bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Shrinkage Reducing Agent and Expanded Cement on UHPC Fluidity, Mechanical Properties, and Shrinkage Performance
Authors: Wang Tingyu , Gong Jianqing , Chen Bo , Gong Xiao , Luo Hongkui , Zhang Yang , Qu Zhigang
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a shrinkage reducing agent (SRA) and Portland expanded cement (PEC) on the fluidity, mechanical properties, and shrinkage performance of ultrahigh‐performance concrete (UHPC). The results indicated that the fluidity of the fresh UHPC mortar initially decreased and then increases along as a function of SRA dosage. When the dosage of SRA was 1%, the UHPC mortar fluidity was at its minimum. For dosages exceeding 1%, the additional water‐binder ratio of the mortar increased, which in turn increased the UHPC fluidity. That is, the SRA delayed the cement hydration and increased the setting time, which is not conducive for early strength development of UHPC. As the SRA dosage was increased (i.e., 0%–2%), the autogenous shrinkage of UHPC decreased significantly such that even a small dosage of about 0.5% SRA was able to effectively reduce drying shrinkage. From the study results, it was also observed that PEC accelerated the loss of fluidity in the fresh UHPC and concurrently promoted the early strength development of UHPC. At 75% PEC content, the strength enhancement effects tended to be stable. This means that although the addition of PEC will potentially increase the autogenous shrinkage of UHPC, it has the positive effect of inhibiting drying shrinkage provided that the PEC dosage is controlled within the 25%–50% range. Furthermore, morphological analyses using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that an increase in the SRA dosage loosens the UHPC microstructure, with the formation of the hydration products remaining incomplete, thus ultimately causing the UHPC strength to decrease. Overall, the study findings indicated that 2% SRA and 25%–50% PEC can effectively reduce the shrinkage of UHPC and are, therefore, recommended as the optimum dosages.
lncRNA NONHSAT069381 and NONHSAT140844 Increase in Aging Human Blood, Regulating Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Zhao Jinyang , Lin Xiaolong , Sun Haoxuan , Zhao Donghui , Ma Qin , Lau Wayne Bond , Cheng Zichao , Li Fanqi , Liu Jinghua , Fan Qian
Published: July 2021

Aging augments postischemic apoptosis via incomplete mechanisms. Our previous animal study suggests that in addition to proapoptotic effects, lncRNAs also exert antiapoptotic effects in cardiomyocytes. However, whether this unexpected phenomenon exists in humans is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between aging and apoptosis regulation in human blood samples and confirmed their role by utilizing the cardiomyocyte lines (AC16 cells). Human blood samples were collected from 20 pairs of older adult and young volunteers. Age‐different apoptotic regulatory lncRNAs and miRNAs were identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. The results indicated that lncRNA (NONHSAT069381 and NONHSAT140844) and miRNA (hsa‐miR‐124‐5p and hsa‐miR‐6507‐5p) were increased in aging human blood, confirmed by both bioinformatics analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overexpression of NONHSAT069381 in AC16 cells increased caspase‐3 levels and increased cardiomyocyte apoptotic cell death (determined by TUNEL staining and caspase activity assays) after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), while overexpression of NONHSAT140844 increased X‐chromosome‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) content and decreased the myocardial apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay revealed that hsa‐miR‐124‐5p might be a mediator between NONHSAT069381 and mCASP3 and hsa‐miR‐6507‐5p might be a mediator between NONHSAT140844 and mXIAP. Overexpression of hsa‐miR‐124‐5p decreased caspase‐3 levels and overexpression of hsa‐miR‐6507‐5p decreased XIAP content in AC16 cells. We have found evidence that lncRNAs are important regulatory molecules in aging‐mediated effects upon apoptosis. More interestingly, besides apoptosis‐promoting effects, aging also inhibits myocardial apoptosis after H/R. This phenomenon also exists in the human cardiomyocyte line.
Statistical Development of the

V

S
Q

-Control Chart for Extreme Data with an Application to the Carbon Fiber Industry
Authors: Shah Faisal , Khan Zahid , Aslam Muhammad , Kadry Seifedine
Published: July 2021

The normality assumption is a significant part of the development of control charts. This underlying assumption of normality most likely does not hold true in real scenarios. One of such designs usually devised to observe the target parameter

σ

2

of the Maxwell quality characteristics is the

V

-control chart. In general, quality practitioners preferably have to observe the scale parameter

σ

rather than

σ

2

in examined processes. The contemporary

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-control chart is relying on the

V

-statistic which does not hold the unbiasedness property with respective to parameter

σ

of the Maxwell probability model. In view of this, implementation of the

V

-chart is not an appropriate design in monitoring a real parameter of the underlying Maxwell data. To accommodate the monitoring of the parameter

σ

of the Maxwell model, a novel design of the

V

S
Q

-chart is mainly proposed in this work. To support a statistical understanding of the

V

S
Q

-chart, power function, characteristic function, and the average run length

ARL

have been essentially established. The parameters of the

V

S
Q

-chart are determined from the results of the sampling distribution of the derived statistic. Analytical findings are further applied to determine the performance of the study proposal with its existing counterpart. Substantially, the better performance of the proposed technique has been observed because of statistical power used as a performance measure. Eventually, the computational plan of the

