bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of cancer-related module in protein–protein interaction network based on gene prioritization
Authors: Wu Jingli , Zhang Qi , Li Gaoshi
Published: October 2021

With the rapid development of deep sequencing technologies, a large amount of high-throughput data has been available for studying the carcinogenic mechanism at the molecular level. It has been widely accepted that the development and progression of cancer are regulated by modules/pathways rather than individual genes. The investigation of identifying cancer-related active modules has received an extensive attention. In this paper, we put forward an identification method ModFinder by integrating both biological networks and gene expression profiles. More concretely, a gene scoring function is devised by using the regression model with [Formula: see text]-step random walk kernel, and the genes are ranked according to both of their active scores and degrees in the PPI network. Then a greedy algorithm NSEA is introduced to find an active module with high score and strong connectivity. Experiments were performed on both simulated data and real biological one, i.e. breast cancer and cervical cancer. Compared with the previous methods SigMod, LEAN and RegMod, ModFinder shows competitive performance. It can successfully identify a well-connected module that contains a large proportion of cancer-related genes, including some well-known oncogenes or tumor suppressors enriched in cancer-related pathways.
Dynamic Walking Analysis of an Underactuated Biped Robot with Asymmetric Structure
Authors: Beigzadeh Borhan , Razavi Seyed Alireza
Published: October 2021

Owing to their nonlinear structures and dynamics, bipedal walking robots are commonly used as appropriate case studies for nonlinear modeling and control. In this study, the dynamics of a point-feet 4-link biped robot having asymmetric structure is studied. This asymmetry appears on the robot’s legs such that one leg of the robot does have an active knee while the other is knee-less. In this way, the style and analysis of each step depends on which leg is the stance leg. Although the stable steady state behavior of the system is purely periodic, the gait cycle does consist of two sequential steps. Since each step includes a continuous phase followed by an impact phase, hence, we need to model the system as a multiphase (4-phase) hybrid system. The main purpose of this research is to find stable gating pattern and employ appropriate controller to make sure that the gating is accomplished in an asymptotically stable manner. A combination of feedback linearization and finite-time controllers is used to control the walking posture, and the stability of the whole behavior is investigated by analysis of a one-dimensional Poincaré map. Simulation results successfully support the modeling and control approach.
Geometry and topology of anti-BRST symmetry in quantized Yang–Mills gauge theories
Authors: Varshovi Amir Abbass
Published: October 2021

The entire geometric formulations of the BRST and the anti-BRST structures are worked out in presence of the Nakanishi–Lautrup field. It is shown that in the general form of gauge fixing mechanisms within the Faddeev–Popov quantization approach, the anti-BRST invariance reflects thoroughly the classical symmetry of the Yang–Mills theories with respect to gauge fixing methods. The Nakanishi–Lautrup field is also defined and worked out as a geometric object. This formulation helps us to introduce two absolutely new topological invariants of quantized Yang–Mills theories, so-called the Nakanishi–Lautrup invariants. The cohomological structure of the anti-BRST symmetry is also studied and the anti-BRST topological index is derived accordingly.
Multivalued (g − F − φ) contractions obtaining common fixed points inG-metric spaces
Authors: Panwar Anju , Anita
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce new notions called generalized [Formula: see text] contraction and rational type [Formula: see text] contraction for hybrid maps in complete G-metric spaces. First, using new concept of generalized [Formula: see text] contraction we establish a common fixed point theorem for a hybrid pair of weakly compatible maps. Second, we prove a common fixed point theorem for occasionally coincidentally idempotent mappings satisfying another new concept of rational type [Formula: see text] contraction under common limit range property. Our results generalize and improve several known results of the existing literature. Also, we give an example to indicate the usefulness of our main results.
Convolutions and integral equations weighted by multi-dimensional Hermite functions
Authors: Castro L. P. , Guerra R. C. , Tuan N. M.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the solvability of a very general class of integral equations whose kernel depends on four different functions. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the unique solvability of such integral equations are obtained. To achieve such a goal, the main technique consists in introducing eight new convolutions weighted by multi-dimensional Hermite functions and using them as convolutions somehow associated with our integral equations. In this way, two Young-type inequalities are also obtained.
Discrete biological modeling for the immune response to dengue virus
Authors: Al-Utaibi Khaled A. , Muzamil M. , Sohail Ayesha , Alam Fatima , Nutini Alessandro , Sait Sadiq M.
Published: October 2021

