bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combination of plasma fibrinogen and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (F‐NLR) is a predictive factor in patients with resectable non small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zhao Jin , Zhang Mingyun , Han Lijie , Wang Ming , Xingde Li
Published: October 2017

The prognostic value of inflammation indexes in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was not established. Therefore, we assessed the clinical applicability of the F‐NLR score, which is based on fibrinogen (F) and the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the glasgow prognostic score (GPS) to predict the prognoses of NSCLC patients. We retrospectively identified 515 patients with stage I/II/IIIA who underwent surgery at our institution, and evaluated their preoperative serum levels of CRP, albumin, fibrinogen, neutrophil count, and the lymphocyte count. The cut‐off values of the fibrinogen level and NLR were determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. GPS was classified into three groups as previously described. The disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the prognostic factors. The F‐NLR was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.000), smoking history (p = 0.014), lesion type (p = 0.000), histologic type (p = 0.000), T stage (p = 0.000), venous invasion (p = 0.000), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.000), and TNM stage (p = 0.000). The 5‐year DFS rates in F‐NLR groups 0, 1, and 2 were 46.7%, 36.4%, 30.1%, respectively (p = 0.000), and the 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates in the above three groups were 52.0%, 39.8%, 32.1%, respectively (p = 0.000). Multivariate analysis showed that venous invasion (p = 0.036), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.000), and F‐NLR (p = 0.034) were independent prognostic factors for DFS. Age (p = 0.015), venous invasion (p = 0.024), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.000), and F‐NLR (p = 0.019) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Thus, F‐NLR was the independent prognostic factor for both the DFS and OS. And patients with a high‐risk preoperative F‐NLR group may benefit from adjuvant therapy by subgroup analysis. Our results demonstrated that F‐NLR, a novel inflammation‐based grading system, as well as the GPS, appeared to have value as a promising clinical predictor of the prognosis for the resectable non small cell lung cancer patients.
Delta‐like 2 negatively regulates chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Wang Yexin , Zhao Haoming , Fan Baotin , Guo Ke , Cai Ming , Zhang Shanyong
Published: October 2017

Delta‐like 2 (Dlk2), a glycoprotein highly homologous to Dlk1, belongs to the Notch/Delta/Serrata family. Dlk2 has been shown to be an important regulator of adipogenesis; however, its role in other cellular differentiation processes is still unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the role of Dlk2 in chondrogenic differentiation. We found that Dlk2 overexpression promoted the growth of ATDC5 cells but inhibited insulin‐induced ATDC5 chondrogenic differentiation, as supported by the reduction in cartilage matrix formation and gene expression of aggrecan (acan), collagentype II (col2a1) and X (col10a1). In contrast, Dlk2 silencing inhibited the proliferation of ATDC5 cells but enhanced their chondrogenic differentiation. We then evaluated the roles of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are activated by insulin during the chondrogenesis of ATDC5 cells. Overexpression of Dlk2 protein strongly promoted the activation of p38, but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, as expected, Dlk2 silencing inhibited the activation of p38, but had no effect on the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. Finally, we also detected the expression of Dlk2 in mouse epiphyseal cartilage during embryo development. The expression of the Dlk2 protein in the limb bud could be detected at embryonic day 11.5; additionally, it was found to decrease in the superficial zones, but remained unchanged in the deep/hypertrophic zones. In conclusion, our results suggested that Dlk2 acted as an important regulator of chondrogenesis through the p38 pathway. These findings may lead to strategies for the treatment of cartilage‐related diseases such as osteoarthritis.
The Shc protein RAI promotes an adaptive cell survival program in hypoxic neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Criscuoli Mattia , Filippi Irene , Osti Daniela , Aldinucci Carlo , Guerrini Giuditta , Pelicci Giuliana , Carraro Fabio , Naldini Antonella
Published: October 2017

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a highly malignant pediatric solid tumor where a hypoxic signature correlates with unfavorable patient outcome. The hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α plays an important role in NB progression, contributing to cell proliferation and invasiveness. RAI belongs to the Shc family proteins, it is mainly neuron specific and protects against cerebral ischemia. RAI is also expressed in several NB cell lines, where it promotes cell survival. In this work, hypoxia differently affected cell survival and pro‐apoptotic program in two NB cell lines, either expressing RAI (SKNBE) or not (SKNMC). RAI expression appeared to promote NB cell survival and to reduce some pro‐apoptotic markers under hypoxia. Accordingly, the RAI silencing in SKNBE cells resulted in a reduction of cell survival and HIF‐1α expression. Furthermore, using SKNMC cells stably expressing RAI, we defined a role of RAI in NB cell responses to hypoxia. Of interest, in hypoxic SKNMC cells expressing RAI HIF‐1α protein levels were higher than in control cells. This was associated with a) an increased cell survival; b) an increased expression of anti‐apoptotic markers; c) a pro‐autophagic and not pro‐apoptotic phenotype; and d) an increased metabolic activity. We may conclude that RAI plays an important role in hypoxic signaling in NB cells and the interplay between RAI and HIF‐1α may be relevant in the protection of NB cells against hypoxia. Our results may contribute to a further understanding the physiology of NB cells and the molecular mechanisms involved in their survival, with important implications in NB progression.
The role of innate lymphoid cells in health and disease
Authors: Mohammadi Hamed , Sharafkandi Nadia , Hemmatzadeh Maryam , Azizi Gholamreza , Karimi Mohammad , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad , Baradaran Behzad , Babaloo Zohreh
Published: October 2017

