bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retroperitoneal Fat Necrosis in Response to an Episode of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Gilani M. B. , Akcan T. , Peterson M. , Zahid A.
Published: September 2021

Acute pancreatitis can result in fat necrosis, typically occurring in the peripancreatic region within weeks to months, and it generally appears as a low attenuation collection, with minimal heterogeneity. There are no specific imaging features that can diagnose retroperitoneal fat necrosis which may imitate other entities including certain malignancies, which may lead to invasive studies for diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of extensive retroperitoneal fat necrosis beyond the peripancreatic region that developed 10 days after an episode of acute pancreatitis.
A Novel Sparse Polynomial Expansion Method for Interval and Random Response Analysis of Uncertain Vibro‐Acoustic System
Authors: Yin Shengwen , Zhu Xiaohan , Liu Xiang
Published: September 2021

For the vibro‐acoustic system with interval and random uncertainties, polynomial chaos expansions have received broad and persistent attention. Nevertheless, the cost of the computation process increases sharply with the increasing number of uncertain parameters. This study presents a novel interval and random polynomial expansion method, called Sparse Grids’ Sequential Sampling‐based Interval and Random Arbitrary Polynomial Chaos (SGS‐IRAPC) method, to obtain the response of a vibro‐acoustic system with interval and random uncertainties. The proposed SGS‐IRAPC retains the accuracy and the simplicity of the traditional arbitrary polynomial chaos method, while avoiding its inefficiency. In the SGS‐IRAPC, the response is approximated by the moment‐based arbitrary polynomial chaos expansion and the expansion coefficient is determined by the least squares approximation method. A new sparse sampling scheme combined the sparse grids’ scheme with the sequential sampling scheme which is employed to generate the sampling points used to calculate the expansion coefficient to decrease the computational cost. The efficiency of the proposed surrogate method is demonstrated using a typical mathematical problem and an engineering application.
Effect of Sodium Benzenesulfonate on SO42− Removal from Water by Polypyrrole‐Modified Activated Carbon
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Dong-Sheng , Yang Fan , Li Tian-Yu , Li Hong-Yan , Cui Jian-Guo
Published: September 2021

Sodium benzenesulfonate was doped into polypyrrole‐modified granular activated carbon (pyrrole‐FeCl3·(6H2O)‐sodium benzenesulfonate‐granular activated carbon; PFB‐GAC) with the goal of improving the modified GAC’s ability to adsorb sulfate from aqueous solutions. At a GAC dosage of 2.5 g and a pyrrole concentration of 1 mol L−1, the adsorption capacity of PFB‐GAC prepared using a pyrrole:FeCl3·(6H2O):sodium benzenesulfonate ratio of 1000 : 1500 : 1 reached 23.05 mg g−1, which was eight times higher than that for GAC and two times higher than that for polypyrrole‐modified GAC without sodium benzenesulfonate. Adsorption was favored under acidic conditions and high initial sulfate concentrations. Doping with sodium benzenesulfonate facilitated polymerization to give polypyrrole. Sodium benzenesulfonate introduced more imino groups to the polypyrrole coating, and the N+ sites improved ion exchange of Cl− and SO42− and increased the adsorption capacity of sulfate. Adsorption to the PFB‐GAC followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The adsorption isotherm conformed to the Langmuir model, and adsorption was exothermic. Regeneration using a weak alkali (NH3·H2O), which released OH− slowly, caused less damage to the polypyrrole than using a strong alkali (NaOH) as the regeneration reagent. NH3·H2O at a concentration of 12 mol L−1 (with the same OH− concentration as 2 mol L−1 NaOH) released 85% of the sorbed sulfate in the first adsorption‐desorption cycle, and the adsorption capacity remained >6 mg g−1after five adsorption‐desorption cycles.
lncRNA LINC00355 Acts as a Novel Biomarker and Promotes Glioma Biological Activities via the Regulation of miR-1225/FNDC3B
Authors: Qi Zhen-yong , Wang Li-li , Qu Xu-liang
Published: September 2021

Background. Accumulating evidence has implicated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in glioma progression. Here, we aimed to explore the potential roles of a novel lncRNA, LINC00355, in glioma and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Methods. RT-PCR was used to examine the relative expressions of LINC00355 in glioma cell lines and specimen samples. The clinicopathological and prognostic significances of LINC00355 in glioma patients were statistically analyzed. To determine cell activities, CCK-8, clonogenic assays, flow cytometry, migration, and invasion assays were performed. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of LINC00355 were investigated by bioinformatics assays and luciferase reporter assays. Results. LINC00355 expression was increased in glioma cell lines and specimens, and higher LINC00355 expression predicted advanced clinical progress and reduced overall survival and disease-free survival in glioma patients. Functionally, LINC00355 depletion promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in glioma cells and induced apoptosis of glioma cells, whereas LINC00355 upregulation resulted in the opposite effects in vitro. Mechanistic assays revealed that LINC00355 as a sponge for miR-1225 repressed fibronectin type III domain-containing 3B (FNDC3B) expressions. Conclusion. Our findings revealed the tumor-promotive roles of LINC00355 in the progression of glioma, indicating that LINC00355 exhibited ceRNA functions via modulating miR-1225/FNDC3B axis.
Relation of Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors (Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1) to Left Ventricular Mass Index in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Bahie Ahmed , Abdalbary Mohamed M. , El-Sayed Dalia Younis , Elzehery Rasha , El-Said Ghada , El-Kannishy Ghada , Abd El Wahab Ahmed M.
Published: September 2021

