bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New algorithm to simulate fracture network propagation using stationary and moving coordinates in naturally fractured reservoirs
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Qi Zhilin , Yan Wende , Huang Xiaoliang , Xiao Qianhua , Mo Fei , Fang Feifei
Published: August 2020

Influenced by natural fractures, fracture networks may be created when hydraulic fractures propagate in naturally fractured reservoirs. Simulating fracture network propagation is crucial to fracture design. In this paper, a two‐dimensional mathematical model for the direct simulation of fracture network propagation that considers fluid filtration and reservoir fluid flow is developed, and a simulation method is proposed based on the coupled flow idea of natural fractures and matrices in dual‐porosity media. The model uses dynamic coordinates to represent the extended hydraulic fracture network and static coordinates to describe natural fractures that have not been activated. The activation of natural fractures by a hydraulic fracture is determined according to the hydraulic fracture propagation scenario after an intersection with natural fractures. The geometric shape and size of the network fracture are obtained by changing the size of the simulated area and solving the mass balance, fracture width, and reservoir fluid flow equations numerically in a coupled manner. After validating the new model, a parameter sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the effects of injected fluid volume, fracture height, fracture spacing, elastic modulus, horizontal principal stress difference, pumping rate, and fracturing fluid viscosity on the fracture network shape, fracture network size, average fracture width, and fracture‐reservoir contact area. The numerical results indicate that the model can be directly used to simulate the propagation of fracture networks. The volume of injected fluid is the most critical factor affecting the fracture network size. Increasing the fluid viscosity and injection rate can increase the width of the fracture network and the average width of a secondary fracture. However, the total contact area of the reservoir and fracture will decrease, and the reservoir‐fracture contact area and fracture network size will increase with a decrease in the horizontal stress difference and increase in elastic modulus. Decreasing a fracture's height can significantly increase the size of the fracture network and reservoir‐fracture contact area.
Enhanced development of communication between the network and the end user by eliminating the interference signals inMIMOchannel
Authors: Amutha B , Malar A Christy Jeba , Nanmaran Karthick , Hussain D. Mansoor , Jeyakrishnan V , Karthikeyan M.
Published: August 2020

Though the key technology for 5G communication is the massive Multiple input and multiple output (MIMO), it has a major drawback when the user generated inference signals are to be handled by several other users. When these interference signals are used in various users, issues concerning system ability, power management issues and QoS related issues arises with the involvement of MIMO channel. Though internet of things (IoT) making use of MIMO is still under development, the requirements of the IoT is quite different when compared to several other connections. Thus, taking into account the demands, the solutions were framed with the help of the proposed system. One such solution is the Partition Square and Cross‐Processing method that can possess several antennas at the given destination. Based on this solution obtained the data rate can be drastically increased correspondingly reducing the power consumed thus producing the most desirable result with high signal to noise ratio (SNR). Best victory is another such solution that solves the issues relating to power reduction thereby providing the best solution with minimum SNR. These solutions produced by the proposed system still has some disadvantages with respect to the following case: when the number of destination antennas is less than the number of source antennas. This case is considered as most common in the model proposed. For the above‐mentioned case, near optimal solution is produced by both the algorithms. In this article, the transmitters are represented by the source antenna and the receiver is represented by the destination antenna. Thus, with the help of IoT connectivity, major benefits can be bought to the massive MIMO channel.
A reliable nonfeedback transmission mechanism for asymmetric channels based on machine learning
Authors: Liu Jianhang , Ma Tiantian , Li Shibao , Cui Xuerong , Yuan Jing , Zhu Hu , Zhang Yucheng
Published: August 2020

Cross‐technology communication (CTC) enables data communication between heterogeneous wireless devices, which becomes the focus of current research. Due to the difference of communication distance, the transmission mode of the heterogeneous devices is mostly one‐hop transmission and multihop return. The mechanism of ensuring reliable transmission by sending ACK (ACKnowledge character) leads to longer transmission delays in asymmetric channels, especially for the ZigBee networks with low duty cycle. To solve this problem, this article proposes a new nonfeedback mechanism to reduce the communication delay on asymmetry channel. Through the method of fitting error, the random forest algorithm is improved, so that the training model can predict the current packet loss rate by judging channel conditions, receiver position, payload and other factors, so that the transmitter can accurately calculate the number of packets to be sent. The experimental results show that the loss rate predicted by this algorithm makes the transmission reliability be as high as 99.78%. Compared with the existing CTC technologies such as WeBee and NetCTC, the nonfeedback transmission mechanism put forward by us improves the transmission efficiency by 91.39% and 24.15%. The results show that the proposed mechanism greatly reduces transmission delay and improves channel utilization.
Novel super‐absorbent polymer‐grafted tea polyphenol composite inhibitor for the prevention of coal spontaneous combustion
Authors: Huang Zhian , Tian Ye , Shao Zhenlu , Gao Yukun , Zhang Yinghua , Li Jinyang , Zhu Hongyu
Published: August 2020

