bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zingiber Officinale Roscoe Prevents Cellular Senescence of Myoblasts in Culture and Promotes Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Mohd Sahardi Nur Fatin Nabilah , Jaafar Faizul , Mad Nordin Mariam Firdhaus , Makpol Suzana
Published: April 2020

Background. Ageing resulted in a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Increased oxidative stress in ageing affects the capacity of the myoblast to differentiate leading to impairment of muscle regeneration. Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) has potential benefits in reversing muscle ageing due to its antioxidant property. This study aimed to determine the effect of ginger in the prevention of cellular senescence and promotion of muscle regeneration. Methods. Myoblast cells were cultured into young and senescent state before treated with different concentrations of ginger standardised extracts containing different concentrations of 6‐gingerol and 6‐shogaol. Analysis on cellular morphology and myogenic purity was carried out besides determination of SA‐β‐galactosidase expression and cell cycle profile. Myoblast differentiation was quantitated by determining the fusion index, maturation index, and myotube size. Results. Treatment with ginger extracts resulted in improvement of cellular morphology of senescent myoblasts which resembled the morphology of young myoblasts. Our results also showed that ginger treatment caused a significant reduction in SA‐β‐galactosidase expression on senescent myoblasts indicating prevention of cellular senescence, while cell cycle analysis showed a significant increase in the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase and reduction in the S‐phase cells. Increased myoblast regenerative capacity was observed as shown by the increased number of nuclei per myotube, fusion index, and maturation index. Conclusions. Ginger extracts exerted their potency in promoting muscle regeneration as indicated by prevention of cellular senescence and promotion of myoblast regenerative capacity.
Morphological and Electrical Properties of Nanocellulose Compounds and Its Application on Capacitor Assembly
Authors: Hernández-Flores José Alfredo , Morales-Cepeda Ana Beatriz , Castro-Guerrero Carlos Fernando , Delgado-Arroyo Filemón , Díaz-Guillén Mario Roman , de la Cruz-Soto Javier , Magallón-Cacho Lorena , León-Silva Ulises
Published: April 2020

The rise for innovation in the electrical industry is strongly driven by development of new materials. Features of new materials are changing design paradigms for engineers. In this paper, the electrical properties of films of cellulose nanocrystals were measured. It was found that humidity affects the dielectric strength on the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The dielectric strength was similar to the value of the industrial dielectric paper. The addition of plasticizer improved the flexibility of the material but lowered the dielectric strength. The films of CNC had an ordered arrangement, as suggested by the iridescence shown by them. The humidity content of the films was measured by thermogravimetric analysis. The CNC film was used for assembling a capacitor and compared to a capacitor assembled with dielectric paper.
Comparison of Laparoscopy and Laparotomy in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: Early Experiences from a Developing Country
Authors: Cakmak Yusuf , Comert Duygu Kavak , Sozen Isik , Oge Tufan
Published: April 2020

After minimally invasive surgery gained popularity in gynecology, laparoscopic operations became widespread among oncologic operations. However, more studies evaluating experiences of oncologic surgeons during the learning period of laparoscopy are needed. To compare the surgical outcomes and perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy in the treatment of early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer patients, we retrospectively investigated patients who underwent surgery due to endometrial cancer at our institution between 2014 and 2018. Early-stage (stage I) endometrioid endometrial cancer patients were included in the study. Operative times, length of hospital stay, extracted pelvic lymph nodes, perioperative complications, and blood loss were compared. A total of 128 patients were treated for stage I endometrial cancer during the study period. Sixty-two patients (48.4%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 66 (51.6%) patients underwent laparotomy. Median operation time and pelvic lymph node count in the laparotomy and laparoscopy groups did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. However, the length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, and perioperative complication rate were lower in the laparoscopic surgery group. Laparoscopic surgery in early-stage endometrial cancer may be performed with less blood loss, shorter duration of hospital stays, and similar lymph node counts compared to laparotomic surgery.
Characterization of Cobalt Sulfide Thin Films Synthesized from Acidic Chemical Baths
Authors: Abza Tizazu , Dadi Dereje Gelanu , Hone Fekadu Gashaw , Meharu Tesfaye Chebelew , Tekle Gebremeskel , Abebe Eyobe Belew , Ahmed Kalid Seid
Published: April 2020

Cobalt sulfide thin films were synthesized from acidic chemical baths by varying the deposition time. The powder X‐ray diffraction studies indicated that there are hexagonal CoS, face‐centered cubic Co3S4, and cubic Co9S8 phases of cobalt sulfide. The crystallite size of the hexagonal CoS phase decreased from 52.8 nm to 22.5 nm and that of the cubic Co9S8 phase increased from 11 nm to 60 nm as the deposition time increased from 2 hrs to 3.5 hrs. The scanning electron microscopic images revealed crack and pinhole free thin films with uniform and smooth background and few large polygonal grains on the surface. The band gap of the cobalt sulfide thin films decreased from 1.75 eV to 1.3 eV as the deposition time increased from 2 hrs to 3.5 hrs. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films confirmed the emission of ultraviolet, violet, and blue lights. The intense PL emission of violet light at 384 nm had red shifted with increasing deposition time that could be resulted from the increase in the average crystallite size. The FTIR spectra of the films indicated the presence of OH, C‐O‐H, C‐O, double sulfide, and Co‐S groups. As the deposition time increased, the electrical resistivity of the cobalt sulfide thin films decreased due to the increase in both the crystallite size and the films’ thickness.
Study on Mechanical Behavior of Jurassic Frozen Sandstone in Western China Based on NMR Porosity
Authors: Ma Maoyan , Huang Yishun , Cao Guangyong , Lin Jian , Xu Shiliang
Published: April 2020

