bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing goal variability in cyber-physical system networks
Authors: Brings Jennifer , Daun Marian , Weyer Thorsten , Pohl Klaus
Published: July 2020

Networks of collaborative cyber-physical systems can achieve goals individual systems are incapable of achieving on their own. However, which goals such a network can achieve depends, in part, on the networks current configuration, i.e. its composition of partaking individual systems. As networks of collaborative cyber-physical systems are of a dynamic nature, the composition of such a network can change during runtime, leading to a plethora of often similar, albeit slightly different configurations. Due to the huge number of possible configurations and their various dependencies to the different goals of the network, it is infeasible to handle this amount of information manually. Hence, to provide support for reasoning about dependencies between different configurations and the goals they can achieve, this paper contributes an automated model-based reasoning approach using view generations. Our approach allows for exploring which goals can be fulfilled by which configurations and which goals cannot be fulfilled by these configurations. We evaluated the approach using an industrial case study which shows the applicability of the approach and a controlled experiment which shows the benefits of the approach.
An analysis and simulation tool of real-time communications in on-chip networks
Authors: Benchehida Chawki , Benhaoua Mohammed Kamel , Zahaf Houssam-Eddine , Lipari Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

This paper presents Real-Time Network-on-chip-based architecture Analysis and Simulation tool (ReTiNAS), with a special focus on real-time communications. It allows fast and precise exploration of real-time design choices onto NoC architectures.

ReTiNAS is an event-based simulator written in
Python.
It implements different real-time communication protocols and tracks the communications within the NoC at cycle level. Its modularity allows activating and deactivating different NoC components and easily extending the implemented protocols for more customized simulations and analysis.

Further, we use ReTiNAS to perform a comparative study of analysis and simulation for different communication protocols using a wide set of synthetic experiments.
Adipose depot-specific upregulation of Ucp1 or mitochondrial oxidative complex proteins are early consequences of genetic insulin reduction in mice
Authors: Botezelli Jose Diego , Overby Peter , Lindo Lorenzo , Wang Su , Haïda Obélia , Lim Gareth E. , Templeman Nicole M. , Pauli Jose Rodrigo , Johnson James D.
Published: July 2020

Hyperinsulinemia plays a causal role in adipose tissue expansion. Mice with reduced insulin have increased energy expenditure, but the mechanisms remained unclear. Here we investigated the effects of genetically reducing insulin production on uncoupling and oxidative mitochondrial proteins in liver, skeletal muscle, white adipose tissue (WAT), and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Male Ins1+/+ or Ins1+/− littermates were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 wk, starting at 8 wk of age. Replicating our previous observations, HFD increased fasting hyperinsulinemia, and Ins1+/− mice had significantly lower circulating insulin compared with Ins1+/+ littermates. Fasting glucose and body weight were not different between genotypes. We did not observe robust significant differences in liver or skeletal muscle. In mesenteric WAT, Ins1+/− mice had reduced Ndufb8 and Sdhb, while Ucp1 was increased in the context of HFD. HFD alone had a dramatic inhibitory effect on Pparg abundance. In inguinal WAT, Ins1+/− mice exhibited significant increases in oxidative complex proteins, independent of diet, without affecting Ucp1, Pparg, or Prdm16:Pparg association. In BAT, lowered insulin increased Sdhb protein levels that had been reduced by HFD. Ucp1 protein, Prdm16:Pparg association, and Sirt3 abundance were all increased in the absence of diet-induced hyperinsulinemia. Our data show that reducing insulin upregulates oxidative proteins in inguinal WAT without affecting Ucp1, whereas in mesenteric WAT and BAT, reducing insulin upregulates Ucp1 in the context of HFD. Preventing hyperinsulinemia has early depot-specific effects on adipose tissue metabolism and helps explain the increased energy expenditure previously reported in Ins1+/− mice.
The controversial role of IL-6 in adipose tissue on obesity-induced dysregulation of glucose metabolism
Authors: Wueest Stephan , Konrad Daniel
Published: July 2020

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleotropic cytokine with various physiological and pathophysiological functions in different cells and tissues. In cells residing within white adipose tissue, several, and sometimes conflicting, IL-6 actions have been described in the development of obesity-associated derangements of glucose metabolism. Herein, we aim to summarize opposing findings and discuss recent evidence that IL-6 signaling in adipose tissue is regulated in a depot and cell-specific manner.
Distal convoluted tubule Cl−concentration is modulated via K+channels and transporters
Authors: Su Xiao-Tong , Klett Nathan J. , Sharma Avika , Allen Charles N. , Wang Wen-Hui , Yang Chao-Ling , Ellison David H.
Published: July 2020

