bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocolumnar Pt:Ni Alloy Thin Films by High Pressure Sputtering for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ergul-Yilmaz Busra , Yang Zhiwei , Basurrah Assem O. , Perry Mike L. , Reeves Kimberly S. , Cullen David A. , Karabacak Tansel
Published: November 2021

Self-supported nanocolumnar Pt:Ni thin films (TFs) with varying Pt:Ni atomic ratios and Pt mass loadings were produced on a microporous layer (MPL)-like surface composed of carbon particles by high pressure sputtering and examined as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Cauliflower-like microstructures were observed from scanning electron microscopy imaging. Various Pt:Ni atomic ratios were obtained by simply changing the relative deposition power between Pt and Ni source and investigated by X-ray diffraction and quartz crystal microbalance analysis. Electrochemical characterization of the Pt:Ni-TF/MPL-like-layer/glassy-carbon samples was conducted through benchtop cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode measurements. The electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) was found to be between 22–42 m2 g−1 for different Pt:Ni atomic ratios. Lower Pt mass loadings exhibited a higher ECSA and the catalytic activity of all Pt:Ni ratios increased with the increase in Pt mass loading. The ORR activity of the Pt:Ni-TFs increased in the order of 3:1 < 1:1 < 1:3 with exhibiting a specific activity of 1781 μA cm−2 and mass activity of 0.66 A mg−1 for the Ni-rich film with 1:3 ratio. The catalytic performance of Pt:Ni-TFs were higher than traditional high surface area carbon supported Pt nanoparticles, elemental Pt nanorods, and Pt-Ni nanorods.
Net Water Drag Coefficient during High Temperature Operation of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Mimoto Taiki , Someya Satoshi , Munakata Tetsuo
Published: November 2021

For polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) systems in vehicle applications, net water drag coefficient (

α

NWD

) is an essential index and must be negative for system operation. The feasibility of PEFC operation at temperatures over 100 °C was examined here by measuring and comparing the current density (j)—

α

NWD

characteristics using PEFCs with either an Aquivion or Nafion membrane. The effect of cell temperature (

T

cell

) on

α

NWD

was evaluated at

T

cell

range from 80 °C to 120 °C. Results clearly demonstrated that, for both membrane types,

α

NWD

significantly increased with increasing

T

cell

.

Results also confirmed that, at a constant flow rate of H2 at the anode,

α

NWD

decreased with decreasing stoichiometric ratio of air (

γ

air

), although the effect of

γ

air

on

α

NWD

was relatively small. Finally, the effect of relative humidity (RH) balance of supplied gases in both sides (anode/cathode) on water transport at temperature up to 120 °C was examined for the Aquivion cell. Results revealed that

α

NWD

could be significantly decreased by decreasing the RH of hydrogen supplied to the anode (RHA) and that the control of RHA is an effective method for lowering

α

NWD

at elevated temperature operation.
Identification of an Immune-Related Biomarker Model Based on the CircRNA-Associated Regulatory Network for Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Zhaonian , Xie Jun , Chen Xiaochun , Tang Jia , Zhou Kaiguo , Han Song
Published: November 2021

Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is one of the most frequent types of malignant tumor that has a dismal prognosis. This research applied datasets aimed from the GEO and TCGA to create a prognostic signature for forecasting the clinical outcome of ESCA patients on the basis of a circRNA-associated regulatory network. Methods. A regulatory network associated with ESCA was established based on transcriptome data of circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Functional annotations were implemented to further explore the mechanism of ESCA. Cox relative regression method was applied to create a risk signature. Besides, the immune microenvironment of the signature was investigated by utilizing the CIBERSORT algorithm. Results. Based on 27 DEcircRNAs, 65 DEmiRNAs, and 780 DEmRNAs, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was finally set up. Functional enrichment unearthed that the regulatory network might participate in phosphorylation negative regulation, MAPK pathway, and PI3K/AKT pathway. This study established a risk scoring signature based on the seven immune-related genes (IRGs) (MARP14, RASGR1, PTK2, HMGB1, DKK1, RARB, and IGF1R), which was validated for its reliability. A stable and accurate nomogram combining immune-related risk scores with clinical features was constructed. Furthermore, we observed that the risk model was also related to the immunocyte infiltration. Conclusion. Our study successfully created a circRNA-associated regulatory network and further developed an immune-related model to forecast the clinical outcome of ESCA patients as well as to assess their immune status.
An Improved DCP-Based Image Defogging Algorithm Combined with Adaptive Fusion Strategy
Authors: Fang Zhou , Wu Qilin , Huang Darong , Guan Dashuai
Published: November 2021

Dark channel prior (DCP) has been widely used in single image defogging because of its simple implementation and satisfactory performance. This paper addresses the shortcomings of the DCP-based defogging algorithm and proposes an optimized method by using an adaptive fusion mechanism. This proposed method makes full use of the smoothing and “squeezing” characteristics of the Logistic Function to obtain more reasonable dark channels avoiding further refining the transmission map. In addition, a maximum filtering on dark channels is taken to improve the accuracy of dark channels around the object boundaries and the overall brightness of the defogged clear images. Meanwhile, the location information and brightness information of fog image are weighed to obtain more accurate atmosphere light. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art image defogging algorithms.
Effect of Intelligent Vital Sign Monitoring System on Postoperative Nursing Care of Severe Patients
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Zhang Lifen , Liu Wei
Published: November 2021

