bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Paste Slurry under Constant Shear Rate in Initial Structure Failure Process
Authors: Dai Chaoqun , Wu Aixiang , Qi Yan , Chen Zhiqiang , Li Bin
Published: September 2019

At constant shear rate, the process of deformation of the paste slurry is divided into two stages: one is the initial structural failure process with increasing shear stress; the other is the thixotropic process with decreasing shear stress after yielding. Based on experiments, the mechanical response characteristics of the paste slurry in the initial structural failure process under different shear rate conditions were studied in this paper. At the same time, according to the Maxwell model, the stress-time model equation describing the initial structure failure stage of the paste was deduced and the constant shearing test was carried out on the paste slurry at different mass concentrations; the model equation was used to fit the test data of the initial stress increment stage. The results showed that the model equation had higher prediction accuracy and better popularity. In the initial structural failure stage, the paste had a nonlinear stress-time relationship. At different shear rates (0.05, 0.5, and 1 s−1), the lower the rotation speed, the smoother the curve, and the slurry at various stages in the yielding process could be more clearly reflected; in the range of low constant shear rate (0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 s−1), the initial stress and yield stress of the paste increased with the increase of shear rate at the same mass concentration, and the time to yield was shorter. The yield stress increased exponentially with mass concentration.
Theoretical Investigation of the Sliding Instability and Caving Depth of Coal Wall Workface Based on the Bishop Strip Method
Authors: Li Chao , Kang Tianhe , Li Xiaopo , Li Ligong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Runxu
Published: September 2019

As mining height increases, the influence of coal wall caving on safety production becomes stronger. There is no systematic and effective method to analyse the risk of coal wall caving and its slip caving depth. First, this paper established the Bishop mechanical model of sliding instability of coal wall, and then it deduced the general equation of a safety factor for every slip surface, which can be used to judge the stability of the coal body on the slip surface. Moreover, taking the 8102 workface in the Wulonghu Mine, China, as an example, this paper evaluated the calculation method of slip surface safety factor in detail and obtained the critical slip surface position and the maximum slip depth of a coal wall. Overall, the results showed that the maximum slip depth based on the Bishop strip method is more consistent with the measured data compared with other methods and thus has strong significance and practical engineering value for selecting the most suitable method and its parameters of regulating coal wall caving.
On-Line Compensation for the Disturbance Rejection Rate of a Platform Seeker Based on a High-Gain Extended State Observer
Authors: Wei Li , Shixiang Liu , Wenjie Zhang , Qunli Xia
Published: September 2019

This paper focuses on the on-line compensation of the disturbance rejection rate (DRR) for a platform seeker. The mathematical model of the typical platform seeker based on the inertial space is established, and the line-of-sight (LOS) rate from different signal extraction points is strictly derived. Considering the spring torque disturbance and damping torque disturbance caused by the missile attitude motion, the seeker DRR transfer functions are deduced and the amplitude and phase characteristics at different frequencies are also analyzed. In order to close the engineering practice, the DRR parasitic loop (DRRPL) model of the seeker is rationally simplified and the stable region of the parasitic loop from different extraction points is also obtained. However, to increase the stability and guidance accuracy of the missile terminal flight, the compensation scheme based on the high-gain extended state observer (ESO) is used to estimate the disturbance torques and eliminate the seeker DRR effect. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The simulation results show that the seeker DRR effect mainly exists in the middle and low frequencies and the stable region of the parasitic loop at different signal extraction points is different. The proposed compensation scheme can effectively eliminate the parasitic loop effect of the seeker and increase the flight stability of the missile. It can reduce the terminal miss distance of the missile and improve the strike accuracy.
Facile Synthesis of Fe2O3 Nanomaterials from MIL-101(Fe) Template and Its Application in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Qin Nianqiao , Li Jing , Tian Yan , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2019

Sponge-like porous Fe2O3 nanomaterials were obtained through the calcination process of the iron-based metal organic framework (MIL-101). As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, thus, obtained products show a good electrochemical performance with a high specific capacity (1358 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 in the initial cycle) and a relatively stable cycle performance (750 mA h g-1 after 80 charge/discharge cycles). The superior cycling performance may be attributed to their special structure, which facilitates charge transfer and Li+ diffusion.
Bacteriophages: Uncharacterized and Dynamic Regulators of the Immune System
Authors: Sinha Anshul , Maurice Corinne F.
Published: September 2019

