bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Kinetics of Potassium Diffusion in Estima Potato under Different Leaching Conditions
Authors: Adu-Poku David , Saah Selina A. , Agbenorhevi Jacob K.
Published: November 2020

The diffusion of potassium in potato (Solanum tuberosum) at different leaching conditions was investigated. Two modes of pretreatment of potato samples (cubes and spheres) by preheating to 80°C and leaching at temperatures of 20-80°C were performed using a temperature- and agitation-controlled batch extractor. A Fickian model incorporating the effective diffusion coefficient (

D

eff

), partition coefficient (

K

) between the solute concentration in the potato and medium, and mass transfer coefficient (

kl

) was developed to simulate and predict the fraction of potassium leached from the potato at any temperature. Results showed significant reduction in activation energies from 92 to 25.02 kJ/mol for cubes and from 75.02 to 13.40 kJ/mol for spheres culminating in higher extraction rates when samples were preheated to 80°C. The

D

eff

,

K

, and

kl

values obtained were in the range of

0.02
−
7.33
×

10

−
9

 
 

m

2

/
s

,

0.63
−
8.00
×

10

−
2

, and

0.01333.00
×

10

−
4

 
 
m
/
s

, respectively. The kinetic parameters showed a change in slope or discontinuity in the gelatinization temperature range as a function of temperature, an indication of a change in the diffusional matrix. The optimum operating conditions were 80°C preheating and leaching at temperatures up to 50°C. The proposed mathematical model offered a satisfactory description of both dynamic and equilibrium mass transfers of potassium by adequately predicting the fraction of potassium from potato cubes and spheres. The present findings could be useful in the pretreatment of potato for renal patients.
The Genetic Polymorphisms in the MIR17HG Gene Are Associated with the Risk of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Xu Chongwen , Han Peng , Ren Wanli , Dai Hao , Bai Yanxia , Shen Zhen , Li Baiya , Shao Yuan
Published: November 2020

Purpose. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant tumors in the world. Genetic variants have an important role in HNSCC progression. Our study is aimed at exploring the relationship between MIR17HG polymorphisms and HNSCC risk in the Chinese Han population. Methods. We recruited 537 HNSCC cases and 533 healthy subjects to detect the correlation of six polymorphisms in MIR17HG with HNSCC susceptibility. The associations were evaluated by computing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression analysis. Results. Our study revealed that rs7336610 (OR 1.77, 95%CI = 1.09‐2.86, and p = 0.021) and rs1428 (OR 1.73, 95%CI = 1.07‐2.81, and p = 0.025) are strongly associated with increased susceptibility to HNSCC in men. Besides, rs17735387 played a crucial protective role in stage III/IV HNSCC patients (OR 0.34, 95%CI = 0.12‐0.95, and p = 0.040) compared with stage I/II. Conclusion. Our study firstly indicated that MIR17HG polymorphisms are significantly associated with HNSCC susceptibility, which suggests that MIR17HG has a potential role in the occurrence of HNSCC.
Novel Blood Indicators of Progression and Prognosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Red Cell Distribution Width-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Albumin-to-Fibrinogen Ratio
Authors: Ma Chenjun , Liu Quan , Li Chengyang , Cheng Jiwen , Liu Deyun , Yang Zhanbin , Yan Haibiao , Wu Bo , Wu Yongxian , Zhao Jiawen
Published: November 2020

Objective. To evaluate the value of preoperative red cell distribution width-to-lymphocyte ratio (RLR) and albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) to the prognosis of patients after renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods. From 2012 to 2016, a total of 273 RCC patients underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. This study retrospectively analyzed this group of patients. X-tile software was used to determine the optimal values of RLR and AFR in the peripheral blood. The nomogram constructed with independent factors was used to predict the survival outcome of the patients after RCC. Results. The RLR of the RCC group was higher than that of the normal control group (P=0.002), whereas the AFR of the RCC group was lower than that of the normal control group (P<0.001). RLR and AFR are related to tumour type and tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (P<0.05for all). Cox regression analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors affecting overall survival and disease-free survival in the RCC group were symptom, tumour type, TNM stage, Fuhrman grade, RLR, and AFR (P<0.05for all). The nomogram constructed by multiple factors has better predictive power for patients after RCC. Conclusion. Preoperative RLR and AFR can serve as potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis of postoperative RCC patients and improve the predictability of patient recurrence and survival.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Adaptation to Climate Change in Ghana
Authors: Odonkor Stephen T. , Dei Emmanuel Nene , Sallar Anthony M.
Published: November 2020