Dengue infection affects more than half of the world’s population, with 1 billion symptomatic cases identified per year and several distinct genetic serotypes: DENV 1–4. Transmitted via the mosquito bite, the dengue virus infects Langerhans cells. Monocytes, B lymphocytes, and mast cells infected with dengue virus produce various cytokines although it is not clear which ones are predominant during DHF disease. A mathematical model of the Dengue virus infection is developed according to complex dynamics determined by many factors. Starting from a state of equilibrium that we could define as “virus-free” asymptotically stable with a viral reproduction number lower than one which means a very effective action of the innate immune system: it stops the infectious process, the mathematical analysis of stability in the presence of the virus demonstrates that the proposed model is dynamically influenced. Dengue fever affects more than half of the world’s population, with 1 billion symptomatic cases and multiple genetic serotypes confirmed each year, which simulates a network of interactions between the various populations involved without considering the speeds of the processes in question which are indicated in a separate computation. In this research, a hybrid approach of petri nets is utilized to connect the discrete models of dengue.
China’s Carbon Neutrality: Leading Global Climate Governance and Green Transformation
Authors: ZHANG Yongsheng , CHAO Qingchen , CHEN Ying , ZHANG Jianyu , WANG Mou , ZHANG Ying , YU Xiang
Published: October 2021

China aims to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. It is a strategic decision made after deliberate consideration by the Central Government. Such goals reflect China’s responsibility as a major country in responding to global climate change, its vision of the future world development, and its commitment to green transformation. After the 18th CPC National Congress, China has undergone a fundamental change in its development philosophy. Protecting the environment is no longer regarded as a burden upon economic growth, but as a driving force for high-quality development. Emissions reduction has also changed from a task inflicted upon local governments to a goal people identify with. More than 120 countries have proposed carbon neutrality targets in different ways by now. The global consensus on carbon neutrality marks the end of the traditional industrial era and the start of a new development era. The concept of carbon neutrality redefines and reshapes the entire development paradigm. It is a self-revolution of the mode of production and life. It not only poses an unprecedented challenge but also provides a strategic opportunity for China. China is likely to lead the world in future green transformation and global climate governance.
Pharmacogenomics and Rheumatological Practice
Authors: Xu Chuanhui , Leong Khai Pang
Published: October 2021

Pharmacogenomics, the study of the effect of genetics on the variation in drug response, is designed to maximize drug efficacy and minimize adverse effects. It is assuming increasing importance in clinical practice. Rheumatologists, who manage patients with complex diseases with unpredictable outcomes over long periods of time, should embrace tools that help customize treatment for their patients. In this article, the basis for pharmacogenomics is presented, followed by description of the tests relevant to drugs encountered in rheumatology practice, concluding with ideas about implementation and future developments.
DFT Study for Adsorbing of Bromine Monochloride onto BNNT (5,5), BNNT (7,0), BC2NNT (5,5), and BC2NNT (7,0)
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen Doust , Abdullah Hewa Y.
Published: October 2021

The study of intermolecular interactions is of great importance. This study attempted to quantitatively examine the interactions between bromine monochloride (BrCl) with pristine boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) armchair (5,5) and zigzag (7,0) as well as armchair (5,5) BC2NNT and zigzag (7,0) BC2NNT in vacuum. Quantum mechanical studies of such systems are possible in the density functional theory (DFT) framework. For this purpose, various functionals, such as B3LYP-D3, [Formula: see text]B97XD, and M062X, have been used. One of the most suitable basis functionals for the systems studied in this research is 6-311G (d), which has been used in both optimization calculations and calculations related to wave function analyses. The main part of this work is the study of various analyses that reveal the nature of the intermolecular interactions between the two components introduced above. The results of conceptual DFT, natural bond orbital, non-covalent interactions, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) were consistent and in favor of physical adsorption in all systems. Gallium had more adsorption energy than other dopants. The HOMO–LUMO energy gaps were as follows: BNNT (5,5): 10.296, BNNT (7,0): 9.015, BC2NNT (5,5): 7.022, and BC2NNT (7,0): 5.979[Formula: see text]eV at B3LYP-D3/6-311G (d) model chemistry. The strongest interaction is related to the BC2NNT (7,0)/BrCl cluster: [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV. The results of QTAIM and NCI analysis identified the intermolecular interactions of the type of strong van der Waals interaction for these nanotubes. The sensitivity of the adsorption increased when a gas molecule interacted with carbon-doped BNNT, and the change in the frontier orbital gap could be used to design nanosensors to detect BrCl gas.
About this title - Active Volcanoes of China
Authors: Xu J. , Oppenheimer C. , Hammond J. , Wei H.
Published: October 2021

