bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear feedback-based control of blood glucose in a modified model for glucose–insulin kinetics: A theoretical study
Authors: Mondal Amit , Islam Mitul , Islam Nurul
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present a modified minimal model for glucose and insulin kinetics model. The model proposed here is a smooth approximation of the original non-smooth minimal model. The dynamical properties like dissipativity, existence of equilibrium and stability of the system at the equilibrium points are investigated. A linear feedback-based control strategy is studied to control the blood glucose level in the situation where the physical system fails to regulate the blood glucose level automatically. A critical control parameter value [Formula: see text] is determined in terms of the system parameters. Extensive numerical simulation is performed with different parameter sets. Assuming different values for the feedback gain parameter, ranges of physiological parameter [Formula: see text] are determined where the feedback gain is sufficient to stabilize the control system.
Structural and photocatalytic properties of Cd1-xZnxS nanocrystals via organic solution method
Authors: Liu Xiang , Wang Hanbin , Shu Dan , Li Yang , Chen Xu , Wang Xina , Wang Hao
Published: November 2016

Uniform CdxZn[Formula: see text]S nanocrystals with size between 4[Formula: see text]nm and 9[Formula: see text]nm were fabricated by an organic chemical method. The structural, morphology as well as optical properties of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM, and UV–Vis absorbance techniques. The XRD patterns of CdxZn[Formula: see text]S nanocrystals indicated that the solid solution possesses cubic zinc-blende structure. By tuning the composition of Zn ions in the alloy, the band gap of CdxZn[Formula: see text]S can be modulated from 2.10[Formula: see text]eV to 3.17[Formula: see text]eV. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was investigated under visible-light ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm) irradiation with Na2S/Na2SO3 as the electron donor. It is found that Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S nanocrystals have the highest photoactivity with a H2 evolution rate of 1.52[Formula: see text]mmol/h[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g. The CdxZn[Formula: see text]S nanoparticles exhibit stable activity in a cycled hydrogen evolution experiment.
Effects of annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films prepared by sol–gel method
Authors: Li Jitao , Yang Dinyu , Zhu Xinghua , Sun Hui , Gao Xiuying , Wangyang Peihua , Tian Haibo
Published: November 2016

ZnO thin films have been prepared by sol–gel method in this paper. Zinc acetate, ethanol and mono-ethanolamine (MEA) were used as a metal precursor, solvent and stabilizer, respectively. The structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films were investigated and found to be strongly dependent on the annealing temperature. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that as the annealing temperature increased, the crystalline quality of the samples became better. The atomic force microscope images of the samples show larger and compact grains at higher heat-treating temperature. The ultraviolet–visible transmittance spectra indicated that as the temperature increased, the transmittance improved and the energy gap became larger (from 3.11[Formula: see text]eV at 400[Formula: see text]C to 3.22[Formula: see text]eV at 500[Formula: see text]C). The photoluminescence spectra presented a variety of emission peaks, two strong peaks at 390[Formula: see text]nm and 469[Formula: see text]nm, respectively, from the intrinsic emission and point defects, and the intensity of these peaks decreased with the increase of temperature.
Nanoscale plastic deformation mechanisms of single crystalline silicon under compression, tension and indentation
Authors: Hong Yu , Zhang Ning , Xiong Liming
Published: November 2016

Mechanical behavior and underlying nanoscale plastic deformation mechanisms of single crystalline silicon under compression, tension and indentation are investigated through molecular dynamics in this work. Simulation results show that phase transformation from diamond cubic Si-I to [Formula: see text]-Sn is responsible for the plastic deformation behavior of Si both under compression and nanoindentation. A stress plateau is observed when the specimen is compressed uniaxially. Si-I to [Formula: see text]-Sn phase transformation has been demonstrated to be responsible for such stress plateau. Periodic boundary condition is found not suitable to study the tensile strength of silicon pillars. A pop-in behavior is observed in the force–displacement curve of nanoindentation. It has been proved that this pop-in region is induced by Si-I to [Formula: see text]-Sn phase transformation. Through tracking the atom stress, shear stress rather than normal stress is revealed to dominate the phase transformation process. During nanoindentation, to exclude size effect the substrate should be larger enough than the indenter.
TAZ activation drives fibroblast spheroid growth, expression of profibrotic paracrine signals, and context-dependent ECM gene expression
Authors: Jorgenson Amy J. , Choi Kyoung Moo , Sicard Delphine , Smith Karry M. J. , Hiemer Samantha E. , Varelas Xaralabos , Tschumperlin Daniel J.
Published: November 2016