V

S
Q

-chart is considered both for the simulated and real datasets with the aim of illustrating the theory of the proposed design.
Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Compromising Cellular Resilience to Environmental Stressors
Authors: Alharbi Mona G. , Lee Seok Hee , Abdelazim Aaser M. , Saadeldin Islam M. , Abomughaid Mosleh M.
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), like exosomes, are nanosized membrane‐enveloped vesicles containing different bioactive cargo, such as proteins, lipids, mRNA, miRNA, and other small regulatory RNAs. Cell‐derived EVs, including EVs originating from stem cells, may capture components from damaged cells or cells impacted by therapeutic treatments. Interestingly, EVs derived from stem cells can be preconditioned to produce and secrete EVs with different therapeutic properties, particularly with respect to heat‐shock proteins and other molecular cargo contents. This behavior is consistent with stem cells that also respond differently to various microenvironments. Heat‐shock proteins play roles in cellular protection and mediate cellular resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and heat shock. This review highlights the possible roles EVs play in mediating cellular plasticity and survival when exposed to different physical and chemical stressors, with a special focus on the respiratory distress due to the air pollution.
Numerical Analysis on the Load Sharing Performance of Long‐Short CFG Pile Composite Foundation Subjected to Rotation of Adjacent Retaining Wall
Authors: Uge Bantayehu Uba , Guo Yuancheng , Liu Yunlong
Published: July 2021

The stress and displacement boundary conditions of excavation retaining structures affect the deformation mechanism and movement of the retained soil mass. The soil movement disturbs the load sharing performance and structural integrity of cement‐fly ash‐gravel (CFG) pile composite foundations existing in the vicinity, which merits considerable research work. This article presents results from 3D finite element analyses performed to study the influence of retaining wall rotation on the load sharing characteristics of adjacent CFG pile composite foundation comprising long and short piles. To verify the numerical model, a relatively large‐scale 1 g physical model test was conducted. It is revealed that to arrive at a new static equilibrium during progression of wall rotation, the percentage load sharing ratios of the long and short piles change increasingly while the load proportion carried by the upper soil reduces remarkably. The percentage load sharing characteristics of CFG pile composite foundation are more affected in immediate proximity to the wall than those located at far distance. For the foundation having 3 × 3 long and short piles placed at 3.0–15.0 m away from the wall, the location resulted in a reduction of soil bearing capacity ranging between 1.4 and 7.5% of the total imposed load while the corresponding increase in the % load borne by the long and short pile range was 0.83–4.15 and 0.59–3.36%, respectively. For the other parameters considered in this article viz. pile spacing, subsoil stiffness, cushion stiffness and thickness, and applied working load, the increment in % load sharing of the long and short pile range was 3.45–4.15, 1.3–5.79, 1.48–3.36, 4.15–4.79, and 3.67–4.15% and 3.36–4.67, 1.43–4.99, 1.48–3.36, 3.36–3.64, and 1.38–3.36% of the imposed load, respectively. Moreover, the long piles’ load sharing proportion was higher than that of short piles, and peripheral piles received larger load proportion.
Smart eNose Food Waste Management System
Authors: Gull Shazmina , Bajwa Imran Sarwar , Anwar Waheed , Rashid Rubina
Published: July 2021

The modern age is an era of fast‐growing technology, all thanks to the Internet of Things. The IoT becomes a prime factor of human life. As in this running world, no one cares about the wastage of food. However, this causes environment pollution as well as loss of many lives. A lot of researchers help in this era by introducing some great and beneficial projects. Our work is introducing a new approach by utilizing some low‐cost sensors. In this work, Arduino UNO is used as a microcontroller. We use the eNose system that comprises MQ4 and MQ135 to detect gas emission from different food items, i.e., meat, rice, rice and meat, and bread. We collect our data from these food items. The MQ4 sensor detects the CH4 gas while the MQ135 sensor detects CO2 and NH3 in this system. We use a 5 kg strain gauge load cell sensor and HX711 A/D converter as a weight sensor to measure the weight of food being wasted. To ensure the accuracy and efficiency of our system, we first calibrate our sensors as per recommendations to run in the environment with the flow. We collect our data using cooked, uncooked, and rotten food items. To make this system a smart system, we use a machine learning algorithm to predict the food items on the basis of gas emission. The decision tree algorithm was used for training and testing purposes. We use 70 instances of each food item in the dataset. On the rule set, we implement this system working to measure the weight of food wastage and to predict the food item. The Arduino UNO board fetches the sensor data and sends it to the computer system for interpretation and analysis. Then, the machine learning algorithm works to predict the food item. At the end, we get our data of which food item is wasted in what amount in one day. We found 92.65% accuracy in our system. This system helps in reducing the amount of food wastage at home and restaurants as well by the daily report of food wastage in their computer system.
Modeling and Simulating Online Panic in an Epidemic Complexity System: An Agent‐Based Approach
Authors: Guo Linjiang , Li Yang , Sheng Dongfang
Published: July 2021

