bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ inhibits sirtuin 6 gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells through a microRNA-92b-dependent mechanism
Authors: Liu Fangyi , Wang Xiao , Geng Hua , Bu Heng-Fu , Wang Peng , De Plaen Isabelle G. , Yang Hong , Qian Jiaming , Tan Xiao-Di
Published: February 2020

Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) is predominantly expressed in epithelial cells in intestinal crypts. It plays an important role in protecting intestinal epithelial cells against inflammatory injury. Previously, we found that colitis is associated with the downregulation of Sirt6 protein in the intestines. Here, we report that murine interferon-γ (Ifnγ) inhibits Sirt6 protein but not mRNA expression in young adult mouse colonocytes (YAMC, a mouse colonic epithelial cell line) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Using microRNA array analysis, we showed that Ifnγ induces expression of miR-92b in YAMC cells. With in silico analysis, we found that the Sirt6 3′-untranslated region (UTR) contains a putative binding site for miR-92b. Luciferase assay showed that Ifnγ inhibited Sirt6 3′-UTR activity and this effect was mimicked by miR-92b via directly targeting the miR-92b seed site in the 3′-UTR of Sirt6 mRNA. Furthermore, Western blot demonstrated that miR-92b downregulated Sirt6 protein expression in YAMC cells. Blocking miR-92b with a specific inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of Ifnγ on Sirt6 protein expression in the cells. Collectively, our data suggest that Ifnγ inhibits Sirt6 protein expression in intestinal epithelial cells via a miR-92b-mediated mechanism. miR-92b may be a novel therapeutic target for rescuing Sirt6 protein levels in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby protecting against intestinal mucosal injury caused by inflammation.
Human lung extracellular matrix hydrogels resemble the stiffness and viscoelasticity of native lung tissue
Authors: de Hilster R. H. J. , Sharma P. K. , Jonker M. R. , White E. S. , Gercama E. A. , Roobeek M. , Timens W. , Harmsen M. C. , Hylkema M. N. , Burgess J. K.
Published: February 2020

Chronic lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and abundance affecting the mechanical properties of the lung. This study aimed to generate ECM hydrogels from control, severe COPD [Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) IV], and fibrotic human lung tissue and evaluate whether their stiffness and viscoelastic properties were reflective of native tissue. For hydrogel generation, control, COPD GOLD IV, and fibrotic human lung tissues were decellularized, lyophilized, ground into powder, porcine pepsin solubilized, buffered with PBS, and gelled at 37°C. Rheological properties from tissues and hydrogels were assessed with a low-load compression tester measuring the stiffness and viscoelastic properties in terms of a generalized Maxwell model representing phases of viscoelastic relaxation. The ECM hydrogels had a greater stress relaxation than tissues. ECM hydrogels required three Maxwell elements with slightly faster relaxation times (τ) than that of native tissue, which required four elements. The relative importance (Ri) of the first Maxwell element contributed the most in ECM hydrogels, whereas for tissue the contribution was spread over all four elements. IPF tissue had a longer-lasting fourth element with a higher Ri than the other tissues, and IPF ECM hydrogels did require a fourth Maxwell element, in contrast to all other ECM hydrogels. This study shows that hydrogels composed of native human lung ECM can be generated. Stiffness of ECM hydrogels resembled that of whole tissue, while viscoelasticity differed.
Skill acquisition is enhanced by reducing trial-to-trial repetition
Authors: Vleugels Lore W. E. , Swinnen Stephan P. , Hardwick Robert M.
Published: February 2020

Developing approaches to improve motor skill learning is of considerable interest across multiple disciplines. Previous research has typically shown that repeating the same action on consecutive trials enhances short-term performance but has detrimental effects on longer term skill acquisition. However, most prior research has contrasted the effects of repetition only at the block level; in the current study we examined the effects of repeating individual trials embedded in a larger randomized block, a feature that is often overlooked when random trial orders are generated in learning tasks. With 4 days of practice, a “Minimal Repeats” group, who rarely experienced repeating stimuli on consecutive trials during training, improved to a greater extent than a “Frequent Repeats” group, who were frequently presented with repeating stimuli on consecutive trials during training. Our results extend the previous finding of the beneficial effects of random compared with blocked practice on performance, showing that reduced trial-to-trial repetition during training is favorable with regard to skill learning. This research highlights that limiting the number of repeats on consecutive trials is a simple behavioral manipulation that can enhance the process of skill learning. Data/analysis code and Supplemental Material are available at https://osf.io/p3278/ .

