bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Adaptive Deferred Shading with Hardware Scatter Tiles
Authors: Mallett Ian , Yuksel Cem , Seiler Larry
Published: March 2021

Adaptive shading is an effective mechanism for reducing the number of shaded pixels to a subset of the image resolution with minimal impact on final rendering quality. We present a new scheduling method based on on-chip tiles that, along with relatively minor modifications to the GPU architecture, provides efficient hardware support. As compared to software implementations on current hardware using compute shaders, our approach dramatically reduces memory bandwidth requirements, thereby significantly improving performance and energy use. We also introduce the concept of a fragment pre-shader for programmatically controlling when a fragment shader is invoked, and describe advanced techniques for utilizing our approach to further reduce the number of shaded pixels via temporal filtering, or to adjust rendering quality to maintain stable framerates.
Concurrent Binary Trees (with application to longest edge bisection)
Authors: Dupuy Jonathan
Published: March 2021

We introduce the concurrent binary tree (CBT), a novel concurrent representation to build and update arbitrary binary trees in parallel. Fundamentally, our representation consists of a binary heap, i.e., a 1D array, that explicitly stores the sum-reduction tree of a bitfield. In this bitfield, each one-valued bit represents a leaf node of the binary tree encoded by the CBT, which we locate algorithmically using a binary-search over the sum-reduction. We show that this construction allows to dispatch down to one thread per leaf node and that, in turn, these threads can safely split and/or remove nodes concurrently via simple bitwise operations over the bitfield. The practical benefit of CBTs lies in their ability to accelerate binary-tree-based algorithms with parallel processors. To support this claim, we leverage our representation to accelerate a longest-edge-bisection-based algorithm that computes and renders adaptive geometry for large-scale terrains entirely on the GPU. For this specific algorithm, the CBT accelerates processing speed linearly with the number of processors.
Verification column
Authors: Lazić Ranko
Published: March 2021

This quarter, we have an authoritative treatment of several basic verification problems for parallel programs running with shared memory under the topical total store ordering model. The article is also a testimony to the enduring relevance of the theory and practice of well-structured transition systems, which was recognised by the 2017 CAV Award.
The 2021 Alonzo Church award for outstanding contributions to logic and computation
Authors: Esparza Javier
Published: March 2021

An annual award, called the Alonzo Church Award for Outstanding Contributions to Logic and Computation, was established in 2015 by the ACM Special Interest Group for Logic and Computation (SIGLOG), the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science (EATCS), the European Association for Computer Science Logic (EACSL), and the Kurt Gödel Society (KGS). The award is for an outstanding contribution represented by a paper or by a small group of papers published within the past 25 years. This time span allows the lasting impact and depth of the contribution to have been established. The award can be given to an individual, or to a group of individuals who have collaborated on the research. For the rules governing this award, see https://siglog.org/alonzo-church-award/, https://www.eatcs.org/index.php/church-award/, and https://eacsl.org/.

The 2020 Alonzo Church Award was given jointly to Ronald Fagin, Phokion G. Kolaitis, Renée J. Miller, Lucian Popa, and Wang Chiew Tan for their ground-breaking work on laying the logical foundations for data exchange. Lists containing this and all previous winners can be found through the links above.
Phytochrome Signaling Networks
Authors: Cheng Mei-Chun , Kathare Praveen Kumar , Paik Inyup , Huq Enamul
Published: March 2021

The perception of light signals by the phytochrome family of photoreceptors has a crucial influence on almost all aspects of growth and development throughout a plant's life cycle. The holistic regulatory networks orchestrated by phytochromes, including conformational switching, subcellular localization, direct protein-protein interactions, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulations, and translational and posttranslational controls to promote photomorphogenesis, are highly coordinated and regulated at multiple levels. During the past decade, advances using innovative approaches have substantially broadened our understanding of the sophisticated mechanisms underlying the phytochrome-mediated light signaling pathways. This review discusses and summarizes these discoveries of the role of the modular structure of phytochromes, phytochrome-interacting proteins, and their functions; the reciprocal modulation of both positive and negative regulators in phytochrome signaling; the regulatory roles of phytochromes in transcriptional activities, alternative splicing, and translational regulation; and the kinases and E3 ligases that modulate PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs to optimize photomorphogenesis.
Salicylic Acid: Biosynthesis and Signaling
Authors: Peng Yujun , Yang Jianfei , Li Xin , Zhang Yuelin
Published: March 2021

Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential plant defense hormone that promotes immunity against biotrophic and semibiotrophic pathogens. It plays crucial roles in basal defense and the amplification of local immune responses, as well as the establishment of systemic acquired resistance. During the past three decades, immense progress has been made in understanding the biosynthesis, homeostasis, perception, and functions of SA. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding SA in plant immunity and other biological processes. We highlight recent breakthroughs that substantially advanced our understanding of how SA is biosynthesized from isochorismate, how it is perceived, and how SA receptors regulate different aspects of plant immunity. Some key questions in SA biosynthesis and signaling, such as how SA is produced via another intermediate, benzoic acid, and how SA affects the activities of its receptors in the transcriptional regulation of defense genes, remain to be addressed.
Engineering Vascularized Organoid-on-a-Chip Models
Authors: Shirure Venktesh S. , Hughes Christopher C.W. , George Steven C.
Published: March 2021