Background. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It predicts poor prognosis. Several inhibitors regulate Wnt canonical pathways like Dickkopf-related protein-1 (Dkk-1) and sclerostin. Objectives. To investigate the relationship between serum sclerostin, Dkk-1, left ventricular mass (LVM), and LVM index (LVMI) in HD patients. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study including 65 HD patients in our HD unit. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVMI (group 1 with LVMI < 125 gm/m2 (N = 29) and group 2 with LVMI > 125 gm/m2 (N = 36)). Echocardiographic evaluation of the LVM, aortic, and mitral valves calcification (AVC and MVC) was done. Serum levels of sclerostin and Dkk-1 and patients’ clinical and biochemical data were recorded. Results. Group 2 showed significantly higher age, blood pressure, AVC, and MVC and significantly lower hemoglobin, sclerostin, and Dkk-1 levels. LVM and LVMI had a significant linear negative correlation to both serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 (r = −0.329 and −0.257,

P
=
0.01

and 0.046 for LVM; r = −0.427 and −0.324,

P
=
0.001

and 0.012 for LVMI, resp.). Serum Dkk-1 was an independent negative indicator for LVM and LVMI in multiple regression analyses (

P
=
0.003

and 0.041 with 95% CI = −0.963 to −0.204 and −0.478 to −0.010, resp.). Conclusion. Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 were significantly lower in HD patients with increased LVMI > 125 gm/m2, and both had a significant linear negative correlation with LVM and LVMI. Dkk-1 was a significant negative independent indicator for LVM and LVMI in HD patients.
Response of the Flat Reinforced Concrete Floor Slab with Openings under Cyclic In‐Plane Loading
Authors: Kalib Eden Shukri , Shewalul Yohannes Werkina
Published: September 2021

The responses of flat reinforced concrete (RC) floor slabs with openings subjected to horizontal in‐plane cyclic loads in addition to vertical service loads were investigated using nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA). A finite element model (FEM) was designed to perform a parametric analysis. The effects of opening sizes (7%, 14%, 25%, and 30% of the total area of the slab), opening shapes (elliptical, circular, L‐shaped, T‐shaped, cross, and rectangular), and location on the hysteretic behavior of the floor slab were considered. The research indicated that openings in RC floor slabs reduce the energy absorption capacity and stiffness of the floor slab. The inclusion of 30% opening on the floor slab causes a 68.5%, 47.3%, and 45.6% drop in lateral load capacity, stiffness, and lateral displacement, respectively, compared to the floor slab with no openings. The flat RC floor slab with a circular opening shape has increased efficiency. The placement of the openings is more desirable by positioning the openings at the intersection of two‐column strips.
Pore Structure, Fractal Features, and Oil Content Evaluation of Lacustrine Shale: A Case Study of First Member of Paleogene Shahejie Formation, NE China
Authors: Wang Enze , Chen Gang , Li Hanqi , Song Yanchen , Wang Jianwei , Wu Zhuoya , Feng Yue
Published: September 2021

The complex and heterogeneous pore structure and oil content of lacustrine shales introduce significant challenges in the exploration of shale petroleum systems. To further expand our geological understanding of lacustrine shales and provide guidance for hydrocarbon exploration, in this study, based on programmed and improved Rock-Eval pyrolysis, total organic content (TOC) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, and N2 adsorption (NA) experiments, a systematic evaluation of the mineral composition, geochemical features, pore structure, and oil contents of the third member of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation (Es3) shale in the typical lacustrine hydrocarbon enrichment sag (Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin) is conducted. The fractal theory is selected to quantify the pore system’s heterogeneity; also, the relationships between the pore structure parameters and the oil contents and mineral composition are revealed. Our results reveal the geochemical features of the Es3 shale are excellent, and thus, they can be classified as a set of high-quality source rocks (average TOC of 4.2%, mainly type II kerogen, and in the mature stage). Based on the SEM and NA analyses, the intercrystalline pores dominate the pore system. Moreover, the mesopores contribute the most specific surface area (SA) and pore volume (PV) to the samples (average contribution rates of 74.7 and 75.0%, respectively). The fractal dimensions have relatively strong positive correlations with PV and SA, which means more heterogeneous and complex pore structures provide more storage space and adsorption sites for shale oil accumulation. The clay mineral content is the most important factor which controls the pore structure parameter, and high clay content indicates high SA and PV. According to proposed numerical movable and adsorption hydrocarbon calculation models, the TOC content is the dominant factor controlling the movable and adsorption oil contents, but other factors’ impact also cannot be ignored. Our study not only provides guidance for shale oil exploration in the study area but also broadens our understanding of the oil contents of lacustrine shale.
Research on Beauty Medical Health Monitoring System Based on Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Bi Xinwen , Song Shaocheng , Wang Haoyang , Shao Yingjian , Zhang Xiaodan , Cheng Yanming , Lee Ilkyoo
Published: September 2021

