bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent absorption and secretion of airway surface liquids and bicarbonate secretion in human bronchioles
Authors: Shamsuddin A. K. M. , Quinton Paul M.
Published: March 2019

Although small airways account for the largest fraction of the total conducting airway surfaces, the epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport in small, native airway epithelia has not been well characterized. Investigations have been limited, no doubt, by the complex tissue architecture as well as by its inaccessibility, small dimensions, and lack of applicable assays, especially in human tissues. To better understand how the critically thin layer of airway surface liquid (ASL) is maintained, we applied a “capillary”-Ussing chamber (area ≈1 mm2) to measure ion transport properties of bronchioles with diameters of ~2 mm isolated from resected specimens of excised human lungs. We found that the small human airway, constitutively and concurrently, secretes and absorbs fluid as observed in porcine small airways (50). We found that the human bronchiolar epithelium is also highly anion selective and constitutively secretes bicarbonate ([Formula: see text]), which can be enhanced pharmacologically by cAMP as well as Ca2+-mediated agonists. Concurrent secretion and absorption of surface liquid along with [Formula: see text] secretion help explain how the delicate volume of the fluid lining the human small airway is physiologically buffered and maintained in a steady state that avoids desiccating or flooding the small airway with ASL.
TRPV4 deletion protects against hypokalemia during systemic K+deficiency
Authors: Tomilin Viktor , Mamenko Mykola , Zaika Oleg , Wingo Charles S. , Pochynyuk Oleh
Published: March 2019

Tight regulation of K+balance is fundamental for normal physiology. Reduced dietary K+intake, which is common in Western diets, often leads to hypokalemia and associated cardiovascular- and kidney-related pathologies. The distal nephron, and, specifically, the collecting duct (CD), is the major site of controlled K+reabsorption via H+-K+-ATPase in the state of dietary K+deficiency. We (Mamenko MV, Boukelmoune N, Tomilin VN, Zaika OL, Jensen VB, O'Neil RG, Pochynyuk OM. Kidney Int 91: 1398–1409, 2017) have previously demonstrated that the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) Ca2+channel, abundantly expressed in the CD, contributes to renal K+handling by promoting flow-induced K+secretion. Here, we investigated a potential role of TRPV4 in controlling H+-K+-ATPase-dependent K+reabsorption in the CD. Treatment with a K+-deficient diet (<0.01% K+) for 7 days reduced serum K+levels in wild-type (WT) mice from 4.3 ± 0.2 to 3.3 ± 0.2 mM but not in TRPV4−/−mice (4.3 ± 0.1 and 4.2 ± 0.3 mM, respectively). Furthermore, we detected a significant reduction in 24-h urinary K+levels in TRPV4−/−compared with WT mice upon switching to K+-deficient diet. TRPV4−/−animals also had significantly more acidic urine on a low-K+diet, but not on a regular (0.9% K+) or high-K+(5% K+) diet, which is consistent with increased H+-K+-ATPase activity. Moreover, we detected a greatly accelerated H+-K+-ATPase-dependent intracellular pH extrusion in freshly isolated CDs from TRPV4−/−compared with WT mice fed a K+-deficient diet. Overall, our results demonstrate a novel kaliuretic role of TRPV4 by inhibiting H+-K+-ATPase-dependent K+reabsorption in the CD. We propose that TRPV4 inhibition could be a novel strategy to manage certain hypokalemic states in clinical settings.
Loss ofmiR-17~92results in dysregulation ofCftrin nephron progenitors
Authors: Phua Yu Leng , Chen Kevin Hong , Hemker Shelby L. , Marrone April K. , Bodnar Andrew J. , Liu Xiaoning , Clugston Andrew , Kostka Dennis , Butterworth Michael B. , Ho Jacqueline
Published: March 2019

We have previously demonstrated that loss of miR-17~92 in nephron progenitors in a mouse model results in renal hypodysplasia and chronic kidney disease. Clinically, decreased congenital nephron endowment because of renal hypodysplasia is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease, and this is at least partly dependent on the self-renewal of nephron progenitors. Here, we present evidence for a novel molecular mechanism regulating the self-renewal of nephron progenitors and congenital nephron endowment by the highly conserved miR-17~92 cluster. Whole transcriptome sequencing revealed that nephron progenitors lacking this cluster demonstrated increased Cftr expression. We showed that one member of the cluster, miR-19b, is sufficient to repress Cftr expression in vitro and that perturbation of Cftr activity in nephron progenitors results in impaired proliferation. Together, these data suggest that miR-19b regulates Cftr expression in nephron progenitors, with this interaction playing a role in appropriate nephron progenitor self-renewal during kidney development to generate normal nephron endowment.
Stability and flexibility in multisensory sampling: insights from perceptual illusions
Authors: Casartelli Luca
Published: March 2019

