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We build a multi-period pricing model between a blockchain-technology-supported platform and a traditional platform, where the blockchain-technology-supported platform provides a higher value for customers. Customers are influenced by network effect, that is, they value a platform more if the platform has more users. As either platform can adopt static pricing or dynamic pricing, four scenarios may occur. By deriving the equilibrium of each scenario, we reveal the 'Matthew effect' caused by network effect, that platform advantage (from adopting blockchain technology) or disadvantage (from not adopting blockchain technology) accumulates as time goes by. Thus, platforms are advised to adopt the blockchain technology antecedent to the competitors. Network effect, which amplifies the benefit of initial users, may intensify price competition and harm both platforms. By comparing the four scenarios, we derive the equilibrium pricing strategies: when network effect is weak, one platform adopts static pricing and the other adopts dynamic pricing; when network effect is medium, the blockchain-technology-supported platform adopts static pricing and the traditional platform adopts dynamic pricing; and when network effect is strong, both platforms adopt dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing is more desirable for the traditional platform relative to the blockchain-technology-supported platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic sodium-doped magnesium cluster cations, NaMgn+(n= 2–12), have been investigated through a synergetic combination of the CALYPSO code and DFT calculations. The results reveal that the lowest-energy structures of NaMgn+ exhibit linear, planar, triangular pyramid, pentagonal pyramid, and triangular prism topologies. The structures can be described as a substituted geometry of pure Mg clusters at the small size. Starting from n = 9, the dominant structures transform into a triangular prism-based configuration. Like anionic and neutral NaMgn clusters, the Na atom prefers the peripheral regions of the Mgn framework. Stability studies indicate NaMg4+ and NaMg10+ to be the~most stable clusters, which may benefit from their closed-shell electron structures. Analysis of the bonding nature shows stronger Mg-Mg interaction than the Na-Mg interaction in the NaMg4+ and NaMg10+ clusters. The reason is that covalent bonds are formed in the Mg-Mg regions, while there is no aggregation of electron density in the Na-Mg regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the research were (i) to compare the clinical outcome of IVF using follicular-phase depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (depot agonist) protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol in patients with repeated IVF failure (RIF), (ii) to discover the optimal ovarian stimulation protocol for this group of low prognosis patients. 801 RIF patients with normal ovarian reserve receiving in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 492 patients were treated with the depot agonist protocol, and the remaining 309 patients with the antagonist protocol. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictor(s) of the chance of live birth. Higher live birth rate (LBR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles were associated with the use of depot agonist compared with the antagonist protocols (44.81% vs. 27.27%, 54.64% vs. 34.93%, respectively; both p < 0.01) and depot agonist protocol was a strong predictor of live birth (OR = 2.182, 95% CI 1.355–3.514, p < 0.01). The CPR in thawed ET cycles was not significantly different between the two groups (38.12% vs. 45.26%, p > 0.05). A higher cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was achieved in the depot agonist group (46.59% vs. 35.21%, p < 0.01). Beneficial endometrial receptivity in the depot agonist protocol contributed to a higher LBR in fresh ET cycles, rendering this protocol the preferred option in the treatment of RIF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood bone metabolic biomarkers are noninvasive indices for evaluating metabolic bone diseases. We investigated the relationships between blood bone metabolic biomarkers and anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and analyzed the effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on the above indices. In this cross-sectional study, 100 healthy controls and 239 CKD patients, including 46 secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients with PTX, were enrolled. Moreover, a prospective study was conducted in which 28 PTX patients were followed up. The degree of anemia was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the tertiles of hemoglobin (Hb) levels of the anemic CKD patients, with cutoff values of 83 g/L and 102 g/L. Bone metabolic biomarkers, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and α-klotho, were tested. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in CKD patients was 25.7 ± 36.