Study of frozen rock mechanical properties is necessary for safe application of the artificial ground freezing method in excavation of Chinese western water-rich soft rock layers. Triaxial compression tests and NMR test for samples from the western Jurassic sandstone were performed to investigate rock mechanical properties affected by low temperature and confining pressure. The results show mechanical parameters such as peak strength, cohesion, internal friction angle, residual strength, and elasticity modulus increased with the decreasing temperature under stable pressure, and the above parameters increased with the increasing confining pressure at a certain temperature. In particular, the growth rate of the rock strength would decline when the temperature was below −10°C in this study. Strength attenuation coefficients increased with the decreasing temperature, which indicated higher brittleness, whereas plastic characters got more obvious with the increasing confining pressure at a stable temperature. Furthermore, during the first two freezing stages, porosity decreased sharply with obvious increase of pore (crack) ice content, while porosity varied little at the third stage, which was the reason for the growth rate of rock strength declining with continuous low temperature from microcosmic point of view.
Stagnation Flow of a SWCNT Nanofluid towards a Plane Surface with Heterogeneous-Homogeneous Reactions
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Xu Hang , Sun Qiang
Published: April 2020

The homogeneous-heterogeneous reaction in the boundary layer flow of a water-based nanofluid in the stagnation-point region of a plane surface is investigated. The type of small particles explored here is the single-walled carbon nanotubes. The homogeneous nanofluid model is employed for description of behaviours of nanofluids. Here, the homogeneous (bulk) reaction is isothermal cubic autocatalytic, while the heterogeneous (surface) reaction is single, isothermal, and first order. The steady state of this system is analysed in detail, with equal diffusion coefficients being considered for both reactants and autocatalysts. Multiple solutions of the reduced system are captured for some particular sets of physical parameters, which seem to be overlooked in all previous published works with regard to studies of homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions modeled by homogeneous nanofluid models. Besides, we discover the significant limitation of previous conclusion about that the solutions by homogeneous nanofluid flow models can be recovered from those by regular fluids.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Fire Resistance of Epoxy Nanocomposite Reinforced with Environmentally Friendly Additive: Nanoclay I.30E
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Pham Thi Mai Huong , Dang Thi Huong , Do Thi Hanh , Nguyen Quang Tung
Published: April 2020

The main purpose of this study is to complete the research process of dispersing nanoclay I.30E (montmorillonite) into epoxy Epikote 240 by mechanical method combined with energy-saving ultrasonic method. We investigate appropriate dispersion conditions such as stirring speed, mechanical stirring temperature, ultrasonic stirring time, and ultrasonic stirring capacity, which affect the mechanical properties and fire resistance of nanocomposite materials. The nanoclay contents studied were 1, 2, 3, and 4% by weight, and the methods used in this study are FE-SEM; XRD; and flame-retardant evaluation methods: LOI, UL 94HB. The mechanical properties were studied: tensile strength, flexural strength, compression strength, and impact resistance Izod. The dispersion method was recommended to stir mechanically at a speed of 3000 rpm at 80°C for 8 hours and then conduct ultrasonic vibrations for 6 hours at 65°C. The results showed that epoxy Epikote 240/nanoclay I.30E nanocomposite material had mechanical properties and improved fire retardancy with a small amount of nanoclay I.30E added (2% by weight): tensile strength of 63.5 MPa (increased by 13.59%), flexural strength of 116.80 MPa (increased by 34.63%), compressive strength of 179.67 MPa (increased by 15.11%), impact resistance Izod of 12.81 KJ/m2 (increased by 80.16%), oxygen limit of 23.7%, and combustion rate of 24.5 mm/min; according to UL 94HB, the combustion rate reached 22.59 mm/min.
Copious Closed Forms of Solutions for the Fractional Nonlinear Longitudinal Strain Wave Equation in Microstructured Solids
Authors: Qin Haiyong , Khater Mostafa M. A. , Attia Raghda A. M.
Published: April 2020

A computational scheme is employed to investigate various types of the solution of the fractional nonlinear longitudinal strain wave equation. The novelty and advantage of the proposed method are illustrated by applying this model. A new fractional definition is used to convert the fractional formula of these equations into integer-order ordinary differential equations. Soliton, rational functions, the trigonometric function, the hyperbolic function, and many other explicit wave solutions are obtained.
Partograph Utilization and Associated Factors among Obstetric Care Providers at Public Health Facilities in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Yosef , Tafese Fikru , Weldemarium Tesfaye Dagne , Rad Mulugeta Hailu
Published: April 2020