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Numerous studies have shown that performing different subtasks across consecutive blocks of trials enhances learning. We examined whether the same effect would occur on a trial-to-trial level. Our Minimal Repeats group, who primarily responded to different stimuli on consecutive trials, learned more than our Frequent Repeats group, who frequently responded to the same stimulus on consecutive trials. This shows that minimizing trial-to-trial repetition is a simple and easily applicable manipulation that can enhance learning.
ST Elevations and Ventricular Tachycardia Secondary to Coronary Vasospasm upon Extubation
Authors: Lindsay Patrick J. , Frank Rachel C. , Bittner Edward A. , Berg Sheri , Chang Marvin G.
Published: February 2020

ST elevations (STE) in the perioperative setting can result from a number of different etiologies, the most common and feared being acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, other causes should be considered, as treatment may differ depending on the diagnosis. Here, we describe a case of STE and ventricular tachycardia in a patient at high risk for ACS. The patient had a prior diagnosis of coronary vasospasm; however, given pre-existing risk factors, much consideration and deliberation occurred prior to electing conservative therapy. This report provides an overview of perioperative vasospasm and other causes of STE, which anesthesiologists should be aware of.
Effect of the Supports’ Positions on the Vibration Characteristics of a Flexible Rotor Shafting
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Li Zhuo , Ma Liangliang , Zhu Rupeng , Ma Xizhi
Published: February 2020

In this study, we evaluated the effect of changing supports’ position on the vibration characteristics of a three-support flexible rotor shafting. This dependency was first analyzed using a finite element simulation and then backed up with experimental investigations. By computing a simplified rotor shafting model, we found that the first-order bending vibration in a forward whirl mode is the most relevant deforming mode. Hence, the effect of the supports’ positions on this vibration was intensively investigated using simulations and verified experimentally with a house-made shafting rotor system. The results demonstrated that the interaction between different supports can influence the overall vibration deformation and that the position of the support closer to the rotor has the greatest influence.
Increased Risk of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy among Patients with Nonorganic Sleep Disturbance
Authors: Tien Peng-Tai , Lai Chien-Yu , Lin Chun-Ju , Chen Wen-Lu , Lin Po-Kang , Muo Chih-Hsin , Tsai Yi-Yu , Wan Lei , Ho Wen-Chao , Lin Hui-Ju
Published: February 2020

Purpose. Patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) typically present with acute visual impairment and metamorphopsia. The disease previously has been associated with psychological stress. Population-based cohort studies on the risk of CSC among patients with nonorganic sleep disturbance (NOSD) are limited. An early sign of psychiatric disorder was probably sleep disturbance. Furthermore, psychological stress may be caused by sleep disturbance. We investigated the relationship between NOSD and the incidence of CSC. Design. Longitudinal cohort study. Participants. We used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database and collected the data of 53,743 NOSD patients without CSC between 2000 and 2005 as the study group. Four-fold controls were selected randomly from those without neither sleep disturbance nor a CSC history with frequency matching of age, sex, and index-year. Methods. The difference in sex, age group, comorbidities, and steroid use between the two groups was analyzed by the χ2 test. Cox-proportional hazard regression was utilized to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for comparison of the two groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis was applied to measure the cumulative incidence of CSC. Furthermore, the log-rank test was used to test the incidence difference between the two groups. Main Outcome Measures. The incidence rate of CSC in the following years until 2011 was detected. Results. During a mean follow-up of 7.36 ± 2.88 years, NOSD patients had a higher incidence of CSC than the controls (3.10 vs. 1.86 per 10,000 person-years; adjusted HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.34–2.02). Men had a higher risk of CSC than women. Sensitivity analyses stratified by sex, age group, or comorbidity condition showed consistently that NOSD patients had a higher risk of CSC than their controls. Dose-response showed that higher NOSD severity had even higher CSC risk. Conclusions. NOSD is an independent indicator for the increased risk of subsequent CSC development.
An Efficient Algorithm for Solving Minimum Cost Flow Problem with Complementarity Slack Conditions
Authors: Hu Yongwen , Zhao Xiao , Liu Jing , Liang Binyuan , Ma Chao
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an algorithm for solving a minimum cost flow (MCF) problem with a dual approach. The algorithm holds the complementary slackness at each iteration and finds an augmenting path by updating node potential iteratively. Then, flow can be augmented at the original network. In contrast to other popular algorithms, the presented algorithm does not find a residual network, nor find a shortest path. Furthermore, our algorithm holds information of node potential at each iteration, and we update node potential within finite iterations for expanding the admissible network. The validity of our algorithm is given. Numerical experiments show that our algorithm is an efficient algorithm for the MCF problem, especially for the network with a small interval of cost of per unit flow.
The Antiaging Activity of Ergothioneine in UVA-Irradiated Human Dermal Fibroblasts via the Inhibition of the AP-1 Pathway and the Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Genes
Authors: Hseu You-Cheng , Vudhya Gowrisankar Yugandhar , Chen Xuan-Zao , Yang Yi-Chen , Yang Hsin-Ling
Published: February 2020