Cl−-sensitive with-no-lysine kinase (WNK) plays a key role in regulating the thiazide-sensitive Na+-Cl−cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Cl−enters DCT cells through NCC and leaves the cell across the basolateral membrane via the Cl−channel ClC-K2 or K+-Cl−cotransporter (KCC). While KCC is electroneutral, Cl−exit via ClC-K2 is electrogenic. Therefore, an alteration in DCT basolateral K+channel activity is expected to influence Cl−movement across the basolateral membrane. Although a role for intracellular Cl−in the regulation of WNK and NCC has been established, intracellular Cl−concentrations ([Cl−]i) have not been directly measured in the mammalian DCT. Therefore, to measure [Cl−]iin DCT cells, we generated a transgenic mouse model expressing an optogenetic kidney-specific Cl-Sensor and measured Cl−fluorescent imaging in the isolated DCT. Basal measurements indicated that the mean [Cl−]iwas ~7 mM. Stimulation of Cl−exit with low-Cl−hypotonic solutions decreased [Cl−]i, whereas inhibition of KCC by DIOA or inhibition of ClC-K2 by NPPB increased [Cl−]i, suggesting roles for both KCC and ClC-K2 in the modulation of [Cl−]i. Blockade of basolateral K+channels (Kir4.1/5.1) with barium significantly increased [Cl−]i. Finally, a decrease in extracellular K+concentration transiently decreased [Cl−]i, whereas raising extracellular K+transiently increased [Cl−]i, further suggesting a role for Kir4.1/5.1 in the regulation of [Cl−]i. We conclude that the alteration in ClC-K2, KCC, and Kir4.1/5.1 activity influences [Cl−]iin the DCT.
miR-125 family regulates XIRP1 and FIH in response to myocardial infarction
Authors: Williams Allison Lesher , Khadka Vedbar S. , Anagaran Ma C. T. , Lee Katie , Avelar Abigail , Deng Youping , Shohet Ralph V.
Published: July 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are powerful regulators of protein expression. Many play important roles in cardiac development and disease. While several miRNAs and targets have been well characterized, the abundance of miRNAs and the numerous potential targets for each suggest that the vast majority of these interactions have yet to be described. The goal of this study was to characterize miRNA expression in the mouse heart after coronary artery ligation (LIG) and identify novel mRNA targets altered during the initial response to ischemic stress. We performed small RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of ischemic heart tissue 1 day and 3 days after ligation and identified 182 differentially expressed miRNAs. We then selected relevant mRNA targets from all potential targets by correlating miRNA and mRNA expression from a corresponding RNA-Seq data set. From this analysis we chose to focus, as proof of principle, on two miRNAs from the miR-125 family, miR-125a and miR-351, and two of their potential mRNA targets, Xin actin-binding repeat-containing protein 1 ( XIRP1) and factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor ( FIH). We found miR-125a to be less abundant and XIRP1 more abundant after ligation. In contrast, the related murine miRNA miR-351 was substantially upregulated in response to ischemic injury, and FIH expression correspondingly decreased. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed direct interactions between these miRNAs and targets. In summary, we utilized a correlative analysis strategy combining miRNA and mRNA expression data to identify functional miRNA-mRNA relationships in the heart after ligation. These findings provide insight into the response to ischemic injury and suggest future therapeutic targets.
Hypertension Accompanied by Hyperaldosteronism, Hyperkalemia, and Hyperchloremic Acidosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yang Yunyun , Ou Yang , Ren Yan , Tian Haoming , Chen Tao
Published: July 2020

This study reported on a 24-year-old woman who complained of a paroxysmal headache for six months and elevated blood pressure for four months. Laboratory examination revealed increased serum potassium and chloride levels, metabolic acidosis, suppressed renin activity, and increased plasma aldosterone concentration. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous mutation in exon 11 of the KLHL3 gene: c.1298G > A. After treatment with low-dose hydrochlorothiazide, her clinical problems were controlled. This patient is the first case of Gordon syndrome (GS) within the Chinese population caused by a heterozygous KLHL3 mutation. A systematic review of the published literature identified 27 patients with GS caused by a KLHL3 mutation. These patients had a mean age of 28.2 ± 22.0 years; 74.1% presented with hypertension, 76.9% with hyperkalemia, and 59.1% with metabolic acidosis. The patients also had varying levels of plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentrations.
Prediction of Tool Lifetime and Surface Roughness for Nickel‐Based Waspaloy
Authors: Chen Shao-Hsien , Yu Chung-An
Published: July 2020

