bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Repurposed Material Utilization for Environmental Protection and Reduction of Overheat Power Losses in PV Panels
Authors: Alkhalidi Ammar , Khawaja Mohamad K. , Al Kelany Abdel Ghaffar
Published: August 2019

Constant exposure of a photovoltaic (PV) panel to sunlight causes it to overheat and, consequently, its rated efficiency decreases leading to a drop in its generated power. In this study, a PV panel was tested under standard test conditions in a halogen lamp solar simulator at different solar irradiance values. The PV panel was then fitted with heat dissipating fins and measured under identical test parameters; thereafter, repurposed materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and plastic bags were, separately, added to the PV panel with fitted heat-extraction fins and the performance was evaluated again. Passively cooling the PV panel with fins and repurposed materials resulted in a 22.7% drop in the PV panel’s temperature, while an 11.6% increase in power output occurred at 1000 W m-2. Utilizing repurposed waste materials in PV cooling improves a panel’s efficiency and saves the environment from the ecological effects of dumping these materials.
Ultrafine Nanoparticles of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate-co-Methacrylic Acid) Loaded with Aspirin
Authors: López-Muñoz R. , Treviño M. E. , Morales G. , Valdez-Garza J. A. , Díaz de León R. , Saade H. , Enríquez-Medrano F. J. , López R. G.
Published: August 2019

Nanoparticles of the poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) or copolymer of P(MMA-co-MAA), were prepared by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization; they show a mean diameter of 12 nm and a 1.75 MMA/MAA molar ratio determined by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. The content of MAA, greater than that of Eudragit S100, copolymer of P(MMA-co-MAA) accepted by the FDA for the preparation of tablets, ensures its biocompatibility and its metabolism without toxic effects. Loaded with up to 22 wt. % aspirin, that is, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), these nanoparticles increase slightly their size, according to transmission electron microscopy; however, the presence of ASA on the nanoparticle surface decreases their stability, which leads to a certain aggregation of the particles in the dispersion. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used for demonstrating the loading of ASA in the nanoparticles.
Oxidative Stress and Advanced Lipoxidation and Glycation End Products (ALEs and AGEs) in Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Moldogazieva Nurbubu T. , Mokhosoev Innokenty M. , Mel’nikova Tatiana I. , Porozov Yuri B. , Terentiev Alexander A.
Published: August 2019

Oxidative stress is a consequence of the use of oxygen in aerobic respiration by living organisms and is denoted as a persistent condition of an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the endogenous antioxidant system (AOS) to detoxify them. The oxidative stress theory has been confirmed in many animal studies, which demonstrated that the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and biomolecular stability and integrity is crucial for cellular longevity and successful aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein homeostasis (proteostasis) network, alteration in the activities of transcription factors such as Nrf2 and NF-κB, and disturbances in the protein quality control machinery that includes molecular chaperones, ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and autophagy/lysosome pathway have been observed during aging and age-related chronic diseases. The accumulation of ROS under oxidative stress conditions results in the induction of lipid peroxidation and glycoxidation reactions, which leads to the elevated endogenous production of reactive aldehydes and their derivatives such as glyoxal, methylglyoxal (MG), malonic dialdehyde (MDA), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) giving rise to advanced lipoxidation and glycation end products (ALEs and AGEs, respectively). Both ALEs and AGEs play key roles in cellular response to oxidative stress stimuli through the regulation of a variety of cell signaling pathways. However, elevated ALE and AGE production leads to protein cross-linking and aggregation resulting in an alteration in cell signaling and functioning which causes cell damage and death. This is implicated in aging and various age-related chronic pathologies such as inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, and vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. In the present review, we discuss experimental data evidencing the impairment in cellular functions caused by AGE/ALE accumulation under oxidative stress conditions. We focused on the implications of ALEs/AGEs in aging and age-related diseases to demonstrate that the identification of cellular dysfunctions involved in disease initiation and progression can serve as a basis for the discovery of relevant therapeutic agents.
Risk Factors for Incident Myopia among Teenaged Students of the Experimental Class of the Air Force in China
Authors: Qi Lin-song , Yao Lu , Wang Xue-feng , Shi Jiu-mei , Liu Yong , Wu Teng-yun , Zou Zhi-kang
Published: August 2019