In order to study the observation of postoperative vital sign data of critically ill patients, this paper developed a set of vital sign data acquisition system based on intelligence and realized the design of vital sign data acquisition system APP based on Android Studio programming software, which was used to realize the information collection of vital sign data of patients. PDA is connected with a vital sign measuring equipment through Bluetooth. The patient’s wristband is scanned with PDA to read the patient’s information, and then the measured vital sign data are obtained automatically by measuring APP. The initial alarm value is set to be greater than 1%, and it needs more than 60 and less than or equal to 120 RR interval data to judge apnea. Information collection of intelligent vital sign detection can not only save the time of nursing staff but also improve the nursing quality.
Possibility of Using Flexible Dentures over Iliac Bone Graft in Adolescent Patients with Ameloblastoma: A 9-Month Follow-Up Clinical Report
Authors: Belal Ammar , Monther Bassil , Alzarif Wael
Published: November 2021

Introduction. The use of bone grafts is a common procedure after excision and reconstruction of the mandible, although it is rare in children and adolescents due to incomplete growth, which means a long transition period until reaching an appropriate age for implants or more predictable outcomes. Case Report. This article describes a 9-month follow-up of the use of a flexible denture above a bone graft taken from the anterior iliac crest for adolescent patients with resected mandible due to ameloblastoma. Taking into account prosthetic considerations, radiography, and clinical observation, no complications were seen with the graft. Conclusion. It is safe to use a flexible denture as a prosthetic over an iliac bone graft block during the healing period.
Machine Learning Classification of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Whole-Brain Functional Activity: A Radiomics Analysis
Authors: Luo Xiaoping , Lin Dezhao , Xia Shengwei , Wang Dongyu , Weng Xinmang , Huang Wenming , Ye Hongda
Published: November 2021

Objectives. To investigate the classification performance of support vector machine in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) from normal controls. Methods. Twenty-four mTBI patients (15 males and 9 females; mean age,

38.88
±
13.33

years) and 24 age and sex-matched normal controls (13 males and 11 females; mean age,

40.46
±
11.4

years) underwent resting-state functional MRI examination. Seven imaging parameters, including amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), degree centrality (DC), voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC), long-range functional connectivity density (FCD), and short-range FCD, were entered into the classification model to distinguish the mTBI from normal controls. Results. The ability for any single imaging parameters to distinguish the two groups is lower than multiparameter combinations. The combination of ALFF, fALFF, DC, VMHC, and short-range FCD showed the best classification performance for distinguishing the two groups with optimal AUC value of 0.778, accuracy rate of 81.11%, sensitivity of 88%, and specificity of 75%. The brain regions with the highest contributions to this classification mainly include bilateral cerebellum, left orbitofrontal cortex, left cuneus, left temporal pole, right inferior occipital cortex, bilateral parietal lobe, and left supplementary motor area. Conclusions. Multiparameter combinations could improve the classification performance of mTBI from normal controls by using the brain regions associated with emotion and cognition.
Mast Cells Resting-Related Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sun Lin , Hu Xiao
Published: November 2021

The immune microenvironment of liver cancer is of great significance for the treatment of liver cancer. After evaluating the content of mast cells resting in the transcriptome data of The Cancer Genome Atlas database by CIBERSORT analysis, this study aimed to group the samples according to the content of mast cells resting in different samples to find the differentially expressed genes in the two groups. Significant prognostic differences were found between high and low mast cells resting infiltration groups. The prognostic model was constructed according to the differentially expressed genes. The model was validated using external independent datasets. The results revealed that the constructed model was reliable. It could well distinguish the prognostic differences of patients in different characteristic groups. The high-risk group was mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways. The risk score of this model was closely related to some immune cells, immune function, and immune checkpoints. Therefore, this model may provide new ideas for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
A New Method of Matrix Decomposition to Get the Determinants and Inverses of
r
-Circulant Matrices with Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers
Authors: Ma Jiangming , Qiu Tao , He Chengyuan
Published: November 2021

We use a new method of matrix decomposition for

r

-circulant matrix to get the determinants of

A

n

=

Circ

r

F

1

,

F

2

,
…
,

F

n

and

B

n

=

Circ

r

L

1

,

L

2

,
…
,

L

n

, where

F

n

is the Fibonacci numbers and

L

n

is the Lucas numbers. Based on these determinants and the nonsingular conditions, inverse matrices are derived. The expressions of the determinants and inverse matrices are represented by Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers. In this study, the formulas of determinants and inverse matrices are much simpler and concise for programming and reduce the computational time.
Significant Asymmetry of the Bilateral Upper Extremities of a Skeleton Excavated from the Mashiki‐Azamabaru Site, Okinawa Island, Japan
Authors: Ogami-Takamura Keiko , Saiki Kazunobu , Nishi Keita , Wakebe Tetsuaki , Endo Daisuke , Murai Kiyohito , Naito Yoshiatsu , Tsurumoto Toshiyuki
Published: November 2021