Neural, oscillatory, and computational counterparts of multisensory processing remain a crucial challenge for neuroscientists. Converging evidence underlines a certain efficiency in balancing stability and flexibility of sensory sampling, supporting the general idea that multiple parallel and hierarchically organized processing stages in the brain contribute to our understanding of the (sensory/perceptual) world. Intriguingly, how temporal dynamics impact and modulate multisensory processes in our brain can be investigated benefiting from studies on perceptual illusions.
No temporal contrast enhancement of simple decreases in noxious heat
Authors: Beck Brianna , Gnanasampanthan Sahana , Iannetti Gian Domenico , Haggard Patrick
Published: March 2019

Offset analgesia (OA) studies have found that small decreases in the intensity of a tonic noxious heat stimulus yield a disproportionately large amount of pain relief. In the classic OA paradigm, the decrease in stimulus intensity is preceded by an increase of equal size from an initial noxious level. Although the majority of researchers believe this temporal sequence of two changes is important for eliciting OA, it has also been suggested that the temporal contrast mechanism underlying OA may enhance detection of simple, isolated decreases in noxious heat. To test whether decreases in noxious heat intensity, by themselves, are perceived better than increases of comparable sizes, we used an adaptive two-interval alternative forced choice task to find perceptual thresholds for increases and decreases in radiant and contact heat. Decreases in noxious heat were more difficult to perceive than increases of comparable sizes from the same initial temperature of 45°C. In contrast, decreases and increases were perceived equally well within a common range of noxious temperatures (i.e., when increases started from 45°C and decreases started from 47°C). In another task, participants rated the pain intensity of heat stimuli that randomly and unpredictably increased, decreased, or remained constant. Ratings of unpredictable stimulus decreases also showed no evidence of perceptual enhancement. Our results demonstrate that there is no temporal contrast enhancement of simple, isolated decreases in noxious heat intensity. Combined with previous OA findings, they suggest that long-lasting noxious stimuli that follow an increase-decrease pattern may be important for eliciting the OA effect.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previous research suggested that a small decrease in noxious heat intensity feels surprisingly large because of sensory enhancement of noxious stimulus offsets (a simplified form of “offset analgesia”). Using a two-alternative forced choice task where participants detected simple increases or decreases in noxious heat, we showed that decreases in noxious heat, by themselves, are no better perceived than increases of comparable sizes. This suggests that a decrease alone is not sufficient to elicit offset analgesia.
High-density extracellular probes reveal dendritic backpropagation and facilitate neuron classification
Authors: Jia Xiaoxuan , Siegle Joshua H. , Bennett Corbett , Gale Samuel D. , Denman Daniel J. , Koch Christof , Olsen Shawn R.
Published: March 2019

Different neuron types serve distinct roles in neural processing. Extracellular electrical recordings are extensively used to study brain function but are typically blind to cell identity. Morphoelectrical properties of neurons measured on spatially dense electrode arrays have the potential to distinguish neuron types. We used high-density silicon probes to record from cortical and subcortical regions of the mouse brain. Extracellular waveforms of each neuron were detected across many channels and showed distinct spatiotemporal profiles among brain regions. Classification of neurons by brain region was improved with multichannel compared with single-channel waveforms. In visual cortex, unsupervised clustering identified the canonical regular-spiking (RS) and fast-spiking (FS) classes but also indicated a subclass of RS units with unidirectional backpropagating action potentials (BAPs). Moreover, BAPs were observed in many hippocampal RS cells. Overall, waveform analysis of spikes from high-density probes aids neuron identification and can reveal dendritic backpropagation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is challenging to identify neuron types with extracellular electrophysiology in vivo. We show that spatiotemporal action potentials measured on high-density electrode arrays can capture cell type-specific morphoelectrical properties, allowing classification of neurons across brain structures and within the cortex. Moreover, backpropagating action potentials are reliably detected in vivo from subpopulations of cortical and hippocampal neurons. Together, these results enhance the utility of dense extracellular electrophysiology for cell-type interrogation of brain network function.
Central mesencephalic reticular formation control of the near response: lens accommodation circuits
Authors: May Paul J. , Billig Isabelle , Gamlin Paul D. , Quinet Julie
Published: March 2019

To view a nearby target, the three components of the near response are brought into play: 1) the eyes are converged through contraction of the medial rectus muscles to direct both foveae at the target, 2) the ciliary muscle contracts to allow the lens to thicken, increasing its refractive power to focus the near target on the retina, and 3) the pupil constricts to increase depth of field. In this study, we utilized retrograde transsynaptic transport of the N2c strain of rabies virus injected into the ciliary body of one eye of macaque monkeys to identify premotor neurons that control lens accommodation. We previously used this approach to label a premotor population located in the supraoculomotor area. In the present report, we describe a set of neurons located bilaterally in the central mesencephalic reticular formation that are labeled in the same time frame as the supraoculomotor area population, indicating their premotor character. The labeled premotor neurons are mostly multipolar cells, with long, very sparsely branched dendrites. They form a band that stretches across the core of the midbrain reticular formation. This population appears to be continuous with the premotor near-response neurons located in the supraoculomotor area at the level of the caudal central subdivision of the oculomotor nucleus. The central mesencephalic reticular formation has previously been associated with horizontal saccadic eye movements, so these premotor cells might be involved in controlling lens accommodation during disjunctive saccades. Alternatively, they may represent a population that controls vergence velocity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This report uses transsynaptic transport of rabies virus to provide new evidence that the central mesencephalic reticular formation (cMRF) contains premotor neurons controlling lens accommodation. When combined with other recent reports that the cMRF also contains premotor neurons supplying medial rectus motoneurons, these results indicate that this portion of the reticular formation plays an important role in directing the near response and disjunctive saccades when viewers look between targets located at different distances.
IBIEM Analysis of Dynamic Response of a Shallowly Buried Lined Tunnel Based on Viscous‐Slip Interface Model
Authors: Zhou Xiaojie , Liang Qinghua , Liu Zhongxian , He Ying
Published: March 2019