Climate change is a serious challenge to human existence. It threatens efforts towards the attainment of sustainable development goals and aggravates conditions that lead to health inequities and inequalities for vulnerable populations. The study aimed to investigate knowledge and adaptation to climate change among people in Ghana. A nationally representative survey of Ghanaian adults (N = 674) was conducted from August 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Results showed that 43.9% of the respondents understood the meaning of climate change. Respondents perceived the causes of climate change to include burning of fossil fuel, deforestation, natural events such as ocean currents, carbon emission from vehicles and industries, agricultural emissions of nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and an act of God. About 53.1% and 41% of the male and female respondents, respectively, had an encounter with climate change-induced natural disasters. About two out of five respondents (43%) were either afraid or confused about climate change. Distilled or maintained public drainage from waste (30.2%) and clearing drains (25.6%) was the leading adaptation strategies towards climate change-induced natural disasters. Training (30.1%), national radio (27.7%), and television (19.1%) were the preferred leading methods for receipt of global warming information. These findings provide useful insights for policy directions. The government of Ghana and other stakeholders should develop a communication strategy to increase and sustain publicity and education on climate change to the citizenry.
Nomogram Personalizes and Visualizes the Overall Survival of Patients with Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Based on the Immune Genome
Authors: Wang Peipei , Fu Yang , Chen Yueyun , Li Qing , Hong Ye , Liu Ting , Ding Zhenyu
Published: November 2020

Background. Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is usually poorly differentiated, highly invasive, susceptible to distant metastasis, and less responsive to endocrine and targeted therapy. However, immunotherapy is a promising treatment for TNBC patients recently. Methods. The prognostic value of immune‐related genes (IRGs) was explored by using RNA sequencing and microarray data of 123 and 107 TNBC patients from TCGA and GEO databases, respectively. Results. In TCGA database, GO and KEGG pathway analysis of 119 differential IRGs indicated that they actively participate in the interaction of cytokines and receptors. A nomogram model constructed by the prognosis‐related CCL25, IL29, TDGF3, GPR44, and GREM2 in the IRGs could personalize and visualize the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year overall survival (OS) of TNBC patients. Moreover, TNBC patients could be defined as low‐risk (risk score < 194) or high‐risk (risk score ≥ 194) cohorts based on the risk score derived from the nomogram model. The results could be validated by the GSE58812 dataset. Furthermore, the risk score was an independent risk factor for TNBC patients (HR = 1.019, 95% CI 1.012‐1.027, p < 0.001) and was positively related to stage (p = 0.017). Interestingly, the risk score could reflect the infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Conclusion. These findings provided a reference for personalized OS prediction in TNBC patients and might be potential immune biomarkers for designing novel therapy.
Role of Muscarinic Receptors in Hypoalgesia Induced by Crocin in Neuropathic Pain Rats
Authors: Safakhah Hossein Ali , Vafaei Abbas Ali , Tavasoli Azin , Jafari Simin , Ghanbari Ali
Published: November 2020

Objective. Crocin as an important constituent of saffron has antineuropathic pain properties; however, the exact mechanism of this effect is not known. The aim of this study was whether the hypoalgesic effect of crocin can be exerted through muscarinic receptors. Materials and Methods. In the present project, 36 male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) were used. Animals randomly divided into six groups (sham, neuropathy, neuropathy + crocin, neuropathy + atropine 0.5 mg/kg, neuropathy + atropine 1 mg/kg, and neuropathy + atropine 1 mg/kg + crocin). Neuropathy was induced by the chronic constriction injury (CCI) method on the sciatic nerve. Crocin and atropine was administered intraperitoneally during 14 days following the 14th day after surgery. Pain response was detected every three days, two hours after each injection and 3 days following last injection. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were detected using the Von Frey filaments and plantar test device, respectively. Results. CCI significantly reduced the paw withdrawal response to mechanical and thermal stimulus (

P
<
0.01

and

P
<
0.05

, respectively). Crocin therapy significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by CCI (

P
<
0.05

). Atropine pretreatment significantly blocked the hypoalgesic effect of crocin (

P
<
0.05

in mechanical allodynia and

P
<
0.01

in thermal hyperalgesia). Fourteen days administration of atropine alone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg but not 1 mg/kg significantly reduced CCI-induced mechanical allodynia at day 30 after surgery. Conclusion. Crocin significantly decreased CCI-induced neuropathic pain. The hypoalgesic effect of crocin was blocked by atropine pretreatment, which indicates an important role for muscarinic receptors in the effect of crocin.
An LQG Controller Based on Real System Identification for an Active Hydraulically Interconnected Suspension
Authors: Guo Yaohua , Wang Bin , Tkachev Anton , Zhang Nong
Published: November 2020

