bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalization of London equations with space-time sedeons
Authors: Mironov Victor L.
Published: December 2020

We discuss the generalization of phenomenological equations for electromagnetic field in superconductor based on algebra of space-time sedeons. It is shown that the combined system of London and Maxwell equations can be reformulated as a single sedeonic wave equation for the field with nonzero mass of quantum, in which additional conditions are imposed on the scalar and vector potentials, relating them to the deviation of charge density and currents in the superconducting phase. Also, we considered inhomogeneous equations including external sources in the form of charges and currents of the normal phase. In particular, a screening of the Coulomb interaction of external charges in a superconducting media is discussed.
Performance of a Flat-Tube Louvered-Fin Automotive Condenser with R1234yf
Authors: Gurudatt H. M. , Narasimham G. S. V. L. , Gowda B. Sadashive
Published: December 2020

Numerical simulation of a mini-channel, flat-tube, louvered fin, automotive condenser is performed to study the heat rejection rate, pressure drop and performance of the heat exchanger. The simulation study is carried out for the refrigerant R1234yf. The properties of R1234y are obtained from REFPROP software. The moist air properties are calculated from those of dry air and water vapor using suitable correlations. To select the input data, the cycle performance is carried out for a standard vapor compression refrigeration system working with R1234yf between the temperature limits of [Formula: see text]C on the low-pressure side and [Formula: see text]C on the high-pressure side. The condensation process is taken into account in three sections, namely, the superheated, two-phase and the subcooled regions. A custom code is prepared in MATLAB to solve the simultaneous equations of heat transfer from refrigerant to inside tube wall, inside tube wall to outside tube wall and outside tube wall to moist air. The simulation results show the sensible heat transfer during desuper heating to be very small compared to the condensing region. Results are reported for the pressure variation along the refrigerant flow passage in the desuper heating, two-phase and subcooling regions. The heat-transfer coefficient is found to be the highest in the two-phase region for higher dryness fractions. The effect of inlet air velocity is less compared to that of the inlet air temperature on the heat rejection rate.
The Expressive Power of Graph Neural Networks as a Query Language
Authors: Barceló Pablo , Kostylev Egor V. , Monet Mikaël , Pérez Jorge , Reutter Juan L. , Silva Juan-Pablo
Published: December 2020

In this paper we survey our recent results characterizing various graph neural network (GNN) architectures in terms of their ability to classify nodes over graphs, for classifiers based on unary logical formulas- or queries. We focus on the language FOC2, a well-studied fragment of FO. This choice is motivated by the fact that FOC2 is related to theWeisfeiler-Lehman (WL) test for checking graph isomorphism, which has the same ability as GNNs for distinguishing nodes on graphs. We unveil the exact relationship between FOC2 and GNNs in terms of node classification. To tackle this problem, we start by studying a popular basic class of GNNs, which we call AC-GNNs, in which the features of each node in a graph are updated, in successive layers, according only to the features of its neighbors. We prove that the unary FOC2 formulas that can be captured by an AC-GNN are exactly those that can be expressed in its guarded fragment, which in turn corresponds to graded modal logic. This result implies in particular that ACGNNs are too weak to capture all FOC2 formulas. We then seek for what needs to be added to AC-GNNs for capturing all FOC2. We show that it suffices to add readouts layers, which allow updating the node features not only in terms of its neighbors, but also in terms of a global attribute vector. We call GNNs with readouts ACR-GNNs. We also describe experiments that validate our findings by showing that, on synthetic data conforming to FOC2 but not to graded modal logic, AC-GNNs struggle to fit in while ACR-GNNs can generalise even to graphs of sizes not seen during training.
Systemic but not local rehydration restores dehydration-induced changes in pulmonary function in healthy adults
Authors: Marshall Hannah , Gibson Oliver R. , Romer Lee M. , Illidi Camilla , Hull James H. , Kippelen Pascale
Published: December 2020

This study demonstrates that, in healthy adults, mild systemic dehydration induced by exercise in the heat or a prolonged period of fluid restriction leads to negative alterations in pulmonary function, primarily localized to small airways. Oral rehydration, but not nebulized isotonic saline, is able to restore pulmonary function in dehydrated individuals. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining an adequate systemic fluid balance to preserve pulmonary function.
A Nomogram Based on Clinicopathologic Features and Preoperative Hematology Parameters to Predict Occult Peritoneal Metastasis of Gastric Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Yang Chao , Yang Yujie , Huang Xiaodong , Li HuaLi , Cheng Huangrong , Tong Shilun , Zheng Yongbin
Published: December 2020