A viscous‐slip interface model is proposed to simulate the contact state between a tunnel lining structure and the surrounding rock. The boundary integral equation method is adopted to solve the scattering of the plane SV wave by a tunnel lining in an elastic half‐space. We place special emphasis on the dynamic stress concentration of the lining and the amplification effect on the surface displacement near the tunnel. Scattered waves in the lining and half‐space are constructed using the fictitious wave sources close to the lining surfaces based on Green’s functions of cylindrical expansion and the shear wave source. The magnitudes of the fictitious wave sources are determined by viscous‐slip boundary conditions, and then the total response is obtained by superposition of the free and scattered fields. The slip stiffness and viscosity coefficients at the lining‐surrounding rock interface have a significant influence on the dynamic stress distribution and the nearby surface displacement response in the tunnel lining. Their influence is controlled by the incident wave frequency and angle. The hoop stress increases gradually in the inner wall of the lining as sliding stiffness increases under a low‐frequency incident wave. In the high‐frequency resonance frequency band, where incident wave frequency is consistent with the natural frequency of the soil column above the tunnel, the dynamic stress concentration effect is more significant when it is smaller. The dynamic stress concentration factor inside the lining decreases gradually as the viscosity coefficient increases. The spatial distribution and the displacement amplitudes of surface displacement near the tunnel change as incident wave frequency and angle increase. The effective dynamic analysis of the underground structure under an actual strong dynamic load should consider the slip effect at the lining‐surrounding rock interface.
Application Research of Chaotic Carrier Frequency Modulation Technology in Two‐Stage Matrix Converter
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Liwei , Lan Yong , Dong Peng , Xia Guoting
Published: March 2019

The harmonics of line to line voltage in two‐stage matrix converter (TSMC) with fixed carrier frequency had discrete and high values and produced powerful electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this paper, chaotic carrier frequency modulation technique (CCFMT) was applied in TSMC for the first time to spread sideband range and suppress harmonic peak value. Although this technique could suppress EMI, it would increase the probability of narrow pulses. In order to improve reliability, the rectifier in the two‐stage matrix converter uses PWM modulation with zero vector to extend the zero current commutation time, solves the narrow pulse problem, and simplifies the commutation process. At last, an experiment platform was designed and experimental results showed that harmonics of line to line voltage was efficiently suppressed.
Steady States, Thermal Physics, and Holography
Authors: Kundu Arnab
Published: March 2019

It is well known that a Rindler observer measures a nontrivial energy flux, resulting in a thermal description in an otherwise Minkowski vacuum. For systems consisting of large number of degrees of freedom, it is natural to isolate a small subset of them and engineer a steady state configuration in which these degrees of freedom act as Rindler observers. In Holography, this idea has been explored in various contexts, specifically in exploring the strongly coupled dynamics of a fundamental matter sector, in the background of adjoint matters. In this article, we briefly review some features of this physics, ranging from the basic description of such configurations in terms of strings and branes, to observable effects of this effective thermal description.
Momordica charantia (Indian and Chinese Bitter Melon) Extracts Inducing Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line A549 via ROS-Mediated Mitochodria Injury
Authors: Thiagarajan Siroshini , Arapoc Daryl J. , Husna Shafie Nurul , Keong Yong Yoke , Bahari Hasnah , Adam Zainah , Ei Thandar
Published: March 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide with about 40% occurring in developing countries. The two varieties of Momordica charantia, which are Chinese and Indian bitter melon, have been subjected to antiproliferative activity in human non-small cell lung cells A549. The A549 cells were treated with hot and cold aqueous extraction for both the bitter melon varieties, and the antiproliferative activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptotic mechanism of action on A549 human lung cancer cells was evaluated first morphologically using Hoechst 33358, and cytoskeleton staining using Filamentous-actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton FICT and DAPI followed by caspase-3/7, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and p53 activity. Chinese hot aqueous extraction (CHA) exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against A549 human lung cancer cells. The morphological analysis of mitochondria destruction and the derangement of cytoskeleton showed apoptosis-inducing activity. CHA increased the caspase-3/7 activity by 1.6-fold and the ROS activity by 5-fold. Flow cytometric analysis revealed 34.5% of apoptotic cells significantly (p<0.05) compared to cisplatin-treated A549 human cancer cells. CHA is suggested to induce apoptosis due to their rich bioactive chemical constituents. These findings suggest that the antiproliferative effect of CHA was due to apoptosis via ROS-mediated mitochondria injury.
Distinguishing Different Emotions Evoked by Music via Electroencephalographic Signals
Authors: Hou Yimin , Chen Shuaiqi
Published: March 2019

