bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of MCM-48 Molecular Sieves with High Specific Surface Area
Authors: Li Mei , Dong Liu Yi , Li Xin Xin , Guo Ze Ping , He Yun , Lin Qing
Published: January 2021

The hydrothermal synthesis of MCM-48 molecular sieves with CTAB and TEAOH as dual template agents and alkaline silica sol as silicon source has been systematically studied. The samples prepared at different crystallization temperature and time were analyzed by XRD, IR, nitrogen adsorption and desorption. The result shows that the best crystallization temperature and time are 100°C and 48h, respectively. According to BJH algorithm, the specific surface area of the sample is 1088 ~ 1669 m2/g, the pore size is 2.48 ~ 2.54 nm, and the pore volume is 1.2064 ~ 1.263 0cm3/g. Because it has high specific surface area, it can be widely used in catalytic adsorption, environmental engineering, biomedicine and other fields. Keywords: MCM-48; mesoporous molecular sieve; high specific surface area; dual template agents; alkaline silica sol
Relationship Study and Primary Application between Gas Permeability and Crack State on Bridge Joint Concrete
Authors: Zhang Guo Rong , Wang Xiao Dong , Han Jian Kun , Han Yi Xuan
Published: January 2021

For evaluating the crack state on solid bridge joint on site, the relationship between gas permeability and crack width of joint concrete is studied both on material and structural levels in this article. In laboratory tests, gas permeability tests on concrete samples with macrocrack are performed, the relationship between the relative gas permeability rate k/k0 and the relative variation of crack width ac is established combining with regression analysis, the fitting curve equation is . when ac increases by 1.125×10-2 mm, the gas permeability increases about 10 times compared with the initial state. In field tests, “pulse tests” are performed on bridge joint based on 3 embedded pulse probes to measure the evolution of gas permeability during bridge operation. The results show, firstly, the gas permeability of joint concrete are in the order of 10-16~10-19 m2, which indicates a good compaction performance; Secondly, an order of magnitude increase of gas permeability of one probe in different ages, or the fact that the gas permeability at one position in solid joint is obviously larger than the other positions, these phenomena indicate the existence of original defects, or the possibility of macrocrack appearance from microcracks, and the crack width increases by about 0.01 mm.
Numerical Analysis of Aerospace Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Superalloy Weldability Part III: Solidification Cracking Susceptibility
Authors: Gao Zhi Guo
Published: January 2021

The thermal-metallurgical model of primary γ gamma phase through couple of heat transfer model, dendrite selection model, columnar/equiaxed transition (CET) model, multicomponent dendrite growth model and nonequilibrium solidification model is further developed on the basis of criteria of minimum growth velocity, constitutional undercooling and marginal stability of planar front during nickel-based single-crystal weld pool solidification. It is clearly indicated that crystallographic orientation plays more important role than heat input in microstructure development and solidification behavior. The dendrite trunk spacing and solidification temperature range along the solid/liquid interface are symmetrically distributed about the weld pool centerline in (001) and [100] welding configuration, while they are asymmetrically distributed in (001) and [110] welding configuration. The dendrite size and solidification temperature range are beneficially smaller in (001) and [100] welding configuration than that of (001) and [110] welding configuration regardless of heat input. The mechanism of asymmetrical solidification cracking because of crystallography-dependent growth kinetics and solidification behavior is proposed. Optimum low heat input (low laser power and high welding speed) refines dendrite size and suppresses the solidification temperature range to minimize the solidification cracking susceptibility and ameliorate the weldability through microstructure control, while high heat input (high laser power and low welding speed) deteriorates the weldability and weld integrity. It is therefore imperative to optimize the welding conditions for successful defect-free laser welding. Moreover, the promising theoretical predictions agree well with the experiment results. The useful model is also applicable to other single-crystal superalloys with similar metallurgical properties by laser welding or laser cladding, and provide a more accurate and reliable way of solidification cracking susceptibility evaluation.
Numerical Analysis of Aerospace Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Superalloy Weldability Part I: Crystallography-Dependent Dendrite Growth
Authors: Gao Zhi Guo
Published: January 2021

The thermal-metallurgical modeling of microstructure development was further advanced during single-crystal superalloy weld pool solidification by coupling of heat transfer model, columnar/equiaxed transition (CET) model and multicomponent dendrite growth model on the basis criteria of minimum dendrite velocity, constitutional undercooling and marginal stability of planar front. It is clearly indicated that heat input (laser power and welding speed) and welding configuration simultaneously influence the stray grain formation, columnar/equiaxed transition and dendrite growth. For beneficial (001) and [100] welding configuration, the microstructure development along the solid/liquid interface is symmetrically distributed about the weld pool centerline throughout the weld pool. Finer columnar in [001] epitaxial dendrite growth region is kinetically favored at the bottom of the weld pool. For detrimental (001) and [110] welding configuration, the microstructure development along the solid/liquid interface is asymmetrically distributed. The dendrite trunk spacing along the solid/liquid interface from the beginning to end of solidification morphologically increases on the left side of the weld pool, while it spontaneously decreases on the right side. The vulnerable location of solidification cracking is confined in the [100] dendrite growth region on the right side of the weld pool because of increasing metallurgical contributing factors of severe stray grain formation, centerline grain boundary formation and coarse dendrite size. The mechanism of crystallography-dependent asymmetrical solidification cracking due to microstructure anomalies is proposed. It is crystallographically favorable for predominant morphology instability to deteriorate weldability. Active [100] dendrite growth region is diminished in the shallow elliptical weld pool by optimum low heat input (low laser power and high welding speed) with (001) and [100] welding configuration to essentially facilitate single-crystal solidification conditions and provide enough resistant to solidification cracking. Moreover, the theoretical predictions agree well with the experiment results. The reliable weldability maps are therefore established to determine the prerequisite for successful crack-free laser welding or cladding. The useful model is also applicable for other single-crystal superalloys with similar metallurgical properties.
Multi-Objective Optimization of PMEDM Input Factors for Processing Cylindrical Shaped Parts
Authors: Hong Tran Thi , Cuong Nguyen Van , Hien Tran Ngoc , Danh Bui Thanh , Ky Le Hong , Linh Nguyen Hong , Vinh Nguyen Thai , Tam Do Thi
Published: January 2021