Rollover prevention is always one of the research hotspots in vehicle design. Active hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) is a promising technology to reduce vehicle body roll angle caused by different driving inputs and road conditions. This paper proposes a novel actuator of the active HIS system. The actuator consists of two cylinders, a ball screw, and only one motor. The actuator proposed can reduce the number of motors needed in the system. Meanwhile, forced vibration identification (FVI) is used to identify the transfer function of a half-car physical model and a Kalman state observer is applied to eliminate the influence of sensor noise. The FVI method can eliminate most model uncertainties and hidden variables. Aggressive and moderate optimal linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) methods are implemented to control the motion of the vehicle body based on the identified transfer function of the physical model. The performance of an active HIS system with an aggressive and moderate LQG controller is compared with that of a passive HIS system. The effectiveness of the LQG controller is validated by simulation and experimental results. Also, the obtained results show that the stabilization speed of the active HIS system is 20% faster than that of the passive HIS system and the roll angle can be reduced up to 55% than that of the passive HIS system.
A Multisource Monitoring Data Coupling Analysis Method for Stress States of Oil Pipelines under Permafrost Thawing Settlement Load
Authors: Jiang Changliang , Chen Pengchao , Li Rui , Liu Xiaoben
Published: November 2020

Thaw settlement is one of the common geohazard threats for safe operation of buried pipelines crossing permafrost regions, as pipes need to bear additional bending stress induced by settlement load. In the presented study, a novel coupled data analysis method was proposed for stress state estimation of buried steel pipeline under thawing settlement load. Multisource data including pipe bending strain derived by inertial measurement unit, pipe longitudinal strain derived by strain gauges, and thawing displacement loads derived by soil temperature monitoring were used to estimate the pipe’s mechanical states. Based on the derived data, finite element method-based pipe soil interaction model was established to predict pipe’s actual stress distribution. A monitored pipe segment of one crude oil pipeline in northeast China operated since 2010 was adopted as a prototype for the investigation, monitoring data derived in the last ten years was employed to predict the settlement loading, and relative accurate stress results was obtained via the established pipe soil interaction model. The mean absolute error (MAE) of the predicted pipe stresses compared with the monitoring results in 2014, 2017, and 2018 are 5.77%, 12.13%, and 13.55%, respectively. Based on the analyzed stress results, it can be found that the investigated pipe was subjected to an increasing settlement load from 2010–2016, made the bending stress increased up to 149.5 MPa. While after 2016, due to the depth of frost soil in this area is no more than 3.5 m, the thawing settlement load almost remained constant after 2016. As the investigated pipe is made by X65 line pipe steel, the von-Mises stress in pipe is much smaller than the allowable one indicating pipe’s structural safety status so far. The proposed method can also be referenced in the status monitoring of buried pipeline crossing other geological hazard regions.
An Immunoinformatics Study to Predict Epitopes in the Envelope Protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jakhar Renu , Gakhar S. K.
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 is a new viral emergent disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus. This virus has caused a huge problem in the world as millions of people are affected by this disease. We aimed at designing a peptide vaccine for COVID-19 particularly for the envelope protein using computational methods to predict epitopes inducing the immune system. The envelope protein sequence of SARS-CoV-2 has been retrieved from the NCBI database. The bioinformatics analysis was carried out by using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) to predict B- and T-cell epitopes. The predicted HTL and CTL epitopes were docked with HLA alleles and binding energies were evaluated. The allergenicity of predicted epitopes was analyzed, the conservancy analysis was performed, and the population coverage was determined throughout the world. Some overlapped CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes were suggested to become a universal candidate for peptide-based vaccine against COVID-19. This vaccine peptide could simultaneously elicit humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. We hope to confirm our findings by adding complementary steps of both in vitro and in vivo studies to support this new universal predicted candidate.
Early Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Attending Sudan Childhood Diabetes Centre
Authors: Ahmed Hana , Elshaikh Tayseer , Abdullah Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Objective. Data on microvascular complications in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Sudan are scarce. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) and their relationship to certain risk factors in children with T1DM attending the Sudan Childhood Diabetes Centre. Design and Methods. A clinic-based cross-sectional study of 100 patients with T1DM aged 10-18 years. Patients with disease duration exceeding 5 years if the onset of diabetes was prepubertal and 2 years if it was postpubertal were included. Relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical information was obtained. Blood pressure was measured. The patients were screened for DN and DR using urinary microalbumin estimation and fundus photography, respectively. Results. The frequency of microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy was 36% and 33%, respectively. Eleven percent had both retinopathy and microalbuminuria. Seven percent of the patients were found to be hypertensive. Patients with diabetic retinopathy had significantly higher HbA1c levels (

p
=
0.009

) and longer diabetes duration (

p
=
0.02

) than patients without retinopathy. Logistic regression showed that high HbA1c (odds ratio (OR) 0.83, confidence interval (CI) 0.68-1.00,

p
=
0.04

), but not age, duration, ethnic group, BMI, blood pressure, and presence of nephropathy, was an independent risk factor for retinopathy. Likewise, high blood pressure (OR 6.89, CI 1.17-40.52,