Music can evoke a variety of emotions, which may be manifested by distinct signals on the electroencephalogram (EEG). Many previous studies have examined the associations between specific aspects of music, including the subjective emotions aroused, and EEG signal features. However, no study has comprehensively examined music-related EEG features and selected those with the strongest potential for discriminating emotions. So, this paper conducted a series of experiments to identify the most influential EEG features induced by music evoking different emotions (calm, joy, sad, and angry). We extracted 27-dimensional features from each of 12 electrode positions then used correlation-based feature selection method to identify the feature set most strongly related to the original features but with lowest redundancy. Several classifiers, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), C4.5, LDA, and BPNN, were then used to test the recognition accuracy of the original and selected feature sets. Finally, results are analyzed in detail and the relationships between selected feature set and human emotions are shown clearly. Through the classification results of 10 random examinations, it could be concluded that the selected feature sets of Pz are more effective than other features when using as the key feature set to classify human emotion statues.
Temperature-Dependent Morphology Evolution of Boron Nitride and Boron Carbonitride Nanostructures
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Huan , Chen Shuaifeng , Chen Qing , Luo Lijie , Li Jianbao , Chen Yongjun , Li Changjiu
Published: March 2019

Boron nitride (BN) and boron carbonitride (BCN) nanostructures with versatile morphology were synthesized at different temperatures. The morphologies such as smooth microspheres, nanoflake-decorated microspheres, solid nanowires, hollow nanotubes (bamboo-like nanotubes, quasi-cylindrical nanotubes, and cylindrical nanotubes), and nanosheet-assembled microwires have been observed. Systematic investigation showed that the reaction temperature was responsible for the versatile morphologies through influencing the guiding effect of catalyst alloy droplet and the diffusion rates of growth species. The diffusion rate differences between surface diffusion (along the surface of the droplet) and bulk diffusion (through the bulk of the droplet) at different reaction temperatures were suggested to affect the final structure of the BN and BCN nanostructures.
A Rat Model of Radiation Vasculitis for the Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy
Authors: Zhang Jian , Tao Xuan , Sun Mingyang , Ying Rongchao , Su Wenjie , Wei Wei , Meng Xiaohu
Published: March 2019

Radiation vasculitis is one of the most common detrimental effects of radiotherapy for malignant tumors. This is developed at the vasculature of adjacent organs. Animal experiments have showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) restores vascular function after irradiation. But the population of MSCs being engrafted into irradiated vessels is too low in the conventional models to make assessment of therapeutic effect difficult. This is presumably because circulating MSCs are dispersed in adjacent tissues being irradiated simultaneously. Based on the assumption, a rat model, namely, RT (radiation) plus TX (transplantation), was established to promote MSC homing by sequestering irradiated vessels. In this model, a 1.5 cm long segment of rat abdominal aorta was irradiated by 160kV X-ray at a single dose of 35Gy before being procured and grafted to the healthy counterpart. F344 inbred rats served as both donors and recipients to exclude the possibility of immune rejection. A lead shield was used to confine X-ray delivery to a 3 cm×3 cm square-shaped field covering central abdominal region. The abdominal viscera especially small bowel and colon were protected from irradiation by being pushed off the central abdominal cavity. Typical radiation-induced vasculopathy was present on the 90thday after irradiation. The recruitment of intravenously injected MSCs to irradiated aorta was significantly improved by using the RT-plus-TX model as compared to the model with irradiation only. Generally, the RT-plus-Tx model promotes MSC recruitment to irradiated aorta by separating irradiated vascular segment from adjacent tissue. Thus, the model is preferred in the study of MSC-based therapy for radiation vasculitis when the evaluation of MSC homing is demanding.
Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline Functions: Influence on Sitting Interface Pressure and Ischial Blood Flow in an Elderly Population
Authors: Zemp Roland , Rhiner Joël , Plüss Stefan , Togni Reto , Plock Jan A. , Taylor William R.
Published: March 2019