Following the outbreak of a disease, panic often spreads on online forums, which seriously affects normal economic operations as well as epidemic prevention procedures. Online panic is often manifested earlier than in the real world, leading to an aggravated social response from citizens. This paper conducts sentiment analysis on more than 80,000 comments about COVID‐19 obtained from the Chinese Internet and identifies patterns within them. Based on this analysis, we propose an agent‐based model consisting of two parts—a revised SEIR model to simulate an offline epidemic and a scale‐free network to simulate the Internet community. This model is then used to analyze the effects of the social distancing policy. Assuming the existence of such a policy, online panic is simulated corresponding to different informatization levels. The results indicate that increased social informatization levels lead to substantial online panic during disease outbreaks. To reduce the economic impact of epidemics, we discuss different strategies for releasing information on the epidemic. Our conclusions indicate that announcing the number of daily new cases or the number of asymptomatic people following the peak of symptomatic infections could help to reduce the intensity of online panic and delay the peak of panic. In turn, this can be expected to keep social production more orderly and reduce the impact of social responses on the economy.
Estimation of Suspended Sediment Concentration from Remote Sensing and In Situ Measurement over Lake Tana, Ethiopia
Authors: Womber Zelalem R. , Zimale Fasikaw A. , Kebedew Mebrahtom G. , Asers Bekalu W. , DeLuca Nikole M. , Guzman Christian D. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Zaitchik Benjamin F.
Published: July 2021

Discharge from basins joining a lake is the main factor determining the lake volume and sediment inflow to the lake. Suspended sediment is an important parameter for describing the water quality of aquatic ecosystems. Lake Tana is an important and the largest lake in Ethiopia for the local ecological system. However, environmental change and anthropogenic activities in the area threaten its water quality. The conventional methods of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) observation are unable to determine and compare spatial and temporal SSC patterns for the lake over a period of years. Remote sensing methods have made it possible to map SSC. The objective of this study is to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of suspended sediment of Lake Tana using in situ measurement and remote sensing applications and specifically to develop a relationship between in situ and remote sensing observation to retrieve suspended sediment concentration and map the spatal distribution of SSC. This study used MODIS‐Terra and in situ data to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of SSC in the rainy season. Four sampling campaigns (20 samples per campaign) were carried out on Lake Tana, and the first three sampled campaigns on May 11–13, 2018, June 08–10, 2018, and July 15–17, 2018, were used for calibration of regression models. MODIS‐Terra reflectance in NIR was found best related to in situ water quality data and varies linearly with SSC (r2 = 0.81) and turbidity (r2 = 0.85). Secchi disc depth (SDD) found the best fit for a power relation with NIR band reflectance (r2 = 0.74). The MODIS‐Terra reflectance in red was found to be poorly related to in situ measurements. The relation in NIR reflectance was validated using the LOOCV (leave‐one‐out‐cross‐validation) technique and the fourth sampled data set collected on August 12–14, 2018. Developed models are validated with RMSE of 42.96 mg/l, 14.6 NTU, and 0.17 m, ARE of 23.3%, 27.6%, and 12.4%, and RRMSE of 25.1%, 44.5%, and 29.6% for SSC, turbidity, and SDD, respectively, using LOOCV. The equation was also validated using August 2018 collected data sets with RMSE of 87.6 mg/l, 11.7 NTU, 0.08 m, ARE of 20.8%, 25.9%, and 28.8%, and RRMSE of 17.8%, 20.5%, and 27.9% for SSC, turbidity, and SDD, respectively. Applying the developed regression model, a 10‐year time series of SSC from 2008–2017 for May‐August was estimated and the trend was tested using the Mann–Kendall trend test. It was found that an increasing trend was observed from the period 2008 to 2017. The result shows that satellite data like the MODIS‐Terra imagery could be used to monitor and obtain past records of SSC with the developed equation. The increasing SSC can be reduced by implementing selected management practices in the surrounding watersheds of the lake to reduce nutrient and sediment inflow.
Experimental Study on Well Placement Optimization for Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage to Enhance Recovery of Thin Layer Oil Sand Reservoirs
Authors: Tao Lei , Yuan Xiao , Cheng Hao , Li Bingchao , Huang Sen , Zhang Na
Published: July 2021