Background. In patients with gastric cancer (GC), peritoneal metastasis is an indication of the end stage and often indicates a poor outcome. The diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis, especially occult peritoneal metastasis (OPM), remains a challenge for surgeons. This study was designed to explore the relationship between OPM and clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative hematological parameters in patients with GC and to develop a nomogram to predict the probability of OPM before surgery. Methods. A total of 672 patients with GC from our center were included, including 583 OPM-negative and 89 OPM-positive patients. These patients were divided into training and validation groups based on when they received treatment. OPM was diagnosed during surgery in patients without any signs of metastasis through imaging examination. Predictive factors were screened by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression of all 18 characteristics. The nomogram of OPM was constructed based on these filtered variables. The discriminative and calibration performance of the model were simultaneously evaluated. Results. A total of six variables, including tumor size, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, Glasgow prognosis score, and plasma levels of CA125 and fibrinogen, were selected for integration into the final predictive nomogram. The area under curve (AUC) of the nomogram with six factors was 0.906 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.872-0.941) and 0.889 (95% CI: 0.795-0.984) in the training and validation groups, respectively. Calibration plots of the nomogram in the two sets revealed a good consistency between predicted and actual probabilities. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had a positive net benefit among all threshold probabilities between 0% and 82%. This nomogram was superior to models incorporating only clinicopathologic or hematologic features. Conclusion. Both clinicopathological and preoperative hematological parameters are significantly associated with OPM. The nomogram constructed with six factors could be used to calculate the probability of OPM and identify the high-risk population in GC. This may be helpful for early detection of OPM in patients with GC.
miRNA‐Based Feature Classifier Is Associated with Tumor Mutational Burden in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xia Yu , Wang Qi , Huang Xiaolin , Yin Xinhai , Song Jukun , Ke Zhao , Duan Xiaofeng
Published: December 2020

Tumor mutation burden (TMB) is considered to be an independent genetic biomarker that can predict the tumor patient’s response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Meanwhile, microRNA (miRNA) plays a key role in regulating the anticancer immune response. However, the correlation between miRNA expression patterns and TMB is not elucidated in HNSCC. In the HNSCC cohort of the TCGA dataset, miRNAs that were differentially expressed in high TMB and low TMB samples were screened. The least absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) method is used to construct a miRNA‐based feature classifier to predict the TMB level in the training set. The test set is used to verify the classifier. The correlation between the miRNA‐based classifier index and the expression of three immune checkpoints (PD1, PDL1, and CTLA4) was explored. We further perform functional enrichment analysis on the miRNA contained in the miRNA‐based feature classifier. Twenty‐five differentially expressed miRNAs are used to build miRNA‐based feature classifiers to predict TMB levels. The accuracy of the 25‐miRNA‐based signature classifier is 0.822 in the training set, 0.702 in the test set, and 0.774 in the total set. The miRNA‐based feature classifier index showed a low correlation with PD1 and PDL1, but no correlation with CTLA4. The enrichment analysis of these 25 miRNAs shows that they are involved in many immune‐related biological processes and cancer‐related pathways. The miRNA expression patterns are related to tumor mutation burden, and miRNA‐based feature classifiers can be used as biomarkers to predict TMB levels in HNSCC.
Natural Products: Review for Their Effects of Anti‐HBV
Authors: Liu Xuqiang , Ma Changyang , Liu Zhenhua , Kang Wenyi
Published: December 2020

Hepatitis B is a global infectious disease, seriously endangering human health. Currently, there are mainly interferons and nucleoside analogues treatment of hepatitis B in the clinic, which have certain therapeutic effects on hepatitis B, but their side effects and drug resistance are increasingly prominent. Therefore, it is urgently needed to discover and develop new anti‐HBV drugs, especially natural products, which have novel, high efficiency, and low toxicity anti‐HBV compounds with novel antiviral mechanisms. In this manuscript, the natural products (polysaccharides and 165 compounds) with the activity of antihepatitis B virus are discussed according to their chemical classes, including 14 phenylpropanoids, 8 flavonoids,12 xanthones, 13 anthroquinones, 47 terpenoids, 6 alkaloids, 15 enediynes, 11 aromatics, 18 phenylalanine dipeptides compounds, and 13 others. In addition, the anti‐HBV mechanism and targets of natural product were also discussed. The aim of this review is to report new discoveries about anti‐HBV natural products and to provide reference for researchers.
Identification of Potential Hub Genes Related to Diagnosis and Prognosis of Hepatitis B Virus‐Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Tang Yuqin , Zhang Yongqiang , Hu Xun
Published: December 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant cancer with poor survival outcomes, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is most likely to contribute to HCC. But the molecular mechanism remains obscure. Our study intended to identify the candidate potential hub genes associated with the carcinogenesis of HBV‐related HCC (HBV‐HCC), which may be helpful in developing novel tumor biomarkers for potential targeted therapies. Four transcriptome datasets (GSE84402, GSE25097, GSE94660, and GSE121248) were used to screen the 309 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 100 upregulated genes and 209 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were used to explore the biological function of DEGs. A PPI network based on the STRING database was constructed and visualized by the Cytoscape software, consisting of 209 nodes and 1676 edges. Then, we recognized 17 hub genes by CytoHubba plugin, which were further validated on additional three datasets (GSE14520, TCGA‐LIHC, and ICGC‐LIRI‐JP). The diagnostic effectiveness of hub genes was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and all hub genes displayed good performance in discriminating TNM stage I patient samples and normal tissue ones. For prognostic analysis, two prognostic key genes (TOP2A and KIF11) out of the 17 hub genes were screened and used to develop a prognostic signature, which showed good potential for overall survival (OS) stratification of HBV‐HCC patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed in order to better understand the function of this prognostic gene signature. Finally, the miRNA–mRNA regulatory relationships of all hub genes in human liver were predicted using miRNet. In conclusion, the current study gives further insight on the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of HBV‐HCC, and the identified DEGs provide a promising direction for improving the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic outcomes of HBV‐HCC.
Comprehensive Analysis of mRNA Expression Profiles in Head and Neck Cancer by Using Robust Rank Aggregation and Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis
Authors: Cao Zaizai , Ao Yinjie , Guo Yu , Zhou Shuihong
Published: December 2020