Background. In recent decades, the prevalence rate of myopia has markedly increased, especially among teenagers. Our purpose was to determine the incidence of myopia and identify the related risk factors among schoolchildren in the experimental classes of the Air Force in China. Methods. In May 2015, this 3-year prospective cohort study enrolled 522 boys (age, 14–16 years) attending grade 10 in 16 high schools in 15 cities in China. Cycloplegic refraction was examined using retinoscopy in both eyes at the baseline and follow-up (3 years). A detailed questionnaire was completed by the students at the 3-year follow-up and included questions on parental myopia and on the total time spent doing near work and outdoor activities each week. Results. The incidence of myopia at the 3-year follow-up was 27.01% (141/522, 95% confidence interval (CI): 23.38% to 30.98%). The refractive change was −0.46 D (95% CI: −0.49 to −0.42 D). More hyperopic or less myopic baseline refraction, outdoor activity time per week ≥14 h (odds ratio (OR) = 0.464, 95% CI: 0.227 to 0.950), and reading/writing distance ≥ 30 cm (OR = 0.505, 95% CI: 0.270 to 0.944) were significant protective factors against incident myopia. Near-work time ≥28 h per week was a significant risk factor (OR = 2.579, 95% CI: 1.314 to 5.061). Parental myopia, age at the start of primary school, continuous reading/writing for ≥1 h, sleep duration per week <49 h, and one or more dietary biases were not significant risk factors (P>0.05). Conclusion. A more hyperopic baseline refraction, more time spent outdoors, and longer writing/reading distance were protected against myopia onset, while more near-work time was a risk factor.
Low-Dose Irradiation Differentially Impacts Macrophage Phenotype in Dependence of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Radiation Dose
Authors: Deloch Lisa , Fuchs Jana , Rückert Michael , Fietkau Rainer , Frey Benjamin , Gaipl Udo S.
Published: August 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease whose main hallmark is inflammation and destruction of the joints. Two cell types within the synovium that play an important role in RA are fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and macrophages. The latter innate immune cells show a high plasticity in their phenotype and are central in inflammatory processes. Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) with particularly a single dose of 0.5 Gy has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on pain, inflammation, and bone in inflamed joints. We now examined for the first time how LD-RT influences FLS and bone marrow-derived macrophages in co-culture systems of an experimental model of RA to reveal further mechanisms of immune modulatory effects of low and intermediate dose of ionizing radiation. For this, the bone marrow of hTNF-α tg mice was differentiated either with cytokines to obtain key macrophage phenotypes (M0, M1, and M2) or with supernatants (SN) of untreated or irradiated FLS. Flow cytometry analyses were used to analyse the impact of radiation (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 Gy) on the phenotype of macrophages in the presence or absence of SN of FLS. LD-RT had no impact on cytokine-mediated macrophage polarization in M0, M1, or M2 macrophages. However, SN of irradiated FLS particularly reduced CD206 expression on macrophages. Macrophage phenotype was stable when being in contact with SN of nonirradiated FLS, but significantly increased surface expression of CD206 and slightly decreased CD80 and CD86 expression were observed when macrophage themselves were irradiated with 0.5 Gy under these microenvironmental conditions, again highlighting discontinuous dose dependencies in the low and intermediate dose range. One can conclude that FLS-dependent microenvironmental conditions have a slight influence on the modulation of macrophage phenotype under radiation exposure conditions. Future studies are needed to reveal the impact of radiation exposure on the functions of treated macrophages under such microenvironmental conditions.
Compound C Protects Mice from HFD-Induced Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Yuxing , Yuan Jingjing , Yang Wenjun , Mo Zhaohui
Published: August 2019

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of compound C on an in vivo mouse model of high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obesity and hepatosteatosis. Methods. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a standard diet (n = 5) for 16 weeks and then injected saline once a day for 4 weeks as the normal chow group. Mice (n = 10) were fed with HFD for 16 weeks to induce obesity and hepatosteatosis and then divided into two groups: HFD + vehicle group injected with the vehicle solution (saline) and HFD + compound C group injected with compound C in saline (5 mg/kg i.p., once a day) for 4 weeks. Liver histology was observed. The expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism and proinflammation in liver tissue were examined. NLRP3 inflammasome expression in liver tissue was detected by the western blot assay. HepG2 cells were pretreated with compound C and/or AICAR for 1 h and then treated with palmitic acid (PA) for 3 h. The cells were collected, and mRNA levels were determined. Results. There was a significant reduction in body-weight gain and daily food intake in the HFD + compound C group compared with the HFD + vehicle group (p<0.05). The glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) showed that compound C alleviated insulin resistance. Histology analysis showed a significant reduction of hepatic steatosis by compound C. Compound C also significantly decreased fatty acid synthesis genes, while increased fatty acid oxidation genes. Furthermore, compound C significantly reduced the expression of proinflammatory markers and NLRP3 inflammasome (p<0.05). Compound C enhanced mRNA levels of SOD1, SOD2, catalase, GPx1, and GPx4 and reduced the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio, which were stimulated by palmitic acid (PA). The effect was enhanced by AICAR. Conclusion. Our data suggest that compound C is a potent NAFLD suppressor and an attractive therapeutic target for hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorders.
Clinical Value of Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine Detection in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Liu Juan , Fu Qiang , Jiang Lili , Wang Youlian
Published: August 2019

