bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical Analysis of a Delayed HIV Virus Dynamic Model with Cell-to-Cell Transmission and Apoptosis of Bystander Cells
Authors: Zhang Tongqian , Wang Junling , Song Yi , Jiang Zhichao
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a delayed viral dynamical model that considers two different transmission methods of the virus and apoptosis of bystander cells is proposed and investigated. The basic reproductive numberR0of the model is derived. Based on the basic reproductive number, we prove that the disease-free equilibriumE0is globally asymptotically stable forR0<1by constructing suitable Lyapunov functional. ForR0>1, by regarding the time delay as bifurcation parameter, the existence of local Hopf bifurcation is investigated. The results show that time delay can change the stability of endemic equilibrium and cause periodic oscillations. Finally, we give some numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Computation of Irregularity Indices of Certain Computer Networks
Authors: Liu Jiangnan , Cai Lulu , Virk Abaid ur Rehman , Akhtar Waheed , Maitla Shahzad Ahmed , Wei Yang
Published: August 2020

A graph is said to be a regular graph if all its vertices have the same degree; otherwise, it is irregular. In general, irregularity indices are used for computational analysis of nonregular graph topological composition. The creation of irregular indices is based on the conversion of a structural graph into a total count describing the irregularity of the molecular design on the map. It is important to be notified how unusual a molecular structure is in various situations and problems in structural science and chemistry. In this paper, we will compute irregularity indices of certain networks.
Study on City-Level Optimization of Tourism Industry Spatial Organization Nodes and Organization Mode for Tourist Destinations
Authors: Hao Jinlian , Liu Haolong , Chen Jie , Sun Fankai
Published: August 2020

Reasonable spatial organization of the tourism industry can improve the utilization efficiency of regional tourism industry elements. Taking Dalian City in China as an example, this paper collects various types of tourism industry data and introduces GIS network analysis technology into tourism studies to determine the location, scale, and number of tourism nodes in Dalian and optimize the spatial organization nodes and organization models of the tourism industry. This will help ease the pressure on tourism reception in the southern area of Dalian and promote better development and utilization of tourism resources and tourism facilities in the central and northern regions. The results show that (1) when using the “minimizing facility points” model, a total of 17 second-level tourism nodes and 5 first-level tourism nodes are obtained after optimization. The location of these nodes is highly correlated with the level of tourist scenic spots, while tourist scenic spots play a significant role in leading and driving tourism nodes. (2) Using the “maximum coverage” model for optimization, 3138 tourism enterprises are connected with tourism nodes, thus realizing the shortest traffic path between tourism enterprises and tourism nodes, which minimizes the total cost of network services. Compared with suburban areas, enterprises in urban tourism areas are densely distributed, meaning that a smaller service radius of tourism nodes can cover more enterprises. (3) A total of 10 first-level tourism channels and 12 second-level tourism channels are optimized using the “nearest facility” model. The first-level tourism channels are mainly distributed in the central and southern areas of Dalian. These channels connect nodes mainly through national and provincial roads. The second-level tourism channels are mainly distributed in the central and northern areas of Dalian. (4) This study aims to analyze the evolution process of the spatial organization mode of Dalian’s tourism industry and construct a hub-spoke network tourism industry spatial organization mode composed of 17 hubs, 22 spokes, and 22 tourism domains. The analysis and construction are designed according to the optimization results of tourism nodes and tourism channels. The research results enrich the theories and technical means of tourism industry spatial organization and provide references and suggestions for local governments or tourism planning decision-makers; they also provide a scientific basis for the rational allocation of tourism industry elements and promote the rational distribution of tourism industry.
In Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Coronary Wedge Pressure Is Associated with Infarct Size and Reperfusion Injury as Evaluated by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Dregoesc Mihaela Ioana , Dumitru Raluca Bianca , Bolboacă Sorana Daniela , Marc Mădălin Constantin , Manole Simona , Iancu Adrian Corneliu
Published: August 2020

