bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and Diabetes
Authors: Singh Awadhesh Kumar , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: August 2021

The prevalence of diabetes in people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has varied worldwide. Most of the available evidence suggests a significant increase in severity and mortality of COVID-19 in people with either type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in association with poor glycemic control. While new-onset hyperglycemia and new-onset diabetes (both T1DM and T2DM) have been increasingly recognized in the context of COVID-19 and have been associated with worse outcome, no conclusive evidence yet suggests direct tropism of SARS-CoV-2 on the β cells of pancreatic islets. While all approved oral antidiabetic agents appear to be safe in people with T2DM having COVID-19, no conclusive data are yet available to indicate a mortality benefit with any class of these drugs, in the absence of large randomized controlled trials.
Appraisal of a novel pedagogical approach to demonstrating neuromuscular transmission to medical students
Authors: Narayanan Sareesh Naduvil , Ahmed Iffath , Saherawala Batul , Foud Fatmaelzahraa , Merghani Tarig Hakim
Published: August 2021

Although traditional didactic lecturing is the principal instructional approach used in numerous medical schools, this method has several limitations. Experiential learning approaches place students in the center of the learning process and creates a positive and supportive classroom learning environment. In this article, we propose an active pedagogical approach for teaching a basic physiology concept, namely, neuromuscular transmission (NMT), and we evaluate the effectiveness of this approach among undergraduate medical students. One-hundred forty-two undergraduate medical students were involved in this study ( cohort A, n = 62; cohort B, n = 80). Cohort A received a didactic lecture on NMT and subsequently tested their knowledge of the topic via test 1, after which their perceptions of didactic lectures were recorded. The students were then asked to participate in a touch-and-go (TAG) active-learning session regarding NMT, after which their learning was subsequently tested by taking test 2. Their perceptions about the TAG game were also recorded. Students in cohort B were first administered test 1 regarding NMT. Then, they were asked to attend a didactic lecture blended with a TAG active-learning session, after which test 2 was administered, and their perceptions were recorded. Both the didactic lecture and active learning sessions facilitated student learning regarding the concepts involved in NMT. A comparison of the lecture followed by the game used in cohort A with the game blended lecture used in cohort B revealed no significant differences. However, both formats created a positive influence on students’ interest in learning the concept, and the students preferred active learning over didactic sessions alone.
Revisiting the question of nucleated versus enucleated erythrocytes in birds and mammals
Authors: Yap Kang Nian , Zhang Yufeng
Published: August 2021

Erythrocyte enucleation is thought to have evolved in mammals to support their energetic cost of high metabolic activities. However, birds face similar selection pressure yet possess nucleated erythrocytes. Current hypotheses on the mammalian erythrocyte enucleation claim that the absence of cell organelles allows erythrocytes to 1) pack more hemoglobin into the cells to increase oxygen carrying capacity and 2) decrease erythrocyte size for increased surface area-to-volume ratio, and improved ability to traverse small capillaries. In this article, we first empirically tested current hypotheses using both conventional and phylogenetically informed analysis comparing literature values of mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean cell volume (MCV) between 181 avian and 194 mammalian species. We found no difference in MCHC levels between birds and mammals using both conventional and phylogenetically corrected analysis. MCV was higher in birds than mammals according to conventional analysis, but the difference was lost when we controlled for phylogeny. These results suggested that avian and mammalian erythrocytes may employ different strategies to solve a common problem. To further investigate existing hypotheses or develop new hypothesis, we need to understand the functions of various organelles in avian erythrocytes. Consequently, we covered potential physiological functions of various cell organelles in avian erythrocytes based on current knowledge, while making explicit comparisons with their mammalian counterparts. Finally, we proposed by taking an integrative and comparative approach, using tools from molecular biology to evolutionary biology, would allow us to better understand the fundamental physiological functions of various components of avian and mammalian erythrocytes.
Fractional Versions of Hadamard-Type Inequalities for Strongly Exponentially

α
,
h
−
m

-Convex Functions
Authors: Li Shasha , Farid Ghulam , Rehman Atiq Ur , Yasmeen Hafsa
Published: August 2021

In this article, we prove some fractional versions of Hadamard-type inequalities for strongly exponentially

α
,
h
−
m

-convex functions via generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals. The outcomes of this paper provide inequalities of strongly convex, strongly

m

-convex, strongly

s

-convex, strongly

α
,
m

-convex, strongly

s
,
m

-convex, strongly

h
−
m

-convex, strongly

α
,
h
−
m

-convex, strongly exponentially convex, strongly exponentially

m

-convex, strongly exponentially

s

-convex, strongly exponentially

s
,
m

-convex, strongly exponentially

h
−
m

-convex, and exponentially

α
,
h
−
m

-convex functions. The error estimations are also studied by applying two fractional integral identities.
Traffic Signal Optimization under Connected-Vehicle Environment: An Overview
Authors: Wang Jindong , Jiang Shengchuan , Qiu Yue , Zhang Yang , Ying Jianguo , Du Yuchuan
Published: August 2021

