bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Scale Guided Attention Network for Crowd Counting
Authors: Li Pengfei , Zhang Min , Wan Jian , Jiang Ming
Published: October 2021

The CNN-based crowd counting method uses image pyramid and dense connection to fuse features to solve the problems of multiscale and information loss. However, these operations lead to information redundancy and confusion between crowd and background information. In this paper, we propose a multi-scale guided attention network (MGANet) to solve the above problems. Specifically, the multilayer features of the network are fused by a top-down approach to obtain multiscale information and context information. The attention mechanism is used to guide the acquired features of each layer in space and channel so that the network pays more attention to the crowd in the image, ignores irrelevant information, and further integrates to obtain the final high-quality density map. Besides, we propose a counting loss function combining SSIM Loss, MAE Loss, and MSE Loss to achieve effective network convergence. We experiment on four major datasets and obtain good results. The effectiveness of the network modules is proved by the corresponding ablation experiments. The source code is available at https://github.com/lpfworld/MGANet.
[Retracted] Potential Fault Diagnosis Method and Classification Accuracy Detection of IGBT Device Based on Improved Single Hidden Layer Feedforward Neural Network
Authors: Wu Jie , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhang Zhaohua
Published: October 2021

Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is a high‐power switch in the field of power electronics. Its reliability is closely related to system stability. Once failure occurs, it may cause irreparable loss. Therefore, potential fault diagnosis methods of IGBT devices are studied in this paper, and their classification accuracy is tested. Due to the shortcomings of incomplete data application in the traditional method of characterizing the device state based on point frequency parameters, a fault diagnosis method based on full frequency threshold screening was proposed in this paper, and its classification accuracy was detected by the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) algorithm. The randomly generated input layer weight ω and hidden layer deviation lead to the change of output layer weight β and then affect the overall output result. In view of the errors and instability caused by this randomness, an improved Finite Impulse Response Filter ELM (FIR‐ELM) training algorithm is proposed. The filtering technique is used to initialize the input weights of the Single Hidden Layer Feedforward Neural Network (SLFN). The hidden layer of SLFN is used as the preprocessor to achieve the minimum output error. To reduce the structural risk and empirical risk of SLFN, the simulation results of 300 groups of spectral data show that the improved FIR‐ELM algorithm significantly improves the training accuracy and has good robustness compared with the traditional extreme learning machine algorithm.
A Novel Method for Laser Peak Detection with Subpixel Accuracy for the Rail Corrugation Measurement
Authors: Torabi Mehran , Mousavi G S. Mohammad , Younesian Davood
Published: October 2021

In this article, a new wavelet‐based laser peak detection algorithm is proposed having subpixel accuracy. The algorithm provides an accurate and rapid measurement platform for the rail surface corrugation with no need to any image noise elimination. The proposed rail Corrugation Measurement System (CMS) is based on the laser triangulation principle, and the accuracy of such system is mainly affected by the laser peak detection in the captured image. The intensity of each row or column of the image is taken as a 1‐D discrete signal. Intensity distribution of a laser stripe in this signal follows a Gaussian pattern contaminated by the white noise. Against usual peak detection algorithms with need to prenoise‐filtering process, the proposed method based on the wavelet transform is able to perform these tasks efficiently and robustly. Present wavelet‐based methods for the peak detection are at pixel level, but for achieving high accuracy subpixel detection is proposed. Experiments show that the capability of the proposed method for laser peak detection is more accurate and faster than the filter‐based methods, especially for low S/N ratios. Also, this technique can be utilized for any application in laser peak detection with subpixel accuracy. A prototype system based on the proposed method for the rail corrugation measurement has been designed and manufactured. Results of the rail corrugation measurement guarantee capability of the proposed methodology for accurate measurement of the rail corrugation and its potential for industrial application.
An Efficient Teaching Model of International Cooperation Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Xiao Meng , Yi Haibo
Published: October 2021

International cooperation in running schools has promoted the scale of higher education and trained a number of talents with international vision. However, there are many differences between domestic teaching and foreign teaching in the international cooperation in running schools. This makes it difficult for students to adapt to the teaching of foreign universities. Connecting domestic teaching with foreign teaching and solving the problem of differentiation has become an important issue in international cooperation in running schools. In order to improve the quality of international cooperation of high education, it is very urgent to design an efficient model of international cooperation. We exploit artificial intelligence to design a teaching model of international cooperation. We implement the effective model of international cooperation in logistics management and software technology, where the implementation results show that the model can provide learning suggestions of the foreign stage according to the learning situation of the domestic stage.
A Case of Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma of the Lingual Base That Was Diagnosed Based on a Biopsy of Late Metastasis to a Lumbar Vertebra after Being Misdiagnosed as HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Anterior Wall Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Okuda Takumi , Ide Shinsuke , Kajihara Kei , Tono Tetsuya
Published: October 2021