Pressure ulcers (PUs) result from localised injury to the skin and underlying tissue and usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, often in combination with shear forces. Both pressure magnitude and duration are thought to be key risk factors in the occurrence of PUs, thus exposing wheelchair-bound subjects to high risk of PU development. As a result, wheelchairs that incorporate tilt-in-space and recline functions are routinely prescribed to redistribute pressure away from their ischial tuberosities. The goal of this study was to analyse the role of full-body tilt and recline angles in governing sitting interface pressure and blood circulation parameters in elderly subjects and thereby investigate the efficacy of tilt-in-space wheelchairs for aiding pressure relief activity. Sitting interface pressure and ischial blood flow parameters were examined in 20 healthy elderly subjects while seated in a tilt-in-space and recline wheelchair. Five different angles of seat tilt (5°, 15°, 25°, 35°, and 45°) were assessed in combination with three different angles of backrest recline (5°, 15°, and 30°). The results of the study show that when compared to the upright reference posture, every position (except 15°T/5°R) resulted in a significant decrease in sitting interface pressure. Ischial blood flow also showed significant increases at four different positions (45°T/15°R, 15°T/30°R, 35°T/30°R, and 45°T/30°R) but only at larger tilt-in-space and recline angles. The results therefore suggest that small tilt-in-space and recline angles are indeed able to reduce sitting interface pressures, whereas changes in ischial blood flow only occur at larger angles. In the literature, cell deformation is thought to be dominant over tissue ischemia in the development of tissue necrosis and PUs. Therefore, together with our findings it can be concluded that frequently undertaking small adjustments in tilt-in-space and recline angle might be important for preventing cell deformation and any associated cell necrosis. Larger angles of tilt-in-space and recline seem to support blood flow returning to the tissues, which is likely to play a positive role in healing damaged tissue.
Paediatric Posttonsillectomy Haemorrhage Rates in Auckland: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Alvo Andrés , Hall Andrew , Johnston James , Mahadevan Murali
Published: March 2019

Background. Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children. It is performed for sleep-disordered breathing and infective symptoms. Despite advances in instrumentation and perioperative care, posttonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) remains a significant complication, which should be audited regularly. Methods. A retrospective case series of all tonsillectomies performed in patients <15 years old in the Auckland region during 2017 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were extracted and analysed. Univariate analysis was performed to compare patients with and without PTH. Results. A total of 2177 tonsillectomies were performed during the study period, 64% in a public hospital and 36% in a private hospital. The overall PTH rate was 3.6% (0.23% occurring within the first 24 hours (primary) and 3.4% after 24 hours (secondary)). Mean time to PTH was 6.6 ± 3 days (range: 1-16 days). 90% of PTH occurred within the first 10 days and 99% by 14 days. Return to theatre was required in 28% of these cases, representing 1% of all tonsillectomies. There were no deaths or major complications in this cohort. The only differences observed between patients with PTH and those without were that children with PTH had smaller tonsils (p=0.004) and were less likely to have associated OME (p<0.001). Conclusion. It is important to report institutional tonsillectomy outcomes and associated complications. These results show that PTH rates in Auckland remain within acceptable limits according to the literature.
Effects of Interactive Video Game-Based Exercise on Balance in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: An Open-Level, Crossover Pilot Study
Authors: Hung Erica Shih-Wei , Chen Shih-Ching , Chang Fan-Chien , Shiao Yaojung , Peng Chih-Wei , Lai Chien-Hung
Published: March 2019

Purpose. This study evaluated the effects of interactive video game-based (IVGB) exercise on balance in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Materials and Methods. Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to two groups (12 participants per group). Group A received IVGB training for the first 6 weeks, with no exercise in the subsequent 6 weeks. Group B had no exercise for the first 6 weeks and then underwent IVGB training in the subsequent 6 weeks. For all participants, the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Time Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Unipedal Stance Test (UST) were employed at weeks 0, 6, and 12 of the experiment. Results. BBS, right-leg UST, and TUG test scores significantly improved after IVGB intervention, whereas MFES and left-leg UST tended to improve after IVGB intervention. Conclusions. This study revealed that 6-week balance-based exercise training using the IVGB system exerted positive effects on functional balance in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
In Vivo Detection and Measurement of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection in Mouse Models Using Microcomputed Tomography with Contrast Agent
Authors: Zhu Guanglang , Sun Huiying , Wang Jiannan , Zhao Zhiqing , Bao Junmin , Feng Rui , Zhou Jian , Jing Zaiping
Published: March 2019

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) using the intravascular contrast agent ExiTron nano 12000 for aorta imaging and monitoring the dynamic changing process of the aorta in mouse models with aortic aneurysm and dissection. Materials and Methods. Experiments were performed on healthy mice and mice with aortic dissection. Mice that were developing aortic dissection and healthy mice underwent micro-CT imaging after injection of ExiTron nano 12000. Time-dependent signal enhancement (at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 hours after intravenous injection of the contrast agent, respectively) in the aorta of healthy mice was measured to confirm the optimal imaging time of aorta. Various contrast agent doses (70, 100, and 150 μl per 25 g mouse, respectively) were investigated to determine the optimal required dose for imaging of the aorta. The mice were scanned with micro-CT at 1, 14, and 28 days after onset of aneurysm and dissection to monitor the dynamic changing process of the aorta. Mouse aortas were stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the diameter of the aorta was measured and compared with those obtained by micro-CT. Results. Time-dependent signal enhancement in the aorta shows that the contrast agent has a long blood half-life of 6 hours, with a peak enhancement at 2 hours after injection. Injection of 100 μl ExiTron nano 12000 per 25 g mouse allows for effective visualization of the aorta. Micro-CT combined with contrast agent can monitor the changing process of the aorta in the mouse model of aortic aneurysm and dissection dynamically. The values of the diameter of the aortas obtained from the in vivo micro-CT imaging were compared with those obtained from histology and showed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.96). Conclusions. These data demonstrate that in vivo micro-CT is an accurate and feasible technique to detect aortic aneurysm or dissection in a mouse model, and the micro-CT technique using the innovative contrast agent ExiTron nano 12000 allows for monitoring various processes dynamically such as aortic remodeling in longitudinal studies.
Braking Efficiency and Stability of Chassis Braking System of Combine Harvester: The Theoretical Derivation and Virtual Prototype Simulation
Authors: Li Peilong , Xu Hongmei
Published: March 2019

