bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing degradation conditions of treatment of TATB explosive wastewater by γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and UV synergistic degradation
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Deng Yuedan , Zhang Chaorong , Bai Xueyuan , Li Jinshan
Published: October 2020

In this work, the effect of superparamagnetic γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and ultraviolet light (UV) synergistic degradation on the treatment of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) explosive wastewater was studied. γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by hydrolysis method and the degradation performance of TATB explosive wastewater was systematically studied with UV light assisted. The results showed that γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles have a low size distribution that ranged from 5 to 10 nm and possesses superparamagnetic properties. The optimized degradation condition was investigated and best degradation performance was obtained with the optimized conditions: the initial of pH = 3, UV illumination intensity (5 w/cm2), reaction temperature (25 °C), initial total organic carbon concentration (4.025 mg/L) as well as reaction time (60 min). This work can offer a new idea to degrade the explosive wastewater.
Empirical assessment of the out-of-plane strength of unreinforced masonry infills with openings under earthquake loading
Authors: Di Domenico Mariano , Ricci Paolo , Verderame Gerardo M.
Published: October 2020

Formulations for the assessment of the out-of-plane strength capacity of unreinforced masonry (URM) infills have been proposed in the literature and introduced in building codes. However, these formulations often do not account for the presence of openings. In this note, based on experimental data, a code-oriented proposal is presented for the correction of the out-of-plane strength of URM infills with openings. The experimental results collected are also discussed based on Dawe and Seah’s mechanical model, published in the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering in 1989.
A scalar potential from gauge condensation and its implications
Authors: Chun Eung Jin , Han Chengcheng
Published: October 2020

We consider a scalar field $$\phi $$
ϕ
whose coupling to the kinetic term of a non-abelian gauge field is set at an UV scale M. Then the confinement of the gauge sector will induce a $$\phi $$
ϕ
-dependent vacuum energy which generates a dimensionful potential for the scalar. It provides a good example of dynamical generation of a new physics scale below M through the vacuum expectation value $$\langle \phi \rangle $$

⟨
ϕ
⟩

. This mechanism may shed light on the origin of dark matter, or spontaneous symmetry breaking applicable to the electroweak symmetry.
Real structures and the Pin−(2)-monopole equations
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiro
Published: October 2020

We investigate the [Formula: see text]-monopole invariants of symplectic [Formula: see text]-manifolds and Kähler surfaces with real structures. We prove a nonvanishing theorem for real symplectic [Formula: see text]-manifolds which is an analogue of Taubes’ nonvanishing theorem of the Seiberg–Witten invariants for symplectic [Formula: see text]-manifolds. Furthermore, the Kobayashi–Hitchin type correspondence for real Kähler surfaces is given.
Chiral symmetry in Dirac equation and its effects on neutrino masses and dark matter
Authors: Watson T. B. , Musielak Z. E.
Published: October 2020

Chiral symmetry is included into the Dirac equation using the irreducible representations of the Poincaré group. The symmetry introduces the chiral angle that specifies the chiral basis. It is shown that the correct identification of these basis allows explaining small masses of neutrinos and predicting a new candidate for Dark Matter massive particle.
Polarization-indepentant multi-band unidirectional reflectionless propagation in non-Hermitian metamaterial
Authors: Bai Ruiping , Liu Shujing , Jin Xing Ri
Published: October 2020

We design a structure to achieve a function of polarization-independent multi-band unidirectional reflectionlessness in a non-Hermitian metamaterial system based on the Fabry-Pérot resonance. All contrast ratios of reflectance at 198 THz, 214.2 THz, and 232.65 THz are 0.99. The unidirectional reflectionless peak position remains almost unchanged with increasing polarization angles. Besides, the structure can also be used to realize the unidirectional reflectionless phenomenon in the incident angle range of 0–30[Formula: see text], which may provide great convenience for experimental operations.
Effect of Mo doping on the microstructure and properties of an Fe36Ni Invar alloy
Authors: Dong Liming , Yu Zhaopeng , Hu Xianjun , Feng Fang
Published: October 2020

The effects of doping with different Mo contents on the microstructure and properties of Fe36Ni Invar alloys were investigated. The results show that when 0.9 wt.% Mo and 1.8 wt.% Mo were added to Fe36Ni, the tensile strengths of the hot rolled alloys were 46 and 61 MPa higher than that of the 0 wt.% Mo sample, respectively. With an increase in Mo content from 0.9 to 1.8 wt.%, the solution temperature of the highest hardness after heat treatment increased from 800[Formula: see text]C to 850[Formula: see text]C, respectively. The addition of 0.9 wt.% Mo refined the average grain size from 37 to 15 [Formula: see text]m, and an excessive amount of Mo (1.8 wt.%) did not refine the grains further. After Mo was added, the precipitates on the original grain boundaries changed into nanoprecipitates dispersed in the grain boundaries and inside the grains. Mo was present in the alloy in the form of a carbide and in solid solution, which affected the magnetic lattice effect and increased the thermal expansion coefficient of the alloy. However, upon comparing the samples doped with 0 wt.% Mo, 0.9 wt.% Mo and 1.8 wt.% Mo, it was found that the addition of 0.9 wt.% Mo not only refined the grain size and improved the mechanical properties of the alloy but also led to a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) over the range from 20[Formula: see text]C to 300[Formula: see text]C.
Competition between decay modes of superheavy nuclei 281−310Og
Authors: Sowmya N. , Manjunatha H. C. , Gupta P. S. Damodara
Published: October 2020