In recent years, most of nickel‐based materials have been used in aircraft engines. Nickel‐based materials applied in the aerospace industry are used in a wide range of applications because of their strength and rigidity at high temperature. However, the high temperatures and high strength caused by the nickel‐based materials during cutting also reduce the tool lifetime. This research aims to investigate the tool wear and the surface roughness of Waspaloy during cutting with various cutting speeds, feed per tooth, cutting depth, and other cutting parameters. Then, it derives the formula for the tool lifetime based on the experimental results and explores the impacts of these cutting parameters on the cutting of Waspaloy. Since the impacts of cutting speed on the cutting of Waspaloy are most significant in accordance with the experimental results, the high‐speed cutting is not recommended. In addition, the actual surface roughness of Waspaloy is worse than the theoretical surface roughness in case of more tool wear. Finally, a set of mathematical models can be established based on these results, in order to predict the surface roughness of Waspaloy cut with a worn tool. The errors between the predictive values and the actual values are 5.122%∼8.646%. If the surface roughness is within the tolerance, the model can be used to predict the residual tool lifetime before the tool is damaged completely. The errors between the predictive values and the actual values are 8.014%∼20.479%.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Physiopathology and Pharmacological Treatment with Pro- and Antioxidant Properties in Chronic Diseases
Authors: García-Sánchez Andrés , Miranda-Díaz Alejandra Guillermina , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto Germán
Published: July 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) has the ability to damage different molecules and cellular structures, altering the correct function of organs and systems. OS accumulates in the body by endogenous and exogenous mechanisms. Increasing evidence points to the involvement of OS in the physiopathology of various chronic diseases that require prolonged periods of pharmacological treatment. Long-term treatments may contribute to changes in systemic OS. In this review, we discuss the involvement of OS in the pathological mechanisms of some chronic diseases, the pro- or antioxidant effects of their pharmacological treatments, and possible adjuvant antioxidant alternatives. Diseases such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic treatments help reduce the risk with an additional antioxidant benefit. Treatment with methotrexate in autoimmune systemic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, has a dual role in stimulating the production of OS and producing mitochondrial dysfunction. However, it can also help indirectly decrease the systemic OS induced by inflammation. Medicaments used to treat neurodegenerative diseases tend to decrease the mechanisms related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and balance OS. On the other hand, immunosuppressive treatments used in cancer or human immunodeficiency virus infection increase the production of ROS, causing significant oxidative damage in different organs and systems without widely documented exogenous antioxidant administration alternatives.
Commonality and Specificity of Acupuncture Point Selections
Authors: Lee Ye-Seul , Ryu Yeonhee , Yoon Da-Eun , Kim Cheol-Han , Hong Geesoo , Hwang Ye-Chae , Chae Younbyoung
Published: July 2020

Objective. Because individual acupoints have a wide variety of indications, it is difficult to accurately identify the associations between acupoints and specific diseases. Thus, the present study aimed at revealing the commonality and specificity of acupoint selections using virtual medical diagnoses based on several cases. Methods. Eighty currently practicing Korean Medicine doctors were asked to prescribe acupoints for virtual acupuncture treatment after being presented with medical information extracted from 10 case reports. The acupoints prescribed for each case were quantified; the data were normalised and compared among the 10 cases using z‐scores. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to categorise diseases treated based on the acupoint prescription patterns. Additionally, network analyses were performed on the acupoint prescriptions, at the individual case and cluster level. Results. Acupoints ST36, LI4, and LR3 were most commonly prescribed across all diseases. Regarding the specific acupoints prescribed in each cluster, acupoints around the disease site (knee and lower back) were frequently used in cluster A (musculoskeletal symptoms), acupoints LI4, LR3, PC6, and KI3 were frequently used in cluster B (psychiatric symptoms), and acupoints ST36, LI4, LR3, PC6, CV12, and SP6 were frequently used in cluster C (several symptoms of diseases of internal medicine). Conclusions. The present study identified the commonality and specificity of acupoint selections based on virtual acupuncture treatments prescribed by practicing clinicians. Acupoint selection patterns, which were defined using a top‐down approach in previous studies and classical medical texts, may be further elucidated using a bottom‐up approach based on patient medical records.
Antiglycation Activities and Common Mechanisms Mediating Vasculoprotective Effect of Quercetin and Chrysin in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ahmed Osama A. A. , Azhar Ahmad S. , Tarkhan Mayada M. , Balamash Khadijah S. , El-Bassossy Hany M.
Published: July 2020

Multiple risk factors combine to increase the risk of vascular dysfunction in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS). The current study investigates the extent to which quercetin (Q) and chrysin (CH) protect against vascular dysfunction in MetS rats. MetS was induced by feeding rats a high‐salt diet (3%) and fructose‐enriched water (10%) for 12 weeks. Thoracic aorta was isolated from MetS rats and from control rats, with the latter being injured by methylglyoxal (MG). Aortae were incubated with CH and Q, and vascular reactivity was evaluated through the analysis of aortic contraction and relaxation in response to PE and ACh, respectively. The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the free radical scavenging activity of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were also evaluated following the introduction of CH and Q. The increased vasoconstriction and impaired vasodilation in MetS aortae were significantly ameliorated by Q and CH. Similarly, they ameliorated glycation‐associated exaggerated vasoconstriction and impaired vasodilation produced by MG in control aortae. In addition, both Q and CH were effective in reducing the formation of AGEs and inhibition of glycosylation in response to MG or fructose treatment. Finally, Q successfully scavenged DPPH free radicals while CH showed significant vasodilation of precontracted aorta that was inhibited by L‐NAME. In conclusion, Q and CH provide protection against vascular dysfunction in MetS by interfering with AGEs formations and AGEs‐associated vascular deterioration, with CH being largely dependent on NO‐mediated mechanisms of vasodilation.
Evaluation of Elemental and Chemical Compositions of Some Fuelwood Species for Energy Value
Authors: Dadile A. M. , Sotannde O. A. , Zira B. D. , Garba M. , Yakubu I.
Published: July 2020

