bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-Bottom Plug Placement: How It Works?
Authors: Ghazal Abdallah , Karimfazli Ida
Published: December 2020

In Canada, the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) liability report, issued in 2018, predicted that the number of inactive wells in the province will double by 2030. Despite the increase in the number of inactive wells, there is a need to close them properly to avoid hazards escape. Various aspects of well plug technologies in the Canadian abandoning industry are empirical. Many plugs are formed by injecting cement slurry into wells that are otherwise filled with fresh water for the slurry to build up on top of a water layer at a desired location. However, cement is heavier than water. Thus, successful plug placement following this methodology is questionable from the hydrodynamics perspective.

The present study aims to identify features of successful processes for placement of off-bottom plugs. To that end, we investigate mixing of fluids of different densities as the denser fluid is injected into the lighter fluid. Cement slurry is modeled as a viscoplastic fluid. The fluid motion is governed by hydrodynamic models, and the two fluids (i.e. cement and water) are considered to be miscible and are allowed to mix. Systematic numerical simulations aim to reveal how the characteristics of cement and the well configuration affect the placement process.

We show that successful plug placement depends on the formation of a mixed layer, of the wellbore fluid and cement slurry, below the injection site. We identify and provide representative cases of the processes promoting the formation of the mixed layer: high diffusion and growing instabilities.
Acoustic Study of Wave-Breaking to Enhance the Understanding of Wave Physics
Authors: Odzer Michael , Francke Kristina
Published: December 2020

The sound of waves breaking on shore, or against an obstruction or jetty, is an immediately recognizable sound pattern which could potentially be employed by a sensor system to identify obstructions. If frequency patterns produced by breaking waves can be reproduced and mapped in a laboratory setting, a foundational understanding of the physics behind this process could be established, which could then be employed in sensor development for navigation.

This study explores whether wave-breaking frequencies correlate with the physics behind the collapsing of the wave, and whether frequencies of breaking waves recorded in a laboratory tank will follow the same pattern as frequencies produced by ocean waves breaking on a beach.

An artificial “beach” was engineered to replicate breaking waves inside a laboratory wave tank. Video and audio recordings of waves breaking in the tank were obtained, and audio of ocean waves breaking on the shoreline was recorded. The audio data was analysed in frequency charts. The video data was evaluated to correlate bubble sizes to frequencies produced by the waves.

The results supported the hypothesis that frequencies produced by breaking waves in the wave tank followed the same pattern as those produced by ocean waves. Analysis utilizing a solution to the Rayleigh-Plesset equation showed that the bubble sizes produced by breaking waves were inversely related to the pattern of frequencies. This pattern can be reproduced in a controlled laboratory environment and extrapolated for use in developing navigational sensors for potential applications in marine navigation such as for use with autonomous ocean vehicles.
An integrated structural and GPS study of the Jalpatagua fault, southeastern Guatemala
Authors: Garnier Bridget , Tikoff Basil , Flores Omar , Jicha Brian , DeMets Charles , Cosenza-Muralles Beatriz , Hernandez Douglas , Marroquin Griselda , Mixco Luis , Hernandez Walter
Published: December 2020

The Jalpatagua fault in Guatemala accommodates dextral movement of the Central America forearc. We present new global positioning system (GPS) data, minor fault analysis, geochronological analyses, and analysis of lineaments to characterize deformation along the fault and near its terminations. Our data indicate that the Jalpatagua fault terminates at both ends into extensional regions. The western termination occurs near the Amatitlan caldera and the southern extension of the Guatemala City graben, as no through-going structures were observed to continue west into the active volcanic arc. Along the Jalpatagua fault, new and updated GPS site velocities are consistent with a slip rate of 7.1 ± 1.8 mm yr−1. Minor faulting along the central section of the fault includes: (1) N-S–striking normal faults accommodating E-W elongation; and (2) four sets of strike-slip faults (oriented 330°, 020°, 055°, and 295°, parallel to the Jalpatagua fault trace). Minor fault arrays support dextral movement along a major fault in the orientation of the Jalpatagua fault. GPS and fault data indicate that the Jalpatagua fault terminates to the east near the Guatemala–El Salvador border. Data delineate a pull-apart basin southeast of the fault termination, which is undergoing transtension as the Jalpatagua fault transitions into the El Salvador fault system to the east. Within the basin, minor faulting and lineations trend to the NW and accommodate NE-directed elongation. This faulting differs from E-W elongation observed along the Jalpatagua fault and is more similar to minor faults within the El Salvador fault system.
The strangest proton?
Authors: Faura Ferran , Iranipour Shayan , Nocera Emanuele R. , Rojo Juan , Ubiali Maria
Published: December 2020