Background. Coronary collateral flow influences patient prognosis in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. However, few data exist about the relation between coronary collaterals, infarct size, and reperfusion injury. The angiographic Rentrop score is prone to subjectivism and to the inherent limitations of angiographic images. Its prognostic value is controversial in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. The invasive measurement of coronary wedge pressure (CWP) represents an alternative to Rentrop score for the evaluation of coronary collateralization. Our study evaluates pre-revascularization CWP as a predictor of infarct size and reperfusion injury as evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Methods. Patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction underwent preprocedural CWP measurement and primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Infarct size, microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial edema, and intramyocardial hemorrhage were evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Results. Mean CWP was inversely associated with infarct size p=0.01, microvascular obstruction p=0.02, intramyocardial edema p=0.05, and intramyocardial hemorrhage p=0.01. An excellent association was found between mean CWP and an infarct size ≥24% of left ventricular mass (AUC = 0.880, p=0.007), with an optimal cutoff value ≤24.5 mmHg. Both intramyocardial edema p=0.02 and hemorrhage p=0.03 had a larger extent in patients with coronary wedge pressure ≤24.5 mmHg. Rentrop grade <2 was associated with larger infarct size p=0.03, but not with the extent of edema, microvascular obstruction, or intramyocardial hemorrhage. Conclusions. Pre-revascularization CWP was a predictor of infarct size and was significantly associated with a larger extent of intramyocardial edema and intramyocardial hemorrhage. Rentrop grade <2 was associated with a larger infarct size, but had no influence on reperfusion injury. The clinical trial is registered with NCT03371784.
Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis in Chinese Patients: Presentation, Radiological Findings, and Clinical Course
Authors: Bi Zhuajin , Shang Ke , Cao Jie , Su Zhuyi , Bu Bitao , Xu Shabei , Liu Chenchen
Published: August 2020

Background. Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is generally regarded as a rare inflammatory disease, which results in a diffuse thickening of the dura mater. We retrospectively collected data from patients with HP. Methods. A total of 16 patients with HP were included in our study. The clinical features, laboratory evaluation, imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were reviewed. Results. Of the 16 cases, half were male, with a mean age of 52.6 ± 13.2 years. The mean duration from onset to diagnosis was 8.6 months. The most frequent presenting symptoms in HP cases were a recurrently chronic headache (81.3%) and multiple cranial nerve injury (50%). Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐ (ANCA‐) related HP was found in 5 cases and IgG4‐related HP in 1 case. The intracranial pressure was elevated in 4 cases. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) had lymphocytosis in 5 cases and increased protein in 12 cases. Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and protein showed linear relationships in the CSF. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), localized or diffuse dura maters were thickened in all cases. HP combined with subacute subdural hemorrhage or hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis was also observed in individual cases. Biopsy of the dura mater in one case showed amounts of inflammatory cells infiltrating, with an increased percentage of IgG4‐positive plasma cells. Of all cases referring to glucocorticoid treatment, the symptoms have improved significantly in 10 cases. In other 6 cases, mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine was added. All patients showed clinical improvement at the follow‐up visits. Conclusion. The clinical characters of HP are chronic onset, recurrently chronic headache, and multiple cranial nerves paralysis. Inflammatory changes in CSF caused by intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulin, characteristic dural enhancement on MRI, and pathologic biopsy are all helpful for diagnosis. The addition of immunosuppressant, especially mycophenolate mofetil, is a good choice for steroid‐resistance HP.
Codimension-2 Bifurcation Analysis and Control of a Discrete Mosquito Model with a Proportional Release Rate of Sterile Mosquitoes
Authors: Chen Qiaoling , Teng Zhidong , Liu Junli , Wang Feng
Published: August 2020

This paper concerns a discrete wild and sterile mosquito model with a proportional release rate of sterile mosquitoes. It is shown that the discrete model undergoes codimension-2 bifurcations with 1 : 2, 1 : 3, and 1 : 4 strong resonances by applying the bifurcation theory. Some numerical simulations, including codimension-2 bifurcation diagrams, maximum Lyapunov exponents diagrams, and phase portraits, are also presented to illustrate the validity of theoretical results and display the complex dynamical behaviors. Moreover, two control strategies are applied to the model.
The Nelson-Seiberg Theorem Generalized with Nonpolynomial Superpotentials
Authors: Li Zhengyi , Sun Zheng
Published: August 2020

The Nelson-Seiberg theorem relates R-symmetries to F-term supersymmetry breaking and provides a guiding rule for new physics model building beyond the Standard Model. A revision of the theorem gives a necessary and sufficient condition to supersymmetry breaking in models with polynomial superpotentials. This work revisits the theorem to include models with nonpolynomial superpotentials. With a generic R-symmetric superpotential, a singularity at the origin of the field space implies both R-symmetry breaking and supersymmetry breaking. We give a generalized necessary and sufficient condition for supersymmetry breaking which applies to both perturbative and nonperturbative models.
A Discrete Fractional-Order Prion Model Motivated by Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Elettreby M. F. , Ahmed E. , Alqahtani A. S.
Published: August 2020

A prion differential equation model motivated by Parkinson’s disease (PD) is studied. A fractional-order form of this model is proposed. After that, we discretized fractional-order Parkinson’s disease model. A sufficient condition for the existence and the uniqueness of a solution to the system is obtained. The stability of the fixed points of the system is achieved by using the Jury test. The impacts of varying the parameters of the system are examined. Under certain conditions, the system undergoes some kinds of bifurcations. We observe that the model loses its stability through double-period bifurcation to chaotic behavior as the growth rate increases. Also, the system stabilizes by increasing the memory parameter, and the contact rate between the two types of prions increases. The system shows rich dynamical behavior for a wide range of the values of the parameters.
Mechanical Behaviors of Electrostatic Microbeams with Nonideal Supports
Authors: Chang Yunxia , Zhang Qichang , Wang Wei , Han Jianxin
Published: August 2020