We report a case of amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) in a 66-year-old female. AMM of the lingual base was diagnosed based on a biopsy of late metastasis to the bone marrow of the L4 lumbar vertebra. The patient was initially treated with chemoradiotherapy after being misdiagnosed with poorly differentiated human papillomavirus- (HPV-) related squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharyngeal anterior wall. p16 immunostaining is used to diagnose HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. However, while p16 expression is used as a surrogate marker of HPV infection, it is important to be aware that p16 protein overexpression can also be caused by other factors. Malignant melanoma is known to express the p16 protein. Morphologically differentiating between AMM and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma based on hematoxylin-eosin staining is difficult. Therefore, in cases that are pathologically diagnosed as p16-positive poorly differentiated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, it is important to rule out AMM.
Medical Students’ Perception of the Educational Environment at College of Medicine: A Prospective Study with a Review of Literature
Authors: Aga Syed Sameer , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Al Qurashi Mansour , Khawaji Bader , Al-Mansour Mubarak , Shah Syed Waqas , Abushouk Amir , Abdullah Alabdali Hassan , Alharbi Ahmed Sultan , Hawsawi Mishal Essam , Alzharani Osama Ali
Published: October 2021

Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory has been exhaustively used to evaluate the education environment (EE), especially in the health sector to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program. This study was designed to investigate the medical students’ perceptions about the education environment (EE) of the College of Medicine (COM), Jeddah. This cross-sectional study was carried out on medical students and conducted between May and August 2020. A predesigned DREEM questionnaire written in English containing five subdomains was adopted to achieve the purpose of the study. A total of 220 students responded to the dispensed survey with a mean age of 21.97 (SD = 1.28). Male and female students represented 64.5% and 35.5% of the respondents, respectively, while most of them were in the fourth year of medical college (109, 49.5%), and the majority belonged to phase II (basic sciences) of the college (144, 65.4%). The overall total DREEM score for EE was 129.64 (SD = 31.81; 64.82%), and all the five subdomains of DREEM scored above 60% with the highest score by students’ academic self-perception (SASP) (21.22; 66.31%) and the lowest by students’ perception of learning (SPL) (30.16; 62.83%). Also, SASP2 was the highest scoring item with a mean of 3.13 (SD = 0.96), while SPA8 was the lowest with a mean score of 1.99 (SD = 1.38). We also compared our study with the available literature for contextual interpretations. The students’ assessment for EE of the medical program was positive; however, we identified a need for an improvement plan for six-weak scoring areas and one of the weak domains of DREEM i.e., students’ perception of teaching (SPT).
Application Modes Affect Two Universal Adhesive Systems’ Nanoleakage Expression and Shear Bond Strength
Authors: Bakry A. S. , Abbassy M. A.
Published: October 2021

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength and the nanoleakage expression of CLEARFIL Universal Bond Quick and Tetric N‐Bond adhesive systems bonded to dentin. Materials and Methods. 100 freshly extracted human premolar teeth were utilized. The teeth were sectioned to expose dentin. All dentin specimens were assigned into 4 experimental groups; 2 groups had Universal Bond Quick (Universalself group) and Tetric N‐Bond (Tetricself group) applied in the self‐etch mode, while 2 groups had Universal Bond Quick (Universaltotal group) and Tetric N‐Bond (Tetrictotal group) applied in the total‐etch mode. n = 15 for shear bond strength and n = 10 for nanoleakage experiment. One‐way ANOVA and Kruskal‐Wallis test were utilized to analyze the shear bond strength test and the nanoleakage expression, respectively. Results. The highest significant bond strength value was recorded by the Tetricself specimens (p < 0.05) when compared to the remaining three groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the shear bond strength values recorded in the Tetrictotal, Universalself, and Universaltotal groups (p < 0.05). Both bonding systems applied in the self‐etch mode (Universalself, Tetricself) had no silver nitrate deposits in the hybrid layer and the hybrid layer‐adhesive interface (p < 0.001); however, both bonding systems applied in the total‐etch mode (Universaltotal, Tetrictotal) had silver nitrate deposits in the hybrid layer, the hybrid layer‐adhesive interface, and the bonding layer (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Applying the Universal Bond Quick and Tetric N‐Bond in the self‐etch mode exhibited better results in terms of nanoleakage expression. Universal Bond Quick showed the stability of the shear bond strength to dentin when applied using the total‐etch or self‐etch modes. Tetric N‐Bond showed significant deterioration in bond strength when applied in the total‐etch mode and exhibited the highest bond strength when applied in the self‐etch mode.
Probable Change of Sleep Parameters after Resection and Reconstruction Surgeries in Patients with Oral Cavity or Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Huang Ethan I. , Huang Shu-Yi , Lin Yu-Ching , Lin Chieh-Mo , Lin Chin-Kuo , Yeh Hsuan-Keng , Wu Chao-Min
Published: October 2021