We present an improved determination of the strange quark and antiquark parton distribution functions of the proton by means of a global QCD analysis that takes into account a comprehensive set of strangeness-sensitive measurements: charm-tagged cross sections for fixed-target neutrino–nucleus deep-inelastic scattering, and cross sections for inclusive gauge-boson production andW-boson production in association with light jets or charm quarks at hadron colliders. Our analysis is accurate to next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative QCD where available, and specifically includes charm-quark mass corrections to neutrino–nucleus structure functions. We find that a good overall description of the input dataset can be achieved and that a strangeness moderately suppressed in comparison to the rest of the light sea quarks is strongly favored by the global analysis.
Iterative group-based and difference ranking method for online rating systems with spamming attacks
Authors: Fu Quan-Yun , Ren Jian-Feng , Sun Hong-Liang
Published: December 2020

It is significant to assign reputation scores to users and identify spammers in the bipartite rating networks. In this paper, we propose an Iterative Group-based and Difference Ranking (IGDR) method, which is based on the original Iterative Group-based Ranking (IGR) method. The IGR method considers users grouping behaviors, but it ignores the characteristics of the individual ratings. It is discovered that individual rating characteristics could also contribute to the redistribution of reputation scores of users. The user with a smaller rating deviation will be given a higher reputation score. The proposed method outperforms IGR method ranging from 8% to 163% tested on three real datasets. It also can be applied to deal with big data in a short time.
Self-consistent effective Hamiltonian theory for fermionic many-body systems
Authors: Wang Xindong , Cheng Hai-Ping
Published: December 2020

Using a separable many-body variational wavefunction, we formulate a self-consistent effective Hamiltonian theory for fermionic many-body system. The theory is applied to the two-dimensional (2D) Hubbard model as an example to demonstrate its capability and computational effectiveness. Most remarkably for the Hubbard model in 2D, a highly unconventional quadruple-fermion non-Cooper pair order parameter is discovered.
Effect of high bandgap AlAs quantum barrier on electronic and optical properties of In0.70Ga0.30As/Al0.60In0.40As superlattice under applied electric field for laser and detector applications
Authors: Alaydin B. O.
Published: December 2020

Effect of high bandgap [Formula: see text] nm AlAs on the electronic and optical properties of the [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] superlattice is investigated by using effective mass approximation under the electric field. Electronic transitions are obtained as 0.403 eV and 0.023 eV for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the gain region. Thin AlAs increases electron confinement in the superlattice and prevents electron leakage in the gain region which mostly results in higher absorption/emission in the superlattice. AlAs has no major effects on transitions energies in the gain region but it is effectively decreasing the total absorption in the injector region and preventing the internal absorption. AlAs also makes the superlattice optically more stable by decreasing the high refractive index change in the injector region by factor 5.
Profinite completions and MacNeille completions of finitely presented MV-algebras
Authors: Nganou Jean B.
Published: December 2020

We prove that the profinite completion construction is a covariant functor from the category of (universal) algebras of a given type into the category of the corresponding Stone algebras. A Grothendieck problem for finitely presented MV-algebras is also formulated and solved. Finally, we characterize finitely presented MV-algebras for which profinite completions and MacNeille completions coincide.
On the relative size of toric bases
Authors: Tatakis Christos , Thoma Apostolos
Published: December 2020

We consider the Graver basis, the universal Gröbner basis, a Markov basis and the set of the circuits of a toric ideal. Let [Formula: see text] be any two of these bases such that [Formula: see text] in general, we prove that there is no polynomial on the size or on the maximal degree of the elements of [Formula: see text] which bounds the size or the maximal degree of the elements of [Formula: see text] correspondingly.
How Technology Has Thrown Us Out of Balance with Nature and Why We Need to Get Back In
Authors: Johanson Donald
Published: December 2020

We have created a technology-based environment in an effort to control our world, but we need to understand that the biological forces that shaped us continue to play a role in our future. As more and more species go extinct because of human activity, we must learn how to reconnect with nature to fit in with the earth’s rhythm, not try to conquer it.
Conceptual Pitfalls in Teaching the Linearized Approximation in Introductory General Relativity
Authors: Faraoni Valerio
Published: December 2020