Recreating human organ–level function in vitro is a rapidly evolving field that integrates tissue engineering, stem cell biology, and microfluidic technology to produce 3D organoids. A critical component of all organs is the vasculature. Herein, we discuss general strategies to create vascularized organoids, including common source materials, and survey previous work using vascularized organoids to recreate specific organ functions and simulate tumor progression. Vascularization is not only an essential component of individual organ function but also responsible for coupling the fate of all organs and their functions. While some success in coupling two or more organs together on a single platform has been demonstrated, we argue that the future of vascularized organoid technology lies in creating organoid systems complete with tissue-specific microvasculature and in coupling multiple organs through a dynamic vascular network to create systems that can respond to changing physiological conditions.
Current Evidence Does Support the Use of KT to Treat Chronic Knee Pain in Short Term: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Wen-hao , Li Ye
Published: March 2021

Objective. To demonstrate whether KT is better than placebo taping, nonelastic taping, or no taping in reducing pain. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched up to 20 October 2020 for randomized controlled studies that used KT to treat chronic knee pain according to PRISMA guidelines. We extracted the mean differences and SD in pretreatment and posttreatment for selected outcomes measured in the experimental and control groups for subsequent meta-analyses. Results. In total, 8 studies involving 416 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Our results indicated that KT is better than other tapings (placebo taping or nonelastic taping) in the early four weeks. The mean difference was −1.44 (95% CI: −2.04–−0.84, I2 = 49%,

P
≤
0.01

). Treatment methods which were performed for more than six weeks (0.16 (95% CI: −0.35–0.68, I2 = 0%,

P
=
0.53

)) show no significant difference in reducing pain. In studies in which visual analogue scale was measured, a positive effect was observed for KT combined with exercise program training (−3.27 (95% CI: −3.69–2.85, I2 = 0%,

P
<
0.05

)). Conclusion. KT exhibited significant but temporary pain reduction.
Webshell Detection Based on Executable Data Characteristics of PHP Code
Authors: Pan Zulie , Chen Yuanchao , Chen Yu , Shen Yi , Guo Xuanzhen
Published: March 2021

A webshell is a malicious backdoor that allows remote access and control to a web server by executing arbitrary commands. The wide use of obfuscation and encryption technologies has greatly increased the difficulty of webshell detection. To this end, we propose a novel webshell detection model leveraging the grammatical features extracted from the PHP code. The key idea is to combine the executable data characteristics of the PHP code with static text features for webshell classification. To verify the proposed model, we construct a cleaned data set of webshell consisting of 2,917 samples from 17 webshell collection projects and conduct extensive experiments. We have designed three sets of controlled experiments, the results of which show that the accuracy of the three algorithms has reached more than 99.40%, the highest reached 99.66%, the recall rate has been increased by at least 1.8%, the most increased by 6.75%, and the F1 value has increased by 2.02% on average. It not only confirms the efficiency of the grammatical features in webshell detection but also shows that our system significantly outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art rivals in terms of detection accuracy and recall rate.
A Solution to the Time‐Dependent Stress Distribution in Suborbicular Backfilled Stope Interaction with Creeping Rock
Authors: Yan Baoxu , Lai Xingping , Jia Hanwen , Yilmaz Erol , Hou Chen
Published: March 2021

The creep behavior of deep weak rock masses is important due to an underground opening. Appreciating the nature and source of these deformations requires the knowledge of rock mass and ground support interaction. The theoretical solution of the backfill’s internal stresses needs to consider the time‐dependent effect. In the present study, the coupling interaction between the creep behavior of the nearby rock material and the internal stresses in the backfilled stope is considered and the interaction characteristics are given analytically. A solution is then proposed regarding the time‐dependent stress distribution in suborbicular backfilled stope interaction with creeping rock. Besides, the correctness of the theoretical solution is verified by numerical simulation, while influential parameters such as stope buried depth, lateral pressure coefficient, horizontal stress ratio, creep time of surrounding rock mass, delay time of the backfill, and Young’s modulus are thoroughly discussed. Research shows that when the stope buried depth becomes large as well as the rheological effect of the nearby rock materials becomes significant, the stress distribution in the backfill material exceeds its self‐weight stress and presents significant time‐dependent characteristics. The delayed backfilling weakens the backfill’s ground support effect on the nearby rock material. Hence, timely and multipoint simultaneous backfilling is needed for a stope with significant rheological deformation of surrounding rock mass. Lastly, this work will offer useful knowledge while designing the backfill materials for underground mines.
Mixed Rational Lump-Solitary Wave Solutions to an Extended (2+1)-Dimensional KdV Equation
Authors: Yao Zhigang , Xie Huayong , Jie Hui
Published: March 2021

