bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and development of molecularly distinct perineuronal nets in visual thalamus
Authors: Sabbagh Ubadah , Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Su Kaiwen , Zabet‐Moghadam Masoud , Cole James , Carnival Eric , Su Jianmin , Mirzaei Mehdi , Gupta Vivek , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Fox Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Visual information is detected by the retina and transmitted into the brain by retinal ganglion cells. In rodents, the visual thalamus is a major recipient of retinal ganglion cells axons and is divided into three functionally distinct nuclei: the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), ventral LGN (vLGN), and intergeniculate leaflet. Despite being densely innervated by retinal input, each nucleus in rodent visual thalamus possesses diverse molecular profiles which underpin their unique circuitry and cytoarchitecture. Here, we combined large‐scale unbiased proteomic and transcriptomic analyses to elucidate the molecular expression profiles of the developing mouse dLGN and vLGN. We identified several extracellular matrix proteins as differentially expressed in these regions, particularly constituent molecules of perineuronal nets (PNNs). Remarkably, we discovered at least two types of molecularly distinct Aggrecan‐rich PNN populations in vLGN, exhibiting non‐overlapping spatial, temporal, and cell‐type specific expression patterns. The mechanisms responsible for the formation of these two populations of PNNs also differ as the formation of Cat315+ PNNs (but not WFA+ PNNs) required input from the retina. This study is first to suggest that cell type‐ and molecularly specific supramolecular assemblies of extracellular matrix may play important roles in the circuitry associated with the subcortical visual system and in the processing of visual information.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14203.
The Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Hippocampal Injury Following Neonatal Hypoxic‐Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Salas Jacqueline , Reddy Nihaal , Orru Emanuele , Carson Kathryn A. , Chavez‐Valdez Raul , Burton Vera Joanna , Stafstrom Carl E. , Northington Frances J. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic injury of the brain and resultant encephalopathy (HIE) leads to major developmental impairments by school age. Conventional/anatomical MRI often fails to detect hippocampal injury in mild cases. We hypothesize that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has greater sensitivity for identifying subtle hippocampal injury.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed DTI data collected from a cohort of neonates with HIE and controls. Conventional MRI sequences were classified qualitatively according to severity using a modified Barkovich scale. Using multivariate linear regression, we compared hippocampal DTI scalars of HIE patients and controls. Spearman correlation was used to test the association of DTI scalars in the hippocampal and thalamic regions. A multiple regression analysis tested the association of the DTI scalars with short‐term outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty‐five neonates with HIE (42% males) and 13 controls (54% males) were included. Hippocampal DTI scalars were similar between HIE and control groups, even when restricting the HIE group to those with moderate‐to‐severe injury (8 subjects). DTI scalars of the thalamus were significantly lower in the moderate‐to‐severely affected patients compared to controls (right fractional anisotropy [FA] .148 vs. .182, P = .01; left FA .147 vs. .181, P = .03). Hippocampal and thalamic DTI scalars were correlated (P < .001). Hippocampal DTI scalars were not associated with short‐term outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative DTI analysis of the hippocampus in neonates following HIE is a feasible technique to examine neuronal injury. Although DTI scalars were useful in identifying thalamic injury in our cohort, hippocampal DTI analysis did not provide additional information regarding hippocampal injury following HIE.
Evaluation of inhaled recombinant human insulin dry powders: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and 14-day inhalation
Authors: He Jiake , Zhang Ge , Zhang Qiuyang , Chen Jiayin , Zhang Yongjie , An Xiaoxia , Wang Pan , Xie Shan , Fang Fang , Zheng Jianheng , Tang Yue , Zhu Jiabi , Yu Yang , Chen Xijing , Lu Yang
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The present study was designed to assess the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic performance of inhaled recombinant human insulin (rh-insulin) dry powders together with their safety profiles after 14-day inhalation.

Methods

In the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study, pulmonary surfactant (PS)-loaded and phospholipid hexadecanol tyloxapol (PHT)-loaded rh-insulin dry powders were intratracheally administered to male rats at the dose of 20 U/kg. Novolin R was used as control. Serum glucose and rh-insulin concentrations were determined by glucose oxidase method and human rh-insulin CLIA kit, respectively. For the safety study, rats were exposed to rh-insulin dry powders or air for 14-day by nose-only inhalation chambers. Bronchoalveolar lavage and histopathology examinations were performed after inhalation.

Key findings

There were no significant differences in the major pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters between PS-loaded and PHT-loaded rh-insulin dry powders. The relative bioavailabilities and pharmacodynamic availabilities were 39.9%, 25.6% for PS-loaded dry powders and 30.1%, 23% for PHT-loaded dry powders, respectively. Total protein was the only injury marker that was significantly altered. Histopathology examinations showed the ranking of irritations (from slight to severe) were PHT-loaded rh-insulin, negative air control and PS-loaded rh-insulin.