Deviation of the actual system from the ideal supporting conditions caused by micromachining errors and manufacturing defects or the requirement of innovative design and optimization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) make the nonideal boundary in the micro-/nanoresonator system receive wide attention. In this paper, we consider the neutral plane tension, fringing field, and nonideal boundary factors to establish a continuum model of electrostatically driven microbeam resonators. The convergent static solution with nine-order Galerkin decomposition is calculated. Then, based on the static solution, a 1-DOF dynamic equation of up to the fifth-order of the dynamic displacement using a Taylor expansion is derived. The method of multiple scales is used to study the effect of spring stiffness coefficients on the primary frequency response characteristics and hardening-softening conversion phenomena in four cases. The various law of the system’s static and dynamic performances with the spring stiffness coefficients is obtained. The conditions for judging the hardening-softening transition are derived. So, adjusting the support stiffness values can be a measure of optimizing the resonator performance.
Deformation Behavior of Coarse‐Grained Soil as an Embankment Filler under Cyclic Loading
Authors: He Zhong-Ming , Xiang Da , Liu Ya-Xin , Gao Qian-Feng , Bian Han-Bing
Published: August 2020

This study aims to examine the deformation behavior and internal mechanism of coarse‐grained soil as an embankment filler under cyclic loading. Numerical dynamic triaxial tests were performed on coarse‐grained soil using the discrete element software PFC3D. The numerical model was verified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data. Afterward, the changes in the porosity, force chain, and particle movement of coarse‐grained soil samples were analyzed, and the mesoscopic deformation behavior of coarse‐grained soil under cyclic loading was investigated. The research results show that with the increase of the deviatoric stress amplitude, moisture content, and loading frequency, the deformation of the soil increases and the ability to resist deformation decreases at the same loading cycles. Due to the inhomogeneous distribution of particles with different sizes, the velocity and displacement of the sample vary in different directions, exhibiting mesoscopic anisotropy. The contact force is relatively even in the downward direction while dispersed near the edge of the sample. This means that the particles at the bottom are less affected by loads and the internal evolution of soil samples conforms to its macroscopic deformation behavior during cyclic loading.
An Intelligent Decision-Making Support System for the Detection and Staging of Prostate Cancer in Developing Countries
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Zhigang , Wu Jia , Liu Kanghuai
Published: August 2020

Most developing countries face huge challenges in the medical field; scarce medical resources and inadequate medical personnel will affect the development and stability of the society. Therefore, for most developing countries, the development of intelligent medical systems can greatly alleviate the social contradictions arising from this problem. In this study, a new data decision-making intelligent system for prostate cancer based on perceptron neural network is proposed, which mainly makes decisions by associating some relevant disease indicators and combining them with medical images. Through data collection, analysis and integration of medical data, as well as the disease detection and decision-making process, patients are given an auxiliary diagnosis and treatment, so as to solve the problems and social contradictions faced by most developing countries. Through the study of hospitalization information of more than 8,000 prostate patients in three hospitals, about 2,156,528 data items were collected and compiled for experiment purposes. Experimental data shows that when the patient base increases from 200 to 8,000, the accuracy of the machine-assisted diagnostic system will increase from 61% to 87%, and the doctor’s diagnosis rate will be reduced to 81%. From the study, it is concluded that when the patient base reaches a certain number, the diagnostic accuracy of the machine-assisted diagnosis system will exceed the doctor’s expertise. Therefore, intelligent systems can help doctors and medical experts treat patients more effectively.
Assessment of Quality of Antenatal Care Services and Its Determinant Factors in Public Health Facilities of Hossana Town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tadesse Berehe Trhas , Modibia Lebitsi Maud
Published: August 2020