p
=
0.03

), but not age, duration, ethnic group, BMI, HbA1c, and presence of retinopathy, was a predictor for nephropathy. Conclusion. High prevalence of incipient DN and early stages of DR were observed in this study. Longer diabetes duration and higher HbA1c were associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy. High blood pressure was a risk factor for DN. So regular screening for these complications and optimization of glycemic control are needed.
Cornelian Cherry Iridoid-Polyphenolic Extract Improves Mucosal Epithelial Barrier Integrity in Rat Experimental Colitis and Exerts Antimicrobial and Antiadhesive Activities In Vitro
Authors: Szandruk-Bender Marta , Rutkowska Maria , Merwid-Ląd Anna , Wiatrak Benita , Szeląg Adam , Dzimira Stanisław , Sobieszczańska Beata , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Matuszewska Agnieszka , Nowak Beata , Piórecki Narcyz , Duda-Madej Anna , Walczuk Urszula , Turniak Michał , Bednarz-Misa Iwona , Sozański Tomasz
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims. Inflammatory bowel disease pharmacotherapy, despite substantial progress, is still not satisfactory for both patients and clinicians. In view of the chronic and relapsing disease course and not always effective treatment with adverse effects, attempts to search for new, more efficient, and safer substances are essential and reasonable. This study was designed to elucidate the impact of cornelian cherry iridoid-polyphenolic extract (CE) and loganic acid (LA) on adherent-invasive E. coli growth and adhesion in vitro and to assess the effect of pretreatment with CE or LA on the course of intestinal inflammation in rat experimental colitis compared with sulfasalazine. Methods. Antibacterial and antiadhesive activities of CE and LA were assessed using microdilution, Int407 cell adherence, and yeast agglutination assays. The colitis model was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Studied substances were administered intragastrically for 16 days prior to colitis induction. Body weight loss; colon index; histological injuries; IL-23, IL-17, TNF-α, and chemerin levels; and STAT3, Muc2, and TFF3 mRNA expression were evaluated. Results. Only CE exerted antimicrobial and antiadhesive activities in vitro and alleviated colonic symptoms. CE coadministrated with sulfasalazine was more effective than single compounds in reversing increased concentrations of TNF-α, IL-17, and chemerin and decreased Muc2 mRNA expression. Conclusions. CE exerted a protective effect against experimental colitis via impaired mucosal epithelial barrier restoration and intestinal inflammatory response attenuation and given concomitantly with sulfasalazine counteracted colitis in a more effective way than sulfasalazine alone, which indicates their synergistic interaction. The beneficial effect of CE may also be due to its bacteriostatic and antiadhesive activities.
Intra‐ and Inter‐Rater Reliability of Three Measurements for Assessing Tactile Acuity in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Wang Juan , Chen Changcheng , Peng Mengsi , Wang Yizu , Wu Bao , Zheng Yili , Wang Xueqiang
Published: November 2020

Objective. To investigate the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of three measurements on painful and pain‐free sides in participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) at different ages. Methods. We recruited 60 participants with CLBP and divided them equally into a group of younger participants with chronic low back pain (18 ≤ age ≤ 35, Y‐CLBP) and a group of older participants with chronic low back pain (36 ≤ age ≤ 65, O‐CLBP). Participants were assessed by two testers within the same day (10 min interval), and one of the testers repeated the assessment program 24 h later. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess reliability. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between tactile acuity and age, waistline, and pain‐related variables. Results. In the Y‐CLBP group, the intra‐rater reliability of two‐point discrimination (TPD), point‐to‐point test (PTP), and two‐point estimation (TPE) on the painful and pain‐free sides was good (ICC range: 0.74–0.85), whereas the inter‐rater reliability of TPD, PTP, and TPE on the painful and pain‐free sides was moderate to good (ICC range: 0.65–0.76). In the O‐CLBP group, the intra‐rater reliability of TPD, PTP, and TPE on the painful and pain‐free sides was good (ICC range: 0.75–0.85), whereas the inter‐rater reliability of TPD, PTP, and TPE on the painful and pain‐free sides was moderate to good (ICC range: 0.70–0.85). Age, waistline, duration of pain, maximum pain, general pain, and unpleasant score caused by pain were positively correlated with tactile acuity thresholds (D‐TPD, A‐TPD, PTP, and TPE) (r > 0.365, p < 0.05). When BMI was controlled, age, waistline, and pain‐related variables were positively correlated with tactile acuity thresholds (r > 0.388; p < 0.05). Conclusion. In the participants of Y‐CLBP and O‐CLBP groups, TPD, PTP, and TPE have moderate‐to‐good intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability on the painful and pain‐free sides of the fifth lumbar vertebrae.
A Return Mapping Algorithm for Nonlinear Yield Criteria with the Equivalent Mohr–Coulomb Strength Parameters
Authors: Hu Chao , Ye Fei , Fu Wenxi , Chen Zhuo
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a modified return mapping algorithm for a series of nonlinear yield criteria. The algorithm is established in the principal stress space and ignores the effect of the intermediate principal stress. Three stress return schemes are derived in this paper: return to the yield surface, return to the curve, and return to the apex point. The conditions used for determining the correct stress return type are also constructed. After the proposed algorithm is programmed in the finite element software, we merely need the equivalent Mohr–Coulomb (M‐C) strength parameters, the derivatives of their functions, and the tensile strength of these nonlinear yield criteria. In addition, the Hoek–Brown (H‐B) yield criterion is taken as an example to validate the proposed method. The results show that the updated stresses and the final principal stresses obtained by the proposed method are in good agreement with those obtained by other methods. Furthermore, the proposed method is more suitable for the associated plastic‐flow rule.
A User-Oriented Intelligent Access Selection Algorithm in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Liang Gen , Guo Xiaoxue , Sun Guoxi , Fang Jingcheng
Published: November 2020