In this work, we have made an attempt to study the cluster-decay half-lives and alpha-decay half-lives of the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text]Og by considering the temperature-dependent (TD) and also temperature-independent (TID) proximity potential model. The evaluated half-lives were compared with that of the experiments. To predict the decay modes, we have compared the cluster-decay half-lives and alpha-decay half-lives with that of spontaneous fission half-lives. This work also predicts the decay chains of the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text]Og and finds an importance in the synthesis of further isotopes of superheavy element Oganesson.
The application of aluminium phthalocyanine AlPs-4-mediated photodynamic therapy against human soft tissue sarcoma (RMS) cell line
Authors: Zakir Muhammad , Khurshid Ahmat , Khan Muhammad Iqbal , Khattak Asma , Khan Murad Ali
Published: October 2020

The main challenge in the cancer treatment is the on-target drug delivery to the affected cells. Various therapies have been designed to target the affected cells efficiently but still the success is awaited. An iron and cobalt nanocomposite for the effective drug delivery to target cells was designed. The photodynamic effect of anticancer drugs loaded with iron oxide and cobalt ferrite nanomaterials coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was studied. The iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and cobalt ferrite (CF) NPs without the loaded drugs were characterized by UV, XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX techniques. The photodynamic effect of the photosensitizer, doxorubicin, and dacarbazine loaded nanomaterials were screened against human rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells after incubation for 3 h, 24 h, and 48 h using MTT assay. The combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with chemo drugs is studied over different doses. When RMS cells were exposed to nanomaterials loaded with chemo drugs and PDT alone, it resulted in less cell killing compared to chemo drugs followed by PDT. These results revealed that in the case of combined treatment (combination therapy) the cell viability decreases as compared to individual treatment (monotherapy). The in vitro studies showed positive results which give a new pathway for the in vivo studies.
A nonlinear Lazarev–Lieb theorem: L2-orthogonality via motion planning
Authors: Frick Florian , Superdock Matt
Published: October 2020

Lazarev and Lieb showed that finitely many integrable functions from the unit interval to [Formula: see text] can be simultaneously annihilated in the [Formula: see text] inner product by a smooth function to the unit circle. Here, we answer a question of Lazarev and Lieb proving a generalization of their result by lower bounding the equivariant topology of the space of smooth circle-valued functions with a certain [Formula: see text]-norm bound. Our proof uses a variety of motion planning algorithms that instead of contractibility yield a lower bound for the [Formula: see text]-coindex of a space.
The graph isomorphism problem
Authors: Grohe Martin , Schweitzer Pascal
Published: October 2020

Exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of the graph isomorphism problem.
Uniformly Primal Submodule over Noncommutative Ring
Authors: Abulebda Lamis J. M.
Published: October 2020

Let R be an associative ring with identity and M be a unitary right R-module. A submodule N of M is called a uniformly primal submodule provided that the subset

B

of

R

is uniformly not right prime to

N

, if there exists an element

s
∈
M
−
N

with

sRB
⊆
N

.The set

adj

N

=

r
∈
R

|
mRr
⊆
N
 
for some 
m
∈
M

is uniformly not prime to

N

.This paper is concerned with the properties of uniformly primal submodules. Also, we generalize the prime avoidance theorem for modules over noncommutative rings to the uniformly primal avoidance theorem for modules.
Heat Shock Protein 90 Family Isoforms as Prognostic Biomarkers and Their Correlations with Immune Infiltration in Breast Cancer
Authors: Lin Tong , Qiu Yuqin , Peng Wenya , Peng Lisheng
Published: October 2020