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are kind of innate immune cells which can be divided into three main subsets according to their cytokine release profile, transcription factors, and surface markers. ILCs affect the initial stages of immunity in response to microbes and participate in immunity, inflammation, and tissue repair. ILCs modulate immunity through resistance to the pathogens and regulation of autoimmune inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Therefore dysregulation of ILCs may lead to chronic pathologies such as allergies (i.e., asthma), inflammation (i.e., inflammatory bowel disease), and autoimmunity (i.e., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis). Regarding the critical role of ILCs in the regulation of immune system, the elucidation of their function in different conditions makes an interesting target for improvement of novel therapeutic approach to modulate an immune response in different disease context.
Gene therapy for neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury with naked plasmid encoding hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Hu Chunsheng , Lu Yuxin , Cheng Xiaochen , Cui Yufang , Wu Zuze , Zhang Qinglin
Published: October 2017

Background

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a refractory disease in the clinic with a tremendous impact on the quality of life of patients. Gene therapy is a potential strategy for the management of NP. In the present study, we examined the analgesic effect and mechanism of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We examined the proinflammatroy gene changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced microglia BV2 cells with a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Mechanical stimulation tests were performed five times at 5‐min intervals to assess pain thresholds using Von Frey Hair in mice following spared nerve injury (SNI). The glial cell activation of spinal cord was examined by western blotting. Statistical significance was determined by a Tukey's test and a paired t‐test.

Results

We found that recombinant human HGF protein suppressed LPS‐induced BV2 cell activation in vitro, marked by the down‐regulation of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and iNOS expression, as well as decrease of nitric oxide production. Moreover, intrathecal injection of naked plasmid encoding HGF gene (pUDK‐HGF) significantly attenuated SNI‐induced pain behaviors in mice by direct inhibition of spinal cord microglia and astrocyte activation.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that pUDK‐HGF can reduce cytotoxicity products released from activated glial cells, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for treating NP.
Synthesis and NMR‐Spectroscopic Investigations with 4‐Chloroacyl‐1‐phenylpyrazolin‐5‐ones
Authors: Eller Gernot A. , Holzer Wolfgang
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of various 4‐acylpyrazolones bearing in the acyl moiety either a terminal chloro‐substituent or a terminal ortho‐chlorophenyl group was achieved by reaction of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one (tautomer to 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol) with the corresponding acid chloride using calcium hydroxide / 1,4‐dioxane. In one case (reaction with chlorobutanoyl chloride) a spontaneous cyclization occurred leading to the corresponding oxepino[2,3‐c]pyrazole. Detailed NMR spectroscopic investigations with all prepared compounds were performed.
Green Synthesis of 6‐Aryl‐5,6‐dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazoline Derivatives in Ionic Liquid under Catalyst‐free Conditions
Authors: Chen Dong‐Sheng , Liu Shu‐Jun , Lu Wen‐Qiang , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: October 2017

Using ionic liquids as green media, a series of 6‐arylbenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazoline derivatives is synthesized via a reaction of 2‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)aniline and benzaldehydes in the air. While the intermediate products of 6‐aryl‐5,6‐dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines were obtained in high yields at the same conditions under nitrogen protection.
Design, Synthesis and in vitro Antimycobacterial Activities of Isatin‐1,2,3‐triazole‐moxifloxacin Hybrids
Authors: Hu Yuan‐Qiang , Xu Zhi , Qiang Min , Lv Zao‐Sheng
Published: October 2017

A new class of isatin‐1,2,3‐triazole‐moxifloxacin (MXFX) hybrids 5a–j was designed, synthesized, and screened for their in vitro antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and MDR‐TB. All the synthesized hybrids (MIC: 0.10–0.78 μg/mL) exhibited excellent activities against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB, in spite of none of them were more potent than the parent MXFX (MIC: 0.10 and 0.12 μg/mL). Against MTB H37Rv, the most active 5f (MIC: 0.10 μg/mL) was comparable with MXFX and 4 times more potent than RIF (MIC: 0.39 μg/mL). Against MDR‐TB, all hybrids were more active than RIF (MIC: 32 μg/mL) and INH (MIC: >128 μg/mL). In particular, hybrid 5e (MIC: 0.10 μg/mL) was comparable with MXFX and 256 and >1,024 times more potent than RIF and INH. Both conjugates 5e and 5f warrant further investigations.
Synthesis of Chromene Derivatives via Three‐Component Reaction of 4‐hydroxycumarin Catalyzed by Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Water
Authors: Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh , Arabkhazaeli Maryam , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Afrashteh Siavash , Eslami Ali Akbar
Published: October 2017