Conclusions

Both PS- and PHT-loaded rh-insulin dry powders were able to deliver rh-insulin systemically with appropriate pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profiles.
Comparison of electroencephalographic findings with hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging volumetry in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Czerwik Adriana , Płonek Marta , Podgórski Przemyslaw , Wrzosek Marcin
Published: October 2018

Background: In humans, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), is a type of focal epilepsy occurring mainly in the mesial TLE (mTLE), commonly associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS).

Objectives: According to recent studies, TLE might also occur in dogs and could be associated with hippocampal atrophy (HA)/HS. To date, hippocampal lesions have not been correlated with electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in epileptic dogs.

Animals: An EEG examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and volumetric assessment of the hippocampus were performed in 16 nonepileptic and 41 epileptic dogs.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the presence and localization of EEG‐defined epileptiform discharges (EDs) was blindly evaluated. The hippocampus was measured and assessed for unilateral atrophy. The results of EEG and volumetric findings were correlated to determine whether the functional epileptic focus is equivalent to structural changes.

Results: The median hippocampal asymmetric ratio (AR) in epileptic dogs was significantly greater than in the control group (P < .001). Using a cut‐off threshold AR of >6%, 56% (23/41) of the dogs were characterized with unilateral HA. Of those animals, 35% (8/23) had EDs in the temporal leads and 26% (6/23) had no EDs. In 88% (7/8) of dogs with EDs in the temporal leads that had unilateral HA, the EDs correlated with the side of the decreased hippocampal volume.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The results indicate an association between the presence of EDs detectable on EEG and a decrease in the unilateral hippocampal volume in some cases of canine idiopathic epilepsy that might reflect features of human mTLE.
From small RNA discoveries to a new paradigm in computational genomics?
Authors: Brendel Volker P.
Published: October 2018

This article is a Commentary on Patel et al., 220: 851–864.
Short interpregnancy interval and poor fetal growth: Evaluating the role of pregnancy intention
Authors: Liauw Jessica , Jacobsen Geir W. , Larose Tricia L. , Hutcheon Jennifer A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that short interpregnancy interval (the interval between delivery and estimated last menstrual period of a subsequent pregnancy) is associated with small for gestational age birth. It is controversial if this association is causal, as few studies have accounted for likely confounding factors such as unintended pregnancy. We examined the association between interpregnancy interval and infant birthweight, adjusting for pregnancy intention and other socio‐economic and obstetrical risk factors.

Methods

We used data from the Scandinavian Successive Small‐for‐Gestational‐Age births study (1986‐1988). Birthweight was expressed as a gestational age‐standardised z‐score.

Results

Among 1406 women, a trend towards lower birthweight z‐score with short interpregnancy interval was not statistically significant (unadjusted difference in birthweight z‐score of −0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.55, 0.05). After adjusting for pregnancy intention, detailed measures of socio‐economic status, and other covariates, the estimated magnitude of effect between interpregnancy interval and birthweight z‐score was further attenuated (adjusted difference in birthweight z‐score of −0.13, 95% CI −0.46, 0.20).

Conclusions

In this cohort study with detailed information on pregnancy intention and socio‐economic status, short interpregnancy interval was not associated with lower birthweight. These findings suggest that previously observed associations between short interpregnancy interval and lower birthweight may reflect confounding by socio‐economic and/or other unmeasured confounders.
Indexing Immigration and Integration Policy: Lessons from Europe
Authors: Goodman Sara Wallace
Published: October 2018

Immigrant‐related policy indexes have become popular in both U.S. and European contexts, yet these projects boast distinct and divergent trajectories. European indices are characterized by rigorous conceptualization, specificity in elements of policy design (e.g., settings like fees or appeal process), and a variety of measurement strategies. By contrast, U.S. state‐level policy indices exhibit a lack of differentiation between immigration and integration policy and excessive generality in measurement and representation of policy instruments and settings, exacerbated in presenting a policy index as an aggregate count. This paper argues U.S. policy indexing can benefit from the European indexing experience. Following an overview of the state of each field, assessing concept differentiation, specification, and measurement in each, the paper illustrates how even the well‐conceived and specified European integration policy indices run into problems at the analysis stage. It presents a replication‐replacement study to illustrate divergent performance of highly correlated and conceptually agreeing indices, as well as methodological issues inherent to indices of low‐N, including using a policy index as a dependent variable and index selection absenta prioritheorization. It concludes with suggestions for improving American immigration policy indices, as well as general observations on working with statistical power‐challenged indices and data limitations.
Governing Resilience through Power: Explaining Community Adaptations to Extreme Events in Coastal Louisiana
Authors: May Candace K.
Published: October 2018

Scholars of socioecological resilience are calling for approaches that will aid understanding of the articulations of structure, power, and agency in adaptations toward resilience. This article presents a framework designed to guide analyses of structure and agency through three different forms of power: structural, differential, and systemic. It applies the framework to a case study of a fishery‐dependent Louisiana town, which was rebuilt and reimagined following over a decade of natural, technological, and economic shocks and disturbances. Data collection involved policy and document review and field research, consisting of observations and semistructured interviews. Findings demonstrate how the town’s adaptations toward resilience were produced by power operating through the legislated rights and responsibilities of the Twin Parish Port District; differential capacity of stratified groups; and systemic aspects of generalized values, norms, and preferences manifested through politics of place. In the context of successful community adaptations toward resilience, the article raises questions regarding sustainability and discusses the relevance of the power framework for explaining adaptive responses in cooperative, as well as conflictual contexts.
Benefits of a multiple‐solution approach in land change models
Authors: Mustafa Ahmed , Ebaid Amr , Teller Jacques
Published: October 2018