Due to the gradual improvement of living standards in recent years and the continuous improvement of China’s health care awareness, the aesthetic medicine model has gradually changed from the treatment mode of disease treatment to the prevention mode of early detection and early treatment. Meanwhile, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are gradually infiltrating into the medical field due to their low power consumption, small size, wireless transmission, and portability which complies with the needs of the development of medical models. Therefore, this paper studies and implements a beauty medical health monitoring system based on WSN and ZigBee short-range wireless transmission protocol; moreover, wireless power transfer (WPT) technology is used for charging sensors. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility that the maximum power levels converted in sensors by the WPT for different ISM bands can meet the average power consumption expected in the range of 200–500 μW. And the designed system can provide an important practical reference for promoting the informationization of telemedicine and the development of beauty medical systems in China.
Mechanism and Evolution Control of Wide Coal Pillar Bursts in Multithick Key Strata
Authors: Guo Wenhao , Cao Anye , Xue Chengchun , Hu Yang , Wang Songwei , Zhao Qian
Published: September 2021

Coal mine pillar burst frequently occurs in Western China, which seriously restricts safe production. This paper takes the 35 m coal pillar of the 3102 working face of MKQ coal mine as the engineering background. The mechanism and evolution control of pillar bursts in multithick key strata are studied using field investigation, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation. The mechanism of dynamic and static stress‐induced pillar bursts was revealed combining the “O‐X” broken features for key strata and numerical simulation of pillar stress evolution. A prevention scheme is put forward for strata presplit blasting and adjusting coal pillar width to minimize the dynamic and static stresses. The results demonstrate the following. (1) In the multithick strata, the first and second near‐field subkey strata have perpendicular “O‐X” broken features, whereas the third far‐field subkey has parallel “O‐X” broken features. The working face has three kinds of periodic weighting phenomena: long, medium, and short. (2) The simulated vertical stress curve of 35 m coal pillar goes through three states: two‐peak, asymmetric trapezoidal and symmetrical trapezoidal shape with the different advancing position of working face. The stress concentration is extensively promoting a high‐risk area for rock burst. (3) The coal pillar burst was induced by the superposition of energy released by the key strata breaking and the elastic energy accumulated in the wide coal pillar. (4) The monitoring data showed that the long, medium, and short periodic weighting steps of multithick key strata are 141.6 m, 43.2–49.6 m, and 17.6–27.2 m, respectively. The microseismic events energy, frequency, and stress of hydraulic support increment are the highest during the long periodic weighting, and the spatial distribution of microseismic events coincides with the stress concentration area. The theoretical analysis is confirmed with the field practice.
Analysis of Sound Absorption Performance of Underwater Acoustic Coating considering Different Poisson’s Ratio Values
Authors: Luo Zhuhui , Li Tao , Yan Yuanwei , Zhou Zhou
Published: September 2021

Viscoelastic material acoustic coating plays an important role in noise and vibration control of underwater equipment. The dynamic mechanical properties of the viscoelastic material have a direct effect on the sound absorption performance of the acoustic coating. The influence of Poisson’s ratio on sound absorption performance is studied. A finite element model was established to calculate the sound absorption performance of three typical acoustic coatings: homogeneous acoustic coatings, Alberich acoustic coatings, and trumpet cavity acoustic coatings, and the influence of Poisson’s ratio on the sound absorption performance of the three kinds of acoustic coatings was analyzed. The results show that when Poisson’s ratio varies from 0.49 to 0.4999, the larger Poisson’s ratio is, the larger the frequency of the first absorption peak is, the smaller the absorption coefficient below the frequency of the first absorption peak is, and the smaller the average absorption coefficient in the whole analysis frequency range is. The dynamic Poisson’s ratio with the change of frequency is obtained by interpolating the test results and static Poisson’s ratio finite element calculation results. The calculation results show that the dynamic Poisson’s ratio can get more accurate calculation results. This work can provide a reference for researchers to set Poisson’s ratio in theoretical analysis and finite element analysis of acoustic coating.
The Effect of Salt‐Tolerant Antagonistic Bacteria CZ‐6 on the Rhizosphere Microbial Community of Winter Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. “Dongzao”) in Saline‐Alkali Land
Authors: Zhou YanYan , Hao LiPing , Ji Chao , Zhou QiSheng , Song Xin , Liu Yue , Li HuYing , Li ChaoHui , Gao QiXiong , Li JinTai , Zhang PengCheng , Liu XunLi
Published: September 2021