An easy and effective procedure for one‐pot three components coupling of 4‐hydroxycumarin, isothiocyanates, and isocyanides in water by employing magnetically recoverable Fe3O4 nanoparticles is described. Variety of chromene were produced a derivatives in high yields by using of this procedure. The catalyst can be recovered and recycled without a considerable decrease in the catalytic activity.
Single‐dose bone pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in a porcine implant‐associated osteomyelitis model
Authors: Bue Mats , Hanberg Pelle , Koch Janne , Jensen Louise Kruse , Lundorff Martin , Aalbæk Bent , Jensen Henrik Elvang , Søballe Kjeld , Tøttrup Mikkel
Published: October 2017

The increasing incidence of orthopaedic methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections represents a significant therapeutic challenge. Being effective against MRSA, the role of vancomycin may become more important in the orthopaedic setting in the years to come. Nonetheless, vancomycin bone and soft tissue penetration during infection remains unclear. In eight pigs, implant‐associated osteomyelitis was induced on day 0, using a Staphylococcus aureus strain. Following administration of 1,000 mg of vancomycin on day 5, vancomycin concentrations were obtained with microdialysis for 8 h in the implant bone cavity, in cancellous bone adjacent to the implant cavity, in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCT) adjacent to the implant cavity, and in healthy cancellous bone and healthy SCT in the contralateral leg. Venous blood samples were also obtained. The extent of infection and inflammation was evaluated by post‐mortem computed tomography scans, C‐reactive protein serum levels and cultures of blood and swabs. In relation to all the implant cavities, bone destruction was found. Ranging from 0.20 to 0.74, tissue penetration, expressed as the ratio of the area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to the last measured value, was incomplete for all compartments except for healthy SCT. The lowest penetration was found in the implant cavity. In conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus implant‐associated osteomyelitis was found to reduce vancomycin bone penetration, especially in the implant cavity. These findings suggest that it may be unsafe to rely solely on vancomycin therapy when treating acute osteomyelitis. Particularly when metaphyseal cavities are present, surgical debridement seems necessary. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1093–1098, 2018.
Using small‐scale measurements to estimate hypolimnetic oxygen depletion in a deep lake
Authors: Schwefel Robert , Steinsberger Thomas , Bouffard Damien , Bryant Lee D. , Müller Beat , Wüest Alfred
Published: October 2017

Low oxygen concentrations in lakes and reservoirs are an ongoing environmental concern, particularly in light of increasing anthropogenic activity and climate change. Oxygen depletion processes in lakes are still not completely understood and a variety of models have been proposed based on limited field observations. Here, we present field measurements of oxygen depletion processes in a deep lake, Lake Geneva (Switzerland). The aim of this study was to quantify three basic processes controlling hypolimnetic oxygen depletion and their relative contribution to the total oxygen depletion (TOD) rate. Sediment oxygen uptake (SOU) and the flux of reduced substances were estimated based on oxygen microprofile measurements and sediment core data of reduced substances. Acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements and hydrodynamic modeling were used to ensure that SOU was measured under typical hydrodynamic conditions. Comparison with long‐term monitoring data allowed for an estimate of the relative importance of SOU and water column mineralization (WCM). Results show a decrease in both SOU and WCM down to mid‐depth which could not be explained by changes in hydrodynamic conditions or temperature. Below mid‐depth, TOD increased due to an enhanced sediment area to water volume ratio (α). This vertical pattern of oxygen depletion is driven by (1) lake morphometry paired with increasing α, and (2) decreasing organic matter mineralization in the water column with depth. The findings are explained by a model which separates the oxygen depletion into an exponentially decreasing component, representing the fast‐decaying fraction of the organic matter, and a constant background component.
Detecting phytoplankton diatom fraction based on the spectral shape of satellite‐derived algal light absorption coefficient
Authors: Zheng Guangming , DiGiacomo Paul M.
Published: October 2017

Knowledge about phytoplankton composition is important for biological and biogeochemical research as well as for ecological applications (e.g., water quality) in coastal and inland waters. Satellite remote sensing can potentially map the baseline patterns, anomalies, and trends of phytoplankton composition on a synoptic basis. A prominent challenge is the attribution of the total optical signal to phytoplankton amid interference from minerals and humus. Here, we obtained the phytoplankton light absorption coefficient, aph(λ), in the Chesapeake Bay by partitioning satellite‐derived total light absorption coefficient of water using the generalized stacked‐constraints model (GSCM). We show that the red‐to‐blue band ratio of GSCM‐derived aph(670)/aph(440) can be associated with diatom fraction in Chesapeake Bay. Further, the spatial‐temporal patterns shown in the satellite‐derived diatom fraction data agree well with field studies conducted previously around this region, including low diatom dominance in summer, high diatom dominance in the lower bay in winter, diatom‐dominated spring blooms in coastal waters outside of the bay, and increasing seasonal variability of diatom fraction from the upper to the lower bay. We also found that in the middle bay the summer diatom fraction correlates strongly with spring streamflow on an annual basis, which can be explained because sediment deposited by spring freshets is the main source of silicate supply during summer. These results suggest that the satellite‐derived diatom fraction maps can serve as a baseline for detecting phytoplankton composition anomalies, and highlight the effectiveness of using absorption‐based approach to extract phytoplankton composition information for optically complex waters.
Relaxation Dynamics and Strain Persistency of Azobenzene‐Functionalized Polymers and Actuators
Authors: Skandani Amir A. , Chatterjee Sourav , Wang David H. , Tan Loon‐Seng , White Timothy J. , Shankar Meenakshisundaram Ravi , Smith Matthew L.
Published: October 2017