The present work deals with multi-objective optimization of powder mixed electric discharge machining (PMEDM) when processing cylindrically shaped parts. In this work, the pulse on time Ton, the pulse off time Toff, the powder concentration Cp, the pulse current IP, and the server voltage SV were chosen for the optimization problem. Also, the surface roughness (SR), the material removal rate (MRR), and the electrode wear (EW) were chosen as three objectives for the investigation. Besides, the Taguchi method and the grey relational analysis (GRA) were applied for optimizing simultaneously three the SR, the MRR and the EW to find the optimum input factors. The impact of the process parameters on the overall goal was weighed. Additionally, optimum input factors of PMEDM process for multi-objectives were recommended.
Isolation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in bovine mastitis: A potential milk-borne hazard
Authors: Lorusso Andrea , Addante Luciana , Capozzi Loredana , Bianco Angelica , Del Sambro Laura , Gallitelli Maria Ester , Parisi Antonio
Published: January 2021

This paper describes the first confirmed case of a subclinical mastitis caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in a dairy cow from Italy. Milk samples from an adult cow of the Bruna breed were analyzed accordingly to standard milk cultivation protocols. Bacteriological examinations allowed to isolate atypical Gram-negative rods identified as Y. pseudotuberculosis using biochemical tests. The isolate was subjected to Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and the species identification was confirmed using rMLST. Moreover, the virulence and antibacterial susceptibility of the isolate have been also determined. The most common virulence genes were screened through WGS, showing the presence of inv, ail, pil and HPI genes. No antibiotic resistance was found. Even though scarcely described as causal agent of subclinical mastitis, the detection of Y. pseudotubercolusosis suggests that this pathogen could be spread to humans through raw milk, representing a potential food safety hazard.
Successful therapeutic plasma exchange in cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia in patient with disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Belfeki N. , Strazzulla A. , Isnard P. , Hamrouni S. , Maamar B. , Soulier P. , Monchi M. , Diamantis S.
Published: January 2021

An association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with disseminated tuberculosis is an exceedingly rare entity. We describe herein a case of cold hemolytic autoimmune anemia associated with miliary tuberculosis resolved with blood transfusions, therapeutic plasma exchange, and antituberculous agents. We discuss the advantages of therapeutic plasma exchange at an early stage in the management of this condition.
Therapeutic levels of short-term tramadol administration negatively affect testis function in rats
Authors: Aprioku Jonah Sydney , Okpe Benjamin Toochukwu , Ben Doupere
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To investigate the effects of 30-day treatment with therapeutic dose equivalent levels of tramadol on serum testosterone level, sperm parameters, and testicular histology in rats.

Methods:

Thirty-five Wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups. Group 1 (the control group) received distilled water (0.5 mL) daily for 30 days. Groups 2-4 were gavaged with therapeutic dose equivalent levels of tramadol (1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 mg/kg/day body weight, respectively) in two equal divided doses for 30 consecutive days, and sacrificed on day 31. Groups 5-7 received similar tramadol treatments as above but they were allowed for another 30 days to recover after receiving the last dose and sacrificed on day 61 for reversibility study. Serum testosterone level and epididymal sperm were analyzed, and histopathological examination of the testis was carried out.

Results:

Tramadol treatment significantly decreased serum testosterone levels compared with the control group. Furthermore, tramadol treatment inhibited sperm motility and significantly and dose-dependently decreased sperm count and viability compared with the control group. In addition, tramadol significantly increased morphological abnormalities in sperm (P<0.05). The above effects of tramadol were reduced in the reversible groups. Testis histopathological examination revealed disintegrated cell architecture, eroded and atrophied seminiferous tubules, and a marked decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells in the tramadol treated groups. The histopathological changes were restored in the reversible groups, but improvement was not complete in the 5.00 mg/kg tramadol treated reversible group.

Conclusions:

Long term treatment with tramadol at clinical dose levels may adversely affect testosterone level, sperm parameters, and testicular histology, but they are reversible at lower doses.
Supplementation of L-ascorbic acid improves the in vitro development of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos and alters the expression of apoptosis-related genes
Authors: Roshan Mayank , Dua Diksha , Sharma Ankur , Tiwari Manish , Singh Manoj Kumar , Singla Suresh Kumar , Palta Prabhat , Manik Radhay Sham , Chauhan Manmohan Singh
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To study the effect of L-ascorbic acid supplementation on the in vitro development of buffalo embryos and evaluate the relative mRNA abundance of some pro-apoptotic, anti-apoptotic, and embryonic development-related genes.