Background. A partograph is a graphic representation of labor which is used by health professionals for monitoring labor progress and fetal and maternal wellbeing. However, its utilization and associated factors have not been studied yet in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine partograph utilization and associated factors among obstetric care providers at public health facilities in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 436 health professionals. The study was conducted from March 04 to April 07, 2019. A simple random sampling method was carried out to select 19 health facilities and study participants from selected facilities. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, entered into EPI-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics and binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. P values less than 0.05 were used to declare significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results. The overall magnitude of partograph utilization was found to be 54.4%, and finding from data abstraction from a document revealed that out of 18 parameters, only 10 parameters were recorded completely. Type of health facility (hospital as compared to HC) (AOR=2.96; CI=1.71, 5.12), received on-the-job training on partograph (AOR=7.06; CI=4.3, 11.37), knowledgeable about partograph (AOR=2.12; CI=1.3, 3.9), and favorable attitude toward partograph use (AOR=1.8; CI=1.12−2.97) were significantly associated with partograph use. Conclusion. Overall partograph utilization was low, and incomplete recording of required parameters on partograph was observed in this study. Participants who received on-the-job training on partograph, who are working in a hospital, who are knowledgeable about partograph, and who have favorable attitude toward partograph use were factors affecting partograph use positively.
2D DOA Estimation with a Two-Parallel Array Consisting of Two Uniform Large-Spacing Linear Arrays
Authors: Liu Sheng , Zhao Jing , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2020

In this paper, an improved propagator method (PM) is proposed by using a two-parallel array consisting of two uniform large-spacing linear arrays. Because of the increase of element spacing, the mutual coupling between two sensors can be reduced. Firstly, two matrices containing elevation angle information are obtained by PM. Then, by performing EVD of the product of the two matrices, the elevation angles of incident signals can be estimated without direction ambiguity. At last, the matrix product is used again to obtain the estimations of azimuth angles. Compared with the existed PM algorithms based on conventional uniform two-parallel linear array, the proposed PM algorithm based on the large-spacing linear arrays has higher estimation precision. Many simulation experiments are presented to verify the effect of proposed scheme in reducing the mutual coupling and improving estimation precision.
Regional Logistics Network Design in Mitigating Truck Flow-Caused Congestion Problems
Authors: Gan Mi , Li Xinyuan , Zhang Fadong , He Zhenggang
Published: April 2020

Truck flow plays a vital role in urban traffic congestion and has a significant influence on cities. In this study, we develop a novel model for solving regional logistics network (RLN) design problems considering the traffic status of the background transportation network. The models determine not only the facility location, initial distribution planning, roadway construction, and expansion decisions but also offer an optimal solution to the logistics network service level and truck-type selections. We first analyze the relationship between the urban transportation network and the RLN design problem using real truck data and traffic flow status in a typical city. Then, we develop the uncover degree function (UDF), which reflects the service degree of the RLN and formulates based on an impedance function. Subsequently, the integrated logistics network design models are proposed. We model the RLN design problem as a minimal cost problem and design double-layer Lagrangian relaxation heuristics algorithms to solve the model problems. Through experiments with data from the six-node problem and Sioux-Falls network, the effectiveness of the models and algorithms is verified. This study contributes to the planning of regional logistics networks while mitigating traffic congestion caused by truck flow.
Study of Jianpi Mixture on Intestinal Microbiota of Diarrhea Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mice
Authors: Lian Qiuhua , Ding Hengyue , Zhu Huiping , Zhang Chuan , Yu Song , Jie Hui , Zhang Yifan , Wu Bijian , Liang Guoqiang , Zhang Guoxing , Sun Hongwen
Published: April 2020

To investigate the differences in intestinal microbiota between diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome mice (IBS‐D) and healthy mice and to explore the effects of Jianpi mixture on intestinal microbes’ changes in IBS‐D mice based on 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. 48 young ICR male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): (1) control group, (2) IBS‐D group fed with distilled water, (3) IBS‐D group fed with lactic acid bacteria compound, and (4) IBS‐D group fed with Jianpi mixture for 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, 5 mice were randomly selected from each group, and then the changes in intestinal microbiota in the mice before and after treatment were analyzed by 16S rDNA high‐throughput gene sequencing. Compared with the control group, the species richness and species diversity of intestinal microbiota in feces and intestinal mucosa of IBS‐D mice were decreased (P < 0.05); IBS‐D mice showed changes in composition of and in ratio of the intestinal microbiota in feces and intestinal mucosa at the level of phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Treatment with Jianpi mixture increased the species diversity of intestinal microbiota in IBS‐D mice (P < 0.05) and the abundance of beneficial bacteria (P < 0.05) and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria (P < 0.05) at the level of phylum and genus. Compared with healthy mice, the species richness and species diversity of intestinal microbiota of IBS‐D mice are decreased. The intervention with Jianpi mixture can improve its diversity and regulate the equilibrium between beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Effects of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Chemical Features on Oldroyd-B Fluid Flow between Stretching Disks with Velocity and Temperature Boundary Assumptions
Authors: Khan Nargis , Hashmi Muhammad Sadiq , Khan Sami Ullah , Chaudhry Faryal , Tlili Iskander , Shadloo Mostafa Safdari
Published: April 2020