Background. The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90s) family is composed of molecular chaperones composed of four isoforms in humans, which has been widely reported as unregulated in various kinds of cancers. Nevertheless, the role of each HSP90s isoform in prognosis and immune infiltration in distinct subtypes of breast cancer (BRAC) remains unclear. Methods. Public online databases including the Oncomine, UALCAN, Kaplan‐Meier Plotter, Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), GeneMANIA, and Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) were integrated to perform bioinformatic analyses and to explore the possible associations among HSP90s gene expression, prognosis, and immune infiltration in BRAC. Results. The mRNA expression of all HSP90s members was elevated in distinct clinical stages and subtypes of BRAC, compared with the normal breast tissue (P < 0.05). Overexpressed HSP90AA1 was associated with poor prognosis, particularly, both short overall survival (OS) and release‐free survival (RFS) in Basal‐like BRAC patients; overexpressed HSP90AB1 and HSP90B1 were both associated with poor RFS in Luminal A BRAC patients, while overexpressed TRAP1 was associated with favorable RFS in Luminal A BRAC patients. Moreover, HSP90s gene expression in BRAC showed correlations with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), as well as the activation of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), DCs, and CD4+ helper T (Th) cells. The underlying mechanisms of HSP90s modulating tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) might be related with their functions in antigen processing and presentation, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) binding, and assisting client proteins. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that HSP90s family genes were overexpressed and might be serve as prognostic biomarkers in subtypes of BRAC. It might be a novel breakthrough point of BRAC treatment to regulate immune infiltration in BRAC microenvironment for more effective anticancer immunity through pharmacological intervention of HSP90s.
Polygonally Meshed Dipole Model Simulation of the Electrical Field Produced by the Stomach and Intestines
Authors: Kawano Masaki , Emoto Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Cutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) is used in clinical and physiological fields to noninvasively measure the electrical activity of the stomach and intestines. Dipole models that mathematically express the electrical field characteristics generated by the stomach and intestines have been developed to investigate the relationship between the electrical control activity (ECA) (slow waves) shown in EGG and the internal gastric electrical activity. However, these models require a mathematical description of the movement of an annular band of dipoles, which limits the shape that can be modeled. In this study, we propose a novel polygonally meshed dipole model to conveniently reproduce ECA based on the movement of the annular band in complex shapes, such as the shape of the stomach and intestines, constructed in three-dimensional (3D) space. We show that the proposed model can reproduce ECA simulation results similar to those obtained using conventional models. Moreover, we show that the proposed model can reproduce the ECA produced by a complex geometrical shape, such as the shape of the intestines. The study results indicate that ECA simulations can be conducted based on structures that more closely resemble real organs than those used in conventional dipole models, with which, because of their intrinsic construction, it would be difficult to include realistic complex shapes, using the mathematical description of the movement of an annular band of dipoles. Our findings provide a powerful new approach for computer simulations based on the electric dipole model.
Determinants of Neonatal Jaundice among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Public General Hospitals of Central Zone, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2019: a Case‐Control Study
Authors: Asefa Guesh Gebreayezgi , Gebrewahid Teklay Guesh , Nuguse Hailemariam , Gebremichael Mengistu Welday , Birhane Merhawi , Zereabruk Kidane , Zemicheal Teklewoini Mariye , Hailay Abrha , Abrha Woldu Aberhe , Hadera Surafel Aregawi , Hailu Areaya Gebreegzabiher , Beyene Brhane Hagos , Dagnazgi Ebud Ayele , Tekulu Fsaha Gebretsadkan , Welay FissahaTekulu
Published: October 2020

Background. Neonatal jaundice is common a clinical problem worldwide. Globally, every year, about 1.1 million babies develop severe hyperbilirubinemia with or without bilirubin encephalopathy and the vast majority reside in sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia. Strategies and information on determinants of neonatal jaundice in sub‐Saharan Africa are limited. So, investigating determinant factors of neonatal jaundice has paramount importance in mitigating jaundice‐related neonatal morbidity and mortality. Methodology. Hospital‐based unmatched case‐control study was conducted by reviewing medical charts of 272 neonates in public general hospitals of the central zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia. The sample size was calculated using Epi Info version 7.2.2.12, and participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. One year medical record documents were included in the study. Data were collected through a data extraction format looking on the cards. Data were entered to the EpiData Manager version 4.4.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between independent and dependent variables. Variables at p value less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered to a multivariable analysis to identify the determinant factors of jaundice. The level of significance was declared at p value <0.05. Results. A total of 272 neonatal medical charts were included. Obstetric complication (AOR: 5.77; 95% CI: 1.85‐17.98), low birth weight (AOR: 4.27; 95% CI:1.58‐11.56), birth asphyxia (AOR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.617‐14.4), RH‐incompatibility (AOR: 5.45; 95% CI: 1.58‐18.74), breastfeeding (AOR: 6.11; 95% CI: 1.71‐21.90) and polycythemia (AOR: 7.32; 95% CI: 2.51‐21.311) were the determinants of neonatal jaundice. Conclusion. Obstetric complication, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, RH‐incompatibility, breastfeeding, and polycythemia were among the determinants of neonatal jaundice. Hence, early prevention and timely treatment of neonatal jaundice are important since it was a cause of long‐term complication and death in neonates.
Optimization and Simulation of Carsharing under the Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Feng Huixia
Published: October 2020