Land change (LC) models are dedicated to a better understanding of land use and land cover dynamics. A fundamental aspect of those models lies in the calibration of spatial parameters underlying such dynamics. Although there are many studies on the calibration of LC models, current efforts have a common goal of seeking to find a single global optimum solution, even though land change dynamics may be inherently heterogeneous throughout a given space. This article presents a calibration approach for finding multiple optimal solutions. A crowding niching genetic algorithm (CNGA) is incorporated into a cellular automata LC model. The model is applied to simulate urban expansion in Wallonia (Belgium) as a case study. Our findings demonstrate the ability of the model to locate multiple solutions simultaneously. In addition, the CNGA performs better than the standard genetic algorithm—besides, the CNGA helps to better understand the properties of land change dynamics within a given landscape.
Ectopic expression of ARGOS8 reveals a role for ethylene in root‐lodging resistance in maize
Authors: Shi Jinrui , Drummond Bruce J. , Habben Jeffrey E. , Brugire Norbert , Weers Ben P. , Hakimi Salim M. , Lafitte H. Renee , Schussler Jeffrey R. , Mo Hua , Beatty Mary , Zastrow‐Hayes Gina , O'Neill Dennis
Published: October 2018

Ethylene plays a critical role in many diverse processes in plant development. Recent studies have demonstrated that overexpression of the maize ARGOS8 gene reduces the plant's response to ethylene by decreasing ethylene signaling and enhances grain yield in transgenic maize plants. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ethylene on the development of nodal roots, which are primarily responsible for root‐lodging resistance in maize. Exogenous application of the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) was found to promote the emergence of nodal roots. Transcriptome analysis of nodal tissues revealed that the expression of genes involved in metabolic processes and cell wall biogenesis was upregulated in response to ACC treatment, supporting the notion that ethylene is a positive regulator for the outgrowth of young root primordia. In BSV::ARGOS8 transgenic plants with reduced ethylene sensitivity due to constitutive overexpression of ARGOS8, nodal root emergence was delayed and the promotional effect of ACC on nodal root emergence decreased. Field tests showed that the BSV::ARGOS8 plants had higher root lodging relative to non‐transgenic controls. When ARGOS8 expression was controlled by the developmentally regulated promoter FTM1, which conferred ARGOS8 overexpression in adult plants but not in the nodal roots and nodes in juvenile plants, the FTM1::ARGOS8 plants had no significant difference in root lodging compared with the wild type but produced a higher grain yield. These results suggest that ethylene has a role in promoting nodal root emergence and that a delay in nodal root development has a negative effect on root‐lodging resistance in maize.
Effects of storage conditions on two platelet agonists for whole blood impedance platelet aggregometry in dogs
Authors: Shropshire Sarah B. , Olver Christine S.
Published: October 2018

Background

Whole blood impedance platelet aggregometry (Multiplate‐) can be performed with different agonists to evaluate platelet function. Although the manufacturer recommends disposal of stored reagents after 1 month at −20°C or 24 hours at 4°C, reagent integrity after reconstitution under different storage conditions is unknown. If reagent integrity is stable for longer periods, assay costs could decrease dramatically.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the stability of reconstituted arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) platelet agonists stored at −20°C and −80°C for up to 6 months.

Methods

Aliquots of reconstituted AA and ADP were stored at −20°C and −80°C each month for a total of 6 months. Six healthy staff‐owned dogs were enrolled in the study. A physical examination, CBC, diagnostic panel, urinalysis, and baseline platelet aggregometry assessment was performed on all of the dogs. Platelet aggregometry was performed using fresh and stored aliquots of AA and ADP reagents on the same day. The area under the curve (AUC) was recorded from each platelet aggregometry analysis. Repeated measures (RM) analysis (one‐way ANOVA) was performed and subsequent time points (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months) were compared with fresh AUC results.

Results

All dogs were clinically healthy, and all diagnostic tests were normal. There were no differences in AUC obtained from fresh samples at any time point or either temperature for AA or ADP.