This research endeavors the rheological features of Oldroyd-B fluid configured by infinite stretching disks in presence of velocity and thermal slip features. Additionally, the effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical features are also considered. The transmuted flow equations are analytically solved with help of the homotopy analysis method (HAM). It is observed that the homogeneous chemical reaction parameter enhances the concentration distribution, while the heterogeneous reaction reduces the concentration profile. With implementations of temperature jump conditions, the heat transfer from the surfaces of both disks can be effectively controlled. The impacts of various dimensionless parameters are elaborated through graphs and tables.
The Potential Mechanism of Wuwei Qingzhuo San against Hyperlipidemia Based on TCM Network Pharmacology and Validation Experiments in Hyperlipidemia Hamster
Authors: Li Jianliang , Wang Chaolu , Song Lin , Cai Shuzhen , Li Zhiyong , Tu Ya
Published: April 2020

Wuwei Qingzuo San (WWQZS), as a renowned traditional Mongolian patent medicine approved by Chinese State Food and Drug Administration, is used to treat hyperlipidemia, indigestion, and other ailments related to disorder of production of essence and phlegm, a typical abnormal metabolism of blood in traditional Mongolian medicine. A combination of network pharmacology and validation experiments in hyperlipidemia hamster is used to understand the potential mechanism of WWQZS for hypolipidemic effects, further for an integrated concept of traditional theory, bioactive constituents, and molecular mechanism for TMM. Through network pharmacology, we obtained 212 components, 219 predicted targets, and 349 known hyperlipidemia‐related targets form public database and used Metascape to carry out enrichment analysis of 43 potential and 45 candidate targets to imply numerous BP concerned with metabolism of lipid, regulation of kinases and MF related to lipid binding, phosphatase binding, and receptor ligand activity that are involved in anti‐hyperlipidemia. In addition, KEGG pathways that explicated hypolipidemic effect were involved in pathways including metabolism associated with kinase function according to MAPK signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, in HFD‐induced hamster model, WWQZS could significantly reduce TC and ALT and help decrease TG, LDL‐C as well; liver pathological section implied that WWQZS could relieve liver damage and lipid accumulation. Western blot indicated that WWQZS may upregulate CYP7A1 and activate AMPK to suppress the expression of HMGCR in livers. In conclusion, our results suggest that WWQSZS plays important dual hypolipidemic and liver‐protective role in livers in HFD‐induced hamster model. Through this research, a new reference is also provided to other researches in the study of ethnopharmacology.
Weighted Composition Groups on the Little Bloch Space
Authors: Mose S. B. , Bonyo J. O.
Published: April 2020

Dedicated to Prof. Len Miller (PhD advisor to J. O. Bonyo) and Prof. Vivien Miller of Mississippi State University on their retirement
Massive Orbital Myiasis Caused by Sarcophaga argyrostoma Complicating Eyelid Malignancy
Authors: Ayalon Anfisa , Yehezkeli Veronika , Paitan Yossi , Szpila Krzysztof , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Moisseiev Elad
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To report a case of massive orbital myiasis caused by the larvae of Sarcophaga argyrostoma, complicating eyelid malignancy. Observations. A 98-year-old man first presented to our clinic noted to have a fast-growing lesion on his right upper and lower eyelids. Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelids was highly suspected, and surgical excision was advised, but the patient refused any surgical or nonsurgical intervention. For the next eight months, the patient’s family members continued to observe a high rate of tumor growth accompanied by deterioration of the general condition. During this whole period, the patient rejected admission to the hospital and was observed by nursing home staff. He was admitted to the emergency room in cachexic, unresponsive condition with fetid discharge and multiple live maggots crawling out from a large necrotic mass over the right orbit. On examination, no eyelids, eyeball, or other ocular tissue could be seen, while an extension of necrotic mass to forehead and midcheek was noted. Manual removal of larvae was performed. The patient passed away eight hours after his admission and larval removal. The maggots were identified as the third-instar larvae of Sarcophaga argyrostoma. Conclusions and Importance. This is the first reported case of home-acquired, massive orbital myiasis by S. argyrostoma. This case illustrates the crucial role of fly control as part of medical and home care in immobile patients. Moreover, it shows the importance of awareness by nursing home staff, paramedical, and medical personnel of possible myiasis, especially in bed-bound patients with skin malignancies and open wounds.
Joining between Boron Nitride Nanocones and Nanotubes
Authors: Alshammari Nawa
Published: April 2020