Internet of Things devices are popular in civilian and military applications, including smart device cities, smart grids, smart pipelines, and medical Internet of Things. Among them, carsharing supported by the Internet of Things is developing rapidly due to their advantages in environmental protection and reducing traffic congestion. The optimization of the carsharing system needs to consider the uncertainty of demand and the coupling relationship of multiple decision variables, which brings difficulties to the establishment of mathematical models and the design of efficient algorithms. Existing studies about carsharing optimization are mainly divided into four subproblems: the operation mode selection, vehicle type selection, demand analysis, or decision-making, rather than comprehensive consideration. This paper summarizes the four subproblems from the perspective of mathematical models, solving algorithms, and statistical methods and provides references for more comprehensive research in the future.
Amarogentin Inhibits Liver Cancer Cell Angiogenesis after Insufficient Radiofrequency Ablation via Affecting Stemness and the p53‐Dependent VEGFA/Dll4/Notch1 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yongchuan , Zhang Yinglin , Wang Jin , Gu Haitao
Published: October 2020

Background. Whether and how amarogentin suppresses the angiogenesis effect in liver cancer cells after insufficient radiofrequency ablation (iRFA) are still poorly studied. Methods. The number of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and the level of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were assessed in liver cancer tissue after iRFA. Then, CD133‐positive cells were detected in iRFA models of HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines treated with amarogentin. Tube formation assays were applied to observe the antiangiogenesis effects of amarogentin. In addition, the angiogenesis‐related molecules p53, delta‐like ligand 4 (Dll4), and Notch1 were detected in the iRFA cells and mouse models treated with amarogentin. Results. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CD133 and VEGFA were significantly higher in the residual liver cancer tissue than in the liver cancer tissues treated by hepatectomy. Amarogentin then markedly decreased the percentage of CD133‐positive cells in the iRFA model in both HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines. The number of tubules formed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was significantly decreased by amarogentin. Inversely, the antiangiogenesis effect of amarogentin was counteracted after p53 silencing in the iRFA cell models. Conclusion. Amarogentin prevents the malignant transformation of liver cancer after iRFA via affecting stemness and the p53‐dependent VEGFA/Dll4/Notch1 pathway to inhibit cancer cell angiogenesis.
Neuromotor Development Evaluation of Preterm Babies Less than 34 Weeks of Gestation with Bayley III at 18‐24 Months
Authors: Bulbul Lida , Elitok Gizem Kara , Ayyıldız Ebru , Kabakcı Dilek , Uslu Sinan , Köse Gülsen , Tiryaki Demir Semra , Bulbul Ali
Published: October 2020

Objectives. To assess and evaluate the risk factors affecting the neuromotor development of preterm babies at corrected age 18 to 24 months. Methods. Preterm babies ≤ 34 weeks of gestational age (GA) who were born in our hospital between 2011 and 2014 were prospectively included in the study. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal features of the babies were recorded. Bayley Scales of Infants and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley‐III), was applied at corrected age 18 to 24 months. Results. All data of 96 babies were obtained during the study, mean birth weight was 1542 ± 518 g, and mean corrected age was 20.9 ± 4.7 months. Cerebral palsy was found in 11 babies (11.5%). According to Bayley III scores, 13.5% cognitive delay, 19.8% language delay, and 33.3% motor delay rations were detected. A positive correlation was found between GA and motor composite scores (p = 0.011). The mean motor composite score was lower in babies with the Apgar score less than 7 at 1st and 5th minutes (p = 0.007 and p = 0.003) and applied resuscitation in the delivery room (p = 0.033). The mean language composite score was found to be higher in babies with antenatal steroid administration (p = 0.003). A negative correlation was found between the motor composite score and the oxygen treatment time and mechanical ventilation support time (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007). Conclusion. In preterm babies less than 34 weeks, the birth weight, GA, Apgar score, oxygen treatment time, mechanical ventilation support time, and resuscitation in a delivery room were determined to affect the Bayley III motor score. Language development was found better in babies with antenatal steroid administration.
Exploration in the Mechanism of Kaempferol for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Yang Liangjun , Li Haiwen , Yang Maoyi , Zhang Weijian , Li Mianli , Xu Yifei , Li Jingwei , Kang Jianyuan , Zhang Jingchao , Guo Shaoju
Published: October 2020

Background. Kaempferol is a natural polyphenol in lots of Chinese herbs, which has shown promising treatment for gastric cancer (GC). However, the molecular mechanisms of its action have not been systematically revealed yet. In this work, a network pharmacology approach was used to elucidate the potential mechanisms of kaempferol in the treatment of GC. Methods. The kaempferol was input into the PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction database to get its targets, and the targets of GC were obtained by retrieving the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, MalaCards database, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and Coolgen database. The molecular docking was performed to assess the interactions between kaempferol and these targets. Next, the overlap targets of kaempferol and GC were identified for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Afterward, a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to get the hub targets, and the expression and overall survival analysis of the hub target were investigated. Finally, the overall survival (OS) analysis of hub targets was performed using the Kaplan‐Meier Plotter online tool. Results. A total of 990 genes related to GC and 10 overlapping genes were determined through matching the 24 potential targets of kaempferol with disease‐associated genes. The result of molecular docking indicated that kaempferol can bind with these hub targets with good binding scores. These targets were further mapped to 140 GO biological process terms and 11 remarkable pathways. In the PPI network analysis, 3 key targets were identified, including ESR1, EGFR, and SRC. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EGFR and SRC were obviously higher in GC tissues. High expression of these targets was related to poor OS in GC patients. Conclusions. This study provided a novel approach to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of kaempferol on GC, which will ease the future clinical application of kaempferol in the treatment of GC.
A Research on Nonendangered Population Protection Facing Biological Invasion
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhao Yi , Shi Mingjing , Zhao Xin
Published: October 2020