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 84.10% of CKD patients had anemia. The baseline Hb levels in the mild, moderate, and severe anemia subgroups were 110.86 ± 5.99 g/L, 92.71 ± 5.96 g/L, and 67.38 ± 10.56 g/L, respectively. CKD patients had higher adjusted Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), iPTH, and FGF23 levels and lower α-klotho levels than controls. Baseline adjusted Ca, P, iPTH, and α-klotho levels were associated with Hb levels in CKD patients. Blood adjusted Ca, P, and iPTH levels were correlated with anemia severity. After PTX (median interval: 6.88 months), anemia and high blood adjusted Ca, P, iPTH, and FGF23 levels were ameliorated, while α-klotho levels were increased. Blood adjusted Ca, P, iPTH, and α-klotho levels were correlated with Hb levels in CKD patients. Correction of bone metabolic disorders may be a therapeutic strategy for anemia treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the sharing economy, it is trendy that companies share advertising resources or investments. This paper develops game-theoretic models to discuss three advertising schemes in a dual-channel supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and two competing retailers. The first is brand advertising, i.e. the manufacturer advertises solely for its branded product. The second is emerging joint advertising, i.e. the manufacturer jointly advertises for the product and the online retailer, and the online retailer shares a part of the advertising costs. We propose a third model, the cost-sharing of brand advertising, i.e. the manufacturer advertises solely for the product, and the offline retailer shares a part of the advertising costs. The valuation enhancement effect of brand advertising, and the valuation enhancement and demand shifting effects of joint advertising are recognised and examined. The results show that whether retailers should cooperate with the manufacturer on advertising depends on the consumer initial preference for channels, and the potential scale and cost-efficiency of advertising. We find that joint advertising benefits participants at the expense of harming the offline retailer due to demand shifting effect, while the cost-sharing of brand advertising may benefit all due to the valuation enhancement effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the clinicopathological features of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) glomerulonephritis (anti-GBM-GN) and the prognostic values of clinical and laboratory indicators at diagnosis on renal and patient survival. A total of 76 patients (34 males and 42 females) with anti-GBM-GN who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2010 and June 2021 were included in this study. The baseline clinical features, histopathological data from renal biopsies, and predictors of renal and patient survival were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 76 patients, the median serum creatinine at diagnosis was 618.0 (350.98, 888.25) μmol/L and the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 6.62 (4.39, 14.41) mL/min. Of these 76 patients, 55 (72.4%) received initial kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and 39 (51.3%) received plasma exchange or double-filtered plasmapheresis (DFPP). During a median follow-up duration of 28.5 (6.0, 71.8) months, 53 (69.7%) patients progressed to kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) and received maintenance dialysis. Initial KRT (HR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.22–9.97, p = 0.020) was a significant risk factor for renal survival. During the follow-up, 49 (64.5%) of 76 patients survived. Age (≥60 years, HR = 4.13, 95% CI = 1.65–10.38, p = 0.003) and initial KRT (HR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.01–8.14, p = 0.047) were predictive of patient survival. Among patients with anti-GBM-GN, initial KRT at presentation was predictive of KFRT while older age and initial KRT were associated with higher all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presented the possible mechanism of arthritis damaged changes in cartilage's interstitial fluid flowing behavior. Firstly, the analytical solutions for the pore fluid pressure and velocity in the idealized cartilage defect model were obtained, which are employed to validate the finite element (FE) method. Then according to the MRI data, an articular cartilage FE model was developed to study the effects of defect characteristics on its poroelastic behaviors. The results showed the interstitial fluid pressure and velocity in defected articular cartilage is diminished, moreover, this trend is even more severe as the defect radius or thickness increased. As the development of osteoarthritis goes, the fluid velocity is decreased and cause the even serious nutrients loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures, stabilities, bonding characters, electronic and vibrational properties of bimetallic NaMgn (n = 2–11) clusters have been comprehensively studied by CALYPSO code within DFT calculations. The results show that the geometries of the most stable NaMgn clusters evolve from 2D to 3D framework at n = 3, and appear the triangular prism-based structural unit at n = 8. Most can be viewed as a substituted structure of the corresponding magnesium clusters. The Na atom occupies the convex site of the NaMgn motifs. Positive charges of all Na atoms signify the charge transfers from Na to Mg in said clusters. Stability studies suggest the outstanding stability of the NaMg9 cluster in the size range of n = 2–11. Analysis of bonding nature reveals mixed