Background. Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world; its pathogenic mechanism remains to be further clarified. Methods. Robust rank aggregation (RRA) analysis was utilized to identify the metasignature dysregulated genes, which were then used for potential drug prediction. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on all metasignature genes to find hub genes. DNA methylation analysis, GSEA, functional annotation, and immunocyte infiltration analysis were then performed on hub genes to investigate their potential role in HNSCC. Result. A total of 862 metasignature genes were identified, and 6 potential drugs were selected based on these genes. Based on the result of WGCNA, six hub genes (ITM2A, GALNTL1, FAM107A, MFAP4, PGM5, and OGN) were selected (GS > 0.1, MM > 0.75, GS p value < 0.05, and MM p value < 0.05). All six genes were downregulated in tumor tissue (FDR < 0.01) and were related to the clinical stage and prognosis of HNSCC in different degrees. Methylation analysis showed that the dysregulation of ITM2A, GALNTL1, FAM107A, and MFAP4 may be caused by hypermethylation. Moreover, the expression level of all 6 hub genes was positively associated with immune cell infiltration, and the result of GSEA showed that all hub genes may be involved in the process of immunoregulation. Conclusion. All identified hub genes could be potential biomarkers for HNSCC and provide a new insight into the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck tumors.
A Numerical Investigation on the Hydraulic Fracturing Effect of Water Inrush during Tunnel Excavation
Authors: Zhang Quan , Huang Bingxiang , He Manchao , Guo Shan
Published: December 2020

When a high-pressure water source is located near a tunnel under excavation, water inrush is commonly associated with a hydraulic fracturing effect. To study the hydraulic fracturing effect of water inrush (HFEWI), flow-rock failure process analysis (F-RFPA2D) was adopted to simulate the water inrush process. The simulated results indicated that a stress disturbance area formed in front of the excavation face and that a hydraulic fracture zone formed in front of the karst cavity. Similarly, stress concentrations formed in front of the excavation face and the karst cavity. The hydraulic fracturing effect was characterized by stress concentration, and the local hydraulic crack propagation was the result of stress concentration. In addition, a pore pressure gradient formed in the crack-free area of the surrounding rock, and the occurrence of hydraulic cracking was the root cause of the significant change in water flow. When the hydraulic cracks initially formed and expanded, the zone of crack activity was large. As the cracks continued to expand, the range of activity decreased and finally concentrated directly in front of the excavation face. Additionally, the shapes of the water inrush channel obtained by the experimentation and numerical simulation were basically the same: semielliptical. During the evolution of hydraulic crack initiation, expansion, and penetration, the bottom of the excavated borehole was initially dry and then experienced seepage and water inrush. Finally, the minimum safe thickness of the rock wall was calculated to provide a safety guideline for this type of water inrush.
The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase Levels in an Indigenous Population in Northern Taiwan: A Community‐Based and Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Yi-Fang , Lin Yen-An , Yeh Wei-Chung , Tsao Yu-Chung , Li Wen-Cheng , Fang Wei-Ching , Chen I-Ju , Chen Jau-Yuan
Published: December 2020

Our study aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among the Northern Taiwanese indigenous population and to explore the relationship between MetS and liver enzyme, especially serum alanine transaminase (ALT). This is an observational and cross‐sectional study that was conducted in remote villages of an indigenous community in Northern Taiwan between 2010 and 2015. MetS was defined based on the revised NCEP/ATPIII criteria from Taiwan Health Promotion Administration. A total of 454 participants were included in the analysis. There were 277 people with MetS and 177 people without. The prevalence of MetS was 61.01%. The average age was 49.50 years. People with MetS had a significantly higher liver enzyme (ALT) level than those without MetS. In addition, the study showed that participants with higher ALT had a tendency towards a higher prevalence of MetS (76.7% vs. 57.3%, p = 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of ALT levels >36 U/L for MetS was 2.79 (95% CI = 1.24–6.27, p = 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the ALT level was 0.63 (95% CI = 0.58–0.68, p < 0.001), which showed that the ALT level was positively associated with MetS. The overall prevalence of MetS was 61.01% in the highland indigenous population in Northern Taiwan; this study indicated that higher serum ALT levels were associated with an increased risk of MetS.
Laboratory Investigation on the Performance of Cement Stabilized Recycled Aggregate with the Vibration Mixing Process
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Zhang Jinbao , Wang Xuetao , Zhang Zhi
Published: December 2020