The decomposition of the metric tensor into a flat background plus small perturbations used in linearized general relativity is often a source of confusion for the student because these two parts are only Lorentz-invariant but not generally covariant. The underlying, crucial, conceptual switch from a dynamical gravitational field to a test field on a fixed background is often omitted in presenting this course material. This issue is clarified and an improved presentation is proposed.
Does Anemia Have a Potential Effect on Type 2 Hepatorenal Syndrome?
Authors: Bizid Sondes , Yacoub Haythem , Mohamed Ghanem , Ben Slimane Bahaa , Boughoula Khouloud , Ben Abdallah Hatem , Bouali Riadh , Abedelli Nabil
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a form of functional renal failure arising in advanced cirrhosis and is characterized by a poor survival rate. Anemia is frequently observed during the clinical course of cirrhosis. Our study aimed to investigate the hematologic findings in patients with cirrhosis to determine the effects of anemia on renal functions in type 2 HRS and if it was a potential aggravating factor. Materials and Methods. This prospective study, in which all consecutive patients with cirrhosis were enrolled, was performed at a tertiary-level hospital (Military Hospital of Tunis) from January 2019 to June 2019. A total of 9 patients with HRS fulfilled the type 2 HRS diagnostic criteria, and 41 patients with cirrhosis without HRS were included. All data regarding patients were obtained from the medical record. Demographic data, routine hemograms, biochemical, and urinary test results were collected. Models of end-stage liver disease (MELD) and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) scores were calculated. Results. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was viral hepatitis (66%). According to the CTP score, 23 patients were in the CTP-A stage, 13 in the CTP-B stage, and 14 patients were in the CTP-C stage. Patients with type 2 HRS had significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared with non-HRS stable cirrhosis patients. As hemoglobin levels decreased, renal function worsened on patients with type 2 HRS. Patients with lower hemoglobin levels had poor prognosis and survival compared with patients with higher hemoglobin levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that lower hemoglobin levels and higher MELD and CTP scores were statistically significant for an onset of type 2 HRS. Conclusion. Renal dysfunction is a frequent complication in patients with end-stage chronic liver disease. The role of anemia in aggravating HRS in patients with cirrhosis is explained by hypoxia that can lead to microcirculatory renal ischemia. Other studies are required to determine if anemia is a precipitant factor for HRS or not.
Metabolic and Endocrine Changes Determined in Saliva of Adolescents Engaged in Computer Gaming
Authors: Podrigalo Leonid Vladimirovich , Iermakov Sergii Sidorovich , Jagiello Wladyslaw
Published: December 2020

Passion for computer games negatively affects the health level of schoolchildren. Among the approaches to monitoring the functional state of such schoolchildren, the most informative and painless is the study of the saliva. The study involved 45 children, aged 14.00 ± 0.21 years, and divided according to the contact’s intensity with computer games. The following indicators of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined in the saliva: indicators of the antioxidant (AO) system, concentration of immunoglobulin A, and hormonal indicators. The significant increases in the catecholamine (adrenaline) level for 2.3 times and biogenic amine–serotonin for 35.5% and increase in the LPO‐DC product concentration in gamers for 75.8% were revealed. The study of the schoolchildren’s homeostasis peculiarities confirmed the adequacy of the use of biochemical techniques to assess the condition of children gamers. They have a prenosological condition. This is reflected in the increase in LPO intensity, failure of the protective AO system, imbalance of hormonal state, and immunity deterioration. Information on the evaluation of the LPO activity processes and the AO system condition and the degree of the balance’s shift between prooxidants and antioxidants in biological substrates can be considered objective and very sensitive indicators of the general condition, activity, and improvement of the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis.
A Case of Large Perianal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Arising from Recurrent Abscess and Complex Fistulae
Authors: Azmi Fahmi Pramaditto , Rahman Nur Afdzillah Abdul , Mazlan Luqman , Basiron Normala , Imran Farrah-Hani
Published: December 2020

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the perianal region is an oncologic rarity posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for treating oncologists. This is due to the low number of reported cases, compounded by the lack of definitive therapeutic guidelines. It accounts for 2% to 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies and is historically known to arise from chronic anal fistulas and ischiorectal or perianal abscesses. We hereby report an interesting case of perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma in a 66-year-old male initially treated for a horseshoe abscess with complex fistulae. He presented with a 6-month history of a discharging growth in perianal region and painful defecation associated with occasional blood mixed stools. An incisional biopsy from the ulcer revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a localized perianal growth which involves the internal and external sphincter as well as suspicious involvement in the posterior aspect of the levator ani/puborectalis sling, which was further confirmed with colonoscopy (see figures). With no preset treatment protocol for this rare entity, he was managed with an abdominoperineal resection (APR) and vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM) tissue reconstruction. He had a turbulent postoperative period including intestinal obstruction secondary to internal herniation of bowel resulting in flap failure. The subsequent perineal wound was managed conservatively with advanced wound care and has since completely healed.
HSF1 Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Suppressing Macrophage Infiltration
Authors: Li Tao , Xiao Gui , Tan Sipin , Shi Xueyan , Yin Leijing , Tan Chuyi , Gu Jia , Liu Yanjuan , Deng Huafei , Liu Ke , Liu Meidong , Zhang Huali , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: December 2020

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a transcription factor involved in the heat shock response and other biological processes. We have unveiled here an important role of HSF1 in acute lung injury (ALI). HSF1 knockout mice were used as a model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced ALI. Lung damage was aggravated, and macrophage infiltration increased significantly in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue of HSF-/- mice compared with the damage observed in HSF1+/+ mice. Upon LPS stimulation, HSF-/- mice showed higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the serum, BALF, and lung tissue and increased the expression of MCP-1 and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) on the surface of macrophages compared with those in HSF1+/+. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and dual luciferase reporter assays revealed that HSF1 could directly bind to heat shock elements (HSE) in the promoter regions of MCP-1 and its receptor CCR2, thereby inhibiting the expression of both genes. We concluded that HSF1 attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice by directly suppressing the transcription of MCP-1/CCR2, which in turn reduced macrophage infiltration.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Machine Learning-Based Radiomics in Grading Gliomas: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sohn Curtis K. , Bisdas Sotirios
Published: December 2020