In patients of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancers, resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the defect may reduce the framework, add a bulky flap, alter the tissue flexibility, and contribute to postoperative obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Postoperative OSA and the potential consequences may decrease the survival rate and reduce patients’ quality of life. It is unclear whether the surgery is associated with postoperative OSA. Here, we compared the polysomnographies (PSGs) before and after the surgery in 15 patients of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancers (out of 68 patients of head and neck cancers) without a chemo‐ or radio‐therapy. Each patient received the second PSG before the start of any indicated adjuvant therapy to prevent its interference. There were 14 men and 1 woman, with a mean age and a standard deviation (SD, same in the following) of 56.2 ± 12.8 years. There were 6 tongue cancers, 5 buccal cancers, 2 tonsil cancer, 1 lower gum cancer, and 1 trigone cancer. The results show that the surgery changed sleep parameters insignificantly in apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), mean oxyhemoglobin saturation of pulse oximetry (SpO2), minimum SpO2, mean desaturation, and desaturation index but increased mean heart rate in the patients with free flaps. These results hint that the effect of surgery on developing OSA was small in this sample, with a longer plate or a larger framework for a bulkier free flap. It needs future studies with a large sample size to generalize this first observation.
Awareness and Perception of Healthcare Providers about Proxy Consent in Critical Care Research
Authors: Mahafzah Rania , Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F. , Abu-Farha Rana
Published: October 2021

Objective. Proxy consent respects patients’ autonomy when they are incapable of providing consent for research participation. Healthcare providers need to understand the ethical regulations and practices relevant to the proxy consent process. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers about research proxy consent in the ICU setting. Methods. A cross-sectional survey-based design was used in the study. Study participants were resident and specialist physicians, registered nurses, and registered pharmacists from ICU units in Jordan. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire developed to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards informed proxy consent for research studies conducted at the ICU. Results. In this study, 145 healthcare providers completed the study questionnaire. The healthcare providers agreed that the purpose of the proxy consent is to inform the participants about the potential benefits (66.9%) and risks (66.9%) related to the research to study and respect patient's autonomy (44%), to discuss alternative options (62.1%), and to protect the researchers from any litigation (84.1%). Regarding the assessment of proxy consent, 65.5% of respondents believed that relatives are considered as an authorized legal representative for an informed consent decision on behalf of their ICU patients (65.5%) as they are knowledgeable about patients' values and preferences and have the desire to provide the necessary help. Respondents also agreed that the informed consent process should explain research protocols and procedures (76.6%), therapeutic alternatives (84.1%), potential benefits (41.4%), and potential risks (44.1%) and that participation in the research is voluntary (66.9%). No significant differences in the responses were found among different groups of healthcare providers. Conclusion. The majority of healthcare providers had inadequate awareness about the ethical aspects regarding the informed proxy consent process. Providing training regarding the informed consent process can improve the quality of the proxy consent process in clinical research studies in the ICU setting.
Effect of Alkali Seepage Erosion on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Laterite
Authors: Li Yan , Luo Yasheng , Hu Songtao , Gao Jianglin , Wang Chaojie
Published: October 2021

Using a modified permeameter, laterite samples that were corroded and permeated by alkaline solutions at different concentrations for varying amounts of time were subjected to triaxial compression tests, chemical composition analysis, particle composition tests, and microstructure analysis. The results showed that the strength parameters c, φ, and K of the laterite samples that were corroded by alkaline‐solution permeation were reduced with increasing corrosion time and alkaline‐solution concentration. The alkaline‐solution corrosion had a minor effect on the strength parameters n and Rf. The contents of Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in the laterite fluctuated and decreased with increasing alkaline‐solution concentration and corrosion time. There were no distinct patterns in the relationships between the SiO2 content and the increases in the alkaline‐solution concentration and corrosion time. Due to the corrosion during the alkaline‐solution permeation, the content of clay particles increased with increasing time and concentration of the alkaline solution. After the permeation with the alkaline solution, the soil particles became smaller and were arranged in an ordered state. The analysis suggested that the permeation effect of the alkaline solution changed the chemical composition of the laterite and the connecting strength of the soil particles, resulting in changes in its physical and mechanical properties.
Nursing Value Analysis and Risk Evaluation of Acute Gastroenterology Diseases
Authors: Feng Feifei , Huang Ciwan , Wu Liling , Ye Xiaomiao , Zhao Xinkai
Published: October 2021