The accumulation of photoinduced deformation in azobenzene functionalized polymers has received a significant amount of attention in recent years. Critically, the induced photomechanical deformation in these systems experiences varying degrees of relaxation. Control over the persistence of photomechanical strains is vital to the broader utility of these materials in shape programmable systems including soft robotics and engineered origami. Furthermore, investigations of relaxation in light responsive polymer systems triggered by UV light are more prominent than those triggered by blue‐green light. In this study, the impact of chain mobility and initially induced photostrain on the relaxation dynamics of azobenzene‐functionalized polyimides after irradiation with blue light is examined. A modeling effort coupling chromophore population dynamics to material strain is carried out to further explore the relationship between material structure, relaxation dynamics, and macroscopic deformation. The implications for controlling strain persistence are highlighted by simulating one example of a photoprimed bistable actuator.
Preparation of Hollow Fiber Membranes by Nonsolvent Induced Phase Separation along with Hydrogen Gas Formation Using a Single Orifice Spinneret
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Yingbo , Hu Xiaoyu , Cheng Bowen , Liu Huiqiang
Published: October 2017

Traditional nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process for fabrication of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) faces challenges, like design and manufacture of spinneret with two concentric orifices to provide parallel and continuous feed of polymer solution and bore fluid at specific rates. These factors limit the use of traditional technique to produce HFMs. Here, a new direct spinning method for fabricating HFMs by feeding a polymer solution, containing a gas producing agent using single orifice spinneret is reported. Polysulfone‐dimethylacetamide solution containing NaBH4 is extruded through a stainless‐steel needle (single orifice spinneret) into HCl aqueous solution (coagulation bath) at specific rates. Effects of polysulfone concentration, temperature, and pH of coagulant bath on structure and performance of the HFMs are investigated. Synergy between hydrogen from NaBH4 hydrolysis and NIPS process benefits fabrication of HFMs with good hollow bore structure and high porous wall. The prepared HFMs show good dye separation.
Prominent Tongue and Jaw Tremor in a Patient with Probable Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Shoeibi Ali , Litvan Irene
Published: October 2017

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Effects of Dairy Products Consumption on Body Weight and Body Composition Among Adults: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of 37 Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Geng Tingting , Qi Lu , Huang Tao
Published: October 2017

Scope

Effects of dairy consumption on body weight and body composition have been inconsistently observed in randomized control trials (RCTs). Our meta‐analysis aims to systematically evaluate the effects of dairy consumption on body weight and body composition among the adults.

Methods and results

We conducted a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases of the relevant studies from 1966 to Mar 2017 regarding dairy consumption on body weight and body composition including body fat, lean mass, and waist circumference (WC). The summary results are pooled by using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Thirty‐seven RCTs with 184 802 participants are included in this meta‐analysis. High dairy intervention increased body weight (0.01, 95% CI: −0.25, 0.26, I2 = 78.3%) and lean mass (0.37, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.62, I2 = 83.4%); decreased body fat (−0.23, 95% CI: −0.48, 0.02, I2 = 78.2%) and WC (−1.37, 95% CI: −2.28, −0.46, I2 = 98.9%) overall. In the subgroup analysis, we found that consumption of dairy products increases body weight (0.36, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.70, I2 = 83.1%) among participants without energy restriction. Dairy consumption decreases body weight (−0.64, 95% CI: −1.05, −0.24, I2 = 60.2%), body fat (−0.56, 95%CI: −0.95, −0.17, I2 = 66.6%), and waist circumference (−2.18, 95%CI: −4.30, −0.06, I2 = 99.0%) among the adults with energy restriction.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests a beneficial effect of energy‐restricted dairy consumption on body weight and body composition. However, high dairy consumption in the absence of caloric restriction may increase body weight.
Robust spectrum allocation in elastic flexgrid optical networks: Complexity and formulations
Authors: Büsing Christina , Grub Alexandra , Koster Arie M. C. A. , Laube Waldemar , Tieves Martin
Published: October 2017