Objective. To evaluate the clinical value of serum asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients with connective tissue disease- (CTD-) associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods. 88 patients with CTD were recruited between December 2017 and August 2018 in Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital. Patients were further divided into two groups: CTD-without PAH (n = 45 cases) and CTD-with PAH (n = 43 cases), according to the pulmonary systolic blood pressure measured by echocardiography. 40 healthy controls were also included (n = 40 cases). The clinical data, including laboratory examinations, echocardiographic measurements, pulmonary function, and serum ADMA levels determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, (ELISA) were collected. The correlation between ADMA levels and the occurrence of PAH, pulmonary function, and other laboratory indexes in CTD patients were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS (version 23); P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The serum levels of ADMA in the CTD-PAH group were significantly higher than those of the CTD-without PAH group and healthy control group (P<0.05); the serum ADMA levels were (0.706 ± 0.153 μmol/L), (1.015 ± 0.122 μmol/L), and (0.661 ± 0.113 μmol/L), respectively. There was no significant difference between the CTD-without PAH group and healthy control group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that serum ADMA levels were positively correlated with sPAP and NT-proBNP and negatively correlated with DLCO% (r = 0.802, 0.475, −0.585, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that elevated serum ADMA levels increased the risk for the appearance of PAH in CTD patients (OR = 57.460, P<0.001). Using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, at the cutoff level of 0.810 μmol/L, ADMA showed good diagnostic efficacy as follows: sensitivity was 97.7%, specificity was 75.6%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.947 (P<0.001). Conclusion. Increased ADMA levels are independently associated with the presence and severity of PAH in CTD patients. The levels of ADMA in the serum may contribute to be a noninvasive indicator for early diagnosis of CTD-with PAH patients.
Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction Alleviates Intestinal Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jin Wenyin , Shen Yinfeng
Published: August 2019

Objective. To investigate the effect of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) on treating intestinal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), based on the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Methods. Rats were randomly divided into the SAP group, SAP + ruxolitinib (JAK2 inhibitor) group, SAP + Stattic (STAT3 inhibitor) group, SAP + DCQD group, and sham operation group. They were further divided into 3-hour, 6-hour, 12-hour, and 18-hour subgroups. Levels of amylase and the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and interleukin 4 in plasma were tested. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of JAK2 and STAT3 and the protein expression of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in the pancreas and terminal ileum tissues were examined. Results. Rats with SAP had severe changes in plasma levels of amylase and inflammatory cytokines and showed an overexpression of JAK2 mRNA, STAT3 mRNA, p-JAK2 protein, and p-STAT3 protein in the pancreas and terminal ileum. The events could be downregulated by treatment with DCQD, JAK2 inhibitor, and STAT3 inhibitor. Conclusions. In rats with SAP, DCQD ameliorated inflammatory cytokines and intestinal injury, which may be closely associated with the inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Test on Hysteretic Behaviour of Prestressed Composite Joints with Concrete‐Encased CFST Columns
Authors: Wang Kun , Luo Huihui
Published: August 2019

Four composite joint specimens consisted of concrete‐encased steel beams and concrete‐encased concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) columns were tested under lateral cyclic loading, in which three specimens were prestressed and the other was not. In the tests, crack distributions and failure modes of the joint specimens were acquired, and the energy dissipation, rigidity degeneration, ductility, and residential deformation were investigated. Meanwhile, the strain variation of longitudinal rebars and I‐steel flanges at beam ends as well as steel tubes in panel zones were analysed. The experimental results showed that a type of mixed mode consisting of shear failure in the panel zone and flexural failure at beam ends was found for three prestressed joint specimens, whilst only flexural failure at beam ends was observed for the non‐prestressed one, and all joint specimens showed good hysteretic behaviour. In addition, as can be seen from the skeleton curves, the lateral peak loads of prestressed joint specimens could be enhanced to some extent by increasing the prestressing level, and the axial compression ratio had little effect on lateral loads; meanwhile, the ductility and energy dissipation for prestressed joint specimens also could be reduced by increasing the prestressing level and axial compression ratio.
Optimization of a Hydrothermal Growth Process for Low Resistance 1D Fluorine-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Napi Muhammad L. M. , Sultan S. M. , Ismail Razali , Ahmad Mohd K. , Chai G. M. T.
Published: August 2019

Design of Experiment (DOE) has been used for the optimization of a hydrothermal growth process of one-dimensional fluorine-doped zinc oxide (1D-FZO). Box-Behnken design was used in the DOE which includes three design points on each of the synthesis condition parameters. The condition parameters were the gold sputtering time (10 s, 15 s, and 20 s), hydrothermal reaction time (3 hours, 6.5 hours, and 10 hours), and hydrothermal temperature (50°C, 75°C, and 100°C). This statistical method of DOE was used to study the effects of these hydrothermal conditions on the quality of 1D-FZO produced. Au nanoparticles were used as the catalyst to enable the growth of the 1D-FZO. The XRD and EDX analysis confirmed the formation of polycrystalline FZO with the presence of fluorine, zinc, and oxygen elements. SEM observations indicated that the sputtering time of the Au nanoparticles has significant effect on the morphology and growth process of 1D-FZO. The lowest resistance value of 22.57 Ω was achieved for 1D-FZO grown with the longest Au sputtering time at growth temperature below 100°C.
Contribution of Four Polymorphisms in Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-Related Genes to Hypertension in a Thai Population
Authors: Charoen Pimphen , Eu-ahsunthornwattana Jakris , Thongmung Nisakron , Jose Pedro A. , Sritara Piyamitr , Vathesatogkit Prin , Kitiyakara Chagriya
Published: August 2019

