bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Advances in Potyviruses: From the Laboratory Bench to the Field
Authors: Yang Xiuling , Li Yinzi , Wang Aiming
Published: April 2021

Potyviruses (viruses in the genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) constitute the largest group of known plant-infecting RNA viruses and include many agriculturally important viruses that cause devastating epidemics and significant yield losses in many crops worldwide. Several potyviruses are recognized as the most economically important viral pathogens. Therefore, potyviruses are more studied than other groups of plant viruses. In the past decade, a large amount of knowledge has been generated to better understand potyviruses and their infection process. In this review, we list the top 10 economically important potyviruses and present a brief profile of each. We highlight recent exciting findings on the novel genome expression strategy and the biological functions of potyviral proteins and discuss recent advances in molecular plant–potyvirus interactions, particularly regarding the coevolutionary arms race. Finally, we summarize current disease control strategies, with a focus on biotechnology-based genetic resistance, and point out future research directions.
Shock Characteristics of the Opposed Disc Springs (ODS) Shock Isolator with Pretightening under Boundary Friction Condition
Authors: Hui An-Min , Yan Ming , Zhang Lei , Jin Ying-Li , Wang Kaiping , Liu Haichao
Published: April 2021

In this study, to solve the problems of shock environment and shock isolation, about which there is still a lack of reasonable description, an isokinetic shock distinguishing method (ISDM), which can quantitatively distinguish between shock and forced vibration state, is presented. And the shock isolation performance of an opposed disc springs (ODS) shock isolator with pretightening under boundary friction condition is investigated. The static and dynamic stiffness properties of the ODS shock isolator are discussed. Relying on ISDM, a shock dynamic model of the ODS shock isolator with pretightening under boundary friction condition is established. The average method is adopted to solve the model theoretically. The shock acceleration ratio (SAR), shock displacement ratio (SDR), and relative displacement ratio (RDR) of the model are calculated using the numerical method and verified by experiments. Both numerical and experimental results show that ISDM is effective. And the effects on isolation efficiency of the number of disc springs, additional supporting force, pretightening force, load, and the shock velocity constant of the ODS shock isolator are discussed, which provide guidelines for its further practical application.
Prediction of Blasting Vibration Velocity of Layered Rock Mass under Multihole Cut Blasting
Authors: Zhu Jie , Wei Haixia , Yang Xiaolin , Chu Huaibao
Published: April 2021

In the blasting construction of underground engineering in layered rock mass, the mechanism of cut blasting and the propagation law of blasting vibration waves are very complex. In this paper, a new method for predicting the blasting vibration velocity of layered rock mass under multihole cut blasting is proposed. The key steps include determining the equivalent elastic boundary and load, establishing the multidegree freedom model of blasting vibration and its motion differential equation, and solving the motion differential equation by time‐history analysis method. Two multihole cut blasting tests of different schemes were carried out in the construction site of layered rock mass, and the measured results of blasting vibration waves were obtained. By comparing the time‐history curves of the predicted and measured blasting vibration velocity, it can be seen that the time‐history curves predicted by the proposed method can reflect the characteristics and attenuation law of blasting vibration waves, and the predicted waveforms are similar to the measured waveforms. By using the proposed method, the prediction accuracy for the peak velocity of blasting vibration in the two tests is 93% and 94%, respectively, and the prediction accuracy for the dominant frequency of blasting vibration in the two tests is 86% and 94%, respectively. The prediction accuracy of the main characteristic parameters of blasting vibration waves is high. So it can be proved that the prediction method proposed in this paper is feasible in effectiveness and accuracy, which can provide important theoretical guidance for the optimization of blasting design and the control of blasting vibration in underground engineering in layered rock mass.
The Relationship of Large‐Artery Atherothrombotic Stroke with Plasma Trimethylamine N‐Oxide Level and Blood Lipid‐Related Indices: A Cross‐Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Xu Dongjuan , Zhao Wenfeng , Song Juexian , Yin Lu , Wang Kun , Wei Lianyan , Xu Yunyun , Li Hongfei , Min Baoquan , Tang Ning , Jiang Xiaoyan , Liu Hui , Yan Shuo , Leng Haixia , Xue Qing , Peng Mao , Wang Hongxing
Published: April 2021