In the Department of Gastroenterology, poor compliance, psychological anxiety, fear, and other reasons result in a high rate of breach of appointment. The failure rate of colonoscopy was 6.68. This paper proposes mastering the psychological characteristics of patients and implement humanistic care services to alleviate patients’ psychological anxiety. The study found that telephone follow-up 2 days before diagnosis and treatment can let us know whether patients can come for examination and reduce the rate of nonappointment. Second, preoperative education can significantly reduce the degree of anxiety and improve the anxiety of patients. Third, the cleanliness of intestinal preparation before colonoscopy directly affects the results of colonoscopy. The incidence of missing flat adenomas due to inadequate intestinal preparation can be as high as 27%. In this paper, 7250 patients were analyzed, of which 4% failed to complete the examination, of which 32.7% were caused by unqualified intestinal preparation. The combination of telephone and network communication should be taken before colonoscopy to give education and guidance to patients, which is expected to improve intestinal preparation. To sum up, digestive endoscopic treatment technology is widely used to guide the nursing of patients after endoscopic treatment. The three effective schemes proposed in this paper can achieve higher patient satisfaction and improve the quality of nursing at the same time.
Simulation of Steady‐State Temperature Rise of Electric Heating Field of Wireless Sensor Circuit Fault Current Trigger
Authors: Zhao Yinan , Zhuang Jinwu , Ye Zhihao , Qian Zhiliang , Peng Fang
Published: October 2021

This article analyzes the structure of the wireless sensor circuit, considering the balance of power consumption, integration, area, noise, etc., and adopts a radio frequency wireless sensor circuit with a low‐IF structure. Through the analysis and comparison of traditional analog current trigger and digital current trigger structure, the feed‐forward current trigger structure is selected, which is composed of received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and variable gain amplifier (VGA), which achieves low power consumption, fast stabilization time, and wide dynamic range design. The received signal strength indicator adopts the form of approximate logarithmic amplifier, five‐stage double feedback loop structure, and realizes lower power consumption. In order to prevent the load current trigger from entering the speed saturation zone, a gain unit structure in which the superimposed current trigger is connected to the NMOS tube as the load is proposed. The test results show that the circuit has a good power consumption performance (1 mW) and at the same time 56.8 dB/m sensitivity. In this paper, through the analysis of the current trigger system and the analysis and comparison of the existing variable gain amplifiers, the variable gain amplifier structure composed of the folded wireless sensing unit and the index control unit is adopted. In order to reduce the power consumption of the circuit and increase the output swing, a structure in which the two‐stage folding wireless sensor unit shares the controlled voltage‐to‐current part of the circuit is proposed. Aiming at the design requirements of the system, this article discussed in detail the architecture of the entire temperature measurement node and the design parameters of the chip and completed the overall architecture design of the chip. The simulation results of the steady‐state temperature rise of the electric heating field show that the circuit has achieved an input dynamic adjustment range of more than 60 dB, the maximum power consumption is 1 mW, and the linearity error is less than 0.5 dB. The designed automatic gain control circuit is implemented in SMIC 0.18 cape CMOS process. The simulation results of the steady‐state temperature rise of the electric heating field show that the circuit has a 56 dB input dynamic adjustment range within a linear error of 1.25 dB, and the time constant is 7.55 ms, and power consumption is 2.84 mW. Through the steady‐state temperature rise simulation and test results of the electric heating field, the correctness of the design is verified and it meets the system requirements.
circ_0023461 Silencing Protects Cardiomyocytes from Hypoxia‐Induced Dysfunction through Targeting miR‐370‐3p/PDE4D Signaling
Authors: Ren Kai , Li Buying , Jiang Liqing , Liu Zhiheng , Wu Fan , Zhang Yi , Liu Jincheng , Duan Weixun
Published: October 2021

Background. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cardiovascular disease with high disability and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the pathomechanism of multiple human diseases, including AMI. This study intended to explore the function and working mechanism of a novel circRNA circ_0023461 in hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocytes. Methods. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blot assay were implemented to detect RNA and protein expression. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8) assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2 ′‐deoxyuridine (Edu) assay were conducted to analyze cell viability and proliferation ability. Cell migration and apoptosis were assessed by Transwell assay and flow cytometry. Cell oxidative stress was analyzed using the commercial kits. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to analyze cell inflammation. Cell glycolytic metabolism was evaluated using the commercial kits. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down assay were conducted to verify the intermolecular interactions. Results. circ_0023461 expression was upregulated in AMI patients and hypoxia‐induced AC16 cells. Hypoxia restrained the viability, proliferation, migration, and glycolysis and induced the apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation of AC16 cells, and these effects were attenuated by the silence of circ_0023461. MicroRNA‐370‐3p (miR‐370‐3p) was verified as a target of circ_0023461, and circ_0023461 silencing‐mediated protective effects in hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocytes were partly alleviated by the knockdown of miR‐370‐3p. miR‐370‐3p interacted with the 3 ′ untranslated region (3 ′ UTR) of phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), and PDE4D overexpression partly reversed miR‐370‐3p overexpression‐induced protective effects in hypoxia‐induced cardiomyocytes. circ_0023461 can upregulate PDE4D expression by acting as a molecular sponge for miR‐370‐3p in AC16 cells. Conclusion. circ_0023461 knockdown attenuated hypoxia‐induced dysfunction in AC16 cells partly by targeting the miR‐370‐3p/PDE4D axis.
Anticancer, Enhanced Antibacterial, and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Fucoidan‐ (Fucus vesiculosus Source) Mediated Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Rajeshkumar S. , Aboelfetoh Eman F. , Balusamy Sri Renukadevi , Ali Daoud , Almarzoug Mohammed H. A. , Tesfaye Jule Leta , Krishnaraj Ramaswamy
Published: October 2021