Introduction. The roles of genes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in hypertension, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1), and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), have been widely studied across different ethnicities, but there has been no such investigation in Thai population.Materials and Methods. Using 4,150 Thais recorded in the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) study, we examined the association of rs1799752, rs699, rs5186, and rs1799998 located in or nearACE,AGT,AGTR1, andCYP11B2genes in hypertension. We investigated their roles in hypertension using multivariate logistic regression and further examined their roles in blood pressure (BP) using quantile regression. Sex, age, and BMI were adjusted as potential confounders.Results. We did not observe associations between hypertension and rs1799752 (P=0.422), rs699 (P=0.36), rs5186 (P=0.49), and rs1799998 (P=0.71). No evidence of association between these SNPs and BP was found across an entire distribution. A nonlinear relationship between age and BP was observed.Conclusion. In Thai population, our study showed no evidence of association between RAAS-related genes and hypertension. While our study is the first and largest study to investigate the role of RAAS-related genes in hypertension in Thai population, restricted statistical power due to limited sample size is a limitation.
Factors Affecting the Utilization of a Minimum of Four Antenatal Care Services in Ethiopia
Authors: Basha Garoma Wakjira
Published: August 2019

Background. Antenatal care is defined as the routine care of pregnant women provided between conception and the onset of labor. This study is aimed to identify factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services in Ethiopia. Methods. The study used data from the nationally representative 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 7,167 mothers who gave birth within five years preceding the 2016 EDHS whose complete information was available in the survey were included in this study. Logistic regression statistical analyses were used to identify factors associated with the utilization of a minimum of 4 ANC services in Ethiopia. Results. Among the 7,167 women included in this study, 2,598 (36.6%) had utilized a minimum of 4 ANC services in Ethiopia. This study showed that factors such as place of residence, region, mothers’ education level, household wealth index, desire for pregnancy, frequency of reading newspaper, frequency of listening to radio, and frequency of watching TV were associated with the utilization of a minimum of four ANC services at 5% level of significance in Ethiopia. Conclusion. Strategies to increase the accessibility and availability of healthcare services are important particularly for communities in rural areas. Financial support that enables mothers from poor households to use health services will be beneficial. Health promotion programs targeting mothers with no education are vital to increase their awareness about the importance of antenatal services.
Study of Manufacturing Process of Holes in Aeroengine Heat Shield
Authors: Jiao Anyuan , Liu Weijun
Published: August 2019

The nickel-based superalloy GH3128 with high plasticity, high long-lasting creep strength, good resistance to oxidation and stamping, and good welding performance is widely used in aircraft engine heat shields. The many holes that need to be machined on the heat shield are not only small in diameter but also dense, and GH3128 as a typical hard-to-process material has the problems of large cutting force, high cutting temperature, and serious hardening. Therefore, poor dimensional accuracy and residual burrs have become the main factors that limit the processing efficiency and processing quality. So, a novel combination of manufacturing processes was proposed. Firstly, laser cutting technology was used to process the base hole in a GH3128 plate, followed by reaming, and finally, using a magnetic abrasive finishing effector to remove burrs formed during the first two steps. The whole drilling process of the heat shields fully meets the requirements of the technical parameters. This study provides new reference for manufacturing the holes of a heat shield and other similar porous parts.
Flight Dynamics Modeling and Dynamic Stability Analysis of Tilt-Rotor Aircraft
Authors: Lu Ke , Liu Chunsheng , Li Chunhua , Chen Renliang
Published: August 2019

The tilt-rotor aircraft has often been proposed as a means to increase the maximum speed of the conventional helicopter. The tilt-rotor aircraft consists of three primary flight modes that are the helicopter flight mode in low forward speed flight, airplane flight mode in high forward speed flight, and conversion flight mode. The aim of this paper is to develop a nonlinear flight dynamics mathematical modeling method of tilt-rotor aircraft and investigate the dynamic stability characteristics of tilt-rotor aircraft. First, a nonlinear tilt-rotor aircraft flight dynamics model is developed. The trim and linearized results are present to verify the model. Then, using a numerical differentiation technique, the dynamic stability of the tilt-rotor aircraft is assessed. The results show that the flight speed and nacelle angle would affect the magnitude and the trend of the aerodynamic derivatives. The damping of the pitch short period mode and the Dutch roll mode is insensitive to flight speed while they could be affected by nacelle angle. In all flight modes, as flight speed increases, the natural modes become more stable.
Investigating the Properties of Foamed Mixture Lightweight Soil Mixed with Bauxite Tailings as Filler
Authors: Peng Yuansheng , Jiang Jie , Ou Xiaoduo , Qin Jinxi
Published: August 2019