China is home to more than a dozen volcanoes that have erupted during the Holocene. Recent activity, such as the eruption of Ashikule in 1951 and unrest of Changbaishan during 2002–05, highlights the potential for future volcanic unrest and eruptions in the country. In 1999, a National Volcano Monitoring Network was established, inaugurating a programme of research and surveillance to understand the history and activity of China's volcanoes. Much progress has been made since, advancing understanding in the areas of geology, geochemistry and geophysics, and supporting hazard mitigation planning. This Special Publication reports the wide-ranging outcomes of this work for the first time to the international community.
Diet–Host–Microbiota Interactions Shape Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Production to Modulate Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Han Huajun , Safe Stephen , Jayaraman Arul , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: October 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds structurally diverse ligands and senses cues from environmental toxicants and physiologically relevant dietary/microbiota-derived ligands. The AhR is an ancient conserved protein and is widely expressed across different tissues in vertebrates and invertebrates. AhR signaling mediates a wide range of cellular functions in a ligand-, cell type–, species-, and context-specific manner. Dysregulation of AhR signaling is linked to many developmental defects and chronic diseases. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of AhR signaling in mediating bidirectional host–microbiome interactions. We also consider evidence showing the potential for the dietary/microbial enhancement ofhealth-promoting AhR ligands to improve clinical pathway management in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon tumorigenesis.
Salt sensitivity of volume and blood pressure in a mouse with globally reduced ENaC γ-subunit expression
Authors: Ray Evan C. , Pitzer Ashley , Lam Tracey , Jordahl Alexa , Patel Ritam , Ao Mingfang , Marciszyn Allison , Winfrey Aaliyah , Barak Yaacov , Sheng Shaohu , Kirabo Annet , Kleyman Thomas R.
Published: October 2021

A mouse with globally suppressed expression of the epithelial Na+ channel γ-subunit showed enhanced sensitivity to dietary salt, including a transient increase in total body fluid, reduced blood pressure, and reduced diurnal blood pressure variation when given a dietary NaCl challenge. These results point to a role for the epithelial Na+ channel in regulating body fluid and blood pressure beyond classical volume-mediated mechanisms.
Improved Efficient Projection Density Function Based on Topology Optimization
Authors: Saeed Nouman , Long Kai , Ansari Jamshed Ahmed , Jaffri Nasif Raza , Abrar Usama
Published: October 2021

Topology optimization is a powerful tool having capability of generating new solution to engineering design problems, while these designs enhance manufacturability and reduce manufacturing costs in a computational setting. Mesh-independent convergence and other techniques have been widely used as topology optimization technique, but they produce gray transition regions which is not a favorable condition for any material. In this article, a modified topology optimization formulation using a new function has been proposed. The suggested scheme makes use of the Heaviside Projection Method (HPM) to continuum topology optimization. Such technique is helpful to obtain the minimum length scale influence on void and solid phases. Application of this proposed approach is implemented to obtain the minimum compliance for macrostructures. Numerical remarkable examples illustrate the noteworthy value of the proposed approach.
Ophthalmic Diagnosis and Novel Management of Infantile Refsum Disease with Combination Docosahexaenoic Acid and Cholic Acid
Authors: Elghawy Omar , Zhang Alice Y. , Duong Ryan , Wilson William G. , Shildkrot Eugene Y.
Published: October 2021

Infantile Refsum disease is a rare peroxisomal biogenesis disorder characterized by impaired alpha-oxidation and accumulation of phytanic acid in the tissues. Patients often present with fundus changes resembling retinitis pigmentosa, developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, ataxia, and hepatomegaly. Traditionally, mainstay treatment for this condition has been a phytanic acid-restricted diet, although supplementation with either docosahexaenoic acid or cholic acid has rarely been described in the literature. We present a case of infantile Refsum disease in a child with retinitis pigmentosa-like ocular findings, sensorineural hearing loss, and self-resolving hepatic disease, who developed novel findings of macular edema refractory to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. We describe management with a phytanic acid-restricted diet and combination docosahexaenoic acid, and cholic acid therapy, which helped to limit progression of her disease.
Circulating Levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and Periostin as Potential Biomarker for Coronary Artery Disease with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Qiu Xuan , Ma Fengyi , Zhang Huanxin
Published: October 2021

Objective. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated comorbidities such as heart failure (HF) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, attributed to, at least partially, the lack of biomarkers for efficient disease diagnosis. The study intended to explore potential biomarkers for predicting the presence of HF in CAD patients. Methods. According to the presence of HF, 83 CAD patients with HF were assigned to the AHF group and 52 CAD patients without HF to the CAD group. Additionally, healthy controls (n = 52) were those who had received physical examinations at the same period. The serum levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricle-end diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected 3 times by color Doppler ultrasound. The predictive values of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin methods were compared by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results. Increased levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were noted in the AHF group than in the control and CAD groups (

p
<
0.001

); the CAD group showed higher levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin than the control group (

p
<
0.001

). Based on the NYHA classification, there were 33 cases with grade II, 28 cases with grade III, and 22 cases with grade IV among 83 CAD patients with HF. It was found that the serum levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were higher in the AHF-IV group than in the AHF-III and AHF-II groups (

