bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vulnerability of tidal flats and multi-channel estuaries to dredging and disposal
Authors: van Dijk Wout M. , Cox Jana R. , Leuven Jasper R. F. W. , Cleveringa Jelmer , Taal Marcel , Hiatt Matthew R. , Sonke Willem , Verbeek Kevin , Speckmann Bettina , Kleinhans Maarten G.
Published: April 2021

Shipping fairways in estuaries are continuously dredged to maintain access for large vessels to major ports. However, several estuaries worldwide show adverse side effects to dredging activities, in particular affecting morphology and ecologically valuable habitats. We used physical scale experiments, field assessments of the Western Scheldt estuary (the Netherlands), and morphodynamic model runs to analyse the effects of dredging and future stresses (climate and sediment management) on a multi-channel system and its ecologically valuable intertidal flats. All methods indicate that dredging and disposal strategies are unfavourable to long-term morphology because dredging creates and propagates the imbalance between shallow and deeper parts of the estuary, causing a loss of valuable connecting channels and fixation of the tidal flats and main channel positions, while countering adverse effects by disposal strategy has limited effectiveness. Changing the disposal strategy towards main channel scour disposal can be economically and ecologically beneficial for the preservation of the multi-channel system. Further channel deepening will accelerate the adverse side effects, whereas future sea-level rise may revive the multi-channel system.
CHARACTERIZATION OF ELECTRONIC STRUCTURES AT ORGANIC–2D MATERIALS INTERFACES WITH ADVANCED SYNCHROTRON-BASED SOFT X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: CAO LIANG , QI DONG-CHEN
Published: April 2021

The discovery of two-dimensional (2D) materials with single or a few-atom-thick layers has presented unprecedented opportunities to study, control and harness the properties of van der Waals (vdW) materials at their 2D limit. It also offers a platform that allows the arbitrary creation of heterostructures in a materials-by-design approach with properties tailored by the constituting components. Combining organic molecules with 2D materials to form hybrid heterointerfaces has recently emerged as a facile and versatile approach to engineer the electronic, optical, magnetic and chemical properties of 2D materials for new or optimized device applications. Underpinning the development of organic–2D materials heterostructures is the ability to interrogate the interfacial electronic structures and properties at multiple dimensions. This review provides a timely update on the application of synchrotron-based soft X-ray spectroscopies (SR-SXS) in the characterization of organic–2D materials interfaces. By harnessing the unparalleled high energy resolution, tunable energy, high brilliance and tunable polarization inherent to synchrotron radiation, electronic structures, charge transfer dynamics, molecular orientations and spin configurations at the hybrid interfaces can be examined, which helps us to formularize a coherent understanding of the organic–2D materials interfaces that will guide the design of new hybrid vdW structures and devices. We also offer our perspective on the future application of SR-SXS in the exploration of organic–2D materials heterostructures.
Robust Vision-Based Cheat Detection in Competitive Gaming
Authors: Jonnalagadda Aditya , Frosio Iuri , Schneider Seth , McGuire Morgan , Kim Joohwan
Published: April 2021

Game publishers and anti-cheat companies have been unsuccessful in blocking cheating in online gaming. We propose a novel, vision-based approach that captures the frame buffer's final state and detects illicit overlays. To this aim, we train and evaluate a DNN detector on a new dataset, collected using two first-person shooter games and three cheating software. We study the advantages and disadvantages of different DNN architectures operating on a local or global scale. We use output confidence analysis to avoid unreliable detections and inform when network retraining is required. In an ablation study, we show how to use Interval Bound Propagation (IBP) to build a detector that is also resistant to potential adversarial attacks and study IBP's interaction with confidence analysis. Our results show that robust and effective anti-cheating through machine learning is practically feasible and can be used to guarantee fair play in online gaming.
Stochastic-Depth Ambient Occlusion
Authors: Vermeer Jop , Scandolo Leonardo , Eisemann Elmar
Published: April 2021