To make better use of large amounts of discarded bauxite tailings (BTs), a foamed mixture lightweight soil mixed with BTs as filler (FMLSB) was proposed. Using the orthogonal experimental design method, the effects of various contents of cement, BTs, and foam on the fluidity, wet density, unconfined compressive strength, water absorption, and microstructure of FMLSB were studied. The experimental results indicate that the wet density and unconfined compressive strength increase as the contents of cement and BTs increase but decrease as the foam content increases. Water absorption increases with the reduction of the wet density, but the unconfined compressive strength exponentially increases as the wet density increases. With an increase in the contents of cement and BTs and a decrease in the foam content, fewer pores are present, and the pores are not connected with each other. The results of the range analysis show that the main factor affecting the wet density and unconfined compressive strength of the FMLSB is the foam content, followed by the cement content, and meanwhile, BTs can maintain the lightweight and high strength of FMLSB. Based on the intended engineering applications and standard specifications, the optimum composition of the FMLSB mixture is proposed. Overall, the results indicate that BTs have the potential to be used as filler to produce FMLSB and that applications of FMLSB will lead to great economic and environmental benefits in engineering construction.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios Are Correlated with Complicated Diverticulitis and Hinchey Classification: A Simple Tool to Assess Disease Severity in the Emergency Department
Authors: Mari Amir , Khoury Tawfik , Lubany Ahmad , Safadi Mohammad , Farraj Moaad , Farah Amir , Kadah Anas , Sbeit Wisam , Mahamid Mahmud
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim. Rapid identification of patients with complications related to acute diverticulitis who require urgent intervention in the emergency department (ED) is essential. The aim of our study was to determine the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting severity of diverticulitis as assessed by Hinchey classification.Patients and Methods. We performed a single retrospective study in EMMS Nazareth Hospital from 4/2014 to 4/2018. Patients were categorized into two groups: group A with mild to moderate complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 1-2) and group B with severe complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 3-4).Results. Two hundred twenty-five patients were included. Two hundred seven patients were in group A, and 18 patients were in group B. On univariate analysis, age, NLR, and PLR correlated with advanced Hinchey classification and disease severity (stages 3-4) (OR 1.038, 95% CI 1.001–1.076,P=0.0416; OR 1.192, 95% CI 1.093–1.300,P<0.0001; and OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.005–1.017,P=0.0005, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the NLR and PLR remain significantly correlated with Hinchey 3-4 (OR 1.174, 95% CI 1.071–1.286,P=0.0006, and OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.015,P=0.0209, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) for the NLR and PLR on univariate analysis was 0.7526 and 0.6748, respectively, and 0.7760 and 0.7391 on multivariate logistic regression analysis, respectively, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn.Conclusion. The NLR and PLR independently associated with diverticulitis severity and positively correlated with advanced Hinchey classification. This simple available laboratory tool can be implemented into clinical practice to optimize patient management.
Epigenetic Profiles Reveal That ADCYAP1 Serves as Key Molecule in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Xue , Yang Wenhong , Fang Yanning
Published: August 2019

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to the condition which shows abnormal glucose metabolism that occurs during pregnancy, while normal glucose metabolism before pregnancy. In the present study, a novel analytical procedure was used to explore the key molecule of gestational diabetes mellitus. First, the weighted pathway model was carried out subsequently to eliminate the gene-overlapping effects among pathways. Second, we assessed the enriched pathways by a combination of Fisher’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test. We carried out the functional principal component analysis by estimating F values of genes to identify the hub genes in the enriched pathways. Results showed that a total of 4 differential pathways were enriched. The key pathway was considered as the insulin secretion pathway. F values of each gene in the key pathway were calculated. Three hub molecules were identified as hub differentially methylated genes, namely, CAMK2B, ADCYAP1, and KCNN2. In addition, by further comparing the gene expression data in a validation cohort, one key molecule was obtained, ADCYAP1. Therefore, ADCYAP1 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of GDM.
Detection and Prediction of Internal Damage in the Ancient Timber Structure Based on Optimal Combined Model
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Ma Donghui , Qian Wei , Wang Wei , Guo Xiaodong , Xu Qingfeng , Huan Junhong , Gao Zhongwei
Published: August 2019

