New Weighting Factor of 2D Isotropic-Dispersion Finite Difference Time Domain(ID-FDTD) Algorithm

Meng Zhao,Il-Suek Koh 한국전자파학회JEES 2008 Journal of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science Vol.8 No.4

In this paper, a new scheme to calculate the weighting factor of the 2-D isotropic-dispersion finite difference time domain(ID-FDTD) is proposed. The weighting factor in [1] was formulated in free space, so that it may not be optimal in dielectric media. Therefore, the weighting factor was reformulated by considering the material properties and using the least mean square method. As a result, a minimum numerical dispersion error for any dielectric media is guaranteed.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Characteristics of Fe-P Alloy Prepared by Electrothermal Reduction Method

Meng Zhao,Gui-Xin Wang,Xiu-Li Li,Rui Liu,Kang-Ping Yan 대한금속·재료학회 2010 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.16 No.6

Microscale Fe-P alloy was prepared using Ca3(PO4)2 and Fe2O3 in an electrothermal reduction process, and the electrochemical performance was investigated in detail. The initial discharge capacity could reach ~566.8mAh/g at 0.3 C rate, and the fade trend was so slight that the normalized capacities from 1.0 to 2.0 C rate were adjacent. The energy density and the power density could reach ~1133.6 Wh/kg and ~912.4 W/kg,respectively. The rate capability and the cycle performance were comparable to those of the Fe-P alloy synthesized using zerovalent iron and phosphorus. At 0.5 mV/s scan rate, the oxidation peak and the reduction peak for the reaction of lithium ions with P were positioned at ~1.3 and ~0.5 V, respectively. The reaction occurred under diffusion control, and the lithium ion diffusion efficient was ~1.5×10−9 cm2/s.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Schizandra Chinensis Fruit on Cadmium-Induced Change of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Rats

Zhao, Zheng Lin,Zhao, Guang Wen,Li, Li,Li, Meng Quan,Guan, Li Xin,Yang, Xu Dong,Li, Hou Zhong,Lin, Feng,Lee, Jong-Rok,Zhao, Rong Jie Korean Society of ToxicologyKorea Environmental Mu 2009 Toxicological Research Vol.26 No.1

The effects of aqueous extract of Schizandra Chinensis Fruit (AESC) on cadmium-induced changes of monoamine neurotransmitters in the different brain regions of adult rats were investigated. Male rats were received intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of CdCl2 (0.6 mg/kg/d) for 21 days and sacrificed 7 days after the last administration. Concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) in striatum and serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in cortex were measured by HPLC. There were significant decreases of NE, DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in Cd intoxicated rats (P < 0.05), while pretreatment with AESC (20 mg/kg/d or 60 mg/kg/d, p.o., 30 min before $CdCl_2$) greatly inhibited the decrease of monoamine transmitters, respectively (P < 0.05). Also, AESC significantly increased the reduction of glutathione contents and superoxide dismutase activities in cortex induced by $CdCl_2$. These results suggest that AESC ameliorates Cd-induced depletion of monoamine neurotransmitters in brain through its antioxidant activity.

Establishment of a novel experimental model of infected anal fistula in rat

Meng Zhao,Aitong Wang,Leisheng Zhang,Hao Yu 한국실험동물학회 2022 Laboratory Animal Research Vol.38 No.2

Refractory Crohn's-like enterocutaneous fistula indicates the aggressive manifestation and lead to poor prognosis of patients. The development of multidisciplinary strategies for fistula administration largely subjects to the deficiency of animal model for disease remodeling and the underlying pathogenic mechanism. For the purpose, infected anal fistula model was conducted by BLV single-core electrolytic aluminum combined with dextran sodium sulfate. Notably, the inflammatory granulation tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration in the perianal tissue were arised on day 7 of the model by utilizing the Hematoxylin–eosin staining. With the aid of magnetic resonance imaging and signals of high-brightness. We intuitively observed the thickening and edema appeared in the fistula wall, which collectively suggested the formation of a fistula in the perianal area of the rat. Distinguish from the current models of anal fistula modeling including the body surface of fistula, backside of fistula and drainage wire of fistula, our model revealed multifaceted advantages such as quicker generation, higher modeling rate, preferable stability, better consistency, cost-effective, and in particular, more convenient to mimic clinical manifestations of anal fistula.