covalent and metallic Na-Mg and Mg-Mg bonds with delocalized nature in NaMg9, in which the bond strength of the Na-Mg bond is lower than that of the Mg-Mg bond. The simulated IR and Raman spectra could provide additional ways to identify the structure of the NaMgn clusters in the following experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Since its inception in 2000, Mississippi's pavement warranty programme has been used to manage the maintenance activities of the warranty pavement projects. To determine whether a specific maintenance treatment is required on a warranty pavement section, distress measurements are taken and compared against warranty distress thresholds for each distress type. Then, the decisions of what maintenance treatments and scopes should be applied are made by following the warranty specifications. This study aims to identify factors that influence past maintenance decisions and predict future maintenance needs for warranty projects based on past decisions. Statistical methods were employed to identify the relationship between the maintenance decisions and relevant factors based on the historical data of the warranty projects. Moreover, logistic regressions were performed to develop a comprehensive maintenance decision-making prediction model for the warranty pavements. The analysis results showed that the distress measurements at low and medium severity levels in numerical variables and project location and distress type in categorical variables have stronger effects than the others on decisions. The mixed-effects logistic regression model could provide a high accuracy in predicting the remedial actions, which could further provide a trend prediction for the maintenance decision of a warranty pavement section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence points at an association between microRNAs and tumor development. Although dysregulation of microRNA-103a-3p (miR-103a-3p) in multiple human cancers has been reported, its expression in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unknown and there is currently no research on the relationship between miR-103a-3p and tumor protein D52 (TPD52) in PCa. Our aim in this study was to explore the effect and potential mechanism of miR-103a-3p in PCa. qRT-PCR was performed to detected the level of miR-103a-3p in PCa tissues and cells, and in normal tissues. Colony, wound-healing, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis assays were performed in search miR-103a-3p effect in PCa. TargetScan was used to predict potential targets of miR-103a-3p. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to detected the target gene of miR-103a-3p. Finally, we explore the differences in tumor xenograft experiments between nude mice injected with stably miR-103a-3p expressing cells and those expressing a miR-negative control. Low level of miR-103a-3p was detected in PCa tissues and cells, when compared with normal tissues. Enhancement of miR-103a-3p significantly inhibited migration and invasion of PCa cells, and negatively regulated expression of the oncogenic tumor protein D52 (TPD52) through direct binding to its 3'-UTR. Interestingly, overexpression of TPD52 significantly attenuated the effect of mir-103a-3p on PCa. Our study provides the first evidence that miR-103a-3p directly targets TPD52 and inhibits the proliferation and invasion of PCa. This finding helps clarify the role of mir-103a-3p-TPD52 axis in PCa and may provide new therapeutic targets for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, consumers can easily compare the prices of the online and offline channels before making purchase decisions, which might arouse the reference price effect among consumers. Considering the reference price effect, how should online and offline retailers set prices? To answer it, we incorporate the reference price effect into a Hotelling model to formulate the online-offline price competition. We find that, when the reference price effect is low (high), the offline (online) retailer monopolizes the market; when the reference price effect is moderate, the retailers co-exist. Interestingly, a first mover disadvantage and a second mover advantage exist in terms of market share, but they do not necessarily exist in terms of profit. However, both the online and offline retailers can be better off by negotiating on the game sequence. Furthermore, we find that each retailer prefers its own price to be regarded as the reference price. A lower reference price, although benefiting the e-retailing in the short run, might compromise the product image and hurt both retailers in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to revise the critical flow criterion and flashing inception of the analytical critical flow model and to further explore the effect of upstream conditions on critical mass fluxes. The flashing inception of the model is considered to be affected by the Reynolds number and the Jakob number. Model predictions show strong similarities with test results compared with other models, with average errors of less than 10.1% for simulated slits and 15.8% for natural cracks. Upstream parameters of the liquid, such as the stagnation pressure, subcooling, and aspect ratio, directly influence the rate of depressurization, the thermodynamic nonequilibrium constant, and