Purpose. This study aimed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning- (ML-) based radiomics in differentiating high-grade gliomas (HGG) from low-grade gliomas (LGG) and to identify potential covariates that could affect the diagnostic accuracy of ML-based radiomic analysis in classifying gliomas. Method. A primary literature search of the PubMed database was conducted to find all related literatures in English between January 1, 2009, and May 1, 2020, with combining synonyms for “machine learning,” “glioma,” and “radiomics.” Five retrospective designed original articles including LGG and HGG subjects were chosen. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, their 95% confidence interval, area under curve (AUC), and hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic (HSROC) models were obtained. Result. The pooled sensitivity when diagnosing HGG was higher (96% (95% CI: 0.93, 0.98)) than the specificity when diagnosing LGG (90% (95% CI 0.85, 0.93)). Heterogeneity was observed in both sensitivity and specificity. Metaregression confirmed the heterogeneity in sample sizes (p=0.05), imaging sequence types (p=0.02), and data sources (p=0.01), but not for the inclusion of the testing set (p=0.19), feature extraction number (p=0.36), and selection of feature number (p=0.18). The results of subgroup analysis indicate that sample sizes of more than 100 and feature selection numbers less than the total sample size positively affected the diagnostic performance in differentiating HGG from LGG. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the excellent diagnostic performance of ML-based radiomics in differentiating HGG from LGG.
Study on the Diversity of Fungal and Bacterial Communities in Continuous Cropping Fields of Chinese Chives (Allium tuberosum)
Authors: Gu Yizhu , Wang Yuxin , Wang Pingzhi , Wang Chaonan , Ma Jinhai , Yang Xiaofei , Ma Donghao , Li Meihuan
Published: December 2020

In this study, high‐throughput sequencing technology was used to analyse the diversity and composition of fungal and bacterial communities in continuous cropping soil of Chinese chives. The soil nutrient was also measured to explore the rationality of current fertilization management. These results can provide a basis for the prevention and control of the continuous cropping obstacles of Chinese chives and further scientific management. Soil samples from fields continuously cropped with Chinese chives for one year, three years, and five years were collected and analysed. The results showed that the nutrient content of TP, AP, AK and TK increased significantly with increasing continuous cropping years. Short‐term continuous cropping soil nutrients have not deteriorated. Alpha‐diversity analysis showed that significant differences were not found in the diversity of the fungal and bacterial community among different years. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mortierellomycota were the three most dominant fungal phyla. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla. Continuous cropping makes Fusarium increase, and the beneficial bacteria Pseudomonas decreased significantly. According to the correlation heat map analysis of environmental factors, excessive phosphorus may lead to the increase of Fusarium, potassium may promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the continuous cropping process, and it is necessary to regulate the application of phosphate and potassium fertilizer.
Relationship between Perioperative Cardiovascular Events and Glycated Hemoglobin in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Chen Zhengwen , Ding Shuncai , Yuan Yingchuan , Du Jianhua , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2020

This retrospective nested case‐control study is aimed at investigating the relationship between HbAlc and perioperative cardiovascular events (PCE) in patients with diabetes who underwent complex or moderately complex noncardiac surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University in 2013‐2018. The patients were divided into four groups according to HbA1c ≤7%, 7.1%‐7.9%, 8.0%‐8.9%, and ≥9%. The occurrence of PCE among the groups was compared using univariable and multivariable analyses. Finally, 318 patients were included. There were 90 cases of PCE among the 318 patients; the occurrence rate of PCE was 28.3%. No death occurred. The occurrence rates of PCE in the HbA1c ≥ 8.0% − 8.9% and HbA1c ≥ 9.0% groups were 30.8% and 35.4%, respectively (P < 0.001 vs. the HbA1c 7.1%‐7.9% group). The occurrence rate of PCE in the HbA1c ≤ 7% group was 25.9% (P > 0.05 vs. the HbA1c 7.1%‐7.9% group). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the course of diabetes (HbA1c stratification ≤7%, 7.1%‐7.9%, 8.0%‐8.9%, ≥9%, OR = 3.672, 95% CI: 1.552‐8.687), HbA1c (OR = 1.895, 95% CI: 1.227‐4.830), SBP (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.015‐2.023), and microalbuminuria (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.005‐1.023) was independently associated with PCE in diabetic patients. In conclusion, HbA1c levels are related to the incidence of PCE in diabetic patients undergoing complex or moderately complex noncardiac surgery.
Shear Strength and Pull‐Out Response of Tire Shred‐Sand Mixture Reinforced with Deformed Steel Bars
Authors: Khan Beenish Jehan , Ahmad Irshad , Nasir Hassan , Abdullah Abdullah , Gohar Qazi Khawar
Published: December 2020