In nature, a biological invasion is a common phenomenon that often threatens the existence of local species. Getting rid of the invasive species is hard to achieve after its survival and reproduction. At present, killing some invasive ones and putting artificial local species are usual methods to prevent local species from extinction. An ODE model is constructed to simulate the invasive procedure, and the protection policy is depicted as a series of impulses depending on the state of the variables. Both the ODEs and the impulses form a state feedback impulsive model which describes the invasion and protection together. The existence of homoclinic cycle and bifurcation of order-1 periodic solution of the impulsive model are discussed, and the orbitally asymptotical stability of the order-1 periodic solution is certificated with a novel method. Finally, the numerical simulation result is listed to confirm the theoretical work.
Basic Properties of Incomplete Macdonald Function with Applications
Authors: Shu Jian-Jun , Shastri Kunal Krishnaraj
Published: October 2020

The incomplete version of the Macdonald function has various appellations in literature and earns a well-deserved reputation of being a computational challenge. This paper ties together the previously disjoint literature and presents the basic properties of the incomplete Macdonald function, such as recurrence and differential relations and series and asymptotic expansions. This paper also shows that the incomplete Macdonald function, as a simple closed-form expression, is a particular solution to a parabolic partial differential equation, which arises naturally in a wide variety of transient and diffusion-related phenomena.
Use of Big Data Tools and Industrial Internet of Things: An Overview
Authors: Wang Yingzi , Nazir Jan Muhammad , Chu Sisi , Zhu Yue
Published: October 2020

Big data is ever playing an important role in the industry as well as many other organizations. With the passage of time, the volume of data is increasing. This increase will create huge bulk of data which needs proper tools and techniques to handle its management and organization. Different techniques and tools are being used to properly handle the management of data. A detailed report of these techniques and tools is needed which will help researchers to easily identify a tool for their data and take help to easily manage the data, organize the data, and extract meaningful information from it. The proposed study is an endeavour toward summarizing and identifying the tools and techniques for big data used in Industrial Internet of Things. This report will certainly help researchers and practitioners to easily use the tools and techniques for their need in an effective way.
Dynamic Large Deflection Response of RC Beams under Low-Speed Impact Loading
Authors: Guo Lu , Mao Renwei , Liu Zhifang , Li Shiqiang , Wu Guiying , Wang Zhihua
Published: October 2020

The dynamic large deflection response of RC beams under low-speed impact loading at their midspan is investigated in this paper. Two simple methods such as extended Hamilton’s principle and equivalent static hypothesis are used to establish the theoretical models for both simply supported and fully clamped RC beams; analytical formulas for the maximum midspan deflection-input impact energy are obtained. The “equal area” method based on the deflection history of beams is only used during these derivations to determine the plastic bending moment and the stress distribution of the structure. Then, finite element simulations are carried out to verify the validity of the proposed predictions. It is shown that the maximum deflections for both simply supported and fully clamped beams are almost proportional with respect to the input impact energy, which agrees well with both simulations and other experimental results. Also, the boundary condition has more effect on the deflection response of the RC beams which is relatively longer.
Predicting Wet-Road Crashes Using the Finite-Mixture Zero-Truncated Negative Binomial Model
Authors: Chen Ying , Huang Zhongxiang
Published: October 2020

Inclement weather affects traffic safety in various ways. Crashes on rainy days not only cause fatalities and injuries but also significantly increase travel time. Accurately predicting crash risk under inclement weather conditions is helpful and informative to both roadway agencies and roadway users. Safety researchers have proposed various analytic methods to predict crashes. However, most of them require complete roadway inventory, traffic, and crash data. Data incompleteness is a challenge in many developing countries. It is common that safety researchers only have access to data on sites where a crash has occurred (i.e., zero-truncated data). The conventional crash models are not applicable to zero-truncated safety data. This paper proposes a finite-mixture zero-truncated negative binomial (FMZTNB) model structure. The model is applied to three-year wet-road crash data on 395 divided roadway segments (total 586 km), and the parameters are estimated using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Comparison indicates that the proposed FMZTNB model has better fitting performance and is more accurate in predicting the number of wet-road crashes. The model is capable of capturing the heterogeneity within the sample crash data. In addition, lane width showed mixed effects in different components on wet-road crashes, which are not observed in conventional modeling approaches. Practitioners are encouraged to consider the finite-mixture zero-truncated modeling approach when complete safety dataset is not available.
Seismic Isolation Performance Evaluation for a Class of Inerter-Based Low-Complexity Isolators
Authors: Cao Fei , Chen Michael Z. Q. , Hu Yinlong
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the seismic base isolation problem for all low-complexity networks containing one inerter, one spring, and one damper is studied based on a multi-degree-of-freedom model. The analytical solutions for the H2 performance optimization are derived, and the traditional tuned mass damper (TMD) is employed for comparison. Extensive numerical simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the obtained results. The results show that for different seismic wave excitations, some isolators are better than TMD in controlling the displacement of the main structure. Moreover, with the increase of the TMD mass ratio, the isolation performances of the inerter-based isolators are increasingly better than that of TMD.
Research on Cab Vibration Control Based on Parameter Hierarchical Interaction Model
Authors: Xu Enyong , He Shuilong , Zheng Weiguang , Tang Tao , Li Chao , Huang Qibai
Published: October 2020