Conclusions

Whole blood impedance platelet aggregometry reagents, AA and ADP, were stable for up to 6 months when stored at −20°C or −80°C, obviating the need to discard viable reagents, and decreasing assay costs.
Understanding dormancy breakage and germination ecology of Cynara cardunculus (Asteraceae)
Authors: Huarte H R , Borlandelli F , Varisco D , Batlla D
Published: October 2018

Cynara cardunculus is a troublesome weed in temperate grazing lands. Cynara cardunculus achenes are usually dormant at dispersal and require alternating temperatures to terminate dormancy and germinate. Laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted to determine (i) the treatments able to terminate dormancy and (ii) the effect of environmental factors and agronomic practices on germination and emergence of non‐dormant (dry after‐ripened) achenes. Scarification, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite promoted germination of dormant achenes. Dry after‐ripening and cold stratification were tested in two different populations. Dormancy of both populations was released from dormancy by dry after‐ripening. In contrast, cold stratification allowed dormancy release in just one of the populations, while the other was induced into secondary dormancy. Germination of non‐dormant (dry after‐ripened) achenes was maximum in a range of temperatures from 10 to 20°C and was inhibited at higher temperatures. Reduction of osmotic potential below −0.6 MPa led to a decrease in final germination. These results explain synchronic emergence of C. cardunculus seedlings in autumn after dormancy release during summer. Maximum seedling emergence was close to 60% at soil depths of 1 cm and only decreased as depth increased over 6 cm. In contrast, seedling emergence was not reduced by the presence of cover residues, while a flooding duration of 21 days was required to suppress emergence significantly. These results suggest that the deep burial of achenes and agronomic practices that take advantage of synchronic emergence of achenes could be useful tools leading to better long‐term management of C. cardunculus.
Foliations on unitary Shimura varieties in positive characteristic
Authors: de Shalit Ehud , Goren Eyal Z.
Published: October 2018

When$p$is inert in the quadratic imaginary field$E$and$m<n$, unitary Shimura varieties of signature$(n,m)$and a hyperspecial level subgroup at$p$, carry a naturalfoliationof height 1 and rank$m^{2}$in the tangent bundle of their special fiber$S$. We study this foliation and show that it acquires singularities at deep Ekedahl–Oort strata, but that these singularities are resolved if we pass to a natural smooth moduli problem$S^{\sharp }$, a successive blow-up of$S$. Over the ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$-)ordinary locus we relate the foliation to Moonen’s generalized Serre–Tate coordinates. We study the quotient of$S^{\sharp }$by the foliation, and identify it as the Zariski closure of the ordinary-étale locus in the special fiber$S_{0}(p)$of a certain Shimura variety with parahoric level structure at$p$. As a result, we get that this ‘horizontal component’ of$S_{0}(p)$, as well as its multiplicative counterpart, are non-singular (formerly they were only known to be normal and Cohen–Macaulay). We study two kinds of integral manifolds of the foliation: unitary Shimura subvarieties of signature$(m,m)$, and a certain Ekedahl–Oort stratum that we denote$S_{\text{fol}}$. We conjecture that these are the only integral submanifolds.
RAAS inhibitors directly reduce diabetes‐induced renal fibrosis via growth factor inhibition
Authors: Koszegi Sandor , Molnar Agnes , Lenart Lilla , Hodrea Judit , Balogh Dora Bianka , Lakat Tamas , Szkibinszkij Edgar , Hosszu Adam , Sparding Nadja , Genovese Federica , Wagner Laszlo , Vannay Adam , Szabo Attila J , Fekete Andrea
Published: October 2018

Key points

Increased activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) and elevated growth factor production are of crucial importance in the development of renal fibrosis leading to diabetic kidney disease.

The aim of this study was to provide evidence for the antifibrotic potential of RAAS inhibitor (RAASi) treatment and to explore the exact mechanism of this protective effect.

We found that RAASi ameliorate diabetes‐induced renal interstitial fibrosis and decrease profibrotic growth factor production.

RAASi prevents fibrosis by acting directly on proximal tubular cells, and inhibits hyperglycaemia‐induced growth factor production and thereby fibroblast activation.

These results suggest a novel therapeutic indication and potential of RAASi in the treatment of renal fibrosis.

In diabetic kidney disease (DKD) increased activation of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to renal fibrosis. Although RAAS inhibitors (RAASi) are the gold standard therapy in DKD, the mechanism of their antifibrotic effect is not yet clarified. Here we tested the antifibrotic and renoprotective action of RAASi in a rat model of streptozotocin‐induced DKD. In vitro studies on proximal tubular cells and renal fibroblasts were also performed to further clarify the signal transduction pathways that are directly altered by hyperglycaemia. After 5 weeks of diabetes, male Wistar rats were treated for two more weeks per os with the RAASi ramipril, losartan, spironolactone or eplerenone. Proximal tubular cells were cultured in normal or high glucose (HG) medium and treated with RAASi. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) or connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2)‐induced renal fibroblasts were also treated with various RAASi. In diabetic rats, reduced renal function and interstitial fibrosis were ameliorated and elevated renal profibrotic factors (TGFβ1, PDGF, CTGF/CCN2, MMP2, TIMP1) and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) levels were decreased by RAASi. HG increased growth factor production of HK‐2 cells, which in turn induced activation and αSMA production of fibroblasts. RAASi decreased tubular PDGF and CTGF expression and reduced production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in fibroblasts. In proximal tubular cells, hyperglycaemia‐induced growth factor production increased renal fibroblast transformation, contributing to the development of fibrosis. RAASi, even in non‐antihypertensive doses, decreased the production of profibrotic factors and directly prevented fibroblast activation. All these findings suggest a novel therapeutic role for RAASi in the treatment of renal fibrosis.
A
Very Low-Cost, Labor-Efficient, and Simple Method to Block Scattered Ultraviolet Light in PDMS
Microfluidic Devices by Inserting Aluminum Foil
Strips
Authors: Wang Shuo , Shankles Peter , Retterer Scott , Kang Yong Tae , Choi Chang Kyoung
Published: October 2018