The human gut is an extremely active immunological site interfacing with the densest microbial community known to colonize the human body, the gut microbiota. Despite tremendous advances in our comprehension of how the gut microbiota is involved in human health and interacts with the mammalian immune system, most studies are incomplete as they typically do not consider bacteriophages. These bacterial viruses are estimated to be as numerous as their bacterial hosts, with tremendous and mostly uncharacterized genetic diversity. In addition, bacteriophages are not passive members of the gut microbiota, as highlighted by the recent evidence for their active involvement in human health. Yet, how bacteriophages interact with their bacterial hosts and the immune system in the human gut remains poorly described. Here, we aim to fill this gap by providing an overview of bacteriophage communities in the gut during human development, detailing recent findings for their bacterial-mediated effects on the immune response and summarizing the latest evidence for direct interactions between them and the immune system. The dramatic increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens has spurred a renewed interest in using bacteriophages for therapy, despite the many unknowns about bacteriophages in the human body. Going forward, more studies encompassing the communities of bacteria, bacteriophages, and the immune system in diverse health and disease settings will provide invaluable insight into this dynamic trio essential for human health.
Improved Capacitive Proximity Detection for Conductive Objects through Target Profile Estimation
Authors: Xia Fan , Zakia Umme , Menon Carlo , Bahreyni Behraad
Published: September 2019

The accuracy of a capacitive proximity sensor is affected by various factors, including the geometry and composition of the nearby object. The quantitative regression models that are used to seek out the relationship between the measured capacitances and distances to objects are highly dependent on the geometrical properties of the objects. Consequently, the application of capacitive proximity sensors has been mainly limited to detection of objects rather than estimation of distances to them. This paper presents a capacitive proximity sensing system for the detection of metallic objects with improved accuracy based on target profile estimation. The presented approach alleviates large errors in distance estimation by implementing a classifier to recognize the surface profiles before using a suitable regression model to estimate the distance. The sensing system features an electrode matrix that is configured to sweep a series of inner-connection patterns and produce features for profile classification. The performance of the sensing modalities is experimentally assessed with an industrial robot. Two-term exponential regression models provide a high degree of fittings for an object whose shape is known. Recognizing the shape of the object improved the regression models and reduced the close-distance measurement error by a factor of five compared to methods that did not take the geometry into account. The breakthroughs made through this work will make capacitive sensing a viable low-cost alternative to existing technologies for proximity detection in robotics and other fields.
Nrg1 Intracellular Signaling Is Neuroprotective upon Stroke
Authors: Navarro-González Carmen , Huerga-Gómez Alba , Fazzari Pietro
Published: September 2019

The schizophrenia risk gene NRG1 controls the formation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in cortical circuits. While the expression of different NRG1 isoforms occurs during development, adult neurons primarily express the CRD-NRG1 isoform characterized by a highly conserved intracellular domain (NRG1-ICD). We and others have demonstrated that Nrg1 intracellular signaling promotes dendrite elongation and excitatory connections during neuronal development. However, the role of Nrg1 intracellular signaling in adult neurons and pathological conditions remains largely unaddressed. Here, we investigated the role of Nrg1 intracellular signaling in neuroprotection and stroke. Our bioinformatic analysis revealed the evolutionary conservation of the NRG1-ICD and a decrease in NRG1 expression with age in the human frontal cortex. Hence, we first evaluated whether Nrg1 signaling may affect pathological hallmarks in an in vitro model of neuronal senescence; however, our data failed to reveal a role for Nrg1 in the activation of the stress-related pathway p38 MAPK and DNA damage. Previous studies demonstrated that the soluble EGF domain of Nrg1 alleviated brain ischemia, a pathological process involving the generation of free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and excitotoxicity. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that Nrg1 intracellular signaling could be neuroprotective in stroke. We discovered that Nrg1 expression significantly increased neuronal survival upon oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an established in vitro model for stroke. Notably, the specific activation of Nrg1 intracellular signaling by expression of the Nrg1-ICD protected neurons from OGD. Additionally, time-lapse experiments confirmed that Nrg1 intracellular signaling increased the survival of neurons exposed to OGD. Finally, we investigated the relevance of Nrg1 intracellular signaling in stroke in vivo. Using viral vectors, we expressed the Nrg1-ICD in cortical neurons and subsequently challenged them by a focal hemorrhagic stroke; our data indicated that Nrg1 intracellular signaling improved neuronal survival in the infarcted area. Altogether, these data highlight Nrg1 intracellular signaling as neuroprotective upon ischemic lesion both in vitro and in vivo. Given the complexity of the neurotoxic effects of stroke and the involvement of various mechanisms, such as the generation of ROS, excitotoxicity, and inflammation, further studies are required to determine the molecular bases of the neuroprotective effect of Nrg1 intracellular signaling. In conclusion, our research highlights the stimulation of Nrg1 intracellular signaling as a promising target for cortical stroke treatment.
Enhancement of Macrophage Function by the Antimicrobial Peptide Sublancin Protects Mice from Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Shuai , Ye Qianhong , Wang Ke , Zeng Xiangfang , Huang Shuo , Yu Haitao , Ge Qing , Qi Desheng , Qiao Shiyan
Published: September 2019