Recent studies have implicated the Hippo pathway and its transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ as necessary for fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. To test the specific and sufficient roles for TAZ in driving autonomous fibroblast activation, we cultured NIH3T3 fibroblasts expressing a doxycycline-inducible nuclear-localized mutant of TAZ (TAZ4SA) in scaffold-free 3D hanging drop spheroids, or on matrices of specified mechanical rigidity. Control NIH3T3 fibroblasts formed spheroids in hanging drop culture that remained stable and neither increased nor decreased in size significantly over 15 days. In contrast, TAZ4SA-transduced fibroblasts grew robustly in spheroid culture, and expressed enhanced levels of genes encoding profibrotic soluble factors connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), endothelin-1 (Et-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). However, TAZ4SA expression was unable to enhance expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-encoding genes Col1a1, Col1a2, Col3a1, or Fn1 in spheroid culture. Micromechanical testing indicated that spheroids composed of either control or TAZ4SA-expressing cells were highly compliant and indistinguishable in mechanical properties. In fibroblasts cultured on 2D matrices of compliance similar to spheroids, TAZ4SA expression was able to enhance contractile force generation, but was unable to enhance ECM gene expression. In contrast, culture on stiff hydrogels potentiated TAZ4SA enhancement of ECM expression. TAZ4SA enhancement of Col1a1 expression on soft matrices was potentiated by TGF-β1, while on stiff matrices it was abrogated by inhibition of myocardin-related transcription factor, demonstrating context-dependent crosstalk of TAZ with these pathways. These findings demonstrate sufficiency of TAZ activation for driving fibroblast proliferation, contraction, and soluble profibrotic factor expression, and mechanical context-dependent crosstalk of TAZ with other pathways in regulating Col1a1 expression.
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors improve membrane stability and change gene-expression profiles in dystrophic skeletal muscles
Authors: Chadwick Jessica A. , Bhattacharya Sayak , Lowe Jeovanna , Weisleder Noah , Rafael-Fortney Jill A.
Published: November 2016

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists are FDA-approved drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and are used to treat heart failure. Combined treatment with the ACEi lisinopril and the nonspecific MR antagonist spironolactone surprisingly improves skeletal muscle, in addition to heart function and pathology in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mouse model. We recently demonstrated that MR is present in all limb and respiratory muscles and functions as a steroid hormone receptor in differentiated normal human skeletal muscle fibers. The goals of the current study were to begin to define cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the skeletal muscle efficacy of RAAS inhibitor treatment. We also compared molecular changes resulting from RAAS inhibition with those resulting from the current DMD standard-of-care glucocorticoid treatment. Direct assessment of muscle membrane integrity demonstrated improvement in dystrophic mice treated with lisinopril and spironolactone compared with untreated mice. Short-term treatments of dystrophic mice with specific and nonspecific MR antagonists combined with lisinopril led to overlapping gene-expression profiles with beneficial regulation of metabolic processes and decreased inflammatory gene expression. Glucocorticoids increased apoptotic, proteolytic, and chemokine gene expression that was not changed by RAAS inhibitors in dystrophic mice. Microarray data identified potential genes that may underlie RAAS inhibitor treatment efficacy and the side effects of glucocorticoids. Direct effects of RAAS inhibitors on membrane integrity also contribute to improved pathology of dystrophic muscles. Together, these data will inform clinical development of MR antagonists for treating skeletal muscles in DMD.
Enrichment of selective miRNAs in exosomes and delivery of exosomal miRNAs in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Duo , Lee Heedoo , Zhu Ziwen , Minhas Jasleen K. , Jin Yang
Published: November 2016

Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted by cells and contain various molecules including protein, lipid, and DNA/RNA. They are crucial mediators of the intercellular communication and serve as promising vehicles for drug delivery and gene therapy. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as new and potentially powerful targets for therapeutic interventions against various human diseases. However, steadily and effectively delivering miRNA mimics or inhibitors to target cells remains a major obstacle. To enhance the efficacy of exosome-mediated delivery of miRNA molecules, it is crucial to develop a convenient and efficient method to enrich specific miRNAs or antisense oligos in isolated exosomes. Here we report a novel method to prepare specific miRNA molecule-loaded exosomes. Using a modified calcium chloride-mediated transfection method, we successfully enhanced the designated miRNA mimics or inhibitors in isolated exosomes directly, instead of transfecting their mother cells. We also compared this method with direct transfection of exosomes using electroporation. Both methods confirmed that exosomes can serve as cargos to deliver a robustly increased amount of selected miRNA mimic(s) or inhibitor(s) to the recipient cells. Delivery of these miRNA molecule enriched-exosomes subsequently results in highly efficient overexpression or deletion of the designated miRNAs in the recipient cells both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we confirmed that exosome-delivered miRNA mimics or inhibitors are functional in the recipient cells. Collectively, we developed a novel protocol to conveniently manipulate exosomal miRNAs with high efficiency and successfully deliver the exosomal miRNA molecules to recipient cells.
Using noise to shape motor learning
Authors: Thorp Elias B. , Kording Konrad P. , Mussa-Ivaldi Ferdinando A.
Published: November 2016