It is currently known that using stress wave and drilling resistance to detect the internal damage in the ancient timber structure is not a highly precise process. To improve the detection precision of this process, a simulation test was used to detect the internal damage of poplar and elm in ancient buildings. In this empirical study, we compared the detection precision of these two detection methods. Based on the idea of variable weight, we introduced three combined forecasting models based on the IOWA operator, IOWGA operator, and IOWHA operator to predict the internal damage in the ancient timber structure. The results show that the combined forecasting model based on the IOWA operator is more effective in predicting compared to a single detection method and other combined forecasting models. To be more specific, the results show that the detection precision of the combined model is increased by 25.8% and 4.7%, respectively, compared to the precision of the stress wave and drilling resistance tests. The error indicators of the combined forecasting model based on the IOWA operator are better than those of the other combined forecasting models. In addition, the analysis results based upon cross‐validation theory show the combined forecasting model based on the IOWA operator has the best applicability, which provides a new practical method for evaluating internal damage of timber components in ancient buildings.
Evaluation of Disk Halo Size after Implantation of a Collamer Lens with a Central Hole (ICL V4c)
Authors: Chen Xun , Han Tian , Zhao Feng , Miao Huamao , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To investigate disk halo size changes produced by a glare source after surgical insertion of an implantable collamer lens with a central hole (ICL V4c) for myopia correction. Methods. In this prospective study, disk halo size and pupillary light response with a vision monitor were measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Pupillary light response parameters included contraction amplitude, latency, duration, and velocity; dilation latency, duration, and velocity; and initial, maximum, minimum, and average pupil diameters. Results. Forty-two right eyes of 42 patients were enrolled. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was better than or equal to 20/20 in all eyes. Compared to preoperative values, disk halo size showed no significant difference at 1 week postoperatively (P>0.05) and then decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (both P<0.001). Contraction amplitude and velocity, as well as dilation velocity, decreased significantly at all postoperative time points (all P<0.001). Disk halo size at 3 months postoperatively was significantly correlated with initial (r = 0.446, P=0.003), maximum (r = 0.483, P=0.001), minimum (r = 0.425, P=0.005), and average pupil diameters (r = 0.474, P=0.002). Conclusions. After ICL V4c implantation, disk halo size was reduced in the short term. Patients with smaller pupil sizes during pupillary response to light experienced smaller halos after ICL V4c implantation.
Piper sarmentosum Leaves Aqueous Extract Attenuates Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Hashim Fauzy Fatimatuzzahra , Mohd Zainudin Maizura , Ismawi Hidayatul Radziah , Elshami Taher F. T.
Published: August 2019

Piper sarmentosum is a tropical plant in Southeast Asia known for its traditional use in curing various ailments including hypertension. Previous research works have provided evidence for the herb’s antihypertensive property. However, the exact mechanisms involved are still in question. The present study investigated the effects of Piper sarmentosum leaves aqueous extract (PSAE) treatment on vascular endothelin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Four groups of SHRs were treated for 28 consecutive days, with negative and positive control groups receiving distilled water and 3 mg/kg perindopril, respectively. Another two groups are the treatment groups, which received PSAE and combination of 1.5 mg/kg perindopril and PSAE. Weekly measurements of blood pressure showed that PSAE significantly reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (P<0.05) of the rats. PSAE also increased mesenteric artery nitric oxide (NO) level (P<0.05) and reduced endothelin-1 (ET-1) level (P<0.05) in the treatment groups. Our results demonstrate that oral administration of PSAE reduced blood pressure in SHRs by reducing the ET-1 level while increasing NO production.
Neural Adaptive PID and Neural Indirect Adaptive Control Switch Controller for Nonlinear MIMO Systems
Authors: Slama Sabrine , Errachdi Ayachi , Benrejeb Mohamed
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes an adaptive switch controller (ASC) design for the nonlinear multi‐input multi‐output system (MIMO). In fact, the proposed method is an online switch between the neural network adaptive PID (APID) controller and the neural network indirect adaptive controller (IAC). According to the design of the neural network IAC scheme, the adaptation law has been developed by the gradient descent (GD) method. However, the adaptive PID controller is built based on the neural network combining the PID control and explicit neural structure. The strategy of training consists of online tuning of the neural controller weights using the backpropagation algorithm to select the suitable combination of PID gains such that the error between the reference signal and the actual system output converges to zero. The stability and tracking performance of the neural network ASC, the neural network APID, and the neural network IAC are analyzed and evaluated by the Lyapunov function. Then, the controller results are compared between APID, IAC, and ASC, in this paper, applying to a nonlinear system. From simulations, the proposed adaptive switch controller has better effects both on response time and on tracking performance with smallest MSE.
Biodegradable Polymer Films with a Natural Antibacterial Extract as Novel Periodontal Barrier Membranes
Authors: Ahi Zehra Betul , Renkler Nergis Zeynep , Gul Seker Mine , Tuzlakoglu Kadriye
Published: August 2019

Biodegradable composite membranes containing propolis were produced from PCL/PLLA blends using a simple and low-cost solvent casting method, and subsequently their physicochemical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties were characterized. SEM analysis revealed that the addition of propolis has created honeycomb-like structures on the film surfaces. The flexibility of the films increased in the presence of propolis, which may provide ease of use during application. Propolis disrupted the organized structure of both polymers at the molecular level and caused decreases in the melting points. The films with propolis showed faster degradation in physiological conditions due to this molecular disruption. Moreover, the PLLA/PCL/propolis composite films exhibited remarkable antibacterial activities againstS. aureus. Collectively, the data suggest that the produced films might be used as an alternative to exiting barrier membranes in guided tissue regeneration.
Genus Miliusa: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: The Son Ninh
Published: August 2019