Opto-microfluidic methods have advantages for manufacturing complex shapes or structures of micro particles/hydrogels. Most of these microfluidic devices are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by soft lithography because of its flexibility of designing and manufacturing. However, PDMS scatters ultraviolet (UV) light, which polymerizes the photocrosslinkable materials at undesirable locations and clogs the microfluidic devices. A fluorescent dye has previously been employed to absorb the scattered UV light and shift its wavelength to effectively solve this issue. However, this method is limited due to the cost of the materials (tens of dollars per microchip), the time consumed on synthesizing the fluorescent material and verifying its quality (two to three days). More importantly, significant expertise on material synthesis and characterization is required for users of the opto-microfluidic technique. The cost of preliminary testing on multiple iterations of different microfluidic chip designs would also be excessive. Alternatively, with a delicate microchannel design, we simply inserted aluminum foil strips (AFS) inside the PDMS device to block the scattered UV light. By using this method, the UV light was limited to the exposure region so that the opto-microfluidic device could consistently generate microgels longer than 6 h. This is a nearly cost- and labor-free method to solve this issue.
Model-Based Coarse-Fine Virtual Calibration and Visual Servo for Augmented Reality-Assisted Peg-in-Hole Microassembly
Authors: Chang Ren-Jung , Liu Jun-Fu
Published: October 2018

A three-dimensional (3D)-virtual calibration and visual servo are implemented for augmented reality (AR)-assisted peg-in-hole microassembly operations. By employing 3D model and ray casting, the 3D coordinates on virtual mating rod correspondent to the two-dimensional (2D) virtual image points are extracted. The detecting and tracking of image feature points for calibration is carried out by the proposed algorithm of regional template matching (TM) and scanning with edge fitting (RTM-SEF). For achieving subpixel error between the feature points in real and virtual images, a coarse-fine virtual calibration method is proposed. In regard to the image viewed by the real and virtual cameras, a calibrated virtual camera is utilized to track the mating rod. A visual servo control law including coarse and fine tuning is proposed to ensure sub-pixel error between the most important feature point in the real and virtual images. The AR technology is mainly employed in the alignment between micropeg and mating hole for inserting a micropeg of diameter 80 μm with length 1–1.4 mm into a mating rod with 100 μm hole.
Three-Dimensional Compatible Sacrificial Nanoimprint Lithography for Tuning the Wettability of Thermoplastic Materials
Authors: Hasan Molla , Shajahan Imrhankhan , Gopinadhan Manesh , Ketkaew Jittisa , Anesgart Aaron , Cho Chloe , Chopra Saransh , Higgins Michael , Reyes Saira , Schroers Jan , Osuji Chinedum O. , Singer Jonathan P.
Published: October 2018

We report the tuning of surface wetting through sacrificial nanoimprint lithography (SNIL). In this process, grown ZnO nanomaterials are transferred by imprint into a metallic glass (MG) and an elastomeric material, and then etched to impart controlled surface roughness. This process increases the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of both surfaces, the Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5 MG and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), respectively. The growth conditions of the ZnO change the characteristic length scale of the roughness, which in turn alters the properties of the patterned surface. The novelty of this approach includes reusability of templates and that it is able to create superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces in a manner compatible with the fabrication of macroscopic three-dimensional (3D) parts. Because the wettability is achieved by only modifying topography, without using any chemical surface modifiers, the prepared surfaces are relatively more durable.
Probabilistic Sequential Prediction of Cutting Force Using Kienzle Model in Orthogonal Turning Process
Authors: Salehi M. , Schmitz T. L. , Copenhaver R. , Haas R. , Ovtcharova J.
Published: October 2018

Probabilistic sequential prediction of cutting forces is performed applying Bayesian inference to Kienzle force model. The model uncertainties are quantified using the Metropolis algorithm of the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. Prior probabilities are established and posteriors of the models parameters and force predictions are completed using the results of orthogonal turning experiments. Two types of tools with chamfer (rake) angles of 0 deg and −10 deg are tested under various cutting speed and feed per revolution values. First, Bayesian inference is applied to two force models, Merchant and Kienzle, to investigate the cutting force prediction at the low feed values for the 0 deg rake angle tool. Second, the results of the posteriors of the Kienzle model parameters are used as prior probabilities of the −10 deg rake angle tool. The simulation results of the 0 deg and −10 deg tool rake angle are compared with the experiments which are obtained under other cutting conditions for model verification. Maximum prediction errors of 7% and 9% are reported for the tangential and feed forces, respectively. This indicates a good capability of the Bayesian inference for model parameter identification and cutting force prediction considering the inherent uncertainty and minimum input experimental data.
Full-Order and Reduced-Order Exponential Observers for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems With Incremental Quadratic Constraints
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhao Younan , Abbaszadeh Masoud , Ji Mingming
Published: October 2018