Ambient occlusion (AO) is a popular rendering technique that enhances depth perception and realism by darkening locations that are less exposed to ambient light (e.g., corners and creases). In real-time applications, screen-space variants, relying on the depth buffer, are used due to their high performance and good visual quality. However, these only take visible surfaces into account, resulting in inconsistencies, especially during motion. Stochastic-Depth Ambient Occlusion is a novel AO algorithm that accounts for occluded geometry by relying on a stochastic depth map, capturing multiple scene layers per pixel at random. Hereby, we efficiently gather missing information in order to improve upon the accuracy and spatial stability of conventional screen-space approximations, while maintaining real-time performance. Our approach integrates well into existing rendering pipelines and improves the robustness of many different AO techniques, including multi-view solutions.
Distribution and Variation of Mining‐Induced Stress in the Reverse Fault‐Affected Coal Body
Authors: Zhou Rui , Qin Yujin , Zhang Zhizhen
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to explore the stress distribution and variation of reverse fault‐affected mined coal body. A mechanical analysis model of the coal body in the reverse fault area was first established, then the coal body stress characterization equation was derived, and the stress distribution pattern on the coal body was calculated. Subsequently, applying the Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion revealed the following relationship: the closer is the distance to the reverse fault, the worse is the stability of the coal body, and that the coal body strength influences the stress concentration of the coal body in front of the working face. Moreover, simulation with FLAC3D was carried out to verify the coal body stress calculated by the mechanical model as well as the fluctuation of the coal body stress concentration. It could be concluded that while mining the hanging wall of the reverse fault, the stress concentration of mined coal body decreases with the increase of reverse fault dip angle, but increases with the increase of reverse fault throw; the stress concentration magnitude generated during footwall mining is lesser than that during hanging‐wall mining. In other words, the magnitude of coal body stress concentration can be affected by the hanging wall and footwall mining, as well as parameters of the reverse fault. Finally, intrinsically safe GZY25 borehole stress sensors were used to monitor the coal body stresses in the reverse fault area under the influence of mining in Xinchun Coal Mine and ZuoQiuka Coal Mine. It was found that the coal body stress concentration in front of the working face either increased gradually or increased first before decreasing. It can be concluded that with the decrease of the distance between the working face and reverse fault, the vertical stress of the coal body increases, and the vertical stress of the coal body begins to increase obviously at a certain position. At this point, the vertical stress of the coal body can be generalized to 1.02–1.39 times of the initial vertical stress. Furthermore, the stress concentration coefficient of coal body is related to the distance from the reverse fault, and two changes occur: ① if the coal‐bearing capacity does not exceed its strength, the coal stress in front of the working face increases gradually, and the stress concentration factor increases gradually; ② the stress concentration coefficient of mining coal body increases first, such that when the coal body bearing capacity exceeds its strength, the coal body fails and loses all its effective bearing capacity, followed by the decrease in coal body stress concentration coefficient.
Investigation of the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Angiogenesis through Network Pharmacology and Data Mining
Authors: Yun Wingyan , Dan Wenchao , Liu Jinlei , Guo Xinyuan , Li Min , He Qingyong
Published: April 2021

Although traditional Chinese medicine is effective and safe for the treatment of angiogenesis, the in vivo intervention mechanism is diverse, complex, and largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and their mechanisms of action against angiogenesis. Data on angiogenesis-related targets were collected from GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, DrugBank, and DisGeNET. These were matched to related molecular compounds and ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology platform. The data were integrated and based on the condition of degree > 1, and relevant literature, target-compound, compound-medicine, and target-compound-medicine networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Molecular docking was used to predict the predominant binding combination of core targets and components. We obtained 79 targets for angiogenesis; 41 targets were matched to 3839 compounds, of which 110 compounds were selected owing to their high correlation with angiogenesis. Fifty-five combinations in the network were obtained by molecular docking, among which PTGS2-astragalin (−9.18 kcal/mol), KDR-astragalin (−7.94 kcal/mol), PTGS2-quercetin (−7.41 kcal/mol), and PTGS2-myricetin (−7.21 kcal/mol) were top. These results indicated that the selected potential core compounds have good binding activity with the core targets. Eighty new combinations were obtained from the network, and the top combinations based on affinity were KDR-beta-carotene (−10.13 kcal/mol), MMP9-beta-sitosterol (−8.04 kcal/mol), MMP9-astragalin (−7.82 kcal/mol), and MMP9-diosgenin (−7.51 kcal/mol). The core targets included PTGS2, KDR, VEGFA, and MMP9. The essential components identified were astragalin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and β-sitosterol. The crucial Chinese medicines identified included Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, Morus alba Root Bark, and Forsythiae Fructus. By systematically analysing the ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and their targets, it is possible to determine their potential mechanisms of action against pathological angiogenesis. Our study provides a basis for further research and the development of new therapeutics for angiogenesis.
Kinetic and Isothermal Investigations of Cost-Effective Sorptive Elimination of Gentian Violet Dye from Water Using Haplophragma adenophyllum Biowaste
Authors: Akram Momal , Salman Muhammad , Rehman Rabia , Farooq Umar , Tahir Samra , Nazir Huma
Published: April 2021

A novel biosorbent, Haplophragma adenophyllum (HAB) was employed to explore the biosorption mechanism of Gentian Violet (GV) dye. The novel sorbent was characterized by using FTIR spectra and physiochemical analysis. The effect of different optimizing factors like HAB dosage, GV initial concentration, contact time between sorbent and sorbate, pH of a solution, and the temperature was studied. The optimum removal of GV by HAB was observed at pH 6.0. The equilibrium study was carried out using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Experimental data fitted well in Langmuir isotherm indicating monolayer isotherm with qmax value obtained at optimum process condition of 13.21 mg/g. Kinetics study was carried out and followed by pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamics studies reveal the endothermic reaction.
Coordinated MT-

s

1

,

s

2

-Convex Functions and Their Integral Inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard Type
Authors: Mei Hua , Wan Aying , Guo Bai-Ni
Published: April 2021