Objective. The role of trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) in cardiovascular diseases has been highlighted. Nevertheless, the associations of large‐artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke with TMAO and blood lipid‐related indices are little investigated. Methods. A cross‐sectional comparative study was performed on 50 patients with LAA stroke and 50 healthy controls. Basic demographic data, common vascular risk factors, and blood lipid‐related indices were collected. Plasma TMAO was detected through liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analyses were run to assess the associations of LAA stroke with plasma TMAO level and blood lipid‐related indices. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was computed to assess the diagnostic performance of plasma TMAO level and blood lipid‐related indices for LAA stroke. Results. Compared with healthy controls, the elevated plasma TMAO level (odds ratio [OR], 7.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.86, 17.25; p < 0.01) and Apo‐B (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.06, 2.85; p = 0.03) were observed in LAA stroke patients, while lower Apo‐A1 (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34, 0.91; p = 0.02), Apo‐A1 to Apo‐B ratio (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.15, 0.56; p < 0.01), and HDL‐C (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35, 0.91; p = 0.02) were found in LAA stroke patients after adjusted for age and gender. Moreover, plasma TMAO (AUC, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83, 0.95), Apo‐A1 (AUC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72, 0.89), Apo‐B (AUC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73, 0.90), Apo‐A1 to Apo‐B ratio (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78, 0.93), and HDL‐C (AUC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72, 0.89) showed good diagnostic values for LAA stroke in adjusted models. Conclusions. The plasma TMAO level, Apo‐A1, Apo‐B, and HDL‐C are important biomarkers for LAA stroke patients.
Functional Recovery after Intramyocardial Injection of Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Konstanty-Kalandyk Janusz , Sadowski Jerzy , Kędziora Anna , Urbańczyk-Zawadzka Małgorzata , Baran Jakub , Banyś Paweł , Kapelak Bogusław , Piątek Jacek
Published: April 2021

Aims. A major clinical concern is the continuous increase in the number of patients diagnosed with advanced coronary artery disease, ischemic heart failure, and refractory angina, and one of the most promising treatment options for these conditions is stem cell-based therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the functional improvement following intramyocardial injection of adipose-derived stromal cells, using cardiac magnetic resonance. Methods and Results. Thirteen patients with ischemic heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, refractory angina, and who have been disqualified from any form of direct revascularization were enrolled in the study with transthoracic autologous adipose-derived stromal cell implantation. All patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance prior to the procedure and after 12 months of follow-up. A significant increase in stroke volume (

83.1
±
8.5
 
mL

vs

93.8
±
13.8
 
mL

,

p
=
0.025

) and stroke volume index (

43.3
±
7.6
 
mL
/

m

2

vs

48.7
±
9.1
 
mL
/

m

2

,

p
=
0.019

), a statistical trend toward an increase in left ventricle ejection fraction (

36.7
±
13.2

vs

39.7
±
14.9

,

p
=
0.052

), and cardiac output improvement (

5.0
±
0.7

vs

5.5
±
0.9

,

p
=
0.073

) was observed in the patient postprocedure. Enhanced relative regional thickening was noted in the segments with adipose-derived stromal cell implantation. Conclusions. Intramyocardial adipose-derived stromal cell implantation is a promising therapeutic option for selected, symptomatic patients with ischemic heart failure, who have preserved myocardial viability despite being unsuitable for direct revascularization.
Renal Arteriography via Radial Artery Access with a 125 cm Long Angiographic Catheter
Authors: Liu Ji-Xuan , Sun Zhi-Jun , Wang Jin-Da
Published: April 2021

A 125 cm long catheter makes it possible to perform renal arteriography via radial artery, but its feasibility and safety remain unclear. Our study recruited 1,323 patients grouped by two different vascular accesses to renal arteriography, i.e., femoral artery access and radial artery access. The success rate of angiography was 100% in both groups. Differential analysis showed that the overall complication incidence of radial artery access group was significantly lower (2.5% for radial artery access vs. 4.8% for femoral artery access, p = 0.03). From this study, we suggest that using the 125 cm angiographic catheter to perform renal arteriography via radial artery access is feasible and safe.
Expression Pattern and Prognostic Value of EPHA/EFNA in Breast Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis: Revealing Its Importance in Chemotherapy
Authors: Liang Zheng , Wang Xu , Dong Kaiti , Li Xinhua , Qin Chenge , Zhou Huifang
Published: April 2021

The activities of the ephrin family in breast cancer (BrCa) are complex. Family A receptors (EPHA) and ligands (EFNA) can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and are implicated in chemoresistance. Here, we examined the expression pattern and prognostic value of the EPHA/EFNA family in patients with breast cancer, including patients with different subtypes or different chemotherapy cohorts. In the UALCAN database, the mRNA expression of EPHA1, EPHA10, EFNA1, EFNA3, and EFNA4 was significantly higher, whereas that of EPHA2, EPHA4, EPHA5, and EFNA5 was significantly lower in breast cancer tissues than in paracancerous tissues. The transcriptional levels of EPHA/EFNA family members were correlated with intrinsic subclasses of breast cancer. The relationship between EPHA/EFNA and the clinicopathological parameters of BrCa was analyzed using bc‐GenExMiner V4.5. EPHA1, EPHA2, EPHA4, EPHA7, EFNA3, EFNA4, and EFNA5 were upregulated in estrogen receptor‐ (ER‐) and progesterone receptor‐ (PR‐) negative tumors, whereas EPHA3, EPHA6, and EFNA1 were upregulated in ER‐ and PR‐positive tumors. EPHA1, EPHA2, EFNA3, and EFNA4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐ (HER2‐) positive tumors than in HER2‐negative tumors. Triple‐negative status was positively correlated with EPHA1, EPHA2, EPHA4, EPHA7, EFNA3, EFNA4, and EFNA5 and negatively correlated with EPHA3 and EPHA10 mRNA expression. Genetic alterations of EPHA/EFNA in breast cancer varied from 1.1% to 10% for individual genes, as determined by the cBioPortal database. The Kaplan–Meier plotter indicated that high EphA7 mRNA expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS), especially in the HER2 and luminal A subtypes. EFNA4 was predicted to have poor OS and RFS in breast cancers, especially in luminal B, basal‐like subtype, and patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. High EPHA3 expression was significantly associated with better OS and RFS, especially in the luminal A subtype, but with poor RFS in BrCa patients receiving chemotherapy. Our findings systematically elucidate the expression pattern and prognostic value of the EPHA/EFNA family in BrCa, which might provide potential prognostic factors and novel targets in BrCa patients, including those with different subtypes or treated with chemotherapy.
Pile‐Soil Stress Ratio and Settlement of Composite Foundation Bidirectionally Reinforced by Piles and Geosynthetics under Embankment Load
Authors: Ma Binhui , Li Zhuo , Cai Kai , Liu Meng , Zhao Minghua , Chen Bingchu , Chen Qiunan , Hu Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