The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of the vibration mixing process (VMP) on the performance of cement stabilized recycled aggregate (CSRA). The ordinary mixing process (OMP) was also used for comparative analysis with the VMP. The performance of CSRA with different cement content was tested and comprehensively analyzed by the unconfined compressive strength test, dry shrinkage test, and temperature shrinkage test. The results showed that compared with OMP, VMP can greatly improve the compressive strength, dry shrinkage, and temperature shrinkage properties of CSRA. The optimum parameters of vibration time and vibration frequency in VMP were 30 s and 40 Hz, respectively. The reason why VMP can improve the performance of CSRA was that VMP strengthened the aggregate and interface transition zone and introduced microbubbles to optimize the pore structure.
The Role of miRNA‐146a and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Huang Pan , He Xiao-ying , Xu Min
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of miRNA‐146a in peripheral blood of patients with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). Patients with CAS were selected as the stenosis (CAS) group (n = 180). According to the degree of stenosis, they were divided into the mild stenosis group (MS group, n = 64), moderate stenosis group (M group, n = 62 cases), and severe stenosis group (SS group, n = 54). According to the plaque type, patients were divided into a stable plaque group (SP group, n = 96) and a vulnerable plaque group (VP group, n = 84). Patients without CAS represented the normal group (n = 90). The expression levels of miRNA‐146a as well as IL‐6 and TNF‐α in peripheral blood were detected by RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. The expression levels of miRNA‐146a, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in the CAS group were higher than those in the normal group and positively correlated with the degree of stenosis and plaque vulnerability. The expression levels of miRNA‐146a, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in the stable plaque group were lower than those in the vulnerable plaque group. The area under the curve of miRNA‐146a predicting the vulnerability of plaques was significant at 0.641. The expression level of miRNA‐146a in the CAS group was positively correlated with IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels. Our results indicate that miRNA‐146a may participate in the occurrence and development of CAS by regulating the expression of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, which may be potential biomarkers of CAS.
Dynamic and Static Properties of Aqueous NaCl Solutions at 25°C as a Function of NaCl Concentration: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Lee Song Hi
Published: December 2020

We present the result of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to calculate the molar conductivity

Λ

m

=
 

λ

N

a

+

+
 

λ

C

l

−

of NaCl in SPC/E water at 25°C as a function of NaCl concentration (c) using Ewald sums employing a velocity Verlet algorithm. It is found that the MD result for Λm with Ewald sum parameter κ = 0.10 Å−1 gives the closest one to the experimental data and that the obtained radial distribution functions

g

i
i

(r) with κ = 0.10 Å−1 show a dramatic change with a very deep minimum of

g

NaCl

(r) and, as a result, sharp maxima of

g

NaNa

(r) and

g

ClCl

(r) at the distance 9.95 Å, which indicates a characteristic of ionic atmosphere, the basis of the Debye–Hückel theory of ionic solutions. The static and dynamic properties of NaCl (aq) solutions are analyzed in terms of radial distribution functions, hydration numbers, coordination numbers around Na+ and Cl−, residence times of water around Na+ and Cl−, water diffusion, and ion-ion electrostatic energies to explain the behavior of the molar conductivity Λm of NaCl obtained from our MD simulations.
Optimal Ordering Policy for Supply Option Contract with Spot Market
Authors: Hou Xinru , Xu Xinsheng , Chen Haibin
Published: December 2020

This paper considers the procurement mechanism with two supply channels, namely, an option contract purchase and a spot market. For the mechanism, under the stochastic demand and the stochastic spot price, we consider the portfolio procurement with the spot trading liquidity and the option speculation respectively. To maximize the buyer’s profit, we establish two optimal portfolio procurement strategy models for those two scenarios. Based on the buyer’s cost-benefit analysis, we present a solution method to each model and provide an optimal ordering policy to the buyer. By the obtained results, we analyze the role of the spot trading liquidity and option speculation in a buyer’s expected profit. Some numerical experiments are presented to show the validity of the formulated models.
Adsorptive Removal of Rhodamine B Using Novel Adsorbent-Based Surfactant-Modified Alpha Alumina Nanoparticles
Authors: Yen Doan Thi Hai , Minh Chu Thi Phuong , Dinh Thi Diu , Nguyen Thi Hang , Tu Vo Thi Cam , Nguyen Nhat Minh , Nguyen Bao Huy , Nguyen The An , Pham Tien Duc
Published: December 2020