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is the major pathogen responsible for community and hospital bacterial infections. Sublancin, a glucosylated antimicrobial peptide isolated fromBacillus subtilis168, possesses antibacterial infective effects. In this study, we investigated the role and anti-infection mechanism of sublancin in a mouse model of MRSA-induced sublethal infection. Sublancin could modulate innate immunity by inducing the production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide, enhancing phagocytosis and MRSA-killing activity in both RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. The enhanced macrophage function by the peptide in vitro correlated with stronger protective activity in vivo in the MRSA-invasive sublethal infection model. Macrophage activation by sublancin was found to be partly dependent on TLR4 and the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, oral administration of sublancin increased the frequencies of CD4+and CD8+T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. The protective activity of sublancin was associated with in vivo augmenting phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and partly improving T cell-mediated immunity. Macrophages thus represent a potentially pivotal and novel target for future development of innate defense regulator therapeutics againstS. aureusinfection.
Metabolomic Markers in Tongue-Coating Samples from Damp Phlegm Pattern Patients of Coronary Heart Disease and Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Hao Yiming , Yuan Xue , Yan Jin , Pham Minh , Rohlsen Dekai , Qian Peng , Cheng Feng , Wang Yiqin
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we used tongue coating to obtain metabolites in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic renal failure (CRF). The metabolites were analyzed to discover the substance that serves as the underlying basis of the damp phlegm pattern. This analysis is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory of “different diseases have the same pattern.” The metabolic spectrum was obtained through the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry coupling techniques and analyzed by searching the METLIN and HMDB databases. Some metabolites related to amino acids and glucose metabolism were identified in the tongue-coating samples from damp phlegm pattern patients by comparing them to nondamp phlegm pattern patients and healthy subjects. In addition, there were five common metabolites in the tongue-coating samples from CHD damp phlegm pattern patients compared to CRF damp phlegm pattern patients, which allowed us to understand the theory of “different diseases have the same pattern.” In the future, the metabolites identified in this study may be used as noninvasive and convenient biomarkers to distinguish the damp phlegm pattern of CHD and CRF patients.
Presence of Stromal Cells Enhances Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Induction in Lung Bronchial Epithelium after Protracted Exposure to Oxidative Stress of Gamma Radiation
Authors: Acheva Anna , Haghdoost Siamak , Sollazzo Alice , Launonen Virpi , Kämäräinen Meerit
Published: September 2019

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of a microenvironment in the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a sign of early stages of carcinogenesis in human lung epithelial cell lines after protracted low-dose rateγ-radiation exposures. BEAS-2B and HBEC-3KT lung cell lines were irradiated with low-dose rateγ-rays (137Cs, 1.4 or 14 mGy/h) to 0.1 or 1 Gy with or without adding TGF-β. TGF-β-treated samples were applied as positive EMT controls and tested in parallel to find out if the radiation has a potentiating effect on the EMT induction. To evaluate the effect of the stromal component, the epithelial cells were irradiated in cocultures with stromal MRC-9 lung fibroblasts. On day 3 post treatment, the EMT markers:α-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin, and E-cadherin, were analyzed. The oxidative stress levels were evaluated by 8-oxo-dG analysis in both epithelial and fibroblast cells. The protracted exposure to low Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation at the total absorbed dose of 1 Gy was able to induce changes suggestive of EMT. The results show that the presence of the stromal component and its signaling (TGF-β) in the cocultures enhances the EMT. Radiation had a minor cumulative effect on the TGF-β-induced EMT with both doses. The oxidative stress levels were higher than the background in both epithelial and stromal cells post chronic irradiation (0.1 and 1 Gy); as for the BEAS-2B cell line, the increase was statistically significant. We suggest that the induction of EMT in bronchial epithelial cells by radiation requires more than single acute exposure and the presence of stromal component might enhance the effect through free radical production and accumulation.
Day Ward Glaucoma Patients Have Lower Depression Levels and Higher Glaucoma Knowledge Levels than Inpatients
Authors: Xiao Huiming , Huang Wenmin , Qin Xi , Zuo Chengguo , Yang Qiongman , Li Rong , Lin Mingkai
Published: September 2019