Each of our movements is selected from any number of alternative movements. Some studies have shown evidence that the central nervous system (CNS) chooses to make the specific movements that are least affected by motor noise. Previous results showing that the CNS has a natural tendency to minimize the effects of noise make the direct prediction that if the relationship between movements and noise were to change, the specific movements people learn to make would also change in a predictable manner. Indeed, this has been shown for well-practiced movements such as reaching. Here, we artificially manipulated the relationship between movements and visuomotor noise by adding noise to a motor task in a novel redundant geometry such that there arose a single control policy that minimized the noise. This allowed us to see whether, for a novel motor task, people could learn the specific control policy that minimized noise or would need to employ other compensation strategies to overcome the added noise. As predicted, subjects were able to learn movements that were biased toward the specific ones that minimized the noise, suggesting not only that the CNS can learn to minimize the effects of noise in a novel motor task but also that artificial visuomotor noise can be a useful tool for teaching people to make specific movements. Using noise as a teaching signal promises to be useful for rehabilitative therapies and movement training with human-machine interfaces.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Many theories argue that we choose to make the specific movements that minimize motor noise. Here, by changing the relationship between movements and noise, we show that people actively learn to make movements that minimize noise. This not only provides direct evidence for the theories of noise minimization but presents a way to use noise to teach specific movements to improve rehabilitative therapies and human-machine interface control.
Cardiac T-Tubule Microanatomy and Function
Authors: Hong TingTing , Shaw Robin M.
Published: November 2016

Unique to striated muscle cells, transverse tubules (t-tubules) are membrane organelles that consist of sarcolemma penetrating into the myocyte interior, forming a highly branched and interconnected network. Mature t-tubule networks are found in mammalian ventricular cardiomyocytes, with the transverse components of t-tubules occurring near sarcomeric z-discs. Cardiac t-tubules contain membrane microdomains enriched with ion channels and signaling molecules. The microdomains serve as key signaling hubs in regulation of cardiomyocyte function. Dyad microdomains formed at the junctional contact between t-tubule membrane and neighboring sarcoplasmic reticulum are critical in calcium signaling and excitation-contraction coupling necessary for beat-to-beat heart contraction. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge in gross morphology and structure, membrane and protein composition, and function of the cardiac t-tubule network. We also review in detail current knowledge on the formation of functional membrane subdomains within t-tubules, with a particular focus on the cardiac dyad microdomain. Lastly, we discuss the dynamic nature of t-tubules including membrane turnover, trafficking of transmembrane proteins, and the life cycles of membrane subdomains such as the cardiac BIN1-microdomain, as well as t-tubule remodeling and alteration in diseased hearts. Understanding cardiac t-tubule biology in normal and failing hearts is providing novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities to better treat patients with failing hearts.
Environmental Characteristics of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Marine System, with Emphasis on Marine Organisms and Sediments
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Weiliang , Song Jinming , Ren Zongming , Yuan Huamao , Yan Huijun , Zhang Jinpeng , Pei Zhen , He Zhipeng
Published: November 2016

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), due to their widespread usage as flame retardants and their lipophilicity and persistence, have become ubiquitous in the environment. It is urgent to understand the environmental characteristics of PBDEs in marine system, but they have attracted little attention. We summarize the available data and analyze the regional distributions, controlling factors, and congener patterns of PBDEs in marine and associated environmental matrixes worldwide. Based on meta-analysis, after separating the estuarial sites from the marine sites, ignoring the extraordinary sample sites such as those located just near the point source, the PBDE concentration levels are still in the same order of magnitude from global scale. Despite Principal Component Analysis, the congener patterns of sediments are predominant with the heavy brominated congeners (BDE-209 contributing over 75% to the total load) while the biota abound with the light ones (BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100 taking about 80%). The ratio between BDE-99 and BDE-100 for the lower trophic-level species often turns to be greater than 1, while for those higher species the ratio may be below 1, and some species feed mainly on the crustaceans and zooplankton seems to have a higher ratio value. The data of the PBDEs in marine system are currently limited; thus, data gaps are identified as well.
Marginal Bone Level Evaluation after Functional Loading Around Two Different Dental Implant Designs
Authors: Ho Ko-Ning , Salamanca Eisner , Lin Hsi-Kuai , Lee Sheng-Yang , Chang Wei-Jen
Published: November 2016

Purpose. To investigate peri-implant alveolar bone changes using periapical radiographs before and after prosthetic delivery in submerged and nonsubmerged dental implants. Methods. Digital periapical films of 60 ITI Straumann nonsubmerged dental implants and 60 Xive Dentsply submerged dental implants were taken before, immediately after, and 12 and 24 weeks after the prosthetic restoration was delivered. Results. The 60-nonsubmerged dental implant group showed mean marginal bone resorption at baseline of 0.10 ± 0.23 mm and 24 weeks later, marginal bone resorption was 0.16 ± 0.25 mm. The submerged dental implant group showed a significantly higher distal marginal bone resorption over the mesial side. Mean marginal bone resorption at baseline was 0.16 ± 0.32 on the mesial and 0.41 ± 0.56 on the distal side. Twenty-four weeks later, it was 0.69 ± 0.69 mm on the mesial and 0.99 ± 0.90 mm on the distal side. Conclusion. First, it was possible to determine that submerged implants had a higher mean marginal bone resorption and less bone-to-implant contact than nonsubmerged implants. And second, the distal side of submerged dental implants presented higher marginal bone loss than the mesial side.
Glucose >200 mg/dL during Continuous Glucose Monitoring Identifies Adult Patients at Risk for Development of Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes
Authors: Taylor-Cousar J. L. , Janssen J. S. , Wilson A. , Clair C. G. St. , Pickard K. M. , Jones M. C. , Brayshaw S. J. , Chacon C. S. , Barboa C. M. , Sontag M. K. , Accurso F. J. , Nichols D. P. , Saavedra M. T. , Nick J. A.
Published: November 2016