With the advancement of agricultural mechanization, the safety of agricultural vehicles has aroused extensive concern. However, conventional methods evaluate the performance of the combine harvesters in a laborious and inaccurate filed‐test way. It is still a challenge to evaluate their performance in a theoretical derivation‐based simulation way. Here, we accurately derive the braking model of the combine harvester, which provides a guidance for further braking simulation. Firstly, a four‐wheel braking system was designed and theoretically checked. Secondly, the virtual prototype of the chassis braking system was established in ADAMS, in consideration of the complicated contact characteristics between the tire and the road and between the friction pad and the brake disk. Finally, simulation experiments of braking efficiency and directional stability were carried out under different braking conditions. By this means, we find a novel effective yet simple way to optimize the braking efficiency as well as the sufficient braking stability of combine harvesters. The results show that braking efficiency would be improved with stronger braking force, lower initial braking velocity, and lighter weight of the combine harvester. Compared with straight‐line braking, steering braking shows lower braking efficiency and less inclination of rear wheel bounce under the same braking conditions. As for braking directional stability, the lateral slippage would be increased with the locking of rear wheels, higher driving speed, or lower road adhesion coefficient. In addition, the simulation results are in agreement with the theoretical results, proving the validity of the virtual prototype simulation. Overall, other than traditional filed‐test methods, our method provides an effective yet simple way for designing and evaluating the chassis braking system of combine harvesters.
The Multi-Period Dynamic Optimization with Carbon Emissions Reduction under Cap-and-Trade
Authors: Yuan Baiyun , Gu Bingmei , Xu Chunming
Published: March 2019

Under low carbon environment, a multi-period emissions reduction problem for manufacturer is investigated in the paper, where we assume that the government sets mandatory carbon emissions limit to all the enterprises by free of charge and allows the carbon emission quota to be traded or banked inter-temporally in the carbon trading market. Using discrete-time optimal control theory, the optimal emission reduction strategies for each period are firstly explored for maximizing the sum of net profit under cap-and-trade. The optimal carbon emissions, permit trading quantity, and the number of buying Certified Emission Reduction (CER) are obtained in each period. Furthermore, the effects of carbon price and initial carbon quota given by the government on the firm’s emission reduction strategies are discussed. Finally, numerical examples are illustrated to verify the proposed model, and some managerial inferences for a multi-period emission reduction are provided in conclusions.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Product and By-Products from Transesterification between Phenol and Dimethyl Carbonate
Authors: Liu Tao , Hu Jing , Yong Li , Zhang Gang , Zhang Yi , Chen Tong , Wang Gongying
Published: March 2019

By-products (phenyl salicylate, phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, and xanthone) from transesterification between phenol and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) were qualitatively analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and a gas chromatographic method with directed injection for simultaneous quantitative analysis of the product (DPC) and by-products of the transesterification has been established. Based on the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses, the mechanism of the by-products generation was preliminarily deduced. The sample for quantitative analysis was directly diluted in acetone, and related compounds were separated on an HP-5 capillary column and detected by a hydrogen flame ionization detector (FID). The product and by-products were well separated, the correlation coefficients (r) within the concentration range of 1.0 μg/mL–100 μg/mL were ≥0.9997, the relative standard deviations were between 0.5% and 4.4%, spiked recoveries were between 91.5% and 105.6%, and detection limits were between 0.11 and 0.18 μg/mL. The established method is simple, rapid, accurate, sensitive, and highly specific. It is suitable for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analyses of the product and by-products of transesterification between phenol and DMC.
The New Jersey Bowel Preparation Scale: A More Objective and Detailed Scoring System for Screening Colonoscopies
Authors: Salimi Qasim , Nasereddin Thayer , Patel Neel , Hashemipour Reza , Tawadros Augustine , Brelvi Zamir , Ahlawat Sushil
Published: March 2019

Goals. The goal of this study was to develop an objective and detailed scoring system to assess the quality of bowel preparation. Background. The quality of bowel preparation impacts the success of the colonoscopy. We developed and compared a new bowel preparation scoring system, the New Jersey Bowel Preparation Scale (NJBPS), with existing systems that are limited by a lack of detail and objectivity in the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS). Methods. This was a single-center, prospective, dual-observer study performed at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School University Hospital. Patients who were at medium risk for colorectal cancer and undergoing outpatient screening colonoscopy were enrolled in the study, and their bowel preparation was assessed separately by an attending and a fellow using each of the bowel preparation scoring systems. Results. 98 patients were analyzed in the study, of which 59% were female. Most of the patient population was African American (65%) or Hispanic (25%). The average age of the patient was 60 years. Chi-squared analysis using SPSS software revealed intraclass correlation coefficient values between attending and fellow scores for each scale. The NJBPS had the highest value at 0.988, while the BBPS and OBPS had values of 0.883 and 0.894. Limitations. Single-center study. Conclusions. The NJBPS and BBPS scores demonstrated a statistically significant agreement with each other. Overall, there was good interobserver agreement for all three scoring systems when comparing attendings to fellows for the same scoring system. However, the NJBPS possessed a stronger correlation.
Failure Modes and Resistance of Perforated Steel Rib Shear Connectors under Uplift Forces
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Liu Yuqing
Published: March 2019