Traffic signal optimization is a significant means for smoothing urban traffic flow. However, the operation of traffic signals is currently seriously constrained by the data available from traditional point detectors. In recent years, an emerging technology, connected vehicle (CV), which can percept the overall traffic environment in real time, has drawn researchers’ attention. With the new data source, traffic controllers should be able to make smarter decisions. A lot of work has been done to develop a new traffic signal control pattern under connected-vehicle environment. This paper provides a comprehensive review of these studies, aiming at sketching out the state of the arts in this research field. Several basic control problems, communication, control input, and objectives, are briefly introduced. The commonly used optimization models for this problem are summarized into three types: rule-based models, mathematical programming-based models, and artificial intelligence-based models. Then some major technical issues are discussed in detail. Finally, we raise the limitation of the existing studies and give our perspectives of the future research directions.
Familial Aggregation and Heritability of Myopia: A Local Population Survey in Shanxi, China
Authors: Wang Qin , Bi Hao-Yu , Wang Chun-Fang
Published: August 2021

Purpose. To further determine the roles of environmental and genetic factors in the development of myopia, a comprehensive survey was performed. The guidance for myopia-susceptible people is established which might help prevent or delay the onset and development of myopia. Methods. 1,852 students were recruited using the multistage sampling approach from the Gaoping county in Shanxi. The refractive status of students was examined using an autorefractometer, and the refractive status of students’ first-degree relatives was collected using a well-designed questionnaire. Family aggregation of myopia was analyzed according to the myopic status of the students (nonmyopic or myopic group). The prevalence and heritability of myopia in students and their first-degree relatives were further explored by subdividing into mild, moderate, and high myopia groups. Significance analysis among each group was performed by the χ2 test using SPSS 25.0 software. Falconer’s method was used to calculate the inheritability of myopia. Results. A total of 1,852 subjects were recruited in this study, and 1,813 subjects were finally included. The family aggregation of myopia in the myopic student group (34.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nonmyopic group (8.5%). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and high myopia in children (students and siblings) was higher than that in their parents. The rate of high myopia (6.33%) was significantly higher among students with one or both myopic parents than those without myopic parents (3.85%). The heritability of mild, moderate, and high myopia among parents-offspring was 3.72%, 20.47%, and 48.00%, respectively. The heritability of mild, moderate, and high myopia among siblings was 17.50%, 86.09%, and 78.75%, which is significantly higher than that among parents-offspring. In addition to genetic factors, extensive near-work time, higher education pressure, and minimal outdoor activities contribute significantly to mild and moderate myopia. Conclusions. Myopia is of high risk due to familial aggregation. Students with a family history of myopia are more likely to have high myopia than those without family history. The occurrence and development of high myopia are affected by both the genetic and environmental factors, which could either weaken or strengthen myopia. Therefore, students with a family history of myopia should pay close attention to their eye health to avoid the occurrence of myopia and the deepening of diopter, which may lead to high myopia and its related complications.
Safety Analysis of Apatinib Combined with Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Gastric Carcinoma: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Yuan Min , Wang Zhaohui , Zhang Yibo , Chen Liying , Liu Yuting , Cui Cui , Sun Bo
Published: August 2021

Objective. To study the safety of apatinib combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma (GCA). Methods. 74 patients with advanced GCA treated in the oncology department of Weifang People’s Hospital (January 2019–January 2020) were enrolled in this study and equally split into study group (SG) and reference group (RG) according to the odd and even admission numbers. RG underwent chemotherapy alone, while SG received apatinib combined with chemotherapy. The clinical indicators of serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), serum interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R), and immune cell level were detected in the two groups before and after treatment to analyze the therapeutic effect of different treatment methods on patients with advanced gastric carcinoma. Results. No obvious differences in gender ratio, average age, average BMI, pathological staging, pathological types, organ metastasis types, and residence were observed between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). The short-term follow-up results showed that the disease control rate (DCR) in SG was markedly higher compared with RG (

P
<
0.05

). The MMP-9 and SIL-2R levels in both groups after treatment decreased (

P
<
0.05

), and the levels in SG after treatment were notably lower compared with RG (

P
<
0.001

). Compared with RG, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in SG after treatment were notably higher (

P
<
0.001

), while the CD8+ level was notably lower (

P
<
0.001

). The median progression-free survival (MPFS) and overall survival (OS) in SG were markedly higher compared with RG (

P
<
0.001

). The GQOLI-74 scores in both groups after treatment increased (

P
<
0.001

), and the GQOLI-74 score in SG after treatment was markedly higher compared with RG (