The settlement calculation of composite foundation bidirectionally reinforced by piles and geosynthetics is always a difficult problem. The key to its accuracy lies in the determination of pile‐soil stress ratio. Based on the theory of double parameters of the elastic foundation plate, the horizontal geosynthetics of composite foundation are regarded as the elastic thin plate, and the vertical piles and surrounding soil are regarded as a series of springs with different stiffness. The deflection equation of horizontal geosynthetics considering its bending and pulling action is obtained according to the static equilibrium conditions. The equation is solved by using Bessel function of complex variable, and the corresponding deflection function of horizontal geosynthetics is deduced. Then, the calculation formula of pile‐soil stress ratio and settlement of composite foundation is derived by considering the deformation coordination of pile and soil. The results of engineering case analysis show that the theoretical calculation results are in good agreement with the measured values, which indicates that the proposed method is feasible and the calculation accuracy is good. Finally, the influence of composite modulus of horizontal geosynthetics, tensile force of geosynthetics, and pile‐soil stiffness ratio on pile‐soil stress ratio and settlement is further analyzed. The results show that the pile‐soil stress ratio increases with the increase of the composite modulus of the horizontal geosynthetics, the tensile force of geosynthetics, and the pile‐soil stiffness ratio, and the settlement decreases with the increase of the composite modulus of the horizontal geosynthetics, the tensile force of geosynthetics, and the pile‐soil stiffness ratio. When the flexural stiffness of the horizontal geosynthetics is small, the influence of the tensile action of the geosynthetics on the pile‐soil stress ratio and settlement of the composite foundation cannot be ignored.
Productivity Analysis of Volume Fractured Wells under Different Working Systems
Authors: Ma Hongfei , Zhao Wenqi , Sun Meng , Wang Xiaodong , Zhao Lun , Zou Chunmei , Wang Bo
Published: April 2021

The volume fracturing technique has been widely used to improve the productivity of ultralow-permeability reservoirs. This paper presents a new semianalytical model to simulate the pressure transient and production behaviour of finite conductivity vertical fractured wells with stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) in heterogeneous reservoirs. The model is based on the five-linear flow model, the Warren-Root model, and fracture conductivity influence function. The model is validated by comparing its results with a numerical model. One novelty of this model is its consideration of three different kinds of production prediction models. Constant rate, constant pressure, and compound working systems are taken into account. This paper illustrates the effects of the SRV size and shape, mobility ratio, initial flow rate, limiting wellbore pressure, and hydraulic fracture parameters under different working systems. Results show that the SRV and parameters of fractures have a significant influence on long-term well performance. Moreover, the initial rate can extend the constant rate period by 418%, and limiting wellbore pressure can effectively improve the cumulative recovery rate by 23%. Therefore, this model can predict long-term wells’ behaviour and provide practical guiding significance for hydraulic fracturing design.
Genetic Diversity of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)Trotter] as Revealed by Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Tadesse Mahilet , Kebede Mulugeta , Girma Dejene
Published: April 2021

Genetic variability is the fundamental prerequisite of any crop-breeding program to develop superior cultivars. There are about 350 Eragrostis1 species, of which, tef is the only species cultivated for human consumption. Currently, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) collected over five thousand tef accessions from different geographical regions, diverse in terms of climate and elevation, which are uncharacterized yet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among 64 tef accessions using 10 selected polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. A total of 314 alleles were detected with an average of 14.5 alleles per locus and amplicon size ranged from 90 bp–320 bp. The mean value of polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.87, appearing polymorphic for all loci. The lowest Fst value (0.05) was recorded among the studied tef populations. The mean value of major allele frequency and the number of effective alleles were 0.33 and 3.32, respectively. The mean value of gene flow (Nm) and Shannon’s information index (I) was 4.74 and 1.65, respectively. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities varied from 0.34 to 0.56 and from 0.58 to 0.76, respectively. The cluster analysis has grouped the 64 tef accessions into three distinct clusters based on their similarity. The PCoA analysis showed that clustering is basing on the geographical origin of accessions. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 56%, 39% and 5% of the total variation due to variation within populations, among individuals and among populations, respectively. Structure bar-plot also inferred three gene pools, but with high level of admixtures. Thus, the present study shows that the identified tef accessions could be of great interest for the initiation of a planned breeding and conservation programs.
Emerging Roles of Impaired Autophagy in Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Niture Suryakant , Lin Minghui , Rios-Colon Leslimar , Qi Qi , Moore John T. , Kumar Deepak
Published: April 2021

Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process that eliminates dysfunctional cytosolic biomolecules through vacuole-mediated sequestration and lysosomal degradation. Although the molecular mechanisms that regulate autophagy are not fully understood, recent work indicates that dysfunctional/impaired autophagic functions are associated with the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy prevents NAFLD and AFLD progression through enhanced lipid catabolism and decreasing hepatic steatosis, which is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides and increased inflammation. However, as both diseases progress, autophagy can become impaired leading to exacerbation of both pathological conditions and progression into HCC. Due to the significance of impaired autophagy in these diseases, there is increased interest in studying pathways and targets involved in maintaining efficient autophagic functions as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize how impaired autophagy affects liver function and contributes to NAFLD, AFLD, and HCC progression. We will also explore how recent discoveries could provide novel therapeutic opportunities to effectively treat these diseases.
Evaluation of Backfill Operation Models Using SBSC and IFAHP Approach
Authors: Li Yan
Published: April 2021

As the mine backfill is recognized as one promising technique for the sustainable development, it is crucial to explore the backfill operation mechanism for the mining industry. At present, the self‐management and outsourcing model are generally selected to apply in backfill operation and management worldwide. The advantages are insufficient from the strategic and sustainable perspective. Therefore, the study proposes joint venture alliance and concerns the superiority on mine backfill management. In order to evaluate the models, this study puts forward the integrated method which involves combination of SBSC and IFAHP. A strategic and hierarchical framework of SBSC on the basis of sustainability is formulated, which includes 6 perspectives and 16 secondary indexes. Simultaneously, the IFAHP approach is used for determination of the weights of indexes and calculation of the final score, which enables to assess mine backfill operation activity more objectively. The results show that the self‐management model provides little advantages whereas the outsourcing model is the better operation mechanism. By contrast, joint venture alliance is rated as the optimal backfill operation model of the mining industry. The research findings of this study would help the mining industry to evaluate objectively and make an appropriate decision on the backfill operation model in the mining industry.
The Role of CD40 in Allergic Rhinitis and Airway Remodelling
Authors: Cheng Ke-Jia , Zhou Min-Li , Liu Yong-Cai , Wang Chen , Xu Ying-Ying
Published: April 2021

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects millions of people and is lack of effective treatment. CD40 is an important costimulatory molecule in immunity. However, few studies have focused on the role of CD40 in AR. Methods. In this study, we built mouse model of chronic AR. The mice were divided into the AR, control, intravenous CD40 siRNA, and nasal CD40 siRNA groups (

n
=
6

each). We detected OVA-sIgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TGF-β levels in serum and supernatant by ELISA, CD40+ splenic DCs, and Foxp3+ Tregs by flow cytometry and CD40 mRNA by RT2-PCR. We also used PAS and MT stains to assess tissue remodelling. Results. (1) The OVA-sIgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in the serum or supernatant of nasal septal membrane of AR mice were significantly higher than control. After treated with CD40 siRNA, those indicators were significantly decreased. The IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β levels in AR mice were significantly lower than that in control and were increased by administration of CD40 siRNA. (2) AR mice had significantly fewer Foxp3+ Tregs in the spleen than control mice. After treated with CD40 siRNA, AR mice had significantly more Foxp3+ Tregs. (3) AR mice exhibited a significantly higher CD40 mRNA levels than control. Administration of CD40 siRNA significantly reduced the CD40 mRNA level. (4) The AR mice showed significantly greater collagen deposition than the control in MT staining. Applications of CD40 siRNA significantly reduced the collagen deposition in AR mice. Conclusion. CD40 siRNA therapy shows promise for chronic AR as it significantly attenuated allergic symptoms and Th2-related inflammation and upregulated Foxp3+ Tregs. CD40 plays a role in tissue remodelling in AR, which can be inhibited by CD40 siRNA application.
A Review of Employer‐Caused Delay Factors in Traditional and Building Information Modeling (BIM)‐Enabled Projects: Research Framework
Authors: Barqawi Mohammad , Chong Heap-Yih , Jonescu Emil
Published: April 2021