Flexgrid optical networking technology allows for a more flexible consumption of bandwidth. The spectrum allocation problem consists of the conflict‐free assignment of consecutive spectrum space of different sizes to lightpaths. In this article, we study the computational complexity of spectrum allocation with and without demand uncertainty. First, it is shown that the problem becomes already NP‐hard for cases where wavelength assignment is still polynomial time solvable. Next, five different ways to define the robust counterpart are compared. It is shown (amongst others) that on a single network edge, the two least efficient models are less computationally demanding than the other variants. A computational study using comparable integer linear programming formulations reveals that the additional slots required by these models directly depend on the restrictions of the employed technology. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(4), 342–359 2017
Decoy receptor 3 promotes cell adhesion and enhances endometriosis development
Authors: Tsai Hsiao‐Wen , Huang Ming‐Ting , Wang Peng‐Hui , Huang Ben‐Shian , Chen Yi‐Jen , Hsieh Shie‐Liang
Published: October 2017

Endometriosis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease with persistent activation of the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling pathway. Aberrant adhesion of endometrium is the essential step in the progression of endometriosis, but the molecular mechanism of ectopic growth of endometrium is still unclear. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3)/TNFRSF6B, a pleiotropic immunomodulator regulated by oestrogen, is able to activate focal adhesion kinase to promote cell adhesion. We found that DcR3 is upregulated in human ectopic endometrial cells via activation of the Akt–NF‐κB signalling pathway, and its expression level correlates positively with that of the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and homing cell adhesion molecule (HCAM; CD44). In a multivariate regression model, DcR3 expression level was the most significant parameter associated with endometriosis severity. Knockdown of DcR3 not only downregulated the expression of ICAM‐1 and HCAM, but also reduced cell adhesion and migration. In vivo investigation further showed that DcR3 promoted the growth and spread of endometrium, whereas knockdown of DcR3 by lentivirus‐delivered short hairpin RNA inhibited ectopic adhesion of endometrium and abrogated endometriosis progression. These observations are in support of DcR3 playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and the inhibition of DcR3 expression being a promising approach for the treatment of endometriosis. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphologies of microparticles of partially neutralized sodium polyacrylate by inverse suspension polymerization
Authors: Kim Yunju , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: October 2017

The morphologies of sodium polyacrylate super absorbent polymer microparticles synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization at 65°C are presented. The spherical polymer microparticles of 30–100 μm in diameter were prepared in a hydrocarbon medium with water soluble initiators in presence of a cross‐linking agent and suspension stabilizer in a stirred batch reactor. A variety of microparticles morphology has been observed for different reaction conditions such as monomer/water ratio, reaction time, cross‐linker type and concentration, hydrocarbon medium properties, and postreaction solvent washing. The observed polymer particle morphologies include highly deformed particles, spherical particles with smooth surfaces, spherical particles with wrinkled surfaces, particles with interior multihollows, highly porous particles, particles of empty core‐shell structures, etc. Some of these particles with complex morphologies such as multihollow or porous interior can improve the water absorption efficiency of the polymer particles because water can penetrate the particle more effectively. The polymer particles with wrinkled particle surface, which is formed during the postreaction treatment process, can also enhance the water absorption rate because of its increased external surface area. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1564–1574, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Flow pattern control in resin transfer molding using a model predictive control strategy
Authors: Wang Kai‐Hong , Chuang Yao‐Chen , Chiu Tzu‐Heng , Yao Yuan
Published: October 2017

Resin transfer molding (RTM) is an efficient manufacturing process for fabricating polymer composites, in which liquid thermosetting resin is injected into a closed mold to saturate a fiber preform. In RTM, effective flow control is necessary to direct the resin to flow in the desired manner and to prevent the formation of defects. Most existing methods are based on numerical flow simulations, whose accuracy is directly tied to the fidelity of the physics and material models used in the codes. The control performance of these methods largely depends on the quality of the models. The traditional proportional–integral–differential controllers are unsuitable as well, because of the nonlinear and time‐varying characteristics of the RTM system. In this research, a model predictive control strategy is proposed for adjusting the flow behavior of the resin inside the mold, and it does not rely on process simulators. Recursive least squares with an adaptive directional forgetting factor is adopted as a method to identify the input–output relationship of the process under control. Based on the identification results, both the flow velocity and the flow front profile can be controlled simultaneously. The feasibility of the proposed strategy are illustrated with experimental results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1659–1665, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Energetics of reactions in a dielectric barrier discharge with argon carrier gas: VI PEG‐like coatings
Authors: Nisol Bernard , Watson Sean , Meunier Anne , Juncker David , Lerouge Sophie , Wertheimer Michael R.
Published: October 2017