In the paper, the authors introduce a new concept of MT-

s

1

,

s

2

-convex functions on the coordinates on the rectangle of the plane and establish some new Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities for this kind of functions.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Identifies a Contractile Cell Subpopulation
Authors: Wolmarans Elize , Mellet Juanita , Durandt Chrisna , Joubert Fourie , Pepper Michael S.
Published: April 2021

The potential for human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) to be used as a therapeutic product is being assessed in multiple clinical trials. However, much is still to be learned about these cells before they can be used with confidence in the clinical setting. An inherent characteristic of hASCs that is not well understood is their heterogeneity. The aim of this exploratory study was to characterize the heterogeneity of freshly isolated hASCs after two population doublings (P2) using single-cell transcriptome analysis. A minimum of two subpopulations were identified at P2. A major subpopulation was identified as contractile cells which, based on gene expression patterns, are likely to be pericytes and/or vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs).
Mechanism of Huo-Xue-Qu-Yu Formula in Treating Nonalcoholic Hepatic Steatosis by Regulating Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Cheng Bin , Zhou Ai-Zhen , Ge Wen , Yao Xiao-Min , Wang Juan
Published: April 2021

Huo-Xue-Qu-Yu formula (HXQYF) is a prescription consisting of Ginkgo biloba leaf and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. for treating hyperlipidemia and NAFLD in China. Here, we investigated the hepatic and renal function, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, and potential mechanisms of HXQYF on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat models. NAFLD rat models were induced with high-fat diet (HFD) and 10% fructose water for 18 weeks and orally administered with or without HXQYF simultaneously. The results showed that HXQYF (22.5, 45, 90 mg/kg) significantly improved blood lipid levels via reducing serum TC, TG, LDL-C, and APOB values and elevating HDL-C and APOA1 levels in NAFLD rats. The higher levels of ALT, AST, CR, and BUN in serum induced by HFD were reduced by HXQYF. HE staining showed that HXQYF (90 mg/kg) reduced the accumulation of fat droplets and alleviated inflammatory response in liver cells. Three doses of HXQYF exhibited notable antioxidant effects by elevating SOD, GSH, and CAT activities and decreasing MDA and OH-1 levels in the liver. Furthermore, abnormal lipid metabolism caused by HFD was alleviated by HXQYF, which was associated with the upregulation of PPAR-α, AdipoR2, and CPT1 mRNAs as well as the downregulation of CYP2E1 and SREBP-1c mRNAs in liver tissue. In conclusion, our work verified that HXQYF could reduce the degree of hepatic steatosis, suppress oxidative stress, and attenuate lipid metabolism, thus preventing NAFLD.
Fundus Examination of 23,861 Newborns by Digital Imaging in Ningbo
Authors: Liu Delin , Zheng Jiao , Lu Yi
Published: April 2021

Purpose. To perform fundus examinations of full-term and premature infants to identify common congenital ocular diseases and determine the incidence and additional risk factors in Ningbo, China. Methods. Fundus examinations were performed on newborns between January 2017 and July 2020 in Ningbo using a RetCam3 or PanoCam LT wide-field digital imaging system. The neonates’ birth weight, gestational age, gender, delivery mode, oxygen intake, and other conditions were recorded. We compared the incidence of ocular abnormalities in both full-term newborns and premature infants. Results. There were 23,861 newborns in this study comprising 12,605 (52.8%) male and 11,256 (47.2%) female infants, 20,938 full-term babies, and 2,923 premature babies. The average gestational age was 37.9 ± 5.6 weeks, and the average birth weight was 3,189 ± 417 g. Overall, we found ocular abnormalities in 6,645 (27.8%). The most common abnormality in full-term newborns was retinal hemorrhage (RH), which we found in 3,827 (18.3%) cases. Other diseases identified included familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), retinoblastoma (RB), and congenital cataracts. The delivery method had a significant impact on the incidence of neonatal RH (

P
<
0.001

). Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was observed in 617 newborns accounting for 21.1% of all screened premature infants. Logistic analysis showed that gestational age and birth weight were important risk factors for ROP (