Aiming at the problems that the existing coal spontaneous combustion physical inhibitor has the disadvantages of short retarding time and low blocking efficiency, the novel super‐absorbent polymer‐grafted tea polyphenol composite inhibitor is prepared based on analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of various kinds of inhibitors. The orthogonal test was carried out with the water‐absorbent as the assessment index, and the optimum formulation of the composite inhibitor was obtained: the degree of neutralization was 90%, the amount of initiator was KPS (Potassium peroxydisulfate)/AA (Acroleic acid) = 1.2%, and the amount of cross‐linking agent was MBA (N,N' Methylene diene amide)/AA = 0.4%. The experimental results show that the temperature of the cross‐point of the coal sample treated by obtained composite inhibitor increased by 18°C compared with the raw coal, and the crossing point temperature delayed by 37 minutes, the activation energy increased by 38.552 kJ/mol. The further mechanism analysis shows that the inhibitor has good water‐retaining and water‐absorbing property. The function of cooling by absorbing heat, covering coal and insulating oxygen, and also inhibiting the oxidation activity of the coal molecule can effectively inhibit the spontaneous combustion of the coal.
The hydrocarbon generation and expulsion features of source rocks and tight oil potential of the second member of the Qiketai Formation, Shengbei area in the Turpan–Hami Basin, NW China
Authors: Feng Yue , Huang Zhilong , Wang Enze , Zhang Hua , Li Tianjun , Liang Yu
Published: August 2020

Significant progress in tight oil exploration has been reported in the second member of the Qiketai Formation (J2q2) in the Shengbei area of the Turpan–Hami Basin. Geochemical analyses were conducted to assess the quality of the J2q2 source rocks. The improved hydrocarbon generation potential method was utilized to quantify the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion features of the source rocks. The results showed that J2q2 source rocks were deposited in a reduced lacustrine setting with a high palaeoproductivity. The J2q2 source rocks are widely distributed (approximately 1,000 km2) and have a thickness that varies from 50 to 130 m. Moreover, they can be identified as a set of high‐quality source rocks (thermally mature rocks with Ro values >0.5%, consisting mainly of types I and II kerogen and possessing an average total organic carbon content of 2.68%). The oil–source correlation results reveal that the source of crude oil in the studied area is J2q2. The improved hydrocarbon generation potential method is established for different kerogen types to limit the influence of the kerogen type on the calculation. The hydrocarbon expulsion threshold of the type I model is located at Ro = 0.6%. The type II kerogen rocks have different characteristics, and the hydrocarbon expulsion threshold is located at Ro = 0.62%. The maximum hydrocarbon generation and expulsion intensities are 700 × 104 t/km2 and 400 × 104 t/km2, respectively. The hydrocarbon generation and expulsion amount of the J2q2 source rocks are 21.4 × 108 t and 12.3 × 108 t, respectively. The tight oil potential of the J2q2 tight oil in the Shengbei area is 4.09 × 108 t. The SB10 and SB6 well areas are favourable J2q2 tight oil exploration areas in the Shengbei area. The SB10 well area has the highest hydrocarbon generation and expulsion intensities in the study area and is the best tight oil exploration target.
Heterogeneity of astrocytes: Electrophysiological properties of juxtavascular astrocytes before and after brain injury
Authors: Götz Stefanie , Bribian Ana , López‐Mascaraque Laura , Götz Magdalena , Grothe Benedikt , Kunz Lars
Published: August 2020

Astrocyte heterogeneity is increasingly recognized, but still little is known about juxtavascular astrocytes with their somata directly adjacent to blood vessels, despite their importance after brain injury. As juxtavascular astrocytes originate from common progenitor cells, that is, have a clonal origin, they may intrinsically differ from other, non‐juxtavascular astrocytes. To explore this, we examined the electrophysiological properties of these groups of astrocytes and the underlying ion channels. Using brain slices of BAC Aldh1l1‐eGFP transgenic mice with astrocytes labeled by GFP expression, we compared juxtavascular and non‐juxtavascular astrocytes in the somatosensory cortex by means of whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings and immunohistochemical staining. Prior to injury, juxta‐ and non‐juxtavascular astrocytes exhibit comparable electrophysiological properties with characteristic mostly passive conductance and a typical negative resting membrane potential. Immunohistochemical analysis of K+ channels showed that all astrocytes were Kir4.1+, but revealed an intriguing difference for Kv4.3. The expression of Kv4.3 in sibling astrocytes (non‐juxtavascular, juxtavascular and pial) was dependent on their ontogenetic origin with lowest levels in juxtavascular astrocytes located in upper cortical layers. After traumatic brain injury (TBI), we found profound changes in the electrophysiological type of astrocytes with a predominance of non‐passive properties and this pattern was significantly enriched in juxtavascular astrocytes. This was accompanied by pronounced down‐regulation of Kir4.1 in proliferating astrocytes, which was significantly more in juxtavascular compared to non‐juxtavascular astrocytes. Taken together, TBI induces profound differences in electrophysiological properties between juxtavascular and non‐juxtavascular astrocytes that might be related to the preponderance of juxtavascular astrocyte proliferation.
Are contralateral submental artery perforator flaps feasible for the reconstruction of postoperative defects of oral cancer?
Authors: Zhi‐jun Xie , Yue‐xiao Li , Bo‐Yu Guan , Ya‐Tin Jin , Si‐Si Li , Kun‐Min Zhao , Chang‐Fu Sun , Xue‐Xin Tan
Published: August 2020

Background

We evaluated the clinical applications of the reconstruction of postoperative defects of the oral cavity using contralateral submental artery flaps.