Fuelwood species are a crucial part of the ecosystem; they provide energy for cooking, heating, and lightening for both domestic and industrial uses. As a result of their value, there is a need for frequent evaluation of elemental and chemical compositions for management and conservation purposes. Since fuelwood is the most common and cheapest source of energy in both rural and urban areas in northern Nigeria, the study area is facing serious challenges due to indiscriminate felling of trees for energy use, irrespective of species quality for combustion. Therefore, ten fuelwood species were selected for this study. The selected trees were harvested at Dbh level, replicated three times. Four fuel materials were obtained from each tree sample; these include wood without bark (100% wood sample), wood with 5% bark inclusion, wood with 10% bark inclusion, and whole bark samples and they were evaluated for their inherent elemental and chemical compositions by employing ASTM and TAPPI methods. The results showed that there were significant differences in the tree species and fuel material types obtained from all the ten fuelwood species used. The results of carbon content ranges from 49.54% in A. sieberiana to 50.98% in A. leiocarpus. Meanwhile, the addition of 5% and 10% bark reduces carbon content of wood by 1.25% and 2.74%, respectively. Nitrogen content ranged from 0.31% in A. leiocarpus to 1.00% in A. sieberiana. Among the fuel materials used, isolated bark contained approximately 0.45% nitrogen content compared with wood without bark. Among the tree species, hydrogen content ranged from 3.99% in P. reticulatum to 4.66% in C. arereh. The variation in sulphur contents ranged from 0.24% in C. arereh to 0.93% in A. sieberiana. Lignin content ranged from 10.68% in A. sieberiana to 25.39% in A. leiocarpu and extractive content values ranged from 7.31% in A. leiocarpus to 19.33% in P. reticulatum. Meanwhile, the fuelwood species observed in this study with higher percentage of carbon, hydrogen, and lignin and lower nitrogen and sulphur and extractive content possessed quality fuel value and thereby were encouraged to be incorporated in fuelwood plantation establishment programs (A. leiocarpus, C. molle, C. arereh, and B. aegyptiaca). Lower energy fuelwood species should be allowed for environmental amelioration and carbon sequestration. However, bark contents should be removed for better heating and low ash production during combustion.
New Estimates of q1q2-Ostrowski-Type Inequalities within a Class of n-Polynomial Prevexity of Functions
Authors: Kalsoom Humaira , Idrees Muhammad , Baleanu Dumitru , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: July 2020

In this article, we develop a novel framework to study for a new class of preinvex functions depending on arbitrary nonnegative function, which is called n-polynomial preinvex functions. We use the n-polynomial preinvex functions to develop q1q2-analogues of the Ostrowski-type integral inequalities on coordinates. Different features and properties of excitement for quantum calculus have been examined through a systematic way. We are discussing about the suggestions and different results of the quantum inequalities of the Ostrowski-type by inferring a new identity for q1q2-differentiable function. However, the problem has been proven to utilize the obtained identity, we give q1q2-analogues of the Ostrowski-type integrals inequalities which are connected with the n-polynomial preinvex functions on coordinates. Our results are the generalizations of the results in earlier papers.
Falciparum Malaria in Febrile Patients at Sentinel Sites for Influenza Surveillance in the Central African Republic from 2015 to 2018
Authors: Nzoumbou-Boko Romaric , Yambiyo Brice Martial , Ngoagouni Carine , Vickos Ulrich , Manirakiza Alexandre , Nakouné Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

Malaria is a major public health issue in the Central African Republic (CAR) despite massive scale-up of malaria interventions. However, no information is available on the incidence of malaria in febrile illness cases or on the distribution of malaria infection according to demographic characteristics, which are important indicators and valuable epidemiological surveillance tools. This study therefore aimed to characterize malaria in the network of sentinel sites set up for influenza surveillance. A retrospective analysis was conducted to explore the data from these sentinel sites from 2015 to 2018. The Paracheck-Pf® rapid diagnosis test kit was used to screen for malaria in febrile illness cases. A total of 3609 malaria cases were identified in 5397 febrile patients, giving an incidence rate of 66.8%. The age group of 1–4 years was the most affected by malaria (76.0%). Moreover, prevalence varied across different sentinel sites, with the Bossembele Health Center, located in a rural area, showing an incidence of 96%, the Saint Joseph Health Center in a semiurban area of Bangui showing an incidence of 75%, and the Bangui Pediatric Complex in an urban site with an incidence of only 44.6%. Malaria transmission was holoendemic over the four-year study period, and malaria incidence decreased from 2016 to 2018. The incidence of malaria coinfection with influenza was 6.8%. This study demonstrated clear microspatial heterogeneity of malaria. Malaria was consistently the most frequent cause of febrile illness. Including sites in different climate zones in the CAR will allow for a more representative study.
Construction and Analysis of Competing Endogenous RNA Networks for Breast Cancer Based on TCGA Dataset
Authors: Wang Xue , Gao Chundi , Feng Fubin , Zhuang Jing , Liu Lijuan , Li Huayao , Liu Cun , Wu Jibiao , Zheng Xia , Ding Xia , Sun Changgang
Published: July 2020