P
<
0.001

). For treatable diseases, such as ROP, FEVR, congenital cataract, glaucoma, and RB, early identification allows for active treatment or referral to a specialized hospital for further treatment. Conclusion. Early examination and prompt treatment of ocular disorders in newborns are important to avoid lifelong visual impairment. Eye examinations should be performed during the neonatal period and at regular follow-up visits.
Cross Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Italian Version of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Scale and Pain DETECT Questionnaire for the Distinction between Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Migliore Alberto , Gigliucci Gianfranco , Moretti Antimo , Pietrella Alessio , Peresson Marco , Atzeni Fabiola , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo , Bazzichi Laura , Liguori Sara , Iolascon Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Objective. This study aimed to validate Italian versions of Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scale and Pain DETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) and evaluate the ability of these questionnaires to discriminate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Design. Multicenter prospective validation cohort study. Subjects and Setting. One hundred patients were included with a diagnosis formulated by a specialist in outpatient settings (50 affected by knee osteoarthritis as nociceptive pain and 50 affected by trigeminal or postherpetic neuralgia as neuropathic pain). Methods. The Italian versions of both questionnaires according to Italian cultural characteristics were performed according to the following steps: (1) translation of the questionnaires from English into Italian; (2) review by a bilingual individual for consistency; (3) proposed version after a mail round between experts; (4) backward translation; (5) comparison with the original English version by the experts; (6) approved version of the questionnaires. One hundred patients were enrolled and completed the two questionnaires administered by a specialist or blinded nursing staff, at the baseline and after 24/48 hours. Internal consistency, stability, validity, and discriminative power were analyzed. Results. Statistically significant differences were reported about the ability of both questionnaires to discriminate between patients affected by neuropathic or nociceptive pain. Internal consistency for the Italian version of the LANSS was 0.76, and for PD-Q, it was 0.80, assessed by Cronbach’s α; LANSS showed a good test-retest reliability with an ICC of 0.76, and PD-Q showed a high test-retest reliability with an ICC of 0.96. For interrater reliability, there was a concordance rate of 83.3% between reference diagnosis and LANSS (Cohen’s kappa = 0.67, CI 95% 0.52–0.75). Conclusions. This study validated the Italian versions of LANSS and PD-Q as reliable instruments with good psychometric characteristics, for pain evaluation, discriminating between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Our findings were similar to those observed in the original study. Furthermore, we have reported the test-retest reliability for both questionnaires, not addressed in original validation studies.
The Application of Selective Hepatic Inflow Vascular Occlusion with Anterior Approach in Liver Resection: Effectiveness in Managing Major Complications and Long-Term Survival
Authors: Ninh Khai Viet , Nguyen Nghia Quang , Trinh Son Hong , Pham Anh Gia , Doan Thi-Ngoc-Ha
Published: April 2021

Background. Hepatectomy is always a challenge to surgeons and requires an appropriate approach for specific tumors to achieve effective complication management. Selective hepatic pedicle clamping is more considerable strategy when comparing with total hepatic pedicle clamping in the balance between reducing blood loss and transfusion with causing the hepatic parenchyma damages (two main complications affecting liver resection result). Objectives. In this study, we aim to describe the application of selective hepatic inflow vascular occlusion (SHIVO) and anatomical anterior approach in liver resection and evaluate the results, focusing on intraoperative and postoperative complications. Methods. We enrolled 72 patients who underwent liver resection with SHIVO at Viet Duc University Hospital in 4-year period (2011-2014) and then followed up all of them until June 2020 (in

52.6
±
33

months; range, 2-105 months) or up to the time of death. All the patients were diagnosed with primary or secondary liver cancer, and their future remnant liver volume measured on 64-slice CT scan (dm3) to

body
 
weight
 

kg

>
0.8

% (for right hepatectomy). Perioperative parameters were collected and analyzed. Results. The average operation time was

196.2
±
62.2

minutes, and blood loss was

261.4
±
202.9

 ml; total blood transfusion proportion during and after surgery was 16.7%. Complications accounted for 44.5% of patients in which pleural effusion was the most common one (41.7%). There were no liver failure and biliary fistula after surgery. No deaths were recorded during 30 days postoperatively. Average hospital stay was

11.4
±
3.7

days. Blood transfusions during the operation and major liver resection were the factors significantly affecting the percentage of complications after liver surgery in our study. In the last follow-up evaluation, 44 patients were dead and 28 patients were alive, in which 7 with recurrence and 21 without recurrence. The overall survival rate was 38.9%. Conclusion. SHIVO in anatomical liver resection is a safe and feasible approach to help resect precisely targeted tumors and manage several complications in liver resection.
Tree‐Based Multihop Routing Method for Energy Efficiency of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yong Jin , Lin Zhou , Qian Wei , Ke Bai , Chen Wang , Ji-fang Li
Published: April 2021

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), due to the limited energy of sensor nodes, how to design efficient hierarchical routing algorithms to balance network resources and extend network life is an important problem to be solved. Aiming at the problems such as random selection of cluster head, redundancy of working node, and construction of cluster head transmission path, which affect network energy consumption, this paper proposes a multihop routing algorithm based on path tree (MHRA‐PT) to optimize the network energy. Firstly, some nodes are those close to the base station and have large remaining energy which are selected to construct a cluster head set. Then, after clustering, each cluster is divided into different regions, and in each region, nodes with residual energy greater than the average residual energy of the cluster are selected as a working node. Finally, the cluster heads are sorted according to their distance from base station, and the next hop node is selected for each cluster head in turn until a path tree rooted at base station is formed completely, leading to data transmission from working node to base station. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce network energy consumption, balance network resources, and prolong network life cycle.
Feature Selection of the Rich Model Based on the Correlation of Feature Components
Authors: Jin Shunhao , Liu Fenlin , Yang Chunfang , Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Yuan
Published: April 2021