Background. Antenatal care is a care that links the woman and her family with the formal health system, increases the chance of using a skilled attendant at birth, and contributes to good health through the life cycle. Inadequate care during this time breaks a critical link in the continuum of care and affects both women and babies. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the quality of ANC in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Method. A longitudinal facility-based study design was conducted among 1123 mothers whose gestational age of less than 16 weeks was identified and followed until birth and 40 days after birth to detect whether they gained the acceptable standard of quality of ANC from July 2017 to June 2018. A structured, predefined, and pretested observation check list and Likert scales were employed to obtain the necessary information after getting both written and verbal consent from the concerned bodies and study participants. Data was entered into Epi Info version 3.5 and transferred to STATA Version 14 software and cleaned by reviewing frequency tables, logical errors, and checking outliers. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was applied to get the average response observation of each visit of quality of ANC in the health facilities. Result. This study showed that the overall magnitude of good quality of antenatal care service that was provided in the whole visit at Hosanna Town’s public health facilities was 1230 (31.38%). The most frequently identified problems were inability to take full history, lack of proper counseling, poor healthcare provider and client interaction, and improper registration and there was a variation in providing quality of care in each visit. Quality of antenatal care was significantly associated with residence, educational status gravidity, parity, and visit. In conclusion, the overall quality of antenatal care is low, so the health facilities need further modification on the identified problems.
Protective Effects of Traditional Herbal Formulas on Cisplatin‐Induced Nephrotoxicity in Renal Epithelial Cells via Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Properties
Authors: Dachuri VinayKumar , Song Phil Hyun , Ku Sae-Kwang , Song Chang-Hyun
Published: August 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid loss of renal function. Drug‐induced AKI accounts for up to 60% of all cases, resulting in a severe threat particularly to hospitalized patients, but there are no effective treatments. Four polyherbal formulas, Bojungikki-tang (BJ), Palmijihwang-tang (PJ), Oryeong-san (OR), and Wiryeong-tang (WR), have long been used for treatments of symptoms of kidney disease in traditional Korean medicine. Even though they are commercially available, evidences supporting the efficacy on AKI are still lacking. Therefore, the effectiveness of polyherbs on AKI and the underlying mechanisms were examined. Renal cell damage was induced by cisplatin at 20 μM and 16 μM in proximal tubular epithelial cell lines of rat NRK‐52E and human HK‐2, respectively. The cells were treated with the polyherbal formals for 3 days, and the cell viability, antioxidant activities, and apoptosis were examined. In addition, the proliferative effects were assessed under serum‐free conditions. The results were compared with those of the vehicle‐treated cells as a control. Three polyherbs BJ, PJ, and WR but not OR showed strong free radical scavenging activities in the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The treatments of BJ, PJ, OR, and WR significantly increased the cell viabilities under cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity. Consistent with the results of the DPPH assay, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased in the cisplatin‐induced cell model treated with BJ, PJ, and WR but not with OR. However, annexin‐V‐positive cells and cleaved caspase 3 expression were significantly reduced in the cell model treated with all of the polyherbs. Cell proliferation was observed in treatment with all of the polyherbs, which was particularly evident in the OR‐treated cells. This provides effective complementary evidences to promote the development of traditional herbal formulas to treat AKI.
Analysis of Support Reaction Curves considering Time‐Varying Effect of Shotcrete
Authors: Wang Ya-Qiong , Luo Ming-Rui
Published: August 2020

The core content of the convergence constraint method is to determine the reasonable support time and support stiffness. The stiffness of shotcrete in supporting structure is dynamic. The support stiffness of shotcrete is roughly calculated in engineering, which results in a waste of materials and increases the risk of construction. Therefore, in this study, considering the time‐varying characteristics of shotcrete, combined with the elastic‐plastic theory and the space effect of excavation surface, the calculation equation describing the support reaction curve is given. An example is given to show that the stiffness of shotcrete considering time‐varying effect is lower than that of shotcrete without time‐varying effect, and the difference is the most obvious in the age of 0–3 days. However, in the later stage, the stiffness growth rate of shotcrete considering time‐varying effect is higher than that of shotcrete without time‐varying effect. This study can predict the whole process of the support reaction curve, which can make the application of the convergence constraint method in tunnel support design more accurate, and provide a theoretical basis for the design of supporting structure in the process of tunnel construction.
Dihydroartemisinin Modulates Apoptosis and Autophagy in Multiple Myeloma through the P38/MAPK and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wu Xiuhua , Liu Yang , Zhang Enfan , Chen Jing , Huang Xi , Yan Haimeng , Cao Wen , Qu Jianwei , Gu Huiyao , Xu Ruyi , He Jingsong , Cai Zhen
Published: August 2020

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an active metabolite and derivative of artemisinin, is the most effective antimalarial drug and has strong antitumor activity in various tumor types. It has recently been reported that DHA can induce autophagy and has significant effects on multiple myeloma (MM), but the mechanisms and the relationship between the autophagy and apoptosis induced by DHA remain to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrated that DHA significantly induces cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner via the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Moreover, DHA-induced autophagy, which plays a prodeath role in MM, can regulate canonical apoptosis and vice versa. Furthermore, the P38/MAPK signaling pathway is responsible for decreased autophagy and increased apoptosis. DHA induces autophagy and apoptosis also through the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, DHA shows a strong effect in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, these findings reveal that DHA, as an artemisinin-based drug, could be an effective and safe therapeutic agent for MM.
Hesitant Bipolar-Valued Fuzzy Soft Sets and Their Application in Decision Making
Authors: Wang Jin-Ying , Wang Yan-Ping , Liu Lei
Published: August 2020