The use of scrap tires in various engineering applications has been extensively explored. The present study has the following aim: to evaluate the suitability of tire‐sand mixtures as backfill material based on its shear strength. To achieve this objective, modified Proctor compaction tests were performed on tire shred‐sand mixture with mixing proportions by weight of tire shreds and sand (0/100, 20/80, 30/70, and 40/60) using different sizes of tire shreds (50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm). Based on the results of the modified Proctor compaction test, the two mixing proportions, i.e., tire shred/sand, 20/80 and 30/70, respectively, were selected. Large‐scale direct shear test indicated higher internal friction angle and cohesion values for tire shred‐sand mixtures (30/70) with 100 mm tire size (38.5° and 19 kPa) as compared with sand‐only backfill material (30.9° and 0 kPa). Based on stress‐strain behavior plots, it was indicated that the inclusion of tire shreds imparts ductility to backfill mixtures. To achieve the second objective, the pull‐out tests were performed with deformed steel bars of two different diameters (12.7 mm and 15.8 mm) embedded in various backfill mixtures prepared with tire shreds of three different sizes (50, 75, and 100 mm). The pull‐out test result indicated that the deformed steel bars exhibit higher pull‐out resistance in tire shred‐sand mixtures (9.9 kN/m) compared with sand‐only backfill material (4.1 kN/m).
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Essential Hypertension: A Clinical Evidence Map
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Biqing , Ju Chunxiao , Liu Lu , Zhu Ying , Mei Jun , Liu Yue , Xu Fengqin
Published: December 2020

We systematically retrieved and summarised clinical studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the prevention and treatment of essential hypertension (EH) using the evidence map. We aimed to explore the evidence distribution, identify gaps in evidence, and inform on future research priorities. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, guidelines, and pathway studies related to TCM for the prevention and treatment of EH, published between January 2000 and December 2019, were included from databases CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The distribution of evidence was analysed using text descriptions, tables, and graphs. A total of 9,403 articles were included, including 5,920 randomised controlled studies (RCTs), 16 guidelines, expert consensus and path studies, and 139 systematic reviews (SRs). The articles publishing trend increased over time. This study showed that the intervention time of TCM was concentrated at 4–8 weeks, mainly through Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for the prevention and treatment of elderly hypertension and the complications. A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) scores of the included reviews ranged from 2 to 10. Most of the SRs had a potentially positive effect (n = 120), mainly in 5–8 score. Primary studies and SRs show potential benefits of TCM in lowering blood pressure, lowering the TCM syndrome and symptom differentiation scores (TCM‐SSD scores), improving the total effective rate, and reducing the adverse events. The adjunctive effect of TCM on improving the total effective rate, lowering the blood pressure, lowering the TCM‐SSD scores, and lowering the adverse effects was only supported by low‐quality evidence in this research. The evidence map was used to show the overall research on TCM for the treatment of EH; however, due to the existing problems of the primary studies, the current research conclusion needs further research with higher quality and standardisation.
Clinical Study of Three‐Dimensional Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for the Treatment of Highly Complex Renal Tumors with RENAL Nephrometry Scores of ≥10 Points
Authors: Li Maomao , Ren Yu , Weng Guobin
Published: December 2020

Aims. To examine the safety and feasibility of three‐dimensional (3‐D) laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for clinically complex renal tumors. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 76 patients who underwent a 3‐D (n = 42; age, 54.6 ± 12.2 years) or two‐dimensional (2‐D) laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 34; age, 54.8 ± 13.2 years) for renal tumors with RENAL nephrectomy scores of ≥10 points from the same surgical group between January 2017 and April 2020 in Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital. Mean tumor diameter, operation time, warm ischemic time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time, hospitalization cost, perioperative complication rate, and renal function were compared. Results. The operation time (154.6 ± 45.1 min) and warm ischemic time (22.5 ± 6.8 min) in the 3‐D laparoscopic group were significantly lower than those in the 2‐D laparoscopic group (193.0 ± 59.2 min, p = 0.001 and 28.7 ± 7.8 min, p = 0.0002, respectively). No significant differences in amount of intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.642), length of postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.541), perioperative complication rate (p = 0.860), total hospital cost (p = 0.641), and renal function changes including estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine (p > 0.05) were found between the two groups. Conclusion. Our preliminary experience showed that the 3‐D laparoscopic imaging system significantly shortened the operation and renal ischemic times, which are more conducive to partial resection of highly complex renal tumors.
Socioeconomic Factors in Patients with Ulnar Nerve Compression at the Elbow: A National Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Zimmerman Malin , Nyman Erika , Steen Carlsson Katarina , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: December 2020