As the main economic crop cultivated in the Yellow River Delta, winter jujube contains various nutrients. However, soil salinization and fungal diseases have affected the yield and quality of winter jujube. In order to use plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to reduce these damages, the antagonistic bacteria CZ‐6 isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat in saline soil was selected for experiment. Gene sequencing analysis identified CZ‐6 as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In order to understand the salt tolerant and disease‐resistant effects of CZ‐6 strain, determination of related indicators of salt tolerance, pathogen antagonistic tests, and anti‐fungal mechanism analyses was carried out. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of CZ‐6 inoculation on the rhizosphere microbial community of winter jujube. The salt tolerance test showed that CZ‐6 strain can survive in a medium with a NaCl concentration of 10% and produces indole acetic acid (IAA) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase. Studies on the inhibition mechanism of pathogenic fungi show that CZ‐6 can secrete cellulase, protease, and xylanase. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis showed that CZ‐6 can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including 2‐heptanone and 2‐nonanone. In addition, the strain can colonize the rhizosphere and migrate to the roots, stems, and leaves of winter jujube, which is essential for plant growth or defense against pathogens. Illumina MiSeq sequencing data indicated that, compared to the control, the abundance of salt‐tolerant bacteria Tausonia in the CZ‐6 strain treatment group was significantly increased, while the richness of Chaetomium and Gibberella pathogens was significantly reduced. Our research shows that CZ‐6 has the potential as a biological control agent in saline soil. Plant damage and economic losses caused by pathogenic fungi and salt stress are expected to be alleviated by the addition of salt‐tolerant antagonistic bacteria.
Establishment of an Autophagy‐Related Clinical Prognosis Model for Predicting the Overall Survival of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Jianyi , Tang Xiaojie , Du Yukun , Dong Jun , Zhao Zheng , Hu Huiqiang , Song Tao , Guo Jianwei , Wang Yan , Xu Tongshuai , Shao Cheng , Sheng Yingyi , Xi Yongming
Published: September 2021

Purpose. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary and highly invasive bone tumor in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to construct a multi‐gene expression feature related to autophagy, which can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. Materials and methods. The clinical and gene expression data of patients with osteosarcoma were obtained from the target database. Enrichment analysis of autophagy‐related genes related to overall survival (OS‐related ARGs) screened by univariate Cox regression was used to determine OS‐related ARGs function and signal pathway. In addition, the selected OS‐related ARGs were incorporated into multivariate Cox regression to construct prognostic signature for the overall survival (OS) of osteosarcoma. Use the dataset obtained from the GEO database to verify the signature. Besides, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were applied to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Finally, the nomogram is established by combining the risk signature with the clinical characteristics. Results. Our study eventually included 85 patients. Survival analysis showed that patients with low riskScore had better OS. In addition, 16 genes were included in OS‐related ARGs. We also generate a prognosis signature based on two OS‐related ARGs. The signature can significantly divide patients into low‐risk groups and high‐risk groups, and has been verified in the data set of GEO. Subsequently, the riskScore, primary tumor site and metastasis status were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and a nomogram were generated. The C‐index of nomogram is 0.789 (95% CI: 0.703~0.875), ROC curve and calibration chart shows that nomogram has a good consistency between prediction and observation of patients. Conclusions. ARGs was related to the prognosis of osteosarcoma and can be used as a biomarker of prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. Nomogram can be used to predict OS of patients and improve treatment strategies.
Multielement Principal Component Analysis and Origin Traceability of Rice Based on ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Yan , Yuan Xiaoxuan , Liu Linan , Ma Junmei , Fan Sufang , Zhang Yan , Li Qiang
Published: September 2021

In this experiment, inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) was used to determine the content of 30 elements in rice from six places of production and to explore the relationship between the multielement content in rice and the producing area. The contents of Ca, P, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, K, Mg, Na, Ge, Sb, Ba, Ti, V, Se, As, Sr, Mo, Ni, Co, Cr, Al, Li, Cs, Pb, Cd, B, In, and Sn in rice were determined by ICP-MS/MS in the SQ and MS/MS mode. By passing H2, O2, He, and NH3/He reaction gas into the ICP-MS/MS, respectively, the interference was eliminated by means of in situ mass spectrometry and mass transfer. The detection limit of each element was 0.0000662–0.144 mg/kg, and the limit of quantification was in the range of 0.000221–0.479 mg/kg, the linear correlation coefficient was greater or equal to 0.9987 (R2 ≥ 0.9987), and the detection results had low detection limit and great linear regression. Recovery of the method was in the range of 80.6% to 110.5% with spike levels of 0.10–100.00 mg/kg, and relative standard deviations were lower than 10%. For the multielement content of rice from different producing areas, the principal component factor analysis can get six principal component factors, 87.878% cumulative contribution rate, and the distribution of the principal component scores of each element and different producing areas. Based on the multielement content and cluster analysis, the samples were accurately divided into two major categories and six subcategories according to the places of production, which proved that there was a significant correlation between the multielement content in rice and the place of production, so that the place of rice origin can be traced.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Lung Cancer with Differential Expression of the RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Ou Huilin , Chen Keda , Wu Hongcheng
Published: September 2021