In recent years, there is a rapid increase in the application of perforated steel rib shear connectors in steel and concrete composite structures. The connectors must not only ensure shear transfer but also sufficient uplift resistance. The shear behavior of connectors has been extensively investigated. However, studies on uplift resistance are lacking so far. Therefore, three push‐out test specimens were tested to investigate the shear and tension behavior of perforated L‐shaped and plain steel rib shear connectors. The failure modes of connectors were analyzed, and analytical models for the determination of uplift resistance were derived based on test results. The results showed that the ductility of perforated steel rib shear connectors under uplift force was smaller than that under shear force, and more severe concrete damage surrounding the rib and larger bending deformation of transverse steel bar was observed. The rib flange of L‐shaped perforated rib has a significant contribution to the uplift resistance. It was suggested to increase the rib height of L‐shaped rib to avoid the horizontal crack at the height of the rib flange. The validity of the proposed analytical models was confirmed by comparing the failure modes and capacities of specimens.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Attenuates Adriamycin-Induced Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis via Suppression of Oxidant Stress and Apoptosis by Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α/ Angiopoietin-Like 4 Pathway
Authors: Liu Guoyong , He Liyu
Published: March 2019

Background: Focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. It has been reported that overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis are associated with the development of FSGS. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a bioactive constituent accounting for more than 50% of the total catechins in green tea, which have anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. Based on this, this study was designed to evaluate the renoprotective effect of EGCG treatment on Adriamycin-induced FSGS. ­Methods: In C57BL/6 mice, Adriamycin nephropathy (AN) was induced by Adriamycin (10 mg/kg body weight, diluted in normal saline) via a tail vein on day 0. Then the mice were given with EGCG (20 mg/kg body weight) or YC-1 (Lificiguat, a specific inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α [HIF-1α], 50 mg/kg body weight) or both intraperitoneally. Both the EGCG and YC-1 were given on the day of Adriamycin injection and continued for 6 weeks. The animals were organized into the following 5 groups for the animal experiments: the control group, the AN group, the AN + EGCG group, the AN + YC-1 group and the AN + EGCG + YC-1 group. At 6 weeks, the mice were sacrificed; kidneys and blood samples were collected for further analysis. The HIF-1α and the angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) expression were detected by Western blot, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Dihydroethidium staining and NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) measurement were used to detect ROS production. Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 measurement was used to detect cell apoptosis. Results: When the animals were treated with Adriamycin, both the ROS production and TUNEL positive cells increased. Besides, the expression of HIF-1α, ANGPTL4, and caspase-3 were also up-regulated, while EGCG treatment could attenuate these changes. Interestingly, compared with treatment with YC-1 or EGCG alone, more pronounced inhibition of ANGPTL4, caspase-3 and Nox1 were obtained when YC-1 and EGCG were administered simultaneously. Conclusion: EGCG attenuates FSGS through the suppression of Oxidant Stress and apoptosis by targeting the HIF-1α/ANGPTL4 pathway.
Body Composition and Circulating Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids at Age 6 Years: A Longitudinal Pilot Study
Authors: Sanz Nuria , Malpique Rita , Sierra Cristina , López-Bermejo Abel , Bassols Judit , Ibáñez Lourdes
Published: March 2019

Maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status during pregnancy may influence birth outcomes and offspring adiposity during childhood. Cord blood PUFA levels associate positively with maternal PUFA and negatively with the newborn’s abdominal adiposity. However, longitudinal, prospective studies consistently evaluating maternal and cord blood and PUFA levels in childhood and their association with the child’s body composition are so far lacking. In a population of 16 apparently healthy children born appropriate for gestational age and followed longitudinally since birth, we assessed circulating PUFA (by gas chromatography) in maternal, cord, and peripheral blood at age 6 years and studied their correlation with body composition (by absorptiometry) and endocrine-metabolic variables at age 6 years. No associations were found among parameters of body composition and endocrine-metabolic variables at age 6 years and maternal, cord blood or circulating PUFA in peripheral blood. Maternal levels of n-6 linoleic acid, total n-6, and the ratio of n-6:n-3 correlated with their corresponding PUFA levels at age 6 years. In conclusion, in this pilot study, maternal, cord blood, and children’s circulating PUFA do not appear to have an impact on body composition and endocrine-metabolic status at the age of 6 years. The close association between maternal PUFA and offspring PUFA at that age may reflect a similarity in nutritional habits in the mother and child.
Role of TCF7L2 and PPARG2 Gene Polymorphisms in Renal and Cardiovascular Complications among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cohort Study
Authors: Satirapoj Bancha , Tasanavipas Pamila , Supasyndh Ouppatham
Published: March 2019