Importance. Psychological factors and glaucoma knowledge are closely related to the effects of glaucoma treatment. Background. Studies comparing anxiety and depression levels and glaucoma knowledge between glaucoma day-case patients and inpatients are limited. Design. Randomized clinical trial. Participants. Consecutive patients undergoing surgery were prospectively enrolled. Methods. Patients were randomized into the day-case group or the inpatient group. All of the patients underwent corresponding procedures for treatment, care, and education. All participants were asked to complete the General Condition Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Gray Glaucoma Knowledge Questionnaire (GGKQ) at admission and the HADS and GGKQ at discharge. Main Outcome Measures. The scores for the General Condition Questionnaire, the HADS, and the GGKQ. Results. In total, 216 patients were enrolled in this study, including 119 day ward patients and 97 inpatients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their baseline demographic and clinical data (P>0.05). The baseline HADS-anxiety (HADS-A), HADS-depression (HADS-D), and GGKQ scores were similar in both groups (P>0.05). Before discharge, the difference in HADS-A scores between the two groups was not significant; however, the HADS-D scores of the day-case inpatients were significantly lower (α = 0.05, P<0.001), and the GGKQ scores of day-case inpatients were significantly higher than those of the inpatients before discharge (α = 0.05, P<0.001). Conclusions and Relevance. Day ward patients had lower levels of depression and higher levels of glaucoma knowledge.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia in an Infant with t(8;19)(p11.2;q13) Translocation: Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Eason Ashley C. , Bunting Silvia T. , Peterson Jess F. , Saxe Debra , Sabnis Himalee S.
Published: September 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with t(8;16)(p11.2;p13) constitute a small subgroup with a distinct genetic and clinical profile. We present a unique case of a female infant with monocytic AML associated with t(8;19)(p11.2;q13.3), a rarely reported variation of t(8;16)(p11.2;p13). The patient presented with leukemia cutis and demonstrated erythrophagocytosis in the diagnostic bone marrow. She responded well to standard AML chemotherapy and is currently in remission. Here, we highlight her case as the youngest AML patient with t(8;19) described in the literature, discuss the significance and prognostic implications of this genetic variant, and review 8p11.2 fusion proteins in AML.
Network Pharmacology Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Xiao Ke Yin Shui Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhou Jiewen , Wang Qiuyan , Xiang Zhinan , Tong Qilin , Pan Jun , Wan Luosheng , Chen Jiachun
Published: September 2019

Xiao Ke Yin Shui (XKYS) formula is a traditional Chinese medicine formula treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). XKYS formula consists of four herbs, i.e., Coptidis rhizoma, Liriopes radix, bitter melon, and Cassiae semen. Herein, the chemical profiles of four herb extracts were investigated, and further analysis of the underlying mechanism of XKYS formula treating T2DM was performed using network pharmacology. The main components were selected for our network-based research. Targets of XKYS formula were mainly collected from two databases, SwissTargetPrediction and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the text-mining method was also implemented. T2DM relating genes and therapeutic targets were collected from five databases. Subsequently, STRING and Cytoscape were employed for the analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Functional annotation and pathway analysis were conducted to investigate the functions and relating pathways of target genes. The content of 12 compounds in the herb extracts was determined. With the analysis of PPI networks, a total of 76 genes were found to be important nodes and could be defined as the main target genes regulated by XKYS formula in the treatment of T2DM and its complications. Components in XKYS formula mainly regulate proteins including protein kinase B (Akt), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), insulin receptor substrate (IRS), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). XKYS formula exerts therapeutic effects in a synergetic manner and exhibits antidiabetic effect mainly via reducing insulin resistance. These findings could be guidelines in the further investigation of this formula.
Thermal Characteristics of a Stratospheric Airship with Natural Convection and External Forced Convection
Authors: Zhang Tong , Geng Shanshan , Mu Xin , Chen Jiamin , Wang Junyi , Wu Zan
Published: September 2019

Though convective heat transfer is one of the main factors that dominate the thermal characteristics of stratospheric airships, there is no specific correlation equations for the calculation of convective heat transfer of airships. The equations based on flat plate and sphere models are all in use. To ameliorate the confusing situation of diverse convective heat transfer equations and to end the misuse of them in the thermal characteristic analysis of stratospheric airships, a multinode steady-state model for ellipsoid airships is built. The accuracy of the five widely accepted equations for natural convective heat transfer is compared and analysed on the proposed large-scale airship model by numerical simulation, so does that of the five equations for external forced convective heat transfer. The simulation method is verified by the available experimental data. Simulation results show that the difference of the five natural convection equations is negligible, while that of the five external forced convection equations must be considered in engineering. Forced convection equations with high precision and wide application should be further investigated.
An Optimized Approach for Secure Data Transmission Using Spread Spectrum Audio Steganography, Chaos Theory, and Social Impact Theory Optimizer
Authors: Tanwar Rohit , Singh Kulvinder , Zamani Mazdak , Verma Amit , Kumar Prashant
Published: September 2019

Being easy to understand and simple to implement, substitution technique of performing steganography has gain wide popularity among users as well as attackers. Steganography is categorized into different types based on the carrier file being used for embedding data. The audio file is focused on hiding data in this paper. Human has associated an acute degree of sensitivity to additive random noise. An individual is able to detect noise in an audio file as low as one part in 10 million. Given this limitation, it seems that concealing information within audio files would be a pointless exercise. Human auditory system (HAS) experiences an interesting behavior known as masking effect, which says that the threshold of hearing of one type of sound is affected by the presence of another type of sound. Because of this property, it is possible to hide some data inside an audio file without being noticed. In this paper, the research problem for optimizing the audio steganography technique is laid down. In the end, a methodology is proposed that effectively resolves the stated research problem and finally the implementation results are analyzed to ensure the effectiveness of the given solution.
Pattern Recognition Receptor-Mediated Chronic Inflammation in the Development and Progression of Obesity-Related Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Yu Lili , Li Yanhua , Du Cancan , Zhao Weidong , Zhang Hanxiao , Yang Yun , Sun Aiping , Song Xiangfeng , Feng Zhiwei
Published: September 2019