The present research displays the green synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The aqueous solution of Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus source (brown marine algae) is used as a reducing and capping agent. UV‐Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FT‐IR, SEM, EDX, and TEM with selected area electron diffraction are used to characterize the synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs exhibit a surface plasmon resonance at 430 nm after 24 h. The characterization results showed that AgNPs are crystalline in nature and exhibit mostly spherical shapes with an average diameter of 4‐45 nm. Silver nanoparticles showed effective antibacterial activity against representative pathogens of bacteria. The activities of commercial antibiotics were enhanced by impregnation with the synthesized AgNPs. It also shows good fungicidal and anticancer activity against liver and lung cell lines and shows significant antioxidant efficacy (84%) at 10 μg/ml AgNP concentration against DPPH. The utilization of environmentally synthesized AgNPs offers numerous benefits of ecofriendliness and compatibility for biomedical applications.
Social Network Search for Solving Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Bayzidi Hadi , Talatahari Siamak , Saraee Meysam , Lamarche Charles-Philippe
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new metaheuristic optimization algorithm, called social network search (SNS), is employed for solving mixed continuous/discrete engineering optimization problems. The SNS algorithm mimics the social network user’s efforts to gain more popularity by modeling the decision moods in expressing their opinions. Four decision moods, including imitation, conversation, disputation, and innovation, are real‐world behaviors of users in social networks. These moods are used as optimization operators that model how users are affected and motivated to share their new views. The SNS algorithm was verified with 14 benchmark engineering optimization problems and one real application in the field of remote sensing. The performance of the proposed method is compared with various algorithms to show its effectiveness over other well‐known optimizers in terms of computational cost and accuracy. In most cases, the optimal solutions achieved by the SNS are better than the best solution obtained by the existing methods.
Application of Data Mining in Traditional Benchmark Evaluation Model for Buildings Energy Consumption
Authors: Wu Donglei , Guo Minwei
Published: October 2021

Since the beginning of data mining technologies, buildings have become not just energy-intensive but also information-centric. Data mining technologies have been widely used to utilize the huge quantities of buildings’ operational data to improve their energy systems. Conventional benchmarking of buildings’ energy performance reflects a variety of parameters, such as the number of inhabitants, the environment, the energy efficiency of equipment utilized, and the adjustment of internal temperature. These various elements are then assigned weights to generate a single general indicator. This study presents a reasonable benchmark assessment methodology of conventional buildings’ energy usage based on a data-mining algorithm for acquiring more specific information, like the energy management efﬁcacy of a building, and aiming at the problem of ineffective use of large amounts of energy consumption in public buildings. A mathematical-statistical approach and a data-mining tool are used to analyse the data. The degree of connection between numerous influencing variables (i.e., characteristic parameters) and building’s energy usage is determined using grey correlation analysis. In this work, we have used an enhanced Apriori algorithm to identify the link between the different forms of systems in the same area. In short, the fundamental idea and process of the Apriori algorithm are presented, and preliminary designs of the preprocessing of experimental data as well as the analysis methods are studied to analyse the outcome of the proposed work.
Sirt3 Maintains Microvascular Endothelial Adherens Junction Integrity to Alleviate Sepsis‐Induced Lung Inflammation by Modulating the Interaction of VE‐Cadherin and β‐Catenin
Authors: Chen Dan-Qian , Shen Mei-Jia , Wang Hui , Li Yan , Tang A-Ling , Li Shan , Xiong Meng-Chen , Guo Yan , Zhang Guo-Qiang
Published: October 2021

Inflammatory injury is a hallmark of sepsis‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI). However, the mechanisms underlying inflammatory injury remain obscure. Here, we developed the novel strategy to suppress lung inflammation through maintaining microvascular endothelial barrier integrity. VE‐cadherin is the main adherens junction protein that interacts with β‐catenin and forms a complex. We found that lung inflammation was accompanied by decreased VE‐cadherin expression and increased β‐catenin activity in animal models and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), illuminating the relationship among VE‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex, microvascular endothelial barrier integrity, and inflammation. Furthermore, we showed that the VE‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex dissociated upon lung inflammation, while Sirt3 promoted the stability of such a complex. Sirt3 was decreased during lung inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Sirt3 deficiency not only led to the downregulation of VE‐cadherin but also enhanced the transcriptional activity of β‐catenin that further increased β‐catenin target gene MMP‐7 expression, thereby promoting inflammatory factor COX‐2 expression. Sirt3 overexpression promoted VE‐cadherin expression, inhibited β‐catenin transcriptional activity, strengthened the stability of the VE‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex, and suppressed inflammation in HPMECs. Notably, Sirt3 deficiency significantly damaged microvascular endothelial barrier integrity and intensified lung inflammation in animal model. These results demonstrated the role of Sirt3 in modulating microvascular endothelial barrier integrity to inhibit inflammation. Therefore, strategies that aim at enhancing the stability of endothelial VE‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex are potentially beneficial for preventing sepsis‐induced lung inflammation.
The Hecke Group
H