Methods:

In experiment 1, we evaluated the effect of the addition of 0 (control), 50, and 100 μM L-ascorbic acid to the in vitro maturation medium on the developmental competence in terms of blastocyst rate and relative mRNA abundance of some pro-apoptotic (BAX, BID), anti-apoptotic (BCL-XL, MCL1), and embryonic development (GDF9, BMP15) related genes. Based on the results, we chose 50 μM as the suitable dose of L-ascorbic acid for the subsequent experiments. We further evaluated the blastocyst rates following the addition of 50 μM L-ascorbic acid to the in vitro culture medium (experiment 2), and in vitro maturation and in vitro culture media (experiment 3). In all three experiments, the maturation and culture media devoid of L-ascorbic acid served as the control group.

Results:

The blastocyst rate after adding 50 μM L-ascorbic acid to the in vitro maturation medium was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05), whereas 100 μM L-ascorbic acid exhibited a negative effect on the blastocyst rate. The blastocyst rates for embryos cultured in 50 μM L-ascorbic acid in the in vitro culture medium alone and both in vitro maturation and in vitro culture media were significantly higher than their corresponding control groups (P<0.05). The relative mRNA abundance of BAX significantly decreased in blastocysts produced after the addition of 50 μM L-ascorbic acid as compared with the control group (P<0.05), whereas, for MCL1, it significantly decreased in blastocysts produced after the addition of 100 μM L-ascorbic acid (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The supplementation of 50 μM L-ascorbic acid to in vitro maturation and in vitro culture media supports in vitro embryonic development in buffaloes by improving developmental competence and altering the expression of apoptosis-related genes.
Myocardial infarction due to thrombosis of native aorta late after Fontan procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Patel Bhavi , Downing Tacy , Prieto Lourdes , Santana-Acosta Darline
Published: January 2021

Patients with single ventricle physiology who have undergone the Fontan procedure are at risk for long-term complications such as thrombus formation. Thrombus formation in the native aortic root (NAR) can be life-threatening if retrograde filling of the coronary arteries (CAs) is impaired. We present three cases of NAR thrombus with embolization to the CA, resulting in myocardial infarction. Thromboembolic events are well-documented complications of Fontan physiology, and optimal prevention and treatment strategies are poorly defined.
Rank conditions for finite group actions on 4-manifolds
Authors: Hambleton Ian , Pamuk Semra
Published: January 2021

Let M be a closed, connected, orientable topological

$4$
-manifold, and G be a finite group acting topologically and locally linearly on M. In this paper, we investigate the spectral sequence for the Borel cohomology

$H^*_G(M)$
and establish new bounds on the rank of G for homologically trivial actions with discrete singular set.
An Assessment of the Performance of Framework Contract Projects
Authors: Calistus Ayegba , Edwin Agbo , David Root
Published: January 2021

There is increasing adoption of framework contracts (FC) for construction project delivery in South Africa, but it is not yet clear what the performance of the approach is in accomplishing client's expected outcomes of projects being delivered on time, within budget and to required quality and satisfaction. In this study, the performance of FC and the variables that influences the performance is investigated empirically. A qualitative research methodology was adopted for the study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with key informants of eight purposively selected client organizations employing FC in South Africa. From the findings, FC is indicated to have performed spectacularly in dealing with unnecessary cost overruns, time delays, and improvement in the quality of delivery. However, it was reported that the approach work best for repetitive works and when a client has the intention of a long-term programme of work. In which case, clients also have to take care to avoid complacency from the contractors. The results provide substantial evidence that FC can perform better than the conventional approaches of short-term relationships and contracts. The result of the study provides insights that can encourage construction stakeholders to appreciate and adopt FC as a viable alternative approach for construction project delivery.

Keywords: Framework contracts, Performance, Performance variables, South Africa
Design and development of biometric voting system using fingerprint and facial recognition
Authors: Okandeji A. , Olajide M.B. , Okubanjo A.A. , Onaifo F.
Published: January 2021

The election process adopted in Nigeria is mostly paper based or manual. This manually handled process can be time-consuming, and prone to security breaches and electoral fraud. Consequently, this work proposes a biometrically authenticated voting system to provide inexpensive solution to the electoral process in Nigeria. In particular, the biometric database is constructed by filling it with the audio fingerprints and the associated metadata of many audio clips, and then the fingerprint of an unknown clip (or the distorted version of the clip brought by compression or standard audio processing) is extracted and compared to that of the clip in the database. If the fingerprint of the unknown clip is in the database, it will be correctly identified by the matching procedures. The project is implemented with biometric system i.e. fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. Accordingly, this is used to ensure enhanced security, and to avoid fake, repeated voting. Results obtained showed that the proposed system is fast, accurate, reliable, and cost effective, thus a viable option to replace the manual voting process.