p
<
0.001

); these levels were also higher in the AHF-III group than in the AHF-II group (

p
<
0.001

). The periostin level was positively correlated with the levels of IL-13 (r = 0.458) and TGF-β1 (r = 0.569) in CAD patients with AHF. Besides, the serum levels of periostin (r = -0.425), IL-13 (r = -0.341), and TGF-β1 (r = -0.435) were negatively correlated with the LVEF of CAD patients with AHF, respectively. When IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin levels were used to predict the presence of AHF in CAD patients in combination, the sensitivity and specificity were 75.9% and 90.38%, respectively, with the AUC of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.912–0.996). Conclusion. These data reveal that IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin levels might be associated with the occurrence of AHF in CAD patients and their combination shows the predictive value for the presence of AHF in CAD patients.
Detection of High- and Low-Risk HPV DNA in Archived Breast Carcinoma Tissues from Ethiopian Women
Authors: Gebregzabher Endale , Seifu Daniel , Tigneh Wondemagegnhu , Bokretsion Yonas , Bekele Abebe , Abebe Markos , Lillsunde-Larsson Gabriella , Karlsson Christina , Karlsson Mats G.
Published: October 2021

Background. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is involved in the development of cancer of the cervix, mouth and throat, anus, penis, vulva, or vagina, but it has not been much considered as a cause of breast cancer. Recently, a number of investigations have linked breast cancer to viral infections. High-risk HPV types, predominantly HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59, are established as carcinogens in humans. In this study we aimed to detect 19 high-risk and 9 low-risk HPVs from archived breast tumor tissue among Ethiopian women. Methods. In this study, 75 breast cancer patients from Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) were included. HPV detection and genotyping were done using the novel Anyplex™ II HPV28 Detection Assay at the Orebro University Hospital, Sweden. The Anyplex™ II PCR System detects 19 high-risk HPV types (16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, and 82) and 9 low-risk HPV types (6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, and 70). IHC for p16 was done using an automated system, the Dako Autostainer Link. Results. Out of the 75 valid tests, two were found to be positive (2.7%) for HPV. One of the cases was positive for the high-risk HPV16 genotype while the other was positive both for the high-risk HPV39 and the low-risk HPV6. The cell cycle protein p16 was highly expressed in the case positive for the high-risk HPV16, but it was not expressed in the case positive for HPV39. Conclusion. The prevalence of HPV is low in Ethiopian breast cancer patients, but the role played by HPV in breast carcinogenesis among Ethiopian breast cancer patients cannot be commented based on these observations.
Value of the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting COVID-19 Severity: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Jingyi , Yang Lan , Hu Junhui , Yao Yinhui
Published: October 2021

Background. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and continues to spread rapidly. However, there are no simple and timely laboratory techniques to determine the severity of COVID-19. In this meta-analysis, we assessed the potential of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an indicator of severe versus nonsevere COVID-19 cases. Methods. A search for studies on the NLR in severe and nonsevere COVID-19 cases published from January 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, was conducted on the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were done on Stata 14.0 and Meta-disc 1.4 to assess the performance of the NLR. Results. Thirty studies, including 5570 patients, were analyzed. Of these, 1603 and 3967 patients had severe and nonsevere COVID-19, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77-0.87) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.70-0.83), respectively; positive and negative correlation ratios were 3.6 (95% CI, 2.7-4.7) and 0.23 (95% CI, 0.17-0.30), respectively; DOR was 16 (95% CI, 10-24), and the AUC was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.90). Conclusion. The NLR could accurately determine the severity of COVID-19 and can be used to identify patients with severe disease to guide clinical decision-making.
Salivary Duct Carcinoma: Case Reports and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Kantamani Deepti , Bandaru Sai S. , Miatech Jennifer L. , Stagg M. Patrick
Published: October 2021

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive tumor associated with high morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization, it is an extremely rare malignancy with an estimated incidence of 1-1.2 in 1,000,000 patients. Standard treatment for SDC is wide surgical resection along with lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is not known. In this report, we present three cases of SDC. A 71-year-old female with T1N0M0 disease was treated with total parotidectomy, ipsilateral neck dissection, and adjuvant radiotherapy without evidence of disease recurrence at 5 months. The second is a 59-year-old female with TXN1M0 disease who was treated with total parotidectomy with ipsilateral level I-IV neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy without evidence of disease occurrence at 21 months. The third case is a 79-year-old male with widely metastatic disease, including brain metastases, treated with cranial irradiation, leuprolide, and lapatinib who remains under home hospice care.
Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Camellia sinensis Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Khalid Mohamed Toga , Osman Widdatallah Marivt , Musa Ali Maida , Mubarak Alhaj Afraa , AbdElmagied Elhag DhiaEldin
Published: October 2021