UVA irradiation induced ROS-mediated photo damage to the human skin leading to coarseness, wrinkling, pigmentation, and cutaneous malignancies. We investigated the dermatoprotective efficacies of submicromolar concentrations of ergothioneine (EGT, 0.125-0.5 μM), which occurs naturally as a sulfur-containing amino acid, in the mechanisms in human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells. UVA-induced AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun) translocation was found to be inhibited by EGT treatments with the parallel inhibition of the collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1 activation and type I procollagen degradation. Moreover, EGT mitigated UVA-induced ROS generation. An increase in the amount of antioxidant genes (HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC) from EGT and were associated with upregulated Nrf2 expressions in a dose-dependent or time-dependent manner. We confirmed this from Nrf2 translocation and increased nuclear ARE promoter activity that underlie EGT dermatoprotective activities. Also, glutathione (GSH) levels (from γ-GCLC) were significantly increased. Moreover, we showed that mediated by ERK, JNK, and PKC, signaling cascades mediate Nrf2 translocation. We confirmed this phenomenon by the suppressed nuclear Nrf2 activation in cells that were treated with respective inhibitors (PD98059, SP600125, and GF109203X). However, antioxidant protein expressions were impaired in Nrf2 knockdown cells to confirm that ARE/Nrf2 pathways and the inhibition of AP-1 had significant roles in EGT-mediated protective effects. We can conclude that ergothioneine ameliorated UVA-induced skin aging and is a useful food supplement for skin care products.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Body Weight Support System
Authors: Song Zhendong , Chen Wei , Wang Wenbing , Zhang Guoqing
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a body weight support (BWS) system with a series elastic actuator (SEA) to facilitate walking assistance and motor relearning during gait rehabilitation. This system comprises the following: a mobile platform that ensures movement of the system on the ground, a BWS mechanism with an SEA that is capable of providing the desired unloading force, and a pelvic brace to smooth the pelvis motions. The control of the body weight support is realized by an active weight-offload method, and a dynamic model of the BWS system with offload mass of a human is conducted to simulate the control process and optimize the parameters. Preliminary results demonstrate that the BWS system can provide the desired support force and vertical motion of the pelvis.
Time Domain Equalization and Digital Back-Propagation Method-Based Receiver for Fiber Optic Communication Systems
Authors: Muhammad Fazal , Ali Farman , Habib Usman , Usman Muhammad , Khan Imran , Kim Sunghwan
Published: February 2020

Fiber optic communication systems (FOCSs) have attained a lot of attention by revolutionizing the telecommunication industry and offering new possibilities with the technical advancements in state-of-the-art high speed digital electronics. Advanced modulation formats make use of the phase, amplitude, and polarization of the optical signals at the same time to provide high spectral efficiency as compared with 1 bit/s/Hz for the intensity modulation direct detection system (IMDD), but are highly prone to transmission impairments. Thus, the effects that add up to the optical fiber impairments such as optical fiber chromatic dispersion (OFCD), polarization model dispersion (PMD), and phase offset and noise (POaN) need to be addressed at the receiver side. The development of components and algorithms to minimize these effects in next generation FOCSs with 100 Gbps data rate and beyond with long-haul transmission is still a challenging issue. In this paper, digital signal processing- (DSP-) assisted dispersion and nonlinear compensation techniques are presented to compensate for physical layer impairments including OFCD, PMD, and POaN. The simulations are performed considering Dual Polarization- (DP-) QPSK modulation format to achieve two-fold data rate to achieve spectral efficiency of 3.28 bits/s/Hz by making use of the polarization diversity and system performance is investigated in terms of bit error rate (BER), constellation diagrams, and quality factor (Q-factor) for different values of optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), launch power (PL), and fiber length.
Longitudinal Analysis of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Rifampicin‐Resistant Tuberculosis in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Zhang Mingwu , Wang Jianmei , Chen Songhua , Wu Beibei , Zhou Lin , Pan Aizhen , Wang Weibing , Wang Xiaomeng
Published: February 2020

Objectives. To investigate the factors associated with rifampicin‐resistant tuberculosis among drug resistant tuberculosis patients and to determine the correlation of rifampicin‐resistant TB with MDR‐TB in a high MDR‐TB burden province of china. Methods. A retrospective longitudinal analysis on four surveys of anti‐TB drug resistance done in 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013 in Zhejiang province, China. 4289 sputum‐smear microscopy positive suspected tuberculosis patients were eligible at 30 investigation points, chosen by stratified random sampling at survey sites from all over the province. Culturing samples in L‐J medium and the drug‐susceptibility testing for the 4 first‐line anti‐TB drugs were performed to all patients. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine the factors associated with the rifampicin‐resistance in the study population. Results. Overall, there were 3832 patients with positive mycobacterial cultures, and 2813 of the isolates (73.4%) were susceptible to all 4 first‐line drugs. Analysis of rifampin monoresistant (RMR) TB indicated the prevalence was 1.1% in new cases and 3.4% in previously treated cases. Among the 359 rifampicin resistant TB (RR‐TB) cases, 279 (77.7%) were also resistant to isoniazid, indicating MDR‐TB. From 1998 to 2013, the proportion of MDR‐TB among rifampicin‐resistant TB cases varied between 80.0% and 87.5% (P for trend: 0.768) among previously treated cases and varied from 68.6% to 79.5% (P for trend: 0.403) among new cases. Among previously treated patients, those who received treatment for less than 6 months were less likely to have drug resistant TB (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.97) or MDR‐TB (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.81). Patients who received anti‐TB treatment in a general hospital were less likely to develop MDR‐TB than those treated in a TB clinic (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.72). Conclusion. This study highlights a high proportion of RMR‐TB among new RR‐TB cases in Zhejiang, China. The management of treatment with rapid and accurate diagnosis of MDR‐TB other than only relying on RIF susceptibility testing is crucial for improving adherence and outcomes in patients with drug‐resistant TB.
A Method for Parameter Identification of Combined Integrating Systems
Authors: Fan Zhiping , Ren Zhengyun , Chen Angang , Feng Xue , Wang Wenbin
Published: February 2020