This paper considers the observer design problem for a class of discrete-time system whose nonlinear time-varying terms satisfy incremental quadratic constraints. We first construct a circle criterion based full-order observer by injecting output estimation error into the observer nonlinear terms. We also construct a reduced-order observer to estimate the unmeasured system state. The proposed observers guarantee exponential convergence of the state estimation error to zero. The design of the proposed observers is reduced to solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. It is proved that the conditions under which a full-order observer exists also guarantee the existence of a reduced-order observer. Compared to some previous results in the literature, this work considers a larger class of nonlinearities and unifies some related observer designs for discrete-time nonlinear systems. Finally, a numerical example is included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Dynamic Behaviors of Re-Entrant Jet and Cavity Shedding During Transitional Cavity Oscillation on NACA0015 Hydrofoil
Authors: Che Bangxiang , Cao Linlin , Chu Ning , Likhachev Dmitriy , Wu Dazhuan
Published: October 2018

Transitional cavity shedding is known as the stage of attached cavitation with high instability and distinct periodicity. In this study, we experimentally investigated the dynamic characteristics of transitional cavity (0.8≤L/c<1) shedding on NACA0015 hydrofoil with high-speed video observation and synchronous pressure measurement. In the partial cavity (0.4<L/c<0.8) oscillation, the sheet cavitation grew along the chord with good spanwise uniformity, and the middle-entrant jet played a dominant role in cavity shedding. Meanwhile, in the transitional cavity oscillation, the previous shedding cavity exhibited a prohibitive effect on the growth of sheet cavitation on the hydrofoil, resulting in concave cavity closure line. Moreover, two symmetrical side-entrant jets originated at the near-wall ends and induced the two-stage shedding phenomenon. The aft and fore parts of the sheet cavitation shed separated as different forms and eventually merged into the large-scale cloud cavity.
Improved Estimation of Bearing Pads' Inlet Temperature: A Model for Lubricant Mixing at Oil Feed Ports and Validation against Test Data
Authors: Abdollahi Behzad , San Andrés Luis
Published: October 2018

Energy efficient operation of fluid film bearings demands savings in delivery flow while also managing to reduce the temperature in the fluid film and bearing pads. To achieve this goal, tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) implement a variety of oil feed arrangements, use pads with highly conductive material and engineered back surface, and also end seals to keep (churning) lubricant within the bearing housing. This paper introduces a novel model for the mixing of flow and thermal energy transport at a lubricant feed port and which sets the temperature of the lubricant entering a pad leading edge. Precise estimation of this temperature (and inlet oil viscosity) largely determine the temperature, and the current model aids to deliver improved temperature predictions in conditions that limit a conventional model, including the ability to impose an actual lubricant supplied flow, specifically when the bearing is operating in either an over-flooded or a reduced flow conditions. An empirical groove efficiency parameter regulates the temperature of the above-mentioned flows to represent conventional and direct lubricant feeding arrangements as well as end-sealed (flooded) or evacuated bearing configurations. Predicted temperatures are compared against published test data for two bearings while revealing the advantages of the novel model, in particular for operation under lubricant starvation. This paper delivers recommendations for the feed port efficiency parameter for various types of oil supply configurations. This parameter, not being a function of bearing operating conditions, allows for proper sizing of pumps, oil reservoirs, and heat exchangers in lube oil delivery systems for a packaged-unit machine.
Effect of Heat Flux Distribution Profile on Hydrogen Concentration in an Allothermal Downdraft Biomass Gasification Process: Modeling Study
Authors: Lenis Yuhan A. , Maag Gilles , de Oliveira Celso Eduardo Lins , Corredor Lesme , Sanjuan Marco
Published: October 2018

Considering the potential of using concentrating solar power systems to supply the heat required for the allothermal gasification process, this study analyzes hydrogen production in such a system by assuming typical radiative heat flux profiles for a receiver of a central tower concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. A detailed model for allothermal gasification in a downdraft fixed bed tubular reactor is proposed. This considers solid and gas phases traveling in parallel flow along the reactor. Results for temperature and gas profile show a reasonable quantitative agreement with experimental works carried out under similar conditions. Aiming to maximize H2 yield, eight Gaussian flux distributions, similar to those typical of CSP systems, each with a total power of 8 kW (average heat flux 20 kW/m2), but with varying peak locations, were analyzed. The results show a maximum producer gas yield and a chemical efficiency of 134.1 kmol/h and 45.9% respectively, with a molar concentration of 47.2% CO, 46.9% H2, 3.3% CH4, and 2.6% CO2 for a distribution peak at z = 1.4 m, thus relatively close to the flue gas outlet. Hydrogen production and gas yield using this configuration were 4% and 2.9% higher than the achieved using the same power but homogeneously distributed. Solar to chemical efficiencies ranged from 38.9% to 45.9%, with a minimum when distribution peak was at the reactor center. These results are due to high temperatures during the latter stage of the process favoring char gasification reactions.
Investigations of Inducers Operating With High Rotational Speed
Authors: Gwiasda Björn , Mohr Matthias , Böhle Martin
Published: October 2018