P
<
0.001

). The total incidence of adverse reactions was lower in SG than in RG (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Apatinib combined with chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone in effectively improving treatment outcomes in patients with advanced GCA.
Mechanical Transformation of Fly Ash toward Its Utilization in Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Wang Haijun , Duan Yun
Published: August 2021

Fly ash (FA) showed low reactivity when being used to prepare the binder for cemented paste backfill (CPB). In the present work, wet‐grinding treatment was used to increase the pozzolanic reactivity of FA and promote its sustainable utilization. The results showed that wet‐grinding could be a suitable and efficient technology for FA pretreatment. Wet‐grinding strongly modified the structure of FA by decreasing the crystalline phase content and the binding energy of Si 2p and Al 2p, contributing to the increase in pozzolanic reactivity of FA. The performance of CPB samples prepared by wet‐ground FA was then optimized. This was reflected by the acceleration in the sample setting and increase in the strength development. The compressive strength of the CPB samples prepared by wet‐ground FA for 120 min was increased by around 40% after curing for 28 d compared with the control samples.
Effect of Warm Acupuncture Combined with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation on Cartilage Tissue in Rabbit Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Jun-wei , Wu Yong-li , Wei Wei , Zhang Yan-ling , Liu Di , Ma Xiao-xiu , Li Chun , Ma Yu-yuan
Published: August 2021

The current study was designed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of warm acupuncture combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) transplantation on cartilage tissue injury in rabbit knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In the study, 50 rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank group, KOA group, warm acupuncture group, BMSCs group, and warm acupuncture combined with BMSCs group. After warm acupuncture combined with BMSCs, the Modified Lequesne MG knee joint assessment scale was used to evaluate the degree of knee joint behavior, the Taiping Peng method generally observed the histomorphology changes of KOA rabbit cartilage, and hematoxylin-eosin staining, safranin O green staining, and toluidine blue staining were conducted to evaluate the extent of cartilage tissue pathology. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL staining were used to observe cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry and qPCR analysis were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and mRNA. Results showed that administration of warm acupuncture combined with BMSCs recovered the joint function and significantly decreased Lequesne MG score. The degree of cartilage tissue pathological damage has been improved, cartilage ultrastructure degeneration has recovered, peripheral blood vessels have mild edema, blood supply has gradually recovered, and even small amounts of red blood cells have appeared. In addition, warm acupuncture combined with BMSCs treatment suppressed chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis by reduced TUNEL-positive chondrocytes and simultaneously reversed the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. These results indicate that warm acupuncture combined with BMSCs transplantation has a potential protective effect on rabbit KOA, which may be mediated by inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis.
Research on the Online Spread of Rumors about the Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products in the New Media Era Using an Improved SEIRS Model
Authors: Zhang Qunxiang , Fang Huilan , Yao Peng , Zhang Haibin
Published: August 2021

The rapid development and dissemination of new media have increased online rumor transmission. Fermentation of some rumors regarding quality and safety of agricultural products has created serious problems that have negatively impacted agriculture in China and the consumption of goods such as poultry. Thus, it is imperative to explore the network dissemination mechanisms regarding how rumors about agricultural product quality and safety spread in the new media era. This study used “fast-growing chicken hormone-boosting” as the base rumor, and it developed an improved SEIRS model to identify the spread of rumors regarding agricultural product quality and safety. This study innovatively introduced a conversion rate and analyzed its impact on the secondary transmission of rumors. Using MATLAB software simulation, the research produced the following findings: an increase in netizens does not affect the threshold of rumor outbreaks; improving the immunity rate of contact netizens and the cure rate of spread netizens is the key to both controlling Internet ru`mors and reducing the contact rate of ordinary netizens. At the same time, an increase in the conversion rate could lead to a secondary outbreak of rumors.
Performance of Natural Dye Extracted from Annatto, Black Plum, Turmeric, Red Spinach, and Cactus as Photosensitizers in TiO2NP/TiNT Composites for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Joseph Shibu , Paul Winston Albin John P. , Muthupandi S. , Shobha P. , Margaret S. Mary , Sagayaraj P.
Published: August 2021

This paper is aimed at how to select, extract, and characterize natural dyes and to use them as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Dyes obtained from fresh sources of annatto fruits, black plums, cactus fruits, turmeric roots, and red spinach leaves were used as sensitizers. The dye pigments were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and FT-IR for the characterization of their spectral properties. The combination from Titanium dioxide paste with the powdered nanotubes was used as photoanodes for DSSCs. The photovoltaic properties of the DSSCs such as efficiency, fill factor, open-circuit voltage, and short circuit current were studied using a standard illumination of air-mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G) having an irradiance of 100 mW/cm2. The highest power conversion efficiencies (η) of 0.7% was achieved for the DSSCs fabricated using dye extracted from annatto fruits and 0.4% each for dyes extracted from black plum fruits and cactus fruits, respectively. The widespread accessibility of these fruits, roots, and leaves and ease of extraction of dyes from these ordinarily available natural resources render them unique and low-cost candidates for solar cell fabrication.
Anatomical Phase Extraction (APE) Method: A Novel Method to Correct Detrimental Effects of Tissue-Inhomogeneity in Referenceless MR Thermometry—Preliminary Ex Vivo Investigation
Authors: Huang Chien-Feng Judith , Lin Win-Li , Hwang San-Chao , Yao Ching , Chang Hsu , Kuo Li-Wei
Published: August 2021