The objective of the present study is to investigate removal of cationic dye, rhodamine B (RhB), in water environment using a high-performance absorbent based on metal oxide nanomaterials toward green chemistry. The adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) onto synthesized alpha alumina (α-Al2O3) material (M0) at different ionic strengths under low pH was studied to fabricate a new adsorbent as SDS-modified α-Al2O3 material (M1). The RhB removal using M1 was much higher than M0 under the same experimental conditions. The optimal conditions for RhB removal using M1 were found to be contact time 30 min, pH 4, and adsorbent dosage 5 mg/mL. The maximum RhB removal using M1 achieved 100%, and adsorption amount reached 52.0 mg/g. Adsorption isotherms of RhB onto M1 were well fitted by the two-step adsorption model. The electrostatic attraction between positive RhB molecules and negatively charged M1 surface controlled the adsorption that was evaluated by the surface charge change with zeta potential and adsorption isotherms. Very high RhB removal of greater than 98% after four regenerations of M1 and the maximum removal for all actual textile wastewater samples demonstrate that SDS-modified nano α-Al2O3 is a high-performance and reusable material for RhB removal from wastewater.
Mechanical Properties and Failure Behavior of 3D-SiCf/SiC Composites with Different Interphases
Authors: Ma Deng-hao , Jin En-ze , Li Jun-ping , Hou Zhen-hua , Yin Jian , Sun Xin , Fang Jin-ming , Gong Xiao-dong , Huang Li-na
Published: December 2020

Continuous silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (SiCf/SiC) are promising as thermal structural materials. In this work, the microstructure and static mechanical properties of 3D-SiCf/SiC with PyC, SiC, and PyC/SiC and without an interface prepared via polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) were investigated systematically in this paper. The results show that the microstructure and static mechanical properties of SiCf/SiC with an interphase layer were superior to the composites without an interlayer, and the interface debondings are existing in the composite without an interphase, resulting in a weak interface bonding. When the interphase is introduced, the interfacial shear strength is improved, the crack can be deflected, and the fracture energy can be absorbed. Meanwhile, the shear strength of the composites with PyC and PyC/SiC interfaces was 118 MPa and 124 MPa, respectively, and showing little difference in bending properties. This indicates that the sublayer SiC of the PyC/SiC multilayer interface limits the binding state and the plastic deformation of PyC interphase, and it is helpful to improve the mechanical properties of SiCf/SiC.
A Meta‐Analysis of Different Types of Cardiac Adipose Tissue in HIV Patients
Authors: Song Guang , Qiao Wei , Sun Lu , Yu Xiaona
Published: December 2020

Background. Antiretroviral therapy transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease but accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and pericardial fat (PCF) have close relationships with CVD. The associations between these two cardiac adipose tissue and HIV are unclear. Methods. Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from database inception to March 24, 2020. The summarized standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to assess the association between EAT/PCF and HIV. Subgroup analysis was performed based on EAT types. Trial sequential analysis was conducted to estimate whether the evidence of the results is sufficient. Results. In total, 2561 HIV patients and 1767 non‐HIV participants were included. Compared to the control group, EAT was significantly higher in the HIV overall group and subgroup with EAT thickness (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.24–0.95, P = 0.001; SMD = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.41–1.79, P = 0.002); however, the EAT volume and PCF volume were unchanged in the HIV group (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: ‐0.07–0.39, P = 0.169; WMD = 10.78, 95% CI: ‐14.11–35.67, P = 0.396). Trial sequential analysis indicated that the available samples were sufficient in the HIV overall group and subgroup with EAT thickness, and more studies are needed for EAT volume and PCF volume. Conclusions. EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with HIV. The association between EAT/PCF volume and HIV needs more studies to confirm.
Delivery Service Optimization When the Information on the Consumers’ Time Values Is Asymmetric
Authors: Song Jiezhen , Meng Linli , Chang Jiancong
Published: December 2020

When consumers’ time values are discrete and asymmetric, three delivery service schemes, which are single ordinary delivery, single expedited delivery, and a mixture of ordinary and expedited delivery, were analyzed and compared. From the perspective of the firm, the optimal lead time and price in each delivery service scheme were determined based on the principal-agent theory. The results show that when the proportion of higher time value consumers is not above a specific threshold, providing a mixture of delivery services outperforms providing single delivery services. Otherwise, providing a single expedited delivery service becomes the best choice. As the consumers’ time value increases, the optimal lead time of the delivery service that is targeted to them should be decreased and the optimal price should be increased. If the firm provides a mixture of delivery services, then the optimal lead time of expedited delivery should be equal to that of the single expedited delivery scheme, while the optimal lead time of ordinary delivery should be longer than that of the single ordinary delivery scheme. Moreover, the optimal lead time of ordinary delivery in the mixed case should be increased with the proportion of higher time value consumers until it reaches the maximum length of time that all consumers could bear.
Identifying Potential Markets for African Leafy Vegetables: Case Study of Farming Households in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Mahlangu Sandile Alexandra , Belete Abenet , Hlongwane Jan. J , Luvhengo Usapfa , Mazibuko Ndumiso
Published: December 2020