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as competing endogenous RNAs for microRNAs in cancer metastasis. However, the roles of lncRNA‐mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks for breast cancer (BC) are still unclear. Material and Methods. The expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs with BC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was conducted to extract differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) that might be core genes. Through miRWalk, TargetScan, and miRDB to predict the target genes, an abnormal lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA network with BC was constructed. The survival possibilities of mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs for patients with BC were determined by Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and Oncomine. Results. We identified 2134 DEmRNAs, 1059 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and 86 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). We then compose a ceRNA network for BC, including 72 DElncRNAs, 8 DEmiRNAs, and 12 DEmRNAs. After verification, 2 lncRNAs (LINC00466, LINC00460), 1 miRNA (Hsa‐mir‐204), and 5 mRNAs (TGFBR2, CDH2, CHRDL1, FGF2, and CHL1) were meaningful as prognostic biomarkers for BC patients. In the ceRNA network, we found that three axes were present in 10 RNAs related to the prognosis of BC, namely, LINC00466‐Hsa‐mir‐204‐TGFBR2, LINC00466‐Hsa‐mir‐204‐CDH2, and LINC00466‐Hsa‐mir‐204‐CHRDL1. Conclusion. This study highlighted lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA related to the pathogenesis of BC, which might be used for latent diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BC.
Research on the Complexity of Forms and Structures of Urban Green Spaces Based on Fractal Models
Authors: Gong Yilu , Li Xueming , Cong Xueping , Liu He
Published: July 2020

The fractal nature of urban green spaces is the product of the self-organizing evolution of the complex urban system into a higher stage, and orderly patterns and complex structures of urban green spaces will tend to manifest after they develop to a certain stage. On the basis of GF1 satellite data in 2019 and three fractal models, the complexity of the forms and structures of a green space system in downtown Dalian, China, was studied. The results showed that the boundary dimension measured by the perimeter-scale model was 0.64–1.40, and the boundary dimension measured by the area-perimeter model was 1.79–1.99; these results indicate that the degree of human disturbance in green space boundaries was high, and the stability of the green space spatial structures was poor. The grid dimension measured by the area-scale model was 0.49–1.42, and the average radius dimension measured by the area-radius model was 0.35–0.76; these results indicate that the balance of the spatial distribution of green spaces was low, and the green spaces were excessively concentrated in the city center. Through comparisons of the scaling range among various types of green spaces, the characteristic range (gradient structure) of the spatial distribution of urban green spaces was found, which can reflect the maturity of green space growth and the quality of the green space layout. The gradient structure of green spaces in Dalian was characterized by three gradients, namely, 0–4000 m, 4000–8000 m, and 8000–16,000 m. The development of green spaces in the first gradient zone was the best, and the second and third gradient zones showed relatively large potential for improvement. These research results are of practical significance for guiding the planning and construction of green spaces in urban areas.
Investigation of Wire Coating Using Hydromagnetic Third-Grade Liquid for Coating along with Hall Current and Porous Medium
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Rasheed Haroon Ur , Khan Mashwani Wali , Tairan Nasser , Shah Habib , Shah Qayyum , Khan Waris , Ullah Ikram
Published: July 2020

In this research study, we investigated and performed coating analysis of wire by using MHD convective third-order fluid in the presence of a permeable matrix taking into account the Hall current. The equations that control the motion of fluid in the chamber are first modeled and then numerically solved by using 4th order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg technique. The Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method is a powerful tool used in this article to attain a numerical solution for a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations describing the problem of fluid flow. The impact of governing parameters on velocity and temperature profiles is investigated graphically. It is noticed that the velocity profiles ur rise as the value of viscoelastic parameter β increases and slow down when the permeability parameter K and the Hartmann number M increase. Also, the temperature profiles θr enhance as the Brinkman number Br, permeability parameter K, magnetic parameter M, and non-Newtonian parameter β increase. For the sake of validation, the proposed method is also compared with BVPh2, and good agreement is found. Furthermore, a comparison is also done with the published work as a limiting case.
Blood Cyst of the Mitral Valve Diagnosed in an Adult after Systemic Thrombolysis
Authors: Ramírez-Mesías Diana C. , Contreras-Valero Juan F. , Pinilla-Monsalve Gabriel D. , Vesga-Reyes Carlos E.
Published: July 2020