As an extension of fuzzy sets, hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy set is a new mathematical tool for dealing with fuzzy problems, but it still has the problem with the inadequacy of the parametric tools. In order to further improve the accuracy of decision making, a new mixed mathematical model, named hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy soft set, is constructed by combining hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy sets with soft sets. Firstly, some related theories of hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy sets are discussed. Secondly, the concept of hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy soft set is given, and the algorithms of complement, union, intersection, “AND,” and “OR” are defined. Based on the above algorithms, the corresponding results of operation are analyzed and the relevant properties are discussed. Finally, a multiattribute decision-making method of hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy soft sets is proposed by using the idea of score function and level soft sets. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by an example.
Integrated Fault Detection and Fault Tolerant Control for Switched Systems with Asynchronous Switching
Authors: Zhu Supeng , Cheng Haoyu , Fu Wenxing , Zhao Xiaohan , Li Wenyuan , Ma Yifeng
Published: August 2020

The problem of integrated fault detection and fault tolerant control for switched systems with asynchronous switching is focused on in this paper. Based on the switched model, the inherent asynchronous switching is taken into consideration. The asynchronous switching means that the switching of filters/controllers will always lag behind the switching of modes, which will degrade the performance of the closed-loop system. The Lyapunov functional method and mode-dependent average dwell time method are combined for the analysis of the finite-time stability of the switched system. The properties of each subsystem are taken into consideration, which are less conservative. To achieve optimal performance, the filters and controllers are designed simultaneously. The parameters of filters and controllers are given in the form of linear matrix inequalities. In the end, the numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Ship Trajectory Reconstruction from AIS Sensory Data via Data Quality Control and Prediction
Authors: Chen Xinqiang , Ling Jun , Yang Yongsheng , Zheng Hailin , Xiong Pengwen , Postolache Octavian , Xiong Yong
Published: August 2020

Accurate ship trajectory plays an important role for maritime traffic control and management, and ship trajectory prediction with Automatic Identification System (AIS) data has attracted considerable research attentions in maritime traffic community. The raw AIS data may be contaminated by noises, which limits its usage in maritime traffic management applications in real world. To address the issue, we proposed an ensemble ship trajectory reconstruction framework combining data quality control procedure and prediction module. More specifically, the proposed framework implemented the data quality control procedure in three steps: trajectory separation, data denoising, and normalization. In greater detail, the data quality control procedure firstly identified outliers from the raw ship AIS data sample, which were further cleansed with the moving average model. Then, the denoised data were normalized into evenly distributed data series (in terms of time interval). After that, the proposed framework predicted ship trajectory with the artificial neural network. We verified the proposed model performance with two ship trajectories downloaded from public accessible AIS data base.
Biases of Happy Faces in Face Classification Processing of Depression in Chinese Patients
Authors: Tong Yuying , Zhao Gang , Zhao Jinbo , Xie Nianxiang , Han Dong , Yang Bowen , Liu Qi , Sun Hailian , Yang Yanjie
Published: August 2020

We explored the face classification processing mechanism in depressed patients, especially the biases of happy faces in face classification processing of depression. Thirty patients with the first episode of depression at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were selected as the depression group, while healthy people matched for age, gender, and educational level were assigned to the control group. The Hamilton Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale were used to select the subjects; then, we used the forced face classification paradigm to collect behavioral (response time and accuracy) and event-related potential (ERP) data of the subjects. The differences between the groups were estimated using a repeated measurement analysis of variance. The total response time of classified faces in the depression group was longer than that in the control group, the correct rate was lower, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). N170 component analysis demonstrated that the latency of the depression group was prolonged, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). When classifying happy faces, the depressed patients demonstrated a decrease in N170 amplitude and a prolongation of latency in some brain regions compared with the healthy individuals. The cognitive bias in depression may be due to prolonged processing of positive facial information and difficulty in producing positive emotional responses.
Numerical Simulation of Ambiguity Resolution in Multiple Information Streams Based on Network Machine Translation
Authors: Wang Lei , Ai Qun
Published: August 2020

In natural language, the phenomenon of polysemy is widespread, which makes it very difficult for machines to process natural language. Word sense disambiguation is a key issue in the field of natural language processing. This paper introduces the more common statistical learning methods used in the field of word sense disambiguation. Using the naive Bayesian machine learning method and the feature vector set extracted and constructed by the Dice coefficient method, a semantic word disambiguation model based on semantics is realized. The results of comparative experiments show that the proposed method is better compared with known systems. This paper proposes a method for disambiguation of word segmentation in professional fields based on unsupervised learning. This method does not rely on professional domain knowledge and training corpus and only uses the frequency, mutual information, and boundary entropy information of the string in the test corpus to solve the problem of word segmentation ambiguity. The experimental results show that these three evaluation standards can solve the problem of word segmentation ambiguity in professional fields and improve the effect of word segmentation. Among them, the segmentation result using mutual information is the best, and the performance is stable.
On Asymptotic Behavior of HLL-Type Schemes at Low Mach Numbers
Authors: Yu Hang , Tian Zhengyu , Yang Fan , Li Hua
Published: August 2020