Genetic Variations in TERT-CLPTM1L Genes and Risk of Lung Cancer in a Chinese Population

Zhao, Meng-Meng,Zhang, Yue,Shen, Li,Ren, Yang-Wu,Li, Xue-Lian,Yin, Zhi-Hua,Zhou, Bao-Sen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and cleft lip and palate transmembrane1-like (CLPTM1L) and lung cancer risk in a Chinese population. Methods: We performed a hospital-based case-control study, including 980 lung cancer cases and 1000 cancer-free controls matched for age and sex. Each case and control was interviewed to collect information by well-trained interviewers. A total of 5 ml of venous blood was collected for genotype testing of TERT rs2736098 and CLPTM1L rs401681 using TaqMan methodology. Results: The results revealed that the variant homozygote TERT rs2736098TT was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (OR=2.017, 95%CI=1.518-2.681), especially lung adenocarcinoma (OR=2.117, 95%CI=1.557-3.043) and small cell carcinoma (OR=1.979, 95%CI: 1.174-3.334), compared with the TERT rs2736098CC genotype. Similar results were observed in non-smokers. Conclusion: The TERT rs2736098 polymorphism might affect the susceptibility to lung cancer in Chinese populations. The associations need to be verified in larger and different populations.

Relationships of Low Serum Levels of Interleukin-10 With Poststroke Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Clinical Acute Stroke

Zhao-jian Ying,Yuan-Yuan Huang,Meng-Meng Shao,Chu-Huai Chi,Ming-Xia Jiang,Yi-Hui Chen,Yu-Chen,Miao-Xuan Sun,Yan-Yan Zhu,Xianmei Li 대한신경과학회 2023 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.19 No.3

Background and Purpose The relationships among interleukin (IL)-10 levels, anxiety, and cognitive status after stroke remain controversial. We aimed to determine the associations of serum IL-10 levels with poststroke anxiety (PSA) and poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods We recruited 350 patients with stroke, of whom only 151 completed a 1-month follow- up assessment. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess the cognitive status and anxiety, respectively. Serum IL-10 levels were measured within 24 hours of admission. Results IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the PSA group than in the non-PSA group, and they were negatively associated with HAMA scores (r=-0.371, p<0.001). After adjusting for all potential confounders, IL-10 levels remained an independent predictor of PSA (odds ratio=0.471, 95% confidence interval=0.237–0.936, p=0.032). IL-10 levels were strongly correlated with behavior during interviews, psychic anxiety, and somatic anxiety. Patients without PSCI had higher IL-10 levels were higher in non-PSCI patients than in PSCI patients, and they were positively associated with MMSE scores in the bivariate correlation analysis (r=0.169, p=0.038), and also with memory capacity, naming ability, and copying capacity. However, IL-10 did not predict PSCI in the univariable or multivariable logistic regression. Conclusions Low IL-10 levels were associated with increased risks of PSA and PSCI at a 1-month follow-up after stroke. Serum IL-10 levels may therefore be helpful in predicting PSA.

Effects of Bedding Material Composition in Deep Litter Systems on Bedding Characteristics and Growth Performance of Limousin Calves

Meng, J.,Shi, F.H.,Meng, Qingxiang,Ren, L.P.,Zhou, Z.M.,Wu, H.,Zhao, L.P. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.1

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different litter mixture compositions on bedding system temperature, pH and volatile fatty acid and ammonia-N ($NH_3$-N) content, and the serum physico-chemical parameters and growth indices of calves. Thirty-two Limousin calves ($280{\pm}20kg$) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 for each group) according to the bedding system used: i) control with soil only (CTR); ii) mixture with 50% paddy hulls (PH), 30% saw dusts (SD), 10% peat moss (PM) and 10% corn cobs (CC) (TRT1); iii) mixture with 15% PH, 15% SD, 10% PM, 40% CC, and 20% corn stover (CS) (TRT2); iv) mixture with 30% PH, 10% PM, 40% CC, and 20% CS (TRT3). The litter material combinations of different treatments were based on the cost of bedding system materials in China. The cost of four treatments from low to high: Control<TRT1<TRT2<TRT3. The control was no-cost treatment. The diet consisted of 60.8% silage and 39.2% concentrate (dry matter [DM] basis). The $NH_3$-N level (271.83 to 894.72 mg/kg) was lowest for TRT1 (p<0.0001) and highest for TRT2 (p<0.0001). The acetate, propionate and butyrate levels were highest for the control group (p<0.0001). In all the groups, the pH value (6.90 to 9.09) increased at the beginning and later remained stable at below 9.09. The temperature of deep litter increased at the first week and reached the maximum ($42.1^{\circ}C$) on day 38. 3,5,3'-Triiodothyronine ($T_3$) levels in the TRT1 group animals (p<0.0001) were lower than those in the control and TRT2 animals. 3,5,3',5'-Tetraiodothyronine ($T_4$) in the TRT1 group (p = 0.006) was lower than that in the other treatment groups. Cortisol (COR) in the control and TRT1 group was lower (p<0.0001) than that in the TRT2 and TRT3 groups. Corticosterone (CORt) in the control group was higher (p<0.0001) than that in the treatment groups. The findings indicate that the deep litter bedding systems provided better conditions for animal health and growth performance compared with the control system. Furthermore, the litter composition of TRT1 was found to be optimal among the three treatment groups.