Methods

A retrospective study of 18 patients with postoperative intraoral cancer defects reconstructed with contralateral submental artery perforator flaps between October 2018 and October 2019 in our department was conducted. The defect area, flap size, and complications were evaluated.

Results

All patients were diagnosed based on pathological examinations: 2 with adenoid cystic carcinoma and 16 with squamous cell carcinoma. The submental artery perforator flap used for simultaneous repair was 8 to 15 cm in length and 4 to 6.5 cm in width. The survival rate of flap reconstruction was 100% with no donor site complications.

Conclusions

Contralateral submental artery flap reconstruction is a suitable alternative for moderate to large intraoral defects, postoperative mouth floor defects, and oral cavity composite defects of oral malignant tumors without contralateral lymph node metastases.
Autoclaving of Poloxamer 407 hydrogel and its use as a drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Beard Mary Catherine , Cobb Leah H. , Grant Christine S. , Varadarajan Anandavalli , Henry Taylor , Swanson Elizabeth A. , Kundu Santanu , Priddy Lauren B.
Published: August 2020

With antibiotic‐resistant bacteria becoming increasingly prevalent, biomaterials capable of targeted, in situ drug delivery are urgently needed. The synthetic polymer Poloxamer 407 (P407) is of particular interest due to its thermoreversible gelation. Clinical use of P407 typically involves sterilization via autoclaving, but the effects of these extreme environmental conditions on hydrogel water content, rheological properties and efficacy as a drug delivery vehicle remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of autoclaving on the properties of P407 hydrogel. Autoclaving reduced hydrogel water content due to evaporation, thus increasing the polymer weight fraction of the hydrogels. In contrast, except for a reduction in gelation temperature following autoclaving, autoclaved hydrogels had similar rheological properties as nonautoclaved hydrogels. In vitro, autoclaving did not hinder the hydrogel's efficacy as a carrier for vancomycin antibiotic, and P407 (with and without vancomycin) had a bactericidal effect on planktonic Staphylococcus aureus. An in vivo pilot study using P407 to deliver bacteriophage highlighted the need for additional understanding of the functionality of the hydrogel for surgical applications. In conclusion, P407 hydrogel water content and gelation temperature were reduced by autoclave sterilization, while other rheological properties and the efficacy of the biomaterial as a delivery vehicle for vancomycin in vitro were unaffected.
Vitamin D and Immune Regulation: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anti‐Inflammatory
Authors: L Bishop Emma , Ismailova Aiten , Dimeloe Sarah , Hewison Martin , White John H
Published: August 2020

Regulation of immune function continues to be one of the most well‐recognized extraskeletal actions of vitamin D. This stemmed initially from the discovery that antigen presenting cells such as macrophages could actively metabolize precursor 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25D) to active 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). Parallel observation that activated cells from the immune system expressed the intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR) for 1,25D suggested a potential role for vitamin D as a localized endogenous modulator of immune function. Subsequent studies have expanded our understanding of how vitamin D exerts effects on both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. At an innate level, intracrine synthesis of 1,25D by macrophages and dendritic cells stimulates expression of antimicrobial proteins such as cathelicidin, as well as lowering intracellular iron concentrations via suppression of hepcidin. By potently enhancing autophagy, 1,25D may also play an important role in combatting intracellular pathogens such asM. tuberculosisand viral infections. Local synthesis of 1,25D by macrophages and dendritic cells also appears to play a pivotal role in mediating T‐cell responses to vitamin D, leading to suppression of inflammatory T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells, and concomitant induction of immunotolerogenic T‐regulatory responses. The aim of this review is to provide an update on our current understanding of these prominent immune actions of vitamin D, as well as highlighting new, less well‐recognized immune effects of vitamin D. The review also aims to place this mechanistic basis for the link between vitamin D and immunity with studies in vivo that have explored a role for vitamin D supplementation as a strategy for improved immune health. This has gained prominence in recent months with the global coronavirus disease 2019 health crisis and highlights important new objectives for future studies of vitamin D and immune function. © 2020 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of substitution on the bonding in He dimer confined within dodecahedrane: A computational study
Authors: Jana Gourhari , Chattaraj Pratim K.
Published: August 2020