Currently, the popular Rich Model steganalysis features usually contain a large number of redundant feature components which may bring “curse of dimensionality” and large computation cost, but the existing feature selection methods are difficult to effectively reduce the dimensionality when there are many strongly correlated effective feature components. This paper proposes a novel selection method for Rich Model steganalysis features. First, the separability of each feature component in the submodels of Rich Model is measured based on the Fisher criterion, and the feature components are sorted in the descending order based on the separability. Second, the correlation coefficient between any two feature components in each submodel is calculated, and feature selection is performed according to the Fisher value of each component and the correlation coefficients. Finally, the selected submodels are combined as the final steganalysis feature. The results show that the proposed feature selection method can effectively reduce the dimensionalities of JPEG domain and spatial domain Rich Model steganalysis features without affecting the detection accuracies.
A Novel Analytical Inverse Kinematics Method for SSRMS-Type Space Manipulators Based on the POE Formula and the Paden-Kahan Subproblem
Authors: Wang Yecong , Ding Xilun , Tang Zixin , Hu Chengwei , Wei Qingqing , Xu Kun
Published: April 2021

Space manipulators which have a similar symmetrical structure with seven revolute joints, such as the space station remote manipulator system (SSRMS), can be called SSRMS-type space manipulators. The analytical inverse kinematics of an SSRMS-type manipulator can be solved by locking a single joint; the locked joint (joint 1, 2, 6, or 7) can be determined by configuration analysis. Although widely used in establishing the kinematics of SSRMS-type manipulators, the Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) method has a singular problem when two adjacent joint axes are nearly parallel. To avoid this problem, this paper proposes a novel analytical inverse kinematics method for SSRMS-type manipulators based on the product of exponentials (POE) formula and the Paden-Kahan subproblem. Because of the symmetrical structure, an SSRMS-type manipulator degrades to two kinds of 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulators when locking a single joint (joint 1, 2, 6, or 7). The analytical inverse kinematics of these two kinds of 6-DOF manipulators is solved by combining the Paden-Kahan subproblems and geometric and algebraic methods, respectively. The proposed approach is not only singularity free compared with the traditional DH-based methods but also more accurate than the POE-based numerical solution. The simulation results verify the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Application of Calculus of Variation in the Optimization of Functional Parameters of Compacted Modified Soils: A Simplified Computational Review
Authors: Onyelowe Kennedy C.
Published: April 2021

Fixed endpoint problems (FEPPs) in constrained systems like the effect of curing time or the effect of certain additives in soil stabilization operations have been reviewed illustratively for sustainability purposes in geotechnics. The calculus of variation (CoV) technique of Hamilton’s problem was demonstrated using a typical case in geotechnics; the effect of curing time on the unconfined compressive strength of expansive soils is utilized as foundation materials. The era of smart technologies is evolving, and to key into this fast-moving area to help the field of geotechnics, it is required that these new areas are deployed to study their usefulness. The use of CoV in modeling or simulating geotechnical properties of soil behavior is not prominent and has been played down due to the uncertainties surrounding it. However, this work has identified that if any geotechnical system can be demonstrated in graphs, then the use of CoV becomes easy with the mathematical concept that curves are elements of straight paths. The results of this work show that CoV is a powerful tool to achieving sustainable optimization of quality properties of stabilized for sustainable and optimal materials handling, design, and construction.
miR‐942‐5p Inhibits Proliferation, Metastasis, and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer by Targeting CCBE1
Authors: Zhou Lin , Chen Qing , Wu Jie , Yang Jian , Yin Huancai , Tian Jingjing , Gong Lian , Kong DanDan , Tao Min
Published: April 2021

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is common, there is a paucity of information regarding its molecular pathogenesis. Studies have shown that miRNAs play pivotal roles in the development and progression of CRC. There is a need to further investigate the biological functions of miRNAs in CRC. In particular, it has been reported that miR‐942‐5p exhibits tumor‐suppressive properties. Thus, we analyzed the functional significance of miR‐942‐5p in CRC and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that miR‐942‐5p was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8, EdU, and colony formation assays revealed that the overexpression of miR‐942‐5p by mimics inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells. Use of the miR‐942‐5p inhibitor effectively enhanced the proliferative potential of CRC cells. Further, in vivo xenograft experiments confirmed these results. Increased expression of miR‐942‐5p suppressed the invasion, migration, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of CRC cell lines, while decreased miR‐942‐5p expression had the opposite effect. CCBE1, a secretory molecule for lymphangiogenesis, was established as a downstream target of miR‐942‐5p, and its expression was inversely correlated with the expression of miR‐942‐5p in CRC cells. Additionally, cotransfection of the miR‐942‐5p inhibitor with si‐CCBE1 into CRC cells reversed the effects induced by miR‐942‐5p overexpression. In conclusion, we confirmed that miR‐942‐5p exerts oncogenic actions in CRC by targeting CCBE1 and identified miR‐942‐5p as a potential clinical biomarker for CRC diagnosis and therapy.
Study on Agglomeration Level and Effect of Equipment Manufacturing Industry in the Yangtze Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Sheng , Wu Yu
Published: April 2021