Based on the bilinear method, rational lump and mixed lump-solitary wave solutions to an extended (2+1)-dimensional KdV equation are constructed through the different assumptions of the auxiliary function in the trilinear form. It is found that the rational lump decays algebraically in all directions in the space plane and its amplitude possesses one maximum and two minima. One kind of the mixed solution describes the interaction between one lump and one line solitary wave, which exhibits fission and fusion phenomena under the different parameters. The other kind of the mixed solution shows one lump interacting with two paralleled line solitary waves, in which the evolution of the lump gives rise to a two-dimensional rogue wave. This shows that these three interesting phenomena exist in the corresponding physical model.
Coupling Technology of Deep‐Hole Presplitting Blasting and Hydraulic Fracturing Enhance Permeability Technology in Low‐Permeability and Gas Outburst Coal Seam: A Case Study in the No. 8 Mine of Pingdingshan, China
Authors: Wang Wei , Wei Yanzhao , Guo Minggong , Li Yanzhi
Published: March 2021

The current study aims to analyze the principles of integrated technology of explosion to tackle the problems of coal seam high gas content and pressure, developed faults, complex structure, low coal seam permeability, and high outburst risk. Based on this, we found through numerical simulation that as the inclination of the coal seam increases, the risk of coal and gas outburst increases during the tunneling process. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce the risk of coal and gas outburst. We conducted field engineering experiments. Our results show that the synergistic antireflection technology of hydraulic fracturing and deep‐hole presplitting blasting has a significant antireflection effect in low‐permeability coal seams. After implementing this technology, the distribution of coal moisture content was relatively uniform and improved the influence range of direction and tendency. Following 52 days of extraction, the average extraction concentration was 2.9 times that of the coal seam gas extraction concentration under the original technology. The average scalar volume of single hole gas extraction was increased by 7.7 times. Through field tests, the purpose of pressure relief and permeability enhancement in low‐permeability coal seams was achieved. Moreover, the effect of gas drainage and treatment in low‐permeability coal seams was improved, and the applicability, effectiveness, and safety of underground hydraulic fracturing and antireflection technology in low‐permeability coal seams were verified. The new technique is promising for preventing and controlling gas hazards in the future.
Automatic Detection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Events Using a Deep CNN‐LSTM Model
Authors: Zhang Junming , Tang Zhen , Gao Jinfeng , Lin Li , Liu Zhiliang , Wu Haitao , Liu Fang , Yao Ruxian
Published: March 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep‐related respiratory disorder. Around the world, more and more people are suffering from OSA. Because of the limitation of monitor equipment, many people with OSA remain undetected. Therefore, we propose a sleep‐monitoring model based on single‐channel electrocardiogram using a convolutional neural network (CNN), which can be used in portable OSA monitor devices. To learn different scale features, the first convolution layer comprises three types of filters. The long short‐term memory (LSTM) is used to learn the long‐term dependencies such as the OSA transition rules. The softmax function is connected to the final fully connected layer to obtain the final decision. To detect a complete OSA event, the raw ECG signals are segmented by a 10 s overlapping sliding window. The proposed model is trained with the segmented raw signals and is subsequently tested to evaluate its event detection performance. According to experiment analysis, the proposed model exhibits Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 0.92, a sensitivity of 96.1%, a specificity of 96.2%, and an accuracy of 96.1% with respect to the Apnea‐ECG dataset. The proposed model is significantly higher than the results from the baseline method. The results prove that our approach could be a useful tool for detecting OSA on the basis of a single‐lead ECG.
A New Chaotic Mixer Design Based on the Delta Robot and Its Experimental Studies
Authors: Kalayci Onur , Pehlivan Ihsan , Akgul Akif , Coskun Selcuk , Kurt Ersin
Published: March 2021

In this study, a new chaotic mixer based on the Delta robot was designed and produced which had been controlled with Arduino Uno card and MATLAB. First of all, chaotic mixing systems with different dynamic properties were chosen for the chaotic mixing process. Then, by solving the chaotic systems selected in the MATLAB with the Runge Kutta 45 (RK45) numerical solution algorithm, the results in the integer format were obtained. The obtained chaotic time-series results were transformed into 3-dimensional position information for the servomotors used in the mixer with the algorithm developed in MATLAB. The supervision was provided to ensure that the newly designed chaotic mixer was pacing chaotically in x, y, and z coordinates by transferring the chaotic position information to the Arduino Uno R3 card via USB 2.0. With the software developed in MATLAB, the performances of 7 diversified chaotic systems’ trajectories and circular motion trajectories were compared over the numerical simulation orbital distribution ratio (ODR). In the final stage, in a solid-liquid mixture type, at the selected constant mixing time, experimental studies were performed where homogeneity and orbital distribution ratio (ODR) parameters were compared by using 7 diversified chaotic systems. The designed and produced chaotic mixer can also be used in experimental studies of certain liquid-liquid mixture types. It is thought that this prototype presented in the article will serve the aim of developing new chaotic mixer systems and algorithms to derive more homogeneous mixtures in a shorter time.
Comprehensive Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Snake Fruit: Salak (Salacca zalacca)
Authors: Hlásná Čepková Petra , Jágr Michal , Janovská Dagmar , Dvořáček Václav , Kotrbová Kozak Anna , Viehmannová Iva
Published: March 2021