λ

4

Acting on Imaginary Quadratic Number Fields
Authors: Deajim Abdulaziz
Published: October 2021

Let

H

λ

4

be the Hecke group

x
,
y
:

x

2

=

y

4

=
1

and, for a square-free positive integer

n

, consider the subset

ℚ

∗

−
n

=

a
+

−
n

/
c

|

a
,
b
=

a

2

+
n

/
c

∈
ℤ
,
 
c
∈
2
ℤ

of the quadratic imaginary number field

ℚ

−
n

. Following a line of research in the relevant literature, we study the properties of the action of

H

λ

4

on

ℚ

∗

−
n

. In particular, we calculate the number of orbits arising from this action for every such

n

. Some illustrative examples are also given.
Extracting Modulated Annual Cycle in Climate and Ocean Time Series Using an Enhanced Harmonic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yibo , Pan Haidong , Li Shuang , Lv Xianqing
Published: October 2021

Accurate extraction of the modulated annual cycle (MAC) is important for climatic and oceanic research. A variety of methods are available to extract the annual cycle with inconsistent results. Since actual annual cycles are unknown in the observation series, the reliability and applicability of the results extracted by these methods are difficult to estimate. In this study, three widely used decomposition methods, ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), nonlinear mode decomposition (NMD), and enhanced harmonic analysis (EHA), are evaluated by idealized numerical experiments for extracting modulated annual cycles from climate series. Idealized numerical experiments are carried out and show that the recently proposed EHA had the most accuracy in extracting the MAC from the constructed data. The optimal independent point (IP) number, which makes the most accurate result for EHA, can be found in each ideal experiment. In the actual experiment, two IP selection criteria are proposed for EHA to extract MAC from observations.
Design and Implementation of a Low‐Cost Universal RFID Wireless Logistics Terminal in the Process of Logistics Traceability
Authors: Yu Xiaosheng , Wang Zhili
Published: October 2021

The logistics traceability system can cover the whole process of the product from the source of production to the consumption cycle. By distinguishing the key nodes of the product in the logistics sales process, the data information of the production and storage of the corresponding product is collected and entered at the corresponding node, so that the entire process is visible and controllable. On the basis of determining the overall system plan, this paper designs and develops the UHF RFID reader system and traceability system platform. In terms of the reader system, by analyzing its core functions and performance index requirements, the overall design scheme and frame structure of the reader system’s software and hardware are determined. The main control circuit is based on the STM32F103RET6 single‐chip microcomputer; the RF transceiver circuit is based on the MagicRF M100. Simultaneously, we design a variety of communication circuits including LoRa and RJ45 to facilitate wireless communication with the traceability platform. In terms of software, through the research and analysis of the EPC Class‐1 Generation‐2 protocol standard, the multitag anticollision algorithm—Q algorithm—is adopted. This algorithm has the advantages of high recognition efficiency and a large number of successfully recognized tags per unit time. According to the design plan, the system is wirelessly networked in the B/S mode and the product information collected through RFID technology is transmitted to the management level to dynamically understand the information dynamics of logistics in real time. Using radio frequency, computer network, communication, and other technologies, the hardware and software systems of the system are integrated. The performance indicators of the hardware system are tested through experiments, and the design indicators are compared to prove the feasibility of the equipment application. After setting up the local area network and configuring the server configuration, the traceability system was accessed and the verification of the basic functions of the system was completed. The test results show that the low‐cost universal RFID wireless logistics terminal has high accuracy and real‐time performance in the process of logistics traceability.
Design of English Mobile Learning Platform Based on GSM-R Wireless Network Communication System
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Liu Hongjin
Published: October 2021

Because the traditional English mobile learning platform has low student satisfaction and a long learning time, an English mobile learning platform based on the GSM-R wireless network communication system is designed. A GSM-R wireless network communication system is built through existing facilities, new facilities, and business-side facilities. Platform function modules are designed based on the communication system, including course resource management module, online examination management module, online Q&A management module, platform management module, and user login. Based on this module, the platform software is designed according to the three steps of database design, platform encryption technology, and learning recommendation algorithm to create the English mobile learning platform. The simulation experiment results show that the application of the designed platform can improve student satisfaction and improve student learning efficiency.
Medical Multimedia Image Analysis of Scoliosis in Children Aged 3–7 Years Based on Adaptive Multiobjective Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Huang Chunxiang
Published: October 2021