This manuscript presents a novel structure of combined integration in the process industry and proposes an efficient method for identifying its parameters. Combined integrating processes are delay-time processes that widely exist in the industry. Conventional identification methods have a low-identification accuracy, a large vibration amplitude of the identification curve, and a poor effect for this kind of process. In this paper, a new variable forgetting factor recursive least squares method was adopted to ameliorate this problem. The method could quickly track the mutation of the ideal parameters of the process and accurately identify which of the parameters has high precision, small oscillation, and a smooth curve. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method is a significant improvement compared to the ordinary recursive least squares method and the recursive least squares with a fixed forgetting factor method, and a concise program can be verified. The experimental simulation based on the actual cut tobacco rebaking industrial process shows that the proposed method has improved identification precision and the best following effect.
Stochastic Electric Vehicle Network with Elastic Demand and Environmental Costs
Authors: Ma Jie , Wang Hua , Tang Tianpei
Published: February 2020

Along with the increasing number of the electric vehicles (EVs), an urban transportation network with a large number of EVs will come true in the near future. Since many countries encourage EVs due to their environmental-friendly benefits, the environmental costs of vehicles have attracted much attention in recent years. In this paper, besides the environmental costs, we take into account the issues of the stochastic user equilibrium (SUE), the elastic demand (ED), and the driving range of EVs in the network. We propose an SUE with ED (SUEED) problem to consider these issues in the urban transportation network with EVs. An SUEED model is developed. We also propose a method of successive average (MSA) to solve the SUEED problem. The computational feasibility of the algorithm is tested in a large-scale network. Through a comparison analysis, we show the benefits of introducing EVs into the urban transportation network in the SUEED circumstance. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to reveal the potential values of EVs against the development of EVs. The results suggest that EVs may help to reduce both the travelers’ travel costs and the environmental costs of the entire network.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Tissue Fusion Technology Promoted Wound Healing in Porcine Bowel Anastomosis
Authors: Pan Hong , Lam Ping Keun , Tong See W. , Leung Kevin K. , Teoh Anthony Y. , Ng Enders K.
Published: February 2020

Objective. To evaluate the possible biological effect of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with tissue fusion technology on the anastomosis.Methods. Sixteen pigs were divided into a 7 d group and 14 d group, each of which was further subdivided into an MSC-treated group and a control group. Five anastomoses per animal were established using LigaSure ForceTriad (Covidien, MA, USA), a tissue sealing system. Cell migration and tissue-specific differentiation potency, in addition to potential cytokine and genetic changes, were investigated.Results. There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative complications and anastomosis burst pressure. The number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen- (PCNA-) positive cells was significantly higher in the MSC-treated group as compared with that in the control group (P=0.021). Labeled MSCs were found in the mucosal layer, villus, and lamina propria, as well as in the lamina muscularis mucosae, where they exhibited characteristics of smooth muscle cells.Conclusions. Grafted MSCs significantly promoted epithelial and connective cell proliferation and maintained their cell migration capacity and differentiation potential in the fused anastomotic tissues, without causing severe postoperative complications.
Conceptualization of Heterogeneity of Chronic Diseases and Atherosclerosis as a Pathway to Precision Medicine: Endophenotype, Endotype, and Residual Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Genkel Vadim V. , Shaposhnik Igor I.
Published: February 2020

The article discusses modern approaches to the conceptualization of pathogenetic heterogeneity in various branches of medical science. The concepts of endophenotype, endotype, and residual cardiovascular risk and the scope of their application in internal medicine and cardiology are considered. Based on the latest results of studies of the genetic architecture of atherosclerosis, five endotypes of atherosclerosis have been proposed. Each of the presented endotypes represents one or another pathophysiological mechanism of atherogenesis, having an established genetic substrate, a characteristic panel of biomarkers, and a number of clinical features. Clinical implications and perspectives for the study of endotypes of atherosclerosis are briefly reviewed.
Associations of Interleukin‐1β with H. pylori‐Induced Gastric Atrophy and Syndrome of Dampness‐Heat in the Spleen and Stomach in Subjects with H. pylori‐Related Gastric Diseases
Authors: Zhang Yunzhan , Chen Xu , Gong Lin , Li Danyan , Dai Yun-kai , Lan Shaoyang , Luo Qi , Chen Bin , Chen Weijing , Li Ruliu , Hu Ling
Published: February 2020