SAGD (steam-assisted gravity drainage) technique is one of the most efficient thermal recovery technologies for exploiting Mackay River thin layer oil sand reservoirs. However, when making use of the traditional SAGD technique (the production and injection well are located on the same axis with the horizontal well spacing of 0 m), the steam chamber development is usually insufficient because of the high longitudinal sweep rate of steam, which seriously influences the SAGD performance for developing thin layer oil sand reservoirs especially. It is extremely important to find an economical and practicable method to promote the steam chamber development in thin oil sand reservoirs in the process of SAGD production; optimizing well placement is a reliable method. In this paper, an improved well placement method is proposed to enhance production performance of traditional SAGD, which is changing the horizontal well spacing to place the production well below of the side of the injection well (two wells are not located on the same axis). Three groups of 2D visualization experiments with different horizontal distances between two wells (0 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm) were carried out, respectively, to observe the development and change of the steam chamber development, and to explore the EOR mechanisms. On the 2D experiment basis, optimal horizontal distance was selected to perform 3D physical simulation experiment to study and verity the production mechanism systematically. The results of 2D visualization experiment showed that the final oil recoveries of experimental groups with 10 cm and 20 cm horizontal distances were 7.6% and 2.3% higher than those of traditional SGAD (horizontal distance was 0 cm), respectively. Combined with 3D experimental results, the change in the horizontal relative position of two wells makes the steam first spread laterally between injecting and producing wells; thus, the lateral development of the steam chamber was promoted, and changes of temperature field also display that the lateral sweep area of steam was increased obviously and the form of steam chamber is changed. Meanwhile, the generation of appropriate horizontal well spacing can combine the effect of steam displacement and gravity drainage better and improve the sweep efficiency of steam. Nevertheless, the overlarge horizontal well spacing will also hinder the steam chamber development because the strength of steam overlap is weakened. Furthermore, the findings of this study help for better understanding that changing the horizontal well spacing can promote the lateral development of steam chamber, which can be used to enhance the oil recovery of thin layer oil sand reservoirs especially.
Solving Multiobjective Game in Multiconflict Situation Based on Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm with Simulated Annealing
Authors: Li Huimin , Xiang Shuwen , Jia Wensheng , Yang Yanlong , Huang Shiguo
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study the multiobjective game in a multiconflict situation. First, the feasible strategy set and synthetic strategy space are constructed in the multiconflict situation. Meanwhile, the value of payoff function under multiobjective is determined, and an integrated multiobjective game model is established in a multiconflict situation. Second, the multiobjective game model is transformed into the single-objective game model by the Entropy Weight Method. Then, in order to solve this multiobjective game, an adaptive differential evolution algorithm based on simulated annealing (ADESA) is proposed to solve this game, which is to improve the mutation factor and crossover operator of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm adaptively, and the Metropolis rule with probability mutation ability of the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is used. Finally, the practicability and effectiveness of the algorithm are illustrated by a military example.
Gualou Guizhi Granule Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response of Microglia and Protects against Microglia-Mediated Neurotoxicity in HT-22 via Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chang Xiaona , Fang Yaling , Zhang Yuqin , Liu Yaojun , Fan Liming , Nan Lihong , Xu Wei , Lin Yu , Chu Kedan , Yan Guohong
Published: July 2021

Neuroinflammation plays a crucial part in the commencement and advancement of ischemic stroke. Gualou Guizhi granule (GLGZG) is known to well exhibit neuroprotective effect, but it is not known whether GLGZG can regulate the inflammatory process at the cellular level in BV2 microglia cells and protect against microglia-mediated neurotoxicity in neurons. Herein, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of GLGZG on BV2 microglia cells and protection against microglia-mediated neurotoxicity in neurons. Methods. The cell model of neuroinflammation was constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to observe the effect of GLGZG in the presence or absence of GLGZG. The production of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory mediators, was detected. Moreover, potential mechanisms associated with the anti-inflammatory effect, such as inhibition of microglial activation and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), were also investigated. In addition, to prove whether GLGZG protects against microglia-mediated neurotoxicity, neuronal HT-22 cells were cultured in the conditioned medium. And cell survivability and neuronal apoptosis of HT-22 were evaluated. Results. It was found that a main regulator of inflammation, NO, is suppressed by GLGZG in BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, GLGZG dose dependently decreased the mRNA and protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, GLGZG inhibited the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. Also, GLGZG inhibited LPS-activated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in BV2 microglial cells at the intracellular level. GLGZG significantly affected Akt phosphorylation: phosphorylated forms of Akt increased. To check whether GLGZG protects against microglia-mediated neurotoxicity, neuronal HT-22 cells were incubated in the conditioned medium. GLGZG showed a neuroprotective effect by promoting cell survivability and suppressing neuronal apoptosis. Conclusions. GLGZG exerted its potential effects on suppressing inflammatory responses in LPS-induced BV2 cells by regulating NF-κB and Akt pathways. In addition, GLGZG could protect against microglia-mediated neurotoxicity in HT-22.
Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress among Adult Former Smoker, Current E-Cigarette Users—Results from Wave 1 PATH Study
Authors: Christensen Carol H. , Chang Joanne T. , Rostron Brian L. , Hammad Hoda T. , van Bemmel Dana M. , Del Valle-Pinero Arseima Y. , Wang Baoguang , Mishina Elena V. , Faulcon Lisa M. , DePina Ana , Brown-Baker La'Nissa , Kimmel Heather L. , Lambert Elizabeth , Blount Benjamin C. , Vesper Huber W. , Wang Lanqing , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Hyland Andrew , Travers Mark J. , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Niaura Raymond , Cummings K. Michael , Taylor Kristie A. , Edwards Kathryn C. , Borek Nicolette , Ambrose Bridget K. , Chang Cindy M.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Former smokers who currently use e-cigarettes have lower concentrations of biomarkers of tobacco toxicant exposure than current smokers. It is unclear whether tobacco toxicant exposure reductions may lead to health risk reductions.

Methods:

We compared inflammatory biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL6, fibrinogen, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and an oxidative stress marker (F2-isoprostane) among 3,712 adult participants in Wave 1 (2013–2014) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study by tobacco user groups: dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes; former smokers who currently use e-cigarettes-only; current cigarette-only smokers; former smokers who do not currently use any tobacco; and never tobacco users. We calculated geometric means (GM) and estimated adjusted GM ratios (GMR).