The HLLEM approximate Riemann solver can capture discontinuities sharply, maintain positive definiteness, and satisfy the entropy condition automatically. These attractive properties make the HLLEM scheme widely used in the simulations of many compressible fluid problems. However, in the simulations of low Mach incompressible flow, the accuracy of HLLEM solver cannot be guaranteed. In the current study, a detailed discrete asymptotic analysis is conducted on the HLLEM scheme and the responsible terms for the loss of accuracy are identified. This allows us to develop two modified methods to solve this low Mach number problem. The first method is to add a low Mach number correction term on the basis of the original HLLEM scheme. The second is to simply rescale the responsible terms with a Mach number-based function. The asymptotic analysis of these two low Mach correction methods shows that the difference between the continuous system and the discrete system disappears, which means the resulting LM-HLLEM and LM-HLLEM2 schemes are both capable of obtaining physically correct solutions in low Mach limit. The results obtained from various test cases demonstrate that both these two HLLEM-type schemes can simulate incompressible and compressible fluid problems accurately and robustly.
Simultaneous Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Weremfo Alexander , Adulley Felix , Adarkwah-Yiadom Martin
Published: August 2020

This study was designed to optimize three microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) parameters (ethanol concentration, microwave power, and extraction time) of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of avocado seeds using response surface methodology (RSM). The predicted quadratic models were highly significant (p<0.001) for the responses studied. The extraction of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by both microwave power and extraction time. The optimal conditions for simultaneous extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were ethanol concentration of 58.3% (v/v), microwave power of 400 W, and extraction time of 4.8 min. Under these conditions, the experimental results agreed with the predicted values. MAE revealed clear advantages over the conventional solvent extraction (CSE) in terms of high extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity within the shortest extraction time. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of optimized extract revealed the presence of 10 phenolic compounds, with rutin, catechin, and syringic acid being the dominant compounds. Consequently, this optimized MAE method has demonstrated a potential application for efficient extraction of polyphenolic antioxidants from avocado seeds in the nutraceutical industries.
Quality and Performance Evaluation of Jatropha Oil Blended with Kerosene for Cooking Stoves in Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Lake Belete , Adem Kamil Dino
Published: August 2020

In Ethiopia, the majority of rural household uses firewood with three-stone fire for cooking. Due to poor performance of the stove, there are major health issues created by indoor air pollution. To alleviate this problem, various efforts are undergoing such as the use of plant oil as an alternative fuel for cooking. This plant’s oils are available in the rural areas with minimal effort and water. In this study, Jatropha oil was blended with kerosene to present it as an alternative fuel for the rural poor in Ethiopia. The blends of varying proportions of Jatropha oil and kerosene were prepared, analyzed, and compared with the fuel properties of kerosene. The viscosity of Jatropha oil was reduced in ranges 86.3% to 4.5% by heating the oil from 30°C to 100°C. In order to understand the value of the blended fuel, the blended fuel was used for the evaluation of the performance of a stove for its thermal efficiency and indoor air pollution. Thermal efficiency of the newly designed bio-oil stove (Jatrok stove) was 52–66% with its specific fuel consumption ranging from 30 to 37 g/L and the fire power of the stove ranging from 1398 to 1433 watt using 10% to 40% Jatropha oil in the blend. In the case of emission, the Jatrok stove showed 11.5 to 9.5 grams of carbon monoxide (CO) and 352 to 289 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) to boil 2.5 liters of water.The performance of the Jatrok stove using blended fuels was evaluated and compared with other domestic cooking stoves available in Ethiopia, making the stove comparable. A wider dissemination of such kind of plant oil blended with a kerosene-operated stove could reduce the environmental load in addition to lessoning the indoor air pollution in the kitchen.
Analyzing the Off-Grid Performance of the Hybrid Photovoltaic/Diesel Energy System for a Peripheral Village
Authors: Iskanderani Ahmed I. M. , Mehedi Ibrahim M. , Ramli Makbul A. M. , Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: August 2020