The vibration level of a cab affects the passenger’s ride comfort and safety significantly. It is of great importance to control the vibration level of cabs under various driving conditions. The associated vibration transfer paths of cabs are studied by using a hierarchical analysis method of a parameter index. The multiobjective design analysis is carried out by using the multiparameter joint optimisation design. Further, the optimal control of the cab vibration level is obtained from a full-condition simulation environment. Additionally, a multibody vehicle model is established. The simulation analysis under multiple working conditions is conducted. The optimal parameter distribution of the cab mounting structure was established by analysing the influence of the design parameters and experimental verification. This greatly improves the comfort of the cab.
A Cleaner Mining Method for Waste Tailings as Paste Materials to Goafs
Authors: Liu Yuxi , Liu Zhixiang , Li Keming , Deng Sijia , Dong Longjun
Published: October 2020

Underground mining is the primary method to obtain economically valuable minerals, but it usually brings a large number of goafs (mined-out voids) and large quantities of waste tailings. The gradual accumulation of mine tailings has attracted worldwide attention because of its occupation and acidification of land, and a large number of goafs often lead to stope instability and ground subsidence. To solve the waste tailing accumulation and ground subsidence, a cleaner mining method—cemented tailing backfilling (CTB)—for filling mining goafs by tailings was proposed. Firstly, the volume of the goafs was detected, and the hydraulic-mechanical coupling properties of the original tailings were tested. Then, a reasonable mix proportion of tailings, binder, and water was determined based on laboratory experiments. Finally, the filling pipe network and filling system were designed according to the actual situation of the mine. This paper provides an environmental and economic method for treating tailing accumulation and preventing ground subsidence. At the same time, it was demonstrated in Linglong Gold Mine (LLGM), and a plan which allows 15.8 service years of nondischarge of tailings was designed in LLGM.
Dynamical Behaviour of the Light Pulses through the Optical Fiber: Two Nonlinear Atangana Conformable Fractional Evolution Equations
Authors: Alfalqi S. H. , Khater Mostafa M. A. , Alzaidi J. F. , Lu Dianchen
Published: October 2020

This study, using the extended simplest method of equation, examines the explicit movement solutions of both the Schwarzian Korteweg-de Vries (SKdV) and (2 + 1)-Ablowitz-Kaup-Newell-Segur (AKNS.) equation. These models show the movement of the waves in optical fiber mathematically. The SKdV equation explains the movement of the isolated waves in diverse fields and on the site in a small space microsection. Some solutions obtained have been developed to show the physical and dynamic behaviors of these solutions in the obtained wave.
Level and Associated Factors of Knowledge regarding Menstrual Hygiene among School-Going Adolescent Girls in Dang District, Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Chet Kant , Bhattarai Sigma , Kafle Raju , Shrestha Rubina , Chhetri Pradip , Adhikari Kishor
Published: October 2020

Background. Adolescent girls in developing countries do not have proper information, and proper information is covered up by sociocultural boundaries resulting in various morbidities. This study aimed to determine level of knowledge and its associated factors regarding menstrual hygiene amongst adolescent school girls in Dang district, Nepal. Methods. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and October 2019 among 406 adolescent girls studying in grades 8–10 between ages of 10–19 years in Dang district, Nepal. From a total of 10 local units, 5 were selected randomly. Out of the selected 5 units, 10 schools consisting of 5 government and 5 private schools were selected through disproportionate stratified random sampling. A further 406 students were then selected randomly from the 10 selected schools. Bivariate analysis was used primarily to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Variables which were associated with bivariate analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. Results. The mean age and family size were 15.13 ± 1.19 and 5.58 ± 1.81, respectively. A total of 87.7% of adolescents had good knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene. Adolescents living in rural area (AOR = 0.27, CI: 0.12–0.61,

p
≤
0.001

), private schools (AOR = 6.10, CI: 1.58–23.46,

p
≤
0.001

), mothers who can read and write (AOR = 0.22, CI: 0.07–0.64,

p
≤
0.001

), fathers who have up-to-grade-10 education (AOR = 5.15, CI: 1.84–14.39,

p
≤
0.001

), and living only with mothers (AOR = 0.29, CI: 0.12–0.69,

p
≤
0.018

) were significantly associated with level of knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Conclusions. Though the majority of respondents had a good level of knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene, there was a knowledge gap in specific areas. The level of knowledge was significantly poor among adolescents in rural areas and those living only with mothers. Thus, this study concerns the need for policy makers to focus on specific education regarding menstrual hygiene in rural areas including both parents.
Microwave and Blanching Pretreatments for Hot Air Drying of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Slices (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Abano Ernest
Published: October 2020