Different nanostructures of boron nitride have been observed experimentally such as fullerenes, tubes, cones, and graphene. They have received much attention due to their physical, chemical, and electronic properties that lead them to numerous applications in many nanoscale devices. Joining between nanostructures gives rise to new structures with outstanding properties and potential applications for the design of probes for scanning tunneling microscopy and other nanoscale devices, as carriers for drug delivery and liquid separation. This paper utilizes calculus of variations to model the joining between two types of BN nanostructures, namely, BN nanotubes and BN nanocones. Based on the curvature of the join curve, the joining of these structures can be divided into two models. Model I refers to when the join profile includes positive curvature only, and Model II contains both positive and negative curvatures. The main goal here is to formulate the basic underlying structure from which any such small perturbations can be viewed as departures from an ideal model. For this scenario of joining, we successfully present simple models based on joining BN nanotubes to BN nanocones with five different angles of the cone.
Structural and Mechanical Characteristics of a Capsule-Type Soft Pneumatic Actuator with Large Thrust Force and High-Contraction Ratio
Authors: Zhu Qing , Liu Qingyun , Yang Mingxing , Wang Xingsong
Published: April 2020

A capsule-type soft pneumatic actuator (CTSPA) was molded with hyperelastic material (latex) and subjected to deformations. In order to provide a large thrust force and limit the direction of expansion and contraction, the actuator was covered by fiber materials and driven by compressed air. Soft pneumatic actuator, belonging to flexible drive, showed nonlinear characteristics. In this study, with theoretical and experimental methods, a static mathematical model of CTSPA was established to analyze the relationship between the inflation pressure, driving force, and deformations. Furthermore, we experimentally explored the response characteristics of CTSPA by using a unit step function. The hysteresis was significantly affected by air pressure, loading size, and effective contact area of the actuator. Finally, the actuator realized a compatible position tracking performance of 1 Hz and a low average tracking error of 0.3°. The study provides a basis for studying the control methods and state maintenance of flexible drive systems.
Spatiotemporal Variability in the Hydrometeorological Time-Series over Upper Indus River Basin of Pakistan
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz , Guo Jiali , Azam Muhammad Imran , Latif Yasir
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates the spatiotemporal variability in hydrometeorological time-series to evaluate the current and future scenarios of water resources availability from upper Indus basin (UIB). Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator tests were used to analyze the variability in the temperature, precipitation, and streamflow time-series data at 27 meteorological stations and 34 hydrological stations for the period of 1963 to 2014. The time-series data of entire study period were divided into two equal subseries of 26 years each (1963–1988 and 1989–2014) to assess the overlapping aspect of climate change acceleration over UIB. The results showed a warming pattern at low altitude stations, while a cooling tendency was detected at high-altitude stations. An increase in streamflow was detected during winter and spring seasons at all hydrological stations, whereas the streamflow in summer and autumn seasons exhibited decreasing trends. The annual precipitation showed a significant decreasing trend at ten stations, while a significant increasing trend was observed at Kohat station during second subseries of the study period. The most significant winter drying trends were observed at Gupis, Chitral, Garidopatta, and Naran stations of magnitude of 47%, 13%, 25%, and 18%, respectively, during the second subseries. The annual runoff exhibited significant deceasing trends over Jhelum subbasin at Azad Pattan, Chinari, Domel Kohala, Muzaffarabad, and Palote, while within Indus basin at Chahan, Gurriala, Khairabad, Karora, and Kalam in the second time-series. It is believed that the results of this study will be helpful for the decision-makers to develop strategies for planning and development of future water resources projects.
The Hemodynamic Effect of Enhanced External Counterpulsation Treatment on Atherosclerotic Plaque in the Carotid Artery: A Framework of Patient-Specific Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Du Jianhang , Wu Guangyao , Wu Bokai , Liu Chang , Mai Zhouming , Liu Yumeng , Wang Yawei , Zhang Pandeng , Wu Guifu , Liu Jia
Published: April 2020

Long-term enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy has been recommended for antiatherogenesis in recent clinical observations and trials. However, the precise mechanism underlying the benefits has not been fully clarified. To quantify the effect of EECP intervention on arterial hemodynamic environment, a framework of numerical assessment was introduced using a parallel computing algorithm. A 3D endothelial surface of the carotid artery with mild atherosclerotic plaque was constructed from images of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Physiologic boundary conditions were derived from images of the ultrasound flow velocity spectrum measured at the common carotid artery and before and during EECP intervention. Hemodynamic factors relating to wall shear stress (WSS) and its spatial and temporal fluctuations were calculated and analyzed, which included AWSS, OSI, and AWSSG. Measuring and computational results showed that diastole blood pressure, perfusion, and WSS level in carotid bifurcation were significantly increased during EECP intervention. Mean AWSS level throughout the model increased by 16.9%, while OSI level did not show a significant change during EECP. We thus suggested that long-term EECP treatment might inhibit the initiation and development of atherosclerotic plaque via improving the hemodynamic environment in the carotid artery. Meanwhile, EECP performance induced a 19.6% increase in AWSSG level, and whether it would influence the endothelial functions may need a further study. Moreover, the numerical method proposed in this study was expected to be useful for the instant assessment of clinical application of EECP .
Shear Stress Triggers Angiogenesis of Late Endothelial Progenitor Cells via the PTEN/Akt/GTPCH/BH4 Pathway
Authors: Wu Shao-Hong , Zhang Feng , Yao Shun , Tang Lu , Zeng Hai-Tao , Zhu Ling-Ping , Yang Zhen
Published: April 2020