Rationale. Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common comorbidity in patients with CF. In spite of increased screening, diagnosis, and treatment of CFRD, the mortality rate in patients with CFRD still far exceeds the mortality rate in those without CFRD. Guidelines suggest that screening for CFRD be performed annually using the 2-hour 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Adherence to recommended screening has been poor, with only approximately one-quarter of adults with CF undergoing OGTT in 2014. Use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for diagnosis may become an alternative.Objectives. Our objective was to determine whether abnormal CGM predicts subsequent development of CFRD, lung function, and body mass index (BMI) decline and increased rate of CF pulmonary exacerbations in adults with CF.Methods. In a prospective single center pilot trial from September 2009 to September 2010, 21 adult patients due for routine OGTT were recruited to complete simultaneous 3-day CGM and 2-hour 75 gram OGTT. Subsequently, clinical information was reviewed from 2008 to 2015.Conclusions. There was a moderate correlation between interpreted results of 2-hour OGTT and CGM (p=0.03); CGM indicated a greater level of glucose impairment than OGTT. Glucose >200 mg/dL by CGM predicted development of CFRD (p=0.0002).
FFAR4 (GPR120) Signaling Is Not Required for Anti-Inflammatory and Insulin-Sensitizing Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Pærregaard Simone Isling , Agerholm Marianne , Serup Annette Karen , Ma Tao , Kiens Bente , Madsen Lise , Kristiansen Karsten , Jensen Benjamin Anderschou Holbech
Published: November 2016

Free fatty acid receptor-4 (FFAR4), also known as GPR120, has been reported to mediate the beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) by inducing an anti-inflammatory immune response. Thus, activation of FFAR4 has been reported to ameliorate chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance accompanying obesity. However, conflicting reports on the role of FFAR4 in mediating the effects ofω3-PUFAs are emerging, suggesting that FFAR4 may not be the sole effector. Hence analyses of the importance of this receptor in relation to other signaling pathways and prominent effects ofω3-PUFAs remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we usedFfar4knockouts (KO) and heterozygous (HET) mice fed either low fat, low sucrose reference diet; high fat, high sucroseω3-PUFA; or high fat, high sucroseω6-PUFA diet for 36 weeks. We demonstrate that both KO and HET mice fedω3-PUFAs were protected against obesity, hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation, and whole-body insulin resistance. Moreover,ω3-PUFA fed mice had increased circulating protein levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin, decreased fasting insulin levels, and decreased mRNA expression of several proinflammatory molecules within visceral adipose tissue. In conclusion, we find that FFAR4 signaling is not required for the reported anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects mediated byω3-PUFAs.
The Development and Application of Crop Evaluation System Based on GRA
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Zhang Liguo , Dong Lianjie , Lu Xiuying
Published: November 2016

Ever since it was proposed, grey system theory has attracted the attention of scientific researchers and scholars. And it also has been widely used in many fields and solved a large number of practical problems in production, life, and scientific research. With the development and popularization of computer science and network technology, this traditional mathematical model can be applied more simply and efficiently to solve practical problems. Firstly, this paper, to implement steps of grey relational analysis, has made the exclusive analysis and has made the simple introduction to grey relational analysis characteristics. Then, based on grey relational theory and ASP.NET technology, the crop evaluation system is developed. Lastly, by using Excel and the crop evaluation system, the paper carries out a comprehensive evaluation about eight features of Fuji apple, which is from nine different producing areas, respectively. The experiment results show that the crop evaluation system is effective and could greatly improve the work efficiency of the researcher and expand the application scope.
The Dynamical Analysis of a Prey-Predator Model with a Refuge-Stage Structure Prey Population
Authors: Naji Raid Kamel , Majeed Salam Jasim
Published: November 2016

We proposed and analyzed a mathematical model dealing with two species of prey-predator system. It is assumed that the prey is a stage structure population consisting of two compartments known as immature prey and mature prey. It has a refuge capability as a defensive property against the predation. The existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of the solution of the proposed model are discussed. All the feasible equilibrium points are determined. The local and global stability analysis of them are investigated. The occurrence of local bifurcation (such as saddle node, transcritical, and pitchfork) near each of the equilibrium points is studied. Finally, numerical simulations are given to support the analytic results.
Hosoya Index ofL-Type Polyphenyl Spiders
Authors: Shengzhang Ren , Tingzeng Wu
Published: November 2016

The polyphenyl system is composed ofnhexagons obtained from two adjacent hexagons that are sticked by a path with two vertices. The Hosoya index of a graphGis defined as the total number of the independent edge sets ofG. In this paper, we give a computing formula of Hosoya index of a type of polyphenyl system. Furthermore, we characterize the extremal Hosoya index of the type of polyphenyl system.
Universal Superspace Unitary Operator and Nilpotent (Anti-)Dual-BRST Symmetries: Superfield Formalism
Authors: Bhanja T. , Srinivas N. , Malik R. P.
Published: November 2016