This paper analyzes the agglomeration level and agglomeration effect of 8 subindustries of equipment manufacturing industry and 26 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). From the perspective of industry, the agglomeration change trend of 8 subsectors of equipment manufacturing industry from 2006 to 2016 in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRDUA) is analyzed. From the perspective of cities, the spatial differences of equipment manufacturing agglomeration degree in 26 prefecture-level cities in the YRDUA are discussed. By using CES production function, the agglomeration effect of equipment manufacturing agglomeration is studied. The results show that the YRDUA has formed an agglomeration pattern of equipment manufacturing industry, with Shanghai as the core, and Hefei, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing as the auxiliary cities, and the overall agglomeration effect in the region is relatively obvious.
Micropyramid Vertical Ultraviolet GaN/AlGaN Multiple Quantum Wells LEDs on Si(111)
Authors: Liu Yuebo , Liu Honghui , Yang Hang , Yao Wanqing , Wang Fengge , Ren Yuan , Shen Junyu , Zhang Minjie , Wu Zhisheng , Liu Yang , Zhang Baijun
Published: April 2021

Micropyramid vertical GaN-based ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on Si(111) substrate have been fabricated by selective area growth to reduce threading dislocations and the polarization effects. There is no-light emission at the bottom and six planes of the pyramid at lower current due to the leakage current and nonradiative recombination of the dislocation at the bottom and the 90° threading dislocations (TDs) at six planes of the pyramid, and the top of the pyramid is the high-brightness region. The micropyramid UV LED has a high optical output intensity under a small current injection, and the series resistance of unit area is only a quarter of the conventional vertical LEDs, so the micropyramid UV LED would have a high output power under the drive circuit. The reverse leakage current of a single micropyramid UV LED is 2 nA at −10 V.
Impact of Cusp-Overlap View for TAVR with Self-Expandable Valves on 30-Day Conduction Disturbances
Authors: Mendiz Oscar A. , Noč Marko , Fava Carlos M. , Gutiérrez Jaikel Luis Abel , Sztejfman Matias , Pleskovič Aleš , Gamboa Paul , Valdivieso León R. , Gada Hemal , Tang Gilbert H. L.
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim. Conduction disturbances leading to permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) remains a common complication for TAVR procedures, particularly when self-expanding valves are used. We compared the 30-day incidence of new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) rate between two consecutive groups using either conventional 3-cusp coplanar view (CON) and right/left cusp-overlap view (COVL) for implantation. Methods and Results. We retrospectively compared 257 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with self-expandable valves using either CON (n = 101) or COVL (n = 156) in four intermediate/low volume centers. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. The 30-day incidence of new-onset LBBB (12.9% vs. 5.8%;

p
=
0.05

) and PPMI rate (17.8% vs. 6.4%;

p
=
0.004

) was significantly lower when using the COVL implantation view. There was no difference between the CON and COVL groups in 30-day incidence of death (4.9% vs. 2.6%), any stroke (0% vs. 0.6%), and the need for surgical aortic valve replacement (0% for both groups). Conclusion. Using the COVL view for implantation, we achieved a significant reduction of the LBBB and PPMI rate after TAVR in comparison with the traditional CON view, without compromising the TAVR outcomes when using self-expandable prostheses.
First-in-Human Phase 1 Study of MORAb-202, an Antibody–Drug Conjugate Comprising Farletuzumab Linked to Eribulin Mesylate, in Patients with Folate Receptor-α–Positive Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Shimizu Toshio , Fujiwara Yutaka , Yonemori Kan , Koyama Takafumi , Sato Jun , Tamura Kenji , Shimomura Akihiko , Ikezawa Hiroki , Nomoto Maiko , Furuuchi Keiji , Nakajima Ryo , Miura Takuma , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

MORAb-202, an antibody–drug conjugate containing farletuzumab and eribulin with a cathepsin-B cleavable linker, targets folate receptor α (FRα)–expressing tumor cells. The primary objective of this first-in-human study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of MORAb-202 in patients with solid tumors.

Patients and Methods:

Patients ≥20 years with adequate organ function and FRα-positive solid tumors who failed to respond to standard therapy were eligible. Patients received MORAb-202 intravenously at doses of 0.3 to 1.2 mg/kg once every three weeks. Endpoints included dose-limiting toxicities, safety, tumor responses, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Trial registration number: NCT03386942 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Results:

Between November 28, 2017 and June 4, 2019, 22 patients (median age, 58.0 years) with advanced solid tumors were enrolled. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 21 (95%) patients, with leukopenia and neutropenia in 10 (45%) patients each. One patient (0.9 mg/kg cohort) experienced two grade 3 dose-limiting toxicities: serum alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase increases. Following review by an independent adjudication committee, grade 1/2 interstitial lung disease thought to be related to MORAb-202 was identified in five (23%) patients. Complete response, partial response, and stable disease were observed in one, nine, and eight patients, respectively. The normalized predose serum FRα tended to be positively correlated with the maximum tumor shrinkage (R2 = 0.2379; P = 0.0291).