A heterogeneous wireless network (HWN) contains many kinds of wireless networks with overlapping areas of signal coverage. One of the research topics on HWNs is how to make users choose the most suitable network. This paper designs a user-oriented intelligent access selection algorithm in HWNs with five modules (input, user preference calculation, candidate network score calculation, output, and learning). Essentially, the input module uses a utility function to calculate the utility value of the judgment parameter; the user preference calculation module calculates the weight of the judgment parameter using the fuzzy analysis hierarchy process (FAHP) approach; the candidate network score calculation module calculates the network score through a fuzzy neural network; the output module calculates the error between the actual output value and the expected output value; and the learning module corrects the parameter of the membership function in the fuzzy neural network structure according to the error. Simulation results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can enable users to select the most suitable network according to service characteristics and can enable users to obtain higher gains.
P-MAPA, a Fungi-Derived Immunomodulatory Compound, Induces a Proinflammatory Response in a Human Whole Blood Model
Authors: Gonçalves Mariana Torrente , Squaiella-Baptistão Carla Cristina , Pidde Giselle , Lopes Priscila Hess , da Silva Nunes Iseu , Tambourgi Denise V.
Published: November 2020

P-MAPA is a complex compound, derived from Aspergillus oryzae cultures, that has shown immunomodulatory properties in infection and cancer animal models. Despite promising results in these models, the mechanisms of cellular activation by P-MAPA, suggested to be Toll-like receptor- (TLR-) dependent, and its effect on human immune cells, remain unclear. Using an ex vivo model of human whole blood, the effects of P-MAPA on complement system activation, production of cytokines, and the expression of complement receptors (CD11b, C5aR, and C3aR), TLR2, TLR4, and the coreceptor CD14 were analyzed in neutrophils and monocytes. P-MAPA induced complement activation in human blood, detected by increased levels of C3a, C5a, and SC5b-9 in plasma. As a consequence, CD11b expression increased and C5aR decreased upon activation, while C3aR expression remained unchanged in leukocytes. TLR2 and TLR4 expressions were not modulated by P-MAPA treatment on neutrophils, but TLR4 expression was reduced in monocytes, while CD14 expression increased in both cell types. P-MAPA also induced the production of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-12 and oxidative burst, measured by peroxynitrite levels, in human leukocytes. Complement inhibition with compstatin showed that P-MAPA-induced complement activation drives modulation of C5aR, but not of CD11b, suggesting that P-MAPA acts through both complement-dependent and complement-independent mechanisms. Compstatin also significantly reduced the peroxynitrite generation. Altogether, our results show that P-MAPA induced proinflammatory response in human leukocytes, which is partially mediated by complement activation. Our data contribute to elucidate the complement-dependent and complement-independent mechanisms of P-MAPA, which ultimately result in immune cell activation and in its immunomodulatory properties in infection and cancer animal models.
Bidders Recommender for Public Procurement Auctions Using Machine Learning: Data Analysis, Algorithm, and Case Study with Tenders from Spain
Authors: García Rodríguez Manuel J. , Rodríguez Montequín Vicente , Ortega Fernández Francisco , Villanueva Balsera Joaquín M.
Published: November 2020

Recommending the identity of bidders in public procurement auctions (tenders) has a significant impact in many areas of public procurement, but it has not yet been studied in depth. A bidders recommender would be a very beneficial tool because a supplier (company) can search appropriate tenders and, vice versa, a public procurement agency can discover automatically unknown companies which are suitable for its tender. This paper develops a pioneering algorithm to recommend potential bidders using a machine learning method, particularly a random forest classifier. The bidders recommender is described theoretically, so it can be implemented or adapted to any particular situation. It has been successfully validated with a case study: an actual Spanish tender dataset (free public information) which has 102,087 tenders from 2014 to 2020 and a company dataset (nonfree public information) which has 1,353,213 Spanish companies. Quantitative, graphical, and statistical descriptions of both datasets are presented. The results of the case study were satisfactory: the winning bidding company is within the recommended companies group, from 24% to 38% of the tenders, according to different test conditions and scenarios.
Evolution Mechanism of Deformation and Failure of Surrounding Rock during Excavation and Unloading of the High‐Stress Rock Mass
Authors: Xu Wensong , Zhao Guangming , Liu Chongyan , Meng Xiangrui , Zhang Ruofei , Kao Siming , Huang Shunjie , Zhou Jun , Peng Rui
Published: November 2020