Keywords: Biometrics, electoral process, facial recognition, finger print scanning
Zerumbone decreases BACH1 levels by upregulating miR- 708 to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion
Authors: Zhao Fuguang , Ma Bo , Lv Zhenye , Chen Jie , Cai Yuanjie , Xu Chunjing , Cai Yong
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the potential mechanism by which zerumbone suppresses breast cancer (BC) cells.Methods: Cell viability and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effect of zerumbone on BC cell growth. The downstream target of zerumbone was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays and immunoblotting. Cell viability assays and immunoblotting were conducted to detect if zerumbone had any effect on BACH1 (BTB domain and CNC homolog 1) expression.Results: Zerumbone suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells. It also upregulated the expression of microRNA (miR)-708 and, hence, suppressed BACH1 expression. Furthermore, zerumbone suppressed the proliferation and invasion of BC cells by promoting miR-708expression and suppressing BACH1.Conclusion: The findings help clarify the anti-tumor mechanism of zerumbone and provide theoretical and therapeutic bases for the anti-tumor effects of Chinese herbal medicine.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Zerumbone, Cell invasion, MiR-708, BACH1
In vivo antidiabetic activity of qwueous extract of Artemisia argyi (Chinese mugwort) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Wu Xinliang , Zhuang Junxue , Bai Zixia , Guo Daliang
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Artemisia argyi (Asteraceae) in alloxan (ALX)-induced diabetic rats.

Experimental: Soxhlet apparatus was packed with grinded leaves of A. Argyi and subjected to extraction by double distillation using water as  running solvent for 4 – 5 h. Male albino Wistar rats weighing 150 ± 10 g were used in this study. Diabetes was induced in overnight-fasted rats via intraperitoneal administration of freshly prepared 10 % alloxan solution at a dose of 186.9 mg/kg. Serum glucose (Glc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (TGs) and total cholesterol (TC) were evaluated using Randox assay kits. Serum reduced glutathione (GSH) was assayed using a slight modification of a previously reproted procedure, while histological examination was carried out microscopically after hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results: Oral administration of aqueous extract of Artemisia argyi significantly reduced ALX-induced increases in glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose, but significantly increased total protein, hemoglobin, insulin, and C-peptide levels (p < 0.05). Administration of the extract also led to a significant upsurge in non-enzymic antioxidants i.e. ceruloplasmin, GSH, vitamin E and vitamin C. The extract produced a hypolipidemic effect by significantly reducing total cholesterol (TC) and serum TGs. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the extract were dose-dependent (p < 0.05). Histological examination of the pancreas revealed that the extract protected the integrity of beta cells in ALXinduced diabetic rats.

Conclusion: These results indicate the beneficial effects of Artemisia argyi against diabetes mellitus. Thus, Artemisia argyi may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Artemisia argyi, Antidiabetic, Glutathione, Histopathology, Antioxidant
Loureirin B attenuates amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppression of TGFβ1/Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Ma Weixiu , Shi Haixia , Wei Guangming , Hua Mao , Ma Jinhua , Cui Jinxia , Yu Honggang
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of loureirin B (LB) on amiodarone (AD)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF).Methods: Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice, 8–10 weeks of age, were divided into four groups (n=12). Oral administration of amiodarone hydrochloride (AD) was performed for 4 weeks to induce pulmonary fibrosis. The degree of fibrosis was assessed by Masson staining, while collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. ELISA was used to measure the levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. Levels of p- Smad2, Smad2, p-Smad3 and Smad3 were determined by western blotting.Results: AD treatment increased the collagen levels and expression levels of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in lung tissue and of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01).Furthermore, AD increased the levels of p-Smad2/3. AD-induced increases in collagen I and α-SMA levels were reversed by loureirin B (LB). In addition, LB reduced AD-induced increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue (p < 0.01).Conclusion: These results demonstrate that LB downregulates expression of fibrosis-related proteins and suppresses AD-induced PF. The  mechanism responsible for the protective effect of LB on ADinduced PF might involve inhibition of the Smad2/3 pathway. Thus, LB is a potential therapeutic agent for the management of PF.

Keywords: Amiodarone, Loureirin B, Pulmonary fibrosis, Smad, Inflammation
Tiazofurin inhibits oral cancer growth in vitro and in vivo via upregulation of miR-204 expression
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Zhao Aimin , Hong Yanhuan
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of tiazofurin on proliferation and growth of oral cancer cells, and the associated mechanism(s) of action.Methods: The effect of tiazofurin on the cytotoxicity of SCC-VII and SCC-25 oral cancer cells were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used for assaying proteinexpressions.Results: Tiazofurin inhibited the viability of the oral cancer cells in a concentration-based manner (p < 0.05). Tiazofurin treatment at a dose of 2.0 μM reduced the proliferation of SCC-VII and SCC-25 cells to 25 and 22 %, respectively. Apoptosis was significantly increased in SCC-VII and SCC-25 cells by tiazofurin treatment, relative to untreated cells (p < 0 .05). Tiazofurin also increased the activation levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and downregulated the expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR in the two cancer cell lines. Moreover, miR-204 expression was significantly promoted in the tiazofurin-treated cells, when compared to control (p < 0 .05). In SCC-VII cells, treatment with tiazofurin suppressed Factin expression, relative to control.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that tiazofurin inhibits the viability and proliferation of SCC-VII and SCC-25 cancer cells via induction of apoptosis and activation of caspase-3/caspase-9. Moreover, tiazofurin targets Akt/mTOR pathway, and upregulats the expressions of F-actin and miR-204 in the oral carcinoma cells. These findings suggest that tiazofurin has a potential for use as an effective treatment for oral cancer.