An extremely worrying and alarming increase in the level of multiple drug resistance is reported in Sudan, in which bacterial strains are becoming resistant to many commonly available antibiotics. Eventually, it is becoming extremely difficult to treat debilitating infections. In search of promising solutions to this arising crisis, Camellia sinensis silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the green synthesis method. The synthesis of the Camellia sinensis silver nanoparticles is confirmed using analytical methods as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy. Using the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, an absorption band of 412 nm was observed. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of silver nanoparticles which fell within the range of 1–100 nm, and X-ray diffractometer analysis showed three intense peaks with a maximum intense peak at 24.3 theta. Nanoparticles distribution between 12 nm and 64 nm was observed with an average diameter of 18.115 nm. It also revealed orthorhombic-shaped nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 7 mm, but none was detected against Escherichia coli. The obtained physicochemical properties were correlated with the antibacterial activity of the silver nanoparticles.
Numerical Analysis for Dynamic Response of In Situ Blasting Expansion of Large Cross‐Section Tunnel with Small Net Distance
Authors: Zhang Min
Published: October 2021

Based on the Damaoshan Highway Tunnel Reconstruction and Expansion Project, the dynamic response of adjacent tunnels during the blasting excavation of existing tunnels is analyzed by using the LS_DYNA finite element software, and the blasting vibration response and lining stress change in the blasting process are studied. Taking the particle peak vibration speed as the criterion, the traffic safety of the adjacent operating tunnels is determined. Moreover, the stress changes of the adjacent tunnel lining caused by blasting excavation are studied through the maximum principal stress. The results show that the particle peak vibration speed on the front explosion side is significantly greater than that on the back explosion side, and the maximum particle peak vibration speed on the road surface is 13 cm/s, which is greater than the allowable safety standard. Besides, the maximum principal stress on the front explosion side is about 1.5 times of that on the back explosion side, showing a “quasi‐bias” phenomenon. Therefore, it is recommended to control the operation of the tunnel during the blasting process and especially focus on monitoring the vibration responses and stress changes of the lining of the operating tunnel during the construction period.
The Study of Field Equivalence Determined by the Modeled Percentage Depth Dose in Electron Beam Radiation Therapy
Authors: Ma You-Guo , Zhang Yan-Shan , Ye Yan-Cheng , Wu Jia-Ming
Published: October 2021

Introduction. This study presents an empirical method to model the curve of electron beam percent depth dose (PDD) by using the primary‐tail function in electron beam radiation therapy. The modeling parameters N and n can be used to predict the minimal side length when the field size is reduced below that required for lateral scatter equilibrium (LSE) in electron radiation therapy. Methods and Materials. The electrons’ PDD curves were modeled by the primary‐tail function in this study. The primary function included the exponential function and the main parameters of N and μ, while the tail function was composed of a sigmoid function with the main parameter of n. The PDD of five electron energies was modeled by the primary and tail function by adjusting the parameters of N, μ, and n. The R50 and Rp can be derived from the modeled straight line of 80% to 20% region of PDD. The same electron energy with different cone sizes was also modeled by the primary‐tail function. The stopping power of different electron energies in different depths can also be derived from the parameters N, μ, and n. Results. The main parameters N and n increase but μ decreases in the primary‐tail function for characterizing the electron beam PDD when the electron energy increased. The relationship of parameter n, N, and ln(−μ) with electron energy are n = 31.667E0 − 88, N = 0.9975E0 − 2.8535, and ln(−μ) = −0.1355E0 − 6.0986, respectively. Percent depth dose was derived from the percent reading curve by multiplying the stopping power relevant to the depth in water at a certain electron energy. The stopping power of different electron energies can be derived from n and N with the following equation: , where x is the depth in water. The lateral scatter equivalence (LSE) of the clinical electron beam can be described by the parameters E0, n, and N in the equation of . The LSE was compared with the root mean square scatter angular distribution method and shows the agreement of depth dose distributions within ±2%. Conclusions. The PDD of the electron beam at different energies and cone sizes can be modeled with an empirical model to deal with what is the minimal field size without changing the percent depth dose when approximate LSE is given in centimeters of water.
Elevated Serum Chloride Levels Contribute to a Poor Prognosis in Patients with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Zhai Yaling , Yao Xingchen , Qi Yuanyuan , Gao Jingge , Chen Yazhuo , Wang Xinnian , Wu Feng , Zhao Zhanzheng
Published: October 2021