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation is known to promote the development of many metabolic diseases, especially insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis. Pattern recognition receptor-mediated inflammation is an important determinant for the initiation and progression of these metabolic diseases. Here, we review the major features of the current understanding with respect to obesity-related chronic inflammation in metabolic tissues, focus on Toll-like receptors and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors with an emphasis on how these receptors determine metabolic disease progression, and provide a summary on the development and progress of PRR antagonists for therapeutic intervention.
Recent Advances in Identifying Biomarkers and High-Affinity Aptamers for Gynecologic Cancers Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Ma Xiaoqun , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Gopinath Subash C. B.
Published: September 2019

Cancer is the uncontrollable abnormal division of cell growth, caused due to the varied reasons. Cancer can be expressed in any part of the body, and it is one of the death-causing diseases. Human reproductive organs are commonly damaged by cancer. In particular, the women reproductive system is affected by various cancers including ovarian, cervical, endometrial, vaginal, fallopian tube, and vulvar cancers. Identifying these cancers at earlier stages prevents the damage to the organs. Aptamer is the potential probe that can identify these cancers. Aptamer is an artificial antibody selected from the randomized library of molecules and has a high binding affinity to the target biomarker. Targeting cancers in the reproductive organs using aptamers showed an excellent efficiency of detection compared to other probes. Different aptamers have been generated against the gynaecological cancer biomarkers, which include HE4, CA125, VEGF, OCCA (for ovarian cancer), EGFR, FGFR1, K-ras (for endometrial cancer), HPV E-16, HPV E-7, HPV E-6, tyrosine, and kinase (for cervical cancer), which help to identify the cancers in woman reproductive organs. In this overview, the biomarkers for gynecologic cancers and the relevant diagnosing systems generated using the specific aptamers are discussed. Furthermore, the therapeutic applications of aptamer with gynaecological cancers are narrated.
Coincidental Central Precocious Puberty and Wilms Tumor in a 5-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Kasongo Laura , Forget Patricia , Nicolescu Ramona Corina
Published: September 2019

Wilms tumor is the most frequent pediatric renal malignancy, and its usual presentation is an abdominal mass or hematuria. Unusual presentations have also been reported, such as paraneoplastic syndromes (acquired von Willebrand disease, sudden death due to pulmonary embolism, and Cushing syndrome). These conditions can precede, occur concomitantly, or present in a later phase of tumor development. Precocious puberty, as paraneoplastic endocrine syndrome, has already been described in children with malignant tumors (brain, gonadal, adrenal tumors, and hepatoblastoma). However, little is known about central precocious puberty, as paraneoplastic manifestation of nephroblastoma or secondary to its specific chemotherapy. Here, we report a case of Wilms tumor and simultaneous precocious puberty in a 5-year-old girl. The initial diagnosis was premature telarche, but the clinical and biological pubertal progression changed our diagnosis to idiopathic central precocious puberty. Chemotherapy and nephrectomy were well tolerated, and we began treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist which showed favorable outcomes over the short term. We highlight the need for early diagnosis and work-up in all patients of precocious puberty, in order to institute timely management.
Experimental and Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar-Geothermal Organic Rankine Cycle Technology for Power Generation in Nepal
Authors: Baral Suresh
Published: September 2019

The current research study focuses on the feasibility of stand-alone hybrid solar-geothermal organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology for power generation from hot springs of Bhurung Tatopani, Myagdi, Nepal. For the study, the temperature of the hot spring was measured on the particular site of the heat source of the hot spring. The measured temperature could be used for operating the ORC system. Temperature of hot spring can also further be increased by adopting the solar collector for rising the temperature. This hybrid type of the system can have a high-temperature heat source which could power more energy from ORC technology. There are various types of organic working fluids available on the market, but R134a and R245fa are environmentally friendly and have low global warming potential candidates. The thermodynamic models have been developed for predicting the performance analysis of the system. The input parameter for the model is the temperature which was measured experimentally. The maximum temperature of the hot spring was found to be 69.7°C. Expander power output, thermal efficiency, heat of evaporation, solar collector area, and hybrid solar ORC system power output and efficiency are the outputs from the developed model. From the simulation, it was found that 1 kg/s of working fluid could produce 17.5 kW and 22.5 kW power output for R134a and R245fa, respectively, when the geothermal source temperature was around 70°C. Later when the hot spring was heated with a solar collector, the power output produced were 25 kW and 30 kW for R134a and R245fa, respectively, when the heat source was 99°C. The study also further determines the cost of electricity generation for the system with working fluids R134a and R245fa to be $0.17/kWh and $0.14/kWh, respectively. The levelised cost of the electricity (LCOE) was $0.38/kWh in order to be highly feasible investment. The payback period for such hybrid system was found to have 7.5 years and 10.5 years for R245fa and R134a, respectively.
Identification and Validation of Core Genes Involved in the Development of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma via Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , He Jing , Zhou Mingxia , Cao Yun , Jin Yiting , Zou Qiang
Published: September 2019