Keywords: Oral cancer, Tiazofurin, Apoptosis, Caspase, Cytotoxicity
Down-regulation of F-actin and paxillin by N-(3-(1Htetrazol- 1-yl)phenyl) isonicotinamide derivative inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Wei Liang , Mu Ying , Ji Lina , Guo Xin , Li Tongyi
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of N-(3-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)phenyl) isonicotinamide derivative (TPIN) on prostate cancer cells, and the mechanism involved.Methods: The cytotoxicity of TPIN in DU145 and PC3 cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, while apoptosis induction was assayed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate dye. Changes in expressions of F-actin, RAC-α and paxillin were determined by western blot assay.Results: Cell proliferation was effectively inhibited by TPIN in the concentration range of 0.75-15 μM. The values of half-minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TPIN for DU145 and PC3 cells at 48 h were 5.6 and 10.2 μM, respectively (p < 0.05). Treatment with 5.6 μM TPIN increased apoptosis to 59.64 % in DU145 cells, and 54.21% in PC3 cells. Cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels were increased by TPIN treatment in both cell lines (p < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of F-actin and paxillin were significantly downregulated by TPIN treatment in DU145 and PC3 cells (p < 0.05). In TPIN-treated DU145 and PC3 cells, cofilin-1expression was up-regulated, relative to control cells.Conclusion: TPIN exhibits cytotoxic effect on prostate cancer cells via activation of apoptosis. It elevates cofilin-1 and the expressions of targets F-actin and paxillin in prostate cancer cells. Thus, TPIN is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for prostate cancer. However, further investigations, including clinical trials are required to authenticate these findings.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, F-actin, Paxillin, Apoptosis, Caspases
Phytochemical composition and pharmacological assessment of callus and parent plant of Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less. from Algerian Sahara
Authors: Belhadi Fairouz , Ouafi Saida , Bouguedoura Nadia
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, as well as analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of extracts of the aerial parts and callus cultures of Asteriscus graveolens.Methods: Different standard chemical tests were used for the screening of bioactive compounds in aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Asteriscus graveolens (PAE) and callus (CAE). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to identify the constituents of the glycosidic extract (GE). Acute oral toxicity test was carried out to ascertain the safety of the plant material. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were determined using acetic acid-induced writhing test and carrageenan-induced edema test, respectively.Results: Phytochemical analysis showed some differences in composition between the aerial parts and callus cultures. Results from HPLC analysis revealed the presence of 12 phenolic compounds in the GE of adult plants. In addition to being orally safe (no mortality), all extracts showed significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced chemical pain: PAE and GE produced 63 and 68 % reductions in pain, respectively, relative to 60.26 % pain reduction by aspirin. All extracts exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects, with PAE producing the highest effect (73 %) at a dose of 100 mg/mL.Conclusion: Asteriscus graveolens extracts possess potent pharmacological properties due to the presence of some phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional uses of Asteriscus graveolens, and indicate that it is a potential source of antiinflammatory agents.

Keywords: Acute toxicity, Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, Aqueous extract, Callus, Flavonoids
Ferula asafoetida Linn. is effective for early functional recovery following mechanically induced insult to the sciatic nerve of a mouse model
Authors: Kamran Syed Kashif Shahid , Rasul Azhar , Anwar Haseeb , Irfan Shahzad , Ullah Khizar Sami , Malik Shoaib Ahmad , Razzaq Aroona , Aziz Nimra , Braidy Nady , Hussain Ghulam
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Ferula asafoetida (oleo gum resin powder) on sensory and motor functions retrieval on an induced sciatic nerve injury in a mouse model.Methods: A mechanical crush was inserted in the sciatic nerve of all the experimental mice after acclimatization. The mice were allocated to four groups; one normal chow group (control, n = 7) and three Ferula asafoetida chow groups (each n = 7) of different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg). Muscle grip strength, muscle mass, and sciatic functional index were measured to evaluate the motor function regain, while sensory function regain was assessed by hot plate test. Oxidative stress and glycemic levels were measured by biochemical assays.Results: The findings of this study indicate that Ferula asafoetida 200 mg/kg has a highly significant (p≤ 0.001) ameliorating effect in terms of improved grip strength (77.7 ± 5.4 % for 200 mg/kg vs. 46 ± 5.1 % for control), reversal of SFI towards normal ( -34 ± 8.1 for 200 mg/kg group vs. –61 ± 6.1 for control), decrease in paw withdrawal latency (7.10 ± 0.06 s for 200 mg/kg group vs. 15 ± 0.5 s for control) on day 12 post-injury, as well as restoration of skeletal muscle mass towards normal. Interestingly, F. asafoetida chow 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg groups also impacted significant (p < 0.01) improvement in the ameliorative effect. However, the differences among all treatment groups in ameliorating recovery were not significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, comparatively improved (p < 0.0001) total antioxidant capacity along with reduced total oxidant status (p = 0.01) in the Ferula asafoetida chow (200 mg/kg) group, indicate the antioxidative effect of this plant. Furthermore, the treated mice (200 mg/kg) also expressedan improved glycemic level (p = 0.0005).Conclusion: Ferula asafoetida supplementation helps to accelerate both sensory and motor function retrieval following sciatic nerve injury. This  improvement is thought to be correlated with the antioxidant capacity of the plant. However, further investigations are required to identify the therapeutic principles responsible for the observed actions.