We exploit the key concepts of the augmented version of superfield approach to Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) formalism to derive the superspace (SUSP)dualunitary operator and its Hermitian conjugate and demonstrate their utility in the derivation of the nilpotent and absolutely anticommuting (anti-)dual-BRST symmetry transformations for a set of interesting models of theAbelian1-form gauge theories. These models are the one (0+1)-dimensional (1D) rigid rotor and modified versions of the two (1+1)-dimensional (2D) Proca as well as anomalous gauge theories and 2D model of a self-dual bosonic field theory. We show theuniversalityof the SUSPdualunitary operator and its Hermitian conjugate in the cases ofallthe Abelian models under consideration. These SUSP dual unitary operators, besides maintaining the explicit group structure, provide the alternatives to the dual horizontality condition (DHC) and dual gauge invariant restrictions (DGIRs) of the superfield formalism. The derivations of thedualunitary operators and corresponding (anti-)dual-BRST symmetries are completelynovelresults in our present investigation.
Portal Vein Stenting Combined with Iodine-125 Seeds Endovascular Implantation Followed by Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Sun Jun-Hui , Zhou Tanyang , Zhu Tongyin , Zhang Yuelin , Nie Chunhui , Ai Jing , Zhou Guanhui , Zhang Aibin , Dong Meng-Jie , Wang Wei-Lin , Zheng Shu-Sen
Published: November 2016

Aim was to assess the therapeutic value of portal vein stenting (PVS) combined with iodine-125 seed (125I seed) strand endovascular implantation followed by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). This was a retrospective study of 34 patients aged 29–81 years, diagnosed HCC with PVTT, and treated with PVS combined with125I seed strand endovascular implantation followed by TACE between January 2012 and August 2014. Survival, stent patency, technical success rate, complications related to the procedure, and adverse events were recorded. The technical success rate was 100%. No serious procedure-related adverse event was recorded. The median survival was 147 days. The cumulative survival rates and stent patency rates at 90, 180, and 360 days were 94.1%, 61.8%, and 32.4% and 97.1% (33/34), 76.9% (24/34), and 29.4% (10/34), respectively. PVS combined with125I seed strand endovascular implantation followed by TACE is feasible for patients with HCC and PVTT. It resulted in appropriate survival and stent patency, with no procedure-related adverse effects.
Infants Actively Construct and Update Their Representations of Physical Events: Evidence from Change Detection by 12-Month-Olds
Authors: Wang Su-hua , Goldman Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2016

The present research investigates the effects of top-down information on 12-month-olds’ representations of physical events, focusing on their ability to detect an object change across different events. Infants this age typically fail to detect height changes in events with tubes even though they successfully do so in events with covers. In Experiment  1, infants who saw a tube event in which objects did not interact successfully detected a change in an object’s height, suggesting that object interaction affects infants’ categorization of physical events. Experiments 2 and 3 examined the fine-grained process of event representation. In Experiment  2, infants detected the change in the tube event if they were led by pretest exposure to believe that the event was conducted with a cover. In Experiment  3, infants who initially believed so updated their representation if shown a tube before object interaction occurred (but not after). Together, these findings provide new evidence that infants, like older children and adults, actively construct physical events. Whether they notice a change depends on their existing knowledge and the current representation of the event.
Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children and Adolescents: Parental Threat Perception Plays a Major Role in Seeking Medical Consultations
Authors: Calvano Claudia , Warschburger Petra
Published: November 2016

Background. Pain symptoms, associated impairment, and parental perception of threat are reported to be predictors of health care utilization (HCU) in childhood chronic abdominal pain (CAP). However, mediating variables and their interrelations have not yet been systematically studied. Objectives. This study aims to identify mediating pathways of influence between child’s abdominal pain and the number of pain-related medical visits. Methods. In a multicenter study, we recruited N = 151 parent-child dyads with children aged 6–17 years suffering from CAP. A composite measure of pain symptoms was defined as predictor and the number of pain-related medical visits as outcome variable. This relation was analyzed by serial mediation, including child- and parent-reported impairment and parental threat perception as mediators. Results. Only parental threat perception significantly linked child’s pain symptoms to the number of medical visits. Measures of impairment did not have a significant effect. Conclusions. Parental pain-related threat perception is strongly related to health care seeking in childhood CAP. Addressing threat perception might be a fruitful parent-centered approach in clinical practice.
Endometrial Volume Measured by VOCAL Compared to Office Hysteroscopy for Diagnosis of Endometrial Polyps in Premenopausal Women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Laban Mohamed , Hussain Sherif H. , Hassanin Alaa S. , Khalaf Waleed M. , Etman Mohamed K. , Elsafty Mohammed S. E. , Bahaa Eldin Ahmed M. , Hasanien Ahmad S. , Sakna Noha A. , Taema Mohammed , Mostafa Mohammed H. , Eisa Marwa M.
Published: November 2016