H. pylori‐related gastric diseases (HPGD) are a series of gastric mucosal benign and malignant lesions associated with H. pylori infection. Exploring the pathogenesis of HPGD will be of great significance to prevent and treat gastric malignancy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome is the essence of TCM, reflecting the state of whole body. Potential similarities of TCM syndrome may provide a new perspective in understanding development and treatment of diseases. To seek an early warning signal for gastric malignant pathology and similarities of TCM syndrome from the viewpoint of molecular biology, we examined the relationships among H. pylori, gastric pathology, and TCM syndrome and effects of Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) gene polymorphisms and expression on gastric pathology and TCM syndrome in HPGD. The results indicated that detection of H. pylori with differentiation of TCM syndrome may have a predictive function to gastric pathology. H. pylori may lead to gastric atrophy via enhancing IL‐1β mRNA expression, and IL‐1β mRNA overexpression in gastric mucosa may be one of the generality characteristics for H. pylori‐negative subjects with syndrome of dampness‐heat in the spleen and stomach.
Analysis of the Expression of Cell Division Cycle-Associated Genes and Its Prognostic Significance in Human Lung Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature Databases
Authors: Chen Chongxiang , Chen Siliang , Pang Lanlan , Yan Honghong , Luo Ma , Zhao Qingyu , Lai Jielan , Li Huan
Published: February 2020

Background. Lung cancer (LC) has become the top cause responsible for cancer‐related deaths. Cell division cycle-associated (CDCA) genes exert an important role in the life process. Dysregulation in the process of cell division may lead to malignancy. Methods. Transcriptional data on CDCA gene family and patient survival data were examined for lung cancer (LC) patients from the GEPIA, Oncomine, cBioPortal, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases. Results. CDCA1/2/3/4/5/7/8 expression levels were higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, and the CDCA1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 expression levels were increased in squamous cell LC tissues compared with those in noncarcinoma lung tissues. The expression levels of CDCA1/2/3/4/5/8 showed correlation with tumor classification. The Kaplan–Meier Plotter database was employed to carry out survival analysis, indicating that increased CDCA1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 expression levels were obviously related to poor overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P < 0.05). Only LC patients with increased CDCA3/4/5/8 expression were significantly related to lower post‐progression survival (PPS) (P < 0.05). The following processes were affected by CDCA genes’ alteration: R‐HAS‐2500257: resolution of sister chromatid cohesion; GO:0051301: cell division; CORUM: 1118: chromosomal passenger complex (CPC, including CDCA8, INCENP, AURKB, and BIRC5); CORUM: 127: NDC80 kinetochore complex; M129: the PID PLK1 pathway; and GO: 0007080: mitotic metaphase plate congression, all of which were remarkably modulated since the alterations affected CDCA genes. Conclusions. Upregulated CDCA genes’ expression levels in LC tissues probably play a crucial part in LC oncogenesis. The upregulated CDCA genes’ expression levels are used as the potential prognostic markers to improve patient survival and the LC prognostic accuracy. CDCA genes probably exert their functions in tumorigenesis through the PLK1 pathway.
Energy Consumption of an Active Vehicle Suspension with an Optimal Controller in the Presence of Sinusoidal Excitations
Authors: Konieczny Jarosław , Rączka Waldemar , Sibielak Marek , Kowal Janusz
Published: February 2020

Control of vibration is a significant problem in the design and construction of vehicle suspensions. The usage of controlled suspensions is important due to ride comfort, driving safety, and vehicle road holding. The control law for such systems is usually determined as a solution of an optimisation problem with a quality indicator. The effectiveness of vibration reduction is possible to be improved in the entire useful frequency range of a system operation, but usually increasing external energy consumption is observed. An additional problem in the case of vehicle suspensions includes the necessity for increased vibration reduction at selected frequencies. This is related to the natural frequencies of the driver’s internal organs or to other reasons. The goal of this work is to find a compromise between efficiency of the suspension in terms of the aforementioned indicators and energy consumption in the presence of sinusoidal excitations. This paper presents a synthesis of a weighted multitone optimal controller (WMOC) for an active vibration reduction system. Energy limitation is taken into account by selection coefficients of the weighting matrix associated with the control signal vector. The control signal in this case is determined on the basis of the parameter estimation of the sinusoidal disturbances vector (PESDV). The vibration transmissibility function and the energetic indicators for the active suspension were determined while taking note of nonlinearities occurring in the actual vehicle. The analysis of energy indicators is presented, depending on the level of vibration reduction efficiency. The results were compared with referencing to LQR control strategy.
Status of the Beach Litter in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dungonab and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park in Sudan, Red Sea
Authors: Ibrahim Eldirdery Abeadallah Abdelrahman , Rahim Osman Nahid Abdel , Eisa Omar Ali Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Information on marine litter in general and beach litter in particular from Sudan and to some extent from the Red Sea region is insufficient. The aim of this study is to assess the beach litter composition, distribution, and abundance in some selected beaches of the World Heritage Site of Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island National Park (DMNP) located in Sudan, Red Sea coast, and to examine the rate of beach litter flux and the cleanliness of its beaches in order to provide baseline information for beach litter management at DMNP. A total of 6 sites were investigated for beach litter over a 10-month period from January to October 2017 on a quarterly basis. A total of 24 collections of beach litter were performed covering a stretch of 600 m or 7700 m2 of DMNP coastline. In total, 3037 beach litter items were collected during the study time from DMNP with an overall average of 506.2 ± 409.8 items/100 m (0.4 items/m2). Plastic beach litter was the most abundant (1738 items), constituting 57.23% with an average density of 289.7 ± 242.2 items/100 m (0.23 items/m2). The beaches of DMNP were clean (CCI = 4.6) at the time of the study. The rate of flux of the beach litter decreased steadily from 21.9 to 16.43 items/100 m/day with an overall average of 18.82 ± 2.8 items/100 m/day. The gradual decrease in the net accumulation of beach litter over the period of the study suggests that the beach litter at DMNP was likely of a local land-based origin and the beaches of DMNP are not a potential sink of marine litter. The determination of the rate of flux of beach litter is a reasonable indicator of the dynamics of beach litter in DMNP. Accordingly, application of preventive measures accompanied with awareness activities and investment in plastic collection and recycling would further enhance and preserve the present status of beach cleanliness and encourage tourism activities.
Graphene Oxide/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Membranes for CO2 and N2 Separation from Blast Furnace Gas
Authors: Jiang Lili , Meng Yimin , Tu Sihao , Zhao Yuanshou , Cui Qi , Zhang Wenpeng , Yu Haitao , Hou Xingang
Published: February 2020