Purpose. We present a novel background tissue phase removing method, called anatomical phase extraction (APE), and to investigate the accuracy of temperature estimation and capability of reducing background artifacts compared with the conventional referenceless methods. Methods. Susceptibility variance was acquired by subtracting pretreatment baseline images taken at different locations (nine pretreatment baselines are acquired and called

φ

1

to

φ

9

). The susceptibility phase data

φ

S

was obtained using the Wiener deconvolution algorithm. The background phase data

φ

T

was isolated by subtracting

φ

S

from the whole phase data. Finally,

φ

T

was subtracted from the whole phase data before applying the referenceless method. As a proof of concept, the proposed APE method was performed on ex vivo pork tenderloin and compared with other two referenceless temperature estimation approaches, including reweighted

ℓ

1 referenceless (RW-

 
ℓ

1) and

ℓ

2 referenceless methods. The proposed APE method was performed with four different baselines combination, namely, (

φ

1

,

φ

5

,

φ

2

,

φ

4

), (

φ

3

,

φ

5

,

φ

2

,

φ

6

), (

φ

7

,

φ

5

,

φ

8

,

φ

4

), and (

φ

9

,

φ

5

,

φ

8

,

φ

6

), and called APE experiment 1 to 4, respectively. The multibaseline method was used as a standard reference. The mean absolute error (MAE) and two-sample

t

-test analysis in temperature estimation of three regions of interest (ROI) between the multibaseline method and the other three methods, i.e., APE, RW-

 
ℓ

1, and

ℓ

2, were calculated and compared. Results. Our results show that the mean temperature errors of the APE method-experiment 1, APE method-experiment 2, APE method-experiment 3, APE method-experiment 4, and RW-

 
ℓ

1 and

ℓ

2 referenceless method are 1.02°C, 1.04°C, 1.00°C, 1.00°C, 4.75°C, and 13.65°C, respectively. The MAEs of the RW-

 
ℓ
1

and

ℓ
2

referenceless methods were higher than that of APE method. The APE method showed no significant difference (

p
>
0.05

), compared with the multibaseline method. Conclusion. The present work demonstrates the use of the APE method on referenceless MR thermometry to improve the accuracy of temperature estimation during MRI guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for ablation treatment.
A Novel Cooperative Cache Policy for Wireless Networks
Authors: Li Lincan , Kwong Chiew Foong , Liu Qianyu , Kar Pushpendu , Ardakani Saeid Pourroostaei
Published: August 2021

Mobile edge caching is an emerging approach to manage high mobile data traffic in fifth‐generation wireless networks that reduces content access latency and offloading data traffic of backhaul links. This paper proposes a novel cooperative caching policy based on long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural networks considering the characteristics between the features of the heterogeneous layers and the user moving speed. Specifically, LSTM is applied to predict content popularity. Size‐weighted content popularity is utilised to balance the impact of the predicted content popularity and content size. We also consider the moving speeds of mobile users and introduce a two‐level caching architecture consisting of several small base stations (SBSs) and macro base stations (MBSs). To avoid content requests of fast‐moving users affecting the content popularity distribution of the SBS since fast‐moving users frequently handover among SBSs, fast‐moving users are served by MBSs no matter which SBS they are in. SBSs serve low‐speed users, and SBSs in the same cluster can communicate with one another. The simulation results show that compared to common cache methods, for example, the least frequently used and least recently used methods, our proposed policy is at least 8.9% lower and 6.8% higher in terms of the average content access latency and offloading ratio, respectively.
Performance of Pier‐to‐Pier Cap Connections of Integral Bridges under Thermal and Seismic Loads
Authors: Avudaiappan Siva , Prabu Kinson , Selvaraj Deban , Raja Kiran , Awoyera Paul Oluwaseun , Saavedra Flores Erick I
Published: August 2021