The aim is to compare hysteroscopy, two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (2D TVUS), and three-dimensional (3D) Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis™ (VOCAL) to detect endometrial polyps (EPs) in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). This prospective study was done at Ain Shams Maternity Hospital, Egypt, from March 5, 2015, to December 30, 2015, enrolling 118 premenopausal women with AUB. 2D TVUS, 3D VOCAL, and hysteroscopy were done. 109 patients reached final analysis. 36 women (33%) were diagnosed with EP by 2D TVUS. 50 (45.9%) had EP by hysteroscopy. Endometrial thickness was 10.1 mm by 2D TVUS and endometrial volume was 4.92 mL by VOCAL in women with EP by hysteroscopy compared to 9.9 mm and 3.50 mL in women with no EP, respectively (P=0.223;P=0.06). 2D TVUS has sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 54%, 84.7%, 75%, and 68.5%, respectively. Endometrial thickness of >7.5 mm has sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy of 82%, 37.3%, 52.6%, 71%, and 57.8%, respectively. Endometrial volume of >1.2 mL has sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy of 90%, 42.4%, 57%, 83.3%, and 64.2%, respectively. 3D VOCAL may be used as a noninvasive method for the diagnosis of EP in premenopausal women with AUB.
Traditional Chinese Medicine QPYF as Preventive Treatment for Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea in a Mouse Model
Authors: Ya-Nan Guo , Jun Wang , Hao-Jun Zhang , Hong-Bing Jia , Ping Li , Xin-Zhu Liu
Published: November 2016

Traditional Chinese medicine QPYF has a good effect for treating antibiotic‐associated diarrhea in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to test its efficacy to prevent Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) in a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were infected with Clostridium difficile VPI 10463 after exposure to antimicrobial mixture. QPYF was administered from 7 days prior to Clostridium difficile infection to 20 days after infection, and its effect was compared with no treatment and receiving placebo. The mice were monitored for 20 days and the percent survival, disease activity index, weight loss, colon histopathology, and the levels of toxins in the feces were measured. The expressions of TNF α, MCP‐1, NF‐κB p65, and phospho‐NF‐κB p65 in the colon were presented by immunohistochemistry. The survival rate of QPYF group (93.75%) was higher than that of model control group (65%). The mice treated with QPYF had a lower weight loss and disease activity index, compared to the mice with placebo. A significantly lower level of histopathology scores, toxins in the feces, and TNF α, MCP‐1, NF‐κB p65, and phospho‐NF‐κB p65 were detected for QPYF‐treated mice. Traditional Chinese medicine QPYF showed a good preventive effect for CDAD in a mouse model.
In VivoRemodeling of Fibroblast-Derived Vascular Scaffolds Implanted for 6 Months in Rats
Authors: Tondreau Maxime Y. , Laterreur Véronique , Vallières Karine , Gauvin Robert , Bourget Jean-Michel , Tremblay Catherine , Lacroix Dan , Germain Lucie , Ruel Jean , Auger Francois A.
Published: November 2016