Construction delays are considered a common worldwide problem. Previous studies have investigated construction delay factors from the perspectives of different project stakeholders. However, a thorough analysis of such delays on different types of construction projects in different geographies is still lacking, precisely the effect of employers’ delays in traditional and building information modeling (BIM)‐enabled projects. This research proposes a research framework to address potential employer‐caused delay factors in traditional and BIM‐enabled projects. A cross‐sectional literature search was carried out to review construction delay factors and employer‐caused delay factors in traditional and BIM‐enabled projects. The study found that: (a) a research gap exists in traditional construction delay studies in specific continents and project types as well as in BIM‐enabled project studies, (b) delay aspects have not been addressed or have been partially addressed in previous studies, and (c) a relationship model between employer‐caused delay factors and success factors can be developed by studying the effects of BIM barriers and implementation strategies. This paper is the first to present a comprehensive review on delay factors and tender a novel framework to address employer‐caused delay factors in both traditional and BIM‐enabled projects.
Routine Medical Check‐Up and Self‐Treatment Practices among Community‐Dwelling Living in a Mountainous Area of Northern Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Tam T. , Hoang Phong N. , Pham Ha V. , Nguyen Dua N. , Bui Hoai T. T. , Nguyen Anh T. , Do Thinh D. , Dang Ngan T. , Dinh Huy Q. , Truong Dao Q. , Le Tuan A.
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the routine medical check‐up and self‐treatment behaviors of people living in a remote and mountainous setting in Northern Vietnam and identify their associations. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 175 people in August 2018 in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh. Information regarding routine medical check‐ups and self‐treatment behaviors was collected by using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations. Results show that 24% of the mountainous people had routine medical check‐ups in the last 12 months. The rate of self‐treatment in the past three months was 33.7%. The number of chronic diseases (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.3), health information sources from radio/television (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.2‐9.5), or social media (OR = 24.8, 95% CI = 1.2‐512.4) was related to routine medical check‐up. People who did not have routine medical check‐up were more likely to have self‐treatment practice (OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 1.9‐21.1) than those who had a regular health check. Promoting health education and communication through mass media to raise people’s awareness about regular health check‐ups is a promising way to improve people’s self‐treatment status.
Mechanical Properties of Soft Soil considering the Influence of Unloading Stress Paths
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Junjie , Lu Yuming , Li Dongsheng , Mou Yaqing , Wu Xuheng , Jiang Zhijian , Li Ziyun
Published: April 2021

The mechanical properties of soft soil are crucial for the design and construction of underground space excavation; however, the current design and numerical analysis of underground spaces consider the loading mechanical parameters, ignoring the influence of the unloading stress path resulting in frequent construction accidents in practice. Here, soft soil in Shenzhen, China, is taken as the research subject, and a series of consolidated‐undrained unloading tests are performed. First, K0 consolidation is conducted. Then, unloading tests are performed with different unloading ratios to simulate different unloading stress paths. The test results show that the soft soil deformation characteristics are closely related to the stress path and unloading ratio. Under different unloading ratios, soft soil will undergo compression deformation or rebound deformation. Under unloading conditions, the deviator stress‐strain curve satisfies a hyperbolic function and can be normalized with the average consolidation confining pressure. With the increase in the unloading ratio, the initial tangent modulus first decreases and then increases, the cohesion decreases, and the internal friction angle does not change significantly. The loading mechanical parameters are not suitable for numerical calculation in unloading engineering. In this paper, more unloading paths are considered, such as UU1.0 and UU0.5. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the calculation of the numerical analysis of the soil body at different depths in rich soft soil pits.
Optimal Strategy of Supply Chain considering Interruption Insurance
Authors: Yu Rong , Wu Zhong , Qu Shaojian
Published: April 2021

The interruption of supply chain caused by unexpected events results in great economic losses. In this paper, we consider that the supply chain risk management consists of a manufacturer and a retailer faced with demand and supply uncertainties caused by the interruption of supply chain. We consider that the manufacturer transfers the disruption risk by purchasing BI (business interruption) insurance. Three models are established to illustrate the impact of insurance on supply chain decision‐making under risk. It is observed that business interruption insurance can increase the retailer’s order quantity and supply chain profit. The higher the interrupt probability is, the more obvious the value of the business interruption insurance is. Furthermore, the retailer helps the manufacturer to share the premium, and the manufacture shares the proceeds of insurance with the retailer, which can stimulate retailer to order more and increase the profit of manufacturer and retailer.
Lubrication State Recognition Based on Energy Characteristics of Friction Vibration with EEMD and SVM
Authors: Yu Hai-jie , Wei Hai-jun , Li Jing-ming , Zhou Da‐ping , Wei Li‐dui , Liu Hong
Published: April 2021