Results:

Dual users experienced greater concentration of F2-isoprostane than current cigarette-only smokers [GMR 1.09 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.03–1.15)]. Biomarkers were similar between former smokers who currently use e-cigarettes and both former smokers who do not use any tobacco and never tobacco users, but among these groups most biomarkers were lower than those of current cigarette-only smokers. The concentration of F2-isoprostane decreased by time since smoking cessation among both exclusive e-cigarette users (Ptrend = 0.03) and former smokers who do not currently use any tobacco (Ptrend = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Dual users have greater concentration of F2-isoprostane than smokers. Exclusive e-cigarette users have biomarker concentrations that are similar to those of former smokers who do not currently use tobacco, and lower than those of exclusive cigarette smokers.

Impact:

This study contributes to an understanding of the health effects of e-cigarettes.
Ferric Citrate Dosing in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Nondialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Pergola Pablo E. , Belo Diogo , Crawford Paul , Moustafa Moustafa , Luo Wenli , Goldfarb-Rumyantzev Alexander , Farag Youssef M.K.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Ferric citrate (FC) is indicated as an oral iron replacement for iron deficiency anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis. The recommended starting dose is one 1-g tablet three times daily (TID). This study investigated long-term efficacy and safety of different FC dosing regimens for treating anemia in nondialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD). Methods: In this phase 4, randomized, open-label, multicenter study, patients with anemia with NDD-CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate, ≥20 mL/min and <60 mL/min) were randomized 1:1 to one FC tablet (1-g equivalent to 210 mg ferric iron) TID (3 g/day) or 2 tablets twice daily (BID; 4 g/day). At week 12, dosage was increased to 2 tablets TID (6 g/day) or 3 tablets BID (6 g/day) in patients whose hemoglobin (Hb) levels increased <0.5 g/dL or were <10 g/dL. Primary endpoint was mean change in Hb from baseline to week 24. Results: Of 484 patients screened, 206 were randomized and 205 received FC. Mean (standard deviation) changes from baseline in Hb at week 24 were 0.77 (0.84) g/dL with FC TID 3 g/day and 0.70 (0.98) g/dL with FC BID 4 g/day. Discussion/Conclusions: FC administered BID and TID for 48 weeks was safe and effective for treating anemia in this population, supporting potentially increased dosing flexibility.
A Case of Hypophosphatemia due to Oncogenic Osteomalacia in a Patient with Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zheng Guoliang , Kanduri Swetha Rani , Canterbury John P. , Nguyen Thuy , Velez Juan Carlos Q.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Oncogenic osteomalacia (Onc-Ost) is a paraneoplastic phenomenon characterized by hypophosphatemia due to elevated fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). Onc-Ost has been previously reported in patients with germ line mesenchymal tumors and solid organ malignancies. This is the first report of aggressive natural killer (NK) T-cell lymphoma presenting as Onc-Ost. Case Description: A 33-year-old Vietnamese female with active hepatitis B and Mycobacterium avium complex, on ongoing therapy with tenofovir disoproxil, azithromycin, and ethambutol, presented with persistent fevers and developed refractory hypophosphatemia. Workup confirmed severe renal phosphate wasting. Tenofovir disoproxil was initially suspected; however, presence of isolated phosphaturia without Fanconi syndrome and persistence of hypophosphatemia despite discontinuation of medication led to clinical suspicion of Onc-Ost. Elevated FGF-23 warranted further workup, leading to a definitive diagnosis of clinically subtle NK T-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was initiated; however, patient continued to deteriorate clinically and expired. Conclusion: Along with commonly reported germ line mesenchymal tumors and solid malignancies, NK T-cell lymphoma can also present as Onc-Ost. Timely detection of associated tumors and subsequent antitumor therapy would likely reverse hypophosphatemia and improve clinical outcomes.
An Analysis of Frequency of Continuous Blood Pressure Variation and Haemodynamic Responses during Haemodialysis
Authors: Latha Gullapudi Venkata R. , White Kelly , Stewart Jill , Stewart Paul , Eldehni Mohammed T. , Taal Maarten W. , Selby Nicholas M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Higher beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) variation during haemodialysis (HD) has been shown to be associated with elevated cardiac damage markers and white matter ischaemic changes in the brain suggesting relevance to end-organ perfusion. We aimed to characterize individual patterns of BP variation and associated haemodynamic responses to HD. Methods: Fifty participants underwent continuous non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring during HD and BP variation were assessed using extrema point (EP) frequency analysis. Participants were divided into those with a greater proportion of low frequency (LF, n = 21) and high frequency (HF, n = 22) of BP variation. Clinical and haemodynamic data were compared between groups. Results: Median EP frequencies for mean arterial pressure (MAP) of mid-week HD sessions were 0.54 Hz (interquartile range 0.18) and correlated with dialysis vintage (r = 0.32, p = 0.039), NT pro-BNP levels (r = 0.32, p = 0.038), and average real variability (ARV) of systolic BP (r = 0.33, p = 0.029), ARV of diastolic BP (r = 0.46, p = 0.002), and ARV of MAP (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). In the LF group, MAP positively correlated with cardiac power index (CPI) in each hour of dialysis, but not with total peripheral resistance index (TPRI). In contrast, in the HF group, MAP correlated with TPRI in each hour of dialysis but only with CPI in the first hour. Conclusions: EP frequency analysis of continuous BP monitoring during dialysis allows assessment of BP variation and categorization of individuals into low- or high-frequency groups, which were characterized by different haemodynamic responses to dialysis. This may assist in improved individualization of dialysis therapy.
Anatomic Distribution of Cherry Angiomas in the General Population
Authors: Betz-Stablein Brigid , Koh Uyen , Edwards Harrison A. , McInerney-Leo Aideen , Janda Monika , Soyer H. Peter
Published: July 2021