A novel molecular sieve membrane was synthesized using graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotubes (GO/SWCNTs). The composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller-specific surface area analyzers. The results revealed that laminar GO was interwoven with tubular SWCNTs and the carbon nanotubes were attached onto the surface of GO or interspersed among GO to form a three-dimensional structure. Moreover, the interlayer spacing of GO/SWCNTs increased to 0.826 nm. On condition that the inlet pressure of N2 was 0.10 MPa and the temperature was 323 K, the N2 permeability of GO/SWCNTs was 1595 Barrer. With increasing temperature, the N2 permeability decreased while it increased with the inlet pressure. When the inlet pressure of CO was 0.10 MPa and the temperature was 323 K, the CO permeability was 109 Barrer. At the temperature of 323 K, the selectivities of N2/CO and CO2/CO were 32.8 and 37, respectively. These results indicated that GO/SWCNTs may be a promising molecular sieve for gas separation.
Through‐Thickness Residual Stresses, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Electron Beam‐Welded CA6NM Martensitic Stainless Steel after Postweld Heat Treatment
Authors: Sarafan Sheida , Wanjara Priti , Lévesque Jean-Benoît , Gholipour Javad , Champliaud Henri , Mathieu Louis
Published: February 2020

In this study, the integrity of electron beam‐ (EB‐) welded CA6NM—a grade of 13% Cr‐4% Ni martensitic stainless steel—was assessed through the entire joint thickness of 90 mm after postweld heat treatment (PWHT). The joints were characterized by examining the microstructure, residual stresses, global mechanical properties (static tensile, Charpy impact, and bend), and local properties (yield strength and strain at fracture) in the metallurgically modified regions of the EB welds. The applied PWHT tempered the “fresh” martensite present in the microstructure after welding, which reduced sufficiently the hardness (<280 HV) and residual stresses (<100 MPa) to meet the requirements for hydroelectric turbine assemblies. Also, the properties of the EB joints after PWHT passed the minimum acceptance criteria specified in ASME sections VIII and IX. Specifically, measurement of the global tensile properties indicated that the tensile strengths of the EB welds in the transverse and longitudinal directions were on the same order as that of the base metal (BM). Evaluation of the local tensile properties using a digital image correlation (DIC) methodology showed higher local yield strengths in the fusion zone (FZ) and heat‐affected zone (HAZ) of 727 MPa and 740 MPa, respectively, relative to the BM value of 663 MPa. Also, the average impact energies for the FZ and HAZ were 63 J and 148 J, respectively, and attributed to the different failure mechanisms in the HAZ (dimples) versus the FZ (quasi‐cleavage consisting of facets and dimples). This study shows that the application of PWHT plays an important role in improving the weld quality and performance of EB‐welded CA6NM and provides the essential data for validating the design and manufacturing process for next‐generation hydroelectric turbine products.
Hydroethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Burkea africana Attenuates Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats
Authors: Jibira Yakubu , Boakye-Gyasi Eric , Kofi Mensah Abotsi Wonder , Amponsah Isaac Kingsley , Adongo Donatus Wewura , Woode Eric
Published: February 2020

Context. The stem bark of the savanna tree Burkea africana (Hook) (family: Leguminosae) is used in the Ghanaian traditional medicine for the management of various pain-related diseases. Objective. This study seeks to investigate the possible antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of the hydroethanolic stem bark extract of B. africana in a vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy model in rats. Materials and Methods. 0.1 mg kg−1 vincristine was administered intraperitoneally for 5 days followed by 2 days break and continued for another 5 days to establish peripheral neuropathy in Sprague Dawley rats. Effects of Burkea africana extract (BAE) (50–1000 mg kg−1, p.o.) and pregabalin (10–100 mg kg−1, i.p.) were assessed on tactile, intermediate, mechanical, cold, and hot allodynia as well as in the Randall–Sellito test. Moreover, the levels of total proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in sciatic nerve tissue homogenates were assayed. Results. BAE (50–1000 mg kg−1p.o.) showed significant antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects similar to pregabalin by increasing paw withdrawal latency and paw withdrawal threshold in all the behavioral tests used. Also, the extract decreased the levels of MDA (a lipid peroxidation product) as well as MPO and caused a significant increase in endogenous antioxidants (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in tissue homogenates of treated rats. Conclusions. Results from this study indicate that the hydroethanolic stem bark extract of B. africana exhibits antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.
A Hybrid Model for Prediction in Asphalt Pavement Performance Based on Support Vector Machine and Grey Relation Analysis
Authors: Wang Xuancang , Zhao Jing , Li Qiqi , Fang Naren , Wang Peicheng , Ding Longting , Li Shanqiang
Published: February 2020