The effect of substitution in the dodecahedrane (C20H20) cage on bonding in the confined He dimer is analyzed. The HeHe distances inside the halogenated dodecahedrane C20X20(X = FBr) cages are found to be less than half of that in the free He dimer. Comparing the equilibrium structure of He2@C20H20with He2@C20X20atωB97XD/def2‐TZVPP level, it is found that the He‐He distances are relatively larger in the latter cases indicating the influence of halogen groups on the interaction between the cage and the trapped He pair. The viability of the He2@C20X20complexes is reflected in the presence of a very high activation energy barrier against the thermochemically feasible dissociation process producing free He2and C20X20. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approach reveals a partial covalent interaction between He pair.
Corrosion inhibitor by a polymerizable columnar mesogen based on hexabenzocoronene derivative
Authors: Liu Yu‐Te , Kuo Han‐Wen , Cheng Chi‐Wei , Wu Wen‐Ti , Chen Kuan‐Ying , Yeh Jui‐Ming , Chen Hsiu‐Hui
Published: August 2020

A hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene derivative (HBC‐1,2,4‐Ph‐DA‐C12) with the central HBC core tethered with three diacetylene (DA)‐containing chains and three saturated alkyl chains was applied for the anticorrosion of an iron surface. This compound, which exhibits a columnar liquid crystalline phase, could be polymerized by ultraviolet irradiation through reactions between the DA units. This polymer coating exhibited a good anticorrosion property with good hydrophobicity (contact angle [CA] ~ 84°–105°) and excellent mechanical property. It showed a high resistance of 149 kΩ/cm2, much higher than that of known anticorrosion materials.
Perceived family and individual social status and its association with depression and suicidality in an adolescent clinical sample
Authors: Vidal Carol , Latkin Carl
Published: August 2020

There is a well‐documented association between subjective social status (SSS) and depression among adults. Yet, the research on SSS and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescent minority populations is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the adolescent's SSS and mental health in an adolescent sample. A total of 197 adolescents ages 12 to 18 years (M age = 14.58; SD = 1.54) and their parents were recruited in urban outpatient clinics. Sociodemographics and measures of depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and SSS were collected in a cross‐sectional survey and through chart review. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to calculate statistical associations with depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Significant negative associations were found between SSS and depression, suicidal ideation, and prior suicidal attempts, independent of socioeconomic status. Consideration should be given to assessing measures of social rank to appraise risk in adolescent outpatient clinical settings.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Dalteparin in Pediatric Patients With Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Damle Bharat , Jen Frank , Sherman Nancy , Jani Darshana , Sweeney Kevin
Published: August 2020

This article describes the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of dalteparin in pediatric patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). A prospective multicenter open‐label study was conducted in children who required anticoagulation for the treatment of VTE. The study population included children with and without cancer. The goal was to describe the pharmacokinetics of dalteparin using anti‐Xa as a surrogate marker and to determine the dose required to achieve therapeutic anti‐Xa levels (0.5‐1.0 IU/mL). The anti‐Xa data were supplemented with 2 published studies and analyzed using population pharmacokinetic approaches. The pharmacokinetics of dalteparin following subcutaneous injection in pediatric patients was described by a 1‐compartment model with linear absorption and elimination. Body weight was added as a covariate on both CL/F and Vd/F as a power function with fixed exponents of 0.75 and 1.0, respectively. The estimates of CL/F and Vd/F in the full model were 929 mL/h and 7180 mL, respectively, for a reference female patient aged 12 years with body weight of 43 kg. Body weight‐normalized CL/F decreased with age. Cancer status and sex did not have significant effects on CL/F and Vd/F. Simulations were conducted to select starting doses of dalteparin that would rapidly achieve therapeutic anti‐Xa levels. These simulations suggested that the recommended starting doses of dalteparin administered subcutaneously in pediatric patients of different age cohort groups for treatment of VTE were 150 IU/kg every 12 hours (1 month to <2 years), 125 IU/kg every 12 hours (≥2 to <8 years), and 100 IU/kg every 12 hours (≥8 to <19 years).
SGLT2 Inhibitors and Bladder Cancer: Analysis of Cases Reported in the European Pharmacovigilance Database
Authors: García Montserrat , Arteche‐Martinez Unai , Lertxundi Unax , Aguirre Carmelo
Published: August 2020

The association between sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and cancer risk is unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze whether a disproportionate number of cases of bladder cancer are reported for SGLT2is in EudraVigilance. A case/noncase study was conducted to assess the association between bladder cancer and SGLT2is, calculating reporting odds ratios (RORs) from November 11, 2012 (approval date for the first SGLT2i, dapagliflozin) to May 19, 2020. First, cases involving SGLT2is were compared with those involving all other drugs; and similar analysis was performed for each SGLT2i. Second, to reduce the risk of confounding by indication, the RORs for SGLT2is compared with other antidiabetics were obtained. Besides, 2 measures were taken to evaluate a possible notoriety bias: a sensitivity analysis excluding pioglitazone was performed and the evolution of the ROR over time for SGLT2is was measured. There were 6602 cases of bladder cancer in the 4,213,637 reports during the study period. SGLT2is were involved in 155 cases. The ROR for pooled SGLT2is was 3.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.39–4.66), disproportionality also being observed for each SGLT2i separately. The association was strongest for dapagliflozin (ROR, 7.02; 95%CI, 5.69–8.66). Nonetheless, this association disappeared when comparing SGLT2is with other antidiabetic drugs (ROR, 0.20; 95%CI, 0.17–0.24). But when excluding pioglitazone from the analysis, a safety signal for SGLT2is compared with other antidiabetics emerged (ROR, 6.84; 95%CI 5.41–8.65). Our study found a disproportionately high number of cases of bladder cancer among users of SGLT2is. However, observational analytical studies will be needed to confirm these results.
Justification for a Fixed Dose of Eflapegrastim, a Long‐Acting G‐CSF, in Patients Receiving Docetaxel‐Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy
Authors: Barrett John A. , Greene Douglas , Lakshmikanthan Sribalaji , Kolli Prasad , Chawla Shanta , Lebel Francois
Published: August 2020