Background. Genus Miliusa (family Annonaceae), widely distributed in mainland Asia and Australia to New Guinea, has been employed in both traditional herbal uses and pharmacological medicines. Original research articles related to this genus are now available, but supportive reviews highlighting phytochemical and pharmacological aspects are now insufficient. Objective. This account is an overview of most of the compounds isolated from this genus, along with their pharmacological evaluations. Conclusion. A vast amount of data showed that genus Miliusa contained various classes of secondary metabolites. Herein, more than two hundred constituents were isolated, comprising alkaloids, geranylated homogentisic acids, flavonoids, lignans, neolignans, terpenoids, acetogenins, styryls, lactones, phenolics, amides, alcohols, and furfural derivatives. Novel miliusanes and bicyclic lactones have been remarkable characteristics of Miliusa plants. Essential oils from these plants were also detected, with a high amount of β-caryophyllene. Numerous in vitro biological researches on, for example, anticancer, antifungal, antimycobacterial, anti-inflammation, and cardiac activity, especially in terms of cytotoxicity, using either isolated compounds or plant extracts, implied that Miliusa phytochemical components now set out to have a key role in pharmacological development. M. smithiae ethyl acetate extract and its flavonoid ayanin (75) inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cell line comparable with positive control ellipticine. (+)-Miliusol (72) stimulated in vivo anticancer experiment against HCT116 xenograft mouse tumor following the p21-dependent induction of cellular senescence mechanism.
Hydration of Early Age Cement Paste with Nano-CaCO3 and SAP by LF-NMR Spectroscopy: Mechanism and Prediction
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Sun Gaoyang , Yu Lu , Jiang Kaidi , Chen Xiaodong , Jia Ruiming , Wan Yi , Li Shihai
Published: August 2019

In this paper, by testing the evolution of the physically bound water using the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technology, the hydration process of cement paste with nano-CaCO3 (NC) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) at early age is investigated. Results indicate that the hydration process can be divided into four periods according to the zero points of the second-order differential hydration curve: initial period, acceleration period, deceleration period, and steady period. Firstly, with the increase in the water to cement ratio, the starting time of the hydration period is delayed, and the duration becomes longer. Secondly, the addition of NC leads to the speedy arrival of each period and shortens the duration of each period in the hydration process, and the optimal NC content is 1.5%. Thirdly, with the increase in SAP content, the starting time of the hydration period is delayed and the duration becomes longer. Finally, based on the experimental results and the existing hydration model, the modified hydration model considering the content of NC and SAP is proposed.
Ileal Adenocarcinoma with Liver Metastasis in Patient with Crohn’s Disease: A 9-Year Survival
Authors: Kothadia Jiten P. , Nagaraju Deepa H. , Katz Seymour , Bruckner Howard , Itzkowitz Steven H. , Schwartz Myron
Published: August 2019

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare but well-known complication of Crohn’s disease. The diagnosis of small bowel adenocarcinoma remains difficult since its presentation is highly variable and mimics active or obstructive Crohn’s disease. The diagnosis is often delayed and typically detected only at surgery in an advanced stage with a poor prognosis. We report a case of metastatic ileal adenocarcinoma in a patient with Crohn’s disease with prolonged survival. Our case describes serial promising treatment options of these advanced malignancies and raises a possible role for checkpoint immunotherapy.
Chemical Constituents of Root Barks of Gnidia involucrata and Evaluation for Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Kalbessa Abera , Dekebo Aman , Tesso Hailemichael , Abdo Teshome , Abdissa Negera , Melaku Yadessa
Published: August 2019

The genus Gnidia, with species close to 152, is traditionally used to treat wide ranges of ailments in humans and animals. Gnidia involucrata is one of the species found in Ethiopia and traditionally used as a laxative, antirheumatic agent, insecticide, antibacterial agent, and antimalarial agent. In view of its traditional use, the root bark was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, EtOAc, and MeOH to afford 0.78%, 4%, and 6% crude extracts, respectively. The chromatographic separation of the EtOAc extract using silica gel column chromatography yielded three pure compounds: tetratriacontanyl caffeate (1), 12-O-dodeca-2,4-dienoylphorbol-13-acetate (2), and naringenin (3). This is the first report of the isolation of 1 and its kind from the genus and most probably from the Thymelaeaceae family. The structures of these compounds were characterized and identified by NMR and mass spectrometric analyses and comparison with literature data. The EtOAc extract and isolated compounds were assessed for their in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The EtOAc extract (1.5 mg/mL) showed significant inhibitory activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. mirabilis, and K. pneumonia bacterial strains with the highest inhibition zone observed against S. aureus (23 mm), which is even greater than that of the reference drug ciprofloxacin (22 mm). However, the inhibition displayed on these bacterial strains for the three pure compounds was marginal with variable degrees of potency between the compounds. The better activity of the crude extract could be due to the synergistic interactions of several phytochemicals present in the extract, which cannot be the case when pure compounds are evaluated alone. The antioxidant activities of the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated using DPPH and ferric thiocyanate methods. The EtOAc and MeOH extracts and compounds 1 and 2 were found to inhibit the DPPH radical by 70.7, 66.9, 85.8, and 52.8%, respectively. The EtOAc extract and compound 1 inhibited peroxidation of lipids by 84 and 86%, respectively. The radical scavenging displayed by compound 1 was significant compared with that displayed by ascorbic acid, indicating the strong antilipid peroxidation potential of the extract of root barks of G. involucrata. Therefore, the extracts of the root bark of G. involucrata can be used as a remedy in combating diseases caused by bacteria and free radicals provided that further comprehensive evaluation could be recommended for the conclusive decision on potential candidacy of this plant.
Safety of Simultaneous Hepatectomy and Splenectomy in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated with Hypersplenism: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Chen Zhiqiang , Yu Meng , Zhou Wei , Zhi Xuting , Li Tao
Published: August 2019