Snake fruit (Salacca zalacca (Gaert.) Voss) is a fruit species traditionally cultivated in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. The edible parts of the fruits contain a certain amount of total phenolic, flavonoid, and monoterpenoid compounds, proving them to be their perfect sources. The main goal of this work was to detect, quantify, and identify various phenolic compounds present in snake fruit pulp. Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to a Q-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometer was able to detect 19 phenolic compounds in the salak pulp, including 5 flavanols, 6 phenolic acids, 2 flavonols, 1 flavone, and also 5 presumably new phenolic compounds. Among the detected compounds, 11 were reported and quantified for the first time in salak pulp. Chlorogenic acid was by far the most predominant phenolic compound. The next relatively abundant compounds in snake fruit were epicatechin, isoquercetin, neochlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and procyanidine B2 (levels at ca 5–10 μg/g in MeOH extract), syringic acid, and caffeic acid (levels at ca 1 μg/g in H2O extract). A significant total phenolic content (257.17 μL/mL) and antioxidant activities (10.56 μM TE/g of fruit pulp) were determined. In conclusion, S. zalacca fruit has potential to serve as a natural source of phenolic compounds with antioxidative activities which may be associated with their health benefits.
Effect of Moisture Content on the Shear Behaviour of a Completely Decomposed Granite: An Experimental Study
Authors: Liu Pan , Lin Jinhong , Wang Yang , Yang Xueqiang
Published: March 2021

To figure out the effect of moisture content on the shear behaviour of undisturbed completely decomposed granite (CDG) soil, a series of in situ and laboratory direct shear tests were carried out, under different normal stress and moisture contents. The test results showed that the increasing moisture content could obviously weaken the shear strength, cohesion, and frictional angle. Two linear equations were proposed for estimating the cohesion and the frictional angle at any moisture content in the field. The estimated strength parameters could be used for safety evaluation and/or engineering design of CDG cutting slope. The rate of reduction of the cohesion was much higher than that of the tangent value of frictional angle. Due to the disturbance of laboratory sample and size effect, the strength parameters obtained from the in situ test were a little bit higher than those from the laboratory test.
Melatonin Exerts Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Neuromodulatory Effects That Could Potentially Be Useful in the Treatment of Vertigo
Authors: Guerra Joaquin , Devesa Jesus
Published: March 2021

The acute phase of vertigo involves multiple neurotransmitters, inflammatory mediators, and products of oxidative stress. The vestibular pathway has multiple melatonin receptors distributed along its path, both centrally and peripherally. In addition, melatonin has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against factors related to vertigo, such as Bax/caspases, interleukins, and chemokines. Likewise, it exerts central GABAergic, antidopaminergic, and anti-migraine functions and regulates sympathetic activity in a similar way to the drugs classically used in acute vestibular crisis. In this review, the role of melatonin as a potential treatment of the acute phase of vertigo is discussed.
Early Changes in Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Can Predict Mortality in Acute Pancreatitis: Comparative Study between BISAP Score, APACHE-II, and Other Laboratory Markers—A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Pando Elizabeth , Alberti Piero , Mata Rodrigo , Gomez María José , Vidal Laura , Cirera Arturo , Dopazo Cristina , Blanco Laia , Gomez Concepción , Caralt Mireia , Balsells Joaquim , Charco Ramón
Published: March 2021

Background. Changes in BUN have been proposed as a risk factor for complications in acute pancreatitis (AP). Our study aimed to compare changes in BUN versus the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score (APACHE-II), as well as other laboratory tests such as haematocrit and its variations over 24 h and C-reactive protein, in order to determine the most accurate test for predicting mortality and severity outcomes in AP. Methods. Clinical data of 410 AP patients, prospectively enrolled for study at our institution, were analyzed. We define AP according to Atlanta classification (AC) 2012. The laboratory test’s predictive accuracy was measured using area-under-the-curve receiver-operating characteristics (AUC) analysis and sensitivity and specificity tests. Results. Rise in BUN was the only score related to mortality on the multivariate analysis (p=0.000, OR: 12.7; CI 95%: 4.2−16.6). On the comparative analysis of AUC, the rise in BUN was an accurate test in predicting mortality (AUC: 0.842) and persisting multiorgan failure (AUC: 0.828), similar to the BISAP score (AUC: 0.836 and 0.850) and APACHE-II (AUC: 0.756 and 0.741). The BISAP score outperformed both APACHE-II and rise in BUN at 24 hours in predicting severe AP (AUC: 0.873 vs. 0.761 and 0.756, respectively). Conclusion. Rise in BUN at 24 hours is a quick and reliable test in predicting mortality and persisting multiorgan failure in AP patients.
The Association of Serum IL-10 Levels with the Disease Activity in Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients
Authors: Peng Yu , Liu Xiaohui , Duan Zhao , Duan Junkai , Zhou Yulan
Published: March 2021