Background: Cherry angiomas are common benign vascular skin lesions of unknown aetiology, found largely on the trunk. However, their exact anatomic distribution besides their truncal predisposition, and how they manifest in the general population, has not been characterised. Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) total body imaging was obtained from 163 adult participants of a general population cohort study in Brisbane, Australia. Demographic, phenotypic, and sun behaviour characteristics were collected using a standard questionnaire along with history of melanoma and keratinocyte cancers. Cherry angiomas were identified using an automated classification algorithm with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 99%, developed specifically for this study population. Results: The 3D total body images of 163 participants were analysed. Participants had a median age of 57 years and 61% were male. On average, males had more angiomas than females (median of 16 vs. 12) and the number and size of cherry angiomas increased with age. In addition to male sex and age, an increase in angiomas was associated with Caucasian ancestry other than British/Irish only, fair skin colour opposed to medium/olive, having green/hazel eyes compared to blue/grey, and personal history of melanoma. The most common site for cherry angiomas was the front trunk, followed by the back. Interestingly, although males had more angiomas overall, females had more angiomas on the legs. Conclusion: Describing the distribution of cherry angiomas by body site is an important step towards further understanding of the aetiology of angiomas. While personal history of melanoma is associated with an increased number of cherry angiomas, whether this association is prognostic, co-occurs with development of melanoma, or is merely fortuitous requires further investigation.
Dear Body… An Explorative Study on Anomalous Bodily Experiences in Persons with Feeding and Eating Disorders
Authors: Mancini Milena , Mignogna Silvio , Stanghellini Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to provide a qualitative analysis of anomalous bodily experiences (ABEs) of persons affected by feeding and eating disorders (FEDs). In particular, this study aimed to refine the description of bodily experiences in persons with FEDs so as to improve their treatment. Sampling and Methods: This is a naturalistic explorative study on a group of 29 patients affected by FED in psychotherapeutic treatment and 12 healthy controls. We asked the participants to write a letter on the way they experience their body. Later, we analysed their letters by means of consensual qualitative research. Results: All patients (29) reported at least 1 ABE. The main categories identified are (1) body-obstacle (the body interposes between the person and the world); (2) body-tyrant (the body imposes itself on the will of the person); (3) body-hyper-visible (the body is experienced as an exposed object); (4) body-geometric (the body is experienced or associated with a geometric form); and (5) body-numerical (the body is defined by numbers). All these categories are present in the clinical group, and they are absent in the control group. Conclusion: To grasp the experiential nuances of ABEs is relevant to understand the disorder of embodied self-hood and personal identity in these patients and thus to refine clinical treatment.
ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis and Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Just a Coincidence?
Authors: Maritati Federica , Moretti Maria Ilaria , Nastasi Valentina , Mazzucchelli Roberta , Morroni Manrico , Bagnarelli Patrizia , Rupoli Serena , Tavio Marcello , Galiotta Paolo , Bisello Walter , Ranghino Andrea
Published: July 2021

Many reports have described a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with COVID-19. Acute tubular necrosis has been reported to be the most common damage in these patients, probably due to hemodynamic instability. However, other complex processes may be involved, related to the cytokine storm and the activation of innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we describe a patient who developed an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and lung involvement and an antiphospholipid syndrome soon after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. After viral pneumonia was excluded by bronchoalveolar lavage, the patient has been treated with rituximab for amelioration of kidney function and resolution of thrombosis without any adverse event. We conclude that COVID-19 may trigger autoimmune diseases including ANCA-associated vasculitis. Thus, this diagnosis should be taken in consideration in COVID-19 patients, especially when they develop AKI with active urinary sediment. In addition, considering the relationship between these 2 diseases, SARS-CoV-2 infection should be excluded in all patients with a new diagnosis ANCA-associated vasculitis before starting immunosuppressive therapy.
Access to Dental-Care Services in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shubayr Mosa A. , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The construct of dental access adopted in this study uses the following 4 main dimensions: opportunity for access, realized access or utilization, equity, and outcome. Aims: The principal aims of this study were to identify various indicators used in the literature to measure each dimension of access in Saudi Arabia, to summarize and map the range of existing research with policy implications, to identify gaps in research, and to consider implications for future research. Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, as well as manually. Additional relevant publications were identified by manually searching the reference list of the included studies. Data were extracted based on the 4 dimensions of the access framework. Results: The search strategy yielded 230 studies, of which 16 were included after full-text revision. Of the 4 domains, the most explored and in all included studies were realized access, but no differentiation was made by the authors between initial utilization and continued engagement. Conclusions: An overview of different policy suggestions has been provided. In particular, we recommend making better use of teledentistry, improving referral services between dentists and physicians, and offering more education on dental prevention in schools’ health-service sites.
Analysis of
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F-Sodium Fluoride Positron Emission Tomography Signal Sources in Atherosclerotic Minipigs Shows Specific Binding of
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F-Sodium Fluoride to Plaque Calcifications
Authors: Nogales Paula , Velasco Carlos , Mota-Cobián Adriana , González-Cintado Leticia , Mota Rubén Avelino , España Samuel , Mateo Jesús , Bentzon Jacob F.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