Background. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common endocrine malignant neoplasm, and its incidence increases continuously worldwide in the recent years. However, efficient clinical biomarkers were still deficient; the present research is aimed at exploring significant core genes of PTC. Methods. We integrated three cohorts to identify hub genes and pathways associated with PTC by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Expression profiles GSE33630, GSE35570, and GSE60542, including 114 PTC tissues and 126 normal tissues, were enrolled in this research. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were utilized to search for the crucial biological behaviors and pathways involved in PTC carcinogenesis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and significant modules were deeply studied. Results. A total of 831 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered, comprising 410 upregulated and 421 downregulated genes in PTC tissues compared to normal thyroid tissues. PPI network analysis demonstrated the interactions between those DEGs, and top 10 pivotal genes (TGFB1, CXCL8, LRRK2, CD44, CCND1, JUN, DCN, BCL2, ACACB, and CXCL12) with highest degree of connectivity were extracted from the network and verified by TCGA dataset and RT-PCR experiment of PTC samples. Four of the hub genes (CXCL8, DCN, BCL2, and ACACB) were linked to the prognosis of PTC patients and considered as clinically relevant core genes via survival analysis. Conclusion. In conclusion, we propose a series of key genes associated with PTC development and these genes could serve as the diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets in the future treatment for PTC.
Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Patients Treated at the Copenhagen Wound Healing Center in 1999/2000 and in 2011/2012
Authors: Sørensen Marie Louise Buhl , Jansen Rasmus Bo , Wilbek Fabricius Therese , Jørgensen Bo , Svendsen Ole Lander
Published: September 2019

Aim. To describe differences in healing time of diabetic foot ulcers for patients treated at the Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, between the years 1999/2000 and 2011/2012. The Center is highly specialized and receives diabetes patients with hard-to-heal foot ulcers. A further aim is to attempt to find predictors of healing time of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study of records from patients with diabetic foot ulcer treated at the Copenhagen Wound Healing Center in 1999, 2000, 2011, or 2012. Follow-up data was collected until the 3rd of August 2018. Results. Median time (range) to healing was 6 (61.3) months in 1999/2000 and 6.6 (67.8) in 2011/2012 (p=0.2). About 33% of ulcers were healed, 17% were minor or major amputated, and 1.5% were dead within one year in 1999/2000, whereas 30% of ulcers were healed (p=0.6), 14% were amputated (p=0.2), and 12.8% were dead within one year in 2011/2012 (p<0.001). The single factor found significantly associated with longer ulcer duration was infection. Related to shorter ulcer duration were toe localization of the ulcer and good glycemic control. Conclusion. The median time to healing of a diabetic foot ulcer was long, around 6 months and with a high recurrence rate in 1999/2000 as well as in 2011/2012. Some factors were found to be significantly related to healing time, and intervention addressing these may improve the time to heal, although such interpretations must be taken with precaution from the present study and should be proven in randomized prospective intervention trials.
Calculation and Control Methods for Equivalent Resilient Modulus of Subgrade Based on Nonuniform Distribution of Stress
Authors: Yao Yongsheng , Qian Junfeng , Li Jue , Zhang Anshun , Peng Junhui
Published: September 2019