Eflapegrastim (Rolontis) is a long‐acting granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) produced by conjugating a human G‐CSF analogue and a human immunoglobulin G4 Fc fragment, linked via a polyethylene glycol linker. Weight‐based doses of 45 to 270 μg/kg eflapegrastim (12.3‐73.6 μg/kg as G‐CSF) were evaluated in a phase 2 study in patients. Based on these results, a fixed dose of 13.2 mg eflapegrastim (3.6 mg G‐CSF) was compared with pegfilgrastim (6 mg G‐CSF) in 2 phase 3 studies and in a pharmacokinetic single‐arm multicenter study. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) data from these 3 studies were evaluated in patients with early‐stage breast cancer who were treated with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (n = 669). Serum concentrations of eflapegrastim were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Eflapegrastim systemic exposures were higher in cycle 1 than in cycle 3, likely attributable to the higher ANC in cycle 3, increasing neutrophil‐mediated clearance. Eflapegrastim elicited a greater effect on ANC than pegfilgrastim in patients at ∼60% of the G‐CSF dose. Body weight had no clinically significant effect on response, justifying administration of a fixed dose of eflapegrastim. The results from 2 phase 3 studies demonstrate that eflapegrastim at a fixed dose of 13.2 mg (3.6 mg G‐CSF) administered once per chemotherapy cycle is effective in prophylactic treatment of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia.
Acetic acid catalysed solvent‐free synthesis of spiro‐isoxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridines/quinolines by mechano‐chemical grinding
Authors: Jindal Sagar , Meena Kalawati , Magoo Devanshi
Published: August 2020

A simple and efficient three‐component procedure has been developed for the synthesis of a series of spiro‐isoxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridines/quinolines by one‐pot condensation of isatins, 3‐methylisoxazol‐5‐amine and enolizable cyclic carbonyl compounds. The protocol has been accomplished under solvent‐free conditions by grinding the components at room temperature in presence of catalytic CH3COOH. The described process offers environmentally benign reaction conditions for the synthesis of pharmacologically important spirooxindole fused heterocycles with the advantages ofoperational simplicity, short reaction time and good to excellent yields of isolated pure product.
High infiltration of B cells in tertiary lymphoid structures, TCR oligoclonality, and neoantigens are part of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment
Authors: Barros Luciana Rodrigues Carvalho , Souza-Santos Paulo Thiago , Pretti Marco Antonio Marques , Vieira Gustavo Fioravanti , Bragatte Marcelo Alves De Souza , Mendes Marcus Fabiano De Almeida , De Freitas Martiela Vaz , Scherer Nicole De Miranda , De Oliveira Ivanir Martins , Rapozo Davy Carlos Mendes , Fernandes Priscila Valverde , Simão Tatiana De Almeida , Soares-Lima Sheila Coelho , Boroni Mariana , Ribeiro Pinto Luis Felipe , Bonamino Martin Hernan
Published: August 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCA) exhibits high intratumoral molecular heterogeneity posing a challenge to cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has been approved for this disease, but with modest results. RNA-Seq data from paired tumor and surrounding nonmalignant tissue from 14 patients diagnosed with ESCA without previous treatment and from The Cancer Genome Atlas-ESCA cohort were analyzed. Herein, we investigated ESCA immune landscape including mutation-derived neoantigens and immune cell subpopulations. Tumor-associated antigen expression was determined by in silico analyses and confirmed by immunohistochemistry showing that PRAME, CEACAM4, and MAGEA11 proteins are expressed on tumors. Immune checkpoint molecules gene expression was higher in the tumor compared with surrounding nonmalignant tissue, but its expression varies greatly among patients. TCR repertoire and BCR transcripts analysis evidenced low clonal diversity with one TCR clone predicted to be specific for a MAGEA11-derived peptide. A high number of B-cell clones infiltrating the tumors and the abundance of these cells in tertiary lymphoid structures observed in ESCA tumors support B cells as a potential immune modulator in this tumor.
Convergence between global BCG vaccination and COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Islam Md. Zahurul , Zahan Md. Kudrat‐E , Al‐Bari Md. Abdul Alim
Published: August 2020