Background. Shear stress is an effective modulator of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and has been suggested to play an important role in angiogenesis. The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt and guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase (GTPCH)/tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pathways regulate the function of early EPCs. However, the role of these pathways in the shear stress-induced angiogenesis of late EPCs remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether shear stress could upregulate the angiogenesis capacity of late EPCs and to further explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods. Late EPCs were subjected to laminar shear stress (LSS), and their in vitro migration, proliferation, and tube formation capacity were determined. In addition, the in vivo angiogenesis capacity was explored, along with the expression of molecules involved in the PTEN/Akt and GTPCH/BH4 pathways. Results. LSS elevated the in vitro activities of late EPCs, which were accompanied by downregulated PTEN expression, accelerated Akt phosphorylation, and GTPCH/BH4 pathway activation (all P<0.05). Following Akt inhibition, LSS-induced upregulated GTPCH expression, BH4, and NO level of EPCs were suppressed. LSS significantly improved the migration, proliferation, and tube formation ability (15 dyn/cm2 LSS vs. stationary: 72.2±5.5 vs. 47.3±7.3, 0.517±0.05 vs. 0.367±0.038, and 1.664±0.315 vs. 1±0, respectively; all P<0.05) along with the in vivo angiogenesis capacity of late EPCs, contributing to the recovery of limb ischemia. These effects were also blocked by Akt inhibition or GTPCH knockdown (P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions. This study provides the first evidence that shear stress triggers angiogenesis in late EPCs via the PTEN/Akt/GTPCH/BH4 pathway, providing a potential nonpharmacologic therapeutic strategy for promoting angiogenesis in ischemia-related diseases.
KIR3DL1 and HLA‐Bw4 Interaction Showed a Favorable Role in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Chinese Southern Han
Authors: Zhen Jian Xin , Cai Si Qi , Chen Yuan Tao , Yang Zhi Chao , Zhuo Jia Cai , Deng Zhi Hui
Published: April 2020

Background. The association studies of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) with the occurrence of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are limited worldwide; this study investigated the genetic risk/protective factors of MDS in KIR and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) systems to gain a better understanding of the role played by KIR and their cognate HLA ligands in MDS pathogenesis. Methods. We genotyped a total number of 77 patients with MDS from Chinese Southern Han and 745 healthy controls for the KIR loci and HLA class I. The carrier frequencies of KIR genes, KIR genotypes, class I HLA ligands, and KIR-HLA combinations were calculated by direct counting. The effect of individual KIR genes and HLA ligands on MDS risk was evaluated by logistic regression analyses using SAS 9.2 software. Results. We found that neither the KIR genes nor the KIR genotypes were associated with the occurrence of MDS. However, we observed that the frequencies for the strong inhibitory ligand HLA-Bw4 as well as KIR3DL1-HLA-Bw4 combination were significantly higher in healthy controls than those in the MDS patient group, respectively (73.42% vs. 62.34%, P = 0.038; 70.87% vs. 59.74%, P = 0.043). Conclusion. Our results showed that HLA‐Bw4 ligand and KIR3DL1‐HLA‐Bw4 combination could confer a protective effect against MDS in Chinese Southern Han.
Associations between the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Diabetic Complications in Adults with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wan Heng , Wang Yuying , Fang Sijie , Chen Yi , Zhang Wen , Xia Fangzhen , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: April 2020

Objective. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory index indicating systemic inflammation, while the application of many other inflammatory markers has been limited in daily clinical practice. However, large population studies about investigating the associations of the NLR level with diabetic complications including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the same population were limited. The aim of our study is to evaluate the associations between the NLR level and the prevalence of CVD, DKD, and DR in adults with diabetes simultaneously. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of 4,813 diabetic adults was conducted in seven communities in China. Persons underwent several medical examinations, including the measurement of anthropometric factors, blood pressure, routinely analyzed leukocyte characteristics, glucose, lipid profiles, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, and fundus photographs. Results. Compared with the first quartile of the NLR level, the odds of having CVD was significantly increased by 21% for participants in the highest quartile (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.00, 1.47) (P for trend<0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of DKD among participants in the highest quartile of the NLR level was significantly increased by 150% (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.95, 3.19) (P for trend<0.05). However, no association was found between the NLR level and the prevalence of DR (P for trend>0.05). These associations were all fully adjusted. Conclusions. A higher NLR level was associated with an increased prevalence of CVD and DKD, other than DR, in diabetic adults.
Depression and Its Association with Parental Neglect among Adolescents at Governmental High Schools of Aksum Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Tirfeneh Enguday , Srahbzu Mengesha
Published: April 2020