We have studied “PEG‐like” plasma‐deposited coatings of poly(ethylene glycol), some of which prevent protein adsorption and cellular adhesion. This enables inhibition of possible inflammatory reactions or rejection of an implant following its insertion into living tissue. Our approach, based on electrical measurements in atmospheric pressure Ar dielectric barrier discharges, enables precise measurements of , the energy absorbed per monomer molecule. Here, we demonstrate the importance of in preparing PEG‐like coatings for biomedical applications, for example by highlighting the great importance of molecular weight of monoglyme (1G) or diglyme (2G) monomers, and by obtaining anti‐fouling layers, “PP‐2G,” only with the diglyme. We demonstrate resistance to protein adsorption and cell adhesion of PP‐2G surfaces prepared with optimized (and ) values.
GUB06‐046, a novel secretin/glucagon‐like peptide 1 co‐agonist, decreases food intake, improves glycemic control, and preserves beta cell mass in diabetic mice
Authors: van Witteloostuijn Søren B. , Dalbøge Louise S. , Hansen Gitte , Midtgaard Søren Roi , Jensen Grethe Vestergaard , Jensen Knud J. , Vrang Niels , Jelsing Jacob , Pedersen Søren L.
Published: October 2017

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment of obesity, which has spurred an interest in developing pharmaceutical mimetics. It is thought that the marked body weight‐lowering effects of bariatric surgery involve stimulated secretion of appetite‐regulating gut hormones, including glucagon‐like peptide 1. We here report that intestinal expression of secretin is markedly upregulated in a rat model of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, suggesting an additional role of secretin in the beneficial metabolic effects of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. We therefore developed novel secretin‐based peptide co‐agonists and identified a lead compound, GUB06‐046, that exhibited potent agonism of both the secretin receptor and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor. Semi‐acute administration of GUB06‐046 to lean mice significantly decreased cumulative food intake and improved glucose tolerance. Chronic administration of GUB06‐046 to diabetic db/db mice for 8 weeks improved glycemic control, as indicated by a 39% decrease in fasting blood glucose and 1.6% reduction of plasma HbA1c levels. Stereological analysis of db/db mice pancreata revealed a 78% increase in beta‐cell mass after GUB06‐046 treatment, with no impact on exocrine pancreas mass or pancreatic duct epithelial mass. The data demonstrate beneficial effects of GUB06‐046 on appetite regulation, glucose homeostasis, and beta‐cell mass in db/db mice, without proliferative effects on the exocrine pancreas and the pancreatic duct epithelium. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of complex terrain and anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric CO2 patterns–a high‐resolution numerical analysis
Authors: Uebel M. , Bott A.
Published: October 2017

The accuracy of regional or mesoscale carbon budgeting by means of inverse modelling depends strongly on the ability of the atmospheric model to capture relevant atmospheric transport processes. In order to analyze the influence of terrain‐induced flow dynamics and intense local anthropogenic emissions, we present high‐resolution (forward) simulations of spatio‐temporal CO2 variations using a recent biosphere–atmosphere model. The selected region is characterized by complex terrain and both rural and densely populated areas. The results indicate that, in situations with weak synoptic forcing, the nocturnal near‐surface CO2 distribution is strongly affected by terrain‐induced turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) above mountain ridges and by local convergent downslope winds. By increasing the grid spacing from ≈ 1 to ≈ 3 km, we show that, due to the smoothed model topography, the atmospheric flow causing the CO2 heterogeneity cannot be resolved any more. Finally, we quantify the influence of intense anthropogenic CO2 sources on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. A significant anthropogenic signal can be identified around and downstream of industrial and urban areas, especially in the morning but also within a well‐mixed planetary boundary layer in the daytime. The results provide valuable information for including non‐background CO2 observations in mesoscale inverse modelling studies using coarser resolutions than in this study.
Event‐triggered MPC design for distributed systems toward global performance
Authors: Mi Xiaoxiao , Zou Yuanyuan , Li Shaoyuan
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the coordination control problem of stabilizing large‐scale dynamically coupled systems via a novel event‐triggered distributed model predictive control (DMPC) approach. In order to achieve global performance, certain constraints relevant to the triggering instant are imposed on the DMPC optimization problem, and triggering mechanisms are designed by taking into account coupling influences. Specifically, the triggering conditions derived from the feasibility and stability analysis are based on the local subsystem state and the information received from its neighbors. Based on these triggering mechanisms, the event‐triggered DMPC algorithm is built, and a dual‐mode strategy is adopted. As a result, the controllers solve the optimization problem and coordinate with each other asynchronously, which reduces the amount of communication and lowers the frequency of controller updates while achieving global performance. The recursive feasibility of the proposed event‐triggered DMPC algorithm is proved, and sufficient parameter conditions about the prediction horizon and the triggering threshold are established. It shows that the system state can be gradually driven into the terminal set under the proposed strategy. Finally, an academic example and a realistic simulation problem to the water level of a 4‐tank system are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Stochastic model predictive control for probabilistically constrained Markovian jump linear systems with additive disturbance
Authors: Lu Jianbo , Xi Yugeng , Li Dewei
Published: October 2017