Background. The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (RON) can act as a protooncogene and may play a prominent role in the initiation and development of lung cancer. microRNAs (miRNA) are master regulators of gene expression through direct or indirect regulation, and impact all aspects of cell biology. Methods. Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were stratified based on RON expression to identify miRNA profiles associated with RON expression levels, differentially expressed miRNA regulated by RON were screened out, and their biological behavior was analyzed. Results. miRNA expression was most significantly affected by cancer type, and we found 85 miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between NSCLC and SCLC. There were 46 miRNAs differentially expressed between high RON expressing NSCLC compared to low RON expressing NSCLC. Biological processes and pathways found to be significantly influenced by RON expression included epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activation of the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions. These data may provide the basis for a novel strategy to characterize lung cancer by RON expression and microRNA genotyping.
Identification of Food/Nonfood Visual Stimuli from Event-Related Brain Potentials
Authors: Güney Selen , Arslan Sema , Duru Adil Deniz , Göksel Duru Dilek
Published: September 2021

Although food consumption is one of the most basic human behaviors, the factors underlying nutritional preferences are not yet clear. The use of classification algorithms can clarify the understanding of these factors. This study was aimed at measuring electrophysiological responses to food/nonfood stimuli and applying classification techniques to discriminate the responses using a single-sweep dataset. Twenty-one right-handed male athletes with body mass index (BMI) levels between 18.5% and 25% (mean age:

21.05
±
2.5

) participated in this study voluntarily. The participants were asked to focus on the food and nonfood images that were randomly presented on the monitor without performing any motor task, and EEG data have been collected using a 16-channel amplifier with a sampling rate of 1024 Hz. The SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) iView XTM RED eye tracking technology was used simultaneously with the EEG to measure the participants’ attention to the presented stimuli. Three datasets were generated using the amplitude, time-frequency decomposition, and time-frequency connectivity metrics of P300 and LPP components to separate food and nonfood stimuli. We have implemented

k

-nearest neighbor (kNN), support vector machine (SVM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Logistic Regression (LR), Bayesian classifier, decision tree (DT), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) classifiers on these datasets. Finally, the response to food-related stimuli in the hunger state is discriminated from nonfood with an accuracy value close to 78% for each dataset. The results obtained in this study motivate us to employ classifier algorithms using the features obtained from single-trial measurements in amplitude and time-frequency space instead of applying more complex ones like connectivity metrics.
Predictive Value of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, Visceral Fat Index, and Prepregnancy Body Mass Index in Gestational Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Zhao Laiping , Huang Lichun
Published: September 2021

Objective. To explore the diagnostic value of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), visceral fat index (VAI), and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) in gestational metabolic syndrome (GMS). Methods. From December 2019 to March 2021,122 GMS high-risk pregnant women who received routine antenatal clinic visits and planned to give birth in our hospital were selected as the research objects. Pregnant women were divided into the GMS group (n = 79) and the control group (n = 43) according to GMS diagnostic criteria during the gestation period of 32–36 weeks. The general information such as age and gestational week of pregnant women as well as HOMA-IR, VAI, and BMI before pregnancy were compared between the two groups. The glucose and lipid metabolism indexes of pregnant women in two groups were analyzed, the detection rates of HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI in GMS between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for GMS in pregnant women, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the diagnostic value of HOMA-IR, VAI, prepregnancy BMI, and the combination of the three for GMS. Results. The body weight, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure of the GMS group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in age, gestational week, and height between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). The levels of FPG, FINS, TC, TG, LDL-C, and FFA in the GMS group were higher than the control group, the level of HDL-C in the GMS group was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The levels of HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI in the GMS group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The positive detection rates of HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI in the GMS group were 83.54%, 86.07%, and 81.01%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the positive detection rates of HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). High levels of HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI were risk factors for GMS in pregnant women (

P
<
0.05

). ROC curve showed area under the curve for HOMA-IR was 0.810, area under the curve for VAI was 0.771, and area under the curve for prepregnancy BMI was 0.749. The AUC for the combination of HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI was 0.918. Conclusion. HOMA-IR, VAI, and prepregnancy BMI in GMS have a high detection rate and certain diagnostic value, and the combination of the three has higher clinical value.
Application of Fixed-Point Index Theory for a Nonlinear Fractional Boundary Value Problem with an Advanced Argument
Authors: Wu Li , Bai Chuanzhi
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we investigate the existence of positive solutions of a class of fractional three-point boundary value problem with an advanced argument by using fixed-point index theory. Our results improve and extend some known results in the literature. Two examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our results.
Further Results on Exponentially Robust Stability of Uncertain Connection Weights of Neutral‐Type Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Si Wenxiao , Xie Tao , Li Biwen
Published: September 2021