The human skeleton of a young adult male with marked asymmetry of the bilateral upper extremities was excavated from the Mashiki‐Azamabaru site (3000–2000 BCE) on the main island of Okinawa in the southwestern archipelago of Japan. The skeleton was buried alone in a corner of the cemetery. In this study, morphological and radiographic observations were made on this skeleton, and the pathogenesis of the bone growth disorder observed in the left upper limb was discussed. The maximum diameter of the midshaft of the humerus was 13.8 mm on the left and 21.2 mm on the right. The long bones comprising the left upper extremity lost the structure of the muscle attachments except for the deltoid tubercle of the humerus. The bone morphology of the right upper extremity and the bilateral lower extremities was maintained and was close to the mean value of females from the Ohtomo site in northwestern Kyushu, Japan, during the Yayoi period. It is assumed that the anomalous bone morphology confined to the left upper extremity was secondary to the prolonged loss of function of the muscles attached to left extremity bones. In this case, birth palsy, brachial plexus injury in childhood, and acute grey matter myelitis were diagnosed. It was suggested that this person had survived into young adulthood with severe paralysis of the left upper extremity due to injury or disease at an early age.
An Update of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Vasile Flavia Cristina , Preda Agnesa , Ștefan Adela Gabriela , Vladu Mihaela Ionela , Forțofoiu Mircea-Cătălin , Clenciu Diana , Gheorghe Ioan Ovidiu , Forțofoiu Maria , Moța Maria
Published: November 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious and frequent pregnancy complication that can lead to short and long-term risks for both mother and fetus. Different health organizations proposed different algorithms for the screening, diagnosis, and management of GDM. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), together with physical exercise and frequent self-monitoring, represents the milestone for GDM treatment in order to reduce maternal and fetal complications. The pregnant woman should benefit from her family support and make changes in their lifestyles, changes that, in the end, will be beneficial for the whole family. The aim of this manuscript is to review the literature about the Medical Nutrition Therapy in GDM and its crucial role in GDM management.
Inertial Gyro Wave Energy Conversion Nonlinear Modeling and Power‐Index Predictive Control for Autonomous Ship
Authors: Wu Nailong , Chen Xinyuan , Chen Shaonan , Yuan Haodong , Qi Jie , Wang Yueying
Published: November 2021

The complex marine environment and the high energy consumption of shipboard equipment pose challenges to the long‐term navigation of autonomous unmanned ships. In wave‐induced motion, inertial gyro antirolling technology is used to offset the energy transmitted by waves, but the massive consumption of energy is not conducive to long‐term navigation of the unmanned ships. This paper attempts to exploit the wave energy transmitted by the gyro to improve the power supply of the unmanned ship. Firstly, a nonlinear coupling model of the gyro antirolling device and the unmanned ship is established. Secondly, considering various model constraints and physical constraints of the equipment, the energy evaluation objective function of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is designed. In the simulation, the proposed control method can effectively extract electric energy from different waves.
Association between Iris Biological Features and Corneal Biomechanics in Myopic Eyes
Authors: Fu Lin , Dai Qi , Zhu Pengzhi , Jia Xu , Bao Fangjun , Chen Xiaoyu , Fu Yana , Lian Hengli , Yang Weihua , Ye Yufeng
Published: November 2021

Purpose. Iris biological features such as surface features and profile characteristics reflected the development of iris stroma and microvessels. Iris vessels and microcirculation are still lack of effective detection methods, and we can directly observe only the iris surface biological characteristics. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between iris surface biological features and corneal biomechanics in young adults with myopia. Methods. We recruited 152 patients with myopia aged ≥18 years, from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, who had complete Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) data and graded iris surface features. Iris surface features included crypts, furrows, and color measured from digital slit lamp images. The biomechanical properties of the cornea were assessed using Corvis ST. Only 1 eye of each participant was randomly selected for analysis. Associations between the iris surface features and corneal biomechanics were analyzed using linear regression models. The grade of iris crypts, furrows, and color and corneal biomechanical parameters measured with Corvis ST was the main outcome measures. Results. The iris crypts were significantly associated with deflection amplitude at the first applanation (A1 DLA,

β
=
0.001

,

P
=
0.013

), A1 delta arc length (A1 dArcL) (

β
=
−
0.001

,

P
=
0.01

), maximum delta arc length (dArcLM) (

β
=
−
0.004

,

P
=
0.03

), and stiffness at the first applanation (SP-A1) (

β
=
−
2.092

,

P
=
0.016

). The iris furrows were only associated with integrated radius (

β
=
−
0.212

,

P
=
0.025

). Iris color was found not related with corneal biomechanical parameters measured via Corvis ST. Conclusions. Iris surface features were associated with corneal biomechanical properties in myopic eyes; more iris crypts were associated with lower corneal stiffness while more extensive furrows were related with higher corneal stiffness. Iris crypts and furrows may provide useful information on corneal biomechanical properties in myopic eyes.
A Novel Virtual Reality Training Strategy for Poststroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Anwar Naveed , Karimi Hossein , Ahmad Ashfaq , Mumtaz Nazia , Saqulain Ghulam , Gilani Syed Amir
Published: November 2021