Indigenous crops, through their high nutritional value and hardy attributes, offer potential trade opportunities for rural farmers. There is a niche market that can be explored for these indigenous crops particularly with the growing demand for high nutritional value food in the country. These crops are mostly produced by rural households or gathered from the wild by rural farmers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify potential markets for African leafy vegetables (ALVs) by farmers in Limpopo Province. Sixty households producing ALVs were selected with the composition of 54 women and six men, with this selection done using a purposive sampling procedure. Of the total production, 50–60% of the produce was sold in the informal market. It was evident that local rural markets constituted a greater portion of the total market at 73% and 20% allocated to hawkers in town. As a result, urban and periurban consumers present potential buyers since these areas are populated with the middle-class population which is susceptible to changing consumption trends. Because of this potential, supermarkets and township hawkers are proposed as the potential channel for ALVs targeting the identified population. Thus, it is suggested that, in order to create a synergy between economic improvement of rural farmers and trending consumer demands, the Department of Agriculture in Limpopo Province creates a conducive environment through which ALV farmers can be connected with supermarkets and township marketers.
Numerical Simulation on Residual Stress Field of Flat‐Topped Laser Oblique Shocking of Ni‐Based Alloy GH4169
Authors: Qu Xiangming , Zhang Yongkang , Liu Jun
Published: December 2020

This paper is based on laser shock peening (LSP) system with a flat‐topped beam, using robot simulation software to determine the oblique shock angle of different areas of a certain turbine disk mortise. Three‐dimensional finite element analysis was used to study residual stress field of Ni‐based alloy GH4169 under flat‐topped laser oblique shocking. The effects of different laser energy and different shocking number on residual stress field of Ni‐based alloy GH4169 of LSP were studied. Three‐dimensional finite element analysis used super‐Gaussian beam distribution to construct spatial distribution model of shock wave induced by LSP. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for LSP of certain turbine disk mortise.
Hypotensive and Antihypertensive Properties and Safety for Use of Annona muricata and Persea americana and Their Combination Products
Authors: Sokpe Authentia , Mensah Merlin L. K. , Koffuor George A. , Thomford Kwesi P. , Arthur Richmond , Jibira Yakubu , Baah Michael K. , Adedi Bright , Agbemenyah Hope Y.
Published: December 2020

Introduction. In the management of hypertension (a cardiovascular disease and the leading metabolic risk factor in noncommunicable diseases) with herbal medicines, efficacy and safety are of uttermost concern. This study sought to establish hypotensive, antihypertensive, drug interaction, and safety for use of the aqueous leaf extracts of Annona muricata (AME), Persea americana (PAE), or their combination products (CAPE). Methodology. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were measured in normotensive Sprague‐Dawley rats treated with 50–150 mg/kg of AME, PAE, or CAPE to establish a hypotensive effect. “Combination index” was calculated to establish interaction between AME and PAE. The antihypertensive effect of CAPE was established by measuring SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR in ethanol‐sucrose‐ and epinephrine‐induced hypertension. Full blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and urinalysis were determined in ethanol/sucrose‐induced hypertension to establish safety for use. Results. AME, PAE, and CAPE significantly (p ≤ 0.001) decreased BP in both normotensive and hypertensive animals. Effects of CAPE 1, CAPE 2, and CAPE 3 were synergistic (combination indices of 0.65 ± 0.07, 0.76 ± 0.09, and 0.87 ± 0.07, respectively). There was a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.01 − 0.001) in SBP and MAP with 100 mg/kg CAPE 1 and 75 mg/kg CAPE 2 treatment in hypertension as well as with nifedipine (p ≤ 0.001) treatment. Epinephrine‐induced hypertension in anesthetized cats was significantly and dose‐dependently inhibited (p < 0.05 − 0.001) by 25–100 mg/ml CAPE 1 and 37.5–75 mg/ml CAPE 2. CAPE administration had no deleterious effect (p > 0.05) on full blood count, liver and kidney function, and urine composition in hypertensive rats. Conclusion. The aqueous leaf extracts of Annona muricata, Persea americana, and their combination products possess antihypertensive properties, with combination products showing synergism and safety with use.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Hysteroscopic Surgery for Endometrial Tumors Arising after Pelvic Radiation Therapy
Authors: Tanaka Yuji , Hirata Kimiko , Takahashi Mariko , Kobayashi Masashi
Published: December 2020

Uterine tumors detected after pelvic radiation therapy are rare. We report a case in which an endometrial tumor developed after pelvic radiation therapy for cervical cancer. The patient was a 70-year-old female with a history of pelvic radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. After 12 months of radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging showed tumors in the uterine cavity, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed no tumors, except uterine tumors. Since radiation therapy-induced cervical stenosis was conducted, endometrial examination could not be performed without anesthesia. As these tumors were detected after radiation therapy for uterine cancer, malignancy was considered. A laparoscopic-assisted transcervical hysteroscopic resection was performed for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine tumors after radiation therapy. This operative method was useful and enabled us to perform complete resection, observe the abdominal cavity, prepare for the possibility of secondary hysterectomy, and improve safety.
The Thermal Effect on the Physical Properties and Corresponding Permeability Evolution of the Heat-Treated Sandstones
Authors: Liu Xianshan , Lu Weiluo , Li Man , Zeng Nandou , Li Tao
Published: December 2020