The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has kept the whole world in tenterhooks due to its severe life‐threatening infectious disease, COVID‐19. The virus is distinct from its cousins, SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV in terms of severity of the infection. The obligated killing properties of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is mediated by its unique structure. Efforts for developing vaccines for COVID‐19 are ongoing, but it is unlikely to be available in the immediate future. Due to the absence of precise treatment, the investigators are discovering other effective, protective, and healing choices. However, the lower than a predictable number of SARS‐CoV‐2 cases in countries with fragile health systems is mystifying. Recently, there has been a buzz about the protective effect of Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine in COVID‐19 through long‐term boosting of trained immunity. Based on epidemiological correlations, we link up that BCG vaccination adopted by different countries might influence the SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission patterns and/or COVID‐19 associated mortality through the vaccine's capacity to confer heterologous protection. A number of clinical studies are underway to investigate this possibility but even if they prove effective‐many questions will remain. Moreover, responsible stewardship of the BCG vaccine in the context of the COVID‐19 epidemic is directly needed.
Saffold virus infection in elderly people with acute gastroenteritis in Sweden
Authors: Vandesande Helena , Edman Kjell , Rondahl Elin , Falkeborn Tina , Serrander Lena , Lindberg A. Michael
Published: August 2020

Viral gastroenteritis is a major source of morbidity and mortality, predominantly caused by so‐called NOROAD viruses (norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus). In approximately onethird of all cases, however, the exact etiology is unknown. The in 2007 discovered human cardiovirus Saffold virus (SAFV) may prove to be a plausible candidate to explain this diagnostic gap. This virus, a member of the Picornaviridae family which is closely related to the murine viruses Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus and Theravirus, is a widespread pathogen and causes infection early in life. Screening of 238 fecal or vomitus samples obtained from NOROAD‐negative, elderly patients with acute gastroenteritis at the University Hospital of Linköping showed that SAFV is present in low abundance (4.6%). Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene revealed a Swedish isolate belonging to the highly common and in Europe widespread SAFV‐3 genotype. This genotype is also related to previously reported Asian strains. This study describes the first molecular typing of a Swedish SAFV isolate and is the first report to document the circulation of SAFV among elderly people. The pathogenicity of SAFV is, as of yet, still under debate; further studies are necessary to determine its role in the development of disease.
Three‐Dimensional Coronal Plane of the Uterus
Authors: Timor‐Tritsch Ilan E. , Monteagudo Ana , Ramos Joanne , Kupchinska Svitlana , Mastriciani Ferma , Spier Mihaela
Published: August 2020

Two‐dimensional transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound (US) examinations are the suggested methods for examining the uterus. Three‐dimensional (3D) US, which is not compulsory by society guidelines, provides additional uterine views, reassuring users of pathologic conditions not evident on customary sagittal and transverse views. The 3D coronal plane is rarely seen by 2‐dimensional US transducers, let alone in extremely retroverted or axial uteri. Ultrasound machines nowadays feature 3D US capability. Our experience is that the coronal uterine view is a problem solver, helping diagnostic abilities of pelvic imaging. We advocate its liberal use and its acquisition in every pelvic scan. In this Pictorial Essay we present examples to demonstrate its use.
Margin Practices in Oral Cavity Cancer Resections: Survey of American Head and Neck Society Members
Authors: Bulbul Mustafa G. , Zenga Joseph , Tarabichi Osama , Parikh Anuraag S. , Sethi Rosh K. , Robbins K. Thomas , Puram Sidharth V. , Varvares Mark A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the definition of a clear margin and the use of frozen section (FS) among practicing head and neck surgeons in oral cancer management.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

We designed a survey that was sent to American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members via an email link.

Results

A total of 185 (13% of 1,392) AHNS members completed our survey. Most surgeons surveyed (96.8%) use FS to supplement oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma resections. Fifty‐five percent prefer a specimen‐based approach. The majority of respondents believe FS is efficacious in guiding re‐resection of positive margins, with 81% considering the new margin to be negative. More than half of respondents defined a distance of >5 mm on microscopic examination as a negative margin.

Conclusions

To avoid oral cancer resections that result in positive margins on final analysis, and thus the need for additional therapy, most surgeons surveyed use FS. A majority of surveyed surgeons now prefer a specimen‐based approach to margin assessment. Although there is a debate on what constitutes a negative margin, most surgeons surveyed believe it to be >5 mm on microscopic examination.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:782–787, 2021
Experience Treating Earlobe Keloids with Laser Diode 980nm Excision Followed by Triamcinolone Infiltration
Authors: Fuenmayor Pedro , Quiñonez Hector , Salas Reinaldo , Pujadas Zoe
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective

Lasers have a favorable synergistic effect when combined with other modalities of treatment against keloids. Different types of lasers have been used with triamcinolone infiltration, resulting in promising success rates. The purpose of this study is to describe our first experience treating earlobe keloids with 980 nm laser diode excision followed by triamcinolone infiltration and present our outcomes after 24 months of follow‐up.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review of 11 patients with 14 earlobe keloids treated with excision using a 980 nm laser diode followed by triamcinolone acetonide infiltration, between January 2015 and May 2016. Database included demographics, Fitzpatrick skin type, laterality, lesion size, and postoperative visits information. Outcomes were assessed in terms of keloid recurrence rates, complications, and patient subjective aesthetical result satisfaction after 24 months of follow‐up.