Introduction. The identification of reliable prognostic factors is a crucial requirement for patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here, we explored the relationship between serum chloride levels and prognosis in patients with IgAN. Methods. We recruited all patients with primary IgAN, as diagnosed by renal biopsy, between 1st January 2015 and 1st April 2019. Patients were divided two groups (high chloride group and low chloride group) based on the best cut-off values from survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The baseline clinicopathological characteristics of two groups were then compared. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the prognostic value of serum chloride levels in patients with IgAN. Finally, we screened reliable prognostic indicators and built a clinical prediction model and validated the performance of the model. Results. Compared with patients in the high chloride group, patients in the low chloride group had significantly lower levels of 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), serum creatinine (sCr), and higher levels of hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (all

p
<
0.05

), and less proportion of Oxford classification grade E1 (endothelial cell proliferation) and T2 (renal tubule atrophy or renal interstitial fibrosis). Cox analysis revealed that

serum
 
chloride
 
level
≥
105.4
 
mmol
/
L

was a significant and independent risk factor for prognosis in patients with IgAN (

p
<
0.05

). Serum chloride, sCr, T, hypertension, and Hb were used to generate a predictive model for prognosis. The

c

-indices of our predictive model were 0.80, 0.86, and 0.78, for 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively; Brier scores were 0.06, 0.09, and 0.16, respectively. Conclusions. A

serum
 
chloride
 
level
≥
105.4
 
mmol
/
l

was identified as a significant and independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with IgAN. A predictive prognosis model was generated using serum chloride, sCr, T, hypertension, and Hb; this model exhibited a good predictive effect.
Relationship between Urinary AD7c‐NTP with Cerebral Microbleeds Based on APOE Genotype
Authors: Yong-peng Yu  , Zheng Ya-li
Published: October 2021

Objective. This study was performed to investigate the association between urinary Alzheimer‐associated neuronal thread protein (AD7c‐NTP) with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) based on the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes. Methods. A total of 471 patients with acute cerebral infarction screened by magnetic sensitive imaging were enrolled in this study. Among them, twenty‐seven cases of mixed CMBs were excluded. A total of 444 patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of CMBs: CMBs group (n = 92) and noncerebral microbleeds group (nCMBs) (n = 352). Urine AD7c‐NTP levels were measured using a human enzyme immunoassay kit. Results. In patients with lobar CMBs, there was an interaction between urine AD7c‐NTP levels and APOE genotypes (p = 0.01). In patients with APOE ε3/ε3 allele, the odds ratio of lobar CMBs per standard deviation of urinary AD7c‐NTP levels was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.70‐1.19). In patients with APOE ε2+ or ε4+ allele, the multivariate‐corrected odds ratio of lobar CMBs per standard deviation of urinary AD7c‐NTP levels was 2.95 (95% CI: 1.38‐6.27). Conclusion. A higher level of urinary AD7c‐NTP is involved in lobar CMBs, not deep CMBs.
Research on Teaching Quality Evaluation Model of Physical Education Based on Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Duan Xiaoyu , Hou Peiwei
Published: October 2021

One of the most significant components of the teaching department is the evaluation of teaching quality. The traditional teaching quality evaluation model has the problems of low weight calculation accuracy and long evaluation time. With the development of educational informatization, modern information processing technology can be used to effectively evaluate teachers’ teaching quality. In this article, a physical education teaching quality evaluation model based on the simulated annealing algorithm is proposed. An evaluation index system is established based on the construction principles of the evaluation index system followed by the construction of a judgment matrix to calculate the weight of the evaluation index. The simulated annealing algorithm is employed to effectively optimize the weight of the evaluation index and improve the evaluation accuracy. In addition, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to test the consistency of the judgment matrix, and the weight ranking results of the evaluation indexes are obtained to complete the teaching quality evaluation of physical education. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed model in terms of evaluation weight calculation accuracy and evaluation calculation time is higher than that of the existing models. Therefore, the proposed model can better meet the requirements of physical education teaching quality evaluation.
Early Age Hydration Characteristics of Calcium Sulphoaluminate Cement Mortar Cured at a Temperature Range from −10 to 20°C
Authors: Chen Zhongyu , Fang Jianhong , Ming Feng , Liu Yuhang
Published: October 2021