There is a clinical need for tissue-engineered small-diameter (<6 mm) vascular grafts since clinical applications are halted by the limited suitability of autologous or synthetic grafts. This study uses the self-assembly approach to produce a fibroblast-derived decellularized vascular scaffold (FDVS) that can be available off-the-shelf. Briefly, extracellular matrix scaffolds were produced using human dermal fibroblasts sheets rolled around a mandrel, maintained in culture to allow for the formation of cohesive and three-dimensional tubular constructs, and decellularized by immersion in deionized water. The FDVSs were implanted as an aortic interpositional graft in six Sprague-Dawley rats for 6 months. Five out of the six implants were still patent 6 months after the surgery. Histological analysis showed the infiltration of cells on both abluminal and luminal sides, and immunofluorescence analysis suggested the formation of neomedia comprised of smooth muscle cells and lined underneath with an endothelium. Furthermore, to verify the feasibility of producing tissue-engineered blood vessels of clinically relevant length and diameter, scaffolds with a 4.6 mm inner diameter and 17 cm in length were fabricated with success and stored for an extended period of time, while maintaining suitable properties following the storage period. This novel demonstration of the potential of the FDVS could accelerate the clinical availability of tissue-engineered blood vessels and warrants further preclinical studies.
Electricity Generation Characteristics of Energy-Harvesting System with Piezoelectric Element Using Mechanical-Acoustic Coupling
Authors: Tsuchiya Hirotarou , Moriyama Hiroyuki , Iwamori Satoru
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the electricity generation characteristics of a new energy-harvesting system with piezoelectric elements. The proposed system is composed of a rigid cylinder and thin plates at both ends. The piezoelectric elements are installed at the centers of both plates, and one side of each plate is subjected to a harmonic point force. In this system, vibration energy is converted into electrical energy via electromechanical coupling between the plate vibration and piezoelectric effect. In addition, the plate vibration excited by the point force induces a self-sustained vibration at the other plate via mechanical-acoustic coupling between the plate vibrations and an internal sound field into the cylindrical enclosure. Therefore, the electricity generation characteristics should be considered as an electromechanical-acoustic coupling problem. The characteristics are estimated theoretically and experimentally from the electric power in the electricity generation, the mechanical power supplied to the plate, and the electricity generation efficiency that is derived from the ratio of both power. In particular, the electricity generation efficiency is one of the most appropriate factors to evaluate a performance of electricity generation systems. Thus, the effect of mechanical-acoustic coupling is principally evaluated by examining the electricity generation efficiency.
Evolution of Skin during Rehabilitation for Elephantiasis Using Intensive Treatment
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Henrique Jose , Budtinger Filho Ricardo , Godoy Maria de Fatima Guerreiro , Godoy José Maria Pereira de
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of the skin during rehabilitation for elephantiasis using intensive treatment. We report on the case of a 55-year-old patient with a seven-year history of leg edema. The patient reported that it began with repeated outbreaks of erysipelas over several years. One leg evolved with significant edema leading to an inability to ambulate and for about one month the patient said that he could not get out of bed. Moreover the patient was obese weighing 130 kilos and with a BMI of 39. Intensive treatment was performed over three weeks resulting in a significant reduction in limb volume. The treatment consisted of Mechanical Lymphatic Therapy (RAGodoy), Cervical Lymphatic Stimulation (Godoy & Godoy technique), and a custom-made inelastic stocking of a grosgrain textile. What caught the attention during therapy were the open wounds resulting from fragmentation of the plaque as the edema reduced; the plaque was about 0.5 cm thick. As the treatment evolved the plaque disappeared and the wounds healed. The limb size decreased by more than 80% in three weeks after which the patient began to be treated in an outpatient setting with ambulation using a grosgrain stocking.
Pollution Level, Sources, and Lung Cancer Risk of PM10-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Summer in Nanjing, China
Authors: Sun Shiqi , Xia Zhonghuan , Wang Tao , Wu Minmin , Zhang Qianqian , Yin Jing , Zhou Yanchi , Yang Hao , Wang Wenqi , Yu Yueming , Xu Jing , Chen Cheng
Published: November 2016

This study concentrated on the pollution level, sources, and lung cancer risk of PM10-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in summer in Nanjing, China. PM10 samples were collected in summer of the year 2015 in Nanjing. 16 USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) priority PAHs were extracted and analyzed after sampling. The mean concentrations of PAHs and BaPeq were 7.49±2.60 and 1.21±0.24 ng/m3, respectively, being in a middle level among results from regions worldwide. According to the results of diagnostic ratios, PAHs originated mainly from traffic exhaust, especially diesel vehicle emissions. Owing to the inhalation exposure, the median values of incremental lung cancer risk (ILCR) were estimated to be 3.36×10-8, 2.50×10-8, 1.69×10-7, 2.54×10-8, 1.38×10-7, 1.18×10-7, 1.27×10-7, and 1.11×10-7 for boys, male adolescents, male adults, male seniors, girls, female adolescents, female adults, and female seniors, respectively, indicating low potential lung cancer risk.
Guy’s Stone Score (GSS) Based on Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) Findings Predicting Upper Pole Access Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Outcomes
Authors: Lojanapiwat Bannakij , Rod-Ong Pattara , Kitirattrakarn Pruit , Chongruksut Wilaiwan
Published: November 2016

Objective. To predict the success rate and complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy via the upper pole using the Guy’s Stone Score (GSS) based on the findings of a preoperative intravenous pyelogram (IVP). Patients and Methods. Two hundred and twenty-seven renal operations, which were carried out using PCNL via the upper pole, were classified according to the GSS assigned. Any complications were classified according to the Clavien classification. The success rates and incidence of any complications were compared between each GSS. Results. The immediate success rates were 87.50% of GSS1, 71.43% of GSS2, 53.62% of GSS3, and 38.46% of GSS4, P<0.01. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in stone size, overall immediate success rate, operative time, number of access tracts, and frequency of tubeless PCNL. Major complications (a Clavien score of 3–5) were significantly higher in the cases with a higher GSS. Conclusion. A GSS based on an IVP is a simple and reliable tool in predicting the success rate and possible complications following upper pole access PCNL.
Laser-Based Joining of Thermoplastics to Metals: Influence of Varied Ambient Conditions on Joint Performance and Microstructure
Authors: Schricker Klaus , Stambke Martin , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Bräutigam Kevin
Published: November 2016

Laser-based joining of thermoplastics to metals shows a great potential for functional design especially in terms of lightweight constructions. In the joining process, the joining speed and the energy per unit length, respectively, show an influence on time-temperature profiles measured in the joining zone. The time-temperature profile affects the joining zone and consequently the joint behavior in mechanical testing. In the current investigation, the joining zone was characterized by the melting layer. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the joint by tensile shear testing and the fracture mode were investigated. Based on the results obtained, three sets of joining speeds/energies per unit length with different mechanical behaviors were selected for further investigations under varied ambient conditions. Thereby, the influence of outdoor weathering as well as aging above the glass transition temperature of the plastic part on the joint’s performance was compared with the nonaged joints.
Photocatalytic Reduction Activity of 001  TiO2 Codoped with F and Fe under Visible Light for Bromate Removal
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Lingdan , Liu Hongyuan
Published: November 2016