Model predictive control (MPC) for Markovian jump linear systems with probabilistic constraints has received much attention in recent years. However, in existing results, the disturbance is usually assumed with infinite support, which is not considered reasonable in real applications. Thus, by considering random additive disturbance with finite support, this paper is devoted to a systematic approach to stochastic MPC for Markovian jump linear systems with probabilistic constraints. The adopted MPC law is parameterized by a mode‐dependent feedback control law superimposed with a perturbation generated by a dynamic controller. Probabilistic constraints can be guaranteed by confining the augmented system state to a maximal admissible set. Then, the MPC algorithm is given in the form of linearly constrained quadratic programming problems by optimizing the infinite sum of derivation of the stage cost from its steady‐state value. The proposed algorithm is proved to be recursively feasible and to guarantee constraints satisfaction, and the closed‐loop long‐run average cost is not more than that of the unconstrained closed‐loop system with static feedback. Finally, when adopting the optimal feedback gains in the predictive control law, the resulting MPC algorithm has been proved to converge in the mean square sense to the optimal control. A numerical example is given to verify the efficiency of the proposed results.
Cu–Immobilized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles [Cu2+@MSNs‐(CO2−)2] as an Efficient Nanocatalyst for One‐Pot Synthesis of Pyrazolopyranopyrimidines in Water
Authors: Nasresfahani Zahra , Kassaee Mohammad Zaman
Published: October 2017

Abstract Cu2+@MSNs‐(CO2−)2 has been prepared and characterized by using small angle powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Thermal analyses (TGA‐DTA) and FT‐IR studies. A facile one‐pot, four‐component condensation reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aromatic aldehydes, and barbituric acid for synthesis of pyrazolopyranopyrimidines is efficiently catalyzed over Cu2+@MSNs‐(CO2−)2 in water. This catalyst is easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused several times without any loss in catalytic activity.
A Dimetallic Aminonitrone Nickel(II) Complex: Further Insights into Metal‐Mediated Nucleophilic Activation of Amidoximes
Authors: Bolotin Dmitrii S. , Bikbaeva Zarina M. , Novikov Alexander S. , Suslonov Vitalii V. , Bokach Nadezhda A.
Published: October 2017

The reaction of NiCl2•2H2O with acetamidoxime (MeC(NH2)=NOH) in the presence of PhCN in MeOH gave the cationic dimetallic complex [1]Cl4, bearing bridging O‐coordinated aminonitrone and chelating imidoylamidoxime ligands, derived from amidoxime‐PhCN coupling. The experimental data and theoretical calculations (M06/MDF10(Ni) and 6–31G*(other atoms) indicated that the aminonitrone form of amidoxime was stabilized only as a μ2‐O‐bridging ligand, whereas Noxime‐coordination was preferred rather than O‐coordination for monodentate‐coordinated amidoximes.
Grains in Selectively Grown MoS2 Thin Films
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Jun , Kim Hojoong , Yang Suk , Kwon Jang‐Yeon
Published: October 2017

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have recently been studied using various synthesis methods, such as chemical vapor deposition for large‐scale production. Despite the realization of large‐scale production with high material quality, a range of approaches have been made to solve the patterning issue of TMDCs focusing on the application of integrated devices; however, patterning is still under study to accurately represent nanoscale‐sized patterns, as well as the desired positions and shapes. Here, an insulating substrate is treated selectively with O2 plasma, and MoS2 growth is induced in the superhydrophilic area. Selectively well‐grown MoS2 patterns are confirmed by atomic force microscopy and Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. In addition, the grain size, according to the growth size, and grain boundary are analyzed by annual dark field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spherical aberration‐corrected scanning TEM to confirm the selective growth. An analysis of the device performance and the optical properties reveals an enhancement with increasing grain size. This method presents the path of the growth technique for patterning, as well as the direction that can be applied to devices and integrated circuits.
K‐MING: A mobile proxy handoff control scheme for proximate group‐based geodata sharing
Authors: Huang Chung‐Ming , Mai Chia‐Ming
Published: October 2017

This work adopts a mobile social network in proximity (MSNP)–centric group touring service concept to share geo–points of interest's (POIs') data among mobile users belonging to the same touring group. In a group‐based touring service, a mobile user can create a group in the MSNP that can consist of some clusters in which some members having the 3G/3.5G/4G cellular network service are selected as cluster leaders to enable their Wi‐Fi hot spot functions as mobile proxies. After that, each group member can join one of the clusters by connecting with a cluster leader's Wi‐Fi hot spot. Thereafter, each cluster leader downloads geo‐POIs' data using 3G/3.5G/4G cellular network and then shares the downloaded POIs' data with its cluster members through its Wi‐Fi hot spot. This work proposed a handoff mechanism such that each mobile user can handoff from its currently connected cluster to the other one that belongs to the same MNSP group. The main handoff concern is that each handheld device only allows a limited number of handheld devices to connect with its Wi‐Fi hot spot at the same time. This work proposed a K‐member‐limited MSNP‐based INter Group handoff scheme called K‐MING to tackle the handoff problem. The performance analysis shows that K‐MING for the group touring scenario has better performance for the sharing of geo‐POIs' data downloading in terms of average power consumption and average downloaded data volume from 3G/3.5G/4G cellular network than that of the individual touring scenario.
Tri‐Texts: A Potential Next Step for Paired Texts
Authors: Ciecierski Lisa M. , Bintz William P.
Published: October 2017