Further results on the robustness of the global exponential stability of recurrent neural network with piecewise constant arguments and neutral terms (NPRNN) subject to uncertain connection weights are presented in this paper. Estimating the upper bounds of the two categories of interference factors and establishing a measuring mechanism for uncertain dual connection weights are the core tasks and challenges. Hence, on the one hand, the new sufficient criteria for the upper bounds of neutral terms and piecewise arguments to guarantee the global exponential stability of NPRNN are provided. On the other hand, the allowed enclosed region of dual connection weights is characterized by a four‐variable transcendental equation based on the preceding stable NPRNN. In this way, two interference factors and dual uncertain connection weights are mutually restricted in the model of parameter‐uncertainty NPRNN, which leads to a dynamic evolution relationship. Finally, the numerical simulation comparisons with stable and unstable cases are provided to verify the effectiveness of the deduced results.
Influence of Water-Cement Ratio on Viscosity Variation of Cement Grout in Permeation Grouting
Authors: Lv Gaohang , Liu Jian , Han Bo , Zhang Tiantao , Xie Quanyi , Zhang Xueshen
Published: September 2021

Diffusion radius is an important construction parameter, because it can significantly influence the grouting effectiveness. Theoretical models in predicting diffusion radius have been practiced, but there are still significant discrepancies between theoretical calculations and realistic results in the practical construction. One of the critical reasons for the misprediction is the time-dependent behavior of the cement grout, which is significantly affected by the water-cement ratio (W/C). Therefore, this paper experimentally and numerically studies the influence of W/C on the viscosity variation of the grout and grouting process. Firstly, the apparent viscosity of the cement grout under different W/C is tested by a rotational viscometer in a laboratory experiment. Subsequently, based on the laboratory tests, numerical models are established to investigate the influence of W/C on the diffusion process of cement grout in sand layers. According to the laboratory results, the apparent viscosity of cement grouts decreases with the increase of W/C. Besides, the apparent viscosity increases with time, while the increasing range of apparent viscosity firstly increases and then decreases as W/C increases. Based on the simulated results, when W/C changes from 0.8 to 1.1, the diffusion radius at 60 min experiences a less and less obvious increase under the given grouting pressure for permeation grouting in the sand layer. When W/C is 0.9, the relative error reaches to 37.65% at 60 min, which is slightly lower than that of 0.8. However, when W/C changes from 0.9 to 1.0, the relative error becomes very narrow (21.36%), and this figure is much lower than that of 0.8 or 0.9. The simulation results are verified by field test, and the relative error is 6%, which proves the effectiveness of the analysis. Therefore, the cement permeation model considering viscosity variation of the grout is a reasonable alternative in the real project. At the same time, the time-dependent behavior of cement grouts should be considered, especially when using cement grouts with a low water-cement ratio in the practical engineering.
Key BIM Adoption Drivers to Improve Performance of Infrastructure Projects in the Ethiopian Construction Sector: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Belay Solomon , Goedert James , Woldesenbet Asregedew , Rokooei Saeed , Matos José , Sousa Hélder
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to explore the critical BIM adoption drivers across the Ethiopian public infrastructure construction sector. In this regard, a comprehensive systematic literature review was employed to identify potential BIM implementation attributes in developing countries and validated through a pilot test. Then, quantitative data was collected from experts working in various organizations using a structured questionnaire survey. A structural equation model was then developed based on five key BIM adoption constructs and 14 adoption drivers. Based on the path analysis, Application, Environment, and Project related factors positively affect BIM adoption in infrastructure projects, whereas Organization and Information Management are insignificant and negatively affect BIM adoption in the Ethiopian construction industry. The study highlighted key BIM adoption attributes that are helpful to enhance the overall project management performance in infrastructure projects. The proposed action plan is beneficial to various professionals, government, and stakeholders in an effort to improve the current level of BIM uptake in the horn of Africa. More so, the findings of this paper can be used to facilitate and promote BIM adoption in public infrastructure construction projects across the Ethiopian construction market.
Key Factor Regulating Inflammatory Microenvironment, Metastasis, and Resistance in Breast Cancer: Interleukin-1 Signaling
Authors: Liu Fengjie , Li Lihong , Lan Meng , Zou Tengteng , Kong Zhaodi , Cai Tiange , Wu Xiao Yu , Cai Yu
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer is one of the top-ranked cancers for incidence and mortality worldwide. The biggest challenges in breast cancer treatment are metastasis and drug resistance, for which work on molecular evaluation, mechanism studies, and screening of therapeutic targets is ongoing. Factors that lead to inflammatory infiltration and immune system suppression in the tumor microenvironment are potential therapeutic targets. Interleukin-1 is known as a proinflammatory and immunostimulatory cytokine, which plays important roles in inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have shown that interleukin-1 cytokines drive the formation and maintenance of an inflammatory/immunosuppressive microenvironment through complex intercellular signal crosstalk and tight intracellular signal transduction, which were found to be potentially involved in the mechanism of metastasis and drug resistance of breast cancer. Some preclinical and clinical treatments or interventions to block the interleukin-1/interleukin-1 receptor system and its up- and downstream signaling cascades have also been proven effective. This study provides an overview of IL-1-mediated signal communication in breast cancer and discusses the potential of IL-1 as a therapeutic target especially for metastatic breast cancer and combination therapy and current problems, aiming at enlightening new ideas in the study of inflammatory cytokines and immune networks in the tumor microenvironment.
IoT-Based Autonomous Pay-As-You-Go Payment System with the Contract Wallet
Authors: Haga Shinya , Omote Kazumasa
Published: September 2021