In order to identify different lubrication states, lubrication experiments were carried out on a Bruker UMT‐3 tester. The experimental results show that the frequency band energy characteristics of friction vibration signals are different under different lubrication states. Based on this, a lubrication state recognition method with ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and support vector machine (SVM) was proposed. The vibration signals were decomposed into a finite number of stationary intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with the EEMD method. The first six IMF components containing the main friction information were retained to calculate the energy ratio and construct the feature vector. The experimental results show that the mixed lubrication state can be identified by hundred percent, and there is a slight confusion between boundary lubrication and dry friction. The results show that frequency band energy of friction vibration signals is an effective feature to identify different lubrication states, and the proposed method can be used to identify different lubrication states.
Risk Early Warning Evaluation of Coal Mine Water Inrush Based on Complex Network and Its Application
Authors: Li Yanhui , Bai Jianbiao , Yan Wei , Wang Xiangyu , Wu Bowen , Liu Shuaigang , Xu Jun , Sun Jiaxin
Published: April 2021

As one of the five major coal mine disasters, the water inrush disaster poses a serious threat to the safety of the country and people, so the prevention work for that becomes very important. However, there is no perfect assessment system that can better solve the complex dependence relationships among disaster‐causing factors of water inrush disasters. This study applied the knowledge of Complex Networks to research water inrush disaster, and based on that, the early warning evaluation system that combined ANP and Cloud model was established in order to solve the complex dependence problem and prevent the occurrence of water inrush. Moreover, this evaluation model was applied to the example Y coal mine to verify its superiority and feasibility. The results showed that the main cloud of goal was located at the yellow‐strong warning level, and the first‐level indicators were, respectively, at that the yellow‐strong level of mining conditions, the yellow‐strong warning level of hydrological factors, between the yellow‐strong warning level and purple‐general level of the geological structure, and among the blue‐slightly weak warning level, purple‐general level, and yellow‐strong level of the human factor. The prediction results were consistent with the actual situation of the coal water inrush disaster in Y mine, which further proved that this early warning evaluation model is reliable. In response to the forecast results, the authors put forward relative improvements necessary to strengthen the prevention ability to disaster‐causing factors among hydrological factors, mining conditions, and geological structure, which should comprehensively increase knowledge, technology, and management of workers to avoid leaving out disaster‐causing factors. Meanwhile, the warning evaluation model also provides the relevant experience basis for other types of early warning assessment networks.
Cervical Cancer Immunotherapy: Facts and Hopes
Authors: Ferrall Louise , Lin Ken Y. , Roden Richard B.S. , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu T.-C.
Published: April 2021

It is a sad fact that despite being almost completely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer to affect women worldwide. Persistent high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection is the primary etiologic factor for cervical cancer. Upward of 70% of cases are driven by HPV types 16 and 18, with a dozen other hrHPVs associated with the remainder of cases. Current standard-of-care treatments include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgical resection. However, they have significant side effects and limited efficacy against advanced disease. There are a few treatment options for recurrent or metastatic cases. Immunotherapy offers new hope, as demonstrated by the recent approval of programmed cell death protein 1–blocking antibody for recurrent or metastatic disease. This might be augmented by combination with antigen-specific immunotherapy approaches, such as vaccines or adoptive cell transfer, to enhance the host cellular immune response targeting HPV-positive cancer cells. As cervical cancer progresses, it can foster an immunosuppressive microenvironment and counteract host anticancer immunity. Thus, approaches to reverse suppressive immune environments and bolster effector T-cell functioning are likely to enhance the success of such cervical cancer immunotherapy. The success of nonspecific immunostimulants like imiquimod against genital warts also suggest the possibility of utilizing these immunotherapeutic strategies in cervical cancer prevention to treat precursor lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and persistent hrHPV infections against which the licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines have no efficacy. Here, we review the progress and challenges in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.
Morbidity in Late Preterm Birth: A Retrospective Cohort Study Assessing the Role of Immaturity versus Antecedent Factors
Authors: Lorenzo Melissa , Laupacis Megan , Hopman Wilma M. , Ahmad Imtiaz , Khurshid Faiza
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Late preterm infants (LPIs) are infants born between 340/7 and 366/7 weeks gestation. Morbidities in these infants are commonly considered a result of prematurity; however, some research has suggested immaturity may not be the sole cause of morbidities. We hypothesize that antecedents leading to late preterm birth are associated with different patterns of morbidities and that morbidities are the result of gestational age superimposed by the underlying etiologies of preterm delivery. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of late preterm neonates born at a single tertiary care center. We examined neonatal morbidities including apnea of prematurity, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, and the requirement for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk of each morbidity associated with 3 categorized antecedents of delivery, that is, spontaneous preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and medically indicated birth. We calculated the predictive probability of each antecedent resulting in individual morbidity across gestational ages. Results: 279 LPIs were included in the study. Decreasing gestational age was associated with significantly increased risk of apnea of prematurity, hyperbilirubinemia, and requirement of CPAP. In our cohort, the risk of hypoglycemia increased with gestational age, with the greatest incidence at 360−6 weeks. There was no significant association of risk of selected morbidities and the antecedents of late preterm delivery, with or without adjustment for gestational age, multiple gestation, small for gestational age (SGA), antenatal steroids, and delivery method. Discussion and Conclusion: This study found no difference in morbidity risk related to 3 common antecedents of preterm birth in LPIs. Our research suggests that immaturity is the primary factor in determining adverse outcomes, intensified by factors resulting in prematurity.
Prognostic Value of Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging Patterns in Sudden Hearing Loss
Authors: Conte Giorgio , Di Berardino Federica , Mastrapasqua Rodolfo Francesco , Casale Silvia , Scola Elisa , Capaccio Pasquale , Triulzi Fabio , Pignataro Lorenzo , Zanetti Diego
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a relatively frequent disease, but a sensitive marker or a reliable test to identify the underlying cause is still unavailable. Neuroradiology appears to offer the most promising tools, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In a recent study from our group, we explored the ability of MRI to detect subtle changes in the inner ear compartments by means of a 3D-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence, aiming at identifying 3 distinct MRI patterns (haemorrhagic, inflammatory, brain-labyrinth barrier breakdown). In the present study, we contrasted the MRI patterns at onset with relevant prognostic factors, with the audiological features of each patient’s SSHL and with treatment outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 50 adult subjects (54.61 ± 18.26 years) with SSHL. They underwent an MRI within 72 h from admission, and 5 audiological evaluations: at admission, on the 5th day after the start of medical therapy, at the end of the first cycle of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, then 1 and 6 months later. Results: Abnormalities of the MRI signal and/or post-contrast enhancement asymmetry of the cochlea (“pattern+ MRI”) correlated with worse audiological outcomes at 1 month, but the different MRI patterns were not correlated with any specific prognostic model, despite rigid protocol settings. However, a significant difference was found for low-tone SSHL, which were always “pattern” negative at MRI (p = 0.01), and for profound SSHL which demonstrated a pattern+ MRI in 80% (p = 0.04). At the onset of SSHL, a pattern+ MRI was found in 29/50 cases (58.0%) and was related with lesser degree of recovery of pure-tone average at 1 month and lesser chance to retain the hearing threshold benefit in the long term. Given the limited numbers of patients enrolled so far, the relative impact of comorbidities on each MRI pattern remains uncertain. At 6 months, we observed a trend of greater and more stable recovery (p = 0.023) and less frequent recurrence of SSHL in patients with a normal MRI. Conclusions: The 3 observed MRI patterns did not correlate consistently with specific audio-vestibular features or any peculiar aspect of the patient’s clinical history. Larger series of patients with SSHL are needed, possibly from multicentric studies.
Obesity and Gallstones
Authors: Parra-Landazury Nela Melissa , Cordova-Gallardo Jacqueline , Méndez-Sánchez Nahum
Published: April 2021