Objectives. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been suggested as a biomarker of disease activity in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). In this study, we evaluated the serum IL-10 levels and investigated its clinical relevance in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). Methods. IL-10 levels were determined in 21 patients diagnosed with SoJIA and 35 patients with fever diseases which were suspected as SoJIA, and IL-10 levels were compared between SoJIA patients with regard to disease activity, disease courses, and other biomarkers. Results. Patients with SoJIA had significantly higher levels of IL-10 compared to patients with other febrile diseases. The serum levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in active SoJIA compared to inactive and positively correlated with known disease activity markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein level (CRP), ferritin (FER), and IL-6 levels. Moreover, the levels of IL-10 at diagnosis were significantly higher in SoJIA patients with a nonmonocyclic pattern than in patients with a monocyclic pattern. Compared to CRP, ESR, FER, and IL-6, IL-10 levels were superior in predicting monocyclic patients from nonmonocyclic patients. Conclusion. Compared to other febrile diseases, SoJIA patients have markedly higher levels of IL-10 which may assist with diagnosis. And a clear association of serum IL-10 levels with disease activity and disease courses in SoJIA was found. These results suggest that serum IL-10 might be a reliable clinical marker in SoJIA.
Seismic Energy Response of SDOF Systems Subjected to Long‐Period Ground Motion Records
Authors: Cheng Yu , Dong Yao-Rong , Qin Li , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Li Ye-Xue
Published: March 2021

To provide an important reference for the energy‐based seismic design of long‐period structures, the elastoplastic dynamic analysis program is employed to study the seismic energy response of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems under two types of typical long‐period ground motions. Then, the influencing relationships of external and internal factors on the energy response spectra under near‐fault pulse‐like and far‐field harmonic ground motions are analyzed one by one. Study results are obtained as follows: within the whole period, all the input energy, hysteretic energy and damping energy spectra of SDOF systems under near‐fault pulse‐like and far‐field harmonic ground motions, are larger than those under common ground motions, even the seismic energy response under far‐field harmonic ground motions is larger than that under near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions. From the aspect of energy concept, the energy response spectra and energy distribution rule of SDOF systems are evaluated based on the intensity and spectral distribution under near‐fault pulse‐like and far‐field harmonic ground motions. If the ratio of hysteretic energy to input energy (RHEIE) is determined, the hysteretic energy which must be dissipated by a structure would be derived by the method of energy‐based design. The input energy and hysteretic energy are mainly influenced by damping ratio and ductility coefficient, while the yield stiffness ratio exerts minor effects. It indicates that reasonable structural design parameters would contribute to the hysteretic energy of a structure itself.
Halo Nevi Are Not Trivial: About 2 Young Patients of Regressed Primary Melanoma That Simulates Halo Nevi
Authors: De Schrijver S. , Theate I. , Vanhooteghem O.
Published: March 2021

Background. Halo nevi are often considered benign, and the possibility of malignancy is not always clear to practitioners. We present two case reports suggesting that a halo nevus appearance can be seen in melanoma, even in young adults. A literature search for halo nevi revealing melanoma shows that this is a very rare condition. Case presentation. This report of two young patients indicates the importance of obtaining a detailed history to detect warning signs such as itching, pain, spontaneous bleeding, and previous alterations according to the patient, including a previously totally black colour in an already fully regressed melanoma. Conclusions. The risk of a halo nevus being malignant is higher if there is only one unique halo nevus and no personal or familial history of vitiligo. We postulate that a regressing atypical nevus or a regressing melanoma may be induced by an immunologic reaction as halo nevus type of clinical picture.
Damage Analysis of Concrete Structure under Multidirectional Shaped Charge Blasting Using Model Experiment and Ultrasonic Testing
Authors: Liu Dunwen , Zhang Jianjun , Tang Yu , Jian Yinghua , Cai Caiwu
Published: March 2021

Quantitatively analyzing multidirectional shaped charge blasting energy distribution and improving the rock‐fracturing efficiency have been a challenging problem in blasting and civil engineering. In this work, we carry out four groups of concrete model experiments using ultrasonic testing, comparing conventional blasting, and multidirectional shaped charge blasting. Then, the probability and statistics method is used to quantitatively analyze the blasting damage and the energy distribution. The test results show that ultrasonic testing and statistics model can quantitatively evaluate the damage law and energy distribution of blasting. By comparing with conventional blasting method, the multidirectional shaped charge blasting with V‐shaped multidirectional shaped energy groove has achieved the effect of energy accumulation. It increases the distribution of energy in the rock crack district, increases the blasting damage range, and improves the rock‐fracturing efficiency of blasting. The V‐shaped multidirectional shaped energy groove can be used as a new approach for rock fracturing in similar projects.
Field Monitoring‐Based and Theoretical Analysis of Baota Mountain Landslide Stability
Authors: Tang Yaming , Shu Heping , Xue Qiang , Wang Jiayun , Feng Wei , Ma Hongna , Li Yan’e , Luo Jin , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