In general, most highway bridges are constructed using prestressed concrete or steel girders. Mechanical joints are provided at the end of each span, to allow for the expansion of the bridge deck due to shrinkage of concrete, thermal effects, and deflections, among others. Smooth riding ability, low noise, wear resistance, and water tightness should be provided by expansion joints. In recent times, the increased traffic volume, along with heavier vehicle movements, adversely affects the performance of expansion joints in the bridge girder, causing a possible failure in one of the above‐mentioned mechanisms. The deterioration of the expansion joint may result in leakage of water, concrete cracking, and potential problems in the underlying substructure. In this paper, we study the pier‐pier cap connections in integral bridges subjected to thermal and seismic loads using analytical methods and experimental tests.
Simulation of Sports Venue Based on Ant Colony Algorithm and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zhang Rui , Sun Weibo , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: August 2021

In order to improve the congestion of the evacuation plan and further improve the evacuation efficiency, this paper proposes the priority Pareto partial order relation and the vector pheromone routing method based on the priority Pareto partial order relation. Numerical experiments show that compared with the hierarchical multiobjective evacuation path optimization algorithm based on the hierarchical network, the fragmented multiobjective evacuation path optimization algorithm proposed in this paper effectively improves the evacuation efficiency of the evacuation plan and the convergence of the noninferior plan set. However, the congestion condition of the noninferior evacuation plan obtained by the fragmented multiobjective evacuation route optimization algorithm is worse than the congestion condition of the noninferior evacuation plan obtained by the hierarchical multiobjective evacuation route optimization algorithm. The multiple factors that affect the routing process considered in the probability transfer function used in the traditional ant colony algorithm routing method must be independent of each other. However, in actual route selection, multiple factors that affect route selection are not necessarily independent of each other. In order to fully consider the various factors that affect the routing, this paper adopts the vector pheromone routing method based on the traditional Pareto partial order relationship instead of the traditional ant colony algorithm. The model mainly improves the original pheromone distribution and volatilization coefficient of the ant colony, speeds up the convergence speed and accuracy of the algorithm, and obtains ideal candidate solutions. The method is applied to the location of sports facilities and has achieved good results. The experimental results show that the improved ant colony algorithm model designed in this paper is suitable for solving the problem of urban sports facilities location in large‐scale space.
Sentiment Analysis of Chinese Paintings Based on Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Bian Jianying , Shen Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

Chinese painting is one of the representatives of our country’s outstanding traditional culture, and it embodies the long history and intellectual wisdom of the Chinese nation. In the paper, we combine the artistic characteristics of Chinese paintings and use an optimized SqueezeNet model to study the sentiment analysis of Chinese paintings. To make full use of the advantages of lightweight convolutional neural networks, we make two optimizations based on SqueezeNet. On the one hand, expand the model width to obtain more effective Chinese painting sentiment features for classification tasks, thereby improving the classification accuracy of the model. On the other hand, introduce the idea of residual network to prevent gradient disappearance and gradient explosion in the training process, thereby enhancing the model’s generalization ability. To verify the effectiveness of the optimized SqueezeNet model used in the sentiment analysis of Chinese paintings, four kinds of sentiment classifications were carried out on the multitheme Chinese paintings downloaded on the Internet. The results of comparative experiments show that the optimized SqueezeNet model used in this paper can improve the accuracy of classification and has better generalization ability. Finally, the research results of this paper can be applied to the protection of traditional culture, the appreciation of traditional Chinese painting, and art education and training, which is conducive to the inheritance and innovation of the national quintessence and promotes the prosperity and development of traditional art and culture.
Research on Query Optimization of Classic Art Database Based on Artificial Intelligence and Edge Computing
Authors: Dong Xiang , Zeng Lijia
Published: August 2021

With the changes and development of the social era, my country’s classic art is slowly being lost. In order to more effectively inherit and preserve classic art, the collection and sorting of classic art data through modern information technology has become a top priority. Database storage is a good way. However, as the amount of data grows, the requirements for computing processing power and query speed for massive amounts of data and information are also increasing day by day. Faced with this problem, this article is aimed at studying the optimization of database queries through effective algorithms to improve the efficiency of data query. Based on the traditional database query optimization algorithm, this article improves on the traditional algorithm and proposes a semi‐join query optimization algorithm, which reduces the number of connection cards and the number of columns and uses the number of blocks that participate in the semi‐link algorithm connection and preconnection preview and selection. And other functions reduce the size of the participating block, and the connection sent between sites reduces the cost of sending between networks. The graph data query optimization algorithm is used to optimize the graph data query in the database to reduce the extra task overhead and improve the system performance. The experimental results of this paper show that through the data query optimization algorithm of this paper, the additional task overhead is reduced by 19%, the system performance is increased by 22%, and the data query efficiency is increased by 31%.
Travel Trajectory Frequent Pattern Mining Based on Differential Privacy Protection
Authors: Wang Weiya , Yang Geng , Bao Lin , Ma Ke , Zhou Hao , Bai Yunlu
Published: August 2021