Microwave and steam blanching as pretreatments to hot air drying of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) were studied. The air-drying experiment was performed at constant temperature of 70°C and airflow of 1.0 m/s. The effective moisture diffusivity varied from

1.5
×

10

−
9

to

4.4
×

10

−
9

m2/s, and

1.1
×

10

−
10

to 7.9

×

10

−
10

m2/s, for the microwave and blanched assisted hot air drying, respectively. The activation energy obtained for the various microwave-assisted hot air drying was 29.1 W/mm for 4 min, 68.1 W/mm for 3 min, and 79.7 W/mm for 2 min. Ascorbic acid degradation and formation of brown pigments in the OFSP slices were lower in microwave than in steam blanch-assisted drying. Microwave-assisted drying of OFSP is best governed by Page model,

M
R
=
exp

−
k

t

n

, while the blanch-assisted followed the logarithmic model,

M
R
=
a
 
exp

−
k
t

+
c

. To produce better quality OFSP flour, it is recommended to cut the tubers into 3 mm slices, microwave at a power of 630 W for 2 min or blanch for 1 min, 43 seconds prior to hot air drying.
Kang‐Xian Pills Inhibit Inflammatory Response and Decrease Gut Permeability to Treat Carbon Tetrachloride‐Induced Chronic Hepatic Injury through Modulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Wang Li , Cui Huantian , Li Yuting , Cao Min , Man Shanshan , Guo Liying , Miao Jing , Jia Jianwei , Bian Yuhong , Zhang Zhaiyi
Published: October 2020

Kang‐Xian (KX) pills have been clinically used for the treatment of chronic hepatic injury (CHI). However, the mechanisms of KX on CHI remain unknown. The aim of this study mainly focused on the anti‐inflammatory effects of KX in a CHI mouse model based on modulating gut microbiota and gut permeability. We first established a CHI model using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and treated it with KX. The anti‐inflammatory effects of KX on CHI model mice and the changes in gut permeability after KX treatment were also investigated. 16S rRNA analysis was used to study the changes of gut microbiota composition after KX treatment. In addition, gut microbiota was depleted using a combination of antibiotics in order to further confirm that KX could inhibit the inflammatory response and decrease gut permeability to treat CHI by modulating the gut microbiota. Results showed that KX treatment significantly improved liver function in CHI model mice. KX could also increase the levels of tight junction proteins in the colon and decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the liver. 16S rRNA analysis indicated that KX treatment affected the alpha and beta diversities in CHI model mice. Further analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that KX treatment increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. At the genus level, KX treatment increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia and decreased the relative abundance of Ralstonia, Alloprevotella, and Lachnoclostridium. However, KX could not alleviate CHI after depleting the gut microbiota. The effects of KX on gut permeability and inflammatory response in the liver were also decreased following the depletion of gut microbiota. In conclusion, our current study demonstrated that gut microbiota was significantly affected during CHI progression. KX could inhibit the inflammatory response and decrease the gut permeability in CHI model mice through modulating the gut microbiota.
The Key Construction Technology Research on the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland
Authors: Jiang Peng , Yu Shaole , Luan Wei , Chen Xinxi , Qin Yang , Li Zhongfu
Published: October 2020