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F-sodium fluoride (
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F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is thought to visualize active atherosclerotic plaque calcification. This is supported by the binding of
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F-NaF to plaque calcification ex vivo, but no prior studies have examined binding of
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F-NaF to human-like plaque in vivo. Our aim was to validate the specificity of
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F-NaF PET for plaque calcifications in atherosclerotic minipigs.

Approach and Results:

Gain-of-function PCSK9
D374Y
(proprotein convertase/subtilisin kexin type 9) transgenic Yucatan minipigs (n=4) were fed high-fat diet for 2.5 years to develop atherosclerosis and then subjected to
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F-NaF PET/computed tomography imaging. The heart, aorta, and iliac arteries were immediately re-scanned ex vivo after surgical extraction. Lesions from the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, and coronary arteries were cryo-sectioned for autoradiography. Histological plaque characteristics, PET/computed tomography signal, and autoradiography were linked through regression and co-localization analysis.

Arterial
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F-NaF PET signal had intensities comparable to clinical scans and colocalized moderately with calcification detected by computed tomography. Histological analysis showed calcification spanning from microcalcifications near lipid pools and necrotic core to more homogenous macrocalcifications. Comparison with arteries from autopsy cases confirmed the resemblance in localization and appearance with early human plaque calcification. Regression analysis in the abdominal aorta showed correlations with calcified plaque but could not rule out contributions from noncalcified plaque. This was resolved by autoradiography, which showed specific accumulation in plaque calcifications in all examined arteries. In the context of porcine abdominal aorta,
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F-NaF PET imaging was, however, less accurate than computed tomography for detecting small calcifications.

Conclusions:

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F-NaF accumulates specifically in calcifications of atherosclerotic plaques in vivo.
Optimization of Process Parameters in Drilling of Al6063 Reinforced with Magnesium Oxide Nano Particles
Authors: Kousik Suraparaju Subbarama , Venkatasreenivasula Reddy P. , Venkata Ramaiah P. , Dharma Reddy K. , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar
Published: July 2021

Aluminum Nano Metal Matrix Composites are extensively utilized for high-performance operations such as branches of engineering and medicine due to their enhanced physical and mechanical properties compared to traditional metals and metal alloys. In this research, Al6063 alloy was reinforced
with 15 nm sized Magnesium Oxide particles in different weight percentages. The development of Nano Metal Matrix Composites (NMMC) was completed through stir casting method at 750 °C temperature. The fabricated Nanocomposites were examined for the mechanical properties and impact of drilling
parameters on chips and burr formation. The input parameters adopted for analysis were speed, feed, and material of the drill tool. The drill tools made of HSS & TiN coated HSS were utilized in the drilling of NMMC. The influence of process parameters on chips and burr formation were analyzed
and optimized the process parameters for better output intended for this experimental environment through the Artificial Immune Algorithm technique.
Calculation of Linear Attenuation Coefficients of Algerian Silica Sand (ASS)
Authors: Akkurt Iskender , Anas Boussaa Sabiha , Gunoglu Kadir
Published: July 2021

Radiation is an important phoneme and thus radiation shielding is one of the most popular subjects for researchers. Sand is the main materials to produce besides many things also construction materials. It may also be used as a decorative material and therefore it is important to know
its radiation shielding parameters. In this study, linear attenuation coefficients of Algerian Silica Sand (ASS) were calculated using computer code of XCOM for 1 keV—100 GeV gamma energies.
Study on Synthesis and Properties of Ba3Y4O9 Phosphors Doped with Up-Converted Rare Earth Ions (RE = Yb3+, Er3+)
Authors: Ma Shiyu , Liu Bin , Liu Zongming , Li Jinkai
Published: July 2021

Ba3Y(4−4x−4y)Er4xYb4yO9 precursor was synthesized by ammonium bicarbonate co-precipitation method, and its chemical formula is: (NH4)xBa3RE4(OH)y(CO3)z
·nH2O (RE3+ =Y3+, Er3+ and Yb3+). The target product was obtained by calcining at 1400 °C in muffle furnace after 5 h. By means of Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron
Microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), photoluminescence/photoluminescence excitation (PLE/PL), fluorescence attenuation and color coordinate, the composition, structural characteristics, particle morphology and fluorescence performance of the precursor and target product
were studied. The particle size of the precursor was between 50 nm–100 nm, and the particle size of the calcined product was between 1 μm−2 μm. The absorption capacity of the fluorescent material to light is enhanced with the increase of doped ions. The optimal
dosage of Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped Ba3Y(4−4x−4y)Er4xYb4yO9 was x = 0.05 and y = 0.20. The color coordinate of Ba3Y3Er0.2Yb0.8O9 phosphor is
(0.73, 0.27) and the color temperature is 7383.6 K, showing excellent red light emission.
Ferromagnetic and Antiferromagnetic Properties of Perovskite Solar Cell Materials
Authors: Diao Xin-Feng , Gao Li-Ke , Xie Yu , Tang Tian-Yu , Tang Yan-Lin
Published: July 2021