Grid extension from the distribution network is being used to meet the demand for rural electricity all over the world. Due to the extra cost of extending electric lines to rural villages, it is not feasible as the installing and commissioning costs are directly related to several constraints such as distance from the main grid, the land location, utilities to be used, and the size of the approximate load. Consequently, it becomes a challenge to apply technoeconomic strategies for rural electrification. Therefore, considering the above issues of rural electrification through grid power, the renewable energy system can be an attractive solution. This research analyzes different types of loads considering domestic, industrial, and agricultural requirements for a remote village in a developing country like Bangladesh. In this paper, four types of demand scenarios are developed considering the income level of inhabitants of the village. The investigation identifies the optimal scope for renewable energy-based electrification and provides a suitable technoeconomic analysis with the help of HOMER software. The obtained results show that a combined architecture containing solar panel, diesel generator, and battery power is a viable solution and economically beneficial. The optimal configuration suggested for the primary scenario consists of 25 kW diesel generators to fulfill the basic demand. The hybrid PV-diesel-battery system becomes the optimal solution while the demand restriction is removed for secondary, tertiary, and full-option scenarios. Commercial and productive loads are considered in the load profile for these three scenarios of supply. For the primary scenario of supply, the electricity cost remains high as $0.449/kWh. On the other hand, the lowest electricity cost ($0.30/kWh) is obtained for the secondary scenario. Although the suggested optimal PV-diesel-battery might not reduce the cost of electricity (COE) and NPC significantly, it is capable to reduce dependency on diesel utilization. Hence, the emission of carbon is reduced due to less utilization of diesel that helps to minimize the greenhouse effect on the environment.
The Effects of Gum Cordia on the Physicochemical, Textural, Rheological, Microstructural, and Sensorial Properties of Apple Jelly
Authors: Hasani Mahsa , Yazdanpanah Sedigheh
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research was to study the effects of gum cordia on the physicochemical, color, textural, rheological, microstructural, and sensorial properties of apple jelly. Apple jelly was prepared by replacement of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of pectin with gum cordia. The results showed that gum cordia had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties (ash, protein, TPC, DE, and color) of apple jelly. The total phenol content of the sample significantly increased with the addition of gums. The rheological properties showed that a sample containing 75% gum cordia was similar to control and had the highest apparent viscosity, loss moduli (G″), storage moduli (G′), and complex viscosity. Also, the sensorial properties showed that a sample containing 75% gum cordia had a high score in texture, taste, appearance, and overall acceptability. The results suggested that gum cordia as a polymer can be successfully employed for the formulation of jelly for improving technofunctional properties of jelly.
Prediction Model of Thermal Thawing Sensibility and Thaw Depth for Permafrost Embankment along the Qinghai-Tibet Engineering Corridor Using MODIS Data
Authors: Cui Fuqing , Chen Jianbing , Liu Zhiyun , Zhu Wu , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper was to reveal the distribution law of permafrost thermal thawing sensibility and thaw depth caused by road construction in Qinghai-Tibet engineering corridor (QTEC). The prediction models of permafrost thermal thawing sensibility and thaw depth have been developed by incorporating the MODIS and in situ soil temperature observation data. The comprehensive earth-atmosphere-coupled numerical models of different embankment structures have been utilized to calculate the thaw depth of the underlying permafrost foundation. Finally, using the given data and above developed prediction models, the distribution maps of permafrost thermal thawing sensibility and thaw depth in QTEC are obtained by grid calculation. The results show the following: (1) Insensitive permafrost of QTEC mainly distributes in the large-scale mountain and high latitude area, and highly sensitive permafrost is located in the perennial river bed, flood plain, and terrace regions. (2) Road construction has a strong thermal disturbance to underlying permafrost, and the proportion of large thaw depth area of separate embankment is obviously smaller than that of 26 m full-width embankment. (3) Increase of subgrade interval reduces the proportion of large thaw depth areas, and the application of separate embankment structure is an effective engineering means for the Qinghai-Tibet expressway.
Responses of Semi‐Rigid Base Asphalt Pavement with Interlayer Contact Bonding Model
Authors: Wang Xuntao , Ma Xuanlong
Published: August 2020

In this paper, an interlayer contact bonding model according to the Coulomb friction model was developed by contact element and target element to accurately simulate the bonding condition between the adjacent layers of semi‐rigid base asphalt pavement. The interlayer contact bonding model can be used to not only simulate the partial bond condition between adjacent layers but also imitate the phenomenon of bonding failure between adjacent layers. Semi‐rigid base asphalt pavement structure, finite element mesh, material property with temperature, kinds of interlayer bonding failure, and moving load were explained in detail, and the responses of the semi‐rigid base asphalt pavement structure were calculated and analyzed by this model at the room temperature and the higher temperature. The results indicated that the disengaging area between the asphalt concrete layer and the base layer can negatively affect the strain responses of asphalt pavement, especially at the higher temperature, and it can also weaken the asphalt pavement performance with the increase of the disengaging area. The deformation of semi‐rigid base asphalt pavement is intensified under the action of the high temperature and the overloads, which would be easy to result in potential pavement structural deficiency. At the higher temperature, the adverse effect of moving loads on asphalt pavement is greater than that of roadbed, and the responses of the asphalt pavement decrease with the increase of the vehicle speed.
Methylomic Landscapes of Ovarian Cancer Precursor Lesions
Authors: Pisanic Thomas R. , Wang Yeh , Sun Hanru , Considine Michael , Li Lihong , Wang Tza-Huei , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

The current paradigm in the development of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) proposes that the majority of HGSCs arise from precursor serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) lesions of the fallopian tube. Here we survey genome-wide methylation in HGSC precursor lesions to identify genomic regions that exhibit high-specificity differential hypermethylation for potential use as biomarkers for detecting STIC and HGSC at stages when curative intervention likely remains feasible.