Stroke patients suffer impairments including sensory, motor, visual, and cognitive areas, as well as gait and balance manifestations making activities of daily living difficult. In such conditions, virtual reality training can be a potential rehabilitation tool in comparison to conventional physical therapy to cater to the burden of this disability; hence, this randomized clinical trial compared the effects of virtual reality training and conventional physical therapy on balance and lower extremity function in stroke patients. The sample of 68 poststroke participants from Kanaan Physical Therapy and Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan, were divided into N = 34 cases each using the lottery method with one group given virtual reality training and the other received conventional physical therapy. Each group received 60 minutes intervention, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale and the Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity scale were employed for data collection preintervention, immediate postintervention, and 6 weeks postintervention. The statistically significant differences between virtual reality and conventional physical therapy groups for the Berg Balance score (

p
<
0.001

), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA)-lower extremity domains of FMA-motor function (

p
<
0.001

), FMA-joint pain, and joint range (

p
<
0.001

); however, there is no significant difference

p
=
0.202

for time vs. group interaction and significant (

p
<
0.001

) for the time main effect for FMA sensation. Hence, virtual reality training is more effective to restore balance and lower extremity function compared to conventional physical therapy in stroke patients. The results of the study have significant implications for the clinicians with better case management enhancing quality of life of patients along with the dearth of local literature, thus providing base for future research from a developing country’s perspective.
Downregulation of Rap1GAP Expression Activates the TGF‐β/Smad3 Pathway to Inhibit the Expression of Sodium/Iodine Transporter in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Yan Zheng , Yangyanqiu Wang , Shuwen Han , Jing Mao , Haihong Liao , Gong Chen , Yin Jin , Qing Zhou , Weili Gao
Published: November 2021

Objective. Rap1GAP is considered a tumor suppressor gene, but its regulatory mechanism in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore whether the regulation between Rap1GAP and sodium/iodine transporter (NIS) in tumorigenesis of PTC is mediated by TGF‐β1. Methods. Western blotting (WB) and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to analyze the relationships between TGF‐β1 concentration and NIS expression. After transfecting BCPAP cells with siRNAs, the Rap1GAP interference model was successfully established. Then, the expression and nuclear localization of TGF‐β1 and pathway‐related proteins were detected. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze cell apoptosis and cycle. WB was performed to detect apoptotic‐related proteins. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to measure cell migration and invasion. EDU was performed to detect cell proliferative activity. Results. The results suggested that TGF‐β1 could significantly inhibit the expression of NIS in both mRNA and protein levels. In BCPAP cells transfected with siRNA‐Rap1GAP, the expression levels of TGF‐β1, Foxp3, and p‐Smad3 were significantly increased. By applying immunofluorescence assay, the nuclear localizations of TβR‐1 and p‐Smad3 were found to be activated. Moreover, anti‐TGF‐β1 can reverse the decrease in NIS expression caused by downregulation of Rap1GAP. Additionally, the knockdown of Rap1GAP could alter the cell apoptosis, cycle, migration, invasion, and proliferation of BCPAP. Conclusion. The downregulation of Rap1GAP expression can activate the TGF‐β/Smad3 pathway to inhibit NIS expression and alter the tumor cell functions of PTC.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Failure Characteristics and Mechanism of Granites with Different Joint Angles
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Fang Jun , Wang Gang , Jiang Yifan , Li Dongwei
Published: November 2021

The uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite samples with different joint dip angles to more favorably explore the influences of the nonconsecutive joint on mechanical properties and deformation characteristics of the rock mass. The stress‐strain curves, deformation and strength characteristics, and energy evolution process of the samples were analyzed. Numerical simulation using particle flow code (PFC) is employed to study the crack propagation process. The mode of jointed and fractured rock was investigated. The research results showed a significant reduction in both the peak strength and elastic modulus of jointed samples compared with intact ones: the peak strength and elastic modulus drop to the minimum at the joint dip angle of about 45°, especially for the peak strength, which takes up about 55% of the intact samples. The fractured samples’ total energy, elastic strain energy, and dissipated energy during the uniaxial compression drop significantly relative to intact samples. The proportion of the fracture modes varies with different joint dip angles, in which the ratio of shear cracks grows at first and then declines, with the highest balance at the dip angle of 45°. The damage stress’s sensitivity to the dip angle change is greater than that of the peak stress, with reduction amplitude more extensive than the latter.
Design and Performance Investigation of a Robot-Assisted Flexible Ureteroscopy System
Authors: Zhao Jianchang , Li Jianmin , Cui Liang , Shi Chaoyang , Wei Guowu
Published: November 2021

Flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) has been developed and has become a preferred routine procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones and other renal diseases inside the urinary tract. The traditional manual FURS procedure is highly skill-demanding and easily brings about physical fatigue and burnout for surgeons. The improper operational ergonomics and fragile instruments also hinder its further development and patient safety enhancement. A robotic system is presented in this paper to assist the FURS procedure. The system with a master-slave configuration is designed based on the requirement analysis in manual operation. A joint-to-joint mapping strategy and several control strategies are built to realize intuitive and safe operations. Both phantom and animal experiments validate that the robot has significant advantages over manual operations, including the easy-to-use manner, reduced intraoperative time, and improved surgical ergonomics. The proposed robotic system can solve the major drawbacks of manual FURS. The test results demonstrate that the robot has great potential for clinical applications.
A Comparative Study of the Multistage Solar Stills with Stacked Stages (MSS-SS)
Authors: Mkhize Mfanafuthi Mthandeni , Msomi Velaphi
Published: November 2021

The current work conducts a comparative study of the waterbed multistage solar still with stacked stages (MSS-SS) and the vapour-based MSS-SS. Various experimental test results obtained from the vapour-based MSS-SS are briefly discussed in comparison with the waterbed MSS-SS reported in the literature. Based on the experimental observations and tests, the stage tray requires no maintenance and upper stages can operate even when the lower stages are nonoperational. About 0.8–41.3% distillate yield dropped from the upper stages when lower stages were exposed to the atmosphere. The upper stages increased their productivity by 7.1–15.4% when the lower stages were shut off completely. The waterbed-based MSS-SS preserves and reuses thermal energy much better even during off sunshine hours than the vapour-based system. The vapour-based MSS-SS is only productive during sunshine hours, and about 97-98% of the distillate is produced during daytime. Furthermore, the vapour based was able to produce 6.3 kg/day on average on the selected days.
Obstacle Capability of an Air-Ground Amphibious Reconnaissance Robot with a Planetary Wheel-Leg Type Structure
Authors: Zhang Enzhong , Sun Ruiyang , Pang Zaixiang , Liu Shuai
Published: November 2021

According to the requirements of the reconnaissance robot for the ability to adapt to a complex environment and the in-depth study of the obstacle climbing mechanisms, a planetary wheel-leg-combined mechanism capable of adapting to complex terrains is proposed. According to the proposed planetary wheel-leg-combined mechanism, the land part of the air-ground amphibious reconnaissance robot is designed. Considering the obstacle and fast marching performance, four groups of combined wheel-leg mechanisms are adopted in the land bank. Under the action of three kinds of obstacles, the stability and the movement ability of the robot are analyzed by using the static method. The parameter model of the reconnaissance robot is built by a virtual prototype dynamics software MSC.ADMAS. The kinematic characteristic curves of each component and the whole prototype are obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for the design and numerical calculation of the robot structure. Finally, the climbing ability tests of the reconnaissance robot prototype verify the reliability and practicability of the body structure of the reconnaissance robot.
Research on the Ecological Protection of Coal Gangue Slope Based on a Polymer Curing Agent
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yi Wen , Yuan Weijia , Liu Yifang , Sui Zifan
Published: November 2021

To improve the ecological protection of coal gangue slopes, this work developed a polymer curing agent using a pure acrylic emulsion and cement as the main raw materials. By testing the workability, waterproofing, durability, and adhesion of the curing agent with different polymer‐to‐cement ratios, the optimum mixing ratio of the polymer curing agent was obtained, and the protection mechanism was analysed based on the test results and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, simulated slope and practical engineering applications were carried out. The results show that pure acrylic emulsion curing agent with a polymer‐to‐cement ratio of 6 : 5 is most suitable for the ecological protection of coal gangue slopes. The polymer curing agent can form a network structure film layer with a good waterproofing effect on the coal gangue surface. Simultaneously, the network structure film layer can reduce the influence of weathering and leaching on the coal gangue, prevent the heavy metal elements in coal gangue from entering the surrounding soil, improve the growth environment of plants, and improve the effect of ecological restoration. This research can be applied to the ecological protection of coal gangue slopes.
On Topological Indices of Total Graph and Its Line Graph for Kragujevac Tree Networks
Authors: Kanwal Salma , Riasat Ayesha , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Malik Shabnam , Sarwar Khadija , Ammara Afzal , Anton Asare-Tuah
Published: November 2021

Kragujevac tree is indicated by K; K ∈ Kgq=s(2t + 1)+1,s with order and size s(2t + 1) + 1 and s(2t + 1), respectively. In this paper, we have a look at certain topological features of the total graph and line graph of the total graph of the considered tree, i.e., Kragujevac tree, by computing different topological indices and polynomials.
Esophageal Rupture Presenting with ST Segment Elevation and Junctional Rhythm Mimicking Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rigger Wytch , Mai Raymond , Maddux P. Tim , Cavalieri Stuart , Calkins Joe
Published: November 2021

Esophageal rupture is a rare but potentially fatal cause of chest pain. The presentation is variable and can mimic other conditions such as aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction (MI). A 71-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease presented to the ED with complaints of acute chest pain and respiratory distress. Over the next 48 hours, the patient developed dynamic ST segment changes on surface electrocardiogram mimicking an inferolateral ST segment elevation MI accompanied by a junctional rhythm. Curiously, his cardiac enzymes remained negative during this time, but his clinical status continued to deteriorate. A subsequent CT scan demonstrated a lower esophageal rupture, and the patient underwent successful endoscopic stenting. While rare, prompt recognition of esophageal rupture is imperative to improving morbidity and mortality. While esophageal rupture has been noted to cause ST segment elevation before, this appears to be the first case associated with a junctional rhythm.
An Adaptive Reference Vector Adjustment Strategy and Improved Angle‐Penalized Value Method for RVEA
Authors: Qiu Wenbo , Zhu Jianghan , Yu Huangchao , Fan Mingfeng , Huo Lisu
Published: November 2021