This article presents the concept of tri‐texts as a potential next step from paired texts following a collaborative inquiry with fifth‐grade students. Paired texts are two texts intertextually connected, whereas tri‐texts are three texts connected this way. The authors begin the article with a short literature review highlighting some of the benefits of teaching in an intertextual manner. Next, a minilesson demonstrating how tri‐texts might be used in the classroom is presented. Several tri‐texts that may be considered for use in the classroom are also shared. Final thoughts are presented to conclude the article.
Effect of fetal hemodynamics on growth in fetuses with single ventricle or transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Alsaied T. , Tseng S. , King E. , Hahn E. , Divanovic A. , Habli M. , Cnota J.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

As birth weight is a critical predictor of outcome in neonates with congenital heart defect (CHD), the common problem of poor fetal growth in this population is clinically important. However, it is not well understood and the impact of fetal hemodynamics on fetal growth and birth weight in those with CHD has not been assessed. In this study, we sought to evaluate the association between combined cardiac output (CCO) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility indices (PIs) and fetal growth in different subgroups of CHD, and to study the effects of fetal hemodynamics on late gestational weight gain. We hypothesized that fetuses with CHD will have lower CCO and be smaller at birth.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of fetal echocardiograms from 67 fetuses diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS, n = 30), non‐HLHS single ventricle (SV) (n = 20) or dextrotransposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA, n = 17), compared with normal controls (n = 42). CCO was calculated using valvar area, velocity–time integral and heart rate and indexed to estimated fetal weight. MCA‐ and UA‐PI were calculated using systolic, diastolic and mean velocities. Fetal biometry was recorded. Regression models were used to study trends in CCO, MCA‐ and UA‐PI and fetal biometry over gestational age. To evaluate fetal weight gain in late gestation, Z‐scores of estimated fetal weight at 30 weeks and birth weight were compared. Regression analysis was used to determine the associations of CCO, indexed CCO and MCA‐ and UA‐PI at 30 weeks with birth weight, length and head circumference Z‐scores, in addition to weight gain late in gestation. The gestational age of 30 weeks was chosen based on previous studies that found evidence of poor weight gain in fetuses with CHD in late gestation, starting at around that time.

Results

CCO increased with gestation in all four groups but the rate was slower in fetuses with HLHS and in those with SV. MCA‐PI was lower in fetuses with HLHS compared with in those with non‐HLHS‐SV throughout gestation, suggesting different cerebral blood distribution. At the end of gestation, rate of fetal weight gain slowed in those with HLHS and in those with SV (similar to CCO curves), and head circumference growth rate slowed in all groups but controls. CCO, indexed CCO and MCA‐ and UA‐PI did not correlate with any of the birth measurements or with weight gain late in gestation in fetuses with CHD.

Conclusions

We found no associations of CCO or MCA‐ and UA‐PI with late gestational weight gain or biometry at birth in fetuses with CHD. This does not support fetal hemodynamics as the primary driver of suboptimal fetal growth in fetuses with SV. Future research could further explain genetic and placental abnormalities that may affect fetal growth in those with CHD. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Skills, Training and Human Resource Development
Authors: Irena Grugulis
Published: October 2017

Taking a critical perspective, Skill, Training and Human Resource Development focuses on the way people are developed at work; the skills that are encouraged, the way they are controlled and the implications they have for people. It draws on a wide range of research and covers an array of organizational practices.
The soil seed bank of a rehabilitated draw‐down zone and its similarity to standing vegetation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Zhang Miao , Chen Fangqing , Chen Shaohua , Xie Zongqiang , Huang Yongwen , Liu Yangbin
Published: October 2017

The reverse seasonal flooding that resulted from the construction of the Three Gorges Project has induced a drastic degradation of draw‐down zone vegetation and the seed bank in the reservoir. The composition and distribution of seed banks and their similarities to standing vegetation were determined through field investigations and germination experiments on the vegetation as well as soil seed bank data collected from three restoration sites in Zigui county, Wanzhou city, and Zhongxian county to uncover the effects of vegetation restoration on seed bank development in the Three Gorges Reservoir region. The results showed the soil seed banks were composed of 44, 43, and 50 herbaceous species, and an average seed density of 9418.79 ± 804.92, 4283.44 ± 427.89, 6539.28 ± 432.22 seeds/m2, respectively. The soil seed bank was mainly composed of annual and perennial herbaceous plants. Most of the dominant species of soil seed banks came from introduced species. Reverse seasonal flooding induced the spatial variation of species diversity and seed density of the soil seed bank. The species diversity in the upper part of the draw‐down zone was higher than that in the middle and lower parts. The highest seed density occurred in the middle upper parts of the draw‐down zone, followed by the lower part. The similarity coefficient between the soil seed bank and the extant vegetation community was 0.495, 0.526, and 0.550 at Zigui, Wanzhou, and Zhongxian restoration sites, respectively.