Background: The emerging renal and cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) genetics involves differently assembled gene variants including transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARG2) polymorphisms. However, the relevance of these genes for complication prediction has not been extensively tested. Methods: We analyzed the SNP rs7903146 variants in TCF7L2 and PPARG2 gene polymorphisms for their contribution to the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular complications in a prospective cohort study. All T2DM patients were followed up to estimate the glomerular filtration rate and cardiovascular outcomes. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the genotype effect on the incidence of CKD and vascular complications. Results: A total of 422 patients were included. SNP rs7903146 variants in the TCF7L2 gene were classified into 3 groups: CC, 385 patients (91.2%), CT, 32 patients (7.6%), and TT, 5 patients (1.2%), while in the PPARG2 gene they were classified into 2 groups: Pro12Pro, 404 patients (95.7%) and Pro12Ala, 18 patients (4.3%). The prevalence of CKD, cardiovascular disease, and death at the end of the 5-year follow-up was 16.8, 29, and 7.9%, respectively. The Pro12Ala variant of the PPARG2 gene was significantly associated with increased CKD risk at the end of the study (adjusted HR 3.45, 95% CI 1.01–11.77, p = 0.046); it showed a significant association with increased cerebrovascular risk, but not cardiovascular disease and mortality. No genotype effect of rs7903146 in the TCF7L2 gene was apparent on renal and cardiovascular complications, except the TT variant of rs7903146 increased cardiovascular events when compared with the non-TT variant. Conclusion: The findings of our study were that the Pro12Ala variant in the PPARG2 gene was associated with risk of developing CKD and cerebrovascular disease in Asian T2DM subjects in a prospective cohort study. The TCF7L2 polymorphism was not associated with cardiovascular outcomes.
Outcome of Modification of Dose and Time of Administration of Tamsulosin in Men with Abnormal Ejaculation
Authors: Soliman Mohamed G. , Abou-Ramadan Ahmed R. , El-Abd Ahmed S. , El-Tatawy Hassan H. , El-Abd Shawky A. , El-Sakka Ahmed A.
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Alpha-adrenergic blockers are now the cornerstone medication in management of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS); however, the associated treatment-related abnormal ejaculation could be a bothersome event. This is a comparative study among different methods of tamsulosin administration in terms of efficacy, recoverability of ejaculatory function, and quality of life (QoL) in men with tamsulosin-related abnormal ejaculation. Patients and Methods: Sexually active men receiving tamsulosin for LUTS who were bothered by treatment-related abnormal ejaculation following initiation of tamsulosin were randomized into 3 groups; group A received intermittent-full-standard-dose, group B received low-dose-tamsulosin, and group C received full-standard-dose tamsulosin The status of ejaculatory function, IPSS, QoL score, and Q-Max were measured at baseline and 3 months later. Results: A total of 93 men with mean age of 53.1 years were included in the study, 3-months after randomization, statistically significant improvements in IPSS, QoL index, and Q-Max in comparison to pre-treatment levels were noted. Restoration of normal ejaculation was reported by 74.1 and 90.3% of patients in group A and B, respectively, versus none in group C. The QoL score was significant when comparing group A to the other groups; finally, the Q-Max was significant when comparing group C to the other groups. Conclusion: For patients bothered by tamsulosin-related abnormal ejaculation, a significant improvement in the QoL, without deviation from the therapeutic purpose of treatment, can be achieved by administration of 0.4 mg tamsulosin every other day.
Endoscopic Detachable Snare Ligation Improves the Treatment for Colonic Diverticular Hemorrhage
Authors: Kobayashi Katsumasa , Furumoto Yohei , Akutsu Daisuke , Matsuoka Mana , Nozaka Takahito , Asano Toru , Fujiki Kazuhiko , Gosho Masahiko , Narasaka Toshiaki , Mizokami Yuji
Published: March 2019

Background/Aims: Recently, endoscopic detachable snare ligation (EDSL) has become increasingly common as treatment for colonic diverticular hemorrhage. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EDSL in comparison with endoscopic clipping (EC) as treatment for colonic diverticular hemorrhage. Methods: From April 2013 to September 2017, 131 patients were treated with EDSL or EC at the Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital. We retrospectively evaluated patient characteristics and clinical outcomes, including early rebleeding rates (rebleeding within 30 days after initial hemostasis) and complications for each procedure. Results: Of 131 patients, 44 and 87 were treated with EDSL and EC respectively. We initially achieved endoscopic hemostasis in all patients. The early rebleeding rate was significantly lower for EDSL (6.8%, 3 patients) than for EC (23.0%, 20 patients). There were no differences in the total procedure time (43 vs. 45 min, p = 0.84) or time to hemostasis after identification of bleeding site (12 vs. 10 min, p = 0.23). There were no severe complications following EDSL. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that EDSL is superior to EC as treatment for colonic diverticular hemorrhage. EDSL may provide improvements in the clinical course of patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage.