cornerstone medical management of hypercalcemia was provided which included aggressive intravenous fluid hydration, intravenous diuretics, calcitonin, bisphosphonate, and corticosteroid therapy. At every interruption of therapy, calcium levels trended upward. A thorough literature review yielded the finding of a sole case report from 1966 presented at the Third International Congress of Nephrology, in which peritoneal dialysis was used in the management of vitamin D toxicity and hypercalcemia. This modality is established to cause vitamin D deficiency. In collaboration with the nephrology team, 10 sessions of peritoneal dialysis were undertaken with resolution of hypercalcemia and downtrend in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels as measured by dilution.
Inflammation during Lung Cancer Progression and Ethyl Pyruvate Treatment Observed by Pulmonary Functional Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI in Mice
Authors: Kimura Atsuomi , Utsumi Seiya , Shimokawa Akihiro , Nishimori Renya , Stewart Neil J. , Kamada Yoshihiro , Imai Hirohiko , Fujiwara Hideaki
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to assess the suitability of hyperpolarized 129Xe (HPXe) MRI for noninvasive longitudinal evaluation of pulmonary function in preclinical lung cancer models. A mouse model of lung cancer (LC) was induced in 5 mice by intraperitoneal injection of urethane, while a negative-control (NC) mice (N = 5) was prepared by injection of saline solution. Longitudinal HPXe MRI was performed over a 5-month period to monitor lung ventilation and gas exchange. The treatment efficacy of ethyl pyruvate (EP), an anti-inflammatory drug, to the mouse LC model was monitored using HPXe MRI by commencing administration of EP pre (early-phase) and 1-month post (late-phase) injection of urethane (N = 5 mice for each group). Gas-exchange function in LC mice was significantly reduced at 1-month after urethane injection compared with NC mice administered with saline (P<0.01). Thereafter, it remained consistently lower than that of the NC group for the full 5-month measurement period. In contrast, the ventilation function of the LC model mice was not significantly different to that of the NC mice. Histological analysis revealed alveolar epithelial hyperplasia in LC mice alveoli at 1 month after urethane injection, and adenoma was confirmed 3 months after the injection. The early- and late-phase EP interventions were found to improve HPXe MRI metrics (reduced at 1 month postinjection of urethane) and significantly inhibit tumor growth. These results suggest that HPXe MRI gas-exchange metrics can be used to quantitatively assess changes in the precancerous lesion microenvironment and to evaluate therapeutic efficacy in cancer. Thus, HPXe MRI can be utilized to noninvasively monitor pulmonary pathology during LC progression and can visualize functional changes during therapy.
Analytic Functions Related with Starlikeness
Authors: Ali Shah Syed Ghoos , Noor Saima , Hussain Saqib , Tasleem Asifa , Rasheed Akhter , Darus Maslina
Published: June 2021

The aim of present investigation is to study a new class of analytic function related with the Sokol-Nunokawa class. We derived relationships of this class with strongly starlike functions and obtained many interesting results.
LncRNA SNHG3 Promotes Gastric Cancer Cells Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting miR-326
Authors: Rao Jun , Fu Jinjin , Meng Chuchen , Huang Jin , Qin Xiangrong , Zhuang Shaohua
Published: June 2021

The function and possible mechanism of lncRNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 3 (SNHG3) in GC have not been fully studied. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of SNHG3 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cell lines. The expressions of SNHG3, miR-326, and TWIST in GC9811-P GC cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of TWIST and EMT-related genes. Luciferase reporter gene analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis confirmed the interaction between lncRNA SNHG3, miR-326, and TWIST. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to detect cell proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities. The results showed that lncRNA SNHG3 and TWIST were highly expressed in GC cell lines, while miR-326 was expressed to a low degree. Moreover, lncRNA SNHG3 knockdown or miR-326 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cell lines. In addition, TWIST overexpression can reverse the inhibition of lncRNA SNHG3 knockdown or miR-326 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, lncRNA SNHG3 may promote GC progression through the miR-326/TWIST axis, which may provide a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for GC.
Adaptive Fuzzy Consensus Tracking Control for Nonlinear Multiagent Systems with Time‐Varying Delays and Constraints
Authors: Lan Jie , Xu Tongyu
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes an adaptive fuzzy distributed consensus tracking control scheme for a class of uncertain nonlinear dynamic multiagent systems (MASs) with state time‐varying delays and state time‐varying constraints. The existing controllers with Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions (LKFs) were not suitable to address time‐varying delays and time‐varying constraints in nonlinear MASs simultaneously. State constraints further increase the difficulty of controller design and stability analysis, especially for nonstrict feedback systems. Fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) tackle the approximation of unknown dynamics functions and parameters. Especially when the distributed consensus tracking error is infinitely close to the origin, although there is no singular value, it would lead to the rapid growth of control rate or uncontrollability. Constructing appropriate piecewise functions can effectively avoid the above occurrence and accelerate convergence. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and algebraic graph theory, the constructed tracking control can ensure states within defined time‐varying constraint bounds and eliminate the influence of time delays. All signals in closed‐loop systems can be guaranteed semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (SUUB). Finally, the validity of the theoretical method is verified by the simulation.