Background. Depression is one of the most serious and prevalent mental illnesses that can result in serious disability and ending life by committing suicide and homicide. The risks of having depression are substantially higher in persons who have parental neglect when compared to the general population. Objective. To detect prevalence of depression and its association with parental neglect among adolescents in governmental high schools at Aksum town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019. Method. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Aksum town high schools. A simple random sampling technique was applied. Data was collected with face-to-face interview. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science version 22. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done. Adjusted odds ratio at a p value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was taken to declare statistical significance of variables. Result. A total of 624 students were asked to participate with a response rate of 99.05%. Prevalence of depression was found to be 36.2%. Depression among adolescents was found to have significant and strong association with parental neglect (AOR=2.61, 95% CI 1.83, 3.72). Conclusion and Recommendation. In the current study, the prevalence of depression is found to be high when compared to other populations. Significant and strong association is also determined between parental neglect and depression. It is good if teachers give emphasis for those students who seem psychologically unwell. It is good if Aksum University comprehensive hospital starts a campaign which will teach about the effect of parental neglect on the adolescents’ mental health.
Novel Anti-Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Molecules Targeting Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing
Authors: Uddin Md. Sahab , Kabir Md. Tanvir , Jeandet Philippe , Mathew Bijo , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Perveen Asma , Bin-Jumah May N. , Mousa Shaker A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: April 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia among older people, and the prevalence of this disease is estimated to rise quickly in the upcoming years. Unfortunately, almost all of the drug candidates tested for AD until now have failed to exhibit any efficacy. Henceforth, there is an increased necessity to avert and/or slow down the advancement of AD. It is known that one of the major pathological characteristics of AD is the presence of senile plaques (SPs) in the brain. These SPs are composed of aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ), derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Pharmaceutical companies have conducted a number of studies in order to identify safe and effective anti-Aβdrugs to combat AD. It is known thatα-,β-, andγ-secretases are the three proteases that are involved in APP processing. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in these proteases, as they have a contribution to the modulation and production of Aβ. It has been observed that small compounds can be used to target these important proteases. Indeed, these compounds must satisfy the common strict requirements of a drug candidate targeted for brain penetration and selectivity toward different proteases. In this article, we have focused on the auspicious molecules which are under development for targeting APP-processing enzymes. We have also presented several anti-AD molecules targeting Aβaccumulation and phosphorylation signaling in APP processing. This review highlights the structure-activity relationship and other physicochemical features of several pharmacological candidates in order to successfully develop new anti-AD drugs.
Flight Recovery Method of Regional Multiairport Based on Risk Control Model
Authors: Shao Quan , Shao Mengxue , Bin Yunpeng , Zhu Pei , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2020

In the regional multiairport system, the contradiction between the limited operating resources and the large flight flow is serious, and the flight delays can easily lead to the occurrence of unsafe events. This paper investigates the abnormal flight recovery method in regional multiairport system based on risk control. The focus is to reschedule arrival-departure flights in real time with minimized delay time and risk probability. In this study, the risk about terminal area control and scene operation was considered in the analysis of the risk control model (RCM), which includes six key risk points: airspace control, flight conflict, ground service, apron support, ground control, and taxiing conflict. The mathematical model on flight recovery was constructed to solve minimized delay time and risk probability with MSINS (multistart algorithm with intelligent neighborhood selection). The data of a typical regional multiairport system in China were selected for experimental verification in order to compare the RCM with the traditional recovery model (TRM). The experimental results show that first, there are some hidden dangers in the traditional recovery methods of flight delay. Flight conflict and apron support are the risk points that need to be controlled most in the multiairport system. Secondly, for the effective solution with the shortest delay time, the RCM can reduce the overall operation risk of the system, but the flight delay time is a little longer. For the effective solution with the lowest risk probability, RCM can reduce the risk of system operation and the delay time of flights at the same time. Therefore, RCM can improve the security level of the system during abnormal flight recovery and ensure or even improve the recovery efficiency.
Identification of a Gene-Related Risk Signature in Melanoma Patients Using Bioinformatic Profiling
Authors: Wang Jing , Kong Peng-Fei , Wang Hai-Yun , Song Di , Wu Wen-Qing , Zhou Hang-Cheng , Weng Hai-Yan , Li Ming , Kong Xin , Meng Bo , Chen Zong-Ke , Chen Jing-Jing , Li Chuan-Ying , Shao Jian-Yong
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Gene signature has been used to predict prognosis in melanoma patients. Meanwhile, the efficacy of immunotherapy was correlated with particular genes expression or mutation. In this study, we systematically explored the gene expression pattern in the melanoma-immune microenvironment and its relationship with prognosis. Methods. A cohort of 122 melanoma cases with whole-genome microarray expression data were enrolled from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The findings were validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A principal component analysis (PCA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and gene oncology (GO) analysis were performed to explore the bioinformatic implications. Results. Different gene expression patterns were identified according to the clinical stage. All eligible gene sets were analyzed, and the 8 genes (GPR87, KIT, SH3GL3, PVRL1, ATP1B1, CDAN1, FAU, and TNFSF14) with the greatest prognostic impact on melanoma. A gene-related risk signature was developed to distinguish patients with a high or low risk of an unfavorable outcome, and this signature was validated using the TCGA database. Furthermore, the prognostic significance of the signature between the classified subgroups was verified as an independent prognostic predictor of melanoma. Additionally, the low-risk melanoma patients presented an enhanced immune phenotype compared to that of the high-risk gene signature patients. Conclusions. The gene pattern differences in melanoma were profiled, and a gene signature that could independently predict melanoma patients with a high risk of poor survival was established, highlighting the relationship between prognosis and the local immune response.
Mogroside V Protects against Hepatic Steatosis in Mice on a High‐Fat Diet and LO2 Cells Treated with Free Fatty Acids via AMPK Activation
Authors: Li Linghuan , Zheng Wanfang , Wang Can , Qi Jiameng , Li Hanbing
Published: April 2020