Blood cysts in valves are very rare entities in adults, which can be distinguished through their echocardiographic features. A 57-year-old woman developed sudden dyspnea while hospitalized in the context of urinary sepsis; high-risk pulmonary embolism was diagnosed and she was prescribed systemic thrombolysis. She persisted with fever raising the suspicion of bacterial endocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiography did not report any masses, but later transesophageal imaging revealed a vegetation that was finally characterized as a blood cyst of the mitral valve based on ultrasound features. The patient evolved satisfactorily and did not require surgery.
A Polling-Based Dynamic Order-Picking System considering Priority Orders
Authors: Ran Wenxue , Liu Sen , Zhang Zhe
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, how to offer extremely fast response to customer orders has become a major challenge for warehouse management, especially in e-commerce. Due to the time urgency aspect of some “VIP” orders that need priority processing, one of the most important issues for logistics distribution centres is how to improve the VIP order-picking priority without reducing the common order-picking efficiency. With this consideration, this article put forward a new priority polling model to describe and analyse this problem. We divide orders into priority and common categories according to their time urgency. A mathematical model is established for such a system by applying polling theory, a probability generating function, and an embedded Markov chain. Numerical analysis shows that this priority polling-based picking system can improve the picking efficiency and is well suited to practical operations.
A Trust-Game-Based Access Control Model for Cloud Service
Authors: Pan Jun Sun
Published: July 2020

In order to promote mutual trust and win-win cooperation between the users and the providers, we propose a trust-game-based access control model for cloud service in the paper. First, we construct a trust evaluation model based on multiple factors, such as the direct trust, feedback trust, reward punishment, and trust risk and further propose a weight method by maximum discrete degree and information entropy theory; second, we combine trust evaluation with the payoff matrix for game analysis and calculate the mixed Nash equilibrium strategy for the users and service providers; third, we give the game control condition based on trust level prediction and payment matrix to encourage participants to make honest strategy. Experimental results show that our research has good effect in terms of acceptance probability, deception probability, accuracy of trust evaluation, and cooperation rate in the cloud service.
Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss Are Associated with Lung Cancer Risk
Authors: Chen You , Zhu Bao-ling , Wu Cong-cong , Lin Rui-fang , Zhang Xi
Published: July 2020

Background. The associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and lung cancer risk remain debatable. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate whether periodontal disease and tooth loss are associated with lung cancer risk. Methods. A literature search was performed for relevant studies using PubMed and Embase databases. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied as effect size to summarize the associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and lung cancer risk. A further dose‐response analysis was also performed. Results. A total of twelve studies comprising 263,238 participants were included. The results indicated that periodontal disease was positively associated with lung cancer risk (RR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.16‐1.63). There was a positive association between tooth loss and lung cancer risk (RR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.46‐1.96). Moreover, there was a significantly linear dose‐response relationship between tooth loss and lung cancer risk, and every 5 increment in tooth loss was associated with 10% increased lung cancer risk. Similar results were obtained in subgroup analysis. Conclusions. Periodontal disease and tooth loss are increased risk factors for lung cancer. Prevention and treatment of periodontal disease may be effective potential prevention strategies for lung cancer.
Study of Abiotic and Biotic Parameters Affecting the Abundance of Mosquito Larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Region of Fez (Morocco)
Authors: Mouatassem Touria Filali , El Ouali Lalami Abdelhakim , Faraj Chafika , Rais Noureddine , Guemmouh Raja
Published: July 2020

Mosquitoes cause significant human health issues. However, very few studies have attempted to examine the question of how abiotic and biotic factors affect the abundance of Culicidae in the larval habitat. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the increase of the most common mosquito species in the Fez region (Central Morocco). Larvae mosquitoes were sampled by standard dipping technique in four different types of macrohabitats, between November 2015 and November 2016. Each mosquito specimen was morphologically identified by the Moroccan Culicidae key and the Brunhes key. The analysis was done using R analysis software. We collected a total of 772 mosquito larvae belonging to nine different species, five of which are considered of medical interest. Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758), known as the major vector in the transmission of West Nile virus fever (WNV), was the most common species of all mosquito larvae collected. The results of Poisson regression analysis showed that factors such as the presence of green filamentous algae, vegetation cover, and debris were found to be positively significant in the distribution of the genus Culex. However, there was insufficient evidence to determine the parameters that are capable of estimating the abundance of Anopheles. The findings have also estimated that biotic and abiotic factors can lead to significant variation in the abundance of Culex perexiguus (Theobald, 1903), Culex theileri (Theobald, 1903), and Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758). Identifying the priority parameters governing the proliferation of mosquitoes in the region of Fez can be one of the key elements for better vector control.
Machine Learning Algorithms Identify Pathogen‐Specific Biomarkers of Clinical and Metabolomic Characteristics in Septic Patients with Bacterial Infections
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Lin Fangqin , Zhu Changxi , Liu Guangjian , Wu Xiaohui , Wu Zhiyuan , Zheng Jianbin , Xia Huimin , Cai Yi , Liang Huiying
Published: July 2020