Aims. To investigate demographics and socioeconomic status in patients with ulnar nerve compression and the influence of socioeconomic factors on patient‐reported outcome measurements (PROM) as evaluated by QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) after surgery for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Methods. Patients operated for primary ulnar nerve compression from 2010 to 2016 were identified in the National Quality Registry for Hand Surgery Procedures (HAKIR). Patients filled out questionnaires before and at three and 12 months after surgery. A total of 1346 surgically treated cases were included. Data from HAKIR were linked to data from Statistics Sweden (SCB) on socioeconomic status (i.e., education level, earnings, social assistance, immigrant status, sick leave, unemployment, and marital status). Results. Patients surgically treated for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow differed from the general population with lower levels of education, higher social assistance dependence, a high proportion of unemployment, and lower earnings. However, the results were not clear concerning the influence of socioeconomic factors on the outcome of surgery, except for long‐term sick leave. Conclusion. Patients surgically treated for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow are socioeconomically deprived, but only a history of long‐term sick leave influences the outcome of surgery. This information is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
Genome-Wide Characterization of RNA Editing Sites in Primary Gastric Adenocarcinoma through RNA-seq Data Analysis
Authors: Behroozi Javad , Shahbazi Shirin , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah
Published: December 2020

RNA editing is a posttranscriptional nucleotide modification in humans. Of the various types of RNA editing, the adenosine to inosine substitution is the most widespread in higher eukaryotes, which is mediated by the ADAR family enzymes. Inosine is recognized by the biological machinery as guanosine; therefore, editing could have substantial functional effects throughout the genome. RNA editing could contribute to cancer either by exclusive editing of tumor suppressor/promoting genes or by introducing transcriptomic diversity to promote cancer progression. Here, we provided a comprehensive overview of the RNA editing sites in gastric adenocarcinoma and highlighted some of their possible contributions to gastric cancer. RNA-seq data corresponding to 8 gastric adenocarcinoma and their paired nontumor counterparts were retrieved from the GEO database. After preprocessing and variant calling steps, a stringent filtering pipeline was employed to distinguish potential RNA editing sites from SNPs. The identified potential editing sites were annotated and compared with those in the DARNED database. Totally, 12362 high-confidence adenosine to inosine RNA editing sites were detected across all samples. Of these, 12105 and 257 were known and novel editing events, respectively. These editing sites were unevenly distributed across genomic regions, and nearly half of them were located in 3

′

UTR. Our results revealed that 4868 editing sites were common in both normal and cancer tissues. From the remaining sites, 3985 and 3509 were exclusive to normal and cancer tissues, respectively. Further analysis revealed a significant number of differentially edited events among these sites, which were located in protein coding genes and microRNAs. Given the distinct pattern of RNA editing in gastric adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal tissue, edited sites have the potential to serve as the diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer.
Existence Results for a Class of the Quasilinear Elliptic Equations with the Logarithmic Nonlinearity
Authors: Cui Zhoujin , Mao Zisen , Zong Wen , Zhang Xiaorong , Yang Zuodong
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the nonlinear quasilinear elliptic problem with the logarithmic nonlinearity−div∇up−2∇u=axφpulogu+hxψpuinΩ⊂Rnwas studied. By means of a double perturbation argument and Nehari manifold, the authors obtain the existence results.
Accommodative Exercises to Lower Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Stokkermans Thomas J. , Reitinger Jeremy C. , Tye George , Kao Chiu-Yen , Ragupathy Sangeetha , Wang Huachun A. , Toris Carol B.
Published: December 2020

Purpose. This study investigated how a conscious change in ocular accommodation affects intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular biometrics in healthy adult volunteers of different ages. Methods. Thirty-five healthy volunteers without ocular disease or past ocular surgery, and with refractive error between −3.50 and +2.50 diopters, were stratified into 20, 40, and 60 year old (y.o.) age groups. Baseline measurements of central cornea thickness, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber angle, cornea diameter, pupil size, and ciliary muscle thickness were made by autorefraction and optical coherence tomography (OCT), while IOP was measured by pneumotonometry. Each subject’s right eye focused on a target 40 cm away. Three different tests were performed in random order: (1) 10 minutes of nonaccommodation (gazing at the target through lenses that allowed clear vision without accommodating), (2) 10 minutes of accommodation (addition of a minus 3 diopter lens), and (3) 10 minutes of alternating between accommodation and nonaccommodation (1-minute intervals). IOP was measured immediately after each test. A 20-minute rest period was provided between tests. Data from 31 subjects were included in the study. ANOVA and paired t-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results. Following alternating accommodation, IOP decreased by 0.7 mmHg in the right eye when all age groups were combined (

p

 = 0.029). Accommodation or nonaccommodation alone did not decrease IOP. Compared to the 20 y.o. group, the 60 y.o. group had a thicker ciliary muscle within 75 μm of the scleral spur, a thinner ciliary muscle at 125–300 μm from the scleral spur, narrower anterior chamber angles, shallower anterior chambers, and smaller pupils during accommodation and nonaccommodation (

p

’s < 0.01). Conclusion. Alternating accommodation, but not constant accommodation, significantly decreased IOP. This effect was not lost with aging despite physical changes to the aging eye. A greater accommodative workload and/or longer test period may improve the effect.
Using the Grey Model to Analyze the Impact of the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Industries on the Public’s Attention to Air Pollution in Three Cities
Authors: Gu Haolei , Chen Yan
Published: December 2020