Experimental Design:

We first identified quality control criteria for performing reliable methylomic analysis of DNA-limited tubal precursor lesions with the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array. We then used this platform to compare genome-wide methylation among 12 STICs with paired adjacent-normal epithelia, one p53 signature lesion and two samples of concurrent HGSC. The resulting methylomic data were analyzed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering and multidimensional analysis. Regions of high-confidence STIC-specific differential hypermethylation were identified using selective bioinformatic criteria and compared with published MethylationEPIC data from 23 HGSC tumors and 11 healthy fallopian tube mucosae.

Results:

Unsupervised analysis showed that STICs largely clustered with HGSCs, but were clearly distinct from adjacent-normal fallopian tube epithelia. Forty-two genomic regions exhibited high-confidence STIC-specific differential hypermethylation, of which 17 (40.5%) directly overlapped with HGSC-specific differentially methylated regions. Methylation at these shared loci was able to completely distinguish STIC and HGSC samples from normal and adjacent-normal specimens.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that most STICs are epigenetically similar to HGSCs and share regions of differential hypermethylation that warrant further evaluation for potential use as biomarkers for early detection of ovarian HGSC.

See related commentary by Ishak and De Carvalho, p. 6083
Efficacy and Tolerability of High- versus Low-dose Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy of Multiple Myeloma after Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Fenk Roland , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Heinsch Michael , Rummel Mathias , Kroger Nicolaus , Boquoi Amelie , Lopez David , Gerrlich Celina , Baier Julia , Liesenjohann Svenja , Hauck Katarzyna , Savickaite Ingrida , Mai Elias K. , Aul Carlo , Strapatsas Judith , Dienst Ariane , Kondakci Mustafa , Haas Rainer , Kobbe Guido
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

For multiple myeloma, high-dose chemotherapy and autologous blood stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) followed by lenalidomide maintenance (LenMT) at 10–15 mg/day is considered standard of care. However, dose reductions due to side effects are common and median LenMT doses achieved over time may remain lower. Dose response during LenMT has never been investigated.

Patients and Methods:

In a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial, patients with multiple myeloma after ASCT and high-dose lenalidomide consolidation therapy (CT) at 25 mg/day were randomized to receive LenMT at either 25 or 5 mg/day. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

Ninety-four patients (median age, 58 years) were randomized to either arm, with 22% having International Staging System (ISS) stage 3 and 22% being in complete remission (CR). After median follow-up of 46.7 months, median doses of 14.5 and 5 mg/day were achieved in the two arms; 53% of dose reductions occurring during CT. In the high- and the low-dose arm, median PFS was 44.8 and 33.0 months (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44–0.97; P = 0.032), 36% and 23% of patients had stringent CR as best response (P = 0.08), and 4-year OS was 79% and 67% (P = 0.16), respectively. Hematologic toxicity, grade ≥3 neutropenia, and infections were initially more common with LenMT 25 mg, but decreased after dose adjustments. SPM incidence and quality-of-life (QoL) scores in both arms were similar.

Conclusions:

LenMT dose correlated with efficacy and toxicity. High rates of dose reductions during CT argue against a high starting dose. However, continuous up- and down-titration for each patient to the current maximum tolerated dose is prudent.
Integrative Analysis of Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcomas Reveals Fibroblastic Differentiation and Susceptibility to Immunotherapy
Authors: Klein Sebastian , Quaas Alexander , Noh Ka-Won , Cartolano Maria , Abedpour Nima , Mauch Cornelia , Quantius Jennifer , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Buettner Reinhard , Peifer Martin , Helbig Doris
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is a rare malignant cutaneous tumor with an unknown cell of origin. Locally defined tumors can be treated by curative excisions, whereas advanced stages of the disease are difficult to treat, using standard regimens.

Experimental Design:

We performed whole-exome sequencing on a cohort of 28 individuals and corresponding transcriptomic analysis on 21 patients, as well as quantitative IHC image analysis on 27 patients.

Results:

PDS exhibits a universally high mutational load (42.7 mutations/mega base) with an inflamed, immunogenic tumor microenvironment. Three cases of PDS showed response to immune checkpoint blockade. Local mutation rate variation together with mRNA expression data demonstrate that PDS form a distinct entity, with PDGFRB as a lineage marker. In addition, we found that PDS is of mesenchymal, fibroblastic differentiation.

Conclusions:

PDS is of fibroblastic differentiation and exhibits a strong susceptibility to immunotherapy, including a high mutational burden and an inflamed tumor microenvironment.