Scoliosis is mainly caused by the spinal column deviating from its centerline during the growth process. It usually occurs in children aged 3–7 years old. After a detailed analysis of the existing scoliosis detection methods, this paper compares and analyzes the advantages of using multimedia image processing technology to check scoliosis in children aged 3–7 years and uses an adaptive multiobjective differential evolution algorithm to perform scoliosis comprehensive testing. Finally, the experimental analysis shows that the adaptive multiobjective differential evolution algorithm is applied to scoliosis detection to analyze the characteristics of children's cervical spine curvature and the relationship between the cervical spine curvature and the scoliosis angle.
An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Birth and Death Registration in Kilifi County in the Coastal Region in Kenya
Authors: Wakibi Samwel , Ngure Ezekiel
Published: October 2021

Background. Countries need vital statistics for social and economic planning. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 80% coverage to use registration data on births and deaths for social and economic planning. However, registration remains low in developing countries. National coverage for Kenya in 2014 was 62.2% for births and 45.7% for deaths, with wide regional differentials. Kilifi County in the coastal region in Kenya reported rates below the national coverage at 56% for births and 41% for deaths in 2013. Objective. To determine level of knowledge and practice and reasons for low coverage of birth and death in Kilifi County. Method. This is a descriptive cross‐sectional study that employed multistage cluster random sampling procedure to select a sample of 420 households from which household heads and women with children below five years old were surveyed. Results. Out of the 420 households sampled, about all respondents (99%) were aware of birth registration while death was 77%. Their main sources of information were assistant chiefs at 77% for both birth and death registration and family and friends at 67% for deaths and 52% for births. Coverage for birth registration was 85% and death 63%. More deaths occurred at home (55%) than in hospital (44%) while 55% of deliveries occurred in hospital and 44% at home. Main reasons for not registering death were ignorance (77%) and transport and opportunity cost (21%) while for birth registration were ignorance (42%), travel and opportunity cost (41%), lack of identification documents (9%), and home deliveries (7%). Conclusion. Registration of birth and death has improved in Kilifi County. The drivers are legal and requirements to access social rights. Reasons for not registering are ignorance and opportunity costs. Community should be sensitized on the importance of registration, address home deliveries and deaths, and increase efficiency in registration. Further research is recommended to determine the severity of teenage pregnancy and orphanhood in the county.
Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Rutin Nanocrystals as an Anticancer Agent against Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Bohlouli Sepideh , Jafarmadar Gharehbagh Faezeh , Dalir Abdolahinia Elaheh , Kouhsoltani Maryam , Ebrahimi Ghasem , Roshangar Leila , Imani Amir , Sharifi Simin , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz
Published: October 2021

The reports show that rutin has good potentials as an anticancer agent; however, rutin has poor bioavailability due to its low aqueous solubility. The present study was aimed at preparing and evaluating physicochemical properties as well as the anticancer activities of rutin nanocrystals (RNs). RNs were prepared via the ultrasonication method. The prepared nanocrystals then were physicochemically characterized by the conventional techniques. The cytotoxic effect of RNs and free rutin on the HN5 head and neck squamous carcinoma cell line was assessed. The HGF1-PI1 cells as normal oral cells were treated by RNs. Cells were also exposed to rutin and RNs to determine their effects on the expression of caspase-8, caspase-9, Bcl-2, and Bax genes. The prepared RNs have a mean particle size of

75
±
0.16

 nm and quasispherical morphology. Rutin displayed no significant cytotoxic effect on HN5 cells to 2000 μM. However, RNs displayed a cytotoxic effect with IC50 of 30.51 μM and 27.34 μM in 24 and 48 h incubation times, respectively (

p
<
0.05

). RNs had cytotoxic effect 100 times more than rutin on HN5 cells. There was no significant cytotoxic effect on HGF1-PI1 treated by RNs in 24 and 48 h. The expression of Bcl-2 mRNA was significantly decreased in attendance of RNs compared to the control group (

p
<
0.05

). The increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was revealed within IC50 of RNs in 24 h. Our results confirm that the anticancer effect of RNs is significantly more than that of rutin. The activation of the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway of RNs occurred via modulation of Bcl-2 and Bax expression. These results suggest that RNs may be useful in the development of a cancer therapy protocol.
Response to Rucaparib in BRCA-Mutant Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Identified by Genomic Testing in the TRITON2 Study
Authors: Loehr Andrea , Patnaik Akash , Campbell David , Shapiro Jeremy , Bryce Alan H. , McDermott Ray , Sautois Brieuc , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Bambury Richard M. , Voog Eric , Zhang Jingsong , Piulats Josep M. , Hussain Arif , Ryan Charles J. , Merseburger Axel S. , Daugaard Gedske , Heidenreich Axel , Fizazi Karim , Higano Celestia S. , Krieger Laurence E. , Sternberg Cora N. , Watkins Simon P. , Despain Darrin , Simmons Andrew D. , Dowson Melanie , Golsorkhi Tony , Chowdhury Simon , Abida Wassim
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