Conclusions:

The MTD of MORAb-202 was not reached. MORAb-202 demonstrated promising antitumor activity in FRα-positive solid tumors and was generally well-tolerated at the tested doses. Further investigations are required to establish appropriate dosage and clinical utility of MORAb-202.
Characterization of a Rat Model of Myeloperoxidase-Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Crescentic Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Cerullo Domenico , Rottoli Daniela , Corna Daniela , Rizzo Paola , Abbate Mauro , Macconi Daniela , Benigni Ariela , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Zoja Carlamaria
Published: April 2021

Background/Aim: Necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) against myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a devastating disease that quickly progresses to kidney failure. Current therapies are broadly immunosuppressive and associated with adverse effects. We wanted to set up a model that could be suitable for testing narrowly targeted therapies. Methods: The model was constructed in male Wistar Kyoto rats through injections of human MPO (hMPO) and pertussis toxin, followed by a sub-nephritogenic dose of sheep anti-rat glomerular basement membrane (GBM) serum to boost the disease. Rats were monitored for 35 days. Rats given hMPO alone, saline, or human serum albumin with or without anti-GBM serum were also studied. Results: Rats receiving hMPO developed circulating anti-hMPO and anti-rat MPO antibodies. Challenging hMPO-immunized rats with the anti-GBM serum led to more glomerular neutrophil infiltration and MPO release, and severe haematuria, heavy proteinuria, and higher blood urea nitrogen than hMPO alone. Pauci-immune GN developed with crescents, affecting 25% of glomeruli. The majority of crescents were fibrocellular. Necrotizing lesions and Bowman capsule ruptures were detected. Cells double positive for claudin-1 (a marker of parietal epithelial cells [PECs]) and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM; progenitor PECs) were present in crescents. Double staining for NCAM and Ki-67 established proliferative status of progenitor PECs. Podocyte damage was associated with endothelial and GBM changes by electron microscopy. Monocyte/macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells accumulated in glomeruli and the surrounding area and in the tubulointerstitium. Lung haemorrhage also manifested. Conclusion: This model reflects histological lesions of human ANCA-associated rapidly progressive GN and may be useful for investigating new therapies.
Serum Cardiac Biomarkers in Asymptomatic Hemodialysis Patients: Role of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2
Authors: Mancianti Nicoletta , Maresca Barbara , Palladino Marco , Salerno Gerardo , Cardelli Patrizia , Menè Paolo , Barberi Simona
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Cardiovascular events (CVE) remain the leading cause of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The ability to assess the risk of short-term CVE is of great importance. Soluble suppression of tumorogenicity-2 (sST2) is a novel biomarker that better stratifies risk of CVE than troponins in patients with heart failure. Few studies have investigated the role of sST2 in the HD population. The aim of this single-center study was to assess the predictive ability of sST2 on CVE in comparison to high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in HD patients. Methods: This study used a prospective, observational cohort design. We enrolled 40 chronic HD patients asymptomatic for chest pain and without recent history of acute coronary syndrome. We tested sST2 pre-/post-HD, hs-cTnI, and BNP. Demographic/dialytic/echocardiographic data were evaluated. We recorded the number of CVE for 12 months. The patients were classified into 2 groups: those who developed CVE and those who did not. Results: Ten of the 40 patients (25%) developed CVE during a 12-month follow-up. Increased sST2 levels (p < 0.0001) as well as hs-cTnI and BNP are predictive of CVE. When analyzing biomarkers as binary variables for values above or below the normal range, the correlation remained significant only for sST2 (p = 0.001). A small variation in sST2 levels before and after HD sessions was found (−2.1 ng/mL). sST2 was correlated with left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic data: LV mass index (p = 0.0001), LV ejection fraction (p = 0.01), and diastolic bulging of septum (p = 0.015). BNP and sST2 combination increased the prediction of CVE in a statistical model. Conclusion: Our study confirms that sST2 is useful for stratifying CV risk in the HD population. sST2 can be evaluated simply as a dichotomous value higher or lower than the normal range, making it easily interpretable. Dialysis and residual diuresis did not affect significantly sST2. A multimarker approach that incorporates sST2 and BNP may improve the prediction of CVE.
Four-leg active power filter control with SUI-PI controller
Authors: El-sotouhy Mohamed M. , Mansour Ahmed A. , Marei Mostafa I. , Zaki Aziza M. , EL-Sattar Ahmed A.
Published: April 2021