The resilient modulus of subgrade is a design parameter of the pavement structure, which is significantly affected by the overlying load and traffic load. It is important to calculate the equivalent resilient modulus of the top surface of subgrade based on the nonuniform distribution of resilient modulus in subgrade. This paper takes the fully weathered granite soil as the research object. Firstly, the soil density of different layers of the subgrade structure is calculated by the degree of compaction of different subgrade layers. Secondly, the overlying load of each point in the subgrade is determined based on the quality of subgrade. Thirdly, the subprogram of the finite element software is compiled and redeveloped based on the elastic constitutive model, and the calculation method for the resilient modulus of each point in the subgrade under the traffic load is proposed when the convergence criterion is set up. Finally, according to the deflection equivalence of the elastic double layer and elastic half‐space, the calculation and control methods for equivalent resilient modulus of the top surface of subgrade under nonuniform stress distribution are put forward, and the field verification tests are carried out. The results show that the error range between numerical calculation and field measurement of equivalent resilient modulus of subgrade is 10%. It shows that the calculation method for equivalent resilient modulus of subgrade proposed in this study is reasonable and effective. The equivalent resilient modulus of subgrade decreases with the increase of traffic load. And the resilient modulus of subgrade soil increases with the increase of subgrade depth. The resilient modulus of subgrade soil has a significant impact on the equivalent resilient modulus of subgrade after the overlaying gravel layer. The equivalent resilient modulus of the subgrade with the gravel layer increases with the increase of the resilient modulus of the subgrade soil.
p‐Optimality‐Based Multiobjective Root System Growth Algorithms for Multiobjective Applications
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Hanning , Song Lina , Ding Man
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a multiobjective root system growth algorithm‐based p‐optimality (p‐MORSGA) is proposed. The proposed p‐MORSGA extended original root system growth algorithm with multiobjective nondomination strategy. To enhance its effect of convergence of solution groups, the p‐optimality criterion is employed to determine the solutions of last nondominated front into the next generation group. In the evolution process, global general (GG), concerning the margin information and population density, is selected as the suitable optimality criterion of evaluating the performance of solutions. Application of the new p‐MORSGA on several multiobjective benchmark functions shows a marked improvement in performance over the modified classical MOEAs with such criterion. Finally, the proposed p‐MORSGA is applied to solve two real‐world problems, multiobjective portfolio optimization problems (MOPOPs) and multiobjective optimal power flow (OPF) problems. The experimental results demonstrate that p‐MORSGA is extremely effective for real‐world application problems.
Enhanced Activity by NKCC1 and Slc26a6 Mediates Acidic pH and Cl− Movement after Cardioplegia-Induced Arrest of db/db Diabetic Heart
Authors: Ji Minjeong , In Lee Seok , Lee Sang Ah , Son Kuk Hui , Hong Jeong Hee
Published: September 2019

Diabetic heart dysfunctions during cardiac surgeries have revealed several clinical problems associated with ion imbalance. However, the mechanism of ion imbalance mediated by cardioplegia and a diabetic heart is largely unclear. We hypothesized that ion transporters might be regulated differently in the diabetic heart and that the differentially regulated ion transporters may involve in ion imbalance of the diabetic heart after cardioplegic arrest. In this study, we modified the Langendorff-free cardioplegia method and identified the involved ion transporters after cardioplegia-induced arrest between wild type and db/db heart. Enhanced expression of Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) was observed in the db/db heart compared to the wild type heart. Enhanced NKCC1 activity was observed in the left ventricle of db/db mice compared to that of wild type after cardioplegia-induced arrest. The expression and activity of Slc26a6, a dominant Cl−/HCO3− exchanger in cardiac tissues, were enhanced in left ventricle strips of db/db mice compared to that of wild type. The Cl− transporting activity in left ventricle strips of db/db mice was dramatically increased as compared to that of wild type. Interestingly, expression of Slc26a6, as well as carbonic anhydrase IV as a supportive enzyme of Slc26a6, was increased in db/db cardiac strips compared to wild type cardiac strips. Thus, the enhanced Cl− transporting activity and expression by NKCC1 and Slc26a6 in db/db cardiac tissues after cardioplegia-induced arrest provide greater insight into enhanced acidosis and Cl− movement-mediated db/db heart dysfunction. Thus, we suggested that enhanced Cl− influx and HCO3− efflux through NKCC1 and Slc26a6 offer more acidic circumstances in the diabetic heart after cardioplegic arrest. These transporters should be considered as potential therapeutic targets to develop the next generation of cardioplegia solution for protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic hearts.
Casein and Peptides Derived from Casein as Antileukaemic Agents
Authors: Ledesma-Martínez Edgar , Aguíñiga-Sánchez Itzen , Weiss-Steider Benny , Rivera-Martínez Ana Rocío , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro
Published: September 2019

Milk is a heterogeneous lacteal secretion mixture of numerous components that exhibit a wide variety of chemical and functional activities. Casein, the main protein in milk, is composed ofα-,β-, andκ-caseins, each of which is important for nutritional value and for promoting the release of cytokines, also are linked to the regulation of haematopoiesis and immune response and inhibit the proliferation and induce the differentiation of leukaemia cells. It has been shown that the digestive process of caseins leads to the release of bioactive peptides that are involved in the regulation of blood pressure and the inhibition or activation of the immune response by serving as agonists or antagonists of opioid receptors, thus controlling the expression of genes that exert epigenetic control. Later, they bind to opioid receptor, block nuclear factorκ-beta, increase the redox potential, and reduce oxidative stress and the pro-inflammatory agents that favour an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory environment. Therefore, the bioactive peptides of casein could be compounds with antileukaemia potential. This review provides a summary of current knowledge about caseins and casein peptides on the immune system as well as their roles in the natural defence against the development of leukaemia and as relevant epigenetic regulators that can help eradicate leukaemia.
The Association between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Metabolic-Related Genes and Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hu Zhiyong , Tao ShaSha , Liu Huaqing , Pan Guotao , Li Bingyan , Zhang Zengli
Published: September 2019