To analyze the impact of the added value of primary, secondary, and tertiary industry on public attention to air pollution in Handan, Xingtai, and Shijiazhuang, Baidu index is used to build the air pollution attention index. Taking the added value of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industry as the influencing factors, fractional grey multivariable convolution model is used to predict and analyze the public attention to air pollution in these three cities from 2020 to 2024. The results show that the secondary industry has the greatest impact on the public’s attention to air pollution compared with the primary industry and the tertiary industry. And the added value of the secondary industry with faster increase will cause a faster increase in the public’s air pollution attention from 2020 to 2024, especially in Handan. It is not only helpful to air pollution control, but also helpful in solving the public psychological problems caused by air pollution.
A Novel Contact Tunnel Profile Monitoring System: Concept and Application
Authors: Han Yang , Pu Shikun , Gao Lei , Duan Jianli , Li Erbing
Published: December 2020

The displacement of the cross section directly reflects the stress state and stability of the surrounding rock and structure, so the monitoring of it is essential during the construction and operation of the tunnel and underground engineering, particularly under the conditions of earthquake and other geological disasters. This paper introduces a new contact tunnel profile monitoring system (TPMS) in detail that uses a tilt sensor and a displacement sensor as data acquisition devices. According to the relation between the sensing physical quantity and displacement change, the displacement calculation formulas of the tunnel cross section measuring points based on the two-dimensional plane coordinate system were deduced, and in order to eliminate the actual installation and positioning deviation of the monitoring system, the method of obtaining the optimal monitoring plane and converting coordinates of the measuring points was proposed, thus establishing the theoretical basis for the application of the TPMS. With the Beishan exploration tunnel (BET) in China as the test platform, the TPMS was successfully applied for long-term monitoring. The application experience showed that the TPMS can realize continuous monitoring, automatic collection and transmission of the monitoring data, remote access whenever necessary, without affecting the transportation in the tunnel, and high accuracy, which reaches 0.01 mm. This system provides a new simple and effective method with good generality and applicability for the deformation monitoring of the tunnel and underground engineering.
Parameter Optimization on the Three-Parameter Whitenization Grey Model and Its Application in Simulation and Prediction of Gross Enrollment Rate of Higher Education in China
Authors: Sun Jihong , Li Hui , Zeng Bo , Zhao Xiaoyun , Wang Chuanhui
Published: December 2020

The gray prediction model, based on the GM(1,1) method, is an important branch of gray theory with the most active research and the most fruitful results, and it is the most widely used because of its small sample size, simple modeling process, and easy to use. Such advantages have been successfully applied in many fields such as transportation, agriculture, energy, medicine, and environment and have been gradually developed into a mainstream predictive modeling method. This study combines the Three-parameter Whitenization Grey Model (TWGM(1,1)), which fits the inhomogeneous exponential law sequence, and the Particle Swarm Algorithm (PSA) to optimize the order and background value coefficients under the condition of the minimum sum of squares of simulation errors, and hence, to solve the problem that the cumulative order is fixed to “1” and the background value coefficient value is fixed to “0.5.” As a result, a parameter-optimized gray system model with flexibility, adaptability, and dynamic adjustment is designed to simulate and predict China’s higher education gross enrollment rate. The application shows that the model has better overall simulation and prediction performance than others. On the one hand, the parametric optimization model significantly improves its own performance, and on the other hand, its intelligent and adjustable adaptivity improves the accuracy and further extends its application.
Energy Management Strategy Using Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Tao Fazhan , Zhu Longlong , Ji Baofeng , Si Pengju , Fu Zhumu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, an energy management strategy for electric vehicles equipped with fuel cell (FC), battery (BAT), and supercapacitor (SC) is considered, aiming at improving the whole performance under a framework of vehicle to network application. In detail, based on wavelet transform and equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS), the demand power of vehicles is optimized to enhance the lifespan of fuel cell, fuel economy, and dynamic performance of electric vehicles. The wavelet transform is used to separate the high-frequency power in order to provide a peak power and recycle the braking energy. The equivalent consumption minimization strategy is used to distribute the low-frequency power to fuel cell and battery for minimizing the hydrogen consumption. Obtained results are studied using an advanced vehicle simulator, and its effectiveness of the strategy is confirmed, which provides a fundamental control method for the IOV application.
Artificial Intelligence in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: From Anatomy to Prognosis
Authors: Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Van Assen Marly , Tesche Christian , De Cecco Carlo N. , Chiesa Mattia , Scafuri Stefano , Guglielmo Marco , Baggiano Andrea , Fusini Laura , Guaricci Andrea I. , Rabbat Mark G. , Pontone Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is widely used as a diagnostic tool for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite the excellent capability to rule‐out CAD, CCTA may overestimate the degree of stenosis; furthermore, CCTA analysis can be time consuming, often requiring advanced postprocessing techniques. In consideration of the most recent ESC guidelines on CAD management, which will likely increase CCTA volume over the next years, new tools are necessary to shorten reporting time and improve the accuracy for the detection of ischemia‐inducing coronary lesions. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) may provide a helpful tool in CCTA, improving the evaluation and quantification of coronary stenosis, plaque characterization, and assessment of myocardial ischemia. Furthermore, in comparison with existing risk scores, machine‐learning algorithms can better predict the outcome utilizing both imaging findings and clinical parameters. Medical AI is moving from the research field to daily clinical practice, and with the increasing number of CCTA examinations, AI will be extensively utilized in cardiac imaging. This review is aimed at illustrating the state of the art in AI‐based CCTA applications and future clinical scenarios.
Dynamic Characteristics of the Rubber‐Tailings Mixture Based on Dynamic Triaxial Test
Authors: Liu Huandui , Liu Haiming , Ding Wenyun , Xie Hongtao
Published: December 2020