In recent years, increasingly many companies have entered the pay-as-you-go business because it has become easier to monitor services constantly due to the development and increase in the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Research is in progress to introduce cryptographic assets into the payment, but if a private key is stolen, the cryptographic assets associated with it can be stolen. To address this issue, this paper proposes a secure automated payment system using contract wallets. This method ensures the security of cryptographic assets even if the private key is stolen. Secure automated payments are enabled by issuing transactions from IoT devices and using internal transactions to link contract wallets and smart contracts that handle the payment of cryptographic assets. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed system is demonstrated on the Ethereum blockchain as a proof of concept, and the cost of gas is measured.
[Retracted] Development of Basketball Tactics Basic Cooperation Teaching System Based on CNN and BP Neural Network
Authors: Hua Lin , Liu Guangyu
Published: September 2021

The traditional basketball teaching mode cannot meet the needs of students for the basic cooperation of basketball tactics. Therefore, a basic cooperation teaching system of basketball tactics based on artificial neural network is studied and designed. The system has a professional basketball game video tactical learning module. The events in the basketball game video are classified through a convolutional neural network and combined with the explanation of teachers to make the students have an intuitive understanding of the basic cooperation of basketball tactics and then design the basketball game module based on a BP neural network to provide students with an online basketball tactics training platform. Finally, the teacher scores the performance of the actual on‐site training students in the basic cooperation of basketball tactics through the tactical scoring module on the system. The results show that after the introduction of global and collective motion patterns, the classification accuracy of the convolutional neural network is improved by 22.48%, which has significant optimization. The average accuracy of basketball game video event classification is 62.35%, and the accuracy of snatch event classification is improved to 95.28%. The recognition rate of the BP neural network combined with momentum gradient descent method is 75%, the number of weight adjustment is less, and the memory is small while ensuring fast running speed. Students who accept the basic basketball tactics cooperation teaching system based on the artificial neural network for basketball teaching have an overall score of 27.99 ± 2.11 points The overall score of exchange defense cooperation was 24.12 ± 2.03, which was higher than that of the control group. The above results show that the basketball tactical basic cooperation teaching system based on the artificial neural network has a good teaching effect in improving students’ basketball tactical basic cooperation ability.
Improved Mitigation Method for the Multipath Delays of BDS‐3 Code Observations with the Aid of a Sparse Modeling Algorithm
Authors: Hu Chao , Wang Qianxin , Moraleda Alberto Hernandez
Published: September 2021

Global navigation satellite systems are essential for positioning, navigation, and timing services. The quality and reliability of satellite observations determine the system performance, especially in the case of the newly launched global BDS‐3 service. However, analyses of multipath delays in BDS‐3 satellite observations suggest that there are appreciable errors at different frequencies. Improvement of the accuracy and precision of positioning, navigation, and timing services provided by BDS‐3 requires the mitigation of multipath delays of the satellite observations. This paper models the multipath delays of BDS‐3 observations using a least‐squares combined autoregressive method. Furthermore, a sparse modeling algorithm is proposed to obtain a multipath delay series using total variation and elastic net terms for denoising and eliminating the effect of limited original observations. The estimated coefficients of multipath delays are then set as prior information to correct the next‐arc code observations, where the square‐root information filter is used in the coefficient estimation. Moreover, four groups of experiments are conducted to analyze the results of modeling the BDS‐3 multipath delay using the proposed methods, with single‐frequency precise point positioning (PPP) and real‐time PPP solutions being selected to test the correction of multipath delays in BDS‐3 code observations. The residuals of iGMAS and MGEX station coordinates indicate improvements in eastward, northward, and upward directions of at least 4.1%, 9.6%, and 1.2%, respectively, for the frequency B1I; 6.6%, 5.3%, and 0.2%, respectively, for B3I, 12.5%, 14.3%, and 3.8%, respectively, for B1C; and 5.9%, 7.4%, and 18.1%, respectively, for B2a relative to the use of the traditional method in BDS‐3 single‐frequency PPP. Furthermore, the real‐time double‐frequency PPP is optimized by at least 10% for B1I + B3I and B1C + B2a. An improved result was obtained with the proposed strategy in a standard point positioning experiment. The proposed multipath delay mitigation method is therefore effective in improving BDS‐3 satellite code observations.
Combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 Screening Reveals Epistatic Networks of Interacting Tumor Suppressor Genes and Therapeutic Targets in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Jinyu , Liu Zhimin , Powers Scott
Published: September 2021