Keywords: Sciatic nerve injury, Ferula asafoetida, Function recovery, Oxidative stress, Biochemical analysis
Antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic and antioxidant properties of hydromethanol extract of Eremomastax speciosa leaf in alloxan monohydrate-induced hyperglycemic rats
Authors: Onoja SO , Effiong UO , Chukwuocha B.K. , Okorie-Kanu C.C. , Ezeja M.I. , Omeh Y.N. , Anaga A.O.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the antihyperglycemic, anti-dyslipidemic and antioxidant properties of hydromethanol extract of Eremomastax speciosa leaf in alloxan monohydrate-induced hyperglycemic rats.

Methods: Hydromethanol extract of Eremomastax speciosa leaf was tested at dose range of 25 to 100 mg/kg against vehicle (distilled water) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg, reference standard) in alloxaninduced hyperglycemic rats. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed in the identification of phytoconstituents. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid profile, malondialdehyde, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels as well as the histopathology of the pancreas of the animals were evaluated.

Results: The extract (25 mg/kg) significantly reduced FBG, lipid profile and malondialdehyde levels relative to vehicle treated group but increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase levels and reversed alloxan-induced pancreatic islet cell degeneration. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 4,5-dimethylthiazole (4.38%), benzenesulfonic acid, methyl ester (15.62%), benzenesulfonyl chloride (40.62%), benzopyran-4-one, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenyl- (21.25%), 2(5H)-furanone, 4-methoxy-5-phenyl-(12.50%), and p-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (5.62%)

Conclusion: The hypoglycemic effect of the extract validates the folkloric uses of E. speciosa leaf in the ethnobotanical care of diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-dyslipidemic, Eremomastax speciosa
Effect of berberine on hyperandrogenemia, ovulation dysfunction and inflammation in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Lu Kena , Lin Hanmei
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the effect of berberine (BBR) on hyperandrogenemia (HA), ovulation dysfunction and inflammation in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: Forty-five female Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group (9 mice), and mice injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (n = 36) for establishment of PCOS model. The PCOS mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose BBR (0.25 g/kg), medium-dose BBR (0.5 g/kg) and highdose (1.0 g/kg) groups, with 9 mice in each group. Changes in ovarian morphology were monitored, and sex hormone levels i.e. testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH)), and inflammatory factors were determined.Results: The model group levels of T and LH were significantly higher than those of the blank control group (p < 0.05), but T and LH levels were significantly lower in middle- and high-dose BBR groups than in the model mice. There were marked increases in IL-6 and TNF-α levels in model mice, when compared to blank control mice, but reduced in the mice treated at the 3 doses of BBR, relative to model mice (p < 0.05). In contrast, the number of follicles was higher at each stage of development in mice for each BBR dose than in the model mice, with increase in corpus luteum.Conclusion: Berberine lowers the weight of PCOS mice, mitigates hyperandrogenemia and inflammatory state, and enhances recovery of ovulation. However, there is need for further studies on its clinic applicability.