Landslide is one of the most widely distributed surface morphological landscapes, and it can cause a series of major economic and human losses. Field monitoring and limit equilibrium methods were applied to investigate Baota Mountain landslide stability, and soil volumetric water content, different scales of rainfall data, and landslide displacements were monitored using various equipment. The theoretical factor of safety was also calculated for the landslide. Finally, the theoretical results were validated by monitoring data in the field. The results demonstrate that soil volumetric water content experienced the greatest change with time at a depth of 0.2 m and then 1 m; however, the change in soil volumetric water content was relatively small with time at a soil depth ranging from 2.0 m to 4.0 m. Soil volumetric water content also did not change with time at a soil depth of 5.0 m and below. In addition, the retardation effect was found in different depths of volumetric water content for continuous rainfall. The safety factors were 2.713 and 1.133 for landslide No. 1 and landslide No. 2, respectively. These results indicate that landslide No. 1 is relatively stable, but there is a probability of the occurrence of movement in landslide No. 2. The monitoring displacement data indicate that landslide No.1 was in a relatively stable state between 2008 and 2013, and this result was in accordance with the value of theoretical calculation. This study provided relevant parameters for numerical simulation of landslides in loess areas.
Polysaccharides of Sporoderm-Broken Spore of Ganoderma lucidum Modulate Adaptive Immune Function via Gut Microbiota Regulation
Authors: Su Lu , Li Dan , Su Jiyan , Zhang Enqi , Chen Shaodan , Zheng Chaoqun , Luo Ting , Li Muxia , Chen Xiaohong , Huang Guoxin , Xie Yizhen , Li Shanshan
Published: March 2021

Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss.Fr.) Karst is one of the well-known medicinal macrofungi all over the world, and mounting researches have focused on the polysaccharides derived from the spores of G. lucidum. In the present study, BALB/c mice (n = 8–10) were administered with crude polysaccharides of G. lucidum spores (CPGS) and the refined polysaccharides of G. lucidum spores (RPGS) for 30 days to investigate their effect on the adaptive immune system. Results showed that CPGS and RPGS displayed diverse effects on the lymphocyte activity in the spleen. The splenocyte proliferation activity upon mitogen was suppressed by CPGS and RPGS, while the NK cell’s tumor-killing ability was promoted by CPGS. Both CPGS and RPGS could increase the proportion of naïve T cells in thymus, but only RPGS significantly uplifted the percentage of T cells, as well as the T cell subsets, in peripheral blood, and promoted the activation by upregulating the expression of costimulatory factor CD28. Moreover, 16S sequencing results showed that the effects of CPGS and RPGS were closely related to the regulation of gut microbiota. β-diversity of the microbiome was evidently changed by CPGS and RPGS. The phytoestrogen/polysaccharide-metabolizing bacteria (Adlercreutzia, Parabacteroides, and Prevotella), and an unclassified Desulfovibrionaceae, were remarkably enriched by CPGS or RPGS, and functions involving carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, and lipid metabolism were regulated. Moreover, the enrichments of Adlercreutzia, Prevotella, and Desulfovibrionaceae were positively related to the immune regulation by CPGS and RPGS, while that of Parabacteroides displayed a negative correlation. These findings suggested a promising effect of the polysaccharide from sporoderm-broken spore of G. lucidum in immune regulation to promote health control.
A Moving Path Tracking Method of the Thunderstorm Cloud Based on the Three‐Dimensional Atmospheric Electric Field Apparatus
Authors: Yang Xu , Xing Hongyan , Xu Wei , Ji Xinyuan
Published: March 2021

In order to obtain the position of thunderstorm cloud in real time and make it possible to track the thunderstorm cloud motion, a method is proposed for tracking the moving path of thunderstorm cloud, with the aid of the three‐dimensional atmospheric electric field apparatus (AEFA). According to the method of images, we establish a spatial model for tracking the moving path. Based on the model, we define the dynamic parameters of thunderstorm cloud position. Subsequently, to realize the moving path tracking of thunderstorm cloud, its coordinates are associated with the time points. Besides, we use the relationship between electric field component measurement error, horizontal angle, elevation angle, and the tracking accuracy to analyze the tracking performance. Finally, a fusion system combining an electric field measurement unit, electric field calibration unit, and permittivity measurement unit is designed to meet the actual needs. The results show that the method can accurately track the thunderstorm cloud moving path and has a better effect. In addition, the method can also be combined with a radar map, thus better predicting the development of the thunderstorm cloud.
Design of a Single-Tooth Model and Its Application in Oral Scan System Assessment
Authors: Cai HongXin , Zhao Bing Cheng , Tian Yueyi , Kim Dong-Hyuck , Sun Yunhan , Lim Ho-Kyung , Lee Eui-Seok , Jiang Heng Bo
Published: March 2021