With the increasing number of infrastructures constructed in marine and cold regions, research on and applications of calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) cement have been flourished, but the hydration process of CSA at low temperature has not been systematically investigated. To characterize the influence of low temperature on the hydration characteristics, freshly mixed CSA mortars were cured at −10, −5, 0, 5, and 20°C, respectively. The hydration process was investigated by electrical resistivity, compressive strength, and microstructure analyses. Results show that the hydration process (especially the induction period) is lengthened by low curing temperature. Both the electrical resistivity and compressive strength increase with an increase in the curing temperature. The compressive strength was reduced at a low curing temperature. Among these five curing temperatures, 5°C is the optimal curing temperature. Low temperatures do not change the kinds of hydrates, but reduce their amount. The scanning electron microscopy results illustrate that fewer hydrates fill the pores in specimens cured at low temperatures, while more hydrates form at higher temperatures. Moreover, low curing temperature contributes to the formation of coarse ettringite crystals. For the cement used at low temperature, the induction period should be reduced by adjusting the calcining process and composition proportion.
EEG Based Aptitude Detection System for Stress Regulation in Health Care Workers
Authors: Khan Tehseen , Javed Huma , Amin Mohammad , Usman Omar , Ishtiaq Hussain Syed , Mehmoood Amjad , Maple Carsten
Published: October 2021

Stress is a complex multifaceted concept that is the result of adverse or demanding circumstances. Workers, especially health care workers, suffer significantly from distress, burnout, and other physical illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes caused by stress. Numerous stress detection systems are realized but they only help in detecting the stress in early stages, and, for regularizing it, these systems employ other means. These systems lack any inherent feature for regularization of stress. In contributing toward this aim, a novel system “EEG-Based Aptitude Detection System” is proposed. This system will help in considering working aptitude of employees working in work places with an intention to help them in assigning proper job roles based on their working aptitude. Selection of right job role for workers not only helps in uplifting productivity but also helps in regulating stress level of employees caused by improper job role assignments and reduces fatigue. Being able to select right job role for workers will help them in providing productive working environment. This paper presents detail layered architecture, implementation details, and outcomes of the proposed novel system. Integration of this system in work places will help supervisors in utilizing the human resource more suitably and will help in regulating stress related issues with improvement in overall performance of entire office. In this work, different implementation architectures based on KNN, SVM, DT, NB, CNN, and LSTM are tested, where LSTM has provided better results and achieved accuracy up to 94% in correctly classifying an EEG signal. The rest of the details can be seen in Sections 3 and 5.
On the Numerical Approximation of Three-Dimensional Time Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Kamran  , Kamal Raheel , Rahmat Gul , Shah Kamal
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we present an efficient method for the numerical investigation of three-dimensional non-integer-order convection-diffusion equation (CDE) based on radial basis functions (RBFs) in localized form and Laplace transform (LT). In our numerical scheme, first we transform the given problem into Laplace space using Laplace transform. Then, the local radial basis function (LRBF) method is employed to approximate the solution of the transformed problem. Finally, we represent the solution as an integral along a smooth curve in the complex left half plane. The integral is then evaluated to high accuracy by a quadrature rule. The Laplace transform is used to avoid the classical time marching procedure. The radial basis functions are important tools for scattered data interpolation and for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) of integer and non-integer order. The LRBF and global radial basis function (GRBF) are used to produce sparse collocation matrices which resolve the issue of the sensitivity of shape parameter and ill conditioning of system matrices and reduce the computational cost. The application of Laplace transformation often leads to the solution in complex plane which cannot be generally inverted. In this work, improved Talbot’s method is utilized which is an efficient method for the numerical inversion of Laplace transform. The stability and convergence of the method are discussed. Two test problems are considered to validate the numerical scheme. The numerical results highlight the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
The Impact of Metformin Use with Survival Outcomes in Urologic Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yao Xiangyang , Liu Haoran , Xu Hua
Published: October 2021

Background. Conflicting results exist between the potential protective effects of metformin and the prognosis of urologic cancers. This meta‐analysis summarized the effects of metformin exposure on the recurrence, progression, cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) of the three main urologic cancers (kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer). Methods. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases (January 2010 to December 2019), which identified studies regarding metformin users and nonusers with urologic cancers and extracted patient data. A random effect model or fixed effect model was used to analyze hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Among the 1883 confirmed studies, 27 eligible studies were identified, including 123,212 participants. In prostate cancer, patients using metformin have significant benefits for recurrence (HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61‐0.90; P = 0.007; I2 = 56%), CSS (HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61‐0.91; P = 0.002; I2 = 79%), and OS (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.90; P < 0.001; I2 = 86%). Moreover, further subgroup analysis showed that the beneficial effects of metformin may be more significant for patients receiving radical radiotherapy. For kidney cancer, metformin was beneficial for progression (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.98; P = 0.14; I2 = 46%). Analysis revealed that the effect of metformin on the overall survival of kidney cancer patients may be related to nationality (American: HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59‐0.98; P = 0.88; I2 = 0%). For bladder cancer, no obvious benefits of metformin use were identified. However, subgroup analysis indicated that metformin may improve the recurrence of bladder cancer, but this improvement was only found in patients with a median follow‐up time of more than 4 years (HR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.28‐0.67; P = 0.61; I2 = 0%).
Analysis of Risk Factors and Nursing Intervention Measures Affecting Nutritional Status of Children with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Fan Chao , You Jieyu , Zhao Hongmei , Zhan Meizheng , Gao Cui , Ye Hong , Yi Lichun
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the incidence of Crohn’s disease (CD) in the Asia-Pacific region is gradually increasing, and the onset age is decreased at the same time. The relapse of illness and long course of disease easily lead to malnutrition, which will affect the treatment effect of the disease and even worsen the disease. Therefore, it is very important to find the risk factors affecting the nutritional status of children with CD and to carry out effective nursing intervention accordingly. In our study, a total of 180 children with CD who were admitted to our hospital from April 2017 to April 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The multivariate analysis showed that Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), platelet (PLT), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), and albumin (ALB) were independent risk factors affecting the nutritional status of children with CD. The results of AUC showed that combined monitoring of the PCDAI score and the expression of PLT, HB, HCT, and ALB indexes was of great value to evaluate the nutritional status of children with CD. Finally, a series of nursing intervention measures were proposed based on these results. It provides a theoretical basis for improving the nutritional status of children with CD and promoting the clinical outcome.
Full‐Scale Model Experimental Study of the Flexural Behavior of Hollow Slabs Strengthened by UHPC
Authors: Zhou Jinzhi , Wen Zihao , Mao Weiqi , Zhong Chuheng , Wang Kangning , Zhou Chenxu
Published: October 2021