Pavement performance prediction is a crucial issue in big data maintenance. This paper develops a hybrid grey relation analysis (GRA) and support vector machine regression (SVR) technique to predict pavement performance. The prediction model can solve the shortcomings of the traditional model including a single consideration factor, a short prediction period, and easy overfitting. GAR is employed in selecting the main factors affecting the performance of asphalt pavement. The SVR is performed to predict the performance. Finally, the data collected from the weather station installed on Guangyun Expressway were adopted to verify the validity of the GRA-SVR model. Meanwhile, the contrast with the grey model (GM (1, 1)), genetic algorithm optimization BP[[parms resize(1),pos(50,50),size(200,200),bgcol(156)]]081%, −0.823%, 1.270%, and −4.569%, respectively. The study concluded that the nonlinear and multivariate prediction model established by GRA-SVR has higher precision and operability, which can be used in long-period pavement performance prediction.
Potential Benefits of Physical Activity in MCI and Dementia
Authors: Nuzum Hallie , Stickel Ariana , Corona Maria , Zeller Michelle , Melrose Rebecca J. , Wilkins Stacy Schantz
Published: February 2020

Physical activity improves overall health and reduces the risk of many negative health outcomes and may be effective in improving cognition, independent functioning, and psychological health in older adults. Given the evidence linking physical activity with improvements in various aspects of health and functioning, interventions exploring pathways for decreasing risk of dementia in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and improving outcomes for those with dementia are of critical importance. The present review highlights the work examining physical activity interventions in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of physical activity for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. The primary focus is on aerobic exercise as this is the main intervention in the literature. Our review supports the thesis that physical activity can promote healthy aging in terms of cognition, independent functioning, and psychological health for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Specifically, physical activity improves cognition, especially executive functioning and memory in MCI, independent functioning in MCI and dementia, and psychological health in dementia. Given that benefits of physical activity have been observed across these domains, such interventions provide an avenue for preventing decline and/or mitigating impairment across several domains of functioning in older adults with MCI or dementia and may be recommended (and adjusted) for patients across a range of settings, including medical and mental health settings. Further implications for clinical intervention and future directions for research are discussed.
Fecal Microbial Transplantation for the Treatment of Persistent Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in a Critically Ill Patient
Authors: Ueckermann V. , Hoosien E. , De Villiers N. , Geldenhuys J.
Published: February 2020

Dysbiosis of the microbiome is a common finding in critically ill patients, who receive broad-spectrum antibiotics and various forms of organ support. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms are a growing threat in all areas of medicine, but most markedly in the critically ill, where there is both loss of host defences and widespread use of broad spectrum antibiotics. We present a case of a critically ill patient with persistent MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, successfully treated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), using stool of a rigorously-screened, healthy donor. FMT for Clostridium difficile colitis has been well described in the literature and is an established therapy for recurrent infections with Clostridium difficile. The use of FMT for other multidrug-resistant organisms is less frequently described, particularly in the context of critically ill patients. In our case, we have culture-documented clearance of the MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae form a patient of FMT.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Nitric Oxide in the Inhibition of Trichophyton rubrum Growth by HaCaT Cells
Authors: Huang Meiling , Huang Hao , Lv Wenyi , Xiao Hanyue , Gao Ye , Tang Hongfeng
Published: February 2020

Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) is one of the most important agents of dermatophyte infection in humans. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of HaCaT cells on T. rubrum, investigate the responsible mechanism of action, and explore the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in the inhibition of T. rubrum growth by HaCaT cells. The viability of fungi treated with HaCaT cells alone and with HaCaT cells combined with pretreatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor (DPI) or the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NMMA was determined by enumerating the colony-forming units. NOS, ROS, and NO levels were quantified using fluorescent probes. The levels of the NOS inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Micromorphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, fungal keratinase activity was assessed by measuring dye release from keratin azure. In vitro fungal viability, keratinase activity, and ADMA content decreased after HaCaT cell intervention, whereas the levels of ROS, NO, and NOS increased. The micromorphology was abnormal. Fungi pretreated with DPI and L-NMMA exhibited opposite effects. HaCaT cells inhibited the growth and pathogenicity of T. rubrum in vitro. A suggested mechanism is that ROS and NO play an important role in the inhibition of T. rubrum growth by HaCaT cells.
Characteristics of Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption by Silty Mudstones in Coal Mine Goafs
Authors: Yao Qiang-ling , Xia Ze , Tang Chuan-jin , Zhu Liu , Wang Wei-nan , Chen Tian , Tan Ying-ming
Published: February 2020