The liquefaction of tailings is a common failure mode under earthquake actions. The traditional treatment measures of waste rubber have the disadvantages of environmental pollution and occupying soil resources. The combined treatment of waste rubber and tailings is very likely to have important engineering application and theoretical value, and the dynamic characteristics of the rubber‐tailings mixture (RTM) are essential and indispensable for handling them together. In this paper, the dynamic triaxial test was used to study the dynamic mechanical characteristics of the RTM. The test was divided into 5 groups with 54 valid samples. The effects of the rubber particle size, rubber content, consolidation pressure, pH value, and soaking time on the dynamic characteristics of the RTM were studied and discussed. The results show that the liquefaction cycle number of the RTM is 50% higher than that of tailings, and the particle cluster effect theory of the RTM is put forward. It will provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the treatment of the waste rubber and tailings.
Fast Atom Search Algorithm for Reactive Power Optimization of Power Grid with High-Penetration Wind and Solar Energies
Authors: Zeng Fang , Shu Hongchun
Published: December 2020

This paper constructs a reliable reactive power optimization (RPO) model of power grid with the controlled participation of high-penetration wind and solar energies and provides a novel fast atom search optimization (FASO) algorithm to reach a set of solutions to the RPO problem. The developed FASO algorithm owns prominent merits of high searching efficiency and premature convergence avoidance compared with the original atom search optimization (ASO) algorithm, which is applied to determine the optimal dispatch scheme including terminal voltage of generators, the capacity of static VAR compensator (SVC), reactive power output of wind and solar energies, and the tap ratio of transformers. There are two objective functions to be minimized for maintaining the safe and reliable operation of power grid, i.e., total power loss of transmission lines and total voltage deviation of nodes. Meanwhile, the regulation capacities of wind farms and photovoltaic (PV) stations are evaluated based on different weather conditions, i.e., wind speed and solar irradiation. Particularly, the reactive power outputs of wind and solar energies can be globally controlled to coordinate with other controllable units instead of a local self-control. Eventually, the extended IEEE 9-bus and IEEE 39-bus systems are introduced to test the performance of the FASO algorithm for RPO problem. It has been verified that FASO can not only meet the optimal regulation requirements of RPO but also obtain high-quality regulation schemes with the fastest convergence speed and highest convergence stability in contrast with else algorithms.
A Case of Multiple Intratumoral Hemorrhage and Rupture of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Starting Lenvatinib
Authors: Ishihara Katsutoshi
Published: December 2020

A man in his 80s was administered lenvatinib to treat multiple hepatocellular carcinomas. After starting lenvatinib, he was admitted to our hospital for fever and epigastric tenderness. Conjunctival icterus and conjunctival pallor were observed. Computed tomography showed high density areas in his tumors which were suggestive of intratumoral hemorrhage and tumor rupture. As a result, the patient underwent an emergent angiography and arterial embolization.
Sustainable and Optimal “Uniqueness” Contract in Public-Private Partnership Projects of Transportation Infrastructure
Authors: Zhu Yingjun , Gao Zhitong , Li Ruihai
Published: December 2020

To control the “uniqueness” risk in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects of transportation infrastructure, we design a simplified “uniqueness” contract model by incorporating the impact of the initial investment which is based on the Bertrand model. The nonlinear programming method is adopted to derive the optimal “uniqueness” contracts for incumbent private capital, the public, and the social welfare, respectively. The simulation results show that the achievement of the optimal “uniqueness” contract is essentially the result of a compromise between the private capital, the public, and social welfare. The extent to which such a contract reduces the probability of “uniqueness” risk mainly depends on the equilibrium relation between the interests of private capital and the public. The initial investment is not related to the government default when the contract does not take into account the interests of the private capital. Furthermore, the “uniqueness” contracts between private capital and the government are mainly for anticompetitive purpose in the PPP market of transportation infrastructure. Unless the contract terms focus on the improvement of social welfare, entering a “uniqueness” contract will cause social welfare losses.