The PARP inhibitor rucaparib is approved in the United States for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and a deleterious germline and/or somatic BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA) alteration. While sequencing of tumor tissue is considered the standard for identifying patients with BRCA alterations (BRCA+), plasma profiling may provide a minimally invasive option to select patients for rucaparib treatment. Here, we report clinical efficacy in patients with BRCA+ mCRPC identified through central plasma, central tissue, or local genomic testing and enrolled in TRITON2.

Patients and Methods:

Patients had progressed after next-generation androgen receptor–directed and taxane-based therapies for mCRPC and had BRCA alterations identified by central sequencing of plasma and/or tissue samples or local genomic testing. Concordance of plasma/tissue BRCA status and objective response rate and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rates were summarized.

Results:

TRITON2 enrolled 115 patients with BRCA+ identified by central plasma (n = 34), central tissue (n = 37), or local (n = 44) testing. Plasma/tissue concordance was determined in 38 patients with paired samples and was 47% in 19 patients with a somatic BRCA alteration. No statistically significant differences were observed between objective and PSA response rates to rucaparib across the 3 assay groups. Patients unable to provide tissue samples and tested solely by plasma assay responded at rates no different from patients identified as BRCA+ by tissue testing.

Conclusions:

Plasma, tissue, and local testing of mCRPC patients can be used to identify men with BRCA+ mCRPC who can benefit from treatment with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib.
An Evolving Role for AXL in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hahn Andrew W. , George Daniel J. , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: October 2021

High tumoral expression of AXL was associated with inferior response to anti–PD-1 therapy and increased tumoral programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, with particularly poor outcomes in those with high AXL and PD-L1. AXL expression has potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

See related article by Terry et al., p. 6749
GPR43 Suppresses Intestinal Tumor Growth by Modification of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Activity in ApcMin/+ Mice
Authors: Kong Lingling , Hoshi Namiko , Sui Yunlong , Yamada Yasutaka , Yoshida Ryutaro , Ooi Makoto , Tian Zibin , Kimura Ikuo , Kodama Yuzo
Published: October 2021

Objective: G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43), a receptor for short-chain fatty acids, plays a role in suppressing tumor growth; however, the detailed underlying mechanism needs to be comprehensively elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of GPR43 in inhibiting tumor growth using ApcMin/+, a murine model of intestinal tumors. Materials and Methods: Using GPR43−/− ApcMin/+ and GPR43+/− ApcMin/+ mice, the number of tumors was analyzed at the end of the experimental period. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting were performed to analyze cellular proliferation and proliferation-associated signal pathways. Results: Our results revealed that GPR43 deficiency resulted in increased tumor numbers in ApcMin/+ mice. Ki67 was highly expressed in GPR43−/− mice (p > 0.05). Increased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and amino acid transporters were not observed in GPR43-deficient mice compared to GPR43-sufficient mice. Furthermore, GPR43-deficient tumor tissues showed enhanced mammalian target of rapamycin-mediated phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p > 0.05) and phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (p > 0.05), but not Akt (protein kinase B) phosphorylation (p = 0.7088). Conclusion: Collectively, GPR43 affords protection against tumor growth at least partly through inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway.
Association between Household Income and Allergy Development in Children: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Kojima Reiji , Shinohara Ryoji , Kushima Megumi , Horiuchi Sayaka , Otawa Sanae , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Akiyama Yuka , Ooka Tadao , Miyake Kunio , Yamagata Zentaro ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: October 2021

Background: Socioeconomic status has been found to be associated with allergic diseases in children, but results are inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the association between household income and the development of allergic disease in children at 3 years old. Methods: We used data from 72,180 participants from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which is a prospective birth cohort study with participants recruited from January 2011 to March 2014. We examined the associations between household income and allergic diseases (asthma, eczema, and food allergies) in children, adjusting for covariates using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The percentages of doctor-diagnosed allergies at 3 years old were 7.5% for asthma, 7.2% for eczema, and 6.2% for food allergies. Children from households with an annual income of <2 million yen (approx. 18,000 USD) had a significantly higher risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma and eczema than those from households with an income of 4–6 million yen. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.34) and 1.21 (95% CI 1.06–1.39). Children from households with an income of >6 million yen tended to have an increased risk of food allergies (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.98–1.15). Conclusion: Low household income was a risk for doctor-diagnosed asthma and eczema, suggesting that public health professionals should recognize low-income groups as vulnerable populations for these conditions.