To deeply analyze the failure evolution of surrounding rock during excavation‐induced unloading of the high‐stress rock mass, a multistage failure model was established based on revealed failure patterns. The critical conditions for wing cracks were determined. The slab crack buckling analysis was carried out. The true‐triaxial rockburst testing system was used for the miniature model test to study the fracturing evolution of surrounding rocks during excavation‐induced unloading of the high‐stress rock mass. The research results indicated that harder rock samples had higher compressive strength. Moreover, the smaller peak strains implied more obvious yield/plastic stages of harder rock samples with high confining pressures and softer rock samples with low confining pressures. V‐shaped grooves appeared at the beginning of the surrounding rock’s failure while spalling and splitting occurred as the stress increased. Finally, the entire sample’s overall splitting failure was observed, and the borehole bottom bulged upward. The harder rock masses had fewer fractures and higher degrees of failure. There were obvious V‐shaped grooves on both sides of the marble cave wall. The tensile failure occurred near the opening surface and shear failure at a far distance. The sandstone′s overall failure was related to tensile cracking, and splitting failure occurred far away from the opening surface, which was similar to the in situ failure of surrounding rocks during excavation‐induced unloading of the high‐stress rock mass. The results obtained are instrumental in the construction safety control and prevention of underground engineering disasters.
A Combined Deep Learning Method with Attention-Based LSTM Model for Short-Term Traffic Speed Forecasting
Authors: Wu Pan , Huang Zilin , Pian Yuzhuang , Xu Lunhui , Li Jinlong , Chen Kaixun
Published: November 2020

Short-term traffic speed prediction is a promising research topic in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), which also plays an important role in the real-time decision-making of traffic control and guidance systems. However, the urban traffic speed has strong temporal, spatial correlation and the characteristic of complex nonlinearity and randomness, which makes it challenging to accurately and efficiently forecast short-term traffic speeds. We investigate the relevant literature and found that although most methods can achieve good prediction performance with the complete sample data, when there is a certain missing rate in the database, it is difficult to maintain accuracy with these methods. Recent studies have shown that deep learning methods, especially long short-term memory (LSTM) models, have good results in short-term traffic flow prediction. Furthermore, the attention mechanism can properly assign weights to distinguish the importance of traffic time sequences, thereby further improving the computational efficiency of the prediction model. Therefore, we propose a framework for short-term traffic speed prediction, including data preprocessing module and short-term traffic prediction module. In the data preprocessing module, the missing traffic data are repaired to provide a complete dataset for subsequent prediction. In the prediction module, a combined deep learning method that is an attention-based LSTM (ATT-LSTM) model for predicting short-term traffic speed on urban roads is proposed. The proposed framework was applied to the urban road network in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, with a 30-day traffic speed dataset (floating car data) used as the experimental sample. Results show that the proposed method outperforms other deep learning algorithms (such as recurrent neural network (RNN) and convolutional neural network (CNN)) in terms of both calculating efficiency and prediction accuracy. The attention mechanism can significantly reduce the error of the LSTM model (up to 12.4%) and improves the prediction performance.
Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Potato under Alternate Furrows and Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Kassaye Kassu Tadesse , Yilma Wubengeda Admasu , Fisha Mehiret Hone , Haile Dawit Habte
Published: November 2020

The benefits of water-saving techniques such as alternate furrow and deficit irrigations need to be explored to ensure food security for the ever-increasing population within the context of declining availability of irrigation water. In this regard, field experiments were conducted for 2 consecutive dry seasons in the semiarid region of southwestern Ethiopia and investigated the influence of alternate furrow irrigation method with different irrigation levels on the yield, yield components, water use efficiency, and profitability of potato production. The experiment comprised of 3 irrigation methods: (i) conventional furrow irrigation (CFI), (ii) alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), and (iii) fixed furrow irrigation (FFI) combined factorially with 3 irrigation regimes: (i) 100%, (ii) 75%, and (iii) 50% of the potato water requirement (ETC). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Results revealed that seasonal irrigation water applied in alternate furrows was nearly half (170 mm) of the amount supplied in every furrow (331 mm). Despite the half reduction in the total amount of water, tuber (35.68 t ha−1) and total biomass (44.37 t ha−1) yields of potato in AFI did not significantly differ from CFI (34.84 and 45.35 t ha−1, respectively). Thus, AFI improved WUE by 49% compared to CFI. Irrigating potato using 75% of ETC produced tuber yield of 35.01 t ha−1, which was equivalent with 100% of ETC (35.18 t ha−1). Irrigating alternate furrows using 25% less ETC provided the highest net return of US$74.72 for every unit investment on labor for irrigating potato. In conclusion, irrigating alternate furrows using up to 25% less ETC saved water, provided comparable yield, and enhanced WUE and economic benefit. Therefore, farmers and experts are recommended to make change to AFI with 25% deficit irrigation in the study area and other regions with limited water for potato production to improve economic, environmental, and social performance of their irrigated systems.
Integrative Analysis Reveals the Landscape of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) Family Genes in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Yang Qian-Kun , Wang Xue-Xin , Wang Yang , Ni Ni
Published: November 2020