Now, many application services based on location data have brought a lot of convenience to people’s daily life. However, publishing location data may divulge individual sensitive information. Because the location records about location data may be discrete in the database, some existing privacy protection schemes are difficult to protect location data in data mining. In this paper, we propose a travel trajectory data record privacy protection scheme (TMDP) based on differential privacy mechanism, which employs the structure of a trajectory graph model on location database and frequent subgraph mining based on weighted graph. Time series is introduced into the location data; the weighted trajectory model is designed to obtain the travel trajectory graph database. We upgrade the mining of location data to the mining of frequent trajectory graphs, which can discover the relationship of location data from the database and protect location data mined. In particular, to improve the identification efficiency of frequent trajectory graphs, we design a weighted trajectory graph support calculation algorithm based on canonical code and subgraph structure. Moreover, to improve the data utility under the premise of protecting user privacy, we propose double processes of adding noises to the subgraph mining process by the Laplace mechanism and selecting final data by the exponential mechanism. Through formal privacy analysis, we prove that our TMDP framework satisfies ε‐differential privacy. Compared with the other schemes, the experiments show that the data availability of the proposed scheme is higher and the privacy protection of the scheme is effective.
A Novel Tension Machine Promotes Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteoblastic and Fibroblastic Differentiation by Applying Cyclic Tension
Authors: Zhao Yi , Huang Yiping , Jia Lingfei , Wang Ruoxi , Tan Kuang , Li Weiran
Published: August 2021

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are intraosseous stem cells, and the effects of tensile strain on BMSC differentiation mediate several bone-related treatments. To study the response of BMSCs under tension, we designed and developed a small cellular tension instrument, iStrain. When iStrain applied tension on BMSCs, these cells exhibited convergence in the alignment direction and lengthening of the cell processes and cell body. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting demonstrated that iStrain-mediated cyclic tension promotes the differentiation of BMSCs toward osteogenesis and fibrogenesis. And the mRNA and protein expression of differentiation-related genes changes with the extension of tension time.
A Saliency Detection and Gram Matrix Transform-Based Convolutional Neural Network for Image Emotion Classification
Authors: Deng Zelin , Zhu Qiran , He Pei , Zhang Dengyong , Luo Yuansheng
Published: August 2021

Using the convolutional neural network (CNN) method for image emotion recognition is a research hotspot of deep learning. Previous studies tend to use visual features obtained from a global perspective and ignore the role of local visual features in emotional arousal. Moreover, the CNN shallow feature maps contain image content information; such maps obtained from shallow layers directly to describe low-level visual features may lead to redundancy. In order to enhance image emotion recognition performance, an improved CNN is proposed in this work. Firstly, the saliency detection algorithm is used to locate the emotional region of the image, which is served as the supplementary information to conduct emotion recognition better. Secondly, the Gram matrix transform is performed on the CNN shallow feature maps to decrease the redundancy of image content information. Finally, a new loss function is designed by using hard labels and probability labels of image emotion category to reduce the influence of image emotion subjectivity. Extensive experiments have been conducted on benchmark datasets, including FI (Flickr and Instagram), IAPSsubset, ArtPhoto, and Abstract. The experimental results show that compared with the existing approaches, our method has a good application prospect.
Equal Area Partition‐Based Energy Efficient Routing Algorithm for Circular WSN
Authors: Liqin Hu , Sanyou Wang , Fujun Ma , Shubo Zhang
Published: August 2021

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is communicating method with each other without the assistance of communication cable. The circular environment is an important application scenario in WSN. As a core technology, routing algorithm is the brain of WSN monitoring system. In this paper, we propose a new routing algorithm named Equal Area Partition Based Energy Efficient Multipath Algorithm (EAPEEM), which tries to exploit sector equal area model in node deployment, data transfer, and route maintenance. Existing algorithms, as compared to our existing models, do not fully match with routing and nodes. One attractive feature of our protocol is its balanced network transmission capacity and improved node energy utilization, which can reduce the possibility of system damage. Simulations show that EAPEEM can retain at least 28.6% of batteries and expand stability by more than 43%.
Gender-Related Difference in D-Dimer Level Predicts In-Hospital Heart Failure after Primary PCI for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Li , Wang Wei , Li Tai , Sun Ying , Gao Yanjun , Wang Lin , Yao Heng-Chen
Published: August 2021