Keywords: Berberine, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Hyperandrogenemia, Ovulation dysfunction, Inflammatory
Extended warfarin treatment versus rivaroxaban treatment for first episode of symptomatic unprovoked pulmonary embolism: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Pan Jie , Hao Zong , Sun Xiaohong , Gao Hong , Gao Bin
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the benefits and risks of extra 6 months of warfarin therapy with those of rivaroxaban treatment in patients with initial unprovoked pulmonary embolism (PE) episode who completed 3- or 6-month of therapy on heparin/vitamin K antagonist standard regime.Methods: This prospective observational study included 212 patients with follow-up from July 2013 to July 2018. The primary endpoint was symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VT), composite of non-fatal symptomatic PE or deep vein thrombosis or fatal VT, and major bleeding (non-fatal/fatal) up to 6 months. Secondary endpoints were death not related to PE or major bleeding.Results: During the 6-month therapy period, the primary endpoint was seen in 3 out of 106 patients (2.83 %) in warfarin category, and in  rivaroxaban category, for a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.22 [95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.09 - 11.18; p = 0.813]. With warfarin therapy, 2 patients (1.89 %) had recurrent VT, while 3 patients (2.83 %) had VT with rivaroxaban. Major bleeding was observed in 2 patients (1.89 %) on warfarin, and in one patient (0.94 %) on rivaroxaban. During the entire 18-month period, the primary endpoint was seen in 15 patients (14.15 %) treated with warfarin, and in 18 patients (16.98 %) treated with rivaroxaban (HR 0.84; 95 % CI = 0.47 - 1.84; p = 0.431). Major bleeding was observed in 5 patients (4.72 %) under warfarin (one fatal), relative to 3 patients (2.83 %) under rivaroxaban (R 1.67; 95 % CI = 0.62 - 5.95; p = 0.09).Conclusion: Rivaroxaban showed higher efficacy than warfarin in recurrent VT prevention, with lower risk of major bleeding. However, the extended therapeutic benefit was not maintained post-therapy.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism, Rivaroxaban, Warfarin, Heparin, Vitamin K, Hazard ratio
Rhodioloside inhibits apoptosis of hippocampal neurons exposed to sevoflurane via cAMP/PKA signaling pathway
Authors: Su Yuqiang , Bai Yan , Zheng Zhonglei , Fan Xiaoying
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Neural injury affects patients after using inhalational anesthetics such as sevoflurane. Rhodioloside, a compound which is obtained from the Rhodiola rosea plant has been implicated to be the most commonly used psychostimulant that can improve a range of conditions. The study was aimed at finding the molecular mechanism underlying the Rhodioloside treatment of sevoflurane-injured hippocampal neurons.Methods: Main hippocampal neurons, secluded from Sprague Dawley embryonic rats were employed to create an injury model using 3 % sevoflurane. The sevoflurane-injured hippocampal neurons were treated with varying concentrations (10, 20, 40 and 80 μM/ml) of Rhodioloside to create different experimental groups: RHSD10+SEV, RHSD20+SEV, RHSD40+SEV, RHSD80+SEV, while untreated cells were considered as the Control group. Cell viability was identified using the CCK-8 assay. The CFSE assay was used to verify the promotion function of Rhodioloside on cell differentiation of neurons. FCM assay was employed to determine cell proliferation and apoptosis. Expression levels of apoptosisrelated factors, like Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were examined by RT-qPCR, while Western blot was used to measure phosphorylation of PKA.Results: Rhodioloside stimulated cell viability and prevented cell apoptosis in sevoflurane-injured hippocampal neurons in doses between 10-80 μM. The apoptosis-inhibitory effect of Rhodioloside was observed to be through cAMP/PKA pathway activation. Also, expression levels of Bcl-2, and PKA were enhanced and the level of Caspase-3 and Bax was reduced in a dose-dependent pattern. The PKA inhibitor reversed the above observation in the 40 μM Rhodioloside-treatment.Conclusion: Rhodioloside promoted cell viability and prevented apoptosis of primary hippocampal neurons injured by sevoflurane, through cAMP/PKA pathway activation. Inhibition of PKA network deteriorated the function of Rhodioloside by stimulating cell apoptosis. Our findings present a novel evidence that Rhodioloside could attenuate neurotoxicity of inhalational anesthetics.

Keywords: Cell apoptosis, cAMP/PKA pathway, Hippocampal neurons, Rhodioloside, Sevoflurane
ĐIỀU KIỆN BIÊN VẬN TỐC TRƯỢT BẬC HAI MỚI CHO MÔ PHỎNG DÒNG KHÍ LOÃNG TỐC ĐỘ CAO
Authors: TUẤN PHƯƠNG NAM LÊ
Published: January 2021

Trong bài báo này, một điều kiện biên trượt vận tốc bậc hai mới được đề xuất dựa trên sự kết hợp giữa mô hình hấp thụ hạt khí đẳng nhiệt Langmuir trên bề mặt rắn và mô hình khí động học Karniadakis et al. Điều kiện biên trƣợt vận tốc bậc hai mới này được tích hợp vào trong phần mềm mã mở OpenFOAM đề dùng với bộ giải rhoCentralFoam mà giải các phương trình Navier-Stokes-Fourier cho mô phỏng dòng khí loãng. Hai trường hợp cơ bản để kiểm chứng điều kiện biên trượt vận tốc mới cho tính toán mô phỏng dòng khí loãng ở tốc độ cao trên tấm phẳng và dòng khí loãng đi ngang qua hình trụ tròn. Các dòng khí loãng argon và ni-tơ ở tốc độ cao (số Mach từ 4 – 10) đƣợc lựa chọn dể thực hiện mô phỏng cho hai trƣờng hợp trên. Kết quả mô phỏng CFD cho tính toán vận tốc trượt trên bề mặt của dòng khí loãng với điều kiện biên vận tốc trƣợt bậc hai mới trên bề mặt thì tiệm cận với kết quả DSMC cho tất cả các trường hợp đƣợc xem xét trong bài báo và tốt hơn kết quả vận tốc trượt tính toán với điều kiện trượt vận tốc bậc hai Karniadakis et al.
APPLICATION OF AXIOMATIC DESIGN THEORY IN THERMOFORMING APPARATUS DESIGN AND FABRICATION
Authors: KHOA TRIỀU NGUYỄN , CAO THÔNG NGUYỄN , VĂN TRUNG NGUYỄN , ANH TUẤN TRẦN , QUANG VINH NGUYỄN , THANH VŨ TRẦN
Published: January 2021