Suction performance, pressure rise, and efficiency for four different inducers are examined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experiments performed with 18,000 rpm and 24,000 rpm. The studies originate from a research project that includes the construction of a new test bench in order to judge the design of the different inducers. This test bench allows to conduct experiments with a rotational speed of up to 40,000 rpm and high pressure ranges from 0.1 bar to 40 bar with water as working fluid. Experimental results are used to evaluate the accuracy of the simulations and to gain a better understanding of the design parameter. The influence of increasing the rotating speed from 18,000 rpm to 24,000 rpm on the performance is also shown.
A Finite Strip for the Vibration Analysis of Rotating Toroidal Shell Under Internal Pressure
Authors: Senjanović Ivo , Áatipović Ivan , Alujević Neven , Čakmak Damjan , Vladimir Nikola
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a finite strip for vibration analysis of rotating toroidal shells subjected to internal pressure is developed. The expressions for strain and kinetic energies are formulated in a previous paper in which vibrations of a toroidal shell with a closed cross section are analyzed using the Rayleigh–Ritz method (RRM) and Fourier series. In this paper, however, the variation of displacements u, v, and w with the meridional coordinate is modeled through a discretization with a number of finite strips. The variation of the displacements with the circumferential coordinate is taken into account exactly by using simple sine and cosine functions of the circumferential coordinate. A unique argument nφ+ω t is used in order to be able to capture traveling modes due to the shell rotation. The finite strip properties, i.e., the stiffness matrix, the geometric stiffness matrix, and the mass matrices, are defined by employing bar and beam shape functions, and by minimizing the strain and kinetic energies. In order to improve the convergence of the results, also a strip of a higher-order is developed. The application of the finite strip method is illustrated in cases of toroidal shells with closed and open cross sections. The obtained results are compared with those determined by the RRM and the finite element method (FEM).
TEOS layers for low temperature processing of group IV optoelectronic devices
Authors: Assali Simone , Attiaoui Anis , Mukherjee Samik , Nicolas Jérôme , Moutanabbir Oussama
Published: October 2018

The thermal budget is highly critical in processing the emerging group IV Silicon-Germanium-Tin (SiGeSn) optoelectronic devices. These emerging semiconductors exhibit a fundamental direct bandgap covering the mid-infrared range at Sn contents above 10 at. %, which is an order of magnitude higher than the equilibrium solubility. Consequently, the device processing steps must be carried out at temperatures low enough to prevent the degradation of these metastable layers. However, conventional optoelectronic device fabrication methods often require the deposition of dielectric layers at temperatures reaching 400 °C. Although this temperature can be sustained in processing a variety of devices, yet it is sufficiently high to damage GeSn and SiGeSn device structures. With this perspective, the authors investigated the morphological and optical properties of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) layers as an alternative material to conventional dielectric layers. Spin-on-glass deposition on an Si wafer with baking temperatures in the 100–150 °C range leads to high homogeneity and low surface roughness of the TEOS layer. The authors show that the TEOS optical transmission is higher than 90% from visible to mid-infrared wavelengths (0.38–8 μm), combined with the analysis of the real and complex part of the refractive index. Furthermore, the TEOS deposition on GeSn and SiGeSn samples does not affect the material crystallinity or induces clustering of Sn atoms. Therefore, the low deposition temperature and high transparency make TEOS an ideal material for the integration of metastable GeSn and SiGeSn semiconductors in the fabrication of mid-infrared photonic devices.
Loss of C-5 Sterol Desaturase Activity in
Candida albicans
: Azole Resistance or Merely Trailing Growth?
Authors: Luna-Tapia Arturo , Butts Arielle , Palmer Glen E.
Published: October 2018

Increased expression of drug efflux pumps and changes in the target enzyme Erg11p are known to contribute to azole resistance in
Candida albicans
, one of the most prevalent fungal pathogens. Mutations that inactivate
ERG3
, which encodes sterol Δ
5,6
-desaturase, also confer
in vitro
azole resistance.
Comparison of Pharmacist-Directed Management of Multiplex PCR Blood Culture Results with Conventional Microbiology Methods on Effective and Optimal Therapy within a Community Hospital
Authors: Porter Allison M. , Bland Christopher M. , Young Henry N. , Allen David R. , Croft Sabrina R. , Gayheart R. Ellen , Miller Parks W. , Musgrove Rachel J. , Robertson Emilee M. , Gibson Geneen M.
Published: October 2018

Multiplex PCR combined with a pharmacist-driven reporting protocol was compared to the standard of care within a community hospital to evaluate initial changes after notification of a positive blood culture. The intervention group demonstrated decreased times to changes in antimicrobial therapy (
P
 = 0.0081), increased changes to optimal antimicrobial therapy (
P
 = 0.013), and decreased vancomycin use for coagulase-negative staphylococcus contaminants (
P
 < 0.01) with multiplex PCR implementation and pharmacist intervention.
TetR-Type Regulator SLCG_2919 Is a Negative Regulator of Lincomycin Biosynthesis in Streptomyces lincolnensis
Authors: Xu Yurong , Ke Meilan , Li Jie , Tang Yaqian , Wang Nian , Tan Guoqing , Wang Yansheng , Liu Ruihua , Bai Linquan , Zhang Lixin , Wu Hang , Zhang Buchang
Published: October 2018