Objective. To investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the key genes in vitamin D metabolic pathway on the serum 25(OH)D level after long-term vitamin D3 supplementation and provide a theoretical basis for rational vitamin D3 supplementation in diabetic patients with different genetic backgrounds. Methods. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who met the inclusive criteria were given 800 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 30 consecutive months. Serum 25(OH)D levels was measured at enrollment and every 6 months after enrollment. The average value of four-time measurements represented individual serum 25(OH)D level during vitamin D3 supplementation. Multiplex TaqMan genotyping was used to determine the distribution of eight candidate SNPs in genes of DHCR7, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and VDR, which are key genes in the vitamin D metabolic pathway, in diabetic patients. Results. At baseline, the average serum 25(OH)D level was 22.71±6.87 ng/mL, and 17.9% of patients had a ≥30 ng/mL level. During supplementation, the level of 25(OH)D increased significantly at each time point, and the average 25(OH)D level increased to 30.61±5.04 ng/mL; however, there were 44.6% of patients whose serum 25(OH)D levels were still below 30 ng/mL. In the patients with CYP27B1 (rs10877012) G/T genotype, 71.79% achieved sufficient level of 25(OH)D, which was significantly higher than the other two genotypes (P<0.05). Compared with those with T/T genotype, the RR of the patients with rs10877012 for <30 ng/mL level was 0.544 (95% CI: 0.291-0.917), and the RR after adjusting age and outdoor activity was 0.560 (95% CI: 0.292-0.970). Conclusion. The serum 25(OH)D level in patients with diabetes mellitus after long-term vitamin D3 supplementation is associated with CYP27B1 polymorphism. Patients with rs10877012 G/T allele have a better response to vitamin D3 supplementation. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-IPC-17012657.
DKK2 Impairs Tumor Immunity Infiltration and Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Jianyu , Jiang Yongsheng , He Ruizhe , Liu Wei , Yang Minwei , Tao Lingye , Fu Xueliang , Shen Yang , Li Jiao , Liu Dejun , Huo Yanmiao , Zhang Junfeng , Hua Rong , Zhang Zhigang , Sun Yongwei
Published: September 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most devastating cancer types despite the improvement of modern medicine. In our present study, we found that dickkopf-related protein 2 (DKK2) shares a higher expression in PDAC compared with adjacent pancreas tissue in tissue microarray. In addition, an elevated expression of DKK2 predicts poorer prognosis of patients and positively correlated with poor tumor differentiation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was also performed and confirmed that the expression of DKK2 is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC. A high expression of DKK2 correlates with cell migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) while knockdown of DKK2 in PDAC cells resulted in impaired cellular migration. Furthermore, GSEA predicts negative correlation between tumor immunity invasion and DKK2 expression. We then confirmed these results and demonstrated that a higher expression of DKK2 imparts the recruitment of CD8+ T cells. Our work suggested that DKK2 imparts tumor immune evasion and is associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Social Aspects of Dementia Prevention from a Worldwide to National Perspective: A Review on the International Situation and the Example of Italy
Authors: Ricci Giovanna
Published: September 2019

At the moment, dementia is affecting around 47 million people worldwide, with a forecast amount of 135 million affected people in 2050. Dementia is a growing health concern worldwide with no treatment currently available, but only symptomatic medication. Effective interventions in the prevention and management of dementia are urgently needed to contain direct and indirect costs of this disease. Indeed, the economic impact of dementia is a vast and continually growing figure, but it is still difficult to quantify. Due to an increase in both the disease spreading and its direct and indirect costs, national and international action plans have to be implemented. As a virtuous example, the Italian national plan for dementia has been summarized. Faced with an increasingly less sustainable disease impact at national and international levels, the plan suggests that it is certainly the entire welfare model that should be rethought, strengthening the network of services and providing interventions to support affected people and their caregivers. Alongside this synergistic approach, scientific research could play a crucial role for pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments capable of delaying the state of loss of self-sufficiency of the patient, with a significant impact on social and health costs.
Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Activities of Acid-Depolymerised Exopolysaccharides by Termitomyces albuminosus
Authors: Zhao Huajie , Wang Xiuxiu , Liu Xinchao , Zhang Jianjun , Wan Luzhang , Jia Le
Published: September 2019

The acid-depolymerised exopolysaccharides (ADES) of Termitomyces albuminosus were obtained, and the major fraction of ADES1 was isolated and purified by DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange column chromatography. Physicochemical characterizations showed that ADES1 was an α- and a β-configuration with the molecular weight of 2.43 kDa, containing (1→3, 4)-linked-Glcp, (1→4)-linked-D-Glcp, (1→3)-linked-D-Xylp, (1→4)-linked-D-Manp, T-Glcp, (1→6)-linked-D-Galp, and (1→4)-linked-L-Arap. The in vivo assays showed that ADES1 could reduce lipid levels in the serum and liver, decrease serum enzyme activities, and improve antioxidant enzyme activities and p-AMPKα expressions in hyperlipidemic mice, which were also confirmed by histopathological observations. These data indicated that ADES1 might be considered as a novel substance to treat and prevent hyperlipidemia and as a hepatoprotective agent.