The complex high temperature and high stress are commonly encountered in the hot dry rock for geothermal energy development; the thermal effect on the rock properties and corresponding thermal-hydromechanical coupling process has attracted much more attentions in the field of the energy. Taking the sandstones in Chongqing as a case study, the physical and mechanical experiments of the heat-treated sandstones and corresponding permeability tests under triaxial loading conditions have been widely conducted. It can be seen that the quality, porosity, uniaxial compression strength, and elastic modulus of the heated sandstones vary differently with different heat-treated temperature. As for the permeability tests in the process of gradual failure under triaxial loading conditions, the permeability variation divided by four variation stages is the same as that under room temperature condition, and the initial permeability, minimum permeability, and maximum permeability have been characterized with temperature variation, showing that the permeability variation in a certain temperature range from 400°C to 600°C presents more obvious than that in other temperature ranges. Furthermore, the relationship between the permeability and the crack volumetric strain of the heat-treated sandstones is further analyzed to prove the mechanism of the permeability evolution. In addition, a damage model has been proposed to deeply determine the correlation of the permeability and damage variables, indicating that gradual damage variation has caused obvious cracks to form flow paths and abruptly change the permeability variation, revealing that the damage can describe the permeability evolution of the heat-treated sandstones considering different temperature and loading conditions.
The Efficacy of Denosumab in the Management of a Tibial Paediatric Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Compromised by Rebound Hypercalcaemia
Authors: Harcus Matthew , Aldridge Samantha , Abudu Adesegun , Jeys Lee , Senniappan Senthil , Morgan Henry , Pizer Barry
Published: December 2020

Surgery is the main treatment option for patients with aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). We report our experience of using denosumab as an alternative treatment in a child with a multiply recurrent and unresectable tibial ABC. The efficacy and safety of denosumab in the paediatric population, and in the treatment of ABC, are still to be fully evaluated. We describe a 13-year-old boy with an extensive and aggressive ABC involving the proximal tibia, which had recurred following multiple previous surgeries. The patient had ongoing severe pain, was unable to weight-bear, and was at significant risk of pathological fracture. En bloc resection and embolization were not deemed viable, and a decision to use denosumab was made. He received 17 doses of subcutaneous denosumab (70 mg/m2) over a 27-month period, at increasing dose intervals. His symptoms significantly improved, and bony consolidation was observed within six months of treatment. He was able to walk without protection and fully weight-bear without any pain by 18 months. With an increase to a six-month dosing interval, the patient presented with a severe, symptomatic rebound hypercalcaemia requiring bisphosphonate therapy. This reoccurred on two further occasions. This case adds to the evidence that denosumab is effective in the treatment of ABC in paediatric patients, but there is a risk of rebound hypercalcaemia. Therefore, patient awareness and biochemical monitoring for rebound hypercalcaemia are essential.
Wellbore Stability of a Deep-Water Shallow Hydrate Reservoir Based on Strain Softening Characteristics
Authors: Feng Wenrong , Li Danqiong , Wang Guorong , Song Yujia
Published: December 2020

Deep-sea hydrate has great commercial exploitation value as a new type of energy, due to huge reserves, wide distribution, cleanliness, and lack of pollution. Accurately, prediction of the mechanical properties of hydrate reservoirs is a key issue for safe and efficient exploitation of deep-sea hydrate. Although there have been some experimental and numerical simulation studies on the borehole stability of the hydrate layer, the influence of temperature and flow on the decomposition of reservoir hydrate is still not well understood. There have been few pure mechanical studies on the stress and strain state of the hydrate formation around the well, and it is impossible to intuitively understand the influence of the wellbore on the original stress state of the hydrate formation. This paper therefore uses a discrete element method to establish a deep-water shallow hydrate reservoir borehole stability model and compares the discrete element numerical model with an elastoplastic analytical model of borehole stability to verify the reliability of the numerical model. A simulation study on the influence of factors such as reservoir depth and hydrate saturation on wellbore stability is carried out. The simulation results effectively present the constitutive characteristics of strain softening of hydrate sediments. According to the different mechanical characteristics, the near-well zone can be divided into a plastic strain softening zone, a plastic strain hardening zone, and an elastic zone. Reservoir depth and hydrate saturation are found to change the stress state near the well. The greater the depth and the lower the hydrate saturation, the greater the borehole shrinkage. The diameter of the optimal horizontal well in the goaf is in the range from 0.6 to 1.2 m.
Evaluation of Hybridization in Two African Catfishes (Siluriformes, Clariidae): Exotic (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) and Native (Clarias jaensis Boulenger, 1909) Species under Controlled Hatchery Conditions in Cameroon
Authors: Tiogué Claudine Tekounegning , Nyadjeu Paulin , Mouokeu Simplice Raymond , Tekou Guegang , Tchoupou Hilaire
Published: December 2020