Four-leg active power filter is considered one of the greatest vital active filters that are frequently used in industrial applications, especially those that need to be controlled in each individual phase. Also, to control the neutral current that created because of a lot of unbalanced and non-linear loads. In this paper, the used active filter was controlled by a proposed control method which can achieve simplicity and intelligence at the same time. The novelty of this paper is using the proposed controller with Four-leg active power filter. This controller relies on instantaneous reactive power theory, which used to create the required currents that are injected into the network via the used active filter to remove the problems created by unbalanced and non-linear loads. It is also maintained that the current source a pure sinusoidal wave. The system is implemented on MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results proved the preference of the proposed controller than the conventional proportional-integration controller, where it reduced the percentage of total harmonic distortion for the current source.
A smart fire detection system using iot technology with automatic water sprinkler
Authors: Alqourabah Hamood , Muneer Amgad , Fati Suliman Mohamed
Published: April 2021

House combustion is one of the main concerns for builders, designers, and property residents. Singular sensors were used for a long time in the event of detection of a fire, but these sensors can not measure the amount of fire to alert the emergency response units. To address this problem, this study aims to implement a smart fire detection system that would not only detect the fire using integrated sensors but also alert property owners, emergency services, and local police stations to protect lives and valuable assets simultaneously. The proposed model in this paper employs different integrated detectors, such as heat, smoke, and flame. The signals from those detectors go through the system algorithm to check the fire's potentiality and then broadcast the predicted result to various parties using GSM modem associated with the system. To get real-life data without putting human lives in danger, an IoT technology has been implemented to provide the fire department with the necessary data. Finally, the main feature of the proposed system is to minimize false alarms, which, in turn, makes this system more reliable. The experimental results showed the superiority of our model in terms of affordability, effectiveness, and responsiveness as the system uses the Ubidots platform, which makes the data exchange faster and reliable.
Improved control and monitor two different PLC using LabVIEW and NI-OPC server
Authors: Pranowo Ignatius Deradjad , Artanto Dian
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes an improved control and monitors between two different PLCs, the Mitsubishi, and Omron. The main advantage is interoperability and communication between both PLC. The use of NI OPC server as the software interface reached interoperability and communication. There were developed two field applications to test interoperability. Laboratory virtual instrument engineering workbench (LabVIEW) uses as the software application for creating the user interface to control and monitor. This improvement show OPC server technology solves data compatibility issue between different driver controller’s and reducing development cost. Regardless of whether there are more than two different PLCs, it's enough to use the NI OPC server. So the benefit of the NI OPC server is not limited to two types of PLC used right now but can also use the other manufacturers. Besides, the improvement of the previous study is the use of the LabVIEW makes data from the OPC server displayed more realistic. The use of LabVIEW allows additional monitoring functions, one of which is LabVIEW vision. Data utilization becomes more flexible, and so it can use for more complex purposes. It is envisaged that this is very useful for Integrator engineer to implement this method in industrial automation
Case-based reasoning system for prediction of fuel consumption by haulage trucks in open-pit mines
Authors: Tadubana Gomolemo , Sigweni Boyce , Suglo Raymond
Published: April 2021

The shovel-truck system is commonly used in open-pit mining operations. Truck haulage cost constitutes about 26% of open-pit mining costs as the trucks are mostly powered by diesel whose cost is escalating annually. Therefore, reducing fuel consumption could lead to a significant decrease in overall mining costs. Various methods have been proposed to improve fuel efficiency in open-pit mines. Case-based reasoning (CBR) can be used to estimate fuel consumption by haulage trucks. In this work, CBR methods namely case-based reasoning using forward sequential selection (CBR-FSS), traditional CBR, and Naïve techniques were used to predict fuel consumption by trucks operating at Orapa Mine. The results show that the CBR method can be used to predict fuel consumption by trucks in open-pit mines; the predicted values of fuel consumption using the CBR-FSS technique gave much lower absolute residual values, higher standardised accuracy values, and effect sizes than those of other prediction techniques on all the datasets used. The system will enable mine planners to know the fuel consumed per trip and allow them to take mitigation measures on trucks with high fuel consumption.
A novel methodology for time-domain characterization of a full anechoic chamber for antennas measurements and exposure evaluation
Authors: Taybi Chakib , Moutaouekkil Mohammed Anisse , Elmagroud Bachir , Ziyyat Abdelhak
Published: April 2021

In this paper we present a novel methodology for time-domain characterization of a full anechoic chamber using the finite integral method. This approach is considered fast, accurate and not intensive for computer resources. The validation of this approach is carried out on CST-microwave studio for a full anechoic chamber intended for antennas measurement applications and electromagnetic exposure evaluation for cellular network. Low, medium and high gain sources are used in this study. The simulations are realized on a personal computer of medium performances (i7 CPU and 16 GB of RAM). The stability and the convergence of our approach are obtained thanks to local mesh and auto-regressive linear filtering techniques. The minimization of the simulation time is based on use of the Huygens sources in the place of the antennas. The maximum error of the chamber as well as the wave depolarization into the chamber are at one with the previous work and the catalogs of the principles chambers manufacturers for the proposed tests in this paper. The Full simulations time is about 15 hours in average.