TetR family transcriptional regulators (TFRs) are generally found to regulate diverse cellular processes in bacteria, especially antibiotic biosynthesis in
Streptomyces
species. However, knowledge of their function in lincomycin biosynthesis in
S. lincolnensis
remains unknown. The present study provides a new insight into the regulation of lincomycin biosynthesis through a TFR, SLCG_2919, that directly modulates lincomycin production and resistance. Intriguingly,
SLCG_2919
and its adjoining gene,
SLCG_2920
, which encodes an ATP/GTP binding protein, were extensively distributed in diverse
Streptomyces
species. In addition, we revealed a new TFR binding motif, in which SLCG_2919 binds to the promoter region of
SLCG_2920
, dependent on the intervening AT-rich sequence rather than on the flanking inverted repeats found in the binding sites of other TFRs. These insights into transcriptional regulation of lincomycin biosynthesis by SLCG_2919 will be valuable in paving the way for genetic engineering of regulatory elements in
Streptomyces
species to improve antibiotic production.
Genetic Differentiation Associated with Fumonisin and Gibberellin Production in Japanese
Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Suga Haruhisa , Arai Mitsuhiro , Fukasawa Emi , Motohashi Keiichi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Tateishi Hideaki , Fuji Shin-ichi , Shimizu Masafumi , Kageyama Koji , Hyakumachi Mitsuro
Published: October 2018

Fusarium fujikuroi
is a pathogenic fungus that causes rice bakanae disease. Historically, this pathogen has been known as
Fusarium moniliforme
, along with many other species based on a broad species concept. Gibberellin, which is currently known as a plant hormone, is a virulence factor of
F. fujikuroi
. Fumonisin is a carcinogenic mycotoxin posing a serious threat to food and feed safety. Although it has been confirmed that
F. fujikuroi
produces gibberellin and fumonisin, production varies among strains, and individual production has been obscured by the traditional appellation of
F. moniliforme
, difficulties in species identification, and variation in the assays used to determine the production of these secondary metabolites. In this study, we discovered two phylogenetic subgroups associated with fumonisin and gibberellin production in Japanese
F. fujikuroi
.
Overlapping Roles for Interleukin-36 Cytokines in Protective Host Defense against MurineLegionella pneumophilaPneumonia
Authors: Nanjo Yuta , Newstead Michael W. , Aoyagi Tetsuji , Zeng Xianying , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Yu Fu Shin , Tateda Kazuhiro , Standiford Theodore J.
Published: October 2018

Legionella pneumophilacauses life-threatening pneumonia culminating in acute lung injury. Innate and adaptive cytokines play an important role in host defense againstL. pneumophilainfection.
Naturally Occurring Single Mutations in Ebola Virus Observably Impact Infectivity
Authors: Wong Gary , He Shihua , Leung Anders , Cao Wenguang , Bi Yuhai , Zhang Zirui , Zhu Wenjun , Wang Liang , Zhao Yuhui , Cheng Keding , Liu Di , Liu Wenjun , Kobasa Darwyn , Gao George F. , Qiu Xiangguo
Published: October 2018

During the Ebola virus (EBOV) disease outbreak in West Africa in 2014–2016, it was discovered that several mutations in the virus emerged and became prevalent in the human population. This suggests that these mutations may play a role impacting viral fitness. We investigated three of these previously identified mutations (in the glycoprotein [GP], nucleoprotein [NP], or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [L]) in cell culture, as well as in mice and ferrets, by generating recombinant viruses (based on an early West African EBOV strain) each carrying one of these mutations. The NP and L mutations appear to decrease virulence, whereas the GP mutation slightly increases virulence but mainly impacts viral tropism. Our results show that these single mutations can impact EBOV virulence in animals and have implications for the rational design of efficacious antiviral therapies against these infections.
Contribution of DNA Replication to the FAM111A-Mediated Simian Virus 40 Host Range Phenotype
Authors: Tarnita Roxana M. , Wilkie Adrian R. , DeCaprio James A.
Published: October 2018

SV40 has served as a powerful tool for understanding fundamental viral and cellular processes; however, despite extensive study, the SV40 HR mutant phenotype remains poorly understood. Mutations in the C terminus of large T antigen that disrupt binding to the host protein FAM111A render SV40 HR viruses unable to replicate in restrictive cell types. Our work reveals a defect of HR mutant viruses in the formation of viral replication centers that can be rescued by depletion of FAM111A. Furthermore, inhibition of viral DNA replication reduces the effects of FAM111A restriction on viral gene expression. Additionally, FAM111A is a poorly characterized cellular protein whose mutation leads to two severe human syndromes, Kenny-Caffey syndrome and osteocraniostenosis. Our findings regarding the role of FAM111A in restricting viral replication and its localization to nucleoli and viral replication centers provide further insight into FAM111A function that could help reveal the underlying disease-associated mechanisms.