Results

All procedures were technically completed, and follow‐up accomplished without attrition. One (7.14%) patient experienced keloid recurrence after the third month. Four (28.57%) patients experienced early wound dehiscence, successfully treated with debridement and re‐suture. Self‐assessment of aesthetical result was considered “very good” in 64.28% of patients.

Conclusion

Surgical excision with 980 nm laser diode followed by triamcinolone infiltration is well‐tolerated and shows favorable results treating earlobe keloids, and can be considered a first‐line treatment. Comparison between different types of lasers and control groups in large clinical trials is warranted in order to obtain strong clinical evidence for clear indications and recommendations. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Hierarchical group decision‐making approach for information technology project evaluation and prioritization
Authors: Şahin Zorluoğlu Özge , Kabak Özgür
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to define a novel hierarchical group decision‐making (HGDM) problem. For this problem, a practical solution approach is proposed for information technology (IT) project evaluation and prioritization. HGDM is a decision‐making problem with a large number of decision makers (DMs) or experts organized in a hierarchical structure. For this problem, a practical solution approach based on pairwise comparisons is developed. For evaluating the projects in organizations, specifically for the IT projects, a hierarchy of many DMs make project proposals and assess proposed projects using various sets of criteria. The proposed HGDM approach is applied to the evaluation and prioritization of IT projects. A problem with 22 DMs and experts in a three‐level hierarchy, 29 criteria and 15 projects is solved using the proposed HGDM approach. The HGDM approach can deal with more complex real‐life problems such as problems where more than 500 projects, 100 DMs and experts, and 100 criteria exist. The originality of the study is the introduction of HGDM in the group decision‐making environment.
Correlation of the changes in physical activity and clinical results following lymphatic microsurgery
Authors: Akita Shinsuke , Yamaji Yoshihisa , Tokumoto Hideki , Ogata Hideyuki , Kosaka Kentaro , Kubota Yoshitaka , Kuriyama Motone , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: August 2020

Background

The physical activity (PA) of patients may change after microsurgical treatment for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL). We investigated whether PA changes perioperatively and whether it influences the treatment result.

Patients and Methods

Sixty patients with unilateral LEL (56 secondary and 4 primary) underwent lymphatic microsurgeries. Patients were divided into two groups based on improvement in International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ‐SF) categories; the outcomes were compared.

Results

Fifty‐three patients in whom linear pattern could be partially observed in indocyanine green lymphography or lymphoscintigraphy underwent lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA); seven patients in whom no linear pattern was observed underwent simultaneous LVA and vascularized lymph node transfer. No surgical complication was observed. The median IPAQ‐SF score significantly improved from 990 (interquartile range: 231–2,376) to 1,386 (interquartile range: 940.5–4,158; p < .0001). The IPAQ‐SF category improved in 22 patients (33.7%), who were categorized into the IPAQ‐improved group. Improvement in excess limb volume was significantly larger in the IPAQ‐improved group than that in the unimproved group (8.0 ± 4.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2.4%; p < .0001).

Conclusion

The PA of patients may change after surgical treatment for unilateral LEL. Perioperative improvement in PA significantly correlated with the perioperative change in the excess limb volume. The change in PA is an important factor that might affect the outcome of surgical treatment for LEL. In evaluating the results of microsurgery for lymphedema, it may be necessary to consider changes in PA to avoid bias.
Influence of nanoparticle diameter and interfacial layer on magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flow with melting heat transfer inside rotating channel
Authors: Giri Shib Sankar , Das Kalidas , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: August 2020

The present article addresses melting heat transmission phenomenon in MHD nanofluid flow between two horizontally located plates in rotating structure. This exploration is executed in engine oil‐based nanofluid accompanied by graphene oxide nanoparticles. Thermal conductivity of the nanofluid incorporated with effect of diameter of graphene oxide and solid–liquid interfacial layer has been engaged here. Non‐linear radiation is added in accepted nanofluid model. Through similarity technique, we obtain non‐linear ODEs from leading PDEs, and numerically, by employing RK‐4 shooting practice, we resolve the succeeding equation. Stimulus of inspiring flow factors on the flow specifically is accomplished precisely through figures and charts. Temperature circulation enhances with nanoparticle diameter and interfacial layer factors. Primary and secondary velocity outlines are reverse in nature when melting factor enhances.
Diethylamino‐fluorographene: A 2D material with broadband and efficient optical limiting performance (from 500 to 1800 nm) with very large nonlinear optical response
Authors: Papadakis Ioannis , Stathis Aristeidis , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Couris Stelios
Published: August 2020

The present work reports on the broadband optical limiting performance and the enhancement of the nonlinear optical (NLO) response of a diethylamino‐modified fluorographene compared to pristine fluorographene and other modified fluorographenes. The present modified fluorographene was found exhibiting very efficient and broadband optical limiting action, for optical radiations extended from the visible (i.e., 500 nm) and up to near infrared (i.e., 1.8 μm). Its optical limiting threshold was found to be better that 0.045 J cm−2 making it a very promising material for optical limiting applications. In addition, the functionalization of fluorographene by the diethylamino ligand resulted in switching on the NLO response of fluorographene, attaining a third‐order nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) of the order of 10−9 esu under ns, visible and infrared laser excitation. The present work demonstrates the efficiency and the new horizons opened by suitable chemical functionalization of fluorographene, towards the tailoring of its nonlinear optical response and optical power limiting action, towards several applications in photonics and optoelectronics and for the preparation of materials with custom made properties.
Type of levator ani muscle avulsion as predictor for the disappearance of avulsion
Authors: García‐Mejido José Antonio , Sainz José Antonio
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The objective of our study was to establish whether the type of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion diagnosed 6 months after delivery influences the integrity of the LAM at 1 year after delivery and determine its influence on the levator hiatus area.