The presence of bromate in water is a well-known problem because of its toxic effects on human health, particularly its carcinogenic potential. Photocatalytic reduction is an attractive process for bromate removal. F- and Fe-codoped TiO2 (F-Fe-TiO2) with a {001} facet was successfully prepared, and its bromate-removal activity under visible light was examined. The microstructure, morphology, and chemical state of the doping elements and the optical property of the photocatalysts were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PLS), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results indicate that the optical properties of F-Fe-TiO2 with the {001} facet and cuboid morphology were obviously improved and its photocatalytic activity was significantly enhanced. The bromate solution of 100 μg/L was thoroughly removed with 0.5 g/L dosage of 1.0% F- and 0.08% Fe-codoped TiO2 composite within 1 hour under visible light.
Lower Level of Bacteroides in the Gut Microbiota Is Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Yingting , Zhi Fachao
Published: November 2016

Background and Aims. Multiple studies have reported associations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the flora disequilibrium of Bacteroides. We performed a meta-analysis of the available data to provide a more precise estimate of the association between Bacteroides level in the gut and IBD. Methods. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wiley Library, BIOSIS previews, Web of Science, CNKI, and ScienceDirect databases for published literature on IBD and gut microbiota from 1990 to 2016. Quality of all eligible studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). We compared the level of Bacteroides in IBD patients with that in a control group without IBD, different types of IBD patients, and IBD patients with active phase and in remission. Results. We identified 63 articles, 9 of which contained sufficient data for evaluation. The mean level of Bacteroides was significantly lower in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in active phase than in normal controls. The level of Bacteroides in remission CD and UC patients was much lower than patients in the control group. Bacteroides level was even lower in patients with CD and UC in active phase than in remission. Conclusions. This analysis suggests that lower levels of Bacteroides are associated with IBD, especially in active phase.
Efficacy of External Beam Radiation-Based Treatment plus Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis
Authors: Chen Ming-Yang , Wang Yu-Chao , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Tsang Ngan-Ming , Chan Kun-Ming , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: November 2016

Background. Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a common event in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The optimal treatment for these patients remains controversial. Methods. A retrospective review of 149 patients who had unresectable HCC associated with PVTT between January 2005 and December 2012 was performed. Outcomes related to external beam radiation-based treatment were measured, and clinicopathological features and parameters affecting prognosis were analyzed as well. Results. The radiotherapeutic response of PVTT was an important element that affected the overall treatment response of HCC. Serum α-fetoprotein < 400 ng/mL, the presence of a radiotherapeutic response on PVTT, and receiving additional locoregional therapy were significant prognostic factors affecting the survival of patients. Patients who had received additional locoregional therapy obtained a better outcome, and six of them were eventually able to undergo surgical management with curative intent. Conclusion. The outcome of HCC associated with PVTT remains pessimistic. In addition to the current recommended treatment using sorafenib, a combination of external beam radiotherapy targeting PVTT and locoregional therapy for intrahepatic HCC might be a promising strategy for patients who had unresectable HCC with PVTT. This approach could perhaps offer patients a favorable outcome as well as a possible cure with following surgical management.
Effect of the Precipitating Agent on the Synthesis and Sintering Behavior of 20 mol% Sm-Doped Ceria
Authors: Spiridigliozzi Luca , Dell’Agli Gianfranco , Biesuz Mattia , Sglavo Vincenzo M. , Pansini Michele
Published: November 2016

Nanocrystalline 20 mol% samaria-doped ceria powders (Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9) were synthesized by coprecipitation techniques using various precipitating agents in aqueous solution: ammonia, ammonium carbonate, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, and urea. The synthesized powders after calcination at 600°C possess a fluorite structure with nanometric size although they are characterized by a very different morphology and degree of agglomeration. Remarkable differences appear in the sintering behavior, especially because of the presence of hard agglomerates. The precipitating agent has therefore a crucial role in the coprecipitation process, which influences the morphology of the powders and in turn the sintering behavior. The obtained results clearly reveal that ammonium carbonate and urea are the best precipitating agents to obtain final dense products after sintering.
Random Vibration and Dynamic Analysis of a Planetary Gear Train in a Wind Turbine
Authors: Yang Jianming , Yang Ping
Published: November 2016

Premature failure of gearboxes is a big challenge facing the wind power industry. It highly depends on fully understanding the embedded dynamics to solve this problem. To this end, this paper investigates the random vibration and dynamics of planetary gear trains (PGTs) in wind turbines under the excitation of wind turbulence. The turbulence is represented by the Von Karmon spectrum and implemented by passing white noise through a 2nd-order shaping filter. Then, extra equations are formed and added to the original governing equations of motion. With this augmented equation set, a recursive numerical algorithm based on stochastic Newmark scheme is applied to solve for the statistics of the responses starting from initial conditions. After simulation, the variances of the vibration responses and the dynamic meshing forces at gear meshes are obtained.