Intraoral scanners have been widely used in the application of dentistry. Accuracy includes trueness and precision; they have an important position in the assessment of intraoral scanners. The existing standard models are divided into the inlay and the crown, but the operation is relatively complicated. In this study, in order to simplify the current standard model, we designed a new integration model to compare the accuracy of two intraoral scanners (CEREC and TRIOS) and an extraoral scanner (SHINING). The coordinate measuring machine measured value is the gold standard. Values of the length and angle were analyzed by converting the scanned digital impressions into an STL (standard triangulation language) format to evaluate the accuracy of the intraoral scanner and to verify the feasibility of the designed model. The result shows that the integration model can be successfully scanned and imaged. In the case of the powder-free integration model, intraoral scanner precision, trueness, 3D fitting, and imaging are better than the extraoral scanner. It can be seen straightly from the measurement result and the 3D fitting result that the intraoral scanner can acquire the shape of the standard model integrally with good repeatability. Therefore, it can be concluded that TRIOS is superior to CEREC and SHINING in accuracy, and the integration model is feasible as a reference in the examination of intraoral scanners. The performance of the newly designed integration model that can be scanned is clinically significant, suggesting that this model can be used as a standard reference model.
Analytical Investigation of Magnetic Field on Unsteady Boundary Layer Stagnation Point Flow of Water-Based Graphene Oxide-Water and Graphene Oxide-Ethylene Glycol Nanofluid over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Rehman Ali , Salleh Zabidin
Published: March 2021

This study explains the effect of magnetic field of the stagnation point flow of a water-based nanofluid graphene oxide-water (GO-W) and graphene oxide-ethylene glycol (GO-EG). Heat transfer analyses are discussed by converting the given partial differential equation into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation using the similarity transformation and solved using an approximate analytical method, namely, the optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM), to obtain an approximate analytical solution of the nonlinear problem that analyzes the problem. The BVPh 2.0 package function of Mathematica is used to obtain the numerical results. The results of important parameters such as the magnetic field parameter, unsteady parameter, stretching parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number, and kinematic parameter for both velocity and temperature profiles are plotted and discussed. The convergence control parameter of the approximate analytical method is obtained up to the 25th iteration using the BVPh 2.0 package. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are explained in tabular form.
A Simple Nomogram to Predict Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure Undergoing Coronary Angiography
Authors: Lei Li , He Yibo , Guo Zhaodong , Liu Bowen , Liu Jin , Nie Zhiqiang , Chen Guanzhong , Liu Liwei , Lin Mengfei , Yan Wenhe , Chen Shiqun , Jiyan Chen , Liu Yong
Published: March 2021

Background. Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are vulnerable to contrast-induced kidney injury (CI-AKI), but few prediction models are currently available. Therefore, we aimed to establish a simple nomogram for CI-AKI risk assessment for patients with CHF undergoing coronary angiography. Methods. A total of 1876 consecutive patients with CHF (defined as New York Heart Association functional class II-IV or Killip class II-IV) were enrolled and randomly (2:1) assigned to a development cohort and a validation cohort. The endpoint was CI-AKI defined as serum creatinine elevation of ≥0.3 mg/dL or 50% from baseline within the first 48–72 hours following the procedure. Predictors for the simple nomogram were selected by multivariable logistic regression with a stepwise approach. The discriminative power was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and was compared with the classic Mehran score in the validation cohort. Calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and 1000 bootstrap samples. Results. The incidence of CI-AKI was 9.06% (170) in the total sample, 8.64% (n = 109) in the development cohort, and 9.92% (n = 61) in the validation cohort (

P
=
0.367

). The simple nomogram including four predictors (age, intra-aortic balloon pump, acute myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease) demonstrated a similar predictive power as the Mehran score (area under the curve: 0.80 vs. 0.75,

P
=
0.061

), as well as a well-fitted calibration curve. Conclusions. The present simple nomogram including four predictors is a simple and reliable tool to identify CHF patients at risk of CI-AKI, whereas further external validations are needed.
Long-Term Survival of Two Patients with Liver Metastases from Advanced Gastric Cancer Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation and Chemotherapy
Authors: Oh Sung Jin
Published: March 2021

Liver metastasis from gastric cancer has a very poor prognosis. Herein, we present two cases of liver metastases (synchronous and metachronous) from advanced gastric cancer. In the first case, the patient underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy. Liver metastases occurred 6 months after surgery while the patient was receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, but two hepatic tumors were successfully removed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In the second case, liver metastases occurred 15 months after surgery for gastric cancer. The patient also received RFA for one hepatic tumor, and other suspicious metastatic tumors were treated with systemic chemotherapy. Although these case presentations are limited for the efficacy of RFA treatment with systemic chemotherapy for hepatic metastases from gastric cancer, our findings showed long-term survival (overall survival for 108 and 67 months, respectively) of the affected patients, without recurrence. Therefore, we suggest that RFA treatment with systemic chemotherapy could be an effective alternative treatment modality for hepatic metastases from gastric cancer.
Cytological Diagnosis of Plasmablastic Lymphoma Involving the Parotid Gland: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Elyamany Ghaleb , Fouly Ahmed , Alqahtani Abdulmalik , Alrumeh Assem , Asiri Shuaa , Faifi Salman Ali , Alshieban Saeed
Published: March 2021