Study Design

This observational prospective cohort study included 192 primiparous women with vaginal delivery. Transperineal ultrasound examinations were performed at 6 months and 1 year postpartum. Levator hiatus measurements (anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and area) were performed in the plane of minimal dimensions. Complete avulsion was defined based on maximum contraction in multislice mode. Type I LAM avulsion was present when most lateral fibers of the pubovisceral muscle were observed at its insertion at the pubic level (the arch of the elevator remained intact). Type II LAM avulsion was defined as a complete detachment of the pubovisceral muscle from its insertion at the pubic level.

Results

In total, 192 patients were recruited after delivery; 48 patients were diagnosed with complete LAM avulsion, and 13 patients with avulsion did not attend the second ultrasound follow‐up at 1 year after delivery. Thirty‐five patients with complete LAM avulsion were included in the study. At 6 months after delivery, 51 LAM avulsions were observed in 35 patients (including bilateral LAM avulsion in 16 cases), of which 54.9% were right avulsions and 45.1% left avulsions. Furthermore, 11 (five right and six left) were type I LAM avulsions at the 6‐month assessment, and all of these had disappeared 1 year after delivery. However, none of the type II LAM avulsions (23 right and 17 left) observed at 6 months had disappeared at the second ultrasound examination. There were no differences between the LAM areas detected at the first and second ultrasound examinations (10.2 ± 3.3 vs 9.3 ± 1.8; P = .404).

Conclusions

The type of LAM avulsion observed at 6 months after childbirth predicts LAM persistence at 1 year postpartum.
The firebreak problem
Authors: Barnetson Kathleen D. , Burgess Andrea C. , Enright Jessica , Howell Jared , Pike David A. , Ryan Brady
Published: August 2020

Suppose we have a network that is represented by a graph G. Potentially a fire (or other type of contagion) might erupt at some vertex of G. We are able to respond to this outbreak by establishing a firebreak at k other vertices of G, so that the fire cannot pass through these fortified vertices. The question that now arises is which k vertices will result in the greatest number of vertices being saved from the fire, assuming that the fire will spread to every vertex that is not fully behind the k vertices of the firebreak. This is the essence of the Firebreak decision problem, which is the focus of this paper. We establish that the problem is intractable on the class of split graphs as well as on the class of bipartite graphs, but can be solved in linear time when restricted to graphs having constant‐bounded treewidth, or in polynomial time when restricted to intersection graphs. We also consider some closely related problems.
Tangle bases: Revisited
Authors: Hicks Illya V. , Brimkov Boris
Published: August 2020

The concept of branch decomposition was first introduced by Robertson and Seymour in their proof of the Graph Minors Theorem, and can be seen as a measure of the global connectivity of a graph. Since then, branch decomposition and branchwidth have been used for computationally solving combinatorial optimization problems modeled on graphs and matroids. General branchwidth is the extension of branchwidth to any symmetric submodular function defined over a finite set. General branchwidth encompasses graphic branchwidth, matroidal branchwidth, and rankwidth. A tangle basis is related to a tangle, a notion also introduced by Robertson and Seymour; however, a tangle basis is more constructive in nature. It was shown in [I. V. Hicks. Graphs, branchwidth, and tangles! Oh my! Networks, 45:55‐60, 2005] that a tangle basis of order k is coextensive to a tangle of order k. In this paper, we revisit the construction of tangle bases computationally for other branchwidth parameters and show that the tangle basis approach is still competitive for computing optimal branch decompositions for general branchwidth.
On Romanovski–Jacobi polynomials and their related approximation results
Authors: Abo‐Gabal Howayda , Zaky Mahmoud A. , Hafez Ramy M. , Doha Eid H.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this article is to present the essential properties of a finite class of orthogonal polynomials related to the probability density function of the F‐distribution over the positive real line. We introduce some basic properties of the Romanovski–Jacobi polynomials, the Romanovski–Jacobi–Gauss type quadrature formulae and the associated interpolation, discrete transforms, spectral differentiation and integration techniques in the physical and frequency spaces, and basic approximation results for the weighted projection operator in the nonuniformly weighted Sobolev space. We discuss the relationship between such kinds of finite orthogonal polynomials and other classes of infinite orthogonal polynomials. Moreover, we derive spectral Galerkin schemes based on a Romanovski–Jacobi expansion in space and time to solve the Cauchy problem for a scalar linear hyperbolic equation in one and two space dimensions posed in the positive real line. Two numerical examples demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the schemes.