Decomposition‐based evolutionary multiobjective algorithms (MOEAs) divide a multiobjective problem into several subproblems by using a set of predefined uniformly distributed reference vectors and can achieve good overall performance especially in maintaining population diversity. However, they encounter huge difficulties in addressing problems with irregular Pareto fronts (PFs) since many reference vectors do not work during the searching process. To cope with this problem, this paper aims to improve an existing decomposition‐based algorithm called reference vector‐guided evolutionary algorithm (RVEA) by designing an adaptive reference vector adjustment strategy. By adding the strategy, the predefined reference vectors will be adjusted according to the distribution of promising solutions with good overall performance and the subspaces in which the PF lies may be further divided to contribute more to the searching process. Besides, the selection pressure with respect to convergence performance posed by RVEA is mainly from the length of normalized objective vectors and the metric is poor in evaluating the convergence performance of a solution with the increase of objective size. Motivated by that, an improved angle‐penalized distance (APD) method is developed to better distinguish solutions with sound convergence performance in each subspace. To investigate the performance of the proposed algorithm, extensive experiments are conducted to compare it with 5 state‐of‐the‐art decomposition‐based algorithms on 3‐, 5‐, 8‐, and 10‐objective MaF1–MaF9. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm obtains the best overall performance.
Network Pharmacology Analysis on the Mechanism of Huangqi Sijunzi Decoction in Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Cui Yixin , Wang Haiming , Wang Decai , Mi Jiwei , Chen Gege , Li Fagen , Wang Yujia , Zhang Yin
Published: November 2021

Objective. This study aimed to determine the active ingredients of Huangqi Sijunzi Decoction (HQSJZD) and the targets in treating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) so as to investigate the treatment mechanism of HQSJZD for CRF. Methods. This study adopted the method of network pharmacology. The active ingredients and targets of HQSJZD were retrieved, and the targets of HQSJZD in treating CRF were obtained using a Venn diagram. Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the String database. The core targets of HQSJZD in treating CRF were identified through topological analysis, and functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were carried out. Subsequently, a compound-disease-target regulatory network was constructed using Cystoscape 3.8.0 software. Results. A total of 250 targets of HQSJZD ingredients, 1447 CRF-related genes, and 144 common targets were obtained. Through topological analysis, 61 core targets were screened. Bioinformatics annotation of these genes identified 2366 gene ontology (GO) terms and 172 enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Conclusion. The active ingredients in HQSJZD, that is, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and naringenin, may act on AKT1, IL-6, VEGFA, MAPK3, CASP3, JUN, and EGFR to regulate the PI3K-Akt, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways, thereby suppressing inflammatory response, tumor gene expression, and tumor angiogenesis to treat CRF. This study investigated the pharmacological basis and mechanism of HQSJZD in the treatment of CRF using systematic pharmacology, which provides an important reference for further elucidation of the anti-CRF mechanism and clinical applications of HQSJZD, and also provides a method protocol for similar studies in the future.
APOBEC Mutagenesis Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth through Induction of T cell–Mediated Antitumor Immune Responses
Authors: DiMarco Ashley V. , Qin Xiaodi , McKinney Brock J. , Garcia Nina Marie G. , Van Alsten Sarah C. , Mendes Elizabeth A. , Force Jeremy , Hanks Brent A. , Troester Melissa A. , Owzar Kouros , Xie Jichun , Alvarez James V.
Published: November 2021

The APOBEC family of cytidine deaminases is one of the most common endogenous sources of mutations in human cancer. Genomic studies of tumors have found that APOBEC mutational signatures are enriched in the HER2 subtype of breast cancer and are associated with immunotherapy response in diverse cancer types. However, the direct consequences of APOBEC mutagenesis on the tumor immune microenvironment have not been thoroughly investigated. To address this, we developed syngeneic murine mammary tumor models with inducible expression of APOBEC3B. We found that APOBEC activity induced antitumor adaptive immune responses and CD4+ T cell–mediated, antigen-specific tumor growth inhibition. Although polyclonal APOBEC tumors had a moderate growth defect, clonal APOBEC tumors were almost completely rejected, suggesting that APOBEC-mediated genetic heterogeneity limits antitumor adaptive immune responses. Consistent with the observed immune infiltration in APOBEC tumors, APOBEC activity sensitized HER2-driven breast tumors to anti–CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition and led to a complete response to combination anti–CTLA-4 and anti-HER2 therapy. In human breast cancers, the relationship between APOBEC mutagenesis and immunogenicity varied by breast cancer subtype and the frequency of subclonal mutations. This work provides a mechanistic basis for the sensitivity of APOBEC tumors to checkpoint inhibitors and suggests a rationale for using APOBEC mutational signatures and clonality as biomarkers predicting immunotherapy response in HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancers.
A Case of Deficiency of Adenosine Deaminase 2: 28 years of Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Pardinhas Clara , Santo Gustavo , Escada Luís , Rodrigues Jorge , Almeida Maria Rosário , Alves Rui , Salgado Manuel
Published: November 2021