The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is the first natural ecological hotel built in an abandoned mine in the world, which faces many difficulties in the construction process. To solve the difficult problems in the construction process, the study was carried out from the stability analysis of the deep pit cliff, the mechanical performance of the structure, and the construction technology. The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is built around the abandoned deep pit cliffs, and the stability of the deep pit cliffs directly affects the safety of the building. The dynamic response characteristics and the instability characteristics of the mine slope under the dynamic response were analyzed by a three‐dimensional dynamic finite element method. The calculation results showed that with effective anchoring support measures, the stability coefficient of slope under static load and small earthquakes was large, which had a certain safety margin. Under the action of large earthquakes, the slope could still meet the stability requirements. The structure of the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is a unique two‐point support structure system. It shows the deformation and stress characteristics of one fixed end and one simply supported end under horizontal load. The elastic‐plastic time history response of structures under actions of rare earthquakes was analyzed through the finite element analysis software. The analysis results show that the current structural system along with the design of component size and strength can meet the seismic performance of the structure under actions of rare earthquakes. The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland was built in a stone pit 88 m below the surface. Therefore, the transportation of materials was a difficulty in the construction process. A set of ultradeep concrete downward conveying equipment was invented to solve the difficulty. The construction process of the whole structure was simulated by finite element software, which provided a safety guarantee for the construction of the whole structure.
Small Intestinal Diverticulosis: A Rare Cause of Intestinal Perforation Revisited
Authors: Ramzee Ahmed Faidh , Khalaf Mohamed H. , Ahmed Khalid , Latif Ejaz , Aribi Noreddin , Bouchiba Nizar , Singh Rajvir , Zarour Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Jejunoileal diverticulosis (JID) is a rare and nonspecific symptomatic disease. It is usually an acquired condition associated with false diverticula and integrated with colonic diverticulosis which can be diagnosed incidentally or later with complications. A sixty-nine-year-old male presented with sudden onset generalized abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was suggestive of ileal diverticulitis with localized perforation. The patient was treated conservatively with IV fluids and antibiotics and kept nil per orem for three days and discharged after symptoms subsided. The patient returned with a similar presentation but with a greater intensity. CT with oral contrast revealed evidence of distal ileal perforation. The terminal ileum was resected, and a double barrel ileostomy was created. Six months later, the stoma was reversed after resecting 50 cm of proximal terminal ileum which included all diverticula. The patient had a smooth postoperative recovery. Small bowel diverticulitis is generally managed conservatively unless the patient’s clinical condition mandates urgent exploration. This report may add knowledge and lead to a change in clinical practice.
Trained Immunity
Authors: Tercan Helin , Riksen Niels P. , Joosten Leo A.B. , Netea Mihai G. , Bekkering Siroon
Published: October 2020

Adaptive immune responses are characterized by antigen specificity and induction of lifelong immunologic memory. Recently, it has been reported that innate immune cells can also build immune memory characteristics—a process termed trained immunity. Trained immunity describes the persistent hyperresponsive phenotype that innate immune cells can develop after brief stimulation. Pathogenic stimuli such as microorganisms, and also endogenous molecules including uric acid, oxidized LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and catecholamines, are capable of inducing memory in monocytes and macrophages. While trained immunity provides favorable cross-protection in the context of infectious diseases, the heightened immune response can be maladaptive in diseases driven by chronic systemic inflammation, such as atherosclerosis. Trained immunity is maintained by distinct epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms and persists for at least several months in vivo due to reprogramming of myeloid progenitor cells. Additionally, certain nonimmune cells are also found to exhibit trained immunity characteristics. Thus, trained immunity presents an exciting framework to develop new approaches to vaccination and also novel pharmacological targets in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Novel LCAT (Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase) Activator DS-8190a Prevents the Progression of Plaque Accumulation in Atherosclerosis Models
Authors: Sasaki Masato , Delawary Mina , Sakurai Hidetaka , Kobayashi Hideki , Nakao Naoki , Tsuru Hiromi , Fukushima Yumiko , Honzumi Shoko , Moriyama Sachiko , Wada Naoya , Kaneko Toshio , Yamada Keisuke , Terasaka Naoki , Kubota Kazuishi
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Enhancement of LCAT (lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase) activity has possibility to be beneficial for atherosclerosis. To evaluate this concept, we characterized our novel, orally administered, small-molecule LCAT activator DS-8190a, which was created from high-throughput screening and subsequent derivatization. We also focused on its mechanism of LCAT activation and the therapeutic activity with improvement of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) functionality.

Approach and Results:

DS-8190a activated human and cynomolgus monkey but not mouse LCAT enzymes in vitro. DS-8190a was orally administered to cynomolgus monkeys and dose dependently increased LCAT activity (2.0-fold in 3 mg/kg group on day 7), resulting in HDL cholesterol elevation without drastic changes of non-HDL cholesterol. Atheroprotective effects were then evaluated using
Ldl-r KO
×
hLcat Tg
mice fed a Western diet for 8 weeks. DS-8190a treatment achieved significant reduction of atherosclerotic lesion area (48.3% reduction in 10 mg/kg treatment group). Furthermore, we conducted reverse cholesterol transport study using
Ldl-r KO
×
hLcat Tg
mice intraperitoneally injected with J774A.1 cells loaded with [
3
H]-cholesterol and confirmed significant increases of [
3
H] count in plasma (1.4-fold) and feces (1.4-fold on day 2 and 1.5-fold on day3) in the DS-8190a–treated group. With regard to the molecular mechanism involved, direct binding of DS-8190a to human LCAT protein was confirmed by 2 different approaches: affinity purification by DS-8190a–immobilized beads and thermal shift assay. In addition, the candidate binding site of DS-8190a in human LCAT protein was identified by photoaffinity labeling.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the potential of DS-8190a as a novel therapeutic for atherosclerosis. In addition, this compound proves that a small-molecule direct LCAT activator can achieve HDL-C elevation in monkey and reduction of atherosclerotic lesion area with enhanced HDL function in rodent.