Background: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally and represents the main risk factor for the development of gallstone disease (GD). Summary: Excess body weight represents the main cause for the development of GD; nevertheless, there have been described multiple risk factors for its development, among them modifiable risk factors as diet, lifestyle, physical inactivity, and non-modifiable risk factors as ethnicity, female sex, advanced age, parity, and genetic mutations. Body mass index, abdominal perimeter, and waist-hip index have been used to determine the degree of adiposity of a person. Hence, central abdominal fat has been mostly associated with insulin resistance with the consequent increase in the hepatic cholesterol secretion; contributing as one of the multiple mechanisms associated with the development of gallstones. This disease has a low mortality; however, it has been associated with multiple diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, carotid atherosclerosis, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, and gallbladder cancer, probably because they share many of the risk factors. Key Messages: GD continues to be considered a disease with a high medical burden, in which it is sought to intervene in modifiable risk factors to reduce its development.
Curative, Organ-Sparing, Multimodal, Perioperative Treatment of a Young Patient with a Rectoanal Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor
Authors: Schöffski Patrick , Vander Borght Sara , Vanden Bempt Isabelle , Jentjens Sander , Vandecaveye Vincent , Sciot Raf , De Hertogh Gert , Christiaens Melissa , Wolthuis Albert
Published: April 2021

Introduction: We report the case of a young female patient with a technically resectable, nonmetastatic, rectoanal, anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK)-translocated inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMFT). Case Presentation: The patient was successfully treated preoperatively with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crizotinib, to downsize the primary tumor, followed by sphincter-sparing surgery, and adjuvant radiotherapy and crizotinib. She is now in follow-up with good sphincter function and with no evidence of active disease. Conclusion: Pre- and postoperative treatment administration of crizotinib can be given with curative intent to patients with locally advanced, nonmetastatic IMFTs to avoid mutilating surgery.
Rescue Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Refractory Meige Syndrome
Authors: Aragão Veronica Tavares , Barbosa Casagrande Sara Carvalho , Listik Clarice , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Cury Rubens Gisbert
Published: April 2021

Meige syndrome is a segmental form of dystonia. It is a disabling disease, especially when refractory to treatment with botulinum toxin. A well-established therapeutic option is deep brain stimulation (DBS), and the target in bilateral globus pallidus internus (GPi DBS) demonstrated satisfactory short- and long-term efficacy. However, some patients present minor or suboptimal responses after GPi DBS, and in those cases, rescue DBS may be appropriate. The present case illustrates a good outcome after subthalamic nucleus (STN) and not after GPi DBS (considering that both were well positioned and had adequate programming). The larger dimension of the GPi and its somatotopic organization, with the stimulation outside the “face region,” could explain our outcomes.
The Date and Provenance of Targum Pseudo-Jonathan: The Evidence of Pirqe deRabbi Eliezer and the Chronicles of Moses
Authors: McDowell Gavin
Published: April 2021