Inside the cancer microenvironment, reduced O2 concentration, termed as hypoxia, is a common phenotype and leads to cancer progression. However, little is known about how and when those HIF members are dysregulated in distinct cancers. Here, by integrating a full range of data of thousands of patients, we comprehensively analyzed the genetics, epigenetics, and transcriptomic level of HIF genes and further defined pathways triggered by disrupted hypoxia-inducible factors. We reveal the expression landscape of HIF family genes and further demonstrate that copy number variations underlie such dysregulation. Further analysis indicates that HIF genes associate with cancer hallmarks such as cell cycle and DNA damage response. Drug resistance analysis showed that HIF globally impacts drug effectiveness such as docetaxel. In summary, the overall analysis reveals the landscape of HIF genes in pan-cancer and may assist mechanism research about hypoxia.
Image Retrieval Using the Fused Perceptual Color Histogram
Authors: Liu Guang-Hai , Wei Zhao
Published: November 2020

Extracting visual features for image retrieval by mimicking human cognition remains a challenge. Opponent color and HSV color spaces can mimic human visual perception well. In this paper, we improve and extend the CDH method using a multi-stage model to extract and represent an image in a way that mimics human perception. Our main contributions are as follows: (1) a visual feature descriptor is proposed to represent an image. It has the advantages of a histogram-based method and is consistent with visual perception factors such as spatial layout, intensity, edge orientation, and the opponent colors. (2) We improve the distance formula of CDHs; it can effectively adjust the similarity between images according to two parameters. The proposed method provides efficient performance in similar image retrieval rather than instance retrieval. Experiments with four benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed method can describe color, texture, and spatial features and performs significantly better than the color volume histogram, color difference histogram, local binary pattern histogram, and multi-texton histogram, and some SURF-based approaches.
Small‐Strain Dynamic Properties of Lean Cemented Sand and Gravel Materials under Different Cementing Agent Contents
Authors: Yang Jie , Cai Xin , Shan Yangong , Yang Miaomiao , Guo Xingwen , Zhao Jinlei
Published: November 2020

Lean cemented sand and gravel (LCSG) materials are increasingly being used in dams, embankments, and other civil engineering applications. Therefore, their mechanical properties and stress‐strain behavior should be systematically understood. In this study, the small‐strain dynamic properties of LCSG materials were examined. A series of dynamic triaxial tests were performed to investigate the effects of the confining pressure and cementing agent content of the material on its dynamic shear modulus (Gd) and damping ratio (λ). The results show that Gd increased and λ decreased with increasing confining pressure and cementing agent content; however, under the same confining pressure and cementing agent content, Gd decreased gradually in accordance with shear strain. Furthermore, new expressions were derived for Gd and λ, as well as for their maxima. The results of this study could provide a reference for practical engineering applications, including the construction of dams using LCSG materials.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Manual Acupuncture Therapy in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Rao Chang , Du Yuzheng , Zhang Lili , Yang Jipeng
Published: November 2020

Background. Poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common cause of disability among patients with stroke. Meanwhile, acupuncture has increasingly been used to improve motor and cognitive function for stroke patients. The aim of the present study was to summarize and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating PSCI. Methods. Eight databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, Medline, Embase databases) were searched from January 2010 to January 2020. Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Assessments were performed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), or modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results. A total of 657 relevant RCTs were identified, and 22 RCTs with 1856 patients were eventually included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture appeared to be effective for improving cognitive function as assessed by MMSE (

mean
 
difference
 

MD

=
1.73

, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.39, 2.06),

P
<
0.00001

) and MoCA (

MD
=
2.32

, 95% CI (1.92, 2.73),

P
<
0.00001

). Furthermore, it also suggested that acupuncture could improve the activities of daily life (ADL) for PSCI patients as assessed by BI or MBI (

SMD
=
0.97

, 95% CI (0.57, 1.38),

P
<
0.00001

). Conclusions. Compared with nonacupuncture group, acupuncture group showed better effects in improving the scores of MMSE, MoCA, BI, and MBI. This meta-analysis provided positive evidence that acupuncture may be effective in improving cognitive function and activities of daily life for PSCI patients. Meanwhile, long retention time of acupuncture may improve cognitive function and activities of daily life, and twist technique may be an important factor that could influence cognitive function. However, further studies using large samples and a rigorous study design are needed to confirm the role of acupuncture in the treatment of PSCI.
Insights from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Elucidate Association of Lily Disease and Yin Deficiency and Internal Heat of Depression
Authors: Shang Bingxian , Zhang Hongxiu , Lu Yanting , Zhou Xiaoyu , Wang Yong , Ma Minghan , Ma Ke
Published: November 2020