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a unique monogenic autoinflammatory disease caused by autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in the CECR1 gene which presents as childhood-onset small- and medium-vessel vasculitis. Previously, many of these patients were misdiagnosed and thought to have clinical features of systemic polyarteritis nodosum, which negatively influenced its outcome, since TNF inhibitors seem to have efficacy on the vasculitic phenotype of DADA2. We present a case of a 28-year-old woman with a lifelong unknown syndrome and unique clinical manifestations recently recognized as DADA2. The first manifestation, at 3 months of age, was an episode of facial paralysis during which renovascular hypertension was diagnosed. Later, she developed episodes of prolonged fever, polyarthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intracerebral hemorrhage. This inflammatory state ultimately led to the development of amyloid A amyloidosis and renal insufficiency.
Intracranial Major Artery and Venous Sinus Thrombosis in a Young Male with MTHFR Mutation and Protein S Deficiency
Authors: Peddawad Dhanashree
Published: November 2021

This case represents a unique example of stroke in a young patient involving major venous sinuses as well as major artery in a span of 6 months. After evaluation, he was found to have an abnormal thrombophilia profile. In young patients with recurrent stroke, investigating for an abnormal thrombophilia profile is crucial.
Postrenal Azotemia in a Gastric Cancer Patient Revealed the Coincidence of Ureteral Metastasis and Contralateral Ureteral Stone: A Case Report
Authors: Guitynavard Fateme , Tamehri Zadeh Seyed Saeed , Rakebi Mohammad Mehdi , Eftekhar Javadi Arezoo , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: November 2021

Metastatic ureteral masses are not rare, but isolated ureteral metastasis from the origin of gastric cancer is rare. Ureteral metastasis is usually unilateral and does not lead to postrenal azotemia unless in single kidney patients. Herein, we describe an 80-year-old man with a history of nonmetastatic gastric cancer who presented with postrenal azotemia due to the coincidence of right distal ureteral metastasis and left distal ureteral stone.
The Leading Mid-European Astronomer Marian Wolfgang Koller
Authors: Južnič Stanislav
Published: November 2021

Marian Wolfgang Koller used to be considered the very best astronomer from Carniola next to Augustin Hallerstein. Today, his work connected with the Dalton Minimum is again in limelight as the alternative explanation of global warming phenomena. Koller wrote precise notes of six semestrial courses of Josef Stefan to promote Stefan’s talents. By using the international connection of his patron Koller, Stefan published at least twenty articles in the British Philosophical Magazine, some of them also in Paris and Geneva.
Locus-Conserved Circular RNA cZNF292 Controls Endothelial Cell Flow Responses
Authors: Heumüller Andreas W. , Jones Alisha N. , Mourão André , Klangwart Marius , Shi Chenyue , Wittig Ilka , Fischer Ariane , Muhly-Reinholz Marion , Buchmann Giulia K. , Dieterich Christoph , Potente Michael , Braun Thomas , Grote Phillip , Jaé Nicolas , Sattler Michael , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: November 2021

Background:

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are generated by back splicing of mostly mRNAs and are gaining increasing attention as a novel class of regulatory RNAs that control various cellular functions. However, their physiological roles and functional conservation in vivo are rarely addressed, given the inherent challenges of their genetic inactivation. Here, we aimed to identify locus conserved circRNAs in mice and humans, which can be genetically deleted due to retained intronic elements not contained in the mRNA host gene to eventually address functional conservation.

Methods and Results:

Combining published endothelial RNA-sequencing data sets with circRNAs of the circATLAS databank, we identified locus-conserved circRNA retaining intronic elements between mice and humans. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic depletion of the top expressed circRNA cZfp292 resulted in an altered endothelial morphology and aberrant flow alignment in the aorta in vivo. Consistently, depletion of cZNF292 in endothelial cells in vitro abolished laminar flow-induced alterations in cell orientation, paxillin localization and focal adhesion organization. Mechanistically, we identified the protein SDOS (syndesmos) to specifically interact with cZNF292 in endothelial cells by RNA-affinity purification and subsequent mass spectrometry analysis. Silencing of SDOS or its protein binding partner Syndecan-4, or mutation of the SDOS-cZNF292 binding site, prevented laminar flow-induced cytoskeletal reorganization thereby recapitulating cZfp292 knockout phenotypes.