Sepsis is a high‐mortality disease that is infected by bacteria, but pathogens in individual patients are difficult to diagnosis. Metabolomic changes triggered by microbial activity provide us with the possibility of accurately identifying infection. We adopted machine learning methods for training different classifiers with a clinical‐metabolomic database from sepsis cases to identify the pathogen of sepsis. Records of clinical indicators and concentration of metabolites were obtained for each patient upon their arrival at the hospital. Machine learning algorithms were used in 100 patients with clear infection and corresponding 29 controls to select specific biosignatures to discriminate microorganism in septic patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC value of clinical and metabolomic characteristics in predicting diagnostic outcomes were determined at admission. Our analyses demonstrate that the biosignatures selected by machine learning algorithms could have diagnostic value on the identification of infected patients and Gram‐positive from Gram‐negative; related AUC values were 0.94 ± 0.054 and 0.80 ± 0.085, respectively. Pathway and blood disease enrichment analyses of clinical and metabolomic biomarkers among infected patients showed that sepsis disease was accompanied by abnormal nitrogen metabolism, cell respiratory disorder, and renal or intestinal failure. The panel of selected clinical and metabolomic characteristics might be powerful biomarkers to discriminate patients with sepsis.
Microstructure and Texture Evolution of Aluminum in the Al-Nb/Ti/Ni Composite Fabricated by the ARB Process
Authors: Ye Nan , Ren Xueping
Published: July 2020

The Al-Nb/Ti/Ni composite was fabricated from pure Al, Ni, Ti, and Nb sheets by the ARB technology. The microstructure evolution was observed by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The evolution was evaluated by the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique. A couple of results we obtained showed that the microstructure of Al changed from equiaxed grains to a lamellar structure, and the grain size in the ND decreased gradually. Finally, the average grain size in the ND was 0.31 μm. Additionally, the fraction of HAGBs increased after the third pass, resulting from the dynamic recovery and the shear bands. The texture evolution was tested by electron backscattered diffraction. After the fourth pass, the Al exhibited a combination texture of rolling texture and shear texture. The rolling texture components were composed of Copper{112}<111>, Dillamore{4 4 11}<11 11 8>, S{123}<634>, and Brass{011}<211>, and the shear texture components were Rotated Cube {001}<110> and {111}//ND. The microhardness of Ni, Ti, Nb, and Al was improved in the ARB process and finally reached 226.4, 246.3, 187.2, and 44.2 HV, respectively.
Synthesis of a Novel Single-Source Precursor for the Production of Lead Chalcogenide Thin Films
Authors: Boadi Nathaniel Owusu , Saah Selina Ama , Awudza Johannes A. M.
Published: July 2020

A novel complex [Pb((SePiPr2)2N) (S2CNEt2)] has been synthesized and characterized by microelemental analysis, melting point NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopies. Its crystal structure has also been successfully determined using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The structure indicates a distorted square pyramidal geometry with the four basal atoms being noncoplanar. The complex was used as a single-source precursor for the deposition of lead chalcogenide thin films on glass substrates at 300, 350, 400, and 450°C by AACVD. The films were characterized by SEM, EDX, and XRD. The XRD peaks matched with cubic PbSe at all temperatures. The SEM micrographs showed the formation of cubes with the lower temperatures (300–350°C) showing well-resolved cubes while with the higher temperatures (400–450°C) showing poorly resolved cubes. The EDX analyses confirmed the formation of PbSe thin films at all the deposition temperatures.
Effect of Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Composites
Authors: Anvari Ali
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this research is to investigate and analyze the effect of temperature on the mechanical properties of carbon composites, aluminum foam, and carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum foam. For this analysis, fatigue behavior of aluminum foam has been discussed, and interlaminar shear stress between single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum foam and multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum foam has been compared. The comparison has shown that the interlaminar shear stress within the interface of single-walled carbon nanotube and aluminum foam is higher than that within the interface of multiwalled carbon nanotube and aluminum foam. Hence, the probability of stress concentration and crack initiation within the interface of single-walled carbon nanotube and aluminum foam is higher than that within the interface of multiwalled carbon nanotube and aluminum foam. Furthermore, thermal fatigue lives of different single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced matrix nanocomposites have been evaluated. Additionally, interaction between carbon and molten aluminum has been analyzed. Finally, a new relation for the thermal interlaminar shear stress intensity factor to predict the crack initiation sites on fiber/matrix interface has been introduced.
Comparison of the Accuracy of IOL Power Calculation Formulas for Pediatric Eyes in Children of Different Ages
Authors: Kou Jiaojiao , Chang Pingjun , Lin Lei , Li Zhangliang , Fu Yana , Zhao Yun-e
Published: July 2020