The hollow slabs strengthened by ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) composite beam show many advantages over traditional reinforcement methods. In this paper, full‐scale model load tests were carried out on an nonstrengthened prestressed concrete hollow slab and an UHPC‐strengthened prestressed concrete hollow slab, comparing the load deflection, crack width, bearing capacity, deformation resistance, and self‐vibration frequency of the two. Static loading experimental results indicate that UHPC enhances the overall performance of prestressed concrete hollow slabs by decreasing deflection and crack width and improving bearing capacity. The strengthening effects of UHPC on a prestressed concrete hollow slab’s flexural behavior are also discussed, such as deflection, crack width, bearing capacity, deformation resistance, self‐vibration frequency, flexural behavior, and cracking load. Deflection and crack width under a load of 800 kN decreased by 45.8% and 56.3%, respectively, and the initial self‐vibration frequency, ultimate bearing capacity, and cracking load increased 19.2%, 21.4%, and 50%, respectively. The plane assumption can be made generally throughout the overall test process while using UHPC strengthening, which significantly constrains crack width and improves stiffness and deformation capacity. The UHPC layer and the prestressed concrete hollow slab were connected by shear studs to produce a good composite action between them, and the bending performance and bearing capacity of the whole structure were clearly improved. In addition to experiments, a validated numerical model is developed to verify the flexural performance of hollow slab strengthened by UHPC.
Study on Deterioration Characteristics of Low‐Carbon Steel’s Mechanical Properties and Fracture Mechanism under Marine Engineering Environment
Authors: Cao Lili , Li Ming , Zhang Jiazhi , Lin Gang , Gong Baichuan , Mao Xianbiao , Zhang Lianying , Li Yan
Published: October 2021

In order to study the mechanical properties of low‐carbon steel under the coupling effect of the overall environment and the loads, the tensile mechanical test was carried out. The results indicated that, as the sea water concentration and tensile deterioration increased, both the mass‐loss rate and surface roughness of the low‐carbon steel gradually increased, and the yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and section shrinkage decreased gradually. The mechanical parameters of the low‐carbon steel were affected by the joint actions of the sea water concentration and tensile deterioration. The established mechanical model of low‐carbon steel under the marine engineering environment shows that tensile deterioration had no effects on the fracture toughness, while the increase of sea water concentration could reduce the fracture toughness remarkably.
Willingness and Evaluation Model of College Students’ Online Learning Behavior Based on Distributed Cognition
Authors: Chen Lingjing , Huang Shuying
Published: October 2021

Guided by distributed cognition theory, we analyze the influential elements of content, tools, and contextual interactions in the online learning process through research and case studies to explore the characteristics and evaluation of college students’ willingness to engage in online learning behavior under distributed cognition and provide guidance for the experience design of online education platforms. Based on distributed cognition, this paper designs a convolutional neural network model based on InceptionNet, which uses a global average pooling layer instead of a fully connected layer to reduce the number of parameters, and InceptionNet increases the depth and width of the network by branching to improve the performance of the network and avoid overfitting. Distributed cognitive theory emphasizes the distributed nature of cognition, and the intrinsic variables that influence the willingness to participate in online learning communities from a systemic viewpoint are mainly attitudes, subjective norms, expected emotions, competence, sense of relatedness, desire, and perceived behavioral control. In addition, perceived behavioral control has a direct positive effect on the willingness to participate in online learning communities.