Poor Prognosis Significance of Pretreatment Thrombocytosis in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: a Meta-Analysis

Zhao, Jian-Meng,Wang, Yong-Hong,Yao, Nan,Wei, Kong-Kong,Jiang, Lei,Hanif, Shahbaz,Wang, Zi-Xia Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.9

Background: Recently, several studies have reported that elevated platelet counts may be associated with the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. However, conclusions remain controversial. This meta-analysis was therefore designed to analyze and evaluate the prognostic role of preoperative or pretreatment thrombocytosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science to March 29th, 2015. The citation lists of included studies were also hand-searched to identify further relevant trials. To investigate the association between thrombocytosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer, the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival of each studies were obtained. The odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the relation of overall survival (OS) between thrombocytosis and normal platelet counts (PLT). Likewise, disease free survival (DFS) was obtained and evaluated. The analysis was performed and assessed using Review Manager 5.2. Results: A total of 14 studies (N=5,566 participants, 11 including 4,468 for OS, 6 including 1,533 for DFS) were included in this meta-analysis, of which seven (N=3810) defined thrombocytosis as a platelet count ${\geq}400{\times}10^9/L$, and 375 (9.8%) patients exhibited pretreatment thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis have a close relationship with the poor OS of colorectal cancer compared with normal PLT, with the pooled ORs of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival being 0.41 [95% CI 0.34-0.51; P<0.001], 0.28 [95% CI 0.21-0.38; P<0.001] and 0.26 [95% CI 0.20-0.34; P<0.001], respectively. For DFS, the same results were showed as the pooled ORs of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival respectively being 0.34 [95% CI 0.24-0.50; P<0.001], 0.31 [95% CI 0.23-0.43; P<0.001] and 0.25 [95% CI 0.18-0.34; P<0.001]. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated that thrombocytosis may predict poor prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer, and platelet counts may be a cost-effective and noninvasive marker.

Robust Contractive Economic MPC for Nonlinear Systems with Additive Disturbance

Meng Zhao,Can-Chen Jiang,Ming-Hong She 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2018 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.16 No.5

This article presents two novel robust contractive economic model predictive control (EMPC) algorithms with guaranteed input-to-state stability for nonlinear disturbed systems. Specifically, the first one adopts the nonquadratic economic objective function and implements the control sequence in block fashion, i.e., re-optimizing after all N control laws being applied. The second one takes receding horizon optimization strategy and only apply the first element in control sequence at each step. By appropriately chosen the contraction rate P in contractive constraint, the closed-loop system under each control algorithm is proven to be input-to-state stable. In order to illustrate the efficiency of proposed algorithms, a disturbed CSTR model is utilized.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Schizandrae Fructus on Lead-Induced Change of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Hippocampus

Zhao, Rong Jie,Zhao, Zheng Lin,Zhao, Xiu Feng,Zhao, Guang Wen,Li, Meng Quan,Wu, Yi Yan,Li, Jing Qiu,Guan, Li Xin,Kim, Sang-Chan The Korean Medicine Society for the Herbal Formula 2009 大韓韓醫學方劑學會誌 Vol.17 No.2

The effects of aqueous extract of Schizandrae Fructus (AESC) on lead (Pb)-induced changes of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (HIP) of adult rats were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were received intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Pb acetate (5 mg/kg/d) for 28 days and sacrificed 7 days after the last administration. Concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in HIP were measured by HPLC. There were significant decreases of NE, DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in Pb treated rats (P < 0.05), while pretreatment with AESC (100 mg/kg/d or 300 mg/kg/d, p.o., 2 h before Pb) greatly inhibited the decrease of monoamine transmitters, respectively (P < 0.05). Also, AESC (300 mg/kg/d) significantly increased the reduction of glutathione contents and superoxide dismutase activities in HIP induced by chronic Pb. These results suggest that AESC ameliorates Pb-induced depletion of monoamine neurotransmitters in HIP through its antioxidant activity.