Lily disease was first recorded in Synopsis of the Golden Chamber by Zhang Zhongjing. It is a disease of heart and lung internal heat by Yin deficiency, which belongs to the category of emotion disease in Chinese medicine. In recent years, researchers believe that lily disease and depression syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat have many similarities in etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations. This review summarizes the clinical symptoms, etiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic medication of lily disease and modern Yin‐deficient internal heat depression and discusses the relationship between them. Furthermore, the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and lily disease was discussed from the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. It provides new ideas for the treatment of COVID‐19 and the treatment of psychological problems after recovery.
Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang Maintains Cardiac Function during Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in Salt‐Sensitive Rats by Regulating the Imbalance of Cardiac Sympathetic Innervation
Authors: Li Zhaoyu , Wang Yongcheng , Jiang Yuehua , Ma Dufang , Jiang Ping , Zhou Guofeng , Yang Jinlong , Dong Feng , Zhao Hengyi , Zhang Yimei , Li Xiao
Published: November 2020

Objective. The anatomical and functional imbalances of sympathetic nerves are associated with cardiovascular disease progression. Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang (XQLT), an ancient Chinese herbal formula, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases in eastern Asia for thousands of years. We determined the effect of XQLT in maintaining cardiac function during heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with respect to its neurobiological effects in salt‐sensitive rats. Methods. Dahl salt‐sensitive (DS) rats were fed a high‐salt diet to establish an HFrEF model and were divided into model (DS, administered normal saline) and XQL groups (administrated XQLT) randomly, with SS‐13BN rats being used as the control. The bodyweight and blood pressure of rats were observed regularly. Electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and plasma N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were determined to assess cardiac function. The sympathetic tune and myocardial morphological changes were evaluated. Western blot and qRT‐PCR were used to assay the expression of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (CHAT), and growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43) were assayed to confirm sympathetic remodeling. The micromorphological changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve endings were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results. Four weeks after XQLT treatment, cardiac function and bodyweight were higher and blood pressure was lower than that of the DS group. Myocardial noradrenaline (NA) increased, while the plasma NA level decreased significantly. The morphology demonstrated that XQLT significantly alleviated myocardial damage. XQLT decreased the expression of LIF, increased the expression of NGF, enhanced the TH+/GAP43+ and TH+/CHAT + positive nerve fiber density, and improved the TH and GAP43 protein expression, but had no effect on CHAT. Moreover, XQLT improved the micromorphology of sympathetic nerve endings in the myocardium. Conclusion. XQLT maintains cardiac function during HFrEF in salt‐sensitive rats, in part, by regulating the imbalance of cardiac sympathetic innervation.
Hyal2 Expression in Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells Mediates Cancer-Related Inflammation in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Dominguez-Gutierrez Paul R. , Kwenda Elizabeth P. , Donelan William , O'Malley Padraic , Crispen Paul L. , Kusmartsev Sergei
Published: November 2020

The increased presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in tumor tissue has been extensively reported. However, their role in the regulation of hyaluronan (HA) metabolism in the tumor microenvironment has not been established. Here we describe a novel function of tumor-associated myeloid cells related to the enhanced breakdown of extracellular HA in human bladder cancer tissue, leading to the accumulation of small HA fragments with molecular weight (MW) <20 kDa. Increased fragmentation of extracellular HA and accumulation of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) in tumor tissue was associated with elevated production of multiple inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and angiogenic factors. The fragmentation of HA by myeloid cells was mediated by the membrane-bound enzyme hyaluronidase 2 (Hyal2). Increased numbers of Hyal2+CD11b+ myeloid cells were detected in the tumor tissue as well as in the peripheral blood of patients with bladder cancer. Coexpression of CD33 suggested that these cells belong to monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The HA-degrading function of Hyal2-expressing MDSCs could be enhanced by exposure to tumor-conditioned medium, and IL1β was identified as one of the factors involved in the stimulation of Hyal2 activity. CD44-mediated signaling played an important role in the regulation of HA-degrading activity of Hyal2-expressing myeloid cells, as the engagement of CD44 receptor with specific mAb triggered translocation of Hyal2 enzyme to the cellular surface and stimulated secretion of IL1β. Taken together, this work identifies Hyal2-expressing tumor-associated myeloid cells as key players in the accumulation of LMW-HA in the tumor microenvironment and cancer-related inflammation and angiogenesis.

Significance:

This study identifies Hyal2-expressing tumor-associated myeloid cells of monocyte–macrophage lineage as contributors to hyaluronan degradation in bladder cancer tissue, leading to accumulation of inflammatory and proangiogenic low molecular weight hyaluronan fragments.