The study was conducted to evaluate reciprocal hybridizations in the African catfishes Clarias gariepinus and Clarias jaensis using artificial reproduction under controlled hatchery conditions. The results revealed that the highest fertilization (82.77%) and hatching (67.77%) rates were achieved in the hybrid cross female C. jaensis × male C. gariepinus (Fcj × Mcg). Deformed larvae rates ranged from 9.01 to 16.33%; the hybrid Fcj × Mcg recorded the lowest rate. Survival rates in the larval stage were higher than 80% whatever crossing considered. However, it was higher in the hybrid Fcj × Mcg unlike its homologous female C. gariepinus × male C. jaensis (Fcg × Mcj) which recorded the lowest value (81.70%). In the fry stages D32, survival rates were low than 65%. They were higher and comparable in parental cross Fcg × Mcg (57%) and hybrid cross Fcj × Mcg (61.67%). The lowest survival rate (41.16%) was recorded in parental cross Fcj × Mcj. The hybrid cross Fcj × Mcg expressed the highest growth performances close to those of parental cross Fcg × Mcg, unlike parental cross Fcj × Mcj. Size heterogeneity was greater in hybrids. In all crosses, the condition factor K was low (0.58 to 0.85%), the length-weight relationship was significant with determination coefficient R2 greater than 0.9. The growth was of the negative allometric type (with b less than 3). Positive heterosis has been recorded for both survival and growth at all stages of development. It was concluded that C. jaensis × C. gariepinus hybridizations are indeed possible and would contribute to improve Clarias fry production in captivity. However, the pure strains of Clariidae remain endangered in the natural environment.
Corneal and Conjunctival Calcification in a Dialysis Patient Reversed by Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Pessoa Maria Beatriz C.N. , Santo Ruth Miyuki , De Deus Aline A. , Duque Eduardo Jorge , Rochitte Carlos Eduardo , Moyses Rosa M.A. , Elias Rosilene M.
Published: December 2020

Mineral and bone metabolism disorders are relatively common among patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Corneal and conjunctival calcification is the main extravascular site for calcification. Recently, this form of calcification has been linked to vascular calcification. Secondary hyperparathyroidism can lead to high levels of calcium and phosphorus and increase the risk of calcification. Here, we report a case of a 38-year-old female with severe hyperparathyroidism who underwent eye examination before and after parathyroidectomy. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed an improvement in the number and size of ocular calcifications 6 months after surgery. This case calls attention to the importance of eye examination in patients on dialysis and brings the possibility of recovery of calcification in a short-term follow-up.
Intergluteal Cleft Eccrine Porocarcinoma with Metastasis to Inguinal Region and Lung: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fernández-Ferreira Ricardo , Alvarado-Luna Gabriela , Motola-Kuba Daniel , Mackinney-Novelo Ileana , Cervera-Ceballos Eduardo Emir , Segura-Rivera Román
Published: December 2020

Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is an infrequent cutaneous neoplasm, and was described in 1963 by Pinkus and Mehregan. It is a rare type of skin tumor (0.005–0.01% of all skin tumors). Less than 300 cases have been described in the entire world medical literature. To our knowledge, no case of intergluteal cleft EPC has been reported in the literature in English and Spanish to date, so this would be the first reported case of such pathology. Metastatic EPC is less frequent, since only <10% of metastatic type have been reported and the rest as localized disease. The primary treatment of choice is surgical wide local excision of the tumor with histological confirmation of tumor-free margins. Prognosis is difficult to determine because of the rarity of EPC and the variations in natural history. There are no data to support the use of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and there are currently no agreed criteria to define patients at high risk of relapse. We present a 67-year-old man with intergluteal cleft eccrine tumor by biopsy. Metastasis to left inguinal region and lung was reported by contrasted abdominal and chest computed tomography. He started chemotherapy based on etoposide, vincristine, carboplatin. A review of pertinent literature is provided.
Efficacy of Pomegranate Seed Powder on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Seyed Hashemi Monire , Namiranian Nasim , Tavahen Hemaseh , Dehghanpour Abolfazl , Rad Mohammad Hadi , Jam-Ashkezari Saeedeh , Emtiazy Majid , Hashempur Mohammad Hashem
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Pomegranate is known as a functional food which has multiple health-promoting activities. It has been assessed for patients with metabolic syndrome. Specifically, an antidiabetic activity of its juice and plausible mechanisms for its action have been shown in multitudinous studies. The aim of this study was assessing the effects of complementary treatment with pomegranate seed powder (PSP) oral supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Sixty patients were treated for 8 weeks by 5 g PSP or placebo, twice daily. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) were recorded as the outcome measures at the beginning and after the intervention. The findings were analyzed using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: After 8 weeks, the mean differences of FBG, HbA1c, cholesterol, and TG were significantly decreased in the PSP group when compared with the placebo group (p value <0.05). In addition, post-intervention values of FBG and HbA1c were significantly lower in patients treated with PSP compared to the placebo group (p values = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). However, the latter comparison regarding cholesterol and TG showed no significant differences (p values = 0.51 and 0.26, respectively). Conclusion: It seems that complementary treatment with PSP may have beneficial effects on FBG and HbA1c of patients with T2DM. However, its effect on TG and cholesterol was equivocal.