In this article, the authors synthesized and analyzed research papers that utilized axiomatic design theory (ADT), both in scope of applications and pros and cons. After the benefits of ADT for design in particular and scientific research in general were carefully investigated, ADT was studied and translated from the author's original book. Accordingly, the axiomatic design is to consider the design in a scientific way, thereby providing a basic framework to understand design activities. ADT includes some basic concepts - domain and mapping, hierarchy, zigzagging, the independence axiom and the information axiom. Design tasks can be represented as mappings between domains. Designers map from the requirements of what they want to achieve to posible solutions. As the design progresses, broad, high level requirements are decomposed into smaller sub-requirements, which are then fulfilled by sub-solutions. When designers choose solutions, they utilize two design axioms to evaluate the quality of these solutions. Therefore, the axiomatic design provides guidance on how to make good decisions, promising to be a powerful tool for design activities in Vietnam. Finally, to master the theory, ADT is applied to the design of a thermoforming device. However, in this casestudy, only axiom 1, axiom of maintaining the independence of functional requirements was utilized; therefore, the next research will be to optimize the functional structures of the device, using the axiom 2, the axiom of minimizing information content.
APPLICATION OF EEMD-SVD TECHNIQUE BSOA-SVM METHOD TO FAULT DIAGNOSIS FOR ROLLER BEARING
Authors: HÙNG LINH AO
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a new method to diagnose roller bearing failure, in which we use EEMD (Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition) method combined with the singular value decomposition method (SVD) and support vector machine. (SVM). In addition, the parameters of SVM are selected through Backtracking  Search Optimization Algorithm to make BSOA-SVM clasifiers. First, the accelerator vibartion signal is decomposed into IMF (Intrinsic Mode Function) by EEMD method. These IMFs are analyzed separately to create input vectors for SVM classifiers. Finally, BSOA-SVM classifiers are used to classify fault roller bearing patterns. Experimental results show that the proposed method can classify the conditions of roller bearings with higher accuracy and lower time when compared with other methods.
Experimental Measurements of a Low Power CMOS Analog MPPT Power Conditioning Circuit for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Galea Francarl , Casha Owen , Grech Ivan , Gatt Edward , Micallef Joseph
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the complete measured performance and characterization of a fabricated power conditioning integrated circuit for energy harvesters with on-chip maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and external energy storage. This ultra-low power circuit employs an AC/DC-to-DC converter compatible with both AC and DC voltage energy harvesters. The MPPT design follows the perturbation and observation algorithm. This MPPT is capable of tracking the maximum power point of types of energy harvesters. The circuit is implemented using the AMS CMOS 0:35 μm high voltage technology and all the circuit blocks use analog electronic techniques, with the transistors operating in the sub-threshold region, in order to obtain a minimum power consumption. This power conditioning circuit consumes less than 2 μW while featuring an input voltage range of -0:5V to -50V and a power range from 10 μW to 200mW.
Characterization success critical factors for the strengthening of rural enterprises: a literature review
Authors: García-Rojas J. R. , Reyes-Rodríguez J. F.
Published: January 2021

Rural entrepreneurship corresponds to the creation of business in rural settings, with the purpose of generating value and wealth from small and medium non-formalized productive units to the formality of small, medium and large business. Therefore, rural entrepreneurship is considered one of the great strategies to reduce poverty in the world. For that reason, countries work on entrepreneurial initiatives to generate progress through their different economic activities. The above, highlights the importance of investigating the critical success factors that contribute to sustainability over time and generation of wealth of rural entrepreneurship, contributing to the local and regional development of nations. The purpose of this research is to characterize the critical factors of rural entrepreneurship identified following a literature review of empirical scientific articles related to this field of research in the last ten years framed in a proposed new rural entrepreneurship development model that draws on two existing theories of entrepreneurship: Paturel’s 3E model and Freire’s inverted triangle. The proposed model has four dimensions: the entrepreneur, the idea, the resources, and the environment. The results show equality and differences between factors but they can organize and characterized by the rural entrepreneurship development model.
As festas de Reinado no interior da cultura popular de Minas Gerais
Authors: Alves Mikael José Guedes
Published: January 2021

O presente texto apresenta um breve histórico da formação das festas de reinado no Brasil, de modo especial no estado de Minas Gerais, e evidencia seu processo de consolidação como movimento religioso e cultural, e os principais desafios verificados na sua trajetória. Aponta-se também algumas medidas e iniciativas voltadas à sua preservação, dentre elas algumas empreendidas espontaneamente pelos indivíduos envolvidos no reinado ou pela recente legislação voltada à sua documentação e registro nos órgãos de patrimônio. Por fim, essa breve análise busca indicar as diversas posições que o reinado ocupou no contexto social com base nas propostas de diferentes naturezas a ele recomendadas.

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A (i)materialidade da cultura
Authors: Silva Leonardo Luiz Silveira da , Costa Alfredo
Published: January 2021

A discussão acerca da materialidade da cultura tomou a cena nos debates da geografia cultural a partir do artigo de Don Mitchell, publicado em 1995. Reanimamos esta discussão a partir de debates recentes que passaram até mesmo pela avaliação acerca da impossibilidade de representação espacial da cultura. Apresentamos neste artigo os resultados de um questionário acerca dos elementos componentes da cultura, que demonstrou a extrema diferenciação nas impressões, apontando para sua intangibilidade. Acrescentamos a abordagem assertiva de Augustin Berque como uma forma de mediar a materialidade e a imaterialidade da cultura, e ao final, alertamos para o risco do descuido discursivo, visto que a reflexão teórica aqui proposta se expressa por intermédio de dialéticas subjetivas, ou trajetivas.

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