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), characterized by its association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), aggressive nature, and plasmacytic/plasmablastic differentiation. PBL remains a therapeutic and diagnostic challenge. Diagnosis of PBL by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is reported infrequently. We herein describe the cytodiagnosis of a rare case of HIV-negative PBL in a 58-year-old man without EBV infection presented by parotid swelling. The current case study highlights the cytomorphologic features that may help to distinguish PBL from other mimics. However, although the cytomorphologic features may suggest PBL, a definitive diagnosis requires additional studies including tissue biopsy and immunohistochemistry, in addition to biochemical investigations and radiological workup to establish the diagnosis and exclude similar conditions. In conclusion, FNAC is a very useful, simple, rapid and reliable procedure for diagnosis of the lymphoma. FNAC provided the earliest clue to diagnosis of PBL, which was later confirmed by tissue biopsy.
Anterior Mediastinal Leiomyosarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ishikawa Akira , Kuraoka Kazuya , Zaitsu Junichi , Saito Akihisa , Kamigaichi Atsushi , Mimura Takeshi , Yamashita Yoshinori , Taniyama Kiyomi
Published: March 2021

Primary mediastinal sarcomas are extremely rare. Additionally, mediastinal leiomyosarcomas account for approximately 9% of mediastinal sarcoma cases. Until date, only few cases of anterior mediastinal leiomyosarcomas have been reported. Herein, we report a case of an 85-year-old female with an anterior mediastinal mass of 15 mm. Histological examination revealed spindle tumor cells showing a fascicular growth pattern. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were focal positive for desmin, calponin, and α-smooth muscle actin. The pathological diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma. In conclusion, we encountered a case of a very rare leiomyosarcoma that occurred in the anterior mediastinum, and our report may contribute to the understanding of this disease.
Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor Syndrome
Authors: Weaver Travis D. , Shakir Mohamed K.M. , Hoang Thanh D.
Published: March 2021

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a relatively common endocrine disorder, affecting 7 out of 1,000 adults. The median age at onset is the 6th decade of life. Our objective was to present a young patient with primary hyperparathyroidism who has a positive CDC73 mutation. A 23-year-old woman was evaluated for hypercalcemia that was found after surgery for bilateral ovarian cyst removal. Her family history included multiple family members with nephrolithiasis. The physical examination revealed a well-appearing Caucasian woman with no palpable neck mass. The laboratory results showed serum calcium at 11.7 mg/dL (ref. 8.4–10.2), ionized calcium at 1.44 mmol/L (ref. 1.12–1.32), and serum PTH at 192 pg/mL (ref. 11–65). A technetium-99 sestamibi scan revealed focal uptake inferior to the left thyroid lobe. Thyroid ultrasound showed a left parathyroid adenoma. The patient subsequently underwent left inferior parathyroidectomy, which confirmed parathyroid adenoma, with resultant normalization of serum calcium and PTH levels. Due to her young age at diagnosis, genetic testing was performed, which revealed a mutation of CDC73. Although penetrance and expression are variable, the CDC73 mutation is associated primarily with hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, and sporadic parathyroid carcinoma. This patient currently has no evidence of jaw, uterine or renal tumors on screening imaging. Given the potential impact of inheritable neoplasia, all young patients with unexplained hyperparathyroidism should be considered for genetic screening.
Breast Metastasis of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Buerba-Vieregge Héctor Hugo , Fernández-Ferreira Ricardo , Soberanis-Piña Pamela Denisse , De la Peña-López Ildefonso Roberto , Navarro-García Lilian Mónica , Macari-Jorge Andrés
Published: March 2021

Breast metastasis from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma is extremely rare in clinical practice. The estimated incidence is 0.5–1.3%. There are few cases reported in the literature (approx. less than 60) of breast metastasis from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma, and due to the rare association between gastric cancer and its extension to the breast, it is difficult to establish the diagnosis. Clinical history, histological findings, and immunohistochemical markers are helpful in distinguishing primary breast cancer from breast metastasis of gastric cancer. The treatment for breast metastasis from gastric carcinoma remains controversial. The prognosis of breast metastasis from gastric carcinoma is generally poor. We report a case of breast metastasis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma in a 38-year-old woman. She started chemotherapy with ramucirumab, paclitaxel, and irinotecan. Three months later, a combined 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a complete response. This is the first reported case of breast metastasis from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma with a complete response.
Novel Germline RUNX1 Mutation Associated with Familial Thrombocytopenia as well as B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Karki Nabin , Savage Natasha , Kutlar Abdullah
Published: March 2021

Germline RUNX1 mutations lead to a rare form of autosomal-dominant familial thrombocytopenia with a predisposition for myeloid malignancies and are classified as distinct entities by the WHO. We report a case of B lymphoblastic leukemia developing in a patient with a familial RUNX1 mutation, which is a first in the literature. An FLT3-ITD mutation as well as a balanced chromosomal translocation t(1;7) was present at the time of diagnosis of leukemia, favoring the theory that additional hits or mutations are necessary for malignant transformation in patients with a germline RUNX1 mutation. The transformed disease runs an aggressive course compared to the same malignancy associated with a somatic RUNX1 mutation. Additionally, family members should be screened for the mutation, followed up clinically if they carry the mutation, and should not be used as stem cell donors to treat the affected relatives.