the friction pressure drop, respectively, which determine the critical mass flux. This research provides the theoretical basis for accurate assessment of critical crack, providing safeguards for monitoring nuclear reactor leaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave ablation (MWA) is feasible for severe renal secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients ineligible for parathyroidectomy (PTX). Here we compared the clinical manifestations and characteristics of parathyroid glands in these two groups, and summarized the techniques, safety and efficacy of MWA. Baseline clinical characteristics, ablation-related techniques, adverse events/complications, and efficacy were recorded. In SHPT group, malnutrition, cardiovascular/pulmonary complications, and abnormal bone metabolism were severe. SHPT patients had more hyperplastic parathyroid glands. The volume of each gland was smaller, and the time of ablation for a single parathyroid was shorter in the SHPT group, although there were no significant differences compared with patients in the PHPT group. Three patients in both groups had recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries and all recovered, except for one SHPT patient. By the end of follow-up, serum iPTH levels had decreased from 2400.26 ± 844.26 pg/mL to 429.39 ± 407.93 pg/mL (p <.01) in SHPT and from 297.73 ± 295.32 pg/mL to 72.22 ± 36.51 pg/mL in PHPT group (p <.01). Hypocalcemia was more common (p <.001) and serum iPTH levels were prone to rebound in SHPT patients after MWA. MWA can be reserved for those who had high surgical risks because of less invasiveness. Injuries of recurrent laryngeal nerves should be noticed. The health status, perioperative, and intraoperative procedures were more complicated and all parathyroids found by ultrasound should be ablated completely in SHPT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accurate preoperative parathyroid localization is important for successful parathyroidectomy (PTX). The aim of our study was to investigate whether SPECT/CT has enhanced effect in preoperative localization of parathyroids. Methods: In our retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the effects of technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile-single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT) on preoperative parathyroid localization for 645 secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients. Among them, 569 successful PTX patients were divided into group A (received 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, n = 175) and group B (received 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and SPECT/CT imaging, n = 394). Sensitivity, specificity, and consistency of two imaging methods in preoperative localization of parathyroids were compared. Results: Overall sensitivity and consistency were higher in group B, while there was no difference in specificity between the two groups. In group A, the sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI was 50.00%, 77.11%, 61.76%, and 76.54% in the right upper gland (RU), right lower gland (RL), left upper gland (LU), and left lower gland (LL) subgroups, while the consistency was 52.00%, 76.57%, 61.71%, and 75.43%, respectively. In group B, the sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI with SPECT/CT was 69.39%, 90.03%, 78.07%, and 84.27%, and the consistency was 69.54%, 88.32%, 78.43%, and 84.26%, respectively. The sensitivity and consistency in lower glands were higher than in upper glands in both groups. Sensitivity for eutopic parathyroid was higher in group B, while there was no difference for ectopic parathyroid. Conclusions:99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT can increase the sensitivity and consistency of preoperative localization of eutopic parathyroid glands, and it can accurately locate ectopic parathyroid without sensitivity improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, electron transport layers (ETLs) with high charge transfer ability were prepared by doping ZnO nanoparticles with different concentrations of cadmium(Cd). The inverted polymer solar cell based on PTB7-Th: PC71BM as active layer and various concentrations Cd-doped ZnO (CZO) as ETLs were fabricated. The PCE of the device with optimized Cd content in the ZnO film was about 14.7% larger than that of the pure ZnO-based cells. The cadmium-doped ZnO(CZO) is a good candidate to be used as a high-quality transparent electrode in solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene is one of the most-studied candidate genes related to essential hypertension (EH). Pulse pressure (PP) may reflect vascular stiffness, especially in patients with EH, and has been used to predict EH. Previous evidence has indicated that obesity is a traditional risk factor of hypertension. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between the obesity status and ACE gene polymorphisms on the development of high level of PP. A total of 1980 adults (1024 hypertensive and 956 normotensive) were included in this study and genotyped for ACE gene polymorphisms. The results showed that rs4343 and rs4351 in ACE gene were risk factors of high level of pulse pressure (p < 0.05). We also detected positive interactions between the two SNPs and obesity status in the pathway of high level PP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperphosphatemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which has contributed to an increase in mortality of CKD patients. The onset of CVD often varies by time-of-day. Acute myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmia occurs most frequently during early morning. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate circadian rhythms account for the diurnal variations in CVD. Preservation of normal circadian time structure from the cardiomyocyte level to the whole organ system is essential for cardiovascular health and CVD prevention. Independent risk factors, such as reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and increased BP variability (BPV), are particularly prevalent in patients with CKD. Analysis of HRV is an important clinical tool for characterizing cardiac autonomic status, and reduced HRV has prognostic significance for various types of CVD. Circadian BP rhythms are classified as extreme dipper, dipper, non-dipper or riser. It has been reported that nocturnal riser BP pattern contributes to cardiovascular threats. Previous studies have indicated that the circadian rhythm of serum phosphate in CKD patients is consistent with the general population, with the highest diurnal value observed in the early morning hours, followed by a progressive decrease to the lowest value of the day, which occurs around 11:00 am. Rhythm abnormalities have become the main therapeutic target for treating CVD in CKD patients. It has been reported that high levels of serum phosphate are associated with reduced HRV and increased BPV in CKD patients. However, the mechanisms related to interactions between hyperphosphatemia, HRV and BPV have not been fully elucidated. This review focuses on the evidence and discusses the potential mechanisms related to the effects of hyperphosphatemia on HRV and BPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1) is a type I membrane protein, comprising an extracellular portion and a cytoplasmic portion, which is expressed at very low levels in the normal kidney. The extracellular portion can cleave and rapidly enter tubule lumens after kidney injury, and can then be detected in the urine. It has been confirmed that the urine KIM-1 level is closely related to tissue KIM-1 level and correlated with kidney tissue damage. Not only is KIM-1 proven to be an early biomarker of acute kidney injury but it also has a potential role in predicting long-term renal outcome. This review summarizes the relationships between KIM-1 and kidney injury, especially in chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective:This study aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of a combination therapy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) abutting the diaphragm.Material and methods:Six cases with HCC were treated with TACE followed by PMCT one month later with the aid of artificial pneumothorax.Results:CT/MRI revealed complete necrosis in the tumor lesions and the treated tumor margins (≥5 mm). Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels markedly declined in patients who originally had higher serum AFP levels. Postoperative complications such as fever, mild hepatic dysfunction and pleural effusion were alleviated within a short period of time. All patients were closely monitored through follow-up; all patients survived, except for one patient who received a liver transplantation.Conclusions:As lesions are either invisible or poorly visible in sonography, determining an effective treatment for HCC abutting the diaphragm remains a particular challenge. TACE and PMCT combined therapy with the aid of artificial pneumothorax proved to be an available treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, the proportional hazard model with Weibull frailty, which is outside the range of the exponential family, is used for analysing the right-censored longitudinal survival data. Complex multidimensional integrals are avoided by using hierarchical likelihood to estimate the regression parameters and to predict the realizations of random effects. The adjusted profile hierarchical likelihood is adopted to estimate the parameters in frailty distribution, during which the first- and second-order methods are used. The simulation studies indicate that the regression-parameter estimates in the Weibull frailty model are accurate, which is similar to the gamma frailty and lognormal frailty models. Two published data sets are used for illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety analyses of pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors in the event of small-break loss-of-coolant accidents strongly depend on leakage rate predictions using two-phase critical flow models. The paper aims to revise the critical flow criterion and consider the nonequilibrium phenomena of critical flows in constructing a modified two-phase critical flow model. The model predictions exhibit strong similarities with the experimental values, with prediction deviations of 14.4% for mass fluxes and 19.3% for outlet pressure. The compiled code, according to the proposed model, can be exploited in pressure pipeline designs, providing the theoretical basis for leak-before-break analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]