Conclusions:

Together, our data reveal a hitherto unknown role of cZNF292/cZfp292 in endothelial flow responses, which influences endothelial shape.
Amomum xizangense (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Xizang, China
Authors: FU LIN , HUANG JIAN-PING , WU XING , DU ZHI-JIAN , LIN LING , YE YU-SHI
Published: November 2021

Amomum xizangense (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to A. maximum and A. subcapitatum, but differs in having purple-red leaf sheath, purple-red or reddish-green petiole, lamina with purple-red midvein, persistent bracts and bracteoles, yellowish-white calyx, yellowish corolla, yellow anther with trilobed and yellow crest and globose fruit.
Puccinia tuberosa, a new species of rust fungus on Allium tuberosum in Asia
Authors: JI JINGXIN , ZHANG YUNFENG , FAN YONGSHAN , LI ZHUANG , LI YU , KAKISHIMA MAKOTO
Published: November 2021

N/A
Middle Power Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: India and Australia at the Forefront
Authors: Das Shubhamitra
Published: November 2021

Indo-Pacific has emerged as a region of great movement, conflict and cooperation, contestations and coalition-building. The emergence of minilateral and multilateral cooperation by the middle powers is increasing in the region, with the regional countries enthusiastically mapping the region focussing on their centrality. History proves that the role of middle-power countries became more prominent during the moments of international transition. The two contrasting powers like India and Australia; one with a post-colonial identity in foreign policy-making, subtle emphasis on non-aligned movement (NAM) and emerging as an influential power, and, on the other, a traditional middle power with an alliance structure and regionalism akin to the Western model, have equal stakes in the region and it is inevitable for them to take a leadership position in building what is called a middle power communion in the Indo-Pacific. This article will explore the understanding of middle powers and how India and Australia, as middle powers; are strategically placed and, being great powers within their respective regions; take the responsibility of region-building and maintaining peace with great powers, and how the Indo-Pacific and Quad are emerging as discourses within their foreign policy-making.
Is Nothing Sacred? 1 Timothy and Clergy Sexual Abuse
Authors: Fortune Marie M.
Published: November 2021

1 Timothy and the Pastoral Letters appear to be efforts to codify structure and roles in the early church. These efforts largely reflected the patriarchal social structures of the time and as such are not relevant to the twenty-first-century church. But some of the concerns identified herein, for example expectations of church leaders, are useful for a current discussion. What is missing is any acknowledgement of the potential for identified church leaders to take advantage of vulnerable congregants, particularly women and children. How might the writer of 1 Timothy have addressed this serious problem in the churches?
Cheap talk or costly commitment? Leader statements and the implementation of civil war peace agreements
Authors: Prorok Alyssa K , Cil Deniz
Published: November 2021

This article examines how leaders affect the implementation of peace agreements. It argues that implementation is more likely when leaders have publicly committed to peace because public commitments tie leaders’ hands, making it costly to back down from peaceful promises. This effect is hypothesized to hold even under conditions that make implementation costly: when implementing difficult provisions, when spoiler risk is high, and when implementation is unreciprocated. These expectations are tested using novel data from the IPAD dataset on the implementation of peace agreements between 1989 and 2014 and on public statements by state and rebel leaders. Results show that governments and rebel groups whose leaders have publicly committed to peace are significantly more likely to make progress toward implementation. This effect holds for difficult provisions, when spoiler risk is high, and when implementation is unreciprocated. These findings highlight the importance of leaders’ political will for successful implementation of peace agreements and sustainable peace.
Introducing Regular Turnover Details, 1960–2015: A dataset on world leaders’ legal removal from office
Authors: Licht Amanda A
Published: November 2021

The premier data on leader survival focus on the violent, dramatic means by which leaders ‘exit’ office. This information, vital for many research questions, constitutes a valuable public good for the community. Yet, it provides an incomplete picture of the political rise and fall of world leaders. The burgeoning study of leaders using survival analysis requires a fine-grained understanding of not just when, but why and how leaders lose power. We cannot, for example, conclude that a leader’s exit implies a successful application of international pressure if her removal stems from pre-set constitutional laws and the immediate successor has long been considered the heir apparent. The Regular Turnover Details dataset remedies this problem. Two principal variables report information about the manner of each leader’s exit and the relationship between outgoing and incoming leaders, allowing analysts to arbitrate between exits that suggest political failure and those that don’t, identify non-political leaders (such as interim and technocratic executives), and determine whether leaders constitute heirs to power or challengers thereto.
Neonatal Fournier’s gangrene; pattern and predisposing factors in a tertiary health facility in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Philemon E Okoro , Promise W Igwe , Ezioma A Alinnor , Chinwendu A Okoro , Princewill Nwiwu
Published: November 2021

Fournier’s gangrene (FG), a necrotizing fasciitis of the genital and perineal region, is a serious and debilitating multi-infective pathological condition. More commonly seen in adults, its occurrence in neonates is uncommon. We share our experience with neonatal FG (NFG), highlighting potential factors which may predispose neonates to it.

Ours is a five year retrospective review of cases of NFG in our service. Data obtained included health facility of birth, mode of delivery, symptoms and duration, investigation results, treatment and outcome. Sixteen neonates were included, comprising 13 males (M:F  =  4.3:1). Fourteen were delivered outside our centre; breech vaginal delivery, hot water massaging and application of native concoctions were common. All were treated with antibiotics and wound debridement, but five (37.5%) died.NFG is not that rare in our service. Early recognition is imperative to reduce mortality. Neonates delivered by breech vaginally may be particularly at risk.