Purpose. This study aims to compare the accuracy of five intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Haigis, and Holladay 2) for pediatric eyes in children of different ages. Methods. In this prospective study, patients who received cataract surgery and IOL implantation in the capsular bag were enrolled. We compared the calculation accuracy of 5 formulas at 1 month postoperatively and performed subgroup analysis with the patients divided into three groups according to their ages at the time of surgery as follows: group 1 (age ≤ 2 years, 35 eyes), group 2 (2 years < age < 5 years, 38 eyes), and group 3 (age > 5 years, 29 eyes). Results. 75 patients (102 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The Haigis formula got the smallest PE among all formulas in all three groups. With regard to APE, there were no statistical differences among the formulas except group 2, with the SRK/T formula a little smaller, the Holladay 2 formula a little larger in group 1, and the Haigis formula a little smaller in group 3. In group 2, the Haigis formula had the lowest APE (0.87 ± 0.61 D), while the Holladay 2 formula had the largest (1.71 ± 1.20 D, p<0.001), followed by the Holladay 1 formula (1.51 ± 1.07 D, p=0.002). On comparing the percentage of APE within 0.5 D and 1.0 D obtained with 5 formulas in each group, there were no statistical differences. The SRK/T formula and the Holladay 1 formula showed the highest percentage (40.00% and 60.00%) in group 1. While the Haigis formula got the highest percentage in less than 0.5 D (34.21%) and less than 1 D (60.53%) in group 2. In group 3, the Holladay 2 formula and the Haigis formula got the highest percentage less than 0.5 D (58.62%) and less than 1 D (79.31%). The multiple linear regression indicated that the age at the time of surgery was a significant factor affecting the accuracy of APE; after removing the age, AL was the only factor that affected the accuracy of APE. Conclusion. The SRK/T and the Holladay 1 formulas were relatively accurate in patients younger than 2 years old, while the Haigis formula performed better in patients older than 2.
Effects of Structural and Seismic Factors on the Constant-Strength Ductility Spectra Based on NGA-West2 Database
Authors: Hu Jinjun , Lai Qinghui , Liu Xuan , Xie Lili
Published: July 2020

The constant-strength ductility spectrum is a nonlinear response spectrum that is commonly used to establish the demand curve of the seismic response during performance-based seismic design. It is affected by many factors. In this paper, to evaluate the effect of the major influencing factors, including the structural parameters and seismic factors, the constant-strength ductility spectrum is calculated under different conditions based on 5535 ground motion records. Conclusions are drawn based on the mean constant-strength ductility spectra. (1) With respect to the effects of structural factors, the variation trend of the ductility spectra is highly consistent with increasing T, and the ductility spectra are usually larger for larger ζ and smaller Cy and k2. (2) With respect to the seismic factors, the ductility spectra show obvious differences in different periods; however, some parameters, such as PGA, have no influence on the ductility spectra. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the calculation of ductility demand in the seismic design of structures.
Treatment of T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia with Central Nervous System Involvement Using Intrathecal Alemtuzumab Administration
Authors: Mori Jinichi , Oshima Kumi , Kimura Satoshi , Ikezoe Takayuki
Published: July 2020

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare hematologic cancer with a dismal prognosis. Although a small number of patients have central nervous system (CNS) involvement, a standard treatment approach for these patients has not been established. Herein, we present a case of T-PLL with CNS involvement that was treated with a higher dose of intrathecal alemtuzumab than that previously reported. A 66-year-old man who had T-PLL with CNS involvement was admitted to our hospital. Intravenously administered alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody against the CD52 antigen, successfully reduced leukemia cells in peripheral blood; however, intrathecal treatment with methotrexate, cytarabine, and prednisone had a limited effect on the CNS involvement. Therefore, we intrathecally injected alemtuzumab as an experimental treatment. Although we escalated the dose of intrathecal alemtuzumab up to 5 mg, no adverse reaction was noted; however, this treatment did not completely clear the leukemia cells from the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We performed whole brain and whole spinal irradiation therapies and subsequently performed allogeneic transplantation from a human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donor with a conditioning regimen containing total body irradiation. At 21 days after transplantation, leukemia cells remained in his CSF. Although intrathecal alemtuzumab did not eliminate the CNS-invading leukemia cells, it was well-tolerated in our case. Further accumulation of similar cases is needed to determine the benefits and safety of intrathecal alemtuzumab administration.
Management of Severe COVID-19 in Pregnancy
Authors: Abourida Yassamine , Rebahi Houssam , Oussayeh Imane , Chichou Hajar , Fakhir Bouchra , Soummani Abderraouf , Jalal Hicham , Bennaoui Fatiha , Slitine Nadia El Idrissi , Maoulainine Fadl Mrabih Rabou , El Adib Ahmed Rhassane , Samkaoui Mohamed Abdenacer
Published: July 2020

The scarcity of data concerning pregnant patients gravely infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) makes their management difficult, as most of the reported cases in the literature present mild pneumonia symptoms. The core problem is laying out evidence on coronavirus’s implications on pregnancy and delivery, as well as vertical transmission and neonatal mortality. A healthy 30-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 6, para 4, at 31 weeks of gestation, presented severe pneumonia symptoms promptly complicated with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). A nasopharyngeal swab returned positive for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The parturient underwent a cesarean delivery. This paper is an attempt to outline management of the critical condition of COVID-19 during pregnancy.