Background. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of simultaneous hepatectomy and splenectomy (HS) with hepatectomy alone (HA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hypersplenism. Materials and Methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Wanfang Data through March 1, 2018, with no limits. Two investigators independently screened all retrieved studies. The investigators of the original publications were contacted if required information was absent. All the included studies were managed by EndNote X7. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale judgment. Extracted data for each endpoint were analyzed by using STATA 12.0 software. Results. Thirteen studies, including a total of 1468 patients, comparing the effects of HS with HA were pooled in this meta-analysis. Outcomes including postoperative complications, perioperative mortality, intraoperative blood transfusion, and albumin (ALB) content at postoperation day (POD) 7 did not differ significantly between the two groups. Simultaneous approaches significantly promoted 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates and overall survival (OS) rates, prolonged operation time, aggravated intraoperative blood loss, increased white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts at POD 7, and lowered total bilirubin (T-Bil) contents at POD 1 and 7. Conclusion. Compared to HA, HS is safer and more effective in ameliorating liver function and improving survival of HCC patients complicated with hypersplenism. This trial is registered with CRD42018093779.
Experiment on Improving Bearing Capacity of Pile Foundation in Loess Area by Postgrouting
Authors: Zhou Zhijun , Xie Yuan
Published: August 2019

Postgrouting technology is an inevitable trend in the development of bored piles in the loess area. To study the behavior of end resistance, lateral friction, and bearing capacity of postgrouting pile and conventional pile, the mechanism of improving the bearing capacity of postgrouting at the end of pile is analyzed by the static load failure test of pile foundation, combined with the principle of grout‐soil interaction and Bingham fluid model. The results show that the grout‐soil interaction enhances the strength of pile end soil and promotes the exertion of end resistance; the relative displacement of pile‐soil decreases, while the lateral friction increases with the change of the interface property of pile‐soil; simultaneously, the climb height of grouting is approximately the theoretical analysis value. In addition, postgrouting can obviously improve the bearing characteristics of the pile so that the settlement of the pile foundation is slowed down and the bearing capacity is increased.
Engineering Design of a Mechanical Decladder for Spent Nuclear Rod-Cuts
Authors: Kim Young-Hwan , Cho Yung-Zun , Lee Young-Soon , Hur Jin-Mok
Published: August 2019

A practical scale mechanical decladder that can slit spent nuclear fuel rod-cuts (hulls + pellets) of several tens of kg HM/batch is being developed to supply UO2 pellets to a voloxidation process. The mechanical decladder is an apparatus for separating and recovering fuel material and cladding tubes by horizontally slitting the cladding tube of a fuel rod and a defective irradiated fuel rod. In this study, we address the engineering design of the mechanical decladder for the pretesting of rod-cut slitting. To obtain the requirements of the mechanical decladder, we first manufactured a slitter for testing based on the decladding and shearing conditions of hulls and pellets. The performance test of the testing device for decladding was carried out using a 2-CUT blade module and a 3-CUT blade module. We evaluated the decladding methods for the mechanical decladder and selected the 3-CUT blade module based on the results. A buckling measurement instrument was used to perform a buckling verification test according to the length of a rod-cut and to determine decladder dimensions. The optimum decladding rod-cut length for buckling prevention was calculated. Furthermore, we analyzed the decladding mechanism for various slitting methods. Design/fabrication and preliminary tests of the practical scale mechanical decladder were also performed. For this purpose, we constructed the main mechanism by utilizing the SolidWorks modeling and analysis program and fabricated a new mechanical decladder. Based on the derived requirements, a mechanical decladder with three main modules was designed and fabricated for testing. Simulated rod-cuts of zircaloy were also manufactured to test the basic performance of the decladder, and a data acquisition system was constructed using RSC 232 to measure decladding force and velocity. In the basic test, the rod-cut was completely sectioned into three evenly spaced locations by the new mechanical decladder.