This paper provides an intriguing electronic and magnetic properties of the Perovskite solar cell materials (MAPbI3, CsGeI3) which are analyzed by using density functional theory, where MAPbI3 is the abbreviation of CH3NH3PbI3.
Herein, we mainly discuss the influence of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism on the crystal structure, band gap and electronic density of states of perovskite (MAPbI3) (CsGeI3). The magmom values of the applied magnetic field are from −6 μB to 6 μB,
respectively (The negative sign here represents the opposite direction of the original magnetic field). The lattice parameters and volume of the crystal under different magnetic fields are obtained. It can be seen from the free energy that the stability of the crystal is compared with non-magnetic
field, when the applied magnetic fields are at 4 μB and 5 μB, the free energy of the crystal is the lowest and its relative stability is better. At the same time, the magnetic field of CsGeI3 increases from −5 μB to 5 μB. The results
show that the density of states of CsGeI3 moves towards the direction of higher energy, and the change of MAPbI3 crystal is more obvious. Similarly, we should pay attention to that when applying a magnetic field to the crystals, it is found that the band gap of both MAPbI3
and CsGeI3 decreases obviously after increasing the magnetic field, which avoids the situation of spin up and spin down overlap of MAPbI3, which is helpful to adjust the band gap size. From the perspective of crystal spectral absorption characteristics, when considering
the ferromagnetic effect on CsGeI3 with the magnetic moment of a single atom is set to (1 μB, 2 μB, 3 μB, 4 μB, 5 μB, 6 μB), the width of absorption spectrum tends to decrease, but the impact on MAPbI3 is small.
Enhanced Light-Harvesting in Single Rectangular Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Liu Wenfu , Lio Xin , Wang Yinling , Wen Bin
Published: July 2021

Light-harvesting of single nanowires is very crucial to enhance conversion efficency of solar cells. Here, we systematically examined light-harvesting of single rectangular nanowires and found that light-harvesting of rectangular nanowires is increased contrasted with that of square
nanowires, which is because decreasing the horizontal side can strengthen the leaky mode resonances and increasing the vertical side can increase the length of the light path. Numerical results showed that the photocurrent of single rectangular silicon nanowires is dramatically enhanced by
82.9% or 276.5% in comparison with that of square nanowires with the same vertical side (1000 nm) or horizontal side (100 nm), respectively. This work indicates that light-harvesting of single nanowires can be improved by decreasing the symmetry from the square to rectangular nanowires.
Solar Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater Using Photovoltaic-Thermal Collector Evaporator and Its Building Energy Saving Performance
Authors: Wang Liguang , Wang Chao , Zhao Yang , Zheng Qiuling , Chi Yaodan
Published: July 2021

Solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) water heater based on photovoltaic/thermal collector evaporator (PV/T SAHP) can effectively improve the solar energy conversion efficiency by realizing the all-round application of solar energy, PV and photothermal. The heat generated in a PV/T collector evaporator is taken away by the refrigerant and supplied to the heat pump cycle, which can increase the heat pump’s evaporation temperature as well as its performance; meantime, the solar cell’s temperature decreases and the photoelectric conversion efficiency can be enhanced. The performance of PV/T SAHP system is studied theoretically and experimentally, and tested under different conditions. Conventional SAHP and uncooled solar panels are set as the control group. Compared with uncooled solar panels, PV/T SAHP can effectively reduce the temperature of solar cells and improve the photoelectric conversion power. The average error of the numerical simulation model is about 5%, which can meet the needs of engineering application. The optimum installation angle of the collector evaporator in Shanghai is calculated, which is 27°. The annual operation of PV/T SAHP in Shanghai is simulated and predicted. Among them, the average COP is 3.71, the average collecting efficiency is 0.71, and the average comprehensive utilization efficiency of solar energy is 1.04, which can maintain good working performance throughout the year.
Restructuring of U.S. Federal Coordination to Advance Meteorological Services
Authors: Droegemeier Kelvin K. , Jacobs Neil A.
Published: July 2021

For the first time in over 50 years, the United States has, at the direction of Congress, restructured the way in which federal departments and agencies coordinate to advance meteorological services. The new framework, known as the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services (ICAMS), encompasses activities spanning local weather to global climate using an Earth system approach. Compared to the previous structure, ICAMS provides a simplified, streamlined framework for coordination across all stakeholders in implementing policies and practices associated with the broad set of services needed by the United States now and into the future. ICAMS also provides improved pathways for research and services integration, as well as mechanisms to more effectively engage the broader community, including academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and particularly the next generation of educators, researchers, and operational practitioners.