Aims. The prognostic value of plasma D-dimer in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. The study is aimed at investigating the relationship between plasma D-dimer levels and in-hospital heart failure (HF) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods. STEMI patients who underwent pPCI were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were collected from patients on admission before pPCI procedure. The study endpoint was the occurrence of in-hospital HF. The participants were divided into two groups according to plasma D-dimer levels and further compared baseline D-dimer levels between male and female. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to evaluate the relationship of D-dimer and in-hospital HF. Results. A total of 778 patients were recruited in the study, of which 539 (69.3%) patients had normal D-dimer levels (≤0.5 mg/L) while 239 (30.7%) had increased D-dimer levels (>0.5 mg/L). The female patients have higher D-dimer levels and higher incident rate of in-hospital HF than that in male patients (

p
<
0.001

). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that D-dimer was an independent predictor for in-hospital HF in overall population (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.197, 95% CI: 1.003-1.429, and

p
=
0.046

) and female patients (adjusted OR: 1.429, 95% CI: 1.083-1.885, and

p
=
0.012

). Conclusion. Increased plasma D-dimer levels were an independent risk factor for incidence of in-hospital HF in STEMI patients who underwent pPCI, especially in female patients, which provides guidance for clinicians in identifying patients at high risk of developing HF and lowering their risk.
Power Allocation in Massive MIMO‐HWSN Based on the Water‐Filling Algorithm
Authors: Li Zhe , Verma Sahil , Jin Machao
Published: August 2021

Pilot power allocation for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in massive multi‐input multioutput heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (MIMO‐HWSN) is studied in this paper. The interference caused by fractional pilot reusing in adjacent cells had a negative effect on the MIMO‐HWSN system performance. Reasonable power allocation for users can effectively weaken the interference. Motivated by the water‐filling algorithm, we proposed a suboptimal pilot transmission power method to improve the system capacity. Simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the uplink capacity of the system and explain the influence of different pilot transmission power on the performance of the system, but the complexity of the system almost does not increase.
Container Throughput Forecasting of Tianjin-Hebei Port Group Based on Grey Combination Model
Authors: He Chen , Wang Huipo
Published: August 2021

Container throughput forecasting plays an important role in port capacity planning and management. Regarding the issue of container throughput of Tianjin-Hebei Port Group, considering the container throughput is an incomplete grey information system affected by various factors, the effect is often unsatisfactory by adopting a single forecasting model. Therefore, this paper studies the issue by combining fractional GM (1, 1) and BP neural network. The comparison results show that the combination model performs better than other single models separately and has a higher level of forecasting accuracy. Furthermore, the combination model is adopted to forecast the container throughput of Tianjin-Hebei Port Group from 2021 to 2025, which would be a data reference for the future development optimization for the container operation of Tianjin-Hebei Port Group.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Skilled Assistance Seeking Maternal Healthcare Services and Associated Factors among Women in West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Girmaye Eden , Mamo Kassa , Ejara Birhanu , Wondimu Fikadu , Mossisa Maru
Published: August 2021

Background. This study aimed to assess women’s knowledge, attitude, and practice towards skilled assistance seeking maternal healthcare services in West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Methods. Cross-sectional survey design was conducted from 1 February to 23 March 2018 in West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants. The data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1, and descriptive analysis and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out using SPSS version 20 statistical software package. Results. The study revealed that the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards skilled maternal health services were found such that 473.3 (72.4%) of the study participants had good knowledge, 180.7 (27.6%) had poor knowledge, and 400 (61.3%) had positive attitude, 254 (38.84%) had negative attitude, 460.3 (70.4%) had good practice, and 193.7 (29.6%) had poor practice towards skilled maternal health services. Factors that had a significant association with antenatal care utilization were planned pregnancy (AOR = 8.2, 95% CI = 3.39-19.78-0.87) and access to transport (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.46–6.61). Attending ANC at least once (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.13–8.41), women’s education (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.18–7.84), and unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.21–0.75) were factors associated with skilled delivery service utilization. Attending ANC at least once (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1–4.2), birth complications (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.35–3.66), unplanned pregnancies (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.22–0.68), and awareness about skilled obstetric care (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.68–12.79) were factors associated with postnatal care utilization. Conclusions. This study found that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of skilled maternal health services among the study participants are low, showing less than three-quarters of the total sample size. Therefore, this study implied that interventions are required to improve women’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of skilled maternal health services in the study area. Furthermore, women’s education is significantly associated with skilled delivery service utilization. Accordingly, this study recommends that improving equity among the marginalized population is needed to increase maternal health service coverage.
HELLP! The Novel Use of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy and Nitric Oxide in the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Failure in HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Azimi-Ghomi Obteene , Miller Glenn , Guida Carlos , Marimon Adrian , Boneva Dessislava , McKenney Mark
Published: August 2021

HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy characterized by hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia. It occurs in <1% of all pregnancies with 70% of cases developing before delivery, the majority occurring between the 27th and 37th weeks of gestation. Respiratory failure seen in HELLP syndrome clinically and radiographically appears similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with presence of bilateral pulmonary opacities on imaging as well as persistent hypoxemia requiring elevated ventilator requirements. It is seen to complicate 3-10% of cases of HELLP syndrome. Pulmonary complications are theorized to occur as sequelae of the proinflammatory state induced by HELLP syndrome with endothelial dysfunction and subsequent microangiopathic hemolysis and thrombocytopenia. A robust cytokine inflammatory response similar to ARDS is seen, resulting in noncardiogenic pulmonary edema due to vasoplegia and capillary leak syndrome. We present a case of a 27-year-old uniparous female with a term pregnancy complicated by HELLP syndrome who developed respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Early CRRT and nitric oxide therapy were initiated, with the patient experiencing clinical and radiological improvement of respiratory function within 48 hours. We document the novel treatment of our patient’s acute respiratory failure with CRRT and nitric oxide and delve into the literature regarding its use in acute respiratory failure and ARDS in association with HELLP syndrome.
Role of Autophagy in Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Liver Diseases
Authors: Niture Suryakant , Lin Minghui , Qi Qi , Moore John T. , Levine Keith E. , Fernando Reshan A. , Kumar Deepak
Published: August 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic pollutant that is associated with several severe human diseases. Cd can be easily absorbed in significant quantities from air contamination/industrial pollution, cigarette smoke, food, and water and primarily affects the liver, kidney, and lungs. Toxic effects of Cd include hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and the development of various human cancers. Cd is also involved in the development and progression of fatty liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cd affects liver function via modulation of cell survival/proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Moreover, Cd dysregulates hepatic autophagy, an endogenous catabolic process that detoxifies damaged cell organelles or dysfunctional cytosolic proteins through vacuole-mediated sequestration and lysosomal degradation. In this article, we review recent developments and findings regarding the role of Cd in the modulation of hepatotoxicity, autophagic function, and liver diseases at the molecular level.
Exploring Driver Injury Severity in Single-Vehicle Crashes under Foggy Weather and Clear Weather
Authors: Wei Fulu , Cai Zhenggan , Liu Pan , Guo Yongqing , Li Xin , Li Qingyin
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the significant influencing factors of driver injury severity in single-vehicle (SV) crashes under foggy and clear weather conditions. Based on data for SV crashes in Shandong Province, China, the mixed logit model (MLM) was employed to interpret driver injury severity for SV crashes in clear and foggy weather. The results showed that there are significant differences in the influencing factors of the severity of SV crashes in foggy and clear weather. Specifically, 15 factors are significantly associated with the severity of SV crashes in clear weather, and 18 factors are significantly associated with the severity of SV crashes in foggy weather. In addition, young drivers (age < 30), non-dry road surfaces, and signal control significantly influence the severity of foggy weather crashes but not clear weather crashes. Self-employment and weekends have significant effects on the severity of crashes only in clear weather. Interestingly, drivers whose occupation is farming showed opposite trends in the effect of crash severity in foggy and clear weather. Based on the findings of this research, some potential countermeasures can be adopted to reduce crash severity in foggy and clear weather.
The OncoMasTR Test Predicts Distant Recurrence in Estrogen Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Validation Study in ABCSG Trial 8
Authors: Filipits Martin , Rudas Margaretha , Kainz Verena , Singer Christian F. , Fitzal Florian , Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna , Greil Richard , Balic Marija , Regitnig Peter , Halper Stefan , Hulla Wolfgang , Egle Daniel , Barron Stephen , Loughman Tony , O'Leary Des , Gallagher William M. , Hlauschek Dominik , Gnant Michael , Dubsky Peter
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

To validate the clinical performance of the OncoMasTR Risk Score in the biomarker cohort of Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) Trial 8.

Experimental Design:

We evaluated the OncoMasTR test in 1,200 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) surgical specimens from postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative primary breast cancer with 0 to 3 involved lymph nodes in the prospective, randomized ABCSG Trial 8. Time to distant recurrence (DR) was analyzed by Cox models.

Results:

The OncoMasTR Risk Score categorized 850 of 1,087 (78.2%) evaluable patients as “low risk”. At 10 years, the DR rate for patients in the low-risk group was 5.8% versus 21.1% for patients in the high-risk group (P < 0.0001, absolute risk reduction 15.3%). The OncoMasTR Risk Score was highly prognostic for prediction of DR in years 0 to 10 in all patients [HR 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62–2.26, P < 0.0001; C-index 0.73], in patients that were node negative (HR 1.79, 95% CI, 1.43–2.24, P < 0.0001; C-index 0.72), and in patients with 1 to 3 involved lymph nodes (HR 1.93, 95% CI, 1.44–2.58, P < 0.0001; C-index 0.71). The OncoMasTR Risk Score provided significant additional prognostic information beyond clinical parameters, Ki67, Nottingham Prognostic Index, and Clinical Treatment Score.

Conclusions:

OncoMasTR Risk Score is highly prognostic for DR in postmenopausal women with ER-positive, HER2-negative primary breast cancer with 0 to 3 involved lymph nodes. In combination with prior validation studies, this fully independent validation in ABCSG Trial 8 provides level 1B evidence for the prognostic capability of the OncoMasTR Risk Score.