The majority of cancers are driven by multiple genetic alterations, but how these changes collaborate during tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. To gain mechanistic insights into tumor-promoting genetic interactions among tumor suppressor genes (TSG), we conducted combinatorial CRISPR screening coupled with single-cell transcriptomic profiling in human mammary epithelial cells. As expected, different driver gene alterations in mammary epithelial cells influenced the repertoire of tumor suppressor alterations capable of inducing tumor formation. More surprisingly, TSG interaction networks were comprised of numerous cliques—sets of three or four genes such that each TSG within the clique showed oncogenic cooperation with all other genes in the clique. Genetic interaction profiling indicated that the predominant cooperating TSGs shared overlapping functions rather than distinct or complementary functions. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of CRISPR double knockouts revealed that cooperating TSGs that synergized in promoting tumorigenesis and growth factor independence showed transcriptional epistasis, whereas noncooperating TSGs did not. These epistatic transcriptional changes, both buffering and synergistic, affected expression of oncogenic mediators and therapeutic targets, including CDK4, SRPK1, and DNMT1. Importantly, the epistatic expression alterations caused by dual inactivation of TSGs in this system, such as PTEN and TP53, were also observed in patient tumors, establishing the relevance of these findings to human breast cancer. An estimated 50% of differentially expressed genes in breast cancer are controlled by epistatic interactions. Overall, our study indicates that transcriptional epistasis is a central aspect of multigenic breast cancer progression and outlines methodologies to uncover driver gene epistatic networks in other human cancers.

Significance:

This study provides a roadmap for moving beyond discovery and development of therapeutic strategies based on single driver gene analysis to discovery based on interactions between multiple driver genes.

See related commentary by Fong et al., p. 6078
Designing Clinical Trials for Combination Immunotherapy: A Framework for Glioblastoma
Authors: Singh Kirit , Batich Kristen A. , Wen Patrick Y. , Tan Aaron C. , Bagley Stephen J. , Lim Michael , Platten Michael , Colman Howard , Ashley David M. , Chang Susan M. , Rahman Rifaquat , Galanis Evanthia , Mansouri Alireza , Puduvalli Vinay K. , Reardon David A. , Sahebjam Solmaz , Sampson John H. , Simes John , Berry Donald A. , Zadeh Gelareh , Cloughesy Tim F. , Mehta Minesh P. , Piantadosi Steven , Weller Michael , Heimberger Amy B. , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: September 2021

Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment for many hard-to-treat cancers but has yet to produce significant improvement in outcomes for patients with glioblastoma. This reflects the multiple and unique mechanisms of immune evasion and escape in this highly heterogeneous tumor. Glioblastoma engenders profound local and systemic immunosuppression and is remarkably effective at inducing T-cell dysfunction, posing a challenge to any immunotherapy-based approach. To overcome these mechanisms, multiple disparate modes of immune-oriented therapy will be required. However, designing trials that can evaluate these combinatorial approaches requires careful consideration. In this review, we explore the immunotherapy resistance mechanisms that have been encountered to date and how combinatorial approaches may address these. We also describe the unique aspects of trial design in both preclinical and clinical settings and consider endpoints and markers of response best suited for an intervention involving multiple agents.
Increase in the Diagnosis and Severity of Presentation of Pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Marks Brynn E. , Khilnani Aneka , Meyers Abby , Flokas Myrto E. , Gai Jiaxiang , Monaghan Maureen , Streisand Randi , Estrada Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of pediatric type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and severity of presentation at diagnosis is unclear. Methods: A retrospective comparison of 737 youth diagnosed with T1D and T2D during the initial 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the preceding 2 years was conducted at a pediatric tertiary care center. Results: Incident cases of T1D rose from 152 to 158 in the 2 years before the pandemic (3.9% increase) to 182 cases during the pandemic (15.2% increase). The prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at T1D diagnosis increased over 3 years (41.4%, 51.9%, and 57.7%, p = 0.003); severe DKA increased during the pandemic as compared to the 2 years before (16.8% vs. 28%, p = 0.004). Although there was no difference in the mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between racial and ethnic groups at T1D diagnosis in the 2-years pre-pandemic (p = 0.31), during the pandemic HbA1c at T1D diagnosis was higher in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) youth (11.3 ± 1.4%, non-Hispanic White 10.5 ± 1.6%, Latinx 10.8 ± 1.5%, p = 0.01). Incident cases of T2D decreased from 54 to 50 cases (7.4% decrease) over the 2-years pre-pandemic and increased 182% during the pandemic (n = 141, 1.45 cases/month, p < 0.001). As compared to the 2-years pre-pandemic, cases increased most among NHB youth (56.7% vs. 76.6%, p = 0.001) and males (40.4% vs. 58.9%, p = 0.005). Cases of DKA (5.8% vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001) and hyperosmolar DKA (0 vs. 9.2%, p = 0.001) increased among youth with T2D during the pandemic. Conclusions: During the pandemic, the incidence and severity of presentation of T1D increased modestly, while incident cases of T2D increased 182%, with a nearly 6-fold increase in DKA and nearly a 10% incidence of hyperosmolar DKA. NHB youth were disproportionately impacted, raising concern about worsening of pre-existing health disparities during and after the pandemic.