Coal mine goafs can be used to store and purify mine water; therefore, they are important for mitigating the environmental impact of mining on ecologically fragile areas in Western China. Coal gangue in goafs can reduce turbidity, suspended matter, total hardness, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in mine wastewater. Because gangue in goaf areas is rich in clay minerals, they serve as ion exchange sites. We investigated the adsorption of heavy metal ions by silty mudstones in the Ulan Mulun mine. The adsorption kinetics and isothermal adsorption characteristics of four heavy metal ions, i.e., Pb(II), Cd(II), Cr(III), and Mn(II), were investigated using batch experiments. Under a pH of 6.75 and temperature of 20°C, the adsorption capacity of silty mudstone particles (<74 μm) was 6.3012 g, 1.5701, 1.2571, and 1.3729 mg/g for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cr(III), and Mn(II), respectively. Based on the experimental results, quantitative relationships between the adsorption quantity per unit of rock surface and the equilibrium concentration of heavy metals in solution were developed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and D–R equations. The relationships were used to obtain the equilibrium concentration of the solution. Finally, the ratio of the f value of the water-rock contact area in the goaf to the water volume was calculated and analyzed. The f value was inversely proportional to the average vertical opening of gaps between gangues in the goaf. The adsorption rate functions for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cr(III), and Mn(II) in the goaf were obtained, and the corresponding adsorption capacities were calculated. The adsorption capacities were controlled by the f value and adsorption properties of the gangue. These results can be used in future studies on mine wastewater treatment.
Dusty Nanofluid Past a Centrifugally Stretching Surface
Authors: Ibrahim Wubshet , Gamachu Dachasa
Published: February 2020

This communication reports, the flow of Cu-water dusty nanofluid past a centrifugally stretching surface under the effect of second order slip and convective boundary conditions. The coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations are get hold of from the partial differential equations which are derived from the conservation of momentum and energy of both nanofluid and dusty phases. Then, using apt resemblance transformation these ordinary differential equations were altered into a dimensionless form and then solved by bvp5c solver in Matlab software. The variation in velocity and temperature profiles of fluid and dusty phases for different parameters are thrash out in depth by figures and tables. The outcomes exhibit that the velocity profile of both fluid and dusty phases boot as the values of the dust particle volume fraction parameter is enlarged. Besides, the magnetic field parameter has similar effect on the velocity profile of both fluid and dusty phases. Also, the results illustrated that temperature profile of both Cu-water nanofluid and dusty particle phases are improved within an enhancement in the values of the temperature relaxation parameter, Cu-particle volume fraction, and Biot number. The results also confirm that for greater values of the magnetic field parameter the values of skin friction coefficient are enlarged for all values of the velocity ratio parameter.
Zhibaidihuang Decoction Ameliorates Cell Oxidative Stress by Regulating the Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wu Pingping , Ding Bin , Ye Li , Huang Yanfen , Ji Jinjun , Fan Yongsheng , Xu Li
Published: February 2020

Zhibaidihuang decoction (ZBDHD) is a Chinese herbal formula, which is used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat symptoms of Yinxuhuowang (Yin deficiency and high fire) syndrome. This study elucidates the mechanism of ZBDHD on oral ulcers, one Yinxuhuowang syndrome. Simultaneously, some ingredients in ZBDHD were found and identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). A Ganjiangfuzirougui decoction‐ (GJD‐) induced Yinxuhuowang syndrome SD rat model was used to demonstrate the efficiency of ZBDHD treatment. The oral mucosa of rat in the GJD group, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), showed epidermal shedding and inflammatory cell infiltration. And an alleviation efficiency of ZBDHD in GJD‐induced pathological changes in the oral mucosa could be obtained. ZBDHD treatment restored the GJD‐induced imbalance of metabolites, which were choline, glycocholic acid, and palmitoyl‐L‐carnitine (PALC). GJD stimulated the expression of NF‐κB. And the overexpressed of NF‐κB in mucosa of rat in the GJD group could be inhibited by ZBDHD treatment. Simultaneously, the optimal efficiency of ZBDHD treatment on the cellular ATP content, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration was evaluated, in vitro assay. Compared to the control cells, the ATP content, OCR, and SOD activity in the ZBDHD‐treated cells were significantly higher. For the mechanisms study, seven cytokines were screened with a Dual‐Luciferase Reporter gene assay. In the ARE assay, the luciferase signal was stimulated significantly by ZBDHD. In cells, the transcription of nrf2, maf, and keap1, which were related to the ARE pathway, was elevated by ZBDHD treatment. Our study demonstrated that high‐dose GJD could lead to Yinxuhuowang syndrome, such as oral ulcers, and the imbalance in serum metabolites. And ZBDHD can improve oral cell inflammation and the imbalance of metabolism by inhibiting NF‐κB and enhancing the activity of the ARE signalling pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress in the cell. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of ZBDHD.