The date of Targum Pseudo-Jonathan has been the occasion of much controversy, with propositions ranging from the Second Temple period to the time of the Crusades. Related to the Targum is the late midrashic work Pirqe deRabbi Eliezer (eighth century), but the nature of this relationship is disputed. The present article proposes that the Targum depends unilaterally on PRE, based on two principal arguments: 1. PRE does not refer to common Targumic traditions in Pseudo-Jonathan; and 2. Pseudo-Jonathan uses sources that post-date PRE, namely the Chronicles of Moses, which was written around the eleventh century. The Targum’s use of late sources places its redaction long after the conclusion of the first millennium. The author proposes a twelfth-century Italian origin, which corresponds to the earliest evidence for the Targum.
Bare bones inclusivism and the implications of Romans 1:20
Authors: Sennett James F.
Published: April 2021

This paper is a defense of Christian inclusivism – the view that there is salvation in Christ available to those who never explicitly embrace Christianity. This defense progresses in two steps. First I identify what I call ‘Bare Bones Inclusivism,’ a sort of ‘stripped down’ model of the doctrine that commits only to the essential claim of the view, without commitment – explicit or implicit – to any of the positions that are so often understood as codicils or corollaries of inclusivism. Second I offer an argument for Bare Bones Inclusivism that is motivated by a passage most often associated with Christian exclusivism – Romans 1:20. I use this verse to defend the key premise of my argument – that the condemnation of the unevangelized is justified only if they have not responded appropriately to general revelation. I close with responses to a couple of key objections that have been raised against my argument.
A portrait of the person as an ancient artist
Authors: Wilks John G. F.
Published: April 2021

This article explores the implications of personhood from artistic creativity. An investigation of the models of divine creative methods portrayed in Genesis 1 suggests that human creativity is comparable to that employed by God on days 5 and 6, where the waters and the earth are reshaped to produce something new. Consideration of Paleolithic rock art shows just how ancient artistic expression is, and that it is something unique to Homo sapiens, with no evidence that Homo neanderthalensis was artistically creative. The importance of artistic creativity within a community has further implications for our investigation of personhood. Even if the artistic merit of the art produced is far short of great, the desire to express oneself artistically is widespread.
Jerusalem in radical Jewish and Muslim fundamentalisms
Authors: Zeidan David
Published: April 2021

There are common features shared by Jewish and Islamic fundamentalists, including an emphasis on holy sites, especially Jerusalem, and the incorporation of violence into an apocalyptic world view.
A new natural hybrid in Saxifraga sect. Porphyrion Tausch (Saxifragaceae)

Authors: HORÁK DAVID , HAJMAN MARTIN , HRONEŠ MICHAL , PAVELKA MOJMÍR
Published: April 2021

A new natural hybrid Saxifraga ×klimesii Hajman, Horák & Hroneš from Ladakh (NW India) is described and illustrated. This hybrid resulted from cross between Saxifraga meeboldii Engler & Irmscher and Saxifraga pulvinaria Harry Smith. The morphology of the hybrid plants and its parental taxa was evaluated using morphometric analysis of both living plants and herbarium specimens. An artificial cross was also made to compare its morphology with spontaneous hybrids. Ploidy level and relative genome size was established using flow cytometry. Saxifraga ×klimesii is intermediate in morphology and relative genome size between both parents. It differs from S. meeboldii by shorter and wider rosette leaves and lighter yellow, larger and wider petals and from S. pulvinaria by larger rosettes, often more than one pore on leaves and usually yellow coloured petals. A lectotype is selected for S. pulvinaria.
Rediscovering Rhipsalis hoelleri (Cactaceae), a Critically Endangered species from Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Authors: CARDOSO WEVERSON CAVALCANTE , NEGRÃO RAQUEL , DUTRA VALQUÍRIA FERREIRA , SAKURAGUI CASSIA MÔNICA
Published: April 2021

Rhipsalis Gaertner (1788: 138) belongs to Cactaceae Juss., which is among the major taxonomic groups including the highest numbers of threatened species in the world (Goettsch et al. 2015). The center of diversity and endemism of this genus is in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, a world hotspot of biodiversity (Myers et al. 2000). This forests harbors 5% of all flowering plants species on the planet (Stehmann et al. 2009), including a high diversity of vascular epiphytes. Cactaceae is the sixth most expressive family in terms of number of epiphytes in the Atlantic Forest (2.2% of all vascular epiphyte species at the domain; Freitas et al. 2016) and Rhipsalis is the largest genus of epiphytic cacti (40 species according to Calvente 2012), highlighting the importance of this genus amongst the global epiphytic flora.