Previous studies presented various beneficial effects of mogrosides extract from Siraitia grosvenorii, which has been included in the list of Medicine Food Homology Species in China. Mogroside V (MV) is one of the main ingredients in mogrosides extract; however, whether and how MV improves impaired lipid metabolism in the liver remains to be elucidated. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effects of mogroside V upon hepatic steatosis in vivo and in vitro and explored the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that MV significantly ameliorated hepatic steatosis in high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) fed mice. Furthermore, the increased protein expression of PPAR‐γ, SREBP‐1, and FASN and mRNA expression of pparg, srebp1, scd1, and fasn in the liver in HFD‐fed mice, which contribute to de novo lipogenesis, were dose‐dependently reversed by MV treatment. Meanwhile, MV counteracted the suppressed expression of PPAR‐α and CPT‐1A and mRNA expression of atgl, hsl, ppara, and cpt1a, thus increasing lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. In addition, in free fatty acids‐ (FFAs‐) incubated LO2 cells MV downregulated de novo lipogenesis and upregulated lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, thereby attenuating lipid accumulation, which was significantly abrogated by treatment with Compound C, an inhibitor of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Taken together, these results suggested that MV exerted a pronounced effect upon improving hepatic steatosis through regulating the disequilibrium of lipid metabolism in the liver via an AMPK‐dependent pathway, providing a potential lead compound candidate for preventing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A Generalization of the Secant Zeta Function as a Lambert Series
Authors: Li H.-Y. , Maji B. , Kuzumaki T.
Published: April 2020

Recently, Lalín, Rodrigue, and Rogers have studied the secant zeta function and its convergence. They found many interesting values of the secant zeta function at some particular quadratic irrational numbers. They also gave modular transformation properties of the secant zeta function. In this paper, we generalized secant zeta function as a Lambert series and proved a result for the Lambert series, from which the main result of Lalín et al. follows as a corollary, using the theory of generalized Dedekind eta-function, developed by Lewittes, Berndt, and Arakawa.
Orthodontic Treatment Characteristics and Outcomes in an Educational Setting
Authors: Al-Jewair T. , Ryan V. , Warunek S.
Published: April 2020

Background. To assess and correlate orthodontic treatment characteristics and outcomes in an educational setting. Methods. A total of 287 patients were included. Independent chart reviews were conducted to gather demographic and pretreatment diagnostic information. Posttreatment digital records were graded with the ABO C-R Eval and the CCA methods. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine associations between variables. Results. Of the 287 patients, 122 (42.5%) were male and 165 (57.5%) were female. The total average treatment time was 33.87 ± 10.28 months, with a range from 11 to 75 months. The mean ABO C-R Eval score was 29.10 ± 8.59 points. The parameters with the highest scores were buccolingual inclination and occlusal contacts. The mean CCA score was 3.36 ± 2.05 points. The highest scores were recorded for dental esthetics and management of the periodontium. Higher ABO DI scores were weakly correlated with longer treatment times (r = 0.258; p<0.001). ABO C-R Eval scores showed a weakly significant association with treatment duration (r = 0.162; p=0.006), while CCA scores were moderately associated with treatment duration (r = 0.451; p<0.001). Conclusions. As treatment duration increased, the total ABO C-R Eval and CCA scores tended to increase; thus, quality of treatment outcomes decreased. A significant positive correlation was also found with the ABO DI score and treatment duration.
High Accuracy Analysis of Nonconforming Mixed Finite Element Method for the Nonlinear Sivashinsky Equation
Authors: Wang Lele , Liao Xin
Published: April 2020

The fourth-order nonlinear Sivashinsky equation is often used to simulate a planar solid-liquid interface for a binary alloy. In this paper, we study the high accuracy analysis of the nonconforming mixed finite element method (MFEM for short) for this equation. Firstly, by use of the special property of the nonconforming EQ1rot element (see Lemma 1), the superclose estimates of order Oh2+Δt in the broken H1-norm for the original variable u and intermediate variable p are deduced for the back-Euler (B-E for short) fully-discrete scheme. Secondly, the global superconvergence results of order Oh2+Δt for the two variables are derived through interpolation